Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/25/2009

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Men News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Elephants working out for Libya in Spain - by Kristian Santiago
The Ivory Coast is currently into its final preparations for Libya 2009. The Elephants, who previously took part in a summer league in Sacramento, now are in full swing in Getafe,Spain under the eyes of head coach Randoald Dessarzin and assistant coaches Frederic Thuries and John Douaglin . Joining the current team in Getafe are Stephane Konate (187-G-80) and Arnaud Dahi (202-F-83, college: ODU) as well as naturalized U.S. American player Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC) while the pack will be led by Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85) and and Mohamed Kone (211-C-81, college: Valparaiso). Before heading over to Libya, the Elephants will be facing a local team from the Asturias and on the 30th of July the Malian national-team in France. After that, Dessarzin is going to choose his twelve players for Libya were they are facing Nigeria on the the 5th of August in the African Championships.

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ANGOLA

Angolan National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Cipriano

Costa

Morais

Gomes

Mingas

4 Olimpio Cipriano (193-F-82) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda
5 Armando Costa (190-G-83) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda
6 Carlos Morais (190-G-85) of Petro Atletico de Luanda
7 Domingos Bonifacio (189-G-84) of Petro Atletico de Luanda
8 Luis Costa (193-F-78) of Recreativo's Libolo
9 Leonel Paulo (198-C-89) of Recreativo's Libolo
10 Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda
11 Adolfo Quimbamba (198-F) of Atletico Sport Aviation Luanda
12 Felizardo Ambrosio (201-F-87) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda
13 Carlos Almeida (193-G/F-76) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda
14 Felipe Abrao of Atletico Sport Aviation Luanda
15 Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) of Petro Atletico de Luanda
Head Coach: Luis Magalhaes

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ARGENTINA

Washington Wizards sign Fabricio Oberto - by Eurobasket News
Fabricio Oberto (207-C-75) has agreed to sign with the Washington Wizards. Oberto accepted a one-year deal worth the biannual exception of $1.99 million.

The 6-foot-10 Oberto spent the past four seasons in San Antonio and started on the Spurs' 2006-07 championship team. He also won an Olympic gold medal as a member of Argentina's national team in 2004.

He averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds last season. Sacramento, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers also were interested in Oberto, who was released by Detroit earlier this month after being involved in a three-team trade that sent Richard Jefferson to the Spurs.

The Wizards now have 14 players on their roster and are likely done making offseason moves with a payroll of about $78 million and an estimated luxury tax penalty of almost $8 million slated for next season. The roster balances out to seven guards, four forwards and three centers. And a few of those players are capable of playing multiple positions.

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BELARUS

Hungary edge Belarus for 2-0 record in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U18 - Belarus U18 66:48
Hungary celebrated the second straight win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They defeated Belarus today to stay on top of Group A. Belarus in the meantime slipped at 0-2 record. Adam Lepsenyi (205-C/F-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) tallied 21 points and 10 caroms for the winners.
Hungary went on an 11:0 run early in the game to take a comfortable lead. Hungary built an 18:12 advantage at the end of the opening frame. A low-scoring second quarter saw Hungary kept the lead as they arrived at halftime up by 8 points 29:21. Hungary reeled off to a 19:1 run in the third term to gain a massive 50:26 lead. Hungarian team eased to the win in the reminder of the contest to keep their perfect record in France.
Zsolt Lakosa (186-G-91) knocked down 18 points for Hungary. Adam Csernak (196-F-91) had 9 points for the winning side. Vitali Liutych (190-G-92) dropped 19 points and 8 rebounds for Belarus. Andrei Tsyvinski (199-G-91), Viktar Ausepian (200-F-91) and Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (202-F-91) had 6 points apiece in the loss. Belarus outrebounded Hungary 49:41 but suffered 23 turnovers to lose the clash.

Hungary U18: Adam Lepsenyi 21+10 boards, Zsolt Lakosa 18, Adam Csernak 9
Belarus U18: Vitali Liutych 19, Andrei Tsyvinski 6

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BELGIUM

Verviers Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
For the 4th day in a row a D1 team has announced a new player signing. After Liege and Mons this time it's VOO Verviers-Pepinster who has signed American forward Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, college: Canisius).
Wilson finished his college career at Canisius 2 years ago and then came to play in Holland. His first team there was Landstede Zwolle and this past season he played for Matrixx Magic Nijmegen.
At Nijmegen he led the team in scoring with an average 18.0 ppg and was the nr rebounder with 5.5 rpg. The year before in Zwolle he averaged 19.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg.

Mons Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Dexia Mons-Hainaut has signed American guard Dominique Coleman (190-G-84, college: Colorado) for the upcoming season. Coleman played college ball at the university of Colorado where he finished his career in 2007.
His senior year stats were 11.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 3.4 apg. After his college career he came to Finland where he played for 3 different teams in one season.
He then returned to the US to play for the Colorado 14ers in the NBDL. In 50 games with the 14ers he averaged 15.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.8 apg and 2.8 spg which ranked his 1st in the league. Won the NBDL championship this past season..

Slovenia remains in Division A sending Belgium to the lower one - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U20-Belgium U20 79:67 ( 24-17, 17-17, 21-13, 17-20 )

Slovenia U20 won the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. The team finished with 3-0 record beating Belgium 79:67. The latter lost all three games and will eliminate to Division B.
Aertssen gave his team the first points as Belgium has nothing to lose. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) tasted the first lead with Slovenia at 7:6 and Maj Kovacevic (190-G-90) improved to 12:9. Maj Kovacevic also made a lay-up at the end of the opening quarter for 24:17. Belgium was far too give up and tied the game at 28:28. Libert brought them 34:33, however Slovenia ended the half with 8-0 run. Lekic brought his team 41:34 at the halftime. Zoran Dragic scored for 50:39 midway through the third frame and Lekic gave Slovenian side 58:43. Zadnik remained the difference at the end of thirty minutes for 62:47. Belgium tried hard to recover, but could not match the favorites. Although they won the last stanza 20-17, Slovenia won the game 67:79. Mahkovic made an alley-oop for the third straight win.
Zoran Dragic top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Maj Kovacevic and Lekic followed him with 10 points each for the top place. Ioannis Iarochevitch (207-C/F-89, agency: LBM Management) collected 16 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Libert added 11.

Slovenia U20: Zoran Dragic 22, Maj Kovacevic 10, Lekic 10
Belgium U20: Ioannis Iarochevitch 16+10 rebs, Libert 11

Belgium upset Switzerland for first win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Belgium U18 - Switzerland U18 70:47

Belgian U18 team posted the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They toppled Swiss team in preliminary Group D. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record on top of the pool.
Belgium led throughout the starting frame but Switzerland capped the period with 6 points in a row to tie things up at 12. Gyorgy gave the Swiss team a 14:12 lead early in the second quarter but Belgium quickly regained the advantage. They completed the half ahead by 16 points taking control. Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) and Pierre-Antoine Gillet (191-G-91) extended the margin to 20 points at the start of the third frame. Belgium kept their opponents at safe distance during the rest of the battle to roll to the victory.
Maarten Rademakers (201-C/F-91) knocked down 17 points to lead Belgium. Dennis Donkor and Pierre-Antoine Gillet added 12 points each for the winners. Jonathan Eric Dubas (202-F/C-91) responded with 12 points and 8 boards for Switzerland. Federico Fridel (196-F-91) had 8 points in defeat. Switzerland outrebounded Belgium 41:39 but shot miserable 23% from the field. The Swiss team also suffered 20 turnovers in the loss.

Belgium U18: Maarten Rademakers 17, Dennis Donkor 12, Pierre-Antoine Gillet 12
Switzerland U18: Jonathan Eric Dubas 12, Federico Fridel 8

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BOSNIA

Bosnia overwhelm Norway in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Norway U18 78:70

Bosnia and Herzegovina performed a well-balanced team effort to prevail against Norway in the second round of the U18 European Championship. Five players scored in double figures to help the hosts to the second consecutive win in Sarajevo.
Stian Berg (180-G-91) opened the game with a three-pointer but the home team quickly surged in front to dominate the starting stanza. Bosnia and Herzegovina posted an 8-point lead at the first break. Radukic opened up a 10-point lead early in the second quarter. Bosnia and Herzegovina cleared off to a 16-point advantage at halftime.
Botolfsen and Stian Berg cut the distance at 9 points early in the third frame. Norway got within 5 with 2 minutes to go in the period. Magnus Engen (186-F-91) fired 5 points in a row early in the final period to pull Norway in charge. Nebojsa Maksimovic (179-G-92) and Nikola Gajic (-91) regained a 6-point lead for Bosnia and Herzegovina with under two minutes left. The hosts did not panic in tight final seconds to ensure the second consecutive win at the tournament.
Ali Demic (202-G-91) scored 15 points to lead the hosts. Nikola Gajic and Nebojsa Maksimovic had 13 points apiece in the winning effort. Stian Berg responded with 28 points for Norway. Magnus Engen had 11 points in the loss.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Ali Demic 15, Nikola Gajic 13+10 boards, Nebojsa Maksimovic 13
Norway U18: Stian Berg 28, Magnus Engen 11

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BRAZIL

Brazil U19 Team Announced - by Allan Oliveira
Brazilian U19 coach Gustavo de Boni announced today the list of players who will start preparations to Nike Global Challenge, scheduled for 06/08 to 08/08, in Portland (USA).

The List of Players:

Jefferson Campos (190-G-91)
Raul Togni (184-G-92)
Gobor Vinicius (185-G-90)
Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90)
Adonis Chatzicharalambous (190-G-90, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents)
Caue Borges dos Santos (180-G-91)
Jefferson Socas (-90)
Frederico dos Santos (-91)
Matheus Dalla Barba (-90)
Jordan Burger (203-F-91)
Rafael Donatti (201-F-91)
Andre De Souza (202-C-90)
Ronald Rudson dos Reis (210-C-90)
Jose Victor Jernimo (211-C-90)
Lucas Amarante Nogueira (212-C-92)
Coach: Gustavo de Boni
Assistant: Ronaldo Pacheco

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Young Legs stay unbeaten - by David Edole
Written by Gordon French
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Gary Hillhouse picked up a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the red-hot Young Legs pass Talk Dat 87-67 as action continued in the BVI Basketball Federation 2009 Summer League over the weekend at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. The 2008 finalists, outscored their opponent in every quarter to stretch their unbeaten run to six.

Kennedy Bass produced an all around game, producing 14 points, 4 rebounds , 3 blocks, 2 steals and 4 assists for Young Legs, who also got production from Keithwarner Rhymer with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Nathaniel Malone and Eric Thomas each had 13 points to lead Talk Dat.

In the other senior division game played, defending champs, East mauled the Guns 102-55 on Friday evening. David Bolo Lettsome led all scorers with 28 points and was supported by Dameon Ottley who scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and turned back 4 shots.

Ade Evans- Moore led the Guns with 14 points.

Also on Friday, Young Gunners defeated Hawks 73-69, while Outkast walked away with a 87-76 victory against the Philipinas.

In the early games on Saturday, Jr. Odds outplayed Fo Real 107-61 and Da Boyz stopped the Rebels 85-51.

The action continued Sunday with Basic dividing The Brothers 86-53 as Jr. Odds polished of the weekend with a 80-57 victory against Game Over.

Another Level capped Sunday evening by defeating Wolf Pack 104-61. Last Wednesday, Jr. Mystics defeated Game Over 88-48 and Lytes Out walked all over the Streets 69-64.

Due to the fact that the Miss BVI Show will be held in the Multipurpose Sports Complex, the BVI Basketball Federation will not have access to the building as of Monday July 27 and has therefore issued a new schedule in order to finish the regular season before the festivities.

Revised schedule

Wednesday 22nd, July 2009

Game 1

6:00 pm Fo Real vs Jr. Mystics

Game 2

Another Level vs Young Gunners

Game 3

Da Boyz vs Against da Odds

Friday 24th, July 2009

Game 1

6:00 pm Jr. Mystics vs The Brothers

Game 2

Jr. Odds vs Young Gunners

Game 3

Ghetto Mix vs Pure Playaz

Saturday 25th, July 2009

Game 1

6:00 pm Basic vs Wolf Pack

Game 2

Off Da Chainz vs All or Nothing

Game 3

Run It Red vs Against da Odds

Sunday 26th July 2009

Game 1

4:00 pm The Brothers vs Another Level

Game 2

Wolf Pack vs Hawks

Game 3

Basis vs Game Over

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BULGARIA

CENTROBASKET U17

Standings

Group A
1. Mexico		3-0
2. Domin.R.		2-1
3. Bahamas		1-2
4. Guatemala		0-3
Group B
1. P.Rico		2-0
2. US V.Isl		1-1
3. Nicaragua		0-2

The last day of Preliminary Round - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - U.S. Virgin Islands 111-58
Puerto Rico finished Preliminary Round at the U17 Centrobasket Championship undefeated. After 111-55 victory in the first game against Nicaragua, the Puerto Ricans blasted US Virgin Islands with huge 111-58. It means that Puerto Rico advanced to Semifinals as No.1 from Group B and they will meet No.2 from Group A - Dominican Republic. US Virgin Island also reached the Semis thanks to 123-30 win against Nicaragua. However, they will take on undefeated Mexico. Wil Martinez (-93) top-scored in Puerto Rico yesterday with 21 points. Angel Rodriguez (-94) had 17 and Angel Matias (-93) drained 2 points less. USVI go 16 points from Aaron Brown (-92).

Mexico - Dominican Republic 85-65
Another magnificent performance by Mexico at the U17 Centrobasket Championship. The hosts of this event were better than Bahamas and Guatemala in the first two games, and yesterday they defeated Dominican Republic by 20. Naturally, with perfect 3-0 record Mexico advanced to Semifinals as No.1 in Group B. The Dominicans also advanced, but as No.2. Javier Meza (-93) was a key player in victory scoring 24 points. Kevin Acosta (-94) was behind him with 19, while Ernesto Morales (-94) helped with 11. In defeat, Deivy Martinez (-93) netted 16 points. Ted Jimenez (-93) followed with 13. Mexico will meet US Virgins Islands in the Semis, while Dominicans will take on Puerto Rico.

Bahamas - Guatemala 97-41
The box-score will be available soon. Bahamas 1-2, Guatemala 0-3 in Group A. Both failed to reach the Semifinals.

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CROATIA

U18 Croatian National Team - by Eurobasket News

Sekelja

Prostran

Batur

Barac

Babic

After the preparations, Head Coach of U18 Croatian National Team Hrvoje Vlasic has chosen 12 best candidates. They are currently representing Croatia at the upcoming U18 European Championship in France.

The chosen players are: Luka Babic (200-G-91), Boris Barac (202-F-92), Ivan Batur (202-F-91), Toni Brnas (200-F-91) of KK Rudes Zagreb, Domagoj Bubalo (212-C-91), Ante Cutura (198-F-91), Nikola Dosen (180-G-91), Dino Jakolis (197-G-91), Matteo Juricic (191-G-91), Toni Prostran (183-G-91), Dragan Sekelja (210-C-91) and Pasko Vrlika (204-C-91).

Five candidates did not make the final cut, after the last phase of preparations and they will have to wait for chance some other time. Vlasic stated that he was satisfied with the effort he received from all the candidates and that he believes that he has chosen the right mix of players. He hopes that his team will be able achieve the goals which were set for the U18 European Championship. Expectations may be high, but Vlasic believes his team has what it takes to reach the goal of battling for one of the medals.

U18 European Championship started in France yesterday and will finish on August 2nd. Croatia has been drawn in Group B along with Germany, Ukraine and Spain. First game is scheduled for July 23rd against Spain. During day 2, they will square off against Germany, while on Saturday they will play against Ukraine. U18 Croatia hopes to make it out of the preliminary group and they will also try to challenge for one of the medals. If they go through first phase they will join the newly formed group consisting of best team from Group A. There the possible opponents could be Slovenia, Serbia, France or Czech Republic.
Yesterday Croatian outplayed Spain 82-78.

Antonio Graves joins Cibona - by Eurobasket News
Cibona bolstered their squad with addition of Antonio Graves (190-G-85, college: Pittsburgh). The 27-year-old guard spent the last season in Galatasaray. There the American guard averaged 15.2 points, 2.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in the Turkish league. In EuroChallenge Antonio Graves tallied 15.3 points, 2.6 boards and 2.3 assists per game. He was named to the Turkish League All-Defensive Team. Graves played for Pau-Orthez after graduating from Pittsburgh in 2007.

Croatia too good for Germany - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18 - Germany U18 73:51
Croatian U18 team extended their unbeaten run at the European Championship in France. They knocked down Germany today to remain at the helm of preliminary Group B. Germany had to slow down after the impressive starting win over Ukraine. One of the U19 World Championship standouts Toni Prostran (183-G-91) was once again impressive for Croatia. He tallied 24 points, 9 assists and 4 boards to orchestrate the game well.
Danilo Barthel (205-F-91)l scored early five points to give Germany a 7:3 lead. When Danilo Barthell knocked down his second three-pointer of the night German team earned a 15:7 advantage. They sealed the first outcome at 17:11. But Toni Prostran scored 4 points in a 9:0 run from Croatia to begin the second stanza. Toni Prostran finished the frame with 8 points to his tally leading the team to a 28:24 advantage.
Toni Prostran hit a three-pointer five minutes into the second half to open up a double-digit lead. Croatia rolled confidently to ensure a 55:44 advantage at three-quarter time. Canty tipped off the fourth period with a three-pointer but was immediately matched by five points from Dosen and Sekelja. The gap soon grew to 19 points and Croatia did not look back en route to the win.
Domagoj Bubalo (212-C-91) finished with 13 points and 10 boards for Croats. Dino Jakolis (197-G-91) had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) responded with 25 points for Germany. Danilo Barthel had 10 points in defeat.

Croatia U18: Toni Prostran 24, Domagoj Bubalo 13+10 boards, Dino Jakolis 10
Germany U18: Philipp Neumann 25, Danilo Barthel 10

The hosts march to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Greece U20 68:77 (21-20, 12-15, 13-20, 22-22)

Greece outscored Croatia at home of the U20 European Championship to reach the Semifinals. The hosts of the tournament overpower the opponents 77:68 mostly due to the third period.
Croatai opened the game from the perimeter and then Bilan made it 10:7. Even though Greece resisted a lot, Croatia had a minimum lead after the first 10 minutes. The lead continued for the next three minutes as well, but then Greece grabbed the advantage. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) made 26:25 for the hosts and Greece had 35:33 at the halftime. Croatia continued to fight and knotted the game at 42:42 on Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89)'s three-pointer. After 20-13 Greece however enjoyed 55:46 advantage. Kunce's team pulled to within 55:50 early in the fourth quarter to bring the intrigue back into the game. Zisis Sarikopoulos hit inside to push the margin back to 61:50, while Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) made it 65:57. Nikolaos Pappas brought the hosts the exciting 77:68 victory.
Nikolaos Pappas was responsible for 18 points to advance to the semis. Georgios Bogris nailed 17, while Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) notched 16. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, whilst Karlo Vragovic netted 12.
Greece will face Spain U20 next that advanced to the semifinals of U20 European Championship. The top team of Group E overcame the fourth team of Group F Turkey 77:60.

Croatia U20: Bojan Bogdanovic 14, Karlo Vragovic 12
Greece U20: Nikolaos Pappas 18, Georgios Bogris 17, Konstantinos Sloukas 16

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CYPRUS

Seastar Apoel renewals and signings - by Michael Aristidou
Seastar Apoel Nicosia announces the renewal of Belgian Gerben Van Dorpe (211-F/C-76, agency: Stanley International, college: Mt.St.Mary's) for one more year. Van Dorpe is in the team for a third year in a row. From the team left young cypriot Tsiatinis Andreas because of his studies. Also Seastar Apoel Nicosia signed two players who played in Pizza Express Primetel Apollon last year. The British forward Sullivan Phillips (196-F-79, college: Columbia Union) and American power forward Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, agency: Strategic Sports, college: New Orleans). Sims was voted in Cyprys best 2nd team and in all imports team from eurobasket last year.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Serbia U18 post first win in France - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Czech Republic U18 75:56

Serbian U18 team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in Hagondange. They held off Czech Republic in preliminary Group A to improve at 1-1 record. Czech team slipped at 0-2 record.
Czech Republic went on a 12:2 run midway through the opening frame to earn a 16:7 lead. Serbia responded in the second quarter as they unloaded 12 unanswered points to grab a 23:19 lead. Torlak crowned the first half with a three-pointer to make it 30:25 for Serbia. Dejan Musli (214-C-91) and Branislav Djekic (205-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) opened a 9-point advantage for Serbia at the start of the third quarter. The Serbian team soon earned a 15-point lead to breathe easily. Milan Jaros (212-C-91, agency: PPGroup) and Kriz dragged Czech team within 11 points early in the fourth period but Serbia stayed calm to register the first win at the tournament.
Branislav Djekic knocked down 17 points for Serbia. Dejan Musli added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Nikola Rondovic (205-F-91) had 10 points in the win. Vojtech Bratcenkov (198-F-91) knocked down 15 points for Czech Republic. Milan Jaros had 10 points in the losing effort. Serbia will face Slovenia, while Czech Republic will play against France in the third round.

Serbia U18: Branislav Djekic 17, Dejan Musli 16, Nikola Rondovic 10
Czech Republic U18: Vojtech Bratcenkov 15, Milan Jaros 10

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DENMARK

Joe Benjamin is the newest member of the Virum roster - by Jonas Sorensen
Coming straight from the last placed team in the Danish Basketliga, Aabyhoj IF, Joe Benjamin (201-F/C-83, college: W.Virginia St.) is now the new import in Virum in 1st division. Benjamin had his best season so far in Denmark last season, and Virum are getting a very aggressive and athletic player in their squad for the coming season. This signing is the first official signing from coach Jesper Krones new team. Virum are looking to strengthen their squad, and more unofficial rumors are that former Basketliga players are joining their team.
It will be very interesting to see Virums new format with a new coach and new players compete in the league trying to swap their 10th place from last season to a top one this coming season.

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ESTONIA

New Zealand fall short to Estonia in Rakvere - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - New Zealand 57:54

Estonian National Team celebrated their second straight win over New Zealand. This time the teams clashed at the Rakvere Spordihall. The Tall Blacks led throughout the major part of the game but the victory slipped away in the dying moments. Tanel Sokk (183-G-85) scored 6 points late in regulation sealing the winning outcome for Estonia at the end.
Estonia jumped to a 5:2 lead early in the game but the Tall Blacks quickly denied the deficit. They earned a 17:14 lead at the first break. The Kiwis unleashed eight straight points in the second stanza to clear off. They maintained the lead and finished the half up by 6 points at 32:26. The visitors enjoyed an 8-point buffer midway through the third quarter before wasting the bigger part of their advantage. Estonia went on an 8:1 run to trail by just 2 at the final pause.
Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) scored 11 points to pace Estonia. Tanel Sokk and Janar Talts (205-C-83) added 8 points each, while Joosep Toome (202-F-85) had 9 points for the hosts. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) responded with 17 points for New Zealand. Abercrombie delivered 11 points in the losing effort.

