EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/22/2010

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Men News

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  ABA   


Four other ABA teams announced - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association announced the addition of four other new franchises to the fast-growing 2010-2011 team lin-up.
The first one is a team named Dallas Impact, that will join the Southwest Division 'The Southwest Division is really strong,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO 'Right now, it appears that we'll have 10-12 teams and everyone of them could be a contender trying to unseat the SETX Mavericks as ABA Champions. 'The idea behind the name IMPACT is that we are looking to make a huge impact in our community through community service and the sports of basketball,' said co-owner Brady Cooper 'Community service is at the heart of all that we do in our lives and this can be seen as my partners and I have all met through a common passion: teaching and coaching students in low-income neighborhoods.' The other owners are Don R. Carter, Jr., a native of Dallas who played on AAU teams until the age of seventeen, Korey Mack, currently the AD for Williams Preparatory in Dallas and David R. Washington Sr., a native of Dayton, OH, a graduate of Meadow Dale High School, where he played varsityh basketball 2 years, tennis and ran cross country. For more information, visit www.dallasimpact.comn or email brady.j.cooper@gmail.com
The second new team of the last outburst is named Georgia Knights and will play in Southeast Division. The team will be located in Stonebridge, Georgia. 'This is an exciting team because one of the owners, team CEO/President Will Campbell (6'8''-F-78, college: UAB) is a former ABA player who played several years ago with the Nashville Rhythm,' said Joe Newman 'We have always felt that ABA players could and should go into management and ownership after their careers, and Will is the perfect example of that happening. How good is that?' For more information about the Knights, email ingssportsmanagement@gmail.com or call 678 561 0313
The third team of the list is named Modesto Hawks, and will be added to Northern California Division for the upcoming season. 'This is becoming one of our strongest divisions with the addition of several new teams complementing the veteran teams there. Rick Coelho is one of a group of bright young owners with a true passion for business, entertainment and of course, basketball,' stated Joe Newman 'We have no doubt that he will be a force to reckon with.' Rick Coelho will serve as both owner and coach of the team. For more information, contact Rick Coelho at rickcoelho@rocketmail.com
The last team announced will play in Gainesville, Florida. 'The Southeast Division is shaping up to be one of our best divisions,' stated Joe Newman about Gainesville. 'And Patrick Grayson (6'0''-G-82, college: E.Tenn.St.) and his team is a great addition to the division which includes five teams in Georgia and five in Florida. It is going to be very competitive to say the least.' Patrick Grayson grew up in a small town in the mountains of Tennessee and started his basketball playing w four years at Johnson County high school. From 2007-2009, he played for Riga in the Euro Basket Summer League and was selected to the USA Select team. However, owning a professional basketball team was his passion and goal and last year, purchased a team and went on to win the league championship. Grayson owns On Point Basketball, a company that helps in character development and basketball skills nationwide. 'We know the importance of doing things right - on and off the court - and we will be one of the best organizations in the ABA,' stated Grayson. 'You can count on that.' For more information, email onpointbasketballdevelopment@gmail.com or call 423 948 9025.


Syracuse looking for a coach - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Syracuse ShockWave professional basketball team which begins play in its inaugural season in December is seeking candidates for their head coaching position. 'We have a few candidates that have submitted resumes,' stated team owner Charles Iavarone . 'However, we want to be sure that we are choosing the right person for the job. Applicants should be highly motivated, good teachers and looking to bring an exciting product to Syracuse. We want someone who loves the community as much as basketball, someone who will be a good ambassador for the Syracuse area - and someone who can put together a competitive championship caliber team; we certainly have the talent in the area.' Local area candidates are preferred, but all applicants willbe considered. Interested applicants should email their resumes to syracuseshockwave@gmail.com asap. 'We're ready to put our team together and need a great head coach,' added Iavarone.

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Krka keeps Pavic - by Zeljko Zule
Freshly crowned Slovenian champion Krka has reached an agreement with Smiljan Pavic (209-F/C-80) to extend his contract for upcoming season. Pavic, a four time Slovenian champion, averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 assist in 33 regular season Telemach League games and 13.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 8 games of Play-Off, earning Final Series MVP honors.


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  ANGOLA   


Angolan National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Miguel Lutonda
Lutonda
Carlos Almeida
Almeida
Felizardo Ambrosio
Ambrosio
Joaquim Gomes
Gomes
Yanick Moreira
Moreira
#e#5
Miguel Lutonda 185-G-71 1 De Agosto Angola
Carlos Almeida 193-G/F-76 1 De Agosto Angola
Felizardo Ambrosio 201-F-87 1 De Agosto Angola
Vlademir Ricardino 193-F/G-77 1 De Agosto Angola
Joaquim Gomes 200-C/F-80 1 De Agosto Angola
Filipe Abraao 194-F-79 1 De Agosto Angola
Yanick Moreira 204-C-91 1 De Agosto Angola
Domingos Bonifacio 189-G-84 Libolo Angola
Carlos Morais 190-G-85 Libolo Angola
Olimpio Cipriano 194-F-82 Libolo Angola
Leonel Paulo 198-C-89 Libolo Angola
Divaldo MBunga 206-C-85 Petro Luanda Angola
Eduardo Mingas 200-F-79 Petro Luanda Angola
Roberto Fortes 193-G-84 Petro Luanda Angola
Miguel Kiala 198-C-90 Petro Luanda Angola
Paulo Barros 197-F-89 Promade C. Angola
Simao Santos 198-F-79 ASA Angola
Joaquim Valdelicio 209-C-90 E.Utah JC USA

Luis Magalhaes Head Coach 1 De Agosto Angola
Paulo Macedo Assistant
Walter Costa Assistant


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  ARGENTINA   


Atenas add Jason Osborne - by Eurobasket News
Atenas de Cordoba signed a deal with Jason Osborne (204-F-74, agency: Court Side, college: Louisville). The 35-year-old forward spent the previous season in La Union. The experienced player tallied 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in Liga A. Jason Osborne used to play for Atenas back in 1999/2001 seasons. He also had spells for Ben Hur, Penarol, Boca Juniors and Libertad.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Former NBL Chairman honoured - by Eurobasket News
On Monday, Mr Harvey was made an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the information technology industry, through developing partnerships between government and educational institutions.

Mr Harvey, who has lived in Hunters Hill since 1980, is on the board of IBM and the director of the Australian Information Industries Association.

He described himself as a passionate advocate for information technology, particularly over the past 15 years.

Mr Harvey spearheaded a successful joint project between the University of Ballarat and the Victorian State Government in establishing a technology park that now employs 1400 people.

It is the largest technology employer in regional Australia, Mr Harvey said.

Somewhat of a renaissance man, Mr Harvey was also involved in the integration of the NBL and Basketball Australia.

Married to Yvonne, he has two two children, Anna and and Richard.

Harvey received similar attention around honours time at the turn of the century.

Exactly a decade ago, by amazing coincidence, I received an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for service to the arts, Mr Harvey told the Northern District Times.

He was deputy chairman of the Australian Chamber Orchestra from 1990-95 and president between 1995 and 2000, and is a current life patron.

Courtesy of Scott Howlett and The Northern District Times

Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 14-1 
 2. Diamond V.E. 11-3 
 3. Waverley F. 9-3 
 4. Melbourne 6-10 
 5. Sherbrooke S. 5-9 
 6. Bulleen B. 4-8 
 7. Hume City 4-10 
 8. Eltham W. 2-11 
Central ABL
 1. Norwood F. 10-2 
 2. W.Adelaide B. 10-2 
 3. Sturt S. 9-3 
 4. N.Adelaide R. 8-4 
 5. Forestville E. 7-5 
 6. Eastern M. 5-7 
 7. Woodville W. 5-7 
 8. S.Adelaide P. 3-9 
 9. South.Tigers 2-10 
 10. C.District L. 1-11 
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. 5-3 
 6. Townsville H. 5-4 
 7. Gladstone P. 4-4 
 8. Bundaberg B. 4-5 
 9. Cairns M. 4-5 
 10. Maroochydore 4-5 
 11. Ipswich F. 3-5 
 12. Caboolture S. 2-8 
 13. Brisbane C. 1-9 
 14. Toowoomba 0-9 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 14-5 
 2. Kilsyth C. 13-7 
 3. Brisbane S. 10-8 
 4. Knox R. 10-8 
 5. Ballarat M. 10-9 
 6. Dandenong 9-10 
 7. AIS 4-8 
 8. Canberra G. 3-15 
SEABL-South
 1. Sandringham S. 14-4 
 2. Nunawading S. 13-7 
 3. Geelong S. 11-9 
 4. Hobart C. 11-9 
 5. NW Tasmania 10-9 
 6. Mt Gambier 7-12 
 7. Frankston B. 6-13 
 8. Albury W.B. 4-16 
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 


ABA: Sunday results - by Eurobasket News
In Big V Sherbrooke overcame Bulleen 92:71 as Josh Smith poured in 27 points. Jonathan Lee (188-G, college: Northeastern) notched 18 and Neal Haining scored 16. Nick Jones responded with 15 points in the losing effort. Eltham lost to Diamond Valley 65:90 as the latter got 18 points from Bart Strzebonski. Damon Lowery nailed 19 in defeat, while Patrick Forbes delivered 10. Waverley outscored Melbourne 91:78 as Ivan Platenik (201-F-83, college: Alaska-Anch.) exploded with 27 points and 17 rebounds. Thomas Stephens finished the night with 21 points for the guests

In QBL Bundaberg Bulls overcame Toowoomba Mountaineers 111:85 at the Century 21 Stadium. Matthew Hanson (201-84) stepped up with 32 points and Willie Shackleford collected 28 points and 14 rebounds. Aaron Howard (195-F-91) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort. Maroochydore Clippers meanwhile Gold Coast Goannas 94:71 as Isaih Tueta led the way with 23 points and 9 rebounds. David Gurney (194-F-85) produced 16 points in the losing case.

In SEABL Knox rolled over NW Tasmania 92:86. John Philip poured in 28 points and Cj Massingale added 22. Michael Martin (201-C, college: Chico St.) scored 26 in defeat, while Jeff Dowdell (205-F-87) had 24 points and 11 rebounds. Sandringham edged Albury Wodonga 82:64. Simon Conn led the way with 24 points, while Tom Garlepp added 20 points and 13 caroms. Ryan Bright delivered 19 points in defeat.

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  AUSTRIA   


Kapfenberg does not renew some of their imports - by Stefan Prager
According to the 'Kleine Zeitung' the Kapfenberg Bulls do not renew the contracts of some of the import players. Branimir Josipovic (204-F-81, agency: Court Side), Ante Dugum (211-C-88, agency: Court Side) as well as Forward Michael Schachtner (206-F-86, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) will not wear the Bulls uniform in the upcoming season.

Schachtner played a pretty solid season basically. He was an All Star lead the league in three point shooting for nearly the whole season. In the end he placed 3rd with 45.6% from downtown. In 34 minutes of action per game Schachtner produced 13.2 ppg and 4.3 boards per contest. He didn't miss a single game last season.

Josipovic and Dugum played minor roles basically coming off the bench. Josipovic played 16 minutes a game averaging 4.5 ppg and Dugum was good for 11 minutes a game averaging 3.7 ppg and 1.9 rpg.

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  AZERBAIJAN   


Turk Telekom brings in Rasim Basak - by Eurobasket News
Turk Telekom announced signing of Azerbaijan/Turkish player Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side). The 29-year old small forward is coming to Ankara team from Fenerbahce Ulker. He struggled to get minutes with the new TBL champion averaging 3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 26 games. Basak also appeared 9 times in Euroleague averaging less than a point.
Rasim Basak was a member of Fenerbahce Ulker since 2003. His first season with the club was his best one. Basak played 8 games in FIBA Europe League during 2003/04 registering 14.4 points and 5.5 rebounds. In the following years his numbers went down. Before Fener, Basak was a member of Oyak Renault Bursa.
Rasim Basak was a part of the Turkish National Team in 2003 and 2004. He won three TBL titles with Fener (07, 08, 10) and one National Cup (10). His new team, Turk Telekom, already signed five played for the next season: Ceyhun Altay, Umit Turkoglu, Yunus Cankaya, Orhan Haciyeva and Adem Oren. The Ankara team finished last season as No.5 with 18-12 score. They were eliminated in the Quarterfinals by Besiktas.

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  BELGIUM   


Didier Mbenga wins another NBA title - by Eurobasket News
Belgian NT member, Didier Mbenga (214-C-80), added another NBA ring to his collection. His team Los Angeles Lakers managed to beat the Boston Celtics in the decisive Game Seven 79-83 winning the second straight championship title. Didier Mbenga joined the LA Lakers in January 2008 from the Golden State Warriors. This season he appeared 51 times averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds. Mbenga was getting less than seven minutes per game.

Finals Game 7: Boston C. - LA Lakers 79-83
Purple and gold confetti raining down upon him, Kobe Bryant hopped up on the scorer's table, shook his fists and extended five fingers. When he hopped down, Boston's legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was waiting to shake his hand. A Game 7 classic - and this time, it finally went the Lakers' way. Bryant, the finals MVP, scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting, and the Lakers won their 16th NBA championship Thursday night, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Bryant earned his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. Coach Phil Jackson added his 11th, matching Russell's total and possibly putting a cap on his remarkable career if he decides to leave the Lakers. 'This one is by far the sweetest, because it's them,' Bryant said after the Lakers beat Boston for the first time in a Game 7. 'This was the hardest one by far. I wanted it so bad, and sometimes when you want it so bad, it slips away from you. My guys picked me up.' Ron Artest added 20 points for the Lakers, who didn't exactly show a champion's poise while making just 21 shots in the first three quarters, even hovering around 50 percent at the free throw line. Yet with Bryant driving the lane for eight free throws and Pau Gasol finally coming alive with nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles reclaimed the lead midway through and hung on with a few more big shots from Gasol, who had 18 rebounds, and Artest, a first-time champion as the only newcomer to last season's roster. 'Well, first of all I want to thank everybody in my hood,' Artest said in an ABC interview right after the game. 'I definitely want to thank my doctors my psychiatrist, she really helped me relax a lot.' Jackson won his fifth ring in Los Angeles to go with his half-dozen from Chicago. And it might be the last: Weary of the regular-season grind and facing a likely pay cut with the Lakers, Jackson hasn't determined his future, though he previously said another title would make him more likely to chase an unprecedented fourth threepeat next season, when he'll be 65. 'I've got to take a deep breath. I've got to take some time to think about this,' Jackson said, wearing a satisfied grin underneath his championship hat. 'This was great. I'll wait to make that decision in a week.' With his hands already full, maybe Jackson will follow Russell's lead and put that 11th championship ring on a chain around his neck and Bryant isn't likely to settle for just one handful of rings. He made that clear to his coach. 'He knows how bad I want him back,' Bryant said. 'I've been openly blunt about how much I want him back.' With their fifth title in 11 seasons, the Lakers moved one championship behind Boston's 17 banners for the overall NBA lead. Amid the confetti and streamers after the final buzzer, Magic Johnson rushed the court to congratulate Bryant, who now has the same number of titles, and to hug Artest. Paul Pierce had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who just couldn't finish the final quarter of a remarkable playoff run after a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Garnett added 17 points, but Boston flopped in two chances to clinch the series in Los Angeles after winning Game 5 back home. 'Listen, give the Lakers credit,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'They were terrific.' Rivers knows changes are coming, even saying afterward that the '10-11 Celtics will be different than the '09-10 team. 'We were the tightest, most emotional, crazy group I've ever been around in my life,' Rivers said, adding that he'll wait a while before deciding on his oft-speculated future. He called this team 'crazy close' and throughout the playoffs, the Celtics only got closer. Down by 14 in their first playoff game against Miami, they won that night and rode that instant burst of confidence not only past the Heat, but through Cleveland and Orlando in the next two rounds. The Celtics were a .500 team for the final two-thirds of the season, prompting many to wonder if they could turn it back on for the playoffs. That question was answered long ago. Yes, they could and one or two more stops on Thursday, they'd have won an 18th title. 'There's a lot of crying in that locker room,' Rivers said. 'A lot of people who care. I don't think there was a dry eye. A lot of hugs, a lot of people feeling awful. That's a good thing. Showed a lot of people cared.' The Celtics had never lost a seventh game in the finals. Despite nursing a lead through most of the night while holding the Lakers to ridiculously low shooting percentages until the final minutes, Boston couldn't close it out on the coast, becoming just the seventh team to blow a 3-2 finals lead after winning Game 5. The Lakers tied it at 61 on Artest's three-point play with 7:29 left, and Bryant's free throws 90 seconds later gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half. The Lakers forged ahead by five points before Bryant and Sasha Vujacic hit free throws in the final seconds to keep Los Angeles ahead by at least two points on every possession. Bryant said he had to downplay the magnitude of the rivalry during the series, but it was a gigantic part of his motivation for this title, without question. Because it was Lakers-Celtics, the best rivalry in league history. And because it was against the team that denied him a title in 2008, the Celtics then blowing out the Lakers in Boston in Game 6 two years ago for their 17th championship. That loss drove Bryant all last season, and drove him again Thursday night. He was not at his best in Game 7, and acknowledged as much. Didn't matter - he still captured the finals MVP award, after averaging 28.6 points in the series. He's won three straight crowns before, and is already eyeing another three-peat try. 'Let's go for it again,' Bryant said, moments before hoisting the finals MVP trophy. The Lakers will hold a parade Monday, with the team riding floats from Staples Center down Figueroa Street to the USC campus in downtown Los Angeles. A rally at the Coliseum last year attracted 95,000 fans, but the Lakers are skipping the arena in favor of a more interactive celebration, the team said. The Lakers will relish this title because they took it from the Celtics, their greatest rivals, with fourth-quarter poise and defense. The teams have met in 12 NBA finals, but the Lakers won for just the third time. Exactly two years to the day after Boston beat the Lakers by 39 points to clinch the 2008 title, Los Angeles got revenge for perhaps the most embarrassing loss of Bryant's career even if he did little more than grab 15 rebounds for most of the night. The Celtics had much more poise from the opening tip in Game 7, playing vicious defense that forced Los Angeles to miss 21 of its first 27 shots. Bryant and Gasol were a combined 6 for 26 in the first half. But forget how it looked, because history will. Bryant even did something Jerry West and Magic Johnson never could: He beat the hated Celtics in Game 7 of the finals. The Lakers are the first team to rally from a 3-2 deficit to win a finals since Houston did it in 1994, beating the New York Knicks. Although Los Angeles stumbled to the brink of elimination for the first time in these playoffs last weekend in Boston, Bryant's teams still are spectacular finishers: They've closed out their playoff opponents on the first try 10 times while winning three straight Western Conference titles over the last three years.
NOTES: Home teams improved to 14-3 in Game 7 in the finals. No road team has won a title in Game 7 since 1978. The Lakers are 14-1 in a seventh game at home, losing only the 1969 finale to Boston. Garnett nearly flattened Jack Nicholson when he chased a loose ball into the front row in the second quarter, but the Lakers most famous fans got back up smiling. Other fans near courtside included Jake Gyllenhall, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Seacrest, Timbaland, director Todd Phillips and George Lopez in purple-and-yellow plaid pants. *Courtesy of Yahoo

Ethias League Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Stella Artois Leuven Bears has added its final 2 players to the 2010-2011 roster. The 2 new additions are Jared Quayle (185-G-85) and Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska).
Quayle is a rookie straight out of Utah State where in his senior year he averaged 12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 4.2apg. Played 2 seasons at Utah State and earned All WAC honors twice.
He earned second-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors as a sophomore at Western Wyoming CC as he finished the year fifth in the nation in scoring with 24.4 points per game.

Dagunduro who played college ball at Nebraska played this past season in the German Bundesliga for Mitteldeutcher. He had averages of 9.0 ppg and 4.3 rpg.
Earned Big 12 All Defensive honors after his senior year. Averaged 12.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for his senior year at Nebraska.

Optima Gent announced the addition of young French Center Luc Louves (207-F-89).

Former Dexia Mons and Bree guard Travis Conlan (194-G-75, college: Michigan) was hired by his former school Michigan as administrative assistant for the basketball program.

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  BOSNIA   


Siroki parts ways with Petkovic and Siriscevic - by Eurobasket News
After extending their head coach Ivan Velic, Siroki has started with reshaping the roster for the next season. First, the club has decided to let some of the players go. According to the reports from various Bosnian and Croatian media, Luka Petkovic (190-G-88) and Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) were let go and will be looking for the new club next season. It is somewhat of a surprise that Petkovic was let go as he has joined Siroki at the beginning of the last season as one of the best point guards in Croatian league. However, it seems that he did not meet expectations. Siriscevic, once considered a valuable player for Siroki, has endured a season full of injuries so the club decided to allow him to look for a new club. Reportedly, prior to brining in new players, Siroki management will work and try to extend the championship core consisting of Mason, Stemberger, Grgat and Spralja. It remains to be seen whether they will be successful.
Luka Petkovic is a product of Sibenka Sibenik youth system. In 4 seasons with the club, he has developed into a promising young point guard. In his final season with Sibenka Sibenik, Petkovic has posted averages of 13.6 points and 6.1 assists in 9 league games. In January of 2010, Petkovic has moved to Siroki but as failed to replicate his form from Sibenik. He appeared in only 6 games for the club, averaging 1.5 rebounds per game.
Ivan Siriscevic spent most of his career with BC Split. After 5 seasons with the club, he has moved to Siroki at the start of the last season. In his first year for Siroki, Siriscevic averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in four EuroChallenge games. This season, Siriscevic played in 15 Adriatic League games averaging 5.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.

