Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/9/2010

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Men News

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ABA

Mississippi defeats Columbus (Ga.) - by Gianni Pascucci
On Wednesday night the Mississippi Blues defeated Columbus (Ga.) Life 103-92 in an high energy game at Bert Jenkins Gym in Gulfport, MS. The Mississippi Blues came out firing to take a commanding lead 15-2 in the first two mins of the game lead by the attack of guard Daniel Price (6'3''-G-82, college: Pikeville). From there the Blues turned up the defense on Columbus taking charge after charge. 'Taking a charge is something that doesn't go on the stat sheet, but we have guys that are willing to give up their bodies to get stops', stated Coach Mark Williams. Columbus Life wouldn't go down without a fight as they went on 10-2 run to close the deficit. It was a physical divisional game that had players diving on the floor and out of bounds to recover loose balls. Former Houston Rockets player and Moss Point native Melvin Booker (6'1''-G-72, college: Missouri) was in attendance and after the game he stated, 'I was impressed how the Blues got after Columbus Life defensively. How they were diving on the floor, getting steals, and taking charges. I really enjoyed the high energy fast pace of the game and look forward to seeing another game.' The Blues had two players get double- doubles, guard Daniel Price, who lat all the scorers at 28 pts and 10 rebs and Sandrell Spann (6'7''-F-83, college: Delta St.), 12 pts and 15 rebs. Mississippi Blues had other three players reaching double figures in Bobby Johnson (6'6''-F-84, college: Belhaven) 13, Jemarcus Watson (6'6''-F-75) 11, and Courtnay Brown (6'5''-G/F) 12. The Blues will go on the road tonight, Jan. 8th to face the #1 team in the ABA the Music City Starz in Nashville, TN.

Standings

ABA Standings

Exhibition Team
1. Chico Rage	1-3
2. Crusaders	0-0
3. College Park	0-0
4. Play2Win	0-0
5. Oklahoma	0-2
6. Modesto E.	0-4
NoCal Div.
1. S.Francisco R.	9-2
2. Clayton	7-3
3. Central Valley	5-5
4. Sacramento H.	5-6
5. California SK	3-5
North Central Div.
1. Chicago Steam	6-1
2. Columbus Crush	6-3
3. Kansas City S.	4-0
4. Lake Michigan	3-3
5. Pittsburgh P.	2-0
6. Detroit Hoops	1-2
7. Cleveland R.	0-0
8. G.Rapids F.	0-1
9. Akron Rise	0-2
10. Youngstown S.	0-2
Northeast Div.
1. NY Thunder	6-1
2. Jersey Expr.	5-2
3. NY Red Riders	4-6
4. Maryland M.	2-6
5. Tri-City Suns	1-4
Pacific Northwest Div.
1. Spokane Sunz	2-1
2. Seattle M.	2-4
3. Seattle ZG	1-0
4. Everett	1-1
5. Washington R.	1-2
6. Vancouver E.	0-0
SoCal Div.
1. LA Slam	4-4
2. San Diego S.	3-3
3. Compton C.	2-1
4. Riverside R.	2-3
5. Las Vegas A.	1-0
6. Honolulu	1-1
7. California BB	1-2
South Central Div.
1. Kentucky S.	7-4
2. Kentucky B.	4-5
3. W.Virginia B.	1-4
4. Smoky MJ	0-0
5. St.Louis S.	0-3
Southeast Div.
1. Music City Stars	6-1
2. Mississippi B.	2-1
3. Carolina K.	1-0
4. Charlotte	1-0
5. Florida Th.	1-0
6. Atlanta V.	0-0
7. Bahama PS	0-0
8. Ga PROWL	0-1
9. Columbus Life	0-3
Southwest Div.
1. SE Texas M.	8-1
2. N.Texas F.	5-2
3. Dallas G.	2-0
4. W.Texas W.	2-3
5. Texas Fuel	1-5
6. Texas Ch.	0-1
7. Houston T.	0-3

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game

Derrick MILLER
  Bragado
  (202-C/F-78)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Miller, Bragado	22.2
2. Elsener, El Nacional	20.6
3. Melo, Independ.N.	17.4
4. Ceruti, San M.	17.0
5. Tomatis, Alma Juniors	17.0
6. Wilkerson, Ciclista	16.4
7. Truscott, San M.	16.0
8. Barlasina, San M.	15.5
9. Williams, Independ.T.	15.3
10. Ford, Belgrano	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Louis TRUSCOTT
  San Mart.C.
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Truscott, San M.	10.3
2. Williams, Independ.T.	9.0
3. Ford, Belgrano SN	8.9
4. Hooks, Firmat SF	8.3
5. Wilkerson, Ciclista	7.9
6. Benjamin, San M.	7.8
7. Espinoza, Argentino	7.5
8. Frey, A.Italiana	7.5
9. Fabio, Obera TC	7.2
10. Dentis, El Nacion.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Julian OLMEDO
  Bragado
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Olmedo, Bragado	4.5
2. La Bella, Obera TC	3.0
3. Palacios, Firmat S.	2.8
4. Gandoy, Belgrano SN	2.7
5. Perez, El Nacional	2.6
6. Lauro, Independ.N.	2.6
7. Jaworski, Belgrano.	2.4
8. Safar, Argentino	2.4
9. Luchino, San M.	2.1
10. Eiguren, Firmat	2.1

Steals Per Game

Leonardo LA BELLA
  Obera TC
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. La Bella, Obera TC	2.8
2. Elsener, El Nacional	2.6
3. Fernandez, Alma J.	2.0
4. Castelli, Independ.T.	2.0
5. Schoppler, A.Italiana	1.9
6. Giletta, Alma Juniors	1.8
7. Luchino, San M.	1.7
8. Barlasina, San M.	1.7
9. Forte, Alma J.	1.6
10. Forastieri, Club.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jeremy CLAYTON
  Firmat SF
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Clayton, Firmat SF	1.7
2. Williams, Independ.T.	1.6
3. Williams, Club 9	1.1
4. Espinoza, Argentino	1.1
5. Ford, Belgrano SN	1.0
6. Robinson, Argentino	0.9
7. Giorgi, Obera TC	0.9
8. Nwankwo, El Nacional	0.9
9. Hooks, Firmat SF	0.7
10. Spicer, Obera	0.7

Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda sign Derrick Alston - by Eurobasket
Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda signed 38-year old American power forward Derrick Alston (208-C/F-72, college: Duquesne, agency: Priority Sports). Alston played most recently at Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder (LigaA). While playing Liga Americas for Boca Jrs his stats were: 19 games: 11.6ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3bpg before he left in December 2009
in his first game with Cickista, Alston played 25 minutes and scored 13points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.
By Eurobasket Data Center

Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda sign Carl Thomas - by Eurobasket
Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda added to their roster 34-year old U.S. Virgin Islands forward Carl Thomas (200-F-76, college: Charleston). Thomas played most recently at Enriquillo (Dominican Rep.). 2009: In October signed at Enriquillo (Dominican Rep.-La Vega League, starting five): 18.4ppg, 12.8rpg, 1.5apg and 2.0spg
Thomas spend 2008-09 in Japan palying at Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins, he played 28 games and averaged 8.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.1%, and was part of Japanese JBL All-Star Game -09
By Eurobasket Data Center

TNA: Round 13 review - by Eurobasket News

Group North

Obera TC - Belgrano SN 88-71
In Division North, Obera managed to beat Belgrano 88-71. David Harrison led the way with 22 points while Mariano Castets (188-G-83) had 20. Eduardo Gamboa (190-G-84) also had a good game for hosts adding 19 points. For visitors, Sergio Ravina had 16 while Juan Gandoy added 13 points.

A.Italiana - San Mart.C. 73-85
San Martin was better than Asociacion Italiana, beating them 73-85. Mariano Ceruti (194-F-79) poured in 26 points for visitors, while Louis Truscott

(199-F-78, college: Houston) added 19. For hosts, Juan Pablo Sanchez stood out with 19 points.

Club 9 - Alma Juniors 88-80
Club 9 hosted Alma Juniors and managed to take 88-80 win after a close game. Aaron Williams (203-C/F-83, college: W.Chester) and Adrian Forastieri (185-G-83) were the best for the hosts, scoring 23 and 22 points respectively. For Alma Juniors, Matias Tomatis had 16 points, while Fernanod Cavagna and Sebastian Porta added 15 each.

Group South

Ciclista - Argentino 83-77
Fabian Elias Saad (187-G-83) scored 22 and Howard Wilkerson added 17 and 10 boards, as Ciclista won their match against Argentino 83-77. Federico Arco contributed towards the win with 16 points as well. On the other side, Argentino got 20 points and 11 rebounds effort from Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87), while Selem Safar came off the bench to score 19 points.

Bragado - Firmat SF 98-80
Two games were played in Division South, first one between Bragado and Firmat. It was the host who won the matchup 98-80. Cesar Avalle (190-G-85) scored 22 and Derrick Miller (202-C/F-78, college: Georgetown, KY) added 21 for the winning side. Firmat got 21 point effort from Justin Leith but that was far from enough to win.

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Penarol	23-0
2. Boca Jrs	21-5
3. La Union	21-6
4. Obras	20-0
5. Sionista	20-5
6. Lanus	19-5
7. Atenas	19-5
8. Libertad	19-6
9. Union S.	18-0
10. Quimsa	18-6
11. Gimnasia CR	18-6
12. Regatas C.	17-2
13. Quilmes MP	17-5
14. C.Entrerriano	17-6
15. Cicl.Olimpico	16-0
16. Estudiantes	16-6

Standings - TNA

TNA Standings

1. San Mart.MJ	9-2
2. San Mart.C.	8-3
3. Ciud.Bragado	8-3
4. El Nacional	7-4
5. Ciclista	6-5
6. Club 9	6-5
7. Belgrano SN	6-6
8. Argentino	5-5
9. Independ.N.	4-6
10. Firmat SF	4-7
11. Obera TC	4-7
12. Independ.T.	3-7
13. A.Italiana	3-8
14. Alma Juniors	3-8

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Jackson, La Union	20.8
2. Funes, C.Entrer.	19.5
3. Cequeira, Sionista	17.8
4. Assie, Quilmes MP	17.3
5. Gonzalez, Quimsa	17.2
6. Gutierrez, Penarol	16.8
7. Moodie, Boca Jrs	16.4
8. Robinson, Sionista	15.8
9. Edwards, Quilm.	15.5
10. Cutley, C.Entr.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	13.2
2. Abney, Estudiantes	8.6
3. McFarlan, Union S.	8.3
4. Williams, Union S.	8.3
5. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	8.1
6. Leiva, Penarol	7.9
7. Rollins, Gimnasia.	7.7
8. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.4
9. Assie, Quilmes MP	7.3
10. Pelussi, Libertad.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Luis CEQUEIRA
  Sionista
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Cequeira, Sionista	5.2
2. Victoriano, Lanus	4.3
3. Williams, Olimpico.	3.9
4. Martinez, Sionista	3.9
5. Labaque, Obras	3.8
6. Franco, Estudiantes	3.2
7. Cadillac, C.Entrer.	3.2
8. Figueroa, Atenas	3.1
9. Ginobili, Libertad S.	3.1
10. Salles, La Uni.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Frank WILLIAMS
  Olimpico LB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Williams, Olimpico.	2.8
2. Funes, C.Entrer.	1.9
3. Victoriano, Lanus	1.8
4. Pelussi, Libertad S.	1.7
5. Moldu, Libertad S.	1.7
6. Lane, C.Entrerriano	1.6
7. Lopez, Quilmes MP	1.6
8. Gil, Union S.	1.5
9. Labaque, Obras	1.5
10. Franco, Estudiant.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.7
2. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.3
3. Rollins, Gimnasia.	1.2
4. Johnson, Lanus	1.1
5. Williams, Union S.	1.0
6. Assie, Quilmes MP	1.0
7. Leiva, Penarol	0.9
8. Alloatti, Obras	0.9
9. McFarlan, Union S.	0.9
10. Zanotti, Regatas.	0.9

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Kirk PENNEY
  Breakers
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Penney, Breakers	21.4
2. Williams, Crocodiles	19.1
3. McKee, Hawks	17.9
4. Gilchrist, 36ers	17.9
5. Ballinger, 36ers	17.8
6. Bruton, Breakers	16.9
7. Hodge, Tigers	16.5
8. Redhage, Perth	16.4
9. Ubaka, Blaze	16.1
10. Worthington, T.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Rolan ROBERTS
  Crocodiles
  (201-F/C-78)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Roberts, Crocodiles	7.5
2. Davidson, Hawks	7.2
3. Holmes, 36ers	7.2
4. Rickert, Breakers	7.0
5. Rychart, Taipans	7.0
6. Worthington, Tig.	6.8
7. Maxey, Blaze	6.5
8. Schenscher, Perth	6.4
9. Petrie, Blaze	6.4
10. Redhage, Per.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Julius HODGE
  Tigers
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 6

1. Hodge, Tigers	6.0
2. McKee, Hawks	4.5
3. Gilchrist, 36ers	4.3
4. Ubaka, Blaze	4.2
5. Williams, Crocodiles	3.6
6. Gibson, Blaze	3.6
7. Bruton, Breakers	3.6
8. Crosswell, Tigers	3.4
9. Boucher, Breakers	3.3
10. Penney, Breake.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Glen SAVILLE
  Hawks
  (197-G/F-76)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Saville, Hawks	1.6
2. Martin, Perth	1.5
3. Williams, Crocodiles	1.4
4. Hodge, Tigers	1.3
5. Jones, Taipans	1.3
6. McKee, Hawks	1.2
7. Bruton, Breakers	1.2
8. Robbins, Perth	1.2
9. Lisch, Perth	1.2
10. Boucher, Breake.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Julius HODGE
  Tigers
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Hodge, Tigers	1.3
2. Penney, Breakers	0.9
3. Williams, Crocodiles	0.8
4. Rickert, Breakers	0.7
5. Redhage, Perth	0.7
6. Maxey, Blaze	0.7
7. Melzer, Taipans	0.7
8. Lisch, Perth	0.6
9. Rychart, Taipans	0.6
10. Worthington, T.	0.6

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Perth	12-8
2. Crocodiles	12-8
3. Blaze	11-8
4. Hawks	11-10
5. 36ers	9-10
6. Taipans	9-12
7. Breakers	9-12
8. Tigers	7-12

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BRAZIL

Former NT player and now coach Marcel de Souza is back on the bench - by Paulo Freire
One of the biggest basketball player in Brazil, Marcel de Souza is back on coaching position. Marcel sign a contract to coach the Grmio Recreativo Barueri, from Sao Paulo State.
We are starting a job and hopefully we will get good things on the future. The expectation is to work with athletes who are in transition from under 19 years old teams to professional, we are looking to to train and prepare more talent players to the Brazilian basketball, 'said Marcel de Souza.
In order to dispute the 2010 Novo Mil�nio Tournament, so far, arrived the new players: Jorge Seraphim (196-G/F-80, college: Furman) who was playing the Londrina State Tournament for Campo Mourao Team, Rafael Sabbag (206-C-87) who just won the 2009 second division Paulista State Tournament for Arthur Nogueira Team, Bruno Savignani (187-G-82) who won the 2009 Gaucho State Tournament and Victor Galleti (206-F/C-84) that was playing in Sao Paulo for Prudente Team on the second division.

Sao Jose ties the series against GRSA/Bauru - by Eurobasket News
Sao Jose/Vinac drew things level in the Paulista League semifinal series against GRSA/Bauru. Sao Jose claimed a 79:70 victory in the second game of the best-of-five series. Sao Jose grabbed the lead early in the game. They limited the visitors to 13 points in the first frame and enjoyed a 5-point lead at the first break. GRSA/Bauru responded in the second quarter. Paced by Alex Oliveira (194-F-83) the visitors surged in front for a 37:34 halftime advantage. The third frame brought little change as the sides traded baskets. Sao Jose still trailed by three points with ten minutes to go. But impressive fourth frame rally saw the hosts eking out the victory. Renato Pinto (202-F-78) scored 20 points to lead the home team. Matheus Costa

(179-G-80) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory. Alex Oliveira responded with 21 points for GRSA/Bauru. Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) and Larry Taylor (185-G-80, college: Missouri Western) nailed 15 points apiece in defeat. The third game of the series is scheduled for tonight.
Paulistano/Amil took a 1-0 lead in the series against Vivo/Franca. Paulistano outscored the regular season champions 93:89 in the first game of the series. Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-G/F-88) scored 26 points in the victory. Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) notched 17 points for Paulistano. Helinho Garcia

(186-G-75) responded with 24 points in the loss.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Chino scores 24 - by David Edole
Everton Tigers - Babalola 24, Bethune/Gumbs 20
Essex Pirates - George 24, Toluwase/Adu 15

It was the Pirates who had the advantage early on in this one, as new signing Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.), and Taner Adu, got the first four points of the game between them, only for Flo Larkai to throw it down for Everton inside first two minutes of the game. Although the Pirates crept out to a 9-3 advantage, the Tigers came growling back, as they bought the scores level at 10 points a-piece. A Darrell Bethune three pointer off an Olu Babalola pass then took the Tigers 13-10 ahead, the same point gap as there was at the end of the first quarter, 25-22 being the score after ten minutes of action.

Walid Mumuni drained a trey for the Pirates straight off, to tie the scores again at 25-25, only for Bethune to reply off an Andrew Thomson pass. A long bomb from Olu Babalola for the Tigers, another triple from Bethune, followed by a dunk and a free throw from Larkai, meant the Tigers were now 32-25 ahead, and they really pushed on from here, as the scoreboard read 52-37 at the end of the half, in their favour.

This burst blew the match open, and for the third quarter, the Tigers outscored their opponents 24-17 to reach a 79-54 lead going into the final ten minutes. The last period of the game was more of the same, as Everton walked out winners to the tune of 99-79. They were led by the excellent Olu Babalola, who had 24 points, Darrell Bethune and Jerome Gumbs had 20 points each, whilst the Pirates star man was Randy George (24 points). Tied in second place for the Pirates were Sam Toluwase and Taner Adu, who both had 15 points.

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BULGARIA

Todor Tenev returns to Dunav 2007 - by Eurobasket News
Dunav 2007 has reinforced its roster with a familiar face. Reportedly they have agreed a deal with Todor Tenev (205-C-83, agency: Promotex) who has started the season with Beroe 2007. This will be the 2nd stint with the team for this experienced center, who has already played for the club from 2006 to 2008. Tenev is expected to bring toughness under the basket and to help with scoring and rebounding. So far, he was one of the best centres in the A division, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per contest. Both the team and the player are hoping that this is the right move for everyone involved.
Todor Tenev started his career with Arsenal Kazanlak in 2000. Following season he moved to Slavia Sophia with whom he played for next 3 seasons. During 2003-2004 season, Tenev averaged 12.3 points for Slavia. This has earned him the All-Bulgarian League Young Player of the Year award. In 2004, he made a move to CSKA Sofia where he helped the team win the National Cup in 2005. He has also played for the likes of Spartak Evronis, Dunav 2007 before signing with Sliven last season. There he appeared in 21 league games, posting averages of 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. This season, Tenev signed with Beroe 2007 to start the year.

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

CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Guandong	8-0
2. Xinjiang	7-1
3. Zhejiang G.L.	7-1
4. Shanghai	6-3
5. Bayi	6-3
6. Zhejiang C.	5-4
7. Fujian	5-4
8. Jiangsu	4-4
9. Liaoning	4-4
10. Shandong	4-4
11. Beijing	4-5
12. Shanxi Zh.	3-6
13. Jilin	2-6
14. DongGuan	2-6
15. Qingdao DS	2-6
16. Shaanxi	2-7
17. TianJin R.	1-8

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Shandong
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 37.1

1. Emmett, Shandong	37.1
2. Gaines, Xinjiang	30.1
3. Lamizana, TianJ.	29.3
4. Edwards, Shaanxi	29.2
5. Rodgers, Jilin	28.3
6. White, Zhejiang.	27.6
7. Brown, Zhejiang C.	27.3
8. Pickett, Shaanxi	27.1
9. Wang, Bayi	26.4
10. Williams, Qin.	26.1

Rebounds Per Game

Kai ZHANG
  DongGuan
  (211-C-82)
  Avg: 15.4

1. Zhang, DongGuan	15.4
2. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.5
3. Swift, Shandong	12.4
4. Oyedeji, Liaoning	12.3
5. Mays, Beijing	12.2
6. Williams, Zhejiang C.	11.4
7. Abbaas, Shanghai	11.2
8. Lamizana, TianJ.	10.9
9. Samake, Jilin	10.7
10. Williams, Qin.	10.6

Assists Per Game

XiaoMing LU
  Fujian
  (176-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Lu, Fujian	7.3
2. Sui, Shandong	5.3
3. Parker, Guandong	5.0
4. Williams, Qingd.	5.0
5. Pickett, Shaanxi	5.0
6. Rodgers, Jilin	4.8
7. Liu, Shanghai	4.8
8. Lucas, Shanghai	4.7
9. Mengke, Xinjiang	4.6
10. Allen, Xinjia.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Chris WILLIAMS
  Qingdao DS
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Williams, Qingd.	4.9
2. Parker, Guandong	4.1
3. Mo, Bayi	3.7
4. Hu, Jiangsu	3.1
5. Emmett, Shandong	2.8
6. Wang, Bayi	2.7
7. Pickett, Shaanxi	2.6
8. Bozeman, Beijing	2.6
9. Swift, Shandong	2.5
10. Brown, Zhejiang.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 4

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	4.0
2. Swift, Shandong	2.8
3. Watkins, Jiangsu	2.8
4. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.5
5. McCoy, Fujian	2.4
6. Siler, Shanghai	2.1
7. Wang, Bayi	2.0
8. Smith, Shanxi Zh.	1.6
9. Samake, Jilin	1.5
10. Zhang, DongGu.	1.5

Shanxi Zhongyu eager to bring in Jerry Stackhouse - by Eurobasket News
Shanxi Znongyu is mulling the possibility of signing former NBA star Jerry Stackhouse (198-G-74, college: N.Carolina). The CBA team wants to replace Smith Donta (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) on the roster. Jerry Stackhouse spent the last season with the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran guard played just ten games averaging 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Stackhouse has played for the 76ers, Pistons, Wizards and Mavs in his long NBA career. He was twice voted to take part in the NBA All-Star Game.

CBA Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Guandong - Zhejiang C. 112-97
Guangdong improved to 8-0 on top with a 112:97 win over Zhejiang. Wang ShiPeng (197-F/G-83) exploded with 30 points and 10 rebounds and David Harrison had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Williams and Andre Brown each scored 18 for Zhejiang.

