EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/8/2010 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   


Las Vegas Aces to host a team from China - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Las Vegas Aces announced that the team will be scrimmaging the Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing professional basketball team from China nine times during the month of October - October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29. All of the games will be held at the Sports Center of Las Vegas and will start at 6pm.
'We're very excited about this,' stated team co-owner and GM Mark Marinelli . 'The Brave Dragons are very good and it will give us a very good indication of how good we are and how competitive we will be during the upcoming season. The scrimmages (games) will be open to the public of course.'
For more information, email lvaces@live.com, call 702 756 7998 or visit www.acesbasketball.com



ABA adds a travel team from Nicaragua - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association announced to have added a Travel Team from Nicaragua based out of Atlanta, GA and under the supervision of Georgia Gwizzlies owner, Embry Malone .
The team will play a limited number of games with ABA teams and also will travel to Nicaragua to play this season. 'I have been working with Marlon Moraga for the past year to make this a reality,' stated Malone. 'We are building, developing and training Nicaraguans to play professional basketball. Our long term goal is to build a basketball venue in Nicaragua as we keep our eyes on the prize, to reach the 2016 Olympics qualifications for Nicaragua.'
'Atlanta has a large international community in the Doraville, Chamblee and Gwinnett County. Players from Central and South America - and the US - are invited to Open Tryouts on November 26th at the South Cobb Rec Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell GA from 9-12 noon,' added Malone. For more information about the Nicaragua N.A. team, contact Embry Malone at 678 508 0467 or email gwizzlies@msn.com

Colorado Kings sign first players - by Gianni Pascucci
After grueling tryout camps and intense levels of basketball competition not seen in Colorado for years, the ABA Colorado Kings invites the public to witness their first player signings. The event is open to all and will take place on Friday, October 8th at 7pm at the Red & Jerry's at 1840 W. Oxford Ave in Sheridan, CO.
New players include:
Willison Price (6'7''-F), e power forward from Metro State College in Denver
Brendan Puckett (6'4''-G), a shooting guard from Eastern Wyoming College and Colorado Christian U.
Jason Davis, (5'11'-G-83), an unstoppable combo guard from Colorado Northwestern and Johnson and Wales U.
Reggie York (6'6''-F), power forward, a Denver native from University of South Alabama
Jermaine Mason (6'0''-G-79, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo), a point guard
Robert Frazier (6'7''-F), a small forward, local from Denver Manual and New Mexico State and Tuskegee.
'These professionals will propel our success on and off the court,' stated team owner Durrell Middleton . 10 year NBA player and current Kings coach Michael Ruffin (6'8''-F-77, college: Tulsa) added, 'These are some of the best athletes and most talented players in Colorado. They all have the ability to play at the next level in the ABA. Everyone understands there is a lot of work ahead of us, but with the commitment and dedication that these athletes have shown so far, we will get it done.'
For more information, call 720 274 4644 or email durrell@coloradokings.com or visit www.coloradokings.com

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Radnicki grabs Vladislav Dragojlovic, completes roster - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac has landed another new player and at the same time completed its roster for the upcoming season. The Serbian outfit signed a one-year deal with big guy Vladislav Dragojlovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket). The 32-year-old player returns to Serbia after two seasons abroad. He spent the latest one in Russia averaging 5.5 points and 2.1 rebounds for 18 games with Lokomotiv Kuban. They also competed in EuroChallenge, where Dragojlovic added 9.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 6 games.
On season 2008/09, Vladislav Dragojlovic was the leading scorer of Ukrainian UBL championship. He was a member of SK Cherkasy Monkeys at that time registering 18.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for then in 36 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UBL 2nd Team -09. The last time in Serbia Dragojovic played in 2007/08 season. He joined Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac in April of 2008 collecting 15.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg for them in 13 games. Before that, he helped Buducnost Podgorica to win the title in Montenegro and to reach the Adriatic League Quarterfinals. In 2006/08, Dragojlovic played in Greece as a member of Panionios Forthnet Athens. In the past, he also played for Crvena Zvezda, OKK Beograd and Sloga Kraljevo, all Serbian teams. He grabbed to National Cup trophies with Crvena Zvezda.

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  ARGENTINA   


Copa Argentina final 4 - by Facundo Iatzky
Everything is ready for the beginning of the final 4 of Copa Argentina. After 4 weeks of competitions with 32 teams playing, the 4 best teams of the moments advanced to this final 4 in Santiago del Estero. The 4 teams are: Quimsa, Libertad, Penarol and La Union. Quimsa, the last champion of this torunament is favorite to repeat because they play at home. But penarol, the championof liga A, with new foreigner will look for revenge, because they were runner up in the final 4 of the last year. Libertad with a great roster but with some injured players will try their best. Finally la union is the surprisse, but they have a great team too. There will be two games by day during Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Argentino adds veteran Tim Jones - by Eurobasket News
Argentino de Junin announced signing of the new player. The Argentinean outfit inked a one-season deal with SG/SF Tim Jones (193-G/F-73, college: Georgia St.). The 37-year-old veteran is not a new face in LigaA, as he spent last season with Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca. He appeared 23 times for the club averaging 12.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Season 2008/09, Jones spent in Mexico with Barreteros de Zacatecazs. In 46 LNBP games he had 11.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.7 apg. In 2009, Jones also played for Venezuelan team Cocodrilos de Caracas. After that, he signed a short term deal in Chile.
In 2007/08, Tim Jones also played in Argentina. At that time he was a member of Belgrano San Nicolas. For 10 games in LigaA, Jones registered 14.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.2 apg, but it seems that was not enough. He got released by the team and soon after that signed in Chile. In the past, Tim Jones spent one season in Israel with Hapoel Holon. In 2005/06 he exploded in Argentinean LigaA with Atenas. He had 18.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg 1.9 apg and 2.2 spg in 45 games. They reached LigaA Semifinals.

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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Barracudas optimistic - by Ozell Wells
Barracudas optimistic despite loss
YEE CHUN LEONG
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, October 7, 2010

THERE was nothing but optimism in the Brunei Barracudas training camp at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat yesterday.

The Sultanate's first professional basketball team may have lost to the Philippine Patriots 62-71 last Sunday in their opening Asean Basketball League game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City in the Philippines but they gave the defending champions a fright down the stretch, facing only a one point deficit with four minutes left to play in regulation.

Ozell Wells, the Barracudas head coach, has every reason to be satisfied with the team's performance with the second smallest losing margin on the Filipinos home floor, where they are unbeaten in all 12 of their games held there so far stretching from last season The team that came closest to beating the Patriots on their home floor were the KL Dragons who lost 70-76 in December last year.

Despite only being with the team for a mere over three weeks, Wells is expecting a great season ahead for the Barracudas over time.

'We have got the two most dominant international imports in the league,' said Wells, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

'But we need to work more against live bodies instead of our friends. The key is to treat games like practices and likewise the other way round,' he added.

'However, I'm satisfied with the team overall in the first game and some of the local players gave quality minutes. Xavier (Fong) handled the ball like a point guard at times and Esmond (Tan) hit a three-pointer within 30 seconds being in the game. (Hj Md) Badri (Hj Suhaili) got it going early on as well,' continued Wells

'But they gave the same level of energy as the imports and these are the intangibles that don't make it to the stats sheet,' said the former Trinidad and Tobago coach.

Nonetheless, the Barracudas will stand a chance for revenge against the Patriots in front of the home crowd next Saturday at the Brunei Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex and Wells is positive for a win.

'We'll have to beat them when we meet again. I'm a coach that will make adjustments and this time we have another point guard (Ramsey Williams) who can get Commons and Garnett to do more. In our loss, Commons had to play the point guard position at times which really lessens the effectiveness of the group as our playmaker (Kevin White) didn't bring the ball up,' said the 33-year-old American.

With this in mind, Wells made a bold prediction which showed his belief and confidence in his players and the Barracudas management.

'We'll meet them (Patriots) in the final,' he said.

Garnett was the leading scorer for the Barracudas in the loss against the Patriots with 23 points and nine rebounds despite joining the team two days before the match.

Plenty can be expected from the centre with Barracudas owner, Nadzaty Azma Azeez, giving the 6ft 11in American a nickname as 'Monstar'.

'It is all good but I'm trying to get more sleep as I'm still tired from the jet lag. It is really hot and humid here and I've to try to drink more water,' said Garnett, who arrived in Brunei for the first time on Tuesday.

Filipino-American Ramsey Williams is the newest addition to the team replacing compatriot Kevin White in the point-guard position. It was his first training session with the team and things are looking up for the 30-year-old.

'I'm just getting to know all the players and the place as well. It's alright so far as the weather is the same as in the Philippines so adjusting to it is good,' said Williams.

This is not the first time that the Filipino-American is in the Sultanate having competed in the 2008 Brunei Cup for the Quezon Red Oilers. The 30-year-old joined the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) in 2005 before going to Liga Filipinas in 2007 and played for Air21 Express in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last season.

Meanwhile, the Barracudas management would also like to thank Queenielin Enterprise and Soon Lee Heavy Machinery Services for their sponsorships to the team as well.

The Barracudas next test will be against the Thailand Slammers this Saturday at 8pm at the Nimibutr Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.

The Brunei Times

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  AUSTRALIA   


Nunawading secure Adonis Jordan as new Director of Coaching - by Eurobasket News
NUNAWADING PRESS RELEASE

In a major move Nunawading Spectres has secured Jordan Adonis as the new Director of Coaching. The immediate and long term aim was to find a good match for the club and the program, and we have been lucky enough to secure such a high quality athlete, player and coach for the Boys program to work alongside our highly successful girls program.

The Nunawading Spectres is the representative program for players chosen from within the domestic competition of MEBA to play in Victorias highest level of junior competition. Many players such as Jason Smith, Tony Ronaldson, Shane Heal, Natalie Porter, Penny Taylor, Carly Wilson, Jenna OHea, Kathleen MacLeod, Sam Richards, Sam Mackinnon and Daniel Kickert as well as many more have gone on to represent Australia at the highest level.

Jordan Adonis :

Born August 21, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York.

Played college basketball for Kansas University, twice reaching the Final Four.

Drafted in 1993 by Seattle SuperSonics (2nd round, 43rd overall)

Played 10 career NBA games (six with the Denver Nuggets, four with Milwaukee Bucks).

Played in the NBL for the South East Melbourne Magic, and has also played professionally in Germany.


President Simon Harland anticipates Adoniss signing is the missing piece of the puzzle for Nunawading as the Spectres look to continue to build the elite program and coaching staff. Im really excited to have Adonis join the Spectres, he is a wonderful role model for our juniors, his own experience and ability as a player in his career will give our boys and girls added value to the club.

As part of his role he will be the Head Coach of the Under 18 program, coaching the under 18 /1 boys team. Adonis will commence immediately in the position and in conjunction with the Girls Director of Coaching, will help establish the new Nunawading Spectres Basketball Academy.
Courtesy of: http://www.seabl.com.au

Double Threatt Waverley - by Eurobasket News
The Waverley Basketball Association is excited to announce the appointment of Sedale Threatt as coach of our Waverley Falcons Youth League Men's team in the Big V League and Sedale Threatt Jnr as coach of our Under 20 first team in the VJBL for the 2011 season.


Sedale Threatt is a retired American Basketball player in the NBA. He played College basketball at the West Virginia Institute of Technology and was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983. He played for four years for the 76ers until he was signed by the Chicago Bulls in 1987, then in 1988 he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. He stayed in Seattle for four years before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on October 2, 1991. Threatt was expected to play a back up role to Magic Johnson, however when Johnson retired Threatt became the starting point guard. Threatt led the Lakers in assists, steals and minutes played each of his first two seasons with the Lakers. In 1992-93 he became the second player in Laker franchise history (joining Magic Johnson) to lead the Lakers in scoring (15.1), assists (6.9) and steals (1.7.) He scored a career high 42 points against the New York Knicks on 03/10/92 and scored a career playoff high 35 points in Game 1 of the 1993 Western Conference Quarter Finals against the Phoenix Suns.

Finishing his career with the Houston Rockets, Threatt gained the distinction of having been the only player in NBA history to have been a teammate of Dr. J, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson (in '95-'96), and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Sedale Threatt Jr. is currently being hailed as 'Unguardable' for his exceptional ball handling skills and his talents on the court as seen in the AND1 Australian Tours 2005 - 2008 and in the Big V Basketball League.

Threatt, born in Atlanta, Georgia, is the first born child of Desiree White and 15 year NBA veteran, Sedale Threatt. Threatt attended the University of California, Baskersfield on a basketball scholarship, before moving to Australia, meeting his current wife and establishing a national basketball company designed to cater to the elite juniors of Australia, AUBD (Australian Basketball Digest).

The AUBD signature program, Basketball College, selects elite junior basketball players in Australian to be developed by x-professional basketball players, in preparation for American college basketball. The elite staff of the Basketball College program include his father and NBL greats Lanard Copeland & Darryl D-Mac McDonald.

Threatt is currently the starting point guard for the SCM Waverley Falcons is also named as the starting point guard for the 'Rush' team in the Foot Locker Elite Classic Tournament 2010

In another announcement General Manager Mike Bullock was also pleased to appoint State Championship winning coach Eric Minerve as the Big V Championship Men's team coach and also Eric will work as Coaching Director for the Falcons Junior Boys program. In addition, Elias Palioyiannis will be Coaching Director for the Falcons Girls Junior program and coach the Youth League Women in the the Big V Youth League Women's competition.
Courtesy of: http://www.bigv.com.au

NBL poised for breakthrough season - by Eurobasket News
With the 2010/11 iiNet National Basketball League Championship season set to tip-off in eight days time, the NBL is poised to have a breakthrough season according to Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock.

The NBL has made some major strides off the court in recent months, including the announcement of Australias second largest Internet Service Provider, iiNet, as Naming Rights Partner, the addition of Centrebet as a Major Partner and a return to free-to-air television following the signing of a five-year deal with Network Ten and its digital sports channel ONE.

Sengstock said that those new agreements, coupled with the appointment of AND1 as Official Teamwear Apparel Partner and Spalding as Official Game Ball and Backboard Supplier, had put the NBL and its teams in an enviable position.

As we approach season tip-off on October 15, there is a real air of optimism amongst the NBL management and its clubs and a sense that we have come a long way in a short period of time, said Sengstock. We will see the Sydney Kings return to the competition this season to give us an iconic team in Australias largest market, were back on free-to-air TV with a partner in Ten and ONE who have been promoting our product extremely actively and we have parlayed that into the signing of new corporate partners in iiNet and Centrebet.

We have a new above-the-line marketing campaign developed and ready to air, which will be the first true branding campaign the NBL has done in over a decade, so were investing the returns from our sponsorships back into promoting the NBL.

Sengstock said that the NBL was also set to return to major department stores and retail outlets, which would provide a major financial boost for the league and its clubs.

In signing with AND1 and Spalding weve identified partners that can help us gain entry back into major retail chains so that our fans can go to their local shopping centres and buy an NBL team singlet, cap, ball or backboard. We are also set to launch an NBL on-line retail portal, nblstore.com.au, which will make it easy for fans to order gear over the internet. The revenue that these activities generate will flow directly back into the clubs and the sport, so it really is a win-win.

On the court Sengstock said he felt the NBL would see the standard of play step up a level this season.

Last season was phenomenal, but the consensus amongst those at the pre-season tournament in the Northern Territory last week was that the standard of play had definitely moved up a gear, Sengstock continued. Weve retained nearly all our star players from last season whilst at the same time seeing an influx of talented imports from the US and young local players who are returning from college or Europe. Clearly there is renewed confidence amongst the players in the direction the NBL is heading in, and that will translate into fans seeing some truly world class basketball.

We also have the added interest of the new FIBA Rules that are coming in this season, including the extended three-point line, the rectangular-shaped keyway and the no-charge semi-circle under the basket which seemed to open up play a little more at the Top End Challenge.

Our referees will also have the added benefit of having a full-time Referees Manager in place this season for the first time in over a decade in Peter Carey, so we expect to see the already high standard of officiating lifted even further. All these things add up to an attractive package for fans and point to the NBL having a banner year in season 2010/11.

The iiNet NBL Championship season opens on Friday 15 October when the Sydney Kings make their highly-anticipated return to the NBL against the Melbourne Tigers in Melbourne and the Gold Coast Blaze visit last seasons runners-up the Wollongong Hawks.

Other Round One games include a Far North Queensland local derby between the Townsville Crocodiles and Cairns Taipans on Saturday 16 October and the Sydney Kings first home game against the New Zealand Breakers on the same night, as well as a clash between traditional rivals the Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats at The Dome in Adelaide on Sunday 17 October.

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

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  AUSTRIA   


Panthers, Dukes and BC Vienna add players - by Stefan Prager
The first game day of the ABL season 2010/2011 is history. A few teams are still working on their rosters. Austrian runner up Furstenfeld Panthers brought back point guard Anthony Shavies (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Missouri St.). He is expected to play against his former team Gussing on Saturday.

The Klosterneuburg Dukes meanwhile waived Marko Moric. The Croatian forward and the club from Lower Austria terminated the contract in good understanding. Besides signing forward Florian Trmal (193-G/F-89) the Dukes are searching for a power forward. Trmal was expected to play for BC Vienna but decided to go to Klosterneuburg. Trmal is coming from Bayer Giants Leverkusen where he played in the German ProB.

The BC Vienna reacted on their bad performance against Traiskirchen and resigned Spencer Rhynes (196-G/F-74, college: Huston-Tillotson).

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  BELGIUM   


Verviers Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Big transfer for VOO Verviers-Pepinster with the addition of Brandon Gay (203-F-82, college: San Diego) to their roster. Gay played the past 3 years for the Antwerp Giants.
This past season he had his best stats during the 14 games in the EuroChallenge where he averaged 13.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg.
His best season stat wise in Antwerp was in 2007-2008 when he scored 14.9 ppg and grabbed 5.4 rpg.
Before coming to Belgium he played 2 years in Germany for Trier. Came to Germany after a good college career at San Diego.

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  BOSNIA   


Panathanaikos rolls over Igokea - by Eurobasket News
Igokea - Panathanaikos 67-85

Igokea hosted Greek champions Panathanaikos in a friendly duel to mark the opening of the new gym in Laktasi. Greeks showed hosts no favours as they went on to win the game by 18-point margin. Igokea players opened the game good as they came out ready to compete. They were even able to take the lead, which after one quarter of play stood at 21-18. In the second quarter, visiting side started to get their rhythm. They were able to tie the game and have taken the lead midway through the period. By the halftime break, the score stood at 33-36. After the breather, Greeks picked up their intensity on the offensive end. They started hitting their shots and their lead continued to rise. Igokea players seemed to be struggling containing their opponent and as result they entered final period trailing 48-60. In the last 10 minutes, Panathanaikos continued to control flow of the match. They did not allow Igokea to mount a comeback and have routinely closed the game out for the final score of 64-85.
Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) was the best scorer for winning side with 13 points. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket), Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) followed closely as each has added 11 points. On the other side, Igokea was led by Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) who scored 17 points in this match. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) also had a good outing, finishing the game with 15 points.

Igokea: Brian Chase 17, Cedomir Vitkovac 15
Panathanaikos: Mike Batiste 13, Milenko Tepic 11, Romain Sato 11, Konstantinos Kaimakoglou 11

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  BRAZIL   


Inacap in Liga Sudamericana - by Miguel Gonzalez
Inacap (Chile), from the city of Punta Arenas, qualified to the 2010/11 Liga Sudamericana.

The qualification came after winning three out of three matches of the Top 4 Tournament. The last win was over Boston College.

In the 1st stage of the competition, Inacap will face Flamengo (Brazil), Malvin (Uruguay) and Quimsa (Argentina) in Santiago del Estero, Argentina.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Final Round, which will be played in five rounds in a venue yet to be decided.

The Chilean FA has not confirmed which side will take part in the Americas League.

