Eurobasket Daily News Report: 10/15/2010 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/15/2010 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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ABA

Sami joins San Diego Surf - by Gianni Pascucci
Behdad Sami (6'0''-G-86, college: Linn Benton CC), an American player with Iranian roots, has agreed to terms to play the upcoming season with the The San Diego Surf of the American Basketball Association. Sami has a previous ABA experience, having played two seasons with the Georgia Gwizzlies.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael LEE
  Radnicki K.
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 28.5

1. Lee, Radnicki K.	28.5
2. Bogdanovic, Cibona	26.5
3. Macvan, Hemofarm	23.5
4. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	20.0
5. Simmons, CEZ N.	18.5
6. Morovic, Siroki TT	17.5
7. Benda, CEZ Nymburk	17.0
8. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	16.5
9. Zoric, KK.	16.0
10. Vladovic, Zadar	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 11

1. Zoric, KK.	11.0
2. Vladovic, Zadar	8.0
3. Johnson, Cibona	8.0
4. Benda, CEZ Nymburk	7.5
5. Necas, CEZ Nymburk	7.5
6. Car, Zadar	7.0
7. Brown, Zadar	7.0
8. Zubcic, Cibona	7.0
9. Jagodnik, U.Olimpija	6.5
10. Markota, U.Olimpija	6.5

Assists Per Game

Afik NISSIM
  CEZ Nymburk
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Nissim, CEZ N.	7.5
2. Draper, Cedevita	6.5
3. Nedovic, Crvena Z.	5.5
4. Stipcevic, Cibona	5.5
5. Rakic, Radnicki K.	4.0
6. Renfroe, KK.	4.0
7. Bazdaric, Cedevita	4.0
8. Otasevic, Buducnost	4.0
9. Pumprla, CEZ N.	4.0
10. Kecman, Partizan	3.5

Steals Per Game

Marcus JOHNSON
  Cibona
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Johnson, Cibona	3.0
2. Draper, Cedevita	3.0
3. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	3.0
4. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	3.0
5. Simmons, CEZ N.	3.0
6. Ozbolt, U.Olimpija	3.0
7. Pumprla, CEZ N.	3.0
8. Jagodnik, U.Olimpija	2.5
9. Cakarevic, Radnicki.	2.5
10. Anagonye, U.Olimpija	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Uros NIKOLIC
  Crvena Zvez.
  (207-F/C-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Nikolic, Crvena Zvez.	1.5
2. Vesely, Partizan	1.5
3. Edwards, Cedevita	1.5
4. Dragicevic, Buduc.	1.0
5. Zoric, KK.	1.0
6. Anagonye, U.Olimpija	1.0
7. Milosevic, Crvena Z.	1.0
8. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.0
9. Macvan, Hemofarm	1.0
10. Vukusic, Cedevita	1.0

Round Two review - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Crvena Zvez. 89-75
Buducnost started the new edition of Adriatic league in style as they have perfect 2-0 record. Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) was their leading player in this game with 15 points. Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) scored 13. In Crvena Zvezda (0-2), Dusan Katnic

(194-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) was good netting 17 pts.

Radnicki K. - CEZ Nymburk 82-87
CEZ Nymburk grabbed 82-87 road victory against Radnicki Kragujevac to stay perfect after two rounds in Adriatic league. Petr Benda

(203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) stepped up for the guests with 24 points and 7 rebounds, while Chester Simmons

(198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) helped them with 19 pts and 5 assists. For the home side (0-2), Michael Lee

(207-F-86) shined with 28 points.

Cibona - Siroki TT 83-72
First win in Adriatic league for Cibona and at the same time second loss for the Bosnian champion. Bojan Bogdanovic

(202-G/F-89) shined for the hosts with 24 points. Marcus Johnson

(198-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) followed with double-double of 17 points and 11 boards. In defeat, Vedran Morovic

(184-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Olney Central CC) delivered 21 pts.

Partizan - Hemofarm 77-66
Partizan grabbed first victory of the season and it came against Hemofarm, so both teams have 1-1 record now. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) top-scored in victory with 13 points (5 rebs). Jan Vesely

(211-F-90) and Petar Bozic (197-G-78) added 12 and 11 points respectively. In Hemofarm, Milan Macvan

(205-F-89) collected 22 points and 5 rebs, while Miljan Pavkovic scored 15 pts.

Igokea - KK Zagreb CO 70-79
Zagreb jumped to 2-0 after 70-79 road win against the Adriatic league newcomer Igokea (0-2). Luka Zoric

(211-C/F-84) came up with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Zagreb. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) helped with 16 points, 6 boards and 5 assists. In Igokea, Brian Chase

(178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) and Cedomir Vitkovac

(201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) (6 rebs) delivered 14 and 13 points respectively.

Zadar - U.Olimpija 66-72
Vlado Ilievski

(190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) top-scored for the Slovenian squad with 20 points and Saso Ozbolt

(188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) followed him with three points less. Goran Jagodnik

(203-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) helped Olimpija with 15 points and 6 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) delivered 17 points. Union Olimpija 2-0, Zadar 0-2.

Krka - Cedevita 77-81
Nice road win for Cedevita, who jumped to 2-0 in the regional championship. Dontaye Draper

(180-G-84, college: Charleston) shined with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Corsley Edwards (206-C/F-79, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Cent.Conn.St.) netted 16 points. For the Slovenian champ (1-1), Smiljan Pavic

(210-F/C-80) scored 21 points.

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Penarol		1-0
2. Argentino		0-0
3. Atenas		0-0
4. Club 9		0-0
5. Estudiantes		0-0
6. Gimnasia CR		0-0
7. La Union		0-0
8. Lanus		0-0
9. Libertad S.		0-0
10. Monte Hermoso		0-0
11. Obras		0-0
12. Olimpico LB		0-0
13. Quimsa		0-0
14. Regatas C.		0-0
15. Sionista		0-0
16. Boca Jrs		0-1

Kevin Lyde lands in Boca Juniors - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Lyde

(206-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) strengthened Boca Juniors. The 30-year-old centre spent the previous season in Germany. Kevin Lyde played for Bremerhaven in 1Bundesliga. The centre tallied 6.8 points, 3.3 boards and 1.1 block per game. Kevin Lyde is not new to Argentina. He used to play for River Plate Buenos Aires back in 2005/06 season. The centre averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds then.

Liga A inaugural game - by Facundo Iatzky
In the first game of the 2010/11 season of Liga A, last champion Penarol blasted Boca jrs 87-61. the game was played in Rio Gallegos and it was expected to be more even but penaorl showed that they will look to repeat the championship since the beginning. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, college: California) had a great debut with 25 points. Penarol got a advantage in the second quarter and they won the first half 43-23. Penarol started the alst quarter winning by 29 so they could relax in the last minutes. The rest of the round will be played on Friday.
. Boca Juniors (61): Fernando Titarelli 6, Cedric Moodie 0, Sebastian Vega 15, Scott Cutley 10, Fernando Martina 10 (S); Nelson Ingles 0, Juan Brussino 4, Marcos DElia 2, Mariano Fierro 12, Nicolas Copello 2. coach: Pablo DAngelo.
. Penarol (87): Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez 4, Joseph Shipp 25, Marcos Mata 14, Leonardo Gutierrez 8, Martin Leiva 13 (S); Facundo Campazzo 0, Alejandro Diez 8, Alejandro Reinick 2, Selem Safar 2, Nicolas Lauria 6, Franco Giorgetti 0. Coach: Sergio Hernandez.

Club 9 de Julio tab D'Lancey Carter - by Eurobasket News
Club 9 de Julio bolster their roster just prior to the start of the new season. They signed a deal with D'Lancey Carter (208-F-87, college: St.Bonaventure).. The 22-year-old forward graduated from St. Bonaventure in 2009. Last season D'Lancey Carter appeared in two games for the Dakota Wizards in D-League. He also had a one-game stint with Vermont Frost Heaves in PBL. D'Lancey Carter averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 boards per game in his senior college season.

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ASIAN GAMES

Standings

Group A
1. Hong Kong		0-0
2. Kuwait		0-0
3. North Korea		0-0
Group B
1. S.Arabia		0-0
2. Philippines		0-0
Group C
1. Mongolia		0-0
2. Turkmenista.		0-0
Group D
1. Afghanistan		0-0
2. India		0-0
Group E
1. China		0-0
2. Jordan		0-0
3. S.Korea		0-0
4. Uzbekistan		0-0
Group F
1. Iran		0-0
2. Japan		0-0
3. Qatar		0-0
4. Taiwan		0-0

Asian Games Draw - by Eurobasket News
Asian Games Draw ceremony was held in Guangzhou, China. The mens section drew as many as 17 teams, while 7 womens teams are planning to participate. The competition is scheduled to tip off on November 12.

Men's Draw Results:
Qualifying Round (Nine teams will start the tournament at the Qualifying Round):
Group A
North Korea, Hong Kong, Kuwait

Group B
Philippines, Saudi Arabia

Group C
Mongolia, Turkmenistan

Group D
Afganistan, India

Preliminary Round (Four teams from each group will advance into Quarterfinals):
Group E
China, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea

Group F
Qatar, Japan, Taiwan and Iran

Women's Draw Result:
Group A
China, South Korea, Thailand, India

Group B
Taiwan, Japan, Maldives

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Liepaja
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	21.0
2. Osby, TT.	20.3
3. Peciukeviciu., Sakal.	19.0
4. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	19.0
5. Orelikas, Rudupis	18.5
6. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	18.5
7. Anderson, Ventspils	18.0
8. Staniulis, Perlas	18.0
9. Kaufmanis, Valmiera	16.5
10. Valters, VEF Riga	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Bambale OSBY
  TTU/Kalev
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Osby, TT.	11.0
2. Cresnar, Nevezis	10.5
3. Staniulis, Perlas	9.5
4. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	9.0
5. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	9.0
6. Krabbendam, Kalev/Cr.	8.5
7. Morkeliunas, Kau.	8.0
8. Jankauskas, Rudupis	8.0
9. Cukinas, Kaunas	8.0
10. Berzins, VEF Riga	7.8

Assists Per Game

Evaldas DAINYS
  Rudupis
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Dainys, Rudupis	7.5
2. Peciukeviciu., Sakal.	7.0
3. Jasikevicius, Kaunas	6.0
4. Kriisa, TT.	5.7
5. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	5.3
6. Gaidamaviciu., Norrko.	5.0
7. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.0
8. Jurevicus, Liepaja	4.0
9. Gabrans, Liepaja	4.0
10. Barstys, Kaunas	4.0

Steals Per Game

Akselis VAIROGS
  Ventspils
  (195-F-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Vairogs, Ventspils	3.0
2. Anderson, Ventspils	3.0
3. Leppik, TU/Rock	3.0
4. Valters, VEF Riga	3.0
5. Sirvydis, Sakalai	3.0
6. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.	2.5
7. Alijevas, Nevezis	2.5
8. Cain, VEF Riga	2.3
9. Pilk, TT.	2.3
10. Andzejevskis, Valmi.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.7
2. Ayuba, Norrkoping	2.5
3. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	2.0
4. Jezukevicius, Sakalai	2.0
5. Kuzminskas, Ventspils	2.0
6. Cresnar, Nevezis	2.0
7. Osby, TT.	1.7
8. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.5
9. Staniulis, Perlas	1.5
10. Hughes, TT.	1.3

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Elite Division
1. VEF Riga			4-0
2. Rudupis			3-1
3. Ventspils			1-0
4. Kalev/Cramo			1-1
5. Nevezis			1-1
6. Norrkoping			1-1
7. Perlas			1-2
8. Siauliai			1-2
9. TTU/Kalev			1-2
10. TU/Rock			1-2
11. Liepaja			0-1
12. Valmiera			0-2
Challenge Cup
Group A
1. Alytus Alita			0-0
2. Barsy Atyrau			0-0
3. Naglis-Adakris			0-0
4. Neptunas			0-0
5. Zemgale			0-0
Group B
1. Sakalai			1-0
2. Juventus			0-0
3. Rakvere			0-0
4. Techasas			0-0
5. Kaunas			0-1

Baltic-League Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Group Challenge

Sakalai - Kaunas 79-69
Sakalai overcame Kaunas 79:69 at the first game of the Challenge Cup of Baltic League. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Sirvydis Virginijus and Matulis Rolandas scored 13 points each. Cukinas Povilas replied with 12 points for the guests.

Group Elite

TTU/Kalev - VEF Riga 71-77
TTU/Kalev lost to VEF Riga 71:77 at the opener of the Round. Sandis Valters

(193-G/F-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) produced 16 points to lead all the winners, while Jahovics Gatis and Bertans Dairis netted 13 each. Osby Bambale ended up with 20 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.

Rudupis - Siauliai 95-69
Rudupis rolled over Siauliai 95:69 at the start of the Regular Season Round 3. Six players scored in double figures as Vytenis Lipkevicius

(198-F-89) and Dainys Evaldas led them all with 17 points each, while Orelikas Gediminas added 16. Ruzgas Edvinas notched 17 points for the visiting side.

Rudupis - Norrkoping 99-68
Rudupis outscored Norrkoping 99:68 at the end of the Regular Season Round 3. Edgaras Zelionis (208-C-89) and Orelikas Gediminas poured in 22 points each, while Juskevicius Adas added 20. Gervin George delivered 13 points in the losing effort.

TU/Rock - Nevezis 68-73
Nevezis surprised Rock 73:68 tonight as Paulius Belevicius (193-G-88) nailed 16 points and Simonavicius Mantas delivered 14. Cresnar Blaz had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Alijevas Rolandas notched 10 points. Eziukwu Callistus and Veideman Rain posted 14 points each in defeat.

VEF Riga - Perlas 75-60
VEF Riga grabbed 4-0 record on top beating Perlas 75:60. Kristaps Janicenoks

(196-F-83) paced all the winners with 19 points and Cain Tyler chipped in 13. Staniulis Giedrius answered with 14 points in the losing case.

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Antwerp		2-0
2. Aalstar		2-1
3. Oostende		2-1
4. Charleroi		1-0
5. Gent		1-0
6. Verviers-Pep.		0-0
7. M.Hainaut		0-1
8. Liege		0-2
9. Leuven		0-3

News from Belgium - by Marek Krala
Some news from the Belgian players in the other leagues. Stephane Moris

(207-F/C-86, agency: Promotex) who's playing in Monthey in Swiss is doing a pretty good job with a average 16.5 points per game.
Julien Rahier who played last season in Swiss too is still looking for a contract after his great season with Nyon.The point guard Veron Tabu is definetely back in shape and after the experience in Cyprus,
the brother of Jonathan Tabu is ready to show his skills.The forward Wen Mukubu signed in Naturhouse Ferrara in Lega 2.After received some offers from belgian teams,the belgian-congolese will start his second season in Italy after the short time passed in Benetton Treviso.Kandi Mukole is back in Belgium after 4 years in Howard University in NCAA div 1.The forward wanted to start his pro career but all roster in Belgium are pretty full.
One of the more charismatic player of Belgium, Duke Tshomba is still without job too.

Ethias League Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Telenet Oostende has added former Bree and Mons-Hainaut player Ben Ebong (202-F/C-76, college: Davidson) to their roster.
He was the second leading rebounder in the Belgian League this past season.
Ebong is expected in Oostende on Friday.

Stella Artois Leuven Bears has released 2 players the past 2 days. First one to go was American guard Jared Quayle (185-G-85, college: Utah St.) who chose to go back to the US.
Now today it was announced that Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (208-C-83, college: Niagara) is leaving the team to go play in Hungary.
Leuven is looking to replace both players and one rumoured replacement for Quale is a former player.
At present the Leuven Bears have an 0-3 record

New Orleans Hornets sign D.J. Mbenga to boost their frontcourt - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets signed free agent center Didier Mbenga (7'0''-C-80) Wednesday after they worked him out earlier in the day.

Mbenga, 7-foot, 255 pounds, played in 49 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Mbenga registered his first career double-double on Nov. 8, 2009 against the Hornets with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He played in three games during the 2010 playoffs, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds.

Mbenga holds career averages of 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 193 games (four starts). He has spent time playing with the Mavericks (2004-07), Warriors (2007-08) and the Lakers (2008-10), as well as being a member of the Belgian national team.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

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BELIZE

Male U-15 National Basketball Team Vs Sacred Heart College !!!! - by David Magana
As the U-15 National Basketball Selection continues to prepare for the upcoming CENTROBASKET tournament in Chiapas Mexico (November 1st 6th), The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) announces the second in the best of three matches against the silver medal COCICADER Sub-Champions - Sacred Heart College (SHC).

Game one was held in Belmopan at the UB Gymnasium on Thursday 23rd September 2010. SCC edged out the U-15 ballers 66 to 56, so you know the young ballers are looking for sweet revenge. That matchup saw stellar performances by Kachief Thomas (14pts), Edgar Mitchel (14pts), Dijon McNabb (12pts) and Neville Lisbey (9pts) for SHC. Not to be outdone, Brian bribo White poured in a team high 14pts with Kyle Middleton and Tyler Myvett 7pts apiece.

Game 2 is scheduled for this Friday 15th October 2010 inside the Belize City Center. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm sharp. Since that game much has been done and fans could look forward to additional star performances from the likes of SHCs Akeem Waters; and from the U-15 ballers - Tariq Middleton, Daniel Sanchez, Rahyme Sacasa among others.

For further information please contact any of the following match organizers:

Matthew Smiling 600-4480

Mark Usher 610-0363

Everyone is invited to the City Center this Friday 15th October and see the U-15 Male National team in action as they prepare to go for GOLD in Chiapas Mexico.

PRESS RELEASE: Belize Basketball Federation

http://bbfbelize.org

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BOSNIA

Bosnian League to start 23rd of October? - by Nedzad Kladusak
Most european leagues already started or will start this weekend. In Bosnia-Hercegovina things are slightly different and so it is not a surprise that it is neither known how many
nor when the domestic league will start. Most teams have not paid their fees and it is almost sure that some of them will withdraw their teams during the competition due to financial issues. Despite KSBIH decided that teams representing BIH in the regional NLB league will also have to compete in the domestic league Siroki and Igokea rejected this regulation.
Several tabloids like Dnevni Avaz and San claim that authorities have started investigations related to fraud within this organisation.

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CANADA

Jack scores seven points in second overtime as Raptors beat Sixers 119-116 - by Eurobasket News
A gruelling exhibition match had Raptors point guard Jarrett Jack (6'3''-G-83, college: Georgia Tech) looking forward to a day off.

As Jack watched Philadelphia's Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) miss a three-point attempt at the buzzer of double-overtime to seal a 119-116 pre-season win Wednesday for Toronto, his reaction was: ''Thank goodness it's over. They're cutting into our day off,' was what I was thinking.'

Jack, who scored seven of his game-leading 24 points in the second overtime, and the Raptors (2-2) deserve the day off Thursday after surviving the second pre-season overtime game in franchise history following a 109-90 loss Tuesday night in Chicago.

The Raptors were down 115-114 when Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89, college: USC) hit on a four-foot hook shot with 35.9 seconds left. Jack picked up the assist on Amir Johnson's dunk with 6.8 seconds left before a crowd of 12,078 at the ACC.

'I thought we fought hard and showed some resiliency,' said Jack who also had eight rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. 'We got down a couple of times in both overtimes but were still able to fight back and claw out a W.'

Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) added 19 for the Raptors while DeRozan scored 16.

Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) chipped in 14 on an unimpressive 6-for-22 shooting from the field and 2 for 4 from the free-throw line. After scoring the first four points of the first overtime period, he missed both free throws that would have given Toronto a six-point lead.

Jrue Holiday (6'3''-G-90, college: UCLA) led the Sixers (1-4) with 18 points with Evan Turner adding 13. Holiday added 11 rebounds and 12 assists for a triple-double.

It was the Raptors first pre-season game at the ACC for a season that begins with low expectations following the departure of star forward Chris Bosh to the Miami Heat.

Not much happened Wednesday to indicate that there should be an adjustment in those expectations any time soon despite the result.

The Raptors entered the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead and couldn't hold it. The game was tied 96-96 after regulation time and was 106-106 after the first overtime.

