EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/7/2009

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Men News

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


NBL tightest in years - by Eurobasket News
Crocodiles coach Trevor Gleeson (agency: Warren Sports International ) reckons one thing was made clear at the Top End Challenge the 2009/10 NBL season will be the tightest in recent memory.

To be among the contenders he said it was essential Townsville step up another notch.

The Crocs yesterday returned from the league's pre-season tournament in Darwin with plenty to think about following a mixed three days of competition.

After an opening night win over Perth, Townsville were rolled in the semi-final by the New Zealand Breakers, before going down 85-84 in a meaningless game to Gold Coast.

In the final two games, the Crocodiles were over-run after holding double-digit leads.

''Over the 12 quarters that we played, we played pretty good basketball for about nine of them, so we're building towards what we are after,'' Gleeson said yesterday.
''Obviously when we step on the court we want to win every time, but we also know it's a process that we have got to go through.''

As was proven, though, one slack quarter could cost a team victory.

Wollongong's unlikely Top End Challenge championship after beating NZ 94-88 in Saturday's decider is almost certainly proof this season's title race is wide open.

''This league, looking at the other teams, is going to be tough,'' Gleeson said.

''There's not a tick mark that you can put in the win column this year, so it is going to be the tightest competition in a long, long time ... especially in my time here.''

Among the positives, according to Gleeson, was the team's rebounding and Peter Crawford's introduction to the team structure following time with the Boomers. American point guard Corey Williams was named in the five-player All Tournament Team, while former Croc, now Hawk, Cameron Tragardh was competition MVP.

But the biggest area Gleeson said the Crocodiles needed to improve was their defence, an area they have prided themselves on in recent seasons.

''There are obviously areas that we have to work on, but we also know that we wanted to use it to build our conditioning, build our rotation, build our chemistry on the court with each other and that much we achieved,'' he said.

''Now we have to go and fine tune some details and get that four quarters into play.''

Following a rugged three days of competition there are not too many members of the squad who do not require attention from the team's physio. But after having today off Gleeson said he expected all players to be back on deck tomorrow as they begin preparations for Thursday's trial against Cairns at NPA Stadium.

The Crocs play their final hme trial game on the 10th of September at NPA Stadium against Cairns, before the September 25 tip-off on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Courtesy of The Townsville Bulletin


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


Oberwart part ways with Terry Martin - by Eurobasket News
Oberwart decided to part ways with Terry Martin (198-G-87, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: LSU). The 22-year-old guard who recently graduated from LSU trained with the team during the summer but could not establish himself in the team. The Gunners head coach Peter Stahl decided to renew the search of a reliable guard. The team is expected to announce the name of the new import in the following days.
In the meantime Oberwart played a friendly encounter with Falco from Hungary. The Gunners wasted a three-point lead heading into the fourth period and surrendered 69:72 at the end. Terry Martin knocked down 18 points in his last game with the Gunners. Anthony Paez (198-F-84, college: Stephen F. Austin) contributed 15 points, while Jason Johnson (202-F/C-77, college: Tennessee St.) had 12 in defeat.


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Standings - DIMAYOR
DIMAYOR Standings
 1. Liceo Mixto 12-4 
 2. Boston Coll. 12-4 
 3. Dep.Valdivia 12-5 
 4. U.Concepc. 10-5 
 5. Prov.Osorno 10-6 
 6. Prov.Llanq. 10-6 
 7. Dep.Espanol 9-8 
 8. U.Catolica 7-9 
 9. U.Los Lagos 7-9 
 10. Dep.Castro 4-13 
 11. Everton 3-14 
 12. Sagrados 1-14 


Dimayor: saturday night results - by Daniel Valencia
On saturday night were played games from round 16 and 17. In Valdivia, Liceo Mixto crushed Deportivo Valdivia 91-63, with Zimmerman and Briones combining for 44 points. In Concepcion, Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) led the host with 23 points for the 74-54 victory against Everton. In Vina del Mar, Osorno defeated Sagrados Corazones 83-79 with Zuniga and Carrasco combining for 42 points. In Santiago, Catolica ended Llanquihue's five game winning streak with a 84-79 victory. Scott Rodgers (191-G, college: Drexel) netted 26 points in the victory. In Maipu, Boston College defeated Castro 63-61 with 24 points from Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle). In Talca, Espanol completed a perfect weekend with a 66-62 victory against Universidad de Los Lagos. Bayo Arigbon (196-F-86, college: San Diego Chr.) netted 16 for the winners. These are the complete results of saturday night.

Round 16

Deportivo Valdivia 63 - Liceo Mixto 91
Val: Jonathan Heard 22 Francisco Bravo 18 pts.
Lic: Thurman Zimmerman 23 pts. Patricio Briones 21 pts.

Universidad de Concepcion 74 - Everton 54
Ucon: Jarrett Stephens 23 pts. Evandro Arteaga 11 pts.
Eve: Kristoffer Smith 9 pts. George Holt 9 pts.

Sagrados Corazones 79 - Provincial Osorno 83
Sag: Hector Gomez 17 pts. Marcos Hubner 14 pts.
Oso: Rodrigo Zuniga 22 pts. Erick Carrasco 20 pts.

Universidad Catolica 84 - Provincial Llanquihue 79
Uc. Scott Rodgers 26 pts. Sascha Frings 15 pts.
Llan: Leonel Mendez 22 pts. Delvin Thomas 17 pts.

Round 17
Boston College 63 - Deportes Castro 61
Bos: Jefferson Agba 24 pts. Felipe Zapata 12 pts.
Cas: Hank Rivers 27 pts. Gonzalo Velasquez 10 pts.

Espanol de Talca 66 - Universidad de Los Lagos 62
Esp: Bayo Arigbon 16 pts. Jose Madrid 13 pts.
Ula: Alexander Blackwell 25 pts. Michael Ernst 12 pts.


The CDV could not Recover - by Stephanie Johnson
The 22 points from Jonathan Heard not enough to avoid defeat of the CDV. However, Valdivia still with pointers is still atop the leader board. For sadness of some of Deportivo Valdivia thousand fans who gathered at the Municipal Coliseum, the table Calle Calle apparently lost its way in the final tournament of Dimayor 2009 and fell last night thrashed by Joint Liceo de Los Andes by an expressive 91-63.

This is because the last six games played, the picture directed by Juan Manuel Cordoba scored two wins and four defeats, which lost him the lead he held in the exclusive standings until a few weeks ago, staying in second position to the Pending Joint Liceo depending on their visit today to the University of Concepcin.

Confronting problems, the CDV achieved one of its presentations paler Municipal Coliseum, because although they lost to a painting inspired and most experienced as Joint High School, Valdivia played a good defensive game which added its low power goal, with low conversion rates primarily on perimeter shots. 'They beat us good, despite being inspired and made the greater experience. However, pointers are waiting to see how things are going to Lyceum Board at its game tomorrow (today). Anyway, I thank my players for the effort they put and the fans always come to support the team to the Coliseum, 'said coach CDV, Juan Manuel Cordova.

From the first part, Deportivo Valdivia could not find the course and were outnumbered by the scoring of the offensive capability of Joint, which closed the first quarter with 43-29 lead. In the second half, continued to give battle Albirroja front of a painting that has never lowered the intensity of his game and ultimately won by a fairly emphatic 91-63. Played for Deportivo Valdivia and scored: Francisco Bravo 18, Cristian Munoz 5, Jose Del Solar 6, Jonathan Heard 22, Claus Prtzmann 6, Christian Von Bischoffhausen 4 and Christopher Altaner 2. Meanwhile, for Joint Liceo Franco Morales played and turned 11, Patrick Saez 2, Percy Werth 2, Patricio Briones 21, Thurman Zimmerman 23, Claudio Naranjo 8, Galo Lara 8 Tanks 14 and Paulo Mauricio Andrade 2.

With this result, the CDV is in the top of the standings with 29 and waiting for what they do and Boston College High School Board. 'They beat us good and were very successful. When we beat the visiting High School we were not the best and now as a result, we lost to them in local and we are not the worst'. Francisco Bravo, CDV base: 'We were not on our night, I think they played a good game and beat us fairly. Now we will improve in the week and try again to win'. Final score was 91-63 in favor of Joint Liceo against Valdivia. In the next dates, CDV will make a visit to Castro and the ULA.


*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


Standings
Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Piratas 5-1 
 2. Bucaros 3-1 
 3. Cangrejeros 3-1 
 4. Islanders 2-2 
 5. Arrieros 2-4 
 6. Cucuta Norte 2-4 
 7. Alcaldia 1-5 


Federation Cup 2009, Day 6 results - by Victor Garcia
Piratas Saludcoop won its fifth game of the season, defeating again Islanders Sopesa in Bogot, Nakia Miller leaded the black team with 23 pts and 15 rebounds, Santos Martinez again was the best in the Island team.
Piratas Saludcoop 84 Nakiea Miller 23 + 15 rebs,
Islanders Sopesa 76 Santos Martinez 28 pts

Arrieros won the second game of the season, Cucuta Norte had a bad night despite the comeback of Edgar Moreno.
Arrieros Idea 91
Cucuta Norte 69

Cangrejeros won its third game at home defeating again Patriotas, the newcomer Francisco Centeno added 18pts for the winners.
Cangrejeros 63
Patriotas 53,


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


Stats Leaders - Basketligaen
Canal Digital Ligaen Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rebounds Per Game
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Assists Per Game
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Steals Per Game
1.
2.
2.
Blocks Per Game
1.
2.
3.


Stevnsgade aiming high - by Jonas Sorensen
BK Stevnsgade have bolstered their roster with several players from Roskilde BC, Aabyhoj IF, SISU Copenhagen and Falcon and are now ready to take the lead in the 1st division and move to Canal Digital Ligaen.

Players:

Adeel Ahmad
Ahmed Islam
Anders Hejgaard (183-G-80)
Benjamin Edelman (186-G-75)
Bjarke Godsk (193-G-80)
Christian Pedersen (203-C-81)
Esben Meincke (187-F/G-80)
Jeffrey Camacho (171-G-79)
Jes Hansen
Kevin Larsen (203-F-93)
Kweku Sarquah (185-F/G-78)
Lasse Laursen
Mark Camacho
Martin Hermansen (196-F-75, college: Sacramento CC)
Philip Christiansen (192-F-91)
Philip Jorgensen (198-F-82)
Rainer Uusen
Rasmus Mikkelsen (187-G-80)
Rasmus Ronholt (196-G/F-80)
Simon Meinertz
Steffen Marquardsen (195-F-82)
Tim Thorup
Todd Anthony (199-F-68)
Toke Sinding (197-C-80)

This is what coach Kombrink says about his team:

'We are thrilled to introduce the 2009-2010 BK Stevnsgade men's basketball team. Over the course of the past 3 years we have built a club where the primary focus is to enjoy playing basketball, play the right way, and play FOR each other. The goal has been, and is now, to build our club around people who want to be a part of the BK Stevnsgade community. BK Stevnsgade is a very special club, and we feel like this group can help us take steps towards our goals both on and off the court.

After a very turbulent 2008-2009 season, where we simply could not find any form for stability within our troop, and finished with a disappointing 4th place in the 1st division, BK Stevnsgade is committed to playing at a different level this year. The group of players we have gathered enables us to build towards establishing a deep base of talent which is a must, if we are to compete at the highest level in Denmark. We are excited to have 16 players who have been together now for at least two years. That helps a great deal in providing a basis for how we do things at our club and is a true testament to our 'BK Stevnsgade Spirit'. In addition to that group, we have added absolutely quality people in Esben Meincke, Martin Hermansen, Anders Hejgaard, Toke Sinding, Steffan Marquardsen, Kweku Sarquah and Philip Christiansen. This is a massive influx of talent for our club, but the talent is dwarfed by the simple fact that these individuals are simply awesome guys.

The plan is to build a great team around danish players. We have seen time and time again the problems caused by being forced to 'buy american'. We are going to develop Danes because at the end of the day, that is what is going to win championships. Just ask Skovbakken/Bakken Bears why they have won so many titles. Focus on both our first and our second team will hopefully make a huge difference in our stability and give the competition level needed to play the level we want. The goal for our group is to play FOR each other every time out.'