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  CANADA   


Canadian Samuel Dalembert goes to Sacramento Kings - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings acquired former Canadian national team player Samuel Dalembert (211-C-81, college: Seton Hall) in a trade Thursday with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni.

Were excited about the acquisition of Samuel Dalembert, explained Geoff Petrie, president of basketball operations for the Kings. He will certainly bring a defensive presence and increase our ability to defend around the basket with his rebounding, shot-blocking and athleticism.'

Dalembert, a 6-11, 250-pound centre, who just finished his eighth NBA season (all with Philadelphia), has amassed career averages of 8.1 points (.527 FGs, .692 FTs), 8.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game through 582 contests. His most productive season occurred during the 2006-07 campaign when he averaged 10.7 points (.541 FGs and .746 FTs), 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while starting all 82 games.

He ranked fifth in the NBA in blocks (1.84 bpg) in 2009-10 and has swatted away 140 or more shots in six of the last seven seasons. He ranks second in career blocks (1,131) in 76ers history, trailing only Julius Erving (1,293). Dalembert has played in all 82 games in each of the last four seasons and has a consecutive games played streak of 354. He led Philadelphia in rebounding with a 9.6 average in 2009-10, ranking him 12th in the NBA. He was the 2009-10 recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizen Award presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.

Dalembert, 29, was born in Haiti, but lived in Montreal briefly during high school. He received his Canadian citizenship in the summer of 2007, just a couple of weeks before playing for Canada at the FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas.

Dalembert averaged 10.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.38 blocks in Las Vegas, helping the Canadians earn a spot in a last-chance qualifying tournament in Greece that would have earned Canada a berth in the Beijing Olympics. But he was dropped from the team during the qualifying event in July 2008 after a disagreement with head coach Leo Rautins. The Canadians were eliminated after a loss to Slovenia.

At 7-1 and 245 pounds, Hawes, a centre, recently finished his third NBA season (all with the Kings). He has totalled career averages of 8.8 points (.466 FGs, .314 3FGs, .670 FTs), 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game over 220 outings, of which he has started in 118.

Nocioni, a 6-7, 225-pound forward, recently finished his sixth NBA season (four and a half with Chicago and one and a half with Sacramento). He has amassed career averages of 11.3 points (.433 FGs, .375 3FGs, .802 FTs), 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game over 449 contests, of which he has started in 185). He has averaged double figures in scoring in four of his six NBA seasons.

We are excited to add two players in Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni who will help us immediately and provide us with additional front-court depth,' said Ed Stefanski, the 76ers president and general manager. 'Spencer is a young seven-footer who will provide us with versatility at the centre position, while Andres will provide us with a tough veteran presence.'

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

Huskies coaching trio go national - by Eurobasket News
Three basketball coaches with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies are about to stand on guard for thee.

Lisa Thomaidis and Jacqueline Lavallee from the U of S women's program, along with Nathan Schellenberg from Huskies men's hoops, are set to begin summer stints with Canada Basketball's national program.

'It speaks volumes for the (U of S) program,' said Lavallee, a teacher at Oskayak High School. 'You look at the success of both programs this year. It's a huge thing for us.'

The Huskies men captured their first Canada West conference and Canadian Interuniversity Sport titles this season. The Huskies women finished third at nationals, also the team's best finish ever.

Thomaidis, 38, will again hook up with the national women's team and pad her international resume. Thomaidis has served as an assistant coach on the national squad since 2001 when she was 29 and younger than some of the players on the team. The Canadian team will head to the Czech Republic for the world championship this fall. Canada qualified for the event at the 2009 FIBA Americas championship in Brazil.

Thomaidis has spent 12 seasons as head coach of the Huskies. Having other Huskies on the national front makes her even happier. Lavallee is one of her former Huskies players and is an assistant coach with the university team.

'For her to get the opportunity to be a head coach with a national team, that's just great for her development and for our program,' said Thomaidis. 'As well, it really reflects positively that we've got two coaches that are involved with our national program.

'We're so lucky to have her as part of our team. People understand what a great coach she is.'

Lavallee, 32, returns for her second season as head coach of Canada's cadet women under-17 team. Canada finished second in the FIBA Americas qualification tournament last summer to earn a spot in the 2010 global tournament, July 16-25 in France.

'I'm definitely really grateful and excited for the opportunity to coach another (FIBA) championship,' said Lavallee, an all-star at the U of S in both basketball and soccer. 'It wasn't something I was expecting right away.'

While a player, Lavallee knew she wanted to become a coach.

' (As a point guard) you're always challenged to see the game differently because you're the one who has to kind of control the floor and keep everyone organized. I remember sitting in the gym when I was younger, watching Barry Rawlyk at (Holy) Cross. I liked to watch practices. I like the strategic aspect of basketball and how much it challenges you.'

Lavallee's teaching job at Oskayak is also challenging enough for her to stay put and not give in to tempting offers to become a head coach at the university level.

'It's definitely something I've thought about,' she said. 'I'm really lucky right now. I have a great working relationship with Lisa. She's been a great mentor that way, but I still have such a passion for working in the community with aboriginal youth and being at the school that I'm at, teaching and running some of the programs.'


GOT THE CALL

Schellenberg, 34, makes his first appearance at the national level, joining Canada's cadet under-17 men's team as an assistant coach.

Schellenberg is heading into his ninth season as an assistant with the Huskies. Schellenberg also coached Saskatchewan in the 2009 Canada Games and the Saskatchewan under-15 boys team at the 2007 national championship.

He applied to coach with the cadet team last spring. Canada Basketball called him in early April this year to offer him the position.

'That was quite the three weeks, winning the national championship with the Huskies and then getting a chance to coach with the national team program,' said Schellenberg.

'When I got the call I was just like, 'wow!' I'm really looking forward to not just the competition, but the chance to observe and meet coaches from other countries.'

Both the Canadian men's and women's cadet teams will compete in the first FIBA U-17 world championships.

Schellenberg is in Toronto for the men's cadet tryouts and training camp at Ryerson University until June 24, followed by exhibition games June 25-27 in Spain. He travels with the team to Germany for the world championship July 2-11.

'You see the commitment Nathan puts in and time, it's definitely well deserved for him to be involved,' Lavallee said of her U of S colleague.

'Overall, it definitely says a lot about the U of S and us as a province. How many Saskatchewan female athletes have been a part of national team programming? It's definitely something to be proud of, for sure.'

Added Schellenberg: 'It says that all the coaches here are pretty knowledgeable about the game, but they also put a tremendous amount of hard work into their programs and becoming better coaches. That's led to some pretty good success for both programs.'

Courtesy of www.thestarphoenix.com


Stats Leaders
CIS Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Glover, Saskatch. 28.0
2 Bakovic, Ryerson 26.2
3 Haywood, St.Mary 24.4
4 Farine, Dalhousie 21.8
5 Leger, Queen's 21.4
Rebounds Per Game
1 Leger, Queen's 11.9
2 Stewart, Thomp. 11.5
3 Bakovic, Ryerson 9.6
4 Salhia, Lakehead 9.5
5 Lual, UPEI 9.3
Assists Per Game
1 Gibson, OTT 6.2
2 Upshaw, StFX 6.0
3 Barbeau, UWO 5.5
4 Silver, StFX 5.5
5 Farine, DAL 5.4
Steals Per Game
1 Glover, SAS 3.6
2 Silver, StFX 2.7
3 Nkrumah, CBU 2.6
Blocks Per Game
1 Stewart, TRU 2.5
2 Kravic, YRK 1.9
3 Imbrogno, RYE 1.9
2FGP
1 Gagnon, Laval 62.8
2 McCleery, Carlet. 62.7
3 Glisic, Toronto 58.2
3FGP
1 Herra, McGill 53.6
2 Barbeau, Wester. 48.9
3 Haywood, St.Mary 48.4
Free Throws
1 Mott, GUE 93.4
2 Pasquale, LAU 88.7
3 Price, LET 88.3


Nash spreading the word about basketball in South Africa - by Eurobasket News
Even in soccer-mad South Africa, the NBA has found a presence.

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash (190-G-74, college: Santa Clara), who was born in Johannesburg, dropped by Discovery Park to play soccer with Patrick Vieira, formerly of the French national team, and Lucas Radebe, who used to play for the South Africa.

It wasn't just a coincidence, though. Nash was joined by the Milwaukee Bucks' Luc Mbah a Moute and Obinna Ekezie, the former Maryland star who spent a few years in the NBA before playing overseas, as part of the NBA's campaign to extend its influence in Africa.

The NBA opened an office in Johannesburg this spring to help its outreach. The NBA and soccer stars played both hoops and soccer with kids from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Nash, an avid soccer fan, has been a major presence at this year's World Cup -- but not as just a fan. Nash has been doing some colorful reporting for CBS Sports. In fact, here's Nash interviewing a fan after the United States' 2-2 tie with Slovenia.

Nash's parents are British, but he grew up in Canada. Although he didn't sound very hopeful about England's chances in the World Cup, he did offer insight into whether basketball can be as big in Africa as soccer.

'I think the game of basketball could be huge in Africa,' Nash said. 'What's important is that it's an easy game to play. If you put up a hoop, a kid can play with his ball, which is very similar to soccer. I think that's what makes them the two top sports in the world, because it's easy and accessible.'

Mbah a Moute is from Cameroon, and Ekezie is a Nigerian. Like Nash, Mbah a Moute has seen Africa take a huge liking to basketball.

'It's interesting because you see so many more people playing basketball,' he said. 'It's becoming the No. 2 sport in Africa. It's soccer, then basketball, and then every other sport. There's just a lot more interest.'

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Croatia B narrowly overcomes U20 Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia B - U20 Croatia 93-91

In the final game of the international tournament in Crikvenica, Croatia B has recorded a narrow win over U20 Croatia. Unlike the previous match when they had an easy job, Croatia B players had to work very hard to take this one. The game started off as evenly contested matchup. Teams exchanged baskets and lead for most of the quarter, with younger Croatians playing really well. After initial 10 minutes of play, the score stood at 25-26 for U20 Croatia. Not much changed in the second quarter as U20 Croatia players were still keeping their ground. After another period of close play, teams went for halftime break with U20 Croatia still holding onto the 1-point lead. Third period proved to be decisive in the match as Croatia B finally managed to impose their game. They mounted a run which gave them 5-point lead heading into the final quarter. In the last 10 minutes of play, both teams were close yet again. U20 Croatian players made one last push and have managed to cut the deficit. But, Croatia B players managed to prevail in the end as they had little more sports luck as they won 93-91.
Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) led Croatia B in this match as he scored 17 points on the night. Damjan Rudez (206-F-86) followed with 15 points, while Rok Stipcevic (188-G-86) and Miro Bilan (212-F-89) chipped in 12 points each. U20 Croatia got 21 point effort from Toni Prostran (182-G-91). Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) and Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) were also great, finishing the game with 19 and 17 points respectively.

Croatia B: Bojan Bogdanovic 17, Damjan Rudez 15, Rok Stipcevic 12, Miro Bilan 12
U20 Croatia: Toni Prostran 21, Mario Delas 19, Tomislav Zubcic 17

*****************************************************
  D.R. CONGO   


Didier Mbenga wins another NBA title - by Eurobasket News
Belgian NT member, Didier Mbenga (214-C-80), added another NBA ring to his collection. His team Los Angeles Lakers managed to beat the Boston Celtics in the decisive Game Seven 79-83 winning the second straight championship title. Didier Mbenga joined the LA Lakers in January 2008 from the Golden State Warriors. This season he appeared 51 times averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds. Mbenga was getting less than seven minutes per game.

Finals Game 7: Boston C. - LA Lakers 79-83
Purple and gold confetti raining down upon him, Kobe Bryant hopped up on the scorer's table, shook his fists and extended five fingers. When he hopped down, Boston's legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was waiting to shake his hand. A Game 7 classic - and this time, it finally went the Lakers' way. Bryant, the finals MVP, scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting, and the Lakers won their 16th NBA championship Thursday night, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Bryant earned his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. Coach Phil Jackson added his 11th, matching Russell's total and possibly putting a cap on his remarkable career if he decides to leave the Lakers. 'This one is by far the sweetest, because it's them,' Bryant said after the Lakers beat Boston for the first time in a Game 7. 'This was the hardest one by far. I wanted it so bad, and sometimes when you want it so bad, it slips away from you. My guys picked me up.' Ron Artest added 20 points for the Lakers, who didn't exactly show a champion's poise while making just 21 shots in the first three quarters, even hovering around 50 percent at the free throw line. Yet with Bryant driving the lane for eight free throws and Pau Gasol finally coming alive with nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles reclaimed the lead midway through and hung on with a few more big shots from Gasol, who had 18 rebounds, and Artest, a first-time champion as the only newcomer to last season's roster. 'Well, first of all I want to thank everybody in my hood,' Artest said in an ABC interview right after the game. 'I definitely want to thank my doctors my psychiatrist, she really helped me relax a lot.' Jackson won his fifth ring in Los Angeles to go with his half-dozen from Chicago. And it might be the last: Weary of the regular-season grind and facing a likely pay cut with the Lakers, Jackson hasn't determined his future, though he previously said another title would make him more likely to chase an unprecedented fourth threepeat next season, when he'll be 65. 'I've got to take a deep breath. I've got to take some time to think about this,' Jackson said, wearing a satisfied grin underneath his championship hat. 'This was great. I'll wait to make that decision in a week.' With his hands already full, maybe Jackson will follow Russell's lead and put that 11th championship ring on a chain around his neck and Bryant isn't likely to settle for just one handful of rings. He made that clear to his coach. 'He knows how bad I want him back,' Bryant said. 'I've been openly blunt about how much I want him back.' With their fifth title in 11 seasons, the Lakers moved one championship behind Boston's 17 banners for the overall NBA lead. Amid the confetti and streamers after the final buzzer, Magic Johnson rushed the court to congratulate Bryant, who now has the same number of titles, and to hug Artest. Paul Pierce had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who just couldn't finish the final quarter of a remarkable playoff run after a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Garnett added 17 points, but Boston flopped in two chances to clinch the series in Los Angeles after winning Game 5 back home. 'Listen, give the Lakers credit,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'They were terrific.' Rivers knows changes are coming, even saying afterward that the '10-11 Celtics will be different than the '09-10 team. 'We were the tightest, most emotional, crazy group I've ever been around in my life,' Rivers said, adding that he'll wait a while before deciding on his oft-speculated future. He called this team 'crazy close' and throughout the playoffs, the Celtics only got closer. Down by 14 in their first playoff game against Miami, they won that night and rode that instant burst of confidence not only past the Heat, but through Cleveland and Orlando in the next two rounds. The Celtics were a .500 team for the final two-thirds of the season, prompting many to wonder if they could turn it back on for the playoffs. That question was answered long ago. Yes, they could and one or two more stops on Thursday, they'd have won an 18th title. 'There's a lot of crying in that locker room,' Rivers said. 'A lot of people who care. I don't think there was a dry eye. A lot of hugs, a lot of people feeling awful. That's a good thing. Showed a lot of people cared.' The Celtics had never lost a seventh game in the finals. Despite nursing a lead through most of the night while holding the Lakers to ridiculously low shooting percentages until the final minutes, Boston couldn't close it out on the coast, becoming just the seventh team to blow a 3-2 finals lead after winning Game 5. The Lakers tied it at 61 on Artest's three-point play with 7:29 left, and Bryant's free throws 90 seconds later gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half. The Lakers forged ahead by five points before Bryant and Sasha Vujacic hit free throws in the final seconds to keep Los Angeles ahead by at least two points on every possession. Bryant said he had to downplay the magnitude of the rivalry during the series, but it was a gigantic part of his motivation for this title, without question. Because it was Lakers-Celtics, the best rivalry in league history. And because it was against the team that denied him a title in 2008, the Celtics then blowing out the Lakers in Boston in Game 6 two years ago for their 17th championship. That loss drove Bryant all last season, and drove him again Thursday night. He was not at his best in Game 7, and acknowledged as much. Didn't matter - he still captured the finals MVP award, after averaging 28.6 points in the series. He's won three straight crowns before, and is already eyeing another three-peat try. 'Let's go for it again,' Bryant said, moments before hoisting the finals MVP trophy. The Lakers will hold a parade Monday, with the team riding floats from Staples Center down Figueroa Street to the USC campus in downtown Los Angeles. A rally at the Coliseum last year attracted 95,000 fans, but the Lakers are skipping the arena in favor of a more interactive celebration, the team said. The Lakers will relish this title because they took it from the Celtics, their greatest rivals, with fourth-quarter poise and defense. The teams have met in 12 NBA finals, but the Lakers won for just the third time. Exactly two years to the day after Boston beat the Lakers by 39 points to clinch the 2008 title, Los Angeles got revenge for perhaps the most embarrassing loss of Bryant's career even if he did little more than grab 15 rebounds for most of the night. The Celtics had much more poise from the opening tip in Game 7, playing vicious defense that forced Los Angeles to miss 21 of its first 27 shots. Bryant and Gasol were a combined 6 for 26 in the first half. But forget how it looked, because history will. Bryant even did something Jerry West and Magic Johnson never could: He beat the hated Celtics in Game 7 of the finals. The Lakers are the first team to rally from a 3-2 deficit to win a finals since Houston did it in 1994, beating the New York Knicks. Although Los Angeles stumbled to the brink of elimination for the first time in these playoffs last weekend in Boston, Bryant's teams still are spectacular finishers: They've closed out their playoff opponents on the first try 10 times while winning three straight Western Conference titles over the last three years.
NOTES: Home teams improved to 14-3 in Game 7 in the finals. No road team has won a title in Game 7 since 1978. The Lakers are 14-1 in a seventh game at home, losing only the 1969 finale to Boston. Garnett nearly flattened Jack Nicholson when he chased a loose ball into the front row in the second quarter, but the Lakers most famous fans got back up smiling. Other fans near courtside included Jake Gyllenhall, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Seacrest, Timbaland, director Todd Phillips and George Lopez in purple-and-yellow plaid pants. *Courtesy of Yahoo

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  DENMARK   


Denmark narrowly defeat Norway in second exhibition encounter - by Eurobasket News
Norway - Denmark 78:80

Denmark and Norway clashed in the second exhibition encounter in as many days. The teams once again met in Oslo and once again Denmark proved the strength. The visitors overcame a slow start to eke out a tough victory at the end. Niccolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) tallied 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists to pace the winners.
Norway looked slightly better in the starting quarter. The hosts dictated the pace and pulled away with a 3-point lead 20:17 at the first break. But Denmark speeded things up in the second stanza. The visitors accounted for 24 points to get within just one 41:42 at halftime. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third quarter. Denmark erased the deficit and the teams entered the final term leveled at 51. Neither side was able to earn a decisive lead throughout the fourth period. It all came down to the final seconds when Denmark succeeded and snatched a difficult win at the end. Chris Nielsen (192-G/F-85, agency: Innovative Sports Group) dropped 16 points for Denmark. Peter Johansen (205-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) delivered 15 points in the victory. Christian Hinsch (188-G-88, agency: Court Side) replied with 18 points for Norway. Ronny Karlsen (202-F-78, college: Independence CC) knocked down 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.

Norway: Christian Hinsch 18, Ronny Karlsen 14
Denmark: Niccolai Iversen 17, Chris Nielsen 16, Peter Johansen 15


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Aleksey Zozulin sign two-year deal with Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Aleksey Zozulin (199-G/F-83) sign two-year deal with Spartak St. Petersbur and will remain the team. The National team player and the starting five player of Spartak will continue his career with the squad.
Before coming to Spartak, Zozulin spent two years in Perm. In 2006-2007 for Ural Great Perm (A Superleague) he appeared in FIBA EuroCup and after 6 games averaged 8.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 23.8%, FT: 78.3%. In Russian League after 33 games he showed 10.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 71.0%. In season 2007-2008 for Ural Great Perm (A Superleague, starting five) in FIBA EuroCup he played in 11 games and showed 7.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 69%. In Russian League after 24 games his stats read 10.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 48.1%, FT: 73.9%. Right after that season he moved to Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague) and debuted in EuroChallenge. In 2 games his stats read 6.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg. In; Russian League after 20 games he averaged 7.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.6%. Last season Spartak St.Petersburg played EuroCup and Aleksey Zozulin after 5 games had 7.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 46.7%.
Khimky beat Spartak SP 95:85 to take the Semifinal spot in the Play-offs when Aleksey Zozulin nailed 8 points. Khimky won three quarters and were tied at third. McCarty Kelly paced all the winners with 16 points and Javtokas Robertas nailed 15. Fields Levance replied with 36 points in the losing effort.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Velimir Perasovic gets Efes Pilsen coaching job - by Eurobasket News
Velimir Perasovic (agency: Interperformances ) has been appointed as the new head coach of Efes Pilsen. The 45-year-old Croatian specialist signed a two-year deal with the Turkish vice-champions. Velimir Perasovic (agency: Interperformances ) worked in Cibona over the last two seasons. Previously Perasovic had stints with Sevilla, TAU Ceramica and Estudiantes.


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Finland and Great Britain trade victories over the weekend - by Eurobasket News
Finnish and Great Britain U20 teams played two exhibition encounters at the weekend. The sides exchanged victories in Bristol.
Finland opened the series with a thrilling 68:67 victory. Great Britain looked better in the starting half. They led by five points at halftime but could not capitalize. Finland recovered in the second part of the clash and pulled away with a narrow one-point victory at the end. Sasu Salin (190-G-91) knocked down 21 points to pace the visitors. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) delivered 10 points in the winning case. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) tallied 14 points for Great Britian. Andrew Lawrence (185-G-90) accounted for 13 points in the loss.
Great Britain bounced back in the second game of the series. Finland this time got to the better start. The visitors built a narrow 36:35 advantage at halftime. But the hosts managed to turn things around in the second half. Great Britain stepped on the gas and ran away for an 82:72 victory. Andrew Lawrence provided 17 points to top-score for the home side. Ovie Soko canned 16 points in the win. Sasu Salin produced 18 points for Finland. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) accounted for 9 points in defeat.