'I thought it was good to go through a game like that in pre-season,' Raptors head coach Jay Triano said. 'We get used to going on our offence and our defence, get used to guys running plays and having guys foul them and try to make the plays. It's tough to duplicate that in a practice setting so when it happens in pre-season you have to take advantage of it and try to get better though it and it's a good experience to have.'

He feels the Raptors still showed a need to improve on defence.

Jack liked the effort, which is something the Raptors will need to bring with them every night, particularly with the loss of a talent like Bosh.

'It's just effort,' Jack said. That's the number one thing the coaches have been preaching. Every night you are not going to be able to make shots. You can always have effort even if the plays don't go your way. Effort is the one thing you can control at the end of the day, night in and night out.'

Toronto led 24-19 after the first quarter with Jack scoring six points and adding two assists.

After posting just 22 rebounds against Chicago, Toronto improved with 50 against the 76ers, who had 55.

NOTES: Forward Linas Kleiza started Wednesday after he missed the loss to the Bulls because of sore right Achilles. Kleiza wanted to play in Chicago but he was kept out as a precaution, Triano said. He had six points in 18 minutes. . . Sixers forward Marreese Speights left in the game with 4.6 seconds left in the third quarter with a right hamstring injury and did not return, finishing with seven points. The Raptors continue their pre-season schedule Friday at the ACC against the Boston Celtics. . . It was the second overtime pre-season game in Raptors history.

Courtesy of www.660news.com

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CHILE

New players for Boston and Catolica - by Daniel Valencia
CD Boston College Santiago and CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago has new foreign players for their roster.

Boston signed the power forward/center Wilfred Benjamin (201-F/C-84, college: Marist). The player from Trinidad & Tobago has playing experience in the NCAA, Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Catolica signed the american John A. Thomas (198-G/F-82, college: Columbus St.). The 28 years old forward has playing experience in SouthAmerica (Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil) and specially in Chile, where he played for Provincial Llanquihue during the 2006 and 2008 season.

Both teams are part of the new chilean league, LIGA NACIONAL.

Jackie Rogers joins CD Universidad de Concepcion - by Daniel Valencia
The american Jackie Rogers (203-F-78, college: Massachusetts) is the new foreign player for CD Universidad de Concepcion. Rogers is a 32 years old forward with playing experience in the NCAA, Iceland, Kosovo, Uruguay and Argentina. He already joined the team coached by the argentinian Jorge Luis Alvarez.

The american forward will be the foreign player for the team in the new chilean league, LIGA NACIONAL, where CD Universidad de Concepcion is one of the most important teams.

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CHINA

Interview with NBA D-League Forward Cory Underwood - by Surujh Roopnarine
From New Mexico, to Canada, to Idaho, to North Dakota to Texas...Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, college: SUNO) packed his bags more times last season than some do over the course of four. But, when you are a commodity in demand, you go where you are wanted. At 6-10, 230 pounds, Cory Underwood has the measurables that make scouts drool, and the skill-set that coaches dream about.
Past opportunities, like training camp with the Philadelphia 76ers, have shown him that though the step from the D-League to the NBA is short, the journey is long and difficult; Underwood is now looking for the chance to prove himself on the international stage.

USBASKET: You played for four D-League teams in five months last season. What was the experience like, moving around so often?

CORY: The constant change was tough, but it comes with the job. However God doesn't give me what I can't handle. Only one situation was in my control, which was Albuquerque...where I asked to be released. Idaho I was traded to. Dakota I was told before I signed they would only need me for one month. My light at the end of the tunnel was Austin for sure. I was treated fairly and had a great relationship with the organization. Coach Q (Snyder) and Taylor were pleased with how coachable and hard-working I was. I cannot say enough about the Austin organization.

USBASKET: On one hand it must have been frustrating not having a sense of stability, but on the other side, each of the teams you played for saw something in you and your game that they felt could help their team, so there must have been a sense of appreciation also, right?

CORY: I definitely agree. I was brainwashed into believing no team wanted or recognized my talents in the D-League. I thought that if I left Albuquerque nobody would pick me up. Knowing what I know now, I should have left earlier; I'd probably be back in the NBA right now. Coach Snyder told me this past season after I was released from the 76ers that they tried to get me to Austin...I was never told that. Mind you, that year Austin had Anthony Tolliver

(6'9''-C-85, college: Creighton), Andre Brown

(6'9''-F/C-81, college: De Paul), and Gaines Charles (6'7''-F-81, college: S.Mississippi). These are NBA / Euroleague guys and he still wanted me. That was a good feeling because mentioning my name with those 3 speaks volumes about my ability.
Pretty much every team reached out to me in the D-League. It was a good feeling to know these coaches knew me and most thought I was one the elite forwards in the league.

USBASKET: What were some of the biggest differences between the teams/cities you played in last season? Did any one have a bigger impact on you?

CORY: I loved Albuquerque, I was comfortable there. There were a lot of things to do outside of basketball far as eating, movies, shopping and sight seeing. So, I was never bored. Idaho was nice as well, great scenery. Bismarck was always cold, so I stayed in a lot...and Austin was by far the best. I did my internship there after my first D-League season so I was already familiar with the city.

USBASKET: What have the past three seasons in the D-League done to help you develop, both as a person and as a player?

CORY: The league is truly a simulation of the NBA and it prepares you for the next level. On every team in the D-League there are about 5 to 7 guys with NBA experience, so that helps. As for me, with having such a large skill set, playing inside and outside...I credit people like Darvin Ham, Shawn Respert, Joel Abelson, Kevin Rice and Coach Taylor with helping me in all aspects of my game. As a person it has helped me broaden my thoughts for life after basketball and aided me in ways to carry myself. I'm naturally a quiet individual, however I've learned being quiet sometimes isn't a good thing. It can be read wrong by others.

USBASKET: Obviously, the difference in salaries between the D-League and international leagues is substantial, but what are some of the other reasons you are more focused on playing in Europe this season?

CORY: Its always a blessing to see other places. I know the fans in Europe are very passionate about the game, I'm eager to witness that. I'd like to go to Soccer matches, and just experience different things. I'm ready to go somewhere, be a major contributor and carry my team to victories!

USBASKET: How would you best describe the style of your game? Who has helped you the most in your development?

CORY: I feel I can play in any system; whether it is up-tempo or a slow down, grind-it-out type of game. From what a lot of the D-League coaches told me, they liked me because at 6'10 I'm active. I can guard all three front-court positions...I run the floor, block and contest shots on defense. On offense I can score with my back to the basket in a variety of ways, I command a double team which opens up the floor for my teammates...I can handle the ball, hit the mid-range jumper on a consistent basis, and can shoot the three if needed.
Mark Williams of team FOOTPRINTZ (NY) is whom I credit with helping me develop my game. I've been training with him every summer for the past 5 years.

USBASKET: Speaking to teammates and people you know playing or involved overseas, what kind of situation would you expect? What countries have you heard the best stories about? Any preferred destinations?

CORY: Every situation is different. All I know is that you have to have patience and be strong minded. As long as I have a nice place to live, internet and English television channels I'll be fine! I just want to go somewhere and concentrate solely on BASKETBALL. I hear countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel are beautiful. As for destinations, I'd play anywhere, but if I had to pick a preferred country...I'd like to play in Spain LEB Gold, Italy Serie A or Lega Due, France A or B, Belgium, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Hungary, Germany and Poland.
I'd also like a chance to go back to China as well, I have unfinished business there. I tore my meniscus in my 1st game, mid-way thru the 3rd quarter. I finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds...if I didn't get hurt I wouldve finished with 35-40 points and 16-18 rebounds, for sure! I tried to play on 1 leg out there after the injury like 3 games, but I just couldn't run or jump! I played all summer in NYC with it...I didn't know what was wrong until September of last year. The knee is 100% now, so I'm very happy about that.

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COLOMBIA

Standings

Copa Federacion Standings

1. Arrieros		19-6
2. Canoneros		17-8
3. Bucaros		16-9
4. Piratas		15-10
5. Cangrejeros		12-13
6. Fast Break		10-15
7. Patriotas		9-16
8. Los Pastos		3-22

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CROATIA

Fuenlabrada adds guard Davor Kus - by Eurobasket News
Fuenlabrada announced new signing for rest of the season. The Spanish team bolstered its roster with guard Davor Kus

(191-G-78, agency: Interperformances). The 32-year-old Croatian is not a new face in Spain, where he played one year in the past (Unicaja Malaga). Last season, Kus spent in Italy with Benetton Treviso. He appeared 32 times in SerieA collecting 11.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 2.8 apg. In EuroCup, he added 10.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 3.1 apg in 12 games.
Season 2008/09, Davor Kus played for Cibona Zagreb as a loaned player of Unicaja Malaga. He shined there with 11.4 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 16 games in Euroleague. In Adriatic league, Kus added 12.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg. He helped Cibona to win the championship title in Croatia averaging 15.2 points and 3.1 assist for 16 games. In 2007/08, Davor Kus played for Unicaja Malaga. He had 8.7 ppg, and 1.7 apg for them in 34 ACB league games. Unicaja also competed in Euroleague, where Kus averaged 8.1 points and 1.5 assists for 20 appearances. Kus also played for AEK Athens in the past and many years for Cibona Zagreb. He was a member of the Croatian National Team in Turkey this summer averaging 3 points and 1.3 assists for 6 games.

Denis Vrsaljko moves to Polzela - by Eurobasket News
Denis Vrsaljko (212-C-82) will spend next season in Slovenia. Croatian center has reached an agreement with Hopsi Polzela. Vrsaljko was brought in as replacement for the recently departed Nemanja Jelesijevic (209-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances), with whom the club has terminated the agreement. Vrsaljko is expected to provide the cover at the center position and will be competing for playing time with Dmitry Sviridov (212-C-85), who is the only return center at the club. Denis Vrsaljko is a product of Zadar youth system. He made his professional debut in 2001 when he signed for Zrinjevac. In three seasons with Zrinjevac he improved each year, and during 2003-2004 he appeared in 8 games, averaging double-double of 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. In 2004, Vrsaljko moved to Zagreb where in his first season he appeared in 29 Adriatic League games and averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds. In Croatian League he averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10 matches. In 2008, Vrsaljko won National Cup with Zagreb. At the start of 2008-2009 season, Vrsaljko played for Hungarian outfit Falco KC-Szombathely. In 26 games, he posted averages of 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 69.2% for two. Last season, Vrsaljko was on the move again, this time signing with BC Zrinjski. There he posted averages of 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

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D-LEAGUE

(6'9''-C-85, college: Creighton), Andre Brown

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

LNB Finals: Caneros takes 3-1 lead against Tiburones - by Eurobasket News
Caneros is one step away from the LNB title. They managed to beat Tiburones 117-95 for 3-1 lead and the next game could actually be the last one in this series (of course if Caneros win it). Maurice Carter (183-G-83, college: Robert Morris) was the leading scorer in Caneros last night with 26 points. Reggie Charles (201-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) also was great adding 24 points and 13 rebounds. Third scorer in victory was Andy Williams (195-G/F-80, agency: Court Side) with 15 points (5 rebs). On the other side, Tiburones got 27 points and 9 rebounds from Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79). Carlos Morban (187-G-82, college: Florida Intern.) stopped to 23 pts. Caneros had impressive second half in this game and thanks to these 20 minutes they celebrated comfortable victory. Quarters: 21-26, 30-27, 27-21, 39-21.
In the first meeting Caneros was better than Tiburones 90-102. Tiburones responded in Game Two with 99-92 and tied the score in this series to 1-1. In third game, Caneros was better and regained the lead. They finished the meeting with 104-93 victory.
Game Five is scheduled for tomorrow.

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. Kalev/Cramo		2-0
2. Parnu		2-0
3. Rakvere		2-1
4. TU/Rock		2-1
5. TTU/Kalev		1-1
6. TTU/Kalev II		1-1
7. Valga/CKE		1-2
8. Rapla		0-2
9. Voru KK		0-3

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Rannar RAAP
  Parnu
  (187-G/F-92)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Raap, Parnu	25.5
2. Brown, Va.	23.7
3. Tamsalu, Parnu	19.5
4. Erm, Rapla	18.5
5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	18.0
6. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	17.0
7. Ringmets, Rapla	16.5
8. Talts, TU/Rock	16.3
9. Raadik, Parnu	15.5
10. Kimask, Voru KK	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Silver KUUBA
  Voru KK
  (198-F-74)
  Avg: 12

1. Kuuba, Voru KK	12.0
2. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	12.0
3. Brown, Va.	11.7
4. Ringmets, Rapla	10.0
5. Arnold, TT.	9.0
6. Osby, TT.	9.0
7. Erm, Rapla	9.0
8. Talts, TU/Rock	9.0
9. Hughes, TT.	8.0
10. Kajupank, Rapla	8.0

Assists Per Game

Rain KARNER
  Parnu
  (186-G-91)
  Avg: 5

1. Karner, Parnu	5.0
2. Winston, Va.	4.3
3. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	4.0
4. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	4.0
5. Laane, Rapla	3.5
6. Kuuba, Voru KK	3.3
7. Ringmets, Rapla	3.0
8. Oja, Va.	3.0
9. Raap, Parnu	3.0
10. Pilk, TT.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Rannar RAAP
  Parnu
  (187-G/F-92)
  Avg: 4

1. Raap, Parnu	4.0
2. Arbet, Kalev/Cramo	3.5
3. Oja, Va.	3.3
4. Kaja, TT.	3.0
5. Tamsalu, Parnu	3.0
6. Erm, Rapla	2.5
7. Karner, Parnu	2.5
8. Kriisa, TT.	2.5
9. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.5
10. Keerles, Kalev/Cr.	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Siim JOOSEP
  Parnu
  (195-F/C-92)
  Avg: 2

1. Joosep, Parnu	2.0
2. Osby, TT.	2.0
3. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.0
4. Brown, Va.	1.7
5. Montgomery, Rapla	1.5
6. Saarmets, TTU/K.	1.5
7. Arnold, TT.	1.5
8. Talts, TU/Rock	1.3
9. Koolman, Va.	1.0
10. Petersonig, Va.	1.0

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EUROCHALLENGE

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group A
1. Gravelines			0-0
2. N.Novgorod			0-0
3. Spartak SP			0-0
4. Szolnok			0-0
Group B
1. Dt.Bank SKY			0-0
2. Khimik			0-0
3. Macc.Haifa			0-0
4. Ventspils			0-0
Group C
1. Benfica			0-0
2. Lugano Tigers			0-0
3. Lukoil A.			0-0
4. TU/Rock			0-0
Group D
1. Liege			0-0
2. Netanya			0-0
3. Norrkoping			0-0
4. T.Telekom			0-0
Group E
1. BK Prostejov			0-0
2. KK Zagreb CO			0-0
3. Krka			0-0
4. Telekom B.			0-0
Group F
1. Antwerp			0-0
2. Dynamo M.			0-0
3. Lokomotiv K.			0-0
4. Steaua Turabo			0-0
Group G
1. APOEL			0-0
2. Etha			0-0
3. Karsiyaka			0-0
4. Zadar			0-0
Group H
1. M.Hainaut			0-0
2. Nancy			0-0
3. Oostende			0-0
4. Orleans			0-0

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EUROCUP

Standings

Eurocup Standings

Group A
1. Banvit			0-0
2. EWE Baskets			0-0
3. Le Mans			0-0
4. Unics			0-0
Group B
1. ASVEL			0-0
2. Besiktas			0-0
3. Goettingen			0-0
4. Hemofarm			0-0
Group C
1. Budivelnyk			0-0
2. Buducnost			0-0
3. Gran Canaria			0-0
4. Siauliai			0-0
Group D
1. Aris			0-0
2. Azovmash			0-0
3. Cedevita			0-0
4. Galil Gilboa			0-0
Group E
1. Bennet Cantu			0-0
2. Galatasaray			0-0
3. GasTerra F.			0-0
4. Panellinios			0-0
Group F
1. Benetton TV			0-0
2. Estudiantes			0-0
3. PAOK			0-0
4. Roanne			0-0
Group G
1. Cajasol			0-0
2. CEZ Nymburk			0-0
3. Hapoel J-M			0-0
4. VEF Riga			0-0
Group H
1. ALBA			0-0
2. Anwil			0-0
3. Krasnie Krilya			0-0
4. Pepsi Caserta			0-0

EuroCup Regular Season Draw Results - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup Regular Season Draw took place in Barcelona. 32 teams were drawn into eight groups. The regular season is slated to start on November 16. The best two teams from each group will advance into Last 16 round. There the teams will be divided into four groups with four teams in each. Two best teams from the Last 16 stage each group will make it into the EuroCup Quarterfinals.

Here are the results of the Draw:

Group A: Unics, Le Mans, Banvit, EWE Baskets Oldenburg
Group B: Hemofarm, Besiktas, Asvel Basket, Goettingen
Group C: Gran Canaria 2014, Budivelnyk, Siauliai, Buducnost
Group D: Aris, Azovmash, Hapoel Galil/Gilboa, Cedevita
Group E: Panellinios, Galatasaray, NGC Cantu, Gasterra Flames
Group F: Benetton, Estudiantes, PAOK, Roanne
Group G: Cajasol, Nymburk, Jerusalem, VEF Riga
Group H: ALBA, Krasnye Krilya, Pepsi Caserta, Anwil.

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EUROLEAGUE

Caja Laboral plan to land Martin Rancik, part ways with Florent Pietrus - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral continued to stay active on the market. They are planning to sign a short-term deal with Martin Rancik

(204-F/C-78, college: Iowa St.). The 32-year-old forward started the season in Bizkaia Bilbao Basket. He tallied 11.5 points, 4.0 boards and 3.0 assists per game in two ABC appearances this season. Last season the Slovak played for Estudiantes Madrid. Martin Rancik notched 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in ACB. The forward also played for Slovakia in 2011 EuroBasket Qualification Games. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.
In the meantime Caja Laboral are going to part ways with Florent Pietrus

(202-F-81). The 29-year-old forward signed a one-month deal with the Vitoria team back in September. He appeared in two games scoring 10 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Florent Pietrus will possibly return to Valencia where he played in the previous season. In Valencia the French international averaged 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in EuroCup. In ACB his stats read 3.6 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Power Electronics Valencia returns Florent Pietrus - by Eurobasket News
Power Electronics Valencia announced signing of a two-month deal with its former player Florent Pietrus

(202-F-81). The French forward is back to the squad, where he played last two years. He started this season with Caja Laboral signing a one-month deal with them, but at the end Flo returned to Valencia.
Florent Pietrus joined Valencia (Pamesa) for the first time during the summer of 2008. He appeared 34 times for the club in their first season averaging 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in ACB. Pietrus also played 13 games in EuroCup adding 2.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Last season, he had almost the same numbers. Of course, Valencia managed to win the EuroCup and they will compete in Euroleague this season.
Before Valencia, Florent Pietrus played one season for Estudiantes, where he posted averages of 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in ACB. From 2004 to 2007, he was a member of Unicaja Malaga. Pietrus helped them to win the Spanish Cup in 2005 and ACB title a year later. In the past, he played many years for Pau-Orthez.
Florent Pietrus is a member of the French National Team since 2002. At the latest World Championships in Turkey he had 4.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.5 apg.

Lietuvos Rytas, Jerry Johnson out six weeks - by Emiliano
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius won the game against Palanga on Wednesday, the first one of coach Aleksandar Trifunovic (agency: Beo Basket ) on the bench of the Lithuanian powerhouse, but lost Jerry Johnson

(183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) for an injury .. The player left the game in the second half of the game. On thursday he had MRI and the good news for the Lithuanian team is that the player will be fully recovered in six weeks.

In the beginning of the season, Johnson scored 8 point in one game in VTB League with 2 assists and 4.5ppg in two LKL games.

Asecco Prokom tabs Videnov and Giddens - by Emiliano
Asecco Prokom 2 Gdynia added two more players to its already long roster: Filip Videnov

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) and J.R. Giddens

(196-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico). Giddens arrives after playing two seasons in the NBA with Boston and New York. Last season he appeared in 21 games for Boston and 11 for New York, averaging 2.1 points per game. He also spent time on loan last season with Maine in the NBDL, where Giddens produced 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. For Giddens, Prokom will be the first team in Europe.