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


NBA Generations defeat Incheon Etland Elephants at 2009 NBA Asia Challenge - by Eurobasket News
The NBA Generations team, a squad comprised of NBA Legends and top NBA D-League prospects, defeated the Incheon ETLAND Elephants, 94-82 last night on the back of NBA D-Leaguer Billy Thomas' (6'5''-G-75, college: Kansas) 27-point outing. The game was played at the Incheon Samsan Gymnasium in Seoul, Korea, and was the second game for the Generations team as part of the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge.

The Elephants' led for most of the game, but the NBA Generations team pulled away in the fourth quarter, when Thomas netted 11 of his 27 points, outscoring the home team 29-12 to secure the victory.

'Our guys played as a team today and we defended the 3 point line well,' said the Generations team head coach, Rory White of the NBA D-League's Dakota Wizards. 'The NBA D-League players played really well down the stretch.'

Thomas shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from behind the three-point line, during the game and chipped in with four rebounds. Fellow NBA D-Leaguers Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86) and Lanny Smith (6'3''-G-84, college: Houston) contributed with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Smith added a team-high eight assists in the win. NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins finished the contest with 10 points and five boards.

'We played the game how we knew we could play and just had fun,' Thomas said. 'I'm thankful to be in a lineup with my NBA D-League teammates and guys that I watched play.'

The Elephants, who were up by six points at the half and five points going into the fourth quarter, were led by Amal McCaskill's 17 points and Chris Daniels' 16-point outing. Kim Sung Chul chipped in with 15 points in the loss.

The NBA Generations return to action on September 11, when the team travels to the Philippines to take on the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Stars in the 15,000-seat Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Francisco Garcia breaks finger - by Eurobasket News
One day after the Kings learned of point guard Beno Udrih's left knee strain that could keep him off the floor for three weeks, they were informed that fifth-year swingman Francisco Garcia (6'7''-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Louisville) has a fractured right ring finger.

Udrih and Garca suffered the injuries playing with their national teams from Slovenia and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

Garca broke the same finger in early March but taped it and played until the season's end.

He had averaged 15.8 points in six games of the FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico but missed Thursday's win over Mexico and Friday's 80-76 loss to Canada that eliminated the Dominicans.

Garca will return to Sacramento late next week to have the finger re-evaluated.

Udrih's agent, Marc Cornstein, informed the Kings that an MRI on Udrih's knee was negative and said, 'He should be ready for (Kings) camp (on Sept. 29) with no issues.'

Courtesy of www.sportsnipe.com


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Poland welcomes Eurobasket 2009! - by Eurobasket News
Monday, September 7th is the start of the most expected and excited basketball tournament in Europe, Eurobasket 2009. Sixteen teams will battle in four groups first in Poznan, Gdansk, Warsaw and Wroclaw. Russia will start as the defending champions as in 2007 they edged in the final of Eurobasket 2007 host Spain 60:59. The hero of the game was definitely J.R. Holden, who's 2-pointer jump just 2.1 second before the end of the game save the game for Russians. It was their first European championship title in the history (as Russia, since Soviet Union team won previously 14 gold medals at Eurobasket).The MVP of the tournament went to Russian Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81), who was the leader of his team through all competition games including the final one, where he got 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Eurobasket kept the readers alive for the whole year updating the rosters and the news from the teams. In Group A Greece, Croatia, Macedonia and Israel will play in Poznan. Greek Nick Calathes and Kostas Koufos made the 12-man group that head to battle in the group. The Hellenic NT succeeded the 3 out of 3 and after Serbia and Russia beat also the Lithuania with Kostas Kaimakoglou being the MVP in the International tournament. Israel for sure will hope for Lior Eliyahu, who joined Caja Laboral this summer and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) is another player who supposes to lead Israel in Poland. From this duo coach Sherf for sure expect the most on this event. Croatia's trio Roko-Leni Ukic - Nikola Vujcic - Zoran Planinic will for sure be the main weapon of Team Croatia in Poland. Recently Croatia clinched the Efes Pilsen World Cup international tournament title. They prevailed against Macedonia 90:83 in the championship game. Roko-Leni Ukic knocked down 21 points to pace the winners. He was named the MVP of the tourney after the game. Jeremiah Massey responded with game-high 29 points and 12 boards. Predrag Samardziski had 11 points in the loss. Jeremiah Massey is at the end of the tale because of his calm exterior and explosiveness which seems to come out of nowhere, at least when the opposition least expects it. One who has played at the highest level in European hoops, Massey creates misery for his opponents with his tenacity on the boards that lead to second- and third-chance points.

In Group B the defending champions Russia will test Latvia,Germany and France. The defending European champions will miss Andrei Kirilenko and JR Holden. Russia will not be even a favorite of the group, however will try to do their best. Without Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78), Chris Kaman and Per Gunther Germany will have someone else to carry the team to the higher places. In the latest pre-tournament games Germany and Slovenia played two friendly game in as many days. The teams kept it close in the first half but a rally bridging the third and fourth frames allowed Slovenia to clear off for good in this one. Slovenia won 72:64 and 70:53. Latvian National Team played the final test game before the EuroBasket 2009. They took on Polish champions Prokom Gdynia and celebrated a 6-point victory at the end. Uvis Helmanis knocked down 17 points to pace Latvia. France destroyed Belgium at home in the second leg of the Play-offs for the only spot in Eurobasket 2009 left for the teams. Pau saw 92:54 victory that allowed the favorites to book tickets for Poland. Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) paced all the winners with 19 points to triumph with the team. Parker nailed 16, while Diaw posted 13.

In Group C Spain, Serbia, Slovenia and Great Brotain. Spain that finished second in Eurobasket 2007 probably the favorite number one for the title. Having the Dream team for the Eurobasket 2009 the squad has only one task-to win. Recently however Lithuania posted a confident win over Spain at the Siemens Arena in Vilnius 94:72. The teams are on the track with their final preparations for the upcoming EuroBasket 2009 tournament and Lithuania showed they are having some serious ambitions for it. Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Linas Kleiza fired 19 points each to pace the hosts. Marc Gasol responded with 15 points and 6 boards for Spain. Serbia will be led by new captain Nenad Krstic, something that was decided by both the coaching staff and players. In the pre-tournament games Serbia beat Russia, Lithuania, but lost to Greece in Athens. Slovenia won two latest games over Germany and before that defeated New-Look Russia. Jaka Klobucar replaced injured Udrih in coach Jure Zdovc's Slovenia squad and played in their 74:62 triumph on Thursday in Karlsruhe. Britain have a solid front court because in addition to Mensah-Bonsu, big men Andy Betts, Rob Archibald, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) and Dan Clark are traveling to Warsaw. Great Britain finished in the sixth position losing three games in a row. Turkey rebounded after two straight losses at the start of the Efes Pilsen World Cup. They crushed Great Britain to clinch the fifth spot in the final ladder.

In Group D the hosts will play with Turkey, Lithuania and Bulgaria. Turkey finished recently another tournament, Boris Stankovic Continental Cup on the second place as they lost to Australia in the Final. Before that the team beat Angola and China. The team has accepted his mature leadership also. Turkoglu will get the most help from Ersan Ilyasova. Lithuania will have a new look missing Sarunas Jasikevicius, Ramunas Siskauskas, Rimantas Kaukenas and Darius Songaila. Before stunning Spain, the Baltic side earned another victory in the friendly encounters prior to the start of the EuroBasket 2009. They toppled Russia at the Cido Arena in Panevezys 66:61 as Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) knocked down 15 points to pace Lithuania. Ibrahim Jaaber can not help Bulgaria, that can at least call on a hugely experienced coach in Gershon while the players will certainly work hard. They have a few streaky scorers in the guard and small forward spots who could make games interesting if they combine being aggressive on offence with good decision making and maintain their discipline. The hosts, Poland tamed Israel in Zaragosa and lost to Spain only 83:88. Spain continued to pile up victories prior to the EuroBasket as they celebrated the sixth straight victory holding off Poland in Saragossa. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) knocked down 26 points to lead the charge for Spain. David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) answered with 20 points for Poland and Michal Ignerski had 17 points in defeat.


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


That was no George Foreman Sighting In Paderborn, But Really Nate Gerwig - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Nate Gerwig (206-F/C-83, college: Kent St.) is a 26 year old 206cm center that grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He played at Kent State from 2001-2006. He was unable to play the 2003-2004 season on account of being a medical redshirt. In his senior year, he played 32 games averaging 6.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 58.0%, FT: 58.1%. He turned professional in the 2006-2007 season playing for Porvoon Tarmo (Korisliiga) playing 22 games and averaging 2.9ppg, 2.6rpg. In the 2007-2008 season, he returned back to the States and played in the D League for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants playing 40 games and averaging 3.6ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 49.6%, FT: 49.1%. Last season, he played his first season in Germany in the PRO A for BV Chemnitz 99 playing 30 games and averaging 15.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 61.8%. He spoke to Eurobasket during training camp.

Nate, welcome to the BBL. How do you like Paderborn?

I have not seen much so far just having been on the track and on the court. I have seen downtown and it was nice.

Even though last season was tough for Paderborn for long stages, they reached their first playoffs and took 8 time BBL champion alba Berlin to 5 games. This season, the team has gotten a facelift and are starting over. Do you feel any pressure to reach that kind of success that the team had last season?

I dont feel much pressure since everything is new. No one has really talked about last season. There is a good feeling here and we are getting along.

The team has five new Americans. Has a team leader been established yet?

We have many guys and all have been working hard. Some of the older guys have been more vocal, but a real leader has not been established yet. I think as soon as the test games start then we will see more leadership roles.

Olaf Stolz is the new coach. What is your early impression of him so far?

He is a good coach. Off the court, he talks to everyone, but on the court, he is all business. He just wants us to work hard each day.

What kind of style can we await from The Paderborn Baskets this season?

It is difficult to say exactly what kind of style so early in the season, but I think that we will be competitive and we will not go out and lose by 30 points.

The best known German for The Paderborn Baskets is Nico Simon. He played for Alba Berlin had injury problems and last season played for Ehingen. How is he developing in camp and playing against Deandre Haynes and Lawrence Bortha?

Simon has played well in practice. He is quick with the ball is a good passer and sees the game well. He always knows where players are on the court. Lawrence and Deandre are good guards and all three of them are like road runners on the court. Lawrence Bortha will be a good player in the BBL.

Has coach Olaf Stolz given you the starting center job or will be a duel between you and Matt Terwilliger to see who gets the job?

Coach has not really given us any roles yet. Matt can play the 4/5 positions. I dont know how much time I will get. I will continue to give my best in practice.

Last season, you had strong stats with BV Chemnitz in the PRO A averaging 15,6ppg and 8,5rpg. Will you be able to crack the BBL?

Honestly I have never really thought about stats. The most important thing for me is to be efficient whenever I am on the court. It doesnt matter if I am on the court for 30 minutes or 6 minutes. I want to be as efficient as possible in that time.

What things do you still need to work with your game?

I think that I can still work on my jump shot even though it is something that I dont really use in a game. I do more the things that I am good at like rebounding and defense.

At first glance, one could compare you to legendary boxer George Foreman when seeing your smile. Do you get compared to him a lot?

I was already laughing when I heard the name Foreman in your German. This is actually the first I have ever heard that. I actually had an afro in college, but since then have shaved my head. People see my bald head now, but my friends at home dont really know me with a shaved head.lol

Thanks Nate for the chat! Good luck this season with The Paderborn Baskets!

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


Standings
LPB Standings
 1. D-Team 6-1 
 2. Elite Sport 5-2 
 3. Le Mans 4-3 
 4. Compusys 2-5 
 5. Preparatoria 0-6 


LPB league updating - by Gianni Pascucci
The Lanco Elite Sport team played all the last three games of the Liga Profesional de Baloncesto de Guatemala. After prevailing over Compusys, 110-104 thanks to 38 pts scored by Walter Morales (185-G-83) and 24 from Alejandro Carrillo (192-F-88) while Bernie Diaz (200-C-81) was the best loser at 29, Elite Sport felt to favourite D-Team 110-126 on August 30, and then had and easy game with La Preparatoria. The game ended 115-68, and Pablo Cano (178-G-88) was the game MVP at 27 pts. Alejandro Carrillo added 19 points and newly signed Oscar Salguero (196-F-87) 18. In Preparatoria, newly added Ricardo Amaya (191-G-84, agency: Tank Sports) scored 16 points, and Billy Saavedra (187-G/F-90) 12.

