EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/23/2009

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Men News

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  ALGERIA   


Algeria escapes with 70-69 against Lebanon in Morocco - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Algeria 69-70

Algeria escaped with tiny 70-69 against the winless Lebanon at the Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. Even before this game the Algerians were the sure members of the Quarterfinals, but they had to win in order to keep third place. The second ranked Syria is No.2 and Libya is No.4 with the same numbers. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that. On the other side, Lebanon finished the competition with poor 0-5. They and UAE, who have 1-4, did not qualify for the Quarterfinals.
The Quarterfinal games are scheduled for today. Naturally, Algeria will take on No.2 from Group B, which is Morocco. That will be a difficult job for Algeria as Morocco is the host of this event. They finished first stage with 3 wins and 1 defeat. The only loss happened against powerful Egypt. The winner of this game will take on Tunisia or Kuwait in the Semifinals. Of course, here Tunisia is a favorite as they had 5-0 in Group B. Kuwait had 1-3 in Pool B.

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  ANGOLA   


Team Angola ready for friendly games against Canada and Turkey - by Eurobasket News
The national mens basketball team of Angola has arrived in Italy to play exhibition games July 28 and 29 against their counterparts from Canada and Turkey.

The Angolans, who are preparing for the African Nations Championship, Afrobasket 2009, are fresh from winning the gold medal in the 2nd Lusophone Games, a competition for Portuguese-speaking countries.

Angola overwhelmed Cape Verde 106-64 in the championship game last Sunday in Lisbon. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) led the Angolans with 19 points while Armando Costa (190-G-83) had 18. Both are with the national team for the games in Italy.

Afrobasket begins Aug. 5 in Libya with the Angolans meeting Mali, Egypt and Mozambique in the first round.

Canada and Turkey are also preparing for international competitions.

The Canadian Senior Men's National Team is just wrapping up its initial training session in Toronto before leaving for Italy. The exhibition games are part of Canada's preparation for the FIBA Americas Qualifier which begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 26.

The Turkish national team won the bronze medal earlier this month at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara, Italy, defeating Italy 88-71. The men's world championship will be held in Turkey next year. Members of the Turkish squad are also trying to secure their place on the team that will compete in EuroBasket in September.

- With information from the Angola Press Agency


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  ARAB NATIONS CUP   


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Tunisia5-0
2. Syria3-2
3. Algeria3-2
4. Libya3-2
5. UAE1-4
6. Lebanon0-5
Group B
1. Egypt4-0
2. Morocco3-1
3. S.Arabia2-2
4. Kuwait1-3
5. Yemen0-4


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  AUSTRIA   


Mladenovic delivers another victory for the Dutch team - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Austria U20 67:62

Netherlands U20 won another game of the Classification Round in Macedonia to win the group. The Dutch team produced 67:62 over Austria in Group F for the top place.
Austria however started better and opened the game with 7-0 run. The Dutch team did not panic and tied the game at 13:13 at the end of the first frame. Moreover Van der List gave his team 15:13 and Jesse Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) made it 23:19. After 19-17 in the frame Netherlands had 32:30 at the halftime.
The end of the game was extremely exciting. Mladenovi gave his team 57:56 with less than 6 minutes to play. After a timeout Van der List added another two for 59:56 with 5 minutes remaining and Stefan Mladenovic (187-G-90) scored for 62:56. Eric Schranz (205-C-90) reduced to 62:58 after another Timeout and Netherlands missed two shots to increase the lead. Eric Schranz cut it again for 62:60 with less than three minutes. She went to the free thrown line to tie at 62:62, but Stefan Mladenovic nailed three for 65:62. The latter increased the lead for her team from the free throw line for 66:62 and made the final with 1 second in the game.
Stefan Mladenovic top-scored for the winners with 16 points for 2-0 record. Jesse Voorn nailed 13, whilst Ewoud Kloos (185-G/F-89) posted 12. Rasid Mahalbasic (207-F/C-90) ended up with 21 points and Eric Schranz added 16.

Netherlands U20: Stefan Mladenovic 16, Jesse Voorn 13, Ewoud Kloos 12
Austria U20: Rasid Mahalbasic 21, Eric Schranz 16

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  BELGIUM   


Liege Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Belgacom Liege Basket has signed young Croatian center Andrija Stipanovic (208-C-86). he started his career at Hermes Zagreb and moved to one of the premier team in Croatia for the 2007-2008 season when he played for KK Split. Played in both the Croation league as well as the Adriiatic league with KK.
He averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg during the Adriatic league season and had averages of 4.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg in the Croation league where his playing time was only 13 mpg as opposed to 24 in the Adriatic. Played with the Croatian U-20 team during the 2006 EC in Turkey. In 7 games he averaged 8.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg.


Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20-Belgium U20 85:53 ( 17-17, 17-14, 30-13, 21-9 )

Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece. The winners did not allow any of the opponents players to reach the double digits defeating them 85:53.
Olivier Troisfontaines (195-G/F-89) gave Belgium the first points and Iarochevitch made it 10:4. Germany replied with 11-0 run for 15:10 lead in the middle of the period. The frame however was tied as the teams scored 17 points each in the first 10 minutes. In a back-to-back second quarter the squads exchanged the lead, while Doreth sent the teams to the lockers for 34:31. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) continued the run in the third period for 41:31 advantage. Germany smashed the opponents in the frame 30-13 for 64:44 lead after thirty minutes. The game was done for the winners as they also added 21-9 in the last quarter. Wolfarth-Bottermann made a jump-shot at the end of the game for 85:53 victory.
Robin Benzing top-scored for the winners with 20 points for 1-0 record. Pleis nailed 17, while Harris posted 13. Steinbach was the top-scorer for Belgium with 9 points. Quentin Serron (190-G-90), Jonathan Malherbe (205-C-89) and Olivier Troisfontaines followed him with 8 points in the losing effort.

Germany U20: Robin Benzing 20, Pleis 17, Harris 13
Belgium U20: Steinbach 9, Quentin Serron 8, Jonathan Malherbe 8, Olivier Troisfontaines 8

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  BELIZE   


Belize National Team for CoCaBa Championships - by Kristian Santiago
Belize called up 25 players for the upcoming CoCaBa Championships in Cancun, slated to run from the 10th until the 14th of August.Top two team will be qualified for the Centrobasket Tournament in 2010.
The final list of the twelve players chosen will be known soon.

Clinton Fuller (196-F-80, college: Colorado Christian)
Charlie Burgess (185-G-84, college: Texas Tech)
Herbie Allen (180-G)
Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81)
Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.)
Alex Carcamo (200-F-77, college: E.Washington)
Darwin Carter (183-G-76, college: Angelo St.)
Gene Myvett (193-G-82, college: Cal.St.-Los Angeles)
Kyron Stokes (196-G)
Leon Watson (203-F/C-77, college: UTSA)
Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara)
Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.)
Alfred Bainton (193-F)
Jorett Jones (193-G-89)
Travis Lennon (193-G/F-89)
Farron Louriano
Leroy Louriano (173-G-91)
Winston Pratt (186-G-90)
Greg Rudon (180-G)
Leon Williams (203-C)
Stephen Williams (188-G-83)
Dakin Braddock (208-C)
Noel Felix (205-C/F-81, college: Fresno St.)
Keenan Jourdon (202-F-74, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Boston Coll.)
Richard Troyer (196-F-84)

Head Coach: Kevin Siroki
Ass.Coaches: Frank Lord and Darren Bovell (193-F-70)


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  BOSNIA   


Bosnia and Herzegovina U16 National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
Djordje Micic (-93)
Dejan Sakotic (-93)
Timo Dobrijevic (-93)
Davor Tolj (-93)
Drasko Knezevic (-93)
Dusan Jokic (-93)
Irfan Hodzic (-93)
Srdjan Damjanovic (-94)
Edin Residovic (-94)
Jeto Bajramovic (-93)
Adin Vrabac (-94)
Faris Brkic (-93)
Sakir Cakar (-93)
Eldar Merdanovic (-93)
Dejan Todorovic (-94)
Dalibor Miodanic (-93)
Stefan Glogovac (-94)
Amer Dizdar (-94)
Djenan Djuderija (-93)
Marko Micic (-93)
Bojan Dzogazovic (-95)
Aleksandar Milojevic (-93) of Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo
Milos Vidovic (201-C-93) of KK Mladost Mrkonjic Grad
Rados Zelenovic (198-F/C-93) of KK Mladost 76 Gacko

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  BULGARIA   


Zahariev and Georgiev too good for Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20-Bulgaria U20 69:85

Bulgaria won their first game in the Classification Round and will have a chance to win the group if they win the second game tomorrow. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Aleksandar Georgiev (198-F-90) too good for Great Britain as Bulgaria won 85:69 at the U20 European Championship in Division B.
Phillipov started with 2:0 for his team and Hristo Zahariev made it 4:2. In the rest of the quarter the team from Great Britain dominated the court to take 26:18 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover the latter remained the opponents scoreless in the beginning of the second period and created a 8-0 run. Nyeko closed it for 37:18 and it seemed the intrigue was over. Bulgaria however held the opponents scoreless in the next 6 minutes and reduced to 37:36 after 18-0 run. Great Britain however stayed in front until the end of the third quarter, but Aleksandar Georgiev closed the period at 56:55. Right after that Bulgaria took control of the game and won the clash. After 29-14 in the last stanza Bulgaria grabbed 85:69 victory.
Hristo Zahariev top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Aleksandar Georgiev added 25. Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) ended up with 14 points as Bulgaria is 1-0. William Neighbour (203-F-90) finished the night with 18 points in the losing effort. Tyrone Treasure (193-G) nailed 16, while Andrew Lawrence (186-G-90) scored 13 as their team finished the group with 1-1 record.

Great Britain U20: William Neighbour 18, Tyrone Treasure 16, Andrew Lawrence 13
Bulgaria U20: Hristo Zahariev 27, Aleksandar Georgiev 25, Vasil Kyosev 14

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  CANADA   


Jarrett Jack joins Raptors for $20M - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors have landed guard Jarrett Jack (6'3''-G-83, college: Georgia Tech).

The Raptors officially signed the restricted free agent to a four-year, $20-million US contract Tuesday, one day after the Indiana Pacers said they would not match Toronto's offer sheet signed July 13.

The Pacers had seven days to match it.

'After having a breakout season last year for Indiana, we are very pleased to have Jarrett Jack join the Toronto Raptors organization,' Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said. 'Jarrett's size and strength, coupled with his playmaking instincts and ability to defend both guard positions make him a perfect addition to our roster.'

The move reunites Jack, who made $2 million US last season, with former Georgia Tech teammate Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

Jack averaged a career-high 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. The Pacers acquired him a year ago in a five-player trade.

Jack is the latest newcomer to join the Raptors as Colangelo continues to revamp his roster.

Toronto has also picked up forward Hedo Turkoglu and Reggie Evans, and signed centre Andrea Bargnani to a five-year, $50-million US extension.

Colangelo also acquired swingman DeMar DeRosan with the ninth overall pick in last month's NBA draft.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca


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  CHILE   


Dimayor: Marc Mazur is back in Chile - by Daniel Valencia
The american Marc Mazur (210-C-79, agency: Duran International, college: Detroit Mercy) arrived to Osorno to join Provincial Osorno and replace 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky). In 15 games during the Apertura tournament Thornton averaged 19.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 27.9 minutes per game and after that, in the first two games of the Dimayor championship Thornton averaged 34.5 points.

Mazur already played in Chile, with Deportes Castro in 2005 and last year played with Provincial Osorno. After that, Mazur played in Portugal and Mexico and he will be ready to play this weekend in the games against Universidad de Los Lagos and Deportes Castro.

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  CHINA   


The - by Alex Yam
Among the NBA vets that have gone to China, none may trump the latest player thats rumored to be headed to the Great Wall. Jason Jay Williams, the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and the multi-talented guard from Duke University is rumored to have agreed to come to China for an exhibition tour in early August, to play in some competitive games versus CBA teams. Word has already leaked in China, and this is sure to cause quit a stir before the actual event takes place, if it is indeed true.

For a country that thrives on basketball, having a player of his caliber and credentials participating in exhibition games, shows the world how far Chinese basketball has come.
Before a tragic accident derailed what was certain to be an All Star level career, Jay Williams was the consensus #1 player in the NCAA and arguably the most gifted American in his draft class, his athleticism, and gifted abilities coupled with his trademark personality, is once again at the forefront of the basketball world.

Although JW has been out of the NBA limelight for the past few seasons, he is still one of its most recognizable athletes, biggest endorsers, and his smile can now be seen worldwide on ESPN as a color commentator during the NCAA basketball season.

JW will look to capture the hearts of an entire country yet again, this time it is a place where the population exceeds 1.2 billion and a large percentage are kids that are willing/wanting to learn the fundamentals of the game, and what better opportunity exists then the chance to learn from a star both on and off the court.

Stay tuned to EURO-BASKET ASIA for continuing announcements regarding the arrival of Jason Jay Williams.This article was written by Deshalen P. Barber and posted by Alex Yam of Eurobasket.com

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  COCABA CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Belize National Team for CoCaBa Championships - by Kristian Santiago
Belize called up 25 players for the upcoming CoCaBa Championships in Cancun, slated to run from the 10th until the 14th of August.Top two team will be qualified for the Centrobasket Tournament in 2010.
The final list of the twelve players chosen will be known soon.

Clinton Fuller (196-F-80, college: Colorado Christian)
Charlie Burgess (185-G-84, college: Texas Tech)
Herbie Allen (180-G)
Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81)
Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.)
Alex Carcamo (200-F-77, college: E.Washington)
Darwin Carter (183-G-76, college: Angelo St.)
Gene Myvett (193-G-82, college: Cal.St.-Los Angeles)
Kyron Stokes (196-G)
Leon Watson (203-F/C-77, college: UTSA)
Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara)
Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.)
Alfred Bainton (193-F)
Jorett Jones (193-G-89)
Travis Lennon (193-G/F-89)
Farron Louriano
Leroy Louriano (173-G-91)
Winston Pratt (186-G-90)
Greg Rudon (180-G)
Leon Williams (203-C)
Stephen Williams (188-G-83)
Dakin Braddock (208-C)
Noel Felix (205-C/F-81, college: Fresno St.)
Keenan Jourdon (202-F-74, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Boston Coll.)
Richard Troyer (196-F-84)

Head Coach: Kevin Siroki
Ass.Coaches: Frank Lord and Darren Bovell (193-F-70)


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  CROATIA   


Banic receives extension from Bilbao, Pasalic is let go - by Eurobasket News
The same day they have offered extension to Damir Markota (209-C/F-85), BC Bilbao decided to solve the faith of its other two Croatian Internationals. Marko Banic (204-F-84) has received multi-year extension form the club and he has stated that he is excited about it. Unfortunately, third player from Croatia, Drago Pasalic (208-C/F-84) looks set to leave the club. Recently, Bilbao has signed Alex Mumbru who plays the same position, and this can be seen as clear sign that Pasalic will be free to look for a new club for the upcoming season.
Marko Banic has started his career at BC Zadar Junior Team. In 2001 he signed his first professional contract with Zadar. In 4 season with Zadar, Banic won Crotaian Cup in 2003 and 2005, Adriatic League in 2003 and National Title in 2005. For season 2005-2006, Banic signed with Spanish side Akasvayu Girona but was immediately loaned to Lagun Aro Bilbao. For Bilbao banic played in 30 games that season and averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. Following season, Banic remained on loan with Bilbao and he improved his averages to 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 34 games. In 2007 he signed permanently for Bilba and continued his improvement. Last season, Banic averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 63.8 % from the filed in 34 Spanish League games. Banic is also regular member of Croatian National Team.
Drago Pasalic started his career with Croatia Osiguranje Split in 2001. After 5 season at Split, Pasalic moved to Ulker Istanbul in 2005 with whom he averaged 4.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 14 games before he was released by the club in January 2006. Following season he moved to PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki where in 26 League games he posted averages of 8.0 points and 5.3 rebounds. Last two seasons Pasalic spent with Bilbao, and during last season he played in 28 League games, averaging 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Ante Grurevic set to sign with Maroussi - by Eurobasket News
BC Maroussi is looking to strengthen its squad for the new season. It is reported that they have signed Croatian International Ante Grgurevic (199-F-75, agency: Interperformances) to a contract. Croatian forward is expected to help fill gap in the roster which occurred after Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) and Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) left the team to sign with Olympiacos. Grgurevic is just first reinforcement, as more signigs are expected in order to make the squad competitive in their Euroleague debut. Maroussi was a surprise of the last season as they managed to finish 4th in the regular part. In the Playoffs, they made it to Semifinals where they were eliminated by Olympiacos in 3 straight games. Grgurevic stated that he is delighted to get a chance to perform in Euroleague next season and that he will do his best to repay the faith shown in him.
Ante Grgurevic started his carer with BC Split where he played for 5 seasons. In 2002 he signed a contract with Air Scandone Avellino with whom he played in 33 games and averaged 6.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Grgurevic also played for Krka Telekom Novo Mesto, Conad Rimini, Premiata Montegranaro and Eurorida Scafati before signing with Greek AEK Athens in 2007. For AEK, Grgurevic played 8 games and posted averages of 6.9 points and 7.3 rebounds. Following season, Grgurevic spent with AEP Olimpias Patron, while last season he returned to Split. Grgurevic averaged 7.6 points and 7.4 rebounds, leading the team to National Cup Semifinals. He went through all youth categories of Croatian National Team, but never made a break into Senior National Team.

Transfer of Dario Saric to Tau Vitoria put on hold - by Eurobasket News
Recently reports from several Croatian media surfaced that Tau Vitoria is set to sign one of the most talented Croatian youth players Dario Saric (195-F-93). Reportedly team from Vitoria was set to offer multi-year deal to 15-year old prospect from BC Drazen Petrovic. It is speculated that the deal included several millions for a player who is yet to make a name for himself but is a great prospect. However, it has been almost a whole month since the initial reports surfaced and the deal is yet to materialize. Saric who is considered one of Europe's greatest talents has been followed for some time by Tau and it looked they will be able to conclude the deal with his father/agent Predrag Saric. Even though all details were agreed, Saric still did not sign, and this stalling is seen as a bad sign for Team from Vitoria. In the mean time, Saric also signed to be represented by BDA Sports who right away demanded shorter contract for the player. This may prove as yet another stumbling block as the negotiations are set to be re-opened. However, the more time passes, Tau Management believes there will be less chance of young Croat joining their team as several more teams in Europe have also expressed their interest. It remains to be seen how the developments will go during the summer and whether Saric will finally sign for Tau Vitoria. One thing is certain and that is that team which brings Saric will definitely have one of the greatest potentials for the future.
Wunderkind Dario Saric was born on August 30th, 1993. He has started his career at youth system of BC Drazen Petrovic. He is currently a member of U16 Croatian National Team where he is one of youngest players.

Croatia hold off Turkey to reach quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - Turkey U20 75:62
Croatian U20 National Team earned important win in the final game of the Qualifying Round of the European Championship. Croatia held off Turkey today to improve at 3-2 record in Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-3 record.
The lead changed hands for several times during the opening quarter. Can Ozcan (201-F-89), Gen and Kilicli capped the period with 6 points in a row to give Turkey a 16:12 advantage. But Croatia pulled the throttle in the second frame. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) knocked down 7 points to ensure a 29:22 advantage late in the half. Croats managed a 35:26 lead at halftime. Turkey cut the deficit to 5 points but Bojan Bogdanovic and Delas ensured a 54:48 cushion at three-quarter time. Turkey fired 7 points in a row early in the fourth quarter to clip the distance to three points. However consecutive triples from Ostric and Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89) silenced Turkey and Croatia coasted to the win at the end.
Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) finished with 18 points and 16 boards, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 18 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Karlo Vragovic delivered 16 points for Croatia. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90), Can Ozcan and Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) responded with 11 points apiece for Turkey. Mahmutoglu chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Croatia U20: Miro Bilan 18+16 boards, Bojan Bogdanovic 18, Karlo Vragovic 16
Turkey U20: Ilkan Karaman 11, Can Ozcan 11, Birkan Batuk 11


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Czech Republic U20 upset the hosts in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Macedonia U20 91:69
Czech Republic U20 tied the records in Group F after the win over Macedonia U20. Czech Republic beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship in Division B 91:69.
Macedonia scored the first five points in the game, however the guests replied with the same. Vojtech Hruban (197-F-89) gave the Czechs 11:10, while Apcev made it 19:15 for Macedonia. His team finished the first frame with 19:18 as Pomikalek made one free throw at the end. Although the teams remained close to each other in the beginning of the second period, Czech Republic U20 finished the frame with 9-0 run. David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) made a jump shot for 40:31 at the halftime. From that moment the guests kept the lead of minimum 10 points. Pavel Harcar (202-F-89) made it 56:46, while Voslajer scored for 65:50. Petrusev closed the third period at 65:51 in the losing effort. In the last frame the picture remained the same in the court with Czech Republic U20 dominating the court. Moravec posted two for 85:61 midway through the period and Voslajer made it 87:61. Vojtech Hruban was the last to upset the hosts for the final, 91:69 victory.
David Jelinek top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-1 record. Pavel Harcar ended up with 20 points and Vojtech Hruban added 13. Ivica Dimcevski (192-G-89) delivered 22 points in the losing effort, Krstevski had 15 and Marko Simonovski (190-G-89) chipped in 11.

Czech Republic U20: David Jelinek 24, Pavel Harcar 20, Vojtech Hruban 13
Macedonia U20: Ivica Dimcevski 22, Krstevski 15, Marko Simonovski 11

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  DENMARK   


Danish Under 16 Boys National Team vs. Germany - by Jonas Sorensen
Tonight the the Danish National Team U16 played a test game against German National Team U16 in Bamberg. The Germans are preparing for a tournament with the Israeli National Team U16, Argentina and Swedish National Team U16 this coming weekend. The Danish team also have a tournament with the Dutch National Team U16 and Luxembourg National Team U16. Both the Danish team and the German team are preparing for the European Championships in August. The Germans are in the A-group while the Danish boys are a part of the B-group.
The game against the German favorites was closer than expected. Right from the start the Denmark boys showed that they are no pushovers. They were fighting their hearts out, and played with great intensity.
With the players being a bit rusty, after not having played or practised together for 10 days, Germany jumped out to an early lead. The Danish team didn't execute plays and make the necessary shots in the beginning, and that was hurting them.
Germany outrebounded Denmark in the 1st half, winning that battle 20-13, 9 of them offensive. In the 2nd half it all changed and now it was Denmark's turn to dominate the boards, with the final battle ending a acceptable 37-34 for the Germans.
At one point in the game, the Germans had a 22-point lead, and it seemed very difficult for the Danish boys to resist. Nevertheless, Denmark found a not yet seen enthusiasm and wildness on the court that made the German team stumble. All of a sudden Denmark had the initiative and were fighting their way back.
With two minutes to go in the game, is was as close as 68-64, before the Germans made their final run. The game was won by the Germans by 73-64, a very acceptable defeat.
Tomorrow, Thursday, the Danes are up against an even bigger challenge, squaring off against Israel. It will be very exciting to see if the Danish team can compete with the heavy favorites from Israelis.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Ainge will coach the Red Claws - by Gianni Pascucci
New D-League team Maine Red Claws announced that Austin Ainge will be the team's head coach in ints inagural season. The last professional stop of Ainge was to serve as Scout for the Boston Celtics. He is the son of Celtics' legend Danny Ainge , and before to start a coaching career he attended Brigham Young University, lettering in basketball for three consecutive seasons and being team captain for two years.


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  EGYPT   


Tough prepartion fo itthad and the team fly to syria next month - by Mohamed Hafez
After adding strong and great experienced player Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) to Al Ittihad Alexandria the 2008-2009 league champion the team is completing its preparation for the new season with the team coach Amro Abdul Kheyr the team is suffering from missing alot of its importatnt elements as 4 players are with the ational team and Ahmad Ismail had flyed to lebanon to finish some issues related

Itthad will have an Arab tour this summer and will fly the begining of September the Syria to join its international tournament , also Al Ittihad Alexandria coach is searching for another player to add to incrase the team power.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Rimantas Kaukenas opts for Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) has decided to continue his career in Spain. He signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid yesterday. The 32-year-old Lithuanian guard spent the last four seasons with Montepaschi Siena. Kaukenas averaged 13.0 points, 1.4 boards and 1.4 assists per game helping Siena to triumph in the Seria A. In Euroleague his stats came up to 14.7 points, 2.0 boards and 1.5 assists per game. Rimantas Kaukenas also helped the Lithuanian National Team won bronze medals at the 2007 EuroBasket and reach the semifinal stage in Beijing in 2008. Kaukenas played for Seton Hall in NCAA, Hapoel Elyon, Lietuvos Rytas, Bonn, Cantu and Oostende during his career.


