Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/5/2010

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Obras signs Alexis Elsener and Julian Aprea - by Eurobasket News
Obras Sanitarias came up with two new signings. The Argentinean outfit landed Alexis Elsener (196-G-88) and Julian Aprea (208-C-87) fort he next season.
The 22-year old Alexis Elsener is coming to Obras from El Nacional Monte Hermoso. He appeared 32 times in TNA last season averaging 15.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. Eurobasket awarded him with All-Argentinean TNA 1st Team. It was a huge improvement for Elsener from 2008/09 season when he had 7.1 ppg and 2.1, also for El Nacional. However, the team competed in LigaA at that time. In 2006, Elsener was a member of the Argentinean U18 National Team.
Julian Aprea arrives to Obras from Liga B team Gimnasia Villa Del Parque. The 22-year old center already has experience in LigaA, as he played for Boca Juniors on season 2007/08. His time was very limited as Aprea had 1.3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 12 games. He also appeared 5 times in South American Championships for Clubs adding 1.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg fro 5 games. Beside the above mentioned teams, Aprea also played for Ferrocarril Oeste Capital Federal, Ciclista Juninense and Gimnasia Esgrima Buenos Aires.
Obras Sanitarias reached the playoff Eightfinals last season in LigaA.

Super 4 day 1 - by Facundo Iatzky
Super 4 tournament started this tuesday with two games. The tournament is played in the city of Salta in the north of Argentina. In the first game, Puerto rico suffered a lot to beat Paraguay. Paraguay arrived after play the suothamerican championship and Puerto Rico came with most of the players that will be in the next world championship, but without Balkman and Arroyo. the final result was 87-85 thanks to two free throws made by Peter john Ramos. Carmelo Lee finished with 24 points.
In the second game, Argentina blasted Brazil 95-58. Brazil seemed exhausted after winning the southamerican championship and Argentina took avantage of it. Andres Nocioni could not play because he is recovering from his injury. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) shined with 30 points and 8 rebounds. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) added 20. Despite being the first friendly game, Argentina showed a good level and now they will have a harder game against Puerto rico in the final of the Super 4.
boxscore:
Argentina: Pablo Prigioni

(191-G-77) 4, Carlos Delfino 20, Pancho Jasen

(199-G-78) 11, Luis Scola 30, Fabricio Oberto (207-C-75, agency: Interperformances) 15 - Paolo Quinteros

(186-G-79) 2, Leonardo Gutierrez

(200-F-78) 6, Juan Pablo Figueroa

(184-G-86, agency: Interperformances) 3, Federico Kammerichs

(203-F/C-80) 2, Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87) 2, Patricio Garino (196-G/F-93) 0
Brasil: Arthur 10, Paulinho 7, Andre goes 0, rafael Ferreira 9, Luiz Fellipe 9, Jonathan Tavernari 3, Duda 6, Fulvio 6, Bruno Fiorotto 4, Lucas Cipolini 4

Argentina thump Brazil at Super 4 tournament - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Brazil 95:58
Argentina will play in the Final of the Super 4 tournament. They will face Puerto Rico in the championship clash. Argentina crushed Brazil on the opening day of the tournament in Salta. Argentina that brought the strongest squad to Salta led from start to finish. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 8 points in the opening frame to ensure a brave start for the hosts. Argentina ensured a 27:18 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 46:30. Brazil could not adjust their offense after the main break. They were plagued by turnovers and Argentina capitalized. They boosted the margin in the third term. Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) paced the effort as the hosts eased to a comfortable win at the end. Luis Scola finished with 30 points to pace the winners. Carlos Delfino added 20 points, while Fabricio Oberto (207-C-75, agency: Interperformances) had 15 points and 9 boards for Argentina. Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) produced 10 points in the loss. Brazil will take on Paraguay on the final day of the tournament.

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AUSTRALIA

Ricky Grace - Bound For NBL Hall of Fame - by Ian Moss
Fourteen greats of the sport of basketball - including Perth Wildcats hero Ricky Grace (185-G-66, college: Oklahoma) and former Australian Opals star Trish Fallon - are to be enshrined in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (ABHF), Basketball Australia has announced.
Fourteen new inductees will receive Australian basketballs highest honour when the class of 2010 is welcomed to the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame at a star-studded black-tie event at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Wednesday 18 August.
Sydney Olympian Grace, who earned his nickname of Amazing after leading Perth to four National Basketball League (NBL) titles (1990, 1991, 1995, 2000), will be recognised for his remarkable career by being inducted as a Player.
Fallon had a stellar career that spanned across 251 Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) games, including two championships with the Sydney Flames of 1993 and 1997, and 224 games for Australia. She won three Olympic medals (two Silver, one Bronze) and one World Championship medal (Bronze), and will join former Opals teammates Sandy Brondello and Shelley Gorman in the ABHF induction class of 2010.
Indigenous Australian basketball pioneer Michael AhMatt will also be inducted as a Player, along with womens basketball pioneer Elaine Hardwick, early WNBL stars Karin McRobert and Julie Nykiel and dual Olympian Bill Wyatt.
The ABHF will also posthumously induct former Sydney Kings owner Mike Wrublewski as a Contributor, Australian wheelchair basketball star Sandy Blythe as a Player and lifelong country New South Wales stalwart Merv Emms as a Coach.
The driving force behind the establishment of Townsvilles NBL team, David Carmichael, has also been recognised as a Contributor for his efforts, and veteran official Greg Love will enter the Hall as a Technical Official.
The name of the third person ever to have been elevated to Legend status, Australian basketballs highest honour, will be revealed on the night of the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame Dinner.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock, himself a previous Hall of Fame inductee, said the incoming class of inductees represented some of the sports greatest heroes, on and off the court.
The 2010 class of the Hall features fourteen individuals who all have given absolutely selflessly to our sport over an extended period of time, said Sengstock. They have all made their own indelible marks on basketball, and helped us grow our sport to where it is today. They make a fantastic addition to the Hall and I look forward to honouring them in Melbourne on August 18.
All 14 inductees for 2010 are listed below:
Michael AhMatt - Player
Sandy Blythe - Player
Sandy Brondello - Player
David Carmichael - Contributor
Merv Emms - Coach
Trisha Fallon - Player
Shelley Gorman - Player
Ricky Grace - Player
Elaine Hardwick - Player
Greg Love Technical Official
Karin McRobert - Player
Julie Nykiel - Player
Michael Wrublewski - Contributor
Bill Wyatt - Player
Courtesy Basketball Australia - www.basketball.net.au

Ricky Grace - Bound For NBL Hall of Fame - by Ian Moss
Fourteen greats of the sport of basketball - including Perth Wildcats hero Ricky Grace and former Australian Opals star Trish Fallon - are to be enshrined in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (ABHF), Basketball Australia has announced.

Fourteen new inductees will receive Australian basketballs highest honour when the class of 2010 is welcomed to the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame at a star-studded black-tie event at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Wednesday 18 August.

Sydney Olympian Grace, who earned his nickname of Amazing after leading Perth to four National Basketball League (NBL) titles (1990, 1991, 1995, 2000), will be recognised for his remarkable career by being inducted as a Player.

Fallon had a stellar career that spanned across 251 Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) games, including two championships with the Sydney Flames of 1993 and 1997, and 224 games for Australia. She won three Olympic medals (two Silver, one Bronze) and one World Championship medal (Bronze), and will join former Opals teammates Sandy Brondello and Shelley Gorman in the ABHF induction class of 2010.

Indigenous Australian basketball pioneer Michael AhMatt will also be inducted as a Player, along with womens basketball pioneer Elaine Hardwick, early WNBL stars Karin McRobert and Julie Nykiel and dual Olympian Bill Wyatt.

The ABHF will also posthumously induct former Sydney Kings owner Mike Wrublewski as a Contributor, Australian wheelchair basketball star Sandy Blythe as a Player and lifelong country New South Wales stalwart Merv Emms as a Coach.

The driving force behind the establishment of Townsvilles NBL team, David Carmichael, has also been recognised as a Contributor for his efforts, and veteran official Greg Love will enter the Hall as a Technical Official.

The name of the third person ever to have been elevated to Legend status, Australian basketballs highest honour, will be revealed on the night of the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame Dinner.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock, himself a previous Hall of Fame inductee, said the incoming class of inductees represented some of the sports greatest heroes, on and off the court.

