EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/20/2010

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Men News

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  ANGOLA   


Luis Magalhaes stays in charge of Angolan NT - by Eurobasket News
Luis Magalhaes will remain as head coach of Angolan National Team. The Portuguese 51-year-old specialist has been appointed as head coach of Angolan NT back in 2009. He led the team to the AfroBasket triumph in Libya. He also celebrated victory at the 2009 Lusofonia Games in Portugal. So Luis Magalhaes will steer the team during the upcoming World Championship in Turkey.
Luis Magalhaes has previously worked with Ovarense, Porto and 1 de Agosto Luanda. He was also in charge of the Portuguese NT back in 1999.


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  ARGENTINA   


Jose Alessio to join Quilmes - by Eurobasket News
Quilmes strengthened their frontcourt. They added Jose Alessio (203-C-87) to the roster. The 22-year-old centre spent the last season in Gimnasia Esgrima Comodoro. He tallied 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds per game. In April 2009 Jose Alessio had a short stint with Paraguayan Felix Perez Cardoso. He helped the team reach Paraguay Metropolitan League semifinal.


La Union re-sign Ariel Zago - by Eurobasket News
Ariel Zago (203-C-85) became the ninth player to ink a deal with La Union. The 24-year-old centre extended his three-seasons stint with the team. Last season Ariel Zago averaged 4.6 points, 2.6 rebounds per game in LigaA. Ariel Zago also had spells for Libertad Sunchales and El Nacional Monte Hermoso.


Djibril Kante new import player for Olimpico de La Banda - by Eurobasket News
Olimpico de La Banda filled one of their import spots. They signed a deal with Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.). The US centre played for Atenas in the previous season. There Djibril Kante tallied 9.7 points, 6.1 rebounds per game. Earlier the 29-year-old player had spells for Benetton Fribourg in Switzerland, Universidad de Concepcion in Chile, El Nacional in Argentina.


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  AUSTRALIA   


ABA: Saturday results - by Eurobasket News
In Big V Melbourne lost to Bulleen at the North Melbourne Rec Centre 78:95. Trevor Latham stepped up with 26 points and Andrew Walter as well as Nick Jones posted 18 each. Bennie Lewis delivered 22 points in the losing effort. Ringwood meanwhile beat Hume City at the Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre 92:71. Daryl Corletto (193-G-81) exploded with 32 points and Luke Mcmillan added 21 points and 11 boards.
In QBL Townsville Heat defeated Cairns Marlins 73:63 even on June 18th. Chris Cedar paced all the winners with 22 points and Daniel Egan had 21 points and 12 rebounds. Deba George replied with 19 points in the losing case. South West Metro Pirates lost to Northside Wizards 76:80 at the Hibiscus Sports Complex as the latter got 25 points from Chris Goulding (190-G-88). Mackay Meteors defeated Cairns Marlins 77:71 as John Fitzgerald (193-G-84, college: Lindsey Wilson) and Rhys Martin led the way with 20 points each. Dean Brebner ended up with 15 points for the guests. Rockhampton Rockets overcame Bundaberg Bulls 94:73 and Gladstone Power beat Toowoomba Mountaineers 98:86. Brisbane Capitals were beaten by Caboolture Suns 78:91 at the Vince Hickey Basketball Stadium. Thalo Green (200-F-78) poured in 35 points and Bradley Williamson (197-F/G-81) collected 25 points and 10 boards in defeat.
In SEABL two games were played on Friday as A I S was defeated by Hobart 82:92 and Mt Gambier lost to Sandringham 80:89. On Saturday Dandenong rolled over Kilsyth 81:63 as Luke Fitzgerald stepped up with 22 points and Lucas Walker netted 19. Ryan Bathie responded with 16 points in the losing effort. Canberra lost to A I S 67:86 and Albury Wodonga was beaten by NW Tasmania 72:93. Nunawading stole a 91:82 win over Bendigo at the Bendigo Stadium as Gerard Leonard and Shane McDonald (187-G-85, college: Nova SE) combined for 45 points for the winners. Brisbane cruised past Ballarat 80:76 as Tyson Demos and Drew Williamson (194-G-83, college: Metro St.) posted 17 points each. Drake Reed delivered 23 points for the visiting side. Frankston lost to Hobart 76:84 while Anthony Stewart produced 23 points for the winners.


Aleks Maric wins the triple crown with Partizan Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Australian International Aleks Maric (211-C-84) had impressive season with his team Partizan Belgrade. Maric joined the team last summer from Granada and quickly became their leading player. Not only that, Maric became one of the best centers in Europe this season. He finished the Euroleague (all season) as MVP with 21.11 valuation per game. Partizan has managed to defend the titles in Serbian and Adriatic league. They also defended the trophy in Serbian National Cup. In Euroleague, Aleks Maric led his team to Final Four, where they lost in Semifinals against Olympiakos (overtime).
Aleks Maric appeared 18 times in Euroleague averaging 14.6ppg, Reb-2 (8.4rpg), 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 64.8%. He got injured in January and missed more than a month. Thus, his numbers would be even better in case that he was 100% healthy for the second half of the season. In Adriatic League, Maric played 22 games adding 11.5ppg, Reb-3 (7.5rpg), 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 64.5%, FT: 58.0%. He also dominated in Serbian Championship. Maric appeared 17 times in the league collecting 12.1 points and 6 rebounds. According to rumors, Olympiakos showed serious attention to bring in the player for the next season, but it is not sure will Partizan allow that or not as Maric still has a valid contract with the Serbian powerhouse.

Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 14-1 
 2. Diamond V.E. 10-3 
 3. Waverley F. 8-3 
 4. Melbourne 6-9 
 5. Bulleen B. 4-7 
 6. Sherbrooke S. 4-9 
 7. Hume City 4-10 
 8. Eltham W. 2-10 
Central ABL
 1. Norwood F. 9-2 
 2. Sturt S. 9-2 
 3. W.Adelaide B. 9-2 
 4. N.Adelaide R. 8-3 
 5. Forestville E. 6-5 
 6. Eastern M. 4-7 
 7. Woodville W. 4-7 
 8. S.Adelaide P. 3-8 
 9. South.Tigers 2-9 
 10. C.District L. 1-10 
QBL
 1. Rockhampton 10-0 
 2. Mackay M. 8-1 
 3. Northside W. 7-1 
 4. SW Metro P. 6-4 
 5. Gold Coast G. 5-2 
 6. Townsville H. 5-4 
 7. Gladstone P. 4-4 
 8. Cairns M. 4-5 
 9. Bundaberg B. 3-5 
 10. Ipswich F. 3-5 
 11. Maroochydore 3-5 
 12. Caboolture S. 2-8 
 13. Brisbane C. 1-9 
 14. Toowoomba 0-8 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 14-5 
 2. Kilsyth C. 13-7 
 3. Brisbane S. 10-8 
 4. Ballarat M. 10-9 
 5. Knox R. 9-8 
 6. Dandenong 9-10 
 7. AIS 4-8 
 8. Canberra G. 3-15 
SEABL-South
 1. Sandringham S. 13-4 
 2. Nunawading S. 13-7 
 3. Geelong S. 11-9 
 4. Hobart C. 11-9 
 5. NW Tasmania 10-8 
 6. Mt Gambier 7-12 
 7. Frankston B. 6-13 
 8. Albury W.B. 4-15 
WARATAH
 1. Parramatta W. 10-2 
 2. Manly Warr. 9-3 
 3. Sydney C. 9-3 
 4. Newcastle H. 7-4 
 5. Norths Bears 7-5 
 6. Bankstown B. 6-7 
 7. Maitland M. 5-4 
 8. Hills H. 4-7 
 9. Hornsby S. 4-8 
 10. Canberra N. 1-10 
 11. Sutherland S. 1-10 


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


BK Ventspils hires Algirdas Brazys as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
BK Ventspils hired Algirdas Brazys as their new Head Coach. The 48-year old specialist signed a two-year deal with the club.
Most recently Algirdas Brazys was working in Russia with Enisey Krasnoyarsk. That was on season 2008/09. Before Enisey, Brazys spent one year in Estonia with Tartu Ulikool/Rock. He led the team to Estonian championship title, despite they finished regular season as No.2. From 2004 to 2006 Brazys was the Head Coach of Spartak St Petersburg. Actually, he started the first year as an Assistant, but after just few months was promoted to HC position. In the past, Algirdas Brazys spent three years with Zalgiris Kaunas. He also was their AC from 1996 to 2000.
BK Ventspils finished the regular season in Latvia as No.5 with 6-4 record. They met Zemgale in the Quarterfinals eliminating them with 2-0. However, VEF Riga stopped them in the Semis with 3-2. In Baltic League, Ventspils also was eliminated in the Semifinals. Zalgiris was the team who beat them 86-74.

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  BOSNIA   


Dalibor Persic leaves Sloboda and joins Siroki! - by Nedzad Kladusak
Senad Muminovic has lost another key player. According to sportsport.ba one of his best players Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) despite the compliments of his coach and joined the bosnian champion KK Siroki. Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) is one of the best defenders of the league and it wouldn t been a surprise if he would have been invited for the NT campaign.
Miralem Halilovic seems to be very close to Zagreb who wants to buy him for estimated 120 000.
He left a pretty good impression in Treviso where he played alongside with Nihad Djedovic.