From a little town. to big ole Europe - by Obadiah Trotter
I've played in a few different countries. Germany for two years, France, and just recently Finland. Some countries colder than others, the language barrier you have in only speaking English, and there are some countries that it takes longer for you to get adjusted to. I did not know what to expect coming from a small town in Silverhill, Alabama. However, after being in Europe for five years now, I can say that its been a great experience. I have been surrounded by good people at work that have made it easy for me. Being with a team that has good chemistry is the best tool you can have on a team. Who would like to work
at a job that you dread, because the people you work with you cannot stand? You go to work everyday with an attitude. You don't feel like being bothered, you just want to get your job done, and get out as quick as possible. My coach always said and I quote, ' All it takes is that one bad cancer, that can spread throughout the team'. Well Luckily I have been blessed to have teammates and coaches that I enjoy being around.
As I said earlier I just recently played in Finland. My team (Torpan Pojat Helsinki) is located in the capital, which is called Helsinki. Helsinki is a great city. Other than the blizzard cold weather, and dark nights, it has been one of the best cities that I have played in. I had great teammates that made work worth going to. One thing that I noticed being in Europe, and that is guys are the same everywhere. Jokes, jokes, and more jokes. Whether its basketball related, or outside of basketball, there is always room to throw in a few jokes to get some laughs. I will take a lot of good memories with me from Finland...
The season was quite long. We played a total of forty-four games, not including the playoff. Overall we had an excellent year. We had a couple injuries to some key players in the beginning of the year, that forced me to be the only American on the team for a little over a month. I don't think teams expected us to be as competitive as we were. We knew we were still a good team without our two top players hurt. It brought us closer together as a team, and made us rely on each other even more. Guys who were not used to as much playing time, stepped up both in practice, and during the game. We confidently won nine of eleven games.
As the players that were hurt slowly got back into the rotation during the season, the winning pace was still going. Finishing third place in the regular season was not our goal, but under the circumstances we went through third place was not that entirely bad.
As playoff time rolled in we had one goal, and that was to make it to the finals. Everything went according to plan. The first two rounds were tough, but not as tiring until we faced Pyrinto Tampere in the Finals. A team that had beat us six or seven times including the cup. The series went the full five games, with the result of us losing 77-61. It was a heart wrenching game that just didn't go our way. As I look back over the memories I had at Torpan Pojat Helsinki, I learned so much and matured as a player during this season. I want to thank my coaches for the opportunity they gave me, and I want to thank my teammates for not only being teammates, but also being good friends. Now that the season is over I will go back to Germany and be with my family. However, that does not mean a vacation for me. Lifting weight, and continuously being in the gym is what being a professional basketball player is all about. I don't know where I will end up next season, but I know that God will put me in a great situation. Until the next time...
blog maintained by Obie Trotter (186-G-84, college: Alabama A&M)

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


France defeat Germany in Paris - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Germany U20 72:57

French U20 selection finished the international tournament in Paris on a high note. They outlasted German counterparts to record the second win in three games played. Germany posted 1-2 record at the tourney. Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the effort.
Les Bleus opened the game in a confident manner. They limited Germany to 13 points and built a 4-point lead at the first intermission. France stayed in charge in the second period. They continued to play aggressively in defense and accumulated a 34:27 lead at halftime. The tempo grew in the third frame. Germany got within just two points early in the quarter but the hosts reacted quickly. France triggered a 12:1 run to restore a safe buffer. France finished the period leading by as many as 12 points 55:43. Germany were able to narrow the difference to 7 points midway through the fourth term but France did not allow them to get any close and rallied to the win at the end.
Andrew Albicy (178-G-90), Nicolas Lang (196-G-90, agency: Beo Basket), Christophe Leonard (199-F-90) and Joffrey Lauvergne (207-F-91) provided 10 points apiece in the victory. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds for Germany. Felix Engel (191-G-91) accounted for 10 points in the losing effort.

France U20: Ferdinand Prenom 12, Andrew Albicy 10, Nicolas Lang 10, Christophe Leonard 10, Joffrey Lauvergne 10
Germany U20: Maik Zirbes 12, Felix Engel 10


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


France defeat Germany in Paris - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Germany U20 72:57

French U20 selection finished the international tournament in Paris on a high note. They outlasted German counterparts to record the second win in three games played. Germany posted 1-2 record at the tourney. Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the effort.
Les Bleus opened the game in a confident manner. They limited Germany to 13 points and built a 4-point lead at the first intermission. France stayed in charge in the second period. They continued to play aggressively in defense and accumulated a 34:27 lead at halftime. The tempo grew in the third frame. Germany got within just two points early in the quarter but the hosts reacted quickly. France triggered a 12:1 run to restore a safe buffer. France finished the period leading by as many as 12 points 55:43. Germany were able to narrow the difference to 7 points midway through the fourth term but France did not allow them to get any close and rallied to the win at the end.
Andrew Albicy (178-G-90), Nicolas Lang (196-G-90, agency: Beo Basket), Christophe Leonard (199-F-90) and Joffrey Lauvergne (207-F-91) provided 10 points apiece in the victory. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds for Germany. Felix Engel (191-G-91) accounted for 10 points in the losing effort.

France U20: Ferdinand Prenom 12, Andrew Albicy 10, Nicolas Lang 10, Christophe Leonard 10, Joffrey Lauvergne 10
Germany U20: Maik Zirbes 12, Felix Engel 10


Quantez Super Tez Robertson Gets Contract Extension With Deutsche Bank Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Less than 24 hours after the season ending beach party of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, management didnt hesitate and went back to work keeping BEKO BBL rookie Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) for another season. Robertson came late to the team, but instantly became a force on defense becoming one of the best defenders in the BEKO BBL last season. He played 48 games averaging 6,4ppg, 4,0rpg , 2,2apg and 1,3spg. Robertson is happy that he will stay in Frankfurt. 'I feel very comfortable in Frankfurt. We achieved a lot this season and want more. I would like to win a title with this team. The working conditions within the team is very good', stressed Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). Coach Gordon Herbert is also thrilled that Tez will stay. 'Tez is a super athlete and hard fighter. He helped the team in rebounding and defense. I am looking forward to working with him this season', said Gordon Herbert .
Source: www.deutschebankskyliners.de

Germany U17 celebrate victory at ING-DiBa Junior Cup - by Eurobasket News
Germany U17 - Serbia U17 74:53
German U17 team crowned their ING-DiBa Junior Cup tournament with victory. They outscored the Serbian counterparts to clinch the top spot at the competition. Serbia finished in the second spot at 2-1 record. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) notched 21 points to lead the hosts.
Germany looked too good for their opponents in the first frame. They dominated every facet of the game and posted a 15:8 lead at the break. Serbia gradually adjusted and started to respond in the second frame. Led by Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) the Serbian team pulled within 4 points at halftime. But the home team were back in the drivers seat after the break. Germany took over and established an 8-point advantage with ten minutes remaining. Germany played excellently in the fourth period leaving no chance for the visiting team. Besnik Bekteshi (187-G-93) knocked down 15 points for Germany. Anselm Hartmann (190-G-93) produced 11 points in the winning case. Nenad Miljenovic responded with 17 points for Serbia. Luka Mitrovic (204-F-93) netted 8 points in the loss.

Germany U17: Jakob Krumbeck 21, Besnik Bekteshi 15, Anselm Hartmann 11
Serbia U17: Nenad Miljenovic 17, Luka Mitrovic 8


Christopher Rojik heads to Frankfurt - by Moritz Korff
He has been a true leader and a focal point of the SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf for almost a decade. Christopher Rojik (200-F-74, college: Holy Cross) scored exactly 3672 in 203 games for the Dragons over the course of the years, but now he is gone. The 36-year-old American recently inked a two-year deal with the Frankfurt Skyliners. The two time (2008-09 and 2009-19) Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro B Forward of the Year will play for the Skyliners' second team in the Pro B to pass his knowledge on to the Frankfurt youngsters and is goin to serve as a head coach of Eintracht Frankfurt at the same time. The Rhoendorf decision makers and Rojik had tried to work out a new deal, but eventually didn't come to an agreement. The Holy Cross University graduate appeared in 30 games for the Dragons during their 2009-10 championship run and averaged 16.3 points as well as a team high 6.5 boards per contest.

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  GREECE   


3 on 3 Streetball Tournament in Thessaloniki - by Eurobasket
The 3 on 3 Streetball Tournament which was organized by PSAK (the Greek basketball players union) at the Posidonio Athletic Centre of Thessaloniki, proved to be absolutely successful. A great number of people, that exceeded the expectations of the holders, attended the event most of whom were children. This has been considered the best way for Greek basketball to show to everyone that it still has a lot of fans in the country and outside it and moreover that its a sport that can produce culture.
One of the important moments of the event was the participation of the popular members of TV show Radio Arvila, who not only did they entertain the crowd, but they also beat 6-4 three members of the Greek National Basketball Team, Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80), Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM).
Lazaros Papadopoulos speaking, on behalf of PSAK was ecstatic with the presence of the people of Thessaloniki and speaking to us, he was lost for words to express it:
Today, basketball got a big win. We wanted to send a message against violence. To show to everyone that basketball is culture, it entertains people and violence has nothing to do with it. We have made mistakes that disappointed the fans of the sport, but we are determined to change things by organizing events like this one. We hope that all these children, that are present today, will fill up the basketball arenas and will become good fans of the sport.
Another member of PSAK, Kostas Charalambides, seemed not to be able to believe how many people responded positively to the invitation of the union:
We are surprised with the attendance today. When we decided to hold this event, we could not imagine that all these people would embrace it in that way. Our main goal was to give to the children the opportunity to meet the athletes they admire and I think that we have totally reached it.
It would have been a big mistake of us if we hadnt some words by the captain of the team which won the big match against the internationals. Antonis Kanakis, the captain, talked to us and he even revealed the tactics his team used to beat the professionals:
In the beginning, we let them play their game, get tired and then we picked up and won the game. But seriously, what happened here today is absolutely great. The members of PSAK deserve lots of congratulations for organizing this. Bringing all these children here and teaching them to love sport is the best thing to do.


Greece win international tournament in France - by George Fragkos
Greece U20 - Slovenia U20 100:63

Greek U20 selection earned the third straight win at the international tournament in Paris. They cruised past Slovenia to clinch the top spot. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) produced 15 points each to lead the effort. Slovenia in the meantime suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the ladder.
The teams stayed close in the starting frame. The scoreboard read 21:21 at the first break. Greece opened the second frame on a 9:1 run to clear off. The Hellenes stayed in charge throughout the period and established a 45:33 lead at the interval. The margin just kept on growing in the third frame. Greece enjoyed a massive 27-point lead at three-quarter time. Slovenia never recovered in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end.
Leonidas Kaselakis (201-C-90) produced 14 points for Greece. Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) added 13 points in the winning case. Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) responded with 14 points for Slovenia. Jure Pelko (190-G-90) canned 11 points in the loss.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 15, Georgios Georgakis 15, Leonidas Kaselakis 14
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 14, Jure Pelko 11


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  GUATEMALA   


USAC advances to Final Series - by Gianni Pascucci
Clearly defeating Compusys, 110-78 in Game 2 of Semifinals, Universidad de San Carlos advanced to Final Series of LPB-Clausura. The Regular Season MVP Miguel Gonzalez (189-G/F-90) was another time more tha man of the game, with 34 pts and 19 rebounds. Alejandro Carrillo (192-F-88) added 19 at the winning side, the best at Compusys side were Roman Carranza (169-G-78) with 22 pts and Flavio Pineda with 21. At the other side of the bracket, Club Elite won Game 1 defeating D-Team Guatemala, 85-76. Bernie Diaz (200-C-81) led the way at 24 points, Pablo Cano (178-G-88) added 23 at the winning side, while the best in D-team were Juan Fernando Calderon (180-G-93) at 23 and Fernando Marroquin (182-G-81) at 17. Game 2 will be played tonight at 8:00 pm.

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  HOLLAND   


Upstairs Weert lands forward Sjors Besseling - by Fred Roggen
The week just began with a new face for Upstairs Weert, as the club announced Today the signing of Dutch forward Sjors Besseling (198-F-85, agency: Court Side). Sjors Besseling was on the wish list of new head coach Terence Stansbury, signing a deal for one season with an option for a second year. He was more than one year on the sidelines, held by a troublesome knee injury, which disappeared after surgery. Besseling made his comeback in the season 2009/2010 with the Rotterdam Challengers. Sjors Besseling arrives from Rotterdam Challengers, where he had a good season in the Dutch League, averaging 7.4 points, 4 rebounds per game.


Henk Norel, leaving or staying in Badalona - by Fred Roggen
Dutch NT-center Henk Norel (212-F/C-87) his contract with DKV Joventut Badalona ended this summer but he has some problems because in Spain you have 'Tanteo'.
This means that Joventut keeps the right to match an offer from another team and then Norel had to stay in Badalona. One other problem is, as long as he has no new contract he can not play for the Dutch National team. The Dutch NT-player told us, that he would like to go to another club, who compete in one of the European competitions.
Norel needs to find where someone is in need of a great power forward/ center. Italy, Turkey or Israel, these countries could be an option, but dont rule out any other possibilities
In the NBA Draft of 2009, the Timberwolves selected forward Henk Norel with the 47th pick.

Career:
2005-2006: Demon Astronauts Amsterdam (Eredivisie), at the beginning of season moved to C.B. Prat (Spain-EBA), played also at DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): FIBA Europe Cup: 1 game: 0pts, 1.0rpg; Spanish League: 3 games: 0.0ppg, played also at C.B. Prat (Spain-EBA)
2006-2007: DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): 1 game: 1pts, 1reb, loaned to C.B. Prat (Spain-LEB2, starting five): 32 games: 12.7ppg, Reb-4 (8.3rpg), 2FGP: 58.0%, 3FGP: 38.0%, FT: 59.0%
2007, April: inked a three-year extension with DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB)
2007-2008: DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB), then moved to Alicante Costablanca (Spain-LEB Gold): 40 games: 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 2FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 61.0%
2008-2009: DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): Euroleague: 9 games: 3.1ppg, 2.2rpg; Spanish League: 24 games: 5.5ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 68.3%
2009: drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA,2rd (47))
2009-2010: DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): EuroCup: 10 games: 4.2ppg, 2.4rpg; Spanish League: 32 games: 6.4ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 63.8%

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  HUNGARY   


Transfer news - by Tamas Deri
Roland Hendlein (205-F-86) decided to play for coach Dzunic again and signed a one year contract with Albacomp. The 24 years old, 205 cm tall forward had a bad injury two years ago and got back on the court during the last season. He averaged 14.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 27 minutes per game.

Gabor Szarvas (188-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) re-sigend with NYKK for the next season and also one option to prolong his contract for one more season. The 29 years old hungarian point guard spent several seasons in the second division before getting a chance to get back into top league. He helped coach Ferenczis team with 5.6 points, 2.1 reobunds and 1.7 assists per game.

Also Mark Mondzinger (200-F/C-90) decided to move to Nyiregyhaza and signed a two-years contract with NYKK. The member of our U-20 national team Mark Mondzinger is a very athletic forward and showed his great skills in the 2nd team of Szolnok in the 2nd division last season averaging a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Jan Pavlik (186-G-78, agency: Court Side) is coming back to ASE! The czech point guard played for the club already between 2004 and 2007 before getting back to Czech Republic spending one season with Prostejov and two seasons with BC Kolin. In the season 2009-10 he averaged 9.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Pavlik and his hungarian feyonce will get married this summer, so the management of ASE will make all the necessary movements to get him a hungarian passport.

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  IBL   


IBL's British Columbia Titans win 8 games in a row - by Trask Frost
The BC Titans of the International Basketball League have won 8 in a row, included in that streak was a big win at the Vancouver Volcanoes (the 2010 Vancouver Volcanoes are considered by many- the best Volcanoes team to date and they are considered a contender for the IBL Championship)- so with the Titans winning at Vancouver (Volcanoes), are the Titans a contender in 2010? Stay tuned... Next up for the BC Titans is a home stand with the first place, 15-3 Olympia Reign who won both games last week, one against the struggling Central Oregon Hotshots but the Reign also beat a red hot Bellingham Slam team as well. This 'Olympia at BC' series will be held at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm. For more information on these or any other BL teams, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com

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  INDIA   


IMG-Reliance ties up with BFI, major break thru for Indian Basketball - by Anil Kumar

Congratulations to Harish Sharma & Co at the BFI !!!

The hoops game in India is set soar to the next level in the country after the Basketball Federation of India Monday joined hands with IMG Reliance, a joint venture between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries, to develop the sport in the country, from the grassroots up to the professional level.

The initiative is poised to significantly impact the competitive level of the sport and enhance the pool of talent in the country. The deal will see IMG Reliance assisting BFI on financial, promotional and technical aspects. As part of the agreement, the BFI has granted IMG Reliance commercial rights relating to basketball in India, including sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, film, video and data, intellectual property, franchising and new league rights. The highlight of the agreement is expected to be the development of a professional basketball league in India in which players from around the globe will compete alongside Indian players, similar to the CBL in China. A critical element of the new initiative will be the development of world class infrastructure in India to support the effort, including the construction of new arenas and training facilities.

In line with its focus on developing the game at the grassroots level, IMG Reliance will advise the BFI regarding the organization and management of school and college leagues throughout the country. This will create a platform to develop and augment the talent pool of young men and women, enhance their opportunities to compete internationally, and successfully represent India on the world stage.

Talking about the deal, BFI secretary general Harish Sharma said, We cannot mention the finances of the deal but IMG reliance would be supporting all the programmes BFI would be conducting across the country. Sharma further added that the agreement the BFI had signed with IMG Reliance was for 30 years.

IMG Reliance would be commercially supporting our school/college leagues, championships etc. They will also be helping in gradation of the players where in the top players will get financial support to play the game. International expertise will be brought in to India to promote the game. As a long term plan, they also plan to promote a professional league in future, he added.

This is a step to promote and popularise the game in India. IMG is a global company and will surely help us in making the sport the second most popular sport in a few years, he added.

'We are working towards kicking off the leagues at the onset of the sporting calendar in the country,' Sharma further added.

While signing off however, Sharma was at pains to clarify that the deal that the BFI had just signed on to would in no way compromise the schools level and above grassroots initiatives that the Mahindra Group in partnership with the NBA has kicked into high gear - the Mahindra NBA Challenge.

Commenting on the development, Andrew Wildblood, IMG Reliance said, 'The game of basketball is one of the most popular spectator sports across the world. With the active support and participation from the Basketball Federation of India, we will work to take the sport to the next level. IMG Reliance will leverage IMG's unparalleled experience of developing sporting leagues and talent development to make basketball in India a commercially exciting sporting proposition with a large fan base. The convergence of sport and entertainment has been successfully demonstrated over the past several years in India. We strongly believe there is room for multiple commercially successful professional sports in India. We further believe that basketball has all the necessary ingredients to take a significant share of the growing professional sports market in the country and to have great appeal for the Indian consumer.'

Earlier this year, IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries created a joint venture in India, IMG Reliance Pvt. Ltd., to focus on unlocking the sporting potential, and create and operate major sporting and entertainment assets in the country. The association with BFI is IMG Reliance's first significant initiative in this direction.

IMG Reliance also plans to establish sporting academies in India, modeled on the world renowned IMG Academies at Bradenton, Florida, to provide athlete and coach training in the country.


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  ISRAEL   


Ido Kozikaro joins Galil Gilboa - by Eurobasket News
Ido Kozikaro (203-F/C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) will play for the Israeli champions in the next season. The 32-year-old centre spent the last two seasons in Maccabi Haifa. Last season the experienced player averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists per game. Ido Kozikaro played for Israel at the 2009 EuroBasket. The centre tallied 5.6 points and 3.6 boards per appearance in Poland.


Hapoel Holon tab Moran Roth - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Holon have agreed on terms of contract with Moran Roth (184-G-82). The 27-year-old guard comes from Irono Ashkelon. Last season Moran Roth tallied 11.3 points, 4.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in the Israeli league. Moran Roth is not new to Hapoel Holon. The guard played for the team back in 2007/08 season. Moran Roth played for the Israeli NT at the 2009 EuroBasket in Poland.


Maccabi Electra keeps their captain Derrick Sharp - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Electra announced signing of one-year contract extension with their captain Derrick Sharp (183-G-71, college: S.Florida). It means that veteran point guard will play his 15th season with the Israeli giant. He joined them in 1996 from D3 team Betar Migdal-Haemek and never left the club. Last season, Sharp appeared seven times in Euroleague having 1.1 ppg. In Premier Legague he had 3.3 ppg in 22 games.
Derrick Sharp won many titles and personal awards with Maccabi. He helped the team to win the Suproleague in 2001 and later to win the Euroleague twice (04, 05). Maccabi also reached the Euroleague Finals three times (00, 06, 08). In domestic championship, Sharp won 12 titles. He played for the Israeli NT on EuroBasket 2001 and 2003.