The second player is the experienced small forward Filip Videnov. During his professional career he played for: KK Split, SLUC Nancy, Tekelspor, Real Madrid or Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. His last club was FMP Zeleznik Belgrade. Last season the Bulgarian International started the year with KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (13.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.4apg in Adriatic League, 8.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg in Eurocup) and in April moved to FMP with whom he averaged 13.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg in 13 games in Serbian domestic league.

Euroleague Tour 2010 - by Filippo Passerini
Tonight, in the Fedex Forum of Memphis, Caja Laboral of the new addictions David Logan, Nemanja Bjelica and Marcus Haislip will play against Memphis Grizzlies of Marc Gasol.
The spanish center has played 3 seasons in Euroleague with Barcelona and one in Uleb Cup with Girona where he scored 13,6 points and grabbed 6.1 rebounds in 27 minutes.
This night there will be also the match between Cska Moscow and Oklhoma City Thunder of the new stars Jeff Green, Russell West and Kevin Durant in the Ford Center of Oklahoma.

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FINLAND

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. FoKoPo		2-0
2. Honka		2-0
3. SayRi		2-0
4. Ura Basket		2-0
5. TomPo II		2-1
6. BC Nokia		1-1
7. Huima		1-1
8. Jyvaskyla		1-2
9. Kerava ET		0-2
10. Lapua		0-2
11. LoKoKo		0-2
12. Namika II		0-2

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jonathan HEARD
  Tarmo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22

1. Heard, Tarmo	22.0
2. Harris, Salon Vilpas	21.2
3. Bailey, LrNM.	20.7
4. Barrett, KTP	19.8
5. Wilson, Honka	19.3
6. Moore, LrNM.	19.2
7. Ivey, KTP	18.5
8. Ayers, Namika L.	18.3
9. Newson, Kataja	17.7
10. Wood, Karhu	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14

1. Wood, Karhu	14.0
2. Young, Tarmo	13.3
3. Williams, Pyrinto	11.2
4. Belser, Honka	9.7
5. Mathis, Namika Lahti	9.7
6. Wilson, Salon Vilpas	9.7
7. Kaunisto, Kouvot	9.5
8. Coleman, LrNM.	9.0
9. Vinson, Kouvot	8.8
10. Nikkila, Pyrinto	8.7

Assists Per Game

Malik MOORE
  LrNMKY
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Moore, LrNM.	5.2
2. Williams, Pyrinto	4.5
3. Kataja, Salon Vilpas	4.2
4. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.7
5. Wood, Karhu	3.7
6. Harris, Salon Vilpas	3.5
7. Ivey, KTP	3.3
8. Middleton, Karhu	3.2
9. Suonio, Namika Lahti	3.0
10. Wilson, Honka	3.0

Steals Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  Tarmo
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Conerly, Tarmo	2.5
2. Allen, Karhu	2.3
3. Belser, Honka	2.3
4. Barrett, KTP	2.3
5. Fields, KTP	2.2
6. Wood, Karhu	2.0
7. Newson, Kataja	2.0
8. Riihela, LrNM.	1.8
9. Virtanen, Kataja	1.8
10. Wilson, Honka	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Jonathan HEARD
  Tarmo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Heard, Tarmo	1.2
2. Williams, Pyrinto	1.0
3. Reaves, Korihait	1.0
4. Wood, Karhu	0.8
5. Skamo, Karhu	0.8
6. Belser, Honka	0.8
7. Middleton, Karhu	0.8
8. Young, Tarmo	0.8
9. Newson, Kataja	0.7
10. Wilson, Honka	0.7

Salon Vilpas Vikings sign Nicchaeus Doaks - by Eurobasket
Salon Vilpas Vikings signed 23-year old American forward Nicchaeus Doaks (202-F-87, college: Chattanooga, agency: Hart Sports Mngm). Doaks played most recently at JSA Bordeaux Basket (France). While playing 21 games for Bordeaux last season his stats were: 10.2ppg and 5.9rpg. He is the thirs American in the team after Harris and Wilson. It will be his second professional year. In the first game for Salon Vilpas (lost to Karhu) he played 31 minutes scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Wood's a double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old forward Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) put on an amazing game in the last round for Karhu Kauhajoki and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 6.
He had a double-double of 29 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat Salon Vilpas (#11, 2-4) 83-76. Karhu are now third in the league's standings. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Karhu will need more victories to improve their 4-2 record. It's Wood's second year at Karhu and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Wood has impressive league stats. He leads league in rebounds with 14.0rpg. Wood is in league's top in assists (5th best: 3.7apg) and averages solid 64.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Damon Williams (201-F-73) of Pyrinto Tampere. He is American forward in his 2nd season at Pyrinto. In the last game Williams recorded impressive 30 points and 7 rebounds. Bad luck as Pyrinto lost that game 90-96 to the higher-ranked KTP (#1, 5-1). This loss caused Pyrinto to drop to 10th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 2-4 record. Williams is well-known at Pyrinto and he already established his position as the team's leader.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Jerald Fields (201-F-82) of league's leader KTP Basket Kotka. Fields scored 28 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of KTP, leading his team to a 96-90 win against the lower-ranked Pyrinto (#10, 2-4). KTP confirms their top position in the standings Fields has a very solid season. In 6 games in Finland he scored 14.2ppg. He also has 7.7rpg, 2.2spg and FGP: 52.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. John Williamson (198-C-86) of Honka - 22 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Brant Bailey (202-F-77) of LrNMKY - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
6. B.A. Walker (188-G-84) of Kouvot - 24 points and 8 rebounds
7. Jonathan Heard (198-G/F-86) of Tarmo - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Malik Moore (192-G-77) of LrNMKY - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. John Allen (194-G/F-82) of Karhu - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ryan Ayers (201-G-86) of Namika Lahti - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists

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

FRANCE

Maccabi Haifa reach EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Haifa - Paris-Levallois 89:66

Maccabi Haifa completed the EuroChallenge regular season picture. They knocked down Paris-Levallois at home court to advance into the next round of action. Marco Killingsworth tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the home team.
Paris-Levallois entered the game with a 12-point cushion. However Maccabi opened the encounter with an 11:2 run. Derrick Low

(188-G-86, college: Washington St.) gave the home team a 21:10 lead late in the period. Marco Killingsworth ensured a 23:12 lead for the Haifa outfit at the first intermission. Frank Robinson (193-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) fired 11 points in just four starting minutes of the second term as Maccabi accumulated a 40:20 lead. Soon the hosts followed with a 12:0 run to record a 52:22 advantage. Maccabi secured a 54:26 halftime lead. Paris-Levallois could not challenge the deficit in the third stanza. Maccabi Haifa posted a 72:45 buffer at the final break. The visitors never got too close in the final term as Maccabi Haifa coasted to the victory at the end.
Frank Robinson notched 17 points and 6 boards for Maccabi Haifa. Derrick Low contributed 15 points in the victory. Lamont Hamilton

(208-F-84, college: St.John's) replied with 14 points for Paris-Levallois. Marcellus Sommerville

(200-F-82, college: Bradley) netted 11 points in defeat.

Maccabi Haifa: Marco Killingsworth 18+11 boards, Frank Robinson 17, Derrick Low 15
Paris-Levallois: Lamont Hamilton 14, Marcellus Sommerville 11

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Ralph MIMS
  Nancy
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Mims, Nancy	21.0
2. Albicy, Paris-Le.	21.0
3. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	21.0
4. Amagou, Roanne	20.0
5. Koffi, Le Mans	20.0
6. Schilb, Chalon	20.0
7. Sommerville, Paris-.	19.0
8. Hamilton, Paris-.	19.0
9. NDoye, Orleans	18.0
10. Mejia, Cholet	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Tremmell DARDEN
  Nancy
  (194-G/F-81)
  Avg: 18

1. Darden, Nancy	18.0
2. Koffi, Le Mans	13.0
3. Jefferson, AS.	12.0
4. Elegar, Vichy	12.0
5. Bogdanovic, Roanne	11.0
6. Massie, Limoges	11.0
7. Brun, Nancy	9.0
8. Washam, Hyeres-T.	9.0
9. Robinson, Cholet	9.0
10. Pasco, Strasbourg	9.0

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 9

1. Reid, Vichy	9.0
2. Schilb, Chalon	8.0
3. Albicy, Paris-Le.	8.0
4. Diabate, Roanne	7.0
5. Linehan, Nancy	6.0
6. Nelson, Cholet	6.0
7. Gomez, Poitierarleys	6.0
8. D''Almeida, Limoges	6.0
9. Jeanneau, Stras.	5.0
10. Sciarra, Pau-Lacq.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Jamar SMITH
  Orleans
  (206-F/C-80)
  Avg: 4

1. Smith, Orleans	4.0
2. Bennett, Pau-Lacq.	4.0
3. Pasco, Strasbourg	4.0
4. Greer, Strasbourg	4.0
5. Var, Pau-Lacq-Ort.	3.0
6. Dewar, Le Mans	3.0
7. Diabate, Roanne	3.0
8. Linehan, Nancy	3.0
9. Ona-Embo, Poitiera.	3.0
10. Flowers, Hyeres-T.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Pape BADIANE
  Poitierarleys
  (207-F/C-80)
  Avg: 3

1. Badiane, Poitiera.	3.0
2. Pasco, Strasbourg	2.0
3. Guinn, Limoges	2.0
4. Lauvergne, Chalon	2.0
5. Akpomedah, Grave.	2.0
6. Vassallo, AS.	2.0
7. Boungou Colo, Hyeres.	2.0
8. Darden, Nancy	2.0
9. Koffi, Le Mans	2.0
10. Ramassamy, Pau-La.	1.0

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 22

1. Blair, Denek	22.0
2. Laroche, St Ch.	19.3
3. James, Challans	19.0
4. Pridotkas, Brest	19.0
5. Lesieu, St Quentin	16.8
6. Disy, Roche	16.3
7. Driss, Bordeaux	15.8
8. Clemmons, Denek	15.5
9. Strong, Get Vosges	15.3
10. Blot, Blois	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Christopher GRIMM
  Blois
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Grimm, Blois	10.8
2. Hoard, Lievin	10.3
3. Simmons, St Et.	9.7
4. Boutry, Challans	8.7
5. Alingue, Souffel	8.7
6. Cabarkapa, Le Puy	8.6
7. Traore, Angers B.	8.5
8. Clemmons, Denek	8.3
9. Doreau, Brest	8.2
10. Lesieu, St Quentin	8.2

Assists Per Game

Pierre BROCHARD
  Blois
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 6

1. Brochard, Blois	6.0
2. Barbry, Orchy	4.8
3. Tillon, St Chamond	4.3
4. Driss, Bordeaux	4.2
5. Thomas, St Etienne	4.0
6. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.0
7. Cortey, Le Puy	4.0
8. Sauret, Denain	4.0
9. Staelens, Brest	3.6
10. Thinon, Sorgues	3.5

Steals Per Game

Stephane NERI
  Roche
  (188-F-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Neri, Roche	3.0
2. Blair, Denek	2.5
3. Strong, Get Vosges	2.3
4. Sauret, Denain	2.3
5. Calvez, Denek	2.3
6. Thinon, Sorgues	2.2
7. Quincy-Jones, Den.	2.0
8. Driss, Bordeaux	2.0
9. Hoard, Lievin	2.0
10. Pistre, Le Puy	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Rolan ROBERTS
  Brest
  (201-F/C-78)
  Avg: 2

1. Roberts, Brest	2.0
2. Ford, Bordeaux	1.8
3. Alingue, Souffel	1.7
4. Traore, Angers B.	1.5
5. Rinna, St Chamond	1.5
6. Pasut, Sorgues	1.5
7. Gourde, Get Vosges	1.2
8. Lalugba, Denain	1.0
9. Lopez, Brest	1.0
10. Ipouck, Le Puy	1.0

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

GEORGIA

Dadiani Cup begins on Tuesday, October 19 - by Akaki Bakradze
Competition for the Dadiani Cup begins on Tuesday. 10 teams divided into 2 groups. The group winners meet in final.

I group

Energy Invest
GSAU
Dinamo
Sokhumi
ASK

II group

TSU
MIA
Samedicino
GTU
Kutaisi

It is a traditional tournament since 2002 year. Winner were: Dinamo (2002), GTU (2003,04), Avia (2005), Energy (2006,07,08,09).
Championship Superleague starts on October, 31. In championship will be 11 teams. To the participants 10 teams added Batumi.

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

GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Brose Baskets		4-0
2. EWE Baskets		3-0
3. LTi 46ers		3-0
4. Bremerhaven		2-1
5. NY Phantoms		2-1
6. Phoenix Hagen		2-1
7. TBB Trier		2-1
8. Art.Dragons		1-1
9. Telekom B.		1-1
10. Dt.Bank SKY		1-2
11. EnBW L'burg		1-2
12. Goettingen		1-2
13. ALBA		0-0
14. Bayreuth		0-2
15. Duesseldorf		0-2
16. ratiopharm		0-2
17. Walter Tigers		0-2
18. MBC		0-3

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Jerome TILLMAN
  MBC
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Tillman, MBC	19.7
2. Hunt, Telekom B.	19.5
3. Callahan, Bremerha.	18.3
4. Peacock, LTi 46ers	18.3
5. Campbell, EWE B.	18.0
6. Brooks, LTi 46ers	16.0
7. Waleskowski, Goett.	16.0
8. Goree, NY Phantoms	16.0
9. Campbell, Telekom B.	16.0
10. Wise, Telekom B.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus GOREE
  NY Phantoms
  (201-F-77)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Goree, NY Phantoms	8.7
2. Bryant, ratiopharm	8.5
3. Pleiss, Brose B.	8.5
4. Ensminger, Telek.	8.5
5. Reiner, Bayreuth	8.0
6. Sonderleiter, ratiop.	8.0
7. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	8.0
8. Martin, Bremerha.	7.7
9. Moye, Dt.	7.0
10. Hess, Art.Dragons	7.0

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Ratkovica, Walter T.	5.5
2. Jordan, MBC	5.3
3. Copeland, Bremerha.	5.3
4. Campbell, EWE B.	5.0
5. Hamilton, NY Phant.	4.7
6. Dorris, Phoenix .	4.0
7. Wise, Telekom B.	4.0
8. Tyndale, Telek.	4.0
9. Lipke, Bremerhaven	4.0
10. Green, EnBW L.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Nic WISE
  Telekom B.
  (178-G-87)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Wise, Telekom B.	3.5
2. Warren, Duesseld.	3.0
3. Oliver, Walter Tigers	2.5
4. Campbell, Telekom B.	2.5
5. Tatum, Duesseldorf	2.0
6. Pryor, Phoenix .	2.0
7. Martin, Bremerha.	2.0
8. Tyndale, Telek.	2.0
9. Thomas, Walter T.	2.0
10. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Tim OHLBRECHT
  Telekom B.
  (211-C/F-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Ohlbrecht, Telek.	2.0
2. Bryant, ratiopharm	2.0
3. Pleiss, Brose B.	2.0
4. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.0
5. Scott, Goettingen	2.0
6. Evans, TBB Trier	1.7
7. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.3
8. Baynes, EWE B.	1.3
9. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	1.3
10. Visser, NY Phant.	1.0

Can The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven Forget The Playoff Game 5 Loss and Lou Campbell Departure Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners October 17th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
For some Bremerhaven Eisbaeren players like Torrell Martin or Andrew Drevo recalling the big three pointer by Quantez Robertson or the giant free throws by Derrick Allen in last seasons game five playoff game down the stretch might have stayed as vividly in their heads as child hood memories when they unearthed that first Alex Rodriguez or Ken Griffey Jr rookie Topps baseball card, seeing Michael Jordan win that third consecutive NBA title in 1993, football hero OJ Simpson being chauffered down Highway 10 in downtown Los Angeles by buddy Al Cowlings or remembering the day where they were when singer Kurt Cobain died. The long series last June where The Deutsche Bank Skyliners beat The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in along and dramatic five games series could be on their minds as well as other players like Germans Philipp Schwethelm

(201-F-89, agency: Court Side) and Jan Lipke

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side). Last season, the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven went from 18th place the season before to finishing in th place in the regular season and were close to tasting some possible early champagne for reaching the final the same way Lebron James can everyday the Atlantic Ocean in Miami as the team of passionate coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) lost 57-52 in a tense series. 'The loss to the Skyliners still hasnt gone away. It was tough losing and I felt we played good enough to win, but we just didnt play to our level. I dont only have the three pointer and free throws swirling in my head, but many many plays from that fifth game', stressed Eisbaeren American Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop). That game five loss is now nearly four months old and a new season has started so whatever happens in this game wont necessarily be remembered next May. 'Game five might be in their heads for some players and they may want payback which is only human, but the season is long and can be a struggle, but this game on Sunday wont define their season', stressed former Artland Dragons assistant coach Jamie Duncan . Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) surely will be giving an extra 110% on Sunday despite it only being the fourth game of the new season for Bremerhaven. 'I cant say if it is a type of revenge, but there could be some emphasis. Nobody has been talking about that game 5 loss, but it is in our heads', added Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop).

Last season, two important figures in the success of the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven besides coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) were Americans Louis Campbell

(190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) and little big man Mr Ulm/Incredible Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein). Gibbs departed for Japan and more money. Whereas Gibbs was important for the dirty work under the boards and just his never stop fighting mentality, it was probably Campbell that was really the most important piece as he was the playmaker, glue that kept the team together and guy that could decide a game in the last minutes. Last season, the New Jersey native Campbell played 43 games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6%. 'I feel that Bremerhaven can be good without Campbell. I think season could be a year of transition. Campbell was leader last season. It might be tough for a while without Campbell, but it will take time and I hope everything works well', stated ex Bremerhaven guard Giordan Watson

(178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan). It was no easy task for ex Paderborn coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) to find the adequate replacement for such an important player like Campbell. Spradley showed in preseason that he wouldnt settle for anything but the best as he brought in a few point guards with Americans Jamar Butler

(185-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Ohio St.) and Dominic Waters

(185-G-86, college: Portland St.), but wasnt totally pleased or overwhelmed with their skills that he sent them away again. Shortly before the season started he got American Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) who seems to have struck the right Spradley taste buds and has taken over for Campbell. 'I think that Copeland is a solid point guard. Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) seems to always pick the right playmakers. He can shoot and organize the game', warned Gloria Giants Duesseldorf guard Steven Wright

(191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky)

Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) is a 26 year old 177cm guard like Campbell from the State of New Jersey. He is a first-shot-then-look-to-teammates kind of player, with a so-so accuracy from long distance and good skills to score in penetration. He played at Seton Hall from 2002-2006 and has four years of valuable experience having played in countries like Poland, Bosnia and Puerto Rico. Recently he played for Atleticos de San German (Puerto Rico-BSN): 21 games: 14.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT-2 (87.6%). In the first three games for Bremerhaven he has played solid averaging 14,7ppg, 5,3apg, 1,3rpg and is shooting over 50% from the 2 and 3 point areas. In his first BEKO BBL game against Duesseldorf, he scored 13 points and dished out four assists. 'Copeland is good. He shoots well off the dribble and knows how to run the team and is a decent passer', said Duesseldorf guard Jamaal Tatum

(188-G-84, college: S.Illinois). Ex Artland Dragons assistant coach Jamie Duncan observed Copeland last weekend in a 75-66 Bamberg win and was also impressed. 'Copeland is a different type of player than Campbell. He is small, but just as quick. He is a scoring point guard, but can organize the game. You cant leave him open, because he is a deadly three point shooter', said Jamie Duncan .

