EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/14/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Sylbrin Robinson joins Firmat FC Santa Fe - by Eurobasket
Firmat FC Santa Fe (TNA) agreed terms with 30-year old American forward Sylbrin Robinson (201-F-80, college: Northeastern, agency: KMG Sports Management). Robinson played most recently at Atletico Argentino Junin (LigaA). While playing 9 games for Argentino last season he recorded 7.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg and 1.3spg. Robinson played also pro basketball in Portugal and USA.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  ASEAN LEAGUE   


New coach and players revealed - by Emiliano
The wait is finally over for Brunei Barracudas fans and supporters.

After weeks of anticipation, Brunei's first professional basketball team have finally unveiled their roster for the 2010/2011 Asean Basketball League (ABL) season.

It should be noted that there will be no return of any of their imports Reggie Larry, Don Camaso, Leo Avenido and Francis 'Kiko' Adriano from last season.

Larry has gone on to join the Regal FC Barcelona II team in Spain while Avenido has signed with the Singapore Slingers.

'We decided not to resign Don and Kiko because we were looking for some younger players. With the state that we're in, import players are required to play extended minutes resulting in us getting younger players,' said Nadzaty Azma Azeez, the team owner of the Barracudas, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

'However, these guys are talented and served the team well. We wish them all the best,' she said.

American Ozell Wells will take over at the helm as the head coach for the sophomore season while local Wong Yee Chai returns for the second straight year as the assistant coach.

The 33-year-old Wells is no stranger when it comes to coaching around Asia as he has had jobs in Qatar, Syria, China and Saudi Arabia.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, he last year coached the Yemen national team, which is the 30th country he had done basketball-related work in.

The duo of American imports Kenny Boyd (203-C-82, college: Morehouse) and Chris Commons (204-F-84, college: USC Aiken) will provide toughness in the low post. Both players stand at 6ft 9in and the latter is expected to provide the most firepower for the team.

Commons is a versatile player that can play in the shooting guard or forward positions. He can also provide an inside presence on offence with post up moves down the low block or even fire the three.

The 25-year-old played for BSW Wulfen in Germany earlier in the year that saw his team emerge the 2010 WBV Cup Champions. He averaged 21.1 points per game in the campaign.

He had a monster outing for the Al Ittihad Basket Club in Bahrain in 2009, averaging 34 points per game. Other achievements under his belt include a two-time consensus NCAA All-American basketball player.

On the other hand, Boyd is a fundamental player with good footwork and an understanding of the game. The 28-year-old is a prototypical centre who will be hauling down the rebounds for the Barracudas.

He played for Tindasoll in the Icelandic Express League last season and averaged 17.3 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game.

The duo of Asean imports of Kevin White and Chester Tolomia will bolster the team at the backcourt.

White, who is a Filipino American, brought over from the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), will play the point guard position. Standing at 5ft 11in, he is an underrated player that has excellent vision on the court and can score from beyond the arc as well.

Tolomia will play the shooting guard position. Brought over from the Coca-Cola Tigers, the 30-year-old will be ready for the kick out and land a barrage of treys.

The other slot for an Asean import is still undecided as of yet.

Esmond Tan, Lim Aik Hock, Benjamin Lim, Presley Ho and Hj Md Badri Hj Suhaili will all return as the local players on the roster.

'We would like to thank the Brunei Tourism Board on being very supportive and helping to facilitate the team. We would also like to give credit to City Neon (Displays and Construction Sdn Bhd) for helping to market the team as well,' said Nadzaty.

The Barracudas will open their season away to the defending champions, the Philippine Patriots, on Oct 3 at the Ynares Sports Arena in the Philippines followed by a matchup against the newly formed Thailand Cobras at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok on Oct 9.

Fans in the Sultanate will get to see the Barracudas in action for the first time this season when they return home on Oct 16 to face the Patriots once again at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

The Brunei Times


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


SEABL Rep team loses to US but finishes with win over Germany - by Eurobasket News
Report Filed by Team Manager Mark Chivers


Unfortunately we played terribly against the USA two nights ago and were defeated comfortably 79-66. The USA played a zone defence for the whole game and we struggled to get any momentum going to make any inroads.


The team tried hard but looked very mentally exhausted throughout the game. Needless to say we were very disappointed with our performance. The only player to trouble the scorers was Ryan Bathie (200-F-87, college: Nicholls St.) who finished up with 21 points. No one else on the team made double figures.


But the disappointment of that loss certainly motivated us to improve for our last game against Germany, and we ended up winning that game comfortably by about 30 points.


It was a great way to finish the tour and the boys will feel very happy about their efforts representing Australia and SEABL here in China. Everyone is looking forward to our last dinner here and the chance to relax with a few beers.


Tomorrow we are on the road back to Australia. We will be leaving Pongguo at around 5am for a 2 hour bus ride to Nanning, a one hour flight to Guangzhou, a four hour flight to Singapore and then a four hour layover in Singapore before departing on the eight hour flight to Melbourne where we arrive at 6.20am on Monday.
Courtesy of: http://www.seabl.com.au

Hawks downed by Tigers in another friendly - by Eurobasket News
The Wollongong ahm Hawks finished strong in the fourth quarter but were unable to come away with a win in their second game against the Melbourne Tigers in Melbourne this weekend, going down 88-78.

The Hawks were lead by second year guard Timothy Coenraad (201-G/F-85, college: Nova SE) who finished with 30 points and 6 rebounds, continuing his already outstanding pre-season form for 2010/11.

He was well supported by David Gruber (198-F-81, college: N.Iowa) and Glen Saville (11 points each) and Gary Ervin finishing with 10 points and 5 assists.

This has been a great weekend for the Hawks, this trip is exactly what we needed to do. Its good for us to evaluate where we are as a group and we know we have a lot of work to do, thats what pre-season is about. Head Coach Gordie McLeod said.

In a scrappy game, the Hawks managed to find form in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Tigers 23-12.

For the Tigers, Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) finished with 21 points, Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah) with 13 points & 12 rebounds and import guard T.J. Campbell (175-G-88, college: Portland) had 14 points & 4 assists for the game.

The Tigers also shot 63% from the Field for the game.

The challenge with the Tigers is their size. We struggled early on and a lot of teams are going to struggle this season matching up against their front line. Gordie added.

They (Tigers) run with Nevill, Helliwell and Tragardh up front, all big guys that caused us a lot of trouble. They have a nice mix between guards who are quick and can shoot the ball well and bigs who can post up with the best of them.

The Hawks were without captain Mat Campbell who was resting a groin injury from earlier in the week and back up point guard Rhys Martin did not make the trip due to his ankle injury.

It was a good opportunity for us to test our systems against the bigger teams, overall it was a great weekend for us. We did struggle today, but our guys found a way to compete. We made a statement in the 4th, got our defense going and it was a real positive way to finish the game. McLeod concluded.

Players and coaches return to Wollongong Sunday night and will be in training all week before heading off to Adelaide next weekend for a two game series against the 36ers in Whyalla and Adelaide.

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Sakalai take second place in Inowroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Sakalai - Grodno-93 81:72

Sakalai claimed the second overall position at the pre-season tournament in Polish Inowroclaw. The Lithuanian team shot down Grodno-93 on the final day of action. Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87) and Rolandas Matulis (199-C-73) paced well-balanced effort with 16 points each.
Grodno-93 opened the game confidently. They unloaded 24 points in the first ten minutes and posted a 7-point lead. Sakalai came up with a decent answer in the second stanza. They outscored their opponents to surge ahead for a 42:38 halftime lead. Grodno-93 did not allow Sakalai to clear off in the third stanza. Moreover the Belarusian team got within just one point at the final break 58:59. But the Vilnius team proved the difference in the fourth quarter. They limited Grodno-93 to 14 points and raced to the victory at the end.
Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) notched 12 points for Sakalai. Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) contributed 11 points in the victory. Yaroslav Lemyk (203-F-85, agency: Promotex) replied with 23 points for Grodno-93. Evgeni Ivanov (196-G-84) netted 21 points in the losing effort.

Sakalai: Evaldas Baniulis 16, Rolandas Matulis 16, Virginijus Sirvydis 12
Grodno-93: Yaroslav Lemyk 23, Evgeni Ivanov 21


*****************************************************
  BRUNEI   


New coach and players revealed - by Emiliano
The wait is finally over for Brunei Barracudas fans and supporters.

After weeks of anticipation, Brunei's first professional basketball team have finally unveiled their roster for the 2010/2011 Asean Basketball League (ABL) season.

It should be noted that there will be no return of any of their imports Reggie Larry, Don Camaso, Leo Avenido and Francis 'Kiko' Adriano from last season.

Larry has gone on to join the Regal FC Barcelona II team in Spain while Avenido has signed with the Singapore Slingers.

'We decided not to resign Don and Kiko because we were looking for some younger players. With the state that we're in, import players are required to play extended minutes resulting in us getting younger players,' said Nadzaty Azma Azeez, the team owner of the Barracudas, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

'However, these guys are talented and served the team well. We wish them all the best,' she said.

American Ozell Wells will take over at the helm as the head coach for the sophomore season while local Wong Yee Chai returns for the second straight year as the assistant coach.

The 33-year-old Wells is no stranger when it comes to coaching around Asia as he has had jobs in Qatar, Syria, China and Saudi Arabia.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, he last year coached the Yemen national team, which is the 30th country he had done basketball-related work in.

The duo of American imports Kenny Boyd (203-C-82, college: Morehouse) and Chris Commons (204-F-84, college: USC Aiken) will provide toughness in the low post. Both players stand at 6ft 9in and the latter is expected to provide the most firepower for the team.

Commons is a versatile player that can play in the shooting guard or forward positions. He can also provide an inside presence on offence with post up moves down the low block or even fire the three.

The 25-year-old played for BSW Wulfen in Germany earlier in the year that saw his team emerge the 2010 WBV Cup Champions. He averaged 21.1 points per game in the campaign.

He had a monster outing for the Al Ittihad Basket Club in Bahrain in 2009, averaging 34 points per game. Other achievements under his belt include a two-time consensus NCAA All-American basketball player.

On the other hand, Boyd is a fundamental player with good footwork and an understanding of the game. The 28-year-old is a prototypical centre who will be hauling down the rebounds for the Barracudas.

He played for Tindasoll in the Icelandic Express League last season and averaged 17.3 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game.

The duo of Asean imports of Kevin White and Chester Tolomia will bolster the team at the backcourt.

White, who is a Filipino American, brought over from the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), will play the point guard position. Standing at 5ft 11in, he is an underrated player that has excellent vision on the court and can score from beyond the arc as well.

Tolomia will play the shooting guard position. Brought over from the Coca-Cola Tigers, the 30-year-old will be ready for the kick out and land a barrage of treys.

The other slot for an Asean import is still undecided as of yet.

Esmond Tan, Lim Aik Hock, Benjamin Lim, Presley Ho and Hj Md Badri Hj Suhaili will all return as the local players on the roster.

'We would like to thank the Brunei Tourism Board on being very supportive and helping to facilitate the team. We would also like to give credit to City Neon (Displays and Construction Sdn Bhd) for helping to market the team as well,' said Nadzaty.

The Barracudas will open their season away to the defending champions, the Philippine Patriots, on Oct 3 at the Ynares Sports Arena in the Philippines followed by a matchup against the newly formed Thailand Cobras at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok on Oct 9.

Fans in the Sultanate will get to see the Barracudas in action for the first time this season when they return home on Oct 16 to face the Patriots once again at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

The Brunei Times


*****************************************************
  CHINA   


CBA New Season - by Robert Wang
CBA Meeting just finished yesterday and some rules came out. All teams managers and coaches attended the meeting. Because of the asian Games' issue on Nov., CBA season 2010-2011 will start from Dec. 12 till April 29. The reguallar season will be end till March 15th. CBA will not allow the 2 imports to play together in the 4th quartor during the season. CBA cancelled the participation right of Yun Nan team this year because they own big ammount money to everything from 2 years ago. CBA all star game would be between March 18-20th , 2011.

CBA Owners Meeting - by Kevin Si
CBA News

The CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) held its own version of the NBAs owners meeting last week in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Owners, or their representatives, of all the current 17 CBA clubs were present at the meeting. Among the decisions made:

1. The regular season will start on December 12, 2010 and end on March 11, 2011.

2. The post season will start on March 23, 2011 and end in late April with the latest possible date for the last championship game on April 29.

3. There will not be a centralized foreign player draft for the upcoming season. Each team will select and sign import players via its own contacts.

4. Each team will be allowed two import players. However, between them, they can only play a total of six quarters. There was a proposal made at the meeting which requires, in the last quarter of each game, only one import player is allowed to play. However, whether this proposal will be accepted or not remains to be seen.

5. The three teams that finished last in the 2009-2010 season (Shaanxi, Qingdao and Beijing) will in addition be allowed one Asian import player per team.


In China we trust - by Alex Yam
The FIBA World Championships have been going on in Turkey, and the competition has been exciting. The Chinese National Team which going in was not seen as a threat, has done well despite their loss to Lithuania. China, led by Yue Sun (206-G/F-85), Liu Wei, Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-79) advanced to the knockout stage with some help, and showed some promise for the future of Chinese Basketball.

The National team is well coached by Bob Donewald Jr.,who doubles as the Shanghai Sharks head coach during the Chinese Basketball Season. Next up for Team China is the East Asian Games in November, which expectations are for a 1st place finish, and a medal. The Chinese National team has surprised the world and made their country proud, as they were more competitive then initially thought, without perennial NBA All Star Yao Ming, who is still recovering from his recent foot injury, expectations were low at the FIBA games.

China lost 67-78 to Lithuania in the knockout stage of the FIBA games. Lithuania plays Serbia for a bronze medal and 3rd place finish.

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


FEDERATION CUP 2010, DAY 5 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Cangrejeros beat the defending champion Cucuta-Norte in its first game at home in the Cartagenas Bernardo Caraballo Coliseum.
The arrival of Kojo Mensah and Kimany Ffriend brings to the Cartagenas team a more dangerous offensive and a stronger defense.
Again Cucuta Norte had in Clarence Mathews its best performer, Mathews leaded the team in scoring and Robounding with 24 pts, while Mensah leaded Cangrejeros.
Cucuta norte had the ball and a time out with 30 seconds left in the shot clock and 3 points behind the locals, but Francisco Sanabria neted a 3 pointer coming out from a screen to cut the gap to 1 point and 7 seconds in the clock, next position Cangrejeros made a turnover but then Cucuta failed to score the last shot, giving to Cangrejeros a 84-83 victory.
Cangrejeros 84 Kojo Mensah 22 pts
Cucuta Norte 83 Clarence Mathews 24 pts

Arrieros got a good victory defeating one of its hardest rivals Bucaros in Medellin, Bucaros had a really dark night with exception of David Cortes who scored 26 pts, Arrieros with a well balanced offensive leaded by the national scoring machine Stalin Ortiz wich his 23 pts leaded the team.
It was the first game at home for Arrieros this season, the is now sharing the lead with Bucaros and Cangrejeros
Arrieros 94 Stalin Ortiz 23 pts

Bucaros 61- David Cortes 26 pts

Piratas had a good debut night at home defeating Calis Fastbreak 86 72, again Harrison, Briones, Soler and Emiro Romero were the leaders and souls of the Black team, Harrison despite a slow start get warm in the second half to lead the team, the Fast brak shooting guard Andy Genao leaded his team with a season high 26 pts.
Piratas 86
Fastbreak 72 Andy Genao 26 pts.

Los Pastos climed his first victory of the Cup, defeating Patriotas in Pasto 82 85, Patriotas arrived to its fifth straight lost, and is now one game behind Los Pastos in the standings, Dominican Mawel Soler leaded his team.
Los Pastos 85
Patriotas 82



Standings
Copa Federacion Preliminary Round Standings
 1. Arrieros 5-1 
 2. Cangrejeros 5-1 
 3. Bucaros 4-2 
 4. Canoneros 3-3 
 5. Fast Break 3-3 
 6. Piratas 2-4 
 7. Los Pastos 1-5 
 8. Patriotas 1-5 


FEDERATION CUP 2010, DAY 6 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
In the duel of Colombo-Venezuelan teams Cangrejeros won again, the game had a different history but a same final, Cucuta took an early lead that keep it in the first three quarters thanks again to a great performance of Clarence Mathews, but in the last the Cangrejeros had an asnwer coming from the bench with Jorge Leon scoring 3 pointers, finally Cangrejeros with a great final of the game take the second victory against the defending champions.
Cangejeros 76
Cucuta Norte 72

Bucaros leaded the first half, but failed at the end of the game to keep it giving new life to Arrieros and the green team did not waisted, Bucaros had a 3 points lead with 1 minute left but then Washington failed to score and then in the fastbreak made a foul against Stalin Ortiz who drilled both free throws, and in the next posetion Bucaros made a tournover tha gives Arrieros a the oportutinty to go far in ths score
Arrieros 85
Bucaros 79

Fstbreak took revenge of its first defeat in Bogota and thanks to a great game scouting defeated Piratas to claim its third victory of the season, Piratas is now falling to the fifth place in the standings.
Piratas 91
Fastbreak 100.