The 2010 class of the Hall features fourteen individuals who all have given absolutely selflessly to our sport over an extended period of time, said Sengstock. They have all made their own indelible marks on basketball, and helped us grow our sport to where it is today. They make a fantastic addition to the Hall and I look forward to honouring them in Melbourne on August 18.

All 14 inductees for 2010 are listed below:

Michael AhMatt - Player
Sandy Blythe - Player
Sandy Brondello - Player
David Carmichael - Contributor
Merv Emms - Coach
Trisha Fallon - Player
Shelley Gorman - Player
Ricky Grace - Player
Elaine Hardwick - Player
Greg Love Technical Official
Karin McRobert - Player
Julie Nykiel - Player
Michael Wrublewski - Contributor
Bill Wyatt - Player

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BELIZE

U-15 B-BallersRecieve Silver; Best Ever Finish!!! - by David Magana
Last week, Belize's national Under 15 Basketball Team was in Guatemala competing in the under 15 COCABA tournament. And though the competition was tough, they returned with silver on Saturday. That qualifies them for the next round and produced the best result Belize has ever seen in those games. We spoke to the coach and a couple players :....
Emaun Hyde
'What do you think made the difference this year that you guys did so well?'
Matthew Smiling , Coach
'Well we were more prepared than we were in February so I think that helped.'
Emaun Hyde
'Are you proud that you coached the team to such greatness?'
Matthew Smiling
'Well yes, I am proud to see results of my work.'
Emaun Hyde
'Did you go into the competition expecting to do so well?'
Matthew Smiling
'Well we were expecting gold. We went for gold but, we just have to settle for silver.'
Kyle Middleton, Basketball Player, Captain
'Yes it was difficult, it was very difficult, we almost lost. We won by 4.'
Emaun Hyde
'What do you think made the difference this year about how you guys did?'
Kyle Middleton
'Well the workouts; they were a lot more intense. We were in shape this time.'
Emaun Hyde
'You scored 34 points all on your own. How does it feel?'
Tariq Middleton, Basketball Player
'Well it feels good; I just play the game how it suppose to be played. I did what the coach told me and I just did what I had to do.'
Emaun Hyde
'What would you like to say to all the kids out there who only dream of competition like this and placing and winning medals?'
Matthew Smiling
'To keep their dreams up because your dreams might come true with hard work and patience your dreams could come true.'
The team is moving on as they qualified for the Centrobasket under 15 tournament in Mexico in October.

Courtesy of Channel 7

UB Jaguars are the senior champs in Ballin 4 Life tournament - by David Magana
Friday saw game two of the senior championship take center stage with UB Jaguars going in with a one game advantage over the Belmopan Bandits. Its Captain Stephen Williams (188-G-83) of UB with the first bucket of the ballgame. Its a three point shot but were not certain he did dial the bank. Williams then goes right side and guess what he lands the tre and this time its straight up. The bandits are down by twelve before Rupert Brown (170-G) gives them their first points with this baseline bucket. By they do get hot; Kurt Burgess (196-F) raises up for two points. Jay Chavarria (191-F) wants and gets three for the Bandits and at the end of the first quarter, its Belmopan up 16-15. Its a close ballgame all the way to halftime with the bandits showing a 31-29 lead.
In the third quarter, UB makes a move. Leroy Lauriano misses the layup but Farron Lauriano (198-F-89) puts back the put back. Farron then picks up the loose ball and goes all the way for the easy deuce. Leroy Louriano (173-G-91) spots for three and he hits the bucket. Stephen Williams tries the mid range jumper and he gets the bounce for two. Daniel Nolberto gets into the act with this penetration and completes the play by going glass. At the end of three, the UB lead is three. UB goes on to pose the 77-59 final score and with that wine, takes the 2010 senior basketball title and we say congratulations.

Courtesy of Channel 5

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BOSNIA

Edin Bavcic moves to Italy - by Eurobasket News
Enel Brindisi continues with the squad strengthening for the next season. Their latest signing is Bosnian center Edin Bavcic

(210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket). The 26-year old Bavcic is coming to SerieA newcomer from Union Olimpija. He appeared 10 times in Euroleague last season averaging 5.2 points and 4 rebounds. He also played 27 games in Adriatic league adding 5.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg. In Slovenian championship Bavcic increased his numbers to 11.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 19 games, while Union Olimpija reached the Playoff Finals. They won the Slovenian National Cup this year.
Before Union Olimpija, Edin Bavcic spent half of the season with Kepez Bld Antalya and half with Koeln 99ers. With the German squad Bavcic collected 11.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 19 games in 1.Bundesliga. In TBL he played 11 games with Kepez averaging 8.5 ppg and 4 rpg. Edin Bavcic is a product of Bosna ASA BHT Sarajevo, where he played many years in the past. He is active member of the Bosnian National Team.
Few days ago Enel Brindisi inked Eric Williams

(206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest). They also agreed terms with Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Troy).

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BRAZIL

Argentina thump Brazil at Super 4 tournament - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Brazil 95:58
Argentina will play in the Final of the Super 4 tournament. They will face Puerto Rico in the championship clash. Argentina crushed Brazil on the opening day of the tournament in Salta. Argentina that brought the strongest squad to Salta led from start to finish. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 8 points in the opening frame to ensure a brave start for the hosts. Argentina ensured a 27:18 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 46:30. Brazil could not adjust their offense after the main break. They were plagued by turnovers and Argentina capitalized. They boosted the margin in the third term. Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) paced the effort as the hosts eased to a comfortable win at the end. Luis Scola finished with 30 points to pace the winners. Carlos Delfino added 20 points, while Fabricio Oberto (207-C-75, agency: Interperformances) had 15 points and 9 boards for Argentina. Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) produced 10 points in the loss. Brazil will take on Paraguay on the final day of the tournament.

Brazil University NT already practice for the Pan of Basketball - by Paulo Freire
The Brazilian University Basketball selection Team is already in Salvador (BA) for a week of practice before the Panamerican Championship College basketball.
Athletes and coach staff presented last Sunday (01/08) with a few changes compared with the initial list disclosed by Confederao Brasileira University Sport (CBDU).
The centers Fabio Eugene, University of Louisiana at Monroe (USA), Gustavo Lino, University of Southern Mississippi (USA), and the point guard of Unip (SP), Elio Corraza, failed to release documents of school and were replaced by Gustavo Henrique de Arajo Gomes, Univap (SP), and Diego Santana Conceio, Castelo Branco (RJ).
Change also in the coach command, Walter Roese had professionals problems with the NCAA, the American UniversitycLeague, and left his spot to Marco Aurlio Pegolo dos Santos, the Chu, who stood beside Roese as an assistent coach on the Universitie of Serbia in 2009 and winning the Top Four Nation, in Germany, also in 2009.
Of the 14 participating athletes of the first week of physical and tactical training in Salvador, only twelve will play the Pan of Basketball.
United States, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are enrolled in the debut Edition of Pan American College basketball, 09 to 15/08, in Salvador. The tournament is sponsored by CBDU and has University of youth sports organization (ODUPA).
Coach Staff Committee:
Technical: Marco Aurlio Pegolo dos Santos (Chu)
Technical Assistants: Christiano Medeiros (RJ) and Thiago Bastos Fernandes (BA)
Physiotherapist: Tariane Gomes Vidal
Head of delegation: Maurcio Fregonesi
College Basketball Roster for 2010:
Caue Borges dos Santos (180-G-91)
Position: PG
School: Higher education Institutions (HEIS): UNI-FACEF (Franca/SP)
Henrique Medeiros
Position:PG
School: IES: Marshalltown Community College (USA)
Guilherme Schneider (192-G-86)
Position: SF
School: Unigran (PR)
Felipinho Azevedo (190-F/G-86)
Position:SG
School: Centro Universitario Vila Velha (Vitoria/ES)
Marcellus Camara (190-G-88)
Position: SG
School: University Castelo Branco (RJ)

Adonis Chatzicharalambous (190-G-90)
Position: PG
School: Arizona Western College (USA)
Everton Moraes (196-F-87)
Position: SG
School: integrated Faculty of bauru (SP)
Luiz Toledo (203-F-87)
Position: F
School: University of Idaho (USA)

Rodrigo Cesar Silva (205-F/C-88)
Position: SF
School: University Pythagoras (MG)

Ralfi Ansaloni (211-C-87)
Position: C
School: Universe (Belo Horizonte/MG)
Ricardo Andreotti Bodra
Age: 21 years (27/07/1989)
Height: 2.05 m
Position: C
School: University of South Dakota (USA)
Diego Conceicao (200-F-87)
Position: C
School: University Castelo Branco (RJ)