Besides losing dangerous weapons and top players Louis Campbell and Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein) the team also said goodbye to Americans Brandon Brooks Kevin Lyde

(206-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) and Norman Richardson

(196-F/G-77, college: Hofstra) Coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) Spradley was able to keep a core of guys together by keeping Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop), Andrew Drevo

(202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska), Philipp Schwethelm, Jan Lipke

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) and Steven Esterkamp

(198-F-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Ohio). The team enforced the team and added Craig Callahan

(203-F-81, college: NC-Wilmington), Sean Denison (210-F/C-85, college: Santa Clara), Richard Chaney

(196-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Troy),Jermaine Thomas

(186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle), Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) and Andy Buechert. Despite not having Campbell and Gibbs, The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven have had a solid start having a 2-1 record. They had convincing wins against Duesseldorf and MBC and had a comfortable halftime lead in Bamberg, but fell apart in the second half pouring in only 22 points and losing 75-66. The team is averaging 82ppg and is shooting 51% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and are proving early that they have an arsenal of firing power on offense. 'Their offense is very dangerous. They have so many weapons. They move the ball very well, but it is too early to tell if they will be better than last season. The team is totally different without Campbell and Drevo, but the new pieces seem to be fitting already. Drevo and Callahan are consistently good and Copeland and Martin are strong. I see Bremerhaven as a top 8 team in the BEKO BB'L, warned Jamie Duncan . Bremerhaven recently rocked the Duesseldorf boat and they still have their ship sinking in their memory. 'Bremerhaven is a good all around team. They are great in transition and have great shooters. I think they will do well this season, warned ex Paderborn guard Steve Wright. They are a good three point shooting team that have good size and are physical. They rarely overplay and play the passing lanes on defense well', commented Jamaal Tatum

(188-G-84, college: S.Illinois). 'Bremerhaven is a good team. They came out and jumped on us. They are athletic, move the ball and can all shot', stated Brose Baskets Bamberg guard John Goldsberry

(191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) If Bremerhaven have the tools for a title is not known yet, but they would deserve one. 'I think they have the right tools to make a push with a lot of same players coming back and strong new additions. The fans deserve a title. They are very loyal and it would be great if the team gave them one', stressed Detroit native Giordan Watson

(178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan).

It will be interesting how well the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven big men play and mature on the boards throughout the season. With Drevo, Callahan and Denison, Spradley has picked a trio that could do damage inside on a regular basis. 'I think that Doug has done a good job with the inside players. Denison is a banger that grabs defense and can play good defense. With Drevo/Callahan, you have two guys that can score and play the five. Plus you have Shtein who is a good German player. They will have a very strong rotation', warned Jamie Duncan . Callahan will make an impact not only with his game on the court, but also with his players. 'Callahan is a hard worker on the court and his teammates will respect that a lot', added ex Callahan teammate Giordan Watson

(178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan). Ex Braunschweig guard Steve Wright is also confident that the Bremerhaven inside game will present headaches for teams. 'Drevo/Callahan can shoot from outside and post up under the rim. They can carry team inside and Denison is solid on the boards', said Steve Wright.

Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) is a 25 year old 196cm forward. He is from Columbia, South Carolina and played at Winthrop from 2003-2007. He is a very athletic competitor that brings a lot of energy to the court. He has a keen basketball I.Q, can shoot and defend well. In 2007-2008, he took part in the Orlando Magic preseason camp before playing in Poland. In 2009-2010, he played in Turkey for Antalya averaging 13,0ppg, 6,7rpg, 1,2apg, 1,9spg and shot 49% from the field. He finished the season in Greece with Kavala Panorama averaging 10,4ppg, 5,5rpg and 1,4apg. Last season for Bremerhaven, he played 41 games: 11.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 65.0%. Martin is averaging 12,0ppg, 7,7rpg and 3,7apg. Bremerhaven was very fortunate that Andrew Drevo

(202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) came back, because no one had really estimated that he would return, but did late in preseason. Drevo is a 29 year old 202cm power forward/center from Lincoln, Nebraska. He has good size and can run the floor while adding a solid presence in the paint. He is an all-around player, can pass well inside and has the ability to step outside the arc, which will create matchup problems for opposing defenses. He has played in Spain and France and will be playing his fourth season in Germany. He played for Braunschweig from 2007-2009. Last season for Bremerhaven, he played 24 games averaging 12.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT-3 (46.8%), FT: 72.3% after having started in Spain for Sant Josep Girona 20 games: 10.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 65.2%. This season, he is averaging 11,0ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,6apg shooting 58% from three point land.

21 year old 201cm forward Philipp Schwethelm is playing his second season with Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 7.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 67.8%. This past summer he got further experience with the German national team playing at the World Championships in Turkey playing 5 games: 4.4ppg, 1.0apg. He played with Cologne from 2004-2009 and despite his youth, he brings a lot of experience playing three Fiba Europe Cup games as a 16 year old in 2005 and two Euroleague games as a 17 year old in 2006. He played 61 BBL games with Cologne winning the BBL title in 2006 with experienced guys like Michael Jordan and Titus Ivory. Schwethelm is averaging 5,5ppg, 2,5rpg and 1,5apg this season. 27 year old 193cm guard Jan Lipke

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) is playing his fourth season in Bremerhaven and last season played 43 games averaging 2,9ppg. He is a very talented German player that might not necessarily be helping his chances for The German National team playing for the Eisbaeren, because playing time is sparse, but he can always be good for a big game as he recently showed pouring in 18 points in a road win at Hagen. He played six years in Braunschweig and one season for Leuven in Belgium. 'Lipke is an athletic combo guard, who strives in the open floor and is aggressive going to the basket with either hand. He is a decent three point shooter, but he usually wants to get in the painted area and if he does he will hurt you. His favourite move is a cross over hesitation step to the basket. On defense, he has a tendency to lose his man. So whoever is being guarded has to move without the ball so he can get his open shot', warned Omari Westley. Sharp shooter Steven Esterkamp

(198-F-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Ohio) is a 29 year old 198cm that has been plagued with misfortune since he left Paderborn in 2009. He sat out last season due to injury and is still getting in shape on returning. He played at Ohio University from 1999-2003. He played In Austria and in Braunschweig before playing in Paderborn from 2004-2009 playing 159 games in that span. 'Esterkamp is a very versatile three man. He is a good shooter and you have to have a hand up early and contest it. He is an ok ball handler. I think that if you pressure him on the floor then he is out of his comfort zone. Whenever he is posting up, he looks for a turn around jumper or a drop set to the hoop. He is a great free throw shooter so dont send him to the line. On defense, he is a bit slow, so always attack him', warned Omari Westley.

The club welcomed back American Craig Callahan

(203-F-81, college: NC-Wilmington) who is a 29 year old 203cm forward from Cascade, Iowa. He played NCAA ball at North Carolina Wilmington with Bamberg guard John Goldsberry He has hat experience playing ball in the Czech Republic, Spain and Belgium. In 2008-2009, he had his first tour of duty for Bremerhaven playing 24 games: Score-4 (14.9ppg), 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 58.5%. Last season, he played for Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1): EuroChallenge: 5 games: 9.0ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 64.3%; Belgian League: 32 games: 10.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 64.6%. This season, he has had a good start for Bremerhaven averaging 18,3ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,0apg. The team signed big man Sean Denison (210-F/C-85, college: Santa Clara) who is a 25 year old 210cm power forward/center from Nelson, British Columbia. He has a great post-up game, runs like a deer and has a tremendous shooting touch for a big man. He started his basketball carer at Santa Clara playing with players like Doran Perkins and Kyle Bailey. He is starting his fourth professional season after having played three seasons in Turkey for Tofas Bursa (Turkey-TBL). Last season, he played 30 games: 12.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 55.8%. This season, he is averaging 6,3ppg, 3,7rpg and 1,0apg. The team also added 26 year old 185cm Jermaine Thomas

(186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) from Frederick Maryland. He played at La Salle from 2002-2006 together with EWE Baskets Oldenburg forward Steven Smith. He is playing his fifth professional season after playing three seasons in Hungary and one season in Austria. Last season, he played for Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 33 games: 15.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 86.3%. This season, he is averaging 2,7ppg.

The club also brought in American Richard Chaney

(196-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Troy) who is a distant cousin of Don Chaney and came for the injured Steve Esterkamp. Chaney is a 26 year old guard/forward from Los Angeles. He is starting his fourth professional season and third in Germany having played with Tuebingen and Ludwigsburg and in Turkey for Oyak Renault Bursa in 2007-2008. He can play both wing positions and runs the floor well and can score in a variety of ways. Last season, he played for EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 7.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 68.2%. This season, he is averaging 8,0ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,3apg. The team also signed reliable big man Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) who is a 30 year old 206cm center who has the Ukrainian/German citizenship. This will be his 13th season playing in Germany as he has played for clubs like MTV Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Ratiopharm Ulm, Deutsche Bank Skyliners and TBB Trier. He is a big guy who runs the floor extremely well. He is able to play both inside positions defensively because of his mobility and speed. He likes to play physical and with contact. He has nice post-up moves underneath the basket and good hands cutting through the zone. His good shooting skills enable him to play also minutes offensively on Position four. He is a confident and fearless player who will produce at any level. Last season for TBB Trier he played 33 games: 5.9ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 62.6%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 47.6%. The teal also added Andy Buechert who is a 24y ear old 208cm forward. He is an athletic inside player who can defend both inside positions because of his strength and his quickness. He runs the floor very well and is explosive around the basket. He is very strong and an aggressive rebounder on both ends of the floor. He defends the lane very well because of his shot blocking skills. He returns back to Germany from the States where he played at Winthrop. Last season, he played 33 games: 5.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.6%, FT: 44.6%.

Since The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven entered the BBL in 2005-2006, they have had some interesting battles with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Bremerhaven have had the number of Frankfurt in the last four season posting a 6-3 record. In the first two seasons, Bremerhaven totally dominated Frankfurt with a 4-0 record. Who could forget the stunning 89-88 Bremerhaven win in their first meeting ever in the fall of 2005 as Brian Jones won the game with a buzzer beater. The Eisbaeren won the return date in Bremerhaven 94-78 as ex Skyliner Stefano Garris

(200-G/F-79) played one of his best games for Frankfurt dropping 20 points. However in the 2007-2009 seasons, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have had a positive record of 3-2 and were 2-2 at home. The curious thing is that the two games at home were decided by one point. In the 2007-2008 season, Frankfurt lost 82-81 in the Ballsporthalle and last season Frankfurt nipped Bremerhaven 66-65 with 16 points and 11 rebounds from ex Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon

(201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) Last season, both clubs played seven games including five games in the playoffs. Frankfurt won the season series 4-3 last season posting a 2-1 record in the Ballsporthalle and posting a 2-2 record in Bremerhaven. The two wins at home remain unforgettable as Frankfurt won the season game 70-69 as Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) led the charge with 15 points and game two 84-83 as Aubrey Reese

(183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) poured in 18 points. Since the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven entered the BEKO BBL in 2005, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a negative 7-9 record.

With the BEKO BBL getting tighter each year and almost every team having a chance of possibly reaching the promised land, the league could see even more tighter games than the last few seasons. Last season, both Frankfurt and Bremerhaven had four very tight games from seven. Two games were decided by one point each, one game by two points and game 5 by four points. The chances that the upcoming game might be a close nail bitter is very much realistic. 'The game will have a lot of intensity. I think it will be a low scoring game. We have to get going on the transition and execute in the half court offense, because Frankfurt play well in the half court defense', stressed Torrell Martin

(196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop). Despite another strong roster, the club seem to have some weaknesses. 'You can beat Bremerhaven on the transition. I dont think that they area s strong inside as in the past. But Frankfurt has to control Drevo/Callahan. Frankfurt have to attack them on offense. They have great guards and Bradley Buckman

(203-F-84, college: Texas) is a big body. I remember him from college. He could be an impact player', said Steve Wright. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven on Sunday October 17th.

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GUATEMALA

The LPB becomes Liga Pro-Basket - by Gianni Pascucci
The formely named Liga Profesional de Baloncesto completed some negotiations wth local Federacion de Baloncesto de Guatemala (FBG) to restart its activity soon.
The main point of the agreement is that LPB renounced to its previous professional status to come back under the control of the FBG and FIBA. The new agreed name is Liga Pro-Basket de Guatemala, that will abbreviated in LBP as before.
The LPB Council agreed on the affiliation in FBG as an independent league, and this will grant to the new LPB a sure life and no suspension to all its athletes and coaches in future.
Walfred Corado , the Head Coach and GM of Club Elite, was elected as the CEO of this new Liga Pro-Basket and will stay in charge four years.
Just after his election, Corado stated: 'Guatemalan sports is in need of new officials, who are not only passionately fond in their sports, but also able to make long term plans and to manage the season well. With this new league I hope to revew Guatemalan Basketball and to succesfully complete our projects, both the medium term and the long term ones.'

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

HOLLAND

Jesse Kimbrough, "I know that we are getting better" - by Fred Roggen
I caught up with point guard Jesse Kimbrough

(183-G-82, college: Jacksonville) of WCAA Giants to talk about the start of the season and we looked back on the final series of the playoffs of last season.
The former Jacksonville graduate is explosive off the dribble, can set up his teammates and can knock down the outside jumper. The floorleader of the Giants averaged 16.3ppg, 5.8apg and 3.5spg this season.

Has basketball always been your No. 1 sport?
Yes, basketball has always been my number 1 sport. In high school I couldn't figure out if I wanted to play football or basketball at the next level. After playing football my freshman year at Texas A&M University, I figured out that basketball was clearly my sport.

What has the offseason been like for you, coming off the Playoffs finals but having such a tough time in the championship serie? Do you remember the good stuff?
After the playoff finals and the start of offseason I took some time to rest my body. As I look back at our team from last year there were some good points. We grew a lot as a team and we overachieved people's expectations.

What did Coach Braal tell you after that final series?
He told us that he was proud of us and that we gave it our all. Personally, he told me some good points that will help me improve my game.

Obviously, your team changes a lot, what do you think you have to do to get to the Playoffs finals again?
As a team we have to defend, rebound, take care of the ball and make good decisions consistently.

How do you feel your team's season is going so far?
We are a young team and we're improving each day. Obviously, I'm not happy with our record but I know that we are getting better.

Has the Giants recent play done anything to hurt the confidence of this young team?
No, I think that it has made our team focus on what we need to work on to become a better team..

From your perspective as a guard, how are things different this year from an Xs and Os perspective?
This year I have to be more aggressive scoring wise and focus on how to make my team better.

What part of your game are you happiest with right now?
There isn't one particular area in my game that I'm satisfied with at this point because there is always room for improvement.

Can you tell yet if there's a different chemistry on this team compared to last year's?
We are still at the stage of building our chemistry so it's hard to say as of now. Last year's team had a lot more experience so the chemistry came a lot faster. We are a young group so, its going to take us longer to get that chemistry.

Do you consider yourself more of a hype player, that can bring the fans into a game on one play, or more of a team player that gets everybody involved in clutch situations?
I feel that I am both.. Depending on how the game is going I can make a play to get the fans involved or make a great team play to get my team going.

What's the key to being a great scorer?
To be a great scorer you need to have confidence and also be aggressive.

You play with a lot of energy. Explain the impact that has on your game.
From a point guard aspect I feel that you have to play with a lot of energy. As a kid growing up guys that I idealized played with a lot of energy and passion so I try to implement that into my game.

Is there ever any debate between say, you and coach Goedee about who you'll get to match up with on D?
Not really. I normally just match up with the point guard.

What do you do to occupy your time on the bus on the way to games?
Normally I listen to music. Sometimes, I play card games or dominoes on the way back.

What do you like to do when there's no basketball?
When there is no basketball I like to play video games and watch basketball and football.

Aaron Roye, Suffers Hamstring Injury - by Fred Roggen
The point guard of Gasterra Flames, Aaron Roye, has suffered a nasty hamstring injury yesterday at practice. It is still not clear exactly what is going on, photos will tell if the muscle is torn and should give more clarity about the injury.
'It's very sad for him. He was just doing very well. It is not an immediate problem, because we have also Bostain and Bauscher', thus head coach Marco van den Berg '

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

HUNGARY

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. Albacomp		1-0
2. Atomeromu		1-0
3. Falco-Szova		1-0
4. Kecskemeti		1-0
5. Kormend		1-0
6. Szolnok		1-0
7. ZTE KK		1-0
8. FS Debrecen		1-1
9. Kaposvari		0-1
10. Marso-Vagep		0-1
11. PVSK Pannon		0-1
12. Soproni		0-1
13. Szedeak		0-1
14. Salgotarjani		0-2

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

IRELAND

Foley's 37-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old swingman Kevin Foley (193-G/F-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ulster Elks and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2.
He had the game-high 37 points adding nine rebounds for Ulster Elks in his team's victory, helping them to crush Neptune (#6, 2-1) with 16-point margin 95-79. Despite this victory Ulster Elks dropped to the 3rd position in Irish league. Ulster Elks is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 1-1 record. In the team's last game Foley had a remarkable 55.6% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Ulster Elks and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Foley has impressive league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 32.5ppg. Foley is in league's top in and averages solid 60.7% FGP and 57.1% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Marcus Van (201-F/C-85) of Mardyke UCC Demons Cork. He is American forward in his first season at UCC Demons. In the last game Van recorded impressive double-double of 31 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as UCC Demons lost that game 91-96 to UCD Marian (1-1). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Van is a newcomer at UCC Demons and quickly became the team's new leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.5ppg (#3). He also registered 12.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to another Ulster Elks' star - Benjamin De La Cruz. De La Cruz scored 26 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was another key player of Ulster Elks, helping his team with a 95-79 easy win against Neptune (#6, 2-1). Ulster Elks needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victories and 1 lost games. De La Cruz has a great season in Ireland. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 26.0ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 12.5rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mason Ambler (198-F-85) of Moycullen - 14 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Jermaine Turner (195-F-74) of Killester - 21 points and 12 rebounds
6. Eoin Quill (198-G-81) of DCU Saints - 21 points and 14 rebounds
7. Barry Glover (198-C-82) of UCD Marian - 12 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Stephen Tummon (197-F-90) of Moycullen - 24 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Cian Nihill (193-G-88) of Moycullen - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Robinson Louisme (201-F/C-84) of Neptune - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists

Standings - EBS Division I

Division Standings

North Conference
1. Ballina		1-0
2. Portlaoise		1-1
3. Ballon		0-1
4. Tolka Rovers		0-1
5. Waterford		0-1
6. Neptune BC		0-2
South Conference
1. Maree		2-0
2. Titans BC		2-0
3. Blue Demons		1-1
4. St.Brendan		1-1
5. St.Mary's		0-0

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

ISRAEL

Asbury's 37-point game gives him National League Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old forward Brian Asbury (200-F-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Hapoel Usishkin Tel-Aviv and receives a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 2.
He had the game-high 37 points adding eight rebounds for Hapoel T-A in his team's victory, helping them to beat Elitzur Yavne (#5, 1-1) 94-83. Despite this victory Hapoel T-A dropped to the 2nd position in Israeli National League. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Hapoel T-A won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Asbury had a remarkable 81.8% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Hapoel T-A's top player in his first season with the team. University of Miami, Florida graduate has very impressive stats this year. Asbury is league's best scorer averaging so far 31.5ppg. Asbury is in league's top in and averages solid 71.4% FGP and 58.3% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Jermaine Hall (196-F-80) of Maccabi Beer Yaakov. He is American forward in his first season at Beer Yaakov. In the last game Hall recorded impressive 32 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as Beer Yaakov lost that game 93-106 to Ironi Ramat G. (1-1). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Hall is a newcomer at Beer Yaakov and quickly became the team's new leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.0ppg (#7). He also registered 7.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Rodney Webb (200-F-83) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon (#6). Webb showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Hap.Tivon, leading his team to a 98-81 easy win against Kohav Yair (#14, 0-2). Hap.Tivon needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victories and 1 lost games. Webb has a great season in Israel. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.0ppg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ofir Farhi (187-G-86) of Beer Yaakov - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists
5. Ilan Berkowitz (186-G-75) of Elitzur Ramla - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Tal Michael Dunne (197-F-87) of Hapoel Afula - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Jitim Young (188-G-81) of Hod Hasharon - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Sunny Ibrahim (207-C-82) of Ironi Nahariya - 15 points and 14 rebounds
9. Stanley Brandy (200-F-67) of Hod Hasharon - 13 points, 19 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Robert Brown (195-F-80) of Macc.Habikaa - 23 points and 11 rebounds

Maccabi Haifa reach EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Haifa - Paris-Levallois 89:66

Maccabi Haifa completed the EuroChallenge regular season picture. They knocked down Paris-Levallois at home court to advance into the next round of action. Marco Killingsworth tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the home team.
Paris-Levallois entered the game with a 12-point cushion. However Maccabi opened the encounter with an 11:2 run. Derrick Low

(208-F-84, college: St.John's) replied with 14 points for Paris-Levallois. Marcellus Sommerville

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 31.5

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	31.5
2. Miller, Megido/Y.	28.5
3. Hall, Beer Yaakov	28.0
4. Young, Hod Hasharon	26.0
5. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	25.5
6. Dunne, Hapoel Afula	25.0
7. Webb, Hap.Tivon	25.0
8. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	23.5
9. Brown, Macc.Hab.	21.0
10. Gendal, Hod H.	19.5

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 19

1. Brandy, Hod H.	19.0
2. Ibrahim, Ironi N.	10.5
3. Aidan, Hapoel B-Sh.	10.5
4. Clemente, Megido/Y.	10.5
5. Utter, Hapoel T-A	10.5
6. McFarlin, Lev H.	10.5
7. Pitshon, Lev H.	10.0
8. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	10.0
9. Webb, Hap.Tivon	9.0
10. Lev, Macc.Habikaa	8.5

Assists Per Game

Avi ELIYAHU
  Hapoel Afula
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 10

1. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	10.0
2. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	8.0
3. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	7.5
4. Timor, Hap.Tivon	6.5
5. Yatzkan, Ironi R.	6.5
6. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	6.5
7. Fisher, Hapoel B.	6.0
8. Rub, Kohav Yair	6.0
9. Miller, Megido/Y.	6.0
10. Timberlake, Elitzu.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yok.
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 6

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	6.0
2. Young, Hod Hasharon	5.0
3. Hofman, Elitzur .	4.5
4. Naor, Hapoel T-A	3.5
5. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	3.5
6. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	3.0
7. Shtarkman, Megido/Y.	3.0
8. Ohana, Ironi N.	3.0
9. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	2.5
10. Dunne, Hapoel Afula	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Isaac ROSEFELT
  Ironi Ramat G.
  (205-C/F-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	3.0
2. Utter, Hapoel T-A	2.5
3. Levi, Elitzur Ramla	2.0
4. Webb, Hap.Tivon	1.5
5. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.5
6. Liutrin, Beer Y.	1.5
7. Ermichin, Ironi R.	1.5
8. Lewis, Ironi R.	1.5
9. Young, Elitzur Ramla	1.0
10. Aidan, Hapoel B-Sh.	1.0

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

ITALY

Scafati adds Hunter - by Gianni Pascucci
Lega 2 team Sunrise Scafati Basket has just announced the agreement with Jimmie Lee Hunter

(196-G-77, college: Life). The new import player has just arrived in Scafati and is currently undergoing medical exams. There are hopes he could be registered in time for the weekend game vs. Aget Imola.

