Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/15/2009

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

Men News

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

ABA

Blazers schedule their last tryout camp - by Gianni Pascucci
The West Virginia Blazers have scheduled a Tryout Camp for Friday, July 24th from noon to 4pm at the Greater Bluefield Community Center, College Avenue, Bluefield, West Virginia. According to team GM Cindy Preast , 'This will be the LAST tryout of the season.' We have had some remarkable talent trying out - but we do have some slots to fill. If you can play, please sign up and tryout.' Registration fee is $100 cash or money order, no checks accepted. Pre-Registration is required. To register, please mail you name, address, phone number and email address along with your payment to Bluefield Housing Authority/WV Blazers, P.O. Box 1475, Bluefield WV. Your registration must be received by the close of business on July 23rd. If you have a desire to play basketball for an organization that provides services to youth and community, and you can and will abide by the Blazers' policies, then please join us for tryouts. For more information, email cindybha@comcast.net or visit www.wvblazers.com

Blues moving to a new home - by Gianni Pascucci
(Article by James Jones) Another professional basketball team is headed to the Coast. The Mississippi Blues of the American Basketball Association will relocate to the Biloxi, Mississippi area, team owner Daniel Price announced last week. The Blues spent their first season playing in Jackson at Tougaloo College. The Blues advanced to the East Divisional semifinals. 'We moved to the Coast because of the area's diversity,' Price said. 'The team can grow a lot bigger in the area because there's no college or pro team to compete against. The closest pro team we have are the Hornets in New Orleans.' The Blues will have tryouts on July 18th at Biloxi Sports Arena at 8. a.m. Bearcats coach Otis Gaines is the Blues' assistant of basketball operation. South Mississippi gets it fourth crack at pro hoops since 1986. Price, however, thinks the Blues have a solid game plan to succeed on the Coach unlike previous franchises. 'We have a different approach,' Price said. 'We're not just about basketball. We're involved in community events like breast cancer walks, Make-a-Wish Foundation, karaoke at restaurants. Those things help build a fan base. We believe in giving back to the community.' Gaines said the Blues have talked to the Coast Coliseum about having its home games in the arena. Long Beach is another possibility. The ABA season begins in early December and concludes around the middle of March. For more information, please contact Daniel Price at 601 951 5045 or Otis Gaines at 228 313 5842 or email dprice@msblueshoops.com or visit www.msblueshoops.com

New team name and staff for the Aces - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Las Vegas Aces announced to have changed their name to the Las Vegas Dynasty. The Dynasty's new GM is former NBA player Robert Smith, and Jevon Banks (6'0''-G, college: UNLV), former UNLV player, was hired as the new assistant coach. The Dynasty will have their first try-out camp on early August. Please check eurobasket.com, and abalive.com for camp details. News coming from Todd Triplett , Team Owner, E-Mail totriplett332@gmail.com

Battle joins the Express - by Gianni Pascucci
The Jersey Express bolstered their roster for their fifth season of play this week when they officially announced that former New Jersey City University forward Samar Battle (6'6''-G/F-82, college: New Jersey City St.) is joining the team. Battle was named the 2003-04 New Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Year after a stellar senior season at NJCU. 'Samar is a go-to guy who can either make a play for himself or his teammates,' Express President Marsha Blount commented. 'His team-first attitude is a breath of fresh air, especially coming from a player that both coaches feel is an NBA prospect. Our job is to get him to where we think he should be. We're putting it out now; Battle is a prospect that should receive a lot of interest from overseas and NBA teams.' In his four year college career at NJCU, the East Orange native scored over 1500 points and his 156 blocked shots are the most in program history. He also averaged 29.4 minutes per game for the Gothic Knights, which also stands as the highest number in the school record books. He was named NJAC Player of the Year, NJAC first Team, D-III NABC All-America and D3Hoops.com All-Atlantic Region First Team. For more information, visit www.jerseyexpress.net or contact John Archibald, President of Resolution Sports, the official media partner of the Jersey Express at jarchibald@ResSports.com or www.ResSports.com

Washington Raptors and Harlem Wizards agree on partnership - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Washington Raptors and the Harlem Wizards travelling and exhibition team have formed a marketing and business partnership to continue the expansion of the Raptors presence in the community and to also expand the Harlem Wizards presence in Washington. The Wizards have been performing/playing since 1962 and in the last few years have had exciting events and school fundraisers in Rainier, Clatskanie and Hillsboro. The Raptors will be working to expand the Wizards tour and make the team available to more schools so that they can have this hilarious and spectacular fundraising events for their organization. 'We will do some great stuff together, co-promoting, etc.' stated Todd Davis, Harlem Wizards President. 'We now have about ten people booking us in different parts of the country and with the contacts that Tim Joseph and Regina Joseph have, this should turn out great.' 'We're very excited about this also,' added Regina Joseph , CEO of the Raptors. 'We just announced a large group of new ABA teams for the Pacific Northwest, including Spokane, Walla Walla, Yakima, Everett, Seattle and Vancouver - and of course, we have the Seattle Mountaineers here too. So there are many great cities that can now enjoy this classic basketball entertainment.' For more information, email rjoseph@washingtonraptors.com, call360 274 7084 or visit www.washingtonraptors.com

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

AUSTRALIA

David Andersen traded to Houston Rockets - by James Hoff
The Houston Rockets have obtained the NBA rights to Australian David Andersen (212-C-80) as they look for possible big men while Chinese superstar Ming Yao (226-C-80) is battling a potential career-ending foot injury.

The Atlanta Hawks traded Andersen's NBA rights, obtained in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft, to Houston for a second-round pick and cash.

The Australian has never played an NBA game, having spent most of his career at the top level in Europe, he now has the opportunity to play alongside fellow Aussie Brad Newley who is averaging 4.7 points pergame and 3.3 assists after 3 games in the Summer league for the Rockets after being drafted in 2007.

Andersen averaged 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds last season to help Regal FC Barcelona to the Spanish title and has played for Euroleague championship teams at Virtus 1934 Bologna in 2001 and CSKA Moscow in 2006 and 2008.

'David has been a winner with every team he has played for in Europe,' said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

'He is a very well-rounded player who possesses good offensive skills and a very good shooting touch for a big man.'

Numerous basketball websites rate Anderson as one of the top big men to have not yet played in the NBA despite having been drafted.

Rockets coach Rick Adelman will need a big man if the worst fears come true regarding Yao, the superstar who has a hairline fracture in his left foot that could cause him to miss the upcoming season and might end his career.

'David is a versatile post player who should fit well in coach Adelman's system,' Morey said.

Andersen, 29, played for Australia in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds a game at Beijing.
(Edited from foxsports.com.au)

Patrick Mills Breaks Foot - by Ian Moss
Australian Patrick Mills (183-G-88), second-round NBA draft pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, suffered a broken foot Thursday 9th July during team practice.
Australia's only 2009 NBA drafted player (pick no. 55), was preparing to make his debut for Portland in the NBA Summer League. That is no longer possible, with reports that he fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, requiring surgery which was due to be performed Monday 13th July.
Portland GM Kevin Pritchard vowed the Trailblazers will do everything they can for Patrick to 'get back on track to realize his NBA future'.

Nathan Jawai Debuts For Dallas - NBA Summer League - by Ian Moss
Australian Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC), recently traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Dallas Mavericks, made his debut Monday 13th July for the Mavs, and managed a point (1-2 FT) and 4 rebounds, despite seeing only limited playing time of 14 minutes in a 95-90 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) played 6 NBA games for Toronto last season, after missing most of the season due to medical advice regarding a possible heart condition.
The Mavericks play their next NBA Summer League game Thursday 16th July against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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

BELIZE

Winston Pratt to participate in the NBA/Basketball Without Borders camp!!! - by David Magana
The University of Belize congratulates Winston Pratt (186-G-90), one of our very own Black Jaguars for being selected to participate in the NBA/Basketball Without Borders camp. This year's camp will be held in Mexico City from August 6th to 9th. Winston was 1 of 70 basketballers chosen from the Americas and the Caribbean. Winston Pratt presently attends the University of Belize, during which time has been playing for the Black Jaguars . The Jaguars have won the ATLIB championship last year, were second place in the Belmopan Basketball Association tournament. He is also a memeber of the Belize Naitional Basketball Team that is scheduled to participate in the COCABA tournament in Can Cun, Mexico. Belize is proud of you, Winston!

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

BERMUDAS

Bermudas National Team for Island Games - by Eurobasket

Phillips

Crumpler

Simons

Jackson

Lowe

Dale Jackson (-74) of Hamilton Tsunamis
Steven Simons (-82) of Hamilton Tsunamis
Sullivan Phillips (196-F-79) of Pizza Express Primetel Apollon (CYP)
Jason Lowe (-85) of Death Valley
Dean Jones (198-F-83) of St. George's International
Chris Crumpler (-83) of Paget Bear Cats
Phillip Davis (185-G-77) of Hamilton Tsunamis
Jonathan Minors (-77) of Hamilton Parish Chargers
Richard Warner of Paget Bear Cats
Jordan Knight of Death Valley
Kent Tacklyn of Warwick Rim Rockers
Jason Simons of Hamilton Tsunamis
Head Coach: Roderick Spencer

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

BOSNIA

Marko Popovic joins BIH NT - by Nedzad Kladusak
As Sasa Vasiljevic asked for another week of absence Mensur Bajramovic
decided that it might be better both for both sides to invite a player who can instantly join the team.
Mensur Bajramovic opted for Marko Popovic (193-G-84), pointguard of KK Vojvodina.
He agreed to join the team in the next days.
Meanwhile Nemanje Gordic is still having problems with his groin but according to the BIH coaching staff
there is no doubt he will be ready for the qualifiers.

U16 Men roster for the EC 2009 - by Nedzad Kladusak
Djordje Micic 1993
Dejan Sakotic 1993
Timo Dobrijevic 1993
Davor Tolj 1993
Drasko Knezevic 1993
Dusan Jokic 1993
Irfan Hodzic 1993
Srdjan Damjanovic 1994
Edin Residovic 1994
Jeto Bajramovic 1993
Adin Vrabac 1994
Faris Brkic 1993
Sakir Cakar 1993
Eldar Merdanovic 1993
Dejan Todorovic 1994
Dalibor Miodanic 1993
Stefan Glogovac 1994
Aleksandar Milojevic 1993
Amer Dizdar 1994
Djenan Djuderija 1993
Marko Micic 1993
Bojan Dzogazovic 1995
Milos Vidovic (201-C-93) 1993
Rados Zelenovic (198-F/C-93) 1993

U18 NT men roster for EC 2009 - by Nedzad Kladusak
Nebojsa Andjelic (198-F-91)
Alin Demic (198-F-91)
Nermin Buza (203-F-91)

Ernad Mujic (205-C-92)

Ranko Ivic (188-G-92)

Goran Vucic (193-G-92)

Marko Miletic (198-F-92)

Dario Crnalic (203-F-91)
Miralem Halilovic (206-F-91)
Haris Canic 1991
Nikola Roncevic (202-F/C-91)
Josip Gunjaca (196-F-91)

Zeljko Kljestan 1992
Nebojsa Maksimovic (179-G-92)

Nikola Gajic (-91) 1991
Nikola Joldic 1991
Boris Hadzimuratovic 1991
Nino Balta (200-F-92)

Dino Begagic (184-G-92)
Aleksandar Radukic (203-F-91)
Obrad Vukovic (192-G-91)

Miljan Markovic (199-F-92)
Filip Petrovic (201-F-92)
Tarik Celik 1991

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

BULGARIA

Bulgarian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Stoykov

Banev

Anguelov

Kostov

Nikolov

Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia
Tencho Banev (209-C-80) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia
Dimitar Anguelov (202-G/F-79) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia
Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia
Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) of BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia
Boyko Mladenov (212-C/F-81) of BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia
Stanislav Slaveykov (198-F-86) of BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia
Zlatin Georgiev (195-G-85) of BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia
Asen Velikov (188-G-86) of BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia
Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86) of Premiata Montegranaro (ITA)
Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) of Vive Menorca (ESP)
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80) of CB Granada (ESP)
Vassil Evtimov (207-C/F-77) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (UKR)
Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) of Rilski Sportist Samokov
Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) of BC Euroins-Cherno More
Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) of Pamesa Valencia (ESP)
Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84) of Lottomatica Virtus Roma (ITA)
Head Coach: Pini Gershon (agency: Arik Krayn Services )

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

CHINA

Chinese National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Liu

Luo

Yang

Qiu

Liu Xiaoyu (191-G-89) of Guandong Southern Tigers
Luo Zhi (190-G-86) of Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones
Yang Ming (193-G-85) of Liaoning Panpan Hunters
Qiu Biao (200-F-83) of DongGuan New Century Leopards
Li Guang (180-G-89) of Qingdao Double Star
Chen Lei (195-G/F-83) of Shougang Beijing Ducks
Zhou Peng (207-F-89) of Guandong Southern Tigers
Dong Hanlin (206-F-91) of Guangdong New Century
Zhang Kai (211-C-82) of DongGuan New Century Leopards
Li Wei (208-C-85) of Beijing Aoshen Olympians
Zhang Nan (197-F-81) of Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
Su Wei (212-C-89) of Guandong Southern Tigers
Head Coach: Guo Shiqiang

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

CROATIA

Prostran, Car and Boisa stay in Zadar - by Eurobasket News
Croatian Zadar will keep Vladimir Boisa (209-F/C-81, agency: World Sport Agency), Marko Car (188-G/F-85) and Toni Prostran (183-G-91) in the team as they renewed the contracts with the players. The second team of the previous championship will try to show another great season and will try to do their best in order even to improve.
Vladimir Boisa started 2008-2009 season in Vive Menorca (Spain-ACB) and in Spanish League had 21 games averaging 4.2ppg, 2.3rp. In February 2009 he moved to KK Zadar and played in 16 games averaging 9.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 60.0%.
Marko Car also joined the team in February 2009. In Croatian League he played in 15 games averaging 8.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.5apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 86.7%.
Toni Prostran became a real star at the U19 World Championship in New Zealand. His Croatian U19 National Team celebrated the bronze medals at the World Championship in New Zealand. They finished their campaign on a high beating Australia in the consolation final. The Emus in the meantime suffered the second straight defeat after winning seven straight games at the start of the tournament. Mario Delas sank the Aussies scoring 28 points for Croatia, while Toni Prostran finished with 21 points, 7 boards and 4 assists. His best game was against Canada when Croatia U19 continued their winning streak at the World Championships U19. The European team overcame Canada U19 83:77 in the Qualifying Round opener. Toni Prostran collected 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners.

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

D-LEAGUE

D-League Select Team Impressive in Debut Victory at NBA Summer League - by Surujh Roopnarine
2008-09 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, college: Robert Morris) and former UMass standout Gary Forbes (6'7''-G/F-85, college: Virginia) led the D-League Select Team with 20 points a piece as they knocked off the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League entry 96-91 in the first game of the fourth day of the 2009 NBA Summer League. The D-League Select Team notched the five point victory after being down by 10 points at halftime by controlling the third quarter. The NBA D-League Select dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 30-10 in the period. Forbes scored six of his eight third-quarter points in the periods first two minutes, and Johnson connected with 7:30 to play in the third to give the Select their first lead of the game, 50-48. From there, the teams traded buckets before the Select made another run, punctuated by a Coleman Collins and-one to give the team a 10-point lead with just over a minute to play. The former D-Leaguers took a 68-58lead into the fourth and held on for the victory. The D-League Select team, comprised of some of the brightest young stars in the D-League, outworked Minnesota on the boards to a tune of 45-33, including 16 on the offensive glass. Minnesota was led by rookie guard Wayne Ellington (6'4''-G-87) who scored a game high 22 points on 8-14 shooting while Olexei Pecherov (7'0''-C-85), who was acquired in a draft day deal with Washington, tallied a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves are now 0-2 in Summer League Play.
D-LEAGUE SELECT: Othyus Jeffers (20pt+7rb), Gary Forbes (20pt), Coleman Collins (15pt+7rb), Trey Johnson (12pt)
TIMBERWOLVES: Wayne Ellington (22pt), Olexei Pecherov (15pt+10rb), Johnny Flynn (12pt+14as), Garrett Siler (6pt+7rb)

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Horford will be later than expected - by Oscar Peralta
Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) was expected to already be in Dominican Republic training with the national team, but the Atlanta Hawks have assigned him to some summer workouts with legendary player Mark Price. The team is getting ready for next season and these workout should help him improve his mid-range jump shot. Horford would had loved to be in Dominican Republic training but his main priority is the Hawks who he still has a contract with. He should be in Dominican Republic august 10th after his done with his workouts in Atlanta.

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

EGYPT

Egyptian team in Morroco for the 19th Arab champions - by Sherif Soliman
The Egyptian national team flays tonight to Morroco to participate in the 19th Arab champion chip held in Rebaat from the 15th - 27th of july. The Serbian coach consider this tournement as a preparing camp for the African cup of nations held in lybia after 3 weeks, the first 3 teams will qualifiy to the world cup. However, Egypt didnt reach the world cup since 1994 the dream seems difficult to achive under the bad performance in Quatar last week. On the other hand, coach Ahmed Marie the assistant of the Serbian told me 'We played bad in Quatar because we had 3 practice sessions every day and we do a very hard morning practice before every game, this made the players very tired and this was done according to our plan to reach the top form in the African league next month'. Wael Badr (193-G-78)

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

EL SALVADOR

National Team 2009 announced - by Jaime Arevalo
Coach Vladimir Aguilar released last week the list of the players that will attend the El Salvador National Team camp to prepare the Centrobasket 2009. Among the 20 players called, 16 played in the last edition of LSB, 4 played abroad. At the end of the camp, Aguilar stated that he will choose 13 players (a 12men squad plus a reserve player) for the season competyitions. The list of the players called is as follows:
Isidro Andaluz (178-G-88) Leones
Carlos Espinal (175-G-76) Denver
Oscar Rivera (186-G-80) EXSAL
Bob Hunter (193-F-76) Denver
Wilson Quijano Cosmos
Mauricio Ernesto Lahud (176-G-84) Denver
Edgar Ramirez San Miguel
Miguel Romero (182-G/F-80) UTEC
Fabio Molina (195-G/F-81) EXSAL
Rafael Oswaldo Cardona (-G/F) Cosmos
Carlos Ochoa (198-C-82) San Marcos
Eduardo Aguilar (176-G-86) Cosmos
Salvador Bandek (181-G-78) EXSAL
Manuel Artiga (196-F/C-83) San Marcos
Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84) EXSAL
Carlos Alas (181-G-79) Cosmos
Carlos Arias (200-F/C-89) Puerto Rico
Jose Araujo (186-G-87) Canada
George Medrano (180-G-88) USA
Michael Meza (193-F-89) USA

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

EUROLEAGUE

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Kouvot signed with Adrian Hill - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola) has found American big man and signed with Adrian Hill (203-F-84, college: Rutgers) for coming 2009-2010 season. Hill is an aggressive, explosive athlete, who can play both the power forward and center positions. Hill started his international basketball career 2007 in Spain (Akasvayu Vic, LEB Silver), where he played 12 games and averaged 6,7 ppg - 2,8 rpg. In January 2008 Hill had a try out in Turkey (Darussafaka, TBL), but was not signed. Kouvot signed earlier with American G Kyle Shiloh (190-G-85, college: Nevada) and is still after an American all-around player.

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

GERMANY

Michael Jost Joins Science City Jena And Gregor Linke Departs - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
PRO A team science City jena got active on the German basketball market signing German Michael Jost (204-F-88). The 20 year old 204cm forward last played in the German PRO B for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf where he averaged in 30 games: 8.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 69.1%. Science City coach Timo Stump is happy with the singing of the young German. 'He can play the positions 3-5 and moves well for his size, a good rebounder and can shoot from outside', stressed Science City Jena coach Timo Stumpf

Jost started his basketball career in the 2003-2004 season with Marzahn Basket Baeren and was in the IBBA Berlin (International Basketball Academy). He then went to the Central Hoops Berlin (2 Regionaliga) in the 2006-2007 season avergaing in 17 games: 9.1 ppg. In the 2007-2008 season for the Central Hoops, he averaged in 9 games: 10.8ppg before moving to RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf avergaing in 5 games: 6.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 66.7%, FT: 40.0%. He also has made the rounds with the German U-16, U-18, U-20 National teams.

Science City Jena decided not to renew the contract of 31 year old 200cm power forward Gregor Linke. He played five years in Jena including one season in the BBL in 2007-2008 as he averaged in 34 games: 6.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 83.0%. Last season in the PRO A, he averaged in 30 games: 6.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 63.2%.
Source: www.baskets-jena.de

Two former Lord Jeffs to Oldenburg - by Moritz Korff
Oldenburger TB (Regionalliga North) have completed the signing of the American duo Andrew Olson (178-G-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Amherst) and Kevin Hopkins (208-C-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Amherst). Both players are products of NCAA D3 powerhouse Amherst College and already spent this past season in Germany. Olson ran the point for BBV Hagen in the Regionalliga West, while big man Hopkins started the season in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B with Osnabrueck, before moving on to Gotha (Regionalliga South-East) later in the season. During their collegiate careers at Amherst they won the 2007 NCAA D3 championship with the Lord Jeffs. Two other newcomers to the team of Coach Thomas Glasauer are Leon Hientz (200-F-87), who returns from Vechta, and Tammo Miedtank (202-F-90). Meanwhile, several players have left the farmteam of the German champion EWE Baskets, including Steffen Kiese (189-G-87), Maximilian Endres (200-F-86), Akexander Grote (200-G/F-89), Matthias Moelle (199-F-87), Till Wargala (200-F/C-80), Chiwendu Nwaigbo (188-G-90), Daniel Iremiren (208-F/C-90), Klaas Zoellner (204-F/C-79, college: Akron) and Femi Oladipo (197-F-90, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement).

