Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/9/2011

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Men News

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ABA

DeRon Rutledge annunces retirement - by Gianni Pascucci
Southeast Texas Mavericks power forward DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) will play his farewell game on Saturday night at Nutty Jerrys Entertainment Center in Winnie, TX vs the Texas Rimrockers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
The 66-245 power forward has been with the Mavericks since the pro basketball started in the Golden Triangle three years ago. Rutledge has played professional basketball now for fifteen years both in the USA and abroad. He is one of the most celebrated and honored players to have ever played professional basketball on this level. Rutledge has been All-ABA four times in his career and has been selected to play in three ABA All-Star Games. He was the 2008-09 MVP of the American Basketball Association. DeRon has decided to step away from pro basketball to pursue a career opportunity with Union Pacific Railroad. Known for his patented jump hook, DeRon Rutledge will be remembered for his professionalism, class and for his great passion for the game of basketball.

Another win for the Aces - by Gianni Pascucci
Just after defeating the LA Slam, the Las Vegas Aces played a second, consecutive game vs the Southern California Swish, winning that match too. The Aces led the game for three quarters. The fourth partial was a totally different game. The SoCal Swish came out on all cylinders and took the lead after being down more than ten points. With three minutes left in the fourth quarter and down by 7 points, coach Baker recalled in his starting lineup and Lou Kelly (6'5''-G/F-79, college: UNLV), Michael Johnson (6'0''-G-76, college: Oklahoma) and Patrick Savoy (6'9''-F/C-72, college: UNLV) led a charge to bring the Aces to a 102-93 win.
Leading scorers for the SoCal Swish were Matt Shaw (6'8''-F-88) and Jamar Cramer (6'3''-G-72, college: LA Trade Tech), both with 20 points, Tracie Cathey (6'1''-G-89) chipped in with 16 points. For the Aces it was seven players in double digit scoring. Stanley Gill (6'7''-F-84, college: W.Alabama) led his team with 18 points, Aaron Perez (6'5''-F, college: Oklahoma Baptist) added 14 pts, Patrick Savoy scored 12 pts, Lou Kelly and Richard Lewis added 11 pts apiece.

Standings

ABA Standings

1. Colorado Kings		5-0
2. Arlington B.		2-3
3. Santa Barbara		0-0
4. Texas RR		0-0
Gulf Coast
1. SE Texas M.		13-1
2. Gulf Coast F.		4-2
3. Mobile Bay H.		4-2
4. Cypress		0-0
5. Lafayette U.		0-0
6. Houston Red S.		0-5
Mid-Atlantic
1. Seven Cities		7-0
2. Atlanta V.		0-0
3. Charlotte		0-0
4. College Park		0-0
5. Fayetteville F.		0-0
6. Georgia G.		0-0
7. Georgia K		0-0
NoCal
1. Bay Area M.		6-2
2. E.Bay Pitbulls		6-3
3. Sacramento H.		6-3
4. S.Francisco R.		5-2
5. California SK		0-0
6. Clayton		0-0
North Central
1. Chicago Steam		5-2
2. Lake Michigan		3-2
3. Detroit Hoops		0-0
4. Elkhart E.		0-0
5. Indianapolis		0-0
6. Kansas City S.		0-0
7. NWI M.Stars		0-0
8. Pittsburgh P.		0-0
Northeast
1. Jersey Expr.		3-1
2. NY Red Riders		0-0
3. NY Thunder		0-0
4. S.Jersey		0-0
5. Tri-City Suns		0-0
Northwest
1. Seattle M.		5-1
SoCal
1. Las Vegas A.		6-0
2. San Diego S.		5-3
3. LA Slam		3-1
4. San Diego Sol		2-1
5. Compton C.		0-0
6. Mid-Valley		0-0
7. Riverside R.		0-0
8. S.Valley Fever		0-0
South Central
1. E.Kentucky En.		7-0
2. St. Louis		2-1
3. Kentucky B.		0-0
4. Kentucky C.		0-0
5. W.Virginia B.		0-0
6. Indiana Diesel		0-1
Southeast
1. Jacksonville		7-0
2. Savannah Storm		6-2
3. Columbus Life		4-0
4. Bahama PS		0-0
5. Florida Makos		0-0
6. Florida Th.		0-0
7. H.Prowl		0-0
8. Orlando Kings		0-0
9. Team Haiti		0-0
Southwest
1. Texas Fuel		8-4
2. North Dallas		6-3
3. Oklahoma		3-2
4. W.Texas W.		3-4
5. Dallas Impact		0-0
6. N.Texas F.		0-0
7. Piedmont		0-0

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Union Olimpija			10-5
2. Krka			10-5
3. Buducnost			9-5
4. Siroki TT			8-6
5. Partizan			8-6
6. KK Zagreb CO			8-6
7. Cedevita			8-7
8. Hemofarm			7-7
9. CEZ Nymburk			7-8
10. Radnicki			6-8
11. Igokea			6-9
12. Cibona			5-9
13. Zadar			5-10
14. Crvena Zvezda			4-10

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael LEE
  Radnicki
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Lee, Radnicki	21.4
2. Macvan, Hemofarm	19.2
3. Zoric, KK.	18.8
4. Draper, Cedevita	18.7
5. Bogdanovic, Cibona	18.5
6. Car, Zadar	17.8
7. Edwards, Cedevita	17.5
8. Marsh, Crvena Z.	16.7
9. Chase, Igokea	16.1
10. Dragicevic, Buduc.	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Zoric, KK.	8.9
2. Kasun, KK.	7.0
3. Macvan, Hemofarm	6.8
4. Necas, CEZ Nymburk	6.6
5. Dragicevic, Buduc.	6.6
6. Booker, Krka	6.2
7. Gist, Partizan	6.0
8. Lee, Radnicki	5.9
9. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	5.6
10. Markota, Union O.	5.6

Assists Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Draper, Cedevita	5.9
2. Markovic, Radnicki	4.7
3. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	4.4
4. Morovic, Siroki TT	4.2
5. Lafayette, Partizan	4.2
6. Stipcevic, Cibona	3.6
7. Nissim, CEZ N.	3.6
8. Ilievski, Union O.	3.6
9. Renfroe, KK.	3.5
10. Vladovic, Zadar	3.5

Steals Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Draper, Cedevita	2.6
2. Lee, Radnicki	2.3
3. Lafayette, Partizan	2.2
4. Stemberger, Siroki T.	2.2
5. Radosevic, Cibona	2.0
6. Dragic, Krka	1.9
7. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.9
8. Car, Zadar	1.9
9. Simmons, CEZ N.	1.8
10. Ozbolt, Union O.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Zoric, KK.	1.2
2. Dragicevic, Buduc.	1.0
3. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	0.9
4. Radosevic, Cibona	0.9
5. Shermadini, Union O.	0.8
6. Booker, Krka	0.8
7. Chan, CEZ Nymburk	0.8
8. Vesely, Partizan	0.8
9. Macvan, Hemofarm	0.7
10. Edwards, Cedevita	0.6

Round 14: Leader Union Olimpija loses to Igokea - by Eurobasket News
Top ranked Slovenian Union Olimpija (9-5) recorded its fifth loss in Aleksandrovac on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by tenth ranked Bosnian Igokea (6-8) 85-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Union Olimpija. The game without a history. Igokea led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Mladen Pantic (209-82, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American guard Brian Chase (178-81, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 21 points. Bosnian-Croatian power forward Damir Markota (210-85) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Union Olimpija's coach Jurij Zdovc rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Igokea maintains tenth position with 6-8 record, which they share with CEZ Nymburk. Union Olimpija at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost. They share the position with Krka and Buducnost. Igokea is looking forward to face higher ranked KK Zagreb CO (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Union Olimpija will play against Zadar (#13) and is hoping to win this game.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Zadar: Zadar (#14) and Cedevita (#4). Despite it looked like an easy game for Zadar, those rules do not exist in derby games. It's more the case of honor for local supporters and such games have that special and unique approach you cannot find in other games. Guest Cedevita challenged much higher ranked Zadar giving them a very tough game, but finally losing it by six points 87-81. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cedevita. Swingman Marko Car (188-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jakov Vladovic contributed with 13 points, 7 assists and 5 steals for the winners. American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St., agency: Impact Basketball) replied with 27 points and 5 rebounds for Cedevita. Zadar (5-9) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Cibona. Cedevita at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Partizan and Siroki TT. Zadar will play against league's leader Union Olimpija in Ljubljana in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Cedevita will play at home against the league's second-placed Krka and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Very important is a home loss of first ranked Montenegrin Buducnost (9-5) against sixth ranked Serbian Partizan (8-6) on Friday night. Host Buducnost was defeated by sixth ranked Serbian Partizan (8-6) in a tough game in Podgorica 61-65. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Buducnost. Curtis Jerrells scored 12 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Marko Scekic responded with 15 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Partizan has a solid three-game winning streak. Defending Serbian champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cedevita and Siroki TT. Defending Montenegrin champion Buducnost still keeps top position with five games lost. They share it with Union Olimpija and Krka. Partizan will meet Hemofarm (#8) in the next round. Buducnost will play against Crvena Zvezda (#14) in Beograd and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local Crvena Zvezda (4-10) lost to eleventh ranked Czech CEZ Nymburk (6-8) 99-82. Chester Simmons notched 25 points and 4 assists to lead the effort. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending Czech champion moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Igokea. Crvena Zvezda at the other side dropped to the bottom position with ten games lost. CEZ Nymburk's next round opponent will be higher ranked Radnicki (#9) in Kragujevac and it may be quite challenging game. Crvena Zvezda will play at home against Buducnost (#3) in Podgorica.

In the last two games of round 14 Hemofarm defeated Cibona in Vrsac 84-74. Krka beat Siroki TT at home 78-72.

Igokea - Union Olimpija 85-74

Top ranked Slovenian Union Olimpija (9-5) recorded its fifth loss in Aleksandrovac on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by tenth ranked Bosnian Igokea (6-8) 85-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Union Olimpija. The game without a history. Igokea led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Mladen Pantic (209-82, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American guard Brian Chase (178-81, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 21 points. Four Igokea players scored in double figures. Bosnian-Croatian power forward Damir Markota (210-85) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Kenny Gregory (197-78, college: Kansas) added 20 points respectively for the guests. Union Olimpija's coach Jurij Zdovc rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Igokea maintains tenth position with 6-8 record, which they share with CEZ Nymburk. Union Olimpija at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost. They share the position with Krka and Buducnost. Igokea is looking forward to face higher ranked KK Zagreb CO (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Union Olimpija will play against Zadar (#13) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Igokea: M.Pantic 22+9reb, B.Chase 21+4reb+3ast, C.Vitkovac 18+7reb+1ast, M.Dozet 10+1reb, M.Djerasimovic 5+1reb+1ast, N.Joksimovic 5+1reb+6ast
Union Olimpija: K.Gregory 20+4reb, D.Markota 14+8reb+2ast, V.Ilievski 14+3reb+2ast, G.Shermadini 9+5reb, D.Muric 4+2reb, M.Perry 4+1reb+2ast

Crvena Zvezda - CEZ Nymburk 82-99

The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local Crvena Zvezda (4-10) lost to eleventh ranked Czech CEZ Nymburk (6-8) 99-82. The game was mostly controlled by CEZ Nymburk. Crvena Zvezda managed to win fourth quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CEZ Nymburk made 26-of-30 charity shots (86.7 percent) during the game. CEZ Nymburk outrebounded Crvena Zvezda 36-23 including 21 on the defensive glass. 26 personal fouls committed by Crvena Zvezda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Chester Simmons (198-82, college: Washington, agency: ZAG Advocates) notched 25 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and guard Pavel Pumprla (196-86) supported him with 19 points. Five CEZ Nymburk players scored in double figures. Even 18 points by guard Nemanja Nedovic (192-91, agency: Beo Basket) did not help to save the game for Crvena Zvezda. American guard Jahmar Young (196, college: N.Mexico St.) added 17 points for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending Czech champion moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Igokea. Crvena Zvezda at the other side dropped to the bottom position with ten games lost. CEZ Nymburk's next round opponent will be higher ranked Radnicki (#9) in Kragujevac and it may be quite challenging game. Crvena Zvezda will play at home against Buducnost (#3) in Podgorica.
Top scorers:
CEZ Nymburk: C.Simmons 25+2reb+4ast, P.Pumprla 19+3reb+1ast, A.Nissim 16+3reb+3ast, L.Sokolovsky 12+5reb+1ast, V.Stimac 10+7reb, A.Chan 6+5reb+1ast
Crvena Zvezda: N.Nedovic 18+2reb+2ast, J.Young 17+2reb+2ast, U.Nikolic 13+4reb, A.Myles 8+3reb, V.Subotic 8+4reb+3ast, L.Drca 5+3reb+2ast

Buducnost - Partizan 61-65

Very important is a home loss of first ranked Montenegrin Buducnost (9-5) against sixth ranked Serbian Partizan (8-6) on Friday night. Host Buducnost was defeated by sixth ranked Serbian Partizan (8-6) in a tough game in Podgorica 61-65. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Buducnost. The guests trailed by 18 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 4 points. Partizan made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. American guard Curtis Jerrells (185-87, college: Baylor) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Australian center Nathan Jawai (207-86, college: Midland CC) chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Serbian forward Marko Scekic (207-81) responded with 15 points and center Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, agency: Beo Basket) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Partizan has a solid three-game winning streak. Defending Serbian champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cedevita and Siroki TT. Defending Montenegrin champion Buducnost still keeps top position with five games lost. They share it with Union Olimpija and Krka. Partizan will meet Hemofarm (#8) in the next round. Buducnost will play against Crvena Zvezda (#14) in Beograd and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Partizan: J.Vesely 12+3reb, C.Jerrells 12+5reb+1ast, N.Jawai 11+6reb, D.Kecman 9+5reb+1ast, J.Gist 6+6reb, D.Milosavljevic 6+1reb
Buducnost: M.Scekic 15+1reb, B.Dubljevic 11+4reb, M.Simonovic 10+4reb+1ast, N.Otasevic 9+1reb+1ast, V.Dragicevic 5+3reb+1ast, A.Nesovic 4+4reb

Cibona - Hemofarm 74-84

There was no surprise in Zagreb where 12th ranked Croatian Cibona (5-9) was defeated by ninth ranked Serbian Hemofarm (7-7) 84-74. It looked good early as Cibona took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Hemofarm had a 34-17 second period charge getting the lead and Cibona was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 74-84. Hemofarm made 17-of-19 charity shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Hemofarm outrebounded Cibona 35-18 including a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Cibona helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Montenegrin forward Milos Borisov (201-85) notched a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and forward Boris Savovic (206-87) supported him with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Four Hemofarm players scored in double figures. Hemofarm's coach Zeljko Lukajic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 14 points and 4 assists by guard Rok Stipcevic (188-86) did not help to save the game for Cibona. Power forward Tomislav Zubcic (214-90, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points for the hosts. Hemofarm moved-up to eighth place. Cibona lost eighth consecutive game. Defending Croatian champion keeps the twelfth position with nine games lost. Hemofarm's next round opponent will be higher ranked Partizan (#5) in Beograd and it may be quite challenging game. Cibona will play on the road against Siroki TT Kabeli (#4) in Siroki Brijeg.
Top scorers:
Hemofarm: M.Borisov 23+12reb+1ast, J.Jordan 15+4reb, B.Savovic 13+10reb+2ast, M.Sutalo 12+2reb+2ast, M.Pavkovic 8+1reb+6ast, M.Jeremic 3+1ast
Cibona: R.Stipcevic 14+3reb+4ast, T.Zubcic 11+4reb+1ast, G.Vrbanc 10+1reb+2ast, B.Bogdanovic 9+4ast, L.Radosevic 9+4reb+2ast, J.Lalic 7+1reb

Krka - Siroki TT 78-72

Everything could happen in Novo Mesto at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Slovenian Krka and 5th ranked Bosnian Siroki TT Kabeli had identical 8-5 record. This time Krka used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Siroki Brijeg 78-72. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Siroki TT Kabeli won third quarter 21-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Bosnian guard Goran Ikonic (196-80) notched 22 points to lead the effort and power forward Smiljan Pavic (210-80) supported him with 15 points. Even 19 points and 9 rebounds by Croatian guard Vedran Morovic (184-83, college: Olney Central CC, agency: Beo Basket) did not help to save the game for Siroki TT Kabeli. Croatian power forward Ivan Grgat (210-74, agency: Court Side) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Four Siroki TT Kabeli players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending Slovenian champion (9-5) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Union Olimpija and Buducnost. Defending Bosnian champion Siroki TT Kabeli dropped to the fourth place with six games lost. Krka's next round opponent will be Cedevita (#6) in Zagreb where they are favorite. Siroki TT Kabeli will play at home against Cibona in Zagreb.
Top scorers:
Krka: G.Ikonic 22+1reb, S.Pavic 15+2reb+2ast, C.Booker 12+6reb, B.Krivec 9+3reb+5ast, J.Balazic 6+1reb+1ast, S.Petrov 5+1reb+2ast
Siroki TT: V.Morovic 19+9reb+1ast, S.Spralja 14+3reb, D.Persic 12+2reb, I.Grgat 10+7reb+1ast, D.Planinic 8+2reb+1ast, F.Pilepic 6+2reb+1ast

Zadar - Cedevita 87-81

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Zadar: Zadar (#14) and Cedevita (#4). Despite it looked like an easy game for Zadar, those rules do not exist in derby games. It's more the case of honor for local supporters and such games have that special and unique approach you cannot find in other games. Guest Cedevita challenged much higher ranked Zadar giving them a very tough game, but finally losing it by six points 87-81. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cedevita. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Cedevita won third quarter 24-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Zadar made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Zadar especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. Cedevita was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Marko Car (188-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Jakov Vladovic (186-83) contributed with 13 points, 7 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Four Zadar players scored in double figures. American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St., agency: Impact Basketball) replied with 27 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Dontaye Draper (180-84, college: Charleston) added 23 points and 4 assists in the effort for Cedevita. Zadar (5-9) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Cibona. Cedevita at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Partizan and Siroki TT. Zadar will play against league's leader Union Olimpija in Ljubljana in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Cedevita will play at home against the league's second-placed Krka and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Zadar: M.Car 28+7reb+6ast, J.Vladovic 13+3reb+7ast, I.Batur 12+3reb+1ast, M.Bilan 12+6reb+1ast, I.Ivanov 9+1reb+1ast, B.Brown 7+3reb
Cedevita: C.Edwards 27+5reb, D.Draper 23+1reb+4ast, D.Rudez 19+3reb+1ast, V.Vukusic 7+5reb+1ast, T.Petrovic 2+1reb, R.Troha 2+2reb+1ast

Cedevita tab Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita strengthened their backcourt. They brought in Bracey Wright

(191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana). The26-year-old guard started the season in Paris-Levallois in France. He tallied 9.7 points, 2.0 assists and 1.6 rebounds per appearance. Bracey Wright played in the D-League, NBA, Greece, Spain and Belgium before joining Paris-Levallois.

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

ALGERIA

Where is our basketball? - by Carlos Pereira
The men national team, led temporarily by Ahmed Loubachria , has not achieved the feat long awaited by fans of basketball in Algeria, to qualify for the African Asian,or the African Championship and the All Africa Games.
The national team conceded two defeats in the qualifying tournament against Morocco team, the first on a nine-point gap and the second on a difference of five points. Our five national, who had always dominated Morocco, has lost ground and his fans are very worried about his future and that of the discipline in general.

source : Le Lemps d'Algerie

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

ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Atenas		4-0
2. La Union		4-1
3. Lanus		3-1
4. Obras		3-2
5. Argentino		3-2
6. Monte Hermoso		3-3
7. Quimsa		3-3
8. Penarol		2-1
9. Estudiantes		2-3
10. Libertad S.		2-3
11. Olimpico LB		2-3
12. Gimnasia CR		2-3
13. Club 9		2-3
14. Boca Jrs		2-4
15. Regatas C.		1-2
16. Sionista		0-4

Standings - TNA

TNA Standings

Zona Norte
1. Obera TC		7-3
2. A.Italiana		7-4
3. Union Progr.		7-4
4. Alvear		6-4
5. San Mart.C.		6-5
6. A.Espanola		6-5
7. Adelante		1-8
8. Tucuman BB		1-8
Zona Sur
1. Ciclista		8-4
2. Union S.		7-4
3. Firmat SF		7-4
4. Bragado		7-5
5. Quilmes MP		6-4
6. Banda Norte		6-5
7. San Mart.MJ		2-9
8. Gimnasia VP		1-9

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Jackson, La Union	19.7
2. Bunn, Argentino	18.2
3. Johnson, Monte H.	17.9
4. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	17.1
5. Taylor, Lanus	16.2
6. Galindo, Libertad S.	16.1
7. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.8
8. Meyinsse, Club 9	15.6
9. Gutierrez, Obras	15.5
10. Mikulas, La Union	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Gutierrez, Obras	10.2
2. Rollins, Gimnasia.	9.9
3. Williams, Atenas	9.5
4. Kante, Olimpico LB	9.4
5. Leiva, Penarol	8.3
6. Battle, Libertad S.	8.2
7. Kammerichs, Regat.	8.2
8. Martina, Boca Jrs	7.8
9. Levy, Lanus	7.8
10. Johnson, Monte H.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.2
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.8
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.1
4. Ginobili, Libertad S.	4.8
5. Cequeira, Obras	4.7
6. Sartorelli, Argentino	3.8
7. Laws, Olimpico LB	3.2
8. Salles, Monte H.	3.1
9. Rodriguez, Penarol	3.0
10. Treise, Quimsa	2.9

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.4
2. Cequeira, Obras	3.0
3. Funes, Gimnasia CR	2.9
4. Williams, Atenas	2.6
5. De los Santo., Olimpi.	2.5
6. Laws, Olimpico LB	2.5
7. Martinez, Regat.	2.4
8. Moodie, Boca Jrs	2.3
9. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.3
10. Ginobili, Libertad S.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.9
2. Johnson, Monte H.	1.4
3. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.2
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.0
6. Mofunanya, Lanus	1.0
7. Williams, Atenas	0.9
8. White, Monte H.	0.8
9. Leiva, Penarol	0.8
10. Levy, Lanus	0.8

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ASEAN LEAGUE

Standings

O Standings

1. Thailand S.			10-4
2. Philip.Patriots			8-5
3. KL Dragons			7-6
4. Singapore S.			6-7
5. Satria Muda			6-8
6. Barracudas			3-10

UNDERDOGS WILL SHINE BRITAMA'S BIG 5 NEVER SAY NEVER - by Sheryl Reyes
Satria Muda Britama Jakarta proved that with hard work and faith they can never go wrong, they beat the number one team in the league without a doubt , the big five of the team gave it all , there small forward Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) as always consistently played good and ended up with 26 points followed by Kiko Adriano with 22, Mario Wuysang (177-G-79) with 10 and Legaspi with 10 , ofcourse Antoine Broxsie

(209-F-79, college: Oklahoma St.)

(209-F-79, college: Oklahoma St.) did his job very well and stopped Jason Dixon, they still have a long way to go and prepare for the next game against the strong team Philippine Patriots. With the turn around of situations we can never tell what will happen or who will be the next champions. The Abl games are getting more interesting and the teams are getting more ready for what tommorow brings.

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

AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		11-3
2. Wildcats		10-5
3. Taipans		9-3
4. Hawks		9-5
5. Crocodiles		9-7
6. Tigers		5-9
7. Blaze		5-9
8. 36ers		5-9
9. Sydney K.		1-14

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Ervin, Hawks	22.7
2. Penney, Breakers	19.2
3. Redhage, Wildcats	18.9
4. Worthington, Blaze	18.4
5. Williams, Tigers	17.8
6. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	16.2
7. Ubaka, Taipans	15.9
8. Clark, Blaze	15.3
9. Devendorf, Tigers	15.1
10. Ballinger, 36ers	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Sydney K.
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	10.4
2. Holmes, 36ers	8.1
3. Nevill, Tigers	7.9
4. Davidson, Hawks	7.8
5. Williams, Tigers	7.7
6. Knight, Wildcats	7.1
7. Vukona, Breakers	7.0
8. Forman, Hawks	6.9
9. Crosswhite, Taipa.	6.7
10. Worthington, Blaze	6.6

Assists Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Tigers
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Williams, Tigers	5.2
2. Gibson, Blaze	5.2
3. Ervin, Hawks	4.9
4. Carter, 36ers	4.9
5. Shannon, 36ers	4.7
6. Saville, Hawks	4.7
7. Braswell, Breakers	4.0
8. Ubaka, Taipans	3.8
9. DeVries, 36ers	3.4
10. Blalock, Crocodiles	3.0

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Martin, Wildcats	1.9
2. Saville, Hawks	1.7
3. Shannon, 36ers	1.5
4. Crawford, Croco.	1.5
5. Penney, Breakers	1.4
6. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	1.4
7. Gilder, Sydney K.	1.3
8. Williams, Tigers	1.3
9. Braswell, Breakers	1.3
10. Carter, 36ers	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Tigers
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Williams, Tigers	1.2
2. Ervin, Hawks	1.1
3. Devendorf, Tigers	0.9
4. Redhage, Wildcats	0.9
5. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	0.9
6. Weigh, Wildcats	0.9
7. Hudson, Blaze	0.8
8. Sanders, Sydney K.	0.8
9. Knight, Wildcats	0.8
10. Vukona, Breakers	0.7

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

AUSTRIA

Fabricio Vay claims Austrian A Bundesliga weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Argentinian-Italian Fabricio Vay (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances) had an amazing evening in the last round for Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 25-year old forward had a double-double of 17 points and sixteen rebounds, while his team beat Furstenfeld (11-7) 83-70. Arkadia is placed at 3rd position in Austrian A Bundesliga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Arkadia will need more victories to improve their 11-7 record. Vay turned to be Arkadia's top player in his first season with the team. Vay has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 21.1ppg), rebounds (7th best: 7.8rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 43.1% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American forward Louis Graham (205-F-84, agency: ZAG Advocates) of UBSC Raiffeisen Graz. Graham impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead UBSC Graz to another comfortable win 94-75 over the lower-ranked Worthersee (#12, 1-17) being unquestionably team leader. UBSC Graz's 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Graham is a newcomer at UBSC Graz and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Bosnia and Herzegovina Ramiz Suljanovic (206-F/C-79) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg (#6). Suljanovic scored 26 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg, leading his team to a 58-56 win against the lower-ranked Gussing (#9, 7-11). Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 7 lost games. Suljanovic has a very solid season. In 18 games in Austria he scored 13.5ppg. He also has 6.7rpg and FGP: 56.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ian Boylan (197-G/F-83) of Gmunden - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Thomas Kennedy (201-F-87) of Worthersee - 25 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Dragan Miletic (195-G-82) of UBSC Graz - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists
7. Bernd Volcic (205-C-76) of Oberwart - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74) of Gmunden - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Milan Bralovic (211-C-82) of Arkadia - 14 points and 9 rebounds
10. Jason Johnson (202-F/C-77) of Oberwart - 10 points and 10 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Intensity at the Grocery Store - by Erik Rhinehart
Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a blessed Christmas and have a great 2011. I have been meaning to get back on this blog for some time now.
I am basically just going to share something that I find different here in Austria than I do back home in the States. I have never been in any grocery store back home where they have the same intensity and speed as the stores here. The cashier swipes your food so fast that if youre not just shoveling it into your cart as fast as shes moving then you will get a scowl from her. I first tried to pick the items up and place them in my cart. Now that I am a bit wiser I just basically slide everything into my cart and prepare for the next item that is undoubtedly right behind the previous. I have noticed some customers that try to bag their groceries as they are being scanned and this results in the cashier showing frustration toward the customer. Another difference in Austria is that they never have all of the checkout lines open. If the store has 5 lines they will usually only have one open and after the line is backed up into the store they then open a second line for a bit. I dont understand that because they always have people working in the store but for some reason are not too worried about having long lines.
The last thing that I still have trouble understanding at the grocery store is how close people stand to you in the checkout line. As you can tell, I feel uncomfortable at the grocery store checkout line in Austria. On numerous occasions I have been standing in line and someone comes to stand behind me. Usually, in my opinion, you leave space between you and the person next to you. I guess that rule isnt relevant here. They get so close to you that sometimes they are touching you. There have also been times where I turn to look back and if I were shorter I would be face to face with the person that has tried to get into my coat with me. I dont think the personal bubble exists. I say all of that to say this, going to the grocery store is an intense trip.
We are preparing for our next game so I have to start getting ready to go to the gym. Have a great day and God Bless.