Interview with Jarvis Varnado - by Antonello Varallo
Jarvis Varnado (206-F-88, college: Mississippi St.), big man of Carmatic Pistoia, is one of the best import players of Legadue, he kindly accepted this interview after his amazing performance against Fastweb Casale Monferrato ( 22 points, 5 rebounds, 9 blocks and 9 steals).

1) You are one of the new faces in Italian Legadue and people expect so much from you. How is the level of this league?
Jarvis Varnado: The level is real tough alot of good esperience player and i got a lot to learn.

2) 2 win, 33 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks in first 2 games: did you expect a so good beginning?
JV: Yes i been training hard and trying to improve my game so i wasn't suprise at all.

3) How did you start to play basketball? Who were your childhood heroes?
JV:My mother and father played and i would always go with my dad to the gym and just pick up on it there. Growing up i watch Jordon a lot.

4) You are the second player, after All of Fame David Robinson, to have passed the 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 blocked shots in career in Division 1 history. Did you expect a better draft than a second round call?
JV: Yes i did i was upset by it but i couldn't let that get me down I got to keep working hard for my goals and dream.

5) In your team there are very experienced players as Fucka and Forte. What can you learn from them?
JV: How the game is played over here and the mental side of the game they already been through the battles so they can share it with me.

6)How is your feeling with italian fans?
JV:The fans are great they really love there team out here and that great.

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

LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL D2 Standings

1. ASK/Buki		1-0
2. BS Daugava		0-0
3. BS Ogre		0-0
4. DSN Riga		0-0
5. Jurmala		0-0
6. Liepaja-2		0-0
7. Livani		0-0
8. Saldus		0-0
9. VEF Kadeti		0-0
10. Ventspils Aug.		0-0
11. Zemgale/Jun.		0-0
12. Barons/Ridzene		0-1

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

LEBANON

Anibal inks B.J. Raymond - by Rabih Khoury
Anibal Zahle management agreed to terms with B.J. Raymond

(198-G/F-87, college: Xavier) to be the new foreigner of the team for the 2010-2011 season. Raymond played in one of the most elite colleges in NCAA Xavier, where he averaged in his senior year in 35 games: 14.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3Pts: 41.0%, FT: 80.9%.
The 23 year old played last year in Belgium with Generali Okapi Aalstar where he averaged in Belgian League: 34 games: 13.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 81.6%, and in EuroChallenge: 5 games: 17.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.5%.
B.J. will arrive to Lebanon on saturday to join Anibal Zahle for the new season

Standings - Div.1

Div.1 Standings

1. Animation		0-0
2. Anoubine		0-0
3. Antonins		0-0
4. Army		0-0
5. Blue Stars		0-0
6. Carmelite		0-0
7. Club Central		0-0
8. ENB		0-0
9. Ghazir		0-0
10. Homenetm. B		0-0
11. St.Georges		0-0
12. Tadamon		0-0
13. Tebnine		0-0

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

LIBYA

Ittihad throw to the semi-final - by Wasim Baruni
ittihad throw to the semi-final: Ittihad met today with a team of the UAE and the match ended in victory for Ittihad Group 81-74 After the extension of extra time saluting the two teams drew 62-62 for 5 minutes Saluting the Union emerged strongly in this half and ended the match in his favor To advance to the next round (semi-final) and corresponds to the Jordanian team of ASU again Note that the ASU had met the Ittihad within the second group in the first round and won it 77-68.

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

LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas, Jerry Johnson out six weeks - by Emiliano
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius won the game against Palanga on Wednesday, the first one of coach Aleksandar Trifunovic (agency: Beo Basket ) on the bench of the Lithuanian powerhouse, but lost Jerry Johnson

(183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) for an injury .. The player left the game in the second half of the game. On thursday he had MRI and the good news for the Lithuanian team is that the player will be fully recovered in six weeks.

In the beginning of the season, Johnson scored 8 point in one game in VTB League with 2 assists and 4.5ppg in two LKL games.

LKL Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Neptunas - Lietuvos Rytas 68-75
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points to lead Lietuvos Rytas past Neptunas away from home. Milko Bjelica

(207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 12 points in the victory. Mindaugas Stasys delivered 17 points for the Klaipeda team.

Zalgiris - Juventus 96-56
Zalgiris cruised past Juventus before the home fans. Paulius Jankunas

(205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) dropped 20 points to lead the effort. Tomas Delininkaitis

(192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) nailed 15 points for the Kaunas team. Aurimas Kieza (202-F-82, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) notched 26 points and 8 caroms for Juventus.

Naglis-Adakris - Lietuvos Rytas 56-83
Lietuvos Rytas recorded a comfortable road win over Naglis-Adakris. Kenan Bajramovic scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead the visitors. Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85) notched 13 points and 6 rebounds in the victory. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) replied with 22 points, 6 boards and 3 assists for Naglis-Adakris.

Zalgiris - Techasas 115-51
Zalgiris fired past Techasas at home court to improve at 5-0 record. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Zalgiris. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) contributed 15 points for the winning team. Vaidotas Volkus

(203-F-85, college: Redlands CC) replid with 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Darius GVEZDAUSKAS
  Siauliai
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 26

1. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai	26.0
2. Kieza, Juventus	24.0
3. Volkus, Techasas	20.5
4. Kleiza, Alytus Alita	20.0
5. Bajramovic, Lietuv.	19.7
6. Zelionis, Rudupis	19.5
7. Harris, Siauliai	18.0
8. Staniulis, Perlas	18.0
9. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris	17.0
10. Janisius, Sakalai	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 12

1. Kieza, Juventus	12.0
2. Matulis, Sakalai	11.0
3. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	10.0
4. Vilkius, Neptunas	9.0
5. Drungilas, Kaunas	8.5
6. Janisius, Sakalai	8.5
7. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	8.3
8. Uzas, Kaunas	8.0
9. Zukauskas, Siauliai	8.0
10. Dimsa, Nevezis	8.0

Assists Per Game

Darius GVEZDAUSKAS
  Siauliai
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 8

1. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai	8.0
2. Collins, Zalgiris	6.0
3. Juskevicius, Rudupis	6.0
4. Viskontas, Perlas	5.5
5. Alijevas, Nevezis	4.7
6. Rinkevicius, Techasas	4.5
7. Maceina, Juventus	4.5
8. Lipkevicius, Rudupis	4.5
9. Newley, Lietuvos.	4.0
10. Dainys, Rudupis	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marius VALUKONIS
  Techasas
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Valukonis, Techasas	3.5
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	3.5
3. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	3.0
4. Sirvydis, Sakalai	3.0
5. Lipkevicius, Rudupis	3.0
6. Juskevicius, Rudupis	2.5
7. Parachomikas, Rudup.	2.5
8. Newley, Lietuvos.	2.3
9. Redikas, Perlas	2.0
10. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Begic, Zalgiris	2.6
2. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	2.3
3. Valukonis, Techasas	2.0
4. Cresnar, Nevezis	2.0
5. Gumenyuk, Siauliai	2.0
6. Kulvietis, Perlas	1.5
7. Kieza, Juventus	1.5
8. Galdikas, Neptunas	1.3
9. Streikus, Techasas	1.0
10. Slezas, Perlas	1.0

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

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

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

MALTA

Depiro and Athleta record victories - by Eurobasket News
Athleta continued to win at the start of the new season. They posted the second straight victory holding off Loyola 84:56. Addison Bonnici (195-F-84) knocked down 18 points to lead the effort. Athleta played without Kristin-Paul Baldacchino (184-G-81) but it did not prevent the visitors from taking a 20:12 lead ten minutes into the game. Athleta gained the speed in the second term and earned a comfortable 39:25 advantage at halftime. Athleta maintained the lead after the main break. They registered a 25-point buffer heading into the final quarter. Loyola lost the fourth period as well and had to surrender at the end. Dirk Schembri (193-F-85) notched 17 points for Athleta. Omar Said (177-G-80) accounted for 14 points in the win. Mihajlovic nailed 10 points for Loyola.
Depiro held off Depiro 65:50. Andrew Aquilina (89) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners. Depiro missed Marko Arsovski and David Agius from the squad for this one but they made it pass unnoticed as they grabbed a 42:29 lead at the interval. BUPA Luxol tried to strike back in the third stanza. They cut the deficit at 7 points. However Luxol produced just 7 points in the fourth stanza allowing Depiro to run away with the victory. Isaac Tanti (180-F-90) provided 14 points for the winning side. Robert Azzopardi chipped in 14 points for BUPA Luxol. A Cremona had 10 in the loss.

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

MOZAMBIQUE

Standings - Men

D1 Standings

1. Desp.Maputo		8-3
2. Maxaquene		8-3
3. Costa do Sol		7-4
4. Fer.Beira		7-4
5. Fer.Maputo		7-4
6. Sporting/Sopr.		4-7
7. Matolinhas		2-9
8. Desp.Beira		0-11

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

NBA

New Orleans Hornets sign D.J. Mbenga to boost their frontcourt - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets signed free agent center Didier Mbenga (7'0''-C-80) Wednesday after they worked him out earlier in the day.

Mbenga, 7-foot, 255 pounds, played in 49 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Mbenga registered his first career double-double on Nov. 8, 2009 against the Hornets with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He played in three games during the 2010 playoffs, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds.

Mbenga holds career averages of 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 193 games (four starts). He has spent time playing with the Mavericks (2004-07), Warriors (2007-08) and the Lakers (2008-10), as well as being a member of the Belgian national team.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Cavaliers waive Cedric Jackson and Tasmin Mitchell - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that they have waived former Cleveland State Viking point guard Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86, college: Cleveland St.). The team released a press release that stated:

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that they have waived guard Cedric Jackson and forward Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86). Jackson appeared in two games for a total of six minutes during the preseason while Mitchell did not appear in any games for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers roster now stands at 17.

C-Jack led the Vikings to an upset win over Wake Forest in the NCAA Tournament and appeared on three NBA teams in his rookie season last year including a stint with the Cavs.

Courtesy of www.clevelandleader.com

Tracy McGrady doesn't expect to play rest of preseason - by Eurobasket News
Right now, Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) is focused on being ready to rock Oct. 27 when the Pistons open the regular season at New Jersey.

Thats why the plan is for him to skip the last four exhibition games and make sure his body is as fit as possible.

McGrady told the Free Press after tonights 101-96 loss to the Mavericks that its doubtful he would play the rest of the preseason.

He said he feels fine and feels that he can play, but he will follow the directions of strength and condition coach Arnie Kander.

Im starting to get antsy, he said in the locker room of Van Andel Arena.

After hardly playing for two seasons, its going to take time for the one-time superstar to get back into playing shape.

McGrady, 31, was one of the best players in the game before missing most of the 2008-09 season with a balky left knee. The injury required microfracture surgery in February of 2009 while he was with Houston.

He was able to return last season before being traded to the Knicks in February. He only competed in 30 games a far cry from the grueling 82-game season required of NBA players. A free agent in the off-season, he signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Pistons.

McGrady played just eight minutes in the Pistons first exhibition game against the Miami Heat.

The Pistons took an MRI of McGradys surgically repaired knee today and it confirmed his assessment its structurally sound.

And he has been working very hard on his body. He has been lifting weights, and he was pulling a platform with weights around the practice facility Tuesday under the watchful eye of Kander.

But McGrady knows he has a long way to go to get right. He estimated it might come sooner, but it could take 20 games to get into tip-top basketball shape.

But he said there was no way he was going to miss the season opener.

Courtesy of www.freep.com

Hobson has first hip surgery, out for season - by Eurobasket News
Bucks second-round draft choice Darington Hobson (6'7''-G/F-87, college: N.Mexico) underwent successful left hip surgery on Tuesday, the team announced prior to its open scrimmage at the Bradley Center.

The surgery was performed by doctor John Heinrich at Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Hobson is to undergo a similar procedure on his right hip later this year and is expected to miss the entire 2010-'11 season.

The 24-year-old Hobson was the 37th overall pick in the draft. He was named Mountain West Conference player of the year in his only season at New Mexico, where he played under former Indiana great Steve Alford.

The Bucks recently released their other second-round pick, Keith 'Tiny' Gallon, who was the 47th overall pick in the June draft.

Courtesy of www.prosportsdaily.com

Hornets defeat Heat, 90-76 - by Eurobasket News
Marco Belinelli (6'5''-G-86) scored eight of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the New Orleans Hornets beat the injury-depleted Miami Heat 90-76 on Wednesday night for their first preseason win.

Already without Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) because of his right hamstring pull in Miami's first exhibition game, the Heat also sat out star forward LeBron James (6'8''-F-84).

James was resting his right hamstring, which tightened up a night earlier during a game in Miami against Russian club CSKA Moscow.

New Orleans was playing without forward David West, who missed his second straight preseason game with a sprained right wrist.

Emeka Okafor (6'9''-F/C-82, college: Connecticut) scored 15 points for the Hornets (1-2).

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) led Miami (2-2) with 24 points, 20 of which he scored in the fourth quarter.

James Jones (6'8''-F-80, college: Miami (FL)) had 15 points for Miami and Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) 11.

New Orleans led 45-29 at halftime with the help of 11 points each from Belinelli and Emeka Okafor.

Bosh's third-quarter surge helped Miami climb back in front and Miller's 3 put the Heat up 63-61 late in the period.

Miami led 70-65 after Jones' 3, then Hornets guard Willie Green responded with a short pull-up to spark a decisive 21-2 New Orleans run. Belinelli scored seven points during the spurt, hitting one of his three 3-pointers in the game. Green scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter.

With West out, Jason Smith started at forward for New Orleans and scored 13 points and eight rebounds, while Okafor finished with 15 points.

Although the game won't count in the regular season standings, it was a gratifying win for the Hornets, who responded to a 135-81 loss in Orlando on Sunday by getting Monty Williams his first victory since he took his first NBA head coaching job this past summer.

The matchup with Miami initially appeared to be the Hornets' most attractive home game of the preseason when NBA training camps opened. Then Wade went out with a right hamstring pull in the Heat's first exhibition game and James wound up sitting next to him on the bench in New Orleans.

The home crowd did get to see Hornets three-time All-Star Chris Paul, who had seven points and seven assists in a little more than 28 minutes of work.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Gilbert Arenas fined for faking injury - by Eurobasket News
Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-G-82, college: Arizona) just can't seem to stay out of trouble.

Arenas was fined Wednesday for faking an injury to keep from playing in the Washington Wizards' home preseason opener.

Coach Flip Saunders said Wednesday that Arenas was fined an undisclosed amount by the team for claiming to have a sore knee before the Wizards' game against Atlanta on Tuesday night.

Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com the league office did consult Wednesday with the Wizards during their internal review of Arenas' comments.

But Arenas is unlikely to be subjected to a league penalty in this instance, sources said, as long as the Wizards follow through with the undisclosed fine mentioned earlier Wednesday by Saunders. NBA rules preclude players from being punished twice for the same offense.

After Wednesday's practice, Arenas first said he wasn't talking, then appeared before reporters offering a halfhearted apology for his actions.

'I screwed up again, so I just want to say sorry,' he said. 'I wasn't really thinking that this was going to be another media outburst. It's like everything I do now, someone, tit for tat, tries to blow it out of proportion.'

Arenas wasn't done there, going on to blame the media for publicizing the story.

'If I wouldn't [have] made any comments, you guys wouldn't have known, right?' Arenas said. 'Right. So, let's just say I blew it again. You guys want somebody honest, but you don't want somebody honest. I messed up again. I'll never do it again.

'At the end of the day, you guys got to do your job. Even though it's not right that you guys are nitpicking everything I do, you've got a job to do and I've got a job to do.'

Arenas said after the game Tuesday that he pretended to have a bum knee to give teammate Nick Young a chance to start.

'I told [Young] I'd sacrifice playing tonight so he can get some time in because I know he's kind of frustrated he's not getting a chance to crack the [small forward] position, especially since we're going three guards,' Arenas said Tuesday, smiling. 'So I told him I'll go and fake an injury or say something's wrong with me so you can start.'

When asked how his knee is feeling, Arenas said, 'I'm fine,' The Washington Post reported.

Saunders, who has gone out of his way to defend Arenas this preseason, said he was shocked and disappointed with Arenas. He spoke to Arenas and the team about the situation.

'I was probably the most surprised,' Saunders said. 'I got a text late last night. When I talked to Gil at the shootaround, he indicated that his knee was a little bit sore and stiff and he didn't think he was going to play, and I said, 'Fine,' and I moved on.

'I said to him that I'm most disappointed personally. Because I believe in him. There's been a trust factor. I told him, 'You're going to have to be honest with me.' It's just like dealing with your kids. Your kids make mistakes and you deal with them. It doesn't mean you love them any less.'

For his part, Young feigned innocence about the entire situation, but was more than happy to take advantage of it, scoring a team-high 24 points in Washington's win.

'I didn't know nothing about it,' he said. 'I heard this morning -- I saw it on TV. That's just Gil doing Gil. I don't even know what was going on. I just went out there and played my game.'

Arenas said he would play in the Wizards' game Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to The Post.

It would have been Arenas' first game at home since his 50-game suspension and felony conviction for bringing guns into the locker room last season.

Courtesy of ESPN

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade on the mend - by Eurobasket News
The reunion of the Big Three is looming. After evaluating Dwyane Wade's (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) strained right hamstring for the past week, coach Erik Spoelstra said the guard is on the mend and could start conditioning exercises as early as next week.

``He's virtually pain-free now to the touch,'' Spoelstra said. ``It'll be day-to-day, but we are not going to rush it. Hamstrings are a little bit tricky and I want to make sure he gets his strength back up.''