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


Matrixx Magixx and ZZ Leiden win pre-season clashes - by Eurobasket News
Matrixx Magixx secured the pre-season victory. They faced German Rhondorf and celebrated a 73:62 victory. The Dutch team enjoyed a 15:13 lead after ten minutes of action. Rhondorf jumped to a 32:26 lead at halftime but could not maintain the advantage. Matrixx Magixx spurred in charge and secured a 52:46 lead at three quarter time. The Dutch team went on an 8:0 run in the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to a 73:62 victory.
Markel Humphrey (198-F-87, college: Marshall) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Michael Flowers (188-G-86, college: Wisconsin) added 21 points, while Elias Bish contributed 8 points in the win.
In the meantime ZZ Leiden narrowly defeated DeFriesland Aris 76:75. Ronny LeMelle (196-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) fired 15 points in the opening frame as ZZ Leiden grabbed a 32:16 lead. ZZ Leiden secured a 51:38 lead at halftime but nearly wasted all of it in the third stanza. DeFriesland Aris narrowed the deficit to just 3 points with ten minutes to go. DeFriesland jumped in front 75:74 late in the encounter before Danny Gibson (180-G-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: S.Indiana) sealed the winning outcome for ZZ Leiden with a buzzer-beater.
Darryl Monroe (201-F-86, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: George Mason) finished with 22 points for DeFriesland Aris. Craig Moore (191-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Northwestern) had 14 points in the loss.


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


Pre-season - by Tamas Deri
The team of Pecs played yesterday its second game in Novi Sad and lost only by one point against the home team. Bojovic had a great game again and also Srdjan Helbich helped the team with 24 points.

Radnicki Novi Sad - PVSK PANNONPOWER 82-81
(21-30, 26-15, 15-21, 20-15)
Radnicki: Ivelja 2, KUZETA 23/6, Stanic 14, Tomasevic , Zdravkovic 13/3, Andonov 6, Avalic 6/6, Bulut 7/3, Jocic , Skoko 11/3
PVSK: Ross 10/3, Hosszu 5/3, Milos Bojovic (198-G-81) 18/9, Perincic 9/3, Czigler 2, Srdjan Helbich (205-F/C-76) 24, Peter Lakatos (194-G-79) 11, Eilingsfeld 2, Kovacs P. , Lepsenyi , Toth P. , Caoch: Kmezic Zoran

The newcomer of our first division, Salgotarjan lost all the three games in Slovakia. American guard, Rickey Huckaby had two good and one bad game during the tournament, Kirkland could not improve the management yet.

Salgotarjani KSE - BK Prostejov 54-104
Salgotarjan: Andras Vavra (202-F-78) 19, Kirkland 12, Huckaby 7, Kiss K. 3/3, Szabo 2, Sebok 5, Hartvich 6, Coach: Walke Karoly

Spisska Nova Ves - Salgotarjani KSE 107-79
(31-15, 28-18, 23-19, 25-27)
Salgotarjan: Andras Vavra 13, Sebok 8, Tamas Hartvich (199-F-74) 16, Kirkland 6, Rickey Huckaby (183-G-83, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) 21, Kiss K. - , Szabo - ,Baliko 6, Kiss K. 4, Gal K. 3. Szabo Z. 2, Coach: Walke Karoly

Zalaegerszeg played also its first pre-season game last night against Sopron in their own arena and won easily by 30 points even without injured american power forward, Kyle Wilson.

Zalakeramia ZTE KK - Soproni KC 106-76
(1815, 2514, 2519, 2017, 1811)
ZTE: Adam Toth (208-F/C-89) 19, Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 16, Louis Hinnant (193-G-84, college: Boston Coll.) 16/3, Watson 8, Simon 8/3 Kaman 11, Gaspar 10, Baki 5, Delity 7/3, Bodor 3/3, Horvath B. 2, Coach: Volgyi Peter
Sopron: Halasz 2, Donta Richardson (188-G-81, college: Wyoming) 14/6, Pojbics 2, Horanyi 3/3, Keresztes 4, Molnar 4, Matthew Knight (204-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount) 15, Halmai 4, Brooks 9, Gombas 10/6, Szabo Zs. 9/3, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert

The three american players arrived some days ago in Dombovar and played their first game last night against slovakian team Levice. Tory Walker and Jerome Lagrange had a great game and helped the team with 41 points together.

Planet Leasing Dombovar KC - BK Levice 79-71
(18-25, 20-18, 16-14, 23-14)
Dombovar: Jerome LaGrange (192-G-78, college: Livingstone) 16/3, Vida 3, Tory Walker (203-F-79, college: New Orleans) 25/12, Panta 12/3, Shenai 9, Spencer 2, Szoke 8/6, Gubi , Balogh , Csirke 4, Klir 2, Coach: Balind Jozsef

The team of Kormend played its first practice game tonight against austrian top team, Frstenfeld Panthers in Austria and lost by 18 points. Jermaine Thomas could not play in the second half because of a back injury, but Mike Scott (203-F-86, college: Kent St.) and Nashid Beard could help the team with 37 points and 17 rebounds. Gergely Fodor shined on the court again, he scored 10 points and collected 4 assists.

Furstenfeld Panthers - Kormend 87-69
(24-16, 27-16, 18-20, 18-17)
Kormend: Thomas , Nashid Beard (208-F-83, college: Lamar) 18, Fodor 10/6, Ferencz 3/3, Mike Scott 19/6, Kocsis 2, Trummer 6/6, Hegedus 7/3, Kutasi 4, Coach: Sabali Balazs
Furstenfeld: Linhart 10/6, Youngblood 9/3, Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.) 19, Burnette 11/9, Chappell 9, Heinle 12/3, Ray 11/3, Nunner 6, Coach: Bob Gonnen


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


Jeppiar Trophy begins on Sept 7 - by Anil Kumar
Even as the countdown has began for the biggest basketball festival in India the FIBA-ASIA womens championship at the JN indoor Stadium here from September 17 to 24, the forerunner for the mega event is the all-India inter-collegiate competition hosted by the Jeppiaar College of Engineering from September 7 to 10.

Harish Sharma, Secretary, Basketball Federation of India, described the event as the launching pad for the Asian championship, and unveiled the trophy at a special function on Thursday, along with Dr. Regeena Wilson, chef-de-mission, and the national womens team, now in the city preparing for the FIBA-ASIA event.

The gangling Geethu Anna Jose, the icon of womens basketball in the country, was the cynosure at the function.

Mr. Sharma asserted that everything connected with the championship was falling in place and the JN Indoor will transform itself into a state-of-the-art facility in a weeks time to conform to the regulations of FIBA.

Marie Wilson, Director, Jeppiaar College of Engineering, outlined the importance of the collegiate championship as the precursor to the Asian.

Twenty men and 12 women colleges are in the fray for a total prize money of Rs. 1,10,000. Apart from this the college will also conduct a separate dunking and three-pointer competition.

The pools: Men: A: Sathyabhama, Angeles Engineering (Mumbai), SSN College, MCC; B: SRM, SKR, Nittee College of Engineering, Panimalar; C: St. Josephs, Jamal Md. Tiruchi, Nagpur University, and PSG Arts and Science (Coimbatore); D: Jeppiaar, Kerala Varma, Sethi Institute and Bishop Appasamy.

Women: Pool A: MOP, Sethu, TG Ruperel (Mumbai), B: SRM, PSGR Krishnammal, SSN; C: St. Josephs, Ethiraj, Nittee; D: Jeppiaar, Nagpur, and VIT (Vellore).
Courtesy - the Hindu


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


Morandais joins Varese - by Gianni Pascucci
Pallacanestro Cimberio Varese officially announced the agreement with French forward Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado). The athletic wing player, who is back in Italy after having played succesfully in Napoli and Cantu some seasons ago, completes the roster of this traditional Italian basketball powerhouse, just returned to Serie A after one season in the Lega 2 'purgatory'.


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


Bill Arre Arrives at Black Star!!! - by Alex Meyers
Black Star is pleased to announce the arrival of wing guard/forward Billy Arre (196-F-86, Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) of Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Arre, a 6'5'' 22 year old Pittsburgh native (Thomas Jefferson High School), recently graduated from the NCAA Division 2 school with a bachelors degree in Business Management. Last season, Arre highlighted the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division's second team, ending his career as a four-time All-PSAC West selection, twice on the second team and twice on the first team. Arre has made a huge impact on the PSAC in his four seasons there, hitting high notes by being named the rookie of the year in 2005-06 and player of the year in 2006-07 Arre's career scoring average is 21.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. He was the team's leading scorer and rebounder all four years at Lock Haven. Arre, who will turn 23 on October 19th, is represented by Scorers 1st Sportmanagement.

''Billy has tremendous work ethic'' says Black Star coach Paul Missavage . ''I have been coaching basketball now for 30 years and I have never seen a player work harder than Bill. His leadership and communication skills are fabulous. His attitude, heart and desire, his personality... ...all awesome. His character is is impeccable. I am going to enjoy coaching this very talented and capable young man this season at Black Star. He ill be a great leader for our squad'' ''Oh, by the way, Bill's last name is pronounced like Mary without the M'' Missavage continued.

Lock Haven University's Head Basketball Coach John Wilson Jr. had this to say about Arre: ''Bill Arre is a great human being. It is rare to see a combination of great character and talent off and on the court. He will be very good for any club he ends up with. He is a scorer with athleticism. He will be able to get to the basket as well as stretch a defense with his shooting. He is definitely a scorer. He is smart, and a dedicated worker. He will blend in well with the local community. He graduated with a degree in Business Management. He actually took 36 credits is senior year.''

Black Star was very happy also with 6'8'' forward Travis Kuhns (203-F, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: W.Oregon) of Western Oregon University, but unfortunately as fate would have it, Kuhns was suffering from a re-occurring achilles tendon problem and could no longer perform to the level of his abliities Mutually, it was agreed that it would be best for his future to go back to Oregon to get some serious rehabilitaion.


*****************************************************
  MOZAMBIQUE   


2009 National Championship - by Carlos Pereira
The new league was started . It comprises 8 teams qualified through regional competitions. Maputo is the city with most teams (4), followed by Beira (2).

The teams are:

Ferrovirio Maputo (current champion)
Maxaquene
Costa do Sol
Desportivo Maputo
Ferrovirio Beira
Desportivo Beira
Politcnica Quelimane
Sport Clube Chimoio

Competition system:

12th Sep - 19th Nov: regular season (best 4 teams go to the playoffs)
Playoff semi-finals (best of 3)
Playoff finals (best of 5)

Day one results

Desportivo Maputo 80 Ferrovirio Maputo 78
Costa do Sol 56 Maxaquene 65
Desportivo Beira 79 Politcnica Quelimane 87
Ferrovirio Beira 103 Sport Clube Chimoio 58


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


Kings' Udrih suffers minor knee injury - by Eurobasket News
With the Kings' voluntary conditioning program set to begin Tuesday and training camp starting Sept. 29, their starting point guard finds himself in a less-than-desirable condition.

Beno Udrih (6'5''-G-82) suffered a left knee injury last Tuesday while playing for the Slovenian national team in Bonn, Germany. According to Eurobasket.com, he limped off the court in his team's Eurobasket win over Germany and is expected to miss up to three weeks.

Yet Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said an MRI on Udrih's knee was negative and the injury is not considered serious.

'I talked to (Udrih's agent) Marc (Cornstein), and he had talked to Beno and said that it was a strain or sprain of some kind and that he was fine,' Petrie said. 'I told Marc, hopefully we'll track Beno down the next day or two, too, (to talk), but he's going to stay with the team. He said (Udrih) wasn't going to play (in the remainder of Eurobasket play).

'Marc's words to me were, 'It's nothing to be concerned about.' We'll learn more here in the next two or three days.'

If the injury proves to be more serious, Petrie said, Udrih will be asked to return to Sacramento to have the team's medical staff assess the knee.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


Francisco Garcia breaks finger - by Eurobasket News
One day after the Kings learned of point guard Beno Udrih's left knee strain that could keep him off the floor for three weeks, they were informed that fifth-year swingman Francisco Garcia (6'7''-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Louisville) has a fractured right ring finger.

Udrih and Garca suffered the injuries playing with their national teams from Slovenia and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

Garca broke the same finger in early March but taped it and played until the season's end.

He had averaged 15.8 points in six games of the FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico but missed Thursday's win over Mexico and Friday's 80-76 loss to Canada that eliminated the Dominicans.

Garca will return to Sacramento late next week to have the finger re-evaluated.