Patriotas finally reached its first victory of the season defeating Los Pastos in Pasto,now both team shares the bottom of the standings
Los Pastos 87
Patriotas 94


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD new signings - by Michael Aristidou
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios announces another two players for new seazon. After the agreement with Aleksandar Matic (203-F-76) the team sign up 24 year old american Tyrone Kent (196-G/F-86, college: Toledo) who played in France-ProB last year with Brest. The other newcomer is 25 year old canadian David Collins (213-C-85, college: Bradley) who was in Slovenia last year playing for Zlatorog. The team now has eight players oficially in the roster but they already sign up the other four to finish the roster. They will announce the rest of them probably in the next 2-3 days.

*****************************************************
  DOMINICA   


Lime National Basketball League playoffs - by Rolando DeLaBarrera

Friday night saw the beginning of the Lime National Basketball League playoffs with two games at the Lindo Park, resulting in surprisingly easy victories for United Insurance Sharks and Gloria Shillingford Raptors in front of a large crowd with both Minister Gloria Shillingford and Senator Bazil supporting the Wesley team present.

Game 1- Gloria Shilligford Raptors 58 points to DCP Original X-Men 40 points, top scoring for Raptors were B.Sanderson 25 pts and Devon Barton 13 pts, while for X-Men Daryl Thomas 11pts and Renick Guiste 10 pts. Gloria Shillingford Raptors will meet the Juggernauts of Salisbury in the 1st of two semi finals starting on Wednesday next week.

Game 2 - The defending champions Blazers expected to win easily with the arrival of former national team player Donny Robinson to strengthen the team was surprise by a resolute United Insurance Sharks team of Scotshead, beating the Blazers 57 points to 48 points. Top scoring for Sharks were Iverson Jnobaptiste 20 pts and Royce Ceasar 11 while for Blazers Ricky Toussaint 14 pts and Darius Nichols 12 pts. The loss of the Blazers mean there will be a new national champion in basketball this year, the United Insurance Sharks will meet the regular season champion the Glam X-Men in the first of two semi finals in the premier league on Wednesday next week.

Games will continue tonight (Saturday) weather permitting at the Lindo Park from 7.00pm.

Game 1 - Solo Auto Starz verses Kelvar Darroux Hurricanes

Game 2 - Marigot Pakya Sonics verses Lime Pros.

DABA National Basketball League standings - by Rolando DeLaBarrera
2010 DABA LIME National Basketball League Standings

Premier Division 1st Division
Position Teams GP W L L (D) PD points Position Teams GP W L L (D) PD points
1 The Glam X-MEN 7 6 1 0 109 19 1 Solo Auto STARZ 11 9 2 0 114 29
2 Paix Bouche EAGLES 6 5 0 1 62 15 2 Raffoul SNIPERS 10 9 1 0 145 28
3 RJS BLAZERS 7 4 3 0 44 15 3 JUGGERNAUTS 10 9 1 0 95 28
4 LIME PROS 7 4 3 0 32 15 4 DCP Original X-MEN 10 7 3 0 1 24
5 Pakya MARIGOT SONICS 8 4 3 1 -6 15 5 Gloria Shillingford Wesley RAPTORS (GS-RAPTORS) 10 6 4 0 46 22
6 United Insurance SHARKS 6 4 1 1 -16 13 6 Maximum Building Supplies TIGERS 10 5 5 0 121 20
7 Castle Bruce OILERS 8 2 6 0 -97 12 7 Kelvar Darroux St. Joseph HURRICANES 10 5 4 1 -57 19
8 RC Enterprises FAITH 7 2 3 2 -42 9 8 ACS BALLERS 11 3 8 0 -119 17
9 Dr. Mac PROWLERS 8 1 3 4 -86 6 9 Bulls Eye Pharmacy PISTONS 10 3 6 1 -29 15
10 Tony Prentice & Osbornd Motors STORMERS 8 3 5 0 -26 14
11 LaPlaine SHOCKERS 11 1 10 0 -125 13
12 POLICE Sports Club 11 1 9 1 -166 12


DABA National Basketball League standings - by Rolando DeLaBarrera
Premier Division
Posiition Teams GP W L L (D) PD points
1 The Glam X-MEN 7 6 1 0 109 19
2 Paix Bouche EAGLES 6 5 0 1 62 15
3 RJS BLAZERS 7 4 3 0 44 15
4 LIME PROS 7 4 3 0 32 15
5 Pakya MARIGOT SONICS 8 4 3 1 -6 15
6 United Insurance SHARKS 6 4 1 1 -16 13
7 Castle Bruce OILERS 8 2 6 0 -97 12
8 RC Enterprises FAITH 7 2 3 2 -42 9
9 Dr. Mac PROWLERS 8 1 3 4 -86 6

DABA Playoff schedule - by Rolando DeLaBarrera
2010 DABA LIME NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

ROUND DATE TIME GAME Team 1 SCORE Team 2 LOCATION Referees Game Commissioner (s)
1 Friday, September 10, 2010 7pm 1 DCP Original X-MEN 0 0 Gloria Shillingford Wesley RAPTORS (GS-RAPTORS) Goodwill R. Moreau & D. Burton M. Joseph / D. Baron
1 Friday, September 10, 2010 9pm 1 RJS BLAZERS 0 0 United Insurance SHARKS Goodwill B. Mills & L. Dover M. Joseph / D. Baron
1 Saturday, September 11, 2010 7pm 1 Solo Auto STARZ 0 0 Kelvar Darroux St. Joseph HURRICANES Goodwill B. Mills & R. Moreau E. Matthew / R. Deschamps
1 Saturday, September 11, 2010 9pm 1 LIME PROS 0 0 Pakya MARIGOT SONICS Goodwill D. Burton & A. Harris E. Matthew / R. Deschamps
0 0
SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, September 15, 2010 7pm 1 Raffoul SNIPERS 0 0 Winner of STARZ vs. HURRICANES Goodwill Y. John & M. Bethel G. Benjamin / E. Matthew
SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, September 15, 2010 9pm 1 Paix Bouche EAGLES 0 0 Winner of PROS vs. SONICS Goodwill D.Burton & L. Dover G. Benjamin
SEMI-FINALS Friday, September 17, 2010 7pm 1 JUGGERNAUTS 0 0 Winner of Original X-MEN vs. GS-RAPTORS Goodwill B. Mills & R. Moreau I. Anselm / D. Baron
SEMI-FINALS Friday, September 17, 2010 9pm 1 The Glam X-MEN 0 0 Winner of BLAZERS vs. SHARKS Goodwill A. Harris & L. Dover I. Anselm / D. Baron
SEMI-FINALS Saturday, September 18, 2010 7pm 2 Raffoul SNIPERS 0 0 Winner of STARZ vs. HURRICANES Goodwill D. Burton & M. Bethel R. Deschamps /G. Benjamin
SEMI-FINALS Saturday, September 18, 2010 9pm 2 Paix Bouche EAGLES 0 0 Winner of PROS vs. SONICS Goodwill Y. John & A. Harris R. Deschamps /G. Benjamin
0 0
SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, September 15, 2010 7pm 2 JUGGERNAUTS 0 0 Winner of Original X-MEN vs. GS-RAPTORS Goodwill D. Burton & Y. John G. Benjamin / D. Sorhaindo
SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, September 15, 2010 9pm 2 The Glam X-MEN 0 0 Winner of BLAZERS vs. SHARKS Goodwill A. Harris & A. Morris G. Benjamin / D. Sorhaindo
SEMI-FINALS Friday, September 17, 2010 7pm 3 (if necessary) Raffoul SNIPERS 0 0 Winner of STARZ vs. HURRICANES Goodwill B. Mills & D. Burton D. Baron / M. Joseph
SEMI-FINALS Friday, September 17, 2010 9pm 3 (if necessary) Paix Bouche EAGLES 0 0 Winner of PROS vs. SONICS Goodwill L. Dover & R. Moreau D. Baron / M. Joseph
SEMI-FINALS Saturday, September 18, 2010 7pm 3 (if necessary) JUGGERNAUTS 0 0 Winner of Original X-MEN vs. GS-RAPTORS Goodwill A. Harris & M. Bethel E. Matthew / R. Deschamps
SEMI-FINALS Saturday, September 18, 2010 9pm 3 (if necessary) The Glam X-MEN 0 0 Winner of BLAZERS vs. SHARKS Goodwill Y. John & A. Morris E. Matthew / R. Deschamps
0 0
0 0


Xmen atop Premier division - by Rolando DeLaBarrera
The Glam X-Men sit atop the regular season standings with a 6-1 record. The Premier Division club is coached my Mickey Joseph and appear to be the favorite as they head into the playoffs. Dominica's men's basketball league is experiencing a resurgence as veteran members of the Dominica basketball scene are once again involved in the game. Dominican basketball has been stagnant and few if any younger players have been exported to the states to play collegiate basketball , but the resurgence of the leagues is the first step in creating a more fostering environment for basketball as a whole.

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Standings - District National
LNB Standings
North Division
 1. Metros 6-4 
 2. Tiburones 5-5 
 3. Indios SF 4-5 
 4. Reales 4-5 
South Division
 1. Caneros 6-2 
 2. Cocolos 5-3 
 3. Titanes 5-4 
 4. Leones SD 1-8 


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


TU/Rock edge Sportino to win Inowroclaw tournament - by Eurobasket News
Sportino - TU/Rock 48:73

TU/Rock clinched the title at the pre-season tournament in Inowroclaw. The Estonian champions knocked down the hosts on the final day of the tourney. Timo Eichfuss (200-F-88, agency: Liman Sports) stepped up with 16 points to pace the charge.
Sportino got an awful start to the game. The home team accounted for only three points in ten minutes and TU/Rock cleared off to an 11-point distance 14:3. Sportino continued to struggle in the second period. TU/Rock poured in 27 points and posted a 25-point lead at the interval. Sportino finally showed some signs of recovery in the third frame. They limited the visitors to 12 points and cut the distance. But TU/Rock stayed calm and determined in the final stanza and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Grand Valley St.) and Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89, agency: Buck Andre) notched 11 points each for the winners. Asko Paade (206-F-84) and Tanel Kurbas (197-F-88, agency: Buck Andre) added 10 points each for the Tartu team. Wojciech Zurawski (199-F/C-76) replied with 13 points for Sportino. Pawel Mowlik (182-G-89) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Sportino: Wojciech Zurawski 13, Pawel Mowlik 9
TU/Rock: Timo Eichfuss 16, Callistus Eziukwu 11, Sten-Timmu Sokk 11


Tourney's - by Casey Archibald
Whatsup Everyone....

Well my life has basically been all hoops for the past few weeks with our pre-season schedule and with the World Championships on every night. I was glued to the games every chance I got. I must say that I was extremely impressed with how Turkey played throughout the tourney. They were the biggest surprise for me. Their zone defence earlier in the tourney might have been one of the best zones that I've seen. With that being said running with the USA for 40 minutes after a tough 1 pt win the night before was going to be hard no matter how nice their D was, or how hype their home court crowd was. USA just had so many guys that they were able get out and pressure the ball and not lose much quality when they would go to their bench. But how about Lithuania's shooting performance against Argentina in the quarter finals? I mean at one point they were 11-14 from outside!!! Hard to beat that. I won't speak on Canada's performance much because no matter how you cut it 0-6 is tough. With that being said we controlled the game against Lithuania for 35 minutes only to lose by 2 at the end, and we played it close with France. I think our program is close to being good but we're just missing a few key pieces. It's obviously unfortunate that Steve Nash (190-G-74, college: Santa Clara) has retired from international ball as he would be a biiiiig addition, but at his age and what kind of minutes he would be expected to play it would be really tough on his body. All in all it was a great tourney though.

We just finished a pre-season tourney this past weekend where we played and won 3 games in 3 days against two different teams from Finland and a team from Sweden. We were able to play all our guys quite equally and give the younger guys a chance to play so I think it was a successful weekend for us. We definitely have a lot of work to do but we've still got a couple weeks before our first real game so I'm sure we'll get to where we need to be.

Next time I'll fill you in on more of the Estonian lifestyle rather than just hoops.

Stay Fresh.


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  EUROCUP   


Aris inks young Mavrogiannis, PAOK keeps Gecevski - by Eurobasket News
Aris BSA 2003 made a move for the future. The Thessaloniki team signed a five-year deal with promising guard Georgios Mavrogiannis (193-G-92). The 18-year-old player is coming to Aris from G.S. Niki Volou, who competes in division C. He was a member of U18 Greek National Team at the latest U18 EuroBasket in Vilnius. Mavrogiannis appeared 9 times at this event averaging 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals. In 2008, he played for U16 Greece at the U16 EuroBasket in Italy. Mavrogiannis finished this event as third scorer with 19.8 ppg for five games. He also had 2.6 rpg and 1.2 assists beside that.
Meanwhile, PAOK officially announced signing of Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) to a one-year contract extension. The experienced FYR Macedonian center joined PAOK last summer from Zadar. He played 28 games in Greek A1 collecting 9.8 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.2 apg. Gecevski was the Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup Center of the Year in 2009. He appeared 13 times for Zadar in this competition registering 14.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.4 spg. He was their member from 2004 to 2009. In the past Todor Gechevski played for Brandt Hagen, Fersped Rabotnicki and Air Avelino.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Caja Laboral brings in Florent Pietrus to a one-month deal - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced signing of French player Florent Pietrus (202-F-81) to a one-month deal. The 29-year old forward will replace Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who was released by the Spanish team yesterday.
Florent Pietrus is coming to Caja Laboral from Valencia, where he spent last two years. In 2009/10 season he played 17 EuroCup games for them registering 2.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Valencia won the trophy in this competition and booked a spot for Eurolegue 2010/11. In Spanish league, Pietrus collected 3.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 36 games. In his first season with Valencia, Pietrus had almost the same numbers.
Before Valencia, Florent Pietrus played one year for MMT Estudiantes Madrid. From 2004 to 2007 he was a member of Unicaja Malaga. They won the ACB title in 2006, when Pietrus had 3.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 45 games. Unicaja was the Copa del Rey winner a year before. In 2003 and 2004, Florent Pietrus helped Pau-Orthez to win the ProA championship. He was one of their best players in both seasons. Pietrus is a member of the French National Team. He appeared four times for them in Turkey averaging 4.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

Buducnost inks Bosnian NT player Aleksej Nesovic - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost announced signing of point guard Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85, agency: Beo Basket). The 25-year old Bosnian arrives to Montenegrin powerhouse from Borac Cacak, where he spent second half of 2009/10 season. He appeared 14 times with the Serbian outfit averaging 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals. Nesovic started last season in Turkey with Aliaga Petkim, but they parted ways after one game.
Aleksej Nesovic is a player with Euroleague experience as he spent first half of 2008/09 season with Asseco Prokom. For 10 games he registered 5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.3 apg. He also appeared 14 times in Polish league adding 6.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.6 apg. In January of 2009, Nesovic left Asseco Prokom and joined Union Olimpija. With them he won the double in Slovenia (championship title and National Cup). For 13 league games he had 4.6 ppg and 1.5 apg. In Adriatic league, Nesovic collected 8 ppg and 2.3 apg for 9 games. In the past the Bosnian PG played for AEP Olimpias patron, Fuenlabrada, Hemofarm, Zagreb, EnBW Ludwigsburg and Crvena Zvezda.
Aleksej Nesovic is active member of the Bosnian National Team. He played 8 games for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 posting averages of 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assist sand 1.4 steals.

