EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/19/2009

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Men News

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


Lake County, Florida entries into ABA this season - by Gianni Pascucci
Just few days after having announced the return of the league to the Minneapolis/St.Paul area in 2010 with the addition of a team owned by former NBA player, Ben Coleman, Joe Newman , CEO of the American Basketball Association announced that the Florida Thundercats are the latest entry into the league and will begin play in December. The principal owner of the Florida Thundercats is Kevin Simmons, who played basketball for the University of North Alabama and help lead the team to the NCAA Division III National Championship. After serving four years in the US Army, he has been a promoter of sporting events for over ten years and currently runs the biggest basketball tournament in Florida. He has also done promotions for top comedy shows and music concerts. Joining the Management Team are Kim Myers and Deanna Clover. For more information, email kevin@floridathundercats.com or call 352 875 3019 or visit www.floridathundercats.com



*****************************************************
  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Africabasket.com All-African Championships 2009 Awards - by Eurobasket
#s#
Joaquim Gomes
Gomes
Pape-Philippe Amagou
Amagou
Romain Sato
Sato
Amine Rzig
Rzig
De Sagana Diop
Diop
#e#6

Best Player: Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80) of Angola
Best Guard: Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85) of Ivory Coast
Best Forward: Romain Sato (194-G/F-81) of Central Africa
Best Center: Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80) of Angola * played at bioth center and power forward positions
Best Coach: Luis Magalhaes of Angola

1st Team
G: Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85) of Ivory Coast
G/F: Romain Sato (194-G/F-81) of Central Africa
G/F: Amine Rzig (199-G/F-80) of Tunisia
F/C: Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80) of Angola
C: De Sagana Diop (213-C-83) of Senegal

2nd Team
G: Carlos Morais (190-G-85) of Angola
PG: Jeff Xavier (185-G-85) of Cape Verde
F: Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) of Angola
F/C: Hesham Salem (206-F/C-81) of Libya
C: Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) of Senegal

3rd Team * 6 players selected
G: Armando Costa (192-G-83) of Angola
G: Babacar Cisse (189-G-76) of Senegal
SG: Michael Efevberha (196-G-84) of Nigeria
F: Gaston Essengue (203-F-83) of Cameroon
PF: Mouhammad Faye (206-F-85) of Senegal
C: Robert Thomson (208-C-82) of Rwanda

Honorable Mention
Mouloukou Diabate (180-G-87) of Ivory Coast
Mohamed Kone (211-C-81) of Ivory Coast
Marouana Kechrid (180-G-81) of Tunisia
Waly Coulibaly (193-G/F-88) of Mali
Gabe Muoneke (200-F-78) of Nigeria
Joachim Ekanga Ehawa (188-G-77) of Cameroon
Mohamad Hachad (194-G-83) of Morocco
Jean Koumba (83) of Congo
Kenny Gasana (84) of Rwanda
Amara Sy (202-F-81) of Mali

*****************************************************
  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Championships 2009 Awards - by Eurobasket
#s#
Hamed Ehadadi
Ehadadi
Rasheim Wright
Wright
Jianlian Yi
Yi
MohammadSamad Nikkhah
Nikkhah
Fadi El Khatib
El Khatib
#e#6

Best Player: Hamed Ehadadi (218-C-85) of Iran
Best Guard: Rasheim Wright (194-G-81) of Jordan
Best Forward: Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) of China * played mostly at power forward position, but sometimes joined Wang Zhizhi (214-C-79) at duo-center spot
Best Center: Hamed Ehadadi (218-C-85) of Iran
Best Coach: Veselin Matic of Iran

1st Team
G: Rasheim Wright (194-G-81) of Jordan
G/F: MohammadSamad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83) of Iran * played on both shooting guard and small forward (mostly) positions
SF: Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79) of Lebanon
C/F: Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) of China
C: Hamed Ehadadi (218-C-85) of Iran

2nd Team
SG: Osama Daghles (199-G-79) of Jordan
PG: Mahdi Kamrani (180-G-82) of Iran
F: Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) of Jordan
PF: Matt Freije (206-F-81) of Lebanon
C/F: Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81) of Lebanon

3rd Team
G: Afagh Hamed of Iran
SG: Alexandr Tyutyunik (198-G-90) of Kazakhstan
SF: Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) of Qatar
PF: Tien Lei (202-F-83) of Taiwan
C: Wang Zhizhi (214-C-79) of China

Honorable Mention
Aleksandr Kozlov (202-F-82) of Uzbekistan
Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88) of Kazakhstan
Tseng Wen-Ting (202-C/F-84) of Taiwan
Yang Hee-Jong (194-F-84) of S.Korea
Mustafa ElSayad (206-F/C-82) of Qatar
Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) of S.Korea
Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) of Philippines
Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) of Japan
Mohammad Ashkanani (193-F-84) of Kuwait
Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (192-G-91) of India

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Rasheim WRIGHT
  USA
  (194-G-81)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. Wright, JOR20.7 
 2. Kozlov, UZB19.4 
 3. Yi, CHN18.3 
 4. Nikkhah, IRI18.0 
 5. Ali, QAT17.8 
 6. Vroman, LEB17.1 
 7. Tyutyunik, KAZ16.8 
 8. Wang, CHN16.7 
 9. Ehadadi, IRI15.8 
 10. Bhriguvanshi, I.15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hamed EHADADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 13.1
 1. Ehadadi, IRI13.1 
 2. Yi, CHN10.4 
 3. Ponomarev, KAZ9.6 
 4. Abbaas, JOR8.8 
 5. Vroman, LEB8.4 
 6. Takeuchi, JPN8.3 
 7. Wang, CHN7.9 
 8. Singh, IND7.8 
 9. Sahakian, IRI7.7 
 10. Takeuchi, J.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 MohammadSamad NIKKHAH
  (199-G/F-83)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Nikkhah, IRI4.8 
 2. Daghles, JOR4.1 
 3. Igarashi, JPN3.6 
 4. Kadam, IND3.2 
 5. Kamrani, IRI3.0 
 6. Lee, KOR3.0 
 7. Saeed, KUW2.8 
 8. Liu, CHN2.8 
 9. Yi, CHN2.7 
 10. Yang, K.2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Mahdi KAMRANI
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Kamrani, IRI2.9 
 2. Singh, IND2.4 
 3. Lee, TAI2.3 
 4. Ali, QAT2.2 
 5. Wright, JOR2.1 
 6. Yang, KOR2.0 
 7. Afagh, IRI2.0 
 8. Ibrahim, UAE1.9 
 9. Abbaas, JOR1.8 
 10. Bhriguvanshi, I.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Hamed EHADADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 4
 1. Ehadadi, IRI4.0 
 2. Yi, CHN2.4 
 3. Gavrilov, KAZ1.5 
 4. Takeuchi, JPN1.3 
 5. Takeuchi, JPN1.3 
 6. Kim, KOR1.1 
 7. Tseng, TAI1.0 
 8. Ha, KOR1.0 
 9. Thoyib, IDN1.0 
 10. ElSayad, Q.1.0 


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


Gold Coast Blaze too strong for St. Mary in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze have opened their pre-season campaign with an 82-74 victory over visiting US college team, the St Mary's Gaels.

New Blaze import Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85, college: California) hit a big three to seal the game and finished with 16 points. Greg Vanderjagt (213-C-84) top-scored for the Blaze with 22 points while Chris Goulding added 12.

Omar Samhan (211-C-88) finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds and two blocks for the Gaels while Mickey McConnell (183-G-89) contributed 15 points and five assists. Trey Anderson (193-G) chipped in 12 points and Tim Williams (206-F) added nine points and eight rebounds. Ben Allen, one of the Gaels' Australian players, pulled down 11 rebounds.

The Gaels struggled early, trailing by 12 points at the half, 45-33, but rallied to make it a contest.

It was a two-point game with 48 seconds left, when former Ubaka hit a three-pointer to stretch the lead to five and the Blaze made all their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

The Gaels conclude their Australian tour Tuesday night, when they face the Blaze again at 7P at TSS.

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


Melbourne Tigers shine in pre-season - by Eurobasket News
A Melbourne Tigers select squad put together by NBL Assistant Coach and Tigers legend Warrick Giddey defeated touring American college team the St Marys Gaels on Friday night, 79-66.

Tigers guest player Brent Hobba (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado Christian) led all scorers to end with 19 points with Sam Mackinnon (197-F/G-76) (16 points) and Nathan Crosswell (190-G-79) (14 points) also played well. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) and Luke Kendall (193-G-81, college: Metro St.) also did their bit with 11 and six points respectively.

The Gaels were led by junior Mickey McConnell who had 20 pts on 8-of-17 shooting. The Gaels trio of big men dominated the glass with Ben Allen pulling down 10 rebounds, followed by Omar Samhan and Tim Williams each with nine boards each. Phil Benson played well off the bench, contributing four points, six rebounds in limited minutes.

Playing in front of a small invite only crowd at Caulfield Grammar School, Tigers stars Mark Worthington and Luke Kendall had already faced the Gaels when they joined a local SEABL team earlier in the week so knew what to expect from the NCAA Division 1 outfit.

Worthington and Kendall were joined by Sam Mackinnon and Nathan Crosswell on the select squad with additions Brent Hobba (Dandenong), Tom Burns (Diamond Valley), Yusuf Qaafow, Nathaniel OBrien and Shannon Kendall.

The Tigers got off to a quick start through Mackinnon and Kendall, who both put points on the board early through short jump shots. The Melbourne side got to the line regularly and Crosswell caused lots of problems for the Gaels, penetrating and dishing for wide open shots on four occasions in the first quarter, also drawing fouls and shooting six free throws in the first term.

The second quarter continued in the same vein, as the Tigers players hit the offensive glass aggressively and drew fouls from the St Marys big men. Gaels point guard Connell started to become a thorn in the Tigers side however, splitting the double team off the pick and roll to get in the lane and finish on several occasions and bring the US team back into the game. The Tigers still managed to go into the half up by nine however after a strong second term by Kendall and Hobba.

The Tigers started the second half moving the ball well and getting everyone involved in the action. Qaafow came off the bench for the Tigers and put defensive pressure on the St Marys guards. Shannon Kendall (Lukes younger brother) also provided an instant spark, scoring with his first touch on an acrobatic layup. The Tigers continued to rotate the bench as they stretched the lead out to 23 points, a deficit which the Gaels would find too hard to recover from.

The fourth quarter started with the Gaels going on an eight-point run, getting right back into the game and soon they found themselves down by just 14 with seven minutes to play. Tempers would flare as the Gaels dragged themselves back into the game, with both sides becoming very physical. The Tigers big names made some big shots, and Mackinnon and Worthington proved their veteran status, making their free throws and grabbing key rebounds as Melbourne held on to finish with a 13 point win.

The Tigers are gearing up for the pre-season tournament in Darwin from 3rd to 5th September with two preseason games to be played in Townsville and Mackay on the 28th and 29th August with another two games in Cairns on 31st August and 1st September. The first home game of the 2009/10 NBL season for the Tigers is on Wednesday 30th September.

Courtesy of The Melbourne Tigers

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


Transfer Update - by Stefan Prager
A handful of new players have just been signed in Austria. Former Champion Allianz Swans Gmunden completed their roster with two new players. One of the is a more than familiar face at the Upper Austrian Traunsee Squad. At first the Austrian Top Team signed Vilius Gabsys  (199-F-79, agency: Court Side). The 30 year old Forward was kind of a globetrotter all of his career. He played in Lithunia, Russia, Israel, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, Poland and Switzerland. He arrives from Alytus Alita in Lithunia where he played in the 08/09 season.

The kinda familiar player is Ex Swan Ian Boylan  (197-G/F-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Cal.St. Northridge). Boylan played in Gmunden from 2006 to 2008. He won a championship in 2007 and the Austrian Cup Challenge in 2008. He was a superstar player in Austria and used to fascinate the fans in the league as well as in his FIBA performances. He was named an ULEB Cup Week Co-MVP during the 07/08 season. Last year he left to play in Poland for Anwil Wloclawek.

Meanwhile the Oberwart Gunners signed Guard Terry Martin  (198-G-87, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: LSU). The LSU product is coming of NBA Summer League workouts with the New Orleans Hornets and is the last roster addition for now. Martin started his collegiate career at Texas Tech before transferring to LSU in 2006. Last season he appeared in 31 games for the Tigers and averaged 4.6ppg along with 2.3rpg and 1.0apg.

At the same time the Kapfenberg Bulls added a new American player as reported on www.court-side.com. Mike Schachtner  (206-F-86, agency: Court Side), an extremely versatile Forward will play the '4 spot' for the Bulls. Schachtner spent his four years of college ball at the Wisc.-Green Bay. Last season he appeared in 33 games for the Phoenix averaging 11.6 points per contest along with 4.6 boards per.

Cup champion BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers meanwhile have to say good bye to Center Bryan Lucas  (203-F/C-78, college: N.Texas). He signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in Germanys BBL.

Casey Archibald  (195-G-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) leaves Champion Wels to play for the Vancouver BC Titans in the IBL.

Champion WBC Wels completes roster with two new players - by Stefan Prager
Austrian Champion WBC Kraftwerk Wels completed their roster these days. After signing combo guard Trent Meacham  (188-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Illinois) earlier in July the Upper Austrian Power House signed Shooting Guard Jason Conley  (196-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri). Conley whose nickname is Con Air last played for Namika Lahti in Finnland where he helped his team to the championship. The 6'5'' guard out of Missouri of the Big 12 Conference played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn in the German BBL most of his European career. He was an All Star in Germany in 2008 before getting injured in February the same year. After a break of 6 months he signed in Finnland at Porvoon Tarmo before moving to Namika Lahti. Wels is hoping that Conley will replace Brandon Thomas  (198-G/F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Massachusetts) who left for Germany to play for Goettingen in the BBL.

The last new player on the WBC roster is Austrian Point Guard Richard Bautista (188-G-82). The 26 year old Bautista played for Feldkirch, Gussing and Dornbirn in the past and will also work for the WBC front office. With Feldkirch Bautitsa was Austrian B League Champion in 2005.

Transfer Update - by Stefan Prager
Former austrian champions Allianz Swans Gmunden announced the addition of two new players this weekend. First they signed Forward Roman Moschny. The 22 year - old has a German as well as an Austrian passport and played for the MTV Kronberg in the German NBBL. He will play for the Swans U22 mostly and is hoping to see some minutes in the bundesliga. Moschny will also complete his a levels in Austria.

Lateron the Swans signed American Center Dan Oppland  (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Valparaiso). Oppland was playing in Germany for the last two years when he used to dominate for BBC Bayreuth. 6'8'' Oppland played a solid career in Valparaiso in the NCAA where he won the MCC Tournament in 2004. He later played for GasTerra Flames Groningen in the Dutch League followed by two short stints in Poland and Sweden.


Austrian Cup Champion BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers meanwhile signed Forward Nate Linhart  (201-F-87, college: Akron) out of Akron. Linhart dominated the 09 MAC Tournament where he won the All Tournament MVP trophy and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors at the same time. He played for Team Dublin in the Eurobasket Summer League in Vegas where he got scouted from Panthers Coach Bob Gonnen (agency: Gross Zeev ISA ) while playing in the summer league finals.



At the same time the UBC okoStadt Gussing Knights lose another player. After Jason Chappell  (207-F/C-83, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Wisconsin) (Furstenfeld Panthers) and Christoph Knor  (194-F-85) (UBSC Graz) Marqus Ledoux  (203-F-80, college: Tulsa) has signed a deal in France. He will play for Reims Champagne Basket in the french third league NM1. 

*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Bahrain power past Qatar -U16 - by Yousef Ahmed
BAHRAIN recorded an emphatic 71-24 victory over hosts Qatar and took another crucial step towards winning the first Gulf Under-16 Basketball Championship, being held at Al Gharrafah Club in Doha.

The Bahrainis stamped authority for most of the proceedings and they took a nine-point lead of 14-5 in the first quarter before stretching their lead margin to 27-12 at half-time.

In the third quarter, Bahrain continued to dominate the encounter as went further ahead in the fourth and last quarter to secure a routing 47-point triumph.

Spearheading Bahrain yesterday were Hussain Mansoor, Ahmed Jamal, Subah Hussain, Mohammed Buti and Ali Hassan.

It was the fourth straight victory for the Bahrainis, being coached by Aqeel Melad, which kept them no course for winning this first edition tournament.