Udrih's agent, Marc Cornstein, informed the Kings that an MRI on Udrih's knee was negative and said, 'He should be ready for (Kings) camp (on Sept. 29) with no issues.'

Courtesy of www.sportsnipe.com


NBA Generations defeat Incheon Etland Elephants at 2009 NBA Asia Challenge - by Eurobasket News
The NBA Generations team, a squad comprised of NBA Legends and top NBA D-League prospects, defeated the Incheon ETLAND Elephants, 94-82 last night on the back of NBA D-Leaguer Billy Thomas' (6'5''-G-75, college: Kansas) 27-point outing. The game was played at the Incheon Samsan Gymnasium in Seoul, Korea, and was the second game for the Generations team as part of the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge.

The Elephants' led for most of the game, but the NBA Generations team pulled away in the fourth quarter, when Thomas netted 11 of his 27 points, outscoring the home team 29-12 to secure the victory.

'Our guys played as a team today and we defended the 3 point line well,' said the Generations team head coach, Rory White of the NBA D-League's Dakota Wizards. 'The NBA D-League players played really well down the stretch.'

Thomas shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from behind the three-point line, during the game and chipped in with four rebounds. Fellow NBA D-Leaguers Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86) and Lanny Smith (6'3''-G-84, college: Houston) contributed with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Smith added a team-high eight assists in the win. NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins finished the contest with 10 points and five boards.

'We played the game how we knew we could play and just had fun,' Thomas said. 'I'm thankful to be in a lineup with my NBA D-League teammates and guys that I watched play.'

The Elephants, who were up by six points at the half and five points going into the fourth quarter, were led by Amal McCaskill's 17 points and Chris Daniels' 16-point outing. Kim Sung Chul chipped in with 15 points in the loss.

The NBA Generations return to action on September 11, when the team travels to the Philippines to take on the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Stars in the 15,000-seat Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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


Tar Heels starts 100th season with alumni pro game - by Eurobasket News
The rosters featured NBA All-Stars and players who helped North Carolina win national championships. Yet the crowd that filled the Smith Center for the charity game featuring Tar Heel alumni playing professionally saved the biggest cheer for two people who weren't even playing.

Yes, Michael Jordan (6'7''-F-63, college: N.Carolina) and Dean Smith still can bring Tar Heel fans to their feet.

North Carolina men's basketball program began its yearlong celebration of its centennial season Friday night, drawing a sellout crowd of 21,750 to watch a game that featured NBA All-Stars such as Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison and Jerry Stackhouse. Along the way, the program honored last season's NCAA title-winning team and Jordan for his forthcoming induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame.

And of course, the crowd roared at the sight of the 78-year-old Smith -- who joined Jordan, current Tar Heels coach Roy Williams and both teams on the court for pregame introductions.

''Let's be honest: I don't think we all would be here if it wasn't for him,'' said Jamison, who helped the Tar Heels reach the 1997 Final Four in Smith's final season. ''You can't put into words how much he has meant to myself, my family and my friends. The guy has done so much. I love Coach Smith dearly. I said it before: he's like a second father to me, man.''

Smith retired a dozen years ago as the winningest coach in Division I men's basketball and has kept a low profile in recent years. Yet one thing had not changed: he still seemed as uncomfortable with the attention as he was during his 36 years coaching here. He acknowledged the crowd, then pointed several times at the players as they applauded him.

''I didn't expect anything less,'' said Carter, also a member of Smith's last team. ''He's touched so many lives for even the people that just are die-hard fans. Just to be a part of it and see it was breathtaking.''

Smith sat at the scorer's table during the game, seated between Jordan and Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown. He left early without speaking to reporters.

The game also included 10 of the Tar Heels' 2005 and 2009 national championship teams. Among the other notable people in attendance: Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, who coached the losing Blue team; new Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester, who coached the victorious White; and Bill Guthridge, Smith's longtime assistant who spent three years as head coach after Smith's retirement.

The White team also included Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Julius Peppers -- a two-sport standout here earlier this decade -- who dressed but didn't play and heard chants of ''We want Peppers!'' late in the game.

With so many prominent people in attendance, the crowd spent much of the night snapping pictures with their cell phones and craning their necks to peer down the tunnel and beg for an autograph before the game. Of course, the fans had some trouble figuring out whom to cheer for at times, eventually opting to applaud every play.

That's not to say they didn't get charged up a few times, most notably on some highlight-reel dunks from Carter. The Orlando Magic star ended the first half by taking an alley-oop pass from former teammate Shammond Williams off the backboard and throwing it down on the break.

There was also the interesting sight of the Blue team once using the clock-draining ''Four Corners'' offense made famous by Phil Ford in the 1970s.

At halftime, the school unveiled the banner for the '09 title, the program's second in five seasons and fifth NCAA championship overall. In addition, the school honored Jordan during the second half and added his name to the banner listing the program's Naismith inductees. Jordan will be enshrined in Springfield, Mass., next week.

''In my opinion, there's no place in the country that could've done what we just did,'' Williams said. ''It was just a wonderful atmosphere to be able to honor Coach Smith like that, Coach Guthridge, Michael. It was a wonderful, wonderful night and I was very fortunate to be a part of it.''

Proceeds from the event went to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the UNC Children's Hospital.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com


University of Memphis files notice of appeal with NCAA - by Eurobasket News
The University of Memphis filed notice Friday of its intent to appeal the NCAA's ruling forcing the school to vacate all 38 wins from the Tigers' historic 2007-08 season that ended in the national championship game.

Memphis officials are upset the NCAA clearing house cleared a player believed to be NBA star Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) to play. The committee on infractions later ruled the player ineligible after a testing service invalidated his SAT score, prompting the penalties.

That is the only finding by the NCAA's committee on infractions that Memphis is appealing. School officials say the punishments of vacating that season from the books along with all the banners and the $615,000 in NCAA tournament revenue is excessive.

University officials declared their intent to appeal Aug. 20 when the NCAA announced the ruling by the committee on infractions. Memphis had 15 days to file notice of the appeal and after Friday's actions now has 30 days to file arguments why the ineligibility ruling and punishment should be reversed.

The university retained the law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King in Overland Park, Kan., as outside counsel, and the notice obtained by The Associated Press states that Mike Glazier will be the university's point person in the appeal. Memphis also wants an in-person hearing with the Infractions Appeals Committee.

In the notice of appeal, Memphis cited an NCAA bylaw that says the committee's finding was wrong for one of three reasons: The committee misconstrued the evidence, that the facts did not show a clear rules violation or that that the only mistake made by the university was a procedural error.

Once Memphis files its appeal, the Infractions Appeals Committee will have 30 days to respond with both the university and then NCAA enforcement staff getting a short period to comment. Memphis will have the last chance to respond before the committee's appeal.

Courtesy of www.fox41.com


*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Navieros win again - by Gianni Pascucci
In the last game of the Circuito de Baloncesto Superior (CBS 2009) 'Copa Mas Movil', Navieros de Colon prevailed over Magnates de Costa del Este, 104-98 after an overtime, in a very tensed and spectacular game. Thanks to this win, Navieros are now at the top of the table, undefeated. Anibal Salazar (178-G-88) was the game MVP, scoring a total of 31 points, and hitting the 3 pointer that tied the score at the end of the regulation. Salazar also dished 11 assists to his teammates. The other best performers were Juan Gondola (183-G-81), with 20 pts and 12 rebs and Jair Melo (F-87) with 12 pts and 5 assists. Among Magnates, Alejandro Cajar (190-G/F-78) scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebs, Daniel Munoz (178-G-84) added 22 pts and 8 assists and Federico Barrera (203-C/F-85) scored 12 pts and grabbed 5 rebs.

Standings - CBS
CBS Standings
 1. Navieros 2-0 
 2. Caimanes 1-0 
 3. Canguros 1-1 
 4. Fieras 1-1 
 5. Magnates 1-2 
 6. Colosos 0-2 


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


Pre-season games of Polish teams - by Eurobasket News
As the new season is getting closer the Polish teams are actively playing pre-seasons encounters. Some of them have been played recently.
Asseco Prokom defeated Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk of Ukraine 74:70. Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) scored 18 points and pulled down 10 boards for Prokom. Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) added 15 points, while Ewing had 12 in the victory. Andrukaitis responded with 12 points for Dnipro.
Turow faced the Hungarian opponents Salgotarjani. Turow cruised to an easy 75:54 victory. Artur Grygiel (187-G-88) scored 19 points for Turow. Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86, agency: Promotex) contributed 12 points in the winning case. Rickey Huckaby (183-G-83, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) answered with 25 points for the Hungarian team.
Big Star overcame Katowice 67:60. Tomasz Deja (200-C/F-83) and Marcin Salamonik (202-F-83) produced 16 points each in the winning effort. Nowak added 14 points for the Tichy outfit. Wojcik answered with 14 points for AZS AWF Katowice.
Rosasport Radom held off Mickiewicz Katowice 79:52. Emil Podkowinski (192-F-88) had 14 points to his tally. Koziel knocked down 11 points in defeat.


Polish teams' rosters for the 2009/2010 season. Part 4 - by Michal Falkowski
ASSECO PROKOM GDYNIA:

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

PGE TUROW ZGORZELEC:

Coaches: Sasa Obradovic (signed BC Kiev), Pawel Turkiewicz (valid contract), Milenko Bogicevic (signed Mega Vizura)
Guards: Justin Gray (signed CEZ BK Nymburk), Kamil Chanas (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych), Jason Richards (signed no team last time)
Forwards: Leonczyk Pawel (signed Energa Czarni Slupsk), Roszyk Krzysztof (valid contract), Witka Robert (valid contract), Adam Wojcik (signed PBG Basket Poznan), Konrad Wysocki (signed Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt)
Centers: --
Juniors: Bartosz Bochno, Mateusz Jarmakowicz, Maciej Strzelecki, Sebastian Szymanski
Departures: Bryan Bailey (?) , Chris Daniels (?), Dragisa Drobnjak (Original Marines Napoli), Tyus Edney (?), Alex Harris (?), Damir Miljkovic (?), Gorjan Radonjic (?), Marcin Stefanski (Trefl Sopot), John Turek (?)

ANWIL WLOCLAWEK: (roster completed)

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

ENERGA CZARNI SLUPSK:

Coaches: Igors Miglinieks (signed BC Donetsk), Dainius Adomaitis (signed, first season in his coach career), Miroslaw Lisztwan (valid contract)
Guards: Mantas Cesnauskis (extended), Ronald Clark (signed SK Valmiera), Dru Joyce III (signed ratiopharm Ulm), Jacek Sulowski (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Forwards: Marcin Sroka (extended), Wojciech Zurawski (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Centers: Jelesijevic Nemanja (signed Hopsi Polzela), Dawid Przybyszewski (signed Kotwica Kolobrzeg)
Juniors: Robert Magnuszewski, Hubert Pabian, Patryk Przyborowski
Departures: Bojan Bakic (?), Omar Barlett (?), Demetric Bennett (Snaidero Udine), Mateusz Bieg (?), Chris Booker (?), Antonio Burks (recently wounded by a shot, may end his career), Marcin Dutkiewicz (back from loan to Polonia 2011 Warsaw), Mateo Kedzo (Aliaga Petkim), Pawel Leonczyk (PGE Turow Zgorzelec), Pawel Malesa (Trefl Sopot)

KOTWICA KOLOBRZEG: (roster completed)

Coaches: Pawel Blechacz (previous assistant coach)
Guards: Harris Danesi (signed NCAA), Omni Smith (signed Upstairs Weert)
Forwards: Bartosz Diduszko (signed Znicz Sokolow Jaroslaw), Piotr Stelmach (extended), Lukasz Wichniarz (signed Sportino Inowroclaw)
Centers: Brian Freeman (signed NCAA), Darrell Harris (signed CB Malvin)
Juniors: Dawid Brek, Piotr Jadczak, Szymon Rduch
Departures: Sefton Barrett (Padeborn Basket), Tomasz Cielebak (New Yorker Phanthoms Braunschweig), Brandon Crone (?), Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phanthoms Braunschweig), Pawel Kikowski (Olimpija Ljubljana), Julien Mills (Cairns Taipans), Drew Naymick (CB Caceres 2016), Dawid Przybyszewski (Energa Czarni Slupsk)

POLPHARMA STAROGARD GDANSKI: (roster completed)

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

AZS KOSZALIN:

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

POLONIA WARSAW:

