Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/1/2009

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Men News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings

Group A
1. Ivory Coast		0-0
2. Libya		0-0
3. Nigeria		0-0
4. S.Africa		0-0
Group B
1. Angola		0-0
2. Egypt		0-0
3. Mali		0-0
4. Mozambiq.		0-0
Group C
1. C.Africa		0-0
2. Cameroon		0-0
3. DRCongo		0-0
4. Senegal		0-0
Group D
1. Cape Verde		0-0
2. Morocco		0-0
3. Rwanda		0-0
4. Tunisia		0-0

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ALBANIA

Montenegro overwhelm Albania - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Albania 92:73
Montenegro secured the initial win at the Mediterranean Games. They held off Albania in the third preliminary round in Group B. Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) unloaded 27 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to pace Montenegro. Filip Barovic (206-F-90) added 16 points for the winners.
Montenegro forced their opponents to 24 turnovers. Albania could not overcome the fact despite outrebounding Montenegro 42:27. Montenegro grabbed a 3-point lead after the opening frame. They stepped on the gas in the second stanza running away to an 11-point buffer at halftime. Albania showed character after the major break as they slowed their opponents down. The physical game inside the paint helped Albania trim the margin to 10 points heading into the fourth term. But Montenegro kept it cool and ensured a comfortable victory in the final period.
Nikola Djokovic (191-G-89) had 12 points for the winning team. Endrit Hycenagolli (203-C-88) drained 22 points and collected 14 rebounds for Albania. Franko Bushati (188-G-85) came up with 18 points in the loss.

Montenegro: Sead Sehovic 27, Filip Barovic 16, Nikola Djokovic 12
Albania: Endrit Hycenagolli 22+14 boards, Franko Bushati 18

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ARGENTINA

Boca and Central Entrerriano play in Liga A - by Facundo Iatzky
Boca Juniors and Central Entrerriano were the two last teams in confirm their participation in the next season of Liga A. Boca Juniors had doubts because the club is not in the same economic position that some years ago. So they decided to wait some weeks to take the decision. Finally, thanks to the help of the government of Chaco, Boca got the enough money to start to sign players.
On the other hand Central Entrerriano returns to Liga A after a negotiation with Independiente Neuquen, that go back to TNA.

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AUSTRALIA

China hand Australia back-to-back defeats - by Eurobasket News
Chinese National Team secured two consecutive victories over Australia in the test games in Beilun and Benxi.
The first game finished with China ensuring an 84:78 victory. Wang Zhizhi (214-C-77) tallied 20 points and 6 boards to pace the hosts. China enjoyed an early 11:3 lead before wasting the advantage and trailing by four at the first break. But China rebounded in the physical second frame and sealed the first half leading by one 42:41. The hosts worked hard to gain a 62:57 advantage with one quarter remaining and finished off their opponents in the final stanza. Liu Wei (190-G-80) scored 12 points for China. Zhu Fangyu (201-F-83) produced 11 points for the home team. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) replied with 14 points for Australia. James Harvey (196-G/F-79) added 12 points in defeat.
Nathan Jawai tallied 28 points and 11 boards for the Boomers in the second encounter but it was still not enough to prevail against determined Chinese team. The hosts built a decisive lead in the first three quarters and withstood fierce comeback efforts from Australia to ensure a 74:61 victory at the end. Wang Zhizhi paced balanced attack with 13 points. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) had 12 points, while Zhu Fangyu delivered 8 points for the winners. Nathan Jawai in the meantime did not receive a sufficient help from his teammates. Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) had 6 points in defeat. China stunned the visitors with a 26:10 rally in the opening frame. They maintained the margin in the second and third stanzas. The Boomers rallied confidently in the fourth quarter but still came up short of the win.

February-June season may suit NBL in 2011 - by James Hoff
BASKETBALL Australia privately is investigating the possibility of rearranging elite level senior basketball scheduling across the country from 2011.

A plan to play the NBL annually from February to June as the league did in 1998 when it played a highly successful 'bridging season' to accommodate its switch from being played in the winter of 1997 to summer in 1998-99 is a hot agenda item for BA.

A July-December switch of NBL season had been mooted but a February-June alternative is gaining momentum.

It would fall into line with assisting preparation of the Boomers for their biennial championships the Olympics and world championships alternatively, which usually occur in July-August and would bolster the various state and SEABL-type leagues if they also agreed to shift to a July-December formula.

The NBL in February-June followed by domestic seasons in which many national league players could then participate, has widespread appeal.

Meanwhile the women are looking increasingly like shifting to a March-May formula, somewhat mirroring the WNBA in the U.S. to which the Opals and Australian basketball lose just a handful of players annually.

Far more are lost to the lucrative European playing fields over our summer when the WNBL is in full swing.

Again, with domestic state league seasons starting in July, the option would be there for WNBL players also to return to local competitions.

And ticking the final box is the fact the WNBL's conclusion would have players at their peak for Opals duties in world championship and Olympic years.

Of course it means a nationally coordinated rearrangement of existing scheduling as the NBL and WNBL now are being played over summer, with state leagues and SEABL competitions playing in winter.

BA however has been given the mandate to revamp basketball in Australia and currently is actively looking at the best ways of doing it.

February is the latter part of the domestic test cricket season, whilst June's NBL finals series would not clash with either of the major football codes' finals series'.

Currently the new NBL season is kicking off at the absurd time of two days prior to the AFL grand final; the biggest team sporting event annualy. Whilst it is a game between two teams in non-AFL-strong regions; the media hype surrounding the launching of the 'new' National Basketball League would be absolutely minimal at this time of the year.

(Edited from The Advertiser - News Ltd)

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

CBC Team by Team preview... - by David Edole
TOLA--Eight of the strongest basketball teams in the Caribbean are scheduled to clash at the 20th senior Caribbean Basketball Confederation Mens Championship that will be held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, from 30 June to 4 July. The teams are broken down into two groups. Group A consists of Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad &Tobago and Barbados. The other, Group B, comprises of Cuba, Antigua, Bermuda and the host team British Virgin Islands. This years CBC may be the most competitive as only one spot is available in the 2010 Centro Basket tournament. So it is Gold or Go home!
In this preview, we will take a brief look of each national team that will be participating as well as my predictions. How I love to predict!

JAMAICA
Jamaica, the favorite, comes to Chocolate City stacked. Samardo Samuels makes his debut in international competition. Samuels, a sophomore at Louisville, is very strong post player and should carry Jamaica to the top of the pedestal. He scored a game-high 21 points to lead Team Jamaica to an impressive 107-56 win over a select NBL All-Stars team in the second game of their two-match practice series.
Samuels is not the only player of note on the Jamaican squad. Andre Smith, Chaz Carr, and Garfield Ricky Johns, Damion Staple, Kali McCathy each had major roles on the team that won the CBC title in 2007; professional Kimani Friend will man the paint.
Newcomers like Providence College guard Ortiseweyinmi Efejuku and Rutgers junior guard Mike Coburn will add spark off of the bench.
Head coach and former NBA player Sam Vincent stated to the gleaner after the practice games: 'I like my team right now... I got good inside play, I got good guard play and I believe the team is very sharp. The team we played was a very competitive team but I'm sure we'll see more competition there (CBC), but as long as we come out and take care of business we'll be fine,' he said.

PREDICTIONS: CHAMPIONSHIP FEELING.

BAHAMAS

PREDICITON: Has the talent to defeat Jamaica and Cuba, but can they?

TRINIDAD
The hopes of Trinidad and Tobago basketball falls on the shoulders of a 19 year old. However, the teenager seven-footer Kyle Rowley who plays with Northwestern University has tons of talent. Trinidad will have an uphill battle when they face Jamaica and Bahamas. Rowley will have to be hulk to give the Trinis a chance.
The team returns five members from the 2007 that finished in ninth place in the CBC. They are veteran center Miguel Williams, Steven Lighter Lewis, Sheldon Kurt Christian, Wilfred Benjamin and Julius Ashby. 6-11 post Marlon Pompey makes his debut along with Kevin Garcia, Kenyatta Alfred, Kern George, Reginald George, and Ian Young.
The team will be coached by International coach Terry Layton. 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 traveling will be Brian Manning, President of the NBFTT and referee Curt Alexander.

PREDICTION: Could be a spoiler.

BARBADOS
Barbados is in the middle of rebuilding their program. Once upon a time they were one of the better teams in the Caribbean. However, the other teams in the Caribbean have caught up and past the team from Barbados. Adrian Craigwell takes over coaching duties from last coach Barry Rock, hoping to improve on the side's disappointing sixth-placed showing in Puerto Rico two years ago without the luxury of such 'big' names as two-time CBC Most Valuable Player Andrew and one-time captain Pearson Griffith.
However, highly touted juniors Andre Holder and Kregg Jones will get the opportunity to represent Barbados for the first time at the senior level under new captain Zahir Motara.

PREDICTION: I dont see this team beating anyone except Bermuda for seventh place.

GROUP B

CUBA
Cuba is the favorite of this group, small forward Geoffrey el Gato Silvestre is a force to be reckoned with. He was the leading scorer of the 2008 CentroBaket. He can fill up the basket many different ways and should be the leading scorer at 2009 CBC. EL Gato has help in guards Michael Guerra, Yudnier El Chchiri Prez and centers Joan Luis El Papa Hait and Guantanamos Giorvis Elas.
This team has been together for years and experience will be this teams edge. Cuba has a great chance of winning the tournament but they will have to go through Jamaica and Bahamas.
Also on the team are guards Taylor Garca, forward Alexis El Chino Labastida and Lisvn Valds as well as centers Orestes Torres and Grismay Plumier.
Shooting guards Allen Jemont (Guerreros de Matanzas) and Yorman Polas (Tigres camageyanos) rounds out the team. Calling the shots is Coach Daniel Scott.

PREDICTION: Should make it to the Gold Medal Game.

BERMUDA
Bermuda will send a squad to British Virgin Islands for the Caribbean tournament but all their experienced players - including pro Sullivan Phillips and Chris Crumpler - will be in Aland for the Island games.
Team Captain Steve Simons added that the Caribbean tournament would be a worthwhile exercise for Bermuda's second squad despite the fact that they would be facing some highly experienced opposition. 'They've never played at that level before so it will be a great experience for them,' he added.
Bermuda National Basketball Team consists of Mike Smith, Dion Bean, Akil Smith Vernon Lambe, Vernelle Lambe, Mishael Paynter, John Lee, Terrence Dill, Lloyd Peterkin, Aaron Jackson, Adam Correia, and Gregory Todd. The coach of the National Team will be BBA President Allen Walker.

PREDICTION: Happy to be here!

ANTIGUA
Antigua has been in almost every CBC played and the 2009 edition may be the best chance for the Wadadli Bulldogs to advance to CentroBasket. Antigua is going through a transition stage. Super Star Lennox McCoy did not return. However, only three players with national team experience return. They are versatile forward Mario 'Axel' Davis, his younger brother Mahijah 'Dellar' Davis and guard Marlon 'Buju' Charles.
Six players that reside in the United States will be making their debut on the team. Leading the list of overseas-based players are experienced forwards Wayne 'Rebel' Walker and Patrick Samuel. Point guard Campbell Louis Simon and Kenny Harris are also based in the United States, while forward Xavier 'XMan' Meade and center Toray Henry are currently enrolled at John Wood Community College in Illinois. Harris, Meade and Henry are newcomers to the senior national team.
Five other players are also representing the Bulldogs in a major overseas tournament for the first time. They are guard Marlon Davis and Vivian 'Boast' Destin of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Warriors, Micah Gore of Baldwin Spencer Braves, Eric Henry of Hankook Flyers and Gerrard Gore of Geotech Golden Eagles.
American Ron DuBois, a former assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, will be the head-coach. DuBois, whose services has been secured by the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA), has been working with the Bulldogs training squad since early May.
He is being helped by assistant coaches Bradbury Browne and Kenroy 'Big Bird' James and trainer Karl Casey. The team is being managed by current First Vice-President of ABBA, Jerry 'Energy' Williams.

PREDICTION: The biggest game of this young team career will be versus BVI. The winner of that game moves on to the medal round.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The home team will have over 2,000 fans in attendance. Fans will come from the US Virgin Islands to support their family on the British side.

MORE PREDICITONS
The winner of Jamaica-Bahamas game will make it to the gold medal game. Cuba has a great chance of winning the tourney but they have problems with athletic teams. The winner of the Antigua-BVI game will advance to the medal rounds. Geoffery Silvestre will win the scoring title. Jamaica behind MVP Samardo Samuels will win the 2009 CBC. Welcome to Jam Rock!

CBC Teams Receive Warm Welcome - by David Edole
Team BVI briefly put aside their competitive spirit to join Government officials and Members of the House of Assembly, to extend a hand of welcome to the visiting teams for the 20th Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Senior Mens Basketball Tournament during a cocktail reception hosted by the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) at Charlies last evening.

The Tournament jumps off today at 2:15 p.m. at the Multipurpose Sports Complex with Jamaica taking on Trinidad and Tobago, which will be followed by Cuba and Antigua & Barbuda at 4:30 p.m. At 6:45 p.m. Bahamas will tackle Barbados. However, an opening ceremony is planned following that game, which will pave the way for the British Virgin Islands first game against Bermuda at 9:00 p.m.

Speaking before the eight teams participating in the tournament, Chairman of the BVITB Myron Walwyn said the Board has supported athletics in the Territory and sports tourism for many years and are excited to continue that support. He said the games will no doubt encourage the spirit of athletic fellowship in the region.

Given the friendly disposition that the Territory is known for, we know that the host team led by your head coach, Keith 88 Malone and team captain Kennedy Bass, will ensure that your stay is a pleasurable one. I know that the Territorys basketball fans might not want that hospitality to be extended to far on the court, Walwyn stated.

He said that the BVI Tourist Board will ensure that the teams stay will be a memorable one.

President of the CBC, Senator Usie Richards restarted that although the BVI is known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, by the end of the tournament, we would have left the mark of basketball here in the British Virgin Islands.

By the time the tournament would have ended, the quality of the players and the teams would be a performance never yet seen in the British Virgin Islands because I do expect that each and every country, each and every national team that appears here today, have brought their best because they understand the importance of being able to qualify for the next round, Senator Richards stated.

Andrew Fahie, the Minister for Education and Culture with responsibility for sports, welcomed the teams, officials and visiting media to the Territory. He encouraged the teams to play hard and have fun while at it.

Along with the BVI, the other teams vying for top honours are Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Antigua, Barbuda, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the first time that a Federation of International Basketball Federations (FIBA) sanctioned event will be held in the BVI. It is also the first time that there will be a three man rotation of referees in the CBC tournament and it is the first time FIBA Live Stats will be carrying scores as they happen of each and every game for the competition on the FIBA website.

Wednesday

2:15p.m. Jamaica vs. Bahamas

4:30p.m. Bermuda vs. Cuba

6:45p.m. Barbados vs. Trinidad & Tobago

9:00p.m. Antigua & Barbuda vs. British Virgin Islands

Thursday

2:15p.m. Trinidad & Tobago vs. Bahamas

4:30p.m. Antigua & Barbuda vs. Bermuda
6:45p.m. Barbados vs. Jamaica
9:00p.m. British Virgin islands vs. Cuba

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CANADA

Serbia cruise past Canada in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Canada 99:73

Serbian University Team celebrated the third straight win at the Invitational tournament prior to the 2009 Unversiade in Belgrade. They defeated Canada Development Team to finish the tourney at 3-0 record. Canada in the meantime suffered three consecutive defeats to complete the action winless.
Serbia dominated the paint scoring 29 points in the opening frame. Canada could not match the effort and appeared trailing by 11 points at the first break. The hosts continued to mount pressure as they ensured a 17-point cushion at the interval. Canada struggled defensively as they were staggered in the third frame once again. Serbia accounted for 29 points to secure a 28-point advantage with one quarter to go. The North American team finally outscored the home side by two points but it just sweetened the pill for them.
Radjulica finished with 16 points for Serbia. Simonovic added 13 points, while Keselj and Borovnjak had 10 points each in the victory. Upshaw replied with 14 points for Canada. Josh Whyte delivered 12 points in defeat.
Serbia had a massive 42:19 advantage on the boards. Canada will open the University Games against Italy on July 2. Serbia will face Greece on the same day.

Serbia: Radjulica 16, Simonovic 13, Keselj 10, Borovnjak 10
Canada: Upshaw 14, Josh Whyte 12

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CAPE VERDE

Giving Back team beat mixed city of Praia players - by Pedro Gomes
The 'Giving Back' team, consisting of African players who plays in Europe and the US, defeated the Mix of players from Praia, 86-60. The mix team from
Praia was reinforced with some National team players.

Acccording to the promotor, Babacar Si, the sales of the tickets from the game, will go to benefit children that are less forturnate.
The Adidas director for Africa, explained how the team went on a 5 country tour, raising money for homeless children. The team played in Senegal, Mali,
Burkina Faso, Niger, and cape Verde. And that it was in Cape Verde, that they had the most competitive game.