Wade sustained the injury during the Heat's preseason opener against the Pistons last week and has missed three exhibition games since.

Heat forward LeBron James, Miami's big acquisition this offseason along with Chris Bosh, said he is encouraged about Wade's prognosis and hopes Wade can return before the season opener Oct. 26 against Boston so the three can develop some chemistry.

``We definitely want to get a preseason game in,'' James said. ``I'm not going to just sit here and lie and say the 26th is the first day we get back. We would love for us to get in-game action as a full unit.''

But Spoelstra won't pencil in Wade for a preseason appearance just yet. Although Spoelstra wants Wade to develop continuity with his new teammates, he said the guard's long-term health is the ultimate priority.

``We understand the big picture of this,'' Spoelstra said. ``It's a long season. There's plenty of time. Dwyane knows our system and how we play more than anybody else, so I don't think it'll take long to fast track the process once he gets back.''

PRESIDENTIAL BRIEFING

Throughout his career, Bosh has experienced his share of awkward exchanges with star-struck fans.

So when the Heat forward met President Barack Obama on Monday at Alonzo Mourning's home, he made sure to suppress his excitement.

``It was a cool experience just to get to meet the President for me because I've never met the President before,'' Bosh said. ``It was very brief. But he knew who I was so that was pretty cool.''

Making stops around South Florida to promote U.S. Rep. Ron Klein's bid for reelection, Obama set aside time to visit Mourning, who was hosting a fundraiser to support the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Among those in attendance were Bosh and Wade. Reflecting on Obama's speech, Bosh marveled about the president's ability to integrate basketball terminology to convey his political message.

``He was doing teamwork analogies saying `Dwyane needs good players to play with' and he was basically saying the Democratic Party needs the same thing as well,'' Bosh said. ``It takes teamwork and everyone working together for a greater good.''

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Celtics 104, Knicks 101: Pierce sinks game-winner with 8 ticks left - by Eurobasket News
The 'good' news is that the technical foul-prone Celtics are already in midseason form.

The bad news is that the three techs they racked up Wednesday night won't count in their assault on the record.

Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F-78) caught a tech in the second quarter of the Celtics' 104-101 win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden for arguing an over-the-back call with referee Zach Zarba. Then, Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) -- in utter disbelief -- earned himself two more quick ones jawing with official Kane Fitzgerald, getting the emphatic heave-ho from Fitzgerald.

Garnett seemed almost stunned to be ejected in an exhibition game. Celtics coach Doc Rivers looked just as incredulous, gesturing at Garnett to hit the showers.

By knocking down a 21-footer with 8 seconds left, Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) staved off the unimaginable possibility of a preseason overtime game on the same night as a preseason ejection. Pierce finished with 20 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) led the Celtics with 24 points, fighting off a 30-point night from Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82, agency: Rogue Sports)..

The ejection ended what was shaping up to be Garnett's best preseason game by far. He scored 6 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists in nine minutes in the first quarter. He was barely on the court for two minutes in the second quarter before being tossed.

Putting an emphasis on 'respect for the game,' the NBA has set new guidelines this season concerning technical fouls. The Celtics met with officials Sunday at the Garden before their win over the Raptors. By that point they already had amassed four techs as a team.

Von Wafer

(6'5''-G-85, college: Florida St.) drew two in the first two nights (both fourth-quarter techs, one of Rivers's cardinal sins). Pierce was whistled for one in the first quarter last week against the Nets for arguing a non-call, not realizing the rules change. Nate Robinson was hit with one later that game.

Tuesday night in Philadelphia, both Robinson and Jermaine O'Neal were issued techs. In all the Celtics have been called for nine Ts in five games.

Over the past three seasons, no team has been called for more techs than the Celtics (321). Last season, they led the league with 107.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Houston Rockets sign Jerel McNeal - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced that the team has added guard Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) to the pre-season roster.

McNeal (6-3, 200, Marquette), who participated with the Chicago Bulls in the Orlando Pro Summer League in 2010, played in 14 games with Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium) in 2009-10. He posted averages of 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.57 steals in 28.5 minutes per game, shooting .479 from the field and .348 from beyond the arc. McNeal also appeared in six games with Dexia Mons-Hainaut in the 2009-10 EuroChallenge, where he averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 boards and 1.17 steals in 31.5 minutes per outing, hitting .578 from the floor and .321 from 3-point range.

Undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, McNeal was invited to play for the Sacramento Kings in the 2009 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. McNeal then went on to play with the L.A. Clippers during the 2009 NBA pre-season.

As a collegian, McNeal played four years at Marquette University and left as the schools all-time leader in points (1,985), steals (287) and games played (starting all 130 outings). Selected the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-07, McNeal also earned First-Team All Big-East accolades his senior season, and was named Second-Team All Big-East as a sophomore and junior.

Courtesy of www.shoot-hoops.com

Kobe returns to practice, Jackson impressed - by Eurobasket News
The door to the Lakers practice opened Tuesday afternoon and there was Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) on the court shooting with his teammates at the end of the session.

Bryant didn't speak with the media, but Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said his star guard joined the team about 'mid-practice' and will play in Wednesday night's exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas.

Bryant has been recovering from off-season surgery on his right knee.

He played in the Lakers' two exhibition games last week in Europe, but it was clear to Jackson that Bryant's knee needed to get stronger and that he needed to improve his conditioning.

Bryant didn't practice last Saturday after the Lakers returned from overseas, and he didn't practice Monday.

That Bryant was able to join his teammates Tuesday was a good sign, Jackson said.

'I think he looked OK, actually,' Jackson said. 'He had a full workout and a shooting workout and a weight workout this morning before he stepped out on practice.

'So I think that tempered a little bit how he looked. He had gone through a full regimen before so I thought he looked better than he has looked so far.'

Jackson said he expects to limit Bryant's playing time against the Kings to eight-minute segments in each half, but that could change.

'If he feels up to it and he comes to me and talks to me about it, then I'll see,' Jackson said.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Jack scores seven points in second overtime as Raptors beat Sixers 119-116 - by Eurobasket News
A gruelling exhibition match had Raptors point guard Jarrett Jack (6'3''-G-83, college: Georgia Tech) looking forward to a day off.

As Jack watched Philadelphia's Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) miss a three-point attempt at the buzzer of double-overtime to seal a 119-116 pre-season win Wednesday for Toronto, his reaction was: ''Thank goodness it's over. They're cutting into our day off,' was what I was thinking.'

Jack, who scored seven of his game-leading 24 points in the second overtime, and the Raptors (2-2) deserve the day off Thursday after surviving the second pre-season overtime game in franchise history following a 109-90 loss Tuesday night in Chicago.

The Raptors were down 115-114 when Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89, college: USC) hit on a four-foot hook shot with 35.9 seconds left. Jack picked up the assist on Amir Johnson's dunk with 6.8 seconds left before a crowd of 12,078 at the ACC.

'I thought we fought hard and showed some resiliency,' said Jack who also had eight rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. 'We got down a couple of times in both overtimes but were still able to fight back and claw out a W.'

Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) added 19 for the Raptors while DeRozan scored 16.

Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) chipped in 14 on an unimpressive 6-for-22 shooting from the field and 2 for 4 from the free-throw line. After scoring the first four points of the first overtime period, he missed both free throws that would have given Toronto a six-point lead.

Jrue Holiday (6'3''-G-90, college: UCLA) led the Sixers (1-4) with 18 points with Evan Turner adding 13. Holiday added 11 rebounds and 12 assists for a triple-double.

It was the Raptors first pre-season game at the ACC for a season that begins with low expectations following the departure of star forward Chris Bosh to the Miami Heat.

Not much happened Wednesday to indicate that there should be an adjustment in those expectations any time soon despite the result.

The Raptors entered the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead and couldn't hold it. The game was tied 96-96 after regulation time and was 106-106 after the first overtime.

'I thought it was good to go through a game like that in pre-season,' Raptors head coach Jay Triano said. 'We get used to going on our offence and our defence, get used to guys running plays and having guys foul them and try to make the plays. It's tough to duplicate that in a practice setting so when it happens in pre-season you have to take advantage of it and try to get better though it and it's a good experience to have.'

He feels the Raptors still showed a need to improve on defence.

Jack liked the effort, which is something the Raptors will need to bring with them every night, particularly with the loss of a talent like Bosh.

'It's just effort,' Jack said. That's the number one thing the coaches have been preaching. Every night you are not going to be able to make shots. You can always have effort even if the plays don't go your way. Effort is the one thing you can control at the end of the day, night in and night out.'

Toronto led 24-19 after the first quarter with Jack scoring six points and adding two assists.

After posting just 22 rebounds against Chicago, Toronto improved with 50 against the 76ers, who had 55.

NOTES: Forward Linas Kleiza started Wednesday after he missed the loss to the Bulls because of sore right Achilles. Kleiza wanted to play in Chicago but he was kept out as a precaution, Triano said. He had six points in 18 minutes. . . Sixers forward Marreese Speights left in the game with 4.6 seconds left in the third quarter with a right hamstring injury and did not return, finishing with seven points. The Raptors continue their pre-season schedule Friday at the ACC against the Boston Celtics. . . It was the second overtime pre-season game in Raptors history.

Courtesy of www.660news.com

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

NIGERIA

Top-50 Camp: Pundits hail organisation, as NBA Africa plan online coachs manual - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Top notch personalities that graced the last day of the 2010 edition of the Top-50 Basketball Camp organised by RadaarHoop led by Masai Ujiri and Godwin Onwinje have praised the organiosation of the just concluded edition which went spoothly without the duo of Ujiri and Onwinje who were absent due to pressing job demand.

Michael Scholl, a South Africa-based International scout with the Detroit Pistons basketball club of the National Basketball Association, NBA league in the United States of America expressed satisfaction with the standard of this year's edition.

Scholl, who has featured in the clinic since 2003, said that Nigeria would soon emerge tops in basketball on the continent, stressing that the country has abundant talents to lift it to the next level in the game.

With a little time and good organisation, I believe Nigeria has what it takes to become the best basketball country in Africa, he said. I have been to about 32 African countries but I think Nigeria stands out in terms of raw talents than Angola.

The likes of Ayodeji Egbeyemi (6.4ft), Godwin Okonji (6.8ft) and Loyola Marymount, an associate head coach with UNIV, were discovered from this camp and have been improving almost on daily basis since they arrived the States.

Other NBA scouts that featured in this year's camp were Oklahoma City Thunder's Patrict Engelbrecht and Gallo Fall, who is the director of NBA Africa. Adeka Odaodu and Lateef Erinfolami led the Nigerian top coaches at the clinic.

Vice President of the NBA for Africa region, Amadou Gallo Fall also added his voice to the organisation, coordination and the general behaviou of the instructors led by Coach Adeka and the campers.

The former Senegalese national team forward says Nigeria is a great country that could carry out any assignment even without the presence of the originator of such task.

The NBA Africa Vice-President promised that his office is doing everything possible to also contribute to the improvement of coaches on the continent by lauching an online coachs manual which will go a long way in improving the coaching technique of Africa coaches.

Nestle Milo Brand Manager, Femi Akintola, has assured that the company would continue to support Nigerian youths to enable them realise their dreams in the game. He said: Nestle Milo will not relent in its efforts to lift the standard of basketball in the country. We are determined to take the game to the next level both on the country and in Africa.

The annual camp has produced quite a number of promising young players for the international scene. The latest of such developed players is Solomon Alabi, who made the 2010 NBA Draft into Toronto Raptors.

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

NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Tromso		4-0
2. Asker		3-1
3. Ulriken		3-1
4. Ammerud		2-2
5. Baerum		2-2
6. Kristiansand		2-3
7. Gimle		1-3
8. Froya		0-5

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 31.4

1. Russell, Kristiansand	31.4
2. Timus, Tromso	27.0
3. Ross, Kristiansand	25.0
4. Karlsen, Asker	24.8
5. Kombat, Froya	24.8
6. January, Tromso	22.5
7. Bullock, Gimle	22.3
8. Oatis, Baerum	21.3
9. Skara, Baerum	21.3
10. Diomande, Ammerud	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Oatis, Baerum	12.3
2. Bullock, Gimle	10.7
3. Karlsen, Asker	9.8
4. Fivelstad, Ulriken	8.8
5. Djerman, Gimle	8.3
6. Kombat, Froya	8.2
7. January, Tromso	8.0
8. Ross, Kristiansand	8.0
9. Hagen, Ammerud	7.3
10. Christensen, Tro.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Galin MIHAYLOV
  Tromso
  (189-G-80)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Mihaylov, Tromso	5.3
2. Mahnin, Asker	5.3
3. Timus, Tromso	5.0
4. Issalhi, Tromso	4.5
5. Elgmork, Baerum	4.5
6. Bullock, Gimle	4.0
7. Eskeland, Ulriken	3.8
8. Hinsch, Asker	3.5
9. Torkildsen, Asker	3.0
10. Diomande, Ammerud	3.0

Steals Per Game

Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Diomande, Ammerud	3.0
2. Bullock, Gimle	2.3
3. Mihaylov, Tromso	2.3
4. Timus, Tromso	2.0
5. Mahnin, Asker	2.0
6. Christensen, Tro.	1.8
7. Eskeland, Ulriken	1.8
8. Russell, Kristiansand	1.6
9. Elgmork, Baerum	1.5
10. Midtvedt, Asker	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Oatis, Baerum	4.8
2. Sorensen, Ammerud	2.0
3. Beqiri, Kristiansand	1.6
4. Ndiaye, Gimle	1.5
5. Bullock, Gimle	1.3
6. Kristiansen, Bae.	1.0
7. January, Tromso	0.8
8. Muren, Asker	0.7
9. Nyborg, Asker	0.7
10. Hellerstrom, Ammer.	0.5

BLNO Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Gimle - Kristiansand 99-81
Gimle rolled over Kristiansand 99:81 as Ivan Djerman (202-F/C-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Peter Bullock (198-F/C-82, college: Alaska-Anch.) had amazing triple double of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, whilst Enge Stian added 21 points and 11 borads. Russell Antonio replied with 32 points in the losing case.

Froya - Ulriken 64-86
Froya lost to Ulriken 64:86 on October 13th of the Regular Season Round 5. Magne Fivelstad (196-G/F-89) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Mullenax Taylor followed him with 19. Kombat Miilah responded with 28 points in the losing effort.

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

PBL

NBA World Champion to Coach Mill Rats - by Allen White
The Saint John Mill Rats are pleased to reveal that former NBA World Champion Jaren Jackson (6'6''-G-67, college: Georgetown) has agreed to serve as Head Coach for their inaugural season in Saint John.

Jackson was a key member of the 1999 San Antonio Spurs title quest as they won the NBA Championship. Throughout the 90's Jackson played both in the NBA and in the minor leagues. In 1991, he won a championship in the CBA and then later that summer in the WBL. The WBL, or World Basketball League, also fielded teams in Halifax (the Windjammers) and Cape Breton (the Breakers).

He later went on to win another championship in the CBA with the LaCrosse Catbirds under future NBA Head Coach Flip Saunders. In the NBA, Jackson played under notable coaches such as Bill Fitch, Don Nelson, Larry Brown, Rick Adelman, John Lucas, and Rudy Tomjanovich. During his years in San Antonio he played alongside future Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich. In college Jackson played under the strong mentorship of John Thompson at Georgetown University.

He began his coaching career in 2003 as an assistant coach at Georgetown. In 2005 he was named Head Coach of the Gary Steelheads of the CBA. He took his team from worst to first and was named the 2005 CBA Coach of the Year. In 2009, he finished his fifth year as Head Coach, leading the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.

'I believe we can a PBL Championship this season and establish an atmosphere of excitement in Harbour Station that all basketball franchises will take notice of' stated Jackson moments after being hired.

'Coach Jackson will bring great poise and presence to our organization, on the court, in the lockeroom, and out in the community,' explained Mill Rats President and General Manager Ian McCarthy. 'He brings a wealth of experience to our franchise in recruiting, in discipline, and most notably, in winning.'

The Mill Rats also introduced a new FLEX ticket plan called Bogo Packs. The Bogo Packs are essentially 3 lower bowl tickets for $40.68 (including HST), the buyer then gets an additional 4 lower bowl coupons that are also buy-one-get-one free, along with a 15% discount card for Mill Rats merchandise. The Bogo Pack coupons are redeemable at the Harbour Station box office at any game, and tickets are issued on a best available, first-come first serve basis.

The Mill Rats are a fourth year professional basketball franchise based in Saint John, New Brunswick (Canada). This season will be their first in Saint John where they will play their home games at the 6,600 seat Harbour Station arena. The Mill Rats are a member of the Premier Basketball League.

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. Alaska		2-0
2. Talk N Text		2-0
3. Ginebra		1-1
4. San Miguel		1-1
5. Rain or Shine		1-1
6. Barako		1-1
7. Meralco B.		1-1
8. Powerade T.		1-1
9. Derby Ace L.		0-2
10. Air21		0-2

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

POLAND

Trefl Sopot add Sandis Buskevics - by Eurobasket News
Trefl Sopot signed a short-term deal with Sandis Buskevics (190-G-77). The 33-year-old guard will play for the Polish team at least till October. Last season Sandis Buskevics played in Latvia. He averaged 7.0 points, 3.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In LBL Sandis Buskevics tallied 7.5 points, 7.5 boards and 5.0 assists per appearance. In BBL his stats read 5.8 points, 2.3 boards and 5.8 assists.

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. MMKS SIDEn		3-0
2. SMS PZKosz W.		3-0
3. Zuraw Gn.		2-0
4. AZS Kutno		2-1
5. Korsarz		2-1
6. Zyrardowianka		2-1
7. Trefl II Sopot		1-1
8. Norgips		1-2
9. OSSM W-wa		1-2
10. Plock		1-2
11. Polpak		1-2
12. Tur B.Podl.		1-2
13. AZS Olsztyn		0-3
14. Basket Pila		0-3
Group B
1. AZS PO Opole		3-0
2. Ksiezak		3-1
3. Open Basket		3-1
4. Sudety JG		3-1
5. KK A-Bild		2-1
6. AZS Pol.Cz-wa		2-2
7. AZS PP Poznan		2-2
8. Gliwice		2-2
9. Obiekty Wrocl.		2-2
10. Pogon Prudnik		2-2
11. Stal Ostrow		2-2
12. MKS Skiern.		1-2
13. Nysa Klodzko		1-3
14. Pogon Ruda Sl.		1-3
15. Slask Wroclaw		1-3
16. Alba		0-3
Group C
1. MOSiR Krosno		4-0
2. AZS AWF K-ce		3-1
3. KKS Novum L.		3-1
4. MKS Limanowa		3-1
5. UMKS Kielce		3-1
6. Unia Tarnow		3-1
7. Znicz		3-1
8. HK Zory		2-2
9. Polonia P.		2-2
10. Staco Niepol.		2-2
11. AZS PR Radom		1-3
12. AZS Rzeszow		1-3
13. Mickiewicz		1-3
14. Wisla Krakow		1-3
15. Cracovia		0-4
16. MCKiS Jaw.		0-4

Asecco Prokom tabs Videnov and Giddens - by Emiliano
Asecco Prokom 2 Gdynia added two more players to its already long roster: Filip Videnov

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) and J.R. Giddens

QATAR

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ahli		0-0
2. Al Arabi		0-0
3. Al Gharrafah		0-0
4. Al Jaysh		0-0
5. Al Rayyan		0-0
6. Al Wakrah		0-0
7. As Sadd		0-0
8. Qatar		0-0

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

ROMANIA

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Gaz Metan		3-0
2. Ploiesti		3-0
3. Mures		2-0
4. Oradea		2-0
5. Pitesti		2-1
6. Rovinari		2-1
7. Steaua Turabo		2-1
8. U.Mobitel.CN		2-1
9. Craiova		1-2
10. CSU Sibiu		1-2
11. Otopeni		1-2
12. Timisoara		1-2
13. CSM Bucur.		0-2
14. Politehnica Iasi		0-2
15. Brasov		0-3
16. Miercurea C.		0-3

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

SAUDI ARABIA

D1 Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ahli		0-0
2. Al Ansar		0-0
3. Al Fateh		0-0
4. Al Hilal		0-0
5. Al Ittihad		0-0
6. Al Jabil		0-0
7. Al Maseerah		0-0
8. Al Nahda		0-0
9. Al Safaa		0-0
10. Al Shrooq		0-0
11. Al Wahda		0-0
12. Uhod		0-0

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

SERBIA

B League: Round Two review - by Eurobasket News
Sindjelic - Radnicki 64-86
Radnicki registered 64-86 away win against Sindjelic, behind the play of Dejan Djokic

(187-G-89) and Svetozar Stamenkovic who led the way with 17 and 13 points respectively. For Sindjelic, Nemanja Gudzic had 15 points while Mladen Vitkovic added 11.