Green Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos Athens agreed financial terms with two players yesterday. The Lithuanian super star Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) who renewed his contract for another 1+1 years so he will probalby finish his career in the Hellenic team as he will be 36 in two years time. The second signing is the one of Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89), the young talented center currently the top scorer of the Hellenic NT U20 and among the top rebounders and top blockers of the tournament agreed financial terms for a contract of 2+2 years. The talented center was scouted last year by the Green team and the technical staff of Coach Zeljko Obradovic , and they were just waiting for the right time to 'grab' the player. Furthermore, and after a number of rumors another three players (for future prurposes) are close to the Green team, Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90) together with Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) and the Greek American Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87) who is also in discussions with DASH Peristeri Athens

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Monaco post first win in Malta - by Eurobasket News
Monaco U18 - San Marino U18 79:72
Monaco U18 National Team earned the initial win at the European Championship in Division C. They held off San Marino to clinch the third spot in preliminary Group A. San Marino finished the round at the fourth position. Both teams will now fight for the 5th-7th place at the tournament.
Monaco did not waste too much time and grabbed a 12:2 lead four minutes into the game. Monaco stretched the lead to 12 points late in the period before San Marino bounced back. They accounted for 6 points in a row to trail by 6 points at the first intermission. Umberto Briganti (175-F-91) opened the second frame with five points in a row to narrow the margin at one point. Umberto Briganti knocked down 11 points in the frame to pull San Marino ahead 39:38 but Robert Rosenal (187-C) had the last word in the half giving Monaco a 40:39 advantage at halftime.
The lead changed for several times throughout the third quarter but Monaco finalized the term leading by 7 points. Tireless Umberto Briganti clipped the margin to 3 points midway through the final quarter before Mereto and Maxime Varitto (-F) gave Monaco the decisive advantage.
Robert Rosenal and Maxime Varitto finished with 21 points apiece for Monaco. Romain Seassau (182-G) added 13 points for the winners. Umberto Briganti notched 21 points and 9 rebounds for San Marino. Lorenzo Liberti (178-G-91) had 12 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Monaco U18: Robert Rosenal 21+16 boards, Maxime Varitto 21, Romain Seassau 13
San Marino U18: Umberto Briganti 21, Lorenzo Liberti 12+10 boards


Andorra ensure semifinal birth in Malta - by Eurobasket News
Andorra U18 - Wales U18 77:65
Andorran U18 National Team scraped into the semifinal stage of the European Championship in Division C. They held off Wales in the final game of the preliminary round to clinch the second spot in Group B. Wales finished the round winless and would play for the 5th-7th spot.
Andorra jumped to an early lead. They rallied to a 24:14 lead at the first intermission. Daniel Pulman (186-G-92), Bower and Greenhaugh trimmed the deficit to 6 points midway through the second quarter. Andorra stopped their opponents and won the first half 34:28. A 7:0 surge from Andorra gave them a 41:29 advantage early in the third term. The gap grew at 17 points midway through the stanza. Adams dragged Wales within 7 points early in the final quarter however Andorra kept it cool. They maintained the safe cushion throughout the reminder of the contest and celebrated a vital win at the end.
A Farfan (181-G-91) knocked down game-high 29 points for Andorra. Bernat Altimir (180-F-91) added 19 points and 12 boards in the victory. Alexander Moore (188-G-92) replied with 18 points for Wales. Daniel Pulman netted 9 points in the loss.

Andorra U18: A Farfan 29, Bernat Altimir 19+12 boards, Oscar Cabanas (162-G-91) 13
Wales U18: Alexander Moore 18, Daniel Pulman 9


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


Day: 6 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Russia - Italy 59-67
Italy had the narrow catch as they jumped to the final train heading to the quarterfinals at the U20 European Championship. Italy overcame Russia in the final game of the Qualifying Round to clinch the fourth spot in Group E. Russia in the meantime slipped at the sixth position in the pool. Italy will now face Lithuania in the quarterfinal on Friday. Russia will take on Ukraine in the classification round for the 9th-12th place. Riccardo Truccolo (188-G-89) finished with 17 points for Italy. Tommaso Raspino had 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Ivlev answered with 23 points and 13 boards for Russia.

France - Spain 76-84
Spanish U20 National Team grabbed the second win at the Qualifying Round in European Championship. They held off previously unbeaten France to improve at 4-1 record in Group E. Spain thus claimed the top spot in Group E and would face Turkey in the quarterfinals. France will meet with Montenegro at the next stage. Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) knocked down 23 points for Spain. Mamadou Samb added 18 points and 13 rebounds in the winning case. Antoine Diot responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds for France. Carl Ona-Embo and Edwin Jackson had 14 points each in the losing case.

Greece - Latvia 77-71
Greek U20 team posted the third straight win at the European Championship. They held off Latvia to secure 4-1 record in Group E. Latvia slipped at 1-4 record in the fourth position in the pool. Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) and Kostas Papanikolaou provided 16 points apiece for Greece. Nikolaos Pappas added 13 points in the win. Janis Strelnieks responded with 19 points for Latvia. Lauris Blaus had 17 points and 10 boards for the Baltic team.

Group F
Montenegro - Serbia 73-70
Montenegro outscored Serbia in a dramatic game at the U20 European Championship in Greece today. Montenegro improved at 3-2 record to occupy the third spot in Group F. They would face France in the quarterfinal on Friday. Serbia came up short of the playoffs and would play against Latvia for the 9th-12th spot. Nikola Vucevic (210-F-90) posted 18 points and 13 boards for Montenegro. Milos Savovic had 12 points, while Nikola Djokovic chipped in 11 points for the winners. Aleksandar Mitrovic answered with 18 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for Serbia. Bojan Subotic had 13 points in the loss.

Croatia - Turkey 75-62
Croatian U20 National Team earned important win in the final game of the Qualifying Round of the European Championship. Croatia held off Turkey today to improve at 3-2 record in Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-3 record. Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) finished with 18 points and 16 boards, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 18 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Karlo Vragovic delivered 16 points for Croatia. Ilkan Karaman, Can Ozcan and Birkan Batuk responded with 11 points apiece for Turkey. Mahmutoglu chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Ukraine - Lithuania 51-83
Lithuanian U20 National Team clinched the top spot in Group F of the European Championship. They dismantled Ukraine to finish the Qualifying Round at 4-1 record. Ukraine suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament and slipped at 2-3 record in the pool. Lithuania thus advanced into the quarterfinals and would face the fourth team from Group E. Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) knocked down 19 points and issued 7 assists for Lithuania. Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Vladyslav Tonchenko responded with 19 points and 6 boards for Ukraine. Ruslan Otverchenko netted 9 points in defeat.

Group G
Israel - Slovenia 63-85
Slovenia edged Israel at the U20 European Chmapionship. Slovenia won all the quarters for 85:63 victory in the Classification Round. Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-0 record. Zoran Dragic nailed 18, while Dino Muric collected 10 points and 13 boards. Tal Karpelesz ended up with 11 points in defeat, while Anton Shoutvin and Amit Simhon added 10 each.

Germany - Belgium 85-53
Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece. The winners did not allow any of the opponents players to reach the double digits defeating them 85:53. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 20 points for 1-0 record. Pleis nailed 17, while Harris posted 13. Steinbach was the top-scorer for Belgium with 9 points. Quentin Serron, Jonathan Malherbe and Olivier Troisfontaines followed him with 8 points in the losing effort.


Standings
Standings
Group E
1. Spain4-1
2. France4-1
3. Greece4-1
4. Italy1-4
5. Latvia1-4
6. Russia1-4
Group F
1. Lithuania4-1
2. Croatia3-2
3. Monteneg.3-2
4. Turkey2-3
5. Ukraine2-3
6. Serbia1-4
Group G
1. Slovenia2-0
2. Germany1-1
3. Israel1-1
4. Belgium0-2


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Robin BENZING
  (208-F-89)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Benzing, GER22.5 
 2. Bogdanovic, CRO20.7 
 3. Sehovic, MNT17.8 
 4. Bertans, LAT17.0 
 5. Vragovic, CRO16.7 
 6. Strelnieks, LAT16.7 
 7. Vucevic, MNT16.3 
 8. Rabaseda, ESP15.8 
 9. Antonov, RUS15.5 
 10. Vranjkovic, S.15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nikola VUCEVIC
  MNT
  (210-F-90)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Vucevic, MNT11.3 
 2. Ivlev, RUS11.0 
 3. Blaus, LAT9.5 
 4. Tomas, ESP9.3 
 5. Raposo Laure., FRA8.3 
 6. Samb, ESP8.2 
 7. Tymofeyenko, UKR8.0 
 8. Muric, SLO7.2 
 9. Pleiss, GER7.0 
 10. Bilan, C.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Dmitriy KHVOSTOV
  (191-G-89)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Khvostov, RUS5.7 
 2. Steinbach, BEL4.6 
 3. Sehovic, MNT4.3 
 4. Diot, FRA4.2 
 5. Janavicius, LTU4.2 
 6. Sloukas, GRE3.7 
 7. Gen, TUR3.5 
 8. Heurtel, FRA3.5 
 9. Vujasinovic, SLO3.2 
 10. Covic, S.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Senna HOUNHANOU
  (194-G/F-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Hounhanou, BEL3.0 
 2. Ivanovic, MNT2.5 
 3. Rabaseda, ESP2.5 
 4. Gen, TUR2.2 
 5. Janavicius, LTU2.2 
 6. Dragic, SLO2.0 
 7. Vujasinovic, SLO2.0 
 8. Juskevicius, LTU2.0 
 9. Diot, FRA1.8 
 10. Lalic, M.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Nikola VUCEVIC
  MNT
  (210-F-90)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Vucevic, MNT2.3 
 2. Bogris, GRE1.7 
 3. Samb, ESP1.7 
 4. Pleiss, GER1.6 
 5. Zaytsev, UKR1.5 
 6. Benzing, GER1.5 
 7. Blaus, LAT1.5 
 8. Bircevic, SRB1.2 
 9. Papanikolaou, GRE1.2 
 10. Shoutvin, I.1.2 


M-Standings - Division B
Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Finland1-0
2. Poland1-0
3. Sweden0-1
4. Georgia0-1
Group F
1. Czech Repu.1-0
2. Holland1-0
3. FYR Macedo.0-1
4. Austria0-1
Group G
1. Norway1-0
2. Switzerl.1-1
3. Luxembourg.0-1
Group H
1. Bulgaria1-0
2. U.Kingdom1-1
3. Portugal0-1
Group I
1. Slovakia2-0
2. Hungary0-1
3. Romania0-1


Hellas Latvia 77-71 - by Chris Mammides
Hellas Latvia 77-71
In a game without any interest from the Hellenic team as the game before found the Spaniards in the top position after winning the French NT 84-76 automatically, due to the FIBAs system, the Hellenic team no matter what would have been in the third spot of the Group with French in the second. The Hellenic team though played for its fans and proved once more that game by game they are becoming better and better. In this game top scorer was Papanikolaou with 16 points and 7 rebounds followed by Bogris with 16 points and 5 rebounds. The game was a continuous monologue for Missas troops as they Latvians were quite bad from the parameter while its top performers in the previous games were facing great problems due to the very good defense by Sloukas, Pappas and Papanikolaou.


Div. B Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Georgia - Finland 59-68
Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje. The Scandinavian team overcame the opponents 68:59 in the second game of the Group E Qualifying Round. Sami Ikavalko (186-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 23 points for 1-1 record. Nuutinen and Lehtoranta followed them with 13 points each in a win. Shengelia ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, Tsivtsivadze had 16 and Tomaradze added 10.

Sweden - Poland 63-73
Poland U20 improved to 2-0 record at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Sweden 73:63 in Skopje, Group E. Pamula paced all the winners with 18 points for the winners. Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Waczynski added 13. Nagwere ended up with 14 points in defeat as Sweden dropped at 0-2. Nystrom nailed 13 points and Ryan posted 11.

Group F
Czech Republic - FYR Macedonia 91-69
Czech Republic U20 tied the records in Group F after the win over Macedonia U20. Czech Republic beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship in Division B 91:69. David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-1 record. Harcar ended up with 20 points and Hruban added 13. Dimcevski delivered 22 points in the losing effort, Krstevski had 15 and Simonovski chipped in 11.

Holland - Austria 67-62
Netherlands U20 won another game of the Classification Round in Macedonia to win the group. The Dutch team produced 67:62 over Austria in Group F for the top place. Stefan Mladenovic (187-G-90) top-scored for the winners with 16 points for 2-0 record. Voorn nailed 13, whilst Kloos posted 12. Mahalbasic ended up with 21 points and Schranz added 16.

Group G
Switzerland - Luxembourg 76-66
Switzerland U20 tied their record at 1-1 in Group G of U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Luxembourg U20 76:66 as the latter dropped at 0-1. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) led the way with 22 points. Albrecht ended up with 16 points, while Garruti finished the night with 11. Jones erupted with 26 points and 11 boards in the losing case and Wilson notched 9.

Group H
United Kingdom - Bulgaria 69-85
Bulgaria won their first game in the Classification Round and will have a chance to win the group if they win the second game tomorrow. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Georgiev too good for Great Britain as Bulgaria won 85:69 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Hristo Zahariev top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Georgiev added 25. Kyosev ended up with 14 points as Bulgaria is 1-0. Neighbour finished the night with 18 points in the losing effort. Treasure nailed 16, while Lawrence scored 13 as their team finished the group with 1-1 record.

Group I
Slovakia - Romania 83-67
Slovak Republic U20 outscored Romania U20 to win Group I in the Classification Round. Slovak Republic U20 won over Romania U20 83:67 for 2-0 record. Stanislav Baldovsky (190-F-89) led the way with 22 points for the winners. Dorazil collected 19 points and 13 boards, whilst Hoferica had 13. Bercean ended up with 20 points in the losing case as Romania will play for the initial victory again Hungary tomorrow. Torok had 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Gutoaia posted 13.


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  FINLAND   


Finnish U20 National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
AhonenAhonen
Ahonen
PehkonenPehkonen
Pehkonen
KanervoKanervo
Kanervo
OjalaOjala
Ojala
NuutinenNuutinen
Nuutinen
#e#6
4 Roopi Ahonen (186-G-90) of Salon Vilpas Vikings
5 Sami Ikavalko (186-G-89) of KTP Basket Kotka
6 Ilpo Pehkonen (183-G-89) of Joensuun Kataja
7 Jesse Niemi (191-F-90) of Pyrinto Tampere
8 Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (191-G-89) of KTP Basket Kotka
9 Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) of Kouvot Kouvola
10 Jesse Petteri Mantyla (197-F-89) of Jarvenpaan Koripalloseura
11 Matias Ojala (196-F-89) of Joensuun Kataja
12 Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) of Kouvot Kouvola
13 Nicolas Dolenc (200-C-89) of Jarvenpaan Koripalloseura
14 Miska Ahokas (192-G-90) of Kaarinan Ura Basket
15 Atte Perttu (201-C-90) of Vantaan Pussihukat
Head Coach: Anton Mirolybov

Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U20-Finland U20 59:68

Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje. The Scandinavian team overcame the opponents 68:59 in the second game of the Group E Qualifying Round.
It was a low start from both teams as they nailed 17 points together. Georgia grabbed 10:7 lead after the opening quarter however could not enjoy the lead at the end of the half. Beka Tsivtsivadze (189-G-89) tied the game at 31:31 at the halftime. The third period did not change the picture in the court as both squads did their best. Kanervo nailed three for the Finland and Shengelia closed thirty minutes at 50:51. Beka Tsivtsivadze scored from the perimeter at 53:53 but right after that Finland pushed the tempo for good. The Scandinavian team made an 8-0 run as Beka Tsivtsivadze scored for 61:53. Konstantine Tomaradze (197-G-90) remained Georgia alive for 62:59, but Finland finish with 6-0 run for 68:59 victory.
Sami Ikavalko (186-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 23 points for 1-1 record. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) and Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (191-G-89) followed them with 13 points each in a win. Shengelia ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, Beka Tsivtsivadze had 16 and Konstantine Tomaradze added 10.
In another game Poland U20 improved to 2-0 record at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Sweden 73:63 in Skopje, Group E.

Georgia U20:Shengelia 19,Beka Tsivtsivadze 16, Konstantine Tomaradze 10
Finland U20: Sami Ikavalko 23, Matti Nuutinen 13, Juho-Matti Lehtoranta 13

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


Pro A Market News - by Gregory Caru
*In Cholet, Alex Barnett (198-F-86, agency: Interperformances) has signed. This is a forward, a complete player in offense and defense. This is his first experience after the University . Last year he was in dartmouth for 19,4 ppg 5,6 rpg 1,9 apg. He will try to demonstrate that he can play in Europe.

*ASVEL has signed Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) ,in order to replace Amara Sy. This is a big fighter with a great fells for the game, he can play 3-4 , a good rebounder who can shoot but also drive very well. He has a nice European experience, he has played in Tallin Kalev ( EMKL ) during 4 seasons, after he's left in Bayer Leverkusen ( GER ) and played 2 seasons , but he's returned in Kalev/Cramo Tallin ( EMKL ) where he played last year. He has participated in FIBA EuroCup, and last season he posted 10 ppg 5,2 rpg in Euro Challenge. Normally a good player for ASVEL , the France Championship 2008-2009.


Garry Florimont joins Nantes in Pro B - by Laurent Maugein
Having been recovered by the league further to problem financiers, Hermine Nantes Atlantique began her roster by signing young forward Garry Florimont (202-F-87) from Poitiers. He joins so Regis Boissie (178-G-78 ), Mehdi Labeyrie (202-F-78), Nicolas Gayon (190-G-82) and Olivier Bardet (200-F-80) for season 2009-2010.
Last year Hermine Nantes Atlantique had played play-offs by losing against Poitiers in 1/4 of finals
With Poitiers Gary scored 3.9pts and catch 3.3rbds per game

Chris Pearson (207-C-79) leaves Hermine Nantes Atlantique to go to play in Italy with Vigevano

Spain hand France first loss in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 - France U20 84:76
Spanish U20 National Team grabbed the second win at the Qualifying Round in European Championship. They held off previously unbeaten France to improve at 4-1 record in Group E.
Spain surged in front early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the opening stanza. Mamadou Samb (207-C/F-89) capped the quarter with a three-pointer to give Spaniards a 24:18 advantage at the first break. Mamadou Samb scored 6 points early in the second stanza to keep Spain in charge. Back-to-back three-pointers from Jorge Fernandez (180-G-89) and Parejo made it 36:24 for a Gustavo Aranzana team midway through the second quarter. Spain arrived at halftime leading by 12 points. Mamadou Samb and Aguilar stretched the margin to 18 points in the third quarter. France used a 10:0 rally late in the third frame to cut the margin at 11 points. Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) unloaded 9 points in the final quarter to secure the victory for Spain.
Xavier Rabaseda knocked down 23 points for Spain. Mamadou Samb added 18 points and 13 rebounds in the winning case. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds for France. Carl Ona-Embo (186-G-89) and Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) had 14 points each in the losing case.

Spain U20: Xavier Rabaseda 23, Mamadou Samb 18+13 boards, Jorge Fernandez 13
France U20: Antoine Diot 15, Carl Ona-Embo 14, Edwin Jackson 14


Boulazac signs Roland N'kembe and Mory Correa at Evreux - by Laurent Maugein
Fourteen days before resumption, Boulazac Basket Dordogne fastened its rosters by signing Roland N'Kembe (203-F/C-83) in the post of forward. This athltic player by 2m03 and 102 kg arrives from Lievin in National 1 where it was the 2eme rebondeur of division with 8 rbds by game. It will have as role to make blow Ivan Almonte (198-F-81, college: Florida Intern.) by showing all its defensive qualities. The team is composed of : Gauthier Darrigand (184-G-82), Ibrahim Saounera (179-G-87), Terry Williams (189-G-83, college: Georgia Southern), Thomas Andrieux (192-G-77, agency: ANYPEX), Jahsha Bluntt (198-G-84, agency: David Lee services, college: Delaware St.), Yannick Gaillou (198-F-79), Ivan Almonte, Jonathan Aka (203-F-86) and Aaron Cel (203-F-87).

Mory Correa (205-F/C-79, college: Wyoming) arrives at ALM Evreux Basket where he joins James Mathis and Benoit Toffin. Mory is a well-known player in France since he played everything the levels of the National 1 with Challans in Pro A with Besanon by way of Poissy, Chalons, Charleville and lately Boulazac Basket Dordogne.
Mory scored 4 points and 5 rebounds last season.
Roland N'Kembe (203-F/C-83)

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


Czech Republic U20 upset the hosts in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Macedonia U20 91:69
Czech Republic U20 tied the records in Group F after the win over Macedonia U20. Czech Republic beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship in Division B 91:69.
Macedonia scored the first five points in the game, however the guests replied with the same. Vojtech Hruban (197-F-89) gave the Czechs 11:10, while Apcev made it 19:15 for Macedonia. His team finished the first frame with 19:18 as Pomikalek made one free throw at the end. Although the teams remained close to each other in the beginning of the second period, Czech Republic U20 finished the frame with 9-0 run. David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) made a jump shot for 40:31 at the halftime. From that moment the guests kept the lead of minimum 10 points. Pavel Harcar (202-F-89) made it 56:46, while Voslajer scored for 65:50. Petrusev closed the third period at 65:51 in the losing effort. In the last frame the picture remained the same in the court with Czech Republic U20 dominating the court. Moravec posted two for 85:61 midway through the period and Voslajer made it 87:61. Vojtech Hruban was the last to upset the hosts for the final, 91:69 victory.
David Jelinek top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-1 record. Pavel Harcar ended up with 20 points and Vojtech Hruban added 13. Ivica Dimcevski (192-G-89) delivered 22 points in the losing effort, Krstevski had 15 and Marko Simonovski (190-G-89) chipped in 11.

Czech Republic U20: David Jelinek 24, Pavel Harcar 20, Vojtech Hruban 13
Macedonia U20: Ivica Dimcevski 22, Krstevski 15, Marko Simonovski 11

Problems for Macedonian NT as Samardziski gets hurt - by Eurobasket News
Macedonian National Team is currently facing problems with injuries during their preparations for the upcoming European Championships in Poland. Latest player to be forced to seek medical attention is their center Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86). Samrdziski is having problems with his left foot and currently he is having trouble walking so he is not able to practice. Still it is expected that he will recover from this injury in the coming days and that he will be able to continue with practices. Other than Samardziski, two more players missed practice time due to injury. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83) had issues with his groins, while Dime Tasovski (201-F-80) is still out of action because of knee pains. Head Coach Jovica Arsic, stated that he is not satisfied with the current developments since all players are fairly important for Macedonian team, but that he hopes that this will be the last of injury problems for the squad.
Predrag Samardziski started his professional career with Partizan Belgrade. With team from Belgrade he has won National Cup in 2002 and National Title in 2005. In November of 2005, Samardziski transferred to FMP Zeleznik with whom he has won Adriatic League in 2006. At FMP Zeleznik Samardziski has established himself as one of the better centers is the Serbian League. Last season he played in 26 Adriatic League games, posting averages of 9.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 59.3% for two. In EuroCup he played in 10 games and averaged 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, while in Serbian League he played in 9 games and averaged 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. For Macedonian National Team Samardziski played 6 games in Qualifications for European Championships and averaged 3.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U20-Finland U20 59:68

Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje. The Scandinavian team overcame the opponents 68:59 in the second game of the Group E Qualifying Round.
It was a low start from both teams as they nailed 17 points together. Georgia grabbed 10:7 lead after the opening quarter however could not enjoy the lead at the end of the half. Beka Tsivtsivadze (189-G-89) tied the game at 31:31 at the halftime. The third period did not change the picture in the court as both squads did their best. Kanervo nailed three for the Finland and Shengelia closed thirty minutes at 50:51. Beka Tsivtsivadze scored from the perimeter at 53:53 but right after that Finland pushed the tempo for good. The Scandinavian team made an 8-0 run as Beka Tsivtsivadze scored for 61:53. Konstantine Tomaradze (197-G-90) remained Georgia alive for 62:59, but Finland finish with 6-0 run for 68:59 victory.
Sami Ikavalko (186-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 23 points for 1-1 record. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) and Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (191-G-89) followed them with 13 points each in a win. Shengelia ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, Beka Tsivtsivadze had 16 and Konstantine Tomaradze added 10.
In another game Poland U20 improved to 2-0 record at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Sweden 73:63 in Skopje, Group E.