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

BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Elite Division
1. Nevezis			9-2
2. Ventspils			9-4
3. Rudupis			9-4
4. VEF Riga			8-2
5. TU/Rock			8-4
6. Siauliai			7-7
7. Kalev/Cramo			6-5
8. Norrkoping			6-6
9. Perlas			5-8
10. TTU/Kalev			3-9
11. Liepaja			3-10
12. Valmiera			1-13
Challenge Cup
Group A
1. Zemgale			6-3
2. Neptunas			6-3
3. Alytus Alita			4-5
4. Barsy Atyrau			2-6
5. Naglis-Adakris			2-6
Group B
1. Juventus			7-2
2. Aiscai Kaunas			6-3
3. Techasas			5-4
4. Sakalai			3-5
5. Rakvere			2-6

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	19.0
2. Bergmanis, Zemgale	18.7
3. Osby, TT.	18.6
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	17.5
5. Ilin, Barsy Atyrau	16.5
6. Vasylius, Neptunas	16.0
7. Juskevicius, Rudupis	15.8
8. Sirvydis, Sakalai	15.5
9. Talts, TU/Rock	15.5
10. Orelikas, Rudupis	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Bambale OSBY
  TTU/Kalev
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Osby, TT.	11.3
2. Kieza, Juventus	9.9
3. Dumbliauskas, Alytus A.	8.6
4. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.3
5. Cipruss, Valmiera	8.3
6. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	8.1
7. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	8.0
8. Matulis, Sakalai	8.0
9. Stimac, Ventspils	7.6
10. Veselovs, Valmiera	7.4

Assists Per Game

Evaldas DAINYS
  Rudupis
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Dainys, Rudupis	7.1
2. Kriisa, TT.	5.5
3. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.2
4. Ezerskis, Techasas	5.2
5. Jasikevicius, Aiscai K.	5.0
6. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.0
7. Varanauskas, Sakal.	4.9
8. Vasiliauskas, Aiscai K.	4.6
9. Gaidamaviciu., Norrko.	4.6
10. Viskontas, Perlas	4.6

Steals Per Game

Silver LEPPIK
  TU/Rock
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.4
2. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.2
3. Dainys, Rudupis	2.1
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	2.1
5. Pilk, TT.	2.1
6. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.	2.0
7. Arbet, Kalev/Cramo	1.9
8. Rinkevicius, Techasas	1.9
9. Saage, Rakvere	1.9
10. Chunda, Barsy A.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	1.9
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.9
3. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.9
4. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.9
5. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.5
6. Silinskis, Techasas	1.3
7. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	1.2
8. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	1.1
9. Jankauskas, Rudupis	1.1
10. Cain, VEF Riga	1.0

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

BOSNIA

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ramo RIZVIC
  Celik
  (200-F-87)
  Avg: 30

1. Rizvic, Celik	30.0
2. Lalovic, Hercegovac	27.0
3. Lesko, Brotnjo	24.0
4. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	24.0
5. Kahrimanovic, Zrinjs.	23.0
6. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	21.0
7. Zimic, Bosna	21.0
8. Albijanic, Sloboda .	20.0
9. Durasovic, Bosna	20.0
10. Tosic, Borac Nektar	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Andrija PEJOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 10

1. Pejovic, Hercegovac	10.0
2. Jocovic, Borac N.	9.0
3. Zimic, Bosna	9.0
4. Kahrimanovic, Zrinjs.	8.0
5. Albijanic, Sloboda .	8.0
6. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	8.0
7. Gajovic, Hercegovac	8.0
8. Camdzic, Bosna	8.0
9. Gligora, Capljina	7.0
10. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	7.0

Assists Per Game

Jovan ZDRAVKOVIC
  Capljina
  (178-G-78)
  Avg: 7

1. Zdravkovic, Capljina	7.0
2. Radovanovic, Herce.	7.0
3. Pasalic, Bosna	7.0
4. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	6.0
5. Hodzic, Bosna	6.0
6. Gajovic, Hercegovac	5.0
7. Jahic, Celik	5.0
8. Batina, Bosna	4.0
9. Jeftic, Sloboda Dita	4.0
10. Simonovic, Zrinjski.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Goran GAJOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (199-G/F-88)
  Avg: 7

1. Gajovic, Hercegovac	7.0
2. Lesko, Brotnjo	6.0
3. Rizvic, Celik	5.0
4. Markovic, Varda HE	3.0
5. Begagic, Celik	3.0
6. Komatina, Mladost	3.0
7. Albijanic, Sloboda .	2.0
8. Galic, Capljina	2.0
9. Milosevic, Mladost	2.0
10. Kajevic, Varda HE	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Emir ZIMIC
  Bosna
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2

1. Zimic, Bosna	2.0
2. Gajovic, Hercegovac	2.0
3. Simonovic, Zrinjski.	1.0
4. Lalovic, Hercegovac	1.0
5. Komatina, Mladost	1.0
6. Brkic, Capljina	1.0
7. Albijanic, Sloboda .	1.0
8. Malidzan, Varda HE	0.0
9. Ivanic, Mladost	0.0
10. Tosic, Borac Nektar	0.0

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

BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Flamengo		6-1
2. Pinheiros/Sky		6-2
3. Unitri/Universo		6-2
4. BRB/Brasilia		6-2
5. Araldite/Univille		6-3
6. Pitagoras/Minas		5-2
7. Paulistano		4-4
8. Itabom/Bauru		4-4
9. Vivo/Franca		3-2
10. Winner/Limeira		3-3
11. S.Jose/Vinac		3-4
12. Araraquara		2-5
13. Vitoria		2-7
14. Vila Velha CETAF		1-8
15. Assis Basket		0-8

Limeira beats Assis in the NBB - by Paulo Freire
Playing in Assis, the Winner / Limeira beat the home team, the Assis Basket, for 81 to 78, on a game defined only in the final moments.

For Assis at least the center Adriano Machado (208-C-83) has a strong reason to feel proud. The center of the Interior Paulista team managed a staggering eight blocks (stumps) in the game.

Ricardo Giannecchini (184-G-81) and Cicero Gonzaga (202-F-86, college: NE Oklahoma A&M CC, agency:Garra Sports Marketing), were the principals scores of the game with 15 points each. For Limeira, the swingman Rodrigo Alves (200-F-87) more knowing as Biro scored 14 points. Limeira reached the third victory in six matches, while Assis played eight matches and have not won yet.

Gonzalo Garcia start with a Win in Flamengo - by Paulo Freire
On the debut of Argentine coach Gonzalo Garcia in Flamengo, he won the Joinville basketball team for 85 x 78, this Friday (07/01) in the Tijuca Tennis Club, on the NBB (New Basketball Brazil). The night was also special to the star Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances), who reached the 5.000 points in official matches with the red and black shirt of Flamengo, the shootinguard was honored and received a commemorative plaque.

- I knew there would be a little nervousness, it was my first time with the players and their first time with me. So of course we would commit many mistakes. I liked the defense in the first half, especially in the second quarter, but did not like the second half of our defense - said the new head coach of Flamengo.

Vitoria beat Franca on the NBB - by Paulo Freire
On return to the court after the recess end of the year, Franca Basketball suffered a second defeat in NBB, increasing the crisis at the club, where fans call for resignation of head coach Helio Rubens. On Friday (7) at night, the team led by Helio Rubens lost to Vitoria by 83 to 80.

The new center of Franca the american Marques Lewis, in his debout game start started well the night grrabing some rebouts, but felt a twinge in his leg and was taken out of the game earlie.

Vitoria team captain Amiel Vega Morejon (202-F-76, college: Merritt JC) left court with a double-double - 11 points and 13 rebounds - and the highlight scorer of the game was Eddy Carvalho (194-G/F-87, agency: Garra Sports Marketing) who noted 26 points. The visiting team , Franca was leading by Marcio Dornelles

(194-F-75) who scorer 16 points.

'It was a very different strategy game. They had two powerforwards slower and even I sometimes played at this position. We took advantage of their mistakes. I feel that our work is begganing to appearing.' said Eddy Carvalho (194-G/F-87, agency: Garra Sports Marketing)

NBB Round 9: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

NBB round 9 caused change at the leadership position. Third defeat of league's leader Araldite/Univille (6-3) against second ranked Flamengo (6-1) 85-78 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Araldite/Univille. Flamengo keeps a position of league leader. Araldite/Univille at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Flamengo. Araldite/Univille will play next round against Pitagoras/Minas trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Flamengo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Bottom-ranked Assis Basket is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their eighth consecutive match to eleventh ranked Winner/Limeira (3-3) 81-78. Winner/Limeira moved-up to tenth place. Assis Basket at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Winner/Limeira will play against higher ranked Itabom/Bauru (#8) in Sao Paulo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Assis Basket will play at home against Sao Jose/Vinac (#11) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Sao Paolo supposed to be quite interesting. Fifth ranked Unitri/Universo (6-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Paulistano (4-4). Unitri/Universo smashed Paulistano 95-66 on Friday. Unitri/Universo moved-up to second place, which they share with Pinheiros/Sky and BRB/Brasilia. Loser Paulistano keeps the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with Itabom/Bauru. Unitri/Universo will meet league's second-placed Pinheiros/Sky in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Paulistano will play against BRB/Brasilia (#4) and hope to secure a win.
The game in Sao Paolo was quite interesting. 4th placed BRB/Brasilia (6-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Pinheiros/Sky (6-2). Pinheiros/Sky defeated BRB/Brasilia 77-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of BRB/Brasilia. Pinheiros/Sky moved-up to second place, which they share with Unitri/Universo and BRB/Brasilia. Pinheiros/Sky's next round opponent will be Unitri/Universo (#3) in Uberlandia, which may be the game of the day. BRB/Brasilia will play on the road against Paulistano in Sao Paolo.
Important game to mention about took place in Vitória. Fourteenth ranked Vitoria (2-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging higher ranked Vivo/Franca (3-2) 83-80 on Friday evening. Vitoria moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser Vivo/Franca dropped to the ninth position with two games lost. Vitoria will face higher ranked Araraquara (#12) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

In the last two games of round 9 S.Jose/Vinac was beaten by Itabom/Bauru on the road 92-74. Vila Velha CETAF lost to Araraquara on its own court 76-84.

Paulistano - Unitri/Universo 66-95

The game in Sao Paolo supposed to be quite interesting. Fifth ranked Unitri/Universo (6-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Paulistano (4-4). Unitri/Universo smashed Paulistano 95-66 on Friday. Unitri/Universo moved-up to second place, which they share with Pinheiros/Sky and BRB/Brasilia. Loser Paulistano keeps the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with Itabom/Bauru. Unitri/Universo will meet league's second-placed Pinheiros/Sky in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Paulistano will play against BRB/Brasilia (#4) and hope to secure a win.

Assis Basket - Winner/Limeira 78-81

Bottom-ranked Assis Basket is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their eighth consecutive match to eleventh ranked Winner/Limeira (3-3) 81-78. Winner/Limeira moved-up to tenth place. Assis Basket at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Winner/Limeira will play against higher ranked Itabom/Bauru (#8) in Sao Paulo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Assis Basket will play at home against Sao Jose/Vinac (#11) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Itabom/Bauru - S.Jose/Vinac 92-74

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when tenth ranked Itabom/Bauru (4-4) beat 9th ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (3-4) in Sao Paulo 92-74 on Friday. Itabom/Bauru moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Paulistano. Loser Sao Jose/Vinac dropped to the eleventh position with four games lost. Itabom/Bauru will face Winner/Limeira (#10) at home in the next round. Sao Jose/Vinac will play against Assis Basket.

Vila Velha CETAF - Araraquara 76-84

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 12th ranked Vila Velha CETAF (1-8) lost at home to thirteenth ranked Araraquara (2-5) 84-76 on Friday. Araraquara moved-up to twelfth place. Vila Velha CETAF lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with eight games lost. Araraquara will face Vitoria (#13) in Vitória in the next round. Vila Velha CETAF will play at home against Vivo/Franca in Sao Paulo.

Vitoria - Vivo/Franca 83-80

Important game to mention about took place in Vitória. Fourteenth ranked Vitoria (2-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging higher ranked Vivo/Franca (3-2) 83-80 on Friday evening. Vitoria moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser Vivo/Franca dropped to the ninth position with two games lost. Vitoria will face higher ranked Araraquara (#12) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Flamengo - Araldite/Univille 85-78

NBB round 9 caused change at the leadership position. Third defeat of league's leader Araldite/Univille (6-3) against second ranked Flamengo (6-1) 85-78 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Araldite/Univille. Flamengo keeps a position of league leader. Araldite/Univille at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Flamengo. Araldite/Univille will play next round against Pitagoras/Minas trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Flamengo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.

Pinheiros/Sky - BRB/Brasilia 77-66

The game in Sao Paolo was quite interesting. 4th placed BRB/Brasilia (6-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Pinheiros/Sky (6-2). Pinheiros/Sky defeated BRB/Brasilia 77-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of BRB/Brasilia. Pinheiros/Sky moved-up to second place, which they share with Unitri/Universo and BRB/Brasilia. Pinheiros/Sky's next round opponent will be Unitri/Universo (#3) in Uberlandia, which may be the game of the day. BRB/Brasilia will play on the road against Paulistano in Sao Paolo.

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BRUNEI

THE RETURN OF BRUNEI's PRODIGAL CAGER? - by Ozell Wells
The return of Brunei's prodigal cager

IS IT finally going to happen?

Esmond Tan revealed to The Brunei Times last July that chances of him making it into the national basketball team were slim from the start due to his personal commitments.

The national basketball coach Kevin Reece had left the door open for players to join his training scheme to be selected to the squad and Tan was one who failed to comply.

But now the 26-year-old will finally lace up and start off his new year with a bang by joining in the national training next week.

'I think I'll be back to training with the national team starting this Monday. I'm really looking forward to training this year. However, it will be a big commitment,' said Tan, during an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

'But it is up to the coach to decide if it's acceptable for me to train two weeks each month,' he added.

Tan is an employee with Brunei Shell Petroleum and is required to work offshore two weeks before returning to land.

'I want to be back like the old days and get fit once again. I believe that I have been slacking quite a lot compared to few years back due to work commitments,' he said.

Reece had mentioned that the motto in the new year for the national team was '15-strong' whereby only the best 15 would be selected and he would develop these players.

The competition at the camp is high and a place in the national team will not be a breeze for Tan, who is arguably the best cager in the country, but he is ready to take up the challenge.

'I'm going to train as much as I can and hopefully it won't be too tough for me to cope with. I know that I'm going to have to fight for it and I'm never going to give up,' said Tan.

If Tan were to make it into the national squad then he would be considered the 'old man' of the team considering the youth of the roster.

Tan's move forward to join in the training shows that he is far from being a disappointment to the country.

Tan was one of the four local cagers - Benjamin Lim, Hj Md Badri Hj Suhaili and Lim Aik Hock - who quit the Barracudas last month. Nadzaty Azma Azeez, the owner of the Barracudas, then labelled them as 'unprofessional' and branded the four as a 'disappointment to the country'.

Hj Md Badri and Aik Hock have trained with Reece before while Benjamin might follow in Tan's footsteps in the near future.

'I'm back into my business and picking up from where I left off before joining the Barracudas. Regarding about the national team, I'm not too sure because it all depends on my business schedule,' said Benjamin.

'With the current national training programme from what I heard, it requires a big commitment,' he added.

'As of now, E Fu (Aik Hock) and I are trying to keep ourselves in shape by playing pickup ball with friends at the BBA court,' he continued.

Benjamin also set a target for himself in the new year to become one of the best in the country as well,' said Benjamin.

'My target is to try to challenge Esmond, who I consider the best basketball player in the country right now. Also, I've to keep a competitive edge over players like Badri who is working really hard.'

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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

BULGARIA

NBL Round 13: Levski beats Rilski Sportist by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Fourth-ranked Rilski Sportist (6-7) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Levski (11-2) in Samokov on Friday. The visitors from Sofia managed to secure only three-point victory 73-70. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rilski Sportist. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 73-70. Levski dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rilski Sportist's 28. 27 personal fouls committed by Rilski Sportist helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Levski's coach Konstantin Papazov used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. International swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) answered with 20 points and 4 assists for Rilski Sportist. Levski has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-2 record having just two points less than leader Lukoil Academik. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Levski are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Spartak (#8) in Pleven in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Rilski Sportist will play on the road against the league's leader Lukoil Academik (#1) in Sofia and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
An interesting game for Lukoil Academik (13-0) which played road game in Botevgrad against 3rd placed Balkan (7-6). Leader Lukoil Academik had an easy win 80-62. The former international guard Bozidar Avramov (196-90, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 16 points for the winners and Dominic James chipped in 18 points. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side the former international guard Jordan Bozov (191-79) responded with 21 points and 4 assists. Undefeated Lukoil Academik have an impressive series of thirteen victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 13-0 record. Balkan at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Lukoil Academik will play against Rilski Sportist (#4) in Samokov in the next round. Balkan will play on the road against Euroins Cherno More in Varna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Spartak managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses on Saturday night. This time they won against sixth-ranked Chernomorets in Pleven 99-85. Hrisimir Dimitrov nailed a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Spartak's coach Tihomir Milev used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Simeon Naydenov came up with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Chernomorets in the defeat. Spartak (3-10) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with defeated Chernomorets. Chernomorets lost their sixth game in a row. Spartak will meet league's second-placed Levski in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chernomorets will play against Tundja (#6) in Yambol and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Yambol was quite interesting. 5th ranked Euroins Cherno More (5-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Tundja (4-9). Tundja defeated Euroins Cherno More 88-77. Nikolay Varbanov fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Tundja moved-up to sixth place. Euroins Cherno More at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Tundja's next round opponent will be Chernomorets (#7) in Burgas. Euroins Cherno More will play at home against Balkan in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Tundja - Cherno More 88-77

The game in Yambol was quite interesting. 5th ranked Euroins Cherno More (5-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Tundja (4-9). Tundja defeated Euroins Cherno More 88-77. It looked good early as Euroins Cherno More took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Tundja had a 23-21 second period charge getting the lead and Euroins Cherno More was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-88. The former international center Nikolay Varbanov (209-85, agency: Interperformances) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. International guard Pavel Marinov (197-88, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 23 points and 5 rebounds. Four Tundja players scored in double figures. Forward Simeon Iliev (202-89, agency: Interperformances) produced 19 points and 4 assists and guard Tihomir Zhelev (192-90) added 21 points (made all of his eight free throws) respectively for lost side. Tundja moved-up to sixth place. Euroins Cherno More at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Tundja's next round opponent will be Chernomorets (#7) in Burgas. Euroins Cherno More will play at home against Balkan in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tundja: P.Marinov 23+5reb+3ast, N.Varbanov 20+11reb+1ast, D.Sattler 12+1reb+2ast, S.Finzgar 11+6reb, M.Durchev 9+4reb+2ast, S.Cholakov 5+1reb+1ast
Cherno More: T.Zhelev 21+1reb+2ast, S.Iliev 19+4reb+4ast, N.Kolev 15+5reb+1ast, V.Kiossev 8+4reb+1ast, M.Borisov 6+6reb, I.Kasabov 4+3reb+1ast

Balkan - Lukoil Academik 62-80

An interesting game for Lukoil Academik (13-0) which played road game in Botevgrad against 3rd placed Balkan (7-6). Leader Lukoil Academik had an easy win 80-62. The game was mostly controlled by Lukoil Academik. Balkan managed to win second period 23-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The former international guard Bozidar Avramov (196-90, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 16 points for the winners and American guard Dominic James (180-86, college: Marquette) chipped in 18 points. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side the former international guard Jordan Bozov (191-79) responded with 21 points and 4 assists and the former international power forward Georgi Davidov (205-76) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Lukoil Academik have an impressive series of thirteen victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 13-0 record. Balkan at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Lukoil Academik will play against Rilski Sportist (#4) in Samokov in the next round. Balkan will play on the road against Euroins Cherno More in Varna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lukoil Academik: D.James 18+3ast, B.Avramov 16+3reb+3ast, T.Stoykov 11+3reb+3ast, T.Banev 9+4reb, T.Peterson 8+8reb, 8+7reb
Balkan: J.Bozov 21+3reb+4ast, G.Davidov 10+8reb+1ast, K.Doychinov 8+3reb+2ast, D.Morton 8+4reb+1ast, K.Raykov 6+4reb, D.Filipov 5+2reb+3ast

Spartak - Chernomorets 99-85

Bottom-ranked Spartak managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses on Saturday night. This time they won against sixth-ranked Chernomorets in Pleven 99-85. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Spartak's preassure prevailed and they won that period 32-20 extending their advantage to 14 points. The former international swingman Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-74) nailed a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and guard Alexander Diakovski (185-82) accounted for 24 points. Spartak's coach Tihomir Milev used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Simeon Naydenov (201-81, college: Louisville) came up with 20 points and 6 rebounds and the former international forward Assen Saraliyski (199-84) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Chernomorets in the defeat. Four Spartak and five Chernomorets players scored in double figures. Spartak (3-10) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with defeated Chernomorets. Chernomorets lost their sixth game in a row. Spartak will meet league's second-placed Levski in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chernomorets will play against Tundja (#6) in Yambol and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spartak: A.Diakovski 24+1reb+3ast, H.Dimitrov 22+12reb+4ast, R.Sofroniev 20+3reb+2ast, T.Todorov 16+8reb+1ast, V.Georgiev 9+2reb+2ast, S.Tsenov 2+2reb
Chernomorets: S.Naydenov 20+6reb+1ast, T.Ivanov 16+2reb, A.Saraliyski 13+7reb+2ast, I.Slavchev 13+5reb, D.Roshmanov 10+2reb+4ast, A.Penev 6+3reb+1ast

Rilski Sportist - Levski 70-73

Fourth-ranked Rilski Sportist (6-7) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Levski (11-2) in Samokov on Friday. The visitors from Sofia managed to secure only three-point victory 73-70. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rilski Sportist. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 73-70. Levski dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rilski Sportist's 28. 27 personal fouls committed by Rilski Sportist helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Levski's coach Konstantin Papazov used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. International swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) answered with 20 points and 4 assists and Serbian forward Vladimir Mijovic (207-84, agency: Alti Sport) added 22 points in the effort for Rilski Sportist. Levski has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-2 record having just two points less than leader Lukoil Academik. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Levski are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Spartak (#8) in Pleven in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Rilski Sportist will play on the road against the league's leader Lukoil Academik (#1) in Sofia and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Levski: 19+7reb+1ast, A.Harper 18+6reb+3ast, J.Crowe 13+5reb+8ast, G.Cekovski 9+1reb, D.Cole 7+5reb, P.Ivanov 4+3reb
Rilski Sportist: V.Mijovic 22+3reb, I.Lilov 20+4reb+4ast, S.Vaklinov 9+7reb+2ast, D.Karadzhovski 6+8reb+4ast, D.Marojevic 4+3reb, B.Boev 4+4reb+2ast

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ivan LILOV
  Rilski Sportist
  (196-F/G-88)
  Avg: 25.6

1. Lilov, Rilski S.	25.6
2. Lauderdale, Cherno.	23.2
3. Harper, Levski	22.3
4. Dimitrov, Spartak	17.7
5. Bozov, Balkan	17.5
6. Naydenov, Chernomo.	17.0
7. Govedarov, Tundja	15.9
8. Stankov, Spartak	15.9
9. Diakovski, Spartak	15.0
10. Yanev, Cherno More	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Priest LAUDERDALE
  Levski
  (221-C-73)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	13.1
2. Varbanov, Tundja	10.7
3. Yanev, Cherno More	9.0
4. Peterson, Lukoil A.	7.7
5. Todorov, Spartak	7.6
6. Morton, Balkan	7.5
7. Kolev, Cherno More	7.4
8. Georgiev, Levski	7.2
9. Dimitrov, Spartak	7.1
10. Kambala, Lukoil A.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Crowe, Levski	5.8
2. Zahariev, Chernomo.	5.0
3. Bozov, Balkan	4.3
4. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.3
5. Diakovski, Spartak	4.3
6. Govedarov, Tundja	4.2
7. Gruev, Rilski S.	4.1
8. James, Lukoil A.	3.9
9. Gonner, Balkan	3.6
10. Karadzhovski, Rilski S.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Crowe, Levski	2.3
2. Dimitrov, Spartak	2.2
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.2
4. Bozov, Balkan	2.1
5. Finzgar, Tundja	1.8
6. Kiossev, Cherno M.	1.7
7. James, Lukoil A.	1.7
8. Bowman, Lukoil A.	1.7
9. Zahariev, Chernomo.	1.6
10. Todorov, Spartak	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Priest LAUDERDALE
  Levski
  (221-C-73)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	2.4
2. Doychinov, Balkan	1.2
3. Vaklinov, Rilski S.	1.0
4. Varbanov, Tundja	0.9
5. Petkov, Tundja	0.8
6. Iliev, Cherno More	0.8
7. Yanev, Cherno More	0.7
8. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.6
9. Zahariev, Chernomo.	0.5
10. Davidov, Balkan	0.5

Standings A1

NBL Standings

1. Lukoil Academik		13-0
2. Levski		11-2
3. Balkan		7-6
4. Rilski Sportist		6-7
5. Cherno More		5-8
6. Tundja		4-9
7. Chernomorets		3-10
8. Spartak		3-10

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CHINA

Stephon Marbury claims Chinese CBA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Stephon Marbury (187-G-77) had an amazing evening in the last round for Foshan and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 34-year old guard had the game-high 51 points adding three rebounds for Foshan as his team lost the game against Beijing (#4, 8-4) 94-108. Foshan maintains the 13th position in Chinese CBA. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Foshan have already lost 8 games and recorded just three victories. In the team's last game Marbury had a remarkable 68.8% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Foshan's top player in his first season with the team. Georgia Tech graduate has very impressive stats this year. Marbury is in league's top in assists (8th best: 4.9apg) and averages solid 53.8% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American guard Dee Brown (185-G-84) of Qingdao DS. Brown impressed basketball fans with 39 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Qingdao DS to another comfortable win 99-85 over the lower-ranked TianJin R. (#16, 2-9) being unquestionably team leader. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Qingdao DS managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 9th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-6 record. Brown is a newcomer at Qingdao DS and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.6ppg (#7). He also recorded 4.8 assists per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Zhejiang G.L. (#6). Ramos got into 30-points club by scoring 35 points in the last round. He went also for fourteen rebounds . He was a key player of Zhejiang G.L., leading his team to a 99-95 win against slightly lower-ranked Liaoning (#8, 6-6). Zhejiang G.L. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 4 lost games. Ramos has a great season in China. After 10 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 13.8rpg (6th best). He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 67.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Singleton (203-F-81) of Xinjiang - 28 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82) of Fujian - 25 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Charles Gaines (201-F-81) of Qingdao DS - 28 points and 13 rebounds
7. Antoine Wright (201-F/G-84) of Jiangsu - 33 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Zheng Wang (216-C-90) of Guandong - 12 points and 17 rebounds
9. Randolph Morris (211-F/C-86) of Beijing - 19 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) of Beijing - 21 points and 14 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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CROATIA

Cedevita tab Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita strengthened their backcourt. They brought in Bracey Wright

Points Per Game

Dario SARIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 17.9

1. Saric, Dubrava	17.9
2. Zitko, Trogir	17.8
3. Krapic, Zabok	17.6
4. Sobin, KK Split	17.0
5. Dosen, Dubrovnik	15.8
6. Basic, Dubrava	15.7
7. Helbich, Svjetlost	15.5
8. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	15.4
9. Ceskovic, Trogir	14.9
10. Kamaldin, Darda	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Bagaric, Dubrava	11.6
2. Krapic, Zabok	9.4
3. Saric, Dubrava	8.6
4. Radic, Alkar Sinj	8.0
5. Krolo, Darda	8.0
6. Sobin, KK Split	7.1
7. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	6.6
8. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	6.4
9. Ragsdale, Kvarner .	6.0
10. Ridl, Darda	6.0

Assists Per Game

Rudolf JUGO
  Kvarner 2010
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	4.9
2. Misic, Svjetlost	4.5
3. Blajic, Trogir	4.3
4. Delas, Alkar Sinj	4.1
5. Sarac, Svjetlost	4.0
6. Tomeljak, Zabok	3.9
7. Dosen, Dubrovnik	3.3
8. Saric, Dubrava	3.1
9. Peric, Dubrovnik	3.0
10. Katic, KK Split	2.9

Steals Per Game

Ozren MISIC
  Svjetlost
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Misic, Svjetlost	2.5
2. Anzulovic, Alkar Sinj	2.4
3. Swift, Darda	1.9
4. Tomeljak, Zabok	1.8
5. Grgurevic, KK Split	1.8
6. Blajic, Trogir	1.8
7. Skific, Borik	1.8
8. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	1.8
9. Saric, Dubrava	1.7
10. Kamaldin, Darda	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Toni VITALI
  Trogir
  (201-F-91)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Vitali, Trogir	1.8
2. Bagaric, Dubrava	1.6
3. Sobin, KK Split	1.3
4. Ragsdale, Kvarner .	1.2
5. Saric, Dubrava	1.1
6. Karac, Dubrovnik	1.0
7. Kraljevic, Zabok	1.0
8. Krolo, Darda	1.0
9. Sarlija, Borik	0.9
10. Ridl, Darda	0.6

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

1. KK Split		8-2
2. Alkar Sinj		7-3
3. Borik		6-4
4. Svjetlost		5-5
5. Dubrovnik		5-5
6. Zabok		4-5
7. Kvarner 2010		4-6
8. Dubrava		4-6
9. Trogir		3-6
10. Darda		3-7
Play in international cups:
1. Cedevita		-
2. Cibona		-
3. KK Zagreb CO		-
4. Zadar		-

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. BK Prostejov		12-2
2. BK Pardubice		11-3
3. BK Decin		11-4
4. Novy Jicin		11-4
5. NH Ostrava		9-5
6. B&W Opava		7-8
7. BC Kolin		7-8
8. Basketbol Brno		5-10
9. USK Praha		4-10
10. Plzen		1-12
11. Svitavy		1-13
Play in international cups:
1. CEZ Nymburk		-

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Smith, BC Kolin	18.1
2. Landry, BK Prost.	16.6
3. Hatcher, BK Decin	15.9
4. Horak, Svitavy	15.5
5. Burke, NH Ostrava	15.4
6. Houska, BK Decin	15.1
7. Hampton, BK Pardu.	14.6
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	14.6
9. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	14.5
10. Blazek, B&W Opava	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Basketbol Brno
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Meno, Basketbo.	11.2
2. Burke, NH Ostrava	9.6
3. Houska, BK Decin	9.2
4. Landry, BK Prost.	9.1
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.9
6. Kramny, Svitavy	8.1
7. Gadri, BK Prostejov	6.9
8. Blazek, B&W Opava	6.9
9. Frana, Plzen	6.7
10. Machac, BC Kolin	6.3

