EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/5/2010

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  AUSTRALIA   


2010 Waratah Basketball League Awards - by Eurobasket News
Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Allen (175-C-88) Maitland Mustangs
Assists Leader Andrew Allen Maitland Mustangs - 6 apg
Leading Points Scorer Stefan Blaszcynski Parramatta Wildcats - 24.31 ppg
Leading Rebounder Ben Hollis (193-F/C) Hornsby Spiders - 13.05 rpg
Steals Leader BJ Carter Sutherland Sharks - 2.2 spg
Golden Hands Luke Cooper (183-G-84, college: Alaska-Anch.) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Blocks Leader Duane Jordan (200-F/C, college: Seton Hall) Warringah Sea Eagles - 2.35 bpg
Leading Field Goal Percentage Petar Cvjeticanin (196-F/C) Bankstown Bruins - 62.3%
Leading Three Point Percentage Adi Causevic (193-G) Parramatta Wildcats - 48%
Australian U/21 Youth Player of the Year Jason Cadee (186-G-91) Bankstown Bruins
Coach of the Year Darren Nichols Newcastle Hunters
All Star Five - Guard Jason Cadee Bankstown Bruins
All Star Five - Guard Ben Arkell (191-G-79) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
All Star Five - Forward Scott McGregor (203-F-76) Maitland Mustangs
All Star Five - Centre Duane Jordan Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Leading Free Throw Percentage Nicholas Freer Newcastle Hunters - 80.5%
All Star Five - Forward Nicholas Freer Newcastle Hunters
MVP of the Year Nicholas Freer Newcastle Hunters
Courtesy of: http://www.sportingpulse.com

Big V announced the best players - by Eurobasket News
Big V announced the best players of the 2009/2010 season. The three sections below consist of best scorers, rebounders and so called golden hands.


Scoring:
State Championship Men: Ivan Platenik (201-F-83, college: Alaska-Anch.), Waverley Falcons

Division One Men: Jason Reardon (189-G-83), Geelong Cats

Division Two Men: Jordan Canovan, Latrobe City Energy

Division Three Men: Kevin Smith, Mildura Heat

Youth League One Men: Trent Zomer, Ringwood Hawks

Youth League Two Men: Shaun Phelan, Altona Gators


Rebounds
State Championship Men: Ivan Platenik, Waverley Falcons

Division One Men: Jason Reardon, Geelong Cats

Division Two Men: Vladimir Tankov, Mornington Breakers

Division Three Men: Kevin Smith, Mildura Heat

Youth League One Men: Trent Zomer, Ringwood Hawks

Youth League Two Men: Kris Blicavs, Sunbury Jets


Golden Hands Awards
State Championship Men: Matthew Snowball, Ringwood Hawks.

Division One Men: Bobby Cunningham, Warrnambool Seahawks

Division Two Men: Jordan Canovan, Latrobe City Energy

Division Three Men: Jordan Kirk, Melton Thoroughbreds

Youth League One Men: Brenton Charles, Ringwood Hawks

Youth League Two Men: Nathan Wapshott, Altona Gators



Brett Brown looking to extend time at worlds - by Eurobasket News
Brett Brown is missing his family terribly while he pulls the strings of the Australian team at the basketball world championships in Turkey.

But he hopes he doesn't have to see them again just yet.

Brown has coached the Boomers into a second-round match against Slovenia on Sunday (0100 Monday AEST), where a win would take Australian into the quarter-finals - something they haven't achieved at a world titles since 1994.

An assistant coach with the Boomers at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Brown was appointed to the head coaching role last year and is relishing the responsibility.

Also an assistant coach with the Spurs in the NBA, Brown is missing his wife Anna and their three young children, who are all at home in San Antonio.

But he is hoping to stay in Turkey with the national program just a little longer.

'It does goes by very quickly. I vividly remember getting on a plane on June 6 from San Antonio to see a third of the (Australian) group at the Institute of Sport in Canberra.

'I miss my family a lot, it's the longest I've been away from them.

'In a twisted way I hope I can be away from them a little bit more and keep winning, but I do miss them a lot.'

Brown replaced Brian Goorjian as coach of the Boomers, two men who have been indelibly linked in Australian basketball for years.

When Goorjian's South East Melbourne Magic merged with Brown's North Melbourne Giants to form the Victoria Titans in the NBL in 1998, Goorjian got the nod as head coach.

Brown ended up at the Sydney Kings, but an opening to join the Spurs was too good to refuse and left a vacancy in Sydney, which Goorjian then gratefully filled.

Goorjian coached the Boomers at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, plus the 2006 world championships, and now Brown has his chance and he is leaving no stone unturned.

'Brett's full-on. He's very, very passionate,' Boomers assistant coach Shane Heal said.

'Passion is probably the thing that comes to mind when you talk about Brett most of all and everything he does is full-on with basketball.

'We watch a lot of video tape, he's really well prepared and puts a lot of time and effort in.

'And I think he's a player's coach. He wants them to enjoy it and play fresh and all those sorts of things.

'His communication with the group's really good. He's enjoyable to work with.'

The players have warmed to his no-nonsense style and Brown prefers to take the emotion out of top-level sport.

The native of Portland, Maine believes dedication and meticulous planning is the key to victory, rather than grandiose speeches or magic tricks.

During the team's flight from Kayseri to Istanbul for the second round, Brown had his laptop out studying footage of the Slovenians.

'It has nothing to do with a pep talk,' Brown said. 'I feel like pep talks have nothing to do with winning.

'All the work put in beforehand where you don't skip steps, you respect your opponent, it's just common, basic criteria that allows teams to win or lose.

'The speeches or the tricky plays or the potions, I'm so far away from any of that.

'Ultimately these guys have to come out and play and they will.

'Not once since I've been with them has there been any signs of backing down or lacking respect for an opponent.'

All business on the court, Brown has a goofy side off it that emerges from time to time.

But when the whistle blows, the Boomers know it is time to work.

'He's got his fun side off the court but we all know when the game's on everyone's 100 per cent focused on that,' swingman Joe Ingles said.

'I've seen him fire up a couple of times and they've all been in games, but every coach knows when to pick and choose their times.

'I think he does a great job.'

Fortunately for a man so consumed by basketball, his family also love the game.

'My kids love it, Anna loves it,' he said.

'The stuff available on the internet is very interactive and off the charts.

'It's easy for them to see and follow.'

If Brown has his way, they'll have to follow on the internet for a little while longer.

Courtesy of James Dampney - AAP (taken from www.nbl.com.au)

Keegan hardens for Crocs - by Eurobasket News
If Townsville Crocodiles development player Keegan Tudehope (190-G/F-88) looks as if he is about to tackle his opposite man on court, it's probably because that's what he's thinking.

It's not because he's a thug, that's just the way the Australian football convert is hard-wired.

Not so long ago the 22-year-old turned his back on basketball, thriving instead as a shinboner in AFL Townsville for the Curra Swans. It is there, roving for the ball and learning the fine art of hip and shouldering his way around the paddock, that the fringe representative junior basketballer was reborn the hard-hearted Croc he is today.

'I didn't make some rep teams when I was younger, I was a bit of a late bloomer, and got a little disheartened,' Tudehope said.

'I always wanted to be a basketballer and played non-stop until I was 14, when I started to get better at the AFL stuff. So when basketball slowed down, I really played a lot more footy.'

It was a career-defining detour as the self confessed 'slow and maybe not so skilled' basketballer discovered the competitive beast inside.

'I came back to basketball a better player, it really gave me the will to work harder,' Tudehope said.

'I bulked up, got fitter, faster and tougher.'

While he's never strayed to far from his second sporting love, now working part-time as a AFL Townsville development officer, Tudehope's basketball stocks continue to rise - revered by his Townsville Heat QBL teammates and feared by his rivals for his aggressive defensive stylings.

Crocs Import forward Gabe Freeman can attest to that, having squared off against Tudehope in training yesterday. A slam dunk by the American to start proceeding set a tone for the North Queensland-bred guard to follow.

'I'll give it to him (Freeman), he dunked on me, so I had to give him a few (knocks) to make up for it,' Tudehope said.

'I said sorry a few times, we smacked heads and bumped elbows a few times.

'I like being physical, beating up my man. Against opposition I don't care, I'll take them out ... I pride myself on my defence.'

And he's duly been rewarded by Crocodiles coach Trevor Gleeson who elevated Tudehope as the club's 12th man, having made his way on to the roster since breaking into the squad through the Sharp Start program as a teenager.

The 195cm guard might not have the star power of imports Will Blalock and Freeman or grab the plaudits like Ben Allen or Russell Hinder, but Gleeson says he embodies everything the Crocs stand for.

'He's what the Crocs are all about, hard working and does anything for the team,' Gleeson said.

'Keegs is old-school. In this day and age of professional basketball when players want bigger contracts and endorsements, Keegs comes to work every day, gets little recognition but works his arse off.'

Even then, it's a selfless act.

'I just want to help the team out as much as I can and if people go down injured I'll step in at training and hopefully push the guys so they can get better each day,' Tudehope said.

Courtesy of The Townsville Bulletin

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  BELGIUM   


Nuggets agree with Didier Mbenga - by Eurobasket News
According to Belgian media, Didier Mbenga (7'0''-C-80) agreed a one-year deal with the NBA team Denver Nuggets. It means that the experienced big guy will play his seventh consecutive season in the strongest basketball league in the World. Mbenga spent last two and a half seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers winning two titles with them. He had limited playing time, but still he secured a decent help to the LA team. In 2009/10 Mbenga appeared in 51 games averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds. Almost the same digits he had in 2008/09. He joined the Lakers in January of 2008 from the Dallas Mavericks. In 42 games that season he had 2 ppg and 1.7 rpg. The Mavericks brought in Mbenga to the NBA in 2004 from TEC Spirou Charleroi. That year Mbenga helped Charleroi to win the Belgian title. He had 6.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 34 games. In the past he also played for Leuven and Spiro Gilly.
Didier Mbenga is a member of the Belgian National Team. He played for his country also in 2005, 2006 and 2009.

