Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/3/2010

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Men News

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ABA

Butler joins the South Valley Fever - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA's South Valley Fever which plays its home games at the Coyote Corner at the Santa Rosa Rancheria in Lemoore announced the first signing in its inagural season of play for the 2010-11 season.n The new player is Cardell Butler (6'4''-F-81, college: Utah St.). Butler is mostly known for playing for And1, appearing on And1 Mixtape Tour which is aired on ESPN2, NCAA Slam Dunk Champion while playing for Utah St. His streetball nickname is 'Ballaholic'
This is the first announcement of many talented players to be brought to the Central Valley. This season will bring some former well known players to the valley from Fresno St, Charlotte Bobcats, and Sacramento Kings. The team will be starting training camp at the Coyote Corner in Lemoore, CA @ Santa Rosa Rancheria in early Sep. Tickets go on sale in October. For more info about South Valley Fever contact marco@southvalleyfever.com or call 559-707-8939.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Crvena Zvezda adds Darko Balaban - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda announced signing of the young prospect Darko Balaban (212-C-89). The 20-year-old center is coming to Crvena Zvezda from the Serbian champion Partizan Belgrade. He got a chance in four domestic league games last season averaging 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. At the same time, Balaban was assigned to Partizan MT Beograd, which competed in lower division. Darko Balaban joined Partizan Belgrade in 2007 from Sport Key Novi Sad.
Crvena Zvezda will have very team for the next season. They already inked few prospects during the summer.

Krka inks Djordjevic, Booker and Rojc - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian champion Krka keeps getting ready for the upcoming 2010-11 season. Krka announced the arrival of Dusan Djordjevic

(195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket), Chris Booker

(208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) and promised Matej Rojc (198-G-93).
Djordjevic arrives from Union Olimpija, where he averaged 3.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 10 Euroleague games, 4.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 26 Adriatic League games last season and 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 14 games of Slovenian League. He inked a one-year deal.
Booker arrives from Polish club Energaz Czarni Slupsk. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks in 14 games of Polish League. American inked until the end of the 2011-12 season
Rojc signed a multi-year deal. He arrives from Kos Koper, averaging 15.4 points in 19 games of Division II.

Vladovic back in Zadar - by Milan Jovanovic
Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) is back to his mother-club Zadar, after few years of absence, firstly enjoying wonderfull 2 seasons in Zagreb, and spending the last year in Krasnodar, playing for Russian Lokomotiv Kuban.
If Vladovic shows up in his form from the last Adriatic season, when he averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists, he will be quite a reinforcement for Zadar who had real problems on playmaker last seasons, having practically no back-up for Rok Stipcevic at all, and Stipcevic is aon his way out of Zadar anyway.
Vladovic already played 7 seasons for Zadar, from 2001 to 2007.

Krka Novo Mesto signs Matej Rojc, Chris Booker and Dusan Djordjevic - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian champion announced signings of three new players. The team landed Matej Rojc (198-G-93), Chris Booker

(208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) and Dusan Djordjevic

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Standings

Group A
1. Egypt		2-0
2. Kenya		1-1
3. Angola		1-1
4. Senegal		0-1
5. Tunisia		0-1
Group B
1. Nigeria		2-0
2. DRCongo		0-0
3. Ivory Coas.		0-0
4. Mali		0-1
5. Mozambique.		0-1

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ARGENTINA

National team news - by Facundo Iatzky
Argentinian National Team started to train for the world championship of Turkey. The team is training in the city of Salta, where they will be playing a tournament with Puerto Rico, Brasil and Paraguay during tuesday and wednesday. The bad new for the team came last saturday when Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) got injured. It is expected that he will be available for the beginning of the world championship but he will have to be out for two weeks, so he will miss all the friendly games. The rest of the team is doing well, looking for their best shape.

Libertad de Sunchales adds Sebastian Porta and Marcus Elliot - by Eurobasket News
Libertad de Sunchales announced two new signings. The Argentinean team has landed Sebastian Porta (204-C-79) and Marcus Elliott (191-G-84, college: Louisiana Tech).
Sebastian Porta arrives to Libertad from TNA team Alma Junior Esperanza. He appeared 27 times for them averaging 12.1 points and 6 rebounds. Porta has LigaA experience as he played for Belgrano San Nicolas in the past. He already was a member of Libertad de Sunchales and it was on season 2002/03. At that time Porta had 4.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 14 games. From 1998 to 2000 he also played for his new/old team.
Marcus Elliott is coming to Libertad from Venezuelan team Panteras de Miranda. He ended 2010 championship as the LPB best scorer with 20.4 ppg. Season 2009/10 Elliot spent with Uruguayan team Anastasia de Fray Bentos. It was his first professional job. Marcus Elliott is a product of the Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated in 2007. In his senior season he averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

Valladolid signs PG Maxi Stanic - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Blancos de Rueda Valladolid has officially announced the signing of Maximiliano Stanic

(178-G-78, agency: Players Group) to a one-year contract. The experienced Argentinean point guard is coming to Valladolid from Xacobeo BS, where he played last season. Stanic appeared 29 times in ACB registering 7.4 ppg, 3 rpg and 5.2 apg. He ended this competition as the second best assistant. His team was the ACB newcomer, but was not able to survive there.
Before Xacobeo BS, Maximiliano Stanic spent one season in Italy with Scavolini Pesaro. He played 32 games in Serie A collecting 4.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.6 spg. Season 2007/08 Stanic spent in France as a member of Pau-Orthez. He shined with 7.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 7.4 apg for 27 games in ProA and was named Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Bosmans Team. Pau-Orthez also competed in ULEB Cup, where Stanic added 8.7 ppg, 3 rpg and 5.1 ap. From 2003 to 2006, Maximiliano Stanic played for Scafati in LegaDue. He also has experience from Jesi, Capo dOrlando, Boca Juniors and Regatas.
Valladolid managed to survive in ACB last season and they were close to Playoff at the one point. They were promoted from LEB Gold last year.

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AUSTRALIA

Ringwood is the Winner of the Regular Season in Big V - by Eurobasket News
Ringwood is the Winner of the Regular Season in Big V as the team finished on top with 19-2 record. In the last game of the Regular Season the favorites thrashed Bulleen 126:79. The league-leaders opened the game with 30-21 and added massive 37-14 in the second period. Both teams nailed 25 points in the third frame, while Ringwood posted 34-19 in the last quarter. Kevin Ratzsch (201-F, college: Northern St.) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Luke Mcmillan netted 25. Luke O'Hea poured in 17 and Mark Whitehead (200-G/F-74) scored 15. Nick Jones ended up with 23 points in the losing effort.
Diamond Valley finished second in the League with 16-5 record after the loss from Melbourne 77:93. The latter needed the victory more, but could not advance to the Play-offs. Melbourne started with 30-17 and added 20-18 in the second period. Yusuf Qaafow poured in 19 points, while Moses Adepoju (195-F, college: Clarendon CC) scored 16. Bo Westover and Edin Zunic (205-C-88) delivered 15 points each in a win. Bart Strzebonski finished the game with 18 points in the losing effort.
In the Play-offs Ringwood will face now Hume City that finished 4th with 10-11 record. The second team of the league Diamond Valley that finished with 16-5 record will face the third team Waverley. The Semifinal games will start on August 7th.

Nunawading and Kilsyth win East and South Pools of SEABL - by Eurobasket News
Nunawading and Kilsyth win East and South Pools of SEABL. Nunawading became the Winner of the Regular Season with 20-7 record. In the last game of the Season the favorites rolled over Canberra 82:70. Eric Williams top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Shane McDonald (187-G-85, college: Nova SE) nailed 17 and Gerard Leonard added 13. Glenn Baird (201-C/F, college: Cascade) responded with 22 points in the losing case.
Kilsyth won East Pool with 19-8 record as they edged Geelong 84:79 at the Geelong Arena. Fernandez Lockett (196-F-85, college: Austin Peay St.) paced all the winners with 25 points and Tim Lang scored 14. Ryan Bathie (200-F-87, college: Nicholls St.) netted 13 and Matt O'Hea as well as Qunicy Henderson posted 12 each. Nathan Herbert

(192-F-84) answered with 24 points and 8 rebounds, while J'Nathan Bullock notched 19.
In the Semifinals the top four teams from each division will play for the Final appearance of the Division. Later their winners will meet each other in all-pool Final. In August 7th Kilsyth will play versus Bendigo and Nunawading will meet Geelong. Sandringham will play against Hobart and Knox will face Brisbane.

Kings add three to squad - by Eurobasket News
With official preseason training set to begin on August 11, the Sydney Kings are pleased to announce that three of the citys brightest young talents have been added to the squad as development players for the upcoming National Basketball League season.

Forwards Ben Hollis (193-F/C) and Kevin White and guard Jarrad Weeks (180-G) will all don the purple and gold for the 2010/11 campaign Sydney's first after a stint of two years in the sporting wilderness and Coach Ian Robilliard couldnt be happier with the teams selections.

I think the big thing that stands out about these kids is that they are all quality guys, Robilliard said. They are all good blokes with high basketball IQ, they all have good pedigrees and we feel theyll fit perfectly into the culture we are trying to establish at the club.

Weeks and Hollis have had excellent seasons in the Waratah League for the Hornsby Spiders Weeks led his team in scoring and assists and Hollis finished the year as the Waratah rebounding champion while White filled a key role for the Minor Premier Manly Sea Eagles.

At just on six feet tall, Weeks is a phenomenal athlete with a smooth stroke from the perimeter and a tremendous feel for the game; Hollis is as relentless a force on the boards at both ends as weve seen in the Waratah competition in years and White is a solid, hard-working combo forward who will slot into the Kings squad nicely.

I think all three guys have great potential, Robilliard continued. 'Weeks is lightning-fast and both Hollis and White have good size and strength for the positions they play.

We are just really pleased to add the three to our squad and I know they are going to push the other guys extremely hard at training each and every day, he concluded.

For their part, the two Hornsby standouts are very excited to pull on that Kings jersey and become a part of one of the countrys most iconic sporting teams.

I was training with the Kings from the 2006 season up until the time they left the NBL, so it feels great to be officially part of the team now that its been reborn, Hollis enthused. Im really looking forward to getting into it, improving my game and helping to improve the games of the other guys in the squad.

Weeks was similarly thrilled to join the resurrection of a great franchise.

It means a lot to me to be part of the Sydney Kings, he said. Im just thankful to get an opportunity and I really want to make the most of it. Im looking forward to helping the team in any way I can.

But Saturday October 16 is the date foremost in the minds of these young athletes its the day the Kings make their long-awaited return to the NBL in Sydney with their home opener at the Sydney Entertainment Centre against the New Zealand Breakers.

I just cant wait for that first game at the Kingdome, Hollis said. Its been four years since I started training with the Kings, and now I finally get a chance to do what Ive always wanted to do, which is put on that uniform, be a part of the team and run out there on the court. Its going to be great.

Weeks concurred with his Hornsby and now Sydney Kings teammate.

Its going to be unbelievable, he stated. Im especially excited about that first game back in Sydney, because Ive been a Kings fan for years and to actually be a part of that team when it comes out on the floor in front of that home crowd for the first time is going to be something special.

I mean Ill be pretty nervous, but Ill just have to deal with it I guess, he laughed.

Courtesy of The Sydney Kings

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Ringwood H.		19-2
2. Diamond V.E.		16-5
3. Waverley F.		12-9
4. Hume City		10-11
5. Melbourne		10-11
6. Bulleen B.		6-15
7. Sherbrooke S.		6-15
8. Eltham W.		5-16
Central ABL
1. W.Adelaide B.		15-3
2. Norwood F.		13-5
3. Sturt S.		13-5
4. Forestville E.		12-6
5. N.Adelaide R.		11-7
6. Eastern M.		9-9
7. Woodville W.		7-11
8. S.Adelaide P.		5-13
9. South.Tigers		4-14
10. C.District L.		1-17
QBL
1. Mackay M.		15-1
2. Rockhampton		15-2
3. Northside W.		12-5
4. Cairns M.		11-6
5. SW Metro P.		11-6
6. Townsville H.		11-6
7. Gold Coast G.		9-8
8. Ipswich F.		8-8
9. Maroochydore		8-9
10. Bundaberg B.		6-11
11. Gladstone P.		5-12
12. Caboolture S.		4-13
13. Brisbane C.		3-13
14. Toowoomba		0-17
SEABL-East
1. Kilsyth C.		19-8
2. Bendigo B.		18-9
3. Brisbane S.		15-12
4. Knox R.		15-12
5. Ballarat M.		12-15
6. Dandenong		12-15
7. AIS		4-11
8. Canberra G.		4-23
SEABL-South
1. Nunawading S.		20-7
2. Geelong S.		18-9
3. Sandringham S.		18-9
4. Hobart C.		17-10
5. NW Tasmania		15-12
6. Mt Gambier		10-17
7. Frankston B.		8-19
8. Albury W.B.		5-22
WARATAH
1. Manly Warr.		16-3
2. Parramatta W.		14-5
3. Maitland M.		12-6
4. Sydney C.		12-7
5. Bankstown B.		11-8
6. Newcastle H.		10-8
7. Hornsby S.		8-11
8. Norths Bears		8-11
9. Hills H.		6-13
10. Sutherland S.		5-13
11. Canberra N.		1-20

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BELGIUM

Sweden record second straight win in Leiden - by Eurobasket News
Sweden - Belgium 85:71
Sweden recorded the second straight win at the Nations Cup international tournament in Netherlands. The Scandinavians overcame Belgium to improve at 2-0 record. Mats Levin (188-G-77) knocked down 18 points to lead the effort. Belgium in the meantime suffered the second straight loss. Sweden will take on Germany, while Belgium will face Netherlands on the final day of the tourney.
Belgium got to the better start. The Lions posted a 21:12 lead ten minutes into the game. Sweden however turned things around in the second stanza. They exploded with 28 points to rally to a 5-point halftime advantage. Sweden mounted the pressure in the third term. The Scandinavian side boosted the margin to 13 points with ten minutes to go. Belgium did not recover and suffered the second straight loss in Leiden.
Martin Pahlmblad

(193-G-86) notched 15 points for Sweden. Mikael Lindquist

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) added 13 points in the victory. Axel Hervelle

(205-F-83) accounted for 15 points for Belgium. Roel Moors

(188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) had 10 points in the loss.

Sweden: Mats Levin 18, Martin Pahlmblad 15, Mikael Lindquist 13
Belgium: Axel Hervelle 15, Roel Moors 10

Mons Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Eurobasket Belgium has received information that Ron Lewis (193-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Ohio St.) will be joining the Dexia Mons-Hainaut roster for the upcoming season. Lewis already played in Belgium during the 2007-2008 season when he was on the Leuven roster.
The past 2 seasons he spent in Israel and the Czech Republic. During the 2008-2009 season he was the 4th leading scorer in the Israeli league with 18.5 ppg.
This past season he played for Nymburk in the Czech Republic and averaged 12.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 54 games in the Czech league.
He also played 14 Eurocup games for Nymburk where his averages were 11.7 ppg and 3.3rpg.
The team has yet to make this official.

Belgium too strong for Germany - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - Germany 78:53
Belgium registered the second straight victory in the test series against Germany. The second win was a much easier challenge for the Belgian Cats. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) came up with 18 points to lead the effort.
Belgium stormed into the game taking the lead early. Belgium rolled to a 22:13 advantage ten minutes into the encounter. Germany stopped the bleeding in the second frame. They matched Belgium and cut the deficit at 8-point mark at halftime 32:40. But the third term proved the difference. Belgium stepped on the gas and cleared off. They piled up an 18-point buffer at the final intermission. Germany surrendered as Belgium outgunned them 25:8 in the final quarter.
Laurence Van Malderen (193-C-81, agency: LBM Management) nailed 12 points for Belgium. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) added 8 points apiece for the winning side. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) responded with 15 points for Germany. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) netted 12 points in the loss.

Belgium: Kathy Wambe 18, Laurence Van Malderen 12, Marjorie Carpreaux 8, Emma Meesseman 8
Germany: Linda Frohlich 15, Sarah Austmann 12

Liege Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Eurobasket Belgium got confirmation of the addition of Bozeman Cedric (198-G-83, college: UCLA) and Taylor Griffin to the Liege roster. Bozeman is no stranger to Belgium since he finished the 06-07 season with Oostende. More recently he played 48 games in the D-League in the USA for the Anaheim Arsenal during the 2008-2009 season. He averaged 19.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 4.3 apg.
He spent the past season playing for the Bejing Ducks in China. There he had averages of 20.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 3.6 apg.

The second signee is former Oklahoma Sooner Taylor Griffin (201-F-86, college: Oklahoma). Griffin was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 NBA draft. He spent the 2009-2010 season playi!ng for the Phoenix Suns and the D-League's Iowa Energy. In 15 games for the Energy his stats were 8.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg.

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BRAZIL

Limeira Last Transactions for 2010-2011 season - by Paulo Freire
The Winner / Limeira team annouced the sgining of Dominican point guard Ronald Ramon, 24 years old. The athlete of the Dominican Republic National Team, Ramon, has played in some of the major leagues in South America and North American college basketball.
With the arrival of the Dominican, the Winner/Limeira closes the cycle of hiring pleyrs for the Paulista Championship, the team also will play the NBB third edition.
Born in Santo Domingo, Ramon moved with his family to New York, United States, really young. He played for All Hallows High School and was the highlight of the city in 2004, his last year on the school. The point guard also had important participation playing on the major U.S. University League, the NCAA, for the University of Pittsburgh. His characteristic of organizing plays was a key to winning the Big East championship for Pittsburgh , in 2008.

Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, agency: Liman Sports, college: Pittsburgh) is expect to start at the point guard position.

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BULGARIA

Bulgaria surprise Portugal away from home - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Bulgaria 59:67
Bulgaria posted the first win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They upset Portugal in Ovar to climb at 1-0 record in Group C. Filip Videnov

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) came up with 17 points to pace the charge.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening quarter. Bulgaria finally capped the period with 12:2 rally to earn a 22:15 lead. Bulgaria hung on to the lead throughout the second frame. Portugal were able to trim the deficit at just one point midway through the stanza but Bulgaria posted a 40:35 lead at halftime. Filip Videnov opened a double-digit lead for the visitors early in the third quarter. However Portugal first cut the deficit to minimum and then crowned the period with four points in a row to gain a 54:53 lead. Fernandez opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer to boost the margin. But Filip Videnov and Velikov stepped up with 10 points as Bulgaria regained control. Bulgaria kept the hosts scoreless for more than six final minutes of regulation to celebrate an important victory at the end.
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed 12 points for Bulgaria. Zlatin Georgiev

(195-G-85) accounted for 8 points in the win. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Portugal. Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) had 10 points in the loss.

Portugal: Heshimu Evans 19, Joao Santos 10
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 17, Chavdar Kostov 12, Zlatin Georgiev 8

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CBL

Florida Flight join CBL - by Eurobasket News
The Florida Flight will join the Continental Basketball League (CBL) for the 2011 season, it was announced today by CBL Commissioner Dennis Truax. The Flight will begin play in April 2011 and play at the Kissimmee Civic Center, located at 201 East Dakin Avenue in lovely historic Downtown Kissimmee.

The Flight, owned by Mark King, will join the CBL with the goal of continuing their momentum from their first season of play.

'We had a great first season here in Kissimmee,' King said. 'The support we received from our fans, sponsors, and booster club members played a vital part in getting us to where we are today. Handling the challenges this inaugural season brought us would have been impossible without them.'

'We are very pleased to have Mark and the Flight in the CBL,' stated CBL Commissioner Dennis Truax. 'Mark is one of the most passionate owners in all of basketball. He has taken a first-year franchise and made it a model for all to follow. I see more great things for his franchise in the CBL. He will be a formable opponent for all of our member teams.'

King states that league leadership played a big part in his decision. 'Dennis Truax has a proven basketball executive record,' he explained. 'He brings a resume with experience from the United States Basketball League (USBL) and the historically enamored Continental Basketball Association (CBA). Our biggest issue this past year was a lack of consistent league leadership. Moving to the CBL will solve these issues immediately. We are excited, and look forward to challenging for a CBL championship next season.'

For more information on the CBL go to www.cblhoopsonline.com and the Florida Flight at www.flighthoops.com

Courtesy of CBL

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CHILE

Chile cruises past Ecuador to avoid the last place in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship, Places 7-8: ECUADOR - CHILE 70-88

Chile celebrated the first win in Neiva. Thanks to this 70-88 victory against Ecuador, Chile avoided the last place in South American Championship 2010. Ecuador is the one who ended at this spot as they were not able to beat anyone at this event. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) came up with 18 points in victory. Gonzalo Velasquez (185-G-81) had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, while Patricio Briones (213-C-72, college: Dade CC) added 14 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Jose Vicente Diaz (196-F-75) delivered 30 points. Eduard Caicedo (196-C-90) had 12 pts and 7 boards.
Except of the last quarter, all other belonged to Chile. Evandro Arteaga and his teammates started with 14-22 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-20 in Q2. It means that Chile was nice 13-points up at the halftime and was looking good. That was nothing compared to Q3, when Chile destroyed Ecuador with 15-29. Game winner was already known and last period was just the formality. Chile players slowed down and Ecuador cut the margin for 9 points. At the end, it was totally deserved 70-88 win for Chile.

Ecuador: Jose Vicente Diaz 30, Eduard Caicedo 12+7 boards
Chile: Evandro Arteaga 18, Gonzalo Velasquez 15+8 boards+7 as, Patricio Briones 14+8 boards

The NT finished seventh in the SouthAmerican - by Daniel Valencia
The chilean national team finished in the seventh position of the SouthAmerican Championship after a 88-70 victory against Ecuador. The NT controlled the game since the beginning, with a good margin in the score during the first half (13 point lead), and a great third quarter (29-15). Only in the last minutes, Ecuador could shorten the differences with a 26-17 partial. The best scorer for Chile was Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) with 18 points, while Gonzalo Velasquez (185-G-81) helped with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The best player for the NT during the tournament, Patricio Briones (213-C-72, college: Dade CC), finished with a 14 points and 8 rebounds effort.

Ecuador 70 - Chile 88
Ecu: Jose Vicente Diaz (196-F-75) 30 pts. Eduard Caicedo (196-C-90) 12 pts.
Chi: Evandro Arteaga 18 pts. Gonzalo Velasquez 15 pts.

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CHINA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

Stage Two A
1. Sichuan		15-2
2. Jiangsu		14-3
3. Guangzhou FM		10-7
4. Changan Group		9-8
5. Hangzhou		8-9
6. Whampoa		8-10
7. W.Liaoning		7-10
8. ShenYang		7-11
9. Heilongjiang		4-13
10. Jiyuan		4-13
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: 17 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Whampoa - W.Liaoning 117-108
Whampoa rolled over W.Liaoning 117:108 to tie both reacords at 7-10. Taylor Terrell

(203-C-81, agency: Liman Sports, college: Virginia Tech) erupted with 40 points and 18 rebounds, while Wu Song-wei and Yu Ning added 18 points each. Basden Edward answered with 33 points and 9 boards in defeat.
Guangzhou FM - Heilongjiang 113-92
Guangzhou FM beat Heilongjiang 113:92 in the last game of the Regular Season Round 17. Hodge Julius

(201-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) and Dawson Marc erupted woith 28 points for the winners, while the latter also grabbed 20 rebounds. Milligan Dante nailed 33 points and had 15 boards in defeat.
ShenYang - Sichuan 83-87
ShenYang lost to Sichuan 83:87 as the latter improved to 15-2 record on top. Bannister T.J. (180-G-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Liberty) exploded with 32 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, whilst Chao Ma followed him with 19 points. Liu Xupoured in 22 points in the losing case.
Jiyuan - Changan Group 98-92
Jiyuan edged Changan Group 98:92 at the Regular Season Round 17. Taggart Shawn

(207-F-85, college: Memphis) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Joiner Michael added 17 points and 13 rebounds. Lei ended up with 23 points in the losing case.
Hangzhou - Jiangsu 86-103
Jiangsu improved to 14-3 record beating Hangzhou 103:86. Davis Quincy and Johnson Justin

(198-G-86, college: Iowa) combined for 50 points for the winners. Stallings Nick and Powers Austen responded with 22 points in the losing effort.

