Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/22/2010

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Men News

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ABA

ABA EXPANDS TO LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA - by Bruno Baltazar
(ABA) www.abalive.com today announced it would expand next season to Lafayette, Louisiana with the addition of the Louisiana United basketball team owned by Kevin Williams. 'This is truly a family affair and a terrific organiation,' stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO. 'In an email to me, Kevin said 'I would like to thank my beautiful wife Tiffany Williams, my parents Roosevelt and Lillian Countee and Stuart Williams, and my brother Christopher Williams for their continued support. I would also like to thank my sfaff Vera Bessard, Henry Curtis, Shayla Woods, Traci Bessard, Tamina Chenier, Mallory Woods, Brennan Dunn, Tanisha Green, Roosevelt Countee Jr, Philip Petry, Brit Grays and Erica Campbell for making it possible for me to bring the first professional basketball team to Southwest Louisiana.' With that kind of backing, how can this team be anything but a great success?

Kevin Williams is a native ot Houston, Texas who has always had a passion for basketball. In his early years, he played at local YMCAs, recreation centers and AAU prior to attending Forest Brook High School where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He attended Tillotson College in Austin TX on scholarship and began work in the community coaching YMCA basketball. He is currently a coach of an under 17 team.

'I have always wanted to own a professional basketball team and am very thankful the ABA has given me this wonderful opportunity,' stated Williams. 'I can now pursue and achieve my dreams. I'm excited about joining the ABA and looking forward to being very competitive in the Southwest Division. Our team, because of the great support I have from family and friends, is called the Louisiana United.' For more information,
call 832 969 1689, email louisianaunited@yahoo.com. Tryouts will be announced shortly.

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ARGENTINA

LigaA Finals: Penarol jumps to 3-1 - by Eurobasket News
Atenas - Penarol 74-85
Penarol is one step away from the title. They did a great job last night beating Atenas on the road 74-85 for 1-3 lead in the series. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) shined for the guests with 25 points. Marcos Mata

(202-F-86) had 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) added 11 points, 5 boards and 6 assists. For the home side Albert White (197-G/F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Missouri) collected 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Jackson, La Union	18.9
2. Lamonte, Penarol	18.0
3. Moodie, Boca Jrs	17.7
4. Lo Grippo, Atenas	17.7
5. Funes, C.Entrer.	16.7
6. Nelson, Quilmes MP	16.4
7. Profit, Libertad S.	16.4
8. Cutley, C.Entrer.	16.2
9. Gonzalez, Quimsa	16.0
10. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	11.8
2. Williams, Union S.	8.1
3. Rollins, Gimnasia.	7.8
4. Griffin, Estudiantes	7.5
5. Leiva, Penarol	7.3
6. Assie, Quilmes MP	7.3
7. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	7.2
8. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.1
9. McFarlan, Union S.	6.9
10. Mikulas, Boca Jrs	6.7

Assists Per Game

Fernando TITARELLI
  Quilmes MP
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Titarelli, Quilm.	6.3
2. Cequeira, Sionista	4.3
3. Victoriano, Lanus	4.1
4. Franco, Estudiantes	4.1
5. Martinez, Sionista	3.8
6. Labaque, Obras	3.6
7. Ginobili, Libertad S.	3.4
8. Williams, Olimpico.	3.1
9. Figueroa, Atenas	3.0
10. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	3.0

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. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	1.6
5. Franco, Estudiantes	1.6
6. Funes, C.Entrer.	1.6
7. Marshall, C.Entrer.	1.6
8. Campazzo, Penarol	1.5
9. Figueroa, Atenas	1.4
10. Cutley, C.Entrer.	1.4

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. White, Atenas	1.4
4. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.3
5. Bortz, Obras	1.2
6. Rollins, Gimnasia.	1.2
7. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
8. Williams, Union S.	1.1
9. Assie, Quilmes MP	1.0
10. Griffin, Estudiantes	0.8

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ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

21st Asia Champions cup : ALL TEAMS ROSTERS - by Maarouf Mawloud
Mahram Iran

Head Coach: Mostafa Hashemi

4 Mehrad Atashi

5 Jackson Brett Vroman

6 Kaveh Nourafza

7 Mahdi Kamrany

8 Loren G Woods

9 Aidin Kabir

10 Hamed Afagh Eslameih

11 Hamed SohrabNejad

12 Mahdi Esmaili Khatir

13 M Reza Dargi

14 Mohammad Samad Nikkah Bahrami

15 Saman Veishi

ASU Jordan

Head Coach: Fredrick Femi Oniga

4 Ghazi Al Naber

5 Nedal Alsharif

6 Ali Zaghab

7 Ahmad Alhamarsheh

8 Mohammad Hadrab

10 Abdallah Abuqoura

11 Wesam Al-Sous

12 Zaid Abbaas

13 Luay Al Najjar

14 Islam Abbaas

15 Olumide Oyedeji

Astana Tigers Kazakhestan

Head Coach: Vitaly Strebkov

4 Maxim Voyeikov

5 Ilya Koptelov

6 Artyom Skornyakov

7 Omirzak Akhmet

8 Vitaliy Lopatin

9 Alexandr Tyutyunik

10 Antonio Kaetano

11 Anton Ponomarev

12 Yevgeniy Issakov

13 Rustam Yargaliyev

14 Dmitriy Gavrilov

15 Vsevolod Fadeikin

AlHilal KSA

Head Coach: Ali Alsanhani

4 Faisal Aldawsari

5 Mohammed Alsager

6 Dermarr Johnson

7 Turki Alturki

8 Yazaid Aldosari

9 Hassan Alzawad

10 Ahmed Samater

11 Saley Sufayani

12 Brandon Crump

13 Faihan Alqahtani

14Abdulrahman Aldosari

15 Hani Almohammed

Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)

Head coach : fouad abou chacra

4 Ghaleb Reda

5 Hussein Tawbe

6 Ali Mahmoud

7 Rony Fahed

8 Omar El Turk

9 Nathanel Johnson

10 Chester Jarell Giles

11 Rodrigue Akl

12 Ali Fakhreddine

13 Brian Feghali

14 Roy Samaha

15 FadiEl Khatib

Philippines (Smart Gilas)

Head Coach: Toroman Rajko

4 Mark Andy Barocca

5 Aldrech John Ramos

6 Christopher John Tiu

7 Dylan Simon Ababou

8 Japeth Paul Aguilar

9 Gregory Slaughter

10 Marnel Baraceal

11 Milan Vucicevic

12 Jason Ballesteros

13 Marcio Tsongo Lassiter

14 Rafael Joey Jasul Jr.

15 Ricardo Cawaling Jr.

Al Rayan (Qatar)

Head Coach: Carl Nash

4 Craig O Brien Winder

5 Michael D Fey

6 Saad Ali

7 Ali Ali

8 Targuy Alban Ngombo

9 Malek Abdulla

10 Yasseen Musa

11 Mohd. Hassan Mohamed

12 Mohammed Abdulla

13 Majid Abdulla

14 Erfan Saeed

15 Omar Salem

Al Jalaa (Syria)

Head Coach: Mensur Bajramovic

4 Sari Papazian

5 Ahmad Hekmat Hadad

6 Micheal Madanly

7 Ahmad Haj Ishak

8 Mhd Charif Charif

9 Chudley Earl Gray

10 Rami Merjaneh

11 Marcelle Yaqqub

12 Eder Arjo Georges

13 Garnett James Thompson

14 Abboud Shakkour

15 Wissam Yaqqub

Al Nasr (UAE)
Head Coach: Tariek Selim
Duhoq (Iraq)
Head Coach: Hamza Ubaid Bakkal

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BAHRAIN

Al-Ahli and Al-Manama win the first Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Al-Ahli and Al-Manama win the first Semifinals as they opened Golden 4 with victories. Al-Ahli overcame Al-Hala 81:76, while the teams were tied at 26-26 after the opening quarter. later the hosts took 22-18 in the second period and produced 21-13 in the third to kep the score for good. Al-Manama meanwhile rolled over AL-Muharraq 99:90 trailing at the halftime. At first the hosts took 20-15 lead after the first quarter, but AL-Muharraq won the second period 25-19. The teams nailed 26 points each in the third frame and the hosts won the last quarter as well as the game itself.

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BELGIUM

Leuven Bears Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Lots of transfer news from the Stella Artois Leuven Bears as they are now known.
First big transfer which had been rumoured for a while is the addidtion of Jurgen Van Meerbeeck as their new head-coach. the newly voted Belgian Coach of the Year comes to Leuven after 2 years at the helm of Verviers-Pepinster. Jurgen has an extensive career in D1 as player (436 games) and coach (Mons-Hainaut and Vilvoorde).

Some of his former Verviers-Pepinster players are joining him on his new team, players such as Americans Chris Devine (203-F-84, college: UCSB) and John Tofi (203-F/C-84, college: UTEP) besides Belgian players Niels Marnegraeve and Thomas Creppy. Wim Vuchelen who has been on the Leuven roster since 2003 stays with the team and is joined by youngsters Thomas Verheyen and Louis Delcour.

Leuven also signed American power forward Dior Lowhorn (201-F-87) who recently finished his college career at San Fransisco. Started his college career at Texas Tech playing for legendary coach Bobby Knight before transferring back to his home town SF.
Lowhorn played 3 years at SF and was the WCC scoring leading in both his sophomore and junior seasons, both times averaging over 20ppg.
This past season he came in second in the conference in scoring with 18.4 ppg to go with his 6.7 rpg, he is also an excellent free throw shooter.
In all 3 seasons he was selected all West Coast Conf 1st team. Lowhorn has an NBA opt-out clause in his contract.

Leuven Bears is still looking for a point guard, small forward, forward and back-up center to finalize their roster.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Mega Mix & Speed Zone Make Much Anticipated Debuts In BVIBF Weekend Action - by David Edole
BY Rawlston Williams/BVIBF PRO

The Buzz around the BVIBF Summer League has all been about the departure of Halstead 'Jr' Chiverton from defending champions East to form his own team. Lost in that fray of suggestions and roster questions was the fact that the decision was made to enter the BVIBF under 19 national squad in the Senior Division for experience purposes. Another fact was the ascension of All Or Nothing the Intermidiate Champs in 2009 to the Senior Division.

Questions were asked on if the young Speed Zone could handle the speed and strength difference in the Senior division, critics considered it a boorish move that would only spoil the young men for the future. Others commented on All or Nothing being an intermediate team and suggested they would not be able to handle the next level.

The controversial split from East brought many questions forward and for the most part 'JR' answered a few critics with Mega Mixs 104 -94 win over All Or Nothing. Though not the showing some fans expected as Mix took a mere 8 point lead into the half and only lead by 6 going into the final quarter. 'Jr' started his MVP push with a solid outing leading all scorers with 36 points to go along with 8 steals and 5 rebounds. Duron Phillips followed up with 25 points 9 rebounds and 5 steals, while Calvert White tallied a triple double with 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. All Or Nothing had a good showing despite the loss as they quieted all the naysayers by contesting a game with a team expected to contest the championship. Leading the way was Kevin Isaac with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Lee-Evan Jacob & Jevon Demming contributed 17 & 16 points respectively in the loss.

In the other senior Division game of the week Speed Zone struck quickly and upended a Fire & Rescue squad that seemed unprepared for the onslaught that the under 19 national team brought. Speed zone dominated the first 3 quarters with swarming defense and aggressive up-tempo offense. The lead steadily grew from 2 in the first quarter, to 9 by half, to 19 entering the final frame. The fourth quarter saw several untimely turnovers for Speed Zone as their coach decided to focus on protecting the lead vice more pressure and as the game pace slowed it favored Fire and rescue as they were able to trim the lead to 10 for a score of 89 to 79 by the time the final buzzer sounded.

Dominique Ward Led Speed Zone with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Daryl Alexander and Zaniel Joseph added 17 and 11. Phillip Glasgow lead all scorers in a losing effort for Fire & Rescue with 27 points and 10 rebounds, Rowan George and Calvin Smith chipped in 23 and 10 points respectively.

In the weekends other games Young Gunners opened their season play against former champions Another Level and completely dominated the entire game crushing the opponents by a score of 100 to 77. Another Level never made it on the same level with Gunners as they trailed by 19 after the first, 15 by halftime, 25 going into the final frame and 23 at games end. Leading the Young Gunners charge was Shamal Caines with an astounding 48 points 5 rebounds and 5 steals, Jevon Serrant and Rhakim Todman contributed 15 & 10 points to the cause. For another level Darryl Alexander top scored finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals, while Dione Blyden added 15 points and, 8 rebounds and Charlesworth Georges chipped in 13points and 7 rebounds.

Former 4 peat champions Jr mystics began their road to redemption with a healthy 76 to 53 win over On ah Roll despite trailing early. Jr Mystics were lead by Enrico Harrigan who tallied 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. Paul Bridgewater added to the cause with 18 points and 12 rebounds. In a valiant effort Shamoii Dagou lead all scorers with 22 points to go along with his 4 rebounds and astonishing 7 steals.

In Intermediate action a new look Rebels team demolished Against Da World 89 to 54. Leading Rebels was Jevon Morris with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Brothers Damion & Aaron Parrilon contributed 19 and 15 points respectively in the win. Akiba & Jamal Forde paced Against the world battling on the offensive boards and contributing 14 points, 20 rebounds and 10 points, 15 rebound s respectively.

Da Boyz set out on their chase for the ever illusive intermediate crown with a 85 to 66 drudging of Doom Squad. Da boyz controlled the pace and flow of the game was lead by Nicols Charles who top scored with 19 points. Clint Weston & Kenrick Thomas added 18 & 11 points respectively. Anslem Joseph paced Doom Squad with 12 points while Alister Percival and Melvin Richards contributed 11 points each.

Games continue Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex.

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BULGARIA

NBL Finals: Game 1 belongs to Lukoil Akademik - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil A. - Levski 95-87
Lukoil celebrated 95-87 victory in Game One of the NBL Finals. The defending champion got 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from Willie Deane (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue). Slavko Stefanovic (206-C-81, agency: BeoExcell) also had very important role adding 22 pts. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. In Levski, Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) shined with 29 points, 7 boards and 6 assists. Game Two is scheduled for Saturday.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.1

1. Harper, Levski	23.1
2. Cole, Levski	18.6
3. Durchev, Chernomo.	18.4
4. Gruev, Rilski Sport	18.1
5. Bozov, Balkan	17.8
6. Antic, Lukoil A.	17.1
7. Brown, Chernomo.	16.6
8. Deane, Lukoil A.	16.2
9. Dimitrov, Spart.	16.2
10. Webb, Cherno More	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Pero ANTIC
  Lukoil A.
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Antic, Lukoil A.	9.9
2. Brown, Chernomo.	8.7
3. Brown, Lukoil A.	8.0
4. Peterson, Rilski S.	7.9
5. Burgess, Rilski Sport	7.4
6. Kennerly, Spart.	7.3
7. Radev, Balkan	7.3
8. Ware, Cherno More	6.9
9. Morton, Chernomo.	6.7
10. Tmusic, Yambol	6.7

Assists Per Game

Aleksandar GRUEV
  Rilski Sport
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Gruev, Rilski Sport	5.5
2. Aleksiev, Chernomo.	4.8
3. Mirakovski, Cherno M.	4.4
4. Webb, Cherno More	4.1
5. Radionov, Yambol	3.9
6. Deane, Lukoil A.	3.8
7. Lilov, Balkan	3.4
8. Dimitrov, Spart.	3.3
9. Frasor, Levski	3.3
10. Harper, Levski	3.2

Steals Per Game

Julian RADIONOV
  Yambol
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Radionov, Yambol	2.5
2. Deane, Lukoil A.	2.2
3. Lilov, Balkan	2.2
4. Harper, Levski	2.1
5. Zahariev, Chernomo.	1.9
6. Dimitrov, Spart.	1.7
7. Zhelev, Cherno M.	1.7
8. Antic, Lukoil A.	1.5
9. Angelov, Yambol	1.5
10. Bozov, Balkan	1.5

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, Yambol	0.9
4. Peterson, Rilski S.	0.9
5. Gocevski, Yambol	0.9
6. Ware, Cherno More	0.8
7. Cole, Levski	0.7
8. Morton, Chernomo.	0.7
9. Radev, Balkan	0.6
10. Preston, Rilski Sport	0.6

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CHILE

Standings - LIBSUR

LIBSUR Standings

North Group
1. AB Temuco		0-0
2. CD Carahue		0-0
3. CD Imperial		0-0
4. CD Las Animas		0-0
5. CD Lautaro		0-0
6. CD Valdiva		0-0
7. CD Victoria		0-0
South Group
1. AB Ancud		0-0
2. CB Osorno		0-0
3. CD Castro		0-0
4. CD Esp. Osorno		0-0
5. CD Puerto Varas		0-0
6. CD U.Los Lagos		0-0
7. DA Puerto Varas		0-0

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CHINA

Four Players Cut From National Team, Zhang Zhaoxu Added - by Arthur Volbert
Four players were cut from the Chinese National Team today -- Li Wei and Jin Xin of Beijing Aoshen, Delehei of Bayi and Zhang Wei of the Zhejiang Lions.

Zhang Zhaoxu, also known as Max Zhang (221-C), was recently added to the team. A one-time star at the Asian Nike Camp out of Shandong, Zhang attends the University of California and saw significant playing time this season, including a period when he was a starter.

Zhang averaged 3.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 10.6 minutes per game last season. He is effective at rebounding and defense but is still offensively challenged.

Zhang is unlikely to make the Chinese team this year as he needs to get himself to the weight room. However, he is an agile 7 foot 3 and has substantial potential.

If he improves his strength over the summer, he could see much more playing time for California next season, gaining valuable experience. If he works hard on his strenghth and his game, he could be a strong candidate for the National Team in 2011 or 2012.

He certainly appears to have the potential for a CBA career. Perhaps he could even have a more successful carreer than Sun Zhe of Dongguan, a player of similar size.

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva		5-0
2. ARBA San Ram.		4-1
3. Escazu		4-1
4. Liceo		2-2
5. Perez Zeledon		1-2
6. UCR		1-2
7. San Luis G.		0-4
8. Cartago		0-5

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Myles MCKAY
  USK Praha
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 22.7

1. McKay, USK P.	22.7
2. Thomas, Podebrady	17.0
3. Smith, BC Kolin	16.7
4. Hatcher, BK Decin	16.3
5. Stuchly, NH Ostrava	15.8
6. Meno, Basketbo.	15.4
7. Castleberry, Podeb.	15.1
8. Hampton, BK Pardu.	15.0
9. Stec, B&W Opava	14.3
10. Mulligan, BK Decin	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Tremaine FORD
  USK Praha
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Ford, USK Praha	11.0
2. Castleberry, Podeb.	9.4
3. Meno, Basketbo.	9.0
4. Burke, NH Ostrava	8.1
5. Landry, BK Prost.	7.8
6. Chan, BK Prostejov	7.3
7. Houska, BK Decin	7.0
8. Payne, NH Ostrava	6.5
9. Arnold, BK Pardu.	6.4
10. Klimes, USK Praha	5.8

Assists Per Game

Brad JONES
  BC Kolin
  (186-G-85)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Jones, BC Kolin	4.7
2. Mitchell, NH Os.	4.5
3. Lawrence, BK Prost.	4.4
4. Kotas, USK Praha	4.3
5. Carnecky, B&W O.	4.3
6. Sanders, Novy Jicin	4.3
7. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.9
8. McKay, USK P.	3.8
9. Vrubl, Basketbo.	3.7
10. Wright, BK Pardu.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	2.4
2. Kotas, USK Praha	2.2
3. Mitchell, NH Os.	2.1
4. Wright, BK Pardu.	2.0
5. Meno, Basketbo.	1.9
6. McKay, USK P.	1.8
7. Mulligan, BK Decin	1.8
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.8
9. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	1.7
10. Hanavan, CEZ N.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Ales CHAN
  BK Prostejov
  (214-C-80)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Chan, BK Prostejov	1.6
2. Ford, USK Praha	1.5
3. Walker, Novy Jicin	1.4
4. Meno, Basketbo.	1.3
5. Payne, NH Ostrava	1.2
6. Castleberry, Podeb.	1.1
7. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	1.0
8. Benda, CEZ Nymburk	1.0
9. Ricci, CEZ Nymburk	0.9
10. Steffel, Novy Jicin	0.9

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DENMARK

Chris Nielsen moves to Bakken Bears - by Eurobasket News
Bakken Bears have already started their preparations for the upcoming season. The last season finalists have agreed on terms of contract with Chris Nielsen (192-G/F-85, agency: Innovative Sports Group). The 25-year-old guard spent the last season with Randers. He was one of the best scorers in the Basketligaen. Chris Nielsen averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. It was his seventh straight season with Randers. Now Nielsen will try to achieve new heights with the Bears.
In the meantime Morten Sahlertz (198-F-89) is planning to leave Bakken. The 21-year-old forward aims at moving to the USA to study. Morten Sahlertz averaged 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in the last season.