Shortlist candidates of BIH NT - by Nedzad Kladusak
PG:
Sasa Vasiljevic (183-G-79, agency: Beo Basket)
Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85)
Ernest Bremer (196-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure)
Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84, agency: Beo Basket)
PG/SG:
Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88)
Damir Mrsic (188-G-70)
Dino Hodzic (190-G-90)
SG:
Nihad Djedovic
Goran Ikonic (196-G-80)
Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois)
SF:
Milan Milosevic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket)
Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket)
Miralem Halilovic (206-F-91)
Feliks Kojadinovic (197-G-79, agency: BeoExcell)
Adin Vrabac (94)
PF:
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket)
Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket)
Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket)
Bozo Durasovic (200-F-87)
C
Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80, agency: Lanshire Group)
Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket)
Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79)
Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84)
Esmir Rizvic (213-C-82, college: Texas Tech)

Source:kosarka.hr

Surprisingly Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83), Adnan Hodzic (206-C-88), Armin Mazic (198-G-93), Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79, college: Illinois), Vedran Princ (192-G-82) and Ivan Opacak (202-F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) have not been listed.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Jan Vesely ends impressive season - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic International, Jan Vesely (211-F-90), has finished an impressive season with his team Partizan Belgrade. The 20-year old prospect joined the team during the summer 2008. In two years with the club he won six trophies. They celebrated Adriatic league and Serbian league title, as well as the Serbian National Cup in 2009. This year they managed to do the same. Beside that, Partizan reached the Euroleague Final Four, where they lost in Semifinals against Olympiakos (overtime). Jan Vesely was one of their most important players this season. He appeared 22 times in Euroleague averaging 8.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 62.5%. In Adriatic league, Vesely had 28 games adding 8.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.5%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 64.5%. In Serbian championship, which ended last night, the Czech prospect had 9.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.4 assists for 18 games.
Jan Vesely applied for the NBA Draft this season, but later decided to withdraw. Some rumors said that Vesely already signed in CSKA, but the player himself said that he will stay with the Serbian powerhouse for at least one more season. Before Partizan, Vesely was a member of Union Olimpija. He also played for Slovenian Geoplin Slovan. In Czech Republic used to play for BK Snakes Ostrava.

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  DENMARK   


CDL market news - by Thomas Soltau

Aabyhoej got their top man back, as they recently signed back big-man Edward Morris (203-F-84, college: Pittsburg St.), their top scorer and top rebounder from the 09-10 season. Morris will be joined by youngster Darko Jukic (199-G-90), a talent, who spend last year on a youth contract with top BBL team ULM.

Svendborg lost their top man Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) to a bigger contract in Asia, but have managed to sign Danish combo guard Adama Darboe (190-G-86, agency: Rasmussen Services) to a three year deal, after he returned home to the Danish CDL last year, leading Horsholm to a third place finish in the past year.

The big news continues as Naestved superstar Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) is rumored to be leaving the team, in order to rejoin an old team in Copenhagen, but still nothing has been made official.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Olympiakos parts ways with Yannakis, wants Dusko Vujosevic and center Aleks Maric - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos officially parted ways with their Head Coach Panagiotis Yannakis . The Greek specialist arrived to Olympiacos in February of 2008. For two and a half years the Reds won Greek National Cup and reached back-to-back Euroleague Final Four. This season they made it to the Big Final, but Regal Barca was too strong for them. It seems that was not enough for the Olympiakos owners, who are hungry for trophies, but still they didn't make it in Euroleague nor in Greece, where Panathinaikos Athens once again proved its domination.
According to Greek and Serbian media, Olympiakos is working strong to secure a deal with Head Coach of Partizan Belgrade - Dusko Vujosevic . The Serbian powerhouse and Vujosevic have won the ninth consecutive title in Serbia. Beside that, Partizan has also won the trophy in Adriatic league, Serbian Cup and reached Eurolegue Final Four in Paris, where Olympiakos beat them in overtime. It was not a secret that Partizan had one of the smallest budgets in Euroleague this season, but they managed to reach the last stage. Vujosevic took over Partizan in 2001 and won plenty of trophies with them. Dusko Vujosevic is also a Head Coach of the Montenegrin National Team.
Meanwhile, Olympiakos also want to sign Aleks Maric (211-C-84). The Australian big guy was the best player of Partizan this season. He also was the Euroleague MVP (all season) with 21.11 valuation per game. Maric was one of the main reasons why Partizan have won three trophies this year and reached the Final Four in Paris.
Some media reported that Olympiakos already signed both Dusko Vujosevic and Aleks Maric, but the other state they are still negotiating or not even started. Olympiakos already decided not to keep Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) for the next season and they still didn't make decision about Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85).

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  FRANCE   


Coach Erman Kunter stays with Cholet - by Eurobasket News
The new French champion announced signing of two-year contract extension with their Head Coach Erman Kunter . The 53-year old Turkish specialist turned down a proposal from Efes Pilsen earlier this week.
Erman Kunter took over Cholet in October 2006. He arrived from ASVEL, who was the regular season champion a year before. In 2008 with Cholet Kunter reached French Cup Finals and won La Semaine des As Cup. Last year Cholet was the EuroChallenge finalist. The team was constantly improving and they crowned hard work with ProA title this season. Cholet also was the regular season champion with 23-7 record. In the Playoff Quarterfinals they eliminated Poitiers with perfect 2-0. The team had many troubles in the Semis, but they made it. The Erman Kunter s team outsmarted Gravelines 2-1 and joined Le Mans in the Big Final. In one single game Cholet was better 81-65 and won the ProA title for season 2009/10.
Erman Kunter already worked with Cholet in the past. He was their Head Coach on season 2003/04. Kunter has experience from Galatasaray and Darussafaka.

France edge Slovenia in Paris - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Slovenia U20 64:55

France earned the first win at the international U20 tournament in Paris. The hosts held off Slovenian counterparts. Mickael Var (205-F/C-90) knocked down 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 3 steals to lead the charge. France will face Greece, while Slovenia will play against Germany later tonight.
France got to the better start to the game. They eked out a 17:13 lead at a low-scoring first quarter. The tempo increased in the second frame. Les Bleus fired 24 points to accumulate a 13-point lead at the interval. The hosts stayed in charge in the third frame. They limited Slovenia to just 15 points and arrived at the final quarter up by 16 points. Slovenia managed to outscore their opponents 12:7 in the final ten minutes but it was not enough to threaten the margin.
Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) and Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) nailed 11 points apiece for France. Alexis Tanghe (208-F/C-90, agency: Beo Basket) and Christophe Leonard (199-F-90) had 7 points each for the winners. Jakob Cebasek (198-G/F-91) replied with 12 points for Slovenia. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) and Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) had 9 points each in the loss.

France U20: Mickael Var 12, Paul Lacombe 11, Ferdinand Prenom 11
Slovenia U20: Jakob Cebasek 12, Luka Dimec 9, Marko Vranjkovic 9


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  GERMANY   


Bremerhaven gives contract extension to Voelkel - Attarbashi joins staff as assistant - by Moritz Korff
Assistant Coach Stephan Voelkel was granted a two-year contract extension by 1. Bundesliga side Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. The 39-year-old has been an assistant to Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops) - who has two years left of his deal with the Eisbaeren organization - over the past four years. Both made the move from Paderborn to Bremerhaven last summer and will now enter their second season with the Polar Bears, coming off a 2009-10 campaign in which they guided the team to a BBL Playoff semifinal appearance.
The club also announced that Hamed Attarbashi has been named an assistant coach for the 2010-2011 season. Attarbashi was standing at the helm of the Eisbaeren youth-program thus far. Besides taking over duties as AC, he will also continue to coach the Bremerhaven team in the German U19-Bundesliga NBBL.

Thomas Fairley stays in Lich - by Moritz Korff
2. Bundesliga Pro B club Licher BasketBaeren and center Thomas Fairley (206-F/C-82, college: Lamar) have agreed on a contract extension. Thus, the 27-year-old will go into his second season with the Bears. Fairley joined the Lich team midway through this past campaign. He appeared in 17 encounters until the end of the 2009-10 season, scored 10.9 points per contest, pulled down 8 rebounds a game. He also led the Bears in blocked shots per contest (1.7bpg). The Long Beach, Miss., native has formerly had stints in Switzerland as well as Korea and played for Chemnitz and Jena in Germany at an earlier stage in his pro career.

Bayern Muenchen: A giant on the rise - Greene, Nadjfeji, Wyrick, Doreth reported to join the roster - by Moritz Korff
German soccer-superpower Bayern Muenchen is getting serious about panning out as a giant on the hardwood as well. Following the signing of German National Team coach Dirk Bauermann, the Bavarians have put feelers out for some big names - at least for 2. Bundesliga Pro A standards - to join their 2010-2011 roster. As daily paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reports today, German National Team player Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side), Serbian veteran forward Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76), Beckham Wyrick (198-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington), who just won the German championship with Bamberg only some days ago, and German guard prospect Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) are about to join Muenchen. However, the signings have not yet been officially confirmed. In other news rp-online told on Thursday, that former German international Robert Maras (216-C-78, agency: Court Side) will be the only player from the 2009-10 roster to stay with Bayern. The message is clear: Bigger is better - German basketball has to watch out for a new serious contender. And even though not a single shot has been made in the 2010-2011 season yet, the 2. Bundesliga Pro A championship appears to be decided.

