EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/15/2010

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Men News

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  ANGOLA   


Preparation journey before Turkey 2010 - by Eurobasket News
The national team of Angola will be training in Luanda after they return from Cabinda province. On Monday they will go to the United States of America. After the United States of America, the African champions travel to Brazil where from 7 to 8 August will play at Brasilia international tournament. After that they will go to Italy. The 2010 FIBA World Cup of Turkey sent Angola to Group A together with Germany, Argentina, Australia, Jordan and Serbia.

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  ARGENTINA   


Elton Tyler moves to Atenas - by Eurobasket News
Atenas de Cordoba bolstered their frontcourt. They landed Elton Tyler (205-F/C-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami (FL)) as import player for the upcoming season. The 31-year-old centre spent the last three seasons in Italy. He tallied 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game for Carmatic Pistoia in LegaDue in the last championship. Elton Tyler had stints with Ragusa, Imola, Montegranaro, Pepsi Caserta and Tenerife in Spain.


Argentina defeat Chile in first friendly match - by Facundo Iatzky
Argentinian NT defeat Chile NT on the road on Tuesday night in the first friendly game, as preparation for the upcoming Southamerican championship in Colombia. It was a very bad played game, due to both teams had not many trainings together. The final result was 68-51. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) and Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) were the top scorers for Argentina with 13 points each. Juan Pablo Cantero (184-G-82) added 10. The next game will be on wednesday.

Club 9 De Julio add Terrance Woodbury - by Eurobasket News
Club 9 De Julio strengthened their roster. They have agreed on terms of contract with Terrance Woodbury (201-G/F-86). The 24-year-old shooting guard signed his first pro contract. Terrance Woodbury graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009. The guard tallied 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in his senior season.


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  AUSTRALIA   


I was so wrong it wasn't even funny - by Dusty Rychart
It's been awhile since my first blog about Ubaka signing but I'm ready to get going on a regular basis. I was asked what are the differences from playing in America compared to overseas. I remember when I was leaving the University of Minnesota back in 2002 thinking that things only could get better from here. When I mean get better I mean bigger crowds, better facilities and so on. I was so wrong it wasn't even funny. My first year it was total culture shock and nothing I was used to. I was spoiled at the U of Minnesota and didn't even realize it. I went from multi million dollar strength and conditioning and basketball facilities to places that looked 2nd hand. I thought since being a consistent, productive player in the best conference in America I would slide right into a great paying and playing opportunity. I was wrong on that call as well. Little did I expect to prove myself all over again but that's what I had to do. Nothing was handed to me and I had to work even harder. Your first year out can really test who you are as a person and it tested me to the max. My vision was that I would be making all this money and living the dream but the reality was that I had to take a pay cut to get in a better opportunity to make more money and actually enjoy pro ball. Everyone thinks that playing overseas is the best job ever and don't get me wrong I love what I do but it is by all means not an easy job. All this could have been avoided if someone was around to tell me about the in's and out's of pro ball but like most things in life you have to experience them to learn. Now that I have scared you away from playing ball I'll talk about what you can expect when you do find a good situation.

Finding a good situation where you are happy and of course winning games isn't easy but if you are able to land in one never take it for granted. Take in the culture the ways of the country you're in because I found that in most countries people hate Americans that think they know everything. Taking in their ways and trying new things will show that you are making an effort for them and most times you'll find great people that are willing to show you around or take you under their wings as a 2nd family. I've met so many great people during my basketball career and still to this day keep in touch and consider them quality friends. Nothing is ever going to be like home but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of every opportunity.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at dusty@d-rych.com or follow me on twitter @dusty_rychart

Until next time.

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  AUSTRIA   


Rasid Mahalbasic ensures happy end for Austria in opener - by Eurobasket News
Austria U20 - Belgium U20 88:79

Austria overcame a slow start to earn the victory in their home U20 European Championship in Division B opener. The hosts faced Belgium in Group C and had their fans worried for some time before securing a tough win. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) was pivotal as he tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds for the home team.
Belgium silenced the crowd with 13:0 start to the game. Austria needed some to recover from the shock. They trailed 22:28 at the first break. Radis Mahalbasic and Klepeisz triggered a comeback rally from the hosts. Four points in a row from Jesse Seilern (189-G-90) drew things level at 37 midway through the second term. Jesse Seilern capped the half with two triples to give Austria a 52:43 advantage. The home side tipped off the third term with four consecutive points to open up a double-digit lead. The teams entered the final quarter with Austria leading by 14 points. Belgium never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to give up at the end.
Jesse Seilern knocked down 20 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) and Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90, agency: Interperformances) had 13 points each in the win. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) replied with 22 points for Belgium. Dennis Donkor (194-G/F-91) nailed 18 points in the losing case.

Austria U20: Rasid Mahalbasic 27+12 boards, Jesse Seilern 20, Romed Vieider 13, Moritz Lanegger 13
Belgium U20: Thomas De Thaey 22, Dennis Donkor 18


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  BELARUS   


Norway blast Belarus in opener - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20 - Belarus U20 80:35

Norway opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign in style. They marked their ambitions with a drubbing of Belarus in Group D in Gussing, Austria. Anders Stien (195-G-90) nailed 13 points to lead Norway.
Norway opened the game with nine points in a row. Dabravolski and Viktar Ausepian (205-F-91) brought Belarus to life but not for long. Norway posted a 21:9 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team tipped off the second frame with a 13:0 rally to clear off. The scoreboard read 36:13 for Norway at halftime. Belarus showed some signs of finding the rhythm late in the third term as they capped it with four points in a row but the margin was too large as Norway enjoyed a 27-point buffer. Belarus accounted for 14 points in the final stanza but Norway responded with 32 points to celebrate a confident win at the end.
Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) notched 11 points for Norway. Stian Berg (186-G-91) added 10 points in the winning effort. Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (206-F-91) answered with 9 points for Belarus. Viktar Ausepian finished with 6 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Norway U20: Anders Stien 13, Aksel Bolinz 11, Stian Berg 10
Belarus U20: Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau 9, Viktar Ausepian 6+10 boards


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  BELGIUM   


Rasid Mahalbasic ensures happy end for Austria in opener - by Eurobasket News
Austria U20 - Belgium U20 88:79

Austria overcame a slow start to earn the victory in their home U20 European Championship in Division B opener. The hosts faced Belgium in Group C and had their fans worried for some time before securing a tough win. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) was pivotal as he tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds for the home team.
Belgium silenced the crowd with 13:0 start to the game. Austria needed some to recover from the shock. They trailed 22:28 at the first break. Radis Mahalbasic and Klepeisz triggered a comeback rally from the hosts. Four points in a row from Jesse Seilern (189-G-90) drew things level at 37 midway through the second term. Jesse Seilern capped the half with two triples to give Austria a 52:43 advantage. The home side tipped off the third term with four consecutive points to open up a double-digit lead. The teams entered the final quarter with Austria leading by 14 points. Belgium never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to give up at the end.
Jesse Seilern knocked down 20 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) and Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90, agency: Interperformances) had 13 points each in the win. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) replied with 22 points for Belgium. Dennis Donkor (194-G/F-91) nailed 18 points in the losing case.

Austria U20: Rasid Mahalbasic 27+12 boards, Jesse Seilern 20, Romed Vieider 13, Moritz Lanegger 13
Belgium U20: Thomas De Thaey 22, Dennis Donkor 18


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  BOSNIA   


Igokea parts ways with coach Drago Karalic - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from various Bosnian media, BC Igokea is ready to look for new Head Coach. Even though the current Head Coach Drago Karalic has helped the team ensure participation in Adriatic league next season, that was not enough to save his job. Reportedly, the club's management will be looking for a new Head Coach who will be leading Igokea in their Adriatic league debut. First name on their list seems to be Serbian coach Velimir Gasic. Coming days should give an answer whether this deal will materialize and whether Gasic will take over the team.
Drago Karalic has so far worked for Borac Banja Luka and Igokea on numerous occasions. In 1999 he has won the title with Borac Banja Luka. In 2001 he was hired by Igokea and in October 2002 he returned to Borac. He has also coached BC Hercegovac Bileca in 2007 and 2009. This season, Karalic returned to Igokea and has helped the team reach the Playoff Finals.
Velimir Gasic started his coaching career with Radnicki Beograd where he worked during 1997-1998 season. He has also worked as head coach of Borac Banja Luka, Sloboda Dita and Vojvodina. He is probably most known as Head Coach of Serbian youth National Teams. He has also worked as Assistant coach of Serbia senior NT. Most recently Velimir Gasic worked with Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad.

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  BULGARIA   


Bulgaria need overtime to tame Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20 - Portugal U20 91:86 (OT)
Bulgaria and Portugal opened their European Championship in Division B campaign. They clashed in Austrian Oberwart. Bulgaria came out winners as they eked out a difficult overtime victory at the end. Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90) knocked down 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the charge.
Bulgaria used a 9:0 run to gain a 12:5 lead midway through the opening stanza. They maintained the lead and finished the first stanza up by two 19:17. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) kept Bulgaria in charge early in the second quarter. However back-to-back three-pointer from Soares and Joao Guerreiro (205-F-90) helped Portugal clinch the lead. The advantage changed hands for several times before Diogo Correia (185-G-90) sealed the first half outcome at 38:36. Diogo Correia and Joao Guerreiro opened the third stanza with five points in a row to give Portugal an 7-point lead. The gap soon grew at 10-point mark. But Bulgaria bounced back cutting the distance to just 6 points with ten minutes to go. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Slavchev dragged Bulgaria closer at the start of the fourth frame. Bozhidar Avramov tied things up at 74 with 28 seconds to go in regulation. The teams did not score a point in the reminder of the regular time and headed into overtime. Bozhidar Avramov and Aleksandar Georgiev tipped off the extra period with five points in a row. Silva revived the intrigue with four points of his own but Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90), Aleksandar Georgiev and Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) allowed Bulgaria to run away for good in this one.
Bozhidar Avramov nailed 18 points for Bulgaria. Hristo Zahariev added 15 points in the winning case. Joao Guerreiro accounted for 20 points for Portugal. Diogo Correia notched 18 points in the loss.

Bulgaria U20: Aleksandar Georgiev 23+10 boards, Bozhidar Avramov 18, Hristo Zahariev 15
Portugal U20: Joao Guerreiro 20, Diogo Correia 18


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  CANADA   


Calderon's fate with Raptors uncertain with Charlotte deal dead - by Eurobasket News
Plan B, anyone?

With the chance to complete a major trade with the Charlotte Bobcats seemingly dead and gone, the Raptors are now exploring other trade options as the summer of remaking the roster continues.

The deal - Jose Manuel Calderon (6'3''-G-81) and Reggie Evans (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Iowa) for Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) and Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) - died Tuesday when the Bobcats pulled back from terms that had been agreed to, according to league sources, leaving Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo trying to revive other discussions that were shelved when the Bobcat deal expired.

There are no indications what Colangelo might do now with either Calderon or Evans, but league sources indicate at least one Eastern Conference team remains quite interested in obtaining Calderon, the 28-year-old point guard who has spent his entire five-year NBA career with the Raptors.

League officials insist the other part of Colangelos grand remake - Hedo Turkoglu to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa - will go through with no worries but it has not advanced far enough to be considered officially completed.

There was no official word why the original Charlotte deal was killed. Published reports suggest the Bobcats may have had concerns with a 10 per cent trade kicker in Calderons contract - although it would seem inconceivable they wouldnt have known when the deal was agreed to around noon Monday - and that Bobcats coach Larry Brown nixed the deal when he heard about it.

Other sources suggest Bobcats owner Michael Jordan got cold feet after the deal had been agreed to by Colangelo and Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins. However, league sources also say Higgins would not likely have agreed to a trade without at least apprising Jordan of what was going on.

The trade had progressed so far that Chandler had been told hed be a Raptor and Evans had used his twitter account to say goodbye to fans in Toronto. Calderon, sources say, had also been told of what looked like his imminent departure.

A report from Yahoo.com on Tuesday afternoon said the Bobcats were moving Chandler and another piece to Dallas for Erick Dampier and a package of players.

But now the focus shifts back on the Raptors and the future of Calderon, and to a lesser degree, Evans.

League sources would not identify the other teams interested in acquiring Calderon, who has three years and more than $28 million left on his contract.

Its possible that both Calderon and Jack could return, but it appears Colangelo will at least have other offers to weigh.

According to league sources, a turnaround by the Bobcats on a trade thought to be official is not new. Last February, Charlotte was widely expected to be getting former Raptor T.J. Ford from the Indiana Pacers but Jordan then a minority owner pulled back about five minutes from the trade deadline.

Charlottes need for a point guard is getting almost acute. With Raymond Felton leaving the Bobcats for New York, it leaves only the unproven DJ Augustine to run the offence.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

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  CHINA   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
Stage Two A
 1. Jiangsu 11-1 
 2. Sichuan 10-2 
 3. Changan Group 8-4 
 4. Guangzhou FM 6-6 
 5. Hangzhou 5-7 
 6. W.Liaoning 5-7 
 7. ShenYang 5-8 
 8. Whampoa 5-8 
 9. Heilongjiang 3-9 
 10. Jiyuan 3-9 
Stage One
 1. Anhui NS 0-0 
 2. Guangxi 0-0 
 3. Hebei 0-0 
 4. Hill 0-0 
 5. Hong Kong 0-0 
 6. Hubei 0-0 
 7. Liaoning 3C 0-0 
 8. Ningxia Hanas 0-0 


NBL Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jiangsu - ShenYang 94-88
Jiangsu cruised past ShenYang 94:88 at the Regular Season Round 12 on July 14th. Davis Quincy (206-F/C-83, college: Tulane) collected 31 points and 19 rebounds for the league-leaders that improved to 11-1 record. Chen Xiaodong ended up with 23 points in the loisng case.

Jiyuan - Guangzhou FM 115-108
Jiyuan needed overtime to beat Guangzhou FM 115:108. Taggart Shawn (207-F-85, college: Memphis) erupted with 38 points and 10 boards, whilst Tian Ganwen nailed 28 points. Dong Junjiang replied with 26 points in defeat and Dawson Marc collected 23 points and 17 rebounds.

Whampoa - Hangzhou 112-109
Whampoa cruised past Hangzhou 112:109 as Taylor Terrell (203-C-81, agency: Liman Sports, college: Virginia Tech) stepped up with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Lawson Christopher nbetted 22 and Liu Feng posted 17. Stallings Nick produced 29 points in defeat and Powers Austen added 26 points and 12 caroms.

Sichuan - Heilongjiang 119-86
Sichuan grabbed 10-2 record on the second position beating Heilongjiang 119:86. Mims Dennis (205-F-80, college: Indiana (PA)) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 23 rebounds. Chao Ma netted 18, while Bannister T.J. had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Milligan Dante answered with 22 points and 12 boards in the loisng effort.

Changan Group - W.Liaoning 101-115
Changan Group lost to W.Liaoning 101:115 at the start of the Regular Season Round 12. Dials Terence (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.) erupted with 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Basden Edward followed him with 23 points. Jiao Jian finished the game with 24 points for the home side.


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  CROATIA   


Croatia U20 clinched the second place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Italy U20 77:60

Croatia U20 clinched the second place in Group F beating Italy U20. The hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 finished with 4-1 record after 77:60 victory.
Italy surprised the hosts with 5 consecutive points in the opening tip. Butorac later tied it at 6:6, while Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) brought the first lead. Croatia started to play better and Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) closed the opening quarter at 16:11. Another five points in a row brought them 21:11 as Ivan Batur (203-F-91) made a free throw. Mario Delas made a dunk for 34:24, while Giampaoli sent the team to the lockers for 34:27 score on the board. Italy came back to the court in a better mood and took 44:39 after 10-0 run midway through the frame. The hosts however made some important baskets to return to 54:49 after three quarters. Croatia improved to 77:60 with a minute in the game as Ivan Ramljak made a dunk. Davide Pascolo (200-F-90) reduced the gap a bit after a lay-up and then a free throw for 77:63. As it became clear later he brought the final result on the board.
Ivan Batur led the way with 14 points as Croatia finished with 4-1 record. Mario Delas notched 13, while Ivan Ramljak added 12. Paul Biligha (200-C-90) and Davide Pascolo answered with 12 points each in the losing effort. Italy finished Group F with 1-4 record.

Croatia U20: Ivan Batur 14, Mario Delas 13, Ivan Ramljak 12
Italy U20: Paul Biligha 12, Davide Pascolo 12


Luka Drezga leaves Trogir ZP for Khimik Yuzny - by Eurobasket News
Luka Drezga (196-G-87) is ready to start his international adventure. The young Croatian guard has reportedly agreed a deal with the Ukrainian outfit Khimik Yuzny. According to reports, Khimik signed the player to a one-year contract. This will be his first season abroad, after playing only in Croatian league so far. Last season, Drezga had a good time with Trogir ZP which he helped to reach the Playoff Semifinals, as well as National Cup Finals.
Luka Drezga is a product of Sibenik junior system. He made his professional debut in 2004 and has spent 4 seasons with Sibenik. In his last season with the team, Drezga has posted averages of 19.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Good games did not go unnoticed and he was snapped by Zagreb at the start of 2008-2009 season. However, Drezga failed to settle in as expected and has made only 2 Croatian league appearances, averaging 4.5 points per game. This season, Drezga moved to Trogir where he adapted very fast. He played in 30 games and has posted averages of 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Drezga has so far represented Croatia at U18 and U20 level. He has also been a member of Croatia B National Team.

Zagreb extends Petar Babic - by Eurobasket News
BC Zagreb has continued with creating its roster for the next season. After agreeing a deal with a promising player Miralem Halilovic (206-F-91), the club has secured extension with one of its most experienced members. Reportedly, Petar Babic (190-G-85) has reached an agreement with the club to stay on. Babic has signed new two-year deal, but financial details were not disclosed. Still Zagreb management has a lot more work ahead of them, as seven players are without the contract currently. Some of them may be back, but some will be replaced so it remains to be seen what will be the next move for Zagreb.
Petar Babic started his career with Zrinjevac junior team. During 2001-2002 season, he made his professional debut for the club. Since then he has established himself as valuable member of the squad in 3 seasons with them. In 2003, his last year with Zrinjevac, Babic has averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. At the start of 2004-2005, Babic moved to Zagreb where he has played so far. In 6 seasons for the club so far, Babic has managed to win two national cups in 2008 and 2010. He has become important member of rotation and calming influence on the court. This season, Babic appeared in 15 league games and has posted averages of 4.1 points and 1.6 assists per game. In 2009, Babic was a member of Croatia B National Team which played at the Mediterranean Games in Italy.

Jasmin Perkovic moves to Vanoli Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) has swapped German league for Italian. The-29 year old power forward has agreed a deal with Vanoli Cremona. The player and the club have signed a one-year deal, but the financial details were not disclosed. Perkovic spent previous three seasons with Oldenburg. In the latest one Oldenburg was the regular season champion in Germany. Perkovic is expected to bring the stability under the basket for Italian team. He is expected to join his new team in the coming weeks.
Jasmin Perkovic started his career with Sava Osiguranje Rijeka during 1996-1997 season. In 2000, he has moved to Slovenian outfit Triglav Kranj and next season he played with Polzela. At the start of 2002-2003 season, Perkovic moved back to Croatia where he signed with Zadar. In his debut he has won the National cup and Adriatic league. In his career, Perkovic has also played for the likes of BC Siroki, Bosna, AEK Athens and Oldenburg. This year, his third with the German outfit, they managed to finish as No.1 in regular season. He has appeared in 31 league games averaging 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. In Euroleague, Perkovic has averaged 9.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 8 matches played.

Svjetlost signs Maric, agrees extension with Cosic - by Eurobasket News
Svjetlost management has been keeping busy trying to reshape its roster for the next season. According to the reports from Croatian media, they have signed contract with Igor Maric (196-F-85). At the same time, Svijetlost offered a new deal to Petar Cosic (186-G-85, agency: Interperformances). He had a good season for Svjetlost and it was expected that the player and the club will not have hard time agreeing an extension. Maric also had a good season as member of Dubrava so he is seen as good reinforcement for Svjetlost. It remains to be seen what will be the next move for the club as they will definitely be looking to stay active in the transfer market.
Petar Cosic is a product of Slavonski Brod youth system and has started his career in 2001. After 4 seasons with Slavonski Brod, he moved to French outfit Brest in 2006. In January of 2007, he moved to BC Split where he averaged 1.7 points in 27 games. At the start of 2007-2008 season, Cosic signed with Zabok where he played in 17 games and has posted averages of 13.3 points and 2.6 assists per game. Following season he moved again, this time to Dubrava. Than at the start of this season, Cosic agreed a deal with Svjetlost Slavonski Brod where he averaged 13.7 points and 3.7 assists in 29 games.
Igor Maric spent most of his time as member of Dubrava after making debut in 2003. Only during 2007-2008 season he played with BC Zabok, where he averaged 4.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in 26 games. Following season he returned to Dubrava, and this season he played in 27 games and has averaged 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Turkey U20 61:70 OT

Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 70:61. With 13-4 they improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska.
Turkey started the game with 4-0 and grabbed only 13:11 later in the period. Peterka scored two at the end of it for 15:14 advantage after 10 minutes. Kraz made a jump shot for 22:16 and Ondrej Balvin scored for 26:19. Trailing 24:28, Turkey finished the half with 6-0 run to take 32:28 halftime advantage. Turkey again went on a lead and enjoyed 39:33 as Sanli made a jump shot. Karaman posted two as Turkey had 44:37, while Incekara increased the deficit to 51:39 at the end of thirty minutes. When Mutaf made a jump shot for 53:39 it seemed the intrigue was over. Czech Republic U20 however managed to tie the game and Kohout sent the teams to overtime. In extra time Turkey took the lead from the very beginning and held off the opponents for the second win.
Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) collected 16 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Melih Mahmutoglu (187-G-90) notched 15, while Ibrahim Yildirim (188-G-90) added 14. Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) finished the night with 20 points in defeat, while Ondrej Balvin (215-C-92) posted 9.

Czech Republic U20: Tomas Satoransky 20, Ondrej Balvin 9
Turkey U20: Furkan Aldemir 16+15 rebs, Melih Mahmutoglu 15, Ibrahim Yildirim 14


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  DENMARK   


Great Britain defeat Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Denmark U20 79:65

Great Britain claimed the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Denmark in Group C to improve at 1-0 record. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) led all scorers with 24 points.
Denmark opened the game with five points in a row but Great Britain quickly responded. They denied the deficit to lead 16:15 ten minutes into the encounter. The lead changed hands throughout the tense second frame. William Neighbour (203-F-90) and Mackay gave Great Britain a 39:33 advantage at halftime. The British team opened the third term with four points in a row to open a double-digit lead. Lawrence three-pointer marked a 20-point lead for Great Britain as they suddenly were in full control. Denmark faced a 20-point deficit at the start of the fourth period. The Scandinavians were able to get within 12 in the final term but Great Britain wisely kept at distance and sealed the winning outcome at the end.
William Neighbour notched 21 points for Great Britain. Tony Marcotullio (191-G) added 8 points in the win. Jonas Bergstedt (207-C-91) answered with 16 points for Denmark. Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Great Britain U20: Ovie Soko 24, William Neighbour 21, Tony Marcotullio 8
Denmark U20: Jonas Bergstedt 16, Mathias Seilund 13


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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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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


ESL Malaga Announces Results - by Darryl Reshaw

SOFIA Game 1 96

Players: Age Country Points Rebounds Assist. Steals

# 2 Issac Ansah 25 Ghana 3 2 2
#7 Nikola Kuga 23 Slovenia 12 4 2 1
#10 Oliver Troisfontaines 21 Belgian 23 4 3
#12 Carl Josey 23 Britain 3 2 1 1
#19 Artem Chemyakin 25 Ucrania 15 2
#23 Mouhamadou Diop 23 Senegal 7 9
#59 Ofir Fahri Israel 2 3 1
#67 Pawell Strychalski 23 Poland 2 - 1 1
#57 Andrew Jones 27 USA 17 5 6 1
#60 Vincent Johnson 27 USA 12 2 1 3



NAPOLES 80

Players: Age Country Points Rebounds Assist. Steals

#6 Kendrick Jones 27 USA 18 7 3 3
#8 Yevgeniy Issakov 28 Kazakistan 16 4 1 2
#9 Artem Shehepkin Ucrania 5 2 2 1
#12 Yanko Dzhukev 25 Bulgarie 8 3
#33 Masahiko Ando 29 Japan 2 1 1
#44 Sergi Ruiz 23 Spain 4 4 1
#56 Noel Pollock 21 Britain 5 5 1
#70 Denis Hvalec 24 Slovenia 2 1 1
#71 Giannis Prodromou 23 Greece 18 3 2
#63 Jordan Smith 25 USA 4 5 2 1



Belgrade Game 2 86

Players Age Country Points Rebounds Assist. Steals

#27 Lorenzo Bell 30 USA 9 4 1
#42 Haran Shifman 26 Israel 12 3 3
#54 Demoriel Purnell USA 11 1 5 1
#58 Loktionov Igor 24 Ukrania 15 8 1 2
#61 Charles Rulako 21 Britain 4 1 1
#62 Gaafar El Souri 25 Sudan 9 4 1
#13 Mitja Osole 24 Slovenia 7 2 2
#68 Joshua Walker 26 USA 19 9 1 2


Munich 100

Players Age Country Points Rebounds Assist. Steals

#3 Mehmet Sinan 28 Turkey 5 1
#4 Artem Shchepkin Ukrania 15 6 3 1
#5 Quinton Beasley 23 USA 3 1 2
#11 Taryll Myles 34 USA-Bosman A 17 2 1 4
#15 Chris Hunt 25 USA 15 9 1
#29 Carlton Williams 31 USA 15 7 2
#64 Rafa Molina 21 Spain 19 9 3
#66 Tyler Lieghton 22 USA 8 3
#22 Jerry Hudson 30 USA 11 4 1 2


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Bartzokas is staying in Maroussi!! - by Chris Mammides
The top Head Coach for the seazon 2009-2010, Giorgos Bartzokas will be leading the 'fresh' team of Marousi BC for another seazon! The young succesfull head coach will have a very difficult task this seazon as most of his keys are out of the team (Kaimakoglou, Mavroidis, Pelekanos, Keys, Kalathis etc.) Nikos Linardos and Sotiris Manolopoulos will be his assistant coaches for this coming seazon.
Giannis Sferopoulos also will remain as a head coach of VAP Kolossos for another one seazon!
Elias Zouros is remaining as a head coach in Panellinios Athens (with half the budget for his team) for another one seazon
Argiris Pedoulakis willl be the new Head Coach (he signed a four years contract) with DASH Peristeri GS Athens replacing Thanasis Skourthopoulos . His assistant coach will be Tzimis Koustenis


Olympiakos officially lands Eurocup Finals MVP Matt Nielsen - by Eurobasket News
Olympiacos Piraeus continued to restructure its team by signing experienced big man Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket), who arrives from Spanish club Power Electronics Valencia. Nielsen averaged 10.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in the Eurocup last season, helping Valencia win the competition for the second time. He was named to the All-Eurocup First Team last season, bettering his All-Eurocup Second Team selection from the 2008-09 season. In signing for Olympiacos, Nielsen marks his second stint in Greece. He spent the 2004-05 campaign his first in Europe with PAOK Thessaloniki. Nielsen began his career in his native Australia with the Sydney Kings, whom he led to the 2003 and 2004 Australian League championships. After one season with PAOK, Nielsen spent three with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania, where he helped the club win one Lithuanian League championship and two Baltic League titles. He also helped L. Rytas reach the Euroleague Top 16 twice and reach the 2007 ULEB Cup Final.