Shandong - TianJin R. 117-81
Swift Stromile (206-F-79, college: LSU) top-scored again with 28 points and 19 rebounds as Shandong outscored Tianjin 117:81. Li Lin and the top-scorer of the League Andre Emmett had 27 points each. Herve Lamizana had 28 points and 13 rebounds for Tianjin.

Shanxi Zh. - Xinjiang 97-103
Myron Allen produced 34 points as Xinjiang defeated Shan Xi 103:97. Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) followed him with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kenny Adeleke, replacing Donta Smith, posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for Shan Xi.

Jiangsu - Shanghai 106-103
Jiangsu beat Shanghai 106:103 at the Regular Season Round 9. Watkins Jameel (211-C/F-77, college: Georgetown) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Tang Zhengdong had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Liu Wei produced 28 points for Shanghai.

Shaanxi - Qingdao DS 115-92
Shaanxi cruised past Qingdao 115:92 as Pickett Tim (193-G/F-81, college: Florida St.) collected 36 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and Corsley Edwards scored 20.Chris Williams responded with 31 points and 9 rebounds.

Bayi - Jilin 86-84
Bayi won again, this time over Jilin 86:84 as Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-79) erupted with 27 points and 11 rebounds and Delehei had 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Zhao Chaolong led Jilin with 26 points.

Fujian - Liaoning 110-101
Fujian cruised past Liaoning 110:101 due to the last period. McCoy Jelani (208-C-77, college: UCLA) paced Fujian with 18 points and 17 rebounds and Gong Songlin scored 16. Brandon Robinson answered with 28 points and 8 rebounds for Liaoning.

Guangdong In First Place in CBA as Zhejiang Lions and Xinjiang Share Second - by Arthur Volbert
After 9 rounds, Guangdong leads the CBA with an 8-0 record and the Zhejiang Lions and Xinjiang share second place at 7-1.

Wang ShiPeng (197-F/G-83) had 30 points and 10 rebounds as Guangdong moved to 8-0 with a 112-97 win over Zhejiang. David Harrison had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Dong Hanlin had 11 points and 6 rebounds. Zhou Peng had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Chen Jianghua had 8 points and 8 assists in 28 minutes. Wang Zheng had 2 points and 6 rebounds backing up Harrison as his fellow young 7-footer, Su Wei, did not play. Young Ren Junfei had 8 points in 15 minutes. Marcus Williams and Andre Brown each scored 18 for Zhejiang. Zhao Yonggang and Cao Fei each scored 13. Luo Zhi scored 10. Young 7-footer Zhang Dayu had his first decent game of this season with 8 points and 9 rebounds in 24 minutes.

Myron Allen had 34 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as Xinjiang defeated Shan Xi 103-97. Charles Gaines had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Xue Yuyang scored 16. Mengke Bateer had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Co Tal (Xirelijiang) had 14 points and 5 rebounds. New import Kenny Adeleke, replacing Donta Smith, had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Shan Xi. Maurice Taylor had 20 points and 7 assists. Young Duan Jiangpeng scored 18. Hou Bing had 14 points and 7 rebounds. Ba Zhichao scored 13.

Wang Zhizhi had 27 points and 11 rebounds as Bayi defeated Jilin 86-84. Delehei had 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Xu Zhonghao had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Chen Ke scored 10. Wang Zhongguang had 2 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. Young guard Zhao Chaolong, in his first outstanding game of the season, led Jilin with 26 points on 10 of 12 shooting. Leon Rogers had 17 points and 11 rebounds. DeAngelo Collins had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Yu Shulong had 10 points and 3 assists. Zhong Cheng had 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. This 6-9 former high school MVP has all the athletic abilities but needs to learn how to shoot.

Stromile Swift had 28 points and 19 rebounds as Shandong defeated Tianjin 117-81. Young 203 forward Li Lin had 27 points and 9 rebounds in his first productive game of the season. Andre Emmett had 27 points and 7 rebounds. Sui Ran had 8 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists before fouling out in 24 minutes. Herve Lamizana had 28 points and 13 rebounds for Tianjin. Brandon Crump had 19 points and 6 rebounds. Young former junior star Zhang Zhihan scored 14. Zhang Nan scored 11.

Fujian had 7 players in double figures as it defeated Liaoning 110-101. Fujian outscored Liaoning 36-21 in the fourth quarter. Jelani McCoy led Fujian with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Gong Songlin scored 16. Lv Xiaoming had 15 points and 5 assists. Yang Chao scored 14. Li Tao and Chris Porter each had 13. Zhao Tailong scored 10. Brandon Robinson had 28 points and 8 rebounds for Liaoning. Olumide Oyedeji had 17 points and 13 rebounds. Li Xiaoxu had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

Beijing defeated Dongguan 104-93. James Mays had 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Chen Lei scored 22. Cedric Bozeman had 21 points and 21 rebounds. Xie Libin had 10 points and 4 rebounds. Ji Zhe had 7 points and 10 rebounds. Qiu Biao had 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Dongguan. Dongguan's new 182 cm import guard had 18 points. Song Kangming had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Zhang Kai had 15 points and 18 rebounds. But DaJuan Tate had only 4 points in 13 minutes and Meng Duo had only 2 points in 15 minutes. The lack of production from former stars Tate and Meng is a reason for Dongguan's 2-6 record.

Tim Pickett had 36 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists as Shaanxi defeated Qingdao 115-92. Corsley Edwards scored 20. He Ben had 18 points and 9 rebounds in 40 minutes. Young 7-footer Zheng Zhun had 11 points and 6 rebounds. Chris Williams had 31 points and 9 rebounds. Frans Steyn had 13 points and 6 rebounds. Chen Kai scored 10.

Jiangsu defeated Shanghai 106-103 as Tang Zhengdong had his first truly productive game this season. Tang had 19 points and 11 rebounds in 32 minutes. Jameel Watkins had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Dermarr Johnson scored 18. Yi Li scored 19. Hu Xuefeng had 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Liu Wei scored 28 points for Shanghai. Wang Yong scored 22. John Lucas had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Zaid Abbas had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Peng Fei had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Li Gen scored 10. Garrett Siler had 7 points and 14 rebounds.

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

CYPRUS

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings

1. APOEL	9-0
2. Keravnos	6-3
3. AEL	6-3
4. Apollon	5-4
5. Etha	5-4
6. Achilleas K.	5-5
7. AEK	3-6
8. Omonia	1-8
9. ENAD	1-8

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Basketligaen Standings

1. Svendborg	16-2
2. Bakken	14-3
3. Horsholm	11-6
4. SISU	11-6
5. Naestved	10-7
6. Aabyhoj	6-10
7. Horsens IC	5-10
8. Aalborg	4-12
9. Amager BK	4-14
10. Randers	3-14

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Torre JOHNSON
  Bakken
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 24.8

1. Johnson, Bakken	24.8
2. Kearse, SISU	23.0
3. Smith, Svendborg	22.6
4. Morris, Aabyhoj	20.7
5. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	20.0
6. Johansen, Naestved	19.7
7. Nielsen, Randers	19.3
8. Dennis, Naestved	18.6
9. Vance, Aalborg	17.9
10. Proctor, Bakk.	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Christoffers., Bak.	11.1
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	10.7
3. Miskovic, Randers	9.3
4. Johansen, Naestved	9.2
5. Iversen, Svendborg	9.2
6. Vance, Aalborg	8.8
7. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	7.7
8. Johnson, Bakken	7.7
9. Kalvelis, SISU	7.5
10. Kearse, SI.	7.1

Assists Per Game

D.J. SMEDLEY
  Randers
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Smedley, Randers	6.6
2. Jakobsen, Bakken	5.1
3. Bradley, Amager BK	4.9
4. Nielsen, Horsholm	4.8
5. Darboe, Horsholm	4.6
6. Rinkevicius, SISU	4.4
7. Dennis, Naestved	4.3
8. Smith, Svendborg	4.2
9. Christensen, Amager B.	3.8
10. Iversen, Svendbo.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Smith, Svendborg	2.9
2. Proctor, Bakken	2.4
3. Kearse, SISU	2.1
4. Fall, Horsens IC	1.8
5. Dennis, Naestved	1.8
6. Morris, Aabyhoj	1.8
7. Iversen, Svendborg	1.7
8. Houguet, Aalborg	1.7
9. Nielsen, Horsholm	1.6
10. Sigurdsson, Aabyh.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Morris, Aabyhoj	2.9
2. Christoffers., Bak.	2.5
3. Johnson, Bakken	1.6
4. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	1.3
5. Miskovic, Randers	1.3
6. Guyton, Aabyhoj	1.3
7. Willis, Randers	1.2
8. Baskauskas, Amager B.	0.9
9. Kalvelis, SISU	0.9
10. Hoger, Svendbo.	0.8

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	15-2
2. Sioux Falls S.	10-7
3. Dakota W.	7-9
4. Erie Bay H.	6-11
5. Ft.Wayne MA	5-10
Southwest Division
1. Maine R.Claws	12-4
2. Rio Grande	11-4
3. Tulsa 66ers	10-7
4. Austin T.	8-8
5. Albuquerque	6-9
West Division
1. Idaho S.	11-5
2. Utah F.	10-7
3. Los Angeles D.	5-7
4. Reno Bighorns	5-10
5. Bakersfield J.	3-13
6. Springfield A.	2-14

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Morris ALMOND
  Springfield A.
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 28.8

1. Almond, Springfi.	28.8
2. Williams, Sioux F.	26.6
3. Harris, Rio Grande	25.3
4. Gaines, Idaho S.	23.9
5. Farmer, Reno B.	23.2
6. Powell, Albuquerque	23.1
7. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	22.6
8. Gee, Austin T.	21.9
9. Tolliver, Idaho S.	21.3
10. Jerrells, Austin.	20.9

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Austin T.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 14.9

1. Jones, Austin T.	14.9
2. Dorsey, Rio Grande	13.7
3. Reiner, Ft.Wayne.	11.7
4. White, Tulsa 66ers	11.2
5. Tolliver, Idaho S.	10.9
6. Bryant, Erie Bay H.	10.9
7. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA	10.3
8. Cummings, Spring.	10.1
9. Simpson, Los A.	10.0
10. Barron, Iowa.	9.9

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	10.1
2. Clinkscales, Erie B.	7.4
3. Jackson, Erie B.	7.3
4. Curry, Springfield A.	7.1
5. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	6.9
6. Gaines, Idaho S.	6.9
7. Anderson, Rio G.	6.6
8. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	6.6
9. McLeod, Albuquer.	6.4
10. Smith, Idaho.	6.1

Steals Per Game

Orien GREENE
  Utah F.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Greene, Utah F.	2.6
2. Charlo, Reno B.	2.5
3. Gaines, Idaho S.	2.3
4. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	2.3
5. Trepagnier, Iowa E.	2.2
6. Stinson, Iowa E.	2.2
7. Baker, Dakota W.	2.1
8. Benson, Reno B.	2.0
9. Powell, Albuquerque	2.0
10. Jackson, Erie.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Sioux Falls S.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	4.5
2. Simmons, Idaho S.	3.1
3. Ajinca, Maine RC	2.9
4. Looby, Rio Grande	2.6
5. Hansen, Albuquerque	2.5
6. Jones, Austin T.	2.4
7. Trybanski, Reno B.	2.1
8. Hardin, Tulsa 66ers	2.0
9. Blair, Bakersfield J.	2.0
10. Simpson, Los.	1.9

Anderson named NBA Development League Player of the Month - by Eurobasket News
The NBA Development League announced Thursday that Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard Antonio Anderson (6'6''-G-85, college: Memphis) is the Player of the Month for games played in December 2009.

While leading the Vipers to an 8-2 record last month, Lynn's Anderson averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 48.9 percent (64-for-131) from the field. Anderson recorded two double-doubles, including a career-high 13 assists in a win over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds on Dec. 12, two nights after dishing out 12 assists against the same team. He matched his career high in points with 28 on Dec. 8 in a win over the Austin Toros and broke the 20-point barrier three times.

Anderson is the fourth Viper to ever earn the honor. Jawad Williams, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earned the honor for March 2009, Desmon Farmer earned the honor for February 2008 and C.J. Watson, now with the Golden State Warriors, earned the honor for December 2007.

Anderson was also named NBA Development League Player of the Week for games played between Dec. 28 and Jan. 3 on Monday. During that span, Anderson averaged 26.5 points, 7.0 assists, 3.0 steals, 2.0 rebounds and one block per game while shooting 62 percent (19-for-31) from the field.

In a 114-112 win over the Austin Toros at Dodge Arena on Dec. 30, Anderson hit the game-winning shot with 1.8 seconds left before successfully defending a last-second three-point attempt by altering the trajectory of Curtis Jerrells' shot to secure the two-point win. Anderson led the team in scoring (27 points) and steals (four) and tied for the team lead in assists (five) in that game.

The Vipers are now 11-4 and in first place in the Western Conference. They play two games against the Iowa Energy (14-2, first place Eastern Conference) on Saturday and Sunday at Iowa.

Courtesy of www.thedailyitemoflynn.com

Red Claws acquire Terrel Harris - by Eurobasket News
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired Terrel Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.), a rookie guard out of Oklahoma State University, from the available player pool. To make room on the roster, the Red Claws waived rookie guard Abdulai 'Dula' Jalloh. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.

Harris, 22, joins the Red Claws from Strasbourg IG (France-ProA) where he appeared in 9 games this season and averaged 8.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.7 apg. He spent four years with the Oklahoma State University Cowboys where he was named to the 2009 Big 12 All-Defensive Team after a stellar senior season (35 games: 13.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg, Steals 1.7spg (4th in conference), FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 78.5%).

'We are happy to be able to acquire a player such as Terrel Harris,' said Jennings. 'He will bring a lot of intensity and a defensive presence to the team.'

The Red Claws will next be in action tomorrow as they host the Springfield Armor on 'Elvis Night.' The game, which will be the first of four back-to-back games with Portland High School this month, will tip off at 8 PM. The halftime entertainment will be provided by renowned Elvis tribute artist Johnny Thompson, considered by many to be one of the top Elvis impersonators in the country, in honor of what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday. The team will then travel to Springfield to complete the home-and-home series on Saturday.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Final day of 2010 NBA D-League Showcase in Boise - by Eurobasket News
Iowa E. - Bakersfield J. 96-91
Energy go into the game on the back of a 96-91 victory against Bakersfield on the final day of the NBA D-League Showcase in Boise. Iowa coasted for much the game, but made enough key plays down the stretch to avoid the upset, settling for the victory. The majority of those plays came courtesy of Curtis Stinson

(6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.), who posted a triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds. Backcourt mate Jeff Trepagnier (6'4''-G-79, college: USC) hit two key three-pointers down the stretch and finished with 20 points for Iowa. Energy also got key contributions from former Miami Heat centre Earl Barron (7'0''-C-81, college: Memphis) (25 points) and former Charlotte Bobcats forward Cartier Martin (17 points). *Courtesy of http://badaball-boards.com

Utah F. - Ft.Wayne MA 131-120
Despite four player scoring over twenty points apiece the Mad Ants fell to the Utah Flash Thursday night, 131-120. Dontell Jefferson

(6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) was a key player in victory with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) netted 28 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists to pace the Ants.

Albuquerque - Tulsa 66ers 101-97
Carlos Powell (6'7''-F-83, college: S.Carolina) scored seven points in the final 1:37 to lead the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to a 101-97 win over the Tulsa 66ers on Thursday afternoon. He led six Thunderbirds players in double figures with 25 points. Chad Toppert added 18 points for Albuquerque. Antoine Agudio

(6'3''-G-85) (16), Kurt Looby (15), Kevin Pittsnogle (12) and Shane Edwards (10) also scored in double figures for the Thunderbirds. D.J. White (6'9''-F-86, college: Indiana) led Tulsa with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Mustafa Shakur added 17 points in the loss. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Erie Bay H. - Los Angeles D. 102-89
The numbers told the story. Nine steals for Erie, one for Los Angeles. Seven blocks for the BayHawks, two for the D-Fenders. Toss in 44 percent shooting for L.A., and the result was a very business-like 102-89 BayHawks victory. The win marked the first time this season the BayHawks notched back to back wins. New BayHawk, Mike Gansey

(6'4''-G-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: W.Virginia) had one of the better all-around games of the Showcase, finishing with 25 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals. *Courtesy of http://jrlsports.com

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

EGYPT

GASCO grabs Brown - by Mohammed Malas
The American forward Raheim Brown (208-F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Atlantic) arrived last wednesday to Cairo to add forces to Gasco's roster for the reminder of the season.

Raheim was the last cut of Miami Heat (NBA) last October in addition of his eperience in playing in Italy, Argentina, China, Portugal and Kazakhstan.

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

ESTONIA

EMKL Round: 23 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
TTU KK - TU/Rock 88-74
Joosep Toome (202-F-85) scored 23 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead TTU KK past TU/Rock. Joosep Pokla netted 21 points and grabbed 11 boards as the winners improved at 11-5 record. Tanel Tein, Janar Talts and Timo Eichfuss nailed 12 points each for TU/Rock.

Rakvere - Kuremaa 119-81
Rakvere recorded the 13th win as they stunned Kuremaa at home court. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) and Raido Villers tossed in 22 points apiece to pace the league leaders. Reinar Hallik (208-C-84) notched 18 points and 8 rebounds for Rakvere. Derek Winston responded with 25 points and 10 boards in the losing effort.

Valga Welg - Rakvere 70-88
Rakvere held off Valga on the road. Reinar Hallik notched 22 points coming off the bench. Valmo Kriisa secured 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Antti Vasar replied with 19 points for Valga.

Tallinna Kalev - Parnu 98-74
Tallinna Kalev recorded the fifth win as they cruised past Parnu. Nicholas Covington (188-G-85, college: Oklahoma City) scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the hosts. Travis Reed had 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Rannar Raap answered with 16 points and 5 steals for Parnu.

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. Rakvere	13-3
2. TTU KK	11-5
3. TU/Rock	10-4
4. Valga Welg	8-5
5. Kalev/Cramo	7-5
6. Tallinna Kalev	5-10
7. Parnu	2-11
8. Kuremaa	1-14

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Charron FISHER
  Kalev/Cramo
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	21.8
2. McGee, Kuremaa	19.9
3. Kurg, Kuremaa	18.4
4. Kriisa, Rakvere	18.4
5. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	18.1
6. Akognon, Kalev/Cr.	17.9
7. Toome, TTU K.	17.8
8. Winston, Kuremaa	15.9
9. Covington, Tallin.	14.5
10. Veideman, Rakve.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Brett MCGEE
  Kuremaa
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 10.6

1. McGee, Kuremaa	10.6
2. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	10.4
3. Toome, TTU K.	9.8
4. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	9.1
5. Tagamets, Valga W.	8.5
6. Kriisa, Rakvere	8.4
7. Winston, Kuremaa	8.2
8. Morrison, TU/Rock	8.1
9. Erm, Parnu	8.0
10. Silinskis, Valga We.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Valmo KRIISA
  Rakvere
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Kriisa, Rakvere	5.1
2. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	5.0
3. Rannula, Valga Welg	4.3
4. Leppik, TU/Rock	3.5
5. Saage, Rakvere	3.3
6. Winston, Kuremaa	3.2
7. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.0
8. Raap, Parnu	2.6
9. Abernethy, TU/Rock	2.6
10. Tein, TU/Ro.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Nicholas COVINGTON
  Tallinna Kalev
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Covington, Tallin.	2.6
2. Raap, Parnu	2.4
3. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.3
4. Veideman, Rakvere	2.2
5. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
6. Kurg, Kuremaa	2.1
7. Rannula, Valga Welg	1.9
8. Pokla, TTU K.	1.9
9. Kriisa, Rakvere	1.9
10. McGee, Kurem.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS
  Valga Welg
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Silinskis, Valga Welg	2.8
2. Johnson, Kalev/Cr.	2.8
3. Toome, TTU K.	1.9
4. Talts, TU/Rock	1.7
5. Hallik, Rakvere	1.1
6. Saks, TTU K.	0.9
7. McGee, Kuremaa	0.9
8. Morrison, TU/Rock	0.9
9. Viiask, TU/Rock	0.8
10. Raadik, Par.	0.7

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

EUROCUP

Turow tab Chris Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Turow reinforced their frontcourt. The Polish vice-champions finalized the deal with Chris Johnson (211-C-85, college: LSU). The 24-year-old centre started the season in Turkey. He averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 boards per two games for Aliaga. Chris Johnson left the team in December and was reported to have talks with PBG Basket in Poland. However the centre appeared in Turow. Chris Johnson graduated from the Louisiana State University last year. He tallied 7.7 points, 7.2 boards and 2.7 blocks per appearance in his senior college year.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Matt WALSH
  U.Olimpija
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Walsh, U.Olimpija	18.7
2. Kleiza, Olympiakos	17.8
3. Woods, Assec.Pr.	17.7
4. Maric, Partizan	16.8
5. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	16.2
6. Childress, Olympiakos	15.9
7. Mickeal, Regal Barca	15.4
8. Winston, Lottomat.	15.1
9. Pekovic, Panathin.	15.0
10. Logan, Assec.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Watson, Zalgiris	10.7
2. Maric, Partizan	9.1
3. Kleiza, Olympiakos	8.1
4. Roberts, Partizan	6.8
5. Woods, Assec.Pr.	6.7
6. Khryapa, CSKA	6.6
7. Splitter, Caja L.	6.1
8. Javtokas, Khimky	6.0
9. Asik, Fener.Ulker	6.0
10. Fotsis, Panathinaik.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	7.6
2. Cook, Unicaja	6.0
3. McIntyre, Montepas.	5.7
4. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.4
5. Rubio, Regal Barca	5.1
6. Khryapa, CSKA	4.3
7. Sciarra, Orleans	4.3
8. Prigioni, MMC R.	4.2
9. McCalebb, Partizan	4.1
10. Spanoulis, Pana.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Mindaugas LUKAUSKIS
  ASVEL
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lukauskis, AS.	2.4
2. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.4
3. Jaaber, Lottomat.	2.1
4. Dobbins, Orleans	2.0
5. Perperoglou, Panath.	1.9
6. Gordon, Cibona	1.9
7. Eidson, Maccabi .	1.8
8. Lukas, Marousi BC	1.8
9. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.8
10. Finley, Armani	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Darjus LAVRINOVIC
  MMC Real M.
  (212-C-79)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Lavrinovic, MMC R.	1.7
2. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.6
3. Morris, Regal B.	1.6
4. Vranes, Partizan	1.6
5. Lasme, Maccabi T-A	1.4
6. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.4
7. Sow, Assec.Prokom	1.4
8. Javtokas, Khimky	1.3
9. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.2
10. Begic, Zalgir.	1.1

Week 9 co-MVPs: Milos Teodosic, Olympiacos, and Chuck Eidson, Maccabi - by Eurobasket News
Two players in big roles this season for historic clubs shared the Week 9 MVP honor while leading their respective teams to important victories for position in the Top 16. Olympiacos rising star Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Chuck Eidson (201-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) of Maccabi Electra, last season's Eurocup MVP, recorded performance index ratings of 34 each to earn the weekly MVP award for the first time in their careers. Teodosic stepped up when the Reds needed him most, in the absence of injured former Euroleague MVP Theo Papaloukas, to lead his team to an 85-93 overtime win at Efes Pilsen that clinched first place in Group B for Olympiacos. In addition to scoring 17 points, Teodosic dished a career-high 12 assists, just 2 fewer than the Euroleague single-game record which Papaloukas tied last month. Teodosic added 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 6 fouls drawn, while committing only 1 turnover in his 41 minutes of action. To get the same 34 index rating as Teodosic, Eidson paced a resounding 79-59 victory over Lottomatica Roma that lets Maccabi keep fighting for second place in Group C. The do-it-all swingman filled the stat sheet with a season-high 23 points while making 5 of 8 two-point shots and 10 of 12 free while also posting 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 9 fouls drawn. Following the co-MVPs, with a 32 index rating, was Ksistof Lavrinovic

(210-C-79) of Montepaschi Siena, who led his team to a massive home win against Fenerbahce Ulker with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, a block and 7 fouls drawn. Three players tied for fourth place with index ratings of 27 each: Slavko Vranes

(229-C-83) and Aleksandar Rasic

(195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) of Partizan Belgrade, who rallied their team into the Top 16 with a 30-point home win against Lietuvos Rytas, and Justin Doellman (206-F-85, college: Xavier) of Entente Orleanaise, who led an upset victory over Unicaja on the road.