Greece U20 bruise Germany in Paris - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Germany U20 81:56
Greek U20 selection got to the winning start of the international tournament in Paris. They shot down German counterparts. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) scored 19 points to lead the effort. Greece will next face France. Germany will take on Slovenia.
Greece began the game aggressively. They marched past German defense to account for 27 points in ten minutes. The effort was worth a 4-point lead at the first break. Greece adjusted their defense in second term and limited German player to only 10 points. The Hellenes earned an 11-point lead at the main break. Germany could not pick up the tempo after the pause. Greece maintained the tight grasp on the advantage. They outscored Germany in the third frame and built a comfortable 13-point cushion with one quarter remaining. Greece finished the game in style winning the fourth quarter 22:11 and sealing a confident win at the end.
Leonidas Kaselakis (201-C-90) produced 12 points for the Hellenes. Vlantimir Giankovits (202-F-90) had 11 points in the winning effort. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) answered with 11 points for Germany. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90, agency: Pro One Sports) delivered 10 points in the loss.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 19, Leonidas Kaselakis 12, Vlantimir Giankovits 11
Germany U20: Simon Schmitz 11, Maurice Stuckey 10


German U17 team open ING-DiBa Junior Cup with victory - by Eurobasket News
German U17 team continued their preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Hamburg. The future hosts of the tournament tipped off their ING-DiBa Junior Cup campaign. They faced Sweden U18 and celebrated a confident 75:61 victory. Besnik Bekteshi (187-G-93) scored 11 points to pace the effort. Germany will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina today. Sweden will play against Serbia in second game of the day.
The first half saw an intense close battle. Germany managed to take a narrow 15:14 lead at the first break. The hosts stayed in charge in the second quarter. They arrived at halftime ahead by three points 31:28. But the third frame was a different story. Germany finally managed to escape. They increased the tempo and ran away for good. Germany outscored the visitors 26:9 and established a comfortable 20-point buffer before the fourth term. Sweden were able to change the complexion of the game as they narrowed the deficit but could not erase it. Germany rolled to the first win at the tournament at the end. Paul Albrecht (205-F-93) produced 10 points for the winners. Josip Peric (187-G-93) and Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) netted 9 points apiece for Germany.


Usamedin Mehmed appointed Giessen 46ers Assistant Coach - by Moritz Korff
Usamedin Mehmed has been hired as an assistant coach for the Giessen 46ers, the 1. Bundesliga club announced. The 49-year-old Skopje, Macedonia native will serve as an assistant to head coach Vladimir Bogojevic. The pair are certainly no strangers to each other, as both won the German youth-championship with Giessen in 1995, Mehmed as a coach and Bogojevic as his playmaker on the floor.
During his coaching career Mehmed also worked for Koblenz and Oberelchingen in the 2. Bundesliga, advanced to the DBBL semifinals with the USC Freiburg women's team in 2007 and coached the DJK/SB Ulm women's team from 2007 to 2010.

Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Casey Jacobsen
Jacobsen
Julius Jenkins
Jenkins
Immanuel McElroy
McElroy
Derrick Allen
Allen
Chris Ensminger
Ensminger
#e#5

Player of the Year: Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81) of Brose Baskets
Guard of the Year: Julius Jenkins (187-G-81) of ALBA
Forward of the Year: Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81) of Brose Baskets * plays at both shooting guard and small forward positions
Center of the Year: Chris Ensminger (209-C-73) of Telekom B.
Newcomer of the Year: Robin Benzing (208-F-89) of ratiopharm
Most Improved Player of the Year: Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) of Brose Baskets
Bosman Player of the Year: Predrag Suput (200-F-77) of Brose Baskets
Import Player of the Year: Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81) of Brose Baskets
Domestic Player of the Year: Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) of Brose Baskets
Defensive Player of the Year: Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80) of ALBA
Coach of the Year: John Patrick of Goettingen

1st Team
G: Julius Jenkins (187-81) of ALBA
G: Immanuel McElroy (193-80) of ALBA
G/F: Casey Jacobsen (198-81) of Brose Baskets
F: Derrick Allen (203-80) of Dt.Bank SKY
C: Chris Ensminger (209-73) of Telekom B.

2nd Team
G: Louis Campbell (190-79) of Bremerhaven
G: Taylor Rochestie (185-85) of Goettingen
F: Predrag Suput (200-77) of Brose Baskets
F: Jeff Gibbs (188-80) of Bremerhaven
F/C: Tibor Pleiss (214-89) of Brose Baskets

Honorable Mention
Chris Oliver (198-F-85) of Goettingen
Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83) of EWE Baskets
Dwayne Anderson (198-G/F-86) of Goettingen
Jared Jordan (188-G-84) of Telekom B.
Marcus Goree (201-F-77) of NY Phantoms
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84) of NY Phantoms
Darren Fenn (208-C-80) of Art.Dragons
Romeo Travis (201-F-84) of Walter Tigers
Elvir Ovcina (211-F/C-76) of LTi 46ers
Christopher Copeland (203-F-84) of TBB Trier
Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81) of Bremerhaven
Roderick Trice (191-F-84) of ratiopharm
David Teague (196-G-83) of LTi 46ers

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Pascal Roller (180-76) of Dt.Bank SKY
G: Heiko Schaffartzik (182-84) of NY Phantoms
F: Robin Benzing (208-89) of ratiopharm
F: Yassin Idbihi (208-83) of NY Phantoms
F/C: Tibor Pleiss (214-89) of Brose Baskets

All-Imports Team
G: Julius Jenkins (187-81) of ALBA
G: Immanuel McElroy (193-80) of ALBA
G/F: Casey Jacobsen (198-81) of Brose Baskets
F: Derrick Allen (203-80) of Dt.Bank SKY
C: Chris Ensminger (209-73) of Telekom B.

All-Bosmans Team
G: Anton Gavel (189-84) of Brose Baskets
G: Branislav Ratkovica (193-85) of Walter Tigers
F: Predrag Suput (200-77) of Brose Baskets
F: Marko Scekic (207-81) of EWE Baskets
F/C: Elvir Ovcina (211-76) of LTi 46ers

All-Defensive Team
Quantez Robertson (190-G-84) of Dt.Bank SKY
John Little (180-G-84) of Goettingen
Roderick Trice (191-F-84) of ratiopharm
John Turek (205-F/C-83) of Phoenix Hagen


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


Lavrio adds Kakiouzi and Pashali - by Chris Mammides
The newcomer in the A2 league, team of Coach Christos Serellis (he renewed also his contract with the champions of the Second division) added two experienced players in its roster which will help the newcomers to 'survive' in the division.
The first transfer took place last week and right after the 'no go' from the Cyprus International Vassilis Kounas (195-G-84) (agreed financial terms with Keravnos Strovolou) the immidiate addition of Giannis Kakiouzis (205-F-78) was a big success for Lavrio, the experienced forward will give points, rebounds and of course experience in the team. The team of Lavrio, didn't stay like that as only 4 days after agreed terms with the powerfull center, Konstantinos Paschalis (208-C-75). Konstantinos Paschalis had one of his worst seazons last year and he wants to prove that he is not 'finished' yet, it is expected to give a lot of power in the paint, for Lavrio, good Defence and a lot of rebounds.
The team of Coach Christos Serellis now, is looking for another one or two additions and is ready for the A2 league.

Eurobasket.com, wishes all the best to the young coach and his team in the hard and competitive league of A2.


Greece U20 bruise Germany in Paris - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Germany U20 81:56
Greek U20 selection got to the winning start of the international tournament in Paris. They shot down German counterparts. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) scored 19 points to lead the effort. Greece will next face France. Germany will take on Slovenia.
Greece began the game aggressively. They marched past German defense to account for 27 points in ten minutes. The effort was worth a 4-point lead at the first break. Greece adjusted their defense in second term and limited German player to only 10 points. The Hellenes earned an 11-point lead at the main break. Germany could not pick up the tempo after the pause. Greece maintained the tight grasp on the advantage. They outscored Germany in the third frame and built a comfortable 13-point cushion with one quarter remaining. Greece finished the game in style winning the fourth quarter 22:11 and sealing a confident win at the end.
Leonidas Kaselakis (201-C-90) produced 12 points for the Hellenes. Vlantimir Giankovits (202-F-90) had 11 points in the winning effort. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) answered with 11 points for Germany. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90, agency: Pro One Sports) delivered 10 points in the loss.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 19, Leonidas Kaselakis 12, Vlantimir Giankovits 11
Germany U20: Simon Schmitz 11, Maurice Stuckey 10


Olympiakos parts ways with Yannakis, wants Dusko Vujosevic and center Aleks Maric - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos officially parted ways with their Head Coach Panagiotis Yannakis . The Greek specialist arrived to Olympiacos in February of 2008. For two and a half years the Reds won Greek National Cup and reached back-to-back Euroleague Final Four. This season they made it to the Big Final, but Regal Barca was too strong for them. It seems that was not enough for the Olympiakos owners, who are hungry for trophies, but still they didn't make it in Euroleague nor in Greece, where Panathinaikos Athens once again proved its domination.
According to Greek and Serbian media, Olympiakos is working strong to secure a deal with Head Coach of Partizan Belgrade - Dusko Vujosevic . The Serbian powerhouse and Vujosevic have won the ninth consecutive title in Serbia. Beside that, Partizan has also won the trophy in Adriatic league, Serbian Cup and reached Eurolegue Final Four in Paris, where Olympiakos beat them in overtime. It was not a secret that Partizan had one of the smallest budgets in Euroleague this season, but they managed to reach the last stage. Vujosevic took over Partizan in 2001 and won plenty of trophies with them. Dusko Vujosevic is also a Head Coach of the Montenegrin National Team.
Meanwhile, Olympiakos also want to sign Aleks Maric (211-C-84). The Australian big guy was the best player of Partizan this season. He also was the Euroleague MVP (all season) with 21.11 valuation per game. Maric was one of the main reasons why Partizan have won three trophies this year and reached the Final Four in Paris.
Some media reported that Olympiakos already signed both Dusko Vujosevic and Aleks Maric, but the other state they are still negotiating or not even started. Olympiakos already decided not to keep Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) for the next season and they still didn't make decision about Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85).