Inacap in Liga Sudamericana - by Miguel Gonzalez
Inacap (Chile), from the city of Punta Arenas, qualified to the 2010/11 Liga Sudamericana.

The qualification came after winning three out of three matches of the Top 4 Tournament. The last win was over Boston College.

In the 1st stage of the competition, Inacap will face Flamengo (Brazil), Malvin (Uruguay) and Quimsa (Argentina) in Santiago del Estero, Argentina.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Final Round, which will be played in five rounds in a venue yet to be decided.

The Chilean FA has not confirmed which side will take part in the Americas League.

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  BRUNEI   


Barracudas optimistic - by Ozell Wells
Barracudas optimistic despite loss

Brunei Barracudas coach Ozell Wells (R) speaking to Chris Commons during one of their training sessions. Wells is optimistic that the Barracudas will do well in this year's ABL season.Picture: BT/ Yee Chun Leong barracudas ozell wells (L) and Chris Commons (R)
YEE CHUN LEONG
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, October 7, 2010

THERE was nothing but optimism in the Brunei Barracudas training camp at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat yesterday.

The Sultanate's first professional basketball team may have lost to the Philippine Patriots 62-71 last Sunday in their opening Asean Basketball League game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City in the Philippines but they gave the defending champions a fright down the stretch, facing only a one point deficit with four minutes left to play in regulation.

Ozell Wells, the Barracudas head coach, has every reason to be satisfied with the team's performance with the second smallest losing margin on the Filipinos home floor, where they are unbeaten in all 12 of their games held there so far stretching from last season The team that came closest to beating the Patriots on their home floor were the KL Dragons who lost 70-76 in December last year.

Despite only being with the team for a mere over three weeks, Wells is expecting a great season ahead for the Barracudas over time.

'We have got the two most dominant international imports in the league,' said Wells, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

'But we need to work more against live bodies instead of our friends. The key is to treat games like practices and likewise the other way round,' he added.

'However, I'm satisfied with the team overall in the first game and some of the local players gave quality minutes. Xavier (Fong) handled the ball like a point guard at times and Esmond (Tan) hit a three-pointer within 30 seconds being in the game. (Hj Md) Badri (Hj Suhaili) got it going early on as well,' continued Wells

'But they gave the same level of energy as the imports and these are the intangibles that don't make it to the stats sheet,' said the former Trinidad and Tobago coach.

Nonetheless, the Barracudas will stand a chance for revenge against the Patriots in front of the home crowd next Saturday at the Brunei Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex and Wells is positive for a win.

'We'll have to beat them when we meet again. I'm a coach that will make adjustments and this time we have another point guard (Ramsey Williams) who can get Commons and Garnett to do more. In our loss, Commons had to play the point guard position at times which really lessens the effectiveness of the group as our playmaker (Kevin White) didn't bring the ball up,' said the 33-year-old American.

With this in mind, Wells made a bold prediction which showed his belief and confidence in his players and the Barracudas management.

'We'll meet them (Patriots) in the final,' he said.

Garnett was the leading scorer for the Barracudas in the loss against the Patriots with 23 points and nine rebounds despite joining the team two days before the match.

Plenty can be expected from the centre with Barracudas owner, Nadzaty Azma Azeez, giving the 6ft 11in American a nickname as 'Monstar'.

'It is all good but I'm trying to get more sleep as I'm still tired from the jet lag. It is really hot and humid here and I've to try to drink more water,' said Garnett, who arrived in Brunei for the first time on Tuesday.

Filipino-American Ramsey Williams is the newest addition to the team replacing compatriot Kevin White in the point-guard position. It was his first training session with the team and things are looking up for the 30-year-old.

'I'm just getting to know all the players and the place as well. It's alright so far as the weather is the same as in the Philippines so adjusting to it is good,' said Williams.

This is not the first time that the Filipino-American is in the Sultanate having competed in the 2008 Brunei Cup for the Quezon Red Oilers. The 30-year-old joined the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) in 2005 before going to Liga Filipinas in 2007 and played for Air21 Express in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last season.

Meanwhile, the Barracudas management would also like to thank Queenielin Enterprise and Soon Lee Heavy Machinery Services for their sponsorships to the team as well.

The Barracudas next test will be against the Thailand Slammers this Saturday at 8pm at the Nimibutr Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.

The Brunei Times


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  BULGARIA   


Chernomorets overcomes Cherno More in a friendly duel - by Eurobasket News
Chernomorets - Cherno More 72-62

Chernomorets hosted their rivals Cherno More in a control match, and have managed to secure a win. In a game full of turns, hosts opened the match better and have jumped on the early lead. Good defence allowed hosts easy transition opportunities and as result they were up 20-12 after one quarter of play. In the second period, Cherno More players picked their intensity up on both sides of the court. They started playing better defensively and at the same time they started making their shots on the other side. All of this resulted in Cherno More turning the game to their advantage by halftime, when they held 35-40 lead. Than after the break, hosts came back up on top. They limited visitors to only 9 third quarter points which enabled them to reclaim the lead by the end of the quarter. Game entered final period with Chernomorets holding onto 52-49 advantage. In the final 10 minutes, hosts continued to build their lead while visiting side seemed to have run out of steam. Chernomorets brought this game to a close as they were able to secure 72-62 win.
Tsvetelin Ivanov (196-G-89) led Chernomorets in this match with game high 27 points. Asen Saraliyski (199-F-84) added 11 points for winners, while Simeon Naydenov (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) finished the game with 10. For Cherno More, Simeon Iliev (202-F-89, agency: Interperformances) led the way with 15 points. He was supported by Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90) and Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) who added 13 and 12 points respectively.

Chernomorets: Tsvetelin Ivanov 27, Asen Saraliyski 11, Simeon Naydenov 10
Cherno More: Simeon Iliev 15, Tihomir Zhelev 13, Vasil Kyosev 12

Yambol starts tournament with a win - by Christomir Rackov
The host of 'Petar Maystorov' tournament Tundja Yambol defeated Chernomorets Burgas in the opening game. The two teams played a very interesting game that was decided right at the end with the home side winning 80-76. Tomorrow Yambol will take a rest while Chernomorets will take on Euroins Cherno More.

The game was tied for most of the first half but right at the end of it Chernomorets pulled away and had 41-35 lead at the break. In the third quarter the host tried to turn around the game and they did tie it. However with 4 points by Dimitar Roshmanov the team from Burgas was in front 59-55 after the third quarter. Yambol took the lead in the last quarter and from then on the teams started exchanging baskets. At the end the hosts played better and eventually won.

Great game for the winners had Martin Durchev (200-G-87) who scored 29 points, including 6 three-pointers. Stanislav Govedarov (185-G-80) added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

For the visitors the American giant Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State) was unstopable under the basket and finished with 27 points and 18 rebounds while Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) added 20 points and 4 rebounds.

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


Raptors handle Suns 129-78 - by Eurobasket News
Forward Linas Kleiza (6'8''-F-85, college: Missouri) led all scorers with 20 points and the Toronto Raptors handled the Phoenix Suns 129-78 in an exhibition game on Wednesday night.

Kleiza added five rebounds and two steals. Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89, college: USC) scored 16 points, while Joey Dorsey (6'9''-F-83, college: Memphis) added 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

It was the first game of the exhibition for the Raptors, who wrapped up their six-day training camp in Vancouver before heading home to Toronto. Phoenix remained winless in the preseason.

Phoenix guard Steve Nash, a two-time league MVP from Victoria, British Columbia, was limited to nine points in just over two quarters.

The Suns' Jared Dudley (6'7''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) scored 10 points while former Raptor Hedo Turkoglu (6'9''-F-79), who was traded in the offseason, scored six points and led Phoenix with eight rebounds.

The Raptors played their first exhibition game in Vancouver, although they faced the Vancouver Grizzlies five times in the same arena between 1995-2000 before the West Coast club was relocated to Memphis, Tenn.

Nash drew the biggest cheers from the fans. But most of the crowd at Rogers Arena supported the Raptors. Fans booed Turkoglu every time he touched the ball - and jeered him every time he committed a foul or mistake.

Both clubs missed several shots and layup attempts in the early going as the lead changed hands eight times. The Suns jumped out to a 15-10 advantage as Nash made a free throw, courtesy of a Toronto technical for a 3-second violation, and then made a jump shot.

But those were the only three points he scored in the initial period, and the Raptors went on a 14-3 run to lead 24-13 after the first quarter. Holding Nash to just two points in the second quarter, the Raptors extended their lead to 55-39 at halftime.

Notes: Several Vancouver Canucks players, including Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson, Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows watched the game from courtside. Darcy Hordichuk, appearing jovial after being traded to the Florida Panthers earlier in the day, was in the crowd and came by at halftime to say a quick goodbye to his former teammates.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Tonis Constantinides leads Etha to the Eurochallenge groups! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
'It is not every day that you succeed such an important victory. This is a historical day for Etha and for Cyprus Basketball. I believe we were better as a team and we deserved it. Congratulations to all team members' Antonis Constantinides , team's coach said to us.

Etha survived the German test and knocked out the Artland Dragons in a heart breaking game. Captain George Anastasiades scored the last 4 points of his team (finished with 15 points) helping Etha to lose only by 3 (won by 8 at the 1st game) and win the clash on aggregate. Along with King and Ntapkus they all gave an excellent performance leading their team to the Eurochallenge groups.

Anastasiadis's past experience and winning mentality were the reasons for which Antonis Constantinides brought George in Etha. And he was right. George helped the greatest to this historical success.

Indeed, this is a historical success for Etha since it is the 1st time that advances to a Eurochallenge group and of course a great success for Cyprus Basketball.

With its victory Etha advances to the 7th group of the eurochallenge where it will meet against Apoel, Zantar (Croatia) and the Turkish Pinar.

Congratulations to the team's coach, Tonis Constantinides and assistant coach, Christoforos Livadiotis, as well as to all members of the team.

Points:
Johnson 4, Ntapkus 14, Anastasiadis 15, King 18, Masamba 4, Tut 4, Babalola 3, Kaloupovic, Ridding 4.



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  DOMINICA   


National Basketball Finals - by Rolando DeLaBarrera
X-MEN and RAPTORS WIN BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Last night (Wednesday) in the Lime National Basketball Finals which was played in front of a huge crowd of over five hundred persons plus saw the conclusion of the regular basketball season. Both series with records of 2-1 gave the possibility of two teams being crowned the champion of a division (Premier & Division 1) . The schedule for the evening were game one (1) Gloria Shillingford Raptors verses Raffoul Snipers and game two (2) The Glam X-Men verses Paix Bouche Eagles. And the fans who turned out in their numbers from Roseau, Wesley and Paix Bouche were not disappointed the games were played to a very high standard and a standard not seen in Dominica for a long time and adding to the overall excitement of a finals was the Premier game being carried live by DBS radio.

Game 1- With good weather the fans from Wesley and Paix Bouche came down to support their teams Gloria Shillingford Raptors and Raffoul Snipers and they were on the edge of their seats or toes as the game went back and forth with lead changes. At half time the scores were Raptors 35 pts and Snipers 32, that slowly change by third quarter with Snipers taking a one point lead when the game entered the fourth quarter leading 48 pts to 47 pts. The game remained close untill the last minute when the Raptors took the lead and maintained to win the the game 73 pts to 69 pts and becoming the new 2010 Division 1 champion the first for Wesley which ended to spontaneous celebration with their sponsor Honorable Gloria Shillingford by their side.

Game 2 - Which would decide a game five (5) or the new 2010 National Basketball Champion who will be able to represent Dominica as the champion team of Dominica in regional tournaments. The fans after witnessing the nail biting finish of the first game were only hungry for more great basketball excitement and they were not disappointed even after some technical breakdowns. The first quarter ended 23 pts to 23 pts with both teams feeling each other out but neither team could dominate or take control of the game . It remained tight and ended at half time with X-Men leading by one point 44 pts to 43 pts. The second half continued no different than the first half and remained tight with lead changes on a regular interval, then came the final quarter and both teams went to their big guns to take it home Garth Joseph and Davidson Toulon for X-Men and Andel 'Brad' George and Lynvor John of Eagles. At the end the X-Men won the game and became the new Premier Division Champion. The final scores were The Glam X-Men 80 points and Paix Bouche Eagles 75 points, top scorers for X-Men were Garth Joseph 27 pts and Davidson Toulon 19 pts while for the Eagles Andel 'Brad' George with a game high 40 pts and Lynvor John 19 pts.

This concludes the regular season of the Lime National Basketball 2010 Season, the prize giving ceremony of the DABA is tentatively schedule for next week.


Mickey Joseph



*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


EMKL Round: 1 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
TTU/Kalev - Valga/CKE 100-72
TTU/Kalev opened the season with a confident home win over Valga/CKE. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) stepped up with 17 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the hosts. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the victory. Anthony Brown (203-F-86, college: Oklahoma St.) replied with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for Valga/CKE.

Rakvere - TU/Rock 81-88
TU/Rock celebrated a road win over Rakvere in the opener. Rain Veideman (192-G-91) notched 22 points to pace the visitors. Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85, college: Grand Valley St.) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds for the Tartu team. Kristo Saage (184-G-85) and Viljar Veski (215-C-86) answered with 14 points each for Rakvere.

Rapla - Parnu 82-83
Parnu eked out a tough road win over Rapla. Rannar Raap (187-G/F-92) came up with 21 points and 5 assists to lead the effort. Toomas Raadik (198-F-90) finished with 19 points for the visitors. Heigo Erm (190-G/F-80) chipped in 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead Rapla.

Voru KK - TTU/Kalev II 50-90
TTU/Kalev II fired past Voru KK away from home. Mihkel Kurg (191-G-87) unleashed 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to pace the winners. Kiur Akenpary (190-F-88) netted 15 points for TTU/Kalev II. Silver Kuuba (198-F-74) nailed 13 points, collected 6 boards and issued 3 assists for Voru KK.



*****************************************************
  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. 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 
Qualifying Round
 1. Aalstar 0-0 
 2. Art.Dragons 0-0 
 3. BC Kyiv 0-0 
 4. Bosna S. 0-0 
 5. Enisey 0-0 
 6. Ferro-ZNTU 0-0 
 7. Helios 0-0 
 8. Keravnos 0-0 
 9. Macc.Haifa 0-0 
 10. Minsk-2006 0-0 
 11. Paris-Levallois 0-0 
 12. Ploiesti 0-0 
 13. Trefl Sopot 0-0 
 14. Triumph 0-0 
 15. ZZ Leiden 0-0 


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  EUROCUP   


Panellinios signs American guard Maurice Bailey - by Eurobasket News
Panellinios came up with the new signing for the next season. The Greek outfit inked a one-year deal with American guard Maurice Bailey (183-G-81, college: Sacred Heart). The 28-year-old player arrives to Panellinios from Spanish Xacobeo BS Obaridoro, where he finished last season. Bailey joined them in March this year registering 6.8 ppg and 1.5 apg in four ACB league games. He started the last season with Serbian squad Crvena Zvezda, but got released in November. For 8 Adriatic league games, Bailey collected 9.5 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.9 apg.
Season 2008/09, Maurice Bailey spent in Russia and was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention -09. He was a member of Spartak Primorie Vladivostok averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists for them in 22 games. Bailey finished the season as A Superleague fourth scorer. In 2007/08, Bailey played for Union Olimpija. He helped them to win the championship title in Slovenia with 10.7 ppg and 2.1 apg. In Euroleague that season he had 9.1 ppg and 2.2 apg. In the past, Bailey also played for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, Brest and Nancy. Nancy was his first professional job, after he graduated at the Sacred Heart University in 2004.

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


Ivkovic' assessment on Olympiacos: We want to play modern basketball - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Olympiacos played five friendly games within one week and at the same time it had been travelling, which makes its performance in Turkey and its victories as well, all the more important.
Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) made an assessment on the five games right after the victory against Efes Pilsen: 'We played five games in a week and pushed the guys a lot. There is a great margin for improvement and there has to be patience and time credit by everyone. I witnessed a great difference from the first game we played in Turkey till the last one against Efes Pilsen. At this point, we focus on what we can win and what we can improve. That's why we have been working', the Serbian coach commented, and then went on to talk in specific about Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90): 'When the pre-season started, I had told my associates to watch out for the young guys. Kostas Papanikolaou, Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) and Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90). I think we have been successful. Kostas Papanikolaou had been really scared before these games and it's positive he has adjusted to the team well'.
And although the young guys are good, the veterans are even better: 'The experienced players that had been also playing for the Mundobasket are going to find their rhythm later on. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) made a pre-season after ten years and gave everything he had got. Gordon Jamon Lukas (191-G-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Virginia Tech) and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) could have done more, but they were facing some problems that left them behind. But they tried and that's what counts'.
What comes next? 'The next two weeks are very important in order to prepare as best possible, in the midst of club events, like the team's presentation and the official photo shoot. We must remain focused'.
Ivcovic spoke in particular about the game against Efes Pilsen that has undoubtedly been the most difficult Olympiacos played in Turkey: 'We did not follow Efes in their plays, that playing with Nachbar at '4' and Roberts at '5'. We stayed within our own game and that's what we want for the team. Even if we lost, it wouldn't mean anything'.
Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) was asked on whether Olympiacos performance in Turkey is an example of how the team will play: 'It's early to tell about how we will play. For sure, we are going to be more creative and it shows by the number of assists we pass in every game. However, having that kind of players, we have to reduce the turnovers', the coach of the Piraeus team stressed and added: 'Having young players like Kostas Papanikolaou and Marko Keselj, who run and are athletic, we definitely want to run fast breaks and go after the offensive rebounds. We want to play modern basketball and that happens when 25% of the points comes from fast breaks and 60% from secondary ones'.
Finally, the 67-year old coach spoke about the first official game of the season for the Euroleague: 'We are going to have played only one official game before the Euroleague premiere while Real will have played more. I believe though that we will be ready'.



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


French NM1 round 5 best performance: John Ford - by Eurobasket News
American center John Ford (207-C-78) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for JSA Bordeaux Basket, receiving a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Angers BC 49 (#10, 2-3) 75-63. Despite this victory Bordeaux dropped to the 4th position in French NM1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost two games earlier this season. Bordeaux will need more victories to improve their 3-2 record. Ford turned to be Bordeaux's top player in his first season with the team. John Ford averages this season 13.3ppg and 6.8rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old Lithuanian Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-F-84) of Etendard de Brest. Pridotkas had a very good evening with 33 points and 8 rebounds. Of course he lead Brest to another comfortable win 98-83 over the lower-ranked St Chamond (#15, 2-3) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Brest to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 3-2 record is not bad and everything may still change. Pridotkas is a newcomer at Brest, but is already the team's top player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.0ppg (#4). He also registered 6.8 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Bahamas forward Lavar Simmons (201-F/C-83) of CA Saint-Etienne B.C. (#8). Simmons scored 29 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of St Etienne, leading his team to a 70-66 win against CFBB (#18, 0-5). St Etienne needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 2 lost games. Simmons has a great season in France. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.8ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 10.0rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alain Laroche (198-F-83) of St Chamond - 32 points and 7 rebounds
5. Larry Blair (183-G-84) of Denek - 22 points and 7 rebounds
6. Danny Strong (199-F-75) of Get Vosges - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Fabien Herard (198-F-79) of Challans - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-F-80) of Sorgues - 23 points and 9 rebounds
9. Sami Driss (196-G-82) of Bordeaux - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Antwon Hoard (199-F-72) of Lievin - 20 points and 11 rebounds

NM1: Denain and Sorgues stay perfect after five rounds - by Eurobasket News
CFBB - St Etienne 66-70
St Etienne grabbed 66-70 road win against CFBB mostly owing to Lavar Simmons (201-F/C-83, college: Master's), who shined with double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds. He reached valuation 39 and was the MVP of this meeting. In the loosing squad, Hugo Invernizzi (196-F/G-93) collected 17 points and 5 rebs. St Etienne 3-2, CFBB 0-5.