The Mix team from Praia had the following players: Rodrigo Mascarenhas (1 Agosto), Mario Correia (Sporting of Cabinda), Mrio Jorge (Cabo Madeira),
Abdulai Faty (Desportivo de Huila), Patrick, Sekou Ba, Joel, Ivan (Seven Stars), and Ricardo, Betinho, Ady (ABC).

For the Giving Back team: Niakit Rodibo, Fabrice Periac, Karin Ouattara, Mamadou Diaene, Yohan Singare and Derrick Craven.

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CBC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jamaica looks to establish themselves in the Caribbean - by Kristian Santiago
Jamaica looks to recover their elite status in the Caribbean after many years of absence as the CBC Championship starts today in Tortola and will be played until July 4.

The team is coached by Sam Vincent and former NBA player Paul Mokeski (agency: SportsTalent ) is the assistant coach. The team will be led by guard Chaz Carr (183-G-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Boston U.) and center Kimani Ffriend (211-C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Nebraska).

The other players who made the cut were Michael Rogers (198-G-88), Ricky Johns (190-G-85, agency: Tank Sports, college: Utah), Mike Coburn (183-G-88), Andre Smith (188-G-80, college: NC-Asheville), Weyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86), Damion Staple (201-F/C-80, agency: N.E.T., college: Iowa St.), Ricardo Alliman (201-F-87), Adrian Forbes (203-C-88), Samardo Samuels (203-F-89) and Christopher Walker (198-F-81).

Their first game is against Trinidad & Tobago and then they play against Bahamas and Barbados.

Jamaica finished first in the 2006 CBC Championship but finished sixth in the Centrobasket that same year.
Source: www.fibaamericas.com

Trinidad and Tobago National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Young

George

Pompey

Benjamin

Ashby

CHILE

Dimayor: Sagrados Corazones changes the head coach - by Daniel Valencia
CD Sagrados Corazones announced that Jose Luis Verdejo will no longer be the head coach of the team. Sagrados ended the regular season of the Apertura tournament with a 4-6 record and in the first round of playoffs they lost against Espanol de Talca 3-0.

To replace Verdejo, the leaders of the club announced the signing of the argentinian Marcelo Gallegos , that has coaching experience in Dimayor with Deportes Castro in the year 2005.

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CHINA

China Defeats Australia 74-61 - by Arthur Volbert
China handily defeated Australia today 74-61 in the second of two exhibition games.

China rushed off to a 26-10 first quarter lead. The score was 36-20 at the half and 54-38 after three quarters.

Zhu Fangyu led China with 14 points. Wang Zhizhi had 13 points and 2 rebounds. Li Xiaoxu (204-C-90) had 13 points and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes and looks like he is really learning to play power forward.

Wang Shipeng had 11 points and Liu Wei had 8. Su Wei backed up Wang Zhizhi at center today and had 1 point and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes. Sun Yue had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals in 14 minutes.

Link to box score:
http://cba.sports.sina.com.cn/look_scores.php?m_id=3396

Chinese players, with their uniform numbers:
Liu Wei 5
Wang Shipeng 7
Zhu Fangyu 8 (incorrectly 6 in today's score)
Wang Zhizhi 14
Li Xiaoxu 17
Du Feng 15
Zhang Songtao 19
Hu Xuefeng 18
Wang Lei 12
Sun Yue 9
Chen Jianghua 4
Zhang Qingpeng 6
Su Wei 24
Ding Jinhui 10

New Coach Tryout in China - by Robert Wang
Liao Ning team just invited a new coach from Lithuania as an tryout today. His name is RYTAS VAISVILA. This coach was born in 1971 and was a former lithuanian national team player. He attended Atlanta Olympic Games and was MVP as Euro. league on 1998-1999. He will receive 1-2 weeks tryout and then team will make decission if he stays or not. Hope he will help Liao Ning this year. Good luck! here is his achievement:Lithuanian National Team -94,96,98
Lithuanian All-Star Game -96
Olympic Games -96
NEBL Champion -01
Russian League Champion -01
Hungarian Cup FinalFour -03
Eurobasket.com Latvian League All-Bosmans Team -04
Latvian LBL Regular Season Runner-Up -04
Latvian LBL Finalist -04
Slovakian League Champion -05
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Regular Season MVP -05
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Finals MVP -05
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Guard of the Year -05
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Newcomer of the Year -05
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League 1st Team -05
Hungarian Cup Winner -06

We Must Hold World Championships Every Four Years, Not Two - by Arthur Volbert
Ming Yao (226-C-80) has suffered a carreer-threatening broken foot and this injury confirms my belief that World Championships must be played on a four-year cycle, not a two-year cycle.

Either the Olympics or the FIBA Championship must be made into an Under-23 competition. With as a play-in tournament, as was done in 2008, the Olympics could serve as a true World Championship.

Or the Olympics could be an under-23 championship, as in soccer, and maybe America could go back to using college players for their team.

Right now consciencious players such as Yao must play in national team competitions every year. This wears them down. Eventually it wears them out.

We must adopt more rational and player-friendly rules which lets mature players get a two-year break from international competition. This is what soccer does, and it works.

China hand Australia back-to-back defeats - by Eurobasket News
Chinese National Team secured two consecutive victories over Australia in the test games in Beilun and Benxi.
The first game finished with China ensuring an 84:78 victory. Wang Zhizhi (214-C-77) tallied 20 points and 6 boards to pace the hosts. China enjoyed an early 11:3 lead before wasting the advantage and trailing by four at the first break. But China rebounded in the physical second frame and sealed the first half leading by one 42:41. The hosts worked hard to gain a 62:57 advantage with one quarter remaining and finished off their opponents in the final stanza. Liu Wei (190-G-80) scored 12 points for China. Zhu Fangyu (201-F-83) produced 11 points for the home team. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) replied with 14 points for Australia. James Harvey (196-G/F-79) added 12 points in defeat.
Nathan Jawai tallied 28 points and 11 boards for the Boomers in the second encounter but it was still not enough to prevail against determined Chinese team. The hosts built a decisive lead in the first three quarters and withstood fierce comeback efforts from Australia to ensure a 74:61 victory at the end. Wang Zhizhi paced balanced attack with 13 points. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) had 12 points, while Zhu Fangyu delivered 8 points for the winners. Nathan Jawai in the meantime did not receive a sufficient help from his teammates. Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) had 6 points in defeat. China stunned the visitors with a 26:10 rally in the opening frame. They maintained the margin in the second and third stanzas. The Boomers rallied confidently in the fourth quarter but still came up short of the win.

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CROATIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

Pardubice sign Derek Wright - by David Dousa
The greatest disappointment of last season Pardubice continue fortyfying their roster. The last addition was a 22 years old and 5'9'' tall Derek Wright (175-G-86, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Austin Peay St.). He came to Pardubice to replace the very popular Levell Sanders, who's contract finnished, and is a free agent now. The new coach Slowiak believes, Derek will be able to bring more energy and enthusiasm to the game of Pardubice. Derek is supposed to be a strong partner for another star on the perimeter, his former college team-mate MAurice Hampton.

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Bluestone International the debt recovering specialist to speak at the GBE in Las Vegas - by Darryl Reshaw
Bluestone International serves a niche in the market for professional players and agent will hold a presentation at the Global Basketball Expo in Las Vegas.
They specialize in debt recovering and serve the international basketball community in recovering money that is owed by international teams.
There are many agents and players who can utilize this unique service especially if you listen to all of the stories of the shaking teams around the world that don't pay players salaries and agent's commissions.

Bluestone International Sports Debt Recovery Division
Background:
Our Sports Recoveries Division was founded for the purpose of assisting professional basketball players, agents, and sports agencies in recovering earned but unpaid salaries and fees from teams located throughout the world. The division has expanded to include recovering debts associated with a variety of sports, including volleyball and golf, as well as a staff with both professional and collegiate athletic experience, contributing to our ability to understand and efficiently resolve outstanding sports-related debt matters.

Types of Debts:
We recover on a variety of debts, including but not limited to:
Teams owing salaries to players
Teams owing performance bonuses to players
Teams owing fees to agents
Agents owing fees to other cooperating agents
Players owing fees to agents
Claim Process

Most claims are initially worked by our in-house staff in one of our three offices, which includes speakers of over 15 languages, including Spanish, Russian, Greek, French, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Farsi, French, and Italian. Depending upon the specifics of a claim, as well as its location, we may engage an in-country agent (collection agency or collection law firm) for local assistance.
Arbitration/Legal Action
Depending on a clients contract, we can represent clients before the FIBA Arbitral Tribunal or through litigation in a debtors home country through our local legal colleagues.
Fees
Our services are generally conducted on a contingency fee basis. As such, there is no cost to the client unless a recovery is achieved. In the event of the need for arbitration/litigation a fee will be determined on a case by case basis.
Website: http://www.bluestonerecoveries.com/sportsrecoveries.php

Contact
Scott Hettermann
Bluestone Recoveries International
Los Angeles, CA
Tel: + 1 540 817 1166
Fax: + 1 240 744 4774
E-mail: scott@bluestonerecoveries.com

Global Basketball Expo and the ESL announce schedule of events in Las Vegas - by Darryl Reshaw
Global Basketball Expo Schedule:

July 7th:

8:30 9:30 Registration and credential pick up

Gold Rooms:
9am - 10:30am - ESL Player registration and orientation
10am - 10:45am - NCAA Eligibility Center Seminar for International Teams
11am 11:45am - Media, Film and Technology Seminar Goog Sports
12pm 12:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Scott Fields (agency: Interperformances )
1pm - 2pm - Networking of all speakers and delegates

Purple Rooms:
10am -10:45pm - Doug Harris presents the Pete Newell Documentary
11am 11:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Terry Layton
12pm - 12:45pm - Training Athletes in the new millennium Eric Dailey (198-F-71, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: W.Carolina) and Ed Palubinskas

July 8th:

Gold Rooms:
8:30am 9:30am - International Professional Player Development Seminar for young players (ESL Staff)
9:45am - 11am - Agent Seminar For agents looking to enhance their international business (Darryl Reshaw)
10am - 10:45am - NCAA Eligibility Center Seminar for International Teams
11am 11:45am - Media, Film and Technology Seminar Goog Sports
12pm 12:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Mike Taylor
1pm - 2pm - Networking of all speakers and delegates

Purple Room:
10am -10:45pm - Doug Harris presents the Pete Newell Documentary
11am 11:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Guillermo Vecchio
12pm - 12:45pm - Training Athletes in the new millennium Eric Dailey and Ed Palubinskas

July 9th:

Gold Rooms:
8:30am 9:30am International Professional Player Development Seminar for young players (Dr Lynn Lashbrook)
9:45am - 11am Agent Seminar For agents looking to enhance their international business (Bluestone International)
10am - 10:45am - NCAA Eligibility Center Seminar for International Teams
11am 11:45am - Media, Film and Technology Seminar Goog Sports
12pm 12:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Sharon Drucker (agency: Beo Basket )
1pm - 2pm - The Globalization of Basketball Panel (Jean McNulty-King, Aran Smith, Pete Philo, Dan Gay, Bouna Ndiaye

Purple Room:
10am -10:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Panel (Scott Fields (agency: Interperformances ), Guillermo Vecchio, Terry Layton , Mike Taylor and Luca Banchi)
11am 11:45pm - International Coaching Seminar Herb Brown (agency: Strategic Sports )
12pm - 12:45pm - The Globalization of Basketball Bill Duffy
1pm - 2pm - Doug Harris presents Pete Newell Documentary
1pm 2pm - Training Athletes in the new millennium - Ed Palubinskas and Eric Dailey

Eurobasket Summer League Schedule:

ESL Practice Times:

July 7th: (10:30am - 1pm)

Game 1: 1:30pm
Game 2: 3:30pm
Game 3: 5:30pm
Game 4: 7:30pm

July 8th: ESL Practice Times: (9am - 1pm)

Game 5: 1:30pm
Game 6: 3:30pm
Game 7: 5:30pm
Game 8: 7:30pm

July 9th: ESL Practice Times: (9am - 1pm)

Game 9: 1:30pm
Game 10: 3:30pm
Game 11: 5:30pm
Game 12: 7:30pm

+ Vendor set up times are July 6th from 9am - 9pm. Vendors who attend late can set up at 8am on Tuesday July 7th.
+ The exhibition area will be open for vendors from 9am - 9pm everyday.

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EUROLEAGUE

GABON

ATOMICK Port Gentil still leader of the national elite (CNE) - by Tim Ndjiki
ATOMICK Port Gentil still leader of the national elite (CNE) ; We are at the end of the championship, the big teams continue to dominate meetings, the weak teams are already out of breath
Ordering to the exit of the fourteenth day
1st ATOMICK 26 13 0 ; 2nd STADE MANDJI 26 11 4 ; 3rd SOMO 24 11 2 ; 4th MANGA 21 9 3 ; 5th IZOBB 20 6 8 ; 6th AOBB 19 5 9 ; 7th TOUNGUI 17 9 6 of which 1 penalty; 8th OLYMPIC 16 3 11 of which 1 penalty ; 9th CAS 1987 13 1 12 of which 2 penalties ; 10th ENGONG 11 1 12 of which 2 penalties

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GERMANY

Romeo Travis Stays In The Neighborhood Signing With The Walter Tigers Tuebingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After a strong season in Ulm, many were predicting that Romeo Travis (201-F-84, agency: Reed Athlete Management, college: Akron) might jump for offers outside Germany, but instead he has remainedi in the BBL signing with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. The 24 year old small forward averaged in 36 games: 12.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 64.9% for Ratiopharm Ulm last season and recieved a one year deal. This may be a big shock for Ulm fans, but like an early Christmas gift for Tuebingen fans. Ratiopharm Ulm will keep Travis in good memory. ' Romeo was a very important part of our success in Ulm over the last season and a half and helped us make the playoffs for the first time. He crossed enemy lines signing in Tubingen, but we wish him well in the future. I like Romeo alot and am happy he will continue his basketball career. Romeo in Tubingen will definintely add something special and new to our fantastic rivalry against the Tigers'; expressed Ratiopharm Ulm coach Mike Taylor Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic is absolutly thrilled being able to get such a top notch player. 'Romeo is a very athletic and explosive player that can play many positions. He is a hard and aggressive worker that has great qualities inside and will help us with the rebound. I am sure that he will thrill our fans', stated Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic

Travis already got an early taste about limelight and media as he played in the same team as NBA legend in the making LeBron James (203-F-84) who at that time was the best high school player in the nation. Together with ex Ratiopharm point guard Dru Joyce (183-G-85, college: Akron) the three friends were able to win three high school state titles with St Marys. As James made the jump to the NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Travis and Joyce played four years at the University of Akron from 2003-2007 and In four seasons and 122 NCAA games, Travis averaged 14,5ppg, 6,3rpg and 1,7apg. He was able to increase his point totals in each season and in his senior year averaged 32 games: 14.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 52.3%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 67.3%. Before he made the trek to Europe in 2007, he played summer league for the Cleveland Cavaliers and gained valuable experience. In his first few months, he was unable to find his rhythm in Spain playing for Alerta Cantabria Lobos (Spain-LEB Gold): averaging in 8 games: 3.4ppg, 1.8rpg. He then went to Ciudad de Huelva, but left after two games. He then got a great offer from Ratiopharm Ulm and finished the season averaging in 10 games: 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 73.3%. After the strong season in Ulm last season, The euphoria is huge in Tuebingen. 'We really went out of our way to get Romeo and are overjoyed that we were able to get such a quality player. He knows the BBL and I am sure that he will give us much joy. He will be a leading player on our team and could be an important factor for the success of our team', stated Tuebingen manager Robert Wintermantel

Marius Nolte Makes The Jump To The Deutsche Bank Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners make their first signing for the 2009-2010 season by signing ex Paderborn Basket Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) to a one year contract. The ex A-2 German National player is a 28 year old 206cm center and will trade in the pastures of Paderborn and have to get used to the Skyscrapers of Frankfurt. He had played with the Paderborn Baskets since 2001 and was the heart and soul of the team. Last season, he averaged in 35 games: 6.1ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 65.9%. He is happy with the jump to the main river. 'The training facilities are perfect and you can totally concentrate on the sport. The club is run very professionally and I am looking forward to next season. I had the feeling with the talks that the team really wanted me. I want to return their confidence with good play', stressed Marius Nolte.

Nolte who played some years in the second Bundesliga before making the jump to the BBL in 2006 after winning 50 games in a row in the second German Bundesliga was the last member of the famous Paderborn trio of Tim Black and Steven Esterkamp that left the club. He looks to fit into the plans of Frankfurt perfectly and management see him as a backup to the center position.' In modern basketball, a physical player is becoming more and more important that is successful with his fighting mentality under the hoop. I have been watching him for some years and he has developed nicely', stated Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). 'Marius is an experienced German player. We believe that he will give us stability and good minutes at the back up center position', warned Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak . Nolte recently recieved his degree in business which he had been working on while playing for Paderborn and is able to identify with the Skyliner projects like the school AG's and other youth projects. 'I liked playing with kids in Paderborn and giving promotion for basketball.In every sport, it is important to have identification figures', expressed Marius Nolte.