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Montepaschi wins 4th title in a row! - by Eurobasket News
It was another season that belonged to the team from Siena. Local Montepaschi juts needed four games to sweep the Finals and grabbed the title. Italian favorites won the fourth consecutive title and repeated the record of Assi Milano (1924-1927), Borletti Milano (1936-1939), Virtus Bologna (1946-1949) and Simmenthal Milano (1957-1960).
Montepaschi did not mind taking the title away from home as they desired to finish the Play-offs earlier. Italian League is one of the last to finish and Siena team looked forward to finish it as soon as possible. They opened the game with 26-19 lead and had 3-point advantage at the halftime. Both teams left the court for the big break as Siena team had 47:44 deficit. The third quarter became decisive in the court as Montepaschi benefit from it. They increased to 71:57 entering the last period and kept the difference for good. They won the last period 22-12 and won the game as well. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) shined in the last stanza bringing the team 9 points.
Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) erupted with 28 points to lead all the winners. Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) followed him with 16 and Ksistof Lavrinovic posted 15. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) responded with 13 points in the losing effort. Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) and Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) delivered 12 each, while Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: George Washington) scored 10.
The season became another triumph for the Montepaschi. They finished the Regular Season with 26-2 record and did not lose any of the games in the Play-offs.


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 Gary NEAL
  Unicaja
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Neal, Benetton TV19.4 
 2. Grundy, Carife FE17.9 
 3. Aradori, Angelico.16.7 
 4. Ford, Carife FE16.6 
 5. Hicks, Scavolini PS15.4 
 6. Jackson, Carife FE15.1 
 7. Ere, Pepsi Caserta15.1 
 8. Bell, Vanoli CR14.8 
 9. Brown, Air AV14.8 
 10. Sato, Montepaschi14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Ford, Carife FE9.8 
 2. Brunner, Sigma C.8.4 
 3. Jones, Pepsi C.8.4 
 4. Troutman, Air AV7.9 
 5. Williams, Scavolin.7.9 
 6. Pasco, Angelico BI7.5 
 7. Wallace, Benetton.7.2 
 8. Rocca, Armani MI6.9 
 9. Szewczyk, Air AV6.6 
 10. Ivanov, Sigma C.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Dee BROWN
  Air AV
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Brown, Air AV5.2 
 2. Green, Scavolini PS5.0 
 3. Poeta, Banca Tercas4.4 
 4. Childress, Cimberio.4.3 
 5. Smith, Angelico BI4.1 
 6. McIntyre, Montepas.3.8 
 7. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.6 
 8. Bowers, Pepsi C.2.9 
 9. Finley, Armani MI2.9 
 10. Kus, Benetton TV2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Scavolini PS
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Green, Scavolini PS3.3 
 2. Jaaber, Lottomat.3.1 
 3. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.9 
 4. Troutman, Air AV2.6 
 5. Hawkins, Montepas.2.5 
 6. Minard, Lottomat.2.4 
 7. Farabello, Carife F.2.3 
 8. Grundy, Carife FE2.3 
 9. Ere, Pepsi Caserta2.3 
 10. Aradori, Angelico.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Ford, Carife FE3.1 
 2. Eze, Montepaschi1.4 
 3. Szewczyk, Air AV1.1 
 4. Crosariol, Lottomat.1.1 
 5. Pasco, Angelico BI1.0 
 6. Maggioli, CS Bo.0.8 
 7. Sanikidze, CS Bo.0.8 
 8. Ortner, NGC Cantu0.8 
 9. Cusin, Vanoli CR0.7 
 10. Gigli, Lottomatica0.7 


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


BK Ventspils hires Algirdas Brazys as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
BK Ventspils hired Algirdas Brazys as their new Head Coach. The 48-year old specialist signed a two-year deal with the club.
Most recently Algirdas Brazys was working in Russia with Enisey Krasnoyarsk. That was on season 2008/09. Before Enisey, Brazys spent one year in Estonia with Tartu Ulikool/Rock. He led the team to Estonian championship title, despite they finished regular season as No.2. From 2004 to 2006 Brazys was the Head Coach of Spartak St Petersburg. Actually, he started the first year as an Assistant, but after just few months was promoted to HC position. In the past, Algirdas Brazys spent three years with Zalgiris Kaunas. He also was their AC from 1996 to 2000.
BK Ventspils finished the regular season in Latvia as No.5 with 6-4 record. They met Zemgale in the Quarterfinals eliminating them with 2-0. However, VEF Riga stopped them in the Semis with 3-2. In Baltic League, Ventspils also was eliminated in the Semifinals. Zalgiris was the team who beat them 86-74.

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


Suns to extend contract extensions to 3 assistants - by Eurobasket News
In what has been a weird week for the Phoenix Suns when it comes to contracts and people going, the news keeps coming.

Sports 620 KTAR's Paul Calvisi cites sources who say Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns have authorized short-term contract extension's to three assistants (including Dan Majerle and Bill Cartwright ) with expiring contracts this off-season.

The team's assistants are currently Dan Majerle, Bill Cartwright , John Shumate and Igor Kokoskov (agency: Beo Basket ).

The extensions are expected to include slight increases in pay over last year's salary.

Courtesy of www.ktar.com

New coach Larry Drew makes pitch for Joe Johnson to stay with Hawks - by Eurobasket News
Now that he's finally got his chance to be an NBA head coach, Larry Drew knows that his new job will be a lot easier if he still has Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) on the team.

Drew wasted no time making his pitch to the free-agent-to-be.

'I think my hiring should be a plus,' Drew said Monday, when he was formally introduced as the new coach of the Atlanta Hawks. 'I'm a guy who's already been in here, who already knows the players, who already has a feel for the team. The things I'm talking about putting in are going to enhance Joe's game even more.'

Johnson has made it clear that he intends to test free agency this summer, and he was the only prominent Atlanta player who didn't show for Drew's first news conference, held on the practice court at Philips Arena.

NOTEBOOK: A Las Vegas judge on Monday ordered former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker to face trial on felony bad check charges that allege he failed to repay almost $1 million in gambling debts and penalties to three Las Vegas casinos.

Courtesy of www.freep.com

NBA Game 7 scores league's best overnight since 1998 - by Eurobasket News
The highly competitive Game 7 of the NBA Finals dunked an 18.2 overnight rating Thursday night, the best performance for an NBA game since 1998 when Michael Jordan was leading the Chicago Bulls over the Utah Jazz.

The June 17 telecast of Game 7, in which the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Boston Celtics 83-79 to retain their crown and Kobe Bryant was named series MVP, was the highest-rated NBA Finals game ever on ABC, eclipsing the 15.5 overnight mark for Game 5 of the 2004 Finals between the Lakers and Detroit Pistons. (ABC overnight records date back to 2003.)

Last night's exciting, if not artful, contest scored 32% higher than the sport's last Game 7 match-up, a 13.8 overnight when the San Antonio Spurs overcame the Pistons in 2005. The June 17 telecast peaked with a 23.7 rating from 11:45 p.m. to midnight (ET), according to Nielsen data.

The Finals propelled ABC to win the night in primetime for all seven nights of the series. The first six meetings between the NBA's two most decorated franchises -- with the win, the Lakers now have 16 titles, compared with 17 for the Celtics -- averaged a 9.7 national rating and 16.4 million watchers, the best since the six-game Pistons/Lakers Finals in 2004.
Fast nationals data is expected later this afternoon.

Locally, LA also took home the (purple and) gold: the DMA netted a 39.7 metered market rating, the highest ever for an NBA game there. Boston's 33.9 rating was ABC's second highest-rated game locally, trailing only the Celtics' championship-clinching victory over the Lakers in Game 6 of their 2008 encounter.

Courtesy of www.multichannel.com

Allen Iverson planning comeback - by Eurobasket News
Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) is working out and planning on a comeback in the NBA next season.

According to Gary Moore, Iverson's personal manager, Iverson will definitely play in the NBA next season. Last December, Iverson returned to the Philadelphia 76ers and then in March had to take a leave of absence because of an undisclosed illness of his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah.

Iverson has not talked publicly since taking the leave of absence and in the same week, his wife filed for divorce.

Iverson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft and spent his first 10 seasons with the 76ers in Philadelphia. In 2001, he won the MVP while leading the Sixers to the finals.

Iverson, 35, averaged 26.7 points in a 14-year career with the 76ers, Nuggets, Pistons and Grizzlies, and was a four-time scoring champion. He has not won an NBA championship.

After horrendous stints with the Pistons and Grizzlies, Iverson made a tearful return to a sold-out crowd sporadically filled with No. 3 jerseys, eager to prove that there was more in the tank. However, he only showed glimpses of his previous playmaking self when he ruled the courts as one of the best guards in the NBA.

Sixers president Ed Stefanski said the team 'not aware of what his plans are for the future.'

Courtesy of www.playerpress.com

Bob Williams named president of Atlanta Hawks - by Eurobasket News
Bob Williams, who has run Philips Arena since its opening in 1999, has been named president of the Atlanta Hawks, putting him in charge of the teams business operations.

The Hawks play their home games at the arena. The Atlanta Spirit, which owns the Hawks and the NHLs Atlanta Thrashers and operates the arena, said Friday that Williams will be president of the Hawks and the arena and an executive vice president of the parent company.

Williams joined the Hawks in ticket sales in 1975 and later worked for the Omni Coliseum, where the Hawks played before Philips Arena was built. He was a member of the committee that oversaw Philips Arenas design and construction.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Bosh considering Knicks, with or without James - by Eurobasket News
Free-agent-to-be Chris Bosh said the Knicks are one of the teams he's considering, with or without LeBron James.

And Bosh said he won't wait to see what James will do before making his own decision.