Winning their first game in the second and deciding stage, Bahrain continued to lead this four-team double round robin championship with eight points from four matches.

They are one point ahead of Kuwait who stayed in contention for the title with a 56-52 victory over Saudi Arabia, who remained third on five points.

The Bahraini players received cash awards right after yesterday's match from delegation head and Bahrain Basketball Association's treasurer Hameed bin Abbas.

Abbas conveyed the greetings of General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa to members of the team on their victory.

Shaikh Fawaz hailed the team's performance throughout the tournament and wished them success in their upcoming matches.

Bahrain's second match in the second-leg is set for today when they face off with Kuwait which may decide the title race. The Bahrainis will then take on Saudi Arabia tomorrow on the tournament's final day.

After they were handed their fourth consecutive defeat, Qatar stayed at the bottom with just four points from four matches and are already out of the title race.

Melad's boys kicked off their campaign last Friday defeating hosts Qatar 89-52, which was followed by a 62-45 victory over Kuwait last Saturday.

They then proved too strong for Saudi Arabia 88-72 in their last game of the first-leg phase played on Sunday evening.

Only four teams - Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are lined-up for this double round robin competition while the UAE and Oman failed to turn up.
Source:GDN


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


Russia took revenge for the loss from yesterday - by Valentin Anguelov
European champion Russia took revenge on Bulgaria for the loss yesterday. In front of 1500 spectators in Sofia the visitors took a good 89-62 win.
From the first minutes it became clear that the game would be different from the previous one. Russia went in front with a 10-0 start and never gave up the lead. The visitors continued to have a double digit advantage just until the final minutes of the first half when a triple by Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) capped a 12-2 run for Bulgaria that made the score 33-42 at the half.
After the break the hosts managed to cut the deficit to only 4 points, 43-47, but Russia finished the third quarter on a 12-2 run and took 14-point lead in to the last quarter. The difference in points was around 15 for most of the time but in the final minutes the Bulgarians really gave up and that allowed the visitors to increase their advantage to 27 points at the end.
Todor Stoykov was the top scorer for Bulgaria today with 18 points as Filip Videnov added 18 and 9 boards. E.J. Rowland also performed good with his 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Timofey Mozgov was very strong under both baskets and was hard to defend. He finished the game with 22 points and 9 rebounds. Sergey Bykov scored 18 while Sergey Monya added 14 points.


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


Raptors to open pre-season in London, Ont. - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors will begin their pre-season for the upcoming NBA campaign on Oct. 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers in London, Ont.

The exhibition opener will technically be a road game for the Raptors because London's John Labatt Centre is operated and managed by a subsidiary of the Sixers parent company, Comcast-Spectacor.

The Raptors' eight-game exhibition schedule, released Thursday, also features home games at the Air Canada Centre against the 76ers (Oct. 7), Washington Wizards (Oct. 11), Houston Rockets (Oct. 15) and Boston Celtics (Oct. 18).

Toronto will also tip off twice against the Minnesota Timberwolves, including once in Sioux Falls, N.D., on Oct. 23. The Raptors' other road exhibition game is Oct. 14 against the Celtics in Hartford, Conn.

The Raptors open the 2009 NBA regular season on Oct. 28. They will mett the Cleveland Cavaliers at home.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

*****************************************************
  COCABA CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Latinbasket.com All-COCABA Championships 2009 Awards - by Eurobasket
#s#
Romel Beck
Beck
Joel Munoz
Munoz
Horacio Llamas
Llamas
Omar Quintero
Quintero
Jose Lloreda
Lloreda
#e#6

Notice: The players from countries (Belize and Honduras), which participation was put on hold based on appeal (related to questionable players nationalities) were not included in the awards.

Best Player: Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Mexico
Best Guard: Joel Munoz (179-G-80) of Panama
Best Forward: Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Mexico
Best Center: Horacio Llamas (212-C-73) of Mexico
Best Coach: Arturo Guerrero of Mexico

1st Team
PG: Joel Munoz (179-G-80) of Panama
PG: Omar Quintero (183-G-81) of Mexico
SF: Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Mexico
F: Jose Lloreda (201-F-80) of Panama
C: Horacio Llamas (212-C-73) of Mexico

Honorable Mention
Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79) of Mexico
Jair Peralta (178-G-76) of Panama
Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83) of Panama
Hernold Gardener (205-C-82) of Costa Rica
Daniel Simmons (193-F-80) of Costa Rica
Clifford Smith (193-G-82) of Costa Rica
Ricardo Amaya (191-G-84) of Guatemala
Oscar Salguero (196-F-87) of Guatemala
Noel Makence (188-G-78) of Nicaragua
Troy Watson (197-F/C-82) of Nicaragua

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


Lucentum Alicante adds Mario Stojic to roster - by Eurobasket News
Lucentum Alicante announced arrival of Croatian International Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) for season 2009/10. The 29-year old player is a well known face in Spain as he spent there last six seasons and also half of the season with Alicante. During the previous four he was a member of ViveMenorca registering 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.9 apg for 32 appearances in the last one. Season 2007/08 was the best one for Stojic as he had 14.1 ppg in 24 games. Interesting is the in the first two years with Menorca Stojic had almost identical numbers. In the first season he had 10.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg, while in the next one 10.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg.
Before ViveMenorca, Mario Stojic spent two years with Real Madrid. In his first season Stojic had pretty decent 6.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games in ULEB Cup and his team reached the Final. Next year Real was the ACB Champion, but Stojic was released during the season.
From 2001 to 2003 Mario Stojic was a player of Benetton Treviso. In November 2003 he joined Lucentum Alicante. In the past he also played for Zagreb, Sava Osiguranje and Post SG Manheim. In 2002 he won the title in Serie A with Benetton. The team also reached Italian SuperCup Final.

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


Reinforcements for Aabyhoj and Bakken - by Eurobasket News
Aabyhoj continued to shape up their roster prior to the upcoming season. Lately they have secured the services of Edward Morris (203-F-84, agency: Tank Sports, college: Pittsburg St.) and Rene Andersen (180-G-72).
Edward Morris is the 25-year-old forward from the USA. He graduated from Pittsburg State University averaging 14.8 points and 8.3 boards per game in his senior season with the Gorillas. Edward Morris used to play in Spain for Torrevieja and Alerta Cantabria Lobos in the LEB Bronze league. Last season he moved overseas to play in the Australian SBL for the Stirling Senators. There he averaged 22.8 points and 12.8 boards per game.
Rene Andersen arrived to Aabyhoj from Horsens. The veteran guard averaged 0.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last season.
Bakken Bears have agreed on terms of contract with Bryan White (201-F-86). The 23-year-old forward started the previous season with Upstairs Weert in Netherlands. He played just in preseason games before leaving the team. The US forward is Lehigh University graduate. Bryan White averaged 10.5 points, 8.2 boards and 1.5 steals per game in his senior year.


Johansen to Naestved and Bell retires!! - by Thomas Soltau

Big news in the CDL! Team FOG Naestved came up with the money and got their signature! Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) will join the team of Geoff Kotila .


The strong Forward/Center is 'just what the doctor ordered' and could be the one person that sends Team FOG into the battle for medals this season.


Peter Johansen and Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) should form a very good one-two punch in the league.




On a sad - note American point guard Eric Bell (190-G-75, college: New Paltz St.) will very likely retire after a long successful career!


The point man will put the game aside after many years in the best Danish league and in various other European countries. Bell remains a very charismatic player and has earned a great deal of respect and admiration as the man with the quick hands.


Bell finished off his career in Aarhus and crowned it with yet another Championship with his team the Bakken Bears.


Eric Bell will be missed, if this truly was his last season.


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


Regal Barca signs 3-year deal with Erazem Lorbek - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca landed Slovenian big guy Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) for the next three years. Since the departure of David Andersen (212-C-80) to NBA, the Spanish champion was desperately looking for his replacement. After almost 10 days full of rumors about Lorbek and Barca, the deal is finally confrirmed and the player will represent Spanish giant until the end of the season 2011/12.
Erazem Lorbek spent last season with Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow. He helped the team to reach Euroleague Finals averaging 12 ppg and 5 rpg in 21 games. In Russia, CSKA defended the championship title and Lorbek had 12.1 ppg, plus 4.9 rpg for 28 games. At the end of the season he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Center of the Year -09'.
Before CSKA Moscow, Erazem Lorbek played season and a half with Italian Lottomatica Roma. On 2007/08 he played 20 games in Euroleague collecting 13.3 ppg and 5.6 rpg. In Serie he had 14.3 ppg and 5.8 helping Roma to reach Playoff Finals.
Erazem Lorbek will not be a new face in Spain. Namely, he played first half of 2006/07 season for Unicaja Malaga, before move to Benetton. In ACB he had 13 games averaging 2.6 pppg and 1.5 rpg. In Euroleague he stopped on 1.6 pppg and 3.9 rpg for 7 games. He is a product of Slovenian powerhouse Union Olimpija. Later he spent one year with Michigan State University and in 2003 joined Slipper Fortitudo Bologna.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


Stats Leaders - Group B
Points Per Game
 Pavlin IVANOV
  BUL
  (194-G-93)
  Avg: 23.4
 1. Ivanov, BUL23.4 
 2. Van Oostrum, ENG22.6 
 3. Person, SWE20.0 
 4. Eriksson, SWE19.1 
 5. Tenchev, BUL18.0 
 6. Hoeser, LUX16.7 
 7. Laurent, LUX16.4 
 8. Papruha, BLR16.1 
 9. Vandenweyer, BEL15.9 
 10. Magarity, S.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin LARSEN
  (203-F-93)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Larsen, DEN11.3 
 2. Burjanadze, GEO11.3 
 3. Bojanovsky, SVK10.9 
 4. Sota, POR9.4 
 5. Laurent, LUX8.9 
 6. Stewart, ENG8.8 
 7. Flaska, SVK8.7 
 8. Tenchev, BUL8.3 
 9. N''Dumba-C., SUI8.2 
 10. Dobos, H.7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Luka RUPNIK
  (182-G-93)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Rupnik, SLO4.9 
 2. Person, SWE4.7 
 3. Cardoso, POR4.4 
 4. Borg, SWE4.3 
 5. Van Oostrum, ENG4.2 
 6. Karamfilov, BUL4.0 
 7. Rojc, SLO3.6 
 8. Ivanov, BUL3.4 
 9. Reinholt, DEN3.1 
 10. Nemcok, S.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Devon VAN OOSTRUM
  (188-G-93)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Van Oostrum, ENG6.8 
 2. Ojomoh, BEL3.4 
 3. Ngoy, AUT3.3 
 4. Nemcok, SVK3.1 
 5. Ramishvili, GEO3.0 
 6. Ivanov, BUL2.9 
 7. Rupnik, SLO2.9 
 8. Reinholt, DEN2.6 
 9. Saadulla, NED2.4 
 10. Karamfilov, B.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Beka BURJANADZE
  (200-C-94)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Burjanadze, GEO3.1 
 2. Bojanovsky, SVK2.7 
 3. Olah, ROM2.6 
 4. Dobos, HUN2.1 
 5. Chuku, ENG2.0 
 6. N''Dumba-C., SUI2.0 
 7. Stolk, NED1.8 
 8. Larsen, DEN1.3 
 9. Laurent, LUX1.3 
 10. Semianiuk, B.1.1 


Stats Leaders - Group A
Points Per Game
 Francesco VECCIA
  (190-G-93)
  Avg: 18.9
 1. Veccia, ITA18.9 
 2. Deligeorgis, GRE18.0 
 3. Miljenovic, SRB17.7 
 4. Artamonov, UKR17.0 
 5. Goldyrev, RUS16.9 
 6. Vecvagars, LAT16.3 
 7. Karasev, RUS16.1 
 8. Ivanovic, MNT16.0 
 9. Jogela, LTU15.6 
 10. Buovac, C.14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Tauras JOGELA
  (199-F-93)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Jogela, LTU8.9 
 2. Loginov, RUS8.8 
 3. Saric, CRO8.3 
 4. Candan, TUR7.9 
 5. Elias-Pour, ISR7.8 
 6. Karnowski, POL7.7 
 7. Knezevic, MNT7.6 
 8. Goldyrev, RUS7.5 
 9. Niedzwiedzki, POL7.4 
 10. Trushkin, R.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Paulius SEMASKA
  (179-G-93)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Semaska, LTU4.9 
 2. Miljenovic, SRB4.7 
 3. John, FRA4.6 
 4. Vecvagars, LAT3.9 
 5. Eroglu, TUR3.8 
 6. Cohen, ISR3.7 
 7. Deligeorgis, GRE3.7 
 8. Artamonov, UKR3.3 
 9. Festr, CZE3.2 
 10. Cohen, I.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Nikola IVANOVIC
  (187-G-94)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Ivanovic, MNT3.1 
 2. Mugosa, MNT2.9 
 3. Eroglu, TUR2.9 
 4. Deligeorgis, GRE2.8 
 5. Karasev, RUS2.8 
 6. Miljenovic, SRB2.7 
 7. Laish, ISR2.5 
 8. Zuikov, UKR2.5 
 9. Fernandez, ESP2.4 
 10. Zelikman, I.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Filip KNEZEVIC
  (202-C-94)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Knezevic, MNT2.9 
 2. Len, UKR2.6 
 3. Ramasauskas, LTU2.3 
 4. Silins, LAT2.0 
 5. Bezbradica, SRB1.8 
 6. Niedzwiedzki, POL1.7 
 7. Loginov, RUS1.6 
 8. Karasev, RUS1.6 
 9. Karnowski, POL1.4 
 10. Elias-Pour, I.1.3 


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


KORISLIIGA: Chris Woods next to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
The defending Finnish Champion YMCA Lahti has signed another American player. F-G Chris Woods (196-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Weber St.) with a lot of international experience will play next in Finland. Earlier YMCA Lahti has signed with American Tyrone Riley (201-F-82, college: USF). Woods graduated out of Weber State University 2002 and has since then played basketball professionally in Switzerland (Lausanne), Iceland (KR and Hamar), Holland (Weert, Groningen) and in Germany (Rhoendorf, ProB).

INTERNATIONAL: Juha Sten moving to Spain - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish NT Guard Juha Sten (191-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services) will continue his basketball career in Spain. Sten had already accepted Kouvot (Kouvola) offer for coming 2009-2010 season to play on top level in Finland, but Spanish LEB Silver Team CB Penas Huesca negotiated with Sten and player's agent as a result, Sten signed a 1-year-contract with the Spanish Team. Huesca is located in Northeastern part of Spain with the population of 225.000 people. Last season Sten played in Sweden (Solna Vikings) averiging 10,0 ppg - 2,4 rpg - 3,9 apg and 3,0 spg. Sten was named The Defensive Player of The Year in Swedish Top League.

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


Daniel Horton goes back to Hyeres-Toulon - by Laurent Maugein
Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket has hired Daniel Horton (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Michigan) for one season. Daniel Horton is not unknown on the side of the roadstead of Toulon since he performed there one understands in 2007-2008 further to the wound of Sean Colson.
This year there, he compiled 15.5 pts and 5.5 ast.
In season 2008-2009, Daniel signs in favour of Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez where he plays four game before hurting himself and to be remplace by JaJuan Smith.
In Pau, he scored 11.3 pts and gave 4.0 ast

Gravelines lands Trey Johnson, Strasbourg gets Heurtel on loan - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines announced signing of American forward Trey Johnson (196-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) for the upcoming season. Johnson was tested by Gravelines in September 2008, but did not sign. Next month he moved to Bakersfield Jam (NBDL) averaging 20.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 4.2 apg. In February he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), but appeared only in three games. On season 2007/08 Johnson was a member of Hemofarm Vrsac (Serbia), but after he was released in January 2008, Johnson moved to Bakersfield. He is a product of Jackson State University, where he graduated in 2007. In his senior season Johnson had 27.1 ppg and was the second scorer in NCAA1. He finished college career as Jackson State's eighth all-time leading scorer with 1,698 points.

Meanwhile, ASVEL gave a green light Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) to join Strasbourg on loan. Young French prospect joined ASVEL this summer from Pau-Orthez, signing 4-year deal, but he supposes to get more chance to play in Strasbourg. ASVEL will compete in Euroleague next season, what could be too much for young Heurtel. It seems that all three sides are happy with this agreement. Heurtel appeared 28 times in Pro A last season with Orthez averaging 10 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 6.2 apg. He finished the contest ad fourth best assistant. He was a member of U20 France on EuroBasket 2008 in Riga and EuroBasket this summer in Greece (Silver).

