EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/24/2009

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Interview: Vlada Vukoicic, Bosna head coach - by Sead Buljina
'It would take five years or so to build a respectable team out of our own youth selections,' says Bosna coach Vlada Vukoicic when asked about young players and continues: 'Are Bosna fans ready to wait that longA Bosna is a club with reach tradition and we have to maintain Club's reputation. At the same time we plan to include more young players into rotation.'
After a couple losses in the Adriatic league at the beginning of the past season Bosna brought proven coach Vlada Vukoicic who recalls that: 'Our first goal was to stabilize team after unsuccessful start. The second goal was to try to secure the second spot for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Adriatic league.'
Results with new head coach exceeded club and fans' expectations.
'After winning 2009 BiH Cup, I submitted my suggestion for improving work environment thats a prerequisite for further progress. Management accepted my suggestion and I extended my contract in May. We established new rules regarding equipment, players' nutrition and their treatment.'
Before we go to future plans would you please comment title loss and the lack of interest for the first Play Off final gameA Many share opinion that club did not do enough to draw more fans.
'For some reason there was satisfaction and relief in the club with achieved results in the Adriatic league. Maybe fans recognized it and didn't show up. On the other hand if someone wants to attend an event he/she will come to it without special invitation. As far as losing first game I must tell that we have played the second half of the season with injured key players. Ikonic, Hajric and Zimic got injured and had no time to fully recover. They played as much as they could. Same thing with Ivanovic and Ovcina. Ivanovic, our best scorer, got injured two months before the finals. Ovcina has played BiH Cup final game seriously injured and helped us win the trophy. I give a credit to all our players for trying hard, but unfortunately that was not enough to win the title.'
How do you evaluate performance of younger players in the past season and who do you count on in the upcoming seasonA
'We've got a couple of players who've played well last season. Suad Sehovic with 22 years of age is a well-established player. He'll be team's captain this season. Emir Zimic (217-C-86) has played very well prior to his injury. Despite the fact that he is 23 years old people tend to forget that Emir hasn't played 2-3 years due to various injuries and can't be treated as a player of his age who's played all that time. Muhamed Pasalic (190-PG-87) is an important member of the team for third straight year. Also, Bozo Djurasovic (200-SF-87) has taken advantage of his playing time during past season and I expect even more of him in this season. Amar Suljagic has requested a letter of clearance and is a free agent now. Aldin Majstoric quit playing basketball. Thus, we can't count on Amar and Aldin, but there are few players from U18 team like Klinac, Camdzic, Andjelic, Demic, Buza,Aldin Klinac (211-C-90) and Eldin Camdzic (194-SG-90) have already played for our first team during last two seasons. They have played well at the end of previous season while on loan in Slavija. Like other players, they'll have to fight for playing time. Nebojsa Andjelic (198-SG-91) along with Kemal Avdic (203-F-85) are on a loan in Slavija. I'd like to see from Kemal that he can play at a high level against our best teams. Nermin Buza (206-PF-91) and Ali Demic (200-SF-91) will play A1 league next season and we'll follow their progress. Of course, there is also our new player, Rasid Mahalbasic (209-PF-90) who should play several minutes per game in his first season with us. In the future his role would gradually increase. I hope that Rasid will receive necessary paperwork prior to the start of the season. We'll see how everything pans out. In any case, we have to play for titles every year.'


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Argentinian cup update - by Facundo Iatzky
The first stage of Argentinian Cup has finished. The biggest surprise was in the group 3, where Sionista won the group and left last champion Atenas out. Then all the favourite teams advanced to the next stage. It will be played next weekend with two round robin of four teams each. The northern one will be placed in Santiago del estero and it will be played by host Quimsa, Sionista, La Union and Union Sunchales (the other surprise). The southern group will be organized by Gimnasia Comodoro Rivadavia and Boca Jrs, Penarol and Obras will also be there. The two winners of eah group will play the Final Four.

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


Team Grades - New Zealand - by Eurobasket News
* Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au (by Marc Howard)

Dont tell the NRL or A-League this, but a New Zealand team just might win a predominantly Australian professional competition this season. That team is the New Zealand Breakers, who will enter the regular season tip-off on Thursday this week as the favourites to take the NBL title.

Whilst true Aussies everywhere spit out their beer incredulously at the thought, lets take a closer look at why even league legend Andrew Gaze is tabbing the Breakers as the number one ranked team.

The 2008/09 season saw the Breakers advance deeper into the post-season than ever before, largely on the back of league MVP Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin). The Breakers made it to the Semi Finals before running into the Melbourne Tigers.

The addition of point guard CJ Bruton brought much needed NBL championship experience to the Breakers point guard position for the first time, and Brutons confidence seemed to rub off on his teammates.

With a plethora of free agents flooding the market in the off-season following the collapse of the Sydney Spirit and the withdrawal of the South Dragons, many anticipated the Breakers to dive in and join the bidding war in an effort to take that next step.

Instead, the Breakers decided that less is more.

Rather than upset the great team chemistry they had last year by moving on some big names, they tinkered around the edges in the belief that they really only needed an upgrade to their bench and the addition of one true superstar import.

To bolster their big man fortunes off the pine, the Breakers signed exciting young New Zealand centre Alex Pledger (216-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey).

Pledger has made enough Aussies choke on their Tooheys all by himself, as he was of course the big man who caused the Boomers all sorts of headaches in the recent FIBA Oceania series. He showed an uncanny ability to knock down the jumper and ultimately was a key factor in the Tall Blacks impressive series win.

The Breakers also signed another young local in Jeremiah Trueman. The 205cm power forward attended San Diego Christian College in the US and by all accounts is an intriguing prospect.

The final addition to the Breakers roster is American import Awvee Storey (198-G/F-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.). The former NBA power forward has appeared in 60 regular season games in the big show for the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets.

At the Top End Challenge in Darwin he showed patches of real talent and was a big part of the Breakers run to the tournament final. He was however clearly still finding his rhythm and the jury remains out. That being said, the Breakers have an excellent recruiting record for imports in recent years, so it shouldnt surprise if he blossoms into one of the leagues premier big men.

Summary
The Breakers really didnt need to make too many off-season moves, as they had pretty much all of the pieces in place already. It was more important for them to consolidate on what they achieved last season than to blow it up and start again like some teams.

They are in fact one of few the clubs that has retained their core from last season almost in its entirety. Sure, they had to let Phill Jones and Tim Behrndorff go, but in return they picked up two youngsters with phenomenal potential in Pledger and Trueman, as well as a a possible stud at the four with legit NBA credentials in Storey.

If the American works out in the long run, the Breakers will get an A+, but even if he is only average they still get top marks.
Grade
A

Perth Wildcats roster for 2009/10 NBL season - by Eurobasket News
The Perth Wildcats have put together a squad that coach Rob Beveridge is excited about ahead of the 2009/10 NBL season and takes an exclusive look at all 14 members here.

Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) - CAPTAIN
Position: Forward. Age: 28. Height: 203cm. Weight: 105kg. Last season: Perth Wildcats.

It's a natural progression for him to be captain. It's a changing of the guard with a new league, new coach, new system and a new captain as well. From a progression perspective he has been the club MVP for four years, has the respect amongst the players as a leader and by having Cattalini and Rogers there, they can help him develop the leadership in his game.

Paul Rogers (213-C-73, college: Gonzaga)
Position: Centre. Age: 35. Height: 213cm. Weight: 120kg. Last season: Perth Wildcats.

He's like a kid in the candy store with his energy levels and he's just so passionate. He has an extra hop in his step since Luke Schenscher has come in. I told him that it wasnt a case of trying to recruit over top of him and the smile on his face was huge. He's looking at the opportunity that he can play reduced minutes and it might increase the longevity of his career. We're managing him well, he's managing himself well and he's a natural born leader even though he's not officially the captain this season. Not being captain has allowed him to train harder, to spend more time on his rehab and recovery, and he doesnt have to worry about the other players. He's a bundle of energy and only played two games last year. He doesn't want to be remembered as an injured player, he wants to be remembered as one of the best players in the league.

Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech)
Position: Centre. Age: 26. Height: 216cm. Weight: 122kg. Last season: Adelaide 36ers.

He was thrown into the deep end in Darwin and didnt really know the guys personally, but from a team chemistry perspective since he has fitted in straight away. It took him a few days to work out what we are doing offensively and defensively, but right now he knows his role in the team and has been great for us. He shows at times why he played in the NBA with some of the stuff he does and he can be unstoppable at times.

Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.)
Position: Forward. Age: 23. Height: 203cm. Weight: 101kg. Last season: Metro State University (USA).

He is going to be a special player. He has one of the highest basketball IQ's I've ever coached, and that's a big statement. He is like a computer in that he can analyse, watch, pick up and learn things so quickly. He goes up against Cattalini and Redhage every day and has their number at times. He's an exceptional player from that perspective. He can shoot the three, play inside or outside and we are working on his mid-range game which is a weakness of his. He is going to be a very good player in this league.

Martin Cattalini (202-F-73)
Position: Forward. Age: 35. Height: 202cm. Weight: 100kg. Last season: Cairns Taipans.

It's all about quality in his situation and he's a pro. When he turns up to work and train, it's just incredible. We are playing him reduced minutes and he can play more quality time. He doesnt have to be the go-to man like he was with Cairns the last few years and right now there isnt that pressure. He can just work his butt off for three or four minutes at a time, he'll give me the look and he'll be out. He's doing a great job of taking care of his body.

Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87)
Position: Forward/Guard. Age: 22. Height: 198cm. Weight: 100kg. Last season: Perth Wildcats.

He has just worked so hard over the off-season and from that he will get better. We will play him a lot this year and at 22 years of age, he will be in the league a long time and we want him to be a franchise-type player of the future.

Kevin Lisch (188-G, agency: Warren Sports International, college: St.Louis)
Position: Guard. Age: 22. Height: 188cm. Weight: 93kg. Last season: Saint Louis University (USA).

He is an exceptional kid. He's good at everything and so far we've had to play him out of position because Damo has been away. He just does what we ask him to do and is one of toughest players mentally and physically that I've ever coached. He's not going to come out and score 20 or 30 points for us, but we dont need that in our team because we've got plenty of people that can score. He will be given the defensive assignment against point guards or a bigger player, and is versatile enough to do it. He's a quality human being and does whatever is asked of him.

Drew Williamson (194-G-83, college: Metro St.)
Position: Guard/Forward. Age: 25. Height: 196cm. Weight: 94kg. Last season: Sydney Spirit.

Probably the last two weeks have been the best he's ever had. He has matured as a player noticeably and to an extent this is a lifeline for him, and it could be a make or break year for him. He's doing all the extra work and after practice he matches up with Stevie Weigh and they are pushing and challenging each other. The hard work he's put in the last couple of weeks has shown in practice and he's going to be good for us.

Brad Robbins (186-G-85)
Position: Guard. Age: 24. Height: 186cm. Weight: 90kg. Last season: Perth Wildcats.

He's great. He was so frustrated last year with his injuries and when he trains or plays he gives nothing less than 100 per cent. Now that he's done the rehab and work in the off-season he's right to go, but he's probably going to continue to have injuries because of how hard he plays. He dives on the loose balls, goes through screens and things like that. In his case his year could be determined on how well we manage his body.

Damian Martin (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount)
Position: Guard. Age: 25. Height: 188cm. Weight: 91kg. Last season: Sydney Spirit.

His wrist is perfectly fine. He trained two days after getting the results back and he hasnt missed a heartbeat. He's matching up with Brad Robbins and Kevin Lisch every day and watching them go at each other is an amazing sight. They are physically beating the crap out of each other and it's pretty special to see.

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS
We've got big Sammy Harris. He's not a development player as such, he's a guy who is collateral damage because of the smaller league. At 7'3 and more than 120kgs, he's going in day out and day out Schenscher and Rogers. We have the three seven-footers going against each other and that makes them all better. Sam has been doing exceptionally well at practice and if either Luke or Paul get hurt, he can easily step in. If he continues the way he's going he will be pretty good. Then we have three young development players. Marko Derik has come back from college and has come into the program late, but it's great for him for the future as he's a good-sized banger. Then we have the two local players Joel Wagner who has been exceptional as a back up point guard and Jarrad Prior is a scoring guard, and one of the better SBL players.

Courtesy of The Perth Wildcats (www.wildcats.com.au)


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  AUSTRIA   


Gussing ink contract with Philipp Seel - by Eurobasket News
Gussing decided to keep Philipp Seel (193-G/F-85) on the roster. The 24-year-old guard spent some time on try-outs with the team before they opted for signing the contract with him. Gery Vogler sees the acquisition as the compensation for the departures of Knor and Unger. Philipp Seel spent the previous season in BasketClubs Vienna. He averaged 6.9 points per game.


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  BELIZE   


National Basketball Team Attorney returns from FIBA Tribunal!!! - by David Magana
The National Basketball team may have won silver at the COCABA games in Cancun but the other battle to keep the medals occurred last week at the International Basketball Federations headquarters in Switzerland. Attorney Godfrey Smith, who is just back in Belize, argued that seven disputed members of the national basketball team were eligible to play even though they werent born in the Jewel. So Belize laws versus FIBA rules; which one has higher authority? Smith says he believes our chances of winning the appeal are good.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney for National Basketball Team
You obviously have to know what our laws says about how and when you obtain nationality. Now they pointed out and said look, but even your immigration authorities in some of the letters when we were arguing this thing in the initial stages mentioned that the players acquired nationalities on certain dates. And when you look at those dates, those dates would have to be obtained at the age of sixteen. And we have to say yes, those letters did loosely use the term that those players like Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) required nationality in certain time. But we pointed out, at that time; nobody envisioned that this was going to turn into a strictly legal technical argument. Once the matter was examined carefully, all the authorities and the lawyers looked at the matter, it was then clarified that there are no nationality certificates in relation to these players. They are what are called certificates of affirmation of Belizean nationality and we were able to take them out and show the judge; see here, nothing has said nationality certificate. It says certificate of affirmation. Affirming means that you are confirming, youre declaring your nationality and each of them says effective on the date of birth of the person.

Jose Sanchez
Let me ask you, how does our chances look?

