Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/4/2010

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

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

1. Jackson, La Union	18.9
2. Lamonte, Penarol	18.1
3. Lo Grippo, Atenas	17.7
4. Moodie, Boca Jrs	17.4
5. Funes, C.Entrer.	16.7
6. Nelson, Quilmes MP	16.4
7. Profit, Libertad S.	16.4
8. Cutley, C.Entrer.	16.2
9. Gonzalez, Quimsa	16.0
10. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Titarelli, Quilm.	6.3
2. Cequeira, Sionista	4.4
3. Franco, Estudiantes	4.1
4. Victoriano, Lanus	4.1
5. Martinez, Sionista	3.8
6. Labaque, Obras	3.6
7. Ginobili, Libertad S.	3.4
8. Figueroa, Atenas	3.2
9. Williams, Olimpico.	3.1
10. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	3.0

Steals Per Game

Frank WILLIAMS
  Olimpico LB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Williams, Olimpico.	1.8
2. Moldu, Libertad S.	1.7
3. Marshall, C.Entrer.	1.6
4. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	1.6
5. Funes, C.Entrer.	1.6
6. Pelussi, Libertad S.	1.6
7. Franco, Estudiantes	1.6
8. Cutley, C.Entrer.	1.4
9. Lamonte, Penarol	1.4
10. Figueroa, Atenas	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Derrick ALSTON
  Olimpico LB
  (208-C/F-72)
  Avg: 2

1. Alston, Olimpico.	2.0
2. Billings, Regatas C.	1.6
3. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.3
4. Rollins, Gimnasia.	1.2
5. Bortz, Obras	1.2
6. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
7. Williams, Union S.	1.1
8. Assie, Quilmes MP	1.0
9. Leiva, Penarol	0.8
10. Alloatti, Obras	0.8

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

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

ABA latest results and stats - by Eurobasket News
Ringwood improved to 6-0 in Big V record beating Melbourne 105:98. Daryl Corletto (193-G-81) exploded with 33 points and Luke Mcmillan followed him with 31. Kevin Ratzsch (201-F, college: Northern St.) produced 18 points for the winners, while Luke O'Hea posted 8. Bennie Lewis and Yusuf Qaafow delivered 22 points each in the losing effort.
Diamond Valley is with 6-1 record after the win over Hume City. Adam Moore poured in 29 points, while Tom Burns (201-F, college: USF) followed him with 12. Michael Petridis responded with 24 points in the losing effort.
Sturt Sabres took 6-1 record on top of Central ABL standings. They overcame West Adelaide Bearcats 84:76 at Pasadena. Thomas Daly (184-G-91) and Jacob Holmes stepped up with 19 points apiece, while Jacob Holmes notched 18. Brad Davidson

(182-G-74) ended up with 25 points for West Adelaide Bearcats. Four other teams share the second spot with 5-2 records each.
Crazy John's SEABL Men 2010 East group has Bendigo on top with 7-3 record as they outscored Dandenong 83:62. Luke Meyer (196-G/F-85, college: St.Louis) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Adam Tanner followed him with 18. Vince Inglima produced 21 points for Dandenong.
Sandringham and Hobart are both with 8-2 records on top of the South Division.

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AUSTRIA

Furstenfeld Starts Strong to Gain 1-0 Series Lead Over Traiskirchen - by Lindsey McIntyre
The BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers put together a dominating performance in game one of their semi-final series with the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Sunday night, taking the game 100-79, and earning the 1-0 series lead. Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.) poured in a game-high 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Panthers, while Kevin Houston

(193-G/F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Bonaventure) scored 24 to pace Traiskirchen.

The Panthers started the game hot, shooting 11-of-14 from the field in the first quarter, and jumped out to a 23-8 lead mid-way through the period. Traiskirchen managed to close the gap to nine points by the end of the quarter, 30-21. The second quarter held more of the same, as Furstenfeld pushed their lead back to 15, 39-24, but the Lions were able to fight their way back to only an eight-point deficit by halftime, 49-41. Despite Traiskirchen's effort, the Panthers carried their domination into the second half, out-scoring the Lions 51-38 to secure the convincing win.

Furstenfeld got 92 of their 100 points from their starters, including Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.), who posted 21 points and four blocks. Jay Youngblood

(195-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Kent St.) had 16 points and five rebounds and Nate Linhart (201-F-86, college: Akron) scored 14, while Anthony Shavies (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Missouri St.) handed out a game-high nine assists and added 10 points.

Traiskirchen starters accounted for an even larger portion of their points, scoring 75 of their 79. Terrence Roderick (198-G-88, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and he also grabbed four steals. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and Milan Bralovic (211-C-82, agency: Interperformances) pitched in 11.

The two teams will meet again in Furstenfeld Wednesday May 5. In the other semi-final series, Allianz Swans Gmunden also made a strong statement against Kapfenberg Bulls with a 61-36 victory for the 1-0 series lead.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Luis Flores named All-EuroChallenge Player of the Year - by Eurobasket News
Luis Flores

(188-G-81, college: Manhattan) averaged 18.8 points per game and had 3.9 rebounds. Last night Goettingen however claimed the 2010 EuroChallenge title as the German team supported by the home fans defeated Luis Flores's Krasnye Krylia for the crown. Christopher McNaughton accounted for 22 points and 5 rebounds to pace the hosts.
Taylor Rochestie set things rolling at the start of the game. Ernest Bremer responded from beyond the arc but Goettingen accounted for the next 6 points to take back the lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the reminder of the frame before Biggs capped it with a three-pointer drawing things level at 17. The lead changed hands for several times early in the second term. Ben Jacobson and Taylor Rochestie finally dropped 4 points in a row to ensure a 34:28 advantage for the home team at halftime.
Boone and Oliver kept Goettingen in charge early in the third period. Christopher McNaughton and Ben Jacobson gave the German side a 48:39 lead with just over three minutes to go in the frame. Krasnye Krylia could not get any closer as Goettingen enjoyed a 57:45 lead at the final break. Christopher McNaughton and Ben Jacobson continued to deliver regularly as the hosts stayed in front. The lead reached a 15-point mark as Goettingen dominated in the final stanza. Krasnye Krylia managed to cut the deficit to 7 points but got no closer losing the championship clash.
Ben Jacobson delivered 17 points for Goettingen. Taylor Rochestie added 14 points and 6 assists in the victory. Luis Flores answered with 22 points for Krasnye Krylia. Valdas Vasylius and Ernest Bremer had 11 points apiece in the loss.
Moreover Luis Flores already was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Guard of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Import of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 1st Team and Eurobasket.com EuroChallenge All-Imports Team. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention.

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EUROLEAGUE

Schortsanitis: It's a great thing to be going to the Final Four again - by Kostas Papadopoulos
One of the most recognizable players on any Euroleague court, Olympiacos big man Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85), whose wide body and dancing feet make him a marvel to watch playing, gave an interesting interview at the official site of Euroleague. In his fifth Euroleague season, at age 24, Sofoklis Schortsanitis this season has taken on a major role with the Reds, starting in 16 out of 17 games in the Euroleague, more than at any time before in his career. He has responded with some of the best per-minute numbers in the entire Euroleague, in terms of scoring, rebounding and drawing fouls, any or all of which could be proved crucial for Olympiacos at the 2010 Final Four in Paris.
In the Friday's semifinal, Sofoklis Schortsanitis will be tested against two Partizan centers with different styles, All-Euroleague nominee Aleks Maric

(211-C-84), a banger, and Slavko Vranes

(229-C-83, agency: Beo Basket), at 2.29-meters the tallest player ever in a Final Four. Last season, Sofoklis Schortsanitis came wit the Reds to the Final Four, but didn't see any playing time, so now he can't wait to make the most of a new opportunity.
How does it feel to be going back to the Final Four, especially since you didn't get a chance to play there last year?
'It's a great thing to be going to the Final Four again and I'm really excited. This time I want to be able to help the team, so I am practicing hard to be in the best condition I can be when we get to Paris.'
This season you became a full-time starter for Olympiacos. What does that extra responsibility mean for you?
'At this level, everybody knows that it doesn't matter as much who starts a game. What matters is who ends it. But I can say that when being a starter, there are more ways I can help the team. One is by boosting the team at the start of a game. That's one of the jobs of a starter, to set the team's tempo. That's what I try to do when I go out on the floor. But like I said, what's really important is the end of the games.'
Olympiacos started a long season back with the Euroleague American Tour. Did that trip help make Olympiacos a better and closer team?
'It was something different for us. I had been to the United States before, but I never had done anything like that, so it was exciting. We accumulated a lot of experience in those games and were able to become more of a team, I think. So, yes, it certainly helped in that way.'
You have played your best basketball with coach Panagiotis Yannakis in the Euroleague and on the Greek national team. How do you fit in his system?
'Right now, I just try to do whatever the coach asks me to do. Whether it's scoring, playing defense or rebounding, I try my best to do what I can. Coach Yannakis always says that if you want to play many years, you've got to know how to do different stuff on the court. A time will come when you won't be able to score, so you have to learn things. I am doing whatever he asks, and until now it's working well, so I am going to keep on doing that.'
One of Olympiacoss greatest weapons is its depth, particularly at center. How do you, Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78), Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) and Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) share that role?
'I think every one of us plays in a completely different way. Each of us has great abilities and maybe we have different kinds of strengths compared with each other. But that works because we can then match up with the strength of how other teams play. We are all individuals - Nikola, Luka, Ioannis and me - but all of us have the same thing in mind, to help the team win and go as high as possible in every competition.'
Olympiacos went to the Final Four last season for the first time in last 10 years. What did the team learn in Berlin last season that you can use in Paris?
'We learned that you've got to try your best on every single play. You've got to go to work every second on the floor. The thing is the environment of those games can be very tough. It can be overwhelming. We've got to keep cool, keep patient, play our ball and see how it goes.'
By now you have had time to start analyzing your semifinals opponent, Partizan. What are the keys to that game?
'I think on key thing is that Partizan is a young team that likes to run, so we'll have to be aware of that and control the tempo. Also, they have some good outside shooters that we'll have to stop. But basically, what we need to do is play our game like we always do. We need to go in like a team, not as individuals, and play to the best of our abilities. This is what I believe we have to do, nothing more and nothing less.'
One of the players you will face in the semifinals in Paris is the tallest in the Euroleague, Slavko Vranes. What is it like to challenge such a big man?
'Basketball is known as a sport that is played in the air, but it is also played on the ground. So being tall is not everything. Being fast, flexible and explosive are also important. I'll try to use those things against him, and I am sure my coach will find a way to for me to be more effective like that against him.'
You have won medals at both the World and European championships. If you lift the Euroleague crown on May 9th, would that be the highlight of your career?
'I try not to think about it right now. What I want to do is play the games and try my best. When the time comes, I will have the words to describe what I am feeling and experiencing, but right now, I can only say I am happy to be going again to the Final Four, and playing in it for the first time. And I think it will be better for us this year.'

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FRANCE

NM2 playoffs results - by Chris Spiesser
The results of the first round
Vanves 71-81 Roche La Moliere
Sorgues 83-69 La Rochelle
Orchies 89-76 Calais
Garonne 65-59 Souffel

Before the return and final games of next Saturday, three teams made a good step to the upper level. Roche La Moliere has the best position as they will defend a 10pts advantge in its arena. Orchies and Sorgues are both in the same situation as they won 13 and 14pts at home. Their visits to Calais and La Rochelle arenas will not be formalities but the advantages are notable. Souffel suffered in Garonne's hot atmosphere but the alsatian arena should also be overcrowded to overcome the tiny 6pts deficit.

NM1 Day 33: Reims is crowned but the last day will be boiling - by Chris Spiesser
The results
Boulogne 108-77 Longwy
Saint-Chamond 73-72 Denain
Livin 80-96 Bayonne
Reims 71-78 Cognac
Angers BC 94-82 Challans
GET Vosges 66-63 Chlons
Saint-Etienne 75-77 Blois
Centre Fdral 77-83 Saint-Quentin
Le Puy 94-78 Angers ESSL

Despite their loss, the champagnards secured the title and the Pro B accession. They took advantage of Challans loss an Angers. With Denain downed in St-Chamond, Reims' followers appear exhausted over the last days even if Le Puy did the job against the ESSL Angers. Over the 5 last games, those teams summed 9 losses and none could try to join Reims handicapped by Herve Jalce's injury. As a consequence, the upcoming playoffs will look very tight, Boulogne, Chalons, Blois and Angers could even steal home court advantage for the quarter finals. Angers and Blois' handled nicely their complicated games of the week and their experience could be decisive for the next deadlines. Boulogne erased its last week's loss in Cognac and shows a 12w-4d return phase balance. The maritims rely on a bright collective illustarted by 32 assists against Longwy and the best average of the league (18.2 apg).

The roster of the day...big men did well!
Klemensas Patiejaunas (Boulogne): 27pts (53%), 4rbs, 7ass
Damien Pistre (Le Puy): 23pts (4/4 3pts), 6rbs, 6ass, 3stl
Silas Mills (St-Chamond): 23pts (62%), 7rbs
Michel Ipouck (Angers BC): 14pts, 12rbs, 5ass
Dan Aultman (Cognac): 16pts (8/8), 10rbs
The bench
Etienne Plateau (Boulogne): 22pts (5/8 3pts), 7ass, 5stl
Gregory Lessort (GET Vosges): 14pts (6/7), 8rbs
David Condouant (Blois): 14pts (63%), 14rbs, 3ass, 6to
Slobodan Ockokoljic (Cognac): 16pts, 18rbs
Thomas Viglianco (Bayonne): 22pts (8/11), 7rbs

The final day's stakes
As place 1 is definitively out of reach, two spots will be highly coveted next Saturday.

The playoff chase
With Le Puy, Challans, Denain, Boulogne, Chalons, Angers BC already qualified and fighting for home court advantage, the two last playoff spots concern Blois, St-Quentin, Bayonne and St-Etienne. The two first mentionned need to win and both will grab the remaning lifts. In case of a Blois or SQBB's defeat, St-Etienne and Bayonne will enter the fight. St-Etienne will have to overcome Denain to post an 18th season but the forezians trail a -34pts goal average against Bayonne which already ended its season. The odd NM1 calendar has seen Bayonne grab its 18th season win against the CFBB, the 21st of April, so the basqs will look what is gonna happen in the other arenas, and hope...