'Anytime you have the opportunity to play with certain guys, you have to take that into consideration. When it all goes down, he's gonna be one of the all-time greats,' the Raptors forward Thursday told SNY of playing with the current Cavaliers superstar.

'At the same time, I can't just sit around and wait. I have to be proactive with my choices and what's gonna make me happy. I have to make sure I take my time and make the right decision.'

Bosh said the Knicks -- who have salary-cap room to sign two top-level players -- are 'definitely a team I'm considering.'

'There are a lot of teams out there I'm considering including my home team, the Raptors,' Bosh told SNY. 'It's gonna be crazy and confusing and I'm looking forward to it.'

Bosh also was asked about the Nets.

I think each team has its own advantages over the other, Bosh said. New Jersey has a young core, so does New York. The coaching styles are a bit different. A lot of people are excited about the new (Nets) owner. Its interesting. Everybody is pretty much excited about the makeup of the team and the direction the Nets are headed.

It might work out, it might not. You always have to consider a lot.

Bosh, part of a free agent class that could include James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson, told ESPN 710 Radio in Los Angeles he hasn't talked about the future with those players, going out of his way to avoid the topic.

'To be honest, everybody is laying low. Nobody is expressing or talking in depth,' Bosh said, according to a transcript from SportsRadioInterviews.com. 'It seems like its a poker game, and nobody is folding and you cant see their cards.

'So far there hasnt been a whole lot of talk about it. Ive seen some guys but they dont say much. I kinda respect it because I get that question all the time and I dont like thinking about every day. The last thing I want to do is bug (them). There will be a time and place for it.

The group can begin to test the market July 1. Bosh told SNY the stars were unlikely to get together before then, if at all.

'I don't think that's gonna happen,' Bosh said.

It's thought teams able to sign two top-level free agents would like to pair James or Wade with Bosh.

Bosh, like almost all the other free agents, said winning is his priority over money.

'Winning is very important to me,' he told ESPN Radio. 'Just being in the situation, you cant get it all. Sometimes you can. Maybe you can, but you never know.'

Asked by ESPN Radio if he would agree to a sign-and-trade deal, or stay with the Raptors, Bosh replied, 'Im still processing everything out. Im pretty much testing free agency like LeBron says and everybody says. Just testing free agency.

'You look at every situation closely and see what situation best fits you. Toronto will have certain advantages over other teams, and other teams will have certain advantages over Toronto. Its just what works better for me.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Blazers fire Penn, right-hand man of GM Pritchard - by Eurobasket News
In a surprise move, the Trail Blazers abruptly fired Thomas Penn, the Vice President of Basketball Operations. Penn was the right-hand man to General Manager Kevin Pritchard .

Blazers President Larry Miller said in a statement that Penn was dismissed because of philosophical differences.

We felt it was in the organization's best interest to move in a different direction at this time, Miller said. This was not an easy decision, as Tom has played an integral role for us the past three seasons. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best in the future.

Penn was the team's salary cap expert who is best known for masterminding the deal that landed Rudy Fernandez.

Courtesy of www.katu.com

Bulls to introduce Thibodeau as coach on Wednesday - by Eurobasket News
The Tom Thibodeau era officially will begin Wednesday when the Chicago Bulls introduce the Boston Celtics assistant as the 18th coach in team history.

The Bulls have scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. CT Wednesday, making official what has been known for weeks. Thibodeau agreed to a three-year deal earlier this month, but the Bulls and the NBA agreed to wait until after the NBA Finals were over to make the hiring official.

Thibodeau's Celtics lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

Prior to his stint in Boston, Thibodeau served as an assistant in Minnesota, San Antonio, Philadelphia, New York and Houston.

Thibodeau will replace Vinny Del Negro, who had an 82-82 record in two seasons with the Bulls. Del Negro was fired last month after leading Chicago to 41 wins and the playoffs in both of his seasons.

Thibodeau's deal is worth approximately $6.5 million, with two years guaranteed plus a team option, according to multiple media reports.

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Payne hired as assistant to Calipari at Kentucky - by Eurobasket News
Former Louisville basketball standout Kenny Payne has been hired as one of John Calipari's assistant coaches at rival Kentucky.

Calipari announced the hiring Friday in a news release.

Payne replaces former assistant Rod Strickland, who was voluntarily reassigned to another position in the program following his arrest on a drunken driving charge.

Payne had coached since 2004 as an assistant at the University of Oregon.

He played in 10 professional basketball leagues worldwide - including four years with the Philadelphia 76ers, who took him in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft.

At Louisville, he played on the Cardinals' 1986 national championship team. He scored 1,083 points and shot 40% from 3-point range during his 4-year career.

Courtesy of www.wave3.com

Arkansas not interested in leaving SEC - by Eurobasket News
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long says the school has no interest in joining another conference amid speculation the Razorbacks could be a candidate to move to the Big 12.

Long said Wednesday that Arkansas is happy in the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 recently lost Nebraska to the Big Ten and Colorado to the Pac-10, leaving it with 10 members.

Arkansas left the Southwest Conference and joined the SEC in 1991. Some of its old rivals from the Southwest Conferencesuch as Texas and Texas A&Mnow play in the Big 12.

Courtesy of Yahoo

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


Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Wellington 14-4 
 2. Waikato 13-5 
 3. Nelson 12-6 
 4. Harbour Heat 11-7 
 5. Bay Hawks 11-7 
 6. Southland Sharks 9-9 
 7. Cougars 9-9 
 8. Taranaki 6-12 
 9. Manawatu 5-13 
 10. Otago 0-18 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Darryl HUDSON
  Manawatu
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 24.5
 1. Hudson, Manawatu24.5 
 2. Devendorf, Waikato24.3 
 3. Tisby, Otago23.5 
 4. Amaya, Otago22.9 
 5. Webster, Harbour .22.7 
 6. Rose, Southland S.22.6 
 7. Helms, Southlan.22.3 
 8. Leasure, Taranaki22.2 
 9. Jones, Nelson20.9 
 10. Abercrombie, Waika.20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Pledger, Waikato12.6 
 2. Tisby, Otago10.3 
 3. Vukona, Nelson10.1 
 4. Terrell, Bay Hawks9.9 
 5. Rickert, Harbour .9.3 
 6. Boucher, Harbour .9.0 
 7. Rougeau, Southlan.8.7 
 8. Frank, Wellington7.8 
 9. Nowell, Taranaki7.8 
 10. Abercrombie, Waika.7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Tait, Wellington7.1 
 2. Boucher, Harbour .5.2 
 3. Kench, Cougars4.3 
 4. Martin, Southlan.4.1 
 5. Amaya, Otago4.1 
 6. Devendorf, Waikato4.1 
 7. Jones, Nelson3.9 
 8. Pace, Bay Hawks3.8 
 9. Hudson, Manawatu3.7 
 10. Davey, Taranaki3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Rene ROUGEAU
  Southland S.
  (198-G-86)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Rougeau, Southlan.3.8 
 2. Webster, Harbour .2.8 
 3. Devendorf, Waikato2.7 
 4. Rose, Southland S.2.6 
 5. Helms, Southlan.2.3 
 6. Boucher, Harbour .2.2 
 7. Kench, Cougars2.2 
 8. Te Huna, Manawatu1.9 
 9. Hudson, Wellington1.9 
 10. Leasure, Taranaki1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Jon ROGERS
  Bay Hawks
  (204-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Rogers, Bay Hawks2.4 
 2. Abercrombie, Waika.2.0 
 3. Pledger, Waikato1.9 
 4. Harrison, Nelson1.7 
 5. Terrell, Bay Hawks1.6 
 6. Rougeau, Southlan.1.6 
 7. Rickert, Harbour .1.1 
 8. Vukona, Nelson1.1 
 9. Johnson, Taranaki1.0 
 10. Behrendorff, Couga.1.0 


NBL Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Manawatu - Southland S. 88-96
The Southland Sharks sealed the playoff appearance with the road win over Manawatu. Rene Rougeau (198-G-86, agency: Liman Sports, college: UNLV) tallied 25 points and 18 rebounds to pace the visitors. Mike Helms (184-G-82, college: Oakland) contributed 22 points in the crucial win for the Sharks. Calum McLeod (216-C-84) answered with 21 points and 13 rebounds for Manawatu as they finished the regular season at 5-13 record.

Waikato - Wellington 74-78
Wellington clinched the regular season title after they edged Waikato on the road. Lindsay Tait (194-G-82) tallied 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the Saints to the key road win. Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Hayden Allen (187-G-79) responded with 15 points for the Pistons.

Harbour Heat - Taranaki 84-78
Harbour capitalized on the Bay Hawks' loss and earned home-advantage for quarterfinals edging Taranaki. Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) unloaded 20 points to lead the Heat. Kavossy Franklin (188-G-75, college: Augusta St.) delivered 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the winning case. Jack Leasure (191-G-86, college: Co.Carolina) responded wiht 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the Mountain Airs.

Bay Hawks - Manawatu 85-92
The Bay Hawks suffered a sudden loss to Manawatu at home court and lost the home advantage for the quarterfinal stage of the championship. Darryl Hudson (196-G-85, college: Howard) upset the home team going for impressive 39 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Matt Te Huna (190-G-83) contributed 25 points and 6 rebounds in the victory. Josh Pace (198-G-83, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Syracuse) answered with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss.

Nelson - Southland S. 83-71
Nelson clinched the third position in the ladder after they earned a home win over playoff-eager Southland. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) stepped up with 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Giants. Phill Jones (196-G-74) and Michael Harrison (206-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances) added 17 points each for the winners. Mike Helms responded with 23 points for the Sharks in the loss.


