EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/10/2010

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*****************************************************
  ALBANIA   


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. SK Tirana 18-0 
 2. Studenti 9-9 
 3. Valbona 9-9 
 4. Vllaznia Shk. 7-11 
 5. Skenderbeu 6-12 
 6. Teuta Durres 5-13 


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


Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game
 Brice ASSIE
  San Mart.C.
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Assie, San Mart.C.24.8 
 2. Miller, Bragado20.4 
 3. Melo, Z*Indepe.17.4 
 4. Leith, Firmat SF16.5 
 5. Nwankwo, El Nacional16.4 
 6. Elsener, El Nacional16.1 
 7. Williams, Independ.T.16.1 
 8. Truscott, San M.15.3 
 9. Wilkerson, Ciclista15.2 
 10. Barlasina, San M.15.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Louis TRUSCOTT
  Belgrano SN
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Truscott, San M.9.1 
 2. Ford, Belgrano SN8.5 
 3. Leith, Firmat SF8.1 
 4. Williams, Independ.T.8.1 
 5. Espinoza, Argentino7.9 
 6. Williams, Club 97.9 
 7. Assie, San Mart.C.7.5 
 8. Wilkerson, Ciclista7.4 
 9. Benjamin, San M.7.0 
 10. Miller, Bragado6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Julian OLMEDO
  Bragado
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Olmedo, Bragado4.6 
 2. Gandoy, Belgrano SN3.4 
 3. Forastieri, Club 92.7 
 4. Palacios, Firmat S.2.7 
 5. Sartorelli, San M.2.6 
 6. La Bella, Obera TC2.6 
 7. Lauro, Z*Indepe.2.6 
 8. Bernhardt, San M.2.4 
 9. Ceci, Argentino2.4 
 10. Perez, El Nacional2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Gregorio ESEVERRI
  Belgrano SN
  (194-G/F-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Eseverri, Belgrano.2.0 
 2. Giletta, Alma Juniors2.0 
 3. Williams, Independ.T.2.0 
 4. Elsener, El Nacional1.9 
 5. Castets, Obera TC1.8 
 6. La Bella, Obera TC1.8 
 7. Castelli, Independ.T.1.7 
 8. Fernandez, Alma J.1.6 
 9. Ford, Belgrano SN1.6 
 10. Luchino, San M.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Brice ASSIE
  San Mart.C.
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Assie, San Mart.C.1.7 
 2. Espinoza, Argentino1.4 
 3. Williams, Club 91.2 
 4. Williams, Independ.T.1.1 
 5. Francis, Argentino1.0 
 6. Kornegay, A.Ita.1.0 
 7. Giorgi, Obera TC1.0 
 8. Ford, Belgrano SN0.9 
 9. Nwankwo, El Nacional0.8 
 10. Martina, Club 90.8 


Flamengo bruise Libertad in Brasilia - by Eurobasket News
Flamengo - Libertad Sunchales 89:68
Flamengo sweetened the Interligas Tournament pill. They overcame Libertad Sunchales on the final day of the Group A action. Flamengo finished at 1-1 record, while Libertad slipped at 0-2.
Flamengo and Libertad kept it close in the opening frame. The scoreboard read 19:18 for Flamengo at the first break. The second term however allowed the Brazilian team to run away. They limited their opponents to 9 points and built a 40:27 advantage at halftime. Libertad tried to bounce back right after the break. Led by Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) the Argentinean side cut the distance to only 6 points heading into the fourth term. But Flamengo denied a single chance for Libertad to celebrate in this one. Helio Vitor Lima (184-G-81) and Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) paced the Brazilian champions to the victory.
Jefferson da Silva (207-C-83) delivered 19 points to lead the effort. Helio Vitor Lima added 18 points, while Marcelinho Machado notched 17 in the winning case. Gregory Lewis answered with game-high 27 points for Libertad. Laron Profit (196-G/F-77, agency: Buck Andre, college: Maryland) and Fabricio Vay (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 14 points apiece in the loss.

Flamengo: Jefferson da Silva 19, Helio Vitor Lima 18, Marcelinho Machado 17
Libertad: Gregory Lewis 27, Laron Profit 14, Fabricio Vay 14


TNA Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
San Mart.C. - Ciclista 73-65
San Martin C was better than Ciclista last night taking 1-0 lead in TNA Quarterfinals. Mariano Ceruti (194-F-79) was a key player in victory with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) replied with 19 points in defeat.

El Nacional - San Mart.MJ 73-67
El Nacional is 1-0 up in the series after they outplayed San Martin MJ 73-67. Ije Nwankwo (201-F-85, college: Cleveland St.) was the leading player in El Nacional as he scored 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Visitors got 16 points from Mariano Garcia (202-F-86).

Argentino - Belgrano SN 88-58
Argentino destroyed Belgrano SN for 1-0 lead in the Quarterfinals. Selem Safar (190-G-87) was on fire in victory as he scored 22 points for just 11 minutes on the court. Martin Pasquinelli (201-F/C-75) and Santiago Scala (186-G-91) followed with 12 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Sebastian Pardal collected 12 points and 8 rebs.

Club 9 - Bragado 81-86
Bragado did a great job last night as they handed 81-86 loss to Club 9 for 0-1 lead in the series. Derrick Miller (202-C/F-78, college: Georgetown, KY) stepped up for the guests with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Cesar Avalle (190-G-85) helped with 18 pts. Emiliano Martina netted 21 pts in defeat.

Universo/BRB reach Interligas Tournament Final - by Eurobasket News
Universo/BRB - Sionista 102:93

Universo/BRB posted the second consecutive win at the Interligas Tournament in Group A. They held off Sionista to reach the Final. Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had a nice game as he unloaded 33 points to lead the hosts. Universo/BRB will now take on the winners of Group B that feature Penarol, Atenas, Vivo/Franca and Pitagoras/Minas.
The Argentinean team stormed into the encounter. They grabbed a 12:2 lead early on. Sionista maintained the lead outscoring the home team 32:21 in the starting ten minutes. Daniel Hure helped the visitors boost the lead to 16 points early in the second frame. Universo/BRB managed to get within 11 points at halftime. Universo/BRB changed things around in the third period. Alexandre Garcia and Welington dos Santos helped the hosts tie the score at 77. Sionista retained the lead in the fourth term but just to watch Alex put Universo/BRB in front 87:86. Jose Estevam Ferreira (211-C-78) came up with several points that gave the hosts needed boost and they drove away to the victory.
Jose Estevam Ferreira scored 18 points for Universo/BRB. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) netted 13 points in the victory. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) and Luis Cequeira (180-G-85) responded with 14 points each for Sionista. Daniel Hure and Gary Buchanan knocked down 13 points apiece in defeat.

Universo/BRB: Alexandre Garcia 33, Jose Estevam Ferreira 18, Valtinho Silva 13
Sionista: Chuck Robinson 14, Luis Cequeira 14


Argentina clinch 15th spot in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Argentina U18 - New Zealand U18 76:72
Argentina finally drew first blood at the Albert Schweitzer tournament. They overcame New Zealand to claim the 15th win at the competition. New Zealand remained winless and occupied the 16th place. Pablo Perez (202-F-92) knocked down 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the winners.
Argentina surged ahead early in the game and maintained the lead to establish a 21:18 advantage at the first break. The Latin American team extended the margin at 11-point mark at halftime. The Junior Tall Blacks took over in the third period. The Kiwis held their opponents to 11 points in the third term and got within 5 points at the final break. New Zealand mounted the pressure in the fourth quarter. They managed to win the frame but it was not enough to tame Argentina as those eked out a tough win at the end.
German Ressia (181-G-92) provided 16 points and 8 assists for Argentina. Fernando Podesta (204-C-92) delivered 12 points in the win. Chris Duthie (185-G-92) replied with 22 points and 8 caroms for New Zealand. Reuben Te Rangi (193-F-94) knocked down 16 points in the losing effort.

Argentina: Pablo Perez 17, German Ressia 16, Fernando Podesta 12
New Zealand: Chris Duthie 22, Reuben Te Rangi 16


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


Adelaide 36ers re-sign Adam Ballinger and Brad Hill - by Eurobasket News
The Hood Sweeney Adelaide 36ers have re-signed captain and NBL MVP runner up, Adam Ballinger (205-F-79, college: Michigan St.) as well as versatile swingman Brad Hill (198-G/F-86).

Ballinger has been signed for two years and Hill for one.

Ballinger was a key piece for the 36ers who will now build the remaining roster spots around the man who is often regarded as the best power forward in the league.

Ballinger is currently playing in Israel and will return to Adelaide in the next few months to team up with new coach Marty Clarke and new teammate Daniel Johnson.

Adelaide-born Brad Hill is excited about teaming up with his AIS mentor Marty Clarke. Clarke intends to develop the talented prospect who has shown the capacity to dominate NBL games at times. Hill decided to stay in Adelaide despite fielding larger offers from other interstate teams.

Ballinger averaged 17 points and 5 rebounds whilst Hill increased his averages last season to 7.3 points, 3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game last season.

The Hood Sweeney Adelaide 36ers have now filled five of their vacant 10 roster spots.

Courtesy of The Hood Sweeney Adelaide 36ers


Vanderbilt center A.J. Ogilvy to enter NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
Vanderbilt junior center A.J. Ogilvy (211-C-88) will skip his final season and enter the NBA Draft.

The Commodores announced Thursday that the 6-foot-11 Sydney, Australia native will also hire an agent in advance of the June 24 draft, ending his collegiate eligibility.

Coach Kevin Stallings says he appreciates everything Ogilvy has done in helping lead Vanderbilt to two NCAA tournament bids in the past three years.

Ogilvy was an All-Southeastern Conference honorable mention this season and averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in his three-year career. He is the Commodores' all-time leader in free throws made with 471 and blocks per game with 1.51.

Courtesy of www.csnphilly.com


Australia edge USA in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Australia U18 - USA U18 79:66

The Emus recorded the fourth win at the Albert Schweitzer tournament. They shot down the United States team. Australia will now face Germany U17 in the first semifinal. The USA will take on Germany U18 in the second semifinal clash.
The first term saw both teams trading the baskets. The scoreboard showed even figures 17:17 ten minutes into the game. The Aussies started to work their way ahead in the second period. They exploded with 27 points to pile up an 8-point buffer into the second half. The USA reacted with an aggressive defense in the third period. It helped them limit Australia to just 11 points as the USA got within one. But the final frame belonged to the Emus. They dominated every facet of the game and easily ran away to a comfortable win.
Mitchell Creek (195-F-92) produced 23 points and 11 rebounds for Australia. Corban Wroe (186-G-92) added 12 points, while Lewis Thomas (203-F-92) finished with 11 points for the winners. Ryan Boatright (182-G-92) responded with game-high 27 points for the USA. Damian Leonard (192-G/F-92) netted 14 points in the losing case.

Australia: Mitchell Creek 23+11 boards, Corban Wroe 12, Lewis Thomas 11
USA: Ryan Boatright 27, Damian Leonard 14


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Norrkoping claim BBL Challenge Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Norrkoping - Rudupis 107:72
Norrkoping Dolphins clinched the BBL Challenge Cup crown. They stormed past Rudupis to win the Final series on aggregate. George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) stepped up with 24 points to pace the Swedish team.
The teams stayed close early in the encounter. But soon the Dolphins went on the rally that put them ahead by 12 points at the first break 29:17. The hosts quickly opened a 20-point lead in the second period. The Swedes drove to a comfortable 24-point advantage at halftime. Rudupis failed to change the complexion of the game after the main break. Norrkoping continued to dictate the tempo in the third term. They enlarged the difference to as many as 33 points with ten minutes to go. Rudupis never got back to life in this one and had to surrender at the end.
Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, college: N.Arizona) knocked down 16 points to pace the Dolphins. Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) and Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) added 13 points apiece for the winners. Giedrius Jankauskas (206-F/C-81) responded with 24 points for Rudupis. Gintautas Vileita (194-G-75, college: Monmouth) accounted for 11 points in the loss.

Norrkoping: George Gervin 24, Joakim Kjellbom 16, Fred Drains 13, Oladapo Ayuba 13
Rudupis: Giedrius Jankauskas 24, Gintautas Vileita 11


*****************************************************
  BARBADOS   


Jackson stifle Sonics to remain unbeaten - by Justin Marville
DONT LOOK NOW but British American Insurance Jackson are still among Premier League basketball's unbeaten.

Even more stunning is how they've managed to remain there.

For the second time in as many games Jackson held their opponents below 70 points, this time overcoming a career-worst shooting performance from MVP Peter Alleyne in Tuesday's hard fought 63-47 decision over the winless Roll-A-Way Storm & Security Shutters St John's Sonics at the Wildey Gymnasium.

This hasn't been the typical run-and-gun, high-scoring Jackson side, who routinely overlooked playing defence in favour of outscoring opposing teams.

But they've never started a Premier League season with two successive victories either.

'I'm pleased with the effort because were talking a bit more and playing a lot harder [than seasons past],' said player/coach Ianthum Alleyne.

And last night was no different as they restricted Sonics to just 20 points in the first half while former MVP Jefferson Trotman missed his first seven attempts from the floor, including putting up back to back airballs to start the game.

Jackson's own star guard fared even worse but Alleyne couldn't have picked a better night to score just two points on seven shots.

Instead, unheralded forward Julian Grant had a career-best 15 points, scoring eight of those during a crucial third quarter stretch that putdown a threatening St Johns second-half rally.

After watching Sonics score just nine second quarter points, prolific forward Akeem Marsh led a 7-2 turnaround to start the half, hitting three free throws and a layup to reduce St John's 30-20 half-time deficit to a mere five points (32-27).

However, Grant put a swift conclusion to the run, getting free for three midrange jumpers while sinking a pair of free throws following Kevin Austin's long jumper over an outstretched Trotman that initially ended Jacksons drought.

Trotman briefly ended his own personal drought to start the fourth, opening the quarter with a triple and a tough lay-up as Sonics threatened again by getting within four (46-42) with eight minutes to play.

But they missed several of their assignments while picking up full court, leading to easy baskets for Grant, Ianthum Alleyne and Levar Greaves in transition. And it didnt help St John's cause any that they failed to score inside the final two minutes as Austin and Greaves iced the game at the line.

Austin finished with 14 points, Greaves scored ten while Peter Alleyne and Ianthum Alleyne added 12 and ten rebounds respectively. Marsh had 15 points and 15 rebounds as the lone Sonics player in double digits.

In the night's first game, Keefe Birkett scored a game high 21 points and Matthew Moore had 20 points and 11 rebounds to help former champs Lumber Company Lakers keep their perfect record intact with an 84-70 win over the struggling Colombian Emeralds International Senators.

Moore started a perfect five of five from the field while Birkett, Jamar King and Derek Browne forced the issue in transition as the Lakers led by as many as 20 points (44-24) late in the first half.

But Senators started the third quarter on an encouraging run behind Nicholas King, scoring seven unanswered points to open the half as part of an 18-6 rally that cut the lead down to only six (52-46).

However, Moore soon responded with a pair of jumpers before Allman and Ormond Haynes got to the line to end the rally. Allman and Jamar King finished with 11 points apiece while Nicholas King led Senators with 18.


Standings
Premier L. Standings
 1. Lakers 2-0 
 2. Jackson 2-0 
 3. Bulls 2-0 
 4. Warriors 2-0 
 5. Cavaliers 1-1 
 6. Pinelands 1-1 
 7. Deacons 1-1 
 8. Cougars 1-1 
 9. Sonics 0-2 
 10. Tridents 0-2 
 11. Patriots 0-2 
 12. Senators 0-2 


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Flamengo bruise Libertad in Brasilia - by Eurobasket News
Flamengo - Libertad Sunchales 89:68
Flamengo sweetened the Interligas Tournament pill. They overcame Libertad Sunchales on the final day of the Group A action. Flamengo finished at 1-1 record, while Libertad slipped at 0-2.
Flamengo and Libertad kept it close in the opening frame. The scoreboard read 19:18 for Flamengo at the first break. The second term however allowed the Brazilian team to run away. They limited their opponents to 9 points and built a 40:27 advantage at halftime. Libertad tried to bounce back right after the break. Led by Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) the Argentinean side cut the distance to only 6 points heading into the fourth term. But Flamengo denied a single chance for Libertad to celebrate in this one. Helio Vitor Lima (184-G-81) and Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) paced the Brazilian champions to the victory.
Jefferson da Silva (207-C-83) delivered 19 points to lead the effort. Helio Vitor Lima added 18 points, while Marcelinho Machado notched 17 in the winning case. Gregory Lewis answered with game-high 27 points for Libertad. Laron Profit (196-G/F-77, agency: Buck Andre, college: Maryland) and Fabricio Vay (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 14 points apiece in the loss.

Flamengo: Jefferson da Silva 19, Helio Vitor Lima 18, Marcelinho Machado 17
Libertad: Gregory Lewis 27, Laron Profit 14, Fabricio Vay 14


Londrina fired Coach - by Paulo Freire
Coach Enio Vecchi has been fired from Londrina Team. After an struggling 2009-2010 season with a lot of problems out court Londrina didnt catch up a place in the NBB playoffs with only 8 victories. Enio Vecchi, has been the men's basketball coach from Londrina Team since September last year.
The coach confirmed that he received information from the dismissal when he was inside of a lottery in the city center and now he has the support of all players and some leaders, including the sponsors of the team to build another club, so they can not leave the Londrina basketball into 'wrong hands'.
'Whatever we get everyone still in Londrina, we do not want to let ADL, which currently manages the team, to continue working basketball in this way, unorganized and without responsibility.said coach Enio.
With that, some players, especially those receiving the highest salaries - Rodrigo Sant'Anna (195-F-75), Guilherme Alves (191-G/F-83), Fernando Mineiro (200-F-80) and center Adriano Machado (208-C-83) and others should leave the team in support of coach Enio Vecchi

Universo/BRB reach Interligas Tournament Final - by Eurobasket News
Universo/BRB - Sionista 102:93

Universo/BRB posted the second consecutive win at the Interligas Tournament in Group A. They held off Sionista to reach the Final. Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had a nice game as he unloaded 33 points to lead the hosts. Universo/BRB will now take on the winners of Group B that feature Penarol, Atenas, Vivo/Franca and Pitagoras/Minas.
The Argentinean team stormed into the encounter. They grabbed a 12:2 lead early on. Sionista maintained the lead outscoring the home team 32:21 in the starting ten minutes. Daniel Hure helped the visitors boost the lead to 16 points early in the second frame. Universo/BRB managed to get within 11 points at halftime. Universo/BRB changed things around in the third period. Alexandre Garcia and Welington dos Santos helped the hosts tie the score at 77. Sionista retained the lead in the fourth term but just to watch Alex put Universo/BRB in front 87:86. Jose Estevam Ferreira (211-C-78) came up with several points that gave the hosts needed boost and they drove away to the victory.
Jose Estevam Ferreira scored 18 points for Universo/BRB. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) netted 13 points in the victory. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) and Luis Cequeira (180-G-85) responded with 14 points each for Sionista. Daniel Hure and Gary Buchanan knocked down 13 points apiece in defeat.

Universo/BRB: Alexandre Garcia 33, Jose Estevam Ferreira 18, Valtinho Silva 13
Sionista: Chuck Robinson 14, Luis Cequeira 14


Brazil celebrate against Israel to finish 11th in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U18 - Israel U18 60:53

Brazil recorded the third win at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim. They defeated Israel to claim the 11th spot at the tourney. Israel thus finished in the 12th place with 2-4 record.
Brazil rushed in front right from the start. They accounted for 27 points in the opening quarter and enjoyed an 8-point lead at the first break. Israeli however reacted with a suffocating defense in the second quarter. They limited Brazil to 11 points and cut the deficit at two points into the second half 36:38. The third frame was a low-scoring affair. The teams teamed up for only 19 points as Brazil managed to come out with a three-point lead 48:45. They maintained it throughout the fourth quarter and celebrated a difficult victory at the end.
Victor De Souza (182-G-92) knocked down 16 points to lead Brazil. Felipe Taddei (192-G-92) provided 15 points in the winning effort. Bar Timor (189-G-92) answered with 13 points for Israel. Sean Labanowski (198-F-92) netted 12 points in the loss.

Brazil: Victor De Souza 16, Felipe Taddei 15, Cristiano Silva (206-C-92) 10+13 boards
Israel: Bar Timor 13, Sean Labanowski 12


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 22.7
 1. Harper, Levski22.7 
 2. Cole, Levski19.1 
 3. Gruev, Rilski Sport18.2 
 4. Durchev, Chernomo.18.0 
 5. Deane, Lukoil A.17.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan17.8 
 7. Brown, Chernomo.16.6 
 8. Dimitrov, Cherno M.16.4 
 9. Dimitrov, Spart.16.2 
 10. Angelov, Yambol16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pero ANTIC
  Lukoil A.
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Antic, Lukoil A.10.1 
 2. Brown, Chernomo.8.7 
 3. Brown, Lukoil A.8.0 
 4. Peterson, Rilski S.8.0 
 5. Burgess, Rilski Sport7.6 
 6. Radev, Balkan7.5 
 7. Tmusic, Yambol7.3 
 8. Kennerly, Spart.7.3 
 9. Dimitrov, Cherno M.6.9 
 10. Morton, Chernomo.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Aleksandar GRUEV
  Rilski Sport
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Gruev, Rilski Sport5.6 
 2. Russell, Lukoil A.5.5 
 3. Aleksiev, Chernomo.4.9 
 4. Mirakovski, Cherno M.4.6 
 5. Webb, Cherno More4.1 
 6. Frasor, Levski3.8 
 7. Radionov, Yambol3.8 
 8. Deane, Lukoil A.3.4 
 9. Dimitrov, Spart.3.3 
 10. Velikov, Levski3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Julian RADIONOV
  Yambol
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Radionov, Yambol2.9 
 2. Russell, Lukoil A.2.1 
 3. Wells, Lukoil A.2.1 
 4. Deane, Lukoil A.2.0 
 5. Zhelev, Cherno M.2.0 
 6. Lilov, Balkan2.0 
 7. Harper, Levski1.9 
 8. Dimitrov, Cherno M.1.8 
 9. Angelov, Yambol1.8 
 10. Dimitrov, Spart.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Ernest BROWN
  Beijing
  (213-C-79)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Brown, Lukoil A.1.5 
 2. Brown, Chernomo.1.4 
 3. Gocevski, Yambol1.0 
 4. Earl, Yambol0.9 
 5. Cole, Levski0.8 
 6. Peterson, Rilski S.0.7 
 7. Ware, Cherno More0.7 
 8. Radev, Balkan0.7 
 9. Veselovs, Cherno M.0.7 
 10. Burgess, Rilski Sport0.5 


Standings A1
NBL Standings
 1. Lukoil A. 20-3 
 2. Levski 19-5 
 3. Yambol 11-12 
 4. Balkan 11-13 
 5. Cherno More 10-13 
 6. Rila Sport 10-13 
 7. Spartak P. 7-16 
 8. Chernomorets 5-18 


*****************************************************
  CHINA   


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 Andre EMMETT
  Shandong
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 32
 1. Emmett, Shandong32.0 
 2. Gaines, Xinjiang30.8 
 3. Pickett, Shaanxi29.8 
 4. Edwards, Shaanxi29.3 
 5. Rodgers, Jilin28.5 
 6. Lucas, Shanghai28.3 
 7. White, Zhejiang.27.5 
 8. Brown, Zhejiang C.26.1 
 9. Mays, Beijing26.0 
 10. Wang, Bayi25.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 DeAngelo COLLINS
  Trotamundos
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 15.4
 1. Collins, Jilin15.4 
 2. Mays, Beijing13.2 
 3. Ramos, Zhejiang.13.0 
 4. Oyedeji, Liaoning12.2 
 5. Harvey, Jiangsu12.0 
 6. Swift, Shandong11.8 
 7. Brown, Beijing11.6 
 8. Okosa, Qingdao DS11.4 
 9. Williams, Zhejiang C.11.2 
 10. Williams, Fujian11.1 
Assists Per Game
 Stephon MARBURY
  Shanxi Zh.
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Marbury, Shanxi Z.9.5 
 2. Lu, Fujian7.2 
 3. Parker, Guandong5.8 
 4. Hu, Jiangsu5.1 
 5. Fahed, TianJin R.4.9 
 6. Liu, Shanghai4.9 
 7. Lucas, Shanghai4.7 
 8. Allen, Xinjiang4.4 
 9. Kelley, DongGuan4.4 
 10. Mengke, Xinjiang4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Chris WILLIAMS
  Qingdao DS
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Williams, Qingd.3.8 
 2. Hu, Jiangsu3.7 
 3. Parker, Guandong3.1 
 4. Pickett, Shaanxi2.6 
 5. Marbury, Shanxi Z.2.6 
 6. Allen, Xinjiang2.4 
 7. Emmett, Shandong2.4 
 8. Lu, Fujian2.3 
 9. Okosa, Qingdao DS2.3 
 10. Zhong, Jilin2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Sean WILLIAMS
  Fujian
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Williams, Fujian4.2 
 2. Lamizana, TianJ.3.8 
 3. Swift, Shandong3.1 
 4. Collins, Jilin2.8 
 5. Steyn, Qingdao DS2.2 
 6. Xu, Bayi2.2 
 7. Wang, Bayi2.1 
 8. Simmons, DongGuan1.8 
 9. Watkins, Jiangsu1.8 
 10. McCoy, Fujian1.8 


Xinjiang Sweeps Lions, Guangdong Edges Shanghai to Lead 2-1 - by Arthur Volbert
Xinjiang swept its series with the Zhejiang Lions while Guangdong took a 2-1 lead in its series with Shanghai.

Xinjiang defeated the Lions 98-89. It led 26-18 after one quarter, 53-42 at the half and 78-64 after three quarters.

Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) led Xinjiang with 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. He fouled out in 45 minutes, but stayed long enough to engineer Xinjiang's victory. Xu Guozhong played the entire game and scored 20 points. Mengke Bateer also played the full game and had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks. Mulati had 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, playing half the game. Myron Allen also played half the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Xirelijiang in half the game had 7 points and 5 rebounds.

Rodney White led Zhejiang with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Peter John Ramos had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Wang Fei also scored 17. Lin Chih-Chieh had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Jin Lipeng scored 7.

Guangdong edged Shanghai at Shanghai 96-94, in a tightly fought game. Guangdong led 27-25 after one quarter and 53-49 at the half. It led 71-68 after three quarters.