Gustavo Lima (188-G-80)

Jose Jairo Santos Goncalves Junior
Age: 23 years (11/04/1987)
Height: 1,94m
Positio: SG
School: Faculdade de Tecnologia e Ci�ncia (BA)

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BULGARIA

Bulgaria U16 wins the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U16 wins the International Tournament in Zrece that hosted four U16 teams. Slovenia U16, Bulgaria U16, Montenegro U16 and Greece U16 participated in it.
At first Bulgaria U16 beat Greece U16 78:60. Greece started with 17-16, but lost all three other quarters. Bulgaria enjoyed 20-7 in the third quarter to seal the victory. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) brought 14 points for Greece.
In Day 2 Bulgaria U16 rolled over Slovenia U16 69:60. The winners exploded with 24-7 in the opening quarter and added 22-19 in the second frame. Slovenia bounced back with 21-9 in the third quarter, while Bulgaria produced 14-13 in the last stanza. Tomaz Bolcina paced all the winners with 14 points and Jure Kopac (198-F-94) scored 13. Rizman notched 12, while Nikolic added 8.
Bulgaria U16 triumphed in the tournament beating Montenegro U16 78:72 as the latter finished second. Slovenia U16 cruised past Greece U16 67:62 to finish third. The latter opened the game with 21-17, while the hosts took the lead after 21-16 in the second quarter. Greece bounced back with 14-10 in the third period, while Slovenia needed 19-11 to win the game. Jure Kopac top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Rizman netted 11. Kokol produced 10, whilst Jure Ritlop scored 7.

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CANADA

WINNIPEG REF GETS PLUM ASSIGNMENT - by John Gary
Courtesy basketball.ca Winnipeg basketball referee Reid Kenyon has been assigned to work an international basketball doubleheader at Madison Square Garden on August 15. Team USA will play France and China will take on Puerto Rico on the final day of the first World Basketball Festival,a four day celebration of the games performance and culture hosted by Nike and USA basketball in NewYork City. T he team USA roster features Chauncey Billups,Kevin Durant and Lamar Odom among other Nba notables.

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CHINA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

Stage Two A
1. Sichuan		16-2
2. Jiangsu		14-4
3. Guangzhou FM		10-8
4. Hangzhou		9-9
5. Changan Group		9-9
6. Whampoa		9-10
7. W.Liaoning		8-10
8. ShenYang		8-11
9. Heilongjiang		4-14
10. Jiyuan		4-14
Stage One
1. Anhui NS		0-0
2. Guangxi		0-0
3. Hebei		0-0
4. Hill		0-0
5. Hong Kong		0-0
6. Hubei		0-0
7. Liaoning 3C		0-0
8. Ningxia Hanas		0-0

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CROATIA

Danijel Krajacic extends with Zabok - by Eurobasket News
What has been speculated about in Croatian media in the past few weeks has received confirmation. BC Zabok has announced the contract extension with Danijel Krajacic (199-F-86). Reportedly the club and the player have reached an agreement for one more season. Krajacic, arrived at Zabok at the start of 2009-2010 having fairly good year with the club. Even though he has missed a part of the season due to injury, Krajacic has done enough to secure extension. He was an important part of guard rotation and Zaboks greatest threat from behind the arc. The player confirmed he was glad he will be able to continue his development at Zabok and is hoping to help his team improve on the results achieved.
Danijel Krajacic is a product of Zadar junior system. However, he made his professional debut as member of BC Zagreb during 2004-2005 season. He spent three seasons with Zagreb before making a move to BC Dubrava in 2007. In his first season with Dubrava, Krajacic made 30 appearances and has posted averages of 7.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Following year, he has averaged 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 22 games. At the start of last season, Krajacic signed with BC Zabok. There he played in 26 matches and has averaged 7.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Borik takes Ivan Mikulic and Mario Pesut - by Eurobasket News
Borik announced two new players for the next season. Ivan Mikulic (194-G-91) and Mario Pesut (G-90) are the new faces in Borik, who will try to reach the second stage in Croatian league.
Ivan Mikulic is sent to Borik on loan for the Croatian runner-up Zadar. He played mostly for junior team last season. Mikulic started basketball career with Vostarnica Zadar when he was a kid. In 2009, he was a member of the U18 Croatian National Team. He played for U16 Croatia at U16 EuroBasket 2007 in Rethimno. For six games there Mikulic averaged 4.5 points and 1 rebounds.
Mario Pesut arrives to Borik from Zabok. He is another prospect, who will try to develop himself in Borik and to help the team make good result. He had very limited playing time for Zabok last season having only 1.1 ppg in 20 games.
Beside that, it is already cleat that Teo Petani (190-G-88) and Tomislav Drazovic (189-G-87) will not stay with the club next season. Ivo Pavic (196-F-84), Ante Devic (193-G-86) and Ive Ivanov (201-C-85) will stay with the team for at least one more year. Mate Mrva (195-F-83) and Sime Olivari (190-G-90) are under the question mark.
Borik ended last season No.1 of Group B with 7-3 record.

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CYPRUS

Ivan Hoger and Dragoslav Papic sign at Proteas EKA AEL Limassol - by Eurobasket
Proteas EKA AEL Limassol strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old Czech Rep. center Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and 23-year old Serbian forward Dragoslav Papic (205-F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Hoger played most recently at Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark). While playing 36 games for Svendborg last season, he helped them win championship title and his stats were: 12.5ppg and 6.6rpg. Hoger is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Slovenia and Czech Rep. Papic comes from Steaua Turabo in Romanian League. His stats in Balkan League were: 9 games: 14.6ppg and 5.2rpg and in Romanian League Papic played all 34 games averaging 13.2ppg and 4.8rpg.

By Eurobasket Data Center

AEK Larnacas signs Nenad Canak - by Eurobasket News
AEK Larnacas announced signing of a one-year deal with Nenad Canak

(204-F-76, agency: Beo Basket). The experienced Serbian power forward is coming to Cyprus from PVSK Pannonpower Pecs, where he spent second half of 2009/10 season. Canak played 14 games in Hungarian championship collecting 11.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.4 spg. He started the season in Ukraine as a member of Gryfony Symferopil. For five games there Canak registered 10.8 ppg, 5 rpg and 2.2 spg. In December, he joined shortly Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo and a month later moved to Ukraine.
Season 2008/09 Nenad Canak split between Lukoil Akademik and Khimik Yuzny. A year before he helped Lukoil Akademik to win the Bulgarian title and National Cup. He appeared 45 times in NBL averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. In 2007, Canak was a member of ALBA Berlin reaching the Playoff Finals with them. In 2006, he helped ALBA to win the German Cup. Season 2005/06 Canak spent in Greece with Makedonikos Kozani and they reached ULEB Cup Finals. In the past, Nenad Canak also played for Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad, Partizan Belgrade and Spartak Subotica.
AEK Larnacas ended last season as No.7 in Cyprus with 5-11 record.

Greece won over Cyprus in Nicosia - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Cyprus 76:41

Greece won over Cyprus 76:41 in Nicosia in the friendly clash between two teams. Greece get ready for another tournament that will start in Cyprus from August 6th- Love Cyprus Cup-2010.
It was not an easy start for the favorites that trailed 6:7 in the opening tip. Only a 10-0 run allowed them to take the lead and finished the first quarter at 20:9. Greece opened with another jump shot the second frame and reached 22:9. They enjoyed 35:19 halftime deficit as they produced the win also in the second quarter. Kostas Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) nailed 6 points in a row for 51:26 after three quarters. Kostas Papanikolaou scored for 64:32 and Georgios Printezis

(206-F-85, agency: FCM) followed him to 70:34. Greece dominated the rest of the game and won it on a high note.
Costas Tsartsaris stepped up with 16 points and Sofoklis Schortsanitis

(206-C-85) nailed 14. Vassilis Spanoulis

(193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Calathes nailed 9 each, while Georgios Printezis and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou

(206-C/F-83) added 7 apiece. Giorgos Palalas

(185-G-81) and Panagiotis Trisokkas

(206-C-80) delivered 8 points each in the losing effort. Koronidis and Pilavios followed them with 4 points apiece.
Greece will open Love Cyprus Cup-2010 against Germany on August 6th.