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COLOMBIA

Patricio "Pato" Briones to Piratas - Saludcoop - by Victor Garcia
Chilean veteran Center Patricio 'Pato' Briones, 38 yrs old, has agreed terms with Piratas Saludcoop from Bogot to play with team in the upcoming 2010 Federation Cup, Briones 2,11 tall has wide experience in Chile, Venezuela, Uruguay and Argentina, team coach Jos Tapias scouted him in the Southamerican Championship in wich Chile finished in the 7th place, and Briones was the team Leader.
Briones will bring to the team experience, leadership and scoring, Briones has developed a good shooting touch that includes 3 pt shooting,

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CROATIA

Vladovic back in Zadar - by Milan Jovanovic
Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) is back to his mother-club Zadar, after few years of absence, firstly enjoying wonderfull 2 seasons in Zagreb, and spending the last year in Krasnodar, playing for Russian Lokomotiv Kuban.
If Vladovic shows up in his form from the last Adriatic season, when he averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists, he will be quite a reinforcement for Zadar who had real problems on playmaker last seasons, having practically no back-up for Rok Stipcevic at all.
Vladovic already played 7 seasons for Zadar, from 2001 to 2007.

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EBA

NY Wizards Lend Support To A National Champion - by EBA Media
As the New York Wizards continue to strive towards their ultimate goal in the EBA, a Championship, their community service and volunteering efforts have assisted others in reaching the championship level!
In the summer of 2009 a friendship between Wizards Guard Greg Cerillo Jr. and Clinton Brown III resulted in the Wizards appearing at the 2009 Little People of America National Conference in Brooklyn NY. The Wizards were a huge hit!
Much like many conferences the Wizards and their players exchanged contact information with many present, in particular local DAAA (Dwarf Athletic Association of America) basketball team and General Manager Clint Brown of the NY Towers, and all promised to stay in touch.
Greg contacted me within about a week after the 2009 conference Stated Clint Brown III of the NY Towers We talked for awhile and found out we have a lot in common. It was during this conversation that Greg asked what he could do to help us. We finished 3rd at the 2009 DAAA Championships and all every player wanted to do was win a championship. Greg was a former NJCAA National Champion and a basketball instructor and we knew he would know exactly what we could do to win.
A practice was soon arranged, which turned into several practices, and the NY Towers soon had a structure and foundation, which matched their work ethic and desire.
Greg Cerillo Jr. showing up to our practice to help coach our players was a step towards our ultimate goal Stated Clint Brown It is rare indeed that a professional player is so willing to give of his time. In addition to being a great player Greg is a great guy
The fruits of the NY Towers efforts can be seen in the below photo. Congratulations to the NY Towers who recently won the 2010 DAAA National Basketball Champions.
I was glad to be recognized as any part of the success that the NY Towers have had this season Stated Greg Cerillo Jr. Truly though it is the efforts of Clint Brown and his team which secured this championship. Their story is inspirational to me and I certainly will share it with my teammates this year in our quest to accomplish what the Towers have accomplished.

EBA to Expand its Borders - by EBA Media
Plans for expansion of the Eastern Basketball Alliance are in the works for the upcoming 2010/2011 season according to league president, Dick Anzolut.
It looks likely that our borders will be extended to Ohio and the Carolinas. We are very close to signing agreements with teams in Columbus, Cambridge, and Youngstown, Ohio to add to our existing Cincinnati team, said Anzolut. The possibility of playing in the Carolinas, after a few exploratory years, is becoming a reality. We will form a Southern Division that will include teams in the lower half of Virginia and the new teams in North and South Carolina.

Anzolut added, Were excited about the prospect of adding these teams for the upcoming season. Our league philosophy has been to always try to cluster teams to control travel costs. Until this happens, we would not accept new teams into the league. We expect to have official announcements forthcoming by September 1.

Winchester Storm added to EBA Line-up - by EBA Media
Winchester (VA) Storm has been announced as the newest member of the Eastern Basketball Alliance.

The team will be under the direction of Winchester, VA native, Norman Blowe. As General Manager, Blowe will be responsible for the everyday operation and marketing of the team.

The Storm was welcomed into the league at a joint press conference held at the Aloft Hotel in Winchester by league President, Richard Anzolut. Were looking forward to the Storm playing this upcoming season, Anzolut said. Geographically, they are ideally situated for our league, being halfway between existing teams in Roanoke and Harrisburg as well as within a comfortable driving distance of Washington, DC.

Blowe will be naming a coach shortly and will conduct tryouts in August for the Shenandoah Valley athletes.

For information contact the Winchester Storm at winchesterstorm@yahoo.com or by calling (540) 327-8914.

The EBA will begin its games in November and continue through the playoffs in mid-March.

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ECUADOR

EL SALVADOR

Liga Elite first result - by Jaime Arevalo
The game between San Marcos and Leones was the official tipoff of Liga Elite-Copa Yamaha 2010, because the first game scheduled (UTEC vs. ExSal) had been postponed.
At the end of a well played game, all fast-paced and with good offensive plays, San Marcos defeated Leones 84-66 led by Aaron Harrison (207-C, college: Oklah. Panhandle St.), who scored 16 pts and grabbed 23 rebs (!). The game top scorer was David Johnson (193-G-85, college: SE Missouri St.), with 21 points, and Carlos Palacios (192-F-86) added 14 at the winning side. The best perosrmers in Leones were Arturo Escamilla (185-F-77) with 16 pts, Fred Durr (201-F-85, college: Oklah. Panhandle St.) with 11 and Panamanian import Juan Carlos Batista at 10.

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL Las Vegas 2010 Announces the All Tournament Team - by Darryl Reshaw
Basketball Coaches, GM's and Agents,

The ESL acts as a scouting service for professional teams on an international basis.
Many European, South American, Asian, NBDL and other international coaches contact us regarding the top ESL players.
Our information regarding the ESL All tournament teams is in-depth and accurate.
Over 300 former ESL players are currently playing professional basketball due to talent level of the ESL and our strict registration criteria getting into the summer league.
In addition our scouting information is intended to give coaches player evaluation information based off of our experience in the international basketball market and to assist the ESL players and their agents in the placement process.
For additional information regarding the ESL players or contact information of their agents please contact marketing@eurobasket.com

ESL Las Vegas All Tournament - First Team

Jermaine Watson
(193-G-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Boston Coll.) - Jermaine is the Co-MVP of the ESL Las Vegas event due to his dynamic scoring ability and PG skills. He is a great shooter and has the ability to create space and penetrate at will utilizing his strength, quickness and ball handling ability.
Jermaine is a point guard who can score and has experience playing in the top Latin American leagues. During the ESL Las Vegas event he used his experience and skills to dominate the other guards at the ESL Las Vegas event.
Due to his size and shooting ability he is probably a combo guard who can play off the ball but due to his creative skills he is better suited with the ball in his hands.
He can play in quality leagues like Germany, France, Belgium and Italy.
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Pierce Caldwell
(191-G, agency: Union Sports) - Pierce is a NCAA Division II All American and is the Co-MVP of the ESL Las Vegas event. He is a big time player with high-level Europe potential and is a great clutch shooter. He single handily kept his team in the Championship game with 3 pt daggers when needed. He is more of a shooting guard who can handle the ball and play the PG position. He creates off the dribble and has a prolific jump shoot that looks good even when his misses a shot. He is just as good as last year ESL MVP Myles McKay and will play at the highest level in Europe soon but will need a mid-level job in Europe to get started. He is gifted with a strong/ physical body and great attitude.
He is a winner and has a great basketball mentality.
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Sammy Monroe
(198-F-85, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Newberry) - A big guard with skills who can also play the small forward position. He is a smooth and gifted scorer who creates well off the dribble and can knock down the perimeter shot. He has experience playing in Mexico and was one of the top scorers in the Philippines in 2010. During the ESL he showed his athleticism and he creative skills as a scorer either getting to the basket or knocking down jump shots. Sammy has the ability to be a big time player in any league in Europe.
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Marcus Stout

(193-G-86, college: Fordham) - A former Atlantic 10 All Conference performer is a high quality combo guard who can really shoot and score the ball. He made great decisions with the ball at the ESL and can play either guard position effectively. He creates well off the dribble and he can catch and shoot as well. During the ESL he played a little out of position due to the lack of size on his team. He has professional experience in Europe and would be perfect for a league like Pro A France or Italy Legadue.
He has a terrific attitude, plays solid defense and has nice all around scoring skills. He may have been the best all around guard at the ESL Las Vegas event.
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Dustin Mitchell (206-F/C)
Dustin hails from University of Wisconsin- Whitewater a NCAA Division III power house the same program where the ESL 2009 MVP Myles McKay played.
Dustin is a NCAA Division III All American and captivated the scouts at the ESL Las Vegas event with his high basketball IQ and his unique inside and outside skills.
At 6'9 and 245lbs he is a good athlete who runs the floor well but is very impressive with his footwork and skills around the basket.
The thing that takes his game to the next level as a future professional in Europe is that he is a pure shooter from deep and most big guys wont be able to guard him from the perimeter. He has the potential to be a top level player in Europe and I expect to see him in the ACB, EuroLeague or Italy in the next couple of years.
Mid to high level clubs in Europe should flock to this player immediately because he will have a great career in Europe and he is a great kid with good work ethic.
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Willie Irick
(198-F-84, college: Oklahoma City)
Willie is a good athlete who can really shoot the ball. He has good ball handling skills that can post or create his own jump shot.
When he gets it going no one can guard him and he showed why he was a NAIA All American in 2008.
At 6'7 and 240lbs he is a great player for teams in Europe looking for a highly skilled all around scoring forward.
Willie is also an excellent rebounder with a good attitude.
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Sean Dantzler (193-G/F-83, college: St.Francis, NY)
Sean is a next level pure shooter who can shoot with the best of them. A former NBA scout was at his first ESL Las Vegas game and said that he should be playing on a NBA Summer League roster. He is a pure big guard who is a lights out shooter. He has a nice step back and is crafty enough to create space to get his shot off. European teams looking for a guy who shoots 40% and higher from the 3pt line he is your guy. He was one of the top shooters at the ESL Las Vegas event.
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Micheal Anderson
This kid is a big time athlete who can jump out the gym and had the most spectacular dunk at the ESL Las Vegas event. He is crafty with the ball and can create off the dribble to get to the basket or pull up for a jumper. He has long arms and a great wing spam allowing him to be a quality rebounder and shot blacker. He is a nice all around player and big time athlete that would be an asset on a lot of international teams. We enjoyed watching him play at the ESL Las Vegas event and expect him to land in a quality situation. He is also a good jump shooter for a big time athlete.
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Wellington Smith (201-F-87, agency: KMG Sports Management)
Wellington could have easily been the Co-MVP of the ESL Las Vegas event. He is a nice athlete with great all around skills combine with a quality jump shot. His basketball IQ is very high and he is a great team player. He could have easily scored a lot more points but is the type of player who can score a lot of points in a system without forcing shots. This former West Virginia University and Big East player will have an outstanding international career. He is a good rebounder; he has great size and is a good defensive player. He was offered several contracts on the spot at the ESL.

Brandon Brown

(201-F, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.)
Brandon is a monster on the boards and has extremely long arms that makes him play a lot bigger than his size.
He was a beast during the ESL Las Vegas event and was unstoppable. He can score inside as he has nice ball handling skills and moves around the basket.
Brandon can also step out and knock down jump shots as well. He plays with a lot of intensity and heart.
He can play at a high level in Europe and is combo between a power forward and a small forward (4/3).
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ESL Las Vegas All Tournament - Second Team
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Terrance Woodbury (201-G/F-86, college: Georgia)
Terrance the former First Team All SEC Player had a couple of outstanding games at the ESL Las Vegas event.
He is a very athletic and skilled small forward that can definitely play at the highest level in Europe and should be on a NBA Summer League roster in 2011.
He can handle the basketball and he has a nice jump shot. He would have been on our first team but had a slow first day.
He is a big time athlete and player with high level Europe and NBA potential.
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Michael Pilgrim (203-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: LSU-Shreveport)
Mike has crazy potential and serious athlete that can play at a high level in Europe.
He is a great athlete and has nice skills and a shooting touch for a big man.
He is an excellent offensive rebounder who had a couple of impressive tip dunks after missed shots in the ESL.
The fact that he has a nice mid range jump shot with great athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect for quality European teams.
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Devon Greene (198-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon)
Devon is a smooth scorer and is a sneaky athlete that will surprise you with his athleticism.
This former IBL scoring king who once averaged 37.1ppg the IBL league was a very impressive scorer at the ESL.
He is probably a natural swing man but definitely can play the big guard position. He can get to the basket at will and is a very good jump shooter.
Teams in Europe looking for a consistent scorer Devon Greene (198-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon) can get it done in a big way.
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Demetrius Williamson (198-F-87)
Demetrius probably has more upside potential than any player at the ESL Las Vegas event due to his size, pure shooting ability and athleticism.
He needs a quality coach at a good level in Europe to enhance his God given abilities and he will be a potential NBA player.
We saw Demetrius at the ESL Chicago event which he dominated against lesser competition but in Las Vegas his gamer did not change.
He is a pure shooter with a beautiful shot that reminded our ESL announcer of Ray Allen.
He is a super athlete who jumps out the gym and had some awesome dunks at the ESL.
He is a 6'6 Big Guard that can shoot it consistently from the parking lot and has unlimited range.
If he works more on his ball handling skills and moving without the ball he will be a 7 figure player.
Yes we did say this.
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Karron Clarke (198-F-85, college: De Paul)
Karron is a big time athlete with a big time body that once you put him on the court things are going to happen.
He runs the floor well and finishes well and he is great rebounder who plays extremely hard.
He has a lot of talent and needs a quality level in Europe to enhance his career.
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Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87)
Jamal was a surprise in the ESL Las Vegas event.
This former Big Ten player came to the ESL known to be a shooter which he does well.
However he is very athletic and had some nice all around skills that were very impressive at the ESL Las Vegas event.
He took the ball to the basket extremely well and his turn around jump shot and mid range game was really smooth.
He currently plays for the Jordan National Team but is a big time prospect for international teams. He showed his talent at the ESL Las Vegas event.
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Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy)
Chris is the former ESL Chicago 2009 MVP and played extremely well in Las Vegas. He is an athletic long arm player who is very versatile and skilled. He is a natural swing man who is better suited slashing and playing above the basket. He is a great defensive player who had some crazy shot blacks in Las Vegas. In college he played the power forward position and in Las Vegas he played a lot of the 4 spot as well but he needs more muscle to play the 4 in top leagues in Europe. In the NBDL in the 2009-10 he played his natural position of the small forward and with his ball handling skills and athleticism his future is bright.
In order for him to get to the next level he must improve his perimeter shooting a little and he will be a big time player in Europe.
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Trevor Bing (188-G-85)
Trevor was a lightning quick combo guard who was very fast baseline to baseline.
His defensive skills are awesome as he will pick up opposing guards the full 90 feet and apply crazy defensive pressure.
He is a smart player and a great decision maker on the court.
He is a coach's dream player due to his leadership, work ethic and great attitude.
He will be an excellent choice for team in Europe looking for a quality combo guard.
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Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84)
Vernon is a beast and the NBA is his reality.
He only played one game at the ESL Las Vegas event but he was a man amongst boys.
He has a NBA body and had nice inside moves, skills and a good touch around the basket.
Apparently he has signed a NBA contract with the Golden State Warriors for veterans camp according to his agent.
He was the most talented big man at the ESL 2010 Las Vegas event.
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Dominique Keller (201-F-88)
This former University of Illinois player had an outstanding ESL tournament.
He has a great basketball body and showed nice all around skills.
During the tournament he was athletic and had nice moves and could really score the basketball.
He had a couple of great games in the Big Ten and his production based on minutes played was impressive during college.
At the ESL Las Vegas event he shot the ball extremely well and was a force for his team.
He is definitely a quality player in Europe for the right team.
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ESL Las Vegas All Big Man Team:
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James Tyler (218-C-88)
James is a big guy at 7'2 and 315lbs.
During the ESL Las Vegas event he was unstoppable at times and over powered the opposition.
He is a quality real big man with skills and touch but he needs to improve his fitness.
Once he is in great shape then he is a big money player.
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Vernon Goodridge - See All Tourney selection
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Shane Lawal (206-F/C-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Wayne St., MI)
He is a quality all around big guy who was an excellent defender.
He blocked a lot of shots and rebounded extremely well during the ESL event.
He is a great athlete who runs the floor like a deer.
Having a Contonu passport makes his a big time asset for the right team in Spain.
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Lawrence Nwevo (203-F/C-85)
Lawrence was the hardest working big guy in Las Vegas.
He is an excellent defensive player and rebounder.
He has a great attitude and is a winner.
Lawrence also has a Contonu passport and would be a nice asset to a team in Europe.
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Michael Pilgrim See All Tourney selection.
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Jonathan Huffman

(213-F/C-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Louisville)
A big man with a great shooting touch.
Jonathan is a true seven footer with NBA size and great shooting skills from deep.
He is very talented and could be a big time European professional.
He basketball skills are extremely high and when he decided to go inside he can score as well.
He likes to face up and is more comfortable shooting from the perimeter.
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Kenneth Cooper
(208-C-87, agency: KMG Sports Management) - Kenneth has great size and lots of upside potential.
He has great interior presence and is a quality shot blocker.
He is a good athlete that runs the floor well.
He has the potential to have a long career in international basketball.

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EUROCHALLENGE

Krka Novo Mesto signs Matej Rojc, Chris Booker and Dusan Djordjevic - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian champion announced signings of three new players. The team landed Matej Rojc (198-G-93), Chris Booker

(208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) and Dusan Djordjevic

(195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) for the upcoming season.
Matej Rojc arrives to Krka from the second division team Kos Vzajemna. He is a member of the Slovenian U18 National Team. With U16 Slovenia he shined in Portugal last summer at the U16 EuroBasket 2009 averaging 13.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.5 apg for 6 games.
Chris Booker is coming to Krka from Energa Czarni Slupsk. He joined the Polish outfit in January this year from Ukrainian Khimik Yuzny. In 14 PLK games Booker collected 12.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.1 spg. He already has experience from Slovenia, as he played for Union Olimpija on season 2007/08. Booker registered 8.7 ppg and 1.1 bpg for 17 games that season and also played 12 Euroleague games with 3.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg.
Dusan Djordjevic arrives from Union Olimpija, where he played last season. For 10 Euroleague games Djordjevic averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg. He had 4.4 ppg and 1.9 apg for 27 Adriatic league games, while his numbers in Slovenia were pretty close. He helped Union Olimpija to win the National Cup this year. Before Union Olimpija, Dusan Djordjevic spent one season with Bosna ASA BHT. In the past, he also played for Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad, Spartak St. Petersburg and Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu.

Zadar returns Jakov Vladovic - by Eurobasket News
Zadar announced very important signing for the upcoming season. The Croatian runner-up signed contract with Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83), who returns to Zadar after one season in Russia. Vladovic appeared 23 times in Russian league with his Lokomotiv Kuban averaging 5.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals. They also competed in EuroChallenge, where Vladovic added 6.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 3.2 apg.
Jakov Vladovic started basketball career with Zadar more than ten years ago. He helped them to win the title in Croatian championship in 2005. For 18 games that season Vladovic collected 13 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 3.5 apg. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Guard of the Year. In 2008, Vladovic switched Zadar for Zagreb. He arrived there as third best scorer of Adriatic league with 17.8 ppg on season 2007/08. However, with Zagreb his numbers dropped 10.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2 apg for 10 games in the regional championship. Jakov Vladovic was a member of Croatian 'B' National Team last summer.
Zadar reached the Playoff Finals last season in Croatia. They reached fifth decisive game, but Cibona was too strong for them and defended the championship title.

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EUROLEAGUE

Nemanja Bjelica is officially in Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News
Nemanja Bjelica

(209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) market saga has come to an end. The 22-year-old centre signed a five-year deal with Caja Laboral. Nemanja Bjelica spent the previous two seasons in Crvena Zvezda. Last season the centre tallied 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic league his stats read 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In Serbian League Nemanja Bjelica notched 18.9 points, 7.4 boards and 3.3 assists per appearance. Bjelica participated at the 2009 World University Games and 2009 EuroBasket.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day: 1 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Italy - Israel 71-79
Israel opened their 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with victory. They knocked down Italy in Group A in Bari. Yotam Halperin

(196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) knocked down 16 points to lead the visitors. Yotam Halperin opened the scoring with three points but Italy responded with 11 points in a row to surge ahead. Israel stayed close throughout the opening frame and Yuval Naimy

(188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) gave them a 20:19 lead at the first break. Guy Pnini

(201-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and Yotam Halperin ignited a 12:0 run from Israel as they cleared off midway through the second frame. The visitors maintained the lead and recorded a 45:33 advantage at the interval. Israel stayed confidently in charge during the third term. They arrived at the final break up by 11 points 67:55. Yotam Halperin and Omri Casspi

(204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) ensured a 78:64 advantage for the Israeli team with under five minutes to go. Italy never recovered in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end. Yuval Naimy and David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) produced 10 points each for Israel. Yaniv Green

(206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates), Guy Pnini and Omri Casspi had 9 points each in the victory. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) and Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) replied with 20 points each for Italy. Vitali finished with 6 points in the loss.
Montenegro - Latvia 96-66
Montenegro registered a comfortable win at the start of the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Latvia to improve at 1-0 record in Group A. Nikola Pekovic

(210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) tallied 26 points to lead the hosts. Montenegro stormed into the game. The hosts accounted for 30 points in the opening stanza to lead by 17 at the first break. Janis Strelnieks

(191-G-89) dragged Latvia within 11 points late in the second half but Montenegro reacted. Omar Cook

(186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) and Predrag Drobnjak

(212-F/C-75) capped the half with back-to-back three-pointers to give the home team a 53:38 buffer. Dragicevic and Nikola Pekovic ensured a 21-point lead for Montenegro late in the third term. Latvia struggled to recover as they were down by 22 points with ten minutes to go. Nikola Pekovic and Predrag Drobnjak tipped off the fourth frame with five straight points for Montenegro and they never looked back en route to the victory. Goran Jeretin

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) provided 13 points and 7 assists for the home team. Predrag Drobnjak and Omar Cook delivered 11 points each for Montenegro. Janis Strelnieks replied with 13 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for Latvia. Ronalds Zakis

(207-F/C-87) and Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) had 9 points each in the loss.

Group B

Hungary - United Kingdom 82-91
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) leads United Kingdom over Hungary in Szolnok at the start of the EuroBasket qualifying campaign. United Kingdom needed 24-13 in the last frame for 91:82 victory. David Vojvoda

(191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) gave the hosts the first lead, while Nate Reinking

(188-G-73, college: Kent St.) tied it later at 10:10. It was an offensive quarter for both sides and as a result the teams nailed 56 points in the first quarter. Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85) nailed two at the end of the quarter for 29:27 and Nate Reinking opened the second frame for 30:29. Daniel Clark

(210-C-88, agency: Interperformances) drove a lay-up for 39:33 and Sullivan gave the guests 41:36. Luol Deng brought the first double digits in the game for 48:38 advantage, while Wittmann sent the squads to the lockers at 54:42. Hungary however was too far to give and Toth brought them to 58:55. Moreover David Vojvoda tied it all at 64:64 and Wittmann gave Hungary 69:67 after three quarters. In the last quarter United Kingdom took a control in the game and Nate Reinking nailed three for 74:71. Pops Mensah-Bonsu

(206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) made it 82:77, while Luol Deng brought the final victory at the very end. Luol Deng exploded with 32 points for the winners and Nate Reinking scored 16. Pops Mensah-Bonsu collected 14 points and 18 rebounds, whilst Daniel Clark notched 14. Adam Hanga

(201-G-89, agency: FCM) finished the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the home side and David Vojvoda nailed 18. Peter Lorant ended up with 15 points in defeat.
Ukraine - FYR Macedonia 58-71
F.Y.R. Macedonia ensured a dreamful start to the their EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They stunned Ukraine in Yuzhnyi today. Pero Antic

(210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Ukraine started the game in a confident manner. They recorded a 22:17 lead ten minutes into the game. But F.Y.R. Macedonia slowed the hosts down in the second frame. The visitors adjusted their defense and erased the deficit. Marques Green

(170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) and Pero Antic put F.Y.R. Macedonia in front 30:29 but Glebov capped the first half with a jumper as Ukraine entered the third term up by one 31:30. The teams stayed close in the third term but it was Pero Antic who proved the difference. The forward knocked down 10 points as F.Y.R. Macedonia earned a 50:48 lead with ten minutes remaining. Glebov drew things level at the start of the fourth quarter but unstoppable Pero Antic fired from downtown to keep the visitors ahead. Vojdan Stojanovski

(194-G-87) and Sokolov drained back-to-back triples as F.Y.R. Macedonia posted a 61:55 lead late in the quarter. Todor Gecevski

(209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) and Pero Antic stretched the gap to 9 points and F.Y.R. Macedonia never looked back en route to the win. Todor Gecevski provided 16 points for F.Y.R. Macedonia. Vojdan Stojanovski added 11 points in the victory. Serhiy Lishchuk

(210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Denys Lukashov

(190-G-89) top-scored with 12 points in the loss.