'Keeping Derrick with the team is one of the easiest decisions I had to take,' said head coach David Blatt . 'Derrick symbolizes everything we want to see from a Maccabi player - character, ability, stability, winning spirit, continuity, ambition and linkage to the club's tradition and symbol. Derrick first of all thinks about the best of the team and not himself, although he's had a hand in many of the great achievements in the club's history. He's loved by everybody and I'm confident he'll contribute to us a lot this season on and off the court.' (second part of the news is taken from www.euroleague.net, Courtesy of Euroleague)

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  ITALY   


Pianigiani unveils his first players' list - by Gianni Pascucci
Just after clainimg the fourth Italian League title in a row, new Team Italy coach Simone Pianigiani disclosed the list of players calIed at the National Team Camp scheduled for Bormio, from June 29 to July 6. The team will prepare the 'Memorial Diego Gianatti International Tournment' that will start on July 7.

The players convocated are:
Pietro Aradori (192-G-88)
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85)
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86)
Marco Carraretto (196-G-77, agency: Players Group)
Daniele Cavaliero (189-G-84)
Andrea Cinciarini (191-G-86)
Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson)
Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances)
Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87)
Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83)
Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83)
Luca Lechthaler (207-C-86)
Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois)
Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83)
Marco Mordente (191-G-79)
Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85)
Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group)
Luca Vitali (201-G-86)
The National Team Manager is now Riccardo Pittis and the Assistants of Piangiani are Luca Dalmonte and Andrea Capobianco


Drake Diener stays with Teramo - by Eurobasket News
Teramo Basket announced that Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) did not opt out of his contract and will stay with the Italian team next season. Diener arrived in Teramo last summer from Air Avelino. He appeared 29 times in SerieA averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He also played 8 games in EuroCup adding 13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.9 spg. Teramo Basket finished the season in Italy as No.12. They registered 10 wins in 28 games.
Before Teramo, Drake Diener spent one season with Air Avelino. With them, he played 30 SerieA games averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Diener had pretty close numbers in Euroleague. For 10 games he had 10.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT-3 (51.6%), FT: 100.0%. Season 2007/08 Diener split between Capo dOrlando and Montepaschi Siena. With the Italian powerhouse he had 9.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games in Serie A. In Euroleague he had 2.3 ppg for 10 games. He joined them in January. Season 2007/08 was the first one for Diener in Italy and he was a member of Ignis Castelletto Ticino (LegaDue).
Drake Diener is a product of De Paul University, where he graduated in 2005. In his senior season he had 14.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg.

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  JUCO   


USA - 2010 Basketball Mens U18 National Team Roster Finalized - by Richard
Following four trials sessions June 14-16 at the University of Texas at San Antonio, 12 of the nations top 18-and-unders have been named to the 2010 USA Basketball Mens U18 National Team, USA Basketball today announced. The U.S. squad will remain in San Antonio to continue training prior to the start of the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, which will be held June 26-30 in St. Marys Universitys Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio. The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Mens Junior National Team Committee.

Selected to represent the United States at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship were: Vander Blue (James Madison Memorial H.S. / Madison, Wis.); Trevor Cooney (191-G) (Sanford H.S. / Wilmington, Del.); Abdul Gaddy (191-G) (Washington / Tacoma, Wash.); Joshua Hairston (203-F/C) (Montrose Christian School (Md.) / Fredericksburg, Va.); Kyrie Irving (191-G) (St. Patricks H.S. / Elizabeth, N.J.); Quincy Miller (203-F/C) (Quality Education Academy / Winston-Salem, N.C.); Tony Mitchell (198-F) (L.G. Pinkston H.S. / Dallas, Texas); LeBryan Nash (Lincoln H.S. / Dallas, Texas); Jereme Richmond (201-F) (Waukegan H.S. / Waukegan, Ill.); Austin Rivers (191-G) (Winter Park H.S. / Winter Park, Fla.); Amir Williams (208-F/C) (Detroit Country Day / Detroit, Mich.); and Patric Young (Providence School / Jacksonville, Fla.).

I like the make-up of our team, said USA U18 National Team and University of Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel.We have really good talent. We have versatility. We have guys who can really defend. We have good athleticism, guys who can score. Im excited about coaching this group. Im excited about seeing what we can become over these next few days.

The team is scheduled to remain in San Antonio and train twice a day starting at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with scrimmages scheduled against the 2010 USA Basketball Mens U17 World Championship Team in the afternoons of June 21 and 22, and against the Brazil U18 National Team on June 23.

The FIBA Americas Mens U18 Championship will feature eight national teams from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. On March 5 the draw was held to determine the first round groups, and the USA was placed into Group A, along with defending FIBA Americas U18 Championship gold medalist Argentina, Mexico and the Virgin Islands. Group B includes Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. The U.S. will open preliminary play against the Virgin Islands on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. (all times listed are local, CDT). On June 27 the USA will face Mexico at 7:00 p.m. and will close preliminary play against South American rivals Argentina on June 28 at 7:00 p.m. The semifinals are slated for June 29, and the finals will be held June 30.

Not only will a gold medal be at stake, the top four finishing nations will qualify for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship. Players eligible for this competition must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1992.
USA BASKETBALL
soruce: Fibaamericas

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  LITHUANIA   


Gintaras Leonavicius earns leading scorer award at Imola Summer League 2010 - by Eurobasket
Lithuanian player Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) becomes leading scorer of 4th annual Imola Summer League after scoring 29 points for Cantu NGC in the overtime loss against Power Balance Team 93-90. Arminas Urbutis adds 10 points for Cantu.
Leonavicius collected 68 points in 3 Summer League games, including 18 points against MT Distribution Team, 21 against Imola and 29 against Power Balance Team. Another Lithuanian - Gytis Sirutavicius gets finals MVP award after leading Aget Imola to the victory against Rimini Crabs 85-78.
source: http://summerleagueimola.blogspot.com

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  MEXICO   


LSB Final Series are set - by Gianni Pascucci
Dorados de Playa del Carmen defeated Meteoros de Merida, 81-74 the last game of Semifinals, advancing to the Liga del Sureste Final Series. Davin White (186-G-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) scored 22 points to led Dorados, Oswaldo Guzman (192-F-82) added 19 pts, while David Crouse (211-F/C-74, college: USC) led Meteoros with 21 points in losing effort. Dorados will meet in Final Seres Marineros de Cozumel, winners 3-0 over Aluxes at the other side of the bracket. The Finals should start on Friday, June 25 in Cozumel and will be best of five games.

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  NABL   


Nohomish County Explosion even up the series with Salem 1-1 with 137-119 win in NABL Playoff Game - by Eurobasket
Snohomish County Explosion even up the series with Salem Stampede 1-1 with 137-119 win

The Snohomish County Explosion received 34 points from Chris Ferguson (6'0''-G-81, college: Evergreen St.), 27 points from Chris Weakley (6'3''-G-79, college: Salem Stampede Intern.), 25 from Shawn Wolter (6'5''-F-88, college: Everett CC), and 20 from Jason Hicks (5'10''-G-83, college: Walsh (OH)) to win at home over the visiting Salem Stampede Stampede. This now evens up the NABL Semi-Final three game series 1-1 with both home teams winning on home court. The Explosion as a team shot 19/47 from three point range compared to the 5/24 of Salem Stampede and this made the difference in the win. The game was close throughout the first half as 13 lead changes lead for a competitive battle. Michael Tabb the NABL defensive player of the year led Salem Stampede with 42 points and 18 rebounds in 46 minutes.

The Explosion will now return to Salem Stampede, a place they have never won, and look to get the win Sunday at The Hoop in Salem Stampede. If the Explosion pull off the upset they will make it to the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
source: www.explosionbasketball.net

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  NBA   


Grizzlies - Wallace: 'Signed, sealed and delivered' - by Eurobasket News
Chris Wallace has finalized a multiyear contract to continue as Grizzlies general manager and vice president of basketball operations.

An announcement could come as soon as today when the team hosts its final predraft workout in FedExForum.

Wallace's three-year deal, signed in 2007, expires June 30. The Commercial Appeal reported last Thursday that both sides were close to agreeing on a contract extension.

Wallace confirmed in a text that he agreed to terms at the start of the weekend.

'I'm signed, sealed and delivered,' he wrote.

Griz owner Michael Heisley said five months ago that he wanted to keep the team's front office and coaching staff intact. Head coach Lionel Hollins signed a three-year contract extension last month.

Wallace's future with the franchise never was in doubt. He works directly with Heisley on major decisions but doesn't have the autonomy that Wallace's predecessor, Jerry West, required.

Wallace said he enjoys the working relationship and is comfortable with his level of input. While Heisley hired Hollins and drove the process to trade for O.J. Mayo in the 2008 draft, Wallace is responsible for engineering Pau Gasol's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier that year.

It was Wallace who insisted that Gasol's younger brother, Marc, be included in that transaction.

Wallace's new deal breaks an inexplicable streak of GM/team splits around the NBA. Last week, Steve Kerr announced that he would not return as GM of the Western Conference finalist Phoenix Suns. The Cleveland Cavaliers parted ways with GM Danny Ferry, and Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard recently acknowledged that his contract likely won't be renewed.

Courtesy of www.commercialappeal.com

Doug Collins praises Syracuse's Wesley Johnson - by Eurobasket News
New 76ers coach Doug Collins got what he wanted.

Collins said he likes when NBA prospects produce pre-draft workouts that make a team reconsider its draft plans.

Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson (6'7''-F-87) did just that Saturday at the Sixers' pre-draft workout at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

'You like someone and you want someone [else] to come in and make you think. That's what you love to do as a coach,' said Collins, whose squad holds the No. 2 overall pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

'Watching Wesley work out was like, 'Wow, that was impressive,' ' Collins added. 'This young kid, he's got it: Charismatic, he can play, respectful, he's older. I mean, impressive.'

The Sixers are expected to use the second overall pick on Ohio State junior Evan Turner, assuming the Washington Wizards take Kentucky's John Wall at No. 1.

Johnson, a 6-foot-7 junior, is projected to go fourth to the Minnesota Timberwolves, after Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech to the New Jersey Nets.

'I mean, he's going to be really good,' the coach said. 'So from that standpoint, you see a guy and are like, 'It's fun to see somebody with that type of talent.' '

The Sixers put Johnson through a solo workout that included isolation and pick-and-roll drills. The team was impressed with his conditioning, demeanor, and the way he responded to coaching.

Johnson played one season at Syracuse after transferring from Iowa State. The 22-year-old became the first transfer student to garner Big East player-of-the-year honors. He did that by averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Johnson shot 50.2 percent from the field - including 41.5 percent on three-pointers.

'I think it's a good shot for me to come here,' Johnson said of becoming a Sixer. 'It's just up to them to evaluate everything and wait on [June] 24th. But I think I have a good shot of coming here.'

A concern about Johnson is his ability to play man-to-man defense in the NBA. He played exclusively in a 2-3 zone with the Orange.

'Everybody got the stigma of the zone,' Johnson said. ''Oh, he's in the zone. It's probably hard for him to play man.'

'But I grew up playing [man-to-man]. It all comes down to want-to. So really, I just have to carry that over and show them I can.'

Collins isn't worried about how Johnson will adjust defensively.

'Well, I can tell you most guys coming out of college aren't very good defensively,' he said. 'If they are, they probably aren't very good offensively. It takes a rare guy in college to be really good at both ends of the floor.'

But judging from Collins' praise, Johnson could end up as a perennial all-star. The coach said Johnson reminded him a little bit of Scottie Pippen. The former seven-time NBA all-star will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in August.

Johnson has 'a little Scottie, a late-developer, long arms, rangy,' said Collins, who drafted Pippen in 1987 as the coach of the Chicago Bulls. 'Not as good a ball handler right now as Scottie. He's a better shooter. But he's got the lanky, rangy body. He's got a real good feel.'

Courtesy of www.philly.com

Stephenson may fall to Knicks - by Eurobasket News
The Knicks don't have a pick in the draft until No. 38, but that might be good enough to snag Brooklyn native and Lincoln High product Lance Stephenson (6'5''-F-90), whose stock has fluctuated from mid-first round to early second round.

Stephenson, a 19-year-old shooting guard, worked out for the Knicks yesterday at their training facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., and entertained the thought of playing for his hometown team.

'I always grew up wanting to play for the Knicks,' Stephenson said after the workout, which included shooting drills, one-on-one and three-on-three exercises. 'So if they pick me, I'll be very happy.'

Stephenson, 19, is entering the draft after one season at Cincinnati in which he averaged 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, and was named Big East Rookie of the Year.

He said during the season that he chose Cincinnati over St. John's because he felt smothered in New York and needed to go elsewhere to escape the pressure brought on by winning four PSAL titles and setting the all-time scoring record for New York State.

Stephenson said he is ready to return to New York after a one-year sabbatical.

'I think I'm more comfortable with coming back and playing with the Knicks,' he said. 'I think it'd be better for the Knicks in a lot of ways because I grew up in New York. I think a lot more people will come out and watch the games knowing that I'm from New York and that I played in New York since my high school career.'

At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Stephenson has an NBA-ready body but questionable shooting skills. Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's system relies heavily on outside shooting, but Stephenson said he believes he would fit well in the system.

'He likes up and down, and that's the type of player that I [am],' Stephenson said. 'A lot of people say I need to work on my jump shot, so I've been in the gym shooting a lot of reps.'

The Knicks need help on defense, and Stephenson was named Cincinnati's Defensive Player of the Year.

'I can bring defense [to a team],' Stephenson said. '[I'm trying to] show that I'm a leader, and I think I bring a lot of energy to a team and help them win games.'

Knicks officials were unavailable to comment on the workout, but prospect Samardo Samuels, who also worked out for the Knicks yesterday, said Stephenson played with a lot of confidence in the workout.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Will Pistons boss Joe Dumars go all in for Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins? - by Eurobasket News
The next few days should tell us a lot about Joe Dumars poker skills.

However, the game won't play out in his basement. It will get a public airing in the rumor mill that has only begun to percolate in anticipation of Thursday's NBA draft.

The stakes are simple -- but have huge implications.

The Pistons would like to land Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins. But with the seventh pick, it's questionable that the 6-foot-11, 270-pounder with quick feet and scoring ability will fall that far.

So between now and Thursday, Dumars and his staff will be talking to teams with higher picks (not including the Wizards at No. 1) and the game is whether the Pistons will give up anything to get Cousins -- or will they think the price is too high, stand pat, gamble on Cousins falling to No. 7 or be more than happy to roll with a power forward like Ekpe Udoh, Greg Monroe or Ed Davis. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu could be in play as well.

Despite questions of character and work ethic, Cousins is a true center and -- if he is as good as league executives believe he can be -- his presence would go a long way toward improving the league's worst frontcourt, which contributed to last season's 27-55 record and an end to eight consecutive postseason appearances.

The Pistons' main chips
The names dominating the rumor mill are Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton, so here are some things to remember over the next few days.

The Pistons would be willing to part with Prince only if they think they are getting a good player back in return. The organization still places a premium on Prince, who is coming off an injury-marred season but did put together a strong second half when he played some of the best basketball of his career.

Plus, his $11-million salary comes off the books after next season, so the Pistons would have to be really impressed in a deal to give up the future cap relief.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is in play for talent. He is owed $25 million over the next two seasons with a partial guarantee for a third. So the Pistons would be willing to take a declining player with an expiring deal in a swap involving Hamilton.

Last week began with reports of the Pistons talking with the Kings about a deal in which Prince and Andres Nocioni were the featured parts, and it ended with AOL Fanhouse saying the Pistons discussed a mega-deal in which they would send Prince and Charlie Villanueva to the Sixers for Elton Brand.

The deals would have had significant impact on the Pistons' roster, but each deal would have allowed them to move up in the draft. (The Kings have the fifth pick; the Sixers the second.)

But there was no way the Pistons were going to trade Prince for Nocioni. As for the Sixers deal, the addition of Brand and selection of Cousins would have definitely upgraded the frontcourt, but you wonder how serious the Pistons were to add Brand's three years at $51 million to the payroll.

How it might play out
After the 76ers sent center Samuel Dalembert to the Kings for Nocioni and center Spencer Hawes on Thursday, the Pistons could also get Cousins by just remaining pat.

The Wizards will take John Wall with the No. 1 pick, and the Sixers, needing a big man now that Dalembert is gone, could go with Derrick Favors at No. 2. The Nets take Evan Turner at No. 3, the Timberwolves go with Wesley Johnson at No. 4, and the Kings, with Dalembert in tow, can pick a wing such as Aminu at No. 5.

Then the Warriors could -- given head coach Don Nelson's preference for passing big men -- take Greg Monroe.

The teams to watch are the Sixers, the Kings and the Warriors. The Sixers are said to be considering Cousins, but it appears the pick will be Favors or Turner. The Kings could decide to add another big man. The Warriors really need a center and could definitely pick Cousins.

The Pistons also have to sell that they are willing to stand pat while considering trading up.

Chris Grier Luchey, Udoh's agent, said earlier this month that his client would be in town Monday for a workout and interview.

The team has also interviewed likely lottery picks Wesley Johnson and Gordon Hayward.

But is it a smokescreen? Or will the Pistons ultimately do whatever it takes to get Cousins?

Here's where we get a good look at Dumars' poker face.

Courtesy of www.freep.com

Mavs: Nellies voice wont be as loud in the Warriors war room - by Eurobasket News
The Warriors have the No. 6 pick in the draft, and theyll get less input from coach Don Nelson than in the past, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Nelson has one year remaining on his contract.

'Were drafting for the long term and not for next year,' GM Larry Riley said. 'I want his opinions. I want to know what he thinks of basketball players, but this is a draft for the Warrior organizations long term.'

Riley also said that although the team has had talks with other teams about moving up or down from the No. 6 spot, those discussions have stalled.

'We have discussed moving up and moving down, and I can tell you that Im not even close to it,' Riley said. 'Im finding it difficult to move up, and I dont think its going to happen.'

The Bobcats dont have a pick in the upcoming draft, but theyve still been busy trying to figure out how to upgrade their roster. According to The Charlotte Observer, the Bobcats have been active in trade talks across the league, and would be willing to add to their payroll if it will lead to a significant improvement of the team.

When owner Michael Jordan took over the Bobcats, he said hed be reluctant to go into the luxury tax but would take it under consideration if it were for a player that make would make a difference.

Although the Sixers are expected to take shooting guard Evan Turner with the No. 2 pick, forward/center DeMarcus Cousins believes hed be a good fit with the teamespecially after the trade that sent center Samuel Dalembert (notes) to Sacramento.

'When I saw that trade, that really opened my eyes,' Cousins told the Philadelphia Daily News. 'Ive got a chance to go No. 2. That helped out a lot.'

Mavericks president Donnie Nelson is prepared to buy his way into the top of the second round, the Dallas Morning News reports. Dallas has only the 50th overall pick at the moment.

'Were active as always and we are in the mix on a number of situations,' Nelson told the newspaper. 'If the opportunity presents itself, well squeeze the trigger.'

Courtesy of Yahoo

Devin Harris unlikely to be trade bait in NBA Draft, should remain as key cog of New Jersey Nets - by Eurobasket News
Early last week, Devin Harris (6'3''-G-83, college: Wisconsin) went from Turks & Caicos to East Rutherford to attend the press conference introducing Avery Johnson as the new coach of the Nets.

Since the end of the regular season, Harris has taken an even longer journey.

Just over two months ago, when the Nets wrapped up a 12-70 season in Miami, Harris had no idea where he was headed. With the Nets locking up the best chance to secure the No. 1 pick, which would mean drafting Kentucky point guard John Wall, odds were Harris had just played his final game as a Net.

But going into Thursday's draft, it now seems unlikely that Harris will be used the same way that Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter were in the previous two offseasons - as trade bait. While Jefferson and Carter were both sent packing on the afternoon of the previous two drafts, all indications are that Harris will make it through the day and begin next season as the Nets' starting point guard.

In addition to finishing third in the draft lottery and likely losing any chance to land Wall, the Nets hired Johnson, who coached Harris in Dallas for 3-1/2 seasons before the point guard was traded to the Nets in the Jason Kidd deal.

During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Johnson made it seem as if he was preparing to spend a lot of time with Harris in the months before the Nets start their season.

'I'm really excited about us working together again,' Johnson said. 'I got to see him grow from a rookie in the NBA to a young man, and we're going to get Devin playing the type of basketball that I know he's capable of playing.'

Harris and Johnson had a rocky past but acted like best friends during the press conference, which Harris attended after cutting short his vacation. At one point, Harris grabbed a microphone and asked a question during the televised event, grinning ear to ear the whole time.

He later admitted that he and Johnson had 'butted heads' over philosophical differences and the coach's tendency to be overly critical of him during their time in Dallas. But while saying that he doubts the head-butting will completely go away, Harris made it clear he's happy that Johnson is his coach again, and just as happy to have a future in New Jersey.

Harris apparently spoke just as highly of Johnson during a private discussion with team president Rod Thorn late in the season, when Thorn asked his opinion on Johnson. Thorn wanted to know what Johnson would bring to a Nets team in desperate need of new leadership after a season under first-time coach Kiki Vandeweghe.

'I've always thought he was a great coach,' Harris said of Johnson. 'Even when I left Dallas, through all we've been through together, I respected him and he respected me. We have a very good relationship on and off the floor. I thought he'd be a good fit for us.'

As usual, Thorn offered no guarantees that he won't trade one of the team's top two players. There have been rumors that the Nets might pursue point guard Chris Paul through a trade. Since they don't seem to be all that high on any of the players they are likely to get with the No. 3 pick, such as Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins or Syracuse's Wes Johnson, they could trade the pick to get an established player.

There is also the unlikely possibility that they trade up two spots and land Wall. If so, the team that currently holds the No.1 pick - the Wizards - might want a certain former All-Star point guard back in exchange.

'Who's to say the right deal won't come up. You don't know,' Harris said. 'But as far as right now, I'm invested (in the Nets).'

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

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


Paul George invitation to Green Room may turn Blue - by Mike Allen
With news that Paul George (6'8''-G/F-90, agency: Priority Sports) has been invited to the Green Room, we decided to take a look at the impact of pre-draft workouts.