The relegation line
Despite their victories, Cognac and st-Chamond can't reach place 13 anymore. Officially, they will play in NM2 next just like Longwy. At the opposit, Lievin, with a better goal avergage against the GET and the ESSL Angers, saved its spot.So only those two last mentionned remain concerned. The GET has the best position as they count one more win but the calendar isn't favourable to Danny Strong's partners. They will visit Challans which is deeply looking on place 2 while the ESSL Angers will also play on the road but will need no transport as the westerners are welcomed by the Angers BC. Knowing that both teams are about to merge and that the ABC is already in playoffs, the situation could be qualified as 'strange' but needs no unjustified commentaries yet.

Labeyrie's 27 points and 9 rebounds give him ProB Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
32-year old forward Mehdi Labeyrie (204-F-78) put on an amazing game in the last round for Hermine Nantes Atlantique and receives a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 32.
He had the game-high 27 points adding nine rebounds and four assists for Nantes his team's victory, helping them to crush Brest (#18, 9-23) with 24-point margin 107-83. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Despite this victory Nantes dropped to the 13th position in French ProB. Nantes is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 13-19 record. In the team's last game Labeyrie had a remarkable 52.9% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Nantes and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Mehdi Labeyrie averages this season 15.6ppg and 5.1rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Devonne Giles (203-F-83). He is American forward in his first season at Nantes. In the last game Giles recorded impressive double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds. Of course together with Labeyrie he helped Nantes with another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Brest (#18, 9-23) 107-83. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Nantes managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 13th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 13-19 record. Giles is a newcomer at Nantes and quickly became the team's new leader.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Justin Ingram (187-G-85) of Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne (#15). Ingram got into 30-points club by scoring 35 points in the last round. He was a key player of Clermont, leading his team to a 90-76 easy win against the higher-ranked Evreux (#7, 18-14). The chances of Clermont not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 20 games, recording just twelve victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Ingram could try to bring Clermont's a little bit higher in the standings. Ingram has individually a great season in France. After 25 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.2ppg (6th best). He also has FGP: 50.3% and 3PT: 41.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Shaun Fein (191-G-78) of Fos Ouest - 23 points and 4 rebounds
5. Ronnie Taylor (188-G-81) of Le Portel - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Daniel Coleman (206-F-85) of Bourg - 18 points and 10 rebounds
7. Nigel Wyatte (204-F/C-81) of Le Portel - 15 points and 9 rebounds
8. Chris Davis (196-G/F-80) of Charleville - 24 points and 4 rebounds
9. Charles-Henry Bronchard (200-F/C-82) of Bourg - 23 points and 6 rebounds
10. Mykal Riley (198-F-85) of Nanterre - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

Zach Wright claims French ProA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Zach Wright (188-G-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Le Mans Sarthe Basket and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 29.
The 25-year old guard had the game-high 16 points adding four rebounds and seven assists for Le Mans his team's victory, helping them to outclass Dijon (#16, 7-22) with 49-point margin 106-57. Le Mans maintains the 2nd position in French ProA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Le Mans will need more victories to improve their 21-8 record. In the team's last game Wright had a remarkable 54.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be Le Mans' top player in his first season with the team. Zach Wright averages this season 7.4ppg, 5.4rpg and 4.1apg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American guard Anthony Roberson (188-G-83) of Strasbourg IG. Roberson impressed basketball fans with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Strasbourg lost that game 82-93 to the higher-ranked Poitiers (#8, 15-14). Strasbourg is still in a red zone at 13th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-19 record. Roberson is a newcomer at Strasbourg and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become team's real leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.6ppg (#2).

The third best performed player last round was American Kareem Reid (178-G-75) of JA Vichy Val d'Allier Auvergne basket (#11). Reid scored 20 points and passed ten assists (!!!). Despite Reid's great performance Vichy lost 79-86 to ASVEL (13-16). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Vichy ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 16 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Reid could help Vichy to bring them higher in the standings. Reid has a great season in France. After 29 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 7.8apg (best passer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82) of Gravelines - 20 points and 10 rebounds
5. Marc Salyers (205-F-79) of Le Mans - 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85) of Dijon - 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Eric Chatfield (191-G-79) of Rouen - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Rasheed Wright (196-F-80) of Poitiers - 21 points and 4 assists
9. Samuel Mejia (198-G-83) of Cholet - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85) of Gravelines - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Reims		23-11
2. Le Puy		22-12
3. Boulogne		21-13
4. Angers BC 49		21-13
5. Challans		21-13
6. Denain		20-14
7. Chalons		20-14
8. Blois		19-15
9. St Quentin		19-15
10. Denek		19-16
11. Get Vosges		17-17
12. St Etienne		17-17
13. Lievin		16-18
14. Angers EOSL		15-19
15. Cognac		15-19
16. St Chamond		15-19
17. Longwy		4-30
18. CFBB		3-32

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Lille
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Siggers, Lille	18.1
2. Davis, Charleville	17.9
3. Mohammed, Limoges	16.7
4. Dunn, Maurienne	16.5
5. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.4
6. Ingram, Clermont	16.2
7. McKenzie, St Va.	16.2
8. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.1
9. Downey, Nantes	16.0
10. Labeyrie, Nantes	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Luc-Arthur VEBOBE
  Antibes
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Vebobe, Antibes	10.4
2. Giles, Nantes	9.5
3. Bing, Clermont	8.5
4. McClark, Bourg	8.3
5. Lovedale, Quimper	8.2
6. Jennings, Boulazac	8.1
7. Calasan, Charleville	8.0
8. McKenzie, St Va.	8.0
9. McHugh, Quimper	7.8
10. Mathis, Evreux	7.3

Assists Per Game

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

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.2
2. Downey, Nantes	7.7
3. Taylor, Le Portel	6.5
4. Kerckhof, Antibes	5.9
5. Mullins, Bourg	5.9
6. McIntosh, St Va.	5.8
7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.6
8. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.3
9. Dunn, Maurienne	4.8
10. Swift, Brest	4.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Driss, Bordeaux	2.9
2. Craven, Boulazac	2.6
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.6
4. Denave, St Vallier	2.2
5. Periac, Bordeaux	2.2
6. Da Silva, Evreux	2.1
7. Dunn, Maurienne	2.1
8. Mullins, Bourg	2.1
9. Siggers, Lille	2.1
10. Paelay, Charleville	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

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

1. Teague, LTi 46ers	20.4
2. Copeland, TBB Trier	16.8
3. Jenkins, ALBA	15.1
4. Rochestie, Goett.	15.0
5. Oliver, Goettingen	14.9
6. Suput, Brose B.	14.9
7. Burns, ratiopharm	14.8
8. Allen, Dt.	14.7
9. Jeffers, LTi 46ers	14.4
10. Travis, Walter Tigers	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jeff GIBBS
  Bremerhaven
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Gibbs, Bremerhaven	9.3
2. Ensminger, Telek.	8.6
3. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	8.1
4. Johnson, LTi 46ers	7.2
5. Kale, Phoenix Hagen	7.0
6. Boone, Goettingen	6.6
7. Turek, Phoenix .	6.6
8. Travis, Walter Tigers	6.5
9. Oliver, Goettingen	6.5
10. Doliboa, Dt.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Louis CAMPBELL
  Bremerhaven
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 6

1. Campbell, Bremerha.	6.0
2. Ratkovica, Walter T.	5.7
3. Hamilton, NY Phant.	5.5
4. Jordan, Telekom B.	5.3
5. Jordan, Phoenix .	5.3
6. Reese, Dt.	4.5
7. Gamqrelidze, MBC	3.8
8. McElroy, AL.	3.6
9. Williams, LTi 46ers	3.6
10. Schaffartzik, NY Pha.	3.6

Steals Per Game

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

1. Trice, ratiopharm	2.4
2. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
3. Jenkins, Walter T.	1.9
4. Anderson, Goett.	1.5
5. Teague, LTi 46ers	1.5
6. Bernard, MBC	1.5
7. Burns, ratiopharm	1.3
8. Ratkovica, Walter T.	1.3
9. Foster, EWE B.	1.3
10. Evans, TBB Trier	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.	1.4
3. Boumtje, EWE B.	1.3
4. Ohlbrecht, Telek.	1.2
5. Lyde, Bremerhaven	1.2
6. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.0
7. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	1.0
8. Bryant, ratiopharm	0.9
9. Boone, Goettingen	0.9
10. Majstorovic, EWE B.	0.9

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Extend The Contract With Assistant Coach Klaus Perwas Until 2011 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

With the 2010 BEKO BBL Playoffs about to commence and all thoughts for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners geared toward 8 time BEKO BBL champs Alba Berlin, the club did find a moment to reflect on next season and decided to keep assistant coach Klaus Perwas around for another season extending his contract. Perwas came to Frankfurt in 2008 and is happy to remain with the club. 'Frankfurt offers me a very professional surrounding where I feel very comfortable. The team is very organized, the team has a lot of potential and we have great fans that I hope will also bring us far in the playoffs. I am looking forward to the future of the Deutsche Bank Skyliners', stated Klaus Perwas . This contract extension also shows that new coach Gordon Herbert has a lot of confidence in the German coach. 'It was important for me to keep a part of the coaching staff. I am looking forward to working with him for another season', said Gordon Herbert . Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak is also happy that Perwass willl stay on the main. 'We want consistency in our coaching staff and I am happy that we have found a reliable coach with Klaus Perwas . He has done a good job in all areas in the last two years in the practices with the team and with individual training with the young players with potential', added Kamil Novak .
source: www.deutschebankskyliners.de

Chris Copeland (TBB Trier) Postgame Thoughts To 69-53 Loss To The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Christopher Copeland

(203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) is a 25 year old 203 cm power forward from Orange, New Jersey. He went to the University of Colorado from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 44%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 68.8%. In his first season overseas, he played for Beirasar Rosalia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to C.B. L'Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) playing 4 games averaging 4.0ppg, 8.0rpg and then moved to Matrixx Magix Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) playing 28 games and averaging 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 79.3%. Last season, he moved to Germany to TBB Trier playing 34 games averaging 13.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.8%. Chris Spoke to eurobasket after the 69-53 loss to Bamberg.

A tough 69-53 loss in Bamberg. Why did TBB Trier have so much problems scoring in Bamberg?

Well it was just one of those nights, but I think in spurts we didn't execute as well as we could have and that forced us into difficult shots.

TBB Trier had the slim 32-30 lead at halftime. It was a hard fought game and TBB Trier was in it. What were the main reasons for only giving up 30 points? Why was Bamberg having trouble scoring?

We had a solid defense game plan for them that we executed well on the floor.Our rotations were pretty sharp for the most part and we were able to contest a lot of outside shots and make it difficult to score from the inside.

However in the second half TBB Trier only scored 21 points. What adjustments did Bamberg make on defense that made it so tough for you to score?

I didn't feel they changed much.They have defensive patterns that I thought they used all game long. We were prepared for them but we just didn't execute offensively.

TBB Trier did do a good job on Predrag Suput letting him shoot only 6/17 from the field. Did you watch extra video on him?

No no extra video. Nothing special just contesting shots.But we all know what he is capable of. I think it was just an off night for him that happens to all of us.

TBB Trier did a great job winning the rebound battle, but I think the 21 turnovers must have been a big reason for losing this game?

Definitely our lack of execution didn't just lead to difficult shots, but also turnovers and they cost you ball games.

Is Bamberg the number one title candidate?

I don't know who is But right now they are my favorite to win it all.

How do you see the Bamberg-Bonn series. Bryce Taylor and Patrick Flomo are out.

I think its going to be a tough series. But I give the advantage to Bamberg. Especially with those key guys out. Bonn will definitely miss Flomo's energy out there.

Who will win the Celtics-Cavs series and why

Close call I think it can go either way. But I am going with the Cavs in 6 or 7. I think Lebron will be too much.
Thnaks Chris for the chat. Have a good summer.

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

GREECE

(211-C-84), a banger, and Slavko Vranes

Points Per Game

David YOUNG
  Trikalla
  (196-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Young, Trikalla	20.5
2. Childress, Olympiakos	16.5
3. Green, AEK	15.1
4. Erceg, Panionios	14.7
5. Arnold, Perister.	14.7
6. Massie, Olimpia L.	14.4
7. Monroe, PAOK	14.3
8. Harris, VAP K.	14.2
9. Gregory, PAOK	14.1
10. Kleiza, Olympiakos	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Igokea
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Massie, Olimpia L.	10.7
2. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.9
3. Walsh, Aris	7.8
4. Francis, AEK	7.6
5. Carter, Ilysiakos	7.0
6. Bryant, Panionios	6.9
7. Dozier, VAP K.	6.4
8. Homan, Marousi BC	6.3
9. Arnold, Perister.	6.2
10. Vougioukas, Panellin.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Diamantidis, Panath.	4.9
2. Lukas, Marousi BC	4.4
3. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.2
4. Karidas, Ilysiakos	4.1
5. Papaloukas, Olymp.	4.0
6. Dickel, Trikalla	4.0
7. Spanoulis, Panath.	3.7
8. Hammonds, Perister.	3.7
9. Green, AEK	3.6
10. Vasiljevic, VAP K.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Vonteego CUMMINGS
  Ilysiakos
  (192-G-76)
  Avg: 2

1. Cummings, Ilysiakos	2.0
2. Collins, Kavala/P.	1.8
3. Lukas, Marousi BC	1.8
4. Katsares, Trikalla	1.6
5. Karidas, Ilysiakos	1.5
6. Walsh, Aris	1.5
7. Nikolaidis, AEK	1.5
8. Hammonds, Perister.	1.5
9. Diamantidis, Panath.	1.4
10. Green, AEK	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ian VOUGIOUKAS
  Panellinios
  (212-C/F-85)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Vougioukas, Panellin.	1.5
2. Benton, Ilysiakos	1.0
3. Mavroidis, Marou.	1.0
4. Harissis, VAP K.	1.0
5. Carter, Ilysiakos	0.8
6. Papadopoulos, PAOK	0.8
7. Fotsis, Panathinaikos	0.8
8. Homan, Marousi BC	0.8
9. Bramos, Perister.	0.7
10. Arnold, Perister.	0.7

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

ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 28.8

1. Brown, Hap.Haifa	28.8
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	28.0
3. Markson, Elitzur .	22.7
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	21.5
5. Drayton, Beer Y.	21.4
6. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	21.4
7. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	20.8
8. Brandy, Hod H.	20.4
9. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	20.1
10. Hicks, Kohav Yair	19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Brandy, Hod H.	12.3
2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	12.2
3. Byerson, Natzrath.	11.8
4. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	11.6
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	10.9
6. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	9.7
7. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.2
8. Drayton, Beer Y.	9.2
9. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.0
10. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	8.5

Assists Per Game

Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Megido/Yok.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Nenikashvili, Megido.	7.1
2. Berkovich, Hap.H.	6.8
3. Huli, Lev Hasharon	6.0
4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	5.6
5. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.4
6. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.2
7. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.1
8. OFIR FARHI Macc..	5.0
9. Cohen, Natzrath.	4.8
10. Skverer, Macc.Hab.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Ofir FARHI
  Macc.Ashdod
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. OFIR FARHI Macc..	2.7
2. Markson, Elitzur .	2.6
3. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.2
4. Berkovich, Hap.H.	2.2
5. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	2.2
6. Matalon, Megido/Y.	2.0
7. Young, Elitzur Ramla	1.9
8. Brandy, Hod H.	1.8
9. Bank, Elitzur Ramla	1.7
10. Karpels, Elitzur .	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Adrian UTER
  Macc.Habikaa
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	1.8
2. Byerson, Natzrath.	1.7
3. Dunne, Macc.Ashdod	1.5
4. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	1.4
5. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.3
6. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri	1.2
7. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.1
8. Carr, Megido/Yok.	1.0
9. Markson, Elitzur .	1.0
10. Brandy, Hod H.	0.9

Premier L. Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi T-A - Bnei Hasharon 79-89
Bnei Hasharon came up with the biggest sensation of the first round of the quartefinal action as they shocked Macccabi in Tel-Aviv. Ronald Steele (188-G-86, agency: SportsTalent, college: Alabama) scored 24 points to lead the visitors to the initial win. Sam Clancy

(201-F-80, college: USC) added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the visitors. Chuck Eidson (201-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) responded with 19 points for Maccabi.