St Chamond - Brest 83-98
Brest had an easy job against St Chamond improving to 3-2 record. Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-F-84) was the leading scorer in victory with 33 points and 8 rebounds. Alain Laroche (198-F-83, college: N.Florida) responded with 32 points and 7 boards in defeat.

Denain - Orchy 90-62
Denain destroyed Orchy mostly owing to Boakai Lalugba (200-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Bucknell), who had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Their second scorer was Desmond Quincy-Jones (201-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Pace) with 14 pts. For the guests, Emmanuel Soeria-Ouamba (190-F-82) collected 22 pts.

Sorgues - Lievin 81-66
Sorgues kept the perfect score and stayed on top of NM1, together with Denain (5-0). Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-F-80, college: Weber St.) was a key player for the hosts with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Antwon Hoard (199-F-72, agency: ACMT, college: Murray St.) responded with 20 points and 11 boards for Lievin.

Souffel - Blois 59-75
4-1 for Blois and 2-3 for Souffel after this meeting. Christopher Grimm (207-F/C-84, college: Marquette) came up for the hosts with 20 points, while Olivier Kolb (205-C-87) followed him with 18 pts and 6 boards. On the other side, Frederic Broliron (193-G-79) netted 14 pts in loss.

St Quentin - Challans 95-86
St Quentin had couple of players in a game mood with Keonta Howell (193-G-85, college: Toledo) leading the way with 23 pints and 6 rebounds. Alexis Rambur (195-G-83) helped with 19 pts. In Challans, Juwann James (198-F-87, college: JMU) shined with 23 points and 10 boards.

Le Puy - Roche 102-62
Le Puy blasted Roche for the second victory of the season. Damien Pistre (190-G-83) stepped up for the hosts with 19 points and 6 assists. Harry Disy (201-F-84, college: Louisiana Tech) netted 24 pts on the other side.

Get Vosges - Denek 83-78
Get Vosges got 22 points and 7 rebounds from Danny Strong (199-F-75, college: N.Carolina St.). Zach Gourde (205-C-80, college: Gonzaga) helped with double-double of 13 points and 10 rebs. In Denek, Larry Blair (183-G-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Liberty) collected 22 points and 7 boards. Both teams have 3-2 record now.

Bordeaux - Angers BC 49 75-63
3-2 for Bordeaux and 2-3 for Angers BC 49 after this meeting. John Ford (207-C-78, college: Colorado St.) stepped up for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds. DeRon Hayes (196-F-70, college: Penn St.) netted 16 points in defeat.

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


Can Murat Didin And The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf Win Their First Game Of The Season In His Old Stomping Ground Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners October 10 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Big play unusual moments are welcomed in sports about as much as rich tasty syrup is for your Sunday brunch pancakes as who could forget The Play in 1982 as Stanford was leading California 20-19 with four seconds left and on the last kickoff the Golden Bears took the kick back unleashing several lateral plays and getting unexpected help from the Stanford marching band who thought the game was over winning 25-20, or the classic game between Cibona Zagreb and Serbian team KK Partizan where Cibona nailed a three pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining and celebrating the victory which was squashed as Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) heaved a 75 footer finding nothing but net and getting the improbable win or most recently the most criticised New England Patriots defense with no name Patrick Chung blocking two kicks and intercepting a pass for a touchdown as the special team stole the limelight of Tom terrific Brady silencing the Miami Dolphins 41-14, one might dream of having such an ending to add to the drama with the return of ex Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) with the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf on Sunday. Didin had quite some dramatic games in his four year tenure like the final game 5 loss in Bamberg in 2005, or the nail bitting game 5 win in Leverkusen in 2008 or the buzzer beater in Duesselodrf in 2009 by Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) and some might be dreaming of some kind of magic occurring or a Agatha Christie type of ending which would get the Ballsporthalle decibles reaching an alltime high as if a Rihanna, Jay Z and Prince had rocked the arena a day earlier. 'My favorite sports ending would probably be my boy Vince Young leading the Texas Longhorns to the NCAA title against USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl. He led the team down the field and scored the winning touchdown and it was really exciting since he scored with about 20 seconds left. They had been the two best teams in college football that year. I am sure due to circumstances that with Didin returning it will be an exciting game', stressed American Marcus Sloan (205-F-82, college: TCU). Phoenix Hagen American Mark Dorris (188-G-85, college: Marshall) also has a special favourite sports moment. 'My greatest Sports Moment has to be Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) against the Utah Jazz 1998 the year Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) would say good bye to the game he loved. It was like a story book ending the heros last bit of energy last shot of his career would be to win the NBA Championship and ride off into the sunset that is the way every body would want to go out. I pray I can have a similar ending one day', added Phoenix Hagen American Mark Dorris (188-G-85, college: Marshall). If the Frankfurt-Duesseldorf ending will be anything spectacular like the sports world has witnessed in the last 30 years is not known, but with Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) anything is possible and he will have his famous tricks up his sleeve once the jumpball happens. 'The coach will be motivated to win against his former club and the players will be wanting to win against their old coach', warned Marcus Sloan (205-F-82, college: TCU).

Six months after being relieved of his duties with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, Turk Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) will return to Frankfurt as head coach of the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf, but despite the circumstances will not enter the Ballsporthalle with an angry frown, but with the typical cheerful mood. 'I will come into the Ballsporthalle with a nice smile and have a kind feeling of the wonderful years that I had here. I will also shake many hands', said Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). Didin had four successful and enjoyable years in Frankfurt where he led the team to four playoff appearances, but getting the rap that he was unable to win a title. He was not always the easiest coach as players got first hand how demanding he was, but he had great moments and showed more than once that he was able to mold satisfactory talent into a winning team. Even though the whole atmosphere with Didin was always very laid back with the word Baba coming out of his mouth about as often as Marc Albert screams the word Yes when Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) is having a hot night. However when it came time to prepare for games and the actual games, the 55 year old Turk from Istanbul was always all business. Didin will always be remembered as a coach who was always likeable and very open to the fans and press. Didin has only been in Duesseldorf some months, but already feels like as if he has been there for years. The Duesseldorf players already have grown to respect Didin even if the roster has been going up and down like a roller coaster rise. 'Didin is a very busy man. He works hard in practice on the sidelines and away from the court trying to make the team better. He has a lot of knowledge of the game and a lot of European experience . He is a good coach and simply a perfectionist', stressed Duesseldorf guard Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87). In Frankfurt, Didin was loved by the fans and the only thing missing was his own official fan club and it seems like the Turk isnt making any enemies in Duesseldorf either. The fact that Didin is handled in Turkey as if he was a second president was overwhelming and his coaching habits refreshing. 'Didin was welcomed with open arms by the fans. They all like him. I always knew that Didin was a good coach, but I was amazed how well known he was in Turkey. During training camp, he was on TV a lot and it felt like I was walking down the street with Franz Beckenbauer. That is how known he was. His practices are dry, but if you make a mistake, he tries to keep a good atmosphere with jokes. He keeps the team loose in those kind of situations', commented Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87).

The Duesseldorf Giants had a season to forget last year. They finished the year in 17th place with a record of 8-26. The team had a more than solid roster, but something was missing. If the team ever formed a healthy chemistry is debatable, but not having power in the zone was something that hindered the team from winning more games. 'I thought that Duesseldorf had decent chemistry, but they had no true bigs. They had no inside scoring except for Koko Archibong (202-F-81, college: Pennsylvania)', stressed Phoenix Hagen American Quentin Pryor. The team gave up 80 or more points 12 times and had losing streaks of five, six and seven games. Their biggest wins were a 70-69 win against Bonn, 80-78 victory against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and a clean sweep of the Giessen 46ers. Despite some real old time shoot outs and getting hit with triple digit results, the club was able to manage to hold Giessen and Ludwigsburg to under 50 points.

It was no secret that the club was having financial difficulties already last season, so the continuation of the operations was more than up in the air in the spring of 2010 as another playoffs had been missed. Didin had been dismissed in Frankfurt and the friendly Turk saw some potential with the Duesseldorf Giants and did like comic super hero Superman and saved the day a second time. A year earlier he had brought the BBL sponsor BEKO and now he brought the Giants Duesseldorf sponsor Gloria which is a Turkish hotel chain. The league gave Duesseldorf a wild card and all of a sudden the club was not history anymore, but on its way to a third season. The budget for the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season for Duesseldorf was about as limited as the meal money for NBA teams, so Didin had to do his homework and find the most talented and best players for the little money that was available. Didin signed many unknown players and some from the Basketball minor leagues in the States and from the fourth divison of the college ranks. Despite beating top European club Dynamo Moscow, Didin seemed not to be real pleased with his roster. So on October 1st , the day of the first game in Bremerhaven he pulled a risky coup that probably only he could of done as he waived Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.), Eddie Ard (196-G/F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Lipscomb) and Rocky Hampton (206-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Biola (CA)) and brought in Jamaal Tatum (188-G-84, college: S.Illinois), Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky), Jamie Jones (201-F/C-87, college: Portland St.), Ransford Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina), and Olumuyiwa Famutimi (197-G-84, college: Arkansas). It was no surprise that Duesseldorf lost 96-70 in Bremerhaven. 'It was a difficult adjustment with the new players, but we are improving each day in practice and are finding together. We are also understanding each other better and better on and off the court', stressed Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87). Despite the lack in talent in comparison to the other BEKO BBL teams, the club is confident of their ability. 'We have a skilled big man with Ransford Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina) and I think you saw what he could do in Bremerhaven. We have skilled guards and I think good enough players to be successful. All we need now is a win. We have to keep practicing hard and minimize mistakes', stressed Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87). 'Brempong is a player to watch and Haynes was decent', warned Bremerhaven guard Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle). Scouting Duesseldorf could be a problem in the next weeks since the team is unpredictable. 'It is to early to say what style they will play. They played a lot of 1-1 against us, but I think that was because they had so many new players and didnt know the plays. An early weakness is their defense. We were able to score many easy baskets inside', said Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle).

The history between The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf is very short as the new reformed team is starting their third season. Before coming to Duesseldorf, they were in Leverkusen were they were one of top clubs in 70s, 80s and 90s winning 13 BEKO BBL titles and 10 cups. In the 2008-2009 season, Frankfurt swept the season series winning a nail bitter in Duesseldorf 84-80 as Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.) scored 21 points. They won at home 64-58 as Keith Simmons chipped in with 14 points and 13 rebounds and won a third place game in Hamburg in the German cup semi finals 73-69. Last season, who could forget the exciting 70-67 win as Quzantez Robertson won the game on a buzzer beater. Frankfurt lost a heart breaker at home 66-64 despite 28 points and 11 rebounds from Derrick Allen.

The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf are led by 29 year old 203cm forward Ransford Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina) from Canada. He played at Western Carolina from 2000-2005. He has gathered a lot of experience playing in the Dutch league three years out of his four year career. His best season was 2006-2007 where he played for Matrixx Magix Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: 10.4ppg, Reb-1 (11.0rpg), 1.7apg, 1.9spg, Block-1 (2.4bpg), FGP: 45.7%, FT: 67.9%, 3Pts: 33.3%. In 2007-2008, he played for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen averaging 7.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.4bpg, 2FGP: 47.3%, FT: 68.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for Hanzevast Capitals Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie): 43 games: 10.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.3bpg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.5%. He didnt play last season, but any doubts of losing his touch was doused as he had a strong preseason. The club also added DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) who is a 26 year old 187 cm combo guard from Detroit, Michigan. He is an excellent distributor of the basketball and also is the teams best on-ball defender .Possesses tremendous quickness and continues to improve as a jump shooter. He played two seasons in Belgium, one in Hungary and last season in Germany for the Paderborn Baskets (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 74.7%.

The team added 26 year old 191 cm combo guard Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky) from Dayton, Ohio. He has three years of BEKO BBL experience and is an extremely athletic combo guard with great quickness. Is a explosive leaper, has great ball handling and passing skills. He hurts you with his penetration or a pull up for the mid range jumper, pick and roll, coming off picks for the shot, and when left open he'll hit the three pointer also. At the same time he is a unselfish player who creates scoring opportunities for others and has very good ability to finish around the basket. He is a great defensive player because of his quickness and athletic abilities and is a great and mature person with good work ethic. He played at Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky in the NCAA. He played for The New Yorker Phantons Braunschweig and Paderborn and last season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 26 games: 5.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 81.6%. Nikita Khartchenkov (201-F-87) is a 23 year old 20i cm forward that was born in Leningrad, Russia. Grew up in Russia and Germany Son of Coach and former Russian international Aleksander Khartchenkov. He is a very fast shooter and his shot is not the easiest one as he uses specific technicalities including a fine vertical leap which makes his shot even more difficult to guard, at the same time is very good in the penetration against both smaller and larger opponents. Nikita is an athletic guy with a very athletic body. He played some years with well known Russian team BC Khimki Moscow. He played with The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig in 2007-2008 and with BV Chemnitz 99 in 2008-2009. Last season, he played for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 34 games: 6.8ppg, 1.1rpg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 75.5%.

Laimonas Kisielius (203-F-85, college: William & Mary) who is a 25 year old 203cm forward that was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. He played NCAA basketball at William & Mary and last season for Liepajas Lauvas (Latvia-LBL, starting five): Baltic League: 18 games: 16.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.3%; Latvian League: 27 games: 14.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 63.0%. Jamaal Tatum (188-G-84, college: S.Illinois) is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Jefferson City. He is a scoring point guard with great quickness and the ability to create shots for himself and others. He takes pride in his defense. He seems to be a big steal for Didin as he is a very talented player that spent time in tow NBA training camps with the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trailblazers. He played at S.Illinois (NCAA) from 2003-2007 and in his senior year played 35 games: 15.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 40.8%, FT: 77.9%. He played two seasons with Idaho Stampede (D-League). Last season, he played for Cholet Basket (France-ProA): French League: 5 games: 5.4ppg, 1.2apg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 83.3%; EuroCup: 3 games: 3.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg, in Feb.'10 moved to BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL): Latvian League: 3 games: 18.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg; Baltic League: 5 games: 10.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 53.3%, FT: 66.7%; left in Mar.'10. Another steal could be Olumuyiwa Famutimi (197-G-84, college: Arkansas) who is a 26 year old 197cm guard who has the Nigerian/Canadian citizenship. He played at Arkansas (NCAA). He was at the San Antonio Spurs training camp in 2006, but was waived and played for the Arkansas RimRockers (D-League) from 2005-2007. He played fro Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague) from 2007-2009. Last season, he played in Turkey for Oyak Renault Bursa (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 29 games: 16.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 74.5%.

The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf also signed three BEKO BBL rookies coming from the college ranks with London Warren (183-G-87, college: Dayton), Dorian Mcdaniel and Jamie Jones (201-F/C-87, college: Portland St.). London Warren (183-G-87, college: Dayton) is a 22y ear old 183cm guard from Jacksonville Florida. He played at Dayton from 2006-2010 having guard Brian Roberts as a teammate. In his senior year, he played 37 games: 4.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg. He reached the NIT elite 8 in 2008 and was NIT champion in 2010. Dorian Mcdaniel is a 23 year old 198cm forward from Culver City, California. He is a utility player with good leaping ability. Does not mind doing all the dirty work. Can create mismatch problems for bigger defenders. Will knock down the open three point shot, rebound well, and do whatever is needed in order to get the win. He played at Prairie View A&M (NCAA) from 2006-2010 an din his senior year played 29 games: 8.0ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 55.6%. Jamie Jones (201-F/C-87, college: Portland St.) is a 22 year old 201cm forward from El Segundo, California that gave the baseball world George Brett. He has very quick feet and knows how to get to the basket and finish. He is a very good one on one player, who really competes hard and plays both sides of the ball at an extremely high level. He played at Portland St. (NCAA) and in his senior year played 32 games: 13.8ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 58.3%, FT: 73.9%. He set the all time PSU record for blocked shots in his senior season with 75. Also, he led the Big Sky conference in rebounds, blocked shots and double doubles.

The club also signed three PRO players with Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87), Eric Vierneisel, and Marin Petric (190-G-80) and one PRO B player with Joe Buck. Wischnewski is a 23 year old 191cm German guard who played Regionaliga ball with Hamburg, Bernau and Osnabruck. Last season, he played PRO A with the Cuxhaven BasCats (ProA): 30 games: 6.4ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 76.2%. Eric Vierneisel is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Algonquin, Illinois. He played at California (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In 2009, he played for Taranaki Mountain Airs (New Zealand-NBL): 15 games: 18.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 71.4%. Last season, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: 11.1ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 76.5%. Marin Petric (190-G-80) is a 30 year old 190cm guard that comes to Duesseldorf with a lot of experience. He played for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, TSK Universa Bamberg and the ART Dusseldorf Magics (Germany-2.Bundesliga) as well as playing in Spain and Switzerland. Last season, he played for USC Freiburg (Germany-ProA): 27 games: 11.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 72.0%. Joe Buck is a 29 year old 201cm forward from Redondo Beach California. He played at Southern California (NCAA) and most of his career in the States in the minor leagues for teams like the Tri City Ballers (IBL), East Kentucky Miners (CBA) and the Wilmington Sea Dawgs (PBL). Last season, he came to Germany to play for SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProB, starting five): 17 games: 17.6ppg, Reb-3 (8.6rpg), 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 69.7%.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners enter the game as the favourite and will be extra motivated because even if there are only a few players left that had played for Didin, they will have told the new players enough interesting stories and facts about the ex Frankfurt coach to spur extra energy for this game from the new players. Frankfurt didnt have an easy last 10 days as they had to play games first without Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) and Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond) against Besiktas Istanbul at home playing well, but losing the lead in the second half and game and then playing very well in Oldenburg in a game they should of won, but lost in the last two minutes due to little mistakes. It was the first game of Buckman and Bucknor in Oldenburg where they played very well combining for 21 points. Frankfurt then went to Istanbul to try to advance to the next round of the Eurocup qualifying, but their hopes were dashed as they lost 84-76. All in all it was a fine effort considering the team is still finding together with the two new bucks. The team had foul problems in Istanbuhl, but gave up 31 points in the fourth quarter and didnt hit their three pointers. Frankfurt should be able to register a win on Sunday as they will have a packed Ballsporthalle with some Turks too, but the Skyliner players will be too focused to be blinded by the Turk flags that should be popping around in the arena. 'If Frankfurt plays solid defense and is able to run their offense, then they should be able to win', stressed Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle). 'We will have had an extra week to practice and we should be better than in Bremerhaven. The less mistakes that we make the harder it will be for Frankfurt to win', warned Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87). The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf on Sunday October 10 at 15:00.

Kyle Hines (Brose Baskets Bamberg) I Think We Can Repeat And Come To Terms With Pressure - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) is a 24 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his first season with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He's also a great leaper and reads the opponent's game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4 (8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP-2 (66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2 (3.5spg), Blocks-4 (1.6bpg), FGP-3 (64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010. He took some time to talk to Eurobasket about the current season.




A solid 70-59 win in Bamberg against Ratiopharm Ulm. What were the reasons for the win at home?


We got good defensive stops in the third and fourth quarters. At the start we were a bit excited because it was the first game, but once we started moving the ball we found success.


How happy were you with your performance of 13 points (5/6) in 20 minutes?


I was happy and anytime you help a team win you should be happy. Of course I always think that I can play better, but the most important thing is that we won that first game.


What was your impression of Ratiopharm Ulm?


Ulm has a very big team. They have 3-4 big post players. They also have skilled guards. They played well, but we made it difficult for them to score.


What was your impression of Robin Benzing who is one of the biggest German talents in Europe?


Benzing has good offensive skills for his size. He is very fundamental and hits the tough shots. I feel that he can do anything on offense. Once he matures, gets more experience and strength, he should be able to make the next step to the NBA.


How do you like Bamberg? Is it a lot different than Sicklerville to Bamberg in size?


I love Bamberg. It is not big and not small. The people are nice and there is good fan support. Sicklerville is a suburb of Philadelphia and not as big as Bamberg.


How have the Brose Baskets Bamberg developed since the first day of preseason and what does the team still need to work on?