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FRANCE

ProB: Limoges is the first semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Le Portel - Limoges 82-84
Limoges is the first Semifinalist after they beat Le Portel in two consecutive games. Alhaji Mohammed

(192-G-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Louisville) shined for the guests with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) helped with 19 points and 9 assists. In Le Portel, Ronnie Taylor

(188-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) collected 20 points and 5 assists.

Bourg - Maurienne 75-60
Bourg got 22 points and 5 rebounds from Daniel Coleman (206-F-85, college: Minnesota). Gary Chathuant (196-F/G-83) helped with 19 points. For the guests, Moses Sonko

(198-F-83, college: Co.Carolina) had 20 points and 5 boards. Bourg - Maurienne 1-1.

Evreux - Pau-Lacq-Ort. 56-71
Pau-Lacq-Orthez cruised past Evreux on the road tying the score to 1-1 in the series. Slaven Rimac

(195-G-74) stepped up for the winners with 20 points. Georgi Joseph

(197-F-82, college: Kennesaw St.) followed him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. For the home side, Michael Doles (198-F-82, college: Va Commonwealth) netted 15 pts.

Nanterre - Lille 95-57
Nanterre blasted Lille and the score is tied to 1-1. Xavier Corosine (185-G-85) led the hosts with 19 points, while Mykal Riley

(198-F-85, college: Alabama) added 3 less than him. In the loosing squad, Jason Siggers (187-G-85, college: Albany) posted 19 pts.

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	19.8
2. Roberson, Stras.	18.5
3. Spencer, Le Mans	18.4
4. Vassallo, Paris-.	17.8
5. Chatfield, Rouen	17.0
6. Banks, Orleans	16.5
7. Gray, Chalon	15.8
8. Greer, Nancy	15.8
9. Traore, AS.	15.6
10. Schilb, Chalon	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	11.4
2. Issa, Vichy	10.8
3. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.6
4. Greer, Nancy	8.5
5. Edwards, Grave.	7.8
6. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.6
7. Falker, Cholet	7.5
8. Gray, Chalon	7.3
9. Slaughter, Nancy	7.1
10. Jones, Le Havre	6.9

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Reid, Vichy	7.8
2. Rogers, Rouen	6.8
3. Everett, Chalon	6.4
4. Greer, Nancy	6.1
5. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
6. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.1
7. Sciarra, Orleans	5.1
8. Heurtel, Strasbourg	4.8
9. Woodside, Gravelines	4.8
10. Linehan, Cholet	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.9
2. Everett, Chalon	2.0
3. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
4. Issa, Vichy	1.9
5. Mims, Roanne	1.8
6. Wright, Le Mans	1.8
7. Greer, Nancy	1.8
8. Rogers, Rouen	1.7
9. Melody, Vichy	1.7
10. Spencer, Le Mans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.4
2. Issa, Vichy	2.3
3. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.6
4. Badiane, Poitiers	1.6
5. Slaughter, Nancy	1.5
6. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
7. Falker, Cholet	1.2
8. Simon, Strasbourg	1.2
9. Soliman, Rouen	1.1
10. Darden, Strasbourg	1.1

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Chris DAVIS
  Charleville
  (196-G/F-80)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Davis, Charleville	18.2
2. Siggers, Lille	18.1
3. Mohammed, Limoges	16.5
4. McKenzie, St Va.	16.2
5. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.1
6. Ingram, Clermont	15.9
7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	15.8
8. Taylor, Le Portel	15.8
9. Dunn, Maurienne	15.7
10. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Luc-Arthur VEBOBE
  Antibes
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Vebobe, Antibes	10.6
2. Giles, Nantes	9.6
3. Jennings, Boulazac	8.7
4. Bing, Clermont	8.6
5. McClark, Bourg	8.3
6. Lovedale, Quimper	8.1
7. Calasan, Charleville	8.0
8. McKenzie, St Va.	7.8
9. McHugh, Quimper	7.6
10. Badiane, Maurienne	7.3

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.2
2. Downey, Nantes	7.4
3. Taylor, Le Portel	6.8
4. Kerckhof, Antibes	6.0
5. Braswell, Limoges	5.9
6. Mullins, Bourg	5.8
7. McIntosh, St Va.	5.7
8. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.4
9. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.3
10. Swift, Brest	4.8

Steals Per Game

Sami DRISS
  Bordeaux
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Driss, Bordeaux	2.9
2. Riley, Nanterre	2.8
3. Craven, Boulazac	2.5
4. Denave, St Vallier	2.2
5. Da Silva, Evreux	2.1
6. Mullins, Bourg	2.1
7. Siggers, Lille	2.0
8. Dunn, Maurienne	1.9
9. Paelay, Charleville	1.8
10. McKenzie, St Va.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Tarvis WILLIAMS
  Bordeaux
  (205-F/C-78)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Williams, Bordeaux	1.8
2. Badiane, Maurienne	1.7
3. Ford, Limoges	1.7
4. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
5. Owona, Bordeaux	1.5
6. Taccoen, Lille	1.1
7. Gouez, Lille	1.0
8. Bauer, Pau-Lacq.	0.9
9. Jennings, Boulazac	0.9
10. N''Diaye, Le Portel	0.9

NM1: 8 teams, 3 games, one Pro B ticket... - by Chris Spiesser
...is the scheme of the NM1 playoffs which already started yesteday, in Denain. After this week's 1/4 finals, the four winners will meet next week, in Reims, for a thrilling final four.

Quarter Finals
Denain 62-77 Angers
Angers overcame Denain despite the nordist's homecourt advantage. The promoted missed in inch of experience at that level to face the angevin roster. Denain chased its opponent during almost 40 minutes. The gap was never excessive, coach Silvert's boys were only trailing by 3pts after 33 minutes but they couldn't reverse the score. The reds underwent some ball control troubles (25 to) as well as a poor 3pts accuracy (6/25). Opposit, Angers did a serious job that allowed coach Hay to handle Gourde's early fouls and the consecutive rebounding weakness (35 vs 19 for Denain). Rigaux (17pts, 6ass, 4to, 5stl) and Traore (16pts 8/12, 5rbs, 4stl) helped the experienced nucleus (Sulpice, White, Hayes, Bassine, Ipouck, Gourde) to reach the final four.

Chalons - Boulogne (Sa 22, 18h30)
Le Puy - St Quentin (Sa 22, 20h00)
Challans - Blois (Sa 22, 20h00)

The picture is almost the same for all those quarters as the season leaders (Le Puy, Denain, Challans) declined over the last regular season games and got almost catched up by their followers. This gives us a tight playoff bracket where playing at home is only a relative advantage. Denain has already been surprised and among the 7 remaining teams, each has serious assets to grab the title. Nevertheless, if Chalons or St-Quentin would win the competition, a question needs to be eluded. The firsts will merge with Reims next year and will be in Pro B for sure while the picards shouldn't be allowed to climb the professionnal step due to financial troubles. In those cases, place 2 of regular season would allow Le Puy to join Pro B.

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Stats Leaders - Superleague

Points Per Game

Dimitar KARADZOVSKI
  Torus
  (189-G-84)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Karadzovski, Torus	20.4
2. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	18.9
3. Dimcevski, Vardar	18.7
4. Ristic, Ovce Pole	18.7
5. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	17.6
6. Held, Ovce Pole	17.3
7. Stojanovski, V.Osig.	17.3
8. Held, Pelister	15.7
9. Hadzibulic, Rabot.	15.6
10. Life, Feni Indistrija	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Gjorgji CEKOVSKI
  Levski
  (202-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	9.4
2. Krstevski, Vardar	8.1
3. Held, Pelister	7.6
4. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	7.5
5. Gjorevski, MZT S.	7.3
6. Ristic, Ovce Pole	7.3
7. Dimcevski, Vardar	6.9
8. Televski, Pelister	6.8
9. Held, Ovce Pole	6.3
10. Knezevic, Feni I.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Goran SAMARDZIEV
  Feni Indistrija
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Samardziev, Feni I.	5.5
2. Karadzovski, Torus	4.8
3. Kocov, Vardar 2000	4.7
4. Mladenovic, Ovce Pole	4.7
5. Mirakovski, Rabot.	4.2
6. Sokolov, Rabotnicki	3.7
7. Trajkovski, Plejme.	3.7
8. Tasevski, Torus	3.6
9. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	3.2
10. Kostovski, V.Osig.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ivica DIMCEVSKI
  Vardar 2000
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Dimcevski, Vardar	1.7
2. Tasevski, Torus	1.6
3. Bogojev, Feni I.	1.5
4. Kocov, Vardar 2000	1.5
5. Stojanovski, V.Osig.	1.5
6. Dimitrovski, Rabot.	1.4
7. Samardziev, Feni I.	1.4
8. Held, Pelister	1.4
9. Kostovski, V.Osig.	1.3
10. Mladenovic, Ovce Pole	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Toni SIMIC
  V.Osiguruvanje
  (210-C-76)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	2.2
2. Krstevski, Vardar	1.5
3. Televski, Pelister	1.3
4. Kralevski, Plejme.	1.0
5. Knezevic, Feni I.	0.8
6. Trajkovski, Feni I.	0.7
7. Bilbija, Ovce Pole	0.5
8. Ilic, Vardar 2000	0.5
9. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	0.5
10. Dokuzovski, Rabot.	0.4

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

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

1. Teague, LTi 46ers	20.4
2. Copeland, TBB Trier	16.8
3. Suput, Brose B.	15.1
4. Rochestie, Goett.	15.1
5. Allen, Dt.	14.9
6. Burns, ratiopharm	14.8
7. Jenkins, ALBA	14.8
8. Travis, Walter Tigers	14.4
9. Jeffers, LTi 46ers	14.4
10. Oliver, Goettingen	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jeff GIBBS
  Bremerhaven
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Gibbs, Bremerhaven	8.9
2. Ensminger, Telek.	8.5
3. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	8.1
4. Johnson, LTi 46ers	7.2
5. Kale, Phoenix Hagen	7.0
6. Turek, Phoenix .	6.6
7. Travis, Walter Tigers	6.5
8. Burns, ratiopharm	6.3
9. Oliver, Goettingen	6.3
10. Trice, ratiopharm	6.3

Assists Per Game

Louis CAMPBELL
  Bremerhaven
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Campbell, Bremerha.	5.8
2. Ratkovica, Walter T.	5.7
3. Hamilton, NY Phant.	5.4
4. Jordan, Telekom B.	5.3
5. Jordan, Phoenix .	5.3
6. Reese, Dt.	4.3
7. Gamqrelidze, MBC	3.8
8. Williams, LTi 46ers	3.6
9. Schaffartzik, NY Pha.	3.5
10. McElroy, AL.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Roderick TRICE
  ratiopharm
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Trice, ratiopharm	2.4
2. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
3. Jenkins, Walter T.	1.9
4. Bernard, MBC	1.5
5. Teague, LTi 46ers	1.5
6. Martin, Bremerha.	1.4
7. Anderson, Goett.	1.4
8. Foster, EWE B.	1.4
9. Evans, TBB Trier	1.3
10. Ratkovica, Walter T.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

John TUREK
  Phoenix Hagen
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Turek, Phoenix .	1.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.3
3. Boumtje, EWE B.	1.2
4. Lyde, Bremerhaven	1.1
5. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.1
6. Ohlbrecht, Telek.	1.1
7. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	1.0
8. Barrett, Pad.Bask.	0.9
9. Bryant, ratiopharm	0.9
10. Boone, Goettingen	0.8

Doug Spradley (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Reflects On The 79-78 Game 5 Win Against BG Goettingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) is in his first season as head coach of The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. 2-7. He played at Gonzaga and in Germany from 1992-2001. He played for The Paderborn Baskets from 1992-1996, then for Braunschweig from 1996-1998 and with Weissenfels from 1998-2000. He received a German passport in 1998. He played one last season in Paderborn in 2000-2001 before becoming head coach in 2001. He help lead Paderborn into the BBL in 2006 and crowned his 8 year coaching stay in Paderborn by reaching the Playoffs in 2009 and taking 8 time BBL champion Alba Berlin to a five games series in the quarterfinals. Spradley spoke to eurobasket after knocking ot BG Goettingen in the BEKO BBL quarterfinal playoffs.

Congrats on an amazing 79-78 win on a buzzer beater by Andrew Drevo. Have you ever experienced a big win like this in your career?

This was a big win. I have had some big wins as a coach. I remember the game in Paderborn where we moved up or beating BG Goettingen last season, but this game 5 win on the road in Goettingen was extra special.

How strong was the WE BELIEVE in the team when you were down 2-1 in games?

We always thought from the start that we matched up well with BG Goettingen. I felt that we made good adjustments in this series. Winning game two was just as important as winning game four. We had our backs to the wall, but I thought that the pressure was on BG Goettingen since everyone expected them to win. If you look at the stats then one could see that it was a hard fought series and the team that was more concentrated for 40inutes won.

How much energy did his series take out of the team?

I think that any 5 game series will take a lot of energy out of a team I am just happy that we dont have to play Sunday. Frankfut has some extra days rest. We will be ready to go. Players will have tired legs, but they have to suck it up. We will have to rotate more and have to et support from other players as well.

BG Goettingen led 41-40 at halftime. What was the major difference in the game at halftime?

It was a pretty even game up to halftime. We gave a lot of effort and I thought that we did a good job fending off runs. I was happy hat we were only down by one point at halftime.

BG Goettingen was able to keep the 6-7 point lead in the third quarter. What were the biggest problems that Bremerhaven were having?

BG Goettingen came out with more energy while we came out flat. They went on a 5-0 run in the first 70 seconds. We did a good job staying in the game. They were making good shots and we werent as aggressive on offense.

In the fourth quarter, Bremerhaven was down by 10 points. What was key in the comeback in the last three minutes?

We did a good job handling their pressure. We did a good job playing small ball and nobody hung their heads. We showed that despite being down by 11 points with three minutes to play that we could come back.

BG Goettingen seemed a bit wild on offense in the last minutes. Did Bremerhaeven make any adjustments on defense?

We gambled by playing small. Jeff Gibbs had fouled out. We got some fouls but we did a good job pressuring them. We did the best job that we could with what we had.

Andrew Drevo won he game with a mid distance fall away shot Was this a designed play?

We had a couple options that we could of used on the last play. We had Philip Schwethelm at the top, but I am happy that Andrew Drevo was able to take advantage of the mismatch and make that shot. Drevo has such a cool character and always is an even keel. I am very happy that he made the shot. When I saw Drevo take the shot, I was pretty sure that it was going in. If here is a player that will make that shot then him.

What was the main difference in this five game series?

The main difference was that we hung in there for the whole series. We had lost a exhibition game before he playoffs by 28 points and the first game by 20 points so you could of thought that some guys might of packed their bags and gone home, but the guys were vey motivated. We gave a good answer in game 2 and then in Goettingen we were leading for about 30 minutes of the game. We always thought that we could win this series. This was a very even series. Both teams new each othter very well since we played against each other 10 times. We always kept coming back. BG Goettingen could of easily won this series as well.

What does Phoenix Have to do to come back and beat the Lakers?

The Suns have to play defense. Everybody thinks that its all Kobe Bryant but hey have a nice supporting cast .Guys like Lamar Odom and Ron Artest are doing a good job. The Lakers will be tough to beat. The Suns have to win at home and steal one on the road.

What does Orlando have to do to come back and beat Boston?

Orlando has to pray. Boston is playing at a different level. Everybody wants to see the great Boston-LA rivalry of the 80s back again.
Thanks Doug for the chat.

Brandon Thomas (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Postgame Thoughts To 78-76 Win In Game 4 Against Oldenburg - 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%. He talked to eurobasket after knocking out Oldenburg out of the playoffs.

Congrats on the 78-76 win against 2009 BEKO BBL chmapion EWE Baskets Oldenburg. You guys beat Oldenburg three times in a row. How wild is that? Have you ever beaten a strong team like Oldenburg in your career three times in a row?

Im sure it is a surprise to most. It was nice that we were able to rise to the occasion and play to our potential. I believe it is a first for a team this strong with such a reputation but hopefully not the last.

How confident were The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig going into game 4 on their home court? What kind of feeling did you have waking up in the morning?

I think we all felt confident but knew it would be a tough battle. I felt pretty relaxed waking up. I was happy that game day was finally here.

Oldenburg had the slight 37-35 lead at halftime. What were the biggest positives that Braunschweig was doing in the first 20 minutes?

We were really moving the ball well on offense in the first quarter. We at times were able to get out in transition which helped us a lot. Also our defense was good and we were able to force some turnovers.

What did coach Sebastian Machowski tell the team to do in the second half?

We had to be more focused on defense guarding the pick and roll and in the post

You guys went on a 19-4 run to start the fourth quarter which seemed to be an early indication that you would win the game. What was key on offense for sustaining this run?

Im not sure the run was ever that big but when we did go on a run we really played well as a team and shot great from outside.

The fourth quarter was very tight as Oldenburg cut the Braunschweig lead to two points, but were never able to lead again. What was key in the fourth quarter for winning the ball game?

Defense and defensive rebounding.

Besides getting this win how happy were you that you were top scorer and had a strong overall game in this monumental win?

It feels good to play well especially in a game like this but my team along with each individual was amazing and I hope we can continue in the next round.

How calm was coach Machowski? Did he let out some emotions or were the thoughts already towards Bamberg?

He was excited as was everybody but we are focused now on Bamberg.

Were two main keys to the win a balanced attack and strong defense?

100%

The Boston Celtics lead 2-0 against The Orlando Magic. What does Orlando have to do to come back?
Swap players
Thanks Brandon for the chat.

221cm german center Nick Schneiders Interview - by Daniel Poerschke
Nick Schneiders (221-C-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) is German's tallest pro basketball player at the moment and just graduated from NCAA 1 USC-Upstate. In his senior year Nick averaged 12.4ppg, 6.8rpg and 3.0bpg. Now the 221cm (7'3) giant is looking for his first pro team and found some time for Eurobasket.com to talk about him as a person on and off the court.

1. You started your basketball career fairly late, tell us a little bit about your youth in Germany and how you ended up at USC-Upstate?