Group C

Portugal - Bulgaria 59-67
Bulgaria posted the first win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They upset Portugal in Ovar to climb at 1-0 record in Group C. Filip Videnov

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) came up with 17 points to pace the charge. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening quarter. Bulgaria finally capped the period with 12:2 rally to earn a 22:15 lead. Bulgaria hung on to the lead throughout the second frame. Portugal were able to trim the deficit at just one point midway through the stanza but Bulgaria posted a 40:35 lead at halftime. Filip Videnov opened a double-digit lead for the visitors early in the third quarter. However Portugal first cut the deficit to minimum and then crowned the period with four points in a row to gain a 54:53 lead. Fernandez opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer to boost the margin. But Filip Videnov and Velikov stepped up with 10 points as Bulgaria regained control. Bulgaria kept the hosts scoreless for more than six final minutes of regulation to celebrate an important victory at the end. Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed 12 points for Bulgaria. Zlatin Georgiev

(195-G-85) accounted for 8 points in the win. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Portugal. Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) had 10 points in the loss.
Georgia - Poland 84-65
Georgia surprised Poland in Tbilisi in Group C opener. The teams exchanged the wins in the first half quarters, while Georgia won the second half at the EuroBasket qualifying campaign for 84:65 win. Poland will need to regroup before hosting Portugal on Thursday, but Georgia will head to Belgium. Thomas Kelati

(195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) upset the home crown driving a lay-up, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) later tied it at 10:10. Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) brought 14:13, while Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) scored for 19:19. Poland finished the quarter with 5-0 run as Koszarek closed the frame at 24:19. Manuchar Markoishvili

(195-G-86) nailed three for 31:27 and Shermadini made it 36:32. The hosts won the second frame 26-16 to take 45:40 lead at the halftime. Zaza Pachulia increased the lead to 50:40 in the start of the third frame and Georgia never looked behind after. Giorgi Tsintsadze

Standings

Group A
1. Israel		1-0
2. Montenegro.		1-0
3. Finland		0-0
4. Italy		0-1
5. Latvia		0-1
Group B
1. U.Kingdom		1-0
2. FYR Macedo.		1-0
3. Bosnia		0-0
4. Ukraine		0-1
5. Hungary		0-1
Group C
1. Bulgaria		1-0
2. Georgia		1-0
3. Belgium		0-0
4. Poland		0-1
5. Portugal		0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zaza PACHULIA
  GEO
  (212-C-84)
  Avg: 26

1. Pachulia, GEO	26.0
2. Antic, MKD	26.0
3. Pekovic, MNT	26.0
4. Lampe, POL	21.0
5. Belinelli, ITA	20.0
6. Hanga, HUN	20.0
7. Bargnani, ITA	20.0
8. Evans, POR	19.0
9. Vojvoda, HUN	18.0
10. Videnov, BUL	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Pops MENSAH-BONSU
  ENG
  (206-F-83)
  Avg: 18

1. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG	18.0
2. Sanikidze, GEO	12.0
3. Hanga, HUN	10.0
4. Evans, POR	9.0
5. Pachulia, GEO	8.0
6. Bargnani, ITA	8.0
7. Bluthenthal, ISR	7.0
8. Lorant, HUN	6.0
9. Datome, ITA	6.0
10. Lampe, POL	6.0

Assists Per Game

Goran JERETIN
  MNT
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 7

1. Jeretin, MNT	7.0
2. Szubarga, POL	6.0
3. Cook, MNT	6.0
4. Minhava, POR	5.0
5. Calloway, BUL	5.0
6. Burstein, ISR	5.0
7. Glebov, UKR	4.0
8. Evans, POR	3.0
9. Markoishvili, GEO	3.0
10. Hanga, HUN	3.0

Steals Per Game

Goran JERETIN
  MNT
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 4

1. Jeretin, MNT	4.0
2. Belinelli, ITA	3.0
3. Calloway, BUL	3.0
4. Andrade, POR	2.0
5. Gomes, POR	2.0
6. Hanga, HUN	2.0
7. Cook, MNT	2.0
8. Stojanovski, MKD	2.0
9. Casspi, ISR	2.0
10. Gecevski, MKD	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcin GORTAT
  POL
  (213-C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Gortat, POL	2.0
2. Varbanov, BUL	1.0
3. Santos, POR	1.0
4. Toth, HUN	1.0
5. Cortez, POR	1.0
6. Grafs, LAT	1.0
7. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG	1.0
8. Stojanovski, MKD	1.0
9. Clark, ENG	1.0
10. Kravtsov, UKR	1.0

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Vilpas signed with DiJuan Harris - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Vilpas (Salo) and American PG Dijuan Harris (175-G-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) have agreed and signed a 1-year-contract for coming 2010-11 season. Harris will then start his international basketball career in Finland as he graduated last spring out of NC-Charlotte University averaging 8,3 ppg - 3,2 rpg - 4,6 apg as a Senior. Harris led Atlantic 10 Conference in assists for three years. As a Junior the player averaged 7,2 assists/game!

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

FRANCE

Wizards sign 17th-overall draft pick Seraphin - by Eurobasket News
The Washington Wizards have signed No. 17 overall pick Kevin Seraphin

FYR MACEDONIA

F.Y.R. Macedonia shock Ukraine in opener - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - F.Y.R. Macedonia 58:71
F.Y.R. Macedonia ensured a dreamful start to the their EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They stunned Ukraine in Yuzhnyi today. Pero Antic

(210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the effort.
Ukraine started the game in a confident manner. They recorded a 22:17 lead ten minutes into the game. But F.Y.R. Macedonia slowed the hosts down in the second frame. The visitors adjusted their defense and erased the deficit. Marques Green

(194-G-87) and Sokolov drained back-to-back triples as F.Y.R. Macedonia posted a 61:55 lead late in the quarter. Todor Gecevski

(209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) and Pero Antic stretched the gap to 9 points and F.Y.R. Macedonia never looked back en route to the win.
Todor Gecevski provided 16 points for F.Y.R. Macedonia. Vojdan Stojanovski added 11 points in the victory. Serhiy Lishchuk

(210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Denys Lukashov

(190-G-89) top-scored with 12 points in the loss.

Ukraine: Denys Lukashov 12, Serhiy Lishchuk 11
F.Y.R. Macedonia: Pero Antic 26, Todor Gecevski 16, Vojdan Stojanovski 11

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

GEORGIA

More than 9000 fans enjoy Georgian win over Poland - by Eurobasket News
Georgia-Poland 84:65
Georgia surprised Poland in Tbilisi in Group C opener. The teams exchanged the wins in the first half quarters, while Georgia won the second half at the EuroBasket qualifying campaign for 84:65 win. Poland will need to regroup before hosting Portugal on Thursday, but Georgia will head to Belgium.
Thomas Kelati

(192-G-86) scored for 63:46, while Thomas Kelati closed the frame at 63:49. Georgia added also 21-16 in the last quarter to surprise the Polish side that looked awesome in the preparation games. Thomas Kelati nailed three at the very end for the final result.
Zaza Pachulia poured in 26 points for the winners, while Viktor Sanikidze collected 14 points and 12 rebounds. Giorgi Tsintsadze also scored 14, while Manuchar Markoishvili netted 12. Thomas Kelati ended up with 22 points in the losing effort. Maciej Lampe nailed 21, while Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) scored 10.

Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 26, Viktor Sanikidze 14+12 rebs, Giorgi Tsintsadze 14, Manuchar Markoishvili 12
Poland: Thomas Kelati 22, Maciej Lampe 21, Marcin Gortat 10

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

GERMANY

FC Bayern Munich Add Another EX BEKO BBL Player With Jonathan Wallace - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
FC Bayern Munich have found their new point guard signing Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgetown) to a contract. Wallace is a 24 year old 187cm guard from Huntsville, Alabama. Last season, he played in the strong D-League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers playing 58 games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 88.1%. He won the D-league title in 2010. German National coach Dirk Bauerman is content that Wallace will be able to sharpen the playmaking. 'He is a first pass guard that can shoot and defend well. He is a winner typ of guy and will fit well into the team with his charachter and have astrong back court duo with Demond Greene', stressed FC Bayern Munich coavh Dirk Bauermann

Wallace started his basketball career at the well known basketball school Georgetown where he played from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 10.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 49.4%, 3Pts: 44.7%, FT: 79.3%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006 and Final 4 in 2007 with Georgetown. In 2008 he started with Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-1A), Adriatic League: 8 games: 4.4ppg, 1.3rpg; Euroleague: 4 games: 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg; and left in November 2008, and in Feb 2009 moved to EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): German League: 18 games: 1.7ppg; EuroChallenge: 2 games: 0.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg. With The EWE Baskets Oldenburg, he was able to win the 2009 BEKO BBL title.

Source: www.basketball.fcbayern.de

Christian Von Fintel Moves To MBC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The MBC Wolves have signed Christian von Fintel

(188-G/F-90) to a contract for the upcoming season. Von Fintel is a 20 year old 188 cm shooting guard small forward that played for the 2009-2010 PRO B champion Rhondorf last season. He averaged 11 minutes in 28 games averaging 3,3ppg. Von Fintel is happy that he had the experience playing in Rhondorf. 'I did my civil duty in Rhondorf and after 8 hours of work each day, I still was able to get in two practices. It was worth the effort and winning the PRO B title', said Christian von Fintel. 'Christian fits to our team. He always gives 100%, wants to win and wants to develop further as a player. I know him from my Jena days and am looking forward to working with him', stated MBC coach Bjoern Harmsen .

Von Fintel started his basketball career in 2007-2008 for TuS Jena II (2.Regionalliga). In 2008-2009, he played 4 PRO A games. MBC coach Bjoern harmsen was already there to take notes on the young German player back then. 'Bjoern coached the Regionaliga team in Jena back then and I always wanted to be in the team, but made it as he had moved on to coach the second division Jena team. I am looking forward to this new challenge. I want to develop as player and person and help the team. I am looking forward to working with Bjoern Harmsen and finally my dream will be fullfilled after many years being able to learn from one of Germanys best coaches', stressed Christian von Fintel.
Source: www.mitteldeutscherbc.de

TBB Trier Acquire Barry Stewart - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Last season one of the big surprises in the BEKO BBL was Deutsche Bank Skyliner rookie Quantez Robertson bringing opponents in disaray with his defense and this season Barry Stewart (191-G-88) could be the Super Tez version for TBB Trier as he was signed to a contract. Stewart is a 22 year old 191cm guard from Shelbyville, Tennessee. He played the last four years at Mississippi St. (NCAA, starting five) playing 36 games:averaging 11.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 37.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.4%. He belonged to the best defenders in the South eastern Conference and one of the reasons why TBB Trier became interested in the American. 'I had the chance to watch Barry play a lot this season and he showed a lot of effort and quickness. He also had a positive charachter which I felt in a personal talk with him. We believe that he can take over an important role despite no BEKO BBL experience', stressed TBB Trier head coach Henrik Roedl

Stewart recently had a workout with The Miami Heat and even had the chance to get a taste of what the city of Trier is all about and is convinced as well about his playing qualities. i am a good defender and very versatile. I defended the opponents each night as a Bull dog. I can still get bigger and I will do everything possible to make this team better. I am looking forward to starting my career in Trier an dthis is the ideal place to start it', added Barry Stewart. Stewart was named to the 2009 and 2010 SEC all tournament team.
Source: www.tbb-trier.de

Soba Rhondorf Dragons Grab NCAA2 Star Sanijay Watts - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
New PRO A team Soba Dragons Rhondorf have signed Sanijay Watts (193-F-87, agency: Limelight Hoops) to a contract. Watts is a 22 year old 193cm forward from ST Louis, Missouri. Watts hasnt played a second of professional basketball yet, but has achieved a lot as an NCAA2 player at Central Missouri. He is an outstanding inside scorer, who is almost unstoppable on the block with his right hand jump hook and his turnaround jump shot. He works extremely hard on both sides of the floor and runs the court well. He is a very active player who outworks his opponents and likes to draw contact with his defender to score or to draw a foul. He possesses a good midrange jump shot and is great from the line. he has been named to three 1st Team All-American Squads after completing the 2009-2010 season. He was a first-team selection to the 2010 State Farm Coaches' Division II All-American Team , selected by members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Division II Bulletin, and the Daktronics D-II All-American Team. The St. Louis, Missouri native was the South Central Region and MIAA Player of the Year, and led the MIAA in both scoring (21.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.5 rpg) this season. He was the only two-year player in school history to record more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, finishing with 1,214 points and 507 boards. He was selected to the NCAA South Central Region All-Tournament team after leading the tournament with 28.3 points per game. He played in the NABC Division II All-Star Game in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, earning MVP honors with 21 points. Central Missouri finished its season with a 27-4 record and won its first out-right MIAA title since 1984. They broke the MIAA record for wins (18-2) and tied the school record with 25 regular season victories. Coach Eric Detlev is confident that Watts will make an impact in the PRO A. 'We have gotten an interesting an dtalented player with Watts. It may be strange to take a player of his size, but he has shown in the past that he isnt only able to survive, but domintae. We are looking forward to him', stressed Rhondorf coach Eric Detlev
Source: www.dragons.de

The Artland Dragons Add Ekenechukwu Ibekwe - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Artland Dragons fans might want to quickly find a nickname for new player Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (206-F-85, college: Maryland) because learning how to spell and pronounce this unique name might take a while. The Artland Dragons have announced the signing of Ekenechukwu Ibekwe who is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Carson, California that has a Nigerian passport. He is a a long, lean dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential, a talented shooter for his size who can take the ball to the basket and score in the post and a high-flying finisher and shot blocker. Last season, he played in Iran and finished the basketball season in Turkey playing for Petrochimi Imam Harbour (Iran-Superleague), left later that month, in Jan.'10 signed at Genc Banvitliler (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 10 games: 21.2ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 59.2%. Head coach Stefan Koch is pleased of getting the big guy and it seems like getting the boards cleaned up will be a big priority for the Artland Dragons this season. 'Getting him is very similiar to the Tyreese Rice situation in that he will help us right away with his quality, but his development is still coming along. He is a good rebounder and shot blocker. He will be an important addition for us. His defense presence will also be important. We had Ekene on our list for a long time, but getting him was delayed a bit until we had Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje', stressed Dragons head coach Stefan Koch
Ibekwe started his basketball career in the NCAA for Maryland and played there from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 10.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0spg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 63.6%. The big man has goten around the world in only three years of professional expereince playing in three countries in his rookie season of 2007-2008 playing in Gilboa/Afula/Migdal Haemek (Israel-Premier League), left in Feb.'08: 11games: 11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2Pts 61.1%, FGP 77%, in February try-out at Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico-BSN), but next month moved to Besanon Basket Comt Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 8 games: 10.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4spg, Blocks-2 (1.6bpg), 2FGP: 50%, FT: 69.7%. In 2008-2009, he played in Turkey for Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 28 games: 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-5 (1.8bpg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.0%. He has played for the NIgerian National team the last years and at the 2006 World Championships played 6 games averaging 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, FT: 33.3%. In a 78-77 loss to Germany, he scored 22 points, hauled down 10 rebounds and had three blocks.
Source: www.artland-dragons.de

Netherlands nip Germany in Leiden - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Germany 60:58
Netherlands opened win count at the international Nations Cup tournament in Leiden. The hosts narrowly defeated Germany in the second round of action. Henk Norel

(212-F/C-87) provided 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Dutch team.
Germany strongly opened the game. They outscored the home team 20:10 for a comfortable lead at the first intermission. Netherlands gradually came back to life. Netherlands pulled in front 24:22 midway through the second frame. Germany returned the lead and posted a 36:27 advantage at halftime. But the third term belonged to the home side. Netherlands limited their opponents to just 7 points in the quarter and narrowed the deficit at just 2-point mark 41:43 with ten minutes to go. Netherlands used a 7:0 run late in regulation to jump to a 59:55 advantage. Germany did not recover in the dying seconds and had to surrender at the end.
Kees Akerboom

(200-F-83, agency: Court Side) produced 14 points for the winners. Lucca Staiger (196-G-88, college: Iowa St.) notched 11 points for Germany. Konrad Wysocki

(202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) netted 9 points in the loss.

Netherlands: Henk Norel 17+10 boards, Kees Akerboom 14
Germany: Lucca Staiger 11, Konrad Wysocki 9

Belgium too strong for Germany - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - Germany 78:53
Belgium registered the second straight victory in the test series against Germany. The second win was a much easier challenge for the Belgian Cats. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) came up with 18 points to lead the effort.
Belgium stormed into the game taking the lead early. Belgium rolled to a 22:13 advantage ten minutes into the encounter. Germany stopped the bleeding in the second frame. They matched Belgium and cut the deficit at 8-point mark at halftime 32:40. But the third term proved the difference. Belgium stepped on the gas and cleared off. They piled up an 18-point buffer at the final intermission. Germany surrendered as Belgium outgunned them 25:8 in the final quarter.
Laurence Van Malderen (193-C-81, agency: LBM Management) nailed 12 points for Belgium. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) added 8 points apiece for the winning side. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) responded with 15 points for Germany. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) netted 12 points in the loss.

Belgium: Kathy Wambe 18, Laurence Van Malderen 12, Marjorie Carpreaux 8, Emma Meesseman 8
Germany: Linda Frohlich 15, Sarah Austmann 12

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HOLLAND

Netherlands nip Germany in Leiden - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Germany 60:58
Netherlands opened win count at the international Nations Cup tournament in Leiden. The hosts narrowly defeated Germany in the second round of action. Henk Norel

(200-F-83, agency: Court Side) produced 14 points for the winners. Lucca Staiger (196-G-88, college: Iowa St.) notched 11 points for Germany. Konrad Wysocki

HUNGARY

Deng leads United Kingdom over Hungary in Szolnok - by Eurobasket News
Hungary-United Kingdom 82:91
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) leads United Kingdom over Hungary in Szolnok at the start of the EuroBasket qualifying campaign. United Kingdom needed 24-13 in the last frame for 91:82 victory.
David Vojvoda

(191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) gave the hosts the first lead, while Nate Reinking

(206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) made it 82:77, while Luol Deng brought the final victory at the very end.
Luol Deng exploded with 32 points for the winners and Nate Reinking scored 16. Pops Mensah-Bonsu collected 14 points and 18 rebounds, whilst Daniel Clark notched 14. Adam Hanga

(201-G-89, agency: FCM) finished the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the home side and David Vojvoda nailed 18. Peter Lorant ended up with 15 points in defeat.

Hungary: Adam Hanga 20+10 rebs, David Vojvoda 18, Peter Lorant 15
United Kingdom: Luol Deng 32, Nate Reinking 16, Pops Mensah-Bonsu 14+18 rebs, Daniel Clark 14

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ISRAEL

Israel stun Italy in Bari - by Eurobasket News
Italy - Israel 71:79
Israel opened their 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with victory. They knocked down Italy in Group A in Bari. Yotam Halperin

(196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) knocked down 16 points to lead the visitors.
Yotam Halperin opened the scoring with three points but Italy responded with 11 points in a row to surge ahead. Israel stayed close throughout the opening frame and Yuval Naimy

(188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) gave them a 20:19 lead at the first break. Guy Pnini

(204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) ensured a 78:64 advantage for the Israeli team with under five minutes to go. Italy never recovered in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end.
Yuval Naimy and David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) produced 10 points each for Israel. Yaniv Green

(196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the way with 16 points while Yuval Naimy

(188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) each had 10, Omri Casspi

(204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) added 9 while six other Israeli players scored 9 points as well. This is an unbelievable win for the Israeli team which won for the first time on Italian soil in 25 years.

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

ITALY

(196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) knocked down 16 points to lead the visitors.
Yotam Halperin opened the scoring with three points but Italy responded with 11 points in a row to surge ahead. Israel stayed close throughout the opening frame and Yuval Naimy

(188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) gave them a 20:19 lead at the first break. Guy Pnini

(204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) ensured a 78:64 advantage for the Israeli team with under five minutes to go. Italy never recovered in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end.
Yuval Naimy and David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) produced 10 points each for Israel. Yaniv Green

(206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates), Guy Pnini and Omri Casspi had 9 points each in the victory. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) and Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) replied with 20 points each for Italy. Vitali finished with 6 points in the loss.

Italy: Andrea Bargnani 20, Marco Belinelli 20
Israel: Yotam Halperin 16, Yuval Naimy 10, David Bluthenthal 10

A Dilettanti Last Transactions - by Armando Caporaso
Lorenzo Panzini (185-G-90) is a new player of Latina from the last A Dil. Champions (Barcellona). For the ex playmaker of Ancona, Rimini and Vigevano some matches with the Under18/20 National Team. 3.6 points in 16.7 minutes the last year. Other arrivals for the Benacquista: Matteo Rossetti (192-G-85) leaves Brescia and arrives in Lazio. After recent experiences at Soresina and Castelletto in the 2009/2010 season 4.2 points average. Frederic Emejuru (203-F/C-88), always from Barcellona, is the third reinforcement in few days. For the ex player of Trento, born at Roma, 1.6 points in 6.5 minutes in the last A Dil. league. The Consum.It brings the young center Davide Bozzetto (207-C-89). Grown at Pordenone, in the last season contributed at the promotion of his team with 6.4 points, 8.8 rebounds (high of 18 caught against Spilimbergo) and 1.4 blocks (first of the group C of the C Dil.). The SBS Castelletto announces the confirmations of two players: Andrea Marusic (196-F-89) (6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds) and Franco Prelazzi (205-F/C-79) (12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds for the argentinian in 28 matches); moreover very soon could reach also Daniele Sandri

(195-F/G-90). Edoardo Persico (208-C-87, agency: Players Group) joins with Pavia. Grown at Biella (first match in LegaA1 in the 2003-2004) played also at Roseto, Venezia and Montecatini (7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds). Francesco Conti

(203-F/C-83), after the promotion in LegaA1 conquered with Sassari, change category and agrees with Moncalieri. For the third arrival at the PMS other experiences in LegaA2 with Casale and Novara. The last season 3.2 points in 9.7 minutes. Brescia takes Stevan Stojkov (182-G-89) for the next three years. Born at Belgrado and grown in the Virtus Bologna, the last year played at Ozzano closing the season with 8.2 points, 4.4 assist (best player of the group A) and 2.4 steals. Nicolo Benedusi (190-G-88, agency: Interperformances) is the first new player of Anagni, from San Severo. Despite the young age in the last season had a lot of space (6.0 points in 18.2 minutes). The expert Diego Zivic (198-F/C-76) leaves Ferentino and becomes a player of Trento. in his long carrier played at Ferentino (2008/10), Omegna (2007/08), Porto Torres (2006/07), Firenze (2005/06), Latina (2004/05), Trapani (2003/04), Casale (2002/03) & Riva del Garda (1999-2002). In the last year with his team has touched the playoffs leading the team with 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10.3 of ranking. Perugia welcomes Giovanni Carenza (202-F-88, college: St.Anselm) taken from the Virtus Siena. Grown at Reggio Emilia, studied in the United States playing in the NCAA2, at Saint Anselm College in the New Hampshire (4.7 points in the 2008/09). Important arrival at Ostuni: Mario Gigena (198-F-77) signs with the Assi Basket for the next season. A long carrier between LegaA1 and LegaA2 in the last years. Born at Villa del Rosario (Argentina) arrived in Italy at Livorno, debuting in A2 in the 1996/97. Subsequently recent experiences at Rieti and Napoli. After the failure of the NSB moves at Veroli closing the season with 7.7 points in 18.6 minutes. In his permanence in Italy a carrier high of 31 points in LegaA1 during his experience at Jesi. Amedeo Vittorio Tessitori (200-C-94) will play in the next season with the first team of Siena. Very young talent, played with the under 17 of the Virtus and with the Under16 National Team at the European of Bar in Montenegro this summer. Enrico Degli Agosti (208-C-74) salutes Treviglio after 9 seasons to follow Raffaele Martini at Borgo Basket in C Dil.