Greece: Costas Tsartsaris 16 points, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 14. Vassilis Spanoulis 9, Calathes 9, Georgios Printezis 7, Konstantinos Kaimakoglou 7
Cyprus: Giorgos Palalas 8, Panagiotis Trisokkas 8, Koronidis 4, Pilavios 4

INTERVIEW WITH GIANNIS BOUROUSIS! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
'I have special relationships with Cyprus'
Greek center, Giannis Bourousis, is looking forward to the World Championships in Turkey and hopes that the participation in the Love Cyprus Basketball Tournament will give much needed energy to the Greek team.
- How far can Greece reach in the World Championships?
When you participate in a tournament like that, your goal is always to reach as far as possible. It's early to make predictions now, but what we need to do is to prepare well, follow all the instructions by the coach (Jonas Kazlauskas) and when the knock-out games come, to be ready to play well and qualify to the next rounds. Besides, the knock-out stage in a turning point in this kind of tournaments and our goal is to always qualify.
- Greece always has strong support by the Cypriot fans. Will the participation in the Love Cyprus Basketball Tournament help the team in a psychological aspect?
Definitely it will help. Personally I believe Cyprus is Greece. The reason, my father fought in the island in 1974 as a member of the Greek regiment over there, so I have a special relationship with the island. It will give us much pleasure and energy playing matches in front of the Cypriot crowd.
- Did you ever think about trying in the NBA or some other European team?
As I said last season, I've had proposals and moments I thought about it, but I chose to remain at Olympiakos to win titles. All right, we didn't manage it last season for different reason, but I believe this year it will be our season.

Source - www.gpksports.com

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Novy Jicin Gets Reinforcements - by Surujh Roopnarine
Through the loss of sponsorship, uncertainty over the future of the club financially, Novy Jicin has weathered the obstacles and are beginning their preparations for the 2010-11 NBL season. Gone are veterans Kenneth Walker, Levell Sanders and Juraj Gavlak. Dusan Pandula is recovering from injury sustained while training with the Slovakian National Team, but the squad has ben able to find reinforcements from abroad. Welcome American rookie guard Wesley Channels (190-G-88) and Lithuanian swingman Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Hawaii). Channels, a star at Mid-Major Austin Peay State, is coming off a senior season in which he was named to the Ohio Valley Conference First team after averaging 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in 32 games. The 6-3 guard from Memphis, Tennessee is a career 38.5% three-point shooter, though he was a volume shooter in college. With Novy Jicin he should pair with fellow youngster Roman Medek forming a talented, but untested backcourt. Vaidotas Peciukas is a 28-year old guard/forward from Lithuania who attended the University of Hawaii. After college, he spent his first professional years in Lithuania with Neptunas Klaipeda and then BC Zalgiris Kaunas. More recently he played in France and last season Romania, where he finished fourth in the league in scoring at 18.7 points per contest. Though 6-7, Peciukas has not shown to be a strong rebounder at his position, but has natural scoring instincts and is an able defender.

Nymburk Bolsters Backcourt with Addition of Weyinmi Efejuku - by Surujh Roopnarine
Adam Koch (203-F-88, college: N.Iowa), Tre Simmons

(198-G-82, college: Washington) and now New York native Oritseweyinmi Efejuku

(196-G-86, college: Providence). Nymburk has been buy this off season as they re-tool and try to improve for a 2010-11 run at Euroleague qualifications as well as continued success in the Eurocup. While veterans Arthur Lee, Phil Ricci and Ron Lewis have moved on, an infusion of fresh-young talent is the bet that Nymburk is taking on their quest to reach unmatched heights of excellence in Czech basketball. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku, who will turn 25 in September, is a 6-5, 215 pound guard out of Providence with Nigerian-Jamaican roots, who just wrapped up playing with the Miami Heats NBA Summer League entry in Las Vegas. In four contests he averaged 11.8 points, 2.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds. His rookie season was spent in Latvia, which was nothing but an unquestionable success. In 31 games, he led the Latvian LBL in scoring at 18.5ppg to go along with 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals; all while shooting a very nice 50.5% from the field and 37.2% from three. Oh, and he also led his team BK Barons Riga to the regular season and league championships as well as being named an All Star; all in his rookie season. Weyinmi was a proficient scorer at Providence, finishing 12th all-time in scoring with 1,500 points. A capable ball-handler, Efejuku is able to create his own shot and drive to the basket to create opportunities at the basket. An excellent free-throw shooter (81.0% last season), this talent is something that along with returning point guard Michael Lenzly, will be very useful for Nymburk as shooters like Tre Simmons, Ladislav Sokolovsky and even big-man Petr Benda will benefit greatly from the attention they draw from the defense. The contract is reportedly for one season and Efejuku was scouted by Nymburk coaches as they watched the Latvian League in preparation for their Eurocup matches last season against BK Ventspils. This season will mark the fourth consecutive year that Nymburk will take part in Europes second highest competition (Eurocup), with lofty expectations that they will try to qualify for Euroleague as well.

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DENMARK

CDL market news - by Thomas Soltau
Team FOG Naestved resently announced the signing of young NT guard Nicolas Christensen (190-G-90). The combo guard comes to Naestved from BK Amager.
Team is still searching for US guard, to complement their young players.

The Rabbits of Svendborg also added another player. Matt Williams (200-F-77, college: Montana), a strong all round forward who comes to Denmark from the Finish League. The player will join an allready strong squad, that will likely be the favorites for the CDL title this year.

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D-LEAGUE

Ticknor to return as Assistant Coach in 2010-11 - by Eurobasket News
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that assistant coach Duane Ticknor will return for the 2010-11 season. In his first season as an assistant coach he helped lead the team to a regular season record of 32-18 and a berth in the 2010 NBA Development League Playoffs.

'Having Coach Ticknor on the bench last season was extremely beneficial for a first-year head coach,' said head coach Tony Fritz. 'He helped me grow as a head coach and I look forward to gaining even more knowledge this upcoming season.'

Before joining the Skyforce, Ticknor served as head coach of the Dakota Wizards and guided them to the postseason in each of his two seasons at the helm. His 2007-08 squad finished 29-21 to win the Central Division crown and in 2008-09 the Wizards defeated the Central Division champion Iowa Energy in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the Utah Flash in the league semifinals.

Ticknor spent time in the CBA as head coach of the Gary Steelheads (2002-05) and as an assistant coach of the Rapid City Thrillers (1989-92). The Vermillion, S.D. native was also the head coach for three IBA teams: Black Hills Posse (1995-99), Dakota Wizards (1999-00) and Siouxland Bombers (2000-01). The four-time Coach of the Year ('96, '97, '98, '00) advanced to the IBA Finals three times and won the championship in 1997.

In addition to his professional experience, Ticknor also coached at the collegiate level. He compiled a regular season record of 139-66 in six seasons as head men's basketball coach at National American University in Rapid City, S.D. He was inducted into the Rapid City Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 after his team advanced to the national tournament four times and won back-to-back national championships in 1987 and 1988.

Courtesy of The Sioux Falls Skyforce

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ESTONIA

Sweden knock down Estonia in Boras - by Eurobasket News
Sweden - Estonia 84:66
Swedish National Team played their last exhibition game before the start of the EuroBasket qualification. They hosted Estonia in Boras. The hosts looked solid and posted a well-deserved victory at the end. Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) marked his return with 20 points to lead the effort.
Sweden played cautiously in the opening frame. They limited Estonia to just 13 points in the first quarter and posted a 17:13 lead. The hosts stepped on the gas in the second frame. Sweden boosted the gap at 9-point mark at halftime 41:32. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term. Sweden managed to secure a 9-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter. The Swedish team stayed in control in the final stanza. They held the visitors to 14 points and registered a confident win at the end.
Mikael Lindquist

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) knocked down 16 points for Sweden. Anton Saks (200-G-89) and Martin Ringstrom

(206-F-81, agency: Rasmussen Services) provided 9 points each for the winners. Kristjan Kangur

(202-F-82) responded with 16 points for Estonia. Gregor Arbet

(194-F/G-83) finished with 14 points in the loss.