Godfrey Smith
Well, based on their legal arguments, Ill have to say good. And even so, based on me, the question is just too small in my mind because they did not even argue for a different interpretation based on Swiss law. All we can go on, if you ask me how does the case look, how I can say based on how our approach to interpreting constitutions and laws and so far as that goes, we believe we have a very strong case.
Courtesy of Channel 5

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  BOSNIA   


Interview: Vlada Vukoicic, Bosna head coach - by Sead Buljina
'It would take five years or so to build a respectable team out of our own youth selections,' says Bosna coach Vlada Vukoicic when asked about young players and continues: 'Are Bosna fans ready to wait that long? Bosna is a club with reach tradition and we have to maintain Club's reputation. At the same time we plan to include more young players into rotation.'
After a couple losses in the Adriatic league at the beginning of the past season Bosna brought proven coach Vlada Vukoicic who recalls that: 'Our first goal was to stabilize team after unsuccessful start. The second goal was to try to secure the second spot for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Adriatic league.'
Results with new head coach exceeded club and fans' expectations.
'After winning 2009 BiH Cup, I submitted my suggestion for improving work environment thats a prerequisite for further progress. Management accepted my suggestion and I extended my contract in May. We established new rules regarding equipment, players' nutrition and their treatment.'
Before we go to future plans would you please comment title loss and the lack of interest for the first Play Off final gameA Many share opinion that club did not do enough to draw more fans.
'For some reason there was satisfaction and relief in the club with achieved results in the Adriatic league. Maybe fans recognized it and didn't show up. On the other hand if someone wants to attend an event he/she will come to it without special invitation. As far as losing first game I must tell that we have played the second half of the season with injured key players. Ikonic, Hajric and Zimic got injured and had no time to fully recover. They played as much as they could. Same thing with Ivanovic and Ovcina. Ivanovic, our best scorer, got injured two months before the finals. Ovcina has played BiH Cup final game seriously injured and helped us win the trophy. I give a credit to all our players for trying hard, but unfortunately that was not enough to win the title.'
How do you evaluate performance of younger players in the past season and who do you count on in the upcoming seasonA
'We've got a couple of players who've played well last season. Suad Sehovic with 22 years of age is a well-established player. He'll be team's captain this season. Emir Zimic (217-C-86) has played very well prior to his injury. Despite the fact that he is 23 years old people tend to forget that Emir hasn't played 2-3 years due to various injuries and can't be treated as a player of his age who's played all that time. Muhamed Pasalic (190-PG-87) is an important member of the team for third straight year. Also, Bozo Djurasovic (200-SF-87) has taken advantage of his playing time during past season and I expect even more of him in this season. Amar Suljagic has requested a letter of clearance and is a free agent now. Aldin Majstoric quit playing basketball. Thus, we can't count on Amar and Aldin, but there are few players from U18 team like Klinac, Camdzic, Andjelic, Demic, Buza,Aldin Klinac (211-C-90) and Eldin Camdzic (194-SG-90) have already played for our first team during last two seasons. They have played well at the end of previous season while on loan in Slavija. Like other players, they'll have to fight for playing time. Nebojsa Andjelic (198-SG-91) along with Kemal Avdic (203-F-85) are on a loan in Slavija. I'd like to see from Kemal that he can play at a high level against our best teams. Nermin Buza (206-PF-91) and Ali Demic (200-SF-91) will play A1 league next season and we'll follow their progress. Of course, there is also our new player, Rasid Mahalbasic (209-PF-90) who should play several minutes per game in his first season with us. In the future his role would gradually increase. I hope that Rasid will receive necessary paperwork prior to the start of the season. We'll see how everything pans out. In any case, we have to play for titles every year.'


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  CAMEROON   


Aboya signs with Gravelines-Dunkerque in France. - by Clement Hofbauer
Gravelines-Dunkerque (France Pro A), wanted to improve his internal sector. It is now done with the signature for a season of the Cameroonian pivot Alfred Aboya (24 years, 2,06 m). ' We saw the team evolving and its needs during the preparation. We turned with Alfred Aboya on the profile of inside guys which evolve in the championship. He is rather athletic, intense, goes fast. He scored 10 points and took 6,5 rebounds with UCLA the past season, against 3 the year before. he is a good defender. ' said Christian Monschau team coach. Yesterday, Alfred Aboya crossed the medical tests. The Cameroonian signed on one year, under reserve that he confirms all the good of which the BCM thinks of him during its trial period of three weeks.

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  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup Day 16 results - by Victor Garcia
Cucuta Norte defeated Arrieros for the second straight night and climbed to the top of the standings (beacuse its point amount), the game was very defensive the low score proves it, Arrieros put pressure over Edgar Moreno but was Henry Ordonez who hurt the green team, Heissler Guillent effort was not enough for Arrieros who still have not Enielsen Guevara at his 100%.
Cucuta Norte 67 - Edgar Moreno 22 pts, Henry Ordonez 15 pts
Arrieros Idea 60 - Heissler Guillent 20 pts, Norbey Aragon 14 pts.

Islanders Sopesa left Piratas in the floor for the second straight night, the team of the Island now arrives to a 3-3 record under Guillermo Moreno's coaching, Piratas still haven't found consistency in its game, Santo Martinez again leaded Islanders.
Islanders Sopesa 89
Piratas Saludcoop 78

In middle of a great conrtoversy Cangrejeros took the points of its games against Patriotas by W.O, Patriotas did not arrive to Cartagena arguing that the Cangrejerps should go to Tunja, the first match between both teams were played in Cartagena because Patriotas ask for a change, the directives of the Cup acepted to change but looks like did not make official that the second game belongs to Cartagena too, there is still many things coming because this controversy.

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  CROATIA   


Coach Jaksa Vulic leaves Dubrava - by Eurobasket News
Dubrava is on the lookout for the new Head Coach, after it was announced that Jaksa Vulic (agency: Agency No 10 ) has stepped down from that position. Vulic took over the team little less than one year ago, when he replaced Tonci Masina, who suffered two losses in a row. Vulic managed to keep Dubrava afloat in Croatian 1st league, but has faced many obstacles. Reportedly Vulic has asked for contract termination, citing the reason that he is looking for a new challenge. Dubrava management stated, that even though they were somewhat taken by surprise with this request, they decided to allow Vulic to leave. The team did not start the preseason well, recording several losses in friendly matches. It remains to be seen, who will replace Vulic as Head Coach of Dubrava.
During his playing career, Jaksa Vulic (agency: Agency No 10 ) played for the likes of Zagreb, Vinkovci and Botinec. He started his coaching career in 2002 when he took over as Head Coach of Hiron Botinec Zagreb. Following season he moved to Zagreb, but was sacked in January of 2004. After another spell at Hiron Botinec, Vulic was offered a head coaching position at Siroki in 2005. Prior to taking over of Dubrava at the beginning of last season, Vulic also spent season and a half as Head Coach of Cedevita. Among awards he won so far, Vulic possesses individual award for All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Coach of the Year he won in 2006 while at Siroki. He has also won the National Cup that same season also with Siroki.

Jere Macura signs with Split - by Eurobasket News
According to various reports from Croatian media, it seems that Split has completed its roster for the next season. Reportedly, last in the line of reinforcements, is 29-year old center Jere Macura (203-F/C-80, college: Notre Dame).
Macura has been working out with Split for the past two weeks, trying to secure a contract. It seems that he has done enough to convince Split management that he will be a valuable addition for next season. Sport Director of Split, Petar Skovrlj, has reportedly announced that with this signing, the roster for next season is complete and he was pretty pleased with the team which is assembled. Split will be trying to improve on results achieved last season, when they missed out on Adriatic League spot for the first time in several seasons.
Jere Macura is a product of Split youth system. He made his professional debut in 1997 as a member of 2nd league outfit Plastik Solin. Following season he returned to Split where he appeared in 3 games and averaged 7.3 points. In 1999, Macura went to United States where he played for NCAA Division I Notre Dame University. In 2003, Macura returned to Croatia and signed with Zagroje. There he played in 17 games and posted averages of 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. Macura also played for the likes of Royal Atomia Brussels and Kvarner Rijeka before moving to Zadar in 2008. In his first season with Zadar, Macura won the National title and he contributed with 6.8 points in 22 league games. Last season, Macura averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13 league games.

Split beats Cetina to win the friendly Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Cetina - Split 72-98

Split is the winner of the friendly Tournament which was hosted by the city of Trilj. They had an easy job against the hosts Cetina, as they won the game by 26 points margin. Split played with only eight players and without Mario Delas, but that was still enough to overcome Cetina. Thanks to great shooting by Marko Batina (198-G-86), Split jumped on early lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were already 10-22 up after playing solid defense. Marko Batina continued in the same manner in the second quarter, as Split continued to increase its lead. At the halftime the score stood at 27-52 and it was already clear how the game will play out. After the break, Split maintained its lead, not allowing the opponent to mount a comeback. They routinely closed out the game for the 72-98 win.
Marko Batina was unstoppable with 31 points and he claimed the best player of the Tournament award. Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) finished with 17 points which was enough for him to claim the best scorer award. Luka Babic (200-G-91) and Josip Sobin (204-G/F-89) also had a good game with 15 and 11 points respectively. For Cetina, Tomascevic led the way with 23 points but he only received help from Branko Sipic (196-F-88) who added 14.
In the game for the third place Alkar was better than Solin winning the game 82-67.

Cetina: Tomascevic 23, Branko Sipic 14
Split: Marko Batina 31, Zoran Vrkic 17, Luka Babic 15, Josip Sobin 11

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  CYPRUS   


Ready to begin! - by Nasios Orinos
Cyprus Basketball Federation has recently announced the schedule of new year's championship.

Every team is allowed to use 3 Americans and an unlimited number of Bosman players.

The championship kicks-off on the 17th of October with APOEL and AEL battling for the Super-Cup.

The new championship looks very promising as most teams have improved their rosters.
Etha, AEK, Achilleas, Apollon, Keravnos and Apoel have all added a lot on their rosters and promise thrilled moments.

A big game is scheduled on the second week, with APOEL and KERAVNOS continuing where they have stopped last year.

The Schedule is as follows:

ROUND A

GAME 1
OMONOIA - APOEL
KERAVNOS - E.N.A.D.
AEK - ETHA
ACHILLEAS - AEL
DAY-OFF: APOLLON

GAME 2
APOLLON - OMONOIA
ETHA - ACHILLEAS
E.N.A.D. - AEK
APOEL - KERAVNOS
DAY-OFF: AEL

GAME 3
KERAVNOS - APOLLON
AEK - APOEL
ACHILLEAS - E.N.A.D.
AEL - ETHA
DAY-OFF: OMONOIA

GAME 4
APOLLON - AEK
OMONOIA - KERAVNOS
E.N.A.D. - AEL
APOEL - ACHILLEAS
DAY-OFF: ETHA

GAME 5
AEK - OMONOIA
ACHILLEAS - APOLLON
AEL - APOEL
ETHA - E.N.A.D.
DAY-OFF: KERAVNOS

GAME 6
APOLLON - AEL
OMONOIA - ACHILLEAS
KERAVNOS - AEK
APOEL - ETHA
DAY-OFF: E.N.A.D.

GAME 7
ACHILLEAS - KERAVNOS
AEL - OMONOIA
ETHA - APOLLON
E.N.A.D. - APOEL
DAY-OFF: AEK

GAME 8
APOLLON - E.N.A.D.
OMONOIA - ETHA
KERAVNOS - AEL
AEK - ACHILLEAS
DAY-OFF: APOEL

GAME 9
AEL - AEK
ETHA - KERAVNOS
E.N.A.D. - OMONOIA
APOEL - APOLLON
DAY-OFF: ACHILLEAS

ROUND B
GAME 10
OMONOIA - APOLLON
KERAVNOS - APOEL
AEK - E.N.A.D.
ACHILLEAS - ETHA

DAY-OFF: AEL

GAME 11
APOLLON - KERAVNOS
ETHA - AEL
E.N.A.D. - ACHILLEAS
APOEL - AEK
DAY-OFF: OMONOIA

GAME 12
KERAVNOS - OMONOIA
AEK - APOLLON
ACHILLEAS - APOEL
AEL - E.N.A.D.
DAY-OFF: ETHA

GAME 13
APOLLON - ACHILLEAS
OMONOIA - AEK
E.N.A.D. - ETHA
APOEL - AEL
DAY-OFF: KERAVNOS

GAME 14
AEK - KERAVNOS
ACHILLEAS - OMONOIA
AEL - APOLLON
ETHA - APOEL
DAY-OFF: E.N.A.D.

GAME 15
APOLLON - ETHA
OMONOIA - AEL
KERAVNOS - ACHILLEAS
APOEL - E.N.A.D.
DAY-OFF: AEK

GAME 16
ACHILLEAS - AEK
AEL - KERAVNOS
ETHA - OMONOIA
E.N.A.D. - APOLLON
DAY-OFF: APOEL

GAME 17
APOLLON - APOEL
OMONOIA - E.N.A.D.
KERAVNOS - ETHA
AEK - AEL
DAY-OFF: ACHILLEAS

GAME 18
AEL - ACHILLEAS
ETHA - AEK
E.N.A.D. - KERAVNOS
APOEL - OMONOIA
DAY-OFF: APOLLON

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


David Jelinek continues with DKV Joventut A-team - by David Dousa
David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) scored 10 points in a game against Valencia yesterday.DKV Joventut Badalona played at the San Miguel tournament in catalan Reus, last weekend.
They lost to Real Madrid 71 - 100 on Saturday. David Jelinek scored 7 points, 3 rebounds, 4 asist and 10 rating. In a clash for a final 3rd place against Valencia Joventut lost again by 10 points 68 - 78. Nevertheless the final defeat, David Jelinek had a good game, when he managed to score 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 asist in a strong competition with the ACB players.

*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Chucky Brown named coach of Los Angeles D-Fenders - by Eurobasket News
Chucky Brown was named on Monday as coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders after serving as an assistant coach with the NBA Development League team for its first three seasons.

Brown succeeds Dan Panaggio, the D-Fenders' coach for their first three seasons. The D-Fenders were 19-31 in the 2008-2009 season, finishing fifth in the six-team West Division.

Brown, 41, was also an assistant coach for two seasons with the Roanoke Dazzle of the NBA Development League and coached the Raleigh Knights of the World Basketball Association in 2004.

'We think Chucky Brown has a bright future in coaching and are excited to have him as the next head coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders,' said Mitch Kupchak, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, who own the D-Fenders.

Brown played in the NBA from 1989 to 2002 for a record-tying 12 teams. Of course Lakers are included.

Courtesy of www.dailybreeze.com


Utah Flash Owner offers to host Jordan-Russell game - by Gerard Lim
Utah Flash owner Brandt Andersen has offered to host a rematch one on one game between the recently inducted Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and former Utah Jazz player Bryon Russell. The details of the proposition was announced through Andersen's blog where he writes:

'Michael Jordan vs. Bryon Russell 1-on-1 challenge to 21. I will personally donate $100,00 to charity in the name of the winner. We can do it during the halftime of the Utah Flash home opener on December 7th. $100,000 in cash for a 15-minute pickup game. MJ even you can't say no to that.

Our venue is the perfect place for this challenge because it brings BRuss back to Utah and Michael Jordan has a home just outside of Park City [...] so it is convenient for both guys. Not to mention that it would be sacrilegious to have this take place anywhere outside of Utah.'