Banca Tercas Teramo land Blake Ahearn - by Eurobasket News
Blake Ahearn

(188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) is coming back to Europe. The 26-year-old guard signed a deal with Banca Tercas Teramo. Blake Ahearn started the previous season in Estudiantes in Spain. He notched 14.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. The guard left in December and moved to the Bakersfield Jam in D-League. There Blake Ahearn tallied 13.8 points, 3.9 assists and 2.1 boards per appearance. In March Ahearn was traded to the Erie Bay Hawks. The guard came up with 26.2 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Hawks.

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

IVORY COAST

Spain triumph at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Spain-Ivory Coast 85:70
Spain triumph at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria tournament with three teams participating. After the easy win over Canada last night the hosts added another one over Ivory Coast 85:70.
In the first two quarters the teams stayed even and exchanged the leads several times. Spain took 22:17 after the opening quarter, while enjoyed 38:34 at the halftime. Ivory Coast bounced back for 42:40 and stayed close at the end of the frame. Mumbru made two free throws for 60:56, while Calderon nailed three for 63:56. Both players added the free throws as the board showed 65:56. Mumbru also closed the third period at 67:56 as the Spainish run continued in the game. Vazques was the last to score to finish the run as Spain enjoyed 69:56 lead. Brice Assie

(201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut) scored for the guests and Emeterio made it 71:58. Claver made it to 75:61 midway through the last frame as Ivory Coast asked for timeout. Claver again and Amagou exchanged the threes for 78:64 with 5 minutes in the game. Suarez scored for 82:66 and it became clear at that time that Spain would win the tournament. lamizana brought 82:68 and Martinez nailed one for 83:68. Brice Assie reduced to 83:70 and Martinez again stepped up on the free throw line to score two for 85:70.
Vazques top-scored for the winners with 11 points and celebrate the win at the tournament. Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) netted 10 points apiece in a win. Kone and Charles Abouo (196-G/F-89) responded with 12 points each in the losing effort and Brice Assie netted 11.

Spain: Vazques 11, Marc Gasol 10, Juan Carlos Navarro 10
Ivory Coast: Kone 12, Charles Abouo 12, Brice Assie 11

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

KOSOVO

Kosovo wins the international tournament after National Team has defeated Albania in Pristina 101:94 - by Bessart
This is the second consecutive victory of the Kosovars, as the previous day, as part of this tournament, had defeated the United Arab Emirates with the result of deep 127:58.
Team led by Agim Kasapolli can quite triumphed in the match, which was quite dramatic, as it took place five minutes sequels, to be determined after the winner.
In fact, in the first quarter of the ground forces were almost equal and this time the game ended with the score 27:31 for red zinjt from Tirana.
Flooring forces were equal in the second quarter, which ended in favor of Albania, 7:21 p.m., respectively, with overall score of 46:52.
While, in the third quarter of Kosovars and easily dominated the closing period of the game in their favor, 20:19, respectively, with overall score of 66:71.
In the last period to match the viewers were under high temperature, as established teams play in the park. Without completing a second meeting, Kosovo and leveled the score at 86:86. In this case took place five minutes sequels, in which erupted in Kosovo, with the result of close triumphed 101:94.
At this meeting, the Albanian national team played the Red Ermal known basketball player, who until now has represented Turkey.
On Saturday from 20:00 pm will be the last match of the tournament between national of Albania and the United Arab Emirates.

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

LATVIA

Latvia will start against Montenegro - by Arturs Butans
Coach Ainars Bagatskis, has named 13 players who are in the final roster. Latvia will start qualification round with a game against home side Montenegro. Finland, Israel and Italy are also in Group A.
Latvian men national team roster:
Janis Strelnieks

(191-G-89)
Rinalds Sirsnins

(186-G-85, agency: Promotex)
Edgars Jeromanovs

(186-G-86)
Dairis Bertans

(192-G/F-89)
Mareks Jurevicus

(198-G/F-85)
Ingus Bankevics

(195-G/F-85, agency: FCM)
Arturs Stalbergs

(196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Evansville)
Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88)
Ernests Kalve

(200-F-87)
Kaspars Berzins

(213-F/C-85, agency: FCM)
Rolands Freimanis (208-F-88, agency: Players Group)
Ronalds Zakis

(207-F/C-87)
Raitis Grafs

(208-C-81, college: Valparaiso)

Coach: Ainars Bagatskis
Assistants: Roberts Stelmahers , Agris Galvanovskis

Montenegro cruise past Latvia in Podgorica - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Latvia 96:66
Montenegro registered a comfortable win at the start of the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Latvia to improve at 1-0 record in Group A. Nikola Pekovic

(210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) tallied 26 points to lead the hosts.
Montenegro stormed into the game. The hosts accounted for 30 points in the opening stanza to lead by 17 at the first break. Janis Strelnieks

(191-G-89) dragged Latvia within 11 points late in the second half but Montenegro reacted. Omar Cook

(186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) and Predrag Drobnjak

(207-F/C-87) and Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) had 9 points each in the loss.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 26, Goran Jeretin 13, Predrag Drobnjak 11, Omar Cook 11
Latvia: Janis Strelnieks 13, Ronalds Zakis 9, Rihards Kuksiks 9

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

MALAYSIA

NBL champs Dragons set their sights on ABL - by Hector Santos
PETALING JAYA: Asean Basketball League (ABL) outfit Westports Kuala Lumpur Dragons beat Perak FarmCoChem 76-59 to clinch the National Basketball League crown at the Maba Stadium here on Sunday.
The Dragons, who finished top of the four-team standings after three legs, beat Sabah Kinsabina 102-66 to set up a showdown against Perak, who defeated Sarawak Rainbow 84-71 in the other semi-final.
In the final, both teams were tied at 17-17 in the first quarter before the Dragons pulled away for a 41-29 lead in the second quarter.
Perak managed to cut their deficit to seven points to trail Dragons by 53-46 in the third quarter.
But the Dragons stepped up their game in the last quarter for a comfortable 76-59 win, with Batumalai Guganeswaran (180-G-83) top scoring with 23 points.
Coach Soo Eng Heng, who took over temporarily from chief coach Goh Cheng Huat, said the win had put them in good stead for the ABL in October.
We can celebrate today, but tomorrow we will shift our focus and train hard for the ABL. We want to make it two titles back-to-back, he said.

Last season, the Dragons finished fourth behind Satria Muda BritAma, Singapore Slingers and champions the Philippine Patriots in the ABL. theStarOnline

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

MEXICO

Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBANE Awards 2010 - by Carlos Chapa
Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBANE Awards 2010

Some familiar faces that came out of Mexican colleges and experienced foreign players were depicted in the first edition of the CIBANE awards.

MVP: Glenn Stokes (170-G-76) of Mineros de Fresnillo (with 30.3 points per game in the Finals)
Best Coach: Eliciel Collazo of Mineros de Fresnillo

All-Domestic Team
PG: Jose Silva of Caktus de Saltillo
SG: Santiago Nogueira (183-G-83) of Madereros de Durango
SF: Sergio Escobar (195-F-81) of Mineros de Fresnillo
PF: Jose de Jesus Ortiz Barron (197-F/C-81) of Mineros de Fresnillo
C: Arturo Farrera (205-C/F-85) of Leones Regios de Monterrey

All-Imports Team
PG: Glenn Stokes (170-G-76) of Mineros de Fresnillo
SG: Antwi Atuahene (191-G-84) of Leones Regios de Monterrey
SF: Nicholas Jones (190-G/F-81) of Madereros de Durango
PF: Jermaine Johnson (201-F-85) of Mineros de Fresnillo
C: Sandrell Spann (203-C/F-83) of Madereros de Durango

Honorable Mention
Roberto Reyes (194-F-81) of Caktus de Saltillo
Marcos Dorado (198-G/F-75) of Mineros de Fresnillo
Abraham Ramos of Leones Regios de Monterrey
Roberto Elicerio (189-G/F-81) of Leones Regios de Monterrey
Erick Hare (196-G/F-79) of Madereros de Durango

Mineros lead Madereros, 2-0, in CIBANE Finals - by Carlos Chapa
In game 1, Mineros de Fresnillo showed ambition to take the title with a striking and organized offense, making key three-point shots to develop streaks and periodically increase its advantage over Madereros de Durango, as shown by the halftime score of 61-32 favoring the local team. Coach Eliciel Collazo, from Fresnillo, chose to make use of his bench in the third period, the substitutes responded well making long range shots and maintaining the lead until the last buzzer. The final score was 106-87; Glenn Stokes led all scorers with 33 points for Mineros, Santiago Nogueira recorded 25 for the visiting team. Swingman Marcos Dorado said that apart from their successful offense, they implemented a 1-3-1 zone defense that could not get figured out by Madereros de Durango.
History repeated in game 2, with Mineros de Fresnillo having a hot start and building a lead that would not be reversed, the visitors tried to keep the game close but most attacks were destroyed by Fresnillos zone defense; Glenn Stokes gave an impressive performance with 43 points, contributing to his team winning 84-71. The Finals will now shift to Durango, as Madereros will need to have a perfect pace to try and win it all. Fun fact: Mineros de Fresnillo has never won in Durango and Madereros de Durango has never won in Fresnillo.

CIBANE aims to expand
Paying a visit to the CIBANE Finals, the President of the league, Harold Valenzuela said he is satisfied by the level shown so far in the finals and the way the first edition of the tournament has turned out, likewise, he reported that the CIBANE circuit will have an expansion next season, with teams from Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi and Chihuahua showing interest in joining the league. Harold Valenzuela also recognized the support given by Dr. Modesto Robledo (President of the Ademeba Federation) to this tournament, both hoping to give young talent the opportunity of playing professional basketball and potentially increasing the level of national teams.

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

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro cruise past Latvia in Podgorica - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Latvia 96:66
Montenegro registered a comfortable win at the start of the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Latvia to improve at 1-0 record in Group A. Nikola Pekovic

(210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) tallied 26 points to lead the hosts.
Montenegro stormed into the game. The hosts accounted for 30 points in the opening stanza to lead by 17 at the first break. Janis Strelnieks

(191-G-89) dragged Latvia within 11 points late in the second half but Montenegro reacted. Omar Cook

(186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) and Predrag Drobnjak

NBA

Indiana Pacers X-Ray - by Carl Berman
Basketball matters in Indiana but the local team, the Pacers, havent mattered in the landscape of the NBA for a while. With Larry Bird as the franchises main decision maker, since 2003, the organization has not pulled together since the retirement of Reggie Miller. We also cant forget the hit they took with the civil war on the Palace of Auburn Hills. Many forget that team, led by Ron Artest & Stephen Jackson with Jermaine O'Neal on his prime, were one of the best in the league and because of that brawl, they were forced to blow up that team. Bird was also forced to change the culture of the team, building around character in order to repair the image of the organization.
But truth is that it just hasn't worked out. Ever since the 2005-2006 season, the Pacers have yet to win 40 games (2005-2006: 41-41, 2006-2007: 35-47, 2007-2008: 36-46, 2008-2009: 36-46, 2009-2010: 32-50). Last season was no different with very few people realizing Indiana was in the National Basketball Association. The 32-50 record was the result of bad personnel moves and an injury prone roster.
Jim O'Brien demands full effort on defense and provides more liberty when they have the ball. With that in mind, Birds biggest move last summer was to sign Dahntay Jones to a four year, $10.4 million dollar deal. But all that focus on defense didn't pay out. Indiana was 23rd in league in points allowed per game, only 15th in defensive efficiency and 14th in opponents FG percentage. On offense, they weren't much better either. The Pacers scored 100.8 PPG, 16th in the league, but as a result of the elevated pace, average 99.4 possessions per game (2nd in the league), which made them only 26th on offensive efficiency.
Sure, the bad season can be once again blamed on the amount of injuries. Face of the franchise and teams best player Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) missed 20 games, his backup Mike Dunleavy Jr. didn't come far behind with 15 games missed, Jeff Foster played only 16 games (sidelined for most of the year due to the need of back surgery) and 1st round pick Tyler Hansbrough got sick, not hurt but sick, and played only 29 games on his rookie season.
And after yet another disappointing year, Indiana's approach on the 2010 NBA Draft made it clear that Bird is tired of playing it solid and wait the cap relief to come. From Granger through Roy Hibbert to Hansbrough, all of the Pacers draft picks under Bird have been sure things (physical wing scorer, true Center and solid rotation big) within their possibilities on the range where they were selecting. This years picks, Paul George and Lance Stephenson, are projected to either be busts or superstars, nowhere in between. And George & Stephenson have been the franchises only acquisitions this summer so far. Also because they are capped out since the fifteen players they either have under contract or contain the cap hold combine to $67,756,458 dollars for the 2010-2011 season.
Birds plan is to keep the team competitive enough to put people in the seats until cap room is available in 2011. After the next season, Indiana has only $25,689,725 dollars on the books. The goal hasnt really been achieved since, as written before, very few people have noticed Indiana was a part of the NBA on the last few years. It also cant be forgotten that the 2011-2012 season will feature a work stoppage. So, add one more agonizing year where basketball is half dead in Indiana.
In the end, Birds tenure took a couple of main hits, like the retirement of the franchises best player ever and a brawl that diminished their image combined with multiple suspensions, but his decisions, cap strategy and personnel moves, weren't wise. The result has been a franchise that doesnt deserve to be in the market they are. And although theres a light in the end of the tunnel, cap space in 2011, the Pacers seem to need more than a couple of overpaid free agents, they need an identity.

Information from ESPN's John Hollinger and Mark Sham were used in this post.
Carl Berman is a Manging Partner of NetScouts Basketball. Information on NetScouts Basketball and their International Recruiting Service can be found at www.netscoutsbasketball.com. This post was edited from a column by Rafael Uehara of Basketball Outsider. They can be viewed at basketballoutsider.wordpress.com/.

Wizards sign 17th-overall draft pick Seraphin - by Eurobasket News
The Washington Wizards have signed No. 17 overall pick Kevin Seraphin

(6'9''-F/C-89), who was acquired in a draft-day trade with the Chicago Bulls.

Seraphin, a 6-foot-9 forward from French Guyana, spent the past four years playing for Cholet Basket. The French club signed him to a three-year contract in August, and he had to negotiate a buyout in order to join the Wizards.

Seraphin was acquired from the Bulls in the trade that also brought veteran guard Kirk Hinrich to Washington.

Under the NBA's pay scale for rookies, Seraphin gets a four-year contract that guarantees him about $2.7 million the first two years, with the Wizards holding options for the third and fourth years.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Phoenix Suns sign Gani Lawal to three-year deal - by Eurobasket News
There were no guarantees for Gani Lawal (6'9''-F-88) as a second-round draft choice of the Suns in June, or as an NBA Summer League player in July.

August opened with a big guarantee for Lawal. On Sunday he signed a three-year contract with the Suns, who made his rookie season's minimum salary of $473,604 fully guaranteed in order to keep his rights with partial guarantees in the next two seasons. NBA teams are required to sign only first-round draft picks to guaranteed deals.

Lawal, the 46th overall draft pick, gives the Suns 12 players with guaranteed contracts for next season. The 6-foot-9, 234-pound power forward from Georgia Tech played five summer games last month in Las Vegas, averaging 15.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 5.4 fouls (games have 10-foul limits) and was ranked 13th best rookie in the summer league by espn.com.

'We've got a great opportunity for him and us, because he has the opportunity to develop,' Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said. 'It gives us an opportunity to watch an important asset develop, which is what you want with your draft picks.'

Phoenix figures to add a free-agent veteran big man and maybe a point guard, such as summer league player Zabian Dowdell. The Suns hoped undrafted All-American Scottie Reynolds and Dowdell would duel at camp, but Reynolds signed with a second-division Italian League team.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Eddie House agrees to 2-year deal with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
Eddie House's (6'1''-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.) agent says the veteran guard has agreed to terms on a $2.8 million, two-year contract with the Miami Heat.

Agent Mark Bartelstein said Thursday that the second year is a player option.

House, who starred at Arizona State in college, was a second-round draft pick by the Heat in 2000 and spent his first three NBA seasons with them. He has since played for eight other teams, including Boston and New York last season, when he averaged 7.0 points in 68 games off the bench.

His career average is 7.6 points, and he's a 39-percent shooter from 3-point range, with a reputation for making clutch baskets.

House will be a strong contender for a reserve role as part of the Heat's supporting cast for Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman unhurt after car flips - by Eurobasket News
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman (6'9''-F-61, college: SE Oklahoma) survived with just a scratch on his finger after his car flipped three times on a highway in Broward County, Florida.

The retired player was a passenger in a northbound Range Rover yesterday when a tire blew and flipped on Interstate 95 just south of Interstate 595 in Broward County, TMZ said.

Rodman, 49, had to be pulled from the vehicle by witnesses who stopped to help the star. They later asked for the basketballer's autograph but he politely declined.

The driver, Rodman's friend, was taken to a local hospital and treated for head injuries.

Rodman told his agent, Darren Prince, that his friend was in a stable condition, the Detroit Free Press reported.

'Thank God he's OK,' Mr Prince said. 'He walked out with a little scratch on his finger.'

Mr Prince said Rodman told him, 'I'm still living brother. They can't get rid of me.'

Rodman played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks during his career.

Courtesy of www.perthnow.com.au

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

NIGERIA

ISL, Doregos dominate Southwest Zone-1 tourney - by Olusegun Ikuesan
University of Lagos International School at the weekend won the 4th edition of the Southwest Zone-1 Basketball Championship with a 75-64 points victory over Marella College, Ibadan.
The championship held at the refurbished out-door court of the Liberty stadium, Ibadan was watch by capacity crowd including dignitaries from the three states (Lagos, Ogun and Oyo) that made up the zone and top-shots from neighouring Ekiti and Ondo states.
ISL had taken a 19-10 points lead in the first quarter but the brave Morella boys fought back in the second quarter to win at 26-15 points to take a two points lead into the break (36-34).
The Akoka, Lagos-based school rallied back strongly in the third quarter with a 19-06 points win to reclaim its lead going into the last quarter which both sides shared at 22 points apiece for a cumulative score-line of 75-64 points in favour of the UNILAG International School.
Another Lagos-based school, Doregos Private Academy won in the girls category by 28-26 points over the Marella girls who could not control their emotion as the referees sounded the whistle to signal the end of the exciting game.
Head Coach of ISL, Ijeoma Ernest describe his boys victory as sweet victor. The soft spoken coach went further to give kudos to his players and the players from Morella College for displaying good basketball skill to the delight of the dignitaries that throng out to watch the final.
Coach Ernest says the win has put his players in good stead ahead the grand finale of the Nestle Milo Secondary Championship coming up in Lagos in the last quarter of the year.
Doregos Private Academy finished third in the boys category with a 58-30 points victory over Regal College, Shagamu, Ogun State.
An excited Doregos Private Academy coach, Akinwole Gbemileke describe the feat of his girls as wonderful and hope to build on the achievement.
Coordinator of the Southwest Zone-1 of the National Sports Commission who is the chief organiser of the 3-Day event, Steve Olarinoye congratulated all the schools that participated in the championship.
The NSC big-wig says the mission of the zone is grassroot sports development.
The zonal coordinator call on the three states, schools and sports clubs that are within the zone to take advantage of the refurbished facilities that dotted the Liberty Stadium.

Seven schools from the three states in the zone took part in the 3-Day championship with four in the boys (ISL, Marella, Doregos and Regal) and three in the girls (Doregos, Marella and Regal) categories

Lagos Sports Council Chairman, Dabiri salutes ISL, Doregos - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council, Honourable Agboola Dabiri has congratulated UNILAG International School and Doregos Private Academy for winning the 4th Southwest Zone-1 Basketball Championship at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.
The Lagos Council boss who missed the finals due to other state engagement says the win by the two Lagos-based schools has once again proven that the state is back on tract to take it rightful place in sporting activities in the country.
Hon. Dabiri urged the two school not to relent in their effort to win more laurels for the their respective school in particular and the state in general.
The LSSC Chair also promised that the state through the sport council will rally round ISL in its quest to do well in this year grand finale of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Championship slated for the last quarter of this year in Lagos.
I am delighted that schools from Lagos State are the best among the schools that participated in the 4th edition of the Southwest Zone-1 of the National Sports Commission.
I commend the effort of these two schools, ISL and Doregos Private Academy emerging the best among the schools in the zone, it is clear fact that Lagos has actually returned to take its rightful among the states in the country by being in the fore front of grassroot sports devlopment.
I want to state categorically that the state governemnt through the sports council will always rally round schools, clubs based in the state to achieve success in national or international endeavour.
The Sports Council will give its total support to UNILAG International School in its quest to do well at the final of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship holding later in the year in the state.

We are happy with their achievement and we urge them not to relent in their effort at writing their names in gold.

Phoenix Suns sign Gani Lawal to three-year deal - by Eurobasket News
There were no guarantees for Gani Lawal (6'9''-F-88) as a second-round draft choice of the Suns in June, or as an NBA Summer League player in July.

August opened with a big guarantee for Lawal. On Sunday he signed a three-year contract with the Suns, who made his rookie season's minimum salary of $473,604 fully guaranteed in order to keep his rights with partial guarantees in the next two seasons. NBA teams are required to sign only first-round draft picks to guaranteed deals.

Lawal, the 46th overall draft pick, gives the Suns 12 players with guaranteed contracts for next season. The 6-foot-9, 234-pound power forward from Georgia Tech played five summer games last month in Las Vegas, averaging 15.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 5.4 fouls (games have 10-foul limits) and was ranked 13th best rookie in the summer league by espn.com.

'We've got a great opportunity for him and us, because he has the opportunity to develop,' Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said. 'It gives us an opportunity to watch an important asset develop, which is what you want with your draft picks.'

Phoenix figures to add a free-agent veteran big man and maybe a point guard, such as summer league player Zabian Dowdell. The Suns hoped undrafted All-American Scottie Reynolds and Dowdell would duel at camp, but Reynolds signed with a second-division Italian League team.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

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

PARAGUAY

1st Juventud de Amrica Cup with succesful ending in Asuncin`s group - by Santiago Maciel
Teams and final standigs
Club Sol de Am�rica Arena
1ro. Ober� Tenis Club - CHAMPION
2do. Sol de Am�rica - 2nd place
3ro. Flamengo
4to. Lanus
5to. San Jos�
6to. Siglo XXI
(1st. and 2nd. qualify for 2nd stage)
SCORES:
1st round (tuesday 27th)
Siglo XXI (Arg) 45 - Flamengo (Bra) 65
Sol de A. (Py) 56 - Ober� (Arg) 57
San Jos� (Py) 72 - Lanus (Arg) 75
2nd round (Wed.28th)
San Jos 72 - Siglo XXI 54
Obera 75 - Flamengo 44
Sol de A. 84 - Lanus 62
3rd round (thursd. 29th)
Flamengo 70 - Lanus 39
Siglo XXI 31 - Ober� 45
Sol de A. 85 - San Jos� 60
4th round (friday 30th )
Lanus 62 - Ober� 85
Sol de A. 50 - Siglo XXI 46
San Jos� 55 - Flamengo 68

5th. round (saturday 31st)
Siglo XXI 44 - Lanus 54
Obera 61 - San Jos� 40
Sol de A. 70 - Flamengo 56

Paraguay blasts Colombia for fifth place in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship, Places 5-6: PARAGUAY - COLOMBIA 86-66

Paraguay finished their participation in South American Championship with victory. It was a game for fifth place and Paraguay celebrated 86-66 win against Colombia. The host of this event ended as No.6. Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) shined for the winners with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) had 19 points and 6 boards, while Javier Martinez

(189-G-78) (6 rebs, 8 as) and Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, college: Merrimack) (8 rebs) added 16 points each. In Colombia, Norbey Aragon

(194-G/F-78, college: Georgia SW) collected 20 points and 6 rebounds. Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) and Stalin Ortiz (191-G-81, college: Valparaiso) (6 as) netted 17 and 12 points respectively.
Paraguay did a great job in the first half. They exploded offensively in the first ten minutes scoring 26 points and were even better in Q2 with 30 pts. It means that Paraguay drained 56 pts in the first half, while they stopped Colombia to 19+13. Colombia was in trouble and was not able to reply. Third quarter was pretty leveled and belonged to Colombia 18-19. They needed a way more, but there was just ten minutes left in the game. Paraguay had not troubles to keep the safe distance and to win the fifth place in Neiva.
Paraguay: Guillermo Araujo 20+6 boards, Daniel Perez 19+6 boards, Javier Martinez 16+6 boards+8 as, Bruno Zanotti 16+8 boards
Colombia: Norbey Aragon 20+6 boards, Enielsen Guevara 17, Stalin Ortiz 12+6 as

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POLAND

(192-G-86) scored for 63:46, while Thomas Kelati closed the frame at 63:49. Georgia added also 21-16 in the last quarter to surprise the Polish side that looked awesome in the preparation games. Thomas Kelati nailed three at the very end for the final result.
Zaza Pachulia poured in 26 points for the winners, while Viktor Sanikidze collected 14 points and 12 rebounds. Giorgi Tsintsadze also scored 14, while Manuchar Markoishvili netted 12. Thomas Kelati ended up with 22 points in the losing effort. Maciej Lampe nailed 21, while Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) scored 10.

Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 26, Viktor Sanikidze 14+12 rebs, Giorgi Tsintsadze 14, Manuchar Markoishvili 12
Poland: Thomas Kelati 22, Maciej Lampe 21, Marcin Gortat 10

Ochonko signs with PBG Poznan - by Michal Falkowski
PBG Basket Poznan announced next player for the next season. The Polish team signed one-year deal with the 23-year-old point guard Tomasz Ochonko

(188-G-86). Polish player arrives from Polpharma Starogard Gdanski, where he averaged 3.5 points and 0.6 assists last season and achieved bronze medal. It's worth adding that Ochonko is the third player who joined PBG from Polpharma after Piotr Dabrowski and Lukasz Wisniewski.

Cielebak returns to Poland - by Michal Falkowski
Polpharma Starogard Gdanski is still working on its roster. The bronze team from the last season has just inked tenth player for the new competition. One-year deal with the club was signed by Tomasz Cielebak (203-F-76, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Marist), Polish forward who spent last season in New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. In German team Cielebak averaged 5,4 ppg. and 2,5 rpg. It is worth adding that Cielebak had already played in Polpharma in the 2003/2006 seasons.

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PORTUGAL

(195-G-85) accounted for 8 points in the win. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Portugal. Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) had 10 points in the loss.

Portugal: Heshimu Evans 19, Joao Santos 10
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 17, Chavdar Kostov 12, Zlatin Georgiev 8

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ROMANIA

CSU Sibiu reunited - by Sebastian Umbrich
CSU Sibiu reunited Monday, August 2nd, in their traditional meeting place, a bridge in the 'Sub Arini' park. Only 7 players attended this meeting, 7 Romanian players because the American players are still in vacation. The only Romanian player who missed the meeting was Mihnea Haiduc, but he will be soon back.
At this meeting, Mircea Vulc presented the new coach, Audrius Prakuraitis, to the team. Prakuraitis stated that he wants maximal concentration and seriousness in both trainings and matches. With this occasion, a former player of Sibiu, Cristian Craciun, who again signed with Sibiu met some of its previous and future teammates. The team will continue its trainings in the Transilvania Hall, their home ground, and during the next week they will go in cantonment in the nearby skiing resort, Paltinis.
Mircea Vulc confirmed that Michael Harrison signed in, and that the club expects two more Lithuanian players and that Sibiu needs another center.
The championship starts in around 2 months, on October 2nd.

Slovak Republic defeat Romania in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Romania 75:65
Slovak Republic clashed with Romania in Prievidza in the first of two exhibition encounters. The hosts proved the strength. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) stepped up with 22 points for Slovak Republic.
Slovak Republic stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The home team outlasted their opponents 28:9 to take a comfortable buffer into the second stanza. Romania showed character as they quickly stopped the bleeding. The visitors picked up the slack and tried to fight back in the second period. They cut the margin to 13 points at halftime 24:37. But Slovak Republic were back in the drivers seat in the third term. The hosts unloaded 24 points to boost the lead to as many as 21 points into the fourth quarter. Romania did not give up as they cut the gap but never threatened Slovak Republic as the home team cruised to the victory.
Anton Gavel

(189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) produced 16 points for Slovak Republic. Gabriel Szalay

(215-C-86) added 7 points for the winners. Vlad Moldoveanu (206-F-88) delivered 17 points for Romania. Titus Nicoara

(200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) finished with 13 points in defeat. The teams are scheduled to meet again tonight.

Slovak Republic: Radoslav Rancik 22, Anton Gavel 16, Gabriel Szalay 7
Romania: Vlad Moldoveanu 17, Titus Nicoara 13

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SERBIA

Mega Vizura hires Vlada Vukoicic as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Mega Vizura heads to the upcoming season with the new Head Coach. The team hired Serbian specialist Vlada Vukoicic for 2010/11. Vukoicic arrives to Mega Vizura from Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo. He spent there season 2008/09 as well leading the team to Bosnia and Herzegovina National Cup. Bosna Sarajevo reached the Playoff Finals and Vukoicic was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Coach of the Year -09. From 2005 to 2008 Vlada Vukoicic worked with the Serbian outfit FMP Zeleznik. He won the Adriatic league title with them in 2006 and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Coach of the Year. They grabbed the trophy in National Cup in 2007 and reached the ULEB Cup Semifinals. Vlada Vukoicic guided U20 Serbia to Gold medal at the U20 EuroBasket 2007 in Nova Gorica.

Crvena Zvezda adds Darko Balaban - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda announced signing of the young prospect Darko Balaban (212-C-89). The 20-year-old center is coming to Crvena Zvezda from the Serbian champion Partizan Belgrade. He got a chance in four domestic league games last season averaging 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. At the same time, Balaban was assigned to Partizan MT Beograd, which competed in lower division. Darko Balaban joined Partizan Belgrade in 2007 from Sport Key Novi Sad.
Crvena Zvezda will have very team for the next season. They already inked few prospects during the summer.

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SLOVAKIA

Slovak Republic defeat Romania in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Romania 75:65
Slovak Republic clashed with Romania in Prievidza in the first of two exhibition encounters. The hosts proved the strength. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) stepped up with 22 points for Slovak Republic.
Slovak Republic stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The home team outlasted their opponents 28:9 to take a comfortable buffer into the second stanza. Romania showed character as they quickly stopped the bleeding. The visitors picked up the slack and tried to fight back in the second period. They cut the margin to 13 points at halftime 24:37. But Slovak Republic were back in the drivers seat in the third term. The hosts unloaded 24 points to boost the lead to as many as 21 points into the fourth quarter. Romania did not give up as they cut the gap but never threatened Slovak Republic as the home team cruised to the victory.
Anton Gavel

(189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) produced 16 points for Slovak Republic. Gabriel Szalay

(215-C-86) added 7 points for the winners. Vlad Moldoveanu (206-F-88) delivered 17 points for Romania. Titus Nicoara

SLOVENIA

Krka inks Djordjevic, Booker and Rojc - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian champion Krka keeps getting ready for the upcoming 2010-11 season. Krka announced the arrival of Dusan Djordjevic

(195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket), Chris Booker

SPAIN

Nemanja Bjelica is officially in Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News
Nemanja Bjelica

(209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) market saga has come to an end. The 22-year-old centre signed a five-year deal with Caja Laboral. Nemanja Bjelica spent the previous two seasons in Crvena Zvezda. Last season the centre tallied 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic league his stats read 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In Serbian League Nemanja Bjelica notched 18.9 points, 7.4 boards and 3.3 assists per appearance. Bjelica participated at the 2009 World University Games and 2009 EuroBasket.

Asefa Estudiantes signs Josh Asselin - by JC Ruiz

Josh Asselin

(211-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan) will continue in ACB league. The 31-year-old center signed with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid. Josh Asselin started the previous season in Cajasol Sevilla. He notched 2.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The center left in December and moved to the BC Donetsk. In January, Asselin arrives to his new team after finishing last season in C.B. Murcia, averaging 7.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the ACB League

Spain triumph at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Spain-Ivory Coast 85:70
Spain triumph at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria tournament with three teams participating. After the easy win over Canada last night the hosts added another one over Ivory Coast 85:70.
In the first two quarters the teams stayed even and exchanged the leads several times. Spain took 22:17 after the opening quarter, while enjoyed 38:34 at the halftime. Ivory Coast bounced back for 42:40 and stayed close at the end of the frame. Mumbru made two free throws for 60:56, while Calderon nailed three for 63:56. Both players added the free throws as the board showed 65:56. Mumbru also closed the third period at 67:56 as the Spainish run continued in the game. Vazques was the last to score to finish the run as Spain enjoyed 69:56 lead. Brice Assie

(201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut) scored for the guests and Emeterio made it 71:58. Claver made it to 75:61 midway through the last frame as Ivory Coast asked for timeout. Claver again and Amagou exchanged the threes for 78:64 with 5 minutes in the game. Suarez scored for 82:66 and it became clear at that time that Spain would win the tournament. lamizana brought 82:68 and Martinez nailed one for 83:68. Brice Assie reduced to 83:70 and Martinez again stepped up on the free throw line to score two for 85:70.
Vazques top-scored for the winners with 11 points and celebrate the win at the tournament. Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) netted 10 points apiece in a win. Kone and Charles Abouo (196-G/F-89) responded with 12 points each in the losing effort and Brice Assie netted 11.

Spain: Vazques 11, Marc Gasol 10, Juan Carlos Navarro 10
Ivory Coast: Kone 12, Charles Abouo 12, Brice Assie 11

Valladolid signs PG Maxi Stanic - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Blancos de Rueda Valladolid has officially announced the signing of Maximiliano Stanic

(178-G-78, agency: Players Group) to a one-year contract. The experienced Argentinean point guard is coming to Valladolid from Xacobeo BS, where he played last season. Stanic appeared 29 times in ACB registering 7.4 ppg, 3 rpg and 5.2 apg. He ended this competition as the second best assistant. His team was the ACB newcomer, but was not able to survive there.
Before Xacobeo BS, Maximiliano Stanic spent one season in Italy with Scavolini Pesaro. He played 32 games in Serie A collecting 4.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.6 spg. Season 2007/08 Stanic spent in France as a member of Pau-Orthez. He shined with 7.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 7.4 apg for 27 games in ProA and was named Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Bosmans Team. Pau-Orthez also competed in ULEB Cup, where Stanic added 8.7 ppg, 3 rpg and 5.1 ap. From 2003 to 2006, Maximiliano Stanic played for Scafati in LegaDue. He also has experience from Jesi, Capo dOrlando, Boca Juniors and Regatas.
Valladolid managed to survive in ACB last season and they were close to Playoff at the one point. They were promoted from LEB Gold last year.

Bizkaia Bilbao Basket signs Axel Hervelle for the next three years - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao Basket officially announced signing of a three-year deal with Axel Hervelle

(205-F-83). The 26-year old forward terminated the contract with Real Madrid and will continue will Bilbao, where he spent last season on loan. Hervelle joined Bilbao in January this year. He played 18 games in ACB for them posting 7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.2 apg. In EuroCup, Hervelle added 7.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.5 spg for 11 games. With the Whites he had 1.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 7 games at the beginning of the season.
Axel Hervelle joined Real Madrid in 2004 from Pepinster. He helped the Whites to win the ACB title in his first season averaging 6 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 27 games. They did the same in 2007, when Hervelle had 9.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.4 apg for 34 games. Real won the ULEB Cup that same year and Hervelle added 10.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg in that competition.
Axel Hervelle was a member of the Belgian National Team from 2003 to 2007, and last year as well. However, he appeared just once during the EuroBasket Qualifications registering 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Bizkaia Bilbao Basket finished last season as No.9 in Spain. They grabbed third place in EuroCup.

Asefa Estudiantes keeps Chris Lofton - by Eurobasket News
Christopher Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) extended his contract with Asefa Estudiantes for one more season. The 24-year-old American guard arrived to Estu in December last year from Caja Laboral. For very short time he became one of Estudiantes leading players and secured a deal for 2010/11. Lofton appeared 22 times in ACB last season registering 12.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.2 spg. He also played two games for Caja Laboral with 5 ppg and 1 rpg.
Christopher Lofton came to Spain in 2009 from Turkey, where he spent his first year as a pro. He was a member of Mersin and was one of TBL best players. For 29 games that season Lofton averaged 20.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 2nd Team. Lofton ended the TBL championship as fourth best scorer. Christopher Lofton is a product of the University of Tennessee, where he graduated in 2008. In his senior season, Lofton collected 15.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.3 spg.
Estudiantes reached the Playoff last season, but they were not able to beat Caja Laboral in the Quarterfinals. The team already signed Josh Asselin for 2010/11.

CB Murcia tabs Oscar Gonzalez - by Eurobasket News
CB Murcia tabs Oscar Gonzalez (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Pittsburg St.) as the Spanish player will play for the team in 2010/2011 season. He started his career for Pittsburg St. (NCAA2) and then moved to Spain. Since year 1999 Oscar played for Cajasur Cordoba, Caceres, Forum Filatelico Valladolid, U.B. La Palma, Calpe Aguas (LEB), Real Madrid, Ricoh Manresa, CAI Zaragoza. In 2008-2009 moved to Aguas de Valencia - Gandia Basquet (LEB Gold) and in Spanish League after 12 games averaged 4.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. In Febriary 2009 moved to Melilla Baloncesto (LEB Gold) and after 16 games had 3.5ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.2apg. In 2009-2010 played for Melilla Baloncesto (LEB Gold) and after 43 games his stats read 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 73.3%
In one of the best games last year Oscar Gonzalez recorded 15 and 14 points. In Round 5 Melilla grabbed nice 88:77 home win against Ourense jumping to 4-1 in LEB Gold. Jason Robinson led the hosts with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Oscar Gonzalez added 15 pts.
At the Quarter-Finals Round 5 when Melilla blasted Girona 87:61 in decisive Game 5 of the Playoff Quarterfinals and will meet Burgos at the next stage. Taylor Coppenrath stepped up for the hosts with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Oscar Gonzalez and Rafael Huertas added 14 points each in this victory. In Girona, Josep Ortega collected 14 points and 8 boards.

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SWEDEN

(193-G-86) notched 15 points for Sweden. Mikael Lindquist

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) added 13 points in the victory. Axel Hervelle

(205-F-83) accounted for 15 points for Belgium. Roel Moors

(188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) had 10 points in the loss.

Sweden: Mats Levin 18, Martin Pahlmblad 15, Mikael Lindquist 13
Belgium: Axel Hervelle 15, Roel Moors 10

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TAIWAN

Nam Wah wins 2010 Strait Cup Basketball Invitational - by Chris Wang
Nam Wah basketball club from Hong Kong, China emerged as a surprising winner of the 2010 Straits Cup Basketball Invitational after a three-way tie in the four-team tourney.
The Hong Kong club tied with Fujian Xunxin SBS of China's Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and Taiwan Beer of Taiwan's Super Basketball League (SBL) at 2-1 after a round robin games. Macau Fukien basketball team was 0-3.
Fujian won three of four titles since the tourney started five years ago. This is the first time the tourney has been held in Taiwan.
In other news, it has been reported several months ago that Yulon PG Lee Hsueh-lin could sign with Beijing Shougang Ducks. TB PG Chen Shih-nian is also in talks with a Chinese basketball club.

TB head coach Yen Chia-hua was quoted by local media as saying that Hsu Hao-cheng could leave TB and join Dacin Tigers, and Dacin's Huang Bao-tse could sign with his old team Taiwan Beer again.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Rundell signs with Pacific Tigers! - by Albert-Lee Young
Rundell Mauge was one of the four student-athletes who signed letters of intent to play with the University of Pacific for the 2010-11 season. According to Tigers Head Men's Basketball Coach Bob Thomason the others are Andrew Bock, Spencer Llewellyn and Jose Rivera.

Mauge is a 7-1 center from Cedros, Trinidad and former member of the Millennium Basketball Academy based at Maloney Gardens, DAbadie.

He spent the last two years at North Platte Community College in North Platte, Nebraska and led his team with 141blocks shots in 35 games as a sophomore. He finished the 2009-10 season averaging 5.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 0.6 turnovers per game, in helping the Knights to Region 9 and NJCAC championships.

In the NJCAA National Tournament, Mauge set a tournament record with 10 blocks against Butler County and had an average of 5.3 blocks per game in the playoffs. In the regular season Mauge had one of his best overall games against Northeastern Junior College on Jan. 24, getting a triple-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks. According to the NJCAA website, Mauge finished the season ranked 8th nationwide in blocks shots and had the least turnover ratio amongst players with a maximum thirty-five games season.

This summer Mauge was invited as one of the development players for the Trinidad & Tobago Men senior team which participated at the CENTRO BASKET Championships in Santo Domingo but turned down the opportunity. Instead he decided to remain in the US as part of the preparation for his elevation to the NCAA Division 1 level.

Pacific plays in the Big West Conference and Mauge is expected to match up skills against the likes of Cal State, Long Beach and UC Santa Barbara amongst others in the regular season.

Basketball Federation expects Sports Ministry $ by Tuesday - by Albert-Lee Young
Almost three weeks following the return of the Trinidad and Tobago Men National Team from the CENTRO BASKET Championships in Santo Domingo the basketball federation will pay out its outstanding debts.

According to an article in the T&T Sunday Newsday dated August 1, the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago (NBFTT) will in the coming week settle all outstanding debts related to the National Men team preparation for the recent CENTRO BASKET in the Dominican Republic.

The release stated that the interim President, Kelvin Roberts, give the assurance on Friday that the stipend owed to the national players, coaches and the re-imbursement to the former NBFTT president, Brian Manning, will be paid.

Roberts was quoted in the newspaper that the organization is hoping to receive a cheque from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Tuesday.

It was reported that Manning spent about $30,000 to ensure that the National Team was well-placed to perform at their best against the leading teams in the region and had in fact performed with distinction.

In addition to Manning's expenditure, the NBFTT still has a balance of US$1,600 for former Head Coach Terry Layton in respect of the team expenses he paid whilst in Mexico and Santo Domingo. Coach Layton stipend in lieu of his services is also outstanding.

Following the return of the National Team from the championships on July 12, Manning chastised the Ministry claiming that funds were not approved in a timely manner. He pointed out that this led to a low team morale as several problems were encountered with accommodation, uniforms, players & technical staff stipends as well as funds for the team daily out of pocket expenses.

Trinidad & Tobago finished the Championships with a 1-3 record and was the only team to defeat Puerto Rico in the region this summer. Puerto Rico won both the CENTRO BASKET and the recently concluded CAC Games.

Meanwhile in the Mexican Tournament, TT earned a creditable 4th place standing with a 4-2 record including a convincing 20 points victory over the eventual winner and host, Leon Lecheuros. Leon went on to defeat Cuba National team and a Brazilian pro team to secure the championships. Both Cuba and Brazil defeated TT in evenly contested games.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Kings Surprise Guidance, Tie Series - by David Edole
The Kings evened their best-of-three series against Guidance with a resounding 93-77 victory Saturday night at Central Highs Ronald Charles Gymnasium in New Breed Basketball Association first-round playoff action.
The Kings, the lowest-seeded team in the playoffs, was not supposed to put up much of a fight against a tough Guidance squad with a a good mix of veteran and young players, but on Saturday they showed that they were not going to roll over for any one and that they are in it to win it. They hit consistently from beyond the arc, bombing Guidance with 11 3-pointers for the game.
Many fans in the gym expected a sweep in this series, and after Guidances fairly easy victory on Friday there were even fewer doubts. But the Kings had other plans, draining six three-pointers in the opening quarter on their way to a 30-14 lead at the end of the period. Led by 11 points from Nybo Rodgers, the Kings seemed to stun both Guidance and fans alike with their early offensive outburst.
Kasheef Gumbs tried to singlehandedly get Guidance back into the game with a 12-point second quarter, but the Kings answered with 10 points from Ravi Branch and both teams ended up with 21 points in the period for a 51-35 Kings lead at the half.
Guidances point guard, Joelfry Polanco, put his team on his back with an 11-point third quarter that got them to within 11 at 69-58, but the Kings had an answer in Davante Pryce, whos late outburst in the third helped his team close out the quarter with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 18 points heading to the final period. Pryce finished with 14 points in the third quarter.
A 16-3 run by the Kings to open the final quarter gave them the biggest lead of the contest, 24 points, at 85-61, which just about sealed the deal. A visibly weary Guidance squad did all it could to get back into the contest, but the young Kings were just too much for them on Saturday with their hustle and dominant boards play.
Pryce led the Kings offensive outburst with a game-high 29 points, Rodgers had 21, Branch 12 and center Craig Williams (207-F-89) finished with 13 points, 10 boards and five blocks. Guidance was led offensively by Gumbs, who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds. They also got useful numbers from Polanco who finished with 20 points while Lamar Bough (G-91) and Shakeem Edwards netted 10 points apiece.

By Dave Davis August 2, 2010

Feisty Raja Bell not just along for the ride - by David Edole
SALT LAKE CITY - The money was nice, Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) admits as much. But there was a little more to it than that.
The free agent guard, who last month signed a three-year deal with the Jazz reportedly worth $10 million, said he was intrigued by the idea of playing alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles or LeBron James in Miami. However, when it came right down to it, the 33-year-old liked the idea of returning to the Jazz where he could have more ownership in the team's future.
'I think ultimately the opportunity was here for me to not so much be along for the ride,' Bell said, referring his decision to play in Utah rather than in L.A. or Miami.
For Bell, who will be 34 when the 2010-11 season begins, it all boiled down to his role on the team.
Signing a short-term deal with the Heat or the Lakers would have been seen a virtual guarantee of playing in the NBA finals. But it likely also would have meant a lesser role on the team.
Having already spent two seasons in Utah from 2003-05, Bell liked the idea of coming back to play for coach Jerry Sloan, in a familiar system and on a team that expects to win 50 or more games next season.
Plus, he'd have a much more important role on the team.
'I really, really in my heart felt (the Lakers and Heat) were made up already and they were just trying to add people as insurance policies,' Bell said. 'I don't want to be an insurance policy.'
Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor seemed pleased to hear Bell make that statement. After all, he and the team's other decision-makers had targeted him as someone who could replace Kyle Korver as an outside shooter, plus provide valuable locker room leadership.
'He had a lot of suitors,' O'Connor said of Bell. 'We're really happy to have somebody back that's as competitive and as caring about wins as loses as our coach is.'
Even more important, Bell is well known for his tenacious perimeter defense, something the Jazz have lacked in recent years.
In order to land Bell, the Jazz had to part company with restricted free agent guard Wesley Matthews, who had been signed to a pricey, long-term offer sheet by the Portland Trial Blazers.
'Not matching (Portland's offer) had to do with Raja Bell,' O'Connor said.
So now the Jazz look ahead to training camp in a few months and beyond that a new season with new faces.
Korver, Matthews and Carlos Boozer are gone. In their place will be Bell and former Minnesota big man Al Jefferson.
Bell, who played just six games last season because of a wrist injury, said he is rested, refreshed and raring to start his new life with his old team.
At a press conference last month he said he wanted to make an 'investment' in a team's future.
He felt he wasn't going to have that with a stocked team.
'I can sleep at night knowing that I gave 110 percent, not (feeling) that I watched an entire ballgame (from the bench),' he said.
Of course there is also the question of money.
Teams like the Heat and Lakers were offering a golden opportunity to play for a title, but they weren't offering the same financial stability the Jazz were.
'For me, it doesn't hurt that I got a good deal here,' Bell said. 'But I think at the end of the day (the extra money and a chance to play on a playoff team) together made it a no-brainer.
'And, obviously, being in a place where I was comfortable with the people and the organization was the icing on the cake.'