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


NBA-Draft: Alabi on Raptors radar - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria youngster, Solomon Alabi rise to stardom began some years back in nigeria Northwest city of Kaduna to the 2010 NBA-Draft where he is a big prospect of being picked in the first round by the Toronto Raptors.

He was spotted by of Nigeria that Masai Ujiri first saw Solomon Alabi, a gangly, untrained, 6-foot-9 teenaged bundle of promise and potential.

Alabi was precisely the kind of youngster the Raptors assistant general manager of player personnel wanted to reach in his goal of developing the sport he loves in the country of his birth, a kid who was hungry to learn but lacked the opportunity, possibly destined to live a life of unrealized athletic potential.

As he stood in the Raptors practice facility Tuesday afternoon, just after Alabi had taken another step on an improbable journey from those dirt courts way back in Kaduna to the NBA by going through an NBA pre-draft workout, Ujiri beamed.

Alabi, now a 7-foot-1 Florida State sophomore likely to be picked in the first round of next weeks NBA draft, represents one of the true success stories of Ujiris work to make the sport relevant and the opportunities great for African teenagers.

Discovery of Alabi is part of Ujiris grand plan to provide opportunities for Nigerian youths whod been denied them. Ujiri has run a camp for young African big men for about a decade and has been heavily involved with the NBAs Basketball Without Borders program, which is where Alabi continued his development.

It is the kind of outreach program the NBA is rightfully proud of as it searches out talent and provides instruction and infrastructure.

When I started playing, I never played on a basketball court, said Alabi, who is projected to go late in the drafts first round. I played on the ground, they dont even have concrete on the floor. I went to the camp and they had concrete on the floor . . .

Basketball Without Borders really helped me. Thats where I first got exposed to well-organized basketball and that really encouraged me to play basketball more.

Alabi is one of the crowning jewels, a teenager who took advantage of the camps and the contacts to go to the United States for high school and parlay that into a scholarship. Now hes on the precipice of an NBA career.

Were slowly getting there and with the programs like Basketball Without Borders and the big-man camp and all the programs growing in Africa . . . were very, very proud of these kids, said Ujiri.

Seen as a raw but talented young big man, Alabi was one of four prospects to work out for the Raptors on Tuesday. With another round of workouts scheduled for Thursday and one in the works for next week, the staff is slowly trying to shape some sort of priority list.

But whatever happens, Ujiri is going to keep a close eye on Alabi because of the bond that developed on another continent.

Hes a great example for the kids back home, said the Raptors executive. With a country like Nigeria and a continent like Africa, with the population, there are so many kids, we just need the facilities and you guys (the media) to promote the game a little bit and we can build some more courts over there and grow the game.

And when they do, Alabi will be there to help with the next wave.

I feel like if I get the opportunity to play in the NBA, I want to give back to my people in Nigeria because the town I came out from, there are people who look up to me now. Im the one guy who came out of my town to play basketball, he said.

I want to go back and show them that Ive grown into a man through basketball.

Alabi was also one of the young players who took Africa by storm during the 2006 FIBA Africa U18 Championship for Men in Durban, South Africa which Nigeria won and the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship in Serbia where he featured in all the games Nigeria played.
Solomon Alabi (216-C-88)

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


D1 Standing
D1 Standings
 1. Birzeit 4-0 
 2. Samaritan YC 4-0 
 3. Huwara 3-0 
 4. Al Fara 3-1 
 5. Abna' AlQuds 2-2 
 6. Ahli Qalqilya 2-2 
 7. Beita SC 1-2 
 8. AlSileh 1-3 
 9. AlBireh 0-1 
 10. Jensafot 0-3 
 11. Thaqafi T. 0-3 
 12. Toubas 0-3 


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


Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. Talk N Text 14-2 
 2. San Miguel 12-5 
 3. Alaska 10-6 
 4. Derby Ace L. 10-6 
 5. Ginebra 9-7 
 6. Coca-Cola 7-8 
 7. Rain or Shine 7-9 
 8. Santa Lucia 5-11 
 9. Air21 3-13 
 10. Barako 3-13 
 11. Smart Gilas 0-0 


PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 30.4
 1. Johnson, Santa L.30.4 
 2. Bell, Coca-Cola28.0 
 3. Simpson, Alaska26.6 
 4. Monroe, Barako26.3 
 5. Penny, Coca-Cola26.2 
 6. Wade, Derby Ace L.25.2 
 7. Storey, Ginebra24.0 
 8. Larry, Air2122.6 
 9. Freeman, San M.21.3 
 10. David, Coca-Cola20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Awvee STOREY
  Ginebra
  (198-G/F-77)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Storey, Ginebra17.6 
 2. Simpson, Alaska16.3 
 3. Freeman, San M.15.9 
 4. Ambres, Ginebra15.3 
 5. Brown, Derby A.14.6 
 6. Larry, Air2114.1 
 7. Daniels, Talk N.13.9 
 8. Penny, Coca-Cola13.8 
 9. Johnson, Santa L.13.3 
 10. Bell, Coca-Cola13.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (178-G-77)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Alapag, Talk N Text7.7 
 2. Cabagnot, San M.6.1 
 3. Helterbrand, Gineb.4.8 
 4. Reyes, Santa Lucia4.6 
 5. Tenorio, Alaska4.1 
 6. Cortez, Air214.1 
 7. Bell, Coca-Cola4.0 
 8. Miller, Ginebra4.0 
 9. Monroe, Barako4.0 
 10. Mercado, Rain o.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Daniels, Talk N.2.3 
 2. Baguio, Alaska1.8 
 3. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.8 
 4. Simpson, Alaska1.7 
 5. Williams, Santa Lucia1.7 
 6. Lanete, Coca-Cola1.5 
 7. Yap, Derby Ace L.1.5 
 8. Reyes, Santa Lucia1.4 
 9. Norwood, Rain o.1.3 
 10. Monroe, Barako1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 James PENNY
  Coca-Cola
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Penny, Coca-Cola2.3 
 2. Daniels, Talk N.2.3 
 3. Simpson, Alaska1.6 
 4. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.6 
 5. Bell, Coca-Cola1.6 
 6. Monroe, Barako1.6 
 7. Johnson, Santa L.1.4 
 8. Freeman, San M.1.3 
 9. Reyes, Barako1.0 
 10. Larry, Air211.0 


Air21 Express signs Billy Mamaril - by Eurobasket News
Air21 Express announced signing of Billy Mamaril (198-F-80, college: Bakersfield JC) for rest of the season. The 29-year old Mamaril is coming to Air21 from another PBA team - Barangay Ginebra Kings. He appeared three times in the league this season averaging 5.3 points and 5 rebounds. With Ginebra Mamaril reached the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals.
Billy Mamaril was a member of Barangay Ginebra Kings since 2006. His first season with the club could be his best one as the Kings won PBA Philippine Cup. In 2009, the Kings reached PBA Fiesta Conference Finals. In this contest Mamaril had 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 24 games.
Before Barangay Ginebra Kings, Billy Mamaril spent one year with the Coca-Cola Tigers. Season 2004/05 he played with Shell Turbo Charges. At that time Mamaril shined with 11.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 27 games in Philippine Cup. In the past, he also was a member of Purefoods and Davao Eagles.
Air21 Express is currently the ninth ranked team in the league. For 16 games so far they registered just 3 wins.

PBA, Friday: Santa Lucia and San Miguel beat their rivals - by Eurobasket News
Santa Lucia - Air21 113-91
Fifth victory of the season for Santa Lucia. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, college: La-Lafayette) was the leading player in this win. He spent 37 minutes on the court collecting 28 points and 11 rebounds. Johnson reached valuation 25. Ali Peek (194-F-75, college: St.Mary's, CA) was the second scorer in Santa Lucia with 12, while Yousif Aljamal (193-F/C-83) added one point less. In the loosing squad, LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) was on fire with 37 points. He pulled down 19 rebounds beside that (valuation 35). However, his Air21 dropped to 3-13.

San Miguel - Rain or Shine 99-86
San Miguel was better than Rain or Shine improving to 12-5 record. At the same time, Rain or Shain slipped to 7-9. Gabriel Freeman (198-F-85, agency: Union Sports, college: Costa Mesa JC) stepped up for the Beermen with monster double-double of 30 points and 21 rebounds. Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) added 17 pts. In defeat, Solomon Mercado (183-G-84, college: Biola (CA)) (7 rebs) and Jai Lewis (201-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) netted 21 points each. San Miguel outjumped their rivals with 10 rebounds more for the game (50-40).

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


David Logan heads to Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News
David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) heads to Caja Laboral and will play for the team in the season 2010/2011. The Champion of the Polish League will play for the Champion of Spain.
After his outstanding beginning of his career for Indianapolis, he moved to Europe. Leaving his NCAA team in 2005 he became the top-scorer of the League averaging massive 28.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 78.8%: He finished collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer in Indianapolis and GLVC history with 2,352 points. In 2005-2006 played for Edimes Pavia (Italy-Lega2), Italian League and after 12 games averaged 17.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 64.9%. In December 2005 moved to Ramat Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) and showed 15.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 58.3%. Later he played for WTK Anwil Wloclawek, Fort Worth Flyers and SKS Polphamra-Pakmet Starogard, PGE Turow Zgorzelec. The last two season the player was in Asseco Prokom Sopot (Poland-PLK, starting five) and became well-known in Poland. In Polish League after 42 games he became the second top-scorer with 18.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 72.2%. Moreover he was the second top-scorer in Euroleague as after 15 games he averaged 17.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 78.6%. His last season for Asseco Prokom Gdynia he averaged 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 62.5% in Euroleague and in Polish League his stats read 17.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 75.2%.
In late May together with Prokom David Logan once again proved their superiority in the Polish basketball. They defended the PLK sweeping the Final series against Anwil. Prokom celebrated the second straight road win against Anwil and sealed the triumphant season in the country. Qyntel Woods notched 31 points and 11 rebounds for Prokom. David Logan added 16 points, while Adam Lapeta netted 13 points for the winners.