Sean Mccaw (BBC Bayreuth) Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

35 year old American Sean McCaw (205-F-73, college: S.Utah) was named new youth coach of PRO A team BBC Bayreuth a few days ago. He will work as a full time youth coach and have his own team, but also be able to run practices of other youth teams and give advice to other coaches. He also will work on a performance concept with athletic coach Tobias Hermannsdoerfer and youth coordinator Martin Pos. Another important direction will be working together with schools to bring more kids to the game of Basketball. Mccaw last played and coached for Science City Jena. After garduating from Southern Utah in 1995, Mccaw had a long and successful 13 year playing career that took him to countries like Austria, France, Portugal, Germany and Switzerland. Sean sat down and ha da chat with Eurobasket about his new job in Bayreuth.

After you stepped down as coach with Jena, you still worked in the organization as a scout. What could you learn in this time?

The main thing I learned is that there is a definite need for such a position, not just in Jena. I learned that it can take the load off of the head coach and considering how often coaches change jobs, it would be adventageous for more clubs to have someone fulltime that could search for players with the best interests of the club in mind. Of course there is a question of how to finance such a position in many clubs unfortunately.

You will be heading the youth program with Bayreuth. How did this cooperation with Bayreuth come about?

Well first I have to thank Steffen Hausdorfer and Dietmar Bendix especially in Jena because many things that have happened in my life these last years wouldnt have happened without them. That being said, I am incredibly excited for my new role with BBC Bayreuth. They were looking to fill this position and I was recommended by Christian Bttcher who used to work for Jena. I know I will be able to do a good job there and justify the trust put in me by the club.

What exactly will you be doing with the Bayreuth youth program?

I will be the Hauptampliche Jugend Trainer there and I will be responsible for making sure that the newly formed youth program there grows and develops. I will also coach at least two teams but there are many more facets to my job.

What will be your goal and what will be the Sean McCaw goal in the Bayreuth youth program?

I have no personal goal except to help BBC Bayreuth. The ultimate goal of the whole youth program should be to develop young German players that are ready to make the transition to the pro level, but also to show young German players that if they work hard, they will get the chance in Bayreuth to prove their talent and not just to sit on a bench. The infostructure is there in Bayreuth. Now the hard work begins-for me haha.

What is your fascination with working with young kids?

Well I have always had alot of fun working with kids of any age. I have children of my own and I see how my son develops inside his club in Austria so I can relate to how important a youth program is to the future of the professional club itself.

Your son seems to be an inspiring Basketball player.How much longer until he can beat daddy at one on one?lol

Ha ha....well a fathers biggest wish is that his children do better in their lives as they did. My son is getting bigger and stronger while I get older and slower. I will try as long as I can to keep my unbeaten streak alive, but eventually that day will come that he beats his old man. When that day comes, I wont play him anymore so that I only have one defeat. Gotta know when to walk away haha

Three new players for Chemnitz - by Moritz Korff
BV Chemnitz 99 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) announced the signing of three new players for the 2009-2010 campaign today: Alexander Rosenthal (201-F-88), Tom Lipke (194-G-86, agency: Court Side) and Jason McLeish (183-G-80, college: E.Kentucky) will suit up for the Niners.
Rosenthal averaged 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in 30 games for Herten in the Pro B last season, while Lipke had 12.8 points and 5.3 boards a game for Landshut. McLeish is 28 years of age and comes from Queens, New York. He played college basketball at Westchester JC and at Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA1) and spent his first overseas season in Poland (2006-07). In the following years he mostly played for CBA's East Kentucky Miners.

Michael Haynes Signs With ENBW Ludwigsburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Schwaben land seems to be a place that BBL players dont like to leave as American Michael Haynes (203-G/F-81, college: Fordham) made the short trek from Tuebingen to ENBW Ludwigsburg for the 2009-2010 BBL season. It took Tolga Ongoren and management a while, but they finally have made the first signing for the 2009-2010 BBL season, inking 28 year old 203 cm forward Michael Haynes to a two year contract. Last season with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen the athletic player from South Carolina averaged in 34 games: 14.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 71.6%. Haynes was the 8th best scorer in the BBL and was able to score in double figures 25 times. His best game was 32 points and six rebounds against Ratiopharm Ulm. Many BBL teams will remember the athletic trips into the zone as he was a pest to guard as he managed 25 and 16 points against ENBW Ludwigsburg last season. Too often, the opponents had to catch their own jock strap as he had easily beat his man on the baseline and flew in the direction of the basket. Coach Tolga Ongoren was happy to land the services of Haynes. 'I know Michael and he is very flexible on the position 3/4. He is very quick and agile. He is a fighter and a very experienced player. He will play a big role in our team',stressed ENBW Ludwigsburg coach Tolga Ongoren. Ongoren friend Murat Didin who is currently in Las Vegas watching new potential players for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners was reached over telephone and was not surprised about the first Ludwigsburg signing. 'I knew that Tolga always liked Michael Haynes so it was no surprise that Ludwigsburg signed him. He is a good athlete and scorer who always smells the points', stresed Frankfurt coach Murat Didin.

This will be Haynes 6th professional season after having played four years at Fordham University in New York city from 2000-2004 with Canadian Jermaine Anderson. He was able to increase his point total in each season with his best season as a senior averaging in 27 games: 18.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 56.6%. In four years at Forham, he played 96 games averaging 12,2ppg, 5,1rpg and 1,9apg. In his basketball career so far, he has been a sort of a European traveler having played in Isarel, Spain, France, Poland and Germany usually going to a new place each year, but at least, he has stayed in the BBL for a second straight season. In his rookie season in 2004-2005 season, he played in Israel for Bnei Hasharon avergaing in 26 games: 15.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3FGP: 35.4%. In the 2005-2006 season, he went to Spain and played in the division LEB for Calpe Aguas averaging in 33 games: 13.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 62.3%. In the 2006-2007 season, he played in Poland for AZS Koszalin avergaing in 25 games: 13.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2007-2008 season, he played in France in the PRO A for Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne averaging in 12 games: 7.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg, 2.5bpg, 2FGP: 27.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 64.7%. He then went back to Spain to play in the LEB Gold league for Alerta Cantabria Lobos in the second half of the season averaging in 17 games: 10.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 49.0%. Last season was not an easy season for Haynes not reaching the playoffs with Tuebingen and that seemed to play a role in his decision to play for ENBW Ludwigsburg. 'I want to reach the playoffs with Ludwigsburg and that was one of the reasons why I came here. I will do everything possible to help make this goal realistic', warned Michael Haynes.

Source: http://www.enbw-ludwigsburg.de/

Market News - by Moritz Korff
Matthias Moelle (199-F-87) will play for 2. Bundesliga Pro B outfit Herzoege Wolfenbuettel next season. The Forward averaged 9.3 points in 20 appearances on the Oldenburger TB team in the Regionalliga North last season and has previously played for the Bremen Roosters.

BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga West) clinched the signing of a second import player for the upcoming season. Ryon Howard (198-F, college: Sacred Heart) will strenghten the roster of Coach Phillip Kappenstein. Howard is a graduate of NCAA Division One's Sacred Heart University. He played 31 games for the Pioneers during 2008-09, scored 10.7 points and grabbed 6.5 rebounds per contest.

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

GREECE

Childress: I still have some unfinished business to tend to - by Kostas Papadopoulos
The former Hawks swingman gave an interesting interview at Atlanta Journal Constitution and Mr. Sekou Smith pointing out that he is returning to Olympiakos for the 2009-10 season and will not opt out of his contract and return to the NBA.
I still have some unfinished business to tend to, Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) said by phone early Tuesday morning. I definitely have unfinished business in Greece.
Josh Childress had a Wednesday deadline to notify Olympiakos of his intentions to either come back for a second season overseas or return to the NBA.
A restricted free agent this summer, Josh Childress said his representatives spent the past two weeks in discussions with the Hawks and several other teams about potential sign-and-trade deals that would have allowed him to return to the NBA this season, but could never get the Hawks to sign off on any of the proposed deals. At the end of the day its a business, Josh Childress said. I was in basically the same situation last summer. Again, its a business and you have to treat it as such.
Josh Childress left for Greece last summer in a groundbreaking move for a restricted free agent of his stature. He signed a three-year, $20 million deal with Olympiacos, a deal that included an opt-out clause at the end of each season that would allow him to return to the NBA. The Hawks own his NBA rights and will continue to do so, provided they extend him a qualifying offer again next summer. His status as a restricted free agent allows the Hawks to match any offers made to him by other NBA teams. Milwaukee and Charlotte, though, made strong plays for Josh Childress. He made a visit to Milwaukee the first week of the free agent negotiating period. But in the end, none of the deals worked out.
When I left Greece to come back to the U.S., I had it in my head that was going back to Greece no mater what, Josh Childress said. Then when I got home and had my feet on the ground for a couple of days, I really wanted to explore my options and see what was out there. It was 50-50 from there. Now that he knows hes going back to Greece, Josh Childress said he can finish what he started. A sports hernia injury sidelined him for a long stretch of Olympiakos season. Still, he returned in time to help his team to a spot in the Euroleague Final Four and a spot in the Greek League championship series. My team did well, but theres no question, I didnt have the year I wanted to have, Josh Childress said. And with that being said, I have some serious work left to do in Athens. That was part of my decision to go back, as well. It helped, he said, that Olympiakos made it clear that they wanted him back for another year.
They let me know as soon as the season was over that they waned me back, he said. With me not having the best year I could have, it says a lot about the commitment they made to me that they didnt hesitate to let me know that. It shows me they have a lot of respect for their players.

The real profile of the Hellenic NT U19 - by Chris Mammides
The profile of the Hellenic NT U19
Coach Giorgos Vlassopoulos amazing National team of Hellas U19 succeeded a small miracle in the World Championship, a couple of days ago. The talented and heroic Hellenes are officially in the second spot in the global basketball without actually playing basketball all year long. Eurobasket.com did a research in regards to the playing time of each and every member of the specific NT realizing that these kids are really heroes.
The real playing time of these kids is the following:
Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) (among the top performers world widely) in the season 2008-2009he played in the A2 Greek league with Ilysiakos just 98 minutes in just 16 games meaning an average of 6 minutes per game in just the 50% of the overall games
Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90) (among the steadiest PG of the tournament) in the season 2008-2009 he played in the A2 Greek league with Peristeri just 356 minutes in 28 games meaning an average of 12.5 minutes per game, he was one of the few players with Some decent basketball time in the courts
Epameinondas Papantoniou (190-G-90) (among the top players in defense and great brains in the court) in the season 2008-2009 he played in the A1 Greek league with Maroussi, just 11 minutes (the whole season) in just 5 games (out of 32) meaning an average of 2 minutes per game in the only the 20% of the total games.
Costas Sloukas (197-G-90) (among the top players in the previous European league where Greece won the championship) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the A1 Greek league with Olympiakos Piraeus, just 73 minutes in 8 games out of 32 meaning 9 minutes per game in just the 30% of the total games.
Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91) (the youngest player in the team) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the C Division of the Greek league with MAS Mantoulidis averaging 22 minutes per game among the top scorers and performers of his team helping the team to win the championship and to be promoted in the B Division.
Ioannis Angelopoulos (194-G-91) (the second youngest player of the team) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the B Division of the Greek league with Ikaros Kallitheas, averaging 3.7 minutes per game, his team promoted in the A2, Ioannis played just in few games
Ioannis Karathanasis (200-F-91) (the back up of the team in the crucial forward position, the 7th player of the team) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the A1 Greek league with Olympiakos Piraeus, he didnt participated in the slightest game!! The kid didnt play at all in a serious league this season.
Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) (the player for all the jobs for any team and among the top players in the globe) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the A1 Greek league with Aris Thessalonikis, he played just 52 minutes in just 12 games meaning 4 minutes per game in the 30% of the total games.
Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91) (Born in March of 1991 he is the second center of the NT and among the tallest in his age, in the country) in the season 2008-2009, he played in the C Division with MAS Mantoulidis averaging nearly 9 minutes per game, playing in most of the games. His team won the championship and promoted in the B Division.
Vladimir Jankovic (203-F-90) (the amazing scorer from the parameter) in the season 2008-2009 he played in the A Division of the Serbian league with Mega Hypo Leasing, he played in just almost the overall league averaging less than 10 minutes per game. His team ended in the 10th position in the Serbian league.
Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90) (the MVP of the team and among the top five players from FIBA, in these ages) in the season 2008-2009 he played in LEB Bronze division (like a third division team) where he was the basic point guard of the team averaging 23 minutes per game
Zisis Sarikopoulos (213-C-90) (the 7footer of the NT and the unlucky due to serious injury, player) in the season 2008-2009 he belonged to OSU Ohio State university after being transferred from University of Alabama-Birmingham, satisfy NCAA transfer rules and will have three seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2009-10 season, meaning that Zisis, didnt play at all the overall season he was just practicing with the team..
This is the profile of the amazing Hellenic NT U19, the conclusion is yours!!

Greek National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Koumpouras

Kalaitzidis

Karadolamis

Kiritsis

Skordilis

Fanis Koumpouras (185-G-83) of Costa Cafe Marousi
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis (198-F/G-85) of Panellinios Athens
Dimitris Karadolamis (204-F-87) of PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki
Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) of PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki
Gaios Skordilis (206-C-87) of Aris Thessaloniki
Petros Noeas (204-F-87) of Costa Cafe Marousi
Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus
Nikolaos Papanikolaou (210-F-85) of Ilysiakos Athens
Stavros Toutziarakis (210-C-87) of Costa Cafe Marousi
Dimitrios Mavroeidis (208-C-85) of Costa Cafe Marousi
Dimitrios Lolas (203-F-86) of Kavala/Panorama
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus
Head Coach: Giannis Giannopoulos
Assistand Coach: Nikos Siragakis

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

IBL

IBL names 2008 All Stars... IBL team by team end of season reviews... - by Trask Frost
IBL NAMES 2009 ALL STARS

IBL TEAM BY TEAM END OF SEASON REVIEWS
The three-day IBL end of season tournament featured upsets (Snohomish over Edmonton, Oregon over Vancouver and LA over Bellingham) and nail-biter finishes (four games decided by less than a dozen points) all of which led to the LA Lightning and Oregon Waves winning the right to play for the overall IBL Championship, starting on Saturday July 25th in what is now a best-of-three series, the first time the IBL will use such a format (in Los Angeles). The following are the end of year reviews for all IBL teams covering their season, the playoffs and finally the official 2009 IBL All Star selections. Media note: all information including updated statistics per team (every single player) can be found on the IBL web site at www.iblhoopsonline.com

Bellingham Slam (17-5) 1st North Division - Longest Win Streak, Season = 6; Longest Loss Streak, Season = 1
The defending 2008 IBL Champions began the year with most of the core of that champagne popping bunch back to make a run at title number two, all except their leading scorer and floor general Ryan Diggs (8G, 24.3pts, 6.3ast, 4.2rbd) who was still playing in the NBA D-League playoffs with the Utah Flash. Still, the Slam played their usual high level of basketball under the guidance of Head Coach Rod Ridnour and was able to win the North Division crown and secure a first-round bye in the American Bracket of the IBL Playoff Tournament. Diggs- when he did return- immediately picked up where he left off averaging nearly 25 points a game in his late season return; however, Bellingham found a new leader early in the season- in Tyler Amaya (19G, 23.4pts, 11rbd) who put up terrific numbers, finishing in the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding. Bellingham also leaned onsoon to be two-time All-Star Jacob Stevenson (21G, 20.9pts, 6.6rbs) who upped his scoring average to better than 20 a night. Newcomer Ira Graham (22G, 18.5pts, 5.4ast) also arrived to fill the point guard role and kept the explosive Slam running as he added nearly 20 points per game to go with 6.5 assists, good for 7th in the league. The Champs returned to Monroe, WA looking to repeat their title run from last season and after a hard fought win against the Tacoma Tide (116-111) they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lightning in the American Bracket final by a score of 132-121. For all of the Slam players final statistics (or for any team) and as well- for game results from the 2009 season, visit the Slam team page on the IBL web site. 2009 All-Stars: Ryan Diggs, Tyler Amaya, Jacob Stevenson, Ira Graham

Central Oregon Hotshots (6-14) 3rd South Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 2; Longest Loss Streak, Season = 5
One of the leagues original teams returned in 2009 looking for a plus .500 campaign for the first time since the IBLs inaugural season of 2005, despite a tradition of featuring some of the leagues top players including former All-Stars like Terry Horton and Paul Hafford. This would be much of the same as the team dropped several close games along the way to grabbing the final playoff spot. There were however some superb performances from the Hotshots, highlighted by the season of Damian Browne (20G, 14.3pts, 14.6rbd) who played far bigger than his 6' 5' listing and finished tied for first in the league in rebounding. The point guard position was manned by Travis Noble (20G, 18.4pts, 4.5ast) who also put in an All-Star effort. Central Oregon received a late boost of scoring from Riley Luettgerodt (10G, 24.1pts, 4.7rbd) who played in just seven games but filled it each night, several times better than 30. Still, the yellow and red needed four upset wins to claim the title but were unable to get the all important first one as they dropped their playoff opener 117-98 to the Tacoma Tide. 2009 All-Stars: Damian Browne and Travis Noble.

Edmonton Energy (17-4) 1st West Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 13 active; Longest Loss Streak, Season = 1
Edmonton was one of the leagues best stories in their rookie year of 2008 as they won 13 games and advanced to round 2 of the playoffs. The 2009 entry (a new ownership group featuring 7 local Edmonton names) entered 2009 new and improved- but with the same strong coaching and high quality local talent mixed with some key imports; Edmonton was thinking championship all the way. 2-Time All-Star (IBL 2006 and 2008) JR Patrick (21G, 19pts, 3.5rbd) and fellow Edmonton product Steve Sir (21G, 22.3pts, 7.3rbd, 3.1ast) led the way in this improved year two for the team. Edmonton also welcomed back 611 Georgetown product Lee Scruggs (21G, 17.9, 8.7rbd) who was joined down in the post by another Alberta boy, Skouson Harker (21G, 18pts, 8.3rbd), to help control the lane for the leagues northernmost club. The Energy, however, had to fill the hole left by 2008 All-Star Rashaun Broadus whose European commitments prevented him from playing this year, so the IBL looked to an IBL veteran William Funn (21G, 14.1pts, 8.9rbd, 12.3ast)- a former Salem Stampede (IBL) point guard in the tough 2007 season (Salem was 18-2 at one point with Funn as point guard two years ago); all Funn did was come within an eyelash of averaging a triple-double for the season and finish in the top three in the league in assists. Andrew Parker (19G, 15.6pts, 3.3rbd), who won the IBL Post-Season Slam Dunk Contest in 2008, nearly tripled his scoring average, making huge strides in his second pro season since finishing college. Edmontons spectacular season afforded them a first round bye and the #1 seed overall; unfortunately, that got them a date with the host Snohomish Explosion and the high scoring Devon Greene who led them to a 143-131 win and sent the Energy home with a bitter taste in their mouths. 2009 All-Stars: William Funn, Steve Sir, Lee Scruggs, Skouson Harker and JR Patrick.

Los Angeles Lightning (16-4) 2nd West Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 6, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 1
Once more the Los Angeles Lightning have assembled a roster with some of the best known names in all the IBL as they feature several former UCLA Bruins and six NBA vets as well. NBA players- Lamond Murray, Toby Bailey, Bryon Russell, Fred Vinson, Juaquin Hawkins and Darrick Martin combine for 42 years of NBA experience. In fact, much of this seasons roster is back from 2008 (a season where the Lightning lost more games than it won) but in 2009- led by Fred Vinson- the Lightning really wanted to win. In 2009, the team battled for one of the top four seeds and a first round bye and they did that behind Lamond Murray (14G, 24.2pts, 6.7rbd), Fred Vinson (17G, 17.5pts, 2.5ast), and Toby Bailey (8G, 18.2pts, 8.2rbd, 7.5ast) all of which have been All-Stars in the IBL in the past, and in 2009, they again were nominated to the All Star squad after a terrific 2009 season. In particular, Bailey who has played in just a few games, has scored 38, recorded a triple-double, and finished within an assist of another. The Lightning also received a full year from former Utah Jazz standout Bryon Russell (18G, 12.1pts, 6.4rbd) who tied for the team lead in games played and led the team in game wisdom. Team Owner Mark Harwell found another jewel in the So-Cal hoops haven plucking Adam Parada (9G 18.4pts, 12.7rbd) another veteran professional who has been with five NBA organizations and won championships both internationally and on the NCAA Div-1 conference level; in fact Parada scored a double-double in all six games that he has played. All that big game experience prove invaluable as Parada and the L.A. Lightning beat the Seattle Mountaineers in a second round thriller (the Lightning earned a first round bye) by just a few points. The L.A. Lightning then went on to play the defending champion Bellingham Slam for the right to play for their first IBL crown. The Lightning trailed the Slam early (down 11 points) but cut the lead to four points at halftime before taking the lead early in the third quarter; the Lightning never trailed again on their way to winning 132-121 and earning a spot in the IBL Championships, which they will host, starting on July 25th. 2009 All-Stars: Lamond Murray, Fred Vinson, Bryon Russell, Toby Bailey and Darrick Martin. Juaquin Hawkins made honourable mention. For a full preview of the IBL 2009 championship game between the Oregon Wave and the Lightning, see news release on main page of the IBL web site.