Estonia: Tanel Tein 11, Joosep Toome 9, Tanel Sokk 8, Janar Talts 8
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 17, Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/f-87, college: Washington St.) 11

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EUROLEAGUE

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Standings Division A

Standings

Group A
1. Slovenia		2-0
2. Serbia		1-1
3. France		1-1
4. Czech Repu.		0-2
Group B
1. Croatia		2-0
2. Spain		1-1
3. Germany		1-1
4. Ukraine		0-2
Group C
1. Turkey		2-0
2. Latvia		1-1
3. Bulgaria		1-1
4. Greece		0-2
Group D
1. Lithuania		2-0
2. Russia		1-1
3. Israel		1-1
4. Italy		0-2

M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Hungary		2-0
2. Bosnia		2-0
3. Norway		1-1
4. Estonia		1-1
5. Belarus		0-2
6. Denmark		0-2
Group B
1. Sweden		2-0
2. Poland		1-0
3. Finland		1-1
4. Slovakia		0-1
5. Iceland		0-2
Group C
1. Monteneg.		2-0
2. Holland		1-1
3. Scotland		1-1
4. Romania		0-1
5. Georgia		0-1
Group D
1. U.Kingdom		2-0
2. Switzerl.		1-1
3. Belgium		1-1
4. Austria		0-1
5. Portugal		0-1

Group A

Belarus - Hungary 48-66
Hungary celebrated the second straight win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They defeated Belarus today to stay on top of Group A. Belarus in the meantime slipped at 0-2 record. Adam Lepsenyi (205-C/F-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) tallied 21 points and 10 caroms for the winners. Zsolt Lakosa knocked down 18 points for Hungary. Adam Csernak had 9 points for the winning side. Vitali Liutych dropped 19 points and 8 rebounds for Belarus. Andrei Tsyvinski, Viktar Ausepian and Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau had 6 points apiece in the loss. Belarus outrebounded Hungary 49:41 but suffered 23 turnovers to lose the clash.

Bosnia - Norway 78-70
Bosnia and Herzegovina performed a well-balanced team effort to prevail against Norway in the second round of the U18 European Championship. Five players scored in double figures to help the hosts to the second consecutive win in Sarajevo. Ali Demic (202-G-91) scored 15 points to lead the hosts. Nikola Gajic and Nebojsa Maksimovic had 13 points apiece in the winning effort. Stian Berg responded with 28 points for Norway. Magnus Engen had 11 points in the loss.

Denmark - Estonia 70-75
Estonia opened the win count at the European Championship in Division B. They upset Denmark to improve at 1-1 record in preliminary Group A. Rain Veideman (190-G-91) scored 19 points to pace Estonia. Janar Soo added 13 points in the winning effort. Thomas Sebastian Laerke responded with 25 points for Denmark as they slipped at 0-2 record.

Group B

Finland - Iceland 67-55
Finnish Junior National Team denied a 7-point halftime deficit to post the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Iceland sending their opponents to 0-2 record. Osku Heinonen (193-F-92) knocked down 13 points to pace balanced offensive effort from Finland. Alex Vaenerberg had 12 points for Finland. Antto Nikkarinen notched 10 points and 7 boards in the victory. Sigurdur Thorarinsson answered with 11 points for Iceland. Aegir Steinarsson netted 9 points in defeat.

Slovakia - Sweden 73-84
Swedish U18 National Team earned the second consecutive victory at the European Championship in Division B. They toppled Slovak Republic to stay on top of Group B. Slovakia in the meantime slipped at 0-1 record. Alexander Lindqvist (202-G-91) and Christopher Czerapowicz (195-G-91) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds each for the winners. Pierre Hampton added 16 points for Sweden. Richard Grznar replied with 23 points and 12 boards for Slovakia. Jaroslav Moravek finished with 18 points and 9 boards in defeat.

Group C

Romania - Montenegro 53-88
Nemanja Radovic fired 28 points to ensure the second consecutive win for Montengrin Junior National Team. They remained on top of preliminary Group C. Romania fell at 0-1 record after the starting game in Sarajevo. Bojan Dubljevic (-91) had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Montenegro. Marko Loncovic added 11 points in the winning effort. Bogdan Tibirna responded with 12 points for Romania. Baris Aktas finished with 10 points in defeat. Montenegro outrebounded their opponents 38:19 and forced those to 20 turnovers. The winners also sank solid 57% from the field.

Holland - Scotland 98-59
Netherlands U18 team posted the initial victory at the European Championship in Division B. They outgunned Scottish opponents to improve at 1-1 record in Group C today. Jeroen van Vugt (192-G-91) poured in 28 points to lead the Dutch team. Quincy Treffers delivered 17 points and 9 rebounds for Holland. Gian Slagter contributed 11 points for the winners. Dale Grieve answered with 12 points for Scotland. Josh Crolley banked 10 points and 10 rebounds in defeat. Scottish team shot only 34% from the field, while Netherlands replied with 47% accuracy. The winners also enjoyed a 44:35 advantage on the boards.

Group D

Austria - United Kingdom 76-90
England posted the second straight win in Group D. Today they accounted for Austria to remain undefeated. Ryan Richards (210-F-91) put on another sizzling performance coming up with 24 points and 13 rebounds for England. Levi Noel had 20 points for the winners. Anton Maresch responded with 19 points and 9 boards for Austria in the loss.

Belgium - Switzerland 70-47
Belgian U18 team posted the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They toppled Swiss team in preliminary Group D. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record on top of the pool. Maarten Rademakers (201-C/F-91) knocked down 17 points to lead Belgium. Dennis Donkor and Pierre-Antoine Gillet added 12 points each for the winners. Jonathan Eric Dubas responded with 12 points and 8 boards for Switzerland. Federico Fridel had 8 points in defeat. Switzerland outrebounded Belgium 41:39 but shot miserable 23% from the field. The Swiss team also suffered 20 turnovers in the loss.

Day: 2 (Preliminary Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Slovenia - France 83-81
Slovenia U18 became the only undefeated team of Group A at the U18 European Championship. The team improved to 2-0 record handing France the first 83:81 loss. Edo Muric (202-F-91) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Buda nailed 14, while Nikolic Smrdelj ended up with 13. Cairo finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort as France is 1-1. Bourdillon posted 15, whilst Paschal had 12.

Serbia - Czech Republic 75-56
Serbian U18 team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in Hagondange. They held off Czech Republic in preliminary Group A to improve at 1-1 record. Czech team slipped at 0-2 record. Branislav Djekic (205-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 17 points for Serbia. Dejan Musli added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Nikola Rondovic had 10 points in the win. Vojtech Bratcenkov knocked down 15 points for Czech Republic. Milan Jaros had 10 points in the losing effort. Serbia will face Slovenia, while Czech Republic will play against France in the third round.

Group B

Spain - Ukraine 97-74
Spanish Junior National Team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in France. They chopped up Ukraine in the second round of action in Group B. Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91) finished with 15 points to lead Spain. Joan Sastre Morro added 14 points, while Miguel Servera had 12 points and 7 boards in the win. Oleksandr Lypovyy answered with 19 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev had 14 points in the loss.

Germany - Croatia 51-73
Croatian U18 team extended their unbeaten run at the European Championship in France. They knocked down Germany today to remain at the helm of preliminary Group B. Germany had to slow down after the impressive starting win over Ukraine. One of the U19 World Championship standouts Toni Prostran (183-G-91) was once again impressive for Croatia. He tallied 24 points, 9 assists and 4 boards to orchestrate the game well. Domagoj Bubalo finished with 13 points and 10 boards for Croats. Dino Jakolis had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Philipp Neumann responded with 25 points for Germany. Danilo Barthel had 10 points in defeat.

Group C

Turkey - Latvia 85-50
Turkey became the leader of Group C of the U18 European Championship. The team beat Latvia 85:50 in Day 2 of the tournament for 2-0 record. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91), Toz and Edge top-cored for the winners with 14 points each. Jonats brought Latvia 10 points as latter dropped at 1-1. Rubenis and Butjankovs notched 9 points in the losing effort.

Bulgaria - Greece 65-55
Bulgaria sank Greece even deeper at the U18 European Championship. A Georgi Mladenov team celebrated a comfortable win to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. The Hellenes slipped at 0-2 at the bottom of the standings. Emil Binev (198-F-91) delivered 21 points and 7 boards to pace Bulgaria. Plamen Hristov added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the winning case. Ioannis Angelopoulos had 16 points for Greece. Georgios Georgakis finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Group D

Lithuania - Israel 92-53
Lithuanian U18 team posted the second straight win at the European Championship in France. They toppled Israel to remain alone on top of preliminary Group D. Israel fell at 1-1 record in the second position. Jonas Valanciunas (211-C-92) had 15 points and 8 caroms for the winning team. Gilvydas Biruta added 10 points for Lithuania. Nimrod Tishman notched 20 points for Israel. Daniel Tamir recorded 8 points in defeat.

Russia - Italy 55-54
Russia had a narrow escape against Italy on the second day of the U18 European Championship in France. Russia gained a one-point victory to improve at 1-1 record in Group D. The Azzurri fell at 0-2 record. Pavel Antipov (204-F-91) scored 21 and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead Russia. Ivan Lazarev had 10 points in the victorious case. Achille Polonara answered with 10 points for the Azzurri. Michele Vitali had 7 points in defeat.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Hellas - Croatia 77-68 - by Chris Mammides
Hellas Croatia 77-68 and Hellas wins the 6th out of 7 games in a row.
The Hellenic NT has qualified in the semis after winning earlier today the Croatian NT with 77-68. The amazing trio of Pappas, Bogris and Sloukas was magnificent and didnt let the Croatians to do their game, even though Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) and Vragovic gave their best. Bojan Bogdanovic (who's team-mate of Pappas in Bilbao) scored 14 points while Vragovic netted 12 points.
Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90) with 18 points and 4 assists and Kostas Sloukas with 16 points and 6 rebounds and 4 assists, were the top performers from Missas troops. It is worth mentioned the defencive skills of the talented Papanikolaou who's 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 block shots were more than helpfull for the Hellenic team.

Day: 7 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News

9-12 spots

Ukraine - Russia 54-65
Russia won the second game of the day at the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Russian team overcame Ukraine 65:54 to play for the 9th place in France. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds as Russia will face Latvia next. Ivlev netted 12, while Zakharov and Grigoryev collected 10 apiece. Tonchenko finished the game with 16 points and Tymofeyenko scored 13.

Latvia - Serbia 74-67
Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Baltic side beat the opponents 74:67 in Greece to play for the 9th place on Sunday. Zeidaks top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89) nailed 15, while Bertans and Dusels notched 11 each. Bunic finished the game with 20 points in defeat as Serbia will hope for the 11th place. Subotic nailed 17, while Markovic scored 11.

Group G

Slovenia - Belgium 79-67
Slovenia U20 won the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. The team finished with 3-0 record beating Belgium 79:67. The latter lost all three games and will eliminate to Division B. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Kovacevic and Lekic followed him with 10 points each for the top place. Iarochevitch collected 16 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Libert added 11.

Israel - Germany 72-75
Germany U20 remains in Division A after a thrilling win over Israel U20. The team had 75:72 victory at their last game of the U20 European Championship.Robin Benzing (208-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Schoeps nailed 18, while Schwethelm posted 13. Simhon ended up with 16 points in defeat, Daniel netted 14, while Shoutvin collected 14 points and 10 boards.

Quarterfinals

Lithuania - Italy 68-69
Italy U20 upset the Lithuanian squad for the Semifinal birth of U20 European Championship. Italy created a 69:68 shocking win after 22-7 in the last stanza. Although Lithuania was the favorite of the game, Italy started with 3:0 run. The team had 9:3 and 11:5 in the opening tip of the game. The Baltic side tied the game at 11:11 and after 10-5 run finished the opening quarter at 25:18. Italy needed another reply for 28:28, but the favorites had 36:31 at the halftime. Janavicius extended the lead to 46:31, while Lipkevicius gave his team 49:33. It seemed that the intrigue was over, however Italy was far to give up. Trailing 14 points after 30 minutes of the game Italy trailed also in the whole last period, but not 7 seconds of it. Rullo made a three for the shocking 69:68 victory to send his team to the Semifinals. Daniele Sandri top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Raspino and Rullo nailed 9 each. Juskevicius ended up with 16 points in defeat as Lithuania will play for the 5-8 places. Janavicius notched 13, while Kuzminskas had 11.

Croatia - Greece 68-77
Greece outscored Croatia at home of the U20 European Championship to reach the Semifinals. The hosts of the tournament overpower the opponents 77:68 mostly due to the third period. Croatai opened the game from the perimeter and then Bilan made it 10:7. Even though Greece resisted a lot, Croatia had a minimum lead after the first 10 minutes. The lead continued for the next three minutes as well, but then Greece grabbed the advantage. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) made 26:25 for the hosts and Greece had 35:33 at the halftime. Croatia continued to fight and knotted the game at 42:42 on Vragovic's three-pointer. After 20-13 Greece however enjoyed 55:46 advantage. Kunce's team pulled to within 55:50 early in the fourth quarter to bring the intrigue back into the game. Zisis Sarikopoulos hit inside to push the margin back to 61:50, while Bogris made it 65:57. Nikolaos Pappas brought the hosts the exciting 77:68 victory. Nikolaos Pappas was responsible for 18 points to advance to the semis. Bogris nailed 17, while Sloukas notched 16. Bogdanovic ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, whilst Vragovic netted 12.

Spain - Turkey 77-60
Spain U20 advanced to the semifinals of U20 European Championship. The top team of Group E overcame the fourth team of Group F Turkey 77:60. Spain were the favorites before the game and started to prove it from the beginning of the game. The team produced the first five points of the game and had 7:1 in the opening tip. Turkey reduced the gap a bit, however lost the first frame 25:12. The game became even in the second period but the difference remained the same. After 20-19 in the quarter Spain had 45:31 at the halftime. Tomas gave the team 47:31, while Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) brought 51:34 in the beginning of the third quarter. Turkey managed to cut it to 11 after Ozcan nailed at the end of thirty minutes. Moreover Onen gave his team 58:49 in the start of the last quarter. That was all the Turkish side could do in the game as Spain produced 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Xavier Rabaseda top-scored for the winners with 18 points for the semifinal birth. Tomas netted 14, while Samb scored 13. Ozcan ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Mahmutoglu added 11.

France - Montenegro 68-47
France U20 rightfully overcame Montenegro at the U20 European Championship to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won all the frames over the opponents for 68:47 victory. France started with five consecutive points and then had 10:2 lead. Lalic reduced to 13:10, while Sehovic kept the difference at 17:14. After 17:15 the favorites produced an 8-0 run for 25:17 midway through the second period. Vucevic closed the second quarter for 35:24 as the teams went to the lockers. Sambe scored six points in France's 10-2 run out of the changing room. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) and Ona-Embo knocked down three-balls later in the third for a 53:39 lead after three periods. In the last stanza the French outfit started to pay more attention to defense and limited the opponents to 8 points. France finished the game with 15-8 for the total 68:47 victory. Antoine Diot and Sambe paced all the winners with 12 points, while four other players netted 9 each. Vucevic ended up with 20 points and 13 boards, whilst Sehovic added 9.

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FINLAND

Finland topple Iceland for initial win in Bosnia and Herzegovina - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18 - Iceland U18 67:55
Finnish Junior National Team denied a 7-point halftime deficit to post the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Iceland sending their opponents to 0-2 record. Osku Heinonen (193-F-92) knocked down 13 points to pace balanced offensive effort from Finland.
The teams combined for only 14 points in the first frame and were tied at 7 after ten minutes. Tomasson and Aegir Steinarsson (182-G-91) pulled Iceland in front midway through the second quarter. Iceland crowned the half on an 11:0 rally to accumulate a 28:21 advantage. Osku Heinonen knocked down 6 points in a 13:1 run from Finland early in the third quarter. Finland jumped ahead and finished the third frame ahead by two points 45:43. Alex Vaenerberg (183-G-92), Osku Heinonen and Molenius extended the margin to 12 points early in the final term. Iceland could threaten the margin throughout the reminder of the contest and Finland drove to the win.
Alex Vaenerberg had 12 points for Finland. Antto Nikkarinen (185-G-91) notched 10 points and 7 boards in the victory. Sigurdur Thorarinsson (200-C-91) answered with 11 points for Iceland. Aegir Steinarsson netted 9 points in defeat.

Finland U18: Osku Heinonen 13, Alex Vaenerberg 12, Antto Nikkarinen 10
Iceland U18: Sigurdur Thorarinsson 11, Aegir Steinarsson 9

INTERNATIONAL: Finland defeated Holland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
An international Basketball Tournament got started on Friday in Szombathely, Hungary. Finland defeated Holland 88-75 (44-39). Quarters: 31-15, 13-24, 26-20, 18-16.
Finland took the command of the game already during the first quarter. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) led Finnish NT with 20 pts and six rebounds + six assists. Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) added 13 pts. Hanno Mottola (208-F-76, college: Utah) and Teemu Rannikko (189-G-80) combined 18 (9+9) pts. The host of the tournament is Hungary and the fourth NT is Sweden.
American C-F Clifton Jones (201-F-78, college: Oregon St.) has signed 2-year-contract (2009-2011) with KTP (Kotka). Jones came to Finland nine years ago (2000) and has played before Kotka on four different Finnish rosters: Joensuu, Porvoo, Helsinki and Karkkila. Last season Jones averaged 9,4 ppg, 9,4 rpg in 30 mpg on Team Componenta (Karkkila) roster. Jones may get his new nationality and passport (Finnish) in this year and so KTP is still after three (3) American players.

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FRANCE

Kristjan Kangur and Thomas Heurtel to play for French champions - by Eurobasket News
Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) and Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) are the new faces in the French champions ASVEL squad. The team is getting ready for the busy next season with ProA and Euroleague campaigns waiting for them. So the addition of Kangur and Heurtel is meant to bolster their squad.
Kristjan Kangur played for the Kalev/Cramo in the previous season. The 27-year-old forward led his team to the EMKL triumph. He averaged 12.0 points and 4.4 boards for Kalev/Cramo. He was named the EMKL Domestic Player of the Year at the end of the season. He also was trumped the MVP of the Finals. In Baltic League Kristjan Kangur scored 10.5 points, 6.7 boards and 1.8 assists per game.
Thomas Heurtel signed a four-year contract with ASVEL. The 20-year-old guard arrives to ASVEL from Pau-Orthez. There Heurtel averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. Heurtel is now playing for the French U20 National team at the European Championship in Greece averaging 11.7 points per appearance. Thomas Heurtel spent three years with Pau-Orthez winning the French Cup in 2007.

France U20 clinched the Semifinal appearance - by Eurobasket News
France U20-Montenegro U20 68:47 (17-14, 18-10, 18-15, 15-8)

France U20 rightfully overcame Montenegro at the U20 European Championship to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won all the frames over the opponents for 68:47 victory.
France started with five consecutive points and then had 10:2 lead. Lalic reduced to 13:10, while Sead Sehovic (201-C/F-89) kept the difference at 17:14. After 17:15 the favorites produced an 8-0 run for 25:17 midway through the second period. Nikola Vucevic (210-F-90) closed the second quarter for 35:24 as the teams went to the lockers. Lamine Sambe (189-G-89) scored six points in France's 10-2 run out of the changing room. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) and Ona-Embo knocked down three-balls later in the third for a 53:39 lead after three periods. In the last stanza the French outfit started to pay more attention to defense and limited the opponents to 8 points. France finished the game with 15-8 for the total 68:47 victory.
Antoine Diot and Lamine Sambe paced all the winners with 12 points, while four other players netted 9 each. Nikola Vucevic ended up with 20 points and 13 boards, whilst Sead Sehovic added 9.
Tomorrow France will meet Italy U20 that upset the Lithuanian squad for the Semifinal birth of U20 European Championship. Italy created a 69:68 shocking win after 22-7 in the last stanza.

France U20: Antoine Diot 12+9 rebs+6 ast, Lamine Sambe 12
Montenegro U20: Nikola Vucevic 20+13 rebs, Sead Sehovic 9

Slovenia U18 surprise the hosts - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U18-France U18 83:81

Slovenia U18 became the only undefeated team of Group A at the U18 European Championship. The team improved to 2-0 record handing France the first 83:81 loss.
Slovenia played against the hosts and realized the difficulty of the game. The guests however opened the game with four points and then had 14:12 lead. Edo Muric (202-F-91) closed the opening quarter at 19:18 making a jump shot. France responded with some baskets in the second period and grabbed 25:19 when Wachowiak nailed a three. Fabien Paschal (206-C/F-91) brought the double digit numbers and Frederic Bourdillon (193-G/F-91) sent the teams to the lockers for 43:35. Slovenia needed 22-20 to trail 63:57 after three quarters and then pushed the tempo for good. Edo Muric tied the game at 68:68 and Panic gave Slovenia 70:68 lead. Nikolic Smrdeljmade a free throw to seal the second straight victory with Slovenia.
Edo Muric top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Nejc Buda (210-C-91) nailed 14, while Nikolic Smrdelj ended up with 13. Chrislain Cairo (200-F-91) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort as France is 1-1. Frederic Bourdillon posted 15, whilst Fabien Paschal had 12.
In another game of the group Serbian U18 team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in Hagondange. They held off Czech Republic in preliminary Group A to improve at 1-1 record. Czech team slipped at 0-2 record.

Slovenia U18: Edo Muric 15+10 rebs, Nejc Buda 14, Nikolic Smrdelj 13
France U18: Chrislain Cairo 17, Frederic Bourdillon 15, Fabien Paschal 12

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FYR MACEDONIA

Macedonia praised for organization U20 male and female EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News
General Secretary of FIBA, Nar Zanolin has recently stated that he is delighted with what he saw during U20 European Championships Division B for men and women. These competitions were recently held in Skopje and Ohird, and FIBA General Secretary was very pleased with organization. He believes that in the near future, Macedonia should seriously consider submitting a bid for organization of Senior Eurobasket in near future. He stated that he was very pleased with the conditions which all participants have, the accommodations as well as the gyms where the Tournaments took and are taking place. He was especially fascinated by the city of Ohird and all it has to offer. This will definitely be a boost for Macedonian Basketball Federation, which has recently been facing some problems regarding their Senior Female National Team. This should give them a boost to continue working hard on improving conditions in Macedonia and enabling their national teams to achieve good results. Macedonia also has high hopes for their Senior National Team which will be competing at Eurobasket in Poland this coming September.
U20 European Championships for women was recently held in Ohrid from July 6th unitl 16th. Holland won the Tournament, while the Macedonian National Team finished in last place. U20 European Championships is currently being held in Skopje and have just finished the preliminary Group phase. U20 Macedonia is currently doing good as they finished the group phase in 1st place with 2 wins and 1 loss. Now they are in position to reach Semifinals if they win their next game on the Tournament. Their next opponent will be U20 Czech Republic Team.