*****************************************************
  SEBL   


SEBL Summer Pro League set to start July 5, 2010 - by Bobby Rouse
June 15, 2010
Bobby Rouse
Deputy Commissioner, SEBL
Cartersville, GA

The SEBL Summer Pro League will begin on July 5, 2010 in the both the North Division (Cartersville), and South Division (Clayton State University). The North Division will be supervised by Melissa Bunce, Mike Linley and Tamara Watkins. The South Division will be supervised by Glenn Tuitt and Anthony Jordon of the ABOG.

Interested teams or players can contact the North and/orSouth Division at www.leaguelineup.com/sebl or email the SEBL at seblhoops@yahoo.com.
The deadline to enter teams is June 26, 2010.


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


Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Aleks Maric
Maric
Lester McCalebb
McCalebb
Stefan Markovic
Markovic
Nemanja Bjelica
Bjelica
Milan Macvan
Macvan
#e#5

Player of the Year: Aleks Maric (211-C-84) of Partizan
Guard of the Year: Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of Partizan
Forward of the Year: Milan Macvan (205-F-89) of Hemofarm
Center of the Year: Aleks Maric (211-C-84) of Partizan
Newcomer of the Year: Branislav Djekic (206-F/C-91) of Partizan
Most Improved Player of the Year: Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) of FMP
Bosman Player of the Year: Jan Vesely (211-F-90) of Partizan
Import Player of the Year: Aleks Maric (211-C-84) of Partizan
Domestic Co-Player of the Year: Milan Macvan (205-F-89) of Hemofarm and Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) of FMP
Defensive Player of the Year: Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) of Hemofarm
Coach of the Year: Dusko Vujosevic of Partizan

1st Team
G: Lester McCalebb (183-85) of Partizan
G: Stefan Markovic (194-88) of Hemofarm
F/C: Nemanja Bjelica (209-88) of Crvena Zvez.
F: Milan Macvan (205-89) of Hemofarm
C: Aleks Maric (211-84) of Partizan

2nd Team
G: Vukasin Aleksic (182-85) of Radnicki K.
G: Aleksandar Rasic (195-84) of Partizan
G: Bojan Krstovic (194-80) of Hemofarm
F/C: Lawrence Roberts (205-82) of Partizan
C: Miroslav Raduljica (213-88) of FMP

Honorable Mention
Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88) of Hemofarm
Jan Vesely (211-F-90) of Partizan
Vuk Radivojevic (197-G-83) of Crvena Zvez.
Marko Keselj (205-F-88) of Crvena Zvez.
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80) of FMP
Vladimir Panic (194-F-82) of Metalac
Branko Jorovic (205-F-81) of Borac
Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) of Tamis

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Vukasin Aleksic (182-85) of Radnicki K.
G: Stefan Markovic (194-88) of Hemofarm
F/C: Nemanja Bjelica (209-88) of Crvena Zvez.
F: Milan Macvan (205-89) of Hemofarm
C: Miroslav Raduljica (213-88) of FMP

All-Imports Team * includes also Bosman players
G: Lester McCalebb (183-85) of Partizan
G: Kyle Hill (188-79) of Hemofarm
F/C: Lawrence Roberts (205-82) of Partizan
C: Aleks Maric (211-84) of Partizan
F/G: Filip Videnov (196-80) of FMP

All-Defensive Team
Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of Partizan
Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) of Hemofarm
Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82) of Partizan
Milan Macvan (205-F-89) of Hemofarm
Aleks Maric (211-C-84) of Partizan

All-Newcomers Team
Danilo Andjusic (198-G-91) of Hemofarm
Stefan Stojacic (195-F-89) of Crvena Zvez.
Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88) of Radnicki K.
Branislav Djekic (206-F/C-91) of Partizan
Filip Vukosavljevic (206-C-83) of Borac


Serbia post first win at ING-DiBa Junior Cup in Hamburg - by Eurobasket News
Serbian U17 team continued their preparations for the upcoming U17 World Championship. They traveled to Hamburg to take part at the ING-DiBa Junior Cup international tournament. Serbia opened the competition against Bosnia and Herzegovina counterparts. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) unloaded 17 points to lead the Serbian team to the initial 92:74 victory. Serbia will face the Swedish U18 selection tonight. Bosnia and Herzegovina are scheduled to take on Germany.
Serbia surged ahead in the starting frame. They knocked down 22 points in the period to enjoy an 8-point buffer at the first break. Serbia continued to mount pressure on their opponents in the second quarter. The margin grew at 15-point mark at the interval. Serbia did not loosen the grasp in the third stanza. Moreover they opened an 18-point lead into the fourth frame. Bosnia and Herzegovina had no answers in the fourth period and had to bow at the end. Luka Mitrovic (204-F-93) produced 14 points for Serbia. Ljubomir Campara (93) added 12 points in the winning case.


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


France edge Slovenia in Paris - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Slovenia U20 64:55

France earned the first win at the international U20 tournament in Paris. The hosts held off Slovenian counterparts. Mickael Var (205-F/C-90) knocked down 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 3 steals to lead the charge. France will face Greece, while Slovenia will play against Germany later tonight.
France got to the better start to the game. They eked out a 17:13 lead at a low-scoring first quarter. The tempo increased in the second frame. Les Bleus fired 24 points to accumulate a 13-point lead at the interval. The hosts stayed in charge in the third frame. They limited Slovenia to just 15 points and arrived at the final quarter up by 16 points. Slovenia managed to outscore their opponents 12:7 in the final ten minutes but it was not enough to threaten the margin.
Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) and Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) nailed 11 points apiece for France. Alexis Tanghe (208-F/C-90, agency: Beo Basket) and Christophe Leonard (199-F-90) had 7 points each for the winners. Jakob Cebasek (198-G/F-91) replied with 12 points for Slovenia. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) and Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) had 9 points each in the loss.

France U20: Mickael Var 12, Paul Lacombe 11, Ferdinand Prenom 11
Slovenia U20: Jakob Cebasek 12, Luka Dimec 9, Marko Vranjkovic 9


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


David Logan heads to Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News
David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) heads to Caja Laboral and will play for the team in the season 2010/2011. The Champion of the Polish League will play for the Champion of Spain.
After his outstanding beginning of his career for Indianapolis, he moved to Europe. Leaving his NCAA team in 2005 he became the top-scorer of the League averaging massive 28.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 78.8%: He finished collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer in Indianapolis and GLVC history with 2,352 points. In 2005-2006 played for Edimes Pavia (Italy-Lega2), Italian League and after 12 games averaged 17.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 64.9%. In December 2005 moved to Ramat Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) and showed 15.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 58.3%. Later he played for WTK Anwil Wloclawek, Fort Worth Flyers and SKS Polphamra-Pakmet Starogard, PGE Turow Zgorzelec. The last two season the player was in Asseco Prokom Sopot (Poland-PLK, starting five) and became well-known in Poland. In Polish League after 42 games he became the second top-scorer with 18.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 72.2%. Moreover he was the second top-scorer in Euroleague as after 15 games he averaged 17.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 78.6%. His last season for Asseco Prokom Gdynia he averaged 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 62.5% in Euroleague and in Polish League his stats read 17.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 75.2%.
In late May together with Prokom David Logan once again proved their superiority in the Polish basketball. They defended the PLK sweeping the Final series against Anwil. Prokom celebrated the second straight road win against Anwil and sealed the triumphant season in the country. Qyntel Woods notched 31 points and 11 rebounds for Prokom. David Logan added 16 points, while Adam Lapeta netted 13 points for the winners.

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Serhat Cetin changes Fenerbahce for Besiktas - by Eurobasket News
Serhat Cetin (197-G-86) will play for Besiktas in the next season. The 24-year-old guard moved to Besiktas from Fenerbahce, where he played for three straight seasons. Last season Serhat Cetin tallied 2.2 points, 2.3 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game in the TBL. In Euroleague the guard came up with 3.0 points per appearance. Serhat Cetin played for the Turkish World University Games selection in Belgrade in 2009.




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

Women News

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


The 24-list participants announced - by Eurobasket News
EuroLeague Women teams are known for the 2010/2011 season. FIBA Europe has announced the list of participating teams last night.
France, Russia, Spain and Poland will have three teams. The defending champions Spartak Moscow Region Vidnoje receive an automatic entry, UMMC was the Champions and Nadezhda got the place from the successful season in EuroCup last time. Bourges Basket, Tarbes Gespe Bigorre and USO Mondeville will represent France as the later got a wild card. KS AZS-PWSZ Gorzow, Lotos Gdynia and Wisla Can-Pack Krakow will be from Poland. Spain will be represented by well-known Ros Casares Valencia, Halcon Avenida and Rivas Ecopolis. The majority of other countries will send their two famous teams. Frisco SIKA Brno and ZVVZ USK Praha will be from Czech Republic, MKB Euroleasing Sopron and MiZo Pecs 2010 from Hungary, Cras Basket Taranto and Famila Basket Schio from Italy and Fenerbahce as well as Galatasaray from Turkey. Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovak Republic will have one team each. Gospic Croatia Osiguranje, TTT Riga, VICI Kaunas and Good Angels Kosice respectively.
The General Assembly of the EuroLeague Women Clubs and the Draw for the new season will take place on 3rd July 2010. The draw will be held as usual in Munich, Germany.


