Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/5/2011

Copyright � 1997-2011 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ARGENTINA

Beginning of TNA - by Eurobasket News
TNA season 2011/12 started five days ago. First round was played on September 30 and Round Two was held this past weekend. Once again, teams are divided to Group North and Group South. Alvear and Obera are the only perfect teams in Group North so far with 2-0 record. Alvear was better than Atletico Echague in the first round 77-68 and outplayed Romas Rocam. in the second game 85-73. Obera celebrated 73-81 road win against San Isidro and also road victory with the same score against Union Sunchales. Alianza Viedma and Bragado stay perfect in Group South so far. Below you can check all results from the first two rounds and also schedule for Round 3.

Regular Season - Round 1

NORTH
Sep. 30, 2011 Alvear-Atl.Echague 77-68
Sep. 30, 2011 A.Italiana-Tomas Rocam. 63-68
Sep. 30, 2011 San Isidro-Obera TC 73-81
Sep. 30, 2011 Union Sunch-Estudian.Con. 89-80
Sep. 30, 2011 A.Espanola-Union Progr. 69-83

SOUTH
Sep. 30, 2011 Bragado-Ciclista 68-65
Sep. 30, 2011 Huracan-Banda Norte 71-72
Sep. 30, 2011 Alianza Viedma-Sport Club 92-78
Sep. 30, 2011 Argentino-Firmat SF 72-58
Oct. 4, 2011 MH Basket-Rosario Cent.

Regular Season - Round 2

NORTH
Oct. 2, 2011 Alvear-Tomas Rocam. 85-73
Oct. 2, 2011 San Isidro-Estudian.Con. 76-83
Oct. 2, 2011 A.Italiana-Atl.Echague 70-49
Oct. 2, 2011 Union Sunch-Obera TC 73-81

SOUTH
Oct. 2, 2011 MH Basket-Sport Club 77-72
Oct. 2, 2011 Bragado-Firmat SF 57-49
Oct. 2, 2011 Huracan-San Mart.MJ 88-83
Oct. 2, 2011 Alianza Viedma-Rosario Cent. 64-60
Oct. 3, 2011 Argentino-Ciclista

Regular Season - Round 3

NORTH
Oct. 7, 2011 Obera TC-A.Espanola
Oct. 7, 2011 Atl.Echague-San Isidro
Oct. 7, 2011 Alvear-A.Italiana
Oct. 7, 2011 Estudian.Con.-Union Progr.
Oct. 7, 2011 Tomas Rocam.-Union Sunch

SOUTH
Oct. 7, 2011 Ciclista-Banda Norte
Oct. 7, 2011 Rosario Cent.-Bragado
Oct. 7, 2011 MH Basket-Huracan
Oct. 7, 2011 Firmat SF-San Mart.MJ
Oct. 7, 2011 Sport Club-Argentino

Club 9 sign Gary Buchanan - by Eurobasket Center
Club 9 signed 31-year old American guard Gary Buchanan (191-G-80, college: Villanova). Buchanan played most recently at BC Odessa (Ukraine). While playing 45 games for BC Odessa last season his stats were: 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.9apg. He is not a new face in Argentina. Buchanan played for two years for Gimnasia Esgrima. Two years ago Buchanan started a season with them (11.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg), before moving to Centro Juventud Sionista de Parana (10.3ppg, 1.7rpg). In the first game he could not help Club 9 too much as they lost to much stronger Lanus 51-85. Buchanan played 20 minutes scoring just 2 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. He is a very experienced player. Buchanan played also pro basketball in Austria, Holland, Hungary and Ukraine. He graduated Villanova University in 2003 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

North
1. Quimsa		3-0
2. Atenas		3-1
3. Regatas C.		3-1
4. Sionista		2-1
5. Libertad S.		2-2
6. Olimpico LB		1-3
7. La Union		1-3
8. San Mart.C.		0-4
South
1. Boca Jrs		3-0
2. Wuber-Est.Bahia		3-1
3. Obras		3-2
4. GECR Indalo		2-2
5. Penarol		2-2
6. Club 9		1-2
7. Lanus		1-3
8. Quilmes MP		0-3

Standings - TNA

TNA Standings

North
1. Alvear		2-0
2. Obera TC		2-0
3. Union Progr.		1-0
4. Union Sunch		1-1
5. A.Italiana		1-1
6. Estudian.Con.		1-1
7. A.Espanola		0-1
8. San Isidro		0-1
9. Tomas Rocam.		0-1
10. Atl.Echague		0-2
South
1. Alianza Viedma		2-0
2. Argentino		2-0
3. Bragado		2-0
4. Banda Norte		1-0
5. MH Basket		1-0
6. Huracan		1-1
7. Rosario Cent.		0-1
8. San Mart.MJ		0-1
9. Ciclista		0-2
10. Firmat SF		0-2
11. Sport Club		0-2

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Delonte HOLLAND
  Club 9
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 25

1. Holland, Club 9	25.0
2. Alston, Boca Jrs	20.0
3. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	19.0
4. Campazzo, Penarol	18.0
5. Lamonte, Penarol	18.0
6. Stanic, Boca Jrs	16.0
7. Graves, Boca Jrs	16.0
8. Mojica, Wuber-Es.	16.0
9. Funes, GECR I.	14.8
10. McGowan, GECR I.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Derrick ALSTON
  Boca Jrs
  (208-C/F-72)
  Avg: 10

1. Alston, Boca Jrs	10.0
2. McGowan, GECR I.	8.3
3. Hopson, Quilmes MP	8.0
4. Sanchez, Wuber-.	7.5
5. Gayden, Club 9	7.5
6. Gonzalez, Quilm.	7.0
7. Reinick, Penarol	7.0
8. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	7.0
9. Morris, Quilmes MP	7.0
10. Romero, GECR I.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Juan Ignacio SANCHEZ
  Wuber-.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Sanchez, Wuber-.	7.3
2. Stanic, Boca Jrs	6.0
3. Lauria, Penarol	4.0
4. Hopson, Quilmes MP	4.0
5. Campazzo, Penarol	4.0
6. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.5
7. Gabini, GECR I.	2.8
8. Franco, GECR I.	2.3
9. Lamonte, Penarol	2.0
10. Levy, Lanus	2.0

Steals Per Game

Phillip MCHOPSON
  Quilmes MP
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 6

1. Hopson, Quilmes MP	6.0
2. Gutierrez, Penarol	5.0
3. McGowan, GECR I.	3.3
4. Gonzalez, Quilm.	3.0
5. Stanic, Boca Jrs	3.0
6. Sanchez, Wuber-.	2.8
7. Mojica, Wuber-Es.	2.3
8. Torre, Club 9	2.3
9. Wilborn, Club 9	2.0
10. Lamonte, Penarol	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Will GRAVES
  Boca Jrs
  (198-F/G-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Graves, Boca Jrs	2.0
2. Eseverri, Quilm.	1.0
3. Martina, Boca Jrs	1.0
4. Reinick, Penarol	1.0
5. Leiva, Penarol	1.0
6. Gayden, Club 9	1.0
7. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	1.0
8. Wilborn, Club 9	1.0
9. Sanchez, Wuber-.	0.8
10. McGowan, GECR I.	0.8

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

AUSTRALIA

NBL Preview - by Duncan Matheson

Looking ahead to the NBL season just 3 days away, we take a look at each of the 9 teams and their prospects for the season. At this early stage, there appear to be three brackets of teams:

Emmanuelle Chriqui.. the LEGIT!!
They appear to be total class, they got the talent, they're exciting to watch and would be even better to play with..

