EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/28/2010

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Men News

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


El Nacional MH return to Liga A - by Facundo Iatzky
With the victory of el nacional over san martin corrientes on wedensday night, the activity of pro basketball in argentina in its three levels was ended. El nacional won the serie 3-1 and return to first division among Argentino junin. It was an amazing season for el nacional because they were not the best candidates to ascent. They were guided by a budding star like Alexis Elsener (196-G-88), some players with experience in TNA but also in liga A like Ezequiel Dentis, Jervaughn Scales, a good foreigner such as Francis Nwankwo and a player with a very special record: he was in the last 4 season of TNA in teams that were champion or at least got the ascent to liga A. He is Mario Sepulveda. San Martin lost two chances to win hte rightto play in liga a and now they will stay in TNA.

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


Wade Helliwell back to NBL, signs with Tigers - by Eurobasket News
The Melbourne Tigers have secured the prized signature of Australian Boomer Wade Helliwell (212-C-79, college: Charlotte).

Helliwell has been on the radar of numerous NBL teams over the course of his extensive European career, however he has chosen to join the Tigers on his return to Australia.

Helliwell has signed a two-year deal back in his home state of Melbourne after spending the past nine seasons playing in premier European leagues Italia Serie A and Greek Heba 1.

Helliwell started his senior career with NCAA Division 1 College the Charlotte 49ers before moving on to the NBL where he played with the Brisbane Bullets. Helliwell won the 2002 NBLs Most Improved Player award with the Bullets before heading over to Europe to play in Italy and Greece. During this time he played with Italian basketball powerhouse Rome for three years and played a lead role in central Italian team Rietis 2007 championship that took them to division one for the first time in more than 20 years.

A local hero in Rieti, Helliwell is more recognised in his adopted country, Italy, than in Melbourne. Helliwell has also been a regular member of the Australian Boomers squads over the past eight years, and was a member of the 2006 FIBA World Championship team in Japan.

Helliwell had the following to say upon signing with the Melbourne Tigers.

Playing with Melbourne is something Ive always wanted to do, after speaking with Al Westover during the past months and seeing the line up weve put together for season 2010/11, now was the right time. Its exciting for me to be home and especially to be on a team like this. Our size is going to be a huge factor, well have a similar setup to the top Greek teams where Ive just finished so I feel really comfortable coming in. With this line up in the NBL - we are going to give opposing teams some real problems.

Helliwell plans to bring some of the European basketball culture, tough and disciplined, to the Tigers.

Every practice is like a game there, the competition for minutes is so fierce, you practice like you play, often twice a day seven days a week.

For many teams, including Rieti and Montegranaro in Italy, basketball is their number one sport.

'Everyone follows it, the whole town, and if you play well and win youre a town hero, if you lose, you had better not go out to eat its a lot of pressure, so there is no option - you win or youre out, theres no short cuts, says Helliwell.

The Greek national league rings a similar tune, with five seven footers at PAOK (the team Helliwell played with last season). Training sessions look like Euroleague games as players show their best looking for time on court. Having just finished with PAOK and securing their spot in the European ULEB Cup Championship for 2010/2011 last month, Helliwell is fit and, with no down time, will start preparations for the upcoming NBL season with the Tigers this week on Wednesday when he will join the Tigers at a training session in Sandringham.

Tigers Head Coach Al Westover was elated with the addition of Helliwell to the Tigers squad.

We are rapt to have Wade on board. He is an experienced seven footer who we are hoping will have a major impact on our team and on the league. He is a veteran and his inside presence and leadership combined with some of the other guys we have is invaluable. Wade completes our bigs and will enable us to have at least two seven footers on the court at all times.

Along with Helliwell (212cm) the Tigers have Luke Nevill (216cm), Matthew Burston (211cm) and Cameron Tragardh (209cm) to boast one of the biggest front courts in the NBL. The Tigers have also signed Tommy Greer (200cm), Lucas Walker (203cm) and Bennie Lewis (203cm) who, with their versatility, will likely see minutes at numerous positions.

With the Tigers bigs signed the focus has shifted to the guard positions, where the Tigers have already signed import guard Eric Devendorf. There are two positions left on the Tigers roster, one being the final import slot which the Tigers are planning to use for a point guard. Tigers veteran Daryl Corletto is on the short list of 7-8 candidates along with 2009/10 squad member Mike Rose.

Further Tigers signings will be announced as they occur and Tigers memberships and ticket information will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to www.tigers.com.au for all the latest information.

Courtesy of The Melbourne Tigers


2010/11 NBL season to tip-off October 15 - by Eurobasket News
Basketball Australia has released the schedule for the 2010/11 National Basketball League season, with the Sydney Kings scheduled to make their highly-anticipated return to the NBL on the same day the competition begins play on Friday 15 October.

The Kings, who will return to the NBL after a two-year absence, will face long-time rivals the Melbourne Tigers on the road in a classic Sydney-Melbourne confrontation on Opening Night at the State Netball Hockey Centre (AKA The Cage). That will see the Kings end a 927-day absence from the competition.

Ironically, the last time the Kings played a game in the NBL they went up against the Tigers before a capacity crowd of 10,244 people at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in a deciding Game Five of the 2008 NBL Grand Final series.

For the first time since that match back on 14 March 2008, the Kings will play in front of their home fans at The Kingdome (the Sydney Entertainment Centre) when they return to Sydney on Saturday 16 October to host the New Zealand Breakers in their home opener. In other Round One matches:

- Last seasons surprise packets and runners-up the Wollongong Hawks will host the Gold Coast Blaze on Opening Night at the WIN Entertainment Centre;
- The Cairns Taipans will visit their archrivals the Townsville Crocodiles on Saturday 16 October at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre (The Swamp)
- Reigning champions the Perth Wildcats will begin their quest for a repeat on the road against traditional rivals the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday 17 October at The Dome.

The Wildcats will unfurl their 2010 Championship banner for the first time in Round Three at their home opener on Friday 29 October. Fittingly, the Wildcats opponent that night at Challenge Stadium (The Jungle) will be the team they beat to win the title, the Wollongong Hawks, making the game the first Grand Final rematch of the season.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the schedule was a marked improvement on recent years and should have fans looking forward to the new seasons tip-off on October 15.

We feel this is the best schedule weve had in many years, and the fans will directly benefit from the work weve done to get it right, said Sengstock. Weve liaised closely with all nine clubs to maximise our opportunities to have themed rounds and regular marquee match-ups.

Our focus this year is very much on having games on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sengstock added. Thats great for families and is right in line with the feedback we have been receiving from fans. We also have managed to increase the average time between games, which mean our athletes will be fresher. That should have a positive impact on the standard of play that fans see.

The schedule, which features nine teams each playing 28 games (14 home, 14 away), will run over 25 rounds with the regular season concluding on Saturday2 April.

The 2011 Finals will once again see the top four teams qualify for the post-season, with one playing four and two playing three in best-of-three Semi Finals. The Grand Final will once again be a best-of-three.

The 2010/11 NBL season will be seen nationally on Network Tens digital sports channel ONE after Basketball Australia recently signed a new five-year deal to show games through to the end of the 2014/15 NBL season.

Click here to see the full 2010/11 NBL schedule.

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

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Deteri MAYES
  Gmunden
  (189-G-74)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Mayes, Gmunden20.8 
 2. Houston, Arkadia20.2 
 3. Penigar, Furstenf.19.5 
 4. Francois, Gussing19.4 
 5. Parker, Oberwart18.9 
 6. Roderick, Arkadia18.5 
 7. Mahalbasic, Worth.18.4 
 8. Paez, Oberwart18.1 
 9. Nelson, Kapfenberg16.6 
 10. Youngblood, Furstenf.16.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason JOHNSON
  Oberwart
  (202-F/C-77)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Johnson, Oberwart8.7 
 2. Mahalbasic, Worth.8.6 
 3. Conley, Wels7.8 
 4. McCandies, Worth.7.8 
 5. Houston, Arkadia7.8 
 6. Forrestal, UBSC G.7.6 
 7. Heard, Gussing7.5 
 8. Penigar, Furstenf.7.4 
 9. Moric, Klostern.6.7 
 10. Roderick, Arkadia6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Kelvin PARKER
  Oberwart
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Parker, Oberwart6.4 
 2. Shavies, Furstenf.5.8 
 3. Boylan, Gmunden5.4 
 4. Danek, Arkadia5.0 
 5. Schreiner, St.Po.5.0 
 6. Lanegger, UBSC G.4.8 
 7. Woschank, Kapfe.4.4 
 8. Zeleznik, UBSC G.4.1 
 9. O''Neal, Vienna3.7 
 10. Creddle, Klostern.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin PAYTON
  Vienna
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Payton, Vienna2.0 
 2. Boylan, Gmunden2.0 
 3. O''Neal, Vienna1.9 
 4. Schreiner, St.Po.1.9 
 5. Zeleznik, UBSC G.1.8 
 6. Roderick, Arkadia1.8 
 7. Shavies, Furstenf.1.7 
 8. Richards, Gussing1.7 
 9. Jandl, St.Polten1.6 
 10. Conley, Wels1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Shelton COLWELL
  Furstenfeld
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Colwell, Furstenfeld1.4 
 2. Heard, Gussing1.1 
 3. Anderson, Vienna1.0 
 4. Kohlmaier, St.Polten0.7 
 5. Bralovic, Arkadia0.7 
 6. Mahalbasic, Worth.0.7 
 7. Levy, Oberwart0.7 
 8. Francois, Gussing0.6 
 9. Roderick, Arkadia0.6 
 10. Mayer, Gmunden0.5 


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  BAHRAIN   


Al Ahli and Al Hala set for showdown - by Yousef Ahmed

DEFENDING champions Al Ahli take on Al Hala tonight in the third and decisive game of their Golden Square semi-final series in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

The tie is scheduled to tip off at 7.30pm, and will be played at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Ahli won the opening encounter 81-76 before Hala tied the series and forced tonight's match with a narrow 79-76 triumph in game two.

The winner moves on to face Manama in the best-of-five championship series.
GDN Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010


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  BARBADOS   


Lakers extend undefeated record to ten - by Justin Marville
THEY'RE ACCUSTOMED getting a close-up look at Lakers' practices.

Now Patriots can boast of a first-hand account of their winning streak as well.

Basketball's Premier League leaders Lumber Company Lakers stretched their unbeaten mark to an even 10, surviving a telling fourth-quarter deficit before spoiling national forward George Haynes' return in Tuesday's 74-71 comeback over their fellow Husbands court tenants at the YMCA.

It was the closest to defeat the league leaders have come all season after the overseas-based Haynes and Anthony 'Bill' White put the short-handed, six-man Patriots ahead by as many as seven (70-63) with three minutes remaining.

But the Lakers weren't about to ruin their undefeated run in favour of handing Haynes a homecoming present.

Nor were they concerned with White's career night either, after the unheralded forward torched his neighbours for 30 points on a series lay-ups, post-ups, short jumpers and even a couple buzzer beaters.

However, White failed to add to his season high tally over the game's last minutes, and Patriots didn't fare much better in that span while managing just a further Haynes' free throw.

What they did manage were turnovers though, with the first of four leading to an Adrian Allman lay-up in the open floor before Andre Boadu cleaned up one of Derek Browne's free throws to pull Lakers within two (71-66) with 1:33 to play.

And the comeback was complete just seconds later as Justin Gaskin turned over the ball bringing it out of backcourt, only to compound the error by subsequently fouling Browne on his made lay-up attempt.

Birkett eventually broke the deadlock, and his brief shooting woes, on a short jumper following Boadu's resounding block on Haynes at the other end, before Lakers forced Julian Walcott into a forced triple at the other end.

As a result, Patriots were forced to foul both Browne and Allman inside the final seconds while trailing by two, but they failed to gather the ensuing defensive rebounds after the opposing guards each went empty at the line, allowing Lakers to walk away with the contest.

The result was a far cry from what the unbeaten league leaders would have expected when they threatened to blow open the contest in the second quarter while holding a 31-23 lead minutes shy of the half-time break.

But White responded with seven quick points, capping a 9-2 Patriots rally on a dramatic, buzzer-beating three-pointer that cut the deficit to just one (33-32).

And White wasn't finished there, getting back to his old tricks by also beating the third quarter buzzer to lock the scores at 52 before he and Haynes combined for ten fourth quarter points as part of Patriots stunning seven-point cushion.

Boadu led Lakers with 18 points and 11 boards while Haynes had 21 points and 17 boards for Patriots.

In the night's second contest, Pinelands also ruined the return of another national 'big man', spoiling Pearson Griffith's first game of the season as Ramon Simmons had a game high 25 points in the Pine's 71-58 victory over British American Insurance Jackson.

The out-of-shape Griffith managed just six points and eight rebounds but acquitted himself by hitting a monstrous one-handed dunk in the middle of the lane less than six minutes after checking into the contest.

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


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  BELGIUM   


Stats Leaders - Division I
Points Per Game
 Brian GREENE
  Aalstar
  (204-F-81)
  Avg: 16.8
 1. Greene, Aalstar16.8 
 2. Melson, Gent16.0 
 3. Black, Antwerp15.8 
 4. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.15.6 
 5. McNeal, M.Hainaut15.3 
 6. Thomas, Liege14.9 
 7. Freeman, Verviers.14.0 
 8. Banks, Liege14.0 
 9. Green, Liege14.0 
 10. Lojeski, Oostende13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Will THOMAS
  Liege
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Thomas, Liege8.9 
 2. Ebong, M.Hainaut8.6 
 3. Randle, Gent8.3 
 4. Young, Leuven7.8 
 5. Merriex, Aalstar7.6 
 6. Brown, Antwerp6.6 
 7. Greene, Aalstar6.4 
 8. Hilliard, Verviers.6.4 
 9. Pelle, Oostende6.3 
 10. Tofi, Verviers-Pep.5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Stanley BURRELL
  Verviers-Pep.
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Burrell, Verviers.4.6 
 2. Gill, Oostende4.3 
 3. Bosco, Gent3.9 
 4. Green, Liege3.8 
 5. Loubry, Gent3.8 
 6. Johnson, Charleroi3.7 
 7. Hamilton, Charleroi3.2 
 8. Tabu, Charleroi2.8 
 9. Black, Antwerp2.7 
 10. Moors, Antwerp2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Loren STOKES
  Aalstar
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Stokes, Aalstar2.3 
 2. Hopkins, Antwerp2.2 
 3. Gill, Oostende2.2 
 4. Black, Antwerp2.0 
 5. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.1.9 
 6. Bosco, Gent1.9 
 7. Thomas, Liege1.9 
 8. Anderson, Leuven1.8 
 9. Greene, Aalstar1.8 
 10. Conlan, M.Hainaut1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andre RIDDICK
  Charleroi
  (208-C-73)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Riddick, Charleroi1.2 
 2. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.0.9 
 3. Pelle, Oostende0.9 
 4. Wilkinson, Charleroi0.9 
 5. Young, Leuven0.8 
 6. Randle, Gent0.7 
 7. Tofi, Verviers-Pep.0.6 
 8. McNeal, M.Hainaut0.6 
 9. Barber, Aalstar0.6 
 10. Enobakhare, Ooste.0.5 


Aalstar Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Aalstar has now officially annonced the previously announced transfers (Young, Burrell and Van Langenhove) by Eurobasket.
The team also announced that Jorn Steinbach (181-G-89), Damon Huffman (185-G-85), Loren Stokes (190-G-83) and Pablo Gonzales (191-G-78) are staying with Generali Okapi Aalstar.
Negotiations with BJ Raymond and Brian Greene are ongoing.
Jamar Wilson, Korvotney Barber and Bingo Merriex will not be returning to the Aalst for next season.
The Aalstar management should announce a new name towards the end of the week.

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  BRAZIL   


CAI Zaragoza keeps Rafael Hettsheimeir - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of two-year contract extension with Rafael Hettsheimeir (206-C-86). The 23-year old big guy joined CAI Zaragoza last summer from Plus Pujol Lleida. Hettsheimeir started the season in Xacobeo BluSens Obradoiro as a loaned player from Zaragoza. He played 11 games in ACB registering 9.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. In February, he rejoined CAI Zaragoza helping it to win the LEB Gold title. For 8 games in LEB Gold Hettsheimeir averaged 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Before CAI Zaragoza and Xacobeo BS, Rafael Hettsheimeir spent two years with Plus Pujol Lleida. His second year was a better one as he averaged 11.4 points and 5 rebounds for 31 games. In Spain, Hettsheimeir also played for Akasvayu Ferrer.
Rafael Hettsheimeir is the Brazilian / Spanish big guy who was a member of Brazilian NT in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Before that, he played for U21 Brazil. In 2006, Rafael Hettsheimeir participated at the Nike Summit Hoop (World Team Selection).
As a reminder, CAI Zaragoza is the LEB Gold champion for the last season and they finished it with nice 27-7 record. The team will compete in ACB in 2010/11.