Bamberg has developed well so far. The team has many players back from the championship team. They already have some chemistry and now me and Reyshawn have to find that chemistry, but with time it is always getting better and better. We need to work on getting defensive stops and rebounding. We gave up too many offensive rebounds to Ulm.


Will we see your teammate Reyshawn Terry in the NBA soon?


He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and had his chance coming out of North Carolina getting experience in NBA training camps. He has the ability to play in NBA and is all depends on the timing and being in the right place at the right time.


Bamberg is the big favourite to win back to back BEKO BBL titles. Will the team come to terms with the pressure?


I think we can repeat and come to terms with pressure. The last time a team repeated was 7 years ago. It shows how strong the league is. I think that we have the team to win if we stay humble, strong and work each day.


What makes coach Chris Fleming unique to you?



Coach has patience and willingness to teach us. He also has a good relationship to the players. He reminds me a lot of my college coach at NC-Greensboro.


Who were your NBA idols?


Michael Jordan because he was the best. Charles Barkley because he was always an undersized player like me. I always tried to pattern my game around his.I also liked Allan Iverson because he played for my hometown team 76ers.


Many compare you to ex Ulm American Jeff Gibbs because of your size and height. Gibbs played college football at Otterbein. If you played football what position would you play?


Football was always my first love. I played football in high school. I would play tight end or outside linebacker. The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets gave me tryouts when I came out of college.



What was your nicest college memory at NC-Greensboro?


I nicest memory was getting my jersey retired. My whole family and friends were there at it was a very special occasion.


You have been invited to play NBA Summer league the last few years. Do you think you can reach that level?



I can always work on things to get better. Reaching the NBA is about luck and finding the right moment.


You played two seasons in the Italian Lega 2. Is there much difference to the BEKO BBL?


The level is similar in many ways. The BEKO BBL is more fast paced, athletic and has more NBA players.


Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?


J J Redick was the best offensive player I ever played against. He was a senior at Duke when I played against him.


What were the most free throws that you hit in a row?


I went 10/10 from the free throw line at a road game.


What was the most crazy shot that you ever hit in a game or practice?



I drove baseline in a college game was fouled went out of boards and fired up a shot then came back over the backboard and went in.



What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


Iron Man 2.



Schwenningen Panthers choose Muamer Taletovic as Zherkov successor - by Moritz Korff
Muamer Taletovic has been named the new head coach of 2. Bundesliga Pro B side Schwenningen Panthers. The 35-year-old Bosnian follows Dennis Zheltov who stepped back from his position after just two games played. The Panthers had lost both encounters and various reports told about tension between the Russian coach and the players.
Taletovic who received the FIBA coaching license just recently spent several years as a professional basketball player in Germany, wearing the jersey of the Crailsheim Merlins, Nuernberg, Herten and Karlsruhe. In the 2005-06 season he also played for the Schwenningen Panthers for a while. In 2008 the 35-year-old returned to his native Bosnia and spent two more years shooting hoops for KK Triland in the A1 league.

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  GREECE   


Panellinios signs American guard Maurice Bailey - by Eurobasket News
Panellinios came up with the new signing for the next season. The Greek outfit inked a one-year deal with American guard Maurice Bailey (183-G-81, college: Sacred Heart). The 28-year-old player arrives to Panellinios from Spanish Xacobeo BS Obaridoro, where he finished last season. Bailey joined them in March this year registering 6.8 ppg and 1.5 apg in four ACB league games. He started the last season with Serbian squad Crvena Zvezda, but got released in November. For 8 Adriatic league games, Bailey collected 9.5 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.9 apg.
Season 2008/09, Maurice Bailey spent in Russia and was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention -09. He was a member of Spartak Primorie Vladivostok averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists for them in 22 games. Bailey finished the season as A Superleague fourth scorer. In 2007/08, Bailey played for Union Olimpija. He helped them to win the championship title in Slovenia with 10.7 ppg and 2.1 apg. In Euroleague that season he had 9.1 ppg and 2.2 apg. In the past, Bailey also played for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, Brest and Nancy. Nancy was his first professional job, after he graduated at the Sacred Heart University in 2004.

Ivkovic' assessment on Olympiacos: We want to play modern basketball - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Olympiacos played five friendly games within one week and at the same time it had been travelling, which makes its performance in Turkey and its victories as well, all the more important.
Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) made an assessment on the five games right after the victory against Efes Pilsen: 'We played five games in a week and pushed the guys a lot. There is a great margin for improvement and there has to be patience and time credit by everyone. I witnessed a great difference from the first game we played in Turkey till the last one against Efes Pilsen. At this point, we focus on what we can win and what we can improve. That's why we have been working', the Serbian coach commented, and then went on to talk in specific about Kostas Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90): 'When the pre-season started, I had told my associates to watch out for the young guys. Kostas Papanikolaou, Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) and Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90). I think we have been successful. Kostas Papanikolaou had been really scared before these games and it's positive he has adjusted to the team well'.
And although the young guys are good, the veterans are even better: 'The experienced players that had been also playing for the Mundobasket are going to find their rhythm later on. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) made a pre-season after ten years and gave everything he had got. Gordon Jamon Lukas (191-G-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Virginia Tech) and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) could have done more, but they were facing some problems that left them behind. But they tried and that's what counts'.
What comes next? 'The next two weeks are very important in order to prepare as best possible, in the midst of club events, like the team's presentation and the official photo shoot. We must remain focused'.
Ivcovic spoke in particular about the game against Efes Pilsen that has undoubtedly been the most difficult Olympiacos played in Turkey: 'We did not follow Efes in their plays, that playing with Nachbar at '4' and Roberts at '5'. We stayed within our own game and that's what we want for the team. Even if we lost, it wouldn't mean anything'.
Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) was asked on whether Olympiacos performance in Turkey is an example of how the team will play: 'It's early to tell about how we will play. For sure, we are going to be more creative and it shows by the number of assists we pass in every game. However, having that kind of players, we have to reduce the turnovers', the coach of the Piraeus team stressed and added: 'Having young players like Kostas Papanikolaou and Marko Keselj, who run and are athletic, we definitely want to run fast breaks and go after the offensive rebounds. We want to play modern basketball and that happens when 25% of the points comes from fast breaks and 60% from secondary ones'.
Finally, the 67-year old coach spoke about the first official game of the season for the Euroleague: 'We are going to have played only one official game before the Euroleague premiere while Real will have played more. I believe though that we will be ready'.



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  HOLLAND   


ABC Amsterdam Takes Care Of Business In Zwolle - by Sanders Jackson
Lots of sizzle, but unfortunately no steak.

In the new Landstede Sportcenter in Zwolle on Wednesday night, the young upstart team of Hakim Salem seized control of the momentum from the 2nd quarter on, standing up to the pressure and stepping up in crunch time, with ABC Amsterdam snatching an 85-76 road win.
The guests won every quarter after Landstede took a 23-16 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. The ABC Amsterdam team, the only team in the Dutch Basketball League currently playing without foreign (and I mean, American) players, had a balanced scoring attack of five players in double figures, with Dimeo v.d. Horst leading the way with 17 pts., with both Sergio van Randamie adding a double-double of 16 pts. and 12 rebounds, and Dutch international Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) adding 16. By Landstede the top scorer was Lawrence Borha with a game-high 21 pts. Matt Mullery added 17. By contrast, the four Landstede American players scored 56 of the teams 76 pts., so obviously that is what the end difference in the game boiled down to. ABC Amsterdam improves to 2-1, while Landstede falls to 1-2.



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


Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yok.
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 33
 1. Miller, Megido/Y.33.0 
 2. Dobie, Lev Hasharon32.0 
 3. Young, Hod Hasharon29.0 
 4. Webb, Hap.Tivon28.0 
 5. Dunne, Hapoel Afula26.0 
 6. Asbury, Hapoel T-A26.0 
 7. Gendal, Hod H.25.0 
 8. Hall, Beer Yaakov24.0 
 9. Golan, Elitzur Yavne23.0 
 10. Farhi, Beer Yaakov22.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Raviv PITSHON
  Lev Hasharon
  (202-C/F-89)
  Avg: 14
 1. Pitshon, Lev H.14.0 
 2. Aidan, Hapoel B-Sh.13.0 
 3. Lev, Macc.Habikaa12.0 
 4. Lewis, Ironi R.12.0 
 5. Rockett, Ironi N.11.0 
 6. Clemente, Megido/Y.11.0 
 7. Tramiel, Kohav Yair10.0 
 8. Utter, Hapoel T-A10.0 
 9. Bier-Katz, Hod H.10.0 
 10. Spicer, Elitzur Ramla9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Avi ELIYAHU
  Hapoel Afula
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 11
 1. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula11.0 
 2. Lahat, Hapoel T-A7.0 
 3. Timor, Hap.Tivon7.0 
 4. Yatzkan, Ironi R.7.0 
 5. Timberlake, Elitzu.6.0 
 6. Young, Hod Hasharon6.0 
 7. Volfer, Elitzur Yavne6.0 
 8. Berkowitz, Elitzu.6.0 
 9. Housman, Hap.Tivon5.0 
 10. Chaimovic, Hapoel T.5.0 
Steals Per Game
 Jitim YOUNG
  Hod Hasharon
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 8
 1. Young, Hod Hasharon8.0 
 2. Hofman, Elitzur .6.0 
 3. Miller, Megido/Y.5.0 
 4. Utter, Hapoel T-A4.0 
 5. Farhi, Beer Yaakov4.0 
 6. Harush, Kohav Yair4.0 
 7. Naor, Hapoel T-A4.0 
 8. Lewis, Ironi R.4.0 
 9. Harush, Kohav Yair3.0 
 10. Shtarkman, Megido/Y.3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Yivgeni LIUTRIN
  Beer Yaakov
  (200-C-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Liutrin, Beer Y.3.0 
 2. Gendal, Hod H.2.0 
 3. Shaltiel, Macc.Hab.2.0 
 4. Aidan, Hapoel B-Sh.2.0 
 5. Utter, Hapoel T-A2.0 
 6. Lewis, Ironi R.2.0 
 7. Knafo, Hapoel B-Sh.2.0 
 8. Young, Elitzur Ramla2.0 
 9. Rosefelt, Ironi R.2.0 
 10. Ermichin, Ironi R.2.0 


National League Round: 1 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Lev Hasharon - Macc.Habikaa 94-89
Lev Hasharon upset Macc.Habikaa 94:89 at the Regular Season Round 1. Dobie Antwan Henry was unstoppbale with 32 points and Tal Ronen (192-G-88) added 19. Matalon Noam produced 21 points in defeat and Brown Robert notched 19.

Ironi Nahariya - Hapoel T-A 69-90
Hapoel T-A grabbed 90:69 win over Ironi Nahariya. Brian Asbury (200-F-85, college: Miami (FL)) poured in 26 points and Eliyah Elad produced 20 points. Ibrahim Sunny finished the night with 15 points in defeat and Shifman Haran netted 13.

Elitzur Yavne - Hap.Tivon 92-87
Elitzur Yavne cruised past Hapoel Tivon 92:87 at the Regular Season Round 1. Nir Golan (180-G-86) poured in 23 points and Hofman Elad followed him with 19, while Timberlake Chad added 17. Webb Rodney chipped in 28 points in the losing effort.

Kohav Yair - Beer Yaakov 79-86
Kohav Yair lost to Beer Yaakov 79:86 on October 5th. Jermaine Hall (196-F-80, college: Wagner) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Farhi Ofir delivered 22. Tramiel Eric ended up with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case, while Zelkovits Aviram scored 14.

Ironi Ramat G. - Megido/Yok. 80-84
Ironi Ramat lost to Megido/Yok. 80:84 at the start of the league. Nate Miller (193-F-87, college: Bowling Green) erupted with 33 points for the winners and Clemente Ramon collected 14 points and 11 rebounds. Yatzkan Yariv responded with 19 points in the losing effort.

Elitzur Ramla - Hapoel B-Sh. 73-74
Elitzur Ramla was beaten by Hapoel B-Sh. 73:74 in a real thriller. David Paris (205-F-84, college: Bowie St.) led the way with 20 points for the winners and Fisher Albert as well as Bet-Yosef Yoad scored 14 each. Young Keena replied with 16 points in the losing effort.

Hod Hasharon - Hapoel Afula 101-96
Hod Hasharon edged Hapoel Afula 101:96 as Jitim Young (188-G-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Northwestern) stepped up with 29 points and 8 steals. Gendal Gerry delivered 25 points and Sharvit Koby scored 17. Dunne Tal Michael ended up with 26 points for the visiting side.



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


stats leader
Points Per Game
 Andrea BENEVELLI
  Trento
  (202-F-85)
  Avg: 23
 1. Benevelli, Trento23.0 
 2. Rugolo, Molfetta23.0 
 3. Conte, Trento20.5 
 4. Facenda, Senigallia19.5 
 5. Gigena, Massafra18.5 
 6. Riva, Patti18.0 
 7. Masper, Moncalieri18.0 
 8. Vico, Matera18.0 
 9. Carrizo, Ferentino18.0 
 10. Musso, Perugia17.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mario Jose GHERSETTI
  Brescia
  (200-F-81)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Ghersetti, Brescia10.5 
 2. Zerini, Ruvo10.5 
 3. Benfatto, Trieste10.0 
 4. Tassinari, Moncalieri10.0 
 5. De Min, Treviglio10.0 
 6. Rossi, Omegna9.5 
 7. Zambon, Rieti9.5 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia9.5 
 9. Corral, Molfetta9.0 
 10. Morena, Ostuni9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Simone LENARDON
  Trieste
  (189-G-85)
  Avg: 10
 1. Lenardon, Trieste10.0 
 2. Ferrarese, Trento5.5 
 3. Santolamazza, Ana.5.0 
 4. Gnaccarini, Senig.4.5 
 5. Tomasiello, Comsum.4.0 
 6. Scodavolpe, ASD P.4.0 
 7. Plateo, Piacenza4.0 
 8. Conti, Moncalieri3.5 
 9. Calabria, S.Antimo3.5 
 10. Rugolo, Molfetta3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jean Carlos CANELO
  Ozzano
  (188-G-89)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Canelo, Ozzano5.5 
 2. Scanzi, Riva d.5.0 
 3. Guarino, Trapani5.0 
 4. Sperduto, Pales.5.0 
 5. Bonamente, Perugia4.5 
 6. Carrizo, Ferentino4.5 
 7. Borgna, ASD Pavia4.5 
 8. Cardillo, Ferentino4.5 
 9. Parente, Recanati4.0 
 10. Carra, Omegna4.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 4
 1. Zerini, Ruvo4.0 
 2. Pozzi, Molfetta2.5 
 3. Ancellotti, Patti2.0 
 4. Maganza, Brescia1.5 
 5. Basei, Ostuni1.5 
 6. Gagliardo, S.Antimo1.5 
 7. Perego, Piacenza1.0 
 8. Fall, Ostuni1.0 
 9. Casadei, Comsum.i.1.0 
 10. Barbieri, Agrigento1.0 


Oyedeji terminate his agreement with Caserta - by Michele Berra
Pepsi JuveCaserta had decided to stop today the relationship with the player Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) (208-C/F-81). These are the words of President Caputo: 'We spent time and energy to create a gaming system and organization in which every element of our club has to identify and empathize. This applies to our employees, technical or otherwise, but even more for our players. Unfortunately, Olumide has failed to integrate into this system and, therefore, even if reluctantly, though convinced of his undoubted technical qualities, we made the decision to terminate our relationship. '
(From: www.juvecaserta.it)

Slay comes back in Varese - by Gianni Pascucci
Cimberio Pallacanestro Varese announces tonight the comeback of Ronald Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Tennessee) in red and white. He has just inked an agreeement till the end of the current season. Slay will replace in roster Dwayne Collins (203-F/C-88, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Miami (FL)), who hasn' t yet recovered from a knee problem and should leave the team soon.

*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


Jordan U16 lose to Lebanon - by Eurobasket News
Jordan U16 - Lebanon U16 59:84

Jordan got to a slow start of their WABA U16 Championship campaign. They surrendered against Lebanon on the first day of action in Tehran. Jimmy Salem knocked down 25 points to pace the winners. This tournament serves as the first phase of the qualification for the next years U16 Asia Championship. Jordan will take on Iraq tonight. Iraq came up with a sensational 78:73 victory over Iran in the opener.
Lebanon did not give too many chances for Jordan. The Lebanese team earned a 22:11 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 16-point mark at halftime. Jordan conceded 30 points in the third term to trail by as many as 37 points at the final break. Jordan went on a 23:11 rally in the final period but it was too late to save the encounter. Karim Einaboulsi and Gerard Hadidan produced 13 points each for the winning team. Alqum replied with 13 points and 8 rebounds for Jordan. Salim accounted for 11 points in the loss.

Jordan U16: Alqum 13, Salim 11
Lebanon U16: Jimmy Salem 25, Karim Einaboulsi 13, Gerard Hadidan 13


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Ghaleb Rida is Officially Sagesse's 4th List A player, and the 5th in a day or two ! - by Malek Bachir
Today and At 11:30 Am, The Lebanese SuperStar Ghaleb Rida (190-G-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) Signed for Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut.
With this addition , the ' GREENS ' having one goal and one goal only... The Title !
Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut Can still sign a 5th List A player, and our sources shows that the Club is in a Serious negotiations with Ali Fakhreddine (204-C-83) and his Team Riyadi Beirut.

Both Teams are participating in Hussam el Din Harriri Friendly cup, but first they will meet in a Friendly game Tomorrow Friday the 8th at 6 pm.



Waba U-15 Day 2 - by Malek Bachir
The first game Today Guaranteed the Iraqi NT the First Ticket for Asia U-16 after an easy win over Jordan 72-45, and that's Iraq second straight win.
On another hand, the Lebanese young Cedars did fall for the Iranian Squad in a Dramatic game full of suspense, 72-69.
A very impressive Performance for Jimmy Salem after his 24 points yesterday, Tonight he scored 30pts and grapped 8 rebounds .

Tomorrow Lebanon will face Iraq the leading team in this Edition of Waba , and the Irani Team will face Jordan the team with the weakest possibility to qualify.
Best of luck for Our Cedars!



Hugues Occansey OUT...Facundo Petracci IN for Hoops... - by Rabih Khoury
After several weeks from being Hoops Club new head coach, french Coach Hugues Occansey was released from Hoops Club management.
Hoops Club signed Argentinian coach Facundo Petracci . Facundo is a young coach that had a small experience in the middle east with AlIttihad Aleppo in Syria.
Facundo will be the new head coach of Hoops Club and has a big responsibility to keep the team with a good level where they reached the semi final last year.
Hoops Club signed Badih Souaid, Robert Bou Dagher and Rony Abou Jaoude, while the team lost 3 of the key players last year: Anthony Yammin to Sagesse, Hussein Khatib to Mouttahed and Amir Saoud to Riyadi.


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Techasas and Vasakidze part ways - by Emiliano
Panevezys Techasas and Nikoloz Vasakidze (192-G-85) parted ways. The Lithuanian team released the 25-year-old Georgian guard, who arrived last summer from Juventus. Vasakidze was signed after averaging 1.4 points and 0.7 assists in just 14 games during the last LKL.

Siauliai lands Zygimantas Janavicius - by Deivis Valiunas
Zygimantas Janavicius   (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) will play next season for BC Siauliai. The Lithuanian club has reached an agreement with Zalgiris, the current club of Janavicius, for the loan of the 21-year-old guard. Janavicius already finished last season loaned by Zalgiris, his club since 2008, in Aisciai Kaunas, where he averaged 16.6 points and 4.5 assists per game in the LKL. Zygimantas  is very fast play-maker with very good organizational skills and at the same time great scoring abilities



 

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


Standings - Nationale 2
N2 Standings
 1. Arantia 0-0 
 2. BBC Nitia 0-0 
 3. BC Mess 0-0 
 4. Grengewald 0-0 
 5. Heffingen 0-0 
 6. Mondorf 0-0 
 7. Racing 0-0 
 8. Red Miners Kayl 0-0 


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


Atlanta Hawks exercise option on Teague - by Emiliano
Atlanta Hawks decided to exercise the option on the contract of Jeff Teague (6'2''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) for the season 2011-2012. The guard averaged 3.2 points and 1.7 assists in 71 games played last season.