Georgia U20:Shengelia 19,Beka Tsivtsivadze 16, Konstantine Tomaradze 10
Finland U20: Sami Ikavalko 23, Matti Nuutinen 13, Juho-Matti Lehtoranta 13

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


The Walter Tigers Tuebingen Sign Strahinja Dragicevic - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It didn't take The walter Tigers Tuebingen long to find a replacement for forward Michael Haynes as they came to terms with Serbian Strahinja Dragicevic (203-F-86) on a one year deal. The 23 year old 203cm forward will wear number seven in the 2009-2010 BBL season. This will be his first season abroad as he had played in his home country Serbia since 1999 when he started to play Basketball. He wont feel totally uncomfortable at the start since he knows teammate Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) from their time at Partizan II Beograd. Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic is expecting a lot form his new forward. 'Strahinja is a young player with a lot of potential. I have been watching him for a while and think he will be a good fit to the team. He is an excellent shooter with great qualities. I think that with enough playing time, he will be able to develop further', stressed Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic.

Draqicevic started his basketball career in 1999 with the KK Borac Cadet team until 2002. He then was with the Crvena Zvezda cadet team for a season before joining the Drvomarket junior team until 2004. He then played with the Partizan Beograd junior team until 2007 before finishing the seaosn with BC Mega Ishrana Beograd. In the 2007-2008 season he averaged with BC Mega Ishrana Beograd in 22 games: 7.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1apg, 0.8spg, FGP: 60%, 3PT: 31%, FT:61%. In the 2008-2009 season, he moved to Mega Hypo Leasing Beograd playing in the Balkan League and averaging in 8 games: 13.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0spg and playing in the Serbian league averaging in 16 games: 10.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 66.0%.Tuebingen manager Robert Wintermantel is happy about the new signing. 'With Strahinja Dragicevic, we were able to land a new player that fits perfectly into the category, young and hungry.With his signing, we were able to take a further step in completing our roster for the start of training camp on August 17th', said manager Robert Wintermantel.



Source: http://www.walter-tigers.de/



Germany U18 with back-to-back wins in Netherlands - by Eurobasket News
German U18 team celebrated consecutive victories in the test games in Netherlands.
They opened their Dutch tour with 60:56 overtime victory over the Rotterdam Challengers U23 selection. The German team trailed by 7 points at halftime but found the way to deny the deficit. The visitors tied the score at 52 at the end of regulation forcing overtime. There they eked out a tough win as Mathis Monninghoff (196-G-92) scored 11 points. Danilo Barthel (205-F-91), Ole Wendt (193-G-92) and Anthony Canty (182-G-91) had 9 points apiece in the win.
Next German Junior selection faced their Dutch counterparts. The visitors looked better and gained a 79:55 victory at the end. Leading by just one point at the first intermission Germany unleashed a 27:16 run in the second quarter to establish a comfortable 12-point lead at halftime. Germany kept the hosts at bay throughout the second half posting the second straight win in Holland. Harald Debelka (194-G/F-91) dropped 11 points for Germany. Friedrich Lotze (205-C/F-91), Anthony Canty and Justin Raffington (204-C-91) chipped in 10 points each for the winners.
Germany tip off their U18 European Championship campaign on July 23. They are to face Ukraine in the opener.


Vincent Yarbrough Stays In Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It never hurts to keep as many players from the championship final team and that is exactly what Bonn is trying to do as they have been able to keep ex NBA player Vincent Yarbrough (201-F-81, college: Tennessee) for another season. Even after being one of thirty of the top men's basketball players in the nation age 20 and younger who were invited to the 2000 USA Basketball Men's National Team Trials by the USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee and having a short NBA career with 59 games for the Denver Nuggets, he has had a great basketball career in Europe and displayed last season as being a very important player for Bonn in their run to the BBL final averaging in 36 games: 6.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 72.1%. Coach Michael Koch was more than thrilled that Bonn was able to contain the services of the 28 year old 201cm forward for another season.'This is very important news for us. I was hoping that he would stay, but if it would actually happen, I couldn't really know. Vincent is a very important building block for our new team. He showed last season, that he could help us in many areas', stressed coach Michael Koch.

He played four years at the University of Tennesse from 1998-2002 and had his best season in his senior year averaging in 31 games: 17.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.6 apg
After being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2002 and a short time with the club, he decided to head for Europe. He played in Belgium for Telindus Ostende in 2004-2005 avergaing in 31 games: 17.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.6 apg. The next season, he played in Italy for Viola Reggio Calabria avergaing in 26 games: 15.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.0apg, 2.2spg before finally coming to Germany. He played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg in the 2006-2007 season, and he averaged in 46 games: 7.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 59.4%, 3FGP: 31.9%, FT: 65.7%.He won the BBL title with Bamberg in 2007. In the 2007-2008, he spent a few months practicing with top Russian club CSKA Moscow before getting a contract with ENBW Ludwigsburg where he averaged in 14 games: 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 78.6%.He lost to the Artland Dragons in the 2008 BBL cup final.

Source: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de



.


The Duesseldorf Giants Add Rebounding Machine Jonathan Cox - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After finishing the 2008-2009 BBL season in 14th place, averaging only 32 rebounds as a team per game and not having a player (Logan Kosmalski (203-F-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Davidson) average more than 5,2 rebounds per game, it seems like the Duesseldorf Giants will want to push rebounding even more in the new season as they signed American Jonathan Cox (203-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports) to a one year contract. The 23 year old 203cm forward is a BBL rookie having played four years at Drake University. Coach Achim Kuczmann was quite direct as he stated, 'We have to get stronger at rebounding'. Cox, who hails from Barrington, Illinois played at Drake from 2005-2009 and was a teammate with ex Deutsche Bank Skyliner Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) had his best season as a senior avergaing in 33 games: 12.5ppg, 8.5rpg, FGP: 43.9%, 3Pts: 41.3%, FT: 71.6%. He was named the teams MVP for the 2008-2009 season. In 129 games at Drake, he averaged 9,2ppg and 6,2rpg.


Source: www.giants-duesseldorf.de


Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20-Belgium U20 85:53 ( 17-17, 17-14, 30-13, 21-9 )

Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece. The winners did not allow any of the opponents players to reach the double digits defeating them 85:53.
Olivier Troisfontaines (195-G/F-89) gave Belgium the first points and Iarochevitch made it 10:4. Germany replied with 11-0 run for 15:10 lead in the middle of the period. The frame however was tied as the teams scored 17 points each in the first 10 minutes. In a back-to-back second quarter the squads exchanged the lead, while Doreth sent the teams to the lockers for 34:31. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) continued the run in the third period for 41:31 advantage. Germany smashed the opponents in the frame 30-13 for 64:44 lead after thirty minutes. The game was done for the winners as they also added 21-9 in the last quarter. Wolfarth-Bottermann made a jump-shot at the end of the game for 85:53 victory.
Robin Benzing top-scored for the winners with 20 points for 1-0 record. Pleis nailed 17, while Harris posted 13. Steinbach was the top-scorer for Belgium with 9 points. Quentin Serron (190-G-90), Jonathan Malherbe (205-C-89) and Olivier Troisfontaines followed him with 8 points in the losing effort.

Germany U20: Robin Benzing 20, Pleis 17, Harris 13
Belgium U20: Steinbach 9, Quentin Serron 8, Jonathan Malherbe 8, Olivier Troisfontaines 8

Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
 1. Bayreuth 0-0 
 2. Heidelberg 0-0 
 3. B.Muenchen 0-0 
 4. Karlsruhe 0-0 
 5. Langen 0-0 
 6. ETB Wohnbau 0-0 
 7. Jena 0-0 
 8. Chemnitz 0-0 
 9. Crailsheim 0-0 
 10. Hagen 0-0 
 11. Kirchheim 0-0 
 12. Braves 0-0 
 13. Noerdlingen 0-0 
 14. Cuxhaven 0-0 


Standings - Pro B
ProB Standings
 1. Osnabrueck 0-0 
 2. Wolfenbuettel 0-0 
 3. Rhoendorf 0-0 
 4. Lich 0-0 
 5. Rist-Wedel 0-0 
 6. Freiburg 0-0 
 7. Wuerzburg B. 0-0 
 8. SU Braunsch. 0-0 
 9. Herten 0-0 
 10. Weissenhorn 0-0 
 11. Ehingen 0-0 
 12. Speyer 0-0 
 13. Franken Hexer 0-0 
 14. Leverkusen 0-0 
 15. Stahnsdorf 0-0 
 16. Dt.Bank SKY II 0-0 


Andre Mcgee Heads To Phoenix Hagen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Phoenix Hagen got some strength at the guard position by signing American Andre McGee (178-G-87, agency: Bradley Sports Management) to a contract for the 2009-2010 BBL season. The 22 year old 178cm played four years at top basketball school Louisville from 2005-2009. Mcghee was a player that Hagen coach Ingo Freyer had been aiming to get. 'I liked him right away as I saw him. He is a player with a lot of discipline. He is a real guard. A big reason for his signing was his strong defense. We spoke with a lot of his ex coaches and they all confirmed his strong defense', stressed Hagen coach Ingo Freyer. He played on a very successful Louisville team reaching the Elite 8 in 2008 and he averaged in his junior season in 36 games: 6.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 71.4%. The sucess continued in his senior year as he was able to win the Big East regular season and Big east tournament. In his last season, he averaged in 37 games: 5.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 35.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 73.1%.



Mcgee comes from Moreno Valley, California and started playing basketball at Caynon high school. He comes from a very talented basketball family as his dad and two brothers also played. As a kid, he liked Allen Iverson, but now a days he looks up to Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant. Coaches seem to love the kid from California and what better compliment to get from one of college basketsballs greatest coaches Rick Pitino. 'Andre is one of my favorite players and a guy that absolutly loves the game. He is works hard and is one of the best defenders that I have worked with at the guard position. I am sure that the next steps will be successful in his career', stressed ex Boston Celtic coach Rick Pitino.

Source: http://www.phoenix-hagen.de


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


Green Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos Athens agreed financial terms with two players yesterday. The Lithuanian super star Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) who renewed his contract for another 1+1 years so he will probalby finish his career in the Hellenic team as he will be 36 in two years time. The second signing is the one of Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89), the young talented center currently the top scorer of the Hellenic NT U20 and among the top rebounders and top blockers of the tournament agreed financial terms for a contract of 2+2 years. The talented center was scouted last year by the Green team and the technical staff of Coach Zeljko Obradovic , and they were just waiting for the right time to 'grab' the player. Furthermore, and after a number of rumors another three players (for future prurposes) are close to the Green team, Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90) together with Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) and the Greek American Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87) who is also in discussions with DASH Peristeri Athens

Hellas - Latvia 77-71 - by Chris Mammides
Hellas Latvia 77-71
In a game without any interest from the Hellenic team as the game before found the Spaniards in the top position after winning the French NT 84-76 automatically, due to the FIBAs system, the Hellenic team no matter what would have been in the third spot of the Group with French in the second. The Hellenic team though played for its fans and proved once more that game by game they are becoming better and better. In this game top scorer was Papanikolaou with 16 points and 7 rebounds followed by Bogris with 16 points and 5 rebounds. The game was a continuous monologue for Kostas Missas troops as they Latvians were quite bad from the parameter while its top performers in the previous games were facing great problems due to the very good defense by Sloukas, Pappas and Papanikolaou. Next game for the Hellenic team will be against the Croatian NT.


A1: Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Costa Cafe Marousi renewed the contract of Giorgos Diamantopoulos (195-F-80) while agreed terms with Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85), Ante Grgurevic (199-F-75) and renewed also the contract of William Amar Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.). At the same time, Costa Cafe Marousi is very close to get on a lending agreement from Olympiakos, Igor Milosevic (193-G-86) and Mihalis Pelekanos (198-F-81)
DASH Peristeri Athens renewed the contracts of Christos Deligiannis (204-F-84) and Vangelis Margaritis (202-F/C-82) while they agreed financial terms with the ex guard of VAP Kolossos, Nikos Papanikolopoulos (193-G-79) and is very close to agree terms with Periklis Dorkofikis (206-F-80) the ex AEKs player, while Dimitrios Kalaitzidis (198-F/G-85) is just some days before signing his contract with DASH Peristeri Athens.
Panellinios Athens agreed financial terms with Giannis Georgalis (198-F-83), Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) (one year lend from Olympiakos), Konstantinos Charalampidis (189-G-76), Britton Johnsen (208-F-79, college: Utah) and Vasilis Xanthopoulos (188-G-84). Parallel to these transfers, Panellinios Athens renewed the contract of Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76).
AS Trikalla 2000 agreed financial terms with Vasilis Kounas (195-G-84) (had an oral agreement with Near East but didn't go through), Petros Noeas (204-F-87) while they renew the contract of Nikos Katsares (190-G-83)
Kavala/Panorama agreed financial terms with Dragan Ceranic (212-C-76), Georgios Pavlidis (206-F-78) and Thomas Nikou (185-G-79)
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens is very close to sign Dimitris Papanikolaou (202-F-77) from AEK.
Ilysiakos Athens announced his new technical team which is the following: Stergios Koufos the Head Coach, Harris Koulouriotis the First Assistant Coach, Dimtiris Mitropoulos the second assistant Coach and Kostas Dakoulas the trainer. Furthermore, Ilysiakos Athens agreed terms with the talented young player Dionysios Kapiniaris (185-G-91) and they renew Sotiris Nikolaidis (186-G-74) for another year.
A2 News
Dejan Hohler (188-G-86) agreed financial terms with ESTIA Egaleo for one year
KAO Dramas renewed the contract with Vasilis Kitsoulis (204-F-83) for another year
Filippos Moscovitis (190-G-78) , Nikos Kaklamanos (189-G-81), Theodoros Vardianos (193-G-78) and Tassos Harismidis (203-F-81) agreed terms with the new super power in A2 team of HSBC Pagrati Athens

AEP Olimpias Patron agreed terms with Ivan Kartelo (208-C-79, college: Purdue), Elias Tomaras (181-G-81), Stavros Daniel (201-F-76) and Elias Tomaras (181-G-81)


Greece overcome Latvia at U20 European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Latvia U20 77:71

Greek U20 team posted the third straight win at the European Championship. They held off Latvia to secure 4-1 record in Group E. Latvia slipped at 1-4 record in the fourth position in the pool.
Greece opened the game with 7 points in a row to set the tone. Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) masterminded a 20:8 run from the hosts in the opening quarter with 6 points to his tally. Greece stretched the margin to 14 points midway through the second frame but Latvia refused to bow. Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) and Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) helped Latvia to clip the margin to 7 points at halftime.
Georgios Bogris netted 4 points early in the third frame to keep Greece in front. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) and Kaselakis secured a 60:51 lead for the Hellenes at three-quarter time. Giannopoulos and Sloukas gave Greece a 14-point cushion early in the final stanza and Greece rallied to the hard win at the end.
Georgios Bogris and Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) provided 16 points apiece for Greece. Nikolaos Pappas added 13 points in the win. Janis Strelnieks responded with 19 points for Latvia. Lauris Blaus had 17 points and 10 boards for the Baltic team.

Greece U20: Georgios Bogris 16, Kostas Papanikolaou 16, Nikolaos Pappas 13
Latvia U20: Janis Strelnieks 19, Lauris Blaus 17+10 boards


*****************************************************
  GUATEMALA   


Standings
LPB Standings
 1. Compusys 0-0 
 2. Le Mans 0-0 
 3. Elite Sport 0-0 
 4. D-Team 0-0 
 5. Preparatoria 0-0 


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


Guyana increases FIBA Referee Pool - by Paul Haynes
By Paul Haynes | July 22nd, 2009
The Haynes Foundation based in New Jersey, USA was informed by FIBA that Mr. Lugard Patrick Mohan and Mr. Aubrey Lennox Younge has successfully passes the FIBA Officials Certification Clinic.
Mohan, who is a former national basketball captain and two times Caricom All Star, will join Cecil Chin as the second national player to become a FIBA accredited Referee.
The Haynes Foundation would like to congratulate both Mr. Mohan and Mr. Younge on this paramount achievement and are looking forward to increase Guyanas referee pool even further.

Guyana now increases its FIBA certify referee pool to 3.

Mr. Henry, Sherwin William (GUY) Licence N: 18273
Mr. Mohan, Lugard Patrick (GUY) Licence N: 21627
Mr. Younge, Aubrey Lennox (GUY) Licence N: 21628


Guyana increases FIBA Referee Pool - by Paul Haynes
By Paul Haynes | July 22nd, 2009
The Haynes Foundation based in New Jersey, USA was informed by FIBA that Mr. Lugard Patrick Mohan and Mr. Aubrey Lennox Younge has successfully passes the FIBA Officials Certification Clinic.
Mohan, who is a former national basketball captain and two times Caricom All Star, will join Cecil Chin as the second national player to become a FIBA accredited Referee.
The Haynes Foundation would like to congratulate both Mr. Mohan and Mr. Younge on this paramount achievement and are looking forward to increase Guyanas referee pool even further.

Guyana now increases its FIBA certify referee pool to 3.

Mr. Henry, Sherwin William (GUY) Licence N: 18273
Mr. Mohan, Lugard Patrick (GUY) Licence N: 21627
Mr. Younge, Aubrey Lennox (GUY) Licence N: 21628


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Awards 2008-09 - by Fred Roggen
Player of the Year
Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Guard of the Year
Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Forward of the Year
David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) of ZZ Leiden
Center of the Year
Peter Van Paassen of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Newcomer of the Year
Joey Schelvis (191-G-89, agency: R.H.Consultancy) of ZZ Leiden
Most Improved Player of the Year
Thomas Koenis (207-F/C-89, agency: Court Side) of Bluestream Seals Den Helder
Import Player of the Year
Teddy Gipson of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Domestic Player of the Year
Peter Van Paassen of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Defensive Player of the Year
Torey Thomas (180-G-85, college: Holy Cross) of Hanzevast Capitals
Coach of the Year
Arik Shibak (agency: Avi Zilberman ) of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam

1st Team
Teddy Gipson of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports) of Aris Friesland Leeuwarden
Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) of EiffelTowers Den Bosch
David Chiotti of ZZ Leiden
Peter Van Paassen of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam

2nd Team
Torey Thomas of Hanzevast Capitals
Robby Bostain (194-G/F-84, college: Furman) of Landstede Zwolle
Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) of Matrixx Magixx
Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) of WestBrabant Giants
Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) of EiffelTowers Den Bosch

Honorable Mention
Dean Oliver (180-G-78, college: Iowa) of EiffelTowers Den Bosch
Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) of Hanzevast Capitals
Patrick Pope (183-G-81, college: St.Augustine) of WestBrabant Giants
CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) of EiffelTowers Den Bosch
Steve Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) of Upstairs Weert
Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Furman) of Landstede Zwolle

All-Domestic Players Team
Rogier Jansen of Hanzevast Capitals
Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) of WestBrabant Giants
Stefan Wessels (203-F-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Kees Akerboom of EiffelTowers Den Bosch
Peter Van Paassen of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam

All-Imports Team
Teddy Gipson of Eclipsejet MG Amsterdam
Matt Bauscher of Aris Friesland Leeuwarden
Anthony Richardson of EiffelTowers Den Bosch
David Chiotti - ZZ Leiden
Jerome Beasley - EiffelTowers Den Bosch

Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Awards 2008-09 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Van PaassenVan Paassen
Van Paassen
ChiottiChiotti
Chiotti
GipsonGipson
Gipson
BauscherBauscher
Bauscher
RichardsonRichardson
Richardson
#e#6
Player of the Year: Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Guard of the Year: Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Forward of the Year: David Chiotti (206-F/C-84) of Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden
Center of the Year: Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Newcomer of the Year: Joey Schelvis (191-G-89) of Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden
Most Improved Player of the Year: Thomas Koenis (207-F/C-89) of West-Brabant Giants Bergen op Zoom
Import Player of the Year: Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Domestic Player of the Year: Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Defensive Player of the Year: Torey Thomas (180-G-85) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Coach of the Year: Arik Shibak of MyGuide Amsterdam

1st Team
Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Matt Bauscher (188-G-85) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Anthony Richardson (201-F-83) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
David Chiotti (206-F/C-84) of Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden
Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam

2nd Team
Torey Thomas (180-G-85) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Robby Bostain (194-G/F-84) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Darnell Wilson (198-F-85) of Matrixx Magix Nijmegen
Tim Blue (205-F-84) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Jerome Beasley (209-F-80) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch

Honorable Mention
Dean Oliver (180-G-78) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Rogier Jansen (188-G-84) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Patrick Pope (183-G-81) of West-Brabant Giants Bergen op Zoom
CC Harrison (194-G-76) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Kees Akerboom (200-F-83) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Steve Ross (201-G/F-80) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84) of Landstede Basketbal Zwolle

All-Domestic Players Team
Rogier Jansen (188-G-84) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) of West-Brabant Giants Bergen op Zoom
Stefan Wessels (203-F-84) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Kees Akerboom (200-F-83) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam

All-Imports Team
Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80) of EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam
Matt Bauscher (188-G-85) of GasTerra Flames Groningen
Anthony Richardson (201-F-83) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
David Chiotti (206-F/C-84) of Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden
Jerome Beasley (209-F-80) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch

Mladenovic delivers another victory for the Dutch team - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Austria U20 67:62

Netherlands U20 won another game of the Classification Round in Macedonia to win the group. The Dutch team produced 67:62 over Austria in Group F for the top place.
Austria however started better and opened the game with 7-0 run. The Dutch team did not panic and tied the game at 13:13 at the end of the first frame. Moreover Van der List gave his team 15:13 and Jesse Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) made it 23:19. After 19-17 in the frame Netherlands had 32:30 at the halftime.
The end of the game was extremely exciting. Mladenovi gave his team 57:56 with less than 6 minutes to play. After a timeout Van der List added another two for 59:56 with 5 minutes remaining and Stefan Mladenovic (187-G-90) scored for 62:56. Eric Schranz (205-C-90) reduced to 62:58 after another Timeout and Netherlands missed two shots to increase the lead. Eric Schranz cut it again for 62:60 with less than three minutes. She went to the free thrown line to tie at 62:62, but Stefan Mladenovic nailed three for 65:62. The latter increased the lead for her team from the free throw line for 66:62 and made the final with 1 second in the game.
Stefan Mladenovic top-scored for the winners with 16 points for 2-0 record. Jesse Voorn nailed 13, whilst Ewoud Kloos (185-G/F-89) posted 12. Rasid Mahalbasic (207-F/C-90) ended up with 21 points and Eric Schranz added 16.

Netherlands U20: Stefan Mladenovic 16, Jesse Voorn 13, Ewoud Kloos 12
Austria U20: Rasid Mahalbasic 21, Eric Schranz 16

Upstairs Weert Signs Combo Guard Rod Earls - by Fred Roggen
Upstairs Weert Signs Combo Guard Rod Earls (188-G, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa).
Upstairs Weert has confirmed the addition of guard Rod Earls, This season Earls played for 08 Stockholm,following a successful four-year college basketball career at Tulsa University.
He made his European debut in the Sweden-Basketligan with 08 Stockholm but left during the season, averaging 12.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Donovan Morris signed with Falco KC - by Tamas Deri
The management of the team published yesterday, they signed a one year contract with the american rookie. Donovan Morris (191-G-84, college: Fresno St.) started his NCAA carreer on the University of Fresno State but left after his sophomore season and got to Long Beach State. Due to the NCAA rules, he could not play one year, so played his junior season in 2007-08, when he averaged 21.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. In his senior season he could not put up the same good numbers as the coaching staff of the team changed its strategy, but he had also a great season with 14.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Morris will spend a two weeks tryout from the 15th of August in Hungary, during it coach Deri can make his final decsision regarding the player.


*****************************************************
  INDIA   


I believe in my players : Aleksandar - by Yudhistir Krishna
With Asian Championship fast approaching, our Eurobasket Correspondent, Yudhistir catches up with the Indian team coach Aleksandar Bucan on the preparation of His team. The Indian team pulled out quite a few surprises this summer, beating Al-Wasil (UAE) and entering the Quarterfinals in the Asian Club Championship.

Yudhistir : You have been in India for some time now, whats the difference you see in the level of game then and your recent games in Indonesia?

Aleksandar Bucan : I'm have been here for past 2 years, my job started couple weeks before the Asian championship in japan. Since then, we have improved a lot, our results in Kuwait and Jakarta will prove that, in Jakarta, we entered the quarterfinals beating ex bronze medal team. I think it is important for everybody to understand that all other teams, except India and Korea, had import players, some of them being Ex NBA players.So the bottom line is that we improved a lot, and we are in the process of further developing it.

Yudhistir : Now that Talwinderjit Singh (182-G/F-86) has come back from USA, how much difference is he making for the team?