Brent Darby joins CSP Limoges, injury of Dijon's Errick Craven - by Eurobasket News
CSP Limoges agreed terms with American point guard Brent Darby (185-G-81, college: Ohio St.). The 28-year old player is coming to Limoges from Italian team Eldo Caserta. Actually, Darby started last season with Legadue team Carmatic Pistoia, but in March moved to Eldo Caserta. With Pistoia he appeared 11 times in Legadue averaging 10.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg and 3.6 spg. He got injured in December and later he played 10 games in Serie A with Eldo adding 7.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.2 apg and 1.3 spg.
Before these two teams, Brent Darby spent one season with Air Avelino and one with Carife Ferara. With Avelino he had 9.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 4.7 apg for 16 games in 2006/07 Serie A. He ended the contest as second best assistant. On season 2004/05 Darby was a member of Banca Nuova Trapani and before that of AZS Zagaz Koszalin, Maccabi Rishon Le-Zeion and Komfort Kronoplus Stargard Szczecinski. He came out of Ohio State University in 2003 after four successful years.

Meanwhile, bad news showed up for Dijon. Its points guard, Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC) suffered sternum injury and will be out for at least three weeks. It is not expected that the team will bring a replacement for him as he supposes to be fully ready way before the beginning Pro A season. As a reminder, the season starts on October 3.

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


Schwenningen: Topic and Goehrke stay - Adair a free agent - by Moritz Korff
A couple of days after signing five new players for the upcoming season the Schwenningen Panthers (Regionalliga South-West) extended the deals with veterans Tomislav Topic (204-C/F-78) and William Goehrke (198-C-82, college: Augustana (IL)), the local newspaper Suedkurier reported. With re-signing Bosnian Topic and filling the second import player spot with Blake Young (188-G-85, college: Kansas St.), it is also clear that Brandon Adair (196-F-85, college: Va.Wesleyan), one of the dominating RLSW players over the past two years, will not spent a third year with the Panthers and is a free agent.
Topic will go into his fifth season with Schwenningen. He averaged 14.0 points per night during 2008-09 and made the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-West First Team, while Goehrke produced 4.6 points a game for the Panthers last season.

The Giessen 46ers Complete Roster With David Teague - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Giessen 46ers took a long time, but finally found a replacement for shooting guard Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) by signing David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) The 26 year old American 196cm shooting guard is the sixth new player for the upcoming season and will play his third professional season. Last season, he played for JA Vichy Val d'Allier Auvergne Basket of the France PRO A being an important part of the team playing 29 games and averaging 13.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.4%. He also played four Eurochallenge games averaging 8.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8spg. Giessen 46er head coach Vladimir Bogojevic is content that the long wait will pay off this season. 'David has been moving on a very high basketball level since many years. During his college years and his first two pro seasons, he has seen very strong players and was always a leader on the team. The fact that he got picked by a Greek team in his rookie season speaks for him. Last season in France, he had to take even more responsibility on offense and was able to develop further throughout the season. He will present himself in a even more mature role with us. He is very athletic, is always present on the court and is dangerous on the wing with his shooting and dribbling', warned Giessen coach Vladimir Bogojevic .

Teague grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and played at Pike High School averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He then played at Purdue University from 2002-2007. His strongest season was his senior year as he played 34 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3Pts: 41.2%, FT: 75.4%. This coming season, he will have a rematch with Ratiopharm Ulm American Lee Humphrey that kicked out Teague and Purdue in the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2007, 74-67 and would later become NCAA champion. He started his professional basketball career in 2007-2008 in Greece playing for AEL 1964 playing 23 games and averaging 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 78.0%. His cousin Jeff Teague (188-G-88, college: Wake Forest), who had a steller college career at Wake Forest was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft.

Source: wwwgiessen46ers.de

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


Riste Stefanov replaces Istvan Nemeth in AEK - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances), the SG from Lukoil Akademik Sophia is very close to sign a deal with AEK Athens. AEK was trying to renew Istvan Nemeth but they did not agree on the salary. Riste Stefanov had 14.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT-3 (48.4%), FT: 82.8%, in the Bulgarian league and 13.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg in the Eurocup. He is known for his accuracy in the 3pt shots and is also member of the Fyrom National Team.

More addings for Panellinios and AEK - by Chris Mammides
Barry Elder (193-G-82, college: Georgia Tech) is officially the third American player of Panellinios Athens, Head Coach Elias Zouros after the two roockies is now agreed terms with the experienced in the European courts, Elder who had a great seazon in the Italian league last seazon. So after Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, college: Boston Coll.) and Kevin Rogers (206-F-86, college: Baylor), Elder close the American trio for Panellinios.
Lamont Mack (201-F-87) is the new guard for Kostas Flevarakis AEK Athens AEK agreed financial terms with the American with European passport point guard, Lamont Mack, at the same time AEK agreed financial terms with Riste Stefanov (198-G-83).
PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki agreed officially with Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82) for a two years contract. Soulis Markopoulos is building slowlly - slowlly a very competitve team.
Spiros Panteliadis (191-G-77) in the mean time renewed his contract with VAP Kolossos like Sasa Vasiljevic (183-G-79), Christos Harisis (191-G-76) and Antonis Asimakopoulos (204-F-76) for another one seazon.

Trikala 2000 announced Giorgios Apostolidis (199-G-84)

A2 news
HSBC Pagrati Athens announced another two players, Thanasis Tsiakos (195-G-86), and Gregorios Kotrotsios (207-C/F-84) are officially HSBC Pagrati Athens players.
Iraklis Thessaloniki announced Sotiris Karapostolou (194-G-80, college: S.New Hampshire) and Alexis Tsamatos (196-F-77)
DROP Ermis Lagkada agreed financial terms with Theocharis Plioukas (200-F-89)
AEL 1964 Larissa agreed financial terms with Panagiotis Karavanas (213-C/F-84)
A.G.O Rethymno Aegean announced Costas Pashalis (208-C-75)



B' Division
Giannis Mitsakis (181-G-81) agreed financial terms with Periko-Arhelao
SEFA Arkadikos announced Sakis Veskoukis (195-G-80) for 2 years contract.


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


LPB launches an amazing website - by Gianni Pascucci
The new Liga Profesional de Baloncesto de Guatemala (LPB) launched some days ago its brand new website, with tons of informations, detailed team rosters, team photos and logos, and even some games stats. This is a totally new thing for Central America, none of these countries realized till now a so useful, informative website. Latinbasket.com wants to warmly congratulate with all the LPB officials for a so good job. The website address is http://www.lpb-guate.com


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


Michael Flowers Signed For Matrixx Magixx - by Fred Roggen
Matrixx Magixx Nijmegen added a solid combo guard to its 2009-10 backcourt and signed a one year contract with American combo-guard Michael Flowers (188-G-86, college: Wisconsin),. The 23 year old Flowers. graduate of Wisconsin University (Big Ten All-Defensive Team 2007), played last season in Germany for Phantoms Braunschweig, He got injured at the beginning of the season and was off for 6 weeks, returned in Feb.'09: 30 games: 4.2ppg, 1.5rpg
..




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


Hapoel Afula aggress with BJ Mckie, ex Maccabi Haifa - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Afula announced signing of American BJ McKie (188-G-77, college: S.Carolina) for 2009/10. The 32-year old player spent last season with Maccabi Haifa having strong beginning with 16.8 ppg, including almost 60% from behind the arc. However, he got injured during the season and he finished it with lower numbers. He appeared in 13 games in total averaging 10.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.7 apg.
Before Maccabi Haifa, BJ McKie played three years in Italian Legadue. Season 2007/08 he finished as the fifth best scorer with 19.7 ppg in 26 games. A year before he once again was the fifth scorer in Legadue with 20.1 ppg for 29 games. Season 2005/06 was the first one for Mckie in Italy and he was No.3 in scoring with 23.1 ppg as a member of Zarotti Imola.
Since 2003-2005 BJ McKie played for TBB Trier in Germany. There he also was the team's leading scorer. In the past he played for Keravnos Nicosia, North Charleston Lowgators (NBDL), Connecticut Pride (CBA) and Gravelines. He graduated at the University of South Carolina and finished as all-time leading scorer.
As a reminder, Hapoel Afula already agreed terms with Gur Porat (197-G-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services), also ex Maccabi Haifa. This year Hapoel Afula ended on third place in National League regular season (second division in Israel). The team had 15 wins in 26 games. Netanya was NL champion beating Hapoel Afula 2-0 in the Play-off Finals.

*****************************************************
  NAIA   


Williams joins Gold Rush as assistant coach - by Eurobasket
Xavier (LA) has hired former Gold Rush standout Alfred Williams as men's assistant basketball coach.
Williams, 25, played basketball for Xavier from 2004-08. As a 6-foot-4 forward he averaged 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 97 career games and helped Xavier earn a share of the 2006-07 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship and qualify for the NAIA Division I National Championship in 2005, 2007 and 2008. He was All-GCAC his senior year when he averaged 11.4 points and a team-leading seven rebounds per game.
'Alfred epitomizes what I've always looked for in a player and a staff member dedication, loyalty and toughness,' Xavier head coach Dannton Jackson said. 'He has all those qualities and the advantage of being a former Gold Rush player. He knows me and will blend in seamlessly with my system. He'll do a great job for Xavier again.'
Williams is one of three Gold Rush players with 800 points, 500 rebounds and 150 assists in a career. Williams shot 41.1 from 3-point range in his career to rank second in Xavier history. His blocked shot and ensuing tiebreaking basket with seven seconds remaining lifted Xavier to an 82-79 victory over third-seeded Georgetown (Ky.) in the opening round of the 2007 NAIA nationals at Kansas City, Mo. the first opening-round victory for the Rush since 1973.
Williams spent the past year working in his native Greenville, S.C., with his brother Eric for Fundamentals 4 Success, a non-profit community agency which offers educational, personal and athletic assistance to basketball student-athletes.
'I'm excited to be back at Xavier,' Williams said Monday, his first day on the job. 'To have an opportunity to jump into college coaching at my age is beyond words.'
Another brother, Shammond Williams, is the University of North Carolina's career leader in 3-point field goals made and free-throw percentage and was a member of the New Orleans Hornets in 2003-04 during a seven-year NBA career. Shammond Williams spent the past two seasons playing professionally in Spain.
Williams is a 2003 graduate of Greenville's Southside High School, and in 2008 he received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Xavier. He replaces another XU alum, David Egans, who resigned in June after three seasons to pursue opportunities in his native California.
Jackson, also an XU graduate and former player, is beginning his seventh season as Gold Rush head coach and has a career record of 134-62, including five 20-win seasons and four appearances at the NAIA's national tournament. The Gold Rush's 25 seasons of 20 or more victories are the most in the history of Louisiana men's collegiate basketball.
source: Xavier (LA)


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


Delfino to Bucks - by Demar Thomas
The Toronto Raptors sent swingman Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82) to Milwaukee in exchange for power forward Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87) as part of a four-player trade.

The deal would also send guard Roko-Leni Ukic (6'5''-G-84) to Milwaukee in exchange for Bucks guard Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas).

The deal was first reported by ESPN.com.

Delfino, a native of Argentina, played his first three seasons in Detroit before being traded to Toronto, where he averaged a career-best nine points and 4.4 rebounds per game in the 2007-08 season.

Delfino played in Russia last season but the Raptors retained his rights.

Amir Johnson, 22, was drafted by Detroit out of high school in 2005.

Johnson became more expendable when the Bucks signed Ersan Ilyasova (6'10''-F-87) and Hakim Warrick (6'9''-F-82, college: Syracuse).

Raptors deal Delfino, Ukic to Bucks - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a four-player trade that sends Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82) and guard Roko-Leni Ukic (6'5''-G-84) to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to multiple reports.

Toronto will receive a pair of young players - forward Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87) and guard Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas).

Delfino, who turns 27 on Aug. 29, played in Russia last season after signing a three-year deal with the club Khimki Moscow Region. The Raptors retained his NBA rights, and there was talk he'd possibly return.

In 2007-08, his only season with Toronto, Delfino averaged 9.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game off the bench.

Ukic, 24, scored 4.2 points as a reserve point guard for the Raptors last season.

Johnson, 22, averaged 3.5 points while serving mostly as a reserve for the Detroit Pistons in his fourth NBA season after jumping straight from high school. He was part of a three-team deal in July that landed Milwaukee's Richard Jefferson in San Antonio.

Weems, 23, was good for 1.6 points in 12 games as a Denver Nuggets rookie.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca


Phoenix Suns agree with 2nd round pick Taylor Griffin - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns today announced the signing of forward Taylor Griffin (6'7''-F-86), the clubs second-round selection (48th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. We will try to post contract info tonight.

Taylor is an excellent athlete, a hard worker and very much team-oriented, said Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr. He fits right in with the kind of people we want in our organization, and he has a chance to develop into a very good player.

The 6-7, 238-pound Griffin most recently appeared as a member of the Suns entry in the 2009 Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 6.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in five games (all starts).

A four-year performer at the University of Oklahoma, Griffin enjoyed his best statistical season as a senior in 2008-09, averaging 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds while starting all 36 games. Known for his hustle, the 23-year-old led the team in steals during his senior campaign and ranked second in blocks.

Griffin is a two-time Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 selection (2007, 2008) who became the fifth Oklahoma product drafted by Phoenix in franchise history, joining Ted Evans (1974), Tom Holland (1974), Ring of Honor member Alvan Adams (1975) and Bo Overton (1983).

The son of a high school basketball coach, Griffin was named the 2005 Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior in high school after leading his school to state titles in both his junior and senior seasons. He is the older brother of former Oklahoma teammate Blake Griffin, who was taken by the L.A. Clippers with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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


Dawkins graduates early to join Blue Devils - by Kevin Cochran
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski announced on Friday that Andre Dawkins has signed his offer of admission and will join the men's basketball team for the 2009-10 season. Dawkins recently received his high school diploma after passing his final course requirement this summer.

'We are excited about Andre joining our program,' said Krzyzewski. 'He is a very talented player and an excellent student. He worked hard throughout his high school career and this summer to put himself in this position. He will be an outstanding addition to the university and our basketball team.'

Dawkins, a native of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, played his first year of high school basketball at Deep Creek [Chesapeake, Va.] before transferring to Atlantic Shores Christian [Chesapeake, Va.], where he elected to repeat his freshman year. He and his family decided to pursue forgoing a fifth-year of high school after realizing that he had all of the core credits required by the NCAA Eligibility Center and only needed to pass English 12 to graduate.

Last season, Dawkins averaged 20.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game to lead the Seahawks to a 32-2 record and an appearance in the Division II state private school final. He was named All-Tidewater area and also was a first team Division II private school all-tournament team selection.

As a sophomore, he guided Atlantic Shores to a 29-7 ledger and was named the Metro Conference Player of the Year and All-Tidewater area. In his first season, Dawkins helped the team to a 29-6 record that included a 21-game win streak following an 8-5 start to the season.

Dawkins, a 6-4, 190-pound guard, is ranked as one of the top players in the Class of 2010. ESPN.com ranks him as the No. 2 shooting guard in the country and the No. 10 overall prospect, while Scout.com rates him as the No. 3 shooting guard and No. 22 overall.

With his enrollment this fall, Dawkins joins freshman Ryan Kelly (6'10''-F-91) and Mason Plumlee (6'10''-F-90) in the 2009 recruiting class. Duke's 2009 class was already ranked No. 9 overall by Scout.com prior to Dawkins joining the group.
Courtesy: goduke.com


Shootout drops to six teams - by Kevin Cochran
The Great Alaska Shootout has dropped from its usual eight team field to a six team field for the 2009 tournament. The tournament will run from Nov. 24-28 in Anchorage with Alaska Anchorage serving as its host

Joing the Seawolves in the field are Houston, Nicholls State, Oklahoma, San Diego and Washington State. The tournament will feature Olympic style pool play with two three team brackets. Organizers were concerned last year about the future of the event due to declining sponsorships and an increased number of tournaments in the lower 48 states during the Thanskgiving break.


