According to the official website of Montepaschi Siena (www.menssanabasket.it) , former San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and Austin Toros (NBA D-League) guard Malik Hairston (6'6''-G-87, college: Oregon) has a disc problem in his back which will currently prevent him from preparing for the start of the Serie A season. Originally signed in early August to a two-year contract, the club will look to find an alternative way to keep Hairston on board as an injury provision in the original deal negates the existing contract. Hairston has expressed an interest and willingness to rehab in Siena and the club will try to accommodate as best as possible. Hairston, a 6-6 guard out of Oregon, was drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft but acquired by the San Antonio Spurs where he spent the last two seasons. The majority of Hairstons production had been in the D-League with Austin where in 45 career games over two seasons he averaged 24.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 50.8% from the field. Comparatively, in limited action with the Spurs over 62 career games he has averaged 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the field. Expected to help fill the shoes left by the departure of star guard Romain Sato (6'5''-G/F-81, college: Xavier) to Panathinaikos Athens, Hairston seems to have the trust and support of management as they try to work out a way to keep the very talented Hairston in Siena to help them later on this season.

Two strongest Estonian teams, TU/Rock and BC Kalev/Cramo have strenghtened the squad before the upcoming season. TU/Rock announced the addition of guard Nate Rohnert (196-G-87) who played for four last seasons in NCAA team Denver Pioneers and averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season.
BC Kalev/Cramo is building a huge front court. Last week a rumours about contract negotiations with Josh Lomers (213-C-87), a center from Baylor University, were made public. Today, the team signed a Dutch center Robert Krabbendam (213-C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Virginia Tech) who averaged 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds last season, playing for Dutch champions EclipseJet Amsterdam.

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.

ESL 2010 New York City All Tournament First Team:

Yima Chia-Kur (6'5''-F-86, college: Arkansas St.) (6'5''-F-86, college: Arkansas St.): He was the ESL New York City MVP without a doubt and displayed one of the most impressive three day performances in the ESL history.
He is a big time athlete that has a NBA type of body and he is a great shooter with 3pt range and a mid range game as well.
Yima has a nice step back jump shot and he can create off the dribble to get space to get of his sweet release.
He also is very athletic, plays solid defense and rebounds extremely well.
He is a swing player that can play anywhere in Europe and has a bright future.
His college statistics dont represent the level of this player who dominated the New York City event and won the championship.

Raymond Wright (6'9''-C-85, college: Ark.-Monticello) is a high quality forward who simply has some nice offensive skills.
He can post up around the basket; he can slash and go past slower big men easily and he has a nice mid range jump shot.
Raymond is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker as well.
He runs the floor like a deer and with his skill level could be a big time forward in any European league.
He applied for the NBA Draft in 2008 to gain more exposure after having a great college junior year.
Raymond was the best skilled big man in the New York City event.

Donald Brown (6'5''-F-84, college: Bucknell): He is an excellent big time athlete that has a nice shooting touch.
He can get his shot of at will and he explodes over defenders using his athleticism.
He has a year of European experience and he was the class of the ESL New York City event.
Donald is a terrific wing player or big guard that has a bright future playing international professional basketball.
He is also a good ball handler and rebounds extremely well.

Kimmani Barrett (6'6''-F-87, college: La Salle) (198-F-87) is a big time prospect in Europe without a Cotonou status but holds a Jamican passport.
He was sensational at the ESL New York City and was probably the best all around player in the event.
Kimmani is a very athletic swing man that has a nice package of slashing to the basket and shooting the perimeter shot.
He plays above the basket and has nice all around skills.
In the 2009-10 at LaSalle Univesity he averaged 13ppg and 4rpg while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from the 3pt.
He is perfect for any quality situation in Europe as an Import or Cotonou player.

Yves Mekongo (6'7''-F-87, college: La Salle) (201-F-87) - hails from La Salle University and played in the quality Atlantic 10 Conference.
He dominated play at the ESL New York City event and showed his unque all around game.
He is 6'7' and 245lbs and plays above the rim as well and can step out and shoot perimeter shots.
He is from Cameroon and has great one on one skills and reboundds well.
Yves can play anywhere in Europe as an import and is a commodity as a Cotonou player.

Ryan Scott (6'3''-G-86, college: Johnson C. Smith) is a quality combo guard with amazing range on his jump shot.
He is definitely a pure scorer who will be an asset on a quality international team.
He has excellent ball handling skills and is a quality athlete who creates off the dribble well.
Ryan can also play the PG spot but prefers to score first.
He had an outstanding weekend at the ESL event and made big shots when it counted.

Luis Martinez (6'6''-F-84, college: William Pater.) - This former NCAA D3 All American is a smooth big guard who has nice all around scoring skills.
He has a nice shooting touch from deep but can also score by slashing, creating of the dribble or in the mid-range areas.
Luis has nice size for a big guard and is a quality athlete.
He already has professional experience in South America and will be a featured player on a quality professional team this upcoming season.
Luis has a great first two days at the ESL but looked tired in the championship game.
He was potentially the ESL New York City MVP if his team would have won their final game which they were the favorites.

Paul Flowers (6'2''-G-85, college: Mercy) - He had an outstanding weekend at the ESL event in New York City.
Paul is very athletic and has some very long arms.
This outstanding guard is a big time rebounder for his size and has a high quality pull up jump shot.
He runs the floor like a deer and he also take the ball to the basket very well.
Paul is a very talented player who can score and do a lot of things on the court.

Michael Henderson (6'6''-G/F-87, college: St.Clair Co.CC) is a versatile forward who is athletic but has nice all around skills.
He is an excellent rebounder who played well offensively and defensively in New York City.
He has a nice jump shot and he can create off the dribble well.
He would be a great player in countries like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden to start his career in Europe.

Kaseem Johnson (6'6''-F-87, college: Rhode Island) is a skilled left handed forward that can score inside and on the outside.
He is also an excellent rebounder and has great size for a forward.
He has nice footwork and post moves around the basket and is crafty due to his skills and being left handed.
He would be an excellent choice for an international team looking for an player to score a lot and get rebounds.
Kaseem has an excellent ESL New York City showing over the three days.

ESL 2010 New York City All Tournament Second Team:

Mike St John is a relentless warrior on the inside and is a consistent double-double guy.
Mike is an excellent rebounder who bangs and fights every possession.
He has quality post moves around the basket and attacks the offensive boards.
Mike has European experience and signed to play in Denmark as a result of his outstanding performances at the ESL event in NYC.

Calvin Hampton (6'10''-F/C-87, college: Oregon St.) is a good big man with some serious upside potential.
All the ESL scouts wondered why he played limited minutes at Oregon State University.
He was very solid defensively; he rebounds well; he had good hands and ran the floor extremely well.
Inside he has decent footwork and post moves but needs more experience to reach his full potential.
He would be a quality big man for some entry level jobs in Europe but has a tremendous upside due to his size at 610 and 255lbs.
Calvin played well at the ESL and probably got caught up in the politics of a coaching change at OSU which is typical.

Kayode Ayeni (6'5''-F-88, agency: Hearns Sports and Legal, LLC, college: St.Francis, NY) is a big time athlete with long arms who can score and rebound extremely well.
He has a nose for the basketball and will make things happen by just being on the court.
He handles the ball well in the open court and he slashes to the basket extremely well.
Kayode is a swing man that would be an asset for an entry level European team looking for an all around player.

Jayson Granger (6'1''-G-89) is a nice size point guard who just knows how to play the game.
He makes great decisions with the basketball and is a nice quality ball handler and defender.
His understanding of the game was more advanced than the other guards at the ESL.
He currently plays in the ACB in Spain and his skills were on display at the ESL event in NYC.
He has excellent passing skills and can score when the opportunity is there.
Jayson will have a nice career in Europe as a Bosman A player.

Niko Scott (6'3''-G-87, college: Columbia) - the former Columbia University player is a great 3pt shooter and a quality combo guard.
He creates well off the dribble for other players and for himself.
He is a prolific deep ball shooter but will score from the mid range and will take the ball to the basket as well.
Niko will be an interesting combo guard in Europe because he is a tricky left handed player who can dribble and score from deep.
He showed some nice skills at the ESL event in New York.

Bernard Cherry (6'6''-F-88, college: Cumberlands) is a consistent all around small forward who is strong and athletic.
He does a lot of things well and his game is versatile.
He can score inside and outside as well as in transition.
Bernard is a tough minded player who gets physical and has a strong body.
He played extremely well in New York and will be a quality player for a team looking for a do it all type of player.

Ahmad Mosby (6'1''-G-87) is a pure point guard who makes fantastic decisions and can run a professional team.
He was the 2009-10 ABA Rookie of the Year and was able to lead his team to the ESL New York City championship by controlling the tempo.
He can score, penetrate, pass and shoot the jumper but always make great decisions with the ball.
He has nice size for a PG and plays solid defense as well.
Ahmad would be a quality PG for many teams internationally and has a bright future.
He probably could be a little bit more selfish and look to score more.

Travis Seawright (6'4''-G-80) is an intense competitor who plays extremely hard every possession.
He is very athletic and has nice all around guard skills.
Travis has European experience and displayed his talents at the ESL event in New York.
A team looking for a combo guard who is always in attack mode offensively and defensively will fit Travis perfectly.

Barry Wellington (6'0''-G-87, college: Mountain St.) is an outstanding very quick guard who can score and make good decisions with the basketball.
He is fast north to south and has a good jump shot.
He is a consistent all around PG who plays defense and plays great team basketball.
He would be perfect for an entry level team in Europe looking for a PG who can do it all.

Aaron Scott (6'0''-G-86, college: Chowan Univ.) is a highly skilled PG with nice and creative ball handling skills.
He had nice dribble penetration skills and will find the open player.
Aaron also has a nice jump shot combined with a nice strong body and over powers smaller PGs.
Aaron played well at the ESL New York event and is a quality player who will play somewhere professionally.