I started my basketball career really late actually. I am from a very small town in Germany and the only sport that was accessible to me when I was younger was soccer. I played soccer until I was about 13 but I wasnt very good at it and I didnt want to be the last guy on the bench any longer so I quit. I tried a couple of recreational sports like skateboarding, inline skating and wind surfing but didnt play any real sport competitively until I decided that basketball might be a good sport for me to try. I was about 19 and a half, 218cm and built like a stick, and had a hard time even against 15-16 year olds but I enjoyed basketball immensely and so I stuck with it. Interestingly enough I started playing around the same time Robert Oehle started playing, who now plays for the webmoebel Baskets in Paderborn, and weve always had this little rivalry going on. I dont think DJK Rheda ever produced anyone who made it higher than Regionalliga until Robert and I came along.
I did my social service (zivildienst) at DJK Rheda and during that time I started looking for opportunities for the next year and came along a recruiting service for collegiate sports. I figured it wouldnt hurt to try and a couple of months later Coach Eddie Payne from USC Upstate came to Rheda to meet and work me out. He offered me a scholarship to then Division 2 USC Upstate and after taking all my tests to become NCAA eligible I came to beautiful Spartanburg, South Carolina; all this after playing for about a year and a half of organized basketball.
To be honest I was probably the worst player ever to receive a scholarship to any College but after redshirting a year, playing a year in NCAA division 2 and then playing three years in Division 1 I can honestly say that I have come a long way. I eventually became a starter and then the go to guy at USC Upstate and personally had a pretty good season this last year, even though we struggled as a team. I received Academic All-American second team honors and was ranked 12th nationally with 3.0 blocks a game while also averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 27 minutes a game.

2. What are your plans for next season, where do you picture yourself playing?

After five years living abroad, seeing my family once a year at best, I would like to play a bit closer to home for a little while. I am sure I can find a team in the Beko-BBL that needs a smart, mobile 221cm shot-blocking center that can score the ball if needed. It does not matter to me where the team is located but it is important to me that the team is the right fit. I had a late start in basketball and even though I am pretty good now, I know I can be exponentially better in just a few years time and so its important to me that I can grow as a basketball player. This requires a stable situation and certain other ingredients that might make picking a team more difficult than it usually is for other players just leaving college.
Wherever I end up I know its going to be hard work but also a lot of fun. There is just nothing like playing a sport with a bunch of guys that are passionate about the game just like you are and that work day in and day out to reach a common goal, to win the next game.

3. National team coach Dirk Bauermann called you for the national team preparations for the first time this year. What are your thoughts about that and what do you think you can bring to the team?

Actually, Dirk Bauermann called me one day early in the morning while I was on my way to class and told me that I had a good chance of being invited to the national team camp in July. Obviously, I was very excited since there is nothing like representing your country and it would be such an honor and privilege to be considered for the national team. We talked for a little while about the tasks ahead of me and what I would need to work on to be successful as a basketball player and he actually made me late for class but my teachers understood of course. I hope that I can convince him to be a part of the National Team now or in the near future. I believe that I could be a real asset on the defensive end with my size and shot blocking abilities. I can make it a lot harder for any team to get points in the paint and I am always a threat on the offensive boards.
Furthermore, I can also knock down mid-ranges shots at a good rate and so it becomes difficult to help off of me on penetration.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Like I mentioned earlier, I am a great shot blocker and I absolutely love defense. I run the floor very well for my size and have a good touch on hook shots and mid-range jumpers. I have a little trouble with small and agile forwards and it wouldnt hurt putting on a couple of pounds of muscle. This last season I also had a little trouble staying consistent but that might have been the result of my inexperience as the lead player on the team and the very inconsistent guard play.

5. Tell us a little bit about your graphic design studies.

I have always been interested in design. One just has to look around the room and there will be dozens of examples of items that someone designed with a purpose. Posters, packaging, magazines, logos and the list goes on and on and I always wanted to know more about that. I just received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Studio with an emphasis in Graphic Design and its been an interesting five years trying to juggle school and basketball. Art as a degree is unbelievably time consuming and being gone most of the time during the basketball season really taxed my ability to improvise and manage my time wisely. Eventually I would like to get back to Graphic Design but for the foreseeable future my focus is on basketball. Who knows, maybe I can combine the two one day, there are some awful logos out there representing some high level basketball clubs in Europe.

6. What were the best memories of your college career?

That is a very tough question. There are really too many to list but I will try to pick a couple. Not necessarily the best but a very interesting memory is this last seasons game against UNLV in Las Vegas. We lost pretty badly against a good team but I had an outstanding night shooting the ball and it felt like I could hardly miss. I ended up with something like 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks against a team that at the time was projected by many people to go to the NCAA tournament as a fairly high seed. I think in general my good memories are of games against high-level competition since I always feel more comfortable playing against bigger and taller players.
Unfortunately, we didnt fair very well as a team and that just dampens the joy of a good individual performance immensely. I suppose thats something one has to live with when playing for a small team that just changed to division 1 two-three seasons ago.
I had a great game against the conferences leading scorer when I held him to just 11 points and scored 18 myself. He had scored in double figures in something like 40 games straight and I was trying very hard to break that streak. He ended up getting his double figures in scoring but not without getting very frustrated and working very hard for those 11 points. I think he averaged something like 22 points a game on the season and dropped 30+ on a couple of teams. His pissed of face when we shook hands afterwards, even
though they won a close game, just made the long trip home just that much more bearable.
Lastly, I will probably never forget my last game in the Hodge Center, our gym. I was very emotional and ended up having a good game that put an exclamation mark on my college career at upstate. Maybe you can ask me that question again in a couple of years and I can tellyou about that championship I won :-)

1.Bundesliga Round: 5 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Goettingen - Bremerhaven 78-79
Bremerhaven stepped up with another loud sensation as they eliminated EuroChallenge champions and one of the main title contenders Goettingen in the opening round of the BBL playoffs. Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) notched 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to propel Bremerhaven to a narrow road win in the decisive fifth game of the series. Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) dropped a bucket with one second left in regulation to win the game for the visitors. Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) delivered 17 points for the winners. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) responded with 15 points and 5 assists for Goettingen. John Little

(180-G-84, college: N.Iowa) had 14 points in the losing effort.

Henrik Roedl named Trier Head Coach - by Moritz Korff
Former German international Henrik Roedl was today appointed a head coach of TBB Trier for the next three years.

Roedl has been one of the winningest players in German basketball and collected a slew of titles and trophies during his playing career. In 1986 Roedl won the North Carolina State Championship with Chapel Hill High School and would later enrole at the University of North Carolina. In 1993 Roedl was the first German to win a NCAA men's basketball championship. The same year he captured gold with the German Men's National Team at the European Championships on home floor. Following his graduation from UNC Roedl also excelled at the professional level. He celebrated seven consecutive German championships with ALBA Berlin between 1997 and 2003, four German Cup-titles, a 1995 Korac-Cup, and won a total of 178 caps for the German NT, competing in four EURO tournaments, two World Championships and the 1992 Olympic Games. In 1996 Roedl was named the German Basketball Player of the Year.

Hanging up his sneakers in 2004, the 41-year-old joined the ALBA Berlin coaching staff shortly after announcing his retirement. In January 05 he was promoted to Head Coach of the BBL squad and would stand at the helm of the team until 2007, guiding ALBA to triumph in the 2005-06 German Cup competition. In the past years Roedl was in charge of Berlin's youth program and led the club's second team to a 2009-2010 Regionalliga North championship title, being named the RLN Coach of the Year. The year before he also won the German youth-championship with ALBA's NBBL-squad. Additionally Roedl served as a head coach of the German U20-National Team over the past two years.

Walt Baxley switches for Ulm - by Moritz Korff
Ratiopharm Ulm has announced the signing of its first new player for the 2010-2011 season. Walt Baxley (191-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Mars Hill) will join the 1. Bundesliga club, arriving from the Saar-Pfalz Braves. The Winston-Salem, NC native is a proven offensive weapon and excelled as the 5th leading scorer of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A during this past campaign, averaging 19 points per contest. With 50 points against Chemnitz in December 2009 Baxley set the single game scoring record of the league in 2009-10. He also had four more 30+ point performances for the Braves throughout the season.
Prior to making the move to Germany, Baxley played as a professional in Iran and had a brief stint in Poland as well, plus competing for Winston-Salem Storm, the ABA team of his hometown for a while. He spent his college career at NCAA Division 2 school Mars Hill and was second in the nation in scoring as a senior back in 2005-06. His list of awards and achievements include being named a Daktronics NCAA Division 2 All-American in 2005-06, NCAA Division 2 South Atlantic Region Player of the Year the same season. While playing three seasons at Mars Hill, Baxley accumulated 1,655 points, the seventh-highest total in school history and the fifth in South Atlantic Conference annals. Baxley scored 19 points in the inaugural NCAA Division 2 All-Star Game in 2006. Following the 2009-2010 season with the Saar-Pfalz Braves he was named All-2. Bundesliga Pro A Honorable Mention by Eurobasket.com.

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

GUATEMALA

USAC wins again - by Gianni Pascucci
Two nights ago, the team of Universidad San Carlos de Guatermala took another win in Guatemalan LBP, by defeating, 111-62 Universidad Rafael Landivar. Despite a tough defense on Thomas Gillespie (204-F/C-74, college: Regis), URL wasn' t able to stop the perimetral shooters of the opponent team, like Miguel Gonzalez (189-G/F-90), who ended the game at 40 pts. Dangelo Vaughn (192-F-80) added 24 pts in the win, the best at the losing side were Fernando Fernandez (F) with 24 and Claudio Solis with 11

Standings

LPB Standings

1. USAC		11-0
2. Lanco B.C.		8-2
3. D-Team		7-2
4. Compusys		5-6
5. Australian Milk		2-9
6. URL		2-9
7. Le Mans		1-8

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

HOLLAND

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Danny GIBSON
  ZZ Leiden
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	18.3
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	17.6
3. Monroe, DeFriesl.	16.9
4. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	16.6
5. Thomas, M.Magix	16.5
6. Haryasz, GasTerra.	16.3
7. Hendley, Landstede	16.2
8. Calhoun, EclipseJet	15.9
9. Sanders, EclipseJet	14.8
10. LeMelle, ZZ Leiden	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick HILLIMAN
  Rotterdam
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Hilliman, Rotterdam	10.2
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	9.2
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	9.0
4. Ellis, GasTerra F.	8.6
5. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	8.4
6. Gordon, Landstede	8.1
7. Monroe, DeFriesl.	7.6
8. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	7.4
9. Griffin, Giants	7.2
10. de Randamie, Eclip.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  Guaros
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Thomas, M.Magix	6.8
2. Jones, DeFriesland	5.5
3. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	5.4
4. Porter, Upstairs.	5.0
5. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	4.3
6. Bauscher, GasTerra.	4.2
7. Bostain, GasTerra.	4.1
8. Blackwood, DeFriesl.	4.0
9. Moore, DeFriesland	3.9
10. Defares, Giants	3.8

Steals Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  Guaros
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Thomas, M.Magix	2.9
2. Jones, DeFriesland	2.8
3. Bauscher, GasTerra.	2.7
4. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.6
5. Dourisseau, GasTerra.	2.5
6. Mason, EclipseJet	2.4
7. Ellis, GasTerra F.	2.3
8. Flowers, M.Magix	2.3
9. de Randamie, Eclip.	2.2
10. Kimbrough, Giants	2.2

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  M.Magix
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hughes, M.Magix	1.8
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.5
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	1.4
4. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	1.1
5. Sanders, EclipseJet	1.1
6. Kuijper, ZZ Leiden	1.0
7. Slor, ZZ Leiden	1.0
8. Porter, Upstairs.	0.9
9. Richardson, Eiff.Tow.	0.9
10. Williams, Landstede	0.7

Dramatic ending gives GasTerra Flames 84-79 win over WCAA Giants - by Fred Roggen
Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) hit the shot of the season to give Marco van den Berg's GasTerra Flames a thrilling five-point win over WCAA Giants in this dramatic and tense finalgame played before a packed crowd at the Martini Plaza on Thursdayday night. GasTerra Flames came out firing on all cylinders, riding the energy of the home crowd and storming to a 24-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw both sides trade baskets but despite a couple of good baskets from the Flames, it was clear that WCAA Giants were denying the home side from scoring inside and a period of poor shot selection and turnovers saw WCAA Giants right back in the game, halftime 41-32. WCAA Giants stormed back, dominating the third quarter and continued to roll, with all the momentum now favouring the visitors and at the end were now ahead by 2. GasTerra Flames spent almost all of the fourth quarter coming from behind and The Flames had rallied from a 7-point deficit, in the final two minutes Tim Blue hitting a 3-pointer to a 76-74 lead and the Flames summoning every ounce of energy they could muster, they dug themselves out of a big hole and snatched the win 84-79
It was nail-biting stuff and while at the end the feeling was sheer delight and elation at the Flames site, it has been dejection and disappointment at the Giants site.
This was a rip-roaring contest that saw fortunes ebbing and flowing with both sides enjoying periods of dominance.
GasTerra Flames: Robby Bostain

(194-G/F-84, college: Furman) 19. Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Boise St.) 18, Tim Blue 15 and Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.) 10.
WCAA Giants: Tyrone Sally (201-F-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: W.Virginia) 21, Brandon Griffin (202-F-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: SE Missouri St.) 16, Jesse Kimbrough (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville) 13, Daniel Faris (206-F-87, agency: Warren Sports International, college: N.Mexico) 11.

Eredivisie Finals: 3-0 for GasTerra Flames - by Eurobasket News
GasTerra F. - Giants 84-79
The team from Groningen is one win away from the title after they celebrated 84-79 victory in Game Three. Robby Bostain

(194-G/F-84, college: Furman) shined for the hosts with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Boise St.) was the second scorer in this victory with 18 points, while Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) added three less than him. For the Giants, Tyrone Sally (201-F-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: W.Virginia) collected 21 points and 6 boards. Game Four is scheduled for Saturday.

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

IBL

Stevenson's 33 leads Slam to road victory over Tacoma - by Eurobasket News
Guard Jacob Stevenson (6'4''-G-81, college: W.Washington) continued his strong start by scoring 33 points as the Bellingham Slam defeated the Tacoma Tide, 116-95, in an International Basketball League non-conference game at Curtis High School on Thursday.

Stevenson, who was coming off his first career triple-double last Sunday against British Columbia, netted his 33 with 14-for-23 shooting from the floor and only five trips to the free throw line.

The Slam, who have traditionally struggled in road games at Tacoma dating back to their days in the American Basketball Association, found themselves down by nine points well into the first quarter, before Zach Bruce (6'8''-C, college: W.Washington) and Morris Anderson closed the quarter with six points to trim the deficit to three, at 25-22.

Bellingham turned things around in the middle stages of the second quarter, using a 15-2 run to take a 50-44 lead into halftime.

Tacoma scored the first two baskets of the third quarter before the Slam really got their offense going, pouring in 24 points in a five-minute span in the middle of the frame to go up 74-54 with 5:44 left.

The Slam scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to max out their lead at 32 points. The Tide rattled off 13 straight in the middle part of quarter to trim the gap to 17 points, but it was too little, too late as Bellingham cruised the rest of the way for their second victory against the Tide this season.

Stevenson's 33 points led five Slam players in double figures. Anderson finished with 16 points, while Ike Ohanson posted another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Dontay Harris (6'9''-F/C-78, college: Drake) and Lorenzo Rollins (6'4''-F-74, college: Gonzaga) shared the scoring lead for Tacoma with 19 points each.

The Slam return home for a game against the top-ranked Yamhill Highflyers on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.
Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Freeman joining Legends - by Eurobasket News
Although Schenectady's Rashaun Freeman (6'9''-C/F-84, college: Massachusetts) has spent the past three years playing professional basketball in France and Germany, he insists his game lost nothing in the translation.

He's still the guy who helped lead the Patriots to the 2001 Class A state title before going on to a productive career at the University of Massachusetts.

Now the 6-foot-9 center is back in the Capital Region and will make his debut for the Albany Legends of the International Basketball League tonight at 7:30 against the Holland (Mich.) Blast at Washington Avenue Armory.

'The thing about my game is, if I play, I'm going to produce, no matter what team I'm playing with,' Freeman said Wednesday after practice at Siena College. 'If I get the opportunity, I'm going to be able to help a team out. I'm just looking forward to helping these guys out and keeping this good record.'

The Legends (5-1) will play a three-game series against the Blast. They meet again on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.

The signing of Freeman is a coup for the Legends, who get a local player who ranks fifth in UMass history with 1,744 points, third with 998 rebounds and was named first-team all-Atlantic 10 three times.

'He's a very talented player, hard worker, great attitude,' Legends coach Derrick Rowland said. 'The guys like him, so it's a perfect fit for us.'

Rowland admired Freeman's skills over the years and drafted him in 2007 when Rowland was an assistant coach for the Oklahoma Cavalry of the now-defunct Continental Basketball Association.

Freeman opted to go overseas for more money instead. He played two years in France and this past season in Germany, where he broke his right foot and missed 21 games.

'That was a good learning experience for me,' Freeman said. 'I never missed a game ever since I was in seventh grade, so I pretty much thought I was invincible. When I came back, it kind of messed up my confidence, but when I started playing good again I knew it was pretty much part of the game.'

When his season in Germany ended this month, Freeman came home to Schenectady and needed somewhere to play. Jim Hart, his former AAU coach with the Albany City Rocks, contacted the Legends on Freeman's behalf.

'In the upstate area, it's really hard to find some good run,' Freeman said. 'This is a good opportunity for me. Otherwise, I would have had to drive 21/2 hours to the city.'

Freeman said he might get an NBA summer league opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies in July. Until then, he's happy to be home.

'It's in my backyard,' he said. 'I'm going to feel real comfortable. There's really no pressure because it's fun for me. If I wasn't playing (for the Legends), I'd probably be watching them play.'

Mark Singelais can be reached at 454-5509 or by e-mail at msingelais@timesunion.com.

Weekend series

What: Albany Legends (5-1) vs. Holland Blast (7-4) in International Basketball League play

When: Tonight, 7:30; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.
Where: Washington Avenue Armory, Albany

Courtesy of www.timesunion.com

Standings

IBL Standings

1. Ohio H.G.		1-0
2. Nevada P.		0-2
Continental Division
1. Battle Creek K.		9-5
2. Holland B.		7-4
3. Albany L.		5-1
4. L.Angeles L.		4-0
5. Kankakee S.		4-5
6. Edmonton E.		3-0
7. Tacoma T.		2-9
8. USA All-Stars		2-20
International Division
1. Yamhill H.		7-1
2. Bellingham S.		6-2
3. Vancouver V.		6-4
4. Olympia R.		5-2
5. B.Colombia T.		4-5
6. C.Oregon H.		3-4
7. Shanxi Zh.		0-0
8. Oregon W.		0-4

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

ISRAEL

Elad Hasin takes over in Maccabi Haifa - by Eurobasket News
Elad Hasin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) will work as a head coach of Maccabi Haifa in the next season. The specialist will change Avi Ashkenazi at the position. The 30-year-old coach worked as coach assistant with Haifa during the last two seasons. Earlier Elad Hasin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) spent some time working as coach assistant in Olympiakos. Elad Hasin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) will try to improve on this seasons result as Maccabi Haifa were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage.

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

ITALY

A Dilettanti Semifinals, game 3 - by Armando Caporaso
Group A

In the single game 3 of the semifinals VemSistemi Forli exceeds Omegna and reaches the finals where it will find Fortitudo Bologna, Sigma Barcellona and Mazzeo San Severo. Very fought match yesterdey at sports hall 'Villa Romiti' over with the result of 72-69 for the hosts. After a great start of the Paffoni (13-23 in the first quarter, +11 at half time) the VemSistemi catch up the visitors with a great second half and wins the match in the last quarter (20-13 the partial). The MVP of the match is Massimo Farioli

(202-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances) that scores 20 points with 7/12 at shoot and catches 12 rebounds. Good job for Andres Forray (188-G-86) with 15 points, 4 steals and 4 assist. For the others 12 points of Matteo Frassineti (195-G/F-87), 8 points and 7 rebounds for Mitchell Poletti (205-F/C-88), 7 points of Stefano Masciadri (200-F-89) and Christian Villani (200-G/F-82) (starting by bench). For the defeated the season ends here... Marco Carra

(185-G-80) closes with 15 points and 4 assist, 12 points and 7 rebounds with 4 steals (but 7 turnovers) for Emanuele Rossi (208-C-82), 15 points and 4 steals of Pierpaolo Picazio (193-G-79, agency: Players Group) (but inaccurate at shoot with 5/15) and 10 points for Innocenzo Ferraro (200-F/C-82). By the bench Stefano Scrocco (200-G/F-77, agency: Players Group) signs 6 points and adds 5 rebounds, 9 points in 15 minutes for Martin Caruso (201-F-78, agency: Players Group).