Zeleznicar I. - BC Nis 101-74
Marko Ognjenovic (205-F/C-83) scored 19 points and Mladen Djuric added 14 as they led Zeleznicar to 101-74 rout of BC Nis. For visitors, Vladimir Djordjevic and Milos Andrejevic stood out with 18 points apiece.

Radnicki B. - Spartak 84-73
Radnicki B. hosted Spartak and managed to secure 84-73 win thanks to 21 point effort by Dragan Petronic (206-F/C-82) as well as 18 points by Milos Suzic. On the other side, Spartak was led by Kemal Karahodzic who poured in 21 points.

Vojvodina - Jagodina 74-64
Vojvodina made 74-64 win over visiting Jagodina. Nemanja Knezevic (203-F-87) scored 22 points for Vojvodina while Tomislav Ivosev chipped in 14 points. For Jagodina, Bojan Gladanac and Vladislav Stanisavljevic were only players in double digits with 22 and 19 points respectively.

Mladost CA - Smederevo 81-77
Ivan Dukanac (199-F-80) poured in 23 points and Sasa Avramovic followed closely with 21 as they led Mladost to 81-77 win over Smederevo. For visiting side, Vojin Svilar finished the match with 22 points.

Student Kragujevac Radnicki O. 84-78
Student Kragujevac hosted Radnicki O. and managed to secure 84-78 win. Srboljub Samailovic (194-G-82) led the winning side with 20 points while Nikola Glisovic and Nenad Tanasijevic added 18 and 13 points respectively. On the other side, Marko Mijovic scored 15, while Milos Jevtic and Pavle Koprivica added 13 points apiece.

Viva Basket - KG 06 94-73
Dragan Bjelica

(198-G-81) was unstoppable on his way to 34 points, while Milos Kurcubic and Mate Bubanovic added 19 and 14 points respectively as they led Viva Basket to 94-73 win over KG 06. For visitors, Strahinja Gavrilovic scored 22 points while Strahinja Stojacic followed closely with 19 points.

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

SLOVENIA

Slokar joins Manresa - by Zeljko Zule
Manresa signed a deal with Slovenian national team member Uros Slokar

(210-F/C-83). He will replace injured Brian Cusworth. Slokar, former NBA player, started the previous season in Union Olimpija, for whom he averaged 8.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in Adriatic League and 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in Euroleague. In February he moved to Montepaschi Siena. There he notched 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per appearance in Lega Basket.

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

SOUTH KOREA

South Korean KBL round 2 best performance: Terrence Leather - by Eurobasket News
American center Terrence Leather (204-C-81) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Seoul SK Knights, receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 2.
The 29-year old player had a double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds, while his team edged out Samsung Th. (#10, 0-2), the league's worst team 87-83. Despite this victory SK Knights dropped to the 3rd position in South Korean KBL. But it's just the very beginning of the season and SK Knights won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. Leather turned to be SK Knights' top player in his first season with the team. Former University of South Florida star has very solid stats this year. Leather is in league's top in points (4th best: 21.5ppg), rebounds (8th best: 7.5rpg) and averages impressive 66.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Rod Benson (208-F/C-84) of Dongbu Promy. Benson had a very good evening with a double-double of 37 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Dongbu Promy was edged by KCC Egis (2-0) 92-89. The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Benson is a newcomer at Dongbu Promy, but is already the team's top player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 27.0ppg (#1). He also registered 8.0 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American center David Simon (207-C-82) of Anyang KGC (#5). Simon scored 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Anyang KGC, leading his team to a 93-82 win against Samsung Th. (#10, 0-2). Anyang KGC needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victories and 1 lost games. Simon has a great season in South Korea. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.0ppg (3rd best) and rebounds with 8.5rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. T.J. Cummings (204-F-81) of LG Sakers - 20 points and 6 rebounds
5. Aaron Haynes (201-F-81) of Seoul Samsung Thunders - 26 points and 10 rebounds
6. Jasper Johnson (201-C-83) of Sonic Boom KT - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Aaron Haynes (201-F-81) of Samsung Th. - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Herbert Hill (203-F-84) of Elephants - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Noel Felix (205-C/F-81) of Samsung Th. - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Chris Daniels (211-C-84) of KCC Egis - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

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

SPAIN

Manresa add Uros Slokar - by Eurobasket News
Manresa signed a deal with Uros Slokar

(210-F/C-83). He will replace injured Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) on the squad. Uros Slokar started the previous season in Union Olimpija. The 27-year-old centre averaged 8.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Adriatic League. In Euroleague Uros Slokar tallied 6.2 points and 3.2 boards. In February the Slovenian player moved to Montepaschi Siena. There he notched 5.3 points and 3.0 boards per appearance.

Fuenlabrada adds guard Davor Kus - by Eurobasket News
Fuenlabrada announced new signing for rest of the season. The Spanish team bolstered its roster with guard Davor Kus

(202-F-81). The French forward is back to the squad, where he played last two years. He started this season with Caja Laboral signing a one-month deal with them, but at the end Flo returned to Valencia.
Florent Pietrus joined Valencia (Pamesa) for the first time during the summer of 2008. He appeared 34 times for the club in their first season averaging 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in ACB. Pietrus also played 13 games in EuroCup adding 2.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Last season, he had almost the same numbers. Of course, Valencia managed to win the EuroCup and they will compete in Euroleague this season.
Before Valencia, Florent Pietrus played one season for Estudiantes, where he posted averages of 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in ACB. From 2004 to 2007, he was a member of Unicaja Malaga. Pietrus helped them to win the Spanish Cup in 2005 and ACB title a year later. In the past, he played many years for Pau-Orthez.
Florent Pietrus is a member of the French National Team since 2002. At the latest World Championships in Turkey he had 4.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.5 apg.

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

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping		2-0
2. Sodertalje		2-0
3. Solna		1-0
4. Boras		1-1
5. Jamtland		1-1
6. LF Basket		1-1
7. Sundsvall		1-1
8. Uppsala		0-1
9. 08		0-2
10. Eco Orebro		0-2

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

TANZANIA

Standings

NBL Standings

1. ABC		0-0
2. Bosco Savio		0-0
3. Chang'ombe		0-0
4. Chui		0-0
5. JKT		0-0
6. Mgulani		0-0
7. Oilers		0-0
8. Pazi		0-0
9. PT Stars		0-0
10. Tanzania P.		0-0
11. Vijana		0-0

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TURKEY

SPOR TOTO Turkish Cup first round completed. - by Baha Kurtulus
After games played by 16 teams in four groups, first two teams in all groups will play eight-finals.
The results, standigs and teams are;

Group A - BALIKESIR

1. Aliaga Petkim 3-0
2. Banvit 1-2
3. Mersin BSB 1-2
4. Erdemir 1-2

Mersin BSB - Aliaga Petkim :77-80 (OT)
Erdemir - Banvit : 59-92

Banvit - Mersin BSB : 79-83
Aliaga Petkim - Erdemir : 86-63

Mersin BSB - Erdemir : 63-75
Banvit - Aliaga Petkim : 66- 74

Group B - ORDU

1. Efes Pilsen 3-0
2. Edirne Olin 2-1
3. Pinar Karsiyaka 1-2
4. Antalya BSB 0-3

Pinar Karsiyaka - Antalya BSB : 81-74
Edirne Olin - Efes Pilsen : 58-63

Efes Pilsen - Pinar Karsiyaka : 79-71
Antalya BSB - Edirne Olin : 62-67

Pinar Karsiyaka - Edirne Olin : 71-76
Efes Pilsen - Antalya BSB : 101-64

Group C - GAZIANTEP

1. Fenerbahce Ulker 3-0
2. Medical Park Trabzonspor 1-2
3. Tofas 1-2
4. Bornova Belediyesi 1-2

Fenerbahce Ulker - Bornova Belediyesi: 80-57
Tofas - Medical Park Trabzonspor: 76-69

Medical Park Trabzonspor- Fenerbahce Ulker : 42-81
Bornova Belediyesi - Tofas: 74-66

Fenerbahce Ulker - Tofas : 83-78
Medical Park Trabzonspor - Bornova Belediyesi : 94-71

Group D - ANTALYA

1. Besiktas Cola Turka 3-0
2. Galatasaray Cafe Crown 2-1
3. Turk Telekom 1-2
4. Oyak Renault 0-3

Turk Telekom - Oyak Renault : 79-72 (OT)
G.Saray Cafe Crown - Besiktas Cola Turka : 80-89

Oyak Renault - Galatasaray Cafe Crown : 47-70
Besiktas Cola Turka - Turk Telekom : 84-70

Galatasaray Cafe Crown - Turk Telekom : 79-61
Oyak Renault - Besiktas Cola Turka : 88-96

26th Turkish President's Cup Winner: Efes Pilsen - by Baha Kurtulus
Efes Pilsen Istanbul won the first title of the Turkish season by beating Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul 79-77 for the President's Cup at Istanbul Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall.

Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) lead Efes Pilsen Istanbul with 18 points , Lawrence Roberts

(205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) had 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic scored 12 points, Kerem Gonlum and Bostjan Nachbar added 9 points each.
For Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Oguz Savas

(208-C-87) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds,Mirsad Turkcan and Omer Onan added 14 points each.

Efes Pilsen Istanbul leads the cup race with 9 wins in 14 finals.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

#76 California: 2010-11 Basketball Preview - by David Edole
Overall Rank: #76
Conference Rank: #6 Pacific 10 Conference
2009-10: 24-11, 13-5
2009-10 postseason: NCAA
Coach: Mike Montgomery (46-22 at California, 593-266 overall)

Coach Mike Montgomery has done his job during his first two seasons at California, leading the Golden Bears to a couple of NCAA Tournament appearances. His true test will come this season when the top four scorers and everybody who started over 13 games are gone. It is not uncommon to expect miracles from Coach Montgomery, but another NCAA Tournament may be asking too much.

Key Losses: F Omondi Amoke, F Jamal Boykin, G Patrick Christopher, G Jerome Randle, F Theo Robertson

Key Newcomers:
The good news is the future looks pretty bright with another solid recruiting class headed to Berkley. Guards Gary Franklin and Allen Crabbe are the most heralded newcomers and could find themselves in the starting lineup from day one. Emerson Murray, Alex Rossi and big 6-9 wing Jeff Powers may have something to say about that, but it is pretty much Franklin and Crabbes job to lose at this point. Robert Thurman, a walk-on transfer from Norwich University, is the only other newcomer. The five scholarship guys who can play on the wing better be ready for quality minutes right away or California will come out of the gates very slowly.

Backcourt:
The need for the newcomers to perform is due to the absence of point guard Jerome Randle, shooting guard Patrick Christopher and small forward Theo Robertson. Those were the three main reasons Cal went to the NCAA Tournament during the last two years and the lone returning perimeter player who averaged over ten minutes per game last year is Jorge Gutierrez. Saying Gutierrez has played second fiddle to the rest of the backcourt during his two years with the Golden Bears would be an understatement. Despite that, Gutierrez came into his own a little bit last year, ranking fifth on the team with 5.5 points per game and second with 2.7 assists. He is a good shooter when he actually shoots, but more importantly than filling the scoring column, Gutierrez needs to become the leader on and off the floor.

Frontcourt:
The frontcourt has a few more returning options. Markhuri Sanders-Frison started ten games during his junior campaign and proved to at least be a capable rebounder under the basket. Sanders-Frison is a big bodied player at 275 pounds, but Max Zhang is just big. At 7-3 and 240 pounds, he is an imposing figure under the basket. Like Sanders-Frison, he is not much of a threat to score a ton of points, but Zhang is a superb shot blocker. It would be very beneficial if those two can combine to stay on the floor for 40 minutes per game and handle all the minutes at the five spot.

Who to Watch:
The return of Harper Kamp will give Coach Montgomery another player who can play at the five spot, but Kamp should spend most of his time at the power forward position unless this team wants to play really young and really small. Kamp missed all of last season with a knee injury, but was starting to develop into a solid all-around post player two years ago. He will not be the interior scorer that Jamal Boykin was last year, neither will Sanders-Frison or Zhang, but Kamp will do the dirty work under the basket and could be the best interior scorer on the team if he can stay healthy.

Final Projection:
The success or failures of this group will likely come down to the freshmen. They are a talented bunch, but it is tough to rely too heavily on inexperienced players. By March it may not be an issue at all, but early in the 2010-2011 campaign California may struggle while the newcomers are learning their roles and Gutierrez is trying to hold the team together. Coach Montgomery will get the best out of his team, but their best will not likely result in another trip to the NCAA Tournament. However, an NIT bid is not bad for a team that has so much rebuilding to do.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NIT

Projected Starting Five:
Jorge Gutierrez, Junior, Guard, 5.5 ppg
Gary Franklin, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
Allen Crabbe, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
Harper Kamp, Junior, Forward, DNP last season
Markhuri Sanders-Frison, Senior, Center, 3.3 ppg

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

UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

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

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Christian BURNS
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 21.7

1. Burns, Fe.	21.7
2. Burtt, Dnipro	21.3
3. Washington, BC Od.	19.4
4. Flores, BC Donetsk	18.3
5. Wiggins, Halychyna	18.2
6. DeGroat, BC Odessa	17.4
7. Karim, DniproAzot	17.3
8. Hukic, BC Donetsk	16.7
9. Kovalenko, BC Kyiv	16.0
10. House, Azovmash	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Mario AUSTIN
  Dnipro
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Austin, Dnipro	12.3
2. Adeleke, Dnipro	11.0
3. Morrison, Halyc.	9.0
4. DeGroat, BC Odessa	8.8
5. Chappell, Hoverla	8.4
6. Wiggins, Halychyna	8.4
7. Burns, Fe.	8.0
8. Garrison, Khimik	7.7
9. Agafonov, Budiv.	7.5
10. McClintock, Azovm.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Sasa VASILJEVIC
  BC Donetsk
  (183-G-79)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Vasiljevic, BC Do.	5.7
2. Funn, Halychyna	4.8
3. Flores, BC Donetsk	4.7
4. Washington, BC Od.	4.6
5. Brewer, BC Odessa	4.4
6. Millage, Khimik	4.3
7. Curry, Azovmash	4.3
8. Mazutis, Mykolaiv	4.0
9. House, Azovmash	4.0
10. Swanson, Hoverla	4.0

Steals Per Game

Christian BURNS
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Burns, Fe.	2.7
2. Otverchenko, BC Ky.	2.3
3. Rybalko, Fe.	2.0
4. Karim, DniproAzot	2.0
5. Millage, Khimik	2.0
6. Mazutis, Mykolaiv	1.8
7. Bakic, Kryvbasb.	1.8
8. Hukic, BC Donetsk	1.7
9. Funn, Halychyna	1.6
10. Tymofeyenko, Dni.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Hughes, Mykolaiv	3.2
2. Agafonov, Budiv.	2.5
3. Kravtsov, BC Do.	2.0
4. Turner, BC Odessa	2.0
5. Wiggins, Halychyna	1.6
6. Hunter, Fe.	1.5
7. Adeleke, Dnipro	1.5
8. Anisimovas, Budiv.	1.5
9. Morrison, Halyc.	1.4
10. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.	1.0

Superleague Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kryvbasbasket - BC Kyiv 87-81
Kryvbasbasket came from behind in the second half and eventually defeated BC Kyiv at home court. Jurica Zuza

(207-C-78) led the charge with 17 points as Kryvbasbasket improved at 2-2 record. Igor Zaitsev

(211-F/C-89) added 13 points and 9 rebounds for the home team. Vitaly Kovalenko

(201-F-84) responded with 18 points and 6 boards for BC Kyiv. Oleksandr Lypovyy

(200-G-91) netted 16 points in the loss.

BC Donetsk - Azovmash 83-79
BC Donetsk recorded the fourth straight win in the season as they held off the reigning champions Azovmash. Luis Flores

(188-G-81, college: Manhattan) came up with 22 points for BC Donetsk. Jasmin Hukic

(204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Demetrius Alexander

(204-F/C-75, college: Alabama) responded with 29 points and 7 caroms for Azovmash.

Mykolaiv - Khimik 96-77
Mykolaiv cruised past Khimik to post the first win in the season. Olexiy Onufriyev

(200-F-82) scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the winners. Andrei Korochkin

(194-G-82) added 17 points for Mykolaiv. Curtis Millage

(185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) answered with 19 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Khimik as they stayed winless.

Hoverla - DniproAzot 75-71
Hoverla registered the fifth victory in a row as they shot down DniproAzot at home court. Pavel Ulyanko

(204-F/C-79) nailed 17 points for the Ivano-Frankivsk team. Dante Swanson

(178-G-81, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Tulsa) and Jeremy Chappell

(191-G-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Robert Morris) contributed 12 points apiece in the winning case. Maxim Balashov

(189-G-80) delivered 14 points for DniproAzot.

Dnipro - Halychyna 94-90
Dnipro survived overtime to tame Halychyna in Lviv. Steve Burtt

(185-G-84, college: Iona) fired 23 points for the visitors. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Hartford) added 14 points and 15 caroms in the second win for Dnipro. Alan Wiggins

(206-F-84, college: USF) accounted for 23 points and 10 rebounds for Halychyna.

Ferro-ZNTU - Budivelnyk 91-105
Budivelnyk shot down Ferro-ZNTU at home court. Lamayne Wilson

(204-F-80, college: Troy) exploded with 24 points and 9 boards for the hosts. William Keys

(188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) contributed 18 points and 6 assists as Budivelnyk improved at 3-1 record. Christian Burns

(203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia) and Keddric Mays

(183-G-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) replied with 18 points apiece for Ferro-ZNTU.

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URUGUAY

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Johwen VILLEGAS
  Olimpia
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 29.2

1. Villegas, Olimpia	29.2
2. Craft, Cordon	27.0
3. Taboada, Bigua	25.8
4. McGowan, Sayago	25.2
5. Cornley, Cader	25.0
6. Aguiar, Hebraica	24.3
7. Martinez, Malvin	23.6
8. Woodward, Defensor	22.3
9. Elliott, Hebraica	21.8
10. Coleman, Bohemios	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Nakiea MILLER
  Montevideo
  (205-C-79)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Miller, Montevideo	11.7
2. Gamble, Cader	11.5
3. Jackson, Anastasia	11.1
4. Reynolds, Hebraica	11.0
5. Shelman, Sayago	10.9
6. Dilligard, Olimpia	10.2
7. Rogers, Un.Atletica	10.0
8. Powers, Cordon	9.7
9. Puckett, Aguada	9.6
10. Baston, Hebraica	9.2

Assists Per Game

Carl ELLIOTT
  Hebraica
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Elliott, Hebraica	6.4
2. Vidal, Bigua	6.1
3. Tornaria, Trouville	5.6
4. Rivero, Montevideo	5.5
5. Gonzalez, Defensor	5.5
6. Latham, Anastasia	5.3
7. Cambon, Bigua	5.3
8. Osimani, Montevideo	4.9
9. Taboada, Bigua	4.5
10. Nelson, Welcome	4.3

Steals Per Game

Carl ELLIOTT
  Hebraica
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Elliott, Hebraica	3.8
2. Monroe, Malvin	3.2
3. Latham, Anastasia	2.9
4. Woodward, Defensor	2.8
5. Newsome, Malvin	2.6
6. Lado, Welcome	2.5
7. Rivero, Montevideo	2.4
8. Rovira, Bigua	2.4
9. Dilligard, Olimpia	2.1
10. Osimani, Montevideo	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Nakiea MILLER
  Montevideo
  (205-C-79)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Miller, Montevideo	7.3
2. Dilligard, Olimpia	4.1
3. Rogers, Un.Atletica	2.8
4. Wilborn, Bigua	2.5
5. Newsome, Malvin	2.3
6. Kanis, Trouville	2.1
7. Shelman, Sayago	2.0
8. Douglas, Bohemios	1.8
9. Ferguson, Defensor	1.8
10. Gamble, Cader	1.8

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Women News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women

Lupa Promotion cut Mason - by Zeljko Zule
Croatian team Lupa Promotion fired American LaCondra Mason (175-G-87, college: Chattanooga) after just two games into the team's season in Adriatic League, and with Mason playing just in one. She had 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 asist and 3 turnovers in 15 minutes. Mason arrived from Czech team US Praha, where she averaged 5.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 8 games last season. Lupa Promotion has been given wild card to a 2010-11 Adriatic LEague season.