Macc.Haifa - Netanya 76-88
Netanya surged ahead in the series versus Maccabi Haifa. Danilo Pinnock

(196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the winners. Tony Washam

(198-F/G-82, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: St.Vincent) accounted for 26 points and 12 boards for Netanya. Jason Rich

(191-G-86) responded with 17 points for Maccabi Haifa.

Hap.Jerusalem - Macc.Rishon LZ 73-69
Hapoel Jerusalem shot down visiting Rishon Le Zion in the opening game of the quarterfinal series. Pooh Jeter

(179-G-83, agency: Buck Andre, college: Portland) scored 23 points to lead the hosts. Brandon Hunter

(201-F-80, college: Ohio) added 11 points and 12 boards for the winners. Ugonna Onyekwe

(203-F-79, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Pennsylvania) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Rishon Le Zion. Larry O'Bannon

(191-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Louisville) had 18 points, 6 boards and 3 assists in the loss.

National League Round: 1 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Megido/Yok. - Hap.Tivon 91-83
Megido/Yokneam prevailed against visiting Hapoel Kiryat Tivon. Dennis Carr

(201-F-81, agency: Ronsport, college: Embry Riddle) scored 25 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to lead Yokneam/Megido. Marios Matalon (187-G-89, college: Wyoming) finished with 24 points for the winning side. Brian Asbury (201-F, college: Miami (FL)) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds for Hapoel Tivon. Tamir Arieli

(189-G-90) finished with 21 points, 4 boards and 4 assists in the losing effort.

Macc.Habikaa - Macc.Ashdod 95-57
Maccabi Habikaa stormed past Maccabi Ashdod in the semifinal opener. Noam Matalon

(197-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 26 points to lead the effort. Adrian Uter

(201-F/C-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra) contributed 21 points and 7 rebounds for the home side. Adi Pereg

(186-G-79) was responsible for 14 points in the loss.

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

ITALY

Best players of Italian Lega2 round 30 - by Eurobasket News
American Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Prima Veroli and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 30.
The 24-year old power forward had the game-high 23 points adding eight rebounds and two assists for Prima Veroli his team's victory, helping them to outclass Trenkwalder (#4, 18-12) with 32-point margin 100-68. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Prima Veroli maintains the 2nd position in Italian Lega2. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Prima Veroli will need more victories to improve their 19-11 record. In the team's last game Hines had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Prima Veroli and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Hines has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (7th best: 7.9rpg) and averages solid 1.4bpg,3.5spg and 64.6% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old American guard Joseph Forte (193-G-81, agency: JEMsports) of Edimes Pavia. Forte impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course Edimes PV cruised to a 85-73 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Enel Brindisi (#1, 21-9). Despite this victory Edimes PV slide down in the standings to 13th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-18 record. Forte is one of the most experienced players at Edimes PV and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.8ppg (#5). He also recorded 4.2 assists per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Omar Thomas (197-F-82, agency: Interperformances) of top-ranked Enel Brindisi. Thomas scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Thomas' great performance Enel Brindisi lost 73-85 to the lower-ranked Edimes PV (#13, 12-18). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Enel Brindisi needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 21 victories and 9 lost games. Thomas has a very solid season. In 30 games in Italy he scored 18.3ppg. He also has 7.5rpg, 2.2spg and FGP: 60.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Trent Whiting (185-G-76) of Aget IM - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84) of Banco di Sardegna Sassari - 30 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Robert Vaden (196-G/F-85) of Aget IM - 22 points and 5 rebounds
7. Gabriele Ganeto (200-G/F-87) of Miro Radici VI - 22 points and 10 rebounds
8. Jason Williams (197-G/F-83) of Miro Radici VI - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Ruben Boykin (201-F-85) of Edimes PV - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Jason Rowe (178-G-78) of Banco Sard. - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists

Jamie Arnold joins Olimpia Milano - by Antonello Varallo
To replace Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina), out for injury, Olimpia Milano agreed terms with Jamie Arnold (203-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Wichita St.). The former Virtus Bologna forward began this season with Peristeri Athens (Greece-A1), playing 23 games (14.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) with a high of 29 points scored twice. During his long career, the very experienced big man from Detroit played with Maccabi Elite Tel-Aviv (Israel-Premier L.), DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB), Novo Mesto (Slovenia) and Evreux (France-ProA).

Best players of Italian SerieA round 28 - by Eurobasket News
Central African Romain Sato (194-G/F-81) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Montepaschi Siena and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 29-year old swingman had the game-high 30 points adding nine rebounds for Montepaschi his team's victory, helping them to outclass Pepsi Caserta (#3, 16-10) with 41-point margin 98-57. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Montepaschi to consolidate first place in the Italian SerieA. Montepaschi has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 24-2. In the team's last game Sato had a remarkable 85.7% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He has many years of experience at Montepaschi, through which he has constantly improved. Romain Sato averages this season 14.0ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American forward Sharrod Ford (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports) of Carife Ferrara. Ford impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds. It was enough for Carife FE to edge the higher-ranked Benetton TV (#9, 11-15) by 6 points 73-67. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Carife FE keeps 14th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-17 record. Ford is one of the most experienced players at Carife FE and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.1ppg (#3). He also registered 9.9 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Ronald Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services) of Cimberio Varese (#11). Slay scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Slay's great performance Cimberio VA lost 70-83 to the higher-ranked NGC Cantu (#2, 17-10). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Cimberio VA not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 16 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Slay could try to bring Cimberio VA's a little bit higher in the standings. Slay has a very solid season. In 9 games in Italy he scored 17.4ppg. He also has 7.8rpg and FGP: 64.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mason Rocca (204-F-77) of Armani MI - 17 points and 17 rebounds
5. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) of NGC Cantu - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Marko Milic (202-F-77) of Vanoli CR - 26 points and 7 rebounds
7. Branko Cvetkovic (200-G/F-84) of Scavolini PS - 23 points and 6 rebounds
8. Troy Bell (186-G-80) of Vanoli CR - 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) of Air AV - 21 points and 9 rebounds
10. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85) of NGC Cantu - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists

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

JAPAN

BJ League Round: 31 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Oita H.Devils - Shiga Lakestars 80-68
Oita H.Devils rolled over Shiga Lakestars 80:68 as Michael Bell (206-F-82, college: Florida Atlantic) exploded with 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Woods Ricky posted 18. Marshall Mikey replied with 19 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Sendai 89ers - Tokyo Apache 81-77
Sendai 89ers overcame Tokyo Apache 81:77 at the end of the Regular Season Round 31. Josh Peppers (201-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Cent.Florida) poured in 29 points, whilst Holm Chris collected 24 points and 22 rebounds. Ashby Julius ended up with 20 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Toyama Grouses - Niigata Albirex 81-89
Toyama Grouses lost to Niigata Albirex 81:89 as the latter got 32 points and 9 rebounds from Uche Echefu (206-F-86, college: Florida St.). Ikeda Yuichi nailed 13 and Butorac Paul posted 12. Harper Brian ended up with 20 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

Toyama Grouses - Niigata Albirex 65-91
Toyama Grouses was beaten by Niigata Albirex 65:91 as the latter got 17 points from Butorac Paul. Uche Echefu notched 14, while Ikeda Yuichi and Takeno Akitomo posted 13 apiece. Harper Brian produced 19 points for Toyama team.

Hamamatsu P. - Saitama Bron. 92-96
Hamamatsu was beaten by Saitama Broncos 92:96 at the start of the Regular Season Round 31. Mario Jointer (188-G-82, college: S.Alabama) stepped in with 29 points and Woodyard Terrence followed him with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Knight William responded with 28 points in defeat and White Wendell notched 26.

Oita H.Devils - Shiga Lakestars 73-90
Shiga Lakestars produced a 90:73 win over Oita H.Devils as Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84, college: Miami (FL)) collected 18 points and 21 rebounds for the winners, whilst Joho Masashi scored 18. Michael Bell replied with 18 points in the losing case.

Hamamatsu P. - Saitama Bron. 88-78
Hamamatsu cruised past Saitama Broncos 88:78 at the first game of the Regular Season Round 31 that was played on April 30th. Dzaflo Larkai (203-F/C-81, college: Bellarmine) stepped up with 25 points and Green Jermaine delivered 17. Lemons Kirby replied with 20 points and 17 rebounds for Broncos.

Sendai 89ers - Tokyo Apache 82-74
Sendai 89ers cruised past Tokyo Apache 82:74 on the first day of May. Josh Peppers top-scored for the winners with 19 points, whilst Holm Chris had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Ashby Julius finished the night with 24 points and 11 rebounds for Tokyo.

Standings - BJ League

BJ Standings

Eastern
1. Hamamatsu P.		39-11
2. Sendai 89ers		35-15
3. Niigata Albirex		24-26
4. Tokyo Apache		21-29
5. Saitama Bron.		16-34
6. Toyama Grouses		16-34
Western
1. Okinawa GK		31-19
2. Osaka Evessa		30-18
3. Shiga Lakestars		29-23
4. Fukuoka Rizing		28-20
5. Oita H.Devils		25-25
6. Kyoto Hannaryz		16-32
7. Takamatsu FA		12-36

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Benny WEST
  Los Mochis
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 25.5

1. West, Los Mochis	25.5
2. Smith, Mazatlan	25.0
3. Cowan, Obregon	24.5
4. Brown, Tepic	24.3
5. Fisher, Mexicali	24.1
6. Brown, Mazatlan	24.0
7. Bell, Obregon	24.0
8. Walker, Nogales	23.9
9. Habel, Guaymas	23.7
10. Cook, Cananea	23.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Smith, Mazatlan	12.7
2. Angounou, Guasave	12.4
3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo	10.4
4. Shipley, Mexicali	9.9
5. Strobbe, Nogales	9.6
6. Hooks, Obregon	9.0
7. Habel, Guaymas	9.0
8. Davis, Tijuana	9.0
9. Crouse, Nogales	8.1
10. Brown, Tepic	7.8

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES
  Guaymas
  (179-G-84)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Marentes, Guaymas	5.8
2. Lawrence, Los M.	5.4
3. White, Cananea	4.8
4. Brown, Mazatlan	4.4
5. Lee, Guaymas	4.2
6. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.1
7. Zuniga, Guasave	4.0
8. Johnson, Tijuana	3.9
9. Logan, Culiacan	3.9
10. Fisher, Mexicali	3.7

Steals Per Game

Kenneth LAWRENCE
  Los Mochis
  (183-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Lawrence, Los M.	2.3
2. Lee, Guaymas	2.2
3. Moore, Culiacan	1.8
4. White, Cananea	1.8
5. West, Los Mochis	1.8
6. Brown, Mazatlan	1.8
7. Bell, Obregon	1.7
8. Smith, Mazatlan	1.7
9. Izaguirre, Guasave	1.6
10. Little, Hermosillo	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Tijuana
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Davis, Tijuana	4.1
2. Gutierrez, Cananea	2.1
3. Habel, Guaymas	2.0
4. Brown, Tepic	1.2
5. Crouse, Nogales	1.2
6. Blair, Tijuana	1.2
7. Sullinger, Nogales	1.0
8. Ibarra, Los Mochis	1.0
9. Llamas, Culiacan	0.9
10. Smith, Mazatlan	0.9

Pioneros Los Mochis sign Brian Latham - by Eurobasket
Pioneros Los Mochis added to their roster 27-year old American guard Brian Latham (184-G-83, college: Houston, agency: Union Sports). Latham played most recently at Panteras de Miranda (Venezuela). While playing 43 games for Panteras last season his stats were: 12.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 6.0apg (2nd best in the league) and 3.9spg (2nd best in the league).
in his games against Frayles de Guasave on May 1st, Latham played 40 minutes and scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, but with this his score Los Mochis didnt have enough luck to win over Guassave, the team ended up losing 77-83
By Eurobasket Data Center

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

NBA

Steve Nash, Suns finally beat Spurs in a Game 1, 111-102 - by Eurobasket News
There would be no Game 1 heartbreak for Phoenix against the San Antonio Spurs. Not this time.

After resting his sore hip for three days, Steve Nash had 33 points and 10 assists, and the Suns fought off third- and fourth-quarter rallies to beat the Spurs 111-102 Monday night in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Jason Richadson scored 27 and Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns.

Manu Ginobili, tape across his broken nose, scored 27, Tony Parker 26 and Tim Duncan 20 for the Spurs, who had won four straight Game 1s against the Suns, two of them in Phoenix. Both of those times, in 2005 and 2007, the Spurs went on to win the NBA title.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com

Collins - Philly? - by Alex Yam

RSS Feeds E-News Sign Up Add Widget
TNT analyst Collins interviews for Sixers' coaching job

Posted May 3 2010 9:44AM

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Former NBA coach Doug Collins, an NBA analyst for TNT, has been interviewed by the Philadelphia 76ers for their head coaching position.