Perth Wildcats

Projected Starters: D.Martin, Lisch, Tovey, Redhage, Nevill
Bench: Robbins, Williamson, Hire, Wagstaff, Trueman, Knight

Outlook: The Wildcats are the NBL's most successful franchise, and missing the finals would be more out of place than the Pope at the playboy mansion. Champions two years ago, they took eventual champions New Zealand to the brink of elimination last year and return a healthy Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and have acquired star centre Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah). On paper, and if pre-season form is any indication at all, they are simply the cream of the class right now.

Offence: B+
Defence: A
Overall: A

X-Factor: Shawn Redhage. He is still the best scorer for this team and will be required to deliver in crunch time, as well as show the ability to play some 3 with such a big frontline.

Gold Coast Blaze

Projected Starters: Gibson, Harvey, English, Worthington, Hudson
Bench: Cadee, Goulding, Garlepp, Petrie, Hoare

Outlook: This team always look star-studded on paper, but have perhaps failed to deliver to expectations in previous years. Wortho was hampered by injury last year and looks set to have a dominant season, and with all the shots that will be going up from the perimeter import Will Hudson (205-F-89) looks a perfect fit for this group, racking up 10 offensive rebounds in a pre-season game. Defence is the question mark, but with some very good defensive players (Gibbo, Wortho, Hudson) if that mentality rubs off theres no reason they cant be solid defensively.

Offence: A
Defence: C+ (but with potential for major improvement)
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.). Surprising to pick their best player, and I could have picked two or three others, but when Wortho gets it going he is arguably the best player in the comp and could carry the Blaze to their first title.

New Zealand Breakers

Projected Starters: CJ Jackson, Bruton, Abercrombie, Vukona, Wilkinson
Bench: Corletto, Henry, Boucher, Anthony, Pledger

Outlook: Last years champions are still loaded with talent. It would be naive to not mention the loss of Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin), but the Breakers did possess a very good record last season even without Penney. On top of that however, import guard Braswell is another big loss, and I believe Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) was set for a breakout year in the back-up two spot before his controversial release. Make no mistake they are still contenders, but will need big seasons from their youngsters.

Offence: A-
Defence: B-
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.). With no Penney, a man with NBA-level athleticism who many have said has the ability to take his game to a higher level, this is his chance.

Alyson Hannigan
Right now you look at them and say, 'Yeah, they're ok. Maybe when theyre fully done up I'd 'jump on-board', but right now they seem to lack class and be no more than slightly appealing.' Luckily for these teams, like Alyson Hannigan if they are prepared to do the dirty work they could get themselves to the top..

Melbourne Tigers

Projected Starters: Mills, Ubaka, Dorsey, Walker, Tragardh
Bench: Dillon, Lewis, Greer, Rush, Burston

Outlook: While many are sold on the Tigers, I am not. Mills is in yes, but his shooting in the Oceania series and NBL pre-season has been as accurate as Quade Coopers goal-kicking. (Australian Rugby reference, for all foreigners) Will Mills fit in? And how long will be at the Tigers? Can they rebound and have a defensive presence in the paint with that frontcourt? They have undergone a major off-season makeover, which certainly appears to be a positive one with talented recruits and a hard-nosed, successful coach in Trevor Gleeson (agency: Warren Sports International ), but I have strong doubts on their championship credentials.

Offence: A-
Defence: C+
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Matthew Burston (210-F/C-82). With only 3 legitimate bigs, an injury prone Burston better not only stay healthy, but be ready to rebound like Dwight Howard.

Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Projected Starters: Wilson, A. Warren, Hill, Loughton, Crosswhite
Bench: Williams, George, Grabau, Dowdell, Rychart

Outlook: Last seasons runner-up, and they still have all three players that make up their greatest strength; one tough frontcourt. Reports are Wilson and Warren are downgrades at the import spots, but let's face it, they didn't exactly light up the scoreboard last year either. They will once again be stingy defensively which will allow them to be competitive, and continue to be hard to beat at home. Did they overachieve last year to make a grand final? Probably, and I think they'll struggle to achieve that again, but they are a very solid group and certainly finals contenders.

Offence: C+
Defence: A-
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Brad Hill (198-G/F-86). Looked sharp in pre-season, and on a team that lacks a bit of firepower he has shown he has the athleticism and scoring ability for a breakout year.

Wollongong Hawks

Projected Starters: R. Martin, Campbell, Saville, Catron, Davidson
Bench: Demos, D.Jackson, Coenraad, Forman, Gruber

Outlook: I liked this Hawks group initially, but its been a turbulent few weeks as they released an import and are still looking for a replacement and will be missing Matty Campbell for Round 1. They have added great depth to their frontcourt, and it will be competitive for minutes as Oscar Forman (205-F-82) looks set to be instant offence off the bench after an outstanding season as a starter. Reports of a 168cm import being looked at bewilder me however, as the continued development of Martin and ageing of stalwart Campbell would have me looking for a bigger sized combo guard. The jury is out on the Hawks. Saville stays healthy, import Catron delivers, big seasons from some developing players, maybe they can contend but I'd have them outside the finals as we speak.

Offence: B-
Defence: B+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Timothy Coenraad (200-G/F-85, college: Nova SE). A 6'7 do-it-all swingman, Saville and Campbell are battling on but age gets us all eventually, this season provides a huge opportunity for Coenraad.

Sydney Kings

Projected Starters: Bruce, Madgen, Ratzsch, Grant, Khazzouh
Bench: L. Martin, Cooper, Gynes, Bose, Dann, Iti

Outlook: When the Kings initially signed three point guards in Martin, Cooper and Bruce I had no idea what this franchise was doing. The signings since however have been outstanding and provide this group with great depth and every position and I believe the Kings have the ability to be finals contenders this season. Aaron Bruce (191-G-84) has had a superb pre-season and Kings fans will be hoping he can take that form into the regular season. Khazzouh will again be the anchor, but now has a standout next to him at the four in Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, college: Clemson), something they didn't have last season. Bose will be crucial off the bench, Dann will work tirelessly on the glass, Madgen is one of Australia's most promising guards, there's a lot to like about this group. They could have some weaknesses defensively, and I'm not ready to jump on the bandwagon yet because they're coming from a long way back, but there's potential to be a believer.

Offence: B+
Defence: C+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Aaron Bruce. He probably wasn't expected to be the starter, but their point guard spot still has the potential to be weak and he will need to continue his form to compete with some very talented opposition at the one.