The proposed event ties into Jordan's Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, wherein he singled out Russell as just on of the many players and coaches who have motivated or challenged him during his storied career, and Russell's recent comments on the matter. There hasn't been any official word from Jordan or Russell but Andersen states in his blog that he has been in touch with Russell regarding the matter. Russell via his twitter account also acknowledges the proposal and responds to a follower stating that it is a possibility.

This comes from the heels of another proposition he extended to NBA free agent Stephon Marbury inviting him to sign and play for the Utah Flash franchise. Whether or not this so called rematch becomes reality is yet to be seen but this is another example of Brandt Andersen's intriguing way of marketing and bringing focus to the Utah D-League team.



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


Orleans sign four-year extension with Philippe Herve - by Eurobasket News
Orleans ensured the services of their head coach Philippe Herve for four more years. The specialist will guide the team through 2014. Herve joined the team in 2005 and led Orleans to the French Cup Final in 2006. He was named the Coach of the Year the same year. He won the promotion to ProA for Orleans and last season made it a huge success as they finished in the second spot in the league earning the Euroleague birth. Philippe Herve also had stints with Chalon-Sur-Saone and ASVEL before joining Orleans.


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


Orleans sign four-year extension with Philippe Herve - by Eurobasket News
Orleans ensured the services of their head coach Philippe Herve for four more years. The specialist will guide the team through 2014. Herve joined the team in 2005 and led Orleans to the French Cup Final in 2006. He was named the Coach of the Year the same year. He won the promotion to ProA for Orleans and last season made it a huge success as they finished in the second spot in the league earning the Euroleague birth. Philippe Herve also had stints with Chalon-Sur-Saone and ASVEL before joining Orleans.


Pau-Orthez lands Robert Thomson - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez announced arrival of American player Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield). The 27-year old big guy also holds Rwandian passport. In Pau-Orthez he will replace Senegalese Babacar Camara (211-C-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), who was released by the club.
Robert Thomson is coming to France from Romanian team Gaz Metan Medias. He appeared 18 times last season averaging 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.5 spg. This summer Thomson was a part of Rwandan National Team on AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He played 8 games for Team Rwanda collecting 14.4 ppg and 11.4 rpg. Thomson ended this contest as the leading rebounder. In 2007, he played for Rwanda on AfroBasket in Angola. That year he had 17 ppg and 6 rpg for 6 games.
Before Gaz Metan Medias, where he joined in 2007, Robert Thomson played one season in Hungary for Debreceni. For 15 games there he had 5.7 ppg and 4.9 rpg and Debreceni reached Playoff Final. In 2008, Thomson was named 'Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Defensive Team -08'.
Robert Thomson is a product of Fairfield University, where he graduated in 2004. In his senior season he had 13.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg.

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


Dimitrovski stays with Rabotnicki - by Eurobasket News
After securing three new players, Rabotnicki is on the verge of extending one from the last season's roster. Reportedly, Rabotnicki management has offered extension to Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances), which he is set to accept. Dimitrovski returned to Rabotnicki midway last season from Feni industri. He was a valuable role player for the club, as he helped them clinch the national title. If all things go well, Dimitrovski is expected to join the team for practices in the coming few days.
Aleksandar Dimitrovski started his career with Zito Vardar Veles, where he averaged 12.9 points in his debut season in 2000. After a stint at Borac Banja Luka in 2001, Dimitrovski signed with Rabotnicki in the wake of 2002-2003 season. With Rabotnicki he has won 3 consecutive National Titles from 2003-2005. During that time he averaged 16.9 points per game. In January 2006, Dimitrovski signed a deal with Polish outfit Slask. During 2006-2007 season, he appeared in 25 League games and posted averages of 6.7 points and 1.8 rebounds. In 2007, he moved back to Macedonia where he signed with Feni Industri. That same season he celebrated National title with Feni Industri. Last season, Dimitrovski started with team from Kavadarci, but in December of 2008 he moved to Rabotnicki for the second stint with the club. He averaged 3.5 points but that was still helpful enough for Rabotnicki to win the title last season.

*****************************************************
  GABON   


Manga basket to the conquest of the zonal title to Lubumbashi. - by Tim Ndjiki
Manga basket to the conquest of the zonal title to Lubumbashi.
The club of the city of Moanda situated to the south of Gabon and second to the final ordering of the national championship, committed to represent Gabon to the championship of central Africa of the clubs champion, which should hold to Lubumbashi.
After having ousted his trainer after the first phase of the Elite National Championship, the new trainer (Mavoungou Bayonne) hired a specific preparation.
In last times the FEGABAB, would not have means of transport to allow the representative of Gabon to surrender instead of the competition.
' We work since more than one month that we prepare this competition, we dare to hope that the FEGABAB, will come us there in help for himself to give back ', declared the new trainer of Manga basket, Mavoungou Bayonne.
It is necessary to also signal the disclaimer of the club STADE MANDJI of Port Gentil. We will come back there.


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


Wolff and Kamphausen to Willich - by Moritz Korff
TV Willich (2. Regionalliga) have signed Garriden Wolff (193-G-85, college: Bethany (CA)) to their roster for the 2009-2010 season. The 28-year-old point/ shooting guard from Phoenix, AZ. has played in Germany before running the point guard position for the Velbert Baskets in the 07-08 campaign and then playing in the ABA for the Phoenix Fury 08-09 season in his home town. A second new player on the roster will be Fabian Kamphausen (203-F/C-86). The 23-year-old power forward/center used to play for the Lions Moenchengladbach.

Muenchen complete Wooten return - by Moritz Korff
Brandon Cotton (183-G-85, college: Detroit Mercy) stayed only for a while in Germany, as he decided to leave Regionalliga South-East outfit Telemotive Muenchen recently. The Bavarians reacted quickly and came to an agreement with a familiar face. Calvin Wooten (186-G-84, college: Oakland) has returned to Germany and will play for TM as he already did in the second half of this past season, when the team competed in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B. The 25-year-old guard averaged 15.3 points in 17 encounters for the Muenchen team during 2008-09. The year before he had dominated the RLSO, while wearing the Dachau Spurs jersey. He had scored 28.7 points per contest in 2007-08 and received Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Player of the Year honors back then.

Jeremy Sampson Comes Aboard With TV Langen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
With the PRO A season only a few days away and most PRO A teams filled, it surprised many why TV Langen was taking so long to get their roster full, but the club responded quickly not only getting Brice Brooks, but also Jeremy Sampson (211-C-84, college: UTEP) who will be starting his second professional season in Germany. The 25 year old 211cm center that was born in St Augustine, Florida was found by ex Jena coach Sean Mccaw last season and played four games for Science City Jena averaging 5,8ppg and 6,0rpg before heading into the Regionaliga playing for USC Leipzig playing 18 games and averaging 15,7ppg. Langen coach Fabian Villmeter is content that Sampson will add strength to the Langen game. 'Jeremy fits well into our requirement profil. He has good movement for his size and will give us more stability', added Fabian Villmeter . Sampson is also an outstanding inside-out player for his size. He also can shoot the three which gives him an advantage because of his height. He is a sound dribbler and has good court vision. He also should help Langen much on defense with his strong shot blocking qualities. He played at UTEP (NCAA) averaging 2,8ppg and 2,6rpg in his senior year.
Source: www.die-giraffen.de

Steeples waive Jacob and sign Richardson - by Moritz Korff
Shortly before the start of the season Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have made a move on one of their import player-spots: Leon Jacob (191-G-84, college: Texas A&M Int.) was waived, while Nolan Richardson (188-G, college: Midwestern St.) was signed instead.
Richardson graduated from Midwestern State University (NCAA2) earlier this year, after shining for MSU as a senior. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native appeared in 32 games for the Mustangs in 2008-09 and scored 21.1 points per outing. He also grabbed 3.5 boards a game and dished out 3.2 assists. The Division II Bulletin had him as a 2008-09 NCAA Division 2 All-American.

The New York Phantoms Braunschweig And Andrew Drevo Formally Break Up Their Contract - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
For many fans, the case Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) may in some ways be long forgotten since management did a great job getting more than suitable amplification by getting big men Nate Fox and Yassin Idbihi, but then again it never hurts to get closure to a matter by formally ending a working agreement which both sides did today. Both parties have officially agreed to dissolve the contract. Recently former Phantoms captain Andrew Dervo decided not to show up at training camp in Braunschweig and instead went to join CB Sant Josep Girona of the Spanish Gold league. With the BBL season right around the corner, Braunschweig management are content to have the matter Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) from the table. 'This matter is done for us. We wish Andrew a lot of success for his basketball future', stressed Braunschweig manager Oliver Braun .
Source: www.newyorkerphantoms.de

Andrew Hunter joins USC Freiburg - by Moritz Korff
USC Freiburg (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have added another athlete to their roster for the 2009-2010 season. Andrew Hunter (201-F-79, college: Sacred Heart) will strengthen the team of coach Zilch. Hunter just turned 30 years old. He started his pro career in Portugal back in 2002 and played for the Crailsheim Merlins in the following year. The native of Toronto, Canada took his game to several countries during his career, including France, Hungary, Poland, Finland, Austria, Venezuela and most recently Mexico. In 15 games for Santos Reales de San Luis Potosi Hunter averaged 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds during 2008-09. Prior to his stint in Mexico he played for the French Pro B side Saint-Quentin Basket for a while and posted 3.8 points per night (14 encounters).

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


Panathinaikos and Olympaikos in pre-season action - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos posted one win and one loss in the recent two exhibition games. First the Greek vice-champions lost to PAOK 67:68. The Piraeus team led by five points after the opening frame but could not maintain the advantage. PAOK snatched the lead and rolled to a narrow win at the end. Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) fired 17 points for PAOK. Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) top-scored with 20 points in the win. Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) responded with 16 points for Olympiakos. Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) contributed 12 points in defeat.
Olympiakos however quickly rebounded and held off Trikalla 89:79 yesterday. The teams kept it close throughout the whole clash. Trikalla drew things level at 74 with three minutes to go in regulation. But Olympiakos went on a 10:0 run in the dying stages to seal the winning outcome at the end. Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) came up with 22 points for Olympiakos. Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) chipped in 19 points in the win. A.J. Abrams (180-G-86, college: Texas) answered with 20 points for Trikalla. Kasib Powell (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Texas Tech) contributed 15 points in defeat.
Panathinaikos battered Vardar Skopje 101:71. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) poured in 28 points to lead the charge. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) secured 14 points for the winners.
Aris held off Bulgarian Lukoil 77:65. Nikos Chatzivrettas (195-G-77) fired 26 points for Aris. Andrew Betts (216-C-77, college: Long Beach St.) added 11 points in the winning effort.


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


EiffelTowers wins preseasongame against Generali Okapi Aalstar - by Claudia vanGorp
Eiffel Towers Den Bosch won against the Belgian Generali Okapi Aalstar as they continue their preseason schedule. This was the second time they managed to win.
It was a close game with a 44-42 halftime score that continued going back and forth during the rest of the game and it wasn't decided untill the very last 30 seconds of the game where Djoenie Steenvoorde (195-G/F-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy) had a crucial rebound and two free throws that ended the game in a 80-85 win for the Dutch Eiffel Towers Den Bosch. Statistical leaders this game were Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) 16pnts, Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) 16pnts and Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) 10 pnts.

*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Powerade Cup - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Powerade Cup started yesterday with two games. Another two are tonight when breidablik play Tindastoll and IR vs FSU.

Both games yesterday was easy win for the home teams.
Njardvik beat Fjolnir 81-66. Fjolnir could not handle Fridrik Stefansson inside with 19 pts & 16 rebounds. Johann Olafsson had 12 & Kristjan Sigurdson 9.
For Fjolnir Zach Johnson 16 points & 9 rebounds. Tomas Tomasson 12 pts.
Stjarnan had no problem with kick Hamar out of the Cup by winning 103-83. Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80) had a great game with 38 pts 11 boards with almost perfect shooting 78% from 2pts 88% from 3pts & 100% from ft.
Justin Shouse 22 points. For Hamar Andre Dabney 25 Marvin Valdimarsson 13. Ragnar Nathanaelson 10 ptsOddur Olafsson 11.

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


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Zob Ahan 0-0 
 2. Gorgan 0-0 
 3. Saba 0-0 
 4. Petrochimi 0-0 
 5. Azad 0-0 
 6. Mahram 0-0 
 7. Pasargat 0-0 
 8. a.s Pipe 0-0 
 9. Shahrekord 0-0 
 10. T.E.Tehran 0-0 


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


Maccabi Haifa beats Barak Netanya in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Israeli teams prepare for the upcoming season. Last night two friendly games were played.
Maccabi Haifa outplayed Barak Netanya 102-91. Davon Jefferson (203-F-86, college: USC) was the leading scorer in victory with 15 points. Jason Rich (191-G-86) had 12, while Jeremy Tyler (206-F-92) collected 11 points and 9 rebounds in his debut. Ido Kozikaro and Todd Golden also stopped on 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Tony Washam (198-F/G-82, college: St.Vincent) was on fire with 29 points. Lior Hakmon was behind him with 13.
In the second game yesterday, Ironi Ashkelon and Hapoel Jerusalem ended with 82-82. The overtime was not played. Yuval Naimi was the one who scored the last basket for Hapoel (triple). Omar Sneed (198-F-76, college: Memphis) was totally the best player of this game with 28 points. Brooks Sales (208-C/F-80, college: Villanova) helped Asheklon with 12 points. In Hapoel, Trevor Simmons had 18 and Dijon Thompson added 15 points. Naimi contributed with 10.

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


Angelico Biella brings in two Latvians on trial - by Eurobasket News
Angelico Biella announced that two Latvian players, Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) and Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Stanley International), joined the team for a try-out.
Ernests Kalve played last two seasons for ASK Riga. During the last one he appeared 17 times in Baltic League averaging 9.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg. In EuroCup he had 5.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 8 games, while in domestic championship Kalve added 15.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 16 games. Before ASK Riga, Kalve was a member of German Giessen 46ers (2.8 ppg), Benetton Treviso (2 ppg) and local team BJBS Keizermezs Riga. In 2006 he played for U20 Team Latvia on U20 EuroBasket in Izmir averaging 20.5 ppg and 6 rpg.
Janis Porzingis is coming to try-out from Latvian Liepajas Lauvas. He played just 6 games for the team averaging about 10 ppg in Latvian and Baltic League. Actually he started the last season with Italian New Basket Brindisi. For 7 games in Lega2 he had 6.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Season 2008/09 Porzingis played for Carmatic Pistoia. He appeared 33 times in Lega2 with 13.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg. In the past he also played for Livorno, Soproni, Norrkoping, Kapfenberg, Neptunas and Ventspils.
At the same time, the team announced that Vanja Plisnic (207-F/C-80, agency: Beo Basket) suffered left knee injury during the last Friday regular practice. He is expected to miss at least a month.