Assists Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	4.6
2. Carnecky, B&W O.	4.3
3. Kotas, USK Praha	3.8
4. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.7
5. Maio, Basketbo.	3.5
6. Channels, Novy Jicin	3.5
7. Vrubl, Plzen	3.4
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	3.3
9. Sanders, BK Decin	3.3
10. Macela, Svitavy	3.2

Steals Per Game

Derek WRIGHT
  BK Pardubice
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Wright, BK Pardu.	2.6
2. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
3. Hampton, BK Pardu.	2.0
4. Smith, BC Kolin	2.0
5. Gibson-B., NH Os.	2.0
6. Holloway, Basket.	1.9
7. Vrubl, Plzen	1.8
8. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	1.7
9. Macela, Svitavy	1.6
10. Hatcher, BK Decin	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Cezary TRYBANSKI
  NH Ostrava
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Trybanski, NH Os.	1.5
2. Hanke, USK Praha	1.1
3. Kramny, Svitavy	1.1
4. Houska, BK Decin	1.0
5. Gadri, BK Prostejov	0.9
6. Meno, Basketbo.	0.9
7. Miklosik, B&W O.	0.9
8. Frana, Plzen	0.8
9. Egwuatu, Svitavy	0.8
10. Miles, BC Kolin	0.7

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DENMARK

Danish Ligaen round 16 best performance: Edward Morris - by Eurobasket News
American forward Edward Morris (203-F-84) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Aabyhoj IF, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while his team Aabyhoj maintains the 6th position in Danish Ligaen. Aabyhoj is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 10th lost game this season out of 17 games. Morris turned to be Aabyhoj's top player in his first season with the team. Former Pittsburg State University star has very solid stats this year. Morris is in league's top in points (5th best: 21.0ppg), rebounds (4th best: 10.1rpg) and averages impressive 2.5bpg and 63.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was -year old American Donald Rutherford (198-F) of SISU Copenhagen. Rutherford had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as SISU was edged by the higher-ranked Horsens IC (#4, 9-8) 70-66. This loss caused SISU to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-10 record. Rutherford is a newcomer at SISU, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was former international forward Hans Schur (203-F/C-83) of Horsens IC (#4). Schur scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Horsens IC, leading his team to a 70-66 win against the lower-ranked SISU (#7, 7-10). Horsens IC needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 9 victories and 8 lost games. Schur has a very solid season. In 17 games in Denmark he scored 12.4ppg. He also has 6.1rpg and FGP: 55.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87) of Naestved - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Marius Kasiulevicius (198-F/G-82) of Naestved - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Charles Burgess (186-G-84) of Bakken - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Peter Johansen (205-F/C-80) of Naestved - 7 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79) of Bakken - 16 points and 7 rebounds
9. Christian Cavanaugh (207-F/C-86) of Svendborg - 14 points and 5 rebounds
10. Lars Hoirup (192-G/F-83) of Naestved - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

D-LEAGUE

Friday's games - by Eurobasket News
Bakersfield J. - Iowa E. 133-130 OT
The Iowa Energy rallied from an 18 point 1st half deficit to force overtime, but eventually fell to the Bakersfield Jam 133-130 Friday night. Energy guard Curtis Stinson

(6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) scored a season high 31 points while handing out 12 assists. Othyus Jeffers

(6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) added 28 points for Iowa. Bakersfield was led by Trey Johnson's 31 points while Marques Blakely finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Iowa guard Kyle Weaver did not play in the game due to an injury. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Idaho S. - New Mexico 110-90
The Idaho Stampede (4-13) defeated the New Mexico Thunderbirds 110-90 (10-8) at Qwest Arena Friday night. After trailing by as many as 11 points in the first quarter, the Stampede went on to outscore the T-birds in every successive quarter. Idaho starters scored 63 points with Carlos Wheeler leading the charge with 26 (eight rebounds, two assists), while two other starters, Luke Jackson

(6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Oregon) (16 points, two rebounds, three assists) and Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) (12 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals) also scored double digit points. The Stampede had plenty of help off the bench, with three players scoring in double digits. Jermareo Davidson led the bench with 18 points and seven rebounds. Lance Hurdle (13 points) and Willie Jenkins (10 points, 4-4 FG, 2-2 3FG) also scored double digits. After a cold first quarter, Idaho shot 58.3 percent the rest of the way, culminating with a scorching fourth quarter in which they made 12-of-17 (70.6 percent) shots and 5-of-6 free throws. The Thunderbirds had four players scoring double digits, with starter Shane Edwards leading at 23. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Utah F. - Reno Bighorns 82-95
Patrick Ewing

(6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown), Jr.'s sixth double-double propelled the Reno Bighorns to a 95-82 win over the Utah Flash Friday night in the UCCU Events Center. With the game tied 59-59 entering the fourth quarter, Reno would outscore Utah 36-23 in the final frame to grab their third road win of the year, and third-straight victory over the Flash. In a game that saw 14 lead changes and 10 ties, the Bighorns pulled away late behind Ewing's strong night. The forward from Georgetown netted 18 points and grabbed a team-season-high 14 rebounds. Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M) led the Bighorns in scoring with 20 points in just his second start of the season, and first as Aaron Miles' replacement as Reno's point guard. D.J. Strawberry chipped in with 19 points and six boards off the bench. Reno earned the victory despite shooting just 39.0% from the field and getting outrebounded 50-47. Orien Greene led Utah with 19 points, while Brandon Costner added 15 points off the bench, including connecting on 3-6 from behind the three-point stripe. *Courtesy pf www.kolotv.com

Tulsa 66ers - Ft.Wayne MA 119-106
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants again had trouble dealing with the Tulsa 66ers early and fell too far behind in losing their second-straight game on the road. Tulsa (14-6) parlayed a 14-point halftime lead into a workmanlike 119-106 win over Fort Wayne (11-7) in an NBA Development League game on Friday night at the Tulsa Convention Center. The Ants, who dropped to third place in the Eastern Conference with the loss, return to action against the Sioux Falls Skyforce at 7:30 tonight at Memorial Coliseum. Oliver Lafayette (6'2''-G-84, college: Houston) led the Ants with 22 points, while Marvin Phillips had a double double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Kramer scored 17 points off the bench. Tulsa, now riding a five-game winning streak, was led by the dynamic scoring punch of Latavious Williams (6'8''-F-91) (27 points) and Jerome Dyson (25 points, including 5-of-9 three-point shooting). *Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

Rio Grande - Austin T. 103-81
Nit-picky stuff. Those are about the only faults Rio Grande Valley Vipers coach Chris Finch could find with his team's effort in its 103-81 shellacking of the Austin Toros on Friday at State Farm Arena. The Vipers (10-7) won their third-straight for the first time this season. The Toros (7-10) lost their fifth in a row. The same teams meet again at 7 tonight at State Farm Arena. 'It was some of our most purposeful basketball, certainly in the beginning,' Finch said. 'That looked like the way we want to play � run and move it and shoot a lot of wide-open shots, especially threes. We were physical, and we haven't always been physical this year.' The Vipers shot 50 percent (36 of 72) from the field, including 9 of 28 from the 3-point arc. The most telling statistic was the fast break points, in which the Vipers held a 20-4 advantage. 'When you are running and the shots are going in,' Finch said. 'Everyone plays with a little extra zip.' Vipers guard Mustafa Shakur (6'3''-G-84, college: Arizona) had 23 points and seven assists, both game-highs. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) had 21 points and was 4 of 4 from the 3-point arc. Jeff Adrien had 14 points and 13 rebounds for his fifth double-double this season. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Maine RC - Dakota W. 70-93
The Maine Red Claws set an all-time franchise low for points with 70 while posting less than stellar numbers, shooting just 32.1%, handing the visiting Dakota Wizards an easy 93-70 win. Maine managed to keep the game close through the first quarter, ending the first session trailing by only two. Dakota began to break things open in the second quarter, starting with an 11-0 run and finishing the half up by a dozen. The Wizards continued their push in the second half as Maine's shots continued to fall short. Dakota led by 27 at the end of the third quarter, and the Red Claws never sustained enough attack to close the gap. Dakota's top scorers tonight were center Chris Johnson

(6'11''-C-85, college: LSU) and guard Vernon Hamilton (6'0''-G-84, college: Clemson), who both finished with 18. Guard Anthony Goods finished the night with 15 while guard Darren Cooper added 12 to help lead the Wizards to their fifth win of the season. Maine's high scorers tonight were forward DeShawn Sims with 19, guard Kenny Hayes with 14, and guard Mario West contributed 10 points. The Red Claws will travel to Erie for a Sunday matinee with the BayHawks at 2 PM before heading to the NBA Development League Showcase. The Wizards will travel South to take on the Springfield Armor on Sunday at 4 PM. *Courtesy of www.boxscorenews.com

Erie Bay H. - Sioux Falls S. 97-91
Nate Linhart

(6'7''-F-86, college: Akron) enjoys sticking his nose in danger. 'That's how I've always been,' he said. 'I like making my parents nervous. That's what I like to tell them.' Having that mentality enabled Linhart to snatch away Sioux Falls' last chance for victory Friday. Linhart's strip of Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) with 14.9 seconds left led to the BayHawks upending the Skyforce 97-91 before 3,593 fans at Tullio Arena. 'That's how you're supposed to play,' Erie rookie forward Tasmin Mitchell said. 'Sacrifice for the team.' After Linhart's steal, Dawan Robinson made two free throws to put Erie up 95-91 with 11.1 seconds remaining. Winners of six of its past seven games, Erie (12-6) handed the slumping Skyforce (2-13) their eighth straight loss. 'They out-toughed us,' Sioux Falls coach Tony Fritz said. 'They wanted it more, and that's very disappointing when you're the team on the losing streak.' Guard Maureece Rice scored just three points in his Skyforce debut after being traded from Erie to Sioux Falls this week for a 2011 second-round draft pick. 'I think we can change things around,' Rice said. 'It had to start (Friday), but unfortunately we lost.' Ivan Johnson scored a game-high 25 points for the BayHawks, who prevailed without guards Blake Ahearn and Garrett Temple, who had a workout Friday with the Phoenix Suns. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Red Claws acquire 7-0 center James Cripe - by Eurobasket News
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired 7-0 center James Cripe (7'0''-C-84, college: N.Kentucky) from the Available Player Pool. Cripe is expected to join the team today and be in the lineup tonight as the Red Claws host Dakota at 8 PM.

Red Claws fans will be familiar with Cripe who played part of last season with the Springfield Armor. A product of Dayton and Northern Kentucky Universities, Cripe, 26, joins the team from the New Mexico Thunderbirds where in 14 games (9 starts) this season, he averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg and had 8 blocks. The defensive-minded center has also spent time in Europe and Asia, spending the 2008-09 season with Link Tochigi Brex (Japan) where he participated in the Japanese JBL All-Star Game, and the 2007-08 season with Cimbria Randers (Denmark-Basketliga).

To make room on the roster for Cripe, the Red Claws have waived Lawrence Westbrook.

'Under no circumstances is this a reflection on Lawrence as a player,' said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. 'Lawrence has been a true professional and can play at a high level in this league. We thank him for his contributions to our organization and wish him well.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.		14-6
2. Erie Bay H.		12-6
3. Ft.Wayne MA		11-7
4. Dakota W.		5-14
5. Sioux Falls S.		2-13
Southwest Division
1. Tulsa 66ers		13-6
2. Rio Grande		10-7
3. New Mexico		10-8
4. Texas L.		9-7
5. Maine RC		9-10
6. Austin T.		7-10
West Division
1. Reno Bighorns		11-7
2. Bakersfield J.		11-7
3. Utah F.		8-7
4. Springfield A.		5-13
5. Idaho S.		4-13

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 26.2

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	26.2
2. Greene, Utah F.	21.6
3. Anderson, New M.	21.1
4. Jeffers, Iowa E.	20.0
5. Edwards, New M.	19.6
6. Alexander, Texas L.	19.4
7. Jones, Texas L.	18.7
8. Dentmon, Texas L.	18.5
9. Sims, Maine RC	18.3
10. Sims, Iowa E.	17.7

Rebounds Per Game

Joe ALEXANDER
  Texas L.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Alexander, Texas L.	10.7
2. Patterson, Rio G.	10.3
3. Sims, Iowa E.	10.1
4. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	10.1
5. Williams, Texas L.	9.7
6. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.4
7. Wheeler, Idaho S.	9.0
8. Jeffers, Iowa E.	8.9
9. Sims, Maine RC	8.8
10. Gallon, Maine RC	8.7

Assists Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	8.7
2. Stinson, Iowa E.	8.5
3. Daniels, Texas L.	7.9
4. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	7.9
5. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
6. Johnson, Austin T.	5.8
7. Wise, Bakersfield J.	5.6
8. Cooper, Dakota W.	5.5
9. Shakur, Rio Grande	5.1
10. Smith, Maine RC	5.1

Steals Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.5
2. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
3. Linhart, Erie B.	2.2
4. Blakely, Bakersfi.	2.1
5. Jeffers, Iowa E.	2.1
6. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
7. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.0
8. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
9. Kramer, Ft.Wayne.	1.9
10. Wilmont, Ft.Wayne.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Chris JOHNSON
  Dakota W.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Johnson, Dakota W.	3.3
2. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	3.0
3. Williams, Texas L.	2.9
4. Whiteside, Reno B.	2.2
5. Sykes, Sioux F.	2.1
6. VanderMeer, Iowa E.	2.0
7. Naymick, Bakersfi.	1.9
8. Wallace, Bakersfi.	1.7
9. Goodridge, Spring.	1.7
10. Patterson, Rio G.	1.6

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. TU/Rock		16-1
2. Kalev/Cramo		15-2
3. TTU/Kalev		12-5
4. Rakvere		10-7
5. Rapla		7-10
6. Valga/CKE		6-11
7. TTU/Kalev II		5-11
8. Parnu		4-13
9. Voru KK		1-16

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Thornton, Voru KK	18.4
2. Saage, Rakvere	18.1
3. Raap, Parnu	17.4
4. Erm, Rapla	16.6
5. Brown, Va.	16.2
6. Vares, Va.	15.5
7. Kuuba, Voru KK	15.5
8. Arnold, TT.	15.2
9. Tagamets, Va.	15.1
10. Pokla, Rakvere	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Thornton, Voru KK	12.9
2. Brown, Va.	12.6
3. Arnold, TT.	10.4
4. Ringmets, Rapla	9.3
5. Osby, TT.	9.2
6. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	9.1
7. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	8.7
8. Kuuba, Voru KK	8.4
9. Pokla, Rakvere	7.9
10. Hughes, TT.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Tanel SOKK
  Kalev/Cramo
  (184-G-85)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	3.9
2. Kriisa, TT.	3.6
3. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.5
4. Oja, Va.	3.2
5. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	3.2
6. Karner, Parnu	3.1
7. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	2.9
8. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.8
9. Winston, Va.	2.8
10. Laane, Rapla	2.7

Steals Per Game

Silver LEPPIK
  TU/Rock
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.3
2. Laane, Rapla	2.2
3. Veideman, TU/Rock	2.2
4. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
5. Doronin, TU/Rock	2.1
6. Pokla, Rakvere	2.0
7. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.0
8. Archibald, TT.	1.9
9. Erm, Rapla	1.9
10. Keedus, TT.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.3
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.9
3. Osby, TT.	1.4
4. Raadik, Parnu	1.0
5. Arnold, TT.	0.9
6. Brown, Va.	0.9
7. Saarmets, TTU/K.	0.8
8. Talts, TU/Rock	0.8
9. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.7
10. Montgomery, Rapla	0.6

BBL: Kalev/Cramo destroys Nevezis - by Janar Filippov
BC Kalev/Cramo defeated Kedainiai Nevezis, the leader of MasterCard BBL, 96:68 (51:27). Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Oregon) led the winners with 18+7rbs, Gregor Arbet

(194-F/G-83) added 14, Gert Dorbek

(194-G-85) and Tanel Sokk

(184-G-85) 13 points. Kalev/Cramo made 11/23 from the three-point line. The hosts fell behind 0:5 but made three triples in a row then, going ahead 9:7. Everything succeeded for the home side during next 9-10 minutes and with 14 minutes played, Kalev/Cramo led 37:19, already. A three-pointer by Sokk made it 51:27 to end the first half. Sokk had scored 13 pts.
In 3rd, the hosts increased their lead to more than 30 points and then the guests' nerves started to break down. The guests made a couple of unsportsmanlike fouls, causing loud laughter among the home crowd. Kalev/Cramo led 78:43 with 11 minutes to play and took the foot off the throttle. The last couple was quite promising for Nevezis, the best Lithuanian team in BBL so far. They managed to cut the gap to 23 points but Kalev ended the game with 5:0 run to end opponents' suffering.

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EUROLEAGUE

Valencia inks J.R. Giddens - by Eurobasket News
To gear up for the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16, which starts in less than two weeks, Power Electronics Valencia announced on Friday the signing of swingman J.R. Giddens

(196-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico), who ranked eighth in three-point shooting as a rookie in the regular season. Giddens arrives from Asseco Prokom Gdynia in Poland, which was eliminated from the competition by the end of the first phase despite his solid numbers and high percentages. Giddens, who had played only in his native United States until this season, averaged 9 points and 5.2 rebounds for Prokom over 10 games in the regular season. He also shot 47.4% on three-point tries, 48% on two-pointers and 76.4% from the foul line. His best game was his very first, 20 points on 9-for-9 two-point shooting and 10 rebounds in a losing effort against Khimki Moscow Region. Prior to this season, Giddens played 38 games over two seasons with Boston and New York of the NBA.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Kataja won the thriller - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 25: The Finnish Cup finalists Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) and Kataja (Joensuu) met eachother tonight in Top League regular season contest. And the game was a real thriller. Visitor Kataja was more lucky at the end and won 90-92 (46-54). Darren Fells

(201-F/C-86, agency: Court Side) (Kataja) scored game high 21 pts. Jared Newson

(195-G/F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin) added 20 and Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) 19 pts. Jason Conley DNP. Sami Lehtoranta DNP. LaVell Blanchard (201-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Michigan) netted 20 pts for the hosts. Team, which is making 11% (1/9) the 3-pointers, cannot win very often or score 95 points! But Pyrinto (Tampere) did so and won at home by 14 pts margin (95-81) causing by the same the loss #8 in a row for Karhu (Kauhajoki). Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) (Pyrinto) scored game high 28 pts. Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) (Kauhajoki) has to do too much nowadays. Even double-double 25pts/13rbs did not help much. Newcomer Walt Baxley (191-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Mars Hill) played 31 minutes and knocked down nine points. Tarmo (Porvoo) lost at home vs KTP (Kotka) 78-87, YMCA Lahti lost at home as well vs Vilpas (Salo) 82-95. Honka (Espoo) had it difficult at Uusikaupunki and Kouvot (Kouvola) crushed YMCA Lappeenranta 92-67.
Torpan Pojat - Kataja 90-92 (46-54). (LaVell Blanchard 20, Frank Richards 19, Hanno Mottola 17 - Darren Fells 21, Jared Newson 20, Petri Virtanen 19).
Pyrinto - Kauhajoki 95-81 (48-41). (Kenneth Lowe 28, Antwine Williams 20, Damon Williams 17/12 - Jeremiah Wood 25/13, Aleksi Huuskonen 16, Eldar Skamo 11).
Tarmo - KTP 78-87 (44-41). (Jarkko Kyllonen 16, Jonathan Heard 16, Jerrah Young 13 - Jeb Ivey 24, Jerald Fields 17/11, Mikael Holme 12).
YMCA Lahti - Vilpas 82-95 (47-42). (Anthony Vereen 21, Ryan Ayers 19, Roope Suonio 15 - Nicchaeus Doaks 29/14, Samu Kaaresvirta 19, Roope Ahonen 16).
Korihait - Honka 84-66 (41-34). (James Reaves 17/15, Nigel Moore 16/11, Bojan Sarcevic 15 - Corey Belser 17, John Williamson 14, Tuomas Iisalo 10).
Kouvot - YMCA Lappeenranta 92-67 (58-37). (BA Walker 26, Josh Gonner 21, Durell Vinson 12 - HL Coleman 16, James Lewis 14, Malik Moore 10).

1st Division Round 12: BC Jyvaskyla takes over a leadership position - by Eurobasket News
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked BC Jyvaskyla as it allowed them to take a leadership position. BC Jyvaskyla defeated 4th ranked BC Nokia in Jyvaskyla 83-77. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 49-42 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 30 personal fouls committed by BC Nokia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola (IL)) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Jarno Nissinen (194-77) contributed with 27 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. BC Jyvaskyla's coach Jari Laine used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gambian forward Baboucarr Bojang (204-80, college: Illinois St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 16 rebounds for BC Nokia. BC Jyvaskyla (10-2) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with FoKoPo. BC Nokia at the other side dropped to the fifth place with five games lost. BC Nokia will play next round against strong Forssan Koripojat trying to get back on the winning streak. BC Jyvaskyla will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit on the road.
Leading Forssan Koripojat (10-2) recorded its second loss at the home court. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (8-4) 78-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Forssan Koripojat. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Derick Nelson (196-86, college: Oakland, agency: ACMT) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 15 rebounds and Benny Valentine who added 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Canadian center Jeremy McCulloch (212-82, college: E.Washington) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Forssan Koripojat's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Lapuan Korikobrat have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lapuan Korikobrat moved-up to third place, which they share with Honka. Forssan Koripojat at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Jyvaskyla. Lapuan Korikobrat will play against Tapiolan Honka (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Forssan Koripojat will play against BC Nokia and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Important game to mention about took place in Kaarina. Eighth ranked Ura Basket (6-6) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit (6-5) 76-74 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by Zach Ramey who had that evening a double-double by scoring 32 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Even a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds by J'son Stamper did not help to save the game for Loimaan Korikonkarit. Ura Basket moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Huima. Loser Loimaan Korikonkarit keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Ura Basket will meet Torpan Pojat (#9) in the next round. Loimaan Korikonkarit will play against the league's leader BC Jyvaskyla where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Bottom-ranked Lahden NMKY is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 12th consecutive match to eleventh ranked Torpan Pojat (4-8) 75-64. The best player for the winners was Pyry Rainamaa who scored 24 points and 4 steals. Torpan Pojat's coach Ville Tuominen allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Torpan Pojat moved-up to ninth place. Lahden NMKY at the other side still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Torpan Pojat's next round opponent will be higher ranked Ura Basket (#8) in Kaarina and it may be quite challenging game. Lahden NMKY will play on the road against Saynatsalon Riento (#10) in Jyvaskyla and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game between fourth ranked Tapiolan Honka (8-4) and 10th ranked Kerava Energia Team (3-9) in Tapiolan on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Tapiolan Honka outscored guests from Kerava 94-71. It was a good game for Niko Hoglund who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Tapiolan Honka's coach Jussi Syrjanen felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tapiolan Honka moved-up to third place, which they share with Lapua. Kerava Energia Team lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Tapiolan Honka will face Lapuan Korikobrat (#4) on the road in the next round. Kerava Energia Team will play against Aanekosken Huima (#7) in Aanekoski.

In the last game of round 12 SayRi was beaten by Huima on the road 83-65.

Honka - Kerava ET 94-71

The game between fourth ranked Tapiolan Honka (8-4) and 10th ranked Kerava Energia Team (3-9) in Tapiolan on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Tapiolan Honka outscored guests from Kerava 94-71. The game was mostly controlled by Tapiolan Honka. Kerava Energia Team managed to win second period 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tapiolan Honka forced 29 Kerava Energia Team turnovers. Kerava Energia Team was plagued by 35 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for guard Niko Hoglund (191-90) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Power forward Samuli Vanttaja (210-91) contributed with 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Tapiolan Honka players scored in double figures. Tapiolan Honka's coach Jussi Syrjanen felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Cameroonian forward Arsene Towa (191-81) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 22 rebounds and forward Vesa Linturi (195-83) added 23 points in the effort for Kerava Energia Team. Tapiolan Honka moved-up to third place, which they share with Lapua. Kerava Energia Team lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Tapiolan Honka will face Lapuan Korikobrat (#4) on the road in the next round. Kerava Energia Team will play against Aanekosken Huima (#7) in Aanekoski.
Top scorers:
Honka: S.Silvonen 13+2ast, J.Helenius 13+3reb+1ast, N.Hoglund 12+8reb+1ast, K.Naapi 11+2reb+2ast, I.Sirola 10+6reb+1ast, K.Cato 9+2reb
Kerava ET: J.Graham 23+4reb+2ast, A.Towa 19+22reb, S.Beatovic 10+1reb, D.Kraznotzhon 8+2reb, R.Tejha Mua 5+2reb, O.Korhonen 3+3reb

FoKoPo - Lapua 75-78

Leading Forssan Koripojat (10-2) recorded its second loss at the home court. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (8-4) 78-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Forssan Koripojat. Forssan Koripojat was ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 30-20 charge of Lapuan Korikobrat, which allowed them to win the game. Forssan Koripojat was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Derick Nelson (196-86, college: Oakland, agency: ACMT) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 15 rebounds and the other American import guard Benny Valentine (170-87, college: E.Washington) who added 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Canadian center Jeremy McCulloch (212-82, college: E.Washington) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and naturalized American swingman Andre Foreman (198-69, college: Salisbury St.) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. Four Forssan Koripojat players scored in double figures. Forssan_Koripojat's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Lapuan Korikobrat have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lapuan Korikobrat moved-up to third place, which they share with Honka. Forssan Koripojat at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Jyvaskyla. Lapuan Korikobrat will play against Tapiolan Honka (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Forssan Koripojat will play against BC Nokia and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Lapua: D.Nelson 29+15reb, B.Valentine 20+5reb+1ast, T.Still 18+5reb, J.Turja 7+3reb+1ast, K.Siven 4+5reb, P.Peltokangas 0+1reb
FoKoPo: A.Foreman 19+8reb+1ast, M.Molenius 15+4reb+1ast, J.McCulloch 14+12reb+2ast, T.Viertola 12+3reb+3ast, S.Ikavalko 5+4reb+6ast, M.Suokas 4+1reb

Jyvaskyla - BC Nokia 83-77

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked BC Jyvaskyla as it allowed them to take a leadership position. BC Jyvaskyla defeated 4th ranked BC Nokia in Jyvaskyla 83-77. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 49-42 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 30 personal fouls committed by BC Nokia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola (IL)) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Jarno Nissinen (194-77) contributed with 27 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. BC Jyvaskyla's coach Jari Laine used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gambian forward Baboucarr Bojang (204-80, college: Illinois St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 16 rebounds and guard Timo Riihela (193-80) added 17 points in the effort for BC Nokia. Four BC Nokia players scored in double figures. BC Jyvaskyla (10-2) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with FoKoPo. BC Nokia at the other side dropped to the fifth place with five games lost. BC Nokia will play next round against strong Forssan_Koripojat trying to get back on the winning streak. BC Jyvaskyla will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit on the road.
Top scorers:
Jyvaskyla: J.Nissinen 27+6reb, T.Robinson 26+10reb+2ast, A.Siimes 7+7reb, T.Ahila 6+1reb+1ast, T.Naukkarinen 6+2ast, T.Kuukkanen 4+2reb
BC Nokia: B.Bojang 21+16reb, T.Riihela 17+3reb+2ast, P.Setala 14+2reb+2ast, O.Heinonen 12+3reb, A.Vaenerberg 7+2reb, T.Kankaanpaa 3

Huima - SayRi 83-65

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Aanekosken Huima (6-6) beat 9th ranked Saynatsalon Riento (3-8) in Aanekoski 83-65 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 45-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American forward Nathan Wilson (200-85, college: S.Wesleyan) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 19 rebounds. Bahamas forward Jamal Douglas (201-85, college: E.Kentucky) contributed with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Aanekosken Huima's coach Petter Karvonen used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American forward De Marcus Hall (201-85, college: CSU Bakersfield) replied with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import center Eryk Thomas (200-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Saynatsalon Riento. Aanekosken Huima has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 6-6 record, which they share with Ura Basket. Newly promoted Saynatsalon Riento dropped to the tenth place with eight games lost. Aanekosken Huima will face Kerava Energia Team (#11) on the road in the next round. Saynatsalon Riento will play against Lahden NMKY in Lahti and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Huima: J.Douglas 21+17reb+1ast, N.Wilson 19+19reb+1ast, T.Manning 17+2reb+8ast, T.Ovaskainen 8+2reb, L.Paanala 8+1reb+1ast, S.Mantymaa 8+3reb+1ast
SayRi: D.Marcus Hall 28+11reb+1ast, E.Thomas 18+10reb+2ast, T.Viitamaki 13+9reb+2ast, V.Pylkkanen 4+7reb+3ast, E.Nieminen 2+2reb+3ast, E.Pasanen 0+2reb+3ast