According to reliable sources, Paul George has not been impressive in numerous workouts, possibly due to a strained hip flexor.
But what if Paul George just isn't as good as adertised?

Here we have a player represented by super-agent Mark Bartelstein, who also represented one of the biggest draft busts of all time, Adam Morrison.

Though Adam Morrison attended a mid-major, he played on a pretty big stage, proving himself in the NCAA tournament. Eventhough every NBA team doubted whether Morrison could get his shot off in the NBA, it's understandable how a draft day gamble turned up craps.

What has Paul George done to earn his Green Room invite? He averaged around 17 points and 7 rebounds for a below 500 WAC team.

In workout after workout, Paul George has been getting outperformed by the likes of Tyren Johnson and Jeremy Evans. Who?

Will NBA teams fall for the super-agent trap and get stuck with an injured underperforming player who lost more games then he won in a non-competitive conference?

If workouts are any indication of future success (we don't have any research on this), then Paul George will be one of the biggest draft busts of all time.

If he turns out to be Green Room worthy, then pre-draft workouts are a waste of time.

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


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. Pace, Bay Hawks20.7 
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 


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


Denmark narrowly defeat Norway in second exhibition encounter - by Eurobasket News
Norway - Denmark 78:80

Denmark and Norway clashed in the second exhibition encounter in as many days. The teams once again met in Oslo and once again Denmark proved the strength. The visitors overcame a slow start to eke out a tough victory at the end. Niccolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) tallied 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists to pace the winners.
Norway looked slightly better in the starting quarter. The hosts dictated the pace and pulled away with a 3-point lead 20:17 at the first break. But Denmark speeded things up in the second stanza. The visitors accounted for 24 points to get within just one 41:42 at halftime. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third quarter. Denmark erased the deficit and the teams entered the final term leveled at 51. Neither side was able to earn a decisive lead throughout the fourth period. It all came down to the final seconds when Denmark succeeded and snatched a difficult win at the end. Chris Nielsen (192-G/F-85, agency: Innovative Sports Group) dropped 16 points for Denmark. Peter Johansen (205-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) delivered 15 points in the victory. Christian Hinsch (188-G-88, agency: Court Side) replied with 18 points for Norway. Ronny Karlsen (202-F-78, college: Independence CC) knocked down 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.

Norway: Christian Hinsch 18, Ronny Karlsen 14
Denmark: Niccolai Iversen 17, Chris Nielsen 16, Peter Johansen 15


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


PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 30.2
 1. Johnson, Santa L.30.2 
 2. Bell, Coca-Cola28.0 
 3. Simpson, Alaska26.9 
 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. Freeman, San M.15.9 
 3. Simpson, Alaska15.9 
 4. Ambres, Ginebra15.3 
 5. Brown, Derby A.14.5 
 6. Daniels, Talk N.14.2 
 7. Larry, Air2114.1 
 8. Penny, Coca-Cola13.8 
 9. Bell, Coca-Cola13.2 
 10. Johnson, Santa L.13.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (178-G-77)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Alapag, Talk N Text7.4 
 2. Cabagnot, San M.6.1 
 3. Reyes, Santa Lucia4.6 
 4. Helterbrand, Gineb.4.5 
 5. Tenorio, Alaska4.4 
 6. Cortez, Air214.1 
 7. Monroe, Barako4.0 
 8. Bell, Coca-Cola4.0 
 9. Norwood, Rain o.3.9 
 10. Mercado, Rain o.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Daniels, Talk N.2.2 
 2. Baguio, Alaska1.9 
 3. Simpson, Alaska1.8 
 4. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.8 
 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. Bell, Coca-Cola1.6 
 4. Monroe, Barako1.6 
 5. Wade, Derby Ace L.1.6 
 6. Simpson, Alaska1.5 
 7. Johnson, Santa L.1.4 
 8. Freeman, San M.1.3 
 9. Larry, Air211.0 
 10. Williams, Talk N.1.0 


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


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


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon21.0 
 2. Carmona, Mayaguez20.2 
 3. Hickerson, San G.20.1 
 4. Ramos, Quebradillas19.9 
 5. Maye, Mayaguez19.0 
 6. Priutt, Isabela18.8 
 7. Redhage, Quebradillas18.8 
 8. Ayuso, Capitanes18.5 
 9. Mays, Humacao17.6 
 10. Sweetney, Santurce17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.4
 1. Priutt, Isabela13.4 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas12.3 
 3. Sweetney, Santurce10.8 
 4. Traylor, Bayamon9.9 
 5. Narvaez, Ponce9.8 
 6. Dyer, San German8.7 
 7. Mays, Humacao8.6 
 8. Aubry, Capitanes8.5 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon8.2 
 10. Austin, San German8.0 
Assists Per Game
 C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Bruton, Quebradillas6.4 
 2. Dalmau, Bayamon5.6 
 3. Rivera, Isabela5.4 
 4. Rodriguez, Capit.5.3 
 5. Guzman, Guaynabo4.9 
 6. Copeland, San G.4.7 
 7. Berdiel, Humacao4.5 
 8. Cruz, Ponce4.4 
 9. Hatton, Ponce4.2 
 10. Redhage, Quebradillas4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Berdiel, Humacao2.0 
 2. Carmona, Mayaguez1.8 
 3. Rivera, Isabela1.7 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon1.6 
 5. Mojica, Bayamon1.5 
 6. Perez, Isabela1.4 
 7. Mays, Humacao1.4 
 8. Pickett, Capitanes1.4 
 9. Figueroa, Guaynabo1.3 
 10. Hinson, Isabela1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Priutt, Isabela1.3 
 2. Sweetney, Santurce1.3 
 3. Mays, Humacao1.2 
 4. Perez, Isabela1.2 
 5. Nieves, Santurce1.0 
 6. Traylor, Bayamon1.0 
 7. Nailon, Ponce0.9 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon0.9 
 9. Berdiel, Humacao0.9 
 10. Guzman, Guaynabo0.8 


Puerto Rico has their 24 players for the FIBA-Americas U18 Championship - by Richard
Puerto Rico named their 24 players for the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship to be played from June 26-30 in San Antonio, Texas. This tournament qualifies the top four teams to the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.

The team is coached by Luis Wichi Ruiz who has a combination of the best local talent along many names from US schools.

Some of the best plaayers on the list are Matt Lpez who is 6'10', DeJuan Marrero of 6'5', Christopher Ortiz who is 6'7', Gary Browne, among others.

The 24 player list is completed by: Luis Quiones, Kevin Ramiu, Carmelo Betancourt (92), ngel Rodrguez, Jos Agosto, Jorge Santos, Owen Prez, Angel Matas, Edgar Pars. Wil Martnez, Jos Gonzlez, Rasham Suarez, Carlos Albertorio, Wilangel Corps, Ismael Mercado, TJ Curry, Manuel Andjar, Michael Alvarado, Edward Seda and Nelson Perez.

Puerto Rico is in Group A along with Brazil, Canada and Uruguay. Group B has Argentina, Mexico, USA and US Virgin Islands.
Source: FIBA-Americas


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


Russian Professional Basketball League is created. Vatutin and Rutkauskas will head it. - by Stanislav Tyutyunnik
The Russian clubs representatives gathered in Moscow today to vote for new basketball league Bylaws, to elect the management and to discuss key questions of sports regulations. 12 clubs representatives were present on the PBL Board (the new league is supposed to be named Professional Basketball League). Except for 10 members the managers from Universitet Surgut and Sibirtelecom-Lokomotiv Novosibirsk were invited both teams are considering joining the League this season. CSKA president Andrey Vatutin was voted as a Chairman of the Board. Mr. Vatutin said that the position in CSKA will be his main job, and the Chairmans functions are mostly political, representative. Unlike the position of CEO which is taken by Lithuanian Ginas Rutkauskas, who was voted after Vatutins presentation. Rutkauskas will have to leave his position of Dynamo Moscow Sports Director, as reported by cskabasket.com. Also director of Enisey basketball club Vladimir Petrokovskiy told that there will be no teams' relegation in new league.

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


Germany U17 celebrate victory at ING-DiBa Junior Cup - by Eurobasket News
Germany U17 - Serbia U17 74:53
German U17 team crowned their ING-DiBa Junior Cup tournament with victory. They outscored the Serbian counterparts to clinch the top spot at the competition. Serbia finished in the second spot at 2-1 record. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) notched 21 points to lead the hosts.
Germany looked too good for their opponents in the first frame. They dominated every facet of the game and posted a 15:8 lead at the break. Serbia gradually adjusted and started to respond in the second frame. Led by Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) the Serbian team pulled within 4 points at halftime. But the home team were back in the drivers seat after the break. Germany took over and established an 8-point advantage with ten minutes remaining. Germany played excellently in the fourth period leaving no chance for the visiting team. Besnik Bekteshi (187-G-93) knocked down 15 points for Germany. Anselm Hartmann (190-G-93) produced 11 points in the winning case. Nenad Miljenovic responded with 17 points for Serbia. Luka Mitrovic (204-F-93) netted 8 points in the loss.

Germany U17: Jakob Krumbeck 21, Besnik Bekteshi 15, Anselm Hartmann 11
Serbia U17: Nenad Miljenovic 17, Luka Mitrovic 8


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


Krka keeps Pavic - by Zeljko Zule
Freshly crowned Slovenian champion Krka has reached an agreement with Smiljan Pavic (209-F/C-80) to extend his contract for upcoming season. Pavic, a four time Slovenian champion, averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 assist in 33 regular season Telemach League games and 13.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 8 games of Play-Off, earning Final Series MVP honors.


Greece win international tournament in France - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20 - Slovenia U20 100:63

Greek U20 selection earned the third straight win at the international tournament in Paris. They cruised past Slovenia to clinch the top spot. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) produced 15 points each to lead the effort. Slovenia in the meantime suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the ladder.
The teams stayed close in the starting frame. The scoreboard read 21:21 at the first break. Greece opened the second frame on a 9:1 run to clear off. The Hellenes stayed in charge throughout the period and established a 45:33 lead at the interval. The margin just kept on growing in the third frame. Greece enjoyed a massive 27-point lead at three-quarter time. Slovenia never recovered in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end.
Leonidas Kaselakis (201-C-90) produced 14 points for Greece. Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) added 13 points in the winning case. Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) responded with 14 points for Slovenia. Jure Pelko (190-G-90) canned 11 points in the loss.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 15, Georgios Georgakis 15, Leonidas Kaselakis 14
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 14, Jure Pelko 11


Sasha Vujacic takes the second NBA ring - by Eurobasket News
Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) won the second straight NBA title with his Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year old Slovenian shooting guard and his teammates managed to beat the Boston Celtics 79-83 in decisive Game Seven winning the NBA Finals with 4-3. Vujacic got a chance in all seven games. He demonstrated the best performance in Game Six in Staples Center when he scored 9 points in 14 minutes. Vujacic appeared 74 times this season averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds. He joined the Lakers in 2004 from Amatori Snaidero Udine (27th pick).

Finals Game 7: Boston C. - LA Lakers 79-83
Purple and gold confetti raining down upon him, Kobe Bryant hopped up on the scorer's table, shook his fists and extended five fingers. When he hopped down, Boston's legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was waiting to shake his hand. A Game 7 classic - and this time, it finally went the Lakers' way. Bryant, the finals MVP, scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting, and the Lakers won their 16th NBA championship Thursday night, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Bryant earned his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. Coach Phil Jackson added his 11th, matching Russell's total and possibly putting a cap on his remarkable career if he decides to leave the Lakers. 'This one is by far the sweetest, because it's them,' Bryant said after the Lakers beat Boston for the first time in a Game 7. 'This was the hardest one by far. I wanted it so bad, and sometimes when you want it so bad, it slips away from you. My guys picked me up.' Ron Artest added 20 points for the Lakers, who didn't exactly show a champion's poise while making just 21 shots in the first three quarters, even hovering around 50 percent at the free throw line. Yet with Bryant driving the lane for eight free throws and Pau Gasol finally coming alive with nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles reclaimed the lead midway through and hung on with a few more big shots from Gasol, who had 18 rebounds, and Artest, a first-time champion as the only newcomer to last season's roster. 'Well, first of all I want to thank everybody in my hood,' Artest said in an ABC interview right after the game. 'I definitely want to thank my doctors my psychiatrist, she really helped me relax a lot.' Jackson won his fifth ring in Los Angeles to go with his half-dozen from Chicago. And it might be the last: Weary of the regular-season grind and facing a likely pay cut with the Lakers, Jackson hasn't determined his future, though he previously said another title would make him more likely to chase an unprecedented fourth threepeat next season, when he'll be 65. 'I've got to take a deep breath. I've got to take some time to think about this,' Jackson said, wearing a satisfied grin underneath his championship hat. 'This was great. I'll wait to make that decision in a week.' With his hands already full, maybe Jackson will follow Russell's lead and put that 11th championship ring on a chain around his neck and Bryant isn't likely to settle for just one handful of rings. He made that clear to his coach. 'He knows how bad I want him back,' Bryant said. 'I've been openly blunt about how much I want him back.' With their fifth title in 11 seasons, the Lakers moved one championship behind Boston's 17 banners for the overall NBA lead. Amid the confetti and streamers after the final buzzer, Magic Johnson rushed the court to congratulate Bryant, who now has the same number of titles, and to hug Artest. Paul Pierce had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who just couldn't finish the final quarter of a remarkable playoff run after a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Garnett added 17 points, but Boston flopped in two chances to clinch the series in Los Angeles after winning Game 5 back home. 'Listen, give the Lakers credit,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'They were terrific.' Rivers knows changes are coming, even saying afterward that the '10-11 Celtics will be different than the '09-10 team. 'We were the tightest, most emotional, crazy group I've ever been around in my life,' Rivers said, adding that he'll wait a while before deciding on his oft-speculated future. He called this team 'crazy close' and throughout the playoffs, the Celtics only got closer. Down by 14 in their first playoff game against Miami, they won that night and rode that instant burst of confidence not only past the Heat, but through Cleveland and Orlando in the next two rounds. The Celtics were a .500 team for the final two-thirds of the season, prompting many to wonder if they could turn it back on for the playoffs. That question was answered long ago. Yes, they could and one or two more stops on Thursday, they'd have won an 18th title. 'There's a lot of crying in that locker room,' Rivers said. 'A lot of people who care. I don't think there was a dry eye. A lot of hugs, a lot of people feeling awful. That's a good thing. Showed a lot of people cared.' The Celtics had never lost a seventh game in the finals. Despite nursing a lead through most of the night while holding the Lakers to ridiculously low shooting percentages until the final minutes, Boston couldn't close it out on the coast, becoming just the seventh team to blow a 3-2 finals lead after winning Game 5. The Lakers tied it at 61 on Artest's three-point play with 7:29 left, and Bryant's free throws 90 seconds later gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half. The Lakers forged ahead by five points before Bryant and Sasha Vujacic hit free throws in the final seconds to keep Los Angeles ahead by at least two points on every possession. Bryant said he had to downplay the magnitude of the rivalry during the series, but it was a gigantic part of his motivation for this title, without question. Because it was Lakers-Celtics, the best rivalry in league history. And because it was against the team that denied him a title in 2008, the Celtics then blowing out the Lakers in Boston in Game 6 two years ago for their 17th championship. That loss drove Bryant all last season, and drove him again Thursday night. He was not at his best in Game 7, and acknowledged as much. Didn't matter - he still captured the finals MVP award, after averaging 28.6 points in the series. He's won three straight crowns before, and is already eyeing another three-peat try. 'Let's go for it again,' Bryant said, moments before hoisting the finals MVP trophy. The Lakers will hold a parade Monday, with the team riding floats from Staples Center down Figueroa Street to the USC campus in downtown Los Angeles. A rally at the Coliseum last year attracted 95,000 fans, but the Lakers are skipping the arena in favor of a more interactive celebration, the team said. The Lakers will relish this title because they took it from the Celtics, their greatest rivals, with fourth-quarter poise and defense. The teams have met in 12 NBA finals, but the Lakers won for just the third time. Exactly two years to the day after Boston beat the Lakers by 39 points to clinch the 2008 title, Los Angeles got revenge for perhaps the most embarrassing loss of Bryant's career even if he did little more than grab 15 rebounds for most of the night. The Celtics had much more poise from the opening tip in Game 7, playing vicious defense that forced Los Angeles to miss 21 of its first 27 shots. Bryant and Gasol were a combined 6 for 26 in the first half. But forget how it looked, because history will. Bryant even did something Jerry West and Magic Johnson never could: He beat the hated Celtics in Game 7 of the finals. The Lakers are the first team to rally from a 3-2 deficit to win a finals since Houston did it in 1994, beating the New York Knicks. Although Los Angeles stumbled to the brink of elimination for the first time in these playoffs last weekend in Boston, Bryant's teams still are spectacular finishers: They've closed out their playoff opponents on the first try 10 times while winning three straight Western Conference titles over the last three years.
NOTES: Home teams improved to 14-3 in Game 7 in the finals. No road team has won a title in Game 7 since 1978. The Lakers are 14-1 in a seventh game at home, losing only the 1969 finale to Boston. Garnett nearly flattened Jack Nicholson when he chased a loose ball into the front row in the second quarter, but the Lakers most famous fans got back up smiling. Other fans near courtside included Jake Gyllenhall, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Seacrest, Timbaland, director Todd Phillips and George Lopez in purple-and-yellow plaid pants. *Courtesy of Yahoo

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  SOUTH AFRICA   


Nash spreading the word about basketball in South Africa - by Eurobasket News
Even in soccer-mad South Africa, the NBA has found a presence.

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash (190-G-74, college: Santa Clara), who was born in Johannesburg, dropped by Discovery Park to play soccer with Patrick Vieira, formerly of the French national team, and Lucas Radebe, who used to play for the South Africa.

It wasn't just a coincidence, though. Nash was joined by the Milwaukee Bucks' Luc Mbah a Moute and Obinna Ekezie, the former Maryland star who spent a few years in the NBA before playing overseas, as part of the NBA's campaign to extend its influence in Africa.

The NBA opened an office in Johannesburg this spring to help its outreach. The NBA and soccer stars played both hoops and soccer with kids from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Nash, an avid soccer fan, has been a major presence at this year's World Cup -- but not as just a fan. Nash has been doing some colorful reporting for CBS Sports. In fact, here's Nash interviewing a fan after the United States' 2-2 tie with Slovenia.

Nash's parents are British, but he grew up in Canada. Although he didn't sound very hopeful about England's chances in the World Cup, he did offer insight into whether basketball can be as big in Africa as soccer.

'I think the game of basketball could be huge in Africa,' Nash said. 'What's important is that it's an easy game to play. If you put up a hoop, a kid can play with his ball, which is very similar to soccer. I think that's what makes them the two top sports in the world, because it's easy and accessible.'

Mbah a Moute is from Cameroon, and Ekezie is a Nigerian. Like Nash, Mbah a Moute has seen Africa take a huge liking to basketball.

'It's interesting because you see so many more people playing basketball,' he said. 'It's becoming the No. 2 sport in Africa. It's soccer, then basketball, and then every other sport. There's just a lot more interest.'

Courtesy of ESPN

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  SOUTH KOREA   


Korean men's national basketball roster sees surprise omissions - by Rick Ross
Forward Kim Min-Soo (204-C-82) of SK Knights and former NCAA Basketball Division 1
forward Choi Jin-soo failed be named on the 15-man roster announced on
Friday for the first overseas training of the Korean men's
national basketball team in preparation for the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

While the roster is accordingly limited to training in the United States,
the decision by team's head coach Yoo Jae-hak clearly hints only those with
devotion to earn the gold medal at the event in China will make the final 12-man squad.

I called up players who are able to make industrious plays with drive,
Yoo said when he was asked about the criterion for selection.

The omission of Kim and Choi was not anticipated as the Knights forward has made the
national squad a number of times, while Choi, 21, is viewed as
a strong prospect to lead Korean basketball in the future.

Kim was excluded because he seemed not to be ready yet,
the head coach said on not taking 28-year-old to the Las Vegas practice.

Kim was a ranked shooter in the domestic Korean Basketball League,
scoring 698 points with 221, 54, and 94 points from 2-pointers,
3-pointers and free throws, respectively.

Choi, used to play for University of Maryland, which has a strong basketball team.
His failure to make the list suggests the prospect is
lacking experience in Korean basketball at this time.

I feel sorry for Choi as he has a good physique at 2.04 meters, and plays hard.
However he lacks an understanding of the game as a forward, who unlike from a center,
needs to grasp the idea of tactics,' Yoo said of Choi.

As he is young, building a college career here would help him to adapt to Korean basketball,
the head coach added.

Yoo wanted to stress that the 15-man roster is not finalized and anyone who was
excluded still has a chance to make the 12-man Asian Games squad which will
be announced in September.
By Yi Whan-woo
Korea Times intern

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  SPAIN   


Pau Gasol ends another great NBA season - by Eurobasket News
Spanish superstar Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) finished another impressive season with his Los Angeles Lakers. The 29-year old Gasol and his teammates managed to recover after 2-3 deficit in the NBA Finals and to win both games at the Staples Center for 4-3 victory and the second straight NBA title. The team from LA celebrated 79-83 in crucial Game Seven. Pau Gasol was together with Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) the leading player of the new-old champions. Gasol appeared 88 times this season averaging 18.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.8 bpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 78.1%. He also shined in the NBA Finals, especially in Game 1, 2, 4 and 7. In Game One he had 23 points and 14 rebounds, while in the second meeting Gasol added 25 points and 8 boards. In fourth game he had 21 points and 6 rebs, while in the last crucial match Gasol registered monster double-double of 19 points and 18 boards. Both, head coach Phil Jackson and best player Kobe Bryant, praised Pau Gasol for his great performance this season.