Ricky Hickman (Giessen 46ers) Season Ending Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
American Ricky Hickman (190-G-83, college: NC-Greensboro) is a 25 year old 190 guard playing his first season with the Giessen 46ers. He played at North Carolina-Greensboro from 2003-2007 averaging in four years in 116 games 12,2ppg, 3,2rpg and 2,3apg. In his senior year he averaged in 30 games: 14.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 36.5%, 3Pts: 27.8%, FT: 70.9%. He came to Europe in 2007 to play in Rumania for CS Otopeni Bucuresti where he averaged in 11 games: 19.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 70.8%. He started the 2008-2009 season in Germany with BG Gottingen in the REgionaliga before signing a contract with the Giessen 46ers. This season he averaged in 24 games: 6.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 65.7%. The inetrview is a bit older was conducted before the last BBL game day in May 2009.

This is your first season with the Giessen 46ers. It has been a tough season for the team. The team has been deregulated to the second division. Have you ever experienced losing so many games in another time in your basketball career?

I have never loss this many games in my career it has been one of the toughest things I have ever had to deal with. For me it is very difficult to explain really how much I am effected by the loosing. To be honest I probably hate loosing more than I like winning.

How is the current situation in Giessen? How disappointed are the fans and the region in general about the ending of the season?

Well the situation in Giessen right now is that everyone in that locker room is disappointed in the outcome of this season. But you have to move forward and the only thing you can do right now is approach everyday with the opportunity to get better and improve. I know that the Giessen fans and community are very upset about the outcome of our season. The fans here are the most passionate fans in the BBL I think. I feel their pain when after a game we have lost I see them crying and upset that gets to me sometimes. I get messages all the time from our fans saying keep playing hard and we are still behind you guys. That means so much to me and Ive never been a part of a team with fans such as Giessen they make you play Hard

You came to the team on a tryout basis at the end of November 2008 and then signed a contract. Even though the team was struggling at that time, did you ever think that the team would have so many problems the rest of the way?

No when I came here in November I saw the make up of the team and I thought that we could definately get it done. We had the pieces of a good team we just couldnt get over the hump this season for whatever reason at times it would seem like ok now lets hit that stride, but for whatever reasons we didnt which is disappointing

Why wasnt the team able to be more successful with Simon Cote as coach?

Simon was a good coach with a good philosophy I just think that with the type of team we had and players it was a little tough for guys to develop in the system that he wanted to play and have success

The team also couldnt get on a roll under new coach Vladi Bogojevic. What was missing from this team in the second half of the season?

Well I know the record doesnt indicate it, but under Vladi we were much more competitive in the second part of the season. I am not one to make excuses, but I will say that when Mo went down this season we really took a hit. Only people and part of this team and the organization understand what Moe meant to this team on and off the court. He was like a big brother to me this year

In February the team had a rare two game winning streak, but since then lost 11 of 12 games. I guess saying that the injury to Maurice Jeffers hurt, but he didnt miss all those games. Was the self confidence at some point just gone in this phase of the season?

Loosing Moe hurt, but I wouldnt say that the self confidence was lost during the streak I think it was a case of a snowball effect in the games we lost. One bad thing would lead to another and as you know the margin for error is so small in a basketball game so one missed assignment or one possession of not getting a good shot can cause you to loose a ball game and we struggled with that this season. I think in all our losses we can look at one small part of the game that cost us or a bad stretch that killed us

You have one game left against Dusseldorf. I am sure you will win this game. It has to do with pride and I am sure you want to give the fans a successful good bye! What will be key in winning the game?

I agree with you. lol I am sure we will win this game. We owe it to the fans and the organization to end at home with a win. I think what will be key in winning this game is how we mentally approach the game. The team that wins that game will be the team that comes out with the most intensity and heart and energy. At this time of the year its whoever plays the hardest will win.

How do you like living in Giesen. I think from the landscape not too much difference to North Carolina or am I wrong?

I love living in Giessen it reminds me definately of back home in NC. When I am driving around sometimes and looking out the window and the landscape the hills and stuff I am surprised how much this really feels like home.

How happy have you been with your personal performance on the court? You had a slow start, but since then have had a solid season!

Well when i first got here, i didnt know exactly what the coach was expecting out of me which got me off to a slow start. But as the season has progressed and when Vladi came in my role became a little more clear and things got better. I think it has been a solid season for me, but I know what I am capable of and I am not even close to being satisfied at all with what I have done this year. I will get all my tapes and DVDs and analyze what I need to do to improve myself for next year and I will get to work as soon as I get back to the States.

How has the adjustment been being a back up player? In college and in Rumania, you were used to logging many minutes.

Its been an huge adjustment coming in. I knew I was going to be the back up PG and maybe get some minutes at the other guard spots but I didnt realize how hard it would be in this role. I can say that I did a good job of using this as a positive experience and learning from it. I have benefited from it at times, because I get a chance to see the game early and pick up some tendencies. Sometimes I might notice that a big guy isnt hedging hard when I come in so I know I can turn the corner on him and get in the lane or that a guard doesnt like pressure so when I get in to hawk him. Coming off the bench has its advantages as well. But I am a believer in its not always who starts the game its who finishes it

How has it been playing in a team that has many Germans. This is not always common in the BBL. What German player has really impressed you with their play?

Yea its been an good experience playing with these guys they are all good guys and good teammates . If I had to pick one guy that has impressed me I would have to say little Dirk thats what I call Johannes Lischka. I like his toughness and his mental approach to the game. And also he is a big student of the game and I respect that a lot.

If you didnt name this player in the above question then what do you think of the development of Johannes Lischka? Could he become the next great German player?

I think Johannes has so much potential. I dont even think he has scratched the surface. I think in the next few years as his game develops for sure he will be the next big German star without a doubt. He can Hoop!

What are plans for next season? Would you like to stay in the BBL in Germany?

Well right now my plan is to stay professional finish this season strong and after the season talk to Geert my agent and see what we think will be the next step in my career. I would love to stay in the BBL.This league is competitive and I dont feel my work is done here yet. I feel like this is one of the better leagues in Europe and coming back to this league would be a positive step for me.

What do you like most about Germany?

I like the fact that mostly everyone speaks decent English to where its easy to communicate and talk to people and that they have a subway and Burger King I can hit up at anytime

What do you miss the most from the States?

What I miss most from the states is my Moms cooking and my girlfriend of course!

You are from North Carolina. What was your childhood like?

My childhood was normal. I grew up playing a lot of basketball. I always was outside doing something riding my bike to different neighbourhoods and finding new friends. I was always doing something I couldnt stay still.

Who were your Basketball idols as you were growing up?

That would have to be Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson

Was Basketball the only thing in your life as a kid or did you enjoy doing other things?

Basketball wasnt the only thing I did growing up. I played football for about 5 years while I was playing basketball too. I had a hard time deciding between playing football or basketball. I loved it that much. My freshman year of high school I also played baseball one year too.

What college did you follow as a kid in North Carolina? You had so many great schools to chose from.

Growing up I was always a North Carolina Tarheel fan always..... the state of North Carolina is loaded with basketball schools so the rivalries get pretty heated there but its Great to be apart of.

You went to North Carolina-Greensboro to play Basketball. What kind of experience was it playing for this school?

I really enjoyed my time at UNCG. Just the passion on the college game and the intensity of which its played at I will never forget my experiences also I got to play with some great players and learn from some of the best coaches I think in the game.

What was your most cherished memory from playing Basketball at North Carolina-Greensboro?

My most cherished memory was when we beat Davidson in our conference tournament my second year there. They had not lost a conference game the whole year and a teammate of mine played here in Bonn last year Ronnie Burrell. I will never forget how excited he was and hype we were we tore down the locker room in the coliseum. The game was all over ESPN and everything. We felt like we had arrived after that game. lol

You played in a state that has big powerhouses like North Carolina and Duke. Was that one of the reasons why you chose to play in the state of North Carolina?

Yeas I was basically raised on basketball in the state of North Carolina so I knew pretty much what every school was about so when I chose to go to UNCG, I knew that they played a big time schedule and that each year I would get a chance to play against the UNC and Dukes in front of my people and that meant a lot, plus my school was literally 25 min away from my house so every Sunday and sometimes through the week I was back home getting that good meal

Who was the best player that you played against in school that might be in the NBA or playing in Europe now?

I would have to say Chris Paul. I have been playing against him since we were about 10 and its crazy to see where he has come from to now.

You played your rookie Basketball season in Rumania with CS Otopeni Bucuresti. You averaged in 11 games: 19.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 70.8%. How would you compare that league to the BBL?

Well in the Rumanian league, the top 9 teams were very competitive, but after that it was a pretty big drop off and there is only bout 2 cups teams over there.. In the BBL you have a few cup teams and a Euroleague team. Also I would have to say in the BBL teams 1 through 18 the league are competitive and anybody can be beat anyone on any given night.

What were some of the pro and cons of playing in Rumania?

The Pros of playing in romania is I stayed 10 min away from Bucharest, which is the capital of Rumania so I had some fun times and experiences there. Some of the cons is my living was so bad, I dont really tell a lot of people this, but I didnt have hot water for almost 4 months once I got there so I am very happy for being in Germany and how they treat you and I dont take things for granted.

You started the 2008-2009 season with BG Gottingen in the 2.Regionalliga. Were you surprised that you didnt get interest from a higher league in Germany at first?

Well at the time, I had just got with a new agent and I was staying with one of my close friends on that team and I knew coming from Romania it would be hard to come straight to the BBL. I got a chance to meet coach Patrick from Gottingen and he told me that Gottingen at the time didnt have the money or the space for me, but he said he would love to have me if it was possible so I was just sitting around really just shooting not doing a lot while I was there so he told me while I was there I might as well play with their second team to stay in shape and keep some type of rhythm until someone called so I did that I played one game then I got a call from my agent right after the game and Giessen wanted to bring me in. Everything happens for a reason and I am so thankful that Giessen gave me the opportunity to prove myself

You know Ilian Evtimov of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. How do you know him?

Well me and swoosh, thats what they call him in the states if he hasnt told you went to the same high school. I believe I was a freshman when he was a junior or senior, I cant remember

Do you have a funny Ilian Evtimov story that you would like to share?

I just remember after school everyone would always be playing and everyone hated how physical he played and he had this one move that he would do where he would dribble it high over the person that was guarding him and they would get so mad a him and be ready to fight him...lmao

Who will win the NBA title this year?

Lakers of course

What was the craziest shot that you ever made in your life in a game or practice?

I have hit a half court shot backwards 4 straight times before dont think I will ever be able to do that again

What are your hobbies?

Video Games and Movies I think I am the movie king I have watched eveyr single good movie from 08 and 09 probably already

Hodges returns to Heidelberg - by Kristian Santiago
Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) returns USC Heidelberg to play another season for the German Pro A-team. According to his agency Pro Skills Sports Management, Hodges had various offers from other Pro A, BBL and even a Russian team but preferred to stay in Heidelberg which he sees as his second home. The management did everything to resign the player, who averaged 18,8 ppg (Third best scorer of the league) and 2,9 apg last season, and finally succeeded in resigning him.

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GREECE

Greek teams move slowly - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Maroussi: For the first time in their history they will play in Euroleague but their coach, Soulis Markopoulos is still in negotiations to renew his contract.

Panionios: The President Mr.Lianos recently left from the team and Panionios, this season played in Euroleague, is without a President, Head Coach and players.

Paok: Has problems with payments from the past, they do not have a coach and they are looking for sponsors.

Olimpia Larisa: There are rumours that due to the economic crisis they are going to withdraw from A1 for the coming season.

*Recently Aek renew with coach Flevarakis and Peristeri hired Skourtopoulos as new coach.

Greece notch win over Morocco in Pescara - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Morocco 96:84
Greece celebrated the second win at the Mediterranean Games in Italy. They held off Morocco in the third round of preliminary action in Group A. Morocco suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the table. The game was close throughout three quarters before Greece had it wide open in the final frame. Morocco kept it close in the first half and despite being crushed on the boards the African team managed to secure a 25:25 tie after ten minutes. The situation little changed in the second period as Morocco tried to play it safe as the sides were leveled at 47 at halftime.
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) helped Greece to take a slender 66:65 advantage into the final stanza. But Morocco could not keep up the tempo. They ran out of steam in the final minutes allowing the Hellenes to grab the victory.
Ian Vougioukas delivered 22 points and 12 boards to pace Greece. Igor Milosevic added 19 points, while Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) had 17 points in the win. Abdelhakim Zouita (-G-86) replied with 20 points for Morocco. Mohamed Hachad (194-G-83, college: Northwestern) dropped 13 points in the losing case. Greece outrebounded their opponents 44:23 and sank 50% of field goals.

Greece: Ian Vougioukas 22+12 boards, Igor Milosevic 19, Alexis Kiritsis 17
Morocco: Abdelhakim Zouita 20, Mohamed Hachad 13

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HOLLAND

Former Dutch NT-player Paul Vrind dies after cardiac arrest - by Fred Roggen
Paul Vrind (213-C-68, college: Villanova), the former national team center, who was just 41, died while at home (Gent - Belgium) after a cardiac arrest. He played the last seasons in the lower divisions in Belgium. Paul Vrind played in the USA, five years at Villanova and played in 65 games overall for the Dutch national team from 1989-2003.
Among the other club sides he played for were Das Delft, Graydon Canadians, Den Bosch, Donar, Gent (Belgium), Wels (Austria), Telekom (Portugal), Evreux (France-ProA) and Omniworld Almere.
EuroBasket wish the family much strength to deal with this deep sadness.

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PAUL VRIND basketball profile

Height: 213cm / 7'0''
Position: Center
Born: 1968
Team: Almere (Holland) (2001-03)
Nationality: Dutch
College: Villanova
Previous teams:
Evreux (France)
Hannover (Germany)
Portugal Telecom (Portugal)
Wels (Austria)

Born: March 30, 1968
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career:
Gouda
1983-1984: Den Haag
1984-1985: Den Haag
1985-1986: Den Haag
1986-1987: Delft
1987-1988: Villanova (NCAA)
1988-1989: Villanova (NCAA)
1989-1990: Villanova (NCAA)
1990-1991: Villanova (NCAA)
1991-1992: Villanova (NCAA)
1992-1993: Graydon Canadians
1993-1994: Den Bosch
1994-1995: Den Bosch
1995-1996: Donar Groningen (1T)
1996-1997: released by Gent (Belgium) in Dec.'96, then signed by Wels (Austria)
1997: Nike Summer League in Treviso (Italy)
1997-1998: Portugal Telekom (Portugal)
1998-1999: in Sep.'98 tried out by Reggio Calabria (Italy-A2), in Jan.'99 signed
with Evreux (France-ProA): 9 games: 4ppg, 2.4rpg
1999-2000: Hannover (GER2), in Dec.'99 signed by Evreux (France-ProA)
2000: 5 Star Tournament in Gent: Score-3 (25.8)
2001-2002: Omniworld Almere (1T)
2002-2003: Omniworld Almere (1T)
2003-2004: In Sep.'03 was tested by Tallinn Basketball Club Kalev (Estonia), but not signed
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards/Achievements:
Dutch National Team -89,92,02
Dutch Eredivisie Quarterfinals 02
Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -03

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HUNGARY

Market news - by Tamas Deri
Albacomp: re-signed serbian-israeli forward Velibor Radovic (202-F/G-72, agency: Beo Basket) for one more season. Hungarian guard, Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) signed a two years deal with the club, Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) also prolonged his contract. Attila Farkas (209-F-87) decided to leave Nyiregyhaza and will play for Albacomp.

ASE: the management of the champion published that Hungarian players Zalan Meszaros (190-G-74) and Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) signed their contracts for the next season. American guard Michael English (194-F/G-82, college: UMKC) will be also back to the team as he could agree with the club!

Kormend: after losing Hungarian NT guard, Marton Fodor the management was quiet for 2-3 weeks, but some days ago just published, that Balazs Sabali will be the head coach of the team again! He left his hometown two years ago and worked for ASE and Enternet until May 2009. His assistant will be Tamas Hencsey, who spent also the last season with the club. Gergely Fodor (193-G-77, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents), Rudolf Trummer (196-F-78, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), Csaba Ferencz (194-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Tamas Kocsis (189-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) decided to stay in their home town and agreed to sign a one year deal with the club. Gergely Kutasi, also a domestic player decided to return to his hometown and signed a contract with the club. Gergely Toth (206-F-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services)oth and Gergely Hegedus (198-F-83) have valid contracts also for the next season.

Dombovar: the management could keep Attila Deak, Laszlo Balogh, Zsolt Klir and Balazs Szoke. Istvan Panta (203-C/F-78) got a free agent and had not to wait to long to sign a new contract as the team of his hometown gave him real quick an offer which he decided to take. Ferenc Csirke (183-G-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) should be the back up point guard of the team, who just decided to move from Kaposvar to the big rival.