'This past Saturday, I met for five hours at my home in Scottsdale, Arizona with [general manager] Ed Stefanski, Tony DiLeo, and Gene Shue who, more significantly to me, was the 76ers head coach during my early playing days,' Collins said. 'The 76ers hold a special place in my heart and I am intrigued by the opportunity to return to Philadelphia where I was part of a rebuilding program joining the team the year after it went 9-73 and going to the NBA Finals just four years later.

'In the near future, I will focus all my attention on being an analyst for TNT and will not be discussing the 76ers head coaching position publicly.'

Stefanski says he likes Collins' track record and knowledge of the game. Collins played for the Sixers from 1973-81 and went on to coach Chicago, Detroit and Washington.
The Sixers are set to interview former Dallas coach Avery Johnson on Monday.

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.	29.8
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.4
4. Wade, Miami Heat	27.0
5. Bryant, LA Lakers	26.8
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: 13

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.0
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.2
3. Lee, New York K.	11.7
4. Randolph, Memph.	11.7
5. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.4
6. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.3
7. Noah, Chicago B.	11.2
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 Suns	10.9
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.7
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.5
4. Rondo, Boston C.	10.0
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.9
6. James, Clevelan.	8.5
7. Davis, LA Clippers	8.0
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.8
9. Harris, New J.	6.6
10. Wade, Miami Heat	6.5

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. Ariza, Houston R.	1.8
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
8. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
9. Davis, LA Clippers	1.7
10. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.7

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. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.1
4. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
5. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
6. Haywood, Dallas M.	2.0
7. Andersen, Denver N.	1.8
8. McGee, Washingt.	1.8
9. Dalembert, Philad.	1.8
10. Lopez, New J.	1.7

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

PBL

Millrats Represented Well in Rogers PBL All Star Weekend - by Eurobasket
Five current or former Manchester Millrats players were in uniform for the East All Star team, which defeated the West 144-135 in the Rogers PBL All Star Game in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sunday.

Stanley Ocitti scored 14 points in the second half, 9 of them in the decisive fourth quarter as the East pulled away. David Cooper, a last minute addition to the East squad as a replacement for Anthony Anderson, scored 10 points including four thunderous dunks, and hauled down 6 rebounds.

Former Millrats Desmond Ferguson (6'7''-G/F-77, college: Detroit Mercy), Eric Gilchrese (6'0''-G-87, college: New Hampshire), and Jamaal Wise (6'5''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) combined for 47 points for the East. Lincoln Smith (6'10''-F/C-81, college: Mississippi St.) of the Rochester RazorSharks led the West with 33 points.
Saturday kicked off Rogers PBL All Star Weekend with the Legends game which featured Halifax Rainmen CEO Andre Levington, Nova Scotian Premier Darrell Dexter, and other locals against a team including former NBA All Star Michael Ray Richardson and Millrats GM Ian McCarthy. The Legends game was followed by the Three Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk Contest. Rochester RazorShark, Keith Friel (6'4''-G-77, college: Virginia), a native of Durham, NH, nipped Ferguson 20-19 in the Shootout. Hometown hero Eric Crookshank 'Air Canada' (6'7''-F-80, college: Idaho St.) donned a Superman costume and cape and came away the Slam Dunk title.

'It was a terrific event and very organized by the Rainmen staff, everything ran smooth, and everybody had a great time,' stated Millrats GM Ian McCarthy, 'I'm a little sore from my event but it was all in good fun.'
source: Manchester Millrats

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Gabby ESPINAS
  Santa Lucia
  (193-F-82)
  Avg: 14

1. Espinas, Santa L.	14.0
2. Reyes, Santa Lucia	13.0
3. Najorda, Barako B.	12.0
4. Reyes, Barako Bull	8.0
5. Williams, Santa Lucia	6.0
6. Menor, Barako Bull	5.0
7. Dimaunahan, Barako B.	5.0
8. Duncil, Barako Bull	4.0
9. Aljamal, Barako Bull	4.0
10. Mendoza, Santa.	4.0

Rebounds Per Game

Gabby ESPINAS
  Santa Lucia
  (193-F-82)
  Avg: 9

1. Espinas, Santa L.	9.0
2. Reyes, Santa Lucia	7.0
3. Duncil, Barako Bull	5.0
4. Aljamal, Barako Bull	5.0
5. Menor, Barako Bull	3.0
6. Reyes, Barako Bull	2.0
7. Williams, Santa Lucia	2.0
8. Omolon, Santa L.	2.0
9. Aquino, Santa Lucia	2.0
10. Misolas, Santa Luc.	1.0

Assists Per Game

Ryan REYES
  Santa Lucia
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5

1. Reyes, Santa Lucia	5.0
2. Duncil, Barako Bull	4.0
3. Espinas, Santa L.	2.0
4. Dimaunahan, Barako B.	2.0
5. Urbiztondo, Santa L.	2.0
6. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.0
7. Najorda, Barako B.	1.0
8. Menor, Barako Bull	1.0
9. Reyes, Barako Bull	1.0
10. Misolas, Santa Luc.	1.0

Steals Per Game

Kelly WILLIAMS
  Santa Lucia
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Williams, Santa Lucia	2.0
2. Dimaunahan, Barako B.	1.0
3. Alonzo, Barako Bull	1.0
4. Reyes, Santa Lucia	1.0
5. Espinas, Santa L.	1.0
6. Reyes, Barako Bull	1.0
7. Faundo, Barako Bull	0.0
8. Aquino, Santa Lucia	0.0
9. Mendoza, Santa L.	0.0
10. Urbiztondo, Santa.	0.0

Blocks Per Game

Robert REYES
  Barako Bull
  (196-C-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Reyes, Barako Bull	3.0
2. Reyes, Santa Lucia	0.0
3. Espinas, Santa L.	0.0
4. Alonzo, Barako Bull	0.0
5. Urbiztondo, Santa L.	0.0
6. Faundo, Barako Bull	0.0
7. Omolon, Santa L.	0.0
8. Duncil, Barako Bull	0.0
9. Mendoza, Santa L.	0.0
10. Aljamal, Barako Bu.	0.0

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

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

PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Brandon DAGANS
  Ginasio
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Dagans, Ginasio	22.2
2. Crutchfield, Sampa.	21.8
3. Madison, Sampaense	20.5
4. Waller, Ovarense	18.6
5. Powers, Fisica	18.4
6. Nealy, VSC Guimar.	18.3
7. Ramos, Benfica	18.3
8. Smith, AD Vagos	18.0
9. Clark, Barreirense	17.6
10. Webster, CAB	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Roderick NEALY
  VSC Guimar.
  (198-F-80)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Nealy, VSC Guimar.	10.8
2. Lee, Ovarense	9.9
3. Smith, AD Vagos	9.8
4. Johnson, Fisica	9.5
5. Johnson, Academica	9.4
6. Wilson, Sampaense	9.2
7. St.Robert, Illiabum	9.0
8. Terrell, Porto F.	8.6
9. Shaw, Illiabum	8.2
10. Sowell, Barreirense	7.7

Assists Per Game

Jaime SILVA
  VSC Guimar.
  (187-G-80)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Silva, VSC Guimar.	2.7
2. Felix, Illiabum	2.5
3. Costa, Ginasio	2.3
4. Simoes, Academica	2.3
5. Dagans, Ginasio	2.2
6. Balseiro, Sampa.	2.2
7. Schneider, CAB	2.2
8. Pedroso, CAB	2.1
9. Sousa, Academica	2.0
10. Williams, Academica	1.9

Steals Per Game

Jose COSTA
  Ginasio
  (187-G-73)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Costa, Ginasio	6.4
2. Manarte, Ovarense	6.3
3. Felix, Illiabum	6.0
4. Reveles, AD Vagos	5.2
5. Sing, Sampaense	5.0
6. Mims, VSC Guimar.	4.4
7. Perdigao, AD Vagos	4.4
8. Fernandes, CAB	4.3
9. Simoes, Academica	4.3
10. Miranda, Ovarense	4.2

Blocks Per Game

John SMITH
  AD Vagos
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Smith, AD Vagos	1.8
2. Terrell, Porto F.	1.3
3. DeWitz, Benfica	1.3
4. Wilson, Sampaense	1.2
5. Lee, Ovarense	1.2
6. Soderberg, CAB	1.2
7. Grimes, Academica	1.2
8. Stempin, Porto F.	1.0
9. Voorhees, AD Vagos	1.0
10. Austin, Ginasio	1.0

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

PUERTO RICO

Imports Update at May 1 - by Rafael Otero
Regular season in Puerto Rico BSN is closing out. Teams are defining roles and making the last moves in order to be ready for the last run of the season. Playoff contention is very close and besides Arecibo, Bayamon and maybe Ponce no one has his spot sure in the next round. So that left 5 spots for 9 teams! In the last couple of imports moves Mayaguez release Dan Langhi (208-F-77, college: Vanderbilt) to bring in Maurice Baker

(184-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) who played last year for Atleticos de San German. Langui was with the team since last season Cinderella run but he was released due to Indios need of a proven Point Guard. They are missing badly Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) and its uncertain when the PR 2nd generation player will report to the team since his team will probably make the playoffs in Germany. Baker comes from the Dleague where he put around 15pts a game. Indios Paul Graham (196-G-85, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Florida Atlantic) was doing a pretty decent job running the point but Indios management believes that he was playing out of position. Recently acquired in a trade with San German, Steven Ramirez hasnt been able to fulfill that PG role neither. So the move to bring an import PG sounds very logic since they are trying to make the last push to avoid elimination and move on from the last place on the standings, where they had been all season long. Also Guaynabo made a move in the middle of a negative stretch. They cut the last member of their NBA couple when they released Marcus Fizer (203-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.). Althought Guaynabo gave him a lot of chances to prove he can still play the reality is that Fizer body is hurt and dont allow him to perform at the level he is used to. Now Guaynabo has in Matt Freije (206-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) a very versatile big man and proven scorer here in Puerto Rico. Guaynabo hopes that he can make a good couple with Andre Emmett

(196-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) and get back Carlos Escalera (190-G-79, college: Missouri So.) from the disable list to see what they can do with their complete roster, a thing that they barely have done this season. C.J. Bruton (188-G-75, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Indian Hills CC) is also a new import. Sub champions Piratas de Quebradillas signed him to substitute the underachiever Damon Jones (192-G-76, college: Houston). Jones, the ex NBAer, kind of underestimate this league and he paid the price. His production wasnt even close to the one expected by Piratas and he was released after playing just 4 games. Now with Bruton, the team plays for 4-1 and CJ is averaging close to 10 ast per game. Also shooting 50% from the 3pt line and had scored in double figures in all games he has participated. In other teams import's matters Arecibo kept Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, college: Florida St.) and San German still with Mario Austin (206-F/C-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Mississippi St.), which were two of the last imports signed in BSN. Ponce signed prolific scorer White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) to make couple with super efficient Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) who is playing great basketball in the Pearl of the South. That move make Leones a serious contender. Humacao drop badly in the standings from 4th to 9th and their imports Mays and Millsap still in the team. Santurce is playing very good with Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) so probably will be no changes there. Bayamon couple of Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: N.E.T., college: Elgin CC) and Robert Traylor

(204-F/C-77, college: Michigan) continue their dominance and Bayamon is in the top of the standing. Isabela has a 4-2 record since they substitute NBA Alando Tucker

(198-F-84, college: Wisconsin) with BSN veteran Lee Benson (208-F/C-73, college: Brown Mackie). Now Benson alongside with Shaun Pruitt makes a very solid couple in the paint that can be a serious headache to opposition.

Please stay tuned to Eurobasket to know all BSN import changes and other info about Puerto Rican Basketball!

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

ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

O''Darien BASSETT
  Craiova
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Bassett, Craiova	20.7
2. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	20.6
3. Pesic, Timisoara	19.6
4. Peciukas, Mures	18.7
5. Mandic, Oradea	18.4
6. Bubanja, Brasov	17.8
7. Mack, Steaua T.	17.6
8. Santana, Municipal B.	17.4
9. Howell, Gaz Metan	17.3
10. Smith, CSU Sibiu	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Trevor HARVEY
  Craiova
  (211-C-80)
  Avg: 10

1. Harvey, Craiova	10.0
2. Herndon, CSU Sibiu	9.2
3. Masiulis, Mures	8.9
4. Carutasu, Ploiesti	8.8
5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	8.8
6. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	8.5
7. Paltinisanu, Timis.	8.2
8. Waterstradt, Munici.	7.9
9. Roschnafsky, Gladia.	7.9
10. Miskovic, CSU S.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Jarrett HOWELL
  Gaz Metan
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Howell, Gaz Metan	6.0
2. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	5.6
3. Cooley, Mures	5.6
4. Dzambic, Timisoara	5.0
5. Dawson, Gladiato.	4.6
6. Howard, Gladiato.	4.4
7. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	4.4
8. Bassett, Craiova	4.3
9. Mitchell, Oradea	4.2
10. Helcioiu, Municipa.	4.0

Steals Per Game

JuJuan COOLEY
  Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Cooley, Mures	2.4
2. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.4
3. Johnson, CSU Sibiu	2.3
4. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	2.1
5. Maric, Oradea	2.0
6. Medvedj, U.Mobite.	2.0
7. Dawson, Gladiato.	1.9
8. Seals, Otopeni	1.9
9. Mitchell, Oradea	1.9
10. Hargrove, Ploiesti	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Arturas MASIULIS
  Mures
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Masiulis, Mures	2.2
2. Lazar, Oradea	1.8
3. Thomson, U.Mobite.	1.7
4. Herndon, CSU Sibiu	1.7
5. Dragusin, Pitesti	1.6
6. Harvey, Craiova	1.5
7. Dragovic, Craiova	1.4
8. Wiggins, Steaua T.	1.1
9. Bubanja, Brasov	1.0
10. Rhymer, Gaz Metan	1.0

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

B Superleague Standings

1. N.Novgorod		32-6
2. Revda		27-15
3. Lok.Novos.		26-14
4. Severstal		26-14
5. Saransk		26-16
6. Spartak-P.		24-20
7. Irkutsk		18-24
8. Ural Ekater.		18-24
9. Naltchik		17-25
10. Rjazan		17-25
11. Chelabinsk		17-27
12. Magnitogorsk		13-29
13. Tambov		9-31

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

SAUDI ARABIA

Jihad with Al Ansar - by Ali Ahmed
Al Ansar basketball team management agreed terms with the American guard Jihad Muhammad (180-G-84, college: Cincinnati) to play for them in the Arab Cup.