Aleksandar Bucan : Talwinderjit Singh (182-G/F-86) is one of our young talented players.He is still young and ambitious, his skill and game quickness are very good, but he needs to work hard to make it big. I am expecting him to become one of the cornerstones of our team, with more experience gained by playing against tough opponents, the better he would be.

Yudhistir : The Indian league still remains a distant dream, so how do you expect the game to grow?

Aleksandar Bucan : Starting a Pro league in India is not the only thing we need to do, and success is not guaranteed. There are couple of other things we need to do before starting a pro league. League is just tip of the iceberg. We need to organize basketball within the younger section, on the lower levels, and work them through a system. That should be our priority.

Yudhistir : Do you see any one capable of making it to Europe or top Asian Leagues such as Trideep Rai (190-F-83), Jagdeep or Talwinderjit Singh (182-G/F-86)?

Aleksandar Bucan : At the present moment it seems far from reality, but that doesn't mean its never going to happen. Trideep Rai (190-F-83) has needs a bit fine tuning, only then will he be able to maximize his potential. Jagdeep is one of our best players, and I foresee him in that role for many years, moreover I think he can become even better. I have mentioned Talwinderjit Singh (182-G/F-86), but i think some other young players will make their names in future, with Vishesh being their leader

Yudhistir : How are the game standards among the Youth?

Aleksandar Bucan :I have so many duties to execute with the senior team, So I'm unable to involve myself directly with the younger players since last 7 or 8 months, thats after we won the gold medal at the Asian games in Bali, and earned a right to hear our national anthem. But our Junior team is improving you can see this. At the Iran ABC, though we got the same position as in the previous one, but the our losing margin was low against big teams.

Yudhistir : How is the preparation going on for the ABC?

Aleksandar Bucan : The team is in Bangalore right now and training rigorously, and I'm satisfied with our work. We got 2 weeks to go and i hope we remain healthy. But we would be missing our top players; Trideep Rai (190-F-83)i, Robinson, Riyazuddin and Vijobi who are either injured or unable to participate due to personal reasons. Rest of the team is young and ready to play. We will try to overcome our lack of experience, and i think we will do it, i believe in my players.

Yudhistir : How well is the team prepared due to the fact that China is in the same pool with India with NBA players in their line up?

Aleksandar Bucan : We would be playing any where between 5 to 9 games, and we are preparing keeping all our opponents in mind. But we were not lucky - we got teams such as China, Qatar and Kazakhstan, in the first round. China is a team which nobody wants to play against, even without Yao Ming. This would be a great opportunity to gain some experience, and get ready for the other opponents, then we have more chances to play a open and equal game.

Yudhistir : How well is the National Federation supporting you and the players in terms of Finance, facilities,etc?

Aleksandar Bucan : we are working out at the Zonal Sports Academy, with the national team of different sports. But I'm satisfied with everything, though we can't compare it with other countries.

Yudhistir : Whats blocking the game from developing though India joined FIBA and the international arena long back?

Aleksandar Bucan : This can be answered only after seriously analyzing the situation. If we want better results, we need to organize a Pro league, and create an Environment for the talented young players and to give them a chance to play basketball for a living.

Yudhistir : Are you planning to extend your contract and Whats your plans for the future prospects?

Aleksandar Bucan : I'm a professional and coaching is my job. I like it here.

Yudhistir : Thank you very much and we wish your team success.

Aleksandar Bucan : Thank you.

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


Iran jumps to 2-1 on William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Taiwan 2nd NT 88-79

As it was expected, Iran was better than Taiwan 2nd NT at the Williams Jones Cup, Day 4. That is the second win for the Iranians and they are currently on the fifth place. The fourth ranked Lebanon and Taiwan have 3-1, while No.6 Japan is on 1-2. That just means that despite one defeat against South Korea, Iran has a chance to move up. Actually, there are some scenarios that Iran could even reach the top, but it is too early for forecasting. The second NT of Taiwan faced with another loss and they are on poor 0-4 now. Fortunately to them, there is another team at the Williams Jones Cup with 0-4 and it is Kazakhstan. That means that Taiwan 2 will have a chance to avoid last place at the end. It seems that today will be the crucial day as these two teams will meet each other. Iran will meet Japan.
Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) shined for Iran yesterday with monster double-double: 29 points and 21 rebounds. Nikkah Bahrami was the top scorer in the winning squad with 32 points. These two players had 61 points and Iran had 88 in total. As a reminder, Hadadi joined Iran after he finished Las Vegas Summer League with the Memphis Grizzlies.

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Coach Yakov Gino Jino continues with Ironi Nahariya - by Eurobasket News
Yakov Gino (agency: Arik Krayn Services ) will continue as the coach of Ironi Nahariya for two more seasons. Nahariya's presidenet Mr Avi Sabag and coach Jino met today and decided to continue the relationships for two more years.

Nahariya had huge financial problems last season but Jino stayed all along with the team and despite releasing few importent players, like Raviv Limonad and Aaron Macghee, Jino led the team to the 7th place with a 10-12 record.

Sabag stated: 'We are entering a difficult season so it was important for us to have a great coach like Jino.'

Next season will the 4th of Jino as head coach in the Israeli League as for many years he coached teams in the 2nd and 3rd category leagues in Israel and was an assistant coach in the first division.

In 2003/04 season he became the head coach of Bnei Hasharon and led the team to the 4th place. In 2004/05 season he was the assistant coach of Pini Gershon in Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

The next season he returned to Bnei Hasharon. In 20606/07 and 2007/08 seasons he coached Leuven in Belgium. In 2008/09 he returned to Israel and took over Nahariya.

Jino has also coached the Israeli U20 National Team which he led to the 4th place in 2004 U20 European Championship.

Courtesy of www.basket.co.il


Slovenia won all the quarters for 85:63 victory in the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20-Slovenia U20 63:85 (15-21, 18-19, 10-23, 20-22)

Slovenia edged Israel at the U20 European Chmapionship. Slovenia won all the quarters for 85:63 victory in the Classification Round.
Lekic brought he first points for the winners and Mahkovic made it 14:6. Israel managed to cut it a bit for 21:15 at the end of the frame when Reis made lay-up. Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) reduced to 24:25 and posted for 25:28. Later in the period Slovenia played better and reached 40:33 at the halftime. The third period was decisive in the clash as the winners produced 23-10 in the frame. Vujasinovic closed thirty minutes for 63:43as Slovenia could celebrate the win at that time. Israel had nothing to lose and answered with 9-0 run for 63:52 as Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) made a put-back. Slovenia needed to push the tempo for good to grab the first victory. After 22-20 in the quarter the board showed 85:63.
Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-0 record. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) nailed 18, while Dino Muric (198-F-90) collected 10 points and 13 boards. Tal Karpelesz ended up with 11 points in defeat, while Anton Shoutvin and Amit Simhon (197-G-89) added 10 each.
In another game Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece. The winners did not allow any of the opponents players to reach the double digits defeating them 85:53.

Israel U20: Tal Karpelesz 11, Anton Shoutvin 10, Amit Simhon 10
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 24, Zoran Dragic 18, Dino Muric 10+13 rebs

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


Market news: new players for Montegranaro and Cantu - by Antonello Varallo
Sutor Montegranaro announced the agreement with former Jesi point guard Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois), who ended last year with 14.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT-1 (92.2%) in 27 games and a season high of 24 points. Pallacanestro Cantu signed Arminas Urbutis (206-F-86,college:Hofstra) who played a good Imola Summer League after ending his college career with 2.9 ppg in 103 games In Legadue, Scafati Basket agreed a contract with Aaron Johnson (203-F-83,college:N.Mexico), an american forward with italian passport who ended last season with West-Brabant Giants Bergen op Zoom (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 9.9 ppg and 10.6 rpg.


Italy catch the last train to quarterfinal - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Russia U20 67:59

Italy had the narrow catch as they jumped to the final train heading to the quarterfinals at the U20 European Championship. Italy overcame Russia in the final game of the Qualifying Round to clinch the fourth spot in Group E. Russia in the meantime slipped at the sixth position in the pool. Italy will now face Lithuania in the quarterfinal on Friday. Russia will take on Ukraine in the classification round for the 9th-12th place.
With their title ambitions at stake both teams tried to force the issue right from the start. Russia led throughout the early minutes before Italy went on a 15:3 run to accumulate a 19:14 lead at the first break. Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group) extended the margin to 7 points at the start of the second quarter but Russia stayed close. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) tied the score at 25 midway through the second quarter. Martinoni, Riccardo Truccolo (188-G-89) fired three triples late in the half to provide Italy with a 5-point cushion at halftime. Riccardo Truccolo knocked down 12 points in the third frame as Italy cleared off to a 13-point distance. Vladimir Ivlev and Khvostov narrowed the margin to 8 points but Russia never got closer than 7 in the reminder of the contest as Italy ran away to the victory.
Riccardo Truccolo finished with 17 points for Italy. Tommaso Raspino had 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Ivlev answered with 23 points and 13 boards for Russia.

Italy U20: Riccardo Truccolo 17, Tommaso Raspino 11, Matteo Da Ros (203-F-89) 10
Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 23+13 boards, Semen Antonov (203-F-89) 12


Mauricio Aguiar extends contract with Vanoli Soresina - by Eurobasket News
Mauricio Aguiar (199-F-83, agency: Players Group) has agreed to extend his contract with Vanoli Soresina for another season. The Uruguayan 26-year-old forward started the previous season in Uruguay. He played for Bigua in the LUB. There Aguiar averaged 15.4 points and 3.8 boards per game. In April 2009 Mauricio Aguiar moved to Italy and played 16 games for Soresina. His average stats reached 9.2 points and 3.7 boards per game mark in those games. He recently played for Marinos in Venezuela.


Market moves in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Arminas Urbutis (206-F-86) and Cantu have agreed on terms of a two-year-deal. The 23-year-old Lithuanian forward just graduated from Hofstra. He averaged 3.1 points and 4.4 boards per game in his senior year in the NCAA. Urbutis won the silver medals at the Global Games in Dallas in 2006.
Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) inked a two-year contract with Montegranaro. The 25-year-old player spent the last season with Fileni Jesi. He averaged 14.8 points, 3.1 boards and 2.6 steals per game in LegaDue. Maestranzi studied in the USA where he played for Northern Illinois. In 2006 the guard returned to Europe and had stints with Reggio Calabria and Fileni Jesi.
In the meantime Scafati Basket landed Aaron Howard (195-F-91). The 19-year-old Australian forward arrived from the Toowoomba Mountaineers of the ABA.


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Japan grabs thriller win against Philippines, first on William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Philippines 87-85

It was a very exciting game yesterday between Japan and Philippines at the William Jones Cup. After win against Kazakhstan, Team Philippines entered to this match strongly creating magnificent 27-12 in the first quarter. The Japanese struggled a lot at the both sides of the court until that moment, but they never gave up on this game. They started to play better until the half time, slowly cutting the margin. After the breather, Philippines could not repeat that fantastic first quarter and Japan was seriously threatening. Finally, in the last frame the Japanese managed to make a turn. Philippines trailed by two after Jared Dillinger's (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) triple and there was chance. However, Jayjay Helterbrand's (183-G-76, college: Kentucky St.) three-point attempt was blocked in the last play and the Japanese grabbed valuable win. That is the first win for them at the Williams Jones Cup so they now have 1-2 record. As a reminder, Japan faced with two defeats so far, against Taiwan and Lebanon. Philippines fell to 1-3. As it is mentioned above, their only win happened two days ago vs Kazakhstan.
Today, Japan will meet Iran, while Philippines will take on Lebanon. Iran currently has pretty decent 2-1 record. Lebanon is on 3-1.

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  JORDAN   


Jordan destroys Taiwan with plus 47 - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Taiwan 111-64

What a performance by Team Jordan yesterday at the William Jones Cup. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) and his teammates flied on the court and were totally unreachable for the Taiwanese. The final score talks everything for itself. There was only one team on the court and it was Jordan. As a reminder, it was a derby game of Day 4 as both squads were undefeated before it. Jordan registered two wins until that moment. In the first match they outplayed Philippines 90-59 and after that were better than Lebanon 73-63. With 3-0 Jordan is currently on the top of the standings, together with South Korea. On the other side, this is the first loss for Taiwan and they are now on third place with 3-1 record. Actually, the same numbers also has Lebanon.
Today at the William Jones Cup, Jordan will meet South Korea. That will most probably turn out as decisive game for top of the standings. Taiwan will have a day-off. They will continue on Wednesday.

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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Lebanon outsmarts Kazakhstan for 3-1 on William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Kazakhstan 77-73

Lebanon was too strong for Kazakhstan yesterday improving to 3-1 record at the William Jones Cup. It means that Lebanon currently shares third place with Taiwan, who was humiliated by Jordan. Kazakhstan fell short once again and it now has poor 0-4. There is another winless team at the Williams Jones Cup so far and it is Taiwan B, also with 0-4.
It was a chaotic game yesterday between Lebanon and Kazakhstan. Both squads threatened to boycott the game with 15.8 seconds to go in the first half. After a negotiation, finally they brought the players out of the locker room. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) was a key player in the winning squad collecting 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Interesting is that he joined the team last Tuesday. Kazakhstan once again had only one player in a game mood. It once again was Dimitri Gavrilov (201-F-86) with 22 points and 10 boards.
Today at the William Jones Cup, Lebanon will play against Philippines. The Team Philippines registered only one win so far and it is expected that Lebanon triumphs today. Kazakhstan will take on Taiwan B, what is maybe the last chance for a joy. After that, they will have 3 more games but with stronger rivals.

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  KUWAIT   


Morocco too strong for Kuwait, both advance to Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Kuwait - Morocco 55-82

Expected win for the host of the 9th Arab Basketball Cup. With this victory Morocco jumped to 3-1 record in Group B finishing the first stage on second place. It means that Morocco will meet the third-ranked team from Group A - Algeria. Despite this loss, Kuwait also reached the Quarterfinals. They registered only one with in 4 games, but the thing is that Group B had 5 teams in total and that was enough for position number four. Victory against Yemen was the crucial one for the next stage. Kuwait will take on strong Tunisia in QFinals. Of course it will be a huge surprise if Tunisia fails to reach the Semis, as they had perfect 5-0 in the first stage. Lets return to the first pair, Morocco and Algeria. That supposes to be a interesting game ad both squads demonstrated decent performance so far. Algeria had a chance to reach second place in Group A as Libya and Syria had the same 3-2 record. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that.
All Quarterfinal games are scheduled for today.

*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Team Latvia starts preparation for EuroBasket 2009 - by Eurobasket News
The National Team of Latvia officially started preparation for the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. The head coach Kestutis Kemzura included 15 players at this stage. For sure some of the biggest names are Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, college: UNLV), Andris Biedrins (213-C-86), Kristaps Valters (188-G-81), Janis Blums (190-G-82) and Armands Skele (192-G-83).

Here is the complete list of the 15 players:

Kaspars Kambala (Enisey Krasnoyarsk)
Andris Biedrins (Golden St. Warriors)
Kristaps Valters (BC Fuenlabrada)
Edgars Jeromanovs (186-G-86) (VEF Riga)
Janis Blums (CB Bilbao)
Sandis Valters (193-G/F-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) (Aget Imola)
Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84, agency: FCM) (VEF Riga)
Arturs Stalbergs (196-F-84, college: Evansville) (Liepaja BK)
Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) (ASK Riga)
Armands Skele (Riga Barons)
Aigars Vitols (192-G-76) (ASK Riga)
Rolands Freimanis (208-F-88) (VEF Riga)
Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) (Venezia)
Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) (ASK Riga)
Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85, agency: FCM) (Riga Barons)

Meanwhile, Edgars Jeromanovs and Gatis Jahovics are still injured and Andris Biedrins is in USA. That can result in Kemzura's considering to bring the youngster Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89), who is a member of Latvia youth National Team.
Team Latvia is placed in Group B on EuroBasket in Poland. Among Latvia, there are also Germany and Russia. Name of the fourth team will be known after Additional Qualification Round. It is already known it will be Italy, France or Finland. In the opening day Latvia will take on Russia, September 7th. At the next day the Latvians will meet the latest participant in Pool B and after that Germany.
At the Preliminary Stage there will be 4 groups with 4 teams in each. Best 4 teams from each group will advance to Qualifying Round, where we will have two pools with 12 teams in total. After that, we will have Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Big Final. The last day of the competition is September 20.

Greece overcome Latvia at U20 European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Latvia U20 77:71

Greek U20 team posted the third straight win at the European Championship. They held off Latvia to secure 4-1 record in Group E. Latvia slipped at 1-4 record in the fourth position in the pool.
Greece opened the game with 7 points in a row to set the tone. Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) masterminded a 20:8 run from the hosts in the opening quarter with 6 points to his tally. Greece stretched the margin to 14 points midway through the second frame but Latvia refused to bow. Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) and Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) helped Latvia to clip the margin to 7 points at halftime.
Georgios Bogris netted 4 points early in the third frame to keep Greece in front. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) and Kaselakis secured a 60:51 lead for the Hellenes at three-quarter time. Giannopoulos and Sloukas gave Greece a 14-point cushion early in the final stanza and Greece rallied to the hard win at the end.
Georgios Bogris and Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) provided 16 points apiece for Greece. Nikolaos Pappas added 13 points in the win. Janis Strelnieks responded with 19 points for Latvia. Lauris Blaus had 17 points and 10 boards for the Baltic team.

Greece U20: Georgios Bogris 16, Kostas Papanikolaou 16, Nikolaos Pappas 13
Latvia U20: Janis Strelnieks 19, Lauris Blaus 17+10 boards


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


Lebanon outsmarts Kazakhstan for 3-1 on William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Kazakhstan 77-73

Lebanon was too strong for Kazakhstan yesterday improving to 3-1 record at the William Jones Cup. It means that Lebanon currently shares third place with Taiwan, who was humiliated by Jordan. Kazakhstan fell short once again and it now has poor 0-4. There is another winless team at the Williams Jones Cup so far and it is Taiwan B, also with 0-4.
It was a chaotic game yesterday between Lebanon and Kazakhstan. Both squads threatened to boycott the game with 15.8 seconds to go in the first half. After a negotiation, finally they brought the players out of the locker room. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) was a key player in the winning squad collecting 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Interesting is that he joined the team last Tuesday. Kazakhstan once again had only one player in a game mood. It once again was Dimitri Gavrilov (201-F-86) with 22 points and 10 boards.
Today at the William Jones Cup, Lebanon will play against Philippines. The Team Philippines registered only one win so far and it is expected that Lebanon triumphs today. Kazakhstan will take on Taiwan B, what is maybe the last chance for a joy. After that, they will have 3 more games but with stronger rivals.

Algeria escapes with 70-69 against Lebanon in Morocco - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Algeria 69-70

Algeria escaped with tiny 70-69 against the winless Lebanon at the Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. Even before this game the Algerians were the sure members of the Quarterfinals, but they had to win in order to keep third place. The second ranked Syria is No.2 and Libya is No.4 with the same numbers. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that. On the other side, Lebanon finished the competition with poor 0-5. They and UAE, who have 1-4, did not qualify for the Quarterfinals.
The Quarterfinal games are scheduled for today. Naturally, Algeria will take on No.2 from Group B, which is Morocco. That will be a difficult job for Algeria as Morocco is the host of this event. They finished first stage with 3 wins and 1 defeat. The only loss happened against powerful Egypt. The winner of this game will take on Tunisia or Kuwait in the Semifinals. Of course, here Tunisia is a favorite as they had 5-0 in Group B. Kuwait had 1-3 in Pool B.

*****************************************************
  LIBYA   


Arab Basketball Cup: Tunisia advances to Quarterfinals perfect - by Eurobasket News
Tunisia - Libya 84-48

Tunisia demonstrated another great performance at the Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. After 4 consecutive wins, the Tunisians grabbed another nice one and it was against Libya. Of course, Tunisia advances to Quarterfinals from top of Group A. Their rival will be No.4. from Group B, Kuwait. On the other side, Libya finished this stage as No.4 in Group A. Fortunately to them, that is also enough for the Quarterfinals. Second ranked Syria and third Algeria have the same record as Libya. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that. In the Quarterfinals Libya will take on powerful Egypt. There is not need to say anything about Egypt, who had 4-0 in Group B. If Libya advances to Semis it will be a big surprise. The winner of this game will meet the winner of Syria - Saudi Arabia game. There Syria has slightly better chances.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Robertas Javtokas is new captain of Team Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
National Team of Lithuania and their coach Ramunas Butautas recently faced with cancellations of Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and at the same time with the question who will be the team's captain in the future. It did not take too long for an answer as the coach Butautas announced that Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) will take the 'duty'. The coaching staff of Team Lithuania think that Javtokas is the right man for this. The reason could be that the 29-year-old center is the most experienced player currently in the team, after other veterans decided to skip EuroBasket for different reasons. He will also for sure be one of the best players at the upcoming event.
Robertas Javtokas played last two seasons with Russian Dynamos Moscow. In the last one he averaged 8.2ppg, Reb-4 (6.0ppg), Blocks-3 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.1%, FT: 56.3% for 24 games in Russian Superleague. In EuroCup he had 11.9ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP-2 (71.8%), FT: 57.9% for 13 games. Next season he will also play in Moscow, but for Khimky. Before Dynamo, Javtokas was a member of Panathinaikos Athens, Lietuvos Rytas and Siauliai. Since 2000 he is standard member of Team Lithuania. His biggest achievement is for sure Euroleague trophy in 2007 with Panathinaikos Athens. In 2008 he was named Eurobasket.com All-ULEB Cup Center of the Year. Last summer he had 8.4 ppg and 5 rpg for 6 games at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Lithuania add pain for Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Ukraine U20 83:51
Lithuanian U20 National Team clinched the top spot in Group F of the European Championship. They dismantled Ukraine to finish the Qualifying Round at 4-1 record. Ukraine suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament and slipped at 2-3 record in the pool. Lithuania thus advanced into the quarterfinals and would face the fourth team from Group E.
Dmytrenko and Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) ensured a hopeful start for Ukraine as they accounted for 5:0 advantage. But Lithuania soon gained the lead and rolled to a 19:10 lead at the first break. Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) and Gydra pushed Lithuania to a 25:10 advantage early in the second quarter. The Baltic team seemed well in control in the second stanza and they sealed the first half outcome at 42:27. Lithuania unloaded a 13:0 run midway through the third quarter to ensure a 60:33 advantage. Ukraine seemed stunned and had little to come up with against determined Lithuanian effort. Lithuania coasted to the win in the final stanza securing a 32-point success at the end.
Adas Juskevicius knocked down 19 points and issued 7 assists for Lithuania. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (204-F-89) added 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Vladyslav Tonchenko responded with 19 points and 6 boards for Ukraine. Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) netted 9 points in defeat.

Lithuania U20: Adas Juskevicius 19, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 15, Sarunas Vasiliauskas (190-G-89) 12
Ukraine U20: Vladyslav Tonchenko 19, Ruslan Otverchenko 9


Panathinaikos extends Saras to 1+1 deal - by Eurobasket News
It is officially confirmed. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) will stay with the reigning Greek and Euroleague champion for at least one more year. There is a possibility that Saras will finish career in the Greek giant after he serves two more years in Athens. Last season Saras appeared in 18 Euroleague games averaging 9.4 ppg and 3 apg. He demonstrated magnificent performance at the Final 4 in Berlin, pacing his team to title. In Greece, Saras played 29 games registering 11.4 ppg and 2.7 apg. Since the end of the season Head Coach Zeljko Obradovic has strong willingness to keep Saras so the club finally reached an agreement with the player. Sarunas Jasikevicius arrived to PAO in September 2007, when he was waived but the Golden State Warriors. Season before that he played for Indiana Pacers having more than 7 ppg in NBA. From 2003 to 2005 he played for Maccabi and before that for Barcelona. Saras won huge number of trophies and personal awards during his career. In 2004 and 2005 he was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague European Player of the Year. He also was essential part of Team Lithuania since 1997. They triumphed on the European Championships 2003 in Sweden. Two years ago they won the Bronze in Spain and last summer reached Semifinals on the Olympic Games in Beijing.

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


Switzerland U20 tied their record at 1-1 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U20-Luxembourg U20 76:66

Switzerland U20 tied their record at 1-1 in Group G of U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Luxembourg U20 76:66 as the latter dropped at 0-1.
Birenbaum made a lay-up to open the scoring account for both squads, while Kartheiser gave his team 7:4. Christopher Jones (184-F-90) ruined the Swiss for 14:6, however the latter immediately replied for 18:16 lead. Wilson scored the last two in the frame for 21:20 advantage. Luxembourg U20 remained in front for the majority of the second quarter and had 34:28 midway through it. Christopher Jones shined for the team and it was him to give Luxembourg U20 36:32 advantage. Switzerland U20 however answered wit 13-0 run to grab 45:36 lead in the third frame. After 19-7 in it the latter enjoyed 54:43 deficit. Switzerland U20 held around 10 points difference and even was able to increase in the middle of the frame. Wilson made a jump shot at the end of the game to leave the board show 76:66 score.
Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) led the way with 22 points. Albrecht ended up with 16 points, while Davide Garruti (189-G-89) finished the night with 11. Christopher Jones erupted with 26 points and 11 boards in the losing case and Wilson notched 9.
Tomorrow Luxembiurg will face Norway that won the opener in the group.