Univer KSE: as we published two weeks ago, the rumors got to truth. Coach Ivkovic could take some of his players from Pecs to Kecskemet, Krisztian Wittmann (185-G-85, agency: FCM), Gabor Denes, Zoltan Bencze and Norbert Toth decided to go with him. Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: FCM), who was loaned to Sopron in the last season will be also back to the club. The management signed the first foreigner for the next season: Kestutis Marciulionis (188-G-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services, college: Delaware) agreed the offer of the club and will be back to Hungary for one more season!

Debrecen: coach Peter Fodor will stay one more season with the club and started to build the roster of the next season. Ferenc Boldizsar (201-C/F-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) decided to leave Sopron and signed a two years deal with DEKE.

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IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Eastern
1. Holland B.	15-4
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.	1-8
3. Arizona F.	0-1
4. Chicago S.	0-1
5. Nevada P.	0-3
6. Olympia R.	0-5
7. S.Illinois T.	0-6
Northern
1. Bellingham S.	16-4
2. Snohomish C.	9-11
3. Vancouver T.	9-13
4. USA All-Stars	4-16
Southern
1. Vancouver V.	14-7
2. Oregon Wave	13-7
3. C.Oregon H.	5-12
4. Shanxi Zh.	0-0
Western
1. Edmonton E.	17-4
2. L.Angeles L.	14-4
3. Seattle M.	13-7
4. Tacoma T.	13-7

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ITALY

University Games to start today, Team Italy is ready - by Gianni Pascucci
The 2009 edition of the University Games starts today in Beograd, Serbia. As usual, the Basketball tournment will be one of the most interesting tournaments. (the official website is http://www.universiade-belgrade2009.org ) Italy will be represented by a young group of players, almost all coming from the 'A dilettanti' league, coached by Giovanni Benedetto (agency: Players Group ), recent league winner with Latina. The University National Team ended last weekend a camp to prepare the competition as best as possible in Caorle. The final 12 men squad is as follows:
Simone Ferrarese (183-G-87) Lumezzane
Roberto Prandin (188-G-86) Fidenza
Alexander Simoncelli (188-G-86) Casalpusterlengo
Davide Rosignoli (202-F-88) Ozzano
Davide Bruttini (203-F-87) Imola Lega 2
Edoardo Persico (208-C-87, agency: Players Group) Montecatini
Riccardo Casagrande (196-F-88) JesoloSanDon
Donato Cutolo (198-F-87, agency: Players Group) JesoloSanDon
Salvatore Genovese (198-G/F-87, agency: Players Group) Varese Lega 2
Daniele Bonessio (197-G/F-88) Ostuni
Giancarlo Ferrero (194-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) Osimo
Alberto Chiumenti (205-F/C-87, agency: Players Group) Latina

National Team camp postponed - by Gianni Pascucci
The Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) announced that the National Team Camp, originally scheduled to start on July 2, 2009 in Bormio, has been postponed to July 5. The camp will end on July 11, and the day after Team Italy 'A' will meet Cameroon in the first test match of the season. The FIP also annonced that Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC) has been added to the convocation list

Prima Veroli land Francesco Foiera - by Eurobasket News
Prima Veroli added Francesco Foiera (207-C-75, agency: Interperformances) to the squad. The 34-year-old Italian centre moves from Livorno where he had played in the previous season. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 boards and 1.7 steals per game in LegaDue.
Enel Brindisi extended the contract of Michele Cardinali (190-G-78). A 31-year-old tallied 5.4 points, 1.4 boards and 1.4 assists per game in the 2008-2009 season.
Edimes Pavia agreed to prolong their cooperation with Walter De Raffaele (agency: Players Group ) for three more years. He was hired by the team in November 2008 and led Edimes Pavia to a 15-15 record in LegaDue regular season.

Armani Jeans Milano agrees 2-year deal with Marijonas Petravicius - by Eurobasket News
Armani Jeans Milano made important signing yesterday. The Italians inked 2-year deal with Lithuanian big guy Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina), who was one of the most important Lietuvos Rytas' players last season. As a reminder, the Lithuanians finished the season with 4 trophies (EuroCup, Baltic league, Lithuanian league and Lithuanian Cup). Petravicius played 15 EuroCup games averaging 12.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg. In domestic championship he added 14.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 22 games. Despite his Lietuvos will compete in Euroleague next season, Pletravicius decided to leave it and to join AJ Milano.
Marijonas Petravicius arrived to Lietuvos Rytas during the summer 2006. Before that he used to play for Ventspils, Oostende and Mitteldeutscher. He graduated at the South Carolina University in 2003. In April this year he was named 'Eurocup Final Eight MVP'. Also this year, as well as the last one, Petravicius got the award 'Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Center of the Year'. Before that, actually in 2004 with Mitteldeutcher, he was 'Eurobasket.com All-FIBA Europe Cup Honorable Mention' and his team won the contest.
AJ Milano finished 08/09 regular season in Serie A as No.6 with 17-13 record. Later they eliminated Banca Teramo and Angelico Biella, but were not able to compete against powerful Montepaschi Siena, who defended the title. It was 4-0 in the Finals.

Turkey needed 3 overtimes to outscore Italy 121-119 - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Italy 121:119
The game between Turkey and Italy was the most expected, the most excited and became the most interesting. Turkey needed three overtimes to beat the hosts of the Mediterranean Games and to win Group B. A 12-10 in third overtime brought Turkey 121:119 victory for the third straight win.
The game reminded carousel as the teams exchanged the lead several times. The first period brought 20:19 for the Turkish side, however Italy replied with 26-12 in the second period to take 45:32 advantage at the halftime. Another 25-25 in the third period kept Italy in front, but Turkey woke up in the end. The guests responded with 24-11 in the fourth, not the last period to tie the game after 40 minutes. In the first overtime the teams scored 12 points each as well as in the second, 16:16. The third overtime brought another expectations for the fans that however saw the 119:112 loss of the local team. Both squads showed their best games and made the game the best one so far in the tournament.
Engin Atsur (194-G-84, college: N.Carolina St.) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll (MT)) nailed 20. Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) posted 18, while Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) added 17. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) notched 29 points for the hosts and Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) delivered 26. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) collected 16 points and 16 rebounds as Italy finished the group with 2-1 record.
In another game of the group Montenegro secured the initial win at the Mediterranean Games. They held off Albania in the third preliminary round in Group B 92:73.

Turkey:Engin Atsur 26, Sinan Guler 20, Cemal Nalga 18, Baris Hersek 17
Italy: Pietro Aradori 29, Daniele Cinciarini 26, Luigi Datome 16+16 rebs

Mediterranean Games. Pescara 2009. Day 3 - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

Croatia-Serbia 71:69

Croatia remained undefeated in Pescara as the team escaped the thriller from Serbia and won 71:69. The latter tried hard to beat the opponent but fell at 1-2 in the standings.
Croatia started strong but could enjoy only 20:17 lead after the first 10 minutes of the game. Serbia bounced back and trailed only 1 points at the end of the second quarter. Croatia still led the game 43:42 when the teams went to the lockers. Another quarter brought 20-15 for Croatian team that increased the deficit to 6 points before the last stanza. In the end the teams paid more attention to defense and realized the importance of the victory. Serbia won 12-8, but lost the game 69:71.
Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) paced all the winners with 15 points. Damir Rancic (197-G-83) and Ante Tomic (215-C-87) followed him with 13 points each as Croatia is 3-0 in the group. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) nailed 14 points in defeat, while Dusko Bunic (205-C-89) scored 11.

Croatia: Krunoslav Simon 15, Damir Rancic 13, Ante Tomic 13
Serbia: Dragan Milosavljevic 14, Dusko Bunic 11

Greece - Morocco 96:84

Greece celebrated the second win at the Mediterranean Games in Italy. They held off Morocco in the third round of preliminary action in Group A. Morocco suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the table. The game was close throughout three quarters before Greece had it wide open in the final frame. Morocco kept it close in the first half and despite being crushed on the boards the African team managed to secure a 25:25 tie after ten minutes. The situation little changed in the second period as Morocco tried to play it safe as the sides were leveled at 47 at halftime.
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) helped Greece to take a slender 66:65 advantage into the final stanza. But Morocco could not keep up the tempo. They ran out of steam in the final minutes allowing the Hellenes to grab the victory.
Ian Vougioukas delivered 22 points and 12 boards to pace Greece. Igor Milosevic added 19 points, while Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) had 17 points in the win. Abdelhakim Zouita (-G-86) replied with 20 points for Morocco. Mohamed Hachad (194-G-83, college: Northwestern) dropped 13 points in the losing case. Greece outrebounded their opponents 44:23 and sank 50% of field goals.

Greece: Ian Vougioukas 22+12 boards, Igor Milosevic 19, Alexis Kiritsis 17
Morocco: Abdelhakim Zouita 20, Mohamed Hachad 13

GROUP B

Turkey-Italy 121:119

The game between Turkey and Italy was the most expected, the most excited and became the most interesting. Turkey needed three overtimes to beat the hosts of the Mediterranean Games and to win Group B. A 12-10 in third overtime brought Turkey 121:119 victory for the third straight win.
The game reminded carousel as the teams exchanged the lead several times. The first period brought 20:19 for the Turkish side, however Italy replied with 26-12 in the second period to take 45:32 advantage at the halftime. Another 25-25 in the third period kept Italy in front, but Turkey woke up in the end. The guests responded with 24-11 in the fourth, not the last period to tie the game after 40 minutes. In the first overtime the teams scored 12 points each as well as in the second, 16:16. The third overtime brought another expectations for the fans that however saw the 119:112 loss of the local team. Both squads showed their best games and made the game the best one so far in the tournament.
Engin Atsur (194-G-84, college: N.Carolina St.) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll (MT)) nailed 20. Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) posted 18, while Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) added 17. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) notched 29 points for the hosts and Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) delivered 26. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) collected 16 points and 16 rebounds as Italy finished the group with 2-1 record.

Turkey:Engin Atsur 26, Sinan Guler 20, Cemal Nalga 18, Baris Hersek 17
Italy: Pietro Aradori 29, Daniele Cinciarini 26, Luigi Datome 16+16 rebs

Montenegro - Albania 92:73

Montenegro secured the initial win at the Mediterranean Games. They held off Albania in the third preliminary round in Group B. Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) unloaded 27 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to pace Montenegro. Filip Barovic (206-F-90) added 16 points for the winners.
Montenegro forced their opponents to 24 turnovers. Albania could not overcome the fact despite outrebounding Montenegro 42:27. Montenegro grabbed a 3-point lead after the opening frame. They stepped on the gas in the second stanza running away to an 11-point buffer at halftime. Albania showed character after the major break as they slowed their opponents down. The physical game inside the paint helped Albania trim the margin to 10 points heading into the fourth term. But Montenegro kept it cool and ensured a comfortable victory in the final period.
Nikola Djokovic (191-G-89) had 12 points for the winning team. Endrit Hycenagolli (203-C-88) drained 22 points and collected 14 rebounds for Albania. Franko Bushati (188-G-85) came up with 18 points in the loss.

Montenegro: Sead Sehovic 27, Filip Barovic 16, Nikola Djokovic 12
Albania: Endrit Hycenagolli 22+14 boards, Franko Bushati 18

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JAMAICA

Jamaica fall to T&T in opening game at CBC - by Leonard Whyte
Favorites Jamaica were surprised 88-76 by Trinidad and Tobago today as the Caribbean Basketball Championships got on the way in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. University of Louisville standout, Samardo Samuels, led the way for the Jamaicans with 22 points, followed by 21 points from Providence University guard, Weyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86). Ricky Johns and Andre Smith both added 10 points each, as Jamaica placed four players in double-figures. Jamaica return to the court tomorrow to face a tough Bahamas team.

Jamaica looks to establish themselves in the Caribbean - by Kristian Santiago
Jamaica looks to recover their elite status in the Caribbean after many years of absence as the CBC Championship starts today in Tortola and will be played until July 4.

The team is coached by Sam Vincent and former NBA player Paul Mokeski (agency: SportsTalent ) is the assistant coach. The team will be led by guard Chaz Carr (183-G-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Boston U.) and center Kimani Ffriend (211-C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Nebraska).

The other players who made the cut were Michael Rogers (198-G-88), Ricky Johns (190-G-85, agency: Tank Sports, college: Utah), Mike Coburn (183-G-88), Andre Smith (188-G-80, college: NC-Asheville), Weyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86), Damion Staple (201-F/C-80, agency: N.E.T., college: Iowa St.), Ricardo Alliman (201-F-87), Adrian Forbes (203-C-88), Samardo Samuels (203-F-89) and Christopher Walker (198-F-81).

Their first game is against Trinidad & Tobago and then they play against Bahamas and Barbados.

Jamaica finished first in the 2006 CBC Championship but finished sixth in the Centrobasket that same year.
Source: www.fibaamericas.com

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KOSOVO

Friendly matches in Turkey from 5-10 July! - by Qendrim Ahmetaj

In cooperation with the organizers of the friendly matches in Turkey, a change of the itinerary of NT of Kosova traveling took lace. The departure for Turkey will be o Sunday July 5 and arrival on July 10, 2009 (Friday).
The National Team of Kosova will have two friendly matches with each team , Lebanon and Syria.

The selector of NT of Kosva, Arben Krasniqi and his assistant Albert Sylejmani appointed the extended list of candidates for the NT of Kosova which will take place in Turkey from 2-8 July 2009. Our National Team will have friendly matches with NT of Lebanon and Syria.

The preparations will take place in Prishtina and will start on Sunday June 28, 2009 and last till July 2, 2009.
In the extended list invited are:

Name and Last Name ................Club

01 Edmond Azemi ....................Sigal Prishtina

02 Blerim Mazreku ...................Sigal Prishtina

03 Muhamet Hasani .................Sigal Prishtina

04 Alban Veseli .......................Sigal Prishtina

05 Granit Rugova ....................Sigal Prishtina

06 Besnik Podvorica ...............Sigal Prishtina

07 Fisnik Rugova ....................Sigal Prishtina

08 Vigan Radoni .....................Peja

09 Edis Kuraja........................ Peja

10 Dardan Berisha .................Polonia 2011

11 Drilon Hajrizi ......................Trepa

12 Gazmend Asllani ..............Trepa

13 Korab Ferizi ......................Bashkimi

14 Florian Rexhepi ................Bashkimi

15 Fahri Breca ......................Kolegji Eurosporti

16. Arian Maliqi .....................Delta State

17. Gzim Morina ...................Union Olimpia

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LATVIA

LBAL Standings

LBAL Standings

17-23 place
1. Ridzene 90	7-0
2. VIA Riga	6-2
3. Saldus-2	5-3
4. Tukums	3-6
5. 3.BJSS	2-5
6. Sigulda	1-7
1-8 place
1. Turiba	9-1
2. Variants	7-4
3. BJSS Keizar.	6-2
4. Livu akvaparks	6-4
5. LU	4-5
6. Lielvarde	4-8
7. Perkons	2-8
8. Salacgriva	1-7
9-16 place
1. Dartija	10-1
2. Kursa/MRU	7-4
3. Jurmalas SS	7-4
4. Bauska	6-4
5. Ridzene M.	4-7
6. BK VEF	4-7
7. Saulkrasti	2-7
8. Pargauja	2-8

LITHUANIA

Armani Jeans Milano agrees 2-year deal with Marijonas Petravicius - by Eurobasket News
Armani Jeans Milano made important signing yesterday. The Italians inked 2-year deal with Lithuanian big guy Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina), who was one of the most important Lietuvos Rytas' players last season. As a reminder, the Lithuanians finished the season with 4 trophies (EuroCup, Baltic league, Lithuanian league and Lithuanian Cup). Petravicius played 15 EuroCup games averaging 12.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg. In domestic championship he added 14.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 22 games. Despite his Lietuvos will compete in Euroleague next season, Pletravicius decided to leave it and to join AJ Milano.
Marijonas Petravicius arrived to Lietuvos Rytas during the summer 2006. Before that he used to play for Ventspils, Oostende and Mitteldeutscher. He graduated at the South Carolina University in 2003. In April this year he was named 'Eurocup Final Eight MVP'. Also this year, as well as the last one, Petravicius got the award 'Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Center of the Year'. Before that, actually in 2004 with Mitteldeutcher, he was 'Eurobasket.com All-FIBA Europe Cup Honorable Mention' and his team won the contest.
AJ Milano finished 08/09 regular season in Serie A as No.6 with 17-13 record. Later they eliminated Banca Teramo and Angelico Biella, but were not able to compete against powerful Montepaschi Siena, who defended the title. It was 4-0 in the Finals.