Szymon Szewczyk extends with Air Avellino - by Eurobasket News
Air Avellino have prolonged the contract of Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) for one more season. The Polish centre joined the Italian team at the start of the last season. He tallied 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in SeriaA. In 2008/09 Szymon Szewczyk played for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. The centre also participated at the 2009 EuroBasket. He notched 5.2 points and 4.0 boards for Poland.

SerieA Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
NGC Cantu - CS Bologna 75-64
NGC Cantu knocked down visiting CS Bologna in the opener. Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) nailed 16 points and collected 7 rebounds for the hosts. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 15 points in the winning effort. Aaron Jackson (193-G-86, college: Duquesne) and David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) accounted for 14 points apiece for CS Bologna.

Montepaschi - Benetton TV 118-79
Montepaschi cruised past Benetton in Siena. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 19 points to lead the defending champions. Ksistof Lavrinovic

(210-C-79) netted 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for the winners. K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) responded with 18 points for Benetton Treviso.

Pepsi Caserta - Lottomatica 70-65
Pepsi Caserta posted the first win in the quarterfinal series against Lottomatica. Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 19 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead Caserta. Fabio Di Bella (187-G-78) notched 13 points in the winning case. Jacopo Giachetti

(191-G-83) responded with 18 points for Lottomatica. Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) netted 15 points in the loss.

Armani MI - Sigma Coat. 72-65
Armani Jeans opened the quarterfinal series with a home win over Montegranaro. Morris Finley (180-G-81, college: UAB) knocked down 16 points to pace the hosts. Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Marquinhos Vinicius

(207-F-84) and Dejan Ivanov

(205-F/C-86) notched 11 points each for Montegranaro.

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

Gary NEAL
  Unicaja
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Neal, Benetton TV	19.4
2. Grundy, Carife FE	17.9
3. Aradori, Angelico.	16.7
4. Ford, Carife FE	16.6
5. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	15.9
6. Hicks, Scavolini PS	15.4
7. Jackson, Carife FE	15.1
8. Ere, Pepsi Caserta	15.1
9. Brown, Air AV	14.8
10. Bell, Vanoli CR	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Ford, Carife FE	9.8
2. Brunner, Sigma C.	8.5
3. Slay, Cimberio VA	8.2
4. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.2
5. Troutman, Air AV	7.9
6. Williams, Scavolin.	7.9
7. Pasco, Angelico BI	7.5
8. Wallace, Benetton.	7.3
9. Milic, Vanoli CR	7.3
10. Hall, Armani MI	7.0

Assists Per Game

Dee BROWN
  Air AV
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Brown, Air AV	5.2
2. Green, Scavolini PS	5.0
3. Poeta, Banca Tercas	4.4
4. Childress, Cimberio.	4.3
5. Smith, Angelico BI	4.1
6. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.1
7. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.6
8. Finley, Armani MI	3.3
9. Becirovic, Armani M.	3.2
10. Bowers, Pepsi C.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Scavolini PS
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Green, Scavolini PS	3.3
2. Jaaber, Lottomat.	3.1
3. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.9
4. Troutman, Air AV	2.6
5. Hawkins, Montepas.	2.4
6. Minard, Lottomat.	2.4
7. Jones, Pepsi C.	2.3
8. Grundy, Carife FE	2.3
9. Farabello, Carife F.	2.3
10. Aradori, Angelico.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Ford, Carife FE	3.1
2. Eze, Montepaschi	1.4
3. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.1
4. Szewczyk, Air AV	1.1
5. Pasco, Angelico BI	1.0
6. Ortner, NGC Cantu	0.8
7. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	0.8
8. Gigli, Lottomatica	0.8
9. Maggioli, CS Bo.	0.8
10. Jones, Pepsi C.	0.8

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

JORDAN

ASU Sports Club arrives to Doha for Asian Championship - by Mohammed Malas
Jo-Basket.com, Amman - ASU Sports Club arrived yesterday to Doha, Qatar to be part of the 21st edition of the Asian Clubs Championship starting from Saturday the 22nd of May until the 30th of the same month under the participation of 10 of the strongest teams in the Asian continent.

ASU was drawn in Group B with Al Riyadi of Lebanon, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, An Nasr from UAE and Syrians Al Jalaa.

Jo-Basket.com will cover everything related to the Jordanian team during the tournament with exculsive news and interview, Stay tuned.

- ASU roster for the big Asian event:
Head Coach: Fredrick Oniga (Nigirian)
Assistant: Faisal Al Nsour
Assistant: Ibrahim Al Asous
Director: Ihsan Qawasmi
Official: Naser Abu Rashed
Journalist: Hussam Barakat

Players
4- Ali El-Zu'bi
5- Nidal Shareef
6- Ali Jamal
7- Ahmed Hamarsheh
8- Mohammad Hamdan
9- Louai Najjar
10- Abdalla Abu Koura
11- Wesam Al-Sous
12- Olumide Oydeji (Import)
13- James Williams (Import)
14- Islam Abbaas
15- Zaid Abbaas

ASU Spots Club management have succeeded to grab a two high level players to the roster of the Asian Championship in order to be in the best form for this big tournament.

Olumide Oyedeji was the best choice of the coaching staff of the Jordanian champions in the center position as the Nigirian center will arrive tomorrow to Amman to start trainings with his new teammates.

Oyedeji is very athletic. Can run, jump and get physical with the best. Has an NBA body. Has matured into a dominating force as shown in all competitions he played in. Was Considered a potential first round NBA draft choice. Has won every slam dunk contest he has entered. Speaks five different foreign languages, He played professional basketball in the NBA, Russia, Germany, Greece, Kuwait, Peurto Rico, South Korea and China for several years.

While the American forward James Williams played professional basketball early in his career when he preffered to play overseas right after high school, His profile includes so many countries such as: Sweden, Israel, Kuwait and Argentinian LigaA in the last two seasons wearing the jerseys of Union de Sunchales, His stats this season were 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 blockshots, 1 assist and 1 steal in 49 games.

The Jordanian forward Eyad Abdeen was forced to be out of the roster due to his commitment to some personal issues in Jordan.

Meanwhile, Some rumours around are talking about a possible withdrawal from Al Jalaa of Syria after loosing the league title yesterday from Army Club in 1-2 series, The management will announce their official decision very soon as they're supposed to leave to Qatar this afternoon.

Imports in the Competition:
Mahram (IRAN) :
Loren Woods (Center, American) , Jackson Vroman (Power Forward, American)
Jalaa (Syria) :
Garnett Thompson (Power Forward, American), Chudney Gray (Point Guard, American)
ASU (Jordan) :
James Williams (Forward, American) , Olumide Oyedeji (Center, Nigirian)
Riyadi (Lebanon) :
Nate Johnson (Forward, American) , Chester Jarell Giles (Center, American)
Duhok (Iraq) :
Priest Lauderdale (Center, American) , Calvin Cage (Point Guard, American)
Astana (Kazakhstan) :
Scottie Wilson (Forward, American), Vsevolod Fadeykin (Center, Russian)
Rayyan (Qatar) :
Cory Bradford (Point Guard, American) , Michael Fey (Center, American)
Nasr (UAE) :
Radhouane Slimane (Forward, Tunisian) , Vincent Jones (Center, American)
Hilal (KSA) :
Brandon Crump (Center, American) , DerMarr Johnson (Forward, American)
Smart Gilas (Philippines) :
Milan Vucicevic (Center, Serbian)

Schedule of ASU Club Games : (Amman Local Time)
Sunday 23 May
14:00 ASU (Jordan) vs Nasr (UAE)
Monday 24 May
18:00 Al Jalaa (Syria) vs ASU (Jordan)
Tuesday 25 May
16:00 ASU (Jordan) vs Al Riyadi (Lebanon)
Wednesday 26 May
14:00 Al Helal (KSA) vs ASU (Jordan)
* Tournament official website: http://doha2010.fibaasia.net/

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

LATVIA

Valdis Valters appointed VEF Riga vice president - by Eurobasket News
Valdis Valters has been appointed VEF Riga vice president. The former VEF Riga head coach decided to leave his position at the middle of the season's playoffs. Valdis Valters will now be in charge of all basketball operations. Valters has already pointed out the team's objectives. VEF Riga is interested in bringing in Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, college: UNLV). The Latvian centre has recently played for Enisey in Russia. Kambala averaged 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in EuroChallenge. In Superleague his stats read 14.5 points and 6.7 boards per appearance. Kaspars Kambala played for Latvia at the 2009 EuroBasket. Kambala is also well-known for his boxing career. He left basketball in 2007 after being suspended and hit the ring to participate in several fights. In January 2009 the 31-year-old returned to the basketball courts to join Enisey. Kaspars Kambala started his career in SWH-Dumle in Riga but soon left for the USA to study at the UNLV. He later had stints with Efes Pilsen, Real Madrid, Unics Kazan and Fenerbahce.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Oritseweyinmi EFEJUKU
  Barons
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Efejuku, Barons	18.7
2. Davis, Valmiera	17.8
3. Gulbis, Zemgale	16.6
4. Timermanis, Barons	16.4
5. Kojenets, Liepaja	15.7
6. McCullough, VEF R.	14.8
7. Zakis, Ventspils	14.4
8. Kisielius, Liepaja	14.1
9. Bergmanis, Zemgale	13.9
10. Jurevicus, Ventspils	13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Aleh KOJENETS
  Liepaja
  (208-C-77)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Kojenets, Liepaja	7.3
2. Cipruss, Valmiera	6.7
3. Renfroe, VEF Riga	6.0
4. Zorin, Barons	5.9
5. Rozitis, Zemgale	5.6
6. McCullough, VEF R.	5.5
7. Zakis, Ventspils	5.2
8. Gulbis, Zemgale	5.2
9. Davis, Valmiera	5.0
10. Nelyubov, VEF Riga	4.9

Assists Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Renfroe, VEF Riga	5.8
2. Jeromanovs, Liepa.	4.3
3. Sirsnins, Barons	3.9
4. Strelnieks, Ventspils	3.5
5. Vilums, Liepaja	3.1
6. Efejuku, Barons	3.0
7. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.0
8. Valters, VEF Riga	2.6
9. Bertans, Ventspils	2.5
10. Jurevicus, Ventspils	2.5

Steals Per Game

Rinalds SIRSNINS
  Barons
  (186-G-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Sirsnins, Barons	2.2
2. Renfroe, VEF Riga	2.1
3. Bertans, Ventspils	1.6
4. Valters, VEF Riga	1.6
5. Efejuku, Barons	1.5
6. Vilums, Liepaja	1.5
7. Strelnieks, Ventspils	1.5
8. Davis, Valmiera	1.5
9. McCullough, VEF R.	1.4
10. McDermott, Barons	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Zemgale
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.3
2. Davis, Valmiera	1.2
3. Cresnar, Valmiera	0.8
4. Selakovs, VEF Riga	0.8
5. Nelyubov, VEF Riga	0.7
6. Zorin, Barons	0.7
7. Skirmants, Barons	0.7
8. Timermanis, Barons	0.6
9. Meiers, Ventspils	0.5
10. Bambis, Zemgale	0.5

LBL Round: 5 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Barons - VEF Riga 81-77
Barons surged ahead in the LBL Final. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) scored 26 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 3 rebounds to lead the hosts. Alexey Zorin (208-C-82) netted 17 points in the winning effort. Alex Renfroe (190-G-86, college: Belmont) responded with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for VEF Riga. Taj McCullough (201-F-86, college: Winthrop) had 18 points in the loss.

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

LEBANON

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Round: 4 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Los Mochis - Culiacan 91-110
Culiacan eliminated Los Mochis with 4-0 and became the first CIBACOPA Semifinalist. Jesus Gonzalez (195-F-86) shined in this game with 21 points, while Marcus Moore (198-G-80, college: Washington St.) followed him with four points less. For the home side, Brian Latham (184-G-83, agency: Union Sports, college: Houston) collected 26 points.

Guasave - Hermosillo 80-71
Second straight win for Guasave and the score is tied to 2-2. Louis McCullough (198-G/F-82, college: Francis Marion) once again was the leading player in victory as he collected 21 points and 7 rebounds. Hermosillo got 17 points and 11 boards from Callistus Eziukwu

(208-F/C-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Grand Valley St.).

Nogales - Mazatlan 95-101
Valuable road win for Mazatlan, who is 3-1 up now and needs just one more victory for the Semifinals. Ronald Selleaze (197-F-76, college: CSU Bakersfield) top-scored in Mazatlan with 30 points (6 rebs). Jovan Harris (191-G/F-81, college: USF) added 29 points. In Nogales, Noah Brown (186-G-81, college: Appalachian St.) delivered 32 pts.

Guaymas - Cananea 84-73
The score is tied to 2-2. Omar Lopez (203-C-80, college: Cal.Baptist) led the hosts with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Jerome Habel (208-F-85, college: San Diego St.) followed closely with 21 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Isaac Gutierrez (204-C-85) delivered 20 points and pulled down 9 boards.

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jeremy BELL
  Obregon
  (183-G-83)
  Avg: 25.1

1. Bell, Obregon	25.1
2. Brown, Tepic	25.0
3. McCullough, Guasa.	24.7
4. Fisher, Mexicali	24.7
5. Cowan, Obregon	24.5
6. Cook, Cananea	24.4
7. West, Los Mochis	24.1
8. Brown, Mazatlan	24.0
9. Smith, Mazatlan	24.0
10. Walker, Nogales	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12

1. Smith, Mazatlan	12.0
2. Angounou, Guasave	11.7
3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo	10.4
4. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	9.9
5. Shipley, Mexicali	9.7
6. Davis, Tijuana	9.6
7. Strobbe, Nogales	8.9
8. Selleaze, Mazatlan	8.6
9. Brown, Tepic	8.2
10. Habel, Guaymas	8.1

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES
  Guaymas
  (179-G-84)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Marentes, Guaymas	6.5
2. Latham, Los Mochis	6.3
3. Logan, Culiacan	5.7
4. Johnson, Tijuana	5.5
5. Lawrence, Los M.	5.4
6. White, Cananea	4.8
7. Brown, Mazatlan	4.4
8. Lee, Guaymas	4.2
9. Fisher, Mexicali	4.1
10. Bell, Obregon	4.1

Steals Per Game

Brian LATHAM
  Los Mochis
  (184-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Latham, Los Mochis	2.5
2. Lawrence, Los M.	2.3
3. Lee, Guaymas	2.1
4. Moore, Culiacan	2.0
5. Bell, Obregon	2.0
6. Selleaze, Mazatlan	1.9
7. West, Los Mochis	1.9
8. White, Cananea	1.8
9. Brown, Mazatlan	1.8
10. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Tijuana
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Davis, Tijuana	3.6
2. Gutierrez, Cananea	2.2
3. Habel, Guaymas	1.9
4. Brown, Tepic	1.4
5. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	1.3
6. Blair, Tijuana	1.2
7. Smith, Mazatlan	1.2
8. Crouse, Nogales	1.2
9. Sullinger, Nogales	1.0
10. Mata, Culiacan	1.0

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

MONTENEGRO

MNT Play Off Final Game 2 : Buducnost leads 2-0 - by Dragan Scepanovic
BC LOVCEN Cetinje 64 - 70 BC BUDUCNOST Podgorica
CETINJE - SRC Lovcen.Spect 1.000. Reff : Sutulovic (Podgorica), Vojinovic (Niksic) and Dragojevic (Podgorica).
for 1 point - Lovcen 78% (9-7), Buducnost 46% (13-6).
for 2 points - Lovcen 62% (24-15), Buducnost 63% (27-17).
for 3 points - Lovcen 43% (21-9), Buducnost 48% (21-10).
Rebounds - Lovcen 20 (15+5), Buducnost 21 (16+5).
Asist. - Lovcen 17, Buducnost 10.
PF : Lovcen 22, Buducnost 18.
By. Q. - 18:14, 13:14, 18:19, 15:23.
LOVCEN: Stojanovic 7, Lalic 8, Marko Kuveljic (197-G/F-88), Marko Milosevic (202-F-84) 20, Ivanovic, Pelkic, Boricic 2 (2-2), Kandic 2,Lopicic 4, Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 2, Dubljevic 11 (7-5), Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) 8.
BUDUCNOST: Sead Sehovic

(201-C/F-89) 3, Arnautovic, Popovic 7 (4-1), Ljubicic 2 (4-2), Gordic 16, Filip Barovic

(206-F-90),Otasevic 5, Dragicevic 9 (1-1), Simonovic 9, Vitkovac 15 (2-2),Savovic 5 (2-0), Mugosa

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

NBA

Collins the new Sixers head coach for the next 4 years - by Bruno Baltazar
The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to terms with TV analyst Doug Collins to become their new coach, Turner Sports has confirmed.
An official announcement is likely to come Friday.
It is believed Collins, currently a TNT analyst, will get a four-year contract.

Team president Ed Stefanski interviewed Collins on May 1, and he emerged as the leading choice to replace the fired Eddie Jordan. The pool of candidates included former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and Toronto coach Sam Mitchell.
Collins is 332-287 in coaching stints with Chicago, Detroit and Washington. The 76ers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1973 draft, and he played eight seasons with the team.
The 58-year-old will need time to build a winner in Philadelphia that other coaches haven't been afforded. Since Larry Brown left in 2003, four others have failed to coach more than 82 games for the organization.
Jordan, Stefanski's first major coaching hire, flopped in his lone season. After first-round exits in the playoffs two straight seasons, the Sixers finished 27-55 and in the draft lottery.
This could turn out as the most pivotal offseason for the Sixers since they selected Allen Iverson with the No. 1 overall pick in 1996. The Sixers moved up from the sixth spot to grab the No. 2 pick in Tuesday's lottery.
Now they know who will coach whomever they draft.
Collins guided a young Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls from 1986-89, and the Detroit Pistons from 1995-98. He coached Jordan again with the Washington Wizards from 2001-03.
His two seasons with the Wizards were his only two full seasons in which he did not lead his team to the playoffs. He was fired shortly after Jordan was denied a return to the front office.
Stefanski and other members of Sixers management also interviewed Phoenix assistant coach Dan Majerle, Houston assistant Elston Turner, Portland assistant Monty Williams and former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer.
Collins has been with TNT since leaving the Wizards.
He was a four-time All-Star with the Sixers, and he averaged 17.9 points in a career marred by injuries. A knee injury forced him to retire in 1981, two years before the 76ers beat the Lakers for the 1983 NBA title.

NBA ref Joe DeRosa gets one-game ban for tossing ball at fan - by Eurobasket News
Referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for throwing a ball at a fan during halftime of an NBA playoff game in Orlando.

DeRosa will miss the next game he would have been scheduled to work.

At halftime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston, DeRosa was walking to the scorer's table to get the warm-up jackets for his crew.

A fan behind the table approached DeRosa, gesturing with his arms and appearing to be shouting at the veteran official. DeRosa flipped the game ball to the fan, who tossed it back.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

LeBron to Mavs? Web-savvy fans trying to help - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) in a Dallas Mavericks uniform? Its already happening - on the Internet.

Mavs fans are the latest to do their part to woo the NBA superstar to their city by launching the website lebrontothemavs.com. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted a link to the site Thursday, writing: Gotta love Mavs fans !!

The home page plays a song and doctored photos include James face on a J.R. Ewing picture and him dunking over the Dallas skyline.

The Mavs are a perennial contender with superstars in Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, with whom James won a gold medal in Beijing in 2008. The team could easily free up cap space for a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers, who, if forced into a deal, would prefer sending the marquee free agent to the Western Conference. James also is a big Cowboys fan.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-wooinglebron-mavericks)

Rod Thorn will take over as general manager for New Jersey Nets - by Eurobasket News
Rod Thorn has found the job that Kiki Vandeweghe had lost.