Individual highs: Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) of CSKA Moscow, 14 rebounds

Despite leaving his team's game early due to injury, Partizan center Aleks Maric

(211-C-84) remains the overall performance leader in average index rating of 24.6 per game. His teammate Rasic was Week 9's top scorer with a career-high 26 points in the win against Lietuvos Rytas. Matt Walsh of Union Olimpija netted 18 points in a loss to CSKA to remain this season's leading scorer with 18.6 points per game. In the same game, Victor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow led the week's rebounders by pulling down a career-high 14. He climbed to sixth on the rebounding list with 6.6 per game, quite a bit behind league-leader Travis Watson

(203-F/C-81, college: Virginia) of Zalgiris, who boasts 10.7 boards per night. Teodosic's 12 assists against Efes topped the weekly standings and lifted his average to 3.8, which is half of his league-leading teammate, Papaloukas, who dishes 7.6 assists per game. Ibby Jaaber of Lottomatica and Felipe Reyes

(203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid each collected 5 steals in their games, the former climbing to third in the league with 2.1 steals per game. He trails only Bojan Popovic

(191-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) of L. Rytas and Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) of Asvel Basket, who are tied for first place in steals with 2.4 per night. Darjus Lavrinovic of Madrid and Vranes of Partizan each blocked 4 shots in Week 9 to shoot up the standings. Lavrinovic overtook D'or Fischer

(211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) of Maccabi for the best blocks average so far, with 1.7 per game, and Vranes tied Fischer for second at 1.6. Only Teodosic (17 points, 12 assists) and Khryapa (14 points, 14 rebounds) registered double-doubles this week.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Korihait upset in Kotka - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 24: Only one contest tonight. Korihait (Uusikaupunki) visiting in Kotka and upset local KTP Basket by twelve: 86-98 (45-50). Quarters: 22-28, 23-22, 17-19, 24-29. Both teams having now record 12-12 and going to the play-off-games. But it's a bit early to say anything yet, because there are still 20 rounds left out of the regular season. Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) (Korihait) scored game high 29 pts. Arizona Reid (196-F-86, college: High Point) added 23 pts and Darryl Hudson (196-G-85, agency: JEMsports, college: Howard) had a double-double 16 pts/ 13 rbs. Korihait hit 13/13 from the FT line. KTP starters were ok, but bench was scoring tiny five pts. Eric Washington (192-F/G-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) again leading KTP with 23 pts. Ryan McDade (201-F-80, college: N.Arizona) had a double-double 20 pts and 16 rbs (10 offensive rbs).
KTP - Korihait 86-98 (45-50) (Eric Washington 23, Ryan McDade 20/16, Isaac Spencer 17 - Josh Gonner 29, AZ Reid 23, Darryl Hudson 16/13).

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Pyrinto	21-2
2. Kouvot	16-7
3. ToPo	15-8
4. LrNMKY	14-9
5. Honka	13-10
6. KTP	12-11
7. Namika Lahti	11-12
8. Korihait	11-12
9. Kataja	8-16
10. Karhu	6-17
11. FoKoPo	6-17
12. Salon Vilpas	6-18

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Cholet	11-2
2. Le Mans	11-2
3. Gravelines	10-3
4. Roanne	8-5
5. Nancy	8-5
6. Paris-Levall.	7-6
7. Hyeres-Toulon	7-6
8. Orleans	7-6
9. Vichy	6-6
10. ASVEL	6-7
11. Poitiers	6-8
12. Le Havre	5-8
13. Dijon	4-9
14. Strasbourg	4-9
15. Chalon	2-11
16. Rouen	2-11

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Pau-Lacq-Ort.	13-2
2. Limoges	12-2
3. Evreux	10-4
4. Maurienne	9-5
5. Lille	9-5
6. Le Portel	9-6
7. Bourg	8-6
8. Nanterre	7-6
9. St.Vallier	7-7
10. Charleville	6-8
11. Brest	6-8
12. Bordeaux	6-9
13. Clermont	6-9
14. Boulazac	5-9
15. Fos Ouest	5-10
16. Antibes	5-10
17. Nantes	3-10
18. Quimper	2-12

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	21.6
2. Vassallo, Paris-.	19.3
3. Spencer, Le Mans	18.5
4. Banks, Orleans	17.8
5. Greer, Nancy	16.2
6. Woodside, Gravelines	16.2
7. Wright, Poitiers	16.0
8. Tillman, Chalon	15.9
9. Schilb, Chalon	15.8
10. Miller, Le Hav.	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	12.8
2. Falker, Cholet	11.1
3. Issa, Vichy	10.5
4. Greer, Nancy	9.0
5. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.4
6. Fazekas, Dijon	7.8
7. Akpomedah, Grave.	7.7
8. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.4
9. Edwards, Grave.	7.3
10. Akingbala, Nan.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Reid, Vichy	7.7
2. Greer, Nancy	6.3
3. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.8
4. Horton, Hyeres-T.	5.3
5. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
6. Sciarra, Orleans	5.0
7. Heurtel, Strasbourg	4.9
8. Gomez, Poitiers	4.6
9. Poupet, Rouen	4.6
10. Wright, Le Ma.	4.5

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.7
2. Greer, Nancy	2.2
3. Everett, Hyeres-T.	2.2
4. Issa, Vichy	2.0
5. Flowers, Vichy	1.9
6. Miller, Le Havre	1.9
7. Diot, Le Mans	1.8
8. Melody, Vichy	1.8
9. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	1.7
10. Dixon,.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dounia ISSA
  Vichy
  (198-F-81)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Issa, Vichy	2.7
2. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.5
3. Akpomedah, Grave.	2.1
4. Badiane, Poitiers	1.9
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.7
6. Falker, Cholet	1.3
7. Darden, Strasbourg	1.3
8. Slaughter, Nancy	1.3
9. Fazekas, Dijon	1.3
10. Prowell, Pari.	1.2

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Lille
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Siggers, Lille	21.4
2. Davis, Charleville	18.5
3. Mohammed, Limoges	17.3
4. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.7
5. Riley, Nanterre	16.5
6. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.3
7. Gay, Fos Ouest	16.1
8. McKenzie, St Va.	16.1
9. Melicie, Brest	15.9
10. Young, Quimp.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Devonne GILES
  Nantes
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Giles, Nantes	9.4
2. Fahnbulleh, Quimper	9.2
3. McClark, Bourg	8.8
4. Melicie, Brest	8.4
5. McKenzie, St Va.	8.1
6. Bing, Clermont	8.1
7. Badiane, Maurienne	8.1
8. Vebobe, Antibes	8.0
9. Janisius, Charleville	7.5
10. Mathis, Evre.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Da Silva, Evreux	7.6
2. Taylor, Le Portel	7.2
3. Mullins, Bourg	6.4
4. McIntosh, St Va.	6.2
5. Kerckhof, Antibes	6.1
6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.9
7. Ingram, Clermont	5.6
8. Swift, Brest	5.4
9. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.2
10. Dunn, Maurien.	5.2

Steals Per Game

Mykal RILEY
  Nanterre
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Riley, Nanterre	3.2
2. Driss, Bordeaux	2.9
3. Siggers, Lille	2.7
4. Mullins, Bourg	2.7
5. Periac, Bordeaux	2.2
6. Da Silva, Evreux	2.1
7. Ingram, Clermont	2.1
8. Doles, Evreux	1.9
9. Smith, Quimper	1.9
10. Harris, Antib.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

John FORD
  Limoges
  (207-C-78)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Ford, Limoges	2.1
2. Williams, Bordeaux	2.0
3. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.8
4. Owona, Bordeaux	1.6
5. Badiane, Maurienne	1.5
6. Gouez, Lille	1.4
7. Joseph, Pau-Lacq.	1.0
8. Bauer, Pau-Lacq.	1.0
9. N''Diaye, Le Portel	0.9
10. McClark, Bou.	0.9

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

GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. ALBA	13-3
2. Telekom B.	12-6
3. Dt.Bank SKY	12-6
4. EWE Baskets	11-5
5. Goettingen	10-5
6. MBC	10-7
7. Bremerhaven	10-7
8. Brose Baskets	9-8
9. Art.Dragons	9-9
10. NY Phantoms	8-9
11. EnBW L'burg	8-9
12. Walter Tigers	8-10
13. TBB Trier	7-9
14. Phoenix Hagen	6-10
15. Duesseldorf	6-11
16. ratiopharm	6-12
17. LTi 46ers	5-14
18. Pad.Baskets	4-14

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Bayreuth	13-1
2. Cuxhaven	11-3
3. Karlsruhe	10-4
4. Hannover	8-6
5. Chemnitz	8-6
6. Kirchheim	8-6
7. Braves	8-6
8. Crailsheim	7-7
9. Heidelberg	7-7
10. B.Muenchen	7-7
11. Osnabrueck	7-8
12. Jena	5-9
13. ETB Wohnbau	4-10
14. Noerdlingen	4-10
15. Freiburg	4-11
16. Langen	2-12

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

1. SOBA Dragons	14-1
2. Herten	12-3
3. Franken Hexer	10-4
4. Wuerzburg B.	10-4
5. Ehingen	9-5
6. Stahnsdorf	8-6
7. TSV Troester	8-6
8. Weissenhorn	7-7
9. SU Medien	6-7
10. Bayer Giants	6-8
11. Wolfenbuettel	5-9
12. Rist-Wedel	4-9
13. Dt.Bank SKY II	4-9
14. Vechta	4-10
15. Speyer	3-11
16. L.Baeren	1-12

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

David TEAGUE
  LTi 46ers
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Teague, LTi 46ers	20.4
2. Buford, Bremerha.	17.5
3. Oliver, Goettingen	17.1
4. Burns, ratiopharm	15.9
5. Copeland, TBB Trier	15.6
6. Jenkins, Walter T.	15.2
7. Rochestie, Goett.	14.9
8. Kale, Phoenix Hagen	14.9
9. Griffin, Phoenix .	14.8
10. Jeffers, LTi 46e.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Chris ENSMINGER
  Telekom B.
  (209-C-73)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Ensminger, Telek.	8.6
2. Gibbs, Bremerhaven	8.6
3. Johnson, LTi 46ers	8.3
4. Kale, Phoenix Hagen	7.9
5. Doliboa, Dt.	7.1
6. Archibong, Duesseld.	6.9
7. Burns, ratiopharm	6.5
8. Oliver, Goettingen	6.3
9. Travis, Walter Tigers	6.3
10. Turek, Phoeni.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Louis CAMPBELL
  Bremerhaven
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Campbell, Bremerha.	6.6
2. Hamilton, NY Phant.	6.2
3. Jordan, Telekom B.	5.3
4. Reese, Dt.	4.9
5. Ratkovica, Walter T.	4.9
6. Schaffartzik, NY Pha.	4.2
7. Foster, EWE B.	4.0
8. Wright, ALBA	3.9
9. Moore, Pad.Baskets	3.8
10. Gamqrelidze, M.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Roderick TRICE
  ratiopharm
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Trice, ratiopharm	2.2
2. Jenkins, Walter T.	2.0
3. Foster, EWE B.	1.7
4. Bernard, MBC	1.6
5. Ross, Art.Dragons	1.6
6. Hamilton, NY Phant.	1.6
7. Teague, LTi 46ers	1.5
8. Jenkins, ALBA	1.5
9. Martin, Bremerha.	1.4
10. Evans, TBB Tri.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Tibor PLEISS
  Brose Baskets
  (214-F/C-89)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.4
2. Turek, Phoenix .	1.4
3. Boumtje, EWE B.	1.4
4. Ohlbrecht, Telek.	1.4
5. Lyde, Bremerhaven	1.3
6. Bryant, ratiopharm	1.2
7. Flomo, Telekom B.	1.0
8. Visser, EnBW L.	1.0
9. Boone, Goettingen	0.9
10. Barrett, Pad.Ba.	0.9

Vechta: Dora replaces Jackson - by Moritz Korff
As Marlone Jackson (204-F-78, college: Lamar) suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture early in the game against Stahnsdorf on Sunday and already underwent surgery this week, 2. Bundesliga Pro B outfit SC Rasta Vechta was eager to find a player to replace him immediately. Darryl Dora (206-C-85, college: Texas Tech) will take care of that job, Rasta announced. The 24-year-old post player from San Antonio, Texas started this current season with the Salon Vilpas Vikings of Finland. Dora played 23 games for the Vikings - under German head coach Philip Dejworek - and put up solid numbers for the first division-club: 12.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest. The Texas Tech graduate is a strong inside player, but exhibits the ability to step out and knock down the three as well.

Does Cemal Nalga Have A Future With The Deutsche Bank Skyliners? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Even though the Deutsche Bank Skyliners won a nail bitter in the Hessen Derby in Giessen 68-67, and despite the breathtaking atmosphere in the Osthalle, it wasnt difficult not to notice a big 208cm center in street clothes hanging around with Skyliner officials. The big Turk who was sporting a beard is Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) who has been with top team Galatasaray Crown Istanbul since 2006. For basketball insiders, he is not an unknown player especially to Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) who had seen him play in a preseason game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in September 2009. It was a game that he shouldnt have played in, but did, and nobody on the court had noticed that he had played in a wrong jersey despite having had a five game suspension for having been involved in a fight on the court in a friendly game last summer against Cibona Zagreb. During this suspension, it was proved that he had played against EnBW Ludwigsburg and Frankfurt with the jersey of Tufan Ersoz (198-F/G-80, agency: 1x1 Sports). In the stats, Nalga appeared asTufan Ersoz even though Galatasaray had stated that he had not played in those games. 'I usually play with #15, but I played with another jersey #7.I didnt want to play, but I was told to play with #7. I know now that it was a big mistake', expressed Cemal Nalga (208-C-87). This action unleashed a huge scandal in the Turkish basketball federation leading to the dismissal of all members of the technical staff of Galatasaray.

This season, Nalga has played only five games for Galatasaray Crown Istanbul averaing 8,4ppg, 4,8rpg, 2,2apg and 1,0spg. His last game was on November 15th against Ulker Istanbul as he scored 8 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 47 minutes. Recently another problem surfaced which found himself leaving Turkey and going to Germany. If he would have remained in Turkey, then he would have had to serve in the Turkish military for two years. If he were to leave Turkey for three years, then he could return to Turkey and serve only 21 days in the military and not bode a scheduling problem with his basketball career. He can play anywhere else in Europe, but can only play for the Turkish National team. Nalga has been in Frankfurt since January 1st practicing with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. If he has any future with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners is unknown at the moment, but Nalga had a little glow of enthusiasm in his eyes when asked if he could imagine playing in Frankfurt. 'I am practicing with the team and really want to play in Frankfurt. I have to talk with my agent and we will see what happens', commented Cemal Nalga (208-C-87). After only practicing with the team a few days and witnessing a tantalizing win against The Giessen 46ers, he already has a positive impression of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. 'Frankfurt is a very good team and the kind of team that has to play in Europe. All the players are like good friends', stressed Cemal Nalga (208-C-87). Coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) is known for never having had stimulating relationships with his centers in the past, but with the big wide body of Nalga he might just make an exception.

Chris Copeland (TBB Trier) Pregame Thoughts To Alba Berlin game January 9th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Christopher Copeland

(203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) is a 25 year old 203 cm power forward from Orange, New Jersey. He went to the University of Colorado from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 44%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 68.8%. In his first season overseas, he played for Beirasar Rosalia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to C.B. L'Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) playing 4 games averaging 4.0ppg, 8.0rpg and then moved to Matrixx Magix Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) playing 28 games and averaging 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 79.3%. Last season, he moved to Germany to TBB Trier playing 34 games averaging 13.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.8%. Chris Spoke to eurobasket shortly before the game against 8 time BEKO BBL team Alba Berlin.

Happy New Year Chris. What new years resolutions have you made for 2010?

I have a lot of resolutions but two of them are to cut back on profanity and work harder in practice.

TBB Trier will have had a 10 day rest between games when facing Alba Berlin January 9th. How important was this long period of game inactivity for the team?

We will see on game day haha, but our guys have been going through some things as of late,so this break gave us some time to prepare mentally for the tough second half of the season.

TBB Trier is riding a five game losing streak. What are the biggest problems with the team at the moment?

We have just been out of sync as of late.To fix things we will have to get back to the things that got us those wins before the slump. Getting stops on defense and playing together on offense.

Many guys are now together for the second season. Why isnt the chemistry there now almost at the half way point of the 2009-2010 BEKO BBL season?

I wouldn't call it chemistry issues. But why haven't we won the last 5? We haven't put the ball in the basket well enough and we haven't gotten enough stops to win more.

You are in a mini scoring slump having scored only nine points in the last 47 minutes. Do you start to think more on the court what you have to do after two games where your scoring less.

Yes I definitely have been watching a lot of tape on how to improve my performance. But its not the scoring that bothers me. The points will come. Its that I haven't done enough to help my team win as of late. One example, I can do a better job creating for my teammates out of the double team.

The next game is against Alba Berlin. What do you look forward to the most when you play them?

I just look forward to getting back on the court. I love playing the game and it has been a while. I have been itching to get back into real games.

You guys need to win badly at home. Is TBB Trier at a disadvantage simply because there is more pressure to win or could Alba Berlin underestimate you?

Haha I don't know who has more pressure. I think on this level guys recognize you have to come ready to play every game. I don't know whats going on in their locker room but I doubt they will underestimate us.

How tough is it playing against Dragon Dojcin? How do you play successful against him?

He is a talented player but there are a lot of talented guys in our league. I am more focused on their team as a whole.

What will be the key to winning at home against Alba Berlin?

Staying/playing together. We will need to play sharp offensively (limiting turnovers,etc.) and defend aggressively.

Who do you like in the AFC Wildcard games? Jets-Bengals & Patriots-Ravens?

Bengals and the other hmmmm i'll flip a coin.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Snatch. One word - Comedy.

Thanks Chris. Good luck against Alba Berlin.

Thanks.

Michael Jenkins (Walter TIgers Tuebingen) Pregame Thoughts To Brose Baskets Bamberg Game January 9th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop) is a 23 year old 192 cm guard from Kinston, North Carolina. He played at Winthrop (NCAA) from 2004-2008. He didnt play as much his first two seasons, but got increased playing time in his junior and senior years. As a junior, he averaged 14.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PTConf-1 (41.5%), FT: 70.2% in 34 games. In his senior year, he played 34 games and averaged 13.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PTConf-6 (36.8%), FT: 71.3%: and finished his career as the 10th leading scorer in Winthrop history with 1,253 points. With Winthrop, he was the Big South Conf. Regular Season Champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and won the Big South Conf Tournament from 2005-2008. He was named to the Big South Conf. All-Tournament Team in 2007 and 2008. In his first professional season 2008-2009, he was drafted by the Albany Patrons of the CBA and in November 2008 signed with the Albany Patroons playing 3 games and averaging 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 47.4%, but left during the season and moved to BC Buducnost Podgorica (Bosnia-1A) in Feb 2009. This will be his first season in the BBL and he had a short pre season chat with Eurobasket before the game against The Brose Baskets Bamberg.

How did you like spending your first New Year in Germany? Did you make any New Years resolutions for 2010?

It was cool spending New Year's here in Germany. I did not get to go out because we had an early practice and we left to go to MBC on the 1st. I wasn't with my family, but my girlfriend was here to spend it with me. No I didn't really make any New Year's Resolutions. I just want to continue to be healthy, continue to improve and mature everyday as a basketball player, but most importantly as a man.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen won on the road at MBC 87-79. How tough was it pulling this win off on the road?

That road win was very tough. We were down for most of the game, and they play extremely hard so we had to fight even harder to comeback. It was actually kind of reminiscent of our game against them in Tuebingen when we were up the whole game and they came back on us in the 4th and eventually won in overtime.

You scored 45 points in the last two games after only scoring after scoring only 16 points in the three games before that. After being a bit up and down earlier in the season, have you found your rhythm now?

Yea I had hit a rough three game stretch as far scoring and had all around rough games against Oldenburg and Bonn. However, I did not score much against Artland but I really played well defensively and made plays for my team. Everyone knows as a basketball player you will always hit a rough stretch or go in a drought of some kind but it's important to continue to stay mentally tough, confident, and always play hard. Eventually it will pass and you will be out of your slump, but until then you have to find other ways to help your team win. I've felt pretty consistent this season so far but I guess you can say i've found my rhythm now.

The team has won three games in a row. Steve Wright said that one of the main reasons for the strong defense has been because of you. How have you increased your defense in the last three games and helped the team?

I've done nothing special. I've just been more aggressive defensively and defense is a chain reaction. When one guy is playing extremely hard defense on the ball the team follows, because no one wants to be the weak link.