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MEXICO

Campeche has roster in place for winning season - by Chris Terrell
Campeche, MX - Bucaneros de Campeche has contracted with Will Funn (188-G-82, college: Portland St.), Devon Greene (198-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon), and Richard Ford (208-C) as the imports for the team in the LNBP this season. Victor Buelna (192-G-78) is the national player for the team and Aaron Eneas (202-F-78, agency: Promotex), Julio Osorio (203-F-83, college: Jacksonville JC) are the community (latin) players. Michael Nunez (196-G/F-83, college: Oregon Tech), Anthony Fernandez (-F), and Enrique Villareal (198-F-84, college: Hope International) are the pochos (us-mex) and Marcelo Elusich is the Head Coach. Coach Elusich has spent the off-season running a youth camp in Guasave after coaching in the CIBACOPA this past spring. Nunez was one of the better players in the CIBACOPA, helping the Ostieneros of Guaymas in the league. Expect the team from Campeche to improve upon their progress in the LNBP from last season. You can get more information at www.myspace4hoops.com

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MONTENEGRO

MOROCCO

Greece notch win over Morocco in Pescara - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Morocco 96:84
Greece celebrated the second win at the Mediterranean Games in Italy. They held off Morocco in the third round of preliminary action in Group A. Morocco suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the table. The game was close throughout three quarters before Greece had it wide open in the final frame. Morocco kept it close in the first half and despite being crushed on the boards the African team managed to secure a 25:25 tie after ten minutes. The situation little changed in the second period as Morocco tried to play it safe as the sides were leveled at 47 at halftime.
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) helped Greece to take a slender 66:65 advantage into the final stanza. But Morocco could not keep up the tempo. They ran out of steam in the final minutes allowing the Hellenes to grab the victory.
Ian Vougioukas delivered 22 points and 12 boards to pace Greece. Igor Milosevic added 19 points, while Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) had 17 points in the win. Abdelhakim Zouita (-G-86) replied with 20 points for Morocco. Mohamed Hachad (194-G-83, college: Northwestern) dropped 13 points in the losing case. Greece outrebounded their opponents 44:23 and sank 50% of field goals.

Greece: Ian Vougioukas 22+12 boards, Igor Milosevic 19, Alexis Kiritsis 17
Morocco: Abdelhakim Zouita 20, Mohamed Hachad 13

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NBA

Nets pick up option on backup forward Hayes - by Bruno Baltazar
The New Jersey Nets are picking up the $2.06 million contract option on forward Jarvis Hayes (6'7''-G/F-81, college: Georgia) for next season.
'Jarvis was a key member of our rotation last season, providing instant scoring and the ability to stretch the defense,' Nets president Rod Thorn said Monday in a statement. 'We are pleased to have him continue as a member of our roster, and look forward to a similar contribution this season.'

Hayes, signed as a free agent last July, averaged 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 24.8 minutes in 74 games. He shot a career-high .445 (257-577) from the field and a career-high .385 (94-244) from 3-point range. He was only 36-52 from the foul line.

Bucks make offer to Sessions but not Villanueva - by Bruno Baltazar
The Milwaukee Bucks have made qualifying offers to restricted free agent guard Ramon Sessions (6'3''-G-86, college: Nevada) and forward Ersan Ilyasova (6'10''-F-87), but will not make an offer to forward Charlie Villanueva (6'10''-F-84, college: Connecticut) (6'10''-F-84, college: Connecticut) -- allowing one of their top scorers from last season to become an unrestricted free agent.
With a mid-level exception at their disposal, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to have interest in signing Villanueva -- and the interest sounds mutual. Perhaps anticipating his free agency, Villanueva posted Sunday that 'Cleveland fans are showing me mad love on twitter, appreciate the love.'

Korver decides to stay with Jazz at least one more season and Okur is undecided - by Bruno Baltazar
Kyle Korver (6'7''-F-81, college: Creighton) told the Jazz on Monday that he will not opt out of the final year of his contract, taking the guaranteed money over becoming a free agent.
'We are thrilled to have Kyle remain with the Jazz,' general manager Kevin O'Connor said in a release Monday.
Korver's decision was the first of three that are due before Tuesday's free agency deadline. Center Mehmet Okur (6'11''-C/F-79) and forward Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) can also opt out of their remaining season. The Jazz had no updates other than Korver's on the eve of the deadline.
Okur's agent Marc Fleisher said in an e-mail Monday that his client was leaning toward opting out, but had not decided.

O'Connor didn't expect decisions to come until the last moment. One finally came Monday afternoon from Jeff Schwartz, Korver's agent.

Korver averaged nine points per game last season, giving the Jazz an outside shooting threat off the bench. He shot 44 percent from the field and 38.6 from 3-point range. He has one year remaining on the contract the Jazz took off Philadelphia's hands in a trade midway through the 2007-08 season.

Of the three players with options, Korver's $5.2 million salary for next season is by far the smallest. Boozer and Okur will have a much bigger impact on the Jazz's payroll if they decide to stick around.

The choice is to gamble that the recession won't affect their market value or take the guaranteed money over the next year, then hope the economy looks better in a year.

The Jazz are leaving it up to them.

'Everybody has a number that they like and if those numbers don't work, then it doesn't work,' O'Connor said Friday, when all three players' futures were still uncertain.

O'Connor said he understood the stalemate, saying it's a fact of negotiating. One side wants maximum money and the other wants maximum return while keeping salaries at or under the NBA cap.

Okur is scheduled to make $9 million next season. He could test the free agent market for more money or a long-term deal that would cover the 30-year-old late into his career -- something he had hoped would come from the Jazz before the deadline.

Boozer has $12.7 million guaranteed next year if he stays in Utah. He has said he would definitely opt out, then that he hadn't reached a decision and wouldn't do so until the deadline. He also said the day after the season ended that he would take a long-term contract from the Jazz if they offered -- but didn't say what kind of money it would take to keep him.

'I would say it is up to us -- after he makes his decision,' O'Connor said Friday. 'That's the bottom line.'

Boozer agent Rob Pelinka didn't return messages seeking comment Monday. Boozer has averaged a double-double for the Jazz each of the last three seasons -- but played in only 35 games because of injuries. In five seasons with Utah, he has missed 134 games.

O'Connor said all three would be welcomed back, keeping together a team that went 48-34 despite a rash of injuries that led to 148 missed games.

'We'd like to see what we could have done healthy,' O'Connor said. 'We'd like to still see what we could do healthy.'

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

NCAA1

USA University Team topple Russia - by Eurobasket News
USA - Russia 67:63
The USA University selection claimed the second win at the Serbia International Invitational in Belgrade. They held off Russian counterparts for a 2-1 record. Russia suffered the second loss and slipped at 1-2 record. Corey Fisher (6'1''-G-88) knocked down 15 points to lift the North American team to the tough victory.
The teams kept it close in the opening frame as the USA earned just a three-point lead after ten minutes. Da'Sean Butler (6'7''-F-88) nailed 4 points in a 12:0 rally as the USA cleared off to a 33:21 advantage in the second stanza. Russia responded with six points of their own to trim the deficit before Corey Fisher capped the half with a three-pointer giving the USA a 36:27 lead.
The USA maintained the lead early in the frame before Russia stepped on the gas. They went on a 15:2 surge that propelled them to a one-point lead late in the quarter. The North American side tied the score at 50 after thirty minutes. The USA were up by just one with under two minutes to go. Russia hit a jumper to steal the advantage with. Deon Thompson (6'8''-F-88) missed both free throws on the other end but Robbie Hummel (6'8''-F-89) grabbed an offensive rebound and poured in a decisive bucket. Zibiriv followed with the miss and then committed an intentional foul that put Talor Battle to the line. He sealed the winning outcome from the stripe.
Deon Thompson notched 12 points and 9 rebounds for the USA. Da'Sean Butler and Robbie Hummel produced 8 points each in the win. Aleksey Zhukanenko (6'11''-F-86) responded with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Russia. Kotishevskiy and Eugeny Voronov (6'4''-G-86) canned 9 points each in defeat.

USA: Corey Fisher 15, Deon Thompson 12, Robbie Hummel 8, Da'Sean Butler 8
Russia: Aleksey Zhukanenko 16+10 boards, Aleksey Kotishevskiy (6'3''-F-85) 9, Eugeny Voronov 9

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NEW ZEALAND

PALESTINE

D1 Standing

D1 Standings

Group 1
1. De La Salle	3-0
2. Orthodox BJ	3-0
3. Bethlehem	1-2
4. Orthodoxi B.S.	0-3
5. Terrasanta	0-3
Group 2
1. Sarriyet	3-0
2. Orthodox R.	3-0
3. Ibdaa D.	2-1
4. Qalandia	1-2
5. Catholic A.	0-3

AlTadamun: A Good Win for Orthodoxi Bethlehem & Incomplete One for Sariyet Ramallah - by Tamara Awartani
Orthodoxi Ramallah vs. Catholic Action 95 85
A surprising game for Orthodoxi Ramallah, where Catholic Action started off strong & played hard throughout the game but the players experience & imports of Orthodoxi Ramallah gave them an advantage. Orthodoxi Ramallah took their time in getting into the game, managed to lead in the second half through Ahmad Deeb with great shots & Ramzi AlMasou along with Justin & Derrick Courtney.
While Catholic Action players played tough, man to man defense giving orthodoxi a hard time, through Shadi Bahnan (180-G-87) and George Canawati (172-G-84) with great defense & fastbreaks, Firas Freij (173-F-87) with several 3pointers along with their import.
1st 16 16, 2nd 15 25, 3rd 35 28, 4th 26 16

Orthodoxi Beit Jala vs. Terrasanta Beit Hanina 97 93
A strong start from Terrasanta Beit Hanina who took the lead in the first quarter until Beit Jala got focused in the 2nd quarter and led the rest of the game with everyone playing.
Beit Jala led by Khalil Harbs great penetrations along with Kamal Mukarker s great shots & Raed Abu Rumman (188-F-81) moves under basket. While Peter Qanadalft stood out from Terrasanta with his 3pointers & great assists along with Tony Abu Ali.
1st 14 30, 2nd 22-15, 3rd 33 23, 4th 28 25

Orthodoxi Bethlehem vs. Orthodoxi Beit Sahour 78 83
An exciting game to watch, with skilled imports & locals.
Orthodoxi Bethlehem were led by Jarred Soles (191-F-83, college: Virginia-Wise) who stood out with great 3pointers, rebounds & shots along with Mikes good shots & rebounds, Basheer Shataras defense and fastbreaks and Basem Freig.
While Orthodoxi Beit Sahour were led by Paul Guerroro with great skill & smooth 3pointers along with Maher Kassis with great penetrations & Rami Salasa.
1st 23 14, 2nd 17 26, 3rd 22 19, 4th 21 - 19

Sariyet Ramallah vs. Ibdaa Dheisheh 79 69
A game that every basketball fan was waiting to watch which unfortunately wasnt completed with the last 5mins yet to go on Thursday! Sariyet Ramallah started off strong taking the lead in the 1st quarter while Ibdaa didnt give up & played strong leading the 2nd quarter.
Sariyet Ramallah players led by Saleem Al Husari (184-G-85) & Dante Hunter with several 3pointers strong penetrations, along with Ibrahim Ibrahim Al Habash (194-F-75) s penetrations and the brother s Saleem & Sanni Sakakini who were unstoppable under basket.
Where Ibdaa Dheisheh were missing their main point guard Yahia Al Khatib (190-G-77) due to injury, Abdallah Jaber 3pointers , Kamal AlAzraqs good shots & penetrations, Khaled Khamis, Mahdi Eid (194-F-81) (Ahli Player) & Iyad Yousef Abdalla (205-C-80) played strong under basket.
1st 21 19, 2nd 14- 24, 3rd 33 17, 4th 11 9 (to be continued on Thurs)

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PHILIPPINES

Sister Act IV - by Josh Villegas
They call Sister Act IV. It's the San Miguel Beermen pitted against the Barangay Ginebera Kings. After a grueling semi-finals series that reached six games, both SMC-based teams survived and will battle in the final and most important phase of the Fiesta Conference.

Both teams are beaming with talent, from their imports to the locals. San Miguel is the popular pick among the PBA coaches. But Ginbera, known for their never-say-die attitude and massive fan base, is also expected spring up some surprises.

The imports are expected to cancel each other out. Former North Carolina standout and Milwaukee Buck David Noel (198-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) has brought stability and versatility to the Kings while Gabe Freeman (198-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) has provided boundless energy for the veteran-laden Beermen team. But in the end, it will still be the locals who will determine the outcome of the series.

In the frontcourt, San Miguel has a slight edge. With Ginebra's Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior) still nursing an injury, the Beermen are expected to dominate the shaded lane with Danny Ildefonso, Mick Penissi and Dorian Pena (198-C-76, college: Coppin St.) manning the middle. The backcourt battle is likewise interesting. In the two guard matchup, Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) is expected to go up against the enigmatic Ronald Tubid and RP-team player Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80). While in the matchup at the point, MVP candidate Jayjay Helterbrand (183-G-76, college: Kentucky St.) will go up against up-and-coming all-star Jonas Villanueva (184-G-83). Helterbrand will be aptly supported by Paul Artadi while Villanueva will be backstopped by veterans Olsen Racela and Mike Cortez.

Two teams. One corporation. One goal. This will surely be a series to remember.

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POLAND

Radomir Mijanovic to work with Koszalin - by Eurobasket News
Radomir Mijanovic will guide AZS Koszalin in the next season. The 54-year-old specialist worked in Slovenia for his whole career. He was an assistant coach in Olimpija Ljubljana from 1998 to 2006. In 2008-2009 season Radomir Miljanovic was at the helm of Helios Domzale leading the team to the UPC Liga Final.
Grzegorz Arabas (190-F/G-78) has signed a contract with Sportino. The 31-year-old guard played for Koszalin in the last season. There Arabas averaged 9.1 points, 2.3 boards and 1.0 assists per game.
Adam Wojcik (207-F-70, agency: Beo Basket) is close to joining PGE Turow. The veteran forward averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 boards and 1.1 assists per game for PBG Basket last season. Adam Wojcik is one of the most renowned Polish players. He played for the Polish National Team at 2007 EuroBasket scoring 10.3 points per game in Spain.
Basket Kwidzyn bolstered their squad with addition of David Godbold (196-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) and Jason Pryor (188-G-79, college: Longwood).
David Godbold has just graduated from Oklahoma. The guard averaged 7.7 points, 4.0 boards and 1.8 assists per game in his senior season.
Jason Pryor was among the leaders in the Icelandic D1 last year. The 30-year-old guard tallied 26.1 points, 5.4 boards and 5.2 assists per game for Hamar.

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PORTUGAL

Porto also add Rui Mota - by Bruno Baltazar
After signing Julian Terrell (206-F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Vanderbilt) ,now they signed the portuguese international player Rui Mota (190-G/F-78),Rui already played in Porto from 2001 to 2004 ,last season he played for Ovarense.
Rui Mota is well known for his agressive style of play defense and can also help them in the ofense ,nice move for Porto that is trying to beat Benfica next season and win the league after a bad season finishing in the 8th and last playoff spot ,losing to Benfica in the playoffs 1st round.

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PUERTO RICO

New Zealand fall short to Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand U19 National Team suffered the third straight loss in the preparations for the World Championship in Auckland. They lost to Puerto Rico 44:51 at the ASB Stadium yesterday. The Junior Tall Blacks looked better throughout three quarters before wasting all of their lead. A low-scoring affair saw the Junior Tall Blacks dominate in the first half. They maintained the lead in the third frame. The hosts were still up by 2 with two minutes remaining 44:42. But Raymond Cintron (186-G-90) fired three triples in the dying minutes to propel Puerto Rico to the victory.
Carlos Lopez (208-F-90) knocked down 14 points to lead Puerto Rico. Raymond Cintron added 11 points for the winners. David Beck (200-F-90) responded with 9 points for New Zealand. Brook Ruscoe (188-G-90) had 8 points for the Kiwis in defeat.

NBA Bulls invite A.D. Vassallo to Summer League - by Rafael Otero
Besides not being selected in this past 2009 NBA Draft Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86, college: Virginia Tech) hopes to play in the NBA hasn't come to an end. The Chicago Bulls invited the 6'7 swingman to be part of their team in this upcoming Summer League in Las Vegas, NV. The Puerto Rico native impressed the Team's Management during private workouts due to his jump shot consistency and deep range. According to sources close to the workouts sessions he has to improve his defense though. Anyway, the prolific scorer is very excited with the opportunity and is anxious to show his potential versus the NBA prospect's elite. Miami Heat also extended him an invitation but Vassallo opts for the Chicago Team beacuse the team has some openings in their roster for the next season. A.D. will be one of the invitees to take part of the Puerto Rico Men's National Team workouts facing the FIBA Americas Qualifyiers to be held in San Juan, PR from August 26 thru September 6. Althought he doesnt wants to take nothing for granted his spot in the team seems pretty secure.

BSN Quarterfinals: San German and Quebradillas grab first wins in Group A, Pellot-Rosa nails 48 pts - by Eurobasket News
First round of Group A was played yesterday.

San German was too strong for Santruce scoring 113 points, 113-91. Totally the best player for the winners was Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth), who drained impressive 48 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Maurice Baker (184-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) was way behind him with 19 pts and 12 assists, while Johwen Villegas (193-G-85, agency: Next Level, college: Florida Intern.) added 14 pts. The same number also had Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra), but in the loosing squad. San German 1-0, Santruce 0-1 in Group A.