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

SPORTINO INOWROCLAW: (roster completed)

Coaches: Mariusz Karol (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)
Guards: Anthony Anderson (signed BMC AEK Larnacas), Grzegorz Arabas (signed AZS Koszalin), Robert Jarvis (signed NCAA), Maciej Raczynski (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych), Ted Scott (signed NCAA)
Forwards: Slavisa Bogavac (signed Ergonom Nis), Przemyslaw Luszczewski (signed AZS Koszalin)
Centers: Rafal Bigus (signed PBG Basket Poznan), Sani Ibrahim (signed Spotten Leuven), Artur Robak (extended)
Juniors: Filip Burdacki, Mikolaj Grod, Piotr Pomiecinski, Kamil Stezewski, Hubert Wierzbicki
Departures: Marcus Crenshaw (?), David Gomez (?), Kyle Landry (BK Prostejov), Tony Lee (?), Eddie Miller (?), Lukasz Obrzut (?), Bartosz Pochocki (?), Michal Swiderski (?), Ivars Timmermanis (?), Lukasz Wichniarz (Kotwica Kolobrzeg), Dawid Witos (?), Lukasz Zytko (Polpharma Starogard Gdanski)

PBG BASKET POZNAN: (roster completed)

Coaches: Eugeniusz Kijewski (valid contract), Tomasz Jankowski (valid contract)
Guards: Uros Duvnjak (signed Radnicki 034 Kragujevac), A.J. Graves (signed NCAA), Adam Waczynski (signed Victoria Gornik Walbrzych)
Forwards: Mateusz Bartosz (signed Polonia 2011 Warsaw), Zbigniew Bialek (signed Polaroid Lami Ved Kormend), Andrija Ciric (signed Falco KC Szombathely), Michal Kondraciuk (signed SIDEn MMKS Torun), Tomasz Semmler (signed Tarnovia Tarnowo Podgrne), Wojciech Szawarski (extended)
Centers: Rajko Kljajevic (signed Radnicki 034 Kragujevac), Hubert Radke (signed Polonia Warsaw)
Juniors: Pawel Mowlik, Tomasz Smorawinski
Departures: Rafal Bigus (Sportino Inowroclaw), Robert Brannen (?), Gerald Brown (?), Miah Davis (?), Marcin Flieger (?), Iwo Kitzinger (Trefl Sopot), Alex McLean (?), Stanislaw Prus (?), Albert Skowronski (?), Adam Wojcik (PGE Turow Zgorzelec)

ZNICZ JAROSLAW:

Coaches: --
Guards: --
Forwards: --
Center: --
Juniors: --
Departures: Quinton Day (BC Lugano Tigers), Bartosz Diduszko (Kotwica Kolobrzeg), Vitaliy Kovalenko (Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk), Ross Neltner (?), Grady Reynolds (Faymasa Palencia), Chad Timberlake (?)
Unknown: Tomasz Celej, Mateusz Gazarkiewicz, Artut Mikolajko, Marek Miszczuk, Kamil Nowak, Grzegorz Szczotka, Andrzej Urban, Dariusz Wyka

POLONIA 2011 WARSAW: (roster completed)

Coaches: Mladen Starcevic (valid contract), Krzysztof Sidor (valid contract)
Guards: Dardan Berisha (valid contract), Michal Jankowski (valid contract), Piotr Pamula (valid contract), Marek Popiolek (valid contract), Tomasz Snieg (valid contract)
Forwards: Marcin Dutkiewicz (back from loan Energa Czarni Slupsk), Leszek Karwowski (valid contract), Jaroslaw Mokros (valid contract), Patryk Pelka (valid contract)
Centers: Marcin Kolowca (valid contract), Kamil Pietras (signed Cimberio Varese), Krzysztof Sulima (valid contract)
Juniors: --
Departures: Mateusz Bartosz (PBG Basket Poznan)
Unknown: Michal Kucharski, Przemyslaw Lewandowski, Michal Nowakowski, Roman Szymanski

STAL STALOWA WOLA:

Coaches: Bogdan Pamula (valid contract), Leszek Kaczmarski (valid contract)
Guards: Jarryd Loyd (signed Bank BPS Basket Kwidzyn), Marcin Malczyk (signed MOSiR Krosno), Rafal Partyka (valid contract), Pawel Pydych (valid contract)
Forwards: Michal Gabinski (signed Anwil Wloclawek), David Godbold (signed Bank BPS Basket Kwidzyn), Artur Mielczarek (signed BK Nova Hut Ostrava), Michal Woloszyn (extender)
Centers: Tomasz Andrzejewski (valid contract), Maciej Klima (valid contract)
Juniors: Szymon Juniak
Departures: Adam Lisewski (MKS Dabrowa Gornicza), Karol Szpyrka (Siarka Tarnobrzeg)
Unknown: Kamil Drelich, Jakub Gabinski, Adam Jurga, Rafal Sobilo, Dawid Szewczyk, Piotr Ucinek

TREFL SOPOT:

Coaches: Karlis Muiznieks (signed LMT Barons Riga), Adam Prabucki (no team last season)
Guards: Iwo Kitzinger (signed PBG Basket Poznan), Pawel Malesa (signed Energa Czarni Slupsk)
Forwards: Lawrence Kinnard (signed NCAA), Pawel Kowalczuk (signed Polpharma Starogard Gdanski), Marcin Stefanski (signed PGE Turow Zgorzelec)
Centers: --
Juniors: Jakub Kietlinski (signed BPS Bank Basket Kwidzyn), Jakub Zaluski (signed Asseco Prokom Sopot)
Departures: Glen Elliott (?)


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


Argentina wins Bronze at 2009 FIBA Championship - by Luis Ramirez
Argentina who did not have the best start in this tournament did manage to straighten their offense midway thru the tournament and found themselves fighting for a shot at the gold the night before against host Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico got in the way of Argentina as they beat Argentina 85-80, thus paving the way for Argentina to go up against Canada who has also lost their bid when they went against Brazil.
Argentina opened up aggressive in the 1st quarter and with 7:32 to go in the quarter was up by 8 points 10-2. Argentina continued dominating this quarter and with 2:52 left was up big, 22-6. The quarter ended 31-8 with Argentina leading by 23 points.

In the 2nd quarter Canada made an offensive run of their own but Argentina was still leading by 25 points with 5:38 to go in the half, 38-13. Argentina kept pouring in the points and the half ended 49-18.

The 3rd quarter opened much the same as the first half, with Pablo Prigioni getting hot from the 3 points line. With 5:29 to go in the quarter Argentina was leading by 30 points 61-31. The quarter ended 68-44 with Argentina comfortably in the lead.

In the 4th quarter Argentina did not expect much opposition but Canada would not relent and they played aggressive basketball down to the wire. A lead which at one point had been 35 was reduced to 15 points at the end of the game. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) was sent to the bench midway thru this quarter and Argentina coasted to the Bronze.

For Argentina, Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 27 points followed by Pablo Prigioni with 17 points. For Canada, Jermaine Anderson scored 19 points while Levon Kendall scored 12 points.

Brazil Earns the Gold at 2009 FIBA Championship - by Luis Ramirez
Brazil survived a late surge by Team Puerto Rico to earn the gold as they beat Puerto Rico 61-60.
With a packed Coliseum the Puerto Rico squad met the Brazilian team for the Gold. The home crowd arrived early at the venue and got into the bronze game between Argentina and Canada. The crowd was partial to Canada from the moment they hit the court for warm-ups. They booed the Argentina squad when it took the court.

With a thunderous ovation the crowd received the home team as they made their way to the court. In the background Eye of the Tiger came to life as the team made their warm-ups, a song that is associated with the movie Rocky as Sylvester Stallone would go up against a greater opponent. Brazil considered by many as the team to beat had been unbeaten thru out the tournament until Puerto Rico met up against them the other night and beat the Brazilian team and thus equal the win and loss column for both teams with just one lost a piece.
The starting five for Puerto Rico were Ricky Sanchez, Carmelo Lee, Carlos Arroyo, Larry Ayuso and Peter John Ramos.

Brazil opened with an easy layup to start the game, Puerto Rico missed on several attempts but Brazil was not able to capitalize on the home teams cold shooting. The first 3 minutes saw the score 2-0 in favor of Brazil. A 3 pointer from Brazil put the score 5-0 with 6 minutes to go, it was Peter John to score first for Puerto Rico with a short jumper, then with a 3 pointer from Carmelo Lee the score was tied at 5 points. Brazil would make another 3 pointer to go up 8-5, but Carlos Arroyo then scored for Puerto Rico to close the lead to just 1 point 8-7 with 4:45 to go in the quarter. Brazil was leading by 4 points 11-7 with 3:43 left in the quarter. Puerto Rico started to look for its big men down in the paint and cut the lead to 2 points 13-11 with 2:00 minutes to go. Brazil extended the lead to 6 points 19-13 as the quarter came to an end.

In the 2nd quarter, Puerto Rico brought in Filiberto Rivera, Christian Dalmau, and Angel Vasallo trying to get better offense. With 8:50 left in the half, Puerto Rico was losing by 6 points 22-16. Brazil was using their fast break to run their offense and with 8:08 left in the quarter were leading by 9 points 25-16. Puerto Rico asked for an emergency time out as the Brazilian team took a 12 point lead, 28-16 with 7:09 to go in the half. Brazil was up by 14 points 34-20 with 3:03 to go. Puerto Rico got a last second basket to cut the Brazil lead to just 8 points as the half came to an end 36-28.

In the 3rd quarter, Brazil opened with Tiago Splitter scoring close to the basket on 2 consecutive tries to put Brazil up by 12 once again, 40-28. With 7 minutes to go in the quarter. Puerto Rico requested a time out as Brazil went up by 14 points once again 42-28 with 6:31 left in the quarter. Carlos Arroyo for Puerto Rico brought them within 10 points 44-34, with 4:00 to go in the quarter. Puerto Rico could not find an answer for Leandro Barbosa who at this point in the game has already scored 21 points. With a last second 3 pointer from Filiberto Rivera Puerto Rico was able to cut the lead to 13 points to end the quarter trailing 50-37.

In the 4th quarter, Puerto Rico started pressing full court, but Brazil responded with good ball movements to counter the defense. With 7:16 left in the game Brazil was leading 52-39. Guillermo Diaz sank a dunk that brought the crowd alive and put some life into the Puerto Rico offense, with 5:30 left in the game the score was 55-46. It was Angel Vasallo with a 3 pointer that really put the crowd on its feet, as the score was 59-55, with 2:58 to go in the game. With 2:29 to go Danny Santiago made a short jumper to cut score to 2 points 59-57. With 1:25 in the game Brazil went to the foul line leading by 2 points. Tiago Splitter made both shots to put Brazil ahead by 4 again. Danny Santiago failed both attempts at the foul line and Brazil used the clock on their next possession. Carlos Arroyo made a lay up to put Puerto Rico down by 2, 61-59 and on the next possession Brazil committed a foul to send Angel Vasallo to the foul line, he made one of two giving Brazil a minimal lead of 1 point 61-60. With 11 seconds to go in the game Brazil requested a time out. With the clock running out Carlos Arroyo drove to the basket but failed to convert as Brazil celebrated the gold at half court.

For Brazil, Leandro Barbosa scored 24 points followed by Tiago Splitter with 13 points. For Puerto Rico, Carlos Arroyo scored 14 points followed by Angel Vasallo with 9 points.


Argentina takes bronce in 2009 FIBA Americas - by Raul Colon
Argentina wins take third place in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship defeating an undermanned Canadian team 88-73.

The Gauchos built up a commanding 31 point first half lead and never looked back. Argentina finished its play in the regional tournament with an 8-2 mark. For its part, Canada goes home with a 3-6 record. Both teams stamped their tickets to Turkey for the 2010 World Basketball Tournament last Friday.

As it has done the whole fortnight, Luis Scola led all scorers with 27 points.
Pablo Prignioni who's three point shoot is still remember in the Dominican Republic, added 17. Paolo Gutierrez chipped in with 13.

Its a great feeling. To go away winning, its awesome. Sure, we expected to be playing in nine o'clock (title game) but this is good also, said Scola who plays for the Houston Rockets on the NBA.

Argentina open the game up early with a 19-6 run in the early minutes of the first quarter. Spearheaded by Gutierrez's two three pointers, the Gaucho extended that led to 23, 31-8, by period's end.