Sweden: Jonas Jerebko 20, Mikael Lindquist 16, Anton Saks 9, Martin Ringstrom 9
Estonia: Kristjan Kangur 16, Gregor Arbet 14

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL Atlanta Day 1 Results - by Darryl Reshaw
Game 1
England 76 vs. France 74
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England edges France 76-74 and escaped with a tough two point win after a great comeback by France.
England came out hot with a 15 to 4 run at the beginning of the game.
England controlled the entire first half with great play from Carlos White (203-F/C-80, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Rhema Bible) who formerly played professionally in Portugal scoring 18 points, along with a big 7 rebounds and the super athletic Christopher Moore added 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists.
France was down 17 going into the second half and Englands lead looked insurmountable.
England had good team chemistry combined with quality guard play and strong inside play from there bigs.
Beginning the second half, France made defensive adjustments starting with tough full court pressure that slowed the England attack.
Lawrence Diamond (188-G, college: Morehouse) led the way for France controlling the game and hitting big shots finishing with 16 points, and 7 assists.
Brad Stevens got hot in the second half and finished the game as the leading scorer with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists along with Tuskeegee's Jermale Jones (186-G-86) who also added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Dupree Fletcher (183-G) also hit some big 3s to get the game close.
France took a one lead point with a minute to play.
England came down and hit a big 3 to take back the lead. France had one last chance to take the lead but the last second shot rattled in and out and England walks away with a two point win.
.....................................................................................................
England:
Jermaine Ferguson (193-G/F-83, college: Geneva): 6pts; 3rbs
Shon Caston (196-G, college: N.Mexico St.): 12pts; 4rbs
Carlos White: 18pts; 7rbs
George White (191-G): 9pts; 3ast
Christopher Moore: 13pts; 9rbs; 2ast
Demario Mattox (188-G-87, college: Hampton) 10pts; 2rbs; 2ast
Jamayal Johnson: 0pts; 3rbs; 3ast
Tryston Lawrence (191-G-88): 4pts; 2rbs; 2ast
Graham Martin (188-G-87): 4pts; 5rbs; 3ast

France:
Gusikma Edet (196-F, college: Georgia Perimeter): 2pts; 4rbs; 2ast
Andino Ferguson: 4pts; 5rbs
Brad Stevens: 21pts; 6rbs; 2ast
Richard Ford (208-C): 11pts; 2rbs
Dupree Fletcher: 9pts; 5rbs
Lawrence Diamond: 16pts; 2ast
Jermale Jones: 16pts; 5rbs; 2ast
Barry Wellington (183-G-87): 5pts; 3ast

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Game 2
Italy 87 vs. Greece 76
Italy controlled Greece and won 87-76 in a hard fought contest by both teams.
Italy started the game with great team play and they scored a lot of easy buckets to open up a significant 15 point lead.
During this period Greece played more one on one basketball and poor team play.
Greece started playing better as a team and stormed back into the game and was only down by 4 points with two minutes left in the game.
However Italy kept their composure and closed out the game with some good free throw shooting and smart team play during the crucial final minutes to edge Greece for the victory.
Italy featured four players who scored double figures which included 18 points and 8 rebounds from Vas'shun Vas'shun Newborne (198-F-83) from St Louis University who showcased his nice all around skills.
David Graham (193-G-85, college: Georgetown, KY) from Georgetown the NAIA powerhouse in Kentucky was superb with 15 points and 7 rebounds as he hit from deep and showed his athletic ability with a great shooting touch.
David Haywood (193-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: S.Mississippi) the former professional player in Iceland looked good as he scored 12 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in the victory.
Hunter Ross (198-F-87) also chipped in a smooth 10 points and 5 assists in the win for Italy.
Greece was led by Flawaan Flaggs (185-G) the former Black College All American from Miles College who is a deadeye shooter and scoring machine.
He scored 18 points and had 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Also Aamir McCleary (185-G-88) had a great all around game contributing 9 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds for Italy.
Greece was led by the following players:
Brandon Springer (196-F) the NAIA All American from Cumberland University chipped in 13 points and 5 assists.
LaDarious Weaver (183-G-86) from Tennessee State added 10 points and 5 rebounds for Greece.
Rich Moore (196-F-88) from Mary Hardin Baylor played well and scored 11 points and 4 rebounds for the losing side.
Travis Taylor (206-C-86, college: Cape Fear CC) from the Charlotte Crossovers played well for Greece as well scoring 12 points and pulling 6 rebounds using his size and athleticism.
......................................................................................................................
Italy:
David Haywood: 12pts; 9rbs; 2ast
Ryan Daugherty (193-F-87, college: N.Florida): 3pts; 3ast; 2rbs
Johnnie Jackson (201-F-84): 6pts; 5rbs
Vas'shun Newborne: 18pts; 8rbs
Hunter Ross: 10pts; 3ast
James Ingram: 8pts; 5rbs; 5ast
Mike Hall (183-G-86): 9pts; 3rbs; 1ast
Rasheed Pratt: 3pts; 2rbs
David Graham: 15pts; 7rbs; 1ast
Aamir McCleary: 9pts; 9ast; 5rbs

Greece:
LaDarious Weaver: 10pts; 5rbs
Flawaan Flaggs: 18pts; 5rbs; 4ast
Travis Taylor: 12pts; 4rbs; 2ast
Larry Pikes (185-G): 2pts; 3rbs
Osvaldo Haynes (201-F-83): 0pts; 2ast
Brandon Springer: 13pts; 5ast
Rich Moore: 11pts; 4rbs
Julian Richardson (185-G-84): 5pts; 2rbs
Khalifa El-Amin (173-G-86): 5pts; 5ast
.................................................................................................

Game 3:

Spain 88 vs. Russia 65
Spain blew out Russia 88 65 in a game they dominated from start to finish.
Spain was running on all cylinders and played a perfect brand of basketball.
Seven of their players scored double figures and their team chemistry rocked Russia.
Russia could not compete with Spains balanced attack it seemed like they were playing seven on four. Leading the way for Russia was the smooth guard Mike Crain (188-G-84, college: Valdosta St.) of Valdosta State with 17 points and 5 assists along with Jon Rogers (204-F/C-84, college: Valdosta St.) the gifted big man who recently played in New Zealand scoring 13 points along with 8 rebounds.
Aubrey White (191-G-85) added 11 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists along with the IBL super star Terrence Hundley (191-G-85, college: W.Georgia) who scored 10 points and 4 assists.
Aubrey White the guard from the ABA had a solid performance as he scored 11 points and 4 assists.
But they were no match for Spains well balanced attack led which had the speedy Krayaleon Winston scoring 12 points and dishing out 5 assists, William Harris (201-F, college: Miami Dade CC) played extremely well scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds and Cortez Brown (185-G-87) had a nice all around game scoring 12 points and getting 4 assists in the victory for Spain.
The super athletic Dwayne Morris added 10 points; 7 rebounds and a few block shots for Spain showing his nice all around game.
Their other inside player for Spain Chidi Okoli (198-F) of Norfolk State played well scoring 10 points and 7 rebounds as Spain had seven players in double figures in a well balanced attack.

Spain
Krayaleon Winston: 12pts; 5ast
Eliseo Cornejo (178-G): 2pts; 3stls
DeWayne Morris (201-F-85, college: N.Alabama): 10pts; 7rbs; 3blks
Arthur Breed: 6pts; 3ast; 2rbs
Chidi Okoli: 10pts; 7rbs
William Harris: 12pts; 8rbs; 3ast
Shaun Kirkland (191-G): 11pts; 2rbs
Corey Williams: 10pts; 6rbs; 4ast
Anthony Brock (175-G-88): 3pts; 4ast
Cortez Brown: 12pts; 4ast; 2rbs; 2stls

Russia:
Donte Covington: 2pts; 2rbs; 1ast
Keon Grant (191-G, college: W.Texas A&M): 3pts; 3ast
Aubrey White: 11pts; 3rbs; 4ast
Terrence Hundley: 10pts; 4ast
Mike Crain: 17pts; 5ast
Jon Rogers: 13pts; 8rbs; 3blks
Henry Wright: 2pts; 2ast
Stephan Walton (175-G): 2pts; 3ast
Denykco Bowles (201-F): 4pts; 7rbs; 2ast

Myles McKay the ESL 2009 Las Vegas MVP signs in Italy - by Darryl Reshaw
Myles McKay