With Vandeweghe's reign as general manager soon coming to an end, the Nets will not hire a replacement. Instead, Thorn - the team president since 2000 - will take on both roles.

'We're going to combine the two positions, president and GM. So I'm going to do both of them,' Thorn said Thursday night from Chicago. 'I've done that for a good part of my career, so we just decided to go back to that.'

Vandeweghe whose contract expires on June 30, was put on notice on Tuesday when new owner Mikhail Prokhorov abruptly announced during a breakfast meeting with reporters that the former Knick would not be back .

Addressing the status of the Nets' top two executives, Prokhorov endorsed Thorn before saying of Vandeweghe, 'I think Kiki is a very talented guy. He did his job in a very tough season for the team, and his agreement expires in the summer and I wish him well.'

Vandeweghe was doing a radio interview at about the same time Prokhorov publicly revealed his fate. He then flew to Chicago to help Thorn evaluate and interview possible draft picks at the NBA combine but did not dine with Thorn and other Nets executives on Wednesday night, according to a Nets source.

Vandeweghe did not return calls seeking comment.

Thorn admitted Vandeweghe was unaware of his status until finding out about Prokhorov's comments.

'I was going to talk to him here,' said Thorn, who will be in Chicago through the weekend.

Vandeweghe, who reluctantly served as interim coach during most of the Nets' 12-70 season, likely had a clue that he wouldn't be asked back since Prokhorov had previously spoken highly of Thorn and CEO Brett Yormark while ignoring him. In fact, the two had not met until Tuesday, when Prokhorov represented the Nets at the draft lottery.

Thorn said there is a good chance Vandeweghe will leave the Nets 'in a timely fashion' despite Prokhorov's allowing him to finish out his contract.

'He certainly did a good job for us and we wish him nothing but good luck,' said Thorn.

Vandeweghe was hired as Thorn's assistant on Dec.31, 2007. He took over as interim coach on Dec.4 of last season following an 0-16 start and the firing of coach Lawrence Frank.

Vandeweghe won his first game, ending the Nets' record-breaking 18-game season-opening skid, but fell out of favor after allegedly going behind Thorn's back to promise assistant coach Del Harris that he eventually would get the head coaching job.

Thorn should have no problem serving as both president and GM. Since taking over the Nets a decade ago, he has routinely negotiated trades and handled other duties that normally fall on the GM. He was the one who traded Stephon Marbury to Phoenix for Jason Kidd in 2001, a deal that turned the franchise around and had the Nets playing in back-to-back Finals. He earned Executive of the Year honors following the Nets' first Finals appearance in 2002.

As for the Nets' vacant head coaching position, Thorn said, 'I've had some conversations with some people. I haven't set anything up yet as far as official meetings.'

Former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson is said to be a front-runner for the job.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Pierce denies writing Game 2 Tweet - by Eurobasket News
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) said today he was not the author of a Tweet message in which he allegedly wrote ``Anybody got a broom?'' following the Celtics' 95-92 Game 2 victory in Orlando.

``It wasn't me on that,'' Pierce said. ``I guess somebody said that I said, `Break out the brooms?' I'm not going to say that on the Tweet. I think that's pretty unprofessional. I'll talk trash on the court and say things on the court that I wouldn't say here.''

Pierce, who was sporting a pair of nasty scratches over his left brow, remnants of the hard flagrant foul he absorbed from Dwight Howard, said he had no problem with the league not issuing a suspension on the Magic's center.

``My reaction to him not being suspended is a good reaction,'' Pierce said. referring to the Flagrant 1 call against Howard with 4:16 left in the second quarter of Tuesday night's game at Amway Arena. ``We want their team's best. In order to be the best, you want to beat their best. When they have Dwight Howard, they're a good team and we want their best team on the floor.''
Courtesy of www.boston.com

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

NCAA1

Wizards ask Gordon Hayward for advice? Welcome to pre-draft camp - by Eurobasket News
Given their time limitations Thursday, NBA executives said not a great deal changed in their assessments of the prospects for the June 24 draft.

Kentucky's John Wall (6'4''-G-90) is still No 1.

Ohio State's Evan Turner (6'7''-G/F-88) is still No. 2.

And thereafter, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Draft prospects descended on Chicago on Thursday, taking up in earnest the annual process of deciphering exactly which players will go in which order when the teams choose their players of the future.

The process has been made more difficult because the pre-draft camp is now broken up into restricted access to the players' physical skills and concentrated more on their independent interviews.

Each team was given a room in the conference section of a downtown hotel, where front-office personnel and coaching staffs grilled players on any and all topics that may help them better discern who would be the better fit for their franchise.

Players rolled their eyes as they glanced at their protracted schedules of interviews, knowing the questions, for the most part, would be the same; and executives looked at their watches as they anticipated the half hours rolling on with little to no elucidation, the answers practiced and, by the end, trite.

'The strangest question I got was from Washington,' said Butler's Gordon Hayward, projected to be picked in the middle of the first round. 'They asked me who I thought they should take with the No. 1 pick.'

Hopefully, someone suggested, he told them they should draft Gordon Hayward. 'No, I know I am not going that high. I told them they should take whichever player is a good fit,' Hayward said.

Grinning, Hayward admitted, of course, that his answer was evading the actual question. But this is what these players are trained to do, both with the NBA's top brass and the assembled media: answer questions diplomatically, don't hurt your draft standing or build a faulty reputation.

One decision-maker joked that he must be the only one in the room who enjoyed an alcoholic beverage, because when each player was asked, they said they neither drank nor smoked.

Several executives said the process neither hurt nor helped anybody's case; the top five players in the draft remain Wall, Turner, Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins and Syracuse's Wesley Johnson, not necessarily in that order. Johnson, for instance, could go fourth to the Timberwolves, who need help at small forward, while either Favors or Cousins could end up going third to the Nets.

Cousins has been widely criticized for his attitude and work ethic, but one front-office executive said the center acquitted himself nicely.

'I would not say he is a great kid, but his interview went far better than I was led to believe it would go,' the GM said.

The workout portion of the camp is so limited that most executives will wait either until three-on-three camps hosted by Minnesota and New Jersey take place or the individual workouts conducted by each team are completed before making a final determination.

Still, they need to be here, if for no other reason than in case something dramatic and unexpected happens.

On this day, nothing did. Wall was impressive, saying he would mesh seamlessly with Washington's Gilbert Arenas, he would be honored to play in front of President Obama and that he has limited discussion with LeBron James since the Cavaliers were ousted from the playoffs. Turner made a case for himself as the top pick, citing his national player of the year award and his Brandon Roy-like versatility. And Cousins tried to persuade most that his reputation is unearned and unfair, a figment of the imagination that is conjured by those who only know him from afar.

In a little more than a month, we'll see how successfully they argued their points.

Arenas still in Wizards plans?

MSNBC on Thursday published a story citing two highly placed sources who said the Wizards are committed to getting rid of embattled guard Arenas because they don't want him negatively affecting Wall, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick. The story went on to say that the Wizards would consider a buyout of Arenas' contract if they could not trade him.

Two sources here strongly denied the story and questioned its veracity, citing the money that Ted Leonsis will pay to buy the remainder of the team from Abe Pollin as a deterrent to paying additional money to buy out Arenas' contract, which has $80 million left on it.

Kentucky reps witness interview process

With four or five players expected to be picked in the first round, the University of Kentucky sent two members of its media relations staff to witness the interview process during the pre-draft camp.

John Hayden and DeWayne Peevy were blatantly obvious in their blue Kentucky golf shirts as they listened in on reporters' interviews of Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, Patrick Patterson and Eric Bledsoe. They were the only representatives from a college at the sessions.

'We've never done this before. We figured with so many guys here, we thought we'd come up and see what it is about and see if we can take back any valuable information for our players who may go through this in the future,' Hayden said.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Alabama's Knox transferring to UNC or Georgia Tech - by Eurobasket News
Transferring Alabama player Justin Knox (6'9''-F) says he has narrowed his destination choices to North Carolina and Georgia Tech.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound junior forward told reporters Thursday he will announce his decision next week.

Knox started 49 games for the Crimson Tide the past two seasons. He was granted a conditional release from his scholarship.

The university won't allow him to transfer to a school on next season's schedule or within the Southeastern Conference. He also can't move on to UAB or Alabama-Huntsville, which are part of the same university system.

Courtesy of www.whnt.com

NCAA mulling options for bigger March Madness - by Eurobasket News
As commissioner of the Northeast Conference, Noreen Morris has a vested interest in the men's basketball tournament's new format. Twice in the last five seasons, a school from her league was sent to the so-called play-in game, and with the field expanding to 68 teams, three more games will be added to that preliminary round.

For conferences like the NEC, that's cause for some concern.

'I think if you find yourself in that game every year, it becomes a bit of a stigma and it can be used in negative recruiting and just an overall branding problem for our conference,' Morris said. 'You don't want the same conferences in those opening rounds every year, especially when we don't know what it will look and feel like.'

Luckily for Morris, she isn't alone. Last week, the Division I men's basketball committee met to go over various options for the four opening-round games that will take place before the round of 64, and members said they are receptive to concerns that the same leagues would be penciled in for those slots year after year.

'Being stigmatized ... is probably not the best thing for the tournament or those conferences,' said Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, who is on the committee.

The NCAA has approved a 68-team format for the men's tournament, beginning next March, and there are three basic plans under consideration for the opening games.

One would slot the bottom eight teams in the tournament into the opening round and have them play for the right to move on to the round of 64 - an expanded version of the current format. Another option would put the last eight at-large teams to make the field into the play-in games. There's also talk of a hybrid plan that could include both at-large teams and automatic qualifiers.

The committee must also figure out when and where the opening-round games will be played. Morris raved about the job Dayton, Ohio, has done supporting the play-in game in recent years, but she's concerned about the travel burden on teams that advance, since it's not clear how soon the opening-round winners would have to play again.

'You're playing Tuesday and then you advance into a Thursday, how do you do that?' she asked.

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, the committee chairman, said there's a good chance the opening round will stay in Dayton to begin with, although nothing is set.

'I think for the first year, it makes sense not to deviate from the norm, and go to Dayton,' Guerrero said. 'If it's not optimal, we can always change what we do.'

Committee members meet again in late June for a final decision on how the opening round will be structured.

The tournament expanded from 64 teams to 65 in 2001, meaning one school would be eliminated even before the event's much-anticipated first Thursday.

Since the expansion to 65 teams, a school from the Southwestern Athletic Conference has been sent to that first game five times, including last season when Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Winthrop. In fact, a SWAC team has either been in the play-in game or received a No. 16 seed in each of the last 11 years. If the tournament's bottom eight teams are slotted for the opening-round games, the ramifications for the league are obvious.

'Our RPI is what it is, so it's going to seem to me that we're always going to be in that 61 through 68,' UAPB athletic director Skip Perkins said.

Kent State athletic director Laing Kennedy, who is on the men's basketball committee, would like to avoid that scenario.

'If we could put some provisions in that any one conference, you would have some rotation so they're not always playing,' Kennedy said. 'Some of the historically black colleges, etc. - make sure that we take care of that like we do now, so that they're not always slotted in that role.'

Guerrero said putting the bottom eight teams in the tournament in the opening round would enable the event to stay 'true to the seed process' - but he understands some leagues are worried.

'We wanted to be sensitive to the fact that there would be some conferences out there that would be very concerned,' he said. 'There might be the possibility of us being able to create some type of rotation system.'

UAPB didn't feel slighted when it appeared in the opening round this year, Perkins said. Of course, that might be because the Golden Lions won the game and it was their first NCAA tournament appearance.

'There were a lot of pros to us playing in that game - the kind of exposure we got for our school and our conference was tremendous,' he said. 'Actually, it was great being the only shop open that night.'

That's a reaction the NCAA hopes to hear more of, now that the opening round will include more than one game. UC-Riverside athletic director Stan Morrison, a committee member, said he hopes teams won't feel relegated to the back burner if they're asked to start the tournament before everyone else.

'The first games are going to be really highlighted,' he said.

Courtesy of http://www.tri-cityherald.com

221cm german center Nick Schneiders Interview - by Daniel Poerschke
Nick Schneiders (221-C-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) is German's tallest pro basketball player at the moment and just graduated from NCAA 1 USC-Upstate. In his senior year Nick averaged 12.4ppg, 6.8rpg and 3.0bpg. Now the 221cm (7'3) giant is looking for his first pro team and found some time for Eurobasket.com to talk about him as a person on and off the court.

1. You started your basketball career fairly late, tell us a little bit about your youth in Germany and how you ended up at USC-Upstate?

I started my basketball career really late actually. I am from a very small town in Germany and the only sport that was accessible to me when I was younger was soccer. I played soccer until I was about 13 but I wasnt very good at it and I didnt want to be the last guy on the bench any longer so I quit. I tried a couple of recreational sports like skateboarding, inline skating and wind surfing but didnt play any real sport competitively until I decided that basketball might be a good sport for me to try. I was about 19 and a half, 218cm and built like a stick, and had a hard time even against 15-16 year olds but I enjoyed basketball immensely and so I stuck with it. Interestingly enough I started playing around the same time Robert Oehle started playing, who now plays for the webmoebel Baskets in Paderborn, and weve always had this little rivalry going on. I dont think DJK Rheda ever produced anyone who made it higher than Regionalliga until Robert and I came along.
I did my social service (zivildienst) at DJK Rheda and during that time I started looking for opportunities for the next year and came along a recruiting service for collegiate sports. I figured it wouldnt hurt to try and a couple of months later Coach Eddie Payne from USC Upstate came to Rheda to meet and work me out. He offered me a scholarship to then Division 2 USC Upstate and after taking all my tests to become NCAA eligible I came to beautiful Spartanburg, South Carolina; all this after playing for about a year and a half of organized basketball.
To be honest I was probably the worst player ever to receive a scholarship to any College but after redshirting a year, playing a year in NCAA division 2 and then playing three years in Division 1 I can honestly say that I have come a long way. I eventually became a starter and then the go to guy at USC Upstate and personally had a pretty good season this last year, even though we struggled as a team. I received Academic All-American second team honors and was ranked 12th nationally with 3.0 blocks a game while also averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 27 minutes a game.

2. What are your plans for next season, where do you picture yourself playing?

After five years living abroad, seeing my family once a year at best, I would like to play a bit closer to home for a little while. I am sure I can find a team in the Beko-BBL that needs a smart, mobile 221cm shot-blocking center that can score the ball if needed. It does not matter to me where the team is located but it is important to me that the team is the right fit. I had a late start in basketball and even though I am pretty good now, I know I can be exponentially better in just a few years time and so its important to me that I can grow as a basketball player. This requires a stable situation and certain other ingredients that might make picking a team more difficult than it usually is for other players just leaving college.
Wherever I end up I know its going to be hard work but also a lot of fun. There is just nothing like playing a sport with a bunch of guys that are passionate about the game just like you are and that work day in and day out to reach a common goal, to win the next game.

3. National team coach Dirk Bauermann called you for the national team preparations for the first time this year. What are your thoughts about that and what do you think you can bring to the team?

Actually, Dirk Bauermann called me one day early in the morning while I was on my way to class and told me that I had a good chance of being invited to the national team camp in July. Obviously, I was very excited since there is nothing like representing your country and it would be such an honor and privilege to be considered for the national team. We talked for a little while about the tasks ahead of me and what I would need to work on to be successful as a basketball player and he actually made me late for class but my teachers understood of course. I hope that I can convince him to be a part of the National Team now or in the near future. I believe that I could be a real asset on the defensive end with my size and shot blocking abilities. I can make it a lot harder for any team to get points in the paint and I am always a threat on the offensive boards.
Furthermore, I can also knock down mid-ranges shots at a good rate and so it becomes difficult to help off of me on penetration.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Like I mentioned earlier, I am a great shot blocker and I absolutely love defense. I run the floor very well for my size and have a good touch on hook shots and mid-range jumpers. I have a little trouble with small and agile forwards and it wouldnt hurt putting on a couple of pounds of muscle. This last season I also had a little trouble staying consistent but that might have been the result of my inexperience as the lead player on the team and the very inconsistent guard play.

5. Tell us a little bit about your graphic design studies.

I have always been interested in design. One just has to look around the room and there will be dozens of examples of items that someone designed with a purpose. Posters, packaging, magazines, logos and the list goes on and on and I always wanted to know more about that. I just received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Studio with an emphasis in Graphic Design and its been an interesting five years trying to juggle school and basketball. Art as a degree is unbelievably time consuming and being gone most of the time during the basketball season really taxed my ability to improvise and manage my time wisely. Eventually I would like to get back to Graphic Design but for the foreseeable future my focus is on basketball. Who knows, maybe I can combine the two one day, there are some awful logos out there representing some high level basketball clubs in Europe.

6. What were the best memories of your college career?

That is a very tough question. There are really too many to list but I will try to pick a couple. Not necessarily the best but a very interesting memory is this last seasons game against UNLV in Las Vegas. We lost pretty badly against a good team but I had an outstanding night shooting the ball and it felt like I could hardly miss. I ended up with something like 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks against a team that at the time was projected by many people to go to the NCAA tournament as a fairly high seed. I think in general my good memories are of games against high-level competition since I always feel more comfortable playing against bigger and taller players.
Unfortunately, we didnt fair very well as a team and that just dampens the joy of a good individual performance immensely. I suppose thats something one has to live with when playing for a small team that just changed to division 1 two-three seasons ago.
I had a great game against the conferences leading scorer when I held him to just 11 points and scored 18 myself. He had scored in double figures in something like 40 games straight and I was trying very hard to break that streak. He ended up getting his double figures in scoring but not without getting very frustrated and working very hard for those 11 points. I think he averaged something like 22 points a game on the season and dropped 30+ on a couple of teams. His pissed of face when we shook hands afterwards, even
though they won a close game, just made the long trip home just that much more bearable.
Lastly, I will probably never forget my last game in the Hodge Center, our gym. I was very emotional and ended up having a good game that put an exclamation mark on my college career at upstate. Maybe you can ask me that question again in a couple of years and I can tellyou about that championship I won :-)

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

NEW ZEALAND

40 points from Webster not enough for the Heat. - by Mike Lacey
Despite 40 points from Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth), Harbour Heat slipped to their fourth consecutive loss, the in form Bay Hawks accounting for them 102-97.
The Heat were guilty of giving up too many offensive rebounds in the first quarter enabling the visitors to establish a 29-20 advantage, Former Syracuse University star Josh Pace shot a perfect 5 from 5 in the period to lead all scoring with 11 points at quarter time.
The Heat, with a greater defensive effort controlled the tempo in the second quarter and trailed by just two points at the half time interval. The Hawks did not help themselves by giving up two technical fouls. Webster only converted two of the four resulting free throws but with 13 points in the quarter he led all scorers at the main break with 18 points. Half time: Bay Hawks 45 Harbour Heat 43.

In the second half the Heat threatened on numerous occasions to take the initiative away from the Hawks but the Hawks, especially Pace and Chris Daniel (5 from 6 three pointers) always found a basket to ease the pressure. With Kavossy Franklin in foul trouble Houston ORiley was given extended court time and a banked lay up in traffic had the crowd on their feet as he Rick Rickert and BJ Anthony kept the Heat in touch 66-61 to the Hawks at three quarter time.
New Hawks import Jon Rogers may have set some sort of record by fouling out early in the fourth quarter picking up his fifth foul after just eight minutes of court time. The final period was a scoring bonanza as both sides struggled to contain the opposition sharp shooters. For the visitors Pace hit an amazing 14 from 15 from the field to finish with 38 points ably assisted by Chris Daniel 22 points. For the Heat Franklin scored 8 points late in the game and Webster poured in 20 final quarter points to almost snatch victory for the home side. The Heat were forced to foul in the final minutes to stop the clock but the Hawks were equal to the task, Benny Hill, Pace and Daniel coolly seeing the visitors home. Hawks coach Shawn Dennis was mightily impressed by the shooting display put on by his team and that by Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) as his team move closer to a top four spot. For Heat coach Judd Flavell it is back to the drawing board in preparation for a two game road trip to Invercargill and Dunedin next weekend before their next home game versus Christchurch Cougars on Thursday June 3rd.
Final score:
Harbour Heat 97 (Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) 40, Rick Rickert 20, Beny Anthony 13, Kavossy Franklin 10)
Bay Hawks 102 (Josh Pace 38, Chris Daniel 22, Ben Hill 14)

Q&A with Saints import Eric Devendorf - by Eurobasket News
Eric Devendorf (193-G-87, college: Syracuse) is rated as one of the best players to grace a Kiwi basketball court. Sam Worthington puts the tough (and not-so-tough) questions to the Saints' import ahead of tonight's NBL home game against Nelson.