Namika II - TomPo II 64-75

Bottom-ranked Lahden NMKY is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 12th consecutive match to eleventh ranked Torpan Pojat (4-8) 75-64. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Torpan Pojat dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Lahden NMKY's 24. Torpan Pojat forced 24 Lahden NMKY turnovers. Strangely Lahden NMKY outrebounded Torpan Pojat 40-28 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was guard Pyry Rainamaa (194-90) who scored 24 points and 4 steals. Forward Vesa Linturi (195-83) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. Four Torpan Pojat players scored in double figures. Torpan Pojat's coach Ville Tuominen allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Carlton Brown (198-79, college: Texas A&M) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds and forward Juha Korhonen (202-90) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Torpan Pojat moved-up to ninth place. Lahden NMKY at the other side still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Torpan Pojat's next round opponent will be higher ranked Ura Basket (#8) in Kaarina and it may be quite challenging game. Lahden NMKY will play on the road against Saynatsalon Riento (#10) in Jyvaskyla and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
TomPo II: P.Rainamaa 24+4reb+2ast, V.Linturi 12+4reb+4ast, O.Lindqvist 12+5reb, M.Sandberg 10+7reb, J.Suhonen 6+2reb, J.Suhonen 5
Namika II: C.Brown 25+17reb+2ast, J.Korhonen 16+7reb, J.Koskinen 9+4reb+2ast, V.Heinonen 7+3reb+2ast, S.Booker 3+1reb+2ast, S.Mert Cakici 3+1reb+1ast

Ura Basket - LoKoKo 76-74

Important game to mention about took place in Kaarina. Eighth ranked Ura Basket (6-6) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit (6-5) 76-74 on Thursday evening. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 42-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Loimaan Korikonkarit outrebounded Ura Basket 50-35 including a 20-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American swingman Zach Ramey (191-81, college: Benedictine) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 32 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Niilo Lehtila (195-83) supported him with 18 points. Ramey is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds by American power forward J'son Stamper (200-85, college: Minnesota, agency: JEMsports) did not help to save the game for Loimaan Korikonkarit. His fellow American import forward Damion Dantzler (203-76, college: Louisville) added 16 points and 16 rebounds. Ura Basket moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Huima. Loser Loimaan Korikonkarit keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Ura Basket will meet Torpan Pojat (#9) in the next round. Loimaan Korikonkarit will play against the league's leader BC Jyvaskyla where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Ura Basket: Z.Ramey 32+11reb+7ast, N.Lehtila 18+4reb+1ast, J.Mattila 13+3reb+3ast, P.Lammi 7+6reb, J.Alanko 6+9reb+1ast, S.Silenius 0
LoKoKo: M.Horton 21+10reb+1ast, J.Stamper 19+14reb+2ast, D.Dantzler 16+16reb+1ast, E.Aaltonen 7+5reb, J.Kinnunen 5+1ast, S.Latvala 4+4reb

Doaks' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Nicchaeus Doaks (202-F-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) put on an amazing game in the last round for Salon Vilpas Vikings and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 25.
He had a double-double of 29 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Namika Lahti (#8, 10-14) 95-82. Salon Vilpas maintains the 10th position in Finnish league. Salon Vilpas is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-17 record. Doaks turned to be Salon Vilpas' top player in his first season with the team. Univ.of Tennessee - Chattanooga graduate has very impressive stats this year. Doaks is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 10.1rpg) and averages solid 55.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) of Karhu Kauhajoki. He is American forward in his second season at Karhu. In the last game Wood recorded impressive double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Karhu lost that game 81-95 to the higher-ranked Pyrinto (#2, 19-6). Karhu is still in a red zone at 9th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-16 record. Wood is well-known at Karhu and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.4ppg (#5). His other stats are also decent: 14.4rpg and 4.0apg.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International) of league's second-best Pyrinto Tampere. Lowe scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Pyrinto, leading his team to a 95-81 easy win against the lower-ranked Karhu (#9, 9-16). Pyrinto needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 19 victories and 6 lost games. Lowe has a very solid season. In 23 games in Finland he scored 16.2ppg. He also has 4.2rpg and FGP: 53.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Frank Richards (188-G-82) of ToPo - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Damon Williams (201-F-73) of Pyrinto - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists
6. Antwine Williams (192-F-75) of Pyrinto - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. B.A. Walker (188-G-84) of Kouvot - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Jerald Fields (201-F-82) of KTP - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jared Newson (195-G/F-84) of Kataja - 20 points and 7 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. Jyvaskyla		10-2
2. FoKoPo		10-3
3. Honka		8-4
4. Lapua		8-4
5. BC Nokia		8-5
6. LoKoKo		6-5
7. Huima		6-7
8. Ura Basket		6-7
9. TomPo II		5-8
10. Kerava ET		4-9
11. SayRi		3-8
12. Namika II		0-12

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Derick NELSON
  Lapua
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Nelson, Lapua	25.5
2. Graham, TomPo II	22.5
3. Stamper, LoKoKo	22.0
4. Hall, SayRi	22.0
5. Manning, Huima	21.7
6. Bojang, BC Nokia	21.3
7. Robinson, Jyvaskyla	20.8
8. Towa, Kerava ET	20.4
9. Thomas, SayRi	19.4
10. Brown, Namika II	18.7

Rebounds Per Game

Carlton BROWN
  Namika II
  (198-F-79)
  Avg: 16

1. Brown, Namika II	16.0
2. Bojang, BC Nokia	15.6
3. Towa, Kerava ET	14.5
4. Dantzler, LoKoKo	14.4
5. Nelson, Lapua	13.9
6. Douglas, Huima	13.6
7. Hall, SayRi	12.5
8. Wilson, Huima	11.3
9. Robinson, Jyvaskyla	10.7
10. Banks, SayRi	10.6

Assists Per Game

Treylon MANNING
  Huima
  (178-G-)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Manning, Huima	6.1
2. Riihela, BC Nokia	5.6
3. Horton, LoKoKo	5.0
4. Ramey, Ura Basket	4.7
5. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	4.1
6. Ahila, Jyvaskyla	3.9
7. Valentine, Lapua	3.1
8. Pehkonen, TomPo II	2.7
9. Ojanen, Jyvaskyla	2.5
10. Foreman, FoKoPo	2.4

Steals Per Game

Maurice HORTON
  LoKoKo
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Horton, LoKoKo	3.1
2. Valentine, Lapua	2.8
3. Hall, SayRi	2.4
4. Bojang, BC Nokia	2.3
5. Towa, Kerava ET	2.1
6. Still, Lapua	2.0
7. Ramey, Ura Basket	1.9
8. Foreman, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Ahila, Jyvaskyla	1.7
10. Stamper, LoKoKo	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Reijo OJANEN
  Jyvaskyla
  (192-G/F-86)
  Avg: 1

1. Ojanen, Jyvaskyla	1.0
2. Kopio, Honka	0.9
3. Graham, TomPo II	0.8
4. Setala, BC Nokia	0.8
5. Valentine, Lapua	0.7
6. Rainamaa, TomPo II	0.7
7. Alanen, Namika II	0.7
8. Mantymaa, Huima	0.6
9. Nelson, Lapua	0.6
10. Beatovic, Kerava ET	0.5

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Roanne		10-3
2. Nancy		10-3
3. Cholet		10-3
4. Chalon		9-4
5. Gravelines		8-5
6. Hyeres-Toulon		7-6
7. ASVEL		7-6
8. Orleans		6-7
9. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		6-7
10. Le Havre		6-7
11. Le Mans		5-8
12. Strasbourg		5-8
13. Paris-Levallois		4-9
14. Poitierarleys		4-9
15. Limoges		4-9
16. Vichy		3-10

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Nanterre		13-3
2. Evreux		12-4
3. Rouen		11-5
4. Fos Ouest		11-5
5. Maurienne		10-6
6. Boulazac		10-6
7. Dijon		9-7
8. Chalons-Reims		9-7
9. Le Portel		8-8
10. Lille		7-9
11. Boulogne		7-9
12. Bourg		7-9
13. Antibes		7-9
14. Nantes		6-10
15. St Vallier		5-11
16. Clermont		5-11
17. Quimper		4-12
18. Charleville		3-13

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Demetris NICHOLS
  Vichy
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 19

1. Nichols, Vichy	19.0
2. Woodside, Gravelines	17.9
3. Massie, Limoges	17.5
4. Darden, Nancy	17.5
5. Mejia, Cholet	17.2
6. Jefferson, AS.	16.4
7. King, Le Havre	15.8
8. Walsh, AS.	15.5
9. Bennett, Pau-La.	15.4
10. Haynes, Chalon	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Rob LEWIN
  Art.Dragons
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Lewin, Vichy	9.8
2. Krupalija, Hyeres.	9.1
3. Massie, Limoges	9.1
4. Jones, Le Havre	8.8
5. Issa, Gravelines	8.6
6. Jefferson, AS.	8.2
7. Koffi, Le Mans	7.7
8. Akingbala, Nancy	7.6
9. Darden, Nancy	7.5
10. Sommerville, Paris-.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Reid, Vichy	6.3
2. Wright, Limoges	6.3
3. King, Le Havre	6.2
4. Woodside, Gravelines	6.1
5. Linehan, Nancy	5.8
6. Sciarra, Pau-La.	5.0
7. Diabate, Roanne	4.9
8. Tchicamboud, Cha.	4.5
9. Pellin, Le Mans	4.3
10. Bokolo, Gravelines	4.3

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Linehan, Nancy	3.6
2. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.	2.3
3. Diot, Le Mans	2.2
4. Walsh, AS.	2.1
5. Darden, Nancy	2.0
6. Causeur, Cholet	2.0
7. Sangare, Le Havre	1.9
8. Bennett, Pau-La.	1.9
9. Woodside, Gravelines	1.8
10. Dewar, Le Mans	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.7
2. Elegar, Vichy	1.5
3. Issa, Gravelines	1.3
4. Jefferson, AS.	1.3
5. Koffi, Le Mans	1.3
6. Wilkinson, Le Havre	1.2
7. Badiane, Poitiera.	1.2
8. Fofana, AS.	1.1
9. Pasco, Strasbourg	1.1
10. Lewin, Vichy	1.0

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Sonko, Maurienne	18.3
2. Harris, Lille	17.9
3. Gay, Fos Ouest	17.7
4. Carter, Nanterre	17.6
5. Siggers, Rouen	17.4
6. Ingram, Antibes	16.7
7. Dunn, Maurienne	16.1
8. Davis, Le Portel	15.7
9. Bouldin, Clermont	15.5
10. Runkaukas, Quimper	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

James MATHIS
  Maurienne
  (199-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Mathis, Maurienne	10.6
2. Barber, Nantes	10.6
3. Daniels, Chalons-.	9.9
4. Monroe, Boulogne	9.0
5. Bing, Dijon	9.0
6. Giles, Rouen	8.3
7. Monds, Bourg	8.3
8. Rouse, Charleville	8.0
9. Sneed, Maurienne	7.9
10. McClark, Charleville	7.7

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.9
2. Downey, Nantes	6.2
3. Williams, Le Portel	5.0
4. Taylor, Rouen	5.0
5. Denave, St Vallier	5.0
6. Craven, Dijon	4.9
7. Patiejunas, Boulo.	4.9
8. Akono, Nanterre	4.9
9. Darnauzan, Mauri.	4.5
10. Ingram, Antibes	4.5

Steals Per Game

Kyle SHILOH
  St Vallier
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.8
2. Daniels, Chalons-.	2.8
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.7
4. Doyne, Charleville	2.6
5. Sonko, Maurienne	2.6
6. Hachad, Fos Ouest	2.4
7. Da Silva, Evreux	2.3
8. Haquet, Fos Ouest	2.2
9. Craven, Dijon	2.1
10. Darnauzan, Mauri.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	2.1
2. Jefferson, Quimper	1.5
3. Barber, Nantes	1.2
4. N''Diaye, Clermont	1.1
5. Monds, Bourg	1.1
6. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
7. Diakite, Chalons-.	0.8
8. Taccoen, Lille	0.8
9. Davis, Evreux	0.8
10. James, Bourg	0.8

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

GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Brose Baskets		17-0
2. Dt.Bank SKY		12-5
3. ALBA		12-7
4. Art.Dragons		11-5
5. EWE Baskets		11-7
6. NY Phantoms		11-7
7. TBB Trier		10-9
8. Goettingen		9-8
9. Bremerhaven		9-8
10. Telekom Baskets		9-9
11. ratiopharm		8-9
12. EnBW L'burg		8-10
13. Walter Tigers		7-10
14. Phoenix Hagen		6-11
15. MBC		5-12
16. LTi 46ers		5-12
17. Bayreuth		4-14
18. Duesseldorf		2-14

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. B.Muenchen		14-1
2. Wuerzburg		12-3
3. Kirchheim		10-5
4. Chemnitz		10-5
5. Osnabrueck		8-5
6. Braves		8-6
7. Karlsruhe		7-7
8. Crailsheim		7-7
9. Hannover		7-8
10. Heidelberg		6-8
11. Jena		6-8
12. Webmoebel		6-8
13. Dragons		5-10
14. ETB Wohnbau		4-11
15. Cuxhaven		3-12
16. Freiburg		3-12

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Vechta		12-3
2. Stahnsdorf		11-3
3. Schwelm		11-4
4. Herten		10-4
5. ALBA Berlin II		7-7
6. Wulfen		7-7
7. Leipzig		7-8
8. Rist-Wedel		6-9
9. Bayer Giants		5-9
10. SU Medien		4-9
11. Wolfenbuettel		4-11
12. Bernau		2-12
Group South
1. Ehingen		14-1
2. Licher Baeren		11-3
3. NBC		11-4
4. Leitershofen		10-5
5. Langen		9-5
6. TSV Troester		6-7
7. BG Illertal		6-9
8. Gotha		5-9
9. Dt.Bank SKY II		4-10
10. Schwenningen		4-10
11. Giessen		3-11
12. Konstanz		3-12

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.Bank SKY
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 17.2

1. Wood, Dt.	17.2
2. Martin, Bremerha.	16.7
3. Peacock, LTi 46ers	16.0
4. Rice, Art.Dragons	15.8
5. Bryant, ratiopharm	15.6
6. Benzing, ratio.	15.2
7. Callahan, Bremerha.	15.2
8. Campbell, Teleko.	15.2
9. Harris, EnBW L.	14.7
10. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Bryant, ratiopharm	10.9
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.1
3. Reiner, Bayreuth	8.0
4. Stevic, EWE B.	7.8
5. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	7.5
6. Martin, Bremerha.	7.4
7. Watts, Walter T.	7.4
8. Peacock, LTi 46ers	7.1
9. Evtimov, MBC	7.0
10. Pleiss, Brose B.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Ratkovica, Walter T.	7.5
2. Wood, Dt.	5.0
3. Rice, Art.Dragons	4.6
4. Gamqrelidze, LTi	4.5
5. McElroy, AL.	4.4
6. Jordan, MBC	4.4
7. Joyce, TBB Trier	4.4
8. Green, EnBW L.	4.2
9. Campbell, EWE B.	4.2
10. Copeland, Bremerha.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phantoms
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
2. Martin, Bremerha.	1.8
3. Dorris, Phoenix .	1.7
4. Burtschi, Phoenix .	1.6
5. Campbell, Teleko.	1.5
6. Wise, Telekom .	1.5
7. Trice, ratiopharm	1.5
8. Bailey, Art.Dragons	1.4
9. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.4
10. Stevic, EWE B.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ekene IBEKWE
  Ironi Ashkelon
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	2.1
3. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.2
4. Boumtje, Art.Drag.	1.2
5. Bryant, ratiopharm	1.2
6. Scott, Goettingen	1.1
7. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.1
8. Baynes, EWE B.	1.0
9. Hines, Brose B.	1.0
10. Powell, Dt.	1.0

Andrew James Ogilvy Headed From The Bosphorous To The Rhine River To The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
According to www.derwesten.de, The Gloria Giants are close to getting that most needed big man that they have been craving for with Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt). According to reports, Ogilvy will be loaned to the current 18th placed BEKO BBL team Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. Ogilvy is a 22 year old 210cm center from Australia that was playing together with NBA legend Allen Iverson for Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL).He most likely will not have any integration problems, since he will be playing for Turkisch coach Murat Didin who will help keep that Turkisch feeling attached to the big man. Currently in Turkey, he was averaging 11,8ppg and 6,1rpg in 12 games. He also played 8 Eurocup games averaging 10,9ppg and 5,8rpg. He was averaging 59,7% from the field. He played two games against BEKO BBL team Deutsche Bank Skyliners in the Eurocup qualifying scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and 17 points and six rebounds in two wins. His strong point is his defense, with a number of blocked shots in (nearly) every game he plays, has very good synchronization in the air and at the same time very nice positioning which helps him out in the rebounding area in both the defense and offense. He has also an excellent control of his efforts, so he rarely risks his defensive position. He is very aggressive on the court which helps him to 'hide' some of his disadvantages. He is an average shooter from the mid-range area, has quite good basketball IQ.

He started his basketball career at Australian Institute Sport (ABA) playing there from 2005-2007. He played at Vanderbilt (NCAA) from 2007-2010 and in his senior year played 33 games: 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 50.9%, FT: 73.1%. Last summer, he played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Chicago Bulls).Some of the achievements that he has gotten in his career have been Australian U18 National Team -05-06, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 15.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 77.8%, William Jones Cup Tournament -06, Australian U20 Champion -07, Australian U19 National Team -07, World Tournament of Douai -07 (All-Tournament Team), World Championships U19 in Novi Sad (Serbia) -07: 9 games: 22.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.8spg, 2.3bpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, FT: 79.2%, Aussiebasketball All-U21 First-Team -07, All-SEC 2nd Team -08, 10, All-SEC Honorable Mention -08, 09, SEC All-Freshman Team -08, Australian National Team -08-09, Oceania Championships -09 (Champion): 2 games: 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 66.7%, SEC Tournament Semifinals -10, SEC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -10, and NABC Division I All-Dictrict 21 2nd Team -10.

Source: www.derwesten.de

Brandon Thomas (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Pregame Thoughts To BBC Bayreuth Game January 8th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Brandon Thomas

(198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) is a 26 year old 198cm shooting guard from San Antonio, Texas that was born in Bitburg Germany and is playing his second season with The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He is long and athletic and capable of defending anyone on the floor; ability to accelerate and finish around the basket. Possesses an outstanding basketball IQ. He played at Long island (NCAA) from 2002-2004 and then went to UMASS from 2005-2007. In 2007, he played in Denmark leading the league in scoring for Team FOG Naestved playing 24 games: Score-1 (24.5ppg), 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.0%. He was the Danish player of the year in 2008 and was the 2008 Allstar game MVP. In 2008-2009, he played in Austria for Kraftwerk Wels playing 45 games averaging 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 66.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.5%. Last season, he played 40 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 74.6%. Brandon took some time to talk to eurobasket before the game against BBC Bayreuth January 8th.

The New Yorker Phnatoms Braunschweig are playing very solid basketball at the moment. Despite the good results what is the team still focusing on on improving on?

We are still working on making the game easier on offense and all aspects of defense

What is your memory of the 68-61 win in the first game?

They were able to make a run in the 3rd quarter which made it a close one but I remember them playing very well together with discipline and hustle.

What can we expect from this game in Bayreuth? Both teams have improved, but how dangerous is BBC Bayreuth? You saw them play an dthey very well could be the strongest 17th placed BEKO BBL team ever.

I expect a hard fought battle of two teams that need a win. They are definitely much better than their record.

Jared Reiner wont be playing. Does that mean that Braunschweig will most likely go inside a good majority?

We always look to go inside so our game plan hasn't changed.

Now with Reiner not being able to play, what things will Braunschweig have to be most alert about?

We will have to control the boards and be alert for their shooters.

What is the biggest challenge about defending Marcus Ginyard?

He is tough off the dribble and finishes well when driving to the basket

How much does the season ending injury to Caron Butler hurt the Dallas Mavericks? Does that ruin another title win chnace for Dirk Nowitzki?

It looks pretty bad with Dirk out too. I think they will have to make some changes.

It will be spring like weather on the weekend. What have you missed the most in the last month due to the cold weather?

The sun

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Danny Gibson (BBC Bayreuth) Pregame Thoughts To New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Game January 8th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Danny Gibson

(180-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: S.Indiana) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Madison, Indiana who is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Olney Central JC (NJCAA) from 2002-2004. From 2004-2006, he played at Southern Indiana (NCAA2).In his senior year, he played games: 8.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.9apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3Pts: 40.6%, FT: 76.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for tue NVV Lions Moenchengladbach averaging 22,1ppg, 4,0rpg, 5,1apg and 1,7spg. In 2007-2008, he played the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 28 games: 15.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 51.4%, 3FGP: 38.1%, FT: 76.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for Giants Noerdlingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 12.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 66.0%. Last season, he led tue Dutch league in scoring and played for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 43 games: Score-1 (18.3ppg), 2.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 73.3%. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig January 8th.

How well has BBC Bayreuth digested the loss against Bamberg last weekend? What was missing the most from Bayreuth in this game?

It was a really tough loss to take we felt like we had a real shot to win, we just ran out of gas in the end.

Jared Reiner wont be able to play in the next game against Bayreuth. How much does this hurt the team and how will the team compensate the loss?

Its going to hurt us really bad anytime you lose a guy like that, but we got some young guys with an opportunity to step up so we will see what happens.

Will young Germans Phillip Heyden and Stefan Schmidt get more of a chance?

Yeah I definately think they will and i think they will take advantage of the chance they get.

What is your memory of the 68-61 loss in the first game?

.I just remember us not being able to make many shots. I think we shot really bad as a team.

Marcus Goree scored 24 points in that game. Will he be the main man to shut down

Yeah he is a really good player and they go through him so that makes him really hard to stop.

What will be key in coming out with a win?

I think how well we rebound and defend will be the key to a win.

How much does the season ending injury to Caron Butler hurt the Dallas Mavericks? Does that ruin another title win chnace for Dirk Nowitzki?

Yeah I never really thought they had a chance but now they really dont with out him, but keep your eye on Mark Cuban he will make a move to get another player in there.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Illusionist

Thanks Danny for the chat.

Travis Walton (Ratiopharm Ulm) Pregame Thoughts To Brose Baskets Bamberg Game January 9th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Travis Walton

(188-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Michigan St.) is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Lima, Ohio. He is playing his first season with Ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Michigan State from 2005-2009 where he served as team captain for three consecutive years, being the 3rd in history of Michigan State school to do that. Led the Big 10 in assist to turnover ratio 2.4 to 1 and broke Magic Johnson's career assist record at Michigan State. Walton possesses great toughness, strength and leadership skills and is an exceptional defender. Last season he played shortly for Lugano Tigers (Switzerland-LNA, starting five), left in Dec.'09: 13 games: 8.9ppg, 1.2rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.7% before returning back to Michigan State to help the coaching staff. Some achievements that he has received were Big Ten Tournament Semifinals -06, 08, 09, Big Ten All-Defensive Team -07, 09, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Big Ten Regular Season Champion -09, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -09. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against The Brose Baskets Bamberg January 9th.

Ratiopharm came strong into 2011 with a win vs Bremerhaven and Frankfurt. What has been the difference in the play of the club?

We just been playing together and playing better defense.

Ratiopharm Ulm led 41-40 at halftime. What was key for having the lead at halftime?

Playing good defense and making plays.

In the fourth quarter Ratiopharm Ulm had very strong nerves keeping Frankfurt at bay and never letting them retake the lead. What was key in not letting Frankfurt get lead again?

Frankfurt is the second best team in the league so you had to know they were going to make a big run. The key was making plays and we keep attacking.

Ratiopharm Ulm played with a lot of confidence on offense in the fourth quarter as Frankfurt wa sunable to get 2-3 key stops which might of turned the game around. How was Ratiopharm Ulm always able to get by the Frankfurt defense again?

We shared the ball.

What was your impression of Dashaun Wood. Was he as tough as everyone says he is for you to defend?

Yes Dashuan Wood is a big time player.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg were upset by The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf a few days ago. Is this a positive or negative for Rtaiopharm Ulm on sunday?

Well given they are the best team in the lead and only have one lose. Its a negative because they will come to the game with a high focus.

What is your memory of the 70-59 loss in Bamberg?

That they were really good.

How is Rtaiopharm Ulm going to disrupt the excellent Bambegr ball movement and be successful?

We just have to be ready to play good defense.

How tough is it stoping Brian Roberts?

B. Robs is a very tough cover. I have been playing aganist him since high school.

The Boston Celtics got by the Spurs. A first sign that the Celtics are the best team at the moment despite injuries?

Yea rondo had 22 assist. He is the best pg in the league. He is going to be a starter in the all star game.

Thanks Travis for the chat.

Are Eddie Gill And Luka Bogdanovic The Missing Pieces To Another Title As The EWE Baskets Oldenburg Visit The Deutsche Bank Skyliners January 9th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

It is that time of the year in the Beko BBL, where teams see each other for the second time of the season and teams arent the same at the start like in Oldenburg where two new players have arrived with Eddie Gill

(183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) and Luka Bogdanovic

(210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and so much has changed in the last months and recently like The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf making it seem like only pigs could fly if they would ever upset The Brose Baskets Bamberg, but they did, or Tom Brady who is focused to win his 4th Superbowl championship, but is becoming more and more the respected father as he is spending much extra time with his little son on a scooter in downtown Boston when he might be protecting his ankles in a bubble until the Superbowl is over and how the time of comebacks might finally be over for legendary Green Bay Packers Bret Favre as this would be a radical change since he has been the master of the comebacks like Ratiopharm Ulm Lee Humphrey

(188-G-84, college: Florida) is netting three pointers at the rate of a fine tuned clock work. After the bitter 87-82 loss in Ulm, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have to be ready for the new changes with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg as they meet the club from coach Predrag Krunic only 72 hours later on Sunday January 9th. Just how well has Oldenburg grown in last months? Oldenburg has grown like every other team has so far. They first had to find an identity, because they had lost players from last season and the new players had to find their roles. The team has improved and is playing better as the season has gone along, stressed TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.)

The club has brought in American Eddie Gill

(183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) and Serb Luka Bogdanovic

(210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) as replacements for the disappointing Steven Smith and Nemanja Protic

(182-G-86) who had been released recently. Eddie is a 32 year old 183cm guard who is named the thrill. He has had a solid NBA career having played 200 NBA games for teams like the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Seattle Supersonics, but also played two full seasons for the Indiana Pacers from 2004-2006. He also has had European experience having played in Greece and Italy and last season in Belgium for Base Oostende (Belgium-D1, starting five): 26 games: 7.0ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2 (4.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 28.0%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 78.0%. So far this season for Oldenburg, he has played five BEKO BBL games averaging 6,2ppg, 2,0rpg and 3,6apg in 18 minutes per game. Luka Bogdanovic

(210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) is a 25 year old 210cm forward from Serbia. He has a great shooting touch and can hit the three pointer and mid range jumper and is effective on the defensive glass. However he has mediocre athletic ability, but has played very solid whereever he has played. He started his career at Crvena Zvezda Beograd and in the last years has played for Partizan Belgrad, Le Mans, and DKV Joventut Badalona . In his career, he has played 92 games in team international play including 51 Euroleague games. From 2007-2010, he was able to score in double figures each season twice in Euroleague play and once in Eurocup play. The experience that the only 25 year old has is unmatched on the Oldenburg roster. Last season, he played for DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): EuroCup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 80.0%; Spanish League: 34 games: 9.3ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 80.0%. This season, Bogdanovic is averaging 10,0ppg and 3,0rpg in 19 minutes per game.Gill gives them flexibility at the guard position and Bogdanovic gives them size and depth under the basket, said John Bynum Gill and Bogdanovic make Oldenburg stronger especially with the Serb under the basket, added Walter Tiger Tuebingen forward Ruben Spoden. If The EWE Baskets are strong enough to win the 2011 title with Gill and Bogdanovic is the question? If they can win it all is a difficult question since The BEKO BBL is so tight. Duesseldorf showed that with the win against Bamberg. Many teams can win it all. Oldenburg is in top form now and surely one of the top teams in the league now. It will be interested to see how Oldenburg does as they are carried by Rickey Paulding

(196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri). He is a great player, warned Ruben Spoden. I think that Gill and Bogdanovic are doing a great job and will only continue to get better in the second half. Are they are the missing pieces to win it all? Only time will tell, but they got much better with these two pieces, stressed John Bynum

After the sensational 2009 BEKO BBL title win by The EWE Baskets Oldenburg, there were some careful tones about a possible dynasty start in Oldenburg like in Berlin in 1997. However these dreams were squashed last season as quickly as when people were thinking that Lebron James would turn his back on the big bucks and stay in Cleveland. In 2009-2010, The EWE Baskets Oldenburg finished the regular season in first place with a record of 25-9, but then seemed to run out of gas in the playoffs losing to The New Yorker Phnatoms Braunschweig in the first round 3-1 despite having a 1-0 lead. After the good season record, Oldenburg fans might have rather bet that fan favourite Ricky Paulding might jump into the Weser river and cool off on a hot day or possible future doctor Ruben Boumtje Boumtje coming on to the floor and replace the trainer shortly helping a hurt Oldenburg player than betting that the team would bow out of the playoffs so early and unexpectedly. It wasnt easy for Oldenburg all season as Jason Gardner

(178-G-80, college: Arizona) was fighting his injury and having to find his rhythm all over again so often. As the defending champion, you are always the team that is chased by every other team. The opponents had nothing to lose and could play without pressure. I dont think that Oldenburg really did much wrong. They were a good team, but were missing some luck in the playoffs, stressed Pascal Roller. The way Oldenburg was kicked out of the playoffs was surprising for some and then again not for others. It spoke volumes for the competitive and balanced BEKO BBL were surprises area s normal as the almost daily press releases concerning new scandals with actress Lindsy Lohan. After the crazy regular season, it didnt surprise me that Braunschweig beat Oldenburg in the playoffs. Anything is possible in the BEKO BBL. Last year no teams in the top 4 reached the semi finals which is something very rare in the European leagues, stressed Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak

Oldenburg management didnt want to risk any possible future disappointment with the core of the team that lost to Braunschweig and decided on an extensive house cleaning losing Americans Jason Gardner

(178-G-80, college: Arizona), Je Kel Foster and BEKO BBL rookie Josh Carter. The club also said farewell to the eastern block fraction with players Jasmin Perkovic, Milan Majstorovic and Marko Scekic

(207-F-81). Ruben Boumtje Boumtje also departed even if it isnt so far away to the Artland Dragons. Despite the extreme face lift, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg should belong to the top teams in the BEKO BBL. I think that Oldenburg will be strong again. Campbell can take control of the game at any time. Many guys left, but I think that the team will find themselves and be very strong again, warned Skyliner captain Pascal Roller. BG Goettingen coach John Patrick isnt the only coach in the BEKO BBL that has the right feeling of taste how to add the right spices for a successful team, but Oldenburg coach Predrag Krunic also has had a knack for having the right touch. This season, he has added a solid mix with two Americans, two Serbians, two Germans, an Australian and a Lithuanian. The biggest signing and somewhat of a coup was getting the services of American Lou Campbell. He is a 31 year old 190cm point guard from New Jersey that played three years in Japan was easily the top playmaker in the BEKO BBL last season. Had he been with Oldenburg last season, he might have made the difference between an early exit in the playoffs and a second championship. Last season, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven leading the team into the playoffs playing 43 games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6% . He can guide an offense, but also score when needed especially in crunch time and has the experience to help take Oldenburg over the top. Currently Campbell is averaging 10,2ppg, 2,7rpg and 4,3apg.

