EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/22/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Olimpija facing further departures - by Milan Jovanovic
After already losing half of the team from the season start (Becirovic, Millage, Vidmar, Slokar, Walsh, Golubovic), Olimpija is facing even more departures, as the latest news is that after the final 4 tournament in Zagreb, Nemanja Aleksandrov is also to leave the club, as well as the coach Jurij Zdovc .
Financial problems of Slovenian champions obviously won't be solved that easy, so further cuttings of the roster makes the Slovenian champions almost a complete outsider in Adriatic, and just few months back they were no.2 favorites for the title.
As a new coach after the probable departure of Zdovc, the name mentioned is gasper Potocnik.

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


LigaA Quarterfinals: Penarol takes 2-0 lead against Lanus - by Eurobasket News
Penarol - Lanus 82-61
Penarol blasted Lanus last night taking 2-0 lead in Playoff Quarterfinals. Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points, Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) had 17 pts, while Martin Leiva (208-F/C-80) added 12 points and 11 boards in this victory. On the other side, Fernando Calvi (200-F-81) delivered 14 pts. Game 3 is scheduled for April 23 and Lanus will be the host.


San Martin C advances to TNA Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
San Mart.C. - Ciclista 81-56
San Martin C destroyed Ciclista in decisive Game 5 of TNA Quarterfinals and booked a spot for the next stage. John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) once again was the leading player in victory as he scored 21 points. Alejandro Konsztadt (189-G-89) followed him with 14 pts and at the same time he was the last players with double-digit s in scoring for the hosts. On the other side, Ciclista got 26 pts and 10 boards from Brice Assie (201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut).


Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game
 David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 18.9
 1. Jackson, La Union18.9 
 2. Lamonte, Penarol18.2 
 3. Lo Grippo, Atenas17.3 
 4. Assie, Quilmes MP17.3 
 5. Moodie, Boca Jrs17.2 
 6. Profit, Libertad S.16.7 
 7. Funes, C.Entrer.16.7 
 8. Nelson, Quilmes MP16.4 
 9. Cutley, C.Entrer.16.2 
 10. Gonzalez, Quimsa16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Kammerichs, Regat.11.6 
 2. Williams, Union S.8.1 
 3. Rollins, Gimnasia.7.8 
 4. Griffin, Estudiantes7.5 
 5. Leiva, Penarol7.3 
 6. Wolkowyski, Libertad.7.3 
 7. Assie, Quilmes MP7.3 
 8. Gonzalez, Quimsa7.1 
 9. McFarlan, Union S.6.9 
 10. Nelson, Quilmes MP6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Fernando TITARELLI
  Quilmes MP
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Titarelli, Quilm.6.3 
 2. Cequeira, Sionista4.6 
 3. Victoriano, Lanus4.3 
 4. Franco, Estudiantes4.1 
 5. Martinez, Sionista3.7 
 6. Labaque, Obras3.6 
 7. Ginobili, Libertad S.3.5 
 8. Figueroa, Atenas3.2 
 9. Williams, Olimpico.3.1 
 10. Aguirre, Boca Jrs3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Frank WILLIAMS
  Olimpico LB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Williams, Olimpico.1.8 
 2. Moldu, Libertad S.1.7 
 3. Pelussi, Libertad S.1.6 
 4. Funes, C.Entrer.1.6 
 5. Aguirre, Boca Jrs1.6 
 6. Franco, Estudiantes1.6 
 7. Marshall, C.Entrer.1.6 
 8. Lamonte, Penarol1.5 
 9. Pau, La Union1.4 
 10. Figueroa, Atenas1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Derrick ALSTON
  Olimpico LB
  (208-C/F-72)
  Avg: 2
 1. Alston, Olimpico.2.0 
 2. Billings, Regatas C.1.6 
 3. Alston, Boca Jrs1.3 
 4. Bortz, Obras1.2 
 5. Rollins, Gimnasia.1.2 
 6. Kammerichs, Regat.1.1 
 7. Williams, Union S.1.1 
 8. Assie, Quilmes MP1.0 
 9. Griffin, Estudiantes0.8 
 10. Gomez, Quimsa0.8 


Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game
 Brice ASSIE
  San Mart.C.
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Assie, San Mart.C.22.8 
 2. Miller, Bragado19.6 
 3. Leith, Firmat SF16.5 
 4. Huggins, Ciclista16.1 
 5. Williams, Independ.T.16.1 
 6. Nwankwo, El Nacional16.1 
 7. Elsener, El Nacional16.0 
 8. Barlasina, San M.15.4 
 9. Truscott, San M.15.3 
 10. Arceneaux, Belgrano.15.2 
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. Williams, Independ.T.8.1 
 4. Leith, Firmat SF8.1 
 5. Espinoza, Argentino8.1 
 6. Williams, Club 97.9 
 7. Assie, San Mart.C.7.7 
 8. Wilkerson, Ciclista7.4 
 9. Benjamin, San M.7.0 
 10. Kornegay, A.Ita.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Julian OLMEDO
  Bragado
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Olmedo, Bragado4.5 
 2. Gandoy, Belgrano SN3.4 
 3. Palacios, Firmat S.2.7 
 4. La Bella, Obera TC2.6 
 5. Forastieri, Club 92.6 
 6. Sartorelli, San M.2.6 
 7. Ceci, Argentino2.5 
 8. Bernhardt, San M.2.3 
 9. Luchino, San M.2.3 
 10. Ceruti, San M.2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Gregorio ESEVERRI
  Belgrano SN
  (194-G/F-87)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Eseverri, Belgrano.2.1 
 2. Giletta, Alma Juniors2.0 
 3. Elsener, El Nacional2.0 
 4. Williams, Independ.T.2.0 
 5. La Bella, Obera TC1.8 
 6. Castets, Obera TC1.8 
 7. Castelli, Independ.T.1.7 
 8. Ford, Belgrano SN1.6 
 9. Fernandez, Alma J.1.6 
 10. Luchino, San M.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Pablo ESPINOZA
  Argentino
  (195-F-87)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Espinoza, Argentino1.5 
 2. Assie, San Mart.C.1.5 
 3. Williams, Club 91.2 
 4. Williams, Independ.T.1.1 
 5. Kornegay, A.Ita.1.0 
 6. Giorgi, Obera TC1.0 
 7. Francis, Argentino0.9 
 8. Ford, Belgrano SN0.9 
 9. Martina, Club 90.8 
 10. Nwankwo, El Nacional0.7 


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


Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Diamond V.E. 4-1 
 2. Ringwood H. 3-0 
 3. Waverley F. 3-2 
 4. Hume City 2-2 
 5. Bulleen B. 2-2 
 6. Melbourne 2-3 
 7. Sherbrooke S. 1-2 
 8. Eltham W. 0-5 
Central ABL
 1. W.Adelaide B. 5-1 
 2. Sturt S. 4-1 
 3. Forestville E. 4-1 
 4. N.Adelaide R. 4-1 
 5. Norwood F. 3-2 
 6. South.Tigers 2-3 
 7. S.Adelaide P. 1-4 
 8. C.District L. 1-4 
 9. Eastern M. 1-4 
 10. Woodville W. 1-5 
QBL
 1. Northside W. 0-0 
 2. SW Metro P. 0-0 
 3. Ipswich F. 0-0 
 4. Gladstone P. 0-0 
 5. Bundaberg B. 0-0 
 6. Caboolture S. 0-0 
 7. Gold Coast G. 0-0 
 8. Brisbane C. 0-0 
 9. Cairns M. 0-0 
 10. Townsville H. 0-0 
 11. Rockhampton 0-0 
 12. Toowoomba 0-0 
 13. Mackay M. 0-0 
 14. Maroochydore 0-0 
SEABL-East
 1. Kilsyth C. 6-2 
 2. Bendigo B. 4-3 
 3. Brisbane S. 4-3 
 4. Knox R. 3-3 
 5. Ballarat M. 3-4 
 6. Canberra G. 2-4 
 7. Dandenong 2-5 
 8. AIS 1-2 
SEABL-South
 1. Geelong S. 6-3 
 2. Hobart C. 5-2 
 3. Sandringham S. 5-2 
 4. NW Tasmania 4-4 
 5. Nunawading S. 4-4 
 6. Albury W.B. 3-3 
 7. Mt Gambier 2-5 
 8. Frankston B. 1-6 
WARATAH
 1. Sydney C. 6-0 
 2. Manly Warr. 4-1 
 3. Parramatta W. 4-1 
 4. Newcastle H. 4-1 
 5. Norths Bears 3-2 
 6. Bankstown B. 3-3 
 7. Hornsby S. 2-4 
 8. Hills H. 1-3 
 9. Maitland M. 0-2 
 10. Sutherland S. 0-5 
 11. Canberra N. 0-5 


Standings - SBL
SBL Standings
 1. Geraldton B. 7-2 
 2. Lakeside L. 6-1 
 3. Willetton T. 6-3 
 4. Goldfield G. 5-3 
 5. Stirling S. 5-3 
 6. Cockburn C. 5-3 
 7. Perth R. 5-3 
 8. East Perth E. 5-4 
 9. Wanneroo W. 4-4 
 10. Perry Lakes H. 4-4 
 11. Mandurah M. 2-6 
 12. Rockingham F. 2-6 
 13. Kalamunda E.S. 1-7 
 14. SW Slammers 0-8 


*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


American Aaron Harper the POW in Balkan League - by Eurobasket
#s#
Aaron Harper
Harper
Aleksa Popovic
Popovic
Travis Peterson
Peterson
Darko Sokolov
Sokolov
Stefan Georgiev
Georgiev
#e#6


Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Awards 2009-10:

Player of the Year: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
Guard of the Year: Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) of KK Lovcen Cetinje Montenegro
Forward of the Year: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
Center of the Year: Travis Peterson (208-C-85) of Rilski Sport Samokov Bulgaria
Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Peterson (208-C-85) of Rilski Sport Samokov Bulgaria
European Player of the Year: Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
Import Player of the Year: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
Coach of the Year: Konstantin Papazov of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria

1st Team
G: Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci FYR Macedonia
G/F: Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) of KK Lovcen Cetinje Montenegro
F: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
F/C: Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
C: Travis Peterson (208-C-85) of Rilski Sport Samokov Bulgaria

2nd Team
G: Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) of Rilski Sport Samokov Bulgaria
F: Nikola Ivanovic (199-F-89) of KK Lovcen Cetinje Montenegro
F: Vladimir Panic (194-F-82) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
C: Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci FYR Macedonia
C: Donald Cole (204-C-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria

Honorable Mention
Bobby Frasor (191-G-86) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91) of KK Lovcen Cetinje Montenegro
Vladimir Popovic (190-G-82) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci FYR Macedonia
Simeon Tsenov (196-F-82) of BC Euroins-Cherno More Bulgaria
Dragan Kruscic (198-F-86) of Radnicki Kragujevac Serbia
Milos Suzic (205-C-88) of OKK Beograd Serbia
Dragan Mitrovic (198-F-85) of OKK Beograd Serbia
Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
Monty Mack (191-G-77) of BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti Romania
Joseph Kennerly (204-C/F-84) of BC Spartak Pleven Bulgaria

All-Europeans Team
G: Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci FYR Macedonia
G/F: Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) of KK Lovcen Cetinje Montenegro
F: Vladimir Panic (194-F-82) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
F/C: Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
C: Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci FYR Macedonia

All-Imports Team
G: Bobby Frasor (191-G-86) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
G: Monty Mack (191-G-77) of BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti Romania
F: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria
C: Travis Peterson (208-C-85) of Rilski Sport Samokov Bulgaria
C: Donald Cole (204-C-81) of BC Levski Sophia Bulgaria

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


Nevezis remain in BBL Elite Division - by Eurobasket News
Nevezis avoided relegation into the Baltic League Challenge Cup. They managed to prevail against Rudupis in the promotion series. Nevezis needed three games to claim a 2-1 victory in the series. The decisive third game of the clash was played yesterday. Nevezis celebrated a tough 87:74 win to keep their place in the top division. Rudupis got to the brisk start. They outscored their opponents 24:10 in the starting period. But Nevezis quickly came back to terms and adjusted their game in the second term. They outgunned their opponents 32:16 in the second term to take a 2-point halftime advantage. Led by Tomas Rakauskas (184-G-81) Nevezis started to get away in the third frame. They limited the visitors to 9 points in the period and ensured a comfortable 11-point buffer before the final term. Rudupis could not change the course of the game in the final stanza and had to face inevitability at the end.
Tomas Rakauskas finished with 24 points and 4 assists for Nevezis. Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) accounted for 19 points and 12 boards, while Darius Gvezdauskas (191-G-88) had 19 points for the winners. Gintautas Vileita (194-G-75, college: Monmouth) and Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) responded with 14 points each for Rudupis. Valdas Dabkus (204-F-84) netted 12 points and pulled down 9 boards in defeat.


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


Lakers down Cavs to remain unbeaten - by Justin Marville
IT ISNT LOS ANGELES versus Cleveland, but you couldnt tell with the NBA Finals-like intensity that defines this Lakers-Cavs rivalry.

Keefe Birkett added another chapter to the ardent feud, scoring eight of his game high 26 points in the fourth quarter as Lumber Company Lakers remained Premier League basketballs lone unbeaten side by upending reigning champs Mpact Station Hill Cavs 78-71 on Sunday at the Wildey Gymnasium.

The game proved to be another instant classic in the recent list of close contests between the two adversaries, who have met each other in three successive playoff series while combining for five of the last six league titles.

And what this latest instalment might have lacked in terms of a wild finish from last years semi-finals, it sure made up in intensity, especially after Station Hill erased all but three of a 19-point deficit midway in the fourth.

But the rivalrys newest addition didnt take long to become its most notable.

Lakers newly acquired shooting guard abruptly put an end to the Cavs threatening rally, scoring four quick points in succession and eight overall as part of a decisive 14-3 run that bolstered a slim 61-58 advantage to a 75-61 margin.

This followed a menacing run from the opposing Errol Flash Pollard, who orchestrated the champs fourth quarter comeback by hitting three treys split by field goals from Kelvin Patterson and Junior Moore which reduced an early 57-48 fourth quarter deficit.

However, Birkett answered Pollards spurt with a long jumper, two free throws and a lay-up in the open floor that sandwiched Derek Brownes transition basket, as Lakers responded by pushing the tempo.

Browne then returned to score on a give-and-go from Andre Boadu, following a pair of Adrian Allman free throws, before Birkett capped the run with another two shots from the charity stripe.

Cavs threatened again briefly via successive Jason Smith triples and Ricardo Yearwoods one-handed throw-down in the open floor, but the 14-point hole was ultimately too much to surpass in the last two-minutes.

Station Hill stunned most just by making a game out of the proceedings after falling behind by 19 points (34-15) in the second quarter following Allman and Birketts explosive start to the contest.

Allman accounted for ten of Lakers first 15 points in their initial 17-2 lead, before his wingmate added a pair of treys and two other long jumpers as part of a 40-24 half-time advantage.

But Patterson proved a menace thereafter, dominating the paint on an array of short jumpers to the tune of 12 third quarter points while Corey Williams added a further ten, as the Cavs got within 57-48 at the end of the period prior to Pollards surge.

Allman ended with 21 points while Boadu and Browne chipped in with 12 and ten points respectively. For the Cavs, who are now 2-2 on the season, Patterson led with 18 points and 16 boards, and Williams scored 12.

Earlier, Tremaine Shaw had a game high 16 points as Warriors also survived a similar second half rally before outlasting the reeling Nicholls Baking Company Cougars 65-61 in the nights first game.

Warriors actually led 25-7 at the end of the first behind an early outburst from Shaw and Kareem Farrell in transition before consolidating that lead to a 37-18 cushion late in the second quarter.

But Shawn Gaskin and Godfrey Leacock helped Cougars outscore their opposition 23-11 in the ensuing third before Warriors eventually held on in the fourth when point guard Antonio Yearwood was forced to leave via injury.

Gaskin top-scored with 15 points and ten rebounds, and Leacock and Yearwood added a further 14 and 13 points respectively, while Farrell assisted Shaw with 12 points.

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


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
League 6
 1. Siroki Eronet 7-1 
 2. Igokea 5-3 
 3. Bosna S. 5-3 
 4. Sloboda Dita 3-5 
 5. Capljina 2-6 
 6. Zrinjski MC 2-6 
Position 7-4
 1. Hercegovac 11-11 
 2. SL IAT Leotar 10-12 
 3. Borac Nektar 9-13 
 4. Celik 9-13 
 5. Grude 9-13 
 6. Slavija 8-14 
 7. Mladost MG 8-14 
 8. Sutjeska 8-14 


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


Rio Claro waive their foreign - by Paulo Freire
The directors of Rio Claro Basketball decided that the Canadian player Andrew Parker will not be anymore with the roster of their Basketball team in 2010, in a mutual agreement between management, staff, and player agent.
The reason, by Parker was dismissed is by a lesion is detected (stress fracture) on the right foot. The treatment requests a long recovery more than the scheduled date of closure of the competition in progress, Novo Milenio Tournament.
'Andrew has discovered a stress fracture in just his first week in Rio Claro, and he quiet played because of that. He returned to Canada last night (20/04), to treat the injury and get ready for a possible return in the second half of the year. 'said the player's agent.
Andrew Parker (196-G-83) only played 3 games with the team and score 2 points.

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


Balkan and Yambol with important wins - by Valentin Anguelov
Balkan killed any chance Rilski Sportist had of reaching the third place in the standings in NBL. 'The Greens' won at home 100-88 and eliminated their opponent from the battle for 3rd place.
The game was very close from start to finish. Both teams were exchanging baskets and leads and the winner became clear with 2 minutes to go. At that time Balkan used a 8-0 run to build a 91-81 lead and that won the game for the team.
Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) was the top scorer for the winners with 24 points as Georgi Davidov had 22. For the visitors Bogdan Boev scored 22 points.
In the other game with importance for the third place Yambol won away against Euroins Cherno more and eliminated the team from Varna from the Top 4. The visitors won 76-64 and still have chance to finish 3rd as they are tied with Balkan with two games to play.
Yambol managed to pull away at the start of the fourth quarter taking a double digit lead. From then on the visitors held on for the win and took it at the end.
Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) was the best player on the court finishing with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. For the hosts Dimitar Mirakovski had 20 points.

FULL STATS FROM BALKAN - RILSKI SPORTIST GAME


FULL STATS FROM EUROINS CHERNO MORE - YAMBOL GAME



NBL Round: 26 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Levski - Chernomorets 89-73
Easy one for Levski, who registered 20th victory of the season. Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) was on fire last night scoring 31 points and he also pulled down 9 rebounds beside that. Boyko Mladenov (212-C/F-81, agency: Interperformances) and Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) followed him with 20 and 17 points respectively. In the loosing squad (6-20), Martin Durchev (200-G-87) delivered 23 pts.

Lukoil A. - Spartak P. 110-66
Lukoil destroyed Spartak remaining on top of NBL standings with 23-3 record. Pero Antic stepped up for the reigning champion with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Willie Deane (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) had 16 points and 7 assists, while Slavko Stefanovic (206-C-81, agency: BeoExcell) added 15 pts. Spartak (7-19) got 18 points from Veselin Georgiev (196-F-86).

Cherno More - Yambol 64-76
In the other game with importance for the third place Yambol won away against Euroins Cherno more and eliminated the team from Varna from the Top 4. The visitors won 76-64 and still have chance to finish 3rd as they are tied with Balkan with two games to play. Yambol managed to pull away at the start of the fourth quarter taking a double digit lead. From then on the visitors held on for the win and took it at the end. Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) was the best player on the court finishing with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. For the hosts Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency: Interperformances) had 20 points. *by Valentin Anguelov

Balkan - Rilski Sport 100-88
Balkan killed any chance Rilski Sportist had of reaching the third place in the standings in NBL. 'The Greens' won at home 100-88 and eliminated their opponent from the battle for 3rd place. The game was very close from start to finish. Both teams were exchanging baskets and leads and the winner became clear with 2 minutes to go. At that time Balkan used a 8-0 run to build a 91-81 lead and that won the game for the team. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) was the top scorer for the winners with 24 points as Georgi Davidov (204-C-76) had 22. For the visitors Bogdan Boev (196-G-82) scored 22 points. *by Valentin Anguelov


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 22
 1. Harper, Levski22.0 
 2. Cole, Levski19.4 
 3. Gruev, Rilski Sport18.6 
 4. Durchev, Chernomo.18.5 
 5. Bozov, Balkan18.0 
 6. Deane, Lukoil A.17.0 
 7. Brown, Chernomo.16.6 
 8. Dimitrov, Spart.16.2 
 9. Angelov, Yambol16.0 
 10. Lilov, Balkan15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pero ANTIC
  Lukoil A.
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Antic, Lukoil A.10.3 
 2. Brown, Chernomo.8.7 
 3. Peterson, Rilski S.8.0 
 4. Brown, Lukoil A.8.0 
 5. Burgess, Rilski Sport7.6 
 6. Radev, Balkan7.3 
 7. Kennerly, Spart.7.1 
 8. Dimitrov, Cherno M.6.9 
 9. Dimitrov, Spart.6.6 
 10. Tmusic, Yambol6.5 
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.4.8 
 4. Mirakovski, Cherno M.4.7 
 5. Webb, Cherno More4.1 
 6. Radionov, Yambol3.9 
 7. Deane, Lukoil A.3.6 
 8. Frasor, Levski3.5 
 9. Lilov, Balkan3.3 
 10. Bozov, Balkan3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Julian RADIONOV
  Yambol
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Radionov, Yambol2.7 
 2. Deane, Lukoil A.2.4 
 3. Lilov, Balkan2.1 
 4. Wells, Lukoil A.2.1 
 5. Russell, Lukoil A.2.1 
 6. Zhelev, Cherno M.2.0 
 7. Zahariev, Chernomo.1.8 
 8. Harper, Levski1.8 
 9. Dimitrov, Cherno M.1.7 
 10. Angelov, Yambol1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Ernest BROWN
  Toros
  (213-C-79)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Brown, Lukoil A.1.5 
 2. Brown, Chernomo.1.4 
 3. Earl, Yambol0.9 
 4. Gocevski, Yambol0.9 
 5. Ware, Cherno More0.8 
 6. Veselovs, Cherno M.0.7 
 7. Cole, Levski0.7 
 8. Radev, Balkan0.7 
 9. Peterson, Rilski S.0.7 
 10. Georgiev, Levski0.6 


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


Cedevita - Zagreb 98:76 - Apr 21, 2010 (by Milord Nikolic) - by Milord Nikolic
Today there was only one game played in A 1 Group A as a part od Round 1, game that was postponed for today at the beginning of campaign. Cedevita Zagreb crushed KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje 98:76 in Podsuseda. Hosts were dominant throughout the contest and went on a 9-0 run to open the game on 3 consecutive three pointers.
Visitors were able to cut deficit to seven points 35:28, but Cedevita Zagreb again pushed tempo and were leading 48:37 at halftime.
Story was the same when teams came from the locker rooms. At one point Cedevita Zagreb was leading 75:51 and cruising to the finish line.
Damjan Rudez (206-F-86) had 21 points for hosts. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) led KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje with 21 points.