ESL 2010 New York City All Big Man Team:

Raymond Wright see all tourney selection article

Calvin Hampton - see all tourney selection article

Mike St John - see all tourney selection article

Steven Eluett (6'10''-C-83) A quality big man who runs the floor extremely well and has good hands and post up moves.
He played well at the ESL New York City event but needs to get into better shape. He could be a solid big man for many teams in Europe.

Edjuan Green (6'8''-F-82, college: Texas A&M) - Another quality power forward that has European experience.
He is an aggressive player around the basket that has nice footwork and will bang with the best of them.
He is an excellent rebounder and defender.
Edjuan needs to work on being a more consistent scoring threat and his game will go to the next level.

For additional information on the players or their agents please contact marketing@eurobasket.com





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Qualifying Round, Group A: August 2010 was gathering experiences for the young men on Finland NT roster. Three, sometimes four possible starters on injured list was tough not only to Head Coach Henrik Dettmann , but also for the basketball fans of Finland. The final record 1-7 tells, that there was no big success, but some bright moments. Also a few players made themselves well known all over Europe. One of them is 19-year-old Sasu Salin (190-G-91), who played his first six games with Men's NT and did it in a way, that he became the leading scorer (12,7 ppg) of Team Finland. When hitting 64,0% from behind the arc was also such a digit, that it was obvious someone will capture this young talented player out of Finland. Union Olimpija Ljubljana was the quickiest and Salin signed a three-year-contract with the Slovenian basketball club.
Sunday evening Finland lost vs Latvia 90-93 after leading the game during the half time 50-42 and still most of the time during the third and fourth quarter. Quarters: 18-21, 32-21, 20-27, 20-24. Finland: Gerald Lee 24, Sasu Salin 14, Petri Virtanen 13. 1 - 84,8% (28/33), 2 - 48,5% (16/33), 3 - 55,6% (10/18). R: 25+9=34. TO: 23. Latvia: Kaspars Berzins 15, Ernests Kalve 14, Rihards Kuksiks 10, Andrejs Selakovs 10. 1 - 68,3% (28/41), 2 - 62,5% (25/40), 3 - 29,4% (5/17). R: 18+8=26. TO: 13. Group A Final standings: 1) Montenegro (6-2), 2) Israel (5-3), 3) Italy (5-3), 4) Latvia (3-5), 5) Finland (1-7).



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GERMANY

Pele Paeley Moves To The s Oliver Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Soccer had the famous Pele player and basketball has Pele Paeley a name that should not be that hard to remember, because the name is spectatcular. The s Oliver baskets had been searcing for the fitting guard and found Pele Paeley. Paeley is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Derwood, Maryland. He has the Liberian-American citzenship. Last season, he played in France for Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (France-ProB, starting five): 34 games: 13.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 76.8% Paeley is not unknown to the German basketball world as he played for the teckpro Braves Kaiserslautern in 2008-2009 (Germany-ProA): 29 games: 16.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 77.2%, in April '09 moved to JL Bourg Basket (France-ProB, starting five): 10 games: 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 62.5%. Pele has the qualities of a go to guy and is a good defender. He is a shooting guard, but has good ball handling and can defend the positions 1-3. Our system wont have a classic point guard, but many guys with good ball handling and good one on one skills', warned coach Marcel Schroeder .

Paeley played at Co.Carolina (NCAA) from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 29 games: ScoreConf-7 (14.9ppg), 5.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 44.8%, 3FGP: 36.6%, FTConf-9 (75.4%): Finished career ranked as 10th all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,178 points. He also finished ranking in the top 10 in CCU annals in games played (t-8th, 111), free throws made (8th, 233), blocked shots (10th, 35) and steals (9th, 139). In 2007-2008, he played for Great Falls Explorers (CBA): 12 games: 15.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 71.4%. 'Our roster with Paeley is complete now. He is a great player for the PRO A. Even if it took a lot of time to get him, we are happy that he decided to join us', stated s Oliver Baskets manager Stephan Frost.

Source: s Oliver Baskets



Josh Washington Signs With The VFB 1900 Giessen Pointers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B club VFB Giessen Pointers have signed their second international player for the upcoming season with Josh Washington (190-G-83, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) He is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Lubbock, Texas that attended Monterey high school. Last season, Washington spent time with North Texas Fresh (ABA, starting five), left in Feb.'10, then moved to Arlington Bulldogs (ABA), then signed at Vancouver BC Titans (Canada-IBL). He has ahd experience playing in Germany as he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 15.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 45.9%, 3FGP: 34.7%, FT-1 (90.5%) in the 2007-2008 season and then left in Dec.'07, in Jan.'08 moved to BC CSKA Interlogic Sophia (Bulgaria-A1, starting five): 22 games: 15.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 78.4%.'We wanted to have him earlier, but we still have 3-4 weeks until the start of the season for him to get integrated into the team. I have heard good things about his charachter and he will have no problems getting integrated', warned coach Dejan Kostic .

Washington started his basketball career at Texas Tech (NCAA) playing there from 2002-2004 and one year with NBC guard Will Chavis. He then played at Texas A&M - C.C. (NCAA) from 2004-2007. In his senior year he played 32 games: 12.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PTNCAA-5 (47.6%), FT: 87.0%. Some of the awards and achievments that he has gained in his career so far include Southland Conf. West Division Regular Season Champion 2007, Southland Conf. Tournament Winner 2007, Southland Conf. All-Tournament Team 2007, All-Southland Conf. 1st Team 2007 and Bulgarian Cup Semifinals 2008.


Source: VfB 1900 Gießen Pointers




EnBW Ludwigsburg Bring In Ex NBA Player Toby Bailey - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

It is always nice to have players with NBA experience lacing up the sneakers in the BEKO BBL, but even nicer when a player keeps coming back as Toby Bailey (198-G/F-75, college: UCLA) has for a third time to EnBW Ludwigsburg after having played in Cologne and Quackenbrueck. Bailey is a 35 year old shooting guard/small forward from Los Angeles, California. Last season, Bailey played for the Artland Dragons playing EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 49.2%, FT: 71.4%; German League: 34 games: 10.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 44.1%, FT: 71.1%. 'Toby was my absolute wish player. He is a great shooter and we have many options with Toby on the position 2 and 3. He has a lot of experience. a positive charachter and can lead a team', stated coach Markus Jochum .

Bailey started his basketball career at UCLA playing there from 1994-1998. In his senior year he played 33 games: ScorePac10-7 (17.9ppg), 5.9rpg. He Concluded career at UCLA as the fourth-ranked scorer in school history with 1,846 points (trailing only Don MacLean, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Reggie Miller). Is the only player in UCLA history to record 1,600 points and 400 assists. In Bruins' record books, ranks second in three-point field goals scored (171), first in three-point field goals attempted (501) and sixth in assists (458). His 129 games played are tied for second in school history. In 1998, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA,2rd (45)), traded by Lakers to the Phoenix Suns for future considerations on draft night. He played with the Phoenix Suns (NBA) from 1998-2000 playing 73 NBA games. In 2000-2001, he played for the Los Angeles Stars (ABA, starting five): 16.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg. In 2001-2002, he played for Fillattice Imola (Italy-SerieA): 36 games: 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 30ast, 1.8spg. In 2002-2003, he played for the New York Knickerbockers (NBA): waived in Oct.'02, just before the season started, then joined Panionios Athens (Greece-A1); Greek A1 League: 19 games: 14.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.9spg. In 2003-2004, he played for Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1): FIBA Europe Cup: 17 games: 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.2apg; Greek A1: 26 games: 14.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg. In 2004-2005, he played for A.E.K. Athens (Greece-A1): Euroleague: 20 games: 12.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 35.3%; Greek League Regular Season: 26 games: 13.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 42.0%; Greek League Play-Offs: 7 games: 12.7ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 32.0%, 3FGP: 44.0%. In 2005-2006, he played for Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium-D1): 11 games: 10.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 45.0%. In 2006-2007, he played for Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium-D1, starting five): Belgian League: 5 games: 5.0ppg, 2.2rpg; ULEB Cup: 7 games: 3.0ppg, 2.1rpg, released in Jan.'07, in Feb.'07 moved to Beijing Aoshen Olympians (China-ABA, starting five). In 2007-2008, he played for Koeln 99ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 11 games: 13.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 71.4%; ULEB Cup: 10 games: 13.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.4%, left in Feb.'08, then moved to Ricoh Manresa (Spain-ACB, starting five): 14 games: 10.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 43.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Beijing Aoshen Olympians (China-ABA, starting five), in Feb.'09 signed at Gaiteros de Zulia (Venezuela-LPB, starting five), but shortly left, then joined Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 11 games: 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 71.0%.

Bailey has achieved numerous awards including NCAA Champion -95, NCAA Final Four All-Stars -95, NCAA 5th Team -96, Pac-10 1st Team -Pre96, Pac10 2nd Team -96, USA Selected Team (game vs Dream Team) -96, USA U22 National Team -96, Panamerican U22 Champion -96, Honorable mention All-America by The Associated Press 98Greek Cup Winner -04, FIBA Europe League Quarterfinals -04, Greek A1 All-Star Game -04, 05 (Slam Dunk Contest Winner), Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Guard of the Year -04, Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Import Player of the Year -04, Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 1st Team -04, Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Imports Team -04, 05, Greek A1 League Semifinals -05, Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 2nd Team -05, Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Defensive Team -05, Belgian League Regular Season Champion -06, Belgian League Champion -06, ABA Red Conference Champion -07, ABA Semifinals -07, IBL All-Star Games -09, IBL Champion -09 and IBL Regular Season Western Conference Runner-Up -09.