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ASIAN GAMES - Women

Standings

Group A
1. China		0-0
2. India		0-0
3. S.Korea		0-0
4. Thailand		0-0
Group B
1. Japan		0-0
2. Maldives		0-0
3. Taiwan		0-0

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Natallia KOZUN
  Olimpia
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 25

1. Kozun, Olimpia	25.0
2. Nikolai, TL.	24.0
3. Keyru, Spartak SP	20.0
4. Povilionyte, MRU	18.0
5. Lacy, Spartak SP	18.0
6. Anderson, Spart.	18.0
7. Gricaeva, Spart.	16.3
8. Dashkevich, Olimpia	14.0
9. Queenan, Minsk.	14.0
10. Junaid, Spartak SP	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Sigita GALDIKAITE
  MRU
  (188-F-90)
  Avg: 12

1. Galdikaite, MRU	12.0
2. Gricaeva, Spart.	11.7
3. Kozun, Olimpia	10.0
4. Kast, Minsk-2006	10.0
5. Paskalenko, Spart.	10.0
6. Queenan, Minsk.	9.0
7. Dyeva, Serene	8.3
8. Nialepka, Victoria	8.0
9. Kalinichenko, Serene	7.3
10. Givens, Minsk-2006	7.0

Assists Per Game

Diana ZINTIKAITE
  MRU
  (166-G-91)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Zintikaite, MRU	6.5
2. Sinkevich, Olimpia	5.0
3. Kashlei, Olimpia	5.0
4. Padshyvalava, Victo.	4.0
5. Ciglar, Spartak SP	3.7
6. Kasina, Serene	3.7
7. Yatsina, Olimpia	3.0
8. Keyru, Spartak SP	3.0
9. Kulbitskaya, Victoria	3.0
10. Yuzhakova, Spart.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Katerina KEYRU
  Spartak SP
  (182-F-88)
  Avg: 8

1. Keyru, Spartak SP	8.0
2. Belyakova, Spart.	5.0
3. Kuhareva, Spart.	5.0
4. Dashkevich, Olimpia	4.0
5. Harelchyk, Minsk.	4.0
6. Kulbitskaya, Victoria	4.0
7. Gricaeva, Spart.	3.7
8. Okuneva, TL.	3.3
9. Lacy, Spartak SP	3.0
10. Povilionyte, MRU	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Sigita GALDIKAITE
  MRU
  (188-F-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Galdikaite, MRU	2.5
2. Paskalenko, Spart.	2.5
3. Keyru, Spartak SP	2.0
4. Gricaeva, Spart.	1.7
5. Kozun, Olimpia	1.5
6. Filonchyk, Olimpia	1.5
7. Kalinichenko, Serene	1.3
8. Rashcenia, Victoria	1.0
9. Tsikhamirava, Minsk-.	1.0
10. Kast, Minsk-2006	1.0

Standings

Baltic League Standings

1. Spartak SP			3-0
2. Olimpia			2-0
3. Eclex Tallinn			2-1
4. Minsk-2006			1-0
5. MRU			1-1
6. Serene			1-2
7. Berezina			0-1
8. Victoria			0-2
9. TLU			0-3

Baltic-League Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Serene - TLU/Volta 55-52
Serene grabbed the home win over TLU 55:52 in the start of the Regular Season Round 2. Aleksandra Aleshova (186-F-87) and Anna Kalinichenko (180-F-88) stepped up with 11 points each, while Kasina Natalya netted 9. Nikolai Mirjam edned up with 18 points in the losing effort.

Spartak SP - Eclex Tallinn 88-60
Spartak SP grabbed the second staright win in the league beating Eclex Tallinn 88:60. Merike Anderson (181-F-81, agency: LBM Management) and Gricaeva Olga erupted with 20 points each as the latter also added 15 rebounds. Kuhareva Marija followed them with 18 and Ciglar Iva added 10. Teppo Triin ended up with 10 points in the losing effort.

Spartak SP - Serene 107-26
Spartak SP thrashed Serene 107:26 on October 12 in a Russian game of the Baltic League. All the players contributed into the win as Katerina Keyru (182-F-88) led them all with 20 points and 8 steals. Lacy Jennifer nailed 18 and Junaid Rashidat scored 14. Kasina Natalya posted 5 points in the losing effort.

Eclex Tallinn - TLU/Volta 72-64
Eclex Tallinn edged TLU/Volta 72:64 to close Regular Season Round 2. Merilin Metsalu (177-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, Ptitsona Anastassia netted 15 and Pokk Mailis added 10. Nikolai Mirjam responded with 23 points in the losing effort.

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

BULGARIA - Women

Topalova and Dimitrova will play for Levski again - by Christomir Rackov
The resurrected women's team of BC Levski, besides the new name (now just Levski, instead of Levski Spartak), are gearing up to start the new season with their 2 newest additions as well - Natalia Topalova (187-F-80) and Radostina Dimitrova (185-F-85), who both used to play for the team years ago, before its hiatus.

Natalia Topalova last played for the 'blues' 2006 and since then has gone on to play for three other Bulgarian teams, all of them championship contenders. She won the title with CSKA Sofia in 2007 and reached the finals of the playoffs with Lukoil Neftochimic in 2008 and with Dunav Econt in 2009 and 2010.

After her junior club Slavia and (the so call then) Levski Spartak, talented forward Radostina Dimitrova joined Topalova in CSKA to become champion of Bulgaria in 2007. Then she spent 3 seasons abroad, in the Spanish 2nd division - with Viaonetti Vinaroz, Burgos and Irlandesas Leioa, respectively - before coming back to Bulgaria to play for the restored team of Levski this coming season.

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

CROATIA - Women

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

EUROLEAGUE - Women

Gospic brings in American reinforcement - by Eurobasket News
Gospic has recently announced the signing of American player Johanna Solverson (188-F-84, college: Iowa) but the deal has fallen apart after the player did not passed her medical. Now, according to the reports from Croatian media, Gopsic was able to find appropriate replacement. They have reportedly reached a one-year agreement with Michelle Maslowski (188-F/C-79, college: Drexel). American forward possesses great experience of playing in Europe so far and is known for her scoring and rebounding abilities. She is expected to be a significant reinforcement for Gospic who as always has high ambitions in the upcoming season.
Michelle Maslowski played collegiate basketball at Drexler University. In 2002 she signed her professional agreement when she became member of Residence de Walferdange. In her debut season she averaged monster 30.5 points and 14.5 boards. At the start of 2003-2004 season, Maslowski moved to Germany where she signed with TSV 1880 Wasseburg. In her first season she posted averages of 24.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. In her next two seasons with Wassebrug, Maslowski helped the team with two consecutive National titles in 2004 and 2005 as well as National cup in 2005. In 2006 she signed with BG Dorsten where she played in 8 EuroCup matches and has averaged 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. Maslowski also played for the likes of Gescom Viterbo in Italy and Lotos PKO BP in Poland prior to signing with Olesa Espanyol at the start of last season. In 26 matches for Spanish outfit, Maslowski posted averages of 13.5 points and 4.7 boards per contest.

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

HUNGARY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Zane TAMANE
  MKB Eurol.
  (200-C-83)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	19.2
2. Page, ZTE	18.8
3. Rasheed, Szeged	17.8
4. Holt, MKB Eurol.	16.7
5. Szabo, Cegledi EKK	16.6
6. Vida, SEAT L.	16.5
7. Nemeth, Szeged	16.5
8. Quigley, Pecs 2010	15.2
9. Bozoki, Bajai NKK	15.0
10. Szepsi, Bajai NKK	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Sara KRNJIC
  Pecs 2010
  (193-C-91)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Krnjic, Pecs 2010	11.8
2. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	9.3
3. Page, ZTE	8.0
4. Vidacic, Pecs 2010	8.0
5. Griffin, Pecs 2010	7.5
6. Olajuwon, SEAT L.	7.3
7. Kublina, SEAT L.	6.8
8. Dobrowolska, Cegled.	6.8
9. Cvetanovic, Szolnok	6.4
10. Pal, Vasas-Csata	6.2

Assists Per Game

Edit LACZI
  Szeged
  (181-G/F-88)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Laczi, Szeged	4.6
2. Medgyessy, Atome.	4.3
3. Vida, SEAT L.	3.8
4. Bukovszki, ZTE	3.6
5. Ivanyi, Pecs 2010	3.4
6. Honti, MKB Eurol.	3.3
7. Delmis, SEAT L.	3.3
8. Nemeth, Szeged	3.0
9. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	2.8
10. Darida, Nanette FTC	2.8

Steals Per Game

Rita RASHEED
  Szeged
  (180-F-89)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Rasheed, Szeged	4.2
2. Nemeth, Szeged	3.8
3. Laczi, Szeged	3.8
4. Bukovszki, ZTE	3.6
5. Medgyessy, Atome.	3.5
6. Pungor, Szolnok	3.4
7. Orso, BSE	3.4
8. Holt, MKB Eurol.	3.3
9. Szavercsenko, Atome.	3.3
10. Szelesy, ZTE	3.2

Blocks Per Game

Danielle PAGE
  ZTE
  (188-F-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Page, ZTE	3.0
2. Ievtushenko, Atome.	1.3
3. Czukor, ZTE	1.2
4. Szelesy, ZTE	1.2
5. Griffin, Pecs 2010	1.0
6. Fejes, Szeged	1.0
7. Kublina, SEAT L.	1.0
8. Cvetanovic, Szolnok	1.0
9. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	1.0
10. Bagi, BEAC	1.0

A League: Round Six review - by Eurobasket News
Szeged - MKB Eurol. 100-93 OT
Szeged managed to beat MKB Euroleasing in OT handing them the first loss this season. At the same time, the hosts jumped to 5-0 sharing the first place with Pecs. Rita Rasheed (180-F-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) was the leading scorer in victory with 25 points and she handed out 6 assists beside that. In the loosing squad, Amber Holt (183-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) shined with 26 points and 5 rebounds.

Pecs 2010 - Vasas-Csata 84-48
Pecs kept the perfect score (5-0) after this game, in which they blasted Vasas-Csata (1-5) with huge 84-48. Jela Vidacic (190-C-85) came up with 16 points and 10 rebounds in this victory. Kelsey Griffin (188-F-87, college: Nebraska) helped with 15 points and 9 boards. On the other side, Edit Eordogh (180-G/F-75) collected 12 points and 6 rebs.

Bajai NKK - BSE 62-48
Bajai NKK grabbed this one mostly owing to Gina Szepsi (175-G-85), who scored 18 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Reka Balint (181-F-91) (6 rebs) and Petra Szabo (183-F-87) (5 rebs) helped with 10 points each. In BSE (1-4), Sara Pusztai (170-G-87) delivered 18 points.

BEAC - Atomeromu 85-62
After five straight defeats, BEAC managed to grab the first win and they now have the same record as Atomeromu. Emese Szasz (170-G-88) stepped up for the hosts with 19 points and 5 assists. Jekatyerina Szavercsenko (180-G/F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) responded with 12 points in defeat.

Cegledi EKK - Szolnok 77-88
Szolnok improved to 3-2 mostly thanks to Dora Szondy (173-G-88), who shined in this game with 18 points. Anett Serban (185-C-85) also was great helping her team with 16 points. For the home side (0-5), Viktoria Szabo (166-G-92) scored 20 points.

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MALTA - Women

Hibs, Luxol maintain winning start - by Eurobasket News
Hibs Medsea, the reigning champions, and Luxol maintained their perfect record in the Womens League after comfortable victories over Athleta and Starlites Sports Experience respectively.
Depiro McDonalds had the better of Loyola and St Andrews toppled newcomers Guzel Pinar Mtarfa.
Hibs began to pull away from Athleta in the early stages of the second quarter, opening a 37-23 lead at half-time. With Athleta unable to raise their game, Hibs cruised to a comprehensive 74-35 victory.
Luxol, strong contenders for the title this season, also found it easy to see off the Starlites challenge. The result was never in doubt after Luxol potted the first 18 points.
After leading 33-17 at half-time, Luxol continued to press forward for a clear 76-27 victory.
Depiro returned to winning ways by beating Loyola 78-46. Antoinette Borg (166-G-88) and Kaila Agius (183-C-84) were prominent in the opening two sessions as Depiro led 36-14 at half-time. Loyolas best patch came in the final quarter but it was too late as Depiro had long made sure of the points.
St Andrews were the better team in the first quarter but Mtarfa improved to win the second session and reduce the gap to seven points, 21-14. The Saints showed their true potential after the interval, leaving very little space for their opponents to manoeuvre on way to winning the match 42-22.
Courtesy of: timesofmalta.com

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Standings - Women

Extraliga Standings

1. Dobri Anjeli		3-0
2. Poprad		3-0
3. Presov		3-0
4. MBK Ruzomb.		1-1
5. Nitra		1-1
6. Roznava		1-2
7. Banska Bystrica		0-2
8. Samorin		0-3
9. Slovan		0-3

Slovakian Extraliga: Round Two review - by Eurobasket News
MBK Roznava - Dobri Anjeli 43-95
Dobri Anjeli continued with their domination after another large margin win. This time they travelled to Roznava and had no troubles securing 43-95 win. Game was practically over by halftime when visitors held 49-19 lead. Daniela Cikosova (181-F-82) and Katarina Hrickova (180-F-80) led the winning side with 15 points apiece. Erin Marie Lawless and Lucia Kupichkova also had good game for Dobri Anjeli as they added 14 and 13 points respectively. For hosts, Katarina Timkova led the way with 13 points. Only other player to reach double digits was Viera Lubichkova who finished the game with 10 points.

Slovan Bratislava - Presov 55-76
Presov secured its second win of the season after overcoming Slovan Bratislava 55-76. Jennifer Risper (175-G-87, college: Vanderbilt) led the way for winning side as she poured in 21 points. She got support from Jana Vackova (169-F-85) who added 13 points as well as Romina Ciappina who chipped in 10 points.

Banska Bystirca - Poprad 47-103
Poprad traveled to Banska Bystrica and managed to come away with a blowout 47-103 win in this one. Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) and Andrea Oravcova (175-G-87) led the winning side with 25 and 23 points respectively. Natasha Tyese Brackett also had a good outing for winners as she chipped in 18 points. On the other side, Banska Bystrica got 17 points from Beata Shimova while Barbora Bachova added 10 points.

Nitra - Samorin 80-50
Nitra recorded its first win of the season when they hosted Samorin. Hosts dominated the match from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer and have deservedly celebrated 80-50 victory.

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SLOVENIA - Women

Kranjska Gora storm into Cup semfinals - by Zeljko Zule
Hit Kranjska Gora secured back to back win a competiive series and advanced to the 2011 Cup Final Four thanks to a road win over Triglav by 63-54. In the first game of the series last week, Kranjska Gora had won by 51 points, thus managing to advance with a total 60-points advantage. Natasa Radulovic (181-G-82) scored 14 points and Teja Oblak, Eva Komplet and Tina Trebec added 10 piece. For Triglav, Katja Spacapan posted 11 points and Ursa Cuk 10.
Hit Kranjska Gora has became the second time to qualify for for the Final-Four, joined Panter Ilirija.
Cup - Round 2: Panter Ilirija-Grosuplje 68-79, @ 56-38, Hit Kranjska Gora-Triglav 89-38, @ 63-54, Celje-Bucar Maribor 26/10, 29/11, AJM Maribor-Jezica 26/10, 21/12.

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SPAIN - Women

Standings - LFB

LFB Standings

1. Perfumerias		2-0
2. Rivas Ecopolis		2-0
3. Ros Casares		2-0
4. Cadi la Seu		1-1
5. Extrugasa		1-1
6. Girona		1-1
7. Gran Canaria		1-1
8. Ibiza		1-1
9. Mann Filter		1-1
10. Olesa		1-1
11. Real C.Vigo		1-1
12. Hondar.-Irun		0-2
13. Mariana		0-2
14. Navarra		0-2

LFB: Round Two review - by Eurobasket News
Mariana - Perfumerias 69-76
Perfumerias jumped to 2-0 in LFB after nice 69-76 road win against Mariana. Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) was a key player for the guests with double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. She reached valuation 38 and was the MVP of this meeting. In Mariana (0-2), Eshaya Marie Murphy (180-G/F-85, college: USC) collected 27 points and 9 rebs.

Gran Canaria - Navarra 74-45
Granca destroyed Navarra registering first victory of the season. Nicole Michael (188-G-87, college: Syracuse) came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts, while Patricia Arguello (178-F-87) added 14 pts. In Navarra (0-2), Maria Asurmendi (169-G-86) delivered 14 points.

Ibiza - Olesa 80-56
Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) was in a game mood scoring 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds for the hosts. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) helped the home side with 18 points. In defeat, Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue) netted 11 points. Both teams have one win and one defeat after first two rounds.

Hondar.-Irun - Rivas Ecopolis 59-73
Elisa Aguilar (178-G-76, college: George Washington) stepped up for Rivas Ecopolis with 24 points (4 triples). Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) also was great as she added 13 points and 15 boards. In the loosing squad, Natasha Lacy (178-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UTEP) delivered 14 pts.

Mann Filter - Cadi la Seu 66-49
Mann Filter was better than Cadi la Seu, so both teams have 1-1 record now. Aneika Henry (191-C-86, college: Florida) shined for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Franciele Nascimento (190-C-87) delivered 13 points for the guests and was their only player with double-digits in scoring.

Extrugasa - Ros Casares 48-64
Reigning champion cruised past Extrugasa to keep the perfect score after two games. Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) top-scored for the Valencia team with 15 points and she had 12 rebounds beside that. Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.) scored 13 points (5 rebs) for the hosts.

Real C.Vigo - Girona 58-63
Girona celebrated 58-63 win against Vigo and both teams have 1-1 record now. Laura Antoja (166-G-77) was on fire for the guests scoring 22 points. She made 5 of 6 attempts from behind the arc. Noemi Jordana (173-G-80) responded with 16 points (4 triples) in defeat.

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SYRIA - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Al Aroba		0-0
2. Al Thaura		0-0
3. Al Wehda		0-0
4. Barada		0-0
5. Hurriya		0-0
6. Ittihad		0-0
7. Jalaa		0-0
8. Qasyon		0-0
9. Teshren		0-0
10. Yarmouk		0-0

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TAIWAN - Women

Standings - WSBL

WSBL Standings

1. Cathay Life		0-0
2. Ch.Telecom		0-0
3. Fo Guang		0-0
4. T.Textile		0-0
5. Taipower		0-0

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Brittney Matthew made her mark on the court - by David Edole
Some players are 6 feet tall, can play in post and/or outside, get all the pub and dominate their team. Then you have those players that are smaller but still get the job done. Brittney Matthew is one of those players that just gets the job done. She does not get all the press and accolades but that does not stop her from performing on the floor.

Brittney is one of the toughest PGs in the Houston area. Not only did she help lead Hightower HS to state championship game, but she also is one of the leaders on FT Bend Magic during the summer. When a coach talks about Brittney, they talk about her work ethic, her positive attitude and her leadership ability.

I've had the pleasure of watching Brittney many times over the last couple of years and every time she is on the floor, all you see is 110% effort. She is clearly a leader on the floor, her ability to see the entire floor is exceptional. She can hit the 3 or take it to the rim, then she gets back on defense. Britt enters into her senior year, ready to help Hightower do a repeat performance. In addition, she has to be happy with the opportunities she will get to play at the next level. It has been a pleasure watching her play and I wish every athlete had her work ethic and attitude.