Outlook:
He is the prototype point guard, who is an excellent passer, and has the ability to score like a two-guard. He possesses good outside shooting range and is an excellent free throw shooter.
Awards/Achievements:
JUCO All-American -04
NIT Quarterfinals -06

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

SPAIN

Jaycee Carroll claims Spanish ACB weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for C.B. Gran Canaria 2014 and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 32.
The 27-year old guard had the game-high 19 points adding seven rebounds and three assists for Gran Canaria his team's victory, helping them to beat Xacobeo BS (#17, 8-24) 71-56. Gran Canaria maintains the 8th position in Spanish ACB. Gran Canaria is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 16-15 record. Carroll turned to be Gran Canaria's top player in his first season with the team. Carroll has impressive league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 19.5ppg. Carroll is in league's top in and averages solid 59.4% FGP and 40.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 33-year old Italian guard Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) of Real Madrid. Prigioni impressed basketball fans with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Real Madrid lost that game 74-80 to slightly higher-ranked Caja Laboral (#2, 26-6). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Real Madrid still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 25-7 record is not bad at all. Prigioni is a newcomer at Real Madrid and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become team's real leader.

The third best performed player last round was Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) of Meridiano Alicante (#13). Urtasun scored 22 points. He was a key player of Meridiano Alicante, leading his team to a 94-85 win against slightly higher-ranked DKV Joventut (#11, 14-18). The chances of Meridiano Alicante ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 19 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Urtasun could help Meridiano Alicante to bring them higher in the standings. Urtasun has a very solid season. In 32 games in Spain he scored 10.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Augustine (208-F-84) of Gran Canaria - 20 points and 9 rebounds
5. Pablo Aguilar (203-F/C-89) of Granada - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) of MMC Real M. - 23 points
7. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) of Granada - 22 points and 4 rebounds
8. Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) of CB Murcia - 14 points and 10 rebounds
9. Pape Sow (208-F-81) of Meridiano A. - 18 points and 9 rebounds
10. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) of Valencia BC - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Stevie JOHNSON
  Huesca
  (198-F-78)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Johnson, Huesca	16.4
2. Pigram, Andorra	16.2
3. Ferrer, Cajasur .	15.9
4. Vereen, Rosalia	15.8
5. Uriz, Santurtzi	15.5
6. Thompson, ADT T.	15.4
7. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.2
8. Zengotitaben., Hue.	15.0
9. Miller, Coruna	14.8
10. Higgs, L''Hospitalet	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Thompson, ADT T.	8.8
2. Miller, Huelva	8.7
3. Howard, Guadalaj.	8.3
4. Santana, Caja Rioja	7.9
5. Johnson, Huesca	7.8
6. Williams, Matchmind	7.8
7. Ausina, Matchmind	7.7
8. Matali, Andorra	7.3
9. Andrews, Huesca	7.2
10. Wachsmann, Alcazar	6.9

Assists Per Game

Ricardo BUSCIGLIO
  Caja Rioja
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Busciglio, Caja Rioja	4.9
2. Castello, ADT T.	4.8
3. Rufian, Huelva	4.5
4. Gonzalez, Navarra	3.9
5. Cardenas, Qalat C.	3.8
6. Canals, Alaior	3.8
7. Rodriguez, Rosalia	3.7
8. Santamaria, ADT T.	3.7
9. Alonso, Matchmind	3.6
10. Comas, Prat J.	3.6

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Byombo, Illescas	1.5
2. Adams, Navarra	1.4
3. Thompson, ADT T.	1.2
4. Bain, ADT Tarragona	1.1
5. Andrews, Huesca	1.0
6. Matali, Andorra	0.9
7. Howard, Huelva	0.9
8. Sekulic, Plasencia	0.9
9. Joseph, Rosalia	0.9
10. Sastre Morro, Qalat C.	0.8

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

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

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	18.1
2. Donaldson, La La.	17.4
3. Riera, Mallorca	17.3
4. Morley, Burgos	17.0
5. Guillen, La Laguna	16.1
6. Roe, Tenerife	15.5
7. Humphrey, Leon	15.3
8. Hess, CB Tarragona	14.8
9. Quinteros, CAI Z.	14.8
10. Rabaseda, Cornella	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 11

1. Donaldson, La La.	11.0
2. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.1
3. Starosta, Melilla	8.9
4. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.3
5. Arteaga, Palencia	8.2
6. Adrien, Breogan	7.9
7. Coleman, Breogan	7.8
8. Phillip, CAI Z.	7.5
9. Padgett, La Palma	7.4
10. Humphrey, Leon	7.3

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.9
2. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.	4.4
3. Cherry, Caceres	4.2
4. Mena, La Palma	4.1
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.5
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.4
7. Perez, Cornella	3.4
8. Hernandez, Burgos	3.2
9. Sabat, Girona	3.0
10. Urtasun, Leon	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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SWITZERLAND

Zurich Wildcats claim LNB title - by Eurobasket News
Zurich Wilcats advanced into the LNA for the 2010-11 season. They swept the Final series against Bernex. Zurich won the opening game 67:59. Bernex led early in the game but the Wildcats bounced back in the second half. Led by Stephan Bachmann (208-F/C-79, college: Weber St.) the Wildcats managed to pull away with the victory. He finished with 13 points for the winners. Jean-Baptiste Bah (186-G-84) added 12 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds, while Mladen Lukic (205-C-92) nailed 11 points for Zurich. Florian Steinmann (197-F/G-91) answered with 20 points for Bernex. Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) delivered 17 points and 9 caroms in the losing case.
The Wildcats completed the sweep in the second game. Zurich hosted Bernex and celebrated an 81:72 win. Zurich stormed into the game. The home side accumulated a 27:10 advantage at the first break. Bernex cut the deficit to just three points with one quarter remaining. However the Wildcats stayed in charge and eked out the decisive victory at the end.

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TAIWAN

SBL playoffs: TB leads 2-1 on Yang's buzzer-beater - by Chris Wang
Yang Ching-Min (188-G/F-84) made a game-winning three at the buzzer as Taiwan Beer held on a furious rally and beat Dacin 67-65, grabbing a 2-1 lead at the best-of-five SBL first round playoff series.

In the other game, Yulon beat Pure Youth 78-68 for a 2-1 series lead.

TB, which led 44-27 at the half, watched its 17-point lead evaporated in the second half as Dacin, led by import Byron Allen and Tien Lei, staged a strong comeback bid. Allen scored on a putback off Tien's miss with 10.9 seconds to go to help Dacin lead by 65-64, its first lead after the first quarter.

TB relied on Yang, who scored 18, and Lin Chih-chieh, who had 19 points.

Byron Allen tallied 18 points and 18 boards for Dacin, which also received 11 points and 9 rebounds from Tien Lei. Su Yi-chieh added 13 points and reigning SBL Finals MVP Chang Chih-feng turned in 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Yulon center Tseng Wen-ting walked out from the slump and had 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the most important game of the series. Lu Cheng-ju had 19 points. Chen Chih-chung had 14 and Lee Chi-yi added 10.

PY was once again led by James Mao, who had a game-high 24 points and 6 rebounds, and Jon Sanders while other players were completely shut down by Yulon's defense. Sanders had 23 and 10.

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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

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

1. Douby, Darussafaka	23.6
2. Shipp, Bornova	18.8
3. Chatman, Besiktas	18.4
4. Brown, Bornova	18.1
5. Hosley, Aliaga	18.1
6. Baxter, Besiktas	17.4
7. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	17.3
8. Stanojevic, Kepez B.	17.2
9. Newley, Besiktas	17.0
10. Toolson, Karsiyaka	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Davidson, Darussaf.	10.7
2. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	10.0
3. Williams, Erdemir	9.2
4. Hosley, Aliaga	8.0
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	7.9
6. Bowman, Tofas	7.3
7. Wesson, Karsiyaka	7.1
8. Greene, Antalya	6.9
9. Smith, Karsiyaka	6.8
10. Wilkinson, Galatasa.	6.8

Assists Per Game

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

1. Koseoglu, Erdemir	8.7
2. Chatman, Besiktas	6.1
3. Ermis, Banvit	4.9
4. Douby, Darussafaka	4.9
5. Acik, T.Telekom	4.4
6. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.3
7. Atsur, Besiktas	4.2
8. Erdogan, Oyak R.	4.2
9. James, Mersin	4.2
10. Smith, Bornova	4.1

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hosley, Aliaga	2.6
2. Davis, T.Telekom	2.5
3. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.4
4. Chatman, Besiktas	2.4
5. Douby, Darussafaka	2.3
6. James, Mersin	2.0
7. Famutimi, Oyak R.	1.9
8. Shipp, Bornova	1.9
9. Adams, Oyak R.	1.8
10. Holston, Karsiyaka	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.4
2. Davidson, Darussaf.	1.3
3. Denison, Tofas	1.2
4. Solak, Galatasaray	1.2
5. Elegar, Bornova	1.2
6. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	1.2
7. Davis, Banvit	1.1
8. Bowman, Tofas	1.1
9. Buckman, Kepez Bld	0.9
10. Kone, Erdemir	0.8

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UBL

UBL on the move - by Ozzie Denson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(UBL media)The weather was stormy Saturday night but that didn't keep the faithful from coming out to UALR Warriors Fieldhouse it was worth the price of admission . There was another type of storm brewing on the court the Warriors jump out on the Thrill in the 1st half to as much as a 16 point lead before the Thrill came roaring back to cut the lead to single digits before halftime. Thrill fought to eventually take the lead in the 4th quarter with the game going down to the wire the Warriors pull out a 118 to 115 victory in conference play. It was a UBL classic! (Writer Mr Udell)

UBL Arkansas vs Missouri - by Ozzie Denson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(UBL media)The weather was stormy Saturday night but that didn't keep the faithful from coming out to UALR Warriors Fieldhouse it was worth the price of admission . There was another type of storm brewing on the court the Warriors jump out on the Thrill in the 1st half to as much as a 16 point lead before the Thrill came roaring back to cut the lead to single digits before halftime. Thrill fought to eventually take the lead in the 4th quarter with the game going down to the wire the Warriors pull out a 118 to 115 victory in conference play. It was a UBL classic! (Writer Mr Udell)

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UNITED KINGDOM

BBL Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Newcastle E. - Everton T. 79-95
Everton Tigers are the first team through to the BBL play-offs final after comprehensively seeing off regular season title winners Newcastle Eagles 190-158 on aggregate. Tony Garbelotto's men repeated their 95-79 victory on Friday in another excellent display. Former Eagles forward Olu Babalola (198-F-81, college: Clemson) led all scorers with 24 points for Everton and he received great support from Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82, college: USF) (17 points) and James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) (16 points). Newcastle had needed to put the pressure on Tigers from the start but the largest lead they could muster was 15-11. The final time they led was 28-27 midway through the second quarter. After that it was all Everton as they put together a 12-2 burst to blow open the match. Eagles led for the majority of the first quarter with Lynard Stewart's bucket making it 15-11. A 10-5 close to the period, including threes from Jones and last season's MVP with the Eagles Trey Moore (192-G-75, college: Mississippi St.), gave Tigers a 20-21 lead. After the break Jones continued to cause problems from beyond the arc as Eagles own three-point attempts fell off target. His second triple of the quarter made it 31-41 before Eagles trimmed the gap to 36-41 at half time. Tigers extended their advantage to 45-59 late in the third, which gave them a huge overall margin of 30 points. A Kevin Bell (178-G-84, college: Fresno St.) three on the third quarter buzzer gave Everton a 58-67 lead. There was no way back for Newcastle in the final stanza as Tigers' advantage on the night only slipped below double-digits twice. Their lead peaked at 76-95 before Stewart ended the Eagles season with a three point shot - only their seventh in 29 attempts. *Courtesy of BBL (www.bbl.org.uk)

Scottish R. - Sheffield S. 75-64
The Glasgow Rocks have reached the BBL Championship Playoff final after defeating the Sheffield Sharks 75-64 on Sunday, to complete a 165-157 aggregate win after turning round a first leg deficit. By knocking out the side that finished second in the league, they have completed an unlikely playoff final line-up as they will meet the Everton Tigers, who beat league champions the Newcastle Eagles, at the National Indoor Arena on Saturday 8 May. The Rocks are perennial post-season performers, as they won the BBL Championship Playoffs in 2002/03 and have been losing finalists in both 2005/06 and 2006/07. Much of the damage was done by former Shark Rob Yanders, who inspired the Rocks with 28 points, including four three-pointers; he also had 5 steals as the Sharks turned the ball over 21 times in the game. The Sharks also shot just 7% (1/15) from beyond the three-point line, with Mike Cook (193-G/F-84, college: Pittsburgh) 's 20 points leading their scoring. After what had been a tight game throughout, with the Sharks leading by three from the first leg, the Rocks overcame foul trouble in a strong fourth quarter to secure the win. They entered the fourth with a 52-49 edge and still led by three at 58-55 with 6.37 remaining. From there, an 8-0 burst was capped by consecutive triples from Yanders and Gareth Murray and, after Cook snapped that run, Sterling Davis connected from long range to spark a decisive 7-0 burst, in which Jessie Sapp scored the remaining points, to see the Rocks up 72-60 with 1.06 remaining. In that spell, Cook's basket was the only one that the Sharks scored in five and a half minutes. From there, the celebrations began as the Rocks weren't threatened again. Previously, the teams could barely be separated in the early exchanges: Perry Lawson tried to set the tone for the Sharks with an �and-one' play within the opening twenty seconds, before the teams were tied at 5 and 8. Steve Parillon's triple sparked six straight points for the hosts and when Sapp hit another it was 16-12 with three minutes remaining in the first. Gorman and Yanders exchanged three-point plays before Tafari Toney (203-F/C-86) and Cook scored consecutive baskets within the final 30 seconds of the period to see the teams tied once more at 19. The second stanza started in similar fashion with the teams knotted at 21, 23 and 25, but midway through the Rocks stormed in front with the decisive first half run. Another triple from Yanders sparked an 11-0 surge, in which he scored 7 points, as the Sharks were held scoreless for almost five minutes. They looked to have got back on track with Mike Tuck's triple, only for Parillon to respond in kind with the final score of the half as the hosts led 40-31. The Sharks recovered immediately after the break with the first six points as it took the Rocks three minutes to notch a score - Mike Copeland (201-F-85, college: N.Carolina) snapped the run to make the score 42-37. But the visitors built on that momentum and, within the final three minutes of the third, posted a 6-1 run to get within one at 47-46. Yanders was there again with a triple to halt the run and Sterling Davis made a buzzer-beating basket to see the Rocks retain a 52-49 edge heading into the decisive period. Nevertheless, by the end of the period things were looking ominous for the Rocks with Sapp, Mike Copeland and Parillon all on four fouls. Murray and Mike Copeland would foul out, but the Rocks saw the game through. *Courtesy of BBL (www.bbl.org.uk)