Standings - Ozujsko A1 League
A1 Standings
Group A
 1. Zadar 8-0 
 2. Cedevita 7-1 
 3. Cibona 6-2 
 4. KK Zagreb CO 4-4 
 5. Zabok 3-5 
 6. Svjetlost 2-6 
 7. Darda 1-7 
 8. Trogir 1-7 
Group B
 1. Borik 7-3 
 2. Dubrava 6-4 
 3. KK Split 6-4 
 4. Dubrovnik 5-5 
 5. Kastela 3-7 
 6. Sibenik 3-7 


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


AEL's Double OT Win Keeps Season Alive - by Nima Siar
Limassol, CY - It took AEL 2 overtimes in game 3 of the Finals to beat APOEL 96-92 and force a game 4 in Nicosia. Led by Bryan Bracey who poured in 24 pt. while hitting 14/16 FT and Miah Davis who added 22 pt. 4 ast. 5 stl. AEL fought off a pesky APOEL side who was looking to sweep the best-of-five series and win its second final in two years. Although the Limassol side had home court advantage going into the playoffs, this was their first home game in the series while game 1 was played in Larnaca.

In the first 1.5 quarters, it appeared AEL were going to run away with the game in front of an intimidating and belligerent sea of yellow fans. With AEL up 9 mid-way through the 2nd, APOEL responded with 9-0 run sparked by back-to-back 3s from Rashid Atkins which tied the game 33-33. AEL was able to go on a run of their own and led by seven with under 4 minutes to go in the half but the Nicosia side answered back with 3s from Atkins and Michael Mokongo. The first half ended with AEL leading 44-39.

In the 3rd quarter both teams were exchanging baskets however the home team seemed to have the slight edge and were up 5 with 2:47 remaining. They could have taken control to increase the lead heading into the 4th as Coach Christopoulos' strategy of 4 guards on the floor was not working. APOEL had two possessions in a row going 0/2 with zero offensive rebounds. The coach quickly responded by putting in Lewis Sims back in as well as Aleksandar Radojevic to even the field.

Up by 6 with seven minutes remaining in the 4th, AELs Davis stole the ball and took it coast-to-coast for a layup to push the lead to eight. Brandon Heath quickly responded with two of his four 3s in the game. Heath finished with 23 pt. 9 reb. 3stl. while playing 45 minutes. With 1:35 left in the game, Sims' clutch rejection on the baseline kept AEL from taking a four point lead and a pair of free throws from Gerber Van Dorpe ten seconds later tied the game 71-71 with just over a minute to play. APOEL had the final possession in the game but Sims was not able to get off a desperation shot to win it.

To start the extra period, Heath put the visitors up by two with a layup and after a defensive rebound on the other end of the court, APOEL had a chance to go up by four but Davis' fast hands stripped Mokongo of the ball and took it in for the score. In one of the last possessions in the 1st overtime Van Dorpe drilled 3 at the top of the key but it was called off as there was a foul before the shot by Michael Kounounis which put Atkins on the line to tie the game and eventually send it to double overtime.

In the second OT, it was AEL that jumped out to an early lead but APOEL managed to keep the pressure on the home team and led by 1. Fells came to his teams rescue by hitting a pair of FTs and then getting back on D to absolutely embarrass Atkins by swatting him from behind on a fast break layup with 1:35 remaining. The two teams exchange intentional fouls and AEL came out victorious 96-92.

Game 4 is Friday 23/04 at Lefkotheo Arena, Nicosia.

Game Notes:
-The free throw shooting of Bracey and Fells was a killer for APOEL as the two combined for 25/28 behind the line. AEL finished 34/40 (85%)
-APOEL outrebounded AEL 50-32 but had 29 turnovers to AELs 11
-Most minutes played: Davis 50 min, Fells 49 min for AEL. Atkins 50 min, Sims 46 min and Heath 45 min for APOEL.
-APOEL 44% fg, 40% 3-pointers / AEL 40% fg, 23% 3-pointers


A message to Ael's president Your fans hurt Apoel's players last night - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
The last days we have seen news releases issued by the president of Ael's board members accusing the referees. The news release was aiming at trying to persuade the basketball community in Cyprus that the referees are playing against Ael and that Ael is treated unfairly.

Ael's president and the rest of the board members must first keep their fans from hurting people and then complaining about the referees.

Last night, after an incredible game, and while Apoel's bus was heading back in Nicosia, Ael's hooligans attacked the bus, broke the windows and hurt Apoel's player Phillips Sullivan as well as the physiotherapist of the team. The physiotherapist had to receive treatment.

You guys are unacceptable. Ael should be badly penalized for this. In the past it was Keravnos, now is Apoel. Who is next? This is not the first time that Limassonias behave like this to Nicosians.

If you cannot play basketball, then close it down.

Both teams will meet again on Friday the 23rd at Lefkotheo Indoor Arena.

For the record, Ael won the game by 96-92 at the third overtime.

Bracey and Heath led their teams with 24 and 23 points respectively.

Quarters: 19-14, 44-39, 58-54, 71-71,81-81, 96-92

AEL: Liatsos 14 (1), Bracey 24, Davis 22 (1), Kounounis 13 (2), Evtimov 3 (1), Fells 20 (1),

Apoel: Vandoprte 10, Sims 16, Heath 23 (4), Mokongo 18 (4), Anastasiades 5 (1), Sullivan 5, Randojevic, Hughes, Atkins 15 (3)


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


66ers top Iowa to advance to D-League Finals - by Eurobasket News
Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help lead the Tulsa 66ers past Iowa 127-122 to advance to the NBA Development League Championship Series.

Owens scored 14 of his points in the second half as the Energy rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit and cut the lead to just three points, 102-99, with 4:27 remaining in the game.

But, Owens knocked down a 3-pointer fifteen seconds later to push the lead back to six. Iowa was able to cut the lead to two on a jumper by Tyndale with five seconds left, but Jajuan Smith hit a pair of free throws to clinch it for Tulsa.

Iowa led 21-16 in the first quarter before the 66ers 11-2 to end the period and lead 27-23.

It was 51-44 late in the first half when Tulsa scored eight straight to lead by 14 and added a 3-pointer from Cecil Brown (6'4''-G-83, college: UCSB) at the buzzer to lead 61-45.

In the third quarter, the Energy cut the lead to single digits several times only to have Tulsa rebound to keep the lead at ten, 89-79, heading to the fourth period.

Seven 66ers scored in double figures, led by Deron Washington (6'7''-G/F-85, college: Virginia Tech) with 21. After Owens' 20, Latavious Williams scored 19, Brown and Smith each had 15, Moses Ehambe had 14 and Wink Adams added 11.

Iowa's Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) led all scorers with 32 points.

Tulsa advances to the D-League championship, where they will meet the winner of Wednesday night's game between the Austin Toros and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Courtesy of www.ktul.com


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  Rio Grande
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 27.3
 1. Harris, Rio Grande27.3 
 2. Almond, Springfi.26.8 
 3. Williams, Sioux F.26.4 
 4. Johnson, Sioux F.23.3 
 5. Farmer, Reno B.23.1 
 6. Powell, Albuquerque22.2 
 7. Taylor, Idaho S.21.9 
 8. McLeod, Albuquer.21.8 
 9. Jerrells, Austin T.21.4 
 10. Gee, Austin T.21.1 
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 Grande10.3 
 6. Barron, Iowa E.10.2 
 7. Benson, Reno B.10.1 
 8. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA10.1 
 9. Bryant, Erie Bay H.9.5 
 10. Simpson, Los A.9.5 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Stinson, Iowa E.10.7 
 2. Conroy, Rio Grande9.6 
 3. Blalock, Reno B.7.4 
 4. Jackson, Erie B.7.4 
 5. Johnson, Bakersfi.7.1 
 6. Curry, Springfield A.7.1 
 7. Dickau, Ft.Wayne.7.1 
 8. Gaines, Idaho S.6.9 
 9. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers6.7 
 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.2.4 
 3. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers2.2 
 4. Jackson, Erie B.2.1 
 5. Stinson, Iowa E.2.0 
 6. Robinson, Maine RC2.0 
 7. Robinson, Reno B.2.0 
 8. McLeod, Albuquer.1.9 
 9. Robinson, Los A.1.9 
 10. Jeffers, Iowa E.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 


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Charron FISHER
  Kalev/Cramo
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 23.3
 1. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.23.3 
 2. McGee, Kuremaa19.2 
 3. Kriisa, Rakvere16.9 
 4. Reed, Tallinna Kalev16.5 
 5. Covington, Tallin.16.4 
 6. Toome, TTU K.16.4 
 7. Akognon, Kalev/Cr.16.0 
 8. Raap, Parnu15.2 
 9. Tamsalu, Parnu15.1 
 10. Veideman, Rakvere15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brett MCGEE
  Kuremaa
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 11
 1. McGee, Kuremaa11.0 
 2. Ringmets, Parnu9.6 
 3. Reed, Tallinna Kalev9.2 
 4. Toome, TTU K.8.8 
 5. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.8.6 
 6. Rinkevicius, Valga W.8.0 
 7. Erm, Parnu7.9 
 8. Tagamets, Valga W.7.7 
 9. Kriisa, Rakvere7.4 
 10. Talts, TU/Rock7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Valmo KRIISA
  Rakvere
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Kriisa, Rakvere4.8 
 2. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo3.9 
 3. Sokk, TU/Rock3.3 
 4. Rannula, Valga Welg3.2 
 5. Saage, Rakvere2.9 
 6. Leppik, TU/Rock2.9 
 7. Toome, TTU K.2.7 
 8. Winston, Kuremaa2.6 
 9. Tein, TU/Rock2.6 
 10. Pokla, TTU K.2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Nicholas COVINGTON
  Tallinna Kalev
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Covington, Tallin.2.2 
 2. Leppik, TU/Rock2.2 
 3. Raap, Parnu2.1 
 4. Veideman, Rakvere2.1 
 5. Saage, Rakvere2.1 
 6. Karner, Parnu2.0 
 7. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.2.0 
 8. Kriisa, Rakvere1.7 
 9. Ringmets, Parnu1.7 
 10. Pokla, TTU K.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Kennyetta JOHNSON
  Kalev/Cramo
  (210-C-78)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Johnson, Kalev/Cr.2.3 
 2. Rinkevicius, Valga W.1.9 
 3. Toome, TTU K.1.6 
 4. Morrison, TU/Rock1.1 
 5. McGee, Kuremaa1.1 
 6. Talts, TU/Rock1.0 
 7. Hallik, Rakvere0.9 
 8. Kitsing, TU/Rock0.8 
 9. Ringmets, Parnu0.7 
 10. Owens, Kalev/Cramo0.7 


EMKL Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
TU/Rock - Kalev/Cramo 61-68
Kalev/Cramo surged ahead in the series against TU/Rock claimed the win in Tartu. Charron Fisher (193-G/F-85, college: Niagara) fired 25 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead the effort. Rait Keerles (201-F-80) unloaded 14 points and collected 8 rebounds for the visitors. Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis, NY) answered with 16 poits, 5 boards and 4 assists for TU/Rock. Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.) had 12 points and 8 boards in the loss.

Rakvere - TTU KK 85-88
TTU KK overcame Rakvere away from home and escaped elimination. Joosep Toome (202-F-85) and Joosep Pokla (198-G-86) knocked down 19 points to lead TTU KK to the vital win. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) netted 14 points and grabbed 6 boards in the victory. Richard Anderson (199-F-77, college: Simon Fraser) answered with 33 points and 9 boards for Rakvere. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) delivered 17 points, 10 assists and 7 boards in defeat.


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


Gray's a double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket
26-year old power forward Taj Gray (202-F/C-84, agency: World Sport) put on an amazing game in the last round for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone and it's enough to give him a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27. Despite most important game of the week was when 2nd placed Cholet beat in overtime leader Le Mans, but that was mostly due to extraordinary performance of all Cholet players and not just a single one.
Gray had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds for Chalon, while his team beat Vichy (#9, 12-15) 83-74. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Chalon maintains the 12th position in French league. Chalon is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 11-16 record. In the team's last game Gray had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Chalon's top player in his first season with the team. The University of Oklahoma graduate is in league's top in points (5th best: 17.1ppg),7th best 7.5rpg and 58.1% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports) of top-ranked Le Mans Sarthe Basket. He is American guard in his second season at Le Mans. In the last game Spencer recorded impressive 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Bad luck as Le Mans was edged in overtime by Cholet (20-7) 85-83. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Cholet managed to tie with Le Mans at the very top position in the standings. His team has currently 20-7 record. Spencer is well-known at Le Mans and he already established his position as the team's leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.4ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 5.1rpg and 4.0apg.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, agency: Pensack Sports) of Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (#6). Greer showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, twelve rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Nancy, leading his team to a 84-60 easy win against the lower-ranked Dijon (#15, 7-20). Nancy needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 17 victories and 10 lost games. He has a great season in France. After 27 games, Greer made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.7ppg (9th best), rebounds with 9.0rpg (3rd best) and assists with 6.1apg (4th best) and .

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenny Younger (203-F-77) of Poitiers - 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Victor King (196-G-81) of Le Havre - 27 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Eric Chatfield (191-G-79) of Rouen - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
7. David Simon (207-C-82) of Strasbourg - 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Pierre Pierce (193-G-83) of Hyeres-Toulon - 21 points and 6 rebounds
9. David Melody (184-G-77) of Vichy - 24 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Blake Schilb (201-G-83) of Chalon - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists

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


Brandon Thomas (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Postgame Thoughts to 100-77 Loss To Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Massachusetts) is a 25 year old 198cm shooting guard from San Antonio, Texas that was born in Bitburg Germany and is playing his first season with The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He is long and athletic and capable of defending anyone on the floor; ability to accelerate and finish around the basket. Possesses an outstanding basketball IQ. He played at Long island (NCAA) from 2002-2004 and then went to UMASS from 2005-2007. In 2007, he played in Denmark leading the league in scoring for Team FOG Naestved playing 24 games: Score-1 (24.5ppg), 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.0%. He was the Danish player of the year in 2008 and was the 2008 Allstar game MVP. Last season, he played in Austria for Kraftwerk Wels playing 45 games averaging 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 66.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.5%. Brandon took some time to talk to Eurobasket after the 100-77 loss to Bamberg..

A tough 100-77 loss in Bamberg and an impressive showing by the two time BEKO BBL champion. Is Bamberg possibly the best working basketball team at the moment?

Yes I think so. They are playing great, with confidence, and at the perfect time.

How tough was it playing in the loud Jako arena and how would you compare it to other arenas in Germany that you have played in?

It was probably the loudest. The fans are close to the court and it was a great atmosphere to play in.

Bamberg had the comfortable 51-29 lead at halftime. Why were they able to score so much in the first half?

They were really able to find the options they wanted with their offense. They made shots and with great team defense they had a seemingly perfect game.

In the second half Bamberg outscored Braunschweig 49-48. Was defense put on the back burner in this game?

I dont think so. They held us to only 29 points in the first half and besides our 3 point shooting we were able to get a better rhythm in the second half. We played hard on defense but really struggled to execute our game plan.

What lesson did Braunschweig learn from this loss?

A lesson that has been taught in previous losses. We have to have intensity from the beginning and be completely focused for what we want to accomplish and how on both ends of the court.

Nate Fox made his long awaited comeback scoring nine points and dishing out three assists. How did he look in the game? Was he the old Nate Fox?

He expectedly found guys for shots because he is a great passer and again was another scoring threat for us but still I am sure we will see even better from him.

Teams keep making bad experiences with Predrag Suput in that there is no real way to stop him. What was his biggest strength in this game?

He had no biggest strength. He made shots, great passes, and beat us off the dribble. He showed his all around versatility Sunday.

How quickly will Braunschweig forget the 100 point effort by Bamberg?

It has been bitterly forgotten. We need the next two games for the playoffs so we have to move on and get focused.

What NBA team could be a first round upset victim?
The Dallas Mavericks
Thanks Brandon for the chat.


Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) Pregame Thoughts To TBB Trier Game April 23th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 25 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and is playing his second season with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. Last season for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. He spoke to Eurobasket before the game against TBB Trier April 23rd.

Was there any special celebration for German Matthias Grothe who was playing his last home game in Hagen?

Yeah there was. They made a little video of his career and retired his jersey.

After the big win at home against EnBW Ludwigsburg, can the team even play better against TBB Trier this Friday?

I think that we can. Seeing how we responded last game with it being a big game, this one is even bigger so we will see.

What has been the main focus in practice this week?

Trier.

What adjustments did the team make on defense against EnBW Ludwigsburg that held them to 6,7% shooting from outside?

We knew that they were a dangerous team on kick out threes so we just tried to contest their looks.

The next game is against TBB Trier. What is your memory of the 79-77 win against TBB Trier?

I think it was Mike's first game in Hagen. We played pretty solid that night but Trier opened up a big lead early in third. We fought hard and turned up the D and came back and won the game.

What can we await from this game?

I'm sure it will be a good one because both teams are stilling fighting to stay in the league. This game could determine a lot!!!

How much of a challenge is it playing against Jamal Shuler?

Jamal is a good player he can shoot it and put the ball on the floor. He is also leading their team in rebounds which says a lot about how he attacks the glass being a guard.

Will a key be getting the ball inside since TBB Trier is weak under the boards?

We are just going to take what they give us.

What is your prediction for the Mavericks-Spurs series?

Mavs in 5. Spurs have no matchup for Dirk.
Thanks Quentin for the chat.


Derrick Allen (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Believes In Taking His Game To A New Level - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) is a 203cm forward that grew up in Gadsen Alabama. He is a rugged inside player who attacks the glass, will provide help on the boards, is a solid defender in the post, a competitor and hard worker that can score facing the basket and has shooting range to the foul line. He started his career at Southern Union State from 1998-2000. He then transferred to Mississippi and played there from 2000-2003. He then started his professional basketball career in Iceland playing for Keflavikur ripping up the FIBA Europe Cup playing 8 games and averaging 26.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg and playing 22 games in the Iceland league averaging 23,4ppg, 10.5rpg. He won the Icelandic league and cup title in his rookie season. In 2004, he ventured to Germany and has played there ever since with two years in Karlsruhe, one year in Leverkusen and he is now starting his third season for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. In 2006-2007, he led Leverksuen into the playoffs and led the BBL in scoring playing 38 games and averaging 16.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 72.2%. In 2007-2008, he was second best scorer in the BBL for Frankfurt playing 43 games and averaging 18.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.6%; and playing 10 ULEB Cup games finishing as the third best scorer averaging 19.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.9%. He has reached three BBL playoffs in five seasons and played in the 2008 BBL Allstar game. He spoke to eurobasket about the current season in Frankfurt.

A tough 90-88 win against BG Goettingen in OT. What was the biggest strength of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on this day?

I thought we played good defense. BG Goettingen is a team that likes to play one on one and we did have some defensive lapses but in the end got big stops which was key.

What has Gordon Herbert changed in the Frankfurt style?

It is pretty much still the same system as Didin, but with minor changes. I thought everything worked well and brought us the first win under the new coach.

How well is the team growing under Gordon Herbert?

Players are taking new challenges. We are listening a lot and he demands a lot from us, but he also gives us a lot of responsibility on the court. We are working hard for him.

How has Gordon Herbert helped your game?

He told me to work on some things. We are learning from each other and it is a work in progress.

What will you miss the most from Murat Didin?

I will miss his personality and humour the most. I am very thankful that Murat brought me to Frankfurt three years ago. The last week was very different for me.

This is your third season in Frankfurt. How much has Frankfurt become like a second home for you?

Frankfurt very much has become a second home to me. I feel very comfortable in Frankfurt. It is great hanging out with the guys and my apartment is only 10 minutes from the airport.

The team chemistry seems to have been very good all season long.

Yes it has. I think it is so good, because the guys are always hanging out together going to eat or going to the movies and we hang out on the road. We are a close group and that helps us on the court.

What do The Deutsche Bank Skyliners need to do to win a title this season?

We have to play better defense down the stretch. We have to win big games, but we have a nice roster and great players. If we work hard each day then we will be fine.

Two years ago, you were averaging 36 minutes, last season only 26 minutes and this season 30 minutes. How difficult is it for you to get used to not being the number one scoring option?

At first it was a bit difficult, but I put my individual goals aside to think about the team first. I know that I can bring my game wheather I start or come from the bench. I just take what the defense gives me and I think I have grown as a player with this experience.

You often come from the bench. How difficult is it coming cold into the game?

It is not that difficult coming into the game, because being on the bench you are able to see how the game is going and you can see what you can do differently and better when you get on the floor. It is all mental. You always have to be ready to play.

You are turning 30 in August. Can you still take your game to a higher level?

I think that I can still take my game to a new level. I just have to continue to work hard in the summer so when I come back that I am a better player and can show that my hard work paid off.

What do you still have to improve on your game?

I have to improve in every aspect. Ball handling, shooting, post up, conditioning, free throws.etc. I just want to be the best that I can.

Will we see you in Frankfurt next season?

I dont know. We havent been talking yet. I have been in Frankfurt three years and I love it. I would consider coming back. Now it is important to finish strong as a team.

With what ex Skyliners do you have the best contact with?

I talk almost every day with Ilian Evtimov, Lorenzo Gordon and Anthony King. I also keep in touch with Keith Simmons, Titus Ivory and Adam Emmenecker.

What is your favourite place in Frankfurt?

Vaipiano restaurant.

Who wins a one on one in practice? You or Seth Doliboa?

I would win. Whoever gets to 5 first wins. There is no strategy, but just to put the ball in the basket.

Will you practice on pursuing the Usain Bolt 100 meter record run this summer?lol

I dont know with my old bones. Maybe when I am back in August, I will work on it on the track again.

Are you following the NBA playoffs? What are your predictions?

I think in the west The Lakers will win, but teams like Dallas and Denver could surprise people.In the east the Cavs should take and I see the cavs winning it all.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Friday after next with Ice Cube.
Thanks Derrick for the chat.