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


Ryukyu takes win over KBL champion - by Kenji Will
September 20th, the 08-09 bj-league chamipon Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa earned a win over the power house KBL champion KCC Egis.

In the beginning Ryukyu jumped into a quick run. MVP Jeff Newton (205-C-81, college: Indiana) was very effective on the boards and was successfully defending the KCC formor NBA player Ha Seung-Jin (222-C-85). At halftime Ryukyu was up by 15.

In the 3rd quater KCC came back with their pride as the KBL champs. The Guard #3 and Choo Seung-Kyun (190-F-74) led their team back into the game.

At the end, the game was close but with both teams having their domestic leagues to start in less then a month their wasn't much intensity and both teams were making sure that no one would get injurd. Ryukyu took the win 73-69.

It was more of a international freindly macth than a Asian championship game. However for Ryukyu it was a very productive game to find out the the addition of Tsubasa Yonamine (173-G-83) and George Leach (210-C-81, college: Indiana) was very effective. Kinjo, Yonamine, Newton, Leach all finished the game in double digitts.


*****************************************************
  KENYA   


ICC stop Posta to widen league lead - by Eurobasket News
International Christian Centre (ICC) have widened their lead in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) mens Premier League by two points.

At the weekend, ICC, formerly known as the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), stopped Postas winning trend with 76-62 victory to rest at the top of the league standings with 22 points.

Philip Dinga and Paul Ojuoga (190-G/F-80) scored 24 and 18 points for ICC.

Postas points came from Ben Oluoch (181-G-74) and Desmond Owilly, who netted 15 and 11 points.

Last week, ICC shared the lead with Strathmore University, who now remain second with 20 points. Strathmore University had no game at the weekend.

Successful weekend

Bottom-placed Terror overcame Lomboritz 54-49 to put their points tally at 12.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) teams had successful weekend outings in Nairobi.

KPA men edged the United States International University-Africa (Usiu-A) 86-84 to rest at the sixth place in the standings with 18 points.

Also with 18 points are Posta, who collected a point and now stay a step ahead of KPA.

Co-op Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank also share 19 points a piece at position three and four .

Though still at the summit, Eastern Queens winning ways were cut short by Eagle Wings, who edged them 66-61.

Anastacia Njeris several three-pointers, that made Wings to fly in the start, destroyed Queens confidence.

KPA women moved to the third place with 17 points after destroying Usiu-A 66-26.

Sprite Storms and Eagle Wings now share 16 points each. Yana and Usiu-A are also level on 14 points and are bottom of the womens standing.

Courtesy of www.africabasket.com


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Numerous meetings IN Eurobasket 2009 - by Besart Sadikaj
Numerous meetings IN Eurobasket 2009
FBK representatives who forwarded Eurobasketin which was held from 6 to 20 September 2009 in Poland.
FBK leaders, Erolld Belegu and Linda Shala, had numerous meetings with world leaders of FIBA, FIBA Europe and National Federations present in this evinement.
Even representatives of the Association of Trainers, Arben Krasniqi and Fikret Shatri had various meetings with their colleagues.

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


LBL Standing
LBL Standings
 1. Valmiera 0-0 
 2. Zemgale 0-0 
 3. Barons/LMT 0-0 
 4. Ventspils 0-0 
 5. Liepaja 0-0 
 6. Keizarmezs 0-0 
 7. VEF Riga 0-0 


Angelico Biella brings in two Latvians on trial - by Eurobasket News
Angelico Biella announced that two Latvian players, Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) and Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Stanley International), joined the team for a try-out.
Ernests Kalve played last two seasons for ASK Riga. During the last one he appeared 17 times in Baltic League averaging 9.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg. In EuroCup he had 5.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 8 games, while in domestic championship Kalve added 15.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 16 games. Before ASK Riga, Kalve was a member of German Giessen 46ers (2.8 ppg), Benetton Treviso (2 ppg) and local team BJBS Keizermezs Riga. In 2006 he played for U20 Team Latvia on U20 EuroBasket in Izmir averaging 20.5 ppg and 6 rpg.
Janis Porzingis is coming to try-out from Latvian Liepajas Lauvas. He played just 6 games for the team averaging about 10 ppg in Latvian and Baltic League. Actually he started the last season with Italian New Basket Brindisi. For 7 games in Lega2 he had 6.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Season 2008/09 Porzingis played for Carmatic Pistoia. He appeared 33 times in Lega2 with 13.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg. In the past he also played for Livorno, Soproni, Norrkoping, Kapfenberg, Neptunas and Ventspils.
At the same time, the team announced that Vanja Plisnic (207-F/C-80, agency: Beo Basket) suffered left knee injury during the last Friday regular practice. He is expected to miss at least a month.

Standings - LBAL
LBL D2 Standings
 1. ASK/Buki 0-0 
 2. Jurmala 0-0 
 3. Ventsp.Aug. 0-0 
 4. Livani 0-0 
 5. Saldus 0-0 
 6. DSN 0-0 
 7. Turiba 0-0 
 8. BS Ogre 0-0 


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


Denell Stephens is new import for T71 Dudelange - by Eurobasket News
Denell Stephens (191-G-86, agency: ZAG Advocates) joined T71 Dudelange. The team refused to sign contract with Gerad Punch after a try-out period. So they opted for Denell Stephens. The 23-year-old guard graduated from the Slippery Rock University this year. He averaged 20.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in the senior season. He was named PSAC West Player of the Year in 2009.


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


Rockets trade guard White to Denver - by Eurobasket News
The Rockets reworked their collection of guards to compete for roster spots, sending James White (6'6''-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) to the Denver Nuggets and signing Will Conroy (6'2''-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) and Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86).

With White facing long odds to make the team, the Rockets traded White for the draft rights to Axel Hervelle (6'9''-F-83), a 6-9 power forward from Belgium. Hervelle will likely remain with Real Madrid, where he is a teammate with guard Sergio Llull, a Rockets second-round acquisition in June. He averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game last season, and 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 Euroleague games.

Hervelle, 26, became the first Belgian player drafted by an NBA team when he was selected by the Nuggets in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2005 Draft. White played 11 minutes in four games after joining the Rockets late in the season.

Temple and Conroy played for the Rockets summer league team and have been with the Rockets in off-season workouts.

Conroy, a 6-2 point guard, was a first-team All NBA-Development League team player, averaging 26.5 points and eight assists, setting the D-League record of 53 points in a game. The all-time assists leader at the University of Washington, he has had brief stints in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Temple was undrafted out of LSU after last season. He averaged 6.7 points and 3.6 assists at LSU, 7.1 points and 3.8 assists last season.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Bulls re-sign Aaron Gray - by Eurobasket News
The Bulls formally announced the re-signing of third-year reserve center Aaron Gray (7'0''-C-84, college: Pittsburgh) on Tuesday. The move had been expected for months and reported as such. Gray signed a one-year deal worth roughly $1 million.
Aaron Gray appeared 55 times last season with the Bulls averaging 3.5 ppg and 4 rpg. In 2007/08 he got a chance in 61 games collecting 4.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg. He is a product of Pittsburgh University, where h graduated in 2007. In his senior year Gray had 13.9 ppg and 9.5 rpg. In 2007 NBA Draft he was selected as 49th overall pick by the Bulls.
With Pittsburgh, Aaron Gray played two times on NCAA Sweet 16. In 2006 he was named 'All-Big East Most Improved Player of the Year'. That happened because Gray significantly improved his numbers since 2004/05 season, when he had just 4.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg. In the next one he registered 13.9 ppg and 10.5 rpg. In 2006 and 2007 Grey was named to 'All-Big East 1st Team'.
The Bulls open training camp Friday.

Wolves waive Atkins with camp a week away - by Eurobasket News
Now that he has signed Ramon Sessions (6'3''-G-86, college: Nevada) and Aleksandar Pavlovic (6'7''-F-83), David Kahn is moving onto what last week called some bookkeeping matters with training camp scheduled to start a week from today in Mankato.

The Wolves on Tuesday waived veteran guard Chucky Atkins (5'11''-G-74, college: S.Florida), agreeing to pay him the due $760,000 for a $3.48 million contract that was most non-guaranteed. That cost savings is why Kahn traded Etan Thomas and two future second-round picks to Oklahoma City in late July for Atkins and Damien Wilkins.

At the time, Kahn hinted that Atkins contract might soon be traded away for another piece of the proverbial puzzle. That never happened, and Tuesday they cashed in the $2.72 million savings themselves.

Also expect veteran center and former Timberwolf Mark Blount - and his $7.96 million expiring contract - to be waived in the next week.

Courtesy of www.blogs2.startribune.com


Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's deal extended - by Eurobasket News
The Heat has extended coach Erik Spoelstra's contract in the wake of Spoelstra and all the employees in basketball operations, including president Pat Riley, accepting voluntary pay cuts to eliminate the need for layoffs.

Spoelstra also confirmed that forward Michael Beasley -- who left a Houston rehabilitation facility Sunday -- was at AmericanAirlines Arena on Monday, where players are working out informally, and has improved his game significantly this summer.

Beasley, who is in the league's substance-abuse program because of a marijuana incident at the NBA's rookie symposium last summer, was required to stay 30 days in the inpatient program at the Houston facility after violating one of the program's rules.

''He's ready to go. He's excited,'' Spoelstra said Monday. ''We're 100 percent behind him. We've invested in him not only financially but emotionally. He really had a terrific summer of development.''

Spoelstra said Beasley can play both forward positions but was noncommittal about whether he might be a starter this season. Spoelstra expects power forward Udonis Haslem will remain a starter. Asked if Beasley is a candidate to start at small forward, Spoelstra said he ''could be.'' Quentin Richardson and James Jones are among other options at the position.

Spoelstra, who reportedly was given a three-year contract when he was named Heat coach in April 2008, did not disclose terms of the extension, but it is believed to be for one year. He said it was ''a no-brainer'' for all of the team's basketball officials to accept pay cuts because it prevented layoffs.

''It was all voluntary,'' he said. ''. . . We saved jobs. We are very fortunate to be where we are and working in this field, doing something that we love.''
Heat training camp begins Sept. 29.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


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


Kansas University sophomore Tyshawn Taylor to miss 3-4 weeks - by Eurobasket News
Kansas University sophomore basketball guard Tyshawn Taylor (6'3''-G-90) was involved - and injured - in an incident that broke out in front of Burge Union on the KU campus shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, a source confirmed Tuesday night.

A nursing supervisor confirmed that Taylor was treated and released Tuesday night at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

A source close to the situation said Taylor suffered a dislocated left thumb and would be out of action three to four weeks. The basketball season begins with the Oct. 16 Late Night in the Phog.

A source said several people witnessed a skirmish between members of the KU football team and basketball team. The identities of the other players involved were not known as of Tuesday night.

It is believed no players except Taylor sustained injuries that would require any missed playing time.

KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony was asked about the matter on Tuesday night.

Were aware of reports of an incident, and we are gathering facts as we speak, Marchiony said.

KU coach Bill Self was on a recruiting trip and unavailable for comment.

Police were called to Jayhawker Towers about 10:25 p.m. Tuesday to disperse a crowd of about 20 individuals gathering in the parking lot of the Towers. The Journal-World police scanner indicated it was in response to the incident that happened earlier in the day.

I dont know much. All I know is a fight happened (in front of union), a KU student said before entering a Towers apartment.

A source said one group of players was entering the union as another group of players was exiting, arguing ensued, and punches were thrown. Police had no comment on the matter Tuesday night.

As of Tuesday night, KU public safety officials had not returned calls for comment.

Courtesy of www2.kusports.com


SIU starting guard suspended after weekend arrest - by Eurobasket News
A sophomore guard on Southern Illinois basketball team is suspended indefinitely after being charged with aggravated battery and criminal trespassing in connection with a weekend disturbance.

Salukis coach Chris Lowery announced Ryan Hare (6'4''-G) suspension Monday, two days after Hare's arrest. Lowery says Hare wont be allowed to participate in team practices or other activities.

Police say the incident involved one of Hares acquaintances, who was treated at a hospital.

Hare started all but five of the Salukis games last season, averaging nearly eight points and three rebounds.

Hare is free on bond but couldnt be reached for comment Tuesday. He doesnt have a listed telephone number, and its unclear if he has an attorney.

Courtesy of www.pjstar.com


NCAA selects James Isch as interim president - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA has picked James Isch to be interim president, a temporary replacement for the late Myles Brand.

Isch joined the national staff in 1998 and has served as the governing body's vice president for administration and chief financial officer. Among his responsibilities are accounting and budgetary matters for the organization.

NCAA executive committee chairman Michael Adams made the announcement Tuesday morning. Brand died last Wednesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Since then, the governing body had been run by the president's cabinet.

Adams gave no timetable for finding a full-time replacement. Adams, University of Hartford president Walter Harrison and NCAA executive Bernard Franklin are believed to be among the candidates under consideration.

Courtesy of www.sportingnews.com

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


Zbigniew Marculewicz will play for Siarka - by Eurobasket News
Siarka Tarnobrzeg signed the contract with Zbigniew Marculewicz (205-F-78). The 31-year-old forward was last seen in Polpharma as he spent the 2008/09 pre-season period in the team. Earlier Zbigniew Marculewicz played for LKS Lodz. There his stats came up to 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He also had stints with Polpharma, Tarnow, Bialystok during his career.


John Williamson joins Znicz Jarolsaw - by Eurobasket News
Znicz Jaroslaw landed John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati). The 23-year-old centre played for Nantes in the French ProB last season. He averaged 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. In 2007 John Williamson graduated from the University of Cincinnati. He tallied 13.5 points, 7.3 boards and 1.0 assists per game in his senior season with the Bearcats. John Williamson was named the JUCO Conference Newcomer of the Year while playing for Cincinnati State and Technical College back in 2005.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Porto handle Xacobeo Blu:Sens in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Porto - Xacobeo Blu:Sens 62:55

Renewed Porto continued to pile up victories in the pre-season action. After beating Sampaense the team accounted for the Spanish ACB representative Xacobeo Blu:Sens.
The Portuguese team entered the game aggressively taking a 12:3 lead. Porto ensured a 20:15 lead after ten minutes. They quickly boosted the margin at 10-point mark midway through the second quarter. Pasalic ignited a comeback effort from Xacobeo Blu:Sens early in the third period. They narrowed the margin at just two points 33:35. But consecutive triples from Porto restored the distance. The Portuguese powerhouse entered the fourth quarter up by 7 points. Vasialidis tried to revive the intrigue as his triple narrow the gap early in the final term. Nuno Marcal (205-F-75) and Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens (NC)) immediately replied with two long bombs to silence the Spaniards.
Nuno Marcal finished with 17 points for Porto. Gregory Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) knocked down 13 points, while Carlos Andrade produced 9 in the victory. Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) replied with 14 points for Xacobeo Blu:Sens. Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) managed 13 in defeat.