Q. Who are the best players in the New Zealand league?

A. I've only been out here a short time but Lindsay [Saints point guard Lindsay Tait] is one of the better players I've played with. Thomas Abercrombie [Waikato forward] is a good player, those are two that stand out in my head. And Josh Pace [Hawke's Bay guard], I've been playing with and against him for a while so I know what he can do.

You are left-handed but shoot with your right. Why?

I write left-handed, eat left-handed but everything else is right-handed. I throw a baseball, throw a football, all right-handed. I don't know, that's just how it was growing up.

What's your favourite place to eat in Wellington?

It's got to be Public man, that's where I've been going. It's a good place. I get the chicken sandwich with egg on it, that's one of my favourites.

What's the most exciting thing you've done in New Zealand so far?

Just seeing different things with the family, we went to the museum [Te Papa] and seeing stuff we wouldn't see back home. Being right here on the water is real neat, to have my daughter come here and experience something like that.

No bungy jumping?

No, I'm not into all that.

Do you understand rugby?

I understand it a lot more since I've been out here. I still don't really know what's going on but I'm starting to get the hang of it.

Are you a ruck or a lineout man?

I couldn't tell you.

You've signed with the Melbourne Tigers. A good career move?

Yeah, it's a good competitive league and Melbourne's a good city to be in for family, and everything else will be taken care of. It's a good step forward and I'm looking forward to it.

There's whispers of an NBA scout coming to New Zealand to watch you. Care to divulge?

That's what I heard so hopefully it's true. I've just got to keep working hard, playing hard and getting wins and everything else will take care of itself.

What team?

I think it's the Phoenix Suns, that's as much as I know.

Steve Nash is getting old ...

He's all right, he's going to be fine.

Where do you hope to be this time next year?

Hopefully, playing back home. That's got to be the No1 goal. But just to be making money and taking care of my family. Wherever I am, that's the No1 thing.

Which NBA team do you support?

Whoever supports me, that's who I'm going to support. I always liked the Detroit Pistons coming from Michigan I'm a fan of the Pistons.

Who will win the NBA this season?

I feel the Lakers. You've always got to be the favourite when you've got the best player in the league [Kobe Bryant].

Who is LeBron James going to sign with?

I've heard Chicago, I've heard New York. Wherever he feels himself and his family are most comfortable being. Obviously money talks, but you want to be where you're most comfortable.

Who is the funniest player on the Saints and why?

We've got a couple of jokesters on the team, man. I'd probably have to say either George [Le'afa] or Nick [Horvath]. Nick's got a kind of dry, dour sense of humour but it's funny, if you know where he's coming from. He's a good man, very intelligent.

What have you made of the Saints setup?

It's great. The first thing was just making sure my family was good and everybody was comfortable. Right away, when I came here, that was the first thing that they looked after and made sure that my daughter was taken care of and had everything in terms of my family needs. Everything else is going to fall into place as far as basketball goes. I've been loving the experience in Wellington.

The team must be fired up to play Nelson?

Yeah, obviously Nelson's a good team, they've got a couple of veterans on their team in Phill Jones and Co. We've got to go out there and play how we've played in the last five games and everything else will take care of itself.

A win would be crucial to help finish second and get a home semi?

That would be big, knowing if we can beat Nelson there's definitely a good chance. If we can get that win that would be big. Every win is good but knowing we can beat the second-placed team and jump ahead in the standings, it would be all right.

Is winning the league's scoring title an aim?

That doesn't mean much to me. I just came out here and kinda set a goal, to get my name back out there as far as other leagues go, use this as a stepping stone. I think I've done that pretty well so I'm going to continue to play my game and everything else will take care of itself.

HOW THEY LINE UP

What: National Basketball League

Where: TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

When: 7pm tonight

Saints: Lindsay Tait, Eric Devendorf, Leon Henry, Casey Frank, Nick Horvath, Erron Maxey, Troy McLean, Damien Ekenasio, George Le'afa, Ross Taurima, Randall Bishop

Nelson: Mike Fitchett, Phill Jones, Mika Vukona, Michael Harrison, Tony Rampton, Darryl Jones, Josh Bloxham, Brad Maclachlan, Nico Ritschny, Samuel Dempster, Bronson Beri, Ben Wright

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Waikato		12-1
2. Nelson		10-3
3. Wellington		9-4
4. Harbour Heat		8-5
5. Bay Hawks		8-6
6. Southland Sharks		6-7
7. Cougars		6-9
8. Taranaki		4-7
9. Manawatu		0-10
10. Otago		0-11

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darryl HUDSON
  Manawatu
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 27.6

1. Hudson, Manawatu	27.6
2. Devendorf, Wellington	26.4
3. Devendorf, Waikato	24.3
4. Tisby, Otago	23.5
5. Webster, Harbour .	22.9
6. Rose, Southland S.	22.6
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	21.8
8. Amaya, Otago	21.5
9. Jones, Nelson	21.3
10. Leasure, Taranaki	20.9

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Pledger, Waikato	12.7
2. Tisby, Otago	10.3
3. Vukona, Nelson	10.2
4. Boucher, Harbour .	10.1
5. Terrell, Bay Hawks	9.9
6. Rickert, Harbour .	9.6
7. Abercrombie, Waika.	8.7
8. Nowell, Taranaki	8.0
9. Reay, Manawatu	7.8
10. Rougeau, Southlan.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Tait, Wellington	6.4
2. Boucher, Harbour .	5.5
3. Kench, Cougars	4.3
4. Devendorf, Waikato	4.1
5. Jones, Nelson	4.0
6. Hudson, Manawatu	3.6
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	3.5
8. Amaya, Otago	3.4
9. Daly, Cougars	3.4
10. Krauser, Waikato	3.2

Steals Per Game

Rene ROUGEAU
  Southland S.
  (198-G-86)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Rougeau, Southlan.	3.8
2. Webster, Harbour .	3.3
3. Helms, Southlan.	2.8
4. Devendorf, Waikato	2.7
5. Rose, Southland S.	2.6
6. Te Huna, Manawatu	2.4
7. Boucher, Harbour .	2.3
8. Kench, Cougars	2.3
9. Krauser, Waikato	2.2
10. Leasure, Taranaki	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pledger, Waikato	2.3
2. Abercrombie, Waika.	2.0
3. Harrison, Nelson	1.7
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	1.6
5. Vukona, Nelson	1.3
6. Rougeau, Southlan.	1.2
7. Johnson, Taranaki	1.2
8. Behrendorff, Couga.	1.1
9. Rickert, Harbour .	1.1
10. Trueman, Taranaki	0.9

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. San Miguel		10-1
2. Talk N Text		8-2
3. Alaska		6-4
4. Ginebra		6-4
5. Derby Ace L.		6-5
6. Rain or Shine		5-5
7. Coca-Cola		4-6
8. Santa Lucia		4-6
9. Barako		2-9
10. Air21		1-10
11. Smart Gilas		0-0

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 30.6

1. Johnson, Santa L.	30.6
2. Simpson, Alaska	27.0
3. Penny, Coca-Cola	26.2
4. Larry, Air21	25.8
5. Monroe, Barako	25.8
6. Wade, Derby Ace L.	25.2
7. Storey, Ginebra	24.0
8. Ambres, Ginebra	22.8
9. David, Coca-Cola	20.6
10. Freeman, San M.	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Awvee STOREY
  Ginebra
  (198-G/F-77)
  Avg: 17.6

1. Storey, Ginebra	17.6
2. Ambres, Ginebra	17.4
3. Simpson, Alaska	16.7
4. Brown, Derby A.	15.6
5. Freeman, San M.	15.6
6. Young, Air21	14.3
7. Larry, Air21	14.2
8. Penny, Coca-Cola	13.8
9. Johnson, Santa L.	13.8
10. Lewis, Rain or Shine	13.8

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (178-G-77)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Alapag, Talk N Text	7.8
2. Cabagnot, San M.	6.1
3. Helterbrand, Gineb.	5.7
4. Norwood, Rain o.	4.6
5. Mercado, Rain o.	4.6
6. Reyes, Santa Lucia	4.6
7. Miller, Alaska	4.5
8. Tenorio, Alaska	4.4
9. Monroe, Barako	4.2
10. Castro, Talk N Text	4.0

Steals Per Game

Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Daniels, Talk N.	2.4
2. Baguio, Alaska	2.2
3. Simpson, Alaska	1.8
4. Wade, Derby Ace L.	1.8
5. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.7
6. Monroe, Barako	1.7
7. Larry, Air21	1.6
8. Lanete, Coca-Cola	1.5
9. Cortez, Air21	1.5
10. Reyes, Santa Lucia	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Daniels, Talk N.	2.7
2. Penny, Coca-Cola	2.3
3. Johnson, Santa L.	1.7
4. Simpson, Alaska	1.7
5. Wade, Derby Ace L.	1.6
6. Monroe, Barako	1.6
7. Freeman, San M.	1.3
8. Reyes, Barako	1.1
9. Devance, Alaska	1.0
10. Santos, San Miguel	1.0

Struggling Tigers want shakeup, trade rookie Ross for Mendoza - by Eurobasket News
One by one, Sta. Lucia is losing the core of its All-Filipino champion team.

Veteran Dennis Espino, cerebral quarterback Denok Miranda, firebrand guard Joseph Yeo and marquee players former most valuable player Kelly Williams and former rookie of the year Ryan Reyes, had already found themselves playing elsewhere.

Add Paolo Mendoza (178-G-78), a member of the Realtors' two championship-winning teams, as the latest player to go.

Mendoza, a 5-foot-11 guard from University of the Philippines, is headed to Coca-Cola in exchange for rookie guard Chris Ross (185-G-85, agency: Tank Sports, college: Marshall).

But unlike in previous deals, Sta. Lucia isn't the one which initiated such trade.

'We want to shake things up and we want immediate results, which is why, we want to get Paolo (Mendoza) who is more of a scoring guard,' Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. 'It's not because we dont want Chris Ross, but we want a quick change in our fortunes. Ross has a lot of potential, but we want the potential to happen now.'

Perasol added that the deal has yet to be formalized but is already agreed in principle. He has also sought the approval of Coca-Cola team manager and board governor JB Baylon regarding the move.

'I'm going to meet with Atty. Ariel Magno (Thursday) so we can sign the papers and have it approved by the PBA,' added Perasol, whose team suffered its sixth straight loss and fell to 4-7 after a 3-0 start.

Aside from the need of a scoring guard, Perasol explained that the teams guard rotation also became shallow as Marvin Cruz suffered an injury.

The departure of Mendoza, who was also instrumental in the Realtors first-ever championship in 2001, means that only veteran Marlou Aquino, Bitoy Omolon and Dennis Daa are the only remaining holdovers of Sta. Lucias 2007-2008 All-Filipino champion squad.

Courtesy of JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

PBA: Latest games - by Eurobasket News
Alaska - Coca-Cola 108-98
Alaska continued its mastery over Coca-Cola after posting a 108-98 win Wednesday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) delivered an almost perfect performance with a conference-high 28 points on 13-of-15 shooting from the floor as the Aces notched their second straight win for a 6-4 mark. 'Cyrus had a big night for us,' said Alaska mentor Tim Cone, who was far satisfied from their defensive effort. 'It didn't really go the way I wanted it to. I think we could have made it better defensively. We wanted our team to win with our defense. We have to be able to defend the top offensive teams like Talk �N Text and San Miguel if we want to go farther in this conference,' he added. Baguio erupted for 19 points in the first period, hitting his first 9 attempts to help Alaska gain control of the game. ''Yung unang tira ko, �yun ang parang nagbigay ng confidence sa akin,' said Baguio. 'Medyo sinuwerte kaya I grabbed the chance.' From there, the Aces never relinquished the lead and even led by as much as 14 points late in the fourth quarter. Diamon Simpson (201-F-87, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 18 points while Joe Devance (201-C-82, college: UTEP) and LA Tenorio (178-G-84) contributed 13 points apiece for the Aces, who beat Coke in their first encounter by 1 point on Simpson's buzzer-beater dunk from a perfect inbound pass from Tony dela Cruz. The Tigers have now lost 7 of their last 8 games to go down deeper in the team standing with a 4-7 slate. Rashad Bell (201-F-82, college: Boston U.) led Coke with 35 points and 14 rebounds. Gary David (187-G/F-78) added 23 markers while Mark Macapagal (188-G-79) chipped in 16. - Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

Talk N Text - Derby Ace L. 114-89
Offense trumped defense as Talk 'N Text routed Derby Ace, 114-89, as the Tropang Texters extended their winning streak to seven in the PBA Fiesta Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Cardona led the Tropang Texters with 23 points, Harvey Carey (191-F-79, college: Sonoma St.) had 16, Shawn Daniels (200-C-79, college: Utah St.) and Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) added 15 each, while three others - Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes and Ranidel De Ocampo - were also in double figures in a balanced scoring for the telecommunication franchise. James Yap (191-F/G-82) scored a personal conference-high of 28 points for Derby Ace, 17 of them in the second period when the Llamados battled back from a 15-point deficit and trim the gap to 50-49 at halftime. *Courtesy of www.pba-online.net

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

POLAND

Astoria, AZS Szczecin and Rosasport Radom advance - by Eurobasket News
Rosasport Radom swept the final series against Unia Tarnow to reach the Polish 1Liga. After home win in the opening game Rosasport Radom upset Unia on the road 90:76. Radom managed to overcome a 10-point deficit at the end of the first frame. Artur Donigiewicz (185-G-84) finished with 19 points for Rosasport. Pawel Wiekiera (206-F-78) added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Tomasz Bryzek (194-G-86) answered with 22 points for Unia Tarnow.
AZS Szczecin toppled Open Basket Pleszew in three games. The decisive third win came on Wednesday when AZS Szczecin claimed a 77:68 success at home court. Maciej Majcherek (190-G-82) came up with 17 points to lead the effort. Michal Majcherek (185-G-83) added 16 points for the winners. Jakub Dryjanski (201-F-82) responded with 17 points and 6 boards for Open Basket.
Astoria booked the ticket to 1Liga after a 90:79 victory over SKK Siedlce in the third game of the series. Dorian Szyttenholm (194-F-83) notched 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead Astoria. SKK Siedlce led early in the game but could not keep up the tempo and allowed Astoria to run away with the victory at the end. Artur Gliszczynski (178-G-81) netted 20 points for the hosts. Karol Chomka (191-G-87) responded with 32 points for SKK Siedlce.

Szymon Szewczyk extends with Air Avellino - by Eurobasket News
Air Avellino have prolonged the contract of Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) for one more season. The Polish centre joined the Italian team at the start of the last season. He tallied 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in SeriaA. In 2008/09 Szymon Szewczyk played for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. The centre also participated at the 2009 EuroBasket. He notched 5.2 points and 4.0 boards for Poland.

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon		22-5
2. Capitanes		21-7
3. Quebradillas		15-12
4. Santurce		15-12
5. Ponce		14-13
6. San German		12-15
7. Guaynabo		10-17
8. Humacao		10-17
9. Isabela		10-17
10. Mayaguez		7-21

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.6
2. Carmona, Mayaguez	20.2
3. Hickerson, San G.	20.1
4. Galindo, Mayaguez	20.0
5. Priutt, Isabela	19.1
6. Maye, Mayaguez	19.0
7. Ramos, Quebradillas	18.9
8. Redhage, Quebradillas	18.3
9. Ayuso, Capitanes	18.3
10. Sweetney, Santurce	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Priutt, Isabela	13.5
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.5
3. Sweetney, Santurce	11.4
4. Narvaez, Ponce	10.1
5. Traylor, Bayamon	9.9
6. Dyer, San German	9.3
7. Mays, Humacao	9.0
8. Reyes, Capitanes	8.9
9. Aubry, Capitanes	8.8
10. Austin, San German	8.7

Assists Per Game

C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Bruton, Quebradillas	7.8
2. Baker, Mayaguez	6.6
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.0
4. Rodriguez, Capit.	5.3
5. Rivera, Isabela	4.9
6. Hatton, Ponce	4.8
7. Cruz, Ponce	4.8
8. Copeland, San G.	4.7
9. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.6
10. Redhage, Quebradillas	4.4

Steals Per Game

Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Berdiel, Humacao	2.2
2. Baker, Mayaguez	2.0
3. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.8
4. Rivera, Isabela	1.7
5. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.6
6. Perez, Isabela	1.6
7. Mojica, Bayamon	1.5
8. Pickett, Capitanes	1.4
9. Austin, San German	1.4
10. Mays, Humacao	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Michael SWEETNEY
  Santurce
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Sweetney, Santurce	1.3
2. Mays, Humacao	1.2
3. Perez, Isabela	1.2
4. Priutt, Isabela	1.2
5. Traylor, Bayamon	1.1
6. Reyes, Capitanes	1.1
7. Nieves, Santurce	1.0
8. Escalera, Guaynabo	0.9
9. Shannon, Bayamon	0.9
10. Berdiel, Humacao	0.9

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

ROMANIA

Uros Velickovic signed for Gaz Metan Medias! - by Sebastian Umbrich
Uros Velickovic (190-G-83), cup winner with CS Elba Timisoara in April, signed today with Cup finalist and championship bronze medal, CS Gaz Metan Medias. By signing in this veritable guard, Medias has shown its ambitions for the next season: the Romanian championship (hopes to break Ploiestis 7 year reign). Also, by signing in Velickovic, Medias assured a possible substitution for Jarrett Howell (188-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington), who proved that cannot take a whole season through, with playing all matches at least 35 minutes at highest level.
Dragan Petricevic (agency: Global Sports Plaza ), coach of CS Elba Timisoara, said that he cannot reproach nothing to Uros, a player who was true to its teams colours, but due to huge financial problems, he couldn't stand it anymore. Dragan Petricevic (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) also mentioned that he will be 'the last to leave the ship', and stated that other two important players of Elba, Milos Pesic (202-F-84) and Bojan Grubisic

(212-C-80) will leave the team this summer, very probably. Moreover, according to same Dragan Petricevic (agency: Global Sports Plaza ), all Serbian players hand over their appartment keys and left the country with all their things. The coach's hopes are still alive, he still hopes that, as the local authorities promised, Elba will have a 1 million Euro budget next year.
Velickovic will begin the trainings with its new team in August.
Mention: parts of this article were taken from www.diviziasport.ro

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

RUSSIA

Corruption scandal in Superleague. Executive director Sergei Chernov left his post - by Stanislav Tyutyunnik
President of Russian Basketball Federation Sergei Chernov has resigned from his post of Superleague executive director. After today's Executive Committee of Russian Basketball Federation meeting Mr. Chernov decided to leave his post. 'I admit my guilt. Because of spending too much time and hard working as the RBF president and vice president of FIBA-Europe I have not had enough time to work as a head of the Superleague. So I decided to no longer combine the posts in the Federation and Superleague. At the next Council of the League we will discuss the possibility of restructuring the Russian championship. Due to the fact that the United League VTB grows, there should be some changes', - he told to russian media sport-express.ru.

Also Maxim Astanin (205-F-69) - the chief of Russian Championship Gaming Department - was fired. Referees Sergei Bulanov, Sergei Krug, Vladimir Razbezhkin and commissioner Efim Resser were suspended from work. All of them are involved in corruption scandal caused by compromising audiorecord that was made right after the game between Dynamo and Lokomotiv-Kuban. A lot of players and coaches in Russia severely reacted for this evidence of corruption.