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  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 22.6
 1. Harper, Levski22.6 
 2. Durchev, Chernomo.18.4 
 3. Cole, Levski18.2 
 4. Gruev, Rilski Sport18.1 
 5. Bozov, Balkan17.8 
 6. Antic, Lukoil A.16.8 
 7. Brown, Chernomo.16.6 
 8. Dimitrov, Spart.16.2 
 9. Deane, Lukoil A.15.8 
 10. Webb, Cherno More15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pero ANTIC
  Lukoil A.
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Antic, Lukoil A.10.0 
 2. Brown, Chernomo.8.7 
 3. Peterson, Rilski S.7.9 
 4. Burgess, Rilski Sport7.4 
 5. Kennerly, Spart.7.3 
 6. Radev, Balkan7.3 
 7. Ware, Cherno More6.9 
 8. Morton, Chernomo.6.7 
 9. Tmusic, Yambol6.7 
 10. Dimitrov, Spart.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Aleksandar GRUEV
  Rilski Sport
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Gruev, Rilski Sport5.5 
 2. Aleksiev, Chernomo.4.8 
 3. Mirakovski, Cherno M.4.4 
 4. Webb, Cherno More4.1 
 5. Radionov, Yambol3.9 
 6. Deane, Lukoil A.3.6 
 7. Harper, Levski3.4 
 8. Lilov, Balkan3.4 
 9. Dimitrov, Spart.3.3 
 10. Frasor, Levski3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Julian RADIONOV
  Yambol
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Radionov, Yambol2.5 
 2. Lilov, Balkan2.2 
 3. Deane, Lukoil A.2.1 
 4. Harper, Levski2.0 
 5. Zahariev, Chernomo.1.9 
 6. Zhelev, Cherno M.1.7 
 7. Dimitrov, Spart.1.7 
 8. Angelov, Yambol1.5 
 9. Velikov, Levski1.5 
 10. Bozov, Balkan1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bruce BROWN
  Moutahed
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Brown, Chernomo.1.4 
 2. Gocevski, Yambol0.9 
 3. Earl, Yambol0.9 
 4. Peterson, Rilski S.0.9 
 5. Ware, Cherno More0.8 
 6. Morton, Chernomo.0.7 
 7. Cole, Levski0.7 
 8. Radev, Balkan0.6 
 9. Preston, Rilski Sport0.6 
 10. Varbanov, Lukoil A.0.5 


Lukoil Academic - champion again - by Valentin Anguelov
Lukoil Academic is once again champion of Bulgaria. Today the team defeated Levski away 89-71 and won the Series 3-1. This result meant 8th straight title for Lukoil Academic.
The first quarter was very even but Levski started with 0/10 shooting from the three point line that helped Lukoil Academic take a 16-22 lead after ten minutes. The games was decided in the second quarter. The visitors played very good defense and that helped them built a very big lead at the end of the first half, 31-54.
After the break Levski tried to make a comeback but managed to cut the deficit only to 15 points. Lukoil restored its big advantage that went up to 30 points early in the fourth quarter. Until the end Levski managed to cut a little bit of the deficit and the game finished with 18 points in favour of Lukoil.
Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had double double for the winners with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Slavko Stefanovic (206-C-81, agency: BeoExcell) had 15 points apiece.
For the hosts Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) had 21 points as Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) added 12. No other player from the team though scored in double digits.

FULL STATS FROM LEVSKI - LUKOIL ACADEMIC GAME


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


China names Under-18 Team, But We Have a Problem with Ages - by Arthur Volbert
China has named its Under-18 team for the Asian championships and disappoints by naming a player who should be ineligible. Ma Kan (196-F-92), a player of Uigher heritage from Xinjiang, is named to the team even though most Chinese basketball websites list him as born in 1990 rather than 1992. He has two official birth dates and therefore should be ineligible.

The 13-member squad is:

Point Guards
Shi Hongfei 1.8M/5ft 11; 73KG/161 lb; Jan 1993; Guangdong Dongguan Bank Hongyuan Tigers junior team;
Zhang Bowen 1.85M/6ft 1; 70KG/154 lb; Jan 1992; Shanxi Zhongyu; currently no formal participation in CBA;
Xu Jiahan 1.85M/6ft 1; 75KG/165 lb; August 1993; Shandong Kingston Gold Lions junior team;
Gao Yan 1.9M/6ft 3; 85 KG/187 lb; 1993; Dongguan Parklane (NBL);

Shooting Guards/Small Forwards:
Sui Ran 1.92M/6 ft 3.5; 83KG/179 lb; June 1992; Shandong Kingston Gold Lions;
Shan Zhiming 1.98M/6ft 6; Jan 1992; Guangdong Dongguan Bank Hongyuan Tigers junior team;
Kelanbaike Makan 1.96M/6ft 5; 100 KG/220 lb; September 1992; Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers;
Guo Zihao 1.98M/6ft 6; July 1992; Shanghai MAXXIS Sharks junior team;
Yang Dapeng 2M/6ft 7; 90 KG/198 lb; May 1993; Dongguan New Century Leopards junior team;
Tian Yuchen 2.05M/6ft 9; 90 KG/198 lb; December 1992; Shanghai MAXXIS Sharks;

Power Forwards/Centres
Cai Liang 2.06M/6ft 9; 90 KG/198 lb; January 1992; Shanghai MAXXIS Sharks;
Sun Hefeng 2.06M/6ft 9; 88 KG/194 lb; February 1992; Dongguan New Century Leopards junior team;
Sun Tonglin 2.06M/6ft 9; 110 KG/242 lb; December 1992; Dongguan New Century Leopards junior team;

Cai Liang, Makan, Sui Ran and Tian Yuchen have CBA experience. Tian did not play this year but was on the Shanghai roster. Tian was also on the roster of the 2007 Under-19 World Championship in Serbia where China finished 9th.

Take a look at some of the other players on that Under-19 team. Yang Qin is born in 1989. Now as a player for Fujian, he is listed as born in 1988. Zhang Bo was listed as born in 1990. Now, playing for Bayi, he is born in 1988. Delehei is listed as born in 1990. Now, playing for Bayi, he is born in 1987. While only Delehei was actually ineligible for the tourney, which had a cutoff date of 1988, the Chinese habit of lying about ages clearly persists.

http://www.serbia2007.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fiba/u19men/teamPlay/team/p/competitioncode//eventid/3955/langlc/en/roundid/3955/season//teamnumber/262/fe_teamPlay_teamRost.html


*****************************************************
  CUBA   


Centrales triumph at V Olimpiada del Deporte Cubana - by Eurobasket News
Centrales - Orientales 88:67

Centrales celebrated the victory at the V Olimpiada del Deporte Cubana. They held off Orientales in the title clash on Tuesday. Joan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) fired 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the charge.
The first quarter of the championship battle saw an even battle. Neither side was able to dominate and the teams were tied at 19 at the first break. But Centrales surged ahead in the second stanza. They outscored Orientales 22:13 to build a 9-point cushion at halftime. Centrales continued to look solid after the main break. They exploded with 27 points in the third quarter. The margin grew at 14-point distance before the fourth quarter. Centrales did not allow their opponents to recover. Led by Joan Luis Haiti and Andy Bofill (192-G/F-82) they coasted to the victory at the end.
Andy Bofill knocked down 18 points for Centrales. Yordanis Jaca (196-F/C-83) and Vanier Reyes (193-G-83) finished with 9 points each in the win. Allens Jemont (195-G/F-80) answered with 13 points for Orientales. Orestes Torres (202-C-87) accounted for 10 points in the loss.

Centrales: Joan Luis Haiti 24+10 boards, Andy Bofill 18, Yordanis Jaca 9, Vanier Reyes 9
Orientales: Allens Jemont 13, Orestes Torres 10


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  D-LEAGUE   


Red Claws: Ainge to return as coach in 2010-11 - by Eurobasket News
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that Austin Ainge will return in 2010-11 as the team's head coach. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.

Ainge, 28, led the Red Claws to a 27-23 record during the team's inaugural season, tying a league record for wins by an expansion team in their first season. Among the players mentored by Coach Ainge were five NBA contracted players who spent portions of the 2009-10 season with the Red Claws before being recalled to the NBA: Alexis Ajinca (Charlotte), J.R. Giddens (Boston/New York), Bill Walker (Boston/New York), Lester Hudson (Boston/Memphis), and Marcus Landry (Boston). The team also saw its first NBA signing with Red Claws guard Mario West earning a contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

'The NBA D-League is about developing not just players but coaches and front office staff as well,' said Jennings. 'Austin Ainge is a promising, young coach who made tremendous strides during his first season as a head coach. We are happy to have Austin return and are excited for our second season.'

'This organization in every way positions itself to be a winner, on and off the court, and I proud to be a part of it,' said Ainge. 'We have the best fans and a great community, and I am excited to return as head coach and build upon the successes we had in year one. We were proud of the trust the Celtics and the Bobcats showed in us to develop their players, and we hope that continues as we strive to improve and compete for a championship in 2010-11.'

The Red Claws will kick of their second season in late November. Season tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased by calling 207-210-6655 or online at www.maineredclaws.com. Season ticket packages begin as low as $240 for a 24-game package.

COACH AINGE TO LEAD 2010 RED CLAWS BASKETBALL CAMPS: Red Claws Head Coach Austin Ainge will lead the instruction at the Maine Red Claws basketball camps on July 26-30 at the Portland Exposition Building. Open to boys and girls ages 8-15, the camps will teach the fundamentals of the game in a fun and positive atmosphere. Campers will receive personal instruction from the Red Claws staff and guests and will receive a camp t-shirt, ticket to a Red Claws game and a camp-ending pizza party and awards ceremony. Spots are limited and may be reserved by calling 207-210-6655 or by downloading an application from the team's website, www.maineredclaws.com.

Courtesy of The Maine Red Claws

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Playoff 3rd-4th positions: Billy had the "key" to the win over Panellinios in Game One - by Chris Mammides
William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) was the key to success for Coach Giorgos Bartzokas team of Maroussi and helped a lot his team for the 1-0 in the series giving also to the home team the psychological boost for the continuation. Thevery tough team of Coach Elias Zouros , Panellinios proved once more that the game against the last seasons triple crowners, team of Panathinaikos was not at all lucky, it was the overall job took place all the season for this crucial moment, the moment of the euroleague participation.
Panellinos was leading the game from the early beginning and the few fans which were in the Agios Thomas court (not more than 450 fans is so serious game) thought that Panellinios would have been placing their tombstone, as Elias Zouros players were much more focused and targeted and with Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) in a great day together with the organizational skills of the veteran Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) and the always accurate Smith showed to everybody that they were ruling the game. During the last and most crucial quarter, William Keys took his team as a real leader that he is and lead them to the victory.
MVP of the game was William Keys with his 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists while Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) was amazing and very critical in this victory as his productivity was all-around but his 14 points, his 6 rebounds and his steal in just 20 minutes added a lot into the final result.
On the other site, Panellinios is improving day by day, unfortunately Haralampidis was not as good as we expected so the trio Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia), Ian Vougioukas and Roderick Blakney even though did their best were not enough, Emmanouil Papamakarios (190-G-80) helped a lot too but during the last offence of the game Smith had a false ball and the game was lost. Their next game in 3 days in Kypseli, Panellinios court.


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  GERMANY   


EWE Baskets Oldenburg: Paulding re-signs, Gardner leaves - by Manuel Schust
The EWE Baskets Oldenburg announced that American Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) has signed a new two-year deal with the team from northern Germany.

Paulding, who has been one of the key-players for Oldenburgs 2009 championship, will play his fourth season with Oldenburg. The 27-year old had been named BBL Finals MVP in 2009 and averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season.

Meanwhile Jason Gardner (178-G-80, college: Arizona) will not return to Oldenburg. The club announced that Gardners contract will not be extended. Gardner, who had been named MVP of the 2008/09 BBL season, had to deal with some injury trouble this season and missed 9 games of the regular season. When he came back from his back injury he somehow could not find a rhythm to play as effective as he did in the previous two seasons.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg are looking for replacement for Gardner now. So far three players have valid contracts for the upcoming season: Rickey Paulding, Daniel Hain (195-G/F-85) and Acha Njei (190-G-85, agency: Rasmussen Services).


1.Bundesliga Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Dt.Bank SKY - Bremerhaven 84-83
Skyliners narrowly defeated Bremerhaven to draw things level in the semifinal series. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) scored 18 points to lead Frankfurt. Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) added 15 points, 4 boards and 4 assists in the win. Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80, college: Otterbein) led Bremerhaven with game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) finished with 19 points in the loss.

NY Phantoms - Brose Baskets 73-82
Brose Baskets posted the second straight win over Braunschweig. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) came off the bench to nail 16 points and grab 9 rebounds in the victory. Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) provided 14 points for Bamberg. Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) answered with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the Phantoms.


The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven Hunted For 40 Minutes, But The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Took Away Thier Fish 84-83 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had much pressure to win in game 2, but acted as cool as Jimmy slick and suave Mckinney when he is strutting down the hall with his St Louis Cardinals cap, the current Boston Celtics who have a 6-2 playoff record since being down 2-1 against The Cavs, or German National coach Joachim Low who will enter the 2010 World Cup without Michael Ballack as they were able to deny the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven their nourishment of fish in the last seconds prevailing 84-83 winning game 2 and knotting the BEKO BBL Semi final best of five series at 1-1. Skyliner forward Seth Doliboa had enough time during his meal in the Vip room to think about entertaining comparisons to the coolness of the win to other situations having happened in life. We showed coolness in winning game 2, the same way Arnold Schwarzenegger showed as Mr Freeze in Batman Forever, as cool as Germany this spring and as cool as Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash running the show against The Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs, joked Seth Doliboa. The script of this game could have been written by Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino as the game was as exciting as his movie Dusk Till Dawn as either team could of won in the end, but such thrilling endings didnt seem to move Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak who is used to these kinds of games this season. We had 32 exciting games this season. The ending was no real surprise for me. I think that we did some tactical things well. We have to take the games the way they are and not get upset, stressed Kamil Novak. This wasnt a pretty win, but we will take it. A win is a win and sometimes you have to grind out playoff games like this, expressed Grayson Moyer.

It was a tough loss for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, who could have been up 2-0 in the series had they gotten one or two breaks more in the last minute. This was a hard fought game. There were two strong teams, but in the end Frankfurt had a little more luck. The difference in the end was that we had some weakness on defense, gave up easy baskets and took hurried shots. Frankfurt might of underestimated us in game one, but they were very strong tonight, expressed Bremerhaven German Jan Lipke. Frankfurt had to win game two and seemed to just have a bit more fight in the end. This was a crazy game. Both teams really wanted to win this game. Bremerhaven never gave up and we knew it would be a tough game. Each player fought and it was a great game to watch and be a part of. Said Seth Doliboa. One never really knows how Mr Incredible Jeff Gibbs is really feeling or thinking, because he seems to have one expression at most times, but he was very disappointed with the loss and is getting more and more dissatisfied with stepping onto the Ballsporthalle court, because the games always seem to end like heartbreakers. It seems like each time I play here, it is really tough. This was a real difficult loss, but not as bad as the buzzer beater against Ratiopharm Ulm in 2006. We know that we could of gotten the job done tonight, but Frankfurt outhustled us. We got outrebounded and that just cant happen to us. It always comes down to a last possession when I play here, commented Eisbaeren Bremerhaven American Jeff Gibbs.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners knew that they couldnt have a repeat performance of their lack luster 2-12 start into the game in Bremerhaven as they stepped on the court with a lot of intensity and quickly showed Bremerhaven that having a comfortable time in their living room was not on the menu as they jumped out on a 7-2 lead. Aubrey Reese scored a three point bomb and Quantez Robertson followed with a steal and lay in. Derrick Allen made a mid distance jumper. Bremerhaven seemed lethargic and were looking for their rhythm. Frankfurt extended their lead to 14-7 as they got some fast break points from Reese and Allen. Frankfurt also got much needed support from center Greg Jenkins who grabbed an offensive rebound and scored inside. It didnt take Bremerhaven long to find their rhythm as they went on a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 14-13. Andrew Drevo scored inside and Lou Campbell may have made the shot of the game with a hard penetration and then fade away shot to his left catching nothing but net. You have to cut down the penetration against Campbell. He can beat you also with the jumper. He is so hard to stop that the only way really is to make work for everything and just wear him down, warned Grayson Moyer. Seth Doliboa followed with a lay in, but Bremerhaven answered with a mini 4-0 run to take their first lead 18-16 as Philipp Schwethelm buried a tough contested three pointer with Super Tez practically in his face and American big guy Kevin Lyde made a dunk. Dragan Labovic and Bryan Lucas traded baskets as The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven led 20-18 after one quarter. The first quarter was a game of runs. We started well, but we then got stalemate as they started hitting shots, stressed Skyliner American Grayson Moyer. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 50% from the field and 33% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 25% from outside. Frankfurt had the slight edge under the boards 9-6. Bremerhaven was doing a good job taking care of the ball with only one turnover as Frankfurt had three turnovers.

This was a game with many many lead changes as the second quarter saw seven. Bryan Lucas started the second quarter with a three pointer as Bremerhaven led 23-18. However Frankfurt struck back with a 6-0 run as Doliboa made a tough runner and Labovic a three pointer as Frankfurt led again 24-23. Bremerhaven retook the lead with a Lucas lay in inside. Bremerhaven was doing a good job with the extra passes inside always finding the open guy. Frankfurt then retook the lead again with a Reese three pointer from the wing to lead 29-27. Bremerhaven tied the score with a beautiful spin move by Jeff Gibbs and lay up. Gibbs with only 188cm continues to amaze the basketball eye with his play as he makes such difficult shots and even when there are 3-4 taller bodies around, he always comes away with the ball somehow. I have been playing the post all my life. A difficult looking shot for me is like a regular lay up for another player. I practice getting hit in practice and shooting the ball, stressed ex Ratiopharm Ulm Jeff Gibbs. Schwethelm then gave Bremerhaven the lead 31-30 with a mid distance jumper before Reese made a lay in for the 32-31 lead.

Lou Campbell then made a hard lay in in traffic as Bremerhaven led again 33-32. Frankfurt then was able to retake the lead and hold it until halftime finishing the second quarter with a 11-6 run. Frankfurt got much help from Greg Jenkins who scored three consecutive baskets inside as he showed a lot of toughness scrapping and fighting for offensive boards and getting rewarded with hoops. Frankfurt led 39-34 and then extended their lead to 42-36 as Quantez Robertson made a three pointer from the wing. Jeff Gibbs then dunked over Labovic and the big 215cm Serb followed with a lay in as Frankfurt led 44-38 at halftime. The second quarter was very high scoring. Many points were made and they were hitting their shots. But we also executed very well, stated Grayson Moyer. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 40% from the three point line and The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 44% from the field and 38% from the three point line. Frankfurt was doing a great job controlling the rebounds 21-14. Frankfurt had six turnovers and Bremerhaven only three.

