Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/14/2010

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Boca Juniors tab Scott Cutley - by Eurobasket News
Boca Juniors have reached an agreement on terms of contract with Scott Cutley (196-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Cal.St. Fullerton). The 25-year-old forward was last seen in Central Enterriano. He signed for the team back in October. Scott Cutley tallied 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Earlier Scott Cutley played for Atletico Parana.

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AUSTRALIA

Blaze rookie Cadee injured in car crash - by Eurobasket News
Gold Coast Blaze signing Jason Cadee (186-G-91) is recovering in hospital after he was involved in a car accident in Sydney on Monday afternoon.

Doctors believe the 19-year-old suffered a suspected broken pelvis in the accident.

Cadee is currently undergoing further tests and doctors expect they will be able to give an exact diagnosis within 24 hours.

Gold Coast Blaze chief executive Dave Claxton said the club would remain in touch with Cadee's family and assist where required.

''Our best wishes go out to Jason and his family,'' he said.

''He is a wonderful talent, but more importantly he is a fine young man and will be an asset to the club.''

A timeframe on Cadee's recovery will not be known until doctors have properly diagnosed his injuries.

''The ramifications on his season are not important right now, what is important is that Jason has all the support he needs to make a complete recovery,'' said Claxton.

Cadee, who will make his NBL debut with the Blaze, showed his obvious talent when picked in the Australian Boomers squad for the recent series against World Champions Argentina.

Courtesy of The Gold Coast Blaze

Crocodiles land Gabriel Freeman - by Eurobasket News
Twenty-four year-old and 6-foot-6 Southern Utah born Gabriel Freeman (198-F-85, agency: Union Sports, college: Costa Mesa JC) will join the Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles in 2010/11 after playing for two seasons in the premier Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) league for San Miguel Beermen.

San Miguel are currently playing in the PBA play offs and when Freeman plays at The Swamp this season hell be the Crocodiles three man and his athleticism will complement the roster which has in it Russell Hinder, Peter Crawford, Luke Schenscher, Brad Williamson, Nathan Crosswell, Michael Cedar, Ben Allen and Todd Blanchfield, and a vacancy for a second import.
Freeman is a monster on the boards averaging 15.83 rebounds and dishing 1.32 assists, 1.34 steals at San Miguel and can light up a scoreboard as well with 22.07 points and a shooting arsenal of 52.8 per cent from the field and 73.4 per cent from the charity stripe.

Freeman recently attracted unfavorable off-court attention in the Philippines when he tested positive to a banned substance in a sport drug test, however his club the San Miguel Beermen have told the Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles the test results showed an irregularity and two other subsequent samples have confirmed he is not guilty of taking any banned substances.

The false allegations have been hurtful and upsetting for Gabe and his family but he has vowed to move forward and reassures Crocodiles fans he is committed to coming here and has his focus on helping the team win a maiden championship.

Freeman was a star player for the Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California a member of the Orange Empire Conference (OEC), an intercollegiate athletic conference for nine community colleges in Orange County California. He also played for the Albany Patroons in the now defunct Continental Basketball Association (CBA).

The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles Chief Executive Officer says although Freeman does not have an extensive college career he is a fine professional league player great in defense who runs the floor well and will live up to Trevor Gleesons hard work expectations.

We see Gabe as a versatile 3-man who isnt afraid to mix it up in the paint and hell complement the existing roster. As well as that hes a hard worker and a great defensive player whose athleticism you can look forward to seeing this upcoming season on the One HD highlights reel, Mr Smythe said.

Freeman has had a great couple of seasons for San Miguel Beermen winning Best Import trophy and on the verge of doing that again for a consecutive season. He is currently the PBAs leading rebounds per game specialist as well as featuring in the top ten point scoring list for the current season.

Courtesy of The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles

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BOSNIA

Igokea wants Zarko Rakocevic and Branko Mirkovic - by Eurobasket News
Igokea management is working hard in order to create roster for the upcoming season where they are expected to make Adriatic league debut. According to various reports from Bosnian media, they are close to agreeing a deal with Zarko Rakocevic

(204-F-84) and Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Rakocevic spent last season with Bosna ASA BHT and he is expected to be a huge reinforcement under the basket. Mitrovic is a guard who has spent previous three seasons as member of Rilski Sportist and Lukoil Akademik. Both players would be considered great reinforcement, but the upcoming days will show whether the deals will be finalized.
Zarko Rakocevic made his debut for Buducnost Podgorica senior team in 2002, appearing in two games. He continued to develop his game and establish himself as important team player. His best season for Buducnost came during 2006-2007 season, when he appeared in 26 games and posting averages of 11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. Following season he moved to Ukrainian outfit Khimik-OPZ Yuzny where he appeared in only 2 games. Following year he was signed by Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade. With Partizan, Rakocevic won the National title and National Cup, as well as Adriatic League. Rakocevic contributed with 7.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 21 Adriatic League games. In Euroleague, Rakocevic played in 16 games and averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds. This season as member of Bosna ASA BHT, Rakocevic posted averages of 12.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. In the regional championship he had 11.2ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.5apg for 11 games. Rakocevic is also a member of the Montenegrin National Team.
Branko Mirkovic started his career with Radnicki Smederevo. He then moved to Rilski Sportist, where he played for two seasons. At the start of this year, he signed a deal with Lukoil Akademik. There he has won the national title and has posted averages of 7.1 points and 2.9 assists per game (37).

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BRAZIL

Tiago Splitter has finally signed with the Spurs - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have signed Tiago Splitter

CANADA

Development men's training camp roster announced - by Eurobasket News
Canada Basketball announced Monday the 2010 Development Men's National Team (DMNT) tryout/training camp roster, camp schedule and international competitions for the summer season. The camp runs from July 11-16 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, followed by a competition tour in Europe.

From July 17Aug. 2, the DMNT will play a series of exhibition games against the African nation of Ivory Coast, Belgium, Great Britain, Finland, the Netherlands and Spain. Following the tour, athletes from the team will be selected to continue with the Senior Mens National Team (SMNT) training camp beginning in August.

'The development team has become an integral part of our national team program, said Andrew Cook, Manager of Mens Elite Performance for Canada Basketball.

Over the last few years we have had a growing number of very talented athletes within our age group national teams. This team gives us the opportunity to get them the high level international experience they need to be prepared to join the senior team in future years or, for some, later this year in Turkey.'

The 2010 edition of the DMNT invitees features 12 players with international experience for Canada, including Jesse Young

(207-C-80, college: George Mason) (Peterborough, Ont.), Kyle Landry

(206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) (Calgary) and Ryan Bell (193-G-84) (Orleans, Ont.), who all played on the 2009 SMNT that qualified for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. The roster also includes 12 NCAA and CIS players such as Devoe Joseph (191-G-90) (Pickering, Ont.), Kelly Olynyk (211-F-91) (Kamloops, B.C.) and Jordan Baker (193-G-91, college: Utah Valley St.) (Edmonton).

Coming off our bronze medal accomplishments with the Junior and Cadet men, I'm looking forward to working with these players to continue their development,' said Senior and Development Men's Head Coach Leo Rautins.

This camp and exhibition tour is a win-win for everyone involved, players and coaches, as we gain international exposure and experience for players who will be a big part of our future.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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CENTROBASKET

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  IVO
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Hodge, ISV	20.8
2. Villanueva, DOM	20.6
3. Arroyo, PUR	19.3
4. Chiverton, IVB	18.3
5. Harris, MEX	17.8
6. Palacio, BIZ	17.5
7. Pinnock, PAN	16.8
8. Blair, JAM	15.3
9. Ramos, PUR	15.0
10. Barea, PUR	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Frank ELEGAR
  ISV
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Elegar, ISV	11.8
2. Martinez, DOM	10.7
3. Lloreda, PAN	9.7
4. Balkman, PUR	9.7
5. Trim, TRI	9.3
6. Ayon, MEX	9.0
7. Troyer, BIZ	9.0
8. Penn, IVB	8.8
9. Ffriend, JAM	8.5
10. Pomare, PAN	8.0

Assists Per Game

Jose Juan BAREA
  PUR
  (181-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Barea, PUR	7.0
2. Palacio, BIZ	6.3
3. Arroyo, PUR	6.3
4. Pineiro, CUB	4.3
5. Arias, DOM	4.0
6. Harris, MEX	4.0
7. Hodge, ISV	4.0
8. Munoz, PAN	3.8
9. Pena, DOM	3.5
10. Martinez, DOM	3.2

Steals Per Game

Halstead CHIVERTON
(193-G-82)
Avg: 3

1. Chiverton, IVB	3.0
2. Pineiro, CUB	2.8
3. Pena, DOM	2.7
4. Mariscal, MEX	2.5
5. Scott, JAM	2.5
6. Bass, IVB	2.5
7. Smith, JAM	2.5
8. Ayon, MEX	2.0
9. Harris, MEX	2.0
10. Palacio, BIZ	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Kleon PENN
  IVB
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Penn, IVB	2.8
2. Ayon, MEX	2.5
3. Ramos, PUR	1.8
4. Richards, ISV	1.5
5. Elegar, ISV	1.3
6. Batista, CUB	1.2
7. Little, ISV	1.0
8. Balkman, PUR	1.0
9. Carter, TRI	1.0
10. Lloreda, PAN	1.0

Latinbasket.com All-Centrobasket Awards 2010 - by Eurobasket

All-Tournament 1st Team

Arroyo

Palacio

Villanueva

Lloreda

Ramos

Best Player: Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79) Puerto Rico

Best Guard: Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79) Puerto Rico

Best Forward: Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84) Dominican Republic

Best Center: Ramos Peter John (222-C-85) Puerto Rico

Best Coach: Manuel Cintron Puerto Rico

1st Team
G: Carlos Arroyo (188-79) Puerto Rico

G: Milton Palacio (190-78)

F: Charlie Villanueva (209-84) Dominican Republic

F/C: Jose Lloreda (201-80)

C: Ramos Peter John (222-85) Puerto Rico

2nd Team
G: Jose Juan Barea (181-84) Puerto Rico

G: Walter Hodge (183-86)

F/C: Gustavo Ayon (209-85) Mexico

F/C: Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) Dominican Republic

C: Kimani Ffriend (211-77)

Honorable Mention
Renaldo Balkman (201-F-84) Puerto Rico

Frank Elegar (206-C-86)

Kibwe Trim (208-F/C-84)

Richard Troyer (196-F-84)

Kelvin Pena (193-G-81) Dominican Republic

Allen Jemmott (195-G/F-80) Cuba

Omar Quintero (183-G-81) Mexico

Garfield Blair (196-G-87)

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CHILE

The NT lost against Argentina on tuesday night - by Daniel Valencia
The chilean NT played his first friendly game against Argentina on tuesday night. The NT is preparing for the upcoming SouthAmerican Championship set to be played in Colombia at the end of the month. Playing in Valparaiso, the NT lost against Argentina 68-51. The leading scorer for Chile was the point guard Franco Morales (179-G-92) with 10 points, Patricio Briones (213-C-72, college: Dade CC) scored 6 points, with 4 steals and 3 rebounds. Jorge Valencia (206-C-77) was the lentina, ading scorer with 6 boards. For Argentina, Juan Gutierrez

(205-F/C-83) led the scorers with 13 poitns and 9 rebounds. Matias Sandes

(201-F/G-84) also scored 13 points and the point guard Juan Pablo Cantero

(184-G-82) ended the night with 10.

Chile 51 - Argentina 68

Chi: Franco Morales 10 pts. Patricio Briones 6 pts. Jorge Valencia 6 reb.
Arg: Juan Gutierrez 13 pts. 9 reb. Matias Sandes 13 pts. Juan Pablo Cantero 10 pts.

5-12 / 15-15 / 16-21 / 15-20

Complete Stats

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COSTA RICA

First defeat for Barva - by Gianni Pascucci
Two weeks ago started the second leg of CostaRican LSB, named 'Fase de Clasificacion'. The first four placed teams at the end of this phase will advance to league Semifinals. The Round 15 produced the first upset, because Universidad de Costa Rica defeated Liceo 59-53. Some days after, Ferreterias Brenes Barva, till that time undefeated, felt on the road to # 2 ranked Universidad de San Jose ARBA. The final score was ARBA 71 - Barva 67, and Darrell St.Rose (191-F-88) ws the game top performer with 26 points. Dave Milliner (197-C-81) led Barva with 20 pts. Liceo and Escazu made two importat steps towards the Semifinals, prevailing respectively over San Luis Gonzaga (91-69) and UCR (73-67). In the last game of Round 16 San Luis Gonzaga defeated Perez Zeledon, 79-68

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva		15-1
2. ARBA San Ram.		13-3
3. Escazu		10-6
4. Liceo		10-6
5. UCR		7-9
6. Perez Zeledon		4-12
7. Cartago		3-13
8. San Luis G.		2-14

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CROATIA

Croatia roll past France - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - France U20 65:40

Croatia improved at 3-1 record in Group F of the U20 European Championship. They coasted past France in the second game of the Qualifying Round. Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) knocked down 15 points to lead the hosts. France slipped at 3-1 record after the loss.
Croatia opened the game with six points in a row. They maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter and established a 17:8 advantage ten minutes into the game. Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) and Albicy opened the second term with six points for France as the margin was cut. Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) and Paul Lacombe put France ahead midway through the second term 21:20. However Mario Delas unleashed 7 quick points as the home side earned 30:23 advantage. Croatia sealed a 30:27 lead at halftime. The hosts tipped off the third term with nine points in a row to surge in front. Croatia maintained the lead and posted a 46:35 advantage at the final intermission. Tomislav Zubcic

(214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket), Ivan Batur (203-F-91) and Dino Butorac (192-G-90) exploded with three-pointers early in the fourth quarter as Croatia grabbed a comfortable lead and never looked back en route to the win.
Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the home team. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) added 12 points for the winners. France answered with 11 points from Ferdinand Prenom. Paul Lacombe had 10 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U20: Mario Delas 15, Leon Radosevic 13, Josip Bilinovac 12
France U20: Ferdinand Prenom 12, Paul Lacombe 10

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CUBA

Panama beats Cuba for third place in Santo Domingo - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Third place: CUBA - PANAMA 74-75

Panama grabbed the Bronze in Santo Domingo thanks to 74-75 thriller win against Cuba. With this victory Panama secured a spot for the Pan-American Games in Mexico next summer. Both teams booked a ticket for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic). Jose Lloreda

(201-F/C-80, college: LSU) shined for Panama in this game with double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds. He was the MVP with valuation 22. Joel Munoz (179-G-80) secured a nice help with 18 points, while Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86, college: San Diego) added 10 points and 11 boards. In Cuba, Orestes Torres (202-C-87) collected 16 points, 7 boards and 6 assists. Andy Boffil (192-G/F-82) had 15 and Allen Jemmott (195-G/F-80) scored 11 pts.
Panama opened the game better. Jose Lloreda and his teammates dominated in the first ten minutes for 17-23 lead. Cuba drastically improved after that and limited Panamanians to just 12 points in Q2. On the other side, Cubans scored 19 for 36-35 turn at the half time. Panama replied after the breather and quickly grabbed back the lead. After 19-25 in third period Panama was 5 points up and there was ten minutes left in the game. Last quarter belonged to Cuba (19-15), but that was not enough. Panama was more concentrated in the finish to grab 74-75 victory and the Bronze in Santo Domingo.

Cuba: Orestes Torres 16+7 biards+6 as, Andy Boffil 15, Allen Jemmott 11
Panama: Jose Lloreda 24+12 boards, Joel Munoz 18, Leonardo Pomare 10+11 boards

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Former Mattoni NBL Stars in Las Vegas with Hope of NBA Futures - by Surujh Roopnarine
One is the reigning Eurobasket.com Player of the Year, the other coming off an impressive run in Puerto Rico after a solid 2008-09 season in the Czech Republic. Both men, Tremaine Ford-Townsend

(207-F-86, college: Cal.St. Northridge) and Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, college: Illinois) are in Las Vegas participating in the 2010 NBA Summer League with hopes and dreams of lacing it up on the NBA hardwood for real. Ford, who played with USK Praha this past season and led the NBL in rebounding at 11 per contest, is in Las Vegas playing with the Golden State Warriors Summer League entry. Thus far he has only appeared in one of the Warriors three games played, and that was a 13 minute performance in which he grabbed three boards and committed one foul without attempting a shot. The former Cal-State Northridge star finished his impressive rookie season in Prague and will likely use his time in Las Vegas to secure an offer in Europe for the upcoming season.

Shaun Pruitt is no stranger to an NBA environment, having taken part in the 2008 Summer League with New Orleans and then last season in training camp with the Warriors. The former Illinois center was a key member of the 2008-09 BK Prostejov squad before leaving in January '09. In 22 games he averaged 16.4 points, and 9.9 rebounds while shooting 61.6% from the field. The 6-10 center is probably the best free agent big man on Phoenixs Summer League roster and after not playing in their first game, had a very strong debut in game two. Against a Toronto Raptors squad that features 2010 NBA Draft picks Ed Davis (208-F-89, college: N.Carolina) and Solomon Alabi (216-C-88), Shawn Pruitt more than held his own, scoring 10 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench. In two games he has shot 5-9 from the field with 12 total points scored and 11 rebounds. Besides rookie Gani Lawal (206-F-88), Pruitt has provided the most consistent performance down low for the Suns and has served himself well for this upcoming season. In the Spring Pruitt took his talents to the shores of Puerto Rico where he matched up against former NBA-talents like Robert Traylor

(204-F/C-77, college: Michigan), Marcus Fizer (203-F-78, college: Iowa St.), Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown), Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU), etc., and acquitted himself superbly. In 24 games for Isabella, Shaun Pruitt averaged 18.8 points (6th in the league) and 1.3 blocks (2nd) while leading the league in rebounding at 13.4 per contest on his way to being named an All-Star. There is a chance that these two former stars of the Czech Republic will meet, as Phoenix and Golden State will meet on Thursday in what will be the Suns final game of the Summer League. Though their 2009-10 seasons and subsequent summer leagues have gone in vastly different directions both Shaun Pruitt and Ford-Townsend are talented young big men who have yet to show how productive they truly can be.

Czech Republic U20 beat Netherlands U20 at the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Czech Republic U20 67:75

Czech Republic U20 beat Netherlands U20 75:67 to tie both records at 1-1 at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) was unstoppable for the winners as both of them will try to remain in Division A depending on their last game.
Kherrazi opened the game for the Dutch side and Tomas Satoransky responded immediately for the winners. After 22:22 at the end of the frame and Van Schaik scored for 26:22. Soucek later brought the lead back to 29:28, but Jessey Voorn

(193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) gave the Dutch team 37:31. Tomas Satoransky tied the game at 37:37 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Moreover the run continued until 44:37 when Tomas Vyoral

(190-G-92) made two free throws. The latter also increased the lead to 55:39 later in the frame. Kherrazi reduced the gap to 58:47 at the end of thirty minutes. The intrigue was however not lost as Van Der Horst Dimeo brought 58:54. Moreover another three-pointer from Van Schaik made the score 60:57 for the Czechs. The latter managed however to keep the score for good and even increased the deficit at the end. Tomas Vyoral posted last two free-throws for the final 75:67.
Tomas Satoransky poured in 24 points for the winners. Tomas Vyoral nailed 20, while Ondrej Peterka (192-F-91) notched 12. Jessey Voorn ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Van Der Horst Dimeo scored 13.