Your not only a natural born scorer, but have all around good stats with 15,2ppg, 3,9rpg, 2,3apg and 2,0spg. You are very underrated in the BEKO BBL. Does it bother you that you are not getting the respect that you should?

Yea I a'm an all around player and I feel that is one of the reasons Coach Igor wanted me as a player. No it doesn't really bother me and I feel teams are aware of my abilities. Throughout my whole basketball life i've been doubted so I always play with a chip on my shoulder. It has gotten me this far and as long as I stay humble and keep playing with something to prove it will get me further. It's my first season in the BEKO-BBL and basically my first full season in Europe so I don't expect anything from anybody. I'm out there trying to earn it!

The next game is against The Brose Baskets Bamberg. What are your memories form the 84-75 loss in Bamberg?

My memories from the first game was how electric their fans were and how they jumped out on us from the tip and went up as much as 30+ points on us. I remember how well they shot the ball in the first half. It was unbelievable. However, I wont forget how we showed our character as a team and fought back to get within 6 points in the 4th quarter. I just couldn't stop thinking about if we had played like the whole game like we did the last 12 min of the game what would or could have happened.

Who is more dangerous on the court Casey Jacobson or Predrag Suput and how do you stop them?

Casey Jacobson is dangerous, but I believe Predrag Suput is more dangerous. Casey demands extreme attention from outside, but Predrag Suput just demands attention inside and out. He can hurt you in so many ways. I believe our first game he was almost perfect from the field. To stop them we just have to really focus on scouting report and follow what Coach Igor wants us to do defensively.

What will be the key to winning the game?

In order to win this game we have to play physical and aggressive defensively, be smart with the ball so they dont capitalize on our mistakes, capitalize when they make mistakes, and of course make plays.

Who do you like in the AFC Wild Card games? Bengals-Jets & Patriots-Ravens?

I think the Bengals will win if Chad Johnson gets healthy enough in time for the game and the Patriots will win, because they find ways to win when it's playoff time.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

'Nothing to Lose' featuring Martin Lawrence

Thanks Michael for the chat! Good luck against Bamberg.

Thanks.

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. GasTerra F.	14-2
2. Giants	14-4
3. Eiff.Towers	12-4
4. ZZ Leiden	12-6
5. M.Magix	9-8
6. DeFriesland	9-9
7. EclipseJet	6-10
8. Upstairs Weert	5-13
9. Landstede	3-14
10. Rotterdam	2-16

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HUNGARY

Hendlein may sign to Italy - by Balazs Radics
Hungarian National Team member Roland Hendlein (205-F-86) spent a week in Italy, and was tested on a tryout at SarieA side Vanoli Cremona. After the phisical tests Roland was participating on an exhibition game against an A2 team and finnished with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Cremona management will decide later if they will make an offer for the 24 years old bosman forward. Hendlein is currently with Kaposvar KK, averaging 14.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg in 28.1 mins while shooting 62.7% from the floor in the Hungarian League

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ISRAEL

Hapoel Holon land Niv Berkowitz and Sasa Bratic - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Holon brought in two new players. The team has agreed on terms of contract with Niv Berkowitz

(190-G-86, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Marquette) and Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81, agency: Beo Basket).
Niv Berkowitz started the season in Hapoel Afula. The 23-year-old guard averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 boards and 2.7 assists per game in nine games of the season. Last year Niv Berkowitz played for Elitzur Qiryat Ata. He tallied 9.6 points, 3.3 assists, 3.1 boards and 2.8 steals per appearance.
Sasa Bratic spent the last two seasons in Khimik Yuznhy in Ukraine. Last year the 28-year-old Serbian forward tallied 12.2 points, 3.1 boards and 1.8 assists in the Superleague. In EuroChallenge Sasa Bratic notched 13.2 points, 4.6 boards and 1.6 assists.

Maccabi Electra too strong for Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi T-A - Lottomatica 79-59

Easy win for the Israeli powerhouse, who jumped to 6-3 in Group C. With this victory, Maccabi earned a chance to qualify for Top 16 as the second ranked team from this pool. At the same time, Lottomatica registered its sixth consecutive loss and went down to 3-6. Anyway, if they beat Union Olimpija in the next round they will reach the next stage as well. Chuck Eidson (201-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) shined for the winners with 23 points. David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) was the last one with double-digits in scoring in this victory (15 pts). In defeat, Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) had 14 points and 7 boards. Andre Hutson

(202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) followed with 12 pts and 9 rebs.
First quarter was pretty leveled, despite Maccabi had 4-point lead few times. After 10 minutes of play the hosts were not able to keep more than 22-20. Almost the same picture on the court was seen in the second quarter, but this time Lottomatica was the team who ended it 13-15. Maccabi had 31-27 and later 35-29 lead, but visitors managed to finish this period with 0-6 run for 35-35. Chuck Eidson and his teammates improved after the breather taking 40-35 lead and later they jumped to 51-45. With one quarter left the hosts were on the right track to victory holding 56-48. At the halfway of the last period Maccabi touched its first double-digit lead, 62-51. Two minutes later they jumped to 69-53 and the game was over for Lottomatica.
Next week, Maccabi will meet Marousi in Athens.

Maccabi: Chuck Eidson 23, David Bluthenthal 15
Lottomatica: Ricky Minard 14+7 boards, Andre Hutson 12+9 boards

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ITALY

Inspired by Bird, Gallinari boosts the Knicks - by Eurobasket News
A few days ago Donnie Walsh handed Danilo Gallinari

(6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group), the Knicks promising young forward, a DVD that could alter the trajectory of his career. Walsh, the Knicks president, gave Gallinari a collection of Larry Bird highlights, a captivating 30-minute compilation highlighting many of Birds best moves, passes, post-ups and rebounds.

Gallinari said he had watched the tape at least 10 times over the past three days and that every move was seared into his mind. The one play Gallinari enjoyed the most, he said, was when Bird told the former SuperSonic Xavier McDaniel that he was about to shoot a 3-pointer over his head and there was absolutely nothing McDaniel could do about it.

And then he did it, Gallinari said, shaking his head. Whats better than that?

For Walsh, the only thing better would be to see Gallinari take all the aspects of Birds game that he could emulate - Birds court awareness and vision, his positioning, and perhaps a bit of his supreme self-confidence - and fold them into his swifter, more athletic frame.

Gallinari is not expected to become the next Larry Bird. Too many 6-foot-10 forwards have been given that unforgiving label and fallen well short. But there can be brief moments when the comparison is apt, and Gallinari had a few of them Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in helping lead the Knicks to a 97-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Gallinari scored 17 points, 9 in the fourth quarter. His two 3-pointers in the final 91 seconds quashed any hopes the Bobcats had of winning.

With the victory, the Knicks record improved to 15-20 and they skipped into ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings, just percentage points behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the final playoff spot. The outcome also prevented the Bobcats from gaining the head-to-head playoff tie breaker over the Knicks should the teams finish with the same record in the regular season.

Thats big, Gallinari said. We knew that coming into the game. Thats important for us.

Wilson Chandler

(193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) led the hosts last night with 18 points and 5 assists. Carlos Cabezas

(186-G-80) had 14 and Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) added one point less. Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) scored 14 pts.
Khimky grabbed 6-0 opening lead, but AJ Milano made 12-15 turn soon after that. Khimky slightly improved cutting the margin to 19-20 after one period of play. In the second, Khimky jumped to 29-25 and AJ Milano immediately answered with 0-7 run. Carlos Cabezas and Javtokas shined for the hosts and once again they were 3 points up, 37-34. Keith Langford scored, while Massimo Bulleri and Mason Rocca closed the gap to 39-38 with two quarters to go. After the breather, Khimky reached 47-42 and later 51-45 lead. Thanks to nice plays by Paulius Jankunas and Raul Lopez, Khimky managed to take 59-48 with 10 minutes left. The hosts touched 67-50 at the beginning of the last quarter and it was clear that this game is already over for Italians. Rest of the way was just the formality.

Khimky: Keith Langford 18+5 as, Carlos Cabezas 14, Paulius Jankunas 13
AJ Milano: Mason Rocca 17+7 boards, Massimo Bulleri 14

Market news and rumors - by Gianni Pascucci
After having confirmed in charge coach Valli and having called back in roster Sangare, a very uncommon behaviour for an Italian team at the bottom of the table, there are rumors that Carife Ferrara will heavily point on SLO-ITA Sani Becirovic

(195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), that could ink a contract soon with the club. The same team is also expected to sign soon a new Bosman inside player to fill the void left by the departure of Jamison. In Lega 2, AB Latina added to the roster ARG-TA Diego Ferrero (204-F/C-83) and Nuova Pallacanestro Edimes Pavia signed Joseph Forte (193-G-81, agency: JEMsports, college: N.Carolina), who is back in Italy after one year.

Maccabi Electra too strong for Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi T-A - Lottomatica 79-59

Easy win for the Israeli powerhouse, who jumped to 6-3 in Group C. With this victory, Maccabi earned a chance to qualify for Top 16 as the second ranked team from this pool. At the same time, Lottomatica registered its sixth consecutive loss and went down to 3-6. Anyway, if they beat Union Olimpija in the next round they will reach the next stage as well. Chuck Eidson (201-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) shined for the winners with 23 points. David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) was the last one with double-digits in scoring in this victory (15 pts). In defeat, Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) had 14 points and 7 boards. Andre Hutson

JAMAICA

Wilsons free throws helps keep Wisconsin-Parkside at bay - by Leonard Whyte
Owensboro, KY (01-08-2010): Senior Andree Wilson sank 11-of-12 free throws to help NCAA Division II No. 13 Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) hold off University of Wisconsin-Parkside 78-64 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference on Wednesday night. The 6 4 undersized forward also connected on 4-of-5 shots from the field to finish with a team-high 19 points, and grabbed eight rebounds. Shooting 86 percent from the line this season, Wilson was repeatedly fouled as KWC pounded the ball inside. He calmly stepped to the line and buried all eight of his attempts over the final 7:33 of the game to keep Wisconsin-Parkside at bay. The victory improved KWC to 14-1 and 3-0 in conference play.

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JAPAN

Lost in Japan - by Tyler Smith
This is the 3rd time I've done it. I left my bag on the train. I put it up on the rack above my seat. Forgot about it. Got off the train. Sayonara bag. Enjoy your travels with your new owner. I hope he/she loves and protects you like I couldn't.
In any other country, on any other public transportation, that bag is HISTORY like some of Tiger's endorsement deals.
But not in Japan.
It's the land of unlost things. I don't think you can ACTUALLY lose anything here. It's amazing.
Last season, my family had a fun day-trip planned to see the sights of Japan. I forgot our bag on the train which had every necessity for our 7-month old girl. If you don't have kids, just know that they need SOMETHING about every 2 1/2 minutes. So, going anywhere for a full day without the bag of glory would be like trying to walk anywhere minus your feet and lungs.
The look I got from my wife. Priceless. You would have thought I left the baby on the train.
Do you know how many trains there are in Japan? I had a better chance of finding Osama bin Laden than that baby bag.
However, about 4 hours later I got a call. Baby bag was safe. Resting comfortably in a Japan train station not far from our apartment. Unreal.
About 1 month later I left something else on the train. My laptop. I'm officially an idiot. Arguably 100 times more valuable than that diaper bag. Some humans apparently do NOT evolve.
This time I was not that worried though. Given my case study of losing the diaper bag, I was like, 'Hey no problem.' The Japanese Lost Bag Special Ops Force was even FASTER this time. 90 minutes later, my Mac and I embraced. Tears of joy.
The Japanese continue to amaze me with their organization, honesty, work ethic, and planning. I've even heard stories where people lost their wallet and someone personally delivered it to their home 2 hours away with nothing missing. Think that is going to happen in the New York Subway System? Probably, um, never.
I'm sure I'll forget something again on a train. Let's just hope she at least has her name inside her coat.

Tyler Smith (203-F/C-80, college: Penn St.) is an American professional player currently playing in Japan

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JORDAN

Cantrell to fly for Zain directly to Dubai - by Mohammed Malas
After taking care of his mother who's suffering from the Ovarian Cancer The American forward Damian Cantrell

(200-F-76, college: USF) will fly to Dubai, UAE directly tomorrow to join Zain for 21st Dubai International tournament (14-24 January), He'll be the 3rd team import with Ashante Johnson

(203-F-76, agency: Edge Sports, college: Kansas) and Kendall Dartez (207-C/F-80, college: Louisville).

Cantrell was wearing the jersey of Fastlink (The previous name of Zain) when they crowned with the Asian Clubs Championship title in 2006, He was ranked as 1st in rebounds in most of the league he played in, He were active during the last 3 seasons in Belguim with Generali Okapi Aalstar (Division 1), His numbers last season were as follows: 7.8ppg, Reb-1 (9.4rpg), 1.2apg & 1.1spg in 24 games.

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LEBANON

Davis joins Champville for Dubai Tournament - by Mohammed Malas
According to the Lebanese Basketball official group on Facebook, Champville's head coach Ghassan Sarkis decided to have the services of the American bigman Jeral Davis (216-C-84) to be the 3rd import along with Gregory Danielson (206-C-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Drake) and Christien Charles (213-F/C-81, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Villanova) in 21st Dubai International Tournament (14-24 January) in the UAE.

Davis was graduated from Texas Coll. (NAIA) in 2008, NBA D-League's side Tulsa 66ers picked him in the 4th round (49th pick) of the last D-League Draft at the begining of the season but later on he failed to make the team.

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LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Zalgiris	11-0
2. Lietuvos Rytas	10-1
3. Siauliai	9-2
4. Juventus	8-5
5. Neptunas	7-5
6. Suduva	6-7
7. Techasas	6-7
8. Alytus Alita	5-7
9. Rudupis	5-8
10. Perlas	4-9
11. Sakalai	3-9
12. Nevezis	2-9
13. Aisciai	2-9

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Gytis SIRUTAVIACIUS
  Salgotarjani
  (195-F-83)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Sirutavicius, Techa.	20.8
2. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	20.1
3. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.	19.6
4. Ruikis, Suduva	18.0
5. Griskenas, Techasas	17.6
6. Sirvydis, Sakalai	16.5
7. Leonavicius, Sakalai	15.6
8. Kelys, Perlas	15.6
9. Kieza, Suduva	15.3
10. Bitinas, Neptun.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Keravnos
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Kieza, Suduva	8.6
2. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	8.2
3. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.9
4. Valanciunas, Perlas	7.5
5. Vilkius, Neptunas	7.3
6. Valukonis, Aisciai	7.2
7. Morkeliunas, Juven.	7.2
8. Watson, Zalgiris	6.9
9. Griskenas, Techasas	6.6
10. Uzas, Nevez.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Rashaun BROADUS
  Suduva
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Broadus, Suduva	6.6
2. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.	6.4
3. Low, Siauliai	6.0
4. Ezerskis, Techasas	4.9
5. Popovic, Lietuvos.	4.6
6. Maceina, Rudupis	4.4
7. Jomantas, Lietuv.	4.4
8. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	4.3
9. Ivanauskas, Alytus A.	4.3
10. Kelys, Perl.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS
  Alytus Alita
  (197-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.	3.3
2. Salenga, Zalgiris	2.6
3. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.3
4. Lipkevicius, Aisciai	2.3
5. Pakamanis, Juven.	2.3
6. Vileita, Rudupis	2.2
7. Ezerskis, Techasas	2.2
8. Kelys, Perlas	2.1
9. Jomantas, Lietuv.	2.1
10. Low, Siauli.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Keravnos
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Kieza, Suduva	2.7
2. Cepukaitis, Aisciai	1.6
3. Valanciunas, Perlas	1.5
4. Begic, Zalgiris	1.4
5. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	1.3
6. Zyle, Aisciai	1.2
7. Grinius, Nevezis	1.2
8. Valukonis, Aisciai	1.2
9. Leonavicius, Sakalai	1.1
10. Dimsa, Nevez.	1.1

LKL Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Rudupis - Zalgiris 74-81
Zalgiris posted the third win in five days. The Kaunas team held off Rudupis away from home to stay undefeated. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) scored 18 points to lead the visitors. Mantas Kalnietis contributed 17 points and 5 assists for Zalgiris. Gintautas Vileira tallied 23 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds for Rudupis.

Alytus Alita - Techasas 82-74
Alytus prevailed against Techasas at home court. Saulius Kazevicius (189-G-76) scored 22 points to lead the hosts. Andrius Aleksandrovas added 18 points, 6 steals and 5 boards in the victory. Tomas Cerneskis nailed 19 points for Techasas.

Nevezis - Perlas 72-60
Nevezis celebrated just the second win in the season as they defeated Perlas. Rokas Grinius (204-C-88) scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the charge. Egidijus Dimsa added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the victory. Zydrunas Kelys answered with 17 points for Perlas as they fell at 4-9 record.

Suduva - Juventus 82-87
Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-G-82) scored 20 points, issued 8 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead Juventus past Suduva on the road. Darius Pakamanis and Zydrunas Urbonas nailed 15 points each for the winners. Janisius and Rashaun Broadus had 18 points each for Suduva.

Rudupis - Siauliai 63-73
Siauliai eased past Rudupis on the road. Vytautas Sarakauskas (204-C-82) produced 22 points and 8 rebounds to pace the visitors. Deivydas Gailius netted 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. Gintautas Vileita responded with 15 points and 6 caroms for Rudupis.

Zalgiris - Sakalai 88-54
Zalgiris eased past Sakalai in the last game of the year. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) delivered 17 points to pace the hosts. Mantas Kalnietis added 13 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for the winners. Gintaras Leonavicius replied with 13 points for Sakalai.

Zalgiris - Suduva 97-59
Zalgiris marked the tenth straight win as they rolled past Suduva in Kaunas. Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Marcus Brown and Martynas Pocius added 14 points each in the victory. Mantas Ruikis responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

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MEXICO

Nogales announces NEW Coach for 2010 season - by Alejandro Martinez
After a dissapointing 2009 season, where Nogales finished last in the standings and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 6 years, it has come back to a familiar face. The club announced the hiring of Spaniard Head Coach Javier Diaz Castroverde. Castroverde was Nogales' head coach in the 2007 season, when he lead the team to the conference semifinals that he lost to the extint Colorados de San Luis in 7 games. Nogales has failed to win a playoff game since. Castroverde was the head coach in Torreon for three years, before taking over at Fuerza Regia de Monterrey for this LNBP season. He is expected to arrive to Nogales right after his season ends in Monterrey. This will be Castroverde's 4th consecutive season in Mexico. CIBACOPA is slated to start on March 12th.

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

1. Halc.Xalapa	28-6
2. Halc.Rojos	27-6
3. Soles	25-9
4. Pioneros	25-9
5. Halc.Cordoba	25-10
6. Toros	24-10
7. Lobos Grises	24-11
8. Panteras	19-16
9. Lechugueros	18-17
10. Bucaneros	17-17
11. Angeles	16-18
12. Abejas	16-19
13. Fuerza Regia	14-19
14. Barreteros	14-21
15. Potros	14-21
16. Huracanes	12-23
17. Libertadores	10-25
18. Indios	8-25
19. Cosmos	6-28
20. Pilares	1-32

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MOROCCO

IRT lands Summers - by Mohammed Malas
Ittihad De Tanger announced their deal with Rob Summers (213-C-84, college: W.Virginia) to represent the team this season, The American center came to Tanger before two days and is looking to show his value in his new experience in North Africa.
Summers played overseas in Portugal, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Romania.

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NAIA

Parker's block preserves LSUS victory over Gold Rush - by Richard
Parker's block preserves LSUS victory over Gold Rush January 7, 2010 SHREVEPORT, La. -- Derrick Parker had 31 points and 11 rebounds Thursday, and he blocked Kevin Miller's 3-point attempt at the buzzer to preserve LSU-Shreveport's 79-77 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory over Xavier (LA).
Cordell Hadnot had career-highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds for Xavier (9-4), and Devin Andrew (6'4''-G) and Jamaan Kenner (6'4''-G) scored 16 apiece.
Parker blocked Miller's 3-pointer after the Pilots made a free throw, then missed the second on its final possession.
LSUS, ranked sixth in NAIA Division I, is 12-1. It was the GCAC opener for both teams.
Kenner's 3-pointer at 12:43 of the first half gave the Gold Rush a 20-13 advantage, but the Pilots rallied to lead 41-35 at halftime.
Andrew, Kenner and Ryan DeRousselle all fouled for Xavier, which committed a season-high 34 fouls. LSUS took advantage by making 37-of-50 free throws.
Greg Shyne added 15 points and Brance Davenport 10 for the Pilots, the four-time defending GCAC Tournament champion.
LSUS outshot Xavier 48 to 40 percent from the floor, but the Gold Rush had a 6-2 advantage in 3-pointers made. Xavier made 29-of-38 free throws and was 24-of-29 in the second half.
Xavier suffered its second straight loss and is 0-3 on opponents' courts this season. The Gold Rush will remain on the road and play defending GCAC regular-season champion Tougaloo at 7 p.m. Saturday.
source: Xavier (LA)

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NBA

NBA suspends Arenas indefinitely - by Eurobasket News
Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-G-82, college: Arizona) tried joking about his gun trouble. David Stern found none of it funny.

Arenas was suspended indefinitely without pay Wednesday by the NBA commissioner, who determined the player's behavior made him 'not currently fit to take the court.'

A day after the Washington Wizards guard was photographed before a game in Philadelphia pointing his index fingers, as if they were guns, at his teammates, Stern warned the former All-Star that his conduct will 'ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse.'

Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admittedly bringing guns to the Wizards' locker room. Stern originally planned to wait to take action, but he tired of Arenas' behavior.

On Tuesday, a day after meeting with law enforcement officials, Arenas said he feared Stern more than the authorities because the commissioner was 'mean.'

Though Arenas first apologized Monday for his poor judgment and promised 'to do better in the future', he also joked on Twitter about the incident and the media firestorm it created. That was exactly the wrong tact for Stern, whose league has taken another public relations hit.

'The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us,' Stern said.

'Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game,' Stern said in a statement. 'Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.'

With each game he misses, Arenas will lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second of a six-year, $111 million contract. The punishment came on his 28th birthday.

'I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action,' Arenas said in a statement through his attorney. 'I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my teammates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.'

Arenas added that he had called Stern to apologize.

'While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment,' he said. 'I take full responsibility for my conduct.'

Arenas originally said he brought four guns to the Verizon Center because he wanted them out of his house after his daughter was born. But two officials within the league who have been briefed on the investigation have told The Associated Press that the incident stemmed from a dispute over card-playing gambling debts and a heated discussion in the locker room with teammate Javaris Crittenton. The New York Post, however, reported that the two teammates drew weapons on each other.