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  FINLAND   


Pyrinto Tampere participated in the International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Pyrinto Tampere participated in the International tournament with 6 teams in it.
In Day 1 Artland Dragons rolled over Tampereen Pyrinto 75:70. Both teams exchanged the victories in the first two quarters as the Finnish side enjoyed42:35 at the halftime. The German team won two quarters in the second half to seal the victory. Rice stepped up with 15 points and Peavy added 14. D. Williams responded with 17 points in the losing effort.
In Day 2 Telekom Baskets Bonn edged Pyrinto Tampere 79:55. The German team controlled the game for the majority of time and rightfully reached the second win. Wise top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Jacob Jaacks (208-F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Iowa) posted 12. Williams responded with 11 points for the Finnish team.
Artland Dragons reached the second win beating LTi GIESSEN 46ers 74:58. Fenn poured in 16 points and Rice scored 14. Perl answered with 15 points in the losing case.
In Day 3 Pyrinto Tampere overcame LTi 46ers 77:69. Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) posted 21 points to lead all the winners. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) netted 20 and Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) nailed 15. Zachery Peacock ended up with 22 points in the losing effort and Tim Schwartz (199-F-87) scored 13.


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  FRANCE   


Limoges win pre-season tournament in Brest - by Eurobasket News
Limoges celebrated victory at the pre-season tournament in Brest. The French outfit held off Dnipro of Ukraine 88:82 in the title game.
Limoges opened the tourney with an 84:72 victory against Nantes. Christophe Massie (206-F/C-77, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Memphis) stepped up with 24 points to pace the winners. Nantes led by four points after ten minutes but the strong second frame put Limoges in charge 45:33. They maintained the distance throughout the second half and recorded a well-deserved win at the end. Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) nailed 19 points for Limoges. Anthony Farmer (185-G-86, college: Rutgers) replied with 18 points for Nantes.
Next Limoges faced Dnipro. It was a tough battle with the outcome decided in overtime. Limoges came out winners 88:82. Cedrick Banks fired 26 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Limoges. Christophe Massie added 23 points and 14 rebounds. The French team were up by 6 points at the first intermission. But Dnipro gradually denied the deficit and leveled things up at 73 at the end of regulation. The teams headed into overtime where Limoges proved the difference. Zach Wright (188-G-85, college: Cent.Missouri) chipped in 16 points in the victory. Steve Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) answered with game-high 33 points for Dnipro. Desmon Farmer (195-G-81, college: USC) had 13 points in the loss.
Quimper occupied the third position as they held off Nantes 57:46. Marvin Jefferson (206-C-86, college: Idaho) nailed 14 points and collected 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Jean-Richard Volcy (202-F-82, college: N.Michigan) had 10 points for Quimper. Korvotney Barber (201-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) and Olivier Bardet (202-F-80) finished with 12 points apiece in the loss.



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  GERMANY   


DeUndrae Spraggins joins BG Illertal/Weissenhorn - by Moritz Korff
BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (2. Bundesliga Pro B) has added DeUndrae Spraggins (191-G-83, agency: HBA Sports, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) to its 2010-2011 roster. The 27-year-old guard guided the Rhoendorf Dragons to the Pro B championship in this past season and was named to the 2009-10 Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro B First Team and All-Defensive Team. Spraggins played 29 games for the Dragons and tallied 20.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2 steals per contest.

Telekom Baskets Bonn wins SWG-Cup - by Eurobasket News
Telekom Baskets Bonn wins SWG-Cup with 6 teams participating over the weekend.
In Day 1 Telekom Baskets Bonn overcame LTi Giessen 46ers 96:58. Campbell paced all the winners with 23 points and Nic Wise (178-G, agency: Buck Andre, college: Arizona) added 19.
Artland Dragons rolled over Tampereen Pyrinto 75:70. Both teams exchanged the victories in the first two quarters as the Finnish side enjoyed42:35 at the halftime. The German team won two quarters in the second half to seal the victory. Rice stepped up with 15 points and Peavy added 14. D. Williams responded with 17 points in the losing effort.
TV Langen outscored VfB Gieen Pointers 85:54.
In Day 2 Telekom Baskets Bonn edged Pyrinto Tampere 79:55. The German team controlled the game for the majority of time and rightfully reached the second win. Nic Wise top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Jaacks posted 12. Williams responded with 11 points for the Finnish team.
Artland Dragons reached the second win beating LTi GIESSEN 46ers 74:58. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) poured in 16 points and Rice scored 14. Perl answered with 15 points in the losing case.
TV Lich lost to TV Langen 51:73. The latter started with 16-11 in the opening quarter and never looked behind.
In Day 3 Pyrinto Tampere overcame LTi 46ers 77:69. Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) posted 21 points to lead all the winners. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) netted 20 and Antwine Williams nailed 15. Zachery Peacock ended up with 22 points in the losing effort and Tim Schwartz (199-F-87) scored 13.
In the last game of the tournament Telekom Baskets Bonn beat Artland Dragons 86:65. Trailing 40:49 at the halftime Telekom Baskets Bonn exploded with 27-6 in the third quarter to win the game. Jeremy Hunt (196-G-83, agency: Buck Andre, college: Memphis) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Campbell nailed 18. Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (206-F-85, college: Maryland) ended up with 15 points and 9 rebounds.


Sebastian Greene moves to Ludwigsburg - by Daniel Poerschke
EnBW Ludwigsburg of the german BBL announced the signing of german forward Sebastian Greene (203-F-84, college: Fordham). The move was necessary, because youngster Ziyed Chennoufi (202-F-88) injured his knee last week in practice and therefore will miss an undisclosed amount of time. Greene was with Bayern Muenchen in the Pro A last year and averaged 12.2ppg in 22 games.
Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) will also miss 8-10 weeks because of a knee injury. If Ludwigsburg will get a replacement player instead, is not sure as of right now.

PGE Turow clinch PGE President Cup - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow - New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig 70:64

Turow celebrated the PGE President Cup title. They overcame Braunschweig for the trophy. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) knocked down 22 points to pace the winners.
The German team got to the slightly better start. They managed to take a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Turow however struck back in the second quarter. The Polish team limited their opponents to 11 points and grabbed a 37:31 lead at the interval. Turow maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter. Braunschweig continued to struggle offensively in the third period. They knocked down only 12 points and Turow rallied to a 10-point lead into the final quarter. New Yorker Phantoms found the right rhythm in the fourth period but it was too late to save the encounter. Turow stayed ahead and recorded a confident win at the end. Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) nailed 19 points for the Polish side. Robert Tomaszek (205-F-81, college: Texas Tech) added 9 points for the hosts. Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) replied with 16 points for Braunschweig. Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) knocked down 10 points in the loss.

PGE Turow: Torey Thomas 22, Konrad Wysocki 19, Robert Tomaszek 9
Braunschweig: Marcus Goree 16, Kevin Hamilton 10


The Rapid 10 Miles Questions Basketball Exchange With Jacob Burtschi (Phoenix Hagen) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jacob Burtschi (198-F, college: Air Force) is a 26 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who will be a rookie this season for Phoenix Hagen. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were
All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07 Jacob took the rapid 10 miles questions basketball exchange at Eurobasket.



You played your last NCAA game in 2007. How strange is it being a professional basketball rookie at age 26?

It is definitely a little strange being a 26 year old rookie but im happy that I have the opportunity to play. I had a commitment to the Air Force, served my time, and now I have an opportunity to chase a childhood dream

Do you feel a lot of pressure having to step up and show the skills that you had in the NCAA despite not having played since 3 years? You did play club ball with Air Force the last three years, but thats not the same.

It's definitely not the same, but you take what your given and work with it. I am putting a lot of pressure on myself. I left a good life in the Air Force to chase a dream and I always wonder if I am kidding myself trying to leave that to come compete in such a tough league. I could surprise some people in this league or I could be a bust... time will tell

You are from a small town in Oklahoma and Hagen is a middle sized German city. How do you like Germany and what do you like most about the country?

I like Germany so far. I need rosetta stone to cut back on this language barrier, but the people have been great and friendly thus far. and to be honest I love vapiano's the most about this place.

How has training camp been for you? It seems as coach Ingo Freyer has had a tough training camp?

Training camp has been tough. I havent been through a camp like this since my days at Air Force. some muscles I havent used in a couple years, but I still feel good and he pushes us everyday, which is what we need.

Phoenix Hagen struggled last season, but this season, the club seems to have learned of past mistakes and chosen a solid roster. What can we expect from the team and what style of play can we see?

You can expect this team to compete night in and night out. We want to be the in-your-face defensive style basketball team that will push it after a make or miss. We want to become the team you hate to play. You can never control if the ball falls in for you, but you can control how you play defense. We want to put ourselves in a position every night to have a chance to win.

How is your relationship to coach Ingo Freyer. How is his mentality as coach and style different from your past coaches in USA?

Coach and I have a good relationship. He helps me with my game everyday and we talk about our schemes and where we fit as a team. His mentality is the same as all the coaches I have had. they want to be tough, they want us to get better everyday, and they want to be in a position to win each game.

What is a strength in your game that nobody really knows about?

I'm a 26 year old rookie, I cant let all my secrets out. I have to have some advantage. but I would say my ability to read defenses and put myself or my teammates in a position to score.

What was your most bizare experience in the Air Force that you will never forget?

Living in the woods for 2 weeks during basic training was quite an experience. 4 am wake ups, on your feet til 11 pm, one minute showers, and doing all kinds of drills and exercises and some of the food we had to eat. its more of one of those stories where you have had to of gone through it or been there to appreciate it.

How well will the Miami heat do with Lebron James?

I still think the Lakers will win it next year (note: i am NOT a Lakers fan) but they are still too big for any team. but Lebron, d wade, bosh and the heat will win 2 or 3 before its all said and done.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Taken

Thnaks Jacob for the chat! Good luck this season!


Victories for Brose Baskets and Phoenix Hagen - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets won another two friendly games. At first they edged Bayern 91:72 trailing however 23:24 at the end of the first period. Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 16. Hines posted 14, while Land and James Roberston (183-G) brought 12 points each. Later the team won over Ludwigsburg 91:75. Reyshawn Terry stepped up with 22 points and Hines added 19. Anton Gavel produced 17 and Jacobsen posted 13.
Phoenix Hagen meanwhile thrashed SVD Dortmund 118:66. The more experienced team won the half 54:35 and easily sealed the victory. Jacob Burtschi (198-F, college: Air Force) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Mark Dorris (188-G, college: Marshall) nailed 20. Spohr delivered 18, while Matt Terwilliger (206-F/C-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ohio St.) brought 17 points. Later on Phoenix Hagen beat Paderborn 87:72. They won the first half 48:34 and did not slow down in the second half. Mark Dorris stepped up with 22 points and Pryor scored 18. Jacob Burtschi delivered 15, while Bell posted 13.


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  GREECE   


Peristeri waives Anthony Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Peristeri announced that Anthony Johnson (191-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Montana) is no longer member of the team. The Greek outfit decided to release the American guard, who joined them this summer. Johnson arrived to Peristeri for his first professional season. He graduated this year at the University of Montana averaging 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3 assists for 32 games as a senior. His school won the Big Sky Conference and Johnson was named Big Sky Conference All-Tournament MVP -10. In 2009, he was named Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year. At that time he registered 17.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.1 apg. According to some sources, Johnson could continue in Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Aris Thessaloniki shows interest in Chris Thomas. The American guard, with Polish passport, spent last three years in Spain. In the latest season he was a member of Fuenlabrada averaging 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 games. From 2007 to 2009 he played for Polaris World Murcia. He had about 10.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 4.5 apg in both years. Thomas already played in Greece in his career. On season 2006/07 he was a member of Marousi. He had 8.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.3 apg for 12 games at that time (A1). Thomas graduated at the Notre Dame University in 2005.

Aris inks young Mavrogiannis, PAOK keeps Gecevski - by Eurobasket News
Aris BSA 2003 made a move for the future. The Thessaloniki team signed a five-year deal with promising guard Georgios Mavrogiannis (193-G-92). The 18-year-old player is coming to Aris from G.S. Niki Volou, who competes in division C. He was a member of U18 Greek National Team at the latest U18 EuroBasket in Vilnius. Mavrogiannis appeared 9 times at this event averaging 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals. In 2008, he played for U16 Greece at the U16 EuroBasket in Italy. Mavrogiannis finished this event as third scorer with 19.8 ppg for five games. He also had 2.6 rpg and 1.2 assists beside that.
Meanwhile, PAOK officially announced signing of Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) to a one-year contract extension. The experienced FYR Macedonian center joined PAOK last summer from Zadar. He played 28 games in Greek A1 collecting 9.8 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.2 apg. Gecevski was the Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup Center of the Year in 2009. He appeared 13 times for Zadar in this competition registering 14.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.4 spg. He was their member from 2004 to 2009. In the past Todor Gechevski played for Brandt Hagen, Fersped Rabotnicki and Air Avelino.

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  HOLLAND   


PromotieDivisie News: Welcome new teams in the Promotie - by Terry Cooper
2010-2011 season in the Promotie will introduce 4 new teams to the PromotieDivisie while it says farewell to two teams and a well respected powerhouse. Black Eagles, Cangeroes, Almonte, and Wildcats will enter their first season ready to compete in the league and gain respect early. The Cangeroes of Utrecht was previously in the Promotie for 2 seasons before dropping back to the 1st Division due to a late withdraw from EBBC in 2009-10. The teams that will not be participating this season are BV Rooi, Initial High Five, and long time powerhouse MSV Noordwijk. Due to a lack of promotiedivisie talented players committing to play, the team felt it was best to withdraw before the season. Initial High Five finished second to last in which was an automatic relegation. BV Rooi also decided not to play which was a great shock for this team had a promising upside in the league. With no disrespect to other teams but now we can see that the current finanacial situation has taken its toll on teams in the division. However, with open arms we welcome the new teams and current participants to the league. As always, we ask all teams to please submit rosters to me as soon as possible and hopefully new teams in the league will welcome players from dropped teams to help get to the promise land of making the Final Four. Send all roster information to solthought@msn.com and stay tuned


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  HUNGARY   


Albacomp triumphed in Grand Trans Farm tournament - by Eurobasket News
Albacomp triumphed in Grand Trans Farm tournament. Eurobasket wrote about the first day in Hungary and here are the detailed news about the second and the last days. In Day 2 Albacomp edged CSM Oradea 105:85 for the second win. The Hungarian team lost the first period 24:25, but stormed past the opponents with 33-17 in the second period. CSM Oradea woke up with 23-14 in the third frame, but Albacomp needed 34-20 in the last stanza to win the game. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) stepped up with 32 points and Simon nailed 20. Andras Madar (191-G-91) followed them with 16 and Rubin notched 11. Topchov responded with 16 points in the losing effort and Andelko Mandic (198-F-76) netted 13.
KK Novi Sad grabbed 92:85 over Marso-NYKK. The Serbia team started the game with 21:12 and added massive 29-18 in the second period. Marso-NYKK replied with 35-18 in the third frame and lost the last period 20-24. Bunics paced all the winners with 27 points, while Dogo collected 21 points and 12 rebounds. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) collected 20 points and 12 points for the Serbia side. Bosko Stojakovic ended up with 22 points and 12 caroms in defeat and Marshall poured in 20.
In the last day of the tournament Romanian CSM Oradea beat KK Novi Sad 100:98 in overtime. Oradea erupted with 29:14 in the opening quarter and held the same difference at the halftime. Serbia squad however managed to come back and had massive 29-11 in the third period. After 27-24 in the last frame the teams were tied after 40 minutes and needed overtime where Romanian team produced 15-13 for the win. Andelko Mandic top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Maric nailed 18. Mitchell chipped in 12, whilst Stefan notched 11. Dogo produced 21 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case. Szubotic scored 19, Vujosevics brought 16 and Bunics scored 12.
Albacomp triumphed with 81:80 win over Marso-NYKK. It was a great game between two Hungarian teams but at the every end the favorite grabbed the necessary win. Adam Hanga ended up with 30 points for the winners and Rubin brought 13. Bosko Stojakovic replied with 26 points in the losing case.
Adam Hanga was named the top-scorer of the tournament, while Bosko Stojakovic (197-G-84) the best guard. Dusko Bunic (207-C-89) received the Best Center award and Andelko Mandic the best player.


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  ITALY   


Top Interperformances players still on the market - by John McMillen
Despite the financial crisis, this year, at the beginning of September, Interperformances has already placed over the 70% of its players beating the past season previous record. Some of the outstanding players that are still free agents among others are:

Point Guards:
Leemire Goldwire (180-G-84, college: Charlotte) (Sioux Falls - USA)
Jason Fontenet (178-G-82, college: Oregon St.) (Olimpia Larissas - Greece)
Brandon Ewing (187-G-86, college: Wyoming) (Hamaccabia Ramat Gan - Israel)
Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, college: S.Florida) (Siauliai - Lithuania)

Guards:
Larry O'Bannon (194-G-83, college: Louisville) (Maccabi Rishon - Israel)
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) (Sevilla - Spain)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82) (Murcia - Spain)
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, college: W.Kentucky) (Crvena Zvezda - Serbia)

Small Forwards:
Roger Powell (198-F-83, college: Illinois) (Murcia - Spain)
Roberto Gabini (198-F-75 (Napoli - Italy)
Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, college: Washington) (Roma - Italy)

Power Forwards/Centers:
Peter Ezugwu (203-C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Michigan) (Imola - Italy)
Justin Williams (206-F/C-84, college: Wyoming) (Sacramento Kings 07- USA)
Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, college: S.Alabama) (Teramo - Italy)
Ian Hanavan (202-F-80, college: Evansville) (Nymburk - Czech Republic)
Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) (Dijon - France)

By entering our website you may check the profiles of these players and several other interesting names that can help your team for the 2010/2011 season.
These and several other interesting clients could be in help turning around the season for your club this year..