Netherlands U20: Jessey Voorn 15, Van Der Horst Dimeo 13
Czech Republic U20: Tomas Satoransky 24, Tomas Vyoral 20, Ondrej Peterka 12

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D-LEAGUE

NBA D-League Select Team Falls in First Summer League Game to Phoenix - by Surujh Roopnarine
The NBA D-League Select Team, comprised of a selection of free-agents who spent last season in the D-League, opened up their schedule at the 2010 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas yesterday evening. Facing off against a Phoenix Suns summer league squad which featured former D-League assignees Taylor Griffin and Earl Clark (6'9''-F-88, college: Louisville), the Select Team fell 96-88.
Leading by double digits with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, the D-Leaguers were not able to control a revived Suns offense, which went on to outscore the Select squad 47-33 in the last two quarters. For Phoenix, second year forward Earl Clark led the way with a game high 18 points while 2010 second-round draft pick Gani Lawal (6'9''-F-88) tallied a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, though he did commit a game high seven turnovers and 10 personal fouls. The D-League Select squad was led by former Reno Bighorn and Maine Red Claw point guard Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86) who scored a team high 17 points in just 15 minutes of action, with nine coming from the free-throw line. Dakota Wizards forward Curtis Withers (6'8''-F-84, college: Charlotte) followed closely with 16 points and seven rebounds, while sharp-shooter Mike Gansey came off the bench to contribute 15 points, including three of three from behind the arc.
SUNS: Earl Clark (18pt+5rb), Gani Lawal (15pt+11rb+7to), Scottie Reynolds (16pt), Matt Janning (15pt+7rb)
D-LEAGUE: Russell Robinson (17pt), Curtis Withers (16pt+7rb), Mike Gansey (15pt), Larry Owens (12pt+7rb)

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EUROLEAGUE

Ian Vougioukas and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou to join Panathinaikos - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos is expected to sign deals with Ian Vougioukas

(212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou

(206-C/F-83). The Greek players have reportedly reached agreement with the champions.
Ian Vougioukas spent the previous season in Panellinios. The 25-year-old centre tallied 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in Greek A1. In EuroCup his stats read 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per appearance. Ian Vougioukas also spent two seasons in Olympiakos. The centre is the member of the Greek National Team.
Konstantinos Kaimakoglou played for Marousi in the previous season. The 27-year-old centre averaged 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in Euroleague. In A1 his stats came up to 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

UNICS Kazan takes Kelly McCarty, Zakhar Pashutin and Hasan Rizvic - by Eurobasket News
UNICS Kazan announced signing of Kelly McCarty

(201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi), Zakhar Pashutin

(196-G-74) and Hasan Rizvic

(212-C-84) for the next season.
Kelly McCarty is coming to UNICS from Khymky Moscow Region. He appeared 16 times in Euroleague last season averaging 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In Russian championship he added 12.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 32 games. He joined in Khimky in 2006 from Dynamo St. Petersburg. McCarty was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention this year. He is an active member of the Russian National Team.
Zakhar Pashutin, younger brother of the new UNICS Head Coach Evgeny Pashutin, played last two years for Spartak St. Petersburg. Last season he had 10.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 3.3 apg for 24 games in Russian league. In EuroCup, Pashutin added 7.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg. In the past he was a member of CSKA, Ural Great Perm, ASVEL, Avtodor Saratov and Karsiyaka.
Hasan Rizvic is coming to UNICS from the Ukrainian Azovmash. He helped the team to win the title last season with 13 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 39 games. In VTB United League, Rizvic exploded with 20 ppg and 7.5 rpg for 6 games. He joined Azovmash in 2008 and before that played for Slask Wroclaw, Union Olimpija and Pivovarna Lasko.
UNICS Kazan already landed Slavko Vranes

(230-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) few days ago.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Standings

Group E
1. Greece		4-0
2. Ukraine		3-1
3. Serbia		2-2
4. Latvia		1-3
5. Lithuania		1-3
6. Montenegro		1-3
Group F
1. Croatia		3-1
2. Spain		3-1
3. France		3-1
4. Russia		2-2
5. Italy		1-3
6. Slovenia		0-4
Group G
1. Czech Repub.		1-1
2. Germany		1-1
3. Holland		1-1
4. Turkey		1-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nikos PAPPAS
(194-G-90)
Avg: 22.6

1. Pappas, GRE	22.6
2. Otverchenko, UKR	20.6
3. Gentile, ITA	19.6
4. Natyazhko, UKR	16.6
5. Lypovyy, UKR	16.4
6. Llovet, ESP	16.0
7. Ivlev, RUS	15.8
8. Dubljevic, MNT	15.8
9. Mihailovic, MNT	15.6
10. Satoransky, CZE	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Vladimir IVLEV
(204-F-90)
Avg: 12.2

1. Ivlev, RUS	12.2
2. Aldemir, TUR	10.8
3. Llovet, ESP	9.4
4. Musli, SRB	9.2
5. Natyazhko, UKR	8.0
6. Kherrazi, NED	8.0
7. Sandul, UKR	7.6
8. Delas, CRO	7.4
9. Dubljevic, MNT	7.4
10. Satoransky, CZE	7.4

Assists Per Game

Tomas SATORANSKY
  CZE
  (196-G/F-91)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Satoransky, CZE	5.6
2. Prostran, CRO	5.0
3. Albicy, FRA	4.8
4. Nedovic, SRB	4.8
5. Krumins, LAT	3.8
6. Peciukeviciu., LTU	3.6
7. Jaramaz, SRB	3.3
8. Sloukas, GRE	3.2
9. Zadnik, SLO	3.2
10. Lypovyy, UKR	3.2

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY
(178-G-90)
Avg: 3.2

1. Albicy, FRA	3.2
2. Stuckey, GER	3.0
3. Satoransky, CZE	2.8
4. Papanikolaou, GRE	2.8
5. Perez, ESP	2.5
6. Lypovyy, UKR	2.4
7. Leonard, FRA	2.2
8. Pappas, GRE	2.2
9. Kherrazi, NED	2.0
10. Sanguinetti, ITA	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Dejan MUSLI
(214-C-91)
Avg: 1.8

1. Musli, SRB	1.8
2. Radosevic, CRO	1.8
3. Aldemir, TUR	1.6
4. Papanikolaou, GRE	1.4
5. Natyazhko, UKR	1.2
6. Llovet, ESP	1.0
7. Kosenkov, UKR	1.0
8. Sandul, UKR	1.0
9. Vranjkovic, SLO	1.0
10. Blaus, LAT	1.0

Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Lithuania - Latvia 72-75
Latvia earned the first win at the Qualifying Round of the U20 European Championship in Croatia. They held off Lithuania in the intense clash tonight. Latvia thus improved at 1-3 record and caught up with Lithuania in Group E. Latvia went on a 13:0 run in the opening quarter to post a 15:5 lead. They rallied past shocked Lithuania to a 25:15 advantage at the first intermission. The Latvian team maintained the lead well throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 11 points 41:30. Osins and Martins Laksa boosted the gap to 16 points at the start of the third term. Latvia enjoyed a 60:49 advantage at the final break. Lithuania went on a desperate rescue mission in the fourth quarter. Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) opened the final term with five points in a row. Lithuania worked hard to get within only four points with just over three minutes remaining. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Drungilas dragged Lithuania as close as one point with 62 seconds left in regulation 71:72. However Celms came up with three points late in the game and sealed the winning outcome for Latvia. Lauris Blaus

(204-C-90) accounted for 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Kristers Zeidaks

(202-F-90) produced 16 points for Latvia. Augustas Peciukevicius responded with 18 points for Lithuania. Eimantas Bendzius had 16 points in the losing effort.

Greece - Montenegro 83-79 OT
The first game of Qualifying Round Day 2 started with an interesting clash of the defending champions versus Montenegro. Greece U20 needed overtime to beat Montenegro U20 83:79. Montenegro U20 started better and took 19-18 lead after the first 10 minutes. Radovic increased the lead to 26-18 and then Nikos Pappas

(194-G-90, agency: FCM) tied it all at 31:31. Moreover he gave his side 32:31 lead at the halftime. Again Montenegro took the lead in the third period and finished the frame having 53:48 advantage. Montenegro had 2-point lead with 2 seconds in the fourth period, while Nikos Pappas made two free throws. The score was tied at 72:72 at the end of the last period as both teams needed overtime to find out the winner. Montenegro grabbed 75:74 in the first minutes of extra time Konstantinos Sloukas

(197-G-90) gave Greece 76:75. Later Konstantinos Sloukas and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) exchanged the free throws, while Stojanovic nailed three for 79:77 lead. Greece had 81:79 with 18 seconds to go, while Konstantinos Sloukas made two free throws for the final success. Nikos Pappas paced all the winners with 22 points for 4-0 record in Group E. Leonidas Kaselakis

(201-C-90) followed him with 17, while Konstantinos Sloukas and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) added 13. Vladimir Mihailovic erupted with 25 points in defeat as Montenegro fell at 1-3. Radovic scored 14, while Stojanovic netted 12.

Ukraine - Serbia 66-64
Ukraine and Serbia struggled for the third victory in the Qualifying Round of U20 European Championship. Ukraine booked their place at the Quarterfinal round beating Serbia 66:64. After a tough start both teams continued to battle in the court until the last seconds. Ukraine enjoyed 40:32 lead as Ruslan Otverchenko (192-G/F-90) made his 15th points to send the teams to the lockers. Subotic made a lay-up to open the third period in the game. Arnautovic nailed another three for 40:37, while Aleksandar Mitrovic

(202-F-90) tied the game at 40:40 as Serbia completed their 8-0 run. Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) scored four points for Ukraine to give the lead back at 44:42. Serbia took the lead at 46:44 as Aleksandar Mitrovic scored from the perimeter and another three-pointer from the player brought 49:47 with 3 minutes in the third. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) nailed two for 50:49 and Noskov tied the game at 52:52 at the end of the third period. Andjusic made a dunk to open the last period and Jaramaz later gave Serbia 62:54. Kyryl Natyazhko cut it to 62:56, while Aleksandar Mitrovic increased the lead to 64:59. Ruslan Otverchenko nailed three reducing for 64:62 with 2 minutes in the quarter. He made another shot from the long distance for 65:64 with 44 seconds to go. Kyryl Natyazhko made one free throw for the final victory. Ruslan Otverchenko paced all the winners with 21 points. Maksym Sandul collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyryl Natyazhko added 11. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 15 and Nemanja Jaramaz notched 12 in defeat.

Group F

Slovenia - Italy 65-80
Italy claimed the first win at the U20 European Championship Qualifying Round. They held off Slovenia today to improve at 1-3 record in Pool F. Slovenia in the meantime slipped at 0-4 record. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) stepped up with 22 points to lead Italy to the win. Slovenia organized an 8:0 run midway through the opening quarter to take a 17:10 lead. But Vitali and Roberto Rullo

(192-G-90) capped the period with seven points in a row for Italy as they drew things level at 17. Vitaly tipped off the second term with a three-pointer as the Azzurri surged ahead. The teams stayed neck and neck before Alessandro Gentile knocked down seven consecutive points and helped Italy gain a 37:28 lead late in the half. Roberto Rullo capped the half with a jumper giving Italy a 39:30 advantage. Roberto Rullo and Alessandro Gentile stretched the margin to 14 points at the start of the third term. Slovenia responded late in the quarter as they went on a 9:0 rally to get within three. Italy responded immediately as they capped the frame on a 6:1 run to restore a safe cushion. Triples from Daniele Sandri and Giacomo Sanguinetti allowed the Azzurri to enjoy a 12-point lead midway through the final stanza. Italy did not look back en route to the win at the end. Roberto Rullo knocked down 17 points for Italy. Paul Biligha (200-C-90) added 10 points in the winning effort. Jakob Cebasek (198-G/F-91) responded with 15 points for Slovenia. Edo Muric had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Russia - Spain 70-68
Russia U20 handed Spain U20 their first loss as they won the thriller 70:68 in Group F. Russia improved to 2-2 record, while Spain fell at 3-1. Russia opened the game with 5 consecutive points and enjoyed 19:13 lead at the end of the first period. Martinez nailed three for 21:21, while Grigoriy Andreev (195-G/F-90) made 33:27 at the halftime. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) increased to 35:27 but Spain was too far to give up. Hernandez brought them 39:37 and Gil tasted 44:41 with Spain at the end of three quarters. Russia trailed 1 point before Grigoriy Andreev nailed a three-pointer for 60:58. Bychkov was perfect from the free throw line for 62:58 and Munoz nailed three for 62:61. Later Valiev and Mirotic exchanged the baskets for 64:63, while the latter tied at at 64:64. Grigoriy Andreev made the last six points for the winners and brought them the necessary victory. Franch made a lay-up in the very end for the final score. Vladimir Ivlev collected massive 19 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Grigoriy Andreev nailed 15, while Vladimir Pichkurov (194-G-90) posted 12. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) ended up with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Hernandez notched 12, whilst Mirotic added 11.

France - Croatia 40-65
Croatia improved at 3-1 record in Group F of the U20 European Championship. They coasted past France in the second game of the Qualifying Round. Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) knocked down 15 points to lead the hosts. France slipped at 3-1 record after the loss. Croatia opened the game with six points in a row. They maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter and established a 17:8 advantage ten minutes into the game. Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) and Albicy opened the second term with six points for France as the margin was cut. Ferdinand Prenom (202-C-91) and Paul Lacombe put France ahead midway through the second term 21:20. However Mario Delas unleashed 7 quick points as the home side earned 30:23 advantage. Croatia sealed a 30:27 lead at halftime. The hosts tipped off the third term with nine points in a row to surge in front. Croatia maintained the lead and posted a 46:35 advantage at the final intermission. Tomislav Zubcic, Ivan Batur and Dino Butorac exploded with three-pointers early in the fourth quarter as Croatia grabbed a comfortable lead and never looked back en route to the win. Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the home team. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) added 12 points for the winners. France answered with 11 points from Ferdinand Prenom. Paul Lacombe had 10 points in the losing effort.

Group G

Germany - Turkey 65-75
Turkey stepped away from the edge as they knocked down Germany in the relegation round of the U20 European Championship. Turkey and Germany are now tied at 1-1 record in Group G. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Turkey stormed into the game as they quickly gained a 15:4 lead. T.J. DiLeo (188-G) woke Germany up with 6 points in a row. The Bundesteam soon surged ahead but Furkan Aldemir allowed Turkey to take a 21:18 lead at the first break. The advantage changed hands for several times throughout the second quarter. Incekara capped the half with a jumper to give Turkey a 37:34 lead. Furkan Aldemir and Melih Mahmutoglu

(187-G-90) boosted the margin to 7 points early in the third term. They ensured a 16-point buffer for the Turkish team later in the period. Turkey entered the fourth stanza up by 14 points 59:45. Germany got within 6 points late in the fourth quarter but it was as closer as they could get. Turkey controlled the situation and recorded a well-deserved win at the end. Melih Mahmutoglu produced 20 points for Turkey. Birkan Batuk

(198-F-90) added 10 points in the victory. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) replied with 19 points for Germany. T.J. DiLeo had 14 points in the loss.

Holland - Czech Republic 67-75
Czech Republic U20 beat Netherlands U20 75:67 to tie both records at 1-1 at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) was unstoppable for the winners as both of them will try to remain in Division A depending on their last game. Kherrazi opened the game for the Dutch side and Tomas Satoransky responded immediately for the winners. After 22:22 at the end of the frame and Van Schaik scored for 26:22. Soucek later brought the lead back to 29:28, but Jessey Voorn

(190-G-92) made two free throws. The latter also increased the lead to 55:39 later in the frame. Kherrazi reduced the gap to 58:47 at the end of thirty minutes. The intrigue was however not lost as Van Der Horst Dimeo brought 58:54. Moreover another three-pointer from Van Schaik made the score 60:57 for the Czechs. The latter managed however to keep the score for good and even increased the deficit at the end. Tomas Vyoral posted last two free-throws for the final 75:67. Tomas Satoransky poured in 24 points for the winners. Tomas Vyoral nailed 20, while Ondrej Peterka (192-F-91) notched 12. Jessey Voorn ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Van Der Horst Dimeo scored 13.

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FINLAND

Finland narrowly edge Portugal in Rio Maior - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Finland 67:70

Finnish National team held off Portugal in the exhibition clash. The teams met in Portuguese Rio Maior. Teemu Rannikko

(189-G-80) provided 18 points to lead the effort.
Finland got to the better start. They knocked down 19 points in the starting frame to earn a 4-point lead at the first break. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second term. Finland arrived at halftime up by 6 points 38:32. Portugal could not change the complexion of the game in the third term. Moreover Finland limited the hosts to just 9 points and cleared off to an 11-point distance at the final pause. Portugal stepped on the gas in the fourth term. They fired 26 points to outscore Finland but stopped just short of victory at the end.
Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) delivered 12 points for Finland. Tuukka Kotti

(205-F/C-81, college: Providence) added 10 points in the winning effort. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) tallied 15 points, 6 assists and 6 boards for Portugal. Joao Gomes (199-F-85) fired 18 points in the loss.

Portugal: Joao Gomes 18, Heshimu Evans 15, Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) 14
Finland: Teemu Rannikko 18, Samuel Haanpaa 12, Tuukka Kotti 10

INTERNATIONAL: Samuel Haanpaa stays in Spain - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish NT SG/SF Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) will continue his professional career 2010-11 in Spain. Haanpaa and Spanish LEB Gold Team Faymasa Palencia have
agreed and re-signed a one-year-contract. Haanpaa did play last season 11 games on Palencia roster averaging 6,9 ppg and 2,4 rpg. Palencia was # 13 on the second highest level with 14-20 record. Haanpaa has played earlier besides in Finland also in Italy and in France.

Finnish National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket

Starting Five

Rannikko

Haanpaa

Kotti

Virtanen

Huff

Teemu Rannikko

189-G-80

Granada

Samuel Haanpaa

203-G/F-86

Palencia

Tuukka Kotti

205-F/C-81

Honka

Petri Virtanen

183-G-80

Kataja

Shawn Huff

198-G/F-84

Kavala/Panor. Greece

Petri Heinonen

207-F/C-88

Korihait

Hanno Mottola

209-F/C-76

ToPo

Teemu Rannikko

189-G-80

Granada

Anti Nikkila

210-F/C-78

Girona

Mikko Koivisto

193-G-87

NC-Greensboro USA

Tuomas Iisalo

195-G-82

Honka

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FRANCE

(214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket), Ivan Batur (203-F-91) and Dino Butorac (192-G-90) exploded with three-pointers early in the fourth quarter as Croatia grabbed a comfortable lead and never looked back en route to the win.
Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the home team. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) added 12 points for the winners. France answered with 11 points from Ferdinand Prenom. Paul Lacombe had 10 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U20: Mario Delas 15, Leon Radosevic 13, Josip Bilinovac 12
France U20: Ferdinand Prenom 12, Paul Lacombe 10

French pro teams salaries 20010-11 - by Eurobasket

ProA
CLUBS	Budget �	Salaries cap �
Chalon/Saone	3,569,000	1,200,000
Cholet	5,261,000	1,824,000
GravelinesDunkerque	4,089,000	1,400,000
Hy�resToulon	2,119,000	800,000
Le Havre	2,438,000	825,000
Le Mans	4,972,000	1,533,000
Limoges	3,500,000	1,290,000
LyonVilleurbanne	5,991,000	2,359,000
Nancy	4,316,000	1,432,000
Orleans	5,051,000	1,543,000
ParisLevallois	4,076,000	1,429,000
PauLacqOrthez	4,422,000	1,442,000
Poitiers	2,602,000	948,000
Roanne	4,326,000	1,639,000
Strasbourg	3,807,000	1,190,000
Vichy	2,453,000	764,000

ProB
CLUBS	Salaries cap �	Budget �
AixMaurienne	346,000	1,010,000
Antibes	510,000	1,942,000
Boulazac	796,000	1,948,000
BoulognesurMer	425,000	1,258,000
BourgenBresse	668,000	2,024,000
Ch�lonsReims *	650,000	1,961,000
CharlevilleMezi�res	397,000	1,061,000
ClermontFerrand	458,000	1,711,000
Dijon	830,000	2,936,000
Evreux	511,000	1,525,000
FossurMer	455,000	1,397,000
Le Portel	556,000	1,375,000
Lille	515,000	1,334,000
Nanterre	623,000	1,783,000
Nantes	560,000	1,585,000
Quimper	492,000	1,215,000
Rouen	998,000	2,666,000
SaintVallier	282,000	795,000

Mavericks get bigger, agreeing to terms with Ian Mahinmi - by Eurobasket News
Newest Maverick Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) will make his debut with the team in the final two Summer League games.