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  BOSNIA   


Rastko Dramicanin close to joining Bosna - by Eurobasket News
BC Bosna could be close to securing a new player ahead of the upcoming season. According to the reports from various Bosnian media, Serbian center Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86, agency: BeoExcell) could be close to signing the deal with Bosna. The player has recently joined them at the preparation. He is expected to spend some time with the team and showcase his skills. It remains to be seen if he will satisfy the clubs coaching staff and whether he will be offered a deal.
Rastko Dramicanin started his career during 2003-2004 season a member of Borac Cacak. In 4 seasons with the club, he developed gradually and in April of 2007 he moved to FMP Zeleznik. Dramicanin failed to settle in and next year he returned to Borac. During 2007-2008 season he appeared in 22 games and has averaged 13.0 points and 6.1 rebounds. In 14 Superleague matches, Dramicanin averaged 9.3 points and 3.8 boards. Following year, Dramicanin played in 26 games for Borac, posting averages of 14.3 points and 6.0 rebounds. In April of 2009 he once again moved to FMP Zeleznik where he finished the season. In 7 Superleague matches, he averaged 2.0 points and 1.6 rebounds. Last season, Dramicanin played in 38 games for Borac averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 boards per contest.

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  BULGARIA   


Lukoil Akademik beats Balkan in a friendly duel - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Akademik - Balkan 83-71

Lukoil Akademik has opened the series of friendly matches with a win over BC Balkan. This is the first of the two games these teams have agreed to play and it was hosts who came up with the win in this one. However, Lukoil players had to work hard to secure this win as Balkan opened the game better. They took the initial advantage and were able to build 19-23 lead after 10 minutes of play. In the second quarter, Lukoil players started to gain control over the game. They started to melt Balkans lead and to impose their game with great defence. By the halftime break, the score stood at 46-37 and it was Lukoil players who now looked more comfortable. After the halftime, the tempo of the match slowed up somewhat. In a fairly even game, Balkan players managed to respond to each attempt by Lukoil to extend their lead. At the end of third, Lukoil managed to make a mini run and extend their overall lead by 3 points to 64-52. In the final 10 minutes of play, Lukoil players played with just enough energy to maintain their lead. For the most of the period teams traded basket for basket, but it was hosts who routinely closed the game out for the final score of 83-71.
Dominic James (180-G-86, college: Marquette) led the way for winning side with 22 points while Brandon Bowman (204-F-84, college: Georgetown) added 15 points. Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) and Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances)i were also good for Lukoil as they chipped in 11 points each. On the other side, Balkan got 14 points from Jordan Bozov (191-G-79, agency: Interperformances). New signing Emil Binev (198-F-91) added 12 points, while Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) added 11 points.

Lukoil Akademik: Dominic James 22, Brandon Bowman 15, Damjan Stojanovski 11, Todor Stoykov 11
Balkan: Jordan Bozov 14, Emil Binev 12, Josh Gonner 11

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  CHILE   


Encestando una Sonrisa: Victories for Obras and Boca - by Daniel Valencia
Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires and Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder were the winners of day 1 at the 'Encestando una sonrisa' tournament. Obras defeated Catolica 77-62, led by the shooting guard Carlos Schattmann (194-G-87), who scored 21 points. In the second game, Boca overcome a 18 point deficit (32-14) to defeat U. de Concepcion 75-69, led by Sebastian Vega (200-C-88) and Scott Cutley (196-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), who combined for 41 points.

Game 1

CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago 62 - Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires 77
Cat: Demetric Shaw 21 pts.
Obr: Carlos Schattmann 21 pts.

Game 2

CD Universidad de Concepcion 69 - Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder 75
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 29 pts. Eduardo Marechal 21 pts.
Boc: Sebastian Vega 21 pts. Scott Cutley 20 pts.

In day 2, Concepcion will play against Obras while Catolica faces Boca.

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  COLOMBIA   


FEDERATION CUP 2010, DAY 1 - RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros, Piratas, Bucaros and Fastbreak, start the 2010 Federation Cup with the right foot, winning its opening games.

Piratas Saludcoop defeated the defending Champion Cucuta - Norte as visitor, the black team show that the time of work gives them a solid defensive structure, Cucuta still need many training days to put togoether all the pices of the puzzle.

CUCUTA NORTE 82
PIRATAS SALUDCOOP 88

Bucaros playing in the city of San Gil, defeated Patriotas thanks specially to the control of the boards, the size of Marriaga, Guevara and Hernandez gives them the advantage over the Dillone's squad, Carlos Parra Bucaros head coach said to www.latinbasket.com, 'i fell fine with the victory, specially because i put on the floor all the roster, no one player played more than 25 minutes yesterday night'.

BUCAROS FRESKALECHE 84
PATRIOTAS 61.

Arrieros defeated easily Los Pastos as visitor, the fire power of Stalin Ortiz and Norbey Aragn, and the solid presecence of Alejandro Flores in the paint were too much for the new team in the Cup, Arrieros still waits the arrival of Heissler Guillent who is already at home receiving his first child.

LOS PASTOS 71
ARRIEROS 92

Fast-break had its first win in the cup defeating Cangrejeros , the red team with its young squad managed the end of the game to achieve a deserved victory.

FAST-BREAK 80
CANGREJEROS 79

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  CROATIA   


Alkar inks four new players - by Eurobasket News
Alkar had pretty busy summer. The team signed contracts with four new players and managed to keep six from the last season. New faces in Croatian outfit are Zeliko Zupic (205-F-81, college: Denver), Ante Delas (201-G/F-88), Andro Anzulovic (193-G-91) and Ivica Radic (207-F-90). Players who will stay for the next season are Dino Erceg, Slavko Modric, Mirko Modric, Ante Bilobrk, Mile Karakas and Josko Curkovic. Three players left the squad: Josip Djapo, Zvonimir Rezic and their long time captain Stipe Blajic.
Zeliko Zupic is a product of Cibona youth system. He spent four years in the United States where he played for NCAA Division I University of Denver. In 2004, he returned to Europe where he signed a deal with Alkar Sinj. He averaged 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in15 League games. Following season he moved to Greece where he signed with KAO Dramas, where he played in 25 league games and posted averages of 15.5 points and 8.0 rebounds. Zupic also played for Olimpiada Patron and Siroki with whom he has won Bosnian Cup in 2008, and National Title in 2007. At the start of 2008-2009 season he returned to KAO Dramas, playing in 30 games and averaging 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. Last season, Zupic appeared in 26 games for KAO Dramas collecting of 8 ppg and 5.3 rpg per game.
Ante Delas arrives from Trogir, where he spent second half of 2009/10 season. He appeared 17 times for them in A1 averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In the past he played few years for Split, including first half of the last season. Delas was a member of Croatian U16 and U18 National Team.
Andro Anzulovic heads to Alkar from Kastela. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.1 spg for them in 14 games last season.
Ivica Radic also arrives from Kastela. He averaged 3.7 poinst and 4.2 rebounds last season. Radic spent many years with Split, where started as a kid.

Cedevita too much for Oldenburg in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Cecevita met German outfit Oldenburg in a friendly game and outplayed them 83-75. It was just one of many pre-season games which Cedevita will play during the next four weeks. The Zagreb team opened the meeting much better. Starting five Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston), Princ, Marino Bazdaric (197-G/F-78), Vedran Vukusic (206-F-82, college: Northwestern) and Aaron Pettway did a great job and quickly jumped to plus 7. Oldenburg was not able to reply and they faced with 24-13 deficit after opening ten minutes. Nothing has changed after that as Cedevita continued to control their rivals keeping the comfortable lead. Vedran Vukusic and his teammates shined after the breather, despite Oldenburg slightly improved and tried to mount a comeback. Cedevita jumped to plus 17 in the finish of Q3 and question about the winner was resolved. Oldenburg had no chance for rest of the time. Vedran Vukusic was the leading player in victory with 22 points. Marino Bazdaric also was great as he added one point less. Aaron Pettway (211-C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma St.) had 12, while Robert Troha (194-G/F-77, agency: Court Side) added 8 pts. Dontaye Draper finished this meeting with just 5 points, but despite that it is already clear that he will be great reinforcement for the Croatian outfit. Their Head Coach Aleksandar Petrovic (agency: Interperformances ) stated Dontaye Draper is an NBA potential.

Cedevita: Vedran Vukusic 22, Marino Bazdaric 21, Aaron Pettway 12, Robert Troha 8, Dontaye Draper 5

Serbia wins the Balkan battle, becomes the first Quarterfinalist - by Eurobasket News
Serbia-Croatia 73:72

The Balkan battle opened the Eight Finals of the World Championship. Serbia became the first Quarterfinalist beating Croatia 73:72 in a thriller.
Serbia started with 5-0 run, but could not kept the lead in the opening quarter. Bogdanovic Bojan tied it at 5:5, while Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) brought his side 12:9. Bogdanovic Bojan increased to 20:13, while Loncar Kresimir made it 27:19 at the end of the period. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) opened the second period with a dunk and Tepic Milenko reduced to 27:23. Moreover Kosta Perovic pulled Serbia to 29:29 making another dunk. Keselj Marko with a three gave them 34:32 and Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) made 36:34. Actually that was the end of the first half, however the Battle continued in the court. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) started the third frame with a three-pointer for 37:36 and Nenad Krstic made two free-throws for 39:36. Roko-Leni Ukic tied it all at 40:40 and Bogdanovic Bojan brought Croatia 42:41. The squads exchanged the leads several times until the end of the quarter and Milan Macvan (205-F-89) scored for 54:50 for Serbia. The last frame became the most interesting in the game. Tomas Marko reduced it to 54:52 and Tomas Marko scored for 56:54. Serbia created a 5-0 run for 61:54, but the game was not over. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) nailed three in reply for 64:60, while Marko Banic (204-F-84) n a row for 67:65. Marko Popovic reduced to 68:67 with 24 seconds in the game and he also scored for 70:69. Tomas Marko an unbelievable steal and passed again to Marko Popovic that made one free throw for 70:70. Aleksandar Rasic drove a lay-up for 72:70, while again Marko Popovic reduced to 72:72 with 5 seconds in the game. Aleksandar Rasic was however fouled and made one free throw for the final success.
Nenad Krstic paced all the winners with 16 points and Aleksandar Rasic added 15. Kosta Perovic netted 10 and Milan Macvan scored 8. Marko Popovic had a great night in defeat finishing with 21 points for Croatia. Roko-Leni Ukic posted 11 and Marko Banic poured in 10.