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GERMANY

Chemnitz re-sign Harbut and bring in Allen - by Moritz Korff
Michael Allen (183-G-87, Ohio) will start his overseas career with 2. Bundesliga Pro A side Chemnitz. The native of Detroit, Michigan leaves the Ohio University (NCAA1) after his sophomore year to turn pro. During 2008-09 Allen, who will run the point for the Niners, averaged 6.9 points and 4.3 assists per outing for Ohio.
In Chemnitz he will be a team mate of Terren Harbut (198-F-83, college: Ohio), another former Ohio Bobcat. The athletic wing player from Lexington, Kentucky earned a contract extension with the Niners.

MBC ink Aussie big man - by Moritz Korff
Mitteldeutscher BC, newcomer to the 1. Bundesliga, have signed Tom Jervis (213-C-87, college: Troy) for the 2009-2010 season. The 22-year-old Australian, who was born in Perth, spent the past four years playing college basketball in the USA. He first attended Bevill State-Fayette, a Junior College, and transfered to Troy University (NCAA1) in 2007. As a senior he averaged 6.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots for the Trojans.

Meanwhile, the MBC Wolves announced that both Martin Ides (217-C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Davidson) and Lars Gruebler (211-C-80, college: Hofstra) will not play for the club in 2009-2010.

Croatia too good for Germany - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18 - Germany U18 73:51
Croatian U18 team extended their unbeaten run at the European Championship in France. They knocked down Germany today to remain at the helm of preliminary Group B. Germany had to slow down after the impressive starting win over Ukraine. One of the U19 World Championship standouts Toni Prostran (183-G-91) was once again impressive for Croatia. He tallied 24 points, 9 assists and 4 boards to orchestrate the game well.
Danilo Barthel (205-F-91)l scored early five points to give Germany a 7:3 lead. When Danilo Barthell knocked down his second three-pointer of the night German team earned a 15:7 advantage. They sealed the first outcome at 17:11. But Toni Prostran scored 4 points in a 9:0 run from Croatia to begin the second stanza. Toni Prostran finished the frame with 8 points to his tally leading the team to a 28:24 advantage.
Toni Prostran hit a three-pointer five minutes into the second half to open up a double-digit lead. Croatia rolled confidently to ensure a 55:44 advantage at three-quarter time. Canty tipped off the fourth period with a three-pointer but was immediately matched by five points from Dosen and Sekelja. The gap soon grew to 19 points and Croatia did not look back en route to the win.
Domagoj Bubalo (212-C-91) finished with 13 points and 10 boards for Croats. Dino Jakolis (197-G-91) had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) responded with 25 points for Germany. Danilo Barthel had 10 points in defeat.

Croatia U18: Toni Prostran 24, Domagoj Bubalo 13+10 boards, Dino Jakolis 10
Germany U18: Philipp Neumann 25, Danilo Barthel 10

Saar-Pfalz Braves: Josipovic new Head Coach - by Moritz Korff
Nenad Josipovic has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Saar-Pfalz Braves (2. Bundesliga Pro A). Josipovic, who is 46 years of age, was standing at the helm of the Bremen Roosters last season. The Roosters decided to withdraw their team from the league after this past campaign had come to a close. In 2006 the Croatian saved the Roosters from relegation shortly after being hired and as a consequence was named the Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Coach of the Year. Prior to the 2007-08 season he moved to BG Karlsruhe, but returned to Bremen the next year.

Paderborn Baskets seal Simon deal - by Moritz Korff
1. Bundesliga outfit Paderborn Baskets has completed the capture of Nicolai Simon (191-G-87). The 22-year-old Guard had been mentioned as one of the most promising young German players some years ago. He is a product of the Urspringschule/Ehingen program and left the Steeples in 2006 to move to ALBA Berlin. In his first year on the Berlin team he made the Eurobasket.com All-Bundesliga Newcomers Team. Slowed down by an injury Simon hardly saw any action in the following year and thus returned to Ehingen for the 2008-09 season. He averaged 8.6 points and 5.1 assists for the Steeples during 2008-09 and received Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro B Domestic Players Team honors.

Germany U20 remains in Division A - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20-Germany U20 72:75 (18-20, 24-31, 18-9, 12-15)

Germany U20 remains in Division A after a thrilling win over Israel U20. The team had 75:72 victory at their last game of the U20 European Championship.
Sean Daniel (199-F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) gave Israel the first lead from the perimeter and he nailed another one for 6:2. Thomas Schoeps (188-G-89) brought Germany 10:8 and Robin Benzing (208-F-89) scored for 16:11. Thomas Schoeps closed the opening quarter for 20:18 advantage. After 24:24 Robin Benzing nailed another two three-pointers for 30:24. After massive 31-24 the Germna side had 51:42 at the halftime. Israel came back from the lockers with a better mood, however showed their best at the end of the period. Amit Simhon (197-G-89) made a lay-up for 60:60 after thirty minutes. The game was like a battle in the last frame and the board showed 73:72 for Germany. Thomas Schoeps made two free throws for the total success at the end.
Robin Benzing top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Thomas Schoeps nailed 18, while Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Court Side) posted 13. Amit Simhon ended up with 16 points in defeat, Sean Daniel netted 14, while Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) collected 14 points and 10 boards.
In another game Slovenia U20 won the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. The team finished with 3-0 record beating Belgium 79:67. The latter lost all three games and will eliminate to Division B.

Israel U20: Amit Simhon 16, Sean Daniel 14, Anton Shoutvin 14+10 rebs
Germany U20: Robin Benzing 21+9 rebs, Thomas Schoeps 18, Philipp Schwethelm 13

Kyle Visser makes Ludwigsburg switch - by Moritz Korff
In the past two years Kyle Visser (211-C-85, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest) was a member of the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Now he will part ways with the club but will stay in the 1. Bundesliga anyway, as he put his autograph under a contract with EnBW Ludwigsburg for the 2009-2010 season. Visser was Braunschweig's second leading scorer in this past campaign and poured in 11.2 points a game. He also pulled down 5.8 boards per contest. He had a season-high 22 points against Bremerhaven in January.

Stahnsdorf land NAIA topscorer - by Moritz Korff
RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (2. Bundesliga Pro B) announced the signing of their first import player today. Jackson Capel (191-G, college: Evangel) will suit up for RSV in the upcoming season. The 22-year-old, a graduate of Evangel University, was a two-time NAIA All-American and a four-time All-Heart of America Conference selection. Last season, he led the NAIA Divison 1 in scoring with a 23.6 points per game average. He scored more than 30 points in a contest ten times through the season. His best game was a 42 points-performance, including 10 out of 11 from beyond the arc, against Graceland University in January.

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GREECE

Bulgaria deny Greek hopes in France - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Greece U18 65:55
Bulgaria sank Greece even deeper at the U18 European Championship. A Georgi Mladenov team celebrated a comfortable win to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. The Hellenes slipped at 0-2 at the bottom of the standings.
Greece jumped to an 8:3 lead early in the game but could not maintain it. Eight unanswered points from Bulgaria put them on top. They rallied to a 10-point advantage after ten minutes. Emil Binev (198-F-91) knocked down 9 points in a row midway through the second quarter to ensure a 33:18 lead for Bulgaria. Dafinov crowned the half with a free throw as Bulgaria posted a 43:23 advantage. Greece managed miserable four points in the third quarter to trail by insurmountable 24 points at the final break. The Hellenes made it look hopeful with an 11:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter. However Bulgaria quickly regained control and raced to the win at the end.
Emil Binev delivered 21 points and 7 boards to pace Bulgaria. Plamen Hristov (196-F-91) added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the winning case. Ioannis Angelopoulos (194-G-91) had 16 points for Greece. Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Bulgaria U18: Emil Binev 21, Plamen Hristov 16+10 boards, Ventsislav Petkov (187-G-91) 9
Greece U18: Ioannis Angelopoulos 16, Georgios Georgakis 9

Hellas - Croatia 77-68 - by Chris Mammides
Hellas Croatia 77-68 and Hellas wins the 6th out of 7 games in a row.
The Hellenic NT has qualified in the semis after winning earlier today the Croatian NT with 77-68. The amazing trio of Pappas, Bogris and Sloukas was magnificent and didnt let the Croatians to do their game, even though Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) and Vragovic gave their best. Bojan Bogdanovic (who's team-mate of Pappas in Bilbao) scored 14 points while Vragovic netted 12 points.
Georgios Bogris with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90) with 18 points and 4 assists and Kostas Sloukas with 16 points and 6 rebounds and 4 assists, were the top performers from Missas troops. It is worth mentioned the defencive skills of the talented Papanikolaou who's 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 block shots were more than helpfull for the Hellenic team.

The hosts march to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Greece U20 68:77 (21-20, 12-15, 13-20, 22-22)

Greece outscored Croatia at home of the U20 European Championship to reach the Semifinals. The hosts of the tournament overpower the opponents 77:68 mostly due to the third period.
Croatai opened the game from the perimeter and then Bilan made it 10:7. Even though Greece resisted a lot, Croatia had a minimum lead after the first 10 minutes. The lead continued for the next three minutes as well, but then Greece grabbed the advantage. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) made 26:25 for the hosts and Greece had 35:33 at the halftime. Croatia continued to fight and knotted the game at 42:42 on Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89)'s three-pointer. After 20-13 Greece however enjoyed 55:46 advantage. Kunce's team pulled to within 55:50 early in the fourth quarter to bring the intrigue back into the game. Zisis Sarikopoulos hit inside to push the margin back to 61:50, while Georgios Bogris (209-C/F-89) made it 65:57. Nikolaos Pappas brought the hosts the exciting 77:68 victory.
Nikolaos Pappas was responsible for 18 points to advance to the semis. Georgios Bogris nailed 17, while Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) notched 16. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, whilst Karlo Vragovic netted 12.
Greece will face Spain U20 next that advanced to the semifinals of U20 European Championship. The top team of Group E overcame the fourth team of Group F Turkey 77:60.

Croatia U20: Bojan Bogdanovic 14, Karlo Vragovic 12
Greece U20: Nikolaos Pappas 18, Georgios Bogris 17, Konstantinos Sloukas 16

U18 European Championship: Day 1: Hellas - Turkey 74-78 - by Chris Mammides
The very fresh and young team of Coach Giorgos Vlassopoulos (which actually 'created' four days ago) averaging not more than 17 years of age, stood up heroicly against the top favorite (to win the tournament) team of Turkey and for 37 minutes was leading the game with Georgakis being tha man of the Hellenic team but then and on a 'deadly' 0-10 fort eh Turks together with the amazing Enes Kanter (206-C-92) who had a monster game with 22 points and 22 rebounds lead Turkey to past the Hellenic team with 78-74 on the opening day of the U18 European Championship Men 2009, in Metz, France.
Hellas got off to a quick start, taking a 22-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Turks fought their way back behind Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) and Enes Kanter to go into the break on top, 40-37.The teams traded the lead throughout the third quarter and the early part of the final period with neither side able to pull away completely as the score was not more than 2-5 points.
Giannis Karathanasis (200-F-91) hit a three-pointer to help the Hellenic NT into a 65-60 lead with just over five minutes left in the game, but Turkey - led by the pair of Enes Kanter and Mutaf - then ran off 10 straight points for a 70-65 advantage.
The Hellenic NT cut the deficit down to three, 77-74, on a Ioannis Karathanasis lay up with 42 seconds left to play, but it was too little too late as Turkey held on until the final whistle.
Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91), who helped Greece take the ascendence in the first half, had a team-high 22 points while Ioannis Karathanasis chipped in with 14.

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GUATEMALA

Elite Sport defeated by D-Team - by Gianni Pascucci
In the second game of the brand new LPB league, Lanco Elite-Sport felto to favourite D-Team, 97-106 at the end of a very battled game. with 24 points, Otto Rodriguez (192-F-88) led the way in D-Team, follwed by Panamanian Dangelo Vaughn (192-F-80), with 22 and by Enrique Samayoa (193-F-82) with 20. The best in Elite Sport were Walter Morales (184-G-83) with 21 and Jose Luis Lopez (186-G/F-77) with 20

Standings

LPB Standings

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

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GUINEA

Guinea Bissau National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Mustafa

Vieira

Sami

Camara

4 Francisco Rodrigues (192-G-78) of Belenenses Hyundai Lusifor (POR)
5 Ba Mustafa (196-F-85) of Terceira Basket (POR)
6 Luis Pinhel
7 Antonio Mendes (-88) of C.B. Blanes Almeria (ESP)
8 Danilson Vieira (192-F-85) of Electrico FC (POR)
10 Franklim Furtado (198-F-87) of Queluz Sintra Patrimonio Mundial (POR)
11 Amadu Turee
12 Anastacio Sami (207-C-76) of Sampaense/Tec.Coimbra (POR)
13 Josimar Cardoso (201-F-87) of Queluz Sintra Patrimonio Mundial (POR)
14 Mohamed Camara (196-F-83) of Queluz Sintra Patrimonio Mundial (POR)
15 Seco Camara (195-F/G-76) of Sampaense/Tec.Coimbra (POR)
Head Coach: Jose Abrantes

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HOLLAND

Standings - Promotie Divisie

Prom.Divisie Standings

1. Goba	0-0
2. Red Giants	0-0
3. MSV	0-0
4. Groene	0-0
5. Binnenland	0-0
6. Hoofddorp	0-0
7. Akrides	0-0
8. Punch	0-0
9. EBBC	0-0
10. Landstede 2	0-0
11. MyGuide 2	0-0
12. High Five	0-0
13. Leiden 2	0-0
14. BV Rooi	0-0

Jeroen van Vugt scores 28 points in Netherlands victory - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U18 - Scotland U18 98:59
Netherlands U18 team posted the initial victory at the European Championship in Division B. They outgunned Scottish opponents to improve at 1-1 record in Group C today. Jeroen van Vugt (192-G-91) poured in 28 points to lead the Dutch team.
The close battle in the first frame saw Netherlands gain a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. Padberg and Gian Slagter (192-F-91) ensured an 8-point lead early in the second quarter. Fluks, Gian Slagter and Jeroen van Vugt helped the Dutch side to open a 12-point advantage late in the first half. Netherlands mounted the pressure in the third stanza to pile up a 22-point lead at the third intermission. Three-pointers from Mulder and Jeroen van Vugt ballooned the margin to 30-point mark. Netherlands never looked back en route to the victory.
Quincy Treffers (199-C-91) delivered 17 points and 9 rebounds for Holland. Gian Slagter contributed 11 points for the winners. Dale Grieve (-92) answered with 12 points for Scotland. Josh Crolley (-91) banked 10 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
Scottish team shot only 34% from the field, while Netherlands replied with 47% accuracy. The winners also enjoyed a 44:35 advantage on the boards.

Netherlands U18: Jeroen van Vugt 28, Quincy Treffers 17, Gian Slagter 11
Scotland U18: Dale Grieve 12, Josh Crolley 10+10 boards

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HUNGARY

IBL

Slam's Graham earns tryout with NBA's Wizards - by Eurobasket News
Guard Ira Graham (6'2''-G, agency: Duran International, college: W.Washington) has been invited to participate in a tryout with the NBA's Washington Wizards this summer, the Bellingham Slam announced today.

Graham will head to Washington, D.C. next month to participate in the Wizards' tryout. The occasion marks the first time a Slam player has been offered a direct tryout with an NBA team.

Should Graham impress at the tryout, he could potentially be signed by the Wizards as a free agent and placed on Washington's roster or assigned to their NBA Development League team, the Dakota Wizards.

Graham, 23, completed a superb rookie professional season with the Slam earlier this month. He started all 22 games for the Slam, averaging 18.5 points per game on 52.9 percent shooting from the floor. He was also the team's assist leader this season with 120, good for a 5.5 per game average. Graham scored a season-high 40 points against the Edmonton Energy on May 16, then gave the Slam their most dramatic win of the season with a buzzer-beating shot against the Vancouver Volcanoes on May 23. Earlier this week, Graham was one of four Bellingham players to be included on the International Basketball League all-star roster.

Prior to joining the Slam, Graham wrapped up an impressive collegiate career at Western Washington in March. As a senior, he led the Vikings with a 19.1 points per game scoring average and helped WWU to their first ever outright Great Northwest Athletic Conference title. Graham was named the GNAC's player of the year and appeared in the Division II All-Star Game alongside Slam teammate and ex-Saint Martin's standout Jake Linton.

For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.

Courtesy of The Belingham Slam

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ICELAND

Poland narrowly defeat Iceland in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Iceland U18 67:65
Polish U18 team opened their European Championship in Division B campaign with a hard-fought win. Szymanski scored a freebie late in regulation as Poland escaped with a narrow victory over Iceland. The win allowed Poland to climb on top of preliminary Group B.
Iceland opened the game confidently and led midway through the frame. But Poland initiated a 10:2 run to cap the quarter ahead by 6. Sokolowski knocked down a three-pointer to put Poland up by 9 points early in the second quarter. Iceland reacted with 16:2 run to regain the advantage. The seesaw action continued in the half but Iceland were able to eke out a 34:33 lead at halftime.
Dziemba quickly stole the lead back for Poland at the beginning of the third stanza. They maintained control and secured a 10-point lead at the final break. Parzenski and Robert Magnuszewski (193-F-91) stretched the gap to 12 points midway through the fourth quarter. But Houkur Palsson (196-G-92) triggered a comeback rally from Icelandic team as they got within one with 6 seconds to go. Szymanski got fouled, hit the first free throw and then missed the second one just for Wojciech Fras (202-F-91, agency: AB Agency) to pull down offensive rebound sealing the victory for Poland.
Wojciech Fras and Robert Magnuszewski knocked down 11 points apiece for Poland. Kacper Stalicki (194-F-92) added 10 points in the win. Haukur Oskarsson (194-F-91) responded with game-high 18 points for Iceland. Houkur Palsson finished with 13 points in defeat.

Poland U18: Wojciech Fras 11, Robert Magnuszewski 11+12 boards, Kacper Stalicki 10
Iceland U18: Haukur Oskarsson 18, Houkur Palsson 13

Finland topple Iceland for initial win in Bosnia and Herzegovina - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18 - Iceland U18 67:55
Finnish Junior National Team denied a 7-point halftime deficit to post the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Iceland sending their opponents to 0-2 record. Osku Heinonen (193-F-92) knocked down 13 points to pace balanced offensive effort from Finland.
The teams combined for only 14 points in the first frame and were tied at 7 after ten minutes. Tomasson and Aegir Steinarsson (182-G-91) pulled Iceland in front midway through the second quarter. Iceland crowned the half on an 11:0 rally to accumulate a 28:21 advantage. Osku Heinonen knocked down 6 points in a 13:1 run from Finland early in the third quarter. Finland jumped ahead and finished the third frame ahead by two points 45:43. Alex Vaenerberg (183-G-92), Osku Heinonen and Molenius extended the margin to 12 points early in the final term. Iceland could threaten the margin throughout the reminder of the contest and Finland drove to the win.
Alex Vaenerberg had 12 points for Finland. Antto Nikkarinen (185-G-91) notched 10 points and 7 boards in the victory. Sigurdur Thorarinsson (200-C-91) answered with 11 points for Iceland. Aegir Steinarsson netted 9 points in defeat.

Finland U18: Osku Heinonen 13, Alex Vaenerberg 12, Antto Nikkarinen 10
Iceland U18: Sigurdur Thorarinsson 11, Aegir Steinarsson 9

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IRAN

Jordan boycotts game for unfair call ... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
According to William Jones Cup - 2009 Broadcasting News in Taiwan :

It started from the post game press conference on July 22nd. Iranian head coach Veselin Matic told reporters that Qatar, Lebanon and Jordan benefitted from 'naturalizing American imports.'

'The Asian Championship is a tournament that belongs to Asian players. But some countries have been naturalizing American imports to make their team stronger. The championship looks more like a pro game right now. Among them are Lebanon, Jordan and Qatar, ' local media quoted Matic, who added that Qatar is the worse case that it barely has any local player on roster.

Iranian players are all native players, Matic said.

Asked by media about the issue, Jordan head coach Mario Palma was visibly angry. He said that Matic should focus on how to make Iran a better team instead of making false accusation on the import issue. Not all Iranian players are native, he said.

Then came the Iran-Jordan game last night.

Less than three minutes entering the game, 7-2 Iranian center Hamed Hadadi elbowed Zaid Abbas after pulling down a rebound. Abbas swung back and walked away. Hadadi charged forward, choking and pushing Abbas.

Jordanian guard Osama Daghles ran onto the court and punched Hadadai before a bench-clearing confrontation.

Taiwanese referee Chen Chuan-jen ruled that Hadadi and Abbas would be ejected as well as all players who left the bench area, which would have left both team with four players each.

However, Korean referee Kim Young-woo insisted that it was only an unsportsmanlike foul and overruled Chen. Kim decided that it would be four technical fouls for Hadadi, Abbas and bench of both teams.

The call pissed off Mario Palma, who told Kim that if Hadadi stayed in the game, Jordan would not resume play. Kim rejected the request and Palma ordered his player leave the court in a boycott.
The official score of the game was Iran 20, Jordan zero.

Iran defeated Lebanon to be the First Chance of Championship in William Jones Cup 2009 - by Mohammad Ahmadi
William Jones Cup 2009 - Taiwan :

Iran NT won their most important game in William Jones Cup 2009 against Lebanon by 81 - 70.
In this game, Lebanon was using Jackson Vroman in their starting five and did their best to win Iran after 2 losts against them in Asian Cup 2007 and Qatar Tournament.

They also won the first and third quarter by 10-20 and 16-21 but they lost second and fourth quarter by 22-13 and 33-16 and lost the game again and are waiting for Asian Cup 2009 in China for another chance to beat Iran.

Iran will play their next game against Taiwan tomorrow.

Haddadi: I want to make Iranians proud - by Houman Bagheri
Source: Tehran Times Sports Desk

LAS VEGAS - Iranian Memphis Grizzlies basketball player Hamed Haddadi reiterated he is going to make Iranians proud with a good performance in NBA.

I want to exhibit some pride as the first Iranian player in the NBA, Haddadi said. I look forward to working hard and playing hard, and making my fellow countrymen proud.