New Jersey Nets waive guard Eddie Gill - by Eurobasket News
Another player released in the NBA during the pre-season. The New Jersey Nets have announced that Eddie Gill (6'0''-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) has been waived, making the Nets' roster to stand now at 16 players. The 32-year-old guard, who already played during the 2007-08 season in the Nets, arrived to the Nets training camp after averaging 7.0 points and 4.3 assists per game in the Belgian league for Telenet Oostende.

Courtesy of www.thehoopsmarket.com

Knicks evaluating Wilson Chandler's progress, still working on deal for Portland's Rudy Fernandez - by Eurobasket News
Despite the overcast morning, the Knicks players and coaching staff stood in front of the Eiffel Tower Tuesday for a memorable team picture. Amar'e Stoudemire said he will give the photo to his son, while Raymond Felton said it is a keepsake for his family to cherish for generations.

'These guys have seen stuff that they may never do in their own life,' Mike D'Antoni said. 'It's got to be enriching to a certain degree.'

The Knicks conclude their European trip with a game against Minnesota tonight and then depart for New York Thursday. The journey through Milan and Paris has been a good bonding experience for the Knicks, who added 10 new faces during the offseason.

Tuesday, players poked fun at one another as they stood in the mud to pose for a photo that could be outdated before the end of the month. With Carmelo Anthony's future in Denver unresolved, the Knicks remain in the hunt for one of the NBA's elite players.

Donnie Walsh is confident he can acquire a first-round pick to include in a deal for Anthony but the Knicks president still might not have enough assets to convince Denver to trade its franchise player. The Nuggets remain hopeful that they can convince Anthony to sign an extension.

Meanwhile, Walsh would have a chance to pry Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) away from Portland with a first-round pick. The questions the Knicks had concerning Wilson Chandler (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) 's recovery from offseason surgery are one reason why the club has explored the possibility of acquiring Fernandez, the disgruntled shooting guard who is in camp with the Trail Blazers after threatening to return to Spain.

How well Chandler progresses during the preseason will determine whether the Knicks revisit talks with the Blazers. According to a team source, Walsh tested the waters last month by offering Portland two future second-round picks in addition to one of the two players the Knicks picked in the second round in June - Andy Rautins or Landry Fields.

The Blazers rejected the deal and have summarily turned down trade offers from Boston and Chicago as well. Chandler, entering his fourth season, is one of the Knicks' more versatile players but is better suited to play small forward. Fernandez is a natural shooting guard with better range who could flourish in D'Antoni's system.

Plus, Fernandez is still on his rookie contract, and adding him would not affect the Knicks' salary-cap situation. Chandler, however, is in his contract year.

In Milan, D'Antoni felt that Chandler was slightly behind his teammates in terms of conditioning. That's understandable considering that Chandler had surgery on his ankle and groin over the summer and began running at full speed only three weeks ago.

But Chandler looked strong in the preseason opener against Armani Jeans Milano, scoring 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting in 22 minutes. Chandler remains one of the Knicks' most unassuming players off the court and more valuable players on it. Walsh admires Chandler for his toughness and his ability to defend several positions.

Chandler's name comes up regularly in trade discussions, and Portland is divided on whether it would accept him in a deal for Fernandez. The Blazers would be more willing to swap Fernandez for a first-round pick and a player, possibly reserve guard Bill Walker.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Chicago Bulls waive Chris Richard - by Emiliano
The Chicago Bulls announced today the team has waived forward Chris Richard (6'9''-F/C-84, college: Florida). Richard (6-9, 256) signed with Chicago on September 27. Chicagos preseason roster now stands at 16.


Bucks waive Keith 'Tiny' Gallon, guard Tory Jackson and forward Billy Rush - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks waived forward Keith 'Tiny' Gallon on Wednesday, less than four months after selecting him late in the second round of June's draft.

Gallon was the 47th overall pick. He did not play in Milwaukee's first preseason game Tuesday night against Chicago.

'We wanted to do what's right for the organization and for the player,' said general manager John Hammond, who wanted to give Gallon a chance to join another NBA team instead of waiting until the end of camp.

Gallon was drafted before the Bucks made several moves to bolster their front court, and he appeared to be a long shot to make the team as soon as he entered camp.

Gallon didn't immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment from The Associated Press, but did post a short message from his Twitter account, where his location is listed as 'On mars.'

'Thanks to the Bucks 4 making my dream come Tru,' Gallon wrote. 'And the Fans and the Haters too.'

The 6-foot-9, 290-pound Gallon played a year in college at Oklahoma before declaring for the draft. He was caught up in an NCAA investigation that put his eligibility in doubt over a report his mother was wired $3,000.

Gallon, who was a one-time teammate of Bucks star Brandon Jennings in high school at Oak Hill Academy, Va., has said he knew nothing about the exchange of money. He says he learned it was a loan that was used to pay for his high-school transcripts to be released so he could attend Oklahoma.

The Bucks also cut guard Tory Jackson and forward Billy Rush. Both were signed on Sept. 27 to fill out the training camp roster. The Bucks have 17 players remaining in camp.

Courtesy of www.fox6now.com

Dwyane Wade out a couple of weeks - by Emiliano
Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), who got injured in the preseason game against Detroit Pistons, will be out for at least two weeks. Miami Heat's star suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday night.

Wade says he'll undergo treatment to help his sore right hamstring heal as soon as possible.


Timberwolves beat Knicks 106-100 in pre-season - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) and Martell Webster (6'8''-G-86) each scored 17 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks in an exhibition game Wednesday night.

Anthony Randolph (6'11''-F-89, college: LSU) led the Knicks with 14 points and Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82, agency: Rogue Sports) added 11.

Stoudemire, the Knicks' biggest off-season addition, hit only four of 11 field goal attempts. He scored 32 points on Sunday when the Knicks beat Italian team Olimpia Milano 125-113.

Stoudemire was surprised by Minnesota's defence.

'We're not used to seeing that in pre-season,' he said. 'We definitely committed too many fouls, something we talked about previously.'

The Timberwolves also won their first European pre-season tour game with a 111-92 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Minnesota's Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas St.), who scored 21 points against the Lakers, had 13 against the Knicks.

'We got the flexibility, we got the draft choices and free agents we were looking at. We feel like we are on our way to building a high-calibre team,' Timberwolves coach Kurt Randis said. 'We got off to a horrible start. We didn't play well at the beginning, that's a simple fact, and then we did a pretty good job starting with the second half.

Love said his team needs to cut out the mistakes.

'After halftime, we cut down on turnovers. We know we ended up with 30 plus (turnovers), which is atrocious to say the least,' Love said. 'We're going to have to clean that up. That's part of us being a very young team.'

Knicks guard Wilson Chandler scored nine points to help his team to a 29-22 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Minnesota got back into the game after Stoudemire missed a couple of shots and was replaced by Danilo Gallinari after committing his third foul.

Beasley's dunk off a rebound tied the game at 40-40, before Love put them ahead with a tip-in. Gallinari's three-pointer then put the Knicks back in front.

The Knicks led 48-47 at halftime, with Stoudemire getting six points. Love had 11 and Randolph 10.

The Timberwolves took a 72-63 lead in the third quarter when Anthony Tolliver made both free throws after he had been fouled by France centre Ronny Turiaf, who was playing in front of his home fans at Bercy indoor arena.

'We set up really well ... then we made too many fouls,' Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. 'But the energy is good.'

Courtesy of www.metronews.ca

Green leads Thunder past Bobcats 97-93 - by Eurobasket News
Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) scored 13 of his 25 points in the third quarter and Oklahoma City beat the Charlotte Bobcats 97-93 on Wednesday night in the Thunder's preseason opener.

James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) had 16 points, Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89) had 12 points and 11 rebounds and NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) added 12 for the Thunder. They never trailed in the fourth quarter and held the Bobcats without a field goal during the final seven minutes.

With owner Michael Jordan looking on from a courtside seat, Tyrus Thomas scored 16 points and Gerald Wallace and Boris Diaw added 14 apiece for the Bobcats (0-2).

The Bobcats closed within one when Derrick Brown's 3-pointer made it 89-88 with 7:07 remaining. But they managed just five points - on four free throws by Brown and one by Matt Rogers - the rest of the way. A night earlier, Charlotte managed just 25 points in the second half of an 87-72 loss at Cleveland.

At least this time, things clicked in the third quarter before the offense vanished in the fourth. The Bobcats used a 20-3 run shortly after halftime to erase a 12-point deficit.

The Bobcats held Oklahoma City to one field goal in a 6 1/2-minute span and took advantage of some assertive play at the other end of the court from point guard D.J. Augustin, who lofted a pretty fast-break alley-oop to Wallace two possessions before his 3-pointer made it 71-68 - the Bobcats' first lead since midway through the first quarter.

Brown finished with 12 points and Augustin scored 10 for Charlotte, which is adjusting to life without Raymond Felton - who left via free agency this offseason - and once again played without Augustin's backup.

Shaun Livingston missed his second straight game with soreness in his left knee. Coach Larry Brown said he developed some fluid that wasn't discovered in previous examinations, and is being cautious with him.

Center Nazr Mohammed (6'10''-C-77, college: Kentucky), who had been bothered by neck spasms, finished with three points and three rebounds in 13 1/2 minutes.

The Thunder return the heart of a rotation that carried them to the Western Conference playoffs, but they opened the preseason without three guards: rookie Jerome Dyson (lower back strain), Thabo Sefolosha (illness) and Daequan Cook (concussion). That's in addition to forward Nick Collison, who has a bone bruise in his left knee, and center Nenad Krstic, who had surgery last month to repair a broken finger. Ibaka started at center in their place.

The exhibition marked a homecoming of sorts for Thunder guard Eric Maynor, who played his senior year of high school in Fayetteville after growing up across the state in Raeford.

Maynor finished with 10 points, and his jumper early in the second quarter gave Oklahoma City its first double-figure lead at 37-27.

'It's just good to come home and play in front of family and friends, especially at this level,' Maynor said.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Celtics 93, 76ers 65: Boston bench looks like a strength - by Eurobasket News
When Kendrick Perkins (6'10''-C-84) tried to sit back down on the bench after a first-quarter timeout, he found his seat was gone: Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU),, just removed from the game, was taking up two seats by himself and showed no inclination to move over.

Perkins, relegated to street clothes until January after having undergone knee surgery in July, meekly shuffled around the end of the bench and into the second row of seats. He didnt reclaim his original seat until the next stoppage of play.

What happened on the bench on Wednesday night, however, wasnt as important as what was happening on the court while ONeal and Perkins watched. The Celtics presumptive starters sat and watched for most of the exhibition game against the Philadelphia 76ers, giving Doc Rivers his first chance to assess his bench in a game against an opponent.

Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) scored a game-high 14 points, and four reserves scored in double figures for the Celtics in their first exhibition game. With Philadelphia resting stars Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, the 76ers shot under 27 percent and Celtics cruised to an easy 93-65 win.

Our defense was phenomenal, Rivers said. Defensively, if we can play with that type of intensity and that type of ball pressure every night, were going to be tough to score on.

Among the bench players who showed their stuff, perhaps intriguing of all was Semih Erden, the 7-foot center who took over for ONeal in the middle. The floppy-haired rookie from Turkey, who wears a tight ends number (86) in honor of the year of his birth, will open the season third on the depth chart in the middle behind the two ONeals Shaq and Jermaine.

Given the likelihood that both veteran centers will miss time Jermaine is already nursing a hamstring injury, and Shaq is 38 years old Erden could see a more prominent role than many expect.

The thing I like about him is that hes competitive, Rivers said. Hes not going to back down from anybody. Hes a tough kid. He really does understand the pick-and-roll play. He doesnt understand all the other movement stuff we have in. Hell get that. Thats where Im concerned whether he can get that in time to play.

The 24-year-old more than held his own on Wednesday against the 76ers. He scored 13 points and pulled down 5 rebounds while blocking 2 shots.

Its good, said Erden, who understands more English than he speaks. I was still a little bit nervous, but I played good. Every day, I get better.

He looked most impressive on the defensive end, moving his feet well and holding his own with the 76ers big men down low. He committed a foul on his first defensive possession, but he stepped out nicely on a pick-and-roll to force a turnover a minute or so after that. He forced another turnover when a Philadelphia guard dribbled straight into him along the baseline.

You can see hes played the game, Rivers said. He has a really high IQ, and hes been able to pick up our defense really well. He had some coverages today that were fantastic the bumps, getting back out, finding his guy in rotation. That takes a while to get, and he has it already.

Erden dunked home his first unofficial points in a Celtics uniform late in the first quarter, and he hit all four of his first-half free throws. In the second half, he flashed a nifty hook shot over a smaller forward in the lane.

Courtesy of www.projo.com

Pistons' Jonas Jerebko to miss 5-6 months; Terrico White also out - by Eurobasket News
The Detroit Pistons were hit hard by injuries in their first preseason game.

Jonas Jerebko (6'9''-F-87), one of the team's few players to not get hit by a significant injury last season, partially ruptured his right Achilles tendon and is expected to miss five to six months after surgery Friday, the team said. He went down in a heap in the first quarter when he collided with Heat center Joel Anthony.

Coach John Kuester was down about the news when reached by phone this afternoon.

I just feel bad for Jonas, Kuester said. He had worked so hard over the summer to get ready for this season.

Jerebko also injured his shoulder on the play, though the Achilles injury is much more serious.

Jerebkos injury hurts a team that was already lacking post players. The 6-foot-10 Swede played in a team-high 80 games last year as a rookie, averaging 9.3 points and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, rookie Terrico White (6'5''-G-90, college: Mississippi) broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the fourth quarter. He also will have surgery Friday, but his recovery timetable is uncertain. White was drafted in the second round with the 36th pick overall this year. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 15 points last season as a sophomore at Mississippi.

Forward Chris Wilcox didnt play against the Heat as a precaution because of a hamstring injury.

Courtesy of www.freep.com

Raptors handle Suns 129-78 - by Eurobasket News
Forward Linas Kleiza (6'8''-F-85, college: Missouri) led all scorers with 20 points and the Toronto Raptors handled the Phoenix Suns 129-78 in an exhibition game on Wednesday night.

Kleiza added five rebounds and two steals. Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89, college: USC) scored 16 points, while Joey Dorsey (6'9''-F-83, college: Memphis) added 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

It was the first game of the exhibition for the Raptors, who wrapped up their six-day training camp in Vancouver before heading home to Toronto. Phoenix remained winless in the preseason.

Phoenix guard Steve Nash, a two-time league MVP from Victoria, British Columbia, was limited to nine points in just over two quarters.

The Suns' Jared Dudley (6'7''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) scored 10 points while former Raptor Hedo Turkoglu (6'9''-F-79), who was traded in the offseason, scored six points and led Phoenix with eight rebounds.

The Raptors played their first exhibition game in Vancouver, although they faced the Vancouver Grizzlies five times in the same arena between 1995-2000 before the West Coast club was relocated to Memphis, Tenn.

Nash drew the biggest cheers from the fans. But most of the crowd at Rogers Arena supported the Raptors. Fans booed Turkoglu every time he touched the ball - and jeered him every time he committed a foul or mistake.

Both clubs missed several shots and layup attempts in the early going as the lead changed hands eight times. The Suns jumped out to a 15-10 advantage as Nash made a free throw, courtesy of a Toronto technical for a 3-second violation, and then made a jump shot.

But those were the only three points he scored in the initial period, and the Raptors went on a 14-3 run to lead 24-13 after the first quarter. Holding Nash to just two points in the second quarter, the Raptors extended their lead to 55-39 at halftime.

Notes: Several Vancouver Canucks players, including Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson, Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows watched the game from courtside. Darcy Hordichuk, appearing jovial after being traded to the Florida Panthers earlier in the day, was in the crowd and came by at halftime to say a quick goodbye to his former teammates.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

*****************************************************
  NICARAGUA   


ABA adds a travel team from Nicaragua - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association announced to have added a Travel Team from Nicaragua based out of Atlanta, GA and under the supervision of Georgia Gwizzlies owner, Embry Malone .
The team will play a limited number of games with ABA teams and also will travel to Nicaragua to play this season. 'I have been working with Marlon Moraga for the past year to make this a reality,' stated Malone. 'We are building, developing and training Nicaraguans to play professional basketball. Our long term goal is to build a basketball venue in Nicaragua as we keep our eyes on the prize, to reach the 2016 Olympics qualifications for Nicaragua.'
'Atlanta has a large international community in the Doraville, Chamblee and Gwinnett County. Players from Central and South America - and the US - are invited to Open Tryouts on November 26th at the South Cobb Rec Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell GA from 9-12 noon,' added Malone. For more information about the Nicaragua N.A. team, contact Embry Malone at 678 508 0467 or email gwizzlies@msn.com

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


17th Afrobasket for U18 Men: Nigeria land in Kigali - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria National Team for U18 Men have arrived Kigali, Rwanda for the 17th Afrobasket for U18 Men starting today with the draw of the twelve countries in the Rwandan capital.

The Nigeria team coached by the duo of Coaches Emmanuel Odah and Ogoh Odaudu includes twelve players and led by board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Lt. Col. Olasunkanmi Olatoye.

The twelve according to a release from the Secretariat of the continent governing body, FIBA Africa will be grouped into two groups of six teams each with the first top-four countries from each group making it to the knock-out stages of the championship.

And as with tradition of hosting a championship of this magnitude host Rwanda will be seeded in Group-A with defending champion, Egypt leading Group-B, Angola 2008 first runner-up and Nigeria who placed third in 2008 might also be accorded same respect.

Nigeria will be presenting a crop of youthful players who finished third in the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship for U16 Men held in Maputo, Mozambique and are determined to fight for one of the two 2011 FIBA Championship ticket.

One significant thing about the Nigerian team is the fact that its Assistant Coach, Ogoh Odaudu won the 1998 edition of the Afrobasket for U18 Men with Nigeria alongside Olumide Oyedeji of Pepsi Caserta basketball club of Italy and Benjamin Eze of Montepaschi Siena also of the Italian SerieA and will be gunning for the title with the Nigeria youth team this time as a coach.

Some of the players to be paraded by Nigeria includes Peter Odia, Peter Echoi and Chukwunanu Agwu.

Other countries that will campaign for honours in the Kigali show-down includes host Rwanda, defending champion Egypt, Angola, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Mali.

Others are Cote dIvoire, Congo, Gabon, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The championship runs from October 7 through 17 at the gymnasium of the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda.

*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


3rd National League 5th rounds scores - by Santiago Maciel
In double header night Libertad and Sol de America emerged with very important victories at the end of 5th round dispute.

San Jose 88-Libertad 89. ARENA: SND.
San Jose: Daniel Bonhaure, Victor Arza 4, Guillermo Osorio 18, Hector Vairoletto 26 , Gerard DVaungh 13. COACH:: Santiago Ochipinti. Luis Ljubetic 4, Hugo Paredes 11 y Luis Fernando Dose (201-F/C-65) 12.
Libertad: Daniel Perez 27, Gustavo Paniagua 4, Richard Ozuna 19, Christian Rodas , Marcos Tannel 5. COACH: Luis Orono, Luis Ocampos, Juan Daniel Ocampo, Diego Bareiro 4, Ryan Blankson 3 , Roberto Laratro 17. Final score: SJ 88 (20+25+20+23)-L 89 (16+27+27+19).