Oregon Waves (15-7) 1st South Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 5, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 3
Owner and Head Coach Terrence Dickens has brought his deep understanding of IBL basketball, and considerable talents to his third organization (Dickens was co-owner and GM of the Volcanoes in 2005 and 2006 and Dickens was the head coach of the 2007 and 2008 Portland Chinooks). Dickens, in 2009 put together a roster that won 5 of 6 games heading into the playoffs. The Waves were anchored this year by perhaps the leagues tallest, Brad Kanis (26G, 12.8pts, 8.6rbd)- he was 9th in the IBL in rebounding - and shortest, Jeremiah Dominguez (18G, 21.2pts, 8.2ast) players. The team MVP, though, was probably Robert Day (14G, 24.7pts, 9.2rbd, 4.5ast) who was 8th in the IBL in scoring, and finished in the top-15 in rebounding as well. The clubs 4th All-Star Nominee, Oregon State product Lamar Hurd (12G, 19.3pts, 5.7rbds, 6.4ast), produced a top-20 type stat line, in all three categories, while contributing to the teams quietly strong year. Lamar Hurd is considered by many to be one of the best players in the IBL and his abilities were unleashed at the IBL tournament. Hurd, like the Wave peaked at the playoffs- winning over the Vancouver Volcanoes and winning over the host Snohomish County Explosion to punch their ticket to play Los Angeles for the league title July 25th. 2009 All-Stars: Jeremiah Dominguez, Lamar Hurd and Robert Day. For a full preview of the IBL 2009 championship game between the Oregon Wave and the Los Angeles Lightning, see news release on the main page of the IBL web site.

Seattle Mountaineers (13-8) 4th West Division, Longest Win Streak, Season = 3, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 2
After sitting out the 2008 season, the itch was just too strong for Head Coach and President Don Sims, and so the IBL welcomed the Mountaineers back for 2009. Seattle returned to the league as a non-profit team, with all staff and players volunteering and all proceeds going to charity. Still, the club more than held their own in the leagues toughest division, the West, with wins this year against the defending champion Slam, the star-studded LA Lightning, and wins over the playoff host Snohomish County Explosion. Unfortunately, Seattle was never able to get the strong momentum needed for a long winning streak, perhaps at least partly because of the fact that they were a travel team this year and played their whole schedule on the road. The team did get great loyalty from their roster with 14 players appearing in at least 10 games led by one of the IBLs legendary starsthat star at the top of the Mountaineers was Donald Watts (15G, 27.9pts, 6.2rbd, 4.1ast) the former University of Washington Huskie and son of playground legend and former NBA star Slick Watts. Watts finished #3 in league scoring average with a 27.9 points per game average. Seattle also gained Rashaad Powell back to the line-up, late in the season who finished fourth in the IBL in scoring (11 games, 27.3 points per game). Seattle matched up with the L.A. Lightning in the 2nd round of the playoffs (both teams got a bye in the 1st round) but Seattle was unable to get a second win against the star-studded line up and was narrowly eliminated by a 128-126 score by the eventual bracket champs. 2009 All-Stars: Donald Watts and Rashaad Powell.
Snohomish County Explosion (11-12) 2nd North Division, Long Win Streak, Season = 2, Long Loss Streak, Season = 4
It was a transition year for the Explosion as they bid farewell to several perennial All-Stars, a legendary Seattle area coach (Randy Redwine) and made an organizational decision to get younger. Even their coach Chris Weakly was playing as recently as last season, before putting on a suit and moving to the front of the bench (although Weakly would eventually dust off his uniform and finish 2009 as a player/coach). The gang at Monroe knew there would be growing pains. And there were. Still, the Explosion found some great pieces as they re-built the organization. Principal among the new, young pieces is Devon Greene (22G, 37.1pts, 9.9rbd, 4ast) who led the league in scoring by a long shot and currently sits in the top-10 in IBL rebounding. Snohomish also received an All-Star performance from Richard Ford (13G, 25.6pts, 13.8rbd) before he accepted an overseas deal and left the team in early June (returned for the IBL playoffs though and was considered one of the top 5 players in the IBL that weekend by scouts in attendance). Thankfully, during Fords absence, the Explosion were able to turn to Ike Ohanson (21G, 18.8pts, 11.3rbd) who was a double-double machine. But as we know, a team needs a guard and in veteran Anthony Slater (21G, 8pts, 5.3rbd, 13.8ast) they found the leagues top assist man who is also a versatile, if under-sized, floor general who was able to help the club move forward and grow together, each week. The Explosion again hosted the IBL playoffs and were hoping to peak at the right time; then, some great news-- Richard Ford freed up some time from previous obligation to return to the Snohomish County Explosion, in time for the IBL Playoffs. This brings a 'good' team to a 'playoff championship caliber' team said General Manager Sean Keck in adding Richard Ford back to the active roster. 'This makes us very powerful down low (because) with Ford and Ohanson you got 50 points 30 rebounds per game'. Keck was right and after winning their playoff opener against Vancouver BC, they shocked everyone as they finished off Canada with another win- a 143-131 win over the #1 seeded Edmonton Energy. Jason Hicks was dominant in both games and dominant in all phases of the game- defensively, scoring, passing, etc. and all of this occurred with Hicks coming off of the bench as part of an Explosion second surge that cut off any breathing room the BC or Edmonton teams might have had in any comeback attempt; Hicks scored 26 points and 27 points- off of the bench- in both wins. The game was viewed by many in attendance as one of the best team performances in the five year history of the IBL. The run ended there however, as the Explosion could not sustain their play in a third game in three days and lost the National Bracket Final to the Oregon Wave (the Wave was in their second game in two days). 2009 All-Stars: Richard Ford, Devon Greene and Anthony Slater.

Tacoma Tide (14-8) 3rd West Division, Longest Win Streak, Season = 5, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 3
Tacoma is one of the leagues original cities (fifth year for the city, fifth year for many of the players on the current team) but this 2009 team was under a new ownership and a brand new culture. The team, like the Seattle Mountaineers was a not for profit team with players donating time to the team and the team donating to the community. This new Tacoma entry- the Tacoma Tide- came into 2009 with a goal of increasing their win total for a second straight year after winning just 5 games in 2007. They found success in this goal and in fact Tacoma opened the year at 5-0, and recently won five of their last seven, including beating Bellingham in an overtime thriller. Tacoma's rock has been Dontay Harris (22G, 18.8pts, 11.5rbd, 4.5ast); after another great year Harris received his fourth All-Star selection. They also received another outstanding year from Lorenzo Rollins (21G, 16.4pts, 5rbd). The teams leading scorer was Washington State product, Justin Murray (11G, 23.3pts, 9.4rbd) who finished 11th in the league in scoring. Those three players provided exactly what the club expected from veteran all-stars, but the team must have been a little surprised by the all-league type season turned in by rookie guard Antwan Williams (22G, 13.5pts, 5.9ast) who is currently 10th in the IBL for assists per game. Adding Antwan Williams to this cast of veterans and this new ownership group was the perfect mix to make the Tacoma Tide a contender for the IBL title. Tacoma won a round one match-up with the Central Oregon Hotshots but saw their season end at the hands of the 2009 champs from Bellingham in round two. 2009 All-Stars: Justin Murray, Antwan Williams, Lorenzo Rollins and Dontay Harris (this is Dontay Harris fourth All Star selection in five years of play and with this 2009 season complete, Dontay Harris is now the new all time leading scorer in the IBL w/ 2213 points scored over five years of play just passing up Vancouver Volcanoes Kevin Pip Bloodsaw who is now second with 2063 points scored over five years).

Vancouver BC Titans (9-14) 3rd North Division, Longest Win Streak, Season = 3, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 8
The Vancouver B.C. Titans played their first full season in 2009 and learned the same lesson as most new teams, that the IBL is a far tougher league than you probably thought. The Titans opened the year with three wins, before reality set in and they lost 11 of 12 including dropping eight straight. Vancouver hung tough though and put on a strong kick to the finish and won 5 of 6 heading into their final home game against the Edmonton Energy, a battle of Canada (Edmonton won that game by 30 points). The Titans had several standouts this year, beginning with Jessan Gray (19G, 16.9pts, 10.1rbd) who has been solid in the post all season as he worked an inside-outside game with Kyle Keyes (19G, 21pts, 4.7rbd, 10ast), who is fourth in IBL assists. They used a Canadian boy, James Hudson (20G, 14.2pts, 5.5rbd, 3.2ast) as a change-of-pace guy while Emmanuel Unaegbu (21G, 11.9pts, 8.2rbd) served as an energy banger down low. The first year club took their playoff lumps as they were sent home early after dropping their post season opener to the host Snohomish County Explosion. Expect the BC Titans to come back with a vengeance in 2010. 2009 All-Stars: Kyle Keyes, Jessan Gray and James Hudson. Emmanuel Unaegbu made honourable mention (for the All Star selections).

Vancouver Volcanoes (15-8) 2nd South Division, Longest Win Streak, Season = 5, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 3
After struggling in their first three seasons in the IBL, the Volcanoes have now gone 33-14 over the last two seasons under new owner Bryan Hunter and the Volcanoes have emerged as one of the top teams in the IBL. The Volcanoes welcomed back two veteran stars in 2009 and received a high level of play from their former All-Stars, Porter Troupe (12G, 14.1pts, 3.7rbd, 4.8ast) and Kevin Tyner (23G, 16.9pts, 5.7rbd, 8.9ast) who currently is 5th in assists. However, the biggest story for Vancouver this season had to be Bryson McKenzie (21G, 17.8pts, 14.6rbd). In his first IBL season he finished first in rebounding and in the top-30 among scorers; McKenzie also recorded a double-double in nearly every contest and collected 20+ boards several times during the 2009 season. Bryson set the all time IBL record for most rebounds in a game and a few weeks back, signed with the Dallas Mavericks to play in the NBA Summer League and preseason. The Volcanoes opened the 2009 season on a tear as they raced to a 9-3 mark, but the team suffered a midseason lull in which they went 3-3. The organization was able to dig down and right the ship and they won three of their last four contests prior to the post season. The Volcanoes were a favorite entering the playoff tournament but ended up as a victim of the Oregon Waves as both teams got a bye in the first round but unfornately met in the second round, the Wave prevailing. 2009 All-Stars: Bryson McKenzie, Kevin Tyner, Porter Troupe

TEAM BY TEAM END OF SEASON REVIEWS OF TEAMS THAT DID NOT ATTEND PLAYOFFS

Grand Rapids Flight (7-9) 3rd East Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 2, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 3
The Flight is another original IBL team that was trying to recapture the glory of their earlier years. After beginning the franchise with a 27-16 record (2005 and 2006 seasons), the club has yet to reach an even mark for the season since, although they have improved their winning percentage in back-to-back years. This year- 2009, Head Coach David Fox had to work with a frequently changing cast of players as the Flight dressed more than 20 different players, although they had a strong core group of seven who saw action in at least half their games. Grand Rapids 2009 team used a different plan than we might have expected from the team that once featured pro-basketballs tallest ever player, 79 Sun Ming Ming, as they relied on a group of quick and talented guards to keep them competitive against the gritty and talented East Division. Speaking of those guards, former USA All-Star Zak Ramey (15G, 19.4pts, 4.2rbd, 5ast), an Illinois native, went north to serve as a team leader for the Flight along with Maurice Benson (8G, 17.5pts, 4rbd, 4.5ast). Ramey and Benson formed a quick and talented backcourt tandem. 2009 All-Stars: Zak Ramey, Maurice Benson
Holland Blast (15-4) 1st East Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 8, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 1
The Blast were the best team in the East this season as they dominated division play losing only to long-time rivals the Soldiers, once at home and once on the road. For their two games on their trip by flight (all IBL teams fly one time during the season), the Blast lost a pair of games by 40 points and 50 points respectively, to the Vancouver Volcanoes and the Oregon Wave. The Blasts 15 wins in the 2009 season is the most wins in any season in Blast history (impressive as the Blast is an organization that has reached double figures in victories in each of their four seasons in the IBL). Blast Head Coach Duane Bosma used strength through depth to achieve success in the fast-paced world of IBL basketball, utilizing multiple players and balanced scoring; in fact, 9 nine of the 11 players (that played more than 11 games for the Blast) averaged 10 or more points per game and with regards to team rebounding, seven guys averaged 5 rebounds or more per game. The clubs leading scorer was Rachmin Dillard (12G, 21.5pts, 5.5rbd). The team had just three players who played in every game so far this year, player/Head Coach Duane Bosma, who played college ball locally at Hope College along with the teams All-Star nominees, Eddie Spencer (17G, 17.9pts, 7.5rbd) and Julius Vines (19G, 15.6pts, 4.9rbd), who dominated on the stat sheet, both scoring at better than 20 a game over the last month of the season. 2009 All-Stars: Rachmin Dillard, Eddie Spencer, Julius Vines
Kankakee County Soldiers (12-8) 2nd East Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 4, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 2
The Soldiers entered the 2009 campaign, their third season in the league, returning a good portion of the team that battled for 11 wins in 2008, but the Soldiers were missing their All-Star Erik Rhinehart who was averaging 16.5 a game in Austria. The Soldiers struggled a bit early on as they re-established their team concept, battling to a 3-4 record to open the year. The team then turned to veteran All-Star Demarcus Bolton (10G, 16pts, 7.8rbd) who helped flip Kankakees fortunes as they got on a roll and were victorious in 9 of their final 13 ballgames. Also for the Soldiers, Laurence Burnett (20G, 19.3pts, 8rbd) was one of just two players to appear in all the teams games, along with Carl Fine; Burnett would lead the team in both scoring and rebounding and Burnett finished in the IBLs top-20 in both categories as well. Stan Chismark (15G, 18.4pts, 6.4rbd) would be another key piece for a Soldiers club which has improved its winning percentage in each year of its existence and finished above .500 for the first time in this 2009 season. 2009 All-Stars: Demarcus Bolton, Lawrence Burnett, Stan Chismark

USA All-Stars (4-16) 4th North Division, Longest Win Streak, Season = 2, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 8
The USA All-Stars, in their second season as an IBL club, are essentially a traveling try-out team that the league uses to showcase talent that the teams might have missed, and its a plan that seems to be working as 14 players signed with IBL clubs in 2008, and 17 more players made IBL teams during the 2009 season. The USA All Stars team showed that there are still good players to be had- as they increased their wins from one to four- securing victories against veteran clubs like the Kankakee County Soldiers and the Snohomish County Explosion. Both of the clubs All-Star nominees have moved on to other IBL clubs but did play seven games for the All Stars and these two players overall accomplishments (total number of games, total statistics) are worthy of recognition. Terrence Hundley (15G, 29.4pts, 4rbd, 6.1ast), who played 6 games for the USA All Stars, 3 games for the Grand Rapids Flight and 6 games for the Central Oregon Hotshots was 2nd in the league in scoring and 9th in the IBL in assists per game. The USA All-Stars also brought the league one of the fastest guards in America- Terry Jeffries (22G, 18.3pts, 4.8rbd, 5.2ast)another electric guard whose 2009 season has been so good that he was eventually signed by the Central Oregon Hotshots. The USA All Stars program/team will play in 2010 and beyond as the program/team has been deemed a success (now most every game is a competitive game and 31 players have made it onto an IBL team roster). 2009 All-Stars: Terrence Hundley and Terry Jeffries

Nippon Tornadoes (0-18) 4th East Division Longest Win Streak, Season = 0, Longest Loss Streak, Season = 18
Needless to say, when you lose all 18 games on your schedule it has been a tough year. The Tornadoes used several dynamic guards who scored at a furious pace as they tried valiantly to keep all of their games close. The Tornadoes only suffered from a lack of low post presence but otherwise the Tornadoes would have won quite a few games. The Tornadoes were fantastic to watch and their guard play was so solid, that 2 IBL teams inquired about taking their guards onto their teams down the stretch of the season (the Tornadoes were not staying for the playoffs but the two IBL teams were- and they wanted the Japanese guards). The league recognized the accomplishments of Daisuke Tamura (18G, 26.7pts, 3.4rbd, 4ast) and Masaharu Kataoka (18G, 26pts, 4.5rbd, 4.1ast) both of whom contributed Herculean efforts over the long year for the Tornadoes. Yuuto Okumoto was the teams leading rebounder at 6.5 per game to go with his nearly 20 point per night average. Look for a recharged, and bigger, Nippon club in 2010. 2009 All-Stars: Daisuke Tamura and Masaharu Kataoka

About the IBL: unique features that distinguish the IBL from other professional basketball leagues
Extremely low travel costs Organizing teams in regional clusters has enabled the IBL to offer owners an unprecedented one flight guarantee. IBL teams can play a variety of opponents from all over the country, indeed, the world but the owners only fly one time. This efficiency also applies to international teams, who can play a complete 20-game schedule in Americanwith just their one flight to the U.S.

An entertaining game- by allowing only one timeout per quarter, and reducing dead time with an immediate inbounds policy, IBL games are always fast and entertaining (the contest only lasts two hours).

Player development: the fast paced play of the IBL produced great players who would then leave the IBL to go overseas after the season expired. After the 2007 IBL season, 102 IBL players went on to play overseas; this 2007 season established the IBL as the league to play into get or maintain an overseas basketball job.

The IBL is international: China (Shanxi) and Canada (Edmonton) competed in 2008 and in the 2009 seasona team from Japan (the Nippon Tornadoes) and a second Canadian team- the Vancouver Titans from British Columbia competed in the IBL. In addition to teams from Asia and Canada playing in the IBL, IBL teams have gone to Asia to compete; both the Central Oregon Hotshots and the Elkhart (Indiana) Express played games in China. To date, ten Asian teams have exchanged games with the IBL

Ex NBA players that have played in the IBL: Twenty one former NBA players have appeared in the IBL including former NBA All Stars Tim Hardaway, Dennis Rodman and Shawn Kemp. Two former NBA all stars have coached in the IBLTerry Mills (full season) and Slick Watts (All Star game).

Highest attendance: An impressive attendance was garnered at an IBL game played in 2006 in Portland Oregon at the Rose Garden where 4,400 fans watched the Portland Chinooks beat the Vancouver Volcanoesvideo available on the IBL web siteclick on Vancouver Volcanoes; a year later, that attendance record was eclipsed when 6,000 fans saw the Elkhart Express (IN) beat the Grand Rapids Flight; video found on IBL web site, main page.

About IBL founder Mikal Duilio: Founder Mikal Duilio has operated sports leagues and events for 23 years. As a teenager from 1985 to 1992Duilio founded & directed the Indianola Jamball League (Iowa). In 1992, Duilio obtained a Masters Degree from Iowa State University and moved to Portland, Oregon where he founded & directed PortlandBasketball.Com. For 15 years and runningPortlandBasketball.Com has been and isthe worlds largest basketball league with 6,000 amateur basketball games per year. Duilio founded PugetSoundBasketball.Com in Seattle in 2004, but sold the business within one year. In November of 2003, Mikal Duilio founded the International Basketball League with test games in the Pacific NW; the first official IBL game occurred in April of 2005on that opening nightformer NBA All Star Tim Hardaway scored 50 points (for a team in Waterloo, Iowa) in an overtime loss 129-131. The International Basketball League is heading into its sixth yearstarting in April of 2010.

For more info, photos & videos about the IBL or about IBL teams, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com

IBL's Oregon Wave will play at the Los Angeles Lightning for 2009 IBL Championship- in best of three series - by Trask Frost
NEWS RELEASE: July 14, 2009
CONTACT: Mikal Duilio IBL Commissioner (ph) 866-IBL-GAME

IBLS OREGON WAVES WILL PLAY AT THE LOS ANGELES LIGHTNING
IN A BEST OF THREE SERIES FOR THE 2009 IBL CHAMPIONSHIP

Portland, Oregon- the 2009 IBL Championship will feature the Oregon Waves visiting the Los Angeles Lightning on July 25th, 26th and 28th at 7pm, games to be held at Cal Lutheran University located in Thousand Oaks California. The 2009 IBL season featured the best talent in the league's five year history. The two teams that will play for the IBL 2009 Championship were so intriguing that the IBL decided to make the Championship into a 3-game series (originally a single game event). The Oregon Waves roster features various All Pac 10 players as well as the 2008 Big Sky player of the year Jeremiah Dominguez. The L.A. Lightning features six ex-NBA players.