The Pirates entered to Quarterfinals in style beating Mayaguez 102-91. Joel Jones led the scorers in victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Interesting is that 5 more players of Quebradillas had 15 or more. Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) was the second scorer of the team with 18, while Marcus Williams (191-G-85, college: Connecticut) and Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) drained 16 pts each. Williams had 15 assists beside that, while Ramos grabbed 10 boards. In Mayaguez, Dan Langhi (208-F-77, college: Vanderbilt) was on fire scoring 26 pts. Quebradillas 1-0, Mayaguez 0-1 in Group A.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

Group A
1. Bayamon	0-0
2. Ponce	0-0
3. Carolina	0-0
4. Arecibo	0-0
Group B
1. Quebradillas	1-0
2. San German	1-0
3. Santurce	0-1
4. Mayaguez	0-1

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ROMANIA

Otpopeni adds new player for 08/09 season - by Eurobasket News
Otpopeni continued with signings for the next season. After arrival of big guy Nenad Sulovic (202-F/C-85), the team announced signing of point guard Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket).
The 25-year old Serbian player spent last season in two teams. He started it with Mega Hypo Leasing and in January moved to Radnicki 034 Group. He appeared 16 times in Serbian league with Hypo Leasing averaging 9.1 ppg and 2 rpg. He also had 3 games in Balkan League adding 8.7 ppg and 3.7 apg. With Radnicki 034 Group Igor Mijajlovic played 9 more games in Serbian A league registering 9.8 ppg and 3.2 apg. Both his teams were close to reach the Superleague.
Before Hypo Leasing and 034 Group, Igor Mijajlovic played for Masinac Kraljevo. Unfortunately he was sidelined for the entire 07/08 due to injury. Just a month before that Mijajlovic was a member of Serbian University Team on the World University Games 2007 in Bangkok.
Otopeni ended regular season 08/09 as No.6 with 18-10 record. The cruised past CSU Brasov with perfect 2-0 in the Quarterfinals, but later they met Timisoara loosing the Semis with 2-3.

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RUSSIA

Russia U20 beat Croatia U20 in the opener of the International Turgut Atakol Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 -Russia U20 89:99

Russia U20 opened the International Turgut Atakol Tournament with the win over Croatia U20. A very productive game with the good percentage from the field from both teams brought the Russian juniors the first 99:89 victory.
Russia cruised past the opponent from the very beginning and took 10:8 lead. Another spurt gave the plus 10, 22:12 and the same difference at the end of the opening quarter, 32:22. Croatia first scored in the second period and reduced to 24:32. Semen Shashkov (205-F-89) brought the winners 38:26 as Russia kept the difference at the halftime. After 20-20 in the frame the teams went to the lockers with 52:42 margin.
Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) pulled his team to 61:44 in the middle of the third period when it seemed that Russia was ready to push the tempo for good. No matter how hard Croatia tried to reduce the board showed 69:51 later in the game. Russia posted 24-20 in the third frame for 76:62 lead after thirty minutes. Led by Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) Croatia cut it to 76:68, but Pavel Gromyko brought his team 79:68. Croatia won the last period 27-23 but could not reach the opponents at the end, 89:99.
Vladimir Ivlev top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Semen Antonov (203-F-89) posted 14. Semen Shashkov nailed 11 and Maxim Zakharov, Valentin Novikov (195-F-89) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) had 10 each. Bojan Bogdanovic exploded with 26 points and 11 rebounds in defeat, whilst Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89) and Pavle Marcinkovic (197-G-89) added 16 apiece.

Croatia U20: Bojan Bogdanovic 26+11 rebs, Karlo Vragovic 16, Pavle Marcinkovic 16
Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 15+9 rebs, Semen Antonov 14, Semen Shashkov 11, Maxim Zakharov 10, Valentin Novikov 10, Maxim Grigoryev 10

VTB League shapes up - by Eurobasket News
The VTB League will enjoy its inaugural season this year. The VTB Promo Cup was held in Moscow last season and was claimed successful. So October 14, 2009 is the starting point of the new project.
Seven out of eight participating teams have been cleared off. These are CSKA, Unics and Khimky from Russia, Azovmash and BC Donetsk from Ukraine, Zalgiris from Lithuania and VEF Riga of Latvia. The name of the eighths team will be disclosed soon. Estonia and Poland could possibly delegate their representative to the newly created league.
The VTB League Final Four is slated for February 6-7, 2010.

Sergei Bazarevich close to Dynamo Moscow job - by Eurobasket News
Sergei Bazarevich could be the next head coach of Dynamo Moscow. The Moscow outfit is looking for the replacement of David Blatt . Some Russian sources claim Sergei Bazarevich and the team have reached an agreement. Bazarevich worked with Dynamo Moscow and CSKA junior teams in 2001-2005. He was also at the helm in Samara before leaving in 2006.
Spanish news agencies report that Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) can boost Khimky roster. The Spanish 29-year-old guard spent his whole career playing for Unicaja. Last year he averaged 8.9 points, 2.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game in the ACB. In Euroleague his stats came up to 7.7 points and 1.5 assists.

USA University Team topple Russia - by Eurobasket News
USA - Russia 67:63
The USA University selection claimed the second win at the Serbia International Invitational in Belgrade. They held off Russian counterparts for a 2-1 record. Russia suffered the second loss and slipped at 1-2 record. Corey Fisher (6'1''-G-88) knocked down 15 points to lift the North American team to the tough victory.
The teams kept it close in the opening frame as the USA earned just a three-point lead after ten minutes. Da'Sean Butler (6'7''-F-88) nailed 4 points in a 12:0 rally as the USA cleared off to a 33:21 advantage in the second stanza. Russia responded with six points of their own to trim the deficit before Corey Fisher capped the half with a three-pointer giving the USA a 36:27 lead.
The USA maintained the lead early in the frame before Russia stepped on the gas. They went on a 15:2 surge that propelled them to a one-point lead late in the quarter. The North American side tied the score at 50 after thirty minutes. The USA were up by just one with under two minutes to go. Russia hit a jumper to steal the advantage with. Deon Thompson (6'8''-F-88) missed both free throws on the other end but Robbie Hummel (6'8''-F-89) grabbed an offensive rebound and poured in a decisive bucket. Zibiriv followed with the miss and then committed an intentional foul that put Talor Battle to the line. He sealed the winning outcome from the stripe.
Deon Thompson notched 12 points and 9 rebounds for the USA. Da'Sean Butler and Robbie Hummel produced 8 points each in the win. Aleksey Zhukanenko (6'11''-F-86) responded with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Russia. Kotishevskiy and Eugeny Voronov (6'4''-G-86) canned 9 points each in defeat.

USA: Corey Fisher 15, Deon Thompson 12, Robbie Hummel 8, Da'Sean Butler 8
Russia: Aleksey Zhukanenko 16+10 boards, Aleksey Kotishevskiy (6'3''-F-85) 9, Eugeny Voronov 9

Carlos Cabezas to join Khimky? - by Eurobasket News
According to the rumors Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) will continue career in Russian Khimky Moscow Region. The 28-year old Cabezas got pretty good offer and his answer is expected during the next 48 hours. Three-year deal is mentioned and his arrival is connected with head coach of Team Spain Sergio Scariolo, who is at the same time HC of Khimky. Scariolo called up Cabezas for the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. There is another connection - Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances), who has a valid contract with the team. However, nothing is officially confirmed and at this moment this is just a rumor, as well as that Real Madrid is interested in Garba.
Carlos Cabezas played for just one team so far - Unicaja Malaga. Last season he appeared in 12 Euroleague games averaging 7.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg. In ACB he had 28 games aadding 8.9 ppg, 2 apg and 1.9 rpg. Since 2003 Cabezas is a member of Team Spain. In 2007 he was named 'Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Europeans Team'. With Spain he won the Gold medal on the World Championship 2006 in Japan.
Khimky Moscow Region reached two finals last season, but was not able to win the trophy. In EuroCup Final Lietuvos Rytas celebrated, while in Russian Finals CSKA defended the trophy.

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SERBIA

Stefan Sinovec in Partizan - by Zoran Popovic
Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) is new player of Serbian Champion. Sinovec will spend in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd next four seasons. Sinovec started career in Vizura and played for them in period 2005-2009 and in February 2009 Sinovec signed short term contract with Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. During the season 2008-2009 in Vizura Sinovec on 20 games average scored 16.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 steals and from February 2009 till the end of the season for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny on 15 games average scored 6.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.7 steals. Stefan Sinovec was member of Serbian U20 National team.

Serbia cruise past Canada in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Canada 99:73

Serbian University Team celebrated the third straight win at the Invitational tournament prior to the 2009 Unversiade in Belgrade. They defeated Canada Development Team to finish the tourney at 3-0 record. Canada in the meantime suffered three consecutive defeats to complete the action winless.
Serbia dominated the paint scoring 29 points in the opening frame. Canada could not match the effort and appeared trailing by 11 points at the first break. The hosts continued to mount pressure as they ensured a 17-point cushion at the interval. Canada struggled defensively as they were staggered in the third frame once again. Serbia accounted for 29 points to secure a 28-point advantage with one quarter to go. The North American team finally outscored the home side by two points but it just sweetened the pill for them.
Radjulica finished with 16 points for Serbia. Simonovic added 13 points, while Keselj and Borovnjak had 10 points each in the victory. Upshaw replied with 14 points for Canada. Josh Whyte delivered 12 points in defeat.
Serbia had a massive 42:19 advantage on the boards. Canada will open the University Games against Italy on July 2. Serbia will face Greece on the same day.

Serbia: Radjulica 16, Simonovic 13, Keselj 10, Borovnjak 10
Canada: Upshaw 14, Josh Whyte 12

Croatia remained undefeated in Pescara - by Eurobasket News
Croatia-Serbia 71:69

Croatia remained undefeated in Pescara as the team escaped the thriller from Serbia and won 71:69. The latter tried hard to beat the opponent but fell at 1-2 in the standings.
Croatia started strong but could enjoy only 20:17 lead after the first 10 minutes of the game. Serbia bounced back and trailed only 1 points at the end of the second quarter. Croatia still led the game 43:42 when the teams went to the lockers. Another quarter brought 20-1 for Croatian team that increased the deficit to 6 points before the last stanza. In the end the teams paid more attention to defense and realized the importance of the victory. Serbia won 12-8, but lost the game 69:71.
Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) paced all the winners with 15 points. Damir Rancic (197-G-83) and Ante Tomic (215-C-87) followed him with 13 points each as Croatia is 3-0 in the group. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) nailed 14 points in defeat, while Dusko Bunic (205-C-89) scored 11.
In another game of the group Greece celebrated the second win at the Mediterranean Games in Italy. They held off Morocco in the third round of preliminary action in Group A 96:84. Morocco suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the table.

Croatia: Krunoslav Simon 15, Damir Rancic 13, Ante Tomic 13
Serbia: Dragan Milosavljevic 14, Dusko Bunic 11

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SLOVAKIA

Zilina get some reinforcement - by Eurobasket News
Zilina entered the market prior to the Extraliga season. They started to bolster their squad landing several new players.
Zilina have agreed with on terms of contract with Miroslav Futo (207-C-80, agency: Promotex). The 29-year-old centre played for Dolny Kubin in the last season. There he averaged 10.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Miroslav Futo used to play for Zilina from 2003 through 2005.
Jan Zavodny (188-G-87) is also close to signing a contract with the team. The 22-year-old guard tallied 6.8 points, 2.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game playing for Rieker Komarno in the last season. Jan Zavodny was the member of the Slovakian U18 and U20 National Teams.

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SLOVENIA

Barcelona keeps Lakovic for two more years - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian National Team member Jaka Lakovic and FC Barcelona agreed to a two-years contract extension. Lakovic has spent the past three seasons with Barcelona and joined the Euroleague's exclusive 2,000-point club this past season. He averaged 9.9 points and 2.9 assists in 18 Euroleague games last year, despite missing time midseason due to nasal surgery. Lakovic shined brightest in the Quarterfinal Playoffs, recording 14.8 points and 2.6 assists per game to lead Barcelona to the Final Four.

Begic replaces Preldzic on National Team roster - by Zeljko Zule
Center Mirza Begic (218-C-85) of Union Olimpija, native Bosnian, has replaced Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) of Fenerbahce Ulker on the Slovenian National Team roster that will start a 7-day training camp on July 22 at Rogla. Emir Preldzic has turned down the call to Slovenia National Team he got by Juri Zdovc and decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina instead. .

The Zasavje project is a reality? - by Uros Vujic
As previously reported, the idea of merging the teams in Zasavje region is progressing in the right direction. Hrastnik, Trbovlje and Zagorje are planing to join and create a solid and stable basketball enviroment, that will develope and promote the game in that part of Slovenija. By the predicted scenario there should be 2 joined teams compeeting in the upcoming season. The UPC league will be played in Trbovlje as the first team of the new ''society'' and the second team would participate in the B1 division. As planed, the B1 games should be played in Hrastnik, providing the young prospects of the region the needed experinece and good working conditions for further developement.

Zlatorog brings back Pelko and inks Bubnic, Elektra adds Podvrsnik, Krka and coach Sunara part ways - by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog kept adding talent to its backcourt with the announcement that Jure Pelko (190-G-90) is returning to the club where he won U-16 Championship. He heads to Lasko after two seasons in Hrastnik with whom he during the 2008-09 season played 20 B-1 League games with averages 10,2 points (2P 49-96, 3P 22-75, FT 40-55), 4,0 rebounds, 1,7 asists and 1,5 steals. He also had 19,2 points, 4,3 rebounds, 4,7 assists and 4,1 steals in 22 Slovenian Junior League appearances of 36 minutes on average and he won U-18 Championship. Zlatorog also inked CRO-SLO Drazen Bubnic (207-F-86) ex Luka Koper. He has an one-year contract with an option to extend it for one year.
Miha Zalokar (203-F-80) and Vjekoslav Petrovic (193-G/F-81) have extended theirs contracts at runner-up Helios by a further year to the end of June 2010, the NLB Adriatic League and UPC League club said today.

Elektra Esotech inked Andrej Podvrsnik (186-G-87) ex Hopsi for the upcoming season.
Krka have agreed to release coach Ivan Sunara (agency: Agency No 10 ) from his contract, the UPC League club said on their website. Sunara led the club to a 3rd place last season and semifinals of Cup Spar.
Polish team AZS Koszalin have appointed U-20 Slovenian National Team coach Radomir Mijanovic as their new coach.

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SWITZERLAND

Geneva Devils have new coach - by Roger Kurz
The Geneva Devils agreed terms with Rodrigue M'Baye who was the coach of Chalons en Champagne in France N1 this season . He coached several teams in France like Reims in Pro B and was the coach assistant of Chalon in Pro A .
Geneva Devils renewed the contract of Matthias Kautzor-Schroder (195-G-75, college: Wisc.-Parkside), who was one of the key players this season to a 1 year contract .
Geneva Devils also renewed the contract of Sacha Kresovic (200-F-82), who didn't played a lot this season and they signed him a 1 year contract .
For the new arrivals : The Geneva Devils anounced Yassine Khoumssi (191-G-86), who played this season in MGS . He is playing point guard and will be the 1st point guard of the team .
Geneva devils anounced the arrival of Othare Agbavwe (186-G-81, college: Mass.-Lowell), who was this season the teammate of Khoumssi in MGS .
The Geneva Devils closed with this signings the point guard position for the next season .

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Trinidad and Tobago National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Young

George

Pompey

Benjamin

Ashby

Kenyatta Alfred (-F) of University of Trinidad and Tobago
Ian Young (191-G-81) of Ohod Al Madina (KSA)
Kurt Christian (-F/G-83) of Detour Shak Attack
Kevin Garcia (203-C) of Petro Jazz
Kern George of University of Trinidad and Tobago
Reggie George (208-C-85) of Halifax Rainmen (CAN)
Steven Lewis (193-F) of Defence Force
Marlon Pompey (203-F-83) of Limerick Lions Basketball Club (IRL)
Wilfred Benjamin (201-F/C-84) of Al Ahli Jeddah (KSA)
Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82) of Tokyo Apache (JPN)
Kyle Rowley (213-C-90) of Northwestern University (USA)
Miguel Williams (206-C-78) of Petro Jazz
Head Coach: Terry Layton
Assistant Coach: Lenny Guy

TnT defeats Jamaica in CBC opener - by Don Farrell
TORTOLA (CBC Championship) - Trinidad & Tobago opened the CBC Championship by beating Jamaica 88-76.

The first quarter was for Trinidad 18-14 as Steven Lewis had 8 points. Jamaica lost starting point guard Chaz Carr due to injury in the first minute.

Trinidad was efficient from the paint but in the second quarter they made four three pointers to finish with 25 points and dominate at the half 43-26. Steven Lewis had 17 points while Reginald George scored 10 for Trinidad. Samardo Samuels had 12 for Jamaica.

Jamaica had a 17-3 run to take a 52-51 lead and finish the third quarter tied at 58.

The offense of Trinidad woke up in the final quarter with 30 points and took a double digit lead in the final minutes.