In the third quarter, it was not The Deutsche Bank Skyliners that came out of the locker room on fire, but it was the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven who scooted out on an 8-0 run to retake the lead 46-44 as the loud Ballsporthalle suddenly seemed as quiet as The Bamberg Jako arena on a non game day. Schwethelm started the scoring with a three pointer, then Gibbs made a steal and Bremerhaven scored on the next play as the young German Schwethelm made a nice pass to Drevo who scored inside with his left hand. Campbell then dropped a three pointer from the corner as Reese was in his face. Then there were a few more lead changes as three consecutive three pointers were made with Allen giving Frankfurt the lead 47-46 with a three pointer, but Schwethelm reacted with a basket and the Bremerhaven led 49-47. Labovic then stepped outside giving Frankfurt the 50-49 lead. Frankfurt was able to keep the lead despite a few minutes where neither team was able to produce any points. Captain Pascal Roller who sometimes has problems finding his open looks due to the aggressive defense buried a three pointer from the wing and Quantez Robertson followed with another three pointer as Frankfurt led 58-54 after three quarters. They came out with more energy, but as soon as we got settled down, we were able to run our plays and get the lead back, added Grayson Moyer. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 49% from the field and 42% from the parking lot while The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 40% from the field and 35% from the parking lot. Frankfurt still maintained the big edge under the glass with the rebounding 30-22. Frankfurt had 11 turnovers and the lead despite only four turnovers by Bremerhaven.

The fourth quarter continued to be very tight as The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were able to get only one more lead as Frankfurt then held down the fort until the buzzer, but never leading by more than five points. Lou Campbell who sometimes can be a one man wreaking crew added another beautiful scoring play to his collection on this day as he spun around Dominik Bahiense De Mello and finished strong to the hoop with a lay in. Doliboa scored with a three pointer extending the Frankfurt lead to 61-56. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven then went on a 9-3 run to retake the lead 65-64. In this phase, The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were playing smart basketball taking missed Frankfurt free throws and bad passes as gifts. Lucas and Gibbs scored inside, Torrell Martin picked off an errant Roller pass and finished with a mid distance jumper and then it was Campbell again making a mini type of Michael Jordan play as he shot a huge three pointer timing it perfectly over Doliboa and one second left on the clock and sinking it making it look like a perfect ending to a game even if there were still seven minutes to play. Gibbs extended the Bremerhaven lead to 67-64 with a pair of free throws. Frankfurt then did something normal which has happened so often in this season taking control in the fourth quarter and going on a 6-0 run to lead 70-67. After a Reese turnover, he totally made up for his mistake by doing what he does best by scoring inside with a lay up and then with a floater. Robertson also added a mid distance jumper. After a Jenkins mid distance jumper to give Frankfurt the 73-69 lead, Reese made a steal and drew the foul and made both free throws which put Frankfurt in very good position of winning the game with the 75-69 lead and under two minutes to play.

Bremerhaven had the total pressure, but stepped up as Gibbs went hard to the hoop with a line drive shot then banked in. With Frankfurt leading 76-72 and one minute to play, it was Torrell Martin that hit a clutch three pointer to get Bremerhaven back to 76-75. However Frankfurt stayed tough and had answers on offense as Robertson scored with a pretty lay up and after a stop, Reese scores two free throws as Frankfurt led 80-75. Despite the five point lead and 40 seconds to play, it seemed like 3-4 minutes to play as Bremerhaven stayed cool and collected as Campbell dropped a three pointer from the wing cutting the Frankfurt lead to 80-78. However the biggest pain for Bremerhaven would be the clock on this day. Frankfurt got free throws down the stretch and had that four point cushion. Campbell and Labovic traded free throws as Frankfurt led 84-80 with 5,3 seconds to play. Andrew Drevo doesnt only have a talent for buzzer beaters in Trier or in game 5 in Goettingen, but can also make half court shots as he made one as the buzzer sounded, but the score was Frankfurt 84 and Bremerhaven 83 as even this shot could not save the Eisbaeren on this day. The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. Whenever we tried to put them away they responded with a three pointer. Their comeback play reminded me a bit of Bamberg. We made clutch free throws at the end and we did a good job executing as they were pressing and we were able to hit our shots, stressed Grayson Moyer. We didnt play bad in the second half, fought well, was aggressive and defended better, stated Bremerhaven guard Jan Lipke. Key down the stretch were big plays that we made. We gave a team effort on defense. Greg Jenkins played big and we got big rebounds. We had guys stepping up on a personal level, commented Seth Doliboa.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners received a lot of production as six players scored in double figures. The team was led by Aubrey Reese with 18 points. Quantez Robertson scored 15 points. Dragan Labovic and Derrick Allen chipped in with 12 points a piece. Seth Doliboa and Greg Jenkins added 10 points a piece. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Jeff Gibbs with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Lou Campbell added 19 points. Andrew Drevo chipped in with 12 points and Philipp Schwethelm with 11 points.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners recovered from the bad shooting day in game one by shooting 50% from the field and 43% from outside while The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot pretty good from the field at 47% and 42% from outside. Frankfurt controlled the boards 38-29, but there are still some improvements that need to be done on defense for game three. We had some let downs on defense. We can box out better and need to have a body on Gibbs at all times. We gave up too many easy baskets inside and didnt really follow the scouting plan. We will take a look at this game and make the needed adjustments for game three, warned Seth Doliboa. We will have to improve on our help defense in game three. They got too many easy baskets inside, added Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson. Bremerhaven will be back on their home court and after losing only with one point, why shouldnt they be confident for a game three win? We were so motivated in game 2. We really wanted to win. We will take our motivation back home. We will win game 3,warned Jan Lipke. Frankfurt has to win once on the road and no better time than on Saturday. We will play with a lot of passion in game 3. It will be the biggest game of the season and we want to steal a win in game 3, warned Seth Doliboa. We have to keep Frankfurt off the offensive glass. We have to continue to play hard and limit the little mistakes. The team that plays the hardest will win, warned Jeff Gibbs. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in game 3 on Saturday May 29th at 18:00.


Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Post Game Thoughts To 82-73 Loss In Game 2 Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookies eason 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. This past summer, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. Kevin took some time to talk to eurobasket after the 82-73 loss to Bamberg in game 2.

A tough 82-73 loss to The Brose Baskets Bamberg. Bamberg is now 5-0 in the 2010 BEKO BBL playoffs. Is there any way to stop them?


I can give you a better answer to that after Sunday. They are playing really well right now.

The first quarter was a curious one. Bamberg had an 8-0 run to get away, but Braunschweig struck back on a 13-0 run and only trailed 21-20 after one quarter. How difficult especially against a team like Bamberg is it coming back from an 8-0 run against you with a 13-0 run


It is really tough, they are a great defensive team.

Braunschweig scored only 7 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did Bamberg seem to make in the second quarter that prohibited Braunschweig to score more on a constant rate?


Im not sure if they made any adjustments, i just think were were not getting good looks at the basket and we didn't much second chances through offensive rebounds that quarter either

Braunschweig did a great job limiting Predrag Suput to five points in the first half. What was key in disturbing his play?


I think he had a little more than that.

In the third quarter, Braunschweig cut the Bamberg lead to 43-40, but then Mark Worthington struck back with his own 6-0 run. If Suput is on the bench then bring Worthington. Why is it not easy to stop him?


orthington is a very good player as well. Him and Suput are big men who can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and cause mismatch problems.

In the fourth quarter you cut the Bamberg lead to 60-58. Bamberg then went on a 12-2 run to decide the game. Is that one of the biggest strength of Bamberg always finding the right response when the opponent is coming back?


Yeah, right now they seem to always come up with big shots and big stops at crucial points of the ball game. I give them a lot of credit.

Braunschweig now have their backs to the wall. What will be key in winning game three?


Different level of focus. We just can't make mental mistakes against them.

The Phoenix Suns arent laying down to die just yet. They tied the series at 2-2. is their any way that the Suns can win this series?


I hope not but they have a great point guard and a good supporting cast so it is possible.
Thanks Kev for the chat!


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 David TEAGUE
  LTi 46ers
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Teague, LTi 46ers20.4 
 2. Copeland, TBB Trier16.8 
 3. Suput, Brose B.15.1 
 4. Rochestie, Goett.15.1 
 5. Jenkins, ALBA14.8 
 6. Burns, ratiopharm14.8 
 7. Allen, Dt.14.7 
 8. Jeffers, LTi 46ers14.4 
 9. Travis, Walter Tigers14.4 
 10. Gibbs, Bremerhaven14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeff GIBBS
  Bremerhaven
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Gibbs, Bremerhaven8.9 
 2. Ensminger, Telek.8.5 
 3. Ovcina, LTi 46ers8.1 
 4. Johnson, LTi 46ers7.2 
 5. Kale, Phoenix Hagen7.0 
 6. Turek, Phoenix .6.6 
 7. Travis, Walter Tigers6.5 
 8. Trice, ratiopharm6.3 
 9. Burns, ratiopharm6.3 
 10. Oliver, Goettingen6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Louis CAMPBELL
  Bremerhaven
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Campbell, Bremerha.5.8 
 2. Ratkovica, Walter T.5.7 
 3. Jordan, Phoenix .5.3 
 4. Jordan, Telekom B.5.3 
 5. Hamilton, NY Phant.5.3 
 6. Reese, Dt.4.2 
 7. Gamqrelidze, MBC3.8 
 8. Williams, LTi 46ers3.6 
 9. McElroy, AL.3.4 
 10. Schaffartzik, NY Pha.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Roderick TRICE
  ratiopharm
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Trice, ratiopharm2.4 
 2. Jenkins, Walter T.1.9 
 3. Hamilton, NY Phant.1.9 
 4. Bernard, MBC1.5 
 5. Teague, LTi 46ers1.5 
 6. Anderson, Goett.1.4 
 7. Foster, EWE B.1.4 
 8. Burns, ratiopharm1.3 
 9. Robertson, Dt.Ba.1.3 
 10. Martin, Bremerha.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, Bremerhaven1.1 
 5. Ohlbrecht, Telek.1.1 
 6. Goree, NY Phantoms1.1 
 7. Ovcina, LTi 46ers1.0 
 8. Barrett, Pad.Bask.0.9 
 9. Bryant, ratiopharm0.9 
 10. Chaney, EnBW L.0.8 


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


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 David YOUNG
  Trikalla
  (196-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Young, Trikalla20.5 
 2. Childress, Olympiakos16.1 
 3. Green, AEK15.1 
 4. Erceg, Panionios14.7 
 5. Arnold, Perister.14.7 
 6. Massie, Olimpia L.14.4 
 7. Monroe, PAOK14.3 
 8. Harris, VAP K.14.2 
 9. Kleiza, Olympiakos14.1 
 10. Gregory, PAOK14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Igokea
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Massie, Olimpia L.10.7 
 2. Papadopoulos, PAOK7.9 
 3. Walsh, Aris7.8 
 4. Francis, AEK7.6 
 5. Carter, Ilysiakos7.0 
 6. Bryant, Panionios6.9 
 7. Dozier, VAP K.6.4 
 8. Arnold, Perister.6.2 
 9. Mavroidis, Marou.5.9 
 10. Homan, Marousi BC5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5
 1. Diamantidis, Panath.5.0 
 2. Lukas, Marousi BC4.3 
 3. Karidas, Ilysiakos4.1 
 4. Teodosic, Olympiakos4.1 
 5. Dickel, Trikalla4.0 
 6. Papaloukas, Olymp.4.0 
 7. Hammonds, Perister.3.7 
 8. Vasiljevic, VAP K.3.6 
 9. Green, AEK3.6 
 10. Spanoulis, Panath.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Vonteego CUMMINGS
  Ilysiakos
  (192-G-76)
  Avg: 2
 1. Cummings, Ilysiakos2.0 
 2. Collins, Kavala/P.1.8 
 3. Lukas, Marousi BC1.8 
 4. Katsares, Trikalla1.6 
 5. Karidas, Ilysiakos1.5 
 6. Diamantidis, Panath.1.5 
 7. Hammonds, Perister.1.5 
 8. Nikolaidis, AEK1.5 
 9. Green, AEK1.4 
 10. Dickel, Trikalla1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Ian VOUGIOUKAS
  Panellinios
  (212-C/F-85)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Vougioukas, Panellin.1.5 
 2. Harissis, VAP K.1.0 
 3. Mavroidis, Marou.1.0 
 4. Papadopoulos, PAOK0.8 
 5. Carter, Ilysiakos0.8 
 6. Homan, Marousi BC0.8 
 7. Bramos, Perister.0.7 
 8. Smith, Panellinios0.7 
 9. Monds, VAP K.0.7 
 10. Fotsis, Panathinaikos0.7 


Sakis Veskoukis claims Greek B Eurobasket Weekly honour - by Chris Mammides
The Greek shooting guard Sakis veskoukis was the top performer of the week in the Second division. The experienced guard was the stepping stone for the amazing road win the Apollon Patras succeeded in the home court of the champion of the division, Lavrio. Sakis Veskoukis (195-G-80) scored 27 points, a season high for the skilled player and at the same time grabbed 4 rebounds, had 2 assists and stole the ball twice. Sakis became pro 14 years ago and in his resume has mostly teams from the A2 division. This season is only his first one in the second division where he helped Coach Vetoulas to gain the fifth place in the final countdown. Sakis Veskoukis is a very nice guard and is considered being among the top shooting guards of the division. Apollon PAtras with this road win sealed the fifth position which under some certain circumstances could be the last position to get promoted if some teams (as expected) dismantle and relegate from A2 to the B Division

Second top performer for this 29th week of the Second division league is the experience forward of the champion team of Lavrio, Nikos Psileas (200-F-80,, Psileas couldnt help his team to beat Apollon Patras but with his overall performance and his productivity is definitely among the top performers for another week. Psileas is currently in the second position of the top scorers of the division and is among the top five in the rebounding area and in the economy. Hr is most definitely that he will be among the MVPs of the division by the end of the league which is only next week. Psileas scored 25 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, had 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block shot. Lavrio is the champion and Coach Serelis is using the utmost from his players as Psileas is with the same coach and the same team the last 5 years, they begun in the third division and now they will play in the A2.

The third top performer is the Anagennisi Flogas young and talented guard, Lefteris Galanidis (185-G-88). Lefteris scored 22 points in the amazing road win of his team over Doukas with 27 points difference. A victory, which could be the most crucial one for this season, as there are serious chances that the team of Anagennisi Floga will avoid the relegation to the third division. Lefteris scored 22 points, had 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals in an easy night for his team. He was a real leader in the court. Galanidis started his career from the juniors of Mantoulides where he played for more than five years before becoming pro and signing with the team of Anagennisi Floga, three years ago.

Other top performers for the week 29 were the following:
Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) of Lavrio scored 21 points
Christos Samourelis (204-F-84) of Keravnos Aigiou scored 20 points
Philip Hopson of Panerythraikos scored 19 points
Yiorgos Koutsovasilis (199-F-75) of Komotini scored 19 points
Vassilis Ekine of KEravnos Aigiou scored 19 points
Nemanja Cuk of Pierikos Arhelaos scored 18 points
Aristides Koronides of Apollon Patras scores 18 points
Lehoudis of Komotini scored 18 points
Panagiotis Nanis of Apollon Kalamarias scored 17 points
Gregory Ktistou of Agia Paraskevi scored 17 points


Playoff 3rd-4th positions: Billy had the "key" to the win over Panellinios in Game One - by Chris Mammides
William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) was the key to success for Coach Giorgos Bartzokas team of Maroussi and helped a lot his team for the 1-0 in the series giving also to the home team the psychological boost for the continuation. Thevery tough team of Coach Elias Zouros , Panellinios proved once more that the game against the last seasons triple crowners, team of Panathinaikos was not at all lucky, it was the overall job took place all the season for this crucial moment, the moment of the euroleague participation.
Panellinos was leading the game from the early beginning and the few fans which were in the Agios Thomas court (not more than 450 fans is so serious game) thought that Panellinios would have been placing their tombstone, as Elias Zouros players were much more focused and targeted and with Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) in a great day together with the organizational skills of the veteran Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) and the always accurate Smith showed to everybody that they were ruling the game. During the last and most crucial quarter, William Keys took his team as a real leader that he is and lead them to the victory.
MVP of the game was William Keys with his 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists while Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) was amazing and very critical in this victory as his productivity was all-around but his 14 points, his 6 rebounds and his steal in just 20 minutes added a lot into the final result.
On the other site, Panellinios is improving day by day, unfortunately Haralampidis was not as good as we expected so the trio Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia), Ian Vougioukas and Roderick Blakney even though did their best were not enough, Emmanouil Papamakarios (190-G-80) helped a lot too but during the last offence of the game Smith had a false ball and the game was lost. Their next game in 3 days in Kypseli, Panellinios court.


Playoff Finals: Greens too much for Reds in Game One - by Eurobasket News
Finals
Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 73-54
Panathinaikos was too strong for Olympiakos in Game One of the Playoff Finals. The Greens celebrated an easy 73-54 victory and they are 1-0 up now. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) shined for the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) also scored 13 points, but to go with 5 boards. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) (5 rebs) and Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) nailed 10 points each. On the other side, the Euroleague finalist got 13 points from Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri). Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) stopped on 10. Game Two is scheduled for Sunday. *More comments about this game are already posted in previous news by Kostas Papadopoulos

Third place
Marousi BC - Panellinios 75-70
Marousi was better than Panellinios for 1-0 lead in the series. William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) stepped up for Marousi with 17 points and 5 assists. Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) also had very important role in this victory as he added 14 points and 6 boards. Gordon Jamon Lukas (191-G-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Virginia Tech) followed with 13 pts and 6 assists. In the loosing squad, Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) collected 21 points and 9 rebounds. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) had 14 points and 8 rebs. Game Two is scheduled for Saturday.