ABOUT THE OREGON WAVES:
The Oregon Waves is a first year basketball team competing in the fifth year International Basketball League. The Waves (15-7) topped Snohomish County (Wash.) 148-135 in the conference final to get to this championship game behind 34 points from David Jackson and 32 points from David Lucas (Oregon State). Featured players for the Waves include the following:
-5' 9'' Jeremiah Dominguez led the Portland State University Vikings to two NCAA berths in his junior and senior seasons. Dominquez was the Big Sky Conference player of the year in the 2007/2008 NCAA season.
-6' 4'' Lamar Hurd is well known for his play for the Oregon State Beavers- a 4 year starter for Oregon State.
-6' 5'' Robert Day was a star player at Western Oregon/has played professionally, internationally over the last 6 years.
-7' 2'' Brad Kanis is a late developer who at 7 2 is strong, athletic, injury free and now coming into his own.
-6' 8'' David Lucas was a two-time All-PAC 10 performer for the Oregon State Beavers (2004/2005) before moving on to a professional career. Lucas led the IBL in scoring in 07 & 08 (37.0 ppg in 2008). David is son of former NBA great Maurice Lucas.
-6' 5'' David Jackson finished his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. A veteran of NBA camps (Portland, Cleveland), and NBA summer league teams (Portland, San Antonio, Orlando, Seattle), Jackson also has extensive experience overseas in Italy, China, Spain and Turkey. The following is a link to highlights of a recent Korean basketball league championship game where Jackson scored 44 points http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tejH-5sydjc

Player Name, Height, College, Position, Games, Points, Rebounds and Assist
Robert Day 6'5' Western Oregon University Guard 14-- 24.7-- 9.2-- 4.5
Jeremiah Dominguez 5'6' Portland State University Guard 18-- 21.2-- 3.6-- 8.2
Lamar Hurd 6'4' Oregon State University Guard 12-- 19.3-- 5.7-- 6.4
David Jackson 6'5' University of Oregon Guard 9-- 18.7-- 3.4 --5.3
David Lucas 6'8' Oregon State University Forward 7-- 17.5-- 5.1-- 0.8
J.S. Nash 6'5' Oregon State University Guard 13-- 17.3-- 4.6-- 4.3
Dominique Deweese 6'3' Western Oregon University Guard 20-- 13.1-- 3.9-- 2.0
Brad Kanis 7'2' Southern Utah Center 26-- 12.8-- 8.6-- 0.9
Mike Johnson 6'6' Oregon State University Forward 14-- 11.0-- 5.6-- 0.7
Isiah Fox 6'9' Arizona Forward 11-- 10.7-- 4.8-- 1.2
John Jackson 6'8' Mississippi Center 10-- 9.7-- 6.8-- 0.9
Irvin Sims 6'5' Northern Montana University Forward 22-- 8.3-- 5.6-- 1.2

About owner and head coach Terrance Dickens-- in 2005, Terrance Dickens started the Vancouver Volcanoes with IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio in what wasthe IBL's first season; Dickens and Duilio sold the team after the two seasons (the Volcanoes are now heading into their fifth year of existence under owner Bryan Hunter). Terrance Dickens has a history as a head coach of an IBL team; Dickens coached the Portland Chinooks to the 2007 IBL Championship losing 113-109 to the Elkhart (Indiana) Express in front of 3,300 fans (video on IBL web site, main page, scroll to video called Elkhart wins). Two years later, owner and head coach Terrance Dickens gets this second chance at an IBL championship. Contact information for Terrance Dickens is (ph) 503-805-3311 and info@oregonWavesbasketball.com. For video about owner Dickens- visit www.iblhoopsonline.com and click on the Oregon Waves page.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES LIGHTNING:
The Los Angeles Lightning is a second year professional basketball team competing in the fifth year IBL (for information on the IBL, see the following page). The Los Angeles Lightning made their name in the 2008 International Basketball League season by assembling a roster full of former NBA players and former UCLA Bruin stars. The Lightning continued the trend of drawing big names (in 2009) with the signings of 13-year NBA veteran Bryon Russell and California State Senator Tony Strickland to a loaded roster, as seen below. The Lightning (16-4) reached the championship series in just this- their second season. They have won eight of their last nine games, capped by victories over the Seattle Mountaineers (128-126) and the Bellingham (Wash.) Slam in the IBL playoffs. Darrick Martin, a point guard from UCLA and former NBA player- scored 22 of his 28 points in the final quarter of the conference final (over Bellingham) as L.A. overcame an early 26-11 deficit to win by 11 points. Featured players for the Lightning include the following:
-6' 7 Bryon Russell spent most of his pro career with the Utah Jazz, making it to the NBA Finals 3 times (one time w/ LA Lakers)
-6' 7 Lamond Murray is a former NBA player who played for the L.A. Clippers among other teams.
-6' 4 Fred Vinson is a former NBA player who played for the Seattle Supersonics among other teams.
-6' 1 Darrick Martina former NBA player who played with the Toronto Raptors among other teamswas instrumental in getting Los Angeles to the finals with a win over Bellingham (2008 Champions).
-6' 6 Toby Bailey is former NBA player (Phoenix Suns) and former UCLA Bruin. In 2007 & 2008, Bailey was an IBL All Star. Bailey recorded the first triple-double in team history with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists on June 14 in a 160-123 rout of the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Flight.
-6' 5 Billy Knight won the 3-point shootout at the 2008 IBL All-Star Festival held in Gary, Indiana last June.
-7' 0 Adam Parada is a veteran professional who has been with five NBA organizations in various capacitiesand won championships both internationally and on the NCAA Div-1 conference level.
-6' 7 Juaquin Hawkins has played with the Houston Rockets
-6' 7 Trayvon Lathana phenomenal young player with incredible speed, burst and touch around the hoop. Trayvon was instrumental in the two wins that got the Los Angeles Lightning to the finals (wins over Seattle and Bellingham).
-6' 5 Tony Strickland is a 6' 5' California State Senator and Whittier College alumni. Stricklanda long time basketball playertook no time to agree to the offer from Lightning owner Mark Harwell who tongue in cheek insists, this is not a publicity grab, if the guy were 5-feet-7 and had a pot belly, that would be a publicity stunt,' Harwell said. 'But he (Strickland) is a tremendous athlete. ... I do not think people realize what a great athlete he ishe can still dunk the ball.' For video about Tony Strickland, visit www.lalightning.net

Player Name, Height, College, Position, Games, Points, Rebounds and Assists
Lamond Murray 6'7' California Forward 14--24.2-- 6.7-- 1.4
Adam Parada 7'0' UC-Irvine Center 9 --18.4-- 12.7-- 0.7
Toby Bailey 6'6' UCLA Guard 8 --18.2 --8.2-- 7.5
Darrick Martin 5'11' UCLA Guard 9 --17.6-- 2.7-- 6.8
Fred Vinson 6'4' Georgia Tech Guard 8--17.5 --2.1 --2.5
Trayvon Lathan 6'7' Chowan University Guard 15-- 14.0-- 6.0 --2.4
Billy Knight 6'5' UCLA Guard 12 --14.0 --3.2-- 3.0
Juaquin Hawkins 6'7' Long Beach State Forward 11 --13.0-- 5.9 --3.0
Chris Ayer 6'10' Loyola Marymount Center 7 --12.4-- 6.5-- 0.1
Bryon Russell 6'7' Long Beach State Forward 18 --12.1 --6.4-- 2.2
Ronell Mingo 6'9' Wyoming Center 9 --12.0-- 4.6 --0.4
Phil Givens 6'2' Cal St-Dominguez Hills Guard 9-- 10.4 --3.4-- 1.7
Lavar Simmons 6'7' Master's College Forward 5 --8.8-- 6.6-- 0.8
Leon Jacob 6'3' Texas A&M International Guard 5-- 8.2 --1.4 --2.0
Lorenzo Davis 6'10' Ft Wayne State Center 4-- 6.5 --4.2-- 0.2
Kenny Barnes 6'6' San Francisco Forward 5-- 5.6-- 2.4 --1.6
Matt Okoro 6'7' UC-Irvine Forward 11-- 5.3 --6.6 --1.0
Kamran Sufi 5'9' St. Mary's Guard 16 --5.1 4.6 10.5
Grayson Moyer 6'5' Humboldt State Guard 6 --5.0-- 2.3 --0.8
Teirance Wright 6'6' Ecclesia (Arkansas) Guard 8 --4.8 --3.8-- 0.3
Kenny Smith 6'5' San Jose State Guard 5-- 4.6 --4.0 --0.2
Tony Strickland 6'5' Whittier, CA Forward 13-- 3.1-- 2.0-- 0.4
Thomas Shewmake 6'10' Cal St-Northridge Center 4-- 2.5-- 4.7-- 0.7

About owner Mark Harwell--for information about Mark Harwell and for video about Mark Harwell, visit www.lalightning.net

Ticketsrange from $10 per game to $100 courtside. Visit the Lightning web site http://www.lalightning.net for ticket information.

Radioall games can be heard on Los Angeles radio (KVTA 1520 AM, KKZZ 1440 AM) or on the internet at www.lalightning.net

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Unique features that distinguish the IBL from other professional basketball leagues

Extremely low travel costs Organizing teams in regional clusters has enabled the IBL to offer owners an unprecedented one flight guarantee. IBL teams can play a variety of opponents from all over the country, indeed, the world but the owners only fly one time. This efficiency also applies to international teams, who can play a complete 20-game schedule in Americanwith just their one flight to the U.S.

An entertaining game- by allowing only one timeout per quarter, and reducing dead time with an immediate inbounds policy, IBL games are always fast and entertaining (the contest only lasts two hours).

Player development: the fast paced play of the IBL produced great players who would then leave the IBL to go overseas after the season expired. After the 2007 IBL season, 102 IBL players went on to play overseas; this 2007 season established the IBL as the league to play into get or maintain an overseas basketball job.

The IBL is international: China (Shanxi) and Canada (Edmonton) competed in 2008 and in the 2009 seasona team from Japan (the Nippon Tornadoes) and a second Canadian teamthe Vancouver Titans from British Columbia competed in the IBL. In addition to teams from Asia and Canada playing in the IBL, IBL teams have gone to Asia to compete; both the Central Oregon Hotshots and the Elkhart (Indiana) Express played games in China. To date, 10 Asian teams have exchanged games with the IBL.

Ex NBA players that have played in the IBL: Twenty one former NBA players have appeared in the IBL including former NBA All Stars Tim Hardaway, Dennis Rodman and Shawn Kemp. Two former NBA all stars have coached in the IBLTerry Mills (full season) and Slick Watts (All Star game).

Highest attendance: An impressive attendance was garnered at an IBL game played in 2006 in Portland Oregon at the Rose Garden where 4,400 fans watched the Portland Chinooks beat the Vancouver Volcanoesvideo available on the IBL web siteclick on Vancouver Volcanoes; a year later, that attendance record was eclipsed when 6,000 fans saw the Elkhart Express (IN) beat the Grand Rapids Flight; video found on IBL web site, main page.

About IBL founder Mikal Duilio: Founder Mikal Duilio has operated sports leagues and events for 23 years. As a teenager from 1985 to 1992Duilio founded & directed the Indianola Jamball League (Iowa). In 1992, Duilio obtained a Masters Degree from Iowa State University and moved to Portland, Oregon where he founded & directed PortlandBasketball.Com. For 15 years and runningPortlandBasketball.Com has been and isthe worlds largest basketball league with 6,000 amateur basketball games per year. Duilio founded PugetSoundBasketball.Com in Seattle in 2004, but sold the business within one year to Tim Kerns of Seattle. In November of 2003, Mikal Duilio founded the International Basketball League with test games in the Pacific NW; the first official IBL game occurred in April of 2005on that opening nightformer NBA All Star Tim Hardaway scored 50 points (for a team in Waterloo, Iowa) in an overtime loss 129-131. The International Basketball League is now heading into its sixth yearstarting in April of 2010. Twenty teams are expected to compete in the 2009 IBL season.

For more info, photos & videos about the IBL or about IBL teams, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com

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

ITALY

First win for Team Italy - by Gianni Pascucci
The Italian National Team 'A' narrowly defeated Czech Repblic, 64-63, at the end of a very close game in the first test match during the camp held in Bormio. With 19 points, NBAer Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) was the game top scorer, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) and Marco Mordente (191-G-79) added 7 points each at the winning side, Pavel Slezak (185-G-84) and Petr Bohacik (202-F-85, agency: PPGroup), with 12 and 11 points, respectively, were the best performers among the Czechs. Team Italy will participate to Gianatti International Tournment starting from Thursday 17, together with Senegal, Sweden and Czech Republic.

Market news: Brandon Brown joins Soresina, Leunen joins Cantu - by Antonello Varallo
After Earl Rowland (188-G-83,college:St.Mary's CA), Tiboldi Soresina signed the second import player: Brandon Brown (202-F-81, college: Tulane). Brown is a veteran of Italian league, having played with Avellino in 2005/06 and in last 3 seasons with Teramo, where he ended last season with 12.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg in 33 games.
Maarten Leunen (206-F-85,College:Oregon) is a new player of Pallacanestro Cantu. After a college career with Oregon (4 seasons, 9.7 ppg in 127 games), he joined Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul (Turkey-TBL), where he ended last season with 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1apg in 32 games.
In Legadue, Crabs Rimini signed Mike Bernard (205-C-78,college:S.Florida), a solid big man who played with Napoli, Messina, Cantu and Teramo.

Italian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Amoroso

Aradori

Bargnani

Belinelli

Crosariol

Valerio Amoroso (202-F-80) of Banca Tercas Teramo
Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) of Angelico Biella
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) of Golden State Warriors (USA)
Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84) of Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Marco Cusin (211-C-85) of Vanoli Soresina
Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) of Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Luca Garri (207-C/F-82) of Angelico Biella
Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) of Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) of Benetton Treviso
Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83) of Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) of GMAC Real Estate Bologna
Marco Mordente (191-G-79) of Armani Jeans Milano
Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) of Banca Tercas Teramo
Matteo Soragna (198-G/F-75) of Angelico Biella
Luca Vitali (201-G-86) of Armani Jeans Milano
Head Coach: Carlo Recalcati
Coach Assistant: Francesco Vitucci

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

JAPAN

Japanese National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Orimo

Kan

Takeda

Ito

Igarashi

Takehiko Orimo (190-G-70) of Rera Kamuy Hokkaido
Yuichi Kan (187-G/F-77) of Hitachi Sunrockers
Ken Takeda (188-G-78) of Link Tochigi Brex
Shunsuke Ito (203-C/F-79) of Link Tochigi Brex
Kei Igarashi (180-G-80) of Toyota Alvark
Tomoo Amino (195-F/G-80) of Aishin Sea Horses
Yuta Tabuse (175-G-80) of Link Tochigi Brex
Yoshifumi Kuwahara (200-C-80) of Toshiba Brave Thunders
Shogo Asayama (192-F-81) of Aishin Sea Horses
Daiji Yamada (200-C-81) of Rera Kamuy Hokkaido
Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-G-81) of Aishin Sea Horses
Ryota Sakurai (194-F/G-83) of Rera Kamuy Hokkaido
Hiromasa Omiya (198-F/C-83) of Link Tochigi Brex
Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) of Toyota Alvark
Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) of Aishin Sea Horses
Joji Takeuchi (205-C-85) of Hitachi Sunrockers
Head Coach: David Hobbs

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

LEBANON

Lebanese National Team - by Maarouf Mawloud

Martinez

Farraj

Akkad

Hauchar

Imad Saadeh (180-G-86) of Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut

Miguel Martinez (188-G-88) of Champville
Roudy Farraj (187-G-88) of Antranik Beirut
Badi Souaid (200-C-84) of Kahraba Zouk (200-F-84) of Kahraba
Nadim Souaid (192-F-86) of Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut

Alain Andraos (180-G-81) of Anibal Zahle (182-G-81) of Anibal
Joe Abi Mrad (204-C-88) of Champville
Tarek Hauchar (208-C-88) of Al Moutahed Tripoli (208-C-89) of Moutahed
Bachir Saad (199-F-91) of Anibal Zahle
Patrick Bou Abboud (199-F-86) of Antranik Beirut
Mohamad Akkad (192-G-88) of Tebnine (190-G-88) of Tebnine
Charbel Sokhen (202-F/C-85) of Tebnine (202-F/C-85) of Tebnine

Average height : 194cm
Average age : 22.25

Technical Staff
Head Coach : Sarkis Korjian
Manager : Ali Fawaz
Assistant Coach : Elie Fattouh
Physical trainer : Rony Kfoury

Lebanese NT "B" in Arab Championship - by Maarouf Mawloud
Lebanon 'B' National Team will participate in the Arab Championship for National Teams in Morroco.

The team is now in Morroco for the Arab Champions Cup from 15 july till 25 july.We've been in the group A with UAE,Lybia,Syria,Tunisia and Algeria.

Schedule of the team: (Beirut time)

Lebanon vs UAE (Thursday at 6pm/ART)
Lebanon vs Lybia (Friday at 8 pm/ART)
Lebanon vs Syria (Saturday at 8pm/ART)
Lebanon vs Tunisia (Sunday at 10pm/ART)
Lebanon vs Algeria (Tuesday at 8pm/ ART)

Players:
Imad Saade (180-G-86) of Sagesse
Miguel Martinez (188-G-88) of Champville
Roudy Farraj (188-G-88) of Antranik
Badih Souaid (200-F-84) of Kahraba
Nadim Souaid (192-F-86) of Sagesse
Alain Andraos (182-G-81) of Anibal
Joe Abi Mrad (204-C-88) of Champville
Tarek Hauchar (208-C-89) of Moutahed
Bashir Saad (199-F-91) of Anibal
Patrick Bou Abboud (199-F-86)
Mohamad Akkad (190-G-88) of Tebnine
Charbel El Sokhen (202-F/C-85) of Tebnine

Average height : 194cm
Average age : 22.25

Technical Staff
Head Coach : Sarkis Korjian
Manager : Ali Fawaz
Assistant Coach : Elie Fattouh
Physical trainer : Rony Kfoury

N.B: Games will be Broadcasted on: Art Sport , Libya Al Riyadia, Al Maghrebya Al Riyadia and Sharkah 2

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

LITHUANIA

Lithuanian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Lavrinovic

Javtokas

Lavrinovic

Petravicius

Jankunas

Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) of Real Madrid (ESP)
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80) of Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) of Montepaschi Siena (ITA)
Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79) of Armani Jeans Milano (ITA)
Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas
Linas Kleiza (203-F-85) of Denver Nuggets (USA)
Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) of DKV Joventut Badalona (ESP)
Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85) of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius
Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) of Armani Jeans Milano (ITA)
Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius
Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76) of Panathinaikos Athens (GRE)
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77) of Montepaschi Siena (ITA)
Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82) of Budivelnyk Kyiv (UKR)

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

MALAYSIA

Foreign Players To Spice Up NBL League - by Kristian Santiago
(By Bernama.com)

Six foreign players from North America, Europe, Africa and Oceania are expected to spice up the National Basketball League (NBL) which begins on July 10, in Bintulu, Sarawak.

NBL Commissioner Tan Kee Hian said, only although only four teams have entered the league - Malacca Chin Woo, Segamat Basketball Association, Perak Farmcochem and Bintulu Rainbow - it will still be an exciting league.

'All the teams were allowed to field two foreign players each from the pool of 35 players allowed to register for the NBL League,' he told reporters here Thursday.

Tan said, defending champion Malacca Chin Woo had recruited former Australian national player Ben Knight (203-F-76) and last season's runner-up Perak Farmcochem had signed up Gareth Murray (201-F-84, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC) (Scotland) and Raymond Canady Jr. (201-F-84, college: Valdosta St.) from USA.

Segamat Basketball Association will field Amani Daanish (201-F-83, college: Indiana St.) from USA, while Chris Kuete (195-G/F-83) (Cameroon) and Kenny Harris (206-F-81, college: Hofstra) from USA, have joined Bintulu Rainbow.

He said the presence of foreign players was expected to raise the standard of NBL and also help promote the sport better.

The tournament will be held in four different venues and there will be a carnival as well at the host venues as part of promotional efforts to boost the NBL's appeal and give an opportunity for local fans to watch the game at their own backyard, he said.

'During the carnival, fans can buy NBL tickets and take part in coaching clinics, 3 on 3 basketball, 3 points shoot-out, lucky draws and kids activities,' said Tan.

NBL 2009 will have four circuits, starting with Bintulu Indoor Stadium (July 10-12), Han Chiang Indoor Stadium, Penang (July 17-19), Segamat Indoor Stadium (July 24-26) and MABA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur (August 1-2).

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

MEXICO

Mexican National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Quintero

Zuniga

Hernandez

Castillo

Pedroza

Omar Quintero (183-G-81) of Gigantes de Guayana (VEN)
Enrique Zuniga (193-G-76) of Frayles de Guasave
Pedro Meza (187-G-85) of Caballeros de Culiacan
Christopher Hernandez (188-G-83) of C.B. Valladolid (ESP)
Raymond Castillo (196-G/F-82) of Halcones UV Xalapa
Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79) of Rayos de Hermosillo
Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82) of Coras de Nayarit
Victor Mariscal (198-F-72) of Halcones UV Xalapa
Anthony Esparza (196-F-85) of Gladstone Port City Power (AUS)
Jesus Lopez (205-F-83) of Caballeros de Culiacan
Noe Alonzo (200-F-83) of Tecos de la UAGuadalajara
Stephen Soriano (201-F-84) of Pilares del Districto Federal
Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Dakota Wizards (USA)
Omar Lopez (203-C-80) of Halcones UV Xalapa
Hector Hernandez (206-F-85) of Frayles de Guasave
Arim Abdul Solares (202-F/C-83) of Santos Reales de San Luis Potosi
Lorenzo Mata (205-C-86) of Halcones UV Xalapa
Victor Avila (209-C-77) of Caballeros de Culiacan
Horacio Llamas (212-C-73) of Trigueros de Ciudad Obregon
Adam Parada (213-C-81) of ASU Sports Club (JOR)
Head Coach: Arturo Guerrero

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

NAIA

XU's Jackson directs Hornets summer clinics again - by Richard
Dannton Jackson , men's basketball head coach at Xavier (LA), is the director of the New Orleans Hornets Summer Hoops Clinics for the second consecutive year.
The NBA team is sponsoring 10 three-hour clinics in July in south Louisiana for boys and girls age 7-14. The third of 10 clinics will be Monday in Thibodaux, followed by sessions in Westwego, Metairie, Mandeville, Chalmette, Hammond, Lafayette and Slidell.
'The Hornets have a great community outreach program that helps a lot of kids in the summer,' Jackson said. 'It's a fun teaching environment that involves the Hornets' players and staff with local coaches and players. In addition to the basketball instruction, we distribute NBA Read to Achieve materials to the kids.
'I get thank-you e-mails all the time from parents saying how grateful they are for these clinics.'
The Hornets' clinics are part of a busy summer for Jackson, who is 134-62 with four appearances in the NAIA Division I National Championship in six seasons as coach of the Gold Rush. He'll also be involved the first week of August with two free camps directed by Charlotte Bobcats guard DJ Augustin, a native New Orleanian who Jackson coached for four years on amateur summer traveling teams. Augustin was an NBA All-Rookie second-team selection this past season.
Augustin's second camp, an invitation-only session for top point guards around the country, will be Aug. 6-8 at The Barn on Xavier's campus.