Rutgers adds two coaches, dismisses Chandler - by Kevin Cochran
Rutgers Head Men's Basketball Coach Fred Hill tannounced that Sal Mentesana will serve as assistant coach and that Craig Carter will serve as the program's recruiting coordinator. Mentesana arrives in Piscataway with 15 seasons of collegiate head coaching experience. Carter, a standout guard at Rutgers from 1987-91, spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Scarlet Knights.

'Sal Mentesana possesses a wealth of experience and we are very excited to welcome him into the Rutgers basketball family,' said Hill. 'Sal and I have an established relationship and Im confident that his veteran perspective will be of great benefit to our program.'

'Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program,' Hill continued. 'Craig Carter has always been a tremendous ambassador for Rutgers Basketball. He has done a terrific job of building and cultivating relationships in the Metropolitan area. Craig will oversee and coordinate all of our recruiting efforts going forward.'

The Scarlet Knights also announced that guard Corey Chandler (6'2''-G) (Newark, N.J.) has been dismissed from the program for violating athletic department policies.

'We wish Corey the best as he moves forward,' said Hill. 'We consider this a family matter and there will be no further comment.'

Chandler averaged 7.0 points and 1.9 assists last season after averaging 11.5 points per game as a freshman.


Courtesy: scarletknights.com



Western Kentucky dismisses frosh guard Boyd - by Eurobasket News
Western Kentucky University incoming freshman Terrence Boyd has been released from the Hilltoppers basketball team.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound shooting guard from Norman, Okla., signed with Western on April 15. Coach Ken McDonald announced Sunday that the player didn't work out but gave no reason in a statement.

Boyd played his freshman high school season at Norman High School before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia as a sophomore. He moved to California and finished his prep career at San Diego High School but was forced to sit out due to transfer rules.

Meanwhile, A memo from University of Louisville President James Ramsey says he considered a 'wide range of options' to deal with the scandal surrounding Rick Pitino before telling the coach to give a public apology.

Pitino issued an apology on Thursday after police documents made public last week showed that the coach acknowledged giving a woman $3,000 after she said she was pregnant and seeking an abortion.

Ramseys memo was sent to faculty and staff on Thursday. A copy was provided to The Associated Press on Monday.

Ramsey said in the memo that Pitino made 'errors in judgement' but 'deserves a second chance.'

The woman, Karen Cunagin Sypher, was indicted in May on charges of lying to the FBI and attempting to extort up to $10 million from Pitino. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Pitinos attorney, Steve Pence, did not return a call seeking comment on Monday.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com


Renardo Sidney cleared to enroll at Mississippi State - by Eurobasket News
Highly touted forward Renardo Sidney (6'10''-C) has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center and will enroll at Mississippi State on Monday in time for the first day of classes, his attorney, Donald Jackson, told ESPN.com.

Jackson said that the investigation into Sidney's amateurism eligibility is still ongoing and may take a few months.

At issue, for the NCAA, is how the Sidney family paid for two expensive homes near Fairfax High School in Los Angeles the past two years. The Sidneys moved west from Mississippi so Renardo could attend high school in Southern California.

Sidney and Sidney's parents, Renardo and Patricia, met with the NCAA's Eligibility Center investigative arm (led by Bill Saum) in July in Jackson's Montgomery, Ala., office.

The Los Angeles Times uncovered the potential issue in detailing how UCLA and USC passed on recruiting Sidney last spring.

Former USC coach Tim Floyd told The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger that USC backed off recruiting Sidney because of the ongoing investigation into extra benefits for former football player Reggie Bush and former basketball player O.J. Mayo.

Mississippi State is expected to be a Top 20 team entering the 2009-10 season, regardless of Sidney's status. 'We'll be a good team with or without Sidney, but it's obvious we'll be a much better team with him,' Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury said last month.

'I've learned a long time ago not to spend too much energy, waste energy worrying about things I can't control,' Stansbury said. 'If we have him, no question, he can help our team. But not being able to get him in summer school, in the weight room, has put him behind some.'

Courtesy of The ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com)


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Tromso ink Shagari Alleyne - by Eurobasket News
Tromso Storm announced the signing of Shagari Alleyne (221-C-84, college: Manhattan). The last season's BLNO finalists Tromso were looking for the substitution of Taj Finger (203-F-86) who was among the best performers in the league. So the search was quite successful as the Storm opted for Shagari Alleyne. The 25-year-old centre last played for the Harlem Globetrotters. The Kentucky product Alleyne averaged 2.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in his senior year. He was drafted by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in 2007. Shagari Alleyne had a short stint in the PBL as well as workouts with Cimberio Varese and Team Stockholm during the Eurobasket Summer League in New York.


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Greenville, S.C., joins PBL - by Gianni Pascucci
Local media 'Greenville News' says that the Premier Basketball League agreed to add a new team from the Upstate of South Carolina for the season that will start in January 2010. Peter Flournoy, president of basketball operations for the as-yet unnamed team, made an official announcement on Monday. Flournoy said the team, based in Greenville, South Carolina, will join the Southeast Division of the PBL that operated last season with 16 franchises and will have 22 for the 2010 season, with each team playing 22 regular-season games 11 at home plus playoffs. The team's home court could be the 15,000-plus seats Bi-Lo Center, and a name-the-team contest will be held Sept. 5-15, with the top 10 suggestions to be announced later. Whichever name gets the most votes will become the name of the franchise. Peter Flournoy can be reached by phone at 864-252-8937, by fax at 888-227-9973 or by e-mail at info@scprobasketball.com. The Web site for further information is www.scprobasketball.com


Cavs announce they're coming back - by Eurobasket News
Fitting for the start of a new week that there's a new beginning for pro basketball here in Lawton as the Cavalry announced Monday they are coming back for a third year on the hardwood.

The floor at the Great Plains Coliseum will have to ditch the CBA logo and replace it with the one from the Premier Basketball League.

The Cavs become the 13th team in the league and enter play with nothing but the highest expectations coming off a second straight championship season.

'I was in Chicago last week because they (the PBL) had a pre-draft camp which was about 60 players and I saw five or six really good players,' said Head Coach Michael Ray Richardson. 'Of course I'd like to bring back at least five or six of my guys that I had last year. Anytime you win a championship and you can get five or six of those guys from a championship team it puts you ahead of everybody else.'

As for the PBL, it was a mostly regional league when it was founded with teams based in the northeast and Canada. In recent years the league has expanded to the south and the west with the Cavalry right now the western-most team.

The regular season lasts 20 games, 10 at home and 10 on the road, and lasts from January to April. Cavs co-owner Hossein Moini also said most of the games are weekend dates.

There will be a draft before the season, most likely in September, so as Michael Ray Richardson said the team will have a roster that's a mix of new faces and former Cavs from the CBA years.

Courtesy of www.kswo.com


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Polish teams' rosters for the 2009/2010 season. Part 2 - by Michal Falkowski
ASSECO PROKOM GDYNIA:

Coaches: Tomas Pacesas (extended), David Dedek (valid contract)
Guards: Tyrone Brazelton (extended), Daniel Ewing (valid contract), David Logan (valid contract), Przemyslaw Zamojski (valid contract)
Forwards: Ronnie Burrell (valid contract), Piotr Szczotka (extended), Qyntel Woods (extended)
Centers: Adam Hrycaniuk (valid contract), Adam Lapeta (valid contract)
Juniors: Mateusz Kostrzewski
Departures: Pat Burke (?), Filip Dylewicz (Air Avellino), Tomasz Swietonski (?)

PGE TUROW ZGORZELEC:

Coaches: Sasa Obradovic (signed BC Kiev)
Guards: Chanas Kamil (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych)
Forwards: Leonczyk Pawel (signed Energa Czarni Slupsk), Roszyk Krzysztof (valid contract), Witka Robert (valid contract), Adam Wojcik (signed PBG Basket Poznan)
Centers: --
Juniors: Bartosz Bochno, Mateusz Jarmakowicz, Maciej Strzelecki, Szymon Szymanski
Departures: Bryan Bailey (?) , Chris Daniels (?), Dragisa Drobnjak (?), Tyus Edney (?), Alex Harris (?), Damir Miljkovic (?), Gorjan Radonjic (?), Marcin Stefanski (Trefl Sopot), John Turek (?)

ANWIL WLOCLAWEK:

Coaches: Igor Griszczuk (extended), Krzysztof Szablowski (valid contract)
Guards: Andrzej Pluta (extended), Krzysztof Szubarga (signed Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski), Mike Trimboli (signed NCAA), Bartlomiej Woloszyn (valid contract)
Forwards: Wojciech Barycz (signed no team last season), Kevyn Green (signed NCAA), Nikola Jovanovic (signed Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski)
Centers: Rashard Sullivan (signed Aix-Maurienne)
Juniors: Dawid Adamczewski, Wojciech Glabas, Damian Janiak
Departures: Tommy Adams (Fileni Bpa Jesi), Ian Boylan (?), Marko Brkic (Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac), Michal Gabinski (?), Lukasz Koszarek (Eldo Caserta), Kamil Michalski (MOSiR Krosno), Paul Miller (?), Stipe Modric (?), Milos Paravinja (?), Marek Piechowicz (will be loaned)

ENERGA CZARNI SLUPSK:

Coaches: Igors Miglinieks (signed BC Donetsk), Miroslaw Lisztwan (valid contract)
Guards: Mantas Cesnauskis (extended), Jacek Sulowski (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Forwards: Marcin Sroka (extended), Wojciech Zurawski (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Centers: Jelesijevic Nemanja (signed Hopsi Polzela), Dawid Przybyszewski (signed Kotwica Kolobrzeg)
Juniors: Robert Magnuszewski, Hubert Pabian, Patryk Przyborowski
Departures: Bojan Bakic (?), Omar Barlett (?), Demetric Bennett (Snaidero Udine, Mateusz Bieg (?), Chris Booker (?), Antonio Burks (recently wounded by a shot, may end his career), Marcin Dutkiewicz (?), Mateo Kedzo (Aliaga Petkim), Pawel Leonczyk (PGE Turow Zgorzelec), Pawel Malesa (?)

KOTWICA KOLOBRZEG:

Coaches: Pawel Blechacz (previous assistant coach)
Guards: Harris Danesi (signed NCAA), Omni Smith (signed Upstairs Weert)
Forwards: Bartosz Diduszko (signed Znicz Sokolow Jaroslaw), Piotr Stelmach (extended), Lukasz Wichniarz (signed Sportino Inowroclaw)
Centers: --
Juniors: Dawid Brek, Piotr Jadczak, Szymon Rduch
Departures: Sefton Barrett (?), Tomasz Cielebak (New Yorker Phanthoms Braunschweig), Brandon Crone (?), Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phanthoms Braunschweig), Pawel Kikowski (Olimpija Ljubljana), Julien Mills (?), Drew Naymick (?), Dawid Przybyszewski (Energa Czarni Slupsk)

POLPHARMA STAROGARD GDANSKI:

Coaches: Millia Bogicevic (signed Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski), Roman Olszewski (valid contract)
Guards: Brody Angley (signed SAM Massagno), Tomasz Ochonko (signed Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski), Tony Weeden (signed BPS Bank Basket Kwidzyn), Lukasz Zytko (signed Sportino Inowroclaw)
Forwards: Lukasz Majewski (signed Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski), Zbigniew Marculewicz (signed LKS Lodz), Patrick Okafor (signed LMT Baron Riga)
Centers: Uros Mirkovic (signed Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac)
Juniors: Jacek Jarecki, Damian Kulig (signed Big Star Tychy), Karol Michalek (signed Polpak Swiecie), Blazej Rabe (signed OSSM Wroclaw)
Departures: Eric Coleman (?), Jaroslaw Drewa (Harmattan Gniewkowo), Marek Drewa (?), Courtney Eldridge (?), Michael Hicks (New Yorker Phanthoms Braunschweig), Pawel Kowalczuk (Trefl Sopot), Dawid Neumann (Harmattan Gniewkowo), Ed Scott (?), Mujo Tuljkovic (Erdemir Belediyesi), Wojciech Zurawski (Energa Czarni Slupsk)

AZS KOSZALIN:

Coaches: Rade Mijanovic (signed Helios Domzale), Leszek Dolinski (?)
Guards: Igor Milicic (extended), Michael Kuebler (signed BPS Bank Basket Kwidzyn), Gediminas Navickas (signed Politekhnika Lviv)
Forwards: Greg Surmacz (signed CIS)
Centers: Adam Metelski (extended)
Juniors: Lukasz Diduszko (?), Lukasz Grys, Michal Strach
Departures: Grzegorz Arabas (Sportino Inowroclaw), Przemyslaw Luszczewski (Sportino Inowroclaw), Javier Mojica (Base Ostenda), Ime Oduok (?), George Reese (?), Dante Swanson (?)
Unknown: Pawel Bogdan

POLONIA WARSAW:

Coaches: Wojciech Kaminski (valid contract), Andrzej Kierlewicz (valid contract)
Guards: --
Forwards: --
Centers: --
Juniors: --
Departures: Michael Ansley (Sportino Inowroclaw ?), Kevin Johnson (Giessen 46ers), Hubert Radke (PBG Basket Poznan), Jitim Young (?)
Unknown: Dariusz Aziewicz, Mariusz Bacik, Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz, Greg Harrington, Marcin Krajewski, Milosz Ludwin, Kamil Laczynski, Marcin Nowakowski, Michal Przybylski

SPORTINO INOWROCLAW:

Coaches: Mariusz Karol (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Guards: Grzegorz Arabas (signed AZS Koszalin), Robert Jarvis (signed NCAA), Maciej Raczynski (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych)
Forwards: Przemyslaw Luszczewski (signed AZS Koszalin)
Centers: Rafal Bigus (signed PBG Basket Poznan), Artur Robak (extended)
Juniors: --
Departures: Marcus Crenshaw (?), Kyle Landry (BK Prostejov), Tony Lee (?), Eddie Miller (?), Ivars Timmermanis (?), Lukasz Wichniarz (Kotwica Kolobrzeg), Dawid Witos (?), Lukasz Zytko (Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Unknown: David Gomez, Mateusz Marciniak, Lukasz Obrzut, Bartosz Pochocki, Kamil Stezewski, Michal Swiderski, Hubert Wierzbicki

BPS BANK BASKET KWIDZYN: (there is still no certainty that the club will compete in the next season due to the lack of license):

Coaches: Pawel Mrozik (signed NCAA), Dariusz Litwin (valid contract)
Guards: David Godbold (signed NCAA, Jarryd Loyd (signed Nelson Giants), Jason Pryor (signed Hamar Hverageroi), Wilczek Lukasz (signed Zastal Zielona Gora)
Forwards: John Barber (signed Nelson Giants)
Centers: --
Juniors: --
Departures: Chris Garner (Achilleas Kaimakliou), Cliff Hawkins (?), Radoslaw Hyzy (BK Prostejov), Michael Kuebler (AZS Koszalin), Brian Lubeck (?), Vladimir Tica (?), Brandon Wallace (?), Tony Weeden (Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Unknown: Dabrowski Piotr, Marcin Kowalewski, Krzysztof Mielnik, Pawel Mroz, Bartosz Potulski, Dariusz Puncewicz

PBG BASKET POZNAN:

Coaches: Eugeniusz Kijewski (valid contract), Tomasz Jankowski (valid contract)
Guards: Uros Duvnjak (signed Radnicki 034 Kragujevac), A.J. Graves (signed NCAA), Adam Waczynski (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych)
Forwards: Zbigniew Bialek (signed Polaroid Lami Ved Kormend), Andrija Ciric (signed Falco KC Szombathely), Rajko Kljajevic (signed Radnicki 034 Kragujevac), Wojciech Szawarski (extended)
Centers: Hubert Radke (signed Polonia Warsaw)
Juniors: Pawel Mowlik, Albert Skowronski, Tomasz Smorawinski
Departures: Rafal Bigus (Sportino Inowroclaw), Robert Brannen (?), Gerald Brown (?), Miah Davis (?), Marcin Flieger (?), Iwo Kitzinger (Trefl Sopot), Alex McLean (?), Stanislaw Prus (?), Adam Wojcik (PGE Turow Zgorzelec)

POLONIA 2011 WARSAW:

Coaches: Mladen Starcevic (valid contract), Krzysztof Sidor (valid contract)
Guards: --
Forwards: --
Centers: --
Juniors: --
Departures: --
Unknown: Mateusz Bartosz, Dardan Berisha, Michal Jankowski, Leszek Karwowski, Marcin Kolowca, Michal Kucharski, Przemyslaw Lewandowski, Jaroslaw Mokros, Michal Nowakowski, Piotr Pamula, Patryk Pelka, Marek Popiolek, Krzysztof Sulima, Roman Szymanski, Tomasz Snieg

STAL STALOWA WOLA:

Coaches: --
Guards: --
Forwards: --
Centers: --
Juniors: --
Departures: --
Unknown: Tomasz Andrzejewski, Kamil Drelich, Jakub Gabinski, Szymon Juniak, Adam Jurga, Maciej Klima, Adam Lisewski, Rafal Partyka, Pawel Pydych, Rafal Sobilo, Dawid Szewczyk, Karol Szpyrka, Piotr Ucinek, Michal Woloszyn

TREFL SOPOT:

Coaches: Karlis Muiznieks (signed LMT Barons Riga)
Guards: Iwo Kitzinger (signed PBG Basket Poznan)
Forwards: Pawel Kowalczuk (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski), Marcin Stefanski (signed PGE Turow Zgorzelec)
Centers: --
Juniors: --

Trefl Sopot added Pawel Kowalczuk, and Marcin Stefanski - by Patryk Kurkowski
Trefl Sopot add to his roster two Polish players. First is Pawel Kowalczuk (207-F/C-80, agency: Promotex, college: St.Francis,NY). One of most verstitate polish bigmans Pawel Kowalczuk signed today 2 years contract with newcomer of polish extraleague Trefl Sopot! Power forward last year spent in Polpharma Starogard Gdanski where he played in 31 games with averages 4.7ppg, 3.8rpg. Before he was also starter in Polpak Swiecie and AZS Koszalin, his former club. Pawel is alumn of St. Francis Collee in New York.