Hopefully, Ill last a while in the league. Its been a little hard for me, this transition. My intensity at this level isnt where it needs to be, but Im working hard on getting it there.

Memphis inked Haddadi, 24, to a contract in August, after he led everyone in rebounds and blocked shots at the Beijing Olympics 2008. With 16.6 points and 11.2 rebounds, he was the lone Olympian to average a double-double.

Basketball was easy for me in Iran, he told Las Vegas Sun. Here, it is faster than in Iran and Asia. Here, I need to take time and think. Ill do better.

The 7-foot-2, 260-pound center played 19 games for the Grizzlies last season and he continues to make the transition to the size and speed of the NBA.

Theyre taller and faster here, Haddadi said. Everyone jumps high. But Ill be able to acclimate myself to the physical play. Its nothing the refs need to do for me.Ill do it for myself. The calls will come. Ill just play and see what happens.

Haddadi averaged 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in his brief tenure with the Grizzlies last season, when he made about $1.6 million. Memphis is interested in keeping Haddadi through 2013.

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ISRAEL

Lithuania dominate against Israel in Metz - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Israel U18 92:53

Lithuanian U18 team posted the second straight win at the European Championship in France. They toppled Israel to remain alone on top of preliminary Group D. Israel fell at 1-1 record in the second position. Osvaldas Matulionis (199-F-91) paced the Baltic team with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Israel led by one point with just over two minutes remaining in the opening frame but Lithuanian responded with 13 points in a row to earn a 24:12 lead two minutes into the second quarter. Jonas Valanciunas (211-C-92) stretched the gap to 20 points midway through the second period. Back-to-back trebles from Nimrod Tishman (195-G-91) and Mashour cut the distance. However Saulius Kulvietis (204-F-91) and Kadzevicius helped Lithuania to restore a 20-point margin. Lithuanian ballooned the gap to as many as 31 points at the final break. Lithuania cruised in the final frame to post another confident victory at the end.
Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 8 caroms for the winning team. Gilvydas Biruta (200-F-91) added 10 points for Lithuania. Nimrod Tishman notched 20 points for Israel. Daniel Tamir (206-C-91) recorded 8 points in defeat.

Lithuania U18: Osvaldas Matulionis 16, Jonas Valanciunas 15, Gilvydas Biruta 10
Israel U18: Nimrod Tishman 20, Daniel Tamir 8

Germany U20 remains in Division A - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20-Germany U20 72:75 (18-20, 24-31, 18-9, 12-15)

Germany U20 remains in Division A after a thrilling win over Israel U20. The team had 75:72 victory at their last game of the U20 European Championship.
Sean Daniel (199-F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) gave Israel the first lead from the perimeter and he nailed another one for 6:2. Thomas Schoeps (188-G-89) brought Germany 10:8 and Robin Benzing (208-F-89) scored for 16:11. Thomas Schoeps closed the opening quarter for 20:18 advantage. After 24:24 Robin Benzing nailed another two three-pointers for 30:24. After massive 31-24 the Germna side had 51:42 at the halftime. Israel came back from the lockers with a better mood, however showed their best at the end of the period. Amit Simhon (197-G-89) made a lay-up for 60:60 after thirty minutes. The game was like a battle in the last frame and the board showed 73:72 for Germany. Thomas Schoeps made two free throws for the total success at the end.
Robin Benzing top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Thomas Schoeps nailed 18, while Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Court Side) posted 13. Amit Simhon ended up with 16 points in defeat, Sean Daniel netted 14, while Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) collected 14 points and 10 boards.
In another game Slovenia U20 won the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. The team finished with 3-0 record beating Belgium 79:67. The latter lost all three games and will eliminate to Division B.

Israel U20: Amit Simhon 16, Sean Daniel 14, Anton Shoutvin 14+10 rebs
Germany U20: Robin Benzing 21+9 rebs, Thomas Schoeps 18, Philipp Schwethelm 13

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ITALY

Umberto Badioli moves to Germany - by Eurobasket News
Umberto Badioli (agency: Interperformances ) will head to Germany and will help Luka Pavicevic, the head coach of Alba Berlin. The latter decided about new assistant coach and Umberto Badioli (agency: Interperformances ) former assistant coach of Scavolini and Oostende signed 1 year contract.
Umberto Badioli (agency: Interperformances ) hails from Italy and started his work as basketball coach in 1993 in Desio, Italy. He coached BC Kiev in the 2004-2005 season and then was very successful in Belgium with BC Ostende winning the title in 2006 and 2007 and cup in 2008. Ostende finished the last season on the seventh spot with 13-19 record. In his last game Ostende lost to Leuven. Both teams entered to this game with the same 13-18 record. Leuven grabbed the last play-off spot thanks to James J.J. Miller who drained 17, DeMario Anderson who scored 14 and Chris Young who added 13 pts, plus 11 boards. The hosts got 16 points from Matt Haryasz.In 2008 Umberto Badioli (agency: Interperformances ) together with his Ostende he became Belgian Cup Winner.
His new team ALBA will play also in Euroleague Qualifying Round next year. The regular season is slated to tip off on October 21. The Qualifying Round will start on September 29. ALBA Berlin will face Le Mans and then the winner will take on Maroussi vs. Aris winner to figure out the Qualifier 2.

Markoishvili joins Cantu, Scafati signs Forehan-Kelly - by Antonello Varallo
Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) inked a contract with Pallacanestro Cantu. The georgian player began his italian career in 2002-2003 with Benetton Treviso (2 seasons, 36 games in Serie A with 3.3 ppg). Then he joined Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-1A), and after 3 seasons in Slovenia he played with BC Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague), where he ended last season with 12.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 85.0% in 35 games.
Scafati Basket announced the agreement with Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80, college: California) , a very athletic player who was signed by Vanoli Soresina in 2006-2007 but released before the beginning of the season because of an injury. He also played in Mexico, Venezuela, China and France (Besanon Basket -France-ProA-, 10.6ppg in 21 games), and he ended last season with Los Angeles D-Fenders (D-League), with 12.9 ppg in 31 games and a season high of 26 points.

David Hawkins swaps Armani Jeans for Montepaschi Siena - by Eurobasket News
David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: Buck Andre, college: Temple) will continue his career in Montepaschi Siena. The Italian champions signed the shooting guard for the next season. The 27-year-old US guard was among the topscorers in the last Seria A season. He averaged 15.8 points, 3.7 boards, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game in Italy. In EuroLeague David Hawkins notched 13.9 points, 2.9 boards and 2.6 assists per game for Armani Jeans.
David Hawkins played for Rieti, Lottomatica Roma and Armani Jeans after graduating from Temple University in 2004.

Russia escape with narrow win against Italy in Metz - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Italy U18 55:54

Russia had a narrow escape against Italy on the second day of the U18 European Championship in France. Russia gained a one-point victory to improve at 1-1 record in Group D. The Azzurri fell at 0-2 record.
Moraschini set the tone early with a three-pointer. Italy kept in front throughout the major part of the first quarter. But Russia Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) scored 5 points in a 7:0 run that gave Russia a 16:15 lead into the second quarter. The teams traded baskets throughout the second stanza as Russia managed to secure a 35:31 advantage at the interval. Pavel Antipov (204-F-91) stepped up for Russia in the third quarter scoring seven points. The team kept Italy at bay and headed into the fourth period up by 11. Pavel Antipov and Balashov stretched the margin to 14 points as Russia seemed to be cruising to the win. But the Azzurri unleashed a 14:2 run to cut the deficit. They came within one after a dunk from Moraschini with 11 seconds remaining. Michele Vitali (194-G-91) had a chance to win the game for Italy but his three-pointer rimmed off.
Pavel Antipov scored 21 and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead Russia. Ivan Lazarev (205-C-91) had 10 points in the victorious case. Achille Polonara (202-F-91) answered with 10 points for the Azzurri. Michele Vitali had 7 points in defeat.

Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 21+10 boards, Ivan Lazarev 10, Dmitry Kulagin 6
Italy U18: Achille Polonara 10, Michele Vitali 7

Italy U20 shock the Baltic side - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20-Italy U20 68:69 (25-18, 11-13, 25-16, 7-22)

Italy U20 upset the Lithuanian squad for the Semifinal birth of U20 European Championship. Italy created a 69:68 shocking win after 22-7 in the last stanza. Although Lithuania was the favorite of the game, Italy started with 3:0 run. The team had 9:3 and 11:5 in the opening tip of the game. The Baltic side tied the game at 11:11 and after 10-5 run finished the opening quarter at 25:18. Italy needed another reply for 28:28, but the favorites had 36:31 at the halftime. Zygimantas Janavicius (193-G-89, agency: Interperformances) extended the lead to 46:31, while Lipkevicius gave his team 49:33. It seemed that the intrigue was over, however Italy was far to give up. Trailing 14 points after 30 minutes of the game Italy trailed also in the whole last period, but not 7 seconds of it. Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) made a three for the shocking 69:68 victory to send his team to the Semifinals.
Daniele Sandri (195-F/G-90) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group) and Roberto Rullo nailed 9 each. Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) ended up with 16 points in defeat as Lithuania will play for the 5-8 places. Zygimantas Janavicius notched 13, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (204-F-89) had 11.
In the Semifinals Italy will play against France U20 that rightfully overcame Montenegro at the U20 European Championship to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won all the frames over the opponents for 68:47 victory.

Lithuania U20: Adas Juskevicius 16, Zygimantas Janavicius 13, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 11
Italy U20: Daniele Sandri 16, Tommaso Raspino 9, Roberto Rullo 9

Market news, a great prospect for Air Avellino: Cenk Akyol - by Antonello Varallo
Air Scandone Avellino announced arrival of the turkish youngster Cenk Akyol (196-G-87), who is coming to coach Cesare Pancotto's team from Efes Pilsen Istanbul, where he ended last season with 35 games played (5.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 71.9%) and a season high of 22 points scored against Antalya (2/3 from 2pg, 6/7 from 3pg). He is a member of Turkish national team, in 2005 he has been drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA,2rd (59)) and he has already played 42 Euroleague games (2.8 ppg).

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IVORY COAST

JAPAN

Kazakhstan grabs the first win at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan - Japan 75-70

Kazakhstan finally grabbed the first win at the William Jones Cup 2009. After 5 consecutive failures, Kazakhstan managed to beat Japan 75-70 joining Philippines with 1-5 record. The Japanese also have just one win so far, but they played one game less (1-4).
Kazakhstan had impressive start yesterday. At the first point they created 7-0 and later extended it to 13-0 run. It was 2 minutes remaining in the opening quarter when Japan finally made a basket. Beginning of the second frame belonged to Japan, who managed to tie the score at 20 points both. However, Alexandr Tyutyunik (197-G-90) and his teammates once again intensified defense and were pretty productive on the other side of the court. Everything resulted with 41-32 lead at the half time. Until the end the Japanese seriously threatened, especially in the last quarter. They made few big threes and it seemed that turn is close to happen, but Kazakhs did not have the same thoughts. They were strong enough to keep plus 5 for the first joy on this event.
Today at the William Jones Cup, Japan will meet South Korea. Kazakhstan will take on Taiwan.

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KAZAKHSTAN

LATVIA

Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20-Serbia U20 74:67 (23-12, 16-12, 22-22, 13-21)

Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Baltic side beat the opponents 74:67 in Greece to play for the 9th place on Sunday.
The Baltic team scored the first five points in the game and then Kristers Zeidaks (202-F-90) made it 13:10. Markovic posted two for the Serbian team at 16:12 but Latvia finished the opening quarter with 7-0 run for 23:12. The tempo continued to grow and Latvia reached 31:14 as Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89) made a three. Kristers Zeidaks scored for 37:21, while Dusko Bunic (205-C-89) reduced to 39:24 at the halftime. Both squads nailed 44 points in the third period to post 22 each. It gave Latvia 61:46 advantage after three quarters. Janis Kaufmanis nailed three for 67:51 in the beginning of the last stanza and it became clear that Latvia would win the game. Blaus posted the last points for the winners, while Markovic was the last to score in the game.
Kristers Zeidaks top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Janis Kaufmanis nailed 15, while Bertans and Arturs Dusels (198-F-89) notched 11 each. Dusko Bunic finished the game with 20 points in defeat as Serbia will hope for the 11th place. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) nailed 17, while Markovic scored 11.
Russia won the second game of the day at the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Russian team overcame Ukraine 65:54 to play for the 9th place in France.

Latvia U20: Kristers Zeidaks 17, Janis Kaufmanis 15, Bertans 11, Arturs Dusels 11
Serbia U20: Dusko Bunic 20, Bojan Subotic 17, Markovic 11

Turkey U18 became the leader of Group C - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18-Latvia U18 85:50

Turkey became the leader of Group C of the U18 European Championship. The team beat Latvia 85:50 in Day 2 of the tournament for 2-0 record.
The winners opened the game with 12-0 run and kept the difference at the end of the first for 24:12. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) made it 30:15, while Caliskan scored for 37:17. Turkey won the second period 20-9 and had 44:21 at the halftime. In order not to stop, the team continued to dominate the court in the third period as well. Furkan Aldemir gave his team 66:30 at the end of the third frame. Ervins Jonats (198-F-91) reduced to 70:34, while Antrops scored for 80:42. Latvia could not match the opponents even though they tied the quarter at 19-19. Yuksel brought Turkey an easy 85:50 victory for 2-0 record.
Furkan Aldemir, Firat Toz (188-G-91) and Safak Edge (185-G-92) top-cored for the winners with 14 points each. Ervins Jonats brought Latvia 10 points as latter dropped at 1-1. Harijs Rubenis (199-F-91) and Artjoms Butjankovs (201-C-91) notched 9 points in the losing effort.
In another game of the group Bulgaria sank Greece even deeper at the U18 European Championship. A Georgi Mladenov team celebrated a comfortable win to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. The Hellenes slipped at 0-2 at the bottom of the standings.

Turkey U18: Furkan Aldemir 14, Firat Toz 14, Safak Edge 14
Latvia U18: Ervins Jonats 10, Harijs Rubenis 9, Artjoms Butjankovs 9

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LEBANON

Lebanon too strong for Taiwan, Vroman scores 35 and grabs 17 rebounds - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Taiwan 91-78

Very good performance by Team Lebanon on Day 6 of William Jones Cup for almost perfect 5-1 record. That is enough for top of the standings as South Korea, Iran and Jordan follow with 4-1. Taiwan, who had perfect start on this event, now faced with second consecutive loss (3-2).
Lebanon started this game strongly. From the tip-off it was clear that Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) is in a game mood, what was very important for the Lebanese. In just few minutes Lebanon created 10-0 run, but somehow stopped after that. Taiwan's players woke up managing to tie the score to 19-19 until the end of the first stanza. However, Vroman stepped up for Lebanon in the second quarter leading them double-digit lead. Until the half time it already was plus 18 for Lebanon. Taiwan didn't give up, but it seems Lebanon controlled them in style during the following 20 minutes. Jackson Vroman finished the game with impressive 35 points and 17 rebounds. He drained 21 of his points from the free throw line (21/27). Brian Feghali (204-F-77, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: LSU) this time helped with 18 points and 8 boards. In Team Taiwan, Tseng Wen-Ting had 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Today at the William Jones Cup, Lebanon will meet Iran. Taiwan will play against Kazakhstan.

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LITHUANIA

Lithuania dominate against Israel in Metz - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Israel U18 92:53

Lithuanian U18 team posted the second straight win at the European Championship in France. They toppled Israel to remain alone on top of preliminary Group D. Israel fell at 1-1 record in the second position. Osvaldas Matulionis (199-F-91) paced the Baltic team with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Israel led by one point with just over two minutes remaining in the opening frame but Lithuanian responded with 13 points in a row to earn a 24:12 lead two minutes into the second quarter. Jonas Valanciunas (211-C-92) stretched the gap to 20 points midway through the second period. Back-to-back trebles from Nimrod Tishman (195-G-91) and Mashour cut the distance. However Saulius Kulvietis (204-F-91) and Kadzevicius helped Lithuania to restore a 20-point margin. Lithuanian ballooned the gap to as many as 31 points at the final break. Lithuania cruised in the final frame to post another confident victory at the end.
Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 8 caroms for the winning team. Gilvydas Biruta (200-F-91) added 10 points for Lithuania. Nimrod Tishman notched 20 points for Israel. Daniel Tamir (206-C-91) recorded 8 points in defeat.

Lithuania U18: Osvaldas Matulionis 16, Jonas Valanciunas 15, Gilvydas Biruta 10
Israel U18: Nimrod Tishman 20, Daniel Tamir 8

Italy U20 shock the Baltic side - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20-Italy U20 68:69 (25-18, 11-13, 25-16, 7-22)

Italy U20 upset the Lithuanian squad for the Semifinal birth of U20 European Championship. Italy created a 69:68 shocking win after 22-7 in the last stanza. Although Lithuania was the favorite of the game, Italy started with 3:0 run. The team had 9:3 and 11:5 in the opening tip of the game. The Baltic side tied the game at 11:11 and after 10-5 run finished the opening quarter at 25:18. Italy needed another reply for 28:28, but the favorites had 36:31 at the halftime. Zygimantas Janavicius (193-G-89, agency: Interperformances) extended the lead to 46:31, while Lipkevicius gave his team 49:33. It seemed that the intrigue was over, however Italy was far to give up. Trailing 14 points after 30 minutes of the game Italy trailed also in the whole last period, but not 7 seconds of it. Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) made a three for the shocking 69:68 victory to send his team to the Semifinals.
Daniele Sandri (195-F/G-90) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group) and Roberto Rullo nailed 9 each. Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) ended up with 16 points in defeat as Lithuania will play for the 5-8 places. Zygimantas Janavicius notched 13, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (204-F-89) had 11.
In the Semifinals Italy will play against France U20 that rightfully overcame Montenegro at the U20 European Championship to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won all the frames over the opponents for 68:47 victory.

Lithuania U20: Adas Juskevicius 16, Zygimantas Janavicius 13, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 11
Italy U20: Daniele Sandri 16, Tommaso Raspino 9, Roberto Rullo 9

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MEXICO

FUERZA REGIA begins NEW ERA - by Alejandro Martinez
Fuerza Regia de Monterrey have come to an agreement with 5 players who will wear the Regia's jersey for the first time. These players represents a NEW ERA in Fuerza Regia's history, under head coach Javier Diaz Castroverde. On the import side, Monterrey has come to terms with F Matt Hall (198-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Harding) . The 6'6 Forward is known for his ofensive arsenal which includes a deadly three point shot. In addition the Club has signed F/C B.J. Puckett (205-F-83, agency: AMI, college: Clayton St.) . Pucket has had some experience in Mexico, having played for Mayas and Caballeros de Culiacan (in CIBACOPA). BJ gives coach Castroverde another big man with the ability to shoot from outside. On the Latin side, the club has come to terms with Dominican Forward Luis Martinez (198-F-84, college: William Pater.) and PG Heissler Guillent (186-G-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) . Guillent is a young PG sensation from Venezuela and promises to be one of the biggest latin signings in the LNBP. Lastly the club has added Mexican G Pete de Casas. De Casas is a high percentege shooting guard who just graduated from college. All players will report to training camp on August 3rd. The third import slot remains a mistery.

LNBP Champs - Xalapa signs Blake Walker - by Chris Terrell
Xalapa, Veracruz, MX - Reigning LNBP Champion have reached an agreement for the services of Blake Walker (196-G/F-82, college: Portland St.). Walker is a McDonalds All-American out of San Bernadino, CA. 16/6 as a Junior at Portland State, Walker was one of the best players in the Big Sky. An All-Conference player, Blake has spent several years overseas including time in Germany. For the last two seasons he has averaged 20 and 21ppg in the LNBP to go with his 55% from the field while connecting on 41% from beyond the arc for Torreon in 2008. Halcones UV Xalapa in their on going quest of competing and winning championships in the top Mexican League (LNBP), has inked a deal with Walker to move to Eastern Coastal State of Veracruz to wear the Green and White.

Xalapa will be attempting to fill some big spots with the losses of Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) (Spain ACB) and Lorenzo Mata (205-C-86) (Chicago Bulls Summer - Expected to go to Spain as well). Look for Blake Walker to be a standout in the backcourt and for the Halcones to continue to retool their front line. They always seem to have some of the better Import and National Players, this upcoming season with the addition of Walker should be no different. For other news, openings, and signings in the LNBP visit www.enfuegohoops.com or contact cterrell@enfuegohoops.com

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MONTENEGRO

Nemanja Radovic lifts Montenegro past Romania - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U18 - Romania U18 88:53
Nemanja Radovic (204-F/C-91) fired 28 points to ensure the second consecutive win for Montengrin Junior National Team. They remained on top of preliminary Group C. Romania fell at 0-1 record after the starting game in Sarajevo.
Nemanja Radovic poured in 11 points in the first quarter to take a 21:16 lead at the first intermission. Romania cut the deficit to one point midway through the second period. But a 10:0 run from Montenegro allowed the team to enjoy a 43:33 lead at halftime. Montenegro stamped the authority in the third quarter to sink their opponents. They exploded with 28 points to secure a 30-point cushion at the final pause. Montenegro cruised to the victory in the final term.
Bojan Dubljevic (-91) had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Montenegro. Marko Loncovic (200-F/C-91) added 11 points in the winning effort. Bogdan Tibirna (202-C-91) responded with 12 points for Romania. Baris Aktas (-91) finished with 10 points in defeat. Montenegro outrebounded their opponents 38:19 and forced those to 20 turnovers. The winners also sank solid 57% from the field.

Montenegro U18: Nemanja Radovic 28, Bojan Dubljevic 16+10 boards, Marko Loncovic 11
Romania U18: Bogdan Tibirna 12, Baris Aktas 10

France U20 clinched the Semifinal appearance - by Eurobasket News
France U20-Montenegro U20 68:47 (17-14, 18-10, 18-15, 15-8)

France U20 rightfully overcame Montenegro at the U20 European Championship to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won all the frames over the opponents for 68:47 victory.
France started with five consecutive points and then had 10:2 lead. Lalic reduced to 13:10, while Sead Sehovic (201-C/F-89) kept the difference at 17:14. After 17:15 the favorites produced an 8-0 run for 25:17 midway through the second period. Nikola Vucevic (210-F-90) closed the second quarter for 35:24 as the teams went to the lockers. Lamine Sambe (189-G-89) scored six points in France's 10-2 run out of the changing room. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) and Ona-Embo knocked down three-balls later in the third for a 53:39 lead after three periods. In the last stanza the French outfit started to pay more attention to defense and limited the opponents to 8 points. France finished the game with 15-8 for the total 68:47 victory.
Antoine Diot and Lamine Sambe paced all the winners with 12 points, while four other players netted 9 each. Nikola Vucevic ended up with 20 points and 13 boards, whilst Sead Sehovic added 9.
Tomorrow France will meet Italy U20 that upset the Lithuanian squad for the Semifinal birth of U20 European Championship. Italy created a 69:68 shocking win after 22-7 in the last stanza.