Serbia: Nenad Krstic 16, Aleksandar Rasic 15, Kosta Perovic 10, Milan Macvan 8
Croatia: Marko Popovic 21, Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Marko Banic 10

Shawn Pruitt joins Cedevita Zagreb - by Eurobasket
Cedevita Zagreb agreed terms with 25-year old American center Shawn Pruitt (208-C-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports). Pruitt played this summer at Gallitos de Isabela (Puerto Rico). While playing 24 games for Isabela last season he recorded 18.8ppg, 13.4rpg (best in the league) and 1.3bpg (also league leader). He was selected to the all-star game and after the season received awards of Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN Defensive Player of the Year and Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN 2nd Team. Pruitt is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, Czech Rep., Greece, Latvia and Puerto Rico. Last season he tried to make roster of Golden State Warriors (NBA), before joining Greek team DASH Peristeri Athens.

By Eurobasket Data Center



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  D-LEAGUE   


Q&A with Skyforce coach Tony Fritz - by Eurobasket News
Although greatly overshadowed by the kickoff of the football season, there are some high-level hoops going on in early September in the form of the FIBA World Championships in Turkey.

Skyforce coach Tony Fritz , for one, is keeping a close eye on things with 18 former NBA D-League players participating. He did, however, take time away from the coverage to answer some questions about the world hoops scene from the Argus Leader:

Question: One of the 18 participants is former Skyforce forward Kirk Penney. He's putting up huge numbers for New Zealand. What's your reaction to that?

Answer: I'm not surprised. He's a consummate pro. He just knows how to play and he can shoot the ball with anyone in the world. He's a heck of a player. I hope we can get him back, but I don't know.

Q: Team USA has turned over entirely since winning Olympic gold in 2008. Why is that when other countries get longer commitments from their top stars?
a: Maybe because we're such a big country. We have a lot of people that play basketball and play other sports. In Lithuania, that's all they do - it's big. I don't know why it's so hard to get them to play so long, but I think it's headed in the right direction and the new system is working. I just think it's a learning process for us.

Q: Skyforce forward Joe Krabbenhoft has signed a contract in Spain. Is this a good move for his development?

a: It is. It's a great league over there. Look at their national team - they have eight or nine guys who have been drafted. That's a great league and it's going to help Joe in having some more experience in a different style of basketball. Going from Wisconsin to the pro game to Korea where it's really fast and now you go to Spain where it's really tough. They play real physical and that's going to bode well for him. And just the life and the basketball experience he's getting - you can't duplicate.

Q: Krabbenhoft mentioned that a possible NBA lockout in 2011-12 factored into his decision. Does that mean this could be a down year for the D-League with so many guys looking to get in overseas?

a: I don't think so. I think guys will come to the D-League this year hoping to get seen because they're going to be up for jobs for next year. There aren't a lot of jobs out there right now overseas. I've been talking to a lot of agents and some former players of ours and it's slim pickings. If you want a job in Europe, it's not out there. You've got to really get in the right situation. I think that bodes well for our league and the direction we're headed.

Courtesy of www.argusleader.com

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  EUROCUP   


Latest EuroCup signings - by Eurobasket News
BG Goettingen announced signing of Mike Scott (203-F-86, college: Kent St.) for the upcoming season. At the same time, the German outfit parted ways with Sean Barnette (195-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Wingate). Scott arrives to Goettingen from Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend, where he spent last season. He appeared 33 times in Hungarian top division registering 15.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.5 spg. He ended the competition as the second best rebounder. His rookie season in Europe Scott spent in Turkey with Tarbzonspor. He is a product of the Kent State University, where he graduated in 2008. He had 13.2 ppg and 6.3 fpr 35 games in senior season.
Spartak Saint Petersburg strengthened their backcourt. The team signed a one-year deal with Parker Smush (193-G-81, college: Fordham). The 29-year-old guard spent the previous season in China. He tallied 18.7 points, 6.2 boards, 5.7 assists and 3.1 steals per game for Guandong Southern Tigers in the CBA. Parker Smush has long played in the NBA. He had stints with the Cavs, Pistons, Lakers and Clippers. Parker Smush also played for Aris in Greece.
Sean Williams (208-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) signed contract with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Most recently he played for Puerto Rican Mets de Guaynabp and Chinese Fujian SBS XunXin. For 16 games in CBA he had 16.4 ppg and 11.1 rpg. Williams started 2009/10 season with the New Jersey Nets. He played 19 NBA games for them averaging 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds. He was their member since 2007. Williams graduated at the Boston College University, after what the Nets selected him as 17th overall pick in 2007 NBA Draft.

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  FINLAND   


Jari Pulkkinen and Pekka Setala stay in Pyrinto, ToPo land Mikko Koivisto - by Eurobasket News
The Korisliiga champions Pyrinto kept Jari Pulkkinen (203-F-84) and Pekka Setala (183-G-90) in the team. The players extended their contract with the Tampere outfit. Jari Pulkkinen will enter his third straight season with Pyrinto. Last season the 26-year-old forward tallied 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Pekka Setala will tip off the fourth season with Pyrinto. The 20-year-old player averaged 3.3 points per game in the last championship.
In the meantime ToPo strengthened their roster with addition of Mikko Koivisto (193-G-87). The 23-year-old guard just came back from overseas. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Mikko Koivisto tallied 8.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for the Spartans in his senior college season. Mikko Koivisto played for the Finnish National Team at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. The guard notched 2.7 points per appearance. Mikko Koivisto also played for U18 and U20 Finnish selections. He participated at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. Koivisto joined the Finnish NT back in 2008.


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  GEORGIA   


Giorgi Gamqrelidze moves to Giessen 46ers - by Eurobasket News
Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86, agency: Limelight Hoops) will continue in Germany. The 24-year old guard signed contract with Giessen 46ers for the upcoming season. It will be his second season in 1.Bundesliga. 2008/09 he spent with Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels. For 33 league games he averaged 6.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Before Mitteldeutscher, Giorgi Gamqrelidze spent three years with Energy Invest Rustavi. He helped them to win the Georgian title in 2008 and 2009. Eurobasket awarded Gamqrelidze with Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League Player of the Year 08 and 09. In their second season he had 14.3 ppg, 4 rpg and 5.8 apg. In 2007/08, Gamqrelidze led Rustavi with 17.5 ppg, 7.6 apg and 3 spg. He was the fifth best scorer in the league, top assistant and the leading player in steals. In the past, Gamqrelidze also played form Dinamo Tbilisi.
Giorgi Gamqrelidze is active member of Georgian National Team. He played 7 games for them during the European Championships Division B last summer averaging 2.1 points, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg. This year they competed in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 this year, where Gamqrelidze also participated. He had 1.9 ppg and 1.1 apg for 8 games.

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  GERMANY   


Start up time.... - by John Bynum
well its about that time again.... the summer vacation is over and it is that time again where most players are looking forward to... THE PRESEASON. you know the time when you actually do the stuff that you should have been doing over the summer like running and staying in shape. But yea it seems to sneak up and before you know your summer vacation is over and you are in Europe again. I have actually been over since the beginning of August to try and get a early start with my new team and this season I have a different role than last season. Last season in Crailsheim I played a major role on both sides of the ball, but this season I certainly have a different role but in reality this is the level I always felt I should be at.My role this season is to play hard defense, and bring energy to the game when i come in. I am happy that Trier gave me an opportunity and so far everything has been great. We certainly have a young team and a lot to learn but this will come with time and patience. Our preseason workouts have consisted of two of days for the most part which consist of individual workouts in the morning and a team practice at night. The individual workouts have been great and I have learned some much about footwork that went missing the last couple of years. Our coaching staff makes a point to teach the fundamentals of the game and it has been repetitive but it is what will help us througout the season. We are currently in Serbia as I speak and will have our first two games over the weekend and then play 2 more games next week as well. so in the next 8 days it will be important to take care of my body in this time since i'm getting up there in age. We have been in Serbia since monday and honestly it is a beautiful country and I have found out they are serious about there basketball over here. We got to do a little sightseeing as well and the team is coming together off the court as well...I really have enjoyed the time here and enjoyed the stay in Belgrade. I really like the city a lot. it is a long season and even if we are only two weeks in these things are very important in the long run. We get back to Germany on monday and next week I'll let you know how we did with a delayed report... lol. shout out to all my new teammates in Trier and to my man Sean the beast down in Crailsheim.. get healthy soon my dude. Ill get up with you guys more often and soon!!!! ONE...blogged maintained by John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.)

The Rapid 10 Miles Questions Basketball Exchange With Larry Cunningham (Science City Jena) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Larry Cunningham (190-G-85, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cal-Riverside) is a 25 year old 190cm guard that was born in Camden, New Jersey and grew up outside Los Angeles in Downey, California. He played at Cal.St.-Riverside (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games: averaging 16.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.3%, 3Pts: 32.3%, FT: 82.5%. He scored 31 points against Hawaii to surpass Howard Lee (1969-72) and became UCR 's all-time leading scorer. He is an NBA level athlete who possesses high speed and strength which enables him to compete at the highest level. He has a quick release and the ability to create his own shot off the dribble and finishes well around the basket. He is an outstanding rebounder who likes to crash the boards, is aggressive one on one defender with impressive foot speed. He came to Europe in 2008 and as a rookie played in Holland for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 33 games: 13.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.6%. He signed with Science City Jena and took the rapid 10 Miles questions basketball exchange for eurobasket talking basketball.

You played in Holland last season for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 33 games: 13.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.6%. Now your playing in Germany for Science City Jena in PRO A. What do you expect from the league?


The league is going to be very competitive this year. A lot of competition from top to bottom and Im excited to be part of that.