Finals Game 7: Boston C. - LA Lakers 79-83
Purple and gold confetti raining down upon him, Kobe Bryant hopped up on the scorer's table, shook his fists and extended five fingers. When he hopped down, Boston's legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was waiting to shake his hand. A Game 7 classic - and this time, it finally went the Lakers' way. Bryant, the finals MVP, scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting, and the Lakers won their 16th NBA championship Thursday night, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Bryant earned his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. Coach Phil Jackson added his 11th, matching Russell's total and possibly putting a cap on his remarkable career if he decides to leave the Lakers. 'This one is by far the sweetest, because it's them,' Bryant said after the Lakers beat Boston for the first time in a Game 7. 'This was the hardest one by far. I wanted it so bad, and sometimes when you want it so bad, it slips away from you. My guys picked me up.' Ron Artest added 20 points for the Lakers, who didn't exactly show a champion's poise while making just 21 shots in the first three quarters, even hovering around 50 percent at the free throw line. Yet with Bryant driving the lane for eight free throws and Pau Gasol finally coming alive with nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles reclaimed the lead midway through and hung on with a few more big shots from Gasol, who had 18 rebounds, and Artest, a first-time champion as the only newcomer to last season's roster. 'Well, first of all I want to thank everybody in my hood,' Artest said in an ABC interview right after the game. 'I definitely want to thank my doctors my psychiatrist, she really helped me relax a lot.' Jackson won his fifth ring in Los Angeles to go with his half-dozen from Chicago. And it might be the last: Weary of the regular-season grind and facing a likely pay cut with the Lakers, Jackson hasn't determined his future, though he previously said another title would make him more likely to chase an unprecedented fourth threepeat next season, when he'll be 65. 'I've got to take a deep breath. I've got to take some time to think about this,' Jackson said, wearing a satisfied grin underneath his championship hat. 'This was great. I'll wait to make that decision in a week.' With his hands already full, maybe Jackson will follow Russell's lead and put that 11th championship ring on a chain around his neck and Bryant isn't likely to settle for just one handful of rings. He made that clear to his coach. 'He knows how bad I want him back,' Bryant said. 'I've been openly blunt about how much I want him back.' With their fifth title in 11 seasons, the Lakers moved one championship behind Boston's 17 banners for the overall NBA lead. Amid the confetti and streamers after the final buzzer, Magic Johnson rushed the court to congratulate Bryant, who now has the same number of titles, and to hug Artest. Paul Pierce had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who just couldn't finish the final quarter of a remarkable playoff run after a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Garnett added 17 points, but Boston flopped in two chances to clinch the series in Los Angeles after winning Game 5 back home. 'Listen, give the Lakers credit,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'They were terrific.' Rivers knows changes are coming, even saying afterward that the '10-11 Celtics will be different than the '09-10 team. 'We were the tightest, most emotional, crazy group I've ever been around in my life,' Rivers said, adding that he'll wait a while before deciding on his oft-speculated future. He called this team 'crazy close' and throughout the playoffs, the Celtics only got closer. Down by 14 in their first playoff game against Miami, they won that night and rode that instant burst of confidence not only past the Heat, but through Cleveland and Orlando in the next two rounds. The Celtics were a .500 team for the final two-thirds of the season, prompting many to wonder if they could turn it back on for the playoffs. That question was answered long ago. Yes, they could and one or two more stops on Thursday, they'd have won an 18th title. 'There's a lot of crying in that locker room,' Rivers said. 'A lot of people who care. I don't think there was a dry eye. A lot of hugs, a lot of people feeling awful. That's a good thing. Showed a lot of people cared.' The Celtics had never lost a seventh game in the finals. Despite nursing a lead through most of the night while holding the Lakers to ridiculously low shooting percentages until the final minutes, Boston couldn't close it out on the coast, becoming just the seventh team to blow a 3-2 finals lead after winning Game 5. The Lakers tied it at 61 on Artest's three-point play with 7:29 left, and Bryant's free throws 90 seconds later gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half. The Lakers forged ahead by five points before Bryant and Sasha Vujacic hit free throws in the final seconds to keep Los Angeles ahead by at least two points on every possession. Bryant said he had to downplay the magnitude of the rivalry during the series, but it was a gigantic part of his motivation for this title, without question. Because it was Lakers-Celtics, the best rivalry in league history. And because it was against the team that denied him a title in 2008, the Celtics then blowing out the Lakers in Boston in Game 6 two years ago for their 17th championship. That loss drove Bryant all last season, and drove him again Thursday night. He was not at his best in Game 7, and acknowledged as much. Didn't matter - he still captured the finals MVP award, after averaging 28.6 points in the series. He's won three straight crowns before, and is already eyeing another three-peat try. 'Let's go for it again,' Bryant said, moments before hoisting the finals MVP trophy. The Lakers will hold a parade Monday, with the team riding floats from Staples Center down Figueroa Street to the USC campus in downtown Los Angeles. A rally at the Coliseum last year attracted 95,000 fans, but the Lakers are skipping the arena in favor of a more interactive celebration, the team said. The Lakers will relish this title because they took it from the Celtics, their greatest rivals, with fourth-quarter poise and defense. The teams have met in 12 NBA finals, but the Lakers won for just the third time. Exactly two years to the day after Boston beat the Lakers by 39 points to clinch the 2008 title, Los Angeles got revenge for perhaps the most embarrassing loss of Bryant's career even if he did little more than grab 15 rebounds for most of the night. The Celtics had much more poise from the opening tip in Game 7, playing vicious defense that forced Los Angeles to miss 21 of its first 27 shots. Bryant and Gasol were a combined 6 for 26 in the first half. But forget how it looked, because history will. Bryant even did something Jerry West and Magic Johnson never could: He beat the hated Celtics in Game 7 of the finals. The Lakers are the first team to rally from a 3-2 deficit to win a finals since Houston did it in 1994, beating the New York Knicks. Although Los Angeles stumbled to the brink of elimination for the first time in these playoffs last weekend in Boston, Bryant's teams still are spectacular finishers: They've closed out their playoff opponents on the first try 10 times while winning three straight Western Conference titles over the last three years.
NOTES: Home teams improved to 14-3 in Game 7 in the finals. No road team has won a title in Game 7 since 1978. The Lakers are 14-1 in a seventh game at home, losing only the 1969 finale to Boston. Garnett nearly flattened Jack Nicholson when he chased a loose ball into the front row in the second quarter, but the Lakers most famous fans got back up smiling. Other fans near courtside included Jake Gyllenhall, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Seacrest, Timbaland, director Todd Phillips and George Lopez in purple-and-yellow plaid pants. *Courtesy of Yahoo

Team Spain: List of 24 players announced - by Eurobasket News
The Spanish Basketball Federation announced a list of 24 candidates for the Spanish National Team. NT Head Coach Sergio Scariolo will have to cut the number to 15 players, who will begin the preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Championship in Turkey. The Team Spain will start practicing on July 21 and Scariolo is expected to make this decision during the week.
Spanish NT will go to Turkey without their superstar Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80). On the other hand, they will have Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80), Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85), Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances), Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) and 10 more players that were either on the world-title winning side in 2006, the EuroBasket 2009 gold-medal winning team or both.
The list of 24 candidates also includes Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) of Valencia, Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) (both of Caja Laboral). They helped the team from Vitoria to make a huge surprise and to win the ACB title for season 2009/10.
As a reminder, Team Spain is the reigning European and World champion. Last summer in Poland, theyr outplayed Serbia in the Big Final 85-63. Pau Gasol had 18 points and 11 rebounds in this meeting. At the FIBA World Championship 2006 in Japan, Team Spain blasted Greece in the Final 70-47. Jorge Garbajosa had 20 points and 10 rebounds in this game.
Spain is placed to Group D at the World Championship in Turkey. Their rivals in Preliminary Round will be Canada, France, Lebanon, Lithuania and New Zealand.

The 24-man Spain list released by FEB:
Pablo Aguilar (203-F/C-89, agency: Interperformances), Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80), Saul Blanco (195-G/F-85), Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81), Victor Claver (207-F/C-88), Rudy Fernandez, German Gabriel (207-C-80), Jorge Garbajosa, Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances), Sergio Llull (190-G-87), Raul Lopez (182-G-80), Rafael Martinez, Alex Mumbru (202-F-79), Juan Carlos Navarro, Brad Oleson, Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80), Berni Rodriguez (197-F/G-80), Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86, agency: Interperformances), Ricky Rubio, Victor Sada (192-G-84), Fernando San Emeterio, Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side), Juanjo Bunting and Fran Vazquez (210-C-83).

Vive Menorca parts ways with five players - by Eurobasket News
Vive Menorca parted ways with five players: Josep Maria Guzman (183-G-84), Francisco Sabate (194-F-74), Miguel Montanana (206-F/C-80), Rahshon Turner (201-F-75, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) and Ivan Llull Melia. The team managed to win LEB Gold Playoffs and will play next season in ACB.
Josep Maria Guzman arrived to Menorca in 2007 from CB Tarragona. He played 48 games last season averaging 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds. In the past he also played for Melilla and DKV Joventut.
Francisco Sabate appeared 20 times this season having 1.4 ppg. He joined the team last summer from Alaior Opel Coinga Jovent (LEB Silver).
Miguel Montanana also arrived to the island last summer, but from Beirasar Rosalia. He got a chance in 45 games registering 3.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg. He also has experience from Huesca, Ourense and Drac Inca Mallorca.
Rahshon Turner signed contract with Menorca before the season. He played 44 games collecting 10.2 ppg and 6 rpg. Before Menorca, he was a member of Israeli Eldan Ashkelon. Rahshon Turner also has nice experience from France. In 2006 he was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Forward of the Year.
Ivan Llull Melia played last season mostly for Menorca junior team.

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  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U18   


Puerto Rico has their 24 players for the FIBA-Americas U18 Championship - by Richard
Puerto Rico named their 24 players for the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship to be played from June 26-30 in San Antonio, Texas. This tournament qualifies the top four teams to the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.

The team is coached by Luis Wichi Ruiz who has a combination of the best local talent along many names from US schools.

Some of the best plaayers on the list are Matt Lpez who is 6'10', DeJuan Marrero of 6'5', Christopher Ortiz who is 6'7', Gary Browne, among others.

The 24 player list is completed by: Luis Quiones, Kevin Ramiu, Carmelo Betancourt (92), ngel Rodrguez, Jos Agosto, Jorge Santos, Owen Prez, Angel Matas, Edgar Pars. Wil Martnez, Jos Gonzlez, Rasham Suarez, Carlos Albertorio, Wilangel Corps, Ismael Mercado, TJ Curry, Manuel Andjar, Michael Alvarado, Edward Seda and Nelson Perez.

Puerto Rico is in Group A along with Brazil, Canada and Uruguay. Group B has Argentina, Mexico, USA and US Virgin Islands.
Source: FIBA-Americas


ISV - US Virgin Islands National Team prepares for FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Men - by Richard
The US Virgin Islands U18 national team has 15 finalists preparing for the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Men to be played in San Antonio, Texas from June 26-30. All the games of this tournament will have live video streaming on www.fibaamericas.com.

This team won the Bronze medal at the Centrobasket U17 Championship for Men played in Mexico. This is the first time since 1974 that the US Virgin Islands won a medal at this age group. In that tournament the best scorer for the USVI was Aaron Brown (193-G-92) who averaged 22.8 points per game.

The 15 finalists for this team are:

1. Kadeem Jones (94) Central High School-Virgin Islands
2. Amadius Der-Weer (94) Central High School-Virgin Islands
3. Rasheed Swanston (95) Central High School-Virgin Islands
4. Javier Martinez (93) Central High School-Virgin Islands
5. Tarik McMillan (92) Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
6. Salim Ross (92) Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
7. Melvine Adams, Jr. Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
8. Jose Santos, Jr. Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
9. Ronald Charles (93) (, Jr. Rich South High School-Illinois
10. Aaron Brown St. Benedicts High School (Temple University Signee), New York
11. Merwin Potter (93) (Jr. Charlotte Amalie High School-Virgin Islands
12. Charles Pemberton (92) Jr. Charlotte Amalie High School-Virgin Islands
13. Sekayi Petersen Ralph Maynard High School, Florida
14. Dornell Weaver, Antilles School-Virgin Islands
15. Agyei Gregory, Antilles School, Virgin Islands
FIBA-Americas


USA - 2010 Basketball Mens U18 National Team Roster Finalized - by Richard
Following four trials sessions June 14-16 at the University of Texas at San Antonio, 12 of the nations top 18-and-unders have been named to the 2010 USA Basketball Mens U18 National Team, USA Basketball today announced. The U.S. squad will remain in San Antonio to continue training prior to the start of the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, which will be held June 26-30 in St. Marys Universitys Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio. The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Mens Junior National Team Committee.

Selected to represent the United States at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship were: Vander Blue (James Madison Memorial H.S. / Madison, Wis.); Trevor Cooney (191-G) (Sanford H.S. / Wilmington, Del.); Abdul Gaddy (191-G) (Washington / Tacoma, Wash.); Joshua Hairston (203-F/C) (Montrose Christian School (Md.) / Fredericksburg, Va.); Kyrie Irving (191-G) (St. Patricks H.S. / Elizabeth, N.J.); Quincy Miller (203-F/C) (Quality Education Academy / Winston-Salem, N.C.); Tony Mitchell (198-F) (L.G. Pinkston H.S. / Dallas, Texas); LeBryan Nash (Lincoln H.S. / Dallas, Texas); Jereme Richmond (201-F) (Waukegan H.S. / Waukegan, Ill.); Austin Rivers (191-G) (Winter Park H.S. / Winter Park, Fla.); Amir Williams (208-F/C) (Detroit Country Day / Detroit, Mich.); and Patric Young (Providence School / Jacksonville, Fla.).

I like the make-up of our team, said USA U18 National Team and University of Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel.We have really good talent. We have versatility. We have guys who can really defend. We have good athleticism, guys who can score. Im excited about coaching this group. Im excited about seeing what we can become over these next few days.

The team is scheduled to remain in San Antonio and train twice a day starting at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with scrimmages scheduled against the 2010 USA Basketball Mens U17 World Championship Team in the afternoons of June 21 and 22, and against the Brazil U18 National Team on June 23.

The FIBA Americas Mens U18 Championship will feature eight national teams from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. On March 5 the draw was held to determine the first round groups, and the USA was placed into Group A, along with defending FIBA Americas U18 Championship gold medalist Argentina, Mexico and the Virgin Islands. Group B includes Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. The U.S. will open preliminary play against the Virgin Islands on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. (all times listed are local, CDT). On June 27 the USA will face Mexico at 7:00 p.m. and will close preliminary play against South American rivals Argentina on June 28 at 7:00 p.m. The semifinals are slated for June 29, and the finals will be held June 30.

Not only will a gold medal be at stake, the top four finishing nations will qualify for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship. Players eligible for this competition must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1992.
USA BASKETBALL
soruce: Fibaamericas

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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Men basketballers head to Mexico - by Don Farrell
Kevin Sunich

T&Ts mens basketball squad and coaching staff left for Central America yesterday to participate in the Guanajuato Invitational Tournament from tomorrow to June 30 in Mexico. Head coach, American Terry Layton, will be hoping to get the squad, which includes four locally-based players in guard Steven Lighter Lewis ( Defence Force), centre Miguel Williams (Petro Jazz) and forwards Kenyatta Alfred and Kurt Christian (Shak Attack), to gel as preparation for the 2010 Centrobasket Championships set for July 5-11 in the Dominican Republic. Layton is confident that this tournament will help with the teams preparation. When you are going to compete in big tournaments such as the Centrobasket, there is need for your team to play in pre-tournaments like this. This will help to build the team and we will be getting valuable practice leading up to the big tournament, said Layton.

The former University of T&T (UTT) head coach said the level of competition is expected to be very high, which will be a plus for the team. There will be a number of national teams including Cuba, El Salvador and the host, while a team is expected from Brazil and two All Star teams from the US. Last year, T&T placed fourth at the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC) in the British Virgin Islands under Layton, after only having under three weeks to prepare.


Layton leads TT at championships - by Albert-Lee Young
The National Basektball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Terry Layton as the head coach of the men basketball team for the Centro Basket Championships and CAC Games.

Layton will lead the TT team which comprises of a roster of 15 players; Kibwe Trim, Devougn Lamont, Julius Ashby, Wilfred Spongy Benjamin, Reginald George, Wendell Carter, Steven Lewis, Maurice Joseph, Kenyatta Alfred, Richard Guiseppi, Ian Young, Sheldon Kurt Christian, Joel Haywood and Akin Hughes-Joseph.

Also included in the contingent which left Trinidad on Friday for Mexico is Assistant coach Joseph Lenny Guy, Coach Mike Tresptra, Trainer Mervyn Jackson and Physiotherapist Wayne Samuel.

Whilst in Mexico, team TT will participate in an invitational tournament hosted by the state of Guanajuato in collaboration with professional team Lechugeros de Leon. The tournament will run from June 19-30. Other teams confirmed for the tournament are Mexico national team, Cuba national team along with a professionals team from Argentina, Brazil, US and the host team.

Following this tournament they will travel to Santo Domingo for the Centro Basket Championships from July 5-11. The top eight teams from Centro qualify for the CAC Games in Puerto Rico from July 24-31.


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


Velimir Perasovic gets Efes Pilsen coaching job - by Eurobasket News
Velimir Perasovic (agency: Interperformances ) has been appointed as the new head coach of Efes Pilsen. The 45-year-old Croatian specialist signed a two-year deal with the Turkish vice-champions. Velimir Perasovic (agency: Interperformances ) worked in Cibona over the last two seasons. Previously Perasovic had stints with Sevilla, TAU Ceramica and Estudiantes.


Turk Telekom brings in Rasim Basak - by Eurobasket News
Turk Telekom announced signing of Azerbaijan/Turkish player Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side). The 29-year old small forward is coming to Ankara team from Fenerbahce Ulker. He struggled to get minutes with the new TBL champion averaging 3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 26 games. Basak also appeared 9 times in Euroleague averaging less than a point.
Rasim Basak was a member of Fenerbahce Ulker since 2003. His first season with the club was his best one. Basak played 8 games in FIBA Europe League during 2003/04 registering 14.4 points and 5.5 rebounds. In the following years his numbers went down. Before Fener, Basak was a member of Oyak Renault Bursa.
Rasim Basak was a part of the Turkish National Team in 2003 and 2004. He won three TBL titles with Fener (07, 08, 10) and one National Cup (10). His new team, Turk Telekom, already signed five played for the next season: Ceyhun Altay, Umit Turkoglu, Yunus Cankaya, Orhan Haciyeva and Adem Oren. The Ankara team finished last season as No.5 with 18-12 score. They were eliminated in the Quarterfinals by Besiktas.

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


NBBA: New Season, Same Finish as Hoyas Beat Lakers - by David Edole
By Dave Davis June 20, 2010

In a rematch of last year's New Breed Basketball Association final, the defending champion Hoyas beat the Lakers, 63-57, Saturday night in 2010 summer league action at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium on the Central High Campus.

The champs used a 19-11 third quarter run to create some breathing room in a tight game before going on to defeat the Lakers, who were visibly stronger and deeper than their 2009 incarnation. The four-time defending champions Hoyas also looked liked they added some depth to their bench, especially in the backcourt, and this could mean another long season for all those teams trying to dethrone them. Both teams were also playing their first game of the 2010 season, which started one night earlier.

The Lakers came out on fire and before the Hoyas knew what had hit them they were down 17-10 at the end of the opening period.

However, led by 10 points from new point guard Kori Violette, the Hoyas responded with a 23 point second quarter while holding the Lakers to just 13 and they went into the locker room at the half leading 33-30.

Both teams battled hard in the early stages of the third quarter and with three minutes to go in the period they were separated by just one point, with the Hoyas holding the 42-41 advantage. The champs them went on a 10-0 run to close out the period with an 11 point advantage at 52-41. Darnel Burger Hendrickson led the Hoyas charge with nine points in the period.

The Lakers, however, did not lay down in the fourth and they played hard down the stretch, battling back to outscore the Hoyas 16-11 in the final quarter. But throughout that final period they just could not get any closer than six points and they went down to defeat by that very same margin, 63-57.

Hoyas coach, Sammy Lee, although pleased with the hard-fought victory, recognized that his team is not in game shape as yet.

We showed a lot of rust out there tonight and some of our players got tired. We have won the last four years and we are not in game shape yet, but this will be our fifth championship in a row, exclaimed Coach Lee.

Losing Coach Calvin Burke was just disappointed with his teams second half effort.

For some reason we just stopped moving the ball in the second half said a dejected Burke who was also worried about his starting point guard Rashawn Rooster Williams. Williams was taken off the court on a stretcher after suffering an apparent back injury in the fourth quarter.

Eddie Castillo led four Hoyas in double figures with 17 points, Kurt John had 12, Hendrickson 11 and Violette netted 10. The Lakers were led offensively and defensively by their Mr. Everything, Robert Pack. Pack led three Lakers in double figures with game highs in points, 19 and rebounds, 13. He got some support from Williams and Shane Hodge who finished with 15 and 11 points respectively.

The action continues at the RCG Monday night at 7 p.m.



ISV - US Virgin Islands National Team prepares for FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Men - by Richard
The US Virgin Islands U18 national team has 15 finalists preparing for the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Men to be played in San Antonio, Texas from June 26-30. All the games of this tournament will have live video streaming on www.fibaamericas.com.