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


Playoffs: 1/4Finals - Round 1 - by Tamas Deri
Szolnok could keep the home-court advantage leading by foreigners Ousmane Barro, Darius Rice and Dragan Aleksic, the triumph scored 57 points. Balazs Simon added 20 points on the losing effort.

Szolnoki Olaj KK - Albacomp 88-82
(26-25, 21-17, 18-15, 23-25)
Szolnok, Att.: 2800, Referes: Plla Z., Adam J. Szilas Gy. (Farkas Z.)
Szolnok: Fodor M. 4, Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 16/6, Vesztergom 5/3, Bader 9, Ousmane Barro (208-F-84, college: Marquette) 24/6, Varadi 4/3, Grebenar 7, Sonyak 2, Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami (FL)) 17/9, Coach: Por Peter
Albacomp: Balazs Simon 20/3, Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) 15/9, Radovic 15/3, Lee 10/3, George Banks (202-F/C-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) 14, Toya 5/3, Keller 3, Bodi , Farkas , Coach: Srecko Sekulovic

It was a big surprise after 20 minutes, as the guests were up by 18 points. The home team lead by american forward Ivory Clark added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks - found the rhythm in the second half and could win by 2 points. Ronnie Ross was the key player of KKSE adding 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Atomerome SE - Kecskemeti KSE 73-71
(13-13, 20-38, 26-7, 14-13)
ASE Arena, Att.: 1000, Referees: Foldhazi T., Hegedus T., Pozsonyi L. (Farkasinszki)
ASE: LaGrange 6, Horvath 9/3, Zalan Meszaros 13/3, Ivory CLARK 19/6, Dill 8, Kiss Zs. 12/9, Walker 2, Panta -, Gulyas 4, Coach: Horvath Imre
Kecskemet: Ronnie Ross (187-G-79, college: Utah St.) 21/12, Wittmann 10/9, Denes 3/3, Ian Johnson (205-F-84, college: Davidson) 13/9, Bencze -, Marciulonis 6/6, Szabo T. -, Csorvasi 11, Tth N. -, Williams 7/3, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic

After losing in the quarterfinals of the Hungarian Cup Kormend could beat Falco KC by 22 points in the first game of the playoffs. Belarus big man Nikalai Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: High Post Agency, college: Buffalo) had almost a tripple-double with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 7 fouls against. Mike Scott added 22 points and 8 rebounds. The best 6th man of the league, Roy Booker scored 18 points missing only one of his 6 thee points shoots. Jermaine Thomas helped his team with 13 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Winsome Frazier was shining again collecting 26 points, 6 fouls against, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Donald Wilson scored 20 points as a starter.

Hungarian NT-member Istvan Nemeth just got back on the court after a rehab and played again in his country after 7 years.

MJUS-Fortress Kormend - Falco-SZOVA KC Szombathely 105-83
(31-22, 28-16, 21-23, 25-22)
Kormend, Att.: 1900, Referees: dr. Valovics I., Benczur T., Torok R. (Major)
Kormend: Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 13/6, Gergely Fodor (193-G-77, agency: High Post Agency) 8/3, Ferencz 6/3, Mike Scott (203-F-86, college: Kent St.) 22/3, Mikalai Aliakseyeu 25, Toth G. 2, Roy BOOKER 18/15, Nemeth 4/3, Kutasi -, Hegedus 2, Boldizsar 3, Trummer 2, Coach: Sabali Balazs
Falco: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 17/3, Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Mississippi St.) 26/12, Pankar 2, Donald Wilson (193-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) 20/6, Emmanuel Dies (204-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Kansas St.) 12, Borszeki 2, Kazlauskas -, Hajmasy 4/3, Coach: Nikola Lazic

Only a couple of days after winning the Hungarian Cup the team of ZTE KK had a very important win against Sopron tonight. American point guard, Louis Hinnant was close to a tripple-double with 18 points, 7 fouls against and 6 assists. Calvin Watson scored 16 points. Matthew Knight had an amazing double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds on the losing effort.

Zalakeramia ZTE KK - Soproni KC 77-64
(19-23, 19-14, 24-19, 15-8)
Zalaegerszeg, Att.: 2000, Referees.: Forrai S., Bognar T., Farkas G. (Gincsai)
ZTE: Louis Hinnant 18/12, Calvin Watson 16/3, Kaman 9/3, Wilson 9, Trepak 5/3, Gaspar D. 2, Timberlake 8, Baki 6, Toth 4, Coach: Volgyi Peter
Sopron: Richardson 12/3, Brooks 10/3, Molnar 3, Szabo 9/3, Matthew Knight 18, Pojbics 3/3, Keresztes 2, Gombas -, Halmai 7/3, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert


Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Calvin Watson
Watson
Louis Hinnant
Hinnant
Michael Lee
Lee
Darius Rice
Rice
Ousmane Barro
Barro
#e#6

Player of the Year - Calvin Watson (196-G-85) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Guard of the Year - Louis Hinnant (193-G-84) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Forward of the Year - Michael Lee (206-F-86) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Center of the Year - Ousmane Barro (208-F-84) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz
Newcomer of the Year - Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91) of PVSK Pannonpower Pecs
Most Improved Player of the Year - Adam Hanga (201-G-89) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Bosman Player of the Year - Gytis Sirutaviacius (195-F-83) of Wamsler SE Salgotarjan
Import Player of the Year - Calvin Watson (196-G-85) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Domestic Player of the Year - Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Defensive Player of the Year - Ousmane Barro (208-F-84) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz
Coach of the Year - Peter Volgyi of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK

1st Team
Louis Hinnant (193-G-84) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Calvin Watson (196-G-85) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Darius Rice (208-F-82) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz
Michael Lee (206-F-86) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Ousmane Barro (208-F-84) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz

2nd Team
Balazs Simon (188-G-80) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Jara Doyne (193-G/F-84) of Marso-Vagep NYKK
Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Tory Walker (203-F-79) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Matthew Knight (204-F/C-85) of Soproni Sordogok

Honorable Mention
Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84) of Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend
Charles Brooks (191-G-82) of Soproni Sordogok
Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82) of Falco KC-Szombathely
Anthony Dill (200-F-81) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Zoltan Horvath (207-F/C-79) of Falco KC-Szombathely * died in a car accident
Krisztian Wittmann (185-G-85) of Kecskemeti Univer KSE
Ian Johnson (205-F-84) of Kecskemeti Univer KSE
Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72) of Falco KC-Szombathely
Larry Welton (196-F-85) of Kaposvari KK

All-Domestic Players Team
Balazs Simon (188-G-80) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Erno Sitku (208-C-72) of Marso-Vagep NYKK
Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK

All-Imports Team
Louis Hinnant (193-G-84) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Calvin Watson (196-G-85) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Darius Rice (208-F-82) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz
Michael Lee (206-F-86) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Ousmane Barro (208-F-84) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz

All-Bosmans Team
Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81) of Kaposvari KK
Gytis Sirutaviacius (195-F-83) of Wamsler SE Salgotarjan
Velibor Radovic (202-F/G-72) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78) of Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend
Salih Nuhanovic (210-C-82) of Debreceni Egyetem KE

All-Defensive Team
Krisztian Wittmann (185-G-85) of Kecskemeti Univer KSE
Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Ivory Clark (198-F-85) of Atomeromu SE Paks
Mike Scott (203-F-86) of Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend
Ousmane Barro (208-F-84) of Szolnoki Olajbanyasz

All-Newcomers Team
Adam Hanga (201-G-89) of Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar
David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90) of Kaposvari KK
Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91) of PVSK Pannonpower Pecs
Adam Toth (208-F/C-89) of Zalakeramia-ZTE KK
Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88) of Kecskemeti Univer KSE

A Division Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Winsome FRAZIER
  Falco
  (193-G/F-82)
  Avg: 23.9
 1. Frazier, Falco23.9 
 2. Doyne, Marso-Vagep21.4 
 3. Horvath, Falco21.3 
 4. Farmer, Debreceni21.0 
 5. Watson, ZTE K.19.0 
 6. Walker, Dombovar18.4 
 7. Brooks, Soproni18.3 
 8. Lee, Albacomp18.0 
 9. Rice, Szolnok18.0 
 10. Sitku, Marso-Vagep17.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ousmane BARRO
  Szolnok
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Barro, Szolnok11.1 
 2. Horvath, Falco10.4 
 3. Davis, Salgotarjani9.5 
 4. Scott, Kormend8.9 
 5. Knight, Soproni8.0 
 6. Wilson, ZTE K.7.4 
 7. David Vay, PVSK P.7.3 
 8. Lee, Albacomp6.9 
 9. Clark, Atomeromu6.7 
 10. Nuhanovic, Debre.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Kalman, Falco8.2 
 2. Simon, Albacomp7.1 
 3. Kelley, Szolnok6.3 
 4. Hinnant, ZTE K.6.0 
 5. Savic, Debreceni5.9 
 6. English, Atomeromu4.9 
 7. Dejon, Kaposvari4.7 
 8. LaGrange, Dombovar4.7 
 9. Fodor, Szolnok4.6 
 10. Thomas, Kormend4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Gytis SIRUTAVIACIUS
  Salgotarjani
  (195-F-83)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Sirutaviaciu., Salgot.3.7 
 2. Frazier, Falco3.5 
 3. Dejon, Kaposvari2.9 
 4. Lee, Albacomp2.9 
 5. English, Atomeromu2.6 
 6. Wittmann, Kecsk.2.6 
 7. Ames, PVSK P.2.4 
 8. Clark, Atomeromu2.4 
 9. LaGrange, Dombovar2.3 
 10. Simon, Albacomp2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 DuJuan WILEY
  Marso-Vagep
  (206-C-75)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Wiley, Marso-Vagep1.6 
 2. Hendlein, Kaposvari1.4 
 3. Clark, Atomeromu1.4 
 4. Barro, Szolnok1.3 
 5. Walker, Dombovar1.1 
 6. Nuhanovic, Debre.1.1 
 7. David Vay, PVSK P.1.1 
 8. Scott, Kormend1.1 
 9. Sitku, Marso-Vagep1.0 
 10. Horvath, Falco1.0 


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


Hapoel Jerusalem checking options to make changes on the bench - by Netanel Dahan
Hapoel Jerusalem had a great run in the Eurocup but the losses in the Israeli league could push the management to make changes on the bench. According to publications in Israeli media Hapoel is checking several options in the market, and look closely at the possibility to bring back to the league the national team head coach - Arik Shivek (agency: Avi Zilberman ). The veteran coach is finishing a season in Belgium with Dexia Mons-Hainaut, which is his 7th season in the Benelux region after spending time with Antwerp Giants and Demon Astronauts Amsterdam. Shivek last coached in Israel in 2002/03 season, but never led the bench of Hapoel Jerusalem.


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


Japanese BJ League round 29 best performance: Julius Ashby - by Eurobasket News
Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Tokyo Apache, receiving a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 29.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Saitama Bron. (#12, 14-32) 96-84. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Tokyo Apache maintains the 9th position in Japanese BJ League. Tokyo Apache is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 19-27 record. It's Ashby's second year at Tokyo Apache and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Former University of Colorado star is in league's top in points (7th best: 20.0ppg), blocks (1.7bpg) and 54.6% FGP. He averages also 10.4rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Chris Holm (212-F-84, agency: Macklin & Lovett Associates) of league's second-best Sendai 89ers. Holm had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 20 rebounds. It was enough for Sendai 89ers to edge the lower-ranked Toyama Grouses (#11, 15-31) 85-79. Sendai 89ers'second position in the standings has not changed. His team has 32-14 record is not bad at all. Holm is well-known at Sendai 89ers and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Wendell White (198-G-84, agency: Liman Sports) of league's best team Hamamatsu Phoenix. White showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Hamamatsu Phoenix, leading his team to a 107-95 win against the lower-ranked Niigata Albirex (#8, 22-24). Hamamatsu Phoenix confirms their top position in the standings He has a great season in Japan. After 46 games, White made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.5ppg (3rd best) and points with 4.0apg (8th best) and .

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lynn Washington (200-F-78) of Osaka Evessa - 22 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84) of Shiga Lakestars - 20 points, 18 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Michael Parker (200-G/F-81) of Fukuoka Rizing - 28 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Lynn Washington (200-F-78) of Osaka Evessa - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82) of Tokyo Apache - 26 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Josh Bostic (196-F-87) of Kyoto Hannaryz - 22 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Chris Holm (212-F-84) of Sendai 89ers - 16 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists

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


JBF succeeds to put a Jordanian club in the next Asian Champs! - by Omar Shafaamri
(Amman, Jo-basket) The executive manager of the Jordanian Basketball Federation Mr. Mudar Majthoob's efforts to put a Jordanian team in the next Asian Clubs Championship in its 21st FIBA Asia Clubs Championship in Qatar (22-30 May) have finally succeeded.

ASU Sports Club will represent Jordan as the committee of FIBA Asia refused to include Zain's name in the competition due to their withdrwal from WABA Clubs Championship which ended in Iran last month, Negotiations are taking place between the Jordanian Basketball Federation (JBF) and ASU Sports Club management to allow the national team to play under the club's name in the Asian event adding to the 23rd Arab Clubs Championship (5-16 May) in Alexandria, Egypt.

The draw of the Asian tournament was held today in Qatar, ASU will be in 2nd group with Al Riyadi (Lebanon), Al Jalaa (Syria), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and Al Qadsia (Kuwait) while the 2nd group included hosts Al Rayyan (Qatar), Mahram (Iran), Duhok (Iraq), Smart Gilas (Philippines) and Astana Tigers (Kazakhstan).


*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Qadsia again - by Richard
Al Qadsia confirmed its status as best Al Kuwait SC team by completing the double in the local competitions, winning the Kuwait cup for the 23rd time and preventing Al Sahel from winning it for the first time.

At the end of a hard fought game, Al Qadsia won 78-71 (half-time: 38-33). While in the previous games it was Michael Christensen's performance who helped the team come through, Joel Box (205-C-84, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Quincy) took the relay in the Final, stepping up to a high standard performance crowned with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks in nearly 28 minutes. Abdullah Al Sarraf (190-F-82), best Kuwaiti player, scored 23 points, while Nasser Al Thurfairi (193-F-89) got a 12 points and 4 rebounds, and Ahmad Saood (198-F/C-84) got 9 points and 6 rebounds, and Fahad el Sbehi and Saker Abdel Rida 8 points each.
Ahmad Al Fadli was Sahel's best player before going out on injury in the middle of the 4th quarter, having 19 points and 4 rebounds on the night. Fellow local Shayeh El Mhanna contributed with 15 points, while Sahel's 2 imports didn't have the wanted impact on the game. Wayne Houston finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds while Chris Thompson (196-F-85, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Langston) added 12 points. Saleh Yousef, GCC's Youth Championship's best scorer contributed with 5 points and 6 rebounds.
Al Qadsia wrap up a successful season under Macedonian Coach Jordanco Davitkov (agency: Global Sports Plaza )'s leadership. He won 2 titles per season since he took over last season
courtesy of PMA Basketball

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


Barons leads the series by 2:0 - by Arturs Butans
In the second game of the Latvian Basketball League play-off tournament, BK Barons Riga outclass they rivals SK Valmiera - 93:87, now leads the series 2:0. SK Valmiera in front of their crowd showed lot of spirit, and were in front by 18 points, but BK Barons Riga with a impressive comeback were able to win the tight game.
Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86) scored 24 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 4 assists to pace the effort. Ivars Timermanis (202-F-82) added 20.
Daviin Davis (193-F-85) and Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82) were the best for the SK Valmiera. Daviin Davis scored 25 points, but Kaspars Cipruss had a third double-double in the last four games.

SK Valmiera - BK Barons Riga 87:93 (23:18, 19:20, 30:18, 15:37).
SK Valmiera: Daviin Davis 25 (8 atl.b.), Kaspars Cipruss 16 (10 atl.b.), Janis Kaufmanis 12, Janis Graudins 11, Juris Andzejevskis 9, Klavs Bedritis 8, Oskars Virsis 4, Maris Ziedins 2, Janis Berzins.
BK Barons Riga: Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 24, Ivars Timermanis 20, Rinalds Sirsnins 14, Aigars Vitols 13, Agnis Cavars 9, Raimonds Feldmanis 7, Uvis Helmanis 5, Martins Skirmants 1, Alexey Zorin, Geoff Mcdermott.
Next game will be played in Riga, April 27th.

*****************************************************
  LIBERIA   


Barrolle secure dramatic win over Oilers - by Numennie Williams
Mighty Barrolle on Sunday evening secured a magnificent win in the on going LBF first division championship.

The Rollers stole the show to dramatically defeat Sensational LPRC Oilers in a match that was too close to call at a lively looking Sports Commission.

The match was filled with so much excitement and trailing moments.

And it was the Oil boys who started it with zeal by convincingly wining the first quarter 17-9 against a Barrolle side that lacked coordination.

The Kanyan pepper boys soon burst the showdown into life by over turning the deficit and going on to win the second, third and fourth quarters in grand style.

Their accurate delivery of free throws had a huge impact on their performance in the match.

In all fairness, LRC Oilers lost concentration in the final one minute twenty seconds of the match and Barrolle who rejuvenated won the fray 60-58.

And their Captain Otis Nylneh said the result showed the strength of the team.

When the league started, we told the people that we were building a team and it is about time for us to reap the result he said.

Well LPRC Oilers player Peter Doe attributed his side loss on complacency.

We over looked the people thats what happened. We thought we could beat them at anytime and any hour he asserted.

Still with Sundays results, Phoenix scored an impressive 56-54 victory over Desert Ladies in a feline league match.

Uhuru Prince narrowly lost Heats 45-47 in third division outing.

The LBF National Championships continued on Saturday with wins for Destiny Kings and SOS Trotters.

Destiny Kings recorded a convincing 40-29 win against Dixville Dragons in a one sided third division showdown.

SOS Trotters for their part dumped Supreme Sisters 35-11in a less attractive female encounter.

Peles mother not surprised about his performance - by Numennie Williams
The mother of Liberian International basketball star Pele Paelay says she is not surprised about the performance of her son.

Madam Christiana Peley said she knew that he would have reached at the highest level of his game.

She said she always saw the potential in him.

The star forward currently plays for French Pro-B side Etoile Charleville-Mezieres where he is making countless of headways.

The 26 years old came into prominence when he started playing college basketball in the United States of America where he migrated to at the age of five.

Peles exceptional skills saw many high profile universities knocking on his door.

In 2006, he was selected on the Africabasket.com All African Team and was invited to the Eurobakset summer in Europe.

Pele Paelay splendid show at that competition earned him his first professional contract in Europe with German Pro- B side Teckpro Braves.



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  LITHUANIA   


Nevezis remain in BBL Elite Division - by Eurobasket News
Nevezis avoided relegation into the Baltic League Challenge Cup. They managed to prevail against Rudupis in the promotion series. Nevezis needed three games to claim a 2-1 victory in the series. The decisive third game of the clash was played yesterday. Nevezis celebrated a tough 87:74 win to keep their place in the top division. Rudupis got to the brisk start. They outscored their opponents 24:10 in the starting period. But Nevezis quickly came back to terms and adjusted their game in the second term. They outgunned their opponents 32:16 in the second term to take a 2-point halftime advantage. Led by Tomas Rakauskas (184-G-81) Nevezis started to get away in the third frame. They limited the visitors to 9 points in the period and ensured a comfortable 11-point buffer before the final term. Rudupis could not change the course of the game in the final stanza and had to face inevitability at the end.
Tomas Rakauskas finished with 24 points and 4 assists for Nevezis. Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) accounted for 19 points and 12 boards, while Darius Gvezdauskas (191-G-88) had 19 points for the winners. Gintautas Vileita (194-G-75, college: Monmouth) and Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) responded with 14 points each for Rudupis. Valdas Dabkus (204-F-84) netted 12 points and pulled down 9 boards in defeat.


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  MEXICO   


Brown number one in Mexico for round 21 - by Eurobasket News
American guard Danny Brown (193-G-84, agency: Pro Management Agency) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Lobos UAD Mazatlan, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 26-year old player had a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds, while his team edged out Guaymas (#6, 12-10) 87-84. Mazatlan maintains the 3rd position in Mexican CIBACOPA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Mazatlan will need more victories to improve their 13-9 record. In the team's last game Brown had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Mazatlan, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Saint Louis University star is in league's top in points (3rd best: 25.5ppg), 9th best in rebounds: 8.0rpg, 9th best in assists: 4.0apg, steals (2.2spg) and 51.4% FGP. Worth to mention Brown played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was another Lobos UAD Mazatlan's star - 24-year old American Jeremis Smith (203-F-86, agency: MG Sports Management). Smith had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds. It was enough for Mazatlan to edge the lower-ranked Guaymas (#6, 12-10) 87-84. Mazatlan's 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 13-9 record is not bad at all. Smith is one of the most experienced players at Mazatlan and similarly like Danny Brown has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.0ppg (#7). He also registered 13.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jeremy Bell (183-G-83, agency: Team Unity) of Trigueros de Ciudad Obregon (#11). Bell scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He was a key player of Obregon, leading his team to a 88-71 easy win against the bottom-ranked Tijuana (#12, 4-18). Obregon can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 6-16 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Bell he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Bell has a very solid season. In 4 games in Mexico he scored 19.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Sullinger (196-G-82) of Nogales - 31 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80) of Cananea - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Forrest Fisher (193-G-84) of Mexicali - 32 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Jorge Rochin (202-F-78) of Guaymas - 24 points, 12 rebounds and 1 assist
8. Jerome Habel (208-F-85) of Guaymas - 21 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Mychal Henderson (198-G/F-85) of Tepic - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Benny West (191-G-80) of Los Mochis - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists

CIBACOPA: Round 22 review - by Eurobasket News
Mexicali - Obregon 93-77
Mexicali outplayed Obregon last night jumping to 11-11 record in CIBACOPA. Elvis Medina (183-G-84, college: Arizona W. CC) shined for the hosts with 25 points and 6 assists, while Forrest Fisher (193-G-84) added 22 pts, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. In Obregon (6-16), Hugo Carrillo (205-C/F-83) replied with 21 points and 6 rebs.

Cananea - Guasave 107-98
No.1 Cananea scored 107 points against Guasave last night, what was enough for 17th victory of the season. Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80, college: Bowie St.) demonstrated magnificent performance for the hosts as he scored 46 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Louis McCullough (198-G/F-82, college: Francis Marion) delivered 29 points in defeat and his Guasave dropped to 10-12.

Guaymas - Tepic 96-77
12-10 for Guaymas and 6-16 for Tepic after this game. Jerome Habel (208-F-85, college: San Diego St.) was a key player for the hosts as he had double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Lee (188-G, college: Tarleton St.) helped with 21 pts, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Tepic got 26 points and 8 rebs from Mychal Henderson (198-G/F-85, agency: 22ft, college: Ks Wesleyan).