Courtesy of Euroleague

CSKA Moscow keeps Nikita Kurbanov - by Eurobasket News
Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow announced signing of Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) to a one-year contract extension. The versatile forward joined CSKA during the summer 2009. He appeared in 17 Euroleague games last season, but with limited playing time (1.2 ppg). In Russian championship Kurbanov had more chance to play and he averaged 5 points and 2.8 rebounds for 25 games. His digits were the highest in VTB league, where Kurbanov had 8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games.
Before CSKA Moscow, Nikita Kurbanov spent one year with Spartak St. Petersburg. He is a product of CSKA where he started as a kid. They won the Euroleague trophy together in 2006. Kurbanov played 17 games that season with 2 ppg and 1.6 rpg. In February 2008 he left it for the first time and joined UNICS Kazan.
Nikita Kurbanov is a member of the Russian National Team. Last summer in Poland he appeared in 9 games collecting 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg. In the past he played for the Russian University National Team, U20 as well as U18 NT.
Just a few hours ago CSKA Moscow announced they will not keep Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) and Victor Keyru (200-G-84).

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


M-Standings - Division B
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Sweden1-0
2. Hungary1-0
3. Israel0-1
4. Georgia0-1
Group B
1. Bulgaria1-0
2. Finland1-0
3. Portugal0-1
4. Switzerlan.0-1
Group C
1. Austria1-0
2. U.Kingdom1-0
3. Belgium0-1
4. Denmark0-1
Group D
1. Slovakia1-0
2. Norway1-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Romania0-1
5. Belarus0-1


Standings
Standings
Group E
1. Greece5-0
2. Ukraine3-2
3. Serbia2-3
4. Montenegro.2-3
5. Lithuania2-3
6. Latvia1-4
Group F
1. Spain4-1
2. Croatia4-1
3. France3-2
4. Russia2-3
5. Italy1-4
6. Slovenia1-4
Group G
1. Germany2-1
2. Turkey2-1
3. Holland1-2
4. Czech Repu.1-2


Div. B Day: 1 (Preliminary Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Israel - Sweden 67-71
Sweden earned the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Israeli counterparts in Group A opener. Christoffer Ryan (196-G-90) knocked down 20 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 3 assists to lead the effort. The teams looked well-matched in the starting quarter. The lead changed hands before Karpelesz and Ariely gave Israel a 15:13 lead at the first break. Nagwere opened the second term with a three-pointer to put Sweden in charge. The Scandinavians maintained the advantage throughout the second stanza and posted a 37:35 advantage at the interval. Christoffer Ryan knocked down 7 points and Alexander Lindqvist (202-F-91) added three more as Sweden opened a 9-point buffer early in the third quarter. An 8:0 run from the Swedish team helped those accumulate a 15-point lead late in the quarter. Sweden stayed comfortable in front until Nimrod Tishman (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back three-pointers and dragged Israel within 6 midway through the fourth term. Andreas Person (188-G-91) came up with timely buckets late in regulation to ice the victory for the Scandinavians. Alexander Lindqvist knocked down 14 points for Sweden. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) and Andreas Person added 9 points each in the win. Jake Cohen (208-F-90) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Nimrod Tishman and Karpelesz provided 9 points each in the loss.

Hungary - Georgia 83-67
Hungarian U20 team opened their European Championship in Division B quest with victory. They toppled Georgia to improve at 1-0 record A. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds to pace Hungary. Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) opened the scoring in this one. Georgia soon grabbed a 10:5 lead and rallied to a 13:11 advantage at the first break. Hungary drew things level early in the second term but Georgia triggered a 6:0 run to clear off once again. Tornike Shengelia helped Georgia grab a 9-point cushion in the second frame. They stayed in charge and wrapped up the first half up by 7 points 34:27. Hungary however gradually leveled things up. They used a 10:2 run late in the third quarter to surge in front 53:46. Hungary entered the fourth frame up by 3 points at 56:53. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) unloaded five points in a row to boost the margin at the start of the fourth period. Three-pointers from Helmeszi and Norbert Takacs gave Hungary a 74:57 lead with under four minutes to go. Georgia failed to respond and Hungary coasted to the victory in the dying minutes. Ferdinand Morgen knocked down 14 points for Hungary. Andras Helmeczi (192-G-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 11 points in the winning effort. Tornike Shengelia responded with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Georgia. Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90) produced 14 points in the loss.

Group B
Bulgaria - Portugal 91-86
Bulgaria and Portugal opened their European Championship in Division B campaign. They clashed in Austrian Oberwart. Bulgaria came out winners as they eked out a difficult overtime victory at the end. Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90) knocked down 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the charge. Bulgaria used a 9:0 run to gain a 12:5 lead midway through the opening stanza. They maintained the lead and finished the first stanza up by two 19:17. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) kept Bulgaria in charge early in the second quarter. However back-to-back three-pointer from Soares and Joao Guerreiro (205-F-90) helped Portugal clinch the lead. The advantage changed hands for several times before Diogo Correia (185-G-90) sealed the first half outcome at 38:36. Diogo Correia and Joao Guerreiro opened the third stanza with five points in a row to give Portugal an 7-point lead. The gap soon grew at 10-point mark. But Bulgaria bounced back cutting the distance to just 6 points with ten minutes to go. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Slavchev dragged Bulgaria closer at the start of the fourth frame. Bozhidar Avramov tied things up at 74 with 28 seconds to go in regulation. The teams did not score a point in the reminder of the regular time and headed into overtime. Bozhidar Avramov and Aleksandar Georgiev tipped off the extra period with five points in a row. Silva revived the intrigue with four points of his own but Tihomir Zhelev, Aleksandar Georgiev and Vasil Kyosev allowed Bulgaria to run away for good in this one. Bozhidar Avramov nailed 18 points for Bulgaria. Hristo Zahariev added 15 points in the winning case. Joao Guerreiro accounted for 20 points for Portugal. Diogo Correia notched 18 points in the loss.

Switzerland - Finland 64-92
Finland proved strength against Switzerland at the start of the U20 European Championship in Division B. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) knocked down 18 points and Finland cruised to the opening victory in Group B. Finland set the tone early. They tipped off the encounter with a 9:2 run. Korhonen opened a double-digit lead for Finland late in the starting quarter 23:13. Finland enjoyed a 25:16 advantage at the first pause. Roope Ahonen drained back-to-back trebles to stretch the margin early in the second frame. The Finnish team stayed in charge as they finished the half up by 11 points 41:30. Sasu Salin (190-G-91) , Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) and Roope Ahonen gave Finland a massive 25-point buffer midway through the third quarter. Alexi Alanen capped the period with a three-pointer as the scoreboard read 69:46. Sasu Salin opened the fourth frame with a trey and Finland did not look back on the way to the victory. Carl Lindbom accounted for 15 points for Finland. Alexi Alanen added 13 points, while Sasu Salin notched 12 in the win. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) responded with 21 points for Switzerland. Peter Ishiodu (196-F-91) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Group C
Belgium - Austria 79-88
Austria overcame a slow start to earn the victory in their home U20 European Championship in Division B opener. The hosts faced Belgium in Group C and had their fans worried for some time before securing a tough win. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) was pivotal as he tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds for the home team. Belgium silenced the crowd with 13:0 start to the game. Austria needed some to recover from the shock. They trailed 22:28 at the first break. Radis Mahalbasic and Klepeisz triggered a comeback rally from the hosts. Four points in a row from Jesse Seilern (189-G-90) drew things level at 37 midway through the second term. Jesse Seilern capped the half with two triples to give Austria a 52:43 advantage. The home side tipped off the third term with four consecutive points to open up a double-digit lead. The teams entered the final quarter with Austria leading by 14 points. Belgium never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to give up at the end. Jesse Seilern knocked down 20 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) and Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90, agency: Interperformances) had 13 points each in the win. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) replied with 22 points for Belgium. Dennis Donkor nailed 18 points in the losing case.

United Kingdom - Denmark 79-65
Great Britain claimed the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Denmark in Group C to improve at 1-0 record. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) led all scorers with 24 points. Denmark opened the game with five points in a row but Great Britain quickly responded. They denied the deficit to lead 16:15 ten minutes into the encounter. The lead changed hands throughout the tense second frame. William Neighbour (203-F-90) and Mackay gave Great Britain a 39:33 advantage at halftime. The British team opened the third term with four points in a row to open a double-digit lead. Lawrence three-pointer marked a 20-point lead for Great Britain as they suddenly were in full control. Denmark faced a 20-point deficit at the start of the fourth period. The Scandinavians were able to get within 12 in the final term but Great Britain wisely kept at distance and sealed the winning outcome at the end. William Neighbour notched 21 points for Great Britain. Alex Marcotullio (191-G) added 8 points in the win. Jonas Bergstedt (207-C-91) answered with 16 points for Denmark. Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Group D
Belarus - Norway 35-80
Norway opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign in style. They marked their ambitions with a drubbing of Belarus in Group D in Gussing, Austria. Anders Stien (195-G-90) nailed 13 points to lead Norway. Norway opened the game with nine points in a row. Dabravolski and Viktar Ausepian (205-F-91) brought Belarus to life but not for long. Norway posted a 21:9 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team tipped off the second frame with a 13:0 rally to clear off. The scoreboard read 36:13 for Norway at halftime. Belarus showed some signs of finding the rhythm late in the third term as they capped it with four points in a row but the margin was too large as Norway enjoyed a 27-point buffer. Belarus accounted for 14 points in the final stanza but Norway responded with 32 points to celebrate a confident win at the end. Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) notched 11 points for Norway. Stian Berg (186-G-91) added 10 points in the winning effort. Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (206-F-91) answered with 9 points for Belarus. Viktar Ausepian finished with 6 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Slovakia - Romania 76-62
Slovak Republic opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign on a high note. They rallied past Romania in Group D first round. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) led well-balanced effort with 14 points. The first frame proved decisive in this one. Consecutive treys from Zidzik, Ulman and Michal Kozar shocked Romania giving Slovak Republic a 22:6 lead midway through the quarter. Slovak Republic earned a 28:8 advantage at the first break. They used a 5:0 rally to boost the margin to as many as 23 points in the second quarter. Marek Jass (194-G-90) capped the first half with five points in a row to give Slovaks a 45:27 buffer at halftime. Romania entered the third period on a 5:0 run. But Slovak Republic remained cool and they kept their opponents at bay. Nevertheless Romania had a trace of hope as they were down by 15 points heading into the fourth term. Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) tipped off the fourth period with a three-pointer to give hope for Romania. They were able to get within 8 points midway through the final term but Slovak Republic did not allow their opponents to score a single point in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a confident win at the end. Matej Marchyn (192-F-90) nailed 13 points for the winners. Marek Jass finished with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Adrian Gutoaia answered with game-high 35 points for Romania. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) added 7 points in defeat.


Day: 6 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Serbia - Greece 62-63
Greece U20 finished on top of Group E and even clinching the top place the day before the last game, they proved the ambitions for another gold. Greece rolled over Serbia 63:62 to take 5-0 record in Group E. Serbia gave a good lesson for Greece and opened with 16-10 in the opening quarter. Mantzaris tied the game at 18:18 and Greece took later 30:25. Greece was in front for the whole third period and finished it with 46:43 win. Sloukas brought Greece 50:48 with 7 minutes in the game. Serbia meanwhile took 55:53 with 4 minutes in the fourth quarter. Mitrovic made a three-pointer fro 58:53, while Musli increased the lead to 60:53. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) brought Greece back to 60:55 and Sloukas and again Nikos Pappas made it 60:58. Musli increased to 62:59 and Papanikolaou brought the defending champions to 62:61. Moreover Nikos Pappas gave Greece 63:62 with 5 seconds in the game that was the final shot for the win. Papanikolaou Konstantinos poured in 15 points for the winners. Nikos Pappas notched 14, whilst Sarikopoulos Zisis scored 11. Musli Dejan answered with 14 points and Mitrovic Aleksandar added 10.

Ukraine - Lithuania 65-100
The game between Ukraine and Lithuania became the last one in Group E of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Baltic state had an easy 100:65 win to improve to 2-3 record but it was not enough for the Quarterfinal birth. Ukraine had no chance to change the position as Greece beat Serbia that remained Ukraine on the second spot no matter the team won or lost. Bendzius and Otverchenko exchanged the three-pointers in the opening tip and then the game was tied only at 17:17. Lithuania pushed the tempo creating a 12-0 run and never looked behind after. They increased the advantage to 50:36 at the halftime when Darius Tarvydas (200-F-91) and Natyzhko exchanged the jump shots. After 24-16 in the third frame Lithuania had 74:52 after thirty minutes. Katzevicius scored two for 92:61, while Orelik made 93:62. Although there were only two minutes left Lithuania tried to score three-digit number. Darius Tarvydas made two dunks in a row to bring 97:62 and Katzevicius made two free throws for 99:62. Dzyuba posted three for Ukraine at the end, while Katzevicius brought 100 on the board. Bendzius top-scored for the winners with 23 points as Lithuania finished with 2-3 record. Orelik and Darius Tarvydas followed him with 15 points each. Natyazhko collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort and Noskov notched 14.

Montenegro - Latvia 70-57
Montenegro U20 beat Latvia U20 70:57 to open the last day of the Qualifying Round. The winners improved to 2-3 and buried the Baltic side chances for the 1/4 Finals. It was the game for the second win for both teams as Montenegro used a 4-0 run from the start. Moreover the team increased to 11:4, while Laksa reduced the gap at 17:13 at the end of the first period. Montenegro started again better and reached 26:17 in the start of the second frame as Dubljevic Bojan scored for 26:17. Blaus Lauris pulled Latvia back to 30:29 with a minute in the half. Dubljevic Bojan again increased the lead for the winners to give them 37:29. Mihailovic Vladimir closed another run for 41:29 to open the third frame. The game that remained carousel brought Latvia back to 41:40 as they responded with 11-0 run. Mihailovic Vladimir was the last to post in the third period for 53:42. Samojlovic drove a lay-up for 60:44 in the last period when it became clear that Montenegro would benefit from the game. Ljujic with a fre throw closed the game to give the second victory for his team. Mihailovic Vladimir stepped up with 18 points for the winners. Dubljevic Bojan collected 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Filip Samojlovic (183-G-90, agency: Interperformances) notched 13. Blaus Lauris ended up with 14 points for the Baltic State and Osenieks Oto added 10.

Group F
Croatia - Italy 77-63
Croatia U20 clinched the second place in Group F beating Italy U20. The hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 finished with 4-1 record after 77:60 victory. Italy surprised the hosts with 5 consecutive points in the opening tip. Butorac later tied it at 6:6, while Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) brought the first lead. Croatia started to play better and Ramljak closed the opening quarter at 16:11. Another five points in a row brought them 21:11 as Batur made a free throw. Mario Delas made a dunk for 34:24, while Giampaoli sent the team to the lockers for 34:27 score on the board. Italy came back to the court in a better mood and took 44:39 after 10-0 run midway through the frame. The hosts however made some important baskets to return to 54:49 after three quarters. Croatia improved to 77:60 with a minute in the game as Ramljak made a dunk. Pascolo reduced the gap a bit after a lay-up and then a free throw for 77:63. As it became clear later he brought the final result on the board. Batur led the way with 14 points as Croatia finished with 4-1 record. Mario Delas notched 13, while Ramljak added 12. Biligha and Pascolo answered with 12 points each in the losing effort. Italy finished Group F with 1-4 record.

Russia - Slovenia 68-82
Slovenia U20 upset Russia U20 82:68 however the latter advanced to the Quarterfinals with the poor 2-3 record. Slovenia U20 finished with 1-4 record Group F of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. Slovenia surprised with 5-0 run in the start and got 15:2 in the middle of the frame. Fedor Klyuchnikov (192-G-90) scored from the perimeter for 22:12 and Antipov closed 8-0 run for 20:22. Slovenia again took the lead and was in front for the whole second period. Muric Edo sent the teams to the lockers with 41:26 halftime advantage. He also increased the lead to 10 points in the middle of the third frame and Vranjkovic remained Slovenia with 57:47 deficit. Sarajlija was the last to score in the frame for 63:48 advantage after three quarters. Although Russia won the last period 20-19 in the final period they could not come closer to the winners. Muric Dino made a dunk in the end of the game for the final success. Vranjkovic Marko poured in 25 points for the winners. Muric Dino notched 12, while Muric Edo produced 10. Ivlev Vladimir collected 10 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort, whilst Karpukhin Aleksandr, Morozov Aleksandr and Fedor Klyuchnikov added 8 each.

Spain - France 69-66
Mirotic pulls Spain U20 over the French side at the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Spaniards overcame France U20 69:66 to finish with 4-1 record Group F. It was an easy start for Spain that scored the first 7 points in the game. Simeon made a lay-up for 14:2 and Sastre delivered two for 19:8. Hernandez finished the quarter with two free throws for 21:11 lead. Sastre nailed three for 26:11, while France started to catch up later in the frame. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) reduced to 26:21 and Leonard closed the half at 33:30. It was hot in the court in the third period but Spain stayed in front for the whole time. No matter how close France tried to cut the score, Spain enjoyed 51:45 at the end of the third quarter. Mirotic Nikola increased the advantage at 55:45, but Courby tied the game at 56:56 after 11-1 French run. They exchanged the lead several times, while Mirotic Nikola gave Spain 68:63. Franch made the last free throw in the game for the final 69:66 score. Mirotic Nikola collected 30 points and 12 rebounds for the winners, while Munoz Alvaro nailed 11. Andrew Albicy ended up with 15 points as France finished with 3-2 record. Aboudou Lens notched 13, while Courby Maxime posted 12.

Group G
Czech Republic - Turkey 61-70 OT
Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 70:61. With 13-4 they improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. Turkey started the game with 4-0 and grabbed only 13:11 later in the period. Peterka scored two at the end of it for 15:14 advantage after 10 minutes. Kraz made a jump shot for 22:16 and Balvin scored for 26:19. Trailing 24:28, Turkey finished the half with 6-0 run to take 32:28 halftime advantage. Turkey again went on a lead and enjoyed 39:33 as Sanli made a jump shot. Karaman posted two as Turkey had 44:37, while Incekara increased the deficit to 51:39 at the end of thirty minutes. When Mutaf made a jump shot for 53:39 it seemed the intrigue was over. Czech Republic U20 however managed to tie the game and Kohout sent the teams to overtime. In extra time Turkey took the lead from the very beginning and held off the opponents for the second win. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) collected 16 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Mahmutoglu Melih notched 15, while Yildirim Ibrahim added 14. Satoransky Tomas finished the night with 20 points in defeat, while Balvin Ondrej posted 9.

Netherlands U20-Germany U20 57-67

Germany U20 improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010. In the last game of the day the team edged Netherlands U20 67:57.
Zirbes top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Schmitz nailed 13, while Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 12. Voorn answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Kherrazi collected 15 points and 10 rebounds.


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Nikos PAPPAS
  (194-G-90)
  Avg: 21.2
 1. Pappas, GRE21.2 
 2. Otverchenko, UKR18.7 
 3. Gentile, ITA18.2 
 4. Natyazhko, UKR16.8 
 5. Lypovyy, UKR16.4 
 6. Mihailovic, MNT16.0 
 7. Satoransky, CZE16.0 
 8. Dubljevic, MNT15.8 
 9. Mirotic, ESP15.0 
 10. Bendzius, LTU15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vladimir IVLEV
  (204-F-90)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Ivlev, RUS12.5 
 2. Aldemir, TUR11.5 
 3. Musli, SRB9.2 
 4. Llovet, ESP8.7 
 5. Kherrazi, NED8.4 
 6. Natyazhko, UKR8.3 
 7. Dubljevic, MNT8.0 
 8. Delas, CRO7.3 
 9. Papanikolaou, GRE7.3 
 10. Satoransky, CZE7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Andrew ALBICY
  (178-G-90)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Albicy, FRA5.3 
 2. Satoransky, CZE5.0 
 3. Nedovic, SRB4.5 
 4. Peciukeviciu., LTU3.8 
 5. Krumins, LAT3.8 
 6. Yildirim, TUR3.8 
 7. Zadnik, SLO3.5 
 8. Delas, CRO3.2 
 9. Lypovyy, UKR3.2 
 10. Jaramaz, SRB3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Andrew ALBICY
  (178-G-90)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Albicy, FRA3.3 
 2. Papanikolaou, GRE2.7 
 3. Satoransky, CZE2.7 
 4. Stuckey, GER2.5 
 5. Perez, ESP2.5 
 6. Lypovyy, UKR2.4 
 7. Dubljevic, MNT2.2 
 8. Kherrazi, NED2.0 
 9. Sloukas, GRE2.0 
 10. Sanguinetti, ITA2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Dejan MUSLI
  (214-C-91)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Musli, SRB1.5 
 2. Radosevic, CRO1.5 
 3. Natyazhko, UKR1.5 
 4. Aldemir, TUR1.3 
 5. Papanikolaou, GRE1.3 
 6. Blaus, LAT1.2 
 7. Meiers, LAT1.0 
 8. Mirotic, ESP1.0 
 9. Llovet, ESP1.0 
 10. Vranjkovic, SLO1.0 


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


Finland thump Switzerland to begin with in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Finland U20 - Switzerland U20 92:64
Finland proved strength against Switzerland at the start of the U20 European Championship in Division B. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) knocked down 18 points and Finland cruised to the opening victory in Group B.
Finland set the tone early. They tipped off the encounter with a 9:2 run. Korhonen opened a double-digit lead for Finland late in the starting quarter 23:13. Finland enjoyed a 25:16 advantage at the first pause. Roope Ahonen drained back-to-back trebles to stretch the margin early in the second frame. The Finnish team stayed in charge as they finished the half up by 11 points 41:30. Sasu Salin (190-G-91), Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) and Roope Ahonen gave Finland a massive 25-point buffer midway through the third quarter. Alexi Alanen (194-G-91) capped the period with a three-pointer as the scoreboard read 69:46. Sasu Salin opened the fourth frame with a trey and Finland did not look back on the way to the victory.
Carl Lindbom accounted for 15 points for Finland. Alexi Alanen added 13 points, while Sasu Salin notched 12 in the win. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) responded with 21 points for Switzerland. Peter Ishiodu (196-F-91) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Finland U20: Roope Ahonen 18, Carl Lindbom 15, Alexi Alanen 13
Switzerland U20: Christophe Varidel 21, Peter Ishiodu 13


Finland record second win over Portugal in Rio Maior - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Finland 61:70

Finnish National Team posted the second straight win against Portugal in their exhibition series. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) stepped up with 24 points to lead the visitors. Finland outrebounded their opponents 37:21 to dominate the paint.
Portugal looked solid in the first half. They kept it close to Finland in the opening stanza and trailed by just one point at the first break 13:14. The hosts pushed the throttle in the second term to surge in front. Portugal earned a 36:26 lead at halftime. But the third term turned things upside down for Moncho Lopez team. Finland blasted those 28:12 to ensure a 6-point into the fourth quarter. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the fourth stanza. Portugal knocked down just 13 points in the period and had to surrender for the second time in a row. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) provided 13 points and 18 rebounds for Finland. Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) added 13 points in the win. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) answered with 16 points for Portugal. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) delivered 12 points in the loss.

Portugal: Heshimu Evans 16, Miguel Miranda 12, Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) 9
Finland: Petri Virtanen 24, Tuukka Kotti 13+18 boards, Samuel Haanpaa 13


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


Mirotic pulls Spain U20 over the French side - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-France U20 69:66

Mirotic pulls Spain U20 over the French side at the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Spaniards overcame France U20 69:66 to finish with 4-1 record Group F.
It was an easy start for Spain that scored the first 7 points in the game. Simeon made a lay-up for 14:2 and Sastre delivered two for 19:8. Hernandez finished the quarter with two free throws for 21:11 lead. Sastre nailed three for 26:11, while France started to catch up later in the frame. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) reduced to 26:21 and Leonard closed the half at 33:30. It was hot in the court in the third period but Spain stayed in front for the whole time. No matter how close France tried to cut the score, Spain enjoyed 51:45 at the end of the third quarter. Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) increased the advantage at 55:45, but Courby tied the game at 56:56 after 11-1 French run. They exchanged the lead several times, while Nikola Mirotic gave Spain 68:63. Franch made the last free throw in the game for the final 69:66 score.
Nikola Mirotic collected 30 points and 12 rebounds for the winners, while Alvaro Munoz (195-F-90) nailed 11. Andrew Albicy ended up with 15 points as France finished with 3-2 record. Lens Aboudou (192-G-90) notched 13, while Maxime Courby (200-F-90) posted 12.

Spain U20: Nikola Mirotic 30+12 rebs, Alvaro Munoz 11
France U20: Andrew Albicy 15, Lens Aboudou 13, Maxime Courby 12

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


FYR Macedonia beats Montenegro in first friendly match - by Eurobasket News
Friendly: FYR Macedonia - Montenegro 82-58

Macedonian NT has started the control matches in good fashion as they rolled over Montenegro. The friendly game was played in Zlatibor, Serbia where both teams are preparing for the upcoming 2011 European Championship qualifications. It was the Macedonian side who came out stronger from the gate as the players legs must have been fresher. After initial 10 minutes of play, the score stood at 24-14. In the second period, Montenegrin players started playing better, but they were still trailing. By halftime, all they could do was to cut the deficit by 1 point. At the halftime break the score was 42-33 and FYR Macedonia, who was looking comfortable. Third quarter was almost a mirror image of the start as FYR Macedonia increased defensive pressure. They allowed their opponent to score only 10 points during the period. As result, they entered final quarter with game practically in the bag as they held 66-43 lead. In the final ten minutes, FYR Macedonia controlled the game and have routinely closed it out for the final score of 82-58.
Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) led the way for the winning side with 22 points on the night. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) chipped in 14 points apiece in win. On the other side, Montenegro was led by Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) who scored 13 points. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 12, while Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10 points.

Macedonia: Riste Stefanov 22, Vojdan Stojanovski 14, Pero Antic 14
Montenegro: Vladimir Golubovic 13, Nikola Pekovic 12, Goran Jeretin 10

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Georgian U20 National Team 2010 - by Akaki Bakradze
#s#
Givi Bakradze
Bakradze
Beqa Chikviladze
Chikviladze
Tornike Shengelia
Shengelia
Giorgi Sharabidze
Sharabidze
Akaki Dvalishvili
Dvalishvili
#e#5
4 Givi Bakradze 185-G-91 Lapua Finland
5 Giorgi Kvetenadze 201-F-90 Sokhumi Georgia
6 Beqa Chikviladze 195-G-91 Albacete Spain
7 Tornike Shengelia 205-G/F-91 Valencia BC Spain
8 Akaki Lomouri 198-F-91 Samedicino Georgia
9 Giorgi Nanitashvili 187-G-90 Dinamo Tbilisi Georgia
10 Giorgi Sharabidze 208-C-90 Valencia BC Spain
11 Akaki Dvalishvili 206-C-91 Energy Rustavi Georgia
12 Revaz Chachanidze Energy Rustavi Georgia
13 Levan Khmelidze 208-C-90 Energy Rustavi Georgia
14 Zurabi Machavariani 192-F-90 Energy Rustavi Georgia
15 Beka Bekauri 205-C-91 Samedicino Georgia

Mikheil Beruashvili Head Coach Energy Rustavi Georgia
Zaza Gabisonia Assistant


Hungary edge Georgia in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U20 - Georgia U20 83:67

Hungarian U20 team opened their European Championship in Division B quest with victory. They toppled Georgia to improve at 1-0 record A. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds to pace Hungary.
Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) opened the scoring in this one. Georgia soon grabbed a 10:5 lead and rallied to a 13:11 advantage at the first break. Hungary drew things level early in the second term but Georgia triggered a 6:0 run to clear off once again. Tornike Shengelia helped Georgia grab a 9-point cushion in the second frame. They stayed in charge and wrapped up the first half up by 7 points 34:27. Hungary however gradually leveled things up. They used a 10:2 run late in the third quarter to surge in front 53:46. Hungary entered the fourth frame up by 3 points at 56:53. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) unloaded five points in a row to boost the margin at the start of the fourth period. Three-pointers from Helmeszi and Norbert Takacs (196-G-90) gave Hungary a 74:57 lead with under four minutes to go. Georgia failed to respond and Hungary coasted to the victory in the dying minutes.
Ferdinand Morgen knocked down 14 points for Hungary. Andras Helmeczi (192-G-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 11 points in the winning effort. Tornike Shengelia responded with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Georgia. Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90) produced 14 points in the loss.