Porto: Nuno Marcal 17, Gregory Stempin 13, Carlos Andrade 9
Xacobeo Blu:Sens: Reyshawn Terry 14, Costas Vasiliadis 13


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  RUSSIA   


Yuri Vasilyev ink new contract with Dynamo Moscow - by Eurobasket News
Yuri Vasilyev (207-C-81) signed a new contract with Dynamo. The deal is meant for two years. The 28-year-old centre joined Dynamo back in 2002. Last season Yuri Vasilyev averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in the Superleague. In EuroCup his stats came up to 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. He was among the invitees to the Russian National Team during the EuroBasket preparation period.


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  RWANDA   


Pau-Orthez lands Robert Thomson - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez announced arrival of American player Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield). The 27-year old big guy also holds Rwandian passport. In Pau-Orthez he will replace Senegalese Babacar Camara (211-C-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), who was released by the club.
Robert Thomson is coming to France from Romanian team Gaz Metan Medias. He appeared 18 times last season averaging 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.5 spg. This summer Thomson was a part of Rwandan National Team on AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He played 8 games for Team Rwanda collecting 14.4 ppg and 11.4 rpg. Thomson ended this contest as the leading rebounder. In 2007, he played for Rwanda on AfroBasket in Angola. That year he had 17 ppg and 6 rpg for 6 games.
Before Gaz Metan Medias, where he joined in 2007, Robert Thomson played one season in Hungary for Debreceni. For 15 games there he had 5.7 ppg and 4.9 rpg and Debreceni reached Playoff Final. In 2008, Thomson was named 'Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Defensive Team -08'.
Robert Thomson is a product of Fairfield University, where he graduated in 2004. In his senior season he had 13.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg.

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  SERBIA   


Serbian Silver boys welcomed in Belgrade as heroes - by Dragan Jankovski
After couple of difficult years in senior competitions, National Team of Serbia is back. Serbian National Team was the youngest one on EuroBasket 2009 in Poland, but the boys proved their huge talent managing to return their country on the place where it deserves to be. This young players were mentally and physically strong to reach the Big Final. Nobody in Serbia expected that from this rejuvenated team, not because they have no quality to do that, but because most of them for the first time faced with such important event. Anyway, they grabbed the Silver, booked a spot for the 2010 World Championship in Turkey and made Serbia proud once again.

Head coach of Serbian National Team, Dusan Ivkovic after the final game thanked the players for ther fantastic attitude during the EuroBasket.

'I would like to thank the players for this. Some of them did not have one single day of vacation this summer. After they finished season with their clubs, some of them immediately joined University National Team and after that joined the seniors. I want to thank all members of my coaching staff, we were team, we worked very hard together. Of course, I want to say thank you to all people in Serbia who believed in us and especially to people who came here in Poland to support their country. From now on we are moving forward. From tomorrow we will already start with following our players in their teams', said Dusan Ivkovic.

Friendly games - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian teams played couple of friendly game this week-end.

Partizan Igokea had to work very hard in order to beat Metalac in Valjevo. The Black-and-whites celebrated 73-62 win, thanks to well played last ten minutes,

Swisslions outplayed FMP 78-73. The team from Vrsac had great second quarter (25-12) and mostly owing to it celebrated in this game. Marko Brkic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) was the leading player in Swisslions with 19 points. Uruzmanov had 12 and Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) scored 11 points. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Interperformances) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) scored 15 points each for FMP. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) was behind them with 12.

Crvena Zvezda unexpectedly failed against Novi Sad 62-75. In the last quarter visitors destroyed the Red-and-whites 11-26. Another news is that Crvena Zvezda will most probably hire Aco Petrovic as new head coach. Petrovic worked last season in Russian Unics Kazan. He also was the assistant coach of Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) in Poland.

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  SLOVAKIA   


News from MBK Handlova - by Eurobasket News
MBK Handlova heads to the upcoming Extraliga season with different roster. During the summer the team landed three non-Slovakian players, which suppose to help it improve on the last season's result.
The first one is Croatian Ivan Barisic (200-C-84), who is coming from MBK Rieker Komarno. Last season, he appeared 30 times in Extraliga averaging 9.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg. In the past he also played for Dolny Kubin, MBK Handlova, Dona Dubrava and Sibenik. In 2005 and 2006 he reached Slovakian league Finals with his new/old team MBK Handlova.
Second new player is another Croatian, Josip Glavinic (193-G-82). He is coming to MBK Handlova from Croatian Kvarner Resort Novi Rijeka. Glavinic played 27 games in A1 league averaging 11.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 3.7 apg. Before Kvarner, he spent 2 years with Dubrovnik and one with Cedevita. In the past he was three more years with Dubrivnik, one with Brotnjo and one with Loka kava.
Third player is a Serbian center Nikola Manojlovic (206-C-79). He played last season for Serbian team Ergonom collecting 3.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg. Before that, Manojlovic played in Greece for Panerythraikos, as well as for Zenica Ceik and Radnik Bijelnja from Bosnia. He started career in Masinac Kraljevo.

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


Hopsi inks Ibok and Kuga - by Zeljko Zule
Hopsi Polzela inked Nigerian Idong Ibok (211-C-85) ex Michigan State and Serbian Nikola Kuga (200-G-86) ex Tihad Sportif de Casablanca for upcoming season.
Ibok averaged just 0,4 points over 5,9 minutes per game in 28 games of NCAA League while Kuga averaged 15,5 points and 4,0 rebounds in 15 games of Morocco League.

.


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  SPAIN   


Lagun Aro beat Bilbao in pre-season clash - by Eurobasket News
Lagun Aro overcame Bizkaia Bilbao in the friendly encounter yesterday. Bilbao entered the game without Warren, Mumbru and Banic. But it did not prevail the team from taking a 16:14 lead ten minutes into the game. Lagun Aro reacted outscoring their opponents in the second stanza. They earned a 36:35 advantage at halftime. Lagun extended the lead to 6 points in the third frame but Bilbao erased the deficit. They entered the fourth frame ahead by one point 55:54. The fourth quarter however belonged fully to Lagun Aro. They held Bilbao to just 11 points in the rallied to a 76:66 win at the end. Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky) produced 17 points for the winners. Michal Ignerski (205-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) added 11 points for Lagun Aro. Jerome Moiso (208-C/F-78, college: UCLA) answered with 15 points for Bilbao. Janis Blums (190-G-82) and Javier Salgado (180-G-80) delivered 12 points each in defeat.
Xacobeo Blu:Sens conceded a 55:62 defeat from Porto. Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) nailed 14 points for Xacobeo Blu:Sens. Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) contributed 13 points in the losing effort.


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  SWEDEN   


Solna Vikings bring in two Americans - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings agreed terms with American forward Leon Buchanan (196-F, agency: ZAG Advocates) and point guard Byron Davis (188-G-85, college: N.Mexico St.). They joined the team on tournament in Denmark.
Leon Buchanan is coming to Sweden from Morehead State University, where he graduated few months ago. In his senior season Buchanan averaged 15.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg. At the end of it he was named 'NABC Division I All-District 19 Second Team' and 'All-OVC 1st Team'. His school managed to win OVC Tournament. On season 2007/08, Buchanan registered 13.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg. He will be used by the Vikings on forward position.
The 24-year old point guard Byron Davis is coming after one-year break. He graduated on Youngstown State University in 2008 collecting 15.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.4 apg for 30 games. In 2005, he transferred from N.Mexico State to Youngstown, but was redshirted due to NCAA transfer rules. In 2006/07 he had 8.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.9 apg for 30 games.
Swedish basketball league starts on September 25th. Solna Vikings will take on Boras in the first round.

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  TAIWAN   


Like father, like son? - by Chris Wang
Imagine that you have a father who was at one point known as 'one of the best forwards in Asia' and now you're playing high school ball. The comparison is inevitable.

That was what happened to 16-year-old Cheng Chih-kwan, whose father Cheng Chih-Lung has been known as one of the best small forward in Asia and teamed with Yao Ming prior to Yao's NBA career in Shanghai Sharks.

Calling Cheng, who is currently coaching Taiwan Mobile in the SBL, 'Taiwanese version of Michael Jordan' is no exaggeration. He led Taiwan to an all-time best runner-up finish in the 1986 Asian Junior Championship as a teenager and later starred in the now-defunct pro league CBA (Chinese Basketball Alliance, 1994-1999), leading Hung-kuo Elephants to three straight titles under American coach Paul Coughter during the second half of the 1990's.

Cheng Chih-kwan was featured in an article by the Central News Agency on Monday. The 185cm (visibly closer to 180cm) high school freshman was playing for defending HBL champion Song-shan High School in the Asian U-16 Championship trial, which will name U-16 NT after the trial tournament.

The junior Cheng looks like a young Cheng Chih-Lung but is still raw. What kind of basketball will he be remains to be seen. Give the credit to the elder Cheng though. He put his son in good hands. Song-shan HS head coach Huang Wan-long was known for stressing fundamental, defense and the right attitude.

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  TURKEY   


Kepez signed Foster - by Sinan Can
KEPEZ Belediyespor signed American forward Shan Foster (198-G/F-86, college: Vanderbilt) . Foster will be the second Vanderbilt alumni in Antalya team's roster along with Alex Gordon, who shined as a scoring guard at Oyak Reno last season. Foster was the all time leading scorer of Vanderbilt as he finished his senior season with 20.3 points per game. Talented player got drafted by Dallas Mavericks, then signed with Italian side Caserta where he averaged 10.4 points in 30 games last season. By the way, D2 team Selcuk Universitesi agreed terms with Travis Holmes. Ex-VMI player will try to help Selcuk's returning campaign to D1.

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  UGANDA   


Kyambogo Warriors eye FUBA league - by Eurobasket News
MTN-FUBA basketball League

Men division 1
Warriors 82 Marines 69

Women
Canons 73 Stormers 45
Nabisunsa 65 Cubs 55

THE Kyambogo Warriors might have qualified for the playoffs but they are still serious about the league, writes Charles Mutebi.

Sunday at YMCA, the Warriors recorded their seventh straight league win with an 82-69 defeat of the Nkumba Marines to go top of the mens first division.

The win, secured by typical performances from Ronnie Kasewu (199-F) (17 points), Steven Okias (14) and Abdullahi Ramadan (13), took Kyambogo past D'Mark Power in first position. But Power have a game in hand.

The Warriors lead Power, with whom they are locked in the battle for the regular season and the perk of playing fourth in the playoffs semifinals by just one point. This is perhaps why the Warriors are not ready to switch off yet. Not so, if you ask Warriors coach Gad Etau.

That (winning the regular season) is not my ambition, Etau argued. My ambition is to take every game as it comes because if you say you want to meet this team in the playoffs and you dont, you are caught off-guard.

Should the Warriors go into the post season as the top seed, chances are high theyll meet Nkumba. Marines have lost their last two league matches but are still in line for fourth place.

With their dynamic duo of Julius Lutwama and Phillip Wakimwero, who netted a game-high 26 and 16 points respectively, the Marines are bound to return to winning ways soon.

First division league standings
P W L Pts
Warriors 14 13 1 27
Power 13 13 0 26
Falcons 12 9 3 21
Miracle 13 6 7 19
KIU 13 6 7 19
Marines 13 6 7 19
Ndejje 12 5 7 17
UCU 13 4 9 17
Riders 13 2 11 15
KCC 12 1 11 13

Courtesy of www.newvision.co.ug


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  URUGUAY   


Five Leaders after two rounds - by Hector Lopez
Atenas and Cordon are sharing the Uruguayan League leadership, with Defensor Sporting, Hebraica and Union Atletica, after the two first rounds.
The results and main players for last nigth games were (including imort players):

Atenas 58 - Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, college: W.Kentucky) 15 points 10 rebounds, Claude Williams (202-F-65, college: N.Carolina A&T) 14 and 6
Ferro Carril 53 - Luke McKenna (201-F-82, college: Indiana Tech) 11 poiints 6 rebounds, Tyler Hughes (211-F-84, college: Kansas St.) 9 and 11, Jermaine Dailey (201-F-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) 7 and 7
- - -
Cordon 97 - Timothy Jennings (193-G-83, agency: GOTathletes, college: Gardner-Webb) 33 and 10, Ryan Blankson (201-F-80, college: Loyola, IL) 20 and 6
Aguada 95 - Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) 41 and 9, Justin Leith (201-F-81, college: Merrimack) 17 and 11
- - -
Sayago 87 - John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) 39 and 4, Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) 11 and 11
Cader 74 - Alex Galindo (198-F-85, college: Florida Intern.) 25 and 8, Jamar Nutter (188-G-84, college: Seton Hall) 17 and 6, Jermaine Griffin (206-C-86, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Texas Arlington) 14 and 13
- - -
Malvin 79 - Marcel Bouzout (206-C-71) 20 and 10
Anastasia 68 - Kojo Mensah (185-G-85, college: Duquesne) 21 and 10, Jeffrey Simpson (204-C-83, college: N.Texas) 16 and 5, Marcus Elliott (191-G-84, college: Louisiana Tech) 8 and 4


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


LNB 2009 - Week 4 (Fri/Sat): Tiburones sweeps again, establishes new record - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Tiburones de Vargas swept Gatos de Monagas as visitors to establish a new LNB record with a 10-0 start and 10 straight victories. Meanwhile, Estudiantes de Guarico swept Acereros de Guayana to put them one step shy of elimination. In the West Conference, two splits took place between Mantarrayas-Duros and Lanceros-Centauros.