Source: EnBW Ludwigsburg







Australia did not have any difficulties reaching the second win at the World Championship - by Eurobasket News
Australia-Germany 78:43

Australia did not have any difficulties reaching the second win at the World Championship in Greece. The team smashed Germany 78:43 on Monday.
Benzing gave the European lead but as it became clear later it was their last one. Australia responded with 12-0 run and took 12:2 advantage. Barlow David nailed three for 17:5 and McNaughton Christopher closed the opening quarter at 19:7. Andersen David drove a lay-up for 21:7, while Patrick Mills (183-G-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) nailed three for 24:12. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) followed him from the long range for 27:12 and Patrick Mills scored another three for 34:14. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) sent the teams to the lockers at 38:20 making a three-pointer. Patrick Mills started the third frame with another long shot and Joe Ingles increased to 45:20. Joe Ingles later scored fro 50:25, while Patrick Mills continued the artillery for 53:30. Worthington, Mark and Barlow, David also scored threes for 59:30 advantage. Martin Damian closed the third period at 62:31 when it became clear Australia would benefit from the game. McNaughton Christopher gave Germany 62:32 early in the fourt and Benzing, Robin scored three to reduce to 62:35 and Newley Brad gave his side 67:37. Aleks Maric (211-C-84) made a dunk for 69:37, while his lay-up brought 74:40. Aleks Maric Aleksandar again scored for 78:40 and Robin Benzing (208-F-89) reduced to 78:43. Those points were the last in the game as Australia reached a valuable victory.
Patrick Mills paced all the winners with 16 points for 2-1 record. Aleks Maric followed him with 15 and Joe Ingles scored 10. Robin Benzing replied with 11 points in the losing effort as Germany dropped to 1-2. Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) netted 10 and Heiko Schaffartzik chipped in 7.

Australia: Patrick Mills 16, Aleks Maric 15, Joe Ingles 10
Germany: Robin Benzing 11, Tim Ohlbrecht 10, Heiko Schaffartzik 7

Phillip Schwethelm Thoughts To Big Serbia Win And Game Against Australia. - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Court Side) is a 21 year old 201cm forward that was born in Gummersbach, Germany and plays for The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He will be playing at the World Championships in Turkey. He started his basketball career in 2004 with RheinEnergie Koeln and played there until 2009. He played 57 BEKO BBL games for Cologne, 8 ULEB Cup games, 3 Eurocup games and 2 Euroleague games. He played for the German U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 National teams. In 2009, he took part at the European Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) playing 6 games and averaging 11.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 78.6%. Last season, he had his breakthrough for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games and averaging 7.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 67.8%. He spoke to eurobasket after the sensational win against Serbia.


What an exciting thriller double ot win against Serbia. Was this the biggest win in your young career so far?

It was a huge win for us since it puts us in a good position. This win was surely together with the game 5 buzzer beater win against BG Goettingen in the playoffs last season my biggest win.

How quickly was Germany able to digest the loss to Argentina? How difficult is it to come back 24 hours later an dplay again especially against a team like Serbia?

The great thing about a tournament like this ist hat you have the chance quickly to make amends after a loss and we took that chance with anger in our stomach.

MBC guard Radenko Pilcevic said that this game would be a defensive battle. At halftime Germany led 37-35. What adjustments did the team have to make on defense to keep Serbia at bay?


Serbia has great shooters and penetrators that find the open guys. You have to keep the space tight and be wide awake on rotations.

Germany was very strong in the fourth quarter always taking the lead and leading with 65-59, but Serbia went on a 10-4 run to force overtime at 69-69. Why was Germany unable to close the door on Serbia earlier?

Serbia is a strong team and they have some players that know how to win and come back into a game. One thing that we still have to work on as a young team is to build on our leads.


At the end of the first overtime it seemed like Steffen Hamann had been fouled with 1.0 seconds left but got no foul forcing a second overtime at 73-73.It seems like Germany has been neglected a bit from the referees. How frustrating is this for the team to block out while playing?

We have no influence on calls. The biggest difference in terms of this compared to the Argentina game was that we did not let the calls influence us and we continued to be able to concentrate on ourselves.

As you saw Jan Jagla make the desperation shot from the corner, did you think it would go in?


I had a good feeling that his shot would go in.

After a thrilling win like this how difficult will it be going against Australien?

Australia is a new game that we have to concentrate on and we have to go with the same approach into this game as we did the first two.

Australia has many tough players. Will Tibor Pleiss and Chris mcnaughton be able to shut down David Anderson?

We have 12 players that can play at the highest level and we are young and with our hard preparation the best conditioned team in teh World Championships. If there is any team that can come back and play well after a win like that then it is us.

What kind of game can we await and what will be key to winning the game?

We will play team defense. The game wont be decided on individual players and I am sure we will do a good job. I am sure that it will be another exciting tight game.

Thanks Phil and good luck in the last two games in the group against Angola and Jordan.


Skouson Harker moves to SC Rist - by Moritz Korff
SC Rist Wedel (2. Bundesliga Pro B) added size and lots of experience to its 2010-2011 roster by landing 33-year-old Skouson Harker (205-F-77, college: Oregon). The Canadian produced very solid stats in every of his five seasons playing in the British Basketball League. From 2004 to 2006 Harker was a member of the Birmingham Bullets, followed by a three-year stint with the Worcester Wolves. During 2009-2010 he averaged 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest for the Wolves. Most recently Harker, who attended the Canadian National Team Training Camp back in 2006, played for IBL's Edmonton Energy. Previously in his career the 33-year-old spent a single season in Germany, shining as the leading scorer and rebounder of TS Goeppingen through the 2003-04 Regionalliga season.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Sign Joe Dabbert - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have been taking their time looking for a position 4 and 5 player and finally found a center with Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton). Dabbert is a 29 year old 115 kilo center from Bailey, Colorodo. Last season, he played in Seoul SK Knights (Korea-KBL): Korean League: 29 games: 6.9ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 66.4%, FT: 62.0%; released in Dec.'09, in Feb.'10 moved to Maine Red Claws (D-League), later that month traded to Idaho Stampede (D-League, starting five): 25 games: 14.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT-1 (66.7%), FT: 72.6%. An interesting footnote to Dabbert is that he is the second-cousin of former American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association star and Denver Nuggets legend.Dan Issel The Frankfurt organization is pleased about getting the big man. ' Joe moves well for a big man. He will help us since we ant to play very agile. He could become our go to guy in the zone', stressed Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert. ' I Joe plays with a lot of energy. We hope that he will be a presence in the zone on offense and defense. One of his strengthes is that he goes to the rebound and he is dangerous near the basket and from the mid distance', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak.

Dabbert started his basketball career at : Creighton (NCAA) and played there from 2000-2004. In his senior year, he played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 1,7apg. In his few years, Dabbert played in the minor leagues in the States. In 2004-2005, he played for the Great Lakes Storm (CBA): 43 games: 8.1ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3Pts: 33.3%. In 2005-2006, he played for Sioux Falls Skyforce (CBA): 47 games: 8.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1bpg, FG: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 66.1%. In 2006-2007, he remained with Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 16 games: 5.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 78.1%. In 2007-2008, he played in Spain for Balneario Archena (Spain-LEB Bronze, starting five): 35 games: 10.4ppg, 8.0rpg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 57.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Colorado 14ers (D-League): 54 games: 11.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 53.3%, FT: 71.3%. Dabbert doesn't have much experience in Europe, but is happy about coming to Germany. 'I have heard a lot of good things about the team like them reaching the final, the good atmosphere in the team. I like to play physical and control the zone. I think I will help the team with rebounding and blocks', stressed Joe Dabbert. Some of the achievements that Dabbert has recieved are MVC Regular Season Champion 2001, CBA Regular Season Eastern Conference Champion 2005, CBA Western Conference Runner-Up 2006, D-League Semifinals 2007, LEB Bronze Cup Winner2008, D-League Champion 2009, D-League Southwest Division Champion 2009 and All-D-League Honorable Mention 2009

Source: www.deutschebankskyliners.de






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HOLLAND

Magixx playing for KidsRights: Bobby Davis out, Lance Smith and Nick Oudendag in - by Fred Roggen
Bobby Davis (198-F-87, agency: 540 Sports, college: USC Upstate) has received a call from the management of the Magixx playing for KidsRights that he can stay home. The American had slipped, that he did not has the intention to finish the season in Nijmegen. Davis said in the SUN News, I wont be out there the whole season. Im waiting this other deal comes through then Im opting out my contract in Holland and going somewhere else.
This was the reason for the technical staff to tell Davis that he could stay away.

Magixx playing for KidsRights has already attracted center Nick Oudendag (210-C/F-87, agency: 540 Sports) and power forward Lance Smith (203-F-85). The 23-year-old Oudendag playing last year two months as a substitute for the Magixx and did well in that time. American Lance Smith is a graduate of Division II school Henderson State.

Head coach Raoul Korner, " Championships are not decided on paper..." - by Fred Roggen
I had the change to talk with Head coach Raoul Korner from EiffelTowers Den Bosch. He was born in Vienna in 1974 but already has great experience, for the past 11 years he has worked as coach in the Austrian Bundesliga ( BC Vienna, UBC Mattersburg Uniqua 46ers, Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions, WBC Kraftwerk Wels). He has achieved one championship and won two Austrian Cups. In addition, he was voted twice 'Coach of the Year' in Austria.
The open minded and very sympathetic Raoul Korner talked about his coaching career and his toughts about his new team EiffelTowers Den Bosch.

When did you first know what you wanted to do for a career?
Actually, my original carreer-plan ever since I was about 14 years old was to become a lawyer. I have always loved basketball, but I never thought I would make this my job back then. My head told me to finish my law studies, which I did. But at the same time my heart told me that I wanted to do something else: coach basketball! I was fortunate to get an opportunity as a professional Head Coach in Austria's top division when I was 25 years old. My former Coach and Mentor Fritz Miklas was 'crazy' enough to offer me a 2-year contract that young and I decided to give it a try and turn my passion into a job. It worked out well and I am still thankful for that early opportunity!