Best San Antonio Spurs players of all time - by David Edole
The San Antonio Spurs is considered as one of the most modest and disciplined teams in the NBA. For more than 4 decades of existence in the NBA, the Spurs have won a total of 4 titles and never lost a single NBA Finals series. It took 32 years for the Spurs however to win it's first NBA title.
Though the Spurs have won only 4 titles in more than 4 decades, the Spurs is considered as one of the most successful NBA franchises. The Spurs won 19 division titles and in 43 seasons in the NBA, they made it to the playoffs 40 times. Much of San Antonio's success could be credited to good players that it had through the years and here's the top 5 San Antonio Spurs players of all time.
1.) Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) - Since Duncan joined the Spurs franchise in 1997, the Spurs has yet to fail to make it to the playoffs. Duncan is the only player in Spurs franchise history that is a part of each of San Antonio's four title runs and won 3 Finals MVPs. Playing with more substance than form, Duncan sticks to the basics and is one of the most consistent and reliable players the NBA has ever seen. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches tall, Duncan held career averages of 21.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 977 games (975 starts) and is a two time NBA MVP (2002 and 2003). He was named to the All-Star Team 12 times and voted as a starter 11 times, named as an All-NBA First Team 9 times, 8 times to the NBA All-Defensive Team, the 1998 NBA Rookie of the Year awardee, and is the NBA's 2000 All-Star Game MVP. David Robinson's injury back in 1997 was a blessing in disguise for the Spurs after all as they won the number one pick in the 1997 NBA Draft and got Duncan. With Robinson back and Duncan in helm, it just took 2 seasons for the Spurs to finally win it's first title in 1999. More for Duncan? With all due respect for Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, Duncan is being considered as the greatest power forward to ever play in the NBA.
2.) David Robinson - Though it took a year after for Robinson to play for the Spurs after he was drafted, his impact on the team didn't take long to be noticed. At 7 feet 1 inch tall, Robinson virtually made San Antonio a solid title contender in the 90's and is one of the highly decorated NBA players in history. Robinson retired after the Spurs won it's second title in 2003 and amassed career statistics of 21.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.41 steals a game in 987 games (985 starts). Robinson won two titles with the Spurs in 1999 and 2003 and played a minor role as Tim Duncan's sidekick. In his 14-year NBA career, Robinson won the MVP award in 1995, Defensive Player of the Year in 1992, was named to the All-Star Team 10 times, All-NBA First team 4 times, won the Rookie of the Year award in 1990, and is a member of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time announced in 1996. Robinson had the distinction of being the only player in NBA history to win the rebounding, shot blocking, and scoring titles, the Rookie of the Year honors, Defensive Player of the Year, and the MVP awards and is one of the four players in NBA history to record a quadruple-double in a single game. David Robinson could go down as San Antonio's best player but Duncan's 4 titles under his name can't be left uncredited.
3.) George Gervin - The 'Iceman' as he's known is virtually the first player in San Antonio Spurs history that is being well remembered in history. Gervin popularized the finger roll shot and is one of the better clutch performers during his time. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1974, Gervin saw action for the Spurs in 1974 to 1985 and amassed career averages of 26.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 791 games. Gervin is San Antonio's most decorated shooter and holds the best scoring average for the team. Gervin have won four scoring titles and ranks next to Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain for the most scoring titles won. Gervin placed second overall in the NBA annual MVP voting but never won an MVP award. However, he was named as an All-NBA first team 5 times, 9 times as an All-Star, and won the All-Star game MVP once in 1980. Like Robinson, Gervin is named as one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time. In his 11 years with the team, the Spurs made it to the playoffs 10 times, made it to the Conference Finals 3 times but failed to make it to the NBA Finals. The closest Gervin was able to make it was during the 1978-79 season when the Spurs were knocked off the Western Conference Finals by the Washington Bullets in a 7 game thriller. Nevertheless, Gervin's coring prowess is more than enough to ice him the 3rd spot as San Antonio's greatest player of all time.
4.) Manu Ginobili - Ginobili is a highly decorated international basketball star even before he made it to the NBA and it's even quite surprising to see him being picked by the Spurs 57th overall during the 1999 NBA Draft. Though not that acclaimed as Duncan and Robinson and maybe not that highly regarded as Gervin when it comes to individual accomplishments but Ginobili's experience and high basketball IQ is what makes him a stand out for the Spurs. First played for the Spurs 3 years after he was drafted, in his 8 year NBA career (all with the Spurs), Ginobili won 3 titles and even went so close in snatching the Finals MVP away from Duncan during the 2005 NBA Finals. Ginobili holds decent averages of 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 553 games (just 260 starts) and is one of the best sixth man the NBA has ever seen. Ginobili is averaging only 27.8 minutes per game and won the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year award. Ginobili was specifically instrumental during San Antonio's third title in 2005 in the 7 game series against the Detroit Pistons. Ginobili is arguably the best player that came from Argentina leading the Argentinian basketball team to a gold medal finish during the 2004 Olympics and finishing bronze during the 2008 Olympics.
5.) Sean Elliott - One of San Antonio's pillars during the 90's, Sean Elliott and David Robinson placed the San Antonio Spurs back into serious playoffs and title contention. Elliott played all but one of his 12 years in the NBA for the Spurs from 1989 until retiring in 2001. Elliott's most unforgettable moment was back in 1999 when he hit the game winning 21-foot shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. In 742 games, Elliott averaged 14.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and shot 46.5% from the field. He scored a career high of 41 points against the Dallas Mavericks in 1992 and had his best scoring season in 1995-96 when he averaged 20.0 points in 77 games, the only season where he averaged at least 20 points in a season. Elliott only won a title once with the Spurs (1999) and was a 2-time NBA-All Star. He played for the Detroit Pistons during the 1993-94 season before returning to San Antonio. Elliott's career was cut short due to a kidney transplant and is the first player in NBA history to play after undergoing a kidney transplant. Elliott's number 32 jersey was retired on March 6, 2005 and is one of the 6 numbers retired by the Spurs.
Tony Parker and Mike Mitchell are names worth mentioning. Picked 28th overall during the 2001 NBA Draft, Tony Parker became an instrumental and integral part of the Spurs during their title runs in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Parker is San Antonio's premier point guard for almost a decade already and had his share of limelight after winning the NBA Finals MVP in 2007 after San Antonio swept the Cleveland Cavaliers. Like his teammate Ginobili, Parker is getting good international claims as one of France's top players. Parker is holding career averages of 16.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.0 steals a game in 668 games (655 starts). Parker is one of the fastest and quickest point guards in the NBA. Mitchell on the other hand played in the NBA for 12 season, 9 with the Spurs. Mitchell paved the way before the pre-David Robinson era and was San Antonio's star after George Gervin. Mitchell averaged 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists a game and hit 49.3% from the field and 77.9% from the free throw line. Mitchell was a 1981 NBA All-Star and was in the top ten of scoring four times and top 10 in minutes played three times. Mitchell's limelight came during the 1985 season after he led the Spurs in scoring, a first with George Gervin after he averaged 22.2 points and Gervin with 21.2. It was Gervin's last season with the Spurs as he was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Mitchell parted ways with the Spurs in 1990 and played in Europe. He retired in 1999 after playing for Pallacanestro Reggiana.
By MAKOY

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UKRAINE

Antic leads Macedonia to victory in Ukraine - by Szilveszter Nagy
FYR Macedonia got off to an excellent start in their EuroBasket qualifying campaign with a 71-58 away win over Ukraine.
Pero Antic

(210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) scored 24 points as Macedonia finished the game on a 16-3 run to win it.
Serhiy Lishchuk's three-pointer for Ukraine tied the scores at 55-55.
But Damjan Stojanovski

(197-F-87) responded with a three-pointer and the score was 61-55 when Darko Sokolov nailed another with 3:14 to go.
Sergii Gladyr split a pair of free throws to maintain Ukraine's interest, but the game was getting away from them as Todor Gechevski added two more insurance points from the charity stripe.
Antic then hit two more with 42 second left to extend the lead to nine.
Lishchuk cut the gap to seven with a jump-shot, but those were Ukraine's final points on the night as Gechevski and Markes Grin wrapped things up from the free-throw line.

Gechevski finished with 16 points while Vojdan Stojanovski had 11 before fouling out.
Denys Lukashov

(190-G-89) led Ukraine with 12 points, while Lishchuk collected 11 and Dmytro Gliebov got 10.

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UNITED KINGDOM

(191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) gave the hosts the first lead, while Nate Reinking

(206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) made it 82:77, while Luol Deng brought the final victory at the very end.
Luol Deng exploded with 32 points for the winners and Nate Reinking scored 16. Pops Mensah-Bonsu collected 14 points and 18 rebounds, whilst Daniel Clark notched 14. Adam Hanga

URUGUAY

Uruguay takes the Bronze in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship, Third place: VENEZUELA - URUGUAY 70-76

Uruguay was better than Venezuela to win the Bronze in Neiva. Uruguayans celebrated 70-76 victory ending the South American Championship with 3-2 record. Their best scorer in this game with Mauricio Aguiar

(199-F-83, agency: Players Group) with 21 points. Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) had 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Esteban Batista

(208-F/C-83) added 18 pts, plus 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) registered 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jesus Centeno (190-G-85, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) netted 10 points.
Uruguay had a great start. Mauricio Aguiar and his teammates drained 24 points in the first quarter, while they limited Venezuela to 17. Totally different picture on the court was seen after that. Venezuela dominated in all segments and they created 21-9 in the second quarter for 38-32 HT lead. Third period was pretty leveled and it was Venezuela who finished it with 19-18. Uruguayans shined when it was the most important and they closed this game with impressive 13-26 for the final 70-76 victory and the Bronze medal in Neiva. Venezuela stayed without the medal. They appeared five times in Neiva registering 2-3 record.

Uruguay: Mauricio Aguiar 21, Fernando Martinez 19+5 boards, Esteban Batista 18+11 boards
Venezuela: Axiers Sucre 21+10 boards, Jesus Centeno 10

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VENEZUELA

(199-F-83, agency: Players Group) with 21 points. Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) had 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Esteban Batista

Women News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women

Standings

Group A
1. Egypt		3-0
2. Kenya		2-1
3. Angola		2-2
4. Senegal		1-2
5. Tunisia		0-3
Group B
1. Nigeria		3-0
2. Mozambique		2-1
3. DRCongo		0-1
4. Ivory Coast		0-1
5. Mali		0-2

Day Three in Cairo - by Eurobasket News
Three games were played on Saturday in Cairo. In Group A, Kenya was better the Tunisia 64-58 jumping to 2-1 record. It was the second appearance for Tunisia at this event and they faced with the second straight loss. Also in Group A, Angola cruised past Senegal 63-50 for 2-1 score. Senegal stays winless (0-2). In Group B, Mozambique outplayed Mali 57-49 for the first win at this event. Both teams failed in their first appearances.
Four games will be played on Sunday, August 1.

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BELARUS - Women

U18 Belarus has no mercy for U18 Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: MONTENEGRO - BELARUS 57-81

Belarus didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Montenegro today. Belarus celebrated easy 57-81 victory to finish Preliminary Round as No.1 of Group D with 3-0 record. Of course, Belarus advanced to the next stage in Timisoara. On the other side, Montenegro ended with 1-2 and will continue in Classification Games for 9th to 18th place. Maryia Filonchyk (189-C-92) paced the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Nadzeya Bohdan (184-C-93) collected 14 points and 7 boards. Darya Lipinskaya and Maryia Rashchenia (185-F-92) helped with 11 points each. In Montenegro, Jelena Vucetic (178-G-93) collected 17 points and 5 rebs. Jovana Pasic (178-G-92) had 11 points.
Belarus took control on Montenegro from the very beginning. They made excellent 10-26 lead in the first ten minutes and were looking great. Montenegro improved in Q2, but they cut the margin just for one single point. Belarus shined offensively again in Q3 jumping to 43-63. There was ten minutes left in the game and the winner was already known.
Competition continues tomorrow, but Belarus and Montenegro will have two days-off. After that, Belarus will start the Qualifying Round, while Montenegro will begin the Classification Games.

Montenegro: Jelena Vucetic 17+5 boards, Jovana Pasic 11
Belarus: Maryia Filonchyk 19+13 boards, Nadzeya Bohdan 14+7 boards, Nadzeya Bohdan 11, Maryia Rashchenia 11

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BELGIUM - Women

U18 Latvia outplays U18 Belgium thanks to 10-0 run in the finish - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: BELGIUM - LATVIA 59-63

Latvia managed to take the first win in Poprad. They had 0-3 in Preliminary Round and now fight for the survival in Division A. First game in Group G was a good one for Latvia who jumped to 1-0 in this pool. Belgium dropped to 0-1 and their chances to survive decreased. Anete Kirsteine (176-G/F-92) exploded with 24 points and 7 boards. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 20. Guna Lagzdina (187-C-93) and Linda Pagrode (172-G-92) (5 as) added 15 and 14 points respectively. Lut De Meyer (180-F-92) shined for Belgium with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Emmanuella Mayombo (170-G-92) had 14 points.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Belgium made 13-12 in the first ten minutes, while the second quarter ended with 18-18 tie. Lut De Meyer and her teammates were good after the breather end they jumped to plus five with ten minutes to go in this meeting. Than, Latvian players intensified defense limiting their rivals to just 6 points in the last ten minutes. They came to 59-59 with less than two minutes to go and later completed 0-10 run for valuable 59-63 victory.
On Tuesday, Latvia will play against Hungary. Belgium will take on Czech Republic.

Belgium: Lut De Meyer 16+7 boards, Emmanuella Mayombo 14
Latvia: Anete Kirsteine 24+7 boards, Guna Lagzdina 15, Linda Pagrode 14+5 as

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BOSNIA - Women

U18 Denmark goes to Qualifying Round in Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: BOSNIA - DENMARK 57-65

Denmark made the crucial win in Timisoara. They outplayed Bosnia for 2-1 record in Group B booking a spot for the Qualifying Round. On the other side, Bosnia finished this stage winless and will go to Classification Games for 9th to 16th place. Gritt Ryder (177-G-92) was totally the best player of this meeting. She spent 35 minutes on the floor collecting 24 points and 9 rebounds. Ryder reached valuation 22. Second scorer in Denmark was Marie Blyme (173-F-93) with 9 points (8 rebs). In Bosnia, Vesna Lukic (165-G-92) delivered 18 points. Miljana Dzombeta (178-G-94) had 14 pts and 5 boards.
Bosnia was better team at the beginning as they made 19-12 lead in the first ten minutes. However, it was all from them today as Denmark quickly improved and totally changed picture on the court. Gritt Ryder and her teammates created nice 12-23 in the second frame for 31-35 lead at the halftime. Bosnia improved after the breather and managed to stay close. Despite that, Denmark was strong enough to keep its lead and actually to finish this game with 57-65.
Both teams will continue on Thursday.

Bosnia: Vesna Lukic 18, Miljana Dzombeta 14+5 boards
Denmark: Gritt Ryder 24+9 boards, Marie Blyme 9+8 boards

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BRAZIL - Women

Brazil edge Slovak Republic to win Kosice tournament - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Brazil 54:60
Brazil clinched the title at the international Grand Prix of Slovakia tournament in Kosice. They shot down the hosts on the final day of the tourney to improve at 2-1 record on top of the ladder. Slovak Republic finished just behind the Latin American powerhouse. Karen Gustavo (177-G-84) knocked down 18 points to lead Brazil.
Slovak Republic looked slightly better at the start of the game. They eked out a narrow 17:14 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Slovak Republic maintained the advantage throughout the second term. They posted a 32:25 lead at the interval. The teams traded baskets throughout a low-scoring third term. Slovak Republic secured a 7-point buffer with ten minutes to go. Brazil changed things around in the fourth quarter. The visitors fired 25 points and surged ahead for good.
Palmira Marcal (178-G-84) delivered 12 points for the winners. Nadia Gomes (193-C-89) contributed 8 points for Brazil. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) replied with 9 points for Slovak Republic. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) netted 7 points in defeat.

Slovak Republic: Lucia Kupcikova 9, Klaudia Lukacovicova 7
Brazil: Karen Gustavo 18, Palmira Marcal 12, Nadia Gomes 8

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BULGARIA - Women

U18 EC, Division B: Finland advances to next stage - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: BULGARIA - FINLAND 52-96

Finland had an easy job against Bulgaria today. It was their fourth appearance and third win, what will be enough for the second place in Group C and a spot for the Qualifying Round. On the other side, Bulgaria dropped to poor 0-3 with no chance to advance. Ellen Nurmi (182-F-93) stepped up for Finland with 22 points. Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) had 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Anette Juvonen (170-G-93) and Evita Iiskola (181-F-93) netted 15 points each. In Bulgaria, Nora Georgieva (174-F-92) delivered 12 points. Nadezhda Spasova (189-F-93) had two less than her.
Except of the first quarter, which was pretty leveled, Finland was way better team today. First ten minutes ended with 12-14 for Finland, and after that Ellen Nurmi and her teammates took full control on their rivals. They made 14-23 in the second frame for plus 11 at the halftime. Finish players exploded after the breather draining 35 points for the minutes, while on the other side they limited Bulgaria to 10. It was 36-72 for Finland and the game winner was already known.
Finland will have two days-off before the second stage. Bulgaria will meet Scotland tomorrow.

Bulgaria: Nora Georgieva 12, Nadezhda Spasova 10
Finland: Ellen Nurmi 22, Annika Holopainen 18+6 boards, Anette Juvonen 15, Evita Iiskola 15

Turkey beats Bulgaria in Konya thanks to great first half - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: Turkey - Bulgaria 76-67

Turkey opened the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications with victory. They outplayed Bulgaria 76-67 in Konya today making a first step forward to Poland. Turkey and Bulgaria are together with Montenegro, Hungary and Finland placed to Qualifying Group C. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) top-scored for Turkey with 18 points. Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) had 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Melek Bilge (193-C-89) added 10 pts and 6 rebs. Bulgaria got 19 points and 5 rebounds from Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88). Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) and Dimana Georgieva (190-C-88) delivered 16 and 14 points respectively.
Turkey did a great job in the first quarter. Esmeral Tuncluer and her teammates exploded offensively scoring 24 points in the first ten minutes. Bulgaria was shocked and faced with 14-point deficit before the Q2. Visitors improved after that, but still Turkey ended the second period with 20-18 for plus 16 at the half time. Bulgaria was in trouble, but they tried to mount comeback. However, Turkish players were strong enough to deny their attacks and to close this game with nice 76-67.
Turkey will play against Finland on Thursday. Bulgaria will take on Hungary at the same day.

Turkey: Esmeral Tuncluer 18, Bahar Caglar 13+6 boards, Melek Bilge 10+6 boards
Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 19+5 boards, Doneeka Hodges 16+6 boards+6 as, Dimana Georgieva 14+9 boards

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CROATIA - Women

U18 Croatia ends Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: CROATIA - GERMANY 63-48

Croatia demonstrated its power once again. They were too strong for Germany 63-48 ending the Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. Croatia is No.1 of Group B and will go to the next stage. Germany dropped to 1-2 and failed to reach the Qualifying Round. Iva Todoric led Croatia in scoring with 14 points. Katarina Puljic (173-G-92) had 13 points and 8 boards, while Marija Rados (181-C-93) posted 11 pts. In Germany, Julia Gaudermann (165-G-92) collected 13 points and 8 boards. Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92) had 12 points and 5 rebs.
Germany opened the game much better taking 8-14 lead in the first ten minutes. However, Iva Todoric and her teammates woke up after that and took control on this meeting. They made 17-10 in the second period for 25-24 turn at the half time. Croatia finished Q3 with 18-14 and was looking good. When it was expected that Germany will try to mount a comeback, Croatia improved their game even more and ended Q4 with nice 20-10 lead for the final 63-48 victory.
Qualifying Round, as well as the Classification Round for 9th to 18th place, will start on Thursday.

Croatia: Iva Todoric 14, Katarina Puljic 13+8 boards, Marija Rados 11
Germany: Julia Gaudermann 13+8 boards, Finja Schaake 12+5 boards

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

U18 Czech Republic takes the first win in Poprad - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: HUNGARY - CZECH REPUBLIC 51-66

Czech Republic made a first step forward to survival in Division A. They were too strong for Hungary 51-66 jumping to 1-0 in Group G. Participants of this pool are also Belgium and Latvia. Two last ranked teams will be relegated to Division B. Karolina Elhotova (182-F-92) paced Czech Republic to victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Barbora Kasparkova (182-C-92) followed her with 13 points and 12 boards. In Hungary, Judit Manyoky (171-G-92) had 9 points. Bettina Baksa (173-G-92) scored 8 pts and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Czech Republic opened this game in style making 11-19 lead. Hungary improved in the second frame and they ended it with 16-15. However, they still had seven point deficit at the HT. In Q3, Karolina Elhotova and her teammates created 16-19 for double-digit lead before the last ten minutes. Hungary was not able to reply and Czech Republic ended last period with 8-13 for the final 51-66 victory.
On Tuesday, Czech Republic will play against Belgium. Hungary will take on Latvia.

Hungary: Judit Manyoky 9, Bettina Baksa 8+5 boards
Czech Republic: Karolina Elhotova 16+9 boards, Barbora Kasparkova 13+12 boards

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DENMARK - Women

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EGYPT - Women

U18 Women CAN: Nigeria goes past Cote dIvoire - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria had the better of Cote dIvoire on Sunday in a Group-B game of the 11th FIBA Africa Championship for Women with an 84-34 points victory in Cairo, Egypt.
Nigeria Uju Ugoka led the floor with a double double effort of 23 points and 14 rebound, team Captain Ijeoma Uchendu added 16 points and 4 rebound while forward Temitope Oladele grabbed 16 rebound for the win.
Nigeria will play her last group game against Congo DRC who has forfeited two games in the series.

The Coaches Adewumi Aderemi and Peter Ahmedu tutored Nigerian side won in all four quarters by 17-02, 17-08, 22-18 and 28-06 respectively.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Standings Div.B (Women) - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Norway		0-0
2. Portugal		0-0
3. Slovenia		0-0
4. Sweden		0-0
Group B
1. Estonia		1-0
2. Switzerlan.		1-0
3. Bosnia		0-0
4. Luxembourg.		0-1
5. Albania		0-1

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Lithuania		1-0
2. Croatia		1-0
3. Belgium		0-0
4. Italy		0-1
5. Holland		0-1
Group B
1. Israel		0-0
2. Latvia		0-0
3. Romania		0-0
4. Serbia		0-0
Group C
1. Montenegro.		1-0
2. Turkey		1-0
3. Finland		0-0
4. Hungary		0-1
5. Bulgaria		0-1
Group D
1. U.Kingdom		0-0
2. Germany		0-0
3. Slovakia		0-0
4. Ukraine		0-0

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women

Division B: Day Four in Timisoara (Preliminary Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Romania - Greece 52-63
Greece extended its winning streak to four. They have 4-0 record in Preliminary Group A and will finish this stage as No.1. Romania faced with the first loss in Timisoara (2-1). Artemis Spanou (185-F-93) shined in Greece with double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Anastasia Slouka (182-G-93) delivered 13 points, while Zafeira Giampani (185-C-92) added 8 points and 8 rebounds. In Romania, Cristina Bigica (182-F-92) shined with 28 points. The host of this event got 8 pts and 8 boards from Sonia Ursu (175-F-93). Greece did a great job in the second half. Before that, Greece made 16-19 in the first ten minutes, but Romania replied with 19-15 for rest of the first half. Than, Artemis Spanou and her teammates intensified defense and limited their rivals to 8 pts in third frame. They delivered 14 on the other side heading to the last ten minutes with 43-48 advantage. Nothing has changed after that as Greece still dominated having no troubles to celebrate comfortable win at the end. Greece will have two days off before the Quarterfinals. Romania will meet Luxembourg tomorrow.