As expected, the Mavericks came to terms Monday with Mahinmi, the 6-11 center who has spent the last three seasons with San Antonio, although he missed all of 2008-09 with an ankle injury.

Mahinmi agreed to a two-year contract that starts at the NBA veteran's minimum of about $850,000.

A big reason why he is signing with the Mavericks is Roddy Beaubois. The two have been close friends for some time and will play together this summer on the French national team at the World Championships.

'He's a very good friend of mine and he's a good player,' Beaubois said of Mahinmi. 'He'll be good for our team. I've never played with him, but he's my boy and he likes to work and wants to get better. I'm happy for him'

Rick Carlisle said it was Mahinmi's potential that has the Mavericks excited.

'He's a young, athletic big guy that we like as a prospect,' Carlisle said. 'He can help us a little now and we think he can get better.'

The 230-pound Mahinmi played sparingly with the Spurs, seeing more action with the National Basketball Development League Austin Toros. In 26 games with the Spurs last year, Mahinmi averaged 3.9 points and 2.0 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Zack Wright joins Limoges CSP - by Eurobasket News
Limoges CSP announced signing of a one-year deal with Zach Wright (188-G-85, college: Cent.Missouri). The 25-year old American is coming to Limoges from Le Mans, where he spent last season. Wright appeared 12 times in EuroCup with the former French champion averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He also played 36 games in ProA adding 8.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 4.4 apg. He ended the championship as the leading 'stealer' with 1.9 spg. Le Mans reached the ProA Finals, but faced with defeat against Cholet. Wright was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention.
Before Le Mans, Zach Wright spent one season with Chalon. At that time he had 11 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 6.3 apg and 2.5 spg for 31 games in ProA. Season 2007/08 Wright played for Braunschweig. He was the top-scorer of the German ProB championship that year with 24.8 ppg. He also added 5.3 rpg, 4.9 apg and 3.5 spg in 25 games. For his performance Wright was named Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -08.
Zach Wright is a product of the Central Missouri State University. He graduated there in 2007.

Entente Orleans 45 sign J.R. Reynolds - by Eurobasket
Entente Orleans 45 signed 26-year old American guard J.R. Reynolds (188-G-84, college: Virginia, agency: SportsTalent). Reynolds played most recently at Cimberio Varese (Italy). While playing 13 games for Cimberio VA last season his stats were: 5.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg and 1.2spg. It's actually his come back to France, where Reynolds played two years ago at ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne winning French ProA Champion.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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GERMANY

Turkey edge Germany in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Germany U20 75:65
Turkey stepped away from the edge as they knocked down Germany in the relegation round of the U20 European Championship. Turkey and Germany are now tied at 1-1 record in Group G. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort.
Turkey stormed into the game as they quickly gained a 15:4 lead. T.J. DiLeo (188-G) woke Germany up with 6 points in a row. The Bundesteam soon surged ahead but Furkan Aldemir allowed Turkey to take a 21:18 lead at the first break. The advantage changed hands for several times throughout the second quarter. Incekara capped the half with a jumper to give Turkey a 37:34 lead. Furkan Aldemir and Melih Mahmutoglu

(187-G-90) boosted the margin to 7 points early in the third term. They ensured a 16-point buffer for the Turkish team later in the period. Turkey entered the fourth stanza up by 14 points 59:45. Germany got within 6 points late in the fourth quarter but it was as closer as they could get. Turkey controlled the situation and recorded a well-deserved win at the end.
Melih Mahmutoglu produced 20 points for Turkey. Birkan Batuk

(211-C-85, college: Wake Forest) has gone the same path going back to his old stomping ground Braunschweig after playing in the schwaben land for EnBW Ludwigsburg last season. Visser is a 24 year old 211cm center from Grand Rapids, Michigan and played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig from 2007-2009. Last season, he played 32 games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 55.7% for EnBW Ludwigsburg. 'I am really looking foreward to playing in Braunschweig again', stated Kyle Visser

(211-C-85, college: Wake Forest). In his rookie season with Braunschweig, he played 32 games averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2FGP: 58.3%, FT: 67.6%. In teh 2008-2009 season, he had his most productive season in the BEKO BBL playing 34 games and averaging 11.2ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 57.9%. 'We are happy that Kyle is coming back to Braunschweig. We never lost contact with him. It is a huge advantage that he knows the Bundesliga and Braunschweig. He has a lot of potential just like Jason Cain and now we have a good front court', stated Braunschweig CEO Norbert Ruescher. Visser played at wake Forest from 2003-2007 and reached the Sweet 16 in 2004.

Richmond Pittman Returns To FC Schlake - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Regionaliga team FC Schalke return a familiar face with Richmond Pittman (198-F-83, college: Cent.Conn.St.). Pittman is a 28 year old 199cm 112 kilo power forward from Boston, who last played with the club in the 2006-2007 season playing 14 games and averaging 18.2ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3FGP: 11.1%, FT: 56.1%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen playing 29 games and averaging 13.1ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 51.2%, FT: 59.5%.Pittman played at Thayer academy averaging 18ppg and 11rpg and then at Cent.Connetcicut St. from 2002-2005. In his senior season, he played 26 games averaging 9.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.3%. In 2005-2006, he played in Iceland for Valur Reykjavik playing 10 games and averaging 29.0ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.6bpg, 2FGP: 62,8%, 3PT: 28,6%, FT: 64,2%. In 2007-2008, he played for FC Schalke 04 (Germany-2.Bundesliga), German League: 9 games: 18.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 64.4%; released in Nov.2007, in Jan.2008 moved to Manchester Millrats (ABA): 4 games: 10.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 58.3%, FT: 70.6%, released in Feb.'08.

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

GREECE

Ian Vougioukas and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou to join Panathinaikos - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos is expected to sign deals with Ian Vougioukas

(212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou

(206-C/F-83). The Greek players have reportedly reached agreement with the champions.
Ian Vougioukas spent the previous season in Panellinios. The 25-year-old centre tallied 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in Greek A1. In EuroCup his stats read 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per appearance. Ian Vougioukas also spent two seasons in Olympiakos. The centre is the member of the Greek National Team.
Konstantinos Kaimakoglou played for Marousi in the previous season. The 27-year-old centre averaged 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in Euroleague. In A1 his stats came up to 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Greece U20 needed overtime to stay unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20-Montenegro U20 83:79 OT

The first game of Qualifying Round Day 2 started with an interesting clash of the defending champions versus Montenegro. Greece U20 needed overtime to beat Montenegro U20 83:79.
Montenegro U20 started better and took 19-18 lead after the first 10 minutes. Nemanja Radovic (205-F/C-91) increased the lead to 26-18 and then Nikos Pappas

(197-G-90) gave Greece 76:75. Later Konstantinos Sloukas and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) exchanged the free throws, while Petar Stojanovic

(185-G-90) nailed three for 79:77 lead. Greece had 81:79 with 18 seconds to go, while Konstantinos Sloukas made two free throws for the final success.
Nikos Pappas paced all the winners with 22 points for 4-0 record in Group E. Leonidas Kaselakis

(201-C-90) followed him with 17, while Konstantinos Sloukas and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) added 13. Vladimir Mihailovic erupted with 25 points in defeat as Montenegro fell at 1-3. Nemanja Radovic scored 14, while Petar Stojanovic netted 12.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 22, Leonidas Kaselakis 17, Konstantinos Sloukas 13, Georgios Georgakis 13
Montenegro U20: Vladimir Mihailovic 25, Nemanja Radovic 14, Petar Stojanovic 12

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

HOLLAND

Czech Republic U20 beat Netherlands U20 at the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Czech Republic U20 67:75

Czech Republic U20 beat Netherlands U20 75:67 to tie both records at 1-1 at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship. Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) was unstoppable for the winners as both of them will try to remain in Division A depending on their last game.
Kherrazi opened the game for the Dutch side and Tomas Satoransky responded immediately for the winners. After 22:22 at the end of the frame and Van Schaik scored for 26:22. Soucek later brought the lead back to 29:28, but Jessey Voorn

HUNGARY

Hungarian National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket

Szabo

Hanga

Fodor

Lorant

Vojvoda

Zsolt Szabo

202-F-86

Soproni

Adam Hanga

201-G-89

Albacomp

Marton Fodor

191-G-81

Szolnok

Peter Lorant

207-F/C-85

Burgos

David Vojvoda

191-G/F-90

Kaposvari

Krisztian Wittmann

185-G-85

Kecskemeti Hungary

Marton Fodor

191-G-81

Szolnok

Roland Hendlein

205-F-86

Albacomp

Akos Horvath

194-G/F-81

Szolnok

Andras Molnar

195-F/G-83

Soproni

Adam Toth

208-F/C-89

ZTE KK

Gabor Soos

200-G/F-85

Kaposvari

Zsolt Szabo

202-F-86

Soproni

Akos Keller

206-F/C-89

Albacomp

Gergely Toth

206-F-89

Kormend

Milan Csorvasi

209-F/C-88

Kecskemeti Hungary

Branislav Dzunic

Head Coach

Albacomp

Balazs Sabali

Assistant

Kormend

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IBL

Bellingham Slam- 2010 IBL Championship contender- features a lot of Western Washington University players - by Trask Frost
The Bellingham Slam are making their second appearance in the International Basketball League championship game in three seasons, and former Western Washington University players have played a large role in getting the team there on both occasions.

In 2008, when the Slam defeated the Elkhart Express in the IBL title game, the Slam roster featured six ex-Vikings. Four of Bellinghams top five scorers that season hailed from WWU, led by guard Ryan Diggs and his 25.2 points per game scoring average. Forward Tyler Amaya averaged 21.8 points and a team-leading 10.2 rebounds per game, and was also named co-MVP of the championship match. Guard Jacob Stevenson and forward Lukas Henne, then a rookie, also enjoyed fine seasons, averaging 19.5 and 17.1 points per game, respectively. Sparked by the mid-season addition of Amaya following a stint in Germany, the collection of NCAA Division-II standouts went on to win 17 of their last 19 games in 2008, and upset an Elkhart team in the championship that boasted a lineup laden with Division-I players.

2010 is shaping up in similar fashion for the Slam. The teams record stands at 15-7 after winning eight of their last ten games. The roster features eight former Vikings, including three from the 2009-10 squad that reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division-II West Regional Tournament. Stevenson, who has been a part of the Slam since the team first began play in 2005, is enjoying a larger role than ever, ranking first on the team and fourth in the IBL with a scoring output of 25.8 points per game. After missing four games late in the season with an ankle injury, Diggs has come back and ranks third on the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game. Guard Morris Anderson has been one of the leagues best rookies, averaging 12.9 points, a team-leading 6.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. His 136 total assists ranks fourth in the league and first among rookies. Guard Derrick Webb has proven to be a valuable asset lately coming off the bench for Bellingham, averaging 17.8 points in his last four games.

The Slams opponent in the championship game, the Albany Legends, are a first-year team but enter the game with the IBLs best record at 18-3, and boast a roster with seven former NCAA Division-I athletes. They are led by ex-NBA and Cincinnati guard Kenny Satterfield, who comes in averaging 19.0 points and 8.2 assists per game. Two other key contributors are forward Gordon Klaiber, who leads the team with 19.5 points per game, and center DeAndre Thomas, who at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, is averaging 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest and provides an imposing presence in the post for the Legends.

The Slam will head to Albany, New York, to take on the higher-seeded Legends in the 2010 IBL Championship game on Friday, July 16. An 8 p.m. Eastern time tip-off is scheduled for the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany. KBAI AM 930 will provide live radio coverage of the game, starting at 4:45 p.m. Pacific. An internet stream of the broadcast will also be available at www.930kbai.com.

For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com

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ISRAEL

Hapoel Jerusalem ink Moshe Mizrahi - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Jerusalem strengthened their frontcourt. They added Moshe Mizrahi

(202-F-80, agency: Avi Zilberman) to the roster. The 30-year-old forward played for Maccabi Haifa during the last two seasons. He tallied 6.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in the previous championship. Moshe Mizrahi is not new to Jerusalem. He played here for three straight seasons (2001/2004). The forward also had stints in France and Ukraine.

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ITALY

Italy rejuvenate their fading hopes in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Slovenia U20 80:65

Italy claimed the first win at the U20 European Championship Qualifying Round. They held off Slovenia today to improve at 1-3 record in Pool F. Slovenia in the meantime slipped at 0-4 record. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) stepped up with 22 points to lead Italy to the win.
Slovenia organized an 8:0 run midway through the opening quarter to take a 17:10 lead. But Vitali and Roberto Rullo

(195-F/G-90) and Giacomo Sanguinetti (180-G-90) allowed the Azzurri to enjoy a 12-point lead midway through the final stanza. Italy did not look back en route to the win at the end.
Roberto Rullo knocked down 17 points for Italy. Paul Biligha (200-C-90) added 10 points in the winning effort. Jakob Cebasek (198-G/F-91) responded with 15 points for Slovenia. Edo Muric (202-F-91) had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 22, Roberto Rullo 17, Paul Biligha 10
Slovenia U20: Jakob Cebasek 15, Edo Muric 12

A Dilettanti Market News - by Eurobasket
First market transferts for the new season 2010/2011!
The VemSistemi Forli' ,waiting for a possible repechage in LegaA2, salutes the captain Matteo Frassineti (195-G/F-87) after a great season with 15.4 points in 28.9 minutes. The top scorer of the team in the last season joins at Reggio Emilia for the next seasons. Very active the market of Trento: coach Maurizio Buscaglia will have available for next season the playmaker Simone Ferrarese (182-G-87) (11 points, 3.3 assist and 2.2 steals at Verona) and the guard Luca Conte (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances), ex Pavia and Castelletto, that closed the last season like one of the best players of the group A with 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.9 assist and 2.9 steals. Season high own against Trento with 38 points and 7/10 by 3 points. Confirmed in the roster Nicola Natali, Simone Fiorito and Andrea Benevelli after the arrival of Marco Spanghero (185-G-91) by Trieste (7.7 points in 18.9 minutes). At San Severo two important arrivals for the new coach Franco Ciani (ex Osimo): Manuel Carrizo

(198-G/F-80, agency: Players Group) and Luca Ianes (202-F/C-80)! The argentinian, ex Venezia, Veroli and Sassari, was the best player of the A Dilettanti in the last season at Montecatini with 20.9 points (first of the group) and 4.3 rebounds. The italian center in the last season played at Scafati and Milano (at the end of the season), playing the finals against Siena. Riccardo Paolini is the new coach of Perugia after an experience at Agrigento in the 2009/2010. The Liomatic confirms Marco Pazzi, Mattia Caroldi, Simone Bonamente, Giacomo Chiatti and Davide Poltroneri. Confirmations also at S.Antimo: the coach Alfredo Foglia and the guard Mike Gizzi (top scorer with 21.6 points) renewed for another season. For now at Ruvo there are two new arrivals and some confirmations. Andrea Zerini, Bonfiglio Simone and Del Brocco Manuel remain at Ruvo, that closes a contract with Francesco Modica (203-F-82) (9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds at Ferentino) and Andrea Malamov (196-G-83) (ex Brindisi and S.Antimo, in the last season 16.7 points and 2.7 assist at Molfetta). Simone Lottici will be the new coach of Treviglio that adds at the roster for the new season two young players: Roberto Marulli and Claudio Gotti. Stefano Scrocco (200-G/F-77, agency: Players Group) leaves Omegna after 3 seasons (8.7 points for the forward in the last year). The Paffoni confirms coach Andrea Zanchi until the 2012. Daniele Casadei (199-F/G-81) joins with Ferentino after a good season at Siena (14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds). Remain at Ostuni the coach Giovanni Putignano (seventh consecutive year), Domeinco Morena and Antomello Ruggiero. Tony Trullo will be the new coach of Potenza that brings Matteo Metz (195-G-88) (ex Udine and Ferentino) and renews with Antonio Fazio. At Piacenza, promoted by the B Dilettanti, after the new coach Enrico Montefusco arrive Federico Loschi (195-G-90) (by Riva) and Riccardo Perego (203-F/C-81) (12 points and 2 steals at Ozzano) after the renewal with Mirko Trapella. For the other teams new coachs at Castelletto (Furio Steff), Agrigento (Vincenzo Esposito, famous ex player of Caserta), Riva (Tommaso Bindi) and Palestrina (Giovanni Venuto) that adds at the roster Marco Di Salvatore (197-G-81). Siena confirms the coach Marcello Billeri.

Rimini hires Attilio Caja as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Basket Crabs Rimini hired Attilio Caja as their new Head Coach. The 49-year old Italian specialist most recently worked with Vanoli Cremona. He took over the team in February this year, but stayed there just four months. Season 2008/09 Caja started as a Head Coach of Snaidero Udine in SerieA, but they parted ways in November. In the past he worked with more Italian teams like Armani Jeans Milano, Roseto, Pompea Napoli and Virtus Roma. In 2008, he reached the SerieA Semifinals with AJ Milano. Back in 1996 he was a Coach of the Year in Italy with Roma.
Besides the signing of the new Head Coach, Basket Crabs Rimini got a new owner as well. It is Giorgio Corbelli, who has also been owner of Roma and Milano in the past. He decided to replace Giampiero Ticchi (agency: Interperformances ) and to bring in Attilio Caja. The team will also part ways with Andre Pecile. The status of Carlton Myers and German Scarone is not known yet.
Meanwhile, Vitrus Bologna is close to sign a contract with Jared Homan

(206-C-83, college: Iowa St.). The American center, who got Bulgarian citizenship, spent last season with Marousi. Virtus also made an offer to Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group), but the Italian big man did not accept asking for some time to decide.