What interested you in coaching?
I always loved to coach. Even when I was still a young player, I always liked to teach something to younger kids. So when I was 16 years old, I took over a team (Under 12) and coached them - I really enjoyed doing that. I think it is a combination of loving to teach, being comfortable with leadership and enjoying to working together towards a common goal.
Being a coach is the best job in the world! (.....as long as you are winning, at least! ;-) )

Did you always know you could succeed at this level, or was it something you had to prove to yourself?
When you start doing something new, you never know for sure, but there is never room or time for self-doubt. I always tried to take one step after the other and every job I took so far was a step up in a certain way. Before I didn't feel ready for the next step, I just didn't take it. That way I never doubted to succeed.

What's the key to your success?
Success has no secret. I see success as a result of hard, professional work, dedication and commitment. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get the desired results, but I strongly believe that hard work pays off sooner or later. Do your best, never give up and you will succeed! - that's something I have always believed in.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your coachingcareer?
Accomplishments as a coach cannot always be measured in trophies. Yes, I am proud of having been voted 'Coach of the Year' at only 27 years old. Also, winning the first and only title for Mattersburg with the Cup 2001 was a great feeling. And then of course clinching the first Cup and Championship title in the history of Wels was an overwhelming experience. But at the same time there are a lot of other things I am very proud of, that did not result into a title. Sometimes there is more than that, like rebuilding a team, helping a club to build up a good program, etc.!

What was your first coaching mistake?
Coach Dean Smith said: 'What to do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it!' So I have already forgotten! As a coach you make mistakes like everybody else does - but you just have to do the wrong thing at the right time!

What was your first coaching success?
The first success being measured in titles was the Austrian national youth championship title with my team in 1992, when I was 18 years old. My players from that team are over 30 years old today and I am very happy about still having contact with some of them.

Obviously a key element of coaching is learning from your mistakes. How different of a coach are you now compared to when you started?
When I look back at my first coaching years, I still shake my head looking at some of the mistakes that I made. A proverb says: 'Smart people learn from their mistakes - very smart people learn from other people's mistakes.' I would consider myself a much better coach today than I was a few years ago, and I hope that I will be an even better coach in a few years from now. In this profession you can never relax.

How influential do you consider your coaching style to be on the team's mentality?
I hope a lot! You need to see the handwriting of a coach when you watch a team play. If my coaching (teaching) style doesn't influence the team's mentality, then I am not doing my job right!

How do you as a coaching staff find time for player development during a busy season, when you're focused on competing as a top team?
If you want to find time, there is time! We usually practice twice a day, also during the season. While evening practices are mainly used to develop the team, we use morning practices to make each player better individually. Besides being responsible for achieving our team goals, I also feel responsible helping each player reach his personal goals.
There will definitely be time for that, especially since we have such a young team!

Talk about the offensive-defensive systems you employ and how are the systems derived?
There is not enough room here to explain my basketball philosophy and just throwing key words out there wouldn't do it. In my opinion it is important to SEE a coach's philosophy on the court when watching his teams play, not to HEAR his ideas of how things should be done! A system is only as good as the players can execute it.

Ok, y're right about that. Let's talk about the team. How has the team been preparing for this season?
The guys are working really hard in pre season, 4-6 hours a day. I think we are at a pretty good conditioning level already. Now that the national team players have joined the team, we start building up the defensive and offensive concept. This will take a while, but the guys are really focused and it looks like we are getting better each day.
Not having ten guys practicing every day slows down the process, but I am confident that we will be ready once the deciding period of the season starts.

I'd like to know more about the in-season practice cycle. When do you start specific preparations.
First, we will extend the pre season period 2 weeks into the season. We decided to do that, because 5 weeks are simply not enough to prepare a team for a long season properly. The first weeks and months we will be very busy getting every player used to the new concept and philosophy, so we will really focus on ourselves more than on anything else.

During the season we divide a practice week into two parts. While we work on our weaknesses in the first days of the week, we spend the last days before a game preparing for our next opponent. The closer we get to the playoffs, the more detailed our preparation will be for the next opponent.

Raoul, how much do you know about the competition you'll face?
As soon as I started talking to Eiffel Towers, I wanted to see last year's team as much as possible, so I had the club send me many DVDs from last season. Watching these games, I think I got a pretty good impression of the competition level, although many teams have changed their rosters over summer. The way it looks right now, Groningen will be the big favourite this year again. They are not only the defending champions, but basically brought back the whole team and even strengthened their roster on two positions. They have a high quality and quantity of players.

What do you think about the depth of your roster right now?
It is not a secret, that Eiffel Towers had to reduce the budget this season. I knew From the beginning, that we only had the budget to bring in 3 Americans for now. Together with the 6 Dutch players under contract it gives us a 9-men-rotation, which is enough when you don't play in international competition. We filled up the roster with young kids from our basketball school and they are doing a good job in practice. Having them with us at this early age will be extremely beneficial for Eiffel Towers in the long run!
If everybody stays healthy, we will have a competetive team, if not, we will have a problem. Just like any other team in the league.

What's your outlook for the upcoming season
I know, that expectations are high in Den Bosch and that's good, they should be! But no matter how high they might be, my personal standards and expectations will always be higher! On paper, we are not the strongest team this year, but championships are not decided on paper...

Finally what message do you have for the EiffelTowers fans?
Nobody can promise success, but what I can promise is that we will do EVERYTHING to make our fans excited and proud of this team. I hope that our fans will support us throughout the whole season and that we can celebrate a successful season together next June!

Thanks Raoul for taking time out for this interview and wish you and your team a successful season.

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IRAN

Iran celebrate victory in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Tunisia 71:58

Iran enjoyed the first win at the World Championship in Turkey. They shot down Tunisia in Group B action tonight.
Iran had to overcome a slow start. Tunisia jumped into a 5:0 lead but Iran went on an 18:2 run to cap the period taking a 23:11 lead at the first break. They maintained the lead well enough throughout the second quarter. Iran managed to stay in front in a low-scoring term as they posted a 33:23 advantage at halftime. Iran opened the second half with eight points in a row to stretch the lead. They soon boosted the gap to as many as 24 points 52:28. Tunisia struggled to pick up the tempo as they trailed by 19 points at the final intermission 36:55. Tunisia went on a desperate 16:1 run early in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit at just 4 points. Then Salah Mejri (214-C-86) dragged the African team within just three points 54:57 before Iran answered. The Asian side exploded with a 12:2 rally to clear off. Iran stayed in charge in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) scored 23 points and grabbed 13 boards for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) added 15 points for the winners. Makram Ben Romdhane (198-F-89) and Salah Mejri accounted for 10 points each in the loss.

Iran: Hamed Haddadi 23+13 boards, Mahdi Kamrani 15, Arsalan Kazemi (201-F-90) 14
Tunisia: Makram Ben Romdhane 10, Salah Mejri 10



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ISRAEL

Maccabi Ashdod adds Or Eitan and Daniel Gor Arie - by Ofer Shamur
Or Eytan (198-G/F-81, agency: Avi Zilberman) and Daniel Gor Arie (203-C-87) join Maccabi Ashdod. The 2 players signed in Ashdod after both of them played last year in Ironi Nahariya which drop to the National League (second league)
Or Eytan has a long career in the Israeli league, including Elitzut Qiryat Ata, Maccabi Haifa, Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion, Elitzur Ashkelon and Ironi Nahariya. Last season, Or Eytan averaged 7.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1 assists per game in Nahariya.
Daniel Arie Gor grew up in Maccabi Teal Aviv and played in all of the Israeli national youth teams. Before Nahariya he played in Maccabi Rosh Hain and Maccabi Hod Hasharon. Last year in Nahariya he averaged 1.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Ashdod GM, Mr. Shay Housman: 'We wanted those 2 players since the beginning of recess time. We are sure that they will bring us not only a professional abilities but also an experience and a big motivation to win.


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JORDAN

Serbia opens Day 3 with an easy win over Jordan - by Eurobasket News
Jordan-Serbia 69:112

Serbia opens Day 3 with an easy win over Jordan at the World Championship. The European team smashed the Asian representative 112:69 and improved to 2-1 record in the group.
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) was the first to score in the game and Teodosic Milos nailed three for 10:6. Tepic Milenko later closed a 9-0 run for 19:7 lead, while Abbas Zaid reduced to 33:20 at the end of the first 10 minutes. Serbia continued to dominate the court and Teodosic Milos opened the second period for 35:20. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) increased to 43:24, while Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) scored for 45:29. Marko Keselj nailed three to close the half at 57:37 for Serbia. Alawadi Mousa drove a lay-up to start the third frame and Abbas Zaid cut it to 60:41. Dusko Savanovic drove a lay-up for 74:42 and Kosta Perovicmade the same for 78:45. Markovic Stefan closed the third period for 83:48 from the free throw line. Rasic Aleksandar later gave Serbia their three-digit number scoring for 101:64. He was also the last one to score in the game for the final success.
Dusko Savanovic and Marko Keselj paced all the winners with 21 points each for the second win. Kosta Perovic netted 20, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) netted 12. Osama Daghles (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort. Abbas Zaid brought 15 and Enver Soobzokov (198-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) added 9.

Jordan: Osama Daghles 19, Abbas Zaid 15, Enver Soobzokov 9
Serbia: Dusko Savanovic 21, Marko Keselj 21, Kosta Perovic 20, Nemanja Bjelica 12


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MONTENEGRO

Vladimir Tausan new head coach of BC Ulcinj - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Ulcinj member of MNT1A division and DELFI SMG basketball announced that Mr. Vladimir Tausan will be new head coach of Basketball Club Ulcinj in basketball season 2010-2011.Tausan replace Dragan Radovic on place head coach of club. Before Basketball Club Ulcinj Tausan coaching many basketball clubs in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Ibon,Bonus,Mogren,Ulcinj,Borac Banja Luka).