*****************************************************
  GUATEMALA   


Standings
LPB Standings
 1. USAC 12-0 
 2. D-Team 9-2 
 3. Lanco B.C. 8-3 
 4. Compusys 5-6 
 5. URL 2-9 
 6. Australian Milk 2-10 
 7. Le Mans 1-9 


Another win for D-Team - by Gianni Pascucci
Two nights ago, D-Team Guatemala took a not-so-easywin, 83-72 over Australian Milk at the Roberto Palomo Castellanos Gymnasium of the Universidad Popular in Guatemel City. The best game performers were perimetral players Enrique Samayoa (193-F-82) and Heber Rodriguez (185-G-82) who ended the game at 29 and 23 points, respectively. New import Eriel Parra added 12 for D-Team, Ryan Forbes (193-F/C-78) was the top scorer in Australian Milk with 17 and Christian Figueroa added 16

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


Peter Lorant fights for ACB - by Adam Patonay
The surprise team of the 2009-2010 Leb Oro season in Spain is without doubt the Autocid Ford Burgos. They got into the great final of the playoff by reaching the biggest success of the clubs history. Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85), who is a Hungary Slection, grew into an emblematic figure of the team, as this has been is fourth season in the Ford team. The eurobasket.com interviewed him in relation to the final.
Eurobasket.com: Would you have thought in the beginning of the season, that you will still be staying in Spain at the end May?
Pter Lrnt: Only as a tourist. But to put jokes aside, before the season, our goal was to safely get into the playoff. In the fall, we were leading the table, finally we got fifth place by the end of the basic session. Although we had the chance for a more favorable position for a long time, now we are not at all sad that it turned out this way.
Eurobasket.com: You were there four years ago, when your team was fighting against drop-out, now you are fighting to go up. What has changed?
P.L.: I became a member of Burgos on the 3rd of January 2006, when I was barely 21 years old. As a member of the Benetton Treviso family, I had the chance to get to know European professional basketball from the start. Over the summers, I was training with the supervision of Ettore Messina, in Italy. Then I spent a year in Belgium. Despite all that, I can state that I became a ready player in Burgos. I am proud that my achievements developed along with the teams, year after year. We got a little further in each season, perhaps we have skipped a few steps this year, but no one cares about that now.
Eurobasket.com: Whats the secret of your success?
P.L.: At the end of the basic session, all teams wanted to have us as opponent in the playoff. They felt that it could be the easiest to step over the Burgos. Well, as the example shows, it was not true. Its a commonplace, but great players form the guard, there is a good accord between the American and the Spanish core. When you start playing from the bench, anyone is able to so to say- push the common wagon. Perhaps this can be the key. I have a great contact with Coach Andreu Casadevall, we have been working together for almost 3 years. For me this is also very important, to be able to feel the confidence form the edge of the field.
Eurobasket.com: What are your changes regarding the final?
P.L.: Clearly, we are the black horse of the season. Menorca fell out of the ACB league exactly at this time last year. They have the advantage of the field; this in itself is a big benefit. Our opponent is a great team, it is represented by excellent players. It will be a great experience to play against them. It is sure that the burden is not on our shoulders. Our team is mentally ready and we are hungry for success.
Eurobasket.com: What will happen after the final?
P.L.: I would like to take a rest, as in the last 11 months, I only had a holiday twice for four days each. Last summer we got first place in the group of the Europen Championship Qualification matches with the Hungary Selection. [During the qualifying matches, Pter helped the Hungary Selection with impressiv averaging 14,5 pts,8,1 rebounds per game. - The editor] In the same time, I cant wait to be at home in the Selection again with the guys, a young team is forming there in good mood. Our little country had the chance to take part in the European Championship in 1999 for the last time, we would like to change that in the near future. On the club level I am also searching for new challenges, based on where I can develop more. I love Spain, I learned the language, I got to know the culture. Like probably many of Leb Oro player mates, the goal for me is to be able to challenge myself in the ACB league. I feel that Im ready for it, the rest doesnt depend on me.


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


Galil Gilboa shocks Maccabi in the Final - by Eurobasket News
Galil Gilboa became the winner of the Israeli Play-offs as they upset Maccabi T-A 90:77 in the Final Game. Trailing 8 points at the halftime, the winners were awesome in the second half and grabbed the Gold of the country.
Gilboa started better and won the opening quarters 6:2. Maccabi took the lead back and the teams finished the first frame at 21:20. The second quarter opened rapidly with points on both sides. Maccabi enjoyed 28:24 lead, while Gilboa reduced to 33:32 later in the quarter. Maccabi pushed the tempo again and grabbed 8-point lead at the halftime. Perkins nailed last points at the quarter for 50:42 lead.
Galil Gilboa however was far to give up as they started the third period with 5-0 run. Later Galil grabbed the advantage and had 56:53 deficit. The teams went to the lockers for 63:59 and left the intrigue for the last period. Jeremy Pargo (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) led his side to 70:64, while Maccabi still tried to return into the game. Brian Randle (203-F-85) made it however 77:67 and the game looked to be over at that time. Perkins managed to cut it to 78:71, while Maccabi reduced to 78:74 with a minute and a half to play. Galil Gilboa meanwhile held off the opponents to triumph in the country. Brian Randle top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Jeremy Pargo and Dion Dowell (198-G-85, college: Houston) had 15 each. Pearlas responded with 18 points in the losing effort and Perkins had 14 points and 7 assists.


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


Hamamatsu Phoenix triumph in BJ League - by Eurobasket News
Hamamatsu Phoenix triumph in BJ League as they became better than any team of the League. Hamamatsu won the Regular Season with 41-11 record, won the Quarterfinal, Semifinal and the Final Games.
In the Final Hamamatsu Phoenix overcame Osaka Evessa 84:56. Trailing 14-16 after the opening quarter the favorites needed 22-11 in the second period to take 36:27 lead at the halftime. In the second half the court was dominated only by one team as Phoenix won both frames. In the third quarter they produced 21-17 for 57:44 advantage and finished with 27-12 in the last quarter. Dzaflo Larkai (203-F/C-81, college: Bellarmine) stepped up with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. William Knight (196-F/G-79, college: UCLA) nailed 18, while White Wendell notched 17. Lynn Washington (200-F-78, college: Indiana) responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.
In the game for the third place Okinawa GK rolled over Niigata Albirex 85:72. The winners started with 21-19 lead and added 252-0 in the second period. Jeff Newton (205-C-81, college: Indiana) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Tsubasa Yonamine (173-G-83) collected 14 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, while Anthony McHenry (201-G/F-83, college: Georgia Tech) delivered 13 points and 12 rebounds. Paul Butorac (208-F-83, college: E.Washington) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


ASEM level championship series - by Eurobasket News
ASEM escaped elimination and drew things level in the championship series. ASEM celebrated two straight victories in the third and fourth game of the Final. The third game of the series turned into a scandal after Gamma head coach Serguei Melnik forced his team to leave the court late in regulation as the protest against bad refereeing. The fourth clash was much quieter affair. ASEM deservedly posted a 100:86 victory to force the decisive fifth game in the series. It will take place on May 29.
In the meantime UASM completed the sweep in the consolation final series. They held off Rabnita to clinch Bronze.


*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


Standings - Men
D1 Standings
Group A
 1. CRA 3-2 
 2. MAF 3-2 
 3. RCA 3-2 
 4. FUS 1-4 
Group B
 1. ASS 4-1 
 2. IRT 2-3 
 3. ASE 1-4 
 4. TSC 0-0 


*****************************************************
  NABL   


New Ownership group in Seattle will take over market for Mountaineers - by Joe Becerra
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27th 2010

CONTACT: Media Release from Director of Rules Committee: Joe Becerra
Website: www.na-bl.com
_____

nabl.jpg

National Athletic Basketball League - New Ownership to take over the Seattle
market as previous ownerships unable to finish season

Seattle, Washington - May 27th 2010- Press Release - The National Athletic
Basketball League was very disappointed to find out that the Seattle
Mountaineers ownership quit the NABL season and did not finish the remainder
of the season. The League and other owners found out about this departure
only after the media was contacted.

A few weeks into the season issues between the NABL and ownership of the
Mountaineers were noticed. The structure of the NABL is much more intense
than other minor leagues for basketball as the NABL requires constant owner
involvement. The NABL will setup a situation so that the Seattle players can
finish the season on behalf of the community and retain the work
accomplished this season. We wish the Mountaineers ownership would have
finished the season but understand the ABA league in which they played last
year is much better suited for their organization than the ownership governed NABL.

Over the last few weeks the NABL has been working on expansion for the 2011
season and will be announcing new ownership for the Seattle market later
today instead of later in year with the other expansion teams. At this time
the League has taken over operations and financial commitments for the
remaining season of the NABL Seattle market.

James Leffew will be the acting GM and Coach to finish the season in
Seattle. James was the Commissioner for the JS Gaisano Basketball Cup in the
Philippines and helped grow that league from sixteen to forty seven teams
and will be instrumental in working with the new ownership that was set to
join the NABL in 2011. The new Seattle ownership has been working with the
NABL for the last two months but with the market opening up unexpectedly and
they wanted to make this move now.

Press Release about new Seattle Team is scheduled for release at 2:00pm
Pacific Standard Time.

_____

The NABL distinguishes itself from other minor spring time leagues with the
ability to deliver on the core principals listed below:

Standard Rules: The NABL will use the same rules as does the NBA, with a 24
second shot clock and each team will have 6 timeouts (all full timeouts) per
game. The game plays with four 12 minute quarters with overtime if needed.

Roster Stability: unlike other minor league basketball leagues each team
will have a roster of 12 players and can only move 2 people on and off a
roster per week. Players will be known in the league and stars will show up
to every game not just select games.

Travel Costs: No team in the league will ever have to pay more than six
thousand dollars per year to travel, and lodge players during the season.
Post Season Awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, All Defensive Teams and All
Star Selections per position.

Owner Control: The league uses its owners to govern the league and makes
sure that all important decisions are made as a group with majority
consensus.

Post Season Play: The top 4 teams in the league will meet for post season
play other teams will be eliminated in the regular season. There will be a
Semi Final and Final series played with the best record hosting the best out
of three series for each round until a champion has won the NABL coveted
'Iron Horse Trophy'.

More information about league and the teams playing in the league can be
found at: http://www.na-bl.com

NABL Director of Rules Committee: Joe Becerra
Email: rules@na-bl.com
Phone: 503-371-4667


Seattle Aviators join as first NABL expansion team - by Joe Becerra
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27th 2010
CONTACT: Media Release from Director of Compliance Committee: Nathan Mumm
Website: www.na-bl.com

National Athletic Basketball League Seattle Aviators join as first Expansion team for the league.
The National Athletic Basketball League is proud to announce new ownership in the Seattle Region with the announcement of the Seattle Aviators.

The National Athletic Basketball leagues 2011 expansion announcements are scheduled for release in November of 2011 but with a market opening up unexpectedly the Seattle Aviators will take over full operations of the region at the end of May. The Aviators are looking at some large venues for the team to play in for the upcoming 2011 season and are also looking strongly at Crawford Court at Rainier Beach High School.

The Seattle Aviators of the NABL are owned by Paul Kevin and Andrew Stewart.

Paul Kevin-
Paul Kevin lives in the Seattle area with his wife, Emilee, and their three daughters. Paul is a licensed attorney in the state of Washington and practices law in Seattle, while representing several professional basketball players. Paul is a certified player agent with the NBA and FIBA, the governing body of international basketball.
Paul studied Political Science at Brigham Young University (BYU) and then attended the Gonzaga University School of Law where he graduated with honors.

Andrew 'Bull' Stewart-
Andrew 'Bull' Stewart (52) & wife Flozzell Stewart are the owners of Columbia City Fitness Center, which is located in Seattle, Washington. Bull is a 1980 Graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. Andrew has a BS Degree in Health & Physical Education, is the author of the fitness book, Fitness for Very Busy Peoples, and is an 11-time world power lifting champion. From his success in this field, he was a 2006 inductee in the International Weightlifting Hall Of Fame. In 2007, Andrew was also inducted into the Washington State Power Lifting Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the 25 greatest lifters of all time. Andrews lifting success has translated into the business world as he won the 2008 Business of the Year award in his local area. Andrew is the father of 5 (2 sets of twins) and has resided in the state of Washington for the last 16 years.
The Seattle Aviators will hold an official press conference in the upcoming months and at that time they will reveal their logo and important team information. If you want to follow their progress you can check out the NABL website at www.na-bl.com or the team site at www.seattleaviators.com

The Seattle Aviators team name was chosen because of the rich history of avionics in the Seattle area and to pay tribute to the difference it has made in the region.

This weekend the Seattle Aviators will take to the court playing the Snohomish County Explosion of the NABL. This game will be held at the Monroe Sports Arena at 5:00pm Sunday May 30th. This game will showcase some of the players for the upcoming 2011 season of the Seattle Aviators, including local favorite Stanwood High School graduate and former University of Washington star Ryan Appleby (6'2''-G-84, college: Washington).
Seattle Aviators NABL Team Fact Sheet:
Team Name: Seattle Aviators
Owners: Paul Kevin & Andrew 'Bull' Stewart
Team Website: www.seattleaviators.com
Team Colors: White, Gray and Crimson
Home Court: Crawford Court at Rainier Beach High School
Seattle Aviators Front Office: 4860 Rainier Ave S # B; Seattle, WA 98118-6305
Seattle Aviators Contact Number: (425) 246-2041
Seattle Aviators Contact email: pedwards.kevin@gmail.com

Notable Player: Ryan Appleby (University of Washington)
Other Probable Players: Will Foster (7'5''-C-88) (Gonzaga), Bruce Cooper (6'8''-F/C-83, agency: Elleby Sports, college: S.Connecticut) (Southern Connecticut), Garrison Carr (5'11''-G) (American University) and Jarvis Stewart (Green River CC)

For more information on the ownership of the Seattle Aviators please call owner Paul Kevin at 425-246- 2041. For more Information on the NABL please call the leagues Compliance Director Nathan Mumm at 425-339-BALL (2255)


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


Former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown issues statement - by Eurobasket News
Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Michael Brown has issued the following statement:

'The past 5 years have been an exceptional experience. I have been very fortunate to lead a group of men who I respect and thoroughly enjoyed coaching on a daily basis. At the same time, I was able to work alongside a terrific coaching staff and with Danny Ferry and a basketball operations team, all of whom I have a profound respect for. We partnered in creating a culture and a standard that I am, and will continue to be, very proud of. None of which would be possible without the dedication and support of Dan Gilbert. I am thankful for the opportunity that he gave to me and my family. We have a deep appreciation for Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, and the people in this community, and have enjoyed making this our home.'

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Bulls downplay Phil Jackson report - by Eurobasket News
A Bulls source downplayed an ESPN report that claimed the Bulls are working back channels to gauge Phil Jackson's interest in returning to the franchise he led to six championships.

The report, citing two sources, claimed there has been no direct contact between Bulls officials and Jackson, whose Lakers contract expires after this season. But the report claimed the back channel contacts sensed Jackson would be open to the Bulls' job.

That seems unlikely, not only because of the team source downplaying the story but also from Jackson's words on May 4.

'No, I'm not,' Jackson said, when asked if he'd be interested in succeeding Vinny Del Negro. 'I think it's a wonderful job for whoever takes it. It's a team on the rise and there's some young talent that showed their ability to come back after probably a devastating first two months. Then from January on they played pretty well.'

Jackson has said Lakers management will reduce his $12.5 million salary should he return to Los Angeles.

Courtesy of www.chicagobreakingsports.com

Guard DeShawn Stevenson will be back with the Mavericks in 2010 - by Eurobasket News
Guard DeShawn Stevenson (6'5''-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) will return to the Mavericks next season after exercising his player option to do so last week, his agent Mark Bartelstein said Monday.

Bartelstein said it was the right move for Stevenson after considering the free agent market this summer and after playing limited minutes for Dallas last season. Stevenson, 29, arrived in the same trade with Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood in February.

Stevenson, who is expected to make $4.1 million in the final year of his contract, can become a free agent after next season.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Magic 113, Celtics 92: Orlando batters Celtics to force Game Six - by Eurobasket News
The Orlando Magic are alive and well and, all of a sudden, the Boston Celtics appear battered and bruised as the NBAs Eastern Conference finals continued Wednesday night at Amway Arena.

The Magic finally gave their fans something to cheer about as they avenged two home defeats and put it to the Celtics, 113-92 in Game Five. The series returns to TD Garden on Friday.

Orlando was again led by its big and little men, Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) and Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's). Howard powered his way to 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Nelson hit for a team-high 24 points. J.J. Redick (6'4''-G-84, college: Duke) led a strong bench brigade with 14 points.

The Celtics defense had few answers for the Magic, which shot 52 percent from the floor. Orlando nailed 13 3-point shots.

Because it kept taking the ball out of the basket all night, Boston never found a sustained offensive flow. Rasheed Wallace (6'10''-F/C-75, college: N.Carolina) was the Celts leading scorer with 21 points. Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) added 19 and Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) tossed in 18, but only 2 in the second half.

They played a great game tonight. Give them credit, said Boston coach Doc Rivers . They are a great team when they get a lead because then their threes are easy. We never put a lot of pressure on them.

The Celts played the second half without center Kendrick Perkins (6'10''-C-84), who was assessed two technical fouls and may be suspended for Game Five. Glen Davis (concussion) and Marquis Daniels (concussion) were also hurt during the game.

The first half didnt go well for the Celtics in any way. Most important, their defense wilted once again, but this time the culprit wasnt dealing with pick-and-roll plays. Instead the issue was the 3-point line. All series long, Rivers has cautioned his team about the Magics outside-shooting prowess, and those words came to life on this night.

After sinking a high of 10 threes in a game once in the series, the Magic poured home 9 of their 15 tries from behind the line in the opening 24 minutes. Six different Magic players connected from deep, pointing out just how difficult it is to defend everyone at once.

The Magic used those threes to build a 57-49 halftime lead. The home team shot 50 percent (18 of 36) for the half from the floor, numbers that were galling to Rivers and his defense. The Celts did a good job slowing Howard and Nelson, but Redick led Orlando with two threes and 11 points in the half.

The Celts were carried by Pierces 16 first-half points. He made two threes but also continually drove hard to the bucket and made eight free throws.

The Celtics handled the start of the game pretty well as the two teams were tied at 20-20 with just inside three minutes left in the opening quarter. Thats when the Magic caught fire, outscoring Boston 11-4 for a 31-24 lead. Ray Allen ended the quarter with a difficult corner jumper while getting fouled, good for a 3-point play that sliced Orlandos lead to 31-27 at the break.

The second quarter played out much differently as the Magic built leads of as big as 14 points (51-37) with four minutes left. The combination of the 3-ball, plus Howards power game in the lane, appeared to push the Celtics to the ropes. The Celts fought back down the stretch of the half but with a costly asterisk as two technicals got Perkins ejected for the second half and, quite possibly, for the next game of the series.