Argentina kept pounding Canada with a barrage of mid range jumpers, adding six points to the led, 49-18, as the first twenty minutes ended.

Jermine Anderson led the Canadian attack with 19. Levon Kendall netted 12. Once again Canada was without the service of shooting guard Carl English who abandoned the Island on Friday to attend a personal issue.

The dug we dug has big, said Canada's head coach Leo Rutins, we mounted our comeback a little too late. Still, I'm proud of the job everyone in this team had done. We came to Puerto Rico with a goal and we achieved, added Rutins.

Left for dead in the opening minutes of the second stanza, Canada close down its defense and slowly but surely began to chip away at Argentina's lead. What was at one point a 33-point led, was reduce to 22, 68-46, when time on the third period expired.

Canada's rally, 16-5 by the 8:30 mark, continued during the later stages of the final quarter. But time ran out.

What we learned from the 2009 FIBA Americas Championships - by Raul Colon
Brazil and Puerto Rico will face off tonight in the gold medal game of the 2009 FIBA Americas Championships. Both teams, along with Canada and Argentina, have secure berth for next year's world championships to be held in Istanbul, Turkey. The winner of what sure to be an exiting contest, will have bragging rights for two years.

With the tournament competition, all but completed, its time to look back and analyze what the world learned of this, ten-strong, regional championship.

1- We learned that Puerto Rico can play against anyone. Much as the women volleyball team learned last July when they played point-to-point against such powerhouses as Russia, Brazil and the United States, the men basketball team lost its ;respect' for NBA laden teams. The Boricuas overcame the stellar play of Charlie Villanueva (Detroit Pistons), Al Horfird (Atlanta Hawks) and Francisco Garcia (Sacramento Kings) to defeat an inspire Dominican Republic.

Two nights later, the team did the same against heavy favorite Brazil. The Cariocas are lead by two NBA starters (Leandro Barbosa-Phoenix Suns and Andersen Varejao-Cleveland Cavaliers), a center who should be playing in that league-that's further down-Tiago Splitter and a host of top end perimeter players such as Alex Garcia and Marcelo Machado. Puerto Rico, not only shut their attack down, but surged for a 19 point lead before a frenetic Brazilian counter attack scaled the lead back to single digits.

Now the team needs to take the next step. Turkey could be the platform in which Puerto Rico re-emerge as a basketball powerhouse.

2-We learned that Ricardo 'Ricky' Sanchez is ready for prime time. The 6-foot-4 guard/forward showed off his incredible ability playing shutdown defense and constantly hitting game-change three pointers. He still need some refinement on his jump shoot, but he is a slasher who can defense with the best of them. With only 22- years old, the sky is the future.

3-We learned that Carlos Arroyo belongs in the NBA. The Puertorrican point guard will always be somewhat of a defensive liability, but what he brings to the table more than compensate for it. He lead the team in minutes, points and assist. His 17.1 points per game are the best since the 2006 World Championships. Plus, his turnovers-less than 3 a night-are a personal best on the international scene. An NBA team will give this talented, and now savvy, PG a call soon.

4-We learned that 7-foot-3 center Peter John Ramos is the real deal. The 24-year old followed a breakthrough season in Puerto Rico's Superior Basketball League with a huge tournament. Yes, he will never be mistakes for Oscar Robinson or Shaquile O'Neil, but this mountain of man had demonstrated that he too belongs with an NBA franchise. Ten points and eight rebounds a night versus the likes of Horford and Splitter proves that.

5-We learned that Larry Ayuso still have a lot to offer on the international scene. Everybody knows about Ayuso's offense. But it his defense which was a great surprise to many. The sharp shooting guard posted career best in steals with 1.3 pg. He also showcased something many pundits believe he do not have: passion for defense. His defensive pressure against Alex Garcia was one of the key reason the Island beat Brazil last Friday.

6-We learned that Angel Vassallo and Guillermo Diaz are ready for a bigger role. Both guards showed much promises in limited action. Vassallo will never be a fluid inside scorer or a top end defender, but his jump shoot is solid, a coveted trait for many teams. As for Diaz, he is the defender Vassallo isn't. He only needs to develop his offensive skills and then, watch out!

7-We learned that Manolo Cintron is a good coach. Despite criticisms for rotation changes, he has managed to keep a very talented and inexperience group of players on an even keel. No small feat in an era of big egos.

Here is a list of other things we learned about the rest of the ten team field.

1-We learned that no matter who is coaching (legendary Julio Toro) and how many NBA stars (3-Villanueva, Garcia and Horford), a team needs more than consistency out of its point guard in a high level competition. Case in point: the Dominican Republic. No matter how many points Garcia and Villanueva scored or how many boards and blocks Horford had, they could not overcome the lack of a pure PG on the team. Luis Flores, a natural shooting guard, does not posses the skills and mentality to run an offense by himself. Neither does Kelvin Pena. The lack of production-assist-out of the point is one of the reason the Dominicans will stay home in 2010.

2- We learned that Brazil has the best overall talent. No question about it. Barbosa (20.7ppg) Varejao (14.2-8.2 rpg) and Splitter (9.2-7) are stars. Machado (9.2 ppg) and Garcia are better-than-average play makers The rest of the squad is deep with a host of players (Guilherme Giovanoni, Joao Batista and Marcelo Huertas for example) that start for much of the teams in the region. With high energy head coach Jose Monsalve running s tight ship, this team, if it remains together, is poise for a big role in Turkey nest summer.

3-We learned that one talented man can lift an good, but inconsistent team. Luis Scola not only led the Championships in scoring (22.9-53.8%) he was a demon on the boards (7.1 rpg) and a good distributer of the ball (2.4 apg). He single handily lifted what was an underachieving Argentinian team to the final four. His performance against Puerto Rico (25 points 12 boards) on Thursday was nothing short of spectacular.

4-We learned that sometimes the sum of all pieces is better than the individual parts. Canada, which enter the tournament with a collection of average players and two (Joel Anthony-Miami Heat and Carl English) good ones, is on its way to Istanbul thanks to a the contribution of Andy Rautins, Jessie Young and Levon Kendall. Not the most recognized trio out there.

5-We learned that Panama needs to get young in a hurry if they plan to stay with the big boys.

6-We learned that Mexico without the just retiring Horacio Llamas will be painful to watch unless its young players (Gustavo Ayon and Lorenzo Mata) are more seasoned. Kudos to head coach Arturo Guerrero for placing what was one of the least talented teams in the quarterfinals.

7-We learned that every time Jose 'El Grillo Vargas wear the Venezuelan national uniform his game disappear Vargas, one of the best scores in the Venezuelan league, looked at times lost on the court.

8-We learned that Puerto Rican-born Walter Hodge (US Virgin Island) is the real deal. Sadly, he plays for a team that lacks top tier talent. The 22-year old PG average 12.8 ppg to go along with 3.5 assists a night.

9-We learned that sometimes, even an overachieving team has its limits. Uruguay came into the championships with little chances to made it to Turkey. But after a solid first week that included an upset over Canada (71-69), their shortcomings-lack of a complement for Esteban Batista-were clearly exposed.

This has been a tournament for the ages. A tournament that had left us with much to digest.


Brazil edge Canada 73-65 - by Raul Colon
After sitting out Fridays game against Puerto Rico, Leandro Barbosa exploded for 22 helping Brazil gain a spot in todays FIBA Americas Championship match with a 73-65 win over Canada.
Brazil will face the winner of the Puerto Rico-Argentina match up in the gold medal game today at nine oclock. Canada, which ousted fan favorite Dominican Republic last Friday, will have to settle for a chance at the bronze medal in the early game (6:30pm) today.
Anderson Varejao had another solid game with 16 and 8 rebounds. Alex Garcia added 10. For Canada, Joel Anthony (Miami Heat) had 17 with 8 boards. Andrew Rautins netted 12. Carl English, who had led Canada in scoring for much of the tournament, did not play due to personal reasons.
We had an outstanding performance from all of our starters. Leandro, Andersen, Tiago and Alex; everybody. We did what we couldn't in 37 minutes against Puerto Rico last Friday. Now its just one more game. Then we can go home and celebrate, said after the game Brazilian head coach, Jose 'Moncho' Monsalve.
The Cariocas overcame a slow start with a huge third quarter in which they double (26-13) Canadas point output to take control of the game.
Both teams started the game out exchanging baskets with neither of them gaining any lead bigger than two. Brazil was poised to make a run after Garcias three pointer at the 4:36 mark, but the momentum was stopped by a couple of miss layups. The first period ended tied at 17.
In the early part of the second period, Marcelo Huertas found a cutting Varejao for a one hand dunk that appeared to have sparked a Carioca run, but once again the pesky Canadians held their ground with two quick baskets. Canada withstood five consecutive points by Marcelo Machado with 2:22 remaing to go into the halftime break down only by one point, 28-27.
The lost of Carl (English) was a huge factor for us. He is a solid player who bring it every night. Nevertheless, we were in the game. A couple of minutes more and is everybody's guess what may had happen, stated Canadian coach Leo Rutings.
Barbosa started his night leading all scorers in the first stanza with a quiet 8 points. Varejao added 7 with 6 rebounds. Three Canadian players scored four points. Both teams combined for only 21 points in the second quarter.
The third quarter was Barbosas. The Phoenix Sun star began the action early with back-to-back three pointer just one minute into the period that broke what was a close affair wide open. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard had fourteen points in the quarter.
With a comfortable cussing Monsalve, rested his big guns in the final ten minutes. Going mostly against subs, Canada mounted a 13-0 rally to close within six with: 22 remaing. But the rally came too late as Brazil were able to fend it up thanks to two Marchado free throws.


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


2009 SEBL Metro A-League All-League Awards... - by David Archer
#s#
Andrew Jones
Jones
Jeff Croft
Croft
Markel Humphrey
Humphrey
B.J. Puckett
Puckett
Larry Cox
Cox
#e#6
2009 SEBL Metro Conference A-League Awards:

Metro A-League Overall Champions: Marietta Outlaw
Metro A-League Runner-Ups: ServPro-1
Metro A-League North Division Champs: ServPro-1
Metro A-League South Division Champs: Black Monopoly
Metro A-League Overall LEAGUE MVP: Courtney George

Metro A-League North Division MVP: Larry Cox, ServPro-1
Metro A-League South Division MVP: Markel Humphrey, DOTS
Metro A-League Defensive Player of the Year: Courtney George, Marietta Outlaw


SEBL Metro A-League First Team All-Tournament:
G - Courtney George, (6'0''-G-86, college: Atlanta Metro JC), Marietta Outlaw
G - Jeff Croft (6'3''-G-86, college: Kennesaw St.) of BC Skyline
F - Markel Humphrey (6'6''-F-87, college: Marshall) of Matrixx Magix Nijmegen Holland, DOTS
F - B.J. Puckett (6'9''-F-83) of Fuerza Regia Monterrey Mexico, Young Gunz
C - Larry Cox (6'11''-C-85, college: Miss.Valley St.), ServPro-1

SEBL Metro A-League Second Team All-League:
G - Tay Barber (6'0''-G-86, college: Life), BC Knicks
G - Andrew Jones (6'3''-F/G-83) of Aschersleben Tigers BC Germany (college: Miles), BC Skyline
G - Jamalcom Griffin (6'2''-G-90), ServPro-1
F - Jamal Johnson (6'7''-F-81, college: Clayton St.), DOTS
C - Miguel Morton (6'10''-F-83, college: Columbus St.), Black Monopoly

SEBL Metro A-League Third Team All-League:
G - Golden Ingle (5'11''-G-81, college: Kennesaw St.), Baseline Warriors
F - Richard Davis (6'2''-G-87), DOTS
F - Willie Francis (6'6''-F-82, college: Reinhardt), BC Supreme
F - Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82, college: Valdosta St.), Black Monopoly
C - Tracy Hector (6'8''-F/C-77, college: Mobile (AL)), BC Skyline

SEBL Metro A-League Fourth Team All-League:
G - Tim Downs (5'8''-G-89, college: Clayton St.), BC Lakers
G - Gene Moss (6'4''-G), Marietta Outlaw
F - Antonio Shaw (6'6''-F-83, college: W.Georgia), Marietta Outlaw
F - De'Andre Cannon (6'6''-F-89, college: Gordon),, Barnesville
C - Mike Jones (6'8''-F/C-83, college: Gardner-Webb), Tri-County