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NBA

Poor performance allow USA to escape Brazil, 70:68 - by Eurobasket News
USA-Brazil 70:68

Brazil stepped up to be the first team to show how to play with the US team that actually is not the favorite anymore of the tournament. Poor performance allowed USA to escape Brazil, 70:68 and actually Brazil looked much better in the court.
Huertas Marcelo surprised the favorites with 4 consecutive points for the first lead. USA bounced back with 7-0 run as Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) closed the run. Vieira Marcus however scored five consecutive points for Brazil to increase to 13:10. Then it became the time of Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) . At first the Brazilian player made a lay-up to reduce to 18:17 and then he nailed three for 26:22. Vieira Marcus followed him with a three for 33:25 and Machado Marcelo brought 35:30. Huertas Marcelo and Westbrook Russel exchanged the free throws for 37:32 Brazilian lead. Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) reduced to 37:36, while Giovannoni Guilherme nailed three for 43:38. Tiago Splitter (6'11''-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) scored a dunk to send the teams to the lockers at 46:43.
The experts were mistaken if they predict an easy run fro USA after the halftime. Vieira Marcus made a dunk for 48:45, while Tiago Splitter drove a lay-up for 50:47. Only Kevin Durant tied it all at 50:50 with 5 minutes in the third and Iguodala Andre scored for 53:50. Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) made two free throws for 55:50 and Machado Marcelo scored three for 55:53. Machado Marcelo cut it to 57:53 and Leandrinho Barbosa closed it to 61:58. He also made one free throw for 61:59 after three quarters. Vieira Marcus tied the game at 62:62 as the last quarter became the defensive one. Huertas Marcelo kept Brazil alive at 70:68 and then he was fouled for two shots. He missed the first one and missed the second on purpose, Brazil made a rebound and Leandrinho Barbosa missed a chance to send the game to overtime.
Kevin Durant top-scored for the winners with 27 points as USA is with 3-0 record on top. Chauncey Billups netted 15 and Derrick Rose posted 11. Vieira Marcus ended up with 16 points in the losing effort as Brazil suffered the pity loss. Leandrinho Barbosa netted 14 and Tiago Splitter scored 13.

USA: Kevin Durant 27, Chauncey Billups 15, Derrick Rose 11
Brazil: Vieira Marcus 16, Leandrinho Barbosa Leandro 14, Tiago Splitter 13

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PARAGUAY

Guillermo Araujo will finally play with Olimpia from Paraguay - by Santiago Maciel

Our best Center will finally play for Olimpia de Asuncion the rest of the season. The so called done deal with Espartanos from Venezuela never got concluded, tickets never came and Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) decided to stay in Olimpia de Asuncion where he just had an outstanding season becoming MVP of the TOP 5 METRO.
Araujo told us he had a very good offer from Espartanos, the first deal was going to be a full 2 months contract with a possible extension to february 2011. He was eager to travel, while visiting him he had all suitcases ready but for unknown reasons yet Espartano`s did not send tickets on time.

Many of Olimpia de Asuncion`s fans are already cheering up because of Guillermo`s decision and are expecting him to help them win the precious NATIONAL LEAGUE. The coaching staff led by Christian Viveros also is very happy due to the lack of Paraguayan centers. Now he is optimistic about Olimpia de Asuncion`s chances.

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POLAND

AZS Koszalin sign Winsome Frazier - by Eurobasket
AZS Koszalin signed 28-year old American swingman Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: KMG Sports Management). Frazier played most recently at Falco KC-Szombathely (Hungary). While playing 15 games for Falco last season his stats were: 23.4ppg ( best in the league), 6.1rpg, 1.8apg and 3.6spg (2nd best in the league). Frazier is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Hungary and Venezuela.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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PORTUGAL

Illiabum just signed 2 players - by Bruno Baltazar
Illiabum just signed 2 americans for their roster.
The first one is Evan Harris (206-F/C-86, college: Harvard) ,the 23 years old,6'9 4/5 comes from Germany Pro B where in 10 games averaged 15.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.6spg, 1.3bpg,before that he was in the Romanian league with CSU Craiova where in 13 games averaged 9.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1apg,he did his college in Harvard.A inside men that likes to hustle for rebounds and can help them score as well.

The second player is Ralph Hegamin from West Chester of NCAA d2,he is 6'8,forward another inside presence but with outsde shot as well. Ralph Hegamin (203-F, college: Wofford)

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ROMANIA

Justin Herndon joins CS Municipal Bucuresti - by Eurobasket
CS Municipal Bucuresti agreed terms with 27-year old American center Justin Herndon (208-C-83). Herndon played most recently at CSU Sibiu (Div.A) averaging in 19 games 14.1ppg, Reb-2 (9.2rpg), Blocks-3 (1.7bpg), FGP: 59.4%, FT: 64.6%. Herndon was also selected to the Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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RUSSIA

Khimky wins the pre-season tournament - by Eurobasket News
Khimky wins the pre-season tournament with four teams in Kazan. After the first victories in the first day, Knimky lost to Ruskon Mordovia 52:57. The latter surprised the favorites with 20-12 in the opening quarter, while Dmitriev later tied it at 27:27. Saransk however again went on a lead and took 40:29 in the middle of the third period. Kuznetsov posted three for 53:45 and led the game to 57:52 win.
Unics meanwhile won over Nizhniy Novgorod 73:62 for the second straight win.
In Day 3 Nizhniy Novgorod beat Ruskon 71:55 for 1-2 record. The team opened the game with 17-16 and grabbed 30:21. Ruskon managed however to tie at 40:40, while Nozhniy Novgorod needed another run to seal the victory.
In the Final game Khimky rolled over Uniics 68:63 due to the last seconds. Unics enjoyed 50:38, while Khimky reduced to 50:49 and had 55:52 lead. Unics later cut it to 64:63, but Zaytsev scored a three-pointer for the victory.
Zaytsev was named the best Guard of the tournament, while Petr Samoylenko (186-G-77) the best Defense player. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) grabbed the best Forward award and the best center was named Podkolzin. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) received MVP of the tournament.


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SCOTLAND

FRANKLIN MARSHALL PREVAIL IN SCOTLAND - by Sandy Sutherland
Scottish champions Edinburgh Kings opened their season by hosting touring US College team Franklin Marshall (Penn), who had already played two games in Ireland.
The visitors eventually prevailed 78-66 after a spirited performance in which they gained the upperhand with a six-points-in-five-seconds spell at the end of the third quarter after Kings had closed to 37-40 at half-time.
Without Scottish international guard and captain Laurie Costello, Kings could thank Scotland's big centre Simon Flockhart for a solid performance for 26 points and junior point guard Lee Reilly, who returned from a successful Euro B tournament with Scotland and scored 11.
Latvian Edgars Rekis added nine and Garreth Lodge seven.
Franklin Marshall went on to beat Falkirk Fury 82-60 at the Mariner Sports Centre the following day.

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SERBIA

Serbia opens Day 3 with an easy win over Jordan - by Eurobasket News
Jordan-Serbia 69:112

Serbia opens Day 3 with an easy win over Jordan at the World Championship. The European team smashed the Asian representative 112:69 and improved to 2-1 record in the group.
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) was the first to score in the game and Teodosic Milos nailed three for 10:6. Tepic Milenko later closed a 9-0 run for 19:7 lead, while Abbas Zaid reduced to 33:20 at the end of the first 10 minutes. Serbia continued to dominate the court and Teodosic Milos opened the second period for 35:20. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) increased to 43:24, while Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) scored for 45:29. Marko Keselj nailed three to close the half at 57:37 for Serbia. Alawadi Mousa drove a lay-up to start the third frame and Abbas Zaid cut it to 60:41. Dusko Savanovic drove a lay-up for 74:42 and Kosta Perovicmade the same for 78:45. Markovic Stefan closed the third period for 83:48 from the free throw line. Rasic Aleksandar later gave Serbia their three-digit number scoring for 101:64. He was also the last one to score in the game for the final success.
Dusko Savanovic and Marko Keselj paced all the winners with 21 points each for the second win. Kosta Perovic netted 20, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) netted 12. Osama Daghles (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort. Abbas Zaid brought 15 and Enver Soobzokov (198-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) added 9.

Jordan: Osama Daghles 19, Abbas Zaid 15, Enver Soobzokov 9
Serbia: Dusko Savanovic 21, Marko Keselj 21, Kosta Perovic 20, Nemanja Bjelica 12


Trefl Sopot inks Dragan Ceranic - by Zoran Popovic
Polish team Trefl Sopot decides to make agreement with Serbin experienced center Dragan Ceranic (212-C-76, agency: Beo Basket). Dragan Ceranic started career in Vojvodina Novi Sad, moved to Buducnost Podgorica, Ibon Niksic, Flextronics, ZTE Zalaegerszeg, Varese, Azovmash Mariupol, BC Telindus Oostende, Adecco Asvel, Larissa, Panelinios, AEL Limassol, Barons/LTM Riga, VAP Kolossos and Kavala Panorama. Last season Ceranic played for Kavala Panorama and on 26 games average scored, 5.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.7 steals. Dragan Ceranic was member of U22 Yugoslav National team 1998.