With 2:15 left, Perkins and Martin Gortat got tangled up after Gortat appeared to throw an elbow. Both players were assessed double technicals. But a little less than two minutes later (36 seconds), Perkins fouled Jason Williams on a drive to the basket and apparently argued the call too strongly with official Eddie F. Rush. He was slapped with another technical and ejected.

Ironically, Rivers spoke before the game and said hed warned Perkins about the NBA rule that states a player with seven techs earns an automatic suspension. The NBA will review Perkins second technical Thursday before ruling whether or not hes out for Game Six.

I have talked to him, Rivers said. The double-technical is whats getting most guys in trouble. The flagrants, I can understand, if you had a ton of glaring flagrants, at some point, you should get suspended. Or if you have a ton of techs for arguing with the refs. But the double-technical thing has to be resolved.

Perkins now tops the Celtics with seven technical fouls this postseason. Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace have four apiece.

The Celts trailed 57-49 at the half but kept scratching in a physical third quarter. Boston cut the Magic lead to six (71-65) at one point but the home team spurted once again to lead, 84-71, late in the quarter and 84-75 entering the final 12 minutes. In the final 20 seconds of the quarter, Howard inadvertently elbowed Glen Davis in the head on a loose ball. The elbow staggered Davis who wobbled as he tried to run back into the action before slowing down and coming to a rest on his knees.

Orlando was never threatened in the fourth quarter as Nelson and Rashard Lewis both hit some tough shots and the Magic opened leads of as many as 21 points.

Courtesy of www.projo.com

Tom Thibodeau offered Hornets job - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets made a formal offer Tuesday to Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau to fill their coaching vacancy, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

Yet it was not immediately known how soon Thibodeau will make a decision on the Hornets' offer, with the Celtics heading to Orlando for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Magic and with at least two teams -- Chicago and New Jersey -- also considering Boston's defensive guru for their coaching vacancies.

Hornets general manager Jeff Bower issued a statement late Tuesday denying that the team has made a formal offer to any candidate, saying that 'we will issue an official update when we have concluded the process and have reached an agreement.'

The Associated Press reported Monday that the Hornets were preparing an offer for Thibodeau.

Sources say Thibodeau is eager to land his first head-coaching job and has strong support from Bower, who is close with Jeff Van Gundy, one of Thibodeau's coaching mentors.

But one source close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Hornets -- after New Orleans native Avery Johnson emerged as the early favorite for the job -- are prepared to turn to Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams if Thibodeau declines.

After Bower replaced Byron Scott just nine games into the season and posted a 34-39 record as interim coach, New Orleans interviewed five other candidates in addition to Thibodeau, Williams and Johnson. Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey, Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin, ex-New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank, TNT analyst and former NBA coach Mike Fratello and ESPN analyst and former All-Star guard Mark Jackson also spoke to New Orleans.

Johnson, who has been working as an analyst for ESPN since leaving the Mavericks following the 2007-08 season, is a New Orleans native and was widely considered to be the top choice of incoming Hornets owner Gary Chouest, another New Orleans native.

Johnson, though, has instead emerged as one of two finalists for the Atlanta Hawks' vacancy along with Casey, while New Orleans shifted its focus to Thibodeau and Williams.

The Hawks interviewed Johnson twice last week -- including a lengthy meeting with the team's ownership group Friday -- and have scheduled Casey for a second interview in Atlanta this week.

Sources say the Bulls, meanwhile, have scheduled an interview this week with Frank while waiting to see whether Thibodeau takes the New Orleans job or consents to meet with them after Boston's series with Orlando. Other Bulls candidates besides Frank and Thibodeau, according to the Chicago Tribune, are Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner and Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks.

Thibodeau began his NBA coaching career as an assistant with Minnesota in 1989. He later worked as an advance scout with the Seattle SuperSonics before returning to the bench as an assistant with San Antonio, Philadelphia, New York, Houston and now the Celtics.

Considered for various head coaching jobs in recent years, Thibodeau appears to be in greater demand than ever before thanks to the smothering defense Boston has played in eliminating LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and taking a 3-1 lead over Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

Courtesy of ESPN

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 29.8
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.29.8 
 2. James, Clevelan.29.6 
 3. Anthony, Denver N.28.4 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers27.3 
 5. Wade, Miami Heat27.0 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.25.5 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.25.1 
 8. Granger, Indiana P.24.1 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.24.0 
 10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.22.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 12.9
 1. Howard, Orlando M.12.9 
 2. Camby, LA Clippers12.2 
 3. Randolph, Memph.11.7 
 4. Lee, New York K.11.7 
 5. Boozer, Utah Jazz11.4 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.11.2 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers11.2 
 8. Love, Minnesota T.11.0 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.10.8 
 10. Haywood, Washingt.10.3 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.9 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.10.7 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz10.5 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.9.9 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.8.9 
 6. James, Clevelan.8.4 
 7. Davis, LA Clippers8.0 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..7.8 
 9. Harris, New J.6.6 
 10. Wade, Miami Heat6.5 
Steals Per Game
 Monta ELLIS
  Golde State W.
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ellis, Golde S.2.3 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.2.3 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.1 
 4. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 5. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 6. Wade, Miami Heat1.8 
 7. Ariza, Houston R.1.8 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Davis, LA Clippers1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Howard, Orlando M.2.9 
 2. Bogut, Milwauke.2.5 
 3. Haywood, Washingt.2.1 
 4. Camby, LA Clippers2.0 
 5. Haywood, Dallas M.2.0 
 6. Smith, Atlanta H.2.0 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers1.8 
 8. Dalembert, Philad.1.8 
 9. Andersen, Denver N.1.8 
 10. McGee, Washingt.1.8 


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


Cyclones F Dendy to transfer - by Eurobasket News
Iowa State forward Laron Dendy (6'9''-F) plans to transfer, the fourth significant loss to the Cyclones' frontcourt this spring.

New coach Fred Hoiberg announced Dendy's departure Tuesday. Dendy averaged 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game as a junior last season.

Justin Hamilton transferred from the team after the season. Forward Marquis Gilstrap's appeal for an extra year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA and forward Craig Brackins has declared for next month's NBA draft.

Hoiberg also says guard Antwon Oliver won't return next season. Oliver redshirted as a freshman in 2009-10.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Minn. jury awards $1.25M in assistant's lawsuit against Tubby Smith over aborted hiring - by Eurobasket News
A former Oklahoma State assistant basketball coach who sued Minnesota coach Tubby Smith over an aborted hiring was awarded nearly $1.25 million by a jury Wednesday.

The jury found that Smith falsely represented that he had the authority to hire Jimmy Williams when he called Williams in 2007 to talk about an assistant coach position in Minnesota. Williams claimed Smith offered him the job and that after that conversation, Williams resigned from his $200,000-a-year post at Oklahoma State.

But Minnesota officials backed away from Williams after athletic director Joel Maturi pointed out that Williams had NCAA recruiting violations in his past.

Williams' lawsuit, which also named the university as a defendant, was seeking $1.7 million in lost past and future income. Williams said Wednesday's verdict vindicates him and he hopes to return to coaching.

'I'm just happy right now that the jury saw that I was telling the truth, and now I can move on with my life and my career,' Williams said. 'Hopefully in the near future I'm going to be back doing what I love, and that's coaching.'

He said his reputation had been damaged by the ordeal and the verdict was a step toward clearing his name. He hasn't held a coaching job since he quit Oklahoma State, and his attorney, Donald Chance Mark Jr., said Williams has been living off retirement funds.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Smith testified during the eight-day trial that he never finalized a job offer and didn't tell Williams to quit his job.

Mark Rotenberg, the university's general counsel, said in a statement Wednesday that Smith and Maturi did nothing wrong. 'Refusing to hire Jimmy Williams was the right call, and the university stands behind these officials,' he said.

'Tubby Smith has never had a single major violation in his 30-plus years of coaching, and he's never hired anyone with the history of multiple major NCAA violations like Jimmy Williams has. Under Joel Maturi, not a single Gophers coach has ever been hired with a record of major violations like Jimmy Williams has,' Rotenberg said.

He called the award 'extraordinary' and said the university would consider an appeal.

Two jurors who spoke to reporters after the verdict said there was a lot of discussion in the jury room about what a 'reasonable person' would do and the standard practice in the industry. They said the decision was unanimous.

Juror Tracy Jackson said the jury studied the evidence, including e-mails between Smith, Maturi and other university staffers, as well as records of cell phone calls between Smith and Williams.

Juror Margaret Stearns said, 'We all were pretty much in agreement based on the evidence.'

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Wear twins sign at UCLA after leaving N. Carolina - by Eurobasket News
Twin brothers David Wear (6'10''-F-90) and Travis Wear (6'10''-F-90) will attend UCLA this fall after leaving North Carolina.

The sophomore forwards played for the Tar Heels last season and received their releases earlier this month. Both have signed written offers of financial aid from UCLA.

UCLA coach Ben Howland said Tuesday that the Wears will redshirt next season and have three years of eligibility remaining starting in 2011-12.

The 6-foot-10, 230-pounders played at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif.

Courtesy of http://nbcsports.msnbc.com


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


NBBF/DStv PL: Yelwa battle Peaks on SuperSport Select - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The newly refurbished National Sports Commission, NSC gymnasium in the city of Bauchi will come alive this weekend when host Yelwa Hawks basketball club will take to the court against Savannah conference hopeful Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos.

The match billed for Sunday will be live on SuperSport Select Channel to basketball faithful across the globe.

The Savannah conference pairing will be the first to screen live by the sponsor in the 2009/ 2010 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) DStv Premier League with jump-ball fixed for 16H00 GMT.

Hawks who is yet to record a win in the four-week old league will look up to veteran combo-guard Jeffery Lohor to inspire other players as they search for their first win.

The 6ft 3inch tall off-guard has declared that his team (Yelwa Hawks) is prepared to end their barren run in the Nigeria top league so far.

We are set to end our losing streak and its nice that the game will be beamed live to millions of fans across the world, though Peaks is an experience side but we are sure to starting our winning with them.

Other week-4 games billed the weekend Bauchi Nets basketball club will entertain the visiting Plateau Peaks on Saturday at the Multi-purpose hall in Bauchi; Niger Potters basketball club of Minna will be at home to Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna also on Saturday while Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos will take on AHIP Giants basketball club of Kano with a bid to end it losing streak.

And in the Atlantic conference Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos who seems to have found a winning formula will be guest of Delta Force basketball club of Asaba.

The game holds Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of Asaba Township Stadium at 16H00.

Dodan Warriors who recorded its first win last weekend against Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt in Lagos with a slim 73-70 points victory are set to further compound the dwindling fortune of its host (Delta Force) who seems not to be enjoying its home court having lost the two games played there so far.

Wounded Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt will be at home to visiting Lagos Islanders basketball club of Lagos at the Civic Centre on Sunday.

The Coach Ogoh Odaudu tutored Hoopers who lost its two road games last weekend in Lagos (Dodan Warriors -70-73 and 72-81 to Police Baton) will attempt to re-organized itself against an Islanders who shocked Delta Force at home (73-63) last weekend.

Week-4 Games:

Savannah Conference:

29/05/2010 - Bauchi Nets Vs Plateau Peaks 16H00

29/05/2010 - Niger Potters Vs Kada Stars 16H00

30/05/2010 - Yelwa Hawks Vs Plateau Peaks 16H00

30/05/2010 - Tapgun Rockets Vs AHIP Giants 16H00

Atlantic Conference

28/05/2010 - Delta Force Vs Dodan Warriors 16H00

30/05/2010 - Royal Hoopers Vs Islanders 17H00

Week-3 Results

Savannah Conference:

Plateau Peaks 75-65 Tapgun Rockets

AHIP Giants 49-53 Bauchi Nets

Niger Potters 59-58 Yelwa Hawks

Kano Pillars 74-60 Bauchi Nets

Atlantic Conference

Nigeria Customs 58-76 Union Bank

Dodan Warriors 73-70 Royal Hoopers

Delta Force 63-73 Lagos Islanders
Police Baton 81-72 Royal Hoopers

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Froya hire Ron Billingslea - by Eurobasket News
Froya will be guided by Ron Billingslea . The US specialist has signed a three-year contract with the team. He will try to better last seasons 4-17 result of the team. The 60-year-old has been working in Norway since 1987. Ron Billingslea had stints with Tromso, Akser, Ammerud, Oslo and Kongsberg. He also worked with Etzella Ettelbruck in Luxembourg for two straight seasons. Billingslea also worked as coach assistant at the University of Oregon back in 70s.


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


National League Standings. 1ST ROUND.
National League 2009 NATIONAL LEAGUE. Standings
 1. Libertad 10-0 
 2. Sol de Amer. 8-2 
 3. Sacachispas 6-3 
 4. Felix Perez 4-7 
 5. Estrellas 3-7 
 6. Amambay 0-10 


Metropolitan League Standings
Metropolitan L. FIRST ROUND Standings
Top 5
 1. Olimpia 7-1 
 2. Libertad 6-2 
 3. Sol de Amer. 3-5 
 4. Felix Perez 3-5 
 5. D.San Jose 0-8 
Copa Estadio Comuneros
 1. Cerro Porteno 8-1 
 2. Univ.Catolica 6-2 
 3. Dep.Sajonia 5-3 
 4. Ciudad Nueva 4-5 
 5. Univ.Autonoma 2-7 
 6. Sportivo SL 1-6 
TOP 5- 2ND ROUND Standings


OLIMPIA DEFEATS FELIX PEREZ BY DEMOLITION - by Santiago Maciel
After a very hard 3 games semi final series, Olimpia finally reached its ticket to the TOP 5 PROFESIONAL finals against Libertad.
Last monday, Olimpia defeated Felix Perez with an outstanding Victor Brizuela from the long range. 5 of 8 three pointers made him the MAN for the BLACK BAND team.
The space found by Brizuela has of course generated by the presence of Guillermo Arajo who was not too accurate in offense this time because of double teaming by Felix Perez. Sergio Aceval, encharged of guarding Brizuela could not do both tasks, helping the insiders and guarding the very effective shooting guard Victor Brizuela.
C.J. Riveros well defended by Diego Lpez the first 3 quarters, exploded in the final one, hitting 12 out of 12 from the foul line.
Coach Ricardo Aceval did a great job combinig multiple defenses to wear down Olimpia but his effort simply was not enough, although they kept very close in the score until last 30 seconds of the game.
The 3 games series scores were a follows:

GAME 1: Olimpia 80-FELIX P. 83
GAME 2: Olimpia 75-FELIX P. 66
GAME 3: Olimpia 81-FELIX P. 75

The show was excellent, was on CABLEVISON TV with interesting fans presence.
SANTIAGO MACIEL

3rd METRO ESTADIO COMUNEROS 9TH ROUND - by Santiago Maciel
The 3rd METRO ESTADIO COMUNEROS is quickly reaching its FIRST STAGE end.
The ninth round has just been played last tuesday with these upcoming results.
Cerro defeated SanLorenzo 100 to 73.
Ciudad Nueva defeated U.A.A 83 to 73.
With its win Ciudad Nueva secured its pass to STAGE 2 of this very interesting METRO COMPETITION that goes along with the most professional of both which is the so called 'TOP 5 PROFESSIONAL'

STANDINGS AFTER 9th ROUND RESULTS

CERRO 8-1
U.C.A 6-2 (1 game mssing)
SAJONIA 5-3 (1 game misssing)
C. NUEVA 4-5
U.A.A 2-7
S.LORENZO 1-7

CERRO, U.C.A, SAJONIA AND C.NUEVA have already qulified for the SEMIFINALS. CERRO does it with an extra 1 bonus point.
SANTIAGO MACIEL


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


Barangay Ginebra too strong for San Miguel, Miller 26 pts - by Eurobasket News
'Miller Time' finally put an end to the longest winning streak in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

Willie Miller (180-G-77) played his best game in a Barangay Ginebra uniform, scoring 26 big points and guiding the Kings to a rousing 104-90 victory over defending champion San Miguel Wednesday night before a huge crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

The only guard to win the MVP title twice, Miller presided over a strong Barangay Ginebra start, and then bailed the team out of danger when the Beermen threatened for the last time coming home.

After Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) put San Miguel to within 88-91 with a booming three-pointer inside the final five minutes, Miller strung up five straight points, including a quick-released three-point shot off a Mark Caguioa assist, that stretched the Ginebra lead to eight.

Mildon Ambres (198-F/G-84, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: S.Nazarene) then decided the outcome of the bruising game with another trey for a 99-88 count with 81 seconds left to play.

Acquired in a blockbuster, one-on-one trade with Alaska for Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80), Miller went 10-of-14 from the field and was 4-of-5 from three-point range. He also had eight assists.

'His teammates are always urging him on the offensive end, kaya sana nga mag-tuluy-tuloy na ito,' said coach Jong Uichico in the post-game press conference.

Ginebra's eight win in 12 outings put back the league's crowd darling in solo third place.

The loss ended the nine-game winning run of the Beermen, who prior to the setback, last suffered defeat at the hands of Coca-Cola, 108-98, last March 28.

But the reigning champion remained on top with a 10-2 slate.

'We played the no.1 team, so it was really a hard-fought game. Good thing, we came up with a win tonight. Hopefully, we've gone over the hump,' Uichico added.

Miller scored half of his total output in the opening half. His soft jumper following a behind-the-back dribble off Alex Cabagnot gave the Kings the first of their two 14-point leads in the second quarter, 60-46.

But the champion that they are, the Beermen bounced back in the third period, outscoring the Kings in the first six minutes of the second half, 19-4, to take the upperhand, 67-66.

The Kings, however, regained the lead at 78-77, entering the final quarter.

Ambres added 16 points, Eric Menk had 14 and Caguiao chipped in 12 as the Kings won for the third straight time.

Gabe Freeman, recipient of a flagrant foul courtesy of Enrico Villanueva (197-C-80) in the third period, finished with 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Beermen, while Santos had 16, the last of which broke San Miguel's silence in the stretch run but not enough to turn the game around, 101-90, with less than a minute remaining.

Jay Washington, engaged in a jawing incident with Willie Wilson in the final 3:54, and Hontiveros each had 12 for the defending champion.


Scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 104 - Miller 26, Ambres 16, Menk 24, Caguioa 12, Helterbrand 9, Hatfield 9, Tubid 8, De Ocampo 5, Villanueva 3, Wilson 2, Cruz 0.

