Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/5/2010

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Men News

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ALBANIA

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. SK Tirana		20-0
2. Studenti		10-10
3. Valbona		10-10
4. Vllaznia Shk.		7-13
5. Skenderbeu		7-13
6. Teuta Durres		6-14

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ARGENTINA

Carlos Schattmann inks with Obras - by Eurobasket News
Obras strengthened their roster with addition of Carlos Schattmann (194-G-87). The 22-year-old guard played for Union Sunchales in the last season. Carlos Schattmann averaged 14.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Earlier the guard had stints with Olimpico de La Banda, Boca Juniors, Atenas. Carlos Schattmann participated at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament and Dallas Global Games back in 2004.

La Union bring in Gabriel Mikulas - by Eurobasket News
La Union signed a two-year deal with Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina). The 30-year-old forward played for Boca Juniors in the previous season. He tallied 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Previously Gabriel Mikulas used to play for Atenas, Penarol, Quimsa and Antwerp in Belgium. Mikulas was named the Latinbasket.com All-Argentinean Liga A Player of the Year back in 2007. The same year the forward participated at the Panamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro with Argentina. He notched 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. Gabriel Mikulas also played for Argentinean U21 selection at the 2001 World Championship in Japan. Mikulas also participated at the Liga A All-Star Game in 2005, 2007 and 2009.
La Union also secured the services of Federico Ferrini (194-G/F-83) for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old shooting guard spent the last season with Atenas Cordoba. He tallied 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in Liga A. Previously Federico Ferrini played for El Nacional and Capital Federal.
Gabriel Mikulas and Federico Ferrini will join David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.), Pablo Barrios (207-C-77), Ariel Pau (191-F-84) and Lucas Perez (184-G-87) on the roster.

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AUSTRALIA

Crocodiles add Nathan Crosswell for the next season - by Eurobasket News
The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles have announced the signing of Melbourne Tigers Guard Nathan Crosswell (190-G-79) for season 2010/11. Yesterday the team re-signed Todd Blanchfield (200-F-90).
Nathan Crosswell spent the latest NBL season with the Melbourne Tigers. He appeared 12 times in the league averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. At the end of the NBL season he joined Sandringham Sabres (ABA).
Nathan Crosswell was a member of the Melbourne Tigers from 2006 and he joined them from the Cairns Taipans. In 2008, Crosswell helped the Tigers to win the NBL title. That season he played 30 games averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. In 2009, the Tigers reached Finals once again, but were not able to take it. The same happened in 2007.
Before the Melbourne Tigers, Nathan Crosswell played for the Taipans, Victoria Titans (Giants) and Dandenong. He was a Tiger also on 1999/2000 season.
Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles Head Coach Trevor Gleeson was happy to snap up the services of Crosswell and was surprised the Tigers let him go, rating him as an under utilized point guard and praising his ability to move the ball around.

Someone that can get into the lane - by Dusty Rychart
Signing Ubaka will give us something that we really didnt have last season and that is someone that can get into the lane, suck in the defense and kick out to the shooters/finishers. Kerry has been working hard and looking to improve where he left off and has a ton of potential. His shot needs to improve and be more consistent and be more of a pass first kind of guy when he gets to the lane and suck the D and then be able to finish when the D has sucked in. The addition of both these guys gives us the youth and ability to run and compete at a high level with all the teams in the NBL.
I think this pretty much fills up our roster for the year. I know we still have an import spot to fill and a back up big and some development players to add. Things are looking promising with the new players and the returning players that have a year under our belts with Fearns system. Shouldnt be as hard to grasp the offense as it was last season with so many new guys trying to learn the shuffle.
Pre-season starts around mid July which will get us ready for the season. Its a little interesting this year with the new schedule and no on playing week day games. one HD will be tested as well and we will get a chance to see if Free to Air is the way of the future for the NBL and basketball in Australia.
Blog maintained by Dusty Rychart (201-F-79, college: Minnesota)

June 4th results - by Eurobasket News
Two games were played on June 4th in the start of the new round at ABA.
Cairns Marlins rolled over Bundaberg Bulls 94:85 at the start of Round 6 at QBL. Trailing 16-22 after the opening quarter the hosts produced 24-15 in the second period to take the lead at the halftime. Moreover they added 24-22 as the teams came back from the break and won the last frame 30-26. Dwayne Vale (194-F-85) stepped up with 21 points for the winners, while Jeromie Hill nailed 16. Deba George (183-G-85) delivered 15 James Comino (190-88) and scored 11. Matthew Hanson (201-84) ended up with 32 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, whilst Willie Shackleford had massive 28 points and 17 boards. Cairns Marlins made 24 assists versus 16 of the guests. The latter however made more rebounds in the game 36 versus 31.
At SEABL NW Tasmania overcame Mt Gambier 81:74. The winners opened the game with 27-18 and then however had 7 points lead at the halftime. The hosts reduced to minus 2 after 21-16 in the third period. In the last stanza Mt Gambier needed 17-12 to seal the victory. They had a better field goal percentage 45% versus 38%. NW Tasmania however made more Rebounds, 35 versus 33 and both teams had 11 assists. Ben Armstrong (183-G-75) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Michael Martin (201-C, college: Chico St.) netted 16. Shawntes Gary and Jeff Dowdell produced 10 points apiece. Dallas Jeffree (195-F-80) responded with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. Erik Burdon followed him with 17 and Andrew Rice (205-C-80) collected 14 points and 11 boards.
The next games are planned for June 5 and 6.

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

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

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BAHRAIN

Ahli battle to down Manama, now on brink of Bahrain league title - by Patrick Salomon
DEFENDING champions Al Ahli moved one victory away last Friday night from clinching back-to-back titles in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

Ahli pulled off a miraculous 98-95 overtime win against arch-rivals Manama to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five finals series and inch closer to an unprecedented 17th national crown.

Former NBA first round pick Johnny Antonio Taylor erupted for 43 points and almost single-handedly carried Ahli back from 22 points down in the second quarter, and 13 down in the fourth, to tie things before the end of regulation. Taylor, who was celebrating his 36th birthday Friday, then made several timely baskets in a nail-biting extra session to help win the game.

Maytham Jameel chipped in with 16 which included a crucial put-back with less than 20 seconds to play in overtime that helped lift his team to the victory. Meanwhile, sharp-shooting backcourt mate Jassim Mohammed came off the bench to contribute five key three-pointers that kept Ahli in the hunt during the game, which ended deadlocked at 83-apiece after four quarters.

The victors were fuelled by their huge throng of supporters who flocked to Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam to take advantage of a one-game ban on Manamas fans for throwing objects at the referees during game one. Only 50 of their supporters, plus Manama Club board members, were allowed to attend Friday's affair.

American import Calvin Warner had 25 points to pace his side in the loss. Bader Abdulla Malabes contributed 23, while Mahmood Ghuloom had 20 and Ahmed Abdulaziz 13.

Ahli now hope to close out the series out with a win in game three on Monday at the same venue.

We need one more, just one more, Taylor told the GDN after lengthy on-court celebrations with fans. We played great today, but our job isnt over yet. We have to come out here again on Monday, play as hard as we did today and try and get that third win for the title, which we know is going to be the toughest.

Ahli were stunned early in Friday's encounter as Manama came out firing on all cylinders. Led by 10 quick points from Malabes, Manama took a commanding 31-15 lead into the second quarter. Malabes continued his fine performance prior to half-time and he gave them their biggest lead of the night, 42-20, with an acrobatic reverse lay-up in transition.

But then Ahli gradually began their comeback, catalysed by a rare tip-in by Warner into his own basket, although Manama kept their double-digit advantage at the break, 47-35.

In the third, Ahli continued to chip away at the deficit and battled back to within two, 51-53, on a triple by Mohammed. But Manama regained the momentum, scoring nine straight points to go back up by 11. Successive triples by Hassan Nairouz then made it 68-55, before Manama took a 72-59 lead into the final canto.

Ahli continued to stay resilient and a furious 14-2 rally, which included three-pointers from Mohammed and Taylor, got them to within 73-74 and just 5:05 remaining on the clock.

Malabes gave Manama some breathing room with a three-point play, but Taylor was in the zone for Ahli, connecting on back-to-back jumpers to tie it at 77-all.

Ghuloom stepped up a few possessions later with a back-breaking three that made it 83-79 with a minute to go, but a Taylor post move and then two free-throws with 35.2 seconds left tied it at 83-83, sending the game into overtime.

Warner had a chance to win it in regulation for Manama, but his shot from just beyond the foul line rattled out.

In extended play, Taylor broke an 89-all deadlock with another patented turn-around jumper before making a lay-up inside for a 93-89 edge.

After Jameel scored to make it 95-91, Manamas Abdulaziz buried a corner triple to get back to within one with 59.4s left. Taylor and Nairouz then each split free-throws to make it 96-95 for Ahli, and after a Mohammed miss, Jameel had his crucial put-back with 14.3s left to peg the final score.

A desperation three pointer from Warner before the final buzzer hit nothing but air.

We thought it would be easy at first, with no Manama fans and after winning game one the way we did, Mohammed told the GDN. But after seeing a 20-point deficit, we all just played harder, defended better and thank God we were able to make shots and come back and win.

Heading into this years finals, both Ahli and Manama are tied in all-time league titles, with 16 apiece in history. They are each looking to break the historic stalemate and thus claim the tag of Bahrains most successful basketball club.

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BARBADOS

Jackson end Lakers unbeaten run - by Justin Marville
A RUN AT PERFECTION?

Not when Jackson believed their run at the playoffs carried more consequence.

Lumber Company Lakers historic streak is no more, as reigning MVP Peter Alleyne had a game-high 21 points to keep British American Insurance Jackson in the hunt for the postseason by edging basketball's Premier League leaders 72-70 in Tuesday's overtime thriller at the YMCA.

The dramatic last-second finish brought an unceremonious end to any hopes that the Lakers would run the table unbeaten, after the Husbands men won the season's first ten games with nary a cause for concern.

But Jackson (7-4) were more concerned with relevance than record, remaining one game behind Warriors (8-3) for the last playoff spot when Adrian Allman's potential game-winning triple harmlessly bounced off the side of the ring before the final buzzer.

It was just one of the Lakers several, crucial gaffes late in the extra period that cost the league leaders a chance at winning an unprecedented eleventh straight decision.

Down two (70-68) following a pair of Kevin Austin jumpers to start overtime, Lakers turned over the ball on three straight possessions; committing shot-clock and travelling violations before point guard Derek Browne dribbled the ball off his foot in transition.

However, Jackson weren't much better themselves, only managing a Neil Harewood free throw in that span, having earlier failed to put away the contest by missing three free throws inside the final minute of regulation.

And those woes from the charity stripe nearly returned to haunt them again, after Harewood and Griffith split their free throws on subsequent visits while Javid Beckles went empty at the line, giving Lakers 21 seconds to erase a two-point deficit (72-70).

But Allman missed a subsequent, wide-open look from the right wing, allowing Jackson to dribble out the clock.

Kevin Austin assisted Alleyne, who also had ten boards, with 20 points and Pearson Griffith added 15 rebounds and seven blocks while Keefe Birkett top-scored for Lakers with 15 points.

In the night's second game, Roll-A-Way St John's Sonics overcame an early 17-point first quarter deficit before downing Nicholls Baking Cougars 83-73.

Akeem Marsh had a game high 29 points and ten boards, as Cougars actually scored the game's first 17 points without reply before St John's got off the mark with 4:58 left in the first quarter.

Standings

Premier L. Standings

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

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BELGIUM

Playoff Finals: Liege ties the score to 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - Liege 57-60
Liege recovered from the home loss in Game One and managed to beat Charleroi on the road for 1-1 tie in the Finals. Michael Green

(185-G-85, college: Butler) was the leading scorer in victory with 18 points (5 rebs). Will Thomas (201-F-86, agency: Interperformances) helped with double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. On the other side, Charleroi got 12 points from Jonathan Tabu

(190-G-85) (6 rebs) and Brent Wright

(203-F/C-78, college: Florida). Game Three is scheduled for Saturday in Liege.

Leuven Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Stella Artois Leuven Bears has reached an agreement with Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (208-C-83, college: Niagara) for the upcoming season.
This past season he played in the Turkish 2nd division for TED Kolejiiler Ankara (20 g, 14.7ppg, 11.1rpg).
Benson played college ball at Niagara where he averaged 12.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg to go with 1.6 bpg during his senior year.
He will share the center position with recently signed John Tofi.
Egemoyne was a member of the Nigerian NT in 2009 which took part in the African Championships.

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Brian GREENE
  Aalstar
  (204-F-81)
  Avg: 16.8

1. Greene, Aalstar	16.8
2. Melson, Gent	16.0
3. Black, Antwerp	15.9
4. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.	15.6
5. McNeal, M.Hainaut	15.3
6. Thomas, Liege	14.9
7. Green, Liege	14.1
8. Freeman, Verviers.	14.0
9. Lojeski, Oostende	13.8
10. Hopkins, Antwerp	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Will THOMAS
  Liege
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 9

1. Thomas, Liege	9.0
2. Ebong, M.Hainaut	8.6
3. Randle, Gent	8.3
4. Young, Leuven	7.8
5. Merriex, Aalstar	7.6
6. Brown, Antwerp	6.5
7. Greene, Aalstar	6.4
8. Hilliard, Verviers.	6.4
9. Sims, Charleroi	6.3
10. Pelle, Oostende	6.3

Assists Per Game

Stanley BURRELL
  Aalstar
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Burrell, Verviers.	4.6
2. Gill, Oostende	4.3
3. Bosco, Gent	3.9
4. Loubry, Gent	3.8
5. Johnson, Charleroi	3.7
6. Green, Liege	3.7
7. Hamilton, Charleroi	3.2
8. Tabu, Charleroi	2.8
9. Moors, Antwerp	2.6
10. Wilson, Aalstar	2.6

Steals Per Game

Loren STOKES
  Aalstar
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Stokes, Aalstar	2.3
2. Gill, Oostende	2.2
3. Hopkins, Antwerp	2.2
4. Thomas, Liege	1.9
5. Bosco, Gent	1.9
6. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.	1.9
7. Black, Antwerp	1.9
8. Anderson, Leuven	1.8
9. Greene, Aalstar	1.8
10. Conlan, M.Hainaut	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andre RIDDICK
  Charleroi
  (208-C-73)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Riddick, Charleroi	1.4
2. Wilkinson, Charleroi	1.0
3. Pelle, Oostende	0.9
4. Wilson, Verviers-Pep.	0.9
5. Young, Leuven	0.8
6. Randle, Gent	0.7
7. Sims, Charleroi	0.7
8. McNeal, M.Hainaut	0.6
9. Barber, Aalstar	0.6
10. Tofi, Verviers-Pep.	0.6

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BRAZIL

Flamengo force decider - by Eurobasket News
Flamengo - Universo/BRB 94:74

Flamengo won the fourth game of the NBB Finals. Thus the Rio de Janeiro team forced the decisive fifth game in the series. The teams will clash for the title on June 6 in Brasilia.
Flamengo dominated this one. A well-balanced offensive effort from the hosts did not give a single chance for Universo/BRB. Eduardo Machado (195-G-82) knocked down 20 points to lead the charge. Flamengo accounted for 25 points in the starting frame and built a 6-point advantage at the first break. The teams slowed down in the second stanza but it did not prevent Flamengo from establishing an 8-point buffer at halftime. Flamengo turned to their fast pace in the third quarter. The home team accounted for 26 points and stretched the gap at 10-point mark. Flamengo maintained the pressure in the fourth period and eased to the victory at the end. Jefferson da Silva (207-F/C-83) nailed 18 points for Flamengo. Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83, college: Tulsa) finished with 17 points in the win. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) delivered 18 points for Universo/BRB. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 14 points in the loss.

Flamengo: Eduardo Machado 20, Jefferson da Silva 18, Guilherme Teichmann 17
Universo/BRB: Guilherme Giovannoni 18, Valtinho Silva 14

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CANADA

Kyle Landry stays BK Prostejov - by Eurobasket News
Canadian Kyle Landry

(206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) stays BK Prostejov for another season. His team is still struggling in the Finals for the title and the player shows great performance.
In 2004-2005 Kyle started with N.Arizona (NCAA, starting five) and after 28 games averaged 8.8ppg, RebConf-7 (5.3rpg), FGP: 53.5%, FT: 73.8%. Over the last few years he stayed with the college team and in his last year Kyle Landry became the second top-scorer with 17.5ppg, third in Rebounds with 8.1rpg, 1.0spg, FGPConf-2 (58.5%), FT: 70.7%. In 2008-2009 Kyle moved to ISS Sportino Inowroclaw (Poland-DBE) and in 25 games averaged 12.2ppg, Reb-1 (10.3ppg), 1.5spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 67.5%. In April 2009 moved to Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1) and in 5 games had 3.0ppg, 4.2rpg.
This year in BK Prostejov he recorded 31 points and 17 rebounds in his best performance. Novy Jicin was upset by BK Prostejov 64:77 in the decisive game as the latter clinched the Final spot to face Nymburk. Landry Kyle stepped up with 31 points and 17 rebounds, while Lawrence Eugene followed him with 16. Sanders Levell responded with 18 points in the losing effort.
So far Kyle Landry averages 13.1 points per game for his team. He has also 7.6 rebounds per game and 1.3 steals.