Scafati Basket sign Ivan Scarponi - by Eurobasket
Scafati Basket (Lega2) added to their roster 24-year old guard Ivan Scarponi (196-G-86). Scarponi played most recently at Acegas Aps Trieste (A dilettanti). While playing 28 games for Trieste last season his stats were: 11.6ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.6spg. Scarponi used to represent Italy at various youth competitions U18 and U20.
By Eurobasket Data Center

Banca Tercas Teramo sign Casey Shaw - by Eurobasket
Banca Tercas Teramo agreed terms with 35-year old American center Casey Shaw (208-C-75, college: Toledo, agency: Priority Sports). Shaw played most recently at Scavolini Spar Pesaro (SerieA). Shaw has also Italian nationality. While playing EuroChallenge (they made it to the semifinals) for Scavolini PS last season his stats were: 16 games: 4.4ppg, 3.9rpg; Italian League: 29 games: 4.0ppg and 2.6rpg. Shaw is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Latvia, Poland and Spain. Shaw has his best years over. but it's still a high quality player, who just 5 years ago (2004-05) was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 1st Team.
By Eurobasket Data Center

UCC Casalpusterlengo sign Ruben Boykin - by Eurobasket
UCC Casalpusterlengo (Lega2) added to their roster 25-year old American forward Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona). Boykin played most recently at Edimes Pavia (Lega2). While playing 15 games for Edimes PV last season his stats were: 14.8ppg, 10.2rpg (2nd best in the league), 1.3apg and 1.7spg. It will be his 4th professional season. His best performance so far was his first season in Polish league, when was selected to play in the All-Star Game.
By Eurobasket Data Center

UCC Casalpusterlengo sign Matteo Bertolazzi - by Eurobasket
UCC Casalpusterlengo (Lega2) added to their roster 31-year old guard Matteo Bertolazzi (181-G-79). Bertolazzi played most recently at MiroRadici Finance Vigevano (Lega2). While playing 35 games for Miro Radici VI last season his stats were: 7.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg and 2.3spg. Bertolazzi is a very experienced player.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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KAZAKHSTAN

Tiutiunik, Gavrilov and Biryulin will remain in Astana Tigers - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandr Tiutiunik (199-F-90), Dmitriy Gavrilov (205-F-86) and Egor Biryulin (185-G-86) will remain in Astana Tigers for the next season. Aleksandr Tiutiunik is one of the key players that started in 2003-2004 for BK Astana Tigers. In the latest season at the Asian Club Championships he played in 7 games and averaged 9.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 52.9%. At the World Championships U19 in New Zealand in 2009 after 8 games he was the third top-scorer with 19.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 43.8%. In Asian Championships in Tianjin (China) last year after 8 games he showed 16.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 55.0%, FT: 66.7%.
Dmitriy Gavrilov spent 2007-2008 season in Barsy Atyrau (D1), while in 2009-2010 joined BK Astana Tigers (D1). Egor Biryulin remains in Astana Tigers since year 2003.

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LATVIA

Latvia topple Lithuania in Baltic derby - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20 - Lithuania U20 75:72
Latvia earned the first win at the Qualifying Round of the U20 European Championship in Croatia. They held off Lithuania in the intense clash tonight. Latvia thus improved at 1-3 record and caught up with Lithuania in Group E.
Latvia went on a 13:0 run in the opening quarter to post a 15:5 lead. They rallied past shocked Lithuania to a 25:15 advantage at the first intermission. The Latvian team maintained the lead well throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 11 points 41:30. Osins and Martins Laksa (200-F-90) boosted the gap to 16 points at the start of the third term. Latvia enjoyed a 60:49 advantage at the final break. Lithuania went on a desperate rescue mission in the fourth quarter. Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) opened the final term with five points in a row. Lithuania worked hard to get within only four points with just over three minutes remaining. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Drungilas dragged Lithuania as close as one point with 62 seconds left in regulation 71:72. However Celms came up with three points late in the game and sealed the winning outcome for Latvia.
Lauris Blaus

(204-C-90) accounted for 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Kristers Zeidaks

(202-F-90) produced 16 points for Latvia. Augustas Peciukevicius responded with 18 points for Lithuania. Eimantas Bendzius had 16 points in the losing effort.

Latvia U20: Lauris Blaus 19+11 boards, Kristers Zeidaks 16, Martins Laksa 15
Lithuania U20: Augustas Peciukevicius 18, Eimantas Bendzius 16

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LITHUANIA

(204-C-90) accounted for 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Kristers Zeidaks

MONTENEGRO

Greece U20 needed overtime to stay unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20-Montenegro U20 83:79 OT

The first game of Qualifying Round Day 2 started with an interesting clash of the defending champions versus Montenegro. Greece U20 needed overtime to beat Montenegro U20 83:79.
Montenegro U20 started better and took 19-18 lead after the first 10 minutes. Nemanja Radovic (205-F/C-91) increased the lead to 26-18 and then Nikos Pappas

(197-G-90) gave Greece 76:75. Later Konstantinos Sloukas and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) exchanged the free throws, while Petar Stojanovic

(201-C-90) followed him with 17, while Konstantinos Sloukas and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency: FCM) added 13. Vladimir Mihailovic erupted with 25 points in defeat as Montenegro fell at 1-3. Nemanja Radovic scored 14, while Petar Stojanovic netted 12.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 22, Leonidas Kaselakis 17, Konstantinos Sloukas 13, Georgios Georgakis 13
Montenegro U20: Vladimir Mihailovic 25, Nemanja Radovic 14, Petar Stojanovic 12

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NBA

Las Vegas Summer League: Day Three rookie recap - by Eurobasket News
Game 1
Denver Nuggets 100 def. New York Knicks 90

Andy Rautins (6'4''-G-86) NY: Didn't shoot the ball as well as he'd like and got into a little foul trouble, but he looked active in his first NBA action and the shot should start falling. 11 points on 4-11 shooting and nabbed 3 steals.

Landry Fields (6'7''-G/F) NY: Really solid and efficient showing for the wing out of Stanford in his first summer league game. 13 points on 6-8 shooting with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Game 2
Portland Trail Blazers 84 def. Houston Rockets 67

Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) POR: Looked solid in his debut for the Blazers. Really versatile offensively. He can hit it from the outside or just as easily attack the basket. Gets up and down the court very easily at 69. Put up 13 points on 5-9 shooting.

Elliot Williams POR: DNP

Armon Johnson (6'3''-G-89) POR: Really quick guard and college teammate of Luke Babbitt, Johnson was really active in this one. 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. He fell to the second round and guard play is already pretty heavy in Portland, but we think he has a good chance of making the final roster.

Patrick Patterson (6'9''-F-89) HOU: Patterson struggled in this one as he couldnt get the ball to go down, going 0-5 from the field. Showed his value in other ways, collecting 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. We know he can be an efficient scorer, but his percentage dropped off a cliff after that impressive first day.

Ishmael Smith (6'0''-G-88) HOU: Really quick and gets into the lane almost whenever he wants, but the lack of confidence in his jump shot hurts his overall game. There are plenty of times when he gets the ball open at the perimeter and he just wont let it fly. Its nice he recognizes his limitations, but it doesnt help open up the paint either.

Game 3
Washington Wizards 84 def. Golden State Warriors 79

John Wall (6'4''-G-90) - WAS: The number one overall pick started off slow in this one, but he definitely picked it up and looked really impressive. When he was on the court, almost everything went through him as he commanded his squad. Really fast with the ball, but also looks smooth and poised. Shot the ball well after his shaky start and made all but one of his 11 free throws en route to scoring 24 points. Dished out 8 assists but had 8 turnovers to go with it. He can be somewhat turnover prone and hell have to work on getting that under control over the rest of summer league.

Trevor Booker (6'7''-F-87) WAS: Solid first outing for the forward out of Clemson, putting in 9 points on 4-4 shooting. Was really active on the defensive end as well, nabbing 3 steals and blocking 2 shots. Hes under sized, but the guy can battle down low.

Jerome Randle (5'10''-G-87) WAS: The inconsistent shooting continued from Orlando in relatively limited minutes behind John Wall. Is pretty quick and hes got really good handles, but well see how much time the small guard can get playing for this team in summer league.

Game 4
Miami Heat 77 def. New Orleans Hornets 72

Dexter Pittman (6'10''-C-88, agency: Priority Sports) MIA: The big man out of Texas struggled in this one, going 0-4 from the field with 3 turnovers. Depending on what Miami can do with the rest of free agency, Pittman might need to be a presence for them early. That field goal percentage would go through the roof when hes putting up cleanup baskets and easy dunks playing with Miamis new big three.

Jarvis Varnado (6'9''-F-88) MIA: Nothing amazing and was foul prone throughout, but otherwise nothing to complain about. 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports) MIA: Didnt shoot as well as everyone knows he can, but nailed a clutch 3 and hit free throws at the end to seal this game up for the Heat. With Miamis new situation, its tough to tell who theyll bring in. But with limited money, it wouldnt surprise us for them to sign a shooter like Scheyer to a minimum contract.

Quincy Pondexter (6'6''-F-88) NOH: Jump shot wasnt falling for him and he went 3-12. If you saw his college numbers though, you shouldnt be too worried since Pondexter was one of the most efficient wing scorers last year for Washington.

Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87) NOH: Both rookies struggled with their shot in this one as Brackins went 3-9. However, this guy still looks impressive with his overall game. Good athleticism and has a good face up game with a smooth looking jump shot.

Courtesy of www.therookiewall.com

Anthony Morrow joins New Jersey Nets - by Eurobasket News
Anthony Morrow (6'5''-G-85) has decided to leave his former team Golden State Warriors and join New Jersey Nets for the next three seasons. The player will reportedly sign a deal with New Jersey Nets worth $12 millions on Monday if everything falls into place. However, the reports are not confirmed yet as neither the player, nor New Jersey Nets officials have confirmed anything about the same.

Anthony Morrow, the shooting guard who went drafted out of the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2008 National Basketball Association draft, later signed by the Golden State Warriors proved himself to be the best pure shooters in the NBA. However, after missing out on the several good free agents like Carlos Boozer, Tyrus Thomas who signed contract with other teams, New jersey Nets could not afford to leave Anthony Morrow and the team made an aggressive pitch for him, like sharpshooting and athletic guard. It seems that given the financial situation of Golden State Warriors, the team will not probably afford to spend money to keep Anthony Morrow in their team.

Anthony Morrow, 24, secured 13 points for Golden State Warriors in their last season. The reports claim that he has reached the final agreement with New Jersey Nets and will sign the final written agreement on Monday, July 12. 2010. However, the Golden State Warriors will have only seven days to decide if they will be able to afford Anthony Morrow in their team. The sharp shooting free agent who in the 13th game of the 2009-2010 NBA season got his deserved recognition when he set his new career high with 6 three point and came victorious over the Dallas Mavericks.

Courtesy of www.taragana.com

Derek Fisher agrees to stay with Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) credited his playing relationship with Kobe Bryant for his decision to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers in search of a sixth NBA title with the team.

The experienced point guard, who became a free agent on July 1, was reportedly being pursued by a Miami Heat team that already has All Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Fisher listened to coaches, general managers and potential team mates but did not want to end his 11-season relationship with Bryant, who led the Lakers to a 16th NBA title in June.

'At the end of the day, there's one person I could not turn away from. Kobe Bryant asked me to stay but supported whatever decision I made,' Fisher said in a statement on Monday.

'While this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this offseason, it is the most valuable.'

The 35-year-old Fisher, drafted in the first round by the Lakers in 1996, averaged 7.5 points and 2.5 assists per game last year. He upped his production in the playoffs with 10.3 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Tiago Splitter has finally signed with the Spurs - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have signed Tiago Splitter

(6'11''-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances), three years after drafting the heralded big man from Spain.

The 6-foot-11 center has played in the Spanish League since being picked 28th overall by the Spurs in 2007. Bringing Splitter aboard was the main offseason target for San Antonio despite a loaded free agent market.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available Monday. Splitter was the MVP of the Spanish League last season. The 25-year-old from Brazil is expected to immediately give depth alongside Tim Duncan in the frontcourt.

Spurs News Release

The San Antonio Spurs today announced they have signed Tiago Splitter. The 25-year-old Splitter was selected by the Spurs with the 28th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not announced.

The 6-11, 235-pound Splitter has played for Caja Laboral Vitoria in the ACB League since the 2003-04 season. In his seven seasons with Caja Laboral he has established himself as one of the dominate big men in Europe. Splitter has lead Caja Laboral to four Spanish League regular season titles (2003-04, 2004-05, 2006-07 and 2008-09) and two Spanish League championships (2007-08 and 2009-10). In addition the team has advanced to at least the quarterfinals of the Euroleague Championship six straight seasons (including four straight semifinal appearances from 2004-08).

During the 2009-10 ACB season Splitter was named the Spanish League regular season MVP and the Spanish League Finals MVP. For the season he averaged 15.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 28.9 minutes in 38 games. He shot .595 (219-368) from the field and .759 (145-191) from the line.

In 2009-10 Euroleague action Splitter averaged 13.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 26.1 minutes in 16 games. He shot .539 (76-141) from the field and .636 (56-88) from the line. Splitter earned All-Euroleague honors for the third straight season (he was named to the All-Euroleague First Team in 2007-08 and to the All-Euroleague Second Team in 2008-09 and 2009-10).

Originally signed by Caja Laboral in April of 2000, at the age of 15, Splitter played, on loan, with Araba Gorago Alava in 2000-01 and Basket Bilbao Berri in 2001-02 and 2002-03 before joining Caja Laboral for the 2003-04 season. In seven Spanish League seasons with Caja Laboral he averaged 11.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 233 games while shooting .616 (969-1,573). In seven Euroleague appearances Splitter has played in 137 games averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting .597 (537-900) from the field.

Born and raised in Brazil, Splitter has played for the Brazilian National Team since 2002. In international play Splitters Brazilian teams have captured gold medals at the 2003 South American Championship, the 2003 Pan American Games, the 2005 Americas Championship and the 2009 Americas Championship.

Courtesy of www.woai.com

Udonis Haslem re-signs, Mike Miller agrees to deal with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
In the end, forward Udonis Haslem (6'8''-C-80, college: Florida) chose the chance to be part of a dynasty over the opportunity to make more dollars.

Haslem said Monday he turned down more lucrative offers to sign a five-year contract with the Heat. The deal is worth in excess of $20 million.

``It was an opportunity to win, an opportunity to be close to my mother, with her illness, and an opportunity to be a part of something special,'' he said. ``I've never been in this for the money. I would be changing my DNA if I changed just for money.''

Meanwhile, the Heat also reached an agreement, as expected, with swingman Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) on a five-year deal. His agent, Arn Tellum, who has been writing about free agency for The Huffington Post, said Miller chose the Heat over the Knicks, Cavaliers, Clippers and Bulls.

Miller met with Heat officials in Los Angeles shortly after free agency started July 1. ``In the elevator [that night], Mike told me that if [Pat Riley] could pull of a LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh trifecta, he'd be South Florida bound.''

Miller, 30, averaged 10.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Washington last season.

But the Heat failed in efforts to add point guard Derek Fisher, who re-signed with the Lakers.

Haslem, who averaged 9.9 points and 8.1 rebounds last season, said there were times he thought the Heat would not be able to afford him. ``I would be lying if we always said it would work out this way,'' he said. But the Heat recently increased its offer and ``the money is now more reasonable,'' he said.

He said he strongly considered mid-level exception offers (starting at close to $6 million) from Denver -- where he believes he would have started -- and Dallas.

He said he will be feel more comfortable coming off the bench than he initially did last season, when Michael Beasley was named the starter before the regular-season opener.

``It was giving up your starting job as opposed to someone beating you out for it,'' he said of last season. ``Coming off the bench behind Chris Bosh, who has multiple All-Star appearances, I have no problem coming off the bench.''

Haslem, 30, said when he learned James and Bosh would be joining Wade with the Heat, ``I couldn't believe it. It didn't seem real. It seemed like something out of a TV show, a video game. This would be something like my son would put together in a video game, NBAY2K.''

He appreciates Wade, James and Bosh taking contracts under the maximum to allow the Heat enough salary-cap room to sign Haslem and Mike Miller.

``My hat goes off to those guys because they took less money to make this situation works,'' Haslem said. ``Me and Dwyane kept in contact the whole summer.''

Riley said Haslem was the second person he called when free agency started, after Wade. ``He is the epitome of what the Heat is about,'' Riley said. ``He is our anchor, a true warrior and a great professional.''

He also said he is drawing motivation from the criticism that the Heat won't have enough good players around the three stars.

``There are still people that feel like this can't work, that those three guys won't have any help,'' Haslem said. That's a direct insult to myself and other guys that decide to come along.''

Haslem, 6-8, said he is willing to play center at times if needed. Bosh said previously he does not want to play center.

``I'm sure there will be points in the game where me and Chris play together,'' he said.

Haslem is pleased that the Heat is adding Miller, his former roommate at UF. ``That's my boy -- he's like Dwyane to me, just different colors. He's like my brother.''

Wade, Riley and the entire franchise had been aggressively recruiting Haslem. The team sent 200 employees and fans to Haslem's Southwest Ranches home last month to surprise him on his 30th birthday. Haslem said that James also called him, encouraging him to re-sign.

In another development, the Heat lost starting small forward Quentin Richardson to the Orlando Magic. The Heat also announced completion of Friday's trade of Michael Beasley to Minnesota. Miami will receive second-round picks in 2011 and 2014, as well as cash considerations.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Orlando Magic sign Quentin Richardson to a multi-year contract - by Eurobasket News
The Orlando Magic continue to wheel-and-deal this offseason. Quentin Richardson (6'5''-F-80, college: De Paul) has agreed in principle to a multi-year contract to join the Magic, Yahoo! Sports is reporting.

The latest move could be a sign whether the Magic brass plans to bring back J.J. Redick or Matt Barnes. The Chicago Bulls submitted a three-year, $19 million offer sheet to Redick. The Magic have until Friday to match it.

Richardson started 75 regular-season games for the Miami Heat. The 6-foot-6 wingman averaged 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while leading the Heat in three-point shooting percentage (.397, a career best). With the blockbuster signing of LeBron James last week, Richardson became expendable for Miami, although the team reportedly did make an offer that fell short of Orlando's.

It is believed that Richardson would receive the remainder of Orlando's mid-level exemption, meaning approximately $5.8 million, with an estimated $3.5 million already earmarked for Chris Duhon, who the team signed last week.

This move for Richardson would be a departure from the 2009 offseason, when he was traded four times prior to settling in Miami.

Courtesy of www.baynews9.com

Mavericks get bigger, agreeing to terms with Ian Mahinmi - by Eurobasket News
Newest Maverick Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) will make his debut with the team in the final two Summer League games.

As expected, the Mavericks came to terms Monday with Mahinmi, the 6-11 center who has spent the last three seasons with San Antonio, although he missed all of 2008-09 with an ankle injury.

Mahinmi agreed to a two-year contract that starts at the NBA veteran's minimum of about $850,000.

A big reason why he is signing with the Mavericks is Roddy Beaubois. The two have been close friends for some time and will play together this summer on the French national team at the World Championships.

'He's a very good friend of mine and he's a good player,' Beaubois said of Mahinmi. 'He'll be good for our team. I've never played with him, but he's my boy and he likes to work and wants to get better. I'm happy for him'

Rick Carlisle said it was Mahinmi's potential that has the Mavericks excited.

'He's a young, athletic big guy that we like as a prospect,' Carlisle said. 'He can help us a little now and we think he can get better.'