San Miguel 90 - Freeman 19, Santos 16, Washington 12, Hontiveros 12, Cbagnot 11, Ildefonso 9, Villanueva 6, Yeo 2, Pennisi 2, Racela 1, Miranda 0, Pena 0.
Quarters: 31-29, 62-48, 78-77, 104-90

Courtesy of www.GMANews.TV


Air21 ends losing streak with win over Barako - by Eurobasket News
The Air21 Express were on cruise control for most part of the journey until they decided to slam on the brakes, disembark and walk the rest of the way.

Good thing somebody who has been gone nearly seven months still knows how to read directions.

Wynne Arboleda (180-G-76), only in his second game after his indefinite suspension was lifted by PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, hit a pull-up jumper inside the free throw line with 41 seconds to go and the Express hung on to avert a humiliating disaster Wednesday night, edging the Barako Coffee Masters, 99-98, in the Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams remain locked in a deathly embrace at the cellar with 2-10 win-loss cards although the Express came out with pained smiles on their faces after surviving the harrowing experience.

Just as the Wednesday crowd was settling in for the featured game between San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, especially after Air21 opened a 54-23 spread in the second quarter, Barako Coffee suddenly came alive to engineer one of the most stirring comebacks in league history.

From 31 points down, the Coffee Masters steamrolled over the Express, cutting the deficit to 58-34 at the half, tying the game 74-all after three quarters, and moving ahead, 98-97, on a four-point play by guard Reed Juntilla with 53 seconds to go.

Juntilla, who finished with 29 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range, 5-of-7 from within the arc, and 7-of-7 from the foul line, was fouled by Arboleda as he launched his eighth 3-pointer, made the three and nailed the bonus free throw to wipe out a 97-94 Air21 lead.

Earlier, Ronjay Buenafe (188-G-83) drained his second 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to give the Express a three-point advantage.


Scores:

AIR-21 99 - Carlo Sharma (198-C-80) 16, Larry 15, Matias 12, Buenafe 11, Ritualo 11, Cortez 9, Belga 9, Yee 4, Arboleda 4, Billones 3, Rodriguez 2, Kramer 2, Alvarez 2.

BARAKO COFFEE 98 - Juntilla 29, Najorda 18, Monroe 15, Duncil 12, Wainwright 10, Alonzo 4, Isip 4, Dimaunahan 4, Hubalde 2, Gaco 0, Vergara 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 28-15, 58-34, 74-74, 99-98

Courtesy of www.mb.com.ph


PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 30.5
 1. Johnson, Santa L.30.5 
 2. Simpson, Alaska26.7 
 3. Penny, Coca-Cola26.2 
 4. Wade, Derby Ace L.25.2 
 5. Monroe, Barako24.8 
 6. Larry, Air2124.0 
 7. Storey, Ginebra24.0 
 8. David, Coca-Cola21.1 
 9. Ambres, Ginebra20.0 
 10. Freeman, San M.20.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Awvee STOREY
  Ginebra
  (198-G/F-77)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Storey, Ginebra17.6 
 2. Simpson, Alaska16.2 
 3. Freeman, San M.15.7 
 4. Ambres, Ginebra15.1 
 5. Brown, Derby A.15.0 
 6. Larry, Air2114.8 
 7. Young, Air2114.3 
 8. Johnson, Santa L.13.8 
 9. Penny, Coca-Cola13.8 
 10. Lewis, Rain or Shine13.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (178-G-77)
  Avg: 8
 1. Alapag, Talk N Text8.0 
 2. Cabagnot, San M.6.3 
 3. Helterbrand, Gineb.5.2 
 4. Mercado, Rain o.4.6 
 5. Reyes, Santa Lucia4.6 
 6. Norwood, Rain o.4.6 
 7. Miller, Alaska4.5 
 8. Tenorio, Alaska4.1 
 9. Vergara, Barako4.0 
 10. Monroe, Barako4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Daniels, Talk N.2.3 
 2. Baguio, Alaska2.2 
 3. Simpson, Alaska1.9 
 4. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.8 
 5. Williams, Santa Lucia1.7 
 6. Lanete, Coca-Cola1.5 
 7. Monroe, Barako1.5 
 8. Urbiztondo, Santa L.1.4 
 9. Reyes, Santa Lucia1.4 
 10. Cortez, Air211.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Daniels, Talk N.2.5 
 2. Penny, Coca-Cola2.3 
 3. Johnson, Santa L.1.6 
 4. Simpson, Alaska1.6 
 5. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.6 
 6. Monroe, Barako1.5 
 7. Freeman, San M.1.4 
 8. Reyes, Barako1.0 
 9. Santos, San Miguel1.0 
 10. Devance, Alaska1.0 


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


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


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon21.4 
 2. Carmona, Mayaguez20.2 
 3. Hickerson, San G.20.1 
 4. Galindo, Mayaguez20.0 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas19.7 
 6. Priutt, Isabela19.1 
 7. Maye, Mayaguez19.0 
 8. Redhage, Quebradillas18.3 
 9. Ayuso, Capitanes18.2 
 10. Sweetney, Santurce18.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.5
 1. Priutt, Isabela13.5 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas11.8 
 3. Sweetney, Santurce11.0 
 4. Narvaez, Ponce10.2 
 5. Traylor, Bayamon9.9 
 6. Dyer, San German9.2 
 7. Aubry, Capitanes8.9 
 8. Mays, Humacao8.6 
 9. Reyes, Capitanes8.6 
 10. Austin, San German8.0 
Assists Per Game
 C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Bruton, Quebradillas7.5 
 2. Baker, Mayaguez6.6 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon5.9 
 4. Rodriguez, Capit.5.5 
 5. Rivera, Isabela5.2 
 6. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 7. Copeland, San G.4.7 
 8. Berdiel, Humacao4.5 
 9. Cruz, Ponce4.5 
 10. Hatton, Ponce4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Berdiel, Humacao2.0 
 2. Baker, Mayaguez2.0 
 3. Carmona, Mayaguez1.8 
 4. Rivera, Isabela1.7 
 5. Dalmau, Bayamon1.5 
 6. Mojica, Bayamon1.5 
 7. Perez, Isabela1.5 
 8. Mays, Humacao1.4 
 9. Pickett, Capitanes1.4 
 10. Austin, San German1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert TRAYLOR
  Bayamon
  (204-F/C-77)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Traylor, Bayamon1.2 
 2. Priutt, Isabela1.2 
 3. Mays, Humacao1.2 
 4. Perez, Isabela1.1 
 5. Sweetney, Santurce1.1 
 6. Nieves, Santurce1.1 
 7. Reyes, Capitanes1.0 
 8. Nailon, Ponce0.9 
 9. Guzman, Guaynabo0.9 
 10. Berdiel, Humacao0.9 


Guaynabo lands Torraye Braggs - by Eurobasket News
Guaynabo announced signing of Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Xavier) for rest of the season. Braggs is coming to Guaynabo from Guaros de Lara. He appeared 14 times in Venezuelan LPB averaging 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He parted ways with the team recently.
Torraye Braggs changed many teams in the past. He played in Venezuela, Mexico, Iran, China, Latvia, Israel, Puerto Rico, NBA and Greece. Braggs already made his debut with Guaynabo, but they lost against Arecibo Capitanes 74-89. Braggs was the leading player in his team with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
At the same time, Isabela made an important signing for the final part of BSN season - Angel D. Vassallo (198-G/F-86, college: Virginia Tech). The American forward spent his rookie season in Europe with Paris-Levallois averaging 17.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 31 games in French Pro A. In his senior year with Hokies, Vassallo scored 19.1ppg and pulled down 6.2pg.
Both teams currently play in BSN Quarterfinals and both currently have 0-1. Guaynabo will play the next game against Capitanes tomorrow. Isabela will meet the regular season champion, Bayamon, also tomorrow (Game 2).

*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Rayyan to Face Al-Hilal of Saudi in the 1/4 Finals of the Asian Club Championships - by Amir Abou-El-Kheir
Al Rayyan has been in very impressive form as hosts of the 21st FIBA Asian Club Championships. They finished the qualification round undefeated, and no team has really threatened them so far; including the defending champions Mahram of Iran, who they defeated yesterday. They have played with confidence and great poise. They will now face Al Hilal of Saudi, who finished in 4th place in Group B, in the 1/4 finals on Friday. The game tips off at 6:00 pm local time. Here is the full line up for the 1/4 finals:

ASU Sports Club (Jordan, 2nd Group B) vs. BK Astana Tigers (Kazakhstan, 3rd Group A) - 2:00 pm
Mahram (Iran, 2nd Group A) vs. Al Jalaa Aleppo (Syria, 3rd Group B) - 4:00 pm
Al Rayyan (Qatar, 1st Group A) vs. Al Hilal (Saudi, 4th Group B) 6:00 pm
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon, 1st Group B) vs. Smart Gilas (Philippines, 4th Group A) 8:00 pm
All matches will be played at Al-Gharaffah Stadium

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


A Superleague Semi-Finals: CSKA sweep the series - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Khimky 84-72
Unics remained alive in the Semifinal series beating Khimky 84:72 in Game 3 due to 24-12 in the last period. Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) and Popovic Marko stepped up with 19 points each for the hosts, while Loncar Kresimir nailed 15. Loncar Kresimir delivered 17 in defeat, while Jankunas Paulius posted 16.

Dynamo M. - CSKA 80-88
CSKA advanced to the Finals sweeping the series over Dynamo Moscow. In the third game CSKA celebrated 88:80 road win to clinch the Final ticket. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) notched 28 points to lead all the winners. Khryapa Viktor posted 17 and Kaun Sasha netted 16. Zhukanenko Alexey responded with 21 points in the losing effort.


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Lionel CHALMERS
  Enisey
  (183-G-80)
  Avg: 19
 1. Chalmers, Enisey19.0 
 2. Rush, Triumph18.8 
 3. Bykov, Dynamo M.18.7 
 4. Green, Lokomoti.16.3 
 5. Rakovic, Spartak SP15.2 
 6. Flores, Krasnie .15.2 
 7. Popovic, Unics14.9 
 8. White, Spartak SP14.8 
 9. Kambala, Enisey14.5 
 10. Bremer, Krasnie .14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Viktor KHRYAPA
  CSKA
  (204-F/G-82)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Khryapa, CSKA8.4 
 2. Monya, Dynamo M.7.9 
 3. Trushkin, Krasni.7.0 
 4. Rakovic, Spartak SP6.4 
 5. Kambala, Enisey6.1 
 6. Lampe, Unics6.0 
 7. Kaun, CSKA5.9 
 8. McCarty, Khimky5.7 
 9. Javtokas, Khimky5.6 
 10. Mensah-Bonsu, CS.5.3 
Assists Per Game
 Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Bremer, Krasnie .5.7 
 2. Bykov, Dynamo M.4.0 
 3. Popovic, Unics3.9 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA3.9 
 5. Shved, Dynamo M.3.7 
 6. Rush, Triumph3.6 
 7. Fields, Spartak SP3.5 
 8. Vyaltsev, Triumph3.3 
 9. Cabezas, Khimky3.3 
 10. Pashutin, Spart.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Bykov, Dynamo M.2.1 
 2. Khryapa, CSKA2.1 
 3. Rush, Triumph2.0 
 4. Bremer, Krasnie .1.7 
 5. Lyday, Unics1.6 
 6. McCarty, Khimky1.6 
 7. Surovtsev, Lokomoti.1.6 
 8. Chalmers, Enisey1.6 
 9. Monya, Dynamo M.1.6 
 10. Pashutin, Spart.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 James GIST
  Lokomotiv K.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Gist, Lokomotiv K.1.2 
 2. Mozgov, Khimky1.2 
 3. Monya, Dynamo M.1.0 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA1.0 
 5. Savenkov, Lokomoti.0.9 
 6. Javtokas, Khimky0.8 
 7. Douthit, Krasnie .0.8 
 8. Vasilyev, Dynamo M.0.8 
 9. Kaun, CSKA0.7 
 10. Trushkin, Krasni.0.6 


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  SERBIA   


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


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. Mladenovic, Ergon.17.8 
 2. Panic, Metalac17.6 
 3. Markovic, Napredak16.5 
 4. Micic, Napredak16.5 
 5. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.16.4 
 6. Markovic, Tamis16.3 
 7. Jorovic, Borac15.8 
 8. Martinic, Vojvodina15.4 
 9. Rakic, Novi Sad15.3 
 10. Kruscic, Beograd14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Mladenovic, Ergon.7.4 
 2. Ilic, Metalac7.0 
 3. Mikic, KG 066.9 
 4. Bosnjak, Vojvodina6.2 
 5. Ljubojevic, Novi S.6.2 
 6. Jelovac, Mega V.6.1 
 7. Buric, Tamis6.0 
 8. Borovcanin, Sloga6.0 
 9. Pobric, Novi Sad5.8 
 10. Lukovic, Radnic.5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naft.
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Zarkovic, Prolet.7.2 
 2. Teodosic, Metalac4.6 
 3. Stefanovic, Metal.4.3 
 4. Rakic, Novi Sad4.2 
 5. Korac, Beograd4.1 
 6. Djordjevic, Sloga4.0 
 7. Prolovic, Borac3.8 
 8. Martinic, Vojvodina3.7 
 9. Dimitrijevic, Sloga3.6 
 10. Radulovic, Masinac3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Marko VULIN
  Proleter Naft.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Vulin, Proleter Naft.2.2 
 2. Martinic, Vojvodina2.0 
 3. Jereminov, Tamis2.0 
 4. Zarkovic, Prolet.1.9 
 5. Teodosic, Metalac1.9 
 6. Dundjerski, Beograd1.7 
 7. Borovcanin, Sloga1.7 
 8. Rakic, Novi Sad1.7 
 9. Kovacevic, Novi Sad1.7 
 10. Djordjevic, Sloga1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Mile ILIC
  Metalac
  (215-C-84)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Ilic, Metalac1.2 
 2. Maravic, Mega V.1.2 
 3. Mladenovic, Ergon.1.2 
 4. Lukovic, Radnic.1.0 
 5. Buric, Tamis0.9 
 6. Ljubojevic, Novi S.0.8 
 7. Arsic, Masinac0.8 
 8. Bircevic, Metalac0.8 
 9. Dramicanin, Borac0.7 
 10. Marjanovic, Vojvo.0.6 


Superleague: Round 11 review - by Eurobasket News
Borac - Tamis 91-88
Borac outscored Tamis for the second victory in Superleague. Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Nikola Micevic (196-G-82) led the home squad with 21 points and 5 rebounds each. Nikola Vasojevic (192-F-86) helped with 17 points. In Tamis, who also has 2-9 now, Branko Jereminov (187-G-87) drained 26 pts.

Crvena Zvez. - Metalac 92-65
Crvena Zvezda blasted Metalac to register seventh victory of the season. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15 points for the hosts, with only one miss for 22 minutes on the court. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and Stefan Stojacic (195-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) followed him with 14 points apiece. On the other side, Metalac (1-10) got 20 points from Ivan Maras (208-C-86).

FMP - Partizan 72-96
Partizan cruised past FMP remaining on top of the Superleague standings with almost perfect 10-1 record. Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) top-scored in Partizan with 19 points, Jan Vesely (211-F-90) had 16, while Aleks Maric (211-C-84) added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 13 pts. For the home side (6-5), Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: Buck Andre) collected 20 points and 8 boards.

Hemofarm - Radnicki K. 89-79
Hemofarm handed 89-79 loss to Radnicki mostly owing to Milan Macvan (205-F-89), who almost registered triple-double in this game: 20 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) and Milos Borisov (201-F-85) (5 rebs) had 17 and 14 points for the hosts. In defeat, Vladimir Vuksanovic (206-F/C-78) collected 21 points and 6 rebs. Hemofarm 9-2, Radnicki 7-4.

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  SLOVAKIA   


Svit add Peter Dorazil - by Eurobasket News
Svit is getting ready for the new season. The first thing is that the team will play under the name of BK Iskra Svit. Svit have invited new head coach. Milan Cernicky will try to improve on 13-27 record shown in the last season. Milan Cernicky worked with Komarno in the previous season. He also worked with the Slovakian NT at the 2009 European Championship in Division B.
Svit have also landed Peter Dorazil (199-F/C-89). The 20-year-old centre spent the previous season in Banska Bystrica. He tallied 9.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Peter Dorazil participated at the 2010 Extraliga All-Star Game. The centre was the member of the Slovakian U20 selections. He participated at the 2008 and 2009 U20 European Championships.
Svit also managed to keep Branislav Laco (200-F-77), Vincent Polakovic (203-F-84, college: USF), Roman Findura (189-G-85), Michal Madzin (190-G-86), Martin Krajcik (190-G-90), Matus Potociar, Michal Seman (176-G-90) and Lukas Valasek (180-G-88) in the squad. Svit also invited Adam Budaj, Filip Dratva, Radoslav Sedlak (195-F-93) and Frederik Visnievski from the junior team.


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


LEB Silver Finals: Huesca takes 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News
Huesca - Promobys 93-77
Huesca had an easy job against Promobys in Game One of the LEB Silver Finals (1-0). Stevie Johnson (198-F-78, college: Iowa St.) was MVP of this meeting with valuation 32. He helped the hosts with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Asier Zengotitabengoa (201-F-88) secured a nice help with 19 points and 7 boards. In Promobys, Robert Johnson (203-F-81, college: Oregon) had double-double of 14 points and 15 rebs. Game Two will be played on Friday.

Regal Barca takes 1-0 lead against Unicaja - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Unicaja 96-82
Regal Barca opened the series against Unicaja with 96-82 home win. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) was the leading player in this victory with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Terence Morris (207-F-79, college: Maryland) scored 21 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, while Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) also helped with 21 pts. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) nailed 14. On the other side, Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) delivered 19 points. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) collected 17 pts and 8 boards for his team. Game Two is scheduled for Saturday.