Childress joins Sassari - by Gianni Pascucci
Polisportiva Dinamo Ford Sassari announced the agreement with veteran player Randolph Childress (190-G-72, college: Wake Forest), who will replace in roster the injured Travis Diener (183-G-82, college: Marquette), out for at least a month (muscle strain). Chidlress should join Sassari soon and will wear shirt # 22

A Dilettanti Cup, first round - by Armando Caporaso
In the last weekend there was the first round of the league cup. The 8 winners of each group will play in the second round in 18/19 September.

Group A - Semifinals
Pavia - Omegna 61-69 (Scodavolpe 13, Biligha 12 - Picazio 15, Carra 12)
Moncalieri - Castelletto 67-74 (Conti 20, Masper 14 - Prelazzi 24, Marusic 12)
Final
Omegna - Castelletto 76-81 (Carra 17, Ammannato 13 - Sandri 24, Raminelli 20)

Group B - Semifinals
Treviglio - Riva del Garda 84-66 (Marino 23, Milani 14 - Hassan 28, Bastoni 12)
Trento - Brescia 84-74 (Giroli 26, Benevelli 14 - Bushati 22, Ghersetti 13)
Final
Treviglio - Trento 86-79 (Marino 20, Reati 20 - Spanghero 18, Zivic 18)

Group C - Semifinals
Trieste - Siena 68-74 (Moruzzi 19, Benfatto 10 - Casadei 17, Spizzichini 15)
Piacenza - Ozzano 85-59 (Cazzaniga 16, Loschi 16 - Fontecchio 14, Sanguinetti 11)
Final
Siena - Piacenza 76-73 (Andreaus 18, Casagrande 17 - Bolzonella 21, Plateo 16)

Group D - Semifinals
Recanati - Perugia 65-70 (Pederzini 16, Pierini 15 - Pazzi 16, Musso 14)
Senigallia - Osimo 75-42 (Perini 19, Gnaccarini 12 - Verri 14, Rinaldi 10)
Final
Perugia - Senigallia 67-69 (Poltroneri 17, Pazzi 15 - Monticelli 15, Penserini 14)

Group E - Semifinals
Latina - Palestrina 69-61 (Amoroso 16, Villani 12 - Rossi 12, Capitanelli 10)
Ferentino - Rieti 80-73 (Rabaglietti 21, Cardillo 20 - Becerra 19, Ferrienti 15)
Final
Latina - Ferentino 60-56 (Amoroso 11, Soloperto 10 - Carrizo 15, Rabaglietti 15)

Group F - Semifinals
Ostuni - Ruvo 71-66 (Morena 19, Gigena 11 - Malamov 16, Zerini 15)
Bisceglie - Molfetta 63-56 (Rosignoli 12, Gori 12 - Rugolo 17, Maggi 11)
Final
Ostuni - Bisceglie 84-87 ot (Circosta 20, Basei 16 - Stijepovic 26, Gori 22)

Group G - Semifinals
Matera - Anagni 71-74 (Lagioia 21, Grappasonni 16 - Santolamazza 23, Romano 15)
Potenza - Massafra 73-76 (Bagnoli 22, Chiarastella 15 - Quaglia 16, Cucinelli 14)
Final
Anagni - Massafra 72-79 (Santolamazza 15, Romano 13 - Scarponi 18, Gigena 14)

Group H - Semifinals
Agrigento - S.Antimo 62-61 (Ferrara 15, Barsanti 15 - Valentini 13, Galgiardo 12)
Trapani - Patti 73-55 (Evangelisti 18, Santarossa 16 - Mori 14, Riva 10)
Final
Agrigento - Trapani 75-79 (Barsanti 17, Casella 14 - Evangelisti 20, Bisconti 14)

This the two groups for the second round:

A: SBS Castelletto Ticino, Goldengas Senigallia, Consum.it Siena, Co.Mark Treviglio
B: Benacquista Latina, Cisa Massafra, Ambrosia Bisceglie, Basket Trapani

Weekend friendly games and full stats - by Eurobasket News
Italian teams continue to prepare for the upcoming season playing friendly games mostly with each other.
On September 11th FASTWEB CASALE MONFERRATO lost to CIMBERIO VARESE 78:80. Thomas stepped up with 23 points and Kangur netted 13. Fantoni replied with 26 points in the losing effort.
Last night was rich for many games as Sundays are always known for the games in Italy. VANOLI-BRAGA CREMONA surprised LOTTOMATICA ROMA 81:70. Foster posted 15 points for the winners and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) netted 14. Crosariol delivered 17 points in the losing effort.
PRIMA VEROLI rolled over BENNET CANTU 87:82. Jakson top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Scottie Reynolds (188-G-87, college: Villanova) poured in 18. Mazzarino produced 15 points in the losing case.
SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA PESARO took 72:65 over FILENI BPA JESI as Collins poured in 17 points for the winners. Maggioli brought 15 points for his side.

FASTWEB CASALE MONFERRATO-CIMBERIO VARESE 78-80
FASTWEB: Matteo Malaventura (196-G-78) 21, Gentile 3, Hickmann 7, Nnamaka, Pierich 7, Taylor 2, Stefano Masciadri (200-F-89) 6, Chiotti 5, Fantoni 26, Ferrero 1. All. Crespi
CIMBERIO: Bernardi, Goss ne, Mian 4, Rannikko 12, Antonelli 2, Righetti 6, Galanda 10, Thomas 23, Kangur 13, Cotani 9, Trepalovac 1. All. Recalcati.

VANOLI-BRAGA CREMONA-LOTTOMATICA ROMA 81-70
VANOLI-BRAGA: Earl Rowland 14, Conti 3, Sekulic 10, Formenti 3,
Perkovic 11, Milic 13, Marenzi 2, Foster 15, Drozdov 10. All. Tomo Mahoric
LOTTOMATICA: Giachetti 11, Tonolli 2, Washington 10, Vitali 12,
Traore 8, Dedovic 2, Toure 3, Iannilli 5, Crosariol 17. All. Matteo
Boniciolli.

FILENI BPA JESI-SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA PESARO 65-72
FILENI BPA: Pecile 9, Nocedal 9, Elder 13, Mobley 14, Maggioli 15.
Rossi 2, Santiangeli, Tagliabue 3, Pergolini. Fuori: Migliori ne (problema muscolare). All. Cioppi.
SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA: Collins 17, Cinciarini 8, Morris Almond (198-F-85, college: Rice) 15, Bartolucci 4, Aleksandrov 2, Hackett 5, Traini 7, Diaz 7, Flamini, Steffel 7. All. Dal Monte.
PARZIALI: 12-18, 23-29, 44-54.

BENNET CANTU' PRIMA VEROLI 82-87
BENNET: Micov, Ortner 10, Markoishvili11, Leunen 8, Marconato 14, Mazzarino 15, Mian 2, Urbutis 7, Diviach 3, Tabu 6, Maspero ne, Green 6. All Trinchieri.
PRIMA: Scottie Reynolds 18, Binetti 7, Fontana, Rosselli 14, Iannone, Iannarilli ne, Gatto 9, Kavaliauskas 5, Labbate ne, Rossetti 4, Brigo, Jakson 19, Brkic 11. All. Cavina.

CRABS RIMINI-ENEL BRINDISI 57-65
CRABS: Scarone 9, Roderick 12, Vukcevic 20, Tassinari, Lollis 8; Tomassini, Gurini 12, Eliantonio, Metreveli 2, Dimitrov 2, Gasparin ne. All.: Caja.
ENEL: Dixon 15, Maresca 10, Diawara 15, Nikola Radulovic (207-F-73) 14, Bavcic 5, Giovacchini, Infante 8. All.: Perdichizzi.
PARZIALI: 15-17, 32-33, 51-44.

PEPSI CASERTA-FABI MONTEGRANARO 62-57
PEPSI: Marzaioli, Koszarek 8, Ere 14, Colussi 3, Parrillo, Bowers 7, Garr 2, Cefarelli n.e., Martin 7, Oyedeji 4, J.Jones 17. All. Sacripanti
FABI: Padius 1, Piunti n.e., B.Jones 4, Nasini n.e., Sorrentino n.e., Antonutti 7, Fenati n.e., Ray 21, Luca Canavesi (193-F-89) 8, Cinciarini 6, Ongenaet 8, Ivanov 4. All. Pillastrini.
PARZIALI: 22-16; 45-32; 50-44

ANGELICO BIELLA-CIMBERIO VARESE 76-76
ANGELICO: Sosa 12), Slaughter 8, Viggiano 14, Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford) 20, Suton 14, Jurak, Soragna 4, Chessa 6, Minessi, Krstic ne. All.. Cancellieri.
CIMBERIO: Goss 18, Mian ne, Rannikko 5, Antonelli 1, Righetti 2, Galanda 11, Thomas 12, Kangur 12, Cotani 3, Trepalovac. All. Recalcati.
PARZIALI: 14-17,32-39, 51-58

PEPSI CASERTA-ENEL BRINDISI 78-68
PEPSI: Bowers 11, Jones 14, Ere 20, Oyedeji 1, Garri 7, Koszarek 11, Parrillo, Marzaioli ne, Colussi 5, Martin 9, Cefarelli ne. Allenatore: Sacripanti
ENEL: Dixon 18, Diawara 6, Maresca 9, Nikola Radulovic 10, Fevola 6, Infante 6, Giovacchini 5, Bavcic 8, Plumari ne, Vorzillo ne. Allenatore: Perdichizzi
PARZIALI: 25-20, 38-42, 54-55.

BENNET CANTU'FILENI JESI 77- 62
BENNET: Micov ne, Ortner 4, Markoishvili 16, Leunen 13, Marconato 11, Mazzarino 3, Mian 9, Urbutis 6, Diviach 5, Tabu 4, Maspero ne, Green 6. All Trinchieri.
FILENI: Maggioli 17, Rossi 5, Nocedal 10, Pecile, Tagliabue 3, Bargnesi ne, Pergolini 2, Migliori ne, Elder 16, Santiangeli 1, Mobley 10. All. Cioppi .
PARZIALI: 19- 14, 39- 30, 56- 43.

SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA PESARO-PRIMA VEROLI 79-77
SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA: Collins21, Flamini 5,Cinciarini 14, Aleksandrov 10, Hackett 8, Morris Almond 2, Bartolucci 2, Traini 5, Steffel 4, Diaz 8. All. Dalmonte.
PRIMA: Reynolds 20, Binetti 6, Fontana, Rosselli 6, lannone n.e, lannarilli n.e, Gatto 11, Kavaliauskas4, Labate n.e, Rossetti 2, Brigo, Jackson 16, Brkic 9. All. Cavina.
PARZIALI: 19-14; 43-32 ; 61 -47.

CANADIAN SOLAR BOLOGNA-PISTOIA 2000 72-69
CANADIAN SOLAR: Blizzard 13, Poeta, Moraschini 5, Jared Homan (206-C-83, college: Iowa St.) 15, Win-ston 3, Sanikizde 9, Martinoni 2, Gailius 15, Werner 4, Gaddefords 2, Parzenski 2, Amoroso 2, Person. All. Lardo
PISTOIA 2000: Berti 4, Filloy 9, Porzingis 17, Fucka 5, Toppo 8, Nesi ne, Petrucci ne, Marzoli, Forte 19, Saccaggi, Tuci ne, Varnado 8. All. Moretti PARZIALI: 13-12, 29-29, 40-51.
(Stats are courtesy of: http://www.legabasket.it/)


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Hitachi Sunrockers sign Alfred Aboya - by Eurobasket
Hitachi Sunrockers signed 25-year old Cameroonian international power forward Alfred Aboya (206-F/C-85, college: UCLA). Aboya played most recently at Link Tochigi Brex (JBL). While playing 22 games for Tochigi Brex last season he recorded 7.6ppg and 5.1rpg and winning the league.
He has experiences also in Europe in French league with Gravelines and Antibes.


By Eurobasket Data Center



*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Tobol post two victories in pre-season tournament in Magnitogorsk - by Eurobasket News
Tobol Kostanay traveled to Russia to take part at the pre-season tournament in Magnitogorsk. The Kazakh vice-champions managed to reach Final where they lost to Metallurg-University 71:84.
Tobol opened their campaign against Sibirtelekom-Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. The Kostanay outfit proved the strength claiming a narrow 80:77 victory. Tobol trailed by two points heading into the fourth quarter but managed to eke out win at the end. Pavel Mikheev (200-F-83) top-scored with 24 points for Tobol. Krylov added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Next Tobol faced Metallurg-Universitet and suffered a massive 80:114 blow. Pavel Mikheev once again led the visitors but this time it was not enough. The Magnitogorsk team dominated from start to finish to record a well-deserved win at the end. Timur Sultanov (180-G-81) and Aleksandr Derbush (194-G-77) had 10 points each in the loss.
However Tobol managed to squeeze into the title game after they prevailed against Tobolsk-Neftehim 77:70. Pavel Mikheev once again stepped up for the Kazakh team accounting for 24 points. Berik Ismailov (180-G-87) contributed 13 points in the victory.


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Zemgale finds missing big-guy - by Arturs Butans
Latvian Basketball League (LBL) team BK Zemgale Jelgava, has strengthen their roster with former Latvian U-20 starting center Lauris Blaus (204-C-90). Lauris Blaus is the first players to join BK Zemgale Jelgava this year. Lauris Blaus played in Ventspils last two years, and now he is loaned to BK Zemgale Jelgava for one year. Ventspils had too many players in low post and they decided to loan Lauris Blaus to let him get more playing time in BK Zemgale Jelgava. Lauris Blaus can be the missing asset for Varis Krumins team, because they have only one center - Janis Bambis who is currently injured.

Last season Lauris Blaus avareged four points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Current roster for BK Zemgale Jelgava: Andris Justovics, Kalvis Krumins, Gatis Meiksans, Ilmars Bergmanis, Edgars Krumins, Jekabs Rozitis, Armands Senkans, Gatis Justovics, Salvis Metra, Girts Celms, Arturs Duselis, Martins Jaunzems, Ceslavs Mateikovics, Arturs Ausejs.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris continue to win over the opponents - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris continue to win the friendly games over the opponents.
Lietuvos Rytas rolled over Perlas 86:56. The favorites opened the game with 29-14 and of course never looked behind after. They added 23-18 in the second period, 18-11 in the second and 16-13 in the last. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) and Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84) poured in 14 points each, while Siksnius scored 13. Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) notched 18 points in the losing case and Dambrauskas netted 10.
Zalgiris won two games over Ukrainian teams. At first Azovmash was beaten by Zalgiris 63:91. The Ukrainian champions won the first period 17-16 but lost the second 17-29. Moreover the Lithuanian powerhouse produced 22-12 and 24-17 in the third and the last frames respectively. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) stepped up with 26 points for the winners and Milaknis added 17. Capin scored 16, while Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) scored 10. Alexander Skutyelnik (192-G-77) brought 18 points in the losing case and Curry notched 12.
BC Donetsk lost to Zalgiris 68:77. The score was tied at the end of the first two quarters but then Zalgiris won both periods in the second half. DeJuan DeJuan Collins poured in 23 points for the winners and Dainius Salenga scored 19. Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 21 points in defeat.



Sakalai take second place in Inowroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Sakalai - Grodno-93 81:72

Sakalai claimed the second overall position at the pre-season tournament in Polish Inowroclaw. The Lithuanian team shot down Grodno-93 on the final day of action. Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87) and Rolandas Matulis (199-C-73) paced well-balanced effort with 16 points each.
Grodno-93 opened the game confidently. They unloaded 24 points in the first ten minutes and posted a 7-point lead. Sakalai came up with a decent answer in the second stanza. They outscored their opponents to surge ahead for a 42:38 halftime lead. Grodno-93 did not allow Sakalai to clear off in the third stanza. Moreover the Belarusian team got within just one point at the final break 58:59. But the Vilnius team proved the difference in the fourth quarter. They limited Grodno-93 to 14 points and raced to the victory at the end.
Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) notched 12 points for Sakalai. Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) contributed 11 points in the victory. Yaroslav Lemyk (203-F-85, agency: Promotex) replied with 23 points for Grodno-93. Evgeni Ivanov (196-G-84) netted 21 points in the losing effort.