Hungary U20: Janos Eilingsfeld 19, Ferdinand Morgen 14, Andras Helmeczi 11
Georgia U20: Tornike Shengelia 22+10 boards, Giorgi Sharabidze 14


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


Giants Noerdlingen land David Rotim - by Moritz Korff
The Giants Noerdlingen (Regionalliga South-East) reached an agreement with another German player for the 2010-2011 season. David Rotim (197-F-85) will strengthen the squad, as the club revealed recently. Rotim appeared in 21 games of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A during this past season, averaging 2.4 points per contest for FC Bayern Muenchen. He was playing for FCB since 2007 and had stints in Bremen and Ludwigsburg earlier in his career.

Fabian Gentgen Goes To PRO B Club Schwelm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team Schwelm have picked up Fabian Gentgen (191-G-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) for the 2010-2011 season. Gentegn is a 23 year old 191cm shooting guard that was born in Hagen. He will replace Niklas Cox and is a very athletic player that can shoot the ball. Last season, Gentgen played for The Universtiy of Buenos Aires UADE (ARG-Liga Universitaria Nacional, starting five): 15.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP 55.5%, 3PT 41.0%, FT 88.9%, in Dec 2009 joined back BBV Hagen (1.Regionalliga, starting five): 10.8 ppg, 2FG 46.9%, 3PT 45.0%, FT 83.6%. Schwelm coach Raffi Wilder is happy about getting Gentgen. 'I have been in contact with Fabian since three years, but now was the right time for him to join us. I think he will help us a lot since he can play the positions 1-3, is young and has a lot of potential', said Raffi Wilder. Gentgen is also thrilled about coming to Schwelm. 'Schwelm is an absolute traditional team that has been successful and played attractive basketball in the last years. I am looking forward to the PRO B and the Halle West', commented Fabian Gentgen. Gentegn started his basketball career with BBV Hagen in 2005 and played there until 2009.



Germany U20 improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Germany U20 57:67

Germany U20 improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010. In the last game of the day the team edged Netherlands U20 67:57.
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) nailed 13, while Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 12. Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) collected 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In another game Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 70:61. With 13-4 they improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Croatia.

Netherlands U20: Jessey Voorn 16, Mohammed Kherrazi 15+10 rebs
Germany U20: Maik Zirbes 14, Simon Schmitz 13, Maurice Stuckey 12

Tom Johnson Leaves The Deutsche Bank Skyliners For Turkey - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The stay of Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) was a short one as he has decided to leave The Deutsche Bank Skyliners for Turkey and work for top club Turk Telekom. Johnson came to the Main in mid April with Canadian coach Gordon Herbert and helped lead Frankfurt to the BEKO BBL final losing to the Brose Baskets Bamberg. The Frankfurt organization is sad that the friendly Canadian will go. 'We would have liked to have kept Tom as assistnat coach, but we were only able to give him a contract until the end of August with an option. We also gave him the option to keep an eye open on the coach market. As soon as Tom got an offer form the top club Ankara, Gordie, Gunnar and I, recommended him to take the job. Tom will be able to work there with the conditions of a head coach. We wish him a lot of luck with his new challenge and thank him for working with us', stated Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak.

Johnson had worked in Belgium as a coach the last six years for teams like Scarlet Vilvoorde , Okapi Aalstar, Belgacom Liege Basket and Basket Bree. He didnt leave The Deutsche Bank Skyliners without finding some words for his successful two month stay in Frankfurt. 'I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS for giving me the opportunity to work with them at the end of the 2009-2010 season. It is not often that you can work in such a professional organization that fosters such a positive environment. The structure and resources allowed the sportive staff and coaches to maximize the potential of each individual which brought the team to the brink of winning a championship. I will unfortunately not be part of the 2010-2011 coaching staff. I am disappointed that I wont be part of a dynamic coaching staff headed by Gordon Herbert and supported by Klaus Perwas . The three of us worked extremely well as a team and great friendships and respect grew out of our short journey together. I hope that I will be able to work with them again in the future.I would like to thank Gunnar Wobke and Kamil Novak for all the support and kindness they showed me during my stay with the team and wish them all the best in their quest to maintain and build on the success we had last season in the midst of difficult financial times. Last but not least I want to thank the fans and all the support staff that I came in contact with on a daily basis. Your support and enthusiasm was amazing', said Tom Johnson
Source: www.deutschebankskyliners.de

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


Olympiakos officially lands Eurocup Finals MVP Matt Nielsen - by Eurobasket News
Olympiacos Piraeus continued to restructure its team by signing experienced big man Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket), who arrives from Spanish club Power Electronics Valencia. Nielsen averaged 10.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in the Eurocup last season, helping Valencia win the competition for the second time. He was named to the All-Eurocup First Team last season, bettering his All-Eurocup Second Team selection from the 2008-09 season. In signing for Olympiacos, Nielsen marks his second stint in Greece. He spent the 2004-05 campaign his first in Europe with PAOK Thessaloniki. Nielsen began his career in his native Australia with the Sydney Kings, whom he led to the 2003 and 2004 Australian League championships. After one season with PAOK, Nielsen spent three with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania, where he helped the club win one Lithuanian League championship and two Baltic League titles. He also helped L. Rytas reach the Euroleague Top 16 twice and reach the 2007 ULEB Cup Final.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Greece U20 finished on top of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20-Greece U20 62:63

Greece U20 finished on top of Group E and even clinching the top place the day before the last game, they proved the ambitions for another gold. Greece rolled over Serbia 63:62 to take 5-0 record in Group E.
Serbia gave a good lesson for Greece and opened with 16-10 in the opening quarter. Mantzaris tied the game at 18:18 and Greece took later 30:25. Greece was in front for the whole third period and finished it with 46:43 win. Sloukas brought Greece 50:48 with 7 minutes in the game. Serbia meanwhile took 55:53 with 4 minutes in the fourth quarter. Mitrovic made a three-pointer fro 58:53, while Musli increased the lead to 60:53. Nikos Pappas brought Greece back to 60:55 and Sloukas and again Pappas made it 60:58. Musli increased to 62:59 and Papanikolaou brought the defending champions to 62:61. Moreover Nikos Pappas gave Greece 63:62 with 5 seconds in the game that was the final shot for the win.
Konstantinos Papanikolaou (204-F/C-91) poured in 15 points for the winners. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) notched 14, whilst Zisis Sarikopoulos (213-C-90) scored 11. Dejan Musli (214-C-91) answered with 14 points and Aleksandar Mitrovic (202-F-90) added 10.

Serbia U20: Dejan Musli 14, Aleksandar Mitrovic 10
Greece U20: Konstantinos Papanikolaou 15, Nikos Pappas 14, Zisis Sarikopoulos 11


Bartzokas is staying in Maroussi!! - by Chris Mammides
The top Head Coach for the seazon 2009-2010, Giorgos Bartzokas will be leading the 'fresh' team of Marousi BC for another seazon! The young succesfull head coach will have a very difficult task this seazon as most of his keys are out of the team (Kaimakoglou, Mavroidis, Pelekanos, Keys, Kalathis etc.) Nikos Linardos and Sotiris Manolopoulos will be his assistant coaches for this coming seazon.
Giannis Sferopoulos also will remain as a head coach of VAP Kolossos for another one seazon!
Elias Zouros is remaining as a head coach in Panellinios Athens (with half the budget for his team) for another one seazon
Argiris Pedoulakis willl be the new Head Coach (he signed a four years contract) with DASH Peristeri GS Athens replacing Thanasis Skourthopoulos . His assistant coach will be Tzimis Koustenis


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


Germany U20 improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U20-Germany U20 57:67

Germany U20 improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010. In the last game of the day the team edged Netherlands U20 67:57.
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) nailed 13, while Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 12. Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) collected 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In another game Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 70:61. With 13-4 they improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Croatia.

Netherlands U20: Jessey Voorn 16, Mohammed Kherrazi 15+10 rebs
Germany U20: Maik Zirbes 14, Simon Schmitz 13, Maurice Stuckey 12

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Hungarian U16 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
Tamas Solymosi 201-F-94
Peter Mohay 194-F-94
Botond Nagy 170-G-94 Debreceni Hungary
Norbert Tokodi 188-G-94 Ujbuda TC Hungary
Bertold Zahoran 192-F-94 Debreceni Hungary
Bence Toth 189-G-94 Kecskemeti Hungary
Peter Mesterhazy 185-G-94
Marton Varga 202-C-94
Laszlo Fulop 197-F-95
Mate Borbely 210-F-94 Regal Barca Spain

Barna Donat Head Coach


Hungarian U18 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Bence Delity
Delity
Norbert Timko
Timko
Bence Bodor
Bodor
Martin Pongo
Pongo
Martin Somenek
Somenek
#e#5
Bence Delity 193-G/F-92 ZTE KK Hungary
Mate Meszaros 189-G/F-92 Kecskemeti Foi. Hungary
Norbert Timko 210-C/F-92 Regal Barca Spain
Bence Bodor 206-F/C-92 ZTE KK Hungary
Martin Pongo 180-G-92 Bajai FKE Hungary
Balazs Kerpel-Fronius 193-G/F-92 Bp. Honved Hungary
Bence Narai 206-F/C-92
Martin Somenek 197-F-93 Kormend Hungary
Adam Varga 190-G-92 Debreceni II Hungary
Laszlo Polyak 190-G-93
Levente Misek 194-G-93 Ujbuda TC Hungary
Szabolcs Somogyfoki 202-F-92 Albacomp Hungary

Ildiko Varadine Szarka Head Coach
Laszlo Rezak Assistant


Hungarian U20 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Andras Helmeczi
Helmeczi
Ferdinand Morgen
Morgen
Janos Eilingsfeld
Eilingsfeld
Norbert Takacs
Takacs
Andras Madar
Madar
#e#5
4 Kristof Bajalinov 183-G-91 Debreceni II Hungary
5 Andras Helmeczi 195-G-90 PVSK Pannon Hungary
6 Kristof Gmajnicki 207-C-90 Mladost Croatia
7 Zsolt Lakosa 194-G-91 Kecskemeti Foi. Hungary
8 Ferdinand Morgen 206-F/C-90 Atomeromu Hungary
9 Mark Mondzinger 200-F-90 Marso-Vagep Hungary
10 Janos Eilingsfeld 198-F/C-91 PVSK Pannon Hungary
11 Norbert Takacs 197-G/F-90 Ujbuda TC Hungary
12 Andras Madar 191-G-91 Albacomp Hungary
13 Mate Mohacsi 192-F-90 Marso-Vagep Hungary
14 David Balaton 188-G-90 EnterNet Vas. Hungary
15 Andras Balogh 195-G-90 Debreceni Hungary

Tamas Ferenczi Head Coach Marso-Vagep Hungary


Hungary edge Georgia in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U20 - Georgia U20 83:67

Hungarian U20 team opened their European Championship in Division B quest with victory. They toppled Georgia to improve at 1-0 record A. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds to pace Hungary.
Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) opened the scoring in this one. Georgia soon grabbed a 10:5 lead and rallied to a 13:11 advantage at the first break. Hungary drew things level early in the second term but Georgia triggered a 6:0 run to clear off once again. Tornike Shengelia helped Georgia grab a 9-point cushion in the second frame. They stayed in charge and wrapped up the first half up by 7 points 34:27. Hungary however gradually leveled things up. They used a 10:2 run late in the third quarter to surge in front 53:46. Hungary entered the fourth frame up by 3 points at 56:53. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) unloaded five points in a row to boost the margin at the start of the fourth period. Three-pointers from Helmeszi and Norbert Takacs (196-G-90) gave Hungary a 74:57 lead with under four minutes to go. Georgia failed to respond and Hungary coasted to the victory in the dying minutes.
Ferdinand Morgen knocked down 14 points for Hungary. Andras Helmeczi (192-G-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 11 points in the winning effort. Tornike Shengelia responded with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Georgia. Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90) produced 14 points in the loss.

Hungary U20: Janos Eilingsfeld 19, Ferdinand Morgen 14, Andras Helmeczi 11
Georgia U20: Tornike Shengelia 22+10 boards, Giorgi Sharabidze 14


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Sweden post win in U20 European Championship opener - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20 - Israel U20 71:67
Sweden earned the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Israeli counterparts in Group A opener. Christoffer Ryan (196-G-90) knocked down 20 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 3 assists to lead the effort.
The teams looked well-matched in the starting quarter. The lead changed hands before Karpelesz and Ariely gave Israel a 15:13 lead at the first break. Nagwere opened the second term with a three-pointer to put Sweden in charge. The Scandinavians maintained the advantage throughout the second stanza and posted a 37:35 advantage at the interval. Christoffer Ryan knocked down 7 points and Alexander Lindqvist (202-F-91) added three more as Sweden opened a 9-point buffer early in the third quarter. An 8:0 run from the Swedish team helped those accumulate a 15-point lead late in the quarter. Sweden stayed comfortable in front until Nimrod Tishman (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back three-pointers and dragged Israel within 6 midway through the fourth term. Andreas Person (188-G-91) came up with timely buckets late in regulation to ice the victory for the Scandinavians.
Alexander Lindqvist knocked down 14 points for Sweden. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) and Andreas Person added 9 points each in the win. Jake Cohen (208-F-90) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Nimrod Tishman and Karpelesz provided 9 points each in the loss.

Sweden U20: Christoffer Ryan 20, Alexander Lindqvist 14, Christopher Czerapowicz 9, Andreas Person 9
Israel U20: Jake Cohen 16, Nimrod Tishman 9, Karpelesz 9


Hapoel Jerusalem signs Brian Randle - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Jerusalem announced signing of a two-year deal with Brian Randle (203-F-85). The American forward is coming to Jerusalem from Galil Gilboa, where his coach was Oded Katash (agency: Arik Krayn Services ) - new coach of Hapoel Jerusalem. Randle appeared 27 times in the league averaging 13.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He ended the contest as the fifth leading rebounder and third shot blocker. Eurobasket awarded Randle with All-Israeli Premier League First Team. His team won the title for season 2009/10.
Brian Randle joined Galil Gilboa in 2008. That was his first season overseas and of course his first as a pro. He had 13.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 28 games. Randle was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 2nd Team. He is a product of the University of Illinois. In his senior season Brian Randle had 9.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 33 games. In 2004, they reached NCAA Sweet 16.
In the meantime, Hapoel Jerusalem also waits for an answer of Marbury Stephon (187-G-77, college: Georgia Tech). They offered him a contract few days ago.

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


Another sad day for Fortitudo Bologna - by Gianni Pascucci
It is official now: Fortitudo Amori Bologna won' t have a professional basketball team in 2010-11 season. Just after winning the Playoff Series to avdance from A dilettanti to Lega 2, the team wasn' t able to meet the financial requirements for the Lega 2 application, and the debts accumulated over the past years by the 'F' will prevent the Italian Basketball Federation to accept any other registration to a professional competition. Despite a succesful last season, the same happened to Lega 2 team MiroRadici Finance Vigevano, that disappears too from professional basketball. The new Lega 2 members should be San Severo and Forli, the two teams defeated by Fortitudo in A dilettanti playoff series.

Jasmin Perkovic moves to Vanoli Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) has swapped German league for Italian. The-29 year old power forward has agreed a deal with Vanoli Cremona. The player and the club have signed a one-year deal, but the financial details were not disclosed. Perkovic spent previous three seasons with Oldenburg. In the latest one Oldenburg was the regular season champion in Germany. Perkovic is expected to bring the stability under the basket for Italian team. He is expected to join his new team in the coming weeks.
Jasmin Perkovic started his career with Sava Osiguranje Rijeka during 1996-1997 season. In 2000, he has moved to Slovenian outfit Triglav Kranj and next season he played with Polzela. At the start of 2002-2003 season, Perkovic moved back to Croatia where he signed with Zadar. In his debut he has won the National cup and Adriatic league. In his career, Perkovic has also played for the likes of BC Siroki, Bosna, AEK Athens and Oldenburg. This year, his third with the German outfit, they managed to finish as No.1 in regular season. He has appeared in 31 league games averaging 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. In Euroleague, Perkovic has averaged 9.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 8 matches played.

Cimberio Varese brings in Alex Righetti - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese brought in another reinforcement for the next season. It is experienced Italian player Alex Righetti (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances). The 32-year old forward is coming to Varese from Virtus Bologna, where he played just three games last season. He joined them during the summer 2008. In his first season with the Bologna team he had 6.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 33 games in SerieA. He also appeared 16 times in EuroChallenge adding 4.1 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 16 games. La Fortezza won the trophy in this contest.
Before Virtus Bologna (La Fortezza), Alex Righetti spent seven years with Lottomatica Roma. In his last season with the club he had 8.8 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 20 Euroleague games. In the past, he also played for Pepsi Rimini.
Alex Righetti was a member of the Italian National Team from 1998 to 2005. He appeared at many international competitions with them. One of the best results they made at EuroBasket 2003 in Sweden, when Italy won the Bronze. Two years later Righetti played his last EuroBasket with Italy averaging 6.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 4 games in Belgrade.

Air Avellino re-sign Chevon Troutman, Pepsi Caserta keeps Ebi Ere - by Eurobasket News
Air Avellino signed one-year contract extension with Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: ACMT, college: Pittsburgh). The 28-year old American joined Avelino last summer from ASVEL. He played 29 games in SerieA averaging 12.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals. He ended the championship as fourth leading rebounder and fourth stealer. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention. In 2009, Troutman won the title in France with ASVEL. He helped them with 10.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.4 spg. In the past, he also was a member of Livorno.
Meanwhile, Pepsi Caserta agreed on a one-year contract extension with Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma). The Nigerian scoring machine arrived to Casera last summer from Australian Melbourne Tigers. He shined in his first season with the club with 15.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 apg and 2.3 spg. Ere was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention. Before the above mentioned teams, Ere also played for Brisbane Bullets, Liege and Ludwisburg. In 2009, he appeared 7 times at AfroBasket in Libya averaging 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He is an active member of the Nigerian NT since 2006.

A Dilettanti News - by Armando Caporaso
In these days really complicated situation for four teams that are waiting to know the League they will play in the next season 2010/11. In LegaA2 the Fortitudo Bologna (promoted this year) and the Pallacanestro Vigevano didnt pass the controls of the league and now risk the exclusion for the next season. The VemSistemi Forli and the Mazzeo San Severo are waiting the official sentence and hope in a clamorous repechage!
About the market the Paffoni Omegna confirms Marco Carra (185-G-80) with a contract of 2 years (expires in 2012) after the good last season (10.8 points and 2.3 assist), moreover salutes Juan Martin Caruso and signs Marco Ammannato (202-F/C-88) from Pavia. For the Italian center in the last season 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds. Andrea Barsanti (189-G-86, agency: Interperformances) moves to Agrigento from Osimo (15.7 points and 2.6 steals). For the Moncada second players added at the roster after the confirmation of John Pennisi (209-C-78). Very important movement of market for Piacenza that agrees a contract with Marco Passera (180-G-82) from Varese. For the ex player of Cremona an unfortunate season in LegaA1 with the Cimberio: only 11 matches with 5.0 points (high of 7 points) in 16.5 minutes cause an injury at the start of the season.

Croatia U20 clinched the second place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Italy U20 77:60

Croatia U20 clinched the second place in Group F beating Italy U20. The hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 finished with 4-1 record after 77:60 victory.
Italy surprised the hosts with 5 consecutive points in the opening tip. Butorac later tied it at 6:6, while Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) brought the first lead. Croatia started to play better and Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) closed the opening quarter at 16:11. Another five points in a row brought them 21:11 as Ivan Batur (203-F-91) made a free throw. Mario Delas made a dunk for 34:24, while Giampaoli sent the team to the lockers for 34:27 score on the board. Italy came back to the court in a better mood and took 44:39 after 10-0 run midway through the frame. The hosts however made some important baskets to return to 54:49 after three quarters. Croatia improved to 77:60 with a minute in the game as Ivan Ramljak made a dunk. Davide Pascolo (200-F-90) reduced the gap a bit after a lay-up and then a free throw for 77:63. As it became clear later he brought the final result on the board.
Ivan Batur led the way with 14 points as Croatia finished with 4-1 record. Mario Delas notched 13, while Ivan Ramljak added 12. Paul Biligha (200-C-90) and Davide Pascolo answered with 12 points each in the losing effort. Italy finished Group F with 1-4 record.

Croatia U20: Ivan Batur 14, Mario Delas 13, Ivan Ramljak 12
Italy U20: Paul Biligha 12, Davide Pascolo 12


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  IVORY COAST   


Ivory Coast names its pre-selection for Turkey - by Kristian Santiago
The 24 players fighting for a spot in the roster are:
Charles Abouo (196-G/F-89), Wilfrid Aka (192-G/F-79), Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85) Brice Assie (201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut), Ibrahim Cisse (188-G/F-84), Mouloukou Diabate (180-G-87) Remi Dibo (201-F-91), Patrick Konan (196-F-90), Landry Guy (196-G), Desire Gabou (188-G), Jonathan Kale (203-F-85, college: Providence), Philippe Koffi (190-G-85), Kouassi Konan (204-F-91),. Stephane Konate (187-G-81), Mohamed Kone (211-C-81, college: Valparaiso), Fred Kounkorgo (198-F-85), Herve Lamizana (207-F/C-81, college: Rutgers), Namori Meite (196-C/F-88), Ismael N'Diaye (198-F-82, college: Florida Intern.) Jonathan Ouegnin (185-G-91), Issife Soumahoro (196-G-88), Didier Tape (197-F-81), Mickael Toti (181-G-87) and Guy Serge Touali.

Not considered vor various reasons were: Ousmane Cisse (203-C-86) (Eastern Illinois), Patrick Gnagbo (205-C-90) (CB L'Alfas del Pi, Spain), Sanko Abdramane Camara (198-C-78) (CO Souffel, France NM2), Jourdain Allou (198-F) (Navarro College, USA), Vassy Banny (191-F-85) (Montana University, USA), Jean Amenou Baptiste (SUNY Orange, USA), Arnaud Dahi (202-F-83, college: ODU) (WAC, Morocco), Serge Afeli (206-F-85), Frejus Zerbo (206-C-89) (Pro A Gravelines, France), Abdulai Jalloh (188-G-86, college: JMU) (Springfield Armor, NDBL USA), Guy-Joel Moulare (St.Helena, Sweden), Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia) (CB Penas Huesca), Spain)


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  JAPAN   


Japan loses the opener of Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Japan lost the first game of the William Jones Cup. Lebanon used a 34-18 in the last period for 87:82 victory. Both teams deserved the right to win the opern, while Lebanon got 14 points from Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.). Takuya Kawamura (191-G-86) exploded with 31 points in the losing effort. He showed a great percentage with 7/12 from the arc, while Yuta Tabuse (173-G-80, college: BYU-Hawaii) collected 9 points and 6 rebounds. This is the first time for Tabuse to represent Japan in senior basketball competition.
Tomorrow Japan will face Townsville Crocodiles.


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  LATVIA   


Changes in Latvian line-up - by Arturs Butans
Latvian men national basketball team head coach Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Interperformances ) had to make some changes to team roster because of injuries. Forwards Ivars Timermanis (202-F-82), Pavels Veselovs (207-F/C-83, agency: Interperformances) and shooting guard Akselis Vairogs (195-F-85, agency: Players Group) will not be able to play for Latvia this year. Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) and Janis Blums (190-G-82) also have stated that they will not play for Latvian national team this year. Latvian team has played two friendly games with Poland including one win and one lose.

Montenegro U20 beat Latvia U20 to open the last day of the Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20-Latvia U20 70:57

Montenegro U20 beat Latvia U20 70:57 to open the last day of the Qualifying Round. The winners improved to 2-3 and buried the Baltic side chances for the 1/4 Finals.
It was the game for the second win for both teams as Montenegro used a 4-0 run from the start. Moreover the team increased to 11:4, while Laksa reduced the gap at 17:13 at the end of the first period. Montenegro started again better and reached 26:17 in the start of the second frame as Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 26:17. Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) pulled Latvia back to 30:29 with a minute in the half. Bojan Dubljevic again increased the lead for the winners to give them 37:29. Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) closed another run for 41:29 to open the third frame. The game that remained carousel brought Latvia back to 41:40 as they responded with 11-0 run. Vladimir Mihailovic was the last to post in the third period for 53:42. Samojlovic drove a lay-up for 60:44 in the last period when it became clear that Montenegro would benefit from the game. Ljujic with a free throw closed the game to give the second victory for his team.
Vladimir Mihailovic stepped up with 18 points for the winners. Bojan Dubljevic collected 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Filip Samojlovic (183-G-90, agency: Interperformances) notched 13. Lauris Blaus ended up with 14 points for the Baltic State and Oto Osenieks (202-F-90) added 10.

Montenegro U20: Vladimir Mihailovic 18, Bojan Dubljevic 16+11 rebs, Filip Samojlovic 13
Latvia U20: Lauris Blaus 14, Oto Osenieks 10


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Here We go...serious preparation just started... - by Maarouf Mawloud
The preparation of the Cedar Trees has hardly been ideal for one reason or another but suffice to say that with head coach Tab Baldwin at the helm, anything is possible. Just dont go writing off Lebanon since Baldwin has a good track record in this competition from his time with New Zealand when he moulded the un-fancied Tall Black team into a competitive unit who did their country proud by reaching the semi-finals in 2002.

This time, it could be even tougher for the play-caller. If nothing else because he has a lot to live up to after the terrific performances of Lebanon in 2006 when they notably beat Venezuela and claimed something of a legendary win against France.

To make it out of the first round will take a big effort and that means unity from everyone involved both on and off the court. For any underdog that seems to be the only way of achieving any form of success. Lebanon do have a shot at making some waves and at least Coach Baldwin will have an inside track for their clash with New Zealand.

With team leader Fadi El Khatib struggling to shrug off his injury problems, it might mean that the team will have to look to the likes of Rony Fahed, Matt Freije and Jackson Vroman to lead their challenge although fans will be praying The Tiger El Khatib is suited up and ready to play.

Lebanon have a lot of passion and particularly in terms of their fans who will be hoping their team competes to the kind of level they should. Expectations are generally under control amongst the most knowledgeable and proud supporters in world basketball for they are also aware that there are some new exciting players coming through to look forward to in the next few years.

Ahmad Ibrahim, for one, has excelled at youth level and he could be thrown into the mix. For now he is just one symbol of why the future of Lebanese basketball should be bright. However you sense that it isnt the raw, fresh-faced players who need to get the job done in Turkey.

Baldwin is relying on the experienced players to really come up with the goods if they are to repeat their relative success in the last FIBA World Championship. Certainly they need to make sure they avoid the kind of performances that marred their appearance in 2002 when they failed to win a game.

Maybe this time, it is most likely the team will fall somewhere between their respective overall performances at the last two World Championships but as with both of those appearances it will be tough that much is an absolute certainty. They know they are playing against the best and every player needs to find top gear if they want to get some wins.

They are definitely capable of a big surprise and consequently you feel nobody will be taking them for granted especially New Zealand with their knowledge of Baldwin and his capabilities as a coach.

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  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania destroy Ukraine, not enough for the Quarterfinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Lithuania U20 65:100

The game between Ukraine and Lithuania became the last one in Group E of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Baltic state had an easy 100:65 win to improve to 2-3 record but it was not enough for the Quarterfinal birth.
Ukraine had no chance to change the position as Greece beat Serbia that remained Ukraine on the second spot no matter the team won or lost. Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) and Otverchenko exchanged the three-pointers in the opening tip and then the game was tied only at 17:17. Lithuania pushed the tempo creating a 12-0 run and never looked behind after. They increased the advantage to 50:36 at the halftime when Darius Tarvydas (200-F-91) and Natyzhko exchanged the jump shots. After 24-16 in the third frame Lithuania had 74:52 after thirty minutes.
Katzevicius scored two for 92:61, while Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) made 93:62. Although there were only two minutes left Lithuania tried to score three-digit number. Darius Tarvydas made two dunks in a row to bring 97:62 and Katzevicius made two free throws for 99:62. Dzyuba posted three for Ukraine at the end, while Katzevicius brought 100 on the board.
Eimantas Bendzius top-scored for the winners with 23 points as Lithuania finished with 2-3 record. Gediminas Orelikas and Darius Tarvydas followed him with 15 points each. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort and Denis Noskov (200-F-90) notched 14.