Switzerland U20: Christophe Varidel 22, Albrecht 16, Davide Garruti 11
Luxembourg U20: Christopher Jones 26+11 rebs, Wilson 9


*****************************************************
  MALTA   


Nigel Sultana paces Malta past Moldova - by Eurobasket News
Malta U18 - Moldova U18 61:39

Malta kept their record spotless at the U18 European Championship in Division C. They toppled Moldova to clinch the top spot in preliminary Group A. Moldova finished in the second position in the pool. Both teams made it to the semifinals. Moldova will face Gibraltar, while Malta will play against Andorra on Friday.
Malta opened the game with 9 points in a row. The hosts recorded a 19:10 lead at the first break. Malta kept the pressure on their opponents in the second frame stretching the gap to 17 points late in the half. Tevin Falzon (-92), Samuel Deguara (225-C-91) and Paris extended the margin to as many as 26 points midway through the third quarter. Malta poured in 24 points in the quarter to enter the final stanza up by 28 points. They cruised to the win at the end. Nigel Sultana (191-F-91) finished with 21 points, 10 boards and 4 assists for Malta. Samuel Deguara added 16 points and 26 rebounds for the winners. Nicolai Cojuhari (187-G-92) and Stepan Gordienco (189-F-91) netted 8 points each for Moldova. Melniciuc had 6 points in the losing effort.

Malta U18: Nigel Sultana 21+10 boards, Samuel Deguara 16+26 boards, Tevin Falzon 12
Moldova U18: Nicolai Cojuhari 8, Stepan Gordienco 8


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


LNBP Transactions and Openings - Hot Stove! - by Chris Terrell
San Diego, CA - The hot stove is starting to really heat up in Mexico. Lots of deals happening and rumors galore. Who's going where, who's coming back, what's what in Mexico is always avaialble on www.enfuegohoops.com and as always, players interested in playing in Mexico this season should send their profiles to cterrell@enfuegohoops.com

Here is some of what is open, being filled, and the movers and shakers of the Liga Nacional:

Tijuana has new head coach Robert Reid in and they are looking for all spots; potentially imports at the 1, 3, and 5 along with us-mex, national, and latin (community) players.

Mexicali inked with Dominican Coach Melvyn Lopez and will be assisted by Luis Nicoletti . The Soles signed Karim Malpica (190-G-78, agency: World Sport Agency) which makes those around the league feel that the Soles may not be bringing back Dejuan Wheat (183-G-73, college: Louisville). Wheat, along with Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) (who had a great finals against Xalapa), and James Penny (198-F-76, college: TCU) have not been yet confirmed to return this season. Common thought maybe that the Soles is thinking about getting more athletic at the 5 and could do so with an import, opening the door for a possible starting backcourt of Malpica and Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon), son of NBA legend Fat Lever.

Xalapa will not have the services of standout player Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) (Signed in Spain) who was a big part of their championship run last season. Also, yet to be confirmed, is the return of Head Coach Andy Stoglin . Both LNBP Finalists could have new coaches this season. Stoglin is said to have been in contact with potential players for the coming season but a formal announcement about his return has yet to be published. The Halcones have been in conversations with Imports including at the point guard position and should also be looking to find a big National player that can come in and fill the big shoes of Ayon. As always, the better teams, are on the fore front of the signing market for the best National and US-MEX players.

Cancun has signed Jeremiah Dominguez (168-G-85, college: Portland St.) (US-MEX) and is in talks with the representation of Oliver Caballero (206-C). According to agent Rick Perez, the team is also working out the terms of a deal with Antonio Kellogg (190-G-85, college: USF) and is continuing to search for players at import, us-mex, latin, and national spots.

Monterrey has Head Coach Javier Diaz-Castroverde coming to town on August 3rd. Several changes are expected including at the import spots. More information should be released on this shortly.

Leon was rumored to have been in contract negotiations with Ricky Benitez but instead may bring back their coach from last season. Star import Harold Arceneaux (198-F-77, college: Weber St.) has yet to come to terms with Leon. It is believed going into the off-season that Arceneaux, Silas Mills (200-F-72, college: Utah St.), and Ricky Johns (190-G-85, agency: Tank Sports, college: Utah) would make up the team and that they were looking for a big or a guard. Benitez has also been rumored to be in line for the position with Nuevo Laredo. The team has a new name and a new government run ownership group that was introduced by the LNBP.

Omar Quintero (199-C-77) is rumored to be out in Monterrey and is looking at Cordoba or Leon as potential suitors. Jermaine Brown (196-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) has signed with Cordoba and Eric Martin (197-F-76, college: Cincinnati) is believed to be heading to Leon. Gerald Burris (198-F-78, college: W.Alabama) is fielding offers from as many as 5 teams and the Veracruz teams are expected to be the front runners for his services.

Puebla and Potros Itson are both in the market for US-MEX players and Parrish Brown (185-G, college: Maryland) is expecting to return as one of the imports for Potros. Spots still remain on both teams for Imports, US-MEX, National, and Community.

Andres Contreras is the new coach in Aguascalientes. The team is keeping their cards close to the vest although several spots are still open.

Durango is rumored to be having star player Robert Day (197-F-82, agency: 011 Sports, college: W.Oregon) in their back court this season. Day can really shoot the lights out and has played very well in past seasons in Mexico. Eric Hare (196-G/F-79, college: Albertson) is also pegged to be on the front line for Lobos Grieses and they are currently looking for a big import and possibly a point guard, us-mex, national, or community.

It's only July, we still have 2 months to go, but Mexicali and Xalapa will be starting Fiba Americas next month and camps and tryouts are starting to open around the league. The LNBP Showcase, to be held on August 15th and 16th in San Diego will field many players of high levels looking for a position in the LNBP this season. You can get more information on the scoop in Mexico by visiting www.enfuegohoops.com or by email at cterrell@enfuegohoops.com

*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


Nigel Sultana paces Malta past Moldova - by Eurobasket News
Malta U18 - Moldova U18 61:39

Malta kept their record spotless at the U18 European Championship in Division C. They toppled Moldova to clinch the top spot in preliminary Group A. Moldova finished in the second position in the pool. Both teams made it to the semifinals. Moldova will face Gibraltar, while Malta will play against Andorra on Friday.
Malta opened the game with 9 points in a row. The hosts recorded a 19:10 lead at the first break. Malta kept the pressure on their opponents in the second frame stretching the gap to 17 points late in the half. Tevin Falzon (-92), Samuel Deguara (225-C-91) and Paris extended the margin to as many as 26 points midway through the third quarter. Malta poured in 24 points in the quarter to enter the final stanza up by 28 points. They cruised to the win at the end. Nigel Sultana (191-F-91) finished with 21 points, 10 boards and 4 assists for Malta. Samuel Deguara added 16 points and 26 rebounds for the winners. Nicolai Cojuhari (187-G-92) and Stepan Gordienco (189-F-91) netted 8 points each for Moldova. Melniciuc had 6 points in the losing effort.

Malta U18: Nigel Sultana 21+10 boards, Samuel Deguara 16+26 boards, Tevin Falzon 12
Moldova U18: Nicolai Cojuhari 8, Stepan Gordienco 8


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  MONTENEGRO   


Rumor: Dasic may end in Partizan as loaned player from Barcelona? - by Eurobasket News
The developments regarding young Montenegrin player Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) change from day to day. After deciding to withdraw from this NBA draft, the interest for Dasic has been great. Several European powerhouses have expressed the desire to see the Montenegrin International in their shirt next season, but any deal is yet to materialize. One of the teams that were extremely interested in Dasic, is Serbian champion BC Partizan Belgrade. Still the high transfer fee that BC Buducnost has set for their player has proved to be a stumbling block for team from Belgrade. Still, according to several reports from Spanish and Serbian media, there is a possibility that Dasic may end up in Partizan but as loaned player from BC Barcelona. It was reported that Barcelona is looking to sign a player as a long-term replacement for Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87). Still Dasic would first spend a year at team from Belgrade, where he would be gaining experience while playing in Euroleage on a more regular basis. Dasic would also be learning from Partizan's Head Coach Dusko Vujosevic, who is known to be excellent coach to produce good young players. Whether this deal will materialize remains to be seen in coming weeks.
Vladimir Dasic started his career with Buducnost and has developed into a team leader. This year he helped Buducnost achieve good result in Adriatic league where he averaged 13 points and 5.3 rebounds in 26 games. Dasic was also member of Serbia and Montenegro Youth National Team where he has also excelled and won host of trophies. As a member of Serbia and Montenegro U18 National Team Dasic participated at European Championships U18 in Belgrade where he helped the team win the title. In 8 games he averaged 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1% from the field.

Nikola Vucevic leads Montenegro past Serbia in Ialysos - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Serbia U20 73:70 (OT)

Montenegro outscored Serbia in a dramatic game at the U20 European Championship in Greece today. Montenegro improved at 3-2 record to occupy the third spot in Group F. They would face France in the quarterfinal on Friday. Serbia came up short of the playoffs and would play against Latvia for the 9th-12th spot.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first frame with neither side able to grab a substantial advantage. Montenegro opened the second quarter with a 12:2 run to build a 30:19 lead. But Serbia came back to life late in the half as Aleksandar Mitrovic (202-G-90) and Maravic cut the distance to 7 points at the interval. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) and Nedovic hit five quick points as Serbia got within two at the beginning of the second half. Serbia surged in front midway through the frame and ensured a 47:45 lead after thirty minutes of action. But a 10:0 run from Montenegro at the start of the final term put them back into the drivers seat. Montenegro were comfortably up by 6 points with just over a minute remaining in regulation but Milosavljevic, Lazic and Aleksandar Mitrovic drew things level and forced overtime. Bojan Subotic and Milosavljevic lifted Serbia to a 5-point lead early in the extra frame but Montenegro crowned overtime with an 8:1 rally to eke out an exhausting 73:70 win.
Nikola Vucevic (210-F-90) posted 18 points and 13 boards for Montenegro. Milos Savovic (200-G/F-89, agency: Octagon) had 12 points, while Nikola Djokovic (190-G-89) chipped in 11 points for the winners. Aleksandar Mitrovic answered with 18 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for Serbia. Bojan Subotic had 13 points in the loss.

Montenegro U20: Nikola Vucevic 18+13 boards, Milos Savovic 12, Nikola Djokovic 11
Serbia U20: Aleksandar Mitrovic 18, Bojan Subotic 13


*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


Morocco too strong for Kuwait, both advance to Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Kuwait - Morocco 55-82

Expected win for the host of the 9th Arab Basketball Cup. With this victory Morocco jumped to 3-1 record in Group B finishing the first stage on second place. It means that Morocco will meet the third-ranked team from Group A - Algeria. Despite this loss, Kuwait also reached the Quarterfinals. They registered only one with in 4 games, but the thing is that Group B had 5 teams in total and that was enough for position number four. Victory against Yemen was the crucial one for the next stage. Kuwait will take on strong Tunisia in QFinals. Of course it will be a huge surprise if Tunisia fails to reach the Semis, as they had perfect 5-0 in the first stage. Lets return to the first pair, Morocco and Algeria. That supposes to be a interesting game ad both squads demonstrated decent performance so far. Algeria had a chance to reach second place in Group A as Libya and Syria had the same 3-2 record. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that.
All Quarterfinal games are scheduled for today.

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


Sacramento Kings sign Sean May - by Eurobasket News
Free-agent forward Sean May (6'8''-F/C-84, college: N.Carolina) has agreed to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings announced the deal Tuesday. May became a free agent when Charlotte declined to make him a one-year qualifying offer of $3.7 million last month.

May was drafted as the 13th pick in 2005 but has been limited because of a knee injury and conditioning.

His best season came in 2006-07, when he averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. He played only 35 games that season because of knee pain that led to surgery.

May missed all of the 2007-08 season recovering from the operation and played just 24 games last season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.foxcharlotte.com


Son of Danny Ainge to coach Celtics' affiliate Maine Red Claws - by Eurobasket News
The first coach in Maine Red Claws history has a familiar last name and a family tie to one of the NBA Developmental League franchise's parent clubs, the Celtics.

The Red Claws introduced Austin Ainge as the teams head coach. Ainge, 27, who was most recently a scout for the Celtics, is the son of Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

I have always been intrigued by new ideas and innovation, said Red Claws president and general manager Jon Jennings. Austin Ainge brings that to our team. He blew me away with his ability to analyze players and game strategy. When I was a young coach with the Celtics, video was the new revolution. Today, its statistical analysis. Austin brings that to a whole new level. Combine that with his ability to develop players and his background, and he is going to be a fantastic head coach.

Ainge spent last season as a scout with the Celtics, which included working with rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker while they were on assignment with Utah of the D-League.

Before joining the Celtics, Ainge served a stint as an assistant coach for Southern Utah University. He also had a successful playing career at Brigham Young University, where he was a two-year captain, leading BYU to two Mountain West Conference championships, three NCAA tournaments and one NIT appearance.

I am thrilled to be joining the Maine Red Claws as head coach, said Ainge. I believe we are at the beginning of building something great for the Portland community and the NBA D-League.'

Ainge will be tasked with balancing the needs of his own team with the development needs of the Red Claws NBA parent clubs, the Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats.

The hiring of a head coach is a critical step in building a strong team, said Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins. We look forward to our relationship with the Red Claws, and we wish Austin and the organization much success this season.

Austin will be a great communicator and teacher, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. As a player Austin has received great coaching, and you can see that in his coaching. He's been involved in basketball most of his life. It makes perfect sense.

Jennings, a former assistant, interviewed more than 20 candidates for the head coaching job before selecting Ainge. Ainge, who is married with two children, has no doubt he is ready for the task.

I have had the unique opportunity to be on many sides of this business, Ainge said. A main focus for me, as I have drawn from each situation, is talent evaluation. That includes both as the team is being assembled and during the season. As a coach, you must focus on which plays to call and what defensive adjustments to make, but even more important is which players are your best players and which lineups are playing the best together. Evaluating your own players and lineups is paramount, and using statistical analysis is a big help in making more accurate evaluations.

Courtesy of www.boston.com


Heat re-sign center Joel Anthony - by Eurobasket News
The Heat re-signed backup center Joel Anthony (6'9''-C-82, college: UNLV) on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Anthony, 26, signed with the Heat in 2007 as a free agent. The 6-9, 260-pound Montreal native started 28 games and blocked 93 shots last season.

In two years at UNLV, Anthony averaged 3.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.31 blocked shots. He is No.2 all-time in blocked shots in Runnin' Rebels history.

''I'd hope that we could get something done early in the summer to be able to stay [in Miami],'' Anthony said after a game in April.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


Jarrett Jack joins Raptors for $20M - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors have landed guard Jarrett Jack (6'3''-G-83, college: Georgia Tech).

The Raptors officially signed the restricted free agent to a four-year, $20-million US contract Tuesday, one day after the Indiana Pacers said they would not match Toronto's offer sheet signed July 13.

The Pacers had seven days to match it.

'After having a breakout season last year for Indiana, we are very pleased to have Jarrett Jack join the Toronto Raptors organization,' Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said. 'Jarrett's size and strength, coupled with his playmaking instincts and ability to defend both guard positions make him a perfect addition to our roster.'

The move reunites Jack, who made $2 million US last season, with former Georgia Tech teammate Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

Jack averaged a career-high 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. The Pacers acquired him a year ago in a five-player trade.

Jack is the latest newcomer to join the Raptors as Colangelo continues to revamp his roster.

Toronto has also picked up forward Hedo Turkoglu and Reggie Evans, and signed centre Andrea Bargnani to a five-year, $50-million US extension.

Colangelo also acquired swingman DeMar DeRosan with the ninth overall pick in last month's NBA draft.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca


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


Centenary board OKs switch to Division III - by Eurobasket News
The Board of Trustees for Centenary College has voted to move the college's athletic program from Division I to Division III.

Tuesday's vote to leave the Summit League comes as the school works to stabilize its finances.

Ed Crawford, the board's acting chairman, says the move is a small part of a larger plan to achieve financial and academic stability.

Centenary will continue to participate in Division I for the next two years in the Summit League while it pursues a new conference affiliation in Division III.

The prospect of Division III membership has been hovering at Centenary for several years, but the economic downturn sped it up. The school's endowment is down 20 percent. Now it is seeking $1.5 million in budget cuts.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Krzyzewski will coach US in 2012 Games - by Eurobasket News
Mike Krzyzewski could have left international basketball on top, having returned the United States to its longtime position as the world's best.

That's not what coaches like Krzyzewski do.

'It was very easy to walk away, but I just don't think people who are accustomed to competing or high achievers walk away,' USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said. 'You just keep competing.'

So that's what Krzyzewski plans, right on through the 2012 Olympics.

USA Basketball announced Tuesday that Krzyzewski will return to lead the United States in next summer's world championships and when it defends its gold medal in London.

The Americans won the championship last year in Beijing and will bring the leadership of that team back for another run. Krzyzewski's entire staff of assistants also will return - New York's Mike D'Antoni, Portland's Nate McMillan and Jim Boeheim of Syracuse.

'We all felt as a staff the work wasn't over,' Krzyzewski said at a press conference. 'Our goal this time is to make it even better.'

Colangelo, who hired Krzyzewski to lead the national team in 2005, already had committed to returning. He never pushed Krzyzewski for an answer about a return - even as they shared a pizza and bottle of wine until well past midnight in April in a Chicago hotel lobby - because he could tell all along that's exactly what the coach wanted to do.

Leaving became even harder for Krzyzewski once players started talking about playing again in Beijing.

'It would have been really hard,' Krzyzewski said. 'In my coaching career, I don't really have any regrets. Obviously you'd like to have won a certain game or two, but as far as decisions of where I coach and what I'm doing, I've led a very charmed life. And I think if I didn't do this, I would have regretted it.'

Krzyzewski will become the first U.S. coach of multiple Olympic teams since Henry Iba, who won gold in 1964 and '68 and coached the team that lost the controversial 1972 gold-medal game to the Soviet Union.

'We don't have term limits at USA Basketball and so when you have a great thing going, you keep it going,' Colangelo said.

The return of Krzyzewski, a college coach who was well liked by the NBA's best, could influence some top American players to suit up again, especially since both he and Colangelo have said the Americans must make the worlds a higher priority.

'I think they understand that their job isn't over, either,' Krzyzewski said.

Colangelo spoke with the core of last year's team, including recent league MVPs Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, in February and believes they are interested in competing next summer in Turkey.

That's partly because they enjoyed playing for Krzyzewski, who took over after the Americans had tumbled to the lowest point in their basketball history.

'I had a wonderful experience playing for Coach K and his staff. Winning the gold medal in China last summer was one of the highlights of my career,' NBA scoring leader Dwyane Wade said in a statement. 'I believe his return will make many players want to join the senior national team and represent our country.'

After winning gold in the 2000 Olympics, the Americans fell to sixth place in the 2002 worlds and managed only a bronze medal two years later in the Athens games. Colangelo took control of USA Basketball following those embarrassments and instituted a program to better prepare the Americans for international competitions.

He chose Krzyzewski as the program's coach even though no U.S. senior team had been led by someone from the college ranks since NBA players began competing in the Olympics in 1992 - Krzyzewski assisted Chuck Daly on that squad.

'I said at the time he was the right guy at the right time, and that certainly proved to be the case,' Colangelo said.

Krzyzewski led the Americans to a 36-1 record from 2006-08, and developed strong relationships with his players, after previous coaches Larry Brown and George Karl had publicly bickered with them. And it's those relationships that drove Krzyzewski to sign on for another tour at age 62.

'I know that the guys who played for us in Beijing, they became part of our family,' Krzyzewski said. 'Why wouldn't we want to do it again'?

The graduate of the U.S. Military Academy has been on U.S. staffs in 11 competitions and couldn't pass up a chance to come back, agreeing with Colangelo that the Americans should keep a good thing going. He and Colangelo spoke throughout the winter and spring, but Colangelo told Krzyzewski not to decide until he his family and his superiors at Duke were comfortable with him giving up at least two more summers.

Now the Hall of Fame coach can fill one of the only holes in his resume. He has only a pair of bronze medals from the world championships, leading a team of college players that lost to a powerful Yugoslavia squad in 1990 and a team that included James and Wade but was upset by Greece in the 2006 semifinals in Japan.

The Americans are holding a minicamp this week for 23 young players who could be candidates to play for Krzyzewski, but he won't run the practices, leaving those duties to Toronto's Jay Triano. Krzyzewski will take the reins again next summer, and again if the Americans don't win the worlds and are forced to play in the Olympic qualifier in 2011.
Courtesy of www.thesunnews.com

Latavious Williams to play overseas - by Eurobasket News
It appears Latavious Williams, a 6-7 forward from Starkville, Miss., will head overseas to play professional basketball next season rather than enroll at the University of Memphis.

But Memphis coach Josh Pastner is still waiting to hear it from Williams.

'I don't know,' Pastner said. 'I can't get a hold of him.'

Williams, rated a top-20 player nationally by Rivals.com who picked the Tigers over Georgetown and Florida International, released a statement to that Web site Tuesday indicating that he would turn pro.

'It was a difficult decision,' the statement said. 'But after consulting with a number of people, and taking my family situation into consideration, playing overseas is the best move for me.'

The report came as a surprise to Pastner, who was actually talking to Williams on Tuesday morning about coming to college when he received a text message about the Rivals.com report. Williams then denied that he made the statement, but follow-up phone calls by the Memphis coaching staff to associates of Williams were not immediately returned.

Attempts to reach Williams on Tuesday by The Commercial Appeal were unsuccessful.

In a follow-up interview with Rivals.com, Williams indicated that playing in China was an option for him.

'Obviously if a kid has a chance to play professionally and have a chance financially to better him and his family, again, you have to support the kid because that's No. 1,' Pastner said. 'For us, you can't cry over spilled milk. We have to deal with what we have to deal with and the squad we've got. We've got a good core group, and we have to coach them up and be extremely positive.'

Williams playing for Memphis next season was always a dicey proposition because of concerns that he would not be cleared academically by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Assuming Williams does not come to Memphis, the Tigers will have nine scholarship players next season, four under the NCAA limit. It's unlikely Memphis will replace him.

Courtesy of www.baylorfans.com


*****************************************************
  NCAA3   


Centenary board OKs switch to Division III - by Eurobasket News
The Board of Trustees for Centenary College has voted to move the college's athletic program from Division I to Division III.

Tuesday's vote to leave the Summit League comes as the school works to stabilize its finances.

Ed Crawford, the board's acting chairman, says the move is a small part of a larger plan to achieve financial and academic stability.

Centenary will continue to participate in Division I for the next two years in the Summit League while it pursues a new conference affiliation in Division III.

The prospect of Division III membership has been hovering at Centenary for several years, but the economic downturn sped it up. The school's endowment is down 20 percent. Now it is seeking $1.5 million in budget cuts.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


MultiChoice Premier League Dunks-off August 5 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
... As 2nd Phase of NBBF/Zenith Bank Women Premier League Start Aug. 20 in Asaba

The board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF led by the president, Tijjani Umar last weekend in Abuja held an important meeting with representative of the 16 teams that will be participating in the 2008/2009 MultiChoice Premier League with a view to fashion out modality for the league.

And after much deliberation between the NBBF and the club representatives, it was agreed that the much awaited league dunk-off on
Wednesday August 5 across the country with teams playing two games every week due to lack of adequate time.

Union Bank basketball club team manager, Rotimi Savage who was at the meeting hailed the NBBF board for taking the clubs into confidence about the premier league.

The Union Bank team manager says the club is ready for the season and is confident that the Royal Hoopers Classics holding in Port Harcourt will serve as preparatory tourney ahead the league.

In the same vain the federation has reversed the July 30 earlier fixed for the start of the second phase of the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women Premier League to its former date of August 20 through 31 with Asaba, Delta State as venue.

The decision to reverse the date according to NBBF Spokesman, Olusegun Ikuesan was to accommodate all interested parties in the game.