Queen Latifah
Right now I look at these teams and say, 'They do nothing for me, I dont understand what they are or what they are doing.' Only the most starry-eyed optimists whose favourite movie is 'Just Wright' could see these teams contending this year..

Townsville Crocodiles

Projected Starters: Gill, Crawford, Mims, Holmes, Schenscher (out 6 weeks)
Bench: Norton, C. Cedar, M. Cedar, Blanchfield, Allen, G. Vanderjagt

Outlook: Bleak. Sorry Croc's fans, you have had a culture of success over most of the last decade, but its hard to be optimistic about this season. Hinder out for the year, the captain and heart and soul, a big loss to start with. Quality signing in Jacob Holmes (201-F-83), one of my favourite players with his outstanding work ethic, but he showed signs of being on the decline last season. Now Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) out for six weeks and being replaced by Vanderjagt, which in fairness, you could argue is like replacing Garnett with Scalabrine. Add in that neither import has shown any real class in pre-season, and Crocs fans better be hoping Crawford and Michael Cedar (195-G-86) are going to put on regular Gaze-like shooting displays for the Crocs to finish anywhere near finals contention.

Offence: B-
Defence: C
Overall: C+

X-Factor: Benjamin Allen (211-C-86, college: St.Mary's, CA). After a big senior year at St. Marys, Allen was a no show last season. With such debilitating injuries to the Crocs frontline, Allen has been provided the opportunity to step up and make a name for himself, can he deliver?

Adelaide 36ers

Projected Starters: C. Warren, Herbert, Weigh, Ballinger, Johnson
Bench: Crosswell, Daly, Ng, Creek, Helliwell

Outlook: Wooden spoon two years ago, narrowly avoided it last year, will struggle to avoid it again. This is the only team where signing Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah) makes sense and if they can pull it off they better hope the NBA never resumes if they are to compete. They've already lost an import before the season started and are in search of another, and their frontcourt seems to really lack depth. Helliwell? Really? Was it his stellar season last year that convinced you? Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) has shown great promise and could have a breakout year starting at the five, and Chris Warren (177-G-88, college: Mississippi) looks to be one of the more legit new imports. But in the last two seasons they have haemorrhaged points and don't appear to have made any moves to finally be able to guard anybody.

Offence: B-
Defence: C- (and thats only cos Im a nice teacher that doesnt fail anyone)
Overall: C

X-Factor: Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) will have a big year, I am going to gurantee it. Even if he does I still don't see it being enough, but if he can have the kind of year that sees him pushing for Boomers selection, maybe the sixers can somehow make the finals.

NBL Preview - by Duncan Matheson

Looking ahead to the NBL season just 3 days away, we take a look at each of the 9 teams and their prospects for the season. At this early stage, there appear to be three brackets of teams:

Emmanuelle Chriqui.. the LEGIT!!
They appear to be total class, they got the talent, theyre exciting to watch and would be even better to play with..

Perth Wildcats

Projected Starters: D.Martin, Lisch, Tovey, Redhage, Nevill
Bench: Robbins, Williamson, Hire, Wagstaff, Trueman, Knight

Outlook: The Wildcats are the NBLs most successful franchise, and missing the finals would be more out of place than the Pope at the playboy mansion. Champions two years ago, they took eventual champions New Zealand to the brink of elimination last year and return a healthy Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and have acquired star centre Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah). On paper, and if pre-season form is any indication at all, they are simply the cream of the class right now.

Offence: B+
Defence: A
Overall: A

X-Factor: Shawn Redhage. He is still the best scorer for this team and will be required to deliver in crunch time, as well as show the ability to play some 3 with such a big frontline.

Gold Coast Blaze

Projected Starters: Gibson, Harvey, English, Worthington, Hudson
Bench: Cadee, Goulding, Garlepp, Petrie, Hoare

Outlook: This team always look star-studded on paper, but have perhaps failed to deliver to expectations in previous years. Wortho was hampered by injury last year and looks set to have a dominant season, and with all the shots that will be going up from the perimeter import Will Hudson (205-F-89) looks a perfect fit for this group, racking up 10 offensive rebounds in a pre-season game. Defence is the question mark, but with some very good defensive players (Gibbo, Wortho, Hudson) if that mentality rubs off theres no reason they cant be solid defensively.

Offence: A
Defence: C+ (but with potential for major improvement)
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.). Surprising to pick their best player, and I could have picked two or three others, but when Wortho gets it going he is arguably the best player in the comp and could carry the Blaze to their first title.

New Zealand Breakers

Projected Starters: CJ Jackson, Bruton, Abercrombie, Vukona, Wilkinson
Bench: Corletto, Henry, Boucher, Anthony, Pledger

Outlook: Last years champions are still loaded with talent. It would be nave to not mention the loss of Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin), but the Breakers did possess a very good record last season even when they missed Penney. On top of that however, import guard Braswell is another big loss, and I believe Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) was set for a breakout year in the back-up two spot before his controversial release. Make no mistake they are still contenders, but will need big seasons from their youngsters.

Offence: A-
Defence: B-
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.). With no Penney, a man with NBA-level athleticism who many have said has the ability to take his game to a higher level, this is his chance.

Alyson Hannigan
Right now you look at them and say, 'Yeah, theyre ok. Maybe when they're fully done up I'd 'jump on-board', but right now they seem to lack class and be no more than slightly appealing.' Luckily for these teams, like Alyson Hannigan if they are prepared to do the dirty work they could get themselves to the top..

Melbourne Tigers

Projected Starters: Mills, Ubaka, Dorsey, Walker, Tragardh
Bench: Dillon, Lewis, Greer, Rush, Burston

Outlook: While many are sold on the Tigers, I am not. Mills is in yes, but his shooting in the Oceania series and NBL pre-season has been as accurate as Quade Coopers goal-kicking. (Australian Rugby reference, for all foreigners) Will Mills fit in? And how long will be at the Tigers? Can they rebound and have a defensive presence in the paint with that frontcourt? They have undergone a major off-season makeover, which certainly appears to be a positive one with talented recruits and a hard-nosed, successful coach in Trevor Gleeson (agency: Warren Sports International ), but I have strong doubts on their championship credentials.

Offence: A-
Defence: C+
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Matthew Burston (210-F/C-82). With only 3 legitimate bigs, an injury prone Burston better not only stay healthy, but be ready to rebound like Dwight Howard.

Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Projected Starters: Wilson, A. Warren, Hill, Loughton, Crosswhite
Bench: Williams, George, Grabau, Dowdell, Rychart

Outlook: Last seasons runner-up, and they still have all three players that make up their greatest strength; one tough frontcourt. Reports are Wilson and Warren are downgrades at the import spots, but lets face it, they didnt exactly light up the scoreboard last year either. They will once again be stingy defensively which will allow them to be competitive, and continue to be hard to beat at home. Did they overachieve last year to make a grand final? Probably, and I think theyll struggle to achieve that again, but they are a very solid group and certainly finals contenders.

Offence: C+
Defence: A-
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Brad Hill (198-G/F-86). Looked sharp in pre-season, and on a team that lacks a bit of firepower he has shown he has the athleticism and scoring ability for a breakout year.