Second player which signed contract with Trefl Sopot is Marcin Stefanski (200-F-83). 26-year-old babasketballer last season started in BASCO Slask Wroclaw. This clubs withdrew due to financial reason, and Stefanski moved to Victoria Gornik Walbrzych. For this team played 13 games, and averaging 11.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.8spg. In January he sign contract with PGE Turow Zgorzelec, where he finished the season.

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


Tuto Marchand Cup gets underway - by Luis Ramirez
The Cup started with teams from Brazil and Argentina opening up the hostilities. Although Brazil took an early lead, Argentina employed a fast paced game to cut tie the game at 11 points with 5:58 to go in the 1st quarter. With a little over 3 minutes to play, Argentina had taken a 3 point lead 18-15, and Brazil decided to take a time out. The pace slowed down a bit in the final minutes and with 16 seconds to go in the quarter the Brazil lead by 1 point 21-20. Brazil was led by Marcelo Huertas with 5 points, while for Argentina Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 10 points.
In the 2nd quarter both teams played good defense but Brazil took advantage of the inside game and was leading 36-31 with 1:13 to go in the half. The half ended with Brazil leading by 7 points 39-32.
In the 2nd half Argentina seemed to come alive with a thunderous block and a slam dunk. Things got heated between Brazil and Argentina as Verejao and Roman Gonzalez went at each other and Gonzalez was hit with technical foul and then thrown out of the game. Argentina went on a dry spell and with 3:44 to go in the 3rd quarter Brazil had taken a 53-39 lead. Argentina was able to get back into the game as the 3rd quarter ended 65-56. In the 4th quarter Brazil kept pressuring Argentina and with 2:10 left in the game was leading 84-69. The game ended 91-76 in favor of Brazil. The top scorer for Brazil was Leandro Barbosa with 18 points followed by Tiago Splitter with 14 points and 9 rebounds. For Argentina, Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 28 points while Roman Gonzalez scored 14 points.


Puerto Rico get first win at Marchand Cup - by Luis Ramirez
Puerto Rico commenced with a man to man defense. Both teams seemed somewhat erratic at the start of the game but it was Canada who scored first. It was Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) who scored the first points for team Puerto Rico when he went to the foul line and made both shots. With the scored tied at 3 points, Carmelo Lee drained a 3 pointer to put Puerto Rico ahead with 5:40 to go in the quarter. Canada did not get discouraged and with 2:25 had tied the game at 8 points. With Canada in the lead 11-9, Guillermo Diaz drained a 3 pointer which brought the crowd to an uproar as Puerto Rico once again took the lead 12-11. Puerto Rico took advantage of the inside game took the 1st quarter 16-13.
In the 2nd quarter Canada made some outside shots to try to close the gap but Puerto Rico continued their inside game and with 6:29 left in the quarter Puerto Rico was leading by 3 points 20-17. With 5:20 to go Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) drained a 3 pointer to put Puerto Rico up by 6, 23-17. Rick Sanchez followed up with a 3 pointer of his own and the lead for team Puerto Rico was extended to 9 points, 26-17 with 3:30 to go in the half. Ayuso was hot as he made another 3 pointer and crossed his arms in his usual 3pointer sign as Puerto Rico kept building its lead 31-17 with 46 seconds to go in the half. Puerto Rico would just not let Canada score and kept a tight defense. Credit goes to Puerto Rico defense that did not let Canada score in more than 5 minutes of play in this second quarter.

In the 3rd quarter Canada scored thanks to a free throw shot made in the starting seconds of the quarter. Canada seemed intent in showing a better defense in this quarter and Rick Sanchez committed his 3rd personal foul with over 7 minutes left in the quarter. Canada made an offensive run of their own and with 7:06 left in the quarter had cut the lead to just 5 points 33-28. Carlos Arroyo suffered a bad fall and limped to the bench while Puerto Rico called a time out to try to contend Canada. Arroyo had to be substituted and it was Christian Dalmau who stepped up for team Puerto Rico. With 4:33 to play Puerto Ricos lead had diminished to 2 points 41-39. The game was tied at 41 points with 3:29 to go in the game. Canada took the lead with 2:23 to go in the quarter 44-43. It was Guillermo Diaz who gave Puerto Rico the lead once again with a 3 pointer to put the score 46-44. Puerto Rico was able to extend the lead with two free throws from Filiberto Rivera and the quarter ended 49-44.
In the 4th quarter Puerto Rico did not seem sharp in their offense in the opening minutes of the quarter and Canada took advantage of this, with 6:50 remaining in the game the lead was only 3 points for Puerto Rico 53-50. With 4:53 left in the game the lead was 5 points for Puerto Rico 55-50. With 3:52 left in the game Canada played a hard defense but Puerto Rico kept rotating the ball trying to find the open man. With 1:32 left in the game Puerto Rico called for a timeout to try to mount their final minute offensive play. It was Rick Sanchez with a 3 pointer that gave Puerto Rico some breathing room, but Canada answered back with a 3 pointer of their own with just 50 seconds to go in the game. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) was fouled with just 18.5 seconds to go in the game and went to the foul line with Puerto Rico ahead by 3 points 58-55. He missed his 1st shot, but made the second, as Canada called for a final time out. Canada would miss their attempt from the 3 point area and Puerto Rico got its first win in the Tuto Marchand Cup. For Puerto Rico Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) scored 13 points followed by Carmelo Lee with 11 points. For Canada, Carl English scored14 points followed by Jermaine Anderson with 12 points.

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


Bulgaria sneak past Russia in Sofia - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria - Russia 89:88

Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) drained a late three-pointer to propel Bulgaria to a narrow home success over the defending European champions Russia in the exhibition game. The teams will meet again on Tuesday.
Bulgaria grabbed the lead right from the start. Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) gave the hosts a 15:6 lead midway through the opening quarter. Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86) soon made it 20:9 as Bulgaria rolled comfortably. They posted a 29:20 lead at the first intermission. However the visitors gradually found the right rhythm. They went on an 11:2 rally late in the second frame to surge in front. Russia won the first half 43:42 and maintained the lead at the start of the second half. But Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) dropped a long bomb to ensure a 51:50 lead for Bulgaria midway through the third quarter. The hosts arrived at the final break leading by 3 points 67:64. Schved and Vorontsevich exploded with three triples as Russia spurred in front once again. Bulgaria kept it close trailing by just two points with 29 seconds remaining. Kaloyan Ivanov missed a jumper but Dejan Ivanov came up with a decisive offensive rebound and assisted Kaloyan Ivanov for the winning three-pointer.
Deyan Ivanov stepped up with 20 points and 13 boards. Filip Videnov added 18 points, while Todor Stoykov had 15 points and 10 boards in the win. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) responded with 19 points for Russia. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) had 15 points in defeat.

Bulgaria: Dejan Ivanov 20+13 boards, Filip Videnov 18, Todor Stoykov 15+10 boards
Russia: Kelly McCarty 19, Sasha Kaun 15


Latest signings in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Enisey Krasnoyarsk singed contract with experienced forward Sergei Demeshkin (200-F-76). The 33-year old player spent last season with CSK VVS Samara averaging 10.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge games. In A Superleague he had 10.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 18 games. His Samara did not succeed to reach the Playoffs. Demeshkin also was a member of Samara on season 2007/08. Before that he played 3 years for Dynamo Moscow Region. On season 2003/04 Demeshkin was a member of Dynamo Moscow and before that Avtodor Saratov, Shakhtyor Irkutsk and Khimik Engels.

Meanwhile, Krasnie Krilya announced signing of three players: Andrei Trushkin (207-C/F-81), Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) and Andrei Tsypachev (204-F-79).
Andrei Trushkin is coming from Spartak Primorie Vladivostok, where he had 9.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg. In the past he played for Ural Great, Dynamo Moscow Universitet Surgut and Unics.
Valdas Vasylius is a Lithuanian player who played last season for Neptunas Klaipeda. He had 17.1 ppg and 7.7 rpg for 18 games in Baltic League. In Lithuania, Vasylius added 14.3 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 25 games.
Andrei Tsypachev spent last season with Unics Kazan, but he got a chance just in few games. Before that he was a member of Aquarius Volgograd, Lokomotiv Min. Vody, Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, Spartak St.Petersburg, Spartak Primorie Vladivostok and Universitet-Yugra Surgut.

*****************************************************
  SEBL   


Standings
SEBL Standings
City B-East
 1. Summ.Hill BD 6-3 
 2. BC Sixers 5-4 
 3. AWU-Howren 3-6 
 4. G. Wolverines 0-9 
City B-West
 1. N. Metro DB 9-0 
 2. Dalton 6-3 
 3. Cedartown B. 4-5 
 4. Rockmart 3-6 
Metro A-North
 1. ServPro-1 7-2 
 2. BC Skyline 7-2 
 3. Marietta O. 7-2 
 4. Cartersville W. 5-4 
 5. Smyrna K. 4-5 
 6. Supreme 3-6 
 7. Rome Rage 2-7 
 8. BC Howren-1 1-8 
Metro A-South
 1. Black Monop. 8-1 
 2. D.O.T.S. 7-2 
 3. Young Gunz 6-3 
 4. Tri-County 5-4 
 5. BC Lakers 5-4 
 6. A. Underrated 4-5 
 7. Metro Stars 1-8 
 8. BC Barnesville 0-9 


2009 SEBL Championship Tournament Brackets are set... - by David Archer
Here we go! 2009 SEBL Championship Tournament Brackets will be held from Sunday, August 16th through Sunday, August 23rd. Brackets are up and ready for viewing. All the below Conference brackets can be view by clicking here: http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=333570&tclass

1. 2009 SEBL Metro Conference A-League Championships
2. 2009 SEBL City Conference B-League Championships
3. 2009 WSEBL Women's Conferenc Championships

If you have trouble viewing these links, please go to http://www.bracketmaker.com and you can search your respective tournament.

The running schedule for the SEBL/WSEBL Tournaments are listed below...

2009 SEBL Championship Tournaments Running Schedule

Sun. Aug. 16th @ Cartersville - WSEBL & B-League First Round...
WSEBL Women's: #3 Lady Baseline 42 vs. #6 Blazing Ballers 35

WSEBL Women's: #4 Prime Time 44 #5 Dynasty 38
City B-League: W#4 Cedartown 69 vs. E #1 Sixers 68
City B-League: E#2 Summer Hill 80 W#3 Rockmart 62
City B-League: W#2 Dalton Wholesale 61 vs E#3 AWU-Howren 58
City B-League: W#1 Chattahoochee-North Metro 70 vs. E#4 GA Wolves 42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon., Aug. 17th @ Clayton State - South Division First Round...
A-League: S#1 Black Monopoly 67 vs. S#8 Barnesville 57
A-League: S#3 Young Gunz 87 vs. S#6 Atl GA FOG 66
A-League: S#2 DOTS 70 vs. S#7 Metro Stars 64
A-League: S#5 Tri-County 2 vs. S#4 BC Lakers 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue., Aug. 18th @ Cartersville - North Division First Round...
A-League: N#8 BC Howren 86 vs. N#1 SerPro-1 93
A-League: N#5 Baseline 100 vs. N#4 BC Knicks 88
A-League: N#6 BC Supreme 72 vs. N#3 Marietta Outlaw 79
A-League: N#7 Rome Rage 0 vs. N#2 BC Skyline 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed., Aug. 19th @ Clayton State - A-League South Div Quarters...
7:00pm - A-League: S#5 Tri-County vs. S#1 Black Monopoly
8:00pm - A-League: S#3 Young Gunz vs. S#2 DOTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thurs., Aug. 20th @ Cartersville - A-League North Div Quarters...
7:30pm - A-League: N#5 Baseline Warriors vs. N#1 ServPro
8:30pm - A-League: N#3 Marietta Outlaw vs. N#2 BC Skyline
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat., Aug. 22nd @ Cartersville - Final Four Frenzy...
3:00pm - City B-League: W#4 Cedartown vs. E#2 Summer Hill
4:00pm - City B-League: W#2 Dalton Wholesale vs. W#1 Chattahoochee-North Metro
5:00pm - WSEBL Women's: #3 Lady Baseline vs. #2 OBG
6:00pm - WSEBL Women's: #4 Prime Time vs. #1 Reinhardt
7:00pm - A-League: North #1 vs. South #2
8:00pm - A-League: South #1 vs. North #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun., Aug. 23rd @ Cartersville - Championship Day!
4:00pm - B-League: City Conference Championship
5:30pm - Women's: WSEBL Championship
7:00pm - A-League: Metro Conference Championship
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


Hot prospect Branislav Djekic leaves FMP Zeleznik - by Dragan Jankovski
One of the Serbian top prospects Branislav Djekic (205-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) decided to leave FMP Zeleznik. The young player had an option to sign the first professional contract with FMP or to leave for some other club and he decided to go for the second one.

Djekic played last couple of years for FMP Zeleznik young selections and was a standard member of Serbian U16 and U18 National Team. In 2006 Djekic won the Bronze on EuroBasket in Spain. A year later U16 Serbia won the Gold on EuroBasket in Greece and they did it again this summer, but on EuroBasket for juniors in France. Djekic played 9 games for Serbia averaging 11.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.9 bpg.

With FMP Zeleznik Branislav Djekic won few championship titles in Serbia (juniors, cadets). This year he was named MVP and was the best scorer of the competition.
FMP also won last two Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial U18 European competition for clubs) and Djekic was one of its best players.

Meanwhile, Metalac Valjevo started with preparations for the next season. The team of head coach Milovan Stepandic almost completed its roster for 2009/10.

The new faces in Metalac are Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket), Predrag Markovic (198-G/F-80), Miroslav Radenkovic (204-F-83), Nenad Kasabasic (190-G-84) and Milan Trtic (200-F-86).

Couple of players also left the team at the end of the last season: Jovan Teodosic, Reggie Freeman, Zlatko Bolic, Nikola Micevic, Radomir Marojevic and Stefan Atanackovic. Players who decided to stay with the club are: Dejan Beljic, Nikola Tomasevic, Marija Tripkovic, Vuksan Gagovic, Dragomir Marojevic, Stefan Bircevic and Djukan Djukanovic.

The first friendly game of Metalac is scheduled for August 21.


Nenad Krstic is new captain of Team Serbia - by Dragan Jankovski
Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) finally made a decision who will be the captain of Team Serbia on the upcoming EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. So far the captain was Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) as he is the oldest players in the team, but after couple of friendly games, Dusan Ivkovic together with players decided to select Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) as a new team leader.

Last summer, when Serbia played in EuroBasket 2009 Qualifications Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) was the captain. However, this summer he did not get invitation to join NT. Nenad Krstic played 42 games for Serbia in total, both official and friendlies. He was its member on Olympic Games 2004 in Athens, EuroBasket 2005 and last year in EuroBasket 2009 Qualifications. Last summer he played 7 games averaging 13.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg.