Sakalai: Evaldas Baniulis 16, Rolandas Matulis 16, Virginijus Sirvydis 12
Grodno-93: Yaroslav Lemyk 23, Evgeni Ivanov 21


*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


4 teams with perfect record - by Harold Valenzuela
The first 4 games of the league shows surprises for several teams, the teams who are in the top of the standing are: Fuerza Regia Monterrey, Toros Nuevo Laredo, Pioneros de Cancun and Angeles de Puebla.

The first 3 team are very good teams with a lot of history in the LNBP, but Angeles de Puebla is a surprise team that is on the top of the league rigth now.

Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86), Jermaine Walker (198-F-77, college: Miami (FL)) and Reginald Butler (207-C-77, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Xavier) are carrying with the team, they have a lot of chemistry, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) and Diego Guevara (184-G-77, college: Charlotte) look very good too.

Another team that has 4 - 0 record is Fuerza Regia Monterrey, the first time ever with this start in the season. They look very good with the rookie coach Regie Jordan, it seems that he will be a great coach as well as player. They dont have a pure point guard, but they will make adjustments to stay in the top of the standing.

Toros Nuevo Laredo is a team that has very talented and experienced players, they had every position cover with very good players, the 2 players who has the spark are Wilfredo Pagan (184-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports) and Ikechukwu Ofoegbu (205-F-85, college: SMU). This team will be in the semifinals at least.

The team who looks with a lot of chances this season to win the championship this season is the Pioneros de Cancun, with the add of veteran center Horacio Llamas (212-C-73), also one of the best shotting guards Sergio Sanchez and the young center Joaquin Villanueva (207-C-86) and also the veteran Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76).

the changes starts as ussual in the firsts games, a lot fo changes will come in the next 4 games, the teams are knowing the rivals and what they need to beat them, we are looking for big names coming in the next week



Stats Leaders - LNBP
Points Per Game
 Ricardo MELENDEZ
  Panteras
  (180-G-83)
  Avg: 31
 1. Melendez, Panteras31.0 
 2. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.28.0 
 3. Perez, Potros27.0 
 4. Hornsby, Huracanes23.8 
 5. Smith, Fuerza R.23.0 
 6. Allen, Lobos Grises22.0 
 7. Harris, Lobos G.21.5 
 8. Hickerson, Pioneros21.5 
 9. Arceneaux, Lechugue.21.3 
 10. Stoll, Algodoneros20.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Antonio GARCIA
  Panteras
  (203-F/C-76)
  Avg: 14.8
 1. Garcia, Panteras14.8 
 2. Broxsie, Volcanes12.0 
 3. Smith, Lechugueros10.0 
 4. Aubry, Halc.Rojos10.0 
 5. Smith, Fuerza R.9.7 
 6. Bethelmy, Angeles9.5 
 7. Berghoefer, Potros9.3 
 8. Moss, Lechugueros9.0 
 9. Funderburke, Volca.9.0 
 10. Guzman, Ola Verde8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Algodoneros
  (178-G-85)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Stoll, Algodoneros6.5 
 2. Rivera, Halc.Rojos6.3 
 3. Vargas, Angeles5.5 
 4. Johns, Lechugueros4.7 
 5. Hickerson, Pioneros4.5 
 6. Johnson, Fuerza R.4.3 
 7. Quintero, Huracanes4.3 
 8. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.4.3 
 9. Brown, Lobos G.3.8 
 10. Gale, Fuerza Regia3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Carl THOMAS
  Volcanes
  (203-F-76)
  Avg: 3
 1. Thomas, Volcanes3.0 
 2. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.2.0 
 3. Monreal, Abejas2.0 
 4. Allen, Lobos Grises2.0 
 5. Dyer, Fuerza Regia2.0 
 6. Johns, Lechugueros2.0 
 7. Harris, Potros2.0 
 8. Hornsby, Huracanes2.0 
 9. Rivera, Halc.Rojos2.0 
 10. Stoll, Algodoneros1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 John A. THOMAS
  Panteras
  (198-G/F-82)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Thomas, Panteras1.5 
 2. Brooks, Abejas1.5 
 3. Moss, Lechugueros1.3 
 4. Brumfield, Pioneros1.3 
 5. Monreal, Abejas1.0 
 6. Travis, Abejas1.0 
 7. Morinia, Volcanes1.0 
 8. Izaguirre, Pioneros1.0 
 9. Colon, Panteras1.0 
 10. Ortega, Potros1.0 


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


Buducnost inks Bosnian NT player Aleksej Nesovic - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost announced signing of point guard Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85, agency: Beo Basket). The 25-year old Bosnian arrives to Montenegrin powerhouse from Borac Cacak, where he spent second half of 2009/10 season. He appeared 14 times with the Serbian outfit averaging 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals. Nesovic started last season in Turkey with Aliaga Petkim, but they parted ways after one game.
Aleksej Nesovic is a player with Euroleague experience as he spent first half of 2008/09 season with Asseco Prokom. For 10 games he registered 5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.3 apg. He also appeared 14 times in Polish league adding 6.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.6 apg. In January of 2009, Nesovic left Asseco Prokom and joined Union Olimpija. With them he won the double in Slovenia (championship title and National Cup). For 13 league games he had 4.6 ppg and 1.5 apg. In Adriatic league, Nesovic collected 8 ppg and 2.3 apg for 9 games. In the past the Bosnian PG played for AEP Olimpias patron, Fuenlabrada, Hemofarm, Zagreb, EnBW Ludwigsburg and Crvena Zvezda.
Aleksej Nesovic is active member of the Bosnian National Team. He played 8 games for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 posting averages of 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assist sand 1.4 steals.

*****************************************************
  NBA   


Rodrigue Beaubois hopeful for opener - by Eurobasket News
Wearing a white Team France T-shirt and a bulky, blue boot on his healing left foot, Dallas Mavericks guard Rodrigue Beaubois (6'1''-G-88, agency: Court Side) is hopeful he will be ready for the start of the regular season on Oct. 27.

'In a perfect world, I think the most important thing, because we don't want to rush anything, is [to be ready] for the beginning of the season, I hope,' Beaubois said Friday after completing his daily, two-hours-plus workout at the American Airlines Center. 'If we can, it is going to be better if I can come a little bit before [the season], but we'll see. The thing is I need time to heal. That is the problem. I just need to take that time and then everything will be good.'

Beaubois, the second-year player from Guadeloupe, broke his foot in early August while training with the French national team for the ongoing FIBA World Championships in Turkey. He was supposed to be France's starting point guard in his first international competition, but the injury that required surgery to place a pin his left foot on Aug. 13 put an end to that.

After spending more than three weeks on crutches, Beaubois will wear the walking boot for another week or two. His activity is limited to upper-body weight training, riding the stationary bike and other non-impact conditioning work. He is examined once a week by Mavericks team physician T.O. Souryal. No timetable has been set for Beaubois' return to the practice court in any capacity.

'He's handled it very well. He's making progress,' Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. 'The surgery was successful and the hope is that we can get him back before the regular season. There's no exact timetable, but he's making gradual and steady progress. There are positive signs.'

The Mavs have not been shy in communicating their desire to hand Beaubois a much larger role this season. Several explosive performances last season failed to land him a permanent spot in Carlisle's rotation. Earlier in the summer, talk heated up that the Mavs would like to make Beaubois the starter at shooting guard, which would allow Caron Butler to slide over to small forward. That potential scenario is obviously now on hold.

The Mavs open training camp at SMU on Sept. 28 and begin an eight-game preseason schedule on Oct. 5.

'My goal was to be ready and show what I can do and show that I'm ready to bring a lot of things to the team,' Beaubois said. 'If I had to start, yeah, I would be ready to start and play as good as I can. If I was to come from the bench, I just wanted to show that I was ready to play.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Walker tries to come back with Bobcats - by Eurobasket News
Antoine Walker hasn't had a job in the NBA for nearly 21 months.

He doesnt have a known invite to an NBA training camp, either, with just two weeks to go before most teams are scheduled to assemble for Practice No. 1 of the new season.

But Walker does have a former college teammate and very close friend that plays for the Charlotte Bobcats, whose new owner isnt just a living legend but another longtime Walker pal.

So it certainly made some sense when word reached Stein Line HQ on Sunday night that Toine is expected to arrive in Charlotte this week to stay with Bobcats center Nazr Mohammed, his buddy and fellow Kentucky Wildcat, and join in daily pickup games at the Bobcats facility leading up to the start of camp on Sept. 28.

Emphasis on some.

Despite Walkers Charlotte connections, one source close to the situation says that the three-time former All-Star has no assurances from the Bobcats that hell be extended an official opportunity to stay for camp and attempt to make their team, no matter how far he goes back with Bobcats boss Michael Jordan. It is not yet known whether Walker can score that invite with a successful tryout in Charlotte.

Courtesy of www.hoopsnotes.com

Orlando Magic's new Amway Center arena aims to wow fans with high-tech - by Eurobasket News
When the Orlando Arena opened in 1989, few people had heard of the newfangled Internet, and mobile phones were the size of bricks.

When its replacement opens Oct. 1, the technology inside the new Amway Center will have changed as much as it has in people's homes during the past 21 years.

'It truly will be the most technologically advanced arena facility in North America,' Orlando Magic President Alex Martins is fond of saying.

Since the $480 million arena's conception, Magic and city officials have made technology an integral part of the project, from the 1,100 flat-panel video screens throughout the building to an advanced telecommunications network not much different from the one that controls America's air traffic.

The state-of-the-art technology means more flash for fans, who will be bombarded with images and sound before they even walk in the door. And just as important for the team's owner, it also means more advertising cash for the Magic.

'The Magic and the city have the ability now to generate dramatically more revenue than they ever have before,' said Karl Williams, a vice president for Harris Corp., the company responsible for much of the technology.

Perhaps the best example is the video screens, so many that they'll be unavoidable. They will be hooked to a sophisticated IPTV Internet Protocol Television feed that will allow the Magic and the city to control what's seen on the screens to an extraordinary degree.

If there were a need, technicians in a sophisticated behind-the-scenes control room could make every screen in the building display a different image. More than that, each screen can display multiple different feeds a sort of picture-in-picture on steroids, with a mosaic of images, video, animation and text.

For practical purposes, it means fans will see directions to their seats, restaurants, bars and other fan amenities displayed on screens as they enter the building.

While watching a game, they'll see instant replays moments after a play ends and enough statistics to satisfy any sports junkie. And as they leave, they'll see directions for the quickest exit from downtown, live feeds from Department of Transportation cameras and information about any traffic tie-ups.

But mixed in, fans can also be bombarded with advertising sold by the Magic. Unlike static banners and signs, the video screens can show different products and company slogans every few seconds, potentially increasing ad revenue exponentially.

The arena will have software that Harris Corp. also supplies to the television-broadcast industry to schedule, track and bill 'a huge amount of advertising,' Williams said.

Advertisers who can afford it will also be able to have their product or name displayed on every screen in the building at the same moment, an opportunity the Magic is selling as 'the moment of exclusivity.'

It's not clear how much the Magic and the city spent on the building's high-tech features, but the team has the most to gain. Under an agreement with the city, the Magic keep the revenue from the sale of advertising, naming rights and luxury suites in exchange for an annual payment to the city of $1.75 million, an amount that increases 3 percent a year.

The screens can also lure fans to concession stands, perhaps to promote a last-minute sale to get rid of a glut of leftover hot dogs.

Those concession stands also will feature video menu boards. That makes them easy to change: hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn for a Magic game, for instance, can switch to Cuban sandwiches and plantain chips for a Latin music concert the next night. The menu will also be tied directly to the cash register, so a sale item will automatically be priced correctly.

'If we want to run a special at a specific time, we can change that menu board literally with the press of a key on a keyboard,' Martins said. 'They can be customized to drive revenue, to drive specific sales.'

In fact, all systems from security to concessions live on the same network. Technicians will guide much of it from a video control room at the arena featuring more than 800 broadcast devices. At the same time, about 75 miles away, Harris Corp. employees will monitor the network's systems around the clock from another control room reminiscent of Hollywood's image of a CIA war room.

Harris Corp. is better known for the communications, guidance, satellite and other systems it supplies to the military, National Security Agency and other government agencies. For Harris, the Amway Center will serve as a highly visible showroom as it makes inroads into the sports industry. Team owners shopping for new technology can expect a tour in Orlando.

Inside the arena, the most obvious piece of new technology is a new center-hung video scoreboard that is jaw-dropping in its size, the tallest in the NBA.

It measures 42 feet by 41 feet, contains 9 million LEDs and weighs about 40 tons. It's made up of 18 separate video displays.

The four main high-definition screens each measure 17 feet by 24 feet, more than four times the size of the current ones. An additional eight displays feature more video, scores and statistics. Two LED 'ring' displays circle the scoreboard, and there are four more corner screens.

Its manufacturer, Daktronics, also made the massive video screen on the building's exterior, which at 46 feet tall and 54 feet wide is bigger than most movie screens. It's so big, in fact, that it sparked concern that it might distract drivers passing on a congested stretch of Interstate 4.

But some of the technology is small enough to fit in fans' pockets. Tickets can be 'preloaded' with cash when they're purchased online, so a boss, for instance, could reward an employee with tickets that can also be scanned at concession stands to pay for food and drinks.

Still in development is a smart-phone app that will allow a fan to order concessions and have them delivered to his or her seat. Those with some pricey seats will have their order taken by attendants armed with wireless devices, or they'll have access to touch screens to place their order.

The Amway Center is so advanced, according to Mayor Buddy Dyer, that it's tough to compare it to its predecessor.

'I'm more excited about the technology in the building than anything,' Dyer said.

Courtesy of www.orlandosentinel.com

N.B.A. makes sponsorship deal with Spanish bank - by Eurobasket News
The N.B.A. has agreed to a four-year sponsorship worth more than $100 million with BBVA, the Spanish financial giant. BBVA will become the official bank of the league, the W.N.B.A. and the N.B.A. Development League.

The bank, which has more than 700 branches in the United States, will dovetail its marketing efforts in the United States with its sports sponsorships in Spain to take advantage of the growing popularity of the N.B.A. in Europe.

The deal is the latest effort by the N.B.A. to raise its profile overseas and attract international investors. The league has made deep inroads in China and last week announced plans to open an office in Moscow. This year, N.B.A. teams will play preseason games in Spain and China, and regular-season games in London. About 20 percent of the players in the N.B.A. were born overseas.

Chinese investors have bought a share of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Nets were bought by Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionaire. The N.B.A. has partnerships with Lenovo and Haier, two Chinese electronics companies.

This is the first time the league has had an official bank.

BBVAs American subsidiary, BBVA Compass, will be the main face of the sponsorship in the United States. BBVA Compass, which is based in Birmingham, Ala., has branches in seven states, including Florida and California.

In time, the bank will consider whether to hire an N.B.A. player as a spokesman, perhaps Pau Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers center who is from Barcelona.

In the meantime, the banks logo will be placed on the jerseys of the players in the W.N.B.A. finals, which began Sunday. Teams have made their own jersey sponsorship deals, but this is the first time the league has made such an arrangement.