Courtesy of Xavier (LA)

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

NBA

Pistons send Afflalo, Sharpe to Nuggets - by Demar Thomas
The Denver Nuggets acquired Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) and Walter Sharpe from Detroit in exchange for a future second-round draft pick.

The Nuggets also received cash in the deal. The Pistons freed up close to $1.8 million in salary cap space.

Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 74 games last season. He's known as a good defender, and will step in for Dahntay Jones, who left Denver for Indiana Pacers.

Sharpe played in eight games with the Pistons last season. He also appeared in four with Fort Wayne of the NBA Development League. The 6-foot-9 forward was taken by the Seattle Sonics in the second round of the 2008 draft, before being dealt to Detroit later that night.

We are very pleased to add two young promising prospects like Arron and Walter to our veteran roster, said Mark Warkentien, the Nuggets vice president of basketball operations. Arron is a proven NBA defender with an incredible work ethic and Walter is a talented but raw player with tremendous upside.

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

PARAGUAY

Pilar wins National Championship - by Gianni Pascucci
Even if the local Provincial Federation opted to not send any team to the 2009 edition of the National League, the Pilar Selection triumphed on the past sunday in the Final of the National Championship 2009. Pilar defeated Encarnacion, 112-77 in Concepcion, and one of its players, Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) was awarded as the tournment Top Scorer. The bronze medal went to Paranaense, winner over Amambay, 83- 81, with Elias Sosa (196-F/C-82) leading the way at 32 points.

National Championship Individual Awards - by Gianni Pascucci
We have yet wrote that Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) has been given the Top Scorer Award. Torres was also the best 3pt shooter and the best assist man of the competition . The Tournment MVP was Elias Sosa (196-F/C-82), from Paranaense, also awarded as the best FG shooter and Best FT shooter. The Top Rebounder was Alcides Fernandez (205-C-82), from San Lorenzo, and the Best Shot Blocker was Cristian Rodas (202-C), from Encarnacion.

Olimpia replaces San Jose in National League 2009 - by Gianni Pascucci
After having been for years a Paraguayan basketball powerhouse, Olimpia de Asuncion had a limited performing in last seasons, due to various reasons. But the golden age seems to be coming back in the club, after that the President of the multisport club based in Asuncuion, Eduardo Delmas, named a new Basketball Team Director, Marcelo Recanate, giving also him an interesting budget to re-build the roster. The first move of this 'new Olimpia' wil be the participation to the National League 2009, at the place of Deportivo San Jos, that decided to withdraw from the competition, leaving available coach Santiago Ochipinti , who will serve as the Head Coach of Olimpia de Asuncion, and top players like Gustavo Tavi Torres, Carlos Jorge Koki Riveros, Federico Mellone, Hugo Paredes, Aldo Acosta, and some of them could soon join the white and black team to strenghten its roster.

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

PHILIPPINES

Ex-PBA players to banner RP squad in ASEAN Basketball League - by Hector Santos
An all-star team composed of ex-PBA superstars like Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Vergel Meneses, Samboy Lim and Johnny Abarrientos is being formed to represent the Philippines in the first Asean Basketball League which fires off on Oct. 1 in Singapore.

Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez will also make representations for the team.

To top it all, the men behind the formation of the team for the home-and-away league is eyeing Billy Ray Bates, known as the Black Superman and arguably the best import ever to grace the PBA, to be part of the team.

There are two objectives in forming this team to form a competitive team that can win the championship and entertain the Filipino overseas workers, said ABC-5 president Bobby Barrero in yesterdays PSA Forum at Shakeys along UN Avenue.

Barrero pitched in for businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco who is throwing his full support to the team along with Harbour Centre owner and basketball patron Mikee Cojuangco who vowed to make it very exciting for the team and Pinoy cage fans.

The ABL was launched a few months ago in Kuala Lumpur. It is a brainchild of Tony Fernandes, a very successful Malaysian entrepreneur whos into the airline and hotel business.

So far, six countries have confirmed their participation through their respective club teams. They are the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Games will be played in each of the member countries.

The challenge being posed is very different and it excites us. Plus it will give our players a bigger chance to showcase their talents. We even feel that Filipinos may be tapped by the other countries as their imports, said Barrero.

Under tournament rules, each team is allowed four imports (two of any nationality and two of Asian descent). After a double-round, home-and-away eliminations, the top teams will advance to the best-of-seven semis, and the best-of-seven finals. Some of the foreign teams are even looking for Filipinos as their Asian imports.

Barrero said ABC-5, of which Cojuangco has control of, will air the games live on Saturdays and Sundays. As far as the Philippines is concerned, its primary target is to cater for its overseas-based workers.

Louie Alas has been designated head coach, Erik Arejola the team manager and Albert Tirona the assistant team manager. Tryouts will be held on Aug. 15 at the San Juan Arena for the remaining slots. Contracts of three to five years will be offered to the players.

Romero clarified that the ex-PBA superstars that include Bong Alvarez, Nelson Asaytono, Rodney Santos and Gerry Esplana, including Bates, who turned 53 last May, will play only as guests for the inaugurals although a couple of them may be asked to stay on.

Former PBL players like Jerwin Gaco, Patrick Cabahug, Chester Taylor, Al Vergara, Virgilio Serios, Jayson Nocom, Neil Raneses, Emer Saldua and Ian Saladaga are also being eyed to form the team which has yet to find its own name.

Its a club concept and were still open to shareholders. Were even planning of inviting Manny Pacquiao. Maybe he can put in some stakes in this team. This is a means to promote the Philippines overseas, said Romero.

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

POLAND

Asseco Prokom is moving to Gdynia - by Przemyslaw Swiatkowski
After 14 years of success in Sopot, polish champions, the Asseco Prokom Sopot team is moving to Gdynia.
The city of Sopot, a 40 000 sea resort has sold shares in the club opening the way for the Asseco-Prokom team to move to neighboring Gdynia, city located only few kilometers north of Sopot. Gdynia has a larger arena 5 000 seats- and the local politicians willing to support the organization in a bigger scale than Jacek Karnowski, the mayor of Sopot.
At first it may seem that the city of Sopot was left empty-handed, but the mayor is planning to use to money received for the shares in Asseco-Prokom to create a new team in cooperation with Kazimierz Wierzbicki, owner if the Trefl company - the founder of the basketball club back in 1995. The plan is to buy the wildcard to play in the polish league under the name of Trefl Sopot (which was the name Asseco-Prokom used from 1995 to 1999).
Both parties are pronouncing a will to form a cooperation system. It may include loaning players from the Euroleague team to the Sopot team. Despite the split, Asseco ( software giant in Poland), owner of the Asseco-Prokom stated their desire to financially support Trefl Sopot next season.
The parties did not disclose if the club could use 13 000 seat arena due to be open later this year in Sopot. The arena meets all the Euroleague requirements.

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

PORTUGAL

Portuguese National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Carreira

Minhava

Figueiredo

Reveles

Costa

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

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

Group A
1. Bayamon	4-2
2. Carolina	4-2
3. Arecibo	4-2
4. Ponce	0-6
Group B
1. Mayaguez	4-2
2. Quebradillas	4-2
3. San German	3-3
4. Santurce	1-5

Pirates Draw First Blood - by Luis Ramirez
The Quebradillas Pirates did not disappoint their loyal fans as they beat the Carolina Giants in overtime 103-99. The Giants on the other hand must of felt comfortable when they took the 1st quarter 27 -23, only to have the Pirates come right back in the 2nd quarter to take a 56-42 advantage at the half. It was the Giants who in the third quarter suffocated the Pirates as they would only score 16 points in that quarter, while the Giants scored 26 points in that quarter to cut the Pirates lead to just 4 point going into the 4th quarter. In the 4th quarter the Giants once again made a valiant effort to tie the game and send it into overtime. The pirates were able to control the game in the overtime period to take the win.

For Quebradillas it was Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and Peter John Ramos with 25 points each. Ramos also grabbed 14 rebounds for the Pirates. For Carolina, Donell Harvey scored 22 points and grabbed a total of 17 rebounds while Filiberto Rivera would score 21 points all in a losing cause. The Pirates and Giants will meet again on 7/15/09 this time at Carolina, where the Giants are hoping to tie the series.

Capitanes de Arecibo unable to reach semifinals in BSN - by Eurobasket News
The former BSN champions Capitanes de Arecibo stopped just one step away from the semifinals. They lost 73:81 to Bayamon Cowboys in the quarterfinal decider at home court.
Arecibo looked dominant in the first half. They opened the game with 7 straight points and controlled the game well in the first stanza. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) scored 7 points to help the hosts to a 17:11 lead after ten minutes. Bayamon tried to stay close early in the second frame as they cut the deficit to 4 points. But Arecibo unleashed an 18:8 rally in the closing minutes of the period to gain a 43:29 lead at halftime. Danilo Pinnock accounted for 16 points in the half as Arecibo seemed to cruise to the win.
The Capitanes stretched the margin to 15 points early in the third quarter but Bayamon were not done just yet. The Cowboys trimmed the distance at 8 points with one quarter remaining. Santiago Lee, Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) and Javier Mojica orchestrated an impressive 28:12 comeback rally from the Cowboys in the final stanza as they silenced the home crowd and eliminated Arecibo.
Christian Dalmau knocked down 22 points to pace Bayamon. Carmelo Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) added 15 points in the victory. Danilo Pinnock responded with 22 points for Arecibo. David Cortes (190-G/F-81) had 14 points in the losing case.
Bayamon will take on Mayaguez in the semifinal series.

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

SEBL

2008 SEBL City Conference B-League All-League Selections - by David Archer
2008 SEBL City Conference B-League All-League Selections & Awards

League Tournament Champions: North Metro Technical College

East Division Champions: Summer Hill Blue Devils

West Division Champions: North Metro Technical College

City Conference B-League League Overall Player of the Year: Nagee Smith, Cedartown

City Conference B-League Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Brown, Summer Hill

City Conference B-League Tournament MVP: Richard Davis, North Metro

East Division:

First Team
Roman Gilliam (5'10''-G), Owen FH
Chris Brown, Summer Hill
Mike Howren, BC Howren
Chris Jones (6'6''-F-82, college: Reinhardt), Summer Hill
Mario Jordan (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Buffalo) (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Buffalo), Sixers

Second Team
Mike Linley, Summer Hill
Tie Fezzai, Polk Co.
Michael Woodard, Owen FH
Demetrius Metcalf, Sixers
Kevin Hammett, BC Howren

Third Team
Junior Gonzales, BC Howren
Darrell Wilkins, Sixers
Michael Reynolds (6'3''-G-84), Summer Hill
Timmy Dudley, Sixers
DeRon Davis, Owen FH

West Division:

First Team
Darryl Williams, North Metro
Blake King, Knicks-2
Richard Davis (6'2''-G), North Metro
Nagee Smith, Cedartown
Darius White, Rockmart

Second Team
TJ McDaniel, Dalton WSC
James Williams, Rockmart
Corey Warn, Knicks-2
Chris Taylor (6'5''-F), North Metro
Scott Windom (6'6''-F), North Metro

Third Team
Deon Smith, Cedartown
Tim Fortenberry, Dalton WSC
Chaz Leonard, Knicks-2
Brandon Harris (6'5''-F), North Metro
James Miller (6'5''-F), North Metro

Standings

SEBL Standings

City B-East
1. Summ.Hill BD	1-0
2. BC Sixers	0-1
3. BC Knicks-2	0-1
4. AWU-Howren	0-1
City B-West
1. N. Metro DB	1-0
2. Dalton	1-0
3. Cedartown B.	1-0
4. Rockmart	0-1
Metro A-North
1. Cartersville W.	1-0
2. BC Skyline	1-0
3. Supreme	1-0
4. Smyrna K.	1-0
5. Marietta O.	0-1
6. BC Howren-1	0-1
7. ServPro-1	0-1
8. G. Wolverines	0-1
Metro A-South
1. Black Monop.	1-0
2. Tri-County	1-0
3. BC Lakers	1-0
4. Young Gunz	1-0
5. A. Underrated	0-1
6. Metro Stars	0-1
7. BC Barnesville	0-1
8. D.O.T.S.	0-1

2009 Edition of SEBL A-League South Division Results - by Bobby Rouse
2009 Edition of SEBL A-League South Division Results

In opening round action at Clayton State University the BC Lakers led by Brandon Robinson and Eric Wilson (6'1''-G) barely edged out a very scrappy Atlanta Underrated team (58-52)led by former Clayton State player BJ Fields.

In the second game Barnesville led by DeAndre Cannon lost 66-47 to a very experienced Young Gunz team led by Derrick Allen (6'5''-G-85, college: Valdosta St.) (6'6''-F, college: Gardner-Webb), Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.), and another former Clayton Star B.J. Puckett (6'9''-F-83, agency: AMI, college: Clayton St.).

Game three the Tri County squad led by Marcus Brown (6'7''-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgia St.)s 21 points beat the Metro Stars 82-61. The Metro Stars were led by Daniel Curtin who finished with 23 points.

In the nightcap Black Monopoly ran over D.O.T.S 72-46. Derrick Allen (6'5''-G-85, college: Valdosta St.) who was clearly the first nights MVP shot the lights out going for 25 points making 5 three pointers.

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

SERBIA

Serbian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Rakocevic

Krstic

Kecman

Teodosic

Bogdanovic

Serbian National Team coach Dusan Ivkovic announced the list of Serbian team for EuroBasket 2009 in Poland.
Serbia will play in the same Preliminary Round group with world champions Spain, Slovenia and Great Britain.

The roster:
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac
Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81) of Pamesa Valencia (ESP)
Milenko Tepic (198-G-87) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) of Tau Ceramica Vitoria (ESP)
Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77) of Panathinaikos Athens (GRE)
Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84) of Panellinios Athens (GRE)
Luka Bogdanovic (206-F-85) of DKV Joventut Badalona (ESP)
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) of Oklahoma City Thunder (USA)
Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) of Pamesa Valencia (ESP)
Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88) of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac

Dejan Milojevic returns to Partizan - by Zoran Popovic
Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) decides to continue career in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd and sing contract for next two seasons. Last season Milojevic played for Galatasaray and in Eurocup average scored 17.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals, in Eurochallenge average scored 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0..7 steals and in Turkish Championship 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals. In career Milojevic played for Beovuk 1997-1998, FMP Zeleznik 1998-2000, BC Buducnost 2000-2004, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd 2004-2006, Pamesa Valencia 2006-2008 and last season Galatasaray. Dejan Milojevic was member of Yugoslav and Serbia and Montenegro National team, in career won plant of National Cups, National Championships in Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro with BC Buducnost and BC Partizan Igokea Beograd Beograd, also was MVP of Yugoslavian, Adriatic and Serbia and Montenegro league. With Yugoslavian National team Milojevic won European Championship in Turkey 2001.

Vule Avdalovic at Lucentum Alicante - by Zoran Popovic
After four seasons in Pamesa Valencia, Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) will continue career in Lucentum Alicante Costablanca, new member of ACB league. In his last season in Pamesa Valencia, Vule Avdalovic in Eurocup average scored 8.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals and in Spanish league average scored 6.2 points, 0.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.5 steals. Avdalovic had long break after knee injury, but after recovered period showed good games in Spanish team. Avdalovic started career in Partizan, passed young categories and played for senior team in period 1998-2005 and from 2005 till 2009 for Pamesa Valencia. Vule Avdalovic was member of U20 and U21 Yugoslavian National team and member of Serbia and Montenegro National team 2003, 2004 and 2006. Avdalovic was on the list of potential members of Serbian National team for European Championship in Poland, but after long and hard season, medical team recommend break during the summer.

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

SEYCHELLES

Baya hang on, surprise wins for Heat and Dawgz - by Carlos Pereira
IT was quite a tumultuous weekend in the mens division one league as Baya survived a scare before winning, while bottom teams Beau Vallon Heat and Mont Fleuri Dawgz rekindled their season with valuable wins.

MBU Rockers had a chance to upset champions Baya, who gave a second debut to centre Bayas Roseline (facing camera) shoots in trafficTimmy Adam after spells with the Rockers and PLS Hawks, but they self-destructed in crunch time something they are not used to do.
With just over two minutes left on the clock, the game was on the line with Baya clinging to a two-point lead 71-69 until Dave Roseline tipped in his own miss with 1 minute 33 seconds (1:33) to play (73-69).
After resuming play following a time-out called by coach Alvin Alcindor, the Rockers netted one of two free-throws through Nigel Jah Henriette with 45.7 seconds left to bring the score to 73-70, but Hendricks Denis made a fruitful trip to the stripes for Baya with 28.6 seconds to play, netting his two attempts to open his teams lead to 75-70 after Cyril Agrippine had committed two consecutive fouls.
Henriette had the chance to cut the deficit but missed two free-throws with 13.3 seconds left before Agrippine was called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Bayas Robert Lon with 9.7 seconds left on the clock.
Following a commotion, swingman Agrippine was hit with a technical foul and, not happy with the officials decision, assistant coach Paul Denis started swearing and was disqualified. Alvin Marie was next to be hit with a technical foul his second of the game for swearing.
Lon scored one of two free-throws for the unsportsmanlike foul, and international playmaker Giovanni Laval was six out of six from the free-throw line for the two technical and disqualifying fouls.
Lon closed the game at 84-70 with a lay-up for a game-leading 26 points to bring Bayas unbeaten run to 11 for 22 points and first position in the 10-team standings.
As for the Rockers, who got 21 points from playmaker Nigel Sinon, this was their third defeat in 11 games for 19 points.
Current runners-up PLS Hawks made a tricky trip to Praslin on Saturday to play Praslin Warriors, who had put an end to a nine-game losing streak with a 64-58 win over RC Dynamics the weekend before.
Paced by veteran power forward Jim Domingue with 27 points, the former champions won 87-60 against the Warriors, who had Jackson Auguste and Joseph Souffe combining for 41 points.
PLS Hawks trail Baya by one point after 10 wins and a loss, while the Warriors are glued to the bottom of the table with 12 points.

Nigerian small forward Alao Solomon had the hot hands for Premium Cobras with 47 points in a 108-60 victory over RC Dynamics, who have won just three games in 11 outings.
The Cobras are tied with the Rockers on 19 points, but trail the latter after losing the first-round fixture.
Last years mens division two winners Mont Fleuri Dawgz won the first and fourth quarters 21-14 and 22-13 on the way to a 10-point margin win 77-67 win over Anse Boileau-based Angels.

Dawgzs coach Nigel Ah-kong, a former Premium Cobras and Seychelles playmaker, watched as his eldest son Reggie Ah-kong the teams playmaker and captain scored five 3-pointers for 15 of his 24 points. Newly acquired forward Nigel Cafrine added 19 points in the Dawgz third win for 14 points.

With centre Steve Antat out injured, Steven Servina led the Angels in scoring with 28 points; they have now lost seven times in 11 games for 15 points.

Although he joined Premium Cobras Darren Lesperance, Beau Vallon Heats Marlon Marimba and MBU Rockers Brian Morel on the list of players to score six baskets from downtown in a single match this season, skipper Dan Cme came up short in his bid to propel his team Cascade Bullets to victory as Beau Vallon turned the heat on them with a 62-59 victory.

Tony General Barb scored 18 points to again pace Beau Vallon Heat for only their second win, bringing their points tally to 13, while Bullets are on 16.

Meanwhile, in a mens division two encounter, AAP Brothers beat Juniors 36-34.
G. G. from The Nation

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

SOUTH KOREA

Kim, Orions Deny Double Contract Exists - by Rick Ross
A storyline reminiscent of a third-rate movie finally came to a close as the
Daegu Orions and Kim Seung-hyun suddenly agreed Monday on a
600-million-won contract at the summer league opening press conference.
But the controversy, which has left the Korean Basketball League
(KBL) with a black eye and has exposed some weaknesses in the
league's salary system, may not be over.

Kim and Orions President Sim Yong-seop announced that the former has
accepted the salary which was suggested by a KBL salary arbitration
committee during a KBL summer league press conference.

Kim also insisted that no double contract had been signed.
The controversy began when the 30-year-old guard submitted a
document to the league showing that he had two contracts,
one which had been submitted to the league, and another secret contract.
It would indicate that the Orions were paying Kim more than the
amount that had been reported to the league for salary cap purposes.

Kim, who made 550 million won last year, was asking for
720 million won, which would have made him the league's top paid player.
The Orions were only offering 600 million, because
Kim played only 39 games and averaged 9.67 points with 6.38
assists last season because of injury.
During the 2007-08 season he played just 21 games.

While the KBL salary arbitration committee was meeting to discuss the contract,
Kim submitted a document to the league, and threatened that if he didn't get the
salary for which he was asking, he would reveal all the
details of the secret contract to the public.
It was rumored that Kim received 500 million won in
addition to his 550-million-won contract last season.

Despite Kim's aggressive nature during the ordeal,
Orions' president Sim insisted it was all just a misunderstanding.
We have only one contract. Though there are many words,
all of them are linked to the right and duty, added Sim.
When asked about the details of the contract,
Sim said the team had no obligation to reveal the full details.

The Orions may be hoping that the issue with Kim is over,
but the league has other ideas.
We are going to investigate this incident to make the right decision,
the KBL Commissioner Chon Yook said Monday.
To be honest, we are very unhappy about their actions,
the KBL official told The Korea Times.
It's the first time this kind of thing has happened in the KBL.
Until now, we have thought that our salary system is quite good and fair,
continued the official.