This team won the Bronze medal at the Centrobasket U17 Championship for Men played in Mexico. This is the first time since 1974 that the US Virgin Islands won a medal at this age group. In that tournament the best scorer for the USVI was Aaron Brown (193-G-92) who averaged 22.8 points per game.

The 15 finalists for this team are:

1. Kadeem Jones (94) Central High School-Virgin Islands
2. Amadius Der-Weer (94) Central High School-Virgin Islands
3. Rasheed Swanston (95) Central High School-Virgin Islands
4. Javier Martinez (93) Central High School-Virgin Islands
5. Tarik McMillan (92) Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
6. Salim Ross (92) Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
7. Melvine Adams, Jr. Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
8. Jose Santos, Jr. Educational Complex-Virgin Islands
9. Ronald Charles (93) (, Jr. Rich South High School-Illinois
10. Aaron Brown St. Benedicts High School (Temple University Signee), New York
11. Merwin Potter (93) (Jr. Charlotte Amalie High School-Virgin Islands
12. Charles Pemberton (92) Jr. Charlotte Amalie High School-Virgin Islands
13. Sekayi Petersen Ralph Maynard High School, Florida
14. Dornell Weaver, Antilles School-Virgin Islands
15. Agyei Gregory, Antilles School, Virgin Islands
FIBA-Americas


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Politekhnika-Halychyna keeps Nick Williams - by Eurobasket News
Politekhnika-Halychyna announced signing of one-year contract extension with Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati). The 26-year old American joined the Ukrainian squad last summer. He appeared 27 times in Superleague averaging 18 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals. His season-high was 28 points against DniproAzot. At the beginning of the year Nick Williams participated at the Ukrainian All-Star Game.
Before Politekhnika-Halychyna, Nick Williams was a member of Atomeromu SE Paks. He helped the team to win the Hungarian title with 16.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals. Season 2007/08 Williams also spent in Hungary, but with PVSK Panthers. He played 25 games in the league collecting 17 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.2 spg. In his first European season, Williams joined Bosnian team Bosna ASA BHT having 8 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 27 Adriatic league games.
Nick Williams is a product of Cincinnati, where he graduated in 2005. In his senior season he had 8.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1.8 apg.
Politekhnika-Halychyna finished last season as No.11. They registered 10 wins in 26 games.

Anikienko can't get his passport back - by Platon Khegai
Earlier euribasket.com published news regarding young Ukrainian center Konstantin Anikienko  (215-C-92, agency: Buck Andre), who can change his citizenship and obtain Russian passport. In addition, newsru posted an interview with his father. He said that, two years after they had signed a deal with Andre Buck, Konstantin hadn't attended any camps and special courses abroad. So, the contract with the agent was terminated. Also Anikienko is about to have some tryouts in Europe but basketball federation's officials refused to return him his passport which seems quite abnormal.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


GB Futures earn second win in Lille - by Eurobasket News
GB Futures team finished the international tournament in France with victory. They coasted past Luxembourg 90:61 for the second place at the competition. Matthew Bryan-Amaning (206-F-88) produced 25 points to lead the winners. The teams kept it close in the first half but Luxembourg could not keep up the tempo. Great Britain got more physical in the second half and outmuscled their opponents in the paint. Ogo Adeboye, Ben Eaves (201-F-87) and Justin Robinson (188-G-87) provided 14 points each for Great Britain. Ashley Hamilton (201-F-88) knocked down 13 points in the winning effort.


Finland and Great Britain trade victories over the weekend - by Eurobasket News
Finnish and Great Britain U20 teams played two exhibition encounters at the weekend. The sides exchanged victories in Bristol.
Finland opened the series with a thrilling 68:67 victory. Great Britain looked better in the starting half. They led by five points at halftime but could not capitalize. Finland recovered in the second part of the clash and pulled away with a narrow one-point victory at the end. Sasu Salin (190-G-91) knocked down 21 points to pace the visitors. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) delivered 10 points in the winning case. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) tallied 14 points for Great Britian. Andrew Lawrence (185-G-90) accounted for 13 points in the loss.
Great Britain bounced back in the second game of the series. Finland this time got to the better start. The visitors built a narrow 36:35 advantage at halftime. But the hosts managed to turn things around in the second half. Great Britain stepped on the gas and ran away for an 82:72 victory. Andrew Lawrence provided 17 points to top-score for the home side. Ovie Soko canned 16 points in the win. Sasu Salin produced 18 points for Finland. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) accounted for 9 points in defeat.




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Women News

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  ARGENTINA - Women  


Argentinean U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Pilar Santos
Malena Jaime
Sabrina Scevola
Florencia Llorente
Celia Fiorotto
Brenda Schmidt
Melisa Gretter 92
Carolina Martinez 92
Diana Cabrera 92
Roco Daz
Daiana Acosta 92

Eduardo Pinto Head Coach


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


15 Brazilian players called for the FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Women - by Richard
Head coach Luiz Claudio Tarallo called 15 players for the last phase of training for the Brazilian Women's U18 team that will play in the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship to be held from June 23-27.

The 15 players training are: Damiris Amaral, Milena Santos, Thamara Freitas, Jessica Nogueira, Jennifer Sirtoli, Aline Gomes, Isabela Macedo, Izabela Sangalli, Joice Coelho, Tssia Carcavalli, Erika Leite, Carina Martins, Mayara Uller, Mariana Lambert and Aruzha Lima.

This tournament, to be played at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, qualifies the top three teams for the FIBA U19 World Championship next year.

Brazil is in Group B along with Argentina, Puerto Rico and the United States.

Source: FIBA-Americas


Mangueira lead in Womens Infantil and JUVENIL Leagues - by Mel Devonne
Womens powerhouse Mangueira is leading both the Infantil and Juvenil womens leagues
in Rio de Janeiro. Mangueira is 6-0 in the Infantil league followed by Batofogo 5-1 and Germania
at 4-2. Raphaela Monteiro da Silva is destroying the league and averaging 23 ppg.
In the Juvenil division Mangueria is 3-0 followed by Batofogo 2-1, and Germania 1-2.
3 players are leading the division with 14ppg including Stephanis Lara of Mangueira,
Ana Arajo of Germania, and Ana Luiza Antunes Amarante of Botafogo.


Brazilian U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Damiris Amaral 192-C-92 Divino/COC Brazil
Milena Santos 191-C-93 Finasa/Osasco Brazil
Jennifer Sirtoli 182-F-93 Finasa/Osasco Brazil
Aline Gomes 181-C-92 VivoSabor Brazil
Isabela Macedo 176-F-94 M.Petrobras Brazil
Joice Coelho 175-F-93
Tssia Carcavalli 175-G-93 VivoSabor Brazil
Erika Leite 172-F/G-93
Carina Martins 174-G/F-92 Santo Andre Brazil
Mayara Uller 171-G-92
Mariana Lambert 171-F/G-92 Divino/COC Brazil
Aruzha Lima 165-G-92 VivoSabor Brazil

Luis Claudio Tarallo Head Coach


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  CANADA - Women  


USA U18 cruise past Canada in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
United States U18 selection continued their preparations for the upcoming Fiba Americas U18 Championship. Yesterday the team faced the Canadian counterparts at the test game at Fort Carson. The USA celebrated a 57:39 victory at the end. Chiney Ogwumike tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners.
The teams started the game slowly. The USA team earned a narrow 10:9 lead at the first break. The teams combined for only 15 points in the second stanza. The United States however managed to enlarge the lead to as many as 4 points at halftime. The hosts increased the tempo in the third frame. They accounted for 16 points in the period and earned a 10-point lead into the fourth period. Canada could not recover in the final quarter. The home side outgunned the visitors 22:14 and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Bria Hartley delivered 10 points for the USA. Kayla McBride and Stefanie Dolson added 6 points each in the victory. Michelle Plouffe responded with 10 points and 8 rebounds for Canada. Laura Delly had 7 points in the loss.


Huskies coaching trio go national - by Eurobasket News
Three basketball coaches with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies are about to stand on guard for thee.

Lisa Thomaidis and Jacqueline Lavallee from the U of S women's program, along with Nathan Schellenberg from Huskies men's hoops, are set to begin summer stints with Canada Basketball's national program.

'It speaks volumes for the (U of S) program,' said Lavallee, a teacher at Oskayak High School. 'You look at the success of both programs this year. It's a huge thing for us.'

The Huskies men captured their first Canada West conference and Canadian Interuniversity Sport titles this season. The Huskies women finished third at nationals, also the team's best finish ever.

Thomaidis, 38, will again hook up with the national women's team and pad her international resume. Thomaidis has served as an assistant coach on the national squad since 2001 when she was 29 and younger than some of the players on the team. The Canadian team will head to the Czech Republic for the world championship this fall. Canada qualified for the event at the 2009 FIBA Americas championship in Brazil.

Thomaidis has spent 12 seasons as head coach of the Huskies. Having other Huskies on the national front makes her even happier. Lavallee is one of her former Huskies players and is an assistant coach with the university team.

'For her to get the opportunity to be a head coach with a national team, that's just great for her development and for our program,' said Thomaidis. 'As well, it really reflects positively that we've got two coaches that are involved with our national program.

'We're so lucky to have her as part of our team. People understand what a great coach she is.'

Lavallee, 32, returns for her second season as head coach of Canada's cadet women under-17 team. Canada finished second in the FIBA Americas qualification tournament last summer to earn a spot in the 2010 global tournament, July 16-25 in France.

'I'm definitely really grateful and excited for the opportunity to coach another (FIBA) championship,' said Lavallee, an all-star at the U of S in both basketball and soccer. 'It wasn't something I was expecting right away.'

While a player, Lavallee knew she wanted to become a coach.

' (As a point guard) you're always challenged to see the game differently because you're the one who has to kind of control the floor and keep everyone organized. I remember sitting in the gym when I was younger, watching Barry Rawlyk at (Holy) Cross. I liked to watch practices. I like the strategic aspect of basketball and how much it challenges you.'

Lavallee's teaching job at Oskayak is also challenging enough for her to stay put and not give in to tempting offers to become a head coach at the university level.

'It's definitely something I've thought about,' she said. 'I'm really lucky right now. I have a great working relationship with Lisa. She's been a great mentor that way, but I still have such a passion for working in the community with aboriginal youth and being at the school that I'm at, teaching and running some of the programs.'


GOT THE CALL

Schellenberg, 34, makes his first appearance at the national level, joining Canada's cadet under-17 men's team as an assistant coach.

Schellenberg is heading into his ninth season as an assistant with the Huskies. Schellenberg also coached Saskatchewan in the 2009 Canada Games and the Saskatchewan under-15 boys team at the 2007 national championship.

He applied to coach with the cadet team last spring. Canada Basketball called him in early April this year to offer him the position.

'That was quite the three weeks, winning the national championship with the Huskies and then getting a chance to coach with the national team program,' said Schellenberg.

'When I got the call I was just like, 'wow!' I'm really looking forward to not just the competition, but the chance to observe and meet coaches from other countries.'

Both the Canadian men's and women's cadet teams will compete in the first FIBA U-17 world championships.

Schellenberg is in Toronto for the men's cadet tryouts and training camp at Ryerson University until June 24, followed by exhibition games June 25-27 in Spain. He travels with the team to Germany for the world championship July 2-11.

'You see the commitment Nathan puts in and time, it's definitely well deserved for him to be involved,' Lavallee said of her U of S colleague.

'Overall, it definitely says a lot about the U of S and us as a province. How many Saskatchewan female athletes have been a part of national team programming? It's definitely something to be proud of, for sure.'

Added Schellenberg: 'It says that all the coaches here are pretty knowledgeable about the game, but they also put a tremendous amount of hard work into their programs and becoming better coaches. That's led to some pretty good success for both programs.'

Courtesy of www.thestarphoenix.com


CIS Stats Leaders
CIS Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Hodgson, Breton 22.0
2 Brown, Acadia 21.0
3 Colley, St.Mary 20.9
4 Sharpe, UNB 20.4
5 Meadwell, UFV
Rebounds Per Game
1 Schutz, Toronto 11.0
2 Sunley, Ottawa 10.8
3 Bumstead, LAU 10.7
4 Read, Regina 10.1
5 Druery, Lakehead 9.9
Assists Per Game
1 Smith, MAC 7.2
2 Price, LET 4.9
3 Works, CBU 4.7
4 McKenna, LAK 4.4
5 Hynes, MAN 4.3
Steals Per Game
1 DeGroot, SAS 3.3
2 Hodgson, CBU 3.0
3 Adamczyk, WLU 2.9
Blocks Per Game
1 Johnson, BRA 1.8
2 Read REG, 1.7
3 Sunley, Ottawa 1.5
2FGP
1 Raincock, Simon 71.6
2 Hutzier, Simon 64.6
3 Sharpe, UNB 60.0
3FGP
1 St.Pierre, UBC 50.0
2 Mullins, Windsor 50.0
3 Buna, Simon 48.8
Free Throws
1 Jean, CON 91.1
2 Hodgson, CBU 90.4
3 Bibeau, UQAM 85.2


DAS Ano Liosia signs May Kotsopoulos - by Eurobasket News
Former University of Vermont women's basketball standout May Kotsopoulos (178-G-88, college: Vermont), from Waterloo, Ont., has signed a professional contract with DAS Ano Liosia, a Greek team in a northern suburb of Athens.

The 5-10 guard will play for DAS Ano Liosia beginning this fall. The team plays in the top division in Greece and the season runs from September to April. In 2009-10, DAS Ano Liosia posted a record of 14-10, placing sixth in the 13-team league.

Kotsopoulos was the first Vermont player to earn an invitation to a WNBA training camp and played in two of three exhibition games with the Connecticut Sun. She totalled 21 points in the two games before being waived by the team.

Kotsopoulos, the 2010 America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year, led the league in scoring at 17.1 points per game. An Academic All-American, she led Vermont to a 27-5 record and guided the Catamounts to their second straight America East Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

In the NCAAs, the No. 10 Catamounts upset No. 7 Wisconsin in the first round to pick up the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.

Kotsopoulos was a unanimous choice for America East All-Conference First Team honours and was named to the league's all-defensive team for the fourth straight season.

She ended her career ranked among the top five all-time leaders at Vermont in six categories: games played (2nd - 129), minutes played (2nd - 4,316), steals (3rd - 243), three-point field goals (3rd - 187), scoring (5th - 1,722), free throws (5th - 385).

Courtesy of the University of Vermont

Canadian U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
4 Megan Lukan 170-G
5 Diana Lee 170-G
6 Kelly Ring 175-G-92
7 Rashida Timbilla 186-F
8 Cassandra Brown 188-F
9 Laura Anne Dally 180-G-92
10 Melissa Mullins 183-F-92
11 Wumi Agunbiade 188-F
12 Mariam Sylla 186-F
13 Katherine Plouffe 191-F
14 Micaella Riche 188-F
15 Michele Plouffe 191-F-92

Richard Chambers Head Coach B.Colombia T. Canada


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  CHILE - Women  


Chilean U18 National Team -10 - by Sahereh
Francisca Rojas
Fernanda Mansilla
Paula Carrasco
Daniela Alcaino C Hotel Corona Chile
Monserrat Videla
Roco Dieguez
Javiera Morales 176-F-92 Santiago Chile
Fernanda Tapia
Francisca Salvatierra
Katalina Garcia
Fernanda Serrano 173-G-92 Santiago Chile
Cynthia Bascuan

Cristian Santander Head Coach


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


Euroleague Women 2011 Participants Announced - by Eurobasket
FIBA Europe has announced the list of participating teams for the EuroLeague Women season 2010/11.
According to the regulations, defending champions Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region receive an automatic entry while 21 places and two wild cards are allocated on the basis of the ranking of the federations and of the clubs in the last three (3) seasons of European Cup Competitions.
TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (Poland) and USO Mondeville (France) have been allocated the two Wild Cards available for the 2010/2011 EuroLeague Women season.
Last year's EuroCup Women champion, Sony Athinaikos (Greece) chose to register in the same competition for the coming season.
The General Assembly of the EuroLeague Women Clubs and the Draw for the new season will take place on 3rd July 2010, in Munich, Germany.
The 24 participating clubs:

Croatia:
Gospic Industrogradnja
Czech R.:
Frisco Sika Brno
ZVVZ USK Praha
France:
Bourges Basket 2nd team
USO Mondeville
Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
Hungary:
MKB Euroleasing Sopron
MiZo Pecs 2010
Italy:
Cras Taranto
Famila Wuber Schio
Latvia:
TTT Riga
Lithuania:
Laisve Kaunas
Poland:
KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp.
Lotos Gdynia
TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Russia:
Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region
Nadezhda Orenburg
UMMC Ekaterinburg
Slovakia:
Dobri Anjeli Kosice
Spain:
Ros Casares Valencia
Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca
Rivas Ecopolis
Turkey:
Fenerbahce Istanbul
Galatasaray Istanbul

source: FIBA Europe


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


Tarbes Gespe Bigorre sign Erin Thorn - by Eurobasket
Tarbes Gespe Bigorre strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old American guard Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU). Thorn played most recently at Chicago Sky (WNBA) in the U.S where she played 34 games in her first year with Chicago Ski and averaged: 6.2ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 90.9%. Thorn is a very experienced player. She finnished her 2008-2009 season in Greece with 13 games and average of 17.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT-1 (51.0%) and was awarded: Greek Cup Semifinals -09
By Eurobasket Data Center

France U17 edge Sweden U18 in friendly - by Eurobasket News
France U17 - Sweden U18 50:45
French U17 team continued their preparations for the upcoming World Championship. Yesterday they clashed with the Swedish U18 selection in the exhibition encounter. France earned a tough win at the end. Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) scored 13 points to lead the effort.
France had to overcome an early deficit. Sweden got to a quick start. They earned a 13:8 lead ten minutes into the game. France bounced back in the second period. They narrowed the margin to trail by just 3 points at halftime 24:27. Sweden stayed solid as they limited France to 8 points in the third frame. The Scandinavian team cleared off to a 5-point distance with ten minutes to go in regulation. But the fourth term changed things around in this one. France stepped on the gas as they adjusted both defensively and offensively. French youngsters outgunned their opponents 18:8 and escaped with a narrow victory. Claire Stievenard (183-F-93) produced 10 points for the winners. Olivia Epoupa (163-G-94) and Margaux Galliou (184-F-93) added 8 points apiece for France. Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) responded with 15 points for Sweden. Allis Nystrom (183-F-93) finished with 8 points in the loss.

France U17: Christelle Diallo 13, Claire Stievenard 10, Olivia Epoupa 8, Margaux Galliou 8
Sweden U18: Amanda Zahui 15, Allis Nystrom 8


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  GREECE - Women  


A1 Stats Leaders
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Kurz, Ano 18.8
2 Lenoir, Aris 17.6
3 Skibbe, Faliro 17.7
4 Tierny, Panionios 17.7
5 Milkova, Olympia. 17.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Abramzon, Olym. 4.6
2 Kurz, Ano 3.2
3 Tierny, Panionios 2.9
4 Skibbe, Faliro 2.9
5 Buttler, Panionios 2.9
Assists Per Game
1 Ploubi, Ano 5.5
2 Koch, Panionios 5.2
3 Kalentzou, Athinai. 4.4
4 Tasouli, Faliro 3.8
5 Magialoiu, Olympi. 3.6
Steals Per Game
1 Koch, Panionios 2.6
2 Bibiri, Apollon 2.5
3 Kalogirou, Esperid. 2.4
Blocks Per Game
1 Petronyte, Athinai. 2.1
2 Wisdom, Esperid. 2.1
3 Kerr, Apollon 1.7
2FGP
1 Milkova, Olympia. 65%
2 Tierny, Panionios 60%
3 Dabovic, Aris 58%
3FGP
1 Wiggins, Athinai. 45%
2 Fox, Esperid. 42%
3 Skibbe, Faliro 40%
Free Throws
1 Telidou, Apollon 92%
2 Buttler, Panionios 84%
3 Kurz, Ano 83%


DAS Ano Liosia signs May Kotsopoulos - by Eurobasket News
Former University of Vermont women's basketball standout May Kotsopoulos (178-G-88, college: Vermont), from Waterloo, Ont., has signed a professional contract with DAS Ano Liosia, a Greek team in a northern suburb of Athens.

The 5-10 guard will play for DAS Ano Liosia beginning this fall. The team plays in the top division in Greece and the season runs from September to April. In 2009-10, DAS Ano Liosia posted a record of 14-10, placing sixth in the 13-team league.

Kotsopoulos was the first Vermont player to earn an invitation to a WNBA training camp and played in two of three exhibition games with the Connecticut Sun. She totalled 21 points in the two games before being waived by the team.

Kotsopoulos, the 2010 America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year, led the league in scoring at 17.1 points per game. An Academic All-American, she led Vermont to a 27-5 record and guided the Catamounts to their second straight America East Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

In the NCAAs, the No. 10 Catamounts upset No. 7 Wisconsin in the first round to pick up the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.

Kotsopoulos was a unanimous choice for America East All-Conference First Team honours and was named to the league's all-defensive team for the fourth straight season.

She ended her career ranked among the top five all-time leaders at Vermont in six categories: games played (2nd - 129), minutes played (2nd - 4,316), steals (3rd - 243), three-point field goals (3rd - 187), scoring (5th - 1,722), free throws (5th - 385).