Nenad Krstic started last season with Russian Triumph Lyubertsy, but soon he return to NBA agreeing with Oklahoma City Thunder. As soon as he joined the Thunder, the team started to play much better. They had desperate results at the beginning, but later drastically improved finishing the season with decent record for their first year. The Thunder decided to keep Krstic at least for the next season.

Nenad Krstic grew up in Partizan. In 2002 he was selected by the New Jersey Nets as 24th overall pick, but stayed with Partizan two more years. In 2004 he moved to NBA and his second year there was the best one so far. He had about 14 ppg and 7 rpg. Unfortunately, Krstic suffered ACL injury, but successful recovered during 2007/08 season.

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


Nitra shape up before new season - by Eurobasket News
Nitra added two players to their roster. Dennis Czepczynski (188-G-89, agency: Promotex) and Kanstantsin Yafremau (201-F-86) joined the Slovakian champions.
Dennis Czepczynski spent the last season playing for Braunschweig in German ProB league. The 20-year-old guard averaged 1.5 points and 1.2 assists per game.
Kanstantsin Yafremau played in the Belarusian league final together with Vitalyur. The 23-year-old Belarusian forward also played for Grodno-93 in the Premier League. He was selected to the Belarusian National team this year.


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


Lorbek moves from CSKA to Barcelona, Zupan joins Trikala, Hopsi brings back two players - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian NT member Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) has left CSKA Moscow to join Barcelona for two seasons.
Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) ex Union Olimpija inked with Greek team Trikala for upcoming season.
Hopsi inked their former members Primoz Kobale (194-G-76) ex MFC.2 Primorac Branik and Primoz Skok (192-G-84) ex TCG Mercator and signed Uzbekistan Dmitry Sviridov (212-C-85) ex Vitalyur Minsk.

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


Lucentum Alicante adds Mario Stojic to roster - by Eurobasket News
Lucentum Alicante announced arrival of Croatian International Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) for season 2009/10. The 29-year old player is a well known face in Spain as he spent there last six seasons and also half of the season with Alicante. During the previous four he was a member of ViveMenorca registering 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.9 apg for 32 appearances in the last one. Season 2007/08 was the best one for Stojic as he had 14.1 ppg in 24 games. Interesting is the in the first two years with Menorca Stojic had almost identical numbers. In the first season he had 10.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg, while in the next one 10.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg.
Before ViveMenorca, Mario Stojic spent two years with Real Madrid. In his first season Stojic had pretty decent 6.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games in ULEB Cup and his team reached the Final. Next year Real was the ACB Champion, but Stojic was released during the season.
From 2001 to 2003 Mario Stojic was a player of Benetton Treviso. In November 2003 he joined Lucentum Alicante. In the past he also played for Zagreb, Sava Osiguranje and Post SG Manheim. In 2002 he won the title in Serie A with Benetton. The team also reached Italian SuperCup Final.

Regal Barca signs 3-year deal with Erazem Lorbek - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca landed Slovenian big guy Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) for the next three years. Since the departure of David Andersen (212-C-80) to NBA, the Spanish champion was desperately looking for his replacement. After almost 10 days full of rumors about Lorbek and Barca, the deal is finally confrirmed and the player will represent Spanish giant until the end of the season 2011/12.
Erazem Lorbek spent last season with Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow. He helped the team to reach Euroleague Finals averaging 12 ppg and 5 rpg in 21 games. In Russia, CSKA defended the championship title and Lorbek had 12.1 ppg, plus 4.9 rpg for 28 games. At the end of the season he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Center of the Year -09'.
Before CSKA Moscow, Erazem Lorbek played season and a half with Italian Lottomatica Roma. On 2007/08 he played 20 games in Euroleague collecting 13.3 ppg and 5.6 rpg. In Serie he had 14.3 ppg and 5.8 helping Roma to reach Playoff Finals.
Erazem Lorbek will not be a new face in Spain. Namely, he played first half of 2006/07 season for Unicaja Malaga, before move to Benetton. In ACB he had 13 games averaging 2.6 pppg and 1.5 rpg. In Euroleague he stopped on 1.6 pppg and 3.9 rpg for 7 games. He is a product of Slovenian powerhouse Union Olimpija. Later he spent one year with Michigan State University and in 2003 joined Slipper Fortitudo Bologna.

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


Sdent BBC Nyon sign Michael Southall - by Eurobasket
Sdent BBC Nyon signed 27-year old American center Michael Southall (210-C-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Edge Sports). Southall played most recently at Melilla Baloncesto (Spain), where he playerd : 26 games and averaged 8.8ppg, 5.0rpg, Blocks-3 (1.6bpg), FGP: 62.1%, FT: 64.9%. Southall also played in other team in Spain, Caja Rural Melilla (LEB Gold) in 2006-2007, and 2007-2008, and started 2008-2009 with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (LEB Gold) where he played only 5 games.

Interview with Albert Myles - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Albert Myles (198-G-75, college: W.Texas A&M) the experienced USA SG who got recently a Turkish passport, spoke to Eurobasket.com:

Eurobasket.com: How hard was from a player who graduated from a NCAA2 school to find a decent job in Europe?

Albert Myles: Well after leaving school I didnt have the right direction or agent. It was a bad time because I just finished NCAA D2 becoming Daktronics All-American 2001 and player of the year in NCAA D2 Lone Star Conference 2001. I had a pretty good college career, I think. With not so good direction, I ended up travelling on tour teams in China and South America. I was offered a contract in South America but the agent I had didnt do a great job securing the job. As a result I ended up not signing. With no basketball job I became a personal trainer at a local gym. I had studied Sports and Fitness in school so I had something I could do. Then before coming to Switzerland I was offered 80k from an Italian team that had seen me play in the summer pro leagues. Again my agent didnt secure this job. The reason was because he told the club that there was another team interested in me and I wanted more money. Something I never said and knew about until later. So with no South America and no Italy, here came Switzerland.

Eurobasket.com: The best seasons in your career were in Switzerland, how you never player in France where they pick the best players from the Swiss league. Did you reject any offer the last years?

Albert Myles: Well when I first arrived to Switzerland I was playing really well but the team wasnt winning. So they fired the coach and replaced him with another. This new coach and I never seen eye to eye. A lot of people took my quiet personality and my physical work the wrong way. So I think maybe this had something to do with his choice to release me. As much as people may have the wrong idea about me, once they spend time with me they see that Im a very cool guy, who stays out of trouble. Im very serious about my job. I work my ass off before and after practices. I was always at the gym before the other players and coaches, doing my own training, (jump rope, sprints, shooting, etc). My work ethics is off the chart. Even at my age now, I still out-run and out-jump younger players. Im 33 and I have 5% body fat, a 89cm vertical jump and weight 92 kg. I think my features at the moment are great. I was the second leading scorer in the league and a damn hard worker but it was the coachs decision, so I lived with it. And to make it even worse, I got released right after we played the best team in the league. A team that played in Euro Challenge and a team I just scored 32 points on, with over a 30 evaluation. But this aint the worse part, the player that they hired in my place was already in the stands. Sitting right there watching me, the player he was going to replace. At seasons end, then players statistics were no where close to mine and the club ended up being regulated to second league. After I was released the Swiss agent told me not to ask for anything, just leave. They just kicked me out with nothing, NO MONEY, no nothing!!! When I returned back to the states my American agent had stopped his business. So I had no agent again and no direction. So to get any contracts from France or anywhere is almost impossible without a agent at this point. I have had bad luck so far. If you see me play, it will be obvious that I have some skills but just not the luck.


Eurobasket.com: Tell us your opinion about the lower leagues in Spain. You played with success in EBA and LEB leagues.

Albert Myles: My opinion about Spain is that it was very competitive. Me personally, I loved the style of play, travelling and just the professionalism there. Even leagues like EBA are stronger then a lot of other second and first leagues in some countries. I think I had success there because I was given a far chance by the staff, the rest is just me playing.

Eurobasket.com: You tried in the past to play in the first division of Turkey but you did not make it, now with your Turkish passport do you believe its the time to play there?

Albert Myles: When I was trying in Turkey, I went there and practiced with KSK. I did very well but there was already an American signed for the shooting guard spot. If I had my passport at that time, maybe it would of been different. Then one year later I tried with big club Galatasary. Played in exhibition games and practiced with the club. The club thought that I had Turkish citizenship at this time but I didnt until just one week ago. They were interested in me as a national player on the team, this is why I was invited to train with them in the first place. But like a lot of other big basketball markets, these teams need to have those big name players on the rosters. Former NBA players, big NCAA school (UCLA, DUKE, etc) or other big Euro clubs! I had nothing like that on my CV, so it wasnt going to work as an American player. The ended up signing Gerald Fitch, former NBAer with good Euro clubs on his CV. But again if I had my Turkish passport at the time, maybe something would of happened. Now that I have my Turkish passport, it opens some doors in Europe. But to play in Turkey as Turkish player, it may not happen. Listen to this: In order the play as a national player in Turkey, you must have played 3 straight years in Turkey or played on the junior teams as a youth. I think this is the only country that doesnt accept naturalized players through marriage. I think it is not a good thing because players that are married to country women should have more rights then someone who is not married and has no Turkish family. My family is Turkish now, they have been my family for over 5 years now. They have had my back all of this time. So for me to represent for them and to help them out, would be a great deal for me. If it doesnt work there, then I must look other places. I am just looking for a chance to show me to all Europe, a club to take a chance on a good guy who just hasnt had the luck. A coach will never have to tell me that I need to work harder. I am a true warrior and a fan of the game. So at the moment I am still waiting on some news to maybe getting a exception. I may need to go to court for this, though!

Eurobasket.com: Inform us about the best moment in your career so far.

Albert Myles: My best moment so far has been in South America. While I was there, the kids just loved us. I remember after games I would give a kid something of mine. I felt so much love from them so I it was only normal to show them that I appreciated them, also. I loved to see the smiles on faces at the games, the way they jumped around and just acted like animals. It was a feeling that I would never forget.

Eurobasket.com: Which coach you feel you must thank him and why.

Albert Myles: All bless goes to my former coach at West Texas A&M University (Rick Cooper). He is the man! First, he gave me a chance to live the best moments of my life so far. My college years were so great! Second, he taught me how to be tough mentally and on the court. He's the man!!!

Eurobasket.com: What about your favorite teammate and your worst opponent?

Albert Myles: My favorite teammate was my point guard at college. He was a beast, bench pressing 300 lbs as a point guard is nuts. He had made game, a very good play maker. The best I have played with so far. My worst opponent, I cant say just one person but during games and practices there is sometimes players that dont act right. But thats the part of this job, we are a team and we just have to deal with one another.

Eurobasket.com: Tell us your strong point and your weakness in your game.

Albert Myles: My strong point, I would have to say is my desire to win and be the best. My dad taught me when I was a little boy that in order to be the best, you have to work your ass off. He was a boxer and played some pro baseball also, so he knew how to work. My weakness, I would say is that I play defense with a lot of passion and sometimes I help my teammates so much that maybe my guy scores.


http://www.serwrites.blogspot.com/


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


Taiwan News - by Geoffrey Huang
After edging Quatar for fifth place,which is the best achievement over the past decade in Asian Basketball Championship,Taiwan's basketball team returned to Taipei on Monday, was welcomed by patriotic fans.

Starting point guard Lee Hsueh-Lin (175-G-84) who Played the whole 40 minutes in 5-8 Classification Round against archrival South Korea told the press Taiwan national basketball team is still room for progress,We could reach the final four, if we played more concentrated.

The first-selected national team player Tsung-Hsien Chang (190-F-88) scored 11.9 points per game ,as a team scoring leader whose outstanding performance won himself a rising basketball star honor in Taiwan.
Taiwan (5-4)scored average 80.9points and 74.0 points allowed.


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


Interview with Albert Myles - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Albert Myles (198-G-75, college: W.Texas A&M) the experienced USA SG who got recently a Turkish passport, spoke to Eurobasket.com:

Eurobasket.com: How hard was from a player who graduated from a NCAA2 school to find a decent job in Europe?

Albert Myles: Well after leaving school I didnt have the right direction or agent. It was a bad time because I just finished NCAA D2 becoming Daktronics All-American 2001 and player of the year in NCAA D2 Lone Star Conference 2001. I had a pretty good college career, I think. With not so good direction, I ended up travelling on tour teams in China and South America. I was offered a contract in South America but the agent I had didnt do a great job securing the job. As a result I ended up not signing. With no basketball job I became a personal trainer at a local gym. I had studied Sports and Fitness in school so I had something I could do. Then before coming to Switzerland I was offered 80k from an Italian team that had seen me play in the summer pro leagues. Again my agent didnt secure this job. The reason was because he told the club that there was another team interested in me and I wanted more money. Something I never said and knew about until later. So with no South America and no Italy, here came Switzerland.

Eurobasket.com: The best seasons in your career were in Switzerland, how you never player in France where they pick the best players from the Swiss league. Did you reject any offer the last years?

Albert Myles: Well when I first arrived to Switzerland I was playing really well but the team wasnt winning. So they fired the coach and replaced him with another. This new coach and I never seen eye to eye. A lot of people took my quiet personality and my physical work the wrong way. So I think maybe this had something to do with his choice to release me. As much as people may have the wrong idea about me, once they spend time with me they see that Im a very cool guy, who stays out of trouble. Im very serious about my job. I work my ass off before and after practices. I was always at the gym before the other players and coaches, doing my own training, (jump rope, sprints, shooting, etc). My work ethics is off the chart. Even at my age now, I still out-run and out-jump younger players. Im 33 and I have 5% body fat, a 89cm vertical jump and weight 92 kg. I think my features at the moment are great. I was the second leading scorer in the league and a damn hard worker but it was the coachs decision, so I lived with it. And to make it even worse, I got released right after we played the best team in the league. A team that played in Euro Challenge and a team I just scored 32 points on, with over a 30 evaluation. But this aint the worse part, the player that they hired in my place was already in the stands. Sitting right there watching me, the player he was going to replace. At seasons end, then players statistics were no where close to mine and the club ended up being regulated to second league. After I was released the Swiss agent told me not to ask for anything, just leave. They just kicked me out with nothing, NO MONEY, no nothing!!! When I returned back to the states my American agent had stopped his business. So I had no agent again and no direction. So to get any contracts from France or anywhere is almost impossible without a agent at this point. I have had bad luck so far. If you see me play, it will be obvious that I have some skills but just not the luck.


Eurobasket.com: Tell us your opinion about the lower leagues in Spain. You played with success in EBA and LEB leagues.

Albert Myles: My opinion about Spain is that it was very competitive. Me personally, I loved the style of play, travelling and just the professionalism there. Even leagues like EBA are stronger then a lot of other second and first leagues in some countries. I think I had success there because I was given a far chance by the staff, the rest is just me playing.

Eurobasket.com: You tried in the past to play in the first division of Turkey but you did not make it, now with your Turkish passport do you believe its the time to play there?

Albert Myles: When I was trying in Turkey, I went there and practiced with KSK. I did very well but there was already an American signed for the shooting guard spot. If I had my passport at that time, maybe it would of been different. Then one year later I tried with big club Galatasary. Played in exhibition games and practiced with the club. The club thought that I had Turkish citizenship at this time but I didnt until just one week ago. They were interested in me as a national player on the team, this is why I was invited to train with them in the first place. But like a lot of other big basketball markets, these teams need to have those big name players on the rosters. Former NBA players, big NCAA school (UCLA, DUKE, etc) or other big Euro clubs! I had nothing like that on my CV, so it wasnt going to work as an American player. The ended up signing Gerald Fitch, former NBAer with good Euro clubs on his CV. But again if I had my Turkish passport at the time, maybe something would of happened. Now that I have my Turkish passport, it opens some doors in Europe. But to play in Turkey as Turkish player, it may not happen. Listen to this: In order the play as a national player in Turkey, you must have played 3 straight years in Turkey or played on the junior teams as a youth. I think this is the only country that doesnt accept naturalized players through marriage. I think it is not a good thing because players that are married to country women should have more rights then someone who is not married and has no Turkish family. My family is Turkish now, they have been my family for over 5 years now. They have had my back all of this time. So for me to represent for them and to help them out, would be a great deal for me. If it doesnt work there, then I must look other places. I am just looking for a chance to show me to all Europe, a club to take a chance on a good guy who just hasnt had the luck. A coach will never have to tell me that I need to work harder. I am a true warrior and a fan of the game. So at the moment I am still waiting on some news to maybe getting a exception. I may need to go to court for this, though!