(191-G-86, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.) the former NCAA Division III All American from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater signed for Mazzeo San Severo the newcomers in Italy LegaDue.
Last year in the 2009-10 season Myles McKay put up some impressive numbers in the Czech Republic for USK Praha as he averaged 24ppg; 5apg and 5 rpg while shooting 54% from the FG and 35% from the 3pt while playing the PG position at 6'4' and 195lbs..
He was selected as Eurobasket.com 'Import player of the Year' and 'Guard of the Year' in the Czech Republic League.
This summer he was courted by a variety of teams throughout Europe that were impressed by his statistics, profile and skills witness on video.
There were EuroCup teams, EuroChallange Cup Teams and clubs from all over Europe that inquired about his services.
Myles has the ability as a big point guard to be a potenail NBA or EuroLeague player soon due to his unique creative ball handling ability that enables his to blow by defenders or get space.
He is an outstanding shooter and scorer that finishes extremely well but confuses defenders due to the fact that he is left handed.
Myles came to the ESL 2009 Las Vegas event as an unhearalded player from a small college but impressed a lot of scouts at the ESL event at the Orleans Arena with his smooth and creative game.
He was a very confident player considering the fact that most of the ESL Las Vegas players hailed from big time college programs or had professional experience.
During the ESL 2009 Las Vegas Championship game Myles made most of the big baskets for his team during crunch time and looked comfortable being the man.
The ESL is a platform from small college All Americans who don't get the publicity, respect or exposure for the professional international market to showcase the skills and game.
The other ESL 2009 Co-MVP is Kyle Lamonte

(191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) who recently signed a lucrative six-figure contract forthe top team in Brazil.
Last season Kyle went to Uruguay where he averaged over 35ppg and in December signed with the top team in Argentina name Penarol Mar del Plata coached by Sergio Hernandez who is the head coach of the Argentina National Team.
Kyle went on to be the best import player in Argentina by winning their league and being name the MVP of the FIBA Americas League which Penarol Mar del Plata won as well.
Similar to Myles McKay, Kyle Lamonte was a NAIA All American from William Carey who transferred from Southern Mississippi.
He participated in the ESL Chicago 2008 event where he was named MVP and participated in the ESL Las Vegas 2008 and 2009 event.
Kyle landed a job in Turkey after the 2008 event but was sent home due to the fact that the team signed a quality Turkish guard and Kyle ended up jobless and was suppose to play in a new minor league in the United States that folded before thier first game.
Kyle came to the ESL 2009 event without a job but as a very talented and hungary player who dominated play with his backcourt mate Myles McKay.
Both of these players should be on a NBA Summer League Roster in 2011 and should play extremely well in Italy and Brazil.
Myles and Kyle both have the talent to play at the highest level in Europe and both have NBA potential but have to will have to take the long route to get there.
The ESL is a great platform for small college All Americans that for some reason ended up at small schools but have big time games.
This summer our Co-MVP from the ESL Chicago event is Marcel Anderson (175-G-86) who is a small college player but is probably just as talented as our former Las Vegas MVP's.
Robert Conley

(198-G/F-77, college: Clayton St.) acted as our main scouting director this summer and being a former EuroLeague player who has played in the ACB Spain, Pro A France, Greece, Serbia, Israel, Germany; Lithiaunia , ULEB Cup Final and the EuroLeague Final Four recognizes talent very easily.
He pointed out Marcel Anderson in Chicago and told us that Marcel was probaly the most special talented player he saw this summer who has high level EuroLeague potentail.
However like Myles and Kyle teams have passed on him because he hails from a small school but the kid has Iverson like quickness and skills but is a pure PG with crazy athleticism.
The ESL 2010 Las Vegas C0-MVP is Pierce Caldwell (191-G, agency: Union Sports) a two time NCAA Division II All American who simply dominated in Las Vegas.
Robert and are other two scouting directors at the ESL who also played in the EuroLeague and a variety of other countries in Europe all think that Pierce is another big time talent who will be a six or seven figure earner in Europe and the next few years.
Robert Conley is just like most of these players a former NCAA Division II All American.
He is also currently a free agent that has not been signed but will be just as good as Myles and Kyles or possibly better.
He is a natural shooting guard that can play some PG but has NBA range on his incredible jump shot and is crafty enough to create space.
He reminds us of Trajan Langdon

(192-G-76, college: Duke) but a little quicker with better ball hndling skills. He shoots the ball justt as good as Trajan and maybe deeper.
There are other notable ESL players who are on the All Tournament Team or were named MVP of the respective city that are serious players that should be considered for quality jobs in Europe.
The ESL scouting reports are precise and accurate and if you look back in the archives we were 95% right about most of the ESL standouts.
For more information regarding the ESL All Tournament players who may be sleepers or a lillte under the radar please contact marketing@eurobasket.com

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EUROLEAGUE

Brose Baskets Bamberg keeps Predrag Suput - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets Bamberg came up with important news for the next season. The team announced signing of Predrag Suput

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) on contract extension, thus the experienced Serbian player will stay with the team at least one more year (1+1). It will be their fourth season together.
Predrag Suput joined Brose Baskets Bamberg in 2007 from Hemofarm Vrsac. He was one of their best players last season helping the team to win the double in Germany (Championship Title and National Cup). Suput exploded in domestic championship with 14.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.1 spg in 45 games. He ended the contest as fourth best scorer. In German Cup, Suput also demonstrated great performance. Bamberg competed in EuroCup last season, where Suput collected 13.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.1 spg. Eurobasket awarded Suput with All-German Bundesliga Bosman Player of the Year and he grabbed the same award in 2009.
Before Brose Baskets Bamberg, Predrag Suput spent a season with Hemofarm Vrsac. He helped them to reach the Adriatic league and Serbian league Semifinals. From 2004 to 2006 he played for the Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. They won two championship titles together and Suput was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbia League Honorable Mention -06.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Korihait signed with two Americans - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korihait (Uusikaupunki) has signed with two American players for coming 2010-11 season. Both players have been in Finland earlier. Korihait will give the third chance to F James Reaves (203-F-82, college: Niagara), who left the team before season start in September 2004 and played later that season in Braunschweig, Germany. Reaves came back to Uusikaupunki in the fall 2007, played two games on Korihait roster and injured his hand. Reaves left Finland and has played since then in Mexico and in the ABA, USBL, PBL. SG/SF Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81, college: Alabama A&M) has played several seasons in Germany (Lich, Giessen, Goettingen, Karlsruhe) and eight games on Team Componenta roster in Karkkila, Finland in the spring 2008. Since his first visit to Finland Moore has played in Germany and in the CBA and PBL.

EUROBASKET: Lithuania 2011 as the goal - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Next European Championship Games in Lithuania in the year 2011 (September 3.-18.). EuroBasket Qualifying Round right now taking place with 15 teams divided in three groups. The winner of each group and the two best # 2s will make the Lithuania Games. Group A: Finland, Israel, Italy, Latvia and Montenegro. Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Great Britain, Hungary and Ukraine. Group C: Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia, Poland and Portugal.
Finland NT played nine practise games during the hot summer winning eight of them and losing only vs Lithuania on the road. Finland will start the qualifying games on Thursday, August 5 at home vs Montenegro (Vantaa Energy Arena at 8:00 p.m.). Montenegro crushed already at home Latvia by 30 pts (96-66), when NBA-player (Minnesota Timberwolves) Nikola Pekovic

(210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 26 pts. The other Montenegrin key players were guards Goran Jeretin

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) and Omar Cook

(186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's). Team Head Coach is Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ). Finland Head Coach Henrik Dettmann will have almost the best possible roster on the court. Only G Petteri Koponen

(193-G-88) is on injured list.

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FRANCE

Interview with Jeron Roberts - by Serafim Karaiskakis

Jeron Roberts (194-G/F-76, college: Wyoming), former Israel NT player and graduate from University of Wyoming spoke exclusive to eurobasket.com:

Eurobasket.com: What memories you have from your college games at Wyoming?

Jeron Roberts: I have a lot of memories from my playing days at the University of Wyoming, but to name a few, would be the rivalries against Univ. of Utah and BYU university. Those games were usually sold out and our arena held around 14,000 people and the crowd was nuts. It was like the whole town was in the arena plus those that traveled from afar to see us against the mid-western rivals, we had the luxury of winning all those home games when i was there as well as a big one on ESPN Big Monday against utah where i had a monster dunk down the middle and they played it for a week on sports center, that was definitely a highlight of my college career.

Eurobasket.com: Your professional career started in Turkey, what is your opinion about the league there?

Jeron Roberts: My first year was in turkey, in karshiyaka of Izmir, the league was great, there were alot of old and yound stars, turkoglu and okur were young but great players, you had ibrahim kutulay, david rivers, randolph childress, rashard griffith, those are just to name a few but there were so many ex NBA and great european players in the 98-99 season, it was definitely one of the most competitive leagues to date with all the great players back then.

Eurobasket.com: How you decided to play along with Majic Johnson in his All-Star travelling team? How was this experience?