The team signed Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84) from Serbia who is the teams top scorer averaging 12,7ppg, 7,9rpg and 1,1apg. Stevic is a 26 year old 204cm forward. He has collected experience playing four years in the Polish league and last season played for top Serbian team KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia-A League, starting five): Serbian League: 16 games: 9.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 58.2%; Adriatic League: 24 games: 7.0ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%; EuroCup: 11 games: 8.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP-1 (71.9%), FT: 53.3%. Coach Predrag Krunic got real experience with Mindaugas Lukauskis

(198-G-79) who is a 31 year old 198 cm forward from Lithuania. He played for top European club Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius from 2003-2009. In this time, he played 39 Euroleague games and 38 Eurocup games. Last season, he played in France for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 30 games: 10.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 83.0%; Euroleague: 10 games: 8.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.1apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), FGP: 67.7%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.0%. He could become the x factor this season at the forward position. Currently, he is averaging 11,5ppg, 3,0rpg and 2,4apg and he is shooting 49% from the field and 42% from the three point line.

The club also signed Australian Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) who is a 24 year old 208cm center. He played at Washington State from 2005-2009. Last season, he played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius playing Euroleague: 10 games: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 51.1%, FT: 64.3%; Baltic League: 15 games: 10.1ppg, 4.5rpg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP-3 (66.7%), FT: 77.5%. For a 24 year old, Baynes has a lot of potential and already has gathered much experience playing U-20 and U-21 for Australia, playing four games at the World Championships in Turkey averaging 1,5ppga nd 1,3rpg, reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008 and winning the Lithuanian Cup in 2010. Currently Baynes is averaging 6,6ppg and 4,3rpg. The team also signed up and coming German national player Christopher McNaughton

(211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell). Mcnaughton is a 27 year old 211cm center. He is a true back-to-the-basket big man, but does possess good mobility for his size. He started his basketball career in the Bamberg system in 2000 playing 35 games for TSV Troester Breitengrussbach in the second Bundesliga. He then played at Bucknell from 2003-2007. After getting valuable experience in the NCAA, he played two years in spain before moving to BG Goettingen in 2009-2010. He helped the club win the Eurochallenge and scoring 22 points in the final. He played EuroChallenge: 15 games: 8.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, FT: 71.1%; German League: 37 games: 7.4ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%. Currently he is averaging 5,1ppg and 1,7rpgThe team also signed Robin Smeulders who is a 23 year old 208cm forward who was born in Munster and has the German/Dutch citizenship. He started his basketball career at SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (Germany-2.Bundesliga). He then went to the States and played at Portland from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 32 games averaging 12.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.7%, FT: 73.3%. Currently he is averaging 1,8ppg and 1,2rpg. The team kept Rickey Paulding

(196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) who is a 27y ear old 196cm guard that averaged 13.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 72.6%. This could be the season where more focus is drawn upon him since the departures of Gardner and Foster. Currently Paulding is averaging 11,2ppg, 4,9rpg and 2,4apg. His shooting is still down at 39% from the field and 26% from the parking lot. Young German Daniel Hain

(195-G/F-85) who is a 25 year old 195cm guard/forward who got a first taste of the German National team in a training camp in Mallorca this past summer is starting his fourth season in Oldenburg. Last season, he played 36 games averaging 1.4ppg, 1.1rpg. Currently in limited action, he is averaging 1,3ppg and 1,1rpg. The team also kept Acha Njei who is a 25 year old 190cm guard and will be playing his second season for Oldenburg. Oldenburg got stronger inside with Mcnaughton and Smeulders and a strong playmaker with Campbell. They are very strong on paper, stated Kamil Novak

Currently The EWE Baskets are in 5th place with a record of 10-7. They started the season on fire with a 4 game winning streak beating Frankfurt, Braunschweig and the Artland Dragons. Then they had a rough period where they lost six of eight games including games to Phoenix Hagen and The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. The club then made changes bringing in Gill and Bogdanovic and since then the team has won four of the last five games and are slowly starting to find their rhythm and chemistry with the two new players. Since 2005, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a negative 6-9 record, but have a positive 4-1record at home. Both teams played the first game of the season with Oldenburg winning 70-67 as Frankfurt had control of the game for 38 minutes, but lost their nerves at the end of the game. One must remember that Frankfurt had no Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) who was injured and had two new players with Bradley Buckman

(203-F-84, college: Texas) and Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond) who had just exited the plane with jet lag. Due to the circumstances, Frankfurt played a very well game. Frankfurt shot miserable at 37% from the field and 27% from downtown, but won the rebounding duel and sustained only 11 turnovers. Ajene Moye

(193-G-82, college: Indiana) led Frankfurt with 14 points and Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84) paced Oldenburg with 17 points. Frankfurt is going into the game with their first two game losing streak of the season and will have to improve some things. We have to find different ways to use our speed and get that old chemistry back on offense and defense. Our offense has to get better as well, warned current BEKO BBL top scorer DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) Oldenburg is playing very strong basketball with a very balanced scoring attack as five players ares coring in double figures. The team averages 73 points per game and Frankfurt will have to defend better than in Bonn and Ulm to be successful. Frankfurt will have to control the tempo as usual and Wood do what he does each week. If it becomes and up and down game then I really like the chances of Frankfurt. Oldenburg has to find a way to control the tempo and run when they can and attack certain players on the defensive end. Either way it will be a good game, warned John Bynum The Deutsche Bank Skyliners welcome The EWE Baskets Oldenburg on Sunday January 9th at 19:30.

Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) Pregame Thoughts To Walter Tigers Tuebingen Game January 9th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Quentin Pryor

(193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 27 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and is playing his second season with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. In 2008-2009 for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. He spoke to eurobasket after the loss in Goettingen. Last season, he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen January 9th

A big 92-76 win in Giessen. After a long losing streak, it was importnat to get the monkey off the back. Is the team mentally strong and ready to keep the winning streak alive?

We were mentally strong throughout we just came up on the wrong end of some of the games.

When looking back at film against Giessen what wa sthe biggest strength of Phoenix Hagen in this game?

We played good defense and took them away from their strengths.

The next game is against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. What has been your impression of the team this season?

They got off to a slow start but they are beginning to pick it up. They have two goods wins in their last two games.

How dnagerous is this team? They are coming off a 74-70 win against 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin?

They are very dangerous. They are feeling very confident at the moment.

In the first game, you beat them on the road. Will the boards be one of the most importnata spects of the game to control?

I think controlling the glass will be key in this game. We have to do a good job.

MBC plays Alba Berlin within 72 hours and soon Phoenix Hagen will play Alba Berlin twice within 96 hours. How crazy is that?

It has no effect. Watching games in the NBA they have home and home games the next day. But in Europe it is not the norm.

How do the NBA title chnaces of the Dallas Mavericks fade with the season ending loss of Caron Butler?

It will hurt them a little but they have players that can fill his role.

What is your predicion of Frankfurt-Oldenburg?

It will be a different game than the first one because both teams are playing more different than before. I think it will be a close game though.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Salt with Angelina Jolie.

Thanks Quentin for the chat.

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GREECE

Being Professional - by Jimmy Baxter
What's good Eurobasket!

I wanted to talk to you today about being professional.

A person asked me over the holiday about being in Europe playing basketball. He wanted to know because his son is thinking about coming to Europe after he is finished his college career. I gave him the positive and negative points about playing basketball in Europe. As I gave these answers it hit me that on 80% of the teams in Europe, a contract means nothing to them. If you sign a player on a guaranteed contract it should be guaranteed. If you state in a contract you will pay on the 15th of each and every month then that is what should happen...If you can't pay as stated then dont sign Americans to leave their countries to a false contract. Also, they should not be expected to remain professional after not respecting the contract. I have been a pro for 6 seasons and every year its the same thing over and over. This doesnt apply to 10% of teams in Europe. I read many of the blogs on this site and no one really talks about what is really going on in European basketball. I believe the punishment for not respecting a contract should be harsher than a team making the payments months or even 2 years later. WHERE IS FIBA? If the player can prove the contract was breached then actions should be taken ASAP. The bottom line is, if you can't pay don't have a team. PERIOD!

Its FUNNY, when a player breach a contract, that team change players asap.

To be continued!

Latest Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Giorgos Kalafatakis is the new head Coach of Iraklis Thessaloniki! even though some rumors were bringin back Lefteris Kakiousis finally the new coach officially is Kalafatakis. The experienced Greek Coach agreed financial terms with the Thessaloniki team and will be coaching the team untill the end of this seazon. Giorgos Kalafatakis coached more than half the teams in the A1 league and is considered being among the most experienced coaches. At the same time the American player to replace everett is fianally the well known to the Greek basketball fans, William Avery (188-G-79, college: Duke). Avery spent a number of seazons in the Greek league with various teams and knows very well the Hellenic reality, basteball wise.

In some other transfer news, Panionios ON Telecoms Athens is ready to add a scoring machine in its engine as Coach Giorgos Bartzokas is very close to sign the American Bosman player Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Mexico). Ruben played in Panionios ON Telecoms Athens seven years ago - the seazon 2003-2004 and had amazing numbers as he finish the regular seazon with 20ppg, 5rpg, 2apg and 1.3spg. If finally agrees with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens he will replace the Serbian Milos Vujanic

(192-G-80) who's most probably join forces with his ex team in Serbia, Partizan Belgrade. Ruben played mostly in the Spanish league ACB with Valencia and also in the Russian league with Dynamo Moscow for a seazon. He is a great scorer and his double double digits in the Spanish ACB is a proove for that.

Eurobasket will announce the specific transfer as soon as it will become official.

Greek A1 round 10 best performance: Vassilis Spanoulis - by Eurobasket News
International guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (30 points, two rebounds and four assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out VAP Kolossos (#4, 6-4) 71-68. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Olympiakos to consolidate first place in the Greek A1. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. It's already very far into the season and Olympiakos keeps perfect 10 -0 record. In the team's last game Spanoulis had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Olympiakos' top player in his first season with the team. Vassilis Spanoulis has solid league stats. He is league's best passer with 5.9apg. Spanoulis is in league's top in and averages impressive 59.6% FGP and 40.6% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American P.J. Tucker (198-F-85) of Aris Thessaloniki. Tucker had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Of course he lead Aris to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Marousi (#8, 5-5) 86-63. This victory allowed Aris to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 6-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Tucker is a newcomer at Aris, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.1ppg (#9). He also registered 7.5 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American swingman Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85) of VAP Kolossos Rodou (#4). Kalathis scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Kalathis' great performance VAP Kolossos lost 68-71 to #1 ranked Olympiakos. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing VAP Kolossos needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 6 victories and 4 lost games. Kalathis has a great season in Greece. After 10 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.6ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 8.1rpg (5th best). Pat Kalathis has also Greek passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82) of PAOK - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Keith McLeod (190-G-79) of Panionios - 23 points
6. Justin Gray (188-G-84) of PAOK - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Dimos Dikoudis (207-F/C-77) of AEK - 21 points and 9 rebounds
8. Milton Palacio (190-G-78) of Kavala - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85) of Panathinaikos - 12 points and 7 rebounds
10. Terell Castle (182-G-72) of AEK - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Milton PALACIO
  Kavala
  (190-G-78)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Palacio, Kavala	17.7
2. Marshall, PAOK	17.5
3. Baxter, Ilysiakos	16.5
4. Tucker, Aris	15.4
5. Byars, Panellinios	15.2
6. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos	15.1
7. Dikoudis, AEK	15.1
8. Grundy, AEK	14.5
9. Tapoutos, Aris	14.1
10. Everett, Iraklis	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Smith, Panellinios	10.3
2. Simmons, Kavala	9.5
3. Looby, Peristeri GS	8.6
4. Thompson, Ikaros	8.6
5. Bagaric, Marousi	8.3
6. Tucker, Aris	7.9
7. Kalathis, VAP K.	7.7
8. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.5
9. Kommatos, Marousi	6.6
10. Bourousis, Olympiakos	6.3

Assists Per Game

Vassilis SPANOULIS
  Olympiakos
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	6.0
2. Jordan, VAP K.	5.2
3. Thompson, Ilysi.	5.0
4. Everett, Iraklis	4.4
5. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.3
6. Palacio, Kavala	4.2
7. Papamakarios, Panell.	3.8
8. Diamantidis, Panath.	3.8
9. Kojadinovic, Marousi	3.4
10. Calathes, Panathin.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Rawle MARSHALL
  PAOK
  (201-G-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Marshall, PAOK	2.6
2. Everett, Iraklis	2.4
3. Papaloukas, Olymp.	2.0
4. Kojadinovic, Marousi	2.0
5. Xanthopoulos, Panell.	1.9
6. Grundy, AEK	1.9
7. Baxter, Ilysiakos	1.9
8. Jamon Lukas, Olymp.	1.8
9. Carroll, Ikaros	1.8
10. Byars, Panellinios	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Simmons, Kavala	2.4
2. Bagaric, Marousi	2.3
3. Elonu, Panionios	1.5
4. Thompson, Ikaros	1.2
5. Looby, Peristeri GS	0.9
6. Dunston, Aris	0.8
7. Vougioukas, Panath.	0.8
8. Mavrokefalid., Olympi.	0.8
9. Papadopoulos, PAOK	0.7
10. Nielsen, Olympiakos	0.7

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Nikos KAKLAMANOS
  Panelefsiniakos
  (189-G-81)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Kaklamanos, Panele.	18.1
2. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	18.0
3. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	17.2
4. Koupidis, Near East	17.1
5. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	16.7
6. Rallis, Ermis Lagkada	16.3
7. Michalos, Pagrati	16.2
8. Magounis, AGOR	16.1
9. Vardavas, Amynta.	15.8
10. Sizopoulos, Panery.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Ivan KARTELO
  AEK/Argous
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 9

1. Kartelo, AE.	9.0
2. Macheras, Pagrati	8.4
3. Amato, Near East	8.4
4. Koutroulias, Olimp.	7.9
5. Jovanovic, KAOD	7.4
6. Kosanovic, Koroivos	7.4
7. Latovic, AGOR	7.4
8. Pantelic, Apollo.	7.2
9. Karavanas, Panery.	7.1
10. Anagnostopou., Ermis L.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefsiniakos
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Nikou, Panelefs.	4.8
2. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR	4.6
3. Kaberidis, Ikaroi S.	4.3
4. Katsares, KAOD	4.1
5. Rallis, Ermis Lagkada	4.1
6. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	4.0
7. Zoupas, Amyntas .	3.9
8. Sourlis, KAOD	3.9
9. Koukas, Ikaroi S.	3.7
10. Karvounis, Lavrio	3.7

Steals Per Game

Nikos MAKRIS
  Olimpiada
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2

1. Makris, Olimpiada	2.0
2. Zoupas, Amyntas .	1.8
3. Sourlis, KAOD	1.7
4. Michalos, Pagrati	1.6
5. Vukantinov, KAOD	1.6
6. Giannakopoul., Lavrio	1.6
7. Psathas, Apollon .	1.5
8. Pettas, Koroivos	1.4
9. Sinnis, Lavrio	1.4
10. Papargiropou., Amynta.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Ivan KARTELO
  AEK/Argous
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kartelo, AE.	2.2
2. Pantelic, Apollo.	2.1
3. Jovanovic, KAOD	1.6
4. Psathas, Apollon .	1.0
5. Karavanas, Panery.	0.9
6. Kasabalis, AE.	0.9
7. Katiakos, Arkadikos	0.8
8. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.7
9. Manavopoulos, Panele.	0.7
10. Amato, Near East	0.7

Standings - A2

A2 Standings

1. KAOD		8-1
2. Panelefsiniakos		6-3
3. Lavrio		6-3
4. Arkadikos		6-3
5. AGOR		5-3
6. Ikaroi Serron		5-4
7. Periko/Arhelaos		4-4
8. Olimpiada		4-5
9. Apollon Patras		4-5
10. Ermis Lagkada		4-5
11. Pagrati		4-5
12. AEK/Argous		4-5
13. Amyntas Dafnis		3-6
14. Near East		3-6
15. Koroivos		3-6
16. Panerythraikos		2-7

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. Olympiakos		11-0
2. Panathinaikos		11-0
3. Aris		7-4
4. Kavala		6-5
5. PAOK		6-5
6. VAP Kolossos		6-5
7. Marousi		5-5
8. Peristeri GS		5-6
9. Ikaros		5-6
10. AEK		4-7
11. Panionios		3-7
12. Panellinios		3-8
13. Iraklis		2-8
14. Ilysiakos		1-9

Latest Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
A1
Savvas Iliadis

(192-G-79) agrees financial terms with Iraklis Thessaloniki Thessalonikis and allready played his first game against AEK Athens in the home defeat of the Salonika team. Savvas Iliadis was a free agent since the ens of last seazon as he was in duscussions with a number of teams in A2 but never proceeded in the signiture of any contract. In the mean time after the end of the colaboration of the Head Coach Darko Russo with Iraklis Thessaloniki the new name in the list of Iraklis Thessaloniki (he will be the 4th head coach this seazon) is the head coach that started the seazon Leuteris Kakiousis . Very soon eurobasket.com will give more informations

Torin Francis

(210-F-83, college: Notre Dame) agreed financial terms with Panellinios of Coach Skourthopoulos and is the new center for the team. The experienced center knows very well the Greek league as he spent two seazons in AEL Larissas and AEK Athens and is expected to help in many aspects of the game the Greek Coach.

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

HOLLAND

Smith's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old power forward Jesse Smith (211-F/C-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked ZZ Leiden and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
He had a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while his team crushed Magixx (#4, 11-8) with 17-point margin 69-52. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. ZZ Leiden maintains the 2nd position in Dutch league. They are still close to the very top. ZZ Leiden would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 15-3 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Smith as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Jesse Smith averages this season 7.6ppg and 5.3rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Markel Humphrey (198-F-87) of Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen. He is American forward in his second season at Magixx. In the last game Humphrey recorded impressive 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Magixx lost that game 52-69 to slightly higher-ranked ZZ Leiden (#2, 15-3). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Magixx still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 11-8 record is not bad at all. Humphrey is well-known at Magixx and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.6ppg (#9). He also registered 7.8 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Patrick Hilliman (206-F/C-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy) of Rotterdam Challengers (#10). Hilliman scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Hilliman's great performance Rotterdam lost 71-75 to the higher-ranked GasTerra (#1, 16-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Rotterdam can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 1-18 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Hilliman he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Hilliman has individually a great season in Holland. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.4rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87) of DeFriesland - 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Frank Turner (178-G-88) of Eiffel Towers - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84) of BS Weert - 17 points and 10 rebounds
7. Tim Blue (205-F-84) of Giants - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84) of Eiffel Towers - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Brandon Griffin (202-F-82) of Giants - 19 points and 9 rebounds
10. Worthy de Jong (194-G-88) of ZZ Leiden - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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ICELAND

Best players of Icelandic Express L. round 12 - by Eurobasket News
American-Italian Ryan Amoroso (203-F-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Ungmennafelagio Snaefell and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 26-year old forward had a double-double of 27 points and sixteen rebounds, while his team beat Fjolnir (#9, 4-8) 97-86. It allowed Snaefell to consolidate first place in the Icelandic Express L.. Snaefell has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 11-1. Amoroso turned to be Snaefell's top player in his first season with the team. San Diego State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Amoroso is in league's top in points (5th best: 22.4ppg), rebounds (5th best: 11.2rpg) and averages solid 57.1% FGP and 42.6% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old Dutch forward Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, agency: Court Side) of Haukar. Robinson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 29 points and 19 rebounds. Of course Haukar cruised to a 82-74 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Hamar (#8, 5-7). This victory allowed Haukar to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 6-6 record is not bad and everything may still change. Robinson is a newcomer at Haukar and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.0ppg (#6). He also registered 14.9 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Ukrainian swingman Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87) of KR Reykjavik (#4). Ermolinskij showcased his all-around game by recording 24 points, twelve rebounds (!!!) and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of KR, leading his team to a 95-76 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Stjarnan (#6, 6-6). KR needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 8 victories and 4 lost games. Ermolinskij has a great season in Iceland. After 11 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 12.3rpg (3rd best) and assists with 8.2apg (2nd best). Pavel Ermolinskij has also Icelandic passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Axel Vilhjalmsson (188-G-88) of Keflavik - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists
5. Hayward Fain (196-F) of Tindastoll - 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Jon Olafur Jonsson (199-F-81) of Snaefell - 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ragnar Nathanaelsson (218-C-91) of Hamar - 10 points and 19 rebounds
8. Sean Burton (175-G-86) of Snaefell - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 13 assists
9. Kelly Biedler (196-F-88) of IR - 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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INDONESIA

Standings - IBL

NBL Standings

1. Pelita Jaya		15-1
2. Satria Muda		15-2
3. CLS		12-4
4. ASPAC		12-4
5. Garuda		9-9
6. Stadium Jak.		8-10
7. Muba Hangtuah		7-9
8. Bima Sakti		3-13
9. Citra Satria		1-15
10. Angsapura		1-16

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IRAN

Zob Ahan finish third in WABA League Group A - by Eurobasket News
Zob Ahan claimed the third spot in the WABA League preliminary round Group A. They surrendered against hosting Jalaa on the final day of the action 73:78. Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) scored 23 points but could not rescue his team from losing the battle. Zob Ahan entered the game aggressively recording a 27:21 lead ten minutes into the encounter. But Jalaa slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. They cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the interval. Jalaa limited Zob Ahan to 14 points in the third term to level things up. The hosts went on a 13:4 run late in regulation to eke out a tough 78:73 win at the end. Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76, college: Louisville) accounted for 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Jalaa. Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) added 15 points for the winners. Ali Baheran (186-G-86) delivered 14 points, while Oshin Sahakian (201-F-86, agency: Agency No 10) and Ousmane Barro

(208-F-84, college: Marquette) had 11 points each in the losing effort.

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ISRAEL

Sean Daniel inks deal with Hapoel Holon - by Eurobasket News
Sean Daniel

(198-F-89) is returning to Hapoel Holon. The 21-year-old forward has decided to change Maccabi Ashdod for Hapoel Holon where he played last season. Sean Daniel tallied 2.9 points and 0.8 rebounds per game for Maccabi Ashdod. Last season his stats read 2.6 points and 1.6 boards per game for Hapoel Holon. Sean Daniel was the member of Israeli U20 selection at the 2009 European Championship in Greece. The forward notched 12.3 points, 2.5 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game at the tournament.

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ITALY

Forli land Leemire Goldwire and Cody Topper - by Eurobasket News
Forli have strengthened their roster. They added two import players to the squad. They are Leemire Goldwire (180-G-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Charlotte) and Cody Toppert

(193-G-83, college: Cornell).
Leemire Goldwire started the season in D-League. The 26-year-old guard played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He tallied 13.7 points, 4.6 boards, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Leemire Goldwire used to play for Egaleo in Greece and Lukoil Akademic in Bulgaria after graduating from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
Cody Toppert is the 27-year-old US-German guard. He tipped off the current season in the United Kingdom BBL. Cody Toppert averaged 14.2 points, 2.1 boards and 1.7 assists per game for the Plymouth Raiders. Cody Toppert had stints in the NBADL, New Zealand, Portugal, Bulgaria, Germany, CBA before joining Plymouth.

Trenkwalder add Troy Ostler - by Eurobasket News
Trenkwalder bolstered their roster. They inked Troy Ostler

(209-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Hawaii) till the end of the season. The 32-year-old forward has already joined the team back on Tuesday. He is expected to don Trenkwalder jersey against Prima Veroli on Sunday. Troy Ostler spent the previous season in UCC Casalpusterlengo. The forward notched 16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Troy Ostler graduated from the University of Hawaii back in 2001. He used to play in Latvia, Poland, Belgium, Franca and Italy.
In the meantime Rimini released German Scarone

(190-G-75). The 35-year-old guard played for the team since 2005/06 season. German Scarone tallied 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in 2010/11 season.

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 19.8

1. White, Dinamo Sassari	19.8
2. Ford, Fabi Shoes	17.0
3. Zoroski, Banca T.	16.9
4. Winston, CS Bo.	16.8
5. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	16.2
6. Milic, Vanoli CR	15.9
7. Dean, Air AV	15.8
8. Goss, Cimberio VA	15.8
9. Rowland, Vanoli CR	15.5
10. Thomas, Air AV	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.4
2. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.7
3. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.6
4. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.4
5. Homan, CS Bologna	8.2
6. Hall, Banca Tercas	8.2
7. Suton, Angelico BI	7.9
8. Troutman, Air AV	7.7
9. Lang, Enel Brindisi	7.5
10. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Green, Air AV	6.5
2. Collins, Scavolin.	4.6
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.5
4. Goss, Cimberio VA	4.3
5. Zoroski, Banca T.	4.2
6. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.8
7. Diener, Dinamo S.	3.8
8. Markovic, Benetton.	3.5
9. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.3
10. Dixon, Enel Brindisi	3.2

Steals Per Game

Chevon TROUTMAN
  Air AV
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Troutman, Air AV	2.8
2. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.8
3. Di Bella, Pepsi C.	2.8
4. Dedovic, Lottomat.	2.7
5. Foster, Vanoli CR	2.6
6. White, Dinamo Sassari	2.6
7. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.6
8. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.6
9. Green, Air AV	2.5
10. Washington, Lottomat.	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.6
2. Toure, Enel Brindisi	1.6
3. Polonara, Banca T.	1.3
4. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.2
5. Smith, Benetton TV	1.2
6. Lang, Enel Brindisi	1.1
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	1.0
8. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.9
9. White, Dinamo Sassari	0.9
10. Szewczyk, Air AV	0.8

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JORDAN

Al Riyadi fire past Aramex - by Eurobasket News
Al Riyadi Bierut - Al Riyadi Aramex 86:70

Al Riyadi recorded the third victory at the WABA League Group A action. They knocked down Aramex to end the preliminary round in the second position in the ladder. Aramex slipped at 1-3 record but still made it into the quarterfinals.
Al Riyadi did not waste too much time to set their dominance. They went on a 33:9 run in the first quarter leaving their opponents far behind. Aramex accounted for 13 points in the second term to face a massive 22:50 deficit at the interval. Aramex managed to outscore their opponents 23:14 in the third term but it was not enough to spark back the intrigue in this one. Amir Saoud (G) notched 23 points, 9 assists and 5 boards for Al Riyadi. Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) contributed 14 points, while Ali Mahmoud (185-G-83) and Ali Fakhreddine (204-C-83) added 12 points apiece in the victory. Sani Sakakini (204-C-88) replied with 20 points for Aramex. Issa Kamel (192-F-83) finished with 14 points in the loss.

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LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL D2 Standings

1. BS Ogre		9-2
2. Jurmala		9-2
3. Ventspils Aug.		8-3
4. ASK/Buki		7-4
5. Saldus		6-4
6. BS Daugava		5-5
7. Zemgale/Jun.		5-5
8. DSN Riga		4-3
9. Barons/Ridzene		4-9
10. Liepaja-2		3-6
11. Livani		1-8
12. VEF Kadeti		0-10

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LEBANON

LITHUANIA

Mazeikiai add Jason Warren, Silute land Fred Eshon - by Eurobasket News
Mazeikiai strengthened the squad in their quest to advance into the LKL. The team signed the deal with Jason Warren (201-F/G-84, college: Missouri Western). The 26-year-old forward used to play in the NKL back in 2008/09 season. He tallied 17.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game for Pieno Zvaigzdes then. Later he had a stint with the Chicago Steam in the ABA. Mazeikiai also added Modestas Kumpys (191-G-91) and Vitalijus Luksa (206-C-86) to the roster. Modestas Kumpys started the season in Neptunas. He tallied 1.0 point and 2.4 rebounds per LKL appearance. In Baltic League his stats read 2.1 points and 2.6 boards per game. Vitalijus Luksa played for Alytus Alita this season. The centre notched 6.9 points, 2.4 boards in LKL, while in Baltic League he posted 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds.
In the meantime Silute have agreed on terms of contract with Fred Eshon (185-G, agency: Court Side, college: Texas Wesleyan). The guard had a spell for the West Texas Whirlwinds in the ABA in 2009/10 season. He also took part at the Court Side Pro Camp in Las Vegas last summer.