The All Nigeria Uniform Games was the main competition for the change in date as the games come up between August 8 and 15 in Abuja with two of the Women teams (Nigeria Customs and Nigeria Immigration) fully involved in both the Uniform Games and the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women League. Abubakar Usman (192-G-86)

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  PALESTINE   


D1 Standing
D1 Standings
 1. Orthodoxi B.S. 4-0 
 2. Bethlehem 3-0 
 3. AlAroob YC 2-0 
 4. Terrasanta 2-1 
 5. Jensafot 1-2 
 6. Toubas 1-2 
 7. Ahli Qalqilya 1-2 
 8. Beita SC 1-2 
 9. AlTaifeh 0-3 
 10. AlBireh 0-3 


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  PERU   


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Regatas 4-0 
 2. Real Club 3-0 
 3. Inmaculada 2-0 
 4. San Marcos 2-0 
 5. Ejercito 1-2 
 6. Rinconada 1-2 
 7. Centro Naval 1-2 
 8. Escuela Fap 0-2 
 9. Real Amist. 0-2 
 10. Circolo/UAP 0-4 


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  PHILIPPINES   


Japan grabs thriller win against Philippines, first on William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Philippines 87-85

It was a very exciting game yesterday between Japan and Philippines at the William Jones Cup. After win against Kazakhstan, Team Philippines entered to this match strongly creating magnificent 27-12 in the first quarter. The Japanese struggled a lot at the both sides of the court until that moment, but they never gave up on this game. They started to play better until the half time, slowly cutting the margin. After the breather, Philippines could not repeat that fantastic first quarter and Japan was seriously threatening. Finally, in the last frame the Japanese managed to make a turn. Philippines trailed by two after Jared Dillinger's (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) triple and there was chance. However, Jayjay Helterbrand's (183-G-76, college: Kentucky St.) three-point attempt was blocked in the last play and the Japanese grabbed valuable win. That is the first win for them at the Williams Jones Cup so they now have 1-2 record. As a reminder, Japan faced with two defeats so far, against Taiwan and Lebanon. Philippines fell to 1-3. As it is mentioned above, their only win happened two days ago vs Kazakhstan.
Today, Japan will meet Iran, while Philippines will take on Lebanon. Iran currently has pretty decent 2-1 record. Lebanon is on 3-1.

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  POLAND   


Stal resigned from the performances in PLK - by Patryk Kurkowski
Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski resigned from the performances in PLK. Any team that wants to play PLK must have a budget of at least 2 million zlotych. Steward of the club took the decision after the withdrawal of one of the sponsors. Thus, the team has not fulfilled the requirements. Also not known whether the steel is reported to the league and competitions. This is the second club, which does not play in PLK. Previously, verification is not successfully passed Sokol Znicz Jaroslaw.

Poland U20 becomes a leader of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20-Poland U20 63:73

Poland U20 improved to 2-0 record at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Sweden 73:63 in Skopje, Group E.
Poland started with seven consecutive points and Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) made it 13:3. Hartman reduced to 17:11 at the end of the opening quarter. Moreover Ryan brought 19:19 and John Nystrom (187-G-89) gave the Scandinavian team 21:19, first lead. Poland reinforced and finished the first half at 31:27. The beginning of the third period was decisive for the winners as they reached 10-point deficit. Kassim Nagwere (187-G-90) managed to cut it to 49:43 after three quarters. Hartman remained the Scandinavian team alive at 54:49 and Kassim Nagwere nailed three for 62:58. Poland however produced 24-20 in the last frame to win the second clash.
Piotr Pamula (196-G-90) paced all the winners with 18 points for the winners. Jakub Wojciechowski collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: AB Agency) added 13. Kassim Nagwere ended up with 14 points in defeat as Sweden dropped at 0-2. John Nystrom nailed 13 points and Ryan posted 11.
In another game Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje. The Scandinavian team overcame the opponents 68:59 in the second game of the Group E Qualifying Round.

Sweden U20: Kassim Nagwere 14, John Nystrom 13, Ryan 11
Poland U20: Piotr Pamula 18, Jakub Wojciechowski 14+10 rebs, Adam Waczynski 13

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  PUERTO RICO   


Danny Santiago says Yes to Bayamon and No to National Team - by Rafael Otero
Current ACB Champion Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) arrived yesterday and inmediately contributed for the Win in the 5th game of BSN semifinals where his team Bayamon Vaqueros cruised against Cindirella team Indios de Mayaguez 81-56 in front of around 6,000 enthusiatic fans at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon. Santiago's presence was felt all over the court since he scored 9 points grabbed 7 rebounds, dish 3 assist and blocked 3 shots. This was his first game since he won the Spain's ACB league tittle a month ago. Now a Free Agent, Santiago made clear that he is in PR only to help Vaqueros throughout the rest of the season and have no plans on joining the National Team workouts for this upcoming FIBA Quialifiers in San Juan. 'My time with the National Team was great but is time to pass the page' 'I'm not interested in participated with the National Team at all'. National Team Management, hasn't quit about his participation though and the team GM Agustin Diaz announced that he delegate in Jerome Mincy, Vaquero's GM and former National Team executive, the task of concretizing a meeting between Danny and him. Danny's Agent is working on finding him a contract in Europe or in the NBA. Besides he have some experience with the Milwakee Bucks, Santiago's chances to make a NBA roster for this upcoming season seems pretty unreal. His last team Regal Barca, althought he helped them on winning the tittle this past season, already had made their big man's signings and Santiago isn't in the team's plans. Puerto Rico National Team only have one natural center in Peter John Ramos and Danny's height and international experience can really help the team on earning a spot for the FIBA World Championships 2010 in Turkey.

BSN Semifinals: Bayamon and Quebradillas grab 3-2 lead - by Eurobasket News
Mayaguez - Bayamon 56-81
Bayamon demonstrated magnificent performance last night. It was a Game 5 of the BSN Semifinals and Bayamon registered excellent 81-56 victory for 3-2 lead. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) and Carmelo Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) were the top-scorers in the winning squad with 16 points each. Dalmau had 8 rebounds and 7 assists beside that, while Lee added 6 rebs. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) followed them with 10 pts. Mayaguez had only one player with double-digits in scoring, Dan Langhi (208-F-77, college: Vanderbilt) - 10 pts. Game 6 is scheduled for tomorrow, what will be a chance for Bayamon to book a spot for BSN Finals.

Carolina - Quebradillas 78-95
The Pirates were too strong for Carolina taking 3-2 lead in the Semis. It means that the Pirates will have a chance to reach BSN Finals today, as two teams will meet again. Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) was totally the best player in victory nailing 31 points. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) almost registered double-double, 19 pts and 9 rebounds, while Greg Stevenson (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) followed with 18 pts and 8 rebs. In Carolina, Rodney Harvey delivered 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) stopped on 3 points less, but including 11 assists. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) this time stopped on 11 points.

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  ROMANIA   


Slovak Republic U20 won Group I - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U20-Romania U20 83:67

Slovak Republic U20 outscored Romania U20 to win Group I in the Classification Round. Slovak Republic U20 won over Romania U20 83:67 for 2-0 record.
Hasan opened the game for the winning side, while Orbeanu tied the game at 10:10. Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) brought Romania 20:16, however the latter could not keep the score. Slovak Republic U20 won the opening quarter 25:21 and the team held 3-5 points in the rest of the half. After 41:40 Slovakia finished with 7-0 run for 48:40 advantage. Ulman sent the teams to the lockers for the enjoyable lead. Stanislav Baldovsky (190-F-89) helped his squad to reach plus 10 and Mikulk kept the difference at 57:47. Ararau closed the period from the free throw line for 61:53. No matter how hard Romania tried to recover, they were too far in the rest of the game. After 22-14 in the last quarter, the team reached 83:67 at the end of the game. Kuchalik delivered the last points for the winners and won the group with them.
Stanislav Baldovsky led the way with 22 points for the winners. Peter Dorazil (198-C-89) collected 19 points and 13 boards, whilst Lukas Hoferica (200-C-89) had 13. Andrei Bercean (188-G-89) ended up with 20 points in the losing case as Romania will play for the initial victory again Hungary tomorrow. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) had 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Adrian Gutoaia posted 13.

Slovak Republic U20: Stanislav Baldovsky 22, Peter Dorazil 19+13 rebs, Lukas Hoferica 13
Romania U20: Andrei Bercean 20, Rolland Torok 15+15 rebs, Adrian Gutoaia 13

CS Otopeni Bucuresti sign Brian Burrell - by Eurobasket
CS Otopeni Bucuresti strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American guard Brian Burrell (191-G-84, college: UTPA, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Burrell played in his first (08-09) pro season at Southeast Texas Mustangs (ABA) in the U.S. where he helped them to go to ABA semifinals. It will be his debiut in Europe and hopefully he will help 6th placed team from Ortopeni to be one of candidates for the national title.

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  RUSSIA   


Aleksandar Capin stays in Rostov - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Rostov is one of the most-appeared Russian teams to work on their roster for the next year. Today the team announced of keeping Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82) for the next season. The team decided to reward him with a contract renewal.
In 2008-2009 the Slovenian player started in Ukrainian Azovmash Mariupol. In January 2009 moved to Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. In Russian League he played in 11 games averaging 11.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 82.4%. As the team participated also in EuroChallenge he appeared in 5 games showing 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg.
Aleksandar Capin did not win any trophy with his Lokomotiv, but hopes to get something next year. He is a member of Slovenian National Team from 2004. In 2005 Capin played in European Championships in Belgrade averaging 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg and in 2007 in European Championships in Spain. Before coming to Ukraine and Russia Capin reached Greek League Semifinals with Panionios ON Telecoms.
Lokomotic remembers the effort pf the player as his best game was against Khimky in the first Quarterfinal game. Lokomotiv Rostov created a real upset as the team had a road win over one of the favorites, Khimky 91:83. Aleksandar Capin paced all the winners with 20 points, whilst Szewczyk Szymon added 14. Garbajosa Jorge nailed 22 in defeat, while Delfino Carlos scored 20.

Italy catch the last train to quarterfinal - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Russia U20 67:59

Italy had the narrow catch as they jumped to the final train heading to the quarterfinals at the U20 European Championship. Italy overcame Russia in the final game of the Qualifying Round to clinch the fourth spot in Group E. Russia in the meantime slipped at the sixth position in the pool. Italy will now face Lithuania in the quarterfinal on Friday. Russia will take on Ukraine in the classification round for the 9th-12th place.
With their title ambitions at stake both teams tried to force the issue right from the start. Russia led throughout the early minutes before Italy went on a 15:3 run to accumulate a 19:14 lead at the first break. Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group) extended the margin to 7 points at the start of the second quarter but Russia stayed close. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) tied the score at 25 midway through the second quarter. Martinoni, Riccardo Truccolo (188-G-89) fired three triples late in the half to provide Italy with a 5-point cushion at halftime. Riccardo Truccolo knocked down 12 points in the third frame as Italy cleared off to a 13-point distance. Vladimir Ivlev and Khvostov narrowed the margin to 8 points but Russia never got closer than 7 in the reminder of the contest as Italy ran away to the victory.
Riccardo Truccolo finished with 17 points for Italy. Tommaso Raspino had 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Ivlev answered with 23 points and 13 boards for Russia.

Italy U20: Riccardo Truccolo 17, Tommaso Raspino 11, Matteo Da Ros (203-F-89) 10
Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 23+13 boards, Semen Antonov (203-F-89) 12


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  SAUDI ARABIA   


Brian Walsh takes over head coach position at Al Ahli - by Eurobasket
Al Ahli Jeddah had already successful season last year being lead by Russian coach Victor Berezhnoy. But this year they needed someone new to take over the team. They found an experienced coach from the States - Brian Walsh . Walsh is a new face in Middle East, but he brings lots of experience coachign at various levels in the U.S. After some time in college basketball, he switched almost 10 years ago to coach in various pro leagues in America. He started with N.Mexico Slam in IBL. Then after short time at Baylor University, he coached at Dakota Wizards (CBA) being selected also to CBA All Star Game. Following season (2006) was even better as he coached Nebraska Cranes (USBL) with which he won USBL championship. He coached also Rio Grande Valley Vipers in D-League.

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  SEBL   


SEBL-South 7/20/2009 - by Bobby Rouse
Game #1- BC Lakers v/s Barnesville - BC Lakers behind a strong showing from PG Tim Downs down Barnesville 57-39 in the nights opener. Barnesville couldn't recover from a slow start and the Lakers guards took over the game ending on a 17-6 run. BC Lakers win 57-39

Game #2- ATL Underrated v/s Young Gunz (29-29 Halftime)- In a highly competitive game featuring the return of former NBA and overseas star Frankie King (6'1''-G-72, college: W.Carolina), a game which was a see saw battle throughout. Tied at 29-29 at the half the game was tied at 51-51 until King hit a big 3 from the wing. A few plays later a cutting Justin Billingslea (6'10''-F-85, college: Georgia St.) was found on the out of bounds play for a miracle lay up after being flagrantly fouled on the play. After hitting a string of free throws Underrated went on to win 58-51.

Game #3- Tri County v/s D.O.T.S- Against a stacked D.O.T.S. team Tri County went toe to toe leading 14-12 with 10:38 to go in the 1st half. And ended the 1st half leading 31-23. Markel Humphrey (6'6''-F-87, college: Marshall) started out the 2nd half with a nice dunk plus the foul to bring D.O.T.S. within 4. With 2:40 left in the 2nd half D.O.T.S. pulled ahead by one behind a Jamal Johnson follow up dunk. Johnson put down two clutch free throws with 53 seconds left giving his team a three point advantage. D.O.T.S. goes on to win 46-42.

Game #4- Metro Stars v/s Black Monopoly- Halftime (30-23) BM. In a game which on paper was supposed to be one sided the scrappy Metro Stars visibily frustrated Black Monopoly only led 30-23 at the half. After the Metro Stars pulled with three (36-33) Black Monopoly Coach Marc Hughes called a timeout and blasted his troops for their lack of intensity Monopoly still failed to gain an advantage as the Metro Stars took a 43-42 lead with 4:05 remaining in the match. With the game tied at 44 with 1:20 remaining the Metro Stars made two costly turnovers resulting in a 4 point swing in favor of the Monopoly. After failing to convert on a few crucial possessions down the stretch the Stars lost a nail biter 54-46.


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


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  SERBIA   


Partizan guest of Chicago and Detroit - by Zoran Popovic
During the pre-season NBA tour in United States, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd will play two more games. After confirmed games against Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, September 27 and September 30, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd will play against Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. Mentioned NBA teams will be combination of college players and professional players. BC Partizan Igokea Beograd accept offer of Euroleague, European October in NBA, in April this year. After other European champions of their National leagues and members of Euroleague, Maccabi, CSKA, Panathinaikos, Lietuvos Rytas, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd will be first Serbian team which will play against NBA teams.

Nikola Vucevic leads Montenegro past Serbia in Ialysos - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Serbia U20 73:70 (OT)

Montenegro outscored Serbia in a dramatic game at the U20 European Championship in Greece today. Montenegro improved at 3-2 record to occupy the third spot in Group F. They would face France in the quarterfinal on Friday. Serbia came up short of the playoffs and would play against Latvia for the 9th-12th spot.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first frame with neither side able to grab a substantial advantage. Montenegro opened the second quarter with a 12:2 run to build a 30:19 lead. But Serbia came back to life late in the half as Aleksandar Mitrovic (202-G-90) and Maravic cut the distance to 7 points at the interval. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) and Nedovic hit five quick points as Serbia got within two at the beginning of the second half. Serbia surged in front midway through the frame and ensured a 47:45 lead after thirty minutes of action. But a 10:0 run from Montenegro at the start of the final term put them back into the drivers seat. Montenegro were comfortably up by 6 points with just over a minute remaining in regulation but Milosavljevic, Lazic and Aleksandar Mitrovic drew things level and forced overtime. Bojan Subotic and Milosavljevic lifted Serbia to a 5-point lead early in the extra frame but Montenegro crowned overtime with an 8:1 rally to eke out an exhausting 73:70 win.
Nikola Vucevic (210-F-90) posted 18 points and 13 boards for Montenegro. Milos Savovic (200-G/F-89, agency: Octagon) had 12 points, while Nikola Djokovic (190-G-89) chipped in 11 points for the winners. Aleksandar Mitrovic answered with 18 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for Serbia. Bojan Subotic had 13 points in the loss.

Montenegro U20: Nikola Vucevic 18+13 boards, Milos Savovic 12, Nikola Djokovic 11
Serbia U20: Aleksandar Mitrovic 18, Bojan Subotic 13


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  SLOVAKIA   


Slovak Republic U20 won Group I - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U20-Romania U20 83:67

Slovak Republic U20 outscored Romania U20 to win Group I in the Classification Round. Slovak Republic U20 won over Romania U20 83:67 for 2-0 record.
Hasan opened the game for the winning side, while Orbeanu tied the game at 10:10. Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) brought Romania 20:16, however the latter could not keep the score. Slovak Republic U20 won the opening quarter 25:21 and the team held 3-5 points in the rest of the half. After 41:40 Slovakia finished with 7-0 run for 48:40 advantage. Ulman sent the teams to the lockers for the enjoyable lead. Stanislav Baldovsky (190-F-89) helped his squad to reach plus 10 and Mikulk kept the difference at 57:47. Ararau closed the period from the free throw line for 61:53. No matter how hard Romania tried to recover, they were too far in the rest of the game. After 22-14 in the last quarter, the team reached 83:67 at the end of the game. Kuchalik delivered the last points for the winners and won the group with them.
Stanislav Baldovsky led the way with 22 points for the winners. Peter Dorazil (198-C-89) collected 19 points and 13 boards, whilst Lukas Hoferica (200-C-89) had 13. Andrei Bercean (188-G-89) ended up with 20 points in the losing case as Romania will play for the initial victory again Hungary tomorrow. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) had 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Adrian Gutoaia posted 13.

Slovak Republic U20: Stanislav Baldovsky 22, Peter Dorazil 19+13 rebs, Lukas Hoferica 13
Romania U20: Andrei Bercean 20, Rolland Torok 15+15 rebs, Adrian Gutoaia 13

Slovakian News. - by Corey Washington
HBK Prievidza agrees to terms with American PG Remi Yusuf (193-G/F-84, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) for the 2009-1010 Season. Remi dominated in Saudi Arabia this past season averaging 31.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 6.0apg, 4.0spg, while shooting 58% from the floor, including an impressive 45% from the three. Remi is a 64 Point Guard with exceptional vision and passing ability Creates well off the dribble, and consistent from the three. After graduating from Texas A&M where he averaged 17.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, FT: 81%. Remi was invited to the Houston Rockets Pre Draft Workout, following the camp he decided to continue perfecting his game, and encouraged to play in the Europe where the level of play and quality of players would prepare him for another run at the NBA.
When Eurobasket asked Remi why he decided to play with HBK, he stated
'I felt like HBK was the best place for me this season, because I wanted to be part of a ball club with a good coach, the type of coach that is going to push to bring the best out of me.. Im going to have to show and prove that I can win, but most importantlyI wanted a TEAM who had the will and the desire to win and seeking after the ultimate goal..a Slovakian championship!!'
HBK is preparing for something big this year people! Coach Ivan Rudez has put in countless hours preparing for this season, we hope to hear from him prior to season start.


Remi Yusuf signed Prievidza, Greg Immink to Banska Bystrica - by Martin Galajda
BC Prievidza agrees to terms with American PG Remi Yusuf (193-G/F-84, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) for the 2009-1010 Season. Remi dominated in Saudi Arabia this past season averaging 31.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 6.0apg, 4.0spg, while shooting 58% from the floor, including an impressive 45% from the three. Remi is a 64 Point Guard with exceptional vision and passing ability. Creates well off the dribble, and consistent from the three. After graduating from Texas A&M where he averaged 17.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, FT: 81%. Remi was invited to the Houston Rockets Pre Draft Workout, following the camp he decided to continue perfecting his game, and encouraged to play in the Europe where the level of play and quality of players would prepare him for another run at the NBA.

'I felt like HBK was the best place for me this season, because I wanted to be part of a ball club with a good coach, the type of coach that is going to push to bring the best out of me. Im going to have to show and prove that I can win, but most importantlyI wanted a TEAM who had the will and the desire to win and seeking after the ultimate goal..a Slovakian championship!

Former PG of Prievidza Greg Immink (178-G-83, college: Hope (MI)) signed one year contract with SKP Banska Bystrica.


Slovakian U20 National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
DuranaDurana
Durana
DorazilDorazil
Dorazil
HofericaHoferica
Hoferica
BaldovskyBaldovsky
Baldovsky
GrznarGrznar
Grznar
#e#6
4 Peter Mikulik (185-G-90)
5 Boris Kovalik (194-F-89) of BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves
6 Tomas Durana (197-F-89) of Fatran Zilina
7 Matus Kuchalik (193-G-90) of Chemosvit Poprad
8 Matej Marchyn (193-F-90) of Basket Levice
9 Juraj Hasan (201-C-89) of BK Casta SPU Nitra
10 Peter Dorazil (198-C-89) of BK SKP Banska Bystrica
11 Lukas Hoferica (200-C-89) of Fatran Zilina
12 Michal Kozar (191-F-90) of BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves
13 Stanislav Baldovsky (190-F-89) of BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves
14 Oto Ulman (202-C-90) of BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves
15 Richard Grznar (187-G-91) of AB Cosmetics Pezinok
Head Coach: Ivan Kurilla

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  SLOVENIA   


Marko Milic: Spain and Italy seem the most attractive countries! - by Matej Bergant
Hello Marko. Hearing the name Marko Milic (202-F-77, Agency: BBallWorld), people (like myself) who follow basketball immediately think of a youngster flying over a car and even breaking the backboard at a Euroleague Final Four back in 1997. That's more than a decade ago! Milko, a real Euroleague veteran, but still you are only 31! You have been a free agent from February this year. Where are you now and what are your plans for the future?

Yes, some people think I'm 38, but I started professional basketball at a really young age. I was the youngest European player drafted back in 97 and played for a lot of clubs later in Europe from Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Scavollini, Pesaro, Roseto, Virtus, Olimpija Ljubljana to Fortitudo Bologna, which doesn't exist any more in first division, for which I feel extremely sorry for. I definitely don't feel as a veteran, injuries are past me now, I am completely prepared, I have my own coach for physical condition and I'm hungry for quality basketball! At the moment I'm in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, where I have my basketball camp for kids, which is a huge success. In the evening my phones are ringing more and more often, I have some options, but I have not decided yet.

Your story with Union Olimpija ended in February. You agreed upon the terms of your release as the management wanted a younger team and decided to let you go. How does a player feel after few months without club?

At first it was a bit strange. I was thinking of immediately finding a new club at the beginning, but later I decided not to make any fast moves. Zmago Sagadin, the coach, who thought of me the most, wanted me to go to Zadar, but I refused. I wanted to have some peace, finish the injury rehabilitation and get fully prepared to start the new season in new environment. Spain and Italy seem the most attractive destinations at the moment. I had a nice vacation in Florida, USA. I visited some friends back from my NBA times in Phoenix, and that's pretty much all of the free time I had. After those two weeks, I started training individually. Basketball is in my blood, so to answer your question It doesnt feel good to be without club! At least not yet. I will finish my career, when my body will refuse to cooperate with my mind, but surely not at 31.

Three years ago you had your best Euroleague season at Olimpija and you were their leading scorer and rebounder, which launched you back to Real Madrid, where an injury stopped you. You came back to Olimpija, again, ambitions were high, and you beat powehuoses like CSKA and Olympiacos. You scored a decisive basket against CSKA in that games. Is that one of your best moments?

Yes, I had my best season when I was 29, all players get better with age, even If they dont fly so high any more. Basketball is a team sport and you have to use your head. Experience is important. This is not track and field athletics, where you have to push your body to the extremes. People remember my dunks from ages ago, but statistically and from efficiency aspect, I had my best seasons much later. Yes, the decisive basket against CSKA will remain one of my favourite memories, but still its a bit bitter story. We started that season beating CSKA and Olympiacos, but blew it all losing to smaller teams later and our Top16 dream went down the drain. Im very competitive as a person, so my memories of that event are a mixture of ecstatic pleasure and disappointment. My favourite moments are those from Olimpija and National Team. Memories from Real Madrid are amazing too, but again a bit bitter. I will never forget how we lost in Copa Del Rey final against Barcelona during my first stint in Real Madrid. My good friend Sasha Djordjevic and I could not hide our tears then. But winning ULEB Cup and Spanish ACB League few years later with the same Real, fixed that.

You mentioned your basketball camps, you also have you own website and web tv.