Here are the comments about crooked referees from Khimky coach Sergio Scariolo to championat.ru: 'I am terribly disappointed, frustrated and concerned about what had happened. But to say that he was surprised, I'm sorry, I can not. I believe that this unfortunate incident will be the chance for healing for the Russian basketball. As an athlete, a professional, working in Russia, I was worried. In your country there are honest referees, and we should not stigmatize all at once just because someone got on dishonesty. But on the other hand, the problem still exists - it is impossible not to. Again, I want to believe that this is a new beginning for all of us. Reputation of Russian championship in the eyes of the basketball world must be restored, because now it is not crystal pure'.

CSKA head coach Evgeny Pashutin also shared his opinion to championat.ru: 'What happened - a scandal and a huge negative for the Russian basketball. To hear the tape was, of course, a shock. About the referees intentionally affecting the outcome of the games - I can't say it is commonplace for our championship. I repeat, this terrible scandal but I hope with this that it will serve as an occasion to make our basketball cleaner and more professional'.

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

SERBIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Petar BEADER
  KG 06
  (205-F-85)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Beader, KG 06	18.3
2. Panic, Metalac	18.1
3. Mladenovic, Ergon.	17.8
4. Mihajlovic, Ergonom	17.5
5. Micic, Napredak	16.5
6. Markovic, Napredak	16.5
7. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.	16.4
8. Markovic, Tamis	16.1
9. Jorovic, Borac	15.6
10. Martinic, Vojvodina	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Mladenovic, Ergon.	7.4
2. Mikic, KG 06	6.9
3. Ilic, Metalac	6.8
4. Ljubojevic, Novi S.	6.2
5. Buric, Tamis	6.2
6. Bosnjak, Vojvodina	6.2
7. Jelovac, Mega V.	6.1
8. Borovcanin, Sloga	6.0
9. Lukovic, Radnic.	5.8
10. Pobric, Novi Sad	5.8

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naft.
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	7.2
2. Kocergin, Masinac	4.9
3. Teodosic, Metalac	4.7
4. Stefanovic, Metal.	4.3
5. Rakic, Novi Sad	4.2
6. Korac, Beograd	4.1
7. Djordjevic, Sloga	4.0
8. Prolovic, Borac	3.8
9. Martinic, Vojvodina	3.7
10. Dimitrijevic, Sloga	3.6

Steals Per Game

Marko VULIN
  Proleter Naft.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Vulin, Proleter Naft.	2.2
2. Martinic, Vojvodina	2.0
3. Zarkovic, Prolet.	1.9
4. Jereminov, Tamis	1.9
5. Borovcanin, Sloga	1.7
6. Rakic, Novi Sad	1.7
7. Dundjerski, Beograd	1.7
8. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	1.7
9. Djordjevic, Sloga	1.6
10. Radulovic, Masinac	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.2
2. Maravic, Mega V.	1.2
3. Ilic, Metalac	1.1
4. Lukovic, Radnic.	1.0
5. Buric, Tamis	1.0
6. Ljubojevic, Novi S.	0.8
7. Bircevic, Metalac	0.8
8. Arsic, Masinac	0.8
9. Dramicanin, Borac	0.7
10. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	0.6

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	19.0
2. Fitch, Fuenlabrada	17.9
3. Vujanic, CB Murcia	17.7
4. Tucker, DKV J.	16.2
5. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	16.0
6. Splitter, Caja L.	15.8
7. Navarro, Regal B.	14.8
8. Savanovic, Cajasol	14.5
9. Teletovic, Caja L.	14.3
10. Batista, Fuenlabr.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Esteban BATISTA
  Fuenlabrada
  (208-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
2. Prestes, CB Murcia	7.3
3. Kirksay, Cajasol	7.1
4. Augustine, Gran C.	7.1
5. Splitter, Caja L.	6.9
6. Hendrix, Granada	6.9
7. Panko, Lagun A.	6.9
8. Moss, CB Murcia	6.7
9. Jackson, Xacobeo BS	6.5
10. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Cook, Unicaja	6.0
2. Stanic, Xacobeo BS	5.2
3. Huertas, Caja L.	5.1
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.4
5. Valters, DKV J.	4.3
6. Dumas, Valladolid	4.1
7. Calloway, Cajasol	4.0
8. Oliver, Estudiantes	3.8
9. Prigioni, MMC R.	3.7
10. Norris, Gran C.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.4
2. Prigioni, MMC R.	2.2
3. Rubio, Regal Barca	2.0
4. Van Lacke, Valladolid	1.8
5. Rodriguez, Bizkai.	1.6
6. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	1.5
7. Triguero, Cajasol	1.5
8. Hervelle, Bizkai.	1.4
9. San Miguel, Manre.	1.4
10. Stanic, Xacobeo BS	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Valladolid
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Battle, Valladolid	1.5
2. Hendrix, Granada	1.3
3. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.3
4. Aguilar, Granada	1.2
5. Lavrinovic, MMC R.	1.2
6. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
7. Freeland, Unicaja	1.0
8. Barnes, Valladolid	0.9
9. Savane, Gran C.	0.9
10. Hervelle, Bizkai.	0.9

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Stevie JOHNSON
  Huesca
  (198-F-78)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Johnson, Huesca	17.4
2. Pigram, Andorra	16.3
3. Ferrer, Cajasur .	15.9
4. Vereen, Rosalia	15.8
5. Uriz, Santurtzi	15.5
6. Thompson, ADT T.	15.4
7. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.3
8. Zengotitaben., Hue.	15.3
9. Miller, Coruna	14.8
10. Higgs, L''Hospitalet	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Ronald THOMPSON
  ADT Tarragona
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Thompson, ADT T.	8.8
2. Miller, Huelva	8.7
3. Howard, Guadalaj.	8.3
4. Johnson, Huesca	7.9
5. Santana, Caja Rioja	7.8
6. Williams, Matchmind	7.8
7. Ausina, Matchmind	7.7
8. Matali, Andorra	7.3
9. Andrews, Huesca	7.3
10. Wachsmann, Alcazar	6.9

Assists Per Game

Federico CASTELLO
  ADT Tarragona
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Castello, ADT T.	4.8
2. Rufian, Huelva	4.5
3. Busciglio, Caja Rioja	4.4
4. Canals, Alaior	3.8
5. Cardenas, Qalat C.	3.8
6. Gonzalez, Navarra	3.8
7. Rodriguez, Rosalia	3.7
8. Santamaria, ADT T.	3.7
9. Comas, Prat J.	3.6
10. Alonso, Matchmind	3.6

Steals Per Game

Nathan MILLER
  Coruna
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Miller, Coruna	2.4
2. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.3
3. Gomez, Huelva	2.2
4. Johnson, Huesca	2.1
5. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	2.0
6. Ott, Caja Rioja	1.9
7. Martinez, Huelva	1.8
8. Pigram, Andorra	1.7
9. Higgs, L''Hospitalet	1.7
10. Bavosi, Promobys	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Byombo, Illescas	1.5
2. Adams, Navarra	1.3
3. Thompson, ADT T.	1.2
4. Andrews, Huesca	1.2
5. Bain, ADT Tarragona	1.1
6. Howard, Huelva	0.9
7. Joseph, Rosalia	0.9
8. Matali, Andorra	0.9
9. Sekulic, Plasencia	0.9
10. Williams, Matchmind	0.8

LEB Silver: Huesca beats Caja Rioja in Game 5, will meet Promobys in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Huesca - Caja Rioja 80-76
Huesca outsmarted Caja Rioja in fifth decisive game of the series and will meet Promobys in the Playoff Finals. Asier Zengotitabengoa (201-F-88) stepped up for the hosts with 20 points. Stevie Johnson (198-F-78, college: Iowa St.) helped with 19 points and 6 rebounds. For the guests, Chavis Holmes (193-G, college: VMI) netted 15 pts.

ACB Quarterfinals, first games: Cajasol shocks Real in Madrid - by Eurobasket News
MMC Real M. - Cajasol 60-66
Cajasol shocked Real in Madrid taking 1-0 lead in the Playoff Semifinals. Dusko Savanovic

(204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) was MVP of the game with valuation 28. He spent 31 minutes on the floor collecting 19 points and 6 rebounds. Tariq Kirksay

(199-F-79, college: Iona) helped with 14 points and was the last one with double-digits in scoring for Cajasol. For the Whites, Louis Bullock

(186-G-76, college: Michigan) delivered 13 points.

Valencia BC - Unicaja 82-83
Thriller win for Unicaja, who got 20 points from Omar Cook

(186-G-82, college: St.John's) and Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) (each). Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) helped the team from Malaga with 14 points. For the hosts, Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) top-scored with 13 points. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) (13 rebs), Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) (8 rebs, 7 as) and Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) had 12 points each.

Regal Barca - Gran Canaria 85-53
Regal Barca destroyed Gran Canaria for 1-0 lead in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Pete Mickeal

(199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) scored 17 points and pulled down 5 rebounds for Barca, Terence Morris (207-F-79, college: Maryland) had 16 points, while Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 13. In Granca, Will McDonald

(207-C-79, college: S.Florida) collected 21 points and 5 boards.

Caja Laboral - Estudiantes 92-76
Easy win by Caja Laboral, who is 1-0 up in this series. Mirza Teletovic

(205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored in victory with 18 points. Macelinho Huertas had double-double of 15 points and 10 assists. Walter Herrmann (207-F-79) and Pau Ribas (193-G-87) also scored 15 pts each, while Tiago Splitter

(211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) had 13 pts, 11 boards and 7 assists. In Estu, Nik Caner-Medley

(203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) had 18 points and 5 rebs.

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	18.1
2. Donaldson, La La.	17.5
3. Riera, Mallorca	17.3
4. Guillen, La Laguna	16.4
5. Roe, Tenerife	15.5
6. Humphrey, Leon	15.5
7. Morley, Burgos	15.5
8. Quinteros, CAI Z.	14.8
9. Hess, CB Tarragona	14.8
10. Rabaseda, Cornella	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Donaldson, La La.	10.9
2. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.1
3. Starosta, Melilla	8.8
4. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.3
5. Arteaga, Palencia	8.2
6. Coleman, Breogan	7.7
7. Adrien, Breogan	7.7
8. Phillip, CAI Z.	7.5
9. Padgett, La Palma	7.4
10. Humphrey, Leon	7.3

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.7
2. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.	4.4
3. Cherry, Caceres	4.4
4. Mena, La Palma	4.1
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.6
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.4
7. Perez, Cornella	3.4
8. Sabat, Girona	3.3
9. Hernandez, Burgos	3.3
10. Urtasun, Leon	3.0

Steals Per Game

Xavier RABASEDA
  Regal Barca
  (199-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Rabaseda, Cornella	2.4
2. Lescano, CAI Z.	2.3
3. Blanch, Mallorca	2.2
4. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	2.1
5. Quinteros, CAI Z.	1.9
6. Boccia, Tenerife	1.9
7. Ayon, Tenerife	1.9
8. Howell, Ourense	1.8
9. Xavier, Breogan	1.7
10. Perez, Cornella	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  Caceres
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Naymick, Caceres	1.9
2. Donaldson, La La.	1.6
3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	1.6
4. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza	1.5
5. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.5
6. Ayon, Tenerife	1.4
7. Joseph, Cornella	1.2
8. Samb, Cornella	1.2
9. Roe, Tenerife	1.0
10. Morley, Burgos	0.9

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

SYRIA

Jeish grabs the championship title - by Eurobasket News
Jeish is the new champion of Syria. It was the second straight appearance for Jeish in the Playoff Finals, but this year they made it. Jeish outplayed Jalaa in third crucial game 88-92 and won the title in Syrian top division.
As a reminder, Jalaa opened this series with 104-96 overtime win. Jeish managed to beat them in Game Two 77-74 and finally last night to win the trophy. Jalaa was the regular season champion with perfect 22-0 record, but they slipped when it was the most important and failed to defend the championship title, which belonged to them since 2007 (07, 08, 09). On the other hand, this is the first title for Jeish since 2005.

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

TUNISIA

FIBA in the shadow of FIFA. - by Matthew Kyle
The entire world understands that the sport of choice in Europe, South America, Central America and Africa is soccer (or football). For the entire existence of the World Cup it has been the pinnacle of competition competing in popularity only with Olympics. There is world love for the game of soccer and all eyes will be on South Africa on June 11th for the kickoff game of Russia and Mexico. The popularity of soccer world wide isn't that surprising considering you do not have to be very tall to play. Some sports like basketball, there are large advantages to height and weight. With the whole world focusing so closely on the FIFA World Cup being held in South Africa this summer... it is a wonder if that emotion and passion for soccer will spill over into emotion and passion for basketball. With the conclusion of the championship game of the FIFA World Cup on the 11th of July, hopefully the whole world will turn its gaze onto the FIBA World Cup beginning on August 28th. If anyone will it will be the small northern African country of Tunisian National Team. They have qualified for the FIBA World Cup for the first time in their history and the nation will be behind them. Tunisian National Team almost made the FIFA World Cup but was knocked out late in the qualifying rounds with their loss to Kenya in addition to other key losses and wins by others in the African Qualifiers.

As the saying goes, 'everyone loves the underdog', and if there was one this summer it is Tunisian National Team. They will be fighting nearly 90 degrees uphill on this adventure into the unknown. Tunisian National Team never having been to the World Cup and will be going with high hopes and low expectations. Hopefully the world will understand this summer of sport does not end with soccer but merely gives us one course in this plentiful summer of competition.

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

TURKEY

Trabzonspor continue to strengthen roster - by Eurobasket News
Trabzonspor went on strengthening the roster for the upcoming season. The TBL newcomers have agreed on terms of contract with Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington). The 29-year-old forward spent the previous season in France. The US-Nigerian player tallied 19.8 points, 4.0 boards and 2.1 assists per game for Hyeres-Toulon. In 2008/09 Derrick Obasohan played in Strasbourg. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance in that season. Derrick Obasohan is the member of the Nigerian NT.

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Quincy DOUBY
  Darussafaka
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Douby, Darussafaka	23.6
2. Shipp, Bornova	18.8
3. Chatman, Besiktas	18.4
4. Brown, Bornova	18.1
5. Hosley, Aliaga	18.1
6. Newley, Besiktas	17.6
7. Baxter, Besiktas	17.4
8. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	17.3
9. Stanojevic, Kepez B.	17.2
10. Rancik, Galatasaray	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Jermareo DAVIDSON
  Humacao
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Davidson, Darussaf.	10.7
2. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	10.0
3. Williams, Erdemir	9.2
4. Hosley, Aliaga	8.0
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	7.9
6. Bowman, Tofas	7.3
7. Wesson, Karsiyaka	7.3
8. Greene, Antalya	6.9
9. Elegar, Bornova	6.8
10. Smith, Karsiyaka	6.8

Assists Per Game

Hakan KOSEOGLU
  Erdemir
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Koseoglu, Erdemir	8.7
2. Chatman, Besiktas	6.1
3. Douby, Darussafaka	4.9
4. Ermis, Banvit	4.7
5. Atsur, Besiktas	4.4
6. Acik, T.Telekom	4.4
7. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.2
8. Erdogan, Oyak R.	4.2
9. James, Mersin	4.2
10. Smith, Bornova	4.1

Steals Per Game

Quinton HOSLEY
  Aliaga
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Hosley, Aliaga	2.6
2. Chatman, Besiktas	2.4
3. Davis, T.Telekom	2.4
4. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.3
5. Douby, Darussafaka	2.3
6. James, Mersin	2.0
7. Shipp, Bornova	1.9
8. Famutimi, Oyak R.	1.9
9. Adams, Oyak R.	1.8
10. Holston, Karsiyaka	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Furkan ALDEMIR
  Karsiyaka
  (205-F-91)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.4
2. Davidson, Darussaf.	1.3
3. Denison, Tofas	1.2
4. Solak, Galatasaray	1.2
5. Elegar, Bornova	1.2
6. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	1.2
7. Bowman, Tofas	1.1
8. Davis, Banvit	1.0
9. Likholitov, Besiktas	0.9
10. Buckman, Kepez Bld	0.9

TBL Finals: Fenerbahce Ulker blasts Efes Pilsen in Game 1 - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Fener.Ulker 62-78
Fenerbahce Ulker cruised past Efes Pilsen in Game 1 of the Playoff Finals. The winning squad had five players with double-digits in scoring last night. Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) (7 as), Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) (7 rebs) and Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) (6 as) had 12 points each. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Semih Erden (211-C-87) (7 rebs) followed them with 11 and 10 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Mario Kasun (213-C-80) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Game Two is scheduled for Saturday.

Radoslav Rancik stays in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) has agreed on terms of contract extension with Galatasaray. The Slovak forward will spend two more years in the Turkey. Radoslav Rancik had a solid season with Galatasaray. He tallied 18.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per EuroCup game. In TBL his stats read 16.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance. He made it to the EuroCup All-Europeans Team this year.

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UKRAINE

Superleague Round: 1 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk - Azovmash 68-80
Azovmash surprised Budivelnyk in Kyiv in the opening game of the Superleague Final series. Fred House (195-F-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: S.Utah) scored 25 points and pulled down 8 rebounds to lead the visitors. Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) knocked down 22 points in the victory. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) responded with 14 points for Budivelnyk. Artur Drozdov

(199-G-80) had 13 points in the loss.

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Burtt, Fe.	22.4
2. Karim, DniproAzot	21.2
3. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	20.5
4. Thomas, Fe.	20.0
5. McClintock, Mykolaiv	18.6
6. Curry, Azovmash	18.5
7. Mitchell, Khimik	18.3
8. Williams, Halychyna	18.0
9. Atanackovic, Gryfo.	17.5
10. Daniels, Azovmash	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  Hoverla
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Fraser, Hoverla	11.4
2. Thomas, Fe.	10.2
3. Finn, Halychyna	7.9
4. McClintock, Mykolaiv	7.8
5. Pettway, Dnipro	7.8
6. Morton, DniproAzot	7.3
7. Hunter, Fe.	7.2
8. Rizvic, Azovmash	7.2
9. Agafonov, Khimik	6.9
10. Dubnyuk, Pulsar	6.9

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Dnipro
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Crowe, Dnipro	7.7
2. Blassingame, BC Od.	6.4
3. Sparks, Hoverla	5.7
4. Burtt, Fe.	5.5
5. Mitchell, Khimik	5.4
6. Karim, DniproAzot	5.4
7. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	5.3
8. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	4.9
9. Love, Mykolaiv	4.5
10. Hill, BC Odessa	3.7

Steals Per Game

Fred HOUSE
  Azovmash
  (195-F-78)
  Avg: 3

1. House, Azovmash	3.0
2. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	2.4
3. Crowe, Dnipro	2.2
4. Rybalko, Fe.	1.8
5. Sparks, Hoverla	1.8
6. Tiggs, Fe.	1.8
7. Curry, Azovmash	1.7
8. Karim, DniproAzot	1.7
9. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	1.7
10. Kolchenko, Khimik	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	2.7
2. McClintock, Mykolaiv	1.9
3. Balashov, BC Odessa	1.9
4. Rizvic, Azovmash	1.9
5. Agafonov, Khimik	1.7
6. Morton, DniproAzot	1.6
7. Pettway, Dnipro	1.5
8. Ulyanko, Hoverla	1.1
9. Matyukevych, Mykol.	1.0
10. Ulyanko, Pulsar	1.0

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WBA

Florida Flight Knock Off Gwinnett Majic, 131-117 - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight (2-1) rallied in the second half and pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a 131-117 win over the Gwinnett Majic in World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) action Thursday night in Kissimmee, Fla.

Gwinnett (2-1), the defending WBA champions, led 24-22 after the opening period and 55-51 at halftime. However, Florida outscored Gwinnett 36-29 in the third quarter to take an 87-84 lead into the fourth quarter. The Flight took control in the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Majic, 44-33, to extend their lead and earn their second straight win.