Hermosillo - Mazatlan 70-68
Thriller win for Hermosillo, who got 18 points and 6 rebounds from Anthony Pedroza. Steve Monreal (180-G, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) added 15 points and 6 assists in this win. For the guests, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86, college: Georgia Tech) shined with 22 points and 16 boards. Both teams have 13-9 score now.

Tijuana - Los Mochis 86-92
Los Mochis cruised past Tijuana celebrating 12th victory of the season. At the same time, Tijuana remains the last ranked team in the league with poor 4-18. Kenneth Lawrence (183-G-81, college: La-Lafayette) exploded in victory with 35 points (5 triples). The hosts got 24 pts and 11 boards from Jeral Davis (216-C-84).

Nogales - Culiacan 79-83
The box-score will be available soon. Culiacan 15-7, Nogales 13-9.


Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Cananea 17-5 
 2. Culiacan 15-7 
 3. Mazatlan 13-9 
 4. Hermosillo 13-9 
 5. Nogales 13-9 
 6. Guaymas 12-10 
 7. Los Mochis 12-10 
 8. Mexicali 11-11 
 9. Guasave 10-12 
 10. Tepic 6-16 
 11. Obregon 6-16 
 12. Tijuana 4-18 


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Benny WEST
  Los Mochis
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 26.6
 1. West, Los Mochis26.6 
 2. Smith, Mazatlan24.5 
 3. Brown, Mazatlan24.5 
 4. Cowan, Obregon24.5 
 5. Walker, Nogales24.4 
 6. Cook, Cananea24.2 
 7. Habel, Guaymas23.8 
 8. Fisher, Mexicali23.8 
 9. Brown, Tepic23.4 
 10. Bowie, Guasave23.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Smith, Mazatlan12.6 
 2. Angounou, Guasave11.9 
 3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo10.4 
 4. Shipley, Mexicali10.1 
 5. Habel, Guaymas9.5 
 6. Strobbe, Nogales9.4 
 7. Jordan, Mazatlan8.9 
 8. Hooks, Obregon8.5 
 9. Crouse, Nogales8.4 
 10. Davis, Tijuana8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. White, Cananea5.4 
 2. Marentes, Guaymas5.4 
 3. Lawrence, Los M.5.3 
 4. Gonzalez, Tepic5.0 
 5. Brown, Mazatlan4.6 
 6. Lee, Guaymas4.1 
 7. Jordan, Mazatlan4.1 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo3.8 
 9. Henderson, Tepic3.6 
 10. Zuniga, Guasave3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. White, Cananea2.3 
 2. Lawrence, Los M.2.2 
 3. Gonzalez, Tepic2.0 
 4. Catala, Tijuana1.9 
 5. Lee, Guaymas1.8 
 6. Brown, Mazatlan1.8 
 7. Little, Hermosillo1.8 
 8. Harris, Cananea1.7 
 9. West, Los Mochis1.7 
 10. Brown, Tepic1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Tijuana
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Davis, Tijuana3.2 
 2. Habel, Guaymas2.1 
 3. Gutierrez, Cananea2.1 
 4. Brown, Tepic1.3 
 5. Crouse, Nogales1.3 
 6. Blair, Tijuana1.2 
 7. Ibarra, Los Mochis1.1 
 8. Smith, Mazatlan1.1 
 9. Sullinger, Nogales1.0 
 10. Hornsby, Culiacan0.8 


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  NBA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 30.1
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.30.1 
 2. James, Clevelan.29.8 
 3. Anthony, Denver N.28.4 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers27.1 
 5. Wade, Miami Heat26.6 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.25.5 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.25.1 
 8. Granger, Indiana P.24.1 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.24.0 
 10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.23.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.1
 1. Howard, Orlando M.13.1 
 2. Camby, LA Clippers12.2 
 3. Randolph, Memph.11.7 
 4. Lee, New York K.11.7 
 5. Gasol, LA Lakers11.3 
 6. Boozer, Utah Jazz11.2 
 7. Noah, Chicago B.11.0 
 8. Love, Minnesota T.11.0 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.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.9.1 
 6. James, Clevelan.8.5 
 7. Davis, LA Clippers8.0 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..7.9 
 9. Arenas, Washingt.7.2 
 10. Harris, New J.6.6 
Steals Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Rondo, Boston C.2.3 
 2. Ellis, Golde S.2.3 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.1 
 4. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 5. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 6. Wade, Miami Heat1.8 
 7. Ariza, Houston R.1.8 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Davis, LA Clippers1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Howard, Orlando M.2.8 
 2. Bogut, Milwauke.2.5 
 3. Haywood, Washingt.2.1 
 4. Smith, Atlanta H.2.1 
 5. Camby, LA Clippers2.0 
 6. Haywood, Dallas M.2.0 
 7. Andersen, Denver N.1.9 
 8. Dalembert, Philad.1.8 
 9. McGee, Washingt.1.8 
 10. Perkins, Boston C.1.7 


2010 NBA Draft Prospect Interview: Devin Sweetney - by Eurobasket
The average NBA fan may not have heard of him yet, but by the end of the summer most NBA executives will have seen Devin Sweetney (6'6''-G/F-87, agency: Strategic Sports) do his thing on the court. Sweetney is a 6 6 wing that played college basketball for the St. Francis Red Flash in central Pennsylvania. In his four seasons of college ball, he was a member of the Northeastern Conference All-Freshmen Team and was named First Team All-NEC. He possesses ideal size for a shooting guard at the NBA level, but may be better suited for small forward given his ability to rebound the ball (7 per game for his career). He showed a glimpse of his full potential on national television, defeating Sacred Heart on Senior Night, going off for 31 points and 13 rebounds.

Before he played his college ball in Pennsylvania, he cut his teeth in the Washington D.C. AAU and high school circuit. D.C. is largely considered to have some of the best high school competition in the country. Growing up he played with and against some of the best players currently in the NBA, including: Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Mike Beasley, and Ty Lawson. Competing and learning with that level of talent on a consistent basis gave Sweetney the basic skills that he improved on in college.

Leading up to the draft Sweetney remained in the nations capital in order to work out with fellow draft eligible players Kevin Palmer (6'6''-G/F-87) (Texas Corpus Christi) and Ricky Harris (6'2''-G-87) (UMass). Hes also working out with Joe Connelly, who is considered a premier trainer that worked with Gilbert Arenas, Juan Dixon, and Roger Mason Jr. When asked which NBA player he considers Sweetney most similar to, Connelly told us, Wes Matthews of the Jazz.

Devin [Sweetney] has a better perimeter game, but the thing that will get his foot in the door is his ability to be a lock down defender. Devin is very athletic and long and covers a lot of ground quickly. The comparison primarily comes from the fact that Devin will almost surely go undrafted, but is the type of player that coaches will appreciate if given the opportunity. He is incredibly coachable, dedicated to improving his game, and has no baggage.

The amount of work Sweetney has put in this far likely wont go unrewarded.

Devin has been a true gym rat and its pretty obvious that his game has really come a long way in a short period of time, Connelly said.

He recently signed with agents Andre Buck and Jamie Knox for player representation. Weve already explained how Buck excels at getting the most of out his clients and were sure Sweetney will be no exception.

Connelly explained, Our goal is to get some looks to make it to a pre-draft camp and then take it from there.

We at The Rookie Wall think hell have a few individual workouts, and ultimately will play summer league for an NBA team.

Everyone weve spoken to has told us that Sweetney is incredibly hard working and a truly exceptional individual. Sweetney has already graduated with two majors, is working on his masters degree, and regularly attends church with his mother.

Below youll see the full copy of our interview with Sweetney and Connelly where they answer questions about Sweetneys career at St. Francis, his work in the offseason, and plenty more.

The Rookie Wall: Youre from the D.C. area, which has a great basketball scene. Who was the toughest player you played against in high school? How close is the basketball community in DC/Baltimore?

Devin Sweetney: Being born and raised in the nations capital, it is a very small area and the level of basketball is very very competitive. I am a former alumni of D.C Assault and the D.C Blue Devils and have played on teams with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Mike Beasley, Dante Cunningham ,Tywan Lawson as well as other NBA and College basketball players. The toughest player I played against in high school was probably Kevin Durant. As far as the DC/Baltimore basketball community its not really close, I mean DC/Baltimore both have respect for one another because we are two of the top cities in the world as far as producing talent in Division 1 as well as the NBA. So when DC and Baltimore play against each other, the games are sold out and very physical and tough.

TRW: Weve read a lot about you working out with Ricky Harris and Kevin Palmer, what type of workouts are you going through with them?
DS: Rick Harris and Kevin Palmer are two talented players who both can score the basketball well, we really get after one another day in day out to make each other better players and more prepared for camps and individual workouts wit teams. We get a lot of shots up NBA 3s as well as college, and ball handling drills with contact, and we even do work with bricks to make our hands stronger.

TRW: You had an outstanding career at St. Francis, but because you were at a smaller school people might not have seen you play. Can you describe your game for people that havent seen you?
DS: Yes, I did have an outstanding career at St. Francis despite are limited success during my tenure up there. I was never well-known nationally but could always hold my own against the nations best. I was always one of those diamond in the rough type players, so I always made sure that my game was well-rounded and that I could be versatile and playing at Saint Francis has hopefully helped me showcase that to different scouts and teams in the league. I can play positions 1-4 on the court even though shooting guard is my natural position I had to play the small forward college so I had to mix it up and that helped me develop a slashers mentality as far as getting to the hole drawing fouls, creating for my teammates and even posting up smaller guards and I always guarded the opposing teams best player on the defensive end.

TRW: Your numbers (17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal) were very similar to last year, but you greatly improved your foul shooting. Who helped you work on that? What aspects of your game are you working on now?
DS: Actually, I was always a good free throw shooter my fresh-soph seasons. I shot about 80% from the charity stripe and junior year I suffered a broken hand in mid-December which caused me to miss 6 games and I struggled when I returned. Last summer I really concentrated on shooting the basketball better and more consistent from 3pt Range because there was no doubt that I could score and get to the rim at ease but I shot the ball much better this season which was kind of the difference in my game.

TRW: What was the highlight of your college career?
DS: I would say the highlight of my career was beating Sacred Heart at home on Senior Night on Fox Sports Net, I had posted 31 points and 13 rebounds in my last game at Degol Arena and plus that was the first time we had beaten Sacred Heart since I was at Saint Francis and with that win we finally clinched a playoff birth in the conference tournament for the first time since 2004-2005 season.

TRW: What are your plans for working out this summer to get in shape for NBA team individual workouts?
DS: My plans this summer are to continue to workout and train with Joe Connelly, he trains many NBA Players such as Gilbert Arenas, Juan Dixon, Roger Mason Jr. and plenty others so Im excited for that. Joe is based out of Baltimore and is well respected by some of the best players in the world.

TRW: Have you been invited to play at Portsmouth or any other post season tournament?
DS: I wasnt invited for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament I got put on the alternate list which was very unfortunate, I thought I definitely had the resume to compete in the prestigious camp which wouldve been perfect for me so I could showcase what I can do in front of several NBA teams, but its not the end of the world because everything happens for a reason. I am looking forward to working out for teams so that they can evaluate me by my game and not by the school that I attended.

TRW: What have you heard about your draft position? Have you thought about possibly playing overseas?
DS: My draft position is most likely undrafted since there is still a lot of people who arent familiar with me. Im not saying its not possible because anything can happen especially in the workouts for teams. Every team has a style and I might fit that style. In each years draft there are about one or two Cinderella stories and hopefully the ball my roll my way. Yes, I have attracted interest from various leagues overseas I wouldnt mind going that route if its the best situation for me and my family.

TRW: What would you tell an NBA GM if they asked what you could bring to the team?
DS: That I am a hard working guy on and off the court. I bring experience and maturity and is an walking example of someone that appreciates the opportunity to play in the National Basketball Association especially coming from a small school Saint Francis University who has had a few former NBA players such as Mike Izzulino, Kevin Porter, Norm Van Lier, and the late great Maurice Stokes who is in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. I am a very coach able guy who listens and takes heed to detail and focuses on the task at hand. I take pride in winning and making sure that.

TRW: What NBA player do you compare your game to?
DS: Wow, this is a hard question. I never really gave it much thought, but I have heard comparisons to Martell Webster, Corey Brewer, and Kevin Martin. But I think I play similar to a Josh Childress and Corey Brewer mixed due to their athleticism and versatility, they can do a little bit of everything and thats how what i take pride in being a complete player. The better skilled you are the more you can bring to the table.

TRW: Who did you pick as your agent? What made you pick that person? Who helped you come to your decision?
DS: I signed with Jamie Knox and Andre Buck from Strategic Sports. I got a great vibe and feel talking to them about pretty much everything, they werent like the rest of these agents that just fill your head to get you to sign with them. They take great pride in only doing what is best for you and your family. Jamie isnt just going to send me somewhere just to ship me but his focus is for me to have a career at this so when its all said and done I can have something to show for it. My mom Bernadette Sweetney really was their for me every step of the way to help me keep things and perspective and she probably asked twice as many questions as I did, maybe because Im her only child and she wants what is best for me.

TRW: Is there anything else youd like to say?
DS: All in all, at this point I just have to stay ready and workout on my game everyday and lift as much as I can because you never know when teams are going to call to workout. Stay tuned you guys will be seeing me on the big stage soon. I would like to thank The Rookie Wall for the opportunity, I appreciate it. Good luck and God Bless!

The Rookie Wall: Which NBA player would you compare Devins game to?
Joe Connelly: The NBA player I would compare Devin to would be Wes Matthews from the Jazz. Devin has a better perimeter game but the thing that will get his foot in the door is his ability to be a lock down defender. Devin is very athletic and long and covers a lot of ground quickly. The comparison primarily comes from the fact that Devin will almost surely go undrafted but is the type of player/person that coaches will appreciate if given the opportunity. He is extremely coachable, dedicated to improving his game, and has no baggage.

TRW: What are Devins strengths and weaknesses as a player?
JC: Devin has been a true gym rat and its pretty obvious that his game has really come a long way in a short period of time. His jumper is getting wet and the best thing is he is shooting it the same way every time. His footwork is coming along and his pull-up jumpers off the dribble are becoming pretty consistent. Ball handling is something he is working on everyday as that was one of his weaknesses coming in.

The main thing Devin has to work on is believing in himself and not ever allowing his confidence to waver. He has a long road ahead of him and many obstacles coming from a small school that at times will be frustrating, my advice to him is to dedicate his life to improving (which he has done) and not to worry about things he cant control.

His defensive ability is something that will hopefully crack the door for him to get a look and once it is cracked he is going to have to kick the door in with offensive skills to boot.

Devin is the definition of a sleeper and is a low risk, high reward guy for teams to take a look at. Our goal is to get some looks to make it to a pre-draft camp and then take it from there. His character should help him during the process as well. He already graduated with two majors, working on his masters, goes to church 4 times a week and his Mother is his best friend.
source: therookiewall.com

Celtics don't miss Garnett in 106-77 win over Heat - by Eurobasket News
Even without Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency), the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat.

Easily.

With the good-humored but hard-playing Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) filling in while the Celtics' emotional leader served a one-game suspension, Boston rolled to a 106-77 victory Tuesday night that Miami coach Erik Spoelstra called 'embarrassing.'

It gave the Celtics a 2-0 lead in their playoff series and Davis a chance to reprise the nickname he hung on himself last year when he replaced the injured Garnett - known as the 'Big Ticket' - in all 14 playoff games.

'The `Ticket Stub' came,' Davis said. 'Whenever they need the `Ticket Stub,' he'll be there.'

Davis had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) heated up in the third quarter and scored 25 points. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) led the Heat with 29.

With Garnett serving a suspension for elbowing Quentin Richardson (6'5''-F-80, college: DePaul) in Game 1, Davis started and went aggressively to the basket to grab missed shots and draw fouls.

'That's a case of one man impacting the game simply with his effort. I don't think they ran one play for him,' Spoelstra said. 'You cannot let a man's effort exceed yours. It's as simple as that.'

The Heat took a 29-25 lead on a dunk by Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F-78).. But the Celtics used a 44-8 surge over the next 16 1/2 minutes to go ahead 69-37 with 5:38 left in the third quarter, capped by one of Allen's five 3-pointers in the period.

'Once the ball started moving and we started getting multiple stops, we were off and running,' Boston coach Doc Rivers said.

The Celtics led by 25 to 33 points the rest of the way.

'Once we opened up Glen Davis (offensively), I thought they started to sink in a little bit more and it opened up Ray,' Paul Pierce said.

Game 3 is Friday night in Miami.

'This is an embarrassing loss,' Spoelstra said. 'It is one loss. It is not four losses and what we can control right now is getting our minds right and taking care of the most important game on Friday.'

Tempers stayed under control throughout the game, just three days after a skirmish with 40 seconds left in Boston's 85-76 victory led to Garnett's suspension without pay and Richardson's $25,000 fine. Garnett was hovering over Pierce, who had fallen near the Miami bench after hurting his shoulder.

Garnett held off Richardson as he came up from behind. They then exchanged words before the elbow hit the Heat forward in the face.

Garnett wasn't allowed in TD Garden, but made a prerecorded appearance on the scoreboard above midcourt during a timeout after the Celtics scored 19 straight points to take a 44-29 lead with 2:56 left in the first half.

He encouraged the fans and when the scoreboard followed with a 'Let's Get Loud' message, they raised their voices.

Richardson was booed almost every time he touched the ball.

'We didn't think that because Kevin was out it was going to be a walk in the park,' Miami's Udonis Haslem said.

In the opener, the Heat led 61-47 with 7:03 left in the third quarter. Then Boston outscored them 34-10 to go ahead 81-71 with 1:46 to go in the game.

The Celtics started their spurt a lot earlier Tuesday.

'The first game, I thought we gave it away,' Wade said. 'This time they took it. I thought they wanted it more than us.'

Trailing by four after O'Neal's dunk with 10:10 left in the second quarter, Boston got started on a 3-pointer by Michael Finley. It took the lead for good on a 3-pointer by Allen.

Then rarely used Shelden Williams, substituting for Davis, hit a field goal. Davis made two straight baskets, Allen connected on another 3-pointer, Pierce sank two free throws and Allen got a layup. Davis followed with two free throws, giving the Celtics 21 straight points.

Miami finally broke through on a 21-foot jumper by Michael Beasley. That made it 46-31 with 2:07 left in the half.

The Celtics have won the last three games they played against the Heat without Garnett. And Davis has proven to be a very capable replacement.

When Garnett missed last year's playoffs with a knee injury, Davis averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds before losing in the second round.

'When I stepped out there today and I saw the lineup, I was like, `This is the same lineup we had going into the playoffs last year that pushed Orlando to seven games with Glen out there,'' Pierce said. 'We all know what he's capable of.'

Garnett had planned to watch the game at the home of team president Danny Ainge.

'I am the `Ticket Stub' so I kind of know what (Garnett) wanted to happen tonight,' Davis said. 'He told me before the game to make sure that I do what I had to do and be physical, be ferocious, and anything is possible.'

NOTES: Boston outrebounded Miami 60-37. ... The Heat did accomplish one goal, cutting down on their 22 turnovers in the opener. They had just 13 Tuesday. ... Spoelstra wanted his team to be more aggressive but, in the first half, the Heat had just one offensive rebound and took just four free throws while Boston tried 16. ... Pierce and Richardson scored the first two baskets of the game. ... The Celtics are 5-0 against the Heat this season.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Hawks take 2-0 lead against Milwaukee - by Eurobasket News
Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) led the Hawks with 27 points, while Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) and Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) each posted a double-double to help Atlanta cruise to a 96-86 victory over the Bucks in Game 2 over their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Smith just missed a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, and Horford added 20 points and 10 boards for Atlanta, which won the series opener at Philips Arena, 102-92, last Saturday.

Atlanta shot 47.5 percent from the floor and held Milwaukee to 4-of-24 shooting from three-point range to win going away.

John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami (FL)) had a team-high 21 points for the Bucks, who received 13 points and 15 rebounds from Ersan Ilyasova and 15 points from fellow reserve Jerry Stackhouse.

Rookie of the Year candidate Brandon Jennings, coming off a 34-point effort in his postseason debut, was held to nine points on 3-of-15 shooting.

Game 3 of this set shifts to Milwaukee on Saturday.

The Hawks led by as many as 10 in the first quarter, and six straight points by Smith to end the frame resulted in a 28-20 lead for the hosts.

Unlike the series opener, Milwaukee stayed within striking distance in the second, scoring seven straight to open the stanza. After a Carlos Delfino bucket gave the Bucks a 32-30 edge three minutes in, Atlanta responded with an 11-2 run, capped by a Horford alley-oop slam.

The margin at the half was 52-46 in favor of the Hawks and jumped to 63-48 less than four minutes into the third following another strong Atlanta spurt powered by Marvin Williams and Smith.

Milwaukee, which trailed 76-62 with 12 minutes to play, got within single digits, 80-72, on back-to-back Salmons reverse layups with just over eight minutes remaining.

That was as close as the game got, with Johnson's three-pointer near the six- minute mark providing a 87-74 advantage.

It was a double-digit affair the rest of the way.

Atlanta went 2-1 against Milwaukee in the regular season. The two clubs met three times in the postseason back in the 1980s, with the Bucks taking two of the sets...Williams and Mike Bibby netted 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Hawks, who recorded 22 fastbreak points to Milwaukee's 10...Delfino had eight points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com


Suns turn up the heat, rout Trail Blazers 119-90 - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns finally broke away from the methodical style of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Boy, did they break away.

Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) scored 29 points, Grant Hill (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) made 10-of-11 shots for 20, and the Suns routed the Blazers 119-90 Tuesday night to emphatically tie the first-round playoff series 1-1.

The game just went by fast, Portlands Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) said. They hit us with the transition game. Thats what theyve been doing all year.

When the mercurial Richardson has a night like this, his team almost always wins. Phoenix is 27-4 this season when he scores at least 20.

Richardson could concentrate on scoring after being freed from the chore of guarding Miller. Coach Alvin Gentry turned to the 37-year-old Hill, and Miller managed just 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting after getting 31 in Portlands 105-100 victory in Game 1.

I just tried to make him work, Hill said. Hes a great player and I have a lot of respect for him. Were close in age. He just had an off night tonight and I expect him to play better in Game 3.

Richardson marveled at Hills performance.

I dont know how Grant guarded him. He did a good job on him tonight and scored 20, Richardson said. I couldnt do it.

Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) added 18 points for Phoenix. Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) (notes) pushed the team from the start and finished with 13 points and 16 assists.