Arenas said in a statement Monday that he took unloaded guns from his locker in a 'misguided effort to play a joke' on a teammate.

'Joke or not, I now recognize that what I did was a mistake and was wrong,' Arenas said. 'I should not have brought the guns to DC in the first place, and I now realize that there's no such thing as joking around when it comes to guns -- even if unloaded.'

Stern said members of the Wizards organization are still being interviewed by law enforcement authorities.

'Some are scheduled for appearance before the grand jury and the investigation is proceeding with the intensity that one would expect for such a serious incident,' Stern said.

The Washington Post, citing two firsthand accounts of the confrontation, reported on its Web site that Crittenton brandished his own gun and loaded a clip of ammunition into it. Arenas spoke to the district attorney about Crittenton's loaded gun, a person with knowledge of Arenas' testimony told the Post.

Crittenton told the Post in a series of text messages that the account was 'false.'

'I have done nothing wrong. Let the investigation process take its course and you will see that,' Crittenton told the Post. 'My name is dying in this situation.'

Arenas has been suspended once before because of a gun-related matter. He sat out Washington's season opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration of a handgun while living in California in 2003 and playing for the Golden State Warriors.

A text message left for Arenas by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.

A Wizards spokesman said Arenas left the team, which is playing in Cleveland, earlier Wednesday but didn't know where he was going.

'It's sad,' Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson said. 'You don't want to see a player go down like that. We're a family, and it hurts.'

The Wizards supported Stern's decision in a statement attributed to president Ernie Grunfeld and the Pollin family, which owns the team. The late Abe Pollin changed the team's name from the Bullets because of the violent connotation.

'Strictly legal issues aside, Gilbert's recent behavior and statements, including his actions and statements last night in Philadelphia, are unacceptable,' the statement said. 'Some of our other players appeared to find Gilbert's behavior in Philadelphia amusing. This is also unacceptable.'

Union executive director Billy Hunter said the players association will wait until the investigation is complete before taking any action.

Since the firearms language was strengthened in the 2005 collective bargaining agreement, NBA players are subject to discipline if they bring guns to the arena or practice facility, or even an offsite promotional appearance. That gave Stern the option of taking action now instead of waiting until the completion of the criminal case, as he usually does.

Arenas' suspension deprives the Wizards of their top scorer and on-court leader. As it is, coach Flip Saunders' first season with the team has been a struggle: The Wizards entered Wednesday's game at Cleveland with an 11-21 record and in last place in the Southeast Division.

It caps a remarkably swift and long fall from the top of the game for Arenas, a three-time All-Star who averaged 28.4 points in 2006-07 and 29.3 in 2005-06 and whose carefree demeanor was a hit with fans -- but not Stern.

Taking on nicknames such as Agent Zero and Hibachi, he would predict a 50-point game and deliver. He would produce highlight-reel buzzer-beating shots, turning his back to the net and raising his arms in triumph before the ball was through the net.

But Arenas tore up his left knee during a game in April 2007, leading to the first of three operations on that knee in the span of 1 years.

He played in only 13 games in 2007-08, and only two games last season. He was healthy from the start of the current season and had been showing flashes of his previous brilliance, scoring 45 points in a game against Phoenix last month.

Courtesy of www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Portland Trail Blazers waive Shavlik Randolph, Celtics waive Lester Hudson - by Eurobasket News
The Portland Trail Blazers have waived forward Shavlik Randolph (6'10''-F-83, college: Duke), it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Signed by Portland on Dec. 30, Randolph appeared in two games for the Trail Blazers this season, totaling four points, a rebound and an assist in five minutes. Portland's roster now stands at 15 players, but only nine are available to play: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Martell Webster, Juwan Howard, Jerryd Bayless, Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph and Patty Mills. Steve Blake, who is recovering from pneumonia, should be available to play soon. Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez are showing improvement and could be available later this month. Courtesy of http://blog.oregonlive.com

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have waived guard Lester Hudson

(6'3''-G-84, college: Tennessee-Martin). Hudson, a 63 guard, appeared in 16 games for the Celtics this season and registered season-highs of six points and three assists against Philadelphia on November 3. The Celtics roster now stands at 14 players.

Inspired by Bird, Gallinari boosts the Knicks - by Eurobasket News
A few days ago Donnie Walsh handed Danilo Gallinari

(6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) scored a game-high 27 points and David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) added 22 for the Knicks, while Stephen Jackson (6'8''-F-78, college: Butler Co.CC) scored 26 for Charlotte. Jackson said the Knicks could not cover the Bobcats.

They couldnt guard us man-to-man, so they went to a zone, he said. Its a game we should have won, but they made the big plays down the stretch.

Gallinari, who leads the N.B.A. in 3-pointers made, finished 5 for 11 from beyond the 3-point arc.

With the Knicks leading, 87-86, Gallinari hit a shot from 24 feet to make the score 90-86. After the Bobcats missed two 3-point attempts, Gallinari stepped back four feet and hit another one. If it was not like scoring over McDaniel, but it was satisfying nonetheless.

After the game, Gallinari was asked if there were any boundaries to his long-distance shooting.

In practice I have no limits, he said with a smile. I feel comfortable from that range.

Gallinari was a small boy when Bird retired in 1992, but he said he did see a lot of Birds highlight reels. Gallinaris father, Vittorio, a professional star in Italy, considered Bird his favorite player, so he made sure his son saw snippets of Birds career. Now Walsh is the mentor pointing him toward the flickering images of Bird making no-look passes, off-balance shots and pull-up 3-pointers.

Ive learned a lot from watching the tape, Gallinari said. I dont know about playing at his level, but I want to learn from him, thats for sure.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

Miami Heat sign guard Rafer Alston - by Eurobasket News
Rafer Alston (6'2''-G-76, college: Fresno St.) got his wish, signing with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season and getting the chance to play alongside Dwyane Wade again.

The 33-year-old point guard cleared waivers at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Heat announced the signing about an hour later. Alston will be with the team when it opens a six-game road trip Friday in Phoenix.

Alston, who started all 23 playoff games with Orlando last season when the Magic reached the NBA finals, played with the Heat in 2003-04 Wades rookie season. Alstons contract with the New Jersey Nets was bought out Tuesday, and he made it clear right away that Miami was atop his list of teams to join.

I just met with him and he said hes in great shape, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said by telephone from Phoenix Thursday night. Hes a worker. Were excited about it. We always felt
Rafer was a Miami Heat player. But more than anything, the fact that his game fits our philosophy and that hes been with us before and buys into it and loved his time here and wanted to be here, it made it a great fit.

Alston, who has been an outstanding on-the-ball defender, could play Friday against the Suns. Spoelstra hasnt made a final decision.

Alston started 13 of New Jerseys first 15 games this season - part of the Nets abysmal 0-18 start. Hes shooting only 34 percent this season, well below his career average of 38.5 percent, and was averaging only 9.7 points.

A change of scenery could do him wonders.

We are thrilled to have Skip back in a Heat uniform, as he brings another set of skills and experience to the point guard position, Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. From
his time in Miami, we know both his game and him as a person, and we had a great experience with him in the past. We are very happy to have Skip back in the Heat family.

The signing comes at a crucial point of Miamis season. No team played fewer road games in the seasons first 72 days than Miami, which is 11-10 at home, but just 6-6 on the road and sitting in fifth place in the East.

The Heat are about to start making up for all those early home dates.

On Friday, they begin a stretch where 20 of their next 27 games will be on the road, no homestand of longer than two games until the first week of March.

We just have to continue to grow as a team and continue to learn from our mistakes, Wade said.

Adding another veteran wont hurt in that regard.

The Heat had only two point guards on the roster after trading Chris Quinn on Tuesday to New Jersey a deal the Nets made almost at the same time they were buying out Alstons contract.

Alston helped Miami close the 2003-04 season with 17 wins in its final 21 games, getting the Heat the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference that year, and becoming a close friend and adviser to
Wade along the way.

Veteran guys are so important in this league, Wade said. Theyve done it for so long and Skip became a leader. Hes a general on the floor, really helps to lead his team.

Spoelstra said it wont take Alston long to get up to speed, especially since Miamis defensive system is similar enough to what he knew with the Heat.

Miami now has an unusual situation at the point, with three players at the position who have all started at least 11 games this season. Carlos Arroyo took over Miamis starting job in mid-December from Mario Chalmers, who started every game last year as a rookie for the Heat.

Its definitely a positive for us at one of the most important positions on the floor, Spoelstra said. Now we have great depth and all three of them are very professional. Does that
mean its going to be easy? No, probably not for whomever is going to be the third guard. But I think everybodys heart is in the right place. Well see how it plays out.

Courtesy of http://bleacherreport.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Carmelo ANTHONY
  Denver N.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 30

1. Anthony, Denver N.	30.0
2. Bryant, LA Lakers	30.0
3. James, Clevelan.	28.7
4. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.4
5. Wade, Miami Heat	27.1
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.7
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.9
8. Bosh, Toronto R.	23.7
9. Roy, Portland TB	22.9
10. Arenas, Washin.	22.6

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.2
2. Love, Minnesota T.	12.5
3. Noah, Chicago B.	12.3
4. Wallace, Charlotte B.	11.8
5. Camby, LA Clippers	11.6
6. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.5
7. Randolph, Memph.	11.5
8. Bosh, Toronto R.	11.3
9. Lee, New York K.	10.9
10. Boozer, Utah Ja.	10.5

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.3
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.8
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.8
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.6
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.8
6. Davis, LA Clippers	7.9
7. James, Clevelan.	7.8
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.3
9. Arenas, Washingt.	7.2
10. Duhon, New York.	6.5

Steals Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.5
2. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.2
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	2.0
5. Brewer, Utah Jazz	1.9
6. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
7. Felton, Charlott.	1.9
8. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.9
9. Ariza, Houston R.	1.8
10. Nene, Denver.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.4
2. Haywood, Washingt.	2.3
3. Oden, Portland TB	2.3
4. Camby, LA Clippers	2.2
5. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.2
6. Dalembert, Philad.	2.1
7. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.0
8. Perkins, Boston C.	1.9
9. Okafor, N.Orlean.	1.9
10. Lopez, New.	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	25-9
2. Toronto R.	19-18
3. New York K.	15-20
4. Philadelph.76	10-25
5. New Jersey N.	3-33
Central Div.
1. Cleveland C.	28-9
2. Milwaukee B.	15-18
3. Chicago B.	14-20
4. Detroit P.	11-23
5. Indiana P.	11-24
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	24-12
2. Atlanta H.	23-12
3. Miami Heat	18-16
4. Charlotte B.	15-19
5. Washington W.	12-22
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Denver N.	22-13
2. Portland TB	22-15
3. Oklah.City T.	19-16
4. Utah Jazz	19-17
5. Minnesota T.	8-29
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers	28-7
2. Phoenix Suns	23-14
3. LA Clippers	16-18
4. Sacramento K.	14-20
5. Golde State W.	10-24
Southwest Div.
1. Dallas M.	25-11
2. San Antonio S.	21-13
3. Houston R.	20-16
4. N.Orleans H.	18-16
5. Memphis G.	18-17

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

NCAA1

Is it too early to speculate on Mizzou's NCAA chances? Not if you look here. - by Jon Schillie
The Missouri Tigers open Big 12 conference play Saturday afternoon in Columbia, Missouri, hosting the nationally ranked Kansas St. Wildcats. Although it is the Tigers' first conference game, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that it falls into the classic 'must win' category. Missouri's NCAA tournament hopes hinge on an impressive showing in the Big 12. The Tigers have finished their non-conference slate 12-3 and have won 7 in a row. Protecting home turf, namely the friendly confines of Mizzou Arena, is critical. Missouri has been extremely tough at home during the Mike Anderson era. Mizzou needs to dominate at home and pick up a game or two or more on the road. Going undefeated at home in the league will be admittedly tough with the likes of Kansas, Kansas St. and Texas coming to town. If the Big 12 places 5 to 7 teams in the NCAA bracket, a winning record in the Big 12 will be a key consideration. A 10-6 or better conference record would look very impressive in the tough Big 12. A 9-7 league mark might make the grade. Go .500 at 8-8 and all bets are off. A losing league record is not going to cut the mustard for this Tiger team as far as an at large bid to the tournament is concerned. Missouri's non-conference grade looked at tad bit lackluster before the impressive Illinois win on a neutral court in St. Louis. Illinois is 10-5 and tied for first in the Big 10 at 2-0. Subsequently, the Tigers destroyed Georgia, who is 8-5 with wins over the aforementioned Illinois and Georgia Tech. Missouri's wins against ODU and Oregon are starting to look better and better. ODU is tied for first place in the Colonial at 3-1 and 11-5 overall. Oregon is all alone in first place in a down Pac 10 at 2-0 and 10-4. Missouri's three losses are to Vanderbilt, Richmond and ORU. Vandy is 11-3. Richmond is making some noise at 12-4. The ORU loss looked like a disaster at the time, and it probably still is, but their wins at Stanford and home against N.Mexico take some of the sting out of Missouri's close road loss to them in Tulsa. These three losses may or may not pan out as 'good losses' as the season progresses. Missouri looks to be a bubble team at this juncture. Whether that is on or off the bubble, and above or below it, time will tell. Perhaps it is too early to speculate about the NCAA Tournament or must win games, but this much is clear: a win Saturday over Kansas St. would get Missouri off to a great start in the conference and a much needed resume win right out of the box. K-State is ranked 11th by the writers, 10th by the coaches, and is way up there in the thin air in some of the RPI type projections. Mike Anderson 's Elite Eight team of a year ago improved significantly over the course of the season and ended on a complete rampage with wins over Kansas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 Championship with the league tournament win and automatic NCAA bid, and a dazzling run to the Elite Eight including wins over Marquette and Memphis. Mizzou's personnel skews to the young side and, thus, further improvement during the rest of the season is likely. Of course, other conference teams will improve, too. And some will fail. Let the war in the Big 12 begin. Keep your head down and your flak jacket on. The first shots will be fired Saturday.

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

NEW ZEALAND

Missed opportunities for the Brteakers - by Mike Lacey
The omens for the New Zealand Breakers heading into their latest double header were not good. Down on confidence and form the Breakers were a combined 2 wins and 17 defeats on the road against Wollongong and Perth. Whilst they had their chances to win both games, eventually, as has happened regularly this season, they did not possess the defensive steel or attacking punch to clinch a win.
The Breakers were not helped that swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, college: Washington St.) picked up an ankle injury in the third period of the encounter with Wollongong and could take no further part in the 78-83 loss to the Hawks and was unable to travel to Perth.
Playing his 50th game for the Breakers CJ Bruton led all scorers in the Wollongong game with 24 points and in doing so passed 800 points for the club at16.3ppg. Kirk Penney had 14 points (4 from 15 from the field), Abercrombie, had 9 points and Tony Ronaldson 8 points. Ronaldson added an assist to reach 1800 career assists at 2.7apg.
Fourty eight hours later the Breakers faced the Perth Wildcats and again led entering the final quarter before eventually losing 72-76.
Bruton again scored 24 points (7 from 17 from the field), Penney scored 27 (9 from 15) and added 10 rebounds, his second double double in a Breakers singlet. Paul Henare was next best with 8 points.
Tony Ronaldson had 3 points and 3 rebounds becoming the 11th Breaker to pull down 300 boards (at 3.9 per game).
The Breakers look forward to a must win home game against Melbourne Tigers and a couple of individual milestones not far away. Paul Henare needs just 6 more assists to extend his club record to 800 and Kirk Penney with 1753 points is closing in on Aaron Olsons all time record of 1800 points.

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

NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Asker	14-1
2. Gimle	11-4
3. Tromso	10-4
4. Harstad	8-6
5. Ammerud	7-9
6. Baerum	7-9
7. Froya	2-13
8. Ulriken	1-14

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

PBL

Stats Leaders

Rainmen searching for first win - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen need to bounce back quickly, and theyll have to find their shooting touch to do it.

After an atrocious night from the field in their Premier Basketball League season-opener in Oklahoma on Sunday, the Rainmen can ill-afford a repeat showing tonight when they visit the Quebec Kebs at the University of Laval.

Long-bomber Desmond Ferguson (6'7''-G/F-77, college: Detroit Mercy) went just one-for-eight from three-point range, while the Rainmen shot just four-for-25 in a 102-87 loss to the Lawgon-Fort Sill Cavalry.

It wasnt like they were bad or contested shots, said Ferguson, who shot a deadly 45.2 per cent from beyond the arc his past three professional seasons.

They were wide-open shots, shots Im going to take every time and usually make every time. Unfortunately, it was just a bad night. Hopefully, we got our bad shooting night out of the way for the rest of the season.

Newly-signed small forward Gregory Plummer and six-foot-10 centre Cory Underwood are expected to make their Rainmen debuts tonight.

The Kebs, meanwhile, are set to unleash former PBL most valuable player Jeremy Bell, a six-foot-one point guard who they inked earlier this week.

The Rainmen, who make their home debut on Sunday against the Kebs, know their season can spiral quickly out of control due to the leagues short 20-game schedule and the fact that only four of nine teams qualify for the playoffs.

We cant come out 0-2, the 32-year-old Ferguson said.

Its early and the seasons not going to be won or lost by the first game, but we cant let that second loss happen.

Courtesy of www.metronews.ca

Standings

PBL Standings

1. Capitanes	2-0
2. Lawton Ft.SC	1-0
3. Manchester	1-0
4. Rochester R.	1-0
5. Halifax R.	1-1
6. Quebec Kebs	1-2
7. Buffalo S.	0-1
8. Vermont FH	0-1
9. Maryland G.	0-2

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mark CARDONA
  Talk N Text
  (180-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Cardona, Talk N.	20.6
2. Santos, San Miguel	18.9
3. Tubid, Ginebra	18.2
4. Williams, Santa Lucia	17.6
5. Miller, Alaska	16.2
6. Tenorio, Alaska	15.5
7. Yap, Purefoods	15.1
8. Alapag, Talk N Text	14.8
9. David, Burger King	14.6
10. Raymundo, Pur.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kelly WILLIAMS
  Santa Lucia
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Williams, Santa Lucia	14.6
2. Taulava, Coca-Cola	10.3
3. Santos, San Miguel	10.3
4. Reavis, Purefoods	9.3
5. Carey, Talk N Text	8.9
6. Pena, San Miguel	8.6
7. Reyes, Rain o.	7.8
8. Alonzo, Barako Bull	7.3
9. Espinas, Santa L.	7.3
10. Espino, Coca-Co.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Alex CABAGNOT
  Coca-Cola
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Cabagnot, Coca-Cola	5.9
2. Helterbrand, Gineb.	5.8
3. Villanueva, San M.	5.4
4. Alapag, Talk N Text	5.3
5. Miller, Alaska	4.5
6. Castro, Talk N Text	4.5
7. Reyes, Santa Lucia	4.4
8. Yeo, Santa Lucia	4.3
9. Tenorio, Alaska	4.2
10. Mercado, Rain.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Ryan REYES
  Santa Lucia
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Reyes, Santa Lucia	2.1
2. Artadi, Purefoods	1.9
3. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.9
4. Norwood, Rain o.	1.7
5. Dimaunahan, Barako B.	1.5
6. Buenafe, Burger K.	1.5
7. Abarrientos, Gineb.	1.4
8. Lanete, Burger King	1.4
9. Mercado, Rain o.	1.4
10. Santos, San Migu.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ali PEEK
  Talk N Text
  (194-F-75)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Peek, Talk N Text	1.6
2. Santos, San Miguel	1.6
3. Quinahan, Burger K.	1.4
4. Thoss, Alaska	1.2
5. Maierhofer, Puref.	1.1
6. Aquino, Santa Lucia	1.0
7. Pennisi, San Miguel	0.9
8. Devance, Alaska	0.9
9. Belga, Burger King	0.8
10. Williams, Santa Luc.	0.8

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. San Miguel	13-4
2. Alaska	11-2
3. Ginebra	11-6
4. Talk N Text	11-6
5. Santa Lucia	10-6
6. Purefoods	9-6
7. Burger King	6-11
8. Rain or Shine	4-12
9. Smart Gilas	3-4
10. Coca-Cola	3-13
11. Barako Bull	2-13

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

POLAND

PORTUGAL

Portuguese rules - by Portugal Eurobasket
With the dateline coming soon, its seems that Portuguese teams feel confortable with the players that they have on the roster at this time.
During the only period that teams are allowed to change players between them, it was no transactions. Tiago Barreiro that play for Illiabum ealiers this season its the only player that remain with no club, and now he only can play outside of Portugal.
Francisco Rodrigues sign at Illiabum but he didnt play this season until than.

Todd Sowell replaced a injury player at Barreirense.
Portuguese teams can sign Portuguese players that this season have play outside of Portugal.
Portuguese teams are also allowed to change import players till the end of January.
They have rumours that at least acouple of teams are looking for to bring Portuguese players that play abroad this season.
Lets see if that become real.

LPB Round 9 Preview and Picks - by Antonio Santos
Barreirense - Illiabum
Barreirense comes off a moralizing win against previously undefeated Ovarense. Illiabum comes off a moralizing win on the road at CAB.
Pick: Barreirense - home court advantage prevails. Barreirense has only lost to Benfica at home this season

CAB - Guimaraes
CAB lost at home in the previous round and now faces a chance of losing two in a row at home against a rising Guimaraes.
Pick: Guimaraes - balanced scoring from CAB meets mighty trio of import players from Guimaraes who come out on top.

Academica - Porto
Academica has been struggling. Porto has been solid, its two only defeats were against the top two teams.
Pick: Academica - a surprise pick. In a tight game Academica finds its way back into the win column

Ginasio - Sampaense
Samapaense managed to score 82 against Benfica. And now faces one of the teams with the worst record in the league.
Pick: Ginasio - slowing down the tempo Ginasio manages to contain Sampaense's high powered offense

Benfica - Vagos
Playing at home, few believe Vagos can put up a fight against the deepest roster in the league.
Pick: Benfica

Ovarense - Fisica
The perfect opponent for Ovarense to bounce back from last week's disappointing first loss of the season.
Pick: Ovarense

Andre Martins to coach U-20 - by Antonio Santos
Andre Martins was named coach of the U-20 Men's basketball team.

Andre played ball at Sport Lisboa Benfica. While still only 34 years old, he had an impressive array of mentors in his career. Either as a player or as an assistant he had the opportunity to learn from some of the best Portuguese coaches, like Mario Leonel Palma and Mario Gomes .