Parker Smush (193-G-81, college: Fordham) had 33 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 11 steals. David Harrison had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Zhu Fangyu had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Zhou Peng had 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Wang Shipeng scored 8.

John Lucas III led Shanghai with 41 points and 7 rebounds. Zaid Abbaas had 17 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out in 46 minutes. Wang Yong scored 12. Garret Siler had 9 points and 6 rebounds but fouled out in 23 minutes. He has had foul trouble all season. Liu Wei had 8 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals but also 8 turnovers.

China Loses to Greece in Mannheim, Finishes Tenth - by Arthur Volbert
China lost to Greece today 60-48 to finish in 10th place in the Albert Scweitzer tournament in Mannheim, Germany.

China only shot 33 percent from the field, compared to 48 percent for Greece, as it was stifled by the Greek defense. It outrebounded Greece 37-32 but had 6 assists to 19 turnovers. Shi Hongfei had an awful shooting day, hitting 2 of 10 attempts. He had 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover and 2 steals. Yang Dapeng, a 200 cm forward, led China with 14 points and 9 rebounds but only hit 5 of 14 shots. Sun Tonglin had 6 points and 8 rebounds. Socrates Psaropoulos led Greece with 16 points. Spiridon Motsenigos had 10 points. Linos Chrysikopoulos had 7 points and 11 rebounds.

This appears to be a hastily thrown together team. I am unsure why Li Muhao was withdrawn from the competition at the last minute. Perhaps it was because in 2006 China had a highly promising 210 cm center named Zhao Hang. After excelling in the first few games of the tourney, showing his potential for stardom, Zhao blew out his knee and was never the same again. He now sits deep on the Zhejiang bench. China may have been reluctant to expose Li Muhao to a similar injury.

Shi Hongfei is the only player from the Under-17 team who appeared in Mannheim. Perhaps he could be spared from the that team, since three guards were better, but was still superior to anyone a year older. As it learns how to play the game, China will likely produce better point guards each year.

No CBA players were placed on this team, unlike in 2004 and 2006, the last times China appeared in the Schweitzer tourney. Sui Ran may be considered more of a shooting guard than a point guard, which is why China needed Shi Hongfei on the team. I expect Sui to be on the Under-18 squad this summer, as well as Li Muhao, Cai Liang (203-F-92) and Makan.

Hopefully, Zheng Zhun will not show up this summer. Like Ju Mingxin of the Under-17 team, Zheng has two official birth years three years apart. In high school Zheng was listed as born in 1989, not 1992. The Chinese must disqualify such players from age-group competition. It does not matter which year is the lie, or if both years are lies, this practice of altering ages must be discontinued.

In other games so far today, Argentina beat New Zealand 76-72, France beat Japan 117-72, and Brazil beat Israel 70-63.


Greece finish ninth in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - China U18 60:48

Greek U18 National Team victoriously wrapped up their Albert Schweitzer tournament campaign. They held off China to occupy the ninth overall position. The Hellenes finished the tourney with 4-2 record, while China registered 3 wins in six games.
Greece did not waste too much time to prove their ambitions in this one. They grabbed the initiative early on and raced to a 20:9 lead ten minutes into the game. China reacted in the second term as they took over playing cautiously in defense. The Asian team held their opponents to 13 points in the period narrowing the distance at 8 points 25:33 at halftime. China continued to work their way back into contest after the main break. They dominated in the third term and pulled within just 5 points before the fourth stanza. Greece however picked up the slack in the final part of the clash. Led by Socratis Psaropoulos (191-G-92) the Hellenes managed to escape with the win at the end. The guard came up with 16 points to lead the charge. Spyridon Motsenigos (194-G/F-92) netted 10 points for the winners. Yang DaPeng (200-F-93) accounted for 14 points and 9 rebounds for China. Shi Hongfei (180-G-93), Wang Pu (198-F-93) and Sun TongLin (206-C-92) delivered 6 points each in the loss.

Greece: Socratis Psaropoulos 16, Spyridon Motsenigos 10, Thomas Tsalkitzis (191-G-92) 8
China: Yang DaPeng 14, Shi Hongfei 6, Wang Pu 6, Sun TongLin 6


CBA Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Zhejiang G.L. - Xinjiang 89-98
Xinjiang advanced to the Finals beating Zhejiang Lions 98:89 to sweep the series 3-0. Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) led Xinjiang with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Xu Guozhong scored 20 points. Rodney White answered with Zhejiang with 32 points in defeat.

Shanghai - Guandong 94-96
Guangdong rolled over Shanghai 96:94 for 2-1 Semifinal lead. Parker Smush (193-G-81, college: Fordham) stepped up with 33 points, 7 rebounds and 11 steals, while David Harrison collected 18 points and 13 rebounds. John Lucas responded with 41 points and 7 rebounds.


*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Rancic sings with Xacobeo BS - by Eurobasket News
After he left Zadar, Damir Rancic (199-G-83) did not have to wait long to find a new club. The experienced guard has agreed a deal with the strugglers in the Spanish ACB - Xacobeo BS. Reportedly, he has reached an agreement with the club until the end of the season, as their management has given up on the hopes of bringing in Marbury Stephon (187-G-77, college: Georgia Tech) as it was rumored earlier. Rancic will join another Croatian International in Obradorio, Drago Pasalic (208-C/F-84) and will try to help the team avoid relegation this season. He is seen as a replacement for injured Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM), who has been one of the clubs best players so far. Rancic will join his new teammates in the coming days.
Damir Rancic is an experienced guard with valuable experience from abroad. So far in his career played for the host of teams which include Split, Cibona, Panellinios Athens, Kyiv, Olimpija Ljubljana and Zadar. He has won the National Title with Split in 2003 as well as with Cibona in 2006. At the beginning of 2008-2009 season, Rancic agreed a deal with Zadar. He appeared in 16 Croatian League games and posted averages of 16.1 points and 2.0 assists. In Adriatic league he was also good, as he averaged 6.8 points in 21 contest. This season, Rancic still had good outings, as he averaged 9.9 points and 1.7 assists in 26 Adriatic league matches. In EuroCup, he played 6 games registering 14.7 ppg and 2 apg.
Except of Damir Rancic, Xacobeo BS also signed big guy Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.).

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


Proteas EKA AEL reach the finals - by Michael Aristidou
Proteas EKA AEL Limassol are in the finals of Cyrus League after their win tonight over Keravnos Strovolou 79-64. Proteas EKA AEL Limassol was better side at the field and succeded to be in the finals for 9th time. In the game now Proteas EKA AEL Limassol took the lead from the beginning with Keravnos Strovolou team to be unable to follow. Keravnos Strovolou tried in the second quarter to make some impression to their opponents but Proteas EKA AEL Limassol had the answers. So half time was 47-36 for Proteas EKA AEL Limassol. Nothing changes in the second half and Proteas EKA AEL Limassol took the win. Final score 79-64.
Brian Bracey (201-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Oregon) had an excellent game for winners while Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) was first scorer of the game with 21. From Keravnos Strovolou Davis tried better having 16.

Quarters:24-19, 47-36, 67-51, 79-64

Ael: Liatsos 5, Brian Bracey17 (1), Davis 16 (2), Kounounis 3 (1), Palalas, I.Evdimov, Fels 9 (2), Quincy Taylor 21, Gianoullis 8

Keravnos Strovolou:Subotic 8 (2), Pilavas 2, Trisokkas 9, Smith 8 (1), Davis 16 (3), Kieza 1, Cooper 8, Damianovic 3, Razis , Garcia 9


*****************************************************
  D.R. CONGO   


Yannick Bokolo extends his stay in Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85) extended his contract with BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral for two more years. He appeared 22 times in ProA this season averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He joined the team in 2008 from Le Mans.
Yannick Bokolo is a member of French National Team. He played 7 games on EuroBasket in Poland averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds. In 2004, he won the French Cup with Le Mans and two years later they grabbed the title in Pro A. Before Gravelines and Le Mans, Yannick Bokolo was a member of INSEP and ASE Strasbourg.

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  Houston R.
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 27.1
 1. Harris, Rio Grande27.1 
 2. Almond, Springfi.26.8 
 3. Williams, Sioux F.26.4 
 4. Farmer, Reno B.23.5 
 5. Johnson, Sioux F.23.3 
 6. Powell, Albuquerque22.2 
 7. Taylor, Idaho S.21.9 
 8. McLeod, Albuquer.21.8 
 9. Gee, Austin T.21.0 
 10. Jerrells, Austin T.20.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwayne JONES
  Phoenix Suns
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 16
 1. Jones, Austin T.16.0 
 2. Dorsey, Rio Grande13.2 
 3. Butch, Bakersfi.12.0 
 4. Johnson, Sioux F.11.2 
 5. Harris, Rio Grande10.4 
 6. Barron, Iowa E.10.2 
 7. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA10.1 
 8. Benson, Reno B.9.7 
 9. Bryant, Erie Bay H.9.5 
 10. Simpson, Los A.9.5 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Stinson, Iowa E.10.8 
 2. Conroy, Rio Grande9.8 
 3. Jackson, Erie B.7.4 
 4. Blalock, Reno B.7.3 
 5. Johnson, Bakersfi.7.1 
 6. Dickau, Ft.Wayne.7.1 
 7. Curry, Springfield A.7.1 
 8. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers6.9 
 9. Gaines, Idaho S.6.9 
 10. Barrett, Idaho S.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Orien GREENE
  Utah F.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Greene, Utah F.2.5 
 2. Trepagnier, Iowa E.2.3 
 3. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers2.2 
 4. Jackson, Erie B.2.1 
 5. Stinson, Iowa E.2.1 
 6. Robinson, Reno B.2.0 
 7. Robinson, Maine RC2.0 
 8. Jeffers, Iowa E.1.9 
 9. Robinson, Los A.1.9 
 10. McLeod, Albuquer.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Kurt LOOBY
  Maine RC
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 4
 1. Looby, Maine RC4.0 
 2. Stiemsma, Sioux F.3.7 
 3. Looby, Albuquerque3.3 
 4. Ajinca, Maine RC3.1 
 5. Simmons, Idaho S.2.9 
 6. Alleyne, Albuquerque2.2 
 7. Benson, Reno B.1.9 
 8. Jones, Austin T.1.8 
 9. Trybanski, Reno B.1.7 
 10. Davis, Maine RC1.6 


Tulsa 66ers win Game One over Skyforce - by Eurobasket News
Four Oklahoma City Thunder assignees combined to score 90 points, grab 19 rebounds and dish out 13 assists in a 119-109 victory for the Tulsa 66ers over the Sioux Falls Skyforce in Game 1 of their first round match up in the 2010 NBA Development League Playoffs. Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.) scored a game-high 30 points while shooting 10-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. D.J. White (6'9''-F-86, college: Indiana) and Mustafa Shakur (6'3''-G-84, agency: Buck Andre, college: Arizona) each scored 21 points, while B.J. Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) added 18.

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with four lead changes and three ties. The 66ers trailed by as many as five points with 6:06 remaining, after the Skyforce's Kirk Penney connected on a lay up to move ahead 14-9. Tulsa subsequently went on a 10-4 run to regain the lead at 19-18 after a Weaver jumper with 3:51 left. Greg Stiemsma scored 10 first quarter points, as the Skyforce shot 11-of-19 from the field to take a 27-25 lead at the break. White had nine points for the 66ers in the period, as they shot 8-of-18.

The Skyforce rallied early in the second quarter, behind four points from Nathan Jawai during a 12-1 run that pushed their lead to 39-30 with 8:24 remaining in the first half. The 66ers came back with an 8-2 run of their own capped by two B.J. Mullens free throws, and got within 41-38 with 6:25 left. Later in the period, two Weaver three-pointers sparked a 17-6 run that gave Tulsa a 58-52 lead at the half. Shakur scored 10 points in the quarter, as the 66ers shot 64.7 percent (11-17). Leemire Goldwire had seven second quarter points, as the Skyforce shot 56.3 percent (9-16) from the field.

Early in the third quarter, Sioux Falls crawled back to within 59-58 at the 10:56 mark, but a jumper and three-pointer from B.J. Mullens sparked a 12-2 run for Tulsa, as they extended to a 71-60 edge with 6:47 to go in the period. Tulsa built as much as a 17-point lead in the quarter, before going into the final stanza ahead 90-78. White scored 10 third quarter points, as the 66ers connected on 13-of-21 attempts, while Penney had six points for the Skyforce who shot 9-of-19.

Weaver scored all of the points during a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter that pushed the 66ers lead to 107-87 with 6:27 to go in the game. Raymond Sykes scored seven points in the period for the Skyforce but the lead was too much to overcome.

Led by the Thunder assignees, the 66ers finished with all five starters and six players total in double-figures scoring. Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) had 12 points and eight rebounds, while Deron Washington (6'7''-G/F-85, college: Virginia Tech) added 11 points off the bench.

The Skyforce finished with seven players in double-digit scoring, led by Penney with 16 points. Jawai added 15 points, while Goldwire put in 14. Jared Newson had 13 points and nine boards, David Bailey had 12 points and six assists and Stiemsma added 11 points and seven rebounds. Sykes contributed 10 points for Sioux Falls.

Both teams will travel to Sioux Falls for Game 2 of the series, scheduled for tomorrow at 7 p.m. CDT at the Sioux Falls Arena.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Toros beat Dakota in playoff opener - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Jerrells (6'1''-G-87, college: Baylor) hit a jumper with 10 seconds to play as the Austin Toros downed Dakota 98-96 in the opening game of their best-of-three D-League playoff series Thursday.

Jerrells' shot gave Austin a 97-96 lead and Eddie Basden hit one of two free throws with 2 seconds left after Dakota's David Bell missed a three-point shot.

Alonzo Gee (6'6''-G-87, agency: Buck Andre, college: Alabama), who was assigned to the Toros by the San Antonio Spurs earlier Thursday, led Austin with 29 points and nine rebounds. Jerrells added 28 points and 10 assists.

Maurice Baker (6'1''-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) and Renaldo Baker each had 17 points to lead Dakota. The game had 15 lead changes and was tied 10 times.

Gee, who was signed by the Spurs on March 29, previously played in 11 games for the Washington Wizards. Before that, Gee averaged 21 points and 6.6 rebounds in 36 games for the Toros.

Game 2 of the series will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Austin Convention Center. Game 3, if needed, will be at 5 p.m. Sunday in Austin.

Courtesy of www.statesman.com


*****************************************************
  DOMINICA   


San Pedro Tournament Starts Sunday 11th - by Herubey Grassals
San Pedro De Macoris professional basketball tournament (SUPERIOR) begins this Sunday 11th with five teams: Todos Estrellas De Consuelo (last year champions), Retiro 23 (last year runner up), Titanes de Miramar, Correcaminos De Quisqueya and club Centro.

There is a list of the principals players for each team.

Todos Estrellas de Consuelo: Omar Hernandez (187-G-66), Rolando Sanchez (198-F), Frank Pinzon, Juan Carlos Eusebio (203-C/F-73).
Retiro 23: Hank Rivers (203-F-81, college: Stephen F. Austin), Warner Diaz, Thomas Batista.
Titanes de Miramar: Eddie Elisma, Taylek Brown, Danny Mendoza.
Correcaminos de Quisqueya: Juan Leyva, Jeffrey Gomez.
Club Centro: Jean Carlos Acosta, Lavor Postell, Rolando Prandy, Cesar Rosario (180-G).
Good luck for all the teams.

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


Santiago: Sameji Rebounds and Defeats Pueblo Nuevo! - by Ozell Wells
SAMEJI LIVES
Santiago. -Sameji was imposing, as they beat CPN Pueblo Nuevo 93-83, in the first game of the day for this Friday in the continuation of the semifinal of the Santiago Tourneo. Using a TEAM attack, Sameji was able to get their first victory of the semifinal round, with brilliant offensive work of Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81), who scored 27 points and 7 rebounds, to place its record at one victory and two losses, just like CPN Pueblo Nuevo, but with a point less accumulated because of their last game against the Plaza Valerio. Besides Amaury, Sameji was assisted by Manny Quezada (188-G-85, college: USF) with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Juan Coronado (196-G-84) with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, Jos Rodriguez added 8 points and Carlos Payano (196-F/G-71, college: Dowling) had 7 points and 5 rebounds. CPN Pueblo Nuevo did come to play and were led by Luis Martinez (198-F-84, college: William Pater.) with 17 points and 5 rebounds, Carlos Paniagua (201-F/C-76, college: Tenn Temple) with 16 Points and 11 rebounds, Victor Liz (205-C-78) with 13 points and 5 rebounds and Alejandro Flores (202-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) 11 points and 8 reboundss.

Richard Ortega (188-G-82) was in the court in this encounter in replacement of Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Oklahoma), in this encounter Ortega scored 8 points in 38 minutes of play.
Courtesy of ABASACA -Ezequiel Dull

SANTIAGO: CDP STILL UNDEFEATED IN SEMI's - by Ozell Wells
CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago DEFEATS PUEBLO AND REMAINS UNDEFEATED IN SEMIFINAL

SANTIAGO-The CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago won 75-70, over CPN Pueblo Nuevo the defending champion, in the early hours of the day on Wednesday in the 30th Superior Basketball Tournament of Santiago.
For CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago, it was their second straight win in the semifinal to set their record of 2-o 0, the stand alone in the first place in the tournament and sent CPN Pueblo Nuevo to second place with a 1-1 record.
For CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago, Dustin Salisbury (196-G-84, agency: Buck Andre, college: Temple) with 21 points and 8 rebounds, Adris Deleon (180-G-84, college: E.Washington) with 19 points and 2 assists, and Franklin Matos (190-G-82) with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals.
The defending champs had four players with double figures in points but it was not enough as they took the loss, the few highlights were: Alejandro Flores (202-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) with 20 points 12 rebounds and 3 assists, Luis Martinez (198-F-84, college: William Pater.) with 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Carlos Paniagua (201-F/C-76, college: Tenn Temple), Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Oklahoma) with 10 points each, Paniagua also grabbed 13 rebounds.
CPN Pueblo Nuevo won the first quarter 20-17, then the CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago won the second quarter 21-13 to finish 38-33 halftime in favor of the CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago.
CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago, also managed to win the third quarter 19-17, to reach the last quarter with a lead of 7 points with a score of 57-50, and the last quarter ended 20-18 in favor of CPN Pueblo Nuevo.

PLAZA 56 - SAMEJI 41...
In the second game, to the closing of this edition the group play of Plaza Valerio surpassed SAMEJI 56 - 41, upon concluding only the first half.

The play between sameji and plaza was very intense given the importance of the game, since the winner would equalize in the important second qualifying position with Pueblo Nuevo.

While, whomever would lose in this game would fall to the cold basement with a record of 0 - 2.

By Ezequiel Sosa and courtesy of ABASACA


Standings - District National
SRT Stage Two Standings
 1. CDP 2-0 
 2. CPN 1-1 
 3. Fernando 1-1 
 4. Sameji 0-2 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Cupes - 
 2. GUG - 
Stage One Standings


*****************************************************
  EBA   


EBA Conclude 2010 Season with All-Star Game - by EBA Media
The Eastern Basketball Alliance will head to Washington, D.C. April 17th to finish their 2010 season with the All-Star Game.

Capital and Empire Division All-Stars will take on the All-Stars of the Mid-Atlantic and Dominion Divisions. This years All-Star game sponsors are A. Wash Associates and the BET Foundation. The game will be played at the Emery Recreation Center, 5701 Georgia Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011; tip-off is slated for 3:00 p.m. on April 17, 2010.

2010 All-Star Teams are:

Capital-Empire

Calvin Brown 6'8 Center Metropolitan All-Stars
Nick Carter 6'1 Guard New York Wizards
Earnie Graham 6'9 Forward Washington Madness
Angelo Hernandez 6'4 Guard Nova Hawks
Ed Jones 6'7 Forward Nova Hawks
Hugh Jones 6'3 Guard Washington Madness
Darian Lee 6'3 Guard Washington Madness
Louis McCroskie 6'5 Forward Hudson Valley Hype
Mike McDuffie 6'4 Forward New York Wizards
Kirk Stewart 6'6 Forward Elmira Bulldogs
Larry Bowden Coach Washington Madness

MidAtlantic-Dominion

Sherman Brittingham 6'6 Forward DE Destroyers
Justin Carter 6'3 Guard Garden State Rebels
Fahreed Cheatham 6'6 Forward DE Destroyers
Jason Clark 6'8 Forward Norfolk Tru Hope
Philip Frazier 6'0 Guard Virginia Wolverines
Dijuan Hankins 6'1 Guard Salem Mustangs
Kojak McCoy 6'4 Guard DE Destroyers
Charles Parker 6'4 Guard Harrisburg Horizon
Eric Ruffin 6'4 Guard Norfolk Tru Hope
Makal Stibbins 6'7 Forward Harrisburg Horizon
Dallas Comegys Coach Delaware Destroyers



*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Ricky HICKMAN
  Namika Lahti
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 23.7
 1. Hickman, Namika Lahti23.7 
 2. Washington, KTP22.3 
 3. Young, KTP20.2 
 4. Rouse, Namika L.20.2 
 5. Trotter, ToPo20.0 
 6. Wood, Karhu19.8 
 7. Golson, Karhu19.4 
 8. Reid, Korihait19.3 
 9. Turner, LrNM.19.1 
 10. Lowe, Pyrinto19.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14
 1. Wood, Karhu14.0 
 2. Vinson, FoKoPo12.4 
 3. McDade, KTP12.1 
 4. Kaunisto, Kouvot10.7 
 5. Williams, Pyrinto10.7 
 6. Stamper, LrNM.10.5 
 7. Kotti, Honka10.2 
 8. Rouse, Namika L.9.9 
 9. Hamm, Salon Vilpas9.9 
 10. Smith, Karhu9.4 
Assists Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Wood, Karhu4.8 
 2. Trotter, ToPo3.8 
 3. Hickman, Namika Lahti3.8 
 4. Gibson, LrNM.3.7 
 5. Burgess, Salon Vilpas3.5 
 6. Scott, LrNM.3.5 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto3.3 
 8. Young, KTP3.3 
 9. Suonio, Namika Lahti3.2 
 10. Sarcevic, Korihait3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Matthew GIBSON
  LrNMKY
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Gibson, LrNM.3.1 
 2. Trotter, ToPo3.0 
 3. Hickman, Namika Lahti2.4 
 4. Golson, Karhu2.2 
 5. Scott, LrNM.2.2 
 6. Shiloh, Kouvot2.1 
 7. Wood, Karhu2.1 
 8. Stamper, LrNM.2.0 
 9. Turner, LrNM.2.0 
 10. Bradford, Kataja1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Kristian CLARKSON
  Kataja
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 0.8
 1. Clarkson, Kataja0.8 
 2. Pearson, ToPo0.8 
 3. Shiloh, Kouvot0.7 
 4. Chones, Kataja0.7 
 5. Stamper, LrNM.0.7 
 6. Hudson, Korihait0.7 
 7. Stewart, FoKoPo0.6 
 8. Washington, KTP0.6 
 9. Reid, Korihait0.6 
 10. Neltner, Kouvot0.6 


Korisliiga Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Korihait - ToPo 67-88
Korihait was defeated by ToPo 67:88 at the Quarter-Finals Round 2. Tyray Pearson (201-F-80, college: Iowa St.) poured in 26 points, while Trotter Obie posted 18 and Smith Corey added 17. Gonner Josh and Heinonen Petri replied with 14 points in the losing case.

Kataja - Kouvot 94-92
Kataja cruised past Kouvot 94:92 as the score is 1-1 now. Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Portland St.) paced all the hosts with 28 points and Lehtoranta Sami delivered 24. Moye Ajene ended up with 23 points in the losing effort.

Honka - Pyrinto 68-63
Honka beat Pyrinto 68:63 to tie the Quarter-Finals at 1-1. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) stepped up with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Riley Gerald delivered 10. Williams Damon responded with 25 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

LrNMKY - KTP 78-80
LrNMKY was beaten by KTP 78:80 as the latter enjoy 2-0 in the series. Eric Washington (192-F/G-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, whilst McDade Ryan and Holme Mikael added 16 apiece. Scott Akeem answered with 25 points for the home side.


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


France thump Japan to claim 13th spot - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Japan U18 117:72
France coasted past Japan in the final game at the Albert Schweitzer tournament for both teams. The victory allowed the Les Bleus to clinch the 13th overall place at the tourney. Japan finished in the 14th position. Evan Fournier (198-G/F-92) was instrumental in the win as he poured in 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
Les Tricolores won the first term by four points 25:21. They stepped on the gas in the second stanza. France accounted for 30 points to build a massive 24-point lead at the interval 55:31. Japan could not change things radically after the main break. France continued to score freely as they established a 31-point buffer heading into the fourth term. Japan struggled defensively conceding 31 points in the final term and suffering a heavy loss at the end.
Rudy Gobert provided 23 points and 13 rebounds for France. Mathis Keita (192-G-92) and Kevin Mendy (200-G/F-92) notched 21 points apiece in the victory. Taku Bandoh (185-G-92) answered with 27 points for Japan. Takumi Mitsuyama (183-G-92) had 17 points in defeat.