Wollongong Hawks

Projected Starters: R. Martin, Campbell, Saville, Catron, Davidson
Bench: Demos, D.Jackson, Coenraad, Forman, Gruber

Outlook: I liked this Hawks group initially, but its been a turbulent few weeks as they released an import and are still looking for a replacement and will be missing Matty Campbell for Round 1. They have added great depth to their frontcourt, and it will be competitive for minutes as Oscar Forman (205-F-82) looks set to be instant offence of the bench after an outstanding season as a starter. Reports of a 168cm import being looked at bewilder me however, as the continued development of Martin and ageing of stalwart Campbell would have me looking for a bigger sized combo guard. The jury is out on the Hawks. Saville stays healthy, import Catron delivers, big seasons from some developing players, maybe they can contend but I'd have them outside the finals as we speak.

Offence: B-
Defence: B+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Timothy Coenraad (200-G/F-85, college: Nova SE). A 67 do-it-all swingman, Saville and Campbell are battling on but age gets us all eventually, this season provides a huge opportunity for Coenraad.

Sydney Kings

Projected Starters: Bruce, Madgen, Ratzsch, Grant, Khazzouh
Bench: L. Martin, Cooper, Gynes, Bose, Dann, Iti

Outlook: When the Kings initially signed three point guards in Martin, Cooper and Bruce I had no idea what this franchise was doing. The signings since however have been outstanding and provide this group with great depth and every position and I believe the Kings have the ability to be finals contenders this season. Aaron Bruce (191-G-84) has had a superb pre-season and Kings fans will be hoping he can take that form into the regular season. Khazzouh will again be the anchor, but now has a standout next to him at the four in Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, college: Clemson), something they didnt have last season. Bose will be crucial off the bench, Dann will work tirelessly on the glass, Madgen is one of Australias most promising guards, theres a lot to like about this group. They could have some weaknesses defensively, and Im not ready to jump on the bandwagon yet because they're coming from a long way back, but there's potential to be a believer.

Offence: B+
Defence: C+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Aaron Bruce. He probably wasnt expected to be the starter, but their point guard spot still has the potential to be weak and he will need to continue his form to compete with some very talented opposition at the one.

Queen Latifah
Right now I look at these teams and say, 'They do nothing for me, I dont understand what they are or what they are doing.' Only the most starry-eyed optimists whose favourite movie is 'Just Wright' could see these teams contending this year..

Townsville Crocodiles

Projected Starters: Gill, Crawford, Mims, Holmes, Schenscher (out 6 weeks)
Bench: Norton, C. Cedar, M. Cedar, Blanchfield, Allen, G. Vanderjagt

Outlook: Bleak. Sorry Croc's fans, you have had a culture of success over most of the last decade, but its hard to be optimistic about this season. Hinder out for the year, the captain and heart and soul, a big loss to start with. Quality signing in Jacob Holmes (201-F-83), one of my favourite players with his outstanding work ethic, but he showed signs of being on the decline last season. Now Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) out for six weeks and being replaced by Vanderjagt, which in fairness, you could argue is like replacing Garnett with Scalabrine. Add in that neither import has shown any real class in pre-season, and Crocs fans better be hoping Crawford and Michael Cedar (195-G-86) are going to put on regular Gaze-like shooting displays for the Crocs to finish anywhere near finals contention.

Offence: B-
Defence: C
Overall: C+

X-Factor: Benjamin Allen (211-C-86, college: St.Mary's, CA). After a big senior year at St. Marys, Allen was a no show last season. With such debilitating injuries to the Crocs frontline, Allen has been provided the opportunity to step up and make a name for himself, can he deliver?

Adelaide 36ers

Projected Starters: C. Warren, Herbert, Weigh, Ballinger, Johnson
Bench: Crosswell, Daly, Ng, Creek, Helliwell

Outlook: Wooden spoon two years ago, narrowly avoided it last year, will struggle to avoid it again. This is the only team where signing Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah) makes sense and if they can pull it off they better hope the NBA never resumes if they are to compete. They've already lost an import before the season started and are in search of another, and their frontcourt seems to really lack depth. Helliwell? Really? Was it his stellar season last year that convinced you? Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) has shown great promise and could have a breakout year starting at the five, and Chris Warren (177-G-88, college: Mississippi) looks to be one of the more legit new imports. But in the last two seasons they have haemorrhaged points and dont appear to have made any moves to finally be able to guard anybody.

Offence: B-
Defence: C- (and thats only cos Im a nice teacher that doesnt fail anyone)
Overall: C

X-Factor: Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) will have a big year, I am going to gurantee it. Even if he does I still dont see it being enough, but if he can have the kind of year that sees him elevated to Boomers competition, maybe the sixers can somehow make the finals.

Bogut to choose between Kings and Sixers - by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze have confirmed they are officially out of the running to sign Australian NBA superstar Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah), leaving just the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers in the hunt for his services for the 2011/12 iiNet NBL Championship season.

Gold Coast Blaze Chief Executive Paul Pamenter confirmed to the Gold Coast Bulletin that the Queensland club was no longer in the running to sign Bogut, who has indicated he wants to play in the NBL during the NBA lock-out.

''I can confirm that he won't be playing for the Gold Coast Blaze,'' Pamenter told the Bulletin on Monday afternoon.

Sydney are now firming as the favourites to sign Bogut after Adelaide Chief Executive Officer Leeanne Grantham told The Advertiser that the Milwaukee Bucks superstar was less likely to land in Adelaide than Sydney.

Were probably a longshot compared to Sydney but we've put our best foot forward,' Grantham said.

Meanwhile, Boguts agent Bruce Kaider has been working on securing the all-important insurance for his client in order to allow him to play in the NBL.

''We had a policy and we have now had our legal guys look at it, and we've had to go back with some feedback and just say there are a couple of clauses in here we are not happy with,'' Kaider told the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday night.

''We want them redrafted but, obviously, with time zones and weekends in Europe and America, we'll have to work through the night tonight to try and get this policy resolved if we can to ensure we are satisfied Andrew is protected to the level he needs to be. Once we get that resolved, then we can talk about specifics of where he's going.''

Kaider said Bogut knew where he wanted to play.

''He's made up his mind. He knows were he is going, Kaider said.

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

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

AUSTRIA

Atomeromu SE destroyed Arkadia Traiskirchen in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Atomeromu SE - Arkadia Traiskirchen 70:48

Atomeromu SE destroyed Arkadia Traiskirchen in the start of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Hungarian team celebrated 70:48 and almost booked a spot in the Regular Season.
The Hungarian team took the lead at the start of the game and reached 13-9 at the end of the frame. Wade reduced to 15:14, but then the team from Austrian failed in the game. The hosts needed 14-9 to take 27:18 at the halftime. Another 27-16 in the third quarter showed 54:34 after thirty minutes. Wade and Radosav Spasojevic (204-F/C-92) reduced to 54:38, while Lee Nailon (204-F/C-75, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: TCU) and Adam Toth (208-F/C-89, agency: FCM) closed an 8-0 run for 62:38. Atomeromu won the last period 16-14 and grabbed 22-point victory.
Lee Nailon top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) added 11. Adam Toth notched 10, while Wilson delivered 9. Pranas Skurdauskas (211-C-88, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 17 points in defeat and Radosav Spasojevic netted 12.