We were just more aggressive getting the ball up the floor and moving bodies around so they werent set, Nash said, and they werent able to zone it up as well.

The one-sided nature of the victory only slightly dampened the Blazers satisfaction at getting a split in Phoenix.

We got a win but you dont want to lose like that going home, Miller said. But were definitely still motivated. Its a seven-game series.

Portland coach Nate McMillan saw the blowout as a warning as his team returns home for Game 3 on Thursday night.

We came in and got a split, but based on tonights game and that sense of urgency and understanding, its still a long ways to go, he said. You have to win four games. They came out and imposed their will on us from the start.

Martell Webster (notes) led the Blazers with 16 points. Nicolas Batum (notes) also scored 12 before leaving with a right shoulder strain at the end of the third quarter. He said he was going to have an MRI on Wednesday but didnt think the injury would keep him out of Thursdays game. The injury-ravaged Blazers already are without leading scorer Brandon Roy (notes) for the series.

Roy or no Roy, no team was better than Portland all season in disrupting the Suns offense. But the Blazers didnt do it this time.

Phoenix shot 52 percent to the Trail Blazers 38 percent. The Suns led by 14 at the half and blew it open in the third quarter.

The Blazers had won three of four meetings this season, counting their Game 1 victory that gave them home-court advantage, and didnt allow more than 102 points in any of them. Phoenix, the No. 3 seed, faced the possibility of going to Portland down 2-0.

The concern didnt last for long as the Blazers failed to slow down the NBAs highest-scoring team. The Suns dominated the points in the paint 58-38 and had a 26-12 advantage in second-chance points.

We didnt give them a chance to get their defense established, Gentry said. Theyre really goodI think theyre as good as anybody in the NBA if you get them in a halfcourt defense.

Portland trailed 63-49 at the half, and any hopes for a comeback vanished in the Suns blistering third quarter.

Richardson had five as the Suns outscored Portland 13-4 to lead 78-58 with six minutes to go in the period. During the run, Nash provided the highlight of the night with a circus basket. The 36-year-old playmaker drove to the hoop and, with his back to the basket, banked the ball in with his left hand. Portland went nearly five minutes without a field goal while the Suns poured it on.

Nash started the game with seven assists on the first eight baskets, and he scored the other one. He had nine assists at the end of the first quarter and 12 at halftime.

Richardson, 4 of 12 from the field in the first game, scored 15 in the first quarter, one more than he did in all of Game 1, and had 20 at the break. Hill, who shot 2 of 9 in Game 1, made his first 10 shots, most of them mid-range jumpers, before finally missing one.

NOTES: The Suns have not lost two in a row since Jan. 26. The Trail Blazers signed the 36-year-old Marcus Camby (notes) to a two-year extension earlier in the day. One of Phoenixs three missed free throws in 24 attempts was by Nash, the NBAs leading free throw shooter (94 percent) who missed 14 the entire regular season. Richardson was two points shy of his career playoff high.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010042021)


Kobe hits 39 to lift Lakers over Thunder in NBA West - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 15 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers held off Oklahoma City 95-92 on Tuesday to grab a 2-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference playoff series.

Joe Bryant, Kobe's father, watched his son in person for the first time in five years and enjoyed a celebration hug with his son after the Thunder missed a potential tying 3-pointer at the closing buzzer.

'It was cool for me, like I was back in high school,' Bryant said of having his father in attendance.

Asked if Joe had given him any pre-game advice, Bryant said his father told him, 'Make the damn free throws.'

Bryant made 13-of-15 free throws and made 12-of-28 shots from the field in 41 minutes on the court, going 6-of-16 in the first half and 6-of-12 in the second half to deny Oklahoma City an upset opportunity.

'It felt good,' Bryant said. 'They had our attention. We know it's going to be a tough series.'

The reigning NBA champions have won twice at home in the best-of-seven first-round series, which continues Thursday and Saturday in Oklahoma City.

'We have to go into a hostile environment where they play with a lot of energy,' Bryant said.

In Tuesday's other Western Conference playoff matchup, Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) scored 29 points and Grant Hill (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) added 20 more on 10-of-11 shooting to power the Phoenix Suns past Portland 119-90, leveling that series at one victory each.

'I like that we got the win,' Hill said. 'It means a lot.'

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 32 points to lead Oklahoma City, the youngest lineup in the NBA and one still trying to figure how to close out games in which they lead in the fourth quarter, as they did against the Lakers.

'We couldn't make the stops we needed but overall I was pleased with the way we played,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.

'We gave the effort defensively. We're still trying to figure out how to win some of these close games. I thought our guys played with great pride. The Lakers did what they were supposed to do. They took care of their home court.'

Bryant gave the Lakers a 90-88 lead on a jumper with 2:00 remaining and Los Angeles got the ball back when NBA scoring leader Durant was whistled for an offensive foul.

Bryant sank two more free throws with 1:31 remaining to boost the Lakers' lead to 92-88 and Ron Artest forced a turnover to set up a Shannon Brown free throw.

Two Russell Westbrook free throws pulled Oklahoma City within 93-90 and Westbrook blocked a Brown shot to give the Thunder the ball again with 30 seconds remaining.

Jeff Green sank a one-handed jumper to pull the Thunder within a point before Bryant was fouled and sank 1-of-2 from the line to pull the Lakers ahead 94-92 with 15.1 seconds remaining.

Durant missed a 3-point shot and Pau Gasol, fouled going for a rebound, made 1-of-2 free throws to boost the Lakers' lead to 95-92 and Green missed a 3-point try at the buzzer.
The Lakers had seized an early 11-point edge but Oklahoma City ended the second quarter with a 21-8 run that put the Thunder on top 47-45 at half-time.

At Phoenix, the Suns bounced back from a 105-100 loss in the opener to even the series headed into game three Thursday at Portland.

Amare Stoudemire added 18 points and Canadian guard Steve Nash contributed 13 points and 16 assists for the Suns, whose starters rested in the fourth quarter.

Portland was led by Martell Webster's 16 points.

Courtesy of www.breitbart.com


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


2010 NBA Draft Prospect Interview: Devin Sweetney - by Eurobasket
The average NBA fan may not have heard of him yet, but by the end of the summer most NBA executives will have seen Devin Sweetney (6'6''-G/F-87, agency: Strategic Sports) do his thing on the court. Sweetney is a 6 6 wing that played college basketball for the St. Francis Red Flash in central Pennsylvania. In his four seasons of college ball, he was a member of the Northeastern Conference All-Freshmen Team and was named First Team All-NEC. He possesses ideal size for a shooting guard at the NBA level, but may be better suited for small forward given his ability to rebound the ball (7 per game for his career). He showed a glimpse of his full potential on national television, defeating Sacred Heart on Senior Night, going off for 31 points and 13 rebounds.

Before he played his college ball in Pennsylvania, he cut his teeth in the Washington D.C. AAU and high school circuit. D.C. is largely considered to have some of the best high school competition in the country. Growing up he played with and against some of the best players currently in the NBA, including: Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Mike Beasley, and Ty Lawson. Competing and learning with that level of talent on a consistent basis gave Sweetney the basic skills that he improved on in college.

Leading up to the draft Sweetney remained in the nations capital in order to work out with fellow draft eligible players Kevin Palmer (6'6''-G/F-87) (Texas Corpus Christi) and Ricky Harris (6'2''-G-87) (UMass). Hes also working out with Joe Connelly, who is considered a premier trainer that worked with Gilbert Arenas, Juan Dixon, and Roger Mason Jr. When asked which NBA player he considers Sweetney most similar to, Connelly told us, Wes Matthews of the Jazz.

Devin [Sweetney] has a better perimeter game, but the thing that will get his foot in the door is his ability to be a lock down defender. Devin is very athletic and long and covers a lot of ground quickly. The comparison primarily comes from the fact that Devin will almost surely go undrafted, but is the type of player that coaches will appreciate if given the opportunity. He is incredibly coachable, dedicated to improving his game, and has no baggage.

The amount of work Sweetney has put in this far likely wont go unrewarded.

Devin has been a true gym rat and its pretty obvious that his game has really come a long way in a short period of time, Connelly said.

He recently signed with agents Andre Buck and Jamie Knox for player representation. Weve already explained how Buck excels at getting the most of out his clients and were sure Sweetney will be no exception.

Connelly explained, Our goal is to get some looks to make it to a pre-draft camp and then take it from there.

We at The Rookie Wall think hell have a few individual workouts, and ultimately will play summer league for an NBA team.

Everyone weve spoken to has told us that Sweetney is incredibly hard working and a truly exceptional individual. Sweetney has already graduated with two majors, is working on his masters degree, and regularly attends church with his mother.

Below youll see the full copy of our interview with Sweetney and Connelly where they answer questions about Sweetneys career at St. Francis, his work in the offseason, and plenty more.

The Rookie Wall: Youre from the D.C. area, which has a great basketball scene. Who was the toughest player you played against in high school? How close is the basketball community in DC/Baltimore?

Devin Sweetney: Being born and raised in the nations capital, it is a very small area and the level of basketball is very very competitive. I am a former alumni of D.C Assault and the D.C Blue Devils and have played on teams with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Mike Beasley, Dante Cunningham ,Tywan Lawson as well as other NBA and College basketball players. The toughest player I played against in high school was probably Kevin Durant. As far as the DC/Baltimore basketball community its not really close, I mean DC/Baltimore both have respect for one another because we are two of the top cities in the world as far as producing talent in Division 1 as well as the NBA. So when DC and Baltimore play against each other, the games are sold out and very physical and tough.

TRW: Weve read a lot about you working out with Ricky Harris and Kevin Palmer, what type of workouts are you going through with them?
DS: Rick Harris and Kevin Palmer are two talented players who both can score the basketball well, we really get after one another day in day out to make each other better players and more prepared for camps and individual workouts wit teams. We get a lot of shots up NBA 3s as well as college, and ball handling drills with contact, and we even do work with bricks to make our hands stronger.

TRW: You had an outstanding career at St. Francis, but because you were at a smaller school people might not have seen you play. Can you describe your game for people that havent seen you?
DS: Yes, I did have an outstanding career at St. Francis despite are limited success during my tenure up there. I was never well-known nationally but could always hold my own against the nations best. I was always one of those diamond in the rough type players, so I always made sure that my game was well-rounded and that I could be versatile and playing at Saint Francis has hopefully helped me showcase that to different scouts and teams in the league. I can play positions 1-4 on the court even though shooting guard is my natural position I had to play the small forward college so I had to mix it up and that helped me develop a slashers mentality as far as getting to the hole drawing fouls, creating for my teammates and even posting up smaller guards and I always guarded the opposing teams best player on the defensive end.

TRW: Your numbers (17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal) were very similar to last year, but you greatly improved your foul shooting. Who helped you work on that? What aspects of your game are you working on now?
DS: Actually, I was always a good free throw shooter my fresh-soph seasons. I shot about 80% from the charity stripe and junior year I suffered a broken hand in mid-December which caused me to miss 6 games and I struggled when I returned. Last summer I really concentrated on shooting the basketball better and more consistent from 3pt Range because there was no doubt that I could score and get to the rim at ease but I shot the ball much better this season which was kind of the difference in my game.

TRW: What was the highlight of your college career?
DS: I would say the highlight of my career was beating Sacred Heart at home on Senior Night on Fox Sports Net, I had posted 31 points and 13 rebounds in my last game at Degol Arena and plus that was the first time we had beaten Sacred Heart since I was at Saint Francis and with that win we finally clinched a playoff birth in the conference tournament for the first time since 2004-2005 season.

TRW: What are your plans for working out this summer to get in shape for NBA team individual workouts?
DS: My plans this summer are to continue to workout and train with Joe Connelly, he trains many NBA Players such as Gilbert Arenas, Juan Dixon, Roger Mason Jr. and plenty others so Im excited for that. Joe is based out of Baltimore and is well respected by some of the best players in the world.

TRW: Have you been invited to play at Portsmouth or any other post season tournament?
DS: I wasnt invited for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament I got put on the alternate list which was very unfortunate, I thought I definitely had the resume to compete in the prestigious camp which wouldve been perfect for me so I could showcase what I can do in front of several NBA teams, but its not the end of the world because everything happens for a reason. I am looking forward to working out for teams so that they can evaluate me by my game and not by the school that I attended.

TRW: What have you heard about your draft position? Have you thought about possibly playing overseas?
DS: My draft position is most likely undrafted since there is still a lot of people who arent familiar with me. Im not saying its not possible because anything can happen especially in the workouts for teams. Every team has a style and I might fit that style. In each years draft there are about one or two Cinderella stories and hopefully the ball my roll my way. Yes, I have attracted interest from various leagues overseas I wouldnt mind going that route if its the best situation for me and my family.

TRW: What would you tell an NBA GM if they asked what you could bring to the team?
DS: That I am a hard working guy on and off the court. I bring experience and maturity and is an walking example of someone that appreciates the opportunity to play in the National Basketball Association especially coming from a small school Saint Francis University who has had a few former NBA players such as Mike Izzulino, Kevin Porter, Norm Van Lier, and the late great Maurice Stokes who is in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. I am a very coach able guy who listens and takes heed to detail and focuses on the task at hand. I take pride in winning and making sure that.

TRW: What NBA player do you compare your game to?
DS: Wow, this is a hard question. I never really gave it much thought, but I have heard comparisons to Martell Webster, Corey Brewer, and Kevin Martin. But I think I play similar to a Josh Childress and Corey Brewer mixed due to their athleticism and versatility, they can do a little bit of everything and thats how what i take pride in being a complete player. The better skilled you are the more you can bring to the table.

TRW: Who did you pick as your agent? What made you pick that person? Who helped you come to your decision?
DS: I signed with Jamie Knox and Andre Buck from Strategic Sports. I got a great vibe and feel talking to them about pretty much everything, they werent like the rest of these agents that just fill your head to get you to sign with them. They take great pride in only doing what is best for you and your family. Jamie isnt just going to send me somewhere just to ship me but his focus is for me to have a career at this so when its all said and done I can have something to show for it. My mom Bernadette Sweetney really was their for me every step of the way to help me keep things and perspective and she probably asked twice as many questions as I did, maybe because Im her only child and she wants what is best for me.

TRW: Is there anything else youd like to say?
DS: All in all, at this point I just have to stay ready and workout on my game everyday and lift as much as I can because you never know when teams are going to call to workout. Stay tuned you guys will be seeing me on the big stage soon. I would like to thank The Rookie Wall for the opportunity, I appreciate it. Good luck and God Bless!

The Rookie Wall: Which NBA player would you compare Devins game to?
Joe Connelly: The NBA player I would compare Devin to would be Wes Matthews from the Jazz. Devin has a better perimeter game but the thing that will get his foot in the door is his ability to be a lock down defender. Devin is very athletic and long and covers a lot of ground quickly. The comparison primarily comes from the fact that Devin will almost surely go undrafted but is the type of player/person that coaches will appreciate if given the opportunity. He is extremely coachable, dedicated to improving his game, and has no baggage.

TRW: What are Devins strengths and weaknesses as a player?
JC: Devin has been a true gym rat and its pretty obvious that his game has really come a long way in a short period of time. His jumper is getting wet and the best thing is he is shooting it the same way every time. His footwork is coming along and his pull-up jumpers off the dribble are becoming pretty consistent. Ball handling is something he is working on everyday as that was one of his weaknesses coming in.

The main thing Devin has to work on is believing in himself and not ever allowing his confidence to waver. He has a long road ahead of him and many obstacles coming from a small school that at times will be frustrating, my advice to him is to dedicate his life to improving (which he has done) and not to worry about things he cant control.

His defensive ability is something that will hopefully crack the door for him to get a look and once it is cracked he is going to have to kick the door in with offensive skills to boot.

Devin is the definition of a sleeper and is a low risk, high reward guy for teams to take a look at. Our goal is to get some looks to make it to a pre-draft camp and then take it from there. His character should help him during the process as well. He already graduated with two majors, working on his masters, goes to church 4 times a week and his Mother is his best friend.
source: therookiewall.com

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


Every import I played against it's been a battle - by Jimmy Williams
Hi my name is Jimmy Williams (196-G-86, college: Alders.-Broad.) (196-G-86, college: Alders.-Broad.) this is my second year pro. I want to give a special thanks to Eurobasket for giving me the opportunity to do a blog its an honor. This season has been a blessing for me I am currently playing with Ibdaa Dheisheh team. We are currently 8-1 and competing for the cup. I am happy I came back with my old team and to be playing with the best locals in Palestine. our team is loaded we have Iyad Yousef Abdalla (205-C-80) who is the best center in Palestine, Yahia Al Khatib (190-G-77) the best play-maker in Palestine, these two players are the best two players in Palestine in my eyes I call us the big three. Mahdi Eid (194-F-81) has been a great addition to our team also. Life in Palestine is great its like home to me I played here last year so I know a lot of people and I know how to get around the city of Bethlehem pretty well. The people are nice and welcome you here with opens arms and will give you there last I love the people here. As far as basketball go's the league is better this year, because the local players are getting better, and there are imports here that has pro experience and it raise the level, of the league. Every import I played against its been a battle. The thing I like about the import players here is that they are all hungry and work hard. I respect all the import players here. as far as the local players go's they are so much better this year, and if you ask me they are the reason the league is better we need to give Palestinian players more respect I have seen over 7 Palestinian players I think can play abroad in other Arabic countries and I have three of them my team.

This year has been great for us as a team, and has been a blessing for me. Early in the year we took a tough lost to Ebal, which is a good physical team that plays hard. They deserved to win they played a great game. It was good for us to take a lost it was a wake-up call and we have been playing great basketball every since. We have goals as a team and plan on winning the cup again this year but it wont be easy at all. I have been playing well averaging 35.6ppg 7.0rpg 3.2apg and a big reason for that is my teammates I have a great team and they make it so easy for me to score, they help me a lot. we have three players averaging 17ppg or more. We have a lot of players we can go to on the offensive end. We are just focused as a team, and our management and head coach terry hill pushes us to be the best we can be. The month of many is a big month for us as a team and we have to be focus, because we are competing for the cup, and we are traveling to Egypt to play in the Arabic club championship, where we have the chance to represent the country and the league, and that is an honor for me. We will have help from Reggie George (208-C-85, college: Robert Morris) 206 cm and Solomon Sheard (204-F/C-79, agency: Liman Sports, college: Paul Quinn) 202 cm and both have pro experience, and should give us a boost in Egypt.

Thanks for reading my first blog everyone stay tuned to blog number 2 next week.
I want to give a shout out to Ibdaa fans and all my friends in Palestine thanks for the support.
God bless everyone
Blog is maintained by Jimmy Williams (196-G-86, college: Alders.-Broad.)

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


Standings - 2 Liga
2Liga Standings
Group A
 1. Astoria 25-3 
 2. Norgips 24-6 
 3. SKK Siedlce 22-6 
 4. Tur B.Podl. 20-8 
 5. Zuraw Gn. 20-10 
 6. Nowy Dwor Gd. 19-10 
 7. MMKS SIDEn 19-11 
 8. Harmattan 16-11 
 9. Basket Kw. 15-14 
 10. Assec.Prokom 3 12-17 
 11. Korsarz 11-19 
 12. Zyrardowianka 9-20 
 13. Unibet Legia 8-19 
 14. AZS Olsztyn 8-21 
 15. OSSM W-wa 2-29 
 16. OSSM Sopot 1-28 
Group B
 1. AZS Szczecin 23-2 
 2. Open Basket 22-4 
 3. AZS PP Poznan 20-5 
 4. AZS Kutno 16-9 
 5. Ksiezak 15-10 
 6. Pogon Prudnik 14-15 
 7. MKS Skiern. 13-12 
 8. Nysa Klodzko 13-12 
 9. Stal Ostrow 13-13 
 10. AZS PO Opole 12-14 
 11. Obiekty Wrocl. 8-17 
 12. Slask Wroclaw 8-18 
 13. OSSM Wroclaw 3-23 
 14. KKS Siechnice 0-26 
Group C
 1. Rosasport 26-1 
 2. Unia Tarnow 23-4 
 3. UMKS Kielce 19-7 
 4. AZS PR Radom 18-9 
 5. MCKiS Jaw. 16-10 
 6. Cracovia 16-11 
 7. AZS Pol.Cz-wa 15-12 
 8. Pogon Ruda Sl. 14-10 
 9. Alba 11-15 
 10. MKS Limanowa 11-15 
 11. Komtek 11-15 
 12. Mickiewicz 7-20 
 13. Wisla Krakow 6-21 
 14. Staco Niepol. 6-21 
 15. OSSM S.Wola 1-27 


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael WRIGHT
  PGE Turow
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Wright, PGE Turow20.4 
 2. Scott, ISS Sportino20.0 
 3. Mays, Znicz19.5 
 4. Day, ISS Sportino19.2 
 5. Swanson, AZS K.18.3 
 6. Chappell, Znicz18.2 
 7. Williamson, Znicz17.9 
 8. Miller, Polonia Azbud17.8 
 9. Okafor, Polpharma17.5 
 10. Logan, Assec.Pr.17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  SKK Kotwica
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Harris, SKK K.11.5 
 2. Daniels, Energa C.8.3 
 3. Chappell, Znicz8.3 
 4. Kuzminskas, Trefl S.8.2 
 5. Ibrahim, ISS S.7.9 
 6. Bigus, ISS Sportino7.9 
 7. Kesicki, ISS S.7.8 
 8. Okafor, Polpharma7.4 
 9. Wallace, PGE Turow7.4 
 10. Kinnard, Trefl S.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Szubarga, Anwil6.7 
 2. Loyd, Stal SW5.9 
 3. Swanson, AZS K.5.8 
 4. Smith, SKK Kotwica5.0 
 5. Brazelton, Energa C.4.8 
 6. Logan, Assec.Pr.4.7 
 7. Ewing, Assec.Pr.4.5 
 8. Snieg, Polonia 20114.4 
 9. Hughes, Polonia .4.1 
 10. Milicic, AZS K.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy CHAPPELL
  Znicz
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Chappell, Znicz3.0 
 2. Day, ISS Sportino2.4 
 3. Logan, Assec.Pr.2.3 
 4. Majewski, Polph.2.3 
 5. Mays, Znicz2.1 
 6. Rosnowski, ISS S.2.1 
 7. Godbold, Stal SW2.1 
 8. Angley, Polpharma1.9 
 9. Swanson, AZS K.1.9 
 10. Szubarga, Anwil1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Leszek KARWOWSKI
  Polonia 2011
  (209-F-75)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Karwowski, Polonia .1.6 
 2. Wallace, PGE Turow1.4 
 3. Harris, SKK K.1.4 
 4. Kesicki, ISS S.1.3 
 5. Misiewicz, Znicz1.1 
 6. Lapeta, Assec.Pr.1.1 
 7. Kuzminskas, Trefl S.1.0 
 8. Wyka, Znicz1.0 
 9. Sullivan, Anwil0.9 
 10. Johnson, PGE Turow0.9 


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Stats Leaders - UZO Liga
Points Per Game
 Brandon DAGANS
  Ginasio
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Dagans, Ginasio22.3 
 2. Crutchfield, Sampa.21.8 
 3. Madison, Sampaense20.2 
 4. Waller, Ovarense19.4 
 5. Ramos, Benfica18.7 
 6. Webster, CAB18.2 
 7. Powers, Fisica18.1 
 8. Hartford, Ginasio18.1 
 9. Smith, AD Vagos17.8 
 10. Voorhees, AD Vagos17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christopher LEE
  Ovarense
  (206-C-)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Lee, Ovarense10.2 
 2. Nealy, VSC Guimar.10.0 
 3. Smith, AD Vagos9.8 
 4. Johnson, Academica9.7 
 5. Johnson, Fisica9.5 
 6. St.Robert, Illiabum9.2 
 7. Wilson, Sampaense8.9 
 8. Terrell, Porto F.8.7 
 9. Shaw, Illiabum8.5 
 10. Evans, Benfica8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Daniel FELIX
  Illiabum
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Felix, Illiabum2.8 
 2. Silva, VSC Guimar.2.6 
 3. Simoes, Academica2.3 
 4. Costa, Ginasio2.3 
 5. Pedroso, CAB2.2 
 6. Balseiro, Sampa.2.2 
 7. Dagans, Ginasio2.2 
 8. Schneider, CAB2.2 
 9. Reed, Benfica2.0 
 10. Mims, VSC Guimar.2.0 
Steals Per Game
 Jose COSTA
  Ginasio
  (187-G-73)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Costa, Ginasio6.5 
 2. Manarte, Ovarense6.2 
 3. Felix, Illiabum5.9 
 4. Reveles, AD Vagos5.3 
 5. Sing, Sampaense4.8 
 6. Fernandes, CAB4.7 
 7. Perdigao, AD Vagos4.6 
 8. Miranda, Ovarense4.3 
 9. Simoes, Academica4.2 
 10. Mims, VSC Guimar.4.2 
Blocks Per Game
 John SMITH
  AD Vagos
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Smith, AD Vagos1.7 
 2. Soderberg, CAB1.3 
 3. Grimes, Academica1.3 
 4. DeWitz, Benfica1.3 
 5. Lee, Ovarense1.2 
 6. Terrell, Porto F.1.2 
 7. Wilson, Sampaense1.2 
 8. Stempin, Porto F.1.1 
 9. Voorhees, AD Vagos1.1 
 10. Johnson, Fisica1.0 


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


Crabbers Clobber the Cowboys - by Luis Ramirez
After a short recess in the BSN due to the all-star game, the action resumed with the Santurce Crabbers hosting the Bayamon Cowboys. It was the Crabbers from start to finish as they cruised to a 86-71 win.