Courtesy of the University of Vermont

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


Janel McCarville heads to Italy - by Eurobasket News
Famila Wuber Schio decided to prove the top positions not only in the Italian league for the next year, however to show their best in EuroLeague. Last night it was announced of Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) joining the team.
Last season American Center played for the defending champion of Euroleague Spartak Vidnoe. In Euroleague after 16 games she averaged 11.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 87.5%. In Russian League after 13 games her stats read 8.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 73.7%. Last year she became Euroleague Champion, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention, Russian Superleague Regular Season Champion, Russian Superleague Finalist and Russian Cup Finalist.
Right now the player is with New York Liberty in WNBA. In the latest game Seattle Storm produced a 92-84 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night. Jackson hit a 3-pointer and Cash had a three-point play to give the Storm a 22-17 lead, while the Liberty scored the next eight points, taking a 23-22 lead. The teams traded leads the rest of the second quarter, with neither leading by more than two points until Bird's jumper with 8.2 seconds left gave the Storm a 37-33 lead at halftime. The Storm managed to win the game as Janel McCarville posted 8 points.
EuroLeague Women teams are known for the 2010/2011 season. FIBA Europe has announced the list of participating teams as Italy will be represented by two teams. France, Russia, Spain and Poland will have three teams. 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.
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.


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  MEXICO - Women  


Mexican U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Andrea Medina
Adriana Navarro
Ana Terrazas
Beatriz Nieto
Sheyla Martinez
Maria Acero
Margarita Lopez
Anallency Martnez
Laura Nuez
Analaura Delgado
Wendy De La Torre
Ana Noriega

Mexican U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Andrea Medina 93
Adriana Navarro 93
Ana Terrazas
Beatriz Nieto 94
Sheyla Martinez 94
Maria Acero 93
Margarita Lopez 94
Anallency Martinez 93
Laura Nuez
Ana laura Delgado
Wendy DeLaTorre
Ana Noriega 93



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  NCAA1 - Women  


USA U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Diamond Deshields High School USA
Stefanie Dolson High School USA
Reshanda Gray High School USA
Cassie Harberts High School USA
Bria Hartley High School USA
Malina Howard High School USA
Alexis Jones High School USA
Allyson Malott High School USA
Kayla McBride High School USA
Chiney Ogwumike High School USA
Cassie Peoples High School USA
Theresa Plaisance High School USA

Jennifer Rizzotti Head Coach Hartford USA


USA U18 National Team 2010 - by Sahereh
Diamond Deshields
Stefanie Dolson
Reshanda Gray
Cassie Harberts
Bria Hartley
Malina Howard
Alexis Jones
Allyson Malott
Kayla McBride
Chiney Ogwumike
Cassie Peoples
Theresa Plaisance
Jen Rizzotti

USA U18 cruise past Canada in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
United States U18 selection continued their preparations for the upcoming Fiba Americas U18 Championship. Yesterday the team faced the Canadian counterparts at the test game at Fort Carson. The USA celebrated a 57:39 victory at the end. Chiney Ogwumike tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners.
The teams started the game slowly. The USA team earned a narrow 10:9 lead at the first break. The teams combined for only 15 points in the second stanza. The United States however managed to enlarge the lead to as many as 4 points at halftime. The hosts increased the tempo in the third frame. They accounted for 16 points in the period and earned a 10-point lead into the fourth period. Canada could not recover in the final quarter. The home side outgunned the visitors 22:14 and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Bria Hartley delivered 10 points for the USA. Kayla McBride and Stefanie Dolson added 6 points each in the victory. Michelle Plouffe responded with 10 points and 8 rebounds for Canada. Laura Delly had 7 points in the loss.


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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Grgic names Slovenia U16 preliminary squad - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian coach Damir Grgic has picked a 15-woman preliminary squad for this summer's U16 European Championship in Slovakia.
GUARDS: Eva Rupnik (173-F-92) of Jezica, Nika Baric (169-G-92) of Merkur Celje, Tjasa Kopusar (178-G-92) of Merkur Celje, Rebeka Abramovic (170-G-93) of Merkur Celje, Alja Samec (167-G-93) of Pomurje, Ursa Svetic (173-G-93) of Trbovlje, Bojana Adamovic (172-G-92) of Triglav, Ursa Zibert (171-G-93) of Triglav.
FORWARDS: Tjasa Unverdorben (177-F-93) of Kozmetika Afrodita, Tina Jakovina (180-G-92) of Pivka, Neza Belak (176-F-92) of Merkur Celje, Ursa Belak (175-G-92) of Merkur Celje,
CENTERS: Sandra Jevtovic (187-F-93) of Merkur Celje, Vanja Mocnik (185-F-93) of Odeja,Tjasa Gortnar (185-F/C-92) of Merkur Celje.
COACH: Damir Grgic. ASSISTANT: Saso Rebernik.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Real C.Vigo hopefully to keep Marina Delgado - by Eurobasket News
Real C.Vigo hopefully to keep Marina Delgado (170-G-92) as they announced recently. The young Spanish star hope to keep U18 European Champion.
In 2008-2009 she started with Jovent Palma (LF2, starting five) and immediately in 29 games averaged 8.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 0.0%, FT: 50.0%. In 2009-2010 played for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB) and showed 0.5 points per game. During European Championships U18 in Sodertalje (Sweden) last year she became the Champion with the team and averaged 3.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6spg.
Meanwhile Egle Stakneviciene (190-F-85) and Noemi Jordana (173-G-80) will be definitely in the roster for the next year. Lithuanian Egle was one of the key players for the team and averaged 14.9 points per game. She recorded 29 points as Celta Vigo overcame EBE Ibiza-PDV 75-50 in Round 14. Iva Sliskovic was the last player with double-digits in scoring (12 pts) in this victory.
Noemi Jordana will spend her second season with the team. Last year she averaged 8.4 points per game and had 3.4 assists. Before that the player got experience with Ros Casares Valencia as she stayed there for 4 years. In
2007-2008 Euroleague season she averaged 4.0ppg, while in Spanish League her stats read 4.0ppg.

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  SWEDEN - Women  


France U17 edge Sweden U18 in friendly - by Eurobasket News
France U17 - Sweden U18 50:45
French U17 team continued their preparations for the upcoming World Championship. Yesterday they clashed with the Swedish U18 selection in the exhibition encounter. France earned a tough win at the end. Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) scored 13 points to lead the effort.
France had to overcome an early deficit. Sweden got to a quick start. They earned a 13:8 lead ten minutes into the game. France bounced back in the second period. They narrowed the margin to trail by just 3 points at halftime 24:27. Sweden stayed solid as they limited France to 8 points in the third frame. The Scandinavian team cleared off to a 5-point distance with ten minutes to go in regulation. But the fourth term changed things around in this one. France stepped on the gas as they adjusted both defensively and offensively. French youngsters outgunned their opponents 18:8 and escaped with a narrow victory. Claire Stievenard (183-F-93) produced 10 points for the winners. Olivia Epoupa (163-G-94) and Margaux Galliou (184-F-93) added 8 points apiece for France. Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) responded with 15 points for Sweden. Allis Nystrom (183-F-93) finished with 8 points in the loss.

France U17: Christelle Diallo 13, Claire Stievenard 10, Olivia Epoupa 8, Margaux Galliou 8
Sweden U18: Amanda Zahui 15, Allis Nystrom 8


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  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U18 - Women  


15 Brazilian players called for the FIBA-Americas U18 Championship for Women - by Richard
Head coach Luiz Claudio Tarallo called 15 players for the last phase of training for the Brazilian Women's U18 team that will play in the 2010 FIBA-Americas U18 Championship to be held from June 23-27.

The 15 players training are: Damiris Amaral, Milena Santos, Thamara Freitas, Jessica Nogueira, Jennifer Sirtoli, Aline Gomes, Isabela Macedo, Izabela Sangalli, Joice Coelho, Tssia Carcavalli, Erika Leite, Carina Martins, Mayara Uller, Mariana Lambert and Aruzha Lima.

This tournament, to be played at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, qualifies the top three teams for the FIBA U19 World Championship next year.

Brazil is in Group B along with Argentina, Puerto Rico and the United States.

Source: FIBA-Americas


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  TURKEY - Women  


Fenerbahce Istanbul sign best Czech player Hana Horakova - by Eurobasket
Fenerbahce Istanbul added to their roster 31-year old international Czech swingman Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79). Horakova played most recently at Frisco Sika Brno (Czech Rep.). While playing Euroleague for Frisco Sika last season her stats were: 16 games: 12.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.0apg and 2.4spg (5th best in the league). Horakova is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Brazil, China and Czech Rep. Last season she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. D1 Player of the Year.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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  WNBA - Women  


Latest WNBA games - by Eurobasket News
Sunday:

Connecticut S. - Phoenix M. 96-94
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 24 points, including the deciding free throws with 1:17 left, and grabbed 12 rebounds to lift Connecticut past the Phoenix Mercury 96-94 on Sunday after the Sun blew a 21-point third-quarter lead. Sandrine Gruda (6'4''-C-87) had a season-high 21 points, Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored a career high-tying 19 and Kelsey Griffin (6'2''-F-87, college: Nebraska) grabbed 11 rebounds to help Connecticut (8-3) win for the fifth time in six games. 'This is a great win for us especially on the road,' Charles said after the eighth double-double of her rookie season. 'Just the fact that we had all the intensity and energy that was in the crowd and we didn't let up.' Diana Taurasi scored 24 points and Penny Taylor had 23 to lead the defending champion Mercury (5-7), losers of two straight. Nicole Ohlde added 11 points. 'It would be a step-back if we were down by 20 and we gave up,' Mercury coach Corey Gaines said. 'Then that would be something. That would tell you you are in trouble. But they didn't do that.' The teams traded points after DeWanna Bonner completed a three-point play to tie the score at 90-all with 3:25 left. Bonner made two free throws to tie the score for the last time with 1:31 to go, missing two with 29.9 seconds left. Connecticut didn't get a shot off on the ensuing possession, and Phoenix's Temeka Johnson missed a 16-footer in the final seconds. 'You can take the 8 minutes of good basketball, but we have to look at the other side: 32 minutes of not looking very good,' Taurasi said. 'We have to find a way to do a little bit more, more often. That is just each one of us doing a little bit more, being a little bit sharper.' Charles' jumper gave Connecticut an 84-63 lead with 45.9 seconds left in the third quarter, but the Sun missed eight of their next nine shots. Ohlde's layup 14 seconds later started the Mercury's 24-2 run that gave them an 87-86 lead on Taylor's two free throws with 4:53 left in the game. Taurasi had nine points during the spurt and Taylor seven, but neither scored again. 'We knew they were going to make a run at some point,' Sun coach Mike Thibault said. 'I thought we played great for almost 3 quarters. Then we went on a bad stretch, and we did not talk real well on defense a few positions. Then they made some big big shots. Taurasi played her normal self. Penny made some plays that I thought we had covered, and then she still made the play. But you know she does that on a regular basis.' Anete Jekabsone-Zogota made two free throws with 4:16 left to end Connecticut's scoring drought, and Gruda made a jumper — the Sun's first field goal of the quarter — 30 seconds later to take a 90-87 lead. The Sun led 53-43 at the break, but missed nine of their first 12 shots of the third quarter as the Mercury pulled to 60-58 on Johnson's running jumper with 5:25 left in the period. Montgomery made three 3s during an 18-1 run that gave Connecticut an 81-61 lead 1:41 left in the third. The Sun were 10 for 18 from beyond the arc, led by Montgomery's 5-for-7 effort. 'I just shot when I was open,' Montgomery said. 'I don't think I did anything to spectacular they were just doubling our posts off of me. So when they passed out to me I shot it.' Connecticut improved to 4-0 against the Western Conference, which has only one team above .500 — league-best Seattle. The Sun won at Phoenix for the first time since June 25, 2005. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

S.Antonio SS - Seattle S. 61-82
Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) had 22 points and nine rebounds, Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) added 19 points and 14 rebounds and the Seattle Storm beat the San Antonio Silver Stars 82-61 Sunday night. Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) had 17 points and nine rebounds for league-best Seattle (11-2), which won for the seventh time in eight games and has the only winning record in the Western Conference. The Storm improved to 8-0 in conference play and 7-0 at home. Becky Hammon and Chamique Holdsclaw scored 12 points each for San Antonio (4-6). Jackson scored 13 in the second quarter to help give the Storm a 37-30 halftime lead. Storm guard Sue Bird left the game midway through the third quarter with a strained left knee. Team officials did not yet know the extent of the injury. Bird did not score in 22 minutes. The Storm outrebounded San Antonio 46-23, including 17 offensive rebounds. Little scored six and Cash five during a 15-2 run in the third quarter to give the Storm a 55-39 lead after the Silver Stars had pulled to 40-37. Tanisha Wright stripped the ball at midcourt from Becky Hammon and made a layup to put the Storm up 20-14 after one quarter. The Storm outrebounded the Silver Stars 26-14 in the first half, including 11 offensive rebounds. Jackson scored 27 as the Storm won 84-56 at San Antonio May 30. Jackson's father, Gary, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had courtside seats at the Father's Day game. Gary Jackson traveled from Australia to visit his daughter. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com


Saturday:

Chicago S. - Washington M. 61-65 OT
Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) scored five of her season-high 17 points in overtime as the Washington Mystics rallied for a 65-61 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday night. Nakia Sanford (6'4''-F/C-76, college: Kansas) scored 11 points and Matee Ajavon added 10 for the Mystics (7-4), who matched a season high with their third straight win. Washington rallied from 13 points down in the first half and scored the final four points of regulation to tie the score. Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) scored 17 points and Jia Perkins and rookie Epiphanny Prince added 10 each for the Sky (4-8), who have lost four straight for the second time this season. Chicago opened the season with four losses, then won four in a row before their current skid. Crystal Langhorne's putback gave the Mystics the lead for good in overtime and Lindsey Harding made two free throws to put them up 59-55 with 3:19 to go. Smith hit a jumper with the shot clock winding down and then made a deep 3 from the right wing to increase Washington's lead to 64-59 with 40.9 seconds left. Both teams committed turnovers in the final minute of regulation with the Sky holding a 52-50 lead. Ajavon knocked the ball away from Fowles near half court and raced in for the tying basket with 15.8 seconds left. Perkins them missed a potential winning 3-point shot with 1 second left. Mystics leading scorer Monique Currie finished with six points - nearly 12 below her average coming in - as Washington matched its season-low scoring total. After Erin Thorn's 3 gave Chicago a 40-29 lead with under 4 minutes left in the third, the Mystics scored the next 13 points to take a two-point lead on Currie's layup 18 seconds into the fourth quarter. Eight days earlier, the Mystics had season-highs in scoring (95) and field-goal shooting (61.7 percent) in a 17-point win at Chicago. Playing for the first time in a week in the rematch, Washington was sluggish from the start, scoring only nine points in the first quarter on the way to a season-low scoring total in the first half as the Sky led 32-20 at the break. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Atlanta D. - Indiana F. 91-94
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 17 points each to lead the Indiana Fever to a 94-91 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night for their sixth win in seven games. Tamara Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) had 16 points, Ebony Hoffman (6'2''-C/F-82, college: USC) scored 12 and Catchings added seven rebounds and six assists for the Fever (8-4), who won their third straight. Indiana led by as much as 17 points and evened a 66-62 loss to Atlanta earlier this season. Sutton-Brown scored her 3,000th career point and became the fifth player in WNBA history to also have 1,500 rebounds and 400 blocks. Lisa Leslie, Margo Dydek, Lauren Jackson and Tangela Smith are the others. Angel McCoughtry and Iziane Castro Marques each had 21 points, and Sancho Lyttle added 20 points and 20 rebounds for the Dream (9-4), who maintain the Eastern Conference's best winning percentage. After trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, the Dream pulled to 81-79 on Lyttle's two free throws with less than 6 minutes left. Hoffman answered with a 3-pointer to beat the shot clock on Indiana's ensuing possession. Atlanta got to 91-89 on McCoughtry's 3-pointer with 1:22 left. The Dream had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Castro Marques' pass was intercepted by Catchings with 10 seconds remaining. Douglas then hit two free throws to push the lead back to four points. Following a pair of free throws by Castro Marques with 7 seconds left, Hoffman made one free throw. Shalee Lehning's 3-point attempt at the buzzer was no good for the Dream. The Fever shot 51 percent from the field in the opening half and took their biggest lead, 51-34, on Catchings' two free throws late in the second quarter. Indiana's 55 points tied its highest scoring first half in team history. Atlanta chipped away in the third quarter, getting to 74-69 on Lyttle's two free throws to end the period. The Dream shot 60 percent in the quarter, compared to Indiana's 33 percent. *Courtesy of www.ajc.com

Minnesota L. - Tulsa S. 92-78
Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) scored 19 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx in 92-78 win over the Tulsa Shock on Saturday night, completing a sweep of the team's home-and-home series. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) had 17 points and six assists, Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) scored 16 points and Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Lynx (4-9). Minnesota won the teams' season series 3-2, including a 78-67 win at home on Friday night. The Lynx shot 51 percent from the field, including 12 for 19 (63 percent) on 3-pointers, and finished with 21 assists and 12 steals. The Shock had 21 turnovers. Scholanda Robinson scored 14 points, Alexis Hornbuckle had 12 and Natasha Lacy and Kara Braxton added 10 each for Tulsa (3-8), which lost its fifth straight. The Shock are winless since beating the Lynx 92-79 on June 4 in their previous home. Former world-class sprinter Marion Jones tied a season high with four points in 10-plus minutes for Tulsa after going scoreless in 1 minute Friday night at Minnesota. Charde Houston started a 10-2 run for the Lynx in the final minute of the second quarter and Brunson capped it with a layup to stretch Minnesota's lead to 55-42 with about 6 1/2 minutes left in the third. Shanna Crossley followed with a 3-pointer for the Shock, but the Lynx scored the next seven points to increase the advantage to 17 on Hamchetou Maiga-Ba's layup with 4:22 to go in the quarter. Crossley had consecutive baskets and Braxton had a layup to pull Tulsa to 67-57 with 1:15 left in the third, but got no closer. Wiggins made two 3s in an 10-1 run that stretched the Lynx's lead to 85-66 with 3:41 to go in the fourth. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


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


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  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17 - Women  


USA - Trials begin for USA women bidding to play in U17 World Champ and Youth Olympic Games - by Richard
A total of 36 athletes will take part in the 2010 USA Basketball Women's U17 World Championship/Youth Olympic Games team trials from Tuesday to Friday at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The 36 players - including 10 who helped the USA take gold at last summer's FIBA Americas U16 Championship - will battle it out for the 12 roster spots on the U17 team that will play in the first ever FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Toulouse and Rodez, France from 16th to 25th July.

The trials will also deal with the matter of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Four players will be selected to make up the team that will compete in the 3on3 tournament organised by FIBA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The inaugural YOG take place in Singapore from 14th to 26th August. The 3on3 tournaments for both young men and young women will involve a total of 40 teams (20 for the men; 20 for the women) from 38 different countries.

'I know the entire coaching staff is excited to start trials,' said USA U17 head coach Barbara Nelson. 'I am hopeful the young women feel as though they have grown as an individual and as a player when trials are completed.'

'I'm definitely excited,' said Kathy Richey-Walton who was recently appointed as mentor of the USA Youth Olympic Games team. 'I think in these three days we are going to get a good idea of the talent we have, what they are capable of doing and trying to figure out the best personnel to be successful in the Youth Olympic Games 3on3 format.'

USA U17 Women Trials roster:

Players returning from the 2009 inaugural U16 national team (10): Elizabeth Williams (92) (Princess Anne HS/Virginia Beach, Virginia); Kaleena Lewis (93) (Mater Dei HS/Anaheim, California); Jordan Adams (93) (Mater Dei HS/Irvine, California); Cierra Burdick (Butler HS/Matthews, NC); Bashaara Graves (93) (Clarksville HS/Clarksville, Tennessee); Betnijah Laney (93) (Smyrna HS/Clayton, Delaware); Ariel Massengale (92) (Bolingbrook HS/Bolingbrook, Illinois); Breanna Stewart (94) (Cicero North Syracuse HS/North Syracuse, New York); Kiah Stokes (92) (Linn Mar HS/Marion, Iowa); Alexyz Vaioletama (92) (Mater Dei HS/Fountain Valley, California).

Rounding out the roster (26): Ameryst Alston (McKinley HS/Canton, Ohio); Danielle Ballard (Memphis Central HS/Memphis, Tennessee); Alyson Beebe (St Joseph HS/Santa Maria, California); Kayla Brewer (Jean Ribault HS/Jacksonville, Florida); Briyona Canty (Trenton Catholic Academy/Willingboro, New Jersey); Andraya Carter (Buford HS/Flowery Branch, Georgia); Sidney Cook (Southmoore HS/Moore, Oklahoma); Kaela Davis (Norcross HS/Norcross, Georgia.); Diamond DeShields (Norcross HS/Norcross, Georgia); Alexa Gallagher (Germantown Academy/Elkins Park, Pennsylvania); Taylor Greenfield (Ballard HS/Huxley, Iowa); Isabelle Harrison (Hillsboro HS/Nashville, Tennessee); Amber Henson (Sickles HS/Tampa, Florida); Rachel Hollivay (New Hope HS/Columbus, Mississippi); Malina Howard (Twinsburg HS/Twinsburg, Ohio); Moriah Jefferson (Texas Home Educators Sports Association/Glenn Heights, Texas); Niya Johnson (PK Yonge Developmental Research School/Gainesville, Florida); Alexis Jones (Irving MacArthur HS/Irving, Texas); Jewell Loyd (Niles West HS/Lincolnwood, Illinois); Xylina McDaniel (Spring Valley HS/Blythewood, South Carolina); Alexis Prince (Edgewater HS/Maitland, Florida); Tiffany Rice-Mitchell (Providence Day School/Charlotte, North Carolina); Bonnie Samuelson (Edison HS/Huntington Beach, California); Bria Smith (Christ the King HS/Massapequa, New York); Imani Stafford (Winward HS/Los Angeles, California); Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook HS/Bolingbrook, Illinois).
source: FIBA