Steven Arthur Lewis netted 27 points, Reginald George 18 and Wilfred Benjamin 14 in the win.

Samardo Samuels scored 22 and Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 21 for Jamaica.

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TURKEY

Latvia U20 upset the hosts of the International Turgut Atakol Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Latvia U20 55:80

Latvian U20 National team upset the hosts of the International Turgut Atakol Tournament, Turkey. Latvia looked much better in all the aspects of the game taking 80:55 victory.
Turkey could only taste 2:0 from the start as later Latvia made it 15:7. With some back-to-back baskets Latvia increased to 21:9 at the end of the first 10 minutes of the game. Arturs Duselis and Davis Rozitis opened the second period for 25:9. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) scored for Turkey to make it 28:16. The hosts of the International Turgut Atakol Tournament won the period 21-17 to cut it to 30:38 at the halftime.
Dusan Cantekin brought more intrigue for 32:38, but Latvia escaped with 44:37. When the hosts had 44, Latvia managed to go on 60 points. Janis Strelniekis brought his team 63:47 and later on the guests kept the score for good.
Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) paced all the winners with 17 points. Janis Strelniekis nailed 13, whilst Kalvis Krumins (183-G-90) scored 8. Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) delivered 15 points in the losing case, Ilkan Karaman poured in 10 and Alican Guney notched 7.
In another game Russia U20 opened the International Turgut Atakol Tournament with the win over Croatia U20. A very productive game with the good percentage from the field from both teams brought the Russian juniors the first 99:89 victory.

Turkey U20: Melih Mahmutoglu 15, Ilkan Karaman 10, Alican Guney 7
Latvia U20: Dairis Bertans 17, Janis Strelniekis 13, Kalvis Krumins 8

Turkey needed 3 overtimes to outscore Italy 121-119 - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Italy 121:119
The game between Turkey and Italy was the most expected, the most excited and became the most interesting. Turkey needed three overtimes to beat the hosts of the Mediterranean Games and to win Group B. A 12-10 in third overtime brought Turkey 121:119 victory for the third straight win.
The game reminded carousel as the teams exchanged the lead several times. The first period brought 20:19 for the Turkish side, however Italy replied with 26-12 in the second period to take 45:32 advantage at the halftime. Another 25-25 in the third period kept Italy in front, but Turkey woke up in the end. The guests responded with 24-11 in the fourth, not the last period to tie the game after 40 minutes. In the first overtime the teams scored 12 points each as well as in the second, 16:16. The third overtime brought another expectations for the fans that however saw the 119:112 loss of the local team. Both squads showed their best games and made the game the best one so far in the tournament.
Engin Atsur (194-G-84, college: N.Carolina St.) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll (MT)) nailed 20. Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) posted 18, while Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) added 17. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) notched 29 points for the hosts and Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) delivered 26. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) collected 16 points and 16 rebounds as Italy finished the group with 2-1 record.
In another game of the group Montenegro secured the initial win at the Mediterranean Games. They held off Albania in the third preliminary round in Group B 92:73.

Turkey:Engin Atsur 26, Sinan Guler 20, Cemal Nalga 18, Baris Hersek 17
Italy: Pietro Aradori 29, Daniele Cinciarini 26, Luigi Datome 16+16 rebs

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legacy Silences Speak the Word 84-73; Lakers Crush Umoja 89-59 - by David Edole
June 29, 2009 -- Sunday night in New Breed Basketball Association action at the Educational Complex Gymnasium, Legacy used a defensive second half for a come-from-behind 84-73 victory over Speak the Word, while Umoja got bombed by the Lakers 89-59 in a lopsided contest.

Legacy 84, Speak the Word 59

For the second consecutive game, Speak the Word got off to a fast start and led at the half, only to see an opponent stage a comeback in the second half to defeat them. On Sunday they took everything that Legacy threw at them in the first half and enjoyed a 37-31 lead at intermission, but a tenacious defensive effort by Legacy in the third quarter quickly erased a lead that had swelled to as much as 10 points.
Legacy's decision to go to a full-court press proved to be the turning point in the game as Speak the Word had a hard time getting the ball up the floor. They committed numerous turnovers that led to a plethora of easy baskets for Legacy. Meanwhile, Chris Floyd (183-G) and Bobby Evans got hot offensively for Legacy in the third period. The beneficiaries of many of the turnovers, they both scorched the nets for 10 points apiece to lead to a 29-18 third quarter over Speak the Word.
Both players did most of their scoring in the second half as Evans netted 18 and Floyd 15 after the break to lead the comeback.
Evans finished with game highs in both points and assists with 22 and six, respectively. Legacy's center, Ricky Aaron, was dominant on both ends of the floor, scoring 18 points while grabbing a game-high 12 boards. The winners also got useful scoring from player-coach Lenny Redwine and Floyd, who both finished with 17 points. Devonte Xavier led four Speak the Word players in double figures with 21 points. Nybo Rodgers netted 12, Danny Kirby 11 and Kyle Davis dropped in 10.

Lakers 89, Umoja 59

Game one on Sunday was complete blowout as the Lakers showed that they will be one of the teams challenging for the championship trophy this year with a resounding 89-59, 30-point shellacking of Umoja. This one was over quite early as Umoja just could not keep up with the high-flying Lakers. Rashawn Williams in the first half and Jerome Nathaniel in the second half lit up Umojah for 27 and 24 points, respectively, to lead the young Lakers. Williams poured in 23 of his game-high 27 points in the first half and, with 10 points from teammate Charles Moorehead, helped propelled the Lakers to a 49-30, 19-point lead at intermission.
Nathaniel took over most of the scoring for the Lakers in the second half, scoring 17 of his 24 points to lead the Lakers as they outscored Umoja 40-29 after the break. Kadeem Jones scored 14 points for Umoja in the second half, but most of his scoring was done after Lakers' coach Calvin Burke had call off the dogs defensively and offensively.
The Lakers also got 15 points from Moorehead and 12 from Ivor James in the blowout victory, while Nathaniel hauled down 10 rebounds to go with his 24 points. Kadim jones led Umoja with a team-high 21 points. He also had five steals and grabbed five boards. Paul Jones was the only other Umojah player in double figures, but teammate Melvin Adams had useful contributions of eight points and eight rebounds.
by Dave Davis

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UNITED KINGDOM

Dave Titmuss takes over Worthing Thunder - by Eurobasket News
Worthing Thunder Basketball announced that experienced Dave Titmuss will take over the team as a Head Coach for season 2009/10. Worthing ended 08/09 regular season as No.11 staying far below the line for the Playoffs. That was the main reason why they decided to change the system, and the most important problem is resolved now.
Coach Dave Titmuss is coming to Worthing from Reading Rockets, where he spent almost the entire decade. The team competed in EBL all these years, except from 2001-2003. Last season the Rockets had perfect 36-0 record and they claimed all four trophies available to them in EBL Division 1. Of course Titmuss was named 'Eurobasket.com All-British EBL Division One Coach of the Year'. In 2008 they were Division 1 Finalist and EBL Trophy winners. They defended EBL Trophy this year also. Reading was EBL champion last season, as well as in 2006.
Coach Titmuss is under no illusions about the role he is undertaking, but is confident that he can help the team progress: 'It's going to be tough. But if our guys can excel at playing together at both ends of the floor, if they commit to doing what it takes to win, then we'll have a team that supporters and everyone associated with Thunder will appreciate and be proud of.'
The first game of the next season for Worthing Thunder's is scheduled for September 19. That will be a part of 'Thunder Cup'.

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URUGUAY

Three players invited to National Team. - by Sergio Dans
The Head Coach of the National Team Gerardo Jauri invite the first three players to participate in the training of the selection.
The coaches selected for this first instance Bruno Fittipaldo (183-G-91), Nicolas Alvarez (196-G/F-92) and Joaquin Osimani (193-F-87).
The invitation is to participate in the double-shift scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, and may in the future according to reconvene the need of the Head Coach.
The Head Coach had use of these invitations because several players for various reasons have not been incorporated into the National Team.For example the Mvp of Uruguay Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) is playing now with great sucess in Venezuela.

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USBA

USBA President was Atlanta Hawks Player for a Day, Thanks to Bank of America - by USBA Media
Duane Jenkins, president and chief executive officer of the United States Basketball Association (USBA), since childhood, always wanted to 'float to the hole or fire a rainbow from 32 feet in the NBA' and thanks to Bank of America, the USBA chief was able to live out his basketball dream as an Atlanta Hawk for the Day. 'Running a basketball minor league is great but in comparison to being exposed to the bigs, nothing compares, this was outstanding,' exclaimed Jenkins. 'Being a Hawks Player for the Day was one of the most exhilarating events of my life,' continued Jenkins. 'I felt like floating 10ft off the court'

Jenkins was listening to WSB-AM in 2001, when Neal Boortz, a popular Atlanta radio talk show host, announced that Bank of America, then the nations largest bank, was holding a Be a Hawk for a Day promotion. Boortz explained that the winner receive a one game contract, don an official Hawks uniform, complete with their name on the back, a complete game outfit and participate in a pregame practice, Jenkins knew he had to enter and hoped he would win. There were 300,000 entries that came in through facsimile and e-mail.

Jenkins was notified he was selected as a finalist. He participated in the final drawing, which was held at half time at the New York Knicks basketball game on November 27, in which he won the top prize. Six finalists were blindfolded, placed on all fours and sent scurrying around the basketball floor, in search of a large bag of money.

As the Bank of America Hawks Player for a Day, Jenkins dined with the players, suited up in a Hawks uniform and participated in a pregame team warm-up. He also sat on the bench during the Los Angeles Clippers game and hung out with the Hawks players in the locker room. For all his work Jenkins was paid the average daily-prorated pay for one days work as a Hawk, which amounts to about $15,000.00.

'One of the most memorable moments was when, coach Lon Kruger complimented me on my three-pointers' Jenkins said, ' I told coach put me in, I'm ready to play.'

Jenkins at the time was a partner in Southern Regional Automotive Consumer Consultant Agency, a credit union consultant firm, based in Norcross, Georgia.

Bank of America an official sponsor of the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers as well as being founding partner of the Phillips Arena. This promotion was an extension of the banks partnership with the basketball team.

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Women News

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ALBANIA - Women

Albania better Malta in Pescara - by Eurobasket News
Albania - Malta 73:69
Albania grabbed the win over Malta at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara today. The teams clashed in the classification games for the 5th-7th spot. Albania built a crucial lead in the first three quarters and managed to survive a fierce comeback effort from Malta in the final frame to ensure the first win at the tournament.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first frame but Albania were able to take a 2-point lead into the second quarter. The low-scoring second quarter saw Albania maintain the lead. They arrived at the major break up by 5 points. Albania went off locker room firing from all guns as they raced in front. They ensured a 14-point buffer before the final term. Rebecca Thoresen (178-F-78) orchestrated Maltas comeback rally but it went fruitless as Albania escaped with a narrow victory at the end.
Brikena Cakici (176-G-80) knocked down 23 points to lead Albania. Rezarta Hoxhaj (-82) added 19 points and 9 rebounds in the winning effort. Rebecca Thoresen replied with game-high 31 points and 5 boards for Malta. Josephine Grima (190-C-84) netted 20 points in defeat.
Malta will face Turkey tomorrow.

Albania: Brikena Cakici 23, Rezarta Hoxhaj 19, Migena Plasa (185-C-76) 12
Malta: Rebecca Thoresen 31, Josephine Grima 20

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ARGENTINA - Women

Argentinian U19 National Team 2009 - by Richard

Gonzalez

Boquete

Santana

Nadia Flores (174-G-90) of Lanus
Macarena Durso (176-G) of Sunderland
Debora Gonzalez (174-G-90) of G.M.A. Phonica Pozzuoli (ITA)
Natacha Perez (179-G) of Petroleros YPF Mendoza
Macarena Rosset (178-G/F-90) of Velez Sarsfield
Paula Budini (178-G/F-90) of Velez Sarsfield
Rocio Rojas (168-G-91) of Union Florida
Melisa Pavicich (182-F-91) of Lanus
Andrea Boquete (178-F-90) of Eliocroca Lorca (ESP)
Ornella Santana (184-F/C-90) of Velez Sarsfield
Agostina Burani (189-F/C-91) of Lanus
Fernanda Melo (190-C)
Coach: Eduardo Pinto

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Asian Womens Championship To Be Held In Chennai - by Yudhistir Krishna
Chennai will host the 23rd FIBA Asian womens basketball championship from September 17 to 24. The championship will be held in two divisions and India, which topped the Second Division in Korea two years ago, will be making its premier division debut this time.

Chennai will be hosting the womens Asian championship for the first time ever, said the national bodys Selection Committee Chairman P. J. Sunny.

The Indian camp for the championship will be held in Indore from July 13 to August 26.India, ranked 44 in the world, have last years Beijing Olympics semifinalist China (World No. 6), Korea (9), Japan (15), Chinese Taipei (21) and Thailand (No. 40) for company in the premier division.

The top three finishers of the elite division will qualify for next years World championship in the Czech Republic.

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BULGARIA - Women

Bulgaria loses heavily to Russia University Team in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria - U25 Russia 55 97

Bulgarian National team lost its second control match, suffering 55-97 defeat at the hands of Russia University Team. Even though they played at home and had the crowd support, Bulgarian players could not beat the stronger opponent suffering a heavy defeat. Another reason for such large margin is that Bulgaria has several players which are making debut with the National Team and they are at the beginning of the preparations period. On the other had, Russian University Team is close to the optimal form as they will take participation at University Games in Belgrade which start next week.
Russian team took the advantage from the opening tip off and did not let it go until the final buzzer. They easily built their lead in the 1st quarter to 15 as Bulgarian players did not have answer to their offensive setups. In the second quarter, Russia continued to dictate the rhythm of the game pressuring Bulgarian players. This lead to several turnovers committed by Bulgaria which Russian players converted into easy baskets. At the halftime the score stood at 29-49. In the third quarter it was evident that Bulgarian players are at the begging of the preparations. Their legs were heavy and their attacks seemed somewhat off the beat, as Russia used this to further increase their lead. With 10 minutes left in the contest Russia had 44-73 lead. In the fourth they did not let up, but continued to press on like the score was close. Bulgarian players could not put up a more serious resistance as they looked tired and were just waiting for the final horn. In the end Russia won by 42 point margin.
For Bulgaria, only one player scored in double digits and that was Veselka Todorova (192-C-88) who had 10. For Russia, best player of the contest was Elena Danilochkina (184-G-86) who led all scorers with 23 points. These two teams will play one more game which is scheduled for Sunday.

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CROATIA - Women

Serbia with dramatic semifinal win over Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Croatia 76:71 (OT)

Serbia scraped into the Mediterranean Games Final. They overcame Croatia in a thrilling semifinal encounter today to reach the championship game. Serbia trailed by 8 points at the major break but recovered sending the clash into the extra period. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) paced the Serbian team to a hard-fought victory after five minutes of extra play. She finished with game-high 29 points and 6 boards in the win.
Croatia used some offensive boards and capitalized on turnovers from Serbia to take a 21:15 lead after ten minutes. Croatian team maintained the lead throughout the second period using a well-balanced effort. They arrived at halftime in charge 39:31. But Serbia closed their defense in the second half and started to claw their way back into this one. Sonja Petrovic was unstoppable in attack giving Serbia a needed boost. Serbia climbed into overtime and secured a tough win at the end.
Jefimija Karakasevic (191-C-89) tallied 13 points and 6 boards for Serbia. Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) added 11 points for the winning side. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) replied with 17 points and 6 boards for Croatia. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Iva Ciglar (170-G-85) had 15 points each in the loss.

Serbia: Sonja Petrovic 29, Jefimija Karakasevic 13, Nina Bogicevic 11
Croatia: Iva Sliskovic 17, Jelena Ivezic 15, Iva Ciglar 15

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FRANCE - Women

Spain U20 wins over France U20 to take over them - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-France U20 71:64

Spain U20 needed the necessary victory over France U20 to finish first in 8th International Istanbul Tournament. Both teams finished with 2-1 record, however Spain tasted the win over the opponent.
France got an early 6:2 lead, but Spain replied with 7-0 run for 9:6 advantage. The latter looked better until the end of the period to take 21:16 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Ana Cata Chitiga and her team jumped to 25;23 and after 19-11 in the second frame, France enjoyed 35:32 deficit. Even though Spain tried to catch up with the opponent, France was in front for the majority of the third period and had 45:43 at the end of it. Darline Nsoki and Ana Cata Chitiga gave their team 54:48, but Spain dominated the rest of the game. Laura Herrera (189-F/C-89) brought the winners to 55:54 and then Spain led to 71:64 victory.
Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) and Menendez Antoli paced all the winners with 15 points each. Marta Xargay (180-G-90) and Laura Herrera poured in 12 points apiece. Darline Nsoki and Ana Cata Chitiga nailed 13 points each for France, whilst Doriane Tahane (192-C-89) and Virginie Bremont (178-G-89) scored 8 apiece.
Turkey U20 won the last game of the 8th International Istanbul Tournament over Russia U20 59:42. Both teams finished with 1-2 record and due to the victory over the opponent Turkey finished in the third place.