As a head coach Andre led both Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras and Queluz Sintra Patrimonio Mundial to great performances in the Proliga (D2).

The U-20 national team recently participated and won the international tournament of Arroyo (Valladolid, Spain).

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

ROMANIA

Justin Herndon signs with CSU Atlassib Sibiu - by Eurobasket News
Justin Herndon (208-C-83) bolstered CSU Sibiu squad. The 26-year-old centre was last seen in the PBL with the Vermont Frost Heaves. Last season Justin Herndon played for Alaior Jovent in the Spanish LEB Bronze. He tallied 11.3 points, 6.8 boards and 1.4 blocks per appearance. Hermont is not new in Romania. The centre played for Otopeni back in 2007/08 season. Then his stats read 15.1 points and 7.6 boards. CSU Sibiu will also cut Calvin Roland (208-C/F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) from the roster. The centre appeared in 13 games tallying 7.0 points and 4.0 boards.

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RUSSIA

Khimky beats AJ Milano, secures third place in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Khimky - AJ Milano 79-63

Khimky will advance to Top 16 as third ranked team of Group D. With this victory the Russian squad improved to 6-3. On the other side, AJ Milano dropped to 3-6 (same as Asseco Prokom) so it will reach the Top 16 if it beats Madrid next week or Prokom loses at home against Khimky. Keith Langford

(193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) led the hosts last night with 18 points and 5 assists. Carlos Cabezas

(186-G-80) had 14 and Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) added one point less. Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) scored 14 pts.
Khimky grabbed 6-0 opening lead, but AJ Milano made 12-15 turn soon after that. Khimky slightly improved cutting the margin to 19-20 after one period of play. In the second, Khimky jumped to 29-25 and AJ Milano immediately answered with 0-7 run. Carlos Cabezas and Javtokas shined for the hosts and once again they were 3 points up, 37-34. Keith Langford scored, while Massimo Bulleri and Mason Rocca closed the gap to 39-38 with two quarters to go. After the breather, Khimky reached 47-42 and later 51-45 lead. Thanks to nice plays by Paulius Jankunas and Raul Lopez, Khimky managed to take 59-48 with 10 minutes left. The hosts touched 67-50 at the beginning of the last quarter and it was clear that this game is already over for Italians. Rest of the way was just the formality.

Khimky: Keith Langford 18+5 as, Carlos Cabezas 14, Paulius Jankunas 13
AJ Milano: Mason Rocca 17+7 boards, Massimo Bulleri 14

CSKA beats Union Olimpija in OT - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - CSKA 77-80 OT

CSKA celebrated 77-80 OT victory in Ljubljana staying in the race for top of Group C. The Russian powerhouse has 7-2 score now, same as Caja Laboral. On the other side, Union Olimpija dropped to 1-8. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) stepped up for CSKA with 20 points and 8 rebounds. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) scored 17 and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) helped with 14 points and the same number of boards. In Olimpija, Matt Walsh

(197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) collected 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sani Becirovic

(195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) this time stopped on 13 pts.
CSKA opened the game with nice 2-8 run. The hosts came to 5-10, but soon after that visitors reached the first double-digit lead in this game, 7-17. Vladimir Golubovic and Dusan Djordjevic then stepped up for Union Olimpija cutting the deficit to 15-18 after ten minutes of play. In the second quarter CSKA was ahead all the time. The Russians were not able to make a serious run, but still they held 1-4 point lead all the time (28-32 HT). Than after the breather, Union Olimpija took control on its rival. Matt Walsh was on fire and Sani Becirovic secured a great help. At the halfway of third quarter Olimpija was already 40-37 up and they extended lead to impressive 49-38 very soon. CSKA had just completed its worst-scoring quarter (6) of the entire decade. However, visitors drastically improved in the last quarter and at the very end managed to tie the score to 62-62. Trajan Langdon was the one who sent this game to OT scoring a triple with 18 seconds left. Saso Ozbolt missed in last Olimpijas possession. In OT, CSKA jumped to 69-72, but the hosts came to 74-75 with 21 seconds to go. In free throw finish, visitors were more concentrated keeping the chances for top of Group C alive.
Next week, CSKA will host Caja Laboral. Union Olimpija goes to Rome.

Union Olimpija: Matt Walsh 18+7 boards, Sani Becirovic 13
CSKA: Trajan Langdon 20+8 boards, J.R. Holden 17, Viktor Khryapa 14+14 boards

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 22.9

1. Bykov, Dynamo M.	22.9
2. Capin, Lokomoti.	20.4
3. Rush, Triumph	18.0
4. Chalmers, Enisey	17.7
5. Green, Lokomoti.	17.7
6. Monya, Dynamo M.	17.6
7. Fields, Spartak SP	17.3
8. Lyday, Unics	17.1
9. Shabalkin, Triumph	16.3
10. Popovic, Uni.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Sergey MONYA
  Dynamo M.
  (204-F-83)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Monya, Dynamo M.	8.5
2. Trushkin, Krasni.	8.0
3. Javtokas, Khimky	7.1
4. Panin, Triumph	7.0
5. Khryapa, CSKA	7.0
6. Savenkov, Lokomoti.	6.4
7. McCarty, Khimky	6.3
8. Kaun, CSKA	6.2
9. Veremeenko, Unics	6.0
10. Ford, Spartak	6.0

Assists Per Game

Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Bremer, Krasnie .	5.7
2. Capin, Lokomoti.	4.4
3. Bykov, Dynamo M.	4.4
4. Fields, Spartak SP	3.8
5. Chalmers, Enisey	3.7
6. Lopez, Khimky	3.5
7. Vyaltsev, Triumph	3.4
8. Khryapa, CSKA	3.3
9. Rush, Triumph	3.0
10. Lyday, Uni.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Bykov, Dynamo M.	3.1
2. Khryapa, CSKA	2.3
3. Rush, Triumph	2.1
4. Surovtsev, Lokomoti.	2.0
5. Lyday, Unics	2.0
6. Bremer, Krasnie .	1.8
7. Sergeev, Triumph	1.6
8. Biggs, Krasnie Krilya	1.6
9. Monya, Dynamo M.	1.6
10. Capin, Lokomo.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Sergey MONYA
  Dynamo M.
  (204-F-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Monya, Dynamo M.	2.0
2. Savenkov, Lokomoti.	1.4
3. Mozgov, Khimky	1.3
4. Sokolov, CSKA	1.0
5. Trushkin, Krasni.	1.0
6. Javtokas, Khimky	0.9
7. Vorontsevich, CSKA	0.8
8. Varlamov, Triumph	0.8
9. Kaun, CSKA	0.8
10. Khryapa, CS.	0.8

Standings - Superleague A

A Superleague Standings

1. CSKA	8-0
2. Khimky	5-2
3. Unics	5-3
4. Triumph	5-3
5. Lok.Rostov	5-4
6. Dynamo M.	3-5
7. Krasnie Krilya	3-6
8. Krasnoyarsk	2-5
9. Spartak SP	0-8

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

SLOVENIA

Tratnik and Hvalec moves to Iceland - by Zeljko Zule
Igor Tratnik (207-C/F-89) and Denis Hvalec (192-G-85) joined to Icelandic D1 team KFI from Isafjordur. Tratnik appeared in 9 games of Slovenian B-1 League with Postojna this season, averaging 8.0 points (2P 69%, 3P 23%, FT 59%), 6.2 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 22.3 minutes per apperance. Hvalec arrives from Qatarian side Al Wakrah, where he averaged 17.3 points and 5.1 assists in 15 games this season.

CSKA beats Union Olimpija in OT - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - CSKA 77-80 OT

CSKA celebrated 77-80 OT victory in Ljubljana staying in the race for top of Group C. The Russian powerhouse has 7-2 score now, same as Caja Laboral. On the other side, Union Olimpija dropped to 1-8. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) stepped up for CSKA with 20 points and 8 rebounds. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) scored 17 and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) helped with 14 points and the same number of boards. In Olimpija, Matt Walsh

(197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) collected 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sani Becirovic

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round: 37 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Dongbu Promy - Samsung Th. 74-73
Dongbu Promy cruised past Samsung 74:73 in a thriller of the Regular Season Round 37. Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) paced all the winners with 26 points and 7 boards, whilst Jones Jonathan and Pyo Myung-Il scored 12 apiece. Leather Terrence replied with 17 points in defeat.

SK Knights - KCC Egis 63-73
SK Knights were beaten by KCC Egis 63:73 as the latter got 17 points from Johnson Ivan (203-C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.). Akins Tony and Ha Seung-Jin followed him with 14 points each, while Kang Byung-Hyun scored 13. Kim Julian produced 26 points in defeat.

Mobis Phoebus - LG Sakers 75-76
Mobis Phoebus suffered the 9th loss in the league as they lost to LG Sakers 75:76. Stevenson Greg (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 11 boards, while Ki Seung-Ho followed him with 20. Park Jong-Cheon responded with 23 points in the losing effort.

KT&G Kites - Daegu Orions 66-47
KT&G Kites rolled over Daegu Orions 66:47 as Daniels Chris (211-C-84) stepped up with 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead all the winners. Kim Sung-Chul posted 13 and Park Sung-Hoon added 8. Hill Herbert answered with 14 points in the losing case.

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Mobis Phoebus	26-9
2. Sonic Boom KT	25-9
3. KCC Egis	24-11
4. Dongbu Promy	22-12
5. LG Sakers	19-15
6. Samsung Th.	16-17
7. KT&G Kites	11-22
8. ET Land B.Sl.	10-24
9. Daegu Orions	8-24
10. SK Knights	8-26

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SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	19.1
2. Morley, Burgos	18.4
3. Roe, Tenerife	17.7
4. Hughes, Leon	17.7
5. Donaldson, La La.	17.2
6. Riera, Mallorca	17.0
7. Quinteros, CAI Z.	16.6
8. Guillen, La Laguna	15.8
9. Xavier, Breogan	15.4
10. Blanch, Mallor.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Donaldson, La La.	11.6
2. Starosta, Melilla	10.6
3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.1
4. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.1
5. Arteaga, Palencia	8.1
6. Padgett, La Palma	8.1
7. Adrien, Breogan	7.6
8. Coleman, Breogan	7.3
9. Turner, Vive M.	7.3
10. Ayon, Teneri.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.8
2. Jimenez, Melilla	4.1
3. Mena, La Palma	3.7
4. Lescano, CAI Z.	3.2
5. Vallmajo, Breogan	3.2
6. Perez, Cornella	3.2
7. Garrido, La Laguna	3.2
8. Hernandez, Burgos	3.1
9. Quinteros, CAI Z.	3.1
10. Rodriguez, CB Tar.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Matias LESCANO
  CAI Zaragoza
  (196-G/F-79)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Lescano, CAI Z.	3.1
2. Rabaseda, Cornella	2.7
3. Blanch, Mallorca	2.3
4. Quinteros, CAI Z.	2.1
5. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	2.1
6. Xavier, Breogan	1.9
7. Victor, Vive M.	1.8
8. Perez, Cornella	1.7
9. Ayon, Tenerife	1.7
10. Bernabe, Le.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Nedzad SINANOVIC
  Unicaja
  (221-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	1.7
2. Donaldson, La La.	1.7
3. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.6
4. Naymick, Caceres	1.6
5. Samb, Cornella	1.4
6. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza	1.4
7. Ayon, Tenerife	1.3
8. Roe, Tenerife	1.3
9. Joseph, Cornella	1.1
10. Green, Mallor.	1.0

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Nate HIGGS
  L''Hospitalet
  (200-F-70)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Higgs, L''Hospitalet	17.3
2. Pigram, Andorra	17.2
3. Vereen, Rosalia	16.8
4. Howard, Guadalaj.	16.3
5. Ferrer, Cajasur .	15.5
6. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.4
7. Uriz, Santurtzi	15.4
8. Johnson, Huesca	15.1
9. Salson, Huesca	15.0
10. Freimanis, Qalat.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Gustavo AYON
  Tenerife
  (209-F/C-85)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Ayon, Illescas	10.2
2. Howard, Guadalaj.	9.8
3. Miller, Huelva	9.6
4. Thompson, ADT T.	9.3
5. Santana, Caja Rioja	8.3
6. Virgil, Alcazar	7.4
7. Hampl, Santurtzi	7.3
8. Ausina, Matchmind	7.2
9. Williams, Matchmind	7.2
10. Silvestre, Plasenc.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Ricardo BUSCIGLIO
  Caja Rioja
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Busciglio, Caja Rioja	4.9
2. Castello, ADT T.	4.7
3. Rodriguez, Rosalia	4.3
4. Rufian, Huelva	4.2
5. Gonzalez, Navarra	4.1
6. Lopez, Coruna	3.9
7. Canals, Alaior	3.8
8. Cardenas, Qalat C.	3.5
9. Marcos, Alcazar	3.5
10. Guigou, Illesc.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Antonio GOMEZ
  Huelva
  (193-G-79)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Gomez, Huelva	2.6
2. Johnson, Huesca	2.4
3. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	2.4
4. Ott, Caja Rioja	2.3
5. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.3
6. Miller, Coruna	2.1
7. Pigram, Andorra	2.0
8. Lyons, Alcazar	2.0
9. Martinez, Huelva	2.0
10. Alonso, Matchmi.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Byombo, Illescas	1.3
2. Thompson, ADT T.	1.3
3. Bain, ADT Tarragona	1.2
4. Matali, Andorra	1.2
5. Adams, Navarra	1.2
6. De Santana, Caja R.	1.0
7. Sekulic, Plasencia	1.0
8. Miller, Huelva	0.9
9. Williams, Matchmind	0.9
10. Andrews, Hues.	0.9

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. Melilla	14-4
2. Vive Menorca	13-4
3. CAI Zaragoza	13-5
4. La Laguna	12-6
5. Breogan	10-6
6. Girona	10-7
7. Burgos	10-8
8. Leon	9-8
9. Ourense	9-8
10. Mallorca	9-9
11. La Palma	8-9
12. Caceres	8-10
13. Tenerife	7-11
14. Cornella	6-11
15. CB Tarragona	6-12
16. Clin.Rincon	6-12
17. Palencia	5-13
18. Vigo	3-15

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Standings

Group A
1. Huesca	12-4
2. Caja Rioja	11-5
3. Coruna	11-6
4. Andorra	10-6
5. Prat Juventud	7-8
6. Navarra	7-8
7. Rosalia	7-9
8. Santurtzi	7-9
9. L'Hospitalet	6-10
10. ADT Tarragona	5-11
11. Alaior	4-11
Group B
1. Huelva	10-3
2. Promobys	9-4
3. Alcazar	8-5
4. Illescas	8-5
5. Plasencia	7-6
6. Guadalajara	6-8
7. Qalat CajaSol	5-8
8. Real M. II	5-9
9. CajasurCord.	4-9
10. Matchmind	4-9

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SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping	21-3
2. Plannja	19-5
3. Sundsvall	18-5
4. Solna	17-7
5. Eco Orebro	11-13
6. Uppsala	9-15
7. Gothia Basket	8-15
8. Sodertalje	8-15
9. Boras	8-16
10. Jamtland	6-17
11. 08	5-19

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Drazen KLARIC
  Eco Orebro
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Klaric, Eco Orebro	20.2
2. McKnight, Plannja	19.7
3. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	18.0
4. Palm, Boras	17.4
5. Ringstrom, Gothia B.	16.2
6. Gervin, Norrkoping	16.0
7. Spagrud, Sundsvall	15.3
8. Blom, 08	15.1
9. Carter, Gothia B.	14.8
10. Nystrom, Bor.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Palm, Boras	10.8
2. Ringstrom, Gothia B.	10.5
3. Konare, Jamtland	10.0
4. Akingbade, Jamtl.	9.1
5. Spagrud, Sundsvall	8.5
6. Djordjic, Soder.	7.8
7. Akesson, Plannja	7.6
8. Jonzen, Uppsala	7.5
9. Mottram, Gothia B.	7.4
10. Kjellbom, Norrkopi.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Andrew PLEICK
  Eco Orebro
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.2
2. Levin, Sundsvall	5.8
3. Grant, Norrkoping	5.7
4. Mitchell, Solna	5.1
5. Chuk, Sodertalje	5.0
6. Mbemba, Solna	4.5
7. Gervin, Norrkoping	4.2
8. Larsson, Plannja	4.0
9. McKnight, Plannja	4.0
10. Hellgren, Jamtla.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Rhys CARTER
  Gothia Basket
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Carter, Gothia B.	2.8
2. Chuk, Sodertalje	2.5
3. Grant, Norrkoping	2.3
4. McKnight, Plannja	2.2
5. Mbemba, Solna	2.1
6. Hellgren, Jamtland	2.0
7. Mitchell, Solna	2.0
8. Pleick, Eco Orebro	1.9
9. Gervin, Norrkoping	1.9
10. Person, Uppsa.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Joakim KJELLBOM
  Norrkoping
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.8
2. Rosendahl, Plannja	1.7
3. Konare, Jamtland	1.6
4. Palm, Boras	1.5
5. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.0
6. Spagrud, Sundsvall	1.0
7. Drains, Norrkoping	0.9
8. Akesson, Plannja	0.9
9. McNaull, Norrkoping	0.9
10. Walker, Sodertal.	0.8

Basketligan, Round 25: Sundsvall hands 3rd loss to Norrkoping - by Eurobasket News
Plannja - Sodertalje 79-69
Plannja hosted Sodertalje and managed to record 79-69 win. John Rosendahl (203-F/C-77, college: Wyoming) had 23 points for hosts. Vesa Makalainen (200-F-86) added 15 points and 14 boards, while Johan Akesson added 14. On the other side, Borislav Djordjic had 14 points.

Solna - 08 98-82
Solna managed to overcome 08 Stockholm 98-82 thank to 23 points and 10 rebounds effort by Helgi Magnusson

(198-G/F-82, college: Catawba). Rudy Mbemba

(181-G-87) followed closely for winners with 22 points. Stockholm got 26 points from Plaisir Mukoko but that was not enough to avoid defeat.

Boras - Jamtland 56-68
In Round 25 of the Swedish Basketligan, it was mostly visitors who had better round. Jamtland managed to steal one from Boras after defeating them 56-68. Stefan Hellgren (190-G-86) led the way for visitors with 14 points. Anton Sawstrom (192-F-81) followed with 12 while Issa Konare scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. For Boras, Robin Ryan had 19 points while Omar Zaghden recorded double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Eco Orebro - Uppsala 63-98
Uppsala had an easy job against Eco Orebro wining the game 63-98. Gordon Watt (198-F-86, college: Houston Baptist) led the rout with 34 points. Andreas Person (188-G-91) added 17, while Anton Gaddefors finished the game with 14 points. For hosts, Denis Toroman scored 16 points.

Norrkoping - Sundsvall 79-91
Sundsvall grabbed impressive victory beating the top-ranked Norrkoping 79-91. Jakob Sigurdarson

(192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) had 28 points for the visiting team, while Johan Pierre (187-G-89) and Andrew Spagurd added 17 and 16 points respectively. For Norrkoping, Kenneth Grant and George Gervin stood out with 16 and 15 points.

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

SWITZERLAND

LNA Round: 17 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
BBC Nyon - MGS 76-65
Nyon overcame MGS behind 18 points from Yuanta Holland. Josh Almanson

(205-F-82, college: Bowling Green) nailed 17 points in the winning case. Moustapha Niang knocked down 19 points and 11 boards for MGS. Karon Bradley tallied 15 points, 8 assists and 6 boards in the loss.

Monthey - Lugano Tigers 89-96
Lugano posted the 12th win as they toppled Monthey on the road. Michael Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) fired 28 points to lead the Tigers. Dusan Mladjan contributed 27 points and 7 rebounds in the victory. Jean-Richard Volcy responded with 25 points, 13 boards and 5 assists in defeat.

Boncourt - Starwings 74-81
Tony Brown

(193-G-79, college: Arkansas St.) scored 27 points to lead Starwings past Boncourt on the road. Vernard Hollins netted 18 points for the visitors. Douglas Tshomba accounted for 21 points for the Red Team as they fell at 5-10 record.

SAV Vacallo - Fribourg 87-74
Vacallo held off league leading Fribourg in the key opposition of the round. Matt Schneidermann (205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa) scored 25 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead the charge. Duane Erwin added 17 points for the winners. Tresore Quidome responded with 24 points for Fribourg. Dave Esterkamp had 13 points in defeat.

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Kenny THOMAS
  Lausanne
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Thomas, Lausanne	21.8
2. Sowell, Geneva Devils	19.2
3. Hamilton, SAM M.	19.0
4. Hollins, Starwings	18.8
5. Brown, Starwings	18.3
6. Bradley, MGS	18.1
7. Mladjan, Lugano T.	17.7
8. Esterkamp, Fribo.	17.6
9. Volcy, Monthey	17.5
10. Peterson, Boncou.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SLOAN
  Starwings
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Sloan, Starwings	10.7
2. Thompson, Lausanne	10.0
3. Volcy, Monthey	9.9
4. Grimm, SAM M.	9.9
5. Southall, BBC Nyon	9.2
6. Gugino, Boncourt	8.5
7. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	8.2
8. Thomas, Lausanne	7.3
9. Dacevic, SAV V.	7.2
10. Sanders, Lugano.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Lewis MONROE
  Boncourt
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Monroe, Boncourt	5.6
2. Hollins, Starwings	5.6
3. Bradley, MGS	5.3
4. Lukovic, SAV V.	5.3
5. Pleux-D., Lausanne	5.3
6. Wooten, Boncourt	5.0
7. Walton, Lugano T.	4.9
8. Johnson, BBC Nyon	4.5
9. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.1
10. Gray, SAM Massag.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Vernon HAMILTON
  SAM Massagno
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 5

1. Hamilton, SAM M.	5.0
2. Pleux-D., Lausanne	2.5
3. Gray, SAM Massagno	2.4
4. Gugino, Boncourt	2.4
5. Jaquier, Starwings	2.3
6. Dacevic, SAV V.	2.3
7. Johnson, BBC Nyon	2.2
8. Volcy, Monthey	2.1
9. Smiljanic, SAV V.	2.1
10. Tshomba, Boncou.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Lausanne
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Thompson, Lausanne	3.9
2. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	3.5
3. Southall, BBC Nyon	3.5
4. Sloan, Starwings	1.9
5. Niang, MGS	1.7
6. Vogt, Fribourg	1.2
7. Gilmore, MGS	1.2
8. Volcy, Monthey	1.1
9. Grimm, SAM M.	1.0
10. Grimes, Lausan.	1.0

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SYRIA

SBL Imports List - by Ahmad Madwar

Jalaa Club :
Demetric Shaw (191-G-78)
Zendon Hamilton (209-C-75, college: St.John's)

Ittihad Club :
Damond Williams (197-F-80, college: Mc Neese St)
Kenyon Gamble (212-C-82, college: Tuskegee)

Jeish Club :
Christopher Garnett (211-C-80, college: Indiana SE)

Wehda Club :
Kristophor Gibbs-Smith (197-G/F-83, college: Plattsburgh St.)
Jermaine Bell (211-F/C-84, college: Indian Hills CC)

Wathba Club :
Avery Smith (191-G)
Vojislav Gojnic (208-C-80)

Talee'a Club :
Andrew Washington (191-G-84, agency: Liman Sports, college: Delaware)

Yarmouk Club :
Wayne Oliver (201-F/C-80, college: W.Hills JC)

Kasyoun Club :
Ryan Edwards (196-F-83, college: Missouri Baptist)

Tishreen Club :
Prentice McGruder (192-G-74, college: California)

Hurriya Club :
Marcus Brown (201-F-83, college: Georgia St.)