Stats Leaders - BBL

Points Per Game

Mike COOK
  Sheffield S.
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 26.8

1. Cook, Sheffield S.	26.8
2. Bratton, Worthing.	24.7
3. Moore, Everton T.	20.3
4. Yanders, Scottish.	20.2
5. Valencia, Plymouth R.	20.1
6. Wierzbicki, Leices.	20.0
7. Middleton, Worceste.	19.6
8. Johnson, Leiceste.	19.4
9. Harrison, MK Lions	19.3
10. Disy, Worcester W.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Leicester R.
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Johnson, Leiceste.	10.9
2. Toney, Sheffield S.	9.8
3. Janusauskas, London C.	9.8
4. Rodrigo, Essex P.	9.2
5. Rowe, Plymouth R.	8.6
6. Richard, Worthing.	8.5
7. Young, Cheshire J.	8.0
8. Gariba, London C.	8.0
9. Disy, Worcester W.	7.7
10. Valencia, Plymouth R.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Anthony MARTIN
  Plymouth R.
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Martin, Plymouth.	7.3
2. Sapp, Scottish R.	7.1
3. Moore, Everton T.	5.5
4. Drakeford, Guildfor.	5.1
5. Patton, Sheffiel.	4.8
6. Yanders, Scottish.	4.6
7. Peterson, Cheshire.	4.6
8. Jivens, London C.	4.6
9. Westbrooks, Leices.	4.5
10. Middleton, Worceste.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Roderick MIDDLETON
  Worcester W.
  (186-G/F-82)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Middleton, Worceste.	2.7
2. Moore, Everton T.	2.5
3. Normantas, Worceste.	2.3
4. Gariba, London C.	2.2
5. Peterson, Cheshire.	2.2
6. Babalola, Evert.	2.2
7. Sapp, Scottish R.	2.1
8. Lasker, Plymouth.	2.0
9. Young, Cheshire J.	2.0
10. O''Reilly, Cheshire.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Kadiri RICHARD
  Worthing T.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Richard, Worthing.	2.3
2. Johnson, Leiceste.	1.8
3. Toney, Sheffield S.	1.1
4. Young, Cheshire J.	0.9
5. Gorman, Sheffiel.	0.9
6. Rodrigo, Essex P.	0.8
7. Copeland, Scottish.	0.8
8. Janusauskas, London C.	0.8
9. Konarg, London C.	0.8
10. Disy, Worcester W.	0.7

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WBA

Flight Names Kite GM, Cobb Head Coach and Weis Director of Media Relations - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight is pleased to announce some significant hires as the World Basketball Association (WBA) team continues to build its front office infrastructure. The team has agreed to terms with NBA veteran Greg Kite to be its General Manager, Levi Cobb to serve as the team's head coach and John Weis to be the team's Director of Media Relations.

'Greg Kite brings a tremendous amount of NBA experience, but more than that, he's an outstanding husband, father and businessman,' said Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King. 'His achievements in the basketball world speak for themselves. He has a keen eye for talent, strong business acumen, and he's really a down-to-earth person who will relate well to the Central Florida community.'

Kite starred collegiately at Brigham Young University and was chosen in the first round of the 1983 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He went on to have a successful 12-year NBA career, including two NBA Championship seasons with the Boston Celtics. He also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.

'This will be a new and exciting challenge for me, and I can't wait to get started,' Kite said. 'This gives me the chance to stay involved in the game I love, and I look forward to helping our players continue their careers and progress along their professional paths. I'll do everything in my power to bring a championship to Central Florida.'

Kite and his wife, Jenny, live in Orlando and are the proud parents of 10 children.

Cobb, a veteran coach at multiple levels and a renowned former professional player, is the Flight's new head coach.

'It's my goal to put together a group of guys who are good quality players on the floor - and good quality people off the floor,' Cobb said. 'We will be stressing defense, but at the same time we'll play an up-tempo style that the fans will appreciate.'

Cobb brings extensive experience to the Flight. As a player, he was a fan favorite at the University of Illinois from 1977-1980 and was with the Phoenix Suns of the NBA as a free agent in 1980. He also played professionally in the CBA, as well as in Australia and Greece. He was named one of the Top 10 Players of the Decade (1970s) in Illinois by the Chicago Tribune.

His coaching resume is equally as impressive. In addition to coaching the Flight, he is also an Assistant Coach at Montverde Academy, where the team finished second in the Nike Invitational, a prestigious national tournament. Previously, he was Head Coach of the Bundaberg Bulls in Australia, and was part of the Parkland (Ill.) College coaching staff whose team won the National Junior College Athletic Association championship.

He's also served as instructor at the Chicago Bulls Training Facility, and Vice President of Player Development for In the Paint Hoops (Chicago), and has Central Florida connections from coaching stints at Seminole College, Evans High School, Freedom High School and Lake Highland Prep.

'Bringing a high-quality coach like Coach Cobb into our organization is a tremendous blessing for our first-year franchise,' said Flight owner and President Mark King. 'Our mission is to be a franchise that develops players both on and off the court. Coach Cobb has the background and experience to appropriately execute that mission.'

Weis possesses more than 12 years of Public Relations experience, including six seasons as Broadcast Coordinator for the Orlando Magic Radio Network. While there, he helped produce the NBA team's game radio broadcasts.

Also an accomplished writer, John completed the ghost writing of a successful health and fitness-related book entitled 'Never Go Back,' by Dr. Joseph Christiano and Dwight Bain in 2007. This year, he collaborated with Freddie Smith to write 'Don't Blame the Coach,' a guide to helping high school student-athletes get noticed by college athletic scouts and recruiters.

'I'm looking forward to the opportunity,' Weis said. 'It will be enjoyable to help the Flight establish a footprint in the greater Central Florida area,' Weis said.

Weis is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he majored in Communications (Radio/Television). He and his wife, Christina, have two children.

Flight to Play Home Games at Kissimmee Civic Center - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight and the Kissimmee Civic Center are proud to announce a partnership that secures the Civic Center as the home venue for the Flight's 2010 inaugural basketball season.
Located at 201 East Dakin Avenue in beautiful Downtown Kissimmee, the arena is the ideal site for professional basketball. 'We are thrilled to be able to have a first-class facility like the Kissimmee Civic Center to call home,' said Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King. 'We look forward to providing the greater Central Florida area with a high-quality brand of family entertainment.'

The Flight are part of the seven-team World Basketball Association (WBA), a professional basketball league designed to teach, develop and expose players to the NBA, NBA Developmental League, the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and international scouts. Other teams include the Decatur (GA) Court Kings; Frankin (TN) Knights; Gwinnett (GA) Majic; Jacksonville Bluewaves; Marietta Storm and Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers.

As part of a 16-game regular season, the team will play eight home games. They also have one exhibition date set for May 9. The regular season begins May 11 and runs through July 18.

Flight Announce Inaugural Season Training Camp and Regular Season Schedules - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight World Basketball Association (WBA) franchise held their first training camp Sunday, May 2.

The Flight will hold practices during the first week of May before breaking camp with their lone exhibition game May 9 versus Team Skillz, a travel team operating out of Starke, Fla. at 2 p.m. at the Kissimmee Civic Center. The regular season opens May 11 with a 7:30 p.m. home game against the Jacksonville Bluewaves, also at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

FLORIDA FLIGHT TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

Monday, May 3 - 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Kissimmee Civic Center

Tuesday, May 4 - 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Kissimmee Civic Center

Wednesday, May 5 - 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Kissimmee Civic Center

Friday, May 7 - Practice time and location TBA

Saturday, May 8 - Practice time and location TBA

Practices are closed to the general public, but open to family members and Flight Booster Members.

Following the exhibition game May 9 versus Skillz Athletics, the Flight will play its first-ever regular season game two nights later as it hosts the Jacksonville Bluewaves. The 16-game regular season schedule includes eight home dates. All home games will be played at the Kissimmee Civic Center, located at 201 East Dakin Avenue in Kissimmee.

WBA Basketball is great family entertainment, as single-game tickets are $10. Meanwhile, season tickets are just $50. For ticket information, please call (407) 592-9843 or visit the team's Website at www.flighthoops.com.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Hollie Grima with a trophy abroad - by Eurobasket News
Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) and her Frisco Sika in Czech Republic became the Winner of the Play-offs. Hollie Grima was named as Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. D1 Honorable Mention and Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. D1 All-Imports Team.
Frisco Sika Brno grab the Trophy of the League as they finished the Final series over their rivals. In Game 4 Frisco Sika Brno produced 83:69 win over USK Praha to clinch Gold.
Whalen opened the game for the hosts, while Eva Viteckova was first to score for the winners. The team from the capital played better in the first 10 minutes, but could bring only 22:21 into the second period. DeWanna Bonner scored for 23:22 and Tay McWilliams added for 29:24. The second frame became decisive in the game as Frisco Sika Brno took 47:33 at the halftime. Moreover Skerovic scored for 52:35 and DeWanna Bonner delivered for 56:35. Praha tried hard to recover but reduced only to 64:46 after three periods. Eva Viteckova nailed two in the start of the last quarter and it became clear that the guests triumphed in the country.Houston was the last to score in the game that became the last in the series.
DeWanna Bonner top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Eva Viteckova and Hana Horakova followed her with 14 each, while Tay McWilliams added 12 and Hollie Grima scored 6. Charde Houston ended up with 19 points and 5 rebounds in the losing effort. Whalen Lindsay and Katerina Elhotova posted 13 apiece, while Tamane Zane and Maltsi Evanthia scored 8 each.
This year she averaed 12.1 points per game for Frisco Sika Brno.

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

BELARUS - Women

Berezina and Minsk-2006 take the lead in the semis - by Eurobasket News
Berezina and Minsk-2006 won the first two games of the Semifinal series in the country. Berezina rolled over Olimpia 75:49 in the opener and added 65:55 in Game 2. Minsk-2006 meanwhile won over Sozh Gomel 60:42 in the first game that had more defensive style. In game 2 the favorites added 99:60 victory for 2-0 lead. They opened the game with 23-17 and enjoyed 27-21 in the second period. Another victories in the third and the last stanza brought them the second win.
Games 3 are scheduled for May 8th.

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

FRANCE - Women

Herve Coudray is the new Head Coach for Mali - by Leslie Anderson
Herve Coudray has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Mali, he will prepare them the 2010 World Championship taking place in the Czech Republic at the end of September.

His we still continue his function as the coach of USO Mondeville.

In September the players from Mali will complete their preparation in Mondeville before traveling for the world Championships. This will allow Coudray to start the preseason with players.
The LFB next season tips off 16 October.

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

HOLLAND - Women

Eurosped Twente surprise HLB Accountants in semifinal opener - by Eurobasket News
Eurosped Twente got to the flying start of the semifinal series. They shocked HLB Accountants on the road. Twente marked their ambitions early in the game. They grabbed a 16:12 lead at the first break. The visitors maintained the advantage in the second period and built a 33:26 at the interval. But the defending champions turned things around in the third frame. Marloes Roetgerink (187-C-77) and Laura Kooij (184-F/C-82) helped the hosts organize a 10:0 run to put HLB Accountants ahead. The home side earned a 54:47 lead at the final intermission. But Twente responded with an 8:0 rally early in the fourth quarter to regain the advantage. The visitors withheld a furious comeback attempts from HLB Accountants and posted the initial victory in the series. Theresa LeCuyer (184-F-78) exploded with 33 points to pace Twente. Niki Avery (168-G-86, college: E.Kentucky) contributed 19 points, while Kierah Kimbrough (185-F, college: N.Dakota) and Myrthe Beld (183-G-89) notched 12 points each in the win. Marloes Roetgerink answered with 28 points and 10 rebounds for HLB Accountants. Laura Kooij netted 15 points in defeat.
ProBuild Lions prevailed against Amazone 71:60 to take the lead. Kati Harty (168-G-87, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) knocked down 28 points for the winners. The Lions dominated throughout the game. They established a massive 29-point buffer in the third stanza and never looked back en route to the success. Jasmijn Overbeeke (188-C/F-84) netted 11 points for the Lions. Whitney Jones (170-G-87, college: Baylor) answered with 14 points and 15 boards for Amazone. Kiki Geelen (177-F-91) had 11 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the loss.

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

LUXEMBOURG - Women

Standings - Women

Diekirch Standings

1-6 places
1. Musel Pikes		26-1
2. Etzella		18-9
3. Basket Esch		18-9
4. T71 Dudelange		15-12
5. AB Contern		14-13
6. Residence		11-16
7-10 places
1. Racing		13-11
2. Amicale		7-16
3. Black Star		4-20
4. Grengewald		2-21

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

NIGERIA - Women

NBBF/ Zenith WPL: First Deepwater begin title chase on bright note - by Olusegun Ikuesan
.. Beat FCT Angels 86-33

First Deepwater basketball club continue her impressive run in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organized Zenith Bank Women Premier League with an 86-33 points whitewashing of FCT Angels basketball club of Abuja in the second phase of the league.

The Oil and Gas ladies who is leading other teams in the race for the 2009/ 2010 league title went into the game as the clear favourite to pick the game against the Abuja ladies thus confirming pre-game prediction.

Speaking shortly after the game First Deepwater captain, Julie Onyelugo says nothing will stand between the team and its title ambition in the ongoing season.

The soft spoken small forward told our correspondent that the team will approach all their games with the same seriousness as no team is a pushover in the league.

Gone are the days when the league title is ascribed to a particular team before the first jump-ball but all that has changed as all team now compete on equal level and strength.

Our aim is to reward our management and fans with the league diadem this year and that we are committed to achieving, concluded Onyelugo.

In the other games played earlier in the day, Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP) basketball club of Kano defeated her city rival Nigeria Immigration basketball club by 75-43 points, defending champion, First Bank basketball club of Lagos had the better of Dolphin basketball club also of Lagos by 64-45 points.

The Dolphin side who missed the first phase battle in Kano in March this year held the banker in the first two quarters with the bankers taking a one point advantage of 23-22 points going into the third quarter.