How has training camp been? What is your impression of the team? It has three Americans with yourself, Adrian Hill and Jamil Tucker. What can this team achieve?

Training camp has been competitive and physically challenging but very positive. We have spent a lot of time together here and enjoy each others company. Our team has a good mixture of players from veterans to rookies that offer versatility and depth at each position. Adrian and Jamil are strong players that exemplify our flexibility in what we want to accomplish with matchups. If we execute our assignments every game there is no reason why we shouldnt achieve a standing at the top of the league.


What is your impression of coach Tino Stumpf? What kind of style can we await from the team this season?


Coach Tino is very mindful of the different aspects of the game which shows in his detail in approach and execution of the game. We will attack defensively and offensively, a fun style of play especially when youre winning.


What are the biggest differences to Germany and Holland?


I havent experienced too much in my short time in Germany so far but I would say the food and weather. Holland has some wonderful pastry dishes that I really liked. Germanys weather is sunny one second then pouring down rain the next.


What is a secret of your game that nobody knows about?


The many hours of work on a daily basis during the offseason I put in to improve my skill level, IQ and athleticism. I strive to take as much into account as I can to get better.


Who was your NBA role model as a kid?


Growing up in Los Angeles I got a chance to see Kobe Bryant develop on a nightly basis into the best player in the game.



You were the alltime leading scorer at Cal-Riverside. What is your nicest memory from your NCAA days?



My nicest memory was the night I became alltime leading scorer. We won and I played a great game. I have pride in being able to say I reached the mountain top to leave my mark for the next person.


Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?

OJ Mayo

Will the Los Angeles Lakers defend their NBA title and what will the Miami Heat achieve with Lebron James?


Yes the Los Angeles Lakers will defend their NBA title. The Miami Heat will barely make it to the finals in a close victory against the Boston Celtics to eventually lose to the Lakers in 7 games.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


Hot Tub Time Machine



Thanks Larry for the chat!

Brandon Chappell Wants His Passing Ability To Be Noticed - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Brandon Chappel is a 26 year old 183cm guard from Beaumont, Texas. He is a up tempo floor general that makes smart decissions on the floor. Can really shoot the three but great at getting to the basket. Played with NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins of the Boston Celtics in High School where they won the Class 4A state championship. He played at Lamar from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 32 games averaging 8.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 38.6%, 3Pts: 39.5%, FT: 59.1%. In his first three seasons as a professional he has played in Germany. In 2007-2008, he played for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA): 30 games: 7.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3FGP: 31.1%, FT: 75.0%. In 2008-2009, he moved to TV Langen playing 23 games: 14.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 78.3%. Last Season for TV Langen, he played 29 games: 11.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

It is almost September and you are still unsigned. How difficult is it not having a team?

It is difficult because I am used to being on a team by now. The way I see it I have extra time to improve my game and conditioning for the upcoming season. I am sure the right opportunity will come.

You must be disappointed that a team hasnt signed you yet but it is difficult for guards because they seem to be a dime a dozen. Did I say that expression correctly?

Haha. Yea you said it right. It is true that guards are a dime a dozen, but an experienced and professional guards is rare and harder to find.

Last season the market was tough. Has it even got harder to find a club this season?

I think the market is still tough with some many talented and well connected players. Passing on jobs or extended negotiations with teams is harder to do now with the flooded market.


How do you stay mentally focused in a challenging time like this where your future is a bit in uncertain?

I keep my faith in God and continue to prepare myself as if I am already signed. I was in a similar situation 2 seasons ago and TV Langen and they gave me the chance to come in after the season started and I was ready!

How does a typical Brandon Chappel workout day look like in summer?

8am I hit the track and weight room for conditioning. After that I go to the gym for ball handling, 1 on 1 moves and shooting. At 4pm I workout with my old college team. We do conditioning and play 5 on 5. I end my day with free throws and stretching.

What part of your game do you still have to work on?

I still work on all parts of my game everyday but I have been focusing on improving my pick roll play offensively and defensively. I am becoming more comfortable with my option out of it for my teammates and myself.

You had an Invitation Only Workout with the Sioux Falls Skyforce & Tulsa 66ers (NBDL). What kind of experience was that for you?

It was a great experience for me personally. The teams demanded a high intensity level and it was fun to fight against other talented players. The challenge did a lot for my confidence and I look forward to see what happens.

You played two seasons with TV Langen. Your stats went down a bit last season. What were the reasons for this?

Last season was a tough year all together but honestly I learned from the hard times. I had a few small injuries but no real excuses. I put in extra time in the gym this summer to make up for it.

You are a point guard but if you had to change your style to play in a different kind of system would you be willing to do that?

Yes I am point guard first. The past season my role was to attack and shot, but I enjoy pushing the ball and getting my teammates involved. Playing the shooting guard position has helped improve my game mostly because I had to compete against other 2 guards that were bigger than me.

What did you learn the most in your two seasons in Langen?

I learned how to be a better professional on and off the court. Despite anything that goes on throughout the season, positive or negative, you must be professional. The management and coach helped me learn that.

You played together with Robin Benzing. What was your first impression of him in Langen?

When I first played with Robin, I was surprised with his ball handling ability and how easy he moves around the court at 208cm. He is a natural offensive weapon.

Do you think that he can play in the NBA?

I definitely think if he keeps working and improving his total game, he will play in the NBA. He is not far from that goal.

What was the most crazy shot that Benzing ever made in a practice?

I am not sure about that. Everyday we all use to do crazy trick shots before and after practice. To many to remember.

What was your nicest on court memory of a play that involved you and Benzing?


Easyhe hit the game winning 3pointer against Cuxhaven with no time left on the clock

Do you think that you could make the next step in the BEKO BBL? Do you still need to prove yourself at the PRO A level?

The BBL is definitely more physical and athletic but I know I can make the step into the BBL and compete at the highest level. Working hard and focusing on improving everyday doesnt change at any level. If or when the chance comes to make that step I will be ready.


What is a strength in your game that isnt usually noticed?


I think it is my passing ability. I understand the value of advancing the ball up the court, always make the extra pass, and create and dish. I am an underrated passer.

How well will the Miami Heat do with Lebron James?

Its scary to add Lebron, Bosh and solid experienced role players to Wades worldwill be fun to watch.

Will your friend Kendrick Perkins and the Boston Celtics win a title with Shaq, Jermaine O, Neal, Rondo and the Big 3?


If Shaq and Jermaine can play solid minutes on both sides of the court and we stay injury free, the vet crew in Beantown will definitely be a contender for the championship.

Will the USA win the gold in Turkey?

I just watched them play against Brazil and they struggled, but I think the entire team knows how important the World Championship is and they will pull it out in the end.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


I saw Takers in the movie theater. Trying to save my dvds for the new season

Thanks Miles!!!

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  GREECE   


Aris Thessaloniki wants Zoran Erceg and Samo Udrih - by Eurobasket News
Aris Thessaloniki wants to bring Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) on loan from Olympiakos and at the same time the team is close to sign Slovenian guard Samo Udrih (195-G-79). Negotiations are in progress.
Zoran Erceg spent last season on loan with Panionios ON Telecom Athens. He exploded with 14.7 ppg, 5.6 tpg and 1.3 apg for 22 games in A1. Erceg ended the competition as third best scorer and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team -10. Season 2008/09 he spent with the Reds. For 33 league games he had 6.5 ppg and 3 rpg. Olympiakos was regular season champion, but didnt make it in the Finals. In Euroleague that season Erceg averaged 5 points and 2.2 rebounds for 20 games. He joined the Reds from FMP Zeleznik in 2008.
Samo Udrih spent second half of 2009/10 season with Cibona Zagreb. He played 6 games for them in Euroleague averaging 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In Adriatic league he increased the numbers to 9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 13 games. Cibona defended the title in Croatia, where Udrih helped them with 7.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.7 apg fior 20 games. Udrih started last season with Slovenian outfit Hopsi Polzela. 2008/09 he spent with Estudiantes in Spain and before that played two years for CB Granada. In the past, Udrih also was a member of Girona, Maurienne, Union Olimpija, Geoplin Slovan and Pivovarna Lasko.

Spain stun Greece in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Spain-Greece 80:72

Spain and Greece closed the first day of the Eighth Final Round and knew that the winner would face Serbia later in the stage. Spain grabbed valuable 80:72 win in Istanbul.
Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) opened the game with a jump shot and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) increased the lead to 4:0. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) tied the game at 6:6 and Garbajosa Jorge made the same at 11:11. Greece however replied with 6-0 run as Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos closed it at 17:11, while Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos also scored for 18:14. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) and Lopez Raul meanwhile put Spain in front at 20:19 and Reyes Felipe closed the period at 22:19. Bourousis, Ioannis opened the second period and Vazquez Fran made it 24:21. Spain scored another four points in a row as Rubio Ricky brought 28:21. Greece answered with 6-0 run and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) cut it to 28:27. Spain later responded with 7-0 run and grabbed 37:29 with less than two minutes in the first half. Spanoulis was the last to score in the second frame to reduce the gap to 37:31.
The third quarter belonged to Greece that produced a good long-range shots. They opened the game with 8-0 run as Fotsis Antonios nailed three for 38:37. Dimitris Diamantidis posted another three for 41:41 and Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos scored for 49:45. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) replied with a three for 51:48, while Spain scored the last four points in the frame to take 52:51 advantage. Dimitris Diamantidis scored from the perimeter to open the last quarter and Vazquez Fran tied the game at 54:54. Reyes Felipe and Sergio Llull gave Spain 58:54 and then Sofoklis Schortsanitis drove a lay-up for 58:56. Rudy Fernandez nailed three for 61:57 and Greece needed Timeout with 4 minutes to go. Reyes Felipe closed a 6-0 run for 67:57 and Juan Carlos Navarro nailed three for 70:60. Schortsanitis reduced to 70:63 and Sofoklis Schortsanitis cut it to 72:66 with a minute in the quarter. Spanoulis brought 72:68, but Rubio Ricky made two free throws for 74:68. Juan Carlos Navarro was also perfect from the line to give Spain 76:68, while Calathes could make only one. Sergio Llull and Fotsis Antonios exchanged the baskets at the end as Spain qualified to 1/4 Finals.
Juan Carlos Navarro paced all the winners with 22 points, Rudy Fernandez netted 14 and Sergio Llull added 9. Nikolaos Zisis and Dimitris Diamantidis replied with 16 points each, whilst Sofoklis Schortsanitis posted 13.