Yes. I accepted the invitation to organise these camps. Each July we have three groups of 20 kids, girls and boys. My camp differs from other similar projects, because basketball drills are not a priority. This is some kind of a school in nature. We go to the mountains, play football, beach volley, learn to swim, learn even some self-defense, have a school of safe internet and all in all have a lot of fun! My goal is to motivate kids to play basketball and do all kind of sports in general and not to scare them away with too much discipline and pain. I invite big stars to visit the camp. The whole Slovenian National Team was here last year. I have invited Primoz Brezec, Rasho Nesterovic, legendary Slavko Kotnik, Slovenian NHL all star Anze Kopitar and many more famous sportsmen. We have great media coverage, too. My website www.milko.si covers the events daily, I also have my own blog where I write anecdotes from my life and we are also building a huge video archive. Its fun.

Eurobasket.com thanks Marko Milic for his time and wishes him all the best in personal and in his professional life!

(The interview was made by Talkbasket.net with help of Eurobasket.com - Slovenia)

Slovenia won all the quarters for 85:63 victory in the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20-Slovenia U20 63:85 (15-21, 18-19, 10-23, 20-22)

Slovenia edged Israel at the U20 European Chmapionship. Slovenia won all the quarters for 85:63 victory in the Classification Round.
Lekic brought he first points for the winners and Mahkovic made it 14:6. Israel managed to cut it a bit for 21:15 at the end of the frame when Reis made lay-up. Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) reduced to 24:25 and posted for 25:28. Later in the period Slovenia played better and reached 40:33 at the halftime. The third period was decisive in the clash as the winners produced 23-10 in the frame. Vujasinovic closed thirty minutes for 63:43as Slovenia could celebrate the win at that time. Israel had nothing to lose and answered with 9-0 run for 63:52 as Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) made a put-back. Slovenia needed to push the tempo for good to grab the first victory. After 22-20 in the quarter the board showed 85:63.
Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) top-scored for the winners with 24 points for 1-0 record. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) nailed 18, while Dino Muric (198-F-90) collected 10 points and 13 boards. Tal Karpelesz ended up with 11 points in defeat, while Anton Shoutvin and Amit Simhon (197-G-89) added 10 each.
In another game Germany U20 won the opener of the Classification Round in Greece. The winners did not allow any of the opponents players to reach the double digits defeating them 85:53.

Israel U20: Tal Karpelesz 11, Anton Shoutvin 10, Amit Simhon 10
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 24, Zoran Dragic 18, Dino Muric 10+13 rebs

Aleksandar Capin stays in Rostov - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Rostov is one of the most-appeared Russian teams to work on their roster for the next year. Today the team announced of keeping Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82) for the next season. The team decided to reward him with a contract renewal.
In 2008-2009 the Slovenian player started in Ukrainian Azovmash Mariupol. In January 2009 moved to Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. In Russian League he played in 11 games averaging 11.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 82.4%. As the team participated also in EuroChallenge he appeared in 5 games showing 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg.
Aleksandar Capin did not win any trophy with his Lokomotiv, but hopes to get something next year. He is a member of Slovenian National Team from 2004. In 2005 Capin played in European Championships in Belgrade averaging 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg and in 2007 in European Championships in Spain. Before coming to Ukraine and Russia Capin reached Greek League Semifinals with Panionios ON Telecoms.
Lokomotic remembers the effort pf the player as his best game was against Khimky in the first Quarterfinal game. Lokomotiv Rostov created a real upset as the team had a road win over one of the favorites, Khimky 91:83. Aleksandar Capin paced all the winners with 20 points, whilst Szewczyk Szymon added 14. Garbajosa Jorge nailed 22 in defeat, while Delfino Carlos scored 20.

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


Spain hand France first loss in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 - France U20 84:76
Spanish U20 National Team grabbed the second win at the Qualifying Round in European Championship. They held off previously unbeaten France to improve at 4-1 record in Group E.
Spain surged in front early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the opening stanza. Mamadou Samb (207-C/F-89) capped the quarter with a three-pointer to give Spaniards a 24:18 advantage at the first break. Mamadou Samb scored 6 points early in the second stanza to keep Spain in charge. Back-to-back three-pointers from Jorge Fernandez (180-G-89) and Parejo made it 36:24 for a Gustavo Aranzana team midway through the second quarter. Spain arrived at halftime leading by 12 points. Mamadou Samb and Aguilar stretched the margin to 18 points in the third quarter. France used a 10:0 rally late in the third frame to cut the margin at 11 points. Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) unloaded 9 points in the final quarter to secure the victory for Spain.
Xavier Rabaseda knocked down 23 points for Spain. Mamadou Samb added 18 points and 13 rebounds in the winning case. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds for France. Carl Ona-Embo (186-G-89) and Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) had 14 points each in the losing case.

Spain U20: Xavier Rabaseda 23, Mamadou Samb 18+13 boards, Jorge Fernandez 13
France U20: Antoine Diot 15, Carl Ona-Embo 14, Edwin Jackson 14


Market news - by Eurobasket News
The Spanish basketball market is moving fast these days. After contract extension with Damir Markota (209-C/F-85), Iurbentia Bilbao Basket re-signed another Croatian International, Marko Banic (204-F-84). At the same time the team decided not to keep Drago Pasalic (208-C/F-84).
Marko Banic has started his career at BC Zadar Junior Team. In 2001 he signed his first professional contract with Zadar. In 4 seasons with them, Banic won Crotaian Cup in 2003 and 2005, Adriatic League in 2003 and National Title in 2005. For season 2005-2006, Banic signed with Spanish side Akasvayu Girona but was immediately loaned to Lagun Aro Bilbao. In Bilbao Banic played 30 games that season averaging 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. In the following one, Banic remained on loan with Bilbao and he improved his averages to 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 34 games. In 2007 he signed permanently for the team and continued his improvement. Last season, Banic averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 63.8 % from the filed in 34 Spanish League games. He is also regular member of Croatian National Team. Banic inked 3-year deal.
Drago Pasalic started his career with Croatia Osiguranje Split in 2001. After 5 seasons at Split, Pasalic moved to Ulker Istanbul in 2005 with whom he averaged 4.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 14 games before he was released by the club in January 2006. Following season he moved to PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki where in 26 League games he posted averages of 8.0 points and 5.3 rebounds. Last two seasons Pasalic spent with Bilbao, and during last season he played in 28 ACB games, averaging 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

CAI Zaragoza is close to finish deal with Australian player David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.). The Boomers NT member played last season for the Melbourne Tigers leading them to NBL title. For 36 games he had 15 ppg and 5.7 rpg. Barlow played for the Australians at the latest Olympic Games in Beijing and also at the World Championship 2006 in Japan. In Beijing he had 5.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 6 games. In Japan Barlow registered 5.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg, also for 6 appearances.

There is also a rumor that Lucentum Alicante is interested to sign Albert Miralles (208-C-82) and Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83). Unofficially, Gelabale wants 500.000 euros per season, what is at this moment too much for the ACB returnee Alicante. The team already secured Serbian NT point guard Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), ex player of Pamesa Valencia.

Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
 1. Real Madrid 0-0 
 2. DKV Joventut 0-0 
 3. Regal Barca 0-0 
 4. Tau 0-0 
 5. Unicaja 0-0 
 6. Pamesa V. 0-0 
 7. MMT Estudia. 0-0 
 8. CB Murcia 0-0 
 9. Ricoh Man. 0-0 
 10. Valladolid 0-0 
 11. Granada 0-0 
 12. Cajasol 0-0 
 13. Kalise G.C. 0-0 
 14. Iurbentia B. 0-0 
 15. A.G. Fuenla 0-0 
 16. Alicante 0-0 
 17. Bruesa 0-0 


Rimantas Kaukenas opts for Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) has decided to continue his career in Spain. He signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid yesterday. The 32-year-old Lithuanian guard spent the last four seasons with Montepaschi Siena. Kaukenas averaged 13.0 points, 1.4 boards and 1.4 assists per game helping Siena to triumph in the Seria A. In Euroleague his stats came up to 14.7 points, 2.0 boards and 1.5 assists per game. Rimantas Kaukenas also helped the Lithuanian National Team won bronze medals at the 2007 EuroBasket and reach the semifinal stage in Beijing in 2008. Kaukenas played for Seton Hall in NCAA, Hapoel Elyon, Lietuvos Rytas, Bonn, Cantu and Oostende during his career.


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  SWEDEN   


Poland U20 becomes a leader of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20-Poland U20 63:73

Poland U20 improved to 2-0 record at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Sweden 73:63 in Skopje, Group E.
Poland started with seven consecutive points and Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) made it 13:3. Hartman reduced to 17:11 at the end of the opening quarter. Moreover Ryan brought 19:19 and John Nystrom (187-G-89) gave the Scandinavian team 21:19, first lead. Poland reinforced and finished the first half at 31:27. The beginning of the third period was decisive for the winners as they reached 10-point deficit. Kassim Nagwere (187-G-90) managed to cut it to 49:43 after three quarters. Hartman remained the Scandinavian team alive at 54:49 and Kassim Nagwere nailed three for 62:58. Poland however produced 24-20 in the last frame to win the second clash.
Piotr Pamula (196-G-90) paced all the winners with 18 points for the winners. Jakub Wojciechowski collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: AB Agency) added 13. Kassim Nagwere ended up with 14 points in defeat as Sweden dropped at 0-2. John Nystrom nailed 13 points and Ryan posted 11.
In another game Finland beat Georgia to tie the records at 1-1 in Skopje. The Scandinavian team overcame the opponents 68:59 in the second game of the Group E Qualifying Round.

Sweden U20: Kassim Nagwere 14, John Nystrom 13, Ryan 11
Poland U20: Piotr Pamula 18, Jakub Wojciechowski 14+10 rebs, Adam Waczynski 13

Stanisak to coach in Sweden - by Andreas Eriksson
Newcomer in the highest league in Sweden; Ecorebro have signed their new coach. Ivan Stanisak from Croatia will join the team. Stanisak last year coached in Slovenia, and has previous coachingexperience from Slovakia and Croatia as well. Ecorebro also signed Jesper Andersson (202-F-86) and Odin Lindell (203-F-90) who last year played in Helsingborg. Andersson spent one year in Helsingborg after coming there from Norrkping, and Odin Lindell is on the U20 National Team. Both young, and both expected to get a good role with the rebro team.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Starwings Basket Regio Basel adds two Americans - by Eurobasket News
Starwings Basket Regio Basel announced signing of two Americans for season 2009/2010.

The first one is power forward/center Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85), who graduated this year at the University of Montana. At his senior season Hasquet registered 11 ppg and 6 rpg in 29 games. Season before that was even better for the player as he had 13.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg for 30 games. Montana ended the last one as Big Sky Conf. Regular Season Runner-Up, while Hasquet was named 'All-Big Sky Conf. 2nd Team'.

The second player who arrives from overseas is another big guy, Michael Jones (206-F-82, agency: AMI, college: Arkansas). 27-year old player already has experience from Europe as most recently he was a member of Hungarian Zalakeramia-ZTE KK. He appeared in 35 games averaging 10.7 ppg and 5.9 rpg and his team reached Playoff Semifinals. Before ZTE, Jones spent one year with German 1. Bundesliga team USC Heidelberg. There he registered 14.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 30 meetings. In the past, he played 2 years in ABA, after he graduated at the Arkansas in 2005.

Starwings Basket Regio Basel ended latest LNA regular season on the sixth place with 11-10 record. Later, actually in the Quarterfinals, the Tigers eliminated them with 2-3. Lugano reached the final later, but did not succeed to grab the title.

Switzerland U20 tied their record at 1-1 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U20-Luxembourg U20 76:66

Switzerland U20 tied their record at 1-1 in Group G of U20 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Luxembourg U20 76:66 as the latter dropped at 0-1.
Birenbaum made a lay-up to open the scoring account for both squads, while Kartheiser gave his team 7:4. Christopher Jones (184-F-90) ruined the Swiss for 14:6, however the latter immediately replied for 18:16 lead. Wilson scored the last two in the frame for 21:20 advantage. Luxembourg U20 remained in front for the majority of the second quarter and had 34:28 midway through it. Christopher Jones shined for the team and it was him to give Luxembourg U20 36:32 advantage. Switzerland U20 however answered wit 13-0 run to grab 45:36 lead in the third frame. After 19-7 in it the latter enjoyed 54:43 deficit. Switzerland U20 held around 10 points difference and even was able to increase in the middle of the frame. Wilson made a jump shot at the end of the game to leave the board show 76:66 score.
Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) led the way with 22 points. Albrecht ended up with 16 points, while Davide Garruti (189-G-89) finished the night with 11. Christopher Jones erupted with 26 points and 11 boards in the losing case and Wilson notched 9.
Tomorrow Luxembiurg will face Norway that won the opener in the group.

Switzerland U20: Christophe Varidel 22, Albrecht 16, Davide Garruti 11
Luxembourg U20: Christopher Jones 26+11 rebs, Wilson 9


Gino Lanisse moves to MGS Grand-Saconnex - by Kristian Santiago
MGS agreed in terms with Gino Lanisse (200-F-81).Those last years he was one of the crowd pleaser at the Salle du Rocher.

Last season he averaged 4.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg but he had not the same role than in a recent past.

With this player MGS Grand-Saconnex Basket has almost finished his recruitment for the next season.

Just some players are missing in coach Collignon's roster.


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  SYRIA   


Syria beats UAE, qualifies for Arab Basketball Cup Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Syria 60-80

Syria did not have to work very hard in order to beat UAE at the 9th Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. That was the last day of the Preliminary Round and Syria finished it with pretty decent 3-2 record. That is enough for the second place in Group A, despite Algeria and Libya had the same numbers. Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 meaning that second place belongs to Syria and third to Algeria. Libya is on the position number four. Anyway, all three teams qualified for the Quarterfinals. The top ranked team in Pool A is Tunisia with perfect 5-0. UAE finished the Preliminary Stage with just 1 win in 5 games. Fortunately, they are not at the bottom thanks to victory against Lebanon.
The Quarterfinals begin today and Syria will take on No.3 from Group B - Saudi Arabia. That for sure will not be an easy job for Syria, as SA demonstrated decent performance so far. In the group with strong Egypt and the hosts Morocco, SA was third with 2 wins and 2 defeats. Yesterday they outplayed Kuwait with more than 20.

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Jones Cup Men Day 5 - Jordan remains undefeated - by Chris Wang
-- Lebanon 95-83 Philippines

Philippines shot themselves by tons of turnovers. And Lebanon's inside strength was too much for Philippines to overcome as Brian Feghali and Jackson Vroman led Lebanon to a 95-83 victory Wednesday.

Lebanon stormed out of the gate with a 30-19 first period and dominated the Philippines from the first minute. The best Philippines could do was cutting the deficit down to four before Lebanon pulling the game away again.

Taking advantage of its powerful frontline, Lebanon had 32 free-throw attempts over Philippines' 15. Philippines committed a whopping 27 turnovers in comparisons to Lebanon's 12.

Feghali led Lebanon with 29 points and 10 rebounds and Jackson Vroman had 24 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 5 steals.

Jayjay Helterbrand led Philippines, which registered only one win in five games, with 12 points.

'We actually lost to ourselves by committing too many turnovers and fouls, ' said Philippines head coach Yeng Guiao.

-- Taiwan 2nd NT 82-69 Kazakhstan

Taiwan 2nd NT won the battle of the winless teams, beating Kazakhstan 82-69 behind Jet Chang's 28 points and 7 rebounds for its first win in the tournament.

Taiwan 2nd and Kazakhstan were both 0-4 before Wednesday.

Jet Chang, who has been disappointing so far, had his best game in the tournament, making 10 of 17 shots. Lu Cheng-ju had 14 points and was 4-for-4 from three.

Vsevolod Fedelkin led Kazakhstan, which was down to eight players, with 25 points. Kazakhstan players were tired in the final quarter and were not able to keep up with Taiwanese, Fedelkin said.

-- Jordan 83-67 Korea

Jordan outscored Korea 21-8 in the deciding third quarter and cruised to a 83-67 win to become the sole undefeated team in the nine-team tournament.

Rasheim Wright led Jordan with 21 points. Zaid Abbas contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Osama Daghles had 6 assists and three steals.

Korea was out of synch in the game, committing 16 turnovers and missing 20 of 27 three-point shots.

Jordan head coach Mario Palma praised Jordanian players for their execution and accomplishing the mission: stopping Koreans' transition offense and perimeter shooting.

-- Iran 82-70 Japan

Iran had a stunning 11-0 run in the opening 3:30 and Hamed Hadadi took over the second half en route to a 12-point victory over Japan, which is now 1-3.

Despite trailing for most of the game, Japan tied the score at 39 all in the 3rd period. 7-2 center Hadadi then went to work, scoring all his 18 points in the second half. Nikkah Bahrami had 19 points for the winner.

Standing
Jordan 4-0
Lebanon 4-1
Korea 3-1
Taiwan 3-1
Iran 3-1
Japan 1-3
Philippines 1-4
Taiwan 2nd 1-4
Kazakhstan 0-5

*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Arab Basketball Cup: Tunisia advances to Quarterfinals perfect - by Eurobasket News
Tunisia - Libya 84-48

Tunisia demonstrated another great performance at the Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. After 4 consecutive wins, the Tunisians grabbed another nice one and it was against Libya. Of course, Tunisia advances to Quarterfinals from top of Group A. Their rival will be No.4. from Group B, Kuwait. On the other side, Libya finished this stage as No.4 in Group A. Fortunately to them, that is also enough for the Quarterfinals. Second ranked Syria and third Algeria have the same record as Libya. In this circle Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 after that. In the Quarterfinals Libya will take on powerful Egypt. There is not need to say anything about Egypt, who had 4-0 in Group B. If Libya advances to Semis it will be a big surprise. The winner of this game will meet the winner of Syria - Saudi Arabia game. There Syria has slightly better chances.

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


Croatia hold off Turkey to reach quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - Turkey U20 75:62
Croatian U20 National Team earned important win in the final game of the Qualifying Round of the European Championship. Croatia held off Turkey today to improve at 3-2 record in Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-3 record.
The lead changed hands for several times during the opening quarter. Can Ozcan (201-F-89), Gen and Kilicli capped the period with 6 points in a row to give Turkey a 16:12 advantage. But Croatia pulled the throttle in the second frame. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) knocked down 7 points to ensure a 29:22 advantage late in the half. Croats managed a 35:26 lead at halftime. Turkey cut the deficit to 5 points but Bojan Bogdanovic and Delas ensured a 54:48 cushion at three-quarter time. Turkey fired 7 points in a row early in the fourth quarter to clip the distance to three points. However consecutive triples from Ostric and Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89) silenced Turkey and Croatia coasted to the win at the end.
Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) finished with 18 points and 16 boards, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 18 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Karlo Vragovic delivered 16 points for Croatia. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90), Can Ozcan and Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) responded with 11 points apiece for Turkey. Mahmutoglu chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Croatia U20: Miro Bilan 18+16 boards, Bojan Bogdanovic 18, Karlo Vragovic 16
Turkey U20: Ilkan Karaman 11, Can Ozcan 11, Birkan Batuk 11


Besiktas lands Brad Newley and Enging Atsur - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas made two important signings yesterday.

The first player who arrived to the Turkish team is Australian Brad Newley (199-G-85). The 24-year old guard/small forward spent last season with the Greek Pannelinios Athens. He appeared 16 times in EuroCup averaging 10.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.2 spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 63.9%. In A1 league Newley registered 10.6ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 70.6% in 28 games. Before Panellinios, Newley already was in Athens but as a member of Panionios. He moved to Greece from the Australian team Townsville Crocodiles. In 2006/07 he was the fifth scorer of the domestic championship with 22.1 ppg. Last summer Newley played for Team Australia at the Olympic Games in Beijing. He also appeared on the World Championship 2006 in Japan.

The other player is Turkish NT member Engin Atsur (194-G-84, college: N.Carolina St.). 25-year old guard is coming to Besiktas from Efes Pilsen, where he did not have too many chances to play. In 6 TBL games he averaged 2.5ppg and 1.5apg. Before Efes, Atsur played one season for the Italian Benetton Treviso. In 2007 he graduated at the North Carolina State. Last season he grabbed two trophies with Efes Pilsen: TBL title and National Cup.

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


ABA All-Star festivities excite: East edges West in OT - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - The ABA men's summer basketball league was full of high-flying slam dunks and raining 3-pointers as some of the best basketball players in the territory graced the courts at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym.

There were plenty of awards handed out between competitions, both for the regular season and Tuesday's events. The big event of the night though was the All-Star game between the ABA's East and West squads. In a game that will go down in the record books and memory banks, the East All-Stars won in a grueling overtime game that went down to literally the last second, 115-113.

Ramon Castillo earned the game's Most Outstanding Player award, even though he was on the losing East team. He had a game-high 34 points to go with seven assists, four steals and a pair of rebounds. Castillo was making it rain from behind the arc all night, but his best shots came with the game winding down.

The West began the game out-running and out-gunning the East squad, taking a 22-11 lead after the first quarter. Jervan Jackson had 10 points in the quarter and finished the game with a team-high 26 points to go with 12 rebounds and three assists.

Through the next two quarters both offenses erupted, scoring a combined 117 points in the second and third. The East outscored the West 30-29 in the second, then cut the lead even more with a 32-26 third quarter that brought the game to 77-73 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the West pulled away and thanks to big shots by Jackson and Tiba Francis, the West held a nine-point lead with 1:30 to play. Then Castillo took the game into his own hands.

Castillo drained back-to-back 3-pointers to bring the game within three, then drew an offensive foul to get the East the ball back with 31 seconds remaining. He then received the inbound pass, ran up to the top of the key, and drained the game-tying 3-pointer with 23 seconds to go.

In the overtime, the West held leads of three and four points, but the East tied the game each time. Then with 5.1 seconds to go Jamari Maduro hit 1-of-2 free throws to make it a 115-112 game. The West hit 6-of-8 from the charity stripe down the stretch.

After a timeout, the East inbounded the pass to none other than Castillo, who threw up a prayer of a 3-pointer in traffic, which would draw a buzzer-beating foul call and put him on the line with no time left on the clock.

As the crowd and both teams stood, going crazy with cheers and jeers, Castillo hit the first of three tries. Then his second shot bounced off the back of the rim and the game was over.

Six of seven players scored double figures in points for the West, and four had double-doubles. Maduro had 20 points and 13 boards, Francis had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Jevon James (196-F) had 13 points to go with 13 rebounds. Shamal Caines and Zack Coffelt (183-G) contributed 17 points and 15 points respectively.

For the East, Nashon Jeffers had 30 points and Fitzroy Dunrod put together a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Shoquan Stevens (198-F-90) chipped in 14 points and eight boards in the losing effort.

The night began with East teammates Fitzroy Dunrod and Kashawn Benjamin combining to win the 3-point shoot-out. The Dunrod-Benjamin duo won as Dunrod hit a last-second shot to edge out the team of Dwane Holland and Shaquan Stevens.

'This is my fourth year in the league and my first win,' Dunrod said. 'I've been working on my 3-point shooting all season so it feels good to win.'

In the slam dunk contest, Jevon James, a late entry into the contest, soared higher and scored more than his opponents en route to a big win. James' early dunks, which included a 360 and a dunk with a ball in each hand, helped him cruise past Shoquan Stevens and favorite Jervan Jackson.

'I wasn't even going to be in it. But I saw there was just two guys, so I went in to enjoy it,' James said. 'I thought Jervan would win it, but maybe the judges just liked me.'

Jackson brought the contest's lone 30-point dunk when he leaped over Ramon Castillo and grabbed a bounce pass for a two-handed dunk.