Ukraine U20: Kyryl Natyazhko 18+10 rebs, Denis Noskov 14
Lithuania U20: Eimantas Bendzius 23, Gediminas Orelikas 15, Darius Tarvydas 15


Zydrunas Ilgauskas latest to sign on with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat's supporting cast is turning out to be anything but a second-rate cast.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) is the latest to sign up alongside Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

Prodded by James, his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, the 35-year-old free-agent center said Tuesday he felt it was an opportunity too tempting to bypass.

'It was an awesome opportunity that I thought if I'm not going to take advantage of it, I'll come to regret it,' he told the Sun Sentinel shortly after agreeing to continue his career in South Florida.

'LeBron was very encouraging and explained the whole situation. And, obviously, he's my friend, and him being there made it a lot easier to choose.'

Agent Herb Rudoy earlier confirmed to the Sun Sentinel that Ilgauskas will sign with the Heat. The expected outcome is a two-year, $2.8 million deal with a player option on the second year.

'Once LeBron signed there,' Rudoy said, 'LeBron started recruiting him.'

James embraced Ilgauskas through a post on his Twitter account that read: 'Welcome Big Z. Glad u are joining me in South Beach my friend.'

Rudoy said the Heat also pushed for Ilgauskas at midseason, after the center received a buyout from the Washington Wizards. Ilgausksas then re-signed with Cleveland for the balance of the season.

'The Heat was very active in recruiting,' Rudoy said.

So was Ilgauskas' family.

'My wife has a large family down there,' he said. 'It's a big Jewish family, all over Florida.'

Ilgausksas, 35, a teammate of James during James' seven seasons in Cleveland, will become the first center under contract to the Heat.

The Heat also has a qualifying offer in place for Joel Anthony, a center who spent the past two seasons with the Heat and is a restricted free agent. In addition, center Jamaal Magloire has made clear to the team his desire to return for a third season.

Ilgauskas will be signing for the veteran minimum, which is $1.4 million for his tenure.

A native of Lithuania, Ilgauskas entered the league as the No. 20 overall choice by the Cavaliers in first-round of the 1996 NBA Draft. He has only worn a Cavaliers jersey to this point, included in this past season's trade for Washington's Antawn Jamison merely as salary-cap filler, before returning to Cleveland in time for the playoffs.

'It was very hard to leave,' he said. 'I spent 14 years in Cleveland and have nothing but good words to say about them and the people in Cleveland.'

Playing in a limited role this past season after the Cavaliers acquired Shaquille O'Neal in the 2009 offseason, Ilgauskas appeared in 64 games, starting six. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, in an average of 28.3 minutes per game.

He is best suited at this stage of his career as a reserve, capable of hitting the mid-range jumper and providing additional strength and fouls against opposing big men.

But he also said he would not shy from returning to a starting role.

'I've always been a team-first player my whole career, and that's never going to change,' he said. 'So whatever role they have for me, I'll be happy to take it and will work my hardest to do the good job.

'I never had a problem with accepting my role, as you could see from last year.'

As for the rancor over James' free-agent defection he is escaping in Cleveland, Ilgauskas said those emotions will pass.

'I think the whole situation kind of spun out of control,' he said. 'It's unfortunate, because he was and still is very much beloved in Cleveland for what he did for that city. He put a lot of money into that economy. Before he came, we had 15,000 empty seats.

'I think emotions are high right now with people. Some time will pass and we'll start playing basketball and I think everything will go back to normal.'

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

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


Montenegro U20 beat Latvia U20 to open the last day of the Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20-Latvia U20 70:57

Montenegro U20 beat Latvia U20 70:57 to open the last day of the Qualifying Round. The winners improved to 2-3 and buried the Baltic side chances for the 1/4 Finals.
It was the game for the second win for both teams as Montenegro used a 4-0 run from the start. Moreover the team increased to 11:4, while Laksa reduced the gap at 17:13 at the end of the first period. Montenegro started again better and reached 26:17 in the start of the second frame as Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 26:17. Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) pulled Latvia back to 30:29 with a minute in the half. Bojan Dubljevic again increased the lead for the winners to give them 37:29. Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) closed another run for 41:29 to open the third frame. The game that remained carousel brought Latvia back to 41:40 as they responded with 11-0 run. Vladimir Mihailovic was the last to post in the third period for 53:42. Samojlovic drove a lay-up for 60:44 in the last period when it became clear that Montenegro would benefit from the game. Ljujic with a free throw closed the game to give the second victory for his team.
Vladimir Mihailovic stepped up with 18 points for the winners. Bojan Dubljevic collected 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Filip Samojlovic (183-G-90, agency: Interperformances) notched 13. Lauris Blaus ended up with 14 points for the Baltic State and Oto Osenieks (202-F-90) added 10.

Montenegro U20: Vladimir Mihailovic 18, Bojan Dubljevic 16+11 rebs, Filip Samojlovic 13
Latvia U20: Lauris Blaus 14, Oto Osenieks 10


FYR Macedonia beats Montenegro in first friendly match - by Eurobasket News
Friendly: FYR Macedonia - Montenegro 82-58

Macedonian NT has started the control matches in good fashion as they rolled over Montenegro. The friendly game was played in Zlatibor, Serbia where both teams are preparing for the upcoming 2011 European Championship qualifications. It was the Macedonian side who came out stronger from the gate as the players legs must have been fresher. After initial 10 minutes of play, the score stood at 24-14. In the second period, Montenegrin players started playing better, but they were still trailing. By halftime, all they could do was to cut the deficit by 1 point. At the halftime break the score was 42-33 and FYR Macedonia, who was looking comfortable. Third quarter was almost a mirror image of the start as FYR Macedonia increased defensive pressure. They allowed their opponent to score only 10 points during the period. As result, they entered final quarter with game practically in the bag as they held 66-43 lead. In the final ten minutes, FYR Macedonia controlled the game and have routinely closed it out for the final score of 82-58.
Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) led the way for the winning side with 22 points on the night. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) chipped in 14 points apiece in win. On the other side, Montenegro was led by Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) who scored 13 points. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 12, while Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10 points.

Macedonia: Riste Stefanov 22, Vojdan Stojanovski 14, Pero Antic 14
Montenegro: Vladimir Golubovic 13, Nikola Pekovic 12, Goran Jeretin 10

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  NBA   


Calderon's fate with Raptors uncertain with Charlotte deal dead - by Eurobasket News
Plan B, anyone?

With the chance to complete a major trade with the Charlotte Bobcats seemingly dead and gone, the Raptors are now exploring other trade options as the summer of remaking the roster continues.

The deal - Jose Manuel Calderon (6'3''-G-81) and Reggie Evans (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Iowa) for Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) and Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) - died Tuesday when the Bobcats pulled back from terms that had been agreed to, according to league sources, leaving Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo trying to revive other discussions that were shelved when the Bobcat deal expired.

There are no indications what Colangelo might do now with either Calderon or Evans, but league sources indicate at least one Eastern Conference team remains quite interested in obtaining Calderon, the 28-year-old point guard who has spent his entire five-year NBA career with the Raptors.

League officials insist the other part of Colangelos grand remake - Hedo Turkoglu to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa - will go through with no worries but it has not advanced far enough to be considered officially completed.

There was no official word why the original Charlotte deal was killed. Published reports suggest the Bobcats may have had concerns with a 10 per cent trade kicker in Calderons contract - although it would seem inconceivable they wouldnt have known when the deal was agreed to around noon Monday - and that Bobcats coach Larry Brown nixed the deal when he heard about it.

Other sources suggest Bobcats owner Michael Jordan got cold feet after the deal had been agreed to by Colangelo and Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins. However, league sources also say Higgins would not likely have agreed to a trade without at least apprising Jordan of what was going on.

The trade had progressed so far that Chandler had been told hed be a Raptor and Evans had used his twitter account to say goodbye to fans in Toronto. Calderon, sources say, had also been told of what looked like his imminent departure.

A report from Yahoo.com on Tuesday afternoon said the Bobcats were moving Chandler and another piece to Dallas for Erick Dampier and a package of players.

But now the focus shifts back on the Raptors and the future of Calderon, and to a lesser degree, Evans.

League sources would not identify the other teams interested in acquiring Calderon, who has three years and more than $28 million left on his contract.

Its possible that both Calderon and Jack could return, but it appears Colangelo will at least have other offers to weigh.

According to league sources, a turnaround by the Bobcats on a trade thought to be official is not new. Last February, Charlotte was widely expected to be getting former Raptor T.J. Ford from the Indiana Pacers but Jordan then a minority owner pulled back about five minutes from the trade deadline.

Charlottes need for a point guard is getting almost acute. With Raymond Felton leaving the Bobcats for New York, it leaves only the unproven DJ Augustine to run the offence.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

2010 NBA Las Vegas Summer League recap: Day 4 - by Eurobasket News
Game 1
New York Knicks 71 def. Los Angeles Lakers 63

Andy Rautins (6'4''-G-86) NY: Had another tough day from the field, finishing with only one basket on 16 percent shooting. In addition to his one basket, he only managed one assist and one rebound in 25 minutes of play. This poor shooting performance is not what we expect out of the Syracuse Orangeman.
Landry Fields NY: A day to remember for Fields, as he went shot 7-11 from the field to finish with a game high 17 points. He also added five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 23 minutes.
Devin Ebanks LAL: After two great back-to-back performances, Ebanks played the most minutes of anyone in this game but it didnt matter, as his shot never fell. Ebanks struggled the entire game, ending with seven points on 2-13 shooting.
Derrick Caracter LAL: Yet another double-double for Caracter. He has been a beast throughout summer league, adding another solid performance. Caracter finished the game with 16 points, and 10 rebounds. The major concern is his foul trouble (8) and turnovers (8). If he can get those numbers under control, he could be a great addition to any NBA team.

Game 2
Sacramento Kings 97 def. Detroit Pistons 68

Hassan Whiteside SAC: After slipping in the draft, Whiteside has a lot to prove and he had a decent performance in his first summer league game. Never known as an offensive threat, Whiteside finished with five points, five rebounds, and five blocks. He continued his great defense that made him famous in college.
DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) SAC: The No. 5 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft had a great debut. Hit a couple jump shots in addition to looking physically dominant in the post. Took a couple of knocks, but was able to keep his cool, something everyone will follow closely this first year. Cousins finished with a double-double, collecting 14 points and 10 rebounds as he helped lead the Kings to a resounding win. He also shot the ball well from the line, going 4-5.
Ryan Thompson SAC: Finished the game with 12 points, one rebound, and one assist. Thompson shot the ball well, making 4 of his 5 shots. He also got to the line five times, making four of them.
Donald Sloan SAC: Didnt play well, only making one shot, but finishing with six points. Hit four of six from the charity stripe.
Tyrese Rice SAC: The fifth player to have double-digit points. Finished the game with 15 points, one rebound, and one assist.
Wayne Chism SAC: Managed to play 18 minutes and chip in with four points and five rebounds.
Sylven Landesberg SAC: Made the most of his time on the court, only playing four minutes but making three of his four shots to finish with six points.
Devan Downey SAC: Was only able to take one shot attempt in his four minutes of play. Added one rebound and two assists in clean-up time.
Greg Monroe DET: Nothing spectacular to speak of with Monroe. He only made three of his seven attempts to finish with seven points and seven rebounds. Struggled with fouls, adding seven, and also turned the ball over four times.
Terrico White DET: Finished the game with ok numbers. Added nine points and two rebounds. However, White once again struggled to setup teammates, only having two assists on the day.
Mac Koshwal - DET: Minus the fouls (7), Koshwal played a decent game. He added 10 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasnt enough as the Kings had too many players making baskets.
Edgar Sosa DET: In 18 minutes you might expect more out of Sosa, but he wasnt shooting the ball well (2-6). Ended the game with just six points, one rebound, and two assists.
Elijah Millsap DET: Struggled with his shot in this one, only making two of his nine attempts. He managed to finish the game with seven points and five rebounds on an inefficient day overall.

Game 3
San Antonio Spurs 85 def. Minnesota Timberwolves 61

Wesley Johnson (6'7''-F-87, college: Syracuse) MIN: Incredibly athletic and versatile wing out of Syracuse looked impressive in this game before leaving with a sore hamstring. Had a highlight reel alley-oop finish that had the small crowd gasping. Otherwise wasnt looking to dominate the ball and let the game come to him for the most part. When it did though, Johnson was making some great finishes. Scored 10 points on 4-7 shooting.
Lazar Hayward MIN: The last pick of the first round put together an ok game in his Timberwolves debut. Looked comfortable shooting the mid range jump shot as well as the 3 ball. Ended up with 13 points on 4-10 shooting.

Game 4
Dallas Mavericks 73 def. Milwaukee Bucks 72

Dominique Jones (6'4''-G-88) DAL: Really struggled in this one as his tendency to force the action on the offensive end resulted in his poor shooting day (3-12). It also led to 3 turnovers, although that looks pretty mild compared to the amount of turnovers going on in the summer league. Really active and athletic player who contributes in other ways when his shot isnt falling though. 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Omar Samhan DAL: Although he struggled today, I like his offensive game. Solid mid range shooter with good footwork inside. Also had 5 offensive rebounds, showing an ability to keep possessions alive. With the Mavericks likely losing the Al Jefferson battle with Utah, Samhan could find himself a place on this team.
Jeremy Lin DAL: Coming out of Harvard and his scrappy play style really makes this guy an under dog and fan favorite. Didnt put together an overly impressive stat line, but the kid can play and has been getting after it all week.
Larry Sanders - MIL: Sanders had a tough day offensively, going 4-15 from the field with 6 turnovers. The big man out of VCU is not quite a finished product and will have to develop some more consistent ways of scoring in the post. A positive was his activity on the defensive end, grabbing 7 rebounds and blocking 3 shots.
Tiny Gallon MIL: The big guy only played 6 and a half minutes in this one so didnt get a great look. 5 points, 3 rebounds.

Game 5
Phoenix Suns 96 def. NBA D-League Select 88

Gani Lawal (6'9''-F-88) PHX: Another solid performance for the other big man out of Georgia Tech, scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds. Scores mostly on easy buckets in transition or dishes in the lane. Put together an unwanted triple-double with collecting 10 fouls, but his being active on the defensive end is probably a good sign especially if hes coming off the bench.
Matt Janning PHX: The little known player out of Northeastern is back! Dropped 16 points and 7 rebounds. Athletic kid who can shoot and also get to the basket and dunk it if he wants to. Been one of my favorite players who is off most peoples radars since the games started in Orlando.
Scottie Reynolds PHX: The former college All-American had an impressive game in only 18 minutes. 16 points on 4-6 shooting with 3 assists. Also was perfect from the line and from downtown.
Dwayne Collins - PHX: DNP

Game 6
Washington Wizards 89 def. Los Angeles Clippers 64

John Wall (6'4''-G-90) WAS: Took a big fall in this one that had everyone worried, but he eventually got up and put together another impressive performance. Still could improve his shooting at 5 for 12 and was again turnover prone with 8, but otherwise Walls stat line looked great with a double double of 18 points and 10 assists. Just need to watch this guy for a few minutes and can tell he is a special player. Active on the defensive end as well with 5 steals.
Trevor Booker WAS: Really athletic and fast for a physically bigger guy. Had a steal and ended up finishing on a fast break. Makes up for being undersized with this athleticism and high motor. Booker has shown promise of being a reliable, high energy second unit type of guy.
Al-Farouq Aminu LAC: Looked kind of hesitant for most of the game, but still showed flashes of his incredible potential. Gathered confidence and near the end of the game attacked the basket and threw down an athletic, powerful dunk in between the Washington defense. Hes been working on his jump shot all summer to this point, but that will still need some work it seems, especially if he wants to be the starting SF for the Clippers this year.
Eric Bledsoe LAC: Had a couple highlight plays early on, but this was otherwise a game to forget for John Walls former teammate. Bledsoe went 6-15 from the field and had 10 turnovers. Clearly trying to impress, he looked to be forcing the action, often times getting in the lane without knowing what he was going to do with it or who to kick it to.
Willie Warren LAC: Has a really slow trigger on his jump shot, which will get him blocked unless hes open, but he was for the most part and ended up shooting ok in this one. Everyone knows Warren has talent, especially when hes got other players around him to help take off some of the pressure. 10 points on 4-7 shooting.

Game 7
Memphis Grizzlies 89 def. Atlanta Hawks 85

Xavier Henry MEM: Not with team
Greivis Vasquez (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances) MEM: Put together a so-so stat line in relatively limited minutes. 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, but also 4 turnovers. Vasquez has a guaranteed contract, but its also difficult to see where any minutes are going to come from for him this year.
Jordan Crawford (6'4''-G-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Xavier) ATL: The athletic, talented guard out of Xavier didnt shoot the ball particularly well (although was 4-9 from 3), but was still incredibly active and looked confident with the ball in his hand. 16 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, no turnovers.
Pape Sy ATL: Only played 11 minutes in this one, but looked to be active on the offensive end while he was in there. Went to the line 5 times converting on 4 of them. 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists.

Courtesy of www.therookiewall.com

Clippers sign Willie Warren - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89), the team's second-round pick in the 2010 draft.

Warren, the 54th overall selection, played two seasons at Oklahoma before entering the draft. In 2009-10 as a sophomore, he averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists, but played in just 21 contests before a right ankle injury forced him to miss the end of the season.

Warren, a former Sooners teammate of current Clipper forward Blake Griffin, was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2008-09.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Zydrunas Ilgauskas latest to sign on with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat's supporting cast is turning out to be anything but a second-rate cast.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) is the latest to sign up alongside Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

Prodded by James, his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, the 35-year-old free-agent center said Tuesday he felt it was an opportunity too tempting to bypass.

'It was an awesome opportunity that I thought if I'm not going to take advantage of it, I'll come to regret it,' he told the Sun Sentinel shortly after agreeing to continue his career in South Florida.

'LeBron was very encouraging and explained the whole situation. And, obviously, he's my friend, and him being there made it a lot easier to choose.'

Agent Herb Rudoy earlier confirmed to the Sun Sentinel that Ilgauskas will sign with the Heat. The expected outcome is a two-year, $2.8 million deal with a player option on the second year.

'Once LeBron signed there,' Rudoy said, 'LeBron started recruiting him.'

James embraced Ilgauskas through a post on his Twitter account that read: 'Welcome Big Z. Glad u are joining me in South Beach my friend.'

Rudoy said the Heat also pushed for Ilgauskas at midseason, after the center received a buyout from the Washington Wizards. Ilgausksas then re-signed with Cleveland for the balance of the season.

'The Heat was very active in recruiting,' Rudoy said.

So was Ilgauskas' family.

'My wife has a large family down there,' he said. 'It's a big Jewish family, all over Florida.'

Ilgausksas, 35, a teammate of James during James' seven seasons in Cleveland, will become the first center under contract to the Heat.

The Heat also has a qualifying offer in place for Joel Anthony, a center who spent the past two seasons with the Heat and is a restricted free agent. In addition, center Jamaal Magloire has made clear to the team his desire to return for a third season.

Ilgauskas will be signing for the veteran minimum, which is $1.4 million for his tenure.

A native of Lithuania, Ilgauskas entered the league as the No. 20 overall choice by the Cavaliers in first-round of the 1996 NBA Draft. He has only worn a Cavaliers jersey to this point, included in this past season's trade for Washington's Antawn Jamison merely as salary-cap filler, before returning to Cleveland in time for the playoffs.

'It was very hard to leave,' he said. 'I spent 14 years in Cleveland and have nothing but good words to say about them and the people in Cleveland.'

Playing in a limited role this past season after the Cavaliers acquired Shaquille O'Neal in the 2009 offseason, Ilgauskas appeared in 64 games, starting six. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, in an average of 28.3 minutes per game.

He is best suited at this stage of his career as a reserve, capable of hitting the mid-range jumper and providing additional strength and fouls against opposing big men.

But he also said he would not shy from returning to a starting role.

'I've always been a team-first player my whole career, and that's never going to change,' he said. 'So whatever role they have for me, I'll be happy to take it and will work my hardest to do the good job.

'I never had a problem with accepting my role, as you could see from last year.'

As for the rancor over James' free-agent defection he is escaping in Cleveland, Ilgauskas said those emotions will pass.

'I think the whole situation kind of spun out of control,' he said. 'It's unfortunate, because he was and still is very much beloved in Cleveland for what he did for that city. He put a lot of money into that economy. Before he came, we had 15,000 empty seats.

'I think emotions are high right now with people. Some time will pass and we'll start playing basketball and I think everything will go back to normal.'

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Bulls officially sign center Omer Asik - by Eurobasket News
It took two years, but the Bulls have finally signed center Omer Asik (211-C-86). The 7-0, 255-pound Turkish center was acquired by the Bulls in 2008 on draft day.

The signing of Asik gives the Bulls eight players under contract.

Asik, 24, is a two-time Turkish League All-Star (2007, 2008), and has spent the last five seasons in the Turkish Basketball League, both with Fenerbahce Ulker (2005-06 & 2007-2010) and Alpella (2006-07).

During the 2009-10 season, Asik appeared in nine Turkish League games and seven Euroleague contests with Fenerbahce Ulker, before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury. In nine Turkish League contests, he averaged 10.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.55 bpg in 20.2 mpg, while shooting .613 from the floor. In Euroleague action, he posted 8.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.43 bpg and shot .658 from the field in seven appearances. He currently holds the Euroleague Top 16 record for most blocked shots in a game with 19 rejections.

Originally drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round (36th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Bulls acquired Asiks draft rights in a draft-night deal. Chicago traded its 39th selection in the Draft, Sonny Weems, to the Denver Nuggets, and also traded to Denver, the New York Knicks 2009 regular second-round pick (acquired from New York in a trade on Oct. 4 2005), and Chicagos 2010 regular second-round pick. Denver, in turn, traded its 2009 regular second round draft choice to Portland, which then traded its 36th pick (Asik) to the Bulls.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Mavericks sign guard Dominique Jones - by Eurobasket News
The Mavericks signed first-round draft choice Dominique Jones (6'4''-G-88) on Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not released.

Jones (6-4, 215) was drafted with the 25th pick overall by Memphis, who then sent him to the Mavericks for cash considerations.

The Lake Wales, Fla., native finished his three-year career at South Florida ranked fifth in career scoring (1,797 points), first in free throws attempted (615) and fifth in field goals made (592) and attempted (1,339). He was named first team All-Big East as a junior when he averaged 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

Jones led the Bulls in scoring in each of his three years. He was an honorable mention All-American and a finalist for the Wooden and Naismith Awards as a junior. He was the only player in the nation to average at least 21 points, six rebounds and three assists per contest. He ranked second in the Big East (15th in the nation) in scoring in his final season with South Florida.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Bobcats trade Tyson Chandler, acquire Erick Dampier in deal with Dallas - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins announced Tuesday that the team has acquired center Erick Dampier (6'11''-C-74, college: Mississippi St.), shooting guard Matt Carroll (6'6''-F-80, college: Notre Dame), forward Eduardo Najera (6'8''-F-76, college: Oklahoma) and cash considerations from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) and Alexis Ajinca (7'1''-C-88).

Our main goal this offseason was finding a way to reshape this roster and continue the momentum we have established, Higgins said. While its always difficult to give up key pieces of your team, we believe this deal will give financial flexibility and the ability to improve our team at the same time.

A 6-11 center, Dampier was selected by Indiana with the 10th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. In 921 NBA games with Indiana, Golden State and Dallas, he holds career averages of 7.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, while connecting on .497 from the field. During his 14 NBA seasons, Dampier has recorded 167 double-doubles, including 16 games of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He has also posted eight games of 20 rebounds or more. He has appeared in 57 career playoff games, including six games during the 2006 NBA Finals against Miami, with averages of 4.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. In 55 games last season, Dampier averaged 6.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, connecting on .624 of his field goal attempts.

Carroll, a 6-6 shooting guard, returns to the Bobcats after being traded by the team to the Mavericks along with Ryan Hollins on January 16, 2009, in exchange for DeSagana Diop. Carroll, who initially signed with Charlotte on February 23, 2005 as a free agent, played in 289 games with the Bobcats from 2005-09, averaging 8.8 points and 2.4 rebounds. He remains the teams career leader in free-throw percentage (.849) and ranks second in three-point percentage (.403). Carroll saw action in 25 games for the Mavericks last season, averaging 1.8 points and 0.5 rebounds.

The 6-8 Najera was chosen by Houston with the 38th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft before having his rights traded to Dallas. The second Mexican-born player in the NBA, Najera averaged 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 46 games played last season with New Jersey and Dallas. He has career averages of 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 566 games with the Mavericks, Warriors, Nuggets and Nets. He has also played in 59 playoff games, averaging 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Chandler was acquired by the Bobcats from New Orleans on July 28, 2009, in exchange for Emeka Okafor. In his lone season in Charlotte, Chandler appeared in 50 games, averaging 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. The second overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, Chandler has career averages of 8.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 558 total games for the Bulls, Hornets and Bobcats.

Ajinca was selected by the Bobcats with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. In 37 career NBA games, he has averaged 2.2 points and 0.9 rebounds in 5.7 minutes. Ajinca has also played in 33 career games in the NBA D-League, averaging 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. He was selected for the 2010 D-League All-Star Game but was unable to play due to a thumb injury suffered on Feb. 2 that ended his season.

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.wralsportsfan.com

Denver Nuggets and Al Harrington reach to a five-year, $34 million agreement - by Eurobasket News
The Denver Nuggets reached an agreement in principle Tuesday night on a five-year, $34 million contract with free-agent forward Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80), according to sources with knowledge of deal.

The Nuggets had to outbid the Dallas Mavericks to secure Harrington's signature after Dallas followed up its trade acquisition of Tyson Chandler earlier Tuesday with a hard push for Harrington, which included an in-person recruiting pitch at the NBA's annual summer league in Las Vegas from Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

But Denver would appear to have a greater need for Harrington than Dallas, given that the Nuggets expect to start the season with Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen unavailable after both recently underwent surgical procedures.

That enabled Harrington's agent, Dan Fegan, to land a deal starting at the full $5.8 mid-level exception from the Nuggets which extends for the maximum allowed five years.

Buoyed by the acquisition of Chandler after it appeared that Toronto would acquire the 7-footer from Charlotte, Dallas quickly pinpointed Harrington as its next top summer target.

The Mavericks know they need more offensive punch next to Dirk Nowitzki and were drawn to Harrington's scoring ability. Dallas also had more than the usual familiarity with Harrington's game after Mavs coach Rick Carlisle had Harrington in Indiana.

Dallas, though, proved hesitant to extend a full five-year offer because it already has a deep roster and wasn't sure about the minutes allotment it could pledge to Harrington.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, felt they couldn't hesitate after falling short with earlier the free-agent pursuits of Jermaine O'Neal (who signed in Boston) and Udonis Haslem (who's staying in Miami).

Harrington also attracted a level of interest from New Jersey after averaging 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds last season for New York.

Courtesy of ESPN

Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly agree to send Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz - by Eurobasket News
A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send power forward Al Jefferson (6'10''-F-85) to the Utah Jazz for two future first-round draft picks and the salary-cap trade exception.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal had not yet been officially announced.

Jefferson averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season for the Timberwolves in his first year back from a major knee injury in February 2009. He will help fill a void in Utah when Carlos Boozer went to Chicago.

Jefferson came to the Timberwolves in 2007 as the main cog in the blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Garnett to Boston. He averaged 23.1 points and 11 rebounds in the 50 games before he was injured in 2009.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Cleveland Cavaliers sign guard Kyle Lowry to offer sheet - by Eurobasket News
The Cavaliers are attempting to make their first player acquisition of the summer. But like everything else during the past month, it is complicated.

According to multiple league sources, the Cavs signed restricted free-agent point guard Kyle Lowry (6'0''-G-86, college: Villanova) to an offer sheet Tuesday night. His current team, the Houston Rockets, will have seven days to match the deal from when they receive the paperwork, which likely will be today.