*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Germany U18 post second straight win in Jicin - by Eurobasket News
German U18 selection recorded the second consecutive win against their Czech counterparts. The teams clashed in Jicin again. And once again Germany left no chance for the hosts claiming a 95:85 success. Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92) exploded with 25 points to pace the visitors. Germany dominated from the early stages of the game. They stunned the hosts in the first half taking a 52:43 advantage at halftime. Czech Republic never recovered and had to surrender at the end.
Sonja Greinacher (192-F/C-92) scored 18 points, while Anna Heise (191-C-93) added 15 in the victory.


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Netherlands upset Portugal in Barreiro - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 44:68

Netherlands played the first friendly encounter against Portugal in Barreiro. Netherlands will soon play at the U20 European Championship in Division A. They will tip off the tournament in preliminary Group A together with Bulgaria, France and Poland. Portugal will try to advance from Division B. They will open their campaign against Slovak Republic on July 16.
Netherlands proved why they play in Division A this year in the opening quarter. The Dutch youngsters looked solid and quickly surged ahead. The visitors arrived at the first break up by 11 points 20:9. Portugal could not adjust in the second frame. Netherlands stayed in the drivers seat as they earned a 38:19 lead at the interval. The third frame brought little relief for Portugal. Netherlands outgunned the hosts 16:8 to take a comfortable 27-point lead into the fourth term. Portugal showed character late in the encounter and managed to win the fourth stanza. The Dutch team nevertheless cruised to the victory at the end.
Demelza Ten Caat (177-G-90) scored 15 points to pace Netherlands. Chatilla Van Grinsven (188-F-89) added 10 points, while Natalie Van den Adel (185-G-90) had 9 in the victory. Sofia Carolina responded with 17 points for Portugal. Luiana Livulo (187-C-91) knocked down 11 points in the loss.

Portugal U20: Sofia Carolina 17, Luiana Livulo 11
Netherlands U20: Demelza Ten Caat 15, Chatilla Van Grinsven 10, Natalie Van den Adel 9


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Residence tab Paulina Scheuren - by Eurobasket News
Residence signed a deal with Paulina Scheuren (162-G-93). The 17-year-old talent spent the previous season in Racing. The guard tallied 9.1 points per game. Paulina Scheuren played for the Luxembourg U16 selection at the European Championship in Estonia in 2009. She tallied 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in Tallinn.


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Arkansas not interested in leaving SEC - by Eurobasket News
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long says the school has no interest in joining another conference amid speculation the Razorbacks could be a candidate to move to the Big 12.

Long said Wednesday that Arkansas is happy in the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 recently lost Nebraska to the Big Ten and Colorado to the Pac-10, leaving it with 10 members.

Arkansas left the Southwest Conference and joined the SEC in 1991. Some of its old rivals from the Southwest Conferencesuch as Texas and Texas A&Mnow play in the Big 12.

Courtesy of Yahoo

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Shawn Dennis resigns from Tall Ferns job - by Eurobasket News
Shawn Dennis decided to leave Tall Ferns head coaching position. The 45-year-old specialist took over New Zealand Women National Team a year ago. But now Shawn Dennis decided to take up an assistants job with the Australian NBL side Perth Wildcats. Shawn Dennis has been working with the Easy LPG Bay Hawks in the NBL over the last three seasons. Basketball New Zealand thus will start seeking for a new coach for Tall Ferns team.


*****************************************************
  NORWAY - Women  


Norway defeat Switzerland in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Norway edged Switzerland in the first game of the test series. The teams clashed at the Vollenhallen in Asker. The first frame saw a leveled battle. Neither side was able to dominate in a low-scoring affair. The teams were knotted up at 13:13 ten minutes into the game. But the second frame provide the difference. Norway jumped to the lead and quickly cleared off. The hosts outgunned Switzerland 25:6 to earn a comfortable 19-point lead at the interval. Switzerland however showed character in the third term. They shook off the sloppiness and worked hard to narrow the distance to just 11 points with ten minutes remaining. But Norway stopped the bleeding at this point. Though the Swiss team won the final quarter 18:16 it was not enough to threaten the margin. Norway posted the first win in the series.
Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) produced 16 points to lead Norway. Nanna Sand (181-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Tonje Milde (170-G-90) added 12 points each for the winners. The teams will play again at the Vollenhallen later tonight.
Norway got into preliminary Pool A of the European Championship in Division B. They will play together with Portugal, Sweden and Slovenia for the top two spots in the pool. Norway will tip off their campaign on August 7 against Portugal on the road.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Netherlands upset Portugal in Barreiro - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 44:68

Netherlands played the first friendly encounter against Portugal in Barreiro. Netherlands will soon play at the U20 European Championship in Division A. They will tip off the tournament in preliminary Group A together with Bulgaria, France and Poland. Portugal will try to advance from Division B. They will open their campaign against Slovak Republic on July 16.
Netherlands proved why they play in Division A this year in the opening quarter. The Dutch youngsters looked solid and quickly surged ahead. The visitors arrived at the first break up by 11 points 20:9. Portugal could not adjust in the second frame. Netherlands stayed in the drivers seat as they earned a 38:19 lead at the interval. The third frame brought little relief for Portugal. Netherlands outgunned the hosts 16:8 to take a comfortable 27-point lead into the fourth term. Portugal showed character late in the encounter and managed to win the fourth stanza. The Dutch team nevertheless cruised to the victory at the end.
Demelza Ten Caat (177-G-90) scored 15 points to pace Netherlands. Chatilla Van Grinsven (188-F-89) added 10 points, while Natalie Van den Adel (185-G-90) had 9 in the victory. Sofia Carolina responded with 17 points for Portugal. Luiana Livulo (187-C-91) knocked down 11 points in the loss.

Portugal U20: Sofia Carolina 17, Luiana Livulo 11
Netherlands U20: Demelza Ten Caat 15, Chatilla Van Grinsven 10, Natalie Van den Adel 9


*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Yasemin Horasan comes back to Besiktas Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Yasemin Horasan (187-F/C-83) comes back to Besiktas Istanbul as the player singed a contract for 2010/2011 season. Her career started in 2004-2005 for Besiktas Istanbul (D1, starting five) as in 29 games she averaged 11.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2apg. In her next year she debuted for Besiktas Istanbul (D1, starting five) in EuroCup and in 12 games showed 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3FGP: 100%, FT: 83.3%. In Turkish League her stats read 9.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%. In
2006-2007 EuroCup season she played in 10 games and averaged 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.8%, FT: 65%. In Turkish League after 35 games Yasemin Horasan produced 9.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 48.7%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 78.1%. In 2007-2008 the Turkish player moved to Phard Napoli (Italy-A1, starting five) and debuted in Euroleague. After 8 games she averaged 10.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.6%, FT: 87.5%. In Italian League after 34 games her stats read 7.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.2%, FT: 70.9%.The last two seasons the Turkish player was in Galatasaray Istanbul (TBBL) and played in EuroCup, EuroLeague and Turkish League as well. Last season in Euroleague she averaged 5.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 36.0%, FT: 87.5%, while in Turkish League showed 27 games: 6.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%.
Over the last two years Yasemin Horasan became Turkish President Cup Winner -09, EuroCup Winner -09,reached Turkish TBBL Semifinals -09, European SuperCup Finalist and Turkish Cup Winner -10. Moreover she participated in European Championships in Latvia for the National team and after 6 games averaged 4.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg.


Doneeka Hodges signs with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) remain in Turkey, however signs with Galatasaray. The player will arrive from Istanbul Universitesi SK.
In 2003-2004 she appeared for Louisiana St. (NCAA) and debuted in Europe in 2004-2005 for Sporting Athens (Greece). In her first season in Euroleague she averaged 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0spg. In
2005 signed with Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) and after 32 games averaged 5.6ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3FG: 44.9%. The season 2005-2006 Hodges spent in Lotos Gdynia (Poland-PLKK) and in Euroleague showed 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 30.8%, 3FGP: 35%, FT: 71.4%. In Polish League after 9 games her stats read 7.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 29.0%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 52.9%. In December 2005 Doneeka Hodges was released and next month signed at Cankaya Universitesi, while later also played also at Maccabi Tel Kabir (Israel-D2, starting five). In 2006 moved again to Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA, starting five) and in 34 games showed 3.9ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.9apg; Play-Offs: 5 games: 1.8ppg, 1.2apg. Her 2006-2007 season was in New Wash Montigarda (Italy-A1) as she became the top-scorer of the League with 20.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 39,9%, 3PT: 32,5%, FT: 74,5%. In 2007-2008 appeared in Fiera di Roma basket Pomezia (Italy-A1, starting five) and in 31 games averaged 14.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 73.8%. In 2008-2009 played for Liomatic Umbertide (Italy-A1, starting five) Doneeka Hodges became the fifth top-scorer of the league averaging 15.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 82.1%. Last year in Istanbul Universitesi SK (Turkey-TBBL, starting five) she averaged 16.8ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-5 (3.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 35.6%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 68.6%.


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  WNBA - Women  


Candace Parker out for season (shoulder) - by Eurobasket News
The Sparks say leading scorer and rebounder Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) will miss the rest of the season because of a dislocated left shoulder that will require surgery.

The announcement was made Thursday by Los Angeles GM Penny Toler. Parker, a forward, was injured Sunday in the first half of the Sparks' 88-84 home win over the Minnesota Lynx. The surgery will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Parker averaged 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season. Los Angeles (3-7) is fifth in the WNBA's five-team Western Conference.

'Losing Candace is definitely a huge loss for us and the league in general,' Toler said. 'We still have a great team that is led by two Olympians and loaded with talent. Our goal, as always, is still to win.'

Courtesy of www.chicagobreakingsports.com