BBVA Compass will also advertise during N.B.A. games on TNT, ESPN and other television networks.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Standings - Premier L.
Premier L. Regular Season Standings
Atlantic Conf.
1. Royal H. 11-3
2. Union Bank 9-5
3. D. Warriors 9-5
4. Police B. 8-6
5. Delta Force 8-6
6. Islanders 6-8
7. Ebun Comets 5-9
8. Customs 0-14
Savannah Conf.
1. Kano Pillars 13-1
2. Kadda Stars 10-4
3. Bauchi Nets 9-5
4. Niger Potters 7-7
5. Plateau Peaks 6-8
6. Yelwa Hawks 6-8
7. Rockets 3-11
8. AHIP Giants 2-12


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


TU/Rock edge Sportino to win Inowroclaw tournament - by Eurobasket News
Sportino - TU/Rock 48:73

TU/Rock clinched the title at the pre-season tournament in Inowroclaw. The Estonian champions knocked down the hosts on the final day of the tourney. Timo Eichfuss (200-F-88, agency: Liman Sports) stepped up with 16 points to pace the charge.
Sportino got an awful start to the game. The home team accounted for only three points in ten minutes and TU/Rock cleared off to an 11-point distance 14:3. Sportino continued to struggle in the second period. TU/Rock poured in 27 points and posted a 25-point lead at the interval. Sportino finally showed some signs of recovery in the third frame. They limited the visitors to 12 points and cut the distance. But TU/Rock stayed calm and determined in the final stanza and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Grand Valley St.) and Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89, agency: Buck Andre) notched 11 points each for the winners. Asko Paade (206-F-84) and Tanel Kurbas (197-F-88, agency: Buck Andre) added 10 points each for the Tartu team. Wojciech Zurawski (199-F/C-76) replied with 13 points for Sportino. Pawel Mowlik (182-G-89) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Sportino: Wojciech Zurawski 13, Pawel Mowlik 9
TU/Rock: Timo Eichfuss 16, Callistus Eziukwu 11, Sten-Timmu Sokk 11


PGE Turow clinch PGE President Cup - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow - New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig 70:64

Turow celebrated the PGE President Cup title. They overcame Braunschweig for the trophy. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) knocked down 22 points to pace the winners.
The German team got to the slightly better start. They managed to take a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Turow however struck back in the second quarter. The Polish team limited their opponents to 11 points and grabbed a 37:31 lead at the interval. Turow maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter. Braunschweig continued to struggle offensively in the third period. They knocked down only 12 points and Turow rallied to a 10-point lead into the final quarter. New Yorker Phantoms found the right rhythm in the fourth period but it was too late to save the encounter. Turow stayed ahead and recorded a confident win at the end. Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) nailed 19 points for the Polish side. Robert Tomaszek (205-F-81, college: Texas Tech) added 9 points for the hosts. Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) replied with 16 points for Braunschweig. Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) knocked down 10 points in the loss.

PGE Turow: Torey Thomas 22, Konrad Wysocki 19, Robert Tomaszek 9
Braunschweig: Marcus Goree 16, Kevin Hamilton 10


Polonia Azbud ink Tony Easley and Darnell Hinson - by Eurobasket News
Polonia Azbud strengthened their roster. They landed Tony Easley (206-F-87) and Darnell Hinson (186-G-80, college: Northeastern St.).
Tony Easley signed his first pro contract. The 23-year-old forward just graduated from the Murray State University. He tallied 10.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his senior college season. Tony Easley made it into OVC All-Tournament Team in 2010.
Darnell Hinson spent the previous season in Puerto Rico. The 30-year-old guard played for Galitos de Isabela in BSN. His stats read 11.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance. Darnell Hinson had stints in Germany, Netherlands, Australia and France.


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


Puerto Rico National Team Status - by Rafael Otero
After the disaster of Puerto Rico National Team in Turkey the local Basketball Federation is looking forward to make big changes. Rumors said that Head Coach Manuel Cintron will be out of the Team sooner rather than later. A lot of people are rooting for a foreigner coach to lead the way of the Senior Men's National Team althought nothing was confirm oficially by the National Team Comitee. Local press releases have appointed spanian 'Moncho' Monsalve and argentinian 'Pepu' Hernandez as the front runners to obtain the job. Veterans like Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) and Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) are considering seriously retiring for the National Team according to sources. Puerto Rico will now have a serious chance to obtain directly their place in London 2012 Olympics since USA won the Gold Medal in Turkey World Championships so they obtained directly their space in London already. So that left 2 spots for the American Region that would be more likely fight by the hosts Argentina, Brasil, Canada and Puerto Rico. We will keep you posted about any eventuality with PR National Team.

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


CSM Oradea finishes second - by Eurobasket News
CSM Oradea finishes second at the Grand Trans Farm tournament. After the first win Marso, Albacomp edged CSM Oradea 105:85 for the second win. The Hungarian team lost the first period 24:25, but stormed past the opponents with 33-17 in the second period. CSM Oradea woke up with 23-14 in the third frame, but Albacomp needed 34-20 in the last stanza to win the game. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) stepped up with 32 points and Simon nailed 20. Madar followed them with 16 and Rubin notched 11. Topchov responded with 16 points in the losing effort and Andelko Mandic (198-F-76) netted 13.
In the last day of the tournament Romanian CSM Oradea beat KK Novi Sad 100:98 in overtime. Oradea erupted with 29:14 in the opening quarter and held the same difference at the halftime. Serbia squad however managed to come back and had massive 29-11 in the third period. After 27-24 in the last frame the teams were tied after 40 minutes and needed overtime where Romanian team produced 15-13 for the win. Andelko Mandics top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Maric nailed 18. Tyrone Mitchell (186-G-81, college: Northwestern St.) chipped in 12, whilst Stefan notched 11. Dogo produced 21 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case. Szubotics scored 19, Vujosevics brought 16 and Bunics scored 12.
Albacomp triumphed with 81:80 win over Marso-NYKK. It was a great game between two Hungarian teams but at the every end the favorite grabbed the necessary win. Adam Hanga ended up with 30 points for the winners and Rubin brought 13. Bosko Stojakovic (197-G-84) replied with 26 points in the losing case.
Adam Hanga was named the top-scorer of the tournament, while Bosko Stojakovic the best guard. Dusko Bunics received the Best Center award and Andelko Mandic the best player.

*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND   


Standings
National League Standings
 1. C.Eriksson F. 0-0 
 2. Dunfermline 0-0 
 3. E.Lothian B. 0-0 
 4. Edinburgh K. 0-0 
 5. Glasgow R. II 0-0 
 6. Glasgow S. 0-0 
 7. Glasgow U. 0-0 
 8. St.Mirren 0-0 
 9. Stirling K. 0-0 
 10. Troon T. 0-0 


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


Partizan better than Krka in pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Krka - Partizan 49-56

Serbian and Slovenian champions met in a friendly game this week-end. Krka Novo Mesto was the host, but they faced with 49-56 defeat against Partizan Belgrade. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) was the leading player in this victory with 17 points. Actually he was the only Partizans player with double-digits in scoring. Bojan Popovic (191-G-83) helped the Serbian squad with 9 points. In Krka, Jure Balazic (204-F-80) and Chris Booker (208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) had 11 pts. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) stopped on 9.
First quarter was pretty leveled, but still it was Partizan who ended it with tiny 17-19 lead. Visitors took control on Krka for the next ten minutes, mostly owing to great defense. They limited Slovenians to just 8 points for the period, while draining 15 on the other side. It means that Partizan was 9-points up at the halftime and they continued in the same rhythm in Q3. Krka struggled offensively and faced with minus 13 before the last ten minutes. Partizan suddenly slowed down and they scored just seven points in the last quarter, while Krka was improving on the other side. They ended Q4 with 13-7, but unfortunately to the home side that was not enough. Both teams will play more friendlies in the next three weeks.

Partizan: Nathan Jawai 17, Bojan Popovic 9
Krka: Jure Balazic 11, Chris Booker 11, Goran Ikonic 9

Milan Macvan rejects Caja Laboral, stays with Hemofarm - by Eurobasket News
According to Serbian media, Milan Macvan (205-F-89) turned down a five-year deal from Caja Laboral. The Spanish outfit even reached an agreement with his current team, but despite that Macvan rejected their offer. He decided to continue with Hemofarm.
Milan Macvan joined Hemofarm in 2007 from FMP Zeleznik. In their first season together he had 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in ULEB Cup. Pretty close numbers Macvan also had in Adriatic and Serbian league. His numbers significantly improved on season 2008/09. At that time he was registering about 11 ppg and 5 rpg in these competitions. Last season, Milan Macvan appeared 24 times in Adriatic league averaging 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Eurobasket awarded him with All-Adriatic League Forward of the Year -10. In EuroCup he had lower digits, as well as in Serbian league.
Milan Macvan is active member of the Serbian National Team. He played seven games in Turkey collecting 5.7 ppg and 1.4 rpg. His Serbia ended as No.4. Last summer in Poland Macvan registered 2.8 pgp and 1.9 rpg for 9 games.

Dusko Bunic of KK Novi Sad named the best Center in the pre-season tournament - by Eurobasket News
Dusko Bunic (207-C-89) of KK Novi Sad named the best Center in the pre-season tournament. The Serbian team finished on the third place with 4 teams participating in Hungary. After the first loss in the opener from Albacomp, in Day 2 KK Novi Sad grabbed 92:85 over Marso-NYKK. The Serbia team started the game with 21:12 and added massive 29-18 in the second period. Marso-NYKK replied with 35-18 in the third frame and lost the last period 20-24. Dusko Bunic paced all the winners with 27 points, while Dogo collected 21 points and 12 rebounds. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) collected 20 points and 12 points for the Serbia side. Sztojakovic ended up with 22 points and 12 caroms in defeat and Marshall poured in 20.
In the last day of the tournament Romanian CSM Oradea beat KK Novi Sad 100:98 in overtime. Oradea erupted with 29:14 in the opening quarter and held the same difference at the halftime. Serbia squad however managed to come back and had massive 29-11 in the third period. After 27-24 in the last frame the teams were tied after 40 minutes and needed overtime where Romanian team produced 15-13 for the win. Andelko Mandic (198-F-76)s top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Maric nailed 18. Mitchell chipped in 12, whilst Stefan notched 11. Dogo produced 21 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case. Szubotics scored 19, Vujosevic brought 16 and Bunic scored 12.
Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) was named the top-scorer of the tournament, while Bosko Stojakovic (197-G-84) the best guard. Dusko Bunic received the Best Center award and Andelco Andelko Mandic the best player.


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Partizan better than Krka in pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Krka - Partizan 49-56

Serbian and Slovenian champions met in a friendly game this week-end. Krka Novo Mesto was the host, but they faced with 49-56 defeat against Partizan Belgrade. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) was the leading player in this victory with 17 points. Actually he was the only Partizans player with double-digits in scoring. Bojan Popovic (191-G-83) helped the Serbian squad with 9 points. In Krka, Jure Balazic (204-F-80) and Chris Booker (208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) had 11 pts. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) stopped on 9.
First quarter was pretty leveled, but still it was Partizan who ended it with tiny 17-19 lead. Visitors took control on Krka for the next ten minutes, mostly owing to great defense. They limited Slovenians to just 8 points for the period, while draining 15 on the other side. It means that Partizan was 9-points up at the halftime and they continued in the same rhythm in Q3. Krka struggled offensively and faced with minus 13 before the last ten minutes. Partizan suddenly slowed down and they scored just seven points in the last quarter, while Krka was improving on the other side. They ended Q4 with 13-7, but unfortunately to the home side that was not enough. Both teams will play more friendlies in the next three weeks.

Partizan: Nathan Jawai 17, Bojan Popovic 9
Krka: Jure Balazic 11, Chris Booker 11, Goran Ikonic 9

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


Top Interperformances players still on the market - by John McMillen
Despite the financial crisis, this year, at the beginning of September, Interperformances has already placed over the 70% of its players beating the past season previous record. Some of the outstanding players that are still free agents among others are:

Point Guards:
Leemire Goldwire (180-G-84, college: Charlotte) (Sioux Falls - USA)
Jason Fontenet (178-G-82, college: Oregon St.) (Olimpia Larissas - Greece)
Brandon Ewing (187-G-86, college: Wyoming) (Hamaccabia Ramat Gan - Israel)
Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, college: S.Florida) (Siauliai - Lithuania)

Guards:
Larry O'Bannon (194-G-83, college: Louisville) (Maccabi Rishon - Israel)
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) (Sevilla - Spain)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82) (Murcia - Spain)
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, college: W.Kentucky) (Crvena Zvezda - Serbia)

Small Forwards:
Roger Powell (198-F-83, college: Illinois) (Murcia - Spain)
Roberto Gabini (198-F-75 (Napoli - Italy)
Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, college: Washington) (Roma - Italy)

Power Forwards/Centers:
Peter Ezugwu (203-C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Michigan) (Imola - Italy)
Justin Williams (206-F/C-84, college: Wyoming) (Sacramento Kings 07- USA)
Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, college: S.Alabama) (Teramo - Italy)
Ian Hanavan (202-F-80, college: Evansville) (Nymburk - Czech Republic)
Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) (Dijon - France)

By entering our website you may check the profiles of these players and several other interesting names that can help your team for the 2010/2011 season.
These and several other interesting clients could be in help turning around the season for your club this year..


Lishchuk leads Valencia to win against Unicaja, Teletovic scores 41 for Caja Laboral vs Fribourg - by Eurobasket News
Two Euroleague teams met in a friendly game this week-end and it was Power Electronics Valencia who celebrated 82-61 win against Unicaja. It was one of the first friendly games for both squads. Ukrainian big guy Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) paced Valencia to victory as he nailed 20 points. Ivan Garcia (207-F/C-86) secured a nice help adding 14, while Nando De Colo (202-G-87) posted two points less. In the loosing squad, Robert Archibald (212-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) was better than the others with 15 points. Saul Blanco (195-G/F-85) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) delivered 11 and 10 points respectively. Valencia did a good job in the first half as they finished it with 32-24. Unicaja improved after the breather closing the gap to 45-41 with ten minutes to go in the game, but Valencia stayed calm. Mostly owing to Serhiy Lishchuk and Nando De Colo they made 14-4 run for 59-45 with six minutes left in the game. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the night will be.
Meanwhile, Spanish champion Caja Laboral also played a friendly game this week-end. They had an easy job against Swiss outfit Benetton Fribourg Olympic registering 102-77 victory. Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) was on fire in this game scoring 41 points. Stanko Barac (217-C-86) also demonstrated excellent performance nailing 27 pts. In defeat, Steve Smith (200-F-81, college: Iona) netted 27 points. Except of the first quarter, which belonged to Fribourg 30-33, Caja Laboral won all other periods in this game. In the second frame they made tiny 22-20, but they took control on Fribourg in Q3 with 20-13. Caja Laboral smashed its rival in the last ten minutes 30-11 for the final 102-77 victory.

Caja Laboral brings in Florent Pietrus to a one-month deal - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced signing of French player Florent Pietrus (202-F-81) to a one-month deal. The 29-year old forward will replace Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who was released by the Spanish team yesterday.
Florent Pietrus is coming to Caja Laboral from Valencia, where he spent last two years. In 2009/10 season he played 17 EuroCup games for them registering 2.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Valencia won the trophy in this competition and booked a spot for Eurolegue 2010/11. In Spanish league, Pietrus collected 3.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 36 games. In his first season with Valencia, Pietrus had almost the same numbers.
Before Valencia, Florent Pietrus played one year for MMT Estudiantes Madrid. From 2004 to 2007 he was a member of Unicaja Malaga. They won the ACB title in 2006, when Pietrus had 3.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 45 games. Unicaja was the Copa del Rey winner a year before. In 2003 and 2004, Florent Pietrus helped Pau-Orthez to win the ProA championship. He was one of their best players in both seasons. Pietrus is a member of the French National Team. He appeared four times for them in Turkey averaging 4.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

Regal Barca outplays DKV Joventut in a friendly, Mickeal 28 pts - by Eurobasket News
Regal FC Barcelona - DKV Joventut 85-78

Regal Barca and DKV Joventut played a friendly game on Saturday. The reigning Euroleague champion was better and celebrated 85-78 victory. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) was totally the best player in this victory. He was on fire and finished this meeting with 28 points. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) also was great as he nailed 18, while Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) added 12 pts. Terence Morris (207-F-79, college: Maryland) helped his team with 11 pts. In DKV Joventut, Pere Tomas (202-F-89) shined with 24 points. Jordi Trias (206-F-80) had 10 points and he was their last player with double-digits in scoring.
Regal Barca started the game better making 23-19 lead in the first ten minutes. Joventut slightly improved after that, but that was not enough against Barca, who played this game without Navarro, Vasquez, Rubio, Lakovic and Perovic. They made 20-17 in Q2 for 7-point lead at the halftime. Third frame was pretty leveled and Joventut cut the margin for one point, 62-56. In the last ten minutes Regal Barca managed to keep its lead and to celebrate 85-78 victory. Both teams will play more friendlies in the next three weeks.