France: Evan Fournier 34+10 boards, Rudy Gobert 23+13 boards, Mathis Keita 21, Kevin Mendy 21
Japan: Taku Bandoh 27, Takumi Mitsuyama 17


Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
 1. Le Mans 19-6 
 2. Cholet 18-7 
 3. Gravelines 17-8 
 4. Roanne 17-9 
 5. Orleans 16-9 
 6. Nancy 16-10 
 7. Paris-Levall. 13-12 
 8. Poitiers 13-12 
 9. Hyeres-Toulon 12-13 
 10. Vichy 11-14 
 11. ASVEL 11-14 
 12. Chalon 10-15 
 13. Le Havre 8-17 
 14. Strasbourg 8-17 
 15. Dijon 6-19 
 16. Rouen 6-19 


Standings - ProB
ProB Standings
 1. Pau-Lacq-Ort. 25-4 
 2. Limoges 19-9 
 3. Bourg 18-10 
 4. Evreux 18-11 
 5. Maurienne 18-11 
 6. Lille 18-11 
 7. Nanterre 17-11 
 8. Le Portel 17-12 
 9. Boulazac 13-15 
 10. St.Vallier 13-16 
 11. Charleville 11-17 
 12. Fos Ouest 11-17 
 13. Nantes 11-17 
 14. Antibes 11-18 
 15. Clermont 10-18 
 16. Quimper 9-19 
 17. Brest 9-20 
 18. Bordeaux 8-20 


Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.20.2 
 2. Roberson, Stras.18.6 
 3. Spencer, Le Mans18.3 
 4. Vassallo, Paris-.17.3 
 5. Banks, Orleans17.1 
 6. Gray, Chalon16.5 
 7. Chatfield, Rouen16.4 
 8. Schilb, Chalon15.9 
 9. Greer, Nancy15.7 
 10. Traore, AS.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon12.3 
 2. Issa, Vichy11.3 
 3. Nsonwu, Roanne9.0 
 4. Greer, Nancy8.9 
 5. Falker, Cholet8.2 
 6. Edwards, Grave.7.9 
 7. Terrell, Hyeres-T.7.6 
 8. Akpomedah, Grave.7.0 
 9. Slaughter, Nancy6.8 
 10. Jones, Le Havre6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Reid, Vichy7.5 
 2. Everett, Chalon7.0 
 3. Rogers, Rouen6.8 
 4. Greer, Nancy6.1 
 5. Neitzel, Chalon5.3 
 6. Pierce, Hyeres-T.5.3 
 7. Sciarra, Orleans5.2 
 8. Heurtel, Strasbourg5.2 
 9. Tchicamboud, Nancy4.8 
 10. Woodside, Gravelines4.8 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Linehan, Cholet2.8 
 2. Everett, Chalon2.2 
 3. Flowers, Vichy2.0 
 4. Issa, Vichy1.9 
 5. Rogers, Rouen1.9 
 6. Greer, Nancy1.9 
 7. Ball, Paris-Levallois1.8 
 8. Wright, Le Mans1.8 
 9. Mims, Roanne1.8 
 10. Melody, Vichy1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon2.5 
 2. Issa, Vichy2.3 
 3. Badiane, Poitiers1.7 
 4. Akpomedah, Grave.1.7 
 5. Slaughter, Nancy1.5 
 6. Falker, Cholet1.4 
 7. Fazekas, Dijon1.3 
 8. Akingbala, Nancy1.3 
 9. Darden, Strasbourg1.2 
 10. Duport, Le Havre1.1 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Jason SIGGERS
  Lille
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Siggers, Lille18.3 
 2. Davis, Charleville17.9 
 3. Dunn, Maurienne16.7 
 4. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.16.7 
 5. Mohammed, Limoges16.6 
 6. Huertas, Fos Ouest16.1 
 7. Ingram, Clermont16.0 
 8. McKenzie, St Va.16.0 
 9. Gay, Fos Ouest15.8 
 10. Coleman, Bourg15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Luc-Arthur VEBOBE
  Antibes
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Vebobe, Antibes10.5 
 2. Giles, Nantes9.6 
 3. Lovedale, Quimper8.5 
 4. Bing, Clermont8.3 
 5. McClark, Bourg8.1 
 6. McKenzie, St Va.7.8 
 7. Calasan, Charleville7.5 
 8. McHugh, Quimper7.4 
 9. Mathis, Evreux7.4 
 10. Melicie, Brest7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.1
 1. Da Silva, Evreux8.1 
 2. Downey, Nantes7.3 
 3. Taylor, Le Portel6.5 
 4. Kerckhof, Antibes6.0 
 5. Mullins, Bourg6.0 
 6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.8 
 7. McIntosh, St Va.5.8 
 8. Cisse, Fos Ouest5.1 
 9. Dunn, Maurienne5.0 
 10. Swift, Brest4.8 
Steals Per Game
 Sami DRISS
  Bordeaux
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Driss, Bordeaux2.9 
 2. Riley, Nanterre2.7 
 3. Craven, Boulazac2.6 
 4. Siggers, Lille2.2 
 5. Da Silva, Evreux2.2 
 6. Denave, St Vallier2.2 
 7. Periac, Bordeaux2.2 
 8. Dunn, Maurienne2.1 
 9. Mullins, Bourg2.1 
 10. Toto N''Kote, Quimp.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Moussa BADIANE
  Maurienne
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Badiane, Maurienne1.8 
 2. Williams, Bordeaux1.8 
 3. Ford, Limoges1.7 
 4. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 5. Owona, Bordeaux1.6 
 6. Taccoen, Lille1.1 
 7. Gouez, Lille1.0 
 8. Jennings, Boulazac0.9 
 9. N''Diaye, Le Portel0.9 
 10. Badiane, Nanterre0.9 


Yannick Bokolo extends his stay in Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85) extended his contract with BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral for two more years. He appeared 22 times in ProA this season averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He joined the team in 2008 from Le Mans.
Yannick Bokolo is a member of French National Team. He played 7 games on EuroBasket in Poland averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds. In 2004, he won the French Cup with Le Mans and two years later they grabbed the title in Pro A. Before Gravelines and Le Mans, Yannick Bokolo was a member of INSEP and ASE Strasbourg.

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


Vardar Osiguruvanje and Feni Industri take 1-0 lead in the Semis - by Eurobasket News
Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje took the 1-0 lead in their Semifinal series against Ovce Pole after beating them 88-58. Hosts went out strong from the tip-off and managed to build 22-10 after one quarter. In the second period, it was a more evened game but it was Vardar who was holding onto their lead and at the halftime they were up 44-30. In the third and forth period, Vardar players continued to roll over Ovce Pole and have deservedly celebrated 30-point margin victory. Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) recorded double-double for winning side as he scored 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. He got help from Aleksandar Ugrinoski (192-G-88, agency: Interperformances) and Toni Simic (210-C-76) who chipped in 12 points each, with the latter also collecting 11 rebounds. For Ovce Pole, Nebojisa Ristic had 19 points, while Aleksandar Held contributed with 15 points.
Feni Indistrija Kavadarci also justified the role of favorite in their matchup against Torus. They took 1-0 lead in the series after recording 98-86 home win. Feni Industri players took control of the game from the start and after 10 minutes of play they have managed to build 28-23. Second quarter was even better for Feni players as they went on several runs and as result they held comfortable 55-41. After the break, hosts still controlled the flow of the match further increasing their lead. Then in the final period, Torus finally managed to put together a run to cut the deficit, but Feni players routinely closed the game out and won the match. Djems Lajf (194-G-83, college: Massachusetts) poured in 23 points for Feni Industri, while Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) added 17 points. Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80, agency: BeoExcell) and Bojan Trajkovski were also good for hosts, finishing the game with 12 points apiece. On the other side, Torus got 20 points from Dimitar Karadzovski while Aleksandar Opacic followed closely with 18 points.

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


BG Goettingen-Brose Baskets Bamberg BEKO BBL Top 4 Preview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


The first semi final in the 2010 BEKO BBL Top 4 pits the Brose Baskets Bamberg against BG Goettingen as both clubs have faced each other 10 times in the last 18 months making the distance of 286 autobahn kilometers seem like their own long distance German subway series similar to the New York Yankees-New York Mets series and making the frequency of their meetings going down the same path as NBA legend Allen Iverson did with his love for saying practice in a press conference a few years ago. The Brose Baskets and BG Goettingen will square off in the first BEKO BBL Top 4 semi final on April 10th at 16.25 while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners face off against The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in the second semi final at 19:15.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg lead the head to head series since the 2007-2008 season winning eight games and losing only four games. Last season, after BG Goettingen was one of the top teams in the BBL and big surprises, their 40 minutes of basketball hell lost their strength in the playoffs running out of gas losing the quarterfinal playoff series 3-1. This season, the teams have split the season series winning their respective games at home.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg last won the BBL title in 2007 and in the second year under coach Chris Fleming , the club had some problems finding their rhythm in the first few months, but have steadily lifted their game in the last few months. The team started off cold losing six of their first eight games including an embarrassing 62-44 loss at home against 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin and losing to new BBL club MBC. However since then the club has been extremely solid posting a 17-5 record and riding in 5th place, but could still make a move into the higher places down the stretch with their strong roster and play for the title. 'Bamberg have good shooters and I think that they are one of the deepest teams in the league with no weaknesses with the first 10 players. I think that they can be a title team. In a five game series, they will be very tough to beat', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). One problem might be that they have had problems beating top teams posting only a 5-7 record against teams like Alba Berlin, Bonn, Frankfurt, BG Goettingen, Artland Dragons, Bremerhaven and EWE Baskets Oldenburg. 'I honestly have no idea why Bamberg is having problems beating the top teams. They have a very good team and good players. Regardless of what their record states, they can beat any team on any given night', warned BG Goettingen forward Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). 'I think that it just has to do with the little things. Teams have been able to hurt us in different ways. I dont think that it is a lack of talent, but it is more like missing a key rebound or a hustle play. We just havent been doing the little things to win against the top teams', added Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services). However Bamberg can be totally unpredictable as well. 'They can beat any team on any night, but also lose to any team on any given night', stressed Ehingen center Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). Currently Bamberg is in fifth place and would face BG Goettingen if the playoffs started tomorrow. Bamberg still has a very easy rest schedule playing against lower ranked teams Giessen, Paderborn and TBB Trier

The Brose Baskets Bamberg are the fifth highest scoring team in the BEKO BBL averaging 78 points per game. They have scored 80 points or more 11 times this season. They have a very solid scoring team and good 11 man rotation. They may only have three players averaging double figure stats, but this is another club that has many players that can step up on any day and score and give production even from the bench. The team is led by 32 year old Serb Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) who belongs to the top players in the BEKO BBL and is in the shadow of other top players in Germany like Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) and Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati), but in Bamberg country is easily seen as their basketball version of Lionel Messi. Suput is averaging 14,6ppg, 4,8rpg and 1,8 apg. He is known for taking the opponents defenses apart at anytime during the duration of a game. With Americans Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) (21 games in double figures) and ex NBA player Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) the team has two very talented wing players that can score in bunches and kill you from outside. Recently the team got talented point guard Anton Gavel who had played in Spain and has shown his scoring touch in the last weeks and is averaging 8,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 2,1apg. American Elton Brown (206-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia) is a wide body that is a workhorse and is averaging 8,6ppg and 4,9rpg. German wunderkind Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) has made big strides since the 2009 European Championships is averaging 7,6ppg and 5,4rpg. American John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) is playing his fourth year in Germany and is a very durable point guard averaging 6,1ppg, 1,5rpg and 3,0apg. He once had 10 steals in the BEKO BBL and knows how to run a team. The combination of Goldsberry/Gavel very well are the most underrated point guard duo in the BEKO BBL: The team also has very versatile players from the bench with ex Skyliner and 2004 BBL champion Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent) American Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) who arrived seven weeks ago and is averaging 4,5ppg and 2,3rpg and is the prefect guy to come off the bench to create added chaos inside and outside with his offense, American Beckham Wyrick (198-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington), who always gives 100% and is very physical and young talented German Karsten Tadda (189-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports) who is an aggressive defender and will break out very soon.

This season, the BEKO BBL has so many strong teams, but not every club has a deep roster. The three clubs with the deepest rosters have to be Alba Berlin, Artland Dragons and The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. MEG Goettingen reached the playoffs last season, but lost top players Kyle Bailey (188-G-82, college: Santa Clara) Roderick Trice (191-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: S.Carolina) and Charles Lee (192-G/F-84, college: Bucknell). This season, the team is not as strong as last season on paper and have no superstar presently, but have one in the making with American Chris Oliver. The team has many young players, but the club has found the right page early in the season winning games in the BEKO BBL and their first two games in the Eurochallenge. Many teams have had bad experiences with MEG Goettingen this season especially The Paderborn Baskets who got routed 97-70. 'It is so hard to prepare against MEG Goettingen who pressure you non stop for 40 minutes. I didnt think it would be like that when we played them, but it felt like we were playing 8-5, because they were everywhere on the court. A team should prepare by playing 7 or 8 on 5 in practice or just have patience and break their press. Once you beat their pressure then you will be ok and then you have to try to execute the offense', warned American DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) of The Paderborn Baskets. Even though that MEG Goettingen has no real star, they have 12 guys that can play. 'MEG Goettingen plays well as a team. You cant prepare for just one player, because every guy is a threat at any given time. They have so many players that can score 15 points, so its hard to prepare for that', stressed ex Giessen 46er guard Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro). 'A team has to be mentally tough and be smart on the court when playing MEG Goettingen. A team really has to let their mind wonder how they have to stop this team, since you cant focus on just one player. A team has to test their mental toughness with MEG Goettingen. If Frankfurt doesnt focus and put the team away early, then they can cause trouble late in the game', warned ex Nordlingen forward Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.)

Last season, MEG Goettingen were the big surprise team of the season leading the standings for many months as teams were unable to adjust to their 40 minutes of basketball hell. They lost in the first round of the playoffs against The Brose Baskets Bamberg without Kyle Bailey and Charles Lee (192-G/F-84, college: Bucknell). Even after the very strong season last season, it seems like the club is celebrating a new kind of BG Goettingen type of Cinderella season as they have the chance to win three titles with the German Cup, Eurochallenge, and the BEKO BBL title. They have been very dominant in the Eurochallenge and will host the Final four in a few weeks as all of Germany will be crossing their fingers for the first international win for a German team since the 2004 Fiba Cup win by MBC. Currently BG Goettingen is in fourth place and have won their league games and Eurochallenge games the last weeks despite not having the services of Americans Dwayne Anderson (198-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Villanova), Ben Jacobson (188-G-83, college: N.Iowa) and Chester Frazier (188-G-86, college: Illinois). This season, the club has had winning streaks of nine games and five games. This season, the team has beat top clubs like Oldenburg, Berlin, Bonn and Bamberg. Their secret of their success is their style of play which is hard and aggressive for 40 minutes. Last season, their energy tank was low in the playoffs and the question is how far they can go this year with key injuries in the stretch run and playoffs?

BG Goettingen scores the most points in the BEKO BBL, which is a bit surprising since on paper, one would not necessarily think that they would be capable of scoring so many points each week, but they do. They have scored 80 points or more 16 times. This is a team that has a solid 11 man roster and the club has proved time in and time out that a different guy can step up each night. The team has had six different top scorers this season with ex Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) leading the charge in 9 games. The team has four main scoring options, but two of them with Ben Jacobson (188-G-83, college: N.Iowa) and Dwayne Anderson (198-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Villanova) are injured and gives the team a lot less depth in scoring especially in crunch time of games. Rochestie leads the team in scoring with 14.9ppg, 2,6rpg and 2,7apg. He has had a great rookie season taking over games with his scoring as who could forget him droping big shots in the last minutes of a win in Berlin in December. If called upon to create, he will do and really hurt teams. North Carolina native Chris Oliver is averaging 14,2ppg, 6,2rpg and 1,3apg. He missed three games and was not totally fit for a few months, but he seems to be back to 100% and could be a big thorn in the side of Bamberg this weekend. One of the big surprises has been American rookie Dwayne Anderson (198-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Villanova) from Silver Spring Maryland. He is averaging 11,5ppg, 4,7rpg and 1,0apg. He has had a great season being the teams leading scorer in six games. If there was a BG Goettingen unsung hero award then he would deserve to get it. His big strength has been his rebounding success and tenacity. He has missed the last six BBL games due to an injury and has been dearly missed and wont return this season.

American Ben Jacobson (188-G-83, college: N.Iowa) from Iowa is playing his third season in Goettingen and is averaging 10,1ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,0apg. He is your classic scoring point guard that can also do the playmaking with efficiency. He missed the last two games and will be missed if he doesnt return from injury. One of the biggest surprises has been 24 year old 198cm power forward/center Jason Boone (198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) from Sugar Loaf, New York is playing his third season with Goettingen. Two years ago, he made the jump form the Regionalliga to the BBL, which is similar as if a professional baseball player jumped from A ball to MLB. Since he has arrived to the BBL, he has continued to develop and his minutes have risen from 12 to 16 to 21 minutes. This season, he is averaging 9,7ppg and 6,6rpg. 'Jason Boone (198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) is a strong athlete who likes to finish around the rim and is not a shooter at all. One should give him the jump shot and dont let him penetrate. He is a strong offensive rebounder and goes to the boards each time. He isnt a good free throw shooter and dont give him any easy layups. One should attack him on defense and despite his athletic body, doesnt move his feet so well and he is foul prone', stressed Omari Westley Frankfurt will have to keep an eye on him in the paint. 'Boone is probably one of the strongest low post players in the BBL. He can move anybody with his strength down low', added Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro).

27 year old 211cm center Christopher McNaughton (211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell) who comes from Leutershausen is playing his first season with MEG Goettingen. He likes playing with his back to the basket, but doesnt really have good mobility for his size. He is averaging 7,0ppg and 2,9 rpg. Last season, he played for Faymasa Palencia playing 29 games and averaging 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 72.8%. He won the league LEB Silver and cup title. John Little (180-G-84, college: N.Iowa)s a 25 year old 180cm guard from Peoria, Illinois. He is playing his second season with MEG Goettingen. He played at Northern Iowa from 2002-2006. In 2007-2008, he wanted to play for the Peoria Kings of the ABA league, but the team folded, so he returned to Northern Iowa and finished the season as assistant coach. This season, he is averaging 6,5ppg, 2,4rpg and 1,1apg. 'Little is their energy guy. He brings a lot of energy and athletic ability from the bench. He doesnt have much of a shot and likes to drive to the hoop and finish at the rim. He is a good rebounder for his size. He is possibly the best defender on the team. He has long arms and plays the passing lanes well and is their best on ball defender', stressed Omari Westley. ' He is probably one of the scrappiest players in the league and always plays hard and gives 100% every minute on the court', added Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro). BEKO BBL rookie Chester Frazier (188-G-86, college: Illinois) who missed the last two games due to injury finished his career ranked sixth on the Illinois career assists list with 484. He was of the top defenders in the Big Ten conference and has brought the same aggressiveness on the defensive end to Goettingen. This season, he is averaging ppg 6,2ppg, 3,5rpg, and 1,

23 year old 191cm guard Robert Kulawick (191-G-86, agency: Court Side) is playing his second season in Goettingen. He started his basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde in 2003 and also played for Alba Berlin from 2004-2006 playing 14 BBL games, three ULEB Cup games and winning the BBL cup in 2006. After playing with The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in 2006-2007, he crossed the boarder into Holland and played for Den Helder Seals playing 34 games averaging 7.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.6%. Already last season, one could see the confidence of John Patrick in the German letting him average 10 minutes per game, but this season, he has hatched averaging 17 minutes and has been a energy spark plug on the court. He is averaging 4,7ppg and 1,4rpg. He has been a member of the German U-18 and U-20 teams the last years and if he keeps developing the way he does, then German National coach Dirk Bauermann will have to invite him to the German National team some day. The team picked up 27 year old American Antoine Jordan (196-G-83, college: Siena) a few months ago as insurance at the guard position. He is a 198cm guard that can rebound with the best of them at his height. He averaged 8,1rebounds in his senior year at Siena. This season, he is averaging 4,3ppg and 2,1rpg in 11 minutes per game. Recently, he stepped ups coring 15 points in a road loss in Bamberg The team recently picked up 37 year old 207cm power forward Michael Meeks (207-C/F-72, college: Canisius) who was born in Jamaica, but has the Canadian/American citizenship. He is fast for his size and is a great jumper with good timing. Has a nice jump shot from the top of the key. When posting up low he likes to finish with a dunk. The switching of positions and his speed makes him very dangerous in offense. On the defensive side he impresses with his shot blocking. He can hit the three pointer. He played at Canisius from 1992-1996. Since then he has had a long and successful basketball career having played in Countries like Italy, France, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic and Germany. He played for Brandt Hagen and The Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played at the 1998 and 2002 World Championships for Canada with NBA star Steve Nash (190-G-74, college: Santa Clara) and at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000, where he was the tournaments fifth best scorer averaging 14,3ppg. He was picked up to help bulk up the team with the heavy Eurochallenge schedule. He is averaging 3,1ppg and 1,5rpg in 8,23 minutes per game. He scored 16 points against Braunschweig.

When breaking down the two teams with certain aspects of the upcoming game, one would have to give the edge to The Brose Baskets Bamberg on offense. Bamberg simply has more threats on the court. Bamberg has simply too many great shooters form the perimeter. BG Goettingen will have to be alert if Bamberg gets around their full court press and contest as many shots as possible in the half court defense. BG Goettingen are excellent in creating offense from their defense, which might even be the best in the BEKO BBL. They may have to slow their offense down a bit on offense just to be alive in crunch time due to their injuries.

On defense, BG Goettingen clearly has the edge. They have held opponents to under 70 points 13 times this season. They have a very active defense that runs and presses all game long. It is no secret that teams in the Eurochallenge were surprised with their style and couldnt prepare for it, but even in the BEKO BBL, it gives teams problems every week. The Brose Baskets Bamberg also have a very solid, active and physical defense in the halfcourt. They have allowed the opponent to 70 points or less in 12 games this season. The leader on defense is John Goldsberry who will come out of nowhere and bring the opponent out of their offense set rhythm.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg have the edge with experience. BG Goettingen has injuries and are playing their first big tournament. The most experienced BG Goettingen player is Michael Meeks (207-C/F-72, college: Canisius), but he doesnt play much, while The Brose Baskets Bamberg have experienced guys like Casey Jacobsen Elton Brown (206-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia), and Robert Garrett. The X factor for The Brose Baskets Bamberg could be American Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) who has scored in double figures 21 times and can score a lot and quick. For BG Goettingen, it may be the minister of the Goettingen defense with scrappy John Little. He is a quick good defender who has shown that he can score and plays for the team. A key match up will be Chris Oliver/Bamberg player. It will be interesting who gets the call to defend him, but it will likely be Casey Jacobsen who is more athletic then a Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) who is not known as being the most mobile defender. Oliver may become a big problem for the Bamberg defense, because he can go inside or out. However, Bamberg is known for playing good team defense, so they will think of something to contain Oliver. Another key matchup will be Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) against Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.). They are both game changers with their offense. Whoever gets hot first will be key in winning the game. The coaching edge goes to Chris Fleming of Bamberg over John Patrick of BG Goettingen. Fleming won his first title in 2008 in Hamburg with the Artland Dragans as they took home the cup back to Quackenbruck. Patrick will be under pressure with all his injuries to make adjustments and find a plan to win as Fleming goes into the tournament as the favourite.

This will be a game of extremes with the quick run and gun play of BG Goettingen against the strong sound half court game of the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Bamberg has to find a way to somehow handle the BG Goettingen pressure defense and slow them down. If they get into a running match, then they will be playing into the cards of BG Goettingen which they dont want to do. BG Goettingen will want to play their style of game and speed Bamberg up as much as possible and force them to take quick shots and they cant let Brown/Pleiss get post touches. It will be interesting to see how these two clubs battle on neutral ground and if Bamberg does not fall victim to underestimating the injury plague of BG Goettingen. BG Goettingen meet The Brose Baskets Bamberg on Saturday April 10th at 16:25 in the Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt.

Chris Oliver (BG Goettingen) Pregame Thoughts To 2010 BEKO BBL Cup Game Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) is a 24 year old 198cm forward playing his second season with MEG Goetingen. He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2 (20.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%. Last season in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. He spoke to Eurobasket shortly before the BEKO BBL Top 4 tournament.

Congratulations on reaching the Eurochallenge Final 4. If someone had told you before the season started that you would be in the Final 4, what would you have said?

I would have been confident. We brought back many guys from last season that have played well together. This season, we have played hard and together and have proved that we deserve to be there.

You are in the Cup Top 4, Eurochallenge Final 4 and can still win the BBL championship. Is this the most beautiful time you have ever had as a basketball player?

Yes, it is. This is the most successful I have ever been in a team. We are competing for 3 different titles and we have shown what hard work can do by playing so well.

What is the secret of the success of BG Goettingen in the Eurochallenge? You have played against many different teams from different countries. You seem to dominate the tournament.

I think our good play has to do with our style and our intensity that we play very hard for the entire game. We have surprised many teams with our style and they have had problems playing us because they had never seen that style before. It is difficult to prepare for us and to match our intensity.

How big are the chances for BG Goettingen to win the Eurochallenge at home?

It is great to have the homecourt advantage in the Lokhalle. We always play well at home and the crowd energizes us.

Roane is currently in 5th place with a record of 16 9 in the French League. The best known player on that team is David Noel from North Carolina, who played 68 games in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. What can we await from this game?

It will be a battle and we have to simply come out ready to play. They are a very athletic team and we will have to be ready to go from the jump.

BG Goettingen has been strong the whole season, but has been playing without Dwayne Anderson, Chester Frazier and Ben Jacobsen since weeks. How does the team continue to play well without these key players?

We are used to it, because we have been dealing with injuries all season long. First, it was Taj Finger, who hurt his shoulder, and then I missed a few months. We seem to come more together when we have injuries. We make no excuses and just play our style and keep pushing.

In less than a week, BG Goettingen could win the first title of the season in the Cup. How excited are you for this tournament.

I am very excited to play, there are 4 great teams and it should be a competitive weekend.

You have a 3-5 record against Bamberg in the last 2 years and this season a 1-1 record. How can one rate this game on a neutral ground in Frankfurt?

This will be a battle with Bamberg. Both teams are very skilled and both will want to win very badly. We will have to be ready from the jump ball until the last seconds run off the clock.

Recently, BG Goettingen lost 88-81 in Bamberg. What did the team learn from this loss that they will do better this Saturday?

We have to play tough, together and hard. We have always had very competitive games against them and it will be no different Saturday.

What will be the key to the victory?

We have to play hard, play our style and play together. The key to our success this season has been staying together as a team, no matter what happens.

What is your tip for the Frankfurt-Bremerhaven game?

This will also be a tough battle, Bremerhaven won a close game against Frankfurt last weekend. Both are very good teams and I think it could go either way. It will be a close game.

If you win at least one title this season, do you think you will get the keys to the city of Kernersville?

No, I do not think I will get the keys to the city. Most people will not even know what the Cup is back home. I will just be the same old Chris.

Who will win the NCAA final Duke or Butler?

I am not a Duke fan, but I think they will win 77-69. They are a very skilled team and it will be a close game.

Your friend Ricky Hickman is back home in North Carolina on vacation. I bet you would not trade with him to be back home now?

Ricky had a good season in Finland and really deserved it because he worked very hard last summer but no, I would not trade with him now to be back home.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Armoured.
Thanks, Chris, for the chat, good luck in the Cup.