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
Points Per Game
 Stevie JOHNSON
  Huesca
  (198-F-78)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Johnson, Huesca17.6 
 2. Pigram, Andorra16.3 
 3. Ferrer, Cajasur .15.9 
 4. Vereen, Rosalia15.8 
 5. Uriz, Santurtzi15.5 
 6. Thompson, ADT T.15.4 
 7. Zengotitaben., Hue.15.4 
 8. Barcelo, Plasencia15.3 
 9. Miller, Coruna14.8 
 10. Higgs, L''Hospitalet14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ronald THOMPSON
  ADT Tarragona
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Thompson, ADT T.8.8 
 2. Miller, Huelva8.7 
 3. Howard, Guadalaj.8.3 
 4. Johnson, Huesca7.9 
 5. Williams, Matchmind7.8 
 6. Santana, Caja Rioja7.8 
 7. Ausina, Matchmind7.7 
 8. Andrews, Huesca7.4 
 9. Matali, Andorra7.3 
 10. Wachsmann, Alcazar6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Federico CASTELLO
  ADT Tarragona
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Castello, ADT T.4.8 
 2. Rufian, Huelva4.5 
 3. Busciglio, Caja Rioja4.4 
 4. Cardenas, Qalat C.3.8 
 5. Canals, Alaior3.8 
 6. Gonzalez, Navarra3.8 
 7. Santamaria, ADT T.3.7 
 8. Rodriguez, Rosalia3.7 
 9. Alonso, Matchmind3.6 
 10. Comas, Prat J.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Nathan MILLER
  Coruna
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Miller, Coruna2.4 
 2. Barcelo, Plasencia2.3 
 3. Gomez, Huelva2.2 
 4. Johnson, Huesca2.1 
 5. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .2.0 
 6. Ott, Caja Rioja1.9 
 7. Martinez, Huelva1.8 
 8. Pigram, Andorra1.7 
 9. Higgs, L''Hospitalet1.7 
 10. Adams, Navarra1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Byombo, Illescas1.5 
 2. Adams, Navarra1.3 
 3. Thompson, ADT T.1.2 
 4. Bain, ADT Tarragona1.1 
 5. Andrews, Huesca1.1 
 6. Joseph, Rosalia0.9 
 7. Matali, Andorra0.9 
 8. Sekulic, Plasencia0.9 
 9. Howard, Huelva0.9 
 10. Williams, Matchmind0.8 


Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Carroll, Gran Canaria18.8 
 2. Fitch, Fuenlabrada17.9 
 3. Vujanic, CB Murcia17.7 
 4. Tucker, DKV J.16.2 
 5. Vasiliadis, Xacob.16.0 
 6. Splitter, Caja L.15.3 
 7. Navarro, Regal B.15.1 
 8. Savanovic, Cajasol14.7 
 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 Murcia7.3 
 3. Augustine, Gran C.7.1 
 4. Kirksay, Cajasol7.1 
 5. Panko, Lagun A.6.9 
 6. Hendrix, Granada6.9 
 7. Splitter, Caja L.6.8 
 8. Moss, CB Murcia6.7 
 9. Jackson, Xacobeo BS6.5 
 10. Caner-Medley, Estudi.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Cook, Unicaja5.9 
 2. Stanic, Xacobeo BS5.2 
 3. Huertas, Caja L.5.1 
 4. Rubio, Regal Barca4.5 
 5. Valters, DKV J.4.3 
 6. Calloway, Cajasol4.2 
 7. Dumas, Valladolid4.1 
 8. Oliver, Estudiantes3.9 
 9. Prigioni, MMC R.3.8 
 10. Norris, Gran C.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Kirksay, Cajasol2.4 
 2. Prigioni, MMC R.2.2 
 3. Rubio, Regal Barca2.0 
 4. Van Lacke, Valladolid1.8 
 5. Rodriguez, Bizkai.1.6 
 6. Vasiliadis, Xacob.1.5 
 7. Lewis, Manresa1.4 
 8. Fisher, Gran C.1.4 
 9. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 10. Tucker, DKV J.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Valladolid
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Battle, Valladolid1.5 
 2. Vazquez, Regal B.1.3 
 3. Hendrix, Granada1.3 
 4. Aguilar, Granada1.2 
 5. Lavrinovic, MMC R.1.2 
 6. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 7. Freeland, Unicaja1.0 
 8. Triguero, Cajasol0.9 
 9. Hervelle, Bizkai.0.9 
 10. Savane, Gran C.0.9 


CAI Zaragoza keeps Rafael Hettsheimeir - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of two-year contract extension with Rafael Hettsheimeir (206-C-86). The 23-year old big guy joined CAI Zaragoza last summer from Plus Pujol Lleida. Hettsheimeir started the season in Xacobeo BluSens Obradoiro as a loaned player from Zaragoza. He played 11 games in ACB registering 9.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. In February, he rejoined CAI Zaragoza helping it to win the LEB Gold title. For 8 games in LEB Gold Hettsheimeir averaged 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Before CAI Zaragoza and Xacobeo BS, Rafael Hettsheimeir spent two years with Plus Pujol Lleida. His second year was a better one as he averaged 11.4 points and 5 rebounds for 31 games. In Spain, Hettsheimeir also played for Akasvayu Ferrer.
Rafael Hettsheimeir is the Brazilian / Spanish big guy who was a member of Brazilian NT in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Before that, he played for U21 Brazil. In 2006, Rafael Hettsheimeir participated at the Nike Summit Hoop (World Team Selection).
As a reminder, CAI Zaragoza is the LEB Gold champion for the last season and they finished it with nice 27-7 record. The team will compete in ACB in 2010/11.

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  SWITZERLAND   


BBC Monthey market news - by Luca Maffioli
BBC Monthey sign three Swiss players for next seasons: Cedric Mafuta (192-F-84), Jonathan Dubas (202-F/C-91) and Florian Steinmann (197-F/G-91). Mafuta played last season with BBC Nyon and he averaged 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. The Swiss forward is also a member of Swiss NT. Dubas (13.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.0 apg) and Steinmann (11.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.4 apg) played in LNB with Vevey Riviera Basket and Colas Bernex Basket. BBC Monthey re-sign for one season Steeve Louissaint (190-G-87), Westher Molteni (200-F/G-87), Johan Pottier (186-G-89), Stephane Grau (190-G/F-92) and coach Thibaut Petit (agency: LBM Management ).

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  TURKEY   


Fenerbahce Ulker jumps to 3-1 in TBL Finals - by Eurobasket News
Fener.Ulker - Efes Pilsen 85-79
Fenerbahce Ulker jumped to 3-1 against Efes Pilsen and now needs just one more victory for the title. The hosts did a great job in the last quarter ending it with 31-17. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) scored 14 points in this victory and Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) also was good with 13 pts. Omer Onan (194-G-78) and Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87, agency: Interperformances) added 11 and 10 points respectively. For the defending champion, Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) registered double-double of 16 points and 10 boards. Game Five is scheduled for Sunday.

Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Quincy DOUBY
  Darussafaka
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Douby, Darussafaka23.6 
 2. Shipp, Bornova18.8 
 3. Chatman, Besiktas18.4 
 4. Hosley, Aliaga18.1 
 5. Brown, Bornova18.1 
 6. Newley, Besiktas17.6 
 7. Baxter, Besiktas17.4 
 8. Heytvelt, Oyak R.17.3 
 9. Stanojevic, Kepez B.17.2 
 10. Famutimi, Oyak R.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, Erdemir9.2 
 4. Hosley, Aliaga8.0 
 5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka7.9 
 6. Bowman, Tofas7.3 
 7. Wesson, Karsiyaka7.3 
 8. Greene, Antalya6.9 
 9. Elegar, Bornova6.8 
 10. Smith, Karsiyaka6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Hakan KOSEOGLU
  Erdemir
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Koseoglu, Erdemir8.7 
 2. Chatman, Besiktas6.1 
 3. Douby, Darussafaka4.9 
 4. Ermis, Banvit4.7 
 5. Atsur, Besiktas4.4 
 6. Acik, T.Telekom4.4 
 7. James, Mersin4.2 
 8. Erdogan, Oyak R.4.2 
 9. Jackson, Antalya4.0 
 10. Hosley, Aliaga4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Quinton HOSLEY
  Aliaga
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Hosley, Aliaga2.6 
 2. Chatman, Besiktas2.4 
 3. Davis, T.Telekom2.4 
 4. Douby, Darussafaka2.3 
 5. Smith, Efes Pilsen2.1 
 6. James, Mersin2.0 
 7. Shipp, Bornova1.9 
 8. Famutimi, Oyak R.1.9 
 9. Holston, Karsiyaka1.8 
 10. Adams, Oyak R.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Furkan ALDEMIR
  Karsiyaka
  (205-F-91)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Aldemir, Karsiyaka1.4 
 2. Davidson, Darussaf.1.3 
 3. Denison, Tofas1.2 
 4. Solak, Galatasaray1.2 
 5. Elegar, Bornova1.2 
 6. Heytvelt, Oyak R.1.2 
 7. Bowman, Tofas1.1 
 8. Davis, Banvit1.0 
 9. Likholitov, Besiktas0.9 
 10. Buckman, Kepez Bld0.9 


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  UKRAINE   


Charles Thomas was named as MVP - by Alexander Muzyka
Superleague honoured BC Kyiv and Ferro-ZNTU players after the 3rd place series have ended. There were the titles of the whole Superleague season for them. Well, Charles Thomas (203-F-86) was named MVP 2009/10. His scored almost double-double in summary this season: 19,5 points (4th position in a whole Superleague stats), 9,8 rebounds (2nd position), 2,1 assists by 31,0 minutes of 35 games.

Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87) was named as the best center. Young Ukrainian prospect scored 14,2 points (21st position), 6,2 rebounds (13th position just after Oleh Saltovets who played less games), 1,3 assists and 2,66 block-shots (1st position) by 29,6 minutes of 35 games. He played play-off series played too bad but Superleague Cup Final Four MVP title helped him in honour.

Maksym Pustozvonov's (200-F-87) play was so good this season that Ukrainian was named as the rising star. His stats: 13,7 points, 4,3 rebounds, 1,7 assists by 31,2 minutes of 35 games.

The best guard and the best forward will be named after Azovmash-Budivelnyk finals are ended.

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Raftopoulos Is Heat Coach - by Paul Nilsen
Creon Raftopoulos has been appointed as Director of Basketball and the Heats head coach for the 2010/2011 season. Creon is no stranger to the Heat, having joined them last season as the Youth Development Manager, which involved coaching at all levels. His wealth of basketball experience, spanning 18 years, includes playing for his country, Zimbabwe, and a very successful period as head coach of the EB Div 1 Tees Valley Mowhawks.

Commenting on his appointment, Alan McClafferty, managing director at the Heat said, Our move to Surrey Sports Park next season marks an exciting new phase for the Heat, giving us the opportunity for our junior national league teams and mens senior team to train and play in a single venue. As head coach and director of basketball this will help Creon who will be responsible for the quality of coaching we deliver at all levels from the BBL team to the under 10s.

We had a number of excellent coaches to consider for the role but Creons appointment was a unanimous decision by the board. He has already proved himself to us with his impressive coaching skills, committment to the club and the respect he receives from players, coaches and parents alike. We are looking forward to working with him in his larger role.

Creon is also responsible for running Heat Community Foundation initiatives to tackle child obesity and anti-social behAvior such as Dunk the Junk and Hoops for Health.

Creon Raftopoulos commented, I am very excited about the season ahead. I share the boards vision to build the Heat from the grassroots level right up to the BBL. I am passionate about the sport and passionate about helping players of all levels to reach their full potential.

My immediate goal for the BBL team is to make the play offs and I am currently recruiting some exciting players who will be announced soon. In the longer-term, I want Guildford Heat to once again, be one of the most successful teams in the British Basketball League.


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  ZIMBABWE   


Unicorns write piece of history - by Thomas Fink
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe national championships losing finalists in the men's category, Unicorns, have become the first Midlands team to qualify for an African championship.
The club will take part in the African Club Championships to be held in Mozambique towards the end of the year. The Gweru team finished second in the national championships held in Bulawayo last weekend after losing to JBC 83-55 in the final.

Unicorns were rewarded for their hard work in the past two seasons with an opportunity to represent the country in the African event. Yesterday elated player/coach Walter Mabhena said his side welcomed the new challenge and would work hard to impress in future assignments. 'We have slowly been gaining in confidence as a young club with one dream to make it big in future. Finishing second was an improvement to the club's achievements and now we look forward to the next challenge. 'Preparations for the Africa Club Championships to be held in Mozambique begin now with the issue of ensuring that all our players have valid travelling documents and the earlier we process the documents the better,' said Mabhena. He said it was unfortunate that the team missed the big one but paid tribute to the players.

'We missed the top one the champions medal but that is not just the end. We will still work harder to achieve it but for now we are in the right track. Tribute goes to the players for the focus,' said Mabhena. 'Unicorns' success is shared by the Midlands basketball fraternity that had not achieved much since the inception of the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe,' he said. Simba Chiromo, Menashe Mahere, Raylton Nhau, Kennedy Bushu and Dumisani Magusha were in exceptional form this season for Unicorns and deservedly achieved more than any other team in Midlands basketball history.




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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Jackson crowned WNBA Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Jayco Opal Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) has been named the Western Conference Player of the Week in America's WNBA, the league announced overnight.

The top scorer in the league thus far, Jackson led the Seattle Storm on a 3-0 start to the season to remain the only undefeated team in the Western Conference.

Jacksons record-tying 15th Player of the Week of her career moves her alongside WNBA legend Lisa Leslie for the most such honours in WNBA history.

By scoring in double figures in each outing, Jackson, a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, led the Storm to the top spot in the Western Conference while averaging 22 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2.3 steals per game for regular season games played Saturday May 15 through Sunday May 23.

Joining the Storm following a Jayco Opals training camp in Australia, Jackson opened the 2010 campaign with a double-double, logging 23 points and 10 rebounds, as well as three blocks and two steals in an 81-67 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Three days later, Jackson narrowly missed recording consecutive double-doubles when her 18-point, eight-rebound effort along with four blocks powered Seattle to a 79-76 win over the visiting Minnesota Lynx.

Jackson closed out the week with a game-high 25 points as well as eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks to top fellow Jayco Opal Penny Taylor and the Mercury in overtime in Phoenix.

In other WNBA news, Jackson's Jayco Opals and Seattle teammate Abby Bishop made her WNBA debut on Sunday as the Storm toppled Phoenix. Bishop entered the game in the dying seconds of the third quarter and started the fourth term to record one rebound and 2:46 minutes of court time.

Angel McCoughtry of the Atlanta Dream was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

Courtesy of www.basketball.net.au

Opals warm up for Worlds against Japan - by Eurobasket News
Australias World Champion Jayco Opals will host Japan in an Opals World Challenge three-game friendly series from June 9-11 as they prepare to defend their world title.

The Opals World Challenge is the only chance fans will have to see the Jayco Opals play in Australia before their tilt at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in September in the Czech Republic.

The World Champions will travel to Bendigo to play the series opener on June 9 before returning to The Geelong Arena and Dandenong Basketball Stadium where they played in front of sold out crowds in 2009 in a friendly series against China.

The Jayco Opals squad for the series will be boosted by the return of a number of European-based athletes.

Prior to the Opals World Challenge the Australians will hold a training camp at Dandenong Basketball Stadium from June 5-8 with 16 players in attendance including Olympians Laura Summerton, Jenni Screen, Erin Phillips, Hollie Grima, Kristi Harrower and Alicia Poto. All 16 athletes attending the training camp will take part in the friendly series with a rotating 12-player team selected for each game.

Jayco Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf said she will use the tournament to continue evaluating the players for World Championship team selection.

For us its a really good opportunity to look at players, its the first chance Ill have to work with some of our Beijing Olympians in Laura Summerton, Jenni Screen and Erin Phillips who will be back which is huge for us, Graf said.

Its great to have those three players back in Opals uniforms and playing on our shores. We will get a continued look at some of the athletes that performed really well in the April camp so I think the series is another good step in our World Championship campaign.

Japan, ranked 14th in the world by FIBA, will also use the tournament as preparation for the world championship after qualifying for the world titles with a bronze medal at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.

Released from the Jayco Opals squad after the April training camp are Rachael Flanagan and Natalie Hurst following the inclusion of guards Kathleen MacLeod and Samantha Richards who have returned from playing commitments in Europe.

Unavailable for the series are stars Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Belinda Snell and Tully Bevilaqua due to WNBA commitments. Abby Bishop has been named in the squad but her participation is dependent on her involvement with the Seattle Storm WNBA team.

Tickets Now on Sale from the venues ticketing details below.


AUSTRALIA V JAPAN SERIES SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Wednesday June 9: Australia v Japan 7.00pm tip off at Bendigo Stadium
Tickets from the Bendigo Spirit office on (03) 5444 4208 or at the door.

Thursday June 10: Australia v Japan 8.00pm tip off at The Geelong Arena
Tickets from Basketball Geelong on (03) 5277 1388, at www.basketballgeelong.com.au, or at The Geelong Arena.