France U20: Antoine Diot 12+9 rebs+6 ast, Lamine Sambe 12
Montenegro U20: Nikola Vucevic 20+13 rebs, Sead Sehovic 9

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MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique National Team 2009 - by Sahereh

Muchate

Magolico

Adam

Matai

Muianga

4 Fernando Manjate of Maxaquene Maputo
5 Mauro Matai (195-F-82) of Caudillos de Morelos (MEX)
6 Luis Barros (188-G-86) of Costa do Sol Maputo
7 Andre Velasco (-82) of Ferroviario Beira
8 Gerson Novela (-G) of Ferroviario Maputo
9 Siade Cossa (186-G-77) of Maxaquene Maputo
10 David Canivete (193-F-89)
11 Custodio Muchate (200-C-82) of Ferroviario Maputo
12 Octavio Magolico (200-C-84) of Ferroviario Maputo
13 Jeronimo Bispo of Ferroviario Maputo
14 Samir Adam (193-F-83) of Fundacion Adepal Alcazar (ESP)
15 Sete Muianga (200-F-79) of Maxaquene Maputo
Head Coach: Carlos Alberto Niquice

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NBA

Wizards sign Oberto - by Demar Thomas
Fabricio Oberto (6'10''-C-75) has agreed to sign with the Washington Wizards. Oberto accepted a one-year deal worth the biannual exception of $1.99 million.

The 6-foot-10 Oberto spent the past four seasons in San Antonio and started on the Spurs' 2006-07 championship team. He also won an Olympic gold medal as a member of Argentina's national team in 2004.

He averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds last season. Sacramento, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers also were interested in Oberto, who was released by Detroit earlier this month after being involved in a three-team trade that sent Richard Jefferson to the Spurs.

The Wizards now have 14 players on their roster and are likely done making offseason moves with a payroll of about $78 million and an estimated luxury tax penalty of almost $8 million slated for next season.

Lee frustrated that Knicks haven't signed him yet - by Eurobasket News
David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) broke his silence Thursday regarding his unsettled contract status as a restricted free agent. The popular power forward told Newsday he is 'frustrated' that he remains unsigned by the Knicks.

'With the four years of hard work I've put in, I'm just frustrated this thing hasn't gotten done yet with the Knicks,' Lee said in a phone interview from Las Vegas, where he is attending a USA Basketball minicamp. ' . . . It's been frustrating enough that it has caused us now to kind of look at other options.'

Knicks president Donnie Walsh consistently has said he hoped to re-sign Lee and the team's other restricted free agent, guard Nate Robinson, but hasn't made an offer to either player.

What has hampered the process is Walsh's steadfast commitment to his plan to give the Knicks as much salary-cap flexibility as possible to make a major free-agency splash in 2010, when MVP-caliber players such as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are expected to be on the market. The NBA warned its teams this month with a doomsday projection that the cap could dip as much as $8 million next year, which makes every dollar spent all the more critical.

'I understand that he's frustrated and I understand why he's frustrated,'' Walsh said last night. 'It's a very tough market and we're not in a great position. I have a cap situation.''

Lee, who has received only a one-year, $2.7-million qualifying offer, averaged a career-high 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game and led the NBA with 62 double-doubles last season. Walsh said he doesn't intend to force Lee to take the qualifier, but he can't meet the $12-million-per-year asking price that Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, has set. If he did, it could eliminate any chance of the Knicks having the cap space to offer a max contract next summer.

As a result, Bartelstein has been feverishly working the rest of the league to find a sign-and-trade offer for his client. 'There's a lot of things we're working on,' Bartelstein said.

Portland has about $9 million in cap space for an offer sheet, but the Knicks, who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday, have the right to match. A sign-and-trade with Utah could send All-Star forward Carlos Boozer, who has one year left on his contract, to New York if the Jazz is interested. There also has been talk that the Bulls would be interested in a sign-and-trade.

Bartelstein also has approached Walsh with concepts that involve backloading the contract to soften the cap hit in 2010.

'From our standpoint, I know we've been happy to work with those guys,' Lee said. 'At this point, for whatever reason, it's not working out.

'I don't know if I've given up hope, but it's been very, very frustrating . . . I guess I expected things to move along a lot quicker with the Knicks, and it hasn't.'

Meanwhile, there is no offer sheet imminent for restricted free agent Ramon Sessions, as his agent, Jim Wells, suggested this week. But reports that the Knicks have backed off their interest in Sessions are inaccurate. A multiyear offer for less than the midlevel exception still is under consideration, along with one-year rental options such as unrestricted free agent Andre Miller and possibly Jamaal Tinsley, whom the Pacers bought out Wednesday.

Courtesy of www.newsday.com

Grizzlies are out for Iverson, same for Clippers? - by Eurobasket News
Dont expect Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) to wear a Memphis Grizzlies uniform next season. His chances of suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers dont look too good, either.

Two sources with knowledge of the Grizzlies plans said Thursday that any negotiations between the team and Iverson were dead. Memphis offered Iverson a one-year, $5 million contract with the stipulation that he would likely need to come off the bench. The Grizzlies, however, have not spoken to Iverson or his management team since early July, and neither side appears to have any interest in restarting talks.

Why would a future Hall of Famer come off the bench for a team that wont make the playoffs? said one Western Conference executive.

Though Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said hed be willing to add Iverson, some team officials worry about the impact Iversons dominant personality would have on young guards O.J. Mayo and Michael Conley.

Much like the Grizzlies, the Clippers were intrigued by Iversons ability to sell tickets, as well as his talent. One agent who had spoken to Clippers officials in recent days said the team was distancing itself from Iverson after acquiring point guard Sebastian Telfair (notes) from the Minnesota Timberwolves and is possibly weighing an offer to free-agent guard Ramon Sessions though one NBA source cautioned there was still some life in talks between the two sides.

Clippers second-year guard Eric Gordon stands to be among the most impacted should the team sign Iverson, but hes kept an open mind (at least publicly) about the possibility he and A.I. could become teammates.

Iverson is a Hall of Famer, Gordon said at the Team USA minicamp. But everyone is talking about how he is a different guy in the locker room and on the court. A.I.s a big personality. Dude is a warrior. You can always learn from that and take that as an advantage for any of his teammates.

We almost play the same position, but Im not too worried about it. Things happen all the time. You just got to adjust.

With the Grizzlies moving on and the Clippers interest apparently waning, Iversons options on the free-agent market could be dwindling. League sources still counted the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats as possible destinations.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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NCAA3

Carroll names Buchanan head coach - by Joan Manuel Sanchez
David Buchanan, until recently the head men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, has been named head men's basketball coach at Carroll University, athletic director Kris Jacobsen announced today.

Buchanan, chosen after a national search that attracted more than 200 applicants, becomes the 25th head coach in the 101-year history of the Pioneers men's basketball program. He succeeds David Schultz, who resigned after seven seasons to become a full-time teacher and boys basketball coach at Waukesha West High School.

'Our men's basketball program has been very successful and has garnered national attention,' said Jacobsen. 'I feel strongly that David Buchanan represents integrity and character. He will continue the tradition of winning on the court and will be a positive influence to his players, the community and the large following of alumni. Carroll University is fortunate to have David join our team.'

Theresa Barry, Carroll's Dean of Students, echoed Jacobsen's comments. 'We are delighted to have David join Carroll University as the head men's basketball coach,' said Barry. 'He will be a strong asset to our student-athletes, both on and off the court.'

Buchanan comes to Carroll after a successful two-year stint at the helm of the UW-Superior program. In his short tenure at Superior, the Yellowjackets improved from being Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) afterthoughts to title contenders.

In his first season at UW-Superior (2007-2008), Buchanan led the Yellowjackets to a five-win improvement from the previous season and ended the year by advancing to the semi-finals of the WIAC Tournament for just the second time in school history. Superior's fifth-place regular season finish that year was its best WIAC finish since 1979. He compiled a two-year record of 23-29 overall, including a 10-22 mark in the WIAC.

Buchanan, a Watertown, Wis. native, was a standout collegiate basketball player at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he graduated in 1995.

Buchanan's coaching career began as a volunteer student assistant coach at UW-La Crosse. He then moved to Greenfield High School for his first head coaching position, leading the Hawks in just his second season to their first Woodland Conference Championship in 31 years. After five years at Greenfield, Buchanan had a short stop as head coach at Brookfield East High School before becoming head assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, an NCAA Division II member.

As the recruiting coordinator at UW-Parkside, Buchanan recruited a regionally recognized class in just his first season. That recruiting class went on to eventually qualify for the 2007 NCAA Tournament.

'I am very excited about the opportunity to become the head men's basketball coach at Carroll University,' said Buchanan. 'The University has a tremendous upside both academically and athletically. Coach Schultz did a great job with this program and now my goal is to build on that and win Midwest Conference Championships while also competing at the National level.'

Buchanan inherits a Carroll program that has the talent to contend for the Midwest Conference Championship in his first season. Two notable returnees for the Pioneers include senior point guard John Hoch (Colgate, Wis./Hartland Arrowhead) and sophomore shooting sensation Kyle Jones (East Troy, Wis./East Troy). The pair averaged 24.1 and 11.8 points per game, respectively, and played a major role in helping Carroll finish 16-8 overall (12-4 in the MWC), its sixth consecutive season with 15 or more wins.

'The players are looking forward to the opportunity to work with Coach Buchanan,' said Hoch, a third-team D3hoops.com All-Region selection and first-team All-Midwest Conference honoree. 'We are willing to whatever it takes to keep the program at a high level. We believe Coach Buchanan is going to give us a great opportunity to be successful, both now and in the future.'

Carroll's 2009-2010 schedule is currently being finalized and will be released in the coming weeks.

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NEW ZEALAND

NORWAY

PALESTINE

Shuhada Tournament to launch on 31st , Coach Nenad Hrvoic Boosts Sarriyet Ramallah's Moral - by Tamara Awartani
The 29th Shuhada Tournament AlTahadi wal Soumoud one of the leading most exciting tournaments in Palestine, which is organized by Sariyet Ramallah yearly will start on the 31st of July under the patronage of the Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad and sponsored by Aramex with 16 teams taking part two of which are from Gaza if they get permits to come and play.
The professional Coach Nenad Hrvoic came for a 3 day basketball camp & coaching clinic at Sarriyet Ramallah. Coach Nenad a Serbian with long experience in coaching from Serbia, Cyprus & Jordan reflected his experience, passion for the game & made a huge difference on Sarriyet Ramallah under 16, 18 & senior mens team getting them organized, set, boosting their moral ready to win the tournament as well as passing his knowledge to Sarriyet Ramallah coaches being also a lecturer in the Jordanian National basketball coaching academy.
The tournament will start with an opening ceremony on the 31st of July and opening game between Sarriyet Ramallah players & import players, then two games a day starting the 1st of Aug till the 18th of Aug. Statistics , news, pictures will be posted online game by game.

The 16 teams are divided into 4 groups as follows:
Group 1: AlFaraa, AlRai Saleh, Orthodoxi Beit Jala, Eibal
Group 2: AlBireh, De La Salle, Orthodoxi Bethlehem, AlRiyadi Gaza
Group 3: Orthodoxi Ramallah, Ahli, Orthodoxi Beit Sahour, Hiteen
Group 4: Sarriyet Ramallah, Terrasanta, Catholic Action, Khadamat AlBreig
Schedule & more details to follow soon.

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PARAGUAY

Liga Nacional line-up announced, and then changed... - by Gianni Pascucci
The second edition of the Paraguayan National League has been introduced to media some days ago in Asuncion.At the last time, Olimpia decided to withdraw, and the same made a team from Concepcion, replaced in a first time by a new team from Pilar named Olimpus that some days after decided to withdraw it too. In consequence, the definitive line-up is made by only six teams, in an unique qualifyng group, as follows:
Teams from Asuncion:
1. Sol de America Asuncion
2. Libertad
3. Felix Perez Cardozo Asuncion
Teams from Outside:
4. Estrellas de Area 4 Ciudad del Este
5. Club Social Amambay
6. Sacachispas de Encarnacion
The first round of the competition will be played in Pedro Juan Caballero, starting from Thursday, August 6.

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PHILIPPINES

Korea hands 83-80 loss to Philippines - by Eurobasket News
Korea - Philippines 83-80

South Korea celebrated in very exciting game against Philippines yesterday. It was a Day 6 of the William Jones Cup and now the Koreans share second place with Iran and Jordan. All three teams have 4-1 record so far. On the other side, Philippines faced with fifth loss in six appearances. The only victory they registered against Kazakhstan, who now also has 1-5 record. Kang Byung-Hyun (192-G-85) was a key player for Korea yesterday. He made couple of very important baskets stopping on 16 points in total. Korea grabbed this one thanks to clutch three-pointers close to the end. Philippines got the most from Arwind Santos (193-F-81), 12 points.
South Korea had better first half touching 22-17 at the one point of it. Neither of two teams managed to create bigger lead after that. Philippines had a chance, but as it is mentioned above the Japanese were pretty good from behind the arc, what was a key of their yesterday's win.
Today at the William Jones Cup, South Korea will meet its neighbors - Japan. Philippines will have a day off. For them, the competition continues on Saturday.

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POLAND

PORTUGAL

Market moves - by Luis Rocha
slowly but safely, the market is moving in portugal, although the money to pay the pros is scarce, teams are looking ways to help them be able to find new and better players to their rosters. Vitoria has find a way to make Tommie Eddie (201-F/C-82, college: Mississippi) come back. If he plays like in 2007-08, it will be tremendous for the team. Ginasio kept coach Sergio Salvador , and has also made things run well by hiring Marco Goncalves (208-C-84) that comes from Benfica. Marco is a guy that can be able to do much better playing, than be seated on the bench. Hes passage on Benfica was not a good one he played less than he expected, now he will have more opportunities, but at the same time the all responsability not to fail again.

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ROMANIA

RUSSIA

Russia escape with narrow win against Italy in Metz - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Italy U18 55:54

Russia had a narrow escape against Italy on the second day of the U18 European Championship in France. Russia gained a one-point victory to improve at 1-1 record in Group D. The Azzurri fell at 0-2 record.
Moraschini set the tone early with a three-pointer. Italy kept in front throughout the major part of the first quarter. But Russia Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) scored 5 points in a 7:0 run that gave Russia a 16:15 lead into the second quarter. The teams traded baskets throughout the second stanza as Russia managed to secure a 35:31 advantage at the interval. Pavel Antipov (204-F-91) stepped up for Russia in the third quarter scoring seven points. The team kept Italy at bay and headed into the fourth period up by 11. Pavel Antipov and Balashov stretched the margin to 14 points as Russia seemed to be cruising to the win. But the Azzurri unleashed a 14:2 run to cut the deficit. They came within one after a dunk from Moraschini with 11 seconds remaining. Michele Vitali (194-G-91) had a chance to win the game for Italy but his three-pointer rimmed off.
Pavel Antipov scored 21 and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead Russia. Ivan Lazarev (205-C-91) had 10 points in the victorious case. Achille Polonara (202-F-91) answered with 10 points for the Azzurri. Michele Vitali had 7 points in defeat.

Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 21+10 boards, Ivan Lazarev 10, Dmitry Kulagin 6
Italy U18: Achille Polonara 10, Michele Vitali 7

Russia edged Ukrainian side in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Russia U20 54:65 (19-16, 12-17, 11-19, 12-13)
Russia won the second game of the day at the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Russian team overcame Ukraine 65:54 to play for the 9th place in France.
Ukraine played better in the opening tip of the game and grabbed the lead from the beginning. The team dominated the court and had 19:16 after the first 10 minutes. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) tied the game at 21:21 and he also gave the Russian team 25:24 lead. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) sent the teams to the lockers for 33:31 advantage. Right after that Russia did not allow Ukraine to respond and kept them behind. Grigoryev brought 44:38 and Maxim Zakharov (189-G-89) scored for 49:38. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (204-F-89) reduced at the end of the third period for 52:42. Russia also won the last frame 13-12 and rightfully will play for the higher place. Otverchenko nailed three at the end as Russia celebrated 65:54 victory.
Semen Antonov led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds as Russia will face Latvia next. Vladimir Ivlev netted 12, while Maxim Zakharov and Grigoryev collected 10 apiece. Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) finished the game with 16 points and Stanislav Tymofeyenko scored 13.
Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Baltic side beat the opponents 74:67 in Greece to play for the 9th place on Sunday.

Ukraine U20: Vladyslav Tonchenko 16, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 13
Russia U20: Semen Antonov 19+13 rebs, Vladimir Ivlev 12, Maxim Zakharov 10, Grigoryev 10

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RWANDA

Down to business - by Kristian Santiago
By Julius Mbarga

Star point guard back to finish unfinished business

Hamza Ruhezamihigo (191-G-85) has started his preparations for the upcoming Fiba-Afrobasket competition in Libya.
The point guard who can also play as a shooting guard was the last player to join the squad after jetting in on Tuesday. Matt Miller (182-G-82, college: Bellarmine) and Rob Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield) arrived on Monday from USA, much to the delight of head coach Veceslav Kavedzija .

Ruhezamihigo has unfinished business after failing to live up to Vaceslavs expectations early this year when Rwanda hosted the Zone 5 championships.
Ruhezamihigo, who plays in Canada with Concordia, became a crowd favourite during the 2007 Zone 5 Championships which were held in Kigali. He was by far Rwandas best player and there was little surprise when he was voted the tournaments most valuable player (MVP).
Ruhezamihigo together with Miller and Thomson are expected to play a key role for Rwanda in the event, which also doubles as a qualifier for next years FIBA-World Championships.

Currently, the 16-man squad camping at La Palisse Nyandungu is under-going two daily sessions at Amahoro.
Rwanda, making a second appearance in the event has set their sights at a top eight finish.
We all the preparations we have had, anything short of a top eight finish will be below par, Eric Kalisa, the president of the local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) stated.

RWANDA, seeded in Group D alongside Cape Verde, Morocco and Tunisia will intensify their preparations with a two-week training camp in Italy.

Reigning champions Angola are still favorites to retain the title. The team lifted their ninth title in 2007 after beating Cameroon in the final.

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SCOTLAND

SERBIA

Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20-Serbia U20 74:67 (23-12, 16-12, 22-22, 13-21)

Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Baltic side beat the opponents 74:67 in Greece to play for the 9th place on Sunday.
The Baltic team scored the first five points in the game and then Kristers Zeidaks (202-F-90) made it 13:10. Markovic posted two for the Serbian team at 16:12 but Latvia finished the opening quarter with 7-0 run for 23:12. The tempo continued to grow and Latvia reached 31:14 as Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89) made a three. Kristers Zeidaks scored for 37:21, while Dusko Bunic (205-C-89) reduced to 39:24 at the halftime. Both squads nailed 44 points in the third period to post 22 each. It gave Latvia 61:46 advantage after three quarters. Janis Kaufmanis nailed three for 67:51 in the beginning of the last stanza and it became clear that Latvia would win the game. Blaus posted the last points for the winners, while Markovic was the last to score in the game.
Kristers Zeidaks top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Janis Kaufmanis nailed 15, while Bertans and Arturs Dusels (198-F-89) notched 11 each. Dusko Bunic finished the game with 20 points in defeat as Serbia will hope for the 11th place. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) nailed 17, while Markovic scored 11.
Russia won the second game of the day at the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Russian team overcame Ukraine 65:54 to play for the 9th place in France.

Latvia U20: Kristers Zeidaks 17, Janis Kaufmanis 15, Bertans 11, Arturs Dusels 11
Serbia U20: Dusko Bunic 20, Bojan Subotic 17, Markovic 11

Serbia U18 post first win in France - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Czech Republic U18 75:56

Serbian U18 team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in Hagondange. They held off Czech Republic in preliminary Group A to improve at 1-1 record. Czech team slipped at 0-2 record.
Czech Republic went on a 12:2 run midway through the opening frame to earn a 16:7 lead. Serbia responded in the second quarter as they unloaded 12 unanswered points to grab a 23:19 lead. Torlak crowned the first half with a three-pointer to make it 30:25 for Serbia. Dejan Musli (214-C-91) and Branislav Djekic (205-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) opened a 9-point advantage for Serbia at the start of the third quarter. The Serbian team soon earned a 15-point lead to breathe easily. Milan Jaros (212-C-91, agency: PPGroup) and Kriz dragged Czech team within 11 points early in the fourth period but Serbia stayed calm to register the first win at the tournament.
Branislav Djekic knocked down 17 points for Serbia. Dejan Musli added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Nikola Rondovic (205-F-91) had 10 points in the win. Vojtech Bratcenkov (198-F-91) knocked down 15 points for Czech Republic. Milan Jaros had 10 points in the losing effort. Serbia will face Slovenia, while Czech Republic will play against France in the third round.

Serbia U18: Branislav Djekic 17, Dejan Musli 16, Nikola Rondovic 10
Czech Republic U18: Vojtech Bratcenkov 15, Milan Jaros 10

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SLOVAKIA

Sweden post second win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U18 - Slovakia U18 84:73
Swedish U18 National Team earned the second consecutive victory at the European Championship in Division B. They toppled Slovak Republic to stay on top of Group B. Slovakia in the meantime slipped at 0-1 record.
Sweden led right from the start building up a 25:21 advantage at the first break. The teams were plagued by turnovers and misses in the second quarter however Slovakia managed to deny the deficit and surged ahead. They arrived at halftime ahead by one 38:37. Mrvis and Richard Grznar (187-G-91) stretched the gap to 8 points at the start of the third quarter. Slovak team maintained the lead throughout the period and enjoyed a 3-point cushion at three-quarter time. But Persson opened the final term with a three-pointer to draw things level. He triggered a 10:2 run from Sweden as they took over again. Alexander Lindqvist (202-G-91) soon opened up a double-digit lead for the Scandinavian team that they never surrendered.
Alexander Lindqvist and Christopher Czerapowicz (195-G-91) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds each for the winners. Pierre Hampton (190-G-91) added 16 points for Sweden. Richard Grznar replied with 23 points and 12 boards for Slovakia. Jaroslav Moravek (198-F-92) finished with 18 points and 9 boards in defeat.