Atomeromu SE: Lee Nailon 12, Lorenzo Williams 11, Adam Toth 10, Wilson 9
Arkadia Traiskirchen: Pranas Skurdauskas 17, Radosav Spasojevic 12

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Bundesliga Standings

1. Gussing		1-0
2. Klosterneub.		1-0
3. Oberwart		1-0
4. UBSC Graz		1-0
5. Wels		1-0
6. St.Polten		0-0
7. Arkadia		0-1
8. BC Vienna		0-1
9. Furstenfeld		0-1
10. Gmunden		0-1
11. Kapfenberg		0-1

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

BAHRAIN

Malabes listed among Fiba Asia's 'best' - by Yousef Ahmed
BAHRAIN'S Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) was one of 10 players given an honourable mention for their performance in the recently concluded 26th Fiba Asia Championship, held in Wuhan, China.

Malabes finished the tournament as Bahrain's leading scorer in four games with an average of 14.5 points. That mark placed him ninth overall in points per game for the entire competition, ranking him amongst some of the continent's best players including Yi Jianlian (16.6) of China, Hamed Haddadi (15.4) of Iran and the tournament's leading scorer Marcus Douthit (21.9) of the Philippines.

To go along with his scoring, Malabes also finished ranked fourth overall in assists per game, leading the Bahrainis with an average of 4.0. Mario Wusyang of Indonesia topped that category with 6.4 assists per game, followed by Batumalay Guganeswaran (4.9) of Malaysia and Osama Daghles (4.6) of Jordan in third.

Despite Malabes's strong showing, Bahrain finished continental championship in 15th place amongst the 16 participating teams with just one win, claimed by default, in five games.

The other players listed for an honourable mention in the competition were Ibrahim Ahmad of the UAE, Hareesh Koroth of India, Eder Arjo Gorges of Syria, Samuel Hoskin of Lebanon, Wu Tai-Hao of Taiwan, Cho Sung-Min of South Korea, Wang Zhi Zhi of China, and Wuysang and Guganeswaran.

Source GDN
BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011

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

BALKAN LEAGUE

Levski lands Ronald Slay, Curtis Kelly joins Hapoel Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News
Ronald Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Tennessee) is new member of Levski. The American power forward spent last season with Cimberio Varese. He appeared 32 times in Italian SerieA averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals. He played for Varese also in 2009/10. Before that, Slay was a member of Caserta and Pesaro. He also has experience from Montegranaro, Huelva, Casale and Maccabi Givat Shmuel.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv found a replacement for Tracy Smith (203-F, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.), who was released after he had some off the court adjustment difficulties. The American forward Curtis Kelly (203-F-88, college: Kansas St.) signed his first professional deal, after spending the last five seasons playing basketball for UCONN and Kansas State in the NCAA. In his senior season Kelly had 10.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg. He appeared in 25 games.

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

BELARUS

"We are trying to earn" - by Timur Tolokh
'Minsk-2006', presented an update command, and is preparing to bring capital into the big basketball

What's new flagship occurred in Belarusian basketball during the offseason? Who replaces Korshuk, King, McKee and Sanders? What are the challenges facing the team, which on Tuesday will start at evroarene? Where are the matches, 'Minsk-2006' and on what club is going to earn? Answers to the most pressing issues was the correspondent Goals.by, visited the Metropolitan open training team.

Continuing preparations for launch in four tournaments, 'Minsk-2006' on Friday decided to introduce local journalists with the team, updated more than half. Acquaintance with the fans on Thursday, October 6, at the same address - in a gym club in the street of the Urals. Evrosezon begin to wards Krivonosa Andrew on Tuesday - make some noise in Evrochellendzhe, the third-largest tournament in Europe, 'the townspeople' this year are serious. Under the planned tasks and the related staff - the team invited the new legionnaires, prolonged the agreement with the Belarusian players signed contracts with prospective domestic basketball.

- The team is very diverse - says CEO Konstantin Shereverya club - and for the coaches is very important to create a uniform, battle-worthy team. How to tell the Americans: as a family.

- The current team is created with the thought of what we already know something and know how, - said the commander in chief 'citizens' Andriy Krivonos. - Those players who we have invited and left, have the necessary level of training that will enable us to defend its positions and to apply for something more.

Among the most significant losses of the team said Denis Korshuk, served on bread legionnaires, and one of the top pivot of the season in the League of VTB Shaun King. For foreigners staying in the 'Minsk' is a springboard to greater European clubs, so it was not their care. As for the Belarusians, then they are driven by the desire to have constant practice at a high level and financial stability. It is for this reason that talks with the leader of the national team by Paul Ulyanka deadlocked - forward rather 'citizens' Estonian 'Kalev'.

***

But at the pet Belarus Alexander Kudryavtsev public there was no reason why that would have prompted him to change club.

- Do not want to leave home, I like everything here. Even though the economic crisis club quietly chosen from their problems. I am pleased with last season, the level of VTB League. This year we want to go out more and Evrochellendzhe.

- What do you think about the team, which greatly refreshed?

- On the young guys can say that they are still 'raw', they have to work hard. Also, there are six foreign players. Interesting basketball, but with them we have not played too. The two arrived a couple of weeks ago, two more - a week earlier. But nature does not take them. Everyone understands that if you do not pass in Evrochellendzh, the calendar will be reduced to just 16 matches in the League of VTB. So are serious and believe in the best.

***

To replace the departed King, Sanders, McKee, Pistolevichu, Hall, Korshuk, Kul and Kuzmin 'Minsk-2006' has signed a four Americans, a Croat and a young Lithuanian. Renewed cooperation with the club, in addition to Kudryavtseva, Trostinetsky, Vergun, Lashkevich, Kozhenets and Charcot.

Of acquisitions may be noted Julius Hodge, with a record of which there are performances of 'Denver Nuggets' in the NBA.

- On arrival to Belarus did not know anything! - This was the most popular answer to the questions of Americans about our country.

'Google to help,' as they say - some of the newcomers acquainted with Belarus in this way. Of negative factors noted unusually cold weather.

In Friday's workout Andrew Krivonos could not count on all the basketball players - from the bench for the lessons observed the Croatian Vedran Nakich beginner, as well as coming up later Justin Hawkins.

- Today, something with a belly - explains the simple young Croat. - But the evening will be fine, I'm sure:).

- Then, while there is time, tell me what brings you in Belarus?

- I have always had a goal to get into a good club. 'Minsk-2006', which stands in the prestigious European tournament will give me the opportunity to make a move to a higher level. VTB League - very strong, is one of the best in Europe. I've heard about it. I hope, will represent Belarus at a decent level.

- What do you think about the country and city?

- Previously, not ever happen here, but have heard a lot about Belarus. I think that the lifestyle in your country, and Croatia is not very different. Do not feel far from home. While I do not have much free time, two workouts a day, so exploring the city, was not. In principle, I feel comfortable, but to assess the need to Minsk in it longer. The only problem is that the team selected a new, so do not have enough understanding ...

***

Opponent in Evrochellendzhe 'citizens' were not what Aby. Georgian 'Sohumi' seriously set in this year to play in the main draw tournament and be with Minsk dwellers did not intend to. In addition, according to rumors, the next round is much heavier purse Georgian basketball.

- The teams have 'small' difference in motivation - says Konstantin Shereverya. - Maybe it was a joke, but I know for a victory over the 'Minsk' players 'Sohumi' promised 200 thousand dollars. We, of course, all a bit different:).

- I know that the 'Sohumi' speaks five foreign players - shares his opinion about the rival Alexander Kudryavtsev. - With three knew personally, played against them in Ukraine. Squad headed by a good specialist Ainars Bagatskis. The team is interesting, so games are coming tense. But I do not think it will be something supernatural.

Belarusian fans still remember the unfortunate loss to Belgian 'Antwerp' on the same stage of last year's rally. Then Andrew Krivonos fiasco explained the lack of time to prepare.

- This time it was more - said Andrei V.. - I think by the fourth number, we'll be ready if not completely, but about 80 percent - exactly. Watched the game 'Sohumi' with UNICS and 'Dnepr'. Little information, but it is.

The first official match of the season, 'citizens' conduct in Georgia, where they can get under the strongest psychological Press.

- If the atmosphere that usually prevails at matches in Tbilisi, the boys not to be envied - shares his experience Shereverya Constantine. - On the room you enter, as in the cell, around which sit the hungry tigers.

October 11 return match will take the 'Minsk-Arena', but in the event of 'capital' in the next round of matches will be held in Evrochellendzha Palace of Sports - rental complex costs money.

***

The main competition for the sake of which started all the fuss is certainly a start in the League of VTB.

All home matches, 'Minsk' will take the main arena of the country, as well as national TV shows. Perhaps in the air. In addition, the entrance to the game will now be paid Minsk even for school children, although the price of tickets for the youngest basketball fans will be symbolic - 2000 rubles. Proceeds from the sale Kvitka - now one of the main ways of earning money 'residents.' The second article - the release of souvenir items, which, however, has not adjusted.

- The budget was less than last year and now we do a great job of attracting sponsors - says Konstantin Shereverya. - I heard about the meeting on government support. It's actually a huge problem. We are starting to take some attempt to earn - tickets, souvenirs, advertising, private complex, which is still being completed but thereafter will provide paid services.

Until 2014 the club was supposed to go to 50 percent payback. I believe that without the dating will make it daunting, but we try. Anatoly friends with the Cape, a lot of communicating. But the League - this is a separate state. It lives by its own laws and they have their great opportunity to support the clubs, especially at the initial stage. In basketball, as long as there is no such possibility. To have some dividends, you must create a team that could act at the level of the Euroleague finals, or at least European cup. And under such tasks need appropriate finance.

***

With the new season has expanded in 'Minsk' and headquarters staff. From this year to work with the youth teams have been involved Aleksandr Borisov, Mikhail Feiman.

- Agreeing to work with young people, these people deserve the greatest respect! - Notes Shereverya.

In starting October 21 Championship in Belarus 'citizens' will be represented by two teams. Basis, as before, no purpose other than victory itself does not set. The 'Minsk-2006' -2 more mundane tasks - break in youth and to provide it with match practice. To this end, second team were invited young vitalyurovtsy, which will train Mikhail Feiman.

- I feel fine! - Says Mikhail A.. - I did and had previously worked in children's sports school, but now she has a different status - this club. My main load - basketball players in 1996, recently won the tournament with Ming Edeshko. Besides working with the second team and a little help first. Interestingly, the guys are good.

- One can not ask you about the team. How to evaluate its performance?

- By a result of good - won three games. But many teams this summer has raised other problems. Let's say the Swedes came in significantly new line-up, Azerbaijan, without Davis - a completely different team. A good victory was gained over the Albanians, which traditionally awkward to play at a party. As for the Romanians, they were taken to the people at the university, and for them it's great. This is the future, which we, unfortunately, is not visible. The team we are no longer young. Won - it was good. Only the first game of disappointment - the Swedes were supposed to beat. But somewhere something went wrong, somewhere, may be underestimated. Not bad played the young - have pleased Meshcheryakov, Korzh.

- You say that the team is not young. Prospects do not see it?

- If I say that I see it, the hype. Difficult. We have a good centerline, Parahovsky, there are young guys. But those who will replace the veterans a year or two, you need to play softly now. Before the start of the season in 'Minsk-2006' came the good guys. They - the future, you need to fend them to the ground, let's play. Because our league is difficult to grow into good players.

***

It's no secret that, like hockey Minsk 'Dynamo', the capital of the basketball club during the season will hear a lot of blame in his address. Like, again took up the legionaries, and the move of young people do not give. But it is worth noting that foreigners traveling to the capital's command to wage a disproportionately smaller than in ice hockey 'Dynamo'. Constantine Shereverya to invite foreign players do not see any mortal sin, nor a barrier to the growth of young Belarusians:

- I well remember when we first came to the Americans. OMON then had to block the entrance to our room to avoid the crush. Americans now become familiar, and the press is increasingly heard questions about whether we need to legionnaires or make a bet on their own. Throughout the world, the answer to this question has long been given. The class of play that show visitors the players, pulls our youngsters. It attracts visitors in large-scale competition, some interesting matches. Full of examples: Holden CSKA Moscow or Lithuanian Jonas Kazlauskas, who has always been an opponent of Russia's total, and now trains the Moscow team. In hockey, 'Dinamo' do we need to learn the main point: to attract fans to the stands. I have a dream that one day near the 'Minsk-Arena' started asking extra ticket to basketball

The star-packed Sokhumi won the opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Sokhumi- BC 'Minsk-2006' 94:78

More than 3400 spectators came to support local Sokhumi in Tbilisi in the opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Georgian side overcame BC 'Minsk-2006' 94:78 and have good chances to advance to the Regular Season.
The star-packed Sokhumi started well and reached 28-24 in the end of the first period. Pierre Pierce (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Iowa) scored for 30:24 and Parghalava made two free throws for 37:27. Sokhumi dominated the second frame and Frank Robinson (193-G-84, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) closed the half at 54:40. Minsk played better in the third quarter and after 21-17 reduced to 10 points. The hosts however were too good for them. Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford) increased to 85:65 and Frank Robinson brought 92:75. The latter also closed the game from the free throw line.
Frank Robinson paced all the winners with 27 points and Marc Salyers notched 19. Sergo Atuashvili (223-C-85) scored 18, while Pierre Pierce and Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) added 10 apiece. Justin Hawkins (201-F-85, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Mexico St.) delivered 18 points for the team from Belarus that will host the opponents on October 11th. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) posted 14 and Justin Knox (205-F, college: N.Carolina) added 13.

Sokhumi: Frank Robinson 27, Marc Salyers 19, Sergo Atuashvili 18, Pierre Pierce 10+11 rebs, Brandon Gay 10
BC 'Minsk-2006': Justin Hawkins 18, Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 14, Justin Knox 13

Minsk-2006 signed 2 players - by Timur Tolokh
BK Minsk-2006 signed DeVon Hardin (211-C-86) last season he payed in Gaziantepspor (Turkey) and scored 7 games: 11.7ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 57.1%
also Devon was drafted by Seattle Supersonics (NBA,2rd (50)) in 2008.His Career:
2003-2004: Newark, CA/Memorial HS: Averaged 12.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.4 blocks
2004-2005: California (NCAA): 29 games: 4.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 3ast
2005-2006: California (NCAA): 31 games: 7.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.5bpg, FG: 49.7%, FT: 62.5%
2006-2007: California (NCAA): 12 games: 10.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 47.8%, FT: 81.8%
2007: NBA Draft candidate
2007-2008: California (NCAA): 30 games: 9.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 55.4%, FT: 63.6%
2008 June: Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) pre-draft workouts
2008: drafted by Seattle Supersonics (NBA,2rd (50))
2008-2009: Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL), left before the season started, in Jan.'09 moved to ESTIA Egaleo (Greece-A1, starting five): 11 games: 6.3ppg, 6.3rpg, Blocks-1 (1.5bpg), FGP: 45.9%, FT: 48.1%
2009 July: NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2009 July: Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2009: Henan Jiyuan (China-NBL, starting five)
2009-2010: In Dec.'09 signed at Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five), got injured in Dec.'09: 44 games: 5.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 49.2%, FT: 64.3%
2010 July: NBA Summer League in Orlando (Philadelphia 76ers)
2010-2011: Elitzur Yavne (Israel-National League): 17 games: 14.8ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP-2 (66.7%), FT: 62.5%; in Mar.'11 moved to Gaziantepspor (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 7 games: 11.7ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 57.1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards/Achievements:
HS team All-ANG Newspapers and All-Bay Area from the San Francisco Chronicle -04
Pac-10 Tournament Finalist -06
All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention -06
Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals -07
D-League Finalist -10

And young belorussian talent Aliaksandr Semianiuk (205-F-93)for 3-years contract.He was Born: Sep.14, 1993 in Gomel (BLR)
caree:
European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo 7 games: 6.9ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 48.8%, FT: 61.5%
also he has spent last season in Vitalyur-RGUOR Minsk and scored: 34 games: 11ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7apg, 0.0spg, 1.0bpg

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

BELGIUM

BULGARIA

Tundja Yambol fails against Ivan Lilov's Olin Edrine - by Eurobasket News
Olin Edirne - Yambol 70-51

Tundja Yambol and Olin Edrine met in a friendly game this past weekend. The Turkish team was much better celebrating 70-51 win. Bulgarian player Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) is a member of Olin Edrine. Ogun Sevinc (198-F/G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) and Polat Kocaoglu (205-C/F-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) led the winners with 11 and 10 points respectively. Lilov stopped to 3 points in this meeting. On the other side, Tundja Yambol got 17 points from Stanislav Govedarov (185-G-80) and John Ofoegbu (206-C-84, college: Idaho St.). Nobody else had more than 3 pts in this defeat. Olin Odrine took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. They made 23-14 lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to 36-24 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Olin Edrine still dominated. They were 54-37 up with one quarter to go and all after that was just the formality.

Olin Edirne (70): Mahir Bayrak, Levent Yavuz (2), Chris Wright (7), Ogun Sevinc (11), Mustafa Abi (3), Ivan Lilov (3), Erhan Yetim (6), Vladimir Stimac (7), Ugur Can Aksoy (2), Wes Wilkinson (2), Polat Kocaoglu (10), Frat Toz (4), Davud Kamer (2)
Yambol (51): Nikolay Georgiev (1), Evgeni Ivanov, Yulian Radionov (3), Stoyo Cholakov (1), Ivan Marchev (3), Ivan Tenev (2), Stanislav Govedarov (17), Mark Yovchev, Cvetan Revanski, Zlatko Gocevski (3), Martin Durchev (2), John Ofoegbu (17), Stoyan Petkov (2)

Levski signed Ronald Slay - by Christomir Rackov
Levski Sofia signed a new player. That's American Ronald Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Tennessee) who will be joining The Blues for the upcoming season.

Slay will arrive soon in Sofia to join the preparation of the team. During his career he played in Turkey, Greece, Israel and most recently in Italy for Cimberio Varese.

Levski is still looking for one more player at the center position to complete the roster. The next friendly game for the team is this upcoming Friday against Rilski Sportist.

Spartak Pleven signs two players - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Pleven announced signing of Borislav Genkov (203-C-87) and Georgi Stankov (197-F/C-92) for the upcoming season.
Borislav Genkov heads to Spartak from the Spanish team C.A.B.A, where he spent 2010/11. They competed in Spanish lower division. A year ago Genkov was a member of Sliven, which played in Division A at that time. He already played for Spartak few years in the past. In 2007 and 2008 they reached Bulgarian league Semifinals together. Genkov was a member of the Bulgarian U18 and U16 NT in the past. He will helped Spartak at position five.
Georgi Stankov played for Vidabasket last season. He had 6.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 14 Division A games. He also played for Lukoil Akademik juniors.

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

CANADA

Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame Inductees - by Eurobasket News
The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame announced the 2011 Inductee Class that will be officially inducted on Saturday, October 8th. The one team, four athletes, and two builders will be enshrined this year.

Two-time World Champion and five-time Canadian Curling Championship team consisting of Colleen Jones, Nancy Delahunt, Mary Anne Arsenault and Kim Kelly lead the class. The four athletes announced include ten-year NHL defenseman Cam Russell, Olympic paddler Mike Scarola, ten-year basketball National Team Member William Njoku (207-F-72, college: St.Mary's, CA), and one of Acadia universities all-time leading scorers Steve Pound.

The two builders are both long time advocates of their sport. Hubert Earle was an international boxing official that was instrumental in making boxing and mixed martial arts safer for its participants. Carolyn Savoy has the most wins in CIS history (858) as coach of the Dalhousie Womens Basketball team.

Builders

Hubert Earle
Hubert was and still is a world class boxing official that was respected for his fairness and impartial officiating. Career highlighted by being the first Canadian referee to be appointed by the New York State Athletic Commission to referee a main bout in Madison Square Garden. This was a world title fight between two future boxing Halls of Famers, Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe. Hubert held many volunteer positions provincially, nationally and internationally. He has been instrumental in developing policy to make both boxing and mixed martial arts safer for its participants.

Carolyn Savoy
A pioneer in the sport of basketball who holds the record for the most wins in CIS history (858) over a 32 year period coaching the Dalhousie Womens Basketball team. With 11 League AUS Championships, she once had a winning streak of 49 AUS League games. With a level four coaching certification, her contribution to the sport of basketball has transcended just coaching with much involvement at the executive level both provincially and nationally. A mentor to many, she has published much in the area of sports psychology, coaching, and athletic performance.