Eurobasket.com: Inform us about the best moment in your career so far.

Albert Myles: My best moment so far has been in South America. While I was there, the kids just loved us. I remember after games I would give a kid something of mine. I felt so much love from them so I it was only normal to show them that I appreciated them, also. I loved to see the smiles on faces at the games, the way they jumped around and just acted like animals. It was a feeling that I would never forget.

Eurobasket.com: Which coach you feel you must thank him and why.

Albert Myles: All bless goes to my former coach at West Texas A&M University (Rick Cooper). He is the man! First, he gave me a chance to live the best moments of my life so far. My college years were so great! Second, he taught me how to be tough mentally and on the court. He's the man!!!

Eurobasket.com: What about your favorite teammate and your worst opponent?

Albert Myles: My favorite teammate was my point guard at college. He was a beast, bench pressing 300 lbs as a point guard is nuts. He had made game, a very good play maker. The best I have played with so far. My worst opponent, I cant say just one person but during games and practices there is sometimes players that dont act right. But thats the part of this job, we are a team and we just have to deal with one another.

Eurobasket.com: Tell us your strong point and your weakness in your game.

Albert Myles: My strong point, I would have to say is my desire to win and be the best. My dad taught me when I was a little boy that in order to be the best, you have to work your ass off. He was a boxer and played some pro baseball also, so he knew how to work. My weakness, I would say is that I play defense with a lot of passion and sometimes I help my teammates so much that maybe my guy scores.


http://www.serwrites.blogspot.com/


Bagful of news from Turk Telekom - by Eurobasket News
Murat Ozyer was named the head coach of Turk Telekom. The specialist worked with Galatasaray for three years. He led the team to the ULEB Cup semifinal in 2008.
Turk Telekom have already ensured the services of Andre Owens (192-G-80, college: Houston), Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.), Lamayne Wilosn and Huseyin Besok (212-C-75).
Andre Owens arrived to Turkey from Serbia where he played for Crvena Zvezda. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.0 boards and 2.4 assists per game in EuroCup. His stats came up to 11.7 points, and 2.1 assists in the Serbia league.
Demond Mallet arrived to Turk Telekom from Joventut. The 31-year-old guard spent a solid season in Badalona. He tallied 10.1 points and 3.3 assists per game in the ACB.
The veteran centre Huseyin Besok played for Galatasaray last year. There he scored 11.6 points and grabbed 8.6 boards per appearance in the TBL.
In the meantime Turk Telekom lost Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut). The point guard decided to come back to Ukraine. He will continue his career in ambitious Budivelnyk from Kyiv.


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


UMES Grad Dowling Making Name In Coaching Ranks - by David Edole
AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico - Former University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) men's basketball standout Jareem Dowling (198-F-81) loves the game of basketball. He loves playing it, he loves coaching it and he loves what it can do for the youth of a nation.

Dowling, now in his second season at the assistant coach at Slippery Rock University, is the head coach of the Virgin Islands U-17 men's basketball national team. A native of the Virgin Islands, Dowling feels he is having an impact o n the young men of his homeland while working in the game he loves.

The team he coaches, in its second year under his guidance, became the first V.I. youth team to advance to the Americas Championship, being held in 2010.

'It was great, definitely great,' said Dowling in an interview with The Virgin Islands Daily News. 'My slogan for the team was to bring island fever to Mexico, and that it
was a 'we' thing. I kept stressing that and after the last game they celebrated and understood they won as a team.'

In the past the Virgin Islands had been represented in an Americas Championship, which features the 10 best teams from North, South and Central America and the Carribean, only by the senior men's team.

Dowling was supported by Local Basketball Federation president Sen. Usie Richards who stressed the fact that the team was there to take care of business. They did just that, upsetting the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal game.

The team was by far the youngest in the event and was up and down. Dowling led them to a blowout win over Nicaragua, but a tough loss to Mexico in the semifinals set the table for the upset win over the Dominican Republic.

'After the Mexico game I told them in life you have good days and bad days and you can't let the bad days continue to affect you,' Dowling said. 'I told them, 'Look we still have a chance to make history,' and it really clicked for those guys.'

Despite a one point lead at the half, the V.I. took control in the second half. 'At halftime we were up and the guys realized it was right in front of them, and they smelled blood and went on the attack,' said Dowling.

The coaching staff caught some flack for the team make-up which featured just three 17-year olds, mostly 15 and 16 year olds and even a 14 year old. Dowling however stood by his decision. 'Those 12 guys who put on a uniform, they may not have been the best 12 guys in the Virgin Islands, but they were 12 hardworking guys who were the best pieces to the puzzle for the coaching staff to put together.'

Dowling produced results, making history for the Virgin Islands and earning the respect of his country and most importantly, those 12 young men.
Dowling's comments appear from a Daily News article written by Chris Walsh.


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


Kyrylo Fesenko leaves Ukrainian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Following his benching in a game last week, Jazz center Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86, agency: Arik Krayn Services) has left the Ukrainian national team before the conclusion of relegation-round play in the European championships.

Although he committed to playing for the national team instead of taking part in summer league with the Jazz, Fesenko did not see action Friday against Hungary and did not travel to Estonia for a game Monday.

Russ Ridge, whose family helps care for the 22-year-old center in Utah, has spoken with Fesenko and said Monday that he was not injured, despite a story on the federation's Web site that suggested otherwise.

According to Ridge, Fesenko asked for and was given back his passport by federation officials after Friday's game. Along with Minnesota center Oleksiy Pecherov, Fesenko was one of only two NBA players on Ukraine's roster.

Before leaving for the off-season, Fesenko talked about the criticism he'd faced in his home country for skipping national team duty the previous two years to play in summer league with the Jazz.

However, Fesenko's playing time decreased so quickly in Ukraine that he saw just nine minutes of action in last Tuesday's loss to the Czech Republic. Three days later, he didn't play at all against Hungary.

Fesenko was said to have felt betrayed by the benching, which occurred at a home game in the country's capital and could have been related to a dispute with his former club team stemming from the contract he signed with the Jazz in 2007.

Neither Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor nor Fesenko's agent, Stu Lash, returned messages Monday. Having left the Ukrainian team, Fesenko is hoping to return to Utah before the end of the month to work out in advance of training camp, Ridge said.

The Jazz exercised an $870,000 option in June to bring back Fesenko for the upcoming season. Fesenko averaged 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 21 games last season.

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Frank gets set for a return to the Northgate - by Andy Webb
The Cheshire Jets are happy to announce that theyve secured Frank Phifer (206-C-80, college: Washburn) for the 2009-10 season. The 6ft 9 forward put pen to paper this week after terms and conditions were reached to bring him back.

Frank returns after a successful first season with the Jets racking up an average of 11 points per game 7.3 rebounds and one block per game and a field goal percentage of 56 percent .

Coach Paul Smith said;

Were delighted to have secured Frank for another season, last season Frank went from strength to strength as a player he grew in confidence and finished the season strong. Hes a real versatile player whose able to score in a number of ways. What impressed us most was his performance on the boards. This season well be looking to him to pull down rebounds at both ends of the court.

Phifer who is a native of the Bronx in New York, graduated from Washburn University in 2007. He then joined Spanish LEB Bronze League club Juventud de Cordoba before transferring to the Jets.

Frank will be back into the UK to start training with the team at the end of the month.


Captain Fantastic, Mike Martin, re-signs with the Heat - by Andy Webb
The Guildford Heat is pleased to announce the re-signing of Michael Martin (200-F-74), known to fans as Captain Fantastic for his match-winning performances.

The 67 England International has been an ever-present for the Heat, leading the team from the front for the last four seasons at the Spectrum. He is the first of several high-profile signings by new Heat player-coach Chad McKnight. Mike, who has signed a three-year contract, is expected to be one of the cornerstones of the team this season and next and is looking forward to the challenge for adding to the Heats already impressive haul of silverware.

As well as his on-court activities, Mike will be taking up a role as a Hoops 4 Health officer. Hoops 4 Health is one of a number of community activities run by the Heat each year. Hoops 4 Health teaches Primary School children about the importance of exercise and healthy eating. Mike will be spearheading the Heats efforts in taking the message into schools with school visits and coaching sessions.
Mike is one of the longest-serving players in the BBL (British Basketball League). He played for a number of clubs in the UK and also in France, before joining the Heat for their inaugural season in 2005. Since then he has been a stalwart of the club, setting a number of club records. Mike has appeared in all of the Heats games, save for a short stretch in 2006, when he was away winning a Bronze medal with England in the Commonwealth Games.

Mike has played in a total of 133 BBL games for the Heat (all as a starter), while scoring 2,098 points and grabbing 1,053 rebounds, all of which are club records. Last season, Mike played in all 46 of the Heats games, leading the club in rebounding (361 rebounds). Mike was also second in scoring with 808 points, while he lead the team in steals (82) and blocked shots (23). He set a season high with 25 rebounds against the Leicester Riders and twice netted 32 points, once against London Capital and once against Milton Keynes Lions.


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
East
 1. Espartanos 0-0 
 2. Tiburones 0-0 
 3. Estudiantes 0-0 
 4. Gatos 0-0 
 5. Acereros 0-0 
West
 1. Mantarrayas 0-0 
 2. Duros 0-0 
 3. Graneros 0-0 
 4. Cent.Apure 0-0 
 5. Lanc.Cojedes 0-0 


*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS   


LEBANON for a wild card to TURKEY next year - by Maarouf Mawloud
First of all...if you want to see LEBANON in the biggest event in the world (TURKEY 2010) just sign this petition by joining the official Facebook group 'Petition for FIBA to give Lebanon a Wildcard invitation to the WBC' by clicking on this link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=130659949082

second of all...to all who read this article please send a mesage to FIBA because our team deserves to be in turkey
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/tool/cont.asp

Lebanon deserves to go to the world cup next yr in turkey because:
1) The refree was the main reason Lebanon lost to China in the semis.

2) Basketball is the # 1 sport in Lebanon.

3) Lebanon has many good and interesting players like Fadi El-khatib and Matt frieji Jackson Vromen Mazen Mneimneh Rony Fahed Ali MAHMOUD Brian Bshara Ali Kanaan Daniel Fares just to name a few.

4) Lebanon is so close to Turkey. Many Lebanese would travel to Turkey to watch the Lebanese NT.

5) Lebanon can be full of surprises, remember we won France in 2006, for example.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild card teams for Turkey 2010

The FIBA Central Board will assign in autumn 2009 four wild cards to four countries that have not qualified until then according to the following criteria:

The criteria for the Wild Cards
1. In order to be invited the team must have participated in the 2009 FIBA Zone Qualifying Championship.
2. There can be a maximum of three teams from any one FIBA Zone.

Together with the above two criteria, FIBA shall take into consideration the following aspects:

Sporting Aspects
- Popularity of basketball in the country
- Quality and sporting results of the national team of the country
- Quality of work by the National Federation

Economic Aspects
- Involvement of local television and/or competitions in domestic and international basketball
- Importance of country to FIBA's marketing and television partners
- Importance of country to the Organizers of the World Championship

Note: The FIBA Central Board is the highest executive body of FIBA where 20 members and three ex-officio members meet twice yearly. The Board establishes the Internal Regulations and assigns the organization of all world championships.



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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA - Women  


Capital Federal claims the title - by Eurobasket News
Capital Federal became the champions of the Argentinean championship. They defeated Entre Rios 75:52 for title.
The chamionship game was preceded by the consolation final. Buenos Aires defeated Santa Fe 66:60. Buenos Aires led by a single point 35:34 at halftime but managed to run away for good late in the game. Guillermina Coz (178-G/F-89) knocked down 19 points to pace Buenos Aires. Agostina Burani (189-F/C-91) added 17 points in the victory. Daniela Oldani responded with 18 points for Santa Fe.
Capital Federal on the other hand had little problems against Entre Rios. They built a 25:10 lead after ten minutes of action and maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. The scoreboard read 44:27 for Capital Federal at halftime. The gap grew at 26 points at some point of the third quarter as Capital Federal cruised to the win.
Cecilia Lineira (180-G-86) exploded with 25 points to lead the charge. Florencia Fernandez (190-C-86) contributed 12 points in the win. Liliana Tamburlini (-81) produced 14 points for Entre Rios. Laura Rotta had 13 points in defeat.


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


China outsmarts Australian Opals 95-93 - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Opals were overthrown by China 95-93 at The Geelong Arena tonight as the Asian powerhouse levelled the three game series at one win apiece.

Tonights result sets up a thrilling finale on Friday night in Dandenong where the winner will take the series.

The Opals had the game in their hands in the dying seconds when first Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) missed a wide open shot before Jess Foley failed to get a handle on an inbound pass with 5.5 seconds on the clock, turning the ball over to the Chinese.

Olympian Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) was the dominant player in the first half posting 18 points, she added four in the second half to score a game high 22 points. Beijing teammate Rohanee Cox added 17 points while 17 year old Elizabeth Folake Cambage (203-C-91) bagged a double double with 10 points and a game high 10 rebounds.

Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf said the Australians needed to pick up their defensive effort.

[China] are a hell of a team and they shot the ball exceptionally well but our defence was appalling; we didnt make adjustments, poor at negotiating screens, 95 points in anyones book is way too many, Graf said.

You cant expect to win games with someone scoring that much.

They got too many easy shots. Defensively we werent on anyone. I dont think we executed that well offensively, I think we made some big shots but there wasnt any offensive flow. I dont think we had rhythm, Cambage provided some good target inside for a while there but I dont think we showed any poise.

While the Opals nailed their first play, both teams took a while to get into their groove but the Australians were the first to settle down with Grima leading them to a 25-18 advantage at the first break.

The Australians came out hard in the second quarter as big Elizabeth Folake Cambage stood her ground against 206cm Chinese centre Wei Wei, ripping down the rebounds. 190cm Grima made it look easy as she drained a long three before casually hitting a fade away jump shot.

The Opals continued to come up with stops as first Rohanee Cox then Nat Hurst ran in easy lay ups, forcing China to call a time out with 6:30 left in the quarter and a 36-23 advantage to Australia.

Hurst finished a tough fade away to fire up the Opals bench as the Australian bigs continued to slash to the basket for easy put-aways.

The Opals stuttered late in the half with some wayward passes but they held off China for an eight point lead at the half, 49-41.

The Chinese team came out of the long break determined to fight back and immediately took it to the Aussies. With the lead cut back to four points Graf called the Opals to the bench to regroup.

The tough talking paid dividends as the Opals kicked into gear with Rohanee Cox lighting up for seven points in 50 seconds to hand the Opals back the edge, 76-67 at the last break.

With less than five minutes on the clock the Opals were just holding on to a two point lead. Graf rang in the changes as Athens Olympian Alicia Poto limped to the bench but China stole the lead with 3:23 remaining.

China stayed cool and kept executing their plays to find space under the basket but could not shake the steely Aussies.

The Opals had the ball with 5.5 seconds remaining but could not pull off the play.

Quarter by quarter:

1: AUS 25 CHN 18
H: AUS 29 CHN 41 (24-23)
3: AUS 76 CHN 67 (27-26)
F: CHN 95 AUS 93 (28-17)

AUSTRALIA 93 (Hollie Grima 22, Rohanee Cox 17, Elizabeth Folake Cambage 10) defeated by
CHINA 95 (Bian Lan (181-G/F-86) 21, Guan Xin (195-C-87) 17, Chen Xiaoli (193-C-82) 15)
At The Geelong Arena

KEY DATES AT A GLANCE:

August 18: 7.00pm China v Dandenong Jayco Rangers, Dandenong Stadium
August 19: 7.00pm China v Bulleen Boomers, The Veneto Club
August 21: 7.00pm Opals v China, Dandenong Stadium
August 31: Opals v NZ Tall Ferns, FIBA Oceania Championship (GM1) Wellington, NZ
September 2: 7.00pm Opals v NZ Tall Ferns, FIBA Oceania Championship (GM 2), AIS Arena, Canberra

Courtesy of The WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

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


New AWBL season tips off on October 3 - by Eurobasket News
The AWBL season is slated to start on October 3. Three games are scheduled for the opening round. The league will comprise seven teams. Union Kuenring are the newcomers and they will meet WBC Kraftwerk Ladies in their first game in the top division. Here is the first round schedule:

Vienna 87 vs. Klosterneuburg
Flying Foxes vs. Herzogenburg
Kraftwerk Ladies vs. Union Kuenring
Bye: Graz Union Styrian Stars


*****************************************************
  CHINA - Women  


China outsmarts Australian Opals 95-93 - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Opals were overthrown by China 95-93 at The Geelong Arena tonight as the Asian powerhouse levelled the three game series at one win apiece.