The 230-pound Mahinmi played sparingly with the Spurs, seeing more action with the National Basketball Development League Austin Toros. In 26 games with the Spurs last year, Mahinmi averaged 3.9 points and 2.0 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Wizards sign Hilton Armstrong to one-year deal - by Eurobasket News
The Wizards agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran center Hilton Armstrong

(6'10''-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) on Tuesday. Armstrong, a lottery pick in 2006, has spent the past four years in New Orleans, Sacramento and Houston and has career averages of 3.4 points and 2.6 rebounds. Terms were not disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Wizards on Monday held a workout in Las Vegas for free agent forward Adam Morrison (6'8''-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), the third overall pick of the 2006 NBA draft. According to a source at the Impact Sports facility, Wizards Coach Flip Saunders personally conducted the workout, running Morrison through a series of shooting drills. Scout Ed Tapscott was also in attendance according to a witness.
Morrison has won two championships the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his career has been a disappointment. He still has a reputation as an excellent shooter and the Wizards feel the need to add someone with long distance proficiency to spread the floor and create space, given No. 1 overall pick John Wall's ability to break down a defense and get to the basket.
Another source confirmed the workout with Morrison but added, 'nothing is imminent.' Morrison is expected to work out for the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

City, Pacers deal keeps team in Indianapolis for at least 3 more years - by Eurobasket News
Indianapolis officials and the Indiana Pacers have reached a deal to keep the NBA team at Conseco Fieldhouse for the next three seasons while the city pays $10 million a year for running the arena.

The city's Capital Improvement Board also will pay for a minimum of $3.5 million in fieldhouse improvements, said Robert Vane, a spokesman for Mayor Greg Ballard.

The deal comes after months of negotiations between the NBA franchise and the Capital Improvement Board, which operates Indianapolis' sports venues. It supplements the existing contract between the parties, which lasts through 2019.

The idea of providing money to a sports franchise has incited criticism by some, but city leaders insisted they have been tough negotiators. They didn't agree to cover the full operating cost of Conseco Fieldhouse, estimated at $15 million to $18 million per year, or the roughly $25 million in capital improvements the Pacers said were needed at the fieldhouse. And they locked in what they called an important addition to the Downtown economy for three years.

'The mayor has said we need to protect the taxpayer and we need to protect the tax base,' Vane said. 'This agreement does both.'

Under the terms, control of Conseco Fieldhouse - and revenues from all events there - will remain with the team, but unlike the current contract, the city will chip in $10 million per year for fieldhouse operations for the next three years. The city also will pay at least $3.5 million for capital improvements at the fieldhouse, an amount that has the potential to increase by up to $4.7 million.

In exchange, the Pacers must stay in Indianapolis through the 2012-13 basketball season or pay back the entire $30 million. The team also would be on the hook for a portion of that $30 million if it left before its contract expired in 2019.

For example, if the team left in 2016, it would pay back $19 million; if it left in 2018, it would pay back $7 million. That would be in addition to the termination fees - estimated at $20 million - spelled out in the existing agreement.

If the Pacers stay through the end of their current contract, which ends in 2019, they would not have to pay any of the money back.

So, is the new agreement a good deal for taxpayers? The answer to that question seemed to depend entirely on whom you asked Sunday evening.

'I think we have gone so far overboard in subsidizing professional sports in this city that it's insane,' said Fred McCarthy, a local political blogger and nearly 50-year Indianapolis resident. 'I just think it's ridiculous that brilliant businessmen who have made themselves billionaires in the market, in the business world, can operate a business in a rent-free building and continue to lose money while they're doing it.'

Pat Andrews, vice president of the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations, put it differently.

'It sounds like more sports welfare,' she said.

Indianapolis resident Elizabeth Koeppen, 82, said she could live with a deal to benefit the Pacers if the city was not struggling to find money to fund other city services, such as libraries, buses and basic infrastructure.

'I think we should attend to the serious problems in our city,' she said, 'before we spend money for the Pacers.'

Funding for the CIB comes from taxes on things such as auto rentals, cigarettes, hotels, and food and beverages and not property taxes, which help fund many other city services.

But while some argue the city can't afford to help the Pacers, the city contends that it can't afford not to.

A study commissioned by the CIB this spring showed the team drives about $55 million worth of economic impact in Indianapolis each year, in addition to the more than 900 jobs and millions in tax revenue. Some sports economists, however, say such studies overstate the financial impact of professional sports teams.

Others say that, beyond the economic boost, there are benefits that are hard to measure, such as the impact on the city's image.

'The Pacers, the symphony, the Colts, the museums, the mall. .. give people reasons why they want to come live here, especially bright young people,' said Jim Morris, president of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. 'The best cities are competing for investment capital; they're competing for jobs.'

Indianapolis residents such as Mike Smith, 55, agree. He said helping the team is a $30 million investment that brings the community together, benefits the local economy and provides entertainment for fans such as him.

'I don't know what I'd do without them,' said Smith, a longtime Pacers fan.

T. Noble Foster, a professor of business law at Seattle University who has studied Seattle's negotiations with its former NBA team, called the deal a good move for the team and the city.

'They keep the team in town, and that was what they wanted,' Foster said. 'And it didn't cost as much as they were told it was going to cost, so I think they need to be happy with that for the moment.'

Still, Foster said he expects the Pacers won't be satisfied with the $30 million and likely will seek the $10 million per year in payments beyond the end of this three-year agreement.

Morris did not say the team would ask for more money in three years. But he said Pacers owner Herb Simon was committed to keeping the team in the city for the next 30 years and hoped to come to an agreement that would make that possible.

'I hope the parties will have additional conversations to ensure the Pacers will have a long-term relationship with the Capital Improvement Board,' Morris said, 'and to ensure whoever owns them next will keep the team in Indianapolis.'

The city also wouldn't predict whether more funding would be needed in three years or whether providing it would be possible. The idea behind a short-term funding plan was to allow room to reassess after new assets such as the expanded Indiana Convention Center and the J.W. Marriott hotel come on board.

Also, an NBA collective bargaining agreement expected next summer could put the Pacers in a more favorable financial position.

Simon first asked the city for help in the spring of 2009, when he said the team had lost about $200 million since he and his brother, the late Mel Simon, bought it in 1983. It's estimated the team is losing about $30 million per year.

For this year, the board's efforts to cut its spending and increase revenues have provided enough money to make the $10 million payment, said CIB President Ann Lathrop. As of May, the CIB had brought in $3.8 million more in revenue than budgeted and spent $7.5 million less than budgeted.

Much of the additional revenue came from additional sales and income taxes from an expanded sports district passed by the legislature as part of an assistance package last year, and from events such as the Final Four NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Lathrop acknowledged that sustaining those revenue sources, even with the new hotel and convention space, will depend on the economy, but she said the board also is working to cut costs over the long term through things such as information technology consolidation and energy cost savings.

The CIB and the three-member board that issues its debt service are expected to vote on the proposal Friday.

Because the CIB is finding the money within its existing budget, the City-County Council does not have to sign off on this year's spending. But the council can control whether the CIB makes future payments through the budgeting process.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Perkins has successful surgery, should be ready by January - by Eurobasket News
Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (6'10''-C-84) had successful surgery to repair the right knee injury he suffered in Game Six of the NBA Finals.

Team officials said the surgical procedure, which involved arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction as well as meniscal repair, was performed at New England Baptist Hospital.

The injury is expected to keep the 6-foot-11 center out until sometime in January.

Perkins' injury made it imperative that the C's bolster their frontcourt during the offseason. They recently came to terms on a two-year, $12 million deal for free agent Jermaine O'Neal.

With Perkins out for such a significant amount of time, the C's expected frontcourt will include Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and O'Neal in the middle.

Boston's frontcourt depth will be an issue until Perkins returns. With Rasheed Wallace expected to retire, the C's backup bigs right now are Glen Davis and rookie center Semih Erden.

Courtesy of www.necn.com

Bobcats re-sign Tyrus Thomas - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins announced today that the team has re-signed restricted free agent forward Tyrus Thomas (6'8''-F-86, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) to a multi-year deal. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. We'll post contract details later today.

Re-signing Tyrus was one of our top offseason priorities, Higgins said. In his short time with us last season, we saw the contributions he could make to our team and we are confident he will continue to improve and play an important role for us moving forward.

The Bobcats acquired Thomas from Chicago on February 18, 2010, in exchange for Acie Law, Ronald Flip Murray and a future first-round draft pick. In 25 games with the Bobcats, Thomas averaged 10.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, while scoring in double figures 14 times. In four playoff games against Orlando, Thomas averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 17.0 minutes, including a 21-point, nine-rebound performance in Game Four.

The fourth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the 6-10 Thomas has appeared in 279 career NBA games with averages of 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. In 21 career playoff games, Thomas has averaged 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.

Thomas last month received the Jefferson Award as the Outstanding Athlete as a Newcomer in Service and Philanthropy for the work of his non-profit organization, Tyrus Thomas Inc., which focuses on youth outreach, community development and organizational support in cities including his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Charlotte Bobcats, who became the NBAs 30th team when they joined the league in 2004-05, finished the 2009-10 season with a franchise-best 44-38 overall record (31-10 at home) and first-ever playoff appearance.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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NCAA1

DePaul releases Pitchford from letter of intent after denying request - by Eurobasket News
DePaul has released recruit Walter Pitchford from his national letter of intent after initially denying his request.

New coach Oliver Purnell says 'there were external circumstances' when DePaul turned down the request, and an NCAA appeal 'confirmed what we felt were valid reasons' to so. Purnell says his staff has since decided to grant the release.

Pitchford, a 6-foot-10 center from Grand Rapids, Mich., was recruited by former coach Jerry Wainwright, who was fired in midseason. After Purnell replaced interim coach Tracy Webster, Pitchford decided he wanted to go elsewhere.

Courtesy of www.taragana.com

NCAA unveils plans for expanded March Madness - by Eurobasket News
March Madness is about to get a little bit bigger and perhaps it will be better, too.

The NCAA unveiled its plans for the newly expanded 68-team men's basketball tournament Monday: Beginning next March, eight teams will play early the opening week in a 'First Four' round, with the winners advancing to games on Thursday or Friday.

The NCAA decided against picking the lowest eight seeds. Instead, two of the early games will match the tournament's lowest seeds, Nos. 65 through 68, with the winners advancing to play a top seed. The other two games will match the last four at-large qualifiers.

The format will probably prevent mid-majors from being over-represented in the first round, and it could also mean that two teams from bigger conferences those generally seeded between 11th and 13th will be out before the tournament really gets going.

'You're not going to come up with the perfect model,' committee chair Dan Guerrero said. 'You're not going to come up with a model that is going to appease every constituency out there. But we felt that this model provided the opportunity to do something special for the tournament.'

The NCAA announced in April that it would add three teams to the field, the first expansion since the tournament went from 64 teams to 65 in 2001 after going from 48 to 64 in 1985.

It was a hotly debated decision, with critics saying the tournament is already as close to perfect as any collegiate championship can be. Some pointed to Butler's run to last season's championship game and George Mason's Final Four run in 2006 as examples of parity.

The NCAA decided against a larger expansion to 80 or even 96 games. It settled on 68 teams and its new 14-year, $10.8 billion television package with CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting not only ensures that every game will be televised but gives the NCAA sole authority to expand again.

All four of the 'First Four' games will be broadcast on Turner's truTV cable channel.

There has been only one early 'play in' game since 2001, when the expansion to 65 teams essentially added a 34th at-large team. Now, there will be 31 automatic bids and 37 at-large bids.

The at-large teams will be seeded where they would normally be placed in the bracket, meaning a first-round game between two No. 10 seeds would result in the winner advancing to play a No. 7 seed.

'I think some people are going to look at it and say it looks like a compromise,' said Laing Kennedy, a retired Kent State athletic director who is on the men's basketball committee that developed the new format. 'What we look at is that it really does preserve the integrity of the 31 automatic qualifiers.'

Gene Smith, Ohio State's athletic director and a member of the committee, said there was no consensus on a favored format from the NCAA membership and 'we were a little surprised.'

'It also made it a little more difficult to come out to where we were,' Smith said. 'Where we ended up, we really feel good about.'

Bernadette McGlade, the Atlantic 10 commissioner, called the final choice an 'interesting approach' and said her members generally supported just having the bottom eight seeds slug it out to make the second round.

Daniel Gavitt, Big East associate commissioner, said he thought the 'hybrid' plan under consideration was to put the last four at-large teams in games against the bottom four seeds an easier task, in theory, for the at-large teams. He also expressed some concern over whether the winners of the at-large games might have an advantage in the second round.

'The higher seeds in the second round may be at a disadvantage facing a team that had already played a game and won a game,' he said.

Guerrero and NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen said the committee was sensitive to the fact that some big-name teams could be ousted shortly after the brackets are filled out.

'We took that into consideration,' Guerrero said. 'That would have been the consideration if all eight at-large teams had been a part of the 'First Four.' The expanded tournament allowed for three new at-large teams to get into the tournament. We felt it was appropriate since we had a 68-team model, that those three teams be a part of that equation along with the 34th at-large team.'

The NCAA said there could be games on both Tuesday and Wednesday of the tournament's opening week. The Tuesday winners would play Thursday and the Wednesday winners would play Friday.

'In the end, we selected a format that we felt allows us to break new ground,' Guerrero said.

There was concern that the new additions will always be smaller schools from the same leagues. Since 2001, a school from the Southwestern Athletic Conference has been sent to the early 'play in' game five times.

Athletic director Skip Perkins, whose Arkansas-Pine Bluff team won last season's final play-in game, said he thought the committee did a good job.

Still, he couldn't help but offer a few suggestions.

'I hope it's not a situation where the MEAC and the SWAC always have the play-in games,' Perkins said. 'And No. 2, I would hope that it would never be two play-in games at one time. ... I would at least hope that out of those four, that each would have their own life.'

Dates and locations for the first-round games have not been determined. Dayton, Ohio, which has hosted the early game since 2001, is under consideration to host all four 'First Four' games.

In Las Vegas, the three-team addition isn't likely to make much of a splash among gamblers.

Jay Rood, race and sports book director for MGM Resorts International, said having at-large teams essentially play their way into the 64-team section of the tournament gives it some fresh 'pizazz.'

'There could be some significant, popular schools that fall in that category,' he said. 'It'll make it a definite wagering event for anyone that's interested in college basketball.'

Ball State coach Billy Taylor said he hopes the NCAA isn't finished tweaking.

'What I'm still hoping for is that this is a step along the road of making more room to expand the tournament, and to allow more teams to participate within reason,' he said. 'I really see this as just a gradual step. This isn't where we're going to finish, but hopefully, we're going to evolve from here.'

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Boise State's Lashard Anderson arrested - by Eurobasket News
Lashard Anderson (6'1''-G), a starting guard for the Boise State mens basketball team, has a court date set for Aug. 2 for a charge of misdemeanor resisting arrest after police investigated a loud party complaint at his off-campus house Saturday night.

Police also charged the 21-year-old Anderson with having a disorderly house in connection with the incident, according to court records.

Boise State spokesman Max Corbet said the athletic department is aware of the situation and is 'working through our code of conduct policy.' There will be no further comment at this time, Corbet said.

Police were sent to Andersons home in the 500 block of Rossi Street, located near the ParkCenter Boulevard/Beacon Street neighborhood, just before 11 p.m. Saturday after a neighbor complained about noise.

Police arrested Anderson, who was having the party, when he refused to sit down on a curb outside the home after officers got everyone to go outside. Police officials say Anderson refused about 10 verbal commands to sit down, and when an officer grabbed his arm to get him to sit down, Anderson grabbed the officer's arm and tried pull away.

Thats when Anderson was arrested without further incident, police officials said.

Anderson posted bond at the jail and was released. A preliminary hearing on the charges is set for Aug. 2.

The charge of resisting and obstructing officers is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Anderson, from San Diego, is a senior at Boise State who started 29 of 32 games last season. He averaged 9.9 points a game and 3.6 assists, and led the WAC in steals with 83.

Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

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NEW ZEALAND

First up loss for Breakers Academy - by Mike Lacey
The 2010 Super City Basketball League opened at the Breakers stadium, Atlas Place on Saturday. The Super City competition replaces the CBL Zone I competition and will be contested by nine teams over the next three months.
The Breakers Academy team opened their campaign with a 82-71 defeat at the hands of Waitakere. A much closer game than the final score line suggests, the Academy held a handy 23-17 advantage at quarter time. Academy veteran Brad Anderson led the way with 9 points including a couple of long range threes ably supported by Morgan Nathan (197-F-91) whose 5 points included an emphatic tip in dunk. Adam Dunstan also nailed a couple of threes but he and his team mates found the going a lot tougher in the second period as the Waitakere defence limited the home team to just 12 points, scoring 19 themselves and trailing by just one, 35-36 at half time. Zach Makavilitogia was impressive for Waitakere pulling down 6 rebounds and contributing 5 assists and a couple of points.

The third quarter was a see saw affair with neither team able to establish more than a four point lead. Houston ORiley and Jivarne Joseph had 7 points apiece for Waitakere, Nathan and Anderson replying in kind for the Academy. The final quarter followed the same pattern and with 4 minutes remaining and Waitakere leading 68-66 a real dog fight was anticipated. Unfortunately the young Academy team lost their way at this point and only managed one further field goal in the game. A limp finish to a game in which the lead had changed on twenty occasions. Breakers head coach Andrej Lemanis only watched the first half, he must have known something.
Final Score;
Breakers Academy 71 (Brad Anderson 23, Morgan Nathan (197-F-91) 20 (plus 12 rebounds), Tim Wyatt 9)
Waitakere 82 (Houston ORiley 22, Josh Tuaiti 19, Patrich Bolstad 13, Jivarne Joseph 13)

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NIGERIA

Nigerian National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket

Usman

Yusuf

Bukar

Tella

Edem

Abubakar Usman

192-G-86

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Ibrahim Yusuf

196-G-89

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Kelvin Nambam

208-C/F

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Matthew Omonye

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Yusuf Yakubu

Kadda Stars Nigeria

Adeolu Ojo

188-G-91

Kadda Stars Nigeria

Kadda Stars Nigeria

Ebun Comets Nigeria

Ebun Comets Nigeria

188-G-89

Union Bank Nigeria

Union Bank Nigeria

Royal H.

Royal H.

191-G-90

D. Warriors Nigeria

Malik Tella

206-F/C-85

Police Baton Nigeria

Manasseh Achi

Bauchi Nets Nigeria

Louis Edem

196-G/F-83

Al Yarmook Kuwait

Stanley Gumut

197-F-86

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Sanni Ahmed

Head Coach

Kano Pillars Nigeria

Adeka Daudu

Assistant

D. Warriors Nigeria

NBBF shortlists 18 for FIBA Africa Zone-III Qualifiers - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has shortlist eighteen players to begin preparation ahead the 26th FIBA Africa Championship Zone-III qualifiers slated for Lome, Togo from August 6 through 18 this year.

According the Secretary General of the NBBF, Francis Gbiri that most of the players was drawn from the All-Stars Game the federation organized earlier this month.

The eighteen players to be tinkered by the duo of Coaches Sani Ahmed of Kano Pillars basketball club and Adeka Daudu of Dodan Warriors basketball club are to begin their preparation from the July 18 in Kaduna.

Kano Pillars has the largest number of invited players, the Nigeria league champion has four players which includes, Abubakar Usman, Ibrahim, Kelvin Nambam and Mattew Omonye; Kada Stars basketball club has three of its players invited for the Zone-III elimination they are Yusuf Yakubu, Adeolu Olaiya and Richio Dickson; Ebun Comets, Union Bank and Royal Hoopers basketball clubs each contributed two players.