Spain: Juan Carlos Navarro 22, Rudy Fernandez 14, Sergio Llull 9
Greece: Nikolaos Zisis 16, Dimitris Diamantidis 16, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 13

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  ICELAND   


Hamar sign new players - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Hamar made some changes on their roster for coming season.
Gone are two starters in Marvin Valdimarsson to Stjarnan and Oddur Olafsson to Fayetteville High School in NC. Hjalti Thorsteinsson to Thor.
Andre Dabney will be back as their US player. New faces are Darri Hilmarsson & Ellert Arnarson (180-G-87) coming from KR Kjartan Karason from FSU
Darrel Lewis from Armann and Lithuanian big men Nerijus Taraskus.
Agust Bjorgvinson stays as the coach

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  ITALY   


Northwestern University Wildcats-Fastweb Casale 112-105 - by Michele Berra
Northwestern won the scrimmage against Fastweb Junior Casale Monferrato after overtime, with a score of 112-105. For the Wildcats 38 points from Michael Thompson (182-G-89, college: Northwestern), 26 and 8 rebounds for John Shura and 22 Drew Crawford (196-G/F-90). For the home team top scorer Simone Pierich (198-F-81) marking 23 points, double-digit Giancarlo Ferrero (194-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) 22 pts, 19 pts Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85, agency: Players Group) Donell Taylor (198-G-82, college: UAB) 18 pts with 5 assists and Ricky Hickman 10 pts.
Casale after being ahead 29:28 in the first quarter has been the return of the Wildcats for the 50:51 half-time. In the third quarter the Junior House still ahead 72-70. A few seconds from the end, after two missed free throws by Michael Thompson Tommaso Fantoni with a lay-up gives the overtime at Junior Casale. Northwestern due to better shooting percentage and being very aggressive wins the match 112-105.

Friendly games of the Italian Lega Due teams - by Eurobasket News
Naturhouse Ferrara rolled over Snaidero Udine 71:67 in the Torneo Lignanobasket of the Memorial Alfiero Bettarini. Udine team had 13:12 after the opening quarter and the increased to 38:34 at the halftime. Moreover Snaidero held 53:51 lead entering the last stanza but could not keep the win. Valerio Mazzola (205-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) and Luca Lechthaler (207-C-86) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each, while David Cournooh (190-G-90) netted 12. Williams responded with 20 points in the losing effort, while Rinaldi netted 15.
Pistoia meanwhile overcame Virtus Siena, however Fucka got hurt in the game. Virtus Siena had 19:10 lead after the opening quarter and kept 36:30 halftime advantage. The third period was decisive in the game as Pistoia dominated the court. They reached 57:51 after three quarters and won the game. Forte and Toppo paced all the winners with 14 points apiece, while Porzingis netted 10. Tuci and Varnado nailed 7 each, while Demian Filloy (198-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Marzoli scored 6 apiece. Demian Filloy (198-F-82, agency: Interperformances) answered with 14 points in the losing case. Spizzichini delivered 12 and Casadei scored 11.
Mazzeo San Severo outscored Potenza 88:74 as Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) and Aaron Johnson (203-F-83, college: N.Mexico) stepped up with 21 points each.


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  KUWAIT   


Fraser to Kuwait - by Ali Ahmed
Al Kuwait SC basketball team management agreed terms with the Canadian Center Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma Baptist) to play with the team in 2010/2011.

Awards/Achievements:
All-NAIA D1 2nd Team -07
Sooner Athletic Conf. Tournament Semifinals -07
All-Sooner Athletic Conf. 1st Team -07
All-Sooner Athletic Conf. Co-Defensive Player of the Year -07
NAIA D1 Sweet 16 -07
Austrian Cup Finalist -08
Austrian Bundesliga A Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Austrian Bundesliga A All-Star Game -08 (MVP)
Austrian Bundesliga A Champion -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Honorable Mention -09
Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Newcomers Team -09
Ukrainian All-Star Game -10
Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 1st Team -10
Eurobasket.com Ukrainian Superleague All-Imports Team -10


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Trenton Wurtz will play for Musel Pikes - by Eurobasket News
Trenton Wurtz (203-F-83, college: Indiana St.) has agreed on terms of contract with Musel Pikes. The 27-year-old forward will replace Jeremy Buttell (201-F-87, college: Ill.-Chicago) on the squad. Trenton Wurtz recently played in New Zealand. He tallied 12.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for the Christchurch Cougars in the NBL. Previously Trenton Wurtz had spells for SISU in Denmark and Canasta Jerez Unibasket in Spain.


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  NBA   


Cavs waiting for Jawad Williams answer - by Eurobasket News
The Cavaliers are playing a waiting game with restricted free agent forward Jawad Williams (6'9''-F-83, college: N.Carolina).

They made a $1.03 million qualifying offer to the 6-foot-9, 218-pounder at the end of June. Unless Williams gets a better offer from another team, he'll likely accept the qualifying offer.

Cavs general manager Chris Grant is hoping to add Williams to the roster. He could become the starting small forward. If nothing else, Williams will compete for playing time with Jamario Moon and newcomer Joey Graham.

'We like Jawad,' Grant said. 'We'll get into training camp and see what happens. We have a qualifying offer out to him. I haven't heard one way or the other. Obviously, we'd like him to come to camp and compete and make his mark on being part of the team.'

Williams, 27, recently worked out for the Spurs. If he gets an offer from another team, the Cavs have the ability to match the offer.

Williams' agent, Kevin Bradbury, didn't return a phone message.



Roster set?

The Cavs will likely go into training camp with their current roster. The notable exception is Williams.

'Are we done at this particular time?' Cavs coach Byron Scott asked. 'Probably so.

'I look at what we have right now and am excited. I can't wait for the next three weeks to go by to get to work.'

Grant said he's constantly looking at ways to tweak the roster.

'I don't think it's ever set,' he said. 'We're constantly doing things. We want to be flexible and strategic. That may happen tomorrow or a month from now or in January.'

Scott said many of the players are already reporting to work.

Media day is tentatively set for Sept. 27. Training camp normally begins the following day.

'A lot of the guys are coming in this week,' Scott said. 'Most of the guys are coming in right after Labor Day. We'll have a full gym on the 7th until training camp.'

Scott said he's been calling the players, telling them to come to camp in shape. It's no longer the case of coming to camp to get in shape.

'That time was gone my rookie year with (ex-Lakers coach Pat) Riley,' he said. 'It's more of an emphasis to come into camp in shape. Your first 15-20 games, you're in midseason form.'



Wide open

Scott said the starting positions will be completely open. Obviously, a few players, such as guard Mo Williams and forward/center Anderson Varejao will start, if healthy.

'I have to look at it that way,' Scott said. 'Even though I have a pretty good idea what the starting lineup will be, you want to make it an open competition. You want everyone to understand they have to earn the playing time.'

Varejao is recovering from a sprained ankle. He was held out of Brazil's game against Team USA in the FIBA World Championships.

'It's nothing serious,' Grant said.



Ramon, Mo in tandem?

Don't be surprised if Scott decides to start Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions in the same backcourt.

'I don't know yet,' Scott said. 'Because of the way both guys play, I envision both playing together. I think that will be fantastic because both handle the ball and whoever gets it can run the show. That's the versatility that I want. I have no preconceived notions on any of our guys.

'Mo knows that Ramon is going to push him. He wants to be a starter. They'll both push each other.'

Courtesy of http://news-herald.com



Nuggets agree with Didier Mbenga - by Eurobasket News
According to Belgian media, Didier Mbenga (7'0''-C-80) agreed a one-year deal with the NBA team Denver Nuggets. It means that the experienced big guy will play his seventh consecutive season in the strongest basketball league in the World. Mbenga spent last two and a half seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers winning two titles with them. He had limited playing time, but still he secured a decent help to the LA team. In 2009/10 Mbenga appeared in 51 games averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds. Almost the same digits he had in 2008/09. He joined the Lakers in January of 2008 from the Dallas Mavericks. In 42 games that season he had 2 ppg and 1.7 rpg. The Mavericks brought in Mbenga to the NBA in 2004 from TEC Spirou Charleroi. That year Mbenga helped Charleroi to win the Belgian title. He had 6.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 34 games. In the past he also played for Leuven and Spiro Gilly.
Didier Mbenga is a member of the Belgian National Team. He played for his country also in 2005, 2006 and 2009.

New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh recently rejected deal for Rudy Fernandez - by Eurobasket News
Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) continues to lobby for a trade to New York, but the Knicks either can't or won't make a trade for the Portland shooting guard.

According to a team source, Knicks president Donnie Walsh recently rejected a three-team deal that would have sent Anthony Randolph to Indiana, a first-round pick to Portland and Fernandez to New York.

Because the Trail Blazers are insisting on receiving a first-round pick in return for Fernandez, the Knicks likely need to recruit a third team in order to complete a deal. The Blazers apparently have little interest in Wilson Chandler. Fernandez, who is currently playing for Spain at the world championships in Turkey, was fined by the NBA for publicly asking for a trade.

Denver's Carmelo Anthony has avoided similar punishment from the league, although from all indications, he'd like to be traded to the Knicks, Nets, Rockets or Clippers.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Bucks sign 2nd round pick Darington Hobson - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed second-round draft pick Darington Hobson (6'7''-G/F-87).

Terms were not disclosed in Friday's announcement..

The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Hobson was the 37th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft.

A junior selected out of New Mexico, Hobson averaged 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists over three college seasons, the first two at Eastern Utah. Last season at New Mexico, Hobson averaged career-highs in rebounds (9.3) and assists (4.6) while scoring 15.9 points and shooting a career-best 36.1 percent from three-point range (39-108).