LKL Round 15: Lietuvos Rytas beat Techasas in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Panevezys. Second ranked Lietuvos Rytas faced 4th placed Techasas. Guests from Vilnius (10-1) defeated host Techasas (6-5) 83-76. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 21-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lietuvos Rytas made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) who scored 22 points and 5 assists. Serbian-Montenegrin center Milko Bjelica (207-84, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds. Lietuvos Rytas' coach Aleksandar Trifunovic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Gintaras Leonavicius (194-83, agency: Players Group) who recorded 19 points and 6 rebounds. Lietuvos Rytas have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 10-1 record behind leader Zalgiris. Techasas at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Lietuvos Rytas are looking forward to face Siauliai (#4) on the road in the next round. Techasas will play against Perlas in Vilnius and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Undefeated leader Zalgiris delivered the eleventh consecutive victory. This time they crushed 9th ranked Naglis-Adakris (4-7) 100-61 in Palanga. It was a good game for Egyptian-American center Omar Samhan (211-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Tadas Klimavicius contributed with 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Forward Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-85, college: Virginia, agency: FCM) answered with 25 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for Naglis-Adakris. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eleventh consecutive win for Zalgiris. They maintain first place with 11-0 record. Naglis-Adakris at the other side keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. Zalgiris will play against Neptunas (#8) in Klaipeda in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Naglis-Adakris will play on the road against Nevezis in Kedainiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Naglis-Adakris - Zalgiris 61-100

Undefeated leader Zalgiris delivered the eleventh consecutive victory. This time they crushed 9th ranked Naglis-Adakris (4-7) 100-61 in Palanga. The game without a history. Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Naglis-Adakris' 46. Zalgiris outrebounded Naglis-Adakris 44-25 including a 32-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for Egyptian-American center Omar Samhan (211-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. International forward Tadas Klimavicius (204-82, agency: Interperformances) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Five Zalgiris players scored in double figures. Forward Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-85, college: Virginia, agency: FCM) answered with 25 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and forward Vilmantas Dilys (208-87) added 6 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Naglis-Adakris. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eleventh consecutive win for Zalgiris. They maintain first place with 11-0 record. Naglis-Adakris at the other side keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. Zalgiris will play against Neptunas (#8) in Klaipeda in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Naglis-Adakris will play on the road against Nevezis in Kedainiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Naglis-Adakris: L.Mikalauskas 25+3reb, M.Reminas 8+2reb+1ast, V.Dilys 6+6reb+3ast, R.Danys 6+7reb, C.Lowe 6+2reb+3ast, V.Petkus 4+1reb
Zalgiris: T.Klimavicius 16+11reb, M.Pocius 16+1reb+2ast, O.Samhan 14+13reb+1ast, M.Kalnietis 14+2ast, P.Jankunas 13+7reb, M.Brown 7+1reb+1ast

Techasas - Lietuvos Rytas 76-83

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Panevezys. Second ranked Lietuvos Rytas faced 4th placed Techasas. Guests from Vilnius (10-1) defeated host Techasas (6-5) 83-76. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 21-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lietuvos Rytas made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) who scored 22 points and 5 assists. Serbian-Montenegrin center Milko Bjelica (207-84, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds. Four Lietuvos Rytas players scored in double figures. Lietuvos Rytas' coach Aleksandar Trifunovic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Gintaras Leonavicius (194-83, agency: Players Group) who recorded 19 points and 6 rebounds and forward Marius Valukonis (198-88) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Lietuvos Rytas have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 10-1 record behind leader Zalgiris. Techasas at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Lietuvos Rytas are looking forward to face Siauliai (#4) on the road in the next round. Techasas will play against Perlas in Vilnius and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Techasas: G.Leonavicius 19+6reb, M.Valukonis 12+6reb+1ast, D.Silinskis 12+5reb+2ast, E.Ezerskis 9+3ast, V.Volkus 7+1reb, T.Rinkevicius 7+3reb+8ast
Lietuvos Rytas: M.Gecevicius 22+4reb+5ast, M.Bjelica 19+9reb, K.Bajramovic 13+2reb+5ast, J.Valanciunas 10+2reb, K.El-Amin 6+1reb+2ast, S.Babrauskas 5+6reb+1ast

NKL Round 24: Meresta is upset by Nafta Universitetas - by Eurobasket News
The most important game in the last round took place in Klaipeda between second ranked Meresta (17-6) and seventh ranked Nafta Universitetas (12-10) on Saturday night. Meresta was defeated by Nafta Universitetas in a tough game on the road 72-76. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Meresta. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 25-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Nafta Universitetas made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. Nafta Universitetas outrebounded Meresta 41-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. 28 personal fouls committed by Meresta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Viktoras Chodosovskis (200-89) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Tadas Klimas (197-88) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Liudas Radavicius (188-88) who recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Nafta Universitetas maintains seventh position with 12-10 record. Meresta at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. Nafta Universitetas are looking forward to face Puntukas (#13) in Anyksciai in the next round where they are favorite. Meresta will play at home against Erelita-KTU (#14) in Kaunas and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked Delikatesas managed to get the sixth victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Erelita-KTU in Joniskis 84-60. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 24-point difference proves that Delikatesas was well-prepared to that game. It was a good game for center Julius Jucikas (205-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Zilvinas Petraitis contributed with 22 points and 4 steals for the winners. Guard Vytautas Pliauga (183-84) replied with 13 points for Erelita-KTU. Erelita-KTU's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Delikatesas (6-16) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Puntukas. Erelita-KTU at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. Delikatesas will play against higher ranked Triobet Malsta (#10) in Jonava in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Erelita-KTU will play on the road against the league's second-placed Meresta (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Silute, where higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (13-8) lost to tenth ranked Silute (9-13) in a road game 70-86 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of Evaldas Jurkus who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Vytenis Cizauskas with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Priit Vene tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Silute moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Triobet Malsta. Loser Zalgiris-Sabonio keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Silute will meet at home higher ranked Radviliskis (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Zalgiris-Sabonio will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Radviliskis. Local Radviliskis (16-7) outscored 12th ranked Puntukas (6-16) 85-65. The winners were led by Zilvinas Kuklierius who scored that evening 19 points and 7 assists. Puntukas' coach Gintautas Regina let to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Radviliskis has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-7 record having four points less than leader Pieno Zvaigzdes. Puntukas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the twelfth place with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Silute (#9) on the road where they are favorite. Puntukas will play against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.

Rest of the games of round 24 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Mazeikiai defeated Akademija in a road game 96-78. Perlas-MRU beat Triobet Malsta at home 71-63. LKKA-Atletas won against ABRO-Univ. on the opponent's court 74-66.
The best stats of 24th round was 23 points and 6 steals by Modestas Sidlauskas of Mazeikiai.

Akademija - Mazeikiai 78-96

There was no surprise in Vilnius where 14th ranked Akademija (5-17) was defeated by fifth ranked Mazeikiai (15-8) 96-78. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Akademija managed to win fourth quarter 24-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mazeikiai forced 25 Akademija turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The winners were led by guard Modestas Sidlauskas (193-85) who scored that evening 23 points and 6 steals (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll.) supported him with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. Mazeikiai's coach Aloyzas Rudys allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by center Egidijus Mockevicius (204-92) did not help to save the game for Akademija. Guard Paulius Lescinskas (188-93) added 15 points. Four Akademija players scored in double figures. Mazeikiai maintains fifth position with 15-8 record. Akademija lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 17 games lost. Mazeikiai's next round opponent will be league's leader Pieno Zvaigzdes in Pasvalys and it may be quite challenging game. Akademija will play on the road against LKKA-Atletas (#4) in Kaunas.
Top scorers:
Akademija: T.Lekunas 17+3reb+1ast, P.Lescinskas 15+4reb+2ast, O.Olisevicius 13+4reb+2ast, E.Mockevicius 13+12reb+1ast, T.Pipiras 8+1reb+1ast, K.Alekna 8+5reb+3ast
Mazeikiai: M.Sidlauskas 23+4reb+2ast, D.Vaitelis 15+5reb, A.Vaskys 12+4reb+1ast, V.Kazlauskas 9+1reb+6ast, V.Luksa 9+3reb+1ast, B.Harrison 8+6reb+7ast

Perlas-MRU - Triobet Malsta 71-63

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Vilnius where ninth ranked Perlas-MRU (10-13) defeated 8th ranked Triobet Malsta (9-13) 71-63. Triobet Malsta was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 27-17 charge of Perlas-MRU, which allowed them to win the game. Perlas-MRU outrebounded Triobet Malsta 51-36 including a 38-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. 28 personal fouls committed by Triobet Malsta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by swingman Laurynas Jacevicius (193-88) who scored that evening 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) supported him with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Even 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Tadas Sebeziovas (183-85) did not help to save the game for Triobet Malsta. Forward Henrikas Vorotnikovas (202-90) added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Triobet Malsta's coach Kestutis Narusevicius let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Perlas-MRU moved-up to eighth place. Triobet Malsta at the other side dropped to the ninth position with 13 games lost. Perlas-MRU's next round opponent will be higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#6) in Kaunas and it may be quite challenging game. Triobet Malsta will play at home against Delikatesas in Joniskis.
Top scorers:
Triobet Malsta: T.Sebeziovas 21+7reb+4ast, H.Vorotnikovas 11+10reb+1ast, T.Milinskas 10+3reb, A.Vasiliauskas 8+4reb+3ast, V.Kruzikas 5+1reb+1ast, Z.Danielius 4+3reb
Perlas-MRU: L.Jacevicius 22+9reb+5ast, M.Kazonas 20+10reb, K.Brusokas 19+13reb+1ast, P.Semaska 4+4reb+3ast, G.Ramonas 4+3reb+2ast, M.Gilys 2+8reb

Radviliskis - Puntukas 85-65

The game with biggest result difference took place in Radviliskis. Local Radviliskis (16-7) outscored 12th ranked Puntukas (6-16) 85-65. The game without a history. Radviliskis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Radviliskis forced 26 Puntukas turnovers. The winners were led by guard Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-85) who scored that evening 19 points and 7 assists and forward Audrius Mineikis (202-77) supported him with 21 points and 5 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Even 18 points by swingman Tadas Rinkunas (196-91) did not help to save the game for Puntukas. Forward Darius Tarvydas (200-91) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Puntukas' coach Gintautas Regina let to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Radviliskis has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-7 record having four points less than leader Pieno Zvaigzdes. Puntukas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the twelfth place with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Silute (#9) on the road where they are favorite. Puntukas will play against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.
Top scorers:
Puntukas: T.Rinkunas 18+2reb+3ast, D.Tarvydas 14+5reb+4ast, M.Norkus 12+7reb, K.Jonuska 9+1reb, D.Ciuta 5+1reb+2ast, T.Galeckas 4+4ast
Radviliskis: A.Mineikis 21+5reb+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 19+2reb+7ast, M.Binza 12+3reb, L.Valantinas 10+2reb, A.Oladimeji 8+5reb+5ast, D.Rekasius 7+4reb+2ast

ABRO-Univ. - LKKA-Atletas 66-74

Very expected game in Siauliai where 11th ranked ABRO-Universitetas (7-15) was defeated by fourth ranked LKKA-Atletas (15-7) 74-66. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But ABRO-Universitetas won third quarter 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when LKKA-Atletas won last quarter 20-13. They also forced 20 ABRO-Universitetas turnovers. The winners were led by guard Taurantas Tamosiunas (190-92) who scored that evening 24 points and 6 rebounds and guard Sarunas Vingelis (192-89) supported him with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Even 7 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists by guard Aivaras Kvedaravicius (184-88) did not help to save the game for ABRO-Universitetas. Center Agnius Gurklys (205-88) added 16 points and 5 rebounds. LKKA-Atletas maintains fourth position with 15-7 record. ABRO-Universitetas at the other side keeps the eleventh place with 15 games lost. LKKA-Atletas' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Akademija (#15) in Vilnius which should be an easy win for them.
Top scorers:
ABRO-Univ.: A.Gurklys 16+5reb, P.Knyza 12+4reb, P.Rasamavicius 12+5reb+3ast, I.Ramasauskas 9+3reb, T.Miezis 7+1reb, A.Kvedaravicius 7+11reb+7ast
LKKA-Atletas: T.Tamosiunas 24+6reb+3ast, S.Vingelis 23+5reb+3ast, D.Gricius 12+3reb+1ast, E.Tviraga 6+1reb, I.Birbalas 4+4reb, P.Ceicys 2+2reb

Silute - Zalgiris-Sabonio 86-70

We should mention about the upset which took place in Silute, where higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (13-8) lost to tenth ranked Silute (9-13) in a road game 70-86 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Silute. Zalgiris-Sabonio managed to win third quarter 24-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Silute forced 20 Zalgiris-Sabonio turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Evaldas Jurkus (190-84) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Erikas Kaupaitis (202-84, college: USC Upstate) who added 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. Five Silute players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Vytenis Cizauskas (189-92) with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and swingman Paulius Sorokas (198-92) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Priit Vene tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Silute moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Triobet Malsta. Loser Zalgiris-Sabonio keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Silute will meet at home higher ranked Radviliskis (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Zalgiris-Sabonio will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris-Sabonio: V.Cizauskas 19+6reb+7ast, P.Sorokas 12+6reb+1ast, Z.Skucas 11+6reb+1ast, M.Kupsas 6+8reb, E.Ulanovas 6+2reb+4ast, K.Vene 5+1ast
Silute: E.Kaupaitis 22+6reb+1ast, E.Jurkus 20+6reb+4ast, E.Ramanauskas 14+10reb+1ast, V.Nedzinskas 13+4reb+7ast, F.Eshon 10+3reb+1ast, R.Dimiciukas 5+1reb

Delikatesas - Erelita 84-60

Bottom-ranked Delikatesas managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Erelita-KTU in Joniskis 84-60. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 24-point difference proves that Delikatesas was well-prepared to that game. The game without a history. Delikatesas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Erelita-KTU's 32. It was a good game for center Julius Jucikas (205-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Swingman Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) contributed with 22 points and 4 steals for the winners. Four Delikatesas players scored in double figures. Guard Vytautas Pliauga (183-84) replied with 13 points and guard Matas Sapiega (180-90) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Erelita-KTU. Erelita-KTU's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Delikatesas (6-16) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Puntukas. Erelita-KTU at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. Delikatesas will play against higher ranked Triobet Malsta (#10) in Jonava in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Erelita-KTU will play on the road against the league's second-placed Meresta (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Erelita: V.Pliauga 13+3reb+3ast, N.Barauskas 11+3reb+1ast, M.Sapiega 10+5reb+2ast, M.Mackevicius 9+3reb+1ast, M.Lisajevicius 7+2reb+4ast, K.Pupinis 3+9reb
Delikatesas: Z.Petraitis 22+2reb+3ast, J.Jucikas 18+11reb+2ast, J.Blazys 15+7reb+5ast, P.Klemas 10+2reb+3ast, L.Kutra 9+4reb+4ast, M.Keras 6+4reb+1ast

Nafta Universitetas - Meresta 76-72

The most important game in the last round took place in Klaipeda between second ranked Meresta (17-6) and seventh ranked Nafta Universitetas (12-10) on Saturday night. Meresta was defeated by Nafta Universitetas in a tough game on the road 72-76. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Meresta. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 25-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Nafta Universitetas made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. Nafta Universitetas outrebounded Meresta 41-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. 28 personal fouls committed by Meresta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Viktoras Chodosovskis (200-89) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Tadas Klimas (197-88) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Liudas Radavicius (188-88) who recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds and guard Tomas Balciunas (186-79) added 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively. Five Meresta players scored in double figures. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Nafta Universitetas maintains seventh position with 12-10 record. Meresta at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. Nafta Universitetas are looking forward to face Puntukas (#13) in Anyksciai in the next round where they are favorite. Meresta will play at home against Erelita-KTU (#14) in Kaunas and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Meresta: T.Druktenis 14+4reb+2ast, M.Kumpis 13+5reb+1ast, L.Radavicius 12+8reb+3ast, T.Balciunas 11+5reb+5ast, S.Slivka 11+1reb+1ast, S.Raziulis 7+5ast
Nafta Universitetas: V.Chodosovskis 18+12reb, T.Klimas 12+10reb+1ast, M.Girdziunas 10+1reb+3ast, A.Zymantas 9+4reb+3ast, J.Kazakauskas 8+6reb+1ast, H.Venskus 8+1reb+2ast

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Zalgiris		11-0
2. Lietuvos Rytas		10-1
3. Rudupis		9-3
4. Siauliai		6-4
5. Techasas		6-5
6. Juventus		6-6
7. Nevezis		5-5
8. Neptunas		4-6
9. Naglis-Adakris		4-7
10. Sakalai		4-8
11. Aiscai Kaunas		4-8
12. Perlas		3-8
13. Alytus Alita		0-11

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. Pieno Zvaigzdes		21-1
2. Meresta		17-6
3. Radviliskis		16-7
4. LKKA-Atletas		15-7
5. Mazeikiai		15-8
6. Zalgiris-Sabonio		13-8
7. Nafta Universitetas		12-10
8. Perlas-MRU		10-13
9. Silute		9-13
10. Triobet Malsta		9-13
11. ABRO-Univ.		7-15
12. Delikatesas		6-16
13. Puntukas		6-16
14. Erelita		6-17
15. Akademija		5-17

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Kieza, Juventus	19.2
2. Ruikis, Neptunas	18.8
3. Alijevas, Nevezis	18.1
4. Viskontas, Perlas	17.4
5. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.3
6. Volkus, Techasas	16.1
7. Juskevicius, Rudupis	15.4
8. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris	15.3
9. Mikalauskas, Naglis.	14.8
10. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Kieza, Juventus	12.3
2. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	10.5
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	8.6
4. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.6
5. Zelionis, Rudupis	7.5
6. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.3
7. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.9
8. Silinskis, Techasas	6.9
9. Janisius, Sakalai	6.7
10. Mikalauskas, Naglis.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.9
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.7
3. Juskevicius, Rudupis	5.4
4. Collins, Zalgiris	5.0
5. Janavicius, Siauliai	4.5
6. Viskontas, Perlas	4.5
7. Dainys, Rudupis	4.5
8. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.2
9. Ezerskis, Techasas	4.1
10. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	4.0

Steals Per Game

Valdas VASYLIUS
  Neptunas
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.4
2. Viskontas, Perlas	2.2
3. Razutis, Naglis-A.	2.1
4. Rinkevicius, Techasas	2.1
5. Juskevicius, Rudupis	2.0
6. Ruikis, Neptunas	2.0
7. Valukonis, Techasas	2.0
8. Alijevas, Nevezis	2.0
9. Ezerskis, Techasas	1.7
10. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS
  Techasas
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Silinskis, Techasas	2.4
2. Begic, Zalgiris	2.4
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	1.9
4. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.6
5. Cepukaitis, Juven.	1.4
6. Galdikas, Neptunas	1.1
7. Volkus, Techasas	1.1
8. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	1.0
9. Zelionis, Rudupis	1.0
10. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	0.8

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Vidmantas SRAGAUSKIS
  LKKA-Atletas
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	24.7
2. Petraitis, Delikate.	21.1
3. Vingelis, LKKA-.	19.8
4. Jurkus, Silute	19.1
5. Tarvydas, Puntukas	18.7
6. Sebeziovas, Triobe.	17.3
7. Vileita, Pieno Z.	17.1
8. Mineikis, Radviliskis	16.5
9. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	16.3
10. Kaupaitis, Silute	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Vaidas CEPUKAITIS
  Juventus
  (207-C-89)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	10.5
2. Mockevicius, Akade.	10.1
3. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	9.4
4. Galdikas, Puntukas	9.3
5. Nedzinskas, Silute	7.8
6. Pupinis, Erelita	7.6
7. Kazakauskas, Nafta U.	7.5
8. Keras, Delikatesas	7.5
9. Mineikis, Radviliskis	7.5
10. Jucikas, Delikatesas	7.0

Assists Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	6.6
2. Vingelis, LKKA-.	5.5
3. Kuklierius, Radvilis.	4.9
4. Sapiega, Erelita	4.7
5. Leonard, Pieno Z.	4.6
6. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	4.4
7. Zymantas, Nafta U.	4.2
8. Virsilas, Silute	4.1
9. Kutra, Delikatesas	3.8
10. Vileita, Pieno Z.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	3.1
2. Metelica, Erelita	2.8
3. Zymantas, Nafta U.	2.8
4. Vileita, Pieno Z.	2.5
5. Petraitis, Delikate.	2.4
6. Kutra, Delikatesas	2.3
7. Leonard, Pieno Z.	2.3
8. Padgureckas, Meres.	2.2
9. Radavicius, Meres.	2.2
10. Jurkus, Silute	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Ovidijus GALDIKAS
  Puntukas
  (217-C-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Galdikas, Puntukas	3.0
2. Mockevicius, Akade.	2.8
3. Kupsas, Zalgir.	2.0
4. Urbonas, LK.	1.8
5. Jucikas, Delikatesas	1.6
6. Pupinis, Erelita	1.5
7. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	1.4
8. Zyle, Zalgiris.	1.1
9. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	1.1
10. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.1

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.3
3. Ellis, Golde S.	25.6
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.1
5. James, Miami Heat	24.8
6. Wade, Miami Heat	24.7
7. Anthony, Denver N.	24.4
8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.1
9. Rose, Chicago B.	23.9
10. Gordon, LA Clippers	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.6
2. Howard, Orlando M.	13.1
3. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.7
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.6
5. Evans, Toronto R.	12.1
6. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.7
7. Noah, Chicago B.	11.7
8. Camby, Portland TB	11.3
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.7
10. Boozer, Chicago B.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Rondo, Boston C.	13.7
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.5
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.8
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.2
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.7
6. Wall, Washington W.	8.7
7. Felton, New Y.	8.7
8. Rose, Chicago B.	8.3
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.9
10. Calderon, Toron.	7.9

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.8
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
4. Westbrook, Oklah..	2.0
5. Curry, Golde S.	2.0
6. Felton, New Y.	1.9
7. Conley, Memphis G.	1.9
8. Gay, Memphis G.	1.9
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.9
10. Miller, Portland.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.8
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.6
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.4
4. Stoudemire, New Y.	2.3
5. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.3
6. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.2
7. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.9
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	1.9
9. Duncan, San A.	1.9
10. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		28-7
2. New York K.		21-14
3. Philadelph.76		15-21
4. Toronto R.		12-24
5. New Jersey N.		10-26
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		23-12
2. Indiana P.		14-19
3. Milwaukee B.		13-21
4. Detroit P.		11-24
5. Cleveland C.		8-28
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		29-9
2. Orlando M.		24-12
3. Atlanta H.		24-14
4. Charlotte B.		12-21
5. Washington W.		9-25
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah Jazz		24-13
2. Oklah.City T.		24-13
3. Denver N.		20-15
4. Portland TB		20-17
5. Minnesota T.		9-28
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		26-11
2. Golde State W.		15-21
3. Phoenix Suns		14-20
4. LA Clippers		11-24
5. Sacramento K.		8-25
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		30-6
2. Dallas M.		26-9
3. N.Orleans H.		21-16
4. Memphis G.		17-19
5. Houston R.		16-20

Blazers guard Elliot Williams undergoes successful left knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
Portland Trail Blazers guard Elliot Williams (6'5''-G-89, college: Memphis) underwent successful surgery today to repair left patella instability.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles with assistance from Portland team physician Dr. Don Roberts.

The first-year player will miss the remainder of the 2010-11 season after previously undergoing a similar procedure on his right patella on Nov. 12, 2010.

Portland selected Williams with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft. He has not appeared in a game for the Trail Blazers this season.

Williams, 21, posted averages of 17.9 points (45.9% FG, 36.6% 3-PT, 75.8% FT), 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.32 steals in 34 games (all starts) as a sophomore at Memphis in 2009-10, earning All-Conference USA First Team and Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors.

The 6-5, 183-pound guard played his freshman year at Duke in 2008-09, where he averaged 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 34 games before transferring to Memphis.

Courtesy of www.blazersedge.com

Hawks sign Damien Wilkins to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks signed swingman Damien Wilkins (6'7''-G/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia) to a 10-day contract Saturday.

The move came three days after the team waived Wilkins, who is the 30-year-old nephew of former Hawks great Dominique Wilkins.

Damien Wilkins was signed on December 3 and appeared in 13 games off the bench for the Hawks, averaging 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds.

He has averaged 7.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 403 career NBA games over parts of seven seasons with the Seattle/Oklahoma City franchise and Minnesota.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Cavs' Powe out 6 weeks after knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers say forward Leon Powe (6'8''-F-84, college: California) had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and will miss about six weeks.

Powe had the successful procedure Friday after an MRI exam revealed the injury, which was originally believed to be a bone bruise.

Powe overcame a torn ACL in his left knee while playing for Boston during the 2009 playoffs to play 20 games with the Cavaliers in 2009-10. He has appeared in 14 games this season, averaging 5.0 points.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Nets' potential Melo deal needs Pistons - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets' latest attempt to acquire Denver's Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) involves the Detroit Pistons.

Sources with knowledge of the talks confirmed the Nets and Nuggets have discussed a three-way trade proposal that would land Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups and Pistons guard Rip Hamilton alongside Anthony in New Jersey.

But a source close to the situation subsequently told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that the three-way deal in its proposed form -- which would require the Pistons to take Nets center Johan Petro and surrender a first-round pick in addition to absorbing the expiring contract of Troy Murphy to the Pistons -- is not amenable to Detroit.

The source told Broussard the Pistons -- restricted in their attempts to make changes in recent months because of the team's pending sale -- would be interested if a trade scenario develops where they only had to surrender Hamilton and take back Murphy. Such a scenario, however, has not been discussed.

The Nets have already committed to send rookie Derrick Favors, former All-Star guard Devin Harris and at least two first-round picks to the Nuggets in exchange for Anthony. But New Jersey has been attempting to find a third team -- having already tried Portland, Minnesota and Cleveland before Detroit -- to help facilitate the blockbuster deal for Anthony that they've been chasing since the September collapse of a four-team swap involving Charlotte and Utah.

The talks involving Detroit have not progressed nearly as far as the original four-team construction, sources said, although one source insists that the sides are still 'going back and forth.'

Even if the Nets, Nuggets and the Pistons -- or any other third team -- eventually reach an agreement in principle, New Jersey won't sign off on the trade unless Anthony agrees to sign a three-year, $65 million extension with the Nets as part of the transaction in what is known as an extend-and-trade. The Boston Celtics got the same extend-and-trade commitment from Kevin Garnett when they acquired him from Minnesota in July 2007.

But Anthony has told the Nuggets he will not sign the extension unless he is traded to the New York Knicks, a source told ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan last month.

So Nets officials would request and receive permission to meet with Anthony face-to-face if a trade agreement is eventually struck with Denver, as ESPN.com also reported last month. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and part-owner Jay-Z would lead a Nets contingent that would try to lobby him directly on the team's future in Brooklyn.

The Nets, sources said, have not stopped looking for other third-team facilitators, since Denver does not have a strong need for Harris with young guard Ty Lawson on the roster. New Jersey and Denver likewise continue to discuss trade possibilities with the Nuggets that don't involve any other teams.

Broussard reported Thursday the Nets and Nuggets seriously discussed a three-team swap involving Cleveland just before Christmas, only for the Cavaliers to pull out because they wanted a first-round pick in the deal that New Jersey also wanted. In that trade, sources said, Denver would have received Favors, Harris and three first-round picks, Cleveland would have received Murphy and one or two first-round picks and the Nets would have received Anthony and Nuggets forward Al Harrington.

And while New York reputedly remains Anthony's preferred destination, the Nuggets have shown little interest in the Knicks' assets (such as Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari) and have been negotiating almost exclusively with the Nets for weeks. With Favors and a cache of first-round picks it can move, New Jersey has a far more attractive war chest of trade assets.

It likewise appears the Nets will not abandon their pursuit of Anthony until they're told directly by the All-Star forward that he would not sign an extension with them. Nets officials have remained quietly confident for months that Anthony, born in Brooklyn, ultimately would agree to the extension -- no matter how much he'd prefer to play in New York -- to ensure that he locks in his contract before labor negotiations this summer that are expected to establish a much more restrictive financial landscape in the league.

Although the Nuggets have been preaching patience since the collapse of the near-deal in September, it remains to be seen how their uninspired play this week -- most notably in Thursday's nationally televised rout at lowly Sacramento -- affects their timetable for moving Anthony. Back-to-back road losses to the Clippers and Kings were the strongest indication yet that the Melo trade drama that has hung over this team for months is affecting the team's spirit on the floor.

Last month, Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said publicly for the first time that he was 'listening aggressively' to Anthony offers, which seemingly guarantees Anthony will be moved before the Feb. 24 trading deadline.

If the aforementioned deal involving Detroit ever came to fruition, Billups and Hamilton would be reunited in New Jersey after helping the Pistons win a championship in 2004. The Pistons bypassed their own opportunity to flank Anthony with Billups and Hamilton in the 2003 draft, when they used the No. 2 overall pick on Darko Milicic ahead of the former Syracuse star.