Sol de America 91-Olimpia 89.
Sol de America: Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) 19, Aldo Acosta 28, Jose Cabrera, Ronald Selleaze (197-F-76, agency: Dream Team Management, college: CSU Bakersfield) 13 , Jose Fabio 11. COACH: Juan Pablo Feliu, Renzo Ferrari 12, Edison Ortiz 6 y Eduardo Acosta 2.
Olimpia: Carlos Luis Vallejos (183-G-92) 5, Federico Mellone 3, Victor Brizuela 12, Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) 20 , Gregory Lewis 26. COACH Cristian Viveros, Ramon Sanchez 10, Bruno Martinessi 11 y Anderson Villamayor 2. Final: Sol 91 (30+21+18+22)-Olimpia 89 (23+15+29+22).
F.O: Ferrari (S) y Brizuela (O).



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


PBL Mourns The Loss of John Strickland - by Eurobasket
) It is with great sadness that the Premier Basketball League has learned of the passing today of the Halifax Rainmen's most popular player, John Strickland (6'8''-F/C-72, college: Hawaii-Pacific). According to news reports, Strickland passed away in his sleep. He was 38 years old.

Strickland, who played for the Rainmen in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, recently moved into the Rainmen's front office as its Director of Basketball Development. 'I was devastated to hear that 'Strick' passed away,' said Halifax CEO and President Andre Levingston. 'He was a valuable asset to the team and an incredible friend to me. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family, we will all miss him very, very, much.'

Strickland, who played his college ball at Hawaii-Pacific, spent fifteen years in professional ball, playing in several minor and overseas leagues. In the Continental Basketball Association, he was named an All-Star in 2008. He was also one of the most popular players on the 'Terror Squad' basketball team in New York's Harlem Rucker League.

But it was his last two professional years, in Halifax, where he achieved cult hero status. Fans in Halifax's Section 22, also known as 'Heckler's Row,' wore custom-made Strickland 45 jerseys and cheered for him every time he touched the ball.
'Stickland will be a missed dearly by the entire PBL family,' said Dr. Sev, Chairman of the Premier Basketball League. 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be well remembered.'

'John Strickland played with joy and excitement every time he touched the basketball,' said Chuck Miller, Premier Basketball League photographer and media specialist. 'He always got the crowd - whether home or away - into every basketball game he played. This is a very sad day.'

Strickland also received recognition in the music world, as rapper Jay-Z name-checked the forward in his track 'PSA.' 'My homey Strick told me, 'Dude finish your breakfast,' so that's what I'ma do...'

The Halifax Rainmen will organize a tribute to Strickland during the upcoming season.

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Talk 'N Text drubs injury-hobble defending champs - by Eurobasket News
Talk n Text picked up its game in the second quarter behind its second unit and sustained the heat in the final half en route to an 87-76 win over title-holder B-MEG Derby Ace in Day Two of the 2010-2011 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Harvey Carey (191-F-79, college: Sonoma St.), Jason Castro (173-G-86) and new recruit Larry Fonacier (186-G-82) played big coming off the bench, each making an impact as the Texters got off to a rousing start in the leagues 36th season.

Carey put in 17 points and the same number of rebounds, Castro chipped in 13 points, five assists and four rebounds while Fonacier added 11 markers, two feeds and one board helping the Texters withstand the Llamados in a highly physical match.

Starters Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii), Ryan Reyes, Ali Peek, Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag had their contributions but the TnT reserves stole the thunder on their exploits on crucial moments.

Behind Carey, Castro, Fonacier and Aaron Aban, the Texters went on a decisive surge in the second quarter, building momentum they sustained to the finish.

The Texters survived the rugged encounter marred by several hard fouls, including a grappling infraction by Ali Peek on Rico Maierhofer that triggered a commotion in the third quarter.

Earlier, Maierhofer, the 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year awardee, sustained a cut on the chin on a wayward elbow by Dillinger.

Its like a gang war out there, said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

We love the new rules but the officials must make sure keeping the fine line bordering hard fouls and those beyond that, Reyes added.

The Texters coped with the situation, thus, dominating the game from the second quarter onwards.

This is the way we will win. We have to grind it out each night, said Reyes.

We see tonight portents of things to come how hard we have to go to win a game. We have to be stronger than the other teams, Reyes added.

Definitely, the Llamados had a harder time playing their first game in the season minus injured starters Kerby Raymundo, Rafi Reavis and Marc Pingris.

Derby Ace, under new head coach George Gallent, also missed the services of Romel Adducul and new recruit Jerwin Gaco.

Though not in the best of shape coming from a minor surgery, James Yap was forced to play extended minutes, making key baskets that kept the team within striking distance in the third period.

The two-time MVP winner pumped in 12 points all in the third canto. (SB)


The scores:

Talk n Text 87 -- Dillinger 18, Carey 17, Castro 13, Reyes 12, Fonacier 11, Aban 6, Peek 4,
Williams 3, Alapag 3.

Derby Ace 76 -- Villanueva 20, Simon 18, Yap J. 13, Salvador 9, Maierhofer 6, Yap R. 4, Allado 4,
Canaleta 2, Timberlake 0.

Quarterscores: 17-23, 44-36, 70-59, 87-76

Courtesy of www.pba.com.ph



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


Marcin Gortat wants bigger role, but Orlando Magic not interested - by Eurobasket News
At the EuroBasket qualifying tournament in August, few big men were more dominant than Poland's Marcin Gortat (213-C-84).

He led the tournament in field-goal percentage. He played almost every minute. He had 29 points against Belgium. 23 against Bulgaria.

When playing for Poland, Gortat is the man. His teammates look to him almost every trip down the court, feeding him the ball near the hoop and out near the perimeter. Jumpers, post-ups, cuts off the pick and roll; Gortat shows off a versatile offensive repertoire when playing for his home country.

Then Gortat returns to Orlando, where his role is simple: rebound, defend and run the floor. Stuck backing up the league's best center, few plays are called for Gortat. On offense, he's little more than a pick-setter and boards-crasher.

When Gortat does try to showcase his offensive game with the Magic, he gets talked to by the coaching staff.

And that adjustment has not been easy for the 26-year-old big man.

'There are days when I'm about to explode and just say a couple of things or go to the coach and tell him what I want to do,' Gortat said. 'I feel like I'm one of the guys who has to sacrifice a lot to adjust to this team. I can tell you that it's not easy.'

The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, are not overly concerned about Gortat's desire to play more offense. During the team's 3 1/2- hour meeting last Monday, his teammates told him they wanted him to focus on his role of defending, rebounding and running the floor.

They weren't interested in any offensive flash from Dwight Howard's backup.

'A lot of players feel that they can do more than what everybody's asking them to do,' Howard said. 'But you've gotta know your role. Teams that win championships, everybody knows their role.'

After the first week of training camp, coach Stan Van Gundy was concerned about Gortat's focus on his role.

He finished last among Orlando's big men in rebounding and failed to register a block in the team's four scrimmages last week. And Gortat shot just 36 percent from the field among the worst on the team. In Tuesday night's preseason opener, however, Gorat scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds in a little more than 20 minutes.

'I think that he's a guy who has a lot of trouble accepting his role,' Van Gundy said. 'He really wants to be more of an offensive player. I'm not discouraging that. But he needs to focus on defending and rebounding and running the floor. He needs to get back to that.

'Those are the things he does well, and he has not done a good job of that.'

The Dallas Mavericks made Gortat an offer worth about $34 million over 5 years last summer. In Dallas, Gortat would be the starter alongside forwards Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion. He'd be the leading big man on a Western Conference contender.

Somewhat surprisingly, Orlando matched the offer. At the time many thought Gortat was simply long-term trade bait, but it's looking more and more as if the Magic intend to keep him around as Howard insurance.

Gortat isn't unhappy in Orlando he likes his teammates, the city and the legitimate possibility of a championship but the thought of playing a bigger role somewhere else rarely leaves his mind.

'I'm entering my prime years,' Gortat said. 'I want to keep winning, but I also want to play. So I hope I'm going to have both those things.'

Gortat is generally a good soldier. It's not as if he walks around the Magic facilities with a chip on his shoulder. He's always laughing and joking with his teammates; he's a pleasant guy to be around.

Van Gundy likes him, saying 'I have great faith in him. He's a smart guy, he plays hard, he knows what he's doing and he fits well with us.'

Gortat, though, won't see his role grow larger in Orlando anytime soon. His role, now and in the future, is clear: rebound, defend and run the floor.

'I'm interested in trying to do what's best for our team,' Van Gundy said. 'Some guys will have to accept some things role-wise; every guy out here has to accept some things role wise.'

Courtesy of www.orlandosentinel.com

Wojdyla's double-double lands him 1Liga Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
33-year old forward Tomasz Wojdyla (201-F-77) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Asecco Prokom 2 Gdynia and receives a Eurobasket.com 1Liga Player of the Week award for round 3.
He had a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds, while his team outclassed Gornik Walb. (#9, 1-2) with 34-point margin 105-71. It allowed Asec.Prokom-2 to consolidate first place in the Polish 1Liga. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Asec.Prokom-2 already had a very good start winning all 3 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Wojdyla had a remarkable 90.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Asec.Prokom-2's top player in his first season with the team. Wojdyla has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 20.7ppg) and averages solid 80.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Wojciech Zurawski (199-F/C-76) of ISS Sportino Inowroclaw. He is a forward in his first season at ISS Sportino. In the last game Zurawski recorded impressive double-double of 35 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead ISS Sportino to another comfortable win 77-60 over Polonia 2011 (1-2) being unquestionably team leader. The season is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Zurawski is a newcomer at ISS Sportino and quickly became the team's new leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.0ppg (#6). He also registered 9.7 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Lukasz Pacocha (182-G-82, agency: Promotex) of AZS Szczecin (#5). Pacocha scored 23 points and passed six assists. He was a key player of AZS Szczecin, leading his team to a 91-76 easy win against LKS Lodz (#10, 1-2). AZS Szczecin needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 2 victories and 1 lost games. Pacocha has a great season in Poland. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.3ppg (2nd best) and assists with 6.0apg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tomasz Andrzejewski (204-F/C-79) of Asec.Prokom-2 - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Michal Michalak (194-G-93) of Polonia 2011 - 10 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Przemyslaw Szymanski (198-F-84) of Znicz Basket - 21 points and 6 rebounds
7. Maciej Majcherek (190-G-82) of AZS Szczecin - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Stanislaw Prus (199-F-82) of AZS Szczecin - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Marcin Sterenga (201-F-78) of Gornik Walb. - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Michal Jankowski (192-G-87) of Polonia 2011 - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists

*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


17th Afrobasket for U18 Men: Nigeria land in Kigali - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria National Team for U18 Men have arrived Kigali, Rwanda for the 17th Afrobasket for U18 Men starting today with the draw of the twelve countries in the Rwandan capital.

The Nigeria team coached by the duo of Coaches Emmanuel Odah and Ogoh Odaudu includes twelve players and led by board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Lt. Col. Olasunkanmi Olatoye.

The twelve according to a release from the Secretariat of the continent governing body, FIBA Africa will be grouped into two groups of six teams each with the first top-four countries from each group making it to the knock-out stages of the championship.

And as with tradition of hosting a championship of this magnitude host Rwanda will be seeded in Group-A with defending champion, Egypt leading Group-B, Angola 2008 first runner-up and Nigeria who placed third in 2008 might also be accorded same respect.

Nigeria will be presenting a crop of youthful players who finished third in the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship for U16 Men held in Maputo, Mozambique and are determined to fight for one of the two 2011 FIBA Championship ticket.

One significant thing about the Nigerian team is the fact that its Assistant Coach, Ogoh Odaudu won the 1998 edition of the Afrobasket for U18 Men with Nigeria alongside Olumide Oyedeji of Pepsi Caserta basketball club of Italy and Benjamin Eze of Montepaschi Siena also of the Italian SerieA and will be gunning for the title with the Nigeria youth team this time as a coach.

Some of the players to be paraded by Nigeria includes Peter Odia, Peter Echoi and Chukwunanu Agwu.

Other countries that will campaign for honours in the Kigali show-down includes host Rwanda, defending champion Egypt, Angola, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Mali.

Others are Cote dIvoire, Congo, Gabon, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The championship runs from October 7 through 17 at the gymnasium of the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda.

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


Radnicki grabs Vladislav Dragojlovic, completes roster - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac has landed another new player and at the same time completed its roster for the upcoming season. The Serbian outfit signed a one-year deal with big guy Vladislav Dragojlovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket). The 32-year-old player returns to Serbia after two seasons abroad. He spent the latest one in Russia averaging 5.5 points and 2.1 rebounds for 18 games with Lokomotiv Kuban. They also competed in EuroChallenge, where Dragojlovic added 9.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 6 games.
On season 2008/09, Vladislav Dragojlovic was the leading scorer of Ukrainian UBL championship. He was a member of SK Cherkasy Monkeys at that time registering 18.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for then in 36 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UBL 2nd Team -09. The last time in Serbia Dragojovic played in 2007/08 season. He joined Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac in April of 2008 collecting 15.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg for them in 13 games. Before that, he helped Buducnost Podgorica to win the title in Montenegro and to reach the Adriatic League Quarterfinals. In 2006/08, Dragojlovic played in Greece as a member of Panionios Forthnet Athens. In the past, he also played for Crvena Zvezda, OKK Beograd and Sloga Kraljevo, all Serbian teams. He grabbed to National Cup trophies with Crvena Zvezda.

Vojvodina Srbijagas inks Bogdan Riznic - by Eurobasket News
Vojvodina Srbijagas announced signing of Bogdan Riznic (202-G/F-90) for the upcoming season. At the same time, the Serbian outfit extended deals with Ivan Bosnjak (198-G-82, agency: BeoExcell), Aleksandar Jevdjic (203-C-82, agency: BeoExcell) and Milos Marjanovic (207-C-81, agency: BeoExcell).
Bogdan Riznic heads to Vojvodina Srbijagas from Ergonom Nis, where he spent last season. The young G/F appeared 23 times for the club averaging 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Riznic is a product of Partizan Belgrade youth selections. He made his senior debut in 2007, but failed to earn a more playing time with the Serbian powerhouse. In 2008/09, Riznic had about 3 ppg and 2.5 rpg in Serbian and Adriatic league.
Ivan Bosnjak, Aleksandar Jevdjic and Milos Marjanovic joined Vojvodina Srbijagas last summer. Bosnjak played 26 games for the club registering 10.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.2 apg. He already was their member in the past. Jevdjic had 9.3 ppg, .38 rpg and 1.1 apg last season in 24 games. He played for Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac, Leotar Trebinje, Zlatorog Lasko and Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana in the past. Marjanovic posted averages of 4.2 points, 4.5 rebound and 1.1 assists last season in 24 games. He was playing for Lavovi 063 Belgrade, Zdravlje Leskovac and Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac.

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


Duane Erwin debuted for Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Duane Erwin (206-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Memphis) debuted for Nitra in the Regular Season 4. Nitra however was beaten by Svit 89:94 at home. McCoy Adam erupted with 31 points for the winners and Sismilich Vladimir nailed 16. Moore Ronald ended up with 22 points in the losing effort and Tomek Branislav collected 18 points and 10 boards. Duane Erwin ended up with 11 points and 9 rebounds.
The American Forward played last year for SAV Vacallo (Switzerland). After 36 games he averaged 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 83.7%. he was named Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA 1st Team 10, reached Swiss LNA Regular Season Runner-Up 10, Swiss Cup Finalist 10, Swiss LNA Semifinals -10 and Swiss League Cup Semifinals -10. In his top game Vacallo held off ambitious Nyon in overtime to remain on top of the table. Duane Erwin scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the hosts. Matt Schneidermann delivered 18 points for the winners. Yuanta Holland answered with 17 points and 6 boards for Nyon.
Duane Erwin also has experience playing for Los Angeles D. (USA-D-League), Sumykhimpr. (Ukraine),
Verviers-Pep. (Belgium), Lugano Tigers (Switzerland) and Albuquerque (USA-D-League).


Extraliga Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Nitra - Svit 89-94
Nitra was beaten by Svit 89:94 at the Regular Season Round 4. Adam McCoy (193-G-86, college: N.Texas) erupted with 31 points for the winners and Sismilich Vladimir nailed 16. Moore Ronald ended up with 22 points in the losing effort and Tomek Branislav collected 18 points and 10 boards.

Vahostav-Zilina - Pezinok 80-78
Vahostav-Zilina rolled over Pezinok 80:78 to hand them their first loss. Justin Carter (193-F-87, college: Creighton) shined with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Podhorsky Michal and Kozar Michal scored 11 each. Lukjanec Andrej ended up with 26 points in the losing effort.

Handlova - B.Bystrica 73-72
Handlova rolled over B.Bystrica 73:72 on October 6th. Marcel Madaj (200-F-78) stepped up with 20 points and Barisic Ivan posted 16. Velcic Davor ended up with 15 points and 11 boards, while Cvitanovic Ivica collected 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Nova Ves - Komarno 82-69
Nova Ves improved to 3-1 record beating Komarno 82:69 last night. Louis Johnson (203-F/C, college: W.Illinois) poured in 24 points for the winners and Mielczarek Artur delivered 14. Burrows Jaraun and Jackson responded with 20 points each in the losing effort.



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


Litija tabs Marolt, Rituper returns to Gorica, Triglav adds Ninic, Konjice inks Malus - by Zeljko Zule
Litija (B1) signed Luka Marolt (201-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) for the 2010-11 season. He arrives from Geoplin Slovan, for whom he averaged 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 20 games of Telemach League.
A familiar face is back in Nova Gorica (B1) as experienced Rajko Rituper (202-F-75) signed a one-year deal. Rituper arrives from Savinja Zalec, where he averaged 10.4 points in 15 Division III League games last season. Rituper played for Nova Gorica in the 2003-04 season, averaging 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 21 Slovenian B-1 League games.
Triglav (B1) reinforced its backcourt signing Uros Ninic (190-G-86). He spent last season in local rival Sencur CPK, where he averaged 10.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 22 minutes in 29 Telemach League games.
Konjice (B1) improved its roster inking former U-18 national team member Sven Malus (194-F-91) He arrives from Savinja Zalec, where he averaged 19.1 points in 14 games of Division III last season.