Jeron Roberts: I had the chance to play with magic johnson's roundball team, when i was in between jobs and he was putting together a team to go on tours with, which consisted on 5 young players and 5 older players, mostly NBA vets or older guys who played in the league. I went to the practices and tryouts and was selected out of about 20 guys. He kept 5 of us young guys and we practice everyday until the date of one of the tours. I had the oppurtunity to guard magic everyday because i was a bigger guard and the other 2 guards we had were smaller guards. The best player i ever guarded by far, his knowledge of the game and vision is amazing, plus being 6'9 helps also, to be that tall and agile and score so many ways and pass is definitely one of a kind and i learned alot by competing with one of the best players of all time. This is by far one of the greatest experiences because of the caliber of players ie.. kenny fields, kenny williams, lasalle thomas, mitchell butler, all ex NBA guys and Magic himself, it was definetly alot of knowledge on the court when we practiced.

Eurobasket.com: When you first signed to play in Israel did you ever imagined that it could be your second home?

Jeron Roberts: When I first signed in Israel, I had no idea i would be there so long, I actually never knew where i would be, I just put it in Gods hands and wherever he takes me, Im ready to go, but being in Israel as long as I have has definetly made me love the country, I have amazing friends and also fans who support me there and Im very grateful to them and the country for welcoming me with open arms and making my experiences the best they could be.

Eurobasket.com: You have a big career in Israel, when you had your best game there?

Jeron Roberts: My best game in Israel came against Maccabi Rishon about 3yrs ago, I scored 33pts, I was feeling good, hitting 3pters and getting to the basket and we won the game at home, which made it all the better!!!

Eurobasket.com: Tell me about the Israel NT, you played in the 2007 Eurobasket at Spain and along with Yotam Halperin you had some great games and a good tournament.

Jeron Roberts: The 2007 national team was a great experience and very exciting one at that. No one expected us to be there, we took the hard route thru the qualification tournaments, there were two before we even got to spain!! We had a great group of guys who played well together and everyone knew there role, Yotam halperin was great, along with Meir Tapiro as the catalyst and i was the defensive stopper/scorer with Yaniv Green and Ido Kozikaro on the inside, Yaniv had a great tournament also.

Eurobasket.com: Which game from Eurobasket you remember most and why?

Jeron Roberts: There were a couple games that stick out, the Greece, Serbia, and Croatia games to name a few. The game against Greece was big because they were the best team in Europe and we were the underdogs, we just made the tournament, we fought them hard, we all played well, but it wasnt enough to get the job done, Greece was clearly a better team but we gained respect and let people know that we came to play which sets us up for the next two big victories against Serbia and Croatia. In the game against Serbia, we came to play, we had confidence and we felt like we could win and we did, i especially remember that one because i hit a big 3 pointer to seal the game and we were all excited because we fought so hard and won. The Croatia game was my best game of the tournament, i scored well 15pts, but i played great defense on all the great Croatian guards, Planinic, Oopovic etc... all great euro guards, and we won again, so it was even sweeter and we were making noise as the surprise team of the 2007 tournament, it was definelty one of the best experiences of my life, we also played the spanish national team with all there stars, the Gasol, Ricky Rubio who barely played because they had such great guards, navarro and company at their home in front of a sellout crowd, one of the bigger games of my career!!! unfortunately we didnt win, but the experience was priceless.

Eurobasket.com: You had two very good years in Cyprus and Holland did you find any similarities into these leagues?

Jeron Roberts: The Cyprus and Dutch leagues are different, the Dutch league when i was there i think was more competitive top to bottom then the Cyprus league as both are good leagues but in Holland the gap in the level of teams was a big drop from top to bottom as the Cypriot league.

Eurobasket.com: Everyone knows that you're a big scorer, what else you can give to a team?

Jeron Roberts: Besides scoring I give a defensive presence to a team. I was a national team defensive stopper and have always been known as a good defensive player, I also offer leadership and experience, whereas there arent to many situations in basketball i havent been apart of so i definitely have a lot of knowledge to give, that has been passed on to me.

Eurobasket.com: What are your plans for the new season?

Jeron Roberts: My plans for the coming season are to find a club where i will earn quality minutes and have a big role in winning a championship. I always shoot for the sky, that is the ultimate goal, I dont go into the workouts saying im working hard for second place, I wanna be the best I can be so I strive for the best. Im looking at situations in Greece, France, Italy and hope to find a place where i can use my talents to help a team achieve the highest goals we set and even surpass those goals and surprise people!!!!

http://www.serwrites.blogspot.com/

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GERMANY

Predrag Suput Gets Contract Extension With The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Top player and secret MVP of last season Predrag Suput

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) will lace up his sneakers for the Brose Baskets Bamberg in the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season. He will be starting his fourth season in the bavarian city and will play Euroleague. Last season, the 33 year old 2,00cm power forward won the double and played EuroCup: 13 games: 13.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 88.5%; German League: 45 games: Score-4 (14.9ppg), 4.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 84.6%. He scored in double figueres in 39 games. 'For me, he was the league MVP last season. He is very important for our system as he makes the right decisions inside and out. We saw the quality that he has as he led us to winning the cup. I am pleased that we can show that we can hold one of our most important players for another season', stressed Brose Baskets Bamberg coach Chris Fleming
Source: www.brose-baskets-bamberg.de

Hollis Price Returns To Alba Berlin And Steffen Hamann Departs - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Hollis Price had been around the block in Europe the last years showcasing his talent away from Germany, but returned late last season to the Artland Dragons and now returns to 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin as he recieved a one year contract. The club also announced that long time German national player Steffen Hamann will not return to the Spree this season. Price is a 30 year old 186cm combo guard who is a winner with a lot of heart. Loves to start with the ball in his hands, this is why he's usually labelled as a PG, but he is instead a great combo guard, with good court vision and great shooting accuracy from outside. Knows ho to create his onw shot, can defend on taller opponents, Last season, he shared the point guard duties with American Ronald Ross playing EuroChallenge: 3 games: 6.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg; German League: 10 games: 7.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 82.6%. 'Hollis is a high class and experienced player that knows the expectations that are expected of the club. He will be a strong guard duo with Marko Marinovic', stressed Alba Berlin head coach Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) 'It is somehing very special to return to Berlin. Berlin was the nicest place that I played at and I am looking forward to the season', stated Hollis Price

(186-G-79, college: Oklahoma)

Price played at Oklahoma (NCAA) from 1999-2003 and finished career as seventh leading scorer in school history (fourth in Big 12 history). Ranks as the schools all-time leader in free throw percentage (.861), second in three-point field goals made (241), fourth in steals (224), and eighth in three-point field goal percentage (.392). Team won 111 games when he participated, a school record. He reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2002 and Elite 8 in 2003. He started his professional basketball career in France playing for Le Mans from 2003-2005. He won the French cup in 2004. He played for Alba Berlin from 2005-2006 playing ULEB Cup: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3FGP: 44.2%, FT: 85.7%; German League: 42 games: 15.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), 1.8spg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 40.9%. he won the German cup in 2006. In 2006-2007, he played in Spain for Caja San Fernando Sevilla (Spain-ACB, starting five): 34 games: 10.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.6apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 41.0%, 3FGP: 37.0%, FT-3 (90.0%). In 2007-2008, he played for top European team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL, starting five): Lithuanian League: 23 games: 8.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.0%, FT: 79.4%, 3PT: 40.9%; Baltic League (Elite): 18 games: 8.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.6apg, 0.9spg, 2FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 86.7%; Euroleague: 20 games: Score-3 (16.9ppg), 2.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 87.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Russia and Italy for Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague, starting five), Russian League: 12 games: 6.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-1 (91.3%); Eurocup: 6 games: 7.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.3apg, 2.0spg; in Jan.'09 moved to Armani Jeans Milano (Italy-SerieA, starting five): Italian League: 23 games: 8.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 89.5%; Euroleague: 6 games: 9.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg
Alba Berlin also announced that the point guard duo of Rashad Wright and Steffen Hamaan will not be returning this season as their contracts were terminated.
Source: www.alba-berlin.de

Thomas Schoeps Joins The ETB Wohnbau Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets have announced the signing of Thomas Schoeps

(188-G-89). Schoeps is a 21 year old 188 cm guard from Berlin, Germany. Last season, he took the step to playing in the States for Odessa JC (JUCO): 29 games: 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3Pts: 45.0%, FT: 78.8%. Schoeps will share the point guard duties this season with American Gabriel Moore. Schoeps is happy about coming to Essen to continue to develop as a player. 'I know that this season wont be easy for Essen and we will fight to stay in the PROA. I hope that I will get playing time and I dont want to sit on the bench. I want to help the team succede', stressed German Thomas Schoeps. Coach Igor Krizanovic is content that Schoeps will be a help this season. 'We are sure that Thomas will be more than just a backup', stressed ETB coach Igor Krizanovic. Schoeps started his basketball career in 2004-2005 with SSC Suedwest Berlin junior team - IBBA. He then played for TuS Lichterfelde from 2005-2008. In 2008-2009, he played for ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga) playing 21 games and averaging 16.1ppg
Source: www.etb-baskets.com

Steven Smith Signed By The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ex NBA player Steven Smith

(203-F-83, college: La Salle) will put on the uniform for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg this season. Smith is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Philadelphia. Last season, he played in Israel for Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 11 games: 16.9ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 81.4%. 'Steve is a very good player that fits perfect into our concept', stressed Oldenburg coach Predrag Krunic. 'Steven was our wish player for the power forward position. He makes the game faster and fits well to the otehr guys', stated Oldenburg CEO Hermann Schueller.