The lose further compound the Wale Aboderin girls hope of making appreciable impact in the league now look slim.

Home girls Delta Force basketball club of Asaba defeated Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos by 67-37 points to maintain its fourth position from the first phase while the game between Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure walked-over Nigeria Customs Service basketball club, the border girls are yet to make it to Asaba venue of the second phase.

Action continue Tuesday with five games on the bill; Plateau Rocks will take to the floor against Nigeria Customs Service basketball club of Lagos at 09H00; Nigeria Immigration will have its hands full when its battle First Bank basketball club at 11H00; FCT Angels and Dolphin will entertain Asaba fans at 13H00; AHIP basketball of Kano and Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure will enter the court in a battle royal at 15H00 while Delta Force of Asaba and First Deepwater basketball club of Lagos are to do battle in what look like the STAR MATCH OF THE DAY

Day-1 Results:

Nigeria Immigration 43-75 AHIP

Dolphin 45-64 First Bank

Plateau Rocks 37-67 Delta Force

First Deepwater 86-33 FCT Angels

Sunshine Angels 20-0 Nigeria Customs (W/O)

Day-2 Games:

Plateau Rocks Vs Nigeria Customs 09H00

Nigeria Immigration Vs First Bank 11H00

FCT Angels Vs Dolphin 13H00

AHIP Vs Sunshine Angels 15H00
Delta Force Vs First Deepwater 17H00

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

SWEDEN - Women

Halvarsson with the Gold abroad - by Eurobasket News
Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) grabbed Gold with her Lotos Gdynia in Poland. She averaged 3.9 points per game and also had 6.0 points per game in Euroleague season.
Lotos clinched the eleventh PLKK title recently. They overcame Gorzow in the fourth game of the series in Gdynia to celebrate the championship title. Lotos had to withstand a strong fourth quarter comeback rally from the visitors to ensure the positive outcome at the end. Erin Phillips provided 17 points, 6 boards and 2 assists to lead Lotos. Tanisha Wright finished with 10 points, 6 assists and 5 boards, while Magdalena Leciejewska knocked down 10 points for the champions and Louice Halvarsson brought her team 3 points and 3 rebounds. Samantha Richards shone for Gorzow with 30 points and 5 boards. Justyna Zurowska produced 9 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Before that Gorzow posted the first 78:74 win in the PLKK Final. They held off Lotos at home court as Nicky Anosike dropped 15 points. Luidmila Sapova and Samantha Richards added 14 points each for Gorzow. Ein Phillips knocked down 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists for Lotos. The Swedish player produced 2 points and 2 rebounds.
In game 2 Gorzow posted the first win in the PLKK Final. They held off Lotos at home court as Nicky Anosike dropped 15 points. Luidmila Sapova and Samantha Richards added 14 points each for Gorzow. Ein Phillips knocked down 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists for Lotos.
In Game 3 Lotos Gdynia grabbed 2-1 Final lead over Gorzow after 75:68 on April 30th. Urbaniak Marta paced all the winners with 21 points, while Leciejewska Magdalena, Phillips Erin and Wright Tanisha scored 14 each. Richards Samantha responded with 20 points in the losing effort.

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

UKRAINE - Women

Stats Leaders

UPBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Gorbunov, Dnip. 20.5
2 Pysmennyk, Fran. 18.9
3 Melenteva, Donb. 18.1
4 Koshliyak, Palm. 17.8
5 Grishina, Lug. 17.8

Rebounds Per Game

1 Paris, Dnip. 12.4
2 Adeola, Dyn. 10.0
3 Staschuk, Polytech 9.8
4 Grishina, Lug. 9.2
5 Melenteva, Donb. 8.6

Assists Per Game

1 Oxana, Fran. 4.6
2 Kozachenko, Koz. 4.5
3 Lapshynova, Palm. 4.4
4 Dubas, Polytech 4.2
5 Agapova, Dnip. 3.8

Steals Per Game

1 Williams, Dnipro 3.8
2 Panchenk, Koz. 2.5
3 Agalareva, Dyn. 2.3

Blocks Per Game

1 Stafyuk, Palm. 1.8
2 Tymkova, Fran. 1.3
3 Oxana, Fran. 1.1

2FGP

1 Panchenk, Koz. 61.2
2 Adeola, Dyn. 59.2
3 Davineia, Dyn. 58.9

3FGP

1 Paris, Dnip. 50.0
2 Yuschenko, Dyn. 50
3 Koshurina, Dyn. 46.7

Free Throws

1 Lyashkova, Dnip. 91.3
2 Panchenk, Koz. 91.2
3 Zhyrakova, Lug. 89.2

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

USBA - Women

WUSBA announce team home arena location for upcoming 2010 basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 17, 2010) --- 'We are extremely pumped about this upcoming basketball season,' said WUSBA president, Duane Allen Jenkins. 'Our first season is set to go and our future in the world of basketball looks very bright'. The Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) today made public the final roster of teams, along with the teams home arena and gymnasiums. This new minor division basketball league is scheduled to begin play on June 5, 2010. The league will field twelve teams in two divisions. League sources states 'Timing is everything, particularly in business, the time is right to begin our inaugural basketball campaign'. The WUSBA originated in January 2010. The league was born out of an effort to expand womens professional basketball in the United States.

The WUSBA was activated when the leagues brother company, the United States basketball Association (USBA) placed its inaugural season on hold. The USBA originally planned to place basketball teams in the Southeast United States. Jenkins made the decision to place efforts behind the activation of the WUSBA. 'The decision to postpone again the opening of the USBA was not an easy one to make, there are critics who will blast me for this decision, however after every forest fire, new life assuredly flourishes', said Jenkins. The 'WUSBA was always in our plans. In the United States and in Europe women play ball on the highest level and we are pleased with our decision to place our emphasis on their success'.

The league will begin with twelve teams in two divisions; the teams are spread out over nine southern states. Each team will play a 28 game regular season followed by the leagues championship tournament. The league states, 'Any basketball player, who wishes to be considered, must contact the league office.' The season will open with pre-season games on Wednesday June 2, 2010. 'I'm real comfortable in the leagues success', said Jenkins. 'I feel we can make a real impact on the game of basketball and the local charitable organizations in each of our teams cities'. The league has ties with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Feeding America, Boys and Girls Club of America and local churchs. During the past Holiday season the USBA enlisted the help of the Feeding America and the U.S.M.C. to conduct a series of basketball games to collect toys, clothing and food for the needy. According to reports filed, seven cities held games gave away prizes to fans that contributed toys, clothing and food. 'The WUSBA will make the same commitment to the communities and give them aid via the programs we created', said Jenkins.

WOMENS UNITED STATES BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
1201 Peachtree Street 400 Colony Square Atlanta, Georgia 30361 Office: (678) 966-9993
email: usba@usbaball.com email: team@usbaball.com website: www.usbaball.com

LEAGUE PERSONNEL
Executive Department:
Commissioner - Rhonda Bell
President / C.E.O. - Duane Allen Jenkins
Executive Vice President / Basketball Operations - Kenneth Green
Vice President of Operations - Harold Katz
Vice President of Administration - (TBA)
Vice President of Marketing - Duane Allen Jenkins
Vice President of Human Resources - Clare Irving
Vice President of Communications - (TBA)
Supervisor of Officials - Simmie Lavender
Chief of Security - David Bell
Director of Community Affairs - (TBA)

Womens United States Basketball Association 2010 Team Directory

APPALACHIAN DIVISION

Atlanta Platinum
Norcross High School
NHS Gymnasium (2000)
5300 Spalding Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Head Coach:
Julius Smith
(770) 298-3900
juliussmith@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Freddie Williams
(770) 448-3674

Event Manger:
(TBA)

______________________

Birmingham Starz
A.H. Parker High School
AHP Gymnasium (2000)
900 4th Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35204

Head Coach
Connie Morris
(205) 901-9188

Venue Contact:
George Moore
(205) 231-2559

Event Manager:
Danielle Lyis
(205) 787- 3782

_______________________

Augusta Raging River
Augusta State University
Christenberry Field House (3500)
2500 Walton Way
Augusta, Georgia 30904

Head Coach:
(TBA)

Venue Contact:
Jason Gribek
(706) 667-4950

Event Manager:
Jason Gribek
(706) 667-4950

_________________________

Chattanooga Royal
Tennessee Temple University
McGillivray Gymnasium (2500)
1815 Union Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404

Head Coach:
Geoffrey Mallory
geoffreymallory@usbaball.com
(865) 318-7476

Venue Contact:
Randy Lee
(423) 838-4287

Event Manager:
Randy Lee
(423) 838-4287

_______________________

Louisville Storm
Hoops, Inc.
Hoops Basketball Academy (3000)
12101 Sycamore Station Place
Louisville, Kentucky 40299

Head Coach:
Terry Howard
terryhoward@usbaball.com
(502) 608-3472

Venue Contact:
Terry Howard
(502) 608-3472

Event Manager:
(TBA)

___________________________

West Virginia Capitals
Capital High School
CHS Gymnasium (2500)
1500 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25311

Head Coach:
Thomas Jones
(304) 807-0759
thomasjones@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Clinton Giles
(304) 348-6514

Event Manager:
Clinton Giles
(304) 348-6514

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Savannah Seahawks
Sol Johnson High School
Johnson Gymnasium (1700)
3012 Sun Set Blvd.
Savannah, Georgia 31214

Head Coach:
Lee Pearson
(912) 441-1899
leepearson@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Michael Moore
(912) 663-7657

Event Manager:
Peggy Johnson
(912) 395-1001
__________________

Richmond Blaze
Manchester High School
(MHS Gymnasium (2200)
12601 Bailey Bridge Road
Midlothian, Virginia 23112

Head Coach:
Corey Braxton
(804) 439-7389
coreybraxton@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:

Roger Cassem
(804) 739-6283

Event Manger:
(TBA)

_______________________
Columbia Breeze
Benedict College
HRC Arena (2300)
1600 Hardin Street
Columbia, South Carolina 28204

Head Coach:
Willie Washington
williewashington@usbaball.com
(803) 269-1636

Venue Contact:
Vera Mills
(803) 705-4444

Event Manager:
Vera Mills
(803) 705-4444

_________________________
Jacksonville Surf
Edward Waters College
Adams-Jenkins Sports Center (2000)
1658 Kings Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209

Head Coach:
(TBA)

Venue Contact:
Johnny Rembert
(904) 470-8277

Event Manager:
Henry Smith
(904) 222-1075

_______________________

Charlotte Blue Wave
Lifepointe Christian Church
Bobcat Practice Facility (3300)
13209 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28273

Head Coach:
(TBA)

Venue Contact:
Rev. Matt McGue
(502) 608-3472

Event Manager:
(TBA)

___________________________

Charleston Cadets
College of Charleston
Carolina 1st Arena (3500)
66 George Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29424

Head Coach:
Terry Truax
(828) 292-4463
terrytruax@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Joe Hull
(843) 953-5546

Event Manager:
(TBA)

(This is a list of all WUSBA tentative and confirmed home team gymnasiums. Players and agents can contact the Head Coach directly with inquires. All locations have given their permission to secure the gymnasium. Agreements of Usage are in place. Final contracts are pending and have preliminary approval from each location. Each Client Arena has a confidentially agreement and is not at liberty to disclose certain contents of any agreements made with the Womens United States Basketball Association without written permission of the WUSBA and the Client Arena).

New women's professional basketball league will host open tryouts - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 20, 2010) ---The Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) today announced the 2010 basketball season tryout schedule for professional basketball players. The player positions are for all WUSBA team. The WUSBA has twelve teams divided into two divisions, spread over nine southern states. The WUSBA owns and operates all teams. Each team operates independently of each other. Each team has a Regional Event Manager assigned as team representative.

'Collegiate, international players are invited to submit resumes and biographies for consideration. We are also extending an invitation to basketball players who did not get drafted by the WNBA.

The WUSBA 2010 regular basketball season runs from June 5, 2010 to August 28, 2010. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule, fourteen home and fourteen away. The league has a mid season All Star Game scheduled for the 3rd week of July. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins August 30, 2010 with the Championship game on September 5, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Basketball players who wish to be considered for a roster spot, are required to contact the league office..

The WUSBA will not charge a fee for the tryouts. 'We have never had these fees as a part of our revenue stream; however, we do require all basketball players to have a minimum of three years collegiate playing experience.' The age requirement for WUSBA basketball player is a minimum of 21 years old. Each team will hold individual tryouts in their repected city. The venue locations of the tryouts will be annouced on May 5, 2010.

WUSBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'Having tryouts in each team city gives us a prime opportunity for us to take a close look at all the available talent here in the United States. This will make the selection process of players easy for our teams. We want our fans to be able to become familiar with the players and coaches and quite simply, the players and coaches will have ample time for players to select a team of his choice. We intend to give players an opportunity to be selected to play for one of the wide array of European basketball teams.

The league has developed a comprehensive package for the basketball players. Players are paid $300.00 per week. Players also receive housing and a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant. As a bonus, players will receive compensation for sponsor speaking engagements and sponsorship sales.