Courtesy of ESPN

Friday's games (11) review - by Eurobasket News
Orlando M. - Houston R. 110-95
Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) and Brandon Bass (6'8''-F-85, college: LSU) scored 18 points apiece, and the Orlando Magic rolled to a 110-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The victory extended the Magic's season-best winning streak to eight games. The loss was the fourth straight for Houston. Orlando clung to a three-point advantage at the half, but blew open the game by starting the third quarter on a 19-5 run to build a 74-55 cushion. Bass had seven points during the spurt to help the Magic take a 92-71 lead into the final period. Bass and Richardson helped overcome a 27-point night by Kevin Martin, who was coming off a 45-point performance in a loss to Portland on Wednesday. *Courtesy of www.tkvn.com

Memphis G. - Utah Jazz 110-99
The Memphis Grizzlies have won three in a row thanks in no small part to strong defense and quick hands. Memphis used its newfound defensive mentality to force Utah into a season-high 23 turnovers and help the Grizzlies beat the Jazz 110-99 Friday night. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) scored 28 points, Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) added 26 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Memphis attack, but it was the defense the Grizzlies wanted to talk about. ''We've got a lot of scorers on offense and a lot of offensive power,'' said reserve guard O.J. Mayo, who had 13 points and two steals. ''We thought if we put as much effort on the defensive end as we did on the offensive end, we could be a heck of a team defensively.'' Paul Millsap, who missed Utah's 110-87 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday because of a sore hip, led the Jazz with 20 points. Deron Williams had 19 points and six assists, but was 4 of 13 from the field. Al Jefferson had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Utah. Earl Watson scored 12 points, hitting all five of his shots. *Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com

Indiana P. - San Antonio S. 87-90
Manu Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 25 points to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Indiana Pacers 90-87 on Friday night and snap a two-game skid. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) had 15 points and 15 rebounds and Indianapolis native George Hill scored 16 points for the Spurs, who overcame a 15-point deficit to become the first team in the league to win 30 games. Tyler Hansbrough had career highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds in his first start of the season, and Danny Granger added 15 points for the Pacers, who have lost five of six. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Philadelph.76 - Chicago B. 105-99
Jodie Meeks (6'4''-G-87, college: Kentucky) scored 24 points, Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) had 20, and the Philadelphia 76ers avenged a 45-point loss to Chicago with a 105-99 victory over the Bulls on Friday night. Jrue Holiday added 19 for the 76ers, who lost 121-76 on Dec. 21 in Chicago. The Sixers believe they're a playoff team and have the young nucleus to get there. Meeks and Holiday gave them plenty of reason for hope in a thrilling third quarter where the two guards combined to shoot 7 for 7 for 18 points. The Sixers hit their first nine shots in the third and 11 overall to turn a four-point hole into a 12-point lead. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Washington W. - New Jersey N. 97-77
Wizards coach Flip Saunders is starting to see some progress from his young squad. Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) had 16 points and a season-high 13 rebounds Friday night, and Washington raced out to an 18-point first-quarter lead before cruising to a 97-77 victory over the New Jersey Nets, snapping a three-game skid. Washington, 0-17 away from the Verizon Center, improved to 9-8 at home with Friday's win -- none of the Wizards' victories have come against teams with a winning record. 'That's the evolution of becoming a good team,' Saunders said. 'The first thing is you win games at home. You beat teams you're supposed to beat at home and are competitive against the good teams. Right now, we're at that first step.' Against another terrible road team in the Nets, the Wizards opened up a 21-3 lead in the first eight minutes and faced little resistance from cold-shooting New Jersey the rest of the way. Lewis hit all three of his 3-pointers in the first quarter to spark Washington. Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) scored 16 points, JaVale McGee had 15 points and Andray Blatche added 14 points. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Boston C. - Toronto R. 122-102
As a rookie on a team as well-stocked as the Boston Celtics, Luke Harangody (6'8''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) 's playing time has been sparse. He finally got a chance Friday when coach Doc Rivers turned him loose, and Harangody shined with the best game of his young career in the short-handed Celtics' 122-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Harangody had career highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first NBA double-double and added a pair of blocks, also more than he had ever done in 16 previous appearances. He played 26:42 -- 10 minutes more than he ever had -- and made 8-of-11 shots. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 20 and Ray Allen added 17 for Boston, which tied a season high for points in a half with 67 in the first and never let the Raptors get closer than 12 in the second half. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Milwaukee B. - Miami Heat 95-101 OT
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) shook his head, unsure how the Miami Heat just keep winning away from home. This time it was because Bosh stepped up in a big way late, just like someone always has whenever the surging Heat needed it during their 12-game road winning streak. Bosh had 16 points and 12 rebounds, leading Miami in a 101-95 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. 'I don't know. I'm not going to lie to you,' Bosh said. 'You always have to find a way to win in tough environments like this and we knew they weren't going to go away.' Miami has won eight straight and 20 of its last 21 after a 9-8 start, but this was by far one of the grittiest games the Heat have played as they inch closer to the 1971-72 Lakers' record streak of 16 consecutive road wins. They would tie the mark if they win all five games on this trip. Bosh scored 10 of his 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime, while LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) added 18 of his 26 points in the first half to go along with 10 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Golde State W. - Cleveland C. 116-98
Golden State coach Keith Smart had some concerns about his team's ability to follow up an encouraging road trip when the Warriors returned home to face the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers. He shouldn't have worried. Playing with a healthy roster for one of the few times this season, the Warriors had no problems against the LeBron-less Cavs, getting 32 points from Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) in a 116-98 win on Friday night. 'I don't want to beat a dead horse but it's good when we've got a full roster,' said David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida), who had 22 points and 14 rebounds. 'You got guys that can support you. It's not like, 'Hey Monta, David and Stef (Curry), you guys are playing 48 minutes so pace yourselves.' You can go out there and play all out.' That was evident in Ellis' stat line. The NBA's leader in minutes played per game in 2009, Ellis was able to take frequent breathers against the Cavs while recording his fourth double-double of the season. Ellis led the Warriors in scoring but was equally effective dishing off, something coach Keith Smart has been pressing his veteran guard to do more of in recent weeks. It worked. Ellis had 10 assists, the fourth time this season he's reached double digits in that category. That's encouraging news for the Warriors (15-21), who ended a four-game home losing streak to the Cavs. *Courtesy of www.csnbayarea.com

LA Lakers - N.Orleans H. 101-97
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) studied grainy videotapes of Oscar Robertson while growing up, collecting scraps of the Big O's game to incorporate into his own. That's why Bryant briefly was at a loss for words after passing Robertson on the NBA's career scoring list during another win for the suddenly surging Lakers. Bryant had 25 points while moving into ninth place on the list, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in Los Angeles' third straight victory, 101-97 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. After entering the NBA's career top 10 by passing Dominique Wilkins on Tuesday night, Bryant passed Robertson with his 26,712th career point on a floating jumper in the lane with 1:09 left in the third quarter. ''This is cool. It's a great honor,'' Bryant said. ''Obviously, Oscar, I patterned so much of my game from his, Jerry (West) and Michael (Jordan) in particular - you know, those big guards, so it means a lot.'' Bryant said he admired Robertson's physical prowess against smaller guards, taking them down low and hitting baseline jumpers over them. It's a strategy Bryant has copied throughout his career. After getting a warm standing ovation from the Staples Center crowd for his milestone, Bryant finished with two key baskets in the final 2 minutes while the Lakers beat New Orleans at home for the fourth straight time. ''Oscar was a big personality, one of the great players of the game, arguably one of the top guards to ever play the game,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. ''Kobe obviously fits in that category now, and he's persistently gone on through his career and had the longevity to do this. He really recognizes this as a great mile mark.'' Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the two-time defending champions, and Andrew Bynum added 17 points in the Lakers' fifth win in six games since he returned to the starting lineup. *Courtesy of www.comcast.net

Phoenix Suns - New York K. 96-121
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) made a triumphant return to Phoenix and his New York Knicks put on a performance that mirrored the high-flying Suns of years gone by. The Knicks buried Phoenix with an avalanche of 17 3-pointers in a 121-96 rout. The 17 3s, in 33 attempts, matched New York's season high and were second-most in franchise history. Stoudemire received a rousing ovation when he was introduced. 'It was great,' he said. 'It lets me know that the fans are still appreciative of the hard work I put on this court and the perseverance to injuries. It was a great ovation and I love the Phoenix fans forever.' Raymond Felton (6'5''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) had his first career triple-double with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds as the Suns matched their second-worst home loss since 2000. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Minnesota T. - Portland TB 98-108
Wesley Matthews (6'5''-G-86, college: Marquette) had a nice rookie season for the Utah Jazz last year, averaging 9.4 points in just under 25 minutes a game. Then the Portland Trail Blazers signed him to a five-year, $34 million contract in the summer, and no one could really blame the Jazz when they declined to match the eye-opening offer for a second-year player who was undrafted out of Marquette a year ago. He was worth every penny on Friday night. Matthews scored 29 of his career-high 36 points in the first half and the Trail Blazers rolled to a 108-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. ''It's a blessing, man,'' Matthews said of his rise from undrafted free agent to multimillionaire. ''Every single one of us in this league is blessed to be living out our dreams and playing the game we love. I'm just appreciative of every day. Keep working. Stay humble.'' LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11''-C-85, college: Texas) added 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Blazers, who beat Minnesota for the 14th straight time. Kevin Love had 30 points and 19 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost four of their past five games. Michael Beasley chipped in 17 points, but hobbled through the second half after taking a nasty fall on his right hip. *Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com

Raptors assign Solomon Alabi to D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have reassigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. Alabi will continue to be included on the Raptors roster and will be placed on the teams inactive list.

Alabi was with the BayHawks from November 15 December 9. He appeared in seven games with Erie, averaging 8.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 22.7 minutes. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Bayhawks 102-82 victory over the Utah Flash.

Alabi has appeared in five games with the Raptors, totaling five rebounds in 15 minutes.

A native of Nigeria, Alabi, was named All-ACC Defensive Team in his two full seasons at FSU. He started all 67 games, leading the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament twice and the ACC Tournament Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. He averaged a school record 2.1 blocked shots per game for his career. He also shot .534 per cent from the field in his two-plus seasons with the Seminoles.

The club acquired the draft rights to Alabi from the Dallas Mavericks on June 24. He was the 50th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Alabi is the fifth Raptor to be assigned to the D-League. Ed Davis was also assigned to Erie in December. Nathan Jawai was designated on two occasions in the 2008-09 season to the Idaho Stampede. P.J. Tucker was assigned twice to the Colorado 14ers during the 2006-07 season and Pape Sow was assigned to the Arkansas Rimrockers in the 2005-06 campaign.

Erie, which is led by head coach Jay Larranaga, has been appointed as Torontos D-League affiliate for the 2010-11 season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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NCAA1

McCamey, No. 20 Illinois breeze past Northwestern - by Eurobasket News
With just over a minute to play in the first half, Illinois was coasting, riding a 44-21 lead. You'd never have known by what Illini coach Bruce Weber shouted from the sideline.

'Come on, don't lose your energy! Don't lose your emotion!'

Moments later, he drove the point home again in the locker room at halftime.

'He put zero-zero on the [chalk] board,' forward Mike Davis said.

Weber's message to a team he says doesn't handle success well apparently sunk in, and Northwestern paid the price, falling hard to No. 20 Illinois 88-63.

Demetri McCamey (6'3''-G-89) led the Illini with 14 points, and was one of six Illinois players to score in double figures. Mike Tisdale (7'1''-C-89) had 13, Davis 12, Meyers Leonard (7'0''-C) and Jereme Richmond 11 each and D.J. Richardson 10.

The Illini (13-3, 3-0 Big Ten) led by 25 at the half, 49-24, and several times pushed their edge past 30 in the final 20 minutes. They hit 18 of their 22 first-half shots -- 81.8 percent -- and finished at 70.5 percent.

Illinois toyed with Northwestern's defense for much of the first half, rattling off a run of 3-pointers for a 9-2 lead, and added three straight dunks, the last of which came from the 7-foot-1 Tisdale and put Illinois up 42-19 with 2:32 left in the half.

'They played extremely well,' Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said. 'We had something to do with that, I think.'

Illinois led 47-24 at the half and scored its 65th point -- the Wildcats (9-4, 0-3) had been giving up 65.8 a game -- less than seven minutes into the second half.

'Good D fellas, good D,' Carmody yelled hopefully to his team after forcing a late first-half turnover that didn't yield a point but at least kept Illinois away from the basket for a little longer.

Northwestern's problems were almost too many to count.

Illinois outrebounded the Wildcats 40-17, and, at one point, had an 11-1 edge -- an advantage that, with just under eight minutes to play in the first half had the Illini up 33-17.

John Shurna (6'8''-F-90), the Wildcats' leading scorer at 21.3 a game and the country's most accurate 3-point shooter, didn't take a shot in the first 6 minutes and didn't make one until almost nine minutes had passed. Struggling with an ankle sprain, he spent most of the second half on the bench and finished with seven points.

'He may not be 100 percent for three weeks,' Carmody said.

The Wildcats shot just 34.3 percent overall.

McCamey and Davis finished with seven assists each.

'We've got a lot of unselfish people on this team that want to win ball games,' McCamey said.

Weber said he particularly pushed Davis and Tisdale during his halftime talk.

'I challenged Mike Davis, I challenged Mike Tisdale: 'This is not your strong suit, to come back and play when you're happy,'' the coach said.

If there was any doubt the Illini would defend their 23-point lead when they left the locker room, Davis erased it. The forward scored the first five points of the half -- three on free throws and two on a short jumper -- for a 52-24 lead.

He keyed a 14-7 run that stretched the lead to 32 at 63-31 with 14:34 to play.

'We came out more mature than we have in the past,' Tisdale said. 'We really stepped on their throats.'

Northwestern struggled to get the deficit below 20 over the final 20 minutes. JerShon Cobb's 3 with 2:38 to play trimmed Illinois' lead to 19 at 78-59.

Cobb led Northwestern (9-4, 0-3) with 18 points, and Michael Thompson had 15.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Kentucky's appeal of Kanter ruling nixed - by Eurobasket News
The appeals committee upheld a prior ruling by the NCAA that declared celebrated Kentucky freshman Enes Kanter (6'9''-C-92) permanently ineligible, SI.com has learned.

The NCAA initially ruled Kanter ineligible on Nov. 11 for receiving benefits 'above his actual and necessary expenses' during his time with Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2008-09. (NCAA bylaws state that potential players can participate on teams with professionals as long as they don't receive excessive pay.) The NCAA's release said that Kanter received $33,033 more than the permitted expenses.

Kentucky appealed the ruling and was waiting for a decision when the NCAA declared Auburn quarterback Cam Newton eligible. The Wildcats then asked for permission to re-submit their appeal in light of the ruling on Newton.

Kanter, a gifted 6-foot-10 forward/center, is projected as a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Despite his absence, No. 10 Kentucky is off to a 12-2 start in the 2010-11 campaign.

'We are obviously disappointed in this decision and find it unfortunate that a group of adults would come to such a decision regarding the future of an 18-year-old young man,' coach John Calipari said.

Calipari has maintained from the beginning that Kanter is an amateur in his eyes. He says his job now is to prepare the Kanter for the NBA draft. The 6-foot-11 center is projected as a top-10 draft pick.

'The final decision of the reinstatement committee is completely compatible with the collegiate model of sports our members have developed, since he received a significant amount of money, above his actual expenses, from a professional team prior to coming to college,' said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of academic and membership affairs.

Kanter has become a cult figure during his time on campus. He was introduced to a rousing ovation during Big Blue Madness in October, walking across a smoke-filled stage while ominous music played over the speakers.

Fans have taken up a 'Free Enes' movement that included T-shirts and photos of fans holding 'Free Enes' banners everywhere from Rupp Arena to the U.S. Capitol.

Kanter has been allowed to practice with the team during the review process and was dressed Friday as the 10th-ranked Wildcats prepared for their Southeastern Conference opener against Georgia.

University spokesman DeWayne Peevy said it's likely Kanter will be able remain involved in the program in some capacity so long as he stays in school.

Calipari had hired Wayne Turner in September, adding the former star guard to his staff while he completes his undergraduate degree. NCAA rules allow former players who have re-enrolled in school to be used as on-court staffers.

Kanter's family could take the NCAA to court to file an injunction. Calipari said Friday 'whatever they choose to do as a family, we'll support.'

Courtesy of http://m.si.com

No. 4 'Cuse scrambles past SH, improves to 16-0 - by Eurobasket News
Jim Boeheim stood looking at the stat sheet, his face contorting in pain the longer he read it.

'We both had bad first halves and we were able to overcome ours,' said Boeheim, who is second to Duke's Mike Krzyzewski among active coaches on the career victories list. 'You can't do that too often.'

No. 4 Syracuse did it Saturday, surviving a terrible offensive performance for a 61-56 victory over Seton Hall, which had a lot tougher time at that one end of the court than the Orange did.

The Pirates entered the game as the worst shooting team in the Big East at 40.4 percent - and that number looked like an impossible dream in the first half, when they shot 22.9 percent (8 of 35), including missing all 17 3-point attempts.

'I haven't seen an 0 for 17 ever, especially in a half,' first-year Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard said. 'At halftime we watched a little film so we saw our shots. ... I told them just keep letting them rain and we're bound to hit one. Jamel Jackson (6'3''-G, college: Seton Hall) finally got us off the schneid. I felt good for him.'

Syracuse wasn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard, shooting 30.4 percent (7 of 23), and the Orange missed seven of their eight 3-point attempts. Somehow, they led 20-19 at halftime.

'We had no flow to what we were doing on offense,' said Boeheim, whose 845 career wins leaves him 47 behind Krzyzewski. 'Luckily our defense was pretty good.'

The Orange were able to turn it around in the second half behind Brandon Triche (6'4''-G-91). The sophomore guard scored all 15 of his points in the opening 8:20 of the second half. He hit four 3s in that span, the last one part of a four-point play that made it 42-33.

'Brandon Triche got really hot there,' said Kris Joseph, who led the Orange (16-0, 3-0 Big East) with 15 points. 'They were switching defenses and that made it difficult and we weren't smooth offensively. We have to do a better job the rest of the season.'

Scoop Jardine (6'2''-G-88) added 12 points and Rick Jackson (6'9''-F-89) had nine points and 14 rebounds for the Orange, who entered the game as one of the last seven unbeaten teams in Division I.

The Orange's last 16-0 start was in 1999-2000, when they won their first 19 games.

'The Big East is a tough conference,' Jackson said. 'We just have to stay with it.'

Jeff Robinson (6'6''-F) had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Herb Pope (6'8''-F) had 14 points and 20 rebounds for Seton Hall (7-9, 1-3), which has lost three straight and six of seven.

Robinson and Pope outrebounded Syracuse by themselves 34-32, as the Pirates finished with a 44-32 advantage on the boards. But they just couldn't be effective against Syracuse's 2-3 zone.

'Out of the 16 games we played, in 15 of them we've been hardworking and competitive,' Willard said. 'We brought that again tonight but we struggled with our shooting.'

Syracuse's previous low for points in a half was 23 in a season-opening 68-46 win over Northern Iowa.

The second half was quite different for Syracuse. It made 12 of 20 shots from the field (60 percent), but still the Orange couldn't put the Pirates away because of 17-for-36 shooting from the free throw line.

'We never felt we were out of the game,' Willard said. 'We just felt we couldn't shoot.'

Seton Hall finished 3 for 26 (11.5 percent) on 3s while the Orange were 6 of 17 (35.3 percent).

Syracuse opened a 54-40 lead with 5:58 left on a tip-in by Joseph.

The Pirates then had their only offensive burst of the game, going on a 13-1 run to get within 55-53 with 2:20 to play on two free throws by Jordan Theodore. Pope had seven points in the run, all from in close as he and Robinson stood up to Syracuse's front line, finishing with a 44-32 rebounds advantage.

Jardine scored on a drive 30 seconds later and when Theodore missed to go 0 for 9 in the game, Joseph came down and made one free throw. A rebound basket by Pope made it 58-55 with 51 seconds left, but the Orange were able to hold the Pirates the rest of the way despite missing three of four free throws in the final 16.6 seconds.

'Brandon Triche hitting those 3s was our offense and we made a couple of plays when we had to,' Boeheim said. 'If he doesn't hit those 3s and we still miss 19 free throws, it would have been different, very different.'

The Division I record for most 3-point attempts in a game without making one is 22 by Canisius against St. Bonaventure on Jan. 21, 1995.

Courtesy if http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Washington 103, Oregon St. 72 - by Milord Nikolic
Huskies trailed by as many as eight points in the first half as Oregon State started the game 4 of 5 from the 3-point line, but stayed close thanks to 14 first-half points from Thomas. Matthew Bryan-Amaning notched 24 points and 15 rebounds and Isaiah Thomas added 19 points and eight assists. Washingtons Venoy Overton again started at point guard for Abdul Gaddy, who is out for the year with a knee injury. Overton recorded eight points and seven assists, while protecting the ball against an Oregon State defense that ranked among the national leaders in steals. Oregon State was led by Jared Cunningham, who scored 21 points and Roberto Nelson added 15 points.

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NIGERIA

Raptors assign Solomon Alabi to D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have reassigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. Alabi will continue to be included on the Raptors roster and will be placed on the teams inactive list.

Alabi was with the BayHawks from November 15 December 9. He appeared in seven games with Erie, averaging 8.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 22.7 minutes. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Bayhawks 102-82 victory over the Utah Flash.

Alabi has appeared in five games with the Raptors, totaling five rebounds in 15 minutes.

A native of Nigeria, Alabi, was named All-ACC Defensive Team in his two full seasons at FSU. He started all 67 games, leading the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament twice and the ACC Tournament Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. He averaged a school record 2.1 blocked shots per game for his career. He also shot .534 per cent from the field in his two-plus seasons with the Seminoles.

The club acquired the draft rights to Alabi from the Dallas Mavericks on June 24. He was the 50th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Alabi is the fifth Raptor to be assigned to the D-League. Ed Davis was also assigned to Erie in December. Nathan Jawai was designated on two occasions in the 2008-09 season to the Idaho Stampede. P.J. Tucker was assigned twice to the Colorado 14ers during the 2006-07 season and Pape Sow was assigned to the Arkansas Rimrockers in the 2005-06 campaign.

Erie, which is led by head coach Jay Larranaga, has been appointed as Torontos D-League affiliate for the 2010-11 season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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

PBL

Champs tip off vs. Rainmen - by Eurobasket News
In an early-season litmus test, the Halifax Rainmen will find out this weekend how they stack up against the defending champions of the Premier Basketball League.

The Rainmen and Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry tip off Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Metro Centre hardwood in a clash of division leaders who just a week into the season found themselves the only unbeaten teams in the PBL.

Halifax (2-0) is coming off an impressive 106-98 road conquest of the Quebec Kebs on Thursday while the Cavalry are also 2-0 after beating the Frost Heaves 111-99 in Vermont on Friday night.

'I think weve played pretty good basketball and at this point I think it is time to really test ourselves against what I think is one of the best teams in the league,' Rainmen coach Les Berry said Friday.

A year ago, the Cavalry took two of three starts in Halifax, ending the Rainmens nine-game regular-season win streak at the Metro Centre on March 27 and then dumping the hosts in their semifinal playoff opener in mid-April. Lawton-Fort Sill went on to sweep the Rainmen in their best-of-three series en route to the PBL title.

The Cavalry return seven players from last years championship squad and have added three talented newcomers, including centre DeAndre Thomas, who played sparingly in 10 games with the Rainmen last season before he joined the Albany Legends in time to lead them to the International League crown.

'I think theyve gotten a lot better,' Berry said. 'This is going to be a good test to see where our guys have come at this stage and see where our weaknesses are and what we have to build on to move forward to compete with these guys.'

The Rainmen plan to have a new centre in the lineup for Sundays game, though it wont be Torraye Braggs, the 34-year-old who played 22 NBA games for Houston and Washington from 2003 to 2005.

Braggs was signed Monday but Rainmen owner/GM Andre Levingston said Friday hes still in the U.S. due to an undisclosed past issue that needs to be resolved before he can cross the border into Canada.

In his place, the team has brought in another 34-year-old pivot, Marquise Gainous. The six-foot-nine Gainous, who played collegiately at Texas Christian, most recently suited up with Cangrejeros de Santurce, a team in the Puerto Rican national league, averaging 12.4 points in seven games.

Rookie power forward Kavon Jones started at centre against Quebec and topped Halifax with 19 points, hitting nine of 11 shots from the floor in the first half before foul trouble kept him glued to the bench for much of the second.

A victory on Sunday would help the Rainmen equal the franchise-best 3-0 start they fashioned in the 2008-09 campaign, their first in the PBL.

In order to accomplish that, Berry said, the Rainmen have to turn in a gritty showing in the paint against Lawton-Fort Sills interior players and hold the Cavalrys explosive offence in check.

'This is a team that lives to get out in transition and push the ball down the floor and if we cant contain that, then were gonna have a lot of problems on the scoreboard.'

Courtesy of www.thechronicleherald.ca

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

PHILIPPINES

SMB halfway in quest to enter PHL Cup finals; Texters unleash wrath vs champs Llamados - by Eurobasket News
Third game

Derby Ace L. - Talk N Text 78-92
Defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace felt the wrath of the top-seeded team in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday night. Denied of a win the last time because of a last-second blunder, Talk 'N Text unloaded a barrage of points that was too much for the Llamados to handle, running away with a 92-78 blowout at the Araneta Coliseum and taking control anew of their best-of-seven semifinals series. The Tropang Texters waxed hot from the start and stayed that way till the end to book the Game 3 win and a 2-1 lead in their Final Four encounter. They now go into Sunday's Game 4, also at the Big Dome, holding a big psychological edge owing to their 14-point win, so far the most lopsided outcome in the series. After losing the last time, 87-88, Talk 'N Text made sure Derby Ace wouldn't have a repeat of the same Game 2 mistakes committed when it raced to a double digit lead early on, 35-23. As halftime came, the team was already sitting on a 49-34 lead. Larry Fonacier (186-G-82) was instrumental in that scoring surge, sparking the Tropang Texters' offense with his field goal shooting as he went 6-of-12 from the floor to finish with a series-high 15 points. 'I just want to be aggressive from the start because I haven't been making my shots in the series,' he said. Reyes topscored with 16 points while Ali Peek (194-F-75, college: St.Mary's, CA) had 14 behind 6-of-10 shooting from the floor,for the Tropang Texters, who led by as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the easy win, Talk 'N Text is aware the reigning All-Filipino champions will be coming all-out as they try to keep their bid alive to become the first team to win back-to-back Philippine Cup titles in the last 25 years. 'We have to brace for that big B-Meg comeback on Sunday,' said Fonacier. Llamados coach Jorge Gallent is also looking forward to Game 4. 'It was a lousy game for us, but this is just one game,' he said. Their leading scorers James Yap (191-F/G-82) and Peter June Simon (186-G-82) were held to single-digit output. Marc Pingris (195-C-81) took the cudgels for the Llamados offensively, finishing with a conference-high 14 markers (7-of-10). James Yap scored only nine before calling it a night, while Simon had eight, two days after exploding for 26 points. - Courtesy of JVP, KY, GMANews.TV

Second game

Ginebra - San Miguel 102-108
San Miguel Beer is now halfway in its quest to enter the PBA Philippine Cup finals. Drawing strength from the inside-outside combination of Jay Washington (206-C-81, college: Eckerd) and Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77), the Beermen scuttled Barangay Ginebra Kings for the second straight time, 108-102, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals series Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Washington tied his career-best with 29 points, while Hontiveros also had the same output, built around 6-of-9 shooting from the three-point range, steering the Beermen to what coach Ato Agustin described as a key Game 2 victory. 'Before the game I told the team that this is the key if we want to enter the Finals,' said Agustin. 'If we lose this game, it will put to waste our victory in Game One.' San Miguel, seeded No. 2 going into the playoffs, won Wednesday's series opener behind Alex Cabagnot (183-G-82, college: Hawaii-Hilo) 's bank shot in the dying seconds, 86-84, after the Kings committed a passing turnover. Despite the loss, Jong Uichico, Ginebra's soft-spoken coach , isn't about to push the panic button. 'We've been here before. It's nothing new. But we have to work harder. San Miguel has so many weapons to go to that we have to take care of.' Unfortunately, the Kings forgot to take care of Washington and Hontiveros as the two led a 26-11 run bridging the third and fourth quarters of the highly physical encounter. Hontiveros scored 11 while Washington had 10 in that telling run, which Olsen Racela capped with a buzzer-beating triple at the end of the third. The run wiped away a 66-70 deficit and put the Beermen in control for good, 92-81, with 6:12 to go. But the Kings still had one fight left in them. A JC Intal three-pointer suddenly had the league's most popular ballclub creeping to within 102-105 with 9.3 seconds left. Trying to stop the clock, the Kings sent Washington to the foul line. The San Miguel big man missed the first free throw, but converted the second to make it a four-point game. The roof finally collapsed on Ginebra when Willie Miller misfired on his three-point try in the Kings' final play. Cabagnot followed up his heroic act in Game 1 by finishing with 15 points, while veteran center Dorian Pena contributed 13 rebounds for San Miguel, which lost Danny Ildefonso in the third quarter. Already called for a technical foul in the opening half, the former two-time league MVP was slapped with a flagrant foul after hitting Enrico Villanueva on the head. The Beermen shot 13 three-pointers to match the tournament record for the most triples converted in a game. Rudy Hatfield (191-F-77, college: Michigan) poured in 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Kings, who finally had Eric Menk in action after he was sidelined by a hamstring injury. Menk, who had not played since the quarterfinals, was obviously out of shape and failed to score a single point. Miller and Ronald Tubid each had 16 markers for the Gin Kings. - Courtesy of JVP, KY, GMANews.TV

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Gary DAVID
  Powerade T.
  (187-G/F-78)
  Avg: 21.5