Smith started his basketball career at La Salle from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 27 games: ScoreA10-1 (19.7ppg), RebA10-3 (7.9rpg), 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGPA10-5 (48.6%), 3PT: 33.8%, FTA10-5 (77.3%): Finished career ranked seventh all-time in scoring (1,931 points) and fifth all-time in rebounding (861) at La Salle. He was also All-Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He turned professional in 2006 and had a busy rookie year as he played in the NBA, D-League and ACB in Spain for teams Philadelphia 76ers (NBA): 8 games: 0.6ppg, 0.8rpg, FGP: 25.0%, He was waived in Jan.'07, in Feb.'07 moved to Anaheim Arsenal (D-League, starting five): 23 games: 18.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%, in April '07 signed at Caja San Fernando Sevilla (Spain-ACB, starting five): 6 games: 4.8ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for Anaheim Arsenal (D-League, starting five): 23 games: 19.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 82.0%, also played at Solsonica Rieti (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 12 games: 9.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP:50.7%, 3PT:23.5%, FT: 66.7%. In 2008-2009, he played in Greece for VAP Kolossos (Greece-A1), injured in March '09, and was off for 6 months: 21 games: Score-1 (18.3ppg), 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 49.2%, FT: 78.9%.
Source: www.ewe-baskets.de

Ruach and Woody commit to Itzehoe Eagles - by Moritz Korff
As announced on their website, the CRE Eagles Itzehoe (Regionalliga North) have landed two import players with Tut Ruach (188-G-85, college: York University) and Martinis Woody (203-F/C, college: Benedict).
Ruach, a Canadian guard out of Toronto, Ontario, was a standout at York University (CIS) and exhibited a double-digit scoring average in each season of his five year-college career. In 2008-09 Ruach averaged 18.5 points, 4.8 boards and 4.0 assists for the Lions. Following his graduation the 25-year-old Canadian of Sudanese descent continued his basketball career Guelph Phoenix. Itzehoe is going to be his first stint overseas.
Meanwhile, Woody has already gained some international experience, having appeared in 12 games for the Iserlohn Kangaroos during this past campaign. The Greeneville, SC native panned out as a constant double double threat for the Kangaroos, registering 20.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per contest. In November 2009 however, Woody parted company with the Iserlohn team. Due to disciplinary reasons as the club stated back then. Prior to heading to Germany, Woody spent a respectable NCAA career at Division 2 school Benedict. As a senior (2008-09) he tallied an average of 10.3 points per contest and was among the best rebounder (10.4rpg) and shot blockers (3.2bpg) in the entire NCAA2.

BG Dorsten adds Terry Bryant - by Moritz Korff
Terry Bryant

(186-G-85, college: SE Louisiana) has reached an agreement with Regionalliga West outfit BG Dorsten to play for the team in the 2010-2011 season. Bryant spent this past campaign with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (2. Regionalliga West). He is not the first Southeastern Louisiana University (NCAA1) graduate to wear the Dorsten uniform. His former SLU teammate Daryl Cohen (193-G-85, college: SE Louisiana) starred for BG over the past two years and received Eurobasket.com All-RLW Player of the Year honors on the way. Also Tavaris Nance (198-G/F-85, college: SE Louisiana) had a brief stint in Dorsten before moving on.
Meanwhile, Hagen-Haspe has found a replacement for its former go to guy: Alton Robinson (201-F-86) has been brought in to fill the gap. Robinson is a former student athlete of Delta State University (NCAA2) and is capable to fill the 3 or 4 spot.

USC Heidelberg signs a pair - by Moritz Korff
USC Heidelberg (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has completed the signings of Bjorn Schoo (213-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Northern St.) and Dave Noel (191-G-85, college: Cent.Florida), as announced on the team's website. Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.), Lyndale Burleson (191-G-85, college: Nevada), Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California) and Darrin Williams (203-F, agency: N.E.T., college: Loyola (IL)) did not get contract extension.
Noel has two years of NBA D-League basketball under his belt, he suited up for the Reno Bighorns since 2008. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds through 27 games in this past season. Noel previously attended the University of Central Florida (NCAA1).
Schoo comes of a season with UBC Hannover. He appeared in 14 contests for the Tigers until he left the team in February 2010 and scored 10.6 points per encounter. He also pulled down 6.4 rebounds a game and had 1.5 blocked shot per outing.

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GREECE

Greece won over Cyprus in Nicosia - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Cyprus 76:41

Greece won over Cyprus 76:41 in Nicosia in the friendly clash between two teams. Greece get ready for another tournament that will start in Cyprus from August 6th- Love Cyprus Cup-2010.
It was not an easy start for the favorites that trailed 6:7 in the opening tip. Only a 10-0 run allowed them to take the lead and finished the first quarter at 20:9. Greece opened with another jump shot the second frame and reached 22:9. They enjoyed 35:19 halftime deficit as they produced the win also in the second quarter. Kostas Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) nailed 6 points in a row for 51:26 after three quarters. Kostas Papanikolaou scored for 64:32 and Georgios Printezis

(206-F-85, agency: FCM) followed him to 70:34. Greece dominated the rest of the game and won it on a high note.
Costas Tsartsaris stepped up with 16 points and Sofoklis Schortsanitis

(206-C-85) nailed 14. Vassilis Spanoulis

(193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Calathes nailed 9 each, while Georgios Printezis and Konstantinos Kaimakoglou

(206-C/F-83) added 7 apiece. Giorgos Palalas

(185-G-81) and Panagiotis Trisokkas

(206-C-80) delivered 8 points each in the losing effort. Koronidis and Pilavios followed them with 4 points apiece.
Greece will open Love Cyprus Cup-2010 against Germany on August 6th.

Greece: Costas Tsartsaris 16 points, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 14. Vassilis Spanoulis 9, Calathes 9, Georgios Printezis 7, Konstantinos Kaimakoglou 7
Cyprus: Giorgos Palalas 8, Panagiotis Trisokkas 8, Koronidis 4, Pilavios 4

Greece U16 came back from Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Greece U16 came back from Slovenia as the team participated at the International Tournament of four teams. Zrece hosted four U16 teams at the International Tournament. Slovenia U16, Bulgaria U16, Montenegro U16 and Greece U16 participated in it.
Bulgaria U16 beat Greece U16 78:60. Greece started with 17-16, but lost all three other quarters. Bulgaria enjoyed 20-7 in the third quarter to seal the victory. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) brought 14 points for Greece.
In Day 2 Montenegro U16 outscored Greece U16 88:56. The winners started with 24:14 and increased to 47:33 at the halftime. Greece reduced to 63:50 after three quarters, while Montenegro expldoed for 88:56 at the end. Diamantis Slaftsakis (193-G-94) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Giannis Anagnostopoulos (204-F-94) brought 11.
In Day 3 Slovenia U16 cruised past Greece U16 67:62. The latter opened the game with 21-17, while the hosts took the lead after 21-16 in the second quarter. Greece bounced back with 14-10 in the third period, while Slovenia needed 19-11 to win the game. Jure Kopac (198-F-94) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Rizman netted 11. Kokol produced 10, whilst Jure Ritlop scored 7.
Bulgaria U16 triumphed in the tournament beating Montenegro U16 78:72.

Interview with Jeron Roberts - by Serafim Karaiskakis