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia wins a long-range battle over Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Croatia 91:84

Slovenia wins a long-range battle over Croatia 91:84 to take the second win at the World Championships. Slovenia improved to 2-1 record after eleven three-pointers mostly in the second half over Croatia. The latter also scored eleven and even showed better (55%) percentage.
Both teams won one game and lost to the USA in the first two days. Brezec brought the first points for Slovenia and Zoric gave Croatia first points. Kus scored for 8:5 and Udrih reduced to 10:9. Croatia remained in front until the end of the opening quarter, while Slokar closed it with a lay-up for 18:16. Marko Tomas (201-G-85) opened another quarter from the arc and Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) increased to 26:19. Banic upset Slovenia for 28:22, while Andric brought 32:24. Dragic reduced to 33:30, whilst Vidmar pulled Slovenia back to 39:37. Marko Tomas however gave Croatia 44:39 halftime advantage making a three-pointer.
The third quarter was the quarter of threes. The players from each team showed a great percentage from the long range. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) first tied the game at 44:44 and Roko-Leni Ukic brought the lead back to Croatia from the perimeter. Roko-Leni Ukic scored another one for 52:50, while Dragic gave Slovenia 55:52. Nachbar and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) exchanged the threes and then Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) and Zupan Miha scored another two for the biggest lead at 64:55. Roko-Leni Ukic closed the third period at 65:56. In the fourth period the teams continued to shoot from the long range and Croatia managed to come closer. Marko Popovic, Roko-Leni Ukic and again Marko Popovic reduced to 68:67 making threes. Marko Tomas and Zupan Miha again scored threes each for 72:71, while Jaka Lakovic gave Slovenia 77:71 with another three. Dragic closed an 11-0 run as Slovenia enjoyed 80:71, while Marko Popovic and Roko-Leni Ukic cut it to 80:76. Udrih increased to 82:76 and Nachbar and again Udrih made one free throw each for 84:76. Jaka Lakovic scored two free throws for 86:79 and Dragic made two for 88:80. Zupan Miha made a dunk for the final 91:84 success.
Uros Slokar and Jaka Lakovic top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Goran Dragic (194-G-86, agency: Interperformances) nailed 14 and Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) added 11. Roko-Leni Ukic responded with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Marko Popovic and Marko Tomas netted 17 apiece.

Slovenia: Uros Slokar 15, Jaka Lakovic 15, Goran Dragic 14, Bostjan Nachbar 11
Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 20, Marko Popovic 17, Marko Tomas 17

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SWEDEN

The exciting opening of the Swedish basketball league - by Emiliano
The exciting opening of the Swedish basketball league, the basket ligan, will officially start on coming October. Last year's intensive playoffs left the fans with a sweet taste on their tongue, looking forward for another surprising beginning and an end.
The fresh national champion's, Norrkoping Dolphins, are still the favorites for winning another title, after keeping their strong squad together. Leading by coach Kelly Grant and his assistant Sundberg Jesper, the Dolphins have a strong wind beyond them for the grand opening of the season.
One of the Dolphins' main opponents will remain Plannja Basket Lulea. This strong team won impressing playoff matches all the way through the final, but despite being the favorite's side before the series began, at the critical time-the final series against Norrkoping-Plannja suddenly disappeared and lost the precious title.
The strongest team from the capital city Stockholm, Solna Vikings, will automatically be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Naturally, like every season's opening night, the Vikings see themselves as the favorite team to beat the title. After losing the title to Norrkoping, the Vikings wishes to bring back the championship to the place it was, in two seasons ago.
Uppsala basket, always a strong force in the basketligan, had a surprising season last year. The fans in the local arena, the Fyrishov arena, will expect a better finish for their team, which lost in the semi finals to the strong rivals Plannja. Uppsala basket, leading by Coach Jonsson anders, has the potential to make it through the finals, and perhaps even more.
Other teams in the league, such as Sundsvall Dragons, Stockholm 08 and Sodertalje, will try to improve their results from last year, and to take their squad and results one step forward for a better location in the final standings.
All of us, the Swedish basketball fans, can count on a warm and sweaty winter in all of the basketball arenas, scattered all over the country.

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TUNISIA

Iran celebrate victory in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Tunisia 71:58

Iran enjoyed the first win at the World Championship in Turkey. They shot down Tunisia in Group B action tonight.
Iran had to overcome a slow start. Tunisia jumped into a 5:0 lead but Iran went on an 18:2 run to cap the period taking a 23:11 lead at the first break. They maintained the lead well enough throughout the second quarter. Iran managed to stay in front in a low-scoring term as they posted a 33:23 advantage at halftime. Iran opened the second half with eight points in a row to stretch the lead. They soon boosted the gap to as many as 24 points 52:28. Tunisia struggled to pick up the tempo as they trailed by 19 points at the final intermission 36:55. Tunisia went on a desperate 16:1 run early in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit at just 4 points. Then Salah Mejri (214-C-86) dragged the African team within just three points 54:57 before Iran answered. The Asian side exploded with a 12:2 rally to clear off. Iran stayed in charge in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) scored 23 points and grabbed 13 boards for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) added 15 points for the winners. Makram Ben Romdhane (198-F-89) and Salah Mejri accounted for 10 points each in the loss.

Iran: Hamed Haddadi 23+13 boards, Mahdi Kamrani 15, Arsalan Kazemi (201-F-90) 14
Tunisia: Makram Ben Romdhane 10, Salah Mejri 10



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UBA

Standings

UBA Standings

D-League  1. Irie M. 0-0   2. Proline 0-0   3. Team Japan 0-0   4. Tennessee D. 0-0  Eastern  1. Cleveland V. 0-0   2. Colonial F. 0-0   3. Columbus C. 0-0   4. NE Air Soul 0-0   5. Southeast H. 0-0  Southern  1. Atlanta A. 0-0   2. Georgia L. 0-0   3. GIE Morrow D. 0-0   4. S.Generals 0-0   5. St.Mountain H. 0-0  Western  1. Austin K. 0-0   2. C.Texas C. 0-0   3. DFW Warriors 0-0   4. Mid-Cities CT 0-0   5. Norman E. 0-0

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings

Standings

Group A 1. Argentina 3-0 2. Australia 2-1 3. Serbia 2-1 4. Germany 1-2 5. Angola 1-2 6. Jordan 0-3 Group B 1. USA 3-0 2. Slovenia 2-1 3. Brazil 2-1 4. Croatia 1-2 5. Iran 1-2 6. Tunisia 0-3 Group C 1. Greece 2-0 2. Turkey 2-0 3. Russia 1-1 4. China 1-1 5. Ivory Coas. 0-2 6. P.Rico 0-2 Group D 1. France 2-0 2. Lithuania 2-0 3. Spain 1-1 4. Lebanon 1-1 5. Canada 0-2 6. N.Zealand 0-2

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Kirk PENNEY   AUS   (196-G-80)   Avg: 29

1. Penney, NZL 29.0   2. Scola, ARG 27.7   3. Yi, CHN 26.0   4. Spanoulis, GRE 23.5   5. Barea, PUR 22.5   6. Kleiza, LTU 22.5   7. Haddadi, IRI 22.0   8. El Khatib, LEB 21.5   9. Durant, USA 21.0   10. Wang, CHN 19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jianlian YI   CHN   (212-C/F-87)   Avg: 11.5

1. Yi, CHN 11.5   2. Kendall, CAN 11.0   3. Haddadi, IRI 10.3   4. Asik, TUR 9.5   5. Ilyasova, TUR 9.0   6. Kleiza, LTU 9.0   7. Vorontsevich, RUS 9.0   8. Abbaas, JOR 8.7   9. Abercrombie, NZL 8.5   10. Ramos, PUR 8.5

Assists Per Game

Ricky RUBIO   (192-G-90)   Avg: 7

1. Rubio, ESP 7.0   2. Ponkrashov, RUS 7.0   3. Teodosic, SRB 7.0   4. Diaw, FRA 6.5   5. Diamantidis, GRE 6.5   6. Daghles, JOR 6.0   7. Huertas, BRA 5.7   8. Dragic, SLO 5.3   9. Rasic, SRB 5.3   10. Turkoglu, TUR 5.0

Steals Per Game

Andre IGUODALA   (198-G-84)   Avg: 3

1. Iguodala, USA 3.0   2. Rubio, ESP 3.0   3. Barbosa, BRA 2.7   4. Durant, USA 2.7   5. Vukona, NZL 2.5   6. Guler, TUR 2.5   7. Anderson, CAN 2.5   8. Turkoglu, TUR 2.5   9. Kazemi, IRI 2.0   10. Velickovic, SRB 2.0

Blocks Per Game

Hamed HADDADI   IRI   (218-C-85)   Avg: 3.7

1. Haddadi, IRI 3.7   2. Anthony, CAN 3.5   3. Lamizana, IVO 3.0   4. Mejri, TUN 2.7   5. Perovic, SRB 2.0   6. Tsartsaris, GRE 2.0   7. Monya, RUS 1.5   8. Peavy, PUR 1.5   9. Gasol, ESP 1.5   10. Asik, TUR 1.5

Day: 3 (Preliminary Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Australia - Germany 78-43
Australia did not have any difficulties reaching the second win at the World Championship in Greece. The team smashed Germany 78:43 on Monday. Benzing gave the European lead but as it became clear later it was their last one. Australia responded with 12-0 run and took 12:2 advantage. Barlow David nailed three for 17:5 and McNaughton Christopher closed the opening quarter at 19:7. Andersen David drove a lay-up for 21:7, while Patrick Mills (183-G-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) nailed three for 24:12. Ingles Joseph followed him from the long range for 27:12 and Patrick Mills scored another three for 34:14. Schaffartzik Heiko sent the teams to the lockers at 38:20 making a three-pointer. Patrick Mills started the third frame with another long shot and Ingles Joseph increased to 45:20. Ingles Joseph later scored fro 50:25, while Patrick Mills continued the artillery for 53:30. Worthington, Mark and Barlow, David also scored threes for 59:30 advantage. Martin Damian closed the third period at 62:31 when it became clear Australia would benefit from the game. McNaughton Christopher gave Germany 62:32 early in the fourt and Benzing, Robin scored three to reduce to 62:35 and Newley Brad gave his side 67:37. Maric Aleksandar made a dunk for 69:37, while his lay-up brought 74:40. Maric Aleksandar again scored for 78:40 and Robin Benzing (208-F-89) reduced to 78:43. Those points were the last in the game as Australia reached a valuable victory. Patrick Mills paced all the winners with 16 points for 2-1 record. Maric Aleksandar followed him with 15 and Ingles Joseph scored 10. Robin Benzing replied with 11 points in the losing effort as Germany dropped to 1-2. Ohlbrecht Tim netted 10 and Schaffartzik Heiko chipped in 7.