Sweden U18: Alexander Lindqvist 16+10 boards, Christopher Czerapowicz 16+10 boards, Pierre Hampton 16
Slovakia U18: Richard Grznar 23+12 boards, Jaroslav Moravek 18

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia U18 surprise the hosts - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U18-France U18 83:81

Slovenia U18 became the only undefeated team of Group A at the U18 European Championship. The team improved to 2-0 record handing France the first 83:81 loss.
Slovenia played against the hosts and realized the difficulty of the game. The guests however opened the game with four points and then had 14:12 lead. Edo Muric (202-F-91) closed the opening quarter at 19:18 making a jump shot. France responded with some baskets in the second period and grabbed 25:19 when Wachowiak nailed a three. Fabien Paschal (206-C/F-91) brought the double digit numbers and Frederic Bourdillon (193-G/F-91) sent the teams to the lockers for 43:35. Slovenia needed 22-20 to trail 63:57 after three quarters and then pushed the tempo for good. Edo Muric tied the game at 68:68 and Panic gave Slovenia 70:68 lead. Nikolic Smrdeljmade a free throw to seal the second straight victory with Slovenia.
Edo Muric top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Nejc Buda (210-C-91) nailed 14, while Nikolic Smrdelj ended up with 13. Chrislain Cairo (200-F-91) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort as France is 1-1. Frederic Bourdillon posted 15, whilst Fabien Paschal had 12.
In another game of the group Serbian U18 team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in Hagondange. They held off Czech Republic in preliminary Group A to improve at 1-1 record. Czech team slipped at 0-2 record.

Slovenia U18: Edo Muric 15+10 rebs, Nejc Buda 14, Nikolic Smrdelj 13
France U18: Chrislain Cairo 17, Frederic Bourdillon 15, Fabien Paschal 12

Slovenia remains in Division A sending Belgium to the lower one - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U20-Belgium U20 79:67 ( 24-17, 17-17, 21-13, 17-20 )

Slovenia U20 won the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. The team finished with 3-0 record beating Belgium 79:67. The latter lost all three games and will eliminate to Division B.
Aertssen gave his team the first points as Belgium has nothing to lose. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) tasted the first lead with Slovenia at 7:6 and Maj Kovacevic (190-G-90) improved to 12:9. Maj Kovacevic also made a lay-up at the end of the opening quarter for 24:17. Belgium was far too give up and tied the game at 28:28. Libert brought them 34:33, however Slovenia ended the half with 8-0 run. Lekic brought his team 41:34 at the halftime. Zoran Dragic scored for 50:39 midway through the third frame and Lekic gave Slovenian side 58:43. Zadnik remained the difference at the end of thirty minutes for 62:47. Belgium tried hard to recover, but could not match the favorites. Although they won the last stanza 20-17, Slovenia won the game 67:79. Mahkovic made an alley-oop for the third straight win.
Zoran Dragic top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Maj Kovacevic and Lekic followed him with 10 points each for the top place. Ioannis Iarochevitch (207-C/F-89, agency: LBM Management) collected 16 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Libert added 11.

Slovenia U20: Zoran Dragic 22, Maj Kovacevic 10, Lekic 10
Belgium U20: Ioannis Iarochevitch 16+10 rebs, Libert 11

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SOUTH KOREA

SPAIN

Valencia lands American Rawle Marshall - by Eurobasket News
According to various reports from Spanish media Valencia Basket Club, formerly known as Pamesa Valencia, is close to signing American guard Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland). Marshall has reportedly agreed all terms and the conclusion of the deal is pending as the player will have to comple a medical tests first. Marshal would be the first reinforcement for Valencia which has decided to significantly change its roster. Recently several players including the likes of Vule Avdalovic and Alber Oliver have left the club. Now Valencia is looking for players which will be able to help the team improve on the achieved results in previous season when they reached Playoff Quarterfinals, loosing it Barcelona 2 games to nothing. Marshall is seen as such player and in the next couple of days he could get his chance to play for Valencia.
Rawle Marshall played collegiate basketball at Ball State and University of Oakland. In his last season at Oakland, he played in 32 games and averaged 19.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg. He went undrafted in 2005, but later signed a contract with Dallas Mavericks. He played in 23 games for Dallas and averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg. Following season, he moved to Indiana Pacers but here also he could not crack into rotation, averaging only 2.5 points in 40 games. In 2007, Marshall moved to BC Hemofarm Vrsac where he quickly became teams best player. He averaged 17.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 12 ULEB Cup games and he was also solid in Adriatic league where he played in 22 games and averaged 15.7 points. Last season Marshall started at Cibona Zagreb for which he played in 6 Euroleague games and averaged 15.0 ppg. However he got suspended for 6 months for fighting during the Adriatic League game so Cibona decided to release him. In January 2009 he signed with Russian outfit Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu where he stayed for the rest of the season. In Russian League he averaged 15.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 games.

Spain U20 became the first Semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Turkey U20 77:60 (25-12, 20-19, 13-16, 19-13)

Spain U20 advanced to the semifinals of U20 European Championship. The top team of Group E overcame the fourth team of Group F Turkey 77:60.
Spain were the favorites before the game and started to prove it from the beginning of the game. The team produced the first five points of the game and had 7:1 in the opening tip. Turkey reduced the gap a bit, however lost the first frame 25:12. The game became even in the second period but the difference remained the same. After 20-19 in the quarter Spain had 45:31 at the halftime. Tomas gave the team 47:31, while Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) brought 51:34 in the beginning of the third quarter. Turkey managed to cut it to 11 after Can Ozcan (201-F-89) nailed at the end of thirty minutes. Moreover Onen gave his team 58:49 in the start of the last quarter. That was all the Turkish side could do in the game as Spain produced 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Xavier Rabaseda top-scored for the winners with 18 points for the semifinal birth. Tomas netted 14, while Mamadou Samb (207-C/F-89) scored 13. Can Ozcan ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Melih Mahmutoglu (187-G-90) added 11.

Spain U20: Xavier Rabaseda 18, Tomas 14, Mamadou Samb 13
Turkey U20: Can Ozcan 18, Melih Mahmutoglu 11

Spain douse Ukraine in Hagondange - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Ukraine U18 97:74
Spanish Junior National Team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in France. They chopped up Ukraine in the second round of action in Group B. Spain entered the game after a bitter loss to Croatia in the opener. They looked slow in the starting frame but stepped on the gas in the second stanza to run away for good. Ukraine fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Ukraine opened a 13:4 lead early in the game. Spain got closer but could not surge in front. Ukraine won the first quarter by 2 points. But a 10:0 rally from Spain pulled them in front late in the first half. Miguel Servera (199-G-92) capped the half with a jumper to give Spaniards an 11-point lead.
Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91) scored 6 points in the early minutes of the third stanza as Spain grabbed a 14-point advantage. The lead kept on growing as Spain enjoyed a 20-point margin into the final stanza. Spain coasted to the win and improved their situation in Group B.
Alberto Jodar finished with 15 points to lead Spain. Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) added 14 points, while Miguel Servera had 12 points and 7 boards in the win. Oleksandr Lypovyy (200-G-91) answered with 19 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev (186-G-91) had 14 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 15, Joan Sastre Morro 14, Miguel Servera 12
Ukraine U18: Oleksandr Lypovyy 19, Andriy Lebedintsev 14

Rubio set to leave DKV Juventud? - by Eurobasket News
The 'Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) saga' which has been filling the newspaper columns for months received yet another twist, as young Spanish International has announced he will leave the club. Recently, Rubio was chosen as 4th pick in the NBA Draft by Minnesota Timberwolves. Right away the issue of compensation for the freedom of Rubio came up, as Joventut was asking for a large fee in order to let the player leave the club. The amount in question was reported to be somewhere in the region 6.6 million dollars, which can be seen as huge problem since NBA club can only contribute 500.000 dollars in accordance with league rules. Rubio countered by suing the club, but later withdrew his claim but it seemed that the relations between the club and the player were broken beyond repair. Now Rubio has recently came out and confirmed that, regardless of whether the negotiations between Minnesota and Joventud are successful or not, he will definitely not play for club from Badalona next season. Rubio went to further state that, he cannot see himself returning to the club where he feels he would not feel comfortable after everything that happened. This right away alerted the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona who have been trying to sign young Spaniard for a long time. It will soon be know if any deal for Rubio will materialize, or will he be moving to NBA this season.
Ricky Rubio started his career at Juventud, making his first appearance for the first team at the age of 16. The prodigy went on to establish himself as one of the best young guards, and one of the greatest European prospects. With Juventud, he has so far won FIBA EuroCup in 2006 and Spanish Cup and ULEB Cup in 2008. That season, Rubio averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 assists in 16 ULEB Cup games while shooting 60.7% from the field. Rubio is also a member of Spanish National Team, having participated at Olympic Games in Beijing and winning silver medal. In 8 games at the Olympic, Rubio averaged 4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 steal per game.

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SWEDEN

SWITZERLAND

Belgium upset Switzerland for first win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Belgium U18 - Switzerland U18 70:47

Belgian U18 team posted the first win at the European Championship in Division B. They toppled Swiss team in preliminary Group D. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record on top of the pool.
Belgium led throughout the starting frame but Switzerland capped the period with 6 points in a row to tie things up at 12. Gyorgy gave the Swiss team a 14:12 lead early in the second quarter but Belgium quickly regained the advantage. They completed the half ahead by 16 points taking control. Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) and Pierre-Antoine Gillet (191-G-91) extended the margin to 20 points at the start of the third frame. Belgium kept their opponents at safe distance during the rest of the battle to roll to the victory.
Maarten Rademakers (201-C/F-91) knocked down 17 points to lead Belgium. Dennis Donkor and Pierre-Antoine Gillet added 12 points each for the winners. Jonathan Eric Dubas (202-F/C-91) responded with 12 points and 8 boards for Switzerland. Federico Fridel (196-F-91) had 8 points in defeat. Switzerland outrebounded Belgium 41:39 but shot miserable 23% from the field. The Swiss team also suffered 20 turnovers in the loss.

Belgium U18: Maarten Rademakers 17, Dennis Donkor 12, Pierre-Antoine Gillet 12
Switzerland U18: Jonathan Eric Dubas 12, Federico Fridel 8

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TAIWAN

Jones Cup Men Day 7 - Iran beat Lebanon to win Asian C'ship rematch - by Chris Wang
Iran 81-70 Lebanon

Iran rallied in the final 10 minutes behind Nikkah Bahrami's red-hot shooting to beat Lebanon 81-70 Friday in a rematch of the 2007 Asian Championship final and the most anticipated game of the day.

Bahrami had 29 points, including five 3-pointers, and 8 rebounds in the game. He had 13 points in the game-deciding 18-6 run in the 4th quarter.

The game is full of championship atmosphere not only because this is the rematch of the 2007 Asian Championship final but also because of the presence of three current/former NBA players -- Iran's Hamed Hadadi and Lebanon's Jackson Vroman and Matt Freiji, who did not join the team until today.

The dual of Hadadi and Vroman ended early with Hadadi and Vroman both fouling out. All three played well though. Hadadi had 8 points, 5 boards and four blocks while Vroman had 23 points. Freiji also chipped in 12 points in limited playing time.

Lebanon controlled the tempo early to jump in front, leading by as many as 11 in the first half. It still led by nine, 54-45, in the end of the 3rd quarter.

However, Iran made its outside shots at the time when it mattered most. Four consecutuve threes changed the momentum of the game as Iran took the lead, 60-59, with 7 minutes left in the game.

All of a sudden, Lebanon looked lost on the court in the final five minutes, missing shots time and time again. Bahrami made his 5th three in the game with about one minute left to give Iran a comfortable 73-68 lead.

Lebanon was still in the game before Rony Fahed was whistled for a traveling violation with 45 seconds left. All they could do after the fatal turnover was fouling Iranians.

Taiwan 85-78 Kazakhstan

Reigning SBL Most Valuable Player Chang Chih-feng scored 18 of his game-high 28 points in the second half as Taiwan rallied in the final quarter and beat Kazakhstan 85-78, snapping its two-game losing streak and taking its record back to 4-2.

The game was tied at 37 all at the half. After a see-sawing first three quarters, Taiwan finally put the game away with a late 9-2 run to boost a six-point lead to a 13-point advantage. Chang had 14 points in the final period.

To counter Kazakhstan's height, Taiwan sent a pair of 6-8 centers on the court at the same time and they did not disappoint. Tseng Wen-ting and Wu Tai-hao each had 13 points with Tseng also dishing out 7 assists.

Lin Chih-chieh also scored 13 points for Taiwan. Taiwan's 19 turnovers was the main reason why they didn't shake off the 8-man Kazakhstan until the final quarter.

Alexandr Tyutyunik made all three 3PT attempts and had 15 points in the first half. Kazakhstan is now 1-6 and ranks last in the tournament.

Jordan 76-69 Taiwan 2nd NT
Korea 84-81 Japan

Standing
Iran 5-1
Jordan 5-1
Korea 5-1
Lebanon 5-2
Taiwan 4-2
Japan 1-5
Taiwan 2nd 1-5
Philippines 1-5
Kazakhstan 1-6

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TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U16

Standings

Group A
1. USA		3-0
2. Venezuela		2-1
3. P.Rico		1-2
4. Brazil		0-3
Group B
1. Argentina		3-0
2. Canada		2-1
3. Mexico		1-2
4. Bahamas		0-3

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TURKEY

Turkey U18 became the leader of Group C - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18-Latvia U18 85:50

Turkey became the leader of Group C of the U18 European Championship. The team beat Latvia 85:50 in Day 2 of the tournament for 2-0 record.
The winners opened the game with 12-0 run and kept the difference at the end of the first for 24:12. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) made it 30:15, while Caliskan scored for 37:17. Turkey won the second period 20-9 and had 44:21 at the halftime. In order not to stop, the team continued to dominate the court in the third period as well. Furkan Aldemir gave his team 66:30 at the end of the third frame. Ervins Jonats (198-F-91) reduced to 70:34, while Antrops scored for 80:42. Latvia could not match the opponents even though they tied the quarter at 19-19. Yuksel brought Turkey an easy 85:50 victory for 2-0 record.
Furkan Aldemir, Firat Toz (188-G-91) and Safak Edge (185-G-92) top-cored for the winners with 14 points each. Ervins Jonats brought Latvia 10 points as latter dropped at 1-1. Harijs Rubenis (199-F-91) and Artjoms Butjankovs (201-C-91) notched 9 points in the losing effort.
In another game of the group Bulgaria sank Greece even deeper at the U18 European Championship. A Georgi Mladenov team celebrated a comfortable win to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. The Hellenes slipped at 0-2 at the bottom of the standings.

Turkey U18: Furkan Aldemir 14, Firat Toz 14, Safak Edge 14
Latvia U18: Ervins Jonats 10, Harijs Rubenis 9, Artjoms Butjankovs 9

Spain U20 became the first Semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Turkey U20 77:60 (25-12, 20-19, 13-16, 19-13)

Spain U20 advanced to the semifinals of U20 European Championship. The top team of Group E overcame the fourth team of Group F Turkey 77:60.
Spain were the favorites before the game and started to prove it from the beginning of the game. The team produced the first five points of the game and had 7:1 in the opening tip. Turkey reduced the gap a bit, however lost the first frame 25:12. The game became even in the second period but the difference remained the same. After 20-19 in the quarter Spain had 45:31 at the halftime. Tomas gave the team 47:31, while Xavier Rabaseda (199-G-89) brought 51:34 in the beginning of the third quarter. Turkey managed to cut it to 11 after Can Ozcan (201-F-89) nailed at the end of thirty minutes. Moreover Onen gave his team 58:49 in the start of the last quarter. That was all the Turkish side could do in the game as Spain produced 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Xavier Rabaseda top-scored for the winners with 18 points for the semifinal birth. Tomas netted 14, while Mamadou Samb (207-C/F-89) scored 13. Can Ozcan ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Melih Mahmutoglu (187-G-90) added 11.

Spain U20: Xavier Rabaseda 18, Tomas 14, Mamadou Samb 13
Turkey U20: Can Ozcan 18, Melih Mahmutoglu 11

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Jam Squad, Brothers United advance in ABA Summer League playoffs - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - The ABA Men's Summer Basketball League playoffs got off to a great start on Thursday night as Brothers United edged One Unity, 79-78, in Game 1 of their series.

Kori Vialet (191-G) led Brothers United with 16 points and two assists, followed by Malik Hodge with 13 points and two assists, and Jeff Roberts (202-F/C-77, college: Spoon River JC) with 11 points.

One Unity was led by Jamari Maduro with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Khalid Gerard was second on the team with 16 points and three assists, followed by Wayne Rawlins with 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

In the first game of the night, Jam Squad took a 1-0 lead in their series against TWI with an 80-65 win. Steve Gardner (170-G-85, college: J.and Wales (FL)) and Akil Lewis (183-G-82, college: Lynn) were the top scorers for Jam Squad with 14 points each. Gardner added seven assists. Leon Daniel was third on the team with 11 points and Calvert White (191-G/F-75, college: SE Missouri St.) led the team in rebounds with nine.

TWI was led by Nahshon Jeffers and Robert Duck with 15 points each. Jerrick Amaro was third on the team with 10 points. Duck also led the team in rebounds with 16.

Game 2 of these best-of-3 series takes place on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the BCB gym.

Mexico 79 Virgi islands 64 - by David Edole
Aguas Calientes, Mexico Virgin Islands U17 men gave a valiant effort but fell to the host Mexico, 64-79, Friday night in CentroBasket action. The word of the day, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, as the Virgin Islands committed four of them with one coming at the wrong time. Unsportsmanlike foul is defined as a personal foul on a player with or without the ball which, in the opinion of the Official, was deliberately committed by the player against an opposing player.
The headiest player on the Virgin Islands team, Kadeem Jones, started the unsavory play when he was whistled with an Unsportsmanlike foul at the 4:11 mark. Mexican Javier Cazarez nailed both freebies to extend the lead, 9-4. Both teams traded baskets the rest of the way that resulted in Mexicos 11-17 first period lead.
Mexico started the second period on a 9-2 run to take their biggest first half lead, 13-26. Central High Schools Rasheed Swanston entered the game and helped turn the Virgin Islands fortunes. The son for Keith Zoro Swaston scored six of the next eight points to bring the Virgin Islands within six, 21-27 at 5:16. Mexicos Jaime Gaytan hit a three and a free throw to increase the lead to ten, 31-21.
Merwin Potter scored the next five points and Javier Martinez added a bucket off an assists from Swanston as the Virgin Islands stormed back within four, 28-32, forcing a Mexico timeout at 2:22.
Then the wheels came off. Jonathan Fontenelle fouled Alan Martinez who nailed both freebies, 28-34. Then Merwin Potter picked up an Unsportsmanlike foul at 1:44 with the V.I. team in the bonus. That meant Mexico got four freethrows and the ball. Mexico nailed two-of-four at the line and Gaytan scored to increase the lead to ten, 28-38.
Fontanelle found pay dirt but Mexico scored the next two baskets to maintain a 30- 42 halftime lead.
Mexico lead never dipped below twelve in the third. The lead was sixteen, 43-59, when Potter picked up his second Unsportsmanlike foul and did not return. Mexico inspired by the crowd won the third frame, 15-20.
The deliberate fouls did not come to an end as Fontenelle picked up one with 2:19 left in the game and the Virgin Islands down by 18, 56-74.
Cazarez lead Mexico with 18 points and Ernesto Rodriguez followed with 16 points and seven boards. Gaytan had a strong game of 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
Aaron Brown, yet again, led the Virgin Islands with 21 points, Potter finished with 14 and Swanston added 12. Charles Pemberton did all he could do and finished with 21 rebounds and eight points.
With the loss the Virgin Islands (1-2) has dropped to the Bronze Medal game where they will face Dominican Republic (2-2) at 7:00 pm on Saturday night. The winner of this game will advance to the Tournament of Americas. Puerto Rico, who dominated Dominican Republic, 97-75, will face the host team at 9:00 pm in the Gold Medal game. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico have qualified for the Tournament of Americas that will be held in 2010.

http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/18/00/89/60/87WNgv9aWqIU/

Murray St Racers Basketball Preview: #132 - by David Edole
Murray State Racers
Overall Rank: #132
Conference Rank: #1 Ohio Valley Conference
2008-09: 19-12, 13-5
2008-09 postseason: none
Coach: Billy Kennedy (53-39 at Murray State, 155-165 overall)

During the 2008-2009 campaign Murray State had a dynamic offenseat least on some nights. On other nights the team struggled to score 50 points. It was that inconsistency that was the hallmark of the season for Coach Billy Kennedy and his Racers. With a young team that is growing up and five players returning that started at least a dozen games, Murray State should put this consistency issues behind them.

Key Losses: G Tyler Holloway, G Kevin Thomas

Key Newcomers:

The Racers arguably picked up the best recruiting class in the conference. Their biggest need was finding some athletic slashers or power forwards to fill in off the bench and they got three players who could fill that role. A.J. Wilson is a great athlete and the junior college transfer has the experience to step in and immediately make an impact. Freshmen Daniel Edward and Colin Slotter might need a little more time to adjust to playing at this level, but both are good pickups for Murray State. Combo guard Isaiah Canaan could work his way into the regular rotation as a freshman as well if he can consistently hit the outside shot.

Backcourt:

Despite the newcomers being dominated by forwards, it is on the perimeter where Coach Kennedy has some holes to fill. Tyler Holloway and Kevin Thomas split starting time throughout the season and now both are gone. Holloway was the only player who was a real threat to hit the long ball and that skill will certainly be missed. The good news is Donte Poole and Jewuan Long are both back after missing most of last season with injuries. Poole will not fill the shooter role that this team needs, but he is a good slasher who can score around the basket. Long is not much of a scorer at all, but he is a good defender and should play an important role off the bench.

Frontcourt:

Danero Thomas is the star of this team after leading the squad with 12.5 point s per game last year. The 6-4 senior could even emerge as the teams best outside shooter. He hit one a game last year, but shot less than 30 percent. The rest of the frontcourt is just as productive as Thomas. Ivan Aska (201-F-90) had a superb freshman campaign, averaging 10.3 points and a team high 5.8 rebounds. Tony Easley might not score as much as Thomas or Aska, but he is a tough player under the basket who will hit the glass hard and even block an occasional shot.

Who to Watch:

There might be some questions in the backcourt, but not at point guard. Isacc Miles did a great job last year after transferring in from Creighton. Miles is an experienced player, but this will be the first time in his collegiate career that he is returning to the same team for a second season. The 6-2 junior turned into a great slasher who averaged 10.6 points per game and dished out 3.8 assists. Miles will have to take over a bigger leadership role on this team and he may have to play a lot of minutes if Canaan is not ready to come in off the bench.