Deandre Haynes (Paderborn Baskets) Pregame Thoughts To 2010 BEKO BBL Cup Weekend In Frankfurt April 10th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) is a 25 year old 187 cm guard from Detroit Michigan that is playing his first season in the BEKO BBL with The Paderborn Baskets. He played at Kent from 2002-2005 and at Kent state from 2005-2006. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 13.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 78.6%. He won the MAC Tournament in 2006 and was player of the year in the MAC conference in 2006. He came to Europe as a rookie and played in Belgium for BBC Royal Atomia Brussels playing 23 games and averaging 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg. The next season, he stayed in Belgium and played for Okapi Aalstar playing 35 games averaging 9.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 74.0%. Last season, he played in Hungary for Kecskemeti Univer KSE playing 26 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 70.9%. He spoke to eurobasket before shortly before the BEKO BBL cup weekend in Frankfurt.

What will you be doing on the CUP weekend?



I was going to try and make the games, but they were sold out. So now I'll be spending my time in Paderborn.

Bremerhaven plays Frankfurt in the first semi final on Saturday. What is your prediction for this game?



I seen that they split games in the regular season, and the outcomes were always close, but I'm going give it to Frankfurt, because of the home court advantage.

What will be the most interesting matchup in this game?


Jeff Gibbs vs Derrick Allen.

In the other semi final, BG Goettingen meets The Brose Baskets Bamberg. What is your prediction in this game?


I think Bamberg will pull this one out especially with Goettingen missing three of their key players.

What will be the most interesting matchup in this game?


I really like Suput's game, so anyone who goes up against him.

Will BG Goettingen have enough energy this season to win a title without key players Jacobson, Frazier and Anderson?



I think it would be tough for them to win, but even with them three players not playing I can still see Goettingen playing with the same amount of intensity giving any team a great game.

Who will win the TOP 4 and why?


I think Frankfurt would win it all, the game is at home, Aubrey Reece is back playing, and Dragan Labovic was a good addition for them to step up the teams quality of play.

What was your impression of the 2010 NCAA Final between Duke and Butler?


I was happy to see a Mid Major make it so far in the tournament, but I knew Duke was going to win the championship this year. It was a classic game, and I enjoyed the way both teams came out and played.
Thanks Dre for the chat.

Chris Copeland (TBB Trier) Pregame Thoughts To 2010 BEKO BBL Cup Weekend In Frankfurt April 10th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Christopher Copeland (203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) is a 25 year old 203 cm power forward from Orange, New Jersey. He went to the University of Colorado from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 44%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 68.8%. In his first season overseas, he played for Beirasar Rosalia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to C.B. L'Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) playing 4 games averaging 4.0ppg, 8.0rpg and then moved to Matrixx Magix Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) playing 28 games and averaging 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 79.3%. Last season, he moved to Germany to TBB Trier playing 34 games averaging 13.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.8%. Chris Spoke to eurobasket from China shortly before the BEKO BBL Cup games.

What will you be doing on the CUP weekend?

We have a couple games in China. So playing basketball haha.

Bremerhaven plays Frankfurt in the first semi final on Saturday. What is your prediction for this game?

Tough call but I have Bremerhaven winning this one. No disrespect to D.A. of course.

What will be the most interesting matchup in this game?

Derrick Allen and Jeff Gibbs. It will be fun to watch for sure.

In the other semi final, BG Goettingen meets The Brose Baskets Bamberg. What is your prediction in this game?

Another tough one but I am going to go with Goettingen no disrespect to E.B. hahaha

What will be the most interesting matchup in this game?

Elton Brown and Jason Boone another one that will be fun to watch.

Will BG Goettingen have enough energy this season to win a title without key players Jacobson, Frazier and Anderson?


They are really deep. How far they go is up to them.

Who will win the TOP 4 and why?


I am going to go with Bremerhaven. They are extremely talented and a solid rebounding team. Offense will take care of itself for them but I think they will be able to give teams problems on the glass. Guys like Martin and Gibbs are going to be a handful.

What was your impression of the 2010 NCAA Final between Duke and Butler?

Didn't get to watch the full game but saw the end. Tough loss for Butler. Itwould've been crazy if that shot went in.
Thanks Chris for the chat.

Seth Doliboa (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Pregame Thoughts To 2010 BEKO BBL Cup Semi Final Against The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) is a 28 year old 203 cm power forward that will be playing his first season with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He grew up in Ohio and went to Wright State. In his junior year, he played 28 games averaging 22.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3apg. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 15.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.0apg. He started his professional basketball career with the Roanoke Dazzle playing in the NBDL league and then in the D-League, playing 47 games averaging 10.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43%, 3PT: 33%, FT: 78.1%. Last season, he played in Portugal for Sport Lisboa Benfica playing 26 games and averaging 17.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 72.8%. He won the Portugal league championship and was the 2009 Allstar MVP award. Seth spoke to Eurobasket before the cup semi final against The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven April 10th.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners suffered a tough loss in Bremerhaven 76-74. How well has the team digested the loss?



At this point in the season we don t have time to dwell on a loss. We have taken what we can from the game to help prepare us for our next meeting.

What lesson did the team learn from this loss?


I think our biggest lesson from the game is to play with the intensity and aggressiveness of the last three minutes the whole game.

How much are you looking forward to the BEKO BBL Top 4? Are the Deutsche Bank Skyliners a tournament team that are able to win two games on back to back days?

It is a great opportunity for us. We are definitely capable of winning back to back games. I think the home court advantage and the fact that we are a very deep team gives us a lot of confidence.

The 76-74 loss seemed to be a hard battle. What adjustments is the club going to have to make on defense against Bremerhaven for the cup game that have workhorses Jeff Gibbs and Kevin Lyde inside and great shooters with Andrew Drevo, Torrell Martin and Phillip Schwethelm?


I don t think our team needs adjustments. We have to execute a little better on offense and keep their penetrations and post ups to a minimum defensively. It will be another fight to the end.

BEKO BBL teams seem to have had big problems slowing down Louis Campbell. It seems like teams cant risk resting on defense for even a minute, because he pressures you all game long. Is he the best point guard that you have seen this season and is there any way to slow him down?


I would have trouble saying any one pt guard in this league is the best. A lot of different guards have different strengths. We will be putting more pressure on him to slow him down this game.

What kind of game can we await in the semi final? The first two games were decided by only three points.


I think it will be another exciting game. We are well prepared and I do beleive we will come out on top of this one.

What will be key in reaching the final?



Winning the semi final

How did you like the NCAA final Duke-Butler?


It was an outstanding game. I hated to see Butler lose but it was a great run they had.

How did you enjoy Easter in Germany?

I did nothing special this year. Just enjoyed some rest after our road trip.
Thanks Seth for the chat.

Germany U18 and U17 clash in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Germany U17 72:60
German U18 team prevailed against their younger colleagues at the Albert Schweitzer tournament. The victory marked the fifth straight success for German U18 team. Germany U17 suffered just the first loss at the tournament. So now Germany U18 will face the USA in the semifinal. U17 team will take on Australia for the spot in the decider.
Germany U18 built their success in the first term. They outgunned their younger mates 29:13. German U17 team tried to respond in the second stanza as they cut the margin at 13 points twenty minutes into the game. Germany U17 got even closer in the third frame. They trailed by just 10 points before the fourth quarter. But Germany U18 played it wisely in the final term and escaped with a 12-point win at the end. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) stepped up with 19 points to lead the winners. Daniel Theis (205-C-92) added 15 points and 7 boards in the victory. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) responded with 13 points for the U17 team. Besnik Bekteshi (187-G-93) netted 12 points in the loss.

Germany U18: Philipp Neumann 19, Daniel Theis 15, Lars Wendt (190-G-92) 11
Germany U17: Jakob Krumbeck 13, Besnik Bekteshi 12


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


Greece finish ninth in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - China U18 60:48

Greek U18 National Team victoriously wrapped up their Albert Schweitzer tournament campaign. They held off China to occupy the ninth overall position. The Hellenes finished the tourney with 4-2 record, while China registered 3 wins in six games.
Greece did not waste too much time to prove their ambitions in this one. They grabbed the initiative early on and raced to a 20:9 lead ten minutes into the game. China reacted in the second term as they took over playing cautiously in defense. The Asian team held their opponents to 13 points in the period narrowing the distance at 8 points 25:33 at halftime. China continued to work their way back into contest after the main break. They dominated in the third term and pulled within just 5 points before the fourth stanza. Greece however picked up the slack in the final part of the clash. Led by Socratis Psaropoulos (191-G-92) the Hellenes managed to escape with the win at the end. The guard came up with 16 points to lead the charge. Spyridon Motsenigos (194-G/F-92) netted 10 points for the winners. Yang DaPeng (200-F-93) accounted for 14 points and 9 rebounds for China. Shi Hongfei (180-G-93), Wang Pu (198-F-93) and Sun TongLin (206-C-92) delivered 6 points each in the loss.

Greece: Socratis Psaropoulos 16, Spyridon Motsenigos 10, Thomas Tsalkitzis (191-G-92) 8
China: Yang DaPeng 14, Shi Hongfei 6, Wang Pu 6, Sun TongLin 6


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  IBL   


IBL Albany Legends win home opener 129 to 122 over the Battle Creek Knights - by Trask Frost
Professional basketball is back at the Armory as the Albany Legends played host to the Battle Creek Knights Friday night. In a high scoring affair, the Legends overcame the Knights by a score of 129-122. Leading Albany was Lloyd Clinton with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Following closely behind Clinton was former NBA product Kenny Satterfield with 17 points and 6 rebounds. In a losing effort, Everett Spencer led the Knights with 28 points. Both William Hampton and Joseph Powell posted a double-double for Battle Creek. The Legend are back in action Sunday night when they host Battle Creek at 5:00PM and Drinkthegrapes.com magnet schedules go to the first 500 fans. For rosters, videos about IBL teams or the IBL itself- visit www.IBLhoopsonline.com



Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Holland B. 2-1 
 2. USA All-Stars 2-1 
 3. Kankakee S. 1-2 
 4. Edmonton E. 0-0 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-0 
 6. Albany L. 0-0 
 7. Tacoma T. 0-0 
 8. Battle Creek K. 0-1 
International Division
 1. Shanxi Zh. 0-0 
 2. Olympia R. 0-0 
 3. Yamhill H. 0-0 
 4. Oregon W. 0-0 
 5. C.Oregon H. 0-0 
 6. Bellingham S. 0-0 
 7. B.Colombia T. 0-0 
 8. Vancouver V. 0-0 


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


Standings - BSL
Premier L. Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 18-1 
 2. Macc.Haifa 14-6 
 3. Jerusalem 13-7 
 4. Galil Gilboa 13-7 
 5. Netanya 12-8 
 6. Ashkelon 10-9 
 7. Rishon LZ 9-11 
 8. Bnei Hasharon 8-12 
 9. Hapoel Holon 6-14 
 10. Hap.Afula 6-14 
 11. Ironi Nahariya 6-14 
 12. Ramat Gan 4-16 


Brazil celebrate against Israel to finish 11th in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U18 - Israel U18 60:53

Brazil recorded the third win at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim. They defeated Israel to claim the 11th spot at the tourney. Israel thus finished in the 12th place with 2-4 record.
Brazil rushed in front right from the start. They accounted for 27 points in the opening quarter and enjoyed an 8-point lead at the first break. Israeli however reacted with a suffocating defense in the second quarter. They limited Brazil to 11 points and cut the deficit at two points into the second half 36:38. The third frame was a low-scoring affair. The teams teamed up for only 19 points as Brazil managed to come out with a three-point lead 48:45. They maintained it throughout the fourth quarter and celebrated a difficult victory at the end.
Victor De Souza (182-G-92) knocked down 16 points to lead Brazil. Felipe Taddei (192-G-92) provided 15 points in the winning effort. Bar Timor (189-G-92) answered with 13 points for Israel. Sean Labanowski (198-F-92) netted 12 points in the loss.

Brazil: Victor De Souza 16, Felipe Taddei 15, Cristiano Silva (206-C-92) 10+13 boards
Israel: Bar Timor 13, Sean Labanowski 12


Ligat Winner Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Netanel Dahan
Hap.Jerusalem - Ironi Ashkelon 77-80
Hapoel Jerusalem lost to Ironi Ashkelon 77:80 as Omar Sneed (198-F-76, college: Memphis) poured in 19 points for the winners and Jimmy Baxter delivered 17,Moran Rot scored 13 pts all of them in the last quarter.Chester Simmons produced the same number of points in the losing effort.

Maccabi T-A - Bnei Hasharon 83-72
Maccabi T-A extended their lead on top beating Bnei Hasharon 83:72. Guy Pnini (201-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) paced all the winners with 26 points and Stephane Lasme followed him with 15.Anthony Tucker responded with 25 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Galil Gilboa - Ironi Nahariya 73-68
Galil Gilboa outscored Ironi Nahariya 73:68 as Jeremy Pargo (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) poured in 15 points,Brian Randle scored 14 and Elishay Kadir netted 12.Steven Smith ended up with 21 points in the losing effort.

Hapoel Holon - Netanya 80-67
Hapoel Holon rolled over Netanya 80:67 at the Regular Season Round 20. Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81, agency: BeoExcell) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Titus Ivory as well as Erez Marckovich scored 13 apiece.Marco Killingsworth ended up with 20 points in the losing case.

Macc.Haifa - Hapoel Afula 89-67
Maccabi Haifa cruised past Hapoel Afula 89:67 at the Israeli Regular Season Round 20. Davon Jefferson (203-F-86, college: USC) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 12 rebouns, whilst Dror Hagag posted 18.Dionte Christmas brought 22 points in defeat and Steffon Bradford scored 20.

Macc.Rishon LZ - Ironi Ramat G. 84-70
Maccabi Rishon LZ rolled over Ironi Ramat Gan 84:70 as Larry O'Bannon (191-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Louisville) chipped in 18 points and Aaron McGhee nailed 14. Chris Watson answered with 24 points in the losing effort and Gary Forbes scored 21.


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


France thump Japan to claim 13th spot - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Japan U18 117:72
France coasted past Japan in the final game at the Albert Schweitzer tournament for both teams. The victory allowed the Les Bleus to clinch the 13th overall place at the tourney. Japan finished in the 14th position. Evan Fournier (198-G/F-92) was instrumental in the win as he poured in 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
Les Tricolores won the first term by four points 25:21. They stepped on the gas in the second stanza. France accounted for 30 points to build a massive 24-point lead at the interval 55:31. Japan could not change things radically after the main break. France continued to score freely as they established a 31-point buffer heading into the fourth term. Japan struggled defensively conceding 31 points in the final term and suffering a heavy loss at the end.
Rudy Gobert provided 23 points and 13 rebounds for France. Mathis Keita (192-G-92) and Kevin Mendy (200-G/F-92) notched 21 points apiece in the victory. Taku Bandoh (185-G-92) answered with 27 points for Japan. Takumi Mitsuyama (183-G-92) had 17 points in defeat.

France: Evan Fournier 34+10 boards, Rudy Gobert 23+13 boards, Mathis Keita 21, Kevin Mendy 21
Japan: Taku Bandoh 27, Takumi Mitsuyama 17


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


Stats Leaders
LBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Davis, Valmiera 17.7
2 Timermanis, Barons 17.3
3 Efejuku, Barons 16.7
4 Gulbis, Zemgale 16.6
5 Silavs, Keizarmezs 16.3
6 Kojenets, Liepaja 15.7
7 Valeika, Valmiera 15.1
8 Nelyubov, VEF Riga 14.5
9 Zakis, Ventspils 14.2
10 Kisielius, Liepaja 14.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Valeika, Valmiera 10.5
2 Kojenets, Liepaja 7.3
3 Zorin, Barons 6.7
4 Silavs, Keizarmezs 6
5 Renfroe, VEF Riga 5.9
6 Cipruss, Valmiera 5.8
7 Jurevicus, Ventspils 5.7
8 Rozitis, Zemgale 5.6
9 Gulbis, Zemgale 5.2
10 Zakis, Ventspils 5.2
Assists Per Game
1 Renfroe, VEF Riga 7.1
2 Silavs, Keizarmezs 5.6
3 Jeromanovs, Liepa. 4.3
4 Sirsnins, Barons 4
5 Strelnieks, Ventspils 3.5
6 Vilums, Liepaja 3.1
7 Bergmanis, Zemgale 3
8 Jurevicus, Ventspils 3
9 Efejuku, Barons 2.6
10 Bertans, Ventspils 2.5
Steals Per Game
1 Sirsnins, Barons 2.4
2 Renfroe, VEF Riga 2.2
3 Silavs, Keizarmezs 2.2
4 Bertans, Ventspils 2
5 Osins, Keizarmezs 2
6 Strelnieks, Ventspils 1.7
7 Davis, Valmiera 1.6
8 Vilums, Liepaja 1.5
9 Bergmanis, Zemgale 1.3
10 Jurevicus, Ventspils 1.3
Blocks Per Game
1 Rozitis, Zemgale 1.4
2 Davis, Valmiera 1.3
3 Nelyubov, VEF Riga 0.9
4 Skirmants, Barons 0.9
5 Cresnar, Valmiera 0.8
6 Zorin, Barons 0.8
7 Selakovs, VEF Riga 0.7
8 Blaus, Ventspils 0.5
9 Timermanis, Barons 0.5
10 Valeika, Valmiera 0.5


Latvian National Team 2009 - by Arturs Butans
#s#
Armands Skele
Skele
Kristaps Valters
Valters
Arturs Stalbergs
Stalbergs
Kristaps Janicenoks
Janicenoks
Andris Biedrins
Biedrins
#e#6
4 Uvis Helmanis 204-F-72 Barons Riga Latvia
5 Aigars Vitols 192-G-76 Barons Riga Latvia
6 Armands Skele 192-G-83 Ventspils Latvia
7 Janis Blums 190-G-82 Bizkaia Bilbao Basket Spain
8 Ernests Kalve 200-F-87 Ventspils Latvia
9 Kristaps Valters 188-G-81 DKV Joventut Badalona Spain
10 Gatis Jahovics 200-F-84 VEF Riga Latvia
11 Kaspars Kambala 206-C-78 Enisey Krasnoyarsk Russia
12 Rolands Freimanis 208-F-88 Qualat Cajasol
13 Arturs Stalbergs 196-F-84 VEF Riga Latvia
14 Kristaps Janicenoks 196-F-83 Umana Reyer Venezia Italy
15 Andris Biedrins 213-C-86 Golden State Warriors USA

Kestutis Kemzura Head Coach BC Khimky Moscow Region Russia
Igors Miglinieks Assistant Energa Czarni Slupsk Poland

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


Robertas Javtokas: Playing experience is not enough. - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona), a 30-year-old seven-footer, is another Lithuanian basketball star who enrolled into the European Masters of Basketball Coaching programme delivered by the University of Worcester in cooperation with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education. Euroleague champion, ULEB Cup champion, participant of two summer Olympics and winner of the European championship bronze medal shares his thoughts about upcoming studies and possible coaching career.

How did you decide to start these studies?

Secretary General of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation Mindaugas Balciunas informed me about this opportunity. It intrigued me, because it involved two institutions from two different countries, so each of them brings a different perspective. I figured, if I could combine playing and studying at the same time, why not do it? So I decided to apply.
I want to learn more about basketball, just for myself. I want to understand the game from a different perspective not just that of a basketball player.

Does this mean that you see yourself coaching after your playing career is over?

It is too early to say. I see myself playing for another several years and what happens after that, I will decide later. Of course, I dont reject the possibility of becoming a coach some day.

Do you do any coaching presently (mentoring younger players, discussing strategies with coach, etc.)?

Well, I have experience and right now Im capable to say what was missing throughout my career and what couldve been done differently or better. So yes, I try to help other players, especially our younger big men with things they could do to improve their game.

You've played for many different teams at both club and national team levels. Those teams were obviously led by great coaches. Have you noticed differences between those coaches and what kind of influence did it have on your basketball understanding?

Yes, I was coached by many great coaches and each of them were different in their own way. Of course, many of these differences were dependent on player talent, team budget, team goals and those kinds of things. But stuck in my mind are those coaches who were the most capable of motivating their players, who were able to drive their teams and who made players think like a team.

In basketball coaching how much importance do you place on education and on playing experience?

I think both are equally important. I dont agree with those saying that playing experience is all you need if you want to be a good coach. In my mind thats not enough and a coach should know much more. It is the theory of the game, physiology, different coaching tactics and techniques, training methods, etc. that are also important. Besides you will never have too much knowledge (laughs).

What do you expect to gain from these studies?

To gain knowledge. Theres this saying that the more you learn, the less you know. And I know that there are things I dont know about basketball and I want to learn those things. I also see it as an investment. The more you invest, the better you are.



source: Mindaugas Gobikas


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS
  Alytus Alita
  (197-G-86)
  Avg: 20.6
 1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.20.6 
 2. Kazevicius, Alytus A.19.5 
 3. Sirvydis, Sakalai18.8 
 4. Dabkus, Rudupis18.5 
 5. Kuzminskas, Siauliai17.3 
 6. Janavicius, Aisciai16.6 
 7. Kelys, Perlas16.1 
 8. Gvezdauskas, Nevez.16.0 
 9. Kieza, Suduva15.3 
 10. Ezerskis, Techasas15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Egidijus DIMSA
  Nevezis
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Dimsa, Nevezis9.7 
 2. Kieza, Suduva8.6 
 3. Vilkius, Neptunas7.5 
 4. Valanciunas, Perlas7.5 
 5. Tatarunas, Alytus A.7.4 
 6. Valukonis, Aisciai7.3 
 7. Silinskis, Nevezis7.2 
 8. Cepukaitis, Aisciai7.1 
 9. Adomaitis, Alytus A.7.1 
 10. Janisius, Suduva6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Aidas VISKONTAS
  Perlas
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Viskontas, Perlas6.2 
 2. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.6.0 
 3. Broadus, Suduva5.3 
 4. Low, Siauliai5.2 
 5. Kelys, Perlas4.5 
 6. Janavicius, Aisciai4.5 
 7. Ezerskis, Techasas4.5 
 8. Maceina, Rudupis4.4 
 9. Jomantas, Lietuv.4.2 
 10. Ginevicius, Lietuv.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS
  Alytus Alita
  (197-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.2.6 
 2. Kelys, Perlas2.2 
 3. Valukonis, Aisciai2.2 
 4. Jomantas, Lietuv.2.1 
 5. Vilkius, Neptunas2.0 
 6. Dabkus, Rudupis2.0 
 7. Lipkevicius, Aisciai2.0 
 8. Vileita, Rudupis2.0 
 9. Dainys, Rudupis1.9 
 10. Babrauskas, Lietuv.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Darius SILINSKIS
  Nevezis
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Silinskis, Nevezis2.8 
 2. Kieza, Suduva2.7 
 3. Begic, Zalgiris1.7 
 4. Valanciunas, Lietuv.1.5 
 5. Valanciunas, Perlas1.5 
 6. Cepukaitis, Aisciai1.2 
 7. Tatarunas, Alytus A.1.1 
 8. Zyle, Aisciai1.1 
 9. Volkus, Techasas1.1 
 10. Dimsa, Nevezis0.9 


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 30
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.30.0 
 2. James, Clevelan.29.7 
 3. Anthony, Denver N.28.4 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers27.1 
 5. Wade, Miami Heat26.4 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.25.5 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.24.9 
 8. Granger, Indiana P.24.4 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.24.0 
 10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.23.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Howard, Orlando M.13.2 
 2. Camby, LA Clippers12.1 
 3. Lee, New York K.11.8 
 4. Randolph, Memph.11.8 
 5. Boozer, Utah Jazz11.3 
 6. Gasol, LA Lakers11.2 
 7. Love, Minnesota T.11.1 
 8. Bosh, Toronto R.10.8 
 9. Noah, Chicago B.10.8 
 10. Haywood, Washingt.10.3 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.0 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.10.7 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz10.6 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.9.8 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.9.0 
 6. James, Clevelan.8.6 
 7. Westbrook, Oklah..8.1 
 8. Davis, LA Clippers8.0 
 9. Arenas, Washingt.7.2 
 10. Harris, New J.6.8 
Steals Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Rondo, Boston C.2.4 
 2. Ellis, Golde S.2.3 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.1 
 4. Wade, Miami Heat1.9 
 5. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 6. Ariza, Houston R.1.8 
 7. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 8. Jackson, Charlott.1.7 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Davis, LA Clippers1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Howard, Orlando M.2.7 
 2. Bogut, Milwauke.2.5 
 3. Haywood, Washingt.2.1 
 4. Camby, LA Clippers2.0 
 5. Haywood, Dallas M.2.0 
 6. Smith, Atlanta H.2.0 
 7. Andersen, Denver N.1.9 
 8. Dalembert, Philad.1.9 
 9. Lopez, New J.1.7 
 10. McGee, Washingt.1.7 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 49-30 
 2. Toronto R. 38-41 
 3. New York K. 28-51 
 4. Philadelph.76 26-53 
 5. New Jersey N. 12-67 
Central Div.
 1. Cleveland C. 61-19 
 2. Milwaukee B. 45-34 
 3. Chicago B. 38-41 
 4. Indiana P. 31-48 
 5. Detroit P. 26-53 
Southeast Div.
 1. Orlando M. 56-23 
 2. Atlanta H. 50-29 
 3. Miami Heat 44-35 
 4. Charlotte B. 42-37 
 5. Washington W. 25-54 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Denver N. 52-27 
 2. Utah Jazz 52-28 
 3. Oklah.City T. 49-30 
 4. Portland TB 48-31 
 5. Minnesota T. 15-64 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 56-23 
 2. Phoenix Suns 51-28 
 3. LA Clippers 27-52 
 4. Sacramento K. 25-54 
 5. Golde State W. 24-54 
Southwest Div.
 1. Dallas M. 52-27 
 2. San Antonio S. 48-31 
 3. Houston R. 41-38 
 4. Memphis G. 40-39 
 5. N.Orleans H. 35-45 


Lakers center Andrew Bynum is out until playoffs - by Eurobasket News
Reporting from Denver
Then there's the other starter who sat out Thursday's game....

Lakers center Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87) missed his ninth game because of a strained left Achilles' tendon, though he pledged to return by a fairly important date April 18.

'I'm going to play the first game of the playoffs,' he said before the Lakers played Denver, staying back in the locker room with Kobe Bryant, who sat out because of swelling in his right knee.

Bynum missed 32 games down the stretch last season because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, but said it wouldn't take as long for him to return to form this time.

In fact, he seemed to look forward to a series of practices after the Lakers finish the regular season Wednesday against the Clippers.