Spain U20: Cristina Ouvina 15, Menendez Antoli 15, Marta Xargay 12, Laura Herrera 12
France U20: Darline Nsoki 13, Ana Cata Chitiga 13, Doriane Tahane 8, Virginie Bremont 8

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GREECE - Women

Italy eke out semifinal win over Greece - by Eurobasket News
Italy - Greece 63:60
Italy entertained the home crowd with the semifinal victory at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara. They sneaked past Greece to reach the title decider. The second quarter proved determinant as Italy won by 5 points and never surrendered the lead.
Greece and Italy looked well matched in the starting stanza and finished ten minutes leveled at 19. But Italy played more accurately in defense in the second stanza and grabbed a 36:31 lead at halftime. Greece had some edge on the glass and kept within striking distance in the second half. Greek team trimmed the distance to just 3 points heading into the final frame. Italy remained cold-blooded in the dying minutes to seal the winning outcome in the tense game.
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) produced 18 points to pace Italy. Simona Ballardini (181-F-81) knocked down 17 points for the hosts. Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) replied with 16 points for Greece. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87) had 12 points and 10 boards in defeat. Greece outrebounded their opponents 25:22 but committed 14 turnovers. They also sank just 11% from beyond the arc, while the home team answered with 31% three-pointers accuracy.

Italy: Raffaella Masciadri 18, Simona Ballardini 17, Emanuela Ramon (187-F-82) 7
Greece: Pelagia Papamichail 16, Zoi Dimitrakou 12+10 boards

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INDIA - Women

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ITALY - Women

Mediterranean Games. Pescara 2009. Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals

Italy - Greece 63:60
Italy entertained the home crowd with the semifinal victory at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara. They sneaked past Greece to reach the title decider. The second quarter proved determinant as Italy won by 5 points and never surrendered the lead.
Greece and Italy looked well matched in the starting stanza and finished ten minutes leveled at 19. But Italy played more accurately in defense in the second stanza and grabbed a 36:31 lead at halftime. Greece had some edge on the glass and kept within striking distance in the second half. Greek team trimmed the distance to just 3 points heading into the final frame. Italy remained cold-blooded in the dying minutes to seal the winning outcome in the tense game.
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) (185-F-80) produced 18 points to pace Italy. Simona Ballardini (181-F-81) knocked down 17 points for the hosts. Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) replied with 16 points for Greece. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87) had 12 points and 10 boards in defeat. Greece outrebounded their opponents 25:22 but committed 14 turnovers. They also sank just 11% from beyond the arc, while the home team answered with 31% three-pointers accuracy.

Italy: Raffaella Masciadri 18, Simona Ballardini 17, Emanuela Ramon (187-F-82) 7
Greece: Pelagia Papamichail 16, Zoi Dimitrakou 12+10 boards

Serbia - Croatia 76:71 (OT)

Serbia scraped into the Mediterranean Games Final. They overcame Croatia in a thrilling semifinal encounter today to reach the championship game. Serbia trailed by 8 points at the major break but recovered sending the clash into the extra period. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) paced the Serbian team to a hard-fought victory after five minutes of extra play. She finished with game-high 29 points and 6 boards in the win.
Croatia used some offensive boards and capitalized on turnovers from Serbia to take a 21:15 lead after ten minutes. Croatian team maintained the lead throughout the second period using a well-balanced effort. They arrived at halftime in charge 39:31. But Serbia closed their defense in the second half and started to claw their way back into this one. Sonja Petrovic was unstoppable in attack giving Serbia a needed boost. Serbia climbed into overtime and secured a tough win at the end.
Jefimija Karakasevic (191-C-89) tallied 13 points and 6 boards for Serbia. Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) added 11 points for the winning side. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) replied with 17 points and 6 boards for Croatia. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Iva Ciglar (170-G-85) had 15 points each in the loss.

Serbia: Sonja Petrovic 29, Jefimija Karakasevic 13, Nina Bogicevic 11
Croatia: Iva Sliskovic 17, Jelena Ivezic 15, Iva Ciglar 15

Classification 5-7
Albania - Malta 73:69
Albania grabbed the win over Malta at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara today. The teams clashed in the classification games for the 5th-7th spot. Albania built a crucial lead in the first three quarters and managed to survive a fierce comeback effort from Malta in the final frame to ensure the first win at the tournament.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first frame but Albania were able to take a 2-point lead into the second quarter. The low-scoring second quarter saw Albania maintain the lead. They arrived at the major break up by 5 points. Albania went off locker room firing from all guns as they raced in front. They ensured a 14-point buffer before the final term. Rebecca Thoresen (178-F-78) orchestrated Maltas comeback rally but it went fruitless as Albania escaped with a narrow victory at the end.
Brikena Cakici (176-G-80) knocked down 23 points to lead Albania. Rezarta Hoxhaj (-82) added 19 points and 9 rebounds in the winning effort. Rebecca Thoresen replied with game-high 31 points and 5 boards for Malta. Josephine Grima (190-C-84) netted 20 points in defeat.
Malta will face Turkey tomorrow.

Albania: Brikena Cakici 23, Rezarta Hoxhaj 19, Migena Plasa (185-C-76) 12
Malta: Rebecca Thoresen 31, Josephine Grima 20

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LATVIA - Women

After some rest, Latvian star Anete Jekabsone-Zogota will come out firing - by Eurobasket News
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) was looking forward to getting some sleep Sunday night.

The Connecticut Sun are looking forward to seeing their newest player in action.

An exhausted Jekabsone-Zogota had her first practice with Connecticut Sunday after her flight from Lativa arrived in New York after midnight.

I thought, 'Oh, I'll fall asleep,' Jekabsone-Zogota smiled. I slept maybe two hours.

Jekabsone-Zogota, a 25-year-old guard, was the Sun's biggest offseason acquisition. The left-handed shooter has been one of Europe's top players and is expected to give Connecticut the perimeter threat it has lacked at times.

Former UConn star Barbara Turner was waived in order to comply with the WNBA's 11-man roster limit.

Jekabsone-Zogota has played internationally since 1998, but never in the WNBA.

When I was younger, it was my dream to come to the WNBA, Jekabsone-Zogota said. I think now is the time. If I didn't come now, I'd never come here. ... (This is) the highest level where you can play basketball.

Jekabsone-Zogota was the 2007 FIBA Europe Women's Player of the Year and runnerup in 2008. She averaged 17 points for Moscow Dynamo this winter.

Success overseas doesn't guarantee success in the WNBA, but Sun coach Mike Thibault said Jekabsone-Zogota does the one thing that translates over to any league - she makes open shots.

Jekabsone-Zogota was a 50 percent shooter for Dynamo this winter and shot 42.1 percent (40 of 95) from the 3-point line.

She's a great shooter, Thibault said. She's smart. ... She just understands instinctively the offensive end of the court.

Thibault said that two or three teams interested in Jekabsone-Zogota.

Asked why she chose Connecticut, Jekabsone-Zogota said: For the coach. He came to Moscow. We talked. I liked how he saw me play. He knew how I play. He knows my style.

Said Thibault: I think the fact that I got on a plane and came all the way (to Moscow) convinced her that I was serious about wanting her to come here.

Thibault expects her to play significant minutes, but added it was too early to say whether she'll get those as a starter or a reserve.

She'll play a fair amount of minutes if she's as good as I think she is, Thibault said. Right now I'm not looking to mess with the chemistry, but the minutes that Barbara was playing for a while, 18-to-20 minutes a game, are there right away for her.

Turner was in the midst of a horrible shooting slump. She was shooting 20.5 percent from the field, ranking 138th out of 143 players in the WNBA.

She got in a slump that she couldn't get her way out of it, Thibault said. She knew that she hasn't played as well as she'd like to. She made a lot of those shots for us last year and she just couldn't make them.

It was hard for me to (cut her) because I like her and I like that she gave us a boost last year, but it's a bottom line business.

Connecticut will have to waive another player later this week when French forward-center Sandrine Gruda arrives. She will miss Thursday's game at Indiana, but will meet the Sun in Indianapolis Friday.

Sun host golf tournament

Members of the Sun will be on hand today at Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug in Baltic for the second annual Connecticut Sun Foundation Golf Tournament. Proceeds will benefit the Connecticut Sun Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to high school seniors, and grants to be used for the refurbishment of basketball courts and equipment. The tourney begins at 12:30 p.m

Courtesy of www.theday.com

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MALTA - Women

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PUERTO RICO - Women

With a championship in their sight - by Raul Colon
The Mayaguez Indians are back with a loaded roster in hope to capture the league championship that eluded them back last year. Owner Gabriel Miranda has decided to remain true to his roster, a roster that was good enough to put a scare on the mighty Valencianas of Juncos.

I have a challenge here. We will put out the best product on the court with the intention of winning that championship said Miranda.

As with last season, the 2009 edition of the Indians will be loaded with athleticism and agility. Leading the way for the second consecutive year is Marlene Zwarich who almost average a double figure (15.5 points and 8.17) rebounds) every time she took the court. Also on the roster are Aixanell Santos (13.2/4.48) and Mari Palacios (11.7/6.65). Both players are part of the 2009 Puerto Rican national team.

Milagros Martinez, Karen Colon, Jomary Syevens, Jade Paez and Zacha Gonzalez form the core of Mayaguezs lineup.
We are please with it (roster). In fact, we believed that, aside another import player, we dont need that much help on it
Case taken when Miranda and his staff decided to pass on selecting a player in the 2009 Players Draft held this past May.

National team head coach and current Quebradilla Pirates manager, Omar Gonzalez, will once again lead the Indians fortunes.

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ROMANIA - Women

Big names signed with Targoviste - by Nagy Szilveszter
Big names of the European women basketball signed with Romanian team, MCM Targoviste. The list is very interesting: 6 foreigner player and 1 Romanian player. So here are the players: Emma Randall (188-C-85), Nicky Anosike (192-C-86, college: Tennessee), Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina), Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81), Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) and Katia Levitsky (188-F-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova). The Romanian player is: Alexandra Uiuiu (183-F-89). A Bulgarian player + 2 Romanian players will complete the name of the newcomers in the Romanian champion team. From the last season will remain only 4 players: Monika Boriga (176-G/F-74), Gabriela Toma (190-C-74), AnneMarie Parau (174-G-84) and Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.).
Emma Randall is an Australian player who played in the last season in France for Stade Clermontois Auvergne Basket 63. Averaged 17.8 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game. She was the top scorer in the French Basketball League. She is also a component of the Australian National Team.
Nicky Anosike is the biggest transfer for Targoviste. She played now in WNBA for Minnesota Lynx, but she played in the last season for Elizur Ramla (Israel) and AZS PWSZ Gorzow (Poland). She averaged: in the Israeli League 8.4 rebounds per game and 0.8 blocks per game; in the Polish League 14.2 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game; in the EuroCup Women 18. 5 points per game and 13.3 rebounds per game (finished in the 1st place with this performance) with Elizur Ramla. She was in the All-Defensive Team of the EuroCup Women 08/09 by Eurobasket.
Tatyana Troina is a Belarussian player who finished with her national team at the 4th place of Eurobasket Women 2009 in Latvia. She won the Israeli Championship with her last team: A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra.
Olena Ogorodnikova was one of the best player for Ukraine in the European Championship. She averaged 17.0 points per game and 1.0 blocks per game. She played for Elizur Ramla.
Shay Doron is the best Israeli player, she played for Besiktas Istanbul in Euroleague last season. She played also in the Turkish and the Euroleague All-Star Game. She averaged with Besiktas in the Euroleague: 15.4 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, 2.9 assists per game, 2.4 steals per game. She moved in January 2009 to Maccabi Ramat Hen (Israel).
Katia Levitsky is the Center of the Israeli National Team. She played in the last season for Bnot Raanana Hasharon and for Elizur Ramla and she was teammate with Nicky Anosike, with Olena Ogorodnikova and also with her new teammate AnneMarie Parau.
The Romanian player is: Alexandra Uiuiu. She played in Romania for BC ICIM Arad, but she was in conflict with the coach, Adrian Budurean and she left the team. But now she will return in the Romanian Championship in Targoviste. She was the Miss All Star Game in 2007. She played in Austria for UBBC APOsport Herzogenburg.
All players signed with Targoviste for a 1-year deal contract. With this roster Targoviste want to win the EuroCup Women trophy. Goodluck!

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RUSSIA - Women

Turkey U20 won the last game of the 8th International Istanbul Tournament over Russia U20 - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Russia U20 59:42

Turkey U20 won the last game of the 8th International Istanbul Tournament over Russia U20 59:42. Both teams finished with 1-2 record and due to the victory over the opponent Turkey finished in the third place. Russia opened the game better and created a 8-0 run from the very beginning. The guests of the tournament finished the opening quarter at 13:5 as the teams hoped for the better percentage in the second. Turkey started to play much better and closed the gap in the middle of the period. The hosts reduced to 17:18and then Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) tied the game at 21:21. Yasemen Saylar (173-G-90) brought the lead for Turkey at 23:21 and Tugce Canitez closed the first half at 25:21.
The third period belonged to the home side that produced 22-14 in the next ten minutes. It gave them 47:35 before the last stanza and also the confidence to finish the game. Led by Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) Turkey added another 12-7 in the fourth quarter to celebrate the initial victory in the tournament.
Gulsah Gumusay collected 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Tugce Canitez had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Yasemen Saylar scored 6. Nadezhda Grishaeva (193-C-89) and Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) ended up with 8 points in the losing effort.

Turkey U20: Gulsah Gumusay 16 +6 rebs, Tugce Canitez 13+10 rebs, Yasemen Saylar 6
Russia U20: Nadezhda Grishaeva 8, Natalia Vieru 8

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SERBIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

Spain pip Sweden in Sodertalje - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Sweden U18 74:73

Spanish Junior National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They faced Sweden in the test game and celebrated a narrow victory. The game was close from start to finish. Spain were coming off a comfortable win over Sweden a day earlier but could not repeat that success. Sweden tightened their defense and stayed alert in the first half. The teams were tied at 17 after ten minutes. Sweden spurred in front in the second frame and grabbed a one-point advantage into the major break. But as Amaya Ganuza (188-F-91) paced the charge for the visitors they found the way to deny the deficit. Spain tied the score at 51 after three quarters of action. Spain came up calm in the dying moment of the game to seal the winning outcome at the end.
Amaya Ganuza knocked down 15 points for Spain. Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) added 12 points, while Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) notched 11 points in the win. Farhiya Abdi (185-F/C-92) responded with game-high 21 points for Sweden. Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) had 15 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Amaya Ganuza 15, Vega Gimeno 12, Leonor Rodriguez 11
Sweden U18: Farhiya Abdi 21, Cleopatra Forsman-Goga 15

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SWEDEN - Women

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TURKEY - Women

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WNBA - Women

Tamika Catchings and Candice Wiggins Named WNBA Players of the Week - by Bruno Baltazar
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) of the Indiana Fever and Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) of the Minnesota Lynx were named the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, June 22 through Sunday, June 28.
Catchings wins the 12th Player of the Week award of her career after averaging 18.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 3.5 assists for the week. She ranked second in the league for the week in rebounds per game and third in steals per game. Catchings led the Fever to a home-and-home series sweep of the New York Liberty to run the teams winning streak to a franchise-record tying six games.

In Fridays win at New York, Catchings scored 12 points in the final 10:14 (regulation and overtime), including a three-pointer with 14.4 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. Her 24 points in the game helped the Fever come back from their second 17-point deficit in six days. The game also marked her first with 20 or more points this season; entering the season she had scored 20 or more points on 74 occasions. She hit her first 10 free throws of the week and missed only one in the two games and set a franchise record with 31 straight free throws.

Wiggins earns her first career Player of the Week award following a week in which she averaged 23.5 points on 45.7 percent (16-35) shooting, 4.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals. She led the league, among players who played more than one game, in scoring for the week while helping the Lynx to a perfect 2-0 as they reclaimed a share of first place in the Western Conference.

She led the team in scoring in Tuesdays win with game-high totals of 25 points and five assists against the New York Liberty. She also swiped a season-high three steals in the game, as part of 20 turnovers forced by the Lynx. On Saturday, both she and Roneeka Hodges scored a game-high 22 points while adding four assists and a season-high six rebounds. The 44 combined points by Wiggins and Hodges contributed to the teams 109 points, second-most in franchise history.

Wiggins, the second Lynx player to be named Player of the Week this season, was the 2008 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. She was selected third overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Lynx. For the season, she is averaging 14.2 points per game 2.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Indiana F.	6-2
2. Chicago S.	6-3
3. Washingt. M.	5-3
4. Connect. S.	4-4
5. Atlanta D.	4-6
6. Detroit S.	2-5
7. New York L.	2-6
Western
1. Minnesota L.	7-3
2. Seattle S.	6-3
3. Phoenix M.	6-4
4. S.Antonio SS	3-4
5. L.Angeles S.	3-5
6. Sacram. M.	1-8