DKV Joventut: Jordi Trias (10), Russell Robinson (5), Josep Franch (5), Quinton Hosley (2), Henk Norel (6), Pere Toms (24), Dmitry Flis (3), David Jelinek (7), Carl English (8), Will McDonald (8). No jugaron: Albert Homs y Nacho Llovet
Regal FC Barcelona: Gianluca Basile (6), Papa Abdoulaye Mbaye (0), Dani Perez (0), Michalis Kakiouzis (0), Boniface Ndong (12), Terence Morris (11), Victor Sada (1), Erazem Lorbek (18), Carles Marzo (0), Pete Mickeal (28), Roger Grimau (9)

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Olivier Ilunga joins Solna Vikings - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings continue with squad strengthening for the upcoming season. The latest player who joined them is guard Olivier Ilunga (185-G-84, agency: Interperformances). The 27-year old Ilunga already played for the Vikings in the past and he also was a member of 08 Stockholm and Sundsvall Dragons. Actually, he started last season with Stockholm averaging 13.5 points, 4 rebounds 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in four games. Ilunga left the team after that and went to Cyprus. He signed a contract with Etha Engomis staying there for rest of the season.
On season 2008/09, Olivier Ilunga was a member of Sundsvall Dragons. He played 39 league games for them collecting 9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.5 spg. Eurobasket awarded Ilunga with Swedish Basketligan All-Domestic Players Team -09. In 2006/07 he played for Stockholm averaging 7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists for 18 games in the league. He helped them to reach the Playoff Finals. In the past, he already played for Solna Vikings and it was on season 2003/04. Ilunga shined there with 10.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 5.1 apg. After that season, he moved to Benetton Treviso, but after one year was loaned to 08 Stockholm.
Olivier Ilunga is a member of the Swedish National Team since 2003.

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  UKRAINE   


Politekhnika to host Halychyna Cup - by Alexander Muzyka
Politekhnika has returned from Lithuanian camp. This time Volodymyr Poliakh's team had some friendlies: Sakalai 81:66 and 101:82, Rudupis 83:80, Perlas 87:68 and BC Surgut 91:81. The next friendlies will have place shortly in Tarnobrzeg vs Siarka, Polonia and PBG Basket.
Ukrainian fans will see the new Politekhnika's team at the Halychyna Cup tournament at Sep. 17-19 in Lviv. The opponents will be Kryvbasbasket, Rudupis and Crvena Zvezda. Note that serbian team is ruled now by ex-head coach of Politekhnika Mihailo Uvalin.

BC Kyiv, Donetsk and Azovmash friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom rolled over BC Kyiv 89:69 taking 17-13 in the opening quarter. The second period was a disaster for the Ukrainian team the lost 16-32. Moreover Prokom added 22-12 in the third period and did not mind 18-28 in the last period. Mike Wilks (179-G-79, college: Rice) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Burrell nailed 14. Przemyslaw Zamojski (198-G/F-86, college: Independence CC) netted 11, while Hrycaniuk collected 9 points and 6 rebounds. Otverchenko brought 13 points for the Ukrainian team.
Azovmash rolled over Prokom 90:70 on Sunday. Alexander stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) added 18. Przemyslaw Zamojski finished the game with 24 points in the losing effort and Ewing chipped in 18. Mike Wilks posted 10, Hrycaniuk 5 and Kitzinger added 4.
Later Azovmash was beaten by Zalgiris 63:91. The Ukrainian champions won the first period 17-16 but lost the second 17-29. Moreover the Lithuanian powerhouse produced 22-12 and 24-17 in the third and the last frames respectively. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) stepped up with 26 points for the winners and Milaknis added 17. Capinas scored 16, while Salenga scored 10. Alexander Skutyelnik (192-G-77) brought 18 points in the losing case and Ramel Curry notched 12.
BC Donetsk lost to Zalgiris 68:77. The score was tied at the end of the first two quarters but then Zalgiris won both periods in the second half. DeJuan Collins poured in 23 points for the winners and Salenga scored 19. Hukic ended up with 21 points in defeat.


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


Standings - BBL
BBL Standings
 1. Cheshire J. 0-0 
 2. Essex Pirates 0-0 
 3. Everton T. 0-0 
 4. Glasgow R. 0-0 
 5. Guildford H. 0-0 
 6. Leicester R. 0-0 
 7. MK Lions 0-0 
 8. Newcastle E. 0-0 
 9. Plymouth R. 0-0 
 10. Sheffield S. 0-0 
 11. Worcester W. 0-0 
 12. Worthing T. 0-0 


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Bigua 5-0 
 2. Sayago 4-0 
 3. Trouville 4-0 
 4. Aguada 3-0 
 5. Defensor 2-2 
 6. Hebraica 2-2 
 7. Anastasia 2-3 
 8. Malvin 2-3 
 9. Cordon 1-1 
 10. Bohemios 1-3 
 11. Cader 1-3 
 12. Olimpia 1-3 
 13. Un.Atletica 1-3 
 14. Montevideo 1-4 
 15. Welcome 1-4 


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


LNB 2010 - Omar Mejias (Graneros) was the best player in Week 1 - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan G and SG Omar Mejias (175-G-80) won Player of the Week honors in Week 1 of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto 2010 regular season schedule, after helping Graneros de Portuguesa wake up from a sweep and answer back with a sweep, while Rammel Allen (210-C-79), of Tiburones de Vargas, got the Special Mention.

Mejias averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per match, while also stole an average of 5.0 balls per game in four matches. Allen averaged 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per match as the team's starting center.

Other players considered were Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) and Ronnie Fields (193-G-77), of Estudiantes de Guarico, Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) and Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80), of Rojos de Sucre, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) and Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) of Centauros de Apure and Peter Kvietek (203-C-77), of Lanceros de Cojedes.


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Espartanos 7-1 
 2. Graneros 6-2 
 3. Cent.Apure 4-4 
 4. Rojos de Sucre 4-4 
 5. Tiburones 4-4 
 6. Estudiantes 3-4 
 7. Lanc.Cojedes 3-4 
 8. Atleticos UCV 0-8 


LNB 2010 - Week 2 (Sep. 10th): Tiburones, Espartanos, Graneros and Estudiantes won - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Tiburones de Vargas and Graneros de Portuguesa got victories on the road against Rojos de Sucre and Atleticos UCV, while Espartanos de Margairta and Estudiantes de Guarico did the same as hosts, as the weekend series of LNB 2010's Week 2 started.

ESPARTANOS DE MARGARITA 80 - CENTAUROS DE APURE 67
Verde Rojas Arena - La Asuncion, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
ESP: 22-12-20-22= 80
CEN: 18-19-19-25= 67

Scorers
EST: Kevin Freeman (201-F-78) 18 points
CEN: Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 21 points

GRANEROS DE PORTUGUESA 96 - ATLETICOS UCV 86
La Cachucha Arena - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
UCV: Unavailable= 86
GRA: Unavailable= 96

Scorers
GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 21 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 19 points
UCV: Martin Escobar 17 points

TIBURONES DE VARGAS 90 - ROJOS DE SUCRE 79
Francisco Morochito Rodriguez Arena - Cumana, Sucre

Quarter by quarter
ROJ: Unavailable= 79
TIB: Unavailable= 90

Scorers
TIB: Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 21 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 21 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 21 points
ROJ: Elvis Baez (189-G-89) 19 points, Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) 17 points

ESTUDIANTES DE GUARICO 91 - LANCEROS DE COJEDES 84
Olympic Village Dome - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
EST: Unavailable= 91
LAN: Unavailable= 84

Scorers
EST: Ronnie Fields (193-G-77) 24 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 18 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) 16 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 16 points
LAN: DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84) 27 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F-82) 21 points

LNB 2010 - Week 2 (Sep. 11th): Espartanos and Graneros extended winning streaks - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Espartanos de Margarita extended their winning streak to six matches, the same as Graneros de Portuguesa, as they completed sweeps over Centauros de Apure and Atleticos UCV, respectively, to get themselves comfortable at the one and two spots in the LNB 2010 regular season standings. Meanwhile, Rojos de Sucre surprised Tiburones de Vargas and got a home split. Estudiantes de Guarico and Lanceros de Cojedes did not play their second match and will do so only if it becomes necesary for standings at the end of the season, due to the tragic death of Guarico State's Governor, William Lara.

ESPARTANOS DE MARGARITA 92 - CENTAUROS DE APURE 72
Verde Rojas Arena - La Asuncion, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
ESP: 22-12-20-22= 92
CEN: 18-19-19-25= 72

Scorers
ESP: David Cubillan (183-G-87) 22 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 17 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 13 points
CEN: Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) 14 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 14 points, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 12 points

GRANEROS DE PORTUGUESA 101 - ATLETICOS UCV 77
La Cachucha Arena - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
UCV: Unavailable= 77
GRA: Unavailable= 101

Scorers
GRA: Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 23 points, Dainmon Gonner (198-F-80) 16 points
UCV: Martin Escobar 16 points

ROJOS DE SUCRE 85 - TIBURONES DE VARGAS 84
Francisco Morochito Rodriguez Arena - Cumana, Sucre

Quarter by quarter
ROJ: Unavailable= 85
TIB: Unavailable= 84

Scorers
TIB: Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 17 points
ROJ: Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) 22 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 18 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 14 points

ESTUDIANTES DE GUARICO X - LANCEROS DE COJEDES X
Olympic Village Dome - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

GAME CANCELLED DUE TO THE DEATH OF GUARICO STATE'S GOVERNOR, WILLIAM LARA, IN A CAR ACCIDENT

LNB 2010 - Week 2 (Sep. 7th): Espartanos ties Centauros at the top - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Espartanos de Margarita defeated Lanceros de Cojedes and took advantage of Centauros de Apure's defeat against Graneros de Portuguesa on the road to tie things up at the top of the LNB 2010 standings, while Tiburones de Vargas, the defending champions, won their third straight game, this time against Estudiantes de Guarico. Also, Rojos de Sucre took down Atleticos UCV.

TIBURONES DE VARGAS 85 - ESTUDIANTES DE GUARICO 82
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
TIB: 31-18-20-16= 85
EST: 18-19-21-24= 82

Scorers
TIB: Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 16 points, Rammel Allen (210-C-79) 14 points, Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 13 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 13 points
EST: Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 17 points, Ronnie Fields (193-G-77) 16 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 11 points

GRANEROS DE PORTUGUESA 82 - CENTAUROS DE APURE 71
Lara Figueroa Arena - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 27-24-19-12= 82
CEN: 21-19-19-12= 71

Scorers
GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 19 points, Ludwing Irazabal (201-C/F-73) 17 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 13 points, Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 12 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 9 points, Cesar Musset (190-G-78) 5 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 5 points, Luis Sanchez (186-G-88) 2 points
CEN: Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 17 points, Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) 14 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 13 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 9 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 6 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 4 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 3 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 2 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 2 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 1 point, Jose Silvera (183-G-92) 0 points

ESPARTANOS DE MARGARITA 79 - LANCEROS DE COJEDES 74
Verde Rojas Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
ESP: 22-15-21-21= 79
LAN: 22-14-14-24= 74

Scorers
ESP: Unavailable
LAN: Unavailable

ROJOS DE SUCRE 91 - ATLETICOS UCV 72
Francisco Morochito Rodriguez Arena - Cumana, Sucre

Quarter by quarter
ROJ: Unavailable= 91
UCV: Unavailable= 72

Scorers
ROJ: Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 19 points and 20 rebounds, Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) 19 points and 10 rebounds, Elvis Baez (189-G-89) 18 points
UCV: Martin Escobar 16 points

LNB 2010 - Week 2 (Sep. 8th): Espartanos, Rojos and Graneros swept - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Espartanos de Margarita, Rojos de Sucre and Graneros de Portuguesa completed sweeps as hosts, while Estudiantes de Guarico was able to steal one game on the road against Tiburones de Vargas. Espartanos is the new leader in the LNB 2010 regular season standings, as Centauros de Apure failed to split and is now trailing one game behind.

ESTUDIANTES DE GUARICO 81 - TIBURONES DE VARGAS 76
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
TIB: 22-12-20-22= 76
EST: 18-19-19-25= 81

Scorers
TIB: Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 19 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 19 points
EST: Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 18 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 17 points, Ronnie Fields (193-G-77) 15 points

GRANEROS DE PORTUGUESA 82 - CENTAUROS DE APURE 79
Lara Figueroa Arena - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 10-23-22-27= 82
CEN: 28-14-24-13= 79

Scorers
GRA: Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 22 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 17 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 9 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 8 points, Luis Sanchez (186-G-88) 8 points, Cesar Musset (190-G-78) 7 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 7 points, Ludwing Irazabal (201-C/F-73) 4 points, Carlos Berroteran (206-C-89) 0 points, Jose Tejera 0 points
CEN: David Cedeno (190-G-83) 18 points, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 16 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 11 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 9 points, Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) 7 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 7 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 7 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 2 points, Jose Silvera (183-G-92) 2 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 0 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 0 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points

ESPARTANOS DE MARGARITA 76 - LANCEROS DE COJEDES 69
Verde Rojas Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
ESP: Unavailable= 76
LAN: Unavailable= 69

Scorers
ESP: Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 26 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 15 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 10 points
LAN: Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 15 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 15 points, DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84) 11 points

ROJOS DE SUCRE 96 - ATLETICOS UCV 86
Francisco Morochito Rodriguez Arena - Cumana, Sucre

Quarter by quarter
ROJ: Unavailable= 96
UCV: Unavailable= 86

Scorers
ROJ: Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 36 points, Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83) 29 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 12 points and 12 rebounds
UCV: Martin Escobar 23 points

*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Eurobasket.com All-World Championships Awards 2010 - by Emiliano
Simply impressive. Kevin Durant in the two most important games of his young career showed to the world that he is not only an NBA star but even in FIBA Basketball he is unstoppable. With him, his teammate in Oklahoma, Russell Westbrook, named best guard of the tournament because of his abilities and skills, showed when the game counted. Milos Teodosic from Serbia is the second guard of the tournament. After his terrific season with Olympiacos, even in the tournament in Turkey proved that in Europe now, he is the number one in the guard position. The two big men to complete the 1st team are Linas Kleiza, again impressive scorer and Luis Scola from Argentina.
1st Team
#s#
Kevin Durant
Durant
Russell Westbrook
Westbrook
Milos Teodosic
Teodosic
Linas Kleiza
Kleiza
Luis Scola
Scola
#e#5

MVP: Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88) USA
Best Guard: Russell Westbrook (191-G-88) USA
Best Forward: Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88) USA
Best Center: Luis Scola (206-F/C-80)
Best Defensive Player: Andre Iguodala (198-G-84) USA
Best Coach: Mike Krzyzewski USA

1st Team
G: Russell Westbrook (191-88) USA
G: Milos Teodosic (195-87)
G/F: Kevin Durant (206-88) USA
F: Linas Kleiza (203-85)
F/C: Luis Scola (206-80)

2nd Team
G: Rudy Fernandez (197-85) Spain
G: Carlos Delfino (198-82)
F: Ersan Ilyasova (207-87)
F: Hedo Turkoglu (206-79)
C: Nenad Krstic (214-83)

3rd Team
G: Pablo Prigioni (191-77) Spain
G: Leandrinho Barbosa (190-82)
F: Lamar Odom (208-79) USA
C/F: Jianlian Yi (212-87)
C: Marc Gasol (212-85) Spain

Honorable Mention
Kirk Penney (196-G-80)
Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) Spain
Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) France
Marko Popovic (185-G-82)
Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81)
Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83)





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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ARMENIA - Women  


Hatis Yerevan sign Quianna Chaney - by Eurobasket
Hatis Yerevan signed 24-year old American guard Quianna Chaney (180-G-86, college: LSU). Chaney played most recently at San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA) in the U.S. Chaney played also pro basketball in Poland and Turkey. In Turkey with Samsun Basketbol she averaged 12.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 40.0% in 6 Eurocup games and 15.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 65.2% in 22 games in TBL.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Brittany Denson joins Hatis Yerevan - by Eurobasket
Hatis Yerevan agreed terms with 23-year old American center Brittany Denson (191-C-87, college: S.Florida) (191-C-87, college: S.Florida). Denson played most recently at Odra Brzeg (Poland). While playing 26 games for Odra Brzeg last season she recorded 13.9ppg, 9.5rpg (3rd best in the league), 1.3apg, 2.7spg (5th best in the league) and 1.7bpg (3rd best in the league) being named also Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Defensive Player of the Year.

The team from Armenia landed Erica Davis (191-C-85, college: Yale) from Limoges. The center averaged 12.9ppg, 8.0rpg, FGP: 52.7%, FT: 68.9% in 16 games played in the French league last year.
By Eurobasket Data Center



*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA - Women  


Flying Foxes to participate at Central Europe Women League - by Eurobasket News
The Austrian champions Flying Foxes will play at the Central Europe Women Basketball League (CEWL) 2010/11 season. They got into preliminary Group A. The leagues action is slated to start on October 27. The Final Four of the tournament is scheduled for February 12-13, 2011.