Karameh Club :
Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston)

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TAIWAN

SBL import situation update - by Chris Wang
SBL teams decided to look for those imports they were familiar with due to the short amount of time for preparation for the new season.

Jonathan Sanders was brought back to play for his third team in third season with the Taiwanese league, while Dacin re-signed Byron Allen, who helped the team to its first title last year. Delvin Thomas was also back after three years, this time playing for Taiwan Beer.

Taiwan Mobile is still looking for an import player. Yulon has made clear that it will not sign any import before the lunar new year (early February).

The SBL finally allows all teams to sign imports. With the limited time, I believe most of the teams are lack of contacts of sports agencies and time to test players. Maybe they will have a more systematic approach next year.

Import information is listed below, including salary information estimated by Apple Daily:

Pure Youth Construction
Jon Sanders
28, 200cm/92kg, St. Mary's
US$7,000/month
2006-07 Videoland Hunters
2007-08 Dmedia Numens
Led SBL in rebounding in 06-07 and 07-08... led SBL in assists in 07-08... named to All-SBL team twice in two years... averaged 23.5 points and 16.3 rebounds in 2006-07 and turned in 21.3 points, 16.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in 2007-08.

Dacin Tigers
Byron Allen
28, 198cm/126kg, Northwestern State
US$7,000/month
2008-09 Dacin Tigers
Named All-SBL team and led the league in rebounding in 08-09... averaged 12.1 points and 9.9 rebounds.

Taiwan Beer
Delvin Thomas
31, 200cm/102kg, Bethune Cookman
US$7,000/month
2006-07 ETSN Antelopes
Averaged 17.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and two blocks in 06-07

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor
Shawn Hawkins
27, 198cm/103kg, Long Beach State
US$10,000/month

Bank of Taiwan
Jeff Jones
26, 200cm/103kg, New Mexico State
US$6,000/month

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Taiwan Mobile	0-0
2. Yulon Luxgen	0-0
3. Dacin Tigers	0-0
4. Bank of Taiwan	0-0
5. Taiwan Beer	0-0
6. KKL	0-0
7. Pure Youth	0-0

SBL teams starting lineups prediction - by Chris Wang
The following prediction was made by Apple Daily:

Dacin Tigers
PG Wang Chih-chun 5.5p+2.1a
SG Chang Chih-feng 18p+4.7rb+2.5a
SF Lin Yi-hui 10.5p+3.9rb
PF Tien Lei 15.4p+6.9rb
C Byron Allen 12.1p+9.9rb

Pure Youth
PG Hong Chih-shan 9.2p+2.8a
SG Chang Yu-lin 7.9p+2.5rb
SF James Mao 12p+4.6rb+2.3a
SF Tsai Wen-cheng 13.5p+5.8rb
C Jonathan Sanders DNP

Taiwan Mobile
PG Hsu Tse-hsin 7.9p+3.7rb+3.1a
SG Wu Yong-jen 12.1p+3.9rb+4.1a
SF Ouyang Ching-heng 16p+4.7rb
PF Hsu Wei-sheng 10.3p+4.6rb
C Yen Cheng-hong 10.1p+4.6rb

Bank of Taiwan
PG Sun Hwan-po DNP
SG Chen Shun-hsiang 14.2p+3.2rb+2.5a
SF Doug Creighton 6.2p+3.9rb
PF Chang Jung-hsuan 7p+3.3rb
C Hsu Chih-chang 17.3p+8.4p

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor
PG Kao Jie-shang 3.6p+2.5a
SG Chen Ching-hwan 15.7p+6.9rb
SF Shawn Hawkins DNP
PF Cheng Jen-wei 14.1p+6.5rb
C Hong Ying-che 1.1p+1.2rb

Taiwan Beer
PG Chen Shih-nian 8p+2.8rb+3.9a
SG Yang Yu-ming 9.6p
SF Yang Ching-min 19p+4.7rb+2a
PF Ho Shou-cheng 13.1p+6rb
C Wu Tai-hao 12p+7rb

Yulon Luxgen
PG Lee Hsueh-lin 9.6p+3.2rb+3.8a
SG Chou Shih-yuan 11.6p+3.2rb
SF Yang Che-yi 11.7p+3.4rb+2.2a
PF Wu Chih-wei 10.1p+3.6rb
C Tseng Wen-ting 16.7p+9.3rb+4.4a

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Local basketball on the upswing - by Albert-Lee Young
Source: Trinidad Newsday
By BRIAN MANNING Friday, January 8 2010
I WAS somewhat dismayed after reading an article in the Trinidad Express titled Much Work to do Off the Court which claimed to be a year-end review of the activities of the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago but somehow forgot to mention all of the positive things achieved by the organisation in 2009.

The article was both inaccurate and woefully incomplete. To make matters worse the article was published anonymously making its attacks seem all the more cowardly. How could the article claim that I was not visible till October when our national team competed in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament in June and I conducted a round of media interviews (radio, television and newspapers) before, during and after the tournament?

Even after the election in April the NBFTTs VP of Technical and Training, Major David Benjamin, and I were interviewed on your sister television station outlining the plans of this new administration.

The NBFTT has also been actively marketing the sport and inspiring our young people to get involved by disseminating articles to the media extolling the exploits of our internationally based college and professional players on an almost biweekly basis.

I would dare say that both basketball and I have been in the media more than ever before in 2009. How could all of that have been missed by the writer?

The article goes on to allude that the current administration could not take credit for the incontrovertible success of our senior mens national team at last years Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament because we had only been in office for a short period.

It fails to acknowledge that Trinidad and Tobago competed in that very tournament in 2008 and finished dead last in the region with a round sum of zero wins to show for our efforts.

In 2009 TT had its best tournament showing in almost 15 years and was the only team to defeat eventual champions Jamaica. Our participation was a resounding success and TT is still in a position to qualify for the FIBA Centro basketball championships and the PAN American Games in 2010, a feat we have not duplicated in almost 20 years.

The main reasons for our dramatic improvement in this regional tournament were the decisions to retain Mr Terry Layton (a certified FIBA expert who has coached no less than five different national teams and professional teams in the USA, Latin America, Europe and China) as the senior mens coach and deliberately scouting and attracting more of our internationally based professional and college players to represent TT.

It was these critical decisions that ended almost a decade and a half of futility in but a matter of weeks. Who should take credit for that?

In just eight months this administration has effectively managed zonal competitions in eight of the nine zones governed by the NBFTT after only having competitions in but four of them in 2008.

The NBFTT also conducted an unprecedented number of well-attended officiating clinics in several zones which have all received rave reviews and will be expanded next year. What about the success of our national championships and the playing of matches in Tobago for the first time ever? Did the writer miss all of that?

When discussing the call for a boycott of the NBFTTs National Championships the writer was remiss in his duty to illuminate readers by giving the full story so that they can ascertain the truth.

This call was anchored by two former national coaches, who were receiving close to $8,000 monthly even when the teams were not in training, whose contracts were not renewed.

The entire movement and press conference were co-ordinated by another individual who manages a private basketball tournament and is now unable or unwilling to pay prize monies and wages owed and is in line to be sanctioned by the NBFTTs Disputes Committee.

Wouldnt that information have allowed for readers to arrive at a more informed conclusion? At the very least the writer should have mentioned that the calls for a boycott were completely ignored by the qualifying mens teams and that the NBFTT has hosted national tournaments in the past that have involved more than two teams from several zones and the very persons calling for a boycott on those grounds participated without complaint. Why the sudden change? Even if that was missed how could the writer have possibly ignored the record prize monies being paid to both womens and mens teams in this National Championship tournament?

Close to $300,000 in prizes is unprecedented in local basketball and has sparked a renewed interest in the sport by both players and fans alike. These prizes are only possible due to the efforts of this current administration to partner with both private and public sector entities to provide more opportunities for our youth. How could all of these well publicised efforts have been missed?

What was understandably missed by the anonymous writer are the rounds of meetings the NBFTT has been having with our schools basketball association, referees association, wheelchair basketball association, the SPORTT company and the Ministry of Sport in developing a comprehensive programme for developing and improving basketball at both the primary and secondary school levels.

What may have also been missed is the NBFTT, at the behest of the Sport Company, actively seeking an international person trained in Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) to develop programmes for our coaching and officiating certificates and, more importantly, our national youth programmes.

The year 2009 was reserved for gathering information, meeting with stakeholders and assessment of the state of basketball in TT; that is how proper and effective policy is formulated.

Even if all of these achievements could have somehow been missed by the writer how could he have missed the opportunity to have some of his concerns or questions clarified by making a simple phone call to the president of the NBFTT?

Isnt that what any journalist seeking to write a well rounded, fair- minded, balanced and unbiased article would do? I wasnt even afforded the courtesy of a simple phone call. Maybe thats something I missed?

(Brian Manning is the President of the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago)

Defence Force slows down Heat - by Albert-Lee Young
National standout Steven Lighter Lewis tallied 16 points and 6 rebounds as Defence Force defeated a determined Valencia Heat, 84-69, in a Group B contest of the National Club Championships on Wednesday night in Maloney.

With the win the reigning champions jumped to the top of the group standings with a 4-1 record. For the army team Jonathan Donawa and center Wilt Vincent scored 13 points apiece.

Forward Fabrice Fisher led Heat with a game high 21 points, Kenrick Bernard got 13 and Wayne Richards added 12. Heat dropped to 2-2.

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TURKEY

Arbitration Board decided for Galatasaray CC : Guilty but not that much... - by Serkan Corum
Finally Board gave Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul a partial but crucial reversal. Decision was more or less likely esp. about 5 points deductions but there were also some surprises on both ways. Board agreed almost with everyone and said additional 5 points deduction does not have any legal basis and needs to be reversed, board also reversed punishments given to the head of clubs basketball operation Yigit Sardan - who immediately resigned after the incident - and general manager Ali Tursan. 'I was expecting this for my self and for Koray Mincinozlu too ' said Mr.Tursan who was GSCC head coach during the incident. Mr. Mincinozlu was thinking the same way too. He said he has nothing to do with this and his punishment should have been reversed too.
Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul is still not happy though as they were expecting some amendments on players case (esp. Tufan Ersoz (198-F/G-80, agency: 1x1 Sports)) either. There is no doubt that this would give a huge hand to Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul's journey to remain still in TBL. They now equaled points with the last place holder Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul. Final reminder this is an absolute order and cannot bet appealed.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Aska and the Racers on ESPN2 - by David Edole
St. Croix native Ivan Aska (201-F-90) and the Murray State Racers hit the road for the Dunn Center and a game with the Austin Peay Governors Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. Aska, the 6-foot-7 power forward, is the Racers leading scorer (11.5) and is second in rebounding (4.9). Aska is the returning Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and has already garnered OVC player of the week honors (November 18, 2009) and was named MVP of Coaches vs. Cancers Classic.
The Racers have won three straight and are coming off a road 80-59 win Thursday over Tennessee State as they moved to 12-3. The Racers' 4-0 start is their best in the OVC since the 1998-99 season when they started 13-0. MSU is the only team in NCAA D-I currently leading their conference in overall games in these categories: scoring offense (79.3), scoring defense (61.8), field goal defense percentage (.391) and three-point defense percentage (.306). St. Mary's (Calif.) leads the West Coast Conference in three of the stat lines.

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UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Budivelnyk	11-1
2. Ferro-ZNTU	10-2
3. BC Donetsk	9-1
4. Kryvbasbasket	7-3
5. BC Odessa	7-4
6. BC Kyiv	7-5
7. Dnipro	6-4
8. Khimik	6-5
9. Politek.Lviv	5-6
10. Azovmash	5-6
11. Hoverla	4-7
12. Mykolaiv	2-8
13. DniproAzot	2-9
14. Pulsar	1-10
15. Gryfony	0-11

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Khalid EL-AMIN
  Budivelnyk
  (178-G-79)
  Avg: 23.8

1. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	23.8
2. Karim, DniproAzot	21.1
3. McClintock, Mykolaiv	19.1
4. Thomas, Fe.	18.9
5. Daniels, Azovmash	18.7
6. Blassingame, BC Od.	17.8
7. Fraser, Hoverla	17.6
8. DeGroat, BC Odessa	17.5
9. Williams, Politek..	17.5
10. Crowe, Dnip.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Charles THOMAS
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Thomas, Fe.	11.8
2. Fraser, Hoverla	11.5
3. Rizvic, Azovmash	8.5
4. Morton, DniproAzot	7.8
5. Finn, Politek.Lviv	7.7
6. Hunter, Fe.	7.4
7. Wilson, Gryfony	7.2
8. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	7.2
9. McClintock, Mykolaiv	7.0
10. Kornienko, Dnip.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Jerel BLASSINGAME
  BC Odessa
  (177-G-81)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Blassingame, BC Od.	6.5
2. Crowe, Dnipro	6.4
3. Karim, DniproAzot	6.0
4. Mitchell, Khimik	6.0
5. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	5.3
6. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	4.5
7. Antonijevic, Kryvba.	4.3
8. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	4.1
9. Sparks, Hoverla	4.1
10. Perry, BC Donet.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Kevin TIGGS
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (196-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Tiggs, Fe.	2.3
2. Canak, Gryfony	2.2
3. House, Azovmash	2.2
4. Sparks, Hoverla	2.2
5. Serapinas, Azovm.	2.2
6. Crowe, Dnipro	2.1
7. Drozdov, BC Donetsk	2.0
8. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	2.0
9. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	2.0
10. Perry, BC Donet.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Viacheslav KRAVTSOV
  BC Kyiv
  (212-C-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	2.7
2. Rizvic, Azovmash	2.7
3. McClintock, Mykolaiv	1.7
4. Morton, DniproAzot	1.7
5. Agafonov, Khimik	1.5
6. Owens, BC Donetsk	1.3
7. Matyukevych, Mykol.	1.2
8. Khizhnyak, Budivelnyk	1.2
9. Balashov, BC Odessa	1.2
10. Chemyakin,.	1.1

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Trailblazers start 2010 with league and trophy double-header - by George Manousidis
Derby Trailblazers start to the New Year brings a pair of difficult matches as the club resumes its league and trophy matches.
Although the Trailblazers have a perfect record so far against Leicester Warriors and Leeds Carnegie, who they face in the league and the quarter finals of the Trophy respectively, the four matches have resulted in wins of no more than four points in any encounter.
Both teams have a reputation for playing tough, physical basketball and Trailblazers coach Clarence Wiggins believes the pair of fixtures will be a very difficult proposition for his side:
We have to deal with the physicality of Leicester while making sure we have something in reserve for the Trophy quarter final against Leeds, he said.
Leicester and Leeds are both new to division one this season, but both clubs have made impressive starts to life in the top flight. They currently have a share of second place in the league table along with Derby and are there on merit, according to Wiggins:
I think everyone expected Leeds to be strong, because of their University programme, but Leicester have recruited really well and theyre a quality team. Theyre very physical and although weve beaten them three times already, we found it very difficult each time. We dont match up well with them so well need to prepare well if were going to beat them again, he said.
Derby will have Dave Attewell back from injury, after missing out on the Trailblazers 71-69 home victory over Leeds in the league immediately before the Christmas break. Attewell currently leads the league with an average 11.73 rebounds per game, but he will be up against a pair of players who also figure in the top five this weekend.
Leicesters Joe Reynoso is currently ranked fourth with 9.63 boards per game, while Leeds Adrian Fenyn is fifth with an average of 9.00. Fenyn has also recently become the leagues leading scorer, posting an average of 25.88 points per game.
Saturdays match against Leicester will be the fourth this season between the two clubs, but its their first meeting in the league. Coach Clarence Wiggins believes that will make the Warriors even more determined to seek revenge for the three defeats Derby have subjected them in the knock out competitions.
Theyll be up for it, theres no doubt about that. From our perspective it will be very difficult to get another win, because they know so much about how we play. I also dont think theyve had a full strength team out against us yet, so our task will be harder than ever, he said.
Never a fan of having to play back to back games, Wiggins is relieved to note that Leeds are also in action on Saturday night, when they face Coventry Crusaders in the league.
Double-headers are never easy, but hopefully we can start the New Year with two more wins and book ourselves a place in another semi-final, he said.
The league match against the Warriors tips off at 3.30pm on Saturday, at Braunstone Leisure Centre in Leicester, while Sundays Trophy quarter final will take place at Derbys Noel-Baker School at 5:30pm.
Trailblazers II have a blank weekend, as their scheduled opponents are involved in a national shield match. Derbys own second team also face a quarter final tie in the shield this week, but the match against Loughborough Student Cardinals is scheduled for 8pm on Wednesday at Noel-Baker.
The Trailblazers Under 18s are home to Leicester Canons on Saturday at 12noon, while the 16s are home to Gloster Jets at 4pm Sunday. The under 14s travel to Northampton on Saturday (1.30pm), while the under 13s face Sheffield Junior Sharks and Northants Ballers at Noel-Baker on Sunday, tipping off at 11:30 and 2pm respectively.
source: www.derbytrailblazers.com

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

VENEZUELA

Changes in Venezuela National teams - by Wolfgang Lucena
What happened with Venezuela National Team during the year of 2009 is a reason enough for analysis. Francisco Paco Diez, spokesmen of the Venezuelan Basketball Federation has announced that many changes are about to come out. Paco Diez said that 2010 is going to be a year for serious and deep hard work. The Venezuela basketball federation will be working really hard from this year on with every one of its national teams.

Main Source: http://www.balonalaire.com/ver_nota.php?recordID=329

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Women News

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women

Gospic adds Matic - by Zeljko Zule
Gospic have added some forward depth with the signing of Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) for the reminder of the season. She appeared in 12 games of LFB championship with Aix-en-Provence this season, averaging 5.5 points (2P 41%, 3P 43%, FT 67%), 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 steals in 16.6 minutes per apearance. Matic played well at the start of the season, but her contribution and performance went down fast after a series of minor injuries.

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

ARMENIA - Women

Hatis Yerevan sign Amanda Jackson - by Eurobasket
Hatis Yerevan agreed terms with 25-year old American guard Amanda Jackson (175-G-85, college: Miami, OH). Jackson played most recently at EBE Ibiza-PDV Sta Eulalia (Spain). While playing 6 games for EBE Ibiza-PDV her stats were: 6.0ppg and 2.2rpg
Jackson spend 2008-09 in Portugal palying at Sport Alges Dafundo (Portugal-Liga Feminina), she played 18 games and averaged 25.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 83.0%, and also participated at Portuguese Women League All-Star Game -09, she also was awarded:
Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League 1st Team -09
Eurobasket.com Portuguese League All-Imports Team -09
Eurobasket.com Portuguese League All-Defensive Team -09
Portuguese League Semifinals -09
Spanish LFB Supercup Finalist -09
in her first game with Hatis, Jackson played 38 minutes and scored 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Standings - WNBL

WNBL Standings

1. Bulleen B.	15-1
2. Sydney UF	12-4
3. Townsville F.	10-4
4. Canberra C.	10-5
5. Adelaide	9-7
6. Bendigo S.	8-7
7. Logan T.	5-9
8. Dandenong R.	5-9
9. Perth L.	1-14
10. AIS	0-15

Stats Leaders - WNBL

Points Per Game

Suzy BATKOVIC-BROWN
  Sydney UF
  (193-C-80)
  Avg: 24.9

1. Batkovic-B., Sydney U.	24.9
2. Harrower, Bendi.	24.4
3. Cambage, Bulle.	20.7
4. Lewis, Townsville F.	17.1
5. Bibby, Canberra C.	16.7
6. Marino, Adelaide	16.7
7. Kerr, Townsville F.	16.1
8. Francis, Adelaide	15.7
9. Tolo, Canberra C.	15.2
10. Smith, Sydney	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Tanya SMITH
  Townsville F.
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Smith, Townsville F.	9.6
2. Kerr, Townsville F.	9.5
3. Batkovic-B., Sydney U.	9.5
4. Cambage, Bulle.	8.9
5. Tolo, Canberra C.	8.6
6. Francis, Adelaide	8.2
7. Abbott, Logan T.	7.4
8. Penaluna, Bulleen B.	7.0
9. Porter, Sydney UF	6.9
10. Woosnam, Adelai.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Jenna O''HEA
  Bulleen B.
  (187-F-87)
  Avg: 5.1

1. O''Hea, Bulleen B.	5.1
2. Milner, Bulleen B.	5.1
3. Veal, Logan T.	4.6
4. Marino, Adelaide	4.6
5. Harrower, Bendi.	4.5
6. Butler, Sydney UF	4.4
7. Flanagan, Townsvil.	4.1
8. Smith, Sydney UF	3.6
9. Hurst, Canberra C.	3.4
10. Mahony, Danden.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Kristen VEAL
  Logan T.
  (176-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Veal, Logan T.	2.4
2. Taylor, AIS	1.9
3. Flanagan, Townsvil.	1.8
4. Malpass, Perth L.	1.7
5. Batkovic-B., Sydney U.	1.6
6. Foley, Adelaide	1.4
7. Finnigan, Bendigo S.	1.4
8. Purcell, Logan T.	1.4
9. Hurst, Canberra C.	1.4
10. Milner, Bulleen.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Amy LEWIS
  Townsville F.
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Lewis, Townsville F.	1.4
2. Smith, Townsville F.	1.2
3. Tolo, Canberra C.	1.1
4. Roberts, AIS	1.1
5. Smith, Sydney UF	1.0
6. Starks, Perth L.	0.9
7. Kerr, Townsville F.	0.9
8. Harrower, Bendi.	0.8
9. Joy, AIS	0.8
10. Graham, Logan.	0.8

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CYPRUS - Women

K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol sign Chamique Holdsclaw and Sherill Baker - by Eurobasket
K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol strengthened their roster with addition of 33-year old American forward Chamique Holdsclaw (188-F-77, college: Tennessee, agency: Merit Sports). Holdsclaw played most recently at Dobri Anjeli Kosice (Slovakia). While playing 25 games for Atlanta Dream (WNBA) in summer 2009 her stats were: 12.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.1apg and 1.2spg and collected WNBA Eastern Conference Regular Season Runner-Up
in her first game with AEL, Holdsclaw played 35 minutes and scored 17 points, 9 rbound and 3 assists.