Portugal - Luxembourg 80-47
Portugal celebrated the first victory in Timisoara staying in the race for Quarterfinals. Both teams were winless in their first games at this event. It means that Luxembourg dropped to 0-3 and lost all chances to reach the next stage. They will be transferred to Classification Games on Thursday. Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) paced Portugal with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Luzia Lampreia (173-G-92) and Daniela Domingues (176-F/G-92) delivered 17 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Lena Hetto (184-F-93) shined with 18 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Portugal dominated in all basketball elements today. They created 22-10 in the first ten minutes sending a clear signal that Luxembourg will not have a chance. Maria Joao Andrade and her teammates were great in the second frame as well for 43-20 lead at the halftime. They slowed down after the breather, but still Luxembourg wasn't able to reply. Third quarter ended 18-14 for Portugal and the last one 19-13 for the final 80-47 blowout. On Tuesday, Portugal will meet Switzerland in do-or-die game. Luxembourg will play against Romania.

Group B

Bosnia - Denmark 57-65
Denmark made the crucial win in Timisoara. They outplayed Bosnia for 2-1 record in Group B booking a spot for the Qualifying Round. On the other side, Bosnia finished this stage winless and will go to Classification Games for 9th to 16th place. Gritt Ryder (177-G-92) was totally the best player of this meeting. She spent 35 minutes on the floor collecting 24 points and 9 rebounds. Ryder reached valuation 22. Second scorer in Denmark was Marie Blyme (173-F-93) with 9 points (8 rebs). In Bosnia, Vesna Lukic (165-G-92) delivered 18 points. Miljana Dzombeta (178-G-94) had 14 pts and 5 boards. Bosnia was better team at the beginning as they made 19-12 lead in the first ten minutes. However, it was all from them today as Denmark quickly improved and totally changed picture on the court. Gritt Ryder and her teammates created nice 12-23 in the second frame for 31-35 lead at the halftime. Bosnia improved after the breather and managed to stay close. Despite that, Denmark was strong enough to keep its lead and actually to finish this game with 57-65. Both teams will continue on Thursday.

Croatia - Germany 63-48
Croatia demonstrated its power once again. They were too strong for Germany 63-48 ending the Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. Croatia is No.1 of Group B and will go to the next stage. Germany dropped to 1-2 and failed to reach the Qualifying Round. Iva Todoric (174-G-93) led Croatia in scoring with 14 points. Katarina Puljic (173-G-92) had 13 points and 8 boards, while Marija Rados (181-C-93) posted 11 pts. In Germany, Julia Gaudermann (165-G-92) collected 13 points and 8 boards. Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92) had 12 points and 5 rebs. Germany opened the game much better taking 8-14 lead in the first ten minutes. However, Iva Todoric and her teammates woke up after that and took control on this meeting. They made 17-10 in the second period for 25-24 turn at the half time. Croatia finished Q3 with 18-14 and was looking good. When it was expected that Germany will try to mount a comeback, Croatia improved their game even more and ended Q4 with nice 20-10 lead for the final 63-48 victory. Qualifying Round, as well as the Classification Round for 9th to 18th place, will start on Thursday.

Group C

Bulgaria - Finland 52-96
Finland had an easy job against Bulgaria today. It was their fourth appearance and third win, what will be enough for the second place in Group C and a spot for the Qualifying Round. On the other side, Bulgaria dropped to poor 0-3 with no chance to advance. Ellen Nurmi (182-F-93) stepped up for Finland with 22 points. Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) had 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Anette Juvonen (170-G-93) and Evita Iiskola (181-F-93) netted 15 points each. In Bulgaria, Nora Georgieva (174-F-92) delivered 12 points. Nadezhda Spasova (189-F-93) had two less than her. Except of the first quarter, which was pretty leveled, Finland was way better team today. First ten minutes ended with 12-14 for Finland, and after that Ellen Nurmi and her teammates took full control on their rivals. They made 14-23 in the second frame for plus 11 at the halftime. Finish players exploded after the breather draining 35 points for the minutes, while on the other side they limited Bulgaria to 10. It was 36-72 for Finland and the game winner was already known. Finland will have two days-off before the second stage. Bulgaria will meet Scotland tomorrow.

United Kingdom - Scotland 69-35
United Kingdom was too strong for Scotland celebrating 69-35 victory. With this one, the UK jumped to perfect 3-0 in Group C and will play against Estonia for the first place. Scotland dropped to 0-3 and they will not have a chance to reach the next stage. Jessica Hurd (185-F/C-92) led the UK with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) helped with double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. They didn't have any other player with more than 8 points. In Scotland, Jennifer Lynn (180-F-93) collected 13 points and 13 rebounds. Gemma Black (164-G-92) scored 11 points. United Kingdom had wonderful beginning today. Jessica Hurd and her teammates created 17-2 run in the first seven minutes of this meeting. They finished Q1 with 21-4 and later made 17-7 for the next ten minutes. It means that UK had 38-11 lead at the halftime and the game winner was already resolved. UK players slowed down after that, but that didn't help Scotland. UK ended Q3 with 13-11 and the last one with 18-13 for the final 69-35 win. Competition continues tomorrow.

Group D

Montenegro - Belarus 57-81
Belarus didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Montenegro today. Belarus celebrated easy 57-81 victory to finish Preliminary Round as No.1 of Group D with 3-0 record. Of course, Belarus advanced to the next stage in Timisoara. On the other side, Montenegro ended with 1-2 and will continue in Classification Games for 9th to 18th place. Maryia Filonchyk (189-C-92) paced the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Nadzeya Bohdan (184-C-93) collected 14 points and 7 boards. Darya Lipinskaya (178-G-93) and Maryia Rashchenia (185-F-92) helped with 11 points each. In Montenegro, Jelena Vucetic (178-G-93) collected 17 points and 5 rebs. Jovana Pasic (178-G-92) had 11 points. Belarus took control on Montenegro from the very beginning. They made excellent 10-26 lead in the first ten minutes and were looking great. Montenegro improved in Q2, but they cut the margin just for one single point. Belarus shined offensively again in Q3 jumping to 43-63. There was ten minutes left in the game and the winner was already known. Competition continues tomorrow, but Belarus and Montenegro will have two days-off. After that, Belarus will start the Qualifying Round, while Montenegro will begin the Classification Games.

Israel - Holland 53-78
Holland booked a spot for the next stage in Timisoara. It was a do-or-die game for Holland and they made it with ease 53-78. Israel is the only winless team in Group D and together with Montenegro (1-2) will be transferred to Classification Round for 9th to 18th place. Willemijn Kallenberg (176-G-93) led Holland with 13 points. Gabrielle Van Den Bosch (170-G-93) and Jamailah Adams (179-G-93) (12 rebs) helped with 12 and 10 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Yael Shafir (166-G-92) shined with 23 points. Daniel Hagag (165-G-92) (9 rebs) and Elite Cohen (182-F-92) netted 10 points each. Holland won every single quarter of this game. They started with 10-16 in the first ten minutes and later continued with 12-16 in Q2. Israel wasn't able to reply and they faced with huge 35-58 deficit after 30 minutes of play. Game winner was already known at that time and last quarter was just the formality. Despite that fact, Holland won this period as well (18-20) for the final 53-78 blowout. Competition in Timisoara continues tomorrow. However, Holland and Israel will have two days-off before their next games.

W-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group E
1. Spain		3-0
2. Russia		2-1
3. Slovenia		2-1
4. Slovakia		1-2
5. Sweden		1-2
6. Serbia		0-3
Group F
1. France		3-0
2. Italy		3-0
3. Lithuania		2-1
4. Ukraine		1-2
5. Poland		0-3
6. Turkey		0-3
Group H
1. Czech Repu.		1-0
2. Latvia		1-0
3. Hungary		0-1
4. Belgium		0-1

Standings - Division B - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Greece		4-0
2. Romania		2-1
3. Switzerlan.		1-2
4. Portugal		1-2
5. Luxembourg.		0-3
Group B
1. Croatia		3-0
2. Denmark		2-1
3. Germany		1-2
4. Bosnia		0-3
Group C
1. U.Kingdom		3-0
2. Finland		3-1
3. Estonia		2-1
4. Scotland		0-3
5. Bulgaria		0-3
Group D
1. Belarus		3-0
2. Holland		2-1
3. Montenegro.		1-2
4. Israel		0-3

Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA
(179-G-92)
Avg: 36

1. Iagupova, UKR	36.0
2. Baric, SLO	23.8
3. Gortnar, SLO	18.8
4. Okockyte, LTU	16.8
5. Zahui, SWE	16.3
6. Zietara, POL	16.0
7. Efimova, RUS	15.5
8. Demirkol, TUR	15.0
9. Kissova, SVK	14.5
10. Cepelkova, CZE	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Azge KAVURMACIOGLU
(187-F-93)
Avg: 12.3

1. Kavurmaciogl., TUR	12.3
2. Zaveckaite, LTU	11.0
3. Naumenko, UKR	10.5
4. Barba, FRA	9.7
5. Zahui, SWE	9.5
6. Svaryte, LTU	9.5
7. Brajkovic, SRB	9.5
8. Gortnar, SLO	8.5
9. Iagupova, UKR	7.8
10. Mestdagh, BEL	6.8

Assists Per Game

Nika BARIC
(169-G-92)
Avg: 6

1. Baric, SLO	6.0
2. Carta, ITA	4.8
3. Okockyte, LTU	4.5
4. Palenikova, SVK	4.3
5. Iagupova, UKR	4.0
6. Maksimova, RUS	3.5
7. Gorini, ITA	3.5
8. Skadaite, LTU	3.3
9. Radjati, FRA	3.3
10. Kabengano, SWE	3.3

Steals Per Game

Beatrice CARTA
(170-G-92)
Avg: 3.8

1. Carta, ITA	3.8
2. Iagupova, UKR	3.8
3. Vyoralova, CZE	3.7
4. Colic, SRB	3.5
5. Bradnanska, SVK	3.3
6. Demirkol, TUR	2.8
7. Baric, SLO	2.8
8. Ortiz, ESP	2.8
9. Gorini, ITA	2.8
10. Jakovina, SLO	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Barbora VECHTOVA
(186-C-92)
Avg: 2.8

1. Vechtova, CZE	2.8
2. Gortnar, SLO	1.8
3. Zahui, SWE	1.8
4. Svaryte, LTU	1.8
5. Iagupova, UKR	1.8
6. Lagzdina, LAT	1.5
7. Kissova, SVK	1.5
8. Mayinga, BEL	1.3
9. Szczepanik, POL	1.3
10. Stauere, LAT	1.3

Div.B Stats Leaders - by Eurobasket

Points Per Game

Cristina BIGICA
(182-F-92)
Avg: 22.3

1. Bigica, ROM	22.3
2. Spanou, GRE	19.0
3. Hurd, ENG	17.7
4. Ryder, DEN	17.7
5. Musatava, BLR	16.5
6. Premasunac, CRO	14.3
7. Shafir, ISR	14.3
8. Schaake, GER	14.3
9. Bohdan, BLR	14.3
10. Todoric, CRO	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Temitope FAGBENLE
(191-F-92)
Avg: 14

1. Fagbenle, ENG	14.0
2. Premasunac, CRO	11.7
3. Ursu, ROM	11.0
4. Filonchyk, BLR	11.0
5. Greinacher, GER	10.3
6. Bohdan, BLR	9.7
7. Saarinen, FIN	9.5
8. Spanou, GRE	9.0
9. Mestrovic, CRO	8.7
10. Ostergaard, DEN	8.3

Assists Per Game

Gabriela CURSARU
(169-G-92)
Avg: 4.3

1. Cursaru, ROM	4.3
2. Mestrovic, CRO	4.0
3. Ryder, DEN	3.7
4. Musatava, BLR	3.5
5. Iiskola, FIN	3.5
6. Dzombeta, BIH	3.0
7. Gaudermann, GER	3.0
8. Vucetic, MNT	3.0
9. Domingues, POR	3.0
10. Spanou, GRE	2.8

Steals Per Game

Ema MESTROVIC
(168-F-93)
Avg: 5.3

1. Mestrovic, CRO	5.3
2. Pilv, EST	5.0
3. Dzombeta, BIH	4.0
4. Puljic, CRO	3.7
5. Todoric, CRO	3.7
6. Koster, EST	3.3
7. Gaudermann, GER	3.3
8. Butter, NED	3.0
9. Ryder, DEN	3.0
10. Zovile, LUX	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Temitope FAGBENLE
(191-F-92)
Avg: 2.7

1. Fagbenle, ENG	2.7
2. Rashchenia, BLR	2.7
3. Craciun, ROM	2.0
4. Filonchyk, BLR	2.0
5. Premasunac, CRO	1.7
6. Dzinic, BIH	1.7
7. Thompson, ENG	1.7
8. Ivashchanka, BLR	1.5
9. Blanaru, ROM	1.5
10. Greinacher, GER	1.3

Division A: Day Four in Poprad (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Serbia - Russia 48-88
Russia devastated Serbia in Poprad today. It was the first day of the Qualifying Round and Russia jumped to 2-1 in Group E. On the other side, Serbia dropped to 0-3 but still has some chances to reach the Quarterfinals. Svetlana Efimova (187-F-92) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) followed her with 18 points and 7 boards, while Ekaterina Fedorenkova (177-G-93) netted 8 pts. In Serbia, Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93) was good with 15 points and 9 rebounds. They didn't have any other player with double-digits in scoring. Russia dominated in all basketball segments today. They created 7-16 lead in the first ten minutes and that was just the beginning. For rest of the first half Svetlana Efimova and her teammates jumped to plus 14 (25-39 HT). Serbia faced with fiasco in third and last quarter as Russia smashed them in these 20 minutes. Russia made impressive 10-24 in Q3 and 13-25 in the last frame for 48-88 blowout win at the end. On Tuesday, Russia will meet Slovakia. Serbia will take on Sweden and it will be maybe the crucial game for both teams.

Sweden - Spain 38-50
Spain continues with nice performance in Poprad. They cruised past Sweden stretching the winning streak to four. They transferred two to Qualifying Round and now have 3-0 record in Group E. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) was the leading player in victory with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Elena Diaz (188-F/C-92) helped with 8 points, while Mariona Ortiz (183-G-92) (5 rebs) and Claudia Calvelo (190-C-92) added 7 points each. Sweden did not have any player with double-digits in scoring. Their best player was Salome Kabengano (177-G-92) with 9 points (8 rebs). Second quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Spain made 6-9 lead in the first ten minutes. Queralt Casas and her teammates took full control on their rivals for rest of the first half. Their drained 17 points in Q2, while stopping Sweden to 8. It means that Spain was 14-26 up at the HT and was on the right way to victory. They made 10-12 in Q3 and Sweden cut the margin fro two points in the last period. At the end it was totally deserved 38-50 for Spain. In Day Five, Spain will meet Slovenia. Sweden will play against Serbia.

Slovenia - Slovakia 78-73 OT
Slovenia grabbed an overtime win against Slovakia in the first day of the Qualifying Round in Poprad. It means that Slovenia has 2-1 record in Group E now and their chances for the next stage increased. The host of this event dropped to 1-2, but still has a chance to reach one of the first four places in this pool. Nika Baric (169-G-92) exploded for Slovenia with double-double of 29 points and 12 assists. She had valuation 28 and was the MVP of this meeting. Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) (5 rebs) and Eva Rupnik (177-G-92) helped Slovenia with 14 points each. In Slovakia, Martina Kissova collected 21 points. Denisa Domiterova had 19 points and 10 boards. Slovenia dominated in the first period 18-9, while Slovakia cut the margin for one point in the next ten minutes (32-24 HT). They came to 48-45 after 30 minutes of play and everything was open again. Slovenia had plus 11 at the halfway of the last quarter, but Slovakia didn't give up and they made 64-66 turn with 21 seconds to go. Slovenia had the last possession and Rebeka Abramovic (170-G-93) brought them an overtime making a jump shot with few seconds left. In the extra five minutes, Nika Baric and her teammates jumped to 78-71 with 1:03 to go and the game was over for Slovakia. On Tuesday, Slovenia will play against Spain. Slovakia will meet Russia.

Group F

Poland - France 56-66
France stays unbeaten in Poprad. They registered 56-66 win against Poland for perfect 3-0 in Qualifying Group F. Italy has the same record in this pool so these two countries will most probably fight for the first place. Poland remains winless (0-3), but they still have a chance to reach the next stage. Helena Akmouche (174-G-92) came up with 19 points in victory. Lucie Barba (185-F-92) had 10 points and 7 boards, while Eleonore Grossemy (184-F-92) also scored 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Magdalena Zietara (177-G/F-92) shined with 19 points. Agata Szczepanik (194-F/C-92) had 11. France grabbed this one thanks to nice played second and last quarter. First ten minutes were totally leveled and they ended with 15-15 tie. France dominated in Q2 making 7-16 for 9-point lead at the half time. Poland was better in Q3 and they cut the margin to six points before the last frame so everything was open again. However, Helena Akmouche and her teammates shined when it was the most important and closed this game with 16-20 for 56-66 win at the end. On Tuesday, France will take on Lithuania. Poland will play against Turkey.

Turkey - Italy 52-63
Italy had another good game in Poprad. They outplayed Turkey for perfect 3-0 in Qualifying Group F. They will most probably fight against France for the first place in this pool. Turkey slipped to 0-3 and their chances to reach the Quarterfinals drastically decreased. Francesca Dotto (169-G-93) shined for the winners with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Beatrice Carta (170-G-92) delivered 10 points, while Gaia Gorini (182-G-92) (6 rebs, 5 as), Clara Salvini (180-C-92) and Irene Cigliani (177-G-92) added 8 points each. In Turkey, Olcay Cakir (180-G-93) collected 14 points and 8 rebounds. Azge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) had 10 points and 7 rebs. Turkey was slightly better team at the beginning as they made 17-16 lead. They were slightly better in Q2 as well for 30-28 HT lead. Francesca Dotto and her teammates came up after the breather with totally different attitude. They intensified defense limiting Turkey to just 6 points in Q3. They drained 16 on the other side for plus 8 with ten minutes to go. Italy had not troubles to keep its lead and to celebrate 52-63 victory at the end. On Tuesday, Italy will play against Ukraine. Turkey will meet Poland.

Ukraine - Lithuania 66-95
Both teams had 1-1 record in Qualifying Group F before this meeting. Lithuania demonstrated impressive performance and registered valuable 66-95 win. Ukraine was not able to do anything in this game, but they still have a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Lithuania had six players with double-digits in scoring today. Monika Grigalauskyte (187-F-92) was the leading one with 19 points and she also grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Laura Svaryte (190-C-92) had 18 pts and 10 boards, while Santa Okockyte (176-G-92) added 14 pts and 9 assists. In defeat, Alina Iagupova (179-G-92) had 29 points, 6 rebs and 5 assists. However, she attempted 23 times from behind the arc making less than 30% (7 triples). Anastasiya Yablonska (173-G-93) had 10 pts in this loss. Lithuania dominated in all segments today. They started with 17-27 in the first quarter and later jumped to plus 13 at the half time. Ukraine was in trouble and they faced with 16-23 in third frame. Lithuanian players looked great and they closed this meeting with 19-28 for the final 66-95 blowout. On Tuesday, Lithuania will play against France. Ukraine will take on strong Italy.

Group G

Hungary - Czech Republic 51-66
Czech Republic made a first step forward to survival in Division A. They were too strong for Hungary 51-66 jumping to 1-0 in Group G. Participants of this pool are also Belgium and Latvia. Two last ranked teams will be relegated to Division B. Karolina Elhotova (182-F-92) paced Czech Republic to victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Barbora Kasparkova (182-C-92) followed her with 13 points and 12 boards. In Hungary, Judit Manyoky (171-G-92) had 9 points. Bettina Baksa (173-G-92) scored 8 pts and grabbed 5 rebounds. Czech Republic opened this game in style making 11-19 lead. Hungary improved in the second frame and they ended it with 16-15. However, they still had seven point deficit at the HT. In Q3, Karolina Elhotova and her teammates created 16-19 for double-digit lead before the last ten minutes. Hungary was not able to reply and Czech Republic ended last period with 8-13 for the final 51-66 victory. On Tuesday, Czech Republic will play against Belgium. Hungary will take on Latvia.

Belgium - Latvia 59-63
Latvia managed to take the first win in Poprad. They had 0-3 in Preliminary Round and now fight for the survival in Division A. First game in Group G was a good one for Latvia who jumped to 1-0 in this pool. Belgium dropped to 0-1 and their chances to survive decreased. Anete Kirsteine (176-G/F-92) exploded with 24 points and 7 boards. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 20. Guna Lagzdina (187-C-93) and Linda Pagrode (172-G-92) (5 as) added 15 and 14 points respectively. Lut De Meyer (180-F-92) shined for Belgium with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Emmanuella Mayombo (170-G-92) had 14 points. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Belgium made 13-12 in the first ten minutes, while the second quarter ended with 18-18 tie. Lut De Meyer and her teammates were good after the breather end they jumped to plus five with ten minutes to go in this meeting. Than, Latvian players intensified defense limiting their rivals to just 6 points in the last ten minutes. They came to 59-59 with less than two minutes to go and later completed 0-10 run for valuable 59-63 victory. On Tuesday, Latvia will play against Hungary. Belgium will take on Czech Republic.

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FINLAND - Women

Latvia edge Finland in test game - by Eurobasket News
Latvia - Finland 88:59
Latvia recorded a comfortable win over Finland in the exhibition encounter. Both teams are getting fit for the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying games. Latvia will open their campaign against Romania on August 14, while Finland hit the road against Turkey on August 5.
Latvia led from start to finish. They posted a 23:14 advantage at the first break. Latvia continued to dominate in the second quarter. They opened a 17-point advantage at the interval. Latvia did not loosen the grasp in the third term. They stretched the gap to as many as 21 points with ten minutes to go. Latvia stayed alert and did not allow Finland any closer in the fourth quarter to rally to the victory.
Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) knocked down 16 points for Latvia. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) added 11 points, while Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) finished with 10 points in the victory. Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85, college: St.John's) answered with 18 points for Finland. Vilma Kesanen (173-G-88) delivered 10 points in the losing effort.

Latvia: Zane Tamane 16, Sabine Niedola 11, Gunta Basko 10
Finland: Tiina Sten 18, Vilma Kesanen 10

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FRANCE - Women

LFB: Toulouse can stay in the LFB - by Leslie Anderson
The sage is over and Toulouse Metropole Basket have reclaimed their place back in the LFB. The club financial situation was not clear during the audits at the end of last season and club was refused participation in the LFB for the 2010-2011 season.

The club appealed and presented a plan that has been accepted on the condition that the club stays with in its budgets and that the clubs accounts are open to inspection monthly.

U18 EC: France keeps the perfect score - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: POLAND - FRANCE 56-66

France stays unbeaten in Poprad. They registered 56-66 win against Poland for perfect 3-0 in Qualifying Group F. Italy has the same record in this pool so these two countries will most probably fight for the first place. Poland remains winless (0-3), but they still have a chance to reach the next stage. Helena Akmouche (174-G-92) came up with 19 points in victory. Lucie Barba (185-F-92) had 10 points and 7 boards, while Eleonore Grossemy (184-F-92) also scored 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Magdalena Zietara (177-G/F-92) shined with 19 points. Agata Szczepanik had 11.
France grabbed this one thanks to nice played second and last quarter. First ten minutes were totally leveled and they ended with 15-15 tie. France dominated in Q2 making 7-16 for 9-point lead at the half time. Poland was better in Q3 and they cut the margin to six points before the last frame so everything was open again. However, Helena Akmouche and her teammates shined when it was the most important and closed this game with 16-20 for 56-66 win at the end.
On Tuesday, France will take on Lithuania. Poland will play against Turkey.

Poland: Magdalena Zietara 19, Magdalena Zietara 11
France: Helena Akmouche 19, Lucie Barba 10+7 boards, Eleonore Grossemy 10

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GERMANY - Women

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GREECE - Women

One more award for May Kotsopoulos - by George Fragkos
May Kotsopoulos (178-G-88, college: Vermont), new player of DAS Ano Liosa has won one more award in her career, as she was named America East Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year. During her last year in Vermont, the 22-year-old guard had an outstanding year, scoring an average of 17.1 points per game.
For Vermont last year was a really successful one as they posted their first-ever NCAA victory with a 64-55 win over Wisconsin in the first round of the tournament. May Kotsopoulos had a vital part in this success, being also the captain of the team and the fans are totally justified to have voted her as America East Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

The year was very good for May Kotsopoulos too. She was also named the women's winner of the Wasson Athletic Prize at the 2010 Rally Awards, hosted by the UVM Athletic Department and she graduated from the College with honors with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a 3.66 grade point average.