Tiburones de Vargas 95 - Gatos de Monagas 84
Gilberto Roque Morales Arena - Maturin, Monagas
Scorers
TIB: Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 19 points, Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 16 points, Evan Brock (204-F-84) 16 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 15 points
GAT: Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 15 points, Elvis Baez 13 points, Rodrigo Espinoza (183-G-81) 13 points

Tiburones de Vargas 90 - Gatos de Monagas 88
Gilberto Roque Morales Arena - Maturin, Monagas
Scorers
TIB: Rafael Guevara 21 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 17 points, Evan Brock 14 points
GAT: Ludwing Irazabal (201-C/F-73) 20 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 18 points

Estudiantes de Guarico 87 - Acereros de Guayana 78
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar
Scorers
EST: Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 22 points, David Ruffin (193-G/F-84) 14 points
ACE: Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 21 points, Nestor Moran (178-G-87) 13 points

Estudiantes de Guarico 85 - Acereros de Guayana 80
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar
Scorers
EST: David Ruffin 20 points, Victor David Diaz 15 points
ACE: Antonio Sucre (193-F-83) 20 points, Wilman Delgado (198-G-86) 18 points

Mantarrayas de La Guaira 95 - Duros de Lara 85
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas
Scorers
MAN: Edgar Sifontes (185-F-85) 21 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 16 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 16 points
DUR: Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 16 points, Lawrence Wallace (183-G-81) 14 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 14 points

Duros de Lara 113 - Mantarrayas de La Guaira 90
Jose Maria Vargas Arena - La Guaira, Vargas
Scorers
DUR: Graddy Osorio (193-F-87) 23 points, Josmar Acevedo (196-F-90) 22 points, Kenji Urdaneta 20 points, Jose Juan Bravo 18 points and 7 rebounds, Lawrence Wallace 14 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 12 points
MAN: Edward Seijas 15 points, Jose Yovera 13 points and 10 rebounds, Tadeo Rodriguez 12 points, Omar Mejias 12 points

Centauros de Apure 89 - Lanceros de Cojedes 83
Jose Manuel Pandare Arena - San Carlos Cojedes
Scorers
CEN: Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) 31 points, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 20 points
LAN: Ollie Barley (F/C) 18 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 16 points

Lanceros de Cojedes 82 - Centauros de Apure 86
Jose Manuel Pandare Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes
Scorers
LAN: Ollie Barley 21 points, Ruben Pachano (185-G-76) 16 points
CEN: Tulio Cobos 24 points, Daniel Dominguez (183-G-71) 18 points



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Women News

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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


KOR/CHN - YET ANOTHER CHINA-KOREA FINAL - by Maarouf Mawloud
Thursdays schedule
(All timing IST GMT+5:30)

1400 Hrs: Japan vs Chinese Taipei
1600 Hrs: Korea vs China

CHENNAI (23rd FIBA Asia Women Championship) - Defending champions Korea and last editions silver medalists China will clash for the gold medal in the FIBA Asia Women Championship for the third straight time after the two scored comfortable win although the margin of victory might look deceptively otherwise in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Korea dominated the proceedings completely before blowing away Japan 101-57 and China played hide-and-seek with Chinese Taipei before winning 70-59 to notch their 100th triumph in FIBA Asia Women Championships.

Thursdays clash for the gold medal between the two East Asian giants who represented FIBA Asia in the Beijing Olympics will be the 15th time overall third straight time the two meet in the final.

China have an 8-6 advantage in the gold medal games against Korea although the latter enjoy a 13-12 edge in the overall head-to-head.

Korea playing their third successive final and 21st overall seek to retain the gold they won at home two years ago, along with bagging it a record 13th time.

China, who play their sixth straight final 16th overall aim for their 10th gold.

Korea 101 bt Japan 57

Beon Yeonha began the scoring for the game with a trademark three-pointer and Korea scored the first seven points of the game.

Beon Yeonha scored 10 of her 12 points for the game in the first quarter at the end of which Korea led by a staggering 33-5.

Kim Kwe Ryong (193-C-79) scored nine of her game-high 19 and Jung Sunmin fired six points in the opening quarter.

Korea never looked back from there, and all three were sparingly used after that.

Kim Jungeun came into her own scoring 14 points and Park Jungeun added another doezen.

Giant centre Ha Eunjoo was fielded for only seven minutes in the game that too in the fourth quarter but the 202 cm former WNBA player shot a 4/5 on the field.

Its nice to beat a good team. Especially in a semifinal game at this level, said Korea coach Lim Dal Shik.


IND / LIB India remain in elite level; Lebanon earn promotion - by Maarouf Mawloud
CHENNAI (23rd FIBA Asia Women Championship): India and Lebanon scored dominating victories in the Level I play-offs on Wednesday.

India gave their tallest player Harjeet Kaur the longest game-time in the Championship and defeated Malaysia 90-74 to retain their place in Level I.

Seasoned campaigner Nisrin Nisrin Dandan (172-G-77)s solid second quarter display had earlier steered Lebanon towards a comfortable 83-58 win over Thailand, and the promotion to play in Level I in the next edition.

Malaysia, who were relegated to Level II after losing to India in the play-off in the last edition, will have to wait for another two years to take a shot regaining their position in Level I.

And Thailand will play the Level II for the first time after 1995.

Lebanon took their time to settle down, but grew in strength and confidence as the game progressed.

Nisrin Dandan, the only member of the Lebanese womens team when they last played in the FIBA Asia Women Championship in 2001 in the Thai capital, sparked the Lebanese march.

The 32-year-old Antranik guard scored nine of her games 15 points in the second quarter and effected one steal as Lebanon found the missing link in their offense chain.

The girls had put themselves under tremendous pressure about this game and very nervous at the start. Nisrins presence and experience helped us calm the nerves, said Lebanon coach Elie Nasr.

The last time I was a part of the team things didnt really end happy. But this time around we had a great team. And if my contribution was to going to count, it had to be in this game, Nisrin Dandan said.

Nasr Chada (83) and Chantelle Anderson (199-C-81, college: Vanderbilt) took over in the second half and Lebanons control on the proceedings and the scoreboard increased with every move.

American Anderson poured in 15 of her game-high 24 points and completed another double-double also grabbing 13 rebounds.

Nasr Chada who effected eight of her nine assists for the game in the first half stepped up her scoring and returned 23 points 16 of them in the second half.

This is what we came for, Nasr Chada said.

But this is only the beginning. We hope the interest for womens basketball in Lebanon grows, she added.

Its like this, said Elie Nasr.

The federation invested in this team and gave us an opportunity to play here. We are grateful for that, but more importantly we have given them enough reasons to invest more in Lebanese womens basketball, the coach added.

Charothai Sukomwong was the highest scorer for Thailand with 21 points.

India owed their success to a change in their game-plan coming to age of Harjeet Kaur.

Harjeet had averaged 13 minutes per game in Indias five previous outings, but fielded her for 30:51 today.

And the 190-cm forward justified the faith reposed in her by returning a game-high 31 points, much higher than the 2.8PPG she carried into the game.

The 21-year-old also collected 16 rebounds another game-high again much higher than the 3RPG she had earlier.

Geethu Anna Joses 21 points and 11 rebounds thus found some unprecedented support.

It was a part of our game plan to use our height advantage, said India coach JP Singh about using Harjeet for the long period of time.

Our coach told us this morning we have one bullet left. We can either use it well or die in the battle. Just that things worked well for us, said Harjeet.

I think motivation was the key factor for us today, said JP Singh.

True we had lost all the games in Level I, but if we had lost today, we would have had to wait for another four years to play in the top level. And I think all the girls were aware of that, he added.

Malaysia were caught by surprise by Harjeets extended presence on the court, but more importantly their three-pointer percentage suffered.

We didnt expect Harjeet to play that long at all. We had made our plans for Geethu and Kiranjeet Kaur. But this was a surprise, Malaysia coach Tan See Wah said.

In a way we have helped India realize Harjeets potential, he chuckled.

Goh Beng Fong was the highest scorer for Malaysia with 15 points and Pee Yann Yann contributed 14.
S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia

Semifinals: China and South Korea advanced to the Big Final - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals
South Korea - Japan 101-57
South Korea advanced to the big final after the victory over Japan in the semifinal game. The favorites produced an easy 101:57 victory and will face China tomorrow. South Korea after the first loss from China last night was too good and is ready for the revenge. The team created a 7-0 from the start and allowed the opponents to score only 5 points in the quarter. South Korea looked too good and took 30:5 after the first quarter when Young Suk Kang made a jump shot. In the second quarter the favorites kept the score for good and increased to 48:20 at the halftime. Yoshie Sakurada sent the teams to the lockers for such an advantage of the South Korean team. Another 30-20 in the third frame gave them 78:40 entering the last frame. The task for the last period was to reach three digit and South Korea made it in the very end. Eun Joo Ha gave her team 101:55, while Kumiko Yamada brought the final 101:57 on the board. Kim Kwe Ryong (193-C-79) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Jung Eun Kim nailed 14, while Yeon Ha Beon and Jung Eun Park posted 12 each. Kumiko Yamada ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, whilst Yoshie Sakurada notched 8. Tomorrow South Korea will face China in the Final of Asian Championship.

China - Taiwan 70-59
China celebrated another victory to reach the Final of the Asian Championship. The team beat Taiwan 70:59 for the big final tomorrow against South Korea. China opened the game with Lan Bian's shot and then Xiaoli Chen gave her team 4:0. Lan Bian scored for 18:7 and Xiaoli Chen brought 25:15. Dan Liu closed the first period for 27:17 in the end of the first ten minutes. Yi-Hung Ma brought Taiwan 36:25, while Chi-Wen Lin reduced to 38:31. Taiwan played too good at that time and cut it to 38:37 when Chi-Wen Lin made the last shot for her team in the half. Hongpin Huang however sent the teams to the lockers for 40:37. In the third quarter China needed more attention to defense to limit the opponents to 8 points. China had 56:45 when Lan Bian closed the quarter. Yi-Hung Ma scored for 58:50 and Dan Liu gave her team 64:51. She also was the last to score for the winners as they advanced to the big final. Xiaoli Chen and Dan Liu top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Lan Bian and Nan Chen notched 10 points apiece for the favorites. Cheng Hui-Yun (186-F/C-77) finished the night with 11 points in defeat, while Wan-Ting Li and Yi-Hung Ma had 10 each.

5-6 spot
Thailand - Lebanon 58-83
Lebanon ensured the Level I birth for the next Asian Championship in style. They cruised past Thailand in the playoff game tonight to advance to the top Level. Thailand in the meantime slipped to Level II. Chantelle Anderson had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead Lebanon to the crucial win. Thailand led 12:6 midway through the opening frame but could not maintained the advantage and lost the first quarter 21:22. Nisrin Dandan and Nasr Chada (83) quickly ensured a double-digit lead for Lebanon in the second quarter. They rallied to a comfortable 47:32 buffer at halftime. Charothai Suksomwong and Naruemol Banmoo trimmed the deficit at 9 points early in the third quarter but Lebanon responded quickly. They restored a safe distance and entered the final term up by 14 points. Thailand got as close as 8 points early in the fourth period however Nasr Chada fired from downtown and then followed with a jumper to kill the intrigue. Nasr Chada had 23 points and 9 assists for Lebanon. Nisrin Dandan produced 15 points in the winning effort. Charothai Suksomwong knocked down 21 points for Thailand. Juthamas Jantakan and Naruemol Banmoo delivered 13 points each in the loss.

India - Malaysia 90-74
India grabbed the crucial win at the Asian Championship in Chennai. They outscored Malaysia to remain in Level I group of teams for the next edition of the championship. Harjeet Kaur (88) exploded with 31 points and 16 boards to propel the hosts to the important win. Yann Yann Pee opened the game with a three-pointer. But India went on a 10:0 run early in the starting frame to earn the lead. They maintained it throughout the period and built a 24:16 advantage into the second stanza. The home team stretched the gap to 12 points midway through the second frame but Malaysia found the way to respond. They capped the half with a 10:3 run to trail by just 2 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the third stanza as India stayed in charge. Geethu Anna Jose and Harjeet Kaur knocked down a pair of jumpers late in the frame as India enjoyed a 69:60 advantage at the final break. Beng Fong Goh tipped off the final stanza with a jumper but India responded with 11 consecutive points to clear off for good in this one. Geethu Anna Jose had 21 points, 11 boards and 4 assists for India. Raspreet Sidhu produced 11 points and 6 boards in the win. Beng Fong Goh replied with 16 points for Malaysia. Yann Yann Pee netted 15 points in the loss.


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


Suzie Bates agrees with BDS Logan Thunder - by Eurobasket News
Most aspiring sportswomen, who prosper at more than one sport in their junior days, have to eventually decide on which sport they will pursue as a career.

Suzie Bates (175-G-87) never got that memo.

The multi-talented 22-year-old has made a good living juggling between cricket and basketball, representing New Zealand in both the contrasting sports.

The 173cm guard has become the latest player to sign with Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) side, BDS Logan Thunder.

The dual international provides great depth to the side's guard stocks, which already has four-time champion and skipper, Kristen Veal, and last season's Rookie of the Year, Sarah Graham.

But it's Bates' experience on the big stage that excites Thunder coach, Richard Orlick the most.

For such a young player to have the experience she has had in such a short space of time is quite remarkable, he said.

Suzie is coming here to enhance her sporting prowess.

For the team, Suzie is going to give us a safety net in our guard rotation.

She can take the pressure of some of the other players and at least I know we won't be relying on just one person to score or create every time this season.

After representing New Zealand through the national age group teams, in 2007 Bates was elevated to the New Zealand Tall Ferns team.

She retained her spot for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where she played alongside fellow Thunder player, Natalie Purcell.

Bates' reputation as a basketballer grew following a series of inspirational performances off the bench.

Her move to the Thunder has been viewed as an opportunity for the naturally gifted player to establish herself as a bone fide star in the WNBL.

She could be anything she wants to be, Orlick said.

Suzie is naturally sporty and a gifted player.

She did extremely well guarding Natalie Hurst (Australian Opals guard) at last month's Oceania Championships.

Bates played one season in the WNBL in 2007/2008 for the now defunct Christchurch Sirens, but the decision by WNBL officials to no longer count New Zealanders as international players opened the door for Bates to sign with the Thunder.

With so much potential, only time will tell whether Bates is destined for bigger things in basketball, but as a cricketer, it's a totally different story.

Since earning her international stripes in 2006, Bates has built up one of the most formidable batting averages and strike rates in both the one day and twenty20 forms of the game.

Bates, who dwarfs most of her opponents on the cricket pitch, led New Zealand to silver at the 2009 Women's Cricket World Cup in March with a dominant display of powerful hitting, including a 168-run effort from just 105 balls against India.

She was rewarded with selection as opener of the World Cup XI team.

While it seems the willow will temporarily be put back into the kit bag, Orlick explained how Bates will have more than one purpose in his team this season.

She'd be nice to have in your backyard cricket games, he joked.

Coach gets first pick right?

Story courtesy of Griffith Thomas for The Reporter Newspaper


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


China reaches the Final of the Asian Championship - by Eurobasket News
China-Taiwan 70:59

China celebrated another victory to reach the Final of the Asian Championship. The team beat Taiwan 70:59 for the big final tomorrow against South Korea.
China opened the game with Bian Lan (185-F-86)'s shot and then Chen Xiaoli (193-F-82) gave her team 4:0. Bian Lan scored for 18:7 and Chen Xiaoli brought 25:15. Liu Dan (194-F-87) closed the first period for 27:17 in the end of the first ten minutes. Yi-Hung Ma brought Taiwan 36:25, while Chi-Wen Lin reduced to 38:31. Taiwan played too good at that time and cut it to 38:37 when Chi-Wen Lin made the last shot for her team in the half. Hongpin Huang however sent the teams to the lockers for 40:37. In the third quarter China needed more attention to defense to limit the opponents to 8 points. China had 56:45 when Bian Lan closed the quarter. Yi-Hung Ma scored for 58:50 and Liu Dan gave her team 64:51. She also was the last to score for the winners as they advanced to the big final.
Chen Xiaoli and Liu Dan top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Bian Lan and Nan Chen (197-C-83) notched 10 points apiece for the favorites. Cheng Hui-Yun (186-F/C-77) finished the night with 11 points in defeat, while Li Wan-Ting (180-G-86) and Yi-Hung Ma had 10 each.