SEBL Metro A-League Fifth Team All-League:
G - Darryl Slack (5'11''-G-86, college: W.Virginia Tech), Black Monopoly
G - Mike Howren (6'5''-G, college: Berry), BC Howren
F - Kenneth Saunders (6'6''-F-82, college: Ft.Valley St.), Baseline Warriors
F - Chris Ellis (6'9''-F-84, college: Wake Forest), Marietta Outlaw
C - Darian Burke (6'9''-C-81, college: Colorado St.), Black Monopoly


2009 SEBL City Conference & WSEBL Season Awards... - by David Archer
2009 SEBL City Conference B-League Awards:

City B-League Overall Champions: Summer Hill Blue Devils
City B-League Runner-Ups: Dalton Wholesale (Calhoun)
City B-League East Division Champs: BC Sixers
City B-League West Division Champs: Chattahoochee-North Metro Tech
City B-League Overall LEAGUE MVP: Marcus Henderson, Summer Hill
City B-League East Division MVP: Michael Reynolds, BC Sixers
City B-League West Division MVP: Casey Baxter, Dalton Wholesale
City B-League Defensive Player of the Year: Stephan Padmore, North Metro Tech


City B-League First Team All-League:
G - Darryl Williams, Chattahoochee-North Metro
G - Casey Baxter, Dalton Wholesale
F - Mike Reynolds, BC Sixers
F - Nagee Smith, Cedartown
C - Marcus Henderson, Summer Hill

City B-League Second Team All-League:
G - Josh Brown, Summer Hill
G - Mike Howren, AWU-Howren
F - Tim Fortenberry, Dalton Wholesale
F - Demetrius Metcalf, Cedartown
C - Rod Ashmore, BC Sixers

City B-League Third Team All-League:
G - Chris Brown, Summer Hill
G - Mark Christmas, Chattahoochee-North Metro
F - Darrell Wilkins, BC Sixers
F - Dee Henderson, Rockmart
C - Stephan Padmore, Chattahoochee-North Metro

City B-League Fourth Team All-League:
G - Deon Smith, Cedartown
G - Mike Linley, Summer Hill
G - Gary Warner, GA Wolverines
F - James Williams, Rockmart
F - Ryan Chattam, Dalton Wholesale
C - Wayne Henderson, Summer Hill

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2009 WSEBL League Awards:

WSEBL League Overall Champions: OBG
WSEBL League Runner-Ups: Reinhardt
WSEBL League Overall LEAGUE MVP: Fabiola Toussaint, Reinhardt

WSEBL First Team All-League:
G - Fabiola Toussaint, Reinhardt
G - Amanda Klontz, OBG
F - Ashley Aker, Reinhardt
F - Mandy Anderson, OBG
F - Melissa Bunce-Winters, Lady Baseline
F - Monesha Wilkins, Dynasty

WSEBL Second Team All-League:
G - Mallory Hetzel, OBG
G - Tamara Watkins, Lady Baseline
F - Kayla Knowles, Prime Time
F - Natasha Morris, Blazing Ballers
C - Jasmine Wilson, Prime Time
C - Jordan Marsh, Reinhardt


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


NBA Generations Bounce Back With Win @ ETland - by Rick Ross
NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2009 The NBA Generations team,
a squad comprised of NBA Legends and top NBA D-League prospects,
defeated the Incheon ETLAND Elephants, 94-82 last night on the back of
NBA D-Leaguer Billy Thomas 27-point outing. The game was
played at the Incheon Samsan Gymnasium in Seoul, Korea,
and was the second game for the Generations team as part of the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge.

The Elephants led for most of the game, but the
NBA Generations team pulled away in the fourth quarter,
when Thomas netted 11 of his 27 points,
outscoring the home team 29-12 to secure the victory.

Our guys played as a team today and we defended the 3 point line well,
said the Generations team head coach, Rory White of the
NBA D-Leagues Dakota Wizards.
The NBA D-League players played really well down the stretch.

Thomas shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the floor,
including 3-of-3 from behind the three-point line,
during the game and chipped in with four rebounds.

Fellow NBA D-Leaguers Russell Robinson and
Lanny Smith contributed with 17 and 15 points, respectively,
while Smith added a team-high eight assists in the win.
NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins finished the contest
with 10 points and five boards.

We played the game how we knew we could play and just had fun,
Thomas said. Im thankful to be in a lineup with my
NBA D-League teammates and guys that I watched play.

The Elephants, who were up by six points at the half
and five points going into the fourth quarter,
were led by Amal McCaskills 17 points and Chris Daniels
16-point outing. Kim Sung Chul chipped in with 15 points in the loss.

The NBA Generations return to action on September 11,
when the team travels to the Philippines to take on the
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)
All-Stars in the 15,000-seat Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

Billy Thomas (195-G-75, college: Kansas)

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  SPAIN   


Gran Canaria post two straight wins in test games - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria recorded two consecutive victories in the pre-season clashes. They consistently outgunned Socas Canarias and Lagun Aro.
Gran Canaria overcame a sloppy start to hold off Socas Canarias 78:72 in the first exhibition clash. Socas Canarias led by 5 points at halftime but could not keep up the pressure on the ACB team. Gran Canaria jumped in front in the third frame and rolled to the win at the end.
Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) knocked down 22 points to pace Gran Canaria. James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) added 19 points, while Joshua Fisher (189-G-80, agency: SportsTalent, college: St.Louis) produced 15 in the win. Ignacio Yanez (203-F-73) responded with 23 points for La Laguna Canarias. Jakim Donaldson (203-C/F-83, college: Edinboro) had 15 points in defeat.
Next Gran Canaria toppled Lagun Aro 78:65. Jaycee Carroll once again top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Sitapha Savane (202-F-78, college: Navy) notched 11 points for Gran Canarias. Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky) answered with 14 points. Raimundo Lopez (185-G-89) netted 12 points for Lagun Aro. Gran Canaria led at every intermission and ensured a confident win at the end.


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  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS   


Brazil takes the Gold in San Juan! - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Puerto Rico - Brazil 60-61
Brazil is the winner of FIBA Americas Championship 2009! In very exciting Final game Brazilians celebrated 60-61, despite Puerto Rico finished the last quarter with impressive 23-11 and had a chance at the very end. It means that after Gold four years ago in Santo Domingo, Brazil grabbed another one (USA celebrated in 2007). Of course Silver belongs to Puerto Rico and both teams booked a ticket for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) once again was a key player in victory scoring 24 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) nailed 13 pts and grabbed 9 boards, while all other players in Brazil were below 10. The hosts got 14 points from Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.).

Third place
Argentina - Canada 88-73
The Bronze on FIBA Americas Championship 2009 belongs to Argentina. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) and his teammates were too strong for Canada registering comfortable 15-point win. Canada stays without the medal, but it also met the main target in San Juan - ticket for the 2010 World Championship in Turkey. Top scorer of the event, Scola had another great performance netting 27 points. Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) had 17 points and 8 assists, while Paolo Quinteros (186-G-79) added 13 pts. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) delivered 12 points in loss. Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) followed with one point less.


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Aged To Perfection: A San Antonio Spurs Season Preview - by David Edole

2008/2009 Statistics:
Record: 54-28; first in Southwest Division, third in Western Conference

Scored 97 points per game.

Allowed 93 points per game.

Additions:

Richard Jefferson (via trade), Antonio McDyess (via free agency), DeJuan Blair (via draft), Theo Ratliff (via free agency), Jack McClinton (via draft)*, Nando De Colo (via draft)*

*Wont be with the team in 2009/2010.*

Subtractions:

Bruce Bowen (via trade), Kurt Thomas (via trade), Fabricio Oberto (via trade), Drew Gooden (via free agency) Ime Udoka (still a free agent)

Projected Lineup:

PG: Tony Parker/George Hill

SG: Roger Mason Jr/Manu Ginobili/Marcus Williams

SF: Richard Jefferson/Michael Finley/Malik Hairston

PF: Antonio McDyess/DeJuan Blair/Marcus Haislip

C: Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest)/Theo Ratliff/Matt Bonner/Ian Mahinmi

The San Antonio Spurs finished last season with yet another division title, another 50 win season and looked poised to go on another championship run.

However, they hobbled into the playoffs with injuries to franchise power forward Tim Duncan (knee) as well as star sixth man Manu Ginobili (ankle).

As a result of injuries to two of their 'Big Three', the Spurs were upset in five games by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. This loss marked the earliest exit for the Spurs since the 2000 season.

Knowing that their health was of the utmost importance for the success of the Spurs franchise, both Duncan and Ginobili decided to take an extended break from basketball this summer in order to ensure their health heading into the 2009/2010 season.

Duncan has just started to begin his normal pre-season workouts; workouts that he usually begins in early August. Ginobili has limited his summer activities to a treadmill and some walks.

After the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs last season, a series in which they realized that they lacked the necessary secondary scoring and relied too heavily upon their 'Big Three' of Duncan, Ginobili and point guard Tony Parker.

To help shoulder the load offensively, the Spurs went out and completed one of the biggest trades of the offseason when they acquired small forward Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Fabricio Oberto, Kurt Thomas and Bruce Bowen.

Jefferson is a versatile small forward that can fit in a variety of offensive roles. He can be used as a spot up shooter out on the perimeter with his ability to knock down three point jump shots at a consistent rate (39.7 3PT% last season). He is also a very good slashing small forward and is capable of creating his own shot off of the dribble. He isnt great at creating for his teammates but at times he is capable of it.

Jefferson has fallen off defensively since his days with the New Jersey Nets, but with a decreased role offensively we may see Jefferson get back to his excellent two way play that we saw from him during his time with the Nets.

Jefferson is an ideal fourth option for the Spurs. He gives them a viable scoring option and a player that is capable of taking some of the offensive pressure off of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.
Another area of concern for the Spurs was that they didnt have a reliable big man to relieve Tim Duncan. Spurs management addressed this need by signing veteran big man Antonio McDyess with their Mid-Level Exception, drafting All-American power forward DeJuan Blair from Pittsburgh and signing veteran center Theo Ratliff.

McDyess, a 14 year NBA veteran, gives the Spurs another fundamentally sound veteran big man. He is a good mid range shooter that doesnt force anything offensively. He plays within himself and doesnt force the issue. He gets after it on the offensive boards and gives his team plenty of second chances whether it is off of an offensive rebound or just by keeping the ball alive.

McDyess does all of the little things that you ask of a player and he doesnt complain about it one bit. He is the kind of player that all championship calibre teams want on their roster.

Ratliff is another 14 year NBA veteran. He has made his living on the defensive end of the floor by being an intimidator down low. He led the NBA in blocked shots three times during his career. He will give the Spurs a good defensive backup center for 15 minutes a night.

DeJuan Blair is a rebounding machine. He was the best rebounder in all of college basketball last season and he just never gives up on a play. He goes after every loose ball and is a prototypical hustle player.

He isnt the most skilled player on the offensive end of the floor and he doesnt have great size defensively, but he makes up for all of that with his tenacious, never say die style of play.

McDyess, Ratliff and Blair will be able to contribute to the team and in doing so will enable to the Spurs to limit Duncans minutes during the course of the season and keep him fresh for the playoffs.

The new additions to the team are certainly going to be vital pieces to the Spurs puzzle, but how far they go will ultimately fall on their 'Big Three' of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.

Despite getting up there in age, Duncan is still one of the games elite players.

Offensively Duncan is one of the most skilled post players in the entire NBA .He has an extensive arsenal of moves in the post, but he is not just a post player. He is capable of stepping outside and hitting mid range jumpers and makes use of his patented bank shot from the wings. He is one of the best passing big men in the entire NBA and can hurt you without needing to score the basketball.

On the defensive end of the floor Duncan is still elite. He is perhaps the best post defender in the entire NBA. He has excellent rotations and is rarely out of position. He doesnt always make the highlight reel plays but he always makes the smart play defensively.

Duncans game has started to show signs of regression but when healthy he is still one of the best players in the league.

With Duncan and Ginobili battling injuries all season long last season, Parker showed the entire NBA just how good of a player that he is.

Parker is one of the best scoring point guards in the entire NBA. He has improved his jump shot tremendously since he entered the NBA and that opened up his entire game.

Before teams were able to sag off of him and just force him to shoot jumpers but now that he has developed a consistent and reliable jumper from 18-20 feet, Parker is able to make full use of his blazing speed. There is not a point guard in the entire NBA that is better at slicing through defenses and finishing in the paint.