Hobson was the Mountain West Conference's Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year in his only season at New Mexico. He was also named Third Team All-America by The Associated Press.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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  NCAA1   


Big Ten divisions decided, possible advantage to Michigan State basketball - by Eurobasket News
The Big Ten has announced the alignment of its two divisions in football, which will begin once Nebraska enters the conference in 2011-2012 and makes it a 12-team league.

The divisions, as first reported by ESPN's Andy Katz and later confirmed by the league, are as follows:

- Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern and Minnesota
- Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois

Katz reported that the league wanted to preserve a number of 'traditional' rivalries, naming, among others Indiana and Illinois. Of course, Michigan and Ohio State are in different divisions -- so that doesn't really seem to add up.

For that issue, the league announced a consistent crossover game in football so that those two rivals will play each other every season.

As far as basketball, the details are still being ironed out. Katz reported the Big Ten could use the divisions and play each divisional opponent twice (a home-and-home) and then each non-divisional opponent in a single game -- where each team would get three home and three road games. It's also a possibility that the league sticks with its current 18-game schedule, which would obviously need some modifications to accommodate Nebraska.

During the Big Ten Network special in which commissioner Jim Delany announced the divisions, he stated that men's basketball is free to chart its own course.

In initially glancing at the divisions in basketball, one thing immediately sticks out when you look at the landscape of the current league. And that is that Michigan State will have an absolute cakewalk if the basketball people decided to use the divisional format. Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Illinois are all in the other division, as is Indiana -- currently in the doldrums but a traditional college basketball power that might rise again. In fact, if you ranked the top six basketball programs, it's entirely possible you'd end up with Michigan State being the only one in the top six from its side.

Basically, if the league adheres to a divisional basketball setup, Tom Izzo has got to be a happy man.

Courtesy of http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com

Duke's Singler has surgery on left knee - by Eurobasket News
Duke senior Kyle Singler (6'8''-F-88) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Friday at the Duke University Medical Center.

The former South Medford standout is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of practice on Oct. 15

The school said last season's most outstanding player at the Final Four had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday afternoon at the Duke University Medical Center. He is expected to recover in time for the start of preseason practice Oct. 15.

Associate head coach Steve Wojciechowski says Singler, last season's most outstanding player at the Final Four, was having some 'discomfort' in his knee, so he decided to go ahead and have the surgery.

Singler averaged nearly 18 points and seven rebounds to help Duke win its fourth NCAA championship.

Courtesy of www.mailtribune.com

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


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


NBBF CONGRATULATE MASAI UJIRI - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has sent a congratulatory message to former Nigeria International, Masai Ujiri over his recent appointmen as General Manager of Denver Nuggets Basketball club National Basketball Association (NBA) side.

NBBF President, Tijjani Umar who convey the goodwill message to the former Assistant General Manger of Toronto Raptors recently sign with the Nuggets as its new G.M.

The Nigeria basketball boss says Ujiri elevation is a clear testimony of his good work and a boost for Nigeria basketball.

The federation urge Ujiri to remain steadfast with his good deed in helping to reshape the game in Nigeria in particular and the world in general.

On behalf of the Nigeria Basketball federation and the Nigeria basketball community both at home and in the disaspora, I want to salute and congratulate Masai Ujiri on his new appointment as the General Manager of NBA side, The Denver Nuggets.

Masai has demonstarted that hard work pays and little wonder he is reaping the fruit of his labour, Masai has played significant role in helping to reshape Nigeria basketball, he has played such role as player, coach and adviser.

We are greatly delighted that a Nigerian is holding such key position with an NBA side and we beleive his elevation will open the door for others like him and for Nigeria basketball as we match towards making Nigeria basketball the best in Africa and one of the best in the world.

The NBBF president is leading a delegation to Turkey to attend the FIBA World Congress, the delegation whcih includes the First Vice-President of the federation, Muktar Adamu Khaleh and the federation Secretary General, Francis will have a meeting with the new Denver General Manager, Ujiri who will also be in turkey to watch the FIBA World Championship.

Among Ujiri contribution to the development of basketball in Nigeria is the annual camps he co-organised alongside Godwin Onwinje includes the Giants of Africa Camp and the Top-50 camp.

Ujiri was a member of the Nigeria senior national team, DTigers that qualifies Nigeria for her first FIBA World Championship in Greece in 1998, he also serve as Assistant Coach of the U18 and U19 Junior national team in 2006 FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Men in South Africa and the FIBA World Championship for U19 Men in Serbia and Assistant to Coach John Lucas to the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship for Men in Libya.



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


Pre-season games: Unics win, Spartak SP lose - by Eurobasket News
Unics overcame Neptunas in the friendly game in Klaipeda. The Kazan outfit led from start to finish and celebrated an 89:66 victory at the end. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) fired 24 points to lead the winners. Unics unloaded 31 points in the first quarter to take an 8-point lead. They boosted the margin to as many as 16 points at halftime. Neptunas cut the deficit in the third term as they trailed by 12 points into the final quarter. But Unics stayed calm and determined and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Vladimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) knocked down 17 points. Lyday added 12 points for the winners. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) replied with 14 points for Neptunas. Stasys had 11 in the loss.
In the meantime Spartak Saint Petersburg surrendered against Aris 54:97. The Greek team surged ahead right from the start. They posted a 7-point lead after ten minutes 22:15. The margin grew at 11-point mark at halftime. Aris stretched their lead to 28 points at the final break and did not look back en route to the victory. Pierre Pierce (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Iowa) nailed 15 points for Aris. Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82) added 12 points, while Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points in the win. Petar Popovic (211-C-79) replied with 19 points for Spartak. Pavel Antipov (203-F-91) accounted for 10 points in the loss.


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


Serbia wins the Balkan battle, becomes the first Quarterfinalist - by Eurobasket News
Serbia-Croatia 73:72

The Balkan battle opened the Eight Finals of the World Championship. Serbia became the first Quarterfinalist beating Croatia 73:72 in a thriller.
Serbia started with 5-0 run, but could not kept the lead in the opening quarter. Bogdanovic Bojan tied it at 5:5, while Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) brought his side 12:9. Bogdanovic Bojan increased to 20:13, while Loncar Kresimir made it 27:19 at the end of the period. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) opened the second period with a dunk and Tepic Milenko reduced to 27:23. Moreover Kosta Perovic pulled Serbia to 29:29 making another dunk. Keselj Marko with a three gave them 34:32 and Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) made 36:34. Actually that was the end of the first half, however the Battle continued in the court. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) started the third frame with a three-pointer for 37:36 and Nenad Krstic made two free-throws for 39:36. Roko-Leni Ukic tied it all at 40:40 and Bogdanovic Bojan brought Croatia 42:41. The squads exchanged the leads several times until the end of the quarter and Milan Macvan (205-F-89) scored for 54:50 for Serbia. The last frame became the most interesting in the game. Tomas Marko reduced it to 54:52 and Tomas Marko scored for 56:54. Serbia created a 5-0 run for 61:54, but the game was not over. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) nailed three in reply for 64:60, while Marko Banic (204-F-84) n a row for 67:65. Marko Popovic reduced to 68:67 with 24 seconds in the game and he also scored for 70:69. Tomas Marko an unbelievable steal and passed again to Marko Popovic that made one free throw for 70:70. Aleksandar Rasic drove a lay-up for 72:70, while again Marko Popovic reduced to 72:72 with 5 seconds in the game. Aleksandar Rasic was however fouled and made one free throw for the final success.
Nenad Krstic paced all the winners with 16 points and Aleksandar Rasic added 15. Kosta Perovic netted 10 and Milan Macvan scored 8. Marko Popovic had a great night in defeat finishing with 21 points for Croatia. Roko-Leni Ukic posted 11 and Marko Banic poured in 10.

Serbia: Nenad Krstic 16, Aleksandar Rasic 15, Kosta Perovic 10, Milan Macvan 8
Croatia: Marko Popovic 21, Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Marko Banic 10

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


Spain stun Greece in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Spain-Greece 80:72

Spain and Greece closed the first day of the Eighth Final Round and knew that the winner would face Serbia later in the stage. Spain grabbed valuable 80:72 win in Istanbul.
Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) opened the game with a jump shot and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) increased the lead to 4:0. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) tied the game at 6:6 and Garbajosa Jorge made the same at 11:11. Greece however replied with 6-0 run as Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos closed it at 17:11, while Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos also scored for 18:14. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) and Lopez Raul meanwhile put Spain in front at 20:19 and Reyes Felipe closed the period at 22:19. Bourousis, Ioannis opened the second period and Vazquez Fran made it 24:21. Spain scored another four points in a row as Rubio Ricky brought 28:21. Greece answered with 6-0 run and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) cut it to 28:27. Spain later responded with 7-0 run and grabbed 37:29 with less than two minutes in the first half. Spanoulis was the last to score in the second frame to reduce the gap to 37:31.
The third quarter belonged to Greece that produced a good long-range shots. They opened the game with 8-0 run as Fotsis Antonios nailed three for 38:37. Dimitris Diamantidis posted another three for 41:41 and Nikolaos Zisis Nikolaos scored for 49:45. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) replied with a three for 51:48, while Spain scored the last four points in the frame to take 52:51 advantage. Dimitris Diamantidis scored from the perimeter to open the last quarter and Vazquez Fran tied the game at 54:54. Reyes Felipe and Sergio Llull gave Spain 58:54 and then Sofoklis Schortsanitis drove a lay-up for 58:56. Rudy Fernandez nailed three for 61:57 and Greece needed Timeout with 4 minutes to go. Reyes Felipe closed a 6-0 run for 67:57 and Juan Carlos Navarro nailed three for 70:60. Schortsanitis reduced to 70:63 and Sofoklis Schortsanitis cut it to 72:66 with a minute in the quarter. Spanoulis brought 72:68, but Rubio Ricky made two free throws for 74:68. Juan Carlos Navarro was also perfect from the line to give Spain 76:68, while Calathes could make only one. Sergio Llull and Fotsis Antonios exchanged the baskets at the end as Spain qualified to 1/4 Finals.
Juan Carlos Navarro paced all the winners with 22 points, Rudy Fernandez netted 14 and Sergio Llull added 9. Nikolaos Zisis and Dimitris Diamantidis replied with 16 points each, whilst Sofoklis Schortsanitis posted 13.