The offer is for three years with a fourth-year team option that could make the contract worth up to $24 million. The Cavs are using a portion of their midlevel exception to sign Lowry. The Rockets have said they intend to match reasonable contract offers for Lowry.

It is unclear at this point whether the Cavs loaded the contract with a signing bonus or other incentives that would make it harder for the Rockets to match.

In Lowry, the Cavs likely see a quality defender who can back up Mo Williams or in the future become a starter. As a reserve for the Rockets last season, Lowry averaged 9.1 points and 4.5 assists in 21 minutes a game.

The 24-year-old is just 6-foot but is known for his defensive quickness and strength. Last season the Cavs were often victimized by quicker guards, notably Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo in the playoffs.

Going after Lowry is another sign that guard Delonte West has played his last game with the Cavs. West's $4.6 million contract is not guaranteed if he's waived before Aug. 3, and the Cavs have been looking to trade him in recent weeks.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

Spurs re-sign Matt Bonner - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs announced Tuesday that they have re-signed Matt Bonner (6'9''-F-80, college: Florida). Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Bonner has spent the past four seasons in San Antonio. Last season he saw action in 65 games, averaging 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes while shooting .446 (166-372) from the floor, .390 (90-231) from the three-point line and .729 (35-48) from the free throw line. The former Florida Gator scored in double figures 19 times, including a career-high 28 points at Utah on Dec. 7. The 6-10 forward missed 15 games after breaking the fourth metacarpal in his right hand vs. Indiana on Dec. 19. Bonner appeared in all 10 playoff games, averaging 5.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes. Among Spurs all-time leaders, Bonner ranks seventh in three-point field goal percentage (.397, 290-370) and eighth in three-point field goals made (290).

Bonner originally joined the Spurs on June 21, 2006, in a trade with the Toronto Raptors.

In his six-year NBA career Bonner has appeared in 430 games, averaging 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 18.3 minutes while shooting 40.5 (430-1,065) percent from three-point range.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Hornets, GM Jeff Bower part ways - by Eurobasket News
New Orleans Hornets general manager Jeff Bower stepped down on Tuesday, parting ways with a franchise that is trying to prove to restless All-Star Chris Paul that it is serious about winning.

The sudden announcement from the Hornets stated that Bower and the team ''mutually agreed'' on the move, but Bower was not made available for comment and he did not answer a call to his cell phone.

''We feel it is in the best interest for us and Jeff to part ways at this time,'' Hornets president Hugh Weber said. ''Our search for a new general manager is already under way. We will target basketball minds that are highly respected in the basketball circles and someone that will help in our pursuit of building a championship team.''

Bower had spent more that 14 seasons with the Hornets in various capacities, starting as a scout. He was promoted to general manager in 2005.

Bower took over as head coach nine games into last season after the firing of Byron Scott, leading the Hornets to a 34-39 record that left the club at 37-45 overall and out of the playoffs. He went back to the front office during the offseason, when Monty Williams was hired as the Hornets' new coach.

Bower continued to play a central role last month in the Hornets' draft, which involved a trade of the club's 11th overall pick, Kansas Center Cole Aldrich, for the 21st and 26th picks by Oklahoma City, Iowa State forward Craig Brackins and Washington swing player Quincy Pondexter.

Bower also had been widely credited for his role in the Hornets' 2009 draft that brought the team former UCLA point guard Darren Collison and former LSU shooting guard Marcus Thornton, who both produced beyond expectations as rookies.

Bower's final move was to bring in free agent guard Luther Head, who agreed to terms with the club last weekend.

Still, Paul's apparent unhappiness with the state of the franchise has loomed large. During a recent charity golf tournament he hosted in New Orleans, Paul said he wants to see a commitment from the team to win now.

With their payroll already close to the NBA's luxury tax threshold, the Hornets will likely have to spend generously in free agency or make a major trade to upgrade their roster significantly for next season.

Meanwhile, the club's ownership is uncertain. Hornets majority owner George Shinn had a verbal agreement to sell to minority owner Gary Chouest in May, but neither owner has been willing to discuss what has taken so long to complete the deal.

After Bower's departure, Shinn said only that he and Chouest remain committed to making the Hornets a winner.

''Gary Chouest and I have the necessary resources and will continue to do what it takes this summer to make our team better,'' Shinn said. ''Under the new leadership of Monty Williams, our team president Hugh Weber and our new (yet-to-be-hired) general manager, we feel very positive about our future.''

Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com

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  NCAA1   


Tennessee adds F John Fields from UNC-Wilmington - by Eurobasket News
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has added another forward to his squad, senior John Fields (6'9''-F-88) from UNC-Wilmington.

Fields has one year of eligibility remaining after playing three years at the Division I level, one at UNC-Wilmington and two at East Carolina. He sat out a year after transferring from ECU to the Seahawks.

Fields received his undergraduate degree from UNC-Wilmington. Tennessee expects the 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward from Fayetteville, N.C., to be able to play immediately, pending an NCAA waiver.

'Joining the Vols is an incredible opportunity that I'm blessed for,'' said Fields, who began graduate studies at Tennessee on Monday. 'I'm ready to help the team in whatever capacity I can and advance far in the NCAA Tournament. The relationship I've been able to develop already with coach Pearl and the rest of the coaches has been amazing. I felt right at home and felt like I fit in perfectly.''

As a junior, Fields averaged a team-best 8.7 rebounds per game and scored 10.2 points per contest. He set a single-game school record for rebounds with 21 against Towson and a season record for blocks with 59.

He spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at East Carolina, where he earned Conference USA all-freshman honors.

He will join incoming freshman and McDonald's all-American forward Tobias Harris in helping to replace departed forwards Tyler Smith and Emmanuel Negedu. The Vols also have forwards Kenny Hall, Steven Pearl and Renaldo Woolridge and Marquette transfer Jeronne Maymon should be eligible to play following the fall 2010 semester.

'The fact that (Fields) already has his degree and is going to be working on his master's speaks to his character and his priorities,'' Pearl said. 'He's a terrific athlete for a man his size who blocks shots and rebounds and can score around the basket. The next step for John will be to develop his abilities on the perimeter on both offense and defense.''

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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  NCAA2   


Nanooks Add a Forward - by Sanjey Noriega
From: alaskananooks.com

Head coach Clemon Johnson and the Alaska Nanooks mens basketball team announced Tuesday that Kimani Shotwell, a 65 freshman from Memphis, Tenn., has signed a national letter of intent for the 2010-11 season.

'Kimani has overcome many obstacles that would have consumed or detoured most student-athletes to become a member of the Nanook Men's Basketball team,' Johnson said. 'If coaches, especially this one, could find more Kimani (s) my recruiting would be much easier and more enjoyable.'

Shotwell played small forward for both Memphis University School and Memphis Central High before signing. He was named all-conference in 2008 and named a Memphis Senior All-Star.

Shotwell averaged 13.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 4.2 blocks per game and was named team captain as a senior.

His biggest game came in 2007, where he posted 32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and five blocks against Craigmont High School.

In 2008, Shotwell led Memphis Central to district championships with a 14-2 record. They also qualified for the Memphis City Championships.

A multi-sport athlete, Shotwell also excelled at throwing discus. In 2007, he was named all-metro, all-state and Best Male Thrower by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. He placed third at state championships.

In Alaska, he'll assist at the combo forward position, spending time as both a small and power forward.

'I look forward to coaching Kimani,' Johnson said. 'Kimani will bring leadership and workmanship with the desire to win. He and I communicate weekly about how to improve all aspects of next year's team.'

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  NIGERIA   


Air Avellino re-sign Chevon Troutman, Pepsi Caserta keeps Ebi Ere - by Eurobasket News
Air Avellino signed one-year contract extension with Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: ACMT, college: Pittsburgh). The 28-year old American joined Avelino last summer from ASVEL. He played 29 games in SerieA averaging 12.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals. He ended the championship as fourth leading rebounder and fourth stealer. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention. In 2009, Troutman won the title in France with ASVEL. He helped them with 10.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.4 spg. In the past, he also was a member of Livorno.
Meanwhile, Pepsi Caserta agreed on a one-year contract extension with Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma). The Nigerian scoring machine arrived to Casera last summer from Australian Melbourne Tigers. He shined in his first season with the club with 15.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 apg and 2.3 spg. Ere was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention. Before the above mentioned teams, Ere also played for Brisbane Bullets, Liege and Ludwisburg. In 2009, he appeared 7 times at AfroBasket in Libya averaging 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He is an active member of the Nigerian NT since 2006.

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  NORWAY   


Norway blast Belarus in opener - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20 - Belarus U20 80:35

Norway opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign in style. They marked their ambitions with a drubbing of Belarus in Group D in Gussing, Austria. Anders Stien (195-G-90) nailed 13 points to lead Norway.
Norway opened the game with nine points in a row. Dabravolski and Viktar Ausepian (205-F-91) brought Belarus to life but not for long. Norway posted a 21:9 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team tipped off the second frame with a 13:0 rally to clear off. The scoreboard read 36:13 for Norway at halftime. Belarus showed some signs of finding the rhythm late in the third term as they capped it with four points in a row but the margin was too large as Norway enjoyed a 27-point buffer. Belarus accounted for 14 points in the final stanza but Norway responded with 32 points to celebrate a confident win at the end.
Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) notched 11 points for Norway. Stian Berg (186-G-91) added 10 points in the winning effort. Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (206-F-91) answered with 9 points for Belarus. Viktar Ausepian finished with 6 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Norway U20: Anders Stien 13, Aksel Bolinz 11, Stian Berg 10
Belarus U20: Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau 9, Viktar Ausepian 6+10 boards


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  PALESTINE   


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


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  PHILIPPINES   


Philippines roll over Taiwan University All-Stars in Day 1 - by Eurobasket News
Philippines roll over Taiwan University All-Stars in Day 1 of William Jones Cup. The team looked better and produced 83:52 victory. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) stepped up with 15 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) followed him with 11points and Japeth Aguilar (206-C-87, college: W.Kentucky) collected 10 points and 6 rebounds. Chou Po-cheng responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort.
Tomorrow Philippines will play with Irain. The latter will open the William Jones Cup as the did not play in the opener.

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  POLAND   


Kotwica Kolobrzeg bring in two new players - by Eurobasket News
Kotwica Kolobrzeg added two new players to the roster. These are Marko Djuric (208-F/C-83, agency: Limelight Hoops) and Tomasz Zablocki (202-F-78, agency: Promotex).
Marko Djuric is coming back to Kotwica after three seasons in Sweden. The 27-year-old centre spent the previous season in Uppsala. He tallied 7.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Before joining Kotwica in 2005 Marko Djuric had stints with Bosna Sarajevo, Lukoil Akademik Sophia, Sezana and Inowroclaw.
Tomasz Zablocki played for Znicz Jaroslaw in the last championship. The 32-year-old forward notched 9.0 points and 2.6 boards per game in PLK. Earlier Tomasz Zablocki played for Turow, Astoria Bydgoszcz, Energa Czarni and Gornik Walbrzych.
Kotwice Kolobrzeg also extended the contract of Dawid Brek (185-G-89, agency: Promotex). The 20-year-old guard averaged 4.2 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game.


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


Cristovao Cordeiro in Illiabum - by Bruno Baltazar
Cristovao Cordeiro (200-F/C-89) the young portuguese 4/5 player just signed with Illiabum for next season.
The 20 years old player played before for Juncal,Queluz and in the past 2 seasons he played for Benfica winning the portuguese league between other awards with them,last year he represented Portugal U20 in Macedonia,in 8 games he averaged 9.1ppg, 3.1rpg.
Certainly a player that is looking his chance in getting more minutes then last season in a new team.

Bulgaria need overtime to tame Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20 - Portugal U20 91:86 (OT)
Bulgaria and Portugal opened their European Championship in Division B campaign. They clashed in Austrian Oberwart. Bulgaria came out winners as they eked out a difficult overtime victory at the end. Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90) knocked down 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the charge.
Bulgaria used a 9:0 run to gain a 12:5 lead midway through the opening stanza. They maintained the lead and finished the first stanza up by two 19:17. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) kept Bulgaria in charge early in the second quarter. However back-to-back three-pointer from Soares and Joao Guerreiro (205-F-90) helped Portugal clinch the lead. The advantage changed hands for several times before Diogo Correia (185-G-90) sealed the first half outcome at 38:36. Diogo Correia and Joao Guerreiro opened the third stanza with five points in a row to give Portugal an 7-point lead. The gap soon grew at 10-point mark. But Bulgaria bounced back cutting the distance to just 6 points with ten minutes to go. Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) and Slavchev dragged Bulgaria closer at the start of the fourth frame. Bozhidar Avramov tied things up at 74 with 28 seconds to go in regulation. The teams did not score a point in the reminder of the regular time and headed into overtime. Bozhidar Avramov and Aleksandar Georgiev tipped off the extra period with five points in a row. Silva revived the intrigue with four points of his own but Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90), Aleksandar Georgiev and Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) allowed Bulgaria to run away for good in this one.
Bozhidar Avramov nailed 18 points for Bulgaria. Hristo Zahariev added 15 points in the winning case. Joao Guerreiro accounted for 20 points for Portugal. Diogo Correia notched 18 points in the loss.

Bulgaria U20: Aleksandar Georgiev 23+10 boards, Bozhidar Avramov 18, Hristo Zahariev 15
Portugal U20: Joao Guerreiro 20, Diogo Correia 18


Finland record second win over Portugal in Rio Maior - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Finland 61:70

Finnish National Team posted the second straight win against Portugal in their exhibition series. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) stepped up with 24 points to lead the visitors. Finland outrebounded their opponents 37:21 to dominate the paint.
Portugal looked solid in the first half. They kept it close to Finland in the opening stanza and trailed by just one point at the first break 13:14. The hosts pushed the throttle in the second term to surge in front. Portugal earned a 36:26 lead at halftime. But the third term turned things upside down for Moncho Lopez team. Finland blasted those 28:12 to ensure a 6-point into the fourth quarter. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the fourth stanza. Portugal knocked down just 13 points in the period and had to surrender for the second time in a row. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) provided 13 points and 18 rebounds for Finland. Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) added 13 points in the win. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) answered with 16 points for Portugal. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) delivered 12 points in the loss.

Portugal: Heshimu Evans 16, Miguel Miranda 12, Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) 9
Finland: Petri Virtanen 24, Tuukka Kotti 13+18 boards, Samuel Haanpaa 13


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


Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN Awards 2010 - by Eurobasket
All-BSN 1st Team 2010
#s#
Terrence Shannon
Shannon
Larry Ayuso
Ayuso
Christian Dalmau
Dalmau
Michael Sweetney
Sweetney
Peter John Ramos
Ramos
#e#5

Player of the Year: Terrence Shannon (203-F-79) of Bayamon
Guard of the Year: Larry Ayuso (190-G-77) of Capitanes
Forward of the Year: Terrence Shannon (203-F-79) of Bayamon
Center of the Year: Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas
Import Player of the Year: Terrence Shannon (203-F-79) of Bayamon
Domestic Player of the Year: Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn Pruitt (208-C-85) of Isabela
Coach of the Year: David Rosario of Capitanes

1st Team
G: Larry Ayuso (190-77) of Capitanes
G: Christian Dalmau (194-77) of Bayamon
F: Terrence Shannon (203-79) of Bayamon
F: Michael Sweetney (203-82) of Santurce
C: Peter John Ramos (222-85) of Quebradillas

2nd Team
G: LeRoy Hickerson (196-82) of San German
G/F: Alejandro Carmona (194-83) of Mayaguez
F: Shawn Redhage (203-81) of Quebradillas
F/C: Robert Traylor (204-77) of Bayamon
C: Shawn Pruitt (208-85) of Isabela

Honorable Mention
James Maye (201-G/F-81) of Mayaguez
Joel Camacho (196-G/F-81) of Quebradillas
C.J. Bruton (188-G-75) of Quebradillas
Lee Nailon (204-F-75) of Ponce
Mario Austin (206-F/C-82) of San German
Daniel Copeland (177-G-84) of San German
Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81) of Guaynabo
Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82) of Isabela
Miguel Ali Berdier (198-G-83) of Humacao
James Mays (206-F-86) of Humacao

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Larry Ayuso (190-77) of Capitanes
G: Christian Dalmau (194-77) of Bayamon
G/F: Joel Camacho (196-81) of Quebradillas
G/F: Angel Figueroa (196-81) of Guaynabo
C: Peter John Ramos (222-85) of Quebradillas

All-Imports Team
G: LeRoy Hickerson (196-82) of San German
G/F: Tim Pickett (193-81) of Capitanes
F: Terrence Shannon (203-79) of Bayamon
F: Michael Sweetney (203-82) of Santurce
C: Shawn Pruitt (208-85) of Isabela


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Slovak Republic take care of business in opener - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U20 - Romania U20 76:62
Slovak Republic opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign on a high note. They rallied past Romania in Group D first round. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) led well-balanced effort with 14 points.
The first frame proved decisive in this one. Consecutive treys from Zidzik, Ulman and Michal Kozar shocked Romania giving Slovak Republic a 22:6 lead midway through the quarter. Slovak Republic earned a 28:8 advantage at the first break. They used a 5:0 rally to boost the margin to as many as 23 points in the second quarter. Marek Jass (194-G-90) capped the first half with five points in a row to give Slovaks a 45:27 buffer at halftime. Romania entered the third period on a 5:0 run. But Slovak Republic remained cool and they kept their opponents at bay. Nevertheless Romania had a trace of hope as they were down by 15 points heading into the fourth term. Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) tipped off the fourth period with a three-pointer to give hope for Romania. They were able to get within 8 points midway through the final term but Slovak Republic did not allow their opponents to score a single point in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a confident win at the end.
Matej Marchyn (192-F-90) nailed 13 points for the winners. Marek Jass finished with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Adrian Gutoaia answered with game-high 35 points for Romania. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) added 7 points in defeat.

Slovak Republic U20: Michal Kozar 14, Matej Marchyn 13, Marek Jass 11
Romania U20: Adrian Gutoaia 35, Bogdan Tibirna 7


Romanian U18 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Ovidiu Mogosanu
Mogosanu
Alexandru Olah
Olah
Catalin Petrisor
Petrisor
Horia Cristiean
Cristiean
Andrei Petica
Petica
#e#5
Ovidiu Mogosanu 185-G-92 Timba Timis. Romania
Leonard Filip
Alexandru Olah 209-C-93 CSS Targov. Romania
George Toth 211-C-92 Timba Timis. Romania
Catalin Petrisor 182-G-92 Timisoara Romania
Horia Cristiean 183-G-93 Ph. Galati Romania
Andrei Petica 192-F-93 Ph. Galati Romania
Andrei Muresan 185-F-92
Norbert Pascu 192-F-92 Mures Romania
Emil Stavarache 191-G/F-92
Iosif Pirlog
Nicolae Foalea 192-G/F-92 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Octavian Crainic 201-F/C-92
Milan Bokor Sf Gheorghe Romania
Stefan Ianuli CSS Targov. Romania

Nini Florin Head Coach
Alpar Farkas Assistant


Romanian U20 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Ciprian Telinoiu
Telinoiu
Ioan Pop
Pop
Vladimir Mihai
Mihai
Iulian Dinca
Dinca
Zoran Milencovici
Milencovici
#e#5
Ciprian Telinoiu 183-G-91
Ioan Pop 175-G-90 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Vladimir Mihai 180-G-90 Pitesti Romania
Iulian Dinca 188-F-90
Zoran Milencovici 185-G-91
Mate Stretea 190-G-90 Oradea Romania
Adrian Gutoaia 195-C-90 Steaua Turabo Romania
Vlad Corpodean 197-F-91 U.Mobitel II Romania
Sabin Faur 196-C-90 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Lucian Chirof 200-C-91 Brasov Romania
Cristian Corneanu 200-C-91 Craiova Romania
Bogdan Tibirna 208-C-91 Otopeni Romania
Rolland Torok 202-C-90 Oradea Romania
Ciprian Mihai 203-C-90 Steaua Turabo Romania

Valentin Pogonaru Head Coach Dinamo B. Romania
Valerian Netolitzchi Assistant Steaua Turabo Romania


Romanian U16 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
Vlad Popovici 198-F-94
Florin Dascalescu 200-C-94
Gabriel Purice
Cristian Anghel
Georgian Paun
Cosmin Matasaru
Mihai Ursuleanu
Radu Tebies
Zoltan Derzsi 197-F-94
Hunor Hengau
Tudor Vechiu
Ionut Mirea
Mihai Dragusanu
Paul Dirlosan
Andrei Damian
Vlad Stoicoviciu

Mihai Petrut Head Coach
Cenean Razvan Assistant


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


Andrei Kirilenko refused to play for Russian NT at World Championship - by Stanislav Tyutyunnik
Russian National Team leader Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) told in his interview to sport-express.ru that he decided not to play at World Championship in Turkey. Head coach and GM of Utah Jazz advised him not to force preparations for the next season, they told him about the stress they will suffer if he will play in Turkey. But the final decision was on Kirilenko and he decided to skip the World Championship. That's his words: 'I understand everything, everybody, including the fans. And I really do not like the situation in which I was. But I do have obligations. And I don't want to strike either myself or others. Yes, public opinion means a lot, but I'll not try to influence on it. Someone will understand me, the others would call me a traitor. This is very unpleasant, but life continues'.

Nikita Kurbanov remains in CSKA - by Eurobasket News
Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) remains in CSKA and signed with the team a new 2+1 year contract. In 2003-2004 he appeared for CSKA Moscow junior team but already in 2004-2005 started for CSKA Moscow (A Superleague) and after 17 games avaraged 2.8ppg, 1.6rpg. In 2005-2006 moved to Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu (A Superleague) and debuted in FIBA Europe Cup. After 3 games his stats read 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 0ast, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 25%, FT: 63.6%. In Russian League after 4 games he had 10.5ppg, 5.0rpg, while for CSKA Moscow (A Superleague) in Russian League had 4.3ppg, 2.6rpg. In Euroleague after 17 games avaraged 2.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 19.9%, FT: 70.5%. After another two seasons with CSKA Moscow he moved to Unics Kazan (A Superleague). In ULEB Cup he played with the team in 5 games and showed 2.0ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2008-2009 signed with Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague) and in EuroChallenge had 4.0ppg, 3.0rpg. In Russian League after 26 games his stats read 8.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 85.4%. Last season he started for CSKA Moscow (A Superleague) and in Russian League after 25 games had 5.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg. In Euroleague after 17 games he averaged 1.2ppg, 1.2rpg. Moreover Nikita Kurbanov debuted in VTB League and after 5 games showed 8.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (73.9%), FT: 85.7%.
Nikita Kurbanov recorded 17 points in his best game, while Dynamo Moscow handed CSKA another 85:82 loss in the Second Stage Round 2. Bykov Sergey exploded with 27 points and Savrasenko Alexey had 16 points and 11 rebounds.


Zupan heads to Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) will continue his career in Spartak St. Petersburg next season. The Slovenian 205cm player arrives from Greece where he spent the last season with Trikalla.
In 1999-2000 he started for DGN Ljubljana (D4) and then moved to Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (1A). He stayed with the team until February 2007 and then moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A, starting five). In Slovenian League after 21 games he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 60,7%, 3FGP: 18,2%, FT: 79,6%, while in Adriatic League after 10 games had 7.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 47%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 63.2%. In 2007-2008 for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A) debuted in Euroleague and after 13 games showed 6.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75%. In Adriatic League that season after 30 games he averaged 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 81%, while in Slovenian League after 20 games showed 8.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 67.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.0%. After abother season with Union Olimpija Ljubljana he moved to AS Trikalla 2000 (Greece-A2, starting five). After 24 games he averaged 13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 69.1%. In Greece he became Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Bosman Player of the Year -10 and Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Bosmans Team -10.
In his best game last season he recorded 23 points as Trikalla overcame Olimpia L. 87:80.
Miha Zupan is a member of the Slovenian National Team in 06, 08-10. Hes partially deaf but he took the challenge in different sports finally making basketball his choice.
The member of handicap challenged Slovenian NT in various sports.

CSKA Moscow parts ways with Ponkrashov and Keyru - by Eurobasket News
Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) and Victor Keyru (200-G-84) will not play for CSKA Moscow next season.
Anton Ponkrashov joined CSKA last summer from Khimky. He appeared 19 times in Euroleague averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds. In domestic championship Ponkrashov added 4.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.7 apg for 18 games. The team also competed in VTB league, where he registered 5.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 games. Ponkrashov already was a member of CSKA on season 2006/07. He currently plays for the Phoenix Suns at the NBA Last Vegas Summer League. According to some rumors, Ponkrashov could continue his career with Spartak St. Petersburg, where he already played in the past.
Victor Keyru arrived to CSKA in 2008 from UNICS Kazan. Last season he played 16 games in Russia averaging 1.3 ppg. For seven Euroleague games Keyru averaged 1.6 ppg. He had better digits in his first season with the club. The Russian forward could continue his career with Lokomotiv Kuban. In the past he was a member of Spartak Primorie Vladivostok and Dynamo St. Petersburg. He started basketball career with UNICS.

Krasnie Krilya signs Konstantin Nesterov, Khimky releases Robertas Javtokas - by Eurobasket News
Krasnie Krilya signed a one-year deal with Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: Va Commonwealth). The Russian power forward / center is coming to Samara after one year with Triumph Lyubertsy. He played 22 league games last season collecting 6.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg. In EuroCup, Nesterov appeared 6 times adding 10.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg. Before Triumph, Nesterov spent a season with Spartak Primorie Vladivostok. In 2007/08 he was a member of Spartak St. Petersburg, while a year before that he played for UNICS Kazan. From 2003 to 2006 Nesterov was a member for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu.
Meanwhile, Khimky has decided to exercise an option for early contract termination with Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona). The team decided to release the player after one season. Javtokas played 16 Euroleague games for Khimky registering 10.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. In Rusian league he added 8.7 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 32 games. Before Khimky, he played two seasons for Dynamo Moscow. He arrived in Russia for the first time in 2007 from Panathinaikos Athens. In the past he also played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius. Javtokas is active member of the Lithuanian National Team.

CSKA Moscow keeps Nikita Kurbanov - by Eurobasket News
Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow announced signing of Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) to a one-year contract extension. The versatile forward joined CSKA during the summer 2009. He appeared in 17 Euroleague games last season, but with limited playing time (1.2 ppg). In Russian championship Kurbanov had more chance to play and he averaged 5 points and 2.8 rebounds for 25 games. His digits were the highest in VTB league, where Kurbanov had 8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games.
Before CSKA Moscow, Nikita Kurbanov spent one year with Spartak St. Petersburg. He is a product of CSKA where he started as a kid. They won the Euroleague trophy together in 2006. Kurbanov played 17 games that season with 2 ppg and 1.6 rpg. In February 2008 he left it for the first time and joined UNICS Kazan.
Nikita Kurbanov is a member of the Russian National Team. Last summer in Poland he appeared in 9 games collecting 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg. In the past he played for the Russian University National Team, U20 as well as U18 NT.
Just a few hours ago CSKA Moscow announced they will not keep Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) and Victor Keyru (200-G-84).

Russia U20 advanced to the Quarterfinals with the poor 2-3 record - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Slovenia U20 68:82

Slovenia U20 upset Russia U20 82:68 however the latter advanced to the Quarterfinals with the poor 2-3 record. Slovenia U20 finished with 1-4 record Group F of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska.
Slovenia surprised with 5-0 run in the start and got 15:2 in the middle of the frame. Fedor Klyuchnikov (192-G-90) scored from the perimeter for 22:12 and Antipov closed 8-0 run for 20:22. Slovenia again took the lead and was in front for the whole second period. Edo Muric (202-F-91) sent the teams to the lockers with 41:26 halftime advantage. He also increased the lead to 10 points in the middle of the third frame and Vranjkovic remained Slovenia with 57:47 deficit. Sarajlija was the last to score in the frame for 63:48 advantage after three quarters. Although Russia won the last period 20-19 in the final period they could not come closer to the winners. Dino Muric (199-F-90) made a dunk in the end of the game for the final success.
Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) poured in 25 points for the winners. Dino Muric notched 12, while Edo Muric produced 10. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) collected 10 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort, whilst Aleksandr Karpukhin (190-G-90), Aleksandr Morozov (204-F-90) and Fedor Klyuchnikov added 8 each.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 10+14 rebs, Aleksandr Karpukhin 8, Aleksandr Morozov 8, Fedor Klyuchnikov 8
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 25, Dino Muric 12, Edo Muric 10


*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


The end of the first round - by Eurobasket News
Kigali Basketball Club moved back on top of the national basketball league standings. They rolled over UGB 82:55 and Ferwaba Select 64:46. Gategabondo singled out Fiston Muhire (91) as KBC's central player after averaging 20 points in the first round. The team reached 15 points, one clear of reigning champions APR. The latter won over Kigali Institute of Education 67:48.