China: Chen Xiaoli 12, Liu Dan 12, Bian Lan 10, Nan Chen 10
Taiwan: Cheng Hui-Yun 11, Li Wan-Ting 10, Yi-Hung Ma 10


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


PeKa changes again - by Esko Saarinen
Peli-Karhut (Kotka) must change again the third american player. Brittnie Taylor-James is leaving the team and the new player is Lisa Lee. Lisa was one of the main players in the season 2006-07, when PeKa won the Finnish Champion. Brittnie Taylor-James goes to Alku (Forssa) for testing. Earlie PeKa had a contract with Britney Lohman, but she found a suitable jog in States and she didn't come to Kotka. So Taylor-James was a player earlie and now she must leave the team and Lisa Lee comes in. After leaving PeKa Lisa has played two seasons in Luxemburg. She is also 183 cm and can play any position in the field. During her visit in peKa she made the statistics ave 18,6 points, 6,6 rebounds and 1,9 assists.

*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


Valeriya Berezhynska accepts Mondeville offer - by Eurobasket News
Mondeville did not wait too long to find the replacement for Britany Miller (193-C-87, college: Florida St.). The team signed the contract with Ukrainian Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, college: Rice). The 23-year-old centre spent the previous season in Reims. She averaged 12.7 points, 7.4 boards and 1.5 assists per game. Berezhynska traveled to the USA to train with the San Antonio Silver Stars during the pre-season. She did not play for the Silver Stars in the regular season though and played two games for the Ukrainian National Team during 2009 EuroBasket averaging just 1 points and 2.5 boards in those games.


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


ProBuild Lions and Leiderdorp split exhibition games - by Eurobasket News
ProBuild Lions and Leiderdorp exchanged visits over the weekend. They played two friendly encounters and posted one win each. The Lions opened the win count overcoming their opponents 72:55 in Landsmeer. Kati Harty (168-G-87, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) and Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) produced 15 points each for the winners. Hoogstraten finished with 14 points for ProBuild Lions. Bridget Yoerger (180-F) responded with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Leiderdorp.
Next day the teams clashed in Leiden. Leiderdorp proved the strength earning an 88:72 win. Bridget Yoerger exploded with 26 points to pace the charge. Essenstam Maxime contributed 21 points, while Julie Kongeskov (175-G, college: Valdosta St.) had finished with 14 points in the win.
In the meantime Amazone traveled to Luxembourg to play in the Alain Marchetti Cup. The Dutch team celebrated three wins in four games to clinch the third spot. First they were narrowly beaten by Residence 55:56. Amber Jackson (188-F-86, college: N.Texas) had 24 points and 6 boards. Heather Zurich (185-F, agency: LBM Management, college: Rutgers) added 12 points, 9 boards, 5 steals and 5 assists.
Next Amazone prevailed against Amicale 38:32 as Amber Jackson accounted for 18 points and 8 steals. Heidelberg were beaten 49:29 as Amber Jackson top-scored again with 13 points. Finally Amazone AutoCAD held off Dudelange 86:63. Amber Jackson was unstoppable with 28 points, 18 boards and 6 assists.


*****************************************************
  INDIA - Women  


India edge Malaysia to secure Level I spot - by Eurobasket News
India - Malaysia 90:74
India grabbed the crucial win at the Asian Championship in Chennai. They outscored Malaysia to remain in Level I group of teams for the next edition of the championship. Harjeet Kaur (88) exploded with 31 points and 16 boards to propel the hosts to the important win.
Yann Yann Pee (174-F-85) opened the game with a three-pointer. But India went on a 10:0 run early in the starting frame to earn the lead. They maintained it throughout the period and built a 24:16 advantage into the second stanza. The home team stretched the gap to 12 points midway through the second frame but Malaysia found the way to respond. They capped the half with a 10:3 run to trail by just 2 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the third stanza as India stayed in charge. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) and Harjeet Kaur knocked down a pair of jumpers late in the frame as India enjoyed a 69:60 advantage at the final break. Beng Fong Goh (164-G-82) tipped off the final stanza with a jumper but India responded with 11 consecutive points to clear off for good in this one.
Geethu Anna Jose had 21 points, 11 boards and 4 assists for India. Raspreet Sidhu (89) produced 11 points and 6 boards in the win. Beng Fong Goh replied with 16 points for Malaysia. Yann Yann Pee netted 15 points in the loss.

India: Harjeet Kaur 31, Geethu Anna Jose 21+11 boards, Raspreet Sidhu 11
Malaysia: Beng Fong Goh 16, Yann Yann Pee 15


*****************************************************
  JAPAN - Women  


South Korea advanced to the big final - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-Japan 101:57

South Korea advanced to the big final after the victory over Japan in the semifinal game. The favorites produced an easy 101:57 victory and will face China tomorrow.
South Korea after the first loss from China last night was too good and is ready for the revenge. The team created a 7-0 from the start and allowed the opponents to score only 5 points in the quarter. South Korea looked too good and took 30:5 after the first quarter when Young Suk Kang made a jump shot. In the second quarter the favorites kept the score for good and increased to 48:20 at the halftime. Yoshie Sakurada (170-G/F-84) sent the teams to the lockers for such an advantage of the South Korean team. Another 30-20 in the third frame gave them 78:40 entering the last frame. The task for the last period was to reach three digit and South Korea made it in the very end. Eun Joo Ha gave her team 101:55, while Kumiko Yamada (192-F-79) brought the final 101:57 on the board.
Kim Kwe Ryong (193-C-79) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Jung Eun Kim nailed 14, while Beon Yeon Ha (180-F-80) and Park Jung Eun (180-F-77) posted 12 each. Kumiko Yamada ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, whilst Yoshie Sakurada notched 8. Tomorrow South Korea will face China in the Final of Asian Championship.

South Korea: Kim Kwe Ryong 19, Jung Eun Kim 14, Beon Yeon Ha 12, Park Jung Eun 12
Japan: Kumiko Yamada 12, Yoshie Sakurada 8

*****************************************************
  LEBANON - Women  


IND / LIB India remain in elite level; Lebanon earn promotion - by Maarouf Mawloud
CHENNAI (23rd FIBA Asia Women Championship): India and Lebanon scored dominating victories in the Level I play-offs on Wednesday.

India gave their tallest player Harjeet Kaur the longest game-time in the Championship and defeated Malaysia 90-74 to retain their place in Level I.

Seasoned campaigner Nisrin Nisrin Dandan (172-G-77)s solid second quarter display had earlier steered Lebanon towards a comfortable 83-58 win over Thailand, and the promotion to play in Level I in the next edition.

Malaysia, who were relegated to Level II after losing to India in the play-off in the last edition, will have to wait for another two years to take a shot regaining their position in Level I.

And Thailand will play the Level II for the first time after 1995.

Lebanon took their time to settle down, but grew in strength and confidence as the game progressed.

Nisrin Dandan, the only member of the Lebanese womens team when they last played in the FIBA Asia Women Championship in 2001 in the Thai capital, sparked the Lebanese march.

The 32-year-old Antranik guard scored nine of her games 15 points in the second quarter and effected one steal as Lebanon found the missing link in their offense chain.

The girls had put themselves under tremendous pressure about this game and very nervous at the start. Nisrins presence and experience helped us calm the nerves, said Lebanon coach Elie Nasr.

The last time I was a part of the team things didnt really end happy. But this time around we had a great team. And if my contribution was to going to count, it had to be in this game, Nisrin Dandan said.

Nasr Chada (83) and Chantelle Anderson (199-C-81, college: Vanderbilt) took over in the second half and Lebanons control on the proceedings and the scoreboard increased with every move.

American Anderson poured in 15 of her game-high 24 points and completed another double-double also grabbing 13 rebounds.

Nasr Chada who effected eight of her nine assists for the game in the first half stepped up her scoring and returned 23 points 16 of them in the second half.

This is what we came for, Nasr Chada said.

But this is only the beginning. We hope the interest for womens basketball in Lebanon grows, she added.

Its like this, said Elie Nasr.

The federation invested in this team and gave us an opportunity to play here. We are grateful for that, but more importantly we have given them enough reasons to invest more in Lebanese womens basketball, the coach added.

Charothai Sukomwong was the highest scorer for Thailand with 21 points.

India owed their success to a change in their game-plan coming to age of Harjeet Kaur.

Harjeet had averaged 13 minutes per game in Indias five previous outings, but fielded her for 30:51 today.

And the 190-cm forward justified the faith reposed in her by returning a game-high 31 points, much higher than the 2.8PPG she carried into the game.

The 21-year-old also collected 16 rebounds another game-high again much higher than the 3RPG she had earlier.

Geethu Anna Joses 21 points and 11 rebounds thus found some unprecedented support.

It was a part of our game plan to use our height advantage, said India coach JP Singh about using Harjeet for the long period of time.

Our coach told us this morning we have one bullet left. We can either use it well or die in the battle. Just that things worked well for us, said Harjeet.

I think motivation was the key factor for us today, said JP Singh.

True we had lost all the games in Level I, but if we had lost today, we would have had to wait for another four years to play in the top level. And I think all the girls were aware of that, he added.

Malaysia were caught by surprise by Harjeets extended presence on the court, but more importantly their three-pointer percentage suffered.

We didnt expect Harjeet to play that long at all. We had made our plans for Geethu and Kiranjeet Kaur. But this was a surprise, Malaysia coach Tan See Wah said.

In a way we have helped India realize Harjeets potential, he chuckled.

Goh Beng Fong was the highest scorer for Malaysia with 15 points and Pee Yann Yann contributed 14.
S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia

Lebanon win Level I ticket - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Thailand 83:58

Lebanon ensured the Level I birth for the next Asian Championship in style. They cruised past Thailand in the playoff game tonight to advance to the top Level. Thailand in the meantime slipped to Level II. Chantelle Anderson (199-C-81, college: Vanderbilt) had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead Lebanon to the crucial win.
Thailand led 12:6 midway through the opening frame but could not maintained the advantage and lost the first quarter 21:22. Nisrin Dandan (172-G-77) and Nasr Chada (83) quickly ensured a double-digit lead for Lebanon in the second quarter. They rallied to a comfortable 47:32 buffer at halftime. Charothai Suksomwong (169-F-84) and Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) trimmed the deficit at 9 points early in the third quarter but Lebanon responded quickly. They restored a safe distance and entered the final term up by 14 points. Thailand got as close as 8 points early in the fourth period however Nasr Chada fired from downtown and then followed with a jumper to kill the intrigue.
Nasr Chada had 23 points and 9 assists for Lebanon. Nisrin Dandan produced 15 points in the winning effort. Charothai Suksomwong knocked down 21 points for Thailand. Juthamas Jantakan (174-G-85) and Naruemol Banmoo delivered 13 points each in the loss.

Lebanon: Chantelle Anderson 24+15 boards, Nasr Chada 23, Nisrin Dandan 15
Thailand: Charothai Suksomwong 21, Juthamas Jantakan 13, Naruemol Banmoo 13


*****************************************************
  MALAYSIA - Women  


India edge Malaysia to secure Level I spot - by Eurobasket News
India - Malaysia 90:74
India grabbed the crucial win at the Asian Championship in Chennai. They outscored Malaysia to remain in Level I group of teams for the next edition of the championship. Harjeet Kaur (88) exploded with 31 points and 16 boards to propel the hosts to the important win.
Yann Yann Pee (174-F-85) opened the game with a three-pointer. But India went on a 10:0 run early in the starting frame to earn the lead. They maintained it throughout the period and built a 24:16 advantage into the second stanza. The home team stretched the gap to 12 points midway through the second frame but Malaysia found the way to respond. They capped the half with a 10:3 run to trail by just 2 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the third stanza as India stayed in charge. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) and Harjeet Kaur knocked down a pair of jumpers late in the frame as India enjoyed a 69:60 advantage at the final break. Beng Fong Goh (164-G-82) tipped off the final stanza with a jumper but India responded with 11 consecutive points to clear off for good in this one.
Geethu Anna Jose had 21 points, 11 boards and 4 assists for India. Raspreet Sidhu (89) produced 11 points and 6 boards in the win. Beng Fong Goh replied with 16 points for Malaysia. Yann Yann Pee netted 15 points in the loss.

India: Harjeet Kaur 31, Geethu Anna Jose 21+11 boards, Raspreet Sidhu 11
Malaysia: Beng Fong Goh 16, Yann Yann Pee 15


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Suzie Bates agrees with BDS Logan Thunder - by Eurobasket News
Most aspiring sportswomen, who prosper at more than one sport in their junior days, have to eventually decide on which sport they will pursue as a career.

Suzie Bates (175-G-87) never got that memo.

The multi-talented 22-year-old has made a good living juggling between cricket and basketball, representing New Zealand in both the contrasting sports.

The 173cm guard has become the latest player to sign with Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) side, BDS Logan Thunder.

The dual international provides great depth to the side's guard stocks, which already has four-time champion and skipper, Kristen Veal, and last season's Rookie of the Year, Sarah Graham.

But it's Bates' experience on the big stage that excites Thunder coach, Richard Orlick the most.

For such a young player to have the experience she has had in such a short space of time is quite remarkable, he said.

Suzie is coming here to enhance her sporting prowess.

For the team, Suzie is going to give us a safety net in our guard rotation.

She can take the pressure of some of the other players and at least I know we won't be relying on just one person to score or create every time this season.

After representing New Zealand through the national age group teams, in 2007 Bates was elevated to the New Zealand Tall Ferns team.

She retained her spot for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where she played alongside fellow Thunder player, Natalie Purcell.

Bates' reputation as a basketballer grew following a series of inspirational performances off the bench.

Her move to the Thunder has been viewed as an opportunity for the naturally gifted player to establish herself as a bone fide star in the WNBL.

She could be anything she wants to be, Orlick said.

Suzie is naturally sporty and a gifted player.

She did extremely well guarding Natalie Hurst (Australian Opals guard) at last month's Oceania Championships.

Bates played one season in the WNBL in 2007/2008 for the now defunct Christchurch Sirens, but the decision by WNBL officials to no longer count New Zealanders as international players opened the door for Bates to sign with the Thunder.

With so much potential, only time will tell whether Bates is destined for bigger things in basketball, but as a cricketer, it's a totally different story.