Spain: Juan Carlos Navarro 22, Rudy Fernandez 14, Sergio Llull 9
Greece: Nikolaos Zisis 16, Dimitris Diamantidis 16, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 13

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


Three leaders for the LUB - by Hector Lopez
Marcus Sikes (203-F-84, agency: STKG, college: Cincinnati) scored 25 points and Albert Jackson grabbed 17 rebounds and added 19 points, leading Anastasia to beat Cader 83-75 for the Uruguayan League third round. Also for Anastasia Brian Latham (184-G-83, agency: Union Sports, college: Houston) scored 11 points. For Cader, Lavontay Fenderson (193-F-85, college: Wisc.-Parkside) 19 points 3 rebounds, Terrance Gamble (208-C-83, agency: HBA Sports, college: Tarleton St.) 15 points 8 rebounds and Jamelle Cornley (196-F-87, college: Penn St.) 25 points 6 rebounds. Anastasia, Bigua and Hebraica are the LUB leaders with a 2-0 record.
Other results:
Olimpia 78 - Johwen Villegas (193-G-85, college: Florida Intern.) 15 points 8 rebounds 4 assists, Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 16 points 14 rebounds 5 blocks
Montevideo 58 - Darris Santee (203-F-87, college: UNLV) 14 points 12 rebounds 2 blocks
- - -
Bigua 79 - Nick Billings (214-C-82, college: Binghamton) 14 points 10 rebounds 3 blocks, Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: W.Kentucky) 14 points 9 rebounds
Union Atletica 73 - Jon Rogers (204-F/C-84, college: Valdosta St.) 21 points 14 rebounds 2 blocks, Shane Thorson (198-F-83, college: Tampa) 6 points 5 rebounds
- - -
Sayago 73 - Cedric McGowan 19 points 5 rebounds 1 block, Terence Shelman 10 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks
Welcome 71 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) 20 points 3 asists, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, agency: Liman Sports, college: N.C.Central) 10 points 4 rebounds 2 assists Darris Santee

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


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Luis SCOLA
  ARG
  (206-F/C-80)
  Avg: 29
 1. Scola, ARG29.0 
 2. Penney, NZL25.4 
 3. Yi, CHN22.5 
 4. Haddadi, IRI20.0 
 5. Durant, USA17.8 
 6. Kleiza, LTU17.4 
 7. Delfino, ARG17.4 
 8. Barea, PUR16.8 
 9. Ilyasova, TUR16.5 
 10. Navarro, ESP16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jianlian YI
  CHN
  (212-C/F-87)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Yi, CHN9.8 
 2. Ilyasova, TUR9.0 
 3. Haddadi, IRI8.6 
 4. Abbaas, JOR8.4 
 5. Asik, TUR8.2 
 6. Scola, ARG8.2 
 7. Andersen, AUS8.0 
 8. Kendall, CAN7.6 
 9. Kazemi, IRI7.4 
 10. Abercrombie, NZL7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  BRA
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Huertas, BRA6.6 
 2. Prigioni, ARG6.4 
 3. Rubio, ESP6.2 
 4. Ponkrashov, RUS5.6 
 5. Daghles, JOR5.6 
 6. Barea, PUR5.4 
 7. Diabate, IVO4.4 
 8. Mills, AUS4.4 
 9. Turkoglu, TUR4.0 
 10. Teodosic, SRB4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Sinan GULER
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Guler, TUR3.3 
 2. Kazemi, IRI2.8 
 3. Mahmoud, LEB2.6 
 4. Teodosic, SRB2.5 
 5. Sun, CHN2.4 
 6. Diabate, IVO2.4 
 7. Maciulis, LTU2.2 
 8. Prigioni, ARG2.2 
 9. Delfino, ARG2.2 
 10. Barbosa, BRA2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  IVO
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Lamizana, IVO3.2 
 2. Haddadi, IRI2.6 
 3. Anthony, CAN2.2 
 4. Gasol, ESP2.2 
 5. Mejri, TUN2.2 
 6. Asik, TUR1.6 
 7. Gay, USA1.4 
 8. Vazquez, ESP1.3 
 9. Mozgov, RUS1.2 
 10. Erden, TUR1.2 


Serbia and Spain are the first Quarterfinalists - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Croatia 73-72
The Balkan battle opened the Eight Finals of the World Championship. Serbia became the first Quarter finalist beating Croatia 73:72 in a thriller. Serbia started with 5-0 run, but could not kept the lead in the opening quarter. Bogdanovic Bojan tied it at 5:5, while Ukic Roko-Leni brought his side 12:9. Bogdanovic Bojan increased to 20:13, while Loncar Kresimir made it 27:19 at the end of the period. Perovic Kosta opened the second period with a dunk and Tepic Milenko reduced to 27:23. Moreover Perovic Kosta pulled Serbia to 29:29 making another dunk. Keselj Marko with a three gave them 34:32 and Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) made 36:34. Actually that was the end of the first half, however the Battle continued in the court. Rasic Aleksandar started the third frame with a three-pointer for 37:36 and Nenad Krstic made two free-throws for 39:36. Ukic Roko-Leni tied it all at 40:40 and Bogdanovic Bojan brought Croatia 42:41. The squads exchanged the leads several times until the end of the quarter and Macvan Milan scored for 54:50 for Serbia. The last frame became the most interesting in the game. Tomas Marko reduced it to 54:52 and Tomas Marko scored for 56:54. Serbia created a 5-0 run for 61:54, but the game was not over. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) nailed three in reply for 64:60, while Banic Marko n a row for 67:65. Marko Popovic reduced to 68:67 with 24 seconds in the game and he also scored for 70:69. Tomas Marko an unbelievable steal and passed again to Marko Popovic that made one free throw for 70:70. Rasic Aleksandar drove a lay-up for 72:70, while again Marko Popovic reduced to 72:72 with 5 seconds in the game. Rasic Aleksandar was however fouled and made one free throw for the final success. Nenad Krstic paced all the winners with 16 points and Rasic Aleksandar added 15. Perovic Kosta netted 10 and Macvan Milan scored 8. Marko Popovic had a great night in defeat finishing with 21 points for Croatia. Ukic Roko-Leni posted 11 and Banic Marko poured in 10.

Spain - Greece 80-72
Spain and Greece closed the first day of the Eighth Final Round and knew that the winner would face Serbia later in the stage. Spain grabbed valuable 80:72 win in Istanbul. Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) opened the game with a jump shot and Diamantidis Dimitrios increased the lead to 4:0. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) tied the game at 6:6 and Garbajosa Jorge made the same at 11:11. Greece however replied with 6-0 run as Nikolaos Zisis closed it at 17:11, while Nikolaos Zisis also scored for 18:14. Llull Sergio and Lopez Raul meanwhile put Spain in front at 20:19 and Reyes Felipe closed the period at 22:19. Bourousis, Ioannis opened the second period and Vazquez Fran made it 24:21. Spain scored another four points in a row as Rubio Ricky brought 28:21. Greece answered with 6-0 run and Schortsanitis Sofoklis cut it to 28:27. Spain later responded with 7-0 run and grabbed 37:29 with less than two minutes in the first half. Spanoulis was the last to score in the second frame to reduce the gap to 37:31. The third quarter belonged to Greece that produced a good long-range shots. They opened the game with 8-0 run as Fotsis Antonios nailed three for 38:37. Diamantidis Dimitrios posted another three for 41:41 and Nikolaos Zisis scored for 49:45. Fernandez Rudy replied with a three for 51:48, while Spain scored the last four points in the frame to take 52:51 advantage. Diamantidis Dimitrios scored from the perimeter to open the last quarter and Vazquez Fran tied the game at 54:54. Reyes Felipe and Llull Sergio gave Spain 58:54 and then Schortsanitis Sofoklis drove a lay-up for 58:56. Fernandez Rudy nailed three for 61:57 and Greece needed Timeout with 4 minutes to go. Reyes Felipe closed a 6-0 run for 67:57 and Juan Carlos Navarro nailed three for 70:60. Schortsanitis reduced to 70:63 and Schortsanitis Sofoklis cut it to 72:66 with a minute in the quarter. Spanoulis brought 72:68, but Rubio Ricky made two free throws for 74:68. Juan Carlos Navarro was also perfect from the line to give Spain 76:68, while Calathes could make only one. Llull Sergio and Fotsis Antonios exchanged the baskets at the end as Spain qualified to 1/4 Finals. Juan Carlos Navarro paced all the winners with 22 points, Fernandez Rudy netted 14 and Llull Sergio added 9. Nikolaos Zisis and Diamantidis Dimitrios replied with 16 points each, whilst Schortsanitis Sofoklis posted 13.





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

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Big V announced the best players - by Eurobasket News
Big V announced the best players of the 2009/2010 season. The three sections below consist of best scorers, rebounders and so called golden hands.