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


Standings
SEBL Standings
North Div.
 1. Cartersville W. 1-0 
 2. Marietta O. 1-0 
 3. BC Howren-1 0-1 
 4. RGS 0-1 
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 


SEBL North Division opens with Marietta Outlaw and Baseline getting wins... - by SEBL
#s#
Terrence Hundley
Hundley
Mike Dean
Dean
Joe Hamilton
Hamilton
Darrell Wilkins
Wilkins
Marcus Dixon
Dixon
#e#5
Cartersville, GA - July 14, 2010 - SEBL Metro A-League North Division games were played at JH Morgan Gym on the Summer Hill Education Complex on Wednesday night. The results are below...

Marietta Outlaw 63 Rome Go Service 56... In a matchup that featured a re-match of the 2009 SEBL A-League Finals, Marietta let Rome know they still had the upper hand with a hard fought defensive win. Marietta led through out, but Rome battled back late from 10 points down to take a brief one-point lead at 52-51, but Marietta's quicker line-up forced some key turnovers, triggering a 12-4 run in the closing minutes to capture the win in the season opener Wednesday night. Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82) led Rome with 24 points, while Darnell Cox (6'11''-F/C) had 12 and Jermaine Spivey 10. But, it was Marietta's balanced attack that did the damage, with Terrence Hundley (6'3''-G-85) leading the charge with 14 points, as Antonio Shaw had 13, Courtney George 11, Paul Harper 10 and Gene Moss nine.

Cartersville Baseline Warriors 108 BC Howren Vikings 91... Baseline found themselves down early, but fought back to take a lead, as Robert Broderick got cranked up with a string of transition buckets. BC Howren bounced back behind the scoring of Dexter Shaw and took a 56-51 at the half. Baseline regrouped in the second half and went on a run behind the quick offensive strikes of Broderick, Joe Hamilton (6'6''-F-79) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors and Richard Davis. The Warriors were able to pull away down the stretch, leading by as many as 20 at one point in the waning moments. Jones and Darrell Wilkins (6'1''-G-84) paced the Vikings with 21 apiece, as Marcus Dixon (6'9''-F-84) chipped in with 14. Adrian Rogers and Mike Howren each had 13. For Baseline, Broderick finished with a game-high 27, while Joe Hamilton had 15, Richard Davis 15, AJ Mastin 12 and Chris Jones 11.


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


Serbian National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Nenad Krstic
Krstic
Milos Teodosic
Teodosic
Stefan Markovic
Markovic
Bojan Popovic
Popovic
Ivan Paunic
Paunic
#e#5
Nenad Krstic 214-C-83 Oklah.City T. USA
Milos Teodosic 195-G-87 Olympiakos Greece
Stefan Markovic 194-G-88 Benetton TV Italy
Bojan Popovic 191-G-83 Efes Pilsen Turkey
Ivan Paunic 194-G-87 Aris Greece
Milenko Tepic 198-G-87 Panathinaikos Greece
Aleksandar Rasic 195-G-84 Partizan Serbia
Dragan Milosavljevic 198-G-89 Partizan Serbia
Ivan Radenovic 208-F-84 Cajasol Spain
Milan Macvan 205-F-89 Hemofarm Serbia
Dusko Savanovic 204-F/C-83 Valencia BC Spain
Novica Velickovic 205-F-86 MMC Real M. Spain
Boban Marjanovic 222-C-88 CSKA Russia
Miroslav Raduljica 213-C-88 Efes Pilsen Turkey
Kosta Perovic 217-C-85 Regal Barca Spain
Marko Keselj 205-F-88 Crvena Zvez. Serbia
Nemanja Bjelica 209-F/C-88 Benetton TV Italy

Dusan Ivkovic Head Coach Olympiakos Greece


Greece U20 finished on top of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20-Greece U20 62:63

Greece U20 finished on top of Group E and even clinching the top place the day before the last game, they proved the ambitions for another gold. Greece rolled over Serbia 63:62 to take 5-0 record in Group E.
Serbia gave a good lesson for Greece and opened with 16-10 in the opening quarter. Mantzaris tied the game at 18:18 and Greece took later 30:25. Greece was in front for the whole third period and finished it with 46:43 win. Sloukas brought Greece 50:48 with 7 minutes in the game. Serbia meanwhile took 55:53 with 4 minutes in the fourth quarter. Mitrovic made a three-pointer fro 58:53, while Musli increased the lead to 60:53. Nikos Pappas brought Greece back to 60:55 and Sloukas and again Pappas made it 60:58. Musli increased to 62:59 and Papanikolaou brought the defending champions to 62:61. Moreover Nikos Pappas gave Greece 63:62 with 5 seconds in the game that was the final shot for the win.
Konstantinos Papanikolaou (204-F/C-91) poured in 15 points for the winners. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) notched 14, whilst Zisis Sarikopoulos (213-C-90) scored 11. Dejan Musli (214-C-91) answered with 14 points and Aleksandar Mitrovic (202-F-90) added 10.

Serbia U20: Dejan Musli 14, Aleksandar Mitrovic 10
Greece U20: Konstantinos Papanikolaou 15, Nikos Pappas 14, Zisis Sarikopoulos 11


Helios takes Marko Lekic - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian outfit Helios Domzale announced signing of a one-year deal with Marko Lekic (211-C-85). The Serbian big guy is not a new face in Slovenia, as he already played there in the past. On season 2008/09 he was a member of Geoplin Slovan. At that time Lekic appeared 27 times in Slovenian league averaging 15.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Honorable Mention.
Marko Lekic is coming to Helios from Ukrainian team Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih. He started the season with Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost Podgorica. For 9 games in Adriatic league Lekic had 3 ppg and 1.4 rpg. He left the team in January and moved to Ukraine. Before the above mentioned teams, Marko Lekic also played for few Serbian squads like Crvena Zvezda, Vojvodina Nis Srbija Gas Novi Sad and Atlas Banka.
Helios Domzale ended last season as No.3 in Slovenia with 11-3 record. They reached the Playoff Semifinals, but could not survive against Krka Novo Mesto, who later won the championship title. The team also competed in Adriatic league last season. There, they registered just six wins and finished at the bottom of the standings.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Slovak Republic take care of business in opener - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U20 - Romania U20 76:62
Slovak Republic opened their U20 European Championship in Division B campaign on a high note. They rallied past Romania in Group D first round. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) led well-balanced effort with 14 points.
The first frame proved decisive in this one. Consecutive treys from Zidzik, Ulman and Michal Kozar shocked Romania giving Slovak Republic a 22:6 lead midway through the quarter. Slovak Republic earned a 28:8 advantage at the first break. They used a 5:0 rally to boost the margin to as many as 23 points in the second quarter. Marek Jass (194-G-90) capped the first half with five points in a row to give Slovaks a 45:27 buffer at halftime. Romania entered the third period on a 5:0 run. But Slovak Republic remained cool and they kept their opponents at bay. Nevertheless Romania had a trace of hope as they were down by 15 points heading into the fourth term. Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) tipped off the fourth period with a three-pointer to give hope for Romania. They were able to get within 8 points midway through the final term but Slovak Republic did not allow their opponents to score a single point in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a confident win at the end.
Matej Marchyn (192-F-90) nailed 13 points for the winners. Marek Jass finished with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Adrian Gutoaia answered with game-high 35 points for Romania. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) added 7 points in defeat.

Slovak Republic U20: Michal Kozar 14, Matej Marchyn 13, Marek Jass 11
Romania U20: Adrian Gutoaia 35, Bogdan Tibirna 7


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  SLOVENIA   


Zupan heads to Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) will continue his career in Spartak St. Petersburg next season. The Slovenian 205cm player arrives from Greece where he spent the last season with Trikalla.
In 1999-2000 he started for DGN Ljubljana (D4) and then moved to Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (1A). He stayed with the team until February 2007 and then moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A, starting five). In Slovenian League after 21 games he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 60,7%, 3FGP: 18,2%, FT: 79,6%, while in Adriatic League after 10 games had 7.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 47%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 63.2%. In 2007-2008 for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A) debuted in Euroleague and after 13 games showed 6.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75%. In Adriatic League that season after 30 games he averaged 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 81%, while in Slovenian League after 20 games showed 8.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 67.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.0%. After abother season with Union Olimpija Ljubljana he moved to AS Trikalla 2000 (Greece-A2, starting five). After 24 games he averaged 13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 69.1%. In Greece he became Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Bosman Player of the Year -10 and Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Bosmans Team -10.
In his best game last season he recorded 23 points as Trikalla overcame Olimpia L. 87:80.
Miha Zupan is a member of the Slovenian National Team in 06, 08-10. Hes partially deaf but he took the challenge in different sports finally making basketball his choice.
The member of handicap challenged Slovenian NT in various sports.

Helios takes Marko Lekic - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian outfit Helios Domzale announced signing of a one-year deal with Marko Lekic (211-C-85). The Serbian big guy is not a new face in Slovenia, as he already played there in the past. On season 2008/09 he was a member of Geoplin Slovan. At that time Lekic appeared 27 times in Slovenian league averaging 15.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Honorable Mention.
Marko Lekic is coming to Helios from Ukrainian team Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih. He started the season with Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost Podgorica. For 9 games in Adriatic league Lekic had 3 ppg and 1.4 rpg. He left the team in January and moved to Ukraine. Before the above mentioned teams, Marko Lekic also played for few Serbian squads like Crvena Zvezda, Vojvodina Nis Srbija Gas Novi Sad and Atlas Banka.
Helios Domzale ended last season as No.3 in Slovenia with 11-3 record. They reached the Playoff Semifinals, but could not survive against Krka Novo Mesto, who later won the championship title. The team also competed in Adriatic league last season. There, they registered just six wins and finished at the bottom of the standings.

Russia U20 advanced to the Quarterfinals with the poor 2-3 record - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Slovenia U20 68:82

Slovenia U20 upset Russia U20 82:68 however the latter advanced to the Quarterfinals with the poor 2-3 record. Slovenia U20 finished with 1-4 record Group F of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska.
Slovenia surprised with 5-0 run in the start and got 15:2 in the middle of the frame. Fedor Klyuchnikov (192-G-90) scored from the perimeter for 22:12 and Antipov closed 8-0 run for 20:22. Slovenia again took the lead and was in front for the whole second period. Edo Muric (202-F-91) sent the teams to the lockers with 41:26 halftime advantage. He also increased the lead to 10 points in the middle of the third frame and Vranjkovic remained Slovenia with 57:47 deficit. Sarajlija was the last to score in the frame for 63:48 advantage after three quarters. Although Russia won the last period 20-19 in the final period they could not come closer to the winners. Dino Muric (199-F-90) made a dunk in the end of the game for the final success.
Marko Vranjkovic (204-F/C-90) poured in 25 points for the winners. Dino Muric notched 12, while Edo Muric produced 10. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) collected 10 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort, whilst Aleksandr Karpukhin (190-G-90), Aleksandr Morozov (204-F-90) and Fedor Klyuchnikov added 8 each.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 10+14 rebs, Aleksandr Karpukhin 8, Aleksandr Morozov 8, Fedor Klyuchnikov 8
Slovenia U20: Marko Vranjkovic 25, Dino Muric 12, Edo Muric 10


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


Quinton Hosley reaches agreement with Joventut - by Eurobasket News
Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) and Joventut reached agreement on terms of contract. The 26-year-old guard will join the Spanish team in the upcoming season. Quinton Hosley spent the previous season in Turkey. He tallied 18.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.6 steals per game in TBL. Earlier Quinton Hosley had spells for Pinar Karsiyaka, Real Madrid and Galatasaray.


Mirotic pulls Spain U20 over the French side - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-France U20 69:66

Mirotic pulls Spain U20 over the French side at the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Spaniards overcame France U20 69:66 to finish with 4-1 record Group F.
It was an easy start for Spain that scored the first 7 points in the game. Simeon made a lay-up for 14:2 and Sastre delivered two for 19:8. Hernandez finished the quarter with two free throws for 21:11 lead. Sastre nailed three for 26:11, while France started to catch up later in the frame. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) reduced to 26:21 and Leonard closed the half at 33:30. It was hot in the court in the third period but Spain stayed in front for the whole time. No matter how close France tried to cut the score, Spain enjoyed 51:45 at the end of the third quarter. Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) increased the advantage at 55:45, but Courby tied the game at 56:56 after 11-1 French run. They exchanged the lead several times, while Nikola Mirotic gave Spain 68:63. Franch made the last free throw in the game for the final 69:66 score.
Nikola Mirotic collected 30 points and 12 rebounds for the winners, while Alvaro Munoz (195-F-90) nailed 11. Andrew Albicy ended up with 15 points as France finished with 3-2 record. Lens Aboudou (192-G-90) notched 13, while Maxime Courby (200-F-90) posted 12.

Spain U20: Nikola Mirotic 30+12 rebs, Alvaro Munoz 11
France U20: Andrew Albicy 15, Lens Aboudou 13, Maxime Courby 12

Lobe Huesca keeps Stevie Johnson - by Mariano Galindo
The 32-years-old forward Stevie Johnson (198-F-78, college: Iowa St.) will play again in Huesca next year. Last season, Johnson was one of the best players in Adecco Silver, averaging 17.5ppg (top scorer), 7.7rpg, and 3.5 apg. Then, he won silver cup and got an Adecco Oro's place for Huesca after wining Adecco Plata Tournament. In the last two seasons, Jonhson has won two silver cups and two silver tournaments in arrow, firstly with Palencia and after with Huesca.

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  SWEDEN   


Sweden post win in U20 European Championship opener - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20 - Israel U20 71:67
Sweden earned the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Israeli counterparts in Group A opener. Christoffer Ryan (196-G-90) knocked down 20 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 3 assists to lead the effort.
The teams looked well-matched in the starting quarter. The lead changed hands before Karpelesz and Ariely gave Israel a 15:13 lead at the first break. Nagwere opened the second term with a three-pointer to put Sweden in charge. The Scandinavians maintained the advantage throughout the second stanza and posted a 37:35 advantage at the interval. Christoffer Ryan knocked down 7 points and Alexander Lindqvist (202-F-91) added three more as Sweden opened a 9-point buffer early in the third quarter. An 8:0 run from the Swedish team helped those accumulate a 15-point lead late in the quarter. Sweden stayed comfortable in front until Nimrod Tishman (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back three-pointers and dragged Israel within 6 midway through the fourth term. Andreas Person (188-G-91) came up with timely buckets late in regulation to ice the victory for the Scandinavians.
Alexander Lindqvist knocked down 14 points for Sweden. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) and Andreas Person added 9 points each in the win. Jake Cohen (208-F-90) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Nimrod Tishman and Karpelesz provided 9 points each in the loss.

Sweden U20: Christoffer Ryan 20, Alexander Lindqvist 14, Christopher Czerapowicz 9, Andreas Person 9
Israel U20: Jake Cohen 16, Nimrod Tishman 9, Karpelesz 9


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


Finland thump Switzerland to begin with in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Finland U20 - Switzerland U20 92:64
Finland proved strength against Switzerland at the start of the U20 European Championship in Division B. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) knocked down 18 points and Finland cruised to the opening victory in Group B.
Finland set the tone early. They tipped off the encounter with a 9:2 run. Korhonen opened a double-digit lead for Finland late in the starting quarter 23:13. Finland enjoyed a 25:16 advantage at the first pause. Roope Ahonen drained back-to-back trebles to stretch the margin early in the second frame. The Finnish team stayed in charge as they finished the half up by 11 points 41:30. Sasu Salin (190-G-91), Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) and Roope Ahonen gave Finland a massive 25-point buffer midway through the third quarter. Alexi Alanen (194-G-91) capped the period with a three-pointer as the scoreboard read 69:46. Sasu Salin opened the fourth frame with a trey and Finland did not look back on the way to the victory.
Carl Lindbom accounted for 15 points for Finland. Alexi Alanen added 13 points, while Sasu Salin notched 12 in the win. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) responded with 21 points for Switzerland. Peter Ishiodu (196-F-91) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Finland U20: Roope Ahonen 18, Carl Lindbom 15, Alexi Alanen 13
Switzerland U20: Christophe Varidel 21, Peter Ishiodu 13


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  TAIWAN   


2010 Jones Cup Day 1: Lebanon rallies past Japan in final quarter - by Chris Wang
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) scored 11 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter to power Lebanon's 34-18 run in the final period for a 87-82 comeback win over Japan.

Yuta Tabuse, who was Vroman's teammate briefly in 2004 in the Phoenix Suns training camp, had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for Japan, which led by as many as 13 points. This is the first time for Tabuse to represent Japan in senior basketball competition.

Philippines 83-52 Taiwan University All-Stars
Philippines: M. Douthit 15p+14rb, M. Lassiter 11p, J. Aguilar 10p+6rb
Taiwan University: Chou Po-cheng 14p+7rb

Lebanon 87-82 Japan
Lebanon: J. Vroman 14p
Japan: T. Kawamura 31p (7-12 3PT), Y. Tabuse 9p+6rb+4a+4s
Taiwan 103-55 Townsville Crocodiles
Taiwan: Jet Chang 16p
Townsville:


Team roster of 2010 Jones Cup tournament men's competition - by Chris Wang
Taiwan National Men's Basketball Team

Head Coach: Zhang Xuelei
Coach: Chiu Tsung-Chih
Coach: Chiu Chi-Yi
Coach: Wei Yung-Tai

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
2 Wu Feng-Cheng 1986.11.27 195 80
5 Yang Chin-Min 1984.01.22 188 85
6 Lee Hsueh-Lin 1984.01.31 176 75
9 Chen Shih-Nian 1984.04.08 180 76
11 Chen Shun-Hsiang 1985.05.25 190 90
12 Lin Yi-Huei 1986.03.24 191 89
13 Chen Tzu-Wei 1985.01.30 200 95
15 Hung Chih-Shan 1985.07.05 176 75
17 Chien Chia-Hung 1987.03.06 197 108
20 Cheng Jen-Wei 1987.04.06 194 90
22 Lu Cheng-Ju 1986.04.13 194 88
23 Chang Tsung-Hsien 1988.12.27 192 86 (aka Jet Chang)
31 Mao Chia-En 1982.11.16 196 90 (aka James Mao)
33 Wu Chien-Lung 1988.09.05 193 93
95 Chen Ching-Huan 1986.02.03 190 78
Average 190.1 86.5

Taiwan University Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Liu Chun-Yeh
Coach: Shih Ming-Tsung
Coach: Chen Mu-Tsung
Coach: Yang Che-Yi

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
1 Chou Po-Chen 1990.08.08 196 94
3 Lin Wei-Han 1990.07.09 177 70
5 Sung Yu-Hsuan 1989.12.05 183 75
7 Peng Chun-Yen 1989.12.05 183 75
8 Lee Ming-Hui 1990.04.13 180 81
9 Shih Chin-Yao 1990.10.28 185 85
11 Huang Jhen 1990.06.27 190 100
12 Chen Che-Yu 1991.05.12 183 75
14 Wang How-Chi 1989.09.22 195 103
19 Chiang Shih-Feng 1990.12.14 182 80
24 Liu Yuan-Kai 1991.07.09 205 97
31 Liu Cheng 1990.11.24 191 78
33 Cheng Chih-Hao 1987.12.10 208 105
36 Lo Wen-Hao 1987.10.25 192 101
Average 189.2 87

Townsville Crocodiles (NBL, Australia)

Head Coach: Alan ERICKSEN
Assistant Coach: Peter STANLEY

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
7 Troy CLARKE 1970.10.02 176 80
10 Lloyd KLAMAN 1974 183 83
12 Aaron EDWARDS 1977.03.27 195 94
14 Wayne BIDDLE 1979.12.08 187 92
20 Shaun PHELAN 1991.05.17 197 85
22 Warren ESTCOURT 1968.06.17 191 95
24 Read CLINT 1979.08.01 198 120
32 Greg REGAN 1978.02.12 194 95
33 Lee SMITH 1977.02.13 201 100
34 Ben STANLEY 1984.07.15 206 110
42 James BUCKNER 205 105
44 Damian MATACZ 203 110
Average 194.6 97.4

Philippines SMART Gilas National Men's Basketball Team

Head Coach: Rajko TOROMAN
Assistant Coach: Allan Edward GREGORIO
Assistant Coach: Jude Ericson ROQUE

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 Andy Mark BARROCA 1986.04.25 176 79
6 Joseph Evans CASIO 1986.09.01 176 81
7 Dylan Simon ABABOU 1986.12.07 183 84
8 Japeth Paul AGUILAR 1985.01.25 208 88
9 Gregory SLAUGHTER 1988.05.19 211 100
10 Marnel BARACAEL 1985.04.14 193 85
12 Jason BALLESTEROS 1985.07.10 198 87
14 Rafael Joey JAZUL 1986.04.11 180 81
15 Rey Francis GUEVARRA 1985.11.24 193 85
17 Christopher John TIU 1985.07.15 178 82
18 Marcio LASSITER 1987.05.16 188 84
19 Rabeh Al-HUSSAINI 1988.08.11 210 102
21 Marcus DOUTHIT 1980.04.15 211 106
22 Christopher LUTZ 1985.02.11 193 86
Average 192.7 87.8

Japan National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Thomas WISMAN
Assistant Coach: HIGASHINO Tomoya
Assistant Coach: TODO Shunsuke
Assistant Coach: MIZUNO Kota

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 NAGAYAMA Makoto 1977.12.21 184 85
5 YAMADA Daiji 1981.06.08 200 105
6 SAKURAI Ryota 1983.03.13 194 75
7 ISHIZAKI Takumi 1984.07.06 188 85
8 AONO Fumihiko 1978.10.20 210 120
9 KAWAMURA Takuya 1986.04.24 193 80
10 TAKEUCHI Kosuke 1985.01.29 205 90
11 AMINO Tomoo 1980.09.25 196 87
12 TAKEDA Ken 1978.10.05 188 80
13 TABUSE Yuta 1980.10.05 173 75
14 ITO Shunsuke 1979.06.27 204 110
16 KANAMARU Kosuke 1989.03.08 190 78
17 KINOSHITA Hiroyuki 1980.02.18 178 70
18 HIROSE Kenta 1985.07.11 193 90
19 MITSUHARA Yuki 1989.12.27 198 93
Average 192.8 88.7

Lebanon National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Thomas BALDWIN
Assistant Coach: Nikolaos DIMITIOU

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
Ali FAKHREDDINE 1983.04.03 204 100
Ali MAHMOUD 1983.05.26 185 80
Elie ESTEPHAN 1986.07.20 196 90
Jean Abdel NOUR 1983.11.29 196 95
Ahmad IBRAHIM 1992.02.18 201 96
Rodrigue AKL 1988.09.30 190 88
Rony FAHED 1981.11.06 187 80
Jackson VROMAN 1981.06.06 208 105
Ali KANAAN 1985.12.01 206 102
Elias RUSTOM 1987.05.02 197 90
Matthew FREIJE 1981.10.02 208 110
Roy SAMAHA 1984.09.12 205 110
Ghaleb REDA 1981.07.10 190 90
William PHARIS
Average 197.9 95

I.R. Iran National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Veselin MATIC
Assistant Coach: Safa Ali KAMALIAN
Assistant Coach: Mehran HATAMI

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
Aren DAVOUDI CHEGANI 1986.07.12 176 75
Amir AMINI 1984.06.10 185 85
Javad DAVARI 1983.04.25 180 77
Mahdi KAMRANY 1982.06.01 178 76
Hamed AFAGH ESLAMEH 1983.02.01 188 84
Saeid DAVARPANAH FARD KAREKANI 1987.09.07 180 78
Oshin SAHAKIAN 1986.03.21 192 90
Mohammad Samad NIKKHAH BAHRAMI 1983.05.11 196 92
Asghar KARDOUST POUSTINSARAEI 1986.03.21 210 110
Pooya TADJIK 1980.09.21 205 100
Ali DORAGHI 1984.09.20 208 107
Ali BAHERAN 1986.03.31 180 78
Rouzbeh ARGHAVAN 1988.05.18
Hamed SOHRABNEJAD 1983.05.07
Iman ZANDI MASHHADY 1981.09.19
Mohammad HASANZADEH SABERI AKHLAGHI 1990.10.06
Arsalan KAZEMI Naeini 1990.04.22

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  TANZANIA   


Savio clinch Union Basketball League title - by Eurobasket News
Savio - Oilers 63:44
Savio are now crowned Union Basketball League champions. It is the second straight success for Savio this season. In April they claimed NBL crown.
Savio took on Oilers in the championship game. The NBL champions took the charge right from the start. Savio grabbed a 15:12 lead at the first break. Oilers could not deny the deficit in the second period. Savio rallied to a 30:26 advantage at the interval. Savio deepened the damage in the third quarter. They outgunned their opponents to post a 12-point lead at the final break. Savio stayed in control in the fourth term. They limited Oilers to just 10 points and recorded a confident 63:44 victory at the end. Mohamed Yusuph knocked down 21 points to lead the effort. Paschal Nsana added 15 points for Savio. Dominic Zakaria responded with 19 points for Oilers. Lusajo Samuel (183-F-83) delivered 8 points in the loss.


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  TURKEY   


Bulls officially sign center Omer Asik - by Eurobasket News
It took two years, but the Bulls have finally signed center Omer Asik (211-C-86). The 7-0, 255-pound Turkish center was acquired by the Bulls in 2008 on draft day.

The signing of Asik gives the Bulls eight players under contract.

Asik, 24, is a two-time Turkish League All-Star (2007, 2008), and has spent the last five seasons in the Turkish Basketball League, both with Fenerbahce Ulker (2005-06 & 2007-2010) and Alpella (2006-07).

During the 2009-10 season, Asik appeared in nine Turkish League games and seven Euroleague contests with Fenerbahce Ulker, before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury. In nine Turkish League contests, he averaged 10.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.55 bpg in 20.2 mpg, while shooting .613 from the floor. In Euroleague action, he posted 8.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.43 bpg and shot .658 from the field in seven appearances. He currently holds the Euroleague Top 16 record for most blocked shots in a game with 19 rejections.

Originally drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round (36th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Bulls acquired Asiks draft rights in a draft-night deal. Chicago traded its 39th selection in the Draft, Sonny Weems, to the Denver Nuggets, and also traded to Denver, the New York Knicks 2009 regular second-round pick (acquired from New York in a trade on Oct. 4 2005), and Chicagos 2010 regular second-round pick. Denver, in turn, traded its 2009 regular second round draft choice to Portland, which then traded its 36th pick (Asik) to the Bulls.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Turkey U20 61:70 OT

Turkey U20 needed overtime to beat Czech Republic U20 70:61. With 13-4 they improved to 2-1 record at the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska.
Turkey started the game with 4-0 and grabbed only 13:11 later in the period. Peterka scored two at the end of it for 15:14 advantage after 10 minutes. Kraz made a jump shot for 22:16 and Ondrej Balvin scored for 26:19. Trailing 24:28, Turkey finished the half with 6-0 run to take 32:28 halftime advantage. Turkey again went on a lead and enjoyed 39:33 as Sanli made a jump shot. Karaman posted two as Turkey had 44:37, while Incekara increased the deficit to 51:39 at the end of thirty minutes. When Mutaf made a jump shot for 53:39 it seemed the intrigue was over. Czech Republic U20 however managed to tie the game and Kohout sent the teams to overtime. In extra time Turkey took the lead from the very beginning and held off the opponents for the second win.
Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) collected 16 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Melih Mahmutoglu (187-G-90) notched 15, while Ibrahim Yildirim (188-G-90) added 14. Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) finished the night with 20 points in defeat, while Ondrej Balvin (215-C-92) posted 9.