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  SOUTH AMERICAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS  


John Strickland, we are here today and gone tomorrow - by Wolfgang Lucena
Nobody expect that a healthy athlete can leave us without notices. Outstanding John Strickland didn't want to retire from the basketball court due to his good shape, but last night his heart failed him opening a big hole in our basketball community. In Venezuela we had the great pleasure to see John Strickland playing for some of our teams in the Professional Basketball League. We are going to miss a great man as well as the numbers he use to put on every game since he was a high school athlete at New York, N.Y. /Park West HS
1990-1991: Jacksonville JC (NJCAA)
1991-1992: Jacksonville JC (NJCAA): 26 games: 21.2ppg, 9.3rpg, FGP: 61.8%
1992-1993: Louisville (NCAA): Did Not Play
1993-1994: Hawaii Pacific (NAIA): 35 games: 23.0ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.1%
1994-1995: Hawaii Pacific (NAIA): 34 games: 23.3ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.4%
1995-1996: Omaha Racers (CBA): 24 games: 7.0ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 45.6%, FT: 57.3%, released in Jan.'96
1996: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 25 games: 20.6ppg, Reb-10 (7.6rpg), 2.4apg, FGP: 55.6%,FT:57.3%
1997: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 23 games: Score-4 (27.1ppg), 8.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 56.1%
1997-1998: Villa Duarte (Dominican Republic)
1998: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 22 games: Score-6 (22.8ppg), 7.4rpg, Assists-10 (4.0apg), FGP: 56.2%, FT: 49.5%
1998: Samsung (South Korea)
1998-1999: in Nov.'98 signed with Ft.Wayne Fury (CBA) and released the same month, then 2 games played for Belgrano (Argentina): 2 games: 20.0ppg, in Dec.'98 was signed by Dijon (France-ProA), then went to Harrisburg Horizon (UBA): Score-1 (33.0), Reb-2 (10.3), Assists-5 (3.9), FGP-2 (61.9%)
1999: Long Island Surf (USBL): 3 games: 26.0ppg, 8.7rpg, 5.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 54.7%, FT: 52.6%, in June was signed by Brooklyn Kings (USBL): 4 games: 17.3ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.8%, FT: 47.4%, in June signed wirh Los Prados (Dominican Republic): but then waived during the season
1999-2000: Guloyas de San Pedro de Macoris (Dominican Republic), in Dec.'99 signed by San Diego Stingrays (IBL, starting five): 16.2ppg, 6.6rpg
2000: in April '00 signed by Villa Duarte (Dominican Republic), in May signed by Long Island Surf (USBL): 2 games: 28ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 63.6%, FT: 48.3%, released before the end of season
2000: Los Angeles Pro-Am League (Primetime Team)
2000: drafted by Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs (ABA,9rd (89))
2000-2001: Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs (ABA, starting five): 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg; in Feb.'01 replaced Thalamus McGhee at Snaidero Udine (Italy-A1): released the next month: 1 game: 2pts, 4reb
2001: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2001: Blu Summuer League in Treviso (Italy)
2001-2002: In Nov.'01 played for New York Ravens touring team, which played exhibition games against NCAA teams, then joined Fayetteville Patriots (NBDL, starting five): 25 games: 15.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 58.0%, in Feb.'02 moved to Mobile Revelers (NBDL, starting five): 12 games: 14.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.8%, FT: 60.0%, and then finally to Columbus Riverdragons (NBDL): Regular Season: 4 games: 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 39.1%, FT: 6-9; Play-Offs: 3 games: 11.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.7spg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 35.0%
2002: Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)
2002 Rucker Park summer League in New York (Terror Squad team)
2002: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2002-2003: In Nov.'02 signed at Ovarense Aerosoles Ovar (Portugal-TMN), released in Feb.'03: Portuguese TMN League: 5 games: 17.2ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg
2003: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2003 November: SLAM ALL-STARS playing exhibition games against NCAA teams
2003-2004: In Nov.'03 signed at Orthodox (Jordan-First Division)
2004 July: Big Apple Pro-Am Showdown in New York (Team D.C.)
2004-2005: In Nov.'04 signed at Reflex Beograd (SCG-1A), released during the season: Adriatic League: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 47.1%
2005: Harlem Globetrotters: released in Feb., next month signed at Gaiteros de Zulia (Venezuela-LPB), in April agreed terms with Conterras (Dominican Republic-Puerto Plata)
2005: Harlem Wizards (exhibition team)
2005-2006: Strong Island Sound (ABA): 8 games: 23.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 1-3, FT: 60.0%, left in Dec.'05
2006 July: EBC Rucker Park Summer League in New York (Pearl Harbor team)
2006-2007: Brooklyn Wonders (ABA), in Feb.'07 moved to Albany Patroons (CBA): 23 games: 13.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FG: 58.0%, FT: 49.1%
Minot Skyrockets (CBA)
Bucaneros de La Guaira (LPB)
2005: Harlem Wizards (exhibition team)
2005-2006: Strong Island Sound (ABA): 8 games: 23.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 1-3, FT: 60.0%, left in Dec.'05
2006 July: EBC Rucker Park Summer League in New York (Pearl Harbor team)
2006-2007: Brooklyn Wonders (ABA), in Feb.'07 moved to Albany Patroons (CBA): 23 games: 13.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FG: 58%, FT: 49.1%
2007-2008: Minot Skyrockets (CBA)
2008-2009: Bucaneros de La Guaira (LPB)
2010: Halifax Rainmen (Canada-PBL): 22 games: 4.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg.

John Strickland (203-F/C-72, college: Hawaii-Pacific) , Thank you for your memories...may you rest in peace



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  SPAIN   


Meridiano Alicante will test Elio Sadiku - by Eurobasket
Meridiano Alicante signed 19-year old Kosova guard Elio Sadiku (187-G-91) to a 1-month try-out contract. Sadiku played most recently at Entente Orleans 45 (France). While playing 3 games in Euroleague for Orleans last season his stats were: 2.0ppg. He also played 3 games in French League averaging 0.7ppg. Sadiku played also pro basketball in France and Greece. He used to represent France in U16 and U18 categories.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  TURKEY   


JP Prince will start his pro career with Antalya - by Emiliano
J.P. Prince (201-G-87, college: Arizona), well known as Tayshaun Prince cousin, will start his pro career in Turkey with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye. The guard spent averaged 9.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game during his senior year.

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


GMs drop Duncan in player rankings - by David Edole
By Mike Monroe - Express-News

HOUSTON --For the first time since NBA.com has been conducting a preseason survey of the league's general managers about the best of everything, Spurs captain Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) was not named the best of the league's power forwards.


The GMs first were polled in 2002, after Duncan won his first Most Valuable Player award. He was an overwhelming choice as top power forward then and followed with seven more preseason designations as the league's best.

This season, however, Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and the Lakers' Pau Gasol tied as the top power forward, according to the GMs, each getting 28.6 percent of the vote. Duncan finished third, with 21.4 percent.

The GMs also picked Duncan the second-best center in the league, behind Orlando's Dwight Howard.

Though Duncan, now 34, slipped in the estimation of the GMs, he hasn't lost the faith of those who matter most: his teammates.

Tim is still Tim, no matter how old he gets, third-year guard George Hill said. He's still going to get you 20 and 10, everything you want, every night. I'm still going to pass it to him.

The GMs ranked Spurs coach Gregg Popovich the league's third-best coach, behind the Lakers' Phil Jackson and Utah's Jerry Sloan. Popovich had been No. 2 on last year's list, behind Jackson.

The GMs gave Popovich high marks for his ability to manage games. They voted him the best at making in-game adjustments and also concluded he is the best in the final two minutes of a game.

Popovich had been No. 1 in the final two minutes last season but moved up from No. 2 for in-game management.

Popovich's defensive scheme took a hit from the GMs, sliding from No. 1 to No. 2, behind Boston's Doc Rivers.

Pop's offense was ranked No. 4, behind Sloan's, Jackson's and Houston coach Rick Adelman's.
Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer tied for third in the assistant coach rankings.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was picked the fourth-best international player, behind Nowitzki, Gasol and Steve Nash.

Spurs rookie center Tiago Splitter finished tied for second, behind Dallas guard Rodrigue Beaubois, as the international player most likely to have a breakout season. Splitter was tied with Portland's Nicolas Batum and Sacramento's Omri Casspi.



Utah Jazz: Raja Bell knows what Wesley Matthews meant - by David Edole
By Tim Buckley, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY Until recently, Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) wouldn't have known Wesley Matthews from Walter Matthau.

But after Matthews left Utah for Portland as a restricted free agent last offseason, paving the way for Bell to return for a second stint with the Jazz, the veteran swingman became curious.

'The few (Jazz) games I saw (last season), he wasn't fully in the rotation yet,' Bell said. 'I did get a peek at him in playoffs a little bit, and so, more than anything, I've asked a lot of people just how good he was, because he was a prized free agent his summer that I really didn't know about.'

What Bell learned was that Matthews' loss last July was a painful one for the Jazz.

And with Matthews in town with the Trail Blazers for tonight's 2010-11 NBA preseason opener at EnergySolutions Arena, what was then bad news bears repeating now: Utah very much wanted to retain its prized undrafted rookie, one who became its starting shooting guard by season's end. But the Jazz deemed it neither wise nor financially feasible to match the five-year, $32.5 million offer sheet with more than $9 million payable up front that Matthews signed with the Blazers.

With a void to fill, then, Utah turned to lower-cost alternative Bell.

He's 34 years old, played just six games with stops at both Charlotte and Golden State last season, and has a surgically repaired left wrist.

But at slightly less than $10 million over three years, roughly half the annual cost of Matthews to Portland, the move made sense on multiple levels.

Like Matthews, Bell's defensive tenacity is his calling card.

Like Matthews, who had 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists while making three 3-pointers and hitting 9-for-10 from the free-throw line in Portland's exhibition win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, Bell also is a bona fide long-distance threat.

And, a la Matthews, who averaged 9.4 points per game last season, the also-undrafted Bell had a successful first go-round in Utah, averaging 11.2 points while playing 145 games in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.

'We lost Wes, who was a good 3-point shooter and a great defender,' point guard Deron Williams said. 'And you come and fill in with (Bell), who is the same thing, but has more experience, and has been in the playoffs, has been on this team, knows Coach (Jerry) Sloan, knows this offense.

'So, it was a great pickup for us. ... Hopefully, his mentality will rub off on some of the younger guys C.J. (Miles), (rookie) Gordon Hayward.'

Sloan thinks much the same, though he does compliment Matthews for being a 'good player' who transformed himself from an NBA hopeful to a marquee summer signee simply by 'competing.'

'Raja's a veteran player; Wes is only a second-year player. But he (Matthews) has great concentration on playing, and he's not afraid to work,' Sloan said. 'Raja had all those things when he was here (the first time).

'It makes you feel good,' he added, 'about guys that do it on their own, and get out and make themselves better by hard work.'

As willing as Bell is to do whatever it takes to succeed, though, he feels no extra, particular need to prove the Jazz did the right thing by declining to match on Matthews and signing him instead.

'My body of work speaks for itself,' said Bell, who has played for six teams over 10 seasons, including postseason appearances with Philadelphia, Dallas and Phoenix.

'I've been around the league for a while, and everywhere I've been able to help a team in one way or another,' he added. 'It will be no different here.'

This season in Utah, Bell will be asked to contribute mostly at shooting guard and could wind up starting, like he has for each of the five past seasons when healthy.

He may get pushed for playing time at the 2 spot by swingman C.J. Miles, though Miles could wind up playing extensively at small forward especially if Andrei Kirilenko plays more power forward than small forward.

In any event, Bell who spurned a contract offer from the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in order to re-join the Jazz just wants to contribute.

No matter whose spot it is that he's taking.

'If it's not my job to score the ball, then I'll go out there and try to help defensively,' he said. 'And if it's my job to score, I'll try to do that.

'You know, I know they hated to see (Matthews) go. He's a really good young player, and if they could have kept him, I'm sure they would have. Circumstances dictated that they couldn't, and I got a shot.

'But,' Bell added, 'validating is not anything I worry about.'

Jazz preseason opener

Portland at Utah

Today, 7 p.m.

EnergySolutions Arena



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  UBA   


Ernest Scott joins DASH Peristeri GS Athens: Greece - by Griselle Martis

DASH Peristeri GS Athens agreed terms with 27-year old American forward Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Valdosta St.). Scott played most recently with Team Japan (UBA Playoff Classic). While playing in the UBA event he recorded 21.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.0apg and 1.0spg. He was also selected to USBasket.com All-UBA Classic Team. 'Scott was a very valuable part of our team this summer, said Team Japan head coach Kazutoyo Kato . He was a great leader for our young Japanese players.


Sendai 89ers inks Disciples forward Terrence Woodyard: Japan - by Griselle Martis

Sendai 89ers announced signing of Terrence Woodyard (6'10''-F/G-82, college: W.Carolina) for the 2010-2011 season. The American big guard is not a new face in Japan as he was a member of Saitama Broncos in the past. He appeared 51 times with them registering 13.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 apg and 1.3 bpg.

Woodyard also help lead the GIE Morrow Disciples to a UBA Playoff Classic Championship in 2010. 'We are just happy for TeDo. He was a big part of our championship run this summer, said head coach Michael Davis . Terrence Woodyard is a product of the University of W.Carolina, where he graduated in 2005. As a senior Woodyard averaged 7.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.1 bpg for his school.

Woodyard is the 7th player to be signed from the UBA this summer.

*Thomas Shewmake (6'9''-C-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge)-Romania
*Chad Eichelberger (6'9''-F-82, college: St.Andrews) -Romania
*Jamil Terrell (6'7''-F/C-80, college: W.Texas A&M)- Turkey
*Gerard Devaughn (6'8''-C-87, college: Stillman) -Paraguay
*Joseph Works (6'8''-F/G-83, college: Tarleton St.)- Uruguay
*Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Valdosta St.) -Greece
*Terrence Woodyard (6'10''-F/G-82, college: W.Carolina) -Japan



Thomas Shewmake joins BC Arges Pitesti: Romania - by Griselle Martis

BC Arges Pitesti agreed terms with 25-year old American forward Thomas Shewmake (6'9''-C-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge). Shewmake played most recently with the GIE Morrow Disciples (UBA) in the U.S. where he was named USBasket.com All-UBA 2nd Team with an average of 14.6ppg, 10.6rpg. He helped the Disciples win back to back UBA Championships. It will be his second stint in Europe (Germany).

Shewmake left Germany in mid season (due to personal issues) and was widely criticized for entering the NBA D-League draft, and eventually went undrafted, but the 6-foot-10 vet, who played with the GIE Morrow Disciples in the just concluded UBA Playoff Classic, averaged 14.6 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 52 per cent from the field in three games.

Now Shewmake will get the opportunity to play on a high level in Europe after a 2 year absence.

Meanwhile, Shewmake' agent Steven Dolan said that this was the best deal for Shewmake, both financially and in terms of potential playing time. The UBA has really gotten his career back on track.

And according to the Thomas, 'Im excited and sad all at the same time. Im excited because I know I'm getting a 2nd opportunity, but sad because I wanted to play in the UBA for the Disciples this season'.

He admitted that a lot of things were said about him leaving Germany and that he will still have to prove himself.
'But I'm going to show BC Arges Pitesti I'm a better Thomas Shewmake than before,' he declared.

Dolan said Shewmake chose Ptiesti's offer over four other countries, including Paraguay, Kuwait, Japan and Uruguay.
He revealed that Paraguay wanted to wait before making a formal offer, but the Romania (BC Arges Pitesti) made a strong push to secure his signature.
Shewmake said that the criticism that he should have stayed in Germany years back doesn't matter now.

'Im just grateful for the UBA for giving me a chance to get my career back on track. Players like Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Low Country Sports, college: Atlanta Christian) stuck his neck and name on the line for a guy that everyone had given up on. So now when I play I know I carry the UBA on my back,' he said. They believed in me so I take pride in representing the league.

Shewmake now becomes the 15th UBA player to be selected by an international team, following in the footsteps of Jermaine Barnes (Saudi Arabia), Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) (Saudi Arabia), Carlos White (6'8''-F/C-80, agency: Low Country Sports, college: Rhema Bible) (Uruguay), Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) (Denmark), Rod Cannon (6'5''-F/G-80, college: Atlanta Tech) (Japan), Jerome Boyd (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Clayton St.) (Uruguay), Chris Brown (6'6''-F-83, college: New Hampshire) (Japan), Jerone Dodd (6'9''-C-79, college: Morehouse) (Japan), Luis Martinez (6'6''-F-84, college: William Pater.) (Dominican Rep.), Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) (Dominican Rep.), Randy Orr (6'10''-C/F-82, college: Georgia Perimeter) (Japan), Joseph Works (6'8''-F/G-83, college: Tarleton St.) (Uruguay), Terrence Woodyard (6'10''-F/G-82, college: W.Carolina) (Japan) and Kevin Green (6'6''-F-84, agency: GOTathletes, college: Martin Methodist) (China)
Courtesy of www.ubabasket.com



Chad Eichelberger joins BC Arges Pitesti: Romania - by Griselle Martis

BC Arges Pitesti agreed terms with 27-year old American forward Chad Eichelberger (6'10''-F-82, college: St.Andrews). Eichelberger played most recently with the Austin Knights (UBA) in the U.S. where he was named USBasket.com All-UBA 2nd Team with an average of 15.6ppg, 9.0rpg. He helped the Knights reach the UBA Championship game. It will be his second stint in Europe (Ukraine).

In the 2008-2009 season Eichelberger played for SK Dnipro Azot Dniprodzerzhynsk where he averaged 12.9ppg, having shot .489 from the field, .750 from the free-throw line and .407 from three-point range.

Eichelberger was one of the most dominate rebounders in the Ukraine league. In addition, Eichelberger added (3)7.9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Courtesy of www.ubabasket.com


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  VENEZUELA   


Greivis Vasquez back in Venezuela to share with his people - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PG Greivis Vasquez (198-G-87) flied back to Venezuela for the first time since he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 28th spot of the 2010 NBA Draft's 1st round and became the third Venezuelan in the NBA.

Vasquez came home to spend a few hours with his family, arrange his work visa in the U.S. Embassy, attend meetings in which he'll discuss a project to help less privileged kids through the game of basketball and also hold a press conference.

The 23 year-old NCAA graduate in Communications of the University of Maryland and former star for the Terrapins, played in the Vegas Summer League for the Grizzlies when he hadn't signed his contract and an ankle injury forced him to go through arthroscopical surgery in Baltimore weeks ago. He's in the latter part of his recovery proccess and will join preseason trainings by the end of next week.

'I dream of playing for Venezuela's Senior NT in the Olympic Games and make it the best Venezuelan team of all times', said Vasquez. He thanked the whole country for being right beside him in his moments of success, the journalists, the specialized media, his family, Camilo Ibrahim and Robert Gonzalez, for making it possible for him to travel to the United States and study.

He spoke about his project, in which he'll be working side by side with coach Sergio Rouco in getting basketball to reach inside of less privileged population at early ages in Caracas, later on in the rest of the country and Latin America, if possible.

He also remembered the toughest times he had to face to reach his goals, the nature of his challenges, and expressed that his heroes when he was a kid were Diego Guevara (184-G-77), Ivan Olivares (196-F-63), Carl Herrera (206-C-66), Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) and Sam Shepherd (185-G-53).

He said he plans to play for Venezuela's Senior NT every time he's called up for a challenge until he gets 'really old and can't play anymore'. He also expressed his wishes to play, later on in his career, for Cocodrilos de Caracas, his team in Venezuela's LPB.

Vasquez also expressed that he feels the next Venezuelans in the NBA will be rookie prospects Michael Carrera (93) and Anthony Perez (F-93), a couple of young guys he's been helping out. Carrera already plays for the same high school in which Greivis began his career at Montrose Christian in Rockville, Maryland.





LNB 2010 - Week 7 (Oct. 6th): Espartanos to the Semis, Atleticos UCV out of the race - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Espartanos de Margarita became the first team to advance to the LNB 2010 Semifinals with a victory over Centauros de Apure as visitors, while Atleticos UCV's defeat at the home of Graneros de Portuguesa meant their mathematical elimination. Tiburones de Vargas woke up after a loosing streak with a win against Rojos de Sucre and Estudiantes de Guarico pulled a series split out of San Carlos against Lanceros de Cojedes..