Regular season awards were also handed out at halftime of the All-Star game. Rasheem Richards (191-G, college: Brescia (KY)) won the regular season MVP, One Unity won the regular season championship and Jahawa Joseph won the biggest trophy, the Sportsmanship Award.
BY CHRIS WALSH


ABA Standings
ABA Standings
 1. One Unity 10-0 
 2. T.W.I. 7-3 
 3. Jam Squad 6-4 
 4. Brothers 5-5 
 5. Heavy Hitters 1-9 
 6. VI Finest 1-9 


Virgin Islands 123 Nicaragua 30 - by David Edole
AGUAS CALIENTES, MEXICO -- If it was a championship boxing fight the referee would stop the fight. However, in basketball the game must go all four periods. The Virgin Islands destroyed Nicaragua, 123-30, Tuesday night in Centro Basket men U17 action that is being held in Aguas Calientes, Mexico. The Virgin Islands came out with a devastating pressure defense that held Nicaragua to single digit scoring in three of the four periods.
The Virgin Islands jumped out to a 30-9 first quarter lead. They followed up that effort with a 29-4 second for a 59-13 halftime lead. Nicaragua made an offensive effort in the third by scoring ten point but the Virgin Islands put up 32 more on the scoreboard.
The Virgin Islands put on a total clinic stat wise. The boys from Americas Paradise outrebounded their opponents 61 to 26 and outscored the team from Central America in the paint 82 to 22. The V.I. team also rejected 12 shots with four swats credited to Ronald Charles. The Virgin Islands shot an amazing 60% from the field while holding their opponents to 16%.
Every Virgin Islander in uniform scored in the game with five players in double digits.
Scoring machine Aaron Brown led the team with 23 points (9-of-13, 5-of-5), while Rasheed Swantson, Kadeem Jones and Merwin Potter each scored 15 points. Swanston scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half on 6-of-10 shooting including 2-of-3 from downtown. Jones had a great night with a team high seven assists and four steals. Potter, the reigning player of the year in Virgin Islands high school hoops, had an all around performance of four rebounds, three blocked shots, three steals and two assists to go along with his scoring. Charles Pemberton had a monster night with a double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds.
With the win the Virgin Islands move into a first place tie with Puerto Rico in Group B. The Virgin Islands and rival Puerto Rico will do battle 7:00 pm Thursday night for group supremacy. Puerto Rico defeated Nicaragua 111-55 on Tuesday.

http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/18/00/89/26/15SHyUHe08Tew/


ABA : Superior Basketball League play off schedule - by David Edole
Amateur Basketball Association (ABA)
Superior Basketball League
2009 Play-Off Schedule

1 One Unity
2 T.W.I.
3 Jam Squad
4 Brothers United

Thu Jul 23 Jam Squad vs T.W.I. 7:00pm BCB
Thu Jul 23 Brothers United vs One Unity 8:50pm BCB

Tue Jul 28 One Unity vs Brothers United 7:00pm BCB
Tue Jul 28 T.W.I. vs Jam Squad 8:50pm BCB

Thu Jul 30 Jam Squad vs T.W.I. (if necessary) 7:00pm BCB
Thu Jul 30 Brothers United vs One Unity (if necessary) 8:50pm BCB

Fri Jul 31 Championship Game 1 7:30pm BCB

Sat Aug 1 Championship Game 2 7:30pm BCB

Wed Aug 5 Championship Game 3 7:30pm BCB

Fri Aug 7 Championship Game 4 (if necessary) 7:30pm BCB
Sat Aug 8 Championship Game 5 (if necessary) 7:30pm BCB


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


Lithuania add pain for Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Ukraine U20 83:51
Lithuanian U20 National Team clinched the top spot in Group F of the European Championship. They dismantled Ukraine to finish the Qualifying Round at 4-1 record. Ukraine suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament and slipped at 2-3 record in the pool. Lithuania thus advanced into the quarterfinals and would face the fourth team from Group E.
Dmytrenko and Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) ensured a hopeful start for Ukraine as they accounted for 5:0 advantage. But Lithuania soon gained the lead and rolled to a 19:10 lead at the first break. Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) and Gydra pushed Lithuania to a 25:10 advantage early in the second quarter. The Baltic team seemed well in control in the second stanza and they sealed the first half outcome at 42:27. Lithuania unloaded a 13:0 run midway through the third quarter to ensure a 60:33 advantage. Ukraine seemed stunned and had little to come up with against determined Lithuanian effort. Lithuania coasted to the win in the final stanza securing a 32-point success at the end.
Adas Juskevicius knocked down 19 points and issued 7 assists for Lithuania. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (204-F-89) added 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Vladyslav Tonchenko responded with 19 points and 6 boards for Ukraine. Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) netted 9 points in defeat.

Lithuania U20: Adas Juskevicius 19, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 15, Sarunas Vasiliauskas (190-G-89) 12
Ukraine U20: Vladyslav Tonchenko 19, Ruslan Otverchenko 9


Blanchard LaVell and Mitchell Darrel move to Khimik - by Eurobasket News
Ukrainian Khimik add two American players for the upcoming 2009/2010 season. Both players come from AEL, Cyprus.
Before heading to Cyprus Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) signed at Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius in September 2007. He has experience both in Euroleague and Baltic League as well as the National championship. In Euroleague he played 7 games and averaged 2.4ppg, while in Baltic League played 5 games averaging 8.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4apg. In December 2007 was released from the team and signed by ES Chalon-Sur-Saone. In French League he had 16 games and showed 13.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 75.0%. His stats in ULEB Cup were great -14.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 7.8apg In 2008-2009 the player moved to Proteas EKA AEL Limassol and in EuroChallenge had 19 games averaging 10.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 80.9%. Cypriot League saw 9 games from the American player that averaged 12.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.2apg, 1.2spg.
LaVell Blanchard (201-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Michigan) has also experience in NBA as in 2006-2007 Toronto Raptors had him only for pre-season. In January 2007 moved to Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne and played there 19 games having 8.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 70.0%. In November 2007 signed at Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne and played there 21 games averaging 11.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 85.7%. Last season LaVell Blanchard played for Proteas EKA AEL Limassol in Cyprus. In EuroChallenge he played 19 games and averaged 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 86.0%. In Cypriot League he became the fifth top-scorer with 15.1ppg 62.8%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 84.8%.


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Syria beats UAE, qualifies for Arab Basketball Cup Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Syria 60-80

Syria did not have to work very hard in order to beat UAE at the 9th Arab Basketball Cup in Morocco. That was the last day of the Preliminary Round and Syria finished it with pretty decent 3-2 record. That is enough for the second place in Group A, despite Algeria and Libya had the same numbers. Syria faced with 87-91 loss against Libya, but the Syrians managed to beat Algeria later 107-94. Algeria outplayed Libya 70-51 meaning that second place belongs to Syria and third to Algeria. Libya is on the position number four. Anyway, all three teams qualified for the Quarterfinals. The top ranked team in Pool A is Tunisia with perfect 5-0. UAE finished the Preliminary Stage with just 1 win in 5 games. Fortunately, they are not at the bottom thanks to victory against Lebanon.
The Quarterfinals begin today and Syria will take on No.3 from Group B - Saudi Arabia. That for sure will not be an easy job for Syria, as SA demonstrated decent performance so far. In the group with strong Egypt and the hosts Morocco, SA was third with 2 wins and 2 defeats. Yesterday they outplayed Kuwait with more than 20.

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Zahariev and Georgiev too good for Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20-Bulgaria U20 69:85

Bulgaria won their first game in the Classification Round and will have a chance to win the group if they win the second game tomorrow. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Aleksandar Georgiev (198-F-90) too good for Great Britain as Bulgaria won 85:69 at the U20 European Championship in Division B.
Phillipov started with 2:0 for his team and Hristo Zahariev made it 4:2. In the rest of the quarter the team from Great Britain dominated the court to take 26:18 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover the latter remained the opponents scoreless in the beginning of the second period and created a 8-0 run. Nyeko closed it for 37:18 and it seemed the intrigue was over. Bulgaria however held the opponents scoreless in the next 6 minutes and reduced to 37:36 after 18-0 run. Great Britain however stayed in front until the end of the third quarter, but Aleksandar Georgiev closed the period at 56:55. Right after that Bulgaria took control of the game and won the clash. After 29-14 in the last stanza Bulgaria grabbed 85:69 victory.
Hristo Zahariev top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Aleksandar Georgiev added 25. Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) ended up with 14 points as Bulgaria is 1-0. William Neighbour (203-F-90) finished the night with 18 points in the losing effort. Tyrone Treasure (193-G) nailed 16, while Andrew Lawrence (186-G-90) scored 13 as their team finished the group with 1-1 record.

Great Britain U20: William Neighbour 18, Tyrone Treasure 16, Andrew Lawrence 13
Bulgaria U20: Hristo Zahariev 27, Aleksandar Georgiev 25, Vasil Kyosev 14

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  URUGUAY   


Mauricio Aguiar extends contract with Vanoli Soresina - by Eurobasket News
Mauricio Aguiar (199-F-83, agency: Players Group) has agreed to extend his contract with Vanoli Soresina for another season. The Uruguayan 26-year-old forward started the previous season in Uruguay. He played for Bigua in the LUB. There Aguiar averaged 15.4 points and 3.8 boards per game. In April 2009 Mauricio Aguiar moved to Italy and played 16 games for Soresina. His average stats reached 9.2 points and 3.7 boards per game mark in those games. He recently played for Marinos in Venezuela.


*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


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


Jones Cup Men Day 5 - Jordan remains undefeated - by Chris Wang
-- Lebanon 95-83 Philippines

Philippines shot themselves by tons of turnovers. And Lebanon's inside strength was too much for Philippines to overcome as Brian Feghali and Jackson Vroman led Lebanon to a 95-83 victory Wednesday.

Lebanon stormed out of the gate with a 30-19 first period and dominated the Philippines from the first minute. The best Philippines could do was cutting the deficit down to four before Lebanon pulling the game away again.

Taking advantage of its powerful frontline, Lebanon had 32 free-throw attempts over Philippines' 15. Philippines committed a whopping 27 turnovers in comparisons to Lebanon's 12.

Feghali led Lebanon with 29 points and 10 rebounds and Jackson Vroman had 24 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 5 steals.

Jayjay Helterbrand led Philippines, which registered only one win in five games, with 12 points.

'We actually lost to ourselves by committing too many turnovers and fouls, ' said Philippines head coach Yeng Guiao.

-- Taiwan 2nd NT 82-69 Kazakhstan

Taiwan 2nd NT won the battle of the winless teams, beating Kazakhstan 82-69 behind Jet Chang's 28 points and 7 rebounds for its first win in the tournament.

Taiwan 2nd and Kazakhstan were both 0-4 before Wednesday.

Jet Chang, who has been disappointing so far, had his best game in the tournament, making 10 of 17 shots. Lu Cheng-ju had 14 points and was 4-for-4 from three.

Vsevolod Fedelkin led Kazakhstan, which was down to eight players, with 25 points. Kazakhstan players were tired in the final quarter and were not able to keep up with Taiwanese, Fedelkin said.

-- Jordan 83-67 Korea

Jordan outscored Korea 21-8 in the deciding third quarter and cruised to a 83-67 win to become the sole undefeated team in the nine-team tournament.

Rasheim Wright led Jordan with 21 points. Zaid Abbas contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Osama Daghles had 6 assists and three steals.

Korea was out of synch in the game, committing 16 turnovers and missing 20 of 27 three-point shots.

Jordan head coach Mario Palma praised Jordanian players for their execution and accomplishing the mission: stopping Koreans' transition offense and perimeter shooting.

-- Iran 82-70 Japan

Iran had a stunning 11-0 run in the opening 3:30 and Hamed Hadadi took over the second half en route to a 12-point victory over Japan, which is now 1-3.

Despite trailing for most of the game, Japan tied the score at 39 all in the 3rd period. 7-2 center Hadadi then went to work, scoring all his 18 points in the second half. Nikkah Bahrami had 19 points for the winner.

Standing
Jordan 4-0
Lebanon 4-1
Korea 3-1
Taiwan 3-1
Iran 3-1
Japan 1-3
Philippines 1-4
Taiwan 2nd 1-4
Kazakhstan 0-5



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Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA - Women  


Austria U16 play test games in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Austrian U16 selection traveled to Slovenia to take part at the international tournament. The team played three games and came out winless. They opened their campaign in Slovenj Gradec against the hosts. Slovenia looked better right from the start and built a 32:19 lead at halftime. Austria failed to recover suffering a 47:76 loss. Ojo and Keck dropped 10 points each for Austria. Pocksteiner finished with 7 points in defeat.
Austria faced Germany next. The German team stormed into the game taking a 29:9 lead after ten minutes. Austria struggled to match their opponents and trailed by 24 points at halftime. Things little changed in the second half as Germany cruised to the victory at the end. Freund netted 9 points for Austria. Ojo managed 8 points in the losing case.
Ojo topscored for Austria against Romania in the third round of action but her effort could not rescue the team from falling 41:52. Novakovic chipped in 10 points for Austria in the loss.
Austria open their U16 European Championship in Division B against Slovak Republic on July 30.


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  BELGIUM - Women  


MMT Estudiantes lands Belgian NT guard Sara Leemans - by Eurobasket News
MMT Estudiantes announced important signing yesterday. The team from Madrid reached an agreement with 21-year old guard/small forward Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88). She is coming to Estu from the French team Calais and she supposes to be important player in the Spanish squad next season. Leemans appeared 24 times in French LFB averaging 6.5 ppg and 2 rpg. Her upside is huge, what people from Estu noticed and landed the Belgian International. Last year Sara Leemans played for the Belgian NT at the EuroBasket 2009 Qualifications. In 6 games she had 11.5 ppg and 4 rpg. During the same summer she also played for U20 Belgium on the U20 EuroBasket in Italy. Since 2007 she is a standard member of the Belgian senior squad. On U21 World Championship 2007 in Moscow Sara Leemans demonstrated her talent. She played 8 games with impressive 20.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Before the French Calais, she used to played for Runkster in Belgium.
MMT Estudiantes finished last season on not so brilliant 12th place in the Spanish league. They had 6 wins and 20 defeats, but managed to survive. The team has much bigger ambitions for 2009/10.

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Anna Rimpova arrives to Beroe 07 - by Eurobasket News
Beroe 07 has signed its first reinforcement after agreeing one-year deal with Anna Rimpova (183-F-82). Rimpova played last season with Dunav Ekont and she helped them reach Playoff Finals as well as National Cup Finals. Beroe 07 Management was satisfied they were able to negotiate deal with Rimpova, from whom they expect to be an integral part of the team next season. Beroe has high ambitions for next season as they will look to challenge for the title. In the last one they made it to the Playoff Semifinals where they were eliminated by Rimpova's former team Dunav Econt 2 games to 1.
Anna Rimpova started her professional career with Turkish Migros in 2004. Following season she moved to Stara Zagora Terre Group where she established herself as one of the team's best players. During season 2005-2006, Rimpova averaged 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 6 EuroCup games, while in Bulgarian League she averaged 19.6 points in 14 games. Following season she improved her states as she appeared in 32 games averaging 21.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 64.5% from the filed. This was enough to enable her move to Dunav Ekont in 2007. In her first season with Dunav, Rimpova helped her team win the National Title. She played in 37 League games and posted averages of 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds while connection on 63.3% of her shots for 2. Last season, Rimpova helped her team reach Playoff Finals which they lost to Lukoil. Also in EuroCup she appeared in 6 games and averaged 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

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  NIGERIA - Women  


Were not scared of any opposition Yejide Girls boast - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Officials and players of former champion of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, Yejide Girls Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State are already looking ahead to the national finals billed for the sports hall of the Lagos national stadium with a sense of purpose and confidence.

The former champions in the girls category of the championship defeated CAC Grammar School, Akure, Ondo State by 46-13 points in the final of the Western Conference to win the trophy and picked the ticket to represent the conference at the national finals.

With the list of teams that have qualified for the national final billed for Lagos in October, there is no doubt that the final will be tough.

It will be tough based on the pedigree of the teams and their experience in the championship.

But were not scared of playing them. Since the end of the Western Conference final, we have moved into close camping in readiness of the national final coming up in Lagos, said an official of the school.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls category at the end of the conference final, Aderinto Adenike while corroborating the view of her team officials, said Yejide Girls
Grammar School will be a hard nut to crack during the national finals.

As former champions, were going to fight till the last during the national finals and we will be a hard nut to crack by other teams.

Were not going to give up easily during the final because we have some of the best players that can do us proud, she said.

Yejide Girls Grammar School will be competing against Government Girls Day Secondary School, Gusau, Zamfara State (Savannah Conference), Government Secondary School, Yola, Adamawa State (Sahara Conference), Queens of The Rosary, Gboko, Benue State (Central Conference), Annunciation Secondary School, Nike, Enugu State (Equatorial Conference) and Asaba Girls Grammar School (Senior), Asaba, Delta State (Atlantic Conference).


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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Slovenia U16 occupy third spot at international tournament - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian U16 National Team is getting fit for the upcoming European Championship. Recently they hosted the international tournament in Slovenj Gradec featuring four teams. Slovenia won once in three outings and finished in the third position.
Slovenia opened their campaign with a 76:47 victory over Austria. The hosts piled up a 13-point lead at halftime and maintained it well throughout the second half. Rebeka Abramovic (168-G-93) scored 16 points to pace Slovenia. Zupancic and Sandra Jevtovic (185-F-93) had 8 points apiece in the win.
Next Slovenia took on Romania and had to surrender 46:59 at the end. The hosts led by one point at the interval but conceded an 18:9 Romanian rally in the third quarter and never recovered in the fourth period. Gjerkes finished with 9 points in defeat. Gasper Kastelic had 8 points for Slovenia.
The third game of the tournament also did not bring victory for the home team. They wasted a 6-point lead after the opening frame to lose 47:50 to German counterparts. Alja Samec (167-G-93) and Tina Kercmar (177-F-94) knocked down 9 points apiece for Slovenia. Ursa Svetic (169-G-93) netted 8 points in the losing effort.


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  SPAIN - Women  


LFB2 Standings - by Eurobasket
LF2 Standings
Group A
 1. Burgos 0-0 
 2. Extrugasa 0-0 
 3. Ensino 0-0 
 4. Ferrol 0-0 
 5. Extremadura 0-0 
 6. Adba 0-0 
 7. Pontevedra 0-0 
 8. Caceres 0-0 
 9. Ourense P. 0-0 
 10. Pio XII 0-0 
 11. Zamora 0-0 
 12. Bembibre 0-0 
 13. Cajacanarias 0-0 
 14. Badajoz 0-0 
 15. Ourense C.C. 0-0 
 16. Aros 0-0 
Group B
 1. Segle XXI 0-0 
 2. Ibaizabal 0-0 
 3. Mataro 0-0 
 4. Un.del Pais 0-0 
 5. Chajeba 04 0-0 
 6. Sant Adria 0-0 
 7. Irlandesas 0-0 
 8. Eivissa 0-0 
 9. C.B Conquero 0-0 
 10. CREF Hola 0-0 
 11. Alcobendas 0-0 
 12. Tenerife Aguere 0-0 
 13. Alvargomez 0-0 
 14. Navarra 0-0 
 15. Casablanca 0-0 


MMT Estudiantes lands Belgian NT guard Sara Leemans - by Eurobasket News
MMT Estudiantes announced important signing yesterday. The team from Madrid reached an agreement with 21-year old guard/small forward Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88). She is coming to Estu from the French team Calais and she supposes to be important player in the Spanish squad next season. Leemans appeared 24 times in French LFB averaging 6.5 ppg and 2 rpg. Her upside is huge, what people from Estu noticed and landed the Belgian International. Last year Sara Leemans played for the Belgian NT at the EuroBasket 2009 Qualifications. In 6 games she had 11.5 ppg and 4 rpg. During the same summer she also played for U20 Belgium on the U20 EuroBasket in Italy. Since 2007 she is a standard member of the Belgian senior squad. On U21 World Championship 2007 in Moscow Sara Leemans demonstrated her talent. She played 8 games with impressive 20.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Before the French Calais, she used to played for Runkster in Belgium.
MMT Estudiantes finished last season on not so brilliant 12th place in the Spanish league. They had 6 wins and 20 defeats, but managed to survive. The team has much bigger ambitions for 2009/10.

Standings - LFB
LFB Standings
 1. Perfumerias 0-0 
 2. Ros Casares 0-0 
 3. Hondar.-Irun 0-0 
 4. Real C.Vigo 0-0 
 5. Mann Filter 0-0 
 6. Estudiantes 0-0 
 7. EBE Ibiza-PDV 0-0 
 8. Real Canoe 0-0 
 9. Gran Canaria 0-0 
 10. Cadi la Seu 0-0 
 11. Rivas Ecopolis 0-0 
 12. Olesa 0-0 
 13. Mariana 0-0 
 14. Girona 0-0 


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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Sdent Sierre Basket makes few signings - by Eurobasket News
The Swiss LNA champion Sdent Sierre Basket announced renewal for two years with Canadian player Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management). The experienced power forward had pretty decent last season for the club averaging 14.3 ppg and 11.2 rpg in 21 games. She ended the competition as third best rebounder.

German player Alke Dietel (194-F/C-75, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington St.) also extended contract with the club, but for one more year. Dietel can be used on positions 4 and 5. She appeared in 10 games last season registering 5.4 ppg and 5.8 apg. She missed big part of it due to injury.

Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) also agreed to stay with the club for one more year. However, the Venezuelan player still did not sign the extension, but it supposes to happen as soon as she returns from the summer holiday. Until that moment she can be marked as free agent.

The Russian International Evgeniya Teplyashina (171-G-87) is a new member of Sdent Sierre Basket. She is coming from UMMC Ekaterinburg in order to replace Katrien Vercauteren (170-G-84, agency: LBM Management). Teplyashina is a member of Russian U20 National Team.

Another new player in the Swiss champion is Ildiko Szakacs (187-F-81). She most recently played for the Hungarian Szeviep Szeged. She is replacing the Polish player Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group), who rejected club's offer to stay for one more season.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Transfer News in TBBL - by Baha Kurtulus
Nilay Yigit (170-G-79) moved from Pankup TED to Galatasaray.
Galatasaray renewed the contract of Isil Alben (170-G-86) for the next two years and Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) for one year.

The former hungarian national team player Judit Kajdacsi (191-C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) signed a 1 year contract with Botasspor.
Burcu Uzun ex Samsun Basket player agreed terms with Botasspor too.

Tarsus Belediye agreed terms with Gulcin Cantekin (187-C-84) from Ceyhan Belediye, Kubra Siyahdemir (181-F-86) from Pankup TED and Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Dodge City CC) from Cankaya Universitesi.

The new team of TBBL Kagitspor signed with Brittany Jackson (180-F-83, college: Tennessee)

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  WNBA - Women  


Tamika Catchings paces Fever to 82-70 win against Mystics - by Eurobasket News
Indiana F. - Washington M. 82-70
The Indiana Fever outplayed the Washington Mystics last night remaining on top of Eastern Conference with nice 11-3 record. On the other side, the Mystics fell to 7-6 what is currently enough for third place in the same standings. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) demonstrated magnificent performance in victory. She spent 33 minutes on the court draining 28 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. She was perfect from the free throw line making all of 14 attempts. Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) and Ebony Hoffman (6'2''-C/F-82, college: USC) followed her with 16 points each. Actually, Sutton-Brown needed just one more rebound for double-double. Tully Bevilaqua (5'5''-G-72) helped with 10 points. In Mystics, Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) was the top scorer with 17 points. Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) had 15 and Alana Beard added 13 points, plus 9 rebounds. Indiana had a strong start making 24-17 lead in the opening quarter. The Mystics improved later, but Indiana closed the first half on a 12-4 run over the final 4:35 to lead 41-34 at halftime. Tamika Catchings scored 12 points in the first half, eight in the second quarter. After the breather we saw one almost leveled period, 17-19 for the Mystics. Until the end Fever took control on their rivals managing to extend their lead even more to the final plus 12. We will have 5 games scheduled for today.

Obama to honor 2008 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock at White House - by Eurobasket News
President Barack Obama will honor the 2008 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock for their accomplishments both on and off the court at a ceremony on South Portico of the White House on Monday, July 27, 2009. The ceremony will include a gift presentation from the Shock to the president.

Prior to the ceremony, the WNBA and the Shock will join forces with United We Serve - a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving in their communities this summer - to host a special WNBA FIT Clinic at the Richard England Boys & Girls Club in Washington, D.C..

The entire team, along with WNBA Legend, Community Ambassador and fitness expert, Jennifer Azzi, will promote fitness, nutrition, and self-confidence to 80 boys and girls at the club through interactive stations and positive messaging. WNBA FIT is part of the league's social responsibility initiative, WNBA Cares, which supports educational programming, promotes hands-on community service and inspires young people and women of all ages to learn about the importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

About United We Serve: United We Serve, President Obama's summer service initiative, is a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America, one community at a time. United We Serve officially started Monday, June 22, and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. Through United We Serve, President Obama is challenging all Americans - young and old, from every background all across this country - to create meaningful change in their communities and help lay a new foundation for growth by engaging in service that is sustained and focuses on impact. The president's call to participate in United We Serve focuses on four key areas where everyone can really impact their communities: energy and the environment, health care, education, and community renewal. President Obama is also encouraging Americans to visit www.serve.gov to find service opportunities near them, post their projects, and tell their friends and neighbors what they're working on.

About the WNBA: The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. Comprised of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world. The 2009 WNBA season tipped off June 6 on ABC. Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women's health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 12-3 
 2. Connect. S. 8-7 
 3. Chicago S. 8-8 
 4. Washingt. M. 7-7 
 5. Atlanta D. 7-10 
 6. New York L. 5-8 
 7. Detroit S. 5-8 
Western
 1. Phoenix M. 12-4 
 2. Seattle S. 10-6 
 3. Minnesota L. 9-7 
 4. S.Antonio SS 6-8 
 5. L.Angeles S. 4-8 
 6. Sacram. M. 3-13