Group A:
Flying Foxes
VS Praha (CZE)
ICIM Arad (ROM)
Slovanka (CZE)
Wasserburg (GER)

Group B:
Kara Trutnov (CZE)
Valosun Brno (CZE)
Presov (SVK)
Hradec Kralove (CZE)
CSU Sibiu (ROM)


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Burhaniye Belediyesi lands Silvia Peeva - by Eurobasket News
Burhaniye Belediyesi came up with another signing for the upcoming season. The Turkish outfit inked a one-year deal with Bulgarian player Silvia Peeva (172-G-79). The experienced guard is coming to Burhaniye from Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas, where she spent last two seasons. In the latest one she helped Lukoil to defend the championship title, which they also won in 2009. Peeva appeared 25 times in the league last season averaging 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals. She ended the contest as second best assistant. On season 2008/09, Silvia Peeva also was one of the better Lukoil players. At that time she had 5.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2.4 spg in 34 games.
Before Lukoil Neftochimik, Silvia Peeva spent one season in Cyprus with Keravnos. In 2007, she won another title in Bulgaria but this time with CSKA-AD Sofia. They also were WABA champions that season. From 2004 to 2006 she played for Lukoil and it was her first stint with the club. Since 2006, Silvia Peeva is a member of the Bulgarian National Team. She appeared 10 games for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 registering 1 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.3 apg.

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Valosun Brno with two victories in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Valosun Brno claimed the second place at the Wlodzimierz Siuda Memorial. The Czech team posted two victories in three games played in Poland.
Valosun opened the action against Ostrovia Ostrow. Veronika Vlkova (175-G/F-84) stepped up with 17 points to pace the Brno outfit to a 73:63 victory. Ostrovia were up by four points at halftime but Valsoun managed to changed things around in the second half. They limited the home side to only 10 points in the fourth quarter and snatched a tough win at the end. Marketa Zatloukalova (190-C-89) provided 14 points, while Krizova and Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) netted 11 points each in the win.
Next Valosun took on Odra Brzeg. This time the Brno outfit led from start to finish. Veronika Vlkova nailed 15 points to lead her team to an 83:55 success. Martina Knoflickova (187-F-91) contributed 14 points, while Eva Mrhalkova had 12 points in the winning effort.
Valosun Brno wrapped up their campaign against hosting LKS Lodz. The Czech team were up by five points after ten minutes of action. They were able to keep in front 41:38 at halftime. But LKS Lodz spurred in front in the third quarter and escaped with a narrow 82:75 victory at the end. Eva Mrhalkova delivered 15 points for Valosun. Veronika Vlkova notched 14 points in defeat.


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Amazone Leidsche land Kim Sitzmann - by Eurobasket News
Amazone Leidsche inked a deal with Kim Sitzmann (178-G-88, college: UALR). She just graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The 22-year-old guard notched 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game in her senior college season. Kim Sitzmann attended the WNBA Tusla Shock pre-season camp.


ProBuild Lions clinch two victories in Marburg - by Eurobasket News
ProBuild Lions traveled to Marburg to take part at the pre-season tournament. They played four games against German Marburg and Wasserburg. The Dutch champions celebrated two victories in those encounters.
ProBuild Lions opened their campaign with a narrow 85:89 loss to Marburg. The teams finished regulation tied at 78 but the hosts managed to escape with a narrow victory at the end. Kati Harty (168-G-87, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) unloaded 29 points to lead the Lions. Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) added 27 points in the loss. The Lions recovered quickly as they defeated Wasserburg 74:61 in the second game at the tourney. Kati Harty top-scored for the Dutch team with 22 points. Belinda Bos (181-G-84) added 16 points in the victory.
Next day ProBuild Lions faced Wasserburg again and clinched the second win in a row 75:73. Kati Harty was unstoppable with 35 points. Romy Stijsiger added 13 points and 9 rebounds for the Lions who played without Molly McDowell. Unfortunately the Lions could not finish their campaign on a high note. They surrendered against Marburg 60:67 in the last game. Molly McDowell appeared on the court pouring in 18 points. Danielle de Vreede (185-F/C-89) canned 10 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Libertas Bologna inks Alessandra VIsconti and Irene Cigliani, Alghero gets Stella Panella on loan - by Eurobasket News
Libertas Bologna announced two signings for the upcoming season. The Italian outfit inked deals with Alessandra Visconti (187-G/F-87) and young prospect Irene Cigliani (177-G-92).
Alessandra Visconti arrives to Bologna team from Sernavimar Marghera, where she played last season. 2008/09 VIsconti spent with Le Murca Lucca and before that she played one season for Basket Cavezzo. In the past, VIsconti was a member of Famila Schio and San Giovanni. She played for U16, U18 and U20 Italy from 2003 to 2006.
Irene Cigliani is one of the best prospects in Italy. The 18-year old guard helped Italy to win the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Slovak Republic this summer. She appeared in nine games averaging 7.8 points and 1.4 rebounds. Two years ago Cigliani played for Italy at U16 EuroBasket in Poland. At this event she registered 11 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 7 games.
Meanwhile, Mercede Basket Alghero agreed a one-season loan with Stella Panella (178-F-93) and her team Taranto. Young Italian forward played for U16 Italy in 2009 at U16 EuroBasket in Naples. She appeared in 9 games collecting 8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.2 spg. Panella will be great reinforcement for the Alghero team.

*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Standings - Women
Diekirch League Standings
 1. AB Contern 0-0 
 2. Amicale 0-0 
 3. Basket Esch 0-0 
 4. Black Star 0-0 
 5. Etzella 0-0 
 6. Heffingen 0-0 
 7. Musel Pikes 0-0 
 8. Racing 0-0 
 9. Residence 0-0 
 10. T71 Dudelange 0-0 


*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


INEA Poznan win pre-season tourney in Bydgoszcz - by Eurobasket News
INEA Posnan celebrated the victory at the pre-season tournament in Bydgoszcz. They clinched the top spot despite a 49:70 loss to Widzew Lodz on the final day. In the meantime the victory did not help Widzew leave the fourth position in the ladder. Kotonowicz scored 21 points to lead the charge. Inea Poznan led by two points after ten minutes. But Widzew Lodz marched throughout the next two quarters and piled up a 17-point lead before the fourth term. INEA Poznan could not recover and suffered a heavy loss at the end. Anna Tondel (183-F/C-77) knocked down 16 points for Widzew Lodz. Aneta Kotnis (184-F-89) answered with 11 points for Inea Poznan. Joanna Kedzia (193-C-87) nailed 9 points in the loss.
Super-Pol Leszno finished the tournament in the second position. They fired past Artego Bydgoszcz 75:42 on the final day. Mercedes Fox-Griffin (170-G, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winning side. Agnieszka Kulaga (170-G-86, college: Valparaiso) contributed 13 points, while Joanna Czarnecka (192-C-82) had 12 points for Super-Pol. Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) replied with 11 points for the hosts. Aleksandra Kaja (175-G-87) and Natalia Mrozinska (191-F/C-84) netted 8 points each in defeat.


LKS Lodz win Wlodzimierz Siuda Memorial - by Eurobasket News
LKS Lodz became the winners of XI Wolodzimierz Suida Memorial. They knocked down Valosun Brno 82:75 on the final day of the tournament. LKS Lodz came from behind to celebrate the victory and title at the end. Leona Jankowska (190-C-77) provided 20 points to pace the winners.
Valosun Brno started the game strongly. The Czech side led by 5 points at the first intermission 21:16. But LKS Lodz gradually gained control. They denied the deficit in the next two periods and entered the fourth frame up by two points 60:58. LKS Lodz maintained the advantage in the fourth quarter and rolled to the victory at the end. Roksana Schmidt (181-G-92) produced 19 points for LKS Lodz. Neli Pasheva (175-F-81) accounted for 16 points in the winning case. Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) answered with 15 points for Valosun Brno. Veronika Vlkova (175-G/F-84) netted 14 points in defeat.
Ostrovia Osrow clinched the third position at the tourney as they held off Odra Brzeg 77:61. Karolina Kaczmarek (178-F-87) stepped up with 14 points for Ostrovia. Agata Krygowska (173-G-87) and Martyna Cebulska (168-G-91) contributed 12 points each in the win. Whitney Tossie (175-G, college: Appalachian St.) canned 14 points for Odra Brzeg.


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Politehnica National Iasi adds Cutas to their roster - by Eurobasket
Politehnica National Iasi added to their roster 28-year old international forward Alexandra Cutas (179-F-82). Cutas played most recently at SCM CSS U Craiova (D1). He missed the last season and had one year break from professional basketball While playing 17 games for Craiova two seasons ago she averaged 16.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg and 1.5spg. Cutas is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  SPAIN - Women  


USA edge Spain in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
USA - Spain 85:69

The USA team posted the second straight win in the exhibition encounters in Hartford. This time they outscored Spain in front of more than 2,500 fans. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) led the effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Spain ensured a quick start as they led 6:0. But then the USA scored eight points in a row to gain the advantage. Spain returned the lead and they were up by one 17:16 after ten minutes. The hosts used an 8:2 run at the start of the second period to surge ahead. The US team stunned their opponents midway through the quarter. They unleashed 17 straight points to break wide open 42:20. The home side enjoyed a comfortable 44:24 lead at the interval. Spain tried to bounce back in the third term. They capped it on a 9:2 rally narrowing the gap to 14 points 50:64. Spain triggered a 13:2 run early in the final stanza as they gap grew thinner 63:68. But Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) and Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) came up with so needed points for the USA as they escaped for the win at the end. Kara Lawson secured 11 points for the USA. Asjha Jones, Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89) and Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) provided 10 points each in the victory. Anna Montanana (6'1''-F-80, college: George Washington) replied with 21 points for Spain. Alba Torrens (6'1''-F-89) netted 13 points in the loss.

USA: Tina Charles 17+10 boards, Kara Lawson 11, Asjha Jones 10, Maya Moore 10, Candice Dupree 10
Spain: Anna Montanana 21, Alba Torrens 13


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  TURKEY - Women  


Burhaniye Belediyesi lands Silvia Peeva - by Eurobasket News
Burhaniye Belediyesi came up with another signing for the upcoming season. The Turkish outfit inked a one-year deal with Bulgarian player Silvia Peeva (172-G-79). The experienced guard is coming to Burhaniye from Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas, where she spent last two seasons. In the latest one she helped Lukoil to defend the championship title, which they also won in 2009. Peeva appeared 25 times in the league last season averaging 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals. She ended the contest as second best assistant. On season 2008/09, Silvia Peeva also was one of the better Lukoil players. At that time she had 5.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2.4 spg in 34 games.
Before Lukoil Neftochimik, Silvia Peeva spent one season in Cyprus with Keravnos. In 2007, she won another title in Bulgaria but this time with CSKA-AD Sofia. They also were WABA champions that season. From 2004 to 2006 she played for Lukoil and it was her first stint with the club. Since 2006, Silvia Peeva is a member of the Bulgarian National Team. She appeared 10 games for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 registering 1 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.3 apg.

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  VENEZUELA - Women  


LINABAFE 2010 - Week 2: Escuela Pedagogica (EPB) and Estudiantes split series - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Escuela Pedagogica de Baloncesto (EPB), the franchise that won the first edition of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Femenino (LINABAFE) in Venezuela, played against the 2009 runner-up, Estudiantes, at Manuel Gallegos Carratu Arena in Caracas and they split their opening series of the 2010 regular season schedule.

EPB won 82-68 in the first game. They won the first quarter 20-13 but lost the second one, 13-17 (33-30). However, they recovered to win the third and fourth, 28-20 (61-50) and 21-18. Cleyder Blanco (C-90), Waleska Perez and Fanny Diaz (82) scored 15 points each for the victory, while Angerlyn Acero added 12. Estudiantes enjoyed a bright individual performance by Irene Tazon with 16, Diany Rodriguez with 10 and Zenahir Almeida with 9.

Estudiantes won the second game, 80-69. They won the first two quarters 23-14 and 23-17 (46-31) and then had to resist a powerful comeback by EPB, as they won the next two periods, 17-16 and 21-18. Leyla Naspe scored 15 points and Niesmar Palacios added 14 for Estudiantes. Cleyder Blanco scored 20 for EPB, followed by Leinel Pino and Fanny Diaz with 13 each.

LINABAFE 2010 - Week 1: Yaracuyanas sweep Aguilas, Llaneras and Lanceras split - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Yaracuyanas started off well in the 2010 edition of Venezuela's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Femenino (LINABAFE), as they were able to sweep Aguilas Universitarias de Barinas as hosts, at Nicolas Ojeda Parra Arena of San Felipe, in a couple of games that ended 101-26 and 81-46.

In the first match, Yaracuyanas got ahead in every quarter, 24-3, 19-7 (43-10), 26-16 (69-26) and 32-0 (101-26). Mariana Calvette scored 22 points and Amanda Torres added 19. For Aguilas, Hilda Guzman (88) netted 13 points and Maria Graterol added 7. In the second game, Yaracuyanas also got every quarter for themselves, 18-10, 17-11 (35-21), 23-11 (58-32) and 23-14. Mariana Duran scored 24 points and Oriana Querales followed her with 11. For Aguilas, Genesis Torres and Hilda Guzman were the top scorers with 16 and 7 points.

Meanwhile, Lanceras de Guarico won the first match of their home series at Olympic Village Dome of San Juan de Los Morros, by defeating Llaneras de Cojedes 100-74. Yosimar Corrales (G-90) scored 29 points and Kiancy Barragan (F-90) added 13. For Cojedes, Edicta Blanco scored 32 points. In the second game, Llaneras took revenge and won 83-66 with 22 points from Jofranny Guerra (88) and 21 points by Dayaneth Dolande (82). The hosts's top scorers were Yosimar Corrales with 15 points and Endrina Bolivar (F-90) with 11.




D1 STANDING
LINABAFE Standings
 1. Lanceras 3-1 
 2. Yaracuyanas 3-1 
 3. EPB 2-1 
 4. Llaneras 2-2 
 5. Estudiantes 1-2 
 6. Osas 0-0 
 7. U16 0-0 
 8. Aguilas 0-4 


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  WNBA - Women  


USA edge Spain in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
USA - Spain 85:69

The USA team posted the second straight win in the exhibition encounters in Hartford. This time they outscored Spain in front of more than 2,500 fans. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) led the effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Spain ensured a quick start as they led 6:0. But then the USA scored eight points in a row to gain the advantage. Spain returned the lead and they were up by one 17:16 after ten minutes. The hosts used an 8:2 run at the start of the second period to surge ahead. The US team stunned their opponents midway through the quarter. They unleashed 17 straight points to break wide open 42:20. The home side enjoyed a comfortable 44:24 lead at the interval. Spain tried to bounce back in the third term. They capped it on a 9:2 rally narrowing the gap to 14 points 50:64. Spain triggered a 13:2 run early in the final stanza as they gap grew thinner 63:68. But Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) and Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) came up with so needed points for the USA as they escaped for the win at the end. Kara Lawson secured 11 points for the USA. Asjha Jones, Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89) and Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) provided 10 points each in the victory. Anna Montanana (6'1''-F-80, college: George Washington) replied with 21 points for Spain. Alba Torrens (6'1''-F-89) netted 13 points in the loss.

USA: Tina Charles 17+10 boards, Kara Lawson 11, Asjha Jones 10, Maya Moore 10, Candice Dupree 10
Spain: Anna Montanana 21, Alba Torrens 13


WNBA won't rush to add SF Bay Area team - by Eurobasket News
WNBA commissioner Donna Orender said the league remains interested in putting a franchise in the San Francisco area, but will not rush the process.

Speaking to reporters prior to Sunday's first game of the WNBA finals between the Seattle Storm and the Atlanta Dream, Orender said the league will be taking a closer look at that region during the upcoming offseason.

'There's lots of discussion - I would call it quiet discussion - in the Bay Area,' Orender said. 'There are several interested ownership groups. I think we've made the decision to take it slow and let them find their way and put together their funding and put together how they want to do business on their own time frame at this point.'

The Northern California area had the Sacramento Monarchs from the inception of the league in 1996 until the team folded after the 2009 season.

'There's no doubt it's going to be a strong market for the WNBA,' Orender said. 'There are 2,000 season ticket holders there already waiting for a team to cheer for. This offseason, we'll be spending a little more time out there trying to figure out the next step.'

Orender also indicated that the 11-player rosters likely will remain for next season, although that topic is very likely to come up during league competition committee meetings next month. Teams have been limited to 11 players for the past two years.

'There's no one in our league who wouldn't agree or wouldn't support the fact that the last two years have been tremendously competitive,' Orender said. 'We don't think in any way we've been compromised in that effect. That said, there will be competition meeting in October, and every aspect of our business is always on the table for discussion.'

Courtesy of www.tri-cityherald.com