In the 1st quarter, the Crabbers came out with an offensive onslaught as they were able to score 28 points while keeping the Cowboys to just 14 points to take a 14 point lead as the quarter came to a close. In the 2nd quarter the Cowboys were more effective in their shooting but the Crabbers managed to keep a 12 point lead as the half ended, 48-36.

Again in the 3rd quarter the Cowboys went cold and the Crabbers took advantage of this extend their lead to a 20 point lead, 68-48. In the 4th quarter the Cowboys would get no closer than 15 points.

For Santurce, Wilfredo Pagan (184-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 26 points while Mike Sweetney scored 13 points and 8 rebounds.

For Bayamon, Christian Dalmau had another productive night as he scored 28 points followed by Terrence Shannon who was the only other Cowboy player to reach double digit scoring as he was able to score 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

In the other game in the BSN the San German Athletics defeated the Humacao Caciques 80 -74.

For San German, Mario Austin scored 27 points to lead all scorers while Leroy Hickerson scored 20 points and 8 rebounds.

For Humacao, James Mays scored 15 points and had 12 rebounds while Kleon Penn scored 11 points and had 6 rebounds.


Andre Emmett gets MVP of the Week award for Puerto Rican BSN - by Eurobasket
American Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82, agency: Higher Level Sports) had an amazing evening in the last week for Mets de Guaynabo and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 7.
The 28-year old swingman had a double-double of 35 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team edged out Humacao (#5, 7-8) in overtime 96-95. Guaynabo maintains the 6th position in Puerto Rican BSN. Guaynabo is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-7 record. In the team's last game Emmett had a remarkable 55.6% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Guaynabo, and just after one game he turned to be a new team's leader.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 27-year old former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) of Indios de Mayaguez. Carmona impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 35 points and 10 rebounds. It was enough for Mayaguez to edge the higher-ranked Guaynabo ( (#6, 8-7) by 5 points 105-100. Despite this victory they still are the league outsider. 12 lost games is too many comparing to just three victories Mayaguez managed to get this year. Carmona is one of the most experienced players at Mayaguez and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.2ppg (#1). He also registered 6.4 boards per game.

The third best performed player last week was American James Mays (206-F-86, agency: ASM Sports) of Caciques de Humacao (#5). Mays showcased his all-around game by recording 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the last week. Despite Mays' great performance Humacao lost 80-81 to Santurce (7-8). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Humacao ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Mays could help Humacao to bring them higher in the standings. Mays has a very solid season. In 15 games in Puerto Rico he scored 17.5ppg. He also has 8.4rpg and 3.1apg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Glen McGowan (206-F-81) of Guaynabo - 34 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon - 33 points, 1 rebound and 6 assists
6. Dan Langhi (208-F-77) of Mayaguez - 24 points, 16 rebounds and 1 assist
7. James Maye (201-G/F-81) of Mayaguez - 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
8. James Mays (206-F-86) of Humacao - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists
9. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) of San German - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. John Millsap (198-F-82) of Humacao - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Standings - Superleague B
B Superleague Standings
 1. N.Novgorod 31-5 
 2. Lok.Novos. 26-14 
 3. Revda 26-14 
 4. Severstal 24-14 
 5. Saransk 24-16 
 6. Spartak-P. 22-20 
 7. Ural Ekater. 18-22 
 8. Irkutsk 18-24 
 9. Rjazan 17-23 
 10. Chelabinsk 17-25 
 11. Naltchik 15-25 
 12. Magnitogorsk 13-29 
 13. Tambov 9-29 


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


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


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Metalac
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 19
 1. Panic, Metalac19.0 
 2. Beader, KG 0618.3 
 3. Mladenovic, Ergon.17.8 
 4. Mihajlovic, Ergonom17.5 
 5. Markovic, Tamis17.2 
 6. Markovic, Napredak16.5 
 7. Micic, Napredak16.5 
 8. Jorovic, Borac16.5 
 9. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.16.4 
 10. Martinic, Vojvodina15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Mladenovic, Ergon.7.4 
 2. Mikic, KG 066.9 
 3. Buric, Tamis6.3 
 4. Ljubojevic, Novi S.6.2 
 5. Bosnjak, Vojvodina6.2 
 6. Jelovac, Mega V.6.1 
 7. Borovcanin, Sloga6.0 
 8. Pobric, Novi Sad5.8 
 9. Lukovic, Radnic.5.8 
 10. Jovanovic, Ergonom5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naft.
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Zarkovic, Prolet.7.2 
 2. Kocergin, Masinac4.9 
 3. Stefanovic, Metal.4.3 
 4. Rakic, Novi Sad4.2 
 5. Korac, Beograd4.1 
 6. Djordjevic, Sloga4.0 
 7. Prolovic, Borac3.8 
 8. Martinic, Vojvodina3.7 
 9. Dimitrijevic, Sloga3.6 
 10. Radulovic, Masinac3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Marko VULIN
  Proleter Naft.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Vulin, Proleter Naft.2.2 
 2. Martinic, Vojvodina2.0 
 3. Zarkovic, Prolet.1.9 
 4. Jereminov, Tamis1.8 
 5. Rakic, Novi Sad1.7 
 6. Borovcanin, Sloga1.7 
 7. Kovacevic, Novi Sad1.7 
 8. Dundjerski, Beograd1.7 
 9. Djordjevic, Sloga1.6 
 10. Milosevic, KG 061.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Nikola MARAVIC
  Mega Vizura
  (212-C-89)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Maravic, Mega V.1.2 
 2. Mladenovic, Ergon.1.2 
 3. Buric, Tamis1.1 
 4. Lukovic, Radnic.1.0 
 5. Ljubojevic, Novi S.0.8 
 6. Dramicanin, Borac0.8 
 7. Bircevic, Metalac0.8 
 8. Arsic, Masinac0.8 
 9. Jagodic Kuri., Novi S.0.6 
 10. Bjegovic, Masinac0.6 


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


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Prievidza
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Fears, Prievidza21.8 
 2. Glavinic, Handlova20.6 
 3. Burrows, Komarno17.9 
 4. Bosak, Prievidza17.7 
 5. Polakovic, Svit17.2 
 6. Nicholson, Pezinok16.8 
 7. Crawford, Nitra16.2 
 8. Polakovic, Inter B.16.1 
 9. Mroz, Nova Ves15.9 
 10. Laco, Svit15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pawel MROZ
  Nova Ves
  (215-C-84)
  Avg: 8.6
 1. Mroz, Nova Ves8.6 
 2. Burrows, Komarno8.1 
 3. Nicholson, Pezinok7.9 
 4. Szalay, Prievidza7.6 
 5. Skara, B.Bystrica7.2 
 6. Tomek, Nitra7.2 
 7. Micuda, Pezinok6.6 
 8. Laco, Svit6.4 
 9. Cvitanovic, Svit6.4 
 10. Batka, Nova Ves6.2 
Assists Per Game
 T.J. BANNISTER
  Komarno
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 8.6
 1. Bannister, Komarno8.6 
 2. Glavinic, Handlova6.9 
 3. Jefferson, Nova Ves5.7 
 4. Fears, Prievidza4.9 
 5. Scott, Nitra4.8 
 6. Crawford, Nitra4.2 
 7. Immink, B.Bystrica3.7 
 8. Grznar, Levice3.5 
 9. Milosevic, Pezinok3.3 
 10. Bosak, Prievidza3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jan ZAVODNY
  Vahostav-Zilina
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Zavodny, Vahost.2.7 
 2. Fears, Prievidza2.4 
 3. Scott, Nitra2.2 
 4. Crawford, Nitra2.1 
 5. Jackson, Pezinok2.1 
 6. Jefferson, Nova Ves1.9 
 7. Nuber, Handlova1.9 
 8. Zilik, Inter B.1.9 
 9. Glavinic, Handlova1.8 
 10. Mielczarek, Nova V.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Vincent POLAKOVIC
  Svit
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 0.7
 1. Polakovic, Svit0.7 
 2. Burrows, Komarno0.7 
 3. Blagojevic, Komar.0.7 
 4. Madaj, Komarno0.6 
 5. Klar, Levice0.6 
 6. Bosak, Prievidza0.6 
 7. Gudelj, Komarno0.6 
 8. Fears, Prievidza0.6 
 9. Cvitanovic, Svit0.6 
 10. Glavinic, Handlova0.5 


Extraliga Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Nova Ves - Pezinok 89-86
Nova Ves narrowly prevailed against visiting Pezinok to draw things level in the series. Michal Batka (204-C-87, agency: Pro Agents-Basketball Careers) scored 24 points to lead the hosts. Artur Mielczarek (195-F-83) contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Yemi Nicholson (208-C-83, college: Denver) answered with 23 points for Pezinok. David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois) had 20 points, 5 boards and 5 assists in the loss.

Handlova - Nitra 76-82
Nitra celebrated the second straight win over Handlova. Dametri Hill (202-C-74, college: Florida) netted 20 points to lead the visitors. Clifford Crawford (194-G-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) added 13 points, 5 boards and 4 assists as Nitra stepped closer to the Final. Josip Glavinic (192-G-82) replied with 27 points and 6 assists for Handlova. Robert Nuber (186-G-83) accounted for 19 points in the loss.


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


Standings - 1A
Telemach Standings
Places 1-8
 1. U.Olimpija 7-1 
 2. Helios 6-2 
 3. Krka 6-2 
 4. Parklji 5-3 
 5. Sentjur 4-4 
 6. Rudar 3-5 
 7. Zlatorog 1-8 
 8. Geoplin Slovan 0-8 
Play-out
 1. Polzela 20-11 
 2. Elektra Esotech 15-15 
 3. TCG Mercator 12-19 
 4. Luka Koper 9-22 
 5. Sencur CP 0-31 


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Sandi CEBULAR
  Sentjur
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Cebular, Sentjur21.4 
 2. King, Polzela20.6 
 3. Crenshaw, Sentjur17.0 
 4. Mucic, Rudar16.6 
 5. Cup, Elektra .16.2 
 6. Snow, Helios16.1 
 7. Feeley, Elektra .16.0 
 8. Dragic, Geoplin .15.7 
 9. Drzic, Luka Koper15.6 
 10. Bubnic, Zlatorog14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shawn KING
  Polzela
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. King, Polzela11.3 
 2. Feeley, Elektra .8.5 
 3. Thondique, Polzela8.1 
 4. Virijevic, Sencur C.6.9 
 5. Nuhanovic, Elektr.6.8 
 6. Miljkovic, Elektr.6.7 
 7. Djapa, Parklji6.4 
 8. Nikolic, Krka6.4 
 9. Pavic, Krka6.2 
 10. Markic, Luka Koper6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Tadej KOSTOMAJ
  Elektra Esotech
  (186-G-87)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Kostomaj, Elektr.5.4 
 2. Crenshaw, Sentjur5.2 
 3. Anzulovic, Rudar4.0 
 4. Mocnik, Helios3.7 
 5. Cmer, Zlatorog3.6 
 6. Nachbar, Luka Koper3.5 
 7. Jersin, Parklji3.3 
 8. Venta, Polzela3.3 
 9. Cebular, Sentjur3.1 
 10. Perko, Luka Koper3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Zoran DRAGIC
  Geoplin Slovan
  (196-G-89)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Dragic, Geoplin .1.8 
 2. Nuhanovic, Elektr.1.8 
 3. Snow, Helios1.8 
 4. Udrih, Polzela1.7 
 5. Ristic, Sencur CP1.7 
 6. Markic, Luka Koper1.6 
 7. Jovanovic, Sencur C.1.6 
 8. Cebular, Sentjur1.6 
 9. Lapornik, Sentjur1.5 
 10. Mezek, TCG M.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn KING
  Polzela
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. King, Polzela2.4 
 2. Nuhanovic, Elektr.1.4 
 3. Nikolic, Krka1.3 
 4. Cup, Elektra .0.8 
 5. Lucic, Krka0.8 
 6. Mucic, Rudar0.7 
 7. Simovic, Sentjur0.7 
 8. Sjekloca, Elektr.0.7 
 9. Sebic, Polzela0.7 
 10. Pasalic, Rudar0.6 


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Valencia extends Serhiy Lishchuk for two more years - by Eurobasket News
Valencia B.C. announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year old big guy appeared 26 times so far in ACB averaging 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. He helped Valencia to win the EuroCup with 8.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 17 games.
Serhiy Lishchuk joined Valencia last summer from Azovmash Mariupol. He won four championship titles in Ukraine and three trophies in National Cup. In 2009, Lishchuk was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year'.
Serhiy Lishchuk was a member of Team Ukraine on Qualifications for European Championships 2009. He appeared 6 times averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks.

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Unrealistic Expectations - by Joseph Mcnaull
Hello everyone! I wanted to start off this entry with a huge thanks to the crowd here in Norrkoping. We won the deciding 5th game of the semi finals thanks to their support. I want to say congratulations to Solna Vikings for an incredible effort during the series. It was a hard fought series and everything playoff basketball should be...so again congratulations!

For those of you who have played in Europe for even one season know that when it comes to bringing players in, teams always look for one thing, to bring in the best possible player for the money they have to pay. I was talking to one of my ex coaches and at the time he was looking for a new Center. He was telling me what he didn't like about his Center at the time and what he was looking for. He told me well I need a player who is a great defender, is a shot blocker, great rebounder, low post moves, good at pick and roll and can also step out and shoot on the pick and pop. I said ok that's fair enough, so how much money do you have for this player? He said I only want to spend $3000 a month! So let me get this straight...you want a combination of Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh and Pau Gasol, for $3000 a month? With a straight face he said yes!

I will give you a story to explain to you what I am talking about. I was playing for a team and we ran the same offense as the Miami Heat at the time. So one day the coach comes up to me and tells me that I should be dunking the ball more at the end of the play. I explained to him that it's a tough situation for me to dunk every time, but I was still scoring on the play so I thought that was the end of it. Then he hits me with 'Well Alonzo Mourning always dunks the ball at the end of the play'! So I looked at him and told him 'You want me to play like Alonzo Mourning?' He said 'Yes.' I told him when he starts coaching like Pat Riley then I will start playing like Alonzo!' I mean I was averaging 22 and 13 at the time and the team was in 4th place when we were picked before the season to finish 12th. That's why players just have to understand, that sometimes, it's not them and there are unrealistic expectations on players.

I always tell guys when they come overseas to just play your game and work hard. Because those are the only things you have control over. If you are a 3 point shooter at home, don't come over to Europe and try to become a slasher taking it to the basket. Just play your game and good things will happen. There are sometime situations that you won't be able to control, like the coach, the team not paying you on time, trouble with your apt, no car...etc. Then there are times when through no fault of your own you get released. If you just work on the things you can control and have an agent who is taking care of you off the court, then good things will happen! I have been playing in Europe for 15 years and I have seen some very talented players not make it because they didn't play their game.

The other mistake I have seen players make over the years, is that they don't respect the talent of the national players they are playing with/against! So many Americans when they come overseas feel like they are here to be the man and they have to do everything. Granted there are some situations like that and some teams that are looking for players to shoulder the entire scoring/rebounding/assists for the team. Most of the teams are looking for players that fit in to their team concept and will be a great addition to the team of European players that they already have. So if you are fortunate enough to find a team make sure the team fits you as a player. That's why when your agent finds you a job always try to talk to the coach before you leave so you know what the coach expects from you and if your agent told him the truth about your game. Some agents misrepresent their players, so it's always good to talk to the coach and get a feel for the team, so when you arrive there won't be any surprises!

Now it's time to get down to business and win this championship! We will be playing against fellow blogger Brandon McKnight (188-G-83, agency: Promotex, college: Purdue).
Go Dolphins!
www.dolphins.se

Dolphins beat Vikings in Game 5, advance to Playoff Finals - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals, Game 5: Norrkoping Dolphins - Solna Vikings 111-83

Norrkoping Dolphins blasted Solna Vikings last night advancing to Playoff Finals of the Swedish top division. The Dolphins demonstrated great performance in this game celebrating totally deserved 111-83 victory. Kenneth Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) shined for the hosts draining 24 points. George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) also good scoring 17, while Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) added one point less than him. Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) and Mikael Lindquist (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) delivered 14 and 12 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Andrew Mitchell (181-G-79, college: Kent St.) was the best once again netting 23 pts. Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) stopped on 15 points.
Everything started good for the guests as they kept 20-22 lead after ten minutes of play. However, that was all from them last night as the team from Norrkoping took control on this match and never looked back. The hosts made 28-18 in the second period and 34-24 in third to enter the final 10 minutes with comfortable 18-point lead. Visitors were not able to resist and they faced with huge 111-83 loss at the end.
Norrkoping Dolphins will meet Plannja Basket in the Finals. First game is scheduled for Friday (best-of-seven series).

Norrkoping: Kenneth Grant 24, George Gervin 18, Oladapo Ayuba 17, Fred Drains 14, Mikael Lindquist 12, Joakim Kjellbom 11, Joseph McNaull 7, Anton Saks 4, Bojan Atanasoski 4.
Solna: Andrew Mitchell 23, Rudy Mbemba 15, Saulius Dumbliauskas 14, Alexander Lindqvist 12, Martin Pahlmblad 9, Idong Ibok 4, Helgi Magnusson 2, Sebastian Persson 2, Jonas Ghebremeskel 2.

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  TURKEY   


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Quincy DOUBY
  Darussafaka
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Douby, Darussafaka23.6 
 2. Shipp, Bornova19.3 
 3. Chatman, Besiktas18.4 
 4. Brown, Bornova18.1 
 5. Hosley, Aliaga17.9 
 6. Baxter, Besiktas17.4 
 7. Heytvelt, Oyak R.17.2 
 8. Stanojevic, Kepez B.17.2 
 9. Toolson, Karsiyaka17.0 
 10. Famutimi, Oyak R.16.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jermareo DAVIDSON
  Darussafaka
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Davidson, Darussaf.10.7 
 2. Heytvelt, Oyak R.10.0 
 3. Williams, Erdemir9.5 
 4. Hosley, Aliaga8.2 
 5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka7.8 
 6. Smith, Karsiyaka7.4 
 7. Bowman, Tofas7.1 
 8. Greene, Antalya7.0 
 9. Elegar, Bornova6.9 
 10. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Hakan KOSEOGLU
  Erdemir
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 8.6
 1. Koseoglu, Erdemir8.6 
 2. Chatman, Besiktas6.1 
 3. Douby, Darussafaka4.9 
 4. Ermis, Banvit4.9 
 5. Acik, T.Telekom4.4 
 6. Smith, Bornova4.3 
 7. Ukic, Fener.Ulker4.2 
 8. Erdogan, Oyak R.4.2 
 9. James, Mersin4.2 
 10. Holston, Karsiyaka4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Quinton HOSLEY
  Aliaga
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Hosley, Aliaga2.7 
 2. Davis, T.Telekom2.6 
 3. Chatman, Besiktas2.4 
 4. Douby, Darussafaka2.3 
 5. Smith, Efes Pilsen2.1 
 6. Shipp, Bornova2.0 
 7. James, Mersin2.0 
 8. Famutimi, Oyak R.1.9 
 9. Adams, Oyak R.1.8 
 10. Holston, Karsiyaka1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Omer ASIK
  Fener.Ulker
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Asik, Fener.Ulker1.6 
 2. Aldemir, Karsiyaka1.5 
 3. Davidson, Darussaf.1.3 
 4. Elegar, Bornova1.2 
 5. Solak, Galatasaray1.2 
 6. Denison, Tofas1.2 
 7. Heytvelt, Oyak R.1.2 
 8. Bowman, Tofas1.1 
 9. Davis, Banvit1.1 
 10. Kone, Erdemir0.9 


Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
 1. Efes Pilsen 26-3 
 2. Fener.Ulker 22-7 
 3. Banvit 19-10 
 4. Besiktas 17-12 
 5. T.Telekom 17-12 
 6. Galatasaray 16-13 
 7. Karsiyaka 15-14 
 8. Bornova 14-15 
 9. Erdemir 13-16 
 10. Tofas 12-17 
 11. Antalya 12-17 
 12. Mersin 11-18 
 13. Aliaga 11-18 
 14. Oyak Renault 11-18 
 15. Kepez Bld 10-19 
 16. Darussafaka 6-23 


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  UKRAINE   


Valencia extends Serhiy Lishchuk for two more years - by Eurobasket News
Valencia B.C. announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year old big guy appeared 26 times so far in ACB averaging 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. He helped Valencia to win the EuroCup with 8.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 17 games.
Serhiy Lishchuk joined Valencia last summer from Azovmash Mariupol. He won four championship titles in Ukraine and three trophies in National Cup. In 2009, Lishchuk was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year'.
Serhiy Lishchuk was a member of Team Ukraine on Qualifications for European Championships 2009. He appeared 6 times averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks.