Friday June 11: Australia v Japan 8.00pm tip off at Dandenong Basketball Stadium
Tickets from Dandenong Basketball on (03) 9794 7192 or at Dandenong Basketball stadium


JAY OCOPALS SQUAD FOR OPALS WORLD CHALLENGE
Name/Club/Age/Junior Association

Abby BISHOP / Dandenong Rangers / 21 / Forestville & North Adelaide, SA
Elizabeth CAMBAGE / Bulleen Boomers / 18 / Dandenong, VIC
Hollie GRIMA / Frisco Sika Brno (Czech Republic) / 26 / Launceston, TAS
Kristi HARROWER / Bendigo Spirit / 35 / Bendigo, VIC
Kathleen MacLEOD / Reze Nantes Basket 44 (France) / 23 / Nunawading
Jenna OHEA / Bulleen Boomers / 22 / Nunawading, VIC
Elyse PENALUNA / Bulleen Boomers / 22 / Broadmeadows, VIC
Erin PHILLIPS / Lotos Gdynia (Poland) / 24 / North Adelaide, SA
Alicia POTO / Dynamo GUVD Novosibirsk (Russia) / 32 / Campbelltown, NSW
Samantha RICHARDS / KSSSE AZS-PWSZ Gorzow (Poland) / 27 / Nunawading, VIC
Jennifer SCREEN / Basket Parma (Italy) / 28 / Toowoomba, QLD
Deanna SMITH / Sydney Uni Flames / 29 / Bendigo, Warrnambool & Melbourne, VIC
Laura SUMMERTON / Basket Parma (Italy) / 26 / Sturt, SA
Marianna TOLO / Canberra Capitals / 20 / Mackay, QLD
Carly WILSON / Canberra Capitals / 27 / Nunawading, VIC
Hanna ZAVECZ / Bulleen Boomers / 24 / Wangaratta, VIC

Head Coach: Carrie Graf
Assistant Coaches: Michele Timms, Peter Buckle, Phil Brown
Manager: Renae Maycock

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


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  CUBA - Women  


Orientales celebrate V Olimpiada Nacional del Deporte Cubana victory - by Eurobasket News
Orientales claimed the top spot at the V Olimpiada Nacional del Deporte Cubana. They toppled Centrales in the final clash. Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) came up with 22 points to lead the winners. Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) answered with 23 points for Centrales.
Orientales looked solid throughout the tournament. They opened the Olympiada with a 62:55 success against Centrales. Casanova fired 16 points to pace the charge. Orientales then narrowly surrendered against Occidentales 56:58 despite 25 points from Oyanaisy Gelis. But it did not prevent the team from reaching the final. Orientales fired past Guatemala NT 73:22 to bounce back. Oyanaisy Gelis fired 17 points to lead the effort. Orientales later took the revenge on Occidentales beating those 66:54 and toppled Guatemala once again 51:32.
Occidentales took the Bronze. They fired past Guatemala 63:54 in the consolation final. Anisleydys Galindo (179-G-89) notched 18 points to lead the winners. Arlenys Gonzalez (182-C-87) added 17 points in the victory. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) answered with 17 points for Guatemala.


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  FINLAND - Women  


Espoo renew contracts - by Eurobasket News
Espoo Team has renewed contracts with some of the players. Anni Makitalo (175-F-91) and Evita Iiskola (181-F-93) have agreed on terms of new contracts with Espoo.
Anni Makitalo appeared in 26 games for Espoo last season. She tallied 6.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.
Evita Iiskola delivered 6.4 points and 3.1 boards per appearance. Iiskola was the member of the Finnish U18 selection in 2009/10 seasons.
Espoo also have settled the contracts with Saara Vare (177-G-91), Ann-Marie Kalergis (178-F-91) and Annika Holopainen (185-C-93).
Saara Vare averaged 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds for the team. Ann-Marie Kalergis played mostly for the junior team. The forward appeared in five D1 encounters tallying 2.0 points and 2.4 boards. Annika Holopainen also spent the most part playing for the junior selection.
Espoo also inked a deal with Rita Haukkovaara (176-G-92). The 18-year-old guard played for the Finnish U16 NT. She participated at the U16 European Championship in Bulgaria back in 2008.


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  GREECE - Women  


Athinaikos part ways with Georgis Dikeoulakos - by Eurobasket News
Athinaikos have decided to part ways with Georgis Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ). The 41-year-old specialist joined the team back in 2008. He led the team to the back-to-back titles. Georgis Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) also guided Athinaikos to the EuroCup title this season. Earlier the Greek specialist worked with Panellinios, Apollon, Panionios, Olympiakos, Dafni and Papagou.


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  GUATEMALA - Women  


Guatemala NT return from Cuba - by Eurobasket News
Guatemala National Team travelled to Cuba to take part at the V Olimpiada Nacional del Deporte Cubano. They returned with invaluable experience. Despite losing all the games at the tournament Guatemala left nice impression.
Guatemala opened the proceedings against Occidentales team. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) unleashed 18 points to lead Guatemala but could not prevent a 45:84 loss. Guatemala next faced Centrales. The team lost the start of the game and could not recover in the latter stages. Centrales earned an 88:40 victory. Maria Fleischmann (181-F/C-80) delivered 10 points in the loss.
Guatemala then had to surrender against Orientales 22:73. It was the most bitter loss at the tournament as Guatemala looked hapless in this one. Sofia Lopez (G-87) was the only player to score in double digits as she accounted for 12 points in defeat. Guatemala opened the second round with a 40:82 defeat against Occidentales. This time Cynthia Rivera (180-F/C-82) tried hard for the National Team as she finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Guatemala looked solid against Centrales but could not capitalize dropping the game 64:88. Blanca Amado shone for Guatemala unloading 30 points. Guatemala capped the preliminary round with a 32:51 defeat against Orientales. Blanca Amado topscored again with 10 points.
Finally Guatemala faced Occidentales for the Bronze medals. Led by Blanca Amado Guatemala were tied with their opponents after the starting frame. But gradually the Cuban side took over and ran away for a narrow 63:54 victory at the end. Blanca Amado knocked down 17 points for Guatemala. Cynthia Rivera canned 11 points in the loss.


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  HUNGARY - Women  


Ieva Kublina signs for SEAT Lami - by Eurobasket News
Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) will join SEAT Lami Ved Gyor in the next season. The Latvian centre will join Essence Carson and Abi Olajuwon as the reinforcement for the upcoming season. Ieva Kublina spent the last season in Czech Republic. The 27-year-old player averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In CBF the Latvian player tallied 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per appearance. Ieva Kublina travelled to Beijing in 2008 to participate at the Olympic Games.


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  LATVIA - Women  


Ieva Kublina signs for SEAT Lami - by Eurobasket News
Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) will join SEAT Lami Ved Gyor in the next season. The Latvian centre will join Essence Carson and Abi Olajuwon as the reinforcement for the upcoming season. Ieva Kublina spent the last season in Czech Republic. The 27-year-old player averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In CBF the Latvian player tallied 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per appearance. Ieva Kublina travelled to Beijing in 2008 to participate at the Olympic Games.


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  POLAND - Women  


Lotos land Dora Horti - by Eurobasket News
Lotos have agreed on terms of contract with Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services). The Polish champions had to look for the replacement of Ivana Matovic who left for Fenerbahce. Lotos quickly did so landing talented Dora Horti. The 23-year-old centre from Hungary spent the previous season in MKB Euroleasing. She averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 boards and 1.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In Hungary the centre tallied 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Dora Horti was named the All-Hungarian League Player of the Year by eurobasket.com.


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  SPAIN - Women  


Ros Casares lands Nicky Anosike for the next season - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares announced signing of Nicky Anosike (190-C-86, college: Tennessee) for 2010/11 season. The team from Valencia recently confirmed Laia Palau, Edwige Lawson-Wade, Nuria Martinez Prat, Jana Vesela, Ljubica Drljaca, Rebekkah Brunson, Cindy Lima and Marta Fernandez.
Nicky Anosike is currently plays in WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx. She spent last season in Europe with MCM Targoviste and PWSZ Gorzow. With the Romanian squad Anosike appeared 6 times in EuroCup averaging 13.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 steals. In January this year she moved to Poland. With Gorzow Anosike averaged 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She appeared 18 times in PLKK. Her team was PLKK Regular Season Champion and the Playoff finalist.
Nicky Anosike had a great last season in WNBA (2009). She played 30 games in this competition with 13.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, Steals-2 (2.7 spg), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.6%. At the end of it Anosike was named to play at WNBA All-Star Game. Before that, Anosike also played for Gorzow, as well as for Alizur Ramla in Israel. In 2008 he was a member of Minnesota Lynx once again. In 2007, Anosike won the NCAA title with Tennessee.
Nicky Anosike will joined Ros Casares after she finish the WNBA season.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Ivana Matovic joins Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News
Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) has decided to continue her career in Turkey. She opted to ink a deal with Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old centre spent the last season in Lotos. She tallied 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in Euroleague. In PLKK Ivana Matovic accounted for 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per appearance helping the Gdynia outfit celebrate the PLKK Gold. Ivana Matovic used to play for MKB Euroleasing in Hungary and Spartak Moscow Region in Russia before joining Lotos back in 2008.


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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA cancels 2010 basketball season, Jenkins out of basketball - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga., (May 27, 2010)--- The coaches and the player heard the rumors this week about the cancelation of this fledgling league. 'There's always scuttlebutt about teams folding or something not going as foreseen,' said Duane Allen Jenkins, the leagues President and CEO. 'But it always seems blame and accusation follows realistic business decisions. We tried to operate a professional minor league basketball business with the boys and girls, we have continued to be met with extreme criticism, accusations and name calling. What reasonable person would subjugate themselves to this type of treatment, I'm finished with minor league basketball, no more.'

Not this time. The 53-year-old minor league basketball entrepreneur announced the decision at a league Tele- Conference meeting Wednesday night that he's canceling the 2010 season. Jenkins originally sought to mold a better business model in a topsy turvy basketball lower level system. The decision is final and the agreements with all venue, coaches and players are rescinded.

'I will not to return to lower level minor league basketball.'

'That is the plan,' said Jenkins, the WUSBA and the USBA' sole owner and chief executive officer, who will lead the dismantling process. 'Every coach was informed of the decision in a heated meeting Wednesday evening. It got ugly, some of coaches were extremely angry, one coach in particular directly confronted me with violent and insulting comments, however we made a decision and as they say, that is that.'

Jenkins did not leave open the possibility the league would play in the future.

The executive staff of the WUSBA and the USBA reviewed the measure and voted to cancel the season during a series of marathon calls Wednesday afternoon. The league had issued a statement Wednesday night that said the 2010 season had been shut down. 'That was probably the hardest part of the discussion we had: What do we do about the kids who wanted to play in the league?'' Jenkins said, 'And I think the answer to that is, it was always a possibility that we would cancel the league, but we needed to be fair to ourselves and our own families and cut our losses. 'The decision left game day staff, coaches and players scrambling to find another league to go to. Some players and players left jobs to play in the league, while others are left with canceled airline tickets.' 'We were just kind of hoping we would find a way to make it work and continue, but apparently we decided that shutting it down was necessary,' said Jenkins. 'It couldn't have come at a worse time, the summer basketball season just began and the excitement is at an all time high.'

The league did not lose any money since its inception, he said, and funding was not a significant factor. Over the previous year, though, corporate sponsorships have been stalled due to the delay in opening the season for both leagues. 'We finished this three quest into basketball and we do not owe anyone a red nickel, we are proud of that fact, we owe no one any money and we did not receive any money from any individual or business during this time.' Jenkins said, After extensive discussions with the leagues investors the end result prevailed, 'We are out.'

The USBA and the WUSBA challenges come as the sports world, once thought to be largely recession-proof, has felt the economic chill, including economis troubles at the NFL, NBA and NASCAR.

'I'm still a little bit shocked at the end results that were drawn only because this league is a great idea,' Jenkins said. 'I always figured the league would start, even through tough economic times.'

The USBA had been in limbo for two years. With rumors swirling about its viability, the league delayed indefinitely the start of the season and the release of current season's schedule. The WUSBA had not selected a permanent replacement for Commissioner Rhonda Bell, who abruptly resigned May 15, 2010. Since July 2007, the USBA staff has been looking into various ways to bolster the league's popularity. Several firms have looked into investing into the USBA and the WUSBA in the form of sponsorships, Jenkins said. He expected that each team would remain individually owned by the league. 'Selling franchises was always an option; we wanted to present a viable product before venturing into that direction.'

Jenkins said the league became distracted by issues such as the onslaught of negative criticisms from online blog sites in recent years and cited the extreme negative comment and constant harassments played no decision in dropping out of the minor league basketball landscape, I was amazed at the amount of worthless and hatful comments that arose from the internet junkies, particularly from a site called Oursportscentral, 'These individuals would make comments about me and the league in the worst way, anyone who uses this format to voice their opinion is a coward. They use fake names and throw insults at anyone and everybody.' 'We are investigating the possibility of taking legal action against this company for their attacks.



According to league souces, the concept of the USBA and the WUSBA was created to perfect an aggressive social agenda to assist kids at risk in the team cities.' 'We will continue our efforts to help local communities.'

'We had a number of high-profile coaches coming in, and with all these things happening, we believe the business model of lower level basketball is broken,' Jenkins said. 'We know we're going to disappoint several thousands of people today in each of our cities and millions across the country.' 'It's bad news for the fans, the coaches, the players and for a lot of employees, and its bad news for the future of lower level basketball,' Jenkins said. 'It's very rare for a company, especially given the economic times we're in, to be given the time we took to put this basketball model together, a model that can work into the future for someone else, not me.


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  WNBA - Women  


Seattle's Lauren Jackson & Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) of the Seattle Storm and Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) of the Atlanta Dream, were named the leagues Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors, respectively, for regular season games played Saturday, May 15 through Sunday, May 23. The top two scorers in the WNBA, Jackson and McCoughtry have positioned the Storm and Dream as the only remaining undefeated teams in the league.

This season marks the first time that Kia Motors, an official marketing partner of the WNBA, has presented the WNBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week award.

Jacksons record-tying 15th Player of the Week presented by Kia Motors award of her career moves her alongside WNBA legend Lisa Leslie for the most such honors in WNBA history.

By scoring in double figures in each outing, Jackson, a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, led the Storm to a 3-0 record and the top spot in the Western Conference while averaging 22 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2.3 steals per game.

Now in her 10th WNBA season, the native of Australia, opened the 2010 campaign with a double-double, logging 23 points and 10 rebounds, as well as three blocks and two steals in an 81-67 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Three days later, Jackson narrowly missed recording consecutive double-doubles when her 18-point, eight-rebound effort along with four blocks powered Seattle to a 79-76 win over the visiting Minnesota Lynx. Jackson closed out the week with a game-high 25 points as well as eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks to top the Mercury in overtime in Phoenix.

McCoughtry wins the first Player of the Week presented by Kia Motors award of her career after helping Atlanta to its best start in franchise history with a 4-0 mark that has the Dream atop the Eastern Conference. Also included in that mark are a win over the defending Eastern Conference champion Indiana Fever, and the Dream's first ever win at Madison Square Garden.

McCoughtry averaged 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks in the first four games. Her 32 points against Connecticut were two shy of her career high. With an additional 10 rebounds and five assists in that game, McCoughtry became just the eighth player in WNBA history to record a 30-10-5 game and the first to do so since Candace Parker on July 9, 2008. McCoughtry has scored in double figures every game this season.

On opening day, McCoughtry, the 2009 WNBA Rookie of the Year, poured in 20 points while also excelling on the defensive end of the floor where she logged four steals and three blocked shots in a 75-70 win at San Antonio. Most recently, the University of Louisville product was an offensive force, logging 21 points and six assists in an 86-77 victory against the host New York Liberty on May 23.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors were Chicagos Sylvia Fowles, Connecticuts Tina Charles, Indianas Shay Murphy, Los Angeles DeLisha Milton-Jones, New Yorks Cappie Pondexter, Phoenixs DeWanna Bonner, San Antonios Michelle Snow, Tulsas Chante Black and Washingtons Monique Currie.

The WNBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors are part of a series of on-court performance awards called 'The WNBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors.' The series, currently in its second season, includes four of the WNBA's most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Woman of the Year along with the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month. Kia Motors has been an official marketing partner of the WNBA since 2008.

Courtesy of www.sportspagemagazine.com

Ros Casares lands Nicky Anosike for the next season - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares announced signing of Nicky Anosike (190-C-86, college: Tennessee) for 2010/11 season. The team from Valencia recently confirmed Laia Palau, Edwige Lawson-Wade, Nuria Martinez Prat, Jana Vesela, Ljubica Drljaca, Rebekkah Brunson, Cindy Lima and Marta Fernandez.
Nicky Anosike is currently plays in WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx. She spent last season in Europe with MCM Targoviste and PWSZ Gorzow. With the Romanian squad Anosike appeared 6 times in EuroCup averaging 13.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 steals. In January this year she moved to Poland. With Gorzow Anosike averaged 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She appeared 18 times in PLKK. Her team was PLKK Regular Season Champion and the Playoff finalist.
Nicky Anosike had a great last season in WNBA (2009). She played 30 games in this competition with 13.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, Steals-2 (2.7 spg), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.6%. At the end of it Anosike was named to play at WNBA All-Star Game. Before that, Anosike also played for Gorzow, as well as for Alizur Ramla in Israel. In 2008 he was a member of Minnesota Lynx once again. In 2007, Anosike won the NCAA title with Tennessee.
Nicky Anosike will joined Ros Casares after she finish the WNBA season.

All-Star F Rebekkah Brunson activated from suspended list - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx announced the reinstatement of Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) to the team's 11-player roster. Brunson, who had been on the team's suspended list since Friday, May 14 because of overseas commitments, is expected to practice with the Lynx tomorrow. To make room on the team's roster, the Lynx waived forward Gabriela Marginean.

The Lynx originally acquired Brunson via a dispersal draft involving former Sacramento Monarchs players on Dec. 14. In 192 career regular season games, Brunson, an All-Star in 2007, holds career averages of 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Brunson averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game in 2009, while appearing in 27 games (17 starts) with the Monarchs. Additionally, the six-foot-three forward hauled in 7.0 rebounds per game, 2.5 of those on the offensive end, good for 10th and third-best in the WNBA, respectively. Her 78.3 free-throw percentage and 1.5 steals per game in 2009 were also career highs. A career 46.6 percent shooter, Brunson connected on 48.6 percent of her shots in 2009, the 11th highest mark in the WNBA.

Over her six-year career with Sacramento, Brunson tallied 1,857 points and 1,310 rebounds in more than 4,700 minutes of action. Brunson's career rebounding average of 6.2 rpg ranks 20th all-time in WNBA history. Furthermore, the Washington, D.C., native ranks as one of only two players (Candice Dupree) to finish among the top ten in rebounds per game each of the last three years. Brunson's best season statistically came in 2007, when in 33 games (29 starts) she averaged 11.5 points and a career-high 8.9 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game. Brunson ranked second in the WNBA in rebounds per game that year, and first in total offensive rebounds with 130. For her efforts, Brunson was selected to play in the 2007 WNBA All-Star Game, but could not participate due to injury. Brunson was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2007.

Marginean, Minnesota's third round draft pick (30th overall) in 2010, appeared in all four regular season games for the Lynx this season, averaging 0.5 points, 1.0 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 3.0 minutes per game.

The Lynx return to Target Center on Saturday, May 29 to face the Chicago Sky at 7:00 p.m. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com, or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.

Courtesy of The Minnesota Lynx