'It's definitely going to be a couple of games before you get into your rhythm, but I do have a bunch of practice days to get it in and get my touch back,' he said.

There's no rush for Bynum to return, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said.

'I actually told 'Drew it's not ultimately earth-shattering if he doesn't get back before the playoffs rather than get a guy who can play 80% or 70% or whatever percent we want to throw out there,' Jackson said.

Bynum initially wanted to play the last game or two of the regular season. Then reality entered the picture. 'At first I was kind of excited, I wanted to do it,' he said. 'But then it's like, What's the point?' It's just another possibility to go back a couple of steps.'

Courtesy www.latimes.com


Prokhorov may have to wait for the Nets - by Eurobasket News
Russian tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov is probably going to have to wait a little longer before becoming the new owner of the New Jersey Nets.

The NBA announced on Thursday that its board of governors probably won't vote next week on whether to approve Prokhorov's deal to buy the Nets because the state of New York has not taken over all the land seized under eminent domain at the site of the team's Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

'The Board will vote on Mr. Prokhorov's purchase of the Nets once a firm date is set for the State of New York to take full possession of the arena site, which the team expects to occur in the near future,' said Joel Litvin the NBA's president of league and basketball operations.

Litvin said the site possession is the only factor affecting the timing of the vote.

'The documentation of the Nets' purchase and the background investigation of Mr. Prokhorov have been complete for some time,' Litvin said.

Prokhorov agreed last December to buy 80 percent of the Nets and 45 percent of the new arena from Bruce Ratner's Forest City Ratner Cos.

The Nets have endured a dreadful season, posting an 11-67 mark with four games left in the regular season, clinching at least a tie for the worst record in the league this season. For months, the team threatened to break the NBA mark for fewest wins (nine) in a season, set by the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers.

The Nets have a chance to improve greatly in the offseason, having at least $23 million in salary cap room to spend on a free agent group that might include LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Rudy Gay.

New York officials had a ceremonial groundbreaking last month on a much-delayed 22-acre, $4.9 billion development project, which includes the new arena and 16 residential and office buildings.

The 18,000-seat arena is to open in 2012. Construction on the other projects will begin in 2011.

The delays were caused by lawsuits filed by residents fighting the use of eminent domain.

Supporters say Atlantic Yards will provide jobs and economic development.

Courtesy of ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5068199)

Thursday: Bulls and Nuggets grab thriller wins against Cavs and Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland C. - Chicago B. 108-109
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) scored 24 points, Kirk Hinrich (6'3''-G-81, college: Kansas) had 23 and the Chicago Bulls gave their playoff hopes a big boost by surviving some shaky free-throw shooting down the stretch to beat the Cavaliers 109-108 with James on the sideline Thursday night. Luol Deng helped the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Maurice Williams exploded with 35 points and 10 assists.

LA Clippers - Sacramento K. 94-116
Tyreke Evans (6'6''-G-89, college: Memphis) has a chance to become just the fourth player to finish his inaugural season averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Evans surpassed all three of those numbers Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, getting 28 points, six rebounds and seven assists to help the Kings snap an eight-game losing streak with a 116-94 victory. Jason Thompson (6'11''-F-86, agency: Buck Andre, college: Rider) added 22 points and 15 rebs. In LA Clippers, Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon had 23 and 21 points respectively.

LA Lakers - Denver N. 96-98
Instead of a game-winning shot, Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) came through with a block at the buzzer. The feeling was just as exhilarating. Anthony's swat of Derek Fisher's shot preserved the Denver Nuggets' 98-96 win over a Los Angeles Lakers team playing without Kobe Bryant on Thursday night. ‘Feels good to do something else, though, other than hitting a game-winner,' said Anthony, who scored 31 points. J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) followed him with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Visitors got 26 pts, 13 rebs and 5 assists from Pau Gasol. *part of the text taken from www.chron.com

Oklahoma's Warren opts to enter NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89) plans to enter the NBA draft, skipping his final two seasons of eligibility with the Sooners.

Warren made the announcement Thursday. He's the second member of Oklahoma's backcourt to indicate a desire to turn pro. Tommy Mason-Griffin is leaving after one season with the Sooners.

Warren was projected as a first-round draft pick following his freshman season but decided to return to Oklahoma. He led the Sooners in scoring at 16.3 points per game, but he missed 10 games, including eight because of an ankle injury. He had surgery on the ankle March 3.

The Sooners finished 13-18.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Raptors' Bosh released from hospital - by Eurobasket News
Raptors all-star forward Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) is back in Toronto after undergoing surgery to have a nasal fracture repaired.

A team spokesman said Bosh was released from the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday, two days after he was accidentally elbowed in the face during a game by Cleveland's Antawn Jamison.

Bosh is expected to need weeks to recover from an operation he had on Wednesday to fix the fracture.

Toronto's leading scorer will miss the remainder of the regular season with the Raptors, who lead the Chicago Bulls by just a half-game in the battle for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Bulls and Raptors will face each other Sunday. Chicago hosts Cleveland on Thursday and plays in New Jersey the following night.
Toronto is in Atlanta on Friday.

Courtesy ofwww.cbc.ca


Nuggets' Martin aiming to return before playoffs - by Eurobasket News
Kenyon Martin (6'8''-F/C-77, college: Cincinnati), the Denver Nuggets' top defensive player and a force on the boards, hopes to return as soon as Saturday from the left knee injury that has sidelined him for the last five weeks.

Speaking before Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Martin said he feels good to go and that he would like to play in at least one of the Nuggets' last three regular season games before the playoffs. The Nuggets next play the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday followed.

``I just don't want to go out there rusty, right into a game situation,'' Martin said. ``The last three games are a possibility. It will depend on how I feel. If I'm in any pain or what not, then no. But as of right now, I don't have any pain. But I've got to do one of these last three if I'm going to play (before the playoffs).''

Martin hasn't played since March 3. He was averaging nearly a double double (11.8 points, 9.6 rebounds) when persistent soreness and swelling in the knee forced him to the sideline. He underwent platelet rich plasma therapy March 8 and returned to the court for the first time since then on Wednesday in a 1-on-1 basektball session in Oklahoma City against assistant coach Jamahl Mosley prior to the team's game against the Thunder.

``I went pretty hard and I felt good,'' Martin said.

He followed that with a workout Thursday at the team's practice facility that included a round of shooting.

``I've definitely made a lot of progress, a lot of progress,'' he said. ``I'm shooting the ball well upstairs but I want to play one of these last few games.''

Courtesy of www.csnphilly.com


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


Vanderbilt center A.J. Ogilvy to enter NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
Vanderbilt junior center A.J. Ogilvy (211-C-88) will skip his final season and enter the NBA Draft.

The Commodores announced Thursday that the 6-foot-11 Sydney, Australia native will also hire an agent in advance of the June 24 draft, ending his collegiate eligibility.

Coach Kevin Stallings says he appreciates everything Ogilvy has done in helping lead Vanderbilt to two NCAA tournament bids in the past three years.

Ogilvy was an All-Southeastern Conference honorable mention this season and averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in his three-year career. He is the Commodores' all-time leader in free throws made with 471 and blocks per game with 1.51.

Courtesy of www.csnphilly.com


Robert Morris gives Rice one-year extension - by Eurobasket News
Robert Morris basketball coach Mike Rice has signed a one-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season.

Rice was interviewed by several schools after Robert Morris narrowly lost to Villanova in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Earlier this week, he reportedly turned down the chance to coach Tulane.

The extension, announced Thursday, is the second in two seasons for the former Pittsburgh assistant. Three seasons were added to Rice's contract last year after the Colonials won the Northeast Conference tournament title for the first time since 1992.

Robert Morris repeated this season, beating top-seeded Quinnipiac on the road in the conference championship game. The Colonials are 73-31 in three seasons under Rice.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com


Iona hires Cluess as men's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News
Iona has hired Tim Cluess as its men's basketball coach.

Cluess coached Division II C.W. Post to a 98-23 mark over four years, including a school-record 30 victories two seasons ago.

A former player at St. John's who played pro ball in Europe and Australia, Cluess will be introduced at a news conference Friday.

The highly successful Cluess replaces Kevin Willard, who left for Seton Hall after three years rebuilding the Gaels. Iona was 21-10 this past season.

Cluess led the Pioneers to a 23-6 record this past season and reached the East Coast Conference title game for the fourth year in a row. He also coached one year at Suffolk Community College, leading the team to the final eight of the NJCAA Division III tournament.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Oklahoma's Warren opts to enter NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89) plans to enter the NBA draft, skipping his final two seasons of eligibility with the Sooners.

Warren made the announcement Thursday. He's the second member of Oklahoma's backcourt to indicate a desire to turn pro. Tommy Mason-Griffin is leaving after one season with the Sooners.

Warren was projected as a first-round draft pick following his freshman season but decided to return to Oklahoma. He led the Sooners in scoring at 16.3 points per game, but he missed 10 games, including eight because of an ankle injury. He had surgery on the ankle March 3.

The Sooners finished 13-18.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Stevens signs new 12-year deal with Butler - by Eurobasket News
Brad Stevens is staying at Butler University.

So the lingering questions are:
How much money did it take?

Is Gordon Hayward staying, too?

There was no definitive answer to either on Thursday, but speculation about the Bulldogs' basketball coach stops for awhile.

Stevens, 33, who took Butler on a surprising run to the NCAA championship game, was awarded a new 12-year contract by the university Thursday.

Terms of the contract, which extends through the 2021-22 seasons, were not divulged.

It is widely speculated that Stevens' total package is at least $1 million annually. The Board of Trustees was discussing that amount, perhaps even before Butler reached the Final Four. Stevens' base salary two years ago was $395,000, and the total package has been estimated at $750,000.

By comparison, Purdue coach Matt Painter recently agreed to a contract worth $1.3 million a year and incentives that could add another $1 million a year. Indiana University coach Tom Crean, the state's highest-paid employee, makes $2.3 million annually.

Stevens rebuffed the University of Oregon, which could have offered double or triple what Butler did. Pat Kilkenny, a former Oregon athletic director leading the search, said he spoke with Stevens by phone three times Tuesday. Stevens' name also came up in connection with two openings in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Wake Forest and Clemson.

Duke beat Butler 61-59 Monday night in the national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Afterward, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski recommended Stevens stay at Butler.

'They also should pay him more,' Coach K said.

Hayward is the Bulldogs' 6-9 star who is deciding whether to enter the NBA draft or return for a third college season. Multiple preseason rankings put Butler in the nation's top five, as long as Hayward is on the team.

Hayward's father, Gordon Sr., said a departure by Stevens might have influenced a decision but that his son has a good relationship with all of the coaches on Butler's staff. Butler has a tradition of promoting assistants when the head coach leaves.

'His staying doesn't surprise us,' Hayward's father said. 'He's such a high-character guy who values Butler and the things that Butler has to offer. He's from here. It's kind of what we expected. It's what he always told us.'

Curt Smith, father of 6-11 freshman Andrew Smith, said he hoped Stevens' presence would persuade Hayward to stay another year.

'We were all, as parents and players, hoping and praying Brad could stay and continue to lead this program in the Butler way,' Curt Smith said.

The Bulldogs (33-5) set a school record for victories and also a school record for consecutive wins (25). Butler finished No. 2 behind Duke (35-5) in the post-tournament ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll.

Stevens (89-15) has won more games in his first three years than any coach in major college history.

He was away from Indianapolis on a recruiting trip Thursday. In a statement, he said he and wife Tracy are 'thrilled and very thankful for the opportunity to continue to play a role for Butler University.' The coach will meet with the media today at 11:30 a.m.

One of Butler's incoming recruits, forward Khyle Marshall, Pembroke Pines, Fla., said he was relieved Stevens is staying.

'He always said he loves what he does there,' Marshall said.

Athletic director Barry Collier and university president Bobby Fong said Stevens was a good fit for Butler. Fong said the Board of Trustees was 'very, very supportive' throughout a process that went on all season.

Fong said the university was able to retain Stevens 'within the context' of Butler's mission. The president declined to reveal the financial terms of the contract.

'There is also an opportunity here for him to continue coaching in a way that would support the maturation of his players in the fullest sense of the word -- academically, intellectually, in terms of service to other people,' Fong said.

Coincidentally, less than four hours before Butler's announcement, a columnist for Sports Illustrated's Web site wrote that it would be harder for a coach like Stevens to stay put than to reach the national championship game.

'He will be mentioned for every job that comes open, and quite a few jobs that don't come open,' wrote Michael Rosenberg of SI.com. 'Schools without basketball teams will start programs so they can hire him. Towns without schools will open universities so they can have basketball teams so they can hire him.'

Rosenberg compared Stevens to Mark Few, who has turned down higher-paying jobs to stay at Gonzaga -- a mid-major power in Spokane, Wash., that resembles Butler.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com


Rutgers hoops coach Hill out after 4 seasons - by Eurobasket News
Fred Hill appears to be out as Rutgers basketball coach after four seasons.

Hill was informed on Thursday by the university that he wouldn't be retained because of multiple violations of the conduct clause in his contract, The Home News of New Brunswick reported, quoting a source close to the situation.

The newspaper said that Hill has been offered a buyout and was deciding whether to accept it.

Rutgers spokesman Kevin Lorincz said the university had no comment.

Hill's dismissal comes three weeks after athletic director Tim Pernetti gave the coach another year to turn around the program that had gone 47-77 in his four years as coach, including a 15-17 mark this season.

Part of the reason that Hill was retained was Rutgers avoided paying him a $1.8 million payout if it fired him.

Hill got in trouble last Thursday when he yelled obscenities at coaches from Pittsburgh after a baseball game at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are coached by Hill's father and Rutgers had just defeated the Panthers.

A Pittsburgh school official complained to Pernetti on Friday.

The Home News reported that Hill also was insubordinate to Pernetti and failed to communicate critical program details to him.

Hill met with his players on Thursday afternoon. His 13-57 record in Big East play is the worst in league history for anyone who coached at least three years.

Rutgers has not made the NCAA tournament since 1991.

Finding a good coach will not be easy for Rutgers since many programs have already found replacements.

Former St. John's coach and current ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla has said recently that he wants to return to coaching. Former Ohio State and Boston College coach Jim O'Brien also is considered a potential candidate.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Australia edge USA in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Australia U18 - USA U18 79:66

The Emus recorded the fourth win at the Albert Schweitzer tournament. They shot down the United States team. Australia will now face Germany U17 in the first semifinal. The USA will take on Germany U18 in the second semifinal clash.
The first term saw both teams trading the baskets. The scoreboard showed even figures 17:17 ten minutes into the game. The Aussies started to work their way ahead in the second period. They exploded with 27 points to pile up an 8-point buffer into the second half. The USA reacted with an aggressive defense in the third period. It helped them limit Australia to just 11 points as the USA got within one. But the final frame belonged to the Emus. They dominated every facet of the game and easily ran away to a comfortable win.
Mitchell Creek (195-F-92) produced 23 points and 11 rebounds for Australia. Corban Wroe (186-G-92) added 12 points, while Lewis Thomas (203-F-92) finished with 11 points for the winners. Ryan Boatright (182-G-92) responded with game-high 27 points for the USA. Damian Leonard (192-G/F-92) netted 14 points in the losing case.

Australia: Mitchell Creek 23+11 boards, Corban Wroe 12, Lewis Thomas 11
USA: Ryan Boatright 27, Damian Leonard 14


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Argentina clinch 15th spot in Mannheim - by Eurobasket News
Argentina U18 - New Zealand U18 76:72
Argentina finally drew first blood at the Albert Schweitzer tournament. They overcame New Zealand to claim the 15th win at the competition. New Zealand remained winless and occupied the 16th place. Pablo Perez (202-F-92) knocked down 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the winners.
Argentina surged ahead early in the game and maintained the lead to establish a 21:18 advantage at the first break. The Latin American team extended the margin at 11-point mark at halftime. The Junior Tall Blacks took over in the third period. The Kiwis held their opponents to 11 points in the third term and got within 5 points at the final break. New Zealand mounted the pressure in the fourth quarter. They managed to win the frame but it was not enough to tame Argentina as those eked out a tough win at the end.
German Ressia (181-G-92) provided 16 points and 8 assists for Argentina. Fernando Podesta (204-C-92) delivered 12 points in the win. Chris Duthie (185-G-92) replied with 22 points and 8 caroms for New Zealand. Reuben Te Rangi (193-F-94) knocked down 16 points in the losing effort.

Argentina: Pablo Perez 17, German Ressia 16, Fernando Podesta 12
New Zealand: Chris Duthie 22, Reuben Te Rangi 16


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Richard JETER
  Manawatu
  (198-G/F-80)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Jeter, Manawatu24.8 
 2. Devendorf, Waikato24.3 
 3. Webster, Harbour .24.0 
 4. Tisby, Otago23.5 
 5. Rose, Southlan.22.6 
 6. Leasure, Taranaki22.3 
 7. Jones, Nelson22.2 
 8. Hudson, Wellington20.3 
 9. Amaya, Otago20.0 
 10. Rickert, Harbour .20.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 13.1
 1. Pledger, Waikato13.1 
 2. Rickert, Harbour .12.4 
 3. Terrell, Bay Hawks11.4 
 4. Boucher, Harbour .10.5 
 5. Tisby, Otago10.3 
 6. Johnson, Taranaki8.4 
 7. Maxey, Wellington8.3 
 8. Horvath, Wellington7.9 
 9. Abercrombie, Waika.7.6 
 10. Vukona, Nelson7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Dillon BOUCHER
  Harbour Heat
  (196-F-75)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Boucher, Harbour .6.8 
 2. Kench, Cougars5.3 
 3. Devendorf, Waikato4.1 
 4. Jones, Nelson4.0 
 5. Tait, Wellington4.0 
 6. Amaya, Otago3.8 
 7. Bartlett, Bay H.3.4 
 8. Davey, Taranaki3.1 
 9. Daly, Cougars3.0 
 10. Webster, Harbour .3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Corey WEBSTER
  Harbour Heat
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 5
 1. Webster, Harbour .5.0 
 2. Te Huna, Manawatu3.2 
 3. Rougeau, Southl.3.1 
 4. Tait, Wellington3.0 
 5. Devendorf, Waikato2.7 
 6. Kench, Cougars2.6 
 7. Rose, Southlan.2.6 
 8. Boucher, Harbour .2.5 
 9. Leasure, Taranaki2.3 
 10. Quinlivan, Manawatu2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Thomas ABERCROMBIE
  Waikato
  (198-G/F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Abercrombie, Waika.2.3 
 2. Harrison, Nelson2.0 
 3. Pledger, Waikato1.9 
 4. Vukona, Nelson1.8 
 5. Terrell, Bay Hawks1.6 
 6. Rougeau, Southl.1.6 
 7. Trueman, Taranaki1.2 
 8. Iti, Southlan.1.1 
 9. Boucher, Harbour .1.0 
 10. Johnson, Taranaki1.0 


Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Waikato 6-1 
 2. Harbour Heat 5-0 
 3. Nelson 4-2 
 4. Bay Hawks 4-3 
 5. Wellington 4-3 
 6. Taranaki 4-3 
 7. Southland Sharks 3-5 
 8. Cougars 3-5 
 9. Manawatu 0-5 
 10. Otago 0-6 


*****************************************************
  PALESTINE   


Standings - Men
PBBA Standings
 1. De La Salle 7-0 
 2. Orthodox R. 6-1 
 3. Catholic A. 6-1 
 4. Ibdaa D. 5-1 
 5. Sarriyet 5-2 
 6. Qalandia 4-3 
 7. Terrasanta 3-3 
 8. Hiteen 3-4 
 9. Al Ahli 2-4 
 10. Bethlehem 2-5 
 11. Orth. Thaq. BS 2-5 
 12. RaI AlSaleh 2-5 
 13. Ebal 2-5 
 14. Islami 2-5 
 15. Orthodox BJ 1-4 
 16. AlAroob YC 1-5 


Jimmy Williams is ready to lead Ibdaa against Sarriyet Ramallah - by Mariano Galindo
The game of the year in Palestine will take place next Friday at 6:00 pm. Ibdaa vs Sarriyet, one of the best games that you can see here. Jimmy Williams (196-G-86, college: Alders.-Broad.), top 2 PBBA scorer, will lead Ibdaa in his attempt to try to defeat Sarriyet. Williams is averaging 35.4 ppg, 8.2rp and 4.5apg. One example that shows how can score Williams is his performance against Ebal, where he posted 46 points. Both for him and his team this game is a good chance to overcome Sarriyet; both teams are tied with a 5-1 record.

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Larry AYUSO
  Capitanes
  (190-G-77)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Ayuso, Capitanes22.3 
 2. Sherrill, Maryland.20.9 
 3. Bennett, Halifax R.19.9 
 4. Anderson, Manchest.19.8 
 5. Robinson, Buffa.18.9 
 6. Audet-Sow, Quebec K.18.8 
 7. Wise, Quebec K.18.7 
 8. Bronson, Manchest.18.4 
 9. Mouton, Maryland.18.3 
 10. Jackson, Vermo.18.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Eric CROOKSHANK
  Halifax R.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 13.9
 1. Crookshank, Halif.13.9 
 2. Reyes, Capitanes13.8 
 3. Aubry, Capitanes13.2 
 4. Cunningham, Maryland.10.2 
 5. Demasi, Vermont FH9.6 
 6. Wise, Quebec K.9.4 
 7. Ocitti, Manchest.8.6 
 8. Ross, Buffalo S.8.4 
 9. Bronson, Manchest.8.3 
 10. Johnson, Rocheste.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Anthony ANDERSON
  Manchester M.
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Anderson, Manchest.6.8 
 2. Rodriguez, Capit.6.6 
 3. Ervin, Halifax R.6.1 
 4. Rice, Vermont FH5.9 
 5. Crouch, Rocheste.5.7 
 6. Bowden, Lawton F.5.3 
 7. Flegler, Maryland.5.2 
 8. Daniels, Lawton F.4.8 
 9. Sherrill, Maryland.4.6 
 10. Mouton, Maryland.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Marlin JOHNSON
  Rochester R.
  (193-F-75)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Johnson, Rocheste.2.8 
 2. Bowden, Lawton F.2.4 
 3. Robinson, Buffa.2.2 
 4. Fortier, Quebec K.2.1 
 5. Holmes, Quebec K.1.9 
 6. Rice, Vermont FH1.8 
 7. Gilchrese, Manche.1.8 
 8. Thomas, Maryland.1.8 
 9. Council, Rocheste.1.7 
 10. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael ANDERSON
  Maryland GH
  (213-C-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Anderson, Maryland.3.2 
 2. Davis, Vermont FH2.3 
 3. Aubry, Capitanes2.0 
 4. Thomas, Maryland.1.9 
 5. Crookshank, Halif.1.7 
 6. Ocitti, Manchest.1.6 
 7. McKeon, Maryland.1.4 
 8. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC1.3 
 9. Turner, Halifax R.1.3 
 10. Marshall, Lawton F.1.1 


Razorsharks beat Frost Heaves 109-97 - by Eurobasket News
The Vermont Frost Heaves were defeated tonight by the Rochester Razorsharks by a score of 109 - 97. The loss puts the Frost Heaves record at 11 - 8 on the season and snaps their 7 game winning streak. The loss also locks the Frost Heaves in to the fourth and final playoff spot.

The game started sluggish by both teams and the first quarter ended with Vermont holding a 26 - 19 lead. Rochester got hot from behind the 3 point arc in the second quarter dropping in four bombs in a row to get right back in to the game. Rochester took the lead at 33 - 32 with about 8 minutes left in the half and never lost the lead the rest of the game.

Vermont managed to tie the game at 82 to end the third quarter, but Rochester dug in and quickly went back up by 12 to start the fourth quarter and at one point held a 19 point lead over the Heaves.

Vermont placed 6 players in double figures led by Jared Carter (7'1''-C-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Kentucky) with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Marshall Brown (6'7''-F-85, college: Missouri) added 16 points followed by Dwuan Rice with 14 points. Ross Demasi had 14 points and Al Stewart and Benson Callier each put in 10.

Jerice Crouch (6'0''-G-84, college: Chattanooga) led Rochester with 21 points followed by Glen Dandridge (6'6''-F-85, college: Lambuth) with 20 points and Donielle Davis with 17. Rochester shot 45% from beyond the 3 point arc and Vermont managed a measly 18% from beyond the arc.

Vermont gets right back at it tomorrow night in Burlington when they take on the Quebec Kebs at Memorial Auditorium in their final regular season game. Tipoff is at 7:05 and the doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Standings
PBL Standings
 1. Lawton Ft.SC 17-3 
 2. Rochester R. 15-4 
 3. Capitanes 14-3 
 4. Halifax R. 12-7 
 5. Vermont FH 11-8 
 6. Manchester 6-14 
 7. Quebec Kebs 4-14 
 8. Buffalo S. 3-16 
 9. Maryland G. 3-17 


Puerto Rico Capitanes return to PBL - by Eurobasket News
The Premier Basketball League is pleased to announce that both the league and the Puerto Rico Capitanes have settled all differences between both parties, and the Capitanes will return to the PBL and participate in the 2009-10 postseason.

'Puerto Rico's players earned the right to participate in the postseason by virtue of their stellar record,' said Thomas E. Doyle, Esq., President of the Premier Basketball League. 'While all parties may have their differences, whatever issues were previously raised throughout this season will be dealt with off the court and in a reasonable manner. What matters most to the Premier Basketball League is the game of basketball, first and foremost, and the integrity of the sport.'

The unplayed game between Puerto Rico and the Rochester Razorsharks, which was originally scheduled for April 3 in Puerto Rico, will now be played on Sunday, April 11 in Arecibo, P.R.

The final playoff schedule will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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


Stats Leaders - 1Liga
Points Per Game
 Tomasz CELEJ
  Start Lublin
  (198-F/G-78)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. Celej, Start Lublin20.7 
 2. Sterenga, Gornik W.20.1 
 3. Pacocha, Big Star18.5 
 4. Mazur, Spojnia S.17.5 
 5. Pluta, MOSiR K.17.4 
 6. Flieger, Zastal ZG17.1 
 7. Kulikowski, Zubry15.8 
 8. Piechowicz, MMKS D.14.9 
 9. Weatherspoon, Znicz B.14.7 
 10. Wall, LKS Lodz14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcin STERENGA
  Gornik Walb.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Sterenga, Gornik W.10.3 
 2. Storozynski, Asec.P.9.8 
 3. Lopatka, Asec.Pro.9.6 
 4. Grudzinski, Spojn.9.5 
 5. Lisewski, MMKS D.9.1 
 6. Kulikowski, Zubry9.1 
 7. Mis, Siarka T.8.6 
 8. Kwiatkowski, Start L.8.5 
 9. Dluski, LKS Lodz8.5 
 10. Czech, Sudety JG8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Marcin STOKLOSA
  Spojnia S.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Stoklosa, Spojn.7.9 
 2. Sikora, Start Lublin6.2 
 3. Basinski, MMKS D.5.0 
 4. Baran, Siarka T.4.7 
 5. Rapucha, Zubry4.6 
 6. Trepka, LKS Lodz4.6 
 7. Glapinski, Sokol L.4.5 
 8. Szczypka, MMKS D.4.0 
 9. Pacocha, Big Star4.0 
 10. Mordzak, Asec.Pro.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Marcin FLIEGER
  Zastal ZG
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Flieger, Zastal ZG3.0 
 2. Szpyrka, Siarka T.2.9 
 3. Sikora, Asec.Pro.2.7 
 4. Basinski, MMKS D.2.4 
 5. Stoklosa, Spojn.2.3 
 6. Koszuta, Spojnia S.2.2 
 7. Krupa, Siarka T.2.2 
 8. Aleksandrowi., Znicz B.2.1 
 9. Raczynski, Zastal Z.2.1 
 10. Chodkiewicz, Zastal Z.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Rafal KULIKOWSKI
  Zubry
  (204-C-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Kulikowski, Zubry2.2 
 2. Lisewski, MMKS D.2.2 
 3. Milewski, AZS A.1.8 
 4. Mis, Siarka T.1.3 
 5. Jarmakowicz, Zastal Z.1.2 
 6. Wrobel, Gornik Walb.1.2 
 7. Pisarczyk, Siarka T.1.0 
 8. Rajewicz, Zastal Z.1.0 
 9. Marculewicz, Zubry1.0 
 10. Salamonik, Big Star1.0 


Standings - DBE
PLK Standings
 1. Assec.Prokom 23-2 
 2. Anwil 22-3 
 3. Polpharma 18-8 
 4. Trefl Sopot 17-9 
 5. PGE Turow 15-11 
 6. AZS Koszalin 15-11 
 7. Polonia 12-14 
 8. Energa Czarni 12-14 
 9. PBG Basket 12-14 
 10. Sokol Znicz 11-15 
 11. Stal SW 8-18 
 12. SKK Kotwica 7-19 
 13. Polonia 2011 6-20 
 14. ISS Sportino 3-23 


Standings - 1 Liga
1Liga Standings
 1. Zastal ZG 24-6 
 2. Siarka T. 23-7 
 3. MMKS DG 23-7 
 4. Big Star 20-10 
 5. LKS Lodz 19-11 
 6. Spojnia S. 19-11 
 7. Znicz Basket 16-14 
 8. Sokol L. 16-14 
 9. Start Lublin 15-15 
 10. Trefl SSA 13-17 
 11. Zubry 10-20 
 12. MOSiR Krosno 9-21 
 13. Tempcold AZS 9-21 
 14. Gornik Wal. 9-21 
 15. Sudety JG 8-22 
 16. AZS AWF K-ce 7-23 


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


Arecibo defeats Guaynabo - by Luis Ramirez
With 32 points from sharp shooter Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC), the Arecibo Captains topped the Guaynabo Mets 90-81.

It was dub as the return of Angel Buster Figueroa to the Arecibo Captains Arena. Figueroa who had played for some years for the Captains was returning for the first time to his prior teams arena . He had always been a fan favorite due to his hardnosed play.

Both teams played at an even level as the quarter came to an end with the Captains leading by the minimum 14-13.

The Captains went on a 13-0 run in the 2nd quarter to take a 14 point lead with 6:34 left in the half. A 3pointer from Samuel Villegas stopped the bleeding in the quarter. Although the Mets close the gap to just 6 points, the Captains would have another offensive run in them as with 59 seconds left in the half were once again leading by 12 points, 38-26. The half came to an end with the Captains in the lead 41-28.

In the 3rd quarter both teams once again played at an even level, but the Mets were not able to make inroads into the Captains lead which was 12 points 66-54.

In the 4th the Mets went on a 5-0 run to start the quarter to cut the Captains let to just 7 points with 8:32 left in the game. The Mets made consecutive baskets to further cut the Captains lead to just 4 points 68-64 with 7:45 to go. The Captains came right back with Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) making consecutive baskets to extend the lead for good.

For Arecibo, Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) scored 32 points while Angelo Reyes followed up with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

For Guaynabo, Angel Figueroa scored 19 points followed by Glen McGowan with 16 points.

Puerto Rico Capitanes return to PBL - by Eurobasket News
The Premier Basketball League is pleased to announce that both the league and the Puerto Rico Capitanes have settled all differences between both parties, and the Capitanes will return to the PBL and participate in the 2009-10 postseason.

'Puerto Rico's players earned the right to participate in the postseason by virtue of their stellar record,' said Thomas E. Doyle, Esq., President of the Premier Basketball League. 'While all parties may have their differences, whatever issues were previously raised throughout this season will be dealt with off the court and in a reasonable manner. What matters most to the Premier Basketball League is the game of basketball, first and foremost, and the integrity of the sport.'

The unplayed game between Puerto Rico and the Rochester Razorsharks, which was originally scheduled for April 3 in Puerto Rico, will now be played on Sunday, April 11 in Arecibo, P.R.

The final playoff schedule will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

*****************************************************
  SAINT KITTS   


Ghetto Roots Begins Quest For Repeat 7Th Skaba Title - by Richard
The upcoming start of the 2010 SKABA Basketball League will not only mark the Official Opening of the annual national basketball league but it will also be the beginning of the Horsfords Horsfords Ghetto Roots quest for a 7th SKABA Title. Horsfords Ghetto Roots won the title in 1982,1986,1992,1993,1996 and 2009.
The team had a very successful year in 2009 with a convincing clean sweep victory over the defending champions Rams Hitters in the Championship finals. The team capped a fairly good season by normal standards but a mediocre season by Horsfords Ghetto Roots standards taking into consideration the immense talent of the team. Horsfords Ghetto Roots for many years were labeled as the ultimate under-acheivers boasting some of the most talented players in the league but perennially falling short of the ultimate prize. However two critical off season moves before the 2009 season by Manager Wallis Wilkin may have very well been the difference that turned the under-acheivers into champions. Former Coach of the BHS Junior Team Dr. Garfeild Alexander was brought in along with National Guard Levi By-By Fyfeild . The presence of these 2 instantly changed the fortunes and possibilities of the team. By-Bys exciting play enabled teammates like Rymal Bally Brown and Troy Jasbo Wattley to step up their game to higher level. Browne in particular benefitted as the presence of Fyfeild lifted some of the burden of having to carry the full weight of the teams backcourt. Bally strived with the presence of BY-BY and his eventuall coronation as league MVP was not a surprise to anyone. Horsfords Ghetto Roots also had the benefit of the return of Carlos Monzac (193-F). Monzac was away from the team for 2 years but returned and instantly made a difference. His exciting play is only exceeded by his tremendous talent and athleticism. Carlos had an exceptional season despite suffering for most of the latter half with a knee injury. In addition to Monzac team Captain Bertram Richards and Quincy Puppet Taylor were the defensive glue and inspiration that kept the team motivated throughout the season and particularly in the playoffs. Taylor also had a phenomenal finals with a shooting display that will forever etch him as one of the top shooters in SKABA. Horsfords Ghetto Roots crown was no doubt William Natta. The 66 presence of the hard-nosed US based Bellevue University player was a major component of the Horsfords Ghetto Roots Championship puzzle. Asim Method Jenkins complemented Natta,Monzac, Fyfeild and Browne with his hard nosed defensive type play which gave the scorers the room and ability to score. Vincent Hicks, Aki Crosse, Akil and Akeem Henderson ,Dennis Berridge and the oversees based Trevor Stevens (198-F-73) and Ronnie Simmons all together became the formula that enabled a Horsfords Ghetto Roots championship in 2009.
But is that formula still potent? That is the question that every basketball pundit and fan will be asking. Horsfords Ghetto Roots have had some changes since the 2009 championship run. Role player Vincent Hicks has left the team along with the young Henderson twins. However former National Players Lyle Dixie Duggins, Kiethley Hicks, Ruel Craigy Nero and Halstead Hally Isles have all returned to the team after absences for varying lengths of time and varying reasons. All four have represented the country on the national Junior and or Senior level . These additions will no doubt make Horsfords Ghetto Roots , at the very least, an even as potent a team as they were in 2009.
The Horsfords Ghetto Roots biggest challenge will likely come from the Rams Hitters who will be celebrating 30 years in St.Kitts basketball and will be hoping for an unprecedented 18th SKABA Title. Only Hitters has won more championships than the Horsfords Ghetto Roots over the years. Hitters boasts an almost unchanged team to their 2009 finals squad . The team is undoubtedly going through a transisiton period and may very well feature some of their talented young players. The team ultimately however will revolve around Marlon Jah Love Powell and the veterans Shawn Shabba Forbes and Trevor Marty Hugginsin addition to the overseas based Marvin Davis . Shabba is till one of the most dominating players in the league and Marty is easily the leagues best shooter. Powell maybe considered one of the top guards in the league along with Horsfords Ghetto Roots Fyfeild and Browne. Hitters have not made any major additions to the team that fell short in 2009. However they are still without a doubt Horsfords Ghetto Roots most formidable challenge. Tuff Knots will likely provide Horsfords Ghetto Roots and Hitters with their most significant challenge. Tuff Knots features 2 of the leagues young talents in Clayton Powell and Naran Maynard. Tuff Knots is also the home of college based Nasharn Maynard. Nasharn single handidly won the 2007 season for the tuff knots when he literally carried the team to a memorable victory over the Hitters .
The other teams in the Premeir division are Cayon,newly promoted Ghaut Bucs, Cotton Ground ReBELS AND Figg Tree. Ghaut Bucs returned to the SKABA league last year and made the A division a very popular division. They lost just 2 games but the premier league will not be as easy. Bucs forward Kemo Liburd was easily the best player in A division for 2008 but in the Premeir division almost every team can present at least 2 forwards who can neutralize Liburd . Liburd certainly will not be as dominant a force as he was in the A. The team will do well but whether they will be in contention for the championship is debatable. However it must be said that the teams significant fan base may very well provide the boost they will need to contend for the title.
Cotton Ground is the team that beats almost every team they meet in the first 3 and half quarters but could never hold on to win on a consistent basis. The team has not improved since winning the A division 3 years ago. However they have remained good enough to maintain their spot in the premier division and this will undoubtedly not change.
Figg Tree has not been the same since losing Shane Shuba Hendricks after their title run in 2006. The team was on top of the world in 2006 when they blew out Hitters and then Trotters to win their first Title. However the exit of finals MVP Eston Williams and the career ending knee injury to Hendricks left a massive void in the team. Despite having two national players in George Goolay Gaton and the overseas based college player Kemo Duncan the team has not been able to duplicate their success of the 2006 season. The team will no doubt contend but whether they have the personnel to win another title is questionable.
Cayon will once again be the most dangerous and unpredictable team in SKABA. Cayon has made a name for themselves of losing to so called light teams and beating the so called big teams. The Achilles heel for Cayon has been inconsistency. Thus despite having talented players Dave Zenga Pondt, Geron Browne and Ty OLoughlin the team has failed to reach the playoffs for the last 4 seasons . Cayon will have to recruit younger players and also a coach and manager to raise the burden off the shoulders of OLoughlin who is not only is the teams top player but also the team Coach, Captain, Manager and sponsor. With a big and proud community such as Cayon the team needs to recruit and beef up their administrative and player personnel.
The SKABA 2010 Premier division will be another exciting year. Many teams have the potential to win but only a few teams can say they have a good chance.
Based on off season transfers and the return of former players, Horsfords Ghetto Roots seem well on their way to a 7th title. However history has shown that its not always the team with the best players that win. So it is still left to be seen .
source: ST.KITTS SPORTS NEWS

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  SERBIA   


Standings - A Liga
A League Stage Two Standings
Super Liga
 1. Metalac 0-0 
 2. Crvena Zvez. 0-0 
 3. Partizan 0-0 
 4. FMP 0-0 
 5. Borac 0-0 
 6. Hemofarm 0-0 
 7. Radnicki K. 0-0 
 8. Tamis 0-0 
Only 1st Stage
 1. Radnicki Basket 0-0 
 2. KG 06 0-0 
 3. Napredak 0-0 
 4. Proleter Naft. 0-0 
 5. Ergonom 0-0 
 6. Mega Vizura 0-0 
 7. Sloga 0-0 
 8. Beograd 0-0 
 9. Novi Sad 0-0 
 10. Masinac 0-0 
 11. Vojvodina 0-0 
Stage One Standings


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  SOUTH KOREA   


KBL Round: 5 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
KCC Egis - Mobis Phoebus 69-65
KCC Egis overcame Mobis Phoebus 69:65 in Finals Game 5 for 2-3 in the series. Leather Terrence (204-C-81, college: S.Florida) kept the team alive with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Akins Tony delivered 18. Dunston Bryant responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.


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  SPAIN   


Standings - LEB Gold
LEB Gold Standings
 1. CAI Zaragoza 25-6 
 2. Melilla 23-8 
 3. Burgos 20-12 
 4. La Laguna 19-13 
 5. Vive Menorca 19-13 
 6. Caceres 18-14 
 7. Breogan 18-14 
 8. Leon 17-15 
 9. Girona 16-15 
 10. La Palma 16-16 
 11. Mallorca 15-17 
 12. Tenerife 14-17 
 13. Ourense 13-19 
 14. Palencia 13-19 
 15. Clin.Rincon 12-20 
 16. CB Tarragona 12-20 
 17. Cornella 10-22 
 18. Vigo 6-26 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Phillip, CAI Z.18.2 
 2. Donaldson, La La.17.5 
 3. Morley, Burgos17.3 
 4. Riera, Mallorca17.2 
 5. Guillen, La Laguna16.1 
 6. Roe, Tenerife15.7 
 7. Humphrey, Leon15.1 
 8. Quinteros, CAI Z.15.0 
 9. Hess, CB Tarragona14.9 
 10. Blanch, Mallorca14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Donaldson, La La.11.2 
 2. Starosta, Melilla9.7 
 3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.9.1 
 4. Arteaga, Palencia8.3 
 5. Lima, Clin.Rincon8.2 
 6. Coleman, Breogan7.8 
 7. Adrien, Breogan7.8 
 8. Phillip, CAI Z.7.5 
 9. Humphrey, Leon7.2 
 10. Padgett, La Palma7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Ciorciari, Vive M.5.1 
 2. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.4.6 
 3. Cherry, Caceres4.4 
 4. Mena, La Palma4.1 
 5. Perez, Cornella3.6 
 6. Jimenez, Melilla3.5 
 7. Bernabe, Leon3.5 
 8. Hernandez, Burgos3.1 
 9. Riera, Mallorca3.0 
 10. Urtasun, Leon2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Xavier RABASEDA
  Regal Barca
  (199-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Rabaseda, Cornella2.5 
 2. Lescano, CAI Z.2.3 
 3. Blanch, Mallorca2.2 
 4. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon2.1 
 5. Boccia, Tenerife1.9 
 6. Quinteros, CAI Z.1.9 
 7. Ayon, Tenerife1.8 
 8. Morley, Burgos1.7 
 9. Howell, Ourense1.7 
 10. Xavier, Breogan1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew NAYMICK
  Caceres
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Naymick, Caceres1.9 
 2. Diouf, CB Tarragona1.6 
 3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.1.6 
 4. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza1.5 
 5. Donaldson, La La.1.5 
 6. Ayon, Tenerife1.5 
 7. Samb, Cornella1.2 
 8. Joseph, Cornella1.2 
 9. Roe, Tenerife1.0 
 10. Northen, Mallorca0.9 


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  SWEDEN   


Norrkoping claim BBL Challenge Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Norrkoping - Rudupis 107:72
Norrkoping Dolphins clinched the BBL Challenge Cup crown. They stormed past Rudupis to win the Final series on aggregate. George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) stepped up with 24 points to pace the Swedish team.
The teams stayed close early in the encounter. But soon the Dolphins went on the rally that put them ahead by 12 points at the first break 29:17. The hosts quickly opened a 20-point lead in the second period. The Swedes drove to a comfortable 24-point advantage at halftime. Rudupis failed to change the complexion of the game after the main break. Norrkoping continued to dictate the tempo in the third term. They enlarged the difference to as many as 33 points with ten minutes to go. Rudupis never got back to life in this one and had to surrender at the end.
Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, college: N.Arizona) knocked down 16 points to pace the Dolphins. Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) and Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) added 13 points apiece for the winners. Giedrius Jankauskas (206-F/C-81) responded with 24 points for Rudupis. Gintautas Vileita (194-G-75, college: Monmouth) accounted for 11 points in the loss.

Norrkoping: George Gervin 24, Joakim Kjellbom 16, Fred Drains 13, Oladapo Ayuba 13
Rudupis: Giedrius Jankauskas 24, Gintautas Vileita 11


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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Shak Attack strikes back! - by Albert-Lee Young
Detour Shak Attack bounced back from two earlier defeats to score back to back victories over Defence Force to level the series 2-2.

On Monday night at the Jean Pierre Complex Port of Spain, veteran forward Virgil Fraser sparked a powerful blast for Shak Attack that not only rocked the gym but also the armys defense. Fraser hit 4-4 from beyond the arc before the mid-way mark in the 2nd quarter as Shak Attack overcame a 9-13 deficit at the end of the 1st quarter to end the half leading by as much as 47-24.

For the remaining sessions, Shak Attack maintained its control of the tempo to clinch an overwhelming 78-47 win in game 3 of their best of seven series of the B-mobile sponsored NBFTT Club Championships.

For the winners, Fraser top scored with 16pts, Kurt Koto Christian had 15pts & 9rebs while Reynold Hospedales added 13 pts.

Peter Lewis was the only player to score double digits, 12pts, for Defence Force.

In game 4 on Tuesday night, Sheldon Christian hit a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left as Shak Attack snatched a 72-70 win against a stunned Defence Force team.

Playing in front of a partisan crowd Shak Attack had to battle its way from the tip off as Defence Force jumped to an early 22-11 first quarter lead. In the second period Shak Attack led by Kurt Christian with 23 points reduced the deficit to 32-36.

In the second half both teams traded baskets but Terrance Mayers three 3-pointers gained a slender 53-52 lead for Shak Attack at the end of the third.

With the game up for grabs in the final quarter, Defence Force seized the advantage with 30 seconds counting down when Kurt Christian missed two free shots and next possession Steven Ligher Lewis scored a 15 footer transition basket to put the army team ahead, 70-69, with 18 seconds left.

In the counter attack Kurt Christian took charge and penetrated through the top of the army defense, attracted two defenders and dished out to his brother Sheldon Christian who hit the winning 3pointer from the wing as the lead changed 72-70 in favor of Shak Attack.

For the final possession Defence Force go -to -player, Steven Lewis, was closely marked and they looked to point guard Dereck Boxhill. He dribble the ball over the half court but ended up double teamed at the side line and passed to center Kievan Bacquain who attempted 3-pointer felt short as the fans erupted in jubilation over Shak Attack come from behind victories.

For Shak Attack Sean Lawrence added valuable 16pts & 7rbds whilst Mayers had 9pts.

Steven Lewis had a game high 22pt for Defence Force and Wilt Vincent contributed 16pts in the losing effort.


Straker Nets clinch 3rd place - by Albert-Lee Young
Sportworld Starker Nets defeated Petro Jazz 95-98 in the B-mobile NBFTT Club Championship on Monday night in the B-mobile NBFTT Club Championships 3rd place play-off.

With win Nets collected $30,000 in cash prize for their efforts.

Shooting guard Richard Guissepi led Nets with 23 points whilst Hashim Arcia and Miguel Sansavour each scored 15 points apiece.

For Jazz, Wilfred Spongy Benjamin posted up a game high 24 points & 13 rebounds, Steve McSween had 15pts and Ako Pascal 14.


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Christmas to play in Boo Williams invitational - by David Edole
Boo Williams Invitational

As always the top Nike sponsored AAU teams in the country are going to be invading Hampton, Virginia for the Boo Williams Invitational. This year the event is part of the newly formed Nike Elite Youth Basketball League in which the 17 and under squads will be playing five games apiece instead of being in tournament format. While that is a big change, the event should have the same intensity.

For Team Final most of the attention goes to Gilchrist, and as the number one player in the country that is much deserved, but they have a lot of other talent around him. Top five prospect Rakeem Christmas (206-C/F) gives Team Final a shot blocking presence on the low block, and then in the backcourt they are expected to be joined by new addition Tyrone Johnson. Johnson is a top 50 prospect in his own right, and could be the glue that holds the talented frontcourt and sharp shooter Trevor Cooney together.

Rakeem Christmas
C, 6-9, 230

Bryn Athyn, Pa.

High School: Academy of the New Church Boys

AAU Team: Team Final

Notable: Best center prospect in Class of 2011, according to Scout.com. Averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, three blocks in high school. Recruiting list includes Georgetown, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida International.

Games: Friday, 7:30 p.m. vs. Each 1 Teach 1, Court 7; Saturday, 11 a.m. vs. Arizona Stars, Court 6; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. vs. Seattle Rotary, Court 7; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. vs. California Supreme, Court 7; Sunday, 2 p.m. vs. Jackson Tigers, Court 3.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Trailblazers begin quest for more silverware - by George Manousidis
Having won the league title at Moorways last weekend, the Derby Trailblazers will now set about the task of trying to reach their third knock out final of the season, as they embark on the play-off trail.

Their top eight clubs in the final league table take part in an additional end of season tournament, for which one final piece of silverware is on offer. As champions, Derby are drawn at home to the team who finished in eighth spot, as the quarter final ties are seeded to reward those teams who finished in the top four places.

The Derby Trailblazers will therefore face Taunton Tigers at Moorways on Saturday, as they try to book a place in the Final Fours weekend in Manchester, over the weekend of April 24th/25th. Derbys assistant coach Jamie Maudsley says theres no room for complacency as Taunton will be coming to Moorways with nothing to lose and maybe with something of a point to prove:

We went down there on the first day of the season and we ended up winning by four. Now at the time, I dont think we realised what a good result that was, but theres not many teams that have beaten them at their place. We also beat them at Moorways but the more times you play a team, the tougher it is to keep on winning, so yes, we see them as a threat.

Although they finished eighth, they have the same win-loss record as the team that finished sixth and they were only one loss off finishing fifth, plus theyre the only team to have beaten Manchester twice, so that shows how good they are. I think theyre an excellent team, theyre well coached, theyre well drilled, theyre disciplined, and they can all fly out and shoot the ball, so its not going to be a case of knowing you can leave certain people open, he said.

The Tigers Coach Tom Kambouris admits to feeling frustrated to see his side slipping to eighth place after losing their last three games of the regular season, but feels confident they can spring a surprise in todays match:

'Our expectations in the playoffs are simple. All of our focus is on Derby. We believe if we execute our game-plan, we will win in Derby. The Final Fours are our immediate goal. I would like to congratulate Coach Clarence Wiggins and his team on their accomplishment this year. Their greatest strength is having players like Matt Shaw (188-G-78), Dave Attewell, Simon Spencer (187-G-78), Stedroy Baker (172-G-69) and Simon Allaway (191-G) who are all good players that understand each other and their systems inside and out.

They also have three good young energetic players in Martyn Gayle (G-89), Joel Madourie (196-F-86) and Sam O''Shea that understand their roles and bring youthful energy to their squad. If you let them play within their comfort zone they are tough to beat, but I believe if you stretch them, they are absolutely beatable, he said.

Its for that reason that Maudsley believes Derby cannot rest on the achievements of last weekend:Weve all celebrated a bit over the weekend, but now weve got to think about what we can still achieve this season, because we want to prolong our season for as long as possible.

After the disappointment of missing out in the Cup and the Trophy, weve now experienced what its like to win something and its given us the hunger to go all out in the play-offs. Were not going to switch off and we dont intend to rest on our laurels. We need to make sure we execute properly on Saturday and just get ourselves to Manchester, because anything can happen in the final fours, he said.

The quarter final tie against Taunton at Moorways will tip off at 7:30 on Saturday.



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Women News

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  ALBANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Tirana 16-2 
 2. Flamutari 16-2 
 3. Apolonia 15-3 
 4. Studenti 10-8 
 5. Elbasani 7-11 
 6. Skenderbeu 5-13 
 7. Vllaznia 3-15 
 8. Mati 0-18 


*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
Group A
 1. Waregem 6-1 
 2. R.Spirou M. 5-3 
 3. Ieper 4-3 
 4. Jeugd Gentson 3-4 
 5. N.Namur 0-7 
Group B
 1. Sint Kateline 6-2 
 2. Dexia 5-2 
 3. BBC Boom 5-2 
 4. Point Chaud 2-5 
 5. Houthalen 1-6 


D1 (second stage): Round 9 review - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Jeugd Gentson went to Ieper and managed to steal one from them, winning the contest 62-70. Visiting team was led by Anne-Sophie Strubbe (184-F-90) who had 21 points. Eva Verhofstadt (176-F-86) followed closely with 20, while Joren Groenvynck chipped in 14 points. For Ieper, Emma Meesseman had 21 points in loss.
R. Spirou M. also managed to record win away from home as they were better than their hosts Waregem 59-68. Keisha Moore (189-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington St.) scored 15 points to lead the winners. She got support from Sarah Signore (175-F-88) and Ophelie Thibaut who added 12 and 11 points respectively. On the other side, Waregem got 16 points from Nele Deyaert while Jana Raman added 13 points.

Group B
Dexia had to work hard in order to overcome visiting St. Katelijne 74-72 after a thrilling finish. Oksana Agabalova (186-F-73) led the winning side with 23 points on the night. Laura Sario and Marjorie Carpreaux were also good as they chipped in 18 and 14 points respectively. St. Katelijne got 20 points from Sofie Hendrickx (186-F/C-86) while Melissa Dennett and Sara Leemans added 18 points apiece.
BBC Boom also won at home, as they have comfortably beaten Point Chaud 78-60. Hosts were led by Verny Van Driel who had 18 points, while Corina Arts (184-C-76) followed with 16. On the other side, Nina Clerot had a great game for Point Chaud as she poured in 24 points in loss.

Group A standings
1. Waregem 6-1
2. R.Spirou M. 5-3
3. Ieper 4-3
4. Jeugd Gentson 3-4
5. N.Namur 0-7

Group B standings
1. Sint Kateline 6-2
2. Dexia 5-2
3. BBC Boom 5-2
4. Point Chaud 2-5
5. Houthalen 1-6


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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


At home we are in the gym - by Ozell Wells
They met playing basketball and now with him they look to conquer the world. Or at least, Karlovy Vary, where they spent the last season together. Kyle DeHaven (175-G-84, college: Delaware) with BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary, her boyfriend, Michael Joseph Toth with Thermia in Division One.

KARLOVY VARY
She is playing the highest competition in the city center, on the outskirts of war in the second division. Like Romeo and Juliet, only the New World. From a country where the famous story of two lovers swear by, you have to Shakespeare in school, perhaps a specific subject, where endlessly discuss tensions between the Montagues and Kapulety. The basketball couple from the United States - Kyle DeHaven and Michael Joseph Toth share a similar story now living away from home in Karlovy Vary.

On two separate teams, where they are each other's biggest fans. 'We go along to training, we encourage the matches. Actually, we're still together, 'they say. Together in Karlovy Vary. 'I feel great here. I play on a good team, that is winning. I feel great support here. We fell in love with the city, so here we are experiencing great times, 'says Michael.The life here is a little different, but this suits us,' added Kyle. When for a moment relieved from basketball, they go to get together some food or just pass through the city. 'Here the city is a bit smaller then back home. We dont really need a car here, everything is close. '

Problems do not include the language barrier. 'In the beginning it was a little hard, but I got used to it and now it's much better. The coach always has spoken without any problems, 'says Kyle. And anyway during games signals are used.

We use words that are taken from English, after all, basketball is one of them. 'Sometimes its just simple English,' says Kyle.

'Its Harder to communicate on defense then it is on offense.

Even there, however, always use the same words. Either English or Czech 'says Michael. For Thermia he plays at the position of quarterback, same as Kyle. 'The communications I have not had any serious problems from the beginning, most of the guys on the team speaks English very well. And the more we talk, the better it gets. In addition, I've also picked up some Czech, 'says Michael.

'Czech, we are both learning, but it is very difficult for us to speak,' Kyle knows. 'Kyle has learned more Czech then I have,' says Michael. 'But we try to speak Czech as much as we can.' This mainly applies to basketball terms. 'I know sup, sup (Czech for Go,Go),' Kyle laughs. And when she remembered how often her coach encourages a faster return to offense or defense. Posledni (Czech for Last),' adds the very next phrase. 'But I can also count to ten: One, two, three, four ... 'and yet I still cant pronounce the' R '. 'As I got used to the team I spoke more, my Czech is a little better than at the beginning, so cool, 'Kyle laughs next question.

'For me it was not so difficult. I think my game is appropriate for the total European style of basketball. Its not so tough, 'says Michael. And while the slyly smiling.

Kyle knows what encounters. It is she who has problems in Karlovy Vary with fouls. Match which has been abandoned because of fouls. 'True, I play a little more aggressively,' said Kyle. Michael nudges. 'But trying to change.' They also further odbude hint: if you are away from home, do you feel lonely sometimes? 'It is clear to me that sometimes I miss home, but do not suffer terribly. For a moment I was here alone before Mike came. Now its better since he is here, there is always something going on between practices and hanging out. To be here, this means to me rather more fun. 'And while it would still mourning invaded, still has the hands of Michael. 'In the summer it will be two years since we met,' counted quickly. Two years with a break. Kyle played last season in Germany away from Michael for six months. 'Our relationship is still fresh,' Kyle smiles. Place where they met you will guess easily: the basketball court. 'But it was a gym at home,' says Kyle. Always corresponds to the first. When she stops, he fails to answer who is the boss in their relationship. Michael is laughing loudly and they are pointing to each other. But then they shall act in unison: 'complement each other, we are actually best friends.' Similarly, in unison and then answer the last question: where to anchor (play) next year. 'If things work out we would love to come back to Karlovy Vary!'

FACTS

BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary to the medals this year, heated, in the quarter fell to Slovanka. Place play-off to play a consolation prize in the competition for fifth to eighth place. In the lobby at street riding season ends in early April. And it also rozehrvacka Kyle DeHaven.

Thermia season after a long time have not. She got into the playoffs. As the last of the four in group A1 had six rounds of waiting, this would mean Michael Joseph Toth stand still in Carlsbad at least until 9 May.

Courtesy of: Regional mutation | Mlada fronta DNES - Carlsbad Region
Autor: Pavel Mrhlek


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  D.R. CONGO - Women  


Mokango lives a Dream with first-round WNBA selection - by Eurobasket News
Chanelle Mokango (196-F-88) said she had no idea there was a WNBA when she first started playing basketball at the age of 15 in her homeland of Kinshasa, Congo.

Mokango, 21, began to play basketball because she kept growing and growing and could no longer continue her dancing. She later developed a basketball talent that she decided to use to help her to a better way of life.

The basketball journey of Mokango reached its zenith Thursday when the 6-foot-5 forward from Mississippi State was selected No. 9 by the Dream in the first round of the WNBA draft.

The selection was a surreal experience for Mokango.

Everything is a dream, she said on a WNBA.com Internet chat after her selection. Its like I was sleeping and I just woke up and everything was here. God planned everything for me.

The Dream, which has a set roster at almost every position, selected Georgia Tech forward Brigitte Ardossi in the second round at No. 21 and Texas guard Brittainey Raven in the third round at No. 33.

Dream general manager/coach Marynell Meadors said she was very pleased with the teams selections.

When you draft, you draft on need and a lot of things, Meadors said.

Mokango led Mississippi State with an average of 7.2 rebounds per game and was third in scoring at 10.8 points per game. She had 174 blocks in 31 games.

The key word to describe Mokangos game now is potential. She thinks she will improve in her shot-blocking and shot-making abilities.

My basketball is only going to get better, she said.

Meadors also loved Mokangos potential.

I think we filled a tremendous need at that post position, Meadors said. I think her upside is just out of sight.

Ardossi, a 6-2 post player who was selected all-ACC this season, averaged 15.8 points and shot 48.6 percent from the field for the Yellow Jackets.

She has so much fire and passion for playing the game, and thats what the Atlanta Dream is all about, Meadors said. Not only that, but shes very talented. Shes got great footwork. Shes got a face-up jump shot, and she does a lot of really good things.

Ardossi said she was eating cheeseburgers and watching the draft with her teammates when her name was called.

The whole table got up and started cheering, she said.

Raven, 6-foot second-team All-Big 12 selection the past two seasons, averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds.

Brittainey is a very, very aggressive guard, Meadors said. Shes athletic. She can run the floor, which fits into our game.

The biggest splash in the first round came from the Connecticut Sun.

As expected, the Sun selected Connecticut center Tina Charles with the No. 1 pick. The Sun later selected Kansas guard/forward Danielle McCray at No. 7.

Charles, 6-4, is the Huskies all-time leading scorer and averaged 18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Connecticut won its second straight NCAA title on Monday and has a 78-game winning streak.

McCray tore an ACL in February and is not expected to play this season.

The Sun made the biggest trade of the first round when they dealt their first- and second-round picks in the 2011 draft for Nebraska forward Kelsey Griffin, who was selected by Minnesota at No. 3.

Griffin, a 6-2 forward, averaged 20.3 points. She was not expected to be a top-three pick in most WNBA mock drafts.

Two Georgia Lady Bulldogs players were taken in the second round. The New York Liberty selected Ashley Houts at No. 16, and the Los Angeles Sparks chose Angel Robinson at No. 20.

Courtesy of www.ajc.com


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jhasmin PLAYER
  Olivais
  (178-G-87)
  Avg: 23.8
 1. Player, Olivais23.8 
 2. Pimenova, Cheva.22.0 
 3. Champion, CAB M.21.0 
 4. Villarroel, Sierre20.6 
 5. Kuzina, Dynamo M.20.5 
 6. Reid, Hatis Yerevan19.3 
 7. Milovanovic, ICIM A.19.3 
 8. Diacona, Sf. G.19.0 
 9. Mazic, Medvescak18.8 
 10. Johnson, EBE I.18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jennifer FLEISCHER
  Poprad
  (195-C-84)
  Avg: 12.1
 1. Fleischer, Dexia12.1 
 2. Mazic, Medvescak11.8 
 3. Santos, AD Vagos11.5 
 4. Anosike, Targoviste11.0 
 5. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.10.1 
 6. Carter, CCC P.9.7 
 7. Little, AEL9.7 
 8. Sanford, EBE I.9.4 
 9. Alyoshkina, Samsun9.2 
 10. Whittington, Lattes M.9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Zoll, Botas6.6 
 2. Reid, Hatis Yerevan4.8 
 3. Berseneva, Nadezhda.4.8 
 4. Keyru, Dynamo M.4.7 
 5. Chapdelaine, MBK R.4.7 
 6. Zellous, Besiktas4.2 
 7. Kalentzou, Athinaikos4.2 
 8. Zygelyte, Lemminkain.4.2 
 9. Parau, Targoviste4.1 
 10. Pimenova, Cheva.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Nicky ANOSIKE
  Gorzow
  (190-C-86)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Anosike, Targoviste3.5 
 2. Johnson, Mondeville3.4 
 3. Doron, Targoviste3.4 
 4. Keyru, Dynamo M.3.3 
 5. Reid, Hatis Yerevan3.2 
 6. Zoll, Botas3.1 
 7. Villarroel, Sierre3.1 
 8. Rizvic, Hemofarm3.0 
 9. Dubrovina, Dnipro3.0 
 10. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.3.2 
 2. Sowinski, CAB M.2.2 
 3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.2.2 
 4. Lukacovicova, MBK R.1.9 
 5. Kovacevic, Hemof.1.8 
 6. Ivankovic, Sibenik1.8 
 7. Alyoshkina, Samsun1.7 
 8. Toma, Targoviste1.5 
 9. Razmaite, Sierre1.3 
 10. Yolovska, Dunav1.3 


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Diana TAURASI
  Spartak V MR
  (182-F/G-82)
  Avg: 24.6
 1. Taurasi, Spartak .24.6 
 2. McCoughtry, Dobri A.19.0 
 3. Dupree, Dobri Anjeli18.9 
 4. Montgomery, TEO V.17.6 
 5. Lyttle, Perfumer.17.6 
 6. Young, Galatasaray17.3 
 7. Macchi, Familia Schio17.2 
 8. Langhorne, Rivas E.17.1 
 9. Jelavic, Gospic16.3 
 10. Houston, Tarbes16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Candice DUPREE
  Dobri Anjeli
  (188-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11
 1. Dupree, Dobri Anjeli11.0 
 2. Lyttle, Perfumer.10.8 
 3. Burse, TS Wi.9.9 
 4. Fowles, Spartak .9.2 
 5. Bjelica, TEO V.9.2 
 6. Langhorne, Rivas E.9.0 
 7. De Souza, Ros C.8.7 
 8. Brunson, Taranto8.3 
 9. McWilliams, Frisco S.7.8 
 10. Kobryn, TS Wi.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Anda JELAVIC
  Gospic
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Jelavic, Gospic6.7 
 2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs6.6 
 3. Richards, Gorzow4.7 
 4. Bermejo, Rivas E.4.3 
 5. Ratkaine, MKB E.4.2 
 6. Vardarli, Fener.4.2 
 7. Lawson-Wade, Spart.4.0 
 8. Montgomery, TEO V.3.9 
 9. Cohen, TS Wi.3.9 
 10. Taurasi, Spartak .3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Lisa WILLIS
  TTT Riga
  (183-G/F-84)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Willis, TTT Riga3.3 
 2. McCoughtry, Dobri A.3.3 
 3. McCarville, Spart.2.9 
 4. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs2.7 
 5. Vardarli, Fener.2.6 
 6. Horakova, Frisco S.2.4 
 7. Perkins, Galatasa.2.3 
 8. Jelavic, Gospic2.3 
 9. Lima, TTT Riga2.3 
 10. Fernandez, TS Wi.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Candace PARKER
  UMMC
  (193-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Parker, UMMC1.7 
 2. Burse, TS Wi.1.4 
 3. Dupree, Dobri Anjeli1.4 
 4. Stepanova, UMMC1.4 
 5. De Souza, Ros C.1.3 
 6. Ndongue, Bourges1.2 
 7. Christon, Lotos G.1.1 
 8. Comfort, Villeneuve1.0 
 9. McCarville, Spart.1.0 
 10. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.1.0 


Euroleague Round: 1 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
TS Wisla Can-Pak - Ros Casares 57-86
Ros Casares entertained the home crowd with a confident win in the second Euroleague semifinal. The Valencia crowd witnessed a dominant performance from the Spanish team. Led by Erika De Souza (197-C-82) Ros Casares went on a 10:0 run midway through the opening frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Ros Casares will now face three-time defending champions Spartak Moscow Region tomorrow. Wisla tipped off the game with three points but Ros Casares soon took over. They went on a 10:0 rally to earn a 17:7 lead Valdemoro and Erika De Souza built a 31:15 advantage at the first break. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Liron Cohen began the second frame with five points in a row but Ros Casares quickly responded. The hosts went on an 8:0 run to clear off. Ros Casares cruised to a 57:35 advantage at halftime. The Spanish team went on an 11:2 rally early at the start of the third quarter to pile up a 68:37 lead. Ros Casares finished the third term ahead by as many as 36 points. The teams simply coasted to the final whistle with the outcome pretty obvious. Ros Casares posted a confident win as Erika De Souza accumulated 23 points and 11 rebounds. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) provided 17 points, while Anna Montanana had 12 for the winners. Ewelina Kobryn responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Wisla. Liron Cohen was responsible for 10 points in defeat.

UMMC - Spartak V MR 79-87
Three-time Euroleague defending champions Spartak Moscow Region are through into the Final game of this years tournament. They survived the semifinal clash against their biggest rivals UMMC to advance into the Euroleague championship game. Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) put on a scoring clinic as she poured in 37 points to lead Spartak. She also added 12 boards, 6 assists, one steal and one block to her impressive tally. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening frame. Sue Bird capped the stanza with a jumper as Spartak earned a 17:16 lead. The teams continued to keep close throughout the second quarter. Dumerc and Wauters helped UMMC to a 6-point lead midway through the stanza but Diana Taurasi exploded with 13 points in a row for Spartak to put the defending champions ahead 39:38. Nolan and Pondexter sealed the first half outcome with five points as UMMC established a 43:40 advantage. Spartak opened the second half with five quick points to regain the lead. The seesaw action continued in the third term. Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) finished the frame with three points to give a 67:63 advantage for UMMC. The Yekaterinburg team maintained the lead for some time before Diana Taurasi and McCarville secured a 73:71 lead for Spartak with two minutes remaining. Fowles followed with four straight points, while Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi piled up an 80:71 buffer for the reigning champions. Cappie Pondexter and Candace Parker narrowed the deficit at 5 points but Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) sealed the victory for Spartak. Sylvia Fowles knocked down 14 points and collected 12 boards for Spartak. Jekabsone-Zogot nailed 12 points in the winning case. Candace Parker responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds for UMMC. Pondexter delivered 16 points in the loss.


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


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Lisa LEE
  PeKa
  (183-F-84)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Lee, PeKa21.4 
 2. Freeman, S-Hameen.21.2 
 3. Haynes, FoA20.5 
 4. Bailey, FoA18.4 
 5. Robinson, Huima17.7 
 6. Johnson, HoNsU16.8 
 7. Pounds, HoNsU16.5 
 8. Freshour, S-Hameen.16.3 
 9. Pellom, FoA15.9 
 10. Tuukkanen, PeKa15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kenya ROBINSON
  Huima
  (182-C-70)
  Avg: 13.6
 1. Robinson, Huima13.6 
 2. Freeman, S-Hameen.12.4 
 3. Johnson, HoNsU12.1 
 4. Laaksonen, Espoo T.10.9 
 5. Solovyeva, Catz10.4 
 6. Moua, Kerava ET10.1 
 7. Tuukkanen, PeKa9.8 
 8. Freshour, S-Hameen.9.7 
 9. Glover, Huima9.3 
 10. Green, PeKa9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Vilma KESANEN
  Catz
  (173-G-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Kesanen, Catz3.2 
 2. Snelgro, HoNsU3.2 
 3. Robinson, Huima2.9 
 4. Green, PeKa2.7 
 5. Pellom, FoA2.5 
 6. Small, Huima2.5 
 7. Bailey, FoA2.4 
 8. Lee, PeKa2.3 
 9. Haynes, FoA2.3 
 10. Piipari, Catz2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Lisa LEE
  PeKa
  (183-F-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Lee, PeKa3.2 
 2. Pounds, HoNsU3.2 
 3. Allen, Espoo Team2.8 
 4. Snelgro, HoNsU2.8 
 5. Green, PeKa2.6 
 6. Pellom, FoA2.6 
 7. Johnson, HoNsU2.3 
 8. Bailey, FoA2.3 
 9. Reshetko, Catz2.1 
 10. Robinson, Huima2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephanie JONES
  PeKa
  (188-F/C-80)
  Avg: 0.5
 1. Jones, PeKa0.5 
 2. Allen, Espoo Team0.5 
 3. Haynes, FoA0.5 
 4. Kesanen, S-Hameen.0.5 
 5. Jahilo, FoA0.5 
 6. Bailey, FoA0.5 
 7. Pellom, FoA0.5 
 8. Koukkari, HoNsU0.4 
 9. Robinson, Huima0.4 
 10. Lehtoranta, S-Hameen.0.4 


*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


Athinaikos is the EuroCup winner! - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup Finals, Game 2: Athinaikos - Nadezhda 53-57

Athinaikos is the EuroCup winner for season 2009/10! The Greek outfit lost last night, but they celebrated 57-65 victory in Game One finishing this Final with 118-114 in total. Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77) scored 14 points for Athinaikos and Candice Wiggins (180-G-87, college: Stanford) followed with 10. Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds in victory, but that was not enough for her team.
Nadezhda opened the game better taking quick 3-7 lead. Irena Vizbariene and her teammates replied with 8-4 run for rest of the first quarter (11-11). At the beginning of Q2, actually basket by Vizbariene in 23rd minute, the hosts grabbed 3-point lead, but the Russian squad had an answer for that. They created 0-6 run and later finished first half with 22-25. Athinaikos tied the score few times in third period, but thanks to Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) visitors were up by 2 at the end of it (38-40). Everything was open, especially when Nadezhda grabbed 47-51 with 1:52 to go. Monique Currie made a basket after that and Nadezhda jumped to plus 6. The hosts did not panic, despite they had a good reason that. Candice Wiggins drained a crucial triple and later Riley and Kalentzou helped Athinaikos to keep its lead from Game 1 and to win the EuroCup title! As a reminder, last season it was Galatasaray.

Athinaikos: Irena Vizbariene 14, Candice Wiggins 10, Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) 9+8 assists
Nadezhda: Monique Currie 18+5 boards, Anastasiya Veremeenko 12+14 boards

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Anna VAJDA
  MiZo Pecs
  (191-F/C-84)
  Avg: 16.1
 1. Vajda, MiZo Pecs16.1 
 2. Crasnoscioc, ZTE15.9 
 3. Radunovic, SEAT L.15.9 
 4. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs15.4 
 5. Budimir, Bajai NKK15.2 
 6. Sipaviciute, Szeged15.1 
 7. Balint, Atomeromu14.9 
 8. Holt, MKB Eurol.14.8 
 9. Szlimak, BSE14.7 
 10. Horti, MKB Eurol.14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jelena BUDIMIR
  Bajai NKK
  (192-C/F-85)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Budimir, Bajai NKK8.5 
 2. Vajda, MiZo Pecs7.4 
 3. Zherzherunov., Sze.7.3 
 4. Licina, Cegledi EKK7.2 
 5. Cazac, Atomeromu7.0 
 6. Farkasinszki, Szolnok6.6 
 7. Radunovic, SEAT L.6.3 
 8. Sipaviciute, Szeged6.3 
 9. Krnjic, MiZo Pecs6.2 
 10. Holt, MKB Eurol.6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Csilla DARIDA
  Szolnok
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Darida, Szolnok5.6 
 2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs4.9 
 3. Kocsis, BSE4.5 
 4. Pungor, Atomeromu3.6 
 5. Iva, Szeged3.6 
 6. Englert, SEAT L.3.6 
 7. Nemeth, Szeged3.5 
 8. Eordogh, MKB E.3.5 
 9. Furesz, Szeged3.1 
 10. Djelmis, SEAT L.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Monika BUKOVSZKI
  ZTE
  (171-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Bukovszki, ZTE3.5 
 2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs3.4 
 3. Vajda, MiZo Pecs3.0 
 4. Iva, Szeged3.0 
 5. Pungor, Atomeromu3.0 
 6. Darida, Szolnok3.0 
 7. Kocsis, BSE2.9 
 8. Zherzherunov., Sze.2.5 
 9. Laczi, Szeged2.4 
 10. Szelesy, ZTE2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Olena ZHERZHERUNOVA
  Szeged
  (191-F-78)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Zherzherunov., Sze.1.4 
 2. Ievtushenko, Atome.1.2 
 3. Bagi, Vasas-Csata0.8 
 4. Vajda, MiZo Pecs0.8 
 5. Varda, BSE0.8 
 6. Budimir, Bajai NKK0.8 
 7. Czukor, ZTE0.7 
 8. Milovanovic, MKB E.0.6 
 9. Crasnoscioc, ZTE0.6 
 10. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs0.6 


MKB Euroleasing and MiZo grab 1-0 lead in Playoff Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
MKB Eurol. - SEAT Lami 86-41
MKB Euroleasing destroyed SEAT Lami in Game One of the Playoff Semifinals. The team from Sopron drained 86 points, what was way more than enough for comfortable victory and 1-0 lead in the series. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) was the leading player in MKB Euroleasing. She spent 24 minutes on the floor registering double-double of 23 points and 11 boards. Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) and Kristi Toliver followed with 13 and 12 points respectively. On the other side, Hajdana Radunovic (192-F/C-78) was the only player with double-digits in scoring. Radunovic netted 13 points and she also had 9 rebounds beside that. Game 2 is scheduled for tomorrow.

MiZo Pecs - Szeged 64-60
MiZo had to work very hard in order to beat Szeged last night 64-60. The team from Pecs now has 1-0 lead in Playoff Quarterfinals. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) was its best player with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Anna Vajda also shined as she netted 20 points. Nicole Ohlde helped with double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Bernadett Nemeth (173-G-80) delivered 14 points. Iva Ciglar and Olena Zherzherunova had 13 points each. Game 2 is scheduled for April 11 in Szeged.

*****************************************************
  ICELAND - Women  


Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Signy Hermannsdottir
Hermannsdottir
Kristi Smith
Smith
Julia Demirer
Demirer
Heather Ezell
Ezell
Margret Sturludottir
Sturludottir
#e#6
Player of the Year: Signy Hermannsdottir (190-C-79) of KR
Guard of the Year: Kristi Smith (168-G-87) of Keflavik
Forward of the Year: Julia Demirer (184-F-81) of Hamar
Center of the Year: Signy Hermannsdottir of KR
Bosman Player of the Year: Julia Demirer of Hamar
Import Player of the Year: Koren Schram (170-G-87) of Hamar
Domestic Player of the Year: Signy Hermannsdottir of KR
Coach of the Year: Benedikt G. Gudmundsson of KR

1st Team
Kristi Smith of Keflavik
Julia Demirer of Hamar
Heather Ezell (175-G-87) of Haukar
Signy Hermannsdottir of KR
Margret Sturludottir (178-F-89) of KR

2nd Team
Koren Schram of Hamar
Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir (178-F-85) of Hamar
Bryndis Gudmundsdottir (180-F-88) of Keflavik
Michele DeVault (180-G/F-86) of Grindavik
Shantrell Moss (175-G-85) of Njardvik

Honorable Mention
Birna Valgardsdottir (181-F-76) of Keflavik
Unnur Jonsdottir (183-F/C-89) of KR
Jenny Pfeiffer (173-G-84) of KR
Hildur Sigurdardottir (178-G-81) of KR
Sigrun Amundadottir (183-C/F-88) of Hamar

All-Domestic Players Team
Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir of Hamar
Margret Sturludottir of KR
Signy Hermannsdottir of KR
Helga Hallgrimsdottir (180-C-87) of Grindavik
Bryndis Gudmundsdottir of Keflavik

All-Imports/Bosmans Team
Julia Demirer of Hamar
Koren Schram of Hamar
Jenny Pfeiffer of KR
Kristi Smith of Keflavik
Heather Ezell of Haukar

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


D1 Round: 3 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Electra Ramat - M.Ashdod 90-83
Electra Ramat rolled over Maccabi Ashdod 90:83 in Game 3 for 2-1 Final lead. Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74, agency: Ronsport, college: Vanderbilt) top-scored for the winners with 25 points, Vaughn Kia collectd 19 points and 10 rebunds, while Selwyn Laine posted 16. Laicy Natasha ended up with 28 points in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN - Women  


Turkestan invites to the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkestan invites to the International Tournament as some local and teams from abroad registered already some wins and losses.
In Day 1 the National team of Kyrgyzstan overcame Taraz from Kazakhstan 58:46. The winners got 16-12 lead after the opening quarter, however Taraz managed to reduce after 13-11 in the second frame. Moreover Taraz grabbed the lead after 16-3 in the third quarter and entered the last stanza front. Kyrgyzstan however was too good at the end of the clash and produced 18-5 in the last period for the total success. O.Kolesnikova top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Y. Kolesniova addd13. Djaparova and Kamarova brought 10 points apiece. Beljaeva responded with 16 points in the losing effort and Abdrahmanova added 13.
AGMK from Uzbekistan overcame the Junior National team of Kazakhstan 60:48. The latter opened the game with 11-9, but lost the second period 12-15. AGMK won the third frame 17-8, while the also were better in the last period 19-17. Dzhyuba top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Berdnik posted 15. Saidova ended up with 11 points and Moskaleva nailed 11. Tutkisheva responded with 14 points in the losing case, while Popova posted 13.
Turkestan team MKTU smashed Kentau 64:44 to finish the first day of the tournament.

In Day 2 the National team of Kyrgyzstan outscored AGMK 41:34. It was a slow start from both teams as Kyrgyzstan won the opening quarter 8:5. AGMK responded with 15-11 in the second period to take 1-point lead at the halftime. The National team of Kyrgyzstan bounced back with 7-5 in the third quarter and enjoyed 15-9 in the last stanza. Dzhaparova top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Y.Kolesnikova posted 10. Shtepa ended up with 6 points and Lineva collected 20 rebounds. Dzyuba replied with 12 points and Saidova scored 10 in defeat.
The Junior National team of Kazakhstan overcame Kentau 56:40 to tie their record at 1-1. Turkestan team MKTU lost to Taraz 41:44 as the latter as too good in the first half. Ibraimova top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Eremenko posted 9. Abrahmanova answered with 27 points in the losing case.


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  KYRGYZSTAN - Women  


The National team of Kyrgyzstan start with two wins - by Eurobasket News
The National team of Kyrgyzstan start with two wins at the International Tournament in Kazakhstan. In Day 1 the National team of Kyrgyzstan overcame Taraz from Kazakhstan 58:46. The winners got 16-12 lead after the opening quarter, however Taraz managed to reduce after 13-11 in the second frame. Moreover Taraz grabbed the lead after 16-3 in the third quarter and entered the last stanza front. Kyrgyzstan however was too good at the end of the clash and produced 18-5 in the last period for the total success. O.Kolesnikova top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Y. Kolesniova addd13. Djaparova and Kamarova brought 10 points apiece. Beljaeva responded with 16 points in the losing effort and Abdrahmanova added 13.
In Day 2 the National team of Kyrgyzstan outscored AGMK 41:34. It was a slow start from both teams as Kyrgyzstan won the opening quarter 8:5. AGMK responded with 15-11 in the second period to take 1-point lead at the halftime. The National team of Kyrgyzstan bounced back with 7-5 in the third quarter and enjoyed 15-9 in the last stanza. Dzhaparov top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Y.Kolesnikova posted 10. Shtepa ended up with 6 points and Lineva collected 20 rebounds. Dzyuba replied with 12 points and Saidova scored 10 in defeat.


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  LATVIA - Women  


Cesis bounce back in LSBL Finals - by Eurobasket News
Cesis - TTT Riga 62:51
Cesis drew things level in the LSBL Finals. They claimed a home win at the second game of the series. Kristen Mann (188-F-83, college: UCSB) knocked down 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to propel the hosts to the victory. The third game of the series is scheduled for Sunday.
Cesis quickly surged ahead in the game. They outgunned the visitors to earn a 17:11 lead at the first intermission. TTT Riga however came back to life in the second frame and struck right back. The visitors trimmed the margin at just two points 26:28 at halftime. The teams traded baskets in the intense third frame. Cesis proved just more accurate as they ensured a 4-point lead at the final break. Cesis poured in 21 points in the fourth term and did not allow TTT to get any closer. Zane Eglite (170-G-84) knocked down 13 points for Cesis. Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) and Anete Horelika (177-G/F-87) produced 10 points each for the winners. Tan White (170-G-82, college: Mississippi St.) answered with 15 points and 7 boards for TTT. Lisa Willis (183-G/F-84, college: UCLA) chipped in 12 points in the losing effort.

Cesis: Kristen Mann 21+14 boards, Zane Eglite 13, Rima Valentiene 10, Anete Horelika 10
TTT: Tan White 15, Lisa Willis 12


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Standings - LMKL
LMKL Standings
 1. TEO Vilnius 25-3 
 2. Cesis 25-3 
 3. Lemminkain. 18-10 
 4. Aistes-Atletas 16-12 
 5. Laisve 16-12 
 6. MRU 7-20 
 7. Ruta Siauliai 5-23 
 8. LAMMKK 0-28 


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  NCAA1 - Women  


UConn's Charles taken No.1 in WNBA draft - by Eurobasket News
UConn's Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88) was selected first by the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA draft on Thursday, less than two days after helping the Huskies win their second straight national championship.

Charles averaged more than 18 points and nine rebounds while leading UConn to an NCAA Division I-record 78 straight victories over the past two seasons.

The Sun traded with the Minnesota Lynx in the offseason to get The Associated Press player of the year. Charles joined Sue Bird (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004) as the only UConn players taken with the top overall pick.

The Sun also acquired Charles' former UConn teammate, Renee Montgomery, in exchange for Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88), the second pick in the draft, and former University of Minnesota star Lindsay Whalen. The Lynx then took Nebraska's Kelsey Griffin (6'2''-F-87) with the third pick. Wright and Griffin got to know each other as they roomed at both the Final Four and the WNBA draft.

Chicago drafted former Rutgers guard Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G, college: Rutgers) with the fourth pick. She was unable to attend the draft because she was playing in Turkey for Botas-Spor. Prince left Rutgers after her junior year to pursue a playing career overseas.


2010 WNBA Draft Round 1
1 Connecticut Sun - Tina Charles Connecticut
2 Minnesota Lynx - Monica Wright Virginia
3 Minnesota Lynx - Kelsey Griffin Nebraska (traded to Connecticut)
4 Chicago Sky - Epiphanny Prince Botas/Rutgers
5 San Antonio Silver Stars - Jayne Appel (6'4''-F/C-88) Stanford
6 Washington Mystics - Jacinta Monroe Florida State
7 Connecticut Sun - Danielle McCray Kansas
8 Los Angeles Sparks - Andrea Riley Oklahoma State
9 Atlanta Dream - Chanel Mokango Mississippi State
10 Seattle Storm - Alison Lacey Iowa State
11 Indiana Fever - Jene Morris San Diego State
12 Los Angeles Sparks - Bianca Thomas Mississippi

2010 WNBA Draft Round 2
13 New York Liberty - Kalana Greene Connecticut
14 Washington Mystics - Jenna Smith Illinois
15 Connecticut Sun - Allison Hightower Louisiana
16 New York Liberty - Ashley Houts Georgia
17 San Antonio Silver Stars | Alysha Clark Middle Tennessee
18 Washington Mystics - Shanavia Dowdell Louisiana Tech
19 Tulsa Shock - Amanda Thompson Oklahoma
20 Los Angeles Sparks - Angel Robinson Georgia
21 Atlanta Dream - Brigitte Ardossi Georgia Tech
22 Seattle Storm - Tanisha Smith Texas A&M
23 Indiana Fever - Armelie Lumanu Mississippi State
24 Phoenix Mercury - Tyra Grant Penn State

Courtesy of www.kivitv.com


10 players invited to U.S. women's hoops camp - by Eurobasket News
It was a special day for Virginia's Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88).

The star guard was selected second in the WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx and invited by USA Basketball to train as part of a select team that will work with the national team.

'It's definitely been an incredible week,' Wright said.

With no competition on the international calendar this summer for college players, USA Basketball decided to invite some of the brightest young stars to train with the national team April 15-18 in Storrs and Hartford, Conn.

Joining Wright on the select team were fellow draft picks Kelsey Griffin of Nebraska, Andrea Riley of Oklahoma State, Allison Hightower of LSU, Jacinta Monroe of Florida State and Kalana Greene of Connecticut.

Jantel Lavender of Ohio State, Danielle Robinson of Oklahoma, Jasmine Thomas of Duke and Nneka Ogwumike of Stanford round out the group.

'It's a great chance for Danielle to work on some of her skills with some of the best,' Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said.

The group will work out in the afternoon and scrimmage against the USA national team at night.

Wright will be reunited with her college coach Debbie Ryan, who along with South Carolina's Dawn Staley will run the select team.

Ryan gave USA Basketball coach Geno Auriemma his start as an assistant coach at Virginia from 1982-85 before he took over at Connecticut. Staley was among the great players coached by Ryan.

'I'm so happy to get to coach her for a few more days,' Ryan said of Wright. 'It's great to work with Geno again and Dawn as well. I've always loved being involved with USA Basketball.'

Courtesy of ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=5067412)


At home we are in the gym - by Ozell Wells
They met playing basketball and now with him they look to conquer the world. Or at least, Karlovy Vary, where they spent the last season together. Kyle DeHaven (175-G-84, college: Delaware) with BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary, her boyfriend, Michael Joseph Toth with Thermia in Division One.

KARLOVY VARY
She is playing the highest competition in the city center, on the outskirts of war in the second division. Like Romeo and Juliet, only the New World. From a country where the famous story of two lovers swear by, you have to Shakespeare in school, perhaps a specific subject, where endlessly discuss tensions between the Montagues and Kapulety. The basketball couple from the United States - Kyle DeHaven and Michael Joseph Toth share a similar story now living away from home in Karlovy Vary.

On two separate teams, where they are each other's biggest fans. 'We go along to training, we encourage the matches. Actually, we're still together, 'they say. Together in Karlovy Vary. 'I feel great here. I play on a good team, that is winning. I feel great support here. We fell in love with the city, so here we are experiencing great times, 'says Michael.The life here is a little different, but this suits us,' added Kyle. When for a moment relieved from basketball, they go to get together some food or just pass through the city. 'Here the city is a bit smaller then back home. We dont really need a car here, everything is close. '

Problems do not include the language barrier. 'In the beginning it was a little hard, but I got used to it and now it's much better. The coach always has spoken without any problems, 'says Kyle. And anyway during games signals are used.

We use words that are taken from English, after all, basketball is one of them. 'Sometimes its just simple English,' says Kyle.

'Its Harder to communicate on defense then it is on offense.

Even there, however, always use the same words. Either English or Czech 'says Michael. For Thermia he plays at the position of quarterback, same as Kyle. 'The communications I have not had any serious problems from the beginning, most of the guys on the team speaks English very well. And the more we talk, the better it gets. In addition, I've also picked up some Czech, 'says Michael.

'Czech, we are both learning, but it is very difficult for us to speak,' Kyle knows. 'Kyle has learned more Czech then I have,' says Michael. 'But we try to speak Czech as much as we can.' This mainly applies to basketball terms. 'I know sup, sup (Czech for Go,Go),' Kyle laughs. And when she remembered how often her coach encourages a faster return to offense or defense. Posledni (Czech for Last),' adds the very next phrase. 'But I can also count to ten: One, two, three, four ... 'and yet I still cant pronounce the' R '. 'As I got used to the team I spoke more, my Czech is a little better than at the beginning, so cool, 'Kyle laughs next question.

'For me it was not so difficult. I think my game is appropriate for the total European style of basketball. Its not so tough, 'says Michael. And while the slyly smiling.

Kyle knows what encounters. It is she who has problems in Karlovy Vary with fouls. Match which has been abandoned because of fouls. 'True, I play a little more aggressively,' said Kyle. Michael nudges. 'But trying to change.' They also further odbude hint: if you are away from home, do you feel lonely sometimes? 'It is clear to me that sometimes I miss home, but do not suffer terribly. For a moment I was here alone before Mike came. Now its better since he is here, there is always something going on between practices and hanging out. To be here, this means to me rather more fun. 'And while it would still mourning invaded, still has the hands of Michael. 'In the summer it will be two years since we met,' counted quickly. Two years with a break. Kyle played last season in Germany away from Michael for six months. 'Our relationship is still fresh,' Kyle smiles. Place where they met you will guess easily: the basketball court. 'But it was a gym at home,' says Kyle. Always corresponds to the first. When she stops, he fails to answer who is the boss in their relationship. Michael is laughing loudly and they are pointing to each other. But then they shall act in unison: 'complement each other, we are actually best friends.' Similarly, in unison and then answer the last question: where to anchor (play) next year. 'If things work out we would love to come back to Karlovy Vary!'

FACTS

BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary to the medals this year, heated, in the quarter fell to Slovanka. Place play-off to play a consolation prize in the competition for fifth to eighth place. In the lobby at street riding season ends in early April. And it also rozehrvacka Kyle DeHaven.

Thermia season after a long time have not. She got into the playoffs. As the last of the four in group A1 had six rounds of waiting, this would mean Michael Joseph Toth stand still in Carlsbad at least until 9 May.

Courtesy of: Regional mutation | Mlada fronta DNES - Carlsbad Region
Autor: Pavel Mrhlek


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  POLAND - Women  


Ros Casares edge Wisla to reach Euroleague Final - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares - Wisla 86:57

Ros Casares entertained the home crowd with a confident win in the second Euroleague semifinal. The Valencia crowd witnessed a dominant performance from the Spanish team. Led by Erika De Souza (197-C-82) Ros Casares went on a 10:0 run midway through the opening frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Ros Casares will now face three-time defending champions Spartak Moscow Region tomorrow.
Wisla tipped off the game with three points but Ros Casares soon took over. They went on a 10:0 rally to earn a 17:7 lead Valdemoro and Erika De Souza built a 31:15 advantage at the first break. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Liron Cohen (173-G-82) began the second frame with five points in a row but Ros Casares quickly responded. The hosts went on an 8:0 run to clear off. Ros Casares cruised to a 57:35 advantage at halftime. The Spanish team went on an 11:2 rally early at the start of the third quarter to pile up a 68:37 lead. Ros Casares finished the third term ahead by as many as 36 points. The teams simply coasted to the final whistle with the outcome pretty obvious. Ros Casares posted a confident win as Erika De Souza accumulated 23 points and 11 rebounds. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) provided 17 points, while Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) had 12 for the winners. Ewelina Kobryn responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Wisla. Liron Cohen was responsible for 10 points in defeat.

Ros Casares: Erika De Souza 23+11 boards, Delisha Milton-Jones 17, Anna Montanana 12
Wisla: Ewelina Kobryn 16, Liron Cohen 10, Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) 9


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
A1
 1. Sf. Gheorghe 10-0 
 2. Targoviste 8-1 
 3. ICIM Arad 7-4 
 4. Alexandria 5-5 
 5. Satu Mare 5-5 
 6. Craiova 3-7 
 7. Oradea 1-8 
 8. Rapid Bucuresti 1-10 
A2
 1. Alba Iulia 6-1 
 2. Cluj Napoca 6-2 
 3. Olimpia 4-2 
 4. Sp.Studentesc 4-4 
 5. Iasi 4-5 
 6. Timisoara 2-5 
 7. Brasov 1-8 


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Athinaikos is the EuroCup winner! - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup Finals, Game 2: Athinaikos - Nadezhda 53-57

Athinaikos is the EuroCup winner for season 2009/10! The Greek outfit lost last night, but they celebrated 57-65 victory in Game One finishing this Final with 118-114 in total. Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77) scored 14 points for Athinaikos and Candice Wiggins (180-G-87, college: Stanford) followed with 10. Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds in victory, but that was not enough for her team.
Nadezhda opened the game better taking quick 3-7 lead. Irena Vizbariene and her teammates replied with 8-4 run for rest of the first quarter (11-11). At the beginning of Q2, actually basket by Vizbariene in 23rd minute, the hosts grabbed 3-point lead, but the Russian squad had an answer for that. They created 0-6 run and later finished first half with 22-25. Athinaikos tied the score few times in third period, but thanks to Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) visitors were up by 2 at the end of it (38-40). Everything was open, especially when Nadezhda grabbed 47-51 with 1:52 to go. Monique Currie made a basket after that and Nadezhda jumped to plus 6. The hosts did not panic, despite they had a good reason that. Candice Wiggins drained a crucial triple and later Riley and Kalentzou helped Athinaikos to keep its lead from Game 1 and to win the EuroCup title! As a reminder, last season it was Galatasaray.

Athinaikos: Irena Vizbariene 14, Candice Wiggins 10, Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) 9+8 assists
Nadezhda: Monique Currie 18+5 boards, Anastasiya Veremeenko 12+14 boards

Diana Taurasi and Spartak eclipse UMMC - by Eurobasket News
Spartak MR - UMMC 87:79
Three-time Euroleague defending champions Spartak Moscow Region are through into the Final game of this years tournament. They survived the semifinal clash against their biggest rivals UMMC to advance into the Euroleague championship game. Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) put on a scoring clinic as she poured in 37 points to lead Spartak. She also added 12 boards, 6 assists, one steal and one block to her impressive tally.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening frame. Sue Bird (175-G-80, college: Connecticut) capped the stanza with a jumper as Spartak earned a 17:16 lead. The teams continued to keep close throughout the second quarter. Dumerc and Wauters helped UMMC to a 6-point lead midway through the stanza but Diana Taurasi exploded with 13 points in a row for Spartak to put the defending champions ahead 39:38. Nolan and Pondexter sealed the first half outcome with five points as UMMC established a 43:40 advantage. Spartak opened the second half with five quick points to regain the lead. The seesaw action continued in the third term. Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) finished the frame with three points to give a 67:63 advantage for UMMC. The Yekaterinburg team maintained the lead for some time before Diana Taurasi and McCarville secured a 73:71 lead for Spartak with two minutes remaining. Fowles followed with four straight points, while Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi piled up an 80:71 buffer for the reigning champions. Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Candace Parker narrowed the deficit at 5 points but Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) sealed the victory for Spartak.
Sylvia Fowles knocked down 14 points and collected 12 boards for Spartak. Jekabsone-Zogot nailed 12 points in the winning case. Candace Parker responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds for UMMC. Pondexter delivered 16 points in the loss.

Spartak MR: Diana Taurasi 37+12 boards, Sylvia Fowles 14+12 boards, Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) 12
UMMC: Candace Parker 18, Cappie Pondexter 16


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  SERBIA - Women  


A league Quarterfinals: Hemofarm and Partizan advance to Semis - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm has continued with its winning way, as in Game 2 of the Semifinals they went to Zrenjanin and came away with 51-68 vicotry over Proleter. Sasa Cado (172-G-89) yet again led the winning side, this time with 13 points. Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) and Nevena Saponjic (186-C-85) followed closely with 9 points each. Dunja Lukac (171-G-87) replied with 14 points in loss.
Partizan also justified favorites tag, as they had no problems beating Celarevo 53-76. Visiting side was led to victory by Vukicevic, who poured in 18 points. For Celarevo, Sonja Maric (185-F-85) and Jelica Domazet (188-F/C-88) stood out with 12 and 11 points respectively.
Vozdovac hosted Vojvodina and managed to come up with 84-77 victory and to tie the series at 1-1. Maksimovic was unstoppable for Vozdovac as she finished the match with 31 points. Prlja added 18 points, while Krstovic chipped in 12. For Vojvodina, Anja Stupar (178-F/C-89) had 24 points while Ostojic added 13 points.
Crvena Zvezda also managed to even their series against Radivoj Korac with a 60-54 home win. Hosts were led by Tijana Zupancic (181-G-84) who had 13 points. She was the only player in double digits as Tiana Rus (180-F-75) was the next best scorer with 8 points. On the other side, Radivoj Korac got 14 points from Iva Musulin (170-G-84) and 12 from Smiljana Ivanovic (176-G-88), but they still could not avoid defeat in this one.
Hemofarm and Partizan advanced to Semifinals, while third decisive games between Vojvodina and Vozdovac, as well as between Radivoj Korac and Crvena Zvezda will be played tonight.

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Presov pulls an upset to reach Extraliga Finals - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok - BK PU Bemaco Presov 75-89

In the 5th decisive game of Extraliga Semifinals, Presov managed to make a surprise and to beat MBK Ruzomberok winning the series 3-2. They used great showing in the first half to secure impressive 75-89 road victory. Now they are set to meet Dobri Anjeli in the Finals. Visiting team came out stronger from the opening tip-off. They played good defense which enabled them easy baskets in transition. As result, they have managed to build 13-21 lead after first period. In the second quarter, both teams stepped it up on the offensive end but it was still Presov who was building its lead. They went into the halftime break hold comfortable 33-51 lead. After the break, Ruzomberok players finally improved. They managed to cut into the deficit with a series of runs, so the match entered final 10 minutes with the scoreboard showing 59-68 Presov lead. Than in the last period, hosts tried to make one last attempt for comeback but they simply could not do it. Presov regained control of the match and won the final quarter by 8, what was enough for the 14 point margin win.
Winning side was led by Jennifer Risper (175-G-87, agency: LBM Management, college: Vanderbilt), who had a huge game as she poured in 35 points. She was followed by Wirth who scored 21 points, as well as Ciappinova who finished the game with 15 points. On the other side, Ruzomberok got 27 points from Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra), while Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) and Derevjankova added 14 and 13 points respectively. Game 1 of the Finals series is scheduled for April 10th with Dobri Anjeli having the home court advantage.

MBK Ruzomberok: Lizanne Murphy 27, Simona Podesvova 14, Derevjankova 13
Presov: Jennifer Risper 35, Wirth 21, Ciappinova 15

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  SPAIN - Women  


Ros Casares edge Wisla to reach Euroleague Final - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares - Wisla 86:57

Ros Casares entertained the home crowd with a confident win in the second Euroleague semifinal. The Valencia crowd witnessed a dominant performance from the Spanish team. Led by Erika De Souza (197-C-82) Ros Casares went on a 10:0 run midway through the opening frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Ros Casares will now face three-time defending champions Spartak Moscow Region tomorrow.
Wisla tipped off the game with three points but Ros Casares soon took over. They went on a 10:0 rally to earn a 17:7 lead Valdemoro and Erika De Souza built a 31:15 advantage at the first break. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Liron Cohen (173-G-82) began the second frame with five points in a row but Ros Casares quickly responded. The hosts went on an 8:0 run to clear off. Ros Casares cruised to a 57:35 advantage at halftime. The Spanish team went on an 11:2 rally early at the start of the third quarter to pile up a 68:37 lead. Ros Casares finished the third term ahead by as many as 36 points. The teams simply coasted to the final whistle with the outcome pretty obvious. Ros Casares posted a confident win as Erika De Souza accumulated 23 points and 11 rebounds. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) provided 17 points, while Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) had 12 for the winners. Ewelina Kobryn responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Wisla. Liron Cohen was responsible for 10 points in defeat.

Ros Casares: Erika De Souza 23+11 boards, Delisha Milton-Jones 17, Anna Montanana 12
Wisla: Ewelina Kobryn 16, Liron Cohen 10, Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) 9


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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Stacy sparks Army title - by Albert-Lee Young
Despite having a relatively quiet scoring game, veteran forward Stacy Sparks turned heroine for Defence Force with just 0.7 seconds left.

With the score leveled at 71, Sparks was fouled whilst driving to the basket and scored her second attempt to seal a 72-71 victory and the best of five series 3-0. For their win Defence Force collected the first prize of $30,000 and the Championship Trophy in the B-MOBILE NBFTT Women Club Championships.

For the army team, national stand-out Rhonda John-Davis had a game high 38 pts whilst Alicia Liverpool added 23pts.

6-6 center Patrice Edwards posted a strong performance of 35 points & 11 rebounds for Nets. Aquelah Bailey chipped in with 19 points while Leslie Ann Francois-Bacquain scored 13 in the a hard fought loss for Nets.


*****************************************************
  UZBEKISTAN - Women  


AGMK participates abroad - by Eurobasket News
AGMK from Uzbekistan started the International Tournament in Turkestan that holds te International Tournament. In Day 1 AGMK from Uzbekistan overcame the Junior National team of Kazakhstan 60:48. The latter opened the game with 11-9, but lost the second period 12-15. AGMK won the third frame 17-8, while the also were better in the last period 19-17. Dzhyuba top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Berdnik posted 15. Saidova ended up with 11 points and Moskaleva nailed 11. Tutkisheva responded with 14 points in the losing case, while Popova posted 13.
In Day 2 the National team of Kyrgyzstan outscored AGMK 41:34. It was a slow start from both teams as Kyrgyzstan won the opening quarter 8:5. AGMK responded with 15-11 in the second period to take 1-point lead at the halftime. The National team of Kyrgyzstan bounced back with 7-5 in the third quarter and enjoyed 15-9 in the last stanza. Dzhaparova top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Y.Kolesnikova posted 10. Shtepa ended up with 6 points and Lineva collected 20 rebounds. Dzyuba replied with 12 points and Saidova scored 10 in defeat.


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  WNBA - Women  


UConn's Charles taken No.1 in WNBA draft - by Eurobasket News
UConn's Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88) was selected first by the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA draft on Thursday, less than two days after helping the Huskies win their second straight national championship.

Charles averaged more than 18 points and nine rebounds while leading UConn to an NCAA Division I-record 78 straight victories over the past two seasons.

The Sun traded with the Minnesota Lynx in the offseason to get The Associated Press player of the year. Charles joined Sue Bird (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004) as the only UConn players taken with the top overall pick.

The Sun also acquired Charles' former UConn teammate, Renee Montgomery, in exchange for Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88), the second pick in the draft, and former University of Minnesota star Lindsay Whalen. The Lynx then took Nebraska's Kelsey Griffin (6'2''-F-87) with the third pick. Wright and Griffin got to know each other as they roomed at both the Final Four and the WNBA draft.

Chicago drafted former Rutgers guard Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G, college: Rutgers) with the fourth pick. She was unable to attend the draft because she was playing in Turkey for Botas-Spor. Prince left Rutgers after her junior year to pursue a playing career overseas.


2010 WNBA Draft Round 1
1 Connecticut Sun - Tina Charles Connecticut
2 Minnesota Lynx - Monica Wright Virginia
3 Minnesota Lynx - Kelsey Griffin Nebraska (traded to Connecticut)
4 Chicago Sky - Epiphanny Prince Botas/Rutgers
5 San Antonio Silver Stars - Jayne Appel (6'4''-F/C-88) Stanford
6 Washington Mystics - Jacinta Monroe Florida State
7 Connecticut Sun - Danielle McCray Kansas
8 Los Angeles Sparks - Andrea Riley Oklahoma State
9 Atlanta Dream - Chanel Mokango Mississippi State
10 Seattle Storm - Alison Lacey Iowa State
11 Indiana Fever - Jene Morris San Diego State
12 Los Angeles Sparks - Bianca Thomas Mississippi

2010 WNBA Draft Round 2
13 New York Liberty - Kalana Greene Connecticut
14 Washington Mystics - Jenna Smith Illinois
15 Connecticut Sun - Allison Hightower Louisiana
16 New York Liberty - Ashley Houts Georgia
17 San Antonio Silver Stars | Alysha Clark Middle Tennessee
18 Washington Mystics - Shanavia Dowdell Louisiana Tech
19 Tulsa Shock - Amanda Thompson Oklahoma
20 Los Angeles Sparks - Angel Robinson Georgia
21 Atlanta Dream - Brigitte Ardossi Georgia Tech
22 Seattle Storm - Tanisha Smith Texas A&M
23 Indiana Fever - Armelie Lumanu Mississippi State
24 Phoenix Mercury - Tyra Grant Penn State

Courtesy of www.kivitv.com