According to the league, each player candidate should submit his resume to usba@usbaball.com. 'All candidates will receive a response. 'We expect a huge response and I suggest any candidate wishing to be considered should submit their resume no later than May 10, 2010,' said WUSBA Vice President Basketball Operation Kenneth Green. 'We're very excited about the upcoming season. We will take a good look at all basketball players; we believe this is a great opportunity for an aspiring individual who has the propensity to continue their basketball careers.
Womens United States Basketball Association 2010 Team Directory

APPALACHIAN DIVISION

Atlanta Platinum
Norcross High School
NHS Gymnasium (2000)
5300 Spalding Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Head Coach:
Julius Smith
(770) 298-3900
juliussmith@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Freddie Williams
(770) 448-3674

Event Manger:
(TBA)

______________________

Birmingham Starz
A.H. Parker High School
AHP Gymnasium (2000)
900 4th Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35204

Head Coach
Connie Morris
(205) 901-9188

Venue Contact:
George Moore
(205) 231-2559

Event Manager:
Danielle Lyis
(205) 787- 3782

_______________________

Augusta Raging River
Augusta State University
Christenberry Field House (3500)
2500 Walton Way
Augusta, Georgia 30904

Head Coach:
(TBA) (Call League Office)

Venue Contact:
Jason Gribek
(706) 667-4950

Event Manager:
Jason Gribek
(706) 667-4950

_________________________

Chattanooga Royal
Tennessee Temple University
McGillivray Gymnasium (2500)
1815 Union Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404

Head Coach:
Geoffrey Mallory
geoffreymallory@usbaball.com
(865) 318-7476

Venue Contact:
Randy Lee
(423) 838-4287

Event Manager:
Randy Lee
(423) 838-4287

_______________________

Louisville Storm
Hoops, Inc.
Hoops Basketball Academy (3000)
12101 Sycamore Station Place
Louisville, Kentucky 40299

Head Coach:
Terry Howard
terryhoward@usbaball.com
(502) 608-3472

Venue Contact:
Terry Howard
(502) 608-3472

Event Manager:
(TBA)

___________________________

West Virginia Capitals
Capital High School
CHS Gymnasium (2500)
1500 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25311

Head Coach:
Thomas Jones
(304) 807-0759
thomasjones@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Clinton Giles
(304) 348-6514

Event Manager:
Clinton Giles
(304) 348-6514

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Savannah Seahawks
Sol Johnson High School
Johnson Gymnasium (1700)
3012 Sun Set Blvd.
Savannah, Georgia 31214

Head Coach:
Lee Pearson
(912) 441-1899
leepearson@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Michael Moore
(912) 663-7657

Event Manager:
Peggy Johnson
(912) 395-1001
__________________

Richmond Blaze
Manchester High School
(MHS Gymnasium (2200)
12601 Bailey Bridge Road
Midlothian, Virginia 23112

Head Coach:
Corey Braxton
(804) 439-7389
coreybraxton@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:

Roger Cassem
(804) 739-6283

Event Manger:
(TBA)

_______________________
Columbia Breeze
Benedict College
HRC Arena (2300)
1600 Hardin Street
Columbia, South Carolina 28204

Head Coach:
Willie Washington
williewashington@usbaball.com
(803) 269-1636

Venue Contact:
Vera Mills
(803) 705-4444

Event Manager:
Vera Mills
(803) 705-4444

_________________________
Jacksonville Surf
Edward Waters College
Adams-Jenkins Sports Center (2000)
1658 Kings Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209

Head Coach:
(TBA) (Call League Office)

Venue Contact:
Johnny Rembert
(904) 470-8277

Event Manager:
Henry Smith
(904) 222-1075

_______________________

Charlotte Blue Wave
Lifepointe Christian Church
Bobcat Practice Facility (3300)
13209 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28273

Head Coach:
(TBA) (Call League Office)

Venue Contact:
Rev. Matt McGue
(502) 608-3472

Event Manager:
(TBA)

___________________________

Charleston Cadets
College of Charleston
Carolina 1st Arena (3500)
66 George Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29424

Head Coach:
Terry Truax
(828) 292-4463
terrytruax@usbaball.com

Venue Contact:
Joe Hull
(843) 953-5546

Event Manager:
(TBA)
Contact:
Duane Allen Jenkins
(678) 966-9993
duanejenkins@usbaball.com

New women's basketball league targets southeast United States - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 8, 2010)--Just when the United States Basketball Association (USBA) decided to open a springtime professional men's basketball league in the southeast, it appears there may be room for a womens minor division basketball league dribbling onto the hardwood this summer. The USBA has switched to a winter league and will tip off in December 2010, with its concentration of teams in the southeast United States.

Introducing, the newly organized Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA). Announced last week, the league will place twelve franchises in the southeast United States. The new league is scheduled to begin play on June 5, 2010.

The league is set to begin two weeks after the WNBA begins their normal summer campaign. The newly formed league plans to put twelve teams on the court. Each team will play a twenty eight game schedule. Home arena sites have already been approved and an approved schedule is complete. 'Our brother company, the USBA, originally was set to play a mid spring early summer schedule, however we decided to move up the opening of the women side of professional basketball and place the mens league in limbo for now.' According to the leagues parent company, the Alden Group L.L.C., 'The league had plans to initiate a womens league to play at the same time of the WNBA and with the overflow of men's lower level minor basketball leagues, we felt the time to activate the WUSBA is now, not later,' said WUSBA commissioner, Rhonda Bell. 'The WNBA does not have a developmental league; we believe they can use the WUSBA to bring players up to the show when they need to replace injured basketball players.'

The WUSBA, based in Atlanta, Georgia has begun marketing itself as the right balance between the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NCAA and the various professional leagues and teams around Europe . Women, who wish to continue their professional career, now have an organized league to play in, on a local level.

Teams for the WUSBA are located throughout twelve cities within eight southern states. 'We were going to invest in men's basketball, however, some American men's lower level basketball leagues have given a black eye to the sport by the failure to operate good companies, the flax we received from vendors and arenas, we wanted to rent was ridiculous, So, we elected to start our womens league instead of the mens, we want to separate ourselves from some of these bad actors, we believe our monies will be better spent with the activation of our womens professional league,' said league president and C.E.O. Duane Allen Jenkins. The USBA will remain dormant for now; our concentration is on the WUSBA.

'We're ready to put a good product on the floor and make it affordable for the fans,' said Jenkins, a businessman from Atlanta and the founder of the Alden Group. 'Women play on a very high level, and their opportunities here in the states are limited, the WUSBA will keep them in shape, just in case the WNBA needs a call up for a replacement basketball player.'

As a way to attract fans, Jenkins said the WUSBA plans a multitude of value-added activities for families, such as the WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza. 'This promotion is very similar to the season ticket package we had planned for the USBA and all of our sponsors agreed whole heartily with the change. 'We really want to make this a total entertainment package,' Jenkins said.
'

'The WNBA has a great basketball program, and we feel like we could be a real benefit to female basketball players, said Mrs. Bell. 'We will be a good fit to assist them to reach the next level.'

Yet to be decided is the overall look of the USBA, whose male basketball players were left without a league to play in for this season. 'With 20 or so male leagues in the United States and some making a mockery of basketball, we made a decision to spend our money on this new venture, so far we have had positive response from a great many people, particularly on the upper level of womens basketball.'

This new organization has vowed to bring competitive basketball to each city. The WUSBA will use the same rules as the WNBA. The basketball size and three point line will be standard for all teams Jenkins said plenty of talented players come from the college ranks each year that don't make the WNBA's 12 teams. 'We want to be the minor league for womens basketball, the same way the CBA was to the NBA, before the NBADL was developed, at this point we do not have the backing of the WNBA, but who knows what the future holds.'

Many American players choose to go overseas in September of each year to take advantage the good salaries and competitive play of European professional leagues. 'Most of them don't have anywhere else to play here in the states, this will give players a place to play while their at home,' Jenkins said. He added that he is confident Southeastern United States sports fans will turn out to see the new WUSBA this coming season. People support women's basketball as much as they do the men, what we've done is given the game of basketball more variety.

The teams will be split into two divisions. The Appalachian consist of the Atlanta Platinum, the Augusta Raging River, the Birmingham Starz, the Louisville Storm, the West Virginia Capitals and the Chattanooga Royal. The Atlantic will be comprised of the Charleston Cadets, the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, the Richmond Blaze, the Savannah Seahawks and the Jacksonville Surf. Jenkins noted, 'The WUSBA teams will have an advantage over other minor leagues in that they are the only Triple AAA womens minor league in the states, which places us one step below the WNBA, to us thats a great place to be.'

He also noted that the investors and the sponsors of the USBA unanimously supported this move into womens professional basketball. The WUSBA give us an unfettered involvement in professional basketball. We are confident our investments in the world of basketball are now safe.

The new league will tip off with the opening day being June 5, 2010. The players receive a compensation package of $300.00 per week, a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurants, housing and commissions on sponsorship sales.

'We will activate the USBA when the time is right, but for now we are moving ahead to play basketball. Everyone we spoke to about the WUSBA, agreed with us, the timing is perfect and all of the venues we approached to rent their arena gave us 100% of their support.'

The new website is currently under construction and will available to the public in the near future. Basketball players who wish to contact us in the meanwhile can email us at usba@usbaball.com or call the league office at (678) 966-9993.

Women's United States Basketball Association open for business, tipoff June 5, 2010 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 15, 2010) ---The Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) is ready for its inaugural season. Opening day is scheduled for June 5, 2010. The league will field 12 teams housed in 2 divisions. Permanent home gymnasiums of each individual team are complete. 'We see an exciting new future in the world of womens basketball', said WUSBA commisioneer Rhonda Bell. 'The United States is ready to support a Triple AAA minor division womens basketball league, baseball has one, the NBA has one, now the WNBA has a league they can draw from if they choose to do so'.

The new league will tip off on Saturday night, June 5, 2010, it is reported the league has rented gymnasiums from colleges, universities and high schools to house their teams. WUSBA president and C.E.O Duane Allen Jenkins, states, 'We have home arenas set in each city; the disclosures of each locations will be made public very soon.'

The 2010 regular season will begin on June 5, 2010 and end on August 28, 2010. There is a mid season All Star Classic Game slated for July 16 and July 17, 2010. The Championship game is scheduled for September 5, 2010. Both the All Star game and the Championship game will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. All teams will participate in the playoffs. The league will conduct single game elimination championship tournament. The Coralee Hunter Memorial Championship Trophy will be awarded to the top team.

The WUSBA is the sister company of the United States Basketball Association (USBA). The USBA is a mens single A minor division basketball league. The USBA has been criticized for delaying their introduction in minor league basketball. There are 20 or so mens minor leagues in the United States, the field in lower level mens basketball is a little crowded and some of the leagues have not performed very well in communities throughout the southeast'. ' We simply choose to open our womens league instead of the mens league. We will use the sponsors and promotions we were going to use for the USBA'.

The league has partnership with churches, civic groups and charitable organizations in each individual team city. The WUSBA like the USBA offers support to local Churchs, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Feeding America and the USMC Toys for Tots. The league is also extending a very special invitation to children in foster care each city and children housed in juvenile detention centers. The league has authorized each team to conduct educational contest between clubs to select children to be official ball girls and boys. 'We have invited groups to join with us help the children of the community. The league wil issue complimentary tickets to these groups to our home games. 'The selected children to be the ball kids will receive $25.00 apiece per game for their services,' said Jenkins.

The league has two divisions, the Atlantic, and the Appalachian. The divisions make up the Southeastern Conference. 'With the economy stabilizing, its full steam ahead,' said USBA vice president of basketball operations, Kenneth Green. This is a prime opportunity for us to activate the league. 'We'll have an opportunity to get to know our fans and supporters in each city. We want our fans to be able to have ample access to the coaches and players', said Green. Open House and Job Fair will be held in each tean city on May 22, 2010.

The leagues season ticket packages are now available. The season ticket promotion is called the 2010 USBA Season Ticket Extravaganza; the promotion is available in each city. This season ticket promotion is a special event for the fans and is sponsored by the advertisers and sponsors of the WUSBA. The league made 1200 single season tickets available in each city for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the WUSBA, the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket. Each season ticket comes with admission to all fourteen home games and fifteen free single game tickets; this also includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and a 24-inch x 36-inch full color poster with the basketball team or the dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 29, which breaks down to $3.62 per admittance). 'We designed the WUSBA basketball games to be family friendly, our promotions, our entertainment and our prices will fit right into anyones budget,' said Jenkins

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

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2010 Honda Accord LX 4 door sedan
(one automobile will be given away in each USBA team city, 12 total league wide),

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

* 3rd prize: The Seafarer Cruise Extravaganza
( Trip for two to Miami, Florida, round trip airfare on Air Tran Airlines, one day cruise to Nausua, Bahamas aboard Discovery Cruises, two day stay at an InterContinental Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each USBA team city, 24 total league wide.)

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

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each USBA team city, 300 total league wide)

*6th Prize: The Rac Trac Fuel Givaway
(A $40.00 gas gift card, 25 given away in each team city, 300 total total league wide)

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

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

2010 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:

Purchase of a season ticket to any 2010 USBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc. is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina, who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. This promotion ends June 4, 2010 at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. WUSBA employees, family member of WUSBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 1200 season tickets sold per WUSBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 1200 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 50 to 1, each, 5th prize winning odds are 48 to 1, 6th Prize winning odds are 48 to 1. The USBA has set aside 1200 season tickets per WUSBA team city to be sold, a total 14,400 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If the same individual purchases two season tickets for the 2010 basketball season and before June 4, 2010 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a WUSBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prizewinners must make travel reservation through the WUSBA. Travel blackout periods may effect certain travel dates. Grand prizewinners will have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law

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WBCBL - Women

Columbus Hidden Gems Finalize Roster with 2 BIG Signees - by Willie McCray
'Columbus Hidden Gems of the WBCBL are proud to announce the final additions for the 2010 season in Andrea Walker of Ohio State and Tina Huff of Alcorn State who each stand 6'5' apiece. The sizable additions fill out the team's roster completely and are what Coach Jones feels were the last needs for a possible National Title run in 2010.

Andrea Walker is hidden gem of sort due to the fact that she has played back up Center to two of the best collegiate players of late in Jessica Davenport and Jantel Lavender. Andrea too was an All American out of HS in Streets & Smith, Nike camps, and also McDonald's nominees as well. She averaged 4ppg and 5rpg despite only playing 12mins per game this season for the nationally ranked and top seeded Ohio State team. She has a wide array of skills and will surely be a strong contributor for Columbus this season.

Tina Huff is an amazing shot blocker who was #7 in the D1 Nation in 2008 while at Alcorn St. Tina is a great talent as well who will be a big piece to the winning puzzle of the Hidden Gems. Tina averaged 6ppg and 9rpg in Denmark this past season and led the country in blocks per game with 6.5. '

- Lucius Jones/Hidden Gems Basketball

Miami Rain Welcomes New Head Coach - by Willie McCray
Miami Rain is proud to announce Lester Patterson as their new Head Coach. Patterson played basketball in high school and continued to play on a collegiate level at Lakewood Community College in Whitebar Lake, Minnesota. He then transferred to Fayetteville State University in North Carolina where he continued playing basketball (1976-1978) and majored in Physical Education. From 1997-2007, Patterson was head coach for AAU Nike Team Florida and Gold Coast AAU basketball team. He then returned back to his old high school to become Carol City Sr. Highs associate head coach (1999-2006) and proceeded as associate head coach at St. Thomas University (2007-2008). He is currently assistant coach for the mens basketball team at Florida Memorial University in Miami.

Miami Rain is excited to work with Coach Patterson and eagerly looks forward to making the 2010 season one that Miami Rain can be proud ofGO RAIN!

Kofie Wynter
CEO
Miami Rain Women's Basketball
1.800.521.7123
miami.rain@gmail.com