TIBURONES DE VARGAS 96 - ROJOS DE SUCRE 84
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
TIB: 23-21-28-24= 96
ROJ: 25-16-24-19= 84

Scorers
ROJ: Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) 23 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 13 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 12 points
TIB: Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 28 points, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 15 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 14 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 14 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 12 points

ESPARTANOS DE MARGARITA 87 - CENTAUROS DE APURE 81
Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter
CEN: Unavailable= 81
ESP: Unavailable= 87

Scorers
CEN: Stats were not provided
ESP: Stats were not provided

GRANEROS DE PORTUGUESA 91 - ATLETICOS UCV 81
Lara Figueroa Arena - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: Unavailable= 91
UCV: Unavailable= 81

Scorers
GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 33 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 13 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 10 points
UCV: Morris Sierralta (G) 18 points, Martin Escobar 15 points, Carlos Yanez 12 points

ESTUDIANTES DE GUARICO 81 - LANCEROS DE COJEDES 76
Jose Miguel Pandare Colisseum - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
LAN: Unavailable= 76
EST: Unavailable= 81

Scorers
LAN: Ollie Bailey (201-F-85) 28 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 16 points
EST: Ronnie Fields (193-G-77) 31 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 17 points

John Strickland, we are here today and gone tomorrow - by Wolfgang Lucena
Nobody expect that a healthy athlete can leave us without notices. Outstanding John Strickland didn't want to retire from the basketball court due to his good shape, but last night his heart failed him opening a big hole in our basketball community. In Venezuela we had the great pleasure to see John Strickland playing for some of our teams in the Professional Basketball League. We are going to miss a great man as well as the numbers he use to put on every game since he was a high school athlete at New York, N.Y. /Park West HS
1990-1991: Jacksonville JC (NJCAA)
1991-1992: Jacksonville JC (NJCAA): 26 games: 21.2ppg, 9.3rpg, FGP: 61.8%
1992-1993: Louisville (NCAA): Did Not Play
1993-1994: Hawaii Pacific (NAIA): 35 games: 23.0ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.1%
1994-1995: Hawaii Pacific (NAIA): 34 games: 23.3ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.4%
1995-1996: Omaha Racers (CBA): 24 games: 7.0ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 45.6%, FT: 57.3%, released in Jan.'96
1996: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 25 games: 20.6ppg, Reb-10 (7.6rpg), 2.4apg, FGP: 55.6%,FT:57.3%
1997: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 23 games: Score-4 (27.1ppg), 8.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 56.1%
1997-1998: Villa Duarte (Dominican Republic)
1998: Long Island Surf (USBL, starting five): 22 games: Score-6 (22.8ppg), 7.4rpg, Assists-10 (4.0apg), FGP: 56.2%, FT: 49.5%
1998: Samsung (South Korea)
1998-1999: in Nov.'98 signed with Ft.Wayne Fury (CBA) and released the same month, then 2 games played for Belgrano (Argentina): 2 games: 20.0ppg, in Dec.'98 was signed by Dijon (France-ProA), then went to Harrisburg Horizon (UBA): Score-1 (33.0), Reb-2 (10.3), Assists-5 (3.9), FGP-2 (61.9%)
1999: Long Island Surf (USBL): 3 games: 26.0ppg, 8.7rpg, 5.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 54.7%, FT: 52.6%, in June was signed by Brooklyn Kings (USBL): 4 games: 17.3ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.8%, FT: 47.4%, in June signed wirh Los Prados (Dominican Republic): but then waived during the season
1999-2000: Guloyas de San Pedro de Macoris (Dominican Republic), in Dec.'99 signed by San Diego Stingrays (IBL, starting five): 16.2ppg, 6.6rpg
2000: in April '00 signed by Villa Duarte (Dominican Republic), in May signed by Long Island Surf (USBL): 2 games: 28ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 63.6%, FT: 48.3%, released before the end of season
2000: Los Angeles Pro-Am League (Primetime Team)
2000: drafted by Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs (ABA,9rd (89))
2000-2001: Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs (ABA, starting five): 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg; in Feb.'01 replaced Thalamus McGhee at Snaidero Udine (Italy-A1): released the next month: 1 game: 2pts, 4reb
2001: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2001: Blu Summuer League in Treviso (Italy)
2001-2002: In Nov.'01 played for New York Ravens touring team, which played exhibition games against NCAA teams, then joined Fayetteville Patriots (NBDL, starting five): 25 games: 15.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 58.0%, in Feb.'02 moved to Mobile Revelers (NBDL, starting five): 12 games: 14.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.8%, FT: 60.0%, and then finally to Columbus Riverdragons (NBDL): Regular Season: 4 games: 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 39.1%, FT: 6-9; Play-Offs: 3 games: 11.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.7spg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 35.0%
2002: Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)
2002 Rucker Park summer League in New York (Terror Squad team)
2002: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2002-2003: In Nov.'02 signed at Ovarense Aerosoles Ovar (Portugal-TMN), released in Feb.'03: Portuguese TMN League: 5 games: 17.2ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg
2003: Villa Duarte de Calero (Dominican Republic)
2003 November: SLAM ALL-STARS playing exhibition games against NCAA teams
2003-2004: In Nov.'03 signed at Orthodox (Jordan-First Division)
2004 July: Big Apple Pro-Am Showdown in New York (Team D.C.)
2004-2005: In Nov.'04 signed at Reflex Beograd (SCG-1A), released during the season: Adriatic League: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 47.1%
2005: Harlem Globetrotters: released in Feb., next month signed at Gaiteros de Zulia (Venezuela-LPB), in April agreed terms with Conterras (Dominican Republic-Puerto Plata)
2005: Harlem Wizards (exhibition team)
2005-2006: Strong Island Sound (ABA): 8 games: 23.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 1-3, FT: 60.0%, left in Dec.'05
2006 July: EBC Rucker Park Summer League in New York (Pearl Harbor team)
2006-2007: Brooklyn Wonders (ABA), in Feb.'07 moved to Albany Patroons (CBA): 23 games: 13.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FG: 58.0%, FT: 49.1%
Minot Skyrockets (CBA)
Bucaneros de La Guaira (LPB)
2005: Harlem Wizards (exhibition team)
2005-2006: Strong Island Sound (ABA): 8 games: 23.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 1-3, FT: 60.0%, left in Dec.'05
2006 July: EBC Rucker Park Summer League in New York (Pearl Harbor team)
2006-2007: Brooklyn Wonders (ABA), in Feb.'07 moved to Albany Patroons (CBA): 23 games: 13.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FG: 58%, FT: 49.1%
2007-2008: Minot Skyrockets (CBA)
2008-2009: Bucaneros de La Guaira (LPB)
2010: Halifax Rainmen (Canada-PBL): 22 games: 4.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg.

John Strickland (203-F/C-72, college: Hawaii-Pacific) , Thank you for your memories...may you rest in peace



Professional Basketball League of Venezuela with new rules - by Jonathan Leon
The Professional Basketball League of Venezuela (LPB) will be playing the 2011 season with FIBA rules; those new rules are going to affect the distance of the three point line from 6, 25 to 6, 75 meters. The zone area changed from cone shape to rectangular shape as well as the shot time clock. The shot clock won't restart completely to 24 seconds because of a defensive foul, after the offensive foul, the team will have 14 seconds remaining on the shot clock to finish its offensive. In Venezuela, professional basketball has been improving since the beginning of the former special basketball League, today we can tell that Venezuela has one of the best professional basketball league of the American Continent.


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Espartanos 18-4 
 2. Graneros 16-6 
 3. Estudiantes 13-8 
 4. Lanc.Cojedes 10-9 
 5. Rojos de Sucre 9-11 
 6. Cent.Apure 9-13 
 7. Tiburones 8-14 
 8. Atleticos UCV 2-20 




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Women News

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women  


Defending champion Gospic loses in opener - by Zeljko Zule
Defending champion Gospic CO lost 96-100 at Partizan Galenika 96-100 in the opening round of the 2010-11 IWBL League.
Partizan Galenika-Gospic CO 100-96: Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) scored 36 points on shooting 15-of-18 from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds in a losing effort as defending champion lost to Serbian champion. Maurita Reid had 15 points and 7 assists before she fouled out, Marija Vrsaljko added 12 points and Martina Gambiraza 10. Partizan made eleven 3-pointers and outrebounded Gospic 41-31, picking up 14 offensive boards. Dajana Butulija scored 23 points and handed out 5 assists, Sheena Moore 20, Milica Dabovic 16 and Dunja Prcic 15.
Radivoj Korac-Medvescak 89-70: Serbian team lead by as many as 23 points, 54-31, at the half. Snezana Colic came of the bench for 22 points, Nevena Jovanovic scored 13 points and Iva Musulin 11. Medvscak commited 27 turnovers. Gordana Bedalov finished with 26 points on shooting 11-of-16 from the field, grabbed 14 rebounds and had 4 blocks, Iva Borovic scored 13 points.
Sibenik Jolly JBS-Celik 86-67: Sibenik cam on strong in the second half both offensively and defensively as they outscored Celike 30-11 to lead them 72-49. Luca Ivankovic had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Neda Lokas scored 23 points on shooting 7-of-11 behind the 3-point line and Marta Cakic collected 14 points and 8 assists. For Celik, Natasa Andjelic posted 17 points, Alma Mehmedic had 14 points and 7 assists and Aldijana Iriskic scored 12 points.
Vojvodina-Jedinstvo 62-58: Vojvodina poured it on in the third (26-13) and led as many as 11 before taking a 53-42 advantage to the final period. Sandra Boskovic had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Aleksandra Cabarkapa scored 16 points and Natasa Krnjetin 10. Jedinstvo commited 23 turnovers while Vojvodina had just 12 lost balls. Marija Garcevic posted 17 points, Jasmina Bigovic 14 and Brankica Hadzovic 10.
Vozdovac-Lupa Promotion 70-62:Vozdovac shot just 32 percent (19-of-60) from the field but outrebounded Croatian team 42-33, picking up 19 offensive boards. Marija Prlja netted 19 points, Ana Krstovic had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Milena Papic tallied 11 points including three 3-pointers. Lupa Promotion shot 43 percent (25-of-58) from the field . Britany Miller netted 20 points, Marina Mazic 15 and Iva Grbas 11.
Celje-AJM Maribor 83-66: Celje jumped out to an early 15-4 lead and never looked back as they won 83-66. Ana Turcinovic scored 24 points on shooting 11-of-15 and grabbed 19 rebounds including 8 offensive boards, Nika Baric had 25 points and 5 assists and Monika Bosilj posted 19 points. AJM trailed as many as 20 points at the half and was outrebounded 18-40. Martina Dover finished with 20 points, Katarina Ilijev added 15 and Ljubica Kure 14.



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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


WNBL season 2010/11 media guide - by Eurobasket News
Please find below the link to the 2010/11 Womens National Basketball Media Guide, with the season set to tip-off tomorrow night at 7.00pm when the Logan Thunder clash with AIS at the AIS Training Hall in Canberra.

Also tomorrow night, the Townsville Fire tackle the Sydney Uni Flames at the New Projects Australia Stadium in Townsville at 7.30pm, while the Adelaide Lightning face the Dandenong Rangers at Wayville Sports Centre in Adelaide also at 7.30pm.

Round one also sees the 2009/10 WNBL Grand Final replay on Saturday afternoon, when the Canberra Capitals meet the Bulleen Boomers at the Veneto Club in Bulleen at 1pm, which you can watch Live and Exclusive on ABC 1.

ABC 1 will be televising one game from the 2010/11 WNBL season each week. Click here for the ABC 1 telecast schedule.

Season 2010/11 Womens National Basketball League Media Guide

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

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  AUSTRIA - Women  


Standings - AWBL
AWBL Standings
 1. BC Vienna 0-0 
 2. BK Duchess 0-0 
 3. Fl.Foxes 0-0 
 4. Gratkorn 0-0 
 5. Innsbruck 0-0 
 6. Kammer 0-0 
 7. Salzburg 0-0 
 8. UBBC 0-0 
 9. UBI Graz 0-0 


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  FRANCE - Women  


Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Eurobasket
LF2 Standings
 1. Lyon 4-0 
 2. Reims 4-0 
 3. Pleyber Christ 3-1 
 4. Roche 3-1 
 5. Angers 2-2 
 6. Armentieres 2-2 
 7. Dunkerque 2-2 
 8. Limoges 2-2 
 9. Perpignan 2-2 
 10. Rennes 2-2 
 11. CFBB 1-3 
 12. Le Havre 1-3 
 13. Nice 1-3 
 14. Pau Orthez 1-3 
 15. SI Graffenstaden 1-3 
 16. Voiron 1-3 


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  HUNGARY - Women  


A League: Round Four review - by Eurobasket News
Pecs 2010 - BEAC 105-50
Pecs destroyed BEAC keeping the perfect record after four games in Hungarian top division. Nikoletta Turoczi (187-F/C-80) was the leading scorer in victory with 20 points. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: DePaul) followed her with three points less. In the loosing squad (0-3), Emese Szasz (170-G-88) delivered 9 pts.

Cegledi EKK - Bajai NKK 83-86
First victory for Bajai NKK, who has 1-1 record now. Bettina Bozoki (190-F/C-89) was a key player for the guests with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Kata Furtos (174-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) helped with 21 pts. For the hosts (0-3), Marta Dobrowolska (181-F-89) shined with double-double of 28 points and 13 rebs.

Nanette FTC - Vasas-Csata 61-54
2-2 for Nanette and 0-4 for Vasas-Csata after this meeting. Nora Rujak (174-G-90) came up with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Vasas-Csata got 15 points and 5 rebs from Edit Eordogh (180-G/F-75).

MKB Eurol. - Atomeromu 90-55
Easy job for MKB Euroleasing, who jumped to 4-0. Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) was the MVP of this game with valuation 28. She spent 19 minutes on the court collecting 16 points and 11 rebs. Atomeromu (1-3) got 12 pts and 9 rebs from Anita Demeter (178-F-85).

Szeged - Szolnok 83-57
Szeged was too strong for Szolnok registering fourth straight victory. Bernadett Nemeth (173-G-80) stepped up for her team with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Edit Laczi (181-G/F-88) had 15 pts and 7 assists. For Szolnok (2-2), Anett Serban (185-C-85) delivered 13 pts.

ZTE - SEAT Lami 64-76
SEAT Lami cruised past ZTE on the road improving to 4-0 (same as Pecs, Szeged and MKB Euroleasing). Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) was the leading player in SEAT Lami with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Danielle Page (188-F-86, college: Nebraska) responded with 15 pts and 5 rebs in defeat.

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  ITALY - Women  


Standings A2 Women - by Greg
A2 Standings
North
 1. Alghero 1-0 
 2. Borgotaro 1-0 
 3. Cagliari CUS 1-0 
 4. Cagliari V. 1-0 
 5. Milano 1-0 
 6. San Martino 1-0 
 7. Udine 1-0 
 8. Biassono 0-1 
 9. Bologna 0-1 
 10. Bolzano 0-1 
 11. Cervia 0-1 
 12. Crema 0-1 
 13. Marghera 0-1 
 14. Vigarano 0-1 
South
 1. Alcamo 1-0 
 2. Firenze 1-0 
 3. Napoli GCC 1-0 
 4. Orvieto 1-0 
 5. Siena 1-0 
 6. T. Spezia 1-0 
 7. Viterbo 1-0 
 8. R. La Spezia 0-0 
 9. Ancona 0-1 
 10. Battipaglia 0-1 
 11. Chieti 0-1 
 12. College Italia 0-1 
 13. Pomezia 0-1 
 14. Ragusa 0-1 
 15. Rende 0-1 


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  PARAGUAY - Women  


Women`s FINAL SERIES startig this saturday night. - by Santiago Maciel
A new re edition of last four years dominant female teams will be taken place among Sol de America Asuncion and Olimpia Asuncion from Asuncion.
Ever since 2007 this both teams have arranged themselves to get the mos talented female players emerged from lower division teams.
This year`s METRO CUP placed both in first 2 places to re edit last 4 year`s FINAL SERIES.

The FINALS will start saturday the 9th and will be played the best of 3 games. All games will be played at the SND ARENA.

Second game will be taking `lace next 16th and 3rd if necessary the 23rd of october.

Losts of fun expected in this series and of course great basketball level.

Lets remember Olimpia is the defending champion. Last year they have beaten Sol 2-1
Adriana Escurra (F-90) and Johana Giringhelli will be attractions for Olimpia. Andrea Gòmez and Jazmin Mercado for Sol.


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  POLAND - Women  


PLKK Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Gorzow - CCC Polkowice 79-54
Gorzow opened win count in the championship as they bruised CCC Polkowice at home court. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) knocked down 20 points and issued 8 assists to lead the hosts. Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds for Gorzow. Amisha Carter (188-F/C-82, college: Louisiana Tech) replied with 27 points and 7 rebounds for CCC Polkowice.

LKS Siemens - Super-Pol 63-87
Super-Pol Leszno cruised past LKS Siemens in Lodz. Mercedes Fox-Griffin (170-G-87, college: Oregon St.) nailed 21 points, grabbed 6 boards and dished out 5 assists to pace the visitors. Joy Cheek (185-F-88, college: Duke) contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds for Super-Pol. Ugochukwu Oha (193-C-82, college: George Washington) replied with 17 points and 6 rebounds for LKS Siemens.

Inea AZS P. - Lider Prusz. 74-69
Inea AZS Poznan toppled Lider Pruszkow at home court. The victory marked 1-1 record for the hosts. Candice Champion (185-F-87, college: Texas Arlington) led the effort with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) contributed 18 points for Inea AZS Poznan. Alicja Bednarek (170-G-83) accounted for 23 points in defeat.

Energa Torun - Artego Bydg. 67-56
Agata Gajda (175-G-80) nailed 14 points to lead Energa Torun past Artego Bydgoszcz. Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) and Patricyja Gulak-Lipka contributed 11 points each in the win. Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) answered with 12 points and 9 caroms for Artego as they slipped at 1-2 record.

Odra Brzeg - Utex Row 73-70
Odra Brzeg narrowly defeated Utex Row at home court. Whitney Tossie (175-G, college: Appalachian St.) nailed 17 points to lead the winners. Ewelina Buszta (186-F-87) accounted for 14 points as Odra Brzeg climbed at 1-0 record in the ladder. Laurie Koehn (173-G-82, college: Kansas St.) and Rebecca Harris (176-G-86, college: Illinois) answered with 16 points each for Utex Row.

Widzew - Lotos Gdynia 73-65
Widzew posted the second win in the season as they nipped Lotos in Lodz. Olga Zytomirska (189-C/F-81) stepped up with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the home team. Anna Tondel contributed 13 points in the victory. Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) and Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) replied with 17 points each for Lotos Gdynia.



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  ROMANIA - Women  


Diacona's 38-point game gives her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old guard Florina Diacona (176-G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for CS Rapid Bucuresti and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
She had the game-high 38 points adding seven rebounds and two assists for CS Rapid Bucuresti in her team's victory, helping them to beat Sp.Studentesc (#14, 0-1), 81-66. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Diacona had a remarkable 53.8% from 2-point range and got seven three-pointers out of 12 attempts. She turned to be CS Rapid Bucuresti's top player in her first season with the team. Diacona has impressive league stats. She is league's best scorer averaging so far 38.0ppg. Diacona is in league's top in and averages solid 53.8% FGP and 58.3% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Danielle Walker (178-G-86) of Politehnica National Iasi. She is American guard in her 2nd season at Iasi. In the last game Walker recorded impressive 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Iasi lost that game 65-71 to Olimpia (1-0). 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. Walker is well-known at Iasi and she already established her position as the team's leader. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 25.0ppg (#2). Her other stats are also decent: 6.0rpg and 6.0apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Ashlee Roberson (180-F-88) of league's second-best BC ICIM Arad. Roberson scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She was a key player of ICIM Arad, leading her team to a 69-12 easy win against Oradea (#6, 0-1). ICIM Arad has a very good start of the season. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Roberson also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. The season just started for Roberson as she played only first game. But it already looks like she can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Natalia Burlakova (175-G-84) of CS Rapid Bucuresti - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Adina Lovasz (184-F-91) of Sp.Studentesc - 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Nevena Saponjic (186-C-85) of Alexandria - 21 points and 10 rebounds
7. Alexandra Cutas (179-F-82) of Iasi - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) of Sf.Gheorghe - 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Ancuta Stoenescu (171-G-80) of Timisoara - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Claudia Ene (178-G/F-88) of Rapid Bucur. - 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


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


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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Celje crrush Domzale by 56 - by Zeljko Zule
Celje crushed Domzale 83-27 in the first game of Round 2. Celje opened the game with a 20-2 run, which included 12-0 consecutive points over the opening 2:31 minutes. Sandra Jevtovic (187-F-93) came off the bench to notch a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Nika Baric had 12 points and 6 assists, Lea Jagodic scored 10 points and Maaike Klein in her debut posted 5 points. Celje's bench players outscored its starters 43-40. For Domzale, Brina Zagar posted 8 points.

Celje never trail in win over Maribor - by Zeljko Zule
Celje never trailed in its game with AJM Maribor on Game 2 of Slovenian Championship. Celje jumped out to an early 15-4 lead and never looked back as they won 83-66. Ana Turcinovic (190-C-93) scored 24 points on shooting 11-of-15 and grabbed 19 rebounds including 8 offensive boards, Nika Baric had 25 points and 5 assists and Monika Bosilj posted 19 points. AJM trailed as many as 20 points at the half and was outrebounded 18-40. Martina Dover finished with 20 points, Katarina Ilijev added 15 and Ljubica Kure 14.