Since earning her international stripes in 2006, Bates has built up one of the most formidable batting averages and strike rates in both the one day and twenty20 forms of the game.

Bates, who dwarfs most of her opponents on the cricket pitch, led New Zealand to silver at the 2009 Women's Cricket World Cup in March with a dominant display of powerful hitting, including a 168-run effort from just 105 balls against India.

She was rewarded with selection as opener of the World Cup XI team.

While it seems the willow will temporarily be put back into the kit bag, Orlick explained how Bates will have more than one purpose in his team this season.

She'd be nice to have in your backyard cricket games, he joked.

Coach gets first pick right?

Story courtesy of Griffith Thomas for The Reporter Newspaper


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Brazil paste Puerto Rico in Women FIBA Americas - by Raul Colon
Puerto Rico took a 3-2 led early in the first period and then watched as powerful Brazil ran thought them for an easy 78-34 victory in their opening game of the 2009 FIBA Americans Women Basketball Championships played at Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Brazil applied its vaunted full court press on Puerto Rico from the get-go forcing the Boricuas into too many turnovers [21] that coupled with a 21-7 offensive rebound disparity, proved too much to overcame.

Cinthia Valentin led the Puertoricans with 14 points. Esmary Vargas added seven. Millie Martinez chipped in with 11 boards. Adriana Pinto was the top scored for the Cariocas with 18. Alessandra Santos de Oliveras netted a double-double with 10 points and an equal number of rebounds.

Puerto Rico never got the ball rolling as Brazil took a 20-10 first quarter lead and extended it to 25 by the end of the first half. The Island battled its way in the third period, but Brazil proved too strong.
Next for Puerto Rico is a date with Canada tomorrow afternoon.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


South Korea advanced to the big final - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-Japan 101:57

South Korea advanced to the big final after the victory over Japan in the semifinal game. The favorites produced an easy 101:57 victory and will face China tomorrow.
South Korea after the first loss from China last night was too good and is ready for the revenge. The team created a 7-0 from the start and allowed the opponents to score only 5 points in the quarter. South Korea looked too good and took 30:5 after the first quarter when Young Suk Kang made a jump shot. In the second quarter the favorites kept the score for good and increased to 48:20 at the halftime. Yoshie Sakurada (170-G/F-84) sent the teams to the lockers for such an advantage of the South Korean team. Another 30-20 in the third frame gave them 78:40 entering the last frame. The task for the last period was to reach three digit and South Korea made it in the very end. Eun Joo Ha gave her team 101:55, while Kumiko Yamada (192-F-79) brought the final 101:57 on the board.
Kim Kwe Ryong (193-C-79) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Jung Eun Kim nailed 14, while Beon Yeon Ha (180-F-80) and Park Jung Eun (180-F-77) posted 12 each. Kumiko Yamada ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, whilst Yoshie Sakurada notched 8. Tomorrow South Korea will face China in the Final of Asian Championship.

South Korea: Kim Kwe Ryong 19, Jung Eun Kim 14, Beon Yeon Ha 12, Park Jung Eun 12
Japan: Kumiko Yamada 12, Yoshie Sakurada 8

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  SWEDEN - Women  


News from Telge Basketball - by Eurobasket News
Telge will continue with new name - Telge Basketball. The team lost nine players during the summer, promoting many youngsters from youth selections to senior team. The most recent news is that Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) will be the team's captain. Telge Basketball is now a young squad with an average age of 17. Benny Johansson will continue as head coach. As it was last season, his assistant will be Ranko Stokic .
It is important to mention that one of the key players from the last season, Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) moved to Russia this summer. She agreed a deal with Spartak Moscow. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) will continue on University of Miami, while Sandra Sinclair (168-G-84) formerly known as Jansson goes to Italy, Como. As it is mentioned above, six more players including Hanna Bouldwin (185-F-84, college: TCU) left the team this summer. Camilla Osth ended basketball career, as well as Sofia Astrom. Jeanette Jackson makes pause due to pregnancy. Tilde Ahlin goes to Barry University and Marie Marquez will also continue in the US.

Meanwhile, Ulrika Hortlund makes a comeback to Lulea Basketball. This time not as a player, but as head coach of Lulea Basket U20 team.

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  TAIWAN - Women  


China reaches the Final of the Asian Championship - by Eurobasket News
China-Taiwan 70:59

China celebrated another victory to reach the Final of the Asian Championship. The team beat Taiwan 70:59 for the big final tomorrow against South Korea.
China opened the game with Bian Lan (185-F-86)'s shot and then Chen Xiaoli (193-F-82) gave her team 4:0. Bian Lan scored for 18:7 and Chen Xiaoli brought 25:15. Liu Dan (194-F-87) closed the first period for 27:17 in the end of the first ten minutes. Yi-Hung Ma brought Taiwan 36:25, while Chi-Wen Lin reduced to 38:31. Taiwan played too good at that time and cut it to 38:37 when Chi-Wen Lin made the last shot for her team in the half. Hongpin Huang however sent the teams to the lockers for 40:37. In the third quarter China needed more attention to defense to limit the opponents to 8 points. China had 56:45 when Bian Lan closed the quarter. Yi-Hung Ma scored for 58:50 and Liu Dan gave her team 64:51. She also was the last to score for the winners as they advanced to the big final.
Chen Xiaoli and Liu Dan top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Bian Lan and Nan Chen (197-C-83) notched 10 points apiece for the favorites. Cheng Hui-Yun (186-F/C-77) finished the night with 11 points in defeat, while Li Wan-Ting (180-G-86) and Yi-Hung Ma had 10 each.

China: Chen Xiaoli 12, Liu Dan 12, Bian Lan 10, Nan Chen 10
Taiwan: Cheng Hui-Yun 11, Li Wan-Ting 10, Yi-Hung Ma 10


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  THAILAND - Women  


Lebanon win Level I ticket - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Thailand 83:58

Lebanon ensured the Level I birth for the next Asian Championship in style. They cruised past Thailand in the playoff game tonight to advance to the top Level. Thailand in the meantime slipped to Level II. Chantelle Anderson (199-C-81, college: Vanderbilt) had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead Lebanon to the crucial win.
Thailand led 12:6 midway through the opening frame but could not maintained the advantage and lost the first quarter 21:22. Nisrin Dandan (172-G-77) and Nasr Chada (83) quickly ensured a double-digit lead for Lebanon in the second quarter. They rallied to a comfortable 47:32 buffer at halftime. Charothai Suksomwong (169-F-84) and Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) trimmed the deficit at 9 points early in the third quarter but Lebanon responded quickly. They restored a safe distance and entered the final term up by 14 points. Thailand got as close as 8 points early in the fourth period however Nasr Chada fired from downtown and then followed with a jumper to kill the intrigue.
Nasr Chada had 23 points and 9 assists for Lebanon. Nisrin Dandan produced 15 points in the winning effort. Charothai Suksomwong knocked down 21 points for Thailand. Juthamas Jantakan (174-G-85) and Naruemol Banmoo delivered 13 points each in the loss.

Lebanon: Chantelle Anderson 24+15 boards, Nasr Chada 23, Nisrin Dandan 15
Thailand: Charothai Suksomwong 21, Juthamas Jantakan 13, Naruemol Banmoo 13


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  WNBA - Women  


Everything is ready for the Conference Finals - by Eurobasket News
The Indiana Fever's first game against the Detroit Shock in the WNBA's Eastern Conference Finals will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN2. Tipoff time wasn't determined until the conclusion of the Western Conference series between Phoenix and San Antonio. Phoenix defeated San Antonio 100-92 late Monday night, winning that best-of-3 series 2-1. Phoenix will open at Los Angeles in the West finals at 10 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN2. In the Indiana/Detroit series, Friday's Game 2 and, if necessary, Saturday's Game 3 will be at Conseco Fieldhouse. Those games are to start at 7 p.m. and be televised on NBATV. (Courtesy of www.indystar.com).

Meanwhile, Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC) got her wish when it comes to the Sparks' opponent in the Western Conference finals.

They'll play the Phoenix Mercury in the best-of-3 series that begins tonight at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. The Sparks were forced out of their home court at Staples Center because of a Britney Spears concert.

'They seem to be the team that's hot,' Leslie said about the top-seeded Mercury.

'You can't take a step back right now when it comes to the Western Conference finals. This is where we ended our season last year, so we're very hungry.

'I just believe that Phoenix is the team we're going to have to beat, and we'll have to find a way to get it done.'

Phoenix advanced by defeating San Antonio in three games. The third-seeded Sparks were stretched the same distance in holding off the Seattle Storm and prolonging Leslie's career - she plans to retire when the season ends.

The Sparks are in the conference finals for the third time in four years and eighth in franchise history. Sparks coach Michael Cooper finally saw his team's killer instinct emerge in Game 3 on the road Sunday against Seattle.

'It's been coming and going throughout the season,' he said.

'We've had lapses where we'll play hard and then it seems like we'll fall asleep for three or four minutes and let teams get back in the game.'

Phoenix beat the Sparks in three of their four regular-season meetings, but the first

Mercury win was while Candace Parker was out on maternity leave. The lone Sparks win was in the regular-season finale on Sept. 13, when Diana Taurasi was held out of the game since it had no bearing on the standings. (Courtesy of http://www.whittierdailynews.com)

Kara Lawson receives 2009 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award - by Eurobasket News
Sacramento Monarchs guard Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) was named the recipient of the 2009 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced today. Lawson wins her first Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award after collecting eight votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Lawson edged out the Detroit Shock's Taj McWilliams and the Minnesota Lynx's Candice Wiggins, who each received seven votes.

Designed to honor a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court -- ethical behavior, fair play and integrity -- the award is named for the late Kim Perrot, who helped guide the Houston Comets to their first two WNBA championships before passing away in August, 1999, after a seven-month battle with cancer.

'Kara has the heart of a champion and is a true leader on and off the court,' said WNBA President Donna Orender. 'Kara's dedication to and passion for the game have shone through since she joined the league and she continues to give everything she has each time she steps on the floor. When you think about Kara, she exemplifies how professional athletes should carry themselves and embodies the ideals of true sportsmanship.'

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft, Lawson receives the honor in her seventh WNBA season. She played in 25 games in 2009 before being sidelined with right quadriceps tendinitis, averaging 8.8 points, 2.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds. Lawson recorded her 2,000th career point on Aug. 14 vs. the Los Angeles Sparks.

For her career, Lawson has appeared in 217 games and averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. She was named an All-Star in 2007 and helped the Monarchs to the WNBA Championship in 2005. In addition, Lawson was a member of the 2008 U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team where she helped the team to an unbeaten 8-0 record and the gold medal.

Additionally, Lawson is very active in the community and has received numerous awards for her efforts with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the American Cancer Society. Since 2004, she has worked with ESPN as a color analyst during the NCAA women's basketball tournament. Lawson has also worked NBA games, as both a sideline reporter for ESPN and a member of the Sacramento Kings broadcast team during pre-game, halftime and post-game shows.

'I am beyond grateful and humbled to receive the 2009 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award,' said Lawson. 'My parents taught me at an early age that the way you treat the game and your competitors was of the utmost importance. I remember watching Kim play and was struck by not only her passion for the game, but her compassion for those who played with her. I look up and down the list of past winners and see players like Teresa Edwards and Dawn Staley, two players who I've looked up to my whole career, and am honored to be added to that list of true professionals.'

In honor of being named the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner, Lawson will receive $5,000 and a specially-designed trophy from Tiffany & Co. An additional $5,000 will be designated to the charity of her choice.

Below are the results of the 2009 WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award voting.



2009 KIM PERROT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD RESULTS

8 Kara Lawson Sacramento Monarchs

7 Taj McWilliams Detroit Shock

7 Candice Wiggins Minnesota Lynx

4 Tamecka Dixon Indiana Fever

4 Brooke Wyckoff Chicago Sky

3 Erin Perperoglou San Antonio Silver Stars

2 Temeka Johnson Phoenix Mercury

2 Asjha Jones Connecticut Sun

1 Noelle Quinn Los Angeles Sparks



ALL-TIME KIM PERROT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS


2009 Kara Lawson Sacramento Monarchs

2008 Vickie Johnson San Antonio Silver Stars

2007 Tully Bevilaqua Indiana Fever

2006 Dawn Staley Houston Comets

2005 Taj McWilliams-Franklin Connecticut Sun

2004 Teresa Edwards Minnesota Lynx

2003 Edna Campbell Sacramento Monarchs

2002 Jennifer Gillom Phoenix Mercury

2001 Sue Wicks New York Liberty

2000 Suzie McConnell Serio Cleveland Rockers

1999 Dawn Staley Charlotte Sting

1998 Suzie McConnell Serio Cleveland Rockers
1997 Haixia Zheng Los Angeles Sparks

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Hoffman accepts USA training camp invitation - by Eurobasket News
Indiana Fever forward Ebony Hoffman (6'2''-C/F-82, college: USC) is one of fourteen athletes who have been members of prior USA Basketball teams to have accepted invitations to attend the 2009 USA Basketball Women's National Team's fall training camp as the U.S. begins preparations for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

The 14 athletes will join the previously announced eight members of the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team at the squad's fall training camp, scheduled for Sept. 30 - Oct. 5 at American University in Washington, D.C., in hopes of being added to the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team roster. Invitations to attend the USA training camp were made by the five member USA Basketball Women's National Team Player Selection Committee. The eventual 12-member team that will compete in the 2010 FIBA World Championship is expected to be selected from the 2009-12 USA National Team.

Others added to the USA training camp roster were: Jayne Appel (Stanford / Pleasant Hill, Calif.); Alana Beard (Washington Mystics); Swin Cash (Seattle Storm); Tina Charles (Connecticut / Jamaica, N.Y.); Shameka Christon (New York Liberty); Candice Dupree (Chicago Sky); Lindsey Harding (Washington Mystics); Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun); Crystal Langhorne (Washington Mystics); Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream); Maya Moore (Connecticut / Lawrenceville, Ga.); Lindsay Whalen (Connecticut Sun); and Candice Wiggins (Minnesota Lynx).

The 14 USA National Team hopefuls includes a total of 12 who have previously aided U.S. teams to gold medals and six of whom were members of the 2007-08 USA Women's National Team, including Beard, Cash, Jones, Harding, Whalen and Wiggins. The Fever's Hoffman helped the USA to a gold medal at the 2002 Confederation of Pan American Basketball Associations, earning the USA a berth in the first World Championship for Young Women.

Two-time Olympic gold medalists Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury); as well as '08 gold medalists Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Kara Lawson (Sacramento Monarchs), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) and Cappie Pondexter (Phoenix Mercury) were named to the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team on Aug. 17.

Players involved in the WNBA Finals will not attend training camp.

Courtesy of The Indiana Fever