DEHAM BROWN HEADEDE TO PHILIPPINES - by John Gary
courtesy basketball ca. Former Canadian senior national team star Deham BBrown has signed with the Barangy Ginebra Kings of the Philipine Basketball Association for the remainder of the season.'More than his energy,I think hes an allround impact capable of playing all positions on our team,' said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico.In his senior season at the University of Conneticut,the 6-6 guard forward averaged 10.7 points,4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assits per game and was a member of the 2004 NCAA title team.

Barangay Ginebra Kings add Canadian NT player Denham Brown - by Eurobasket News
Former Canadian senior national team member Denham Brown (198-F-83, college: Connecticut) has signed with the Barangay Ginebra Kings of the Philippine Basketball Association for the remainder of the season.

'More than his energy, I think he's an all-around import capable of playing different positions in our team,' said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico.

In his senior season at the University of Connecticut, the 6-foot-6 guard/forward averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game and was a member of the 2004 NCAA championship team. Following his successful college career, he was selected 40th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2006 NBA Draft. Brown spent the next couple of seasons in the NBDL where he played for the Tulsa 66ers, Dakota Wizards and Iowa Energy. Brown also played in Turkey and Venezuela.

He played for the Canadian national team from 2003-2005 and again in 2007.

The Toronto native is expected to suit up for his new team on June 5 against the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in Batangas City.

Courtesy of PBA and The Barangay Ginebra Kings

Canada to take on France in lead-up to FIBA World Championship - by Eurobasket News
Canada Basketball announced Thursday the schedule for the 2010 Jack Donohue International Classic (JDIC), showcasing the Senior Men's National Team a.k.a the Road Warriors. Team Canada will play a two-game series against Team France Aug. 12-13 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto in a preview of the FIBA World Championship tournament that begins Aug. 28 in Turkey.

We are thrilled to bring the excitement of international basketball back to Toronto, stated Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO for Canada Basketball. Toronto is a basketball mad city and these games offer our passionate fans an opportunity to see Canadas team first hand as we begin our road to the World Championship. The Air Canada Centre is a state of the art facility and we look forward to working with our partner, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, to deliver a first-class competition.

Ticket Details:

Where: Tickets for the JDIC can be purchased at Ticketmaster (enter Canada Basketball) or at the Air Canada Centre ticket office.
When: Tickets go on sale Friday, June 4 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Price: Start as low as $19.50 for lower bowl seats.

The JDIC exhibition series marks the first time that Team Canada will play games on home soil since 2008, and the first time that the French National Mens Team will play in Canada. While rosters for both teams are still to be determined, both squads will have several top-flight players who compete professionally around the globe and in the NBA.

The Canadian national team agreed to match up twice against us and I am sure these will be two very interesting games against a strong squad, said French National Team Head Coach Vincent Collet . Canada has its own identity with a though and physical style of basketball but also great shooters. I hope these two games will prepare us perfectly for our third confrontation that will take place in the first round of the World Championship in Turkey.

It means so much for our team to be preparing for the FIBA World Championship right here at home in front of friends, family and Canadian basketball fans, said Leo Rautins , Head Coach of the Senior Mens National Team. There is nothing like a home court filled with cheering fans in red and white to motivate our team. We have a great group of guys coming back this year, and look forward to continuing to build on the successes from last summer.

Canada and France are countries of excellence in sports, said France's consul general in Toronto, Jerome Cauchard. We are delighted that Team France will be in Toronto to play exhibition games with Team Canada in preparation for the FIBA 2010 World Championship.

Following the two-game JDIC against France at Air Canada Centre, the Road Warriors will then hit the road for a series of exhibition games. Canada will join Serbia, Greece and Slovenia in Athens, Greece, Aug. 17-19 for the Greece Acropolis Tournament. The final tune-up will be the Efes Pilsen Cup Tournament in Ankara, Turkey, Aug. 21-23, where Canada will face off against Argentina, Turkey and Lebanon.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

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

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CROATIA

Cedevita wins the U15 Tile in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
U15 Cedevita has managed to claim U15 Finals Tournament after displaying dominance over Zagreb. In the finals match, Cedevita players won three out of four quarters with ease as they secured 69-46 win. Hosts came out stronger from the start and by the end of Q1 they were already up 17-10. They continued to increase their lead in the second and after a series of runs, they went for a halftime break with a comfortable 39-20 lead. Not much changed in the third as Cedevita players continued to pound on their opponent. By the end of the third period, they had this game practically wrapped up with a 58-31 advantage. In the final 10 minutes, Zagreb only managed to slightly cut the deficit but it was Cedevita who celebrated the title after 23 point margin win. Lebo and Bundovic led the new champions with 17 and 15 points respectively. For Zagreb, Milosevic was the only player to reach double digits with 10 points.
Zadar won the game for the third spot after they have managed to overcome Fenix Forex Team 64-53. After a close first quarter Zadar managed to break the match in the second period they won 14-8. As result they led at the halftime 31-23 and Fenix players never seemed to be able to recover from this deficit. Zadar routinely closed the second half in their favor and have won the third place at the tournament. Mavra was exceptional for the winning team as he poured in 26 points. Rutar added 14 points while Zovko chipped in 11. On the other side, Zganec K. and Zgance B. stood out for Forex with 23 and 10 points respectively.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Kyle Landry stays BK Prostejov - by Eurobasket News
Canadian Kyle Landry

DENMARK

Casper Hessledal joins Sacramento State basketball programme - by Eurobasket News
Casper Hesseldal (198-F-85) will continue his career at the Sacramento State University basketball programme. The 24-year-old forward has signed to play for the Hornets. The Aarhus native spent the previous two seasons playing for Northwest College in Wyoming. Casper Hesseldal averaged 14.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game for the Trappers. Casper Hesseldal played for the Danish NT back in 2009.

Horsens add Alan Madsen - by Eurobasket News
Alan Madsen (189-G/F-78) will join Horsens in the upcoming season. The 31-year-old shooting guard spent the previous season in Aabyhoj. He tallied 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The player helped Aabyhoj reach CDL semifinals. Alan Madsen used to play for Horsens. He spent here 1996/97 and 2008/09 seasons.

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FRANCE

Pro B : Markets news - by Laurent Maugein
After that first season in the second division professional the result of Fos Ouest Provence Basket is positive. The fosens will confirm the second season. Remi Guitta has begun its recruitment.
This is the French player Karim Atamna (194-F-80) (194-F-80). The French MVP of the last championship to NM1 with Reims posted 16.0ppg 3PT 48% 6.3rpg 2.3spg and 3.0apg. This complete players knows Pro B having played 20 games with Le Portel in 2007/2008. Karim scored 4.6ppg 2.3rpg 1spg and 1.0 apg.

Boulazac Basket Dordogne almost complete. It is now official! At the heart of debate for several weeks, Corey McIntosh (183-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Iowa St.) (183-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Iowa St.) (24 years) (St-Vallier) play well under the orders of Sylvain Lautie next season. The American leadership 1m83 already teammate Dramane Diarra (203-F/C-80, college: Kansas St.) in the Dorme turned to 14.6ppg 3.1rpg 1.4spg and 5.5apg in 30 minutes during the last season.

He is joined by Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86) (201-F-86) is also Saint Vallier Basket Drome. First player to evaluation he is very complete in all sectors. 16.2 ppg 2PT 63%, 3PT 33% 7.8 rpg 1.8spg and 2.5 asp in 31 min per game.

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Trabzonspor
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	19.8
2. Spencer, Le Mans	18.6
3. Roberson, Stras.	18.5
4. Vassallo, Paris-.	17.8
5. Chatfield, Rouen	17.0
6. Gray, Chalon	15.8
7. Greer, Nancy	15.8
8. Banks, Orleans	15.7
9. Traore, AS.	15.6
10. Schilb, Chalon	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	11.4
2. Issa, Vichy	10.8
3. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.9
4. Greer, Nancy	8.7
5. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.6
6. Falker, Cholet	7.6
7. Edwards, Grave.	7.4
8. Gray, Chalon	7.3
9. Slaughter, Nancy	7.0
10. Jones, Le Havre	6.9

Assists Per Game

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

1. Reid, Vichy	7.8
2. Rogers, Rouen	6.8
3. Everett, Chalon	6.4
4. Greer, Nancy	6.1
5. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
6. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.1
7. Sciarra, Orleans	5.0
8. Heurtel, Strasbourg	4.8
9. King, Le Havre	4.6
10. Tchicamboud, Nancy	4.6

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.8
2. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
3. Everett, Chalon	2.0
4. Wright, Le Mans	2.0
5. Issa, Vichy	1.9
6. Greer, Nancy	1.8
7. Mims, Roanne	1.8
8. Rogers, Rouen	1.7
9. Melody, Vichy	1.7
10. Spencer, Le Mans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.4
2. Issa, Vichy	2.3
3. Badiane, Poitiers	1.6
4. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.6
5. Slaughter, Nancy	1.4
6. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
7. Falker, Cholet	1.2
8. Simon, Strasbourg	1.2
9. Darden, Strasbourg	1.1
10. Soliman, Rouen	1.1

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

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

1. Davis, Charleville	18.2
2. Siggers, Lille	17.9
3. Mohammed, Limoges	16.2
4. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.2
5. McKenzie, St Va.	16.2
6. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.1
7. Ingram, Clermont	15.9
8. Taylor, Le Portel	15.8
9. Dunn, Maurienne	15.7
10. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Vebobe, Antibes	10.6
2. Giles, Nantes	9.6
3. Jennings, Boulazac	8.7
4. Bing, Clermont	8.6
5. McClark, Bourg	8.2
6. Lovedale, Quimper	8.1
7. Calasan, Charleville	8.0
8. McKenzie, St Va.	7.8
9. McHugh, Quimper	7.6
10. Mathis, Evreux	7.2

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.1

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.1
2. Downey, Nantes	7.4
3. Taylor, Le Portel	6.8
4. Braswell, Limoges	6.1
5. Kerckhof, Antibes	6.0
6. Mullins, Bourg	5.7
7. McIntosh, St Va.	5.7
8. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.3
9. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.3
10. Swift, Brest	4.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Driss, Bordeaux	2.9
2. Riley, Nanterre	2.7
3. Craven, Boulazac	2.5
4. Denave, St Vallier	2.2
5. Mullins, Bourg	2.1
6. Da Silva, Evreux	2.0
7. Siggers, Lille	2.0
8. Dunn, Maurienne	1.9
9. Paelay, Charleville	1.8
10. McKenzie, St Va.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Williams, Bordeaux	1.8
2. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
3. Badiane, Maurienne	1.7
4. Ford, Limoges	1.6
5. Owona, Bordeaux	1.5
6. Taccoen, Lille	1.1
7. Gouez, Lille	1.0
8. N''Diaye, Le Portel	0.9
9. Jennings, Boulazac	0.9
10. Bauer, Pau-Lacq.	0.9

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FYR MACEDONIA

Superleague teams start with roster reconstruction - by Eurobasket News
After the season in FYR Macedonia has concluded with Feni Industri being the crowned champions, Superleague teams have taken a short break and now is the time to start with summer transfers.
Among fist teams to start with roster reconstruction are Vardar Osiguruvanje and Plejmejker Kubus. The runner-up has only one player in Aleksandar Ugrinoski (192-G-88, agency: Interperformances) who may leave the club. Ugrinoskis contract has ran out and he is free to look for new club. However, the management is determined to keep the player so it remains to be seen whether they will be successful. Only other player on the roster who could leave potentially, is Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87). He has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave in case he receives good offer from abroad. Regarding the reinforcements, the club has reportedly identified several players who could help out the club. However, they are still keeping these names in the fold so the time will show if any deal will materialize anytime soon.
After fulfilling the goal of avoiding relegation, Plejmejker Kubus has higher ambitions for next season. As result, the clubs management wasted no time in trying to secure extensions for Brandon Cole (203-F-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Xavier) and Morris Samter. Both players have been instrumental in helping Plejmejker secure Superleague status so they will definitely be staying. Another player which will be returning next season for sure is point guard Zlatko Todorovski. On the other hand, the club has decided to thank Nick Stallings (190-G-83, college: Centenary) and Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) who will most likely be plying their trade with some other team next season.

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GERMANY

Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) Thoughts To 2010 BEKO BBL Final Frankfurt-Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 25 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and is playing his second season with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. Last season for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2%. This season, he is averaging 7,6ppg, 2,9rpg, 1,4apg and has scored in double figures in six agmes. He spoke to eurobasket about the the 2010 BEKO BBL final between The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and Brose Baskets Bamberg.

What was your impression of the Franfurt-Bremerhaven series that ended 3-2 for Frankfurt?

The Bremerhaven-Frankfurt series was a tough series. Both teams were able to get wins on the other's home court. In the end the ball bounced Frankfurt's way unlike in Bremerhaven's last series.

What was the difference in this series?

I really don't know because the teams are so evenly matched. It probably came down executing in the end.

The Brose baskets Bamberg won the Semi Final series against Braunschweig 3-0. Were you surprised that they swept Braunschweig?

I wasn't to surprised. They had been playing good ball leading up to the playoffs and just continued it. They have a good team with depth.

What was the difference in this series?

Bamberg's depth. They go 10 deep which is important during this time of the year.

What can we await from the final Bamberg-Frankfurt?

It will be a good series. Both teams are playing like they should this time of the year.

Is Bamberg capable of going 9-0 in the 2010 BEKO BBL finals?

I think they can, they are 6-0 so far.

What will be key for Frankfurt beating Bamberg?

They have to keep playing like they are. Don't change a whole lot because it has gotten them this far.

What will be key for Bamberg winning the title?

Keep using their depth. Some coaches cut their rotation and it hurts the team but they have stuck with theirs and its paying off.

Who will win the NBA Finals and why?

This is tough but I think the Lakers in 6. Phil Jackson is 47-0 when winning Game 1 and they did!!!
Thanks Quentin for the chat.

PRO A Transfer News - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BV Chemnitz 99 wasted no time getting set for next season by signing two new players to the new roster and the club resigned Tom Lipke and American Terren Harbut. Lipke is a 24 year old 194 cm guard who played 28 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.1apg last season. Terren Harbut is a 27 year old 198cm forward who played 29 games averaging 10.4ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 68.7%. The club also signed 175cm point guard german speedy gonzalez Achmadschah Zazai (177-G-86) who played last season for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga), in Dec.'09 moved to TV 1862 Langen (Germany-ProA), German League: 4 games: 8.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg; left in Jan.'10, later that month signed at USC Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 10.4ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 76.0%. The team also signed 21 year old 208 cm center Donald Lawson who played at Western Michigan from 2006-2010. In his senior year he played 33 games averaging 7.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 0.0%, FT: 61.1%. He won the MAC West Division Regular Season Championwith western Michigan in 2008.

The Saar-Pfalz BRAVES signed their first new player for the 2010-2011 PRO A season getting Rob Lowery who is a 22 year old 188cm guard from Forestville, Maryland. He played at Dayton last season in the NCAA playing : 31 games and averaging 7.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 37.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 77.6%. His happy to be able to play for the Braves this upcoming season. 'I am excited to be part of such a great team. I got informed and heard many good things about my new team and Germany. I will be leaving the States for the first time in my life and I am excited about coming to Germany.

Sven Schultze Returns Back To Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Alba Berlin announced its first new signing for the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season by taking German national team captain Sven Schultze

(208-C-78, agency: Court Side) and giving him a two year contract. The 31 year old 206cm power forward returns back to Berlin where he played from 1998-2002 winning four BEKO BBL titles and two cup titles. Last season he played for Angelico Biella (Italy-SerieA, starting five): EuroCup: 6 games: 6.2ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 41.2%, and finished withCarife Ferrara in Italy.'I am very happy that I can return to Alba Berlin. After playing five seasons out of the country it is nice to play in Germany again. A lot has changed with Alba Berlin, but I am sure that I will get adapted quickly. I will do my best to help the team and bring the title back to Berlin', stressed Sven Schultze. Coach Luka Pavicevic is also pleased for getting the experienced player. 'Sven Schultze was always a strong candidate for our team in the last years. I am happy that we could get him. He is a player with a good attitude and personality that can always help our program', said Luka Pavicevic.

Schultze played for TSK universa Bamberg from 1995-1998 before going to Alba Berlin. He then played for The Bayer Giants Leverkusen from 2002-2005. Since 2005, he has mostly played in Italy and briefly in Greece. In 2005-2006, he played for Armani Jeans Milano (Italy-SerieA): Euroleague: 13 games: 3.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 2FGP: 31.5%, 3FGP: 36%, FT: 50%; Italian League: 37 games: 3.1ppg, 1.5rpg. In 2006-2007, he played another season In Milan playing 42 games: 7.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 68.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for Amatori Snaidero Udine (Italy-SerieA): 34 games: 9.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP:55.2%, 3PT:44.5%, FT:70.8%. In 2008-2009, he played for Olimpia Athienitis Larissa (Greece-A1, starting five): Greek League: 26 games: 11.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 78.4%; EuroChallenge: 5 games: 5.2ppg, 1.6rpg, in April '09 moved to Fastweb Junior Casale Monferrato (Italy-Lega2): 8 games: 10.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 60.0%, FT: 66.7%. He also has been a member of the German National team since 1999 getting a bronze at the World Championships in 2002 and silver at the European Championships in 2005.
Source: www.albaberlin.de

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Outbattle The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven In OT 56-52 To Reach The 2010 BEKO BBL Final. - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

It was do or die in game 5 between The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and Eisbaeren Bremerhaven as the atmosphere was as tense as when Ben Wallace (41,9%ft) is strutting to the free throw line with the game on the line, or whenever Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri got ready to kick field goals in the 2008-2009 NFL season as he was ranked 28th in the league or when Cincinatti Reds slugger Adam Dunn is at the plate and strikes out which is a habit like it is for Popeye to eat spinach, but Frankfurt didnt let anything rattle themselves as they fought adversity on the court in OT escaping the Bremerhaven polar bear den winning 56-52. Frankfurt reached their third final in their 11 year history and first in five years. 45 minutes after the game had ended, Skyliner Skybembel fans blocked the route of the team bus out of the parking lot and the whole team departed the bus and greeted the fans while fan favourite Marius Nolte

(206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) led the Humba chant. It was a huge win for the Skyliner organization and it was obvious that celebration was difficult to be avoided. 'We are just very ecstatic at the moment. Our goal before the seaosnw as to reach the final and we did. This was the most intense game that I have ever played in. Each guy on the team wanted to win. I do feel a little bad for Bremerhaven who gave their all', stressed Skyliner forward Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.). However the team also knows that the real celebration is still three wins away. 'The champagne is on ice, but first we have to beat Bamberg', warned Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). Frankfurt have showed all season long that their biggest strength was their never die attitude. 'This was our biggest win of the season. This game was so intense and the gym was packed. They made a run and it seemed like we were going down, but we put our feet in the sand and made a stand against them', added Grayson Moyer.

For The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, it was a super year that ended with a close game five loss in the 2010 BEKO BBL Semi Finals. Last season, the team finished in last place and only remained in the BEKO BBL on account of a wildcard. This season, the team showed how strong it can be staying in the playoff race all season long, showing a fierce offensive attack and being rewarded with a big five game quarterfinal win against BG Goettingen in the playoffs. It was no surprise that the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were a little shocked and sad after the loss. 'I am very disappointed that we lost, but we lost to a very good team. We should of closed out the series at home. We played hard and always kept our heads up. Frankfurt played great, capitalized on our mistakes and deserved to win', stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven point guard Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) Even though bodies may be tired in a five game series, the competition and will to win kept the fatigue as far away as Siberia. 'We were tired, but we didnt think about it. The fans didnt let us think about it. I think that our bad shooting and turnovers explained the fatigue in our legs. We are however very proud of what we have achieved this season', stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven German Philipp Schwethelm

(201-F-89, agency: Court Side). 'It hurts a lot the way we lost in OT. It was a tough game all the way through. Frankfurt did a little extra in OT. I am at a loss of words', stated Mr incredible Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein).

Some basketball games in terms of skill and accuracy on the court can be compared to the beauty of a Pablo Picasso painting while other games could be described to the doodling of a toddler as game 5 between Bremerhaven and Frankfurt was not beautiful, but moreover wretched. The first quarter had only 21 points, horrible shooting and an influx of turnovers. 'This was an ugly game. There was nothing nice about this game and we knew that it would be a defensive game. When you play a team so often then you really know what to expect', commented Ohio native Seth Doliboa. The fact that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners got off to the better start didnt mean anything on this day as defense would rule over offense. Frankfurt did take the early 9-2 lead as they were th <e more aggressive team and were able to execute better on offense. Frankfurt scored in the zone on its first three baskets as Derrick Allen made a lay in, Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) a jumper and Greg Jenkins a hard two handed dunk after getting a pretty feed from ReeseJimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) then continued to show his hot and timely shooting as he dropped a three pointer from the corner. Bremerhaven hadnt found their rhythm as Frankfurt was pressuring the ball very fiercely. After two Reese free throws and the 11-2 lead, Bremerhaven finally nailed a field goal as Lou Campbell brought memories back to game four where he was hitting difficult shots as he made a contested shot. Frankfurt couldnt run away from Bremerhaven as they started missing shots and turning the ball over too much. Frankfurt then made a fast break basket as Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) scored getting a pretty pass from Reese. Eisbaeren Bremerhaven guard Brandon Brooks closed out the first quarter with a lay in with his left hand. Frankfurt led 13-8 even though it felt like they should have been leading by 15 points. The best quality of the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in the first quarter were their four offensive rebounds 'There was a high intensity in the game. This set the tone for the rest of the game. The defense stepped up for both teams getting many stops', added San Diego native Grayson Moyer. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 33% from outside while The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 21% from the field and 14% from outside. Bremerhaven had the slight 9-7 rebound edge and both teams had a high number of turnovers with six a piece.

In the second quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to extend their lead to 22-10 as they cruised out on a 7-2 run. Grayson Moyer who had come off the bench in game three in Bremerhaven and instantly giving the club energy did it again as he scored twice with a runner in traffic and then with a difficult lay in. 22 year Serb Dragan Labovic is not the quickest player, but at times, he can pull out a spin move form his bags of tricks as he glided past Bryan Lucas from the base line making a lay up. Dominic Bahiense De Mello then nailed a three pointer. The lack of scoring that Bremerhaven had ahd up to that point didnt last long as they finally broke out and went on a 8-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 22-18. Bremerhaven found ways to score inside and on the fast break. Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) started the scoring on the fast break, Campbell then put home a Schwethelm miss on the fast break, Jeff Gibbs made two free throws and then a dunk on a no look pass from SchwethelmGreg Jenkins

(206-F/C-82, college: Iona) then made another dunk as he was set up nicely from Reese and Lou Campbell made a lay up cutting the Frankfurt lead to 24-20Jimmy McKinney then countered with another clutch three pointer and Andrew Drevo scored on the buzzer as Frankfurt led 27-22 at halftime. 'Bremerhaven went to zone which slowed us down a bit. They got a few baskets at the end and we were happy that we were up by five points', commented Grayson Moyer. 'We fought back in the second quarter as Campbell and Drevo took over', added Philipp Schwethelm. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 39% from the field and 21 % from the three point line while The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 32% from the field and 8% from the three point line. Bremerhaven still had the slight 19-17 rebound edge and had 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had nine.

In the third quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to keep their lead until the end as Bremerhaven slowly began to creep back and eventually gain the lead for the first time. Super Tez Robertson started the scoring in the third quarter with an open three pointer from the wing as Frankfurt led 30-22. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were still as far away from their top offense as Paris Hilton is to ever staring in a feature film with Tom Hanks, but they were starting to hit more shots as Campbell made a three pointer from the top of the key and Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) a three pointer as Bremerhaven quietly was only trailing 32-29. However Frankfurt didnt have any major deficiency on offense as they always got some production from someone as Allen made a three pointer from the wing. Bremerhaven then made a quick 4-0 run as Gibbs dunked over Robertson and Lucas scored inside getting a quick feed from Martin as Bremerhaven only trailed 36-33. Allen then made two free throws for the 38-33 Frankfurt lead. Bremerhaven was slowly getting hotter on offense and went on a lightening 8-0 run to lead 41-38 getting their first lead after nearly 29 minutes played. Andre Drevo had his shooting touch back getting a three pointer from the wing and then scored again inside after getting a whip pass from Campbell to tie the score at 38-38. Campbell then made three free throws for the 41-38 Bremerhaven lead. Dragan Labovic closed out the third quarter with two free throws as Bremerhaven had the narrow 41-40 lead. The Bremerhaven zone was giving Frankfurt problems in this late run. 'Bremerhaven hit big shots. They went on a run which got the crowd in it and we had bad possessions on offense', stated Grayson Moyer. 'We fought hard and came back as Drevo and Campbell continued to hit big shots', said Philipp Schwethelm. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 38% from the field and 25% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 34% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Bremerhaven still had the slight rebound edge at 26-25, but had 13 turnovers while Bremerhaven had 11.

The fourth quarter would become very exciting as there were seven lead changes and no team really deserved to lose the game. Labovic started the scoring with a lay in getting a nice pass from captain Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) and the 42-41 Frankfurt lead. Campbell made two free throws as Bremerhaven got the lead back 43-42. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) then made one of his typical fade away jumpers in the zone as Frankfurt led 44-43. Campbell who can penetrate and dish and score with the best of them in the BEKO BBL scored inside as Bremerhaven captured the lead back 45-44. Pascal Roller is known as Mr reliable in terms of shooting, but Jimmy Mckinney might be making a run of taking this Roller title in the last weeks as he buried another clutch three pointer from the wing as Frankfurt led 47-45. Then the game was interrupted with four turnovers until Campbell made another statement nailing a three pointer from the top of the key giving Bremerhaven the 48-47 lead. Derrick Allen then made consecutive baskets inside as he was fed by Greg Jenkins who usually is very unemotional, but showed a rare side of himself giving a big yell after the basket. Frankfurt led 51-48 with less than a minute to play in regulation. Bremerhaven then stayed cool on offense finding the right shot as it was Andrew Drevo making one of his many clutch shots this season with a three pointer knotting the game at 51-51- Robertson then made a steal and Reese had one last shot that didnt fall as the game went into OT. 'The Reese shot looked good from the bench, but it just fell a little shotr. The fourth quarter was a battle in the trenches. The game went back and fourth. That Drevo three pointer was huge', added Grayson Moyer. 'Our defense was pretty strong, but we gave up too many offensive rebounds. They hit big shots, but often when the shot clock was down', added Philipp Schwethelm. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 34% from the field and 23% from outside while The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 38% from the field and 29% from outside. Bremerhaven had the 35-31 rebounding edge, but 19 turnovers while Frankfurt had only 13.

Nothing really fancy happened in the OT period as only six points were scored in the five minutes. The OT period had everything from many missed shots, consecutive free throws being missed, easy lay ups being missed, and both teams missing extra chances on the offensive boards. Frankfurt scored first on a Robertson three pointer from the wing to lead 54-51 and would never look back again. Schwethelm then made one of two free throws to cut the Frankfurt lead to 54-52. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had their chances getting a good defensive play from Drevo blocking Labovic, but then coming back on offense and loosing the ball out of bounds. Martin had the chance to give Bremerhaven the lead with a three pointer, but missed and Derrick Allen sealed the Frankfurt victory with two free throws 56-52. 'We got key stops and just played hard on each play. We simply played with a lot of heart in OT', stressed Seth Doliboa. 'We showed a lot of heart in overtime. We had fresh legs and simply buckled down on defense allowing just one point', added Grayson Moyer. 'Frankfurt defended well, hit big shots and simply had a bit more luck in OT', stressed Philipp Schwethelm.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led bDerrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) with 15 points and six rebounds. Jimmy Mckinney chipped in with 10 points. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Lou Campbell with 20 points. Andrew Drevo Added 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The 45 minute game was a shooting performance that would of probably given ex Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird nightmares as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners shot 33% from the field and 26% from the three point line as The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 32% from the field and 24% from the three point line. Bremerhaven edged Frankfurt 42-40 with the rebounds and had 20 turnovers while Frankfurt had 16. 'We only scored 52 points on offense which is way to little. We knew it would be a defensive game, but you have to give a lot of credit to Frankfurt for playing a great game. We made way to many mistakes', stressed Louis Campbell For The Deutsche Bank Skyliners a big strength has been something red and beats. 'Even with our ups and downs this season, we always showed a lot of heart. Even when people thought that we were done, we kept our heads up and got the needed wins', warned Grayson Moyer.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners now meet two time BEKO BBL champion Brose Baskets Bamberg in the final and will enter as the underdog and can enter the series with a little revenge. 'We had a 1-1 season series with them, but they got us in the Cup final. We owe them one. It will be a hard fought series and we will be prepared', warned Seth Doliboa. Philipp Schwethelm has two positives that could benefit Frankfurt. 'I think Frankfurt could have a slight advantage in that they won a close game 5 and that Bamberg will not have played a playoff game in one week', stressed Philipp Schwethelm. However Mr Ulm Jeff Gibbs knows that Frankfurt will have to be in top form to have any kind of chance. 'Bamberg has been playing great basketball in the last months. Frankfurt will really have to play their A game to win and make no mistakes', added Jeff Gibbs. The Brose Baskets Bamberg host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in game one of the 2010 BEKO BBL finals On June 6th.

Trier lands Dragan Dojcin from ALBA Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Trier announced signing of Dragan Dojcin

(205-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) for the next season. The experienced power forward spent last three years with ALBA Berlin. Last season he appeared 36 times in 1.Bundesleague averaging 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In EuroCup, ALBA reached the Final but PE Valencia outplayed them and booked a spot for Euroleague 2010/11. Dojcin played 14 games in EuroCup this season collecting 4.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.5 apg.
Dragan Dojcin joined ALBA in 2007 from Panionios Athens. For these three years in Berlin they won the Bundesleague title and the German National Cup. With Panionios, Dojcin reached Semifinals in Greece. That season he averaged 8.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists for 26 games in A1. Before Panionios, Dojcin was a member of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. In Serbia, he played for Zdravlje Leskovac and Atlas Banka Novi Beograd. In 2004 with Pivovarna Lasko, Dragan Dojcin won the Slovenian National Cup.
Trier finished last season with 10-24 score in Germany. They had the same numbers as No.14 Giessen.

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

GREECE

Predrag Stojakovic not leaving for Greece - by Eurobasket News
There is a story apparently gaining traction in Europe suggesting that Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) plans to walk away from the final year of his contract in New Orleans to play with Greek power Panathinaikos next season.

I am suggesting you dismiss it.

After receiving a handful of Twitter pleas asking me to dig up some clarity on the matter, I spoke Wednesday with a source quite close to Stojakovic. And the message was clear: There has been zero discussion in Pejas camp about him leaving the Hornets and returning to Greece, where he played for a few seasons before making his NBA debut with Sacramento in the lockout-shortened 1999 season.

The speculation emanates from recent Greek media reports asserting that Panathinaikos is close to landing an important NBA star. Peja's history there led to some inevitable but baseless assumptions.

I've been assured by the source that Stojakovic, scheduled to earn $14.3 million in 2010-11 in the final year of his Hornets contract, fully intends to stay in the NBA despite the back and abdominal injuries that cost him 20 games this season.

It likewise seems safe to suggest that Stojakovic, 32, would need an eight-figure buyout or at least a buyout in the high seven figures to justify terminating his contract and seeing what sorts of free-agent options hed have domestically and abroad to make up the difference.

The Hornets obviously lack payroll flexibility to dramatically change their supporting cast around star guard Chris Paul. But if they had to pay that much in a buyout, they're probably better off just keeping Peja's expiring contract in case an unforeseen trade opportunity materializes.

Courtesy of ESPN (by Marc Stein)

Early transfer news - by Chris Mammides
From Divisions A2 and B'
Panelefsiniakos agreed financial terms with Paris Martzos (197-F-85) and Giorgos Trihopoulos (184-G-87) while the head coach Giorgos Skarafingas renew his contract for another one season. Furthermore the player Christos Barbaris (205-C-81) split ways with the Elefsina team.
Nikos Vetoulas agreed to continue his career as a head coach in the team of Apollon Patras for another one season.
Ase Doukas Athens renew the contract of the Head Coach Giannis Giannopoulos for another one year.
M. Alexandros who survived in the very last minute of the last game, and will remain in the second division renewed the contract of its Head Coach Stefanos Kosmas for another one season.
Fotis Takianos will remain in the Head coaching position of KAO Dramas for another one season as the two parts agreed in the financial terms.
Grigoris Giasaris agreed financial terms and will remain for another season in Aiolos Trikallon the newcomers in the second division will now try to empower the existing roster with experienced players that played in the division the previous seasons.
Aris Holargos reneed the contract of his head Coach Kostas Papamarkos for another one season

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

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

1. Neal, Benetton TV	19.4
2. Grundy, Carife FE	17.9
3. Aradori, Angelico.	16.7
4. Ford, Carife FE	16.6
5. Hicks, Scavolini PS	15.4
6. Ere, Pepsi Caserta	15.3
7. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	15.1
8. Jackson, Carife FE	15.1
9. Bell, Vanoli CR	14.8
10. Brown, Air AV	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Ford, Carife FE	9.8
2. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.6
3. Brunner, Sigma C.	8.4
4. Williams, Scavolin.	7.9
5. Troutman, Air AV	7.9
6. Pasco, Angelico BI	7.5
7. Milic, Vanoli CR	7.3
8. Wallace, Benetton.	7.2
9. Rocca, Armani MI	6.9
10. Szewczyk, Air AV	6.6

Assists Per Game

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

1. Brown, Air AV	5.2
2. Green, Scavolini PS	5.0
3. Poeta, Banca Tercas	4.4
4. Childress, Cimberio.	4.3
5. Smith, Angelico BI	4.1
6. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.0
7. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.6
8. Finley, Armani MI	3.1
9. Bowers, Pepsi C.	2.9
10. Neal, Benetton TV	2.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Green, Scavolini PS	3.3
2. Jaaber, Lottomat.	3.1
3. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.9
4. Troutman, Air AV	2.6
5. Hawkins, Montepas.	2.5
6. Minard, Lottomat.	2.4
7. Di Bella, Pepsi C.	2.3
8. Grundy, Carife FE	2.3
9. Jones, Pepsi C.	2.3
10. Ere, Pepsi Caserta	2.3

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Ford, Carife FE	3.1
2. Eze, Montepaschi	1.3
3. Szewczyk, Air AV	1.1
4. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.1
5. Pasco, Angelico BI	1.0
6. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	0.8
7. Maggioli, CS Bo.	0.8
8. Ortner, NGC Cantu	0.8
9. Cusin, Vanoli CR	0.7
10. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	0.7

SerieA Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - NGC Cantu 104-74
Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) scored 22 points to lead Montepaschi to another solid win ove NGC Cantu. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: Buck Andre, college: Temple), Benjamin Eze

(207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) and Ksistof Lavrinovic

(210-C-79) contibuted 13 points each as Siena continued to march to the Seria A Final. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 15 points for NGC Cantu.

Pepsi Caserta - Armani MI 76-68
Pepsi Caserta caught up with Armani Jeans in the semifinal series. Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) scored 20 points to lead Caserta to the home win in Game 2. Fabio Di Bella (187-G-78) added 19 points in the victory. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) responded with 18 points for Armani Jeans.

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

JORDAN

Players abroad and the national team - by Omar Shafaamri
(Amman , Jo-basket) Jordan national team for men started their long preperation journey for the next 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey as they left the country to China last week, But there are still some question marks which made everybody amazed about.

One of the cases is the abroad players and the purpose of not calling them up despite their importance in the depth of the team's roster esspecially after the failure of finding a solution for Jamal Abu-Shamala's isse without having further details!! The two most important players are the Canadian-basked point guard Imad Qahwash (University of Central Arkansas) and Chowan University's forward Layth Mansour and both players assured to many sources that they hold a valid Jordanian identity either from themselves or parents.

Qahwash had a fantastic season in his 3rd season in US college basketball which made the coaching staff of Jordan national team contacted him and told him to join the national team as soon as possible and same thing to Mansour who has the size needed to be added to the roster but seems the sensitive rules of FIBA Asia concerning naturalized players had forced the Jordanian basketball federation to be worried from any reaction after calling up those players and then have opposite results.

There must be a bigger effort from the federation members to have all papers which make those players come and play without any problem, Both players have the papers which proves their nationality but still some papers must be made and done quickly but seems nobody wants interfere to solve the issue.

Waiting to hear some good news regarding this case and I'm pretty sure that many people are ready to help in a way or another to have the best form for the national team before the big world event.

* Writtern By: Mohammed Malas, 4th of June 2010

Layth Mansour's highlights:
1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS8KHOioK0k
2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ESL91yOGc

Imad Qahwash's highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QanTJ3GfHL4

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

LATVIA

Getting Ready For A New Season - by Ronald Kuzmenko
With BK Barons Riga winning this years LBL championship all of the other teams are getting ready to step up. We know that BK Ventspils and VEF Riga are going to be trying to get better to take home the title next year. With their star players leading the way the younger and role players will work on getting better. So we will soon be looking at better teams next season who will be trying to take the title for themselves

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

LITHUANIA

Jerry Johnson and Cemal Nalga head to Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Jerry Johnson

(183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) and Cemal Nalga (208-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) will join Lietuvos Rytas. The players have agreed on terms of contract with the Lithuanian champions.
Cemal Nalga has recently played for ALBA Berlin. The 22-year-old Turkish centre averaged 1.8 points and 1.0 rebound per EuroCup appearance. In German BBL he tallied 3.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Cemal Nalga tipped off the season in Galatasaray. There the centre averaged 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Cemal Nalga played for the Turkish U18 and U20 selections. He also made debut for the Turkish NT during the EuroBasket 2009 Qualifying Round and the Mediterranean Games.
Jerry Johnson spent the last two seasons in Belgium. He played for Charleroi. Last season the 28-year-old guard tallied 13.2 points, 3.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game in D1. The Rider University graduate Jerry Johnson started his pro career in Europe back in 2005.
Jerry Johnson used to play for Polpharma, APOEL, Mersin, Auvergne.

Donatas Motiejunas is likely pulling out of the NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
The chances of an international player cracking the top half of the first round of the June 24 Draft is decreasing rapidly, with 19-year-old forward Donatas Motiejunas

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Bell, Obregon	25.1
2. Brown, Tepic	25.0
3. Fisher, Mexicali	24.7
4. Cowan, Obregon	24.5
5. Cook, Cananea	24.1
6. West, Los Mochis	24.1
7. Brown, Mazatlan	24.0
8. Habel, Guaymas	23.5
9. Smith, Mazatlan	23.5
10. McCullough, Guasa.	23.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Smith, Mazatlan	11.7
2. Angounou, Guasave	11.6
3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo	10.4
4. Shipley, Mexicali	9.7
5. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	9.7
6. Davis, Tijuana	9.6
7. Strobbe, Nogales	8.9
8. Selleaze, Mazatlan	8.5
9. Brown, Tepic	8.2
10. West, Los Mochis	7.9

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES
  Guaymas
  (179-G-84)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Marentes, Guaymas	6.2
2. Logan, Culiacan	5.7
3. Johnson, Tijuana	5.5
4. Lawrence, Los M.	5.4
5. Brown, Mazatlan	4.4
6. Bell, Obregon	4.1
7. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.1
8. Fisher, Mexicali	4.1
9. Lee, Guaymas	4.0
10. Henderson, Tepic	3.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Lawrence, Los M.	2.3
2. Lee, Guaymas	2.0
3. Bell, Obregon	2.0
4. West, Los Mochis	1.9
5. Moore, Culiacan	1.9
6. Selleaze, Mazatlan	1.8
7. Brown, Mazatlan	1.8
8. Smith, Mazatlan	1.6
9. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.5
10. Escalante, Tepic	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Davis, Tijuana	3.6
2. Gutierrez, Cananea	2.3
3. Habel, Guaymas	1.9
4. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	1.5
5. Brown, Tepic	1.4
6. Smith, Mazatlan	1.3
7. Crouse, Nogales	1.2
8. Blair, Tijuana	1.2
9. Llamas, Culiacan	1.0
10. Sullinger, Nogales	1.0

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 29.8

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.8
2. James, Clevelan.	29.6
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.4
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.5
5. Wade, Miami Heat	27.0
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.5
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	25.1
8. Granger, Indiana P.	24.1
9. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.0
10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.	23.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Howard, Orlando M.	12.9
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.2
3. Randolph, Memph.	11.7
4. Lee, New York K.	11.7
5. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.4
6. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.2
7. Noah, Chicago B.	11.2
8. Love, Minnesota T.	11.0
9. Bosh, Toronto R.	10.8
10. Haywood, Washingt.	10.3

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.9
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.7
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.5
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.8
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.9
6. James, Clevelan.	8.4
7. Davis, LA Clippers	8.0
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.8
9. Harris, New J.	6.6
10. Wade, Miami Heat	6.5

Steals Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
2. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.1
4. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
5. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
6. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
8. Ariza, Houston R.	1.8
9. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.7
10. Davis, LA Clippers	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.9
2. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.5
3. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
4. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
5. Haywood, Dallas M.	2.0
6. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
7. Andersen, Denver N.	1.8
8. Dalembert, Philad.	1.8
9. McGee, Washingt.	1.8
10. Gasol, LA Lakers	1.8

Donatas Motiejunas is likely pulling out of the NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
The chances of an international player cracking the top half of the first round of the June 24 Draft is decreasing rapidly, with 19-year-old forward Donatas Motiejunas

(213-C-90, agency: Interperformances) of Lithuania likely to pull his name from consideraton before the June 15 deadline for international players under 22 to withdraw from the Draft.

The 7-footer, who is playing for Benetton Treviso this season, was looking to get a guarantee from a top-12 team in the Draft before coming to play in the NBA next season, but none was forthcoming.

In a sign that Motiejunas is likely to stay in Europe, he had his tonsils removed on Monday after dealing with throat infections for the better part of a year. The time he'll spend recuperating instead of practicing and working out for potential NBA employers would indicate that he's made his decision.
A source close to Motiejunas put the chances of his withdrawal from the Draft at '90-10.'

Courtesy of www.ridiculousupside.com

Predrag Stojakovic not leaving for Greece - by Eurobasket News
There is a story apparently gaining traction in Europe suggesting that Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) plans to walk away from the final year of his contract in New Orleans to play with Greek power Panathinaikos next season.

I am suggesting you dismiss it.

After receiving a handful of Twitter pleas asking me to dig up some clarity on the matter, I spoke Wednesday with a source quite close to Stojakovic. And the message was clear: There has been zero discussion in Pejas camp about him leaving the Hornets and returning to Greece, where he played for a few seasons before making his NBA debut with Sacramento in the lockout-shortened 1999 season.

The speculation emanates from recent Greek media reports asserting that Panathinaikos is close to landing an important NBA star. Peja's history there led to some inevitable but baseless assumptions.

I've been assured by the source that Stojakovic, scheduled to earn $14.3 million in 2010-11 in the final year of his Hornets contract, fully intends to stay in the NBA despite the back and abdominal injuries that cost him 20 games this season.

It likewise seems safe to suggest that Stojakovic, 32, would need an eight-figure buyout or at least a buyout in the high seven figures to justify terminating his contract and seeing what sorts of free-agent options hed have domestically and abroad to make up the difference.

The Hornets obviously lack payroll flexibility to dramatically change their supporting cast around star guard Chris Paul. But if they had to pay that much in a buyout, they're probably better off just keeping Peja's expiring contract in case an unforeseen trade opportunity materializes.

Courtesy of ESPN (by Marc Stein)

Jeremy Wise, NBA Draft Prospect, Could Surprise Some People With His Talent - by Richard
The Toronto Raptors have been working guys out like crazy this week in preparation for this month's NBA Draft. Even though the Raptors have just one pick (13th overall), the team has brought in twice as many players that are projected to be picked in the second as players that could go in the lottery.

That theme continues today with the arrival of former Bakersfield Jam player Jeremy Wise (6'2''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) - quite possible the draft prospect flying lowest under the radar.

Wise, a 6-foot-1 point guard out of S.Mississippi, left the Golden Eagles after his junior season to embark on a professional career that I guess would consider the 'Mike Taylor route.'

The NBA Draft eligible guard fared quite well in college as he was named the Conference USA Newcomer of the the Year as a freshman, earned Second Team All-Conference as a sophomore and averaged 16.7 points and 4.7 assists during his junior season, but the majority of those accolades were achieved as an undersized shooting guard.

Wise knew, for better or worse, that he would have to prove to NBA decision makers that he could run the point in an NBA-style offense in order to make it to the NBA.
Wise was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers' D-League team, the LA D-Fenders, as the third pick in the third round of the 2009 D-League Draft. Wise was released before the season started, however, likely because his up-tempo style conflicted with the triangle offense the team had planned to run.

This move actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Wise as he was soon acquired by the Bakersfield Jam and quickly handed the reigns to their offense. In just his second game with the team, three days after joining them on the road, the point guard scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes of action off of the bench while adding five rebounds and four assists. Best of all? He didn't turn the ball over once.

Wise continued to improve over the next couple of months, but his team was in such a state of turmoil (they made a total of 20 roster moves on the season) that Wise's impact was difficult to see in the first half of the season.

At least that's the reasoning I've decided to use with myself to explain why I didn't really take notice of Wise as an NBA draft prospect until early February. In case you're not interested in following my links (and watching Bakersfield Jam highlights), I'll excerpt what I had written about him at the time:
The part that should give merit to Wise as an NBA prospect is that he had that game against Shakur who was probably one of the top two defensive point guards in the D-League last season (he'd eventually end the season with the Oklahoma City Thunder). If you're familiar with D-League box score reading, you could actually surmise that Wise stepped up to the level of his competition quite often last season:

25 points in 24 minutes off of the bench against future call-up Sundiata Gaines
24 points and five assists against defensive stopper, and former/future Atlanta Hawk Mario Wes
27 points, seven assists and three steals against the LA D-Fenders, the team that cut him in training camp
30 points, six rebounds, six assists and just one turnover against current Spur call-up Curtis Jerrells
24 points, 11 assists, two blocks and a steal against Jerrells the next night
27 points, five assists and four blocks again against Jerrells a couple of weeks later
29 points, four rebounds and four steals against David Bailey, peskiest defender in the D-League
Wise would finish the season averaging 16.6 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 52% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc and 85% from the charity stripe in just over 32 minutes per game. Putting that into perspective, he averaged 16.7 points and 4.7 assists in his final season at Southern Miss while shooting worse from the field (42%) and the college three-point line (31%) in just under 36 minutes of action.

What does all of this mean, you ask?

In short, the D-League worked - Wise became more efficient while learning a new position in a league more suited to the NBA style of play.

The above sentence, along with the fact that he's been traveling all over the country showing what he can do in pre-draft workouts (he's either already worked out or will work out in the future with Boston, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Milwaukee, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio and Toronto - and those are just the teams I've been able to find out about), shows that he's definitely a viable candidate to be picked in the second round later this month.

While surveying a few of the teams Wise has worked out with thus far, the only real knock on him is his size. Not just because he's only a tad over six feet tall, but he's also on the lighter side (he was listed at a soaking wet 165 pounds this season).

The positives, though, seem to outweigh the negatives by a decent margin - if nothing else, he's catching people off guard. There were three main things scouts were intrigued by when talking about Wise:

his ball handling skills ('the kid is crafty and clever with the ball' and 'he can get to anywhere he wants on the floor')
his athleticism ('his game has plenty of bounce to it')

he shoots the ball better than planned - though that should have been evident just looking at the jump in shooting percentages from his time in college to this past season in Southern Miss.

Still, if Wise isn't drafted, I won't be shocked - this draft is pretty deep and the D-League still seems to have an unwarranted stigma about it.

When he eventually does make an NBA roster, however, you shouldn't be shocked either.
by Scott Schroeder (ridiculousupside.com)

Tom Thibodeau reportedly turns down Hornets - by Eurobasket News
Eric Freeman wrote about the potential deadline imposed by the Hornets on Tom Thibodeau and it appears New Orleans has its answer. According to the New York Post, Thibodeau rejected the Hornets offer on Wednesday.

When asked by the media for an update on Wednesday, Thibodeau declined to comment, according to the Times-Picayune.

The Post also passes along two other bits of coaching housekeeping: Sources tell the Post that ex-Mavs coach Avery Johnson continues to be the leader for the open Nets job. The paper also reports that Thibodeau is 'almost guaranteed' to wind up with the Bulls.'

Both the Nets and Bulls figure to be significant players in the free agent market thanks to an abundance of cap space to go after some of this summers biggest names. As for the Hornets, theyre expected to turn their attention to Blazers assistant Monty Williams if Thibodeau has rejected them.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Business pitch could lure LeBron - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James' (6'8''-F-84) on-court skills were in full display last night at the Meadowlands, where his array of dunks and jump shots produced 26 points as the Cavaliers whipped the Nets, 111-92.

Those skills will be in high demand when James becomes a free agent this summer when plenty of teams like the Knicks and Nets will be bidding for his services. But if there's any real chance of him leaving Cleveland and making this area his new residence, it might be better to appeal to LeBron James the businessman than the basketball player.

James fancies himself as sports' next business mogul. Already earning nearly $30 million annually in endorsements, he gets financial advice from Warren Buffett and has his own firms handling all of his business and marketing ventures. He is LeBron Inc., with dreams of taking his brand globally.

But to do that to its fullest, he should play in the New York area, according to some experts. Steve Rosner, co-founder of 16W Marketing based in East Rutherford, said James can sell plenty of sneakers from Cleveland. But he can become a tycoon playing in New York.

'If he would come to either the Nets or the Knicks the business opportunities for him to continue to grow his brand would be much greater in a metropolitan area as opposed to Cleveland,' Rosner said. 'Endorsements can always find where he lives, but living here and being the face of the franchise will give him the opportunity to enter into the type of discussions that might not be available in Cleveland.'

That might sound like arrogant New Yorker talk. But Brandon Steiner of Steiner Sports thinks James never will reach his economic potential until he plays in a metropolitan area.

'If he stays in Cleveland, is he ever going to get his due being in a small market?' asked Steiner, who works with 5,000 professional athletes nationwide. 'Is he ever going to get what he's owed being a true mega-star without playing in a major market? New York is really the only major market that has room for him.'

James didn't say anything about his impending free agency last night, but had kind words for the Nets. 'I think it's a really good franchise,' he said. 'They've got a bright future. We'll see what goes on in the future for this team.'

Whether that future includes James is doubtful unless his friend and Nets part owner Jay-Z can convince him there are benefits to playing here beyond basketball.

'This is the business capital of the world, and there's more international business done out of New York than Cleveland or any other market in the NBA,' Rosner said. 'It's short-sided to think only about his endorsement portfolio. Those people will always find him. But his business portfolio has the potential to expand enormously if he's in this environment full time.'

The economic impact James would have in the metropolitan area would fatten a lot of wallets besides his own. Greater attendance means more people in the restaurants and bars before and after games; jerseys and sneaker sales would reach new highs in area sporting-goods stores, and television ratings for MSG or YES would lead to more advertising revenue.

'I have this argument almost every day,' Steiner said. 'Someone says, 'There's no way we're getting LeBron.' I tell them, 'I don't see how we can afford not to.' There's such an upside. I sit with my fingers crossed. This kind of thing would be humongous.'

In the past, James has said the ability to win a championship would be a priority in his decision-making, something that likely isn't a realistic possibility immediately should he sign with the Knicks or the Nets. Maybe he'll settle for being king of the business world first.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

NBA Finals, Game 1: Lakers put Celtics in a hole - by Eurobasket News
This was the type of game Lakers Coach Phil Jackson relishes, in which Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) is not employed as an escape valve with the ball in his hands and the outcome on his shoulders.

Bryant picked his spots - a free throw here, a layup there, 3-pointers everywhere and even a couple of dunks from his 31-year-old legs - as if he were leisurely leafing through a magazine while his teammates steadily bludgeoned the Boston Celtics, 102-89, in Game 1 of the N.B.A. finals Thursday at Staples Center.

In the span of two years and on the heels of one game, the more aggressive team in this matchup was decked in gold, not green, thanks to the addition of Ron Artest, the inclusion of Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) and two years of Pau Gasol's (7'0''-F/C-80) bad memories.

Bryant finished with 30 points and emptied 14 of them in the third quarter, as the Lakers outscored the Celtics, 34-23, in that quarter to break the game open. Entering the fourth, the Lakers enjoyed an 84-64 lead and four of their starters had scored in double digits. Derek Fisher, the other starter, had 9 points.

'We got it from different places', Jackson said. 'Guys chipped in at different times, helped us out.'

Redemption weighed heavily on both teams before momentum swayed strongly in the Lakers favor. Even the Hollywood fans got up out of their seats whenever Bryant finished off an alley-oop or Gasol topped off a fast break.

Just being aggressive and tonight I got the benefit of the whistle, said Bryant, who also had seven rebounds and six assists, while making 9 of 10 free throws.

The performance served notice to a Celtics team that had beaten the Lakers in 2008 to win their 17th N.B.A. championship. In those finals, the Lakers never held a series lead. Gasol was deemed soft in the interior against Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) and Kendrick Perkins.

On Thursday, Gasol amassed 23 points and 14 rebounds.

I knew it was going to be physical, thats a given, Gasol said. This being our third consecutive finals, we understand the nature of the game.

In one telling sequence in the third quarter, Gasol turned around for a hook shot and bumped into Perkins, while the ball careered off the rim. Gasol grabbed the rebound and gained his composure before missing again and scooping up the shot and elegantly laying it in.

If you heard what you couldnt do for two years, youre probably going to come in and try to prove that, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said.

Bynum did not participate in the 2008 finals because of an injury but was effective Thursday, three days after having fluid drained from his right knee. He and Gasol outrebounded Kevin Garnett and Perkins, 20-7.

Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas), who led the Celtics with 24 points, was cloaked by Artest, and he never found consistent offensive traction. Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) was burdened by early foul trouble and scored 12 points.

But the Celtics bemoaned their defense, a strong character trait throughout their playoff run that suddenly turned into a weak link. The Lakers owned all the power categories: 16-0 in second-chance points, 48-30 points in the paint and 42-31 in rebounding.

It was horrible, Rivers said of Bostons defense, adding: That wasnt our defense tonight. I can tell you that.

Meanwhile, Bryant skated around Boston as the Celtics appeared to just be on skates.

Everybody knows hes going to shoot the ball, Pierce said. Everybody knows hes going to be aggressive. So weve got to do a better job of getting the ball out of his hands.

The Celtics trailed by double digits much of the game and never pieced together a solid run. Kevin Garnett could have pulled the Celtics closer in the fourth quarter, but he missed badly on two close attempts to the basket, and the Lakers answered with a layup from Lamar Odom.

The renewal of the rivalry after two years happened much faster than the previous series, which came 21 years after the teams had last met in the finals. In all, they have played 11 times for the title, with Boston holding a 9-2 advantage.

When this series is over, the teams will have won 34 of the leagues 65 titles. As long as numbers are discussed, the Lakers will enjoy the one they can take into Sundays Game 2.

Phil Jackson teams are 47-0 in playoff series after winning the first game.

Weve got a lot of work ahead of us, but its nice to know that thats on our side, Jackson said.

With all the history included, most involved are appropriately staying in the present. Rivers is like a parent who will not say who his favorite child is when asked to compare his finals appearances of two years ago and now.

In some ways, Rivers said when asked before the game if the paths were the same. We have the same starters, but our bench is completely different.

When asked if the series held added significance on Wednesday, Bryant responded even more economically. No, he said.

They arrived in different ways. Rivers assumed the Lakers would carve a path to the finals. The Celtics bid appeared flimsy at times through the regular season, although he believed. Rivers told ABC that he collected $100 from every player and stashed it in a ceiling panel when Boston visited the Lakers during the regular season in February. The players could only retrieve the money if they met the Lakers in the finals.

They got their money on Wednesday, and the officiating staff got its moneys worth in the first half. The first half dragged through 28 foul calls and both Rivers and Jackson were forced to employ their benches early.

Artest made a quick introduction in his first finals and helped inspire an 11-2 run by igniting it with a 3-pointer and layup. Bryant followed with a layup, and Fisher made a floater.

The Lakers surged to a 50-41 halftime lead, sliced into mildly when Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) nailed a 22-foot buzzer-beater as the second quarter expired.

Rondo scored 10 of his points in the first half by sneaking through creases in the Lakers defense and mostly nullifying Jacksons decision to initially defend him with Bryant.

It took only a few seconds for emotions to flare in one of the series most anticipating matchup between Pierce and Artest.

Rondo began the scoring with a layup and on the Lakers possession, Pierce and Artest fought for positioning and dragged each other to the court. Both were tagged with technical fouls, the beginning of what is anticipated to be an emotional series.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

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

NCAA1

Southern Conference basketball tournament returning to Asheville in 2012-14 - by Eurobasket News
The Southern Conference basketball tournament is heading back to Asheville.

League officials voted Thursday to award the men's and women's tournaments to the North Carolina mountain city from 2012-14. The move comes with promises from the city that $3 million in capital improvements will be made to the Asheville Civic Center in time for the 2012 event.

Some of the early round women's games will be played at the University of North Carolina Asheville.

The conference's men's tournament was in Asheville from 1984-95. The league decided to return to Asheville, rejecting bids from Charleston, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., Chattanooga, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C.

Charlotte hosted the tournament this year. The event will be held in Chattanooga in 2011.

Courtesy of www.canadianbusiness.com

Jeremy Wise, NBA Draft Prospect, Could Surprise Some People With His Talent - by Richard
The Toronto Raptors have been working guys out like crazy this week in preparation for this month's NBA Draft. Even though the Raptors have just one pick (13th overall), the team has brought in twice as many players that are projected to be picked in the second as players that could go in the lottery.

That theme continues today with the arrival of former Bakersfield Jam player Jeremy Wise (6'2''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) - quite possible the draft prospect flying lowest under the radar.

Wise, a 6-foot-1 point guard out of S.Mississippi, left the Golden Eagles after his junior season to embark on a professional career that I guess would consider the 'Mike Taylor route.'

The NBA Draft eligible guard fared quite well in college as he was named the Conference USA Newcomer of the the Year as a freshman, earned Second Team All-Conference as a sophomore and averaged 16.7 points and 4.7 assists during his junior season, but the majority of those accolades were achieved as an undersized shooting guard.

Wise knew, for better or worse, that he would have to prove to NBA decision makers that he could run the point in an NBA-style offense in order to make it to the NBA.
Wise was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers' D-League team, the LA D-Fenders, as the third pick in the third round of the 2009 D-League Draft. Wise was released before the season started, however, likely because his up-tempo style conflicted with the triangle offense the team had planned to run.

This move actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Wise as he was soon acquired by the Bakersfield Jam and quickly handed the reigns to their offense. In just his second game with the team, three days after joining them on the road, the point guard scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes of action off of the bench while adding five rebounds and four assists. Best of all? He didn't turn the ball over once.

Wise continued to improve over the next couple of months, but his team was in such a state of turmoil (they made a total of 20 roster moves on the season) that Wise's impact was difficult to see in the first half of the season.

At least that's the reasoning I've decided to use with myself to explain why I didn't really take notice of Wise as an NBA draft prospect until early February. In case you're not interested in following my links (and watching Bakersfield Jam highlights), I'll excerpt what I had written about him at the time:
The part that should give merit to Wise as an NBA prospect is that he had that game against Shakur who was probably one of the top two defensive point guards in the D-League last season (he'd eventually end the season with the Oklahoma City Thunder). If you're familiar with D-League box score reading, you could actually surmise that Wise stepped up to the level of his competition quite often last season:

25 points in 24 minutes off of the bench against future call-up Sundiata Gaines
24 points and five assists against defensive stopper, and former/future Atlanta Hawk Mario Wes
27 points, seven assists and three steals against the LA D-Fenders, the team that cut him in training camp
30 points, six rebounds, six assists and just one turnover against current Spur call-up Curtis Jerrells
24 points, 11 assists, two blocks and a steal against Jerrells the next night
27 points, five assists and four blocks again against Jerrells a couple of weeks later
29 points, four rebounds and four steals against David Bailey, peskiest defender in the D-League
Wise would finish the season averaging 16.6 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 52% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc and 85% from the charity stripe in just over 32 minutes per game. Putting that into perspective, he averaged 16.7 points and 4.7 assists in his final season at Southern Miss while shooting worse from the field (42%) and the college three-point line (31%) in just under 36 minutes of action.

What does all of this mean, you ask?

In short, the D-League worked - Wise became more efficient while learning a new position in a league more suited to the NBA style of play.

The above sentence, along with the fact that he's been traveling all over the country showing what he can do in pre-draft workouts (he's either already worked out or will work out in the future with Boston, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Milwaukee, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio and Toronto - and those are just the teams I've been able to find out about), shows that he's definitely a viable candidate to be picked in the second round later this month.

While surveying a few of the teams Wise has worked out with thus far, the only real knock on him is his size. Not just because he's only a tad over six feet tall, but he's also on the lighter side (he was listed at a soaking wet 165 pounds this season).

The positives, though, seem to outweigh the negatives by a decent margin - if nothing else, he's catching people off guard. There were three main things scouts were intrigued by when talking about Wise:

his ball handling skills ('the kid is crafty and clever with the ball' and 'he can get to anywhere he wants on the floor')
his athleticism ('his game has plenty of bounce to it')

he shoots the ball better than planned - though that should have been evident just looking at the jump in shooting percentages from his time in college to this past season in Southern Miss.

Still, if Wise isn't drafted, I won't be shocked - this draft is pretty deep and the D-League still seems to have an unwarranted stigma about it.

When he eventually does make an NBA roster, however, you shouldn't be shocked either.
by Scott Schroeder (ridiculousupside.com)

McAdoo might enroll at North Carolina a year early - by Eurobasket News
James McAdoo (6'9''-F-92), a 6-foot-8 power forward who's currently scheduled to graduate from high school in 2011, is considering enrolling a year early at North Carolina.

'It's something he's considering, and that's about as far as I'll go with it,' said Ronnie McAdoo, the player's father. 'It's something he's considering, but I don't want to get into any details about it.'

McAdoo, considered one of the top five players in his class regardless of position, committed to North Carolina in September.

If he graduates from Norfolk (Va.) Christian High School and enrolls early, he will be 17 years old when he enters North Carolina. He will turn 18 on Jan. 4 and could be the second player from Virginia in two years to take summer school classes in order to graduate a year early and attend a Triangle ACC school and play men's basketball.

A year ago, Andre Dawkins graduated early from Atlantic Shores Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Va., to enroll at Duke and help the Blue Devils win the NCAA title. He played a reserve role at shooting guard, helping decrease the impact of Duke's loss of Gerald Henderson after his junior season to the NBA draft and Elliot Williams to a transfer.

Like Duke last year, North Carolina is facing unexpected personnel losses. Tar Heel forwards David and Travis Wear surprised coach Roy Williams last month when they decided to transfer; they've since committed to UCLA.

That had left North Carolina with just two true post players on scholarship in Tyler Zeller and John Henson. But the Tar Heels added help in 6-foot-9 Justin Knox, who decided to graduate early from Alabama and enroll as a grad student at North Carolina for the one year of eligibility he has remaining.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Wooden hospitalized in grave condition - by Eurobasket News
Former UCLA basketball coach and Hall of Famer John Wooden has been hospitalized in Los Angeles, and one unnamed family member said its a matter of days before Wooden passes away, KNBC-TV reported.

The Wooden family member did not want to be named, KNBC-TV reported.

The university said in an e-mail late Thursday night that Wooden is at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center but, per his familys wishes, neither they nor anyone on the UCLA staff will comment on his condition.

Former UCLA star Bill Walton said earlier Thursday that he visited with the 99-year-old Wooden at the hospital two days ago.

Walton spoke at the NBA finals, where he declined to comment on Woodens condition.

Hes the greatest, Walton said, his voice catching. We love him.

Los Angeles television station KCAL and the Los Angeles Times first reported that Wooden was in grave condition.

The Times cited an anonymous school source who said Woodens health has been an issue in recent weeks and that he was briefly hospitalized about a month ago.

Wooden led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships at one time winning seven in a row during a 27-year run that ended with his team cutting down the nets one last time in 1975.

The Bruins won 88 consecutive games from 1971-74 and 38 consecutive NCAA tournament games from 1964-74, both records.

NBA commissioner David Stern was asked about Woodens contributions to the sport of basketball before Game 1 of the NBA finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

We decided that we would not declare his obituary now, other than to say that hes the winningest coach in our history, four 30-0 seasons, and the ultimate aficionado of our game, Stern said. We hope hes in peace right now, and well wait on events.

Courtesy of http://nbcsports.msnbc.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Cougars claw Heat - by Mike Lacey
Heat News

A Dillon Boucher less Harbour Heat slumped to their third consecutive home defeat, 87-76 to the Christchurch Cougars. The defeat ended the Heats chances of a home quarter final and seriously threatens their chances of making the top six and a place in the end of season play offs. Boucher, sidelined with an ankle injury picked up in the win in Dunedin last weekend could only sit and watch as Dan Peck hit a couple of first quarter threes to help the Cougars to a handy 26-14 first quarter lead.
Rick Rickert (211-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Minnesota) kept the home team afloat with 8 second quarter points but Tall Black Paora Winitana playing his first game in seven weeks after an enforced injury lay off shot 4 from 7 from the field including a pair of threes to register 12 points in the quarter to help the visitors to a handy 49-34 half time advantage.
Heat guards Kavossy Franklin and Corey Webster shot a combined 6 from 18 from the field but the most telling stat was just a single assist by the Heat in the half highlighting a lack of cohesion on offence.
Things got a little better for the Heat in the third quarter as Houston ORiley (8 points) and Sam King (2 points) provided some energy and spark off the bench but with ten minutes remaining the Cougars still led 67-53.
The lead was still 11 points with 4 minutes to go but when Reece Cassidy nailed a three pointer from the corner an unlikely Harbour victory seemed on the cards. BJ Anthony then made a basket but a couple of turnovers then proved costly and when the Heat were forced to foul the Cougars were clinical from the free throw line. Remarkably the Cougars were kept to just one field goal in the final quarter but were 18 from 25 from the free throw line and held on to complete the double over the Heat for the second successive season.
Final Score;
Harbour Heat 76 (Rick Rickert (211-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Minnesota) 18, Corey Webster 16, Kavossy Franklin 11)
Christchurch Cougars 87 (Paora Winitana16, Trent Wurtz16, Tim Behrendorff 12)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Eric DEVENDORF
  Wellington
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 26.4

1. Devendorf, Wellington	26.4
2. Devendorf, Waikato	24.3
3. Hudson, Manawatu	23.9
4. Tisby, Otago	23.5
5. Webster, Harbour .	23.1
6. Rose, Southland S.	22.6
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	22.4
8. Amaya, Otago	22.3
9. Leasure, Taranaki	21.6
10. Helms, Southlan.	21.2

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Pledger, Waikato	12.4
2. Tisby, Otago	10.3
3. Vukona, Nelson	10.0
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	9.9
5. Rickert, Harbour .	9.0
6. Boucher, Harbour .	9.0
7. Abercrombie, Waika.	8.1
8. Frank, Wellington	8.0
9. Nowell, Taranaki	7.9
10. Rougeau, Southlan.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Tait, Wellington	7.5
2. Boucher, Harbour .	5.2
3. Pace, Bay Hawks	4.4
4. Kench, Cougars	4.4
5. Devendorf, Waikato	4.1
6. Jones, Nelson	3.9
7. Hudson, Manawatu	3.9
8. Martin, Southlan.	3.8
9. Amaya, Otago	3.6
10. Daly, Cougars	3.4

Steals Per Game

Rene ROUGEAU
  Southland S.
  (198-G-86)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Rougeau, Southlan.	3.9
2. Webster, Harbour .	2.9
3. Devendorf, Waikato	2.7
4. Helms, Southlan.	2.7
5. Rose, Southland S.	2.6
6. Hudson, Manawatu	2.3
7. Te Huna, Manawatu	2.2
8. Boucher, Harbour .	2.2
9. Krauser, Waikato	2.2
10. Kench, Cougars	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Jon ROGERS
  Bay Hawks
  (204-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Rogers, Bay Hawks	2.8
2. Pledger, Waikato	2.1
3. Abercrombie, Waika.	1.9
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	1.6
5. Harrison, Nelson	1.5
6. Rougeau, Southlan.	1.2
7. Vukona, Nelson	1.2
8. Johnson, Taranaki	1.1
9. Rickert, Harbour .	1.1
10. Behrendorff, Couga.	1.0

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Waikato		12-4
2. Wellington		12-4
3. Nelson		11-4
4. Bay Hawks		9-6
5. Harbour Heat		9-7
6. Cougars		8-9
7. Southland Sharks		7-7
8. Taranaki		6-8
9. Manawatu		2-11
10. Otago		0-16

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

PANAMA

Abdul Herrera expected to join Panama - by Eurobasket News
Abdul Herrera (208-C-85, college: Cincinnati) will join Panama for the 2010 Centrobasket tournament. The 24-year-old centre will definitely strengthen the Panamanian NT who are expected to miss some of their key performers during the tourney. Abdul Herrera was last seen at the Kansas State University. He tallied 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game but left the team back in December 2008. Earlier the centre played for Cincinnati and Hutchinson Junior College.
Panama got into Group A at 2010 Centrobasket tournament. They will play together with Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and Jamaica. The 2010 Centrobasket Championship qualifies the top four teams for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic), the top eight for the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagez, Puerto Rico and the top three for the 2011 Pan-American Games scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico.

Danilo Pinnock arrives in Venezuela - by Eurobasket News
Danilo Pinnock

(196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) signed a contract with Cocodrilos. The Panamanian 26-year-old guard will help the Caracas outfit in the LPB championship series. Danilo Pinnock was last seen in Israel. He spent an outstanding season with Netanya. The guard tallied 19.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Danilo Pinnock played for Panama at the 2009 Fiba Americas tournament in San Juan. He notched 20.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals per appearance. Its not the first contract in Venezuela for Pinnock. He used to play for Marinos de Anzoategui back in 2008.

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

PARAGUAY

In overtime Libertad takes game 2 of 74t hMetro Top 5 Finals - by Santiago Maciel
After have being losing all game long, Olimpia de Asuncion slowly and very inconsistently discounted the 19 point deficit of 2nd quarter to tie the game and force an O.T against Libertad last night at 2nd game for the Final Top 5 Series. The great speed performed by Libertad`s perimeter was simply too much for Olimpia de Asuncion during the first half. Richard Ozuna (185-G/F-82), Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) and Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, college: Merrimack) together hit 4 three pointers during first 10 minutes to end up with a 29-24 in favor.
Second quarter was all Libertad, although Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) already scored 12 points in first period, the white and black stripe team did not find its way to establish a game pace. The 3rd personal foul and a technical 4th foul to Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85) added even more crisis to their plan. Libertad, consistently executed zone 2-3 defense, not letting Araujo get easy baskets in the paint. The zone also helped Libertad get many steals to get easy fast breaks that led them to maximum point differential of 53-34, to end up the half 53-36 in favor of Libertad.
Third period Olimpia de Asuncion came back hitting 3 three pointers, one by Federico Mellone (190-G/F-85), one of C. Riveros and another from Victor Brizuela (195-F-76) They worned down the difference of 19 to 12. Libertad sticks with zone not to let Araujo damage the interior game, but unbelievably they started to lose balls until Olimpia de Asuncion`s change to zone defense. Daniel Perez and Richard Ozuna got too anxious, did not execute, never let the team settle down to involve Bruno Zanotti or even Diego Bareiro (195-F/C-91) who was playing very well in the set. The period closed 69-53 for Libertad. Some hoping light started sparkling at the end of the hole for Olimpia de Asuncion.
Last period was all Olimpia de Asuncion, Libertad kept missing from long range. Gustavo Paniagua (186-G-80) tried 5 three pointers with no success, Araujo started to damage the red zone, not by scoring easily but by going to FT line. Federico Mellone added consistency handling the ball and clinching a 3 pointer. With 1`15 seconds Olimpia de Asuncion finally ties the game and 8 seconds later gets in front for the first time 76-74. The stadium exploded, maximum tv basketball fans rating at the time. 2 FT`s hit by Richard Ozuna tied the game with 15 seconds remaining. Olimpia de Asuncion`s A Villamayor gets fouled and hits 2 FTs; put 78-76 for Olimpia de Asuncion with 6 seconds. Libertad in bounces from half court after L.A Orono`s T.O, Zanotti gets the ball and hits a 3 pointer with 6 seconds. Refs are requested to go through the Video Match Replay and considered Zanotti stepped into 3 pointer line.Discounted a point to Libertad . Game tied at 78 and is taken to O.T.
C.Viveros included junior Saul Salinas (187-G-89) during 4th period, the kid was too inconsistent for the defining moment, we did not understand why Giovanni De Felice (177-G-90) was not put in to handle the ball; however Olimpia de Asuncion with big heart of Araujo, Mellone and Villamayor kept close in the score. Zanotti fouls out at 2nd minute of O.T, no foul at all, big mistake by refs. Libertad smartly presses everybody but Salinas, he misses a three capitalized by Daniel Perez with a fast break; Olimpia de Asuncion in bounces again for Salinas, ball pinched by Ozuna, ball for Libertad, C. Rodas gets fouled. He puts the game 88-85. Ball from Olimpia de Asuncion`s bottom line, again for Saul Salinas too unexperienced who again losses the ball to give Daniel Perez the chance to extend the lead 91-85 and assure the win for Libertad to put the Final Series 2-1 for them.
The best performers for Libertad Daniel Perez 26, Bruno Zanotti 24, Richard Ozuna 14, 7 steals, Diego Bareiro 12.

For Olimpia de Asuncion Guillermo Araujo 28, F. mellone 18, V. Brizuela 10 and C.J. Riveros 9.

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

Barangay Ginebra Kings add Canadian NT player Denham Brown - by Eurobasket News
Former Canadian senior national team member Denham Brown (198-F-83, college: Connecticut) has signed with the Barangay Ginebra Kings of the Philippine Basketball Association for the remainder of the season.

'More than his energy, I think he's an all-around import capable of playing different positions in our team,' said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico.

In his senior season at the University of Connecticut, the 6-foot-6 guard/forward averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game and was a member of the 2004 NCAA championship team. Following his successful college career, he was selected 40th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2006 NBA Draft. Brown spent the next couple of seasons in the NBDL where he played for the Tulsa 66ers, Dakota Wizards and Iowa Energy. Brown also played in Turkey and Venezuela.

He played for the Canadian national team from 2003-2005 and again in 2007.

The Toronto native is expected to suit up for his new team on June 5 against the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in Batangas City.

Courtesy of PBA and The Barangay Ginebra Kings

Denham Brown signs with Ginebra - by Eurobasket News
Denham Brown (198-F-83, college: Connecticut) penned deal with Barangay Ginebra Kings of the PBA. The 27-year-old Canadian forward was last seen in the Iowa Energy in D-League. He tallied 19.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. In 2008/09 season Denham Brown played for the Dakota Wizards and the Iowa Energy. Later Brown moved to Venezuela to ink with Marinos de Anzoategui. The guard notched 10.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per appearance.

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 29.8

1. Johnson, Santa L.	29.8
2. Bell, Coca-Cola	28.0
3. Simpson, Alaska	26.6
4. Penny, Coca-Cola	26.2
5. Monroe, Barako	25.8
6. Wade, Derby Ace L.	25.2
7. Storey, Ginebra	24.0
8. Larry, Air21	22.6
9. David, Coca-Cola	21.9
10. Freeman, San M.	20.2

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Storey, Ginebra	17.6
2. Simpson, Alaska	16.2
3. Ambres, Ginebra	15.3
4. Freeman, San M.	15.2
5. Young, Air21	14.3
6. Larry, Air21	14.1
7. Lewis, Rain or Shine	13.9
8. Brown, Derby A.	13.8
9. Penny, Coca-Cola	13.8
10. Johnson, Santa L.	13.3

Assists Per Game

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

1. Alapag, Talk N Text	7.8
2. Cabagnot, San M.	6.2
3. Helterbrand, Gineb.	5.1
4. Reyes, Santa Lucia	4.6
5. Miller, Alaska	4.5
6. Mercado, Rain o.	4.4
7. Norwood, Rain o.	4.2
8. Castro, Talk N Text	4.2
9. Monroe, Barako	4.2
10. Tenorio, Alaska	4.1

Steals Per Game

Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2

1. Daniels, Talk N.	2.0
2. Baguio, Alaska	2.0
3. Simpson, Alaska	1.9
4. Wade, Derby Ace L.	1.8
5. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.7
6. Lanete, Coca-Cola	1.5
7. Monroe, Barako	1.5
8. Yap, Derby Ace L.	1.4
9. Reyes, Santa Lucia	1.4
10. Coronel, Barako	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Daniels, Talk N.	2.5
2. Penny, Coca-Cola	2.3
3. Monroe, Barako	1.7
4. Bell, Coca-Cola	1.6
5. Simpson, Alaska	1.6
6. Wade, Derby Ace L.	1.6
7. Freeman, San M.	1.4
8. Johnson, Santa L.	1.4
9. Williams, Talk N.	1.2
10. Larry, Air21	1.0

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

PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.4
2. Carmona, Mayaguez	20.2
3. Hickerson, San G.	20.1
4. Ramos, Quebradillas	19.1
5. Maye, Mayaguez	19.0
6. Priutt, Isabela	18.8
7. Redhage, Quebradillas	18.8
8. Ayuso, Capitanes	18.2
9. Sweetney, Santurce	18.0
10. Mays, Humacao	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Priutt, Isabela	13.4
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.6
3. Sweetney, Santurce	11.3
4. Narvaez, Ponce	9.8
5. Traylor, Bayamon	9.7
6. Aubry, Capitanes	8.9
7. Dyer, San German	8.7
8. Mays, Humacao	8.6
9. Reyes, Capitanes	8.2
10. Austin, San German	8.0

Assists Per Game

C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Bruton, Quebradillas	7.6
2. Dalmau, Bayamon	5.8
3. Rodriguez, Capit.	5.6
4. Rivera, Isabela	5.4
5. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.9
6. Copeland, San G.	4.7
7. Berdiel, Humacao	4.5
8. Cruz, Ponce	4.4
9. Redhage, Quebradillas	4.3
10. Hatton, Ponce	4.2

Steals Per Game

Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Berdiel, Humacao	2.0
2. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.8
3. Rivera, Isabela	1.7
4. Mojica, Bayamon	1.6
5. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.6
6. Mays, Humacao	1.4
7. Pickett, Capitanes	1.4
8. Perez, Isabela	1.4
9. Copeland, San G.	1.3
10. Hinson, Isabela	1.3

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Sweetney, Santurce	1.3
2. Priutt, Isabela	1.3
3. Perez, Isabela	1.2
4. Mays, Humacao	1.2
5. Traylor, Bayamon	1.1
6. Reyes, Capitanes	1.0
7. Nieves, Santurce	1.0
8. Berdiel, Humacao	0.9
9. Nailon, Ponce	0.9
10. Escalera, Guaynabo	0.8

BSN: Santruce is the last semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Santurce - Ponce 79-65
Santurce outplayed Ponce in crucial Game Five and advanced to BSN Semifinals. Walter Hodge (183-G-86, college: Florida) was the leading player in Santruce with 22 points ad 5 rebounds. Ricardo Dalmau (188-G-77) had 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) helped with double-double of 12 points and 16 boards. For the Lions, Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) collected 17 points and 9 rebs. Santruce will meet Bayamon in the Semis.

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

RUSSIA

Dynamo Moscow ties the series for the third place - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Moscow ties the series for the third place as they won Game 2 in Kazan. Trailing 15-16 after the opening quarter Dynamo won the rest of the game and produced massive 33-31 in the last frame. Sergey Bykov

(190-G-83) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Zhukanenko brought 16. Monya Sergey posted 12, while Alexey Shved (196-G-88) and Savrasenko Alexey netted 11 apiece. Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) resisted with 32 points in the losing effort. Game 3 is scheduled in Moscow.

Superleague Finals: CSKA posted the second straight win - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Khimky 69-54
CSKA posted the second straight win at the Superleague Final. They cruised past Khimky in Moscow today. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) scored 15 points to pace the defending champions. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) added 14 points in the winning effort. Raul Lopez

(182-G-80) answered with 9 points for Khimky. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85) and Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) had 8 points each in the loss.

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Lionel CHALMERS
  Enisey
  (183-G-80)
  Avg: 19

1. Chalmers, Enisey	19.0
2. Rush, Triumph	18.8
3. Bykov, Dynamo M.	18.7
4. Green, Lokomoti.	16.3
5. Flores, Krasnie .	15.2
6. Rakovic, Spartak SP	15.2
7. Popovic, Unics	14.9
8. White, Spartak SP	14.8
9. Kambala, Enisey	14.5
10. Bremer, Krasnie .	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Viktor KHRYAPA
  CSKA
  (204-F/G-82)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Khryapa, CSKA	8.5
2. Monya, Dynamo M.	7.9
3. Trushkin, Krasni.	7.0
4. Rakovic, Spartak SP	6.4
5. Kambala, Enisey	6.1
6. McCarty, Khimky	6.0
7. Kaun, CSKA	5.9
8. Lampe, Unics	5.6
9. Javtokas, Khimky	5.5
10. Savrasenko, Dynamo M.	4.9

Assists Per Game

Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Bremer, Krasnie .	5.7
2. Popovic, Unics	4.1
3. Bykov, Dynamo M.	4.0
4. Khryapa, CSKA	3.9
5. Shved, Dynamo M.	3.7
6. Rush, Triumph	3.6
7. Fields, Spartak SP	3.5
8. Planinic, CSKA	3.4
9. Vyaltsev, Triumph	3.3
10. Pashutin, Spart.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Viktor KHRYAPA
  CSKA
  (204-F/G-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Khryapa, CSKA	2.3
2. Bykov, Dynamo M.	2.1
3. Rush, Triumph	2.0
4. Bremer, Krasnie .	1.7
5. Monya, Dynamo M.	1.6
6. Surovtsev, Lokomoti.	1.6
7. Lyday, Unics	1.6
8. Chalmers, Enisey	1.6
9. Pashutin, Spart.	1.5
10. Gist, Lokomotiv K.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

James GIST
  Lokomotiv K.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Gist, Lokomotiv K.	1.2
2. Mozgov, Khimky	1.0
3. Monya, Dynamo M.	1.0
4. Khryapa, CSKA	1.0
5. Savenkov, Lokomoti.	0.9
6. Kaun, CSKA	0.9
7. Vasilyev, Dynamo M.	0.8
8. Douthit, Krasnie .	0.8
9. Javtokas, Khimky	0.7
10. Savrasenko, Dynamo M.	0.6

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

SAUDI ARABIA

Alnokhbah Championship. Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Al-Ansar and Uhud celebrated another victories at the Alnokhbah Championship. In Group B Al-Ansar rolled over Al-Nahdha 74:70 in a great game from both teams to take 2-0 record. Uhud is also with 2-0 record beating Al-Massira 85:66 as the latter fell at 0-2. Al-Hilal rolled over Al-Ahli 90:84 at the only game in Group A last night. The next games are planned for June 4th.

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

SERBIA

Trier lands Dragan Dojcin from ALBA Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Trier announced signing of Dragan Dojcin

A League Stage Two Standings

Super Liga
1. Partizan		13-1
2. Hemofarm		12-2
3. Radnicki K.		9-5
4. Crvena Zvez.		8-6
5. FMP		6-8
6. Metalac		3-11
7. Tamis		3-11
8. Borac		2-12
Only 1st Stage
1. Beograd		0-0
2. Ergonom		0-0
3. KG 06		0-0
4. Masinac		0-0
5. Mega Vizura		0-0
6. Napredak		0-0
7. Novi Sad		0-0
8. Proleter Naft.		0-0
9. Radnicki Basket		0-0
10. Sloga		0-0
11. Vojvodina		0-0

Stage One Standings

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Miroslav RADULJICA
  FMP
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Raduljica, FMP	21.1
2. Bjelica, Crvena Z.	18.7
3. Mladenovic, Ergon.	17.8
4. Panic, Metalac	17.6
5. Jorovic, Borac	16.6
6. Micic, Napredak	16.5
7. Markovic, Napredak	16.5
8. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.	16.4
9. Markovic, Tamis	16.4
10. Martinic, Vojvodina	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Miroslav RADULJICA
  FMP
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Raduljica, FMP	8.6
2. Mladenovic, Ergon.	7.4
3. Bjelica, Crvena Z.	7.2
4. Mikic, KG 06	6.9
5. Ilic, Metalac	6.9
6. Stevic, Crvena Z.	6.5
7. Bosnjak, Vojvodina	6.2
8. Ljubojevic, Novi S.	6.2
9. Macvan, Hemofarm	6.2
10. Jelovac, Mega V.	6.1

Assists Per Game

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

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	7.2
2. Aleksic, Radnicki K.	5.4
3. Radivojevic, Crvena Z.	5.1
4. Teodosic, Metalac	4.6
5. Stefanovic, Metal.	4.3
6. Rakic, Novi Sad	4.2
7. Korac, Beograd	4.1
8. Covic, FMP	4.1
9. Djordjevic, Sloga	4.0
10. Prolovic, Borac	3.8

Steals Per Game

Lester MCCALEBB
  Partizan
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. McCalebb, Partizan	2.2
2. Vulin, Proleter Naft.	2.2
3. Martinic, Vojvodina	2.0
4. Jereminov, Tamis	1.9
5. Zarkovic, Prolet.	1.9
6. Teodosic, Metalac	1.8
7. Dundjerski, Beograd	1.7
8. Borovcanin, Sloga	1.7
9. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	1.7
10. Rakic, Novi Sad	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Boban MARJANOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (222-C-88)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Marjanovic, Hemof.	1.3
2. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.2
3. Maravic, Mega V.	1.2
4. Lukovic, Radnic.	1.0
5. Ilic, Metalac	1.0
6. Maric, Partizan	0.9
7. Buric, Tamis	0.9
8. Arsic, Masinac	0.8
9. Ljubojevic, Novi S.	0.8
10. Bircevic, Metalac	0.8

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

SLOVENIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Sandi CEBULAR
  Sentjur
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Cebular, Sentjur	20.7
2. King, Polzela	20.6
3. Crenshaw, Sentjur	16.5
4. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	16.4
5. Cup, Elektra .	16.2
6. Mucic, Rudar	16.1
7. Dragic, Geoplin .	15.8
8. Drzic, Luka Koper	15.6
9. Snow, Helios	15.4
10. Djapa, Parklji	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn KING
  Polzela
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 11.3

1. King, Polzela	11.3
2. Thondique, Polzela	8.1
3. Virijevic, Sencur C.	6.9
4. Miljkovic, Elektr.	6.7
5. Djapa, Parklji	6.4
6. Pavic, Krka	6.4
7. Markic, Luka Koper	6.2
8. Cup, Elektra .	6.2
9. Simovic, Sentjur	6.1
10. Bavcic, U.Olimpija	6.0

Assists Per Game

Tadej KOSTOMAJ
  Elektra Esotech
  (186-G-87)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Kostomaj, Elektr.	5.4
2. Crenshaw, Sentjur	5.1
3. Anzulovic, Rudar	4.1
4. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	3.7
5. Mocnik, Helios	3.7
6. Cmer, Zlatorog	3.6
7. Nachbar, Luka Koper	3.5
8. Jersin, Parklji	3.2
9. Cebular, Sentjur	3.2
10. Perko, Luka Koper	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jaka KLOBUCAR
  U.Olimpija
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Klobucar, U.Olimpija	1.9
2. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	1.8
3. Snow, Helios	1.8
4. Dragic, Geoplin .	1.8
5. Ristic, Sencur CP	1.7
6. Cebular, Sentjur	1.7
7. Markic, Luka Koper	1.6
8. Lapornik, Sentjur	1.6
9. Mocnik, Helios	1.5
10. Strnad, Zlatorog	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Shawn KING
  Polzela
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 2.4

1. King, Polzela	2.4
2. Nikolic, Krka	1.1
3. Cup, Elektra .	0.8
4. Sebic, Polzela	0.7
5. Lucic, Krka	0.7
6. Sjekloca, Elektr.	0.7
7. Simovic, Sentjur	0.7
8. Cigoja, Geoplin .	0.7
9. Mucic, Rudar	0.7
10. Sviridov, Polzela	0.6

Krka takes 2-1 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
U.Olimpija - Krka 74-76
Krka did a great job in Game Three against Union Olimpija. The team from Novo mesto grabbed 74-76 thriller win for 2-1 lead in the Playoff Finals. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) top-scored in Krka with 15 points. Bojan Krivec

(188-G-87) had 12, while Smiljan Pavic

(210-F/C-80) and Jure Balazic

(204-F-80) added 10 points each. For the hosts, Vlado Ilievski

(190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) shined with 25 points. Game Four is scheduled for Saturday and Krka will be the host.

Croatian Masina appointed new coach of Hopsi - by Zeljko Zule
Croatian Tonci Masina has been appointed the new coach of Hopsi Polzela, signing a deal until June 2012.
The 38-year-old takes the reins from Bostjan Kuhar , who resigned last week following a disappointing 2009-10 season. Masina served as assistant coach of Zrinjevac and Zadar, as athletic trainer of Zagreb an he was a head coach of Dubrava.
.

Krka take series lead - by Zeljko Zule
Krka pulled out a 76-74 road victory over Union Olimpija for a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five final series of Telemach League. Game 4 will take place at Novo mesto on Sunday.
Krka never trailed and had their largest lead of the game at 28-15. Goran Ikonic posted 15 points, Bojan Krivec 12 and Jure Balazic and Smiljan Pavic netted 10 points each. Olimpija missed four consecutive 3-pointer in the final minute and Vlado Ilievski and Saso Ozbolt missed potential game jumpers. Vlado Ilievski

(190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) finished with 25 points and Jaka Klobucar added 10. Olimpija attempted 43 free throws, while Krka had just 18 free throws.

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

SPAIN

Melilla keeps veteran Nacho Romero - by Eurobasket News
Melilla signed a new deal with their captain Juan Ignacio Romero (211-C-73). The 36-year old veteran is a member of Melilla since 2004. He appeared 31 times in LEB Gold last season averaging 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. Before Melilla, Romero played for CB Ciudad Algeciras Cepsa, Aveiro, Lleida, Caja San Fernando and Real Madrid. He was a member of the Spanish NT ten years ago.
At the same time, Melilla extended the contract with their Assistant Coach Jorge Elorduy. The team reached LEB Gold Semifinals last season.

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 18.8

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	18.8
2. Fitch, Fuenlabrada	17.9
3. Vujanic, CB Murcia	17.7
4. Tucker, DKV J.	16.2
5. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	16.0
6. Splitter, Caja L.	15.7
7. Navarro, Regal B.	15.1
8. Savanovic, Cajasol	14.7
9. Batista, Fuenlabr.	14.1
10. Teletovic, Caja L.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Cook, Unicaja	5.7
2. Stanic, Xacobeo BS	5.2
3. Huertas, Caja L.	5.1
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.4
5. Valters, DKV J.	4.3
6. Calloway, Cajasol	4.2
7. Prigioni, MMC R.	4.1
8. Dumas, Valladolid	4.1
9. Oliver, Estudiantes	3.9
10. Norris, Gran C.	3.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.4
2. Prigioni, MMC R.	2.2
3. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.9
4. Van Lacke, Valladolid	1.8
5. Rodriguez, Bizkai.	1.6
6. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	1.5
7. Stanic, Xacobeo BS	1.4
8. San Miguel, Manre.	1.4
9. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
10. Triguero, Cajasol	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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SWITZERLAND

Douglas Tshomba stays in Boncourt Red Team - by Eurobasket News
Boncourt Red Team announced another news in just few days. After signing of contract extensions with Nicolas Dos Santos (200-C-87), Reto Schwaiger (190-G/F-87) and Jerome Stucheli (185-G-89), the team managed to keep one of their best players from the last season - Douglas Tshomba

(201-F-83, college: Tusculum). The 27-year old forward appeared 10 times in LNA last season averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He got injured during the year and missed almost three months. Tshomba was named Eurobasket.com Swiss LNA All-Bosmans Team -10.
Before Boncourt Red Team, Douglas Tshomba spent one season in the United Kingdom. He was a member of the Worcester Wolves and at the same time one of their better players. For 14 games in BBL that season Tshomba had 10.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.9 apg. On season 2007/08 he also played in Switzerland, but for Benetton Fribourg Olympic. At that time, Tshomba had 7.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 22 league games. Fribourg was the LNA champion. The player also has experience from Spanish Drac Inca Mallorca. He graduated at the Tusculum University (NCAA2) in 2006.
BC Boncourt Red Team finished last season as No.10 with 8-22 score.

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Edwin DRAUGHAN
  Lugano Tigers
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 20

1. Draughan, Fribourg	20.0
2. Brown, Starwings	19.6
3. Hollins, Starwings	19.2
4. Abukar, Lugano T.	18.3
5. Thomas, Lausanne	18.3
6. Efevberha, Lugano T.	17.7
7. Bradley, MGS	17.5
8. Schneiderman., SAV V.	17.4
9. Volcy, Monthey	17.4
10. Hines, SAM M.	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SLOAN
  Starwings
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Sloan, Starwings	11.1
2. Flowers, Lausanne	10.1
3. Grimm, SAM M.	9.3
4. Thompson, Lausanne	9.3
5. Gugino, Boncourt	9.0
6. Volcy, Monthey	8.8
7. Southall, BBC Nyon	7.8
8. Basit, Geneva Devils	7.2
9. Dacevic, SAV V.	7.0
10. Sanders, Lugano T.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Vernard HOLLINS
  Starwings
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Hollins, Starwings	6.2
2. Lukovic, SAV V.	5.9
3. Monroe, Boncourt	5.3
4. Bradley, MGS	4.9
5. Pleux-D., Lausanne	4.9
6. Walton, Lugano T.	4.9
7. Gray, SAM Massagno	4.4
8. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	4.4
9. Johnson, BBC Nyon	4.4
10. Stein, Lugano T.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Kameron GRAY
  SAM Massagno
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Gray, SAM Massagno	2.9
2. Gugino, Boncourt	2.9
3. Volcy, Monthey	2.6
4. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.3
5. Sloan, Starwings	2.1
6. Efevberha, Lugano T.	2.1
7. Pleux-D., Lausanne	2.1
8. Lukovic, SAV V.	2.1
9. Dacevic, SAV V.	2.0
10. Peterson, Boncourt	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Lausanne
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Thompson, Lausanne	3.5
2. Southall, BBC Nyon	2.8
3. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	2.3
4. Sloan, Starwings	1.3
5. Niang, MGS	1.2
6. Sanders, Lugano T.	1.2
7. Gilmore, MGS	1.1
8. Volcy, Monthey	1.0
9. Gugino, Boncourt	1.0
10. Vogt, Fribourg	1.0

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TURKEY

Coach Mete Babaoglu stays at Mersin - by Eurobasket News
Mersin will go to the next season with the same person on the bench - HC Mete Babaoglu . The experienced specialist took over the team in February this year. He spent just few months at the Mersin's bench and it seems it was enough for the club's Management to keep the coach for the next season. Banvit finished 2009/10 TBL season on 12th place with 12-8 record. In Turkish Cup they managed to reach the Final.
Before Mersin, Mete Babaoglu was the Head Coach of Aliaga in TB2L. On season 2007/08 he led Selcuk in TBL and season before than Banvit. From 2000 to 2005 Babaoglu was the Head Coach of Tuborg Izmir. He also has experience from Tofas, Oyak Renault and Karsiyaka. In 2004, Babaoglu was named Eurobasket All-FIBA Europe Cup Coach of the Year -04. In 2003, also with Tuborg Izmir, they won the Turkish Cup. Babaouglu also worked with youth selection of Turkish NT.
Mersin was promoted to TBL in 2005, after they won the title in TB2L. Last season was the worst one in TBL for the team in the past four years, as for three consecutive seasons they were ranked in the first ten. League positions: 05-1 (TB2L), 06-14 (TBL), 07-9, 08-9, 09-7, 10-12.

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UKRAINE

Rumors around Yuzhny - by Max Brodsky
KIEV, UA -- According to www.isport.ua Khimik-OPZ Yuzny will be coached by Zoran Kalpic who was an assistant coach of BC Donetsk last season (got folded during the season). Rumors also say that Dragan Raca is already signed for the head coach position in Yuzhny team who has much interesting resume than Kalpic as latter only coached as an assistant in Croatian team Sibenka. There are also some gossips that Yuzhnians brought on the interview Israeli head coach with whom they could not reach the agreement on the terms and conditions of the contract. Furthermore, unofficial sources saying that one of the leader of the Khimik-OPZ Yuzny during last couple of years, Andriy Agafonov (207-F-86, agency: Interperformances) signed with Ukrainian Superleague runner-up BC Budivelnyk.

No future for the champions? - by Alexander Muzyka
There are rumours going around that 7-time champion of Ukraine Azovmash is in the process of bankrupcy, iSport.ua informs. Despite winning the Ukrainian Championship, the financial situation of the Mariupol club is not good. The club has debts from current season and even the season before that. It's not set if the bankrupcy will make the club disappear completely or that another club (possibly with new people and a new name) will be erected instead of Azovmash.

Odessa to keep the local players - by Eurobasket News
BC Odessa announced that they will keep the majority of the Ukrainian players for the next year. It is still unknown about all the foreigners for the next season.
Stanislav Balashov

(210-C-79) extended the contract with the team as the administration of the squad will be happy to keep the Ukrainian Center. He played in 31 games last season and averaged 10.7ppg, 6.6rpg, Blocks-3 (1.9bpg), FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.2%. In the Play-off series Quarterfinals Stanislav nailed 12 points however BC Kyiv bumped Odessa on the road to punch the semifinal ticket. Maksym Pustozvonov knocked down 18 points and collected 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Dmitri Briantsev canned 17 points fo the visitors. Jerel Blassingame nailed 16 points for BC Odessa.
Oleg Yushkin

(195-G/F-75), Vladyslav Podolyan (195-G-86), Yurii Fraseniuk (200-F-86), Olexandr Braslavskiy and Konstantin Anikienko (215-C-92, agency: Buck Andre) will probably stay in the team as well.
Artem Shvets (203-G/F-85) is expected to come back from the capital. In 2009-2010 the Ukrainian player stated for BC Odessa (Superleague) and in Ukrainian League had 4 games, while in November moved to BC Kyiv (Superleague) and averaged 7.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 71.9%. He also experienced in EuroChallenge and in 5 games his stats read 5.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 27.3%.
The team management will make the major changes and signings closer to the beginning of the new season. It will be also announced the name of the new coach.

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VENEZUELA

Danilo Pinnock arrives in Venezuela - by Eurobasket News
Danilo Pinnock

Women News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Cameroon Qualify For Afrobasket 2011 - by Richard
Cameroons female basketball team have qualified for the 2011 Afrobasket (Africa Cup of Nations) in Mali and the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique.

They picked up both tickets after two victories in the combined qualifiers over DR Congo in the Africa Zone 4 (Central Africa) competition on Saturday and Sunday at the Yaounde Sports Complex at Warda.

After their away leg 77-61 on Saturday, the basketball Lionesses managed a more difficult 60-59 win on Sunday still against DRC. Cameroon shot into the lead just in the last minute. Down 59-57 about six seconds to the end, Gano Jiogap of INJS found the basket, earning three points to top 60-59.

The rest of the six teams in the zone did not show up for the two-day tournament.
source: http://thisissport.info

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ALBANIA - Women

Flamurtari earn another title - by Eurobasket News
Flamurtari celebrated the victory in the Albanian championship. They overcame Apolonia 3-1 in the title series. The decisive third victory came on the road. Flamurtari toppled their opponents 77:74 to claim Gold. Apolonia got to an impressive start to the game leading 25:7 in the first frame. But Flamurtari gradually came back to life and eked out a tough win at the end. The victory marked the 15th title in Flamurtari history. They also celebrated the sixth title in a row.

Standings - Women

A1 Standings

1. Flamutari		19-2
2. Tirana		18-3
3. Apolonia		17-4
4. Studenti		11-10
5. Elbasani		9-12
6. Skenderbeu		6-15
7. Vllaznia		4-17
8. Mati		0-21

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Brisbane Lady Spartans edge Australia U17 - by Eurobasket News
Australia U17 - Brisbane Lady Spartans 58:61
Australian U17 selection started their preparations for the upcoming World Championship. They played the first friendly encounter. Australia U17 faced Brisbane and had to surrender at the end. Natalie Purcell (183-G/F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) knocked down 19 points to lead the Spartans.
The teams went neck and neck throughout the opening frame. Australia U17 managed to pull away with a 13:11 lead at the first break. The youngsters stayed in the drivers seat in the second period. They maintained the advantage and arrived at halftime up by two points 31:29. However Natalie Purcell and Emma Randall (188-C-85) triggered a decisive rally for the Spartans in the third frame. Brisbane won the period 24:9 and earned a 13-point lead at the final intermission. Australia U17 showed character late in regulation. They fired nine points in a row to trim the margin to just 3 points but the Spartans hung on to eke out the victory at the end.
Kate Willey (176-G/F-89) finished with 12 points, while Holly Smith (186-F/C-86) and Emma Randall had 8 points each in the win. Gretel Tippett (190-F-93) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Australian U17 team. Carley Mijovic (195-F-94) notched 10 points in the loss.

Australia U17: Gretel Tippett 16, Carley Mijovic 10, Tayla Roberts (191-F/C-93) 9+11 boards
Brisbane Lady Spartans: Natalie Purcell 19, Kate Willey 12

Japan cruise past Big V All-Stars - by Eurobasket News
Big V All-Stars - Japan 59:110
Japan started their Australia tour in style. They fired past Big V All-Stars selection at the Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium. Big V team stayed close early in the encounter. But a late run from Japan allowed those to take a 27:16 lead at the first break. Japan have fully taken over control in the second period. Led by Reika Takahashi (177-F-88) Japan cleared off to a 20-point distance. Japan built a 25-point advantage at the interval 59:34. Japan stiffened defense in the third frame. They limited the Aussies to only 10 points in the quarter. Japan rolled to a massive 82:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. The Japanese team did not loosen the grip in the final stanza and celebrated the victory at the end. Reika Takahashi knocked down 20 points to lead Japan. Nagi Yoko (175-F-82) and Yoshie Sakurada (170-G/F-84) netted 13 points each in the winning case. Amanda Behnke responded with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Big V All-Stars. Janelle Lucas nailed 8 points in the loss.
Japan will next take on the Knox Raiders on Monday.

Big V All-Stars: Amanda Behnke 19, Janelle Lucas 8
Japan: Reika Takahashi 20, Nagi Yoko 13, Yoshie Sakurada 13

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BOSNIA - Women

Jedinstvo decides for Eurocup participation - by Eurobasket News
It has been a pretty successful season for Bosnian outfit Jedinstvo. They have managed to win National Cup this year while also managing to reach the Finals. Even though they fell short and were defeated by Zeleznicar, they still can be satisfied. Next season Jedinstvo will be making their return to European competition. The teams board had a chance to choose between the competitions they want to participate next year. One was FIBA Eurocup while the other one was WABA league also known as female Adriatic league. As the reports from Bosnian media state, it seems that the management has made the decision that Jedinstvo will take participation at Eurocup next season. Along with that competition, outfit from Tuzla will also compete in their domestic championship and cup. Expectations are already high for the club as they have already started with preparation for the next season. Players will continue to practice until the end of the month and than they are expected to go for holidays. After the month of July, the squad will gather up again at the beginning of August. This is when the preparations for next season will start. Also during August, it can be expected that the team will start to look for reinforcements as well. This was probably one on the most successful season for Jedinstvo. Previously, their greatest achievement included participation in 2006-2007 Adriatic league.

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CENTROBASKET - Women

Standings (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Dominican R.		0-0
2. US Virg.Isl		0-0
3. Jamaica		0-0
4. Mexico		0-0
Group B
1. Guatemala		0-0
2. P.Rico		0-0
3. Trinid/T.		0-0
4. Saint Vince.		0-0

2011 Centrobasket Championship for Women done in San Juan - by Richard
The Centrobasket Championship for Women draw was held today at the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This tournament will be played at Palacio de los Deportes in Mayagez, Puerto Rico from July 10-14.

The eight participating countries were divided into two groups of four teams each.

FIBA-Americas Technical Director, Mr. Anibal Garcia, gave the rules of the draw and proceeded to divide the teams.

The group composition and scheduled is as follows:

Group A: Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Grupo B: Guatemala, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent & Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

Schedule:
Saturday, July 10:
Mxico vs. Dominican Republic
US Virgin Islands vs. Jamaica
St. Vincent & Grenadines vs. Guatemala
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Puerto Rico

Sunday, July 11:
Jamaica vs. Mxico
Dominican Republic vs. US Virgin Islands
Guatemala vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Puerto Rico vs. St. Vincent & Grenadines

Monday, July 12:
Mxico vs. US Virgin Islands
Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic
Trinidad & Tobago vs. St. Vincent & Grenadines
Guatemala vs. Puerto Rico

The two best teams per group will reach the semifinals and the third and fourth place teams go to the Reclassification Round (5-8)

Tuesday, July 13:
A3 vs. B4
B3 vs. A4

Semifinals:
A1 vs. B2
B1 vs. A2

Wednesday, July 14:
L13 vs. L14
W13 vs. W14

Finals:
Bronze: L15 vs. L16
Gold: W15 vs. W16

The time of the games will be announced later.
This tournament qualifies the top three teams for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship for Women (Pre-Olympic), two (2) for the 2011 Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico and all the teams (8) to the Central American and Caribbean games that will also be played in Mayagez.

For more information please visit www.fibaamericas.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women

2010 WOMEN CENTROBASKET DRAW HELD IN PUERTO RICO! - by Ozell Wells
SAN JUAN (2011 Centrobasket Championship for Women) The Centrobasket Championship for Women draw was held today at the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This tournament will be played at Palacio de los Deportes in Mayagez, Puerto Rico from July 10-14.

The eight participating countries were divided into two groups of four teams each.

FIBA-Americas Technical Director, Mr. Anibal Garcia, gave the rules of the draw and proceeded to divide the teams.

The group composition and scheduled is as follows:

Group A: Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Grupo B: Guatemala, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent & Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

Schedule:

Saturday, July 10:

Mxico vs. Dominican Republic
US Virgin Islands vs. Jamaica
St. Vincent & Grenadines vs. Guatemala
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Puerto Rico

Sunday, July 11:

Jamaica vs. Mxico
Dominican Republic vs. US Virgin Islands
Guatemala vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Puerto Rico vs. St. Vincent & Grenadines

Monday, July 12:

Mxico vs. US Virgin Islands
Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic
Trinidad & Tobago vs. St. Vincent & Grenadines
Guatemala vs. Puerto Rico

The two best teams per group will reach the semifinals and the third and fourth place teams go to the Reclassification Round (5-8)

Tuesday, July 13:

A3 vs. B4
B3 vs. A4

Semifinals:

A1 vs. B2
B1 vs. A2

Wednesday, July 14:

L13 vs. L14
W13 vs. W14

Finals:

Bronze: L15 vs. L16
Gold: W15 vs. W16

The time of the games will be announced later.

This tournament qualifies the top three teams for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship for Women (Pre-Olympic), two (2) for the 2011 Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico and all the teams (8) to the Central American and Caribbean games that will also be played in Mayagez.

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ITALY - Women

Nicole Antibe signs with Lavezzini Basket Parma - by Eurobasket News
Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) signs with Lavezzini Basket Parma and will play in the team for the next season. The French International spent the majority of her career in France, but then in 2003 appeared in Italy.
Later in 2004-2005 she played for Phard Napoli (Italy-A1, starting five) and in 33 games averaged12.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 0.9apg. In Europe Cup she appeared in 14 games showing 15.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.8spg, 0.4bpg, 2FGP: 62.7%, 3FGP: 80.0%, 3FGP: 78.3%.
She played also in Phard Napoli in 2006-2007 season, however before spent a year in Spain for Ros Casares Valencia (Spain-LFB). In Euroleague she played 11 games as her stats read 11.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 25%, FT: 66.7%. In Spanish League Nicole Antibe appeared in 26 games averaging 11.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 73.2%.
After another season with Phard Napoli, moved to Rivas Futura (Spain-LFB, starting five) and in 30 game had 13.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP-2 (60.0%), 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 80.0%. Last two seasons the French player spent in Famila Wuber Schio. Last season she played in 10 games of Euroleague and showed 12.5ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 80.8%. In Italian League she appeared in 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.1spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 84.8%.
Nicole Antibe
nailed 10 points in the last game for her previous team, but Taranto defended championship title in Italy! They had to work very hard in order to do this as Familia Schio demonstrated great performance in the Finals.

San Martino di Lupari win Nazionali Under 17 - by Eurobasket News
San Martino di Lupari win Nazionali Under 17 to triumph in the country. The team overcame Gymnasium Napoli 66:60 in the Final.
Gymnasium Napoli and San Martino di Lupari reached the Finals and both deserved to triumph. Gymnasium Napoli won the first half 38-35 and looked well in the court. They also took 42:41 later in the game, while San Martino enjoyed 52:50 advantage. Francesca Dotto (165-G-93) brought the team 56:52, while Napoli reduced to the minimum after. Anyway San Martino di Lupari looked better in the last minutes of the game and clinched the victory. Francesca Dotto top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Simonetto and Dotto C posted 15 each. Sbrissa and Fassina followed them with 4 points each.Sara Bocchetti (175-G-93) responded with 23 points in the losing effort.
In the game for the third place Biassono easily won over Lussana Bergamo 58:35. They opened the game with 9-2 lead and never looked behind after. They also enjoyed 34:26 lead later in the game and reached the necessary victory. Alice Mandelli (171-G-93) paced all the winners with 19 points. Gargantini and Colombo netted 9 each, while Fumagalli and Ravelli added 8 apiece.Francesca Minali (94) answered with 13 points in the losing effort.

FINAL
Gymnasium Napoli-San Martino di Lupari 60-66
Napoli: Orazzo 5, Scala 4, Buonomo, DAvolio 6, Elettra Ferretti (175-G-93) 11, Tesone, Gallo, Scala 3, Negri, Sara Bocchetti 23, Gemini 8, Fedele. Coach: Belfiore.
San Martino: Olivetto, Fassina 4, Dotto C. 15, Morao 2, Costacurta 2, Sbrissa 4, Mognollo, Zanollo, Scapin,Francesca Dotto 24, Lison, Simonetto 15. Coach: Fior.

3rd Place
Biassono-Lussana Bergamo 58-35
Bergamo: Scotti, Duraccio, Poma, Filippi 6, Brandolini, Carera 4, Perico, Cefis, Pizzi 10, Bolognini 2, Francesca Minali 13, Belotti. Coach: Stazzonelli.
Biassono: Meroni, Porro 4, Frigerio, Alice Mandelli 19, Ravelli 8, Gargantini 9, Colombo 9, Fumagalli 8, Bassani 1, Mantoan, Sala, Daniel. Coach: Beretta.

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JAPAN - Women

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Fribourg keeps Luxembourgian NT player Laure Diederich - by Eurobasket News
BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket announced signing of 1-year contract extension with Laure Diederich (183-C-87). The 23-year old center is a member of Fribourg since 2006. She appeared 13 times last season in LNA averaging 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. Her team reached Swiss Cup Finals and LNA Semis. Last season is a decent improvement for Diederich, who had just 2 ppg in 2008/09.
Laure Diederich is the member of Luxembourgian NT since 2006. She also played for their youth National Teams in the past. Before BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket, Laure Diederich spent a season with Racing Luxembourg.
In the meantime, coach Darko Ristic has left BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket. It was his first season with the club. Before Fribourg, Ristic worked with Monthey, Martigny and Pully. In Luxemburg, he was the Head Coach of BBC Kehlen. BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket already started search for his replacement. There is few options, nothing is officially announced by the club.

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PUERTO RICO - Women

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SPAIN - Women

Rivas Ecopolis keeps Tamara Abalde for the next season - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis announced that Tamara Abalde (188-G-89) will stay with the club for third consecutive year. Abalde spent last two seasons with Rivas as a loaned player for Ros Casares. Just few days ago she terminated the contract with the Spanish powerhouse and yesterday signed a deal with Rivas.
Last season, Tamara Abalde appeared just 4 times in LFB due to injury. On season 2008/09, Abalde played 29 games averaging 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds. She also appeared 8 times in EuroCup with 6.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg. Before Rivas Ecopolis, Abalde spent one year at Lamar University in the United States. She played 25 games for her school averaging 16 points and 7.1 rebounds. From 2004 to 2007, Abalde played for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban. Her lasts season with the club was the best one. For 25 games in LFB, Abalde had 7 ppg and 3.6 rpg.
Last year, Tamara Abalde helped U20 Spain to win the Silver medal on U20 EuroBasket in Gdynia. She played 10 games averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Rivas Ecopolis is together with Ros Casares one of the most active teams in the off season. Rivas was stopped in the Semifinals and it is clear that they want more for the next year.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Carey inks with Southern Mississippi - by David Edole
Jones County Junior College womens basketball standout Tanecka Carey (G) has verbally committed to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Carey, a 5-foot-9 guard from Jackson Murrah, helped the Lady Bobcats to a 22-6 record and a second consecutive MACJC title as a freshman in 2009-10. She was the states leading scorer and ranked third in the nation by averaging 21.3 points per game. She was a first-team All-MACJC and All-Region 23 performer.

Carey was one of the top 3-point shooters in the state, connecting on 64 of 195 attempts (32.8 percent) and she was 61-of-76 from the free throw line (80.3 percent). She also averaged 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

She follows former Lady Bobcat standout Pauline Love to Southern Miss. Love was a first-team All-Conference USA selection this past year and set numerous records during her three seasons with the Lady Eagles.

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WNBA - Women

Standings

WNBA Standings

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