Compared with other professional associations,
it is solid. To make it clean, we eliminated signing bonuses.
An annual salary and a salary cap control our system.

We have also tried to prevent double contracts as we asked the players
for their tax statements twice a year. But if the players received some
illegal money to a family member's account, it is hard to pick up on that every time,
unfortunately. After we investigate this issue,
we will also identify the problems in our system and fix them.

Double contracts can allow teams to secretly pay players more than
they report to the league, to potentially give themselves more
space under the salary capr - the limit which a team can spend on player salaries.
A salary cap is meant to increase parity by preventing rich teams
from simply outbidding all others for the league's best players.

The KBL salary cap is adjusted every year and stood at 1.8 billion won last season.
The National Basketball Association uses a ''soft cap'' where a team can
exceed the salary cap under certain conditions, like to resign players
currently on its roster. It also has a luxury tax threshold, where teams
must pay a dollar-for-dollar tax on any amount that exceeds the limit.
The NBA announced this month that the salary cap would be
$57.7 million and the luxury tax limit would be $69.92 million for the upcoming season.

The issue between Kim and the Orions has been an embarrasment to the league,
and it remains to be seen if the league will rectify the
issue to prevent secret contracts in the future.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Kim Seung-Hyun (178-G-78)

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

TURKEY

Nachbar heads to Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen made a loud announcement as the team signed Slovenian Star Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances). The latter is famous not only in Euroipean arena, however has great experience in NBA.
In 2002 he was drafted by Houston Rockets and signed 3-years contract with the team. In 2003-2004 NBA Regular Season played in 45 games averaging 3.1 ppg, 1.6rpg; Play-Offs: 5 games: 2.8 ppg, 1.2rpg. In December 2004 was traded to New Orleans Hornets where Bostjan Nachbar played in 55 games improving to 8.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 39.7%, 3Pts: 37.1%. In 2005-2006 moved to New Jersey Nets and in Regular Season had 11 games. The season 2006-2007 Slovenian star spent in New Jersey Nets and in Regular Season had 76 games averaging 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 80.5%; Play-Offs: 12 games: 9.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 95.5%. In 2007-2008: New Jersey Nets had Bostjan Nachbar in the starting five with 75 games as he showed 9.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 78.6%.
The last season Bostjan Nachbar moved to Europe and played for Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague). He was the third top-scorer in the League with 16.2 points per game for the team and had 4.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 84.5%. In Eurocup he played 13 games and was the fourth scorer with 16.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 91.2%.
Spartak SP created a real upset sweeping the series over Dynamo Moscow and taking their place in the Semifinals of Russian League. The team from Saint Petersburg had a 73:68 home win to win 2-0 in the series. Pashutin Zakhar top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Meshcharakou Yegor and Rakovic Milovan had 10 each. Lavrinovic Darjus collected 22 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. Bostjan Nachbar collected 7 points and 6 rebounds for his previous team.

Turkish National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Solak

Ozer

Hersek

Arslan

Atsur

Fatih Solak (213-C-80) of Aliaga Petkim
Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83) of Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul
Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Ender Arslan (190-G-83) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Engin Atsur (194-G-84) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Sinan Guler (193-G-83) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
Oguz Savas (208-C-87) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
Faruk Asik (211-C-86) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
Omer Onan (194-G-78) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
Semih Erden (211-C-87) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) of Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul
Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) of Orlando Magic (USA)
Evren Buker (194-F-85) of Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul
Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) of Regal FC Barcelona (ESP)
Bekir Yarangume (198-F-79) of Turk Telekom Ankara
Head Coach: Bogdan Tanjevic

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Defend Ours, Come to Defend win Zero Tolerance title series openers - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - The Zero Tolerance Summer Basketball League championships got under way with the first games of a best-of-three series.

Defend Ours defeated Never Quit in a close battle 37-35 in the 13- to 16-year-old age group and Come to Defend defeated Jah Youths 35-22 in the 9- to 12-year-old age group.

In the 13-16 championship, it was a down-to-the-wire game between the closely matched Defend Ours and Never Quit teams, but in the end Defend Ours squeaked out a two-point victory.

With just under a minute left, the game was knotted at 35, but Defend Ours hit a layup with just over 30 seconds left to take the lead. Never Quit had their chances in the end, but two costly turnovers as time rolled down meant defeat.

Defend Ours forced 19 Never Quit turnovers in the game while turning it over themselves only nine times.

In the first half, Defend Ours shot just 15.8 percent from the floor, but were able to connect on two 3-pointers and go 4-of-6 from the charity stripe. Never Quit made just one free throw and no 3-pointers in the game.

Defend Ours went 12-of-26 from the free throw line and 3-of-11 from long range.

Alphonso Queeman led the game for Defend Ours with 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Shanel Caines had nine points and seven rebounds and connected on two 3-pointers.

Defend Ours' Deshawn Creque added eight points and went 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

Never Quits' Xavier Richards had a double-double with a team-high 10 points to go with a game-high 14 rebounds and three blocks. Richards also went 5-of-8 from field goal range.

Shakeem Freeman had Never Quit's lone free throw and had five points in the game.

Come to Defend 35, Jah Youths 22

It was Come to Defend's game from the tip-off as the bigger squad won the first game of the 9-12 championship series.

The Come to Defend defense was stifling, holding Jah Youths to just 6-of-42 shooting on the night. Jah Youths was held to just five points in the first half, with only two points in the second period.

Come to Defend held a slim 4-3 lead going into the second but broke the game open by outscoring Jah Youths 8-2 in the second. Cahile Donovan had Jah Youth's lone two points in the second.

In the second half, Come to Defend shot 11-of-21 from the field and opened up a big lead over Jah Youths.

Jamoi Smalls nearly began a big comeback for Jah Youths in the third quarter, assisting on two straight baskets and pulling off a steal, but Come to Defend answered with four straight points and held on for good.

Smalls went 2-for-2 from the free throw line and had the team's only assists.

Lashawn Robin had eight points and seven rebounds for Jah Youths and Caleem Serrant added five points, four boards and three assists.

Come to Defend was led by a double-double from Rashad Creque, who had game-highs in points (12), rebounds (11) and blocks (3). Neyke Aska had 11 points to go with nine rebounds.

Game two for the 13-16 age group begins at 5:30 p.m. today with the 9-12 age group following.
By CHRIS WALSH

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

UNITED KINGDOM

BABALOLA BACK FOR BLUES - by George Manousidis
Everton Tigers power forward Olu Babalola (198-F-81, college: Clemson) has renewed his commitment to the Blues by signing a new contract.

The former Newcastle Eagles player arrived on Merseyside last season and was a key contributor to the clubs second place finish and BBL cup win.

The new one year contract will see the GB international stay at Greenbank for the upcoming campaign.

Tigers chairman Gary Townsend is delighted that the 27 year old is staying at the club.

He said: 'Olu had a fantastic season for us last year and its great to be welcoming him back.

Not only does he bring a wide set of skills on the court but he is also an excellent ambassador in the community for the Tigers.'

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

URBL

Ferro Carril (Uruguay) sign Boyd - by URBL media
Jerome Boyd will be the 4th player for the URBL to sign a professional contract to play overseas. Jerome Boyd (6'8''-F/C-84) of the 'URBL Champs' Dallas/Ft. Worth Disciples signed a one year deal with Ferro Carril (LUB-Uruguay). Boyd also had a great season for the URBL playing with the Dallas/Ft. Worth Disciples. He averaged 30.2ppg and 15.0rpg added with a selection to the All-Star team and being voted 1st Team All-URBL by the coaches and players. Boyd was also named URBL Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star MVP in 09'. 'We wish Big Rome the best in Uruguay and hope to see him back in URBL for many years to come, he was one of the best big men I've ever seen',said Mac Claire. 'Rome was a big part of what we did this season. I know he will go to South America and play great, said Jermaine Barnes. Jerome Boyd and Kitis WItherspoon will team-up this season in South AMerica. Jerome Boyd (6'8''-F/C-84, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Clayton St.)

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

USBA

United States Basketball Association 2010 Season Starts April 7, 2010 - by USBA Media

The United States Basketball Association has completed final preparation for the leagues inaugural season. Opening day is scheduled for April 7, 2010. The league will field 18 teams housed in 3 divisions. Permanente home gymnasiums of each individual team are in the process of being completed. 'Barring any unforeseen challenges, we will tip off on Wednesday night, April 7, 2010, we have agreements in place to use gymnasium for 15 of our teams already, the colleges and universities that we planned to occupy this year, understood the challenges we faced in 2009 and they graciously permitted the league to renew their commitment to play at their facilities,' said USBA president and C.E.O Duane Allen Jenkins. 'We anticipate having all locations set by early fall.'

The 2010 regular season will begin on April 7, 2010 and end on July 3, 2010. There is a mid season All Star Classic Game slated for May 22nd and May 23rd, 2010. The Championship game is scheduled for July 11, 2010. Both the All Star game and the Championship game will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. The top four teams in each division will secure playoff positions. The Willie Joe Hunter Memorial Championship Trophy will be awarded to the top team.

The league will continue its partnership with churches, civic groups and charitable organizations in each individual team city. The USBA announced its continuation of their support to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Feed America and the USMC Toys for Tots. The league is also extending invitations to children in foster care each city and children housed in juvenile detention centers. The league will conduct educational contest between clubs to select children to be official ball girls and boys. 'We'll invite all groups who help children to contact the league and well issue complimentary tickets to these groups to our home games. The selected children to be the ball kids will receive $25.00 apiece per game for their services,' said Jenkins.

The league has three divisions, the Atlantic, the Appalachian and the Southern. Each division will consist of six teams. 'With the economy stabilizing, its full steam ahead,' said USBA vice president of basketball operations, Kenneth Green. 'By announcing early well get to know our fans and supporters in each city. We want our fans to be able to have ample access to the coaches and players,' said Green. Tryouts will be held for teams on March 13th and 20th, 2010.

The leagues season ticket packages will be available beginning October 1, 2010. The season ticket promotion is called the 2010 USBA Season Ticket Extravaganza, the promotion will be made available to each city. This season ticket promotion is a special event for the fans and is sponsored by the advertisers and sponsors of the USBA. The league made 1200 single season tickets available in each city for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the USBA, the USBA Youth Outreach, Inc and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket. Each season ticket comes with admission to all fifteen home games and fifteen free single game tickets; this also includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and a 24-inch x 36-inch full color poster with the basketball team or the dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 30, which breaks down to $3.50 per admittance). 'We designed the USBA basketball games to be family friendly, our promotions, our entertainment and our prices will fit right into anyones budget,' said Jenkins

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle sponsored by the USBA Youth Outreach, Inc. 'We're very excited about this promotion. Not only do fans get a chance to see high quality basketball at affordable prices, but also there is the chance to win a new car, a trip to see an NBA game and to go on a Disney World vacation'

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2010 Lincoln Mercury Grand Marquis LS
(one automobile and a $40.00 Quik Trip, BP, RaceTrac or local fuel company weekly gas card for one year, will be given away in each USBA team city, 18 total league wide),

* 2nd Prize: Disney World Family Vacation
(Family of four, rt airfare on Delta Airlines, transfers to and from the airport, daily Disney World Park passes, meals and lodging at a Disney World theme park hotel included, two given away in each USBA team city, 36 total league wide),

* 3rd prize: The NBA Extravaganza
( Trip for two to an NBA game, round trip airfare on Delta Airlines, overnight stay at Marriott Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each USBA team city, 36 total league wide.)

* 4th Prize: The Trek Bicycle Explosion
(Six mens, six womens, six boys and six girls ten speed bicycles, 24 given away at each USBA team city, 432 total league wide)

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each USBA team city, 450 total league wide)

* 6th Prize: Russell Athletic Team Polo Shirts
(25 shirts will be given away in each USBA team city, 450 total league wide)

The Grand prize drawing for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener, the drawings for the other prizes will be held at a special pre-game show. 'As far as we know, this is the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports.' says Jenkins. 'Fans can visit our website at www.usbaball.com for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang. All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience' proclaimed, Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the USBA league office at (770) 729-0306 or go to www.usbaball.com/seasonticketexyravaganza.

2010 USBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2010 USBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi, North Carolina and the District of Columbia who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. This promotion ends April 5, 2010 at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. USBA employees, family member of USBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 1200 season tickets sold per USBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 1200 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 50 to 1, each, 5th prize winning odds are 48 to 1, 6th Prize winning odds are 48 to 1. The USBA has set aside 1200 season tickets per USBA team city to be sold, a total 21,600 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If the same individual purchases two season tickets for the 2010 basketball season and before April 5, 2010 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a USBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prizewinners must make travel reservation through the USBA. Travel blackout periods may effect certain travel dates. All NBA games must be east of the Mississippi River and in the Continental United States. Grand prizewinners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law.

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

VENEZUELA

MAMA OSA is not afraid - by Carlos Santander
Venezuela Basketball Federation finally did the right thing, Nestor Salazar aka MAMA OSA has the first option to become the Head coach of the senior national team. With character and experience enough, Nestor Salazar is not afraid about what players are in the roster; he is going to get those ready to represent Venezuela in the upcoming classificatory FIBA championship in San Juan Puerto Rico. Outstanding Nestor Salazar is coaching Cocodrilos de Caracas in the 2009 LPB championship game, after it, he should join his assistant coaches Nestor Solrzano and Carl Herrera in La Guair, Vargas State.

Cocodrilos force seventh game in LPB Final - by Eurobasket News
Cocodrilos raised the tension in the LPB Grand Final to maximum level winning the sixth game of the series. The teams are now tied at 3-3 with the decider scheduled on Tuesday. Marinos were up 3-1 in the title series but Cocodrilos claimed back-to-back victories to have their championship hopes resurrected.
Cocodrilos stunned their opponents early going on a 9:0 run. But Marinos gradually came back to life to finish the starting stanza up by 5 points. The hosts surged back in charge in the second quarter. They outscored Marinos to take advantage. Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) paced Cocodrilos to a 41:34 lead at halftime. The home team maintained the lead well enough to enjoy a 66:54 advantage at three quarter time. Cocodrilos did not give a chance to threaten the margin in the final stanza and rolled to a comfortable win at the end.
Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) and Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 18 points apiece for Cocodrilos. Juan Herrera (197-F-81) added 11 points in the win. Jhon Romero (199-F-85) answered with 20 points for Marinos. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points in defeat.

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

WILLIAM JONES CUP

Standings

1. Iran		0-0
2. Jordan		0-0
3. Japan		0-0
4. Kazakhstan		0-0
5. S.Korea		0-0
6. Lebanon		0-0
7. Philippines		0-0
8. S.Africa		0-0
9. Taiwan B		0-0
10. Taiwan		0-0

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

Women News

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

ARGENTINA - Women

Central Enterriano defeat Malvin in Quito - by Eurobasket News
Central Enterriano - Malvin 94:73

Argentinean Central Enterriano secured the opening win at the South American Cup for Clubs held in Ecuador. They toppled Malvin of Uruguay in preliminary Group B. The teams are fighting for two spots that guarantee the birth in the semis of the tournament.
Malvin got to a cruising start to the game. They built an 11-point lead before Central Enterriano clipped the margin at 8 points with ten minutes gone. The Argentinean team pushed harder in the second stanza and trimmed the distance to a single point at halftime.
Central Enterriano went off the locker room a different team. They avalanched by their opponents with a 20:2 rally and ensured a 62:46 advantage at three quarter time. The Argentinean powerhouse dropped 32 points in the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the victory at the end.
Liliana Tamburlini (-81) tallied 23 points, 7 boards and 4 assists to lead the charge. Erica Sanchez (182-F/C-76) had 18 points, 7 boards and 4 assists in the victory. Lucia Guadalupe responded with 17 points for Malvin. Daniela Tovagliari finished with 16 points in the loss.
Central Enterriano will face Regatas Lima, while Malvin will take on U.T.E from Ecuador in the second round.

Central Enterriano: Liliana Tamburlini 23, Erica Sanchez 18, Andera Gale 13, Laura Gonzalez (165-G-80) 13
Malvin: Lucia Guadalupe 17, Daniela Tovagliari 16

Central Entrerriano in Ecuador - by Facundo Iatzky
Central Entrerriano Gualeguaychu is in Ecuador playing the southamerican championship for clubs. Central got the right to play there due to have being the champion of the last national league. The roster coached by Daniel Bertoni include 10 players. They are: Noelia Mendoza, Andrea Gale, Laura Rota, Laura Gonzalez, Liliana Tamburlini (-81), Carolina Sanchez, Rita Isasmendi, Daniela Oldani, Juliana Nobile, Maria Eugenia Pascal and Agustina Fernandez. In the first game of the group, argentinian team beat Malvin of Uruguay 94-73. Tamburlini scored 23 points.

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

BOLIVIA - Women

Ourinhos better Univalle - by Eurobasket News
Ourinhos - Univalle 98:45

Ourinhos coasted to their first win at the South American Cup for Clubs in Ecuador. They opened the action against Univalle and ensured a comfortable win at the end. Mama Dantas (192-C-78) notched 22 points and pulled down 11 boards to propel the Brazilian team to 1-0 record in preliminary Group A.
Ourinhos jumped off the blocks to dominate early. They limited the Bolivian side to just 8 points in the opening quarter gaining a 16-point lead at the first break. Univalle botched up the second frame trailing by as many as 32 points at the interval. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter but Univalle failed to come any closer. Ourinhos finished off their opponents in the final term claiming a brilliant victory in the opener.
Tayara Pesenti (180-F-82) knocked down 17 points for Ourinhos. Karen Rocha (177-G-84) had 16 points in the win. Laura Florida responded with 13 points for Univalle. Mirian Justiniano and Jannete Via canned 10 points each in defeat. Ourinhos enjoyed a 37:21 advantage on the glass and forced Univalle to 21 turnovers. The Bolivian team shot only 26% from the field in the loss.

Ourinhos: Mama Dantas 22+11 boards, Tayara Pesenti 17, Karen Rocha 16
Univalle: Laura Florida 13, Mirian Justiniano 10, Jannete Via 10

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

BRAZIL - Women

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

BULGARIA - Women

Germany U20 celebrates in the the battle of the winless - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20-Germany U20 71:87 (15-26, 26-19, 22-21, 8-21)

Germany U20 took the first victory in the Qualifying Round of the U20 European Championship in Division A. The team overcame Bulgaria U20 87:71 in the first game on Tuesday.
Both teams understood the importance of the victory that remained the chances for the next round. Germany went on an early lead and had 8:4 as Julia Trogele (185-G/F-89) made a jump shot. Bulgaria tied the game several times, but could not continue in the same rhythm. Rexroth made a three for 26:15 after the opening quarter. A 9-0 run however brought Bulgaria back into the game as they reduced to 24:26. Germany managed to go on a bigger lead again, but Bulgaria stayed within one-two shots. Daniela Peteva (179-F-89) sent the teams to the lockers for 41:45. The third period belonged to Bulgaria that even tasted the lead. Nikolova tied the game at 49:49 and then Hristina Ivanova (184-F-89) posted three for 52:49. Rexroth pushed with Germany at the end of the frame for 66:63 advantage after thirty minutes. Right after that Germany started to dominate the court and won the clash of the winless teams. Hristina Ivanova scored for 87:71 that became the last shot in the game.
Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Julia Trogele nailed 18, while Nadja Protzig (179-F-89) scored 11. Daniela Peteva delivered 23 for Bulgaria that dropped to 0-4. Hristina Ivanova netted 17, whilst Nikolova added 16.

Bulgaria U20: Daniela Peteva 23, Hristina Ivanova 17, Nikolova 16
Germany U20: Svenja Greunke 24+12rebs, Julia Trogele 18, Nadja Protzig 11

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

CANADA - Women

Canadian NT for WC U19 in Thailand - by Eurobasket

Alexander

Clarke

Jobin

Macdonald

Seabrooks

Canadian U19 team started preparations for WC U19 in Thailand.

Canadian roster:
Natalie Achonwa (188-F-92)
Kayla Alexander (195-F/C-91)
Nicole Clarke (175-G-90) of The University of Alberta
Justine Colley (175-G)
Laura Dally
Elyse Jobin (180-G-90) of University of Laval
Elle Kerfoot
Jennifer Lennox
Stephanie Macdonald (178-G) of Canisius College
Melissa Mullins
Michelle Plouffe
Julie Seabrooks (191-F-90) of University of Colorado
Jenny Vaughan (175-G) of Denver University
Taryn Wicijowski (188-F/C)

Canada will play in Group C against Russia (July 23), Tunisia (July 24) and Japan (July 25).

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

CENTROBASKET U17 - Women

Standing

Standings

1. US V.Isl		1-0
2. Mexico		0-0
3. P.Rico		0-0
4. Costa Rica.		0-0
5. Guatemala		0-0
6. Bahamas		0-1

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

CHILE - Women

Universidad Medellin take down Santiago in South American Cup for Clubs - by Eurobasket News
Medellin - Santiago 87:49

The South American Cup for Womens Clubs tipped off in Ecuador yesterday. Eight best teams around the continent are to fight for the trophy. The tournament will be the first one in seven years.
Colombian Medellin toppled Santiago from Chile in the opening game in Group A. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82, agency: Next Level) scored 19 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the Colombian champions.
Medellin opened the game confidently building a 26:12 lead after ten minutes. Santiago managed to slow their opponents down a bit in the second quarter but still trailed by 18 points at halftime. Medellin continued to roll easily in offense as they piled up a massive 28-point lead after three quarters. Santiago scored only 11 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Tatiana Mosquera (195-C-89) netted 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Medellin. Elisa Garcia (-90) had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Romina Valenzuela (178-F-86) responded with 12 points for Santiago. Javiera Novion (168-G-87) had 10 points in defeat.
Medellin outrebounded their opponents 47:37 and forced those to 28 turnovers. Medellin will next face Ourinhos, while Santiago will play against Univalle from Bolivia.