Angola - Argentina 70-91
Argentina beat Angola in the end of Day 3 however the game was not easy for them. The African team struggled a lot in the first three quarters, but fell with 0-18 in the fourth. Argentina grabbed 3-0 record after 91:70 win. Although Argentina started with 6-0 run, Angola responded with 8-0. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) later tied the game at 11:11, while another seven points from the player saw 19:16 on the board. He also made a jump shot at the end of the first period for 23:20. Ambrosio Felizardo reduced to 25:22 and Almeida Carlos nailed three for 30:28. Luis Scola increased to 37:30 and Quinteros Alfredo posted tow for 42:32. Gutierrez Juan was the last to score at the half for 45:32 Latin American squad deficit. Cipriano Olimpio pulled his side back to 45:34, while Carlos Morais (190-G-85) cut it to 51:43. Delfino Carlos managed to give his side 58:43, but Argentina could not keep that lead. Carlos Morais nailed three for 62:55 and Mingas Eduardo netted two for 62:59 after three quarters. Argentina erupted with 18-0 run to seal the third victory. Jasen Hernan scored for 82:59 when it became clear about the winner. Jeronimo Vladimir reduced to 82:61 and Gomes Joaquim scored for 87:69. Cequeira Luis closed the game with a jump shot for 3-0 record. Luis Scola erupted with 32 points for the winners to remain undefeated. Delfino Carlos followed him with 22 and Gutierrez Juan netted 9. Gomes Joaquim ended up with 16 points in the losing effort as Angola fell at 1-2. Cipriano Olimpio notched 15 and Carlos Morais added 11.

Jordan - Serbia 69-112
Serbia opens Day 3 with an easy win over Jordan at the World Championship. The European team smashed the Asian representative 112:69 and improved to 2-1 record in the group. Savanovic Dusko was the first to score in the game and Teodosic Milos nailed three for 10:6. Tepic Milenko later closed a 9-0 run for 19:7 lead, while Abbas Zaid reduced to 33:20 at the end of the first 10 minutes. Serbia continued to dominate the court and Teodosic Milos opened the second period for 35:20. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) increased to 43:24, while Perovic Kosta scored for 45:29. Marko Keselj nailed three to close the half at 57:37 for Serbia. Alawadi Mousa drove a lay-up to start the third frame and Abbas Zaid cut it to 60:41. Savanovic Dusko drove a lay-up for 74:42 and Perovic Kostamade the same for 78:45. Markovic Stefan closed the third period for 83:48 from the free throw line. Rasic Aleksandar later gave Serbia their three-digit number scoring for 101:64. He was also the last one to score in the game for the final success. Savanovic Dusko and Marko Keselj paced all the winners with 21 points each for the second win. Perovic Kosta netted 20, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) netted 12. Daghles Osama ended up with 19 points in the losing effort. Abbas Zaid brought 15 and Soobzokov Enver added 9.

Group B

Tunisia - Iran 58-71
Iran enjoyed the first win at the World Championship in Turkey. They shot down Tunisia in Group B action tonight. Iran had to overcome a slow start. Tunisia jumped into a 5:0 lead but Iran went on an 18:2 run to cap the period taking a 23:11 lead at the first break. They maintained the lead well enough throughout the second quarter. Iran managed to stay in front in a low-scoring term as they posted a 33:23 advantage at halftime. Iran opened the second half with eight points in a row to stretch the lead. They soon boosted the gap to as many as 24 points 52:28. Tunisia struggled to pick up the tempo as they trailed by 19 points at the final intermission 36:55. Tunisia went on a desperate 16:1 run early in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit at just 4 points. Then Salah Mejri (214-C-86) dragged the African team within just three points 54:57 before Iran answered. The Asian side exploded with a 12:2 rally to clear off. Iran stayed in charge in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) scored 23 points and grabbed 13 boards for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani added 15 points for the winners. Makram Ben Romdhane and Salah Mejri accounted for 10 points each in the loss.

USA - Brazil 70-68
Brazil stepped up to be the first team to show how to play with the US team that actually is not the favorite anymore of the tournament. Poor performance allowed USA to escape Brazil, 70:68 and actually Brazil looked much better in the court. Huertas Marcelo surprised the favorites with 4 consecutive points for the first lead. USA bounced back with 7-0 run as Durant Kevin closed the run. Vieira Marcus however scored five consecutive points for Brazil to increase to 13:10. Then it became the time of Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) . At first the Brazilian player made a lay-up to reduce to 18:17 and then he nailed three for 26:22. Vieira Marcus followed him with a three for 33:25 and Machado Marcelo brought 35:30. Huertas Marcelo and Westbrook Russel exchanged the free throws for 37:32 Brazilian lead. Durant Kevin and Derrick Rose (193-G-88, college: Memphis) reduced to 37:36, while Giovannoni Guilherme nailed three for 43:38. Splitter Tiago scored a dunk to send the teams to the lockers at 46:43. The experts were mistaken if they predict an easy run fro USA after the halftime. Vieira Marcus made a dunk for 48:45, while Splitter Tiago drove a lay-up for 50:47. Only Durant Kevin tied it all at 50:50 with 5 minutes in the third and Iguodala Andre scored for 53:50. Billups Chauncey made two free throws for 55:50 and Machado Marcelo scored three for 55:53. Machado Marcelo cut it to 57:53 and Leandrinho Barbosa closed it to 61:58. He also made one free throw for 61:59 after three quarters. Vieira Marcus tied the game at 62:62 as the last quarter became the defensive one. Huertas Marcelo kept Brazil alive at 70:68 and then he was fouled for two shots. He missed the first one and missed the second on purpose, Brazil made a rebound and Leandrinho Barbosa missed a chance to send the game to overtime. Durant Kevin top-scored for the winners with 27 points as USA is with 3-0 record on top. Billups Chauncey netted 15 and Derrick Rose posted 11. Vieira Marcus ended up with 16 points in the losing effort as Brazil suffered the pity loss. Leandrinho Barbosa netted 14 and Splitter Tiago scored 13.

Slovenia - Croatia 91-84
Slovenia wins a long-range battle over Croatia 91:84 to take the second win at the World Championship. Slovenia improved to 2-1 record after eleven three-pointers mostly in the second half over Croatia. The latter also scored eleven and even showed better (55%) percentage. Both teams won one game and lost to the USA in the first two days. Brezec brought the first points for Slovenia and Zoric gave Croatia first points. Kus scored for 8:5 and Udrih reduced to 10:9. Croatia remained in front until the end of the opening quarter, while Slokar closed it with a lay-up for 18:16. Tomas Marko opened another quarter from the arc and Ukic increased to 26:19. Banic upset Slovenia for 28:22, while Andric brought 32:24. Dragic reduced to 33:30, whilst Vidmar pulled Slovenia back to 39:37. Tomas Marko however gave Croatia 44:39 halftime advantage making a three-pointer. The third quarter was the quarter of threes. The players from each team showed a great percentage from the long range. Lakovic first tied the game at 44:44 and Ukic brought the lead back to Croatia from the perimeter. Ukic scored another one for 52:50, while Dragic gave Slovenia 55:52. Nachbar and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) exchanged the threes and then Slokar Uros and Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) scored another two for the biggest lead at 64:55. Ukic closed the third period at 65:56. In the fourth period the teams continued to shoot from the long range and Croatia managed to come closer. Marko Popovic, Ukic and again Marko Popovic reduced to 68:67 making threes. Tomas Marko and Miha Zupan again scored threes each for 72:71, while Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) gave Slovenia 77:71 with another three. Dragic closed an 11-0 run as Slovenia enjoyed 80:71, while Marko Popovic and Ukic cut it to 80:76. Udrih increased to 82:76 and Nachbar and again Udrih made one free throw each for 84:76. Lakovic scored two free throws for 86:79 and Dragic made two for 88:80. Miha Zupan made a dunk for the final 91:84 success. Slokar Uros and Jaka Lakovic top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Dragic Goran nailed 14 and Nachbar Bostjan added 11. Ukic responded with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Marko Popovic and Tomas Marko netted 17 apiece.



Anderson Varejao wants to play against USA - by Uygar Karaca
Argentinean coach of Brasilian team, Ruben Magnano told at the press conference that the injured star of Brasil, Anderson Varejao wants to play in today's match against USA. They are considering to give him a few minutes but Mr. Magnano added that only the doctors can decide whether he can play or not. Brasil, won the first two matches against Iran and Tunisia, however, the real test comes today as they will play agains the undefeated and main favourite USA.