Sherill Baker also agreed terms with K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol, who recently moved from Elizur Maclaren Holon where she only played 3 games and averaged 17.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg and 4.0spg. Baker is Israeli Cup Winner, Europe Cup Semifinals, Israeli League Champion in 2008 and Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention twice in 2008 and 2009
in her first game with AEL, Sherill played 23 minutes and scored 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists
By Eurobasket Data Center

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ESTONIA - Women

Estonian U16 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh

Svilberg

Kasemagi

Zahharenkova

Uprus

Lilleallik

182-94

173-G-94

171-94

160-G-94

Audentes

Jane Svilberg

178-F/C-95

Audentes

Trine Kasemagi

190-C-95

Liis Kullamaa

165-G-94

Ksenia Zahharenkova

188-C-94

Greeta Uprus

175-G-94

Agnes Kask

175-94

Janeli Lilleallik

168-G-94

Ereli Sade

165-94

Kaire Asi

Head Coach

Katrin Kallit

Assistant

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EUROCUP - Women

Eurocup Round: 1 (1/16 Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Medvescak - Athinaikos 54-80
Powerful Athinaikos had an easy job in Croatia celebrating 54-80 win. Candice Wiggins (180-G-87, college: Stanford) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) added 13 pts and 7 assists in this victory. Iva Badanjak (191-C-85) scored 16 pts for Medvescak.

Sf. Gheorghe - Mann Filter 57-85
Mann Filter blasted Sf. Gheorghe and second game will be just the formality. Agne Ciudariene (190-C-79) was the leading player in Spanish squad collecting 14 points and 9 rebounds. The hosts got 17 points from Florina Diacona (176-G-82) and Ildiko Vass (each).

Hatis Yerevan - Nadezhda O. 69-80
Great win by the Russian squad, who got monster double-double (25 points and 16 rebounds) from Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya (197-C-77). Olga Ovcharenko (184-F-79) netted 22 pts in this victory. On the other side, Jackson replied with 21 pts and Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87, agency: Promotex) scored 19.

Sibenik - Gran Canaria 62-40
Wonderful victory by the Croatian squad, who got 19 points and 5 rebounds from Neda Lokas (182-F-85). Monika Veselovski had 11 pts and was the last one with double-digits in scoring for the hosts. Morgan Warburton (180-G-87, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) collected 13 points in defeat.

Zeljeznicar - Hemofarm 69-69
Hemofarm played a good game in Sarajevo and will be the host in Game 2. Sasa Cado (172-G-89) top-scored for the guests with 14 points. Tamara Radocaj followed her with one point less. In Zeljeznicar, Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) shined with 23 points and 9 rebounds.

ICIM Arad - Mondeville 68-84
Mondeville had Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) in a game mood with 28 points. Aurelie Bonnan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The French squad is already seen in 1/8 Finals. Suzana Milovanovic (185-F-79, agency: LBM Management) delivered 15 points for the hosts.

Lemminkain. - SEAT Lami 60-74
Great job by SEAT Lami. Hajdana Radunovic (192-F/C-78) once again was a key player in her team draining 25 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Orsolya Englert and Anna Vida scored 13 pts each. In defeat, Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) had 19 pts and 7 rebs.

MBK Ruzomb. - Targoviste 68-90
Excellent victory by Targoviste, whose best player in this game was Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) with 29 points. Frohlich also was good scoring 15 and Monika Boriga added 2 points less. In MBK Ruzomberok, Katarina Simkulakova collected 20 points and 5 rebounds.

Dnipro - EBE Ibiza-PDV 59-57
Iuliya Iakhina (186-C-80) led the Ukrainian squad to this tiny victory with 16 points. Kimberly Williams scored 13, while new face Paris added 12 pts and 13 boards. In the Spanish squad, Shanon Johnson (169-G-85) delivered 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.

AEL - Dunav 93-65
The Cypriot powerhouse destroyed Dunav in Game 1 mostly owing to Daliborka Vilipic (196-C-75) and Biljana Pesovic (180-G-83), who drained 25 points each. Chamika Holdsclaw was third scorer in this victory with 17 pts (9 rebs). In Bulgarian team, Charel Allen collected 16 points and 7 rebounds.

Sierre - Dynamo M. 61-62
Dynamo Moscow celebrated 61-62 win in Switzerland getting 16 points and 9 rebounds from Natalia Vodopiyanova (190-F-81). Marina Kuzina helped with 14 points and 10 boards. The hosts got 16 pts from Ofelia Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) and Evgeniya Teplyashina (each).

Energa Torun - Dynamo-NPU 64-61
64-61 win for Energa Torun in Game 1 of EuroCup 1/16 Finals. The hosts got 15 points from Agata Gajda (174-G-80) and 14 pts, plus 7 rebounds from Monika Krawiec. Elena Legostaeva (188-F-86) delivered 16 pts for Dynamo-NPU.

Besiktas - Dynamo K. 69-95
Dynamo Kursk did a great job in Istanbul having couple of players in a game mood. Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa) was the leading one with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Svetlana Maksimenko (183-F-82, agency: LBM Management) was second scorer in victory with 19 pts. In loss, Jillian Sales shined with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Botas - CCC Polkowice 74-50
Impressive 24-point victory for the Turkish squad, who got 20 points and 8 rebounds from Epiphanny Prince (175-G, college: Rutgers). Seda Tabakci had 15 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. On the other side, Amisha Carter (188-F/C-82, college: Louisiana Tech) had double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Dexia - Saarlouis 71-95
Saarlouis demonstrated great performance in Game 1 getting 25 points and 6 rebounds from Romy Bar (188-F-87). Petra Manakova also was on fire scoring 21 points and she pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) netted 28 points for the hosts.

Spartak N. - Lattes Montpe. 61-67
Lattes Montpellier grabbed nice road victory against Spartak Noginsk making a huge step forward to 1/8 Finals. Pauline Krawczyk (180-F-85) shined for the French squad with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Mandisa Stevenson (191-C-82, college: Auburn) also had important role netting 14 pts. In the loosing squad, Nelli Nevzorova collected 18 points and 7 rebounds.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nykesha SALES
  Besiktas
  (183-F/G-76)
  Avg: 24.3

1. Sales, Besiktas	24.3
2. Player, Olivais	23.8
3. Pimenova, Cheva.	22.0
4. Villarroel, Sierre	21.7
5. Champion, CAB M.	21.0
6. Johnson, EBE I.	20.6
7. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	20.2
8. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	19.3
9. Diacona, Sf. G.	18.9
10. Mazic, Medvesc.	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jelena MAKSIMOVIC
  Zeljeznicar
  (192-C-82)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Maksimovic, Zeljezni.	12.3
2. Fleischer, Dexia	12.1
3. Mazic, Medvescak	11.8
4. Gidden, Sf. G.	11.7
5. Santos, AD Vagos	11.5
6. Anosike, Targoviste	11.0
7. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	10.6
8. Sanford, EBE I.	10.3
9. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	10.0
10. Snow, Dynamo.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 8

1. Zoll, Botas	8.0
2. Szymanska-L., Dex.	7.0
3. Keyru, Dynamo M.	4.9
4. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	4.8
5. Chapdelaine, MBK R.	4.7
6. Berseneva, Nadezhda.	4.6
7. Sytnyak, Dynamo M.	4.3
8. White, Hapoel T-A	4.3
9. Zellous, Besiktas	4.2
10. Zygelyte, Lemminka.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Nykesha SALES
  Besiktas
  (183-F/G-76)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Sales, Besiktas	4.3
2. Keyru, Dynamo M.	4.0
3. Dubrovina, Dnipro	3.6
4. Anosike, Targoviste	3.5
5. Zoll, Botas	3.4
6. Villarroel, Sierre	3.3
7. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	3.2
8. Gladden, Energa T.	3.2
9. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.	3.1
10. Doron, Targovis.	3.1

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	4.2
2. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	2.5
3. Kovacevic, Hemof.	2.3
4. Sowinski, CAB M.	2.2
5. Lukacovicova, MBK R.	2.2
6. Ivankovic, Sibenik	2.2
7. Gidden, Sf. G.	1.7
8. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.7
9. Ivancevic, Hapoel T.	1.3
10. Dacic, Besikt.	1.3

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Halvarsson in Lotos, Anosike to Gorzow, Pawlak in Wisla - by Eurobasket News
Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) moved to Poland. The Swedish international signed a deal with Lotos Gdynia. The 20-year-old centre started the season in Spartak Moscow but decided to move to Poland. Last season Louice Halvarsson played for Telge Energi. She averaged 25.0 points, 9.4 boards and 1.4 steals per game. Halvarsson played at the U20 European Championship in Poland this summer. There the centre notched 13.6 points and 8.4 boards.
In the meantime Gorzow strengthened the roster with addition of Nicky Anosike (192-C-86, college: Tennessee). The 23-year-old centre played for Targoviste this season. She notched 13.5 points, 11.0 boards and 2.5 assists per EuroCup game. Last season Anosike played for Gorzow. She averaged 14.2 points, 7.9 boards and 1.3 blocks per appearance.
Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) changed the team. She moved to Wisla from Lotos. The 25-year-old Polish international tallied 8.1 points, 4.6 assists and 2.6 boards for Lotos in the PLKK. In Euroleague Pawlak averaged 5.0 points and 1.6 assists per game.
Artego Bydgoszcz recruited Jasmine Young (165-G, college: E.Carolina). The guard signed her first pro contract in Puerto Rico in 2009. She played for Aguas Buenas Tigresas scoring 16.2 points, issuing 6.9 assists and pulling down 5.3 boards.

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FINLAND - Women

Changes in Espoo - by Esko Saarinen
Espoo Team, last season's Finnish Champion, has lost two players in Christmas pause. Michaela Moua continues playing in Kerava and Ashley Haynes is staying America. Moua is mportant player in youg Kerava Team. She has played 86 international matches and played as profession in many European countries during ten years. She has won twice Switzerland's champion. She is 33 yeas old. She studied in Ohio State university as she left Finland in 1996. She has been named the best defending player in Finland in the years 1994 and 1995. Ashley Haynes is three times Finnish Champion and made this season in ten matches ave 11,9 points, 10,3 rebounds and 1,8 assist. She has problems with her ankle and she coundn't play and train in high levet. Espoo is looking after a new american player for Haynes.

Kenya Robinson player of December - by Esko Saarinen
Finnish Basketball Association has named Kenya Robinson (Huima) to the player of December. There were only two matches in December, and Kenya made ave 27,0 points and took 18,0 rebounds. She gave also 3,0 assists, 2,5 steals and 1,5 blocks. Kenya Robinson has played in Finland since 1997 and sha has named three times the best foreign player of the season. She has also the Finnish Champions. In the begining of December she was the first foregn player to play more than 300 matches in regular season.

Changes in the teams - by Esko Saarinen
As the spring season starts on Saturday, many teams have change the americans. Alku (Forssa) and Team S-Hameenmaa (Orimattila) are the teams to have new players. Alku gets back last season's player Ashley Pellom. Former player Erneisha Bailey has problems in legs and she is ot coming back from America. Pellom (170) made last season in Alku ave 18,1 points, 7,1 rebounds and 3,0 assists.Team S-Hameenmaa didn't want to continue the contract with Sherell Hibbs and has now a new player Mara Freshour. She finished Florida State university last spring and was drafted in third round to WNBA team Seattle Storm. She didn't play any match in this team and is now in Orimattila. Team S-Hameenmaa gets also a new Finnis player, as Maria Pekkarinen (former PeKa, Kotka) is joining the team. She has been a coach of the team helping the head coach Mari Puustinen.

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FRANCE - Women

USO Mondeville sign Temeka Johnson - by Eurobasket
USO Mondeville agreed terms with 28-year old American guard Temeka Johnson (160-G-82, college: LSU, agency: Ronsport). Johnson played most recently at Maccabi Ashdod (Israel). While playing 5 games for M.Ashdod her stats were: 13.0ppg, 2.6rpg and 5.6apg. and in summer 2009 she Johnson played in WNBA at Phoenix Mercury. she played 45 games and averaged: 9.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.9%, and she manged to win WNBA Champion -09
in her first game with Mondevile at Eurocup, Temeka played 30 minutes and scored 13 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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ISRAEL - Women

D1 Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jerusalem - Elizur Holon 84-73
Jerusalem rolled over Elizur Holon 84:73 as Mistie Williams (191-C-83, college: Duke) stepped up with 28 points for the winners. Brown Edwina and Elohim Brashida followed her with 14 points each. Gardin Kerri ended up with 19 points in the losing case.

Hapoel T-A - Ramat Hen 74-97
Hapoel T-A was beaten by Ramat Hen 74:97 as the latter got 22 points from Carrem Gay (188-F-87, college: Duke). Ganor Noa nailed 19, while Jackson Tiffany and Canty Dominique posted 18 each. Tilis Izais had a great game in defeat as she collected 16 points and 10 boards.

M.Tel Kabir - Elizur Netanya 75-83
Elizur Netanya won over Tel Kabir 83:75 as Marshae Dotson (180-F-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: Florida) and Coker Monique combined 40 points. Fox-Griffin Mercedes and Monsac Sugeiry produced 17 points apiece in the losing effort.

Raanana Her. - Electra Ramat 61-89
Raanana lost to Electra Ramat 61:89 on January 7th. Six players scored in double digits for the winners as Kia Vaughn (193-C-87, college: Rutgers) led all of them with 17 points and 13 rebounds. James Tamara responded with 18 points and 10 boards, while Sunny Olayinka collected 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Standings (W)

D1 Standings

1. Electra Ramat	11-1
2. Elizur Netanya	10-3
3. M.Ashdod	9-3
4. Elizur Ramla	8-3
5. Ramat Hen	8-5
6. Raanana Her.	6-7
7. Jerusalem	4-9
8. Elizur Holon	3-10
9. M.Tel Kabir	2-11
10. Hapoel T-A	1-10

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LATVIA - Women

Standings - LSBL

LSBL Standings

1. TTT Riga	11-1
2. Cesis	11-1
3. RTU-Merks	8-5
4. DU/Swedbank	6-6
5. LU	3-9
6. Liepajas met.	2-10
7. TTT Jun.	2-11

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Basket Esch find new import player - by Eurobasket News
Basket Esch found the new import player. The team has agreed on terms of contract with Erin Allan (184-F-84, agency: Pro Agents-Basketball Careers). The Canadian forward is going to replace Carlene Hightower (180-F-86, college: La Salle). The US forward signed the contract till the end of the 2009 so Basket Esch had to enter the market. Erin Allan played in Czech Republic last year. She tallied 3.0 points and 2.4 boards per game for Karlovy Vary.

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POLAND - Women

Cheryl Ford in CCC Polkowice - by Eurobasket News
Cheryl Ford (191-F/C-81, college: Louisiana Tech) became the new player of CCC Polkowice. The daughter of famous forward Karl Malone joined ambitious team for the second part of the PLKK. The 28-year-old centre spent the last season in the WNBA. She averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 boards and 1.0 steals per game for the Detroit Shock. Cheryl Ford has been playing for the Shock since 2003. The centre also had stints with UMMC in Russia and Ramat Hasharon in Israel.

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ROMANIA - Women

BC ICIM Arad sign Sheena Moore - by Eurobasket
BC ICIM Arad signed 26-year old American guard Sheena Moore (170-G-84, college: UNLV). Moore played in 2008-09 at MMKS Energa Katarzynki Torun (Poland). While playing 22 games for Botas her stats were: 10.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.6apg and 1.8spg. and just before in 2007-08 Moore played with Arad for her second year with the team, and she helped wining Romanian League Champion and Romanian League Regular Season Champion -08, and he was Romanian Cup Finalist, Romanian League Finalist, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Guard of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team and Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Imports Team in 2007
By Eurobasket Data Center

Zaragoza run riot againts Sf. Gheorghe - by Nagy Szilveszter
Mann Filter Zaragoza thrashed CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe 85-57 in the opening game of the EuroCup Women Sixteenth-Finals.

Spain international center Lucila Pascua (196-C-83) impressed with 12 points and 13 rebounds for the visitors.

Zaragoza dominated on the glass, out-rebounding the hosts 44-29.

They were also a scintillating 33 of 48 (68.7%) from inside the arc compared to LMK's 21 of 55 (38.1%).

Mann Filter never trailed in this game and took control for good with a 12-0 run midway through the opening quarter for a 20-6 lead.

Early in the second frame and the lead had ballooned to 30-10.

Agne Ciudariene (190-C-79) had 14 points and nine rebounds for the winners.

Ciudariene scored eight points in the first nine minutes to help the Spanish outfit claim a 22-8 advantage.

Florina Diacona (176-G-82) and Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) each scored 17 points in defeat.
The second leg will be played in Spain on January 14.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

Egle Moix joins Helios Basket - by Eurobasket News
Helios Basket strengthened the roster with Egle Moix (170-G-79). The 30-year-old guard played for BBC Troistorrents before the team ceased to exist. Egle Moix joined BBC last year. She averaged 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game in the previous season. Earlier Moix played for Sierre Basket and Martigny.

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TURKEY - Women

Standings - TBBL

TBBL Standings

1. Fenerbahce	9-0
2. Mersin	8-1
3. Galatasaray	6-3
4. Besiktas	5-4
5. Ceyhan Bld	5-4
6. Istanbul Univ.	5-5
7. Samsun	4-4
8. Tarsus Bld	4-5
9. TED Kayseri	4-5
10. Cankaya	2-7
11. Botas	2-7
12. Kocaeli	0-9

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	23.6
2. Douglas, Galatasa.	20.3
3. Frazee, Cankaya	20.0
4. Hodges, Istanbul.	19.7
5. La Dorian Hu., Istanb.	17.3
6. Sales, Besiktas	17.2
7. Bowen, Cankaya	16.0
8. Young, Galatasaray	15.8
9. Young, TED Kayseri	15.7
10. Zellous, Besikt.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Lauren ERVIN
  Ceyhan Bld
  (191-F-85)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	12.3
2. Frazee, Cankaya	12.1
3. Alyoshkina, Samsun	10.8
4. Pringle, TED K.	10.7
5. Dacic, Besiktas	10.6
6. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	10.6
7. Black, Tarsus Bld	9.7
8. Leuchanka, Galatasa.	9.7
9. Kress, Tarsus Bld	8.2
10. Reves, Bot.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Zoll, Botas	6.1
2. Siyahdemir, Tarsus B.	4.4
3. Yigit, Galatasaray	4.0
4. Daricioglu, Samsun	3.9
5. Latta, Mersin	3.9
6. Yillar, Kocaeli	3.7
7. Sales, Besiktas	3.7
8. Douglas, Galatasa.	3.7
9. Hodges, Istanbul.	3.7
10. Brooks, Canka.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Quianna CHANEY
  Samsun
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Chaney, Samsun	3.4
2. Zoll, Botas	3.0
3. Gaither, Samsun	2.6
4. Penn, Istanbul.	2.6
5. Gokce, Mersin	2.4
6. Swanier, Tarsus B.	2.0
7. Unuvar, Cankaya	2.0
8. Perkins, Galatasa.	1.9
9. Larkins, Mersin	1.9
10. Young, TED Kayse.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

LaToya PRINGLE
  TED Kayseri
  (191-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pringle, TED K.	2.3
2. Dacic, Besiktas	1.6
3. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.5
4. Black, Tarsus Bld	1.4
5. Gaither, Samsun	1.1
6. Perostiyska, Sam.	1.0
7. La Dorian Hu., Istanb.	1.0
8. Smith, TED Kayseri	1.0
9. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.	1.0
10. Engin, Mers.	1.0

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UKRAINE - Women

Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk sign Ashley Paris - by Eurobasket
Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk agreed terms with 23-year old American forward Ashley Paris (191-F-87, college: Oklahoma). Paris played most recently at Elizur Ramla (Israel) where she played 10 and averaged 16.1ppg, 10.7rpg and 1.3apg
in 2009 Paros was Drafted by Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA,2rd (22)), but didnt stay for long, she left the team in June 2009.
in first game with Dnipro at Eurocup, Ashley played 37 minutes and averaged 12 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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WBCBL - Women

Columbus Signs Devault of East Tennessee State - by Willie McCray
The Columbus Hidden Gems are proud to announce the signing of sharpshooter Michele DeVault from East Tennessee State & U.M.F. Grindavik in Iceland!
Michele Devault was a 3yr starter in college who finished as the D1 institution's All Time best 3 point shooter. In Iceland, she is averaging 19.3ppg and having an amazing season. Columbus Hidden Gems expect her to perform at a very high level in the WBCBL.
- Coach Lucius Jones

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WNBA - Women

Sun downplay Whalen trade rumors - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut Sun coach Mike Thibault on Thursday downplayed reports of a trade involving star guard Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota), though he declined specific comment on discussions with other WNBA teams.

News of a possible deal that would send Whalen, the 2008 MVP runner-up, home to Minnesota for former UConn star Renee Montgomery appeared in a column in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. According to the report, the Sun, who own the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft, would also swap their pick with Minnesotas No. 1 overall selection.

Reached by phone Thursday, Thibault said theres really nothing to speak to, likening any discussion to the normal workings of the offseason.

Its been a big rumor that started, Thibault said. I dont where that would have come from in the Minneapolis paper because we had discussions with four or five teams about three or four trade scenarios, at least. And nothings come of anything. Weve had ongoing discussions with most of the teams.

Theres point to comment, he continued. I got called (Thursday) about a different trade scenario from a reporter. And I said, You got something on me. I dont have anything concrete.
Whalen is averaging 15 points per game while playing overseas for Prague this winter.

Montgomery led the Huskies to 2009 national championship and averaged nine points as a rookie with the Lynx last season.

With the No. 1 pick, the Star-Tribune report speculated, the Sun would take UConn center Tina Charles.

Thibault said Thursday he and the Suns staff have actually devoted more time to dealing with the reduction of the leagues salary cap and signing their own players more than anything. Teams can begin speaking to free agents league-wide on Jan. 15.

This is what we do: When we get close to the free agency period, teams start to talk to each other more, Thibault said. Its a lot of speculation.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com