Medellin: Yaneth Arias 19, Tatiana Mosquera 16, Elisa Garcia 11
Santiago: Romina Valenzuela 12, Javiera Novion 10

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

COLOMBIA - Women

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

ECUADOR - Women

U.T.E get first win in Quito - by Eurobasket News
U.T.E - Regatas Lima 95:53

U.T.E secured the initial win at the South American Cup for Clubs in Quito. They overcame Regatas Lima of Peru to climb on top of preliminary Group B. U.T.E are scheduled to meet Uruguayan Malvin in the second round. Regatas will try to rebound against Central Enterriano.
The teams kept it close in the opening minutes. But soon U.T.E unloaded a 10:3 rally that put them up 21:11 at the end of the starting stanza. The Ecuadorian side notched 24 points in the second quarter to build a 19-point lead at halftime. Regatas were unable to recover in the third term. U.T.E continued to dominate and cruised to a 30-point advantage at three-quarter time. The hosts eased to the win in the final quarter drawing first blood at the competition.
Maria Espinoza (-83) delivered 20 points to pace U.T.E. Kelly Santos added 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) answered with 18 points for Regatas Lima. Maria Bellatin had 14 points in the loss.

U.T.E: Maria Espinoza 20, Kelly Santos 18, Silvia Santos Luz (172-G-75) 13
Regatas: Paola Ferrari 18, Maria Bellatin 14

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women

Div. B Day: 7 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News

5-8 places

Portugal - Hungary 57-56
Francisca Braga knocked down a go-ahead three-pointer with 42 seconds to go in regulation to lift Portugal to the win over Hungary at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Portugal will now play for the fifth spot at the tournament. Hungary lost the second straight game and had to play for the 7th position. Carolina Escorcio (175-F/C-90) chipped in 13 points for Portugal. Joana Bernardeco added 11 points in the victory. Lilla Horvath answered with 20 points for Hungary. Bettina Bozoki had 15 points and 9 rebounds in the losing effort.

Israel - Greece 71-73
Greek U20 National Team eked out a tough win over Israel at the European Championship in Division B in Macedonia. Greece would now fight for the 5th spot against Portugal. Israel to face Hungary for the 7th position. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. The teams were tied at 71 with 20 seconds to go. Limniati and Pavlopoulou hit a freebie each to seal the winning outcome for Greece. Maria Bousnaki (172-G-89) finished with 14 points for Greece. Niki-Maria Tsakiridou, Vaia Merisioti and Antigoni Chairistanidou had 11 points each in the win. Lin Golan answered with 16 points for Israel. Shani Levin delivered 13 poitns in the loss.

9-11 places

FYR Macedonia - United Kingdom 57-85
Great Britain claimed the ninth overall spot at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They thumped Macedonia to complete their campaign. Macedonia finished the tournament in the eleventh position. Kelsey Bardsley (171-G-90) scored 19 points to pace Great Britain. Harriett Yea contributed 13 points, while Ruth Davison and Mary Durojaye netted 11 points each in the win. Jelena Antik tallied 20 points and 12 boards for Macedonia. Ana Tanturovska had 12 points in the loss.

SEMIFINALS

Slovakia - Holland 66-75
Dutch U20 National Team celebrated the victory in their semifinal clash against Slovakia. Netherlands thus booked the spot in the European Championship in Division B Final as well as they place in Division A for the next season. Rianne De Roos finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds to pace Netherlands. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) added 15 points, while Jantine Kraak had 14 points in the victory. Katarina Slimakova responded with 15 points for Slovakia. Monika Chabadova secured 14 points in defeat. Netherlands sank impressive 49% from the field limiting their opponents to just 38% accuracy.

Standings Div.B (Women) - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B

Group C
1. U.Kingdom		2-0
2. Austria		1-1
3. FYR Macedon.		0-2
Group Q-F
1. Belgium		0-0
2. Greece		0-0
3. Hungary		0-0
4. Israel		0-0
5. Holland		0-0
6. Portugal		0-0
7. Romania		0-0
8. Slovakia		0-0

Stats Leaders (Women)

Points Per Game

Elina BABKINA
(172-G-89)
Avg: 21.4

1. Babkina, LAT	21.4
2. Petronyte, LTU	21.4
3. Aleksic, MNT	20.0
4. Petrovic, SRB	20.0
5. Grishaeva, RUS	18.0
6. Jovanovic, MNT	17.8
7. Samburska, UKR	16.0
8. Bogicevic, SRB	15.8
9. Dashkevich, BLR	15.0
10. Gumusay, T.	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Gintare PETRONYTE
(195-C-89)
Avg: 10.2

1. Petronyte, LTU	10.2
2. Petrovic, SRB	9.4
3. Turcinovic, MNT	9.3
4. Steinberga, LAT	8.8
5. Jovanovic, MNT	8.8
6. Grishaeva, RUS	8.4
7. Cata-Chitiga, FRA	8.2
8. Halvarsson, SWE	7.8
9. Vieru, RUS	7.4
10. Bogicevic, S.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Ana DABOVIC
(183-G/F-89)
Avg: 5.4

1. Dabovic, SRB	5.4
2. Kashlei, BLR	4.5
3. Babkina, LAT	4.4
4. Lysyuk, UKR	4.3
5. Sedlakova, CZE	3.5
6. Torrens, ESP	3.5
7. Vujadinovic, MNT	3.0
8. Aleksic, MNT	3.0
9. Petrovic, SRB	3.0
10. Ovsikova, C.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Agnieszka SKOBEL
(180-F-89)
Avg: 4.6

1. Skobel, POL	4.6
2. Novotna, CZE	3.5
3. Striulli, ITA	2.8
4. Babkina, LAT	2.8
5. Crippa, ITA	2.6
6. Xargay, ESP	2.5
7. Sedlakova, CZE	2.5
8. Savelyeva, RUS	2.4
9. Valko, BLR	2.3
10. Trogele, G.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Gintare PETRONYTE
(195-C-89)
Avg: 3.2

1. Petronyte, LTU	3.2
2. Prystupa, UKR	3.0
3. Vieru, RUS	1.8
4. Grishaeva, RUS	1.6
5. Jovanovic, MNT	1.3
6. Miteva, BUL	1.2
7. Surkusa, LAT	1.2
8. Chistyakova, RUS	1.0
9. Corsi, ITA	0.8
10. Karatas, T.	0.8

W-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group E
1. Spain		4-0
2. Serbia		4-0
3. Italy		2-2
4. Germany		1-3
5. Turkey		1-3
6. Bulgaria		0-4
Group F
1. France		4-0
2. Russia		3-1
3. Latvia		3-1
4. Lithuania		1-3
5. Poland		1-3
6. Sweden		0-4
Group G
1. Czech Repu.		1-0
2. Ukraine		1-0
3. Monteneg.		0-1
4. Belarus		0-1

Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Spain - Italy 75-59
Spain U20 stay perfect in the U20 European Championship Women. In the second game of the Qualifying Round the favorites edged Italy 75:49 for 4-0 record. Georgina Bahi (190-C-89) paced all the winners with 14 points to remain undefeated. Torrens collected 13 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Abalde netted 12. Striulli responded with 19 points in defeat and Crippa added 9.

Turkey - Serbia 67-72
Serbia survived a thriller against Turkey to remain undefeated at the U20 European Championship Women Qualifying Round in Gdynia. The favorites improved to 4-0 record to find out the winner of the group with Spain in the last day of the Qualifying Round. Serbia trailed 13-23 in the opening quarter but rearranged and beat Turkey 72:67.Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) this time top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Petrovic collected 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Zivanovic netted 10. Saylar finished the night with 19 points and Canitez notched 14 in defeat.

Bulgaria - Germany 71-87
Germany U20 took the first victory in the Qualifying Round of the U20 European Championship in Division A. The team overcame Bulgaria U20 87:71 in the first game on Tuesday. Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Trogele nailed 18, while Protzig scored 11. Peteva delivered 23 for Bulgaria that dropped to 0-4. Ivanova netted 17, whilst Nikolova added 16.

Group F

Poland - France 56-65
France secured the fifth straight win at the European Championship in Gdynia, Poland. They held off Polish counterparts in the Qualifying Round Group F. France remained on top of the pool with 4-0 record. Poland slipped at 1-3 record in the fifth position. Marielle Amant (191-C-89) scored 19 points to pace France. Isis Arrondo added 12 points, while Doriane Tahane and Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga had 8 points for the winners. Magda Kaczmarska responded with 13 points for Poland. Klaudia Sosnowska finished with 10 points in the losing effort.

Sweden - Lithuania 66-75
Rasa Kreivyte's team keep their chances alive for the Quarter-Finals of the U20 European Championship. Lithuania U20 outscored Sweden U20 75:66 to improve to 1-3 record. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) paced all the winners with 22 points and 13 boards. Nacickaite notched 18 and Narviciute added 13. Halvarsson collected 18 points and 14 rebounds as Sweden fell at 0-4. Hamilton Carter had 13 points and 11 caroms and Yderstrom posted 11.

Latvia - Russia 65-71
Russia U20 beat Latvia U20 to tie both records at 3-1 in Poland. Russia celebrated a 71:65 victory in Group F of the U20 European Championship. Nadezhda Grishaeva (193-C-89) paced all the winners with 21 points for 3-1 record. Selyanina nailed 15, while Pavlova posted 13. Babkina finished the game with 21 points and Steinberga added 16.

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

FRANCE - Women

France extend unbeaten run in Gdynia - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Poland U20 65:56 (19-9, 14-11, 10-20, 22-16)

France secured the fifth straight win at the European Championship in Gdynia, Poland. They held off Polish counterparts in the Qualifying Round Group F. France remained on top of the pool with 4-0 record. Poland slipped at 1-3 record in the fifth position.
France opened the game in style scoring 12 unanswered points. Poland never came back to life in the starting quarter trailing by 10 points at the first break. Isis Arrondo (166-G-89), Brossais, Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga (195-C-89) helped France to a 30:13 advantage midway through the second period. Poland capped the half with a 7:3 rally to cut the distance at 13 points with twenty minutes gone.
Poland got more aggressive in the third quarter and clawed their way back into the contest. The team went on a 9:2 run to get within 6. Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90), Klaudia Sosnowska (184-F-90) and Idczak pulled Poland as close as two points late in the quarter. But France survived the challenge. Doriane Tahane (192-C-89), Plust and Marielle Amant (191-C-89) ensured an 8-point buffer for France midway through the final quarter. Poland sparked the intrigue once again cutting the deficit to four points but they never got any closer and had to surrender at the end.
Marielle Amant scored 19 points to pace France. Isis Arrondo added 12 points, while Doriane Tahane and Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga had 8 points for the winners. Magda Kaczmarska responded with 13 points for Poland. Klaudia Sosnowska finished with 10 points in the losing effort.

France U20: Marielle Amant 19, Isis Arrondo 12, Doriane Tahane 8, Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga 8
Poland U20: Magda Kaczmarska 13, Klaudia Sosnowska 10

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

FYR MACEDONIA - Women

Great Britain clinch 9th spot in Ohrid - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Macedonia U20 85:57
Great Britain claimed the ninth overall spot at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They thumped Macedonia to complete their campaign. Macedonia finished the tournament in the eleventh position.
The teams traded baskets in the starting frame as the lead changed for several times. Kelsey Bardsley (171-G-90) and Barroilhet capped the first quarter with four points in a row as Great Britain took a 17:16 lead. Ana Tanturovska (172-G-90) and Bozhinovska stole the lead back for the hosts early in the second term. Great Britain responded with a 15:0 rally to stun the home team. Avery crowned the half with a trey as Great Britian were up by 16 points at halftime. A Sergio Lara-Bercial team cruised in the third quarter and ensured a 24-point buffer before the fourth stanza. Ruth Davison (173-G-90) scored 9 points in the final term as Great Britain breezed to the win.
Kelsey Bardsley scored 19 points to pace Great Britain. Harriett Yea (180-G/F-89) contributed 13 points, while Ruth Davison and Mary Durojaye (181-F-90) netted 11 points each in the win. Jelena Antik (185-F-91) tallied 20 points and 12 boards for Macedonia. Ana Tanturovska had 12 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Kelsey Bardsley 19, Harriett Yea 13, Ruth Davison 11, Mary Durojaye 11
Macedonia: Jelena Antik 20+12 boards, Ana Tanturovska 12

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

GERMANY - Women

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

GREECE - Women

Candice Wiggins signs on as the new leader of BC Athinaikos - by George Manousidis
The Greek club of BC Athinaikos is dedicated to win every title this year at the domestic and European level. Following the championship and cup title at the domestic league and their defeat in the quarter final round of FIBA Eurocup last season, Athinaikos is anxious to take a big step in the 2009-2010 season.

Pursuit to that goal, the Athinaikos board of directors and coaching team targeted the best players from the local and international market and have succeeded in signing their first choice; guard Candice Wiggins (180-G-87, college: Stanford) of the WNBAs Minnesota Lynx.

The President of Athinaikos BC and Mayor of the city of Byron (a suburb of Athens, population 130,000), Nicolas Hardalias, announced the biggest transfer in the history of Greek women basketball.

Athinaikos club statement:

We would like to announce that the Minessota Lynx guard, Candice Wiggins, is from today a player of Athinaikos BC.

The 22 years old graduate from Stanford University was the WNBAs number three overall draft pick last year and in her first WNBA season with Minessota Lynx had 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game and was voted the WNBAs Sixth Woman of the Year. She was USA Basketballs 2008 Athlete of the Year. This season she averages 15 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.3 steels, while she is number 5 at the race for the WNBA Most Valuable Player.

There are no limits to the board's desire to see the club succeed in Greece and in Europe, said Athinaikos head coach Georgis Dikoulakos. Candice is an excellent addition; a high-standard player who is preparing to write her own piece of history in American basketball and I believe she will leave a lasting impression in our country, he added.

Greece narrowly defeat Israel in Ohrid - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Israel U20 73:71
Greek U20 National Team eked out a tough win over Israel at the European Championship in Division B in Macedonia. Greece would now fight for the 5th spot against Portugal. Israel to face Hungary for the 7th position. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. The teams were tied at 71 with 20 seconds to go. Limniati and Pavlopoulou hit a freebie each to seal the winning outcome for Greece.
Israel looked better at the start of the game. They accounted for 9 straight points to open the clash. Greece tied the score at 12 midway through the term but Israel led 16:14 after ten minutes. Greece netted 6 points in a row to pull in front early in the second frame. A Dalia Boushinski team responded with an 8:0 surge to restore the advantage midway through the second quarter. But Greece managed to complete the first half up by 5 points 40:35. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third term however Greece were able to stretch the distance to 9 points with ten minutes remaining. When Pavlopoulou, Vaia Merisioti (177-G-89) and Tarpagkou extended the lead to 11 points it seemed Greece were on the way to an easy victory. But Israel refused to surrender unleashing an 11:0 spurt to draw things level with 20 seconds remaining. Greece remained calm and prevailed in tense dying seconds.
Maria Bousnaki (172-G-89) finished with 14 points for Greece. Niki-Maria Tsakiridou (178-F-90), Vaia Merisioti and Antigoni Chairistanidou (185-F-90) had 11 points each in the win. Lin Golan (172-G-89) answered with 16 points for Israel. Shani Levin (178-F/G-89) delivered 13 poitns in the loss.

Greece: Maria Bousnaki 14, Niki-Maria Tsakiridou 11, Vaia Merisioti 11, Antigoni Chairistanidou 11
Israel: Lin Golan 16, Shani Levin 13

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

HOLLAND - Women

Netherlands hold off Slovakia to reach Final - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20 - Slovakia U20 75:66
Dutch U20 National Team celebrated the victory in their semifinal clash against Slovakia. Netherlands thus booked the spot in the European Championship in Division B Final as well as they place in Division A for the next season.
Netherlands opened the game with 6 points in a row to grab an early lead. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) and Donders secured a 21:11 advantage for Netherlands at the first break. The Dutch team tipped off the second quarter with a 13:5 surge to aggravate the situation for their opponents. Slovakia cut the margin to 10 points but Jantine Kraak (193-C-89) and Donders helped Netherlands to a 40:28 advantage at the interval. Maaike Klein nailed 5 quick points early in the third stanza as Netherlands enjoyed a 45:28 advantage. Slovakia however refused to fold and clipped the distance to 12 points at the final break. But a Frans Griffioen team stormed to an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the victory.
Rianne De Roos (193-C-89) finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds to pace Netherlands. Maaike Klein added 15 points, while Jantine Kraak had 14 points in the victory. Katarina Slimakova (180-G/F-89) responded with 15 points for Slovakia. Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) secured 14 points in defeat. Netherlands sank impressive 49% from the field limiting their opponents to just 38% accuracy.

Netherlands: Rianne De Roos 16+15 boards, Maaike Klein 15, Jantine Kraak 14
Slovakia: Katarina Slimakova 15, Monika Chabadova 14

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

HUNGARY - Women

Francisca Braga carries Portugal past Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Hungary U20 57:56

Francisca Braga (179-F-90) knocked down a go-ahead three-pointer with 42 seconds to go in regulation to lift Portugal to the win over Hungary at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Portugal will now play for the fifth spot at the tournament. Hungary lost the second straight game and had to play for the 7th position.
The teams met at the preliminary round in Ohrid and then Hungary celebrated an overwhelming success. But this time an Eugenio Rodriguez team was ready for the challenge. They lost the first frame by just one quarter but quickly denied the deficit. Joana Bernardeco (166-G-90) and Gonsalves connected from beyond the arc to give Portugal a 24:19 advantage. They maintained the lead throughout the reminder of the half going into the dressing room ahead by 3 points 36:33. Bettina Bozoki (190-F/C-89) netted 7 points in a 12:0 run from Hungary at the start of the second half as they retained the lead. Portugal did not allow their opponents to run away trailing by just one point at three-quarter time. The teams exchanged the baskets in a highly intensive final stanza and Simon gave Hungary a 56:54 advantage with under three minutes left. But Francisca Braga drained a decisive triple to sink Hungary.
Carolina Escorcio (175-F/C-90) chipped in 13 points for Portugal. Joana Bernardeco added 11 points in the victory. Lilla Horvath (182-F-90) answered with 20 points for Hungary. Bettina Bozoki had 15 points and 9 rebounds in the losing effort.

Portugal: Carolina Escorcio 13, Joana Bernardeco 11, Rosinha Rosario (182-F-89) 8
Hungary: Lilla Horvath 20, Bettina Bozoki 15

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

ISRAEL - Women

2008/9 Season Awards by the Israeli Coaches. - by Gil Goshen

08/09 Season Awards COACHES PICKS.

Season MVP: Charde Houston from Bnoth Hsharon.
The league's 2nd leading scorer with 24.8 points per game, while leading the league in 2pt FG percentage with 63.5%.and she had 10.2 rebounds per game.

Season 2008/9 first team:

Latoya Pringle had 61.4% from the field this season (2nd in the league) on her way to 15.9 points per game, ranked 2nd in the league in rebounds per game with 12.2 and led the league in blocks with 2.2 per game.

Temeka Johnson - leads the league in assists per game with 6.3.
Ivory Latta - The leader of Ramat Chen had 15.5 (36% for 3 points ) points per game and 4 assists.

Jia Perkins had 15.1 points in 27.5 minutes per game and a lot of leadership

Naomi Kolodny The only local player on the first team.
Had 9.5 points in 27 minutes per game, (56% from inside the arc, 54% from 3) and ranked in the league's top 10 in assists (3.5 per game) and assists to turnover ratio (1.6).

The coach of the season: Edny Dagan ( Ramat Chen coach ).

The Breakthrough Player of the season: Shimrit Gigi ( Bnoth Hsharon ). Charde Houston (185-F-86, college: Connecticut)

Wisla Krakov signed !!! - by Gil Goshen

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow have appointed former Halcon Avenida boss Jose Hernandez as their new coach and brought in Israel international Liron Cohen.

Hernandez takes over from Wojciech Downar-Zapolski.

His arrival means there will be even more Spanish flavor to the Krakow club with former national team star Marta Fernandez also agreeing to sign a new deal and play a third straight season for the club.

The 27-year-old Fernandez averaged almost 11 points per game in the EuroLeague Women this year for Wisla.

She is the sister of Spain international and Portland Trail Blazers star Rudy Fernandez.

Hernandez led Avenida to runners-up finishes in the EuroLeague Women and Liga Femenina this year.

He revealed earlier this week that he'd received an opportunity that was too good to turn down when announcing his departure from Avenida.

'I have received a very important offer from a foreign club, a club that wants to be big in Europe and that is counting on me to lead their project,' he said.

'This opportunity could be unique and therefore, it's difficult to say no to it ...'

Cohen, meanwhile, a 26-year-old guard, joins from Maxima Broker Kosice.

She averaged better than 12 points and five assists in 12 EuroLeague Women games this season.