The players are Yomi Joshua, Obumnaeme Onyia, Azuoma Dike, Onyeka Ekpete, Musa Usman and Victor Anthony; All-Stars Game MVP, Mohammed Bukar was invited from Dodan Warriors, Malik Tella from the Police Baton basketball club of Lagos, Manasseh Achii from Bauchi Nets while the duo of Louis Edem and Stanley Gumut who ply their trade in the Middle East league complete the list of invited players.

The players are expected in camp with their international passport, four passport photograph and training kits.

Nigeria will battle for one of the two slots in the zonal qualifiers alongside Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Liberia, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic. Stanley Gumut (197-F-86)

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PANAMA

POLAND

Siarka Tarnobrzeg brings in Rafal Partyka - by Eurobasket News
The PLK newcomer Siarka Tarnobrzeg announced signing of a one-year deal with Rafal Partyka

(184-G-79). The experienced Polish player is expected to help the team at point guard position.
Rafal Partyka is coming to Siarka Tarnobrzeg from ZKS Stal Stalowa Wola. He appeared 24 times last season in PLK averaging 4.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals. Stal SW finished as No.11 with 8-18 record. Their main target was to survive in PLK and they made it.
Rafal Partyka was a member Stal SW since 2006. Two years ago he helped them to reach the Finals of Polish 1Liga and to win the promotion to PLK. At that time Partyka had 13 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.2 spg. For his performance he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Polish 1Liga Honorable Mention. Before Stal SW, Partyka played three years for MTS Basket Kwidzyn. In the past he also was a member of Alba-Alston Scorzow and again Stal SW. In 2005 with MTS Basket Kwidzyn Partyka was the 1Liga regular season champion. In 2002 with Chorzow they reached the Finals.
Few days ago Siarka Tarnobrzeg already signed Pawel Storozynski

(201-F-79, agency: Court Side, college: Texas Tech).

Maciej Lampe extends his contract with Unics - by Lukasz Leik
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) will stay in Unics Kazan. Polish power forward extended the contract for next season. Still he has a chance to play for Cleveland Cavaliers where he'll play in summer league. First game will take place today. Cavaliers will face NBA D-League Select team with Cezary Trybanski (218-C-79) in their roster. Cavs will also play against Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. However the 25-year-old player assured that he'll join the Polish National Team, which is preparing for Eurobasket 2011 eliminations. on Thursday, what means he'll play only two games in Las Vegas. Also Lukasz Koszarek

(187-G-84) and Pawel Kikowski (193-G-86, agency: Limelight Hoops) will join the team for the tournament in Florence, Italy.
Lampe joined Unics in the middle of last season. From then played in VTB League final, won bronze medal in russian Superleague averaging 12,0 points and 5,6 rebounds.

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PORTUGAL

RUSSIA

Konstantin Nesterov heads to Krasnie Krilya - by Eurobasket News
Konstantin Nesterov

(205-F/C-81, college: Va Commonwealth) heads to Krasnie Krilya and will play for the team in 2010/2011 season. He appeared in 1997-1999 for Baltica, St. Petersburg and then changed Spartak St.Petersburg, Virginia Commonwealth (NCAA), Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu (A Superleague, starting five) and Unics Kazan (A Superleague). In 2007-2008 moved back to Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague) and in FIBA EuroCup after 3 games averaged 2.3ppg, 1.3rpg. In Russian League after 9 games Konstantin Nesterov had 3.4ppg, 1.6rpg. In January 2008 moved to ESPE Chalons-en-Champagne Basket Pro (France-ProB) and in 14 games his stats read 3.4ppg, 2.7rpg. In 2008-2009: for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (A Superleague, starting five) played in 22 games and avareged 10.0ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.9%. His last season the Russian 205cm player spent in Triumph Lyubertsy (A Superleague) and in EuroCup averaged 10.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 52.9%, FT: 70.0%. In Russian League after 22 games he avaraged 6.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 57.9%.
In EuroCup last season he recorded 17 points, while Le Mans used a stunning rally in the fourth term to shock Triumph in Russia 87:72. Dewarick Spencer notched 26 points to lead Le Mans. Maleye NDoye contributed 14 points in the winning effort. Brion Rush responded with 18 points, 11 boards and 6 assists for Triumph in the loss and Konstantin Nesterov had 17.
In Russian League Triumph celebrated the third straight victory in the League as they beat Spartak SP 84:74. In his best game Nesterov Konstantin top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Rush Brion nailed 18. Fields Levance posted 24 points in the losing effort.

Russia U20 handed Spain U20 their first loss - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Spain U20 70:68

Russia U20 handed Spain U20 their first loss as they won the thriller 70:68 in Group F. Russia improved to 2-2 record, while Spain fell at 3-1.
Russia opened the game with 5 consecutive points and enjoyed 19:13 lead at the end of the first period. Martinez nailed three for 21:21, while Grigoriy Andreev (195-G/F-90) made 33:27 at the halftime. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) increased to 35:27 but Spain was too far to give up. Hernandez brought them 39:37 and Gil tasted 44:41 with Spain at the end of three quarters.
Russia trailed 1 point before Grigoriy Andreev nailed a three-pointer for 60:58. Bychkov was perfect from the free throw line for 62:58 and Munoz nailed three for 62:61. Later Valiev and Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) exchanged the baskets for 64:63, while the latter tied at at 64:64. Grigoriy Andreev made the last six points for the winners and brought them the necessary victory. Franch made a lay-up in the very end for the final score.
Vladimir Ivlev collected massive 19 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Grigoriy Andreev nailed 15, while Vladimir Pichkurov (194-G-90) posted 12. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) ended up with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Hernandez notched 12, whilst Nikola Mirotic added 11.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 19+16 rebs, Grigoriy Andreev 15, Vladimir Pichkurov 12
Spain U20: Ignacio Llovet 14+12 rebs, Hernandez 12, Nikola Mirotic 11

UNICS Kazan takes Kelly McCarty, Zakhar Pashutin and Hasan Rizvic - by Eurobasket News
UNICS Kazan announced signing of Kelly McCarty

(201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi), Zakhar Pashutin

(196-G-74) and Hasan Rizvic

(230-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) few days ago.

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SEBL

Standings

SEBL Standings

North Div.
1. BC Howren-1		0-0
2. Cartersville W.		0-0
3. Marietta O.		0-0
4. Rome GS		0-0
South Div.
1. Tri-County		3-0
2. BC Lakers		2-1
3. Black Monop.		2-1
4. Norcross Angels		2-1
5. Metro Stars		1-1
6. Reep 3		1-3
7. D.O.T.S.		0-2
8. Crusaders		0-3

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SERBIA

Ukraine U20 booked their place at the Quarterfinal round - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Serbia U20 66:64
Ukraine and Serbia struggled for the third victory in the Qualifying Round of U20 European Championship. Ukraine booked their place at the Quarterfinal round beating Serbia 66:64.
After a tough start both teams continued to battle in the court until the last seconds. Ukraine enjoyed 40:32 lead as Ruslan Otverchenko (192-G/F-90) made his 15th points to send the teams to the lockers. Subotic made a lay-up to open the third period in the game. Arnautovic nailed another three for 40:37, while Aleksandar Mitrovic

(202-F-90) tied the game at 40:40 as Serbia completed their 8-0 run. Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) scored four points for Ukraine to give the lead back at 44:42. Serbia took the lead at 46:44 as Aleksandar Mitrovic scored from the perimeter and another three-pointer from the player brought 49:47 with 3 minutes in the third. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) nailed two for 50:49 and Noskov tied the game at 52:52 at the end of the third period. Andjusic made a dunk to open the last period and Jaramaz later gave Serbia 62:54. Kyryl Natyazhko cut it to 62:56, while Aleksandar Mitrovic increased the lead to 64:59. Ruslan Otverchenko nailed three reducing for 64:62 with 2 minutes in the quarter. He made another shot from the long distance for 65:64 with 44 seconds to go. Kyryl Natyazhko made one free throw for the final victory.
Ruslan Otverchenko paced all the winners with 21 points. Maksym Sandul collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyryl Natyazhko added 11. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 15 and Nemanja Jaramaz notched 12 in defeat.

Ukraine U20: Ruslan Otverchenko 21, Maksym Sandul 14+11 rebs, Kyryl Natyazhko 11
Serbia U20: Aleksandar Mitrovic 15, Jaramaz 12

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SLOVENIA

SOUTH KOREA

KBL to cut import quota - by Rick Ross
The Korean Basketball League (KBL) decided Monday to reduce the number
of foreign players to one per club, from the previous two,
starting from this season in an effort to promote the use of local players.

The regulation will take effect for the first time since the KBL's launch in 1997.

The organization attempted similar moves in the past to provide more chances for domestic athletes.
It applied a 'one-import policy for the second quarter of league games in the 2002-03 season,
and expanded it to include the third quarters from 2006 to 2009.

In the 2010 season, only one import was available for the entire game.

'Such a rule is to let local players explore their strengths at
the beginning and end of each game,' a KBL official told The Korea Times.

While import slots will be decreased, the KBL also came up with a rule to draft talented players.
The newly introduced regulation will keep the restrictions on a player with a three-year NBA career,
or two years in European leagues, while allowing those from Spain, Turkey, Italy, Israel,
Russia, Greece, and China as long as they do not fall in the aforementioned categories.

The salary for a season based on the league's seven months will be $400,000 for an
import player, increased from a total of $350,000 for two.
By Yi Whan-woo
Korea Times intern

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

SPAIN

Russia U20 handed Spain U20 their first loss - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Spain U20 70:68

Russia U20 handed Spain U20 their first loss as they won the thriller 70:68 in Group F. Russia improved to 2-2 record, while Spain fell at 3-1.
Russia opened the game with 5 consecutive points and enjoyed 19:13 lead at the end of the first period. Martinez nailed three for 21:21, while Grigoriy Andreev (195-G/F-90) made 33:27 at the halftime. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) increased to 35:27 but Spain was too far to give up. Hernandez brought them 39:37 and Gil tasted 44:41 with Spain at the end of three quarters.
Russia trailed 1 point before Grigoriy Andreev nailed a three-pointer for 60:58. Bychkov was perfect from the free throw line for 62:58 and Munoz nailed three for 62:61. Later Valiev and Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) exchanged the baskets for 64:63, while the latter tied at at 64:64. Grigoriy Andreev made the last six points for the winners and brought them the necessary victory. Franch made a lay-up in the very end for the final score.
Vladimir Ivlev collected massive 19 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Grigoriy Andreev nailed 15, while Vladimir Pichkurov (194-G-90) posted 12. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) ended up with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Hernandez notched 12, whilst Nikola Mirotic added 11.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 19+16 rebs, Grigoriy Andreev 15, Vladimir Pichkurov 12
Spain U20: Ignacio Llovet 14+12 rebs, Hernandez 12, Nikola Mirotic 11

ViveMenorca signs Jakim Donaldson - by Eurobasket News
ViveMenorca announced another signing in just two days. After Raviv Limonad

(192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services), the ACB returnee inked a one-year deal with Jakim Donaldson (203-C/F-83, college: Edinboro). The American big guy is coming to the island from Ciudad de La Laguna. Donaldson has a great LEB Gold season behind him. In 42 games he averaged 17.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks. He ended the championship as the second best scorer, top rebounder and the second shot blocker. La Laguna reached the Semifinals and Donaldson was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Center of the Year.
Jakim Donaldson joined La Laguna in 2006. It was his second season overseas. His first year as a pro was 2005/06, when he played for Barreirense in Portugal. For 22 games in TMN he had 15.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 1.8 apg. Donaldson is a product of the Edinboro University. He graduated there in 2005. In his senior season Donaldson had 16.3 ppg and 13.1 rpg. The school played in NCAA Division Two.
ViveMenorca returns to ACB after just one season. They won the LEB Gold Playoffs few months ago and together with CAI Zaragoza secured the ticket for ACB. They hope to build a solid squad for the next season and to avoid relegation.

Unicaja lands Gustavo Barrera - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja Malaga signed a one-year deal with the Uruguayan/Spanish player Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85). The 25-year old point guard and Unicaja also included an option for the 2011/12. Barerra will have a back-up point guard role next season.
Gustavo Barrera is coming to Malaga from Uruguayan team Union Atletica. He was one of their leading players and helped them to reach the Playoff Semifinals. Barerra already has experience from the ACB as he played for DKV Joventut and Leche Rio Breogan in the past. With Breogan on season 2006/07 Barrera averaged 2.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 17 games. After that he was loaned to Mellila for rest of the season. With Joventut on season 2003/04 he played mostly for the junior team. However, that season he appeared 6 times with the seniors in ULEB Cup registering 1.7 ppg. Last three years Barrera played for Union Atletica, Atletico Atenas, Hebraiva Maccabi and Trotamundos de Carabobo (VEN). He is a member of the Uruguayan National Team since 2006. Last summer at the FIBA Americas in San Juan he had 7.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 4.8 apg for 8 games. Barrera helped Uruguay to win the Bronze at the Panamerican Games 2007 in Rio de Janeiro.

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

SWITZERLAND

Matt Schneidermann joins Lugano Tigers - by Luca Maffioli
Lugano Tigers sign Matt Schneidermann

(205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa)

(205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa). The 29-year old american forward played last two seasons with SAV Vacallo. He played 37 games last season and he averaged 17.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP-1 (70.8%), 3PT: 43.2%, FT-3 (87.4%). Schneidermann played also with BBC Monthey (2007-2008), Reims Champagne Basket (2006-2007) and two seasons at Lausanne Morges Basket (2004-2006). With SAV Vacallo he won the Swiss LNA 2009 and he was nominated Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Forward of the Year 2010.

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

SYRIA

Jeish grabs the Syrian Cup title also - by Ahmad Madwar
Last Friday Jeish Team beat its Neighbor in the final game of Syrian Cup by 4 points and the result was 81/77 after one extra time
it is was amazing game , the difference was 22points jeish in the third quarter , but Wehda did Incredible work and draw jeish in the last minutes of the 4th quarter .
Best player : the best player in the game was Omar Karkoly the captain of Wehda team
The fans : 6000 fans were in Faihaa Arena , 5000 fans encouraged wehda , 1000 fans encouraged Jeish .
the refrees : the refrees were come from Lebanon

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

TOGO

TPBL

NEW TEAMS JOINING THE TPBL , ONE RETURNING CITY FOR 2011 - by Chris Cardenas
For our 11th season of pro basketball in Texas the TPBL will have a returning city for the 2011 season, and 3 new entries into the league. MIDLAND,TX will be making a return to the TPBL for the 2011 year with a new owner and a new attitude. Owner Edward Mayberry plans on bringing a title to the permian basin area in his 1st full season as a team owner. The 3 new entries into the TPBL will be SAN ANTONIO, FT WORTH , and 1 more HOUSTON area team. The TEXAS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE is very proud to announce these entries and hope their fans enjoy the action packed games during the 2011 season. Team entry deadline is November 1, 2010 for any pro teams looking to join new leagues.
for more info call league owner chris cardenas: 325-763-6630 or email : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com

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

TURKEY

(187-G-90) boosted the margin to 7 points early in the third term. They ensured a 16-point buffer for the Turkish team later in the period. Turkey entered the fourth stanza up by 14 points 59:45. Germany got within 6 points late in the fourth quarter but it was as closer as they could get. Turkey controlled the situation and recorded a well-deserved win at the end.
Melih Mahmutoglu produced 20 points for Turkey. Birkan Batuk

(198-F-90) added 10 points in the victory. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) replied with 19 points for Germany. T.J. DiLeo had 14 points in the loss.

Turkey U20: Furkan Aldemir 24+12 boards, Melih Mahmutoglu 20, Birkan Batuk 10
Germany U20: Simon Schmitz 19, T.J. DiLeo 14

Bornova signed Buljan - by Sinan Can
BORNOVA Belediyespor signed with Croatian big man Zvonko Buljan (206-F-87) . Due to some sources around the club, Izmir club officially inked 2 years deal with Buljan with an option by the end of first season. Croatian player who graduated from Texas Christian University will spend his first professional year in Turkey. Buljan is a product of Croatian legendeary club KK Split (three times European Champions under the name of Jugoplastika and Pop 84) went to USA for education, spent two years at Vincennes Junior College. At last two seasons Buljan played for Texas Christian University and averaged 12.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Izmir side who signed Michael Roll as shooting guard, will add two more American's in the roster.

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

UBA

Kearse and Barnes to be honored for outstanding seasons - by UBA media
The SISU Copenhagens Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) and the GIE Morrow Disciples Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Atlanta Christian) today were named UBA International and USA Players of the Year presented by Euro and USBasket.com, respectively, for there 2009-2010 seasons.

Kearse led the Danish league in scoring averaging 23.4 points and adding 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals. Kearse became the first player in SISU history to post 30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and four steals in a game against Horsens IC on Nov. 5. On March 9 at Aabyhoj, Kearse scored a season-high 39 points and added eight rebounds and five steals to make him the first player since 1973 to post 38 or more points, eight or more rebounds and five or more steals in a game. SISU went 15-6 in the regular season, their highest winning percentage since 1999. Kearse was named Danish League All-Import Team and Danish All-Star Game MVP.

Barnes led the Dallas Ft. Worth Disciples (URBL) to a 17-3 season averaging 41.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists (2009 URBL Champions). In a 111-109 win over Irving Assault on April 20, Barnes set the leagues single game scoring record in points (50). Barnes was named USBasket.com Player of the Year (URBL) and Mac Claire Award winner. He continued his great play in the fall of 2009 with Universitario (Uruguay). Barnes was the Salto Uruguayan Leagues top scorer with a 30.2ppg average.

This would not be the first time Kearse and Barnes were honored in the same light. In 2008 both Kearse and Barnes played for the Proline Kings (Japan). The Kings finished with a 21-1 record and a final four appearance in the All-Japan tournament. Kearse and Barnes were named to the All-Japan Tournament 1st Team and Co-Most Outstanding Player honors in the Aichi League Championship in Nagoya, Japan.

Here is a recap of the 2009-2010 seasons for Kearse and Barnes:

2009-2010: SISU Copenhagen (Denmark-Basketligaen, starting five): 28 games: Score-1 (23.4ppg), 7.4rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-2 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 83.9%
2010: Kahraba Zouk (Lebanon-Div.A, starting five): 21.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.2apg, 3.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 76.7%

2009-2010: Awards and Acheivements:
*Eurobasket.com Danish Ligaen All-Import
*Danish League All-Star Game (MVP)
*Eurobasket.com Danish Ligaen 2nd Team
*Southern ClassicRoundball Selection
*UBA International Player of the Year

2009: DFW Disciples (URBL-USA, starting five): 20 games: Score-1 (41.4ppg), 10.9rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-1 (4.1spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 85.0%
2009-2010: Universitario (Uruguay-Salto-LIGA, starting five): 10 games: 30.5ppg, 9.5rpg, 6.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%

2009-2010: Awards and Acheivements:
*URBL Champions
*URBL All-Star Game (MVP)
URBL Regular Season National Division Champion (MVP)
*USBasket.com All-URBL 1st Team
*USBasket.com All-URBL Definsive Team
*USBasket.com All-URBL Player of the Year
*Southern Classic Roundball Selection
*UBA USA Player of the Year

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

UKRAINE

Luka Drezga expected in Khimik - by Eurobasket News
Khimik have reached an agreement on terms of contract with Luka Drezga (196-G-87). The 23-year-old guard is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Ukrainian team. Last season Luka Drezga played for Trogir in Croatian A1 League. He tallied 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Previously Luka Drezga had stints with Sibenka Sibenik and KK Zagreb.