Trevor Bing (6'2''-G-85) led the Flight with 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He also added three assists and three rebounds as well. Dwayne Foreman

(5'10''-G-84, college: Georgia Southern) had 21 points and 10 assists, Willie Irick (6'6''-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oklahoma City) scored 18 and had six rebounds, Lamont Houston tossed in 17, Alex Hill (6'7''-G/F-84, college: Abraham Balwin JC) had 12 with five rebounds and two steals and Yusuf Baker (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Mountain St.) finished with 10 and nine rebounds in the victory.

For Gwinnett, which had its two-game winning streak snapped, Javon Randolph (5'10''-G-84, college: Savannah St.) led the way with a game-high 33 points and eight rebounds. Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83, agency: NM Services, college: Clayton St.) had 26 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots, Adrien Borders (6'0''-G-83, college: Wofford) had 19 and Darren Williams (6'0''-G, college: Carson-Newman) 16 for the Majic.

Florida is back in action tonight, traveling to Jacksonville, Fla., to take on the Jacksonville BlueWaves in a 7 p.m. game, while Gwinnett is off until Saturday, when the Majic hosts Jacksonville at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga. Tipoff for the Gwinnett-Jacksonville game is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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 Win Second Straight, Top Gwinnett Majic, 131-117 - by Joe Myers
Sparked by 12 consecutive points by Lamont Houston during a pivotal fourth-quarter run, the Florida Flight (2-1) defeated the Gwinnett Majic 131-117 Thursday night
in the Kissimmee Civic Center.

Houston, who finished with 17, connected on consecutive 3-point field goals, a short jumper in the paint, and four free throws during a stretch where the Flight broke open a close game and took their first double-digit lead in the final minutes.

The Flight were led by Trevor Bing (6'2''-G-85) 29 points, while Dwayne Foreman

(5'10''-G-84, college: Georgia Southern) scored 21 and dished out 10 a team-leading assists. Also in double figures were Willie Irick (6'6''-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oklahoma City) with 18, Alex Hill (6'7''-G/F-84, college: Abraham Balwin JC) with 12 and Yusuf Baker (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Mountain St.) with 10. Baker led the Flight in rebounds with nine.

The Flight also played tenacious defense, forcing 28 Majic turnovers.

Gwinnett, who suffered their first loss of the season, got 33 points and eight rebounds from Javon Randolph (5'10''-G-84, college: Savannah St.) and 26 points and eight rebounds from Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83, agency: NM Services, college: Clayton St.).

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

World Championship public tickets sold out - by Eurobasket News
With 100 days to go before the start of the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men in Turkey, organisers say all tickets that were available on public sale for the event have already sold out.

Only a small contingent will be made available shortly before the event begins on August 28.

Around 350,000 people are expected to attend the championship, which culminates in the final on September 12.

The event will be played in four cities - Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri - and feature 24 teams, with 288 players playing 80 games. Two new venues have been built especially for the Championship.

Patrick Baumann, the Secretary-General of basketball's governing body FIBA and a member of the International Olympic Committee, said:

'The 2010 World Championship will be the world's biggest ever basketball competition, and the biggest event ever to be held in Turkey. We are delighted that all available tickets have already sold out, a sign that the world's second biggest sport is as popular as ever.

'Basketball has a clean, positive and exciting image and is followed by over 450million people around the world. Its future is as bright as ever and the World Championship will be a clear symbol of the sport's growing success.'

The first round of the Championship, which returns to Europe for the first time in 12 years, will be played from 28th August to 12th September and feature superstars including Kobe Bryant.

The team winning the FIBA World Championship 2010 will qualify automatically for the London 2012 Olympics.

The following teams have qualified for Turkey:

Group A (Kayseri): Angola, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Jordan, Serbia

Group B (Istanbul): Brazil, Croatia, Iran, Slovenia, Tunisia, USA

Group C (Ankara): China, Greece, Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey

Group D (Izmir): Canada, France, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand, Spain

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

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Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Canadian International Aubry returns to Spirit - by Eurobasket News
The Bendigo Bank Spirit has re-signed Canadian international Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) for the 2010/11 WNBL season.

Aubry was the Spirits second highest scorer and rebounder last season and made a big impression on the club as its first import.

Her season highlights included a 28-point game against powerhouse Bulleen and a game-winning three point buzzer beater against Adelaide which gave Bendigo head to head advantage over the Lightning and secured a playoff spot.

Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said he had been keen to get Aubry back as soon as the season finished.

Chelsea really settled into a great role with us and made a valuable contribution both on and off the court, Harrower said.

Her ability to play inside as well as step out and consistently make three point shots makes her difficult to defend and a handy player in the WNBL.

If we can ensure weve got some extra size to support her then well go a long way to continuing the Spirits successful development in the league.

Aubry played college basketball at the University of Nebraska and has been a member of the Canadian Senior National Team since 2002.

Later this year Aubry will represent Canada at the World Championships, after helping the team qualify before joining the Spirit in 2009.

In an interesting twist of fate Canada is scheduled to play against Australia on the first day of competition at the World Championships meaning Spirit team mates Aubry and Kristi Harrower will face each other.

During the 2009/10 WNBL season Aubry averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 43. Her three point percentage was 40.

Story courtesy of Bendigo Spirit

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BULGARIA - Women

Stats Leaders

NBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Edwards, Luk. 23.5
2 Byears, Beroe 22.4
3 Mihalkova, Minyor 20.7
4 Likhtarovich, Luk. 17.9
5 Perostiyska, Luk. 17.8

Rebounds Per Game

1 Edwards, Luk. 11.5
2 Doychin., Mont. 10.7
3 Perostiyska, Luk. 10.5
4 Byears, Beroe 9.9
5 Slavova, Slavia 9.6

Assists Per Game

1 Vrancheva, Mont. 5.3
2 Peeva, Lukoil 5.2
3 Nesheva, Minyor 5.1
4 Pasheva, Beroe 4.1
5 Kostova, Dunav 4.1

Steals Per Game

1 Nikolova, Slavia 2.5
2 Vrancheva, Mont. 2.0
3 Rimpova, Beroe 1.8

2FGP

1 Edwards, Luk. 64.7
2 Burgin, Dunav 62.5
3 Yolovska, Dunav 60.0

3FGP

1 Yolovska, Dunav 50.6
2 Peteva, Dunav 45.6
3 Kostova, Dunav 45.3

Free Throws

1 Kordova, Beroe 91.7
2 Vrancheva, Mont. 85.5
3 Slavova, Slavia 84.6

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CANADA - Women

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

CROATIA - Women

U18 Medvescak wins the U18 Title, Anja Majstorovic is MVP - by Eurobasket News
Last weekend Medvescak has once again confirmed domination in youth categories. Their U18 female team has won the U18 title. In the finals they have managed to overcome Rhea after a closely contested match. In the end, Medvescak players celebrated 74-69 win and have deservedly celebrated the title. Both Medvescak and Rhea have deservedly reached the Finals tournament. Other two teams included Zadar and Pozega.
In the semifinals, Rhea squared off against Zadar. They had to work very hard but in the end they have managed secure a win. 68-56 victory in this contest was more than enough to see them through to the finals.
On the other side, Medvescak had an incredibly easy task in the semifinals. They played Pozega and have simply blew them out of the gym. They displayed dominance on both ends of the court so they celebrated 101-38 win.
In the game for the 3rd sport, Zadar was better than Pozega. They also rolled over them as they have secured 86-44 win.
Regarding individual awards, Anja Majstorovic (184-C-94) from Medvescak was voted MVP of the finals tournament. The best scorer award was given to Ana Biocic (179-F-92) from Rhea.

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

DENMARK - Women

Ida Krogh and Emilie Hesseldal extend with Aabyhoj - by Eurobasket News
Aabyhoj renewed contracts of Ida Krogh (181-G/F-91) and Emilie Hesseldal (185-F/C-90). Both players had key roles in Aabyhoj reaching the Dameligaen Final.
Ida Krogh spent the last three seasons with Aabyhoj. She averaged 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in the last one. Ida Krogh participated at the U18 European Championship in Israel in 2009. She was named the Best Forward at the tournament.
Emilie Hesseldal will enter her fifth straight season with Aabyhoj. The 19-year-old centre tallied 13.5 points, 7.7 boards, 3.9 steals and 2.0 assists per appearance this season. She made it to the Danish Dameligaen All-Domestic Players Team.

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

HOLLAND - Women

ProBuild Lions cruise in Final opener - by Eurobasket News
ProBuild Lions - HLB Accountants 93:66
ProBuild Lions got to a flying start of the Eredivisie Final. They coasted past HLB Accountants to take the lead in the series. Kati Harty (168-G-87, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) fired 29 points to pace the hosts.
The Lions stunned their opponents in the starting frame. They exploded with 35 points to establish a 19-point advantage. The gap grew at 22 points in the second period. But HLB Accountants restored the intrigue. The defending champions went on a 14:2 run to cut the distance at 10-point mark at the interval. HLB Accountants tried to stay within striking distance in the third frame but could not manage. The Lions triggered a 22:5 rally to clear off to a 76:51 distance heading into the final period. The hosts stayed in charge in the fourth period and raced to the victory in the final minutes. Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) provided 15 points for the home side. Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) finished with 12 points in the victory. Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) responded with 23 points for HLB Accountants. Marloes Roetgerink (187-C-77) canned 11 points in the loss.

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LEBANON - Women

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USBA - Women

WUSBA will hold Job Fair at teams Open House on June 5, 2010 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (May 21, 2010) ---The Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) is pleased to announce an Open House and a Job Fair in each individual team city.
The Open Houses will take place at the home gymnasiums of each individual team. Each team will conduct a job fair, at the same time, in an effort to fill position with individual teams.

Churches, civic groups and fans of each team are invited to come and get autographs, take pictures with the teams and get to know the players who will be representing each individual city. A special invitation has been extended to the Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations. 'We are also extending a very special invitation to children in the foster care system in each city.'

The Open Houses will take place on Saturday June 5, 2010 from 2-7 pm with refreshments such as hot dogs, soft drinks, chips and other snacks being provided free of charge by Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. Each soft drink company has contractual agreements in place at the college or university under agreement with the WUSBA.

WUSBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'This is an opportunity for us to get to know our supporters and fans in each city. We want our fans to be able to have autographs signed and quite simply, fans will be able to talk to the players on a more personal level.' ' We will conduct a job fair on these dates to fulfill positions with the teams.' The league is said to employ 15 to 20 people at each home game.

Each local team will conduct interviews for game day staff as well as the introduction of the basketball team, the coaching staff, dance team and mascots.

The league will make season ticket packages available. The open house will mark the continued availability of the 2010 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza. This season ticket promotion is a special event for the fans and is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and the advertisers and sponsors of the WUSBA. The league has set aside 1200 single season tickets for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the WUSBA, the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket and comes with admission to all fifteen home games and as an extra added bonus each season ticket comes with an additional fifteen free single game tickets; this includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and a 24x36 full color poster with the basketball team and dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 30, which breaks down to $3.50 per admittance)

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. 'We're very excited about this promotion. Not only do fans get a chance to see high quality basketball at affordable prices, but there is the chance to win a new car, go on a seafarer excursion or to go on a Disney World vacation.''

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2010 Honda Accord LX Four Door Automobile
(one automobile will be given away in each WUSBA city, 12 total league wide),

* 2nd Prize: Disney World Family Vacation
(Family of four, rt airfare on Delta Airlines, transfers to and from the airport, daily Disney World Park passes, meals and lodging at a Disney World theme park hotel included, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 24 total league wide),

* 3rd prize: The Seafarer Extravaganza
( Trip for two to Miami, Florida, round trip airfare on Air Tran, two round trip cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, overnight stay at Holiday Inn Intercontinental Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 24 total league wide.)

* 4th Prize: The Schwinn Bicycle Explosion
(Six mens, six womans, six boys and six girls ten speed bicycles, 24 given away at each WUSBA team city, 288 total league wide)

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA team city, 300 total league wide)
*6th Prize: The Gasoline Fill-up Extravaganza (A $40.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA city, 300 total league wide)

* 7th Prize: Russell Athletic Team Polo Shirts
(25 shirts will be given away in each WUSBA team city, 300 total league wide)

All drawings for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener. 'As far as we know, this is the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports.' said Jenkins. Fans can visit our website at www.usbaball.com for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the Womens United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang. All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience', proclaimed Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the WUSBA league office at (678) 966-9993 or go to www.usbaball.com .

About the Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) --- The WUSBA is a summertime professional women's basketball league. The league was founded in January 2010. The league is headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The WUSBA will show case players, coaches and dance team members for the WNBA, and the International basketball community. The leagues season begins on June 5, 2010 with the regular season ending on September 5, 2010. Each team will play a twenty eight game schedule, which will include 14 home games and 14 away games. The league will host a mid season All Star Game and a season ending Championship play-off series. Elite players can be catapulted to enjoy further basketball career opportunities in the WNBA, well as exposure to the many professional International leagues from around the world. The WUSBA will accept eligible collegiate players, dance team members, game day staff and mascots from the NCAA. League advises college students to seek advice from family, coach or friends before contacting the WUSBA. The league age limit for basketball players is 20 years old or older.

About the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., --- The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit company; the company was founded in January 2010. Approval for non profit status has been applied for and approval will be awarded. The WUSBA Youth Outreach gives aid to people in the community in need, regardless of race, gender, religion, age or any other positions of a persons life. Programs offered by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., can be seen by going to www.usbaball.com,

2010 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2010 WUSBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of Mississippi, West Virginia, Kentucky, District of Columbia, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina who purchase a season ticket ticket during this promotion. Promotion ends June 8, 2010 at midnight. WUSBA employees, family member of WUSBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 2000 season tickets sold per WUSBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 2000 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 83 to 1, each, 5th prize winning odds are 80 to 1, 6th Prize winning odds are 80 to 1. The WUSBA has set aside 2000 season tickets per WUSBA team city to be sold, a total 28,000 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If two season tickets are purchased by the same individual for the 2010 basketball season and before June 8, 2010 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a WUSBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prize winners must make travel reservation through the WUSBA. Travel blackout periods may effect certain travel dates. Grand Prize winners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law.

WNBA great Adrienne "Goody" Goodson named Savannah Seahawks head coach - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (May 21, 2010) --- The Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) and the Savannah Seahawks hiring of Old Dominion University great, Adrienne 'Goody' Goodson should tell you something about how far the league will go to seek the best individuals to take the role as head coach.

The word circulated that 'Goody' was hired to lead the team has caused a stir in the Savannah basketball community. Goodson is to be the teams first head coach in the leagues inaugural basketball season. 'To fill this vacancy was my chance to come to a great city like Savannah and apply my influence on the kids in the area, while we gracefully dance on the backs of the other teams in the league, said Goodson. 'This new league and its summer schedule will give me a prime opportunity to help young basketball players advance to the next level. This new league will parallel the WNBA. It was originally designed to give the player not selected in the WNBA draft an opportuinty to play and develop their game as well as to continue to be a prospect for the WNBA and Euroleague'.

'We are extremely pleased to have Coach Goodson as our new head basketball coach of the Seahawks,' WUSBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, Kenneth Green said. 'She lives and breaths basketball, her super star status at Old Dominion University includes being named to Old Dominions, Hall of Fame'.

'Goody' is best known for her tireless work, throughout her career she has always strived to be the best she could. Our players will benefit tremendously from her vast experience. Were lucky to have her.

'Coach Goodson is a proven winner, who has the necessary skill set to take over this new program in Savannah and take to it to great heights. Her ties to the WNBA, along with her energy, enthusiasm and commitment to developing young women, both on and off the court, makes Adrienne a terrific fit for this basketball team', said Green

'I look forward to this job and we ask all basketball fans in the Savannah community to support our team. My family and my staff are pleased I was rewarded with this tremendous challenge,' said Goodson

'I'm very excited about this opportunity, however it really hasn't sunk in yet,' said Goodson, a 44-year-old Bayonne, New Jersey native.'Perhaps it will after I have a chance to meet the team next week. Growing up in New Jersey and playing basketball since the age of seven, I can tell you that this is a great job to start my professional coaching career'.

Goodson's quest to the WNBA began at Bayonne High School in Bayonne, New Jersey where she earned All-American honors for Parade, Adidas, Converse and USA Today. She was selected to the New Jersey High School All State team. She was highly recruited by the Old Dominion Lady Monarch in 1984. Goody was a member of the Old Dominion 1985 NCAA National Championship team. Old Dominion defeated the Lady Bulldogs of the University of Georgia 70-65. She chipped in 9 points and 6 rebounds.

Goodson was selected in the third round of the 1999 WNBA draft (27th overall). She played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2005. This draft included players such as Chanique Holdsclaw, Tonya Edwards, Dawn Staley and Yolanda Griffin. Goodson was selected to the 2002 WNBA All Star team. She was only the third women to score over 4000 points and gather over 1500 rebounds in the WNBA.

Goodson's basketball career includes a two year stint in the American Basketball League (ABL, 1996-1998), where she stacked up countless awards, records and many accolades. In 1993, Goodson was named captain of the USA National Basketball Team. When Goodson graduated from Old Dominion in 1988, there wasnt a womens professional league in the United States. She traveled to Brazil, where she played for five years. (1988-2003)

Goodson received her BS in Secondary Education from the Old Dominion University in 1988. Goodson knows a little bit about community service, in 2003 she was awarded the WNBA Off Season Community Assist Award. We like Goody, said Green, She brings to the table professionalism, experienced leadership, relentless work ethics and a keen sense of fairplay.

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WNBA - Women

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Washington M.		2-0
2. Atlanta D.		2-0
3. Connecticut S.		1-0
4. New York L.		1-0
5. Chicago S.		0-2
6. Indiana F.		0-2
Western
1. Phoenix M.		1-0
2. Seattle S.		1-0
3. Minnesota L.		1-0
4. Tulsa S.		0-1
5. S.Antonio SS		0-1
6. L.Angeles S.		0-2

Sophia Young leads Silver Stars to 83-74 win over Shock - by Eurobasket News
Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 23 points to lead four players in double figures, and the San Antonio Silver Stars beat the Tulsa Shock 83-74 on Thursday.

Edwige Lawson-Wade (5'6''-G-79) added 16 points, Michelle Snow (6'5''-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) scored 13 and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) had 12 for San Antonio (1-1), which shot 52% from the field and outrebounded Tulsa 41-31.

Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) led Tulsa (0-2) with 15 points, while Amber Holt scored 11 and Scholanda Robinson (5'10''-G-83, college: LSU) added 10. Marion Jones (5'10''-G-75, college: N.Carolina) entered the game with 3:20 left in the first quarter and immediately showed her athletic ability by scoring the first time she touched the ball.

Those were the only points scored by the former Olympian, who played 8 minutes.

Tulsa shot 41.3% but couldn't overcome miscues on offense and the inability to grab rebounds.

'We're both up-tempo teams, so I expected an open battle for the most part,' San Antonio coach Sandy Brondello said. 'I think the difference in the fourth quarter was that we got a couple more stops and were able to stay in play, contest shots and got a couple of rebounds.'

The rare afternoon game meant there were plenty of empty seats in the BOK Center, unlike the sellout Saturday for the opener against Minnesota. Most of the crowd for Thursday's game consisted of several groups of children from local schools.

The Shock fell behind 19-9, but worked their way back when they got into the flow of Nolan Richardson's up-tempo offense. Their pressure defense helped tie the game 41-41 at halftime.

'Good executions of offense today, proud of that fact,' Richardson said. 'We can't afford to be out-rebounded and have turnovers.'

Tulsa scored the first basket of the second half and mostly kept ahead until the Silver Stars went on a 12-4 run to lead 61-54 at the end of the third quarter.

The Shock tried to rally in the fourth, getting several steals but blowing layups. A three-point play and layup by Braxton brought the Shock to 63-59, but San Antonio went on an 11-2 run to seal it.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com