Liron Cohen (173-G-82)

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

ITALY - Women

Spain U20 stay perfect at the U20 European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Italy U20 75:59 (18-12, 21-20, 14-15, 22-12)

Spain U20 stay perfect at the U20 European Championship Women. In the second game of the Qualifying Round the favorites edged Italy 75:49 for 4-0 record.
The game was however not that easy for the Spanish outfit. Corsi gave Italy 2:0 lead and then she scored for 7:6. In a back-to-back period Spain grabbed 18:12 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Erika Striulli (171-G-90) reduced to 20:18, while Xargay erupted with Spain for 34:24. Tamara Abalde (188-G-89) made a jump shot to send the squads to the lockers for 39:32. Spain enjoyed 10-point lead throughout the third period but managed to hold only 53:47 when Cinili made two free throws. Moreover Gatti cut it to 53:52 and brought the intrigue into the game. Spain however did not let them to develop their success and put on the defensive clamps to perform on one of its patented runs that turned the game into a late route. Jordi Fernandez's squad outscored Italy 22-7 over the game's final eight-and-a-half minutes. Gatti was the last to score in the game for the final, 75:59 score.
Georgina Bahi (190-C-89) paced all the winners with 14 points to remain undefeated. Alba Torrens (184-F-89) collected 13 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Tamara Abalde netted 12. Erika Striulli responded with 19 points in defeat and Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) added 9.

Spain U20: Georgina Bahi 14, Alba Torrens 13+10 rebs, Tamara Abalde 12
Italy U20: Erika Striulli 19, Martina Crippa 9

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

JAPAN - Women

Japan overpower Taiwan in Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Japan improved to 1-1 record after the most exciting game in Day 2 of Jones Cup for Women. The team overcame the hosts Taiwan 61:60 in a real thriller from both teams. Chen Yi-feng nailed a three-pointer for 60:59, however that was not the last shot. Yoshie Sakurada (170-G/F-84) put Japan back on top on a fastbreak layup with 15.1 seconds remaining. Ma Yi Hung (-80) had a chance to bring the victory for the hosts, but missed two free-throws. Yoshie Sakurada led the winners with 18 points while Ryoko Utsumi netted 16. Liu Chun-yi ended up with 23 points in the losing effort. Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) collected 11 points and 7 rebounds.

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

LATVIA - Women

Russia U20 beat Latvia U20 to tie both records - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20-Russia U20 65:71 (21-29, 18-15, 16-17, 10-10)

Russia U20 beat Latvia U20 to tie both records at 3-1 in Poland. Russia celebrated a 71:65 victory in Group F of the U20 European Championship.
After the only loss from France, Russia has no more games to lose as they still hope to defend their title. That is why the beginning of the game was not sweet for Latvia that trailed 2:9. Galayda made a jump shot for 29:21 at the end of the frame. The defending champions had 10 points advantage in the whole second period, but the Baltic side reduced to 5 at the end. Elina Babkina (172-G-89) made two free throws for 39:44 as both teams disappeared in the lockers. Latvia tried to catch up with the opponents, while Russia tried to keep the score for good. Priede posted two for 51:59 and Nadezhda Grishaeva (193-C-89) scored for 53:61. Elina Babkina closed the third frame at 55:61 as Latvia kept the chances for the win. Elina Babkina's lay-up brought 61:63 and intrigue into the game. In the last quarter the teams nailed 10 points each that brought 71:65 for Russia as the total score.
Nadezhda Grishaeva paced all the winners with 21 points for 3-1 record. Evgeniya Selyanina (183-F-89) nailed 15, while Elena Pavlova (185-G/F-89) posted 13. Elina Babkina finished the game with 21 points and Anete Steinberga (186-C-90) added 16.

Latvia U20: Elina Babkina 21, Anete Steinberga 16
Russia U20: Nadezhda Grishaeva 21, Evgeniya Selyanina 15, Elena Pavlova 13

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

LITHUANIA - Women

Rasa Kreivyte's team keep their chances alive - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20-Lithuania U20 66:75 (14-13, 12-18, 28-26, 12-18)

Rasa Kreivyte 's team keep their chances alive for the Quarter-Finals of the U20 European Championship. Lithuania U20 outscored Sweden U20 75:66 to improve to 1-3 record.
It was a defensive start from both squads as Sweden led in the majority of the period. Sweden took 14:13 after the first frame and then Hamilton Carter increased to 16:13. Kamile Nacickaite (180-G-89) gave the Baltic side 19:18 and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) brought 28:26. It was her again to send the teams to the lockers for 31:26. Lithuania controlled the game in the third period as both teams played an offensive style at that frame. Gabriele Narviciute (187-F-90) made a free throw for 57:54 as the Baltic side looked forward for the last period. The game was not over for the Scandinavian squad as they bounced back in the last quarter. Hamilton Carter tied the game at 61:61, while Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) and Staalvant's shots brought 65:61. Even though there were more than four minutes to play Sweden could score only once in the rest of the game. Lithuania produced 14-1 in the end to seal the victory.
Gintare Petronyte paced all the winners with 22 points and 13 boards. Kamile Nacickaite notched 18 and Gabriele Narviciute added 13. Louice Halvarsson collected 18 points and 14 rebounds as Sweden fell at 0-4. Hamilton Carter had 13 points and 11 caroms and Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) posted 11.

Sweden U20: Louice Halvarsson 18+14 rebs, Hamilton Carter 13+11 rebs, Stefanie Yderstrom 11
Lithuania U20: Gintare Petronyte 22+13 rebs, Kamile Nacickaite 18, Gabriele Narviciute 13

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

MALAYSIA - Women

South Korea overcame Malaysia for the second win - by Eurobasket News
South Korea overcame Malaysia 107:54 to take 2-0 record at the Jones Cup for Women. It was not a difficult game for the favorites that took a lead from the very beginning. They never looked behind after and rightfully reached another victory. Five players scored in double-digits as Kim Dan Bi (180-F-90) paced all of them with 19 points. R Kalaimathi (185-90) scored a team-high 17 points for Malaysia.
Korea now becomes the only undefeated team in the tournament. Tomorrow Korea will face Taiwan, while Malaysia will play against Japan.

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

MOLDOVA - Women

Moldova lose to Monaco in opener - by Eurobasket News
Moldova U18 - Monaco U18 40:63
Monaco celebrated the victory in the U18 European Championship in Division C opener today. They held off Moldova on Malta to improve at 1-0 record.
Moldova got to the better start as they were up by 7 points midway through the opening frame. But Marine Peglion helped Monaco to trim the deficit to 3 points at the first break. Lauriane Michelotti and Diane NDoram pulled Monaco in front early in the second stanza. The lead changed hands for several times before Marine Peglion capped the half with 10 points in a row to give Monaco a 29:21 lead. She opened the third quarter with a jumper as a Georgy Adams team opened up a 10-point lead. Monaco kept their opponents at bay throughout the reminder of the period and entered the final term ahead by 10 points. Monaco tipped off the fourth quarter with ten straight points to clear off for good in this one.
Marine Peglion delivered 25 points and 6 boards to pace Monaco. Lauriane Michelotti added 18 points for the winners. Cristina Gontari responded with 12 points and 11 boards for Moldova. Anastasia Ghitu finished with 9 points and 9 caroms in the losing effort.
Moldova will face Luxembourg tomorrow, while Monaco will take on Luxembourg on Thursday.

Moldova: Cristina Gontari 12+11 boards, Anastasia Ghitu 9
Monaco: Marine Peglion 25, Lauriane Michelotti 18, Diane NDoram 8+13 boards

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

NIGERIA - Women

Nigeria appoint Ayo Bakare as Women national team head coach - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has announced the appointment of proprietor and head coach of Ebun Comets basketball club as Head Coach of the nations senior women national team, Tigress.

The announcement was made Tuesday by the president of the NBBF, Tijjani Umar, says the former coach of the Nigeria senior Men team has agreed to come out of his retirement to lead the country quest for a place in Madagascar later in the year.

The NBBF boss says the choice of Coach Bakare as the Tigress head coach is based on his wealth of experience being the first coach to land Nigeria its first World Championship ticket in 1997 when he guided the Men senior national team to a second place outing in Dakar, Senegal.

Coach Bakare alongside Sanni Ahmed qualified Nigeria mens team to the Libya 2009 Afrobasket from the FIBA Africa Zone-III qualifiers held in Yamoussoukro, Cote dIvoire last year before the Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State-born tactician called it quit with national team duties.

Coach Bakare who will be assisted by coaches Scott Nnaji of the Nigeria Customs basketball team and Andrew Isokpehi of Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure are saddled with the task of qualifying Nigeria for the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women billed for Madagascar in October this year.

The FIBA Africa Zone-III qualifiers to be hosted by Nigeria, will involve the women national teams of Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Liberia in late August through early September in Lagos.

The NBBF President says the appointment of the Coach Bakare led coaching crew is in line with the federation resolve to localize its choice of appointment as envisage by the board.

We are mindful of the fact that Coach Ayo Bakare retirement but we consider him appropriate to lead our Women national team and we want to sincerely thank him for accepting to come out of retirement for the sake of our country.

His appointment as the head of the technical crew of our women national team is borne out of the fact that he is very experience and conversant with Africa basketball at all levels.

The first and most important of the brief given to them (coaches) is to qualify the team for the 21st FIBA Africa Championship from the Zone-III elimination which Nigeria is hosting, then be in-charge to the championship proper in Madagascar and will also be retained should Nigeria pick one of the two ticket to the 2010 FIBA World Championship slated for the Czech Republic, declared Umar.

Aisha Mohammed (191-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia)

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

PERU - Women

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

POLAND - Women

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

PORTUGAL - Women

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

ROMANIA - Women

Interview with Jesyka Burks-Wiley - Arad Romania - by Eurobasket
Jesyka Burks-Wiley (185-F-87, college: Boston U.)
GRADUATING CLASS: Boston Univ. '09
HOMETOWN: Kansas City, Missouri
POSITION: Forward
WHY SHE'S A WINNER: Named 2009 America East Player of the Year and Region I finalist for the 2009 State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team; member of first undefeated America East team in BU history.
DEFINING MOMENT: 'I've been playing basketball since I was in second grade. It's a family tradition. My grandfather, Lester Burks, was an original Globe Trotter, and my uncle, Steve Burks, is a hometown record-holder. Freshman year of high school I realized I could get my education paid for by doing something I'm really good at and really love.'
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: 'Time management. I've learned I can't procrastinate.'
GREATEST INSECURITY: 'I don't think I have any, and I credit that to my teammates.'
MOST IMPORTANT LESSON: 'When you play with a group of girls for so long, you teach one another to have self-confidence. For example, as a freshman, I wasn't a big three-point shooter. Now when there's an opening, I trust myself to take the shot.'
MISTAKE SHE CAN LAUGH ABOUT NOW: 'I have a tendency to trip over my own feet, and during a game against BC freshman year, even though I had a good half-court head start, I completely lost control of the dribble. The BC girls caught it and fouled me.'
FUTURE ENDEAVOR: 'Play in an overseas league for many years and then apply for assistant coaching jobs at the college level.'
by Jay Baptiste

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

RUSSIA - Women

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

SERBIA - Women

Serbian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Petrovic

Milovanovic

Ajanovic

Perovic

Grubor

Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) of Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (RUS)
Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) of MKB Euroleasing Sopron (HUN)
Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80) of Lavezzini Parma (ITA)
Ana Perovic (197-C-77) of Basket Landes (FRA)
Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) of Vojvodina Nis Novi Sad
Iva Roglic (189-F-88) of Crvena Zvezda Beograd
Miljana Musovic (181-G-87) of Crvena Zvezda Beograd
Maja Miljkovic (175-G-88) of Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (ESP)
Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) of Hemofarm Stada Vrsac
Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) of Besiktas Istanbul (TUR)
Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) of Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias (ESP)
Marija Eric (164-G-83) of Vomero Basket Napoli (ITA)

Serbia U20 survived a thriller against Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Serbia U20 67:72 (23-13, 18-26, 12-17, 14-16)

Serbia survived a thriller against Turkey to remain undefeated at the U20 European Championship Women Qualifying Round in Gdynia. The favorites improved to 4-0 record to find out the winner of the group with Spain in the last day of the Qualifying Round. Serbia trailed 13-23 in the opening quarter but rearranged and beat Turkey 72:67.
Turkey was not afraid of the favorites from the early beginning and started with 5 consecutive points. Gumusay scored from the perimeter to continue with 11:5 and then Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) made it 16:9. Cigil ruined the opponents at the end of the period for 23:13 as Serbia did not look good at all. Three times in the second quarter Turkey reached 12-point advantage with the last at 38:26. Serbia recovered immediately to reduce to 41:39 as Paligoric closed the half. Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) tied the game at 41:41 as she scored six points in a row. Serbia won the third frame 17-12 to have 56:53 lead. Turkey was far to give up and reduced to 60:60 in the middle of the last period. The last minutes were very interesting but Serbia held off the opponents for the fourth win in the Qualifying Round.
Nina Bogicevic this time top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) collected 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Zivanovic netted 10. Yasemen Saylar (173-G-90) finished the night with 19 points and Tugce Canitez notched 14 in defeat.

Turkey U20: Yasemen Saylar 19, Tugce Canitez 14
Serbia U20: Nina Bogicevic 22, Sonja Petrovic 19+13 rebs, Zivanovic 10

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

SLOVAKIA - Women

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

SOUTH AMERICAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Quito welcomes South American Cup for Clubs - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Medellin - Santiago 87:49
The South American Cup for Womens Clubs tipped off in Ecuador yesterday. Eight best teams around the continent are to fight for the trophy. The tournament will be the first one in seven years.
Colombian Medellin toppled Santiago from Chile in the opening game in Group A. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82, agency: Next Level) scored 19 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the Colombian champions.
Medellin opened the game confidently building a 26:12 lead after ten minutes. Santiago managed to slow their opponents down a bit in the second quarter but still trailed by 18 points at halftime. Medellin continued to roll easily in offense as they piled up a massive 28-point lead after three quarters. Santiago scored only 11 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Tatiana Mosquera (195-C-89) netted 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Medellin. Elisa Garcia had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Romina Valenzuela (178-F-86) responded with 12 points for Santiago. Javiera Novion had 10 points in defeat.
Medellin outrebounded their opponents 47:37 and forced those to 28 turnovers. Medellin will next face Ourinhos, while Santiago will play against Univalle from Bolivia.

Medellin: Yaneth Arias 19, Tatiana Mosquera 16, Elisa Garcia 11
Santiago: Romina Valenzuela 12, Javiera Novion 10

Ourinhos - Univalle 98:45
Ourinhos coasted to their first win at the South American Cup for Clubs in Ecuador. They opened the action against Univalle and ensured a comfortable win at the end. Mama Dantas (192-C-78) notched 22 points and pulled down 11 boards to propel the Brazilian team to 1-0 record in preliminary Group A.
Ourinhos jumped off the blocks to dominate early. They limited the Bolivian side to just 8 points in the opening quarter gaining a 16-point lead at the first break. Univalle botched up the second frame trailing by as many as 32 points at the interval. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter but Univalle failed to come any closer. Ourinhos finished off their opponents in the final term claiming a brilliant victory in the opener.
Tayara Pesenti knocked down 17 points for Ourinhos. Karen Rocha had 16 points in the win. Laura Florida responded with 13 points for Univalle. Mirian Justiniano and Jannete Via canned 10 points each in defeat. Ourinhos enjoyed a 37:21 advantage on the glass and forced Univalle to 21 turnovers. The Bolivian team shot only 26% from the field in the loss.

Ourinhos: Mama Dantas 22+11 boards, Tayara Pesenti 17, Karen Rocha 16
Univalle: Laura Florida 13, Mirian Justiniano 10, Jannete Via 10

Group B
U.T.E - Regatas Lima 95:53
U.T.E secured the initial win at the South American Cup for Clubs in Quito. They overcame Regatas Lima of Peru to climb on top of preliminary Group B. U.T.E are scheduled to meet Uruguayan Malvin in the second round. Regatas will try to rebound against Central Enterriano.
The teams kept it close in the opening minutes. But soon U.T.E unloaded a 10:3 rally that put them up 21:11 at the end of the starting stanza. The Ecuadorian side notched 24 points in the second quarter to build a 19-point lead at halftime. Regatas were unable to recover in the third term. U.T.E continued to dominate and cruised to a 30-point advantage at three-quarter time. The hosts eased to the win in the final quarter drawing first blood at the competition.
Maria Espinoza (-83) delivered 20 points to pace U.T.E. Kelly Santos added 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) answered with 18 points for Regatas Lima. Maria Bellatin had 14 points in the loss.

U.T.E: Maria Espinoza 20, Kelly Santos 18, Silvia Santos 13
Regatas: Paola Ferrari 18, Maria Bellatin 14

Central Enterriano - Malvin 94:73
Argentinean Central Enterriano secured the opening win at the South American Cup for Clubs held in Ecuador. They toppled Malvin of Uruguay in preliminary Group B. The teams are fighting for two spots that guarantee the birth in the semis of the tournament.
Malvin got to a cruising start to the game. They built an 11-point lead before Central Enterriano clipped the margin at 8 points with ten minutes gone. The Argentinean team pushed harder in the second stanza and trimmed the distance to a single point at halftime.
Central Enterriano went off the locker room a different team. They avalanched by their opponents with a 20:2 rally and ensured a 62:46 advantage at three quarter time. The Argentinean powerhouse dropped 32 points in the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the victory at the end.
Liliana Tamburlini (-81) tallied 23 points, 7 boards and 4 assists to lead the charge. Erica Sanchez (182-F/C-76) had 18 points, 7 boards and 4 assists in the victory. Lucia Guadalupe responded with 17 points for Malvin. Daniela Tovagliari finished with 16 points in the loss.
Central Enterriano will face Regatas Lima, while Malvin will take on U.T.E from Ecuador in the second round.

Central Enterriano: Liliana Tamburlini 23, Erica Sanchez 18, Andera Gale 13, Laura Gonzalez 13
Malvin: Lucia Guadalupe 17, Daniela Tovagliari 16

S.American Women Cup Standings

S.American Cup Standings

Group A
1. Ourinhos		1-0
2. Medellin		1-0
3. Santiago		0-1
4. Univalle		0-1
Group B
1. C.Entrerriano		1-0
2. UTE		1-0
3. Regatas		0-1
4. Malvin		0-1

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

SOUTH KOREA - Women

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

SPAIN - Women

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

SWEDEN - Women

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

TAIWAN - Women

Taiwanese University National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Huang

Chang

Chen

4 Huang Fan-Shan (174-G-87) of Cathay Life
5 Chang Shih-Chieh (172-G-86)
6 Ho Shan-Shan (169-G-86)
7 Hsu Chien-Hui (171-G-89)
8 Wu Min-Fang (174-F-87)
9 Huang Ping-Jen (177-F-89)
10 Li Wan-Ting (180-G-86) of Cathay Life
11 Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87)
12 Chang Ning (186-C-87)
13 Yen Chia-Hsuan (184-C-88)
14 Chao Ya-Hsin (182-C-90)
15 Wu Shin-Ying (175-F-87)
Head Coach: Hung Ling Yao
Assistant Coach: Liang Chia Yin , Teng Pi Yun

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

TURKEY - Women

Turkish National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Vardarli

Palazoglu

Ivegin

Caglar

Saziye Ivegin (182-F-82) of Galatasaray Istanbul
Nihan Anaz (172-G-79) of Samsun
Birsel Vardarli (175-G-84) of Fenerbahce Istanbul
Tugba Palazoglu (172-G-80) of Galatasaray Istanbul
Sariye Gokce (178-G-79) of Mersin BSH Bld
Naile Ivegin (185-F/C-85) of Besiktas Istanbul
Yasemin Horasan (187-F/C-83) of Galatasaray Istanbul
Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) of Galatasaray Istanbul
Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) of Ceyhan Belediyespor
Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) of Botasspor Adana
Melek Bilge (193-C-89) of Besiktas Istanbul

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Virgin Islands wins opening U17 Centro game - by David Edole
Aguascalientes Virgin Islands womens U17 national team opened CentroBasket with an impressive, 74-54, win over Bahamas. The Virgin Islands went into the game as the underdog as they lost to Bahamas in the Gold Medal game last summer in the Caribbean Basketball Championships. The inside duo of Kylaine Rogers (5-foot-10) and Aesha Peters (6-foot-4) did not play in the CBC. Bahamas got a rude introduction to the duo. Rogers scored early and often as the V.I. opened early with an 11-0 lead. Showing why they won the CBC, Bahamas rebound with a 5-17 run to take their only lead of the game, 16-17. After the brief lead, the V.I. scored the next seven points and was never threatened again.
Rogers and Peters dominated the paint and finished with 11 points (8 boars) and nine points, respectively at the half. The Virgin Islands held a, 38-23, at intermission.
Rogers finished with a double-double of 17 points and 12 boards while Peters tallied 11 points, five boards, and five blocked shots and altered many more. Rogers was 8-of-10 from the field and Peters was 5-of-8.
The V.I. held Bahamas to seven points in the third quarter as the lead grew to 28, 58-30. Coach Donald Bough then called off the dogs in the fourth and played his bench the rest of the way. Starter Shamyra Vanterpool showed off her all around game and finished with ten points on 5-of -13 shooting, six assists, four steals, and four rebounds. Melanisa Najie Hendrickson chipped in with 11 points and five boards. The coachs daughter Lanese Bough had a team high seven assists and eight rebounds.
The Virgin Islands outrebounded Bahamas 52-36 and held Bahamas to 34% shooting.
On the negative side, the Virgin Islands need to stop turn over the ball. The team had a whopping 39 turnovers and compounded the problem with 10-of-28 shooting at the charity stripe. If they want to contend for a gold medal those two aspects of the game must get better. Some would attribute the turnovers to first game jitters; however, they face the host team Mexico tomorrow night at 9 pm. Mexico will not have jitters.
BOXSCORE

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

UNITED KINGDOM - Women

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

URUGUAY - Women

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

WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women

Standing

Standings

1. S.Korea		2-0
2. Japan		1-1
3. Taiwan		1-1
4. Malaysia		0-2