Parker is not your prototypical pass first point guard, but that does not stop him from being one of the top five point guards in the entire NBA.

Ginobili struggled with injuries last season and only played in 44 games but when he is healthy he is perhaps the best sixth man in the league.

When healthy, he gives the Spurs an offensive punch off of the bunch and is capable of taking over games with his scoring. He is a crafty scorer that uses his unorthodox style of play to his complete advantage. He is not the quickest or strongest player on the floor, but he always finds a way to get his shot off and put himself in a position to score.

Last season we saw just how important Ginobili is to the Spurs and a healthy Ginobili could quite possibly be the difference between another Spurs championship or another early playoff exit.

Rounding out the Spurs rotation is veteran shooting guard Michael Finley, sophomore point guard George Hill, sharpshooting Roger Mason Jr and stretch power forward Matt Bonner.

Finley gives the Spurs a good shooter that stretches the floor on offense. He no longer has the athleticism that he had in his younger days and his best days are behind him, but he is still capable of hitting big shots when called upon.

Hill showed that he is a very good prospect last season and looks to take the next step in his NBA career. The Spurs will look to him to give them valuable minutes backing up Parker.

Mason was one of the best three point shooters last season and paired up with the slashing ability of Parker and the post presence of Duncan, he looks to build upon his excellent shooting season.

Bonner gives the Spurs a power forward that is capable of spreading the floor and drawing his man out of the paint. This enables Duncan to get single coverage down low. With the spurs adding big men depth in the offseason Bonner is going to have to fight for every minute that he gets this year.

San Antonio has been the masters at retooling their roster in order to stay among the NBAs elite teams. Whenever you think that father time has finally caught up to the Spurs, they will make a move or two to stay relevant.

This offseason is no different as they brought out the check books and spend a little more money than normal in order to keep up with the rest of the leagues elite.

Will San Antonios moves prove to be enough to get them another championship or has age finally caught up to this team?

Find out on Wednesday October 28th when they open the season against the New Orleans Hornets.
BY Sean Bafaro Contributor


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


Great Britain Make Final Cuts - by George Manousidis
Great Britain coach Chris Finch has included late arrival Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) in his 12-man squad for the EuroBasket.

Mensah-Bonsu only recently signed for the Houston Rockets and British Basketball had to obtain proper insurance for the power forward/center before he could join the squad in training this week.

The big man missed all of Britain's friendlies in the build-up to Poland, where the team will take on Serbia, Slovenia and world champions Spain in Group C.

Finch cut Justin Robinson (188-G-87) and Jermaine Forbes (186-G-80, college: W.Georgia) while Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83, college: Duquesne) and Flinder Boyd (180-G-80, college: Dartmouth) made the squad.

Britain have a solid front court because in addition to Mensah-Bonsu, big men Andrew Betts (216-C-77, college: Long Beach St.), Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois), Joel Freeland (208-F-87) and Daniel Clark (210-C-88) are travelling to Warsaw.

'It's an interesting roster, we have a lot of depth up front in the big guys and that will be the strength we need to play to,' Finch said.

'But I also want to acknowledge the guys who didn't make the roster. Justin did a great job playing at this level and I'm sure he learned a lot.

'This was probably the highest level he has played at in his life. He is definitely one for the future as he gives us some things we just don't have at the moment.

'I'm looking forward him making a big step between now and next summer.'

Finch also had encouraging words for Forbes.

'It was the first chance to see what Jermaine could do,' Finch said.

'He was extremely solid and I will be interested to see what happens with him over the next year. It was a difficult decision to leave him off but we went for youth in there instead, even though it's a little unbalanced.

'For the first time yesterday (Friday), we had a chance to have our full squad train together. Everyone is in the right frame of mind to compete.

'Over the last couple of days there has been a good spirit in the team and I think everyone is looking forward to arriving in Poland.'

It has been a very tough summer for Britain, who do not have their most talented player available with Luol Deng missing the EuroBasket through injury.

The Brits have been able to sample hostile arenas by playing friendly games in Spain and Turkey.

They won just one game this summer, however.

'The key to competing internationally is understanding that you can't control your environment,' Finch said.

'When it comes to the national team you can't control certain aspects so you have to make the best of it and stay flexible.

'This year was a good example of that and we have had to demonstrate how we've had to be creative, but I'm confident we have it right.'

Britain's first EuroBasket clash is on Monday against Slovenia - the team they beat during preparations.

Great Britain squad: Kieron Achara, Robert Jr. Archibald, Andrew Betts, Flinder Boyd, Daniel Clark, Joel Freeland, Nick George (175-F), Jarrett Hart (194-G-80, college: Kansas St.), Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford), Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Nate Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) and Andrew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova).

By http://www.eurobasket2009.org


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


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
East
 1. Tiburones 6-0 
 2. Espartanos 2-2 
 3. Gatos 2-2 
 4. Estudiantes 0-2 
 5. Acereros 0-4 
West
 1. Duros 3-1 
 2. Lanc.Cojedes 3-3 
 3. Graneros 2-0 
 4. Cent.Apure 1-3 
 5. Mantarrayas 1-3 




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Women News

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


Five games scheduled for preseason - by Eurobasket News
Reigning WNBL Champions Canberra will look to take the first step to repeating this image when it hosts Sydney Uni in Goulburn next weekend to begin the preseason proper.

The Caps take on the Sydney Uni Flames on Saturday 12 September in Goulburn before returning to Belconnen to face the AIS three days later.

Townsville will be without reigning MVP Rohanee Cox (knee) when it matches up with the Caps in Belconnen on Friday 19 September as part of a spectacular triple header.

Canberra backs up against Sydney soon after its contest with Townsville, before the AIS and Townsville go at it from 7:00pm in the nightcap.

Canberra finishes its preseason fixture against the AIS at the Training Hall in Bruce at 1:00pm on Saturday September 26.

The WNBL regular season tips off on October 2nd when Dandenong hosts Bendigo in an all-Victorian affair at 7:30pm at Stud Road while Logan welcomes the AIS and Sydney Uni travels to Perth.

At a glance:

Sat Sep 12 Canberra v Sydney Uni 6:00pm Goulburn Basketball Stadium
Tue Sep 15 Canberra v AIS 6:00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Fri Sep 18 Canberra v Townsville 6:00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Fri Sep 18 AIS v Sydney Uni 8:00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Sat Sep 19 Townsville v Sydney Uni 10:00am Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Sat Sep 19 Canberra v Sydney Uni 5:00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Sat Sep 19 AIS v Townsville 7:00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium
Sat Sep 26 AIS v Canberra 1:00pm AIS Training Hall

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


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  GERMANY - Women  


Gorzow defends its title of Halplus Cup in Germany - by Cornelius Damm
September 4th through 6th the third Halplus Cup an international preseason tournament took place in Halle. The hosting SV Halle Lions welcomed Czech first division team BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary, Polish championship runner up KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp. and 1.DBBL German counterpart WWK Donau-Ries.

The tournament was decided in the last game Sunday afternoon, as the two so far undefeated teams Gorzow and the hosting Lions faced off. In a rough defensive battle Gorzow eventually triumphed 61-57 and defended its title from last years tournament.

Here are all results of the weekend:

Friday Sept. 4th
Halle - Kalovy Vary 81-72
Gorzow - Donau-Ries 94-53

Saturday Sept. 5th
Karlovy Vary - Gorzow 59-98
Halle - Donau-Ries 66-52

Sunday Sept. 6th
Donau-Ries - Karlovy Vary 48-77
Halle - Gorzow 57-61


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  POLAND - Women  


News from CCC Polkowice - by Ania Cwikla
Krzysztof Koziorowicz team starts in this season with changed staff.Agata Gajda (174-G-80) represents Energa Torun now,also we wont see Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa) in team from Polkowice.Club activicts found new players very quick.Weronika Bortelova came back to CCC from USK Blex Praga where she also played in Euroleague.Bortelova was representant of Czach Republic national team.Other new player in CCC team is Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79).Bellorussian player has spent last season in Rybnik.Activicts have also get american center - Nadia Parker (191-C-87).Coach Koziorowicz said that his team is gonna get medal in this season.

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Isabela gets pounded, again - by Raul Colon
No end insight for Isabela's misery. The Pollitas were pounded last night by the league leading Montaeras of Morovis, 88-77, for their ten loss, without a win, of the year. For Morovis is was their ninth win in ten outings.

As has been the case for much of the year, highly prized import Amy Denson lead a balance Monteras attack. The 6-foot-1 forward had another double-double scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Newly signed Sheila Lambert added 15 and Nataly Emmanuelli had 14.

Carolina pounds Mayaguez 72-58 - by Raul Colon
With a balance attack, the Gigantes of Carolina pounded away a helpless Mayaguez Indians squad 72-58.

The Indians never led the game as they saw Carolina take a commanding 23-9 lead in the early minuets of the second quarter. The Gigantes suffocating defense forced 19 Indians' turnovers.

Veteran point guard Felicity Willis had 14 points and 6 assist for the winners. Rosand Rodriguez netted 13 and Holly Mohan chipped in with a double-double, 11 points and 15 boards.

Second straight win for the Warriors - by Raul Colon
The San Juan Warriors led from the beginning to the end, in route to past the Valencianas of Juncos 72-48.

The Warriors jumped ahead of the defending champions with a 10-1 rally in the first four minutes of the game and never looked back.

The win is the Warrior's second in a row. While Juncos snaps a two game winning streak.

San Juan's sharp shooter Leslie Vazquez led the attack with 18 points. Recently signed Amanda De Cound and Whitney Cunningham had 10 a piece.
Yahimily Cabrera and Tanaira Tapia chipped 12 a piece for Valencianas.

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  WNBA - Women  


Last games (3) - Phoenix smashes Atlanta 100-82 - by Eurobasket News
L.Angeles S. - S.Antonio SS 72-89
The San Antonio Silver Stars grabbed this one thanks to Vickie Johnson (5'10''-G/F-72, college: Louisiana Tech), who drained 27 points (5 of 6 from behind the arc). Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 17 and Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) helped with 2 points less. Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC) posted 21 pts in loss. Silver Stars 14-17, Sparks 15-16.

Seattle S. - Minnesota L. 68-76
Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, college: Connecticut) was a key player in victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) had 18 and Ronkeeka Hodges added 11 pts and 6 boards. On the other side, Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) and Cash Swin combined 39 points. Lynx 13-18, Storm 19-13.

Atlanta D. - Phoenix M. 82-100
22-10 for Phoenix and 17-15 for Atlanta after this game. DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, college: Auburn) shined in victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Temeka Johnson (5'3''-G-82, agency: Ronsport, college: LSU) was second scorer of the team with 16 pts. The Dream got 23 points and 5 boards from Erika DeSouza (6'6''-C-82).

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 21-9 
 2. Atlanta D. 17-15 
 3. Detroit S. 16-15 
 4. Washingt. M. 15-17 
 5. Connect. S. 15-17 
 6. Chicago S. 15-17 
 7. New York L. 12-19 
Western
 1. Phoenix M. 21-10 
 2. Seattle S. 19-13 
 3. L.Angeles S. 15-16 
 4. S.Antonio SS 14-17 
 5. Minnesota L. 13-18 
 6. Sacram. M. 11-21 


Mercury clinches top seed in Western Conference - by Eurobasket News
The league-leading Phoenix Mercury tonight clinched the top spot in the Western Conference, guaranteeing home-court advantage against conference opponents through the playoffs. The clinching comes via the Mercury's victory over the Atlanta Dream at home paired with the Seattle Storm's loss to the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center.

Phoenix will enter the 2009 WNBA Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the West for the second time in three seasons, and currently owns the best record in the league at 22-10 (.688). With a combination of three Mercury wins or Indiana Fever losses, Phoenix will be guaranteed the best record in the WNBA this season and will earn home-court advantage throughout the postseason.

Tickets can be purchased online at phoenixmercury.com or by calling 602-252-WNBA. Playoff packages for the Mercury's entire playoff run are available now and offer a savings of up to $240. To receive special presale offers throughout the 2009 WNBA Playoffs, sign up for the Downtown Live newsletter free of charge at phoenixmercury.com.

The Mercury travels to Seattle to take on the second-place Storm at Key Arena on Thursday, Sept. 10. The game tips off at 7 p.m. and can be viewed live via Webcast at phoenixmercury.com. Phoenix then returns home for the season finale against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. That contest will be telecast live on ESPN2.

Courtesy of The Phoenix Mercury