Final Projection:

Murray State has been a dominating team in their conference over the last 20 years. Last year the offense was simply far too inconsistent for this group to win the conference tournament or the regular season. Is that problem solved? The team better find a consistent outside shooter or the opposition will simply hang out in the paint and stop the talented group of forwards. If they can find a shooter, Murray State could win the Ohio Valley Conference title, otherwise they will be on the outside looking in for another year.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:
Isacc Miles, Junior, Guard, 10.6 points per game
Donte Poole, Sophomore, Guard, 5.8 points per game
Danero Thomas, Senior, Forward, 12.5 points per game
Ivan Aska, Sophomore, Forward, 10.3 points per game
Tony Easley, Senior, Forward, 6.7 points per game

July 24th, 2009 by Joel Welser

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UGANDA

Poor preps worry DMark Power - by Kristian Santiago
By Charles Mutebi

Poor preparations are a cause to worry for national mens basketball champions Sadolin Power ahead of next weeks FIBA Africa Zone Five Championship.

Power are arguably Ugandas best hope in the mens category of the event attracting the champions from the eight-country zone. But they have not been in competitive action since completing the local league first round on June 26.

It is a situation that has the clubs hierarchy, and particularly technical director Peter Mubanda, gravely anxious.
We are seriously concerned, said Mubanda. We broke off the league a long time ago, and just when we were getting ready for this tournament Norman Blick (201-F-83) went and got employed, Ben Komakech is busy with his studies so we are in a difficult position.

Mubanda has been at the forefront of Powers latest rise to the top of Ugandan basketball. After winning the 2008 Championship, the club spent a fortune on, among other signings, Norman and his brother Donald seeking to make a big splash in the Zone Five tournament. Mubanda says his players must be psychologically astute if the team is to avoid a flop.

Falcons raring to go in Zone 5 - by Kristian Santiago
by Sande Bashaija

For Mogas Falcons Athletics, experience is the best weapon. Counted off by some as a spent force by regional standards, Mogas Falcons Athletics are determined to silence critics when the Sprite Africa Zone 5 Championship rolls off in Kampala next Monday.

The MTN-Fuba League record champions returned from Rwanda on Monday where they played a couple of build-up games and Mogas Falcons Athletics patron John Ssimbwa believes his charges are set for the challenge.

The Kigali trip was key in our preparations. People will see how good we are, Ssimbwa said yesterday. Mogas Falcons Athletics are representing Uganda alongside Warriors and reigning league champions DMark Power but going by experience, Ssimbwas team can negotiate its way out of the deep end better. We are in upbeat mood. If all goes according to plan, we should be able to make the final, promised Ssimbwa.

Mogas Falcons Athletics international record is clearly superior to any other local teams. They defeated Seychelles side Premium Cobras to lift the regional trophy in 2000 in Kampala and have been to the semifinals on two occasions (1999 and 2001).
Now that they are playing at home again, Mogas Falcons Athletics are hoping to reclaim their trophy at the expense of teams like Kenya Ports Authority (Kenya) Bilpam Warriors (Sudan), Haegen (Somalia), New Stars (Burundi) and KCB Lions.
Action begins on July 27 atthe YMCA Wandegeya, Makerere University main ground and Namboole stadium.

The local womens teams taking part in the regional event are A-1 Challenge, KCC Leopards and KIU Rangers who replaced league champions and university side UCU Lady Canons

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UKRAINE

2nd Loss in Metz - by Aleks
The Ukrainian U18 team lost its second game in Metz against Spain. The game started well for the Ukrainian team, been able to use the opportunities offensively and keep the Spaniards constantly working hard for their points. However, everything they earned in the first half, they gave away too easy. Suddenly the Spanish team was dominating the boards, offensively and defensively, and started in the right moment to hit the important shots from outside. The team of Coach Oleg Ruban could not find the right answer in the paint that allowed too many easy points. One reason of the easy points for Spain has been the terrible organization of the defense. It happened quit often that no player was really sure which opponent he is guarding. Giving the opponent credit, they really moved the ball well, the Ukrainian team simply made too many stupid mistakes in order to prevent the easy points.

It was terrible to see that the team gave up already in the beginning of the 3rd quarter and allowed a 22 points deficit towards the end of the 3rd quarter. Against good combinations and patience, Ukraine simply tried to force it and get more and more frustrated as the minutes passed by.
At the end of the game the 47:30 total rebounds in favor of Spain are easy to interpret where the easy points come from that decided the game.
Tomorrow they will face Croatia, hopefully with a better showing
Spain had in Josep Franch (198-G-91) a great floor general along with Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91) leading the scoring with a total of 15. Oleksandr Lypovyy (200-G-91) lead again the losing side with 19 points and Andriy Lebedintsev (186-G-91) adding 14.

Spain douse Ukraine in Hagondange - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Ukraine U18 97:74
Spanish Junior National Team celebrated the first win at the European Championship in France. They chopped up Ukraine in the second round of action in Group B. Spain entered the game after a bitter loss to Croatia in the opener. They looked slow in the starting frame but stepped on the gas in the second stanza to run away for good. Ukraine fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Ukraine opened a 13:4 lead early in the game. Spain got closer but could not surge in front. Ukraine won the first quarter by 2 points. But a 10:0 rally from Spain pulled them in front late in the first half. Miguel Servera (199-G-92) capped the half with a jumper to give Spaniards an 11-point lead.
Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91) scored 6 points in the early minutes of the third stanza as Spain grabbed a 14-point advantage. The lead kept on growing as Spain enjoyed a 20-point margin into the final stanza. Spain coasted to the win and improved their situation in Group B.
Alberto Jodar finished with 15 points to lead Spain. Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) added 14 points, while Miguel Servera had 12 points and 7 boards in the win. Oleksandr Lypovyy (200-G-91) answered with 19 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev (186-G-91) had 14 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 15, Joan Sastre Morro 14, Miguel Servera 12
Ukraine U18: Oleksandr Lypovyy 19, Andriy Lebedintsev 14

Russia edged Ukrainian side in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Russia U20 54:65 (19-16, 12-17, 11-19, 12-13)
Russia won the second game of the day at the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Russian team overcame Ukraine 65:54 to play for the 9th place in France.
Ukraine played better in the opening tip of the game and grabbed the lead from the beginning. The team dominated the court and had 19:16 after the first 10 minutes. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) tied the game at 21:21 and he also gave the Russian team 25:24 lead. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) sent the teams to the lockers for 33:31 advantage. Right after that Russia did not allow Ukraine to respond and kept them behind. Grigoryev brought 44:38 and Maxim Zakharov (189-G-89) scored for 49:38. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (204-F-89) reduced at the end of the third period for 52:42. Russia also won the last frame 13-12 and rightfully will play for the higher place. Otverchenko nailed three at the end as Russia celebrated 65:54 victory.
Semen Antonov led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds as Russia will face Latvia next. Vladimir Ivlev netted 12, while Maxim Zakharov and Grigoryev collected 10 apiece. Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) finished the game with 16 points and Stanislav Tymofeyenko scored 13.
Latvia won over Serbia in the first game of the Classification Round for 9th to 12th Places. The Baltic side beat the opponents 74:67 in Greece to play for the 9th place on Sunday.

Ukraine U20: Vladyslav Tonchenko 16, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 13
Russia U20: Semen Antonov 19+13 rebs, Vladimir Ivlev 12, Maxim Zakharov 10, Grigoryev 10

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UNITED KINGDOM

Sharks Retain Lawson - by George Manousidis
Sheffield Sharks have boosted their backcourt by re- signing guard Perry Lawson (188-G-82, college: S.Georgia Tech CC) for the new season.

Lawson, aged 27, joined Sheffield at the beginning of last season after spells with Newcastle Eagles and Guildford Heat, he is set to form a partnership with Ryan Patton at the guard positions.

After a slow start to the campaign last year Lawson blossomed later on in the season as the Sharks found their best form to clinch a place in the play- offs.

Shooting over 40 percent from three-point range and just behind player-coach Atiba Lyons in the steals column of the stat sheet, Lawson eventually forced himself into Lyons's starting line up.

'Perry did a great job; he really stepped up his game late in the season. It is good to have him back,' said Lyons who is scouting players in the United States until the middle of August.

'His confidence grew as the season went on. I told him that he could get the job done and he did. He is a terrific defender, which is very important for us.'

With both Lawson and Patton being primarily thought of as point-guards, Lyons says he has plans to develop a part of Lawson's game that hasn't been seen much by Sharks fans.

'Both Perry and Ryan will spend some time at the two (shooting-guard) but I'll let Perry play his natural game and drive to the hole. He can drive very aggressively so I'll be encouraging him to do that.

'I'm still looking for another player for the backcourt but he will probably more of a two that can play at the three (small-forward) position.'

A Bright Future For British Basketball - by George Manousidis
A who's who of British Basketball gathered in Parliament yesterday to launch the sport's strategy for increasing participation in the run up to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Keen Newcastle Eagles fan Sharon Hodgson was joined by members of the Great Britain men's and women's basketball teams as she hosted an event which was attended by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw, the Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, and a large number of Members of Parliament.

Britain's biggest basketball organisations came together to convince parliamentarians of the need to work together in an effort to unlock the potential of the sport in every local community across the country. Basketball's leaders cited two main challenges for the next three years:

1. To increase the game's media profile throughout Britain, and

2. To improve the affordability and access to indoor sports facilities across the country.

England Basketball Chair, Alison Muir, expressed her delight at the excellent number of key people attending the function and commented that she 'was proud to be associated with a sport that is totally inclusive and is so popular with people of all ages throughout the world, including throughout Great Britain.'

British Basketball Chair Roger Moreland expressed: 'The event showed how all basketball partners working together can get more people playing and also drive to achieve Olympic success. We were delighted with the House of Commons support shown by MPs and we look forward to working together with a collective aim for the sport'.

Paul Blake, Chair of the British Basketball League, said: 'The event just goes to show the positive spirit surrounding the sport at the moment. We had a great attendance and there was clear interest and enthusiasm for the sport from a number of MPs which can only be good for the future of the sport in Britain.'

Sophie Goldschmidt, NBA EMEA Managing Director said: 'The future formation of basketball's All-Party Parliamentary Group signifies government's support of the game and continues the momentum of England Basketball, British Basketball, the British Basketball League, the NBA and Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball as we continue our commitment to further grow basketball in the U.K.'.

Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association secretary Steve Spilka stated 'Wheelchair basketball welcomes an approach of joint working between the various bodies involved with the sports of basketball and wheelchair basketball. There is an opportunity to share good practice and work in partnership to achieve our ultimate goals of growth, quality experiences for our members and for the national teams to perform at the highest level. We believe the reception at Portculis House is a big move in the right direction'.

Minister for the Olympics Tessa Jowell said: 'I am delighted to see that Great Britain Basketball is growing in prominence and I look forward with eager anticipation to seeing our men's and women's teams, both able bodied and wheelchair, compete with credible performances in London in 2012.

Sharon Hodgson MP said: 'I've been keeping an eye on the progress of Basketball in Britain for a while now having played when I was at high school. There are some great people involved in the game and I know that they are keen to work together to realise the sport's potential. Thanks to Sport England and the Government there are several new projects up and running and I am sure we will soon start to see the difference they can make. I wish everyone involved every success.'

Great Britain Men's Basketball Team head off to Poland in September to compete in Eurobasket 2009, basketball's version of the European Championships. It is the first time in over 30 years that the senior team has reached the finals event. The finals are preceded by a warm up tournament taking place at the 02 on 14- 16 August featuring Great Britain, Poland, Turkey and Israel. For ticket information visit www.gameongb.com or call 0844 856 0202

U20 MEN LOSED TO SWITZERLAND - by George Manousidis
Great Britain under-20 men's chances of a top 12 finish in the European Championship B Division took a major knock as they went down 79-72 against Switzerland on Friday.
Tim Lewis team now need a big win against Hungary on Saturday to stand any hope of clinching 12th place, while a defeat would consign them to 14th spot in the 17-team competition.

Tyronne Treasure proved to be Britains main threat, leading the team with 24 points, ten rebounds and four assists, while William Neighbour (203-F-90) added 16 points and five boards. Andy Lawrence finished with 10 points, while Nigel van Oostrum (194-G-90) had seven points, six assists and four rebounds.

Britain out-rebounded the Swiss 38-28, but with Christophe Varidel scoring 17 points and Lucas Waldesbuhl 16, the Swiss won the first game in the three-team group.

Britain again did well in the first half, leading by as many as ten in the run-up to half-time, but they were outscored in both of the final two periods as the Swiss finished strongly.

A Colin Sing basket followed by a trey from Lawrence saw Britain score the first five points of the game, and four Neighbour points plus a couple of Treasure free-throws put GB 11-6 ahead with three first quarter minutes remaining.

However, the Swiss finished the period strongly with a 10-2 run to lead 16-15 at the first break.

Patrick Nyeko restored Britains lead with the first basket of the second period but the game remained tight, before a Treasure lay-up gave GB a 26-24 lead at the midway stage of the quarter.

A Van Oostrum basket followed by a pair of free-throws from Josh Rolls-Tyson saw Britains lead grow to 30-25.
GB continued to control the game, with baskets from Rolls-Tyson, Neighbour and Treasure extending their lead to 36-26, but the Swiss gave a hint of what was to follow by closing out the half on a 5-1 run to cut Britains lead to 37-31 going into the locker-room.

Ian Savoy opened the second half scoring for Switzerland, but a pair of Treasure free-throws followed by a dunk kept Britain 41-35 ahead at the 6:43 mark.

Treasure and Lahey exchanged baskets as Britain maintained their six point lead before the Swiss scored six straight points to level the score, and although Lawrence put Britain ahead again, a Jerome Stcheli trey gave Switzerland a 46-45 lead with three minutes of the period remaining.

Five from six free-throws kept GB ahead, but five straight Varidel points sent the Swiss into the final break with a 53-50 lead.

The same player opened the fourth period scoring with a shot from downtown, but baskets from Van Oostrum and Neighbour followed by a Lawrence trey saw Britain regain the lead with a 7-0 run

Six straight Neighbour points saw Britain maintain a slender lead, and they were still level at 65 with five minutes remaining.

However, Varidel points gave the Swiss a 68-65 lead at the 4:40 mark, and they never trailed again.

Van Oostrum cut the deficit to a point with a put-back, but with two minutes remaining they trailed 71-67.

That lead grew to six after a pair of free-throws, and although Treasure sliced the deficit to two with back-to-back baskets, Varidel again scored a jump shot, and the Swiss wrapped things up from the foul line.

Sharks Snatch Patton - by George Manousidis
Sheffield Sharks have finally completed the signing of former Arrows point-guard Ryan Patton (181-G-78, college: Youngstown St.).

Rumours of the proposed deal first surfaced a month ago but Patton, who starred for Worthing Thunder in the BBL last season, took his time in returning the club's offer of a contract.

However, the American has now completed the necessary paperwork and will be player-coach Atiba Lyons's floor general for the new campaign, which begins at Leicester Riders in late September.

Patton, aged 30, had a good year with Worthing averaging 18 points per match and was in the BBL's top four for three-point shooting, connecting on 105 of a massive 239 attempts.

On the south coast Patton was expected to be the main man on the Thunder offence, a role that he is unlikely to need to fill in Sheffield. He will bring a level of maturity to the Sharks team, though, that was lacking at times last year.

General manager Sarah Backovic said it was important the Sharks began to build their squad.

'Ryan is someone who has impressed the club for a long time. He performed well for Worthing in his first year in the BBL and we're confident he can give us the leadership required from the point-guard position.'

Former Sharks Adrian Anderson (191-G/F-75), who played with Patton for the Arrows during the 2004/05 season said his signing is a major coup for the Sharks:

'I can't speak highly enough about Ryan. From my point of view he is the perfect point-guard. He is a great passer of the ball, but when he needs to he can take over a game and score heavily.

'He's a typical floor general. If someone is slacking or not doing what they should be doing he'll tell them straight away.'

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WILLIAM JONES CUP

Standings

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

Women News

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ARGENTINA - Women

First joy for U19 Argentina in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News
U19 South Korea - U19 Argentina 63-73

First victory for Argentina in Bangkok. It is a Day 2 of the FIBA U19 World Championship and with this win Argentina most probably secured participation for the next stage. They are on 1-1 record in preliminary Group A, and the same numbers has France. Australia is on top with 2-0 and South Korea on the bottom. Nayla Kraft (166-G-90) was on fire today scoring 18 points. Ornella Santana (184-F/C-90) and Nadia Flores (174-G-90) had 11 points each, but Santana grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Ahn HyoJin (-91) responded with 16 points for Team Korea. Gibbeum Heo scored 14 and Park Hye Ryeon (-91) one point less.
Last quarter was crucial one in this game. It was a meeting full of turns. Argentina had 21-18 after 10 minutes tand hey kept Korea on just 5 points in the second period. It was 32-23 at the HT. Ahn HyoJin led Korea to excellent third quarter for turn and 3-point lead. When it seemed that the Koreans are little bit closer to win, Nayla Kraft and her teammates finally demonstrated their power. During the last 10 minutes they smashed Japan with 27-14 for the first joy in Bangkok.
Tomorrow Argentina will meet France in decisive game for the second place, while Korea will take on Australia.

South Korea: Ahn HyoJin 16, Gibbeum Heo 14, Park Hye Ryeon 13
Argentina: Nayla Kraft 18, Ornella Santana 11+5 boards, Nadia Flores 11

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Standings

Group A
1. China		0-0
2. India		0-0
3. Japan		0-0
4. S.Korea		0-0
5. Taiwan		0-0
6. Thailand		0-0
Group B
1. Kazakhstan		0-0
2. Lebanon		0-0
3. Malaysia		0-0
4. Philippines		0-0
5. Sri Lanka		0-0
6. Uzbekistan		0-0

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Cambage paces Australia to second win in Bangkok, secures top in Group A - by Eurobasket News
U19 Australia - U19 France 66-57

Second appearance and the second victory for the Opals at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. Yesterday, Australia was better than Argentina 75-51 and today the Opals outplayed France 66-57. Elizabeth Folake Cambage (203-C-91) once again demonstrated magnificent performance in the winning squad. She spent 35 minutes on the floor draining impressive 38 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Second scorer in Team Australia was Kerryn Harrington (171-G-92) with 10 points. In France, Margaux Okou Zouzouo (183-F-91) delivered 14. Pauline Thizy (190-C-90) and Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) followed her with 10 each. With this victory Australia secured position No.1 in Preliminary Group A. France will have a chance to do it tomorrow against Argentina. Both teams already secured Qualifying Round by beating South Korea.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. France was slightly better in the first half ending it with 24-29. However, everything changed after that. Elizabeth Folake Cambage was unstoppable in third frame pacing her team to 22-7. That was the end for France, who was not able seriously to treat until the end. Tomorrow, Australia will play against South Korea.

Australia: Elizabeth Folake Cambage 38+10 boards, Kerryn Harrington 10
France: Margaux Okou Zouzouo 14, Pauline Thizy 10, Isabelle Strunc 10

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BOSNIA - Women

Sasa Cadjo left, Ana Baletic arrives to Zeljeznicar UNIQA - by Aleksandra Music
Sasa Cado (172-G-89) left Zeljeznicar UNIQA after two successful years. This season in Euro-cup, 6 games: 10.7ppg 2.5rpg 1.1apg 2.3spg She will continue career in the best team in Serbia, Hemofarm Stada Vrsac. It's good opportunity for her to make one step up and impruve her playing in next two seasons. Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) arrives to Zeljeznicar UNIQA after season in Spain, Mann Filter Zaragosa (Spain-LFB). She will help the team who will play this year FIBA, WABA League and League 12 BiH. Matea Tavic (178-G-92) has contract with team Biss Tours Celik, Zenica, but a lot of teams are interested for the best young player in Bosnia. Mannager of Biss Tours Celik said thet she can leave the team if she decide to find some good solution for her.

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BRAZIL - Women

U19 Brazil celebrates against U19 Czech Republic 86-76 - by Eurobasket News
U19 Brazil - U19 Czech Republic 86-76

Brazil was better than Czech Republic today registering the second victory at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. It means that Brazil is on top of Preliminary Group B with perfect 2-0, while Czechs are together with Lithuania on 1-1. However, all three teams are still in combination for the position No.1 in this pool at the end of the Preliminary Round. Debora Fernandes Da Costa (165-G-91) shined for the winners with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Tatiane Pacheco Nacimiento (180-G/F-90) and Leila Zabani (180-G/F-91) delivered 13 pts each. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) responded with 17 pts in loss.
All quarters, except of the last one belonged to Brazil today. During the opening ten minutes the Brazilians totally dominated stopping the Czechs on just 9 points, 20-9. Alena Hanusova stepped up for Czech Republic after that helping them to score 21 and 19 points respectively in second and third stanza. However, that was not enough as Brazil had couple of players in a game mood, which responded with 24 and 23 pts. Last frame ended 19-27 for the Czechs, but it seemed Brazil was the one who let them do it as question about the winner was already decided.
Tomorrow is the last day of the Preliminary Round and Brazil will meet Lithuania. Czech Republic will take on Thailand. The host of the championship is already seen as the last ranked team in the pool.

Brazil: Debora Fernandes Da Costa 18+5 boards, Tatiane Pacheco Nacimiento 13, Leila Zabani 13
Czech Republic: Alena Hanusova 17

Brazilian U16 National Team 2009 - by Richard
Thamara de Freitas (187-C-94)
Forwardna Arias (187-C-94)
Raquel Dudzevich (185-C-93)
Martha Imoniana (185-C-94)
Leticia Lisboa (184-F/C-93)
Vanessa Goncalves (182-C-94)
Julia Alves (182-C-93)
Patricia de Jesus (180-F-94)
Isabela Macedo (-F-94)
Erika Leita (172-F/G-93)
Natalia Saar (-F-93)
Stephanie de Oliveira (170-G-93)
Juliana Roberto (170-F/G-93)
Priscilla Bernardes (169-G-93)
Drielli do Nascimento (-G-93)

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CANADA - Women

U19 Canada destroys U19 Tunisia in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News
U19 Canada - U19 Tunisia 87-26

Canada had a joyful second day at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. After yesterday s defeat against Russia, the Canadians blasted Tunisia with amazing 87-26. This victory most probably secured the second stage for Canada, who also has a chance to end Preliminary Round as No.2 in Group C. Kayla Alexander (195-F/C-91) was the best player in Canada today registering double-double, 13 points and 10 rebounds. Natalie C. Achonwa (188-F-92) also had 13 points, while Stephanie Macdonald (178-G-90) added 9. Interesting is that all players in Team Canada had 4 or more points today. In Tunisia, Lilia Inoubli (-92) was better than the other scoring 12 points. Zbeyda Arami (-91) finished the game with two less.
Tunisia did not succeed to score more than 8 points in each of the quarters. The second one was worst for Tunisia as Canada kept them on miserable 27-3. Canada had much better shot percentage and dominated in rebounding. Tunisia committed 38 turnovers.
Tomorrow, Canada will meet Japan. Tunisia will take on undefeated Russia.