Tonights result sets up a thrilling finale on Friday night in Dandenong where the winner will take the series.

The Opals had the game in their hands in the dying seconds when first Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) missed a wide open shot before Jess Foley failed to get a handle on an inbound pass with 5.5 seconds on the clock, turning the ball over to the Chinese.

Olympian Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) was the dominant player in the first half posting 18 points, she added four in the second half to score a game high 22 points. Beijing teammate Rohanee Cox added 17 points while 17 year old Elizabeth Folake Cambage (203-C-91) bagged a double double with 10 points and a game high 10 rebounds.

Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf said the Australians needed to pick up their defensive effort.

[China] are a hell of a team and they shot the ball exceptionally well but our defence was appalling; we didnt make adjustments, poor at negotiating screens, 95 points in anyones book is way too many, Graf said.

You cant expect to win games with someone scoring that much.

They got too many easy shots. Defensively we werent on anyone. I dont think we executed that well offensively, I think we made some big shots but there wasnt any offensive flow. I dont think we had rhythm, Cambage provided some good target inside for a while there but I dont think we showed any poise.

While the Opals nailed their first play, both teams took a while to get into their groove but the Australians were the first to settle down with Grima leading them to a 25-18 advantage at the first break.

The Australians came out hard in the second quarter as big Elizabeth Folake Cambage stood her ground against 206cm Chinese centre Wei Wei, ripping down the rebounds. 190cm Grima made it look easy as she drained a long three before casually hitting a fade away jump shot.

The Opals continued to come up with stops as first Rohanee Cox then Nat Hurst ran in easy lay ups, forcing China to call a time out with 6:30 left in the quarter and a 36-23 advantage to Australia.

Hurst finished a tough fade away to fire up the Opals bench as the Australian bigs continued to slash to the basket for easy put-aways.

The Opals stuttered late in the half with some wayward passes but they held off China for an eight point lead at the half, 49-41.

The Chinese team came out of the long break determined to fight back and immediately took it to the Aussies. With the lead cut back to four points Graf called the Opals to the bench to regroup.

The tough talking paid dividends as the Opals kicked into gear with Rohanee Cox lighting up for seven points in 50 seconds to hand the Opals back the edge, 76-67 at the last break.

With less than five minutes on the clock the Opals were just holding on to a two point lead. Graf rang in the changes as Athens Olympian Alicia Poto limped to the bench but China stole the lead with 3:23 remaining.

China stayed cool and kept executing their plays to find space under the basket but could not shake the steely Aussies.

The Opals had the ball with 5.5 seconds remaining but could not pull off the play.

Quarter by quarter:

1: AUS 25 CHN 18
H: AUS 29 CHN 41 (24-23)
3: AUS 76 CHN 67 (27-26)
F: CHN 95 AUS 93 (28-17)

AUSTRALIA 93 (Hollie Grima 22, Rohanee Cox 17, Elizabeth Folake Cambage 10) defeated by
CHINA 95 (Bian Lan (181-G/F-86) 21, Guan Xin (195-C-87) 17, Chen Xiaoli (193-C-82) 15)
At The Geelong Arena

KEY DATES AT A GLANCE:

August 18: 7.00pm China v Dandenong Jayco Rangers, Dandenong Stadium
August 19: 7.00pm China v Bulleen Boomers, The Veneto Club
August 21: 7.00pm Opals v China, Dandenong Stadium
August 31: Opals v NZ Tall Ferns, FIBA Oceania Championship (GM1) Wellington, NZ
September 2: 7.00pm Opals v NZ Tall Ferns, FIBA Oceania Championship (GM 2), AIS Arena, Canberra

Courtesy of The WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

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


Market News - by Moritz Korff
Sarah Wilson comes back to Noerdlingen to play another season with DBBL outfit WWK Donau-Ries. The Canadian appeared in 23 games of the 2008-09 season for Donau-Ries and posted 12.1 points as well as 7.7 rebounds a contest.

TG 1889 Sandhausen (2. DBBL South) landed Heather Karner for the up and coming campaign. The 23-year-old wing player comes from Youngstown State University (NCAA1). As a senior back in 2007-08 she averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 boards and 2.3 assists per game for the Penguins. Karner is the third newcomer to the Sandhausen roster, after Shannon Oberg and Claire Nussbaumer had been signed earlier.

ASC Theresianum Mainz (2. DBBL South) agreed to terms with Jandova on extending the contract for the 2009-2010 year. The Prague native is playing in Mainz since 2003.

The RIST SCALA Ladybaskets (2. DBBL North) will keep their leading scorers Taryn Turnbull and Pia Mankertz for the 2009-2010 season. Also Sabrina Ochs and Nina Bade will stay, while the Polish playmaker Dominika Gorczak returns to her home country.

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


Fribourg announce signing of two players - by Eurobasket News
BCF Elfic Fribourg strengthened their squad with the addition of two import players. Janese Banks (178-G-86, college: Wisconsin) and Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) bolstered the team. Fribourg finished their last season campaign at the quarterfinal stage and would be looking to improve on the result in the upcoming championship. So the steps are now made to make up the ambitious team to enter the season.
Janese Banks arrived to Switzerland from Ukraine. She played for Marel-Cherkasy in the UBL league last season. The 23-year-old guard graduated from Wisconsin where she averaged 12.8 points, 4.2 boards and 2.2 assists per game in her senior year.
Celeste Trahan led Saarlouis to the German League title in 2008-09 season. The 24-year-old centre tallied 15.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. She arrived to Europe after graduating from Elizabeth City State University. There Trahans stats came up to 23.7 points, 15.9 boards and 2.4 steals per appearance in her senior year in NCAA2.
In the meantime Uni Basel Basket invited Marisa Heckendorn (170-F-84). The Swiss forward was last spotted at Brunnen Basket in 2007. She averaged 3.1 points and 1.2 boards per game there. The team also announced the return of Valerie Vigil-Zapata and the appointment of Ina Nicosia-Schelker as the team's head coach.


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


Shock acquire forward Crystal Kelly from Sacramento - by Eurobasket News
The Detroit Shock announced today that the team has acquired Cristal Kelly (6'3''-F-86, college: W.Kentucky) from the Sacramento Monarchs in exchange for guard Kristin Haynie (5'9''-G-83, college: Michigan St.).

'In acquiring Cristal Kelly we add a solid young player to our post rotation who comes with a reputation of not only being a skilled player, but a smart one as well,' said Detroit Shock General Manager Cheryl Reeve. 'We are in need of a post that can spell Taj McWilliams as she has been logging heavy minutes at the 4 position.'

In 22 games (three starts) this season, the second-year forward is averaging 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

Kelly was acquired by the Monarchs as a free agent on May 18, 2008, after being originally selected by the Houston Comets in the third round of the 2008 WNBA Draft (31st overall).

Kelly played in 33 games (four starts) as a rookie last season averaging 7.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 16.7 mpg. She scored a career-high 18 points at Minnesota (6/12/08), and ranked second on the team in free throw percentage.

In 20 games (two starts) this season with the Shock, Haynie averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game.

'This trade is a good trade for both the Shock and Kristin Haynie,' said Reeve. 'We've thoroughly enjoyed having Kristin on the Shock but know that Kristin wanted to be on the court more often. The return to Sacramento reunites her with former teammates and coaches and puts her in a better situation relative to playing time. We thank Kristin for her efforts in Detroit.'

Courtesy of the Detroit Shock


Atlanta's Sancho Lyttle and Phoenix's Diana Taurasi named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) of the Atlanta Dream and Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) of the Phoenix Mercury were named the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for regular season games played Monday, August 10 through Sunday, August 16.

Sancho Lyttle wins the first Player of the Week award of her career following a week in which she averaged 15.0 points on 46.2 percent shooting (12-26), 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals. She was third in the Eastern Conference in rebounding and steals and was one of three players in the conference to average a double-double. She led the Dream into sole possession of second place in the East after a perfect 2-0 week with wins over the Detroit Shock and Seattle Storm.

Against the Storm, Lyttle matched her season-high with 20 points on 52.9 percent (9-17) shooting while pulling down eight rebounds. She also had three steals with no turnovers against Atlanta's second-place counterpart from the Western Conference. Lyttle recorded a double-double earlier in the week with 10 points and 12 rebounds against the Shock.

In her first season with the Dream, Lyttle was named to her first All-Star Game. She's averaging 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals this season, all career highs. She currently ranks in the top five among qualified WNBA league leaders in rebounds and steals.

Diana Taurasi wins her 10th Player of the Week award and her first in 2009. She led the league in scoring this week with 25.0 points on 53.1 percent shooting (17-32) and averaged 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds. She helped the team to a 1-1 record with a win at home against San Antonio in a home-and-home series. With her 25.0 points per game this week, she re-took the league lead in scoring (20.8 ppg) for the season over Becky Hammon (20.1 ppg).

In the Phoenix win over San Antonio, Taurasi scored 29 points on 47.4 percent (9-19) shooting while collecting six rebounds, handing out six assists and blocking two shots. She also went a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line. She followed up that game with 21 points, including 12 points on 80.0 percent (4-5) shooting from three-point range, in the loss.

Taurasi becomes the fourth player (Lisa Leslie, Lauren Jackson and Tamika Catchings) in league history to win 10 or more Player of the Week awards. She is a four-time WNBA All-Star, four-time All-WNBA First Team selection, two-time league scoring champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. In addition to her 20.8 points per game, Taurasi is averaging 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 2009.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, Indiana's Tamika Catchings, New York's Janel McCarville, Sacramento's Rebekkah Brunson, San Antonio's Sophia Young and Seattle's Lauren Jackson

Courtesy of the WNBA (www.wnba.com)


Eight Olympic Gold medalists named to 2009-12 USA National Team - by Eurobasket News
Looking to continue its unprecedented run of four consecutive Olympic gold medals, USA Basketball today announced that eight of the athletes who helped the U.S. capture a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, will return to the red, white and blue as members of the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team. Forming the initial USA Women's National Team roster are two-time Olympic gold medalists Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) (Indiana Fever) and Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) (Phoenix Mercury); as well as '08 gold medalists Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) (Minnesota Lynx), Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) (Chicago Sky), Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) (Sacramento Monarchs), Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) (Los Angeles Sparks) and Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) (Phoenix Mercury). Player selections were made by the five member USA Basketball Women's National Team Player Selection Committee.

As was the case over the last quadrennium, the USA team will be fluid and athletes will be added progressively to the 2009-12 USA National Team roster. It is expected that the official 12-member 2010 USA World Championship and 2012 U.S. Olympic teams, should the USA qualify, will be comprised of players from the 2009-12 USA National Team.

'Naming these eight players was not that difficult of a decision to make, I'm sure, because those eight were truly instrumental in winning the Olympics in Beijing,' said 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team head coach Geno Auriemma of the University of Connecticut. 'As long as they want to play and maintain their level of play, I can't see them not being on the team. I'm excited about the fact that their experience and their knowledge of what it takes to win a gold medal is going to help me tremendously as we move forward.

'I'm looking forward to the training camp this fall. I know not all of them are going to be there, I would presume, because a few of them will be playing in the championship series in the WNBA. I understand that, but just to be around them to let them get a feel for me, it will give me an opportunity to evaluate what they can do, what they do well. It'll help me put them in a position to be successful. I'm really looking forward to that. And not just with the eight players that we're talking about, but also the players who will be added to finish off the training camp roster. It'll be an exciting time for me and I hope it's an exciting time for all of them.'

Additional athletes and coaches will be invited to participate in the USA's first training camp, which will be held this fall (dates and site TBA) at a later date.

In addition to their Olympic experience, the eight named players have competed extensively internationally for USA Basketball. Bird and Catchings are two-time USA World Championship team members; while Augustus, Taurasi and Parker were on the 2006 USA World Championship Team, and Pondexter was an alternate for the 2006 USA World Championship Team.

In all, Augustus has captured five golds, one silver and one bronze medal in international competition; Bird and Catchings own six gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal each; Fowles has three golds and one silver medal to her credit; Lawson helped USA teams earn three golds, two silver medals and one bronze medal; Parker has three golds and one bronze medal; Pondexter owns a total of six gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze; while Taurasi lists four golds, one silver and two bronze medals on her USA Basketball resume.

Augustus suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee on June 17 and will not actively participate with the team in the fall, however, she is expected to attend the training camp.

In the past dozen years, the highly successful USA Basketball Women's National Team program, ranked No. 1 in the world by FIBA, has posted a 63-1 slate in major international competitions, winning four consecutive Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008), two FIBA World Championship golds (1998, 2002), one FIBA World Championship bronze medal (2006) and one FIBA Americas Championship gold medal (2007).

The USA Basketball Women's National Team will compete in the 2010 FIBA World Championship (Sept. 23 - Oct. 3 in the Czech Republic); if necessary the 2011 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD); and if the USA qualifies, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-Aug. 12 in London, England), as well as additional USA training camps and exhibition games.

The U.S. will first look to capture the title at the 16th FIBA World Championship, with an automatic berth to the 2012 Olympic Games being awarded to the gold medalist. Should the U.S. not finish with the gold medal in 10, it would have two additional chances to qualify for the Olympics: the 2011 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament; and 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD).

The USA Basketball Women's National Team Player Selection Committee is comprised of WNBA representatives Rene Brown, Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations; Dan Hughes, Head Coach and General Manager of the San Antonio Silver Stars; and Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of the Indiana Fever Kelly Krauskopf; athlete representative and five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards; and USA Basketball Women's National Team Director Carol Callan.

FIBA World Championship

The FIBA World Championship has been contested essentially every four years since 1953, and the United States captured the first two Worlds gold medals before the beginning of the Soviet domination of women's basketball was kicked-off at the 1959 World Championship. The former USSR put together a string of five straight golds (1959, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1975), before the United States reclaimed gold in 1979. The Soviet Union in 1983 earned its final World Championship crown as the USA went on to capture four of the next five World Championships (1986, 1990, 1998, 2002). The only other nations to break into the gold medal column at this event are Australia, the defending world champion, and Brazil, which defeated the USA in the 1994 semifinals and went on to take the top spot that year.

The USA owns a record seven gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals in FIBA World Championship play, while compiling an all-time 88-21 record at the event. In 2006, the most recent World Championship, the U.S. fell 75-68 to Russia in the semifinals, but rebounded to take host Brazil 99-59 in the bronze medal game and finish with an 8-1 record. Australia earned the gold after defeatng Russia 91-74 in the final contest.

Already qualified for two of the 16 slots are host Czech Republic and the USA as defending Olympic champions. The 14 remaining spots will be decided through FIBA Zone (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania) qualifying tournaments in 2009.

The 16th FIBA World Championship format will feature a round-robin competition in preliminary round play with four groups comprised of four teams each. The top three teams from each preliminary group advance to form two second round groups consisting of six teams each. Each team's results from its preliminary group carries over to the second round standings and each team will play the other three teams in the second round group whom they have not previously faced. The top four teams from those two groups will advance on to the medal round, and the gold medal game will be played Oct. 3.

2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team Roster

5 Seimone Augustus F 6-1 179 04/30/84 Minnesota Lynx Louisiana State Baton Rouge, LA

6 Sue Bird G 5-9 150 10/16/80 Seattle Storm Connecticut Syosset, NY

10 Tamika Catchings F 6-0 166 07/21/79 Indiana Fever Tennessee Duncanville, TX

13 Sylvia Fowles C 6-6 200 10/06/85 Chicago Sky Louisiana State Miami, FL

7 Kara Lawson G 5-9 165 02/14/81 Sacramento Monarchs Tennessee Alexandria, VA

15 Candace Parker F/C/G 6-4 172 04/19/86 Los Angeles Sparks Tennessee Naperville, IL

4 Cappie Pondexter G 5-9 160 01/07/83 Phoenix Mercury Rutgers Chicago, IL

12 Diana Taurasi G/F 6-0 172 06/11/82 Phoenix Mercury Connecticut Chino, CA

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com