1. David, Powerade T.	21.5
2. Cardona, Meral.	21.4
3. Devance, Alaska	19.2
4. Simon, Derby A.	18.6
5. Al-Hussaini, Air21	17.5
6. Buenafe, Air21	17.1
7. Mercado, Rain o.	16.9
8. Yap, Derby Ace L.	16.5
9. Washington, San M.	16.5
10. Isip, Barako	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Rudy HATFIELD
  Ginebra
  (191-F-77)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Hatfield, Ginebra	12.3
2. Carey, Talk N Text	12.1
3. Maierhofer, Derby A.	10.0
4. Washington, San M.	9.8
5. Thoss, Alaska	9.7
6. Peek, Talk N Text	9.2
7. Santos, San Miguel	9.0
8. Al-Hussaini, Air21	8.9
9. Devance, Alaska	8.8
10. Thiele, Barako	8.8

Assists Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco B.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Ross, Meralco B.	6.3
2. Alapag, Talk N Text	5.7
3. Cabagnot, San M.	5.5
4. Yap, Derby Ace L.	4.7
5. Tenorio, Alaska	4.3
6. Mercado, Rain o.	4.3
7. Miller, Ginebra	4.1
8. Hubalde, Barako	4.0
9. Villanueva, Derby A.	3.9
10. Lanete, Powerade.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco B.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ross, Meralco B.	2.4
2. Norwood, Rain o.	2.1
3. Mercado, Rain o.	2.0
4. Reyes, Talk N Text	1.5
5. Arboleda, Air21	1.3
6. Tenorio, Alaska	1.2
7. Villanueva, Derby A.	1.2
8. Helterbrand, Gineb.	1.2
9. Baguio, Alaska	1.2
10. Buenafe, Air21	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Siverino BACLAO
  Air21
  (198-F/C-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Baclao, Air21	2.5
2. Andaya, Barako	1.6
3. Washington, San M.	1.6
4. Maierhofer, Derby A.	1.3
5. Eman, Alaska	1.2
6. Peek, Talk N Text	1.2
7. Reyes, Powerade T.	1.1
8. Devance, Alaska	1.1
9. Thoss, Alaska	1.1
10. Santos, San Miguel	1.0

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

POLAND

Standings - DBE

PLK Standings

1. Energa Czarni		10-2
2. PGE Turow		8-4
3. Asseco Prokom		7-2
4. Trefl Sopot		7-5
5. Polpharma		7-6
6. Zastal		6-6
7. Polonia Azbud		6-7
8. AZS Koszalin		5-6
9. Anwil		5-7
10. PBG Basket		5-8
11. SKK Kotwica		3-8
12. Siarka		2-10

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ted SCOTT
  SKK Kotwica
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 26

1. Scott, SKK Kotwica	26.0
2. Brown, Asseco P.	23.8
3. Hinson, Polonia Azbud	17.4
4. Bennerman, Energa C.	16.0
5. Burgess, Zastal	15.8
6. Goffney, Siarka	15.5
7. Hodge, Zastal	15.3
8. Jovanovic, Anwil	15.1
9. Reese, AZS Koszalin	14.9
10. Frazier, AZS K.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK Kotwica
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Harris, SKK K.	10.8
2. Burgess, Zastal	10.3
3. Truscott, Siarka	10.0
4. NaNa, Polonia Azbud	8.3
5. Easley, Polonia Azbud	7.3
6. Wysocki, PGE Turow	7.0
7. Dylewicz, Trefl Sopot	6.7
8. Ceranic, Trefl S.	6.5
9. Palmer, Polonia Azbud	6.5
10. Archibeque, Polph.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Jerel BLASSINGAME
  Energa Czarni
  (177-G-81)
  Avg: 6

1. Blassingame, Energa C.	6.0
2. Milicic, AZS K.	5.8
3. Thomas, PGE Turow	5.7
4. Skibniewski, Polph.	5.1
5. Brown, Asseco P.	4.3
6. Hodge, Zastal	4.1
7. Ewing, Asseco P.	4.0
8. Vaughn, Polpharma	3.8
9. Thomas, Anwil	3.7
10. Hawkins, PBG B.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Zastal
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hodge, Zastal	2.1
2. Hinson, Polonia Azbud	2.0
3. Blassingame, Energa C.	1.9
4. Harrington, Trefl S.	1.9
5. Bialek, Energa Czarni	1.8
6. Thomas, PGE Turow	1.8
7. Ewing, Asseco P.	1.8
8. Brown, Asseco P.	1.8
9. Thomas, Anwil	1.6
10. Kinloch, AZS K.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Tony EASLEY
  Polonia Azbud
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Easley, Polonia Azbud	1.8
2. Harris, SKK K.	1.7
3. Lapeta, Asseco P.	1.5
4. Burgess, Zastal	1.4
5. Hicks, Anwil	1.4
6. Giddens, Asseco P.	1.3
7. Frazier, AZS K.	1.1
8. Kinnard, Trefl S.	1.1
9. Davis, Energa C.	1.0
10. Palmer, Polonia Azbud	0.9

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

PORTUGAL

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Porto Ferpinta		10-1
2. Benfica		8-2
3. Academica		7-4
4. Vitoria SC		6-4
5. Ginasio		6-5
6. Ovarense		6-5
7. CAB		5-6
8. Sampaense		5-6
9. Penafiel		4-7
10. Lusitania		3-7
11. Illiabum		3-7
12. Barreirense		1-10

Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings

1. Barcelos		9-1
2. Fisica		7-2
3. Galitos FC		7-2
4. Sangalhos		7-2
5. Angra		6-2
6. Povoa		4-5
7. Terceira Basket		4-5
8. Electrico FC		4-6
9. Guifoes		3-7
10. Maia Basket		2-7
11. Alges		2-8
12. Seixal		0-8

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Kyle AUSTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Austin, Vitoria SC	22.6
2. Oruche, Ginasio	20.6
3. Jackson, Sampaense	20.5
4. Luettgerodt, Sampa.	20.0
5. Curnell, Barreirense	19.1
6. Webster, Ovarense	18.9
7. Shaw, Academica	18.6
8. Goode, Penafiel	18.0
9. Brown, Vitoria SC	17.4
10. Eddie, Academica	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin MARTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Martin, Vitoria SC	10.6
2. Cortez, Ovarense	9.9
3. Brown, Vitoria SC	9.8
4. Momplasir, Lusitania	9.6
5. Eddie, Academica	9.5
6. Wilson, Barreirense	9.4
7. Terrell, Porto F.	9.4
8. Harris, Illiabum	9.2
9. Jackson, Sampaense	9.0
10. Nolen, Penafiel	8.5

Assists Per Game

Joao REVELES
  Ginasio
  (187-G-80)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Reveles, Ginasio	6.4
2. Manarte, Ovarense	5.8
3. Simoes, Academica	5.7
4. Monteiro, Lusitania	5.1
5. Minhava, Benfica	4.7
6. Sing, Sampaense	4.7
7. Fernandes, CAB	4.5
8. Felix, Illiabum	4.3
9. Andrade, Porto F.	4.0
10. Ogirri, Porto F.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Will HOLLAND
  Academica
  (193-G/F-87)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Holland, Academica	4.3
2. Madison, CAB	3.3
3. Goode, Penafiel	3.2
4. Curnell, Barreirense	3.2
5. Cortez, Ovarense	2.9
6. Eddie, Academica	2.6
7. Barroso, Ginasio	2.4
8. Terrell, Porto F.	2.3
9. Almeida, Penafiel	2.1
10. Ramos, Benfica	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcel MOMPLASIR
  Lusitania
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Momplasir, Lusitania	4.1
2. Brown, Vitoria SC	1.8
3. Austin, Vitoria SC	1.6
4. Gentry, CAB	1.4
5. Jackson, Sampaense	1.4
6. Gray, Sampaense	1.2
7. Coelho, CAB	1.2
8. Harris, Illiabum	1.1
9. Stempin, Porto F.	1.1
10. Nolen, Penafiel	1.1

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

ROMANIA

Miercurea Ciuc add Clevin Hannah - by Eurobasket News
Miercurea Ciuc are looking for the ways to improve their current position in Romanian Division A. The team has a 1-14 record and stands at the bottom of the ladder. So they decided to strengthen their backcourt. Miercurea Ciuc have agreed on terms of contract with Clevin Hannah (180-G-87, agency: Court Side). The 22-year-old guard signed his first pro contract. He just graduated from the Wichita State University. Clevin Hannah tallied 12.0 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game for the Shockers in his senior season. The guard was twice named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week. Hannah made it into the All-MVC First Team at the end of the season. He was also the fifth-round draft pick in the NBA Development League draft.

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

SERBIA

Djoric and Vlaskovic in Proleter Zrenjanin - by Zoran Popovic
After Vid Zarkovic and Stefan Atanackovic leaved Proleter Zrenjanin, management of Proleter react immediately and find new players. Nenad Djoric (184-G-78, agency: Alti Sport) and Vladimir Vlaskovic (197-G-77) are new players of Proleter Zrenjanin. Nenad Djoric started season in Superfund and on 6 games average scored 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals. Djoric is very experienced player and during the career he played for Srem, FMP Zeleznik, Borac Nektar, Yambolgaz'92 Yambol, Dynamo Moscow Region, Bosna Sarajevo, Universitet Surgut, BC Mega Ishrana, Pivovarna Lasko, Lukoil Akademik and Superfund. During the career Vladimir Vlaskovic played for OKK Beograd, Zastava Kragujevac, KK Sloga Kraljevo, KK Swisslions Takovo Lion Vrsac, Borac Nektar and BC Timisoara.

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. FMP		15-0
2. Beograd		11-4
3. Mega Vizura		9-5
4. Metalac		9-6
5. Novi Sad		8-6
6. Sloboda Uzice		8-6
7. Napredak		7-7
8. Tamis		7-8
9. Vojvodina		6-8
10. Borac		6-9
11. Proleter Naftagas		6-9
12. Sloga		5-9
13. Crnokosa		4-11
14. Superfund		1-14
Play in international cups:
1. Crvena Zvezda		-
2. Hemofarm		-
3. Partizan		-
4. Radnicki		-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Nikola KOPRIVICA
  Iraklis
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Koprivica, Super.	22.4
2. Milisavljevi., Mega V.	19.9
3. Janjusevic, Crnok.	18.3
4. Bunic, Novi Sad	17.5
5. Sulovic, Napredak	16.9
6. Vasojevic, Borac	16.8
7. Bozovic, Sloga	16.7
8. Micevic, Sloboda .	16.5
9. Majkic, Prolet.	16.5
10. Tresac, Borac	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Nikola MARKOVIC
  FMP
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Markovic, FMP	8.3
2. Jelovac, Mega V.	7.4
3. Misanovic, Beograd	6.9
4. Borovcanin, Sloga	6.8
5. Djurovic, Crnokosa	6.7
6. Ljubicic, Metalac	6.7
7. Spica, Superfund	6.6
8. Dedijer, Borac	6.5
9. Cubrilo, Sloga	6.4
10. Matovic, Mega V.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naftagas
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 6

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	6.0
2. Vlahovic, Sloga	5.9
3. Radivojevic, FMP	5.2
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	5.2
5. Covic, FMP	5.1
6. Milisavljevi., Mega V.	4.9
7. Atanackovic, Prolet.	4.3
8. Djoric, Superfund	4.3
9. Radulovic, Crnokosa	4.2
10. Mitrovic, Beograd	3.9

Steals Per Game

Vuksan GAGOVIC
  Proleter Naftagas
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Gagovic, Prolet.	2.6
2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad	2.3
3. Bocka, Crnokosa	2.1
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	2.1
5. Dundjerski, Beograd	2.1
6. Bunic, Novi Sad	1.9
7. Vujosevic, Novi Sad	1.8
8. Djoric, Superfund	1.8
9. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	1.8
10. Majkic, Prolet.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  T.E.Kashan
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Misanovic, Beograd	1.9
2. Ilic, FMP	1.5
3. Majkic, Prolet.	1.4
4. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	1.3
5. Buric, Tamis	1.1
6. Bircevic, Metalac	1.0
7. Ljubojevic, Slobod.	0.8
8. Kalinic, Novi Sad	0.8
9. Bozovic, Sloga	0.7
10. Dramicanin, Mega V.	0.7

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

1. Zlatorog		8-1
2. Geoplin Slovan		7-3
3. Helios		7-3
4. Elektra		6-4
5. Polzela		6-4
6. Sentjur		5-5
7. Maribor Messer		3-7
8. LTHcast Mercator		2-8
9. Parklji		0-9
Play in international cups:
1. Krka		-
2. Union Olimpija		-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Panic, Zlatorog	20.1
2. Simovic, Sentjur	18.4
3. Bubnic, Helios	16.8
4. Harmason, Sentjur	16.5
5. Thondique, Polzela	16.1
6. Miljkovic, Elektra	14.8
7. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan	14.3
8. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	13.7
9. Nuhanovic, Elektra	13.5
10. Mali, Helios	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 12

1. Thondique, Polzela	12.0
2. Miljkovic, Elektra	9.4
3. Nuhanovic, Elektra	8.3
4. Simovic, Sentjur	7.9
5. Zolotic, Maribor .	6.2
6. Krusic, Geoplin .	6.0
7. Sebic, Polzela	6.0
8. Paravinja, Parklji	5.9
9. Atanackovic, Zlato.	5.9
10. Dimec, Zlatorog	5.9

Assists Per Game

Boris JERSIN
  Elektra
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Jersin, Elektra	5.3
2. Vujasinovic, Zlatorog	5.0
3. Brolih, Maribor .	4.7
4. Hohler, Sentjur	3.9
5. Pelko, Zlatorog	3.4
6. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	3.2
7. Rupnik, Geoplin .	2.9
8. Zagorc, Helios	2.8
9. Harmason, Sentjur	2.8
10. Mezek, LTHcast .	2.5

Steals Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Thondique, Polzela	2.5
2. Mezek, LTHcast .	2.5
3. Vranjkovic, Helios	1.9
4. Harmason, Sentjur	1.6
5. Zagorc, Helios	1.6
6. Person, Helios	1.6
7. Jovanovic, Maribo.	1.6
8. Korosec, Helios	1.4
9. Panic, Zlatorog	1.4
10. Bubnic, Helios	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Nuhanovic, Elektra	2.6
2. Dimec, Zlatorog	1.6
3. Thondique, Polzela	1.4
4. Sviridov, Polzela	0.8
5. Atanackovic, Zlato.	0.8
6. Mijajlovic, Zlatorog	0.6
7. Morina, LTHcas.	0.5
8. Pasalic, Helios	0.5
9. Simovic, Sentjur	0.5
10. Cigoja, Geoplin .	0.4

Telemach League Round 11: Geoplin Slovan edges Sentjur by one point - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 11 in the Telemach League took place in Ljubljana. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Sentjur (5-5) to third ranked Geoplin Slovan (7-3) 85-84 on Friday evening. Sentjur was trailing by 6 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 25-22 charge of Geoplin Slovan, which allowed them to win the game. They made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game. 28 personal fouls committed by Sentjur helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Serbian power forward Dalibor Djapa (204-84, agency: Alti Sport) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Forward Marko Pajic (204-92) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Dwayne Harmason (178-86, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Promotex) produced 26 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Geoplin Slovan have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Helios. Sentjur at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Geoplin Slovan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sentjur will play at home against LTHcast Mercator (#8) in Skofja Loka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Lasko. First ranked Zlatorog faced 4th placed Elektra. Host Zlatorog (8-1) defeated guests from Sostanj (6-4) 73-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Elektra. Serbian forward Vladimir Panic (194-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points. Jaka Brodnik contributed with 11 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Serbian power forward Milos Miljkovic (204-84) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds for Elektra. The victory was the third consecutive win for Zlatorog. They maintain first place with 8-1 record. Elektra at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Polzela. Zlatorog will play against Polzela (#5) on the road in the next round. Elektra will play against Parklji in Bezigrad and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Maribor was quite interesting. Fifth ranked Polzela (6-4) played at the court of 7th ranked Maribor Messer (3-7). Polzela defeated Maribor Messer 73-60 on Saturday. It was a great evening for Gregg Thondique who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Ilija Zolotic responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Maribor Messer's coach Slobodan Rmus rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Polzela moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Elektra. Newly promoted Maribor Messer keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. Polzela will meet at home league's leader Zlatorog in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maribor Messer will play against Helios (#3) in Domzale and hope to secure a win.
The game in Skofja Loka was quite interesting. Third ranked Helios (7-3) played at the court of 8th ranked LTHcast Mercator (2-8). Helios managed to secure a 5-point victory 78-73. It was an exceptional evening for Grega Mali who led the winners and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Helios moved-up to second place, which they share with Geoplin Slovan. LTHcast Mercator at the other side keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Helios' next round opponent will be Maribor Messer (#7) at home which should be theoretically an easy game. LTHcast Mercator will play against Sentjur and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Zlatorog - Elektra 73-66

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Lasko. First ranked Zlatorog faced 4th placed Elektra. Host Zlatorog (8-1) defeated guests from Sostanj (6-4) 73-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Elektra. The hosts were ahead by 7 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 20-11 run, which allowed them to win the game. Serbian forward Vladimir Panic (194-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points. Forward Jaka Brodnik (203-92) contributed with 11 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Serbian power forward Milos Miljkovic (204-84) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and center Salih Nuhanovic (209-82) added 10 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Elektra. Four Elektra players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Zlatorog. They maintain first place with 8-1 record. Elektra at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Polzela. Zlatorog will play against Polzela (#5) on the road in the next round. Elektra will play against Parklji in Bezigrad and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Elektra: M.Miljkovic 15+14reb, S.Bilic 13, D.Lelic 12+3reb+1ast, S.Nuhanovic 10+7reb, B.Jersin 9+1reb+3ast, M.Vidovic 7+2reb
Zlatorog: V.Panic 24+1reb+2ast, M.Kovacevic 13+1ast, J.Brodnik 11+7reb, L.Lapornik 9+3reb+1ast, D.Vujasinovic 6+2reb+2ast, M.Cmer 4+2reb+3ast

Maribor Messer - Polzela 60-73

The game in Maribor was quite interesting. Fifth ranked Polzela (6-4) played at the court of 7th ranked Maribor Messer (3-7). Polzela defeated Maribor Messer 73-60 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Polzela. Maribor Messer managed to win second period 17-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Uzbekistani center Dmitry Sviridov (212-85) helped adding 15 points and 5 rebounds. Four Polzela players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Ilija Zolotic (207-86, agency: BeoExcell) responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds and guard Bojan Jovanovic (186-82, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points. Maribor Messer's coach Slobodan Rmus rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Polzela moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Elektra. Newly promoted Maribor Messer keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. Polzela will meet at home league's leader Zlatorog in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maribor Messer will play against Helios (#3) in Domzale and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Maribor Messer: I.Zolotic 14+6reb, B.Jovanovic 13+2reb+3ast, E.Kadic 7+6reb+2ast, P.Brolih 7+4reb+1ast, E.Sarkinovic 5+4reb+1ast, T.Horvat 5+1reb
Polzela: G.Thondique 15+10reb+1ast, D.Sviridov 15+5reb+2ast, D.Vrsaljko 12+6reb, S.Sebic 11+6reb, P.Kobale 9+1reb+2ast, M.Venta 8+4reb+1ast

LTHcast Mercator - Helios 73-78

The game in Skofja Loka was quite interesting. Third ranked Helios (7-3) played at the court of 8th ranked LTHcast Mercator (2-8). Helios managed to secure a 5-point victory 78-73. LTHcast Mercator was ahead by 11 points at the halftime before a 47-31 second half run of Helios. They made 26-of-31 charity shots (83.9 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by LTHcast Mercator helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for guard Grega Mali (197-84) who led the winners and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Klemen Prepelic (190-92) accounted for 17 points for the winning side. Five Helios players scored in double figures. Power forward Tomo Cajic (200-85) came up with 17 points and 9 rebounds and Montenegrin guard Vladimir Mihailovic (193-82) added 18 points respectively for LTHcast Mercator in the defeat. Helios moved-up to second place, which they share with Geoplin Slovan. LTHcast Mercator at the other side keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Helios' next round opponent will be Maribor Messer (#7) at home which should be theoretically an easy game. LTHcast Mercator will play against Sentjur and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
LTHcast Mercator: V.Mihailovic 18+2reb+3ast, T.Cajic 17+9reb, B.Mahkovic 14+4reb+3ast, T.Nowakowski 6+1ast, B.Bosnjak 5+1reb, A.Lebedincev 5+1reb+2ast
Helios: K.Prepelic 17+3reb+2ast, G.Mali 16+6reb+1ast, A.Person 13+1reb, V.Pasalic 10+4reb+1ast, D.Bubnic 10+6reb, Z.Zagorc 7+2reb+4ast

Geoplin Slovan - Sentjur 85-84

The most exciting game of round 11 in the Telemach League took place in Ljubljana. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Sentjur (5-5) to third ranked Geoplin Slovan (7-3) 85-84 on Friday evening. Sentjur was trailing by 6 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 25-22 charge of Geoplin Slovan, which allowed them to win the game. They made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game. 28 personal fouls committed by Sentjur helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Serbian power forward Dalibor Djapa (204-84, agency: Alti Sport) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Forward Marko Pajic (204-92) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Four Geoplin Slovan players scored in double figures. American guard Dwayne Harmason (178-86, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Promotex) produced 26 points and 5 rebounds and Bosnian center Teo Simovic (205-84) added 16 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Geoplin Slovan have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Helios. Sentjur at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Geoplin Slovan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sentjur will play at home against LTHcast Mercator (#8) in Skofja Loka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sentjur: D.Harmason 26+5reb+2ast, I.Drzic 22+1reb+1ast, T.Simovic 16+11reb+2ast, T.Ferme 7+1reb, M.Sebic 6+3reb, A.Pelc 4+2reb+3ast
Geoplin Slovan: D.Djapa 23+6reb+1ast, J.Blazic 14+2reb, M.Fon 12+3reb+4ast, M.Pajic 10+8reb+2ast, M.Krusic 8+5reb+1ast, L.Rupnik 7+2ast

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

SOUTH KOREA

Best players of South Korean KBL round 27 - by Eurobasket News
International center Seung-Jin Ha (222-C-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for KCC Egis and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.
The 26-year old center had a double-double of 27 points and fifteen rebounds, while his team edged out Mobis Phoebus (#10, 8-21) in overtime 76-73. KCC Egis maintains the 5th position in South Korean KBL. KCC Egis is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 15-14 record. Ha has many years of experience at KCC Egis, through which he has constantly improved. Ha has impressive league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 16.2ppg. Ha is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 9.1rpg) and averages solid 1.4bpg and 62.8% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 33-year old American forward Greg Stevenson (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent) of LG Sakers. Stevenson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead LG Sakers to another comfortable win 79-64 over slightly lower-ranked Daegu Orions (#8, 9-20) being unquestionably team leader. LG Sakers' 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 13-16 record. Stevenson is a newcomer at LG Sakers and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.4ppg (#3). His other stats are also decent: 8.3rpg and 3.2apg.

The third best performed player last round was American David Simon (207-C-82) of Anyang KGC (#9). Simon scored 29 points. Despite Simon's great performance Anyang KGC lost 88-95 to the higher-ranked Samsung Th. (#4, 17-12). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Anyang KGC can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 8-21 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Simon he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Simon has individually a great season in South Korea. After 28 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.2ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 9.1rpg (6th best). He also has 1.6bpg and FGP: 59.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jasper Johnson (201-C-83) of Sonic Boom KT - 25 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Jung-Suk Lee (184-G-82) of Seoul Samsung Thunders - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Dong-Uk Kim (195-F-81) of Samsung Th. - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Aaron Haynes (201-F-81) of Samsung Th. - 19 points and 10 rebounds
8. Il-Young Heo (198-F-85) of Daegu Orions - 15 points and 6 rebounds
9. Seung-Ho Ki (194-F-85) of LG Sakers - 18 points and 4 rebounds
10. Joo-Sung Kim (205-C-79) of Dongbu Promy - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

SPAIN

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	17.7
2. Baron, Lagun A.	16.2
3. Martinez, Valencia	15.9
4. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.8
5. Mickeal, Regal Barca	15.4
6. Navarro, Regal B.	15.2
7. McDonald, DKV J.	15.1
8. Kurz, Granada	13.7
9. San Emeterio, Caja L.	13.6
10. English, DKV J.	13.1

Rebounds Per Game

Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Kurz, Granada	9.6
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
3. Barac, Caja Laboral	7.7
4. Donaldson, Menorca	6.9
5. Trias, DKV Joventut	6.9
6. Doellman, Meridiano	6.6
7. Miralles, Lagun A.	6.5
8. Davis, Cajasol	6.4
9. Wallace, Gran Canaria	6.4
10. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Huertas, Caja L.	5.9
2. Rubio, Regal Barca	5.6
3. Cook, Valencia	4.6
4. Ciorciari, Menorca	4.1
5. Green, Gran Canaria	4.1
6. Valters, Fuenlabr.	3.9
7. Dumas, Valladolid	3.9
8. Ingles, Granada	3.9
9. McIntyre, Unicaja	3.8
10. Uriz, Lagun A.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.4
2. Ingles, Granada	2.3
3. Calloway, Cajasol	2.1
4. Mickeal, Regal Barca	2.0
5. Robinson, DKV J.	2.0
6. Davis, Cajasol	1.9
7. Victor, Menorca	1.9
8. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.8
9. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.8
10. Cook, Valencia	1.7

Blocks Per Game

D''or FISCHER
  Real Madrid
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Fischer, Real Madrid	1.9
2. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.8
3. Barnes, Valladolid	1.4
4. Kurz, Granada	1.4
5. Andriuskevic., Meridi.	1.2
6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.2
7. Majstorovic, Manre.	1.1
8. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.1
9. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
10. Savane, Gran C.	1.0

Standings - ACB

ACB Standings

1. Regal Barca		12-3
2. Real Madrid		11-3
3. Caja Laboral		9-5
4. Fuenlabrada		9-5
5. Valladolid		8-6
6. Valencia		8-6
7. DKV Joventut		8-6
8. Bizkaia Bilbao		8-7
9. Lagun Aro GBC		7-7
10. Cajasol		7-7
11. Gran Canaria		7-7
12. Unicaja		7-8
13. Estudiantes		6-9
14. Manresa		5-9
15. CAI Zaragoza		5-9
16. Menorca		4-10
17. Meridiano		4-10
18. Granada		3-11

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

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Sundsvall		15-4
2. LF Basket		14-5
3. Sodertalje		13-6
4. Norrkoping		11-6
5. Uppsala		11-8
6. Solna		9-10
7. Jamtland		7-13
8. Boras		6-13
9. 08		4-14
10. Eco Orebro		4-15

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Darius HARGROVE
  Jamtland
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Hargrove, Jamtland	20.5
2. Rush, Sundsvall	20.3
3. Smith, Uppsala	20.3
4. Smith, Sodertalje	20.2
5. McCoy, Boras	19.7
6. Gunnarsson, Solna	19.3
7. Klaric, Jamtland	17.8
8. Palm, Boras	17.6
9. McKnight, Boras	17.0
10. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Hlynur BAERINGSSON
  Sundsvall
  (200-F/C-82)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Baeringsson, Sunds.	11.6
2. McKnight, Boras	9.7
3. Palm, Boras	8.9
4. Kosmalski, Solna	8.6
5. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	7.9
6. Kohlmaier, Uppsala	7.8
7. Jonzen, Uppsala	7.3
8. Walker, Solna	7.3
9. Salaam, Jamtland	7.2
10. Rosendahl, LF Ba.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	6.3
2. Pleick, Eco Orebro	5.5
3. Beck, 08	5.1
4. Frier, Uppsala	4.5
5. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.4
6. Smith, Uppsala	4.3
7. Smith, Sodertalje	4.2
8. Hargrove, Jamtland	4.2
9. Hellgren, Jamtland	4.1
10. Baeringsson, Sunds.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Smith, Sodertalje	3.9
2. Mbemba, LF Basket	3.6
3. Rush, Sundsvall	2.5
4. Baeringsson, Sunds.	2.2
5. Hellgren, Jamtland	2.2
6. Smith, Uppsala	2.2
7. Frier, Uppsala	1.9
8. Pleick, Eco Orebro	1.9
9. Mosley, Eco Orebro	1.8
10. McCoy, Boras	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Bilal SALAAM
  Jamtland
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Salaam, Jamtland	2.2
2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.8
3. Palm, Boras	1.8
4. Rosendahl, LF Ba.	1.7
5. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.5
6. Kohlmaier, Uppsala	1.2
7. Cipriano, Eco O.	1.2
8. Galick, Sodertalje	1.1
9. Walker, Solna	1.0
10. Levett, LF Basket	0.9

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Lugano Tigers		14-1
2. Fribourg		11-4
3. SAV Vacallo		10-5
4. Geneve Lions		10-5
5. Monthey		9-6
6. Boncourt		7-8
7. Starwings		6-9
8. SAM Massagno		5-10
9. BBC Nyon		2-13
10. Zurich Wildcats		1-14

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Bernex		13-2
2. Neuchatel		12-2
3. Vevey		11-4
4. Momo Basket		8-5
5. Pully		7-8
6. Martigny		6-8
7. Swiss Central		6-8
8. DDV Lugano		6-9
9. Villars		6-9
10. Vernier		5-8
11. Bern		5-9
12. Chene		5-9
13. Acad.Fribourg		3-12

Fribourg Olympic sign Yuanta Holland and waive Mike Nelson - by Luca Maffioli
Yuanta Holland

(202-F/C-78, college: Dayton) sign a deal for the rest of the season with Benetton Fribourg Olympic. Holland started this season with Poly-Rapid Zurich Wildcats but after only one game he signed a two month contract with Saint Vallier Basket Drome in France ProB where he averaged 7.6 points and 3.8 rebound per game. In the same time Benetton Fribourg Olympic waive Mike Nelson (193-G-86, college: N.Dakota St.). The American guard played 14 times with Fribourg averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists.