EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/9/2010

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Men News

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


Esteban Lopez extends with Quilmes - by Eurobasket News
Esteban Lopez (184-G-84) will play for Quilmes in the next season. The 25-year-old guard has signed a new two-year contract with the LigaA team. Esteban Lopez spent the last two seasons in Quilmes. He tallied 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in the previous championship. Earlier Esteban Lopez played for Independiente, Breogan, Casablanca in Spain.


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


Beveridge backs Martin to shine with Boomers - by Eurobasket News
Perth Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge is urging the Boomers' coaching staff to give point guard Damian Martin (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount) a chance to shine with the national team that is soon to arrive in Perth ahead of the opening clash with Argentina at Challenge Stadium.

The Boomers squad, including NBA point guard Patrick Mills, will arrive in Perth for a camp starting on Sunday June 20 ahead of the opening game of the three-match series with World No. 1 ranked Argentina the following Friday June 25.

That game will be at Challenge Stadium and Beveridge hopes to see Martin out there representing the Wildcats in what would be his first game at the venue since the 'Cats won last season's NBL championship in Game 3 of the Grand Final series against the Wollongong Hawks.

Beveridge acknowledges that he might be biased having coached Martin in the under-20s Australian Emus team that won the 2003 world championship and previously with the West Sydney Razorbacks and Sydney Spirit, but he feels the facts back him up as well.

Martin has always been an outstanding defender, but has continued to improve his ability to run a team and hit the open shot, which saw him nail 48 per cent from three-point range last season.

Not only that but he can drive strongly to the basket and Beveridge feels he has the all-round game that should see him feature in the Australian team not only for this series with Argentina, but also in the world championships later this year in Turkey.

'I think he proved that he was the best point guard in the league, that's why we won the championship. He led the team when it really counted and that's what he's done in previous world championship teams. The guy is a winner and I'm biased because I've been his coach for a long time and everyone knows he's' one of my favourites, but he's earned that right with me,' Beveridge said.

'My views are that he should definitely be in the 12 because of what he can bring with his defensive intensity and he shot 48 per cent for the season from the three-point line. He showed the improvement he's made from the perimeter and previously national teams have probably said that he can't shoot.

'He proved this year that he can knock down the open shot and he was big time in us winning a championship. To me he should definitely be in that rotation as a point guard because he can take the team to a different level.'

Martin has been playing in the State Basketball League in Perth with the East Perth Eagles with Stephen Weigh also there while Jesse Wagstaff is playing with the Perth Redbacks and Cameron Tovey with the Willetton Tigers.

Beveridge has instructed all of his players to go back and work on certain areas of their game, and with Martin that has been to just make sure his fitness and touch is as good as can be heading into the program with the Boomers.

'Everybody that is playing in the SBL has been instructed to work on certain areas of their game that they have to get better at. In Damo's situation it's more about the fitness side of things. He's still got to run a team, which he's getting better and better at, but at East Perth he's probably the only guard there,' Beveridge said.

'He has to run that team, but it's more about getting the fitness under his belt for when he goes into the Boomers camps. He probably won't play anymore SBL games now and he's been selected for that first camp. What he's done at East Perth trying to get that fitness up was pretty important.'

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

Golden Star Boomers Workout starts next week - by Eurobasket News
Basketball Australia is pleased to announce the 13 athletes invited to a Golden Star Boomers Workout at the AIS next week.

The Workout, from June 12-14 at the AIS, is a crucial part of the selection process for the Boomers World Challenge against Argentina on June 25, 27 and 29 in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide respectively.

The best performers from the Workout will join several overseas-based Boomers at Boomers training camp from June 20-24 in Perth ahead of the series opener.

Featuring in the list of invitees are 2009 Stankovic Cup winners Matthew Dellavedova and Damian Martin, and 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship Boomer Adam Gibson.

Stephen Weigh was awarded with selection after showing some great form in a championship-winning National Basketball League season alongside Martin at the Perth Wildcats and Anthony Petrie and Chris Goulding return to the Boomers after helping the Gold Coast Blaze to the finals; Goulding posted career best numbers in 2009/10.

Getting their first call-up to the Boomers are 2009 Australian University Representatives Ben Allen and Anatoly Bose. The pair had spectacular seasons in college in the USA; Allen, alongside Boomers teammate Dellavedova, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament with St Marys University while Bose averaged a career best 21.1 points in 2009-10 for Nicholls State.

Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock said the wealth of talent in the group was a sign of the strength of the NBL with nine of the 13 players contracted to NBL teams.

This is a great opportunity for these players to build on from a fantastic season in the NBL into the senior national team and use this Workout to push for a spot in the Argentina Series, and the World Championship to follow.

While Olympian Patrick Mills yesterday declared his availability for the Argentina Series and will take part in the Perth camp, the full squad to attend the camp will be named at the conclusion of the Workout on June 15.

The team to contest the Boomers World Challenge against world number one Argentina will be announced on June 24.


Boomers Workout Invitees
Name/Height/Age/Position/Club

Ben ALLEN / 211cm / 23 / Centre / Townsville Crocodiles
Anatoly BOSE / 200cm / 21 / Guard / Nicholls State University (US)
Jason CADEE / 185cm / 19 / Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) / 190cm / 19 / Guard / St Marys University (US)
Adam GIBSON / 188cm / 23 / Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Chris GOULDING / 191cm / 21 / Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Alex LOUGHTON / 205cm / 27 / Forward / Cairns Taipans
Ater MAJOK / 208cm / 22 / Forward / University of Connecticut (US)
Steven MARKOVIC / 190cm / 25 / Guard / KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia)
Damian MARTIN / 188cm / 25 / Guard / Perth Wildcats
Luke NEVILL / 216cm / 24 / Centre / Melbourne Tigers
Anthony PETRIE / 203cm / 27 / Forward / Gold Coast Blaze
Stephen WEIGH / 198cm / 21 / Guard / Perth Wildcats


Boomers World Challenge 2010

Game One Friday 25 June Challenge Stadium, Perth
Tickets from www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100

Game Two Sunday 27 June State Netball Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Tickets from www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100

Game Three Tuesday 29 June Brett Maher Court at The Dome, Adelaide
Tickets from www.proticket.com.au or call 1300 12 10 12

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


*****************************************************
  BARBADOS   


Senators oust Patriots - by Justin Marville
ONE ROUND INTO the draw and the men's basketball knockout has already suffered its first Premier League casualty.

Colombian Emeralds International Senators are just happy it wasn't them.

Alwyn Lovell scored 11 of his 20 points during a decisive third quarter rally before Richard Bennett added a pair of crucial free throws down the stretch as Senators edged rival first division club Patriots 85-82 in Sunday's last-second finish at the YMCA.

It was the highlight of a dreary first round that saw no close games and had an average margin of victory just shy of 28 points in the previous 11 contests, which featured three 30-point decisions, a 49-point margin and a whopping 56-point gap.

And this contest threatened to join that dubious list when national forward George Haynes had 27 points through three quarters, opening the third by scoring or assisting on Patriots first five field goals to balloon a five-point half-time advantage (42-37) to a 13-point margin (52-37).

But Anthony 'Bill' White subsequently picked a needless unsportsmanlike foul and Lovell quickly took advantage despite missing the ensuing free throws.

The multi-skilled swingman duly responded with five quick points while George Farrell attacked the rack with reckless abandon, before Lovell hit a pair of treys either side of the third quarter buzzer to put Senators ahead 64-61.

However, Lovell was sidelined after getting hit in the face, resulting in Patriots scoring six straight through Stevenson Callenders transition exploits to cut the deficit to one (72-71).

Lovell's absence was brief though, and Bennett greeted his return with a huge triple that was part of a slight 11-7 surge, capped by Farrell's two-handed dunk in the open floor inside the final minute.

Patriots threatened thereafter as Callender hit a clutch three to reduce their five-point hole to a two-point deficit (83-81), but Conway missed two potential game-tying free throws before Bennett added a pair of his own with nine seconds remaining.

The Husbands side still had a chance to force overtime though, however, White hoisted up an ill-advised, contest three-pointer just one second after the inbounds pass, allowing Senators to dribble out the clock when the shot harmlessly hit the side-ring.

Farrell finished with 18 points and Brian Yarde added 14 while Haynes ended with 28 points and White scored 20 for Patriots.


Combermere take regular season crown - by Justin Marville
ONE DOWN, one to go.

Combermere are inching ever closer towards a Co-operators General Insurance Under-16 basketball championship, as Chiamaka Browne and Joshua Cadogan scored 11 points apiece to secure the regular season title in their 40-27 win over Harrison College in Thursday's season finale at Crumpton Street.

The unbeaten league leaders kept their perfect record intact after Lamar Coward had six of his ten points in a decisive fourth quarter stretch while Combermere restricted the hosts to just one field goal over the final five minutes of the contest.

This was subsequent to Harrison College falling behind by double digits (32-22) early in that same period, before threatening behind a Darian Chandler jumper and a successive free throw from Chioke Holder to get as close as seven (32-26) with 5:28 to play.

But Browne, son of Lakers Premier League point guard Derek, ended the brief rally with a floater, followed by a string of six straight points by Coward and fellow forward David King, as Kolij could only manage a further Holder lay-up the rest of the way.

Combermere actually scored the last six points unanswered all while the home side struggled against their guests' oppressive 1-3-1 defence.

And the game ended in a similar vein to how it began, as Cadogan accounted for the first four points of the contest and eight straight for Combermere, before Browne capped off their 15-8 first quarter lead with a buzzer beating triple.

But the Waterford floor general was shaded by two defenders while bringing the ball out of backcourt for much of the contest, resulting in transition scores for Chandler and Anand Joseph-Thorne to open the second when he tried to take on his markers.

However, Browne and Cadogan subsequently got a pair of open court lay-ups of their own off silly Harrison College turnovers, allowing them to rebuild their advantage to seven (21-14) at the half-time break and throughout the third quarter.

And Combermere looked certain of doubling that lead when Coward and Jason Walkes opened the fourth with short jumpers to put the visitors ahead 32-22.


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Boris Dzidzic appointed as Zrinjski Sports Director - by Eurobasket News
Even though the season has only finished, Zrinjski did not waste any time as they already started to prepare for the next one. According to reports from several Bosnian media, Zrinjski has already made the first move by reinforcing its front office. Reportedly they have reached agreement with Boris Dzidic (205-F/C-80, agency: Court Side) who has recently finished playing career exactly at Zrinjski. Dzidzic has a wealth of experience as a player since he started off with Cibona and has also played abroad. He did not wait long to make a decision about the new position as he has already started with realization of several project regarding Zrinjski youth system. This is seen as nice move by Zrinjski management as they believe that Dzidzic experience will prove to be valuable for the squad in the coming years.
Boris Dzidic is a product of Cibona youth system. He made his professional debut during 1997-1997 season as member of A2 outfit Zabok. Following season he has moved to Benston Zagreb and two seasons later he moved back to Cibona. In 3 seasons with Cibona, Dzidzic has won two national cups in 2001 and 2002. Also he has won two national titles as well in 2001 and 2002. At the start of 2004-2005 season, Dzidzic move to Cyprus where he signed with Apollon Limassol. Dzidzic has also played for the likes of Kos Mostar, Siroki, KAO Dramas, BC Lami-Ved Honved before coming to Zrinjski in April of 2008. This past season, he was still a member of Zrinjski but his season was hampered by injuries. Dzidzic has represented Croatian National Team at U18, U20 and U21 level but he has never made it to the Senior NT.

Bosna brings in two Dubrovnik players for tryout - by Eurobasket News
After a fairly disappointing season by Bosna ASA BHT standards in which they missed out on Bosnian league finals and finished as No.13 in Adriatic league, they have already started to build the team for next season. They started with practices and several new faces could be seen working out with the team. According to various Bosnian and Croatian media, among new faces are two young Croatian players Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) and Marko Radic (188-G-89). Both of them have been brought from Dubrovnik and will spend some time with Bosna on tryout. Teams manager Sead Bukva has recently stated that Bosna is looking for players who will be able to upgrade the team and will be able to help put it back on the winning track. Kursulin and Radic are expected to work out with the team in the coming days. Depending on what they show they might be offered a contract but that remains to be seen yet.
Filip Kruslin is a product of Cibona youth system. He made his professional debut during 2007-2008 season when he appeared in 7 league games and has posted averages of 5.1 points and 1.1 rebounds. Following season he spent a year as loaned player at Dubrava where he averaged 8.9 points and 2.4 boards in 16 games. At the start of this season, Kurslin signed a deal with Dubrovnik where he made 17 appearances and has averaged 14.9 points and 2.5 rebounds.
Marko Radic is as product of Dubrovnik youth system and has been with the club since 2001. One his best season for the club was this last one when he posted averages of 7.8 points and 3.3 assists in 25 matches. Radic has represented Croatia at younger levels, having appeared at U18 European Championships in Spain in 2007 as well as U20 European Championships in Greece in 2009.

New head coach for Capljina Lasta: Hrvoje Vlasic - by Miljan Veskovic
Hrvoje Vlasic is the new head coach of HKK Capljina Lasta, replacing Ante Nazor who was the best coach in Bosnia for the 2009/2010. HKK Capljina Lasta led by Ante Nazor was the biggest surprise in the league this season, reaching Cup semifinals and Championship semifinals. Surprisingly Nazor decided to move on and he will be replaced by Hrvoje Vlasic who was the coach of Croatian U18 national team, infact the change will occure also in the opposite direction since Nazor will take over Croatian U18. Hrvoje Vlasic is a well-known coach in these parts, he worked with big clubs such as Cibona, Zadar and Siroki Brijeg with whom he won the Bosnia and Herzegovina title.

*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA   


Rivalry weekend' marks start of basketball league - by Thomas Fink
NELSON DIRENG
CORRESPONDENT

The Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) 2010 league gets under way tomorrow with last season's top four teams in action in what is traditionally termed 'rivalry weekend'. The first match is between Cadets and NIIT followed by a clash between BDF V and Police women's teams. The main attraction will be the match between Police and BDF V men who were third and fourth last year, before champions, Troopers, take on runners-up, Spartans. BBA league committee chairperson Kabo Khama said he expects an exciting league this year because a lot has changed within teams. He said that some teams have recruited new players.

Khama said their objective is to lure more spectators to basketball. He said that apart from 'rivalry weekends', they are going to have 'payback weekends' to allow teams to settle last season's scores on the courts. 'A team like BDF V, for example, cannot wait for such games because last year they lost to Cadets in a game where they (BDF V) fielded only three players,' he said. Khama said the new approach would help generate interest and more people would be attending matches as teams attempt to settle old scores on the field of play.

Other teams participating in the 2010 league are Flames, Falcons, Splinters, and Eagles. On the women's side, only four teams will be available: Police V, BDF V, NIIT and Relics. Meanwhile, BBA will award medals for the 2009 league tomorrow after the first game.The league finals, termed National Championships, were won by Troopers who beat rivals, Spartans.In the women's category, BDF V beat runner-ups Police to emerge the overall national champions.

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Bulgarian National Team 2010 - by Maria Mitzova
#s#
Aleksandar Gruev
Gruev
Zlatin Georgiev
Georgiev
Chavdar Kostov
Kostov
Ivan Lilov
Lilov
Filip Videnov
Videnov
#e#5
Aleksandar Gruev 187-G-83 Rilski Sport Bulgaria
Zlatin Georgiev 195-G-85 Levski Bulgaria
Chavdar Kostov 196-G-88 Lukoil A. Bulgaria
Ivan Lilov 196-F/G-88 Balkan Bulgaria
Filip Videnov 196-F/G-80 FMP Serbia
Asen Velikov 188-G-86 Levski Bulgaria
Earl Rowland 188-G-83 Vanoli CR Italy
Kaloyan Ivanov 205-F-86 Manresa Spain
Dejan Ivanov 205-F/C-86 Sigma Coat. Italy
Pavel Marinov 197-G-88 Yambol Bulgaria
Hristo Nikolov 200-F-85 Lukoil A. Bulgaria
Atanas Radev 200-F-81 Balkan Bulgaria
Nikolay Varbanov 209-C-85 Lukoil A. Bulgaria
Krum Doychinov 206-C-86 Cherno More Bulgaria
Jared Homan 206-C-83 Marousi BC Greece
Stefan Georgiev 206-C/F-78 Levski Bulgaria
Vesko Filchev 208-C-88 Truman St. USA


Bulgarian NT Men roster announced - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgaria Men national team roster was announced by the head coach Rosen Barchovski. He chose 20 players who will represent the country in the upcoming European qualifiers. The preparations start on July 14th in Pravets, and only couple of players will join the team on later stage.
Two Americans with Bulgarian passports will begin the training camp Earl Jerrod Rowland and Jared Homan (206-C-83, college: Iowa St.).
There are many new faces in the team, as the captain Todor Stoykov retired last year, as well as some of the most experienced other players in Bulgarian NT. Debutants in the squad are Atanas Radev (200-F-81), Pavel Marinov (197-G-88), Vesko Filchev (208-C-88) and more. The team will include couple of youngsters from the U20 NT, after their European championship in Austria.
The list of the chosen players:
Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83)
Zlatin Georgiev (195-G-85)
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances)
Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88)
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky)
Asen Velikov (188-G-86)
Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA)
Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86)
Dejan Ivanov
Pavel Marinov
Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85)
Atanas Radev
Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances)
Krum Doychinov (206-C-86, agency: Interperformances)
Jared Homan
Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78)
Vesko Filchev


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Volcanoes defeated - by Eurobasket News
The battle of the namesake comes to close with Vancouver B.C. on top three to one. The loss marks the first time The Volcanoes have been defeated with a home court advantage. A large reason in the game's outcome was the fact that The Volcanoes' shot only 44% from the field; this is below their usual average of around 50%. Conversely, The Vancouver Titans shot 51% from the same distances.

'They shot the ball great,' coach Bryan Hunter said.

'We had no response to that until the fourth quarter. We put a new defense together in the third that came together, and we were able to hold them to their lowest [percentage] in the fourth.'

The Volcanoes were indeed able to deflate B.C.'s lead significantly. They went into the fourth down by 26 points, but were able to end it with pride, losing by only seven. They outscored B.C. by 19 points in the game's final quarter.

'If we would have made those changes early on, the game would have turned out a lot different,' Hunter said.

Lead scoring on The Volcanoes' side went to Andre Murray (188-G-87, college: Portland St.) with18, Bryson McKenzie (211-C-83, college: N.Illinois) with 20 and Alex Tiefenthaler (206-F, college: Concordia (OR)) with 25. But the consistency on the opposing bench proved to squelching to Volcano morale. Only one player, Galen Young, shot in the single digits. The Titans' shot 50% from 3-point range, opposed to a Volcano 32%. B.C. was also reliable at the foul line, shooting an impressive 67%, even in the face of much antagonism from Volcano fans.

Tomorrow night, The Volcanoes go up against The Olympia Rain. This unfortunate loss is no spirit breaker, however. The team's rallying ability proves to be unquenchable--again and again.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Libsur. Round 9 results - by Daniel Valencia
On saturday night was played round 9 for Libsur 2010. In the north goup, Deportes Victoria is the new leader after a 78-57 victory against Carahue, with German Siegmund (190-G/F-83) leading the way with 25 points. Victoria now has a 7-1 record. In the south group, Universidad de Los lagos remains at the top with a victory on the road against Espanol, 88-63. Haralt Funk (195-C-86) was the scoring leader for the winners with 17 points. These are the complete results for round 9.

North Group

Deportivo Las Animas 86 - Asociacion Basquetbol Temuco 93
Ani: Johnny Gomez 27 pts. Michael Ruiz 12 pts.
Tem: Mauro schenoni 22 pts. Ronald Cruces 19 pts.

Deportivo Victoria 78 - Deportivo Carahue 57
Vic: German Siegmund 25 pts. Cristian zamorano 19 pts.
Car: Victor Godoy 17 Pts. Fabian Fuentes 17 pts.

Deportivo Imperial 65 - Deportes Lautaro 66
Imp: Gustavo Inostroza 18 pts. Luis Gonzalez 14 pts.
Lau: Rodrigo Larrain 22 pts. Richard avilez 12 pts.



Asociacion Basquetbol Ancud 87 - Deportes Puerto Varas 69
Anc: Renato Vera 26 pts. Erik Carrasco 21 pts.
Var: Matias Sepulveda 27 pts. Marquis Johnson 14 pts.

Deportivo Aleman 69 - Deportes Osorno 62
Ale: Camilo Vargas 24 pts. Luis Alvarez 18 pts.
Oso: Fabian Muniz 23 pts. Carlos Cardenas 14 pts.

Deportivo Espanol Osorno 63 - Universidad de Los Lagos 88
esp: Leonardo Martinez 18 pts. Carlos Garcia 17 pts.
ula: Haralt Funk 17 pts. Bastian Toledo 15 pts.


Standings - LIBSUR
LIBSUR Standings
North Group
1. CD Victoria 7-1
2. CD Valdivia 7-0
3. AB Temuco 5-2
4. CD Lautaro 2-6
5. CD Imperial 2-6
6. CD Carahue 2-6
7. CD Las Animas 1-5
South Group
1. CD U.Los Lagos 7-1
2. AB Ancud 6-1
3. CD Castro 6-1
4. CD Puerto Varas 4-4
5. DA Puerto Varas 2-6
6. CB Osorno 2-6
7. CD Esp. Osorno 0-8


*****************************************************
  COSTA RICA   


Standings - D1
LBS Standings
 1. Barva 9-0 
 2. ARBA San Ram. 7-2 
 3. Liceo 6-3 
 4. Escazu 5-4 
 5. Perez Zeledon 3-5 
 6. UCR 3-6 
 7. Cartago 1-7 
 8. San Luis G. 0-9 


LSB updating - by Gianni Pascucci
Ferreteria Brenes Barva is again at the top undefeated in Costa Rican first division, and no one seems able to get this team in trouble. In Round 8, the reigning champions defeated Escazu on the road, 65-47, as usual led by Amir Alvarado (198-F-84, college: Marshalltown CC), who scored 23 points. Columbian Michael Jackson (192-F-87) was the top performer in Escazu at 12. The other games of Rd. 8 went as follows:
San Jose ARBA San Ramon - Cartago 62-55
Perez Zeledon - San Luis Gonzaga 84-64
Kolbi Liceo de Costa Rica - UCR 82-72
The main game of Round 9 was the showdown between Barva and second placed USJ ARBA San Ramon. The game ended 78-60 fior Barva, and the top performers were Amir Alvarado, who scored 17 at the winning side, Amaurys Ripoll (196-F-87) and Jeffney Anderson (208-C-83, agency: Hoopdreamz Basketball, college: Southern) with 17 pts each they too at the San Ramon side. In the other games, Klbi Liceo de Costa Rica defeated on the road San Luis Gonzaga 91-69, and Universidad de Costa Rica prevailed over Escazu 68-61. The game between Cartago and Perez Zeledon was postponed. Thanks to these results, Liceo takes the third place on the table.


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


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 21
 1. Bizaca, Trogir21.0 
 2. Vragovic, Dubrava20.7 
 3. Zoric, KK.20.3 
 4. Gordon, Cibona19.9 
 5. Spahija, Svjetlost17.7 
 6. Peric, Zadar17.5 
 7. Filipovic, Sibenik16.8 
 8. Bogdanovic, Cibona16.4 
 9. Stipcevic, Zadar16.1 
 10. Drezga, Trogir16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jurica SPAHIJA
  Svjetlost
  (203-F/C-83)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Spahija, Svjetlost10.2 
 2. Zoric, KK.9.1 
 3. Ruzic, Zadar8.6 
 4. Peric, Zadar7.5 
 5. Sakic, Dubrava7.2 
 6. Krapic, Zabok7.0 
 7. Vukicevic, Svjetlost7.0 
 8. Macura, KK Split7.0 
 9. Krolo, Darda7.0 
 10. Maric, Dubrava6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jamont GORDON
  Cibona
  (193-G/F-87)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Gordon, Cibona4.7 
 2. Tomeljak, Zabok4.1 
 3. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.4.1 
 4. Bazdaric, Cedevita4.1 
 5. Stipcevic, Zadar3.9 
 6. Cosic, Svjetlost3.7 
 7. Blajic, Trogir3.7 
 8. Camagajevac, Darda3.6 
 9. Norac, Svjetlost3.6 
 10. Sumic, KK Split3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Domagoj NORAC
  Svjetlost
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Norac, Svjetlost2.4 
 2. Bosnjak, Dubrava2.4 
 3. Sumic, KK Split2.0 
 4. Stipcevic, Zadar2.0 
 5. Katic, KK Split1.9 
 6. Kruslin, Dubrovnik1.8 
 7. Gordon, Cibona1.8 
 8. Car, Zadar1.6 
 9. Tomeljak, Zabok1.6 
 10. Cosic, Svjetlost1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Jere MACURA
  KK Split
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Macura, KK Split1.6 
 2. Zoric, KK.1.5 
 3. Vladovic, Sibenik1.2 
 4. Sobin, KK Split1.1 
 5. Gordon, Cibona0.8 
 6. Kamaldin, Darda0.7 
 7. Peric, Zadar0.7 
 8. Krolo, Darda0.7 
 9. Petrovic, Cedevita0.7 
 10. Bagaric, Cibona0.7 


Finals (Game 4): Zadar 71-78 Cibona - by Milord Nikolic
KK Cibona VIP Zagreb showed true champion heart. This was do or die game for them. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) carried them on his shoulders and he was simply unstoppable in Zadar. After being 0-2 down, series are now tied at 2-2 apiece and game 5 is on thursday in Zagreb and that game will decide who will take this season crown. After what we saw tonight KK Cibona VIP Zagreb enters that game as a favourite and they found they form at right time. KK Zadar was playing inspired by home crowd atmosphere, but that wasn't enough tonight against powerful KK Cibona VIP Zagreb. Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) was KK Zadar best player with 18 points. Jamont Gordon led KK Cibona VIP Zagreb with 25 points and he was fun to watch as he nearly beat KK Zadar on his own. Luksa Andric (210-C-85) scored 16 points.

U18 Split defends the crown - by Eurobasket News
U18 Split CO - U18 Zagreb CO 79-68

U18 Split has managed to defend U18 Title they have won last season. Thanks to nice run in third period, Split players celebrated 79-68 win in the Finals. Game started off as an equally contested matchup. After initial 10 minutes of play, the score stood at 16-15 Split lead. In the second period, it was Zagreb players who managed to cut the deficit. They displayed slightly better performance in offense and were able to make the game interesting again. By the halftime break, the score stood at 29-28 with neither team in total control. Than in third quarter, Split players were finally able to make the first run. They slowly started to impose their game and to take the match over. During the crucial period of play, Split players were able to build 56-47 lead which stood at the end of the period. In the final 10 minutes, Zagreb players tried to make one last attempt at comeback. However, Split players were able to fend off any such attempt and in the end they have deservedly celebrated 11 point margin win.
The duo of Toni Katic (185-G-92) and Josip Matic (202-F-92) led the new-old champions with 21 points apiece. Reinhollt was also good for winners, as he finished the game with 13 points. On the other side, Zagreb got 29 point effort from Dario Saric (203-F/C-93). Pavelic and M Ljoljic also had decent game as they chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively.
Split CO: Toni Katic 21, Penovic, Perasovic 3, Madunic, Cvitkovic, Markulin 8, Coric. Najev 9, Reinhollt 13, Maric 4, Gaspar, Josip Matic 21
Zagreb: Ferencevic, Pavelic 13, Mamic 2, Demo, Dosen, Zadravec 2, Kraljic 7, Hezonja, M Ljoljic 11, Vukicevic, Vukovic 4, Dario Saric 29

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  CYPRUS   


Keravnos Trisokkas in their roster - by Michael Aristidou
Keravnos Strovolou has renew the contract of their captain Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80) for another three years. Panagiotis Trisokkas is in Keravnos Strovolou for the last 10 years! He is a valuable member for the team and his national team. The new contract will keep him to the team untill 2013. In other news Keravnos Strovolou will not keep american or eu players from last seazon. The team will be rebuild as concern this factor. Cypriots player will remain in the team.

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  FRANCE   


Gravelines signs Dounia Issa, extends Juby Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines announced signing of 3-year deal with Dounia Issa (198-F-81, agency: ACMT). The 29-year old forward is coming to Gravelines from Vichy, where he spent last three seasons. In 2009/10, Issa appeared 23 times averaging 9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He got injured in February and was sidelined for two months. On season 2008/09, Issa averaged 6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1 assists for 29 games. He joined Vichy in 2007 from Clermont. He was a member of Clermont six years.

Some of his Awards/Achievements:
French ProB Regular Season Champion -04
French ProA All-Star Game -08, 10
French La Semaine des As Cup Finalist -08
Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Defensive Player of the Year -08
Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Domestic Players Team -08, 10
Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Defensive Team -08, 10
French National Team -08
Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 5 games: 0.6ppg, 1.0rpg
Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 2nd Team -10


In the meantime, Gravelines signed 2-year contract extension with Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami (OH)). The player arrived to Gravelines at the end of February replacing Trey Johnson. He appeared 13 times in ProA averaging 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Before Gravelines, Juby Johnson played five years for Croatian team Zadar. He graduated at the Miami, OH in 2004.

Some of his Awards/Achievements:
Croatian Cup (Kresimir Cosic Cup) Winner -05, 06
Eurobasket.com Adriatic League All-Defensive Team -05
Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Import player of the Year -05
Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Defensive Player of the Year -05
Croatian League All-Star Game -08
Eurocup Quarterfinals -09


France U20 lose against EuroCamp All-Stars - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - EuroCamp All-Stars 57:64

French U20 played a friendly game in Treviso, Italy. They faced the Adidad EuroCamp All-Star selection. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) fired 14 points to propel the All-Stars to the win.
The All-Stars got to an impressive start. They led 10:2 early in the encounter. The first quarter result saw the All-Star selection leading by 7 points 20:13. EuroCamp team stretched the margin to 14 points early in the second quarter. The All-Stars ensured an 8-point advantage at the interval. However the French team tipped off the second half with a 10:2 run. Soon the French youngsters jumped into a 47:46 lead. But EuroCamp All-Stars returned control over the encounter early in the fourth stanza. They restored a 10-point cushion and did not look back en route to the victory.
David Jelinek (194-G-90) and Rasid Mahalbasic (207-F/C-90) scored 9 points each for the EuroCamp team. Sarra Camara (204-F/C-89) finished with 7 points in the win. Lens Abadou responded with 9 points. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) accounted for 8 points in the loss.


Elan Chalon lands Steed Tchicamboud and Ilian Evtimov - by Eurobasket News
Elan Chalon announced signing of Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) and Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.).

Steed Tchicamboud penned a three-year deal with Chalon. He arrives from Nancy, where he averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists for 32 games this season. Tchicamboud also played 6 games in EuroCup adding 8.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.8 apg. He joined Nancy from Cholet in 2008. Tchicamboud grew up with Chalon and was their member until the end of 2001/02 season. In 2005 he re-joined the team and stayed there one season. This is his third time with Chalon.

Some of his Awards/Achievements:
Saporta Cup Finalist -01
French ProA Semifinals -02, 09
Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Newcomers Team -04
French ProB Finalist -06
French ProA All-Star Game -08, 10
French La Semaine des As Cup Winner -08
French National Team -08
Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 6 games: 1.7ppg
French Cup Finalist -08, 09


Ilian Evtimov signed 2-year deal with the club. He arrives from the Cypriot team AEL Limassol. Evtimov appeared 13 times in EuroChallenge averaging 10.9 points and 3.3 rebounds. He started the season with Levski Sophia, but in October moved to Cyprus. From 2007 to 2009, Evtimov was a member of Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt. On season 2006/07 he played in Italy for VidiVici Bologna.

Some of his Awards/Achievements:
French U17 National Team -99
European Championships U17 -99
ACC Tournament Finalist -02,03
French U20 National Team -02
Italian Cup Finalist -07
FIBA EuroCup Semifinals -07
Italian SerieA Finalist -07
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team -08
German Bundesliga Semifinals -08
German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -09
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga Awards All-Bosmans Team -09
Cyprus Super Cup Winner -09
Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Bosmans Team -10
Cyprus League Finalist -10
Cyprus League Regular Season Champion -10


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Dime Tasovski retires from the National Team - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from various FYR Macedonian media, Macedonian NT has received bad news one day before the start of preparation for 2011 EuroBasket qualifications. Reportedly Dime Tasovski (201-F-80) has announced that he is retiring from National team and his decision is final. The player has been an irreplaceable at the forward position for years. Now the NT have lost one of their best players and will have to look for new solution. As reason for making such decision, Tasovski has cited the fact that FYR Macedonia has enough young and talented players who deserve a chance in the in the National Team. It remains to be seen who the replacement for Tasovski will be in the long run and will it hurt FYR Macedonias chances of qualifying for EuroBasket.
Dime Tasovski started his career in 1997 when he made his debut with Zito Vardar Veles. By his final season for the club, Tasovski averaged 24.5 points and 7.8 rebounds in 2003. As result of good plays, Fersped Rabotnicki came calling in 2004. In 4 seasons with Rabotnicki, Tasovski has won 3 National Titles in 2004, 2005 and 2006. At the start of 2007-2008 season, Tasovski signed with Strumica 2005 where he appeared in 4 EuroCup games during which he posted averages of 14.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. Following year, Tasovski returned to Rabotnicki which proved to be the great move. He averaged 14.7 points and 3.6 rebounds as he led Rabotnicki to yet another title in 2009. That same season, Tasovski represented Macedonia at Eurobasket in Poland. He played in 8 games and has averaged 3.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest. This past season, Tasovski started off with Ukrainian outfit Politekhnika-Halychyna before moving to Trepca in march of 2010.

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  GEORGIA   


Giorgi Shermadini celebrates in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) won the title in Greek championship with his Panathinaikos Athens. The Greens outplayed Oympiakos 3-1 in the Finals proving their domination in Greek basketball once again. This is their eighth straight title. Giorgi Shermadini appeared 19 times in domestic league this season averaging 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. In Euroleague, Shermadini played 12 games adding 4.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg.
Finals Game 4, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 69-76: Panathinaikos defended the championship title in Greece. The Greens celebrated in Game Four 69-76 wining the series with almost perfect 3-1. Mike Batiste stepped up for the new-old champions with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis was the second scorer in this victory with 15 points and he also grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Andrew Nicholas helped with 13 pts. For the home side, Ioannis Bourousis collected 15 pts. Linas Kleiza had 11. It was a game full of incidents and it started with 45 minutes delay. Olympiakos opened the game in style making 19-12 lead after ten minutes of play. Mike Batiste and his teammates woke up immediately and they managed to make a turn in Q2. The Reds scored just 13 points in this period, while PAO on the other side drained 26. Thus, the Greens were 32-38 up at the half time. After the breather, actually in 26th minute, PAO jumped to 42-50 and the hosts called a timeout. During the timeout Olympiakos fans made a big incident and the game was interrupted for one hour. That didnt help Olympiakos as PAO managed to increase its lead despite all bad things which happened last night. After 30 minutes of play, PAO was 54-63 up. Later, actually with seven minutes remaining in the game, the Greens grabbed double-digit advantage 59-69. At that time it was clear that PAO plays good enough to keep this lead and it seemed that the game will finally come to the end. But that didnt happen. With something more than one minute to go (69-76 for PAO) Olympiakos fans made another big incident and the referees decided to end this meeting. Giorgi Shermadini got one minute in this meeting.
Finals Game 3, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 79-70: Panathinaikos is 2-1 up in the series after 79-70 victory in Game Three. Andrew Nicholas scored 18 points (5 triples) for the home side. Nikola Pekovic, Mike Batiste, Stratos Perperoglou and Vassilis Spanoulis followed him with 10 points each. On the other side, Olympiakos got 17 points and 5 rebounds from Ioannis Bourousis. Josh Childress had 15 points and 5 boards in this defeat.
Finals Game 2, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 79-72: Olympiakos tied the score to 1-1 in the Playoff Finals. After loss in the first meeting, the Reds managed to recover and to beat the defending champion 79-72. Linas Kleiza paced the home side to victory with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Milos Teodosic scored 16 points, while Josh Childress (7 rebs) and Ioannis Bourousis (7 rebs) helped with 14 pts each. In PAO, Nikola Pekovic nailed 22 points. Dimitris Diamantidis this time stopped on 11 pts and 5 boards.
Finals Game 1, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 73-54: Panathinaikos was too strong for Olympiakos in Game One of the Playoff Finals. The Greens celebrated an easy 73-54 victory and they are 1-0 up now. Mike Batiste shined for the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Antonis Fotis also scored 13 points, but to go with 5 boards. Nikola Pekovic (5 rebs) and Costas Tsartsaris nailed 10 points each. On the other side, the Euroleague finalist got 13 points from Linas Kleiza. Milos Teodosic stopped on 10.

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  GERMANY   


Torrell Martin (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Gets Contract Extension - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After finishing in last place in 2008-2009 and then taking The Deutsche Bank Skyliners to 5 games in the 2010 BEKO BBL Semi Finals, The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven are making strong steps in trying to keep players for next season as they decided to give American Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) a new one year contract. In the 2009-2010 season, Martin was one of the important players for the Eisbaeren as he averaged 11,1ppg, 5,2rpg, 2,0apg and 1,3spg. Martin showed quickly that he belongs to the top athletic players in the BEKO BBL with his play which also helped him become a fan favorite in Bremerhaven.'We are happy that we could keep Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) for an additional season. He is not only an excellent basketball player, but also a great guy. I am more than confident that he will be able to have a strong season again with us', stressed Bremerhaven manager Jan Rathjen . Coach Doug Spradley is also thrilled in be able to keep Martin for the next season. 'Torrell feels very comfortable in Bremerhaven. He gave the team a lot of energy with his playing style. If he can increase his offense potential, then he will be able to bring us to a new level', warned Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) At the moment Martin is checking his options for being able to play NBA summer League as he has interest from various NBA teams.
Source: www.eisbaeren-bremerhaven.de

John Goldsberry (Brose Baskets Bamberg) Thoughts On Game 1 And 2 Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) is a 27 year old 191cm point guard from Kettering Ohio playing his second season with The Brose Baskets Bamberg. He played at NC-Wilmington from 2002-2006. He started his professional basketball career in 2006 with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen playing 32 games: 8.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), 2FGP: 49.1%, 3FGP: 40.2%, FT: 73.6%. In 2007-2008, he went to The Artland Dragons playing 38 games: 7.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 85.2%. he also played 14 ULEB Cup games averaging 8.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.1apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 75%, 3FGP: 48.8%, FT: 70.4%; he won the 2008 BBL cup with Artland.. Last season, he moved along with coach Chris Fleming from Artland to Bamberg and played 9 games: 6.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 85.5%. This season he won the BEKO BBL cup and he took some time to talk to eurobasket after the game 1 loss against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners.

Was the 65-63 loss to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners the most difficult loss of the season?



I dont know, but it was a tough loss. Frankfurt earned the win.

Why couldnt The Brose Baskets Bamberg stop the 13-3 Frankfurt run at the end?




Frankfurt hit big shots when they counted and we didnt. the finals will always be a defensive battle. We didnt get the needed stops at the end.

What does Bamberg have to do better in game 2?



We lost concentration at the end and not execute as well. We know that they are a good team that is well coached. If we execute better in the next games then we will be ok.

What did The Brose Baskets Bamberg do well in game 1?



We defended pretty well. Giving up 65 points to a strong team like Frankfurt is ok.

Aubrey Reese and Pascal Roller played well. What was your impression of their games?




They are both very good scoring point guards. They were very aggressive and stepped up when they had t. they will have to continue to play like that to beat us. I was impressed by them, but there is still a lot of basketball to be played.

How disappointed was coach Chris Fleming?



He was disappointed. We controlled the game for the most part and let it slip away at the end. We will make the needed adjustments and be ready in game 2.

What adjustments do The Brose Baskets Bamberg have to do in game 2?


We need to tighten up some things on defense. We have to execute better on offense and make our shots.

Bamberg penetrates very well. How long did it take to develop that?


It took us a while to build our chemistry. We have guys that can make plays off the dribble and pass. When we practice good ball movement then it is hard to stop us. We have to do this better in game 2.

What can we expect from game 2?


It will be a tough close game. Neither team will lay down and die. It will be a tough atmosphere. We are confident and anxious to get back on the floor.

What was the last DVD that you saw?



Robin Hood.
Thanks John for the chat.


Seth Doliboa (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Thoughts To Game 1 and 2 In the BEKO BBL Finals Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.)s a 28 year old 203 cm power forward that will be playing his first season with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He grew up in Ohio and went to Wright State. In his junior year, he played 28 games averaging 22.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3apg. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 15.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.0apg. He started his professional basketball career with the Roanoke Dazzle playing in the NBDL league and then in the D-League, playing 47 games averaging 10.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43%, 3PT: 33%, FT: 78.1%. Last season, he played in Portugal for Sport Lisboa Benfica playing 26 games and averaging 17.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 72.8%. He won the Portugal league championship and was the 2009 Allstar MVP award. Seth spoke to Eurobasket before game two of the 2010 BEKO BBL finals against The Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Congrats Seth on a thrilling 65-63 win. Ok The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have won so many big games this season. Where does this win rank?



Definitely top three and maybe higher, depending on how you want to look at it.

Bamberg had the comfortable 21-12 lead after one quarter. Why didnt Frankfurt get into the game better in the first quarter?



They came out on fire and we couldn t seem to get in sink on the offensive end. I think this can be normal in that type of environment.

In the second quarter, Frankfurt cut the Bamberg lead to 35-30. What was Frankfurt doing better in the second quarter and how much did the Suput buzzer beater hurt before halftime?





We got settled down and played our style of basketball. It was a tough and contested shot he hit at the end of the half. Those are going to fall sometimes. We didn t put too much thought into this type of play.

How frustrating is it when you fight back and Bamberg keeps executing on offense keeping their lead. Is there any way to combat this?


Yeah, we combat it with our continuous fight. They re a good team and we expect this from them. That s why both teams are in the finals.

How happy were you with the energy level of the team and fatigue. It is always costing a lot of energy when you are behind and coming back exerting much energy.



We were very happy with our effort and energy. We left everything we had on the floor.

What was key in the 13-3 run at the end which won the game?




We played well as a team, but we also had guys step up and make huge individual plays.

I think Bamberg is one of the best penetrating teams in the BEKO BBL. It seemed like they tried it almost on every possession. What does Frankfurt have to do better to limit it in game two?


Our help defense will continue to get better in this series, especially as we get more familiar with them.


What can we expect from game two?


Another high intensity game. It s a must win for both teams and we want to protect our home court advantage we gained.

Celtics-Lakers 1-1. Will Boston win two at home to lead 3-1?


I hope so. I think it will make the series much more interesting.
Thanks Seth for the chat.


Grayson Moyer (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) We Can Play Better In Game 2 Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
American Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) is a 23 year old 196cm guard who comes from the paradise of San Diego, California. He went to Humboldt State (NCAA 2) graduating in 2008. He was CCAA Regular Season Champion in 2007 and runner up in 2008. He was a bit unlucky in his first professional season as the Alaska Dream of the ABA folded in December 2008. He got some experience playing for the Los Angeles Lightning of the IBL this past summer. He is a BBL rookie this season for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Moyer sat down with eurobasket to talk about basketball and the Bremerhaven and Bamberg playoff series.

What was in your thoughts as Bamberg was leading 60 52 with 4 minutes to play?

We were always confident and we have had so many games this season where we were down at the end and we were able to come back. We seem to like to fight till the end and come out on top.

What were the reasons why Bamberg was not able to execute on offense during the Frankfurt 3-13 run?

We controlled their offense, did a better job guarding the pick and roll and did a good job getting rebounds. We just fought very hard.

Bamberg is very good at penetrating to the basket, is there any way how you can stop it?

They hurt us on the penetration in the first half, they are very good at catching the ball and going right away. We have to be able to close out fast and force them out to the base line, where there is more help. If they get the ball in the middle, they have more angles to make passes.

What can we expect from game 2?

It will be an intense hard fought game and both teams will bring a lot of energy. I think we can play a lot better than we did in game 1.

Where would you rate the game 5 Bremerhaven win in your basketball career?

I would place game 5 near the top. It is always the dream of a basketball player to play in a game 5 or 7. It was so exciting to win game 5 on the road.

How much energy did it take to play game 5 and is a player able to block out the fatigue?

When you play in the game, you do not notice the fatigue. I thought we had the advantage because we play 10 or 11 guys. Most of Bremerhavens starters played 40 minutes or more and were tired in the end. Our depth helped us win the game.

What was your favourite scene in game 5 against Bremerhaven?

I liked the Tez 3-pointer from the corner in overtime. Some minutes had gone by and no one had scored yet, his 3-pointer put us up and gave us the advantage as they had to foul and we had the freethrows.

What were you thinking as Derrick Allen was on the freethrow line?

I knew that both were going to go in and we knew that if he got both, then the game was sealed. The first one relieves the pressure and second one makes you happy.

What was your impression of German Philipp Schwethelm, who has a chance to go the World Championships with the German National Team this summer?

He is a great shooter, he can stretch out the defense and you cannot get help off him. Even when he does not shoot, he takes away the help defense.

How happy are you with your first season with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners with your favourite play?

Overall, I am pretty happy with my play but I am always thinking what I can do to get better but most important, we are playing great as a team and we have the chance to win the title.

How difficult was the transition from the ABA to the BBL?

The BBL is more competitive, organized and there are better players. It took me some games in the BBL to get used to the play.

How do you get used to the pressure of coming from the bench and giving instant energy?

I have to come in and provide a spark, I want to come in to build what the starters did. I want to give energy, take open shots and create for others.

What do you still need to improve on your game and what did you yet improve in Frankfurt?

I think I can still improve my lateral quickness on defense and give strong help under the basket. This season I improved my basketball knowledge and understanding of the game and playing as a team.

You did not start playing much as Gordon Herbert came in, why?

I missed some games and the team played very well, some guys were hot and when they are hot, you play them.

How tough was it not playing right away for coach Gordon Herbert?

It has been an adjustment for me, the team is on a run currently and winning cures all. As long as we are winning, I am happy.

What do you respect most of Gordon Herbert?

He is so dedicated to the team and to the game. He puts in so many hours watching film. He always has a game plan and is good at making adjustment.

Who is your funniest team mate?

There are a few. Marius Nolte is funny, Aubrey Reese is loud and funny and Dominik is also very funny but overall, the team is funny.

What do you like most about Germany?

I have been blessed being able to play in Frankfurt. It is a great city and the fans are very friendly. The whole experience of playing professional basketball in Germany is something I will always remember. I also enjoy the scenery on road trips.

If you had to pick a player from another team that you played against this season, who would you like to play together with?

That is a tough question. There are so many players I would like to play with, like Rodney Buford, Heiko Schaffartzik. But I would not break up our team for anything.

Who will win the NBA finals?

The Lakers will pull it out in 6 games.

How do you see the chances of Robin Benzing, Tibor Pleiss and Tim Ohlbrecht getting drafted by the NBA?

It is exciting for them, they are young, have a lot of potential and got a lot of game. They still have room to grow and I wish them the best.

Who wins a one on one, you or Dominik Bahiense de Mello?

I cannot go against myself but he is capable of hitting tough shots and when he catches fire, he is hard to stop.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Full Metal Jacket on the trip back from Bremerhaven.
Thanks, Grayson, for the chat.


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Ex-NBA player Orien Greene suspended for two years - by Fred Roggen
Former NBA and University of Florida guard Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) has been suspended for two years for tampering with urine samples while playing for Eclips Jet MyGuide in Amsterdam.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency worked with authorities in the Netherlands to determine Greene tried to use urine provided to him by another person. His suspension is retroactive to March 12, 2009.
Greene's teammate on Eclips Jet MyGuide Amsterdam, former Arkansas guard Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, college: Arkansas), admitted to helping Greene and received a six-month suspension
that took effect last Saturday.

Jason Ellis stays a Flames - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames and forward Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.) have agreed to terms for one more season until spring of 2011. Ellis, a Dutch champion and Defensive player of the year, has spent one season in Groningen, helping the club win the 2010 Dutch championship. He was a hero early this season at the semi-finals victory over ZZ Leiden.
Ellis, 27, has been a major player in the Flames success the last season. The former Bronco finished this season with 9.3ppg and 8.6rpg.


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  ISRAEL   


Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 28.8
 1. Brown, Hap.Haifa28.8 
 2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon28.3 
 3. Markson, Elitzur .22.7 
 4. Byerson, Natzrath.21.5 
 5. Jackson, Kiryat Ata21.4 
 6. Drayton, Beer Y.21.4 
 7. Paris, Hapoel Beeri20.8 
 8. Clemente, Macc.Ash.20.7 
 9. Brandy, Hod H.20.4 
 10. Hicks, Kohav Yair19.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Brandy, Hod H.12.3 
 2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri12.2 
 3. Byerson, Natzrath.11.8 
 4. Clemente, Macc.Ash.11.4 
 5. Peterson, Elitzur .10.9 
 6. Uter, Macc.Habikaa9.3 
 7. Drayton, Beer Y.9.2 
 8. Lee, Kiryat Ata9.2 
 9. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.9.0 
 10. Jackson, Kiryat Ata8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Megido/Yok.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7
 1. Nenikashvili, Megido.7.0 
 2. Berkovich, Hap.H.6.8 
 3. Huli, Lev Hasharon6.0 
 4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon5.5 
 5. Golan, Lev Hasharon5.4 
 6. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri5.2 
 7. Brandwein, Elitzu.5.1 
 8. OFIR FARHI Macc..4.9 
 9. Cohen, Natzrath.4.8 
 10. Skverer, Macc.Hab.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Bryant MARKSON
  Elitzur Yavne
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Markson, Elitzur .2.6 
 2. OFIR FARHI Macc..2.4 
 3. Asbury, Hap.Tivon2.3 
 4. Berkovich, Hap.H.2.2 
 5. Harush, Kohav Yair2.2 
 6. Young, Elitzur Ramla1.9 
 7. Matalon, Megido/Y.1.8 
 8. Brandy, Hod H.1.8 
 9. Bank, Elitzur Ramla1.7 
 10. Clemente, Macc.Ash.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Adrian UTER
  Macc.Habikaa
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Uter, Macc.Habikaa1.9 
 2. Byerson, Natzrath.1.7 
 3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri1.4 
 4. Dunne, Macc.Ashdod1.3 
 5. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.1.3 
 6. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri1.2 
 7. Peterson, Elitzur .1.1 
 8. Markson, Elitzur .1.0 
 9. Yakusi, Hap.Haifa0.9 
 10. Carr, Megido/Yok.0.9 


Maccabi start talks with David Blatt - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi have officially started negotiating with David Blatt on the possible head coach job. The Tel-Aviv team began looking for head coach after Pini Gershon (agency: Arik Krayn Services ) decided to leave the position. David Blatt was last seen in Aris. He was hired back in January leading the team into A1 playoffs. The US-Israeli 51-year-old specialist had stints with Galil Elyon in Israel, Dynamo St. Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow in Russia, Efes Pilsen in Turkey and Benetton Treviso in Italy. David Blatt also worked with Maccabi Tel-Aviv back in 2001-2003 seasons.


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  ITALY   


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 Gary NEAL
  Unicaja
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Neal, Benetton TV19.4 
 2. Grundy, Carife FE17.9 
 3. Aradori, Angelico.16.7 
 4. Ford, Carife FE16.6 
 5. Hicks, Scavolini PS15.4 
 6. Lavrinovic, Montepas.15.3 
 7. Ere, Pepsi Caserta15.1 
 8. Jackson, Carife FE15.1 
 9. Brown, Air AV14.8 
 10. Bell, Vanoli CR14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Ford, Carife FE9.8 
 2. Brunner, Sigma C.8.4 
 3. Jones, Pepsi C.8.4 
 4. Williams, Scavolin.7.9 
 5. Troutman, Air AV7.9 
 6. Pasco, Angelico BI7.5 
 7. Milic, Vanoli CR7.3 
 8. Wallace, Benetton.7.2 
 9. Rocca, Armani MI6.9 
 10. Szewczyk, Air AV6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Dee BROWN
  Air AV
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Brown, Air AV5.2 
 2. Green, Scavolini PS5.0 
 3. Poeta, Banca Tercas4.4 
 4. Childress, Cimberio.4.3 
 5. Smith, Angelico BI4.1 
 6. McIntyre, Montepas.4.0 
 7. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.6 
 8. Finley, Armani MI3.0 
 9. Bowers, Pepsi C.2.9 
 10. Kus, Benetton TV2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Scavolini PS
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Green, Scavolini PS3.3 
 2. Jaaber, Lottomat.3.1 
 3. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.9 
 4. Troutman, Air AV2.6 
 5. Hawkins, Montepas.2.5 
 6. Minard, Lottomat.2.4 
 7. Farabello, Carife F.2.3 
 8. Ere, Pepsi Caserta2.3 
 9. Grundy, Carife FE2.3 
 10. Aradori, Angelico.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Ford, Carife FE3.1 
 2. Eze, Montepaschi1.4 
 3. Szewczyk, Air AV1.1 
 4. Crosariol, Lottomat.1.1 
 5. Pasco, Angelico BI1.0 
 6. Sanikidze, CS Bo.0.8 
 7. Ortner, NGC Cantu0.8 
 8. Maggioli, CS Bo.0.8 
 9. Cusin, Vanoli CR0.7 
 10. Gigli, Lottomatica0.7 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget IM
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Whiting, Aget IM22.3 
 2. Kemp, Banco Sard.21.4 
 3. Forte, Edimes PV20.8 
 4. Goss, Scafati .20.7 
 5. Young, Umana Reyer19.4 
 6. Crispin, Enel B.18.9 
 7. Slay, Carmatic PT18.8 
 8. Adams, Fileni Jesi18.5 
 9. Thomas, Enel Brindisi18.3 
 10. Hines, Prima Veroli18.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Edilizia
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 13.6
 1. Ebi, Edilizia13.6 
 2. Boykin, Edimes PV10.2 
 3. Waleskowski, Fileni J.9.7 
 4. Ezugwu, Aget IM8.4 
 5. Chiacig, Scafati .8.3 
 6. Hines, Prima Veroli8.2 
 7. Thomas, Enel Brindisi7.5 
 8. Missere, A.B. L.7.5 
 9. Brkic, Snaidero UD7.5 
 10. Smith, Trenkwalder7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus HATTEN
  UCC Casalpus.
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Hatten, UCC C.4.8 
 2. Levin, Fastweb CM4.6 
 3. Forte, Edimes PV4.2 
 4. Nissim, Prima Veroli4.2 
 5. Rowe, Banco Sard.4.0 
 6. Young, Edimes PV3.4 
 7. Brown, Snaidero UD3.3 
 8. Bertolazzi, Miro R.3.2 
 9. Whiting, Aget IM3.1 
 10. Garris, Umana R.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Joseph FORTE
  Edimes PV
  (193-G-81)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Forte, Edimes PV3.8 
 2. Hines, Prima Veroli3.5 
 3. Hatten, UCC C.3.5 
 4. Goss, Scafati .3.3 
 5. Ebi, Edilizia3.2 
 6. Young, Umana Reyer3.1 
 7. Boyette, Miro R.2.7 
 8. Williams, Miro R.2.6 
 9. Whiting, Aget IM2.6 
 10. Draper, Prima Veroli2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Troy OSTLER
  UCC Casalpus.
  (209-F-78)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ostler, UCC C.2.0 
 2. Hines, Prima Veroli1.7 
 3. Ebi, Edilizia1.7 
 4. Di Giuliomar., Umana R.1.7 
 5. Bryan, Enel Brindisi1.1 
 6. Melli, Trenkwalder1.0 
 7. Boykin, Fileni Jesi1.0 
 8. Ferrero, A.B. L.0.9 
 9. Hubalek, Banco S.0.9 
 10. Hall, Fastweb CM0.9 


SerieA Round: 4 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Armani MI - Pepsi Caserta 91-74
Armani Jeans stayed alive in the semifinal series aganst Caserta. Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) knocked down 21 points and issued 5 assists to pace the hosts. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) provided 18 points in the victory. Fabio Di Bella (187-G-78) nailed 17 points for Caserta. The decisive fifth game is scheduled on Thursday.


Adidas EuroCamp Day 3. Results and Stats - by Eurobasket News
Adidas EuroCamp enjoyed the third day of action yesterday. Three games were played. Orhan Haciyeva (201-C/F-89) scored 14 points to lead his team to a 48:43 victory in the opening clash of the day. Abdoulaye MBaye (186-G-88) added 8 points for the winners. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) responded with 10 points. Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) finished with 8 points in the losing case.
The second game was a tough battle. The lead changed hands for numerous times. Finally the team led by Jeremy Tyler eked out a 55:53 win. Tyler delivered 15 points and 8 rebounds. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) added 14 points in the victory. Sarra Camara (204-F/C-89) responded with 11 points. Josep Franch (198-G-91) and David Jelinek (194-G-90) notched 10 points each in the loss.
The third game of the day saw EuroCamp All-Stars selection defeating French U20 team 64:57. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) fired 14 points to lead the charge. Rasid Mahalbasic (207-F/C-90) contributed 9 points in the winning effort. Lens Abadou replied with 9 points in the loss.


Enel Brindisi keeps Giovanni Perdichizzi for the next two years - by Eurobasket News
Enel Brindisi announced signing of 2-year contract extension with their Head Coach Giovanni Perdichizzi . Brindisi had wonderful last season winning the Lega2 championship with 21-9 record. Of course, Brinidisi will compete in SerieA next season.
Coach Giovanni Perdichizzi took over Brindisi in January 2008. In his first season the club competed in B1 and Perdichizzi helped it to reach Lega2. The team managed to survive in their rookie year in Lega2 ending it was No.12. This season they improved drastically. Brindisi won Lega2 championship registering 21 wins in 30 appearances. They had two wins more than the second ranked Prima Veroli.
Before Brindisi, Giovanni Perdichizzi spent three seasons with Upea Capo D'Orlando. They also won the promotion from Lega2 to SerieA and it was on season 2004/05. Perdichizzi was awarded with 'Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Coach of the Year - 05'. At the same year Upea Capo D'Orlando won the Lega2 Cup. In the past Perdichizzi also worked with Messina.

Fabrizio Frates leaves Montegranaro - by Eurobasket News
Fabrizio Frates will no longer be the coach of Montegranaro. The 50-year-old specialist parted ways with the team. He led Montegranaro to the SeriaA playoffs recording 15-13 in the regular season. In 2008/09 season Fabrizio Frates worked with Eldo Caserta.
Montegranaro will now be guided by Stefano Pillastrini .


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


Saitama Broncos hire Bob Nash - by Eurobasket News
The Saitama Broncos have agreed on terms of contract with head coach Bob Nash . The US specialist had worked with the University of Hawaii basketball team. Bob Nash had a 34-56 overall record with the college team. Bob Nash played for the Detroit Pistons and the Kansas City Kings back in the 70s.


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


Latvian men national team roster - by Arturs Butans
Head coach of Latvian men national team, Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Interperformances ), has publish the national team roster. Ainars Bagatskis named 23 players who will fight their way to the national team squad.

10 of 23 players this is the first time to stand as a candidate.

Latvian men national team roster:
Point guards:
Janis Strelnieks Ventspils
Rinalds Sirsnins Barons
Edgars Jeromanovs Liepajas Lauvas
Janis Kaufmanis Valmiera

Second guards:
Dairis Bertans Ventspils
Mareks Jurevicus Ventspils
Ingus Bankevics Rigas VEF
Akselis Vairogs JSA Bordeaux
Janis Blums Bilbao Basket

Small forwards:
Kristers Zeidaks Fastweb Casalle
Arturs Stalbergs Rigas VEF
Rihards Kuksiks Sun Devils
Ernests Kalve Ventspils
Ivars Timermanis Barons

Power forwards:
Mareks Mejeris Liepajas Lauvas
Kaspars Berzins Fuenlabrada
Ronalds Zakis Ventspils
Rolands Freimanis Cajasol
Pavels Veselovs Prostejov

Centers:
Davis Rozitis Trojans
Andris Biedrins Warriors
Martins Meiers Ventspils
Raitis Grafs iauliai
Position, name, team.

Latvian men national team schedule - by Arturs Butans
Latvia men national basketball team head coach Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Interperformances ) has announce the schedule of Latvian national team friendly game list.
Only 3 of 8 friendly games will be played in Latvia.

Latvian National Team schedule:
Latvia - Latvian National Team U20. In Riga, Latvia.
Latvia - Poland, July 10th and 11th. In Ventspils, Latvia.
Latvia - Ukraine, July 17th and 18th. In Ukraine.
Latvia - Sweden, July 25th. In Estonia.
Latvia - Estonia, July 26th. In Estonia.
Latvia - Russia, July 29th. In Russia.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Third straight title for Jasikevicius in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Lithuanian superstar Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) grabbed another title in Greece with his team Panathinaikos Athens. The experienced point guard and PAO outplayed Oympiakos 3-1 in the Finals proving their domination in Greek basketball once again. It is their eighth straight title, third for Jasikevicius.
Sarunas Jasikevicius helped PAO this season in Greece with 8 ppg and 2.5 apg for 24 games.
Finals Game 4, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 69-76: Panathinaikos defended the championship title in Greece. The Greens celebrated in Game Four 69-76 wining the series with almost perfect 3-1. Mike Batiste stepped up for the new-old champions with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis was the second scorer in this victory with 15 points and he also grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Andrew Nicholas helped with 13 pts. For the home side, Ioannis Bourousis collected 15 pts. Linas Kleiza had 11. It was a game full of incidents and it started with 45 minutes delay. Olympiakos opened the game in style making 19-12 lead after ten minutes of play. Mike Batiste and his teammates woke up immediately and they managed to make a turn in Q2. The Reds scored just 13 points in this period, while PAO on the other side drained 26. Thus, the Greens were 32-38 up at the half time. After the breather, actually in 26th minute, PAO jumped to 42-50 and the hosts called a timeout. During the timeout Olympiakos fans made a big incident and the game was interrupted for one hour. That didnt help Olympiakos as PAO managed to increase its lead despite all bad things which happened last night. After 30 minutes of play, PAO was 54-63 up. Later, actually with seven minutes remaining in the game, the Greens grabbed double-digit advantage 59-69. At that time it was clear that PAO plays good enough to keep this lead and it seemed that the game will finally come to the end. But that didnt happen. With something more than one minute to go (69-76 for PAO) Olympiakos fans made another big incident and the referees decided to end this meeting. Sarunas Jasikevicius had 6 points and 4 assists in 14 minutes.
Finals Game 3, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 79-70: Panathinaikos is 2-1 up in the series after 79-70 victory in Game Three. Andrew Nicholas scored 18 points (5 triples) for the home side. Nikola Pekovic, Mike Batiste, Stratos Perperoglou and Vassilis Spanoulis followed him with 10 points each. On the other side, Olympiakos got 17 points and 5 rebounds from Ioannis Bourousis. Josh Childress had 15 points and 5 boards in this defeat. Sarunas Jasikevicius had 4 points for 12 minutes in this game.
Finals Game 2, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 79-72: Olympiakos tied the score to 1-1 in the Playoff Finals. After loss in the first meeting, the Reds managed to recover and to beat the defending champion 79-72. Linas Kleiza paced the home side to victory with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Milos Teodosic scored 16 points, while Josh Childress (7 rebs) and Ioannis Bourousis (7 rebs) helped with 14 pts each. In PAO, Nikola Pekovic nailed 22 points. Dimitris Diamantidis this time stopped on 11 pts and 5 boards. Sarunas Jasikevicius shined in this game with 10 points for just 12 minutes.
Finals Game 1, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 73-54: Panathinaikos was too strong for Olympiakos in Game One of the Playoff Finals. The Greens celebrated an easy 73-54 victory and they are 1-0 up now. Mike Batiste shined for the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Antonis Fotis also scored 13 points, but to go with 5 boards. Nikola Pekovic (5 rebs) and Costas Tsartsaris nailed 10 points each. On the other side, the Euroleague finalist got 13 points from Linas Kleiza. Milos Teodosic stopped on 10. Sarunas Jasikevicius got 9 minutes in this game as scored 2 points.

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


MNT NT Roster 2010 - by Dragan Scepanovic
Head coach of NT of Montenegro Dusko Vujosevic announced 17 members NT of Montenegro for preparation for Qualification for EC 2011.
Basketball Players NT of Montenegro : Ivan Koljevic, Omar Cook, Goran Jeretin, Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) (capiten), Ivan Maras, Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75), Nikola Pekovic, Slavko Vranes, Vladimir Golubovic, Vladimir Dragicevic, Vladimir Dasic, Milko Bjelica, Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87), Sead Sehovic (201-C/F-89), Milo Borisov, Nikola Vucevic, Quincy Dubi.

Nikola Pekovic helps PAO win the tile in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) grabbed another title in Greece with his team Panathinaikos Athens. The Montenegrin big guy and PAO outplayed Oympiakos 3-1 in the Finals proving their domination in Greek basketball once again. It is their eighth straight title, second for Pekovic.
Nikola Pekovic helped PAO this season in Greece with 12.2 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 35 games.
Finals Game 4, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 69-76: Panathinaikos defended the championship title in Greece. The Greens celebrated in Game Four 69-76 wining the series with almost perfect 3-1. Mike Batiste stepped up for the new-old champions with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis was the second scorer in this victory with 15 points and he also grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Andrew Nicholas helped with 13 pts. For the home side, Ioannis Bourousis collected 15 pts. Linas Kleiza had 11. It was a game full of incidents and it started with 45 minutes delay. Olympiakos opened the game in style making 19-12 lead after ten minutes of play. Mike Batiste and his teammates woke up immediately and they managed to make a turn in Q2. The Reds scored just 13 points in this period, while PAO on the other side drained 26. Thus, the Greens were 32-38 up at the half time. After the breather, actually in 26th minute, PAO jumped to 42-50 and the hosts called a timeout. During the timeout Olympiakos fans made a big incident and the game was interrupted for one hour. That didnt help Olympiakos as PAO managed to increase its lead despite all bad things which happened last night. After 30 minutes of play, PAO was 54-63 up. Later, actually with seven minutes remaining in the game, the Greens grabbed double-digit advantage 59-69. At that time it was clear that PAO plays good enough to keep this lead and it seemed that the game will finally come to the end. But that didnt happen. With something more than one minute to go (69-76 for PAO) Olympiakos fans made another big incident and the referees decided to end this meeting. Nikola Pekovic got 10 minutes in this game collecting 7 points and 3 rebounds.
Finals Game 3, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 79-70: Panathinaikos is 2-1 up in the series after 79-70 victory in Game Three. Andrew Nicholas scored 18 points (5 triples) for the home side. Nikola Pekovic, Mike Batiste, Stratos Perperoglou and Vassilis Spanoulis followed him with 10 points each. On the other side, Olympiakos got 17 points and 5 rebounds from Ioannis Bourousis. Josh Childress had 15 points and 5 boards in this defeat.
Finals Game 2, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 79-72: Olympiakos tied the score to 1-1 in the Playoff Finals. After loss in the first meeting, the Reds managed to recover and to beat the defending champion 79-72. Linas Kleiza paced the home side to victory with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Milos Teodosic scored 16 points, while Josh Childress (7 rebs) and Ioannis Bourousis (7 rebs) helped with 14 pts each. In PAO, Nikola Pekovic nailed 22 points. Dimitris Diamantidis this time stopped on 11 pts and 5 boards.
Finals Game 1, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 73-54: Panathinaikos was too strong for Olympiakos in Game One of the Playoff Finals. The Greens celebrated an easy 73-54 victory and they are 1-0 up now. Mike Batiste shined for the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Antonis Fotis also scored 13 points, but to go with 5 boards. Nikola Pekovic (5 rebs) and Costas Tsartsaris nailed 10 points each. On the other side, the Euroleague finalist got 13 points from Linas Kleiza. Milos Teodosic stopped on 10.

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


Pierce to Lakers fans: 'We're not coming back to L.A.' - by Eurobasket News
It's not that Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) doesn't like the city of Los Angeles.

He grew up there. He still owns a home there.

But the Celtics' captain doesn't want to return to the City of Angels for another Finals game this spring.

In the waning minutes of the Celtics' Game Two victory of the NBA Finals on Sunday night in Los Angeles, Pierce made a loud prediction directed toward the Staples Center crowd that suggested his distaste for L.A. this time of year.

After Pau Gasol shoved Kendrick Perkins to the ground with 1:12 remaining and the Celtics leading, 97-90, Pierce helped Perkins to his feet and could be heard on video replays shouting, 'We ain't coming back to LA!'

With the Celts' 103-94 win in Game Two, the series is tied 1-1 and Boston has an opportunity to close out the Finals at home with the next three games to be played at TD Garden.
If necessary, games Six and Seven of the Finals will be played in L.A. but his comments suggest that he believes the Celtics will win all three of their games at home.

Pierce has made a habit of making bold predictions during his team's 2010 playoff run.

He made headlines during the Eastern Conference Finals when, after Game Two in Orlando, with the Celtics leading the series 2-0 and ready to return to Boston for two games, he ended a postgame interview by looking into a television camera and telling Celtics fans, 'We're coming home to close it out.'

A message also appeared on Pierce's Twitter page that said 'Anybody got a broom?,' implying the Celtics would sweep their series with the Magic. Pierce later said his Twitter account was hacked and the message was posted without his knowledge.

The Celtics took a 3-0 series lead over the Magic but lost Game Four, forcing the series back to Orlando. Boston won the series in six games to advance to the Finals and meet the team Pierce loved as a child: the Lakers.

Courtesy of www.necn.com

Blazers look into hiring new GM - by Eurobasket News
The Portland Trail Blazers have empowered a private headhunting firm to research and reach out to potential general manager candidates, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The use of the firm is further evidence embattled GM Kevin Pritchard has fallen out of favor with ownership and likely will be replaced before next season.

At least two current NBA front-office executives have been targeted, sources confirmed, and the firm has also made several fact-finding calls about Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti .

Pritchard lost a power struggle with Blazers president Larry Miller. His top ally and assistant GM Tom Penn was fired late in the season. Pritchard had sought a contract extension last year only to be rebuffed. AOL Fanhouse reported Pritchards courtside seat next to owner Paul Allen had been taken away this season.

Ownership has refused to give Pritchard a public show of support, and multiple sources say Vulcan Inc., which oversees the Blazers, had become fed up with Pritchards egocentric behavior.

Sources say some potential candidates are uneasy about the ownership dynamic in Portland. Vulcan Inc. has a history of meddlesome behavior, and some established NBA front-office executives are hesitant over a structure where they fear theyll have little chance to establish and carry out their own philosophies and organizational framework. With Miller and popular coach Nate McMillan, the Blazers have two powerful and entrenched figures firmly in place.

Nevertheless, this is still a largely appealing job because of the solid state of the franchises talent base and a motivated and wealthy ownership group. Pritchard is still preparing for the June draft and making cursory calls on potential trades. Agents dealing with him say hes toned down his verbiage, no longer making bold proclamations about his ability to buy draft picks and move up to snare their clients. Its clear he can do little, if anything, without the approval of his superiors.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Hornets name Monty Williams head coach - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have hired Monty Williams as the ninth head coach in franchise history. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. Well post details Tuesday.

We wanted to make sure we interviewed all of the top candidates to get the best available coach on the market, Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. We feel like we succeeded with that objective and now that we have Monty on board, we can concentrate on helping him thrive by continuing to do whatever it takes to make this team better. Monty has all the qualities that we are looking for in a new head coach.

I am honored for this opportunity to be the Hornets head coach, Hornets Head Coach Monty Williams said. I have been fortunate to be around this game as a player and an assistant coach. I have had the privilege to play for and coach alongside some of the best coaches in this league. The Hornets have a first-class organization and team; this is the perfect opportunity for me. I am very excited to get started in New Orleans.

Williams, a native of Fredericksburg, Va., comes to the Hornets after five seasons as the assistant coach under Nate McMillan of the Portland Trail Blazers During his time with the Blazers, he helped the team compile a 198-210 (.483) record. Known as one of the most promising young coaches in the NBA, Williams has been a key asset in developing some of the Blazers young talent. Over the last three seasons, the Blazers have compiled a record of 145-101 (.589), including two straight playoff appearances. A former swingman in the NBA, Williams is largely credited for the development of the young Blazers swingmen Nicholas Batum and Martell Webster, as well as former Blazer and current Los Angeles Clipper Travis Outlaw. Williams served as the head coach for the Blazers summer league team in the NBA Summer League in 2007 and 2008.

Monty is an outstanding teacher, motivator of the game and one of the brightest young coaches in the NBA, said Hornets President Hugh Weber. His former coaches, who are among the best in the NBA, speak very highly of Monty. He teaches from experience and is a great developer of talent. We are extremely excited to add him to the Hornets family.

Williams spent one season as a coaching intern under Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs during the 2004-05, helping the Spurs capture the NBA Championship that season. He was the head coach for the Spurs summer league entry team in the 2005 Rocky Mountain Revue.

I am thrilled to have Coach Williams as our head coach and this season cannot get here fast enough, Hornets point guard Chris Paul said. He is one of the great young coaches in this league. Being a former player, he knows firsthand how the league works and he has played with and worked for some of the great talents in the NBA. I am really excited to be along in his first head coaching journey; he is a perfect fit for our team.

Williams played in the NBA for 10 seasons before chronic knee problems forced him into retirement in 2003. Selected by the New York Knicks in the first round (24th pick overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft out of Notre Dame, Williams played for the Knicks, Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. His best season was with the Spurs in 1996-97, when he averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 65 games. Williams averaged 6.3 points in 456 career games.

Williams was an honorable mention All-American at Notre Dame after averaging 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds during his senior season. He spent two years away from basketball (1990-1992) during college after being diagnosed with hypertropic cardiomyopathy, a rare condition of thickened muscle between the chambers of the heart. He earned a degree from Notre Dames College of Arts and Letters, majoring in communications and theatre.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Cleveland Cavaliers make offer to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo - by Eurobasket News
Tom Izzo insisted recently that he has no interest in coaching in the NBA until he wins at least one more NCAA title at Michigan State.

But that stance might not stop the Cleveland Cavaliers from trying to hire Izzo as their next coach.

The Cavaliers -- fresh off dismissing coach Mike Brown and parting ways with general manager Danny Ferry -- have formally extended an offer to Izzo to replace Brown, sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard on Monday.

The Cavaliers did not confirm or deny the report, declining comment Sunday night. The News-Herald in northern Ohio first reported the Cavs' offer to Izzo.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert reiterated in an e-mail to The Associated Press the team's policy is to not comment on 'any rumor about potential new hires, trades, free agent signing, etc.'

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis denied to the the AP that the Cavs have offered Izzo a contract but confirmed the team is interested in the Spartans' coach.

'There is not a contract offer on the table,' Hollis said in a telephone interview with the AP. 'Last week, there was talk that Chicago and New Jersey were interested. If I was anywhere but at Michigan State, I would be interested in Tom, too, because he's the best coach in college basketball.'

A source told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that Izzo told Michigan State that he hasn't been offered a contract and a lot of the reports have been blown out of proportion.

However, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Monday that Gilbert discussed the framework of a deal, worth about $6 million a season for up to five years, with perks such as using one of his private jets.

Izzo has chosen not to confirm or deny the reports.

'I've taken the no-comment-on-all-of-it policy, which is a little bit unlike Tom Izzo ,' he said Monday night in an interview with WILS radio in Lansing, Mich. 'But I've been very consistent with that. And maybe to close it up, I would just say there are so many things out there that are so far-fetched right now.

'I'm the Michigan State coach and that's what I'm going to do right now. Who knows what the future brings? But it sure isn't at all like it's maybe being speculated.'

This is hardly the first time Izzo has been linked to the Cleveland job. Gilbert is a Michigan State graduate and a longtime Izzo admirer who, according to NBA coaching sources, also investigated the feasibility of hiring Izzo in the summer of 2005, when the Cavs also flirted with Larry Brown before hiring Mike Brown.

Izzo is believed to be on the short list of candidates preferred by Gilbert, who didn't ask Hollis for permission to talk to Izzo.

'That's not normal protocol when you're talking about pro teams going after college coaches,' Hollis said. 'Dan is a great Spartan and I have a lot of respect for him with what he's done in the NBA and with his business.'

Hollis said he talked to Izzo on Monday and several times over the weekend, insisting that wasn't unusual because they have been friends for more than two decades. Izzo was the best man at Hollis' wedding and the two were roommates when starting careers at Michigan State.

'I know Dan and Tom talk and that Dan has reached out to talk to Tom in the past,' Hollis said. 'The only other thing I can tell you at this point is there is a strong interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Tom Izzo .'

Yet it figures to take more than a shared allegiance to a university or even Gilbert's reputation as one of the NBA's biggest spenders to tempt Izzo, given that the Cavaliers have no assurances that they can re-sign LeBron James this summer.

Izzo tried to quell the inevitable speculation about joining the Cavs in a recent interview with ESPN.com, saying: 'I don't have an interest [in the NBA] until I win another championship.'

He did appear to offer some hope of a future jump to the pros when he told Katz that 'I'll never say never.' Yet Izzo quickly added: 'My name always comes up [for NBA jobs], but that doesn't mean they've talked to you.'

Speaking specifically about the Cavaliers' interest in 2005, Izzo insisted: 'There was so much made that Dan Gilbert is from Michigan, but that was more manufactured because I didn't meet with them.'

ESPN.com reported last week that Gilbert has not abandoned hope of hiring a big-name coach despite the fact that Jeff Van Gundy has informed interested teams such as the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland that he intends to stay in television as an ESPN/ABC analyst for at least one more season before returning to coaching.

Charlotte's Larry Brown and Kentucky coach John Calipari -- who is friendly with James and sat near Cleveland's bench during its Game 5 home loss to Boston in the second round of the NBA playoffs -- are two more marquee names that have been mentioned as potential Cavs candidates. ESPN's Byron Scott and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, meanwhile, are already under consideration in Cleveland, sources say.

Izzo hasn't seriously considered a move to the NBA since the summer of 2000, when the Atlanta Hawks pursued him hard after Michigan State won its only title in the Izzo era. The Spartans, though, have made six trips to the Final Four in the past 12 seasons, establishing Izzo as an East Lansing legend.

Izzo is under contract at Michigan State through 2016 and earns an estimated $3 million annually. There's little doubt Gilbert could double that salary, but the Cavs will remain a franchise in flux until they have a commitment from James that he's re-signing. Interest in Izzo could thus prove to be futile, similar to Cleveland's reported hopes of pursuing Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson or Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.

'I'm not worried,' Hollis insisted. 'But Tom has to make the decision that is best for his immediate family.'

Gilbert said last week after Ferry's departure that he hopes to have a new coach in place by the start of free agency July 1, but he also acknowledged that filling the job so quickly might not be possible.

Courtesy of ESPN

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 29.8
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.29.8 
 2. James, Clevelan.29.6 
 3. Anthony, Denver N.28.4 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers27.4 
 5. Wade, Miami Heat27.0 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.25.5 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.25.1 
 8. Granger, Indiana P.24.1 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.24.0 
 10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.23.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 12.9
 1. Howard, Orlando M.12.9 
 2. Camby, LA Clippers12.2 
 3. Lee, New York K.11.7 
 4. Randolph, Memph.11.7 
 5. Boozer, Utah Jazz11.4 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.11.2 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers11.2 
 8. Love, Minnesota T.11.0 
 9. Bosh, Toronto R.10.8 
 10. Haywood, Washingt.10.3 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.9 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.10.7 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz10.5 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.9.8 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.8.9 
 6. James, Clevelan.8.4 
 7. Davis, LA Clippers8.0 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..7.8 
 9. Harris, New J.6.6 
 10. Wade, Miami Heat6.5 
Steals Per Game
 Monta ELLIS
  Golde State W.
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ellis, Golde S.2.3 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.2.2 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.1 
 4. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 5. Curry, Golde S.1.9 
 6. Wade, Miami Heat1.8 
 7. Ariza, Houston R.1.8 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Davis, LA Clippers1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Howard, Orlando M.2.9 
 2. Bogut, Milwauke.2.5 
 3. Haywood, Washingt.2.1 
 4. Haywood, Dallas M.2.0 
 5. Smith, Atlanta H.2.0 
 6. Camby, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. Andersen, Denver N.1.8 
 8. McGee, Washingt.1.8 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers1.8 
 10. Dalembert, Philad.1.8 


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


Cleveland Cavaliers make offer to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo - by Eurobasket News
Tom Izzo insisted recently that he has no interest in coaching in the NBA until he wins at least one more NCAA title at Michigan State.

But that stance might not stop the Cleveland Cavaliers from trying to hire Izzo as their next coach.

The Cavaliers -- fresh off dismissing coach Mike Brown and parting ways with general manager Danny Ferry -- have formally extended an offer to Izzo to replace Brown, sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard on Monday.

The Cavaliers did not confirm or deny the report, declining comment Sunday night. The News-Herald in northern Ohio first reported the Cavs' offer to Izzo.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert reiterated in an e-mail to The Associated Press the team's policy is to not comment on 'any rumor about potential new hires, trades, free agent signing, etc.'

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis denied to the the AP that the Cavs have offered Izzo a contract but confirmed the team is interested in the Spartans' coach.

'There is not a contract offer on the table,' Hollis said in a telephone interview with the AP. 'Last week, there was talk that Chicago and New Jersey were interested. If I was anywhere but at Michigan State, I would be interested in Tom, too, because he's the best coach in college basketball.'

A source told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that Izzo told Michigan State that he hasn't been offered a contract and a lot of the reports have been blown out of proportion.

However, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Monday that Gilbert discussed the framework of a deal, worth about $6 million a season for up to five years, with perks such as using one of his private jets.

Izzo has chosen not to confirm or deny the reports.

'I've taken the no-comment-on-all-of-it policy, which is a little bit unlike Tom Izzo ,' he said Monday night in an interview with WILS radio in Lansing, Mich. 'But I've been very consistent with that. And maybe to close it up, I would just say there are so many things out there that are so far-fetched right now.

'I'm the Michigan State coach and that's what I'm going to do right now. Who knows what the future brings? But it sure isn't at all like it's maybe being speculated.'

This is hardly the first time Izzo has been linked to the Cleveland job. Gilbert is a Michigan State graduate and a longtime Izzo admirer who, according to NBA coaching sources, also investigated the feasibility of hiring Izzo in the summer of 2005, when the Cavs also flirted with Larry Brown before hiring Mike Brown.

Izzo is believed to be on the short list of candidates preferred by Gilbert, who didn't ask Hollis for permission to talk to Izzo.

'That's not normal protocol when you're talking about pro teams going after college coaches,' Hollis said. 'Dan is a great Spartan and I have a lot of respect for him with what he's done in the NBA and with his business.'

Hollis said he talked to Izzo on Monday and several times over the weekend, insisting that wasn't unusual because they have been friends for more than two decades. Izzo was the best man at Hollis' wedding and the two were roommates when starting careers at Michigan State.

'I know Dan and Tom talk and that Dan has reached out to talk to Tom in the past,' Hollis said. 'The only other thing I can tell you at this point is there is a strong interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Tom Izzo .'

Yet it figures to take more than a shared allegiance to a university or even Gilbert's reputation as one of the NBA's biggest spenders to tempt Izzo, given that the Cavaliers have no assurances that they can re-sign LeBron James this summer.

Izzo tried to quell the inevitable speculation about joining the Cavs in a recent interview with ESPN.com, saying: 'I don't have an interest [in the NBA] until I win another championship.'

He did appear to offer some hope of a future jump to the pros when he told Katz that 'I'll never say never.' Yet Izzo quickly added: 'My name always comes up [for NBA jobs], but that doesn't mean they've talked to you.'

Speaking specifically about the Cavaliers' interest in 2005, Izzo insisted: 'There was so much made that Dan Gilbert is from Michigan, but that was more manufactured because I didn't meet with them.'

ESPN.com reported last week that Gilbert has not abandoned hope of hiring a big-name coach despite the fact that Jeff Van Gundy has informed interested teams such as the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland that he intends to stay in television as an ESPN/ABC analyst for at least one more season before returning to coaching.

Charlotte's Larry Brown and Kentucky coach John Calipari -- who is friendly with James and sat near Cleveland's bench during its Game 5 home loss to Boston in the second round of the NBA playoffs -- are two more marquee names that have been mentioned as potential Cavs candidates. ESPN's Byron Scott and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, meanwhile, are already under consideration in Cleveland, sources say.

Izzo hasn't seriously considered a move to the NBA since the summer of 2000, when the Atlanta Hawks pursued him hard after Michigan State won its only title in the Izzo era. The Spartans, though, have made six trips to the Final Four in the past 12 seasons, establishing Izzo as an East Lansing legend.

Izzo is under contract at Michigan State through 2016 and earns an estimated $3 million annually. There's little doubt Gilbert could double that salary, but the Cavs will remain a franchise in flux until they have a commitment from James that he's re-signing. Interest in Izzo could thus prove to be futile, similar to Cleveland's reported hopes of pursuing Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson or Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.

'I'm not worried,' Hollis insisted. 'But Tom has to make the decision that is best for his immediate family.'

Gilbert said last week after Ferry's departure that he hopes to have a new coach in place by the start of free agency July 1, but he also acknowledged that filling the job so quickly might not be possible.

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Tait's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old guard Lindsay Tait (194-G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Wellington Saints and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
He got a double-double of 24 points and 16 assists, while his team edged out Otago (#10, 0-16), the league's worst team 103-99. Wellington maintains the 2nd position in New Zealand league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Wellington will need more victories to improve their 12-4 record. In the team's last game Tait had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Wellington's top player in his first season with the team. Tait has impressive league stats. He is league's best passer with 7.5apg. Tait is in league's top in and averages solid 54.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Tyler Amaya (199-F-82) of Otago Nuggets. He is American forward in his first season at Otago. In the last game Amaya recorded impressive 38 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Otago was edged by the higher-ranked Wellington (#2, 12-4) 103-99. Otago are still at the very bottom. 16 lost games is too many considering they did not win any game. Amaya is one of the most experienced players at Otago and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.3ppg (#9). His other stats are also decent: 6.9rpg and 3.6apg.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Jack Leasure (191-G-86) of Taranaki Mountain Airs (#8). Leasure got into 30-points club by scoring 36 points in the last round. He went also for four assists. Despite Leasure's great performance Taranaki lost 96-102 to slightly lower-ranked Manawatu (#9, 4-11). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Taranaki ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 9 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Leasure could help Taranaki to bring them higher in the standings. Leasure has a great season in New Zealand. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.6ppg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Aaron Nowell (195-G-81) of Taranaki - 30 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Darryl Hudson (196-G-85) of Manawatu - 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Corey Webster (185-G-88) of Harbour Heat - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) of Nelson - 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Darryl Hudson (196-G-85) of Manawatu - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Erron Maxey (198-F-78) of Wellington - 23 points and 8 rebounds
10. Troy McLean (194-G-79) of Wellington - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists

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


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


Division I League Kicks Off - by Tamara Awartani
Division I league started off with several good games reflecting talented players, but also showing a major gap between some of the teams, 5 imports are also taking part raising the level of the game in 5 different teams: Birzeit, Samaritans Youth Club, AlFaraa', Huwara and Abna' AlQuds.

Following are the games that took place in Round I + II:
Faraa' vs. Abna' AlQuds 91 77
A good game to launch the division I league with, Faraa' known for their good outside game and passionate playing, while Abna' AlQuds, the new comers to the league are fast with good shooting, but missing their main player from the past season John Stephan who transferred to De La Salle Jerusalem.
Faraa' players led by their import player Derek Savage (193-F, college: Goldey-Beacom) with great penetrations and shooting along with great 3pointers from Mu'awiyeh Khader and Ahmad Saed.
Abna' AlQuds had a good game with good players who played more of an inside game led by their import player Andre with good inside moves and great dunks
21/15, 19/20, 26/11, 31/25


Birzeit vs. Beita 91 39
A practice game for Birzeit that showed major difference between both teams. Birzeit team the new comer to the league consists of a number of well known players, especially Ahmad Yasser, a previous player of Sarriyet Ramallah, along with Mahmoud Assaf, Adham Hasseeb, and Ahmad Awadallah. While Beita team have the potential, but will definitely need more time and practices to raise their level, as this league is a good game experience, however, we wont forget the difficult situation that they go through and the available facilities.
30/2, 27/11, 17/14, 17/12

Samaritans Youth Club vs. Ahli Qalqilya 91 62
A good start for the Samaritans team coached by the best coaches in Palestine Karim Schahin leading the game against Ahli Qalqilya team who also reflected good skills playing 'importless'.
The Samaritans led by Kevin Jolley (197-F-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Quinnipiac) who was unbeatable under basket with over 30 rebounds, scoring over 20 points, along with Ali Hussein and Radwan Yousef, and an unfortunate injury (broken arm) for one of their main players which will put him out of the season.
28/7, 20/24, 26/18, 17/13

Sileh Harithiyeh vs. Thaqafi Toulkarem 20/0
Thaqafi Toulkarem didnt show up to their game against Sileh Harithiyeh for some reason.

Round II:

Birzeit vs. AlFaraa 109 100
One of the most competitive games in the league having well known players on both teams and very good imports scoring around 30 3points for both teams.
Birzeit barely won the game playing strong throughout the game with a good outside and inside game, with Ahmad Yasser standing out with unstoppable 12 3points, while Sidney Pointer (196-G/F, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Chattanooga State JC) had great shots and assists, along with Mahmoud Assaf, Adham Hasseeb and Ahmad Awadallah.
AlFaraa' gave Birzeit a very tough time with their great skill mostly an outside game, led by Derek Savage who had several assists, strong penetrations and shots, along with Amara Tayeh, Mu'awiyeh Khader and Ahmad Sa'eed. However, Derek was hit that took him out of the game for several minutes in the 3rd quarter, while Mu'awiyeh's father passed away in the second half of the game that also affected the team.

Abna' AlQuds vs. Thaqafi Toulkarem 76 - 64
A good win for Abna' AlQuds led by Andre and several other good players while Thaqafi Toulkarem playing importless gained good game experience.

AlSileh AlHarithiyeh vs. Beita 83 71
A close game in points and level, a good game experience for both teams.
AlSileh AlHairthiyeh the new comer to the league had a good game and led 2 quarters while Beita also led 2 quarters, with some good skills on both teams.
17/18, 24/13, 23/26, 19/14

Samaritans Youth Club vs. Jensafot 96 51
Yet another win for the Samaritans club, who led all the game while Jensafot 'importless' started off strong in the 1st quarter but where trying to keep up in the rest.
Samaritans with several talented players along with Kevin Jolley who had 9 3pointers and several rebounds were able to win the game, while Jensafot also have good players on their team, but the difficult situation and available facilities play a role.
18/19, 23/11, 26/11, 26/10
While Ahli Qalqilia and Toubas will play today.


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


Metropolitan League Standings
Metropolitan L. TOP 5 FIRST ROUND Standings
Top 5
 1. Olimpia 7-1 
 2. Libertad 6-2 
 3. Sol de Amer. 3-5 
 4. Felix Perez 3-5 
 5. D.San Jose 0-8 
Copa Estadio Comuneros
 1. Cerro Porteno 9-1 
 2. Dep.Sajonia 7-3 
 3. Univ.Catolica 7-3 
 4. Ciudad Nueva 4-6 
 5. Univ.Autonoma 2-8 
 6. Sportivo SL 1-9 


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Millrats Press Conference Scheduled for June 21 - by Allen White
(June 8, 2010 Saint John, New Brunswick Canada): The Manchester Millrats are pleased to inform the public that a press conference has been scheduled for Monday June 21st at noon on the floor inside Harbour Station in Saint John, New Brunswick.

The Millrats have been in negotiations with arena management of Harbour Station and City Officials for several weeks regarding the possible move of their team to Saint John, and are prepared to make several announcements on the 21st and answer questions regarding the progress of the venture.

Speakers are expected to include Millrats team owners, Andre Levingston the President of the Premier Basketball League, Harbour Station Management, Saint John Sea Dogs President Wayne Long, Saint John Mayor Ivan Court, and others. The event is open to the public and will utilize the new HD Video Board that was recently installed in the arena.

Special discounted rooms have been arranged by the Delta Brunswick Hotel for the event. Call and book your room at 1-800-335-8233 for a special rate of $ 99.00. When calling, ask for the special Saint John Millrats Basketball Rate and mention the dates which you are attending. (Block Code is GGMILL)

The Millrats are a fourth year minor league basketball franchise and a member of the Premier Basketball League. The Premier Basketball League currently has two franchises in Canada - the Quebec Kebs and the Halifax Rainmen - to go with other franchises in the United States.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Academica keep Daniel Caluico and Pedro Rebelo - by Eurobasket News
Academica have agreed on terms of contract extension with Daniel Caluico (198-F-83) and Pedro Rebelo (179-G-86).
Daniel Caluico was called up from Proligas Barcelos. He tallied 6.8 points per game there in 2008/09 season. In LPB the forward notched 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Pedro Rebelo appeared in nine games for Academica. He totaled one point, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in those games.


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


BSN Semifinals: Second games - by Eurobasket News
Bayamon - Santurce 75-71 (1-1)
Bayamon was better than Santruce in the second meeting tying the score to 1-1. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) was a key player for the regular season champion. Dalmau spent 34 minutes on the court collecting 30 points and 5 rebounds. Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: N.E.T., college: Elgin CC) helped with double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. The last one with double-digits in scoring for Bayamon was Carmelo Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) with 10 pts (7 rebs). In Santruce, Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) collected 22 points and 12 rebs. Wilfredo Pagan (184-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 13 pts. Game Three is scheduled for Wednesday.

Capitanes - Quebradillas 100-125 (0-2)
Quebradillas cruised past the Arecibo Capitanes for 2-0 lead in BSN Semifinals. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) was the MVP of this game with valuation 37. He spent 38 minutes on the court collecting 35 points and 9 rebounds. Joel Camacho (196-G/F-81, college: Sacramento St.) also was great as he added 21 pts, 5 boards and 7 assists. On the other side, Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85, college: Miami (FL)) top-scored with 26 pts. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) had 2 less. Third game is scheduled for Tuesday (today).

Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon21.3 
 2. Carmona, Mayaguez20.2 
 3. Hickerson, San G.20.1 
 4. Ramos, Quebradillas19.2 
 5. Maye, Mayaguez19.0 
 6. Priutt, Isabela18.8 
 7. Redhage, Quebradillas18.8 
 8. Ayuso, Capitanes18.6 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce18.0 
 10. Mays, Humacao17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.4
 1. Priutt, Isabela13.4 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas11.4 
 3. Sweetney, Santurce11.3 
 4. Traylor, Bayamon9.9 
 5. Narvaez, Ponce9.8 
 6. Aubry, Capitanes8.8 
 7. Dyer, San German8.7 
 8. Mays, Humacao8.6 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon8.2 
 10. Reyes, Capitanes8.1 
Assists Per Game
 C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Bruton, Quebradillas7.2 
 2. Rodriguez, Capit.5.6 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon5.6 
 4. Rivera, Isabela5.4 
 5. Guzman, Guaynabo4.9 
 6. Copeland, San G.4.7 
 7. Berdiel, Humacao4.5 
 8. Cruz, Ponce4.4 
 9. Redhage, Quebradillas4.3 
 10. Hatton, Ponce4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Berdiel, Humacao2.0 
 2. Carmona, Mayaguez1.8 
 3. Rivera, Isabela1.7 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon1.6 
 5. Mojica, Bayamon1.5 
 6. Pickett, Capitanes1.4 
 7. Mays, Humacao1.4 
 8. Perez, Isabela1.4 
 9. Austin, San German1.3 
 10. Figueroa, Guaynabo1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael SWEETNEY
  Santurce
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Sweetney, Santurce1.4 
 2. Priutt, Isabela1.3 
 3. Mays, Humacao1.2 
 4. Perez, Isabela1.2 
 5. Traylor, Bayamon1.1 
 6. Reyes, Capitanes1.0 
 7. Nieves, Santurce1.0 
 8. Berdiel, Humacao0.9 
 9. Nailon, Ponce0.9 
 10. Guzman, Guaynabo0.8 


*****************************************************
  SAINT LUCIA   


Warlords to take on Jets in the Final - by Eurobasket News
VBCC Warlords will face Courts Jets in the Basketball Premier League Final. The teams will clash in the best-of-three series.
VBCC Warlords overcame Soufriere Sulphur Stars in the semis. The Warlords swept the best-of-three series. The decisive win came with the score 62:49. Nigel Butcher fired 21 points to lead the winners. Marcian Calderon added 10 points and 5 rebounds.
In the meantime Courts Jets had to work hard to reach the championship series. They were one game up on the Dennery but the Dolphins refused to surrender. They clinched a 60:56 victory in Game 2 of the series. Desmond Vidal netted 17 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and made 8 steals to level the series. Gary Gustave accounted for 13 points in the win. The Jets responded with 21 points from Ron DuMurville.
The third game took place at the Beausejour Practice Indoor Facility. And this time the Jets did not give any chance to their opponents. They fired past the Dolphins 78:44 to earn the ticket to the Final. Keegan Preville notched 22 points to lead the effort. Ron DuMurville contributed 22 points, while Rawlstan Mitchell netted 18 points in the win. Desmond Vidal responded with 13 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  SAUDI ARABIA   


Alnokhbah Championship. The Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News
Al-Hilal, Al-Ansar, Al-Ittihad and Uhud advanced to the Semifinals of the Alnokhbah Championship. Last night Al-Ansar overcame Al-Wehda 97:93 and will face Al-Hilal that qualified the day before. Al-Hilal outscored Al-Nahdha 94:67 and will meet Al-Ansar tonight. On June there will be the game for the third place and the Final.

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


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Miroslav RADULJICA
  FMP
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 21.1
 1. Raduljica, FMP21.1 
 2. Bjelica, Crvena Z.18.4 
 3. Mladenovic, Ergon.17.8 
 4. Panic, Metalac17.6 
 5. Jorovic, Borac16.6 
 6. Micic, Napredak16.5 
 7. Markovic, Napredak16.5 
 8. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.16.4 
 9. Markovic, Tamis16.4 
 10. Martinic, Vojvodina15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Miroslav RADULJICA
  FMP
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 8.6
 1. Raduljica, FMP8.6 
 2. Bjelica, Crvena Z.7.5 
 3. Mladenovic, Ergon.7.4 
 4. Roberts, Partizan7.1 
 5. Mikic, KG 066.9 
 6. Ilic, Metalac6.9 
 7. Stevic, Crvena Z.6.5 
 8. Bosnjak, Vojvodina6.2 
 9. Ljubojevic, Novi S.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.5.3 
 3. Radivojevic, Crvena Z.5.1 
 4. Teodosic, Metalac4.6 
 5. Stefanovic, Metal.4.3 
 6. Rakic, Novi Sad4.2 
 7. Covic, FMP4.1 
 8. Korac, Beograd4.1 
 9. Djordjevic, Sloga4.0 
 10. Prolovic, Borac3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Marko VULIN
  Proleter Naft.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Vulin, Proleter Naft.2.2 
 2. McCalebb, Partizan2.1 
 3. Martinic, Vojvodina2.0 
 4. Zarkovic, Prolet.1.9 
 5. Jereminov, Tamis1.9 
 6. Teodosic, Metalac1.8 
 7. Borovcanin, Sloga1.7 
 8. Dundjerski, Beograd1.7 
 9. Kovacevic, Novi Sad1.7 
 10. Rakic, Novi Sad1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Boban MARJANOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (222-C-88)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Marjanovic, Hemof.1.2 
 2. Mladenovic, Ergon.1.2 
 3. Maravic, Mega V.1.2 
 4. Ilic, Metalac1.0 
 5. Lukovic, Radnic.1.0 
 6. Buric, Tamis0.9 
 7. Maric, Partizan0.9 
 8. Ljubojevic, Novi S.0.8 
 9. Bircevic, Metalac0.8 
 10. Arsic, Masinac0.8 


Playoff Semifinals: Partizan and Hemofarm take 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Crvena Zvez. 94-73
Partizan was too strong for Crvena Zvezda in Game One of the playoff Semifinals. Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) stepped up for the defending champions scoring 20 points. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) secured a great help adding 15 points in this victory. Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14. On the other side, Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 16 pts, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Game Two is scheduled for Wednesday. Partizan needs one more win for the Finals.

Hemofarm - Radnicki K. 114-77
Hemofarm had an easy job against Radnicki in the first meeting. The regular season runner-up demonstrated great performance celebrating comfortable 114-77 win. Milos Borisov (201-F-85) was the leading player in Hemofarm. He spent 29 minutes on the court collecting 21 points and 7 rebounds. Borisov reached valuation 33. Kyle Hill (188-G-79, college: E.Illinois) and Rasko Katic (208-F-80, agency: Beo Basket) followed him with 15 and 14 points respectively. In Radnicki, Vukasin Aleksic (182-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 14 points. Marko Brkic (206-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) scored one less than him. Second game will be played on Wednesday and this time Radnikci will be the host.

Zeljko Obradovic and Milenko Tepic win the title in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic and Serbian player Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) won the title in Greek championship with their Panathinaikos Athens. The Greens outplayed Oympiakos 3-1 in the Finals proving their domination in Greek basketball once again. It is their eighth straight title. For coach Obradovic it is tenth title since he took over the Greens in 1999. Milenko Tepic helped PAO this season with 5.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.3 apg for 34 games in A1.
Finals Game 4, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 69-76: Panathinaikos defended the championship title in Greece. The Greens celebrated in Game Four 69-76 wining the series with almost perfect 3-1. Mike Batiste stepped up for the new-old champions with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis was the second scorer in this victory with 15 points and he also grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. Andrew Nicholas helped with 13 pts. For the home side, Ioannis Bourousis collected 15 pts. Linas Kleiza had 11. It was a game full of incidents and it started with 45 minutes delay. Olympiakos opened the game in style making 19-12 lead after ten minutes of play. Mike Batiste and his teammates woke up immediately and they managed to make a turn in Q2. The Reds scored just 13 points in this period, while PAO on the other side drained 26. Thus, the Greens were 32-38 up at the half time. After the breather, actually in 26th minute, PAO jumped to 42-50 and the hosts called a timeout. During the timeout Olympiakos fans made a big incident and the game was interrupted for one hour. That didnt help Olympiakos as PAO managed to increase its lead despite all bad things which happened last night. After 30 minutes of play, PAO was 54-63 up. Later, actually with seven minutes remaining in the game, the Greens grabbed double-digit advantage 59-69. At that time it was clear that PAO plays good enough to keep this lead and it seemed that the game will finally come to the end. But that didnt happen. With something more than one minute to go (69-76 for PAO) Olympiakos fans made another big incident and the referees decided to end this meeting. Milenko Tepic got six minutes in this meeting collecting 3 points and 6 rebounds.
Finals Game 3, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 79-70: Panathinaikos is 2-1 up in the series after 79-70 victory in Game Three. Andrew Nicholas scored 18 points (5 triples) for the home side. Nikola Pekovic, Mike Batiste, Stratos Perperoglou and Vassilis Spanoulis followed him with 10 points each. On the other side, Olympiakos got 17 points and 5 rebounds from Ioannis Bourousis. Josh Childress had 15 points and 5 boards in this defeat. Milenko Tepic got 13 minutes in this game and scored 4 points.
Finals Game 2, Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 79-72: Olympiakos tied the score to 1-1 in the Playoff Finals. After loss in the first meeting, the Reds managed to recover and to beat the defending champion 79-72. Linas Kleiza paced the home side to victory with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Milos Teodosic scored 16 points, while Josh Childress (7 rebs) and Ioannis Bourousis (7 rebs) helped with 14 pts each. In PAO, Nikola Pekovic nailed 22 points. Dimitris Diamantidis this time stopped on 11 pts and 5 boards. Milenko Tepic shined in this game with 9 points for 9 minutes.
Finals Game 1, Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 73-54: Panathinaikos was too strong for Olympiakos in Game One of the Playoff Finals. The Greens celebrated an easy 73-54 victory and they are 1-0 up now. Mike Batiste shined for the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Antonis Fotis also scored 13 points, but to go with 5 boards. Nikola Pekovic (5 rebs) and Costas Tsartsaris nailed 10 points each. On the other side, the Euroleague finalist got 13 points from Linas Kleiza. Milos Teodosic stopped on 10. Milenko Tepic got 8 minutes in this game, but finished without points.

Hemofarm will participate in Euroleague next season! - by Nenad Ilijev
Adriatic League Director Josip Bilic told the press yesterday that Hemofarm Vrsac will participate in Euroleague Qualifications next season. Bilic was happy to announce that due enlargement of qualification round from existing 8 to 16 teams, Adriatic League got two more teams that will compete in Euroleague according to decisions made by Euroleague Board but that were not yet officialy confirmed.
Three teams of Adriatic League (Partizan Belgrade, Cibona Zagreb and Olimpija Ljubljana) already have guaranteed places in the best European competition while Hemofarm as third in this season and Montenegrin champ Buducnost Podgorica as fifth will get the chance to reach Euroleague through qualification rounds.
First qualifying round is on the schedule on September 21 to September 24, 2010.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


2010 KBL PRE-DRAFT TRYOUT INVITED PLAYERS (224 PLAYERS) - by Rick Ross
2010 KBL Pre-Draft Tryout Invited Players MUST SEND THE REGISTRATION
FORM AND $100 NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE BY 4:30, JUNE 15 (TUE, KOREAN tIME)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL INVITEES ON JUNE 18TH (FRI)

FOR INFORMATION AND LISTING
VISIT http://www.kbl.or.kr/

Sec First Name Last Name DOB College
1 Alfred Aboya 85.01.02 UCLA
2 Jeff Adrien 86.02.10 Connecticut
3 Uka Agbai 81.05.07 Boston College
4 Dokun Akingbade 84.06.05 George Washington
5 DeAngelo Alexander 84.01.21 Univ. of Oklahoma
6 Derrick Allen 80.07.17 Mississippi St
7 Ramel Allen 79.06.05 Bridgeport
8 Serge Angounou 83.09.01 Arizona
9 Julius Ashby 82.09.16 Univ. of Colorado
10 Kyle Austin 88.10.18 UC Riverside
11 Alpha Bangura 80.02.04 St Johns Univ.
12 Ousmane Barro 84.12.07 Marquette
13 Nashid Beard 83.02.16 Lamar
14 Romel Beck 82.05.29 UNLV
15 Rashad Bell 82.09.23 Boston
16 Rodrigue Benson 84.10.10 Cal State-Berkeley
17 Odartey Blankson 82.03.12 UNLV
18 Drelke Bouldin 80.07.08 Fresno State NCAA
19 Ruben Boumtje 78.05.20 Georgetown
20 Jamal Boykin 87.04.27 California
21 Torraye Braggs 76.03.15 Xavier
22 Micah Brand 80.10.18 Massachusetts
23 Craig Bradshaw 83.07.28 Winthrop
24 Clif Brown 84.01.14 Niagara
25 Daaron Brown 84.01.11 Wyoming
26 Denham Brown 83.01.06 Connection Univ.
27 Graham Brown 84.08.19 Michigan
28 Robert Brown 80.02.17 Buffalo
29 Keith Brumbaugh 85.09.29 Hillsbourgh JC
30 John Bryant 87.06.13 Santa Clara
31 Christian Burns 85.09.04 Philadelphia Univ.
32 Derrick Byars 84.04.25 Vanderbilt
33 Marcus Campbell 82.03.10 Mississippi St Univ
34 Dennis Carr 81.01.27 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ.
35 Marquin Chandler 82.03.11 San jose St.Univ.
36 Ivory Clark 85.06.01 Washington St. Univ.
37 Ramon Clemente 85.12.11 Wichita St.
38 Gyasi Cline-Heard 79.08.16 Penn St
39 Brandon Cole 85.12.11 Xavier
40 Donald Cole 81.09.06 Sam Houston St
41 Jordan Collins 82.10.05 North Carolina St.
42 Duke Crews 88.01.20 Bowie St.
43 Roberts Cummings 81.08.31 UCLA
44 Dwayne Curtis 85.04.01 Mississippi
45 Joe Dabbert 81.06.16 Creighton
46 Chris Daniels 84.04.19 Texas A&M CC
47 Christopher Daniels 82.01.26 Georgia
48 Kendall Dartez 80.12.01 Vincennes Univ.
49 Bennet Davis 84.03.14 Northeastern Univ.
50 Bryan Davis 86.12.31 Texas A&M
51 James Davis 85.06.12 Lamar
52 Quincy Davis 83.02.16 Tulane
53 Eric Dawson 84.07.07 Midwestern
54 Terence Dials 83.07.15 Ohio State Univ.
55 Anthony Dill 81.10.27 Texas St
56 Nigel Dixon 80.09.06 W.Kentucky
57 Jakim Donaldson 83.09.03 Edinboro
58 Andrew Drevo 81.03.04 Nebraska
59 Casiem Drummond 88.02.10 Marist
60 Johnny Dukes 84.09.08 San Francisco
61 Josh Duncan 86.05.12 Xavier
62 Gavin Edwards 88.01.15 Connecticut
63 J.K (Juan Khalif) Edwards 82.09.06 UNLV
64 Benson Egemonye 83.03.30 U of Niagara
65 Laurence Ekperigin 88.02.21 Le Moyne
66 Rodney Elliott 76.03.06 Univ. of Maryland
67 Heshimu Evans 75.05.05 Kentucky
68 Jaremy Evans 87.10.24 Western Kentucky
69 Callitus Eziukwu 85.07.03 Grand Valley St.
70 Noel Felix 81.10.04 Frensno St.
71 Anwar Ferguson 81.10.10 Houston Univ.
72 Michael Fey 83.05.29 UCLA
73 Landry Fields 87.08.16 Stanford
74 Jeff Foote 87.07.14 Cornell
75 Richard Ford 85.01.03 Washington
76 Tremaine Ford 86.12.11 Cal.St.Northridge
77 Gabriel Freeman 85.11.05 Costa Mesa
78 Rashaun Freeman 81.03.15 Massachusetts Univ.
79 Will Frisby 81.06.09 Miami
80 Hiram Fuller 81.05.15 Fresno St.
81 Sherman Gay 82.07.12 Loyola Marymount
82 Otis George 82.05.07 Louisville
83 Jeff Gibbs 80.08.04 Otterbein
84 Johnnie Gilbert 81.03.08 Oklahoma
85 Devonne Giles 83.07.21 Texas Tech
86 Kentrell Gransberry 85.08.01 Univ. of South Florida
87 Gavin Grant 85.03.12 North Carolina St.
88 Marquise Gray 86.01.14 Michigan State
89 Nathan Green 75.07.19 Idaho State Univ.
90 Rodney Green 88.06.24 La Salle
91 Brian Greene 81.08.30 Colorado St.
92 Gary Hamilton 84.08.07 U of Miami
93 Lamont Hamilton 84.04.06 St. John's
94 Aaron Happer 81.03.12 Mississippi
95 Dennis Harrison JR 79.05.07 Trennis Jones
96 Trevor Harvey 80.09.25 Florida St.
97 Christopher Hayes 87.02.17 Univ. of Detroit Mercy
98 Aaron Haynes 81.04.01 Boise St.
99 Michael Haynes 81.03.15 Fordham Univ.
100 Justin Herndon 83.08.07 Belmont
101 Herbert Hill 84.10.01 Providence
102 Lawrence Hill 87.08.16 Stanford
103 Kyle Hines 86.09.02 NC Greenboro
104 Robert Hines 84.01.06 St.Francis
105 Randy Holcomb 79.08.08 San Diego St
106 Delonte Holland 82.03.02 De Paul
107 Justin Howard 81.08.22 Mercer Univ.
108 Marcus Hubbard 83.12.23 Angelo State Univ.
109 Darnell Hugee 84.09.07 Prairie View A&M
110 Ryan Humphrey 79.06.24 Notre Dame
111 Vincent Hunter 84.10.22 Arkansas
112 Cedric Jackson 84.07.14 Troy St.
113 Gordon James 79.12.04 Bridgeport
114 Anthony Johnson 79.04.13 Louisiana Lafayett
115 Anthony Johnson 88.05.19 Faorfield
116 Johnathan Jones 79.01.09 Brat
117 Michael Jones 82.05.19 Sterling College
118 Jonathan Kale 85.10.18 Providence
119 Joe Krabbenhoft 87.03.24 Wisconsin
120 Dan Langhi 77.11.28 Vanderbilt
121 Reggie Larry 86.10.26 Boise St.
122 Darnell Lazare 85.01.29 LSU
123 Terrence Leather 81.01.07 South Florida
124 Christopher Lee 85.01.09 Georgetown college
125 Gerald Lee 87.11.23 Old Dominion
126 Michael Lee 86.06.05 St. Bonaventure
127 Jai Lewis 83.02.13 George Mason
128 Nathan Linhart 86.11.14 AKRON
129 Donald Little 78.05.10 Cincinnati
130 Reo Logan 81.07.25 Adam Prossin
131 Kevin Lyde 80.09.13 Temple Univ.
132 Amal Maccaskill 73.10.28 Marquette
133 Ben McCauley 86.09.06 North Carolina St.
134 Dan Mcclintock 77.04.19 Northern Arizona Univ.
135 Cyrus Mcgowan 86.10.30 Miami
136 Glen McGowan 81.03.23 Pepperdine Univ.
137 Akida Mclain 86.03.18 Boston
138 Alex Mclean 85.10.20 Liberty
139 Antonio Meeking 81.08.24 Louisiana Tech
140 Jarred Merrill 81.12.05 Oklahoma Christian
141 Scott Merritt 82.01.03 Marquette Univ.
142 Charles Minlend 73.05.15 St.John's
143 Tasmin Mitchell 86.06.25 LSU
144 Raymar Morgan 88.08.08 Michigan St.
145 Justin Nabors 87.01.09 Lamar
146 Lee Nailon 75.02.22 TCU
147 Andrew Naymick 85.02.18 Michigan State Univ.
148 Rod Nealy 80.09.06 Houston Baptist Univ.
149 Tyrone Nelson 85.07.16 New Mexico St.
150 Justin Neuhaus 87.04.08 Colorado Christian
151 Yemi Nicholson 83.06.07 Denver
152 Pierre Niles 87.06.07 Memphis
153 Ray Nixon 84.09.10 Winsconsin Univ.
154 David Noel 84.02.27 N.Carolina
155 Derrick Obasohan 81.04.18 Texas Arlington
156 Dinma Odiakosa 85.12.01 Illinois St.
157 Andrew Ogilvy 88.06.17 Vanderbilt
158 Patrick Okafor 79.04.13 Houston
159 Arinze Onuaku 87.07.13 Wyracuse
160 Kevin Owens 80.06.09 Monmouth Univ.
161 Larry Owens 83.01.08 Oral Roberts
162 Elijah Palmer 81.02.20 Duquense
163 Kevin Palmer 87.06.21 Texas A&M CC
164 Adam Parada 81.10.21 Cal-Irvine
165 Jeff Parmer 85.04.27 Florida
166 James Peters 81.05.24 UNLV
167 Marvin Phillips 83.12.28 Claflin
168 Shawn Redhage 81.01.21 Arizona St.
169 Jared Reiner 82.04.08 Iowa
170 Aneglo Reyes 81.09.18 Neosho County
171 Charles Rhodes 85.06.25 Mississippi St
172 Darius Rice 82.10.16 Miami
173 Antywane Robinson 84.07.12 Temple
174 Michael Roll 87.03.30 UCLA
175 Omar Samhan 88.11.03 St. Mary CA
176 Marco Sanders 79.08.11 Point Park Univ.
177 Ernest Scott 82.08.28 Valdosta State Univ.
178 Kahiem Seawrignt 86.12.17 Univ. of Rhode Island
179 Sylvester Seay 85.07.29 Fresno St.
180 Daryan Selvy 79.01.26 Oklahoma Univ.
181 Ansu Sesay 76.01.29
182 Joseph Shipp 81.02.25 California
183 David Simon 82.08.09 IUPUI-Ft.Wayne
184 Anthony Simpson 87.03.21 Kent.St.
185 Diamon Simpson 87.09.08 St.Mary's
186 Deshawn Sims 88.01.21 Michigan
187 Stephen Sir 85.09.16 N.Arizona
188 Jabari Smith 77.02.12 L.S.U
189 Jamar Smith 80.12.05 Maryland
190 Jeremis Smith 86.05.14 Georgia Tech
191 Sean Sonderleiter 80.12.17 Univ. of Iowa
192 Michael Southall 82.03.29 Louisiana LaFayette
193 Derek Strinbling 82.11.16 Tennessee Tech
194 James Sullinger 82.10.05 Ohio State Univ.
195 Michael Sweetney 82.10.25 Georgetown
196 Chris Taft 85.03.10 Pittsburgh
197 Cyrus Tate 85.09.23 Iowa
198 Joseph Taylor 85.08.17 Wyoming
199 David Teague 83.06.04 Purdue Univ.
200 Charles Thomas 86.01.21 Arkansas
201 Douglas Thomas 83.09.20 Univ. of Iowa
202 Terrance Thomas 80.12.29 Baylor
203 Victor Thomas 79.02.19 La Salle
204 Deon Thompson 88.09.16 North Carolina
205 Garnett Thompson 80.07.17 Providence
206 Ronald Thompson 81.05.14 Morehouse College
207 Antonie Tisby 83.04.06 South Carolina Allen Country
208 Romeo Travis 84.12.10 Akron Univ.
209 Larry Turner 82.12.29 Tennessee
210 Jeff Varem 83.07.16 Washington St
211 Kyle Visser 85.10.19 Wake Forest
212 Kenneth Walker 80.02.04 Univ. of Alabama
213 Samaki Walker 76.02.25 Louisville, Kentucky
214 Gordon Watt 86.03.20 Houston
215 Isaac Wells 85.08.18 Arkansas St.
216 Wendell White 84.09.03 UNLV
217 Wes Wikinson 84.04.24 Nebraska
218 Gary Wilkinson 82.10.02 Utah St.
219 Anthony Williams 83.11.14 Central Florida
220 James Williams 79.06.25 Brown Mackie
221 Akeem Wright 84.11.01 Kansas St.
222 Ryan Wright 87.01.27 Oklahoma
223 Kenny Younger 77.10.21 Houston
224 Nick Zachery 79.05.09 UALR


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


ACB Transactions - by Natxo Mendaza
Euroleague member Unicaja Malaga and Blancos de Rueda Valladolid officially announced two key deals for the following season. The Andalusians have agreed terms with Carlos Jimenez (205-F-76), who will spend his fifth season in Malaga. Jimenez has averaged 6.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists over this period, and looked pretty happy after extending the contract for one more year: 'I feel pretty satisfied, and very happy as everything went quite smoothly. We arranged everything before the deadline, as they did last season', he stated. Meanwhile, Blancos de Rueda Valladolid and Argentinean guard Diego Garcia (190-G-79) have agreed terms for a two-year deal, the club revealed today. Garcia, who made his debut in the ACB League at 30, was one of the biggest surprises of the competition, becoming the key perimeter player for his team. On the other hand, Victor Baldo (200-F-77) was announced to leave the club after staying in Valadolid the last two seasons.

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Stien to Jmtland - by Andreas Eriksson
Jamtland Basket announced the signing of Norwegian U20 national team member Anders Stien (195-G-90). Stien worked out for Jamtland last year already but decided to stay with the Norwegian side Asker Aliens at that time, but is now moving to Jamtland were he will team-up with fellow Norwegian Stian Mjos, who moved to Jamtland last year. Jamtland finished last this past season but are trying to improve with the signing of Stien and the previous addition of Drazen Klaric that they 'stole' from Orebro.

*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Boncourt re-sign Tony Gugino - by Eurobasket News
Boncourt announced the prolongation of contract with Tony Gugino (207-C-86, college: Hillsdale). The 24-year-old centre enjoyed his first pro season in Europe lately. The US player tallied 13.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.4 assists and 1.0 block per game for the Red Team. As Hillsdale graduate Tony Gugino tallied 16.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in his senior season in college.


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


TB2L Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Albert FISHER
  Akcakoca P.
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 26
 1. Fisher, Akcakoca P.26.0 
 2. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal21.9 
 3. Nelson, Akhisar Bld21.5 
 4. Garrison, Pamuk.21.1 
 5. Abi, ITU20.1 
 6. Mutaf, FMV I.18.8 
 7. Curtis, Beykoz18.7 
 8. Eiukwu, Usak18.5 
 9. Hairston, Duzce G.18.1 
 10. Horton, TED I.18.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Orhan HACIYEVA
  Darussafaka
  (201-C/F-89)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal12.8 
 2. Brown, Yesilyurt11.8 
 3. Egemonye, Optimum .11.1 
 4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld10.8 
 5. Eiukwu, Usak10.8 
 6. Gray, Gelisim10.7 
 7. Curtis, Beykoz10.7 
 8. Garrison, Pamuk.10.2 
 9. Gokay, Akcakoca P.9.5 
 10. Meeking, Selcuk Univ.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Admir KAN
  Yesilyurt
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Kan, Yesilyurt5.7 
 2. Eris, Istanbul B.B.5.6 
 3. Ogut, Genc Telekom5.6 
 4. Sancar, ITU5.2 
 5. Gacemer, Gelisim5.0 
 6. Kavaklioglu, Hacett.4.4 
 7. Hot, Akcakoca P.4.3 
 8. Edge, Genc Banvit4.1 
 9. Senol, Final Genclik4.0 
 10. Tutuncu, Beykoz3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Orhan HACIYEVA
  Darussafaka
  (201-C/F-89)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal2.9 
 2. Nelson, Akhisar Bld2.6 
 3. Yavuklu, Orman G.2.3 
 4. Ogut, Genc Telekom2.1 
 5. Fisher, Akcakoca P.2.0 
 6. Mutaf, FMV I.2.0 
 7. Erdogan, Duzce G.2.0 
 8. Celebioglu, Genc B.2.0 
 9. Kan, Yesilyurt1.9 
 10. Ozseven, TED I.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  Hermosillo
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 3
 1. Eiukwu, Usak3.0 
 2. Garrison, Pamuk.2.4 
 3. Fobbs, Trabzonspor2.1 
 4. Taylor, Vestel1.9 
 5. Hairston, Duzce G.1.8 
 6. Egemonye, Optimum .1.8 
 7. Turkyilmaz, Genc B.1.4 
 8. Gokay, Akcakoca P.1.3 
 9. Mumcuogullar., Vestel1.2 
 10. Davenport, Vestel1.1 


Trabzonspor inks Mutlu Demir - by Eurobasket News
Trabzonspor signed another player for the upcoming season. The team agreed a deal with Mutlu Demir (210-C-87). The 22-year old big guy arrives to TBL newcomer from Oyak Renault Bursa. He played 30 games this season in TBL averaging 7.1 points and 3.2 rebounds. Season 2008/09 Demir spent with Banvit and Selcuk. A season before he split between Banvit and Genc Banvitliler.
Mutlu Demir is a product of Efes Pilsen youth selections. He played for Efes Pilsen cadet and junior teams. On season 2005/06 he was promoted to the senior team and played 27 TBL games with 1.7 ppg. He also got a chance in 3 Euroleague games. Demir was a member of U16, U18, U20 and U21 Turkish national Team. In 2009 he got a call to join the senior NT and later played on Mediterranean Games.
As a reminder, Trabzonspor already signed five players for the next season. The first one was Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington), the top scorer of French ProA this season. After that the team agreed deals with Michael Wright (203-F-80, college: Arizona), Harold Jamison (204-C-76, college: Clemson), Ersin Gorkem (195-F-77) and Evren Buker (194-F-85).

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


Love In At Plymouth - by Paul Nilsen
The Plymouth Raiders have announced that after an exhaustive selection process, they have appointed former Raiders captain, Gavin Love (183-G-78) as their new Head Coach.

Were extremely excited by todays appointment, said Raiders Chairman Bob Widdecombe. This is the start of a new era and an exciting period in the life of the Plymouth Raiders. Gavin has come to the club and brought a lot of new ideas, contacts and enthusiasm, and has been working hard already at putting together a tough and competitive squad for the new season.

Love joined the Raiders half way through last season as an assistant coach, following a career as a player that spanned 13 years, and saw him lead the team into the BBL, establishing himself a reputation as a gritty, tough and talented competitor in a role occupied predominantly by American players on most other teams in the league.

This is a great opportunity for me, said Love, and Im confident that I can put a team together that will excite the fans and give us a great chance to get the club back to where it deserves to be. I cant wait for the players to get here now and to start pre season training. The team I want in place will be dynamic, exciting and I want us to play a brand of basketball that fans will want to come and watch.

At the same time as announcing Love as Head Coach, the Raiders have announced that former Raiders player Mark Cahill will be returning to the team as Strength & Conditioning Coach as part of a support team that also includes Andy Murphy the teams new Sports Injury Consultant.

Well be training eight times a week, said Love. Thats made up with five on court sessions, and three strength and conditioning sessions. Mark is going to be very active with the team, devising individual workout programmes for every player. We want to be the team in the best shape in the BBL this year its a long season, and the guys have to be ready for it. Our pre-season is going to be really intense as well, with the Royal Navy playing a huge part in fitness and team bonding work. I really cant describe how excited I am to get started.

The Raiders are delighted that Consultant Andy Murphy has offered his services to the team on a formal basis. He has treated James Noel, Eric Flato, DeAntoinne Beasley and Terrence Durham in recent years and will be working closely with Love, Cahill and the Raiders physio team.

Behind the scenes, Love is confident that in the next couple of days, the club will be in a position to announce one, if not two new signings. I hate to think what my phone bill will be! added Love. Ive talked to a lot of players and agents in the last week, and offered contracts to a couple of new players. We should hear back from them today or tomorrow.


Pops Mensah-Bonsu triumph abroad - by Eurobasket News
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) triumph abroad with his CSKA in Russia. CSKA defended their title as they won the Russian Superleague Play-offs 2009/2010. The favorites swept the Final series over Khimky and proved their superiority.
Khimky could do better in the Finals. The team that had already experience in EuroLeague was smashed by the favorite and could not even win just a game. It was expected in the country for a longer series, but not with Khimky. CSKA started with 25-18 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after. They added 18-12 in the second frame and took 13-point advantage at the halftime. Khimky recovered a bit in the third quarter as they won it 19-18, but CSKA proved it once again in the last stanza cruising past home side 15-11. More than 4000 were upset at the end and will not see another final game, the series is over.
Ramunas Siskauskas stepped up with 29 points and 8 rebounds, while Trajan Langdon nailed 13. Nikita Kurbanov notched 11 and Kaun Sasha added 8. Keith Langford answered with 18 points in the losing effort and Lopez Raul delivered 10. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) ended up with 8 points for the home side and Kelly McCarty scored 7. CSKA did not lose any of the games in the Play-offs. They also won the Cup and finished third in Euroleague this season.
His 2009-2010 season Pops Mensah-Bonsu started in NBA, while in January 2010 signed at CSKA Moscow. In Euroleague he appeared in 9 games and averaged 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg.
He exploded with 19 points when in EuroLeague when CSKA Moscow finished Top 16 phase as No.1 in Group G with five wins and just one defeat. That night, the Russian powerhouse was too strong for Zalgiris Kaunas 84-71. Pops Mensah-Bonsu came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds for the Moscow team, while Trajan Langdon and Zoran Planinic followed with 17 and 12 points respectively.


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Results for the Metro 14th round - by Hector Lopez
Larranaga, with 26 points and 16 rebounds from Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: W.Kentucky) beat Olivol Mundial for the Metro 14th round, and the team is sharing the second position with LArre Borges and Yale, all of them with a 9-5 record. The results for the three games played were:
Larraaga 94 - Elgrace Wilborn 26 points 16 rebounds, Federico Martinez (203-F/C-74) 26 points
Olivol Mundial 82 - Rodrigo Trelles (191-F-88) 16 points, Kevin Mickens (206-F-83, college: George Mason) 8 points 5 rebounds
- - -
Larre Borges 85 - Santiago Vidal (175-G-89) 25 points, Roberto Amaro (197-F-69) 23 points
Capitol 81 - Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 17 poiints 8 rebounds 4 blocks
- - -
Capurro 101 - Sebastian Leguizamon (200-F-84) 23 points 9 rebounds, Joshua Stanhiser (211-F-80) 12 points 5 rebounds 2 blocks
Yale 97 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 28 points 20 rebounds

*****************************************************
  WBA   


Standings
WBA Standings
 1. Jacksonville B. 6-0 
 2. Buford M. 3-2 
 3. Florida Flight 2-1 
 4. Franklin Knigts 2-2 
 5. Marietta S. 1-3 
 6. Cartersville W. 0-0 
 7. Decatur CK 0-4 




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Opals aim to star in Bendigo - by Eurobasket News
Bendigo will host some of the biggest names in women's basketball on Wednesday when the Opals take on Japan at Bendigo Stadium, writes Tanya Paolucci in The Bendigo Advertiser.

Bendigo Bank Spirit captain Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) and former Bendigo junior Deanna Smith will play for the Opals in Wednesday night's clash.

Regional transport company V-Line and Go for Your Life have jumped on board as naming rights sponsors for the Opals versus Japan clash this Wednesday from 7pm.

Harrower, who was voted the WNBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2009-10 season, said she was thrilled an international women's match would be played in her home town.

It's quite special and I think it means more now after playing for a couple of years with the Spirit,'' Harrower said.

The last time I played with the Australian team in Bendigo was in 1998, so I think I might have a couple of nerves at the start of the game because it means a lot to me.''

Harrower and Smith are not the only Opals squad members who have ties to Bendigo, with three former Spirit players likely to take to the court in the international match.

I think the Spirit does have a lot to do with getting these bigger events out,'' Harrower said.

We've got two Bendigo-based players and then we've also got three girls out of the squad who played with the Spirit in the first and second year which are Jenna O'Hea, Kathleen MacLeod and Hanna Zacevz who played with the Spirit last season.

It's good for those players to get back so that our spectators can come out and see them play again.''

Harrower said she was pleased that Basketball Australia was now looking to regional locations for top-level matches, and hoped Opals and Boomers matches would return to Bendigo.

We mentioned to Basketball Australia that we'd like to play at places where a lot of our players are from and we have nine out of 16 in the squad from Victoria,'' Harrower said.

I think it's great that we get to come home and play some games here and go to regional places because you get such good support in regional places.

If we can try and get an Opals game here at least every three years then that would be fantastic.''

Tickets are available from the Bendigo Spirit on 5440 6220 or at the door

For ticketing information for the Opals v Japan Series on June 9 in Bendigo, June 10 in Geelong and June 11 in Dandenong click here.

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

*****************************************************
  BERMUDAS - Women  


Jenaya makes Great Britain's Olympic team - by Eurobasket News
Olympic hopeful Jenaya Wade-Fray (175-G-88) is looking forward to broadening her basketball horizons in Europe. The Bermudian has been named on Great Britains Olympic team roster that will compete in 2011 Eurobasket Championship qualifiers this summer in Germany, Slovak Republic and Ukraine. Fray and her Great Britain Olympic team teammates will warm up for the upcoming qualifiers with a tour of Belgium, Holland, Bulgaria and Israel where they intend to sharpen their skills. Fray, who graduated from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, said: I am excited about going to play for the Great Britain team and travelling to different places. Should the opportunity to sign on with an overseas ball club while overseas present itself, the guard says she would gladly sign on the dotted line. Hopefully I will get an opportunity to stay out there and play for somebody else, she smiled. Earlier this year Fray, who is currently in Scotland, led the Lady Mocs to its 13th Southern Conference title. She ranks 12th on the Lady Mocs all-time scoring list with 1,345 points and last season was twice named as Southern Conference Player of the Week. Great Britain are coached by Tom Maher who coached Australia to silver and bronze medals at the 2000 and 1996 Olympics. This years roster includes a blend of youth and experience. Maher said: I think the balance we have between experience and emerging talent should provide us with the correct mix for what will be a challenging summer programme.
Courtesy of: bermudasun.bm

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Bulgaria Women NT roster - by Maria Mitzova
Silvia Peeva (172-G-79) Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas
Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) Basket Landes
Daniela Peteva (179-F-89) Dunav Econt Rouse
Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) Montana 2003
Elena Yankova (177-G-86) Chajeba 04 Jerez de la Frontera
Roksana Yordanova (184-G-84) Ceprini Costruzioni Orvieto
Daniela Georgieva (179-F-86) Mercede Basket Alghero
Hristina Ivanova (173-F-89) Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias
Maria Zhelyazkova (181-F-86, agency: Promotex) Beroe 2007 Stara Zagora
Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias
Veselka Todorova (192-C-88) Extrugasa Vilagarcia
Dimana Georgieva (190-C-88) RomaSistemi So.Se.Pharm Pomezia
Stefka Miteva (190-C-89) Club D.Baloncesto Aros Leon
Radostina Slavova (186-F-86) Slavia Sofia


Bulgaria NT started preparations - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgarian Women National Team started preparations for the European qualifiers. The head coach Jose Maria Buceta called almost entirely different squad than the last qualification cycle. Couple of the most experienced Bulgarian players will rest this summer, some due to injuries, others because of their own will. One American player Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) is waiting to receive her Bulgarian passport, so she can join the team on June 15th.
Bulgaria has arranged three friendly meetings with England, on June 25, 26 and 27th, all of them will be played in Pravets. The team will travel to Vilnus to play against Lithuania on July 9th and 11th. The rest of the schedule includes meetings with Netherlands on July 15th and 17th and two games with Ukraine in Kyiv on July 22nd and 24th.
The European qualifiers start on August 2nd, when Bulgaria visits Turkey. The home games will be played in Rousse, and the first of those matches is on August 5th against Hungary.


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


Eurobasket.com All-Luxembourg League Awards 2009-10 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Christine Fisher
Fisher
Chandrea Jones
Jones
Monica Gibbs
Gibbs
Katie Donovan
Donovan
Amanda Stowe
Stowe
#e#5

Player of the Year: Christine Fisher (183-F-83) of Musel Pikes
Guard of the Year: Chandrea Jones (175-G-87) of Racing
Forward of the Year: Christine Fisher (183-F-83) of Musel Pikes
Center of the Year: Amanda Stowe (186-F/C-79) of AB Contern
Import Player of the Year: Christine Fisher (183-F-83) of Musel Pikes
Domestic Player of the Year: Andrea Haris (169-G-78) of Basket Esch
Bosman Player of the Year: Irina Mazjoukhina (181-F-76) of Musel Pikes
Defensive Player of the Year: Chandrea Jones (175-G-87) of Racing
Coach of the Year: Erny Gruskovnjak of Musel Pikes

1st Team
G: Chandrea Jones (175-87) of Racing
G: Monica Gibbs (178) of Amicale
F: Christine Fisher (183-83) of Musel Pikes
F: Katie Donovan (183-82) of Etzella
F/C: Amanda Stowe (186-79) of AB Contern

2nd Team
G: Amber Guffey (173-86) of Residence
G: Andrea Haris (169-78) of Basket Esch
F: LaKia Barber (180-87) of Black Star
F/C: Jill Martin (185-85) of Grengewald
F/C: Breanne Watson (185-85) of Basket Esch

Honorable Mention
Jordan Wilson (186-F/C-83) of T71 Dudelange
Gaelle Pousseur (182-F/C-82) of Basket Esch
Carine Cigrang (175-F-85) of Musel Pikes
Annick Neiertz (183-F-92) of Etzella
Lynn Schreiner (165-G-91) of Etzella
Alexandra Kugener (179-F-83) of T71 Dudelange
Michele Orban (190-C-86) of Residence

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Andrea Haris (169-78) of Basket Esch
G: Lynn Schreiner (165-91) of Etzella
F: Carine Cigrang (175-85) of Musel Pikes
F: Annick Neiertz (183-92) of Etzella
F/C: Gaelle Pousseur (182-82) of Basket Esch

All-Imports Team
G: Chandrea Jones (175-87) of Racing
G: Monica Gibbs (178) of Amicale
F: Christine Fisher (183-83) of Musel Pikes
F: Katie Donovan (183-82) of Etzella
F/C: Amanda Stowe (186-79) of AB Contern


England U18 Women win three in Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News
By Dave Ryan

England's Under 18 Women completed a three-game sweep against hosts Luxembourg over the weekend as they continued their warm-up for this summer's European Championship, B Division.

Coach Michael Ball took an 11-player squad for the three games, and it was Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) who dominated for England, leading the scoring in all the games and finishing with a total of 74 points.

The opening game saw England win 74-68, with their success built around a strong start. They scored well in transition, getting some good looks inside and with some strong perimeter defence they went into the first break with a 26-11 lead. That advantage grew to 45-29 going into the locker room at half-time, but as the game progressed the visitors missed many easy finishes and play with less thought and energy at the defensive end, and were called for 25 fouls in contrast to the hosts' 12.

Luxembourg chipped a point off the lead at the first break, with England leading 60-45, but despite losing the fourth period 23-14, Ball's team held on to record the win.

Fagbenle finished with 26 points, Timeyn Oritsesan adding 12, Jessica Hurd (185-F/C-92) eight and Rheanne Bailey seven.

Fagbenle, who attends Luol Deng's former school Blair Academy in the United States, was again unstoppable the following day - pouring in 29 points as England won 47-34.

The teams were tied at 12 going into the first break, but in contrast to the previous day the visitors got stronger as the game progressed, and led 23-19 at half-time. An 11-9 third period saw the lead stretched, and they wrapped things up with a 13-6 final stanza. Hurd was the only other player to score more than two with nine points as Fagbenle outscored the rest of her team by nine.

Game three on Sunday, proved to be England's best of the weekend, and for most of the game they performed closer to the standard expected by the coaching staff. They showed better ball movement, fewer turnovers and a better inside/outside balance than previously displayed.

The 80-43 victory left Ball a happy man:

'I told the players that the level of intensity and energy we showed in the final game of the trip has to become the starting point in all our future games together,' he said. 'We have something positive to take back to England to build upon and although we have many areas to develop, I think that the players have begun to understand what playing for this England team is all about if we are to be successful this summer.'

The visitors rushed into a 27-6 first period lead, and extended that advantage to 46-25 going into the locker room. A 20-8 third period ended the game as a contest, and although Luxembourg closed the game out with a 19-14 fourth quarter, it was too late to prevent Ball and his team going home with a third straight win.

Fagbenle finished with 19, with Jennie Rodgers adding 14, Jamila Thompson (191-F/C-92) 11 and Olufemi Hamilton nine.

England continue their preparation for the European Championship this week with a training camp in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

They have been drawn in Group C for the FIBA Europe U18 Women European Championship Division B, which will take place in Timisoara, Romania between July 29 and August 8. They will face opening round games against Bulgaria, Finland, Scotland and Estonia.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO - Women  


MNT NT Roster 2010 - by Dragan Scepanovic
Head coach of NT of Montenegro Miodrag Baletic announced 20 members NT of Montenegro for preparation for Qualification for EC 2011.
Basketball players NT of Montenegro : Jelena Skerovic, Jelena Culafic, Brankica Hadzovic, Zivana Jankovic (174-G-83), Snezana Aleksic (171-G-89), Jasmina Bigovic, Biljana Turcinovic (186-F-89), Maja Milutinovic, Ana Miodrag Baletic (185-G/F-85), Sanjc Knezevic, Jelena Dubljevic, Hajdana Radunovic, Iva Perovanovia, Milka Bjelicu, Milica Jovanovic, Masa Stanisia, Marija Vujadinovia, Neda Nikolia, Ana Turcinovic (190-G-93) and Ana Defor.

*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Milka Bjelica joins Lotos - by Eurobasket News
Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) will play in Poland in the next season. The 28-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with the Polish champions Lotos Gdynia. The Serbian player started the previous season in Lithuania. She tallied 16.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists for TEO Vilnius in the Lithuanian League. In Euroleague her stats read 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. In February Milka Bjelica moved to Italy and joined Vomero Napoli. She notched 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals per A1 League appearance.


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA - Women  


Quinn and Grishaeva will continue in Spartak Moscow Region - by Eurobasket News
Noelle Quinn (183-G-85, college: UCLA) and Nadezhda Grishaeva (193-C/F-89) will be another players in an updated roster of Spartak Moscow Region for the next year.
Noelle Quinn played already for the team in the season 2008/2009. The American Player started it with TEO Vilnius and in Lithuanian League averaged 7.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 71.4%. In Euroleague after 12 games her stats read 8.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 61.5%. In February 2009 she moved to Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague) and in Russian League after 10 games showed 3.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.7apg. Recently the player is on the US with Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA, starting five). She had a great second game for the team scoring 14 points as the Storm pull away for a 81:67 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Kicking off the season before a sold out lower bowl at KeyArena, Wright scored 17 points, Bird added 14 and Seattle outscored Los Angeles 22-5 in the final 8 minutes.
Nadezhda Grishaeva spent the last season in Vologda-Chevakata (A Superleague). She appeared in EuroCups 5 games and averaged 7.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.5%, FT: 73.3%. In Russian League after 17 games her stats read 11.1ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.2%. She recorded 19 points in November as Dynamo Novosibirsk prevailed against Chevakata at home court 79:72. Marina Khazova scored 16 points and pulled down 6 boards to lead Dynamo. Kristina Alikina added 14 points as the winners climbed at 2-1 record. Nadezhda Grishaeva scored 19 points for Chevakata in defeat.
Her success she reached in Poland U20 European Championships U20 in Gdynia as in 9 games she became the fifth top-scorer of the tournament. The Russian player averaged 18.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 54.4%, FT: 59.3%.


*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Milka Bjelica joins Lotos - by Eurobasket News
Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) will play in Poland in the next season. The 28-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with the Polish champions Lotos Gdynia. The Serbian player started the previous season in Lithuania. She tallied 16.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists for TEO Vilnius in the Lithuanian League. In Euroleague her stats read 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. In February Milka Bjelica moved to Italy and joined Vomero Napoli. She notched 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals per A1 League appearance.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Jenaya makes Great Britain's Olympic team - by Eurobasket News
Olympic hopeful Jenaya Wade-Fray (175-G-88) is looking forward to broadening her basketball horizons in Europe. The Bermudian has been named on Great Britains Olympic team roster that will compete in 2011 Eurobasket Championship qualifiers this summer in Germany, Slovak Republic and Ukraine. Fray and her Great Britain Olympic team teammates will warm up for the upcoming qualifiers with a tour of Belgium, Holland, Bulgaria and Israel where they intend to sharpen their skills. Fray, who graduated from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, said: I am excited about going to play for the Great Britain team and travelling to different places. Should the opportunity to sign on with an overseas ball club while overseas present itself, the guard says she would gladly sign on the dotted line. Hopefully I will get an opportunity to stay out there and play for somebody else, she smiled. Earlier this year Fray, who is currently in Scotland, led the Lady Mocs to its 13th Southern Conference title. She ranks 12th on the Lady Mocs all-time scoring list with 1,345 points and last season was twice named as Southern Conference Player of the Week. Great Britain are coached by Tom Maher who coached Australia to silver and bronze medals at the 2000 and 1996 Olympics. This years roster includes a blend of youth and experience. Maher said: I think the balance we have between experience and emerging talent should provide us with the correct mix for what will be a challenging summer programme.
Courtesy of: bermudasun.bm

England U18 Women win three in Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News
By Dave Ryan

England's Under 18 Women completed a three-game sweep against hosts Luxembourg over the weekend as they continued their warm-up for this summer's European Championship, B Division.

Coach Michael Ball took an 11-player squad for the three games, and it was Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) who dominated for England, leading the scoring in all the games and finishing with a total of 74 points.

The opening game saw England win 74-68, with their success built around a strong start. They scored well in transition, getting some good looks inside and with some strong perimeter defence they went into the first break with a 26-11 lead. That advantage grew to 45-29 going into the locker room at half-time, but as the game progressed the visitors missed many easy finishes and play with less thought and energy at the defensive end, and were called for 25 fouls in contrast to the hosts' 12.

Luxembourg chipped a point off the lead at the first break, with England leading 60-45, but despite losing the fourth period 23-14, Ball's team held on to record the win.

Fagbenle finished with 26 points, Timeyn Oritsesan adding 12, Jessica Hurd (185-F/C-92) eight and Rheanne Bailey seven.

Fagbenle, who attends Luol Deng's former school Blair Academy in the United States, was again unstoppable the following day - pouring in 29 points as England won 47-34.

The teams were tied at 12 going into the first break, but in contrast to the previous day the visitors got stronger as the game progressed, and led 23-19 at half-time. An 11-9 third period saw the lead stretched, and they wrapped things up with a 13-6 final stanza. Hurd was the only other player to score more than two with nine points as Fagbenle outscored the rest of her team by nine.

Game three on Sunday, proved to be England's best of the weekend, and for most of the game they performed closer to the standard expected by the coaching staff. They showed better ball movement, fewer turnovers and a better inside/outside balance than previously displayed.

The 80-43 victory left Ball a happy man:

'I told the players that the level of intensity and energy we showed in the final game of the trip has to become the starting point in all our future games together,' he said. 'We have something positive to take back to England to build upon and although we have many areas to develop, I think that the players have begun to understand what playing for this England team is all about if we are to be successful this summer.'

The visitors rushed into a 27-6 first period lead, and extended that advantage to 46-25 going into the locker room. A 20-8 third period ended the game as a contest, and although Luxembourg closed the game out with a 19-14 fourth quarter, it was too late to prevent Ball and his team going home with a third straight win.

Fagbenle finished with 19, with Jennie Rodgers adding 14, Jamila Thompson (191-F/C-92) 11 and Olufemi Hamilton nine.

England continue their preparation for the European Championship this week with a training camp in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

They have been drawn in Group C for the FIBA Europe U18 Women European Championship Division B, which will take place in Timisoara, Romania between July 29 and August 8. They will face opening round games against Bulgaria, Finland, Scotland and Estonia.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk


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  USBA - Women  


Was there a conspiracy to derail the WUSBA 2010 basketball season? - by USBA Media

It's been well publicized why the Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) shut down its grand opening scheduled for Wednesday night, June 9, 2010. The owners of the league only had forty eight player's and six coache's signed to agreements. Player's and coaches hadn't completed and returned their Contractor Agreement to the league office by May 26. 'The rules of basketball states you can finish a game with four players, however, your not allowed to start a game with four players', said Kenneth Green, WUSBA Director of Basketball Operations. 'We held a league conference call on May 9th, we ordered all coaches to comply and send in their agreements and their players agreements, well, they either refused or purposely delayed, which, we don't know, but we have our suspicions.' said Green.

The owners of the WUSBA issued a press release late Friday, May 27 taking responsibility for the shutdown and saying it was a result of lack of contracted players and coaches, they received a flurry of telephone calls from players, parents and players agents, they expedited the process of updating additional updated information to the media. The owners also suspected a former coach, who was fired, in the complicity of supplying false information.

The league canceled its intention to play in Louisville and informed Louisville resident Terry Howard, he was no longer the head basketball coach. The league transferred the Louisville team to Macon, Georgia. The WUSBA declined to use Hoops Basketball Academy. The facility was originally sought to be used to play their home games. 'We tried to convince Hoops to lower their rental price and to give the WUSBA fair share of the concessions revenue.' 'When Hoops said no to both issues and due when Coach Howard refused a direct order to hire a female assistant coach as per league policy, the WUSBA cancelled intentions to use Hoops Basketball Academy and move the team to Macon,' said Duane Allen Jenkins, WUSBA President. 'Their demand to pay them $18,000.00 rental fees by July 10 and with no concession revenue, was in our opinion unreasonable.' Terry Howard was ordered by Hoops owner Troy Murphy to send a damaging email to all WUSBA coaches, basketball players, vendors and some agents. The email labeled the WUSBA staff as 'lairs and hustlers', said Jenkins. The alleged mail was received by the entire coaching staff and the agents doing business with the league. 'We can pick and chose who we wish to spend our money with, we chose to move the team to Macon, we got a better deal and we were to receive 100% concessions, and Macon was a better fit for league teams.' The league has launched an investigation.

'Basically we were in the process of preparing for the season, and we had not made it through the coaching and player selection process,' said Jenkins, the lead spokesperson for the WUSBA.

Green said the most notable coach who failed to comply with league policy was Wayne 'Tree' Rollins, Rollins is a former NBA basketball player and minor league coach. Rollins approached the league's brother company in September 2009, to be one of the head coaches, when the WUSBA was formed on March 13th; Rollins was retained to coach the league's Jacksonville franchise. 'Rollins and the other coaches not only didn't send in their agreements, his team only had four players signed to play. Rollins had fifteen or sixteen players on his roster and we find it inexcusable that he only was able to convince four of the players to send their agreements to the league office.'

WUSBA officers responded immediately to address the concerns of parents and players about their concerns of payments of reimbursements of cancelled airline tickets, according to Jenkins all agents, parents and players were immediately informed that an investigation began to determine which players qualified and the process of issuing refunds was under way, however, the disposition of players without an agreement would be determined on a case by case basis.

Further speculation of a conspiracy arose when a news article appeared in the Sunday morning edition of the Augusta Chronicle. It was verified that Rollins placed a call to the Chronicle sports department to vent his oppinion about the WUSBA. 'Without his real intention being known, it could be conceived as an attempt to damage the image of the WUSBA'. 'I read and responded to this pack of lies', said Jenkins, 'Rollins opened the door to legal action, we have turned this over to our general counsel for evaluation, I can tell you this, Mr. Rollins passion for this team and the players seems misplaced, he failed to follow our simple policies, he was in essence acting as our coach without an agreement, he receive the agreement in early April, to date I still don't have the signed agreement from him.'

The WUSBA has announced plans to play in 2011. The league will retain former WNBA basketball players as Head Coaches. Terry Truax, longtime NCAA coach has been retained by the league to train and evaluate coaches. 'I will do everything I can to make this opportunity for our young coaches successful for them', said Coach Truax, 'I can tell you one thing, I wont tolerate what Mr. Jenkins went through this past season with some of these coaches, we must have discipline and commitment, I'll make sure of that', said Truax.

'I dont know if anyone conspired to sabotage our league, but like my grandfather used to always say, If it looks and quacks like a duck, break out the orange sauce, it's dinner time,' said Jenkins.

'We now have the time to properly prepare for next year and it's full steam ahead.'

media@usbaball.com
League office (678) 966-9993


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  WNBA - Women  


Chicago's Sylvia Fowles and Seattle's Lauren Jackson named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) of the Chicago Sky and Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) of the Seattle Storm were named the league's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors, respectively, for regular season games played Monday, May 31 through Sunday, June 6.
This marks the first season that Kia Motors, an official marketing partner of the WNBA, has presented the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week award.

For Fowles, the Player of the Week presented by Kia Motors award is the first of her career. The honor came after she led the league in both points (25.5) and blocks (2.5) per game, while also averaging 11.0 rebounds (third best), 1.5 steals and 1.0 assist per game in leading the Sky to a pair of wins. With an 80-70 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Dream in Atlanta and a 95-70 defeat of the visiting Tulsa Shock, Chicago lifted its record to 4-4 after stumbling from the blocks with a 0-4 mark.

After missing 17 games due to injury as a rookie in 2008 and another 10 last season, Fowles, the second overall selection in the 2008 Draft, is undeniably making her presence felt. A dominating effort in Chicago's win over Tulsa included a career-high 32 points, 13 boards, four blocks and a steal. One day earlier, the LSU product poured in 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds and recorded two assists, two steals and a block to help drop Eastern Conference rival Atlanta. For the season, Fowles leads the league in blocks (2.5 per game), ranks fifth in scoring (19.9 ppg) and eighth in rebounds (8.5 rpg).

Jackson's record-setting 16th Player of the Week award of her career moves her past WNBA legend Lisa Leslie for the most such honors in WNBA history. Jackson also won the award following the first week of the season and last week was selected as the Western Conference Player of the Month presented by Kia Motors.

A two-time winner of the WNBA Most Valuable Player award presented by Kia Motors, Jackson led Seattle to a 3-0 mark during the week including a 90-72 win over previously undefeated Atlanta, a 79-75 defeat of the host Los Angeles Sparks in the Sunset Showdown (a contest played outdoors at the Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium), and a 97-74 thumping of the defending champion Phoenix Mercury. In the process, Seattle elevated its overall record to a league-leading 8-1 and notched the best start to a season in the franchise's history.

Now in her 10th WNBA season, Jackson led the way by scoring in double figures in each game and averaging 21.7 points (fourth best), 8.3 rebounds (seventh best) and 1.3 blocks per game. For the season, Jackson ranks third in the WNBA in points (20.8), fifth in blocks (1.8) and tenth in rebounds (8.1) per game.

Perhaps her best performance of the week came in the Storm's 90-72 decision over the then 6-0 Atlanta Dream. Jackson was dominant throughout and finished with game-high figures for points (32), rebounds (10), and blocks (3). The native of Australia followed that up with 17 points and nine rebounds at Los Angeles and 16 points and six rebounds in a win over Phoenix the following day.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors were Connecticut's Tina Charles, Indiana's Tamika Catchings, Minnesota's Rebekkah Brunson, New York's Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix's DeWanna Bonner, San Antonio's Sophia Young, Tulsa's Scholanda Robinson, and Washington's Crystal Langhorne.

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

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Tulsa Shock add Kiesha Brown and Jennifer Lacy - by Eurobasket News
The Tulsa Shock waived 2011 second round draft pick Amanda Thompson (6'0''-F-87, college: Oklahoma) and latest acquisition Ashley Walker (6'1''-F/C-87, college: California) on Monday and signed veterans Kiesha Brown (5'11''-G-79, college: Georgia) and Jennifer Lacy (6'3''-F/C-83, college: Pepperdine).

Thompson was the Shock's first ever draft pick out of the University of Oklahoma in the 2011 WNBA Draft.

Brown, an eight-year veteran out of the University of Georgia, appeared in 34 games last year for the Connecticut Sun, averaging 3.8 points-per-game in 11.6 minutes a night. Brown has also played for Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, Houston and Washington.

Lacy, a four-year veteran out of Pepperdine University, appeared in 32 games for Atlanta in 2009, averaging 3.0 points in 11.3 minutes a game.

Courtesy of The Tulsa Shock

Sun finally at full strength - by Eurobasket News
They have started the season 5-2 with five consecutive home victories, their most since 2005. They have lived up to much of the preseason buildup. They are a deep, talented team with perimeter options, post power and have mixed experience and youth seamlessly.

Still, things just might get better for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun over the next few days. Coach Mike Thibault , for the first time this season, has all 11 players available to practice before Friday's game vs. the Indiana Fever at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

'Having extra people feels good,' guard Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) said. 'We have time to get used to playing with Sandrine Gruda (6'4''-C-87) and get more time with Asjha [Jones]. We just feel we have so much room to grow and get better. We're going to be a tough team because we have so many different matchups and looks we can offer.'

Sunday, Thibault welcomed the return of Gruda, his 6-foot-4 center who had been resting in Martinique, by dispensing minutes equally among his top nine.

Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) led the Sun with 28 minutes in the 81-68 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars. Gruda played 16. The other seven fell somewhere in between.

'It's a fine balance, but you make sure you put the right group of girls together, where at the end of the day all we care about is winning,' veteran DeMya Walker said. 'As long as we're winning, no one cares. The minutes we play and the way we do it, we have complete faith in the next person coming in. We have a team that genuinely accepts what we play and how we will rotate.'

That depends on the opponent, especially as it relates to post players Gruda, Tina Charles, Jones, Walker and Kelsey Griffin.

'San Antonio was without [guard] Becky Hammon, so I figured we had to go bigger and longer,' Thibault said. 'But there will be teams we play against that are smaller and quicker, and that would mean a kid like [Sun rookie guard Allison Hightower] might play more minutes. I told the team if you really buy into the team concept, then you'll have to understand that from game to game things are going to change.'

Gruda, perhaps the most talented young center in Europe, will almost certainly add an indispensable quality to the team once she's fully ready. On Sunday, she made only one of six shots and had just one rebound.

'I am taking it slow. I am in good shape, but I haven't touched a basketball in a little while,' Gruda said. 'It's difficult, but I am ready to give the best.'

Jones played her best game of the season Sunday, scoring eight points (4 of 6) with four rebounds in 19 minutes in just her third appearance after recovering from a sore Achilles'.

'It's getting better,' Jones said. 'We're not taking any steps backwards.'

Charles, the WNBA's top overall pick from UConn, recorded her fifth double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. She leads the team in minutes played and converted 7 of 9 shots to become the only Sun regular shooting better than 50 percent. She also has 11 blocks and is averaging 10.6 rebounds.

'We are getting there, little by little, and I think the players are excited,' Thibault said. 'I think they see the potential with all the different things we can do.'

Courtesy of www.courant.com