Canada: Kayla Alexander 13+10 boards, Natalie C. Achonwa 13, Stephanie Macdonald 9
Tunisia: Lilia Inoubli 12, Zbeyda Arami 10

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CHINA - Women

Defending champion beats China in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News
U19 USA - U19 China 88-53

USA demonstrated its power today against China grabbing the first win at the FIBA U19 World Championship. As a reminder, USA faced with defeat yesterday against Spain and that is the first failure for the defending champion after 8 years. Now USA Team has 1-1 record in Group D and it will have a chance tomorrow to reach the second place, even No.1 with some options which most probably will not happen. Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90) led the winners with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Kelsey Bone (6'5''-C-91) had 16 and Skylar Diggins (5'9''-G-90) added 3 points less. In Team China, Shuang Zhao (6'2''-F-90) delivered 12.
The defending champ dominated during the entire time. They won each quarter with at least plus 7. After 20 minutes it was 40-25 and in the next two periods USA made 48-28. The biggest advantage USA had in the paint, where Chinese were not able to compete. The Americans finished the game with 54 rebounds, while China had 26.
Tomorrow in Bangkok, USA will play against Mali. The Chinese will meet Spain. USA, Spain and China already booked a spot for the next stage, while after tomorrow's game Mali will continue in Classification Round.

USA: Nnemkadi Ogwumike 18+14 boards, Kelsey Bone 16, Skylar Diggins 13
China: Shuang Zhao 12

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

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FRANCE - Women

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JAPAN - Women

U19 Russia beats U19 Japan for 2-0 in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News
U19 Japan - U19 Russia 64-83

Russia celebrated the second victory at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) and her teammates outplayed Japan today securing the position No.1 in Preliminary Group C. Yesterday, Russia was better than Canada and it will almost sure end this stage perfect. Tatiana Petrushina shined for the winners collecting 15 points and 4 rebounds. Alexandra Tarasova (192-C-91) was second scorer of the team with 10 pts and she also pulled down 9 rebounds beside that. In Team Japan, Rateisa Fukano (-90) shined with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Yukine Abe (-90) netted 2 points less.
Russia needed only two good quarters to resolve question about the winner. In the opening one the Russians grabbed 24-12 lead. Japan woke up during the following 10 minutes closing the gap to 9 points. However, Russia came out strongly after the breather. Tatiana Petrushina was on fire leading her team to 22 pts in third stanza. On the other side, Japan stopped on just 9 and it was already clear that the Russians will take this one. Tomorrow, Russia will meet Tunisia and easy win is expected. Japan will take on Canada.

Japan: Rateisa Fukano 13+7 boards, Yukine Abe 11
Russia: Tatiana Petrushina 15+4 boards, Alexandra Tarasova 10+9 boards

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LITHUANIA - Women

U19 Lithuania has no mercy for U19 Thailand - by Eurobasket News
U19 Lithuania - U19 Thailand 89-34

As it was expected, Lithuania was better than Thailand in Day 2 of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. The host of this prestigious event was not able to resist against the strong Lithuaninas falling on 0-2 in Preliminary Group B. With this win Lithuania 99% secured the next stage and it will have a chance to reach second place tomorrow. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) shined for the winners scoring 20 points. Lina Pikciute (192-F/C-90) also had very important role delivering 19 points and grabbing 7 boards. Inesa Visgaudaite (171-G-91) was third scorer and at the same time the last one with double-digits, 10 points. Ruemenchanok Doksaiyud (-92) delivered 11 pts in loss. All other players in Team Thailand had 7.
Lithuania dominated today in all basketball elements. First quarter talks everything for itself as Lithuania ended it with magnificent 34-3. All after that was just the formality. In Day 3 Lithuania will meet Brazil. Thailand will take on Czech Republic. After this game the host will most probably continue in Classification Stage.

Lithuania: Marina Solopova 20, Lina Pikciute 19+7 boards, Inesa Visgaudaite 10
Thailand: Ruemenchanok Doksaiyud 11

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MALI - Women

U19 Spain beats U19 Mali in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News
U19 Mali - U19 Spain 35-89

Spain took care for another win after yesterday's big surprise against the defending World champion USA. Today Spain had much easier job against the African Mali. With this victory Spain secured No.1 in Preliminary Group D and of course the participation at the next stage. Laura Gil Collado (182-C-92) and Marta Xargay Casademont (180-G-90) drained 12 points each for the winners. Celia Menendez Antoli (-90) followed them with one point less. Aminata Mariko (-90) was the top-scored of this game with 14 points (Mali). Her squad currently has 0-2 and it will most probably stay winless in Preliminary Round.
Opening quarter sent a clear signal what spectators could expect today. Spain finished it with 6-23. During the following ten minutes Mali scored even less points, 5. At the half time Spain already had huge 10-39. In third stanza Mali faced with real fiasco, 10-35. Finally and fortunately for Mali, Spain slowed down and stopped extending the lead. Tomorrow in Bangkok Spain will play against China. Mali will take on the defending champ USA.

Mali: Aminata Mariko 14
Spain: Laura Gil Collado 12, Marta Xargay Casademont 12, Celia Menendez Antoli 11

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NCAA1 - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

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SERBIA - Women

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

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THAILAND - Women

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TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U16 - Women

Standing

Standings

1. Argentina		0-0
2. Brazil		0-0
3. Canada		0-0
4. USA		0-0

Brazil starts second phase of training for FIBA Americas U16 Championship for Women - by Richard
Brazil started their secoond phase of training for the 2009 FIBA Americas U16 Championship for Women in Osasco, Sao Paulo. The FIBA Americas U16 Championship for Women will be played from August 10-14 in Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.

The team coached by Csar Guidetti will train this week from July 21-23. The first training camp was in February.

The practices will continue until August 7 and the next day they will travel to Mexico. The three best teams qualify for the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.

NAME-POSITION-AGE-HEIGHT-CLUB-NATURAL

Thamara de Freitas Center 15 years 1,87m Mangueira/GRESEP (RJ) RJ
Forwardna Arias Center 15 years 1,87m Colgio Farroupilha (RS) RS
Raquel Dudzevich Center 16 years 185m Centro Olmpico (SP) SP
Martha Imoniana Center 15 years 1,85m Centro Olmpico (SP) SP
Letcia Lisboa Forward/Center 16 years 1,84m APAB/Barretos (SP) MG
Vanessa Gonalves Center 15 years 1,82m Santo Andr (SP) SP
Jlia Alves Center 16 years 1,82m Finasa/Osasco (SP) SP
Patricia Kelly de Jesus Forward 16 years 1,80m Finasa/Osasco (SP) SP
Isabela Ramona Macedo Forward 15 years Mangueira/GRESEP (RJ) RJ
Erika Leita Forward/Guard 16 years 1,72m APAB/Barretos (SP) SP
Natlia Saar Forward 15 years So Jos dos Pinhais (PR) PR
Stephanie de Oliveira Guard 16 years 1,70m CFE Janeth Arcain (SP) SP
Bruna Werberich Forward/Guard 15 years 1,70m Colgio Alfa Medianeira (PR) PR
Juliana Roberto Forward/Guard 16 years 1,70m Centro Olmpico (SP) SP
Priscilla Bernardes Guard 16 years 1,69m Finasa/Osasco (SP) SP
Drielli do Nascimento Guard 16 years APAB/Barretos (SP) SP
Average age: 15,5 years
Average height: 1,78m
source: Fiba Americas

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TUNISIA - Women

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WNBA - Women

Participants named for WNBA All-Star Pre-game challenge presented by Toyota - by Eurobasket News
WNBA All-Stars will participate in the All-Star Three-Point Shootout and the All-Star Skills Challenge as part of the WNBA All-Star Pre-Game Challenge presented by Toyota. The Pre-Game Challenge will take place prior to the 2009 WNBA All-Star Game beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Six of the league's elite shooters will compete over two rounds in the All-Star Three-Point Shootout. The sharpshooters include Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut), Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, college: Arkansas), Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue), Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.), Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) and Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut). Christon ranks among the top five in the league in three-point field-goal percentage (.494, 40-81) while Taurasi has made the most three-pointers in the league this season (46) and Katie Smith stands as the WNBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made (703).

Players will have one minute to make as many three-pointers as they can from five shooting stations behind the arc. Each spot consists of five basketballs - four WNBA balls worth one point apiece and one All-Star ball worth two points. The top three scorers will advance to compete in the final round.

In 2007, Laurie Koehn of the Washington Mystics, in front of her home crowd at the Verizon Center, scored 25 points in the final round in the Three-Point Shootout. Her performance set a WNBA record and also tied the NBA record set by Craig Hodges in 1986 for most points in a single round of an NBA or WNBA Three-Point Shootout.

The All-Star Skills Challenge will feature four teams comprised of three All-Stars. Two teams from the Eastern Conference and two teams from the Western Conference will compete to make a series of baskets while navigating an obstacle course. The team with the fastest time will claim bragging rights.

Team 1 (East) is comprised of Jia Perkins, Tamika Catchings and Sancho Lyttle. Team 2 (East) consists of Alana Beard, Asjha Jones and Sylvia Fowles. Team 1 (West) participants are Cappie Pondexter, Sophia Young and Charde Houston. Team 2 (West) players are Swin Cash, Nicole Powell and Nicky Anosike.

The 2009 WNBA All-Star Game will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET, immediately following the Pre-Game Challenge presented by Toyota. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. ET. The game, which is the ninth in league history, will be televised nationally on ABC.

PARTICIPANTS FOR 2009 WNBA ALL-STAR PRE-GAME CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY TOYOTA

THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT

Sue Bird Seattle Storm

Shameka Christon New York Liberty

Katie Douglas Indiana Fever

Rebecca Hammon San Antonio Silver Stars

Katie Smith Detroit Shock

Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury

ALL-STAR SKILLS CHALLENGE Team 1 (East)

Jia Perkins Chicago Sky

Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever

Sancho Lyttle Atlanta Dream

Team 2 (East)

Alana Beard Washington Mystics

Asjha Jones Connecticut Sun

Sylvia Fowles Chicago Sky

Team 1 (West)

Cappie Pondexter Phoenix Mercury

Sophia Young San Antonio Silver Stars

Charde Houston Minnesota Lynx

Team 2 (West)
Swin Cash Seattle Storm

Nicole Powell Sacramento Monarchs
Nicky Anosike Minnesota Lynx
Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Last games (3) - Silver Stars, Monarchs and Mystics celebrate - by Eurobasket News
Indiana F. - S.Antonio SS 65-84
The San Antonio Silver Stars did not have any troubles to beat the Indiana Fever last night, jumping to 7-8 record in Western Conference. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) was central figure of the game draining 24 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Vickie Johnson (5'10''-G/F-72, college: Louisiana Tech) had 16, while Rebbeca Hammon helped with one point less. In Fever, Jessica Davenport scored 13. She got just 13 minutes and all other players had more yesterday.

Sacramento M. - New York L. 88-73
Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) demonstrated magnificent performance last night for the Monarchs. She got 30 minutes from the coach Boucek netting 32 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Powell made 5 triples of 8 attempts in total. Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) was behind her with 15 and DeMya Walker had 13 points, plus 9 boards. In Liberty, Essence Carson delivered 20. Monarchs 4-14, Liberty 6-9.

Chicago S. - Washington M. 64-75
Eighth win of the season for Washington Mystics, this time against the Sky. Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) led the winners registering double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) had 15 and Matee Ajavon added one point less. In the loosing squad Jia Perkins scored 14. Mystics 8-7, Sky 8-10.

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Indiana F.	12-4
2. Connect. S.	9-7
3. Washingt. M.	8-7
4. Chicago S.	8-10
5. Atlanta D.	8-10
6. New York L.	6-9
7. Detroit S.	5-9
Western
1. Phoenix M.	12-5
2. Seattle S.	11-6
3. Minnesota L.	10-7
4. S.Antonio SS	7-8
5. L.Angeles S.	4-9
6. Sacram. M.	4-14

2009 WNBA All-Star Rosters - by Eurobasket News
The starting lineups for the 2009 WNBA All-Star Game as selected by the fans have been announced today. Indiana Fever forward and six-time All-Star Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) led all players with 94,316 votes following the final returns of 2009 WNBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile. Catchings received the most votes for the second time, having also earned the honor in 2006.

San Antonio Silver Stars guard Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) (88,991), Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) (88,685) and Storm guard Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) (88,591) followed closely behind Catchings as leading vote-getters and topped all players in the Western Conference.

Through the 2009 WNBA All-Star Balloting Program presented by T-Mobile, fans were responsible for voting in the starters for the WNBA All-Star Game, which will be played at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, July 25. The game will be nationally televised on ABC beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. It will mark the second time that the midseason classic is played at Mohegan Sun Arena, which also hosted the WNBA All-Star festivities in 2005.

Joining Catchings in the Eastern Conference starting lineup are Chicago Sky forward Candice Dupree, Sky center Sylvia Fowles, Washington Mystics guard Alana Beard and Fever guard Katie Douglas. It marks the first time that Douglas, Dupree, Fowles and Beard have been voted as starters by the fans. Douglas, a three-time All-Star and the 2006 All-Star MVP, and Beard, a four-time All-Star, were both inserted into the starting lineup in 2006 due to injuries. Fowles is a first-time All-Star while Dupree makes her third appearance.

Familiar names in WNBA All-Star history make up the Western Conference starting lineup as Hammon, Jackson and Bird are joined by Storm forward Swin Cash and Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie. Leslie, a three time All-Star MVP, now leads all players in WNBA history with eight All-Star appearances. Hammon makes her fifth appearance in the midseason classic while Jackson is a seven-time All-Star, Bird makes her sixth appearance and Cash is named for the third time. Cash also becomes just the third player in WNBA history to start for both the East and West squads (Dawn Staley, Hammon).

Following are the starting lineups for the 2009 WNBA All-Star Game:

Eastern Conference Starters:

Katie Douglas, Guard (Indiana Fever)
Alana Beard, Guard (Washington Mystics)
Sylvia Fowles, Center (Chicago Sky)
Candice Dupree, Forward (Chicago Sky)
Tamika Catchings, Forward (Indiana Fever)

Western Conference Starters:

Sue Bird, Guard (Seattle Storm)
Rebecca Hammon, Guard (San Antonio Silver Stars)
Lisa Leslie, Center (Los Angeles Sparks)
Swin Cash, Forward (Seattle Storm)
Lauren Jackson, Forward (Seattle Storm)

The 13 WNBA head coaches will select the reserves by voting for six players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, one center and one player regardless of position. Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their team.

As previously announced, San Antonio Head Coach Dan Hughes will coach the West by virtue of winning the 2008 Western Conference title. The East will be led by Indiana Head Coach Lin Dunn, who was named the coach after the Fever clinched the best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference for games through July 15. This method was used because Bill Laimbeer, head coach of the 2008 Eastern Conference champion Detroit Shock, stepped down from his post in early June.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL RETURNS

Forwards: Tamika Catchings (Ind) 94,316; Candice Dupree (Chi) 59,949; Marissa Coleman (Wash) 48,499; Shemeka Christon (NY) 48,129; Ebony Hoffman (Ind) 46,472; Chamique Holdsclaw (Atl) 41,602; Asjha Jones (Conn) 40,382; Cathrine Kraayeveld (NY) 38,879; Nakia Sanford (Wash) 31,623; Chen Nan (Chi) 31,272; Taj McWilliams (Det) 31,053; Amber Holt (Conn) 25,044; Angel McCoughtry (Atl) 24,839; Plenette Pierson (Det) 20,016; Erika de Souza (Atl) 15,413.

Centers: Sylvia Fowles (Chi) 71,487; Janel McCarville (NY) 56,770; Tammy Sutton-Brown (Ind) 47,724; Chasity Melvin (Wash) 39,750; Cheryl Ford (Det) 31,264; Tamika Whitmore (Conn) 29,469; Michelle Snow (Atl) 25,110.

Guards: Katie Douglas (Ind) 65,911; Alana Beard (Wash) 64,237; Lindsay Whalen (Conn) 55,901; Tully Bevilaqua (Ind) 53,123; Lindsey Harding (Wash) 48,437; Deanna Nolan (Det) 46,776; Katie Smith (Det) 43,932; Jia Perkins (Chi) 41,433; Loree Moore (NY) 40,966; Essence Carson (NY) 39,484; Kristi Toliver (Chi) 38,878; Erin Phillips (Conn) 33,631; Nikki Teasley (Atl) 23,417.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL RETURNS

Forwards: Lauren Jackson (Sea) 88,685; Swin Cash (Sea) 78,477; Sophia Young (SA) 72,324; Cappie Pondexter (Phx) 70,393; Tina Thompson (LA) 62,206; Erin Perperoglou (SA) 60,375; DeLisha Milton-Jones (LA) 43,812; DeWanna Bonner (Phx) 42,805; Seimone Augustus (Min) 39,547; Rebekkah Brunson (Sac) 21,933; Nicole Powell (Sac) 20,889.

Centers: Lisa Leslie (LA) 80,748; Ruth Riley (SA) 75,412; Janell Burse (Sea) 48,762; Nicky Anosike (Min) 41,572; Tangela Smith (Phx) 38,864; DeMya Walker (Sac) 20,671.

Guards: Rebecca Hammon (SA) 88,991; Sue Bird (Sea) 88,591; Diana Taurasi (Phx) 75,263; Vickie Johnson (SA) 62,736; Betty Lennox (LA) 57,524; Candace Parker (LA) 40,600; Temeka Johnson (Phx) 40,434; Candice Wiggins (Min) 32,581; Kara Lawson (Sac) 28,825; Renee Montgomery (Min) 27,896; Kelly Miller (Min) 25,016; Ticha Penicheiro (Sac) 24,497; Tanisha Wright (Sea) 18,080.
Courtesy of http://ballhype.com

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19 - Women

Standings (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Australia		2-0
2. France		1-1
3. Argentina		1-1
4. S.Korea		0-2
Group B
1. Brazil		2-0
2. Czech Repu.		1-1
3. Lithuania		1-1
4. Thailand		0-2
Group C
1. Russia		2-0
2. Canada		1-1
3. Japan		1-1
4. Tunisia		0-2
Group D
1. Spain		2-0
2. China		1-1
3. USA		1-1
4. Mali		0-2

Summary of Day 2 in Bangkok - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Australia - France 66-57
Second appearance and the second victory for the Opals at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. Yesterday, Australia was better than Argentina 75-51 and today the Opals outplayed France 66-57. Elizabeth Folake Cambage (203-C-91) once again demonstrated magnificent performance in the winning squad. She spent 35 minutes on the floor draining impressive 38 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Second scorer in Team Australia was Kerryn Harrington (171-G-92) with 10 points. In France, Margaux Okou Zouzouo delivered 14. Pauline Thizy and Isabelle Strunc followed her with 10 each. With this victory Australia secured position No.1 in Preliminary Group A. France will have a chance to do it tomorrow against Argentina. Both teams already secured Qualifying Round by beating South Korea.

South Korea - Argentina 63-73
First victory for Argentina in Bangkok. It is a Day 2 of the FIBA U19 World Championship and with this win Argentina most probably secured participation for the next stage. They are on 1-1 record in preliminary Group A, and the same numbers has France. Australia is on top with 2-0 and South Korea on the bottom. Nayla Kraft (166-G-90) was on fire today scoring 18 points. Ornella Santana (184-F/C-90) and Nadia Flores had 11 points each, but Santana grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Ahn HyoJin responded with 16 points for Team Korea. Gibbeum Heo scored 14 and Park Hye Ryeon one point less.

Group B

Lithuania - Thailand 89-34
As it was expected, Lithuania was better than Thailand in Day 2 of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. The host of this prestigious event was not able to resist against the strong Lithuaninas falling on 0-2 in Preliminary Group B. With this win Lithuania 99% secured the next stage and it will have a chance to reach second place tomorrow. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) shined for the winners scoring 20 points. Lina Pikciute (192-F/C-90) also had very important role delivering 19 points and grabbing 7 boards. Inesa Visgaudaite was third scorer and at the same time the last one with double-digits, 10 points. Ruemenchanok Doksaiyud delivered 11 pts in loss. All other players in Team Thailand had 7.

Brazil - Czech Republic 86-76
Brazil was better than Czech Republic today registering the second victory at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. It means that Brazil is on top of Preliminary Group B with perfect 2-0, while Czechs are together with Lithuania on 1-1. However, all three teams are still in combination for the position No.1 in this pool at the end of the Preliminary Round. Debora Fernandes Da Costa (165-G-91) shined for the winners with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Tatiane Pacheco Nacimiento (180-G/F-90) and Leila Zabani delivered 13 pts each. Alena Hanusova responded with 17 pts in loss.

Group C

Japan - Russia 64-83
Russia celebrated the second victory at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) and her teammates outplayed Japan today securing the position No.1 in Preliminary Group C. Yesterday, Russia was better than Canada and it will almost sure end this stage perfect. Tatiana Petrushina shined for the winners collecting 15 points and 4 rebounds. Alexandra Tarasova was second scorer of the team with 10 pts and she also pulled down 9 rebounds beside that. In Team Japan, Rateisa Fukano shined with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Yukine Abe netted 2 points less.

Canada - Tunisia 87-26
Canada had a joyful second day at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Bangkok. After yesterday s defeat against Russia, the Canadians blasted Tunisia with amazing 87-26. This victory most probably secured the second stage for Canada, who also has a chance to end Preliminary Round as No.2 in Group C. Kayla Alexander (195-F/C-91) was the best player in Canada today registering double-double, 13 points and 10 rebounds. Natalie C. Achonwa (188-F-92) also had 13 points, while Stephanie Macdonald added 9. Interesting is that all players in Team Canada had 4 or more points today. In Tunisia, Lilia Inoubli was better than the other scoring 12 points. Zbeyda Arami finished the game with two less.

Group D

Mali - Spain 35-89
Spain took care for another win after yesterday's big surprise against the defending World champion USA. Today Spain had much easier job against the African Mali. With this victory Spain secured No.1 in Preliminary Group D and of course the participation at the next stage. Laura Gil Collado (182-C-92) and Marta Xargay Casademont (180-G-90) Casademont drained 12 points each for the winners. Celia Menendez Antoli followed them with one point less. Aminata Mariko was the top-scored of this game with 14 points (Mali). Her squad currently has 0-2 and it will most probably stay winless in Preliminary Round.

USA - China 88-53
USA demonstrated its power today against China grabbing the first win at the FIBA U19 World Championship. As a reminder, USA faced with defeat yesterday against Spain and that is the first failure for the defending champion after 8 years. Now USA Team has 1-1 record in Group D and it will have a chance tomorrow to reach the second place, even No.1 with some options which most probably will not happen. Nnemkadi Ogwumike (188-F-90) led the winners with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Kelsey Bone (196-C-91) had 16 and Ckylar Diggins added 3 points less. In Team China, Zhao Shuang delivered 12.