Czech Republic U20: Tomas Satoransky 20, Ondrej Balvin 9
Turkey U20: Furkan Aldemir 16+15 rebs, Melih Mahmutoglu 15, Ibrahim Yildirim 14


Karsiyaka bringing Eldridge - by Sinan Can
PINAR Karsiyaka finally made a final move in foreign market as Izmir side agreed terms with American guard Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T.) . Due to a radio report and turkish web site salsabasket.net, Coach Hakan Demir announced the agreement with Eldridge. Since there had been no official statements from the club yet, but it's obvious that Karsiyaka showed some intend to Eldridge who is out of Illinois State. Eldridge averaged 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game on his senior season at 'Redbirds' as he'll try to fill Toolson's position who left for Benetton Treviso. Due to some other unofficial sources, Pinar Karsiyaka will pay 150.000 USD total to the player for whole season.

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


Kobe lending hand to land Raja Bell - by David Edole
By Mark J. Miller
Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) have had their disagreements in the past, but the five-time NBA champ Bryant is putting that aside to meet with Bell on Wednesday. He's going to try to convince him to come play for the Lakers for the $1.77 million left in their midlevel exception, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday, the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are the frontrunners to land the 33-year-old Bell, who played only six games last year for the Charlotte Bobcats and Golden State Warriors. The Spurs, who have a little more money to offer Bell, are still regretting cutting him at the end of training camp in 2001, according to Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski reports that the Miami Heat are also interested in Bell, while the Times reports that the Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz also have interest.
Bell won't make a decision till next week.


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


Lithuania destroy Ukraine, not enough for the Quarterfinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20-Lithuania U20 65:100

The game between Ukraine and Lithuania became the last one in Group E of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Makarska. The Baltic state had an easy 100:65 win to improve to 2-3 record but it was not enough for the Quarterfinal birth.
Ukraine had no chance to change the position as Greece beat Serbia that remained Ukraine on the second spot no matter the team won or lost. Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) and Otverchenko exchanged the three-pointers in the opening tip and then the game was tied only at 17:17. Lithuania pushed the tempo creating a 12-0 run and never looked behind after. They increased the advantage to 50:36 at the halftime when Darius Tarvydas (200-F-91) and Natyzhko exchanged the jump shots. After 24-16 in the third frame Lithuania had 74:52 after thirty minutes.
Katzevicius scored two for 92:61, while Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) made 93:62. Although there were only two minutes left Lithuania tried to score three-digit number. Darius Tarvydas made two dunks in a row to bring 97:62 and Katzevicius made two free throws for 99:62. Dzyuba posted three for Ukraine at the end, while Katzevicius brought 100 on the board.
Eimantas Bendzius top-scored for the winners with 23 points as Lithuania finished with 2-3 record. Gediminas Orelikas and Darius Tarvydas followed him with 15 points each. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort and Denis Noskov (200-F-90) notched 14.

Ukraine U20: Kyryl Natyazhko 18+10 rebs, Denis Noskov 14
Lithuania U20: Eimantas Bendzius 23, Gediminas Orelikas 15, Darius Tarvydas 15


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


Great Britain defeat Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Denmark U20 79:65

Great Britain claimed the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Denmark in Group C to improve at 1-0 record. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) led all scorers with 24 points.
Denmark opened the game with five points in a row but Great Britain quickly responded. They denied the deficit to lead 16:15 ten minutes into the encounter. The lead changed hands throughout the tense second frame. William Neighbour (203-F-90) and Mackay gave Great Britain a 39:33 advantage at halftime. The British team opened the third term with four points in a row to open a double-digit lead. Lawrence three-pointer marked a 20-point lead for Great Britain as they suddenly were in full control. Denmark faced a 20-point deficit at the start of the fourth period. The Scandinavians were able to get within 12 in the final term but Great Britain wisely kept at distance and sealed the winning outcome at the end.
William Neighbour notched 21 points for Great Britain. Tony Marcotullio (191-G) added 8 points in the win. Jonas Bergstedt (207-C-91) answered with 16 points for Denmark. Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Great Britain U20: Ovie Soko 24, William Neighbour 21, Tony Marcotullio 8
Denmark U20: Jonas Bergstedt 16, Mathias Seilund 13


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


WBA Enters Final Weekend of 2010 Season - by Joe Myers
The World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) is coming up on the final weekend of its seventh regular season with plenty of playoff seedings still to be determined.

The final weekend of the regular season starts Thursday night at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga., where the Decatur Court Kings host the Marietta Storm. Tipoff for that game is set for 7 p.m. Friday night has a single game as well, with the Florida Flight traveling to Bogan Park in Buford, Ga. to take on the Gwinnett Majic in another 7 p.m. contest.

On Saturday night, the Franklin (Tenn.) Knights hit the road, going to Marietta, Ga. to face the Storm in a 7 p.m. game and there will be a single game Sunday as well when the Decatur Court Kings go to Kissimmee, Fla. to take on the Florida Flight in a 2:30 p.m. matinee contest. The regular season finishes up Monday in Franklin, Tenn., where the Knights face the Marietta Storm at 7 p.m.

The WBA playoffs get under way July 22 with a play-in game where the No. 4 seed hosts the No. 5 seed. The winner of that game will travel to the No. 1 seed in one semifinal, while the No. 2 team hosts the No. 3 seed in the other semifinal. The championship game will be played at the highest remaining seed. The dates and locations of the semifinals and finals will be announced after this weekend's games.

The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!

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  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


2010 Jones Cup Day 1: Lebanon rallies past Japan in final quarter - by Chris Wang
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) scored 11 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter to power Lebanon's 34-18 run in the final period for a 87-82 comeback win over Japan.

Yuta Tabuse, who was Vroman's teammate briefly in 2004 in the Phoenix Suns training camp, had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for Japan, which led by as many as 13 points. This is the first time for Tabuse to represent Japan in senior basketball competition.

Philippines 83-52 Taiwan University All-Stars
Philippines: M. Douthit 15p+14rb, M. Lassiter 11p, J. Aguilar 10p+6rb
Taiwan University: Chou Po-cheng 14p+7rb

Lebanon 87-82 Japan
Lebanon: J. Vroman 14p
Japan: T. Kawamura 31p (7-12 3PT), Y. Tabuse 9p+6rb+4a+4s
Taiwan 103-55 Townsville Crocodiles
Taiwan: Jet Chang 16p
Townsville:


Team roster of 2010 Jones Cup tournament men's competition - by Chris Wang
Taiwan National Men's Basketball Team

Head Coach: Zhang Xuelei
Coach: Chiu Tsung-Chih
Coach: Chiu Chi-Yi
Coach: Wei Yung-Tai

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
2 Wu Feng-Cheng 1986.11.27 195 80
5 Yang Chin-Min 1984.01.22 188 85
6 Lee Hsueh-Lin 1984.01.31 176 75
9 Chen Shih-Nian 1984.04.08 180 76
11 Chen Shun-Hsiang 1985.05.25 190 90
12 Lin Yi-Huei 1986.03.24 191 89
13 Chen Tzu-Wei 1985.01.30 200 95
15 Hung Chih-Shan 1985.07.05 176 75
17 Chien Chia-Hung 1987.03.06 197 108
20 Cheng Jen-Wei 1987.04.06 194 90
22 Lu Cheng-Ju 1986.04.13 194 88
23 Chang Tsung-Hsien 1988.12.27 192 86 (aka Jet Chang)
31 Mao Chia-En 1982.11.16 196 90 (aka James Mao)
33 Wu Chien-Lung 1988.09.05 193 93
95 Chen Ching-Huan 1986.02.03 190 78
Average 190.1 86.5

Taiwan University Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Liu Chun-Yeh
Coach: Shih Ming-Tsung
Coach: Chen Mu-Tsung
Coach: Yang Che-Yi

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
1 Chou Po-Chen 1990.08.08 196 94
3 Lin Wei-Han 1990.07.09 177 70
5 Sung Yu-Hsuan 1989.12.05 183 75
7 Peng Chun-Yen 1989.12.05 183 75
8 Lee Ming-Hui 1990.04.13 180 81
9 Shih Chin-Yao 1990.10.28 185 85
11 Huang Jhen 1990.06.27 190 100
12 Chen Che-Yu 1991.05.12 183 75
14 Wang How-Chi 1989.09.22 195 103
19 Chiang Shih-Feng 1990.12.14 182 80
24 Liu Yuan-Kai 1991.07.09 205 97
31 Liu Cheng 1990.11.24 191 78
33 Cheng Chih-Hao 1987.12.10 208 105
36 Lo Wen-Hao 1987.10.25 192 101
Average 189.2 87

Townsville Crocodiles (NBL, Australia)

Head Coach: Alan ERICKSEN
Assistant Coach: Peter STANLEY

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
7 Troy CLARKE 1970.10.02 176 80
10 Lloyd KLAMAN 1974 183 83
12 Aaron EDWARDS 1977.03.27 195 94
14 Wayne BIDDLE 1979.12.08 187 92
20 Shaun PHELAN 1991.05.17 197 85
22 Warren ESTCOURT 1968.06.17 191 95
24 Read CLINT 1979.08.01 198 120
32 Greg REGAN 1978.02.12 194 95
33 Lee SMITH 1977.02.13 201 100
34 Ben STANLEY 1984.07.15 206 110
42 James BUCKNER 205 105
44 Damian MATACZ 203 110
Average 194.6 97.4

Philippines SMART Gilas National Men's Basketball Team

Head Coach: Rajko TOROMAN
Assistant Coach: Allan Edward GREGORIO
Assistant Coach: Jude Ericson ROQUE

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 Andy Mark BARROCA 1986.04.25 176 79
6 Joseph Evans CASIO 1986.09.01 176 81
7 Dylan Simon ABABOU 1986.12.07 183 84
8 Japeth Paul AGUILAR 1985.01.25 208 88
9 Gregory SLAUGHTER 1988.05.19 211 100
10 Marnel BARACAEL 1985.04.14 193 85
12 Jason BALLESTEROS 1985.07.10 198 87
14 Rafael Joey JAZUL 1986.04.11 180 81
15 Rey Francis GUEVARRA 1985.11.24 193 85
17 Christopher John TIU 1985.07.15 178 82
18 Marcio LASSITER 1987.05.16 188 84
19 Rabeh Al-HUSSAINI 1988.08.11 210 102
21 Marcus DOUTHIT 1980.04.15 211 106
22 Christopher LUTZ 1985.02.11 193 86
Average 192.7 87.8

Japan National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Thomas WISMAN
Assistant Coach: HIGASHINO Tomoya
Assistant Coach: TODO Shunsuke
Assistant Coach: MIZUNO Kota

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 NAGAYAMA Makoto 1977.12.21 184 85
5 YAMADA Daiji 1981.06.08 200 105
6 SAKURAI Ryota 1983.03.13 194 75
7 ISHIZAKI Takumi 1984.07.06 188 85
8 AONO Fumihiko 1978.10.20 210 120
9 KAWAMURA Takuya 1986.04.24 193 80
10 TAKEUCHI Kosuke 1985.01.29 205 90
11 AMINO Tomoo 1980.09.25 196 87
12 TAKEDA Ken 1978.10.05 188 80
13 TABUSE Yuta 1980.10.05 173 75
14 ITO Shunsuke 1979.06.27 204 110
16 KANAMARU Kosuke 1989.03.08 190 78
17 KINOSHITA Hiroyuki 1980.02.18 178 70
18 HIROSE Kenta 1985.07.11 193 90
19 MITSUHARA Yuki 1989.12.27 198 93
Average 192.8 88.7

Lebanon National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Thomas BALDWIN
Assistant Coach: Nikolaos DIMITIOU

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
Ali FAKHREDDINE 1983.04.03 204 100
Ali MAHMOUD 1983.05.26 185 80
Elie ESTEPHAN 1986.07.20 196 90
Jean Abdel NOUR 1983.11.29 196 95
Ahmad IBRAHIM 1992.02.18 201 96
Rodrigue AKL 1988.09.30 190 88
Rony FAHED 1981.11.06 187 80
Jackson VROMAN 1981.06.06 208 105
Ali KANAAN 1985.12.01 206 102
Elias RUSTOM 1987.05.02 197 90
Matthew FREIJE 1981.10.02 208 110
Roy SAMAHA 1984.09.12 205 110
Ghaleb REDA 1981.07.10 190 90
William PHARIS
Average 197.9 95

I.R. Iran National Mens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Veselin MATIC
Assistant Coach: Safa Ali KAMALIAN
Assistant Coach: Mehran HATAMI

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
Aren DAVOUDI CHEGANI 1986.07.12 176 75
Amir AMINI 1984.06.10 185 85
Javad DAVARI 1983.04.25 180 77
Mahdi KAMRANY 1982.06.01 178 76
Hamed AFAGH ESLAMEH 1983.02.01 188 84
Saeid DAVARPANAH FARD KAREKANI 1987.09.07 180 78
Oshin SAHAKIAN 1986.03.21 192 90
Mohammad Samad NIKKHAH BAHRAMI 1983.05.11 196 92
Asghar KARDOUST POUSTINSARAEI 1986.03.21 210 110
Pooya TADJIK 1980.09.21 205 100
Ali DORAGHI 1984.09.20 208 107
Ali BAHERAN 1986.03.31 180 78
Rouzbeh ARGHAVAN 1988.05.18
Hamed SOHRABNEJAD 1983.05.07
Iman ZANDI MASHHADY 1981.09.19
Mohammad HASANZADEH SABERI AKHLAGHI 1990.10.06
Arsalan KAZEMI Naeini 1990.04.22

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  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Here We go...serious preparation just started... - by Maarouf Mawloud
The preparation of the Cedar Trees has hardly been ideal for one reason or another but suffice to say that with head coach Tab Baldwin at the helm, anything is possible. Just dont go writing off Lebanon since Baldwin has a good track record in this competition from his time with New Zealand when he moulded the un-fancied Tall Black team into a competitive unit who did their country proud by reaching the semi-finals in 2002.

This time, it could be even tougher for the play-caller. If nothing else because he has a lot to live up to after the terrific performances of Lebanon in 2006 when they notably beat Venezuela and claimed something of a legendary win against France.

To make it out of the first round will take a big effort and that means unity from everyone involved both on and off the court. For any underdog that seems to be the only way of achieving any form of success. Lebanon do have a shot at making some waves and at least Coach Baldwin will have an inside track for their clash with New Zealand.

With team leader Fadi El Khatib struggling to shrug off his injury problems, it might mean that the team will have to look to the likes of Rony Fahed, Matt Freije and Jackson Vroman to lead their challenge although fans will be praying The Tiger El Khatib is suited up and ready to play.

Lebanon have a lot of passion and particularly in terms of their fans who will be hoping their team competes to the kind of level they should. Expectations are generally under control amongst the most knowledgeable and proud supporters in world basketball for they are also aware that there are some new exciting players coming through to look forward to in the next few years.

Ahmad Ibrahim, for one, has excelled at youth level and he could be thrown into the mix. For now he is just one symbol of why the future of Lebanese basketball should be bright. However you sense that it isnt the raw, fresh-faced players who need to get the job done in Turkey.

Baldwin is relying on the experienced players to really come up with the goods if they are to repeat their relative success in the last FIBA World Championship. Certainly they need to make sure they avoid the kind of performances that marred their appearance in 2002 when they failed to win a game.

Maybe this time, it is most likely the team will fall somewhere between their respective overall performances at the last two World Championships but as with both of those appearances it will be tough that much is an absolute certainty. They know they are playing against the best and every player needs to find top gear if they want to get some wins.

They are definitely capable of a big surprise and consequently you feel nobody will be taking them for granted especially New Zealand with their knowledge of Baldwin and his capabilities as a coach.

Ivory Coast names its pre-selection for Turkey - by Kristian Santiago
The 24 players fighting for a spot in the roster are:
Charles Abouo (196-G/F-89), Wilfrid Aka (192-G/F-79), Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85) Brice Assie (201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut), Ibrahim Cisse (188-G/F-84), Mouloukou Diabate (180-G-87) Remi Dibo (201-F-91), Patrick Konan (196-F-90), Landry Guy (196-G), Desire Gabou (188-G), Jonathan Kale (203-F-85, college: Providence), Philippe Koffi (190-G-85), Kouassi Konan (204-F-91),. Stephane Konate (187-G-81), Mohamed Kone (211-C-81, college: Valparaiso), Fred Kounkorgo (198-F-85), Herve Lamizana (207-F/C-81, college: Rutgers), Namori Meite (196-C/F-88), Ismael N'Diaye (198-F-82, college: Florida Intern.) Jonathan Ouegnin (185-G-91), Issife Soumahoro (196-G-88), Didier Tape (197-F-81), Mickael Toti (181-G-87) and Guy Serge Touali.

Not considered vor various reasons were: Ousmane Cisse (203-C-86) (Eastern Illinois), Patrick Gnagbo (205-C-90) (CB L'Alfas del Pi, Spain), Sanko Abdramane Camara (198-C-78) (CO Souffel, France NM2), Jourdain Allou (198-F) (Navarro College, USA), Vassy Banny (191-F-85) (Montana University, USA), Jean Amenou Baptiste (SUNY Orange, USA), Arnaud Dahi (202-F-83, college: ODU) (WAC, Morocco), Serge Afeli (206-F-85), Frejus Zerbo (206-C-89) (Pro A Gravelines, France), Abdulai Jalloh (188-G-86, college: JMU) (Springfield Armor, NDBL USA), Guy-Joel Moulare (St.Helena, Sweden), Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia) (CB Penas Huesca), Spain)




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Women News

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Bulgaria U16 reached the second victory in two games - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U16 reached the second victory in two games as they won over Slovenia U16 61:47 in the last game of Day 2. Both teams were tied at 19-19, while the hosts took 12-10 in the second period for 31:29 halftime advantage. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Bulgaria produced 14-4 and later won the fourth quarter 16-14. Veronika Petkova top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Gabriela Kostova (190-C-94) nailed 13. Iva Kostova (178-F-94) notched 6, while Dayana Tsekova posted 5. Anja Rozman replied with 11 points in the losing effort.

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  CENTROBASKET - Women  


Puerto Rico and Jamaica to meet in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals

Jamaica - Trinidad and Tobago 62-59
Jamaica outsmarted Trinidad and Tobago in very exciting game and advanced to the Big Final in Mayaguez. Jamaica celebrated 62-59 in the Semis and will fight for the Gold against Puerto Rico. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago will play against Mexico for third place. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 24. Tajay Ashmeade (191-C/F-89) was the second scorer in Jamaica with 12 pts (6 rebs). Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) (10 rebs, 6 as) and Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) (5 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) was good with 16 points and 8 assists. Sharmion Selman (183-F-83) scored 12 points. Jamaica was better team in the first, while Trinidad and Tobago shined in the second half. Jamaica made 15-11 lead in the first ten minutes and looked good. The same score was registered in the second period as well, thus Jamaica was 30-22 up at the half time. Trinidad and Tobago entered to the second half with totally different attitude. They managed to close the gap to 5 points before the last ten minutes. Trinidad and Tobago seriously threatened in the finish, but Jamaica players were focused and managed to keep their lead. The Big Final, as well as the game for third place, are scheduled for Wednesday.

Puerto Rico - Mexico 78-63
Puerto Rico continued its winning streak in Santo Domingo. It was their fourth straight win, but this one came in Semifinals so Puerto Rico will fight for the Gold against Jamaica. On the other side, Mexico will meet Trinidad and Tobago in the battle for third place. Carla Escalera (175-F-84) shined for the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Jazmine Sepulveda (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) had double-double of 11 points and 12 boards, while Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) also scored 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) replied with 19 points and 12 boards. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) had 16 pts in this defeat. Mexico had a better start. Alexis Castro and her teammates opened the game with nice 17-23 in the first ten minutes. However, Puerto Rico players woke up after that and drastically improved their game. They finished the second period with 25-12 for 42-35 turn at the half time. Puerto Rico smashed Mexico in Q3 as well (20-9) and the game winner was already decided. Last quarter belonged to Mexico (16-19), but that did not change anything. The Big Final, as well as the game for third place, is scheduled for Wednesday. Both teams already qualified for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship for Women (Pre-Olympic). Puerto Rico also booked a spot for the 2011 Pan-American Games in Guadalajara.

Places 5-8
Dominican Republic - Saint Vincent 138-31
Expected win for Dominican Republic, who made the first step forward to fifth place in Mayaguez. They had an easy job against Saint Vincent, who stays winless at this event. Saint Vincent will meet Guatemala in the game for seventh place. Charlenny Frias (84) top-scored for Dominican Republic with 25 points. Marbely Montas (173-G-87, college: Monmouth) also was great as she added 22 points and 10 boards. Still, the MVP of this game was Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) with valuation 36. She spent 18 minutes on the court collecting 18 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Saint Vincent did not have any player with double-digits in scoring. Sheldeen Joseph (92) had 9 pts in this loss. There is no too much to be said for this game. Dominican Republic simply was a way better team. They finished Q1 with huge 36-12 and continued in the same rhythm. Dominican Republic stopped their rivals to just 2 points for the entire Q2. On the other side, they drained 35 for 71-14 lead. Second half was just the formality. Dominican Republic ended Q3 with 34-12 and the last one with 33-5 for the final 138-31 blowout. In the battle for fifth place Dominican Republic will meet the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Guatemala - U.S. Virgin Islands 63-79
The U.S. Virgin Islands cruised past Guatemala 63-79 in the first game of the Classification Round for 5th to 8th place in Mayaguez. It means that the ISV will meet Dominican Republic for position No.5. Guatemala will play against Saint Vincent to avoid the last place at Centrobasket. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) exploded in victory with 28 points. She made 9 of 14 attempts for FG2. Natalie Day (183-G/F-90) also was great in this game adding 21 points and 8 rebounds. The ISV did not have any other player with double-digits in scoring. In Guatemala, Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) replied with 26 points and 5 boards. Maria Fleischmann (181-F/C-79) added 20 points and 8 rebs. The ISV did a great job in the first half. Yanique Javois and her teammates entered to this game strongly making 10-21 lead in the first ten minutes. Second period ended 11-13 meaning that the ISV was 13 points up at the half time. Guatemala slightly improved after the breather, but they needed a way more. The ISV won Q3 with 18-21 and last one was totally leveled 24-24 for the final score of 63-79.

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  CROATIA - Women  


Croatian National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Sandra Mandir
Mandir
Marta Cakic
Cakic
Neda Lokas
Lokas
Iva Ciglar
Ciglar
Jelena Ivezic
Ivezic
#e#5
Sandra Mandir 177-G-77 Besiktas Turkey
Anda Jelavic 175-G-80 Wisla Can-Pak Poland
Antonija Misura 177-F-88 Sibenik Croatia
Marta Cakic 175-G-82 Sibenik Croatia
Neda Lokas 182-F-85 Sibenik Croatia
Petra Stampalija 190-C-80 Girona Spain
Iva Ciglar 170-G-85 Szeged Hungary
Iva Sliskovic 196-F-84 Real C.Vigo Spain
Marija Vrsaljko 195-C-89 Gospic Croatia
Iva Badanjak 191-C-85 Gospic Croatia
Ana Cacic 175-G-86 Lupa Promot. Croatia
Jelena Ivezic 184-G-84 Gospic Croatia



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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women  


Dominican Republic smashes Saint Vincent 138-31 - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Classification Round: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - SAINT VINCENT 138-31

Expected win for Dominican Republic, who made the first step forward to fifth place in Mayaguez. They had an easy job against Saint Vincent, who stays winless at this event. Saint Vincent will meet Guatemala in the game for seventh place. Charlenny Frias (84) top-scored for Dominican Republic with 25 points. Marbely Montas (173-G-87, college: Monmouth) also was great as she added 22 points and 10 boards. Still, the MVP of this game was Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) with valuation 36. She spent 18 minutes on the court collecting 18 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Saint Vincent did not have any player with double-digits in scoring. Sheldeen Joseph (92) had 9 pts in this loss.
There is no too much to be said for this game. Dominican Republic simply was a way better team. They finished Q1 with huge 36-12 and continued in the same rhythm. Dominican Republic stopped their rivals to just 2 points for the entire Q2. On the other side, they drained 35 for 71-14 lead. Second half was just the formality. Dominican Republic ended Q3 with 34-12 and the last one with 33-5 for the final 138-31 blowout.
In the battle for fifth place Dominican Republic will meet the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Dominican Republic: Charlenny Frias 25, Marbely Montas 22+10 boards, Carmen Guzman 18+8 boards+11 as
Saint Vincent: Sheldeen Joseph 9

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women  


U20 European Championship 2010 starts tomorrow in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
Everything is ready for the start of U20 European Championship 2010 in Liepaja, Latvia. Sixteen participants are divided to four groups in Preliminary Round.

Participants of Group A: Bulgaria, Holland, Poland and France.
Participants of Group B: Ukraine, Latvia, Sweden and Russia.
Participants of Group C: Italy, Germany, Serbia and Spain.
Participants of Group D: Belarus, Romania, Turkey and Lithuania.

Three best teams from each group will advance to Qualifying Round. The fourth ranked teams from the Preliminary Round will be transferred to Classification Games for 13th to 16th place. Last two teams will be relegated to Division B for the next season.
In Qualifying Round twelve teams will be divided in two pools (E and F). Best four teams from each group will go to the Quarterfinals. Fifth and sixth ranked teams will continue in Classification Games for 9th to 12th place.
The defending champion from 2009 is France. They managed to beat Spain in the Finals 74-52.

2009 EuroBasket U20 Finals: Spain - France 52-74
France U20 hold off Spanish team 74:52 in the Final game of the U20 European Championship Women to became the best team in the continent. The massive 26-7 in the last period as well as great game by Marielle Amant (191-F/C-89) led French side to triumph in the tournament. On July 12th Spain U18 triumphed in Division A of the U18 European Championship Women. The Spanish outfit overcame France U18 in the Final game of the undefeated teams. It was the same scenario as both U20 teams advanced to the Final undefeated. France and Spain looked much better than their opponents in Poland and rightfully met each other in the Final Game. Tahane scored first four points for France in the opening tip and Plust gave her team 6:4. Spain woke up immediately in the period and replied with some shots to take the lead. Spain produced a 13-0 run for 23:8 and then closed the period at 23:10. The winner of Group E stayed in front until the last two minutes at the half having 28:24. French side meanwhile closed the frame with 8-0 run for 32:28 halftime advantage. Moreover they added another 4 points in the beginning of the third for 36:28. Bremont with a jump shot gave them 48:45 before the last stanza. Spain did not see the lead until the rest of the game. France was too good in the last 10 minutes and produced 26-7 in the end. Tahane made a lay-up at the end of the game to celebrate the victory with her squad. Marielle Amant was unstoppable with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Tahane added 18, while Plust posted 15. Ouvina finished the game with 17 points and Torrens scored 13.

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  GUATEMALA - Women  


U.S. Virgin Islands cruise past Guatemala - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Classification Round: GUATEMALA - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 63-79

The U.S. Virgin Islands cruised past Guatemala 63-79 in the first game of the Classification Round for 5th to 8th place in Mayaguez. It means that the ISV will meet Dominican Republic for position No.5. Guatemala will play against Saint Vincent to avoid the last place at Centrobasket. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) exploded in victory with 28 points. She made 9 of 14 attempts for FG2. Natalie Day (183-G/F-90) also was great in this game adding 21 points and 8 rebounds. The ISV did not have any other player with double-digits in scoring. In Guatemala, Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) replied with 26 points and 5 boards. Maria Fleischmann (181-F/C-79) added 20 points and 8 rebs.
The ISV did a great job in the first half. Yanique Javois and her teammates entered to this game strongly making 10-21 lead in the first ten minutes. Second period ended 11-13 meaning that the ISV was 13 points up at the half time. Guatemala slightly improved after the breather, but they needed a way more. The ISV won Q3 with 18-21 and last one was totally leveled 24-24 for the final score of 63-79.