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Women News

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ALGERIA - Women

D1 Standing

D1 Standings

1. GS Petroliers 21-1   2. ASPTT 21-1   3. OC Alger 18-4   4. CRHD 15-7   5. ASAPC 14-8   6. ECEB 11-10   7. NBS 9-12   8. EPAU 7-15   9. USMA 7-15   10. EDR 6-16   11. USNET 1-21   12. IBL 1-21

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australians reach WNBA Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81), Alison Lacey (183-G-87, college: Iowa St.) and Abby Bishop (189-C-88) and their Seattle coasted into the Western Conference Final. They knocked down the Sparks in Los Angeles to sweep the semifinal series. Lauren Jackson was pivotal for the Storm as she notched 24 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. The teams stayed close until the visitors went on a 14:3 run to ensure a 71:54 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation. Swin Cash tallied 16 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for Seattle as they would face Phoenix in the Conference Finals. Tina Thompson replied with 18 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for the Sparks. Noelle Quinn accounted for 15 points in defeat.
Tully Bevilaqua (164-G-72) 's Indiana Indiana ties the series over New York after 75:67 in Game 2. Tamika Catchings stepped up with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Sutton-Brown Tamara followed her with 14. Douglas Katie scored 11 and Davenport Jessica followed them with 10. Cappie Pondexter responded with 24 points in the losing effort and Carson Essence posted 20.
Penelope Taylor (185-F-81) nailed 12 points as Phoenix clinched the Western Conference Final birth. They swept the semifinal series against San Antonio. The Mercury came up with a comfortable road win over the Silver Stars in Game 2. Diana Taurasi knocked down 23 points to lead the visitors. The Mercury built an 18-point lead at halftime. Then Candice Dupree came up with 13 points in the second half to keep the visitors cruising to the victory. She finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix. Tangela Smith added 16 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Becky Hammon answered with 21 points, 7 assists and 4 boards for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young accounted for 15 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

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BELARUS - Women

Leuchanka to play with Atlanta in the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) will play with Atlanta in the Semifinals in WNBA. Atlanta became the first Eastern conference finalists. They shocked the Washington Mystics to sweep the semifinal series. The Dream went on a 24:0 run at the start of the second quarter to leave the top-seeded Mystics far behind. Washington never recovered from the blow and surrendered at the end. Iziane Castro Marques and Angel McCoughtry scored 21 points each to lead the hosts. Sancho Lyttle added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Matee Ajavon responded with 20 points for the Mystics. Monique Currie had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
Before that Washington got to a shocking start of their playoffs campaign. The top-seeded Mystics surrendered against Atlanta 90:95 at home court. Angel McCoughtry scored 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Dream to a surprising victory at the end. The Mystics fell the victim of their old playoff curse as they lost the seventh straigth post-season game. Coco Miller added 21 points for the winners who are looking to seal the Conference Final birth in Atlanta. Iziane Castro Marques scored 19 points and Erika DeSouza posted 12. Marissa Coleman scored career-high 18 points for the Mystics. Crystal Langhorne contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
Yelena Leuchanka scored 2 points in each game and averages so far 4.2 points per game.

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BRAZIL - Women

Castro leads Atlanta to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Iziane Castro Marques (183-G/F-82) leads Atlanta to the semis in WNBA. Atlanta became the first Eastern conference finalists. They shocked the Washington Mystics to sweep the semifinal series. The Dream went on a 24:0 run at the start of the second quarter to leave the top-seeded Mystics far behind. Washington never recovered from the blow and surrendered at the end. Iziane Castro Marques and Angel McCoughtry scored 21 points each to lead the hosts. Sancho Lyttle added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Matee Ajavon responded with 20 points for the Mystics. Monique Currie had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
Before that Washington got to a shocking start of their playoffs campaign. The top-seeded Mystics surrendered against Atlanta 90:95 at home court. Angel McCoughtry scored 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Dream to a surprising victory at the end. The Mystics fell the victim of their old playoff curse as they lost the seventh straigth post-season game. Coco Miller added 21 points for the winners who are looking to seal the Conference Final birth in Atlanta. Iziane Castro Marques scored 19 points and Erika DeSouza (197-C-82) posted 12. Marissa Coleman scored career-high 18 points for the Mystics. Crystal Langhorne contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

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ISRAEL - Women

SUCCESS FOR THE ISRAELI NATIONAL TEAM ! - by Gil Goshen


The Israeli national team qualified for Eurobasket Women 2011.
The team will join to: Croatia, Israel, Latvia and the Slovak Republic.

This is the 3rd years in a row that The Israeli national team qualified.
They did it from the first place of Group B . They won four games and lost two. Yesterday night the Team won vs. Romania 79:72 with a superb performance of the Captain Liron Cohen (173-G-82), she had 27 points ( 4/8 for three points, 6/9 for two points , 3/4 for one point ), 3 asts, rebs. Liron who will play for Famila Weber SCHIO next season also gain an unusual achievement while she was ranked # 1 in two categories: points 20.8 and 6.7 ast. Per game. Definitely amazing summer for Liron. S. Doron was the second hand of the Israeli team with 19.5 points ( ranked #3 ), 3.7 rbs, 2.2 ast. We must mention the other players too because their contribution was crucial:
Liad Suez-Karni with 8.2 points.
Laine Selwyn the right player at the right time and place with 6 points, 4.7 rbs. And 3.7 asts.
Meirav Dori the small forward and the Captain of the Israeli champion and the cup holder too Electra Ramat Hasharon with 5.2 points, and a nonconciliatory defence and a player for special mission.
Ekaterina Abramzon who will play for MKB EUROLEASING SOPRON with 9 points and 3.7 rbs.
Katia Levitsky , with 8 points, 4 rbs.

As coach Eli said: ' We have needed all of them, without even one player I do not see how could we done it.'

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POLAND - Women

Monica Wright joins Lotos Gdynia - by Eurobasket
Lotos Gdynia agreed terms with 22-year old American forward Monica Wright (180-F-88, college: Virginia, agency: LBM Management). Wright played most recently at Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) in the U.S. For the forward next season will be the first in Europe after his college career at Virginia.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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ROMANIA - Women

Natalia Terglav-Tratsiak joins Sfantu Gheorghe - by Szilveszter Nagy
CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe agreed terms with 30-year old former Belarussian international center Natalia Terglav-Tratsiak (195-C-80). Tratsiak played most recently at former Slovenian champion HIT Kranjska Gora, but the Slovenian champion was dissolved due to its financial problems. She averaged in the last season: 11.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.6 spg and an impressive 2.0 blocks per game! She was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian 1A Import Player of the Year in 2010. Tratsiak played in her career with ZKK Jolly Basket Sibenik (Croatia) in the Euroleague Women and in the EuroCup Women too.

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RUSSIA - Women

Tina Charles joins Nadezhda Orenburg - by Eurobasket
Nadezhda Orenburg agreed terms with 22-year old Trinidad/T.-American center Tina Charles (193-C-88, college: Connecticut, agency: LBM Management). Charles played most recently at Connecticut Sun (WNBA) in the U.S. Tina Charles in her first stint in WNBA recorded averages of 18.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.6apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 68.3% in 39 games. She was also named Eurobasket.com All-World University Games Best Player in the Tournament played in Serbia in 2009.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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SCOTLAND - Women

DEVASTATED ANDERSON MISSES LAST GAME IN UKRAINE - by Sandy Sutherland
Sole Scot Rose Anderson claimed she cried her eyes out for 45 minutes after being forced to miss the final Great Britain women's game of the Eurobasket Qualifiers due to food poisoning.
The 22-year-old Edinburgh Kool Kat stayed at home when the team travelled to the Ukraine where they went down narrowly 70-66 in Dnepropetrovsk.
Although the defeat did not affect their top-of-the-group position it was still disappointing for the GB team who had won four games in a row to secure their place in next year's Eurobasket Finals in Poland and the left-handed guard might just have made the difference.
Anderson had been 100% from the free throw line in her previous two GB games, though turnovers had cost her the chance of more minutes for GB's tough Aussie coach Tom Maher.

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SPAIN - Women

Laura Herrera joins Rivas Ecopolis - by Eurobasket
Rivas Ecopolis agreed terms with 21-year old former international power forward Laura Herrera (189-F/C-89). Herrera played most recently at ASEFA Estudiantes Madrid (LF2). The youngster was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Newcomer of the Year at the end of last season.


By Eurobasket Data Center

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

DEVASTATED ANDERSON MISSES LAST GAME IN UKRAINE - by Sandy Sutherland
Sole Scot Rose Anderson claimed she cried her eyes out for 45 minutes after being forced to miss the final Great Britain women's game of the Eurobasket Qualifiers due to food poisoning.
The 22-year-old Edinburgh Kool Kat stayed at home when the team travelled to the Ukraine where they went down narrowly 70-66 in Dnepropetrovsk.
Although the defeat did not affect their top-of-the-group position it was still disappointing for the GB team who had won four games in a row to secure their place in next year's Eurobasket Finals in Poland and the left-handed guard might just have made the difference.
Anderson had been 100% from the free throw line in her previous two GB games, though turnovers had cost her the chance of more minutes for GB's tough Aussie coach Tom Maher.

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WNBA - Women

Phoenix, Atlanta and Seattle reach Conferences Final - by Eurobasket News
Seattle S. - L.Angeles S. 81-66
Seattle coasted into the Western Conference Final. They knocked down the Sparks in Los Angeles to sweep the semifinal series. Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) was pivotal for the Storm as she notched 24 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. The teams stayed close until the visitors went on a 14:3 run to ensure a 71:54 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) tallied 16 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for Seattle as they would face Phoenix in the Conference Finals. Tina Thompson replied with 18 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for the Sparks. Noelle Quinn accounted for 15 points in defeat.

New York L. - Indiana F. 67-75
Indiana ties the series over New York after 75:67 in Game 2. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) stepped up with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Sutton-Brown Tamara followed her with 14. Douglas Katie scored 11 and Davenport Jessica followed them with 10. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) responded with 24 points in the losing effort and Carson Essence posted 20.

Washington M. - Atlanta D. 77-101
Atlanta became the first Eastern conference finalists. They shocked the Washington Mystics to sweep the semifinal series. The Dream went on a 24:0 run at the start of the second quarter to leave the top-seeded Mystics far behind. Washington never recovered from the blow and surrendered at the end. Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) and Angel McCoughtry scored 21 points each to lead the hosts. Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Matee Ajavon responded with 20 points for the Mystics. Monique Currie had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 92-73
Phoenix clinched the Western Conference Final birth. They swept the semifinal series against San Antonio. The Mercury came up with a comfortable road win over the Silver Stars in Game 2. Diana Taurasi knocked down 23 points to lead the visitors. The Mercury built an 18-point lead at halftime. Then Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) came up with 13 points in the second half to keep the visitors cruising to the victory. She finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix. Tangela Smith added 16 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Becky Hammon answered with 21 points, 7 assists and 4 boards for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young accounted for 15 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.