Ukraine U20 booked their place at the Quarterfinal round - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Serbia U20 66:64
Ukraine and Serbia struggled for the third victory in the Qualifying Round of U20 European Championship. Ukraine booked their place at the Quarterfinal round beating Serbia 66:64.
After a tough start both teams continued to battle in the court until the last seconds. Ukraine enjoyed 40:32 lead as Ruslan Otverchenko (192-G/F-90) made his 15th points to send the teams to the lockers. Subotic made a lay-up to open the third period in the game. Arnautovic nailed another three for 40:37, while Aleksandar Mitrovic

(202-F-90) tied the game at 40:40 as Serbia completed their 8-0 run. Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) scored four points for Ukraine to give the lead back at 44:42. Serbia took the lead at 46:44 as Aleksandar Mitrovic scored from the perimeter and another three-pointer from the player brought 49:47 with 3 minutes in the third. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) nailed two for 50:49 and Noskov tied the game at 52:52 at the end of the third period. Andjusic made a dunk to open the last period and Jaramaz later gave Serbia 62:54. Kyryl Natyazhko cut it to 62:56, while Aleksandar Mitrovic increased the lead to 64:59. Ruslan Otverchenko nailed three reducing for 64:62 with 2 minutes in the quarter. He made another shot from the long distance for 65:64 with 44 seconds to go. Kyryl Natyazhko made one free throw for the final victory.
Ruslan Otverchenko paced all the winners with 21 points. Maksym Sandul collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyryl Natyazhko added 11. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 15 and Nemanja Jaramaz notched 12 in defeat.

Ukraine U20: Ruslan Otverchenko 21, Maksym Sandul 14+11 rebs, Kyryl Natyazhko 11
Serbia U20: Aleksandar Mitrovic 15, Jaramaz 12

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

URUGUAY

Unicaja lands Gustavo Barrera - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja Malaga signed a one-year deal with the Uruguayan/Spanish player Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85). The 25-year old point guard and Unicaja also included an option for the 2011/12. Barerra will have a back-up point guard role next season.
Gustavo Barrera is coming to Malaga from Uruguayan team Union Atletica. He was one of their leading players and helped them to reach the Playoff Semifinals. Barerra already has experience from the ACB as he played for DKV Joventut and Leche Rio Breogan in the past. With Breogan on season 2006/07 Barrera averaged 2.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 17 games. After that he was loaned to Mellila for rest of the season. With Joventut on season 2003/04 he played mostly for the junior team. However, that season he appeared 6 times with the seniors in ULEB Cup registering 1.7 ppg. Last three years Barrera played for Union Atletica, Atletico Atenas, Hebraiva Maccabi and Trotamundos de Carabobo (VEN). He is a member of the Uruguayan National Team since 2006. Last summer at the FIBA Americas in San Juan he had 7.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 4.8 apg for 8 games. Barrera helped Uruguay to win the Bronze at the Panamerican Games 2007 in Rio de Janeiro.

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

VENEZUELA

Good beginning in the NBA level - by Carlos Santander
Good beginning in the NBA level. Greivis Vasquez (198-G-87, agency: Interperformances) played his firsts minutes as NBA player with Memphis Grizzlies in the 2010 NBA summer league. This first challenger for the Venezuelan point guard was versus Atlanta Hawks. Greivis Vasquez came out with 2 points, 4 assist and 3 rebounds to this way help Grizzlies Memphis defeat Atlanta Hawks 89-85. It is a great beginning for Greivis. We cannot forget that Greivis' first season at the NCAA level was similar to then become to lead Maryland University. The only bad situation is that so far Greivis won't be able to be part of the Senior Venezuela National Team.

Greivis Vasquez played first match with Memphis Grizzlies in the 2010 VSL, impressed teammate Mayo - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan guard Greivis Vasquez (198-G-87) played his first ever NBA scrimmage as the newest member of the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the third Venezuelan ever to play at this level in the United States, as he scored 2 points with 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 17 minutes coming off the bench, to help his team beat the Atlanta Hawks, 89-85, at the Thomas&Mack Centre of Las Vegas, Nevas, in another matchday of the 2010 Vegas Summer League (VSL).

Vasquez, a 23 year-old guard born in Caracas, 1.96m tall, attempted only three field goals going 1-3, stole 2 balls and turned over 3, while his teammate, O.J. Mayo (196-G-87), who's trying to convert from shooting guard to point guard, scored 20 points but turned over 8 balls.

Vasquez also faced a former teammate in the Maryland Terrapins, power forward Landon Milbourne (201-F-87), who played only 3 minutes for the Hawks. 'Grevis Vasquez is the type of player that I am', said Mayo to the Las Vegas Sun. 'Sometimes, the perception is arrogant or cocky but it's just a chip on the shoulder. It's a guy who wants to compete and win and I know where he's coming from', he added.

Meanwhile, Vasquez also spoke highly of his teammate. 'We are going to grow together. We are going to play together at some points and this is just Summer League, where we're trying to figure some things out.

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos		29-7
2. Marinos		25-11
3. Guaiqueries		21-15
4. Gaiteros		20-16
5. Guaros		19-17
6. Panteras		18-18
7. Trotamundos		18-18
8. Toros		13-23
9. Bucaneros		10-26
10. Gigantes		7-29

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

WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Gwinnett Majic		8-3
2. Florida Flight		7-4
3. Franklin Knigts		6-4
4. Jacksonville B.		5-5
5. Marietta S.		5-6
6. Decatur CK		0-9

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Women News

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

ARGENTINA - Women

Argentinian U17 National Team 2010 - by Kasia
Melisa Gretter
Macarena Jerez
Micaela Sancisi
Julieta Armesto
Julieta Vazquez
Carolina Martinez
Daiana Acosta
Evangelina Zetzsche
Diana Cabrera
Brenda Chaine
Mariana Favre
Rocio Evangelina Diaz

Eduardo Pinto

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

BRAZIL - Women

Iziane Castro and Candice Dupree named WNBA Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) of the Atlanta Dream and Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) of the Phoenix Mercury were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors, respectively, for games played Monday, July 5 through Sunday, July 11.

This marks the first season that Kia Motors - an official WNBA marketing partner - has presented the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week award.

Marques, the WNBA's sixth-ranked scorer thus far in 2010 with an average of 17.8 points per game, Castro Marques wins the first Player of the Week presented by Kia Motors award of her career. The honor comes after the seventh-year pro helped lead Eastern Conference leader Atlanta to a franchise record for points in a 108-103 overtime victory against the Connecticut Sun. In that game, the native of Brazil recorded a career-high 32 points and added 10 rebounds en route to her third double-double of the season.

For the week, the eighth-year pro shared the league lead in scoring (32.0 ppg) with her teammate, Angel McCoughtry, and tied for second in assists with Phoenix's Diana Taurasi (7.0 apg). The effort against Connecticut by Castro Marques and McCoughtry marked only the fifth time in WNBA history that a pair of teammates scored 30-or-more points in the same game.

This marks Dupree's third career Player of the Week presented by Kia Motors award, but her first as a representative of the Western Conference. The fifth-year pro twice earned the award for the Eastern Conference as a member of the Chicago Sky, first in June 2007 and then in June 2009.

The WNBA leader in shooting percentage (.654) thus far in 2010, Dupree recorded her fourth double-double of the season and the 32nd of her career in a win over Los Angeles with a 25-point, 12-rebound effort. The 25 points (on 11 for 17 shooting, .647) were a season high and marked the third consecutive game in which she topped her previous best effort for 2010, coming on the heels of her 23 points vs. Washington and 24 against New York. She also contributed a perfect 3-for-3 effort from the free throw line in a game in which the Mercury shot a franchise record 21-for-21 from the charity stripe. That effort moved Dupree into fifth place among the league's free throw shooters with a .919 success rate on the season.

A product of Temple University, Dupree also ranks ninth in the league in rebounding (7.9 rpg) and 15th in scoring (14.9 ppg).

The WNBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors are part of a series of oncourt 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 WNBA marketing partner since 2008.

For more information on this week's Players of the Week presented by Kia Motors winners, visit www.wnba.com/awards.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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BULGARIA - Women

Montana invites to the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Montana invites to the International Tournament with three teams participating in Mladost, Montana. Bulgaria U16 opened Tournament in Montana with the win over Romania U16 79:61. Both teams nailed 19 points in the first frame, while Bulgaria grabbed 52:37 at the halftime. The hosts also won the third period 19-13 and kept the lead for good. Romania replied with 11-8 in the last frame to reduce the gap a bit in the end. Gabriela Kostova (190-C-94) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Veronika Petkova nailed 13 and Lilia Georgieva added 10. Ester Milcheva notched 6, while Iva Kostova (178-F-94) and Radostina Dimitrova netted 5 each. Tomorrow Slovenia u16 will play two games, while Bulgaria will face the opponents twice on July 15th.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women

2010 Centrobasket: Jamaica ends Preliminary Round perfect - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Three: JAMAICA - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 79-76

Jamaica finished the Preliminary Round in Mayaguez with perfect 3-0. It means that Jamaica goes to Semifinals as No.1 of Group A and will meet Trinidad and Tobago. Dominican Republic (1-2) failed to advance and will move to Classification Round for 5th to 8th place. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) was totally the best player in this game. She spent 36 minutes on the court collecting 33 points and 5 assists. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) also had very important role for Jamaica adding 17 points and 13 rebounds. Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) had 15 pts and 15 rebs. Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) shined in defeat with 27 points and 7 boards. Jennifer Estrella (88) followed her with 15, while Andreina Paniagua (78) scored 12 pts.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, the opening period was totally leveled (15-15). Dominican Republic took control on its rival in Q2 ending it with nice 12-19. It means that Carmen Guzman and her teammates held decent 7-point lead at the half time. Jamaica improved after the breather and managed to close the gap to one point before the last ten minutes. In the finish of this game Jamaica players were more concentrated and managed to win the last quarter 25-21 for the final score of 79-76.
All Semifinals game are scheduled for Tuesday. At the same day Dominican Republic will meet Saint Vincent in Classification Round.

Jamaica: Nicole Louden 33+5 as, Simone Edwards 17+13 boards, Vanessa Gidden 15+15 boards
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 27+7 boards, Jennifer Estrella 15, Andreina Paniagua 12

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EGYPT - Women

18 players start preparation for FIBA Africa U18 tourney for Women - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Eighteen players are to hit the Kaduna camp of the Nigeria National U18 team for Women to commence preparation ahead the FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Women.

The team to coach by the duo of Coaches Adewumi Aderemi and Peter Ahmedu are to pick the best twelve players that will fly the country flag at the Africa junior championship for women holding next month in Cairo, Egypt.
The players were drawn from various teams that participated in the just concluded Nigeria Basketball Federation; NBBF organized Zenith Bank Women Premier League won by First Deepwater basketball club.

Head Coach of the team, Adewumi Aderemi says the bulk of the players are drawn from the nation U16 national team while few outstanding players also get invitation.

The invited players include Blessing Amos; Atunuwa Eva Lillian; Ogahanduku Sharon; Chika Juliet; Igiebor Osaume; Ogah Akpeze; Afimia Joan; Chukwuedo Emmanuela; Mohammed Samira; Eleumuku Sandra; Ugoka Uju and Edema Elo.

Other players who are invited for screening are Ayalogbe Bose; Isioma Okorie; Akanni Yetunde; Udo Marry; Atosu Upe and the league best rebounding player, Uchendu Frank Ijeoma.

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Yelena Leuchanka will join Gorzow - by Eurobasket News
Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) will move to Poland in the upcoming season. The 27-year-old centre has agreed on terms of contract with Polish vice-champions Gorzow. Last season Yelena Leuchanka played for Galatasaray. She tallied 9.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per Turkish league game. In Euroleague the Belarusian centre notched 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per appearance. Currently Yelena Leuchanka played for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Her stats read 4.5 points and 2.6 rebounds.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Macchi and Ballardini will not help Italy in the qualifying games - by Eurobasket News
Laura Macchi (187-F-79) and Simona Ballardini (181-F-81) will not help Italy in qualifying games for the EuroBasket Women 2011. Macchi has undergone tests that have shown the correct healing of the injury. Simona Ballardini has left training without any reason. Coach Giampiero Ticchi has called Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) as a replacement.
Italian National Team settled down in Group A of the Qualifying Round for EuroBasket 2011. The teams placed first and second in each group will qualify for the Final Round of EuroBasket Women 2011.
The ten teams which do not qualify will participate in an Additional Qualification/Relegation Round. The first six teams according to the ranking will play in two groups of three for one spot in the Final Round. Four last placed teams will play in one group for two Relegation spots in Division B. The games of the Qualifying Round will be played in August, 2010. The games of the Additional Qualifying/Relegation Round will be played in August 2011.
On July 15th Italy will start their International Tournament in Cavalese. The team will face Lithuania, Turkey and Germany. From July 23-25 the team will participate in Konya tournament with Turkey, Croatia and Lithuania. In the second day of August the team will face Croatia in the start of the Qualifying Round for EuroBasket 2011 in Cagliari.

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GREECE - Women

Marina Kress joins Athinaikos - by George Fragkos
Sony Athinaikos stuns Europe by signing 30-year-old Belarusian center Marina Kress (192-C-80). Marina Kress is one of the biggest names of her kind in Europe and the board of Sony Athinaikos is certain that she will be more than enough to replace her compatriots Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) and Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77), who have left the club.

In her career Marina Kress has won the Polish Championship, the Turkish Presidential Cup and the Eurocup in 2009 with Galatasaray Istanbul. Last year she was at Tarsus Belediyesi, where she played 22 games having an average of 10 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

EuroCup 2010 winners Sony Athinaikos seem to strengthen their roster even more in order to repeat last year's success, when they did the Triple Crown by winning the Greek Championship, the Greek Cup and the EuroCup.

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GUATEMALA - Women

Puerto Rico stays unbeaten in Mayaguez, goes to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Three: GUATEMALA - PUERTO RICO 53-87

Puerto Rico registered another easy win in Mayaguez. That is third straight victory for them for the perfect score and position No.1 in Group B at the end of the Preliminary Round. Thus, Puerto Rico will meet Mexico in the Semifinals. We have Guatemala on the other side, who finished as No.3 in this group with 1-2 score and will go to the Classification Round for 5th to 8th place. Jazmine Sepulveda (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) led the winners with 16 points and 8 rebounds (valuation 27). Angiely Morales (180-F/G-87) had 14 points and 6 boards, while Stephanie Rosado (188-F-89) added 13 points and 11 boards. In Guatemala, Maria Fleischmann (181-F/C-79) collected 18 points and 7 boards. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) had 10 pts.
Puerto Rico did a great job in the first half. Jazmine Sepulveda and her teammates finished Q1 with excellent 6-27. They continued in the same rhythm and finished the second quarter 7-21 for impressive 13-47 HT lead. Question about the winner was already resolved. Despite that fact, Puerto Rico had nice third quarter as well. They finished with 15-24 and than slowed down. Guatemala used that to cut the margin a little but and that was all from them.
Both Semifinals games are scheduled for Tuesday. Guatemala will meet the U.S. Virgin Islands at the same day (Classification Round).

Guatemala: Maria Fleischmann 18+7 boards, Blanca Amado 10
Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 16+8 boards, Angiely Morales 14+6 boards, Stephanie Rosado 13+11 boards

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ITALY - Women

Umana Reyer sign Lia Rebecca Valerio - by Eurobasket News
Umana Reyer sign Lia Rebecca Valerio (180-G-87) for the next season. The Italian player comes back to the team where she started her career. In 2004-2005 she joined Umana Venezia (A1) and in 5 games averaged 1.6ppg, 1.4rpg. In 2005-2006 she appeared in 11 games and had 1.3ppg, 1.8rpg. In 2006-2007 started for Umana Venezia (A1), then moved to Sernavimar Marghera (A2, starting five). From 2007 to 2009 she played for Gea Magazzini Alcamo (A2, starting five) and then moved to C.U.S. Cagliari (A2) last season. Lia Rebecca Valerio was an Italian U20 National Team -05-07.
Vassalli meanwhile signed Sara Giorgi (187-F-86) that last two seasons spent in Liomatic Umbertide. In 2004-2005 she appeared in TermoCarispe La Spezia (1A) and in 19 games averaged 2.5ppg, 1.1rpg. In 2005-2006 Sara played for Juvenilia Reggio Emilia (A2) and then in 2006-2007 moved to Villagio Solidano Livorno (A2, starting five). In 2008-2009 Sara played for Liomatic Umbertide (A1) and in 22 games averaged 1.9ppg, 2.0rpg. Last season for the team she had 0.2 points per games.
Simina Mandache (185-F-81) meanwhile heads to Gea Magazzini for the next season. Romanian player started her career in 2000-2001 for Icim Arad and then in 2001-2002 moved to La Spezia (Italy). In 2003-2004 Simina played for Szeviep Szeged (Hungary-A) and in 2004-2005 appeared for Extrugasa (Spain-LFB, starting five). In 13 games she averaged 6.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 18.8%. In 2005-2006 moved to Clermont-Ferrand (France-LFB) and debuted in EuroCup as after 7 games she had 4.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg. In French League after 24 games she averaged 4.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg. In 2006-2007 returned to Romania and played for Biandra Targoviste (D1, starting five), while in 2007-2008 moved to Basket Cavezzo (Italy-A2, starting five). In 2008-2009 started for Szeviep Szeged (Hungary-A), then moved to Acetum Cavezzo (Italy-A2). Last season played for Acetum Cavezzo (Italy-B), then moved to Gruppo Sistemi 2000 Porto San Giorgio (Italy-A2, starting five).

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JAMAICA - Women

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JUCO - Women

NCCC hires Kansas Nuggets' Kelley Newton - by Eurobasket News
Kansas Nuggets' GM/Head Coach, Kelley Newton, Has been hired as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach of Neosho County Community College in Independence, Kansas.

'The season is right around the corner and I need to do some quick recruiting. I am looking for some players (high school or Juco Transfers) I have 4 spots to fill (2 post and 2 guard) for this upcoming year. If you know of some ladies let me know and give my info to them, and we can get rolling right away. thank you in advance'

Coach Newton is a 3-year member of the WBCBL and has made the WBCBL National Playoffs each season. Coach Newton can be reached via email at: knewton@neosho.edu.

Courtesy of www.wbcbl.com

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MEXICO - Women

Mexico goes to Semifinals in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Three: MEXICO - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 81-37

Mexico finished Preliminary Round as No.2 in Group A with 2-1 record. It means that the host of the 2010 Centrobasket advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet Puerto Rico. On the other side, the U.S. Virgin Islands finished Preliminary Round winless as the last ranked team in the group. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 28. Castro spent 25 minutes on the court collecting 18 points and 10 rebounds. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU) (5 rebs) and Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) (8 rebs) helped with 14 and 12 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Tamara Petersen (87) collected 10 points and 9 rebounds. She was the only ISV player with double-digits in scoring.
Mexico was a way better team in this game. Alexis Castro and her teammates dominated in all basketball elements and the ISV was not able to resist. First quarter ended 19-9 for the hosts, while ISV took the second one with 9-11. Mexico showed its real face after the breather. They drained 30 points for ten minutes, while limiting ISV to just 9. At that time question about the winner was already resolved. Last quarter was just the formality, but still Mexicans won it 23-8 for the final 81-37.
All Semifinals games are scheduled for Tuesday. The ISV will continue in Classification Round and their first rival will be Guatemala.

Mexico: Brisa Silva 23, Alexis Castro 18+10 boards, Abril Garcia 14+5 boards, Erika Gomez 12+8 boards
ISV: Tamara Petersen 10+9 boards

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NIGERIA - Women

Nigerian U18 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket

First Deepwater Nigeria

Blessing Amos

Eva Atunuwa

Ijeoma Uchendu

First Deepwater Nigeria

Atosu Upe

First Deepwater Nigeria

Head Coach

First Bank Nigeria

Peter Ahmedu

Assistant

Aspac

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POLAND - Women

New faces in Widzew Lodz - by Eurobasket News
Widzew Lodz are shaping up for the upcoming PLKK season. They recently signed deals with three new players. Olga Zytomirska (189-C/F-81), Malgorzata Chomicka (168-G-83) and Anna Marczewska (182-F-77, agency: Promotex) bolstered the roster of the Lodz outfit.
Olga Zytomirska spent the previous season in 1Liga. The 28-year-old centre played for Pabianice. Olga Zytomirska was among the top-scorers in the league as she averaged 17.2 points per game. Earlier the centre had stints with CCC Polkowice, Leszno and LKS Lodz.
Malgorzata Chomicka started the previous season in Utex Row. She left the team after seven games and joined Pabianice. The 27-year-old guard tallied 5.6 points per game in 1Liga. Chomicka played for Chelm before joining Utex Row back in 2007.
Anna Marczewska also played for Pabianice in the previous season. The 33-year-old forward notched 17.9 points per appearance. Previously Anna Marczewska had spells for Energa Torun, Odra Brzeg and CCC Polkowice.

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PORTUGAL - Women

Portugal seniors thump U18 team - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Portugal U18 72:44

Portuguese National Team earned a confident win against their U18 opponents. A strong second half allowed the senior side to celebrated a clinical victory at the end. Sonia Borges (189-C-84) produced 15 points to pace the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. The seniors posted just a two-point lead at the first break 16:14. The tempo grew in the second quarter as Portugal NT started to get away. They established a 36:28 advantage at halftime. The seniors took over in the third term. They dominated and limited U18 selection to just 7 points in the stanza. The scoreboard read 56:35 at the final intermission. Portugal U18 could not recover in the fourth term allowing their senior opponents to rally to the victory.
Celia Simoes (168-G/F-85) notched 14 points for the winners. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) provided 12 points for Portugal. Ines Faustino (167-G-92) answered with 9 points for U18 team. Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) finished with 8 points in the loss.

Portugal: Sonia Borges 15, Celia Simoes 14, Larisse Lima 12
Portugal U18: Ines Faustino 9, Maria Joao Andrade 8

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PUERTO RICO - Women

Indians signs PF Seals - by Raul Colon
The Mayaguez Indians of the Women Superior Basketball League (WSBL) solidified their front line yesterday when they signed power forward Dominic Seals (610 Sports Management) to a one year contract.

Seals, a 6-foot-2 slasher recently concluded her first professional season with the LKS Siemens of the Polish League. The Texas native averaged 6.5 points (42.1%) and 3.6 rebounds a contest in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.

'If she can score that while playing for a top tier team such as LKS, she will have little trouble doubling that here. What also intrigued us, aside her explosiveness with the ball, is her ability to rebound. Thats another factor we desperately need here', said Mayaguez Indians owner Gabriel Miranda.

Seals attended Texas Tech University from 2007 to 2009 where she posted a career average of 13.1 ppg (46.7%) and 8.1 rpg. She was voted All Big XXII Newcomer of the Year in 2008 while making several all conferences squads including the Big XXII All-Freshman and Tournament Semifinal Teams following the 2008 season. Was Second Team All Big XXII following her senior (2009) campaign.

Puerto Rico wins, play for the gold tomorrow - by Raul Colon
Puerto Rico will play Jamaica for the gold medal tomorrow night thanks to its 78-63 win over Mexico in the semifinals of the in the 2010 FIBA Centrobasketball Champions being played at the renovated Sport Palace in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

The boricuas utilized a 25-12 second quarter to take command of the game. From that point on, the game was on cruise control with the Mexicans unable to mount a serious run in the second half.

Jazmine Sepulveda once again led the boricuas attack scoring 13 points and 4 assists. Carla Escalera shined this hot Tuesday evening. The athletic forward netted 11 points to go along with her 12 rebounds. Sandra Garcia added 10, including 4-7 from three point range. Michelle Pacheco chipped in with 11. Alexis Castro had a double-double, 19 points and 12 boards, for the Aztecs.

Mexico started the action with a 10-2 run to take control of the game in the first period. But Escalera sank a mid range jumper 1:01 into the second stanza that sparked an 11-1 rally. Puerto Rico went into halftime sporting a seven point (42-35) lead.

The Puertorricans did not let up in the third. Sepulvedas five points in the first 3 minutes of the period pushed the home team lead to double (12) figures.

Puerto Rico connected 44% (28-64) from the field. Mexico managed to sank only 37 (22-59) percent of their shoots. The boricuas had also the advantage on three point percentages (33-24), steals (6-3) and rebounds (38-32).

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ROMANIA - Women

Romania U16 played two games today in Montana - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16 played two games today in Montana in the start of Montana Tournament. Romania U16 and Slovenia U16 started the the tournament with three teams participating in Mladost. Romania opened it with 68:54 win although trailing after the opening quarter. Slovenia produced 18-11 from the start, while Romania responded with 19-10 in the second frame. Romania also won the third period 18-12 and celebrated the victory due to 20-14 in the last quarter. Maja Bosnjak (186-F-95) responded with 13 points in the losing effort. Klara Zupancic and Ziva Macura (185-F-95) notched 10 apiece, while Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) scored 8.
Bulgaria U16 opened Tournament in Montana with the win over Romania U16. Both teams nailed 19 points in the first frame, while Bulgaria grabbed 52:37 at the halftime. The hosts also won the third period 19-13 and kept the lead for good. Romania replied with 11-8 in the last frame to reduce the gap a bit in the end. Gabriela Kostova (190-C-94) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Veronika Petkova nailed 13 and Lilia Georgieva added 10. Ester Milcheva notched 6, while Iva Kostova (178-F-94) and Radostina Dimitrova (179-F-94) netted 5 each.
Tomorrow Slovenia u16 will play two games, while Bulgaria will face the opponents twice on July 15th.

Simina Mandache continues in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Simina Mandache (185-F-81) heads to Gea Magazzini for the next season. Romanian player started her career in 2000-2001 for Icim Arad and then in 2001-2002 moved to La Spezia (Italy). In 2003-2004 Simina played for Szeviep Szeged (Hungary-A) and in 2004-2005 appeared for Extrugasa (Spain-LFB, starting five). In 13 games she averaged 6.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 18.8%. In 2005-2006 moved to Clermont-Ferrand (France-LFB) and debuted in EuroCup as after 7 games she had 4.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg. In French League after 24 games she averaged 4.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg. In 2006-2007 returned to Romania and played for Biandra Targoviste (D1, starting five), while in 2007-2008 moved to Basket Cavezzo (Italy-A2, starting five). In 2008-2009 started for Szeviep Szeged (Hungary-A), then moved to Acetum Cavezzo (Italy-A2). Last season played for Acetum Cavezzo (Italy-B), then moved to Gruppo Sistemi 2000 Porto San Giorgio (Italy-A2, starting five).

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RUSSIA - Women

Epiphanny Prince is naturalized now with Russian passport - by Eurobasket News
Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) is naturalized now with Russian passport. Some Russian sources announced today that Prince will appear for Russian National team this year in Czech Republic.
Epiphanny Prince played last season in Turkey. In December 2009 she signed at Botasspor Adana (Turkey-TBBL, starting five) and in EuroCup exploded with 23.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.0apg, 4.0spg, 1.0bpg after 2 games. In Turkish League she became the second scorer averaging 20.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 84.6%. Recently the player is in Chicago Sky (WNBA). Cappie Pondexter scored 30 points to rally the Liberty to a 57:54 victory over the Sky. Jia Perkins had 26 points and Sylvia Fowles added 12 points and 19 rebounds for the Sky, who have lost two straight after winning four of five.
Epiphanny Prince next season will play for Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague).
The 2010 World Championship for Women official draw procedure has been performed in Karlovy Vary. Sixteen teams have been drawn into four pools with four teams in each. Russia settled down in Group D together with Japan, Czech Republic and Argentina. The three top teams from each group will advance into the Qualifying Round with two groups comprising six teams. The top four teams from those groups will then advance into the Quarterfinal stage of the tournament. The World Championship is slated to tip off on the 23rd of September, 2010.

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SAINT VINCENT - Women

2010 Centrobasket: Trinidad and Tobago advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Three: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - SAINT VINCENT 101-46

Easy win for Trinidad and Tobago, who finished Preliminary Round as No.2 in Group B with 2-1 record. T&T advanced to Semifinals, where they will take on Jamaica. On the other side, Saint Vincent ended this stage with three huge defeats. They will be transferred to Classification Round for 5th to 8th place. Alicia Liverpool (188-C-85) was the leading scorer in victory with 20 points and she grabbed 9 rebounds beside that. Rhea Codio (165-G-88) had 16 points and 10 assists, while Sharmion Selman (183-F-83) also scored 16. Rhonda John-Davis (F/G-75) helped with 13 points and 7 boards. In Saint Vincent, Tenicha Gittens (163-G-81) delivered 19 points. Sorayah Williams (84) had 15 pts and 9 boards.
Trinidad and Tobago won every single quarter in this game. They started with 23-9 in Q1 and continued with 22-9 in the second period. It means that T&T was 45-18 up after twenty minutes of play. Nothing has changed after that. T&T was still the team who dominated and finished Q3 with 24-12. They blasted Saint Vincent in Q4 as well 32-16 for the final 101-46 victory.
Both Semifinals games are scheduled for Tuesday. Saint Vincent will meet Dominican Republic at the same day (Classification Round).

Trinidad and Tobago: Alicia Liverpool 20+9 boards, Rhea Codio 16+10 as, Sharmion Selman 16, Rhonda John-Davis 13+7 boards
Saint Vincent: Tenicha Gittens 19, Sorayah Williams 15+9 boards

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SLOVENIA - Women

Slovenia U16 started the the tournament abroad - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16 and Slovenia U16 started the the tournament with three teams participating in Mladost, Montana. Romania opened it with 68:54 win although trailing after the opening quarter. Slovenia produced 18-11 from the start, while Romania responded with 19-10 in the second frame. Romania also won the third period 18-12 and celebrated the victory due to 20-14 in the last quarter. Maja Bosnjak (186-F-95) responded with 13 points in the losing effort. Klara Zupancic and Ziva Macura (185-F-95) notched 10 apiece, while Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) scored 8.
Tomorrow Slovenia u16 will play two games, while Bulgaria will face the opponents twice on July 15th.

Turkey post second straight win against Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Slovenia U18 54:45
Turkish U18 selection recorded the second straight win over their Slovenian counterparts in the exhibition series. This time Turkey looked more confident and posted a 9-point victory at the end. Aysegul Gunay (172-G-92) delivered 17 points to lead the charge.
Slovenia opened the game with intensity and pulled in charge. They earned a 14:9 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Turkey adjusted their defense in the second frame as the teams traded baskets. Slovenia managed to ensure a 4-point lead at halftime. Turkey started to erase the deficit in the third term. They got within just two points at the final break. The final break belonged to Turkey. The hosts limited Slovenia to just 6 points and eased to the victory at the end.
Emel Guler (188-F-92) produced 11 points and 12 rebounds for Turkey. Nihan Demirkol (172-G-92) contributed 8 points in the winning effort. Rebeka Abramovic (170-G-93) and Tina Jakovina (182-G-92) replied with 10 points each for Slovenia. Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) and Nika Baric (169-G-92) had 8 points apiece in the losing effort.

Turkey U18: Aysegul Gunay 17, Emel Guler 11+12 boards, Nihan Demirkol 8
Slovenia U18: Rebeka Abramovic 10, Tina Jakovina 10

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SPAIN - Women

Cristina Garcia moves to Casablanca, Miriam Herrera heads to El C.B. Pio XII - by Eurobasket News
Cristina Garcia (183-F-84) will play for Casablanca in the season 2010/2011. The experienced Spanish played started in 1997-1998 for La Salle Bonanova and then played two seasons for Siglo XXI. In 2002-2003 she moved to Sedis Cad (LF1) and averaged 18,6mpg 3,6 ppg 1,1rpg. In 2003-2004 moved to C.B. PUIG D`EN VALLS SANTA EULALIA (LFB) and had 18,4mpg 3,8ppg 1,4rpg. In 2003-2004 appeared for Puig d'en Valls (EUROPA) and showed 31 mpg 9,2 ppg 3,7 rpg. In 2004-2005 played for Universitat de Barcelona - FC Barcelona (LFB) and after 32 games showed 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 25.0%. In 2005-2006 continued with Universitat de Barcelona - FC Barcelona (LFB) and after 14 games had 4.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3spg. In 2007-2008 moved to Femeni Sant Adria (LF2, starting five) and in 28 games averaged 11.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 33.0%. In 2008-2009 improved her stats to 13.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 35.0%, FT: 88.0%. Last season the played started for ASAC Comunicaciones Adba Aviles (LF2), then moved to Femeni Sant Adria (LF2, starting five).
Miriam Herrera (186-F-83) will continue in El C.B. Pio XII. In 2004-2005 she started for Extrugasa (LFB) and in 23 games averaged 3.5ppg, 2.2rpg. Since 2005 to 2009 continued with Extrugasa Vilagarcia (LFB) and debuted in EuroCup. In season 2007 after 10 games there her stats read 6.5ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 83.3%. In Spanish League after 27 games she showed 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 87.0%. In 2008-2009 averaged 5.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1spg in EuroCup and in Spanish League after 24 games her stats read 3.8ppg, 2.5rpg. Last season the Spanish player was in Duran Maquinaria Ensino Lugo (LF2, starting five).

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women

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TURKEY - Women

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

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WBCBL - Women

Standings

WBCBL Standings

Atlantic
1. USA Elite		5-1
2. Virginia LS		3-2
3. Sting		2-1
4. Central VA AS.		0-1
5. Travelers		0-1
6. Golden Eagles		0-4
East Coast
1. Pennsylvania L.		6-0
2. Delaware LD		4-2
3. NYC Exodus		1-2
4. Mass Marvels		1-4
5. Memphis E.		0-0
6. LMAS		0-3
Gulf South
1. Gulf Coast S.		4-1
2. Baton Rouge		2-1
3. Montgomery D.		2-1
4. N.Orleans R.		0-2
5. Gulf Coast T.		0-4
Mid South
1. Arkansas S.		5-1
2. Dallas LD		4-1
3. Shreveport S.		4-1
4. Dallas S.		1-2
5. Louisiana AS		1-4
6. Little Rock B.		0-5
Mid West
1. Kansas N.		3-1
2. Kansas Q.		2-2
3. Columbia R.		2-3
4. St. Louis Surge		1-4
North Central
1. Rock County R.		3-0
2. Chicago S.		1-1
3. Chicago E.		0-1
North East
1. Columbus HG		7-2
2. Flint F.		5-3
3. Detroit D.		3-1
4. Cleveland R.		2-5
5. Lexington L.		1-5
6. Toronto S.		0-0
7. Toronto L.E.		0-3
South
1. Atlanta BC		2-0
2. Charleston S.		2-0
3. Savannah LW		2-1
4. Tallahassee T.		1-0
5. S.Carolina AS		1-1
6. Florida K.		0-2
Suncoast
1. Miami R.		5-1
2. Tampa X.		4-2
3. Orlando E.		4-3
4. Lauderdale L.		3-3
5. Jacksonville C.		1-5
6. Palm Beach		1-5
7. Brevard F.		0-0
West Coast
1. Fort Worth LT		0-0
2. Los Angeles A.		0-0
3. Monterey Sea Q.		0-0
4. Phoenix R.		0-0
5. Portland E.		0-0
6. San Diego S.		0-0
7. Tuscon S.		0-0

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WNBA - Women

Fever cut Murphy, sign Cheek - by Eurobasket News
The Indiana Fever waived fourth-year guard Shaya Murphy (5'11''-G/F-85, college: USC) and have re-signed rookie forward Joy Cheek (6'1''-F-88, college: Duke), a Duke star who was cut in training camp.

Murphy played in 15 games this season despite a nagging right wrist injury sustained May 29 in a game against Tulsa. She averaged 11.2 points and a team-leading 7.0 rebounds in the first five games but just 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10 games since the injury.

Cheek was Indiana's third-round draft pick and one of the WNBA team's final cuts in training camp. She averaged nine points in two preseason games with the Fever.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com

Silver Stars seek to reverse pivot - by Eurobasket News
The Silver Stars (6-10) head into the second half of the WNBA season this week, looking to overcome the struggles that led to the franchises second-worst record at either the midway point or All-Star break since relocating to San Antonio in 2003. Express-News staff writer Terrence Thomas pinpoints three keys to the team turning things around.

Avoiding M*A*S*H

With the WNBAs decision a year ago to trim rosters to 11 players because of financial reasons, injuries have become as big a part of the game as scouting reports.

The Silver Stars have felt this firsthand, losing reserve center Ruth Riley (6'5''-C-79, college: Notre Dame) (broken right pinkie) for as much as six weeks.

Now, All-Star guard Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) could join Riley on the sidelines after straining her right hip flexor on July 8.

Hammon, who missed two games earlier this season with a strained right quadriceps, was to be evaluated by team doctors. Her status is unknown.

No time for a breather

If the Silver Stars thought playing all but two games on the road during June was tough, wait until they see how the rest of the season unfolds.

The team will open the second half by playing nine games in 17 days, starting with Wednesdays contest at Chicago. Five of the nine games are during an eight-day span, with the longest break between any of the games being just three days.

How one of the WNBAs oldest teams physically and mentally responds to having to play such a hectic schedule could make or break the season.

A bench mark

Based on ability and pedigree, the Silver Stars boast one of the leagues best starting lineups.

But it will be the play of the bench that could ultimately determine how far the team goes.

If the past two games are any indication, then things might be headed in the right direction.

Guard Roneeka Hodges averaged 12.5 points and shot 50 percent from the field in the final two games before the All-Star break, including a team-high 15 points against Minnesota on July 8.

Rookie Jayne Appel tallied a career-high 10 points, and Allie Quigley had a season-best seven on 3-of-3 shooting in the same game, helping the reserves score 39 of the 66 points.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Atlanta D.		9-4
2. Connecticut S.		8-4
3. Indiana F.		8-4
4. Washington M.		7-4
5. Chicago S.		5-8
6. New York L.		4-7
Western
1. Seattle S.		11-2
2. Phoenix M.		5-7
3. Minnesota L.		5-9
4. S.Antonio SS		4-7
5. Tulsa S.		3-8
6. L.Angeles S.		3-8

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women