Guatemala: Blanca Amado 26+5 boards, Maria Fleischmann 20+8 boards
U.S. Virgin Islands: Yanique Javois 28, Natalie Day 21+8 boards

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  HUNGARY - Women  


Hungarian National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Zsofia Fegyverneky
Fegyverneky
Zsofia Varga
Varga
Hajnalka Szlimak
Szlimak
Timea Czank
Czank
Anna Vida
Vida
#e#5
Zsofia Fegyverneky 178-G-84 MiZo Pecs Hungary
Zsofia Varga 182-F-89 MKB Eurol. Hungary
Hajnalka Szlimak 182-F-82 Nanette FTC Hungary
Szilvia Torok 176-G/F-81 Priolo Italy
Rita Rasheed 180-F-89 Szeged Hungary
Dora Horti 195-C-87 Lotos Gdynia Poland
Timea Czank 176-G-86 MKB Eurol. Hungary
Anna Vida 184-F-85 SEAT Lami Hungary
Zsofia Horvath 191-C-82 SEAT Lami Hungary
Tijana Krivacevic 194-F-90 MKB Eurol. Hungary
Nora Bujdoso 185-F-85 MiZo Pecs Hungary
Anna Lakloth 182-G-88 Szeged Hungary

Emoke Furesz Head Coach


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  JAMAICA - Women  


Jamaica advances to Centrobasket Finals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: JAMAICA - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 62-59

Jamaica outsmarted Trinidad and Tobago in very exciting game and advanced to the Big Final in Mayaguez. Jamaica celebrated 62-59 in the Semis and will fight for the Gold against Puerto Rico. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago will play against Mexico for third place. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 24. Tajay Ashmeade (191-C/F-89) was the second scorer in Jamaica with 12 pts (6 rebs). Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) (10 rebs, 6 as) and Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) (5 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) was good with 16 points and 8 assists. Sharmion Selman (183-F-83) scored 12 points.
Jamaica was better team in the first, while Trinidad and Tobago shined in the second half. Jamaica made 15-11 lead in the first ten minutes and looked good. The same score was registered in the second period as well, thus Jamaica was 30-22 up at the half time. Trinidad and Tobago entered to the second half with totally different attitude. They managed to close the gap to 5 points before the last ten minutes. Trinidad and Tobago seriously threatened in the finish, but Jamaica players were focused and managed to keep their lead.
The Big Final, as well as the game for third place, is scheduled for Wednesday.

Jamaica: Simone Edwards 17+13 boards, Tajay Ashmeade 12+6 boards, Nicole Louden 11+10 biards+6 as, Vanessa Gidden 11+5 boards
Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 16+8 as, Sharmion Selman 12

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  MEXICO - Women  


Puerto Rico too strong for Mexico in Centrobasket Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: PUERTO RICO - MEXICO 78-63

Puerto Rico continued its winning streak in Santo Domingo. It was their fourth straight win, but this one came in Semifinals so Puerto Rico will fight for the Gold against Jamaica. On the other side, Mexico will meet Trinidad and Tobago in the battle for third place. Carla Escalera (175-F-84) shined for the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Jazmine Sepulveda (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) had double-double of 11 points and 12 boards, while Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) also scored 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) replied with 19 points and 12 boards. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) had 16 pts in this defeat.
Mexico had a better start. Alexis Castro and her teammates opened the game with nice 17-23 in the first ten minutes. However, Puerto Rico players woke up after that and drastically improved their game. They finished the second period with 25-12 for 42-35 turn at the half time. Puerto Rico smashed Mexico in Q3 as well (20-9) and the game winner was already decided. Last quarter belonged to Mexico (16-19), but that did not change anything.
The Big Final, as well as the game for third place, is scheduled for Wednesday. Both teams already qualified for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship for Women (Pre-Olympic). Puerto Rico also booked a spot for the 2011 Pan-American Games in Guadalajara.

Puerto Rico: Carla Escalera 13+5 boards, Jazmine Sepulveda 11+12 boards, Michelle Pacheco 11
Mexico: Alexis Castro 19+12 boards, Erika Gomez 16

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Puerto Rico takes gold in 2010 Centrobasket - by Raul Colon
Puerto Rico took home the gold medal in the 2010 FIBA Women Centrobasketball Champions with a convincing 72-48 win over Jamaica. This is the first time the boricuas have finished undefeated (4-0) in a FIBA-sanctioned regional tournament.

The boricuas opened up what was a close game with a 20-5 third quarter run that ended the Jamaicans hopes for victory.

Jazmine Sepulveda once again carried the load offensively for Puerto Rico netting 20 points, including 4-9 from three point range. Star point guard Pamela Rosado served 5 assists to go along with her 11 points. Stephanie Rosado added 10. Vanessa Gidden led Jamaica with 20. Nicole Louden chipped in 11.

Contrary to last night game in which they started out cold from the field, the Puertorrican came out hitting all cylinders as they connected on 8 of their first 13 shoots. They took the first quarter 24-12.

Jamaica made a surge in the second period on the strength of Giddens seven points. But although they were able to outscore Puerto Rico by 5 (18-13), they still entered halftime down by 7 (37-30).

Puerto Rico shoot 47% (27-57) from the field, including 7 out of 20 (35%) from beyond the arc. Jamaica managed to shot only 37% (20-54), including an anemic 11% (1-9) from three point line. Jamaica committed 22 turnovers; Puerto Rico had only 12 TOs.


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Romanian U16 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Alexandra Dumitrache
Dumitrache
Liliana Usurelu
Usurelu
Iulia Raileanu
Raileanu
Denisa Milchis
Milchis
Dora Ardelean
Ardelean
#e#5
Gabriela Iubasiu Cluj Napoca Romania
Denisa Milchis 162-G-94 Cluj Napoca Romania
Ana Grigore Olimpia Romania
Vanesa Lache 174-F-94 Olimpia Romania
Alexandra Gherle 178-F-94 Oradea Romania
Iulia Pasca Cluj Napoca Romania
Alexandra Dumitrache 172-G-94 Olimpia Romania
Liliana Usurelu 176-F-94 Sp.Studentesc Romania
Ioana Toparceanu Olimpia Romania
Reka Domokos Secuiesc Romania
Dora Ardelean 183-F-94 Timisoara Romania
Iulia Raileanu 187-C-95 Galati Romania
Hanna Demeter 184-C-94 Brasov Romania

Ciubancan Mandica Head Coach
Lepadatu Mugurel Assistant


Romanian U20 National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Luminita Manta
Manta
Raluca Alecu
Alecu
Elisabeth Pavel
Pavel
Kata Meszaros
Meszaros
Andreea Pop
Pop
#e#5
Luminita Manta 192-C-90 Targoviste Romania
Raluca Alecu 170-G-90 Targoviste Romania
Elisabeth Pavel 192-C-90 Napoli GCC Italy
Kata Meszaros 190-C-90 Cluj Napoca Romania
Andreea Pop 180-C-90 Cluj Napoca Romania
Flavia Ferenczi 175-F-91 Cluj Napoca Romania
Ozana Marginean 176-G-90 Brasov Romania
Gabriela Munteanu 177-F-88 Olimpia Romania
Doinita Panait 182-C-90 Iasi Romania
Alina Chivu 177-F-90 Alexandria Romania
Crenguta Teodorescu 174-F-90 Alexandria Romania
Mihaela Mihai 170-G-90 Alexandria Romania
Adina Stoiedin 187-C-91 Timisoara Romania
Corina Stanga 180-G Sp.Studentesc Romania
Marta Fodor 183-F-91 Cluj Napoca Romania
Alexandra Ionescu 175-G-92 Sp.Studentesc Romania

Madalin Piperea Head Coach Alexandria Romania
Cristea Romela Assistant Olimpia Romania


Romania U16 is upset again in Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U16 open Day 2 of the Montana Tournament with the win over Romania U16. Slovenia produced 60:47 in the morning game and got ready for the second with the hosts in the evening. Romania opened the game with Slovenia with 16-13 in the opening quarter and had 1-point advantage at the halftime. Slovenia needed 19-10 in the third period and celebrated the victory due to 15-10 in the last quarter. Ziva Macura (185-F-95) stepped up with 15 points for the winners, while Alina Gjerkes added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anja Rozman collected 11 points and 10 boards, whilst Anita Kastelic (170-G-94) poured in 10 points. Iulia Raileanu (187-C-95) responded with 14 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort. Alexandra Dumitrache ended up with 10 points and Vanesa Lache netted 9.

*****************************************************
  RWANDA - Women  


The latest results - by Eurobasket News
APR smashed KIE 63:20 controlling the whole game in the court. APR took control from the very beginning and never looked behind. They enjoyed the lead after the half of the game and reached the victory. NUR overcame St. Joseph 79:58 in a tough game between two teams. G.S Karubanda landed default points against ISAE.

*****************************************************
  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


Dominican Republic smashes Saint Vincent 138-31 - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Classification Round: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - SAINT VINCENT 138-31

Expected win for Dominican Republic, who made the first step forward to fifth place in Mayaguez. They had an easy job against Saint Vincent, who stays winless at this event. Saint Vincent will meet Guatemala in the game for seventh place. Charlenny Frias (84) top-scored for Dominican Republic with 25 points. Marbely Montas (173-G-87, college: Monmouth) also was great as she added 22 points and 10 boards. Still, the MVP of this game was Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) with valuation 36. She spent 18 minutes on the court collecting 18 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Saint Vincent did not have any player with double-digits in scoring. Sheldeen Joseph (92) had 9 pts in this loss.
There is no too much to be said for this game. Dominican Republic simply was a way better team. They finished Q1 with huge 36-12 and continued in the same rhythm. Dominican Republic stopped their rivals to just 2 points for the entire Q2. On the other side, they drained 35 for 71-14 lead. Second half was just the formality. Dominican Republic ended Q3 with 34-12 and the last one with 33-5 for the final 138-31 blowout.
In the battle for fifth place Dominican Republic will meet the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Dominican Republic: Charlenny Frias 25, Marbely Montas 22+10 boards, Carmen Guzman 18+8 boards+11 as
Saint Vincent: Sheldeen Joseph 9

*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA - Women  


Slovenia U16 win and lose in Montana Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U16 open Day 2 of the Montana Tournament with the win over Romania U16. Slovenia produced 60:47 in the morning game and got ready for the second with the hosts in the evening. Romania opened the game with Slovenia with 16-13 in the opening quarter and had 1-point advantage at the halftime. Slovenia needed 19-10 in the third period and celebrated the victory due to 15-10 in the last quarter. Ziva Macura (185-F-95) stepped up with 15 points for the winners, while Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anja Rozman collected 11 points and 10 boards, whilst Anita Kastelic poured in 10 points. Iulia Raileanu (187-C-95) responded with 14 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort. Alexandra Dumitrache (172-G-94) ended up with 10 points and Vanesa Lache netted 9.
Bulgaria U16 reached the second victory in two games as they won over Slovenia U16 61:47 in the last game of Day 2. Both teams were tied at 19-19, while the hosts took 12-10 in the second period for 31:29 halftime advantage. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Bulgaria produced 14-4 and later won the fourth quarter 16-14. Veronika Petkova top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Gabriela Kostova (190-C-94) nailed 13. Iva Kostova notched 6, while Dayana Tsekova posted 5. Anja Rozman replied with 11 points in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


Mann Filter gets Queralt Casas - by Eurobasket News
Mann Filter gets Queralt Casas (180-G-92) as she will play for the team in 2010/2011 season. Born in 1992 she appeared in 2008-2009 for Segle XXI (LF2, starting five) and in 27 games averaged 10.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 2.9spg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 23.0%, FT: 53.0%.
2009-2010: Segle XXI Bercelona (LF2, starting five). In European Championships U16 Division A in Katowice (Poland) in 2008 after 6 games she had 9.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.6%. In European Championships U18 in Sodertalje (Sweden) in 2009 she became a Champion with Spain. In 9 games she had 8.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 38.9%.


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Good catch for Riva Basket - by Melanie Nussbaumer
Canti Riva Basket Ceresio has announced the arrival of a new import player for next season. Heather Bowman (188-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Gonzaga) who played her 4 years of college for Gonzaga (NCAA I). Her stats as a senior were: 15.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.7%, FT: 80.5%. And averaged in her college career 16.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2spg. She broke the school's all-time scoring mark. She also played in the pre-season for the WNBA team Seattle Storm in May 2010. She will be a great asset for Canti Riva Basket Ceresio Team.

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN - Women  


Team roster of 2010 Jones Cup tournament women's competition - by Chris Wang
Taiwan National Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Lin Chien-Ping
Coach: Chou Hung-Yu

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
1 Ma Yi-Hung 1980.11.27 176 65
2 Wen Chi 1984.10.15 170 62
5 Chang Shih-Chieh 1986.03.16 171 56
6 Chiang Feng-Chun 1981.10.25 184 80
7 Mai Ya-Hui 1977.04.14 165 57
8 Lin Chi-Wen 1983.08.19 186 72
9 Hsu Chien-Hui 1989.09.10 171 60
10 Tsai Pei-Chen 1984.05.27 186 80
11 Chang Hsiao-Yu 1984.03.01 183 72
12 Yen Chia-Hsuan 1988.03.30 185 75
13 Liu Yi-Chun 1986.03.12 183 80
15 Liu Chun-Yi 1981.01.23 180 81
21 Wu Shin-Ying 1987.02.06 176 76
23 Huang Ping-Jen 1989.11.06 177 71
24 Peng Szu-Chin 1991.11.09 163 55
Average 177 69.4

Taiwan University Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Liang Chia-Yin
Coach: Teng Pi-Yun

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 Huang Hung-Ying 1989.09.01 163 58
5 Yang Shu-Ching 1988.01.14 170 62
6 Shin Yi-Chih 1991.06.05 179 74
7 Lai Shin-Yu 1988.05.31 175 63
8 Lin Hsien-Fang 1991.08.16 168 65
9 Yang Shih-Hui 1989.02.28 175 72
10 Liu Jia-Wei 1988.10.21 175 74
11 Yao Chung-Ting 1991.05.29 175 70
12 Su Shih-Ting 1991.03.04 176 62
13 Lin Pei-Han 1987.04.09 183 77
14 Lee Pei-Chi 1990.11.01 180 68
15 Hsieh Pei-Chun 1991.07.26 182 80
16 Hsu Yi-Rou 1991.07.04 179 68
17 Chang Chia-Ling 1988.09.26 168 60
18 Kuo Yu-Feng 1991.03.20 185 75
Average 175.5 68.5

Korea Shinsegae Coolcat Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: CHUNG, In-Kyo
Assistant Coach: CHO, Dong-Kee

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
0 KIM, Ji-Su 1990.07.03 173 65
1 YOUM, Yun-Ah 1987.09.13 177 74
3 PARK, Ha-Na 1990.09.14 175 65
4 KIM, Ji-Hyun 1985.02.02 177 76
5 KIM, Ji-Youn 1976.02.07 170 63
6 SHIN, Eun-Kyeong 1990.04.15 172 73
7 KIM, Na-Youn 1979.07.10 175 68
9 YANG, Jung-Ok 1974.08.24 175 62
14 JIN, Sin-Hea 1980.03.25 180 70
15 HUR, Youn-Ja 1979.04.19 184 73
Average 175.8 68.9

Kazakhstan National Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: MIEKHOVYKH, Andrii
Coach: SHAKHAYEVA, Elvira

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
ABILDAYEVA, Indira
AMANZHOLOVA, Almira
KORNILOVA, Darya
POPOVA, Natalya
SHMAKOVA, Mariya
TULEUBAYEVA, Kamila
LI, Darya
FRANGYAN, Rima

*****************************************************
  TANZANIA - Women  


Jeshi Stars clinch third straight title - by Eurobasket News
Jeshi Stars - DB Lioness 50:44

Jeshi Stars proved their dominance at the Tanzania basketball scene. The team clinched their third straight title this season. Jeshi Stars outscored DB Lioness to earn the Union Basketball League title. Previously they claimed the Regional Basketball League and the Union Basketball League crowns.
The Stars got to the better start. They posted a 26:22 lead at halftime. The margin grew wider in the third term. Jeshi Stars rallied to a 45:33 buffer at final break. DB Lioness worked hard to deny the deficit. They got within striking distance in the fourth term but the Stars kept it cool and iced the win at the end.
Jabu Shabani came up with 15 points to lead Jeshi Stars. Fraja Malaki added 12 points in the winning case. Zakia Kondo answered with 11 points for the Lioness. Jasmine Bablia produced 9 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Jamaica advances to Centrobasket Finals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: JAMAICA - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 62-59

Jamaica outsmarted Trinidad and Tobago in very exciting game and advanced to the Big Final in Mayaguez. Jamaica celebrated 62-59 in the Semis and will fight for the Gold against Puerto Rico. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago will play against Mexico for third place. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 24. Tajay Ashmeade (191-C/F-89) was the second scorer in Jamaica with 12 pts (6 rebs). Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) (10 rebs, 6 as) and Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) (5 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) was good with 16 points and 8 assists. Sharmion Selman (183-F-83) scored 12 points.
Jamaica was better team in the first, while Trinidad and Tobago shined in the second half. Jamaica made 15-11 lead in the first ten minutes and looked good. The same score was registered in the second period as well, thus Jamaica was 30-22 up at the half time. Trinidad and Tobago entered to the second half with totally different attitude. They managed to close the gap to 5 points before the last ten minutes. Trinidad and Tobago seriously threatened in the finish, but Jamaica players were focused and managed to keep their lead.
The Big Final, as well as the game for third place, is scheduled for Wednesday.

Jamaica: Simone Edwards 17+13 boards, Tajay Ashmeade 12+6 boards, Nicole Louden 11+10 biards+6 as, Vanessa Gidden 11+5 boards
Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 16+8 as, Sharmion Selman 12

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


U.S. Virgin Islands cruise past Guatemala - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Classification Round: GUATEMALA - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 63-79

The U.S. Virgin Islands cruised past Guatemala 63-79 in the first game of the Classification Round for 5th to 8th place in Mayaguez. It means that the ISV will meet Dominican Republic for position No.5. Guatemala will play against Saint Vincent to avoid the last place at Centrobasket. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) exploded in victory with 28 points. She made 9 of 14 attempts for FG2. Natalie Day (183-G/F-90) also was great in this game adding 21 points and 8 rebounds. The ISV did not have any other player with double-digits in scoring. In Guatemala, Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) replied with 26 points and 5 boards. Maria Fleischmann (181-F/C-79) added 20 points and 8 rebs.
The ISV did a great job in the first half. Yanique Javois and her teammates entered to this game strongly making 10-21 lead in the first ten minutes. Second period ended 11-13 meaning that the ISV was 13 points up at the half time. Guatemala slightly improved after the breather, but they needed a way more. The ISV won Q3 with 18-21 and last one was totally leveled 24-24 for the final score of 63-79.

Guatemala: Blanca Amado 26+5 boards, Maria Fleischmann 20+8 boards
U.S. Virgin Islands: Yanique Javois 28, Natalie Day 21+8 boards

*****************************************************
  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. Philadelphia LD 0-0 
 7. 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 


Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit Game - by Willie McCray
The Flint Lady Flames in collaboration with the American Cancer Societywill host a Breast Cancer Awareness Game on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Flint Northern High School (G-3484 Mackin Road, Flint, MI 48504) starting promptly at 4:00p.m.

The national anthem will be rendered by the Flint Institute of Music's Chaika Stribling. There will be various activities for all ages (e.g. Name That Tune, Da Red Wagon Shoot Out, Logans SteakhouseTrivia and much more). Youth in grades K-12 receive free admission for all home games. For more information please log on to www.flintflames.comor call (810) 399-3383. The Flint Lady Flames is a Semi-Professional basketball team in the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League-a league with over 55 teams nationwide. Go Flint! Go Flames!

Come out and support our community! Go Flint! Go Flames!

Seeing is Believing!
Ladel Lewis


Lexington Lightning beat Cleveland Crush for the second time - by Juliane Hoehne
On saturday, the team of Head Coach Anthony Hawkins was suppose to play against the Cleveland Crush at 6pm. After game delay caused by problems with the gym, the game was finally started around 7pm in a different location. In the first half, Lexington Lightning was dominating the game and even leading by as much as 10 points. Erica Coleman (5'10''-F, college: Morehead St.) and Juliane Hoehne (6'3''-F/C-83, college: IPFW) were leading the team in scoring in the first half. In the second half, simple turnovers and bad defense led the Cleveland Crush back in the game and they were even able to come within one point during the 3rd and 4th quarter. The last minutes of the game, Lexington Lightning had a 4 point lead and almost gave the game away by turning the ball over in the back court because of the 10second rule, which gave Cleveland the chance to even win the game with a three pointer or at least tie it with a two pointer. However, Cleveland missed the last shot and Lexington Lightning won the game 61-59. All players were able to score, but the Lightning were led Coleman 16 and Tracy Harbut (6'0''-G/F-85, college: Syracuse) 12, who were able to score in double digits. Next weekend, the Lightning will travel to Columbus to take on versus the Columbus Hidden Gems.

*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women  


Team roster of 2010 Jones Cup tournament women's competition - by Chris Wang
Taiwan National Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Lin Chien-Ping
Coach: Chou Hung-Yu

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
1 Ma Yi-Hung 1980.11.27 176 65
2 Wen Chi 1984.10.15 170 62
5 Chang Shih-Chieh 1986.03.16 171 56
6 Chiang Feng-Chun 1981.10.25 184 80
7 Mai Ya-Hui 1977.04.14 165 57
8 Lin Chi-Wen 1983.08.19 186 72
9 Hsu Chien-Hui 1989.09.10 171 60
10 Tsai Pei-Chen 1984.05.27 186 80
11 Chang Hsiao-Yu 1984.03.01 183 72
12 Yen Chia-Hsuan 1988.03.30 185 75
13 Liu Yi-Chun 1986.03.12 183 80
15 Liu Chun-Yi 1981.01.23 180 81
21 Wu Shin-Ying 1987.02.06 176 76
23 Huang Ping-Jen 1989.11.06 177 71
24 Peng Szu-Chin 1991.11.09 163 55
Average 177 69.4

Taiwan University Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: Liang Chia-Yin
Coach: Teng Pi-Yun

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
4 Huang Hung-Ying 1989.09.01 163 58
5 Yang Shu-Ching 1988.01.14 170 62
6 Shin Yi-Chih 1991.06.05 179 74
7 Lai Shin-Yu 1988.05.31 175 63
8 Lin Hsien-Fang 1991.08.16 168 65
9 Yang Shih-Hui 1989.02.28 175 72
10 Liu Jia-Wei 1988.10.21 175 74
11 Yao Chung-Ting 1991.05.29 175 70
12 Su Shih-Ting 1991.03.04 176 62
13 Lin Pei-Han 1987.04.09 183 77
14 Lee Pei-Chi 1990.11.01 180 68
15 Hsieh Pei-Chun 1991.07.26 182 80
16 Hsu Yi-Rou 1991.07.04 179 68
17 Chang Chia-Ling 1988.09.26 168 60
18 Kuo Yu-Feng 1991.03.20 185 75
Average 175.5 68.5

Korea Shinsegae Coolcat Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: CHUNG, In-Kyo
Assistant Coach: CHO, Dong-Kee

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
0 KIM, Ji-Su 1990.07.03 173 65
1 YOUM, Yun-Ah 1987.09.13 177 74
3 PARK, Ha-Na 1990.09.14 175 65
4 KIM, Ji-Hyun 1985.02.02 177 76
5 KIM, Ji-Youn 1976.02.07 170 63
6 SHIN, Eun-Kyeong 1990.04.15 172 73
7 KIM, Na-Youn 1979.07.10 175 68
9 YANG, Jung-Ok 1974.08.24 175 62
14 JIN, Sin-Hea 1980.03.25 180 70
15 HUR, Youn-Ja 1979.04.19 184 73
Average 175.8 68.9

Kazakhstan National Womens Basketball Team

Head Coach: MIEKHOVYKH, Andrii
Coach: SHAKHAYEVA, Elvira

NO. Name D.O.B Height Weight
ABILDAYEVA, Indira
AMANZHOLOVA, Almira
KORNILOVA, Darya
POPOVA, Natalya
SHMAKOVA, Mariya
TULEUBAYEVA, Kamila
LI, Darya
FRANGYAN, Rima

*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


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 


Tuesday: Sparks 87, Shock 71 - by Eurobasket News
Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) scored 24 points and Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college: Florida) added 17 to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 87-71 victory over Tulsa on Tuesday night, extending the Shock's losing streak to 12 games.

Former Oklahoma State star Andrea Riley (5'5''-G-88, college: Oklahoma St.) added 14 points for the Sparks (5-13). She hit three 3-pointers in the first half drawing cheers from her friends in the stands that included her former coach Kurt Budke.

''I actually did hear that,'' Riley said with a chuckle. ''I couldn?t really believe it but I really do appreciate it, because it means I?m really appreciated and respected down here and that is something that a lot of people don?t have.''

The Shock carry the league's worst record at 3-15.

Kiesha Brown (5'11''-G-79, college: Georgia) led Tulsa with 14 points, Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) and Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) each added 10. Braxton also had 10 boards.

Riley's third 3-pointer of the half made it 27-19 before Tulsa scored 11 straight to storm back. The Shock led 39-30 with 2:47 left in the half before the Sparks cut its deficit to five at the half.

Los Angeles took the lead 49-48 on Thompson's layup midway through the third quarter and led by 10 at the end of the period.

''I think it was our defense that made a difference,'' Thompson said. ''They are a good team, they play hard, they?re very athletic, so I don?t think we expected them to lay down.''

Kristi Toliver's 3-pointer gave Los Angeles a 74-58 lead with 8:02 left in the game and Tulsa couldn't recover.

''I though the first 20 minutes went pretty well,'' Tulsa coach Nolan Richardson said. ''I thought we played the kind of basketball we're capable playing to be able to win. But it's always the third quarter that we come out. ... It's very difficult to understand why we come out flat. They got on a run and got their heads up. Next thing you know, it's all going down hill for us.''

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Obama to honor 2009 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury at the White House - by Eurobasket News
On Monday, July 19, President Obama will welcome the WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury to the White House to honor the team's 2009 championship season. In conjunction with this event, members of the team will participate in a service project with local area youth during their visit to Washington, D.C. This continues a tradition begun by President Obama of sports champions serving in the community as part of their visit. The White House event will be open press. More details will be released in the next several days.
The Mercury secured its second championship (2009, 2007) in three seasons after defeating the Indiana Fever in a five-game series during the 2009 WNBA Finals in October. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) was named the regular season and finals MVP and led the team to a 30-15 record for the season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Silver Stars sign Crystal Kelly to seven-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Silver Stars today announced they signed forward Cristal Kelly (6'3''-F-86, college: W.Kentucky) to a seven-day contract. In eight games with the Silver Stars, Kelly has accumulated averages 1.1 points and 0.6 rebounds in 5.5 minutes per game. In her three-year WNBA career, Kelly has recorded averages of 5.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.
On Monday (July 2) the Silver Stars waived forward Cristal Kelly. She rejoined the team few days before as a replacement player after the WNBA granted the Silver Stars an emergency hardship exception. Forward Megan Frazee injured her left knee on June 25 , leaving the team with just nine players able to play, and making it eligible for the exception.The 6-foot-2 Kelly was originally acquired in an offseason trade with Tulsa in April , but was waived on June 9 in a move that brought in Quigley.

Courtesy of The San Antonio Silver Stars

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  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17 - Women  


2010 FIBA U17 World Championship starts on Friday in Toulouse and Rodez - by Eurobasket News
Toulouse and Rodez (France) are ready for the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship. Twelve teams managed to book a spot for this event and they are divided in two groups in Preliminary Round.

Participants of Group A: Canada, France, Japan, Russia, Turkey and USA
Participants of Group B: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, Mali and Spain

Four best teams from these groups will advance to Quarterfinals. Fifth and sixth ranked teams will continue in Classification Games for 9th to 12th place. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, July 23. Semifinals will be played a day later, while the final day of the competition is Sunday, July 25.