Scoring:
State Championship Women: Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88), Melbourne Tigers
Division One Women: Vanessa Power (180-G-87), Mildura Heat
Division Two Women: Rachale Wansbrough, Mornington Breakers
Youth League Women:Isabella Brancatisano, Melbourne Tigers

Rebounds:
State Championship Women: Candice Rogers/Amanda Behnke, Geelong Cats, Ringwood Hawks.
Division One Women: Georgia Stott, Hawthorn Magic
Division Two Women: Rachael Wansbrough, Mornington Breakers
Youth League Women: Charlotte Ross-Harris, Hawthorn Magic

Golden Hands:
State Championship Women: Katie Laviolette, Ringwood Hawks
Division One Women: Sharon Grieve, Altona Gators
Division Two Women: Kathryn Hay, Western Port Steelers
Youth League Women: Stephanie Perch, Hawthorn Magic



2010 Waratah Basketball League Awards - by Eurobasket News
Australian U/21 Youth Player of the Year Aloisa Aguilan Hills Hornets
Defensive Player of the Year Annie La Fleur Sydney Comets
Leading Rebounder Jamiee Kennedy Hornsby Spiders - 8.73 rpg
Steals Leader Cheryl Wills Newcastle Hunters - 3.6 spg
Blocks Leader Mary Paz Cerda Norths Bears - 1.77 rpg
Leading Field Goal Percentage Michelle Cosier Canberra Nationals - 52%
Leading Three Point Percentage Michelle Cosier Canberra Nationals - 45%
Assists Leader Erin Lorenzini (175-G-86) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - 5.33 apg
Leading Free Throw Percentage Erin Lorenzini Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - 85.7%
All Star Five - Guard Erin Lorenzini Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Leading Free Throw Percentage Katie-Rae Ezbery Newcastle Hunters - 85.7%
Leading Points Scorer Katie-Rae Ezbery Newcastle Hunters - 20.6 ppg
Coach of the Year Larry Davidson Newcastle Hunters
All Star Five - Guard Katie-Rae Ezbery Newcastle Hunters
All Star Five - Forward Sarah Davidson Sydney Comets
All Star Five - Centre Frances Carvajal (185-C/F-83, college: W.Virg.Wesl.) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Golden Hands Briana Hennessy Bankstown Bruins
All Star Five - Forward Briana Hennessy Bankstown Bruins
MVP of the Year Briana Hennessy Bankstown Bruins
REFEREE AWARD
Waratah League Referee of the Year Sean Myers
Courtesy of: http://www.sportingpulse.com

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


Cuba hold off Brazil in Barueri - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Brazil 79:73

Cuba posted the first win at the Eletrobras international tournament. They knocked down hosting Brazil. Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) fired 22 points to pace the Cuban side. Brazil will next take on Poland at the tourney.
The hosts stayed in control in the opening frame. They eked out a 17:15 advantage after ten minutes. Brazil maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The home team established a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Cuba turned things around in the third period. They exploded with 30 points to narrow the deficit at just one point. Cuba kept up to the pace and unloaded 24 points in the fourth quarter to rally to a confident win at the end. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) notched 18 points for the winners. Yulizeny Soria (181-G-79) and Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) netted 13 points each for Cuba. Karen Gustavo (177-G-84) replied with 13 points for Brazil. Kelly Silva Santos (192-C-79) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Cuba: Oyanaisy Gelis 22, Clenia Noblet 18, Yulizeny Soria 13, Taimy Fernandez 13
Brazil: Karen Gustavo 13, Kelly Silva Santos 12


*****************************************************
  CUBA - Women  


Cuba hold off Brazil in Barueri - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Brazil 79:73

Cuba posted the first win at the Eletrobras international tournament. They knocked down hosting Brazil. Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) fired 22 points to pace the Cuban side. Brazil will next take on Poland at the tourney.
The hosts stayed in control in the opening frame. They eked out a 17:15 advantage after ten minutes. Brazil maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The home team established a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Cuba turned things around in the third period. They exploded with 30 points to narrow the deficit at just one point. Cuba kept up to the pace and unloaded 24 points in the fourth quarter to rally to a confident win at the end. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) notched 18 points for the winners. Yulizeny Soria (181-G-79) and Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) netted 13 points each for Cuba. Karen Gustavo (177-G-84) replied with 13 points for Brazil. Kelly Silva Santos (192-C-79) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Cuba: Oyanaisy Gelis 22, Clenia Noblet 18, Yulizeny Soria 13, Taimy Fernandez 13
Brazil: Karen Gustavo 13, Kelly Silva Santos 12


*****************************************************
  IRAN - Women  


TENA MATTHEWS joined Mahram Basketball Club - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Mahram Basketball Club added to their roster 25-year old American guard Tena Matthews (173-G-85, college: Northwestern St.). Matthews played most recently at SCM CSS U Craiova (Romania).
The guard has already played in Denmark with Horsens IC in the season 2008-09 averaging, in 22 games, 19.2ppg (third best scorer), 11.6rpg (best rebounder), 2.5spg (third best in the league), 1.7apg, 2FGP: 54.0% 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.8...

Mahram Basketball Club is the Champion of Asia in Men Basketball and is One of the Championship Chances in Ladies in upcoming season. They have former NT Player and one of the Best Iranian Coaches for Ladies , Mahin Kourehchian.

TINA HUFF will Play for Mahram in 2010-2011 - by Mohammad Ahmadi
TINA HUFF has agreed on terms of contract with Mahram Basketball Club to be with her friend, TENA MATTHEWS. Tina Huff with 196 cm is a Defensive player/rebouder/shot blocker) Long, Athletic and a Aggressive Shot Blocker (# 7 in Nation: NCAA 3.2 blks per gm) Loves to play inside & especially defense.Very good passer in double team or zone traffic. Physically powerful on the low block, A team leader (WNBA top prospect list 2007)...

She has been playing for Columbus Hidden Gems , BC Star (Estonia-Meistriliiga) and Horsens IC (Denmark-Dameligaen).


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


Ashley Logue joins Heffingen - by Eurobasket News
Heffingen announced their new import player. They signed a deal with Ashley Logue (188-F/C-87, college: St.Joseph's). The 23-year-old centre graduated from the St. Josephs College this year. Ashley Logue averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 boards, 1.0 steal and 1.0 assist per game in her senior season. She then inked a deal with the Pennsylvania Lazers in the WBCBL. Ashley Logue tallied 11.4 points per game in the league.


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


DePaul's Doug Bruno gets extension - by Eurobasket News
DePaul women's basketball coach Doug Bruno has signed a contract extension through the 2016-17 season, the school announced Friday.

Bruno will be entering his 25th season with the Blue Demons. He has a 458-263 record at DePaul and has led it to 15 NCAA tournament appearances, including eight consecutive.

'We are very pleased to offer yet again, another long-term contract to coach Bruno,' DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said in a statement. 'His name is synonymous with successful college basketball around Chicago and around the world as a fantastic teacher of the game, mentor to his student-athletes and fiercely loyal to his alma mater, DePaul University.'

Bruno was elated about his extension and reflected on when he was first hired at DePaul.

'I am totally juiced about the opportunity to continue what has become a lifelong passion: coaching DePaul women's basketball,' Bruno said in a statement. 'When Gene Sullivan asked me to coach the DePaul women as a 26-year-old in the mid-70s I never imagined that that team of young women would inspire me to coach women and that would become a lifetime mission.'

DePaul also will name the court at McGrath Arena this season the 'Doug Bruno Court.'

The Blue Demons could be among the Big East's best this season as they return all five starters from last year's NCAA tournament team and Deidre Naughton, who sat out last season due to injury.

Courtesy of ESPN

Doty's knee surgery deemed successful - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut says guard Caroline Doty (5'10''-G-89) has had successful surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.

The school says Doty, who had the surgery Tuesday at the University of Connecticut Health Center, should be able to return for the start of the 2011-12 season.

The junior tore her ACL in late July while practicing.

She missed the second half of her freshman season after a similar injury to the same knee. She also missed her senior season in high school after tearing that ACL while playing soccer.

Doty started 38 of 39 games last season and averaged under 7 points for the undefeated Huskies. UConn won a second consecutive national championship, extending its winning streak to 78 games.

Courtesy of Yahoo

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  WNBA - Women  


Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi confident despite woeful performance - by Eurobasket News
If anyone can shrug off 2-of-15 shooting in a game as important as the first in a best-of-three WNBA Western Conference Finals, it's Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut).

'I really don't act any differently whether I have 40 or I have 10,' the seventh-year guard with titles at every level up to the Olympics said Friday. She scored only nine in the Phoenix Mercury's 82-74 loss the night before at Seattle. 'I've played a lot of games in the last 10 years so one game is not going to do anything for me.'

She'll have to be better, though, in Game 2 on Sunday if the Mercury are to remain alive for a second straight championship.

Taurasi, who led the league in scoring for a third consecutive season with a 22.6-point average, picked up a foul 45 seconds into Game 1 and two more early in the second quarter. Not long after her fourth foul, early in the fourth quarter, she was hit with a technical foul and eventually fouled out with 54 seconds left.

'I just let them know how I felt,' Taurasi of the officials. 'I wasn't frustrated.'

Even given Taurasi's atypical shooting, the Mercury were within seven points with 4:23 remaining and could have trimmed that had Taurasi hit an open 16-footer at 3:44. When she missed, the Storm made enough free throws to improve to 6-0 vs. Phoenix this season and remain undefeated (19-0) at KeyArena.

'Probably everything that could go wrong went wrong,' said Taurasi, who was below double-figure scoring for just the second time all season. 'Sometimes things like that happen on the road. We just didn't quite get the stops and the offensive execution we needed to get it done.

'I went back and looked at the film, and I don't think I've ever had that many open shots in my life. That's when you need to do other things and keep playing hard, and things will turn. If they're good looks, I'm going to always keep shooting. But we have plenty of other people to spread it around with, and that's when we're at our best.'

Mercury coach Corey Gaines is confident that Taurasi will bounce back in Game 2 like she did in the 2007 WNBA Finals, scoring 30 (11-of-20) in a Game 2 win after 10 (3-of-8) in a Game 1 loss.

'Sometimes you just miss shots,' he said. 'My job is to get her open and get her better shots. Dee always plays with great intensity. I'm talking to her constantly during the game. She was fine.'

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

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  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


'Les Bleues' also win in Lugo - by Bert Larsimont
In the other game of Day 1 of the 'Torneo internacional Lugo 10', France with Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87, but not playing in this game) faced Belarus. Belarus' ladies were dominated by Les Bleues: 76-55. It is the fourth straight win for the French national team in their preparatory campaign before the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women.
France will play Greece while Spain will face Belarus on Day 2 of the tournament.

Quarter by quarter score evolution: 19-9, 43-30, 62-42 and 76-55

Belarus: Podobed 3, Gasper 6, Dureyko 5, Annfrienko 4, Veremeenko 15, Marchenko 5, Troina 5, Trofimova 5, Kress 5, Lihtorovich 2.
France: Lardy 5, Miyem 9, J. Gomis 4, Beikes 7, Dumerc 2, Digbeu 9, E. Gomis 7, Godin 9, Ndongue 8, Jannault 2, Laborde 9, Lepron 5.