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  URUGUAY   


Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
 1. Capitol 2-0 
 2. Capurro 2-0 
 3. Larre Borges 2-0 
 4. Waston 2-0 
 5. Nacional 1-1 
 6. Verdirrojo 1-1 
 7. Yale 1-1 
 8. Larranaga 1-1 
 9. Marne 0-2 
 10. Olivol Mundial 0-2 
 11. Tabare 0-2 
 12. 25 de Agosto 0-2 


Four leaders fior the Metro League - by Hector Lopez
Four teams, Capitol, Capurro, Larre Borges and Waston are leading the MetroLeague with a 2-0 record. The results and main players were:
Larraaga 87 - Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: W.Kentucky) 26 points, 19 rebounds 6 blocks
Tabare 75 Ryan Blankson (201-F-80, college: Loyola (IL)) 16 points 19 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Capurro 71 - Sebastian Leguizamon (200-F-84) 19 points Lorenzo Coleman (216-C-75, college: Tennessee Tech) 12 points 8 rebopunds 2 blocks
Olivol Mundial 70 - Kevin Mickens (206-F-83, college: George Mason) 12 points 5 rebounds 2 assists
- - -
Waston 94 - Juan Cambon (180-G-88) 25 points 5 rebounds 13 assists, Brian Craig 11 points 7 rebounds
Verdirrojo 87 - Luis De Leon (194-F-88) 25 points 4 rebounds
- - -
Larre Borges 70 - Santiago Vidal (175-G-89) 19 points 8 assists,
25 de Agosto 47 - Marcus King-Stockton (206-F-85, college: Colorado) 12 points 6 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Capitol 82 - Juan Wenzel (190-G-89) 28 points, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 13 points 7 rebounds 2 blocks
Marne 74 - Cedric McGowan (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) 22 points 13 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Yale 78 - Leandro Taboada 25 points Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 12 points 11 rebounds
Nacional 74 - Keith Gayden (202-F-83, agency: EM-PA, college: Duquesne) 18 points 11 rebounds 2 assists.

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  VENEZUELA   


LPB 2010 - Week 9 (Apr. 16th): Marinos and Cocodrilos win easily - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Marinos de Anzoategui and Cocodrilos de Caracas got fairly easy victories over Gigantes de Guayana and Gaiteros del Zulia heading towards the end of Week 9 in a tough fight for first place of the LPB 2010 regular season standings.

Marinos de Anzoategui 94 - Gigantes de Guayana 76
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 15-18-22-20= 76
MAR: 26-22-21-25= 94

Scorers
GIG: Terquin Mott (203-F-74) 28 points and 6 rebounds, Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) 17 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 11 points, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 6 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 5 points, Elvis Baez (189-G-89) 3 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 2 points and 6 rebounds, Omar Quintero (183-G-81) 2 points, Ludwing Irazabal (201-C/F-73) 2 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80, college: Indian Hills CC) 0 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 0 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 0 points
MAR: Ron Howard (196-G/F-82) 24 points and 6 rebounds, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 19 points and 7 rebounds, Donta Smith (201-G-83) 19 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 13 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 6 points, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 6 points, Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 2 points, Edgar Lugo (189-G-82, college: Lehman) 2 points, Robert Yriarte (201-F-89) 2 points, Dennison Rodriguez (202-F-89) 1 point, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 0 points, Adan Reyes (183-G-83) 0 points

Cocodrilos de Caracas 112 - Gaiteros del Zulia 83
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 23-32-24-33= 112
GAI: 15-21-26-21= 83

Scorers
COC: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 24 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 22 points and 10 rebounds, Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80) 20 points and 4 steals, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 12 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 11 points, Kevin Palacios (203-F/C-84) 6 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 6 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 4 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 3 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 2 points, Kevin Nino 2 points, Tephen Hamilton (201-F-78) 0 points
GAI: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 25 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 9 points and 8 rebounds, Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 9 points, David Reichel (202-F/G-84) 8 points, Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) 8 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 6 points, TomJim Colina (186-G-77) 6 points, Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81) 5 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) 3 points, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 3 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 1 point

LPB 2010 - Week 10 (Apr. 17th): Cocodrilos sweeps and takes first place - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Cocodrilos de Caracas had to go to overtime as hosts of Gaiteros del Zulia to complete a sweep and regain sole posession of first place in the LPB 2010 regular season standings with half a game of advantage over Marinos de Anzoategui, prior to the All-Star Game.

Cocodrilos de Caracas 101 - Gaiteros del Zulia 96 (OT)
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 16-24-19-23-19= 101
GAI: 18-15-29-19-14= 96

Scorers
COC: Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80) 25 points and 5 steals, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 22 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 17 points and 15 rebounds, Tephen Hamilton (201-F-78) 17 points and 7 rebounds, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 12 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 4 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 4 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 0 points, Jhoyfer Diaz 0 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 0 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Darwin Matos 0 points

GAI: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 29 points and 8 rebounds, Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81) 22 points, Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) 12 points and 3 blocks, Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 10 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 9 points and 7 rebounds, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 8 points and 7 rebounds, David Reichel (202-F/G-84) 3 points, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 3 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 0 points, TomJim Colina (186-G-77) 0 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) 0 points


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
1. Cocodrilos 23-5
2. Marinos 22-6
3. Gaiteros 15-11
4. Guaiqueries 14-13
5. Guaros 14-14
6. Trotamundos 14-16
7. Panteras 14-14
8. Toros 9-19
9. Gigantes 7-20
10. Bucaneros 7-21


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Viktor Khryapa #1 player in VTB League 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Viktor Khryapa
Khryapa
Zoran Planinic
Planinic
Hasan Rizvic
Rizvic
Marcus Brown
Brown
Kresimir Loncar
Loncar
#e#6

Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Awards 2009-10:

Player of the Year: Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) of CSKA Moscow Russia
Guard of the Year: Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of CSKA Moscow Russia
Forward of the Year: Viktor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow Russia
Center of the Year: Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine
Defensive Player of the Year: Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine
European Player of the Year: Viktor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow Russia
Import Player of the Year: Marcus Brown (193-G-74) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania
Coach of the Year: Valdemaras Chomicius of Unics

1st Team
G: Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of CSKA Moscow Russia
G: Marcus Brown (193-G-74) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania
F: Viktor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow Russia
F: Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Unics Kazan Russia
C: Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine

2nd Team
G: Alex Renfroe (190-G-86) of VEF Riga Latvia
G/F: Keith Langford (193-G/F-83) of BC Khimky Moscow Region Russia
F: Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine
F/C: Travis Watson (203-F/C-81) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania
C: Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) of CSKA Moscow Russia

Honorable Mention
Kelly McCarty (201-F-75) of BC Khimky Moscow Region Russia
Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86) of BC Khimky Moscow Region Russia
Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics Kazan Russia
Marque Perry (186-G-81) of BK Donetsk Ukraine

All-Europeans Team
G: Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of CSKA Moscow Russia
G: Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics Kazan Russia
F: Viktor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow Russia
F: Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Unics Kazan Russia
C: Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine

All-Imports Team
G: Alex Renfroe (190-G-86) of VEF Riga Latvia
G: Marcus Brown (193-G-74) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania
G/F: Keith Langford (193-G/F-83) of BC Khimky Moscow Region Russia
F: Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82) of Azovmash Mariupol Ukraine
F/C: Travis Watson (203-F/C-81) of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania

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  WBA   


WBA re-launches league Web site, names Myers Public Relations Director - by Joe Myers
The World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA), which is preparing to start its seventh season, re-launched its Web site Wednesday and announced the hiring of Joseph Myers as the league's Director of Public Relations.
The WBA's Web site, which can be found at www.wbaball.net, has several features on the front page. It includes news headlines, a space listing the league's top players and alumni, a fan poll, recent transactions, links to the Web sites of each of the league's seven teams as well as information on how to follow the WBA on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and through an RSS feed. The newly designed site also has the WBA's schedule for the upcoming season and will feature links to statistics and rosters as the year progresses.
'The new WBA Exposure League website and (Public Relations Director) announcement is a great step in our goal to become recognized as a leader in scouting and developing worldwide talent,' said WBA Director of Player Development/Basketball Operations Lionel Garrett .
Myers has been a sports writer for the past 14-plus years and served as the Public Relations Director for the WBA's Cartersville Warriors in 2009.
Along with that experience, Myers also covered another former WBA franchise, the Rome Gladiators, during his time at The Rome News-Tribune from 2003-2006.
He will be responsible for authoring all of the league's press releases and maintaining contact with media outlets in the league's seven franchise cities as well as compiling and organizing the WBA's statistics once the season gets under way.
'I'm excited about the chance to join the WBA,' Myers said. 'I look forward to helping build the WBA into one of the premier minor leagues out there and am eager to get this league the exposure and publicity it so richly deserves.'
The rescheduled Florida Flight-Jacksonville (Fla.) BlueWaves game - which was moved from June 27 to May 11 - will serve as the kickoff to the WBA's seventh season, one that features seven teams in four different states. Along with the Flight, Jacksonville, the Franklin (Tenn.) Knights and the Marietta (Ga.) Storm all are in their first season in the WBA. The holdovers from 2009 are the defending WBA champion Gwinnett (Ga.) Majic, Decatur (Ga.) Court Kings and the Tupelo (Miss.) Rock & Rollers.
The other five teams in the WBA get their season started May 14, with Gwinnett hosting Franklin, Tupelo going to Marietta and Decatur hosting Jacksonville. All three games are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.
There are three more games scheduled for May 15, as Decatur heads to Gwinnett, Jacksonville goes to Marietta and Florida is on the road at Tupelo. The Decatur-Gwinnett game tips off at 6 p.m., with the other two contests set to start at 7. The league's opening weekend closes out May 16 with a single 7 p.m. game pitting Florida against the Franklin Knights in Franklin.
Each team will play 16 regular-season games before the playoffs, which are scheduled to start in mid-July. For more information about the WBA Exposure League and the complete 2010 schedule, go to the league's newly updated Web site at www.wbaball.net. The schedule is located on the site's main page under the 'Schedule' header.
The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!


Florida Flight re-schedule home game to May 11, will open season against Jacksonville - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight, based out of Kissimmee, Fla., and one of four new teams in the World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) this season, has re-scheduled its June 27 home game against the Jacksonville (Fla.) BlueWaves for Tuesday, May 11.
The game was moved due to a conflicting date at the Flight's home arena, the Kissimmee Civic Center. The Civic Center is hosting the Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) National Tournament that day and will be unavailable to the Flight.
The rescheduled Florida-Jacksonville game will serve as the kickoff to the WBA's seventh season, one that features seven teams in four different states. Along with the Flight, Jacksonville, the Franklin (Tenn.) Knights and the Marietta (Ga.) Storm all are in their first season in the WBA. The holdovers from 2009 are the defending WBA champion Gwinnett (Ga.) Majic, Decatur (Ga.) Court Kings and the Tupelo (Miss.) Rock & Rollers.
The other five teams in the WBA get their season started May 14, with Gwinnett hosting Franklin, Tupelo going to Marietta and Decatur hosting Jacksonville. All three games are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.
There are three more games scheduled for May 15, as Decatur heads to Gwinnett, Jacksonville goes to Marietta and Florida is on the road at Tupelo. The Decatur-Gwinnett game tips off at 6 p.m., with the other two contests set to start at 7. The league's opening weekend closes out May 16 with a single 7 p.m. game pitting Florida against the Franklin Knights in Franklin.
Each team will play 16 regular-season games before the playoffs, which are scheduled to start in mid-July. For more information about the WBA Exposure League and the complete 2010 schedule, go to the league's newly updated Web site at www.wbaball.net. The schedule is located on the site's main page under the 'Schedule' header.
The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!

Daculas Puckett signs with Gwinnett Majic - by Joe Myers
By Will Hammock
Gwinnett Daily Post

Dacula grad Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83, college: Clayton St.) joins a crop of local products on the preseason roster of the Gwinnett Majic, a World Basketball Association Exposure League team based in the county.

Puckett was the leagues MVP last year after helping the Majic to the WBA championship. He spent the winter playing basketball professionally in Mexico and Argentina.

He is one of several Gwinnett grads on the teams preseason roster, which includes several players from last seasons championship squad.

Adrien Borders (6'0''-G-83, college: Wofford) and Wayne Arnold (6'4''-G-84, agency: ACMT, college: Tennessee St.), teammates on Berkmars 2000 and 2001 state championship teams, also are on the roster of returning players along with Norcross Reggie Anderson (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Carver Bible). Two of the newcomers are local players from Georgia, Ricky McPhee (6'1''-G) of Parkview and Tyler Whatley (6'7''-F-86) of Apalachee.

The roster also includes former Bulldog Albert Jackson (6'11''-F/C), as well as Adrian Penland (6'1''-G-80, college: Lander), Frank Davis (6'2''-G-87) and Marcus Brown. Gwinnett's head coach is Berkmar grad David Akin, who previously worked with the womens basketball program at Georgia.

The Majics first game of the season is May 14 at 7 p.m. against the Franklin (Tenn.) Knights. The game will be played at Berkmar High School.
More information on the team is available at www.gwinnettmajic.com.


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  WCBL   


WCBL 2010 line-up - by Gianni Pascucci
We are finally able to release the list of the teams that will compete in 2010 edition of WCBL, set to start in few days. The most important addition is the Buzz team coached by Burrell Lee . Here down you can find the teams names, divided in two Divisions. According with league staff, rosters and schedule will be sent later today or tomorrow

North Division
1. Marina Del Rey Advantage
2. Santa Barbara Breakers
3. Ventura Jets

South Division
1. Long Beach Lights Out
2. Los Angeles Buzz
3. Newport Beach Surf



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Women News

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  BELGIUM - Women  


BBC Boom too much for Waregem, joins Sint Kateline in the Playoff Finals - by Eurobasket News
Waregem - BBC Boom 57-66

BBC Boom managed to pull an upset as they have defeated Waregem in third decisive Game of the Playoff Semifinals. BBC Boom has now booked a place in the Finals, where they will take on Sint Kateline.
The decisive Game 3 started off as a closely contested matchup. Teams exchanged baskets for most of the first quarter, but it was hosts who held a 17-16 lead. Second quarter probably proved to be crucial for the outcome of this match as visitors opened the period with a run. They controlled flow of the game while playing great defense. Thus, BBC Boom won the second quarter 12-22 and as result, they were up at the halftime 29-38. After the break, tempo of the game went back to Waregem players as they seemed to have regained their composure. They slowly melted away the deficit, but BBC Boom always seemed to linger round. The game entered the final quarter with visiting side still holding 44-49 lead. Then, instead to make the one last push, Waregem players started to struggle offensively. Visitors took advantage of this and again went on the run which gave them the lead they kept until the end. After the final buzzer, the score stood at 57-66 and BBC Boom players could celebrate the passage to the Finals.
Corina Arts (184-C-76) and Ellen Lauwers (182-F-87) led the way for winning side with 16 points apiece. Eveline Decroos (184-F-84) and Verny Van Driel were also good, contributing with 13 points each. On the other side, Waregem got 19 points from Julie Vanloo (174-G-93), while only other player to reach double digits was Tamara Van Respaille (186-C-77) who added 10 points.

Waregem: Julie Vanloo 19, Tamara Van Respaille 10
BBC Boom: Corina Arts 16, Ellen Lauwers 16, Eveline Decroos 13, Verny Van Driel 13

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  CROATIA - Women  


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
Groups A
 1. Gospic 9-0 
 2. Sibenik 7-2 
 3. Medvescak 4-5 
 4. Studenec O. 4-5 
 5. Croatia 2006 3-6 
 6. Ragusa 0-9 
Groups B
 1. Agram 5-1 
 2. Pozega 5-2 
 3. Biska Pula 4-4 
 4. Zadar 4-4 
 5. Split 3-4 
 6. Tresnjevka 1-7 


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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Petra REISINGEROVA
  Strakonice
  (196-C-73)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Reisingerova, Strako.18.8 
 2. Vlkova, Valosun .18.3 
 3. Misurova, Trutnov17.9 
 4. Zrustova, Valosun .16.8 
 5. Viteckova, Frisco S.15.7 
 6. Wallace, BA Sparta15.6 
 7. Vetrovcova, Karlov.15.4 
 8. Sipova, Slovanka.15.0 
 9. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.14.6 
 10. Bonner, Frisco Sika14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petra REISINGEROVA
  Strakonice
  (196-C-73)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Reisingerova, Strako.10.7 
 2. Kulichova, Frisco S.8.9 
 3. Hartigova, Trutnov8.6 
 4. Sipova, Slovanka.8.2 
 5. Stepanova, VS Praha7.9 
 6. Vetrovcova, Karlov.7.4 
 7. Zrustova, Valosun .7.4 
 8. Bonner, Frisco Sika7.0 
 9. Svobodova, Valosun .6.8 
 10. Novakova, Hradec K.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Hana NEZDARILOVA-STANKOVA
  Slovanka MB
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.4.8 
 2. Skerovic, Frisco Sika4.0 
 3. Horakova, Frisco S.3.9 
 4. Bednarova, USK P.3.0 
 5. Whalen, USK Praha2.8 
 6. Borecka, Karlovy .2.7 
 7. Johnova, Strakonice2.5 
 8. Misurova, Trutnov2.4 
 9. DeHaven, Karlovy .2.4 
 10. Maltsi, USK Praha2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Hana HORAKOVA
  Frisco Sika
  (182-F/G-79)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Horakova, Frisco S.3.4 
 2. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.3.4 
 3. Wallace, BA Sparta2.8 
 4. DeHaven, Karlovy .2.8 
 5. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.2.7 
 6. Sipova, Slovanka.2.5 
 7. Borecka, Karlovy .2.4 
 8. Brantlova, Karlovy .2.3 
 9. Vetrovcova, Karlov.2.3 
 10. Vlkova, Valosun .2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Petra KULICHOVA
  Frisco Sika
  (198-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Kulichova, Frisco S.1.9 
 2. Tamane, USK Praha1.5 
 3. Reisingerova, Strako.1.1 
 4. Novakova, Hradec K.1.1 
 5. Stepanova, VS Praha1.0 
 6. Kraayveld, USK P.1.0 
 7. Vetrovcova, Karlov.0.9 
 8. Bonner, Frisco Sika0.8 
 9. Kohoutova, Hradec K.0.8 
 10. Svobodova, Valosun .0.8 


ZBL Round: 3 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Frisco Sika - USK Praha 74-78
USK Praha stayed alive in the CBF Finals. With their backs against the wall USK Praha managed to celebrate victory in Brno narrowing the deficit at 1-2. Charde Houston (185-F-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the visitors. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the winning effort. Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) responded with 28 points and 12 rebounds for Frisco Sika. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) delivered 13 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA - Women  


Eclex are Meistriliiga champions - by Eurobasket News
Eclex - TLU/Volta 74:72
Eclex clinched the Meistriliiga title tonight. They narrowly defeated TLU/Volta at home court to complete the sweep in the Final series. Kerttu Jallai (179-F-90) had another pivotal performance for Eclex. She knocked down 19 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to lead the hosts to the championship crown.
Eclex looked solid in the opening frame and earned a 21:13 lead. They maintained it throughout the second stanza. Eclex claimed a comfortable 10-point advantage at halftime 46:36. TLU/Volta tried to match their opponents after the break. They won the third term by one point cutting the deficit. The visitors unloaded 22 points in the fourth stanza and almost the save the game. But Eclex proved calm in the decisive moments to escape with a narrow but still invaluable victory at the end.
Kaia Kosk (178-G-89, college: E.Kentucky) notched 11 points for Eclex. Anastassia Ptitsona (170-G-91) added 9 points for the winning team. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) responded with game-high 32 points for TLU. Anzela Okuneva (174-F-84) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Eclex: Kerttu Jallai 19+19 boards, Kaia Kosk 11, Anastassia Ptitsona 9
TLU: Jana Rannaveski 32, Anzela Okuneva 16


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


LFB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Lindsay TAYLOR
  Nantes
  (203-C-81)
  Avg: 16.1
 1. Taylor, Nantes16.1 
 2. Williams, Mondeville15.8 
 3. Houston, Tarbes15.3 
 4. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.15.0 
 5. Stansbury, Aix-en-P.14.8 
 6. Yacoubou-D., Tarbes14.8 
 7. Gomis, Villeneuve14.4 
 8. Page, Aix-en-Prov.14.3 
 9. Sy, Nantes14.0 
 10. Berezhynska, Monde.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Agathe NNINDJEM
  Toulouse
  (192-C-80)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Nnindjem, Toulouse9.7 
 2. Sy, Nantes8.5 
 3. Neaves, Calais8.5 
 4. Bonnan, Mondeville8.4 
 5. Stansbury, Aix-en-P.8.4 
 6. Davis, Limoges8.0 
 7. Ivancevic, Aix-en-P.7.9 
 8. Humphrey, Calais7.9 
 9. Comfort, Villeneuve7.7 
 10. Yacoubou-D., Tarbes7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Kathleen MACLEOD
  Nantes
  (167-G-86)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Macleod, Nantes6.4 
 2. Aubert, Mondeville5.6 
 3. Mitchell, Arras5.5 
 4. Lepron, Tarbes4.8 
 5. Johnson, Mondeville4.8 
 6. Tanqueray, Villeneuve4.6 
 7. Spatharou, Limoges4.2 
 8. Cousseins, Calais3.8 
 9. Hermouet, Toulouse3.4 
 10. Manic, Bourges3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Virginie BREMONT
  Armentieres
  (178-G-89)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Bremont, Armentie.2.5 
 2. Aubert, Mondeville2.4 
 3. Michel, Arras2.4 
 4. Gomis, Arras2.4 
 5. Parham, Landes2.3 
 6. Hermouet, Toulouse2.1 
 7. Skrela, Lattes M.1.9 
 8. Konate, Landes1.9 
 9. Mitchell, Arras1.9 
 10. Spatharou, Limoges1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Julie Anne PAGE
  Aix-en-Prov.
  (188-F/C-83)
  Avg: 0.7
 1. Page, Aix-en-Prov.0.7 
 2. Metcalf, Toulouse0.7 
 3. Nnindjem, Toulouse0.7 
 4. Tayeau, Limoges0.6 
 5. Fikiel, Toulouse0.6 
 6. Stansbury, Aix-en-P.0.6 
 7. Gueye, Limoges0.6 
 8. Cousseins, Calais0.6 
 9. Parham, Landes0.5 
 10. Ayissi, Armentieres0.5 


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


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Irina CRASNOSCIOC
  ZTE
  (192-F-81)
  Avg: 15.9
 1. Crasnoscioc, ZTE15.9 
 2. Vajda, MiZo Pecs15.6 
 3. Radunovic, SEAT L.15.5 
 4. Budimir, Bajai NKK15.2 
 5. Balint, Atomeromu14.9 
 6. Sipaviciute, Szeged14.8 
 7. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs14.8 
 8. Szlimak, BSE14.7 
 9. Holt, MKB Eurol.14.5 
 10. Horti, MKB Eurol.14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jelena BUDIMIR
  Bajai NKK
  (192-C/F-85)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Budimir, Bajai NKK8.5 
 2. Zherzherunov., Sze.7.4 
 3. Vajda, MiZo Pecs7.3 
 4. Licina, Cegledi EKK7.2 
 5. Cazac, Atomeromu7.0 
 6. Farkasinszki, Szolnok6.6 
 7. Holt, MKB Eurol.6.4 
 8. Krnjic, MiZo Pecs6.0 
 9. Horti, MKB Eurol.6.0 
 10. Radunovic, SEAT L.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Csilla DARIDA
  Szolnok
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Darida, Szolnok5.6 
 2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs5.0 
 3. Kocsis, BSE4.5 
 4. Englert, SEAT L.3.7 
 5. Nemeth, Szeged3.7 
 6. Pungor, Atomeromu3.6 
 7. Iva, Szeged3.5 
 8. Eordogh, MKB E.3.5 
 9. Furesz, Szeged3.2 
 10. Djelmis, SEAT L.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Monika BUKOVSZKI
  ZTE
  (171-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Bukovszki, ZTE3.5 
 2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs3.4 
 3. Darida, Szolnok3.0 
 4. Pungor, Atomeromu3.0 
 5. Iva, Szeged2.9 
 6. Vajda, MiZo Pecs2.9 
 7. Kocsis, BSE2.9 
 8. Holt, MKB Eurol.2.4 
 9. Czank, Vasas-Csata2.4 
 10. Szelesy, ZTE2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Olena ZHERZHERUNOVA
  Szeged
  (191-F-78)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Zherzherunov., Sze.1.5 
 2. Ievtushenko, Atome.1.2 
 3. Bagi, Vasas-Csata0.8 
 4. Varda, BSE0.8 
 5. Budimir, Bajai NKK0.8 
 6. Vajda, MiZo Pecs0.7 
 7. Czukor, ZTE0.7 
 8. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs0.6 
 9. Crasnoscioc, ZTE0.6 
 10. Szelesy, ZTE0.6 


MiZo beats MKB Euroleasing once again, takes 2-0 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Finals (Game 2)
MiZo Pecs - MKB Eurol. 69-65
MiZo Pecs outsmarted MKB Euroleasing in Game 2 of the Playoff Finals and they are just one step away from the title (2-0). MiZo did a great job in Game 1 and last night just confirmed they want back the trophy which they last time won in 2006. Alexandria Quigley (86) shined for the hosts with 19 points, Nikolett Sarok (180-G/F-90) had 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) added 11 pts and 5 boards. MBK Euroleasing, who won last three championship titles in Hungary, got 21 pts from Kristi Toliver (170-G, college: Maryland). Game 3 is scheduled for Friday and MKB Euroleasing will be the host.


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


Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Ashley Walker
Walker
Natasha Laicy
Laicy
Ambrosia Anderson
Anderson
Edwina Brown
Brown
Deanna Jackson
Jackson
#e#6

Player of the Year: Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87) of Maccabi Ashdod
Guard of the Year: Natasha Laicy (178-G-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
Forward of the Year: Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
Center of the Year: Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87) of Maccabi Ashdod
Import Player of the Year: Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87) of Maccabi Ashdod
Domestic Player of the Year: Mirav Dori (178-F-86) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
Defensive Player of the Year: Natasha Laicy (178-G-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
Coach of the Year: Orna Ostfeld of Electra Ramat

1st Team
G: Natasha Laicy (178-G-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
G: Edwina Brown (175-G-78) of ASA Jerusalem
F: Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
F: Deanna Jackson (188-F-79) of Elizur Ramla
C: Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87) of Maccabi Ashdod

2nd Team
SG: Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
F: Christi Thomas (191-F-82) of Maccabi Ashdod
F/C: Monique Coker (188-F/C-82) of Elizur Maccabi Natanya
C: Tiffany Jackson (191-F-85) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
C: Rashanda McCants (185-G/F) of Elizur Maclaren Holon

Honorable Mention
Mistie Williams (191-C-83) of ASA Jerusalem
Kia Vaughn (193-C-87) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
Olayinka Sunny (188-C-86) of Raanana Hertzeliya
Noelle Quinn (183-G-85) of Elizur Ramla
Laine Selwyn (170-G-81) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
Tamara James (178-G/F-84) of Raanana Hertzeliya

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Rivi Grinboym (178-G-78) of Maccabi Ashdod
G: Naomi Kolodny (171-G-82) of Elizur Maccabi Natanya
F: Mirav Dori (178-F-86) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
F: Liad Suez Karni (187-F-81) of Elizur Maccabi Natanya
F: Michal Epstain (180-F-81) of Maccabi Ramat Hen

All-Imports Team
G: Edwina Brown (175-G-78) of ASA Jerusalem
G: Natasha Laicy (178-G-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
F: Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
F: Deanna Jackson (188-F-79) of Elizur Ramla
C: Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87) of Maccabi Ashdod


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Brooke SMITH
  Comense
  (191-F/C-84)
  Avg: 17
 1. Smith, Comense17.0 
 2. Robert, Faenza17.0 
 3. Dixon, GMA Napoli16.0 
 4. Macchi, Familia Schio15.8 
 5. Walker, GMA Napoli15.5 
 6. Machanguana, Bracco G.15.3 
 7. Brunson, Taranto14.9 
 8. Bjelica, Vomero NA13.8 
 9. Pascalau, Priolo13.7 
 10. Cirov, Priolo13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcedes WALKER
  GMA Napoli
  (191-C-86)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Walker, GMA Napoli10.2 
 2. Bjelica, Vomero NA9.6 
 3. Tillis, Familia Schio9.4 
 4. Robert, Faenza8.8 
 5. Willis, Livorno8.0 
 6. Brunson, Taranto7.8 
 7. Harper, Umana R.7.6 
 8. Smith, Comense7.6 
 9. Machanguana, Bracco G.6.9 
 10. Screen, Basket P.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Adriana PINTO
  Faenza
  (169-G-78)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Pinto, Faenza3.1 
 2. Macchi, Familia Schio2.5 
 3. Eric, Vomero NA2.5 
 4. Dixon, GMA Napoli2.2 
 5. Ballardini, Umana R.2.2 
 6. Carpreaux, Livorno2.0 
 7. Moro, Familia Schio2.0 
 8. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.2.0 
 9. Penicheiro, Umbertide2.0 
 10. Goryanova, GMA N.1.9 
Steals Per Game
 Angela ZAMPELLA
  Comense
  (170-G-78)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Zampella, Comense5.3 
 2. Carpreaux, Livorno4.8 
 3. Dixon, GMA Napoli4.7 
 4. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.4.3 
 5. Pinto, Faenza4.2 
 6. Zara, Basket Parma3.9 
 7. Macchi, Familia Schio3.9 
 8. Smith, Comense3.8 
 9. Eric, Vomero NA3.8 
 10. Robert, Faenza3.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Oleksandra PRYSTUPA
  Faenza
  (203-C-89)
  Avg: 1
 1. Prystupa, Faenza1.0 
 2. Harper, Umana R.0.9 
 3. Tillis, Familia Schio0.9 
 4. Smith, Comense0.9 
 5. Alexander, Faenza0.8 
 6. Godin, Taranto0.7 
 7. Van Malderen, GMA N.0.6 
 8. Wabara, Bracco G.0.6 
 9. Brunson, Taranto0.6 
 10. Robert, Faenza0.6 


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


TEO celebrate in the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
The Final series between TEO and Cesis have just started in the country. Cesis, being the Latvian team had to finish the Finals first in their country and will now battle for Lithuanian trophy.
TEO however just won the Baltic league title and proved the ambitions for the title at home. TEO became the winner of the Baltic League Play-offs for another time. Season 2009-2010 saw them beating Lemminkainen in the Final game of the League. Last night TEO produced 86:68 to start with 1-0 lead in the Finals. The Lithuanian team opened the game with 20-18 in the opening quarter and added 16-14 in the second period. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the hosts erupted with 24-15 for the bigger lead. With 26-21 they finished the game to celebrate the win in the opener. Lindsey Harding (173-G-84, college: Duke) top-scored for the winners with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: Va Commonwealth) collected 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) notched 16. Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort. Kristen Mann (188-F-83, college: UCSB) notched 18 and Ozolina finished the game with 7 points.
Game 2 is scheduled for tonight, April 21st.


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Jedinstvo sweeps the Finals series to win the title - by Eurobasket News
Playoff Finals, Game 3: Jedinstvo BP - Roling Niksic 76-64 (3-0)

Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje is the new/old champion of Montenegro. The favorites from the start have managed to defend the title after sweeping the finals series against Roling Niksic in three straight games. Along with the title, Jedinstvo has previously defended the National Cup as well confirming total dominance in Montenegrin basketball. After finishing the regular season undefeated, Jedinstvo players also did not lose a single match in the Playoffs. They only didn;t have enough sports luck to make it to the Final Four of the Adriatic League.
Game 3 of the Montenegrin Playoff Finals was spent in an evenly contested matchup from the start. However, as the time went by, so did the host started to slowly take over. By halftime they were already holding comfortable lead. In the second half they routinely maintained their advantage, never giving hope to Roling players that they can make a comeback. As the final buzzer sounded, hosts started to celebrate the title as the scoreboard show the final score at 76-64.
Brankica Brankica Hadzovic (175-G-81) and Sanja Knezevic (190-F-84) led the champions with 20 and 16 points respectively. They received help from Jasmina Bigovic (174-G-79), who added 13 points, as well as Marija Garcevic (178-G-86), who chipped in 12 points. On the other side, Roling was led by Djordjevic, who scored 20 points. Ristic and Andjela Djurovic (188-F/C-90) were also good for visitors as they finished this match with 14 and 12 points respectively.

Jedinstvo BP: Brankica Hadzovic 20, Sanja Knezevic 16, Jasmina Bigovic 13, Marija Garcevic 12
Roling Niksic: Djordjevic 20, Ristic 14, Andjela Djurovic 12

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Municipal MCM Targoviste handed Sf. Gheorghe the first loss - by Eurobasket News
The game between Municipal MCM Targoviste and Sf. Gheorghe became the top one of the second stage in the country. The defending champions rolled over Sf. Gheorghe 85:50 as both teams share the top with 11-1 records.
Municipal MCM Targoviste smashed the opponents in the opening quarter with 28-12 and added 16-11 in the second period. Moreover they produced 26-20 in the third quarter and finished with 15-7 in the last stanza. Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) exploded with 30 points and 7 rebounds for the winners as she became the Player of the year. Givens collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) delivered 12. Vass ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.
CSTA BC Alexandria meanwhile tied their record at 6-6 beating SCM CSS Craiova 75:57. The hosts started with 25-15 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after that. Alexandra Cutas (179-F-82) top-scored for the inners with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Georgiana Rus (189-F-87) added 20. Ramona Tarta (173-G-89) finished the night with 13 points in the losing case.
The next round is scheduled for April 21st. Sf. Gheorghe will host Oradea, while Targoviste will play against Craiova .


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
A1
 1. Targoviste 12-1 
 2. Sf. Gheorghe 11-1 
 3. ICIM Arad 8-4 
 4. Alexandria 6-6 
 5. Satu Mare 6-6 
 6. Craiova 4-9 
 7. Rapid Bucuresti 1-11 
 8. Oradea 1-11 
A2
 1. Alba Iulia 8-2 
 2. Olimpia 7-3 
 3. Cluj Napoca 7-4 
 4. Iasi 6-5 
 5. Sp.Studentesc 4-6 
 6. Timisoara 3-6 
 7. Brasov 1-10 


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA - Women  


A Superleague Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
UMMC - Nadezhda O. 90-52
UMMC posted the second and decisive win over Nadezhda to book their spot in the Superleague Finals. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) knocked down 19 points to lead UMMC into the next round. Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) delivered 12 points for the winners. Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) responded with 11 points for Nadezhda.


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Marina KUZINA
  Dynamo M.
  (195-C-85)
  Avg: 22.6
 1. Kuzina, Dynamo M.22.6 
 2. Mosch, Nadezhda O.16.0 
 3. Taurasi, Spartak .15.9 
 4. Snow, Dynamo K.15.7 
 5. Snytsina, Nadezhda.15.6 
 6. Parker, UMMC15.3 
 7. Korstine, Spartak .14.3 
 8. Firsova, Spartak SP13.8 
 9. Pimenova, Cheva.13.6 
 10. Gruda, UMMC13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Yuliya KISELEVA
  Dynamo NSU
  (200-C-85)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Kiseleva, Dynamo N.10.1 
 2. Baranova, Nadezhda.8.9 
 3. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.8.8 
 4. Snow, Dynamo K.8.2 
 5. Zakalyuzhnay., Nadezh.7.9 
 6. Stepanova, UMMC7.8 
 7. Parker, UMMC6.8 
 8. Petrakova, Spart.6.8 
 9. Kuzina, Dynamo M.6.6 
 10. Grishaeva, Cheva.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Sue BIRD
  Spartak V MR
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 6
 1. Bird, Spartak V MR6.0 
 2. Pondexter, UMMC4.5 
 3. Poto, Dynamo NSU4.1 
 4. Dumerc, UMMC4.1 
 5. Berseneva, Nadezhda.4.0 
 6. Keyru, Dynamo M.3.6 
 7. Firsova, Spartak SP3.5 
 8. Popova, Dynamo M.3.3 
 9. Abrosimova, UMMC3.2 
 10. Mosch, Nadezhda O.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Ksenia BOLSUNOVSKAYA
  Dynamo NSU
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Bolsunovskay., Dynamo N.2.9 
 2. Beglova, Spart.2.4 
 3. Popova, Dynamo M.2.4 
 4. Keyru, Dynamo M.2.2 
 5. Poto, Dynamo NSU2.2 
 6. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.2.1 
 7. Chrustaljeva, Cheva.1.9 
 8. Belyakova, Spart.1.9 
 9. Abrosimova, UMMC1.9 
 10. Snytsina, Nadezhda.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.2.3 
 2. Osipova, Spartak .1.9 
 3. Kiseleva, Dynamo N.1.8 
 4. Stepanova, UMMC1.2 
 5. Kuzina, Dynamo M.1.1 
 6. Loginova, Spart.1.0 
 7. Parker, UMMC1.0 
 8. Lisina, Spartak .0.9 
 9. Snow, Dynamo K.0.9 
 10. Petrovic, Spartak .0.8 


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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Merkur and Kranjska Gora win first semi final games - by Zeljko Zule
Merkur Celje easily defeated Triglav 83-60 in the first game of the semi-final series and Hit Kranjska Gora rallied in the second half to beat AJM Maribor 80-63.
Merkur Celje (1) - Triglav 83-60: Merkur used two huge runs to beat Triglav. The home team made a 19-4 run in the second quarter and the game was already decided after a 14-2 run early in the third period. Vedrana Grgin-Fonseca (188-F-75) had 18 points and 13 rebounds, Rankica Sarenac scored 14 points, Nika Baric 13, Ana Turcinovic 10 and Kristina Verbole grabbed 12 rebounds. Triglav was outrebounded 25-46. Vanja Cernivec netted 15 points and Tjasa Gortnar added 13.
Hit Kranjska Gora (2) - AJM Maribor (3) 80-63: Kranjska Gora open the second half with 16 straight points to take a crucial lead 48-31. Sasa Panic scored 19 points, Eva Komplet 12, Natalia Tratsiak Terglav 12 and Simona Jurse 11. For AJM, Ljubica Kure had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Ljubica Kure posted 15 points and Marusa Furman collected 12 points and 8 rebounds.


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  SWEDEN - Women  


Damligan: 08 Stockholm takes a break in Finals series (0-1) - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings - 08 Stockholm HR 74-82

08 Stockholm managed to take a break from Solna in the Finals series of Swedish Damligan. They overcame their hosts Solna to win the contest 74-82 and take over the home court advantage, as well as 1-0 lead in the series. The game started off as a closely contested matchup as teams exchanged basket for basket trying to establish dominance. At the end of the first quarter, it was visitors who held narrow 19-20 lead. Second quarter was more or less the same as Solna players were trying to catch up but Stockholm was holding onto their lead. At the halftime, the score stood at 34-38 but the game was far from over. In third period, lead continued to change but it was visiting team who was in control. Basket after basket they maintained their narrow lead which with 10 minutes left to play stood at 55-60. In the final quarter, Stockholm players still controlled flow of the game never allowing Solna to mount a serious comeback. They routinely closed the game out and celebrated deserved 8 point margin win.
Farhiya Abdi (187-F-92) was great for the winning side, finishing the game with 23 points. Martina Staalvant (175-G-89) added 18 points, while Agnes Nordstrom (181-G-88) chipped in 15 points of her own. For Solna, Katarina Andersson (191-C-83) had game high 29 points. Christy Bacon (182-G/F-80, college: Wyoming) and Josefin Olheim (176-G-86) also stood out with 20 and 15 points respectively, but they received little support from rest of their teammates.

Solna: Katarina Andersson 29, Christy Bacon 20, Josefin Olheim 15, Ofa Christy Tulikihihifo 4, Emma Halldin-Wedin 3, Maria Gltekin 3.
08 Stockholm: Farhiya Abdi 23, Martina Staalvant 18, Agnes Nordstrom 15, Sandra Ngoie-Hasahya 8, Nina Risto 7, Anna sterman 5, Kadidja Andersson 4, Olga Kjelsson 2.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld21.4 
 2. Frazee, Cankaya19.2 
 3. Prince, Botas19.1 
 4. Pringle, TED K.18.7 
 5. Sales, Besiktas17.9 
 6. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld16.9 
 7. Taylor, Fenerbahce16.9 
 8. Hodges, Istanbul.16.8 
 9. Paris, Botas16.8 
 10. Johnson, TED K.16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lauren ERVIN
  Ceyhan Bld
  (191-F-85)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld12.5 
 2. Paris, Botas12.2 
 3. Pringle, TED K.11.8 
 4. Frazee, Cankaya11.7 
 5. Black, Tarsus Bld10.4 
 6. Sevinc, Kocaeli10.1 
 7. Dacic, Besiktas9.7 
 8. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld9.0 
 9. Larkins, Mersin8.8 
 10. Penn, Istanbul.8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Zoll, Botas6.1 
 2. January, Tarsus Bld4.3 
 3. Vardarli, Fener.4.0 
 4. Hodges, Istanbul.3.9 
 5. Johnson, TED K.3.9 
 6. Brooks, Cankaya3.9 
 7. Unuvar, Cankaya3.9 
 8. McBride, TED K.3.7 
 9. Yillar, Kocaeli3.7 
 10. Chaney, Samsun3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Tamika CATCHINGS
  Galatasaray
  (186-F-79)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Catchings, Galatasa.2.9 
 2. Prince, Botas2.8 
 3. Chaney, Samsun2.6 
 4. January, Tarsus Bld2.5 
 5. Penn, Istanbul.2.3 
 6. Gant, Istanbul.2.3 
 7. Pringle, TED K.2.2 
 8. Smith, Ceyhan Bld2.2 
 9. Ajavon, Fenerbahce2.1 
 10. Brooks, Cankaya2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 LaToya PRINGLE
  TED Kayseri
  (191-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Pringle, TED K.2.4 
 2. Dacic, Besiktas1.4 
 3. Black, Tarsus Bld1.2 
 4. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld1.0 
 5. Alyoshkina, Samsun1.0 
 6. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.0.9 
 7. Paris, Botas0.9 
 8. Larkins, Mersin0.8 
 9. Gaither, Samsun0.7 
 10. Smith, TED Kayseri0.7 


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  UKRAINE - Women  


Standings (Women)
UPBL Standings
 1. Dnipro 30-2 
 2. Dynamo-NPU 28-4 
 3. Donbas 22-10 
 4. Kozachka 21-11 
 5. Luganski Last. 16-16 
 6. Yuzhna Palmira 10-22 
 7. BC Frankivsk 6-26 
 8. Politeh Basket 6-26 
 9. Orlan Simfer. 5-27 


Dnipro is the Winner of the Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro is the Winner of the Regular Season in Ukraine as the team finished with 30-2 record. Their last game the team won over the rivals Dynamo in the top game at the end of the Regular Season in Ukraine.
Dynamo meanwhile finished second with 28-4 record as they also lost in the last game of the League to Donbas. The latter improved to 22-10 to finish third in the League producing 82:68 win. Dynamo started with 24-21 lead after the first 10 minutes, while Donbas replied with 26-18 in the second stanza. Moreover the hosts added 21-9 in the third quarter and never looked behind after. Dynamo won the last period 17-14 and just reduced the gap in the game. Melentyeva top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Olga Lyashkova (185-G-80, agency: LBM Management) and Irina Rastorgueva (180-C-76) posted 17 points each in a win. Viktoria Shmatova (171-G-87) responded with 25 points in the losing effort. Dynamo just played in six.
April 23rd will be a start of the Play-offs as eight teams will struggle for the title. This year Dnipropetrovsk will host the Final Eight as the season will be finished on April 25th. The Final game is scheduled for April 25th at 16.00.