U18 EC, Division B: Greece secures the first place in Group A - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: ROMANIA - GREECE 52-63

Greece extended its winning streak to four. They have 4-0 record in Preliminary Group A and will finish this stage as No.1. Romania faced with the first loss in Timisoara (2-1). Artemis Spanou (185-F-93) shined in Greece with double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Anastasia Slouka (182-G-93) delivered 13 points, while Zafeira Giampani (185-C-92) added 8 points and 8 rebounds. In Romania, Cristina Bigica (182-F-92) shined with 28 points. The host of this event got 8 pts and 8 boards from Sonia Ursu (175-F-93).
Greece did a great job in the second half. Before that, Greece made 16-19 in the first ten minutes, but Romania replied with 19-15 for rest of the first half. Than, Artemis Spanou and her teammates intensified defense and limited their rivals to 8 pts in third frame. They delivered 14 on the other side heading to the last ten minutes with 43-48 advantage. Nothing has changed after that as Greece still dominated having no troubles to celebrate comfortable win at the end.
Greece will have two days off before the Quarterfinals. Romania will meet Luxembourg tomorrow.

Romania: Cristina Bigica 28, Sonia Ursu 8+8 boards
Greece: Artemis Spanou 15+12 boards, Anastasia Slouka 13, Zafeira Giampani 8+8 boards

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HOLLAND - Women

Lithuania smashes Holland in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: Lithuania - Holland 98-52

Lithuania demonstrated their power at the beginning of EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications. Lithuania destroyed Holland 98-52 for 1-0 record in Qualifying Group A. Today Croatia also celebrated in this pool. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds in victory. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) scored 15, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-F-85) and Agne Abromaite (188-F-79, college: Connecticut) delivered 14 points each. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) answered with 12 points in Holland. Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) had two points less than her. Holland and Italy have 0-1 in Group A now.
Lithuania dominated in all basketball segments today. They started with 22-17 and continued with 22-13 in the second quarter. At that time it was already clear that Holland will not have a chance. Lithuania exploded offensively after the breather draining 31 points in third and 23 pts in the last quarter. Holland was limited to 16+6 and faced with huge 98-52 loss in Kaunas.
Lithuania will meet Croatia on August 5. Holland will meet the same team, but three days later.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 18+5 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 15, Egle Stakneviciene 14+7 boards, Agne Abromaite 14
Holland: Maaike Klein 12, Anouk Biesters 10+5 boards

U18 Holland shines in Timisoara once again - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: ISRAEL - HOLLAND 53-78

Holland booked a spot for the next stage in Timisoara. It was a do-or-die game for Holland and they made it with ease 53-78. Israel is the only winless team in Group D and together with Montenegro (1-2) will be transferred to Classification Round for 9th to 18th place. Willemijn Kallenberg (176-G-93) led Holland with 13 points. Gabrielle Van Den Bosch (170-G-93) and Jamailah Adams (179-G-93) (12 rebs) helped with 12 and 10 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Yael Shafir (166-G-92) shined with 23 points. Daniel Hagag (165-G-92) (9 rebs) and Elite Cohen (182-F-92) netted 10 points each.
Holland won every single quarter of this game. They started with 10-16 in the first ten minutes and later continued with 12-16 in Q2. Israel wasnt able to reply and they faced with huge 35-58 deficit after 30 minutes of play. Game winner was already known at that time and last quarter was just the formality. Despite that fact, Holland won this period as well (18-20) for the final 53-78 blowout.
Competition in Timisoara continues tomorrow. However, Holland and Israel will have two days-off before their next games.

Isarael: Yael Shafir 23, Daniel Hagag 10+9 boards, Elite Cohen 10
Holland: Willemijn Kallenberg 13, Gabrielle Van Den Bosch 12, Jamailah Adams 10+12 boards

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HUNGARY - Women

Montenegro grabs valuable win in Hungary to open EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: Hungary - Montenegro 65-76

Montenegro opened the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications in style. They outplayed Hungary on the road 65-76 for 1-0 record in Qualifying Group C. Iva Perovanovic (191-C/F-83) was the leading player in victory with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) also had very important role adding 14 points and 6 boards. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) and Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) added 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) delivered 11 points. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) had 15 points and 8 boards, while Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) contributed with 11 pts. Hungary dropped to 0-1 in Group C.
Everything started good for Hungary, who made 24-16 lead in the first ten minutes. They were slightly better than Montenegro in Q2 (15-14) for plus nine at the halftime. Montenegro was in trouble, but their players didnt panic. Iva Perovanovic and her teammates recovered and started to play much better in third frame. They intensified defense limiting Hungary to 10 pts in ten minutes, while on the other side their drained 20. That was not all as Montenegro dominated in the last quarter as well ending it with impressive 16-26. Of course that was enough for the first win in Group C and step forward to EuroBasket 2011 in Poland.
Montenegro will play their next game on August 8 against Bulgaria. Hungary will meet the same rival three days earlier.

Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 21, Dora Horti 15+8 boards, Tijana Krivacevic 11
Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 22+7 boards, Ana Baletic 14+6 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 11+5 boards, Milka Bjelica 11

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ISRAEL - Women

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ITALY - Women

Sarah McKay inks with Priolo - by Eurobasket News
Sarah McKay (201-C-85, college: Indiana) inks with Priolo and will play for the team in 2010/2011 season. A player with British-Canadian passports will head to Italy.
In 2005-2006 she started with Indiana (NCAA) and in 17 games averaged 1.7ppg, 1.1rpg. In 2006-2007 she averaged 11.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 30.3%, FT: 75.3%. In 2007-2008 moved to Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB, starting five) and in 21 games averaged 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 82.0%. In 2008-2009 signed with Obenasa Navarra (Spain-LF2, starting five) and after 11 games showed 7.9ppg, 7.2rpg, Blocks-2 (1.5bpg), 2FGP: 53.0%, FT: 57.0%. In November 2009 signed at Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB).
Last season Sarah McKay recorded 9 points in the game versus Cadi la Seu that grabbed valuable road win against Estudiantes as both teams had 2-9 before this game. Sonia Borges and Arhonda Covington led the winning squad with 20 and 18 points respectively. Covington had 7 rebounds beside that. The hosts got 14 pts from Linnea Liljestrand.
The player is also a member of British National Team. At the Qualifications to European Championships 2009 after 6 games her stats read 5.5ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 50.0%.

U18 Italy stays perfect in Poprad - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: TURKEY - ITALY 52-63

Italy had another good game in Poprad. They outplayed Turkey for perfect 3-0 in Qualifying Group F. They will most probably fight against France for the first place in this pool. Turkey slipped to 0-3 and their chances to reach the Quarterfinals drastically decreased. Francesca Dotto (169-G-93) shined for the winners with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Beatrice Carta (170-G-92) delivered 10 points, while Gaia Gorini (182-G-92) (6 rebs, 5 as), Clara Salvini (180-C-92) and Irene Cigliani (177-G-92) added 8 points each. In Turkey, Olcay Cakir (180-G-93) collected 14 points and 8 rebounds. Azge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) had 10 points and 7 rebs.
Turkey was slightly better team at the beginning as they made 17-16 lead. They were slightly better in Q2 as well for 30-28 HT lead. Francesca Dotto and her teammates came up after the breather with totally different attitude. They intensified defense limiting Turkey to just 6 points in Q3. They drained 16 on the other side for plus 8 with ten minutes to go. Italy had not troubles to keep its lead and to celebrate 52-63 victory at the end.
On Tuesday, Italy will play against Ukraine. Turkey will meet Poland.

Turkey: Olcay Cakir 14+8 boards, Azge Kavurmacioglu 10+7 boards
Italy: Francesca Dotto 15+5 boards, Beatrice Carta 10, Gaia Gorini 8+6 boards+5 as, Clara Salvini 8, Irene Cigliani 8

Napoli add Corradini and Micovic - by Eurobasket News
Napoli add Corradini and Micovic for the next season. Licia Corradini (173-G-85) started for Basket Juvenilia and stayed there until year 2005. In season 2005-2006 she moved to TermoCarispe La Spezia (A1) and in 14 games averaged 2.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3spg. In 2006-2007 played for La Spezia (A1, starting five) and after 25 games averaged 4.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2spg. In 2007-2008 for TermoCarispe La Spezia (A1, starting five) she showed 3.9ppg, 2.6rpg. The last two season the player partcipated for Umana Reyer Venezia (A1) and debuted in Euroleague. In her first season she showed 1.5ppg, while in Italian League after 22 games had 1.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.2spg. Last season she averaged 1.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0spg.
Marija Micovic (187-F-82, agency: Players Group) is the Serbian Forward that started with Stem Marine Parma (Italy-A1) in 2004. After 30 games she averaged 4.5ppg, 2.1rpg while in Euroleague after 14 games her stats read 2.6ppg, 1.1rpg, 0.4apg, 0.6spg. In 2005-2006 continued for Stem Marine Parma (Italy-A1) and debuted in EuroCup. After 3 games she showed 2.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 0.3apg, while in Italian League had 7.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 35,9%, 3PT: 26,9%, FT: 80,5%. In 2006-2007 moved to Maddaloni Basket (Italy-A1, starting five) and after 34 games had 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 42,6%, 3PT: 36,7%, FT: 67,4%. In 2007-2008 appeared for Banco di Sicilia Ribera (Italy-A1), while in 2008-2009 played for Lavezzini Parma (Italy-A1): EuroCup: 1 game: 3pts, 1reb; Italian League: 5 games: 2.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8spg. Last season the player was at Basket Parma (Italy-A1) and after 22 games her stats read 3.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.7spg.

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LATVIA - Women

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LITHUANIA - Women

U18 Lithuania blasts U18 Ukraine in Poprad - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: UKRAINE - LITHUANIA 66-95

Both teams had 1-1 record in Qualifying Group F before this meeting. Lithuania demonstrated impressive performance and registered valuable 66-95 win. Ukraine was not able to do anything in this game, but they still have a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Lithuania had six players with double-digits in scoring today. Monika Grigalauskyte (187-F-92) was the leading one with 19 points and she also grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Laura Svaryte (190-C-92) had 18 pts and 10 boards, while Santa Okockyte (176-G-92) added 14 pts and 9 assists. In defeat, Alina Iagupova (179-G-92) had 29 points, 6 rebs and 5 assists. However, she attempted 23 times from behind the arc making less than 30% (7 triples). Anastasiya Yablonska (173-G-93) had 10 pts in this loss.
Lithuania dominated in all segments today. They started with 17-27 in the first quarter and later jumped to plus 13 at the half time. Ukraine was in trouble and they faced with 16-23 in third frame. Lithuanian players looked great and they closed this meeting with 19-28 for the final 66-95 blowout.
On Tuesday, Lithuania will play against France. Ukraine will take on strong Italy.

Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 29+6 boards+5 as, Anastasiya Yablonska 10
Lithuania: Monika Grigalauskyte 19+6 boards, Laura Svaryte 18+10 boards, Santa Okockyte 14+9 as

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

U18 Portugal takes the first win in Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: PORTUGAL - LUXEMBOURG 80-47

Portugal celebrated the first victory in Timisoara staying in the race for Quarterfinals. Both teams were winless in their first games at this event. It means that Luxembourg dropped to 0-3 and lost all chances to reach the next stage. They will be transferred to Classification Games on Thursday. Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) paced Portugal with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Luzia Lampreia (173-G-92) and Daniela Domingues (176-F/G-92) delivered 17 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Lena Hetto (184-F-93) shined with 18 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring.
Portugal dominated in all basketball elements today. They created 22-10 in the first ten minutes sending a clear signal that Luxembourg will not have a chance. Maria Joao Andrade and her teammates were great in the second frame as well for 43-20 lead at the halftime. They slowed down after the breather, but still Luxembourg wasnt able to reply. Third quarter ended 18-14 for Portugal and the last one 19-13 for the final 80-47 blowout.
On Tuesday, Portugal will meet Switzerland in do-or-die game. Luxembourg will play against Romania.

Portugal: Maria Joao Andrade 18+10 boards, Luzia Lampreia 17, Daniela Domingues 11
Luxembourg: Lena Hetto 18

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MONTENEGRO - Women

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NIGERIA - Women

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NORWAY - Women

Tina Moen goes to El C.B. PIO XII - by Eurobasket News
Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) goes to El C.B. PIO XII and will spend the next season in Spain. The Norwegian player started her career at home for Ullern (Eliteserien, starting five) and then moved to IUPU-Ft.Wayne (NCAA). In her debuted season she averaged 5.9ppg, 2.5rpg, FG: 40.4%, 3PT: 40%, FT: 68.1%, In 2006-2007 for IUPU-Ft.Wayne (NCAA, starting five) after 28 games she had 5.0ppg, 2.0rpg and in
2007-2008: after 28 games had 4.4ppg, 2.2rpg. In 2008-2009 she played for IPFW (NCAA, starting five) and in 28 games averaged 6.0ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 39.2%, 3Pts: 29.4%, FT: 67.4%. The last season the player spent in Sdent Sierre Basket (Switzerland-LNA, starting five) and debuted in EuroCup. After 8 games she had 6.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.4%. In Swiss League after 16 games her stats read 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 65.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.0%.
Tina Moen recorded 13 points in Eurocup last season as Sdent Sierre Basket lost to Mondeville 67:80. In that game Mondeville cruised past Sierre ending the Qualifying Round as No.1 in Group A with almost perfect 5-1 score. Of course, the French team booked a spot for the next stage. On the other side, Sierre ended this season's edition of EuroCup with 1-5. Aurelie Bonnan led the winning squad with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Valeriya Berezhynska had 13 pts and 10 boards, while Lenae Williams added 11 pts. Ofelia Villarroel and Tina Moen had 15 and 13 pts respectively in defeat.

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PARAGUAY - Women

METRO women`s standings after 7 rounds. - by Santiago Maciel
Although the Metro Tournament has been stopped due to Female Senior National Team prtactices to participate in South American Championship, the different teams are still practicing and getting ready to continue the competition after the ending of the befored mentioned international torunament among south american nations.Some teams like F�lix Prez are working very hard these days with coach Diego Lpez to try to improve on their defense to make the semi finals. Claudia Aponte (170-G-91), Vivian Aponte , Adriana Martinez and Costanza Abente are the best players of this young team.
It is good to reminf that Sol de America Asuncion is leading the tournament with 7 wins. Olimpia Asuncion has also 7 wins and splitted one lost each with Sol de America Asuncion.
STANDINGS.
1. SOL 5-2
2. OLIMPIA 5-2
3. UCA 5-2
4. FELIX PEREZ 2-6
5. U.A.A 1-6

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POLAND - Women

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PORTUGAL - Women

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ROMANIA - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

U18 Russia destroys U18 Serbia 88-48 - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: SERBIA - RUSSIA 48-88

Russia devastated Serbia in Poprad today. It was the first day of the Qualifying Round and Russia jumped to 2-1 in Group E. On the other side, Serbia dropped to 0-3 but still has some chances to reach the Quarterfinals. Svetlana Efimova (187-F-92) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) followed her with 18 points and 7 boards, while Ekaterina Fedorenkova (177-G-93) netted 8 pts. In Serbia, Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93) was good with 15 points and 9 rebounds. They didnt have any other player with double-digits in scoring.
Russia dominated in all basketball segments today. They created 7-16 lead in the first ten minutes and that was just the beginning. For rest of the first half Svetlana Efimova and her teammates jumped to plus 14 (25-39 HT). Serbia faced with fiasco in third and last quarter as Russia smashed them in these 20 minutes. Russia made impressive 10-24 in Q3 and 13-25 in the last frame for 48-88 blowout win at the end.
On Tuesday, Russia will meet Slovakia. Serbia will take on Sweden and it will be maybe the crucial game for both teams.

Serbia: Ivana Brajkovic 15+9 boards
Russia: Svetlana Efimova 19+5 boards, Yulia Poluyanova 18+7 boards, Ekaterina Fedorenkova 8

Russia edge Serbia in Kosice - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Serbia 88:69
Russian National Team wrapped up the international tournament in Kosice on a high note. They overcame Serbia to finish at 1-2 record in the third position in the ladder. Marina Karpunina (178-G-84) exploded with 25 points to lead Russia to the only success in Slovak Republic.
Russia raced ahead in the opening frame. They enjoyed a 21:16 advantage at the first break. Serbia slowed their opponents down in the second frame. Serbia outscored Russia to narrow the deficit to just one point at halftime 35:36. Russia took over in the third term. They unloaded 23 points in the quarter and registered a 5-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Serbia could not restrain Russias offense in the fourth quarter. Led by Marina Karpunina Russia poured in 29 points in the final stanza and escaped with a comfortable win at the end. Elena Danilochkina (184-G-86) netted 12 points for Russia. Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) accounted for 16 points in the victory. Melica Beljanski (185-F-83) answered with 12 points in the loss. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) top-scored with 16 points for Serbia.

Russia: Marina Karpunina 25, Ilona Korstine 16, Elena Danilochkina 12
Serbia: Jelena Maksimovic 16, Melica Beljanski 12

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SCOTLAND - Women

U18 United Kingdom jumps to 3-0 in Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket (Division B), Day Four: UNITED KINGDOM - SCOTLAND 69-35

United Kingdom was too strong for Scotland celebrating 69-35 victory. With this one, the UK jumped to perfect 3-0 in Group C and will play against Estonia for the first place. Scotland dropped to 0-3 and they will not have a chance to reach the next stage. Jessica Hurd (185-F/C-92) led the UK with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) helped with double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. They didnt have any other player with more than 8 points. In Scotland, Jennifer Lynn (180-F-93) collected 13 points and 13 rebounds. Gemma Black (164-G-92) scored 11 points.
United Kingdom had wonderful beginning today. Jessica Hurd and her teammates created 17-2 run in the first seven minutes of this meeting. They finished Q1 with 21-4 and later made 17-7 for the next ten minutes. It means that UK had 38-11 lead at the halftime and the game winner was already resolved. UK players slowed down after that, but that didnt help Scotland. UK ended Q3 with 13-11 and the last one with 18-13 for the final 69-35 win.
Competition continues tomorrow.

United Kingdom: Jessica Hurd 20+6 boards, Temitope Fagbenle 12+12 boards,
Scotland: Jennifer Lynn 13+13 boards, Gemma Black 11

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SERBIA - Women

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SLOVAKIA - Women

U18 Slovenia beats U18 Slovakia in OT - by Eurobasket News
U18 EuroBasket, Day Four: SLOVENIA - SLOVAKIA 78-73 OT

Slovenia grabbed an overtime win against Slovakia in the first day of the Qualifying Round in Poprad. It means that Slovenia has 2-1 record in Group E now and their chances for the next stage increased. The host of this event dropped to 1-2, but still has a chance to reach one of the first four places in this pool. Nika Baric (169-G-92) exploded for Slovenia with double-double of 29 points and 12 assists. She had valuation 28 and was the MVP of this meeting. Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) (5 rebs) and Eva Rupnik (177-G-92) helped Slovenia with 14 points each. In Slovakia, Martina Kissova (185-F-93) collected 21 points. Denisa Domiterova (178-G-92) had 19 points and 10 boards.
Slovenia dominated in the first period 18-9, while Slovakia cut the margin for one point in the next ten minutes (32-24 HT). They came to 48-45 after 30 minutes of play and everything was open again. Slovenia had plus 11 at the halfway of the last quarter, but Slovakia didnt give up and they made 64-66 turn with 21 seconds to go. Slovenia had the last possession and Rebeka Abramovic brought them an overtime making a jump shot with few seconds left. In the extra five minutes, Nika Baric and her teammates jumped to 78-71 with 1:03 to go and the game was over for Slovakia.
On Tuesday, Slovenia will play against Spain. Slovakia will meet Russia.

Slovenia: Nika Baric 29+12 as, Tjasa Gortnar 14+5 boards, Eva Rupnik 14
Slovakia: Martina Kissova 21, Denisa Domiterova 19+10 boards

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SLOVENIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

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TURKEY - Women

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UKRAINE - Women

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

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WNBA - Women

Sun to recognize Nykesha Sales - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut Sun will honor former WNBA All Star Nykesha Sales (6'0''-F/G-76, agency: Merit Sports, college: Connecticut) as part of Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 15th, during a game against the Indiana Fever at Mohegan Sun Arena at 5 p.m.

'We are glad to have the chance to honor Nykesha for her contribution to the Connecticut Sun,' Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko said Friday. 'It has been a long time coming, but we are grateful that Nykesha will allow us to say thank you for everything she did for our franchise. We hope fans will come out and do just that.'

The all-time leading scorer in franchise history with 3,955 points, Sales appeared in a team- record 278 games, including 248 straight from June 10, 1999 until July 6, 2006. The seven-time WNBA All Star helped Connecticut reach the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005, and was a key contributor to Sun teams that reached four straight Eastern Conference Finals from 2003 to 2006.

Sales played her last game for Connecticut on August 27, 2007, a 93-88 overtime loss to the Indiana Fever in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. She took a hiatus from the WNBA shortly before the 2008 season began, but has not officially retired and is still competing overseas.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

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

Sunday's games (5) review - by Eurobasket News
Tulsa S. - Washington M. 62-87
At Washington, Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) and Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) scored 15 points each as Washington cruised past struggling Tulsa. Marissa Coleman (6'1''-G/F-87, college: Maryland) had 14 points and 10 rebounds for her first career double-double, Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) added 11 points, and Chasity Melvin (6'3''-C/F-76, college: N.Carolina St.) and Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) each had 10 for the Mystics. Tiffany Jackson (6'3''-F-85, college: Texas) had 14 points and seven rebounds to lead the Shock, who lost their seventh straight and 19th in their last 20. President Barack Obama attended the game and sat courtside with a group that included his 8-year-old daugther Sasha - wearing a Mystics jersey - and Ted Leonsis, who owns the Mystics, the NBA's Wizards and the NHL's Capitals. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Chicago S. - Phoenix M. 96-97
At Phoenix, Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 35 points, including two free throws with 3.7 seconds left, and then knocked the ensuing inbounds pass wide to secure Phoenix's win. Taurasi also had 11 rebounds, but missed two crucial shots in the final 20 seconds, then collided with Dominique Canty (5'9''-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) while trying to catch a pass from Tangela Smith (6'4''-F/C-77, college: Iowa) in the lane to draw the foul. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) had hit a 16-footer with 5.6 seconds left to give the Sky a lead after DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, college: Auburn) hit two free throws with 10.9 seconds left to put Phoenix ahead 95-94. Sylvia Fowles had 12 of her career-high 35 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Sky, who had a 94-91 advantage with 1:23 remaining. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Seattle S. - Minnesota L. 71-72
At Minneapolis, Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) scored 24 points and Minnesota ended Seattle's 13-game winning streak. Augustus scored six quick points early in the fourth quarter to extend Minnesota's dwindling lead and became the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 2,500 career points, behind only Cynthia Cooper. Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) added 14 points and Lindsay Whalen 11 as the Lynx ended a five-game losing skid. Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) scored 16 points and Tanisha Wright added 15 for Seattle, which saw it's franchise-best winning streak end. Lauren Jackson, the league's second-leading scorer, finished with 12 points. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Indiana F. - Atlanta D. 74-90
Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) had 22 points and Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 20 as the Atlanta Dream took over first place in the Eastern Conference with a 90-74 victory over the Indiana Fever on Sunday. It was the fourth victory in a row for the Dream, which improved to 10 wins and only two losses at home. Erika DeSouza (6'6''-C-82) scored 16 points, and Sancho Lyttle had 13 points and eight rebounds for Atlanta. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 24 points for Indiana, which lost consecutive games for the first time since opening the season with back-to-back losses. The Dream shot 51 percent while the Fever made just 35 percent. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Connecticut S. - New York L. 67-71
At New York, Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored 24 points, including the 3,000th of her career, to lead New York to its fifth win in six games. Pondexter reached the milestone in 154 games, the second-fewest in WNBA history. She hit three free throws in the final minute to give the Liberty a 70-67 lead. Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) added 15 points to help New York move three games above .500 for the first time this season. The Liberty holds fourth place in the Eastern Conference and remained one game behind Washington. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) scored 18 points to led the Sun. Renee Montgomery had 20 and rookie Tina Charles added 12 points and 10 rebounds for her league-leading 16th double-double of the season. *Courtesy of www.newser.com