Athlete/Team

Cam Russell
There are very few Nova Scotians that have played more than 10 seasons in the NHL, and Cam is one of them. A rugged defenseman, he played in 440 NHL games (396 regular season and 44 playoff games) once going to the Stanley Cup final with the Chicago Blackhawks (he played 10 seasons with them).
Cam was a tremendous junior player and all-star with the Gatineau Olympics of the Quebec league.

Michael Scarola
In the words of a former teammate Mike was the hardest working paddler in Canada. Mostly known for competing in the gruelling C-2 1000 metre, Mike and his teammate Richard Dalton were ranked the best in Canada. Mike competed in 5 Canoe Sprint World Championships winning bronze in 2002. He represented Canada at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and is the winner of a staggering 19 National Senior Championships.

William Njoku
One of very few Canadians drafted by the NBA, he did it while playing for Saint Marys in his hometown of Halifax. Will was a second round draft pick of the NBAs Indiana Pacers. A member of the Canadian National Team for ten years, he played in two FIBA World Championships. As a member of the St. Marys Huskies he was their second all-time leading scorer.

He was a two time All-Canadian and AUS All-Star and League MVP. He was one of the only AUAA players to win the Mike Mosher Award as the one of the countrys most outstanding players. Will also played 10 years of professional basketball in Europe and the United States.

Steve Pound
At 59 no one would have expected Steve to become one of Acadia universities all-time leading scorers (over 2000 points when it was four year eligibility). One of the all-time great shooters, before the three point line was introduced. A two-time AUAA League scoring champion he led the CIS in scoring in 1970. In 1971, he led the Axemen to a National Championship. A tireless leader the three-time co-captain is mentioned in the same breath as many of the greats in Atlantic University history.

Colleen Jones Curling Team 1999-2006
The team of Colleen Jones, Nancy Delahunt, Mary Anne Arsenault and Kim Kelly dominated the world of curling winning five Canadian Championships (Four in a row) and two World Championships over a six year period. (They also won a silver medal at the World Championships over this time). The most successful team in Nova Scotia history, they redefined excellence both nationally and internationally.

Coaches for the team were Hall of Famer Peter Corkum (1999-2001) and Ken Bagnell (2001-2005). Alternates were Laine Peters (1999-2003) and Mary Sue Radford (2004-2006).

CBC-TV Charlottetown news anchor and CBC sports broadcaster, Bruce Rainie, will be the master of ceremonies of the Induction Awards Night. The Induction Awards is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.

Courtesy of www.nsshf.com

National Basketball League of Canada issues statement - by Eurobasket News
In response to this morning's postponement of the National Basketball League of Canada's commissioner announcement, President & CEO Andre Levingston has issued the following statement:

'Last month, the National Basketball League of Canada made an agreement in principal with the candidate being considered for the position of the league's commissioner. While both parties were extremely encouraged by the opportunity, unforeseen circumstances within the agreement arose at the eleventh hour that would have put the league in an uncompromising financial position.

At this time, the NBL Canada feels it is not in the league's best interest to move forward. We are confident that we have taken the necessary steps to protect the league and its owners. We remain in good standing with the former candidate, and are optimistic and committed to finding the best possible suitor for this position.'

Courtesy of NBL

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

CENTRAL AFRICA

CHILE

Club Deportes Las Animas Still Finding Their Way In Opening Rounds of Liga Nacional - by Surujh Roopnarine
On Friday night Club Deportes Las Animas welcomed their second American import to the fold, as Kevin Green (198-F-84, college: Martin Methodist), a 6-6 forward out of Martin Methodist (NAIA) joined the club in time for their contest against Club Deportes Valdivia. Unfortunately the club could not put all of the pieces together, falling 94-89, their second-consecutive loss to begin the season. Valdivia and Las Animas kept it close throughout the first quarter, with Valdivia just up four at 42-38 after 20 minutes. However Valdivia stretched the lead to 16 in the fourth quarter before Las Animas, behind Kevin green, roared buck, but it was too little, too late. Calvin Clemmons led all scorers with 32 points for Valdivia, while Kevin Green notched 27 points in his Las Animas debut.
LAS ANIMAS (89): Kevin Green (27pts), Ramiro Vera (18pts), Sanni Ojibara (15pts), Miguel Gutierrez (14pts), Johnny Gomez (5pts), Jorge Perez (4pts), Andres Vera (4pts), Carlos Zuniga (4pts)
VALDIVIA (94): Calvin Clemmons (32pts), Jamar Nutter (20pts), Angel Labrin (12pts), Rodrigo Munoz (11pts), Felipe Ziegel (8pts), Andres Soto (6pts), Claus Prutzmann (5pts)

Then on Sunday night, Las Animas met up with Osorno Basquetbol and this time fell 62-80. An obviously hobbled Sanni Ojibara was limited to just two-points and the team suffered an overall off-night offensively. At 0-3 on the young season this club will need a good week of practice and time to recover as they get their bearings in the South Division. Michael Cox and Lawrence Tyson were unstoppable for Osorno, combining for 54 points.
LAS ANIMAS (62): Kevin Green (14pts), Ramiro Vera (14pts), Johnny Gomez (8pts), Jorge Perez (5pts), Arriagada (4pts), Sanni Ojibara (2pts), Miguel Gutierrez (2pts)
OSORNO (80): Lawrence Tyson (30pts), Michael Cox (24pts), Patricio Oyarzo (8pts), George Holt (3pts), Renato Vera (2pts)), Rodrigo Munoz (11pts), Felipe Ziegel (8pts), Andres Soto (6pts), Claus Prutzmann (5pts)

Basketball Report: Liga Movistar or else... - by Rodrigo Hunrichse
By Rod 'Alley'Gator' Hunrichse, 20111004.

Second Semester basketball in 2011 was uncertain. The Federation backed 'Copa Chile', as well as the relatively succesful Ligas Nacional (Movistar and B) sank the remaining of DIMAYOR after its split in 2009.

The surfacing of new teams attracted by the only curent leagues seemed the stabilizationn of basketball, specially after the organization of the Under-19 World Championship of Women in Puerto Montt-Puerto Varas this July 2011.

But the distrust continued and, after several delays, this 2011 Liga 'movistar' set its rules and the 'Big 4' clubs declined to continue, just like when the succeded from DIMAYOR after 2009.

The Big 4 (CD Liceo Mixto de Los Andes, CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago, Deportivo Espanol de Talca and CD Universidad de Concepcion-UDECONCE) played same weekend a mini-tournament:

Deportivo Espanol de Talca 67-90 CD Liceo Mixto de Los Andes
CD Universidad de Concepcion 82-45 CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago

Deportivo Espanol de Talca 63-69 CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago
CD Universidad de Concepcion 73-83 CD Liceo Mixto de Los Andes

They pretend to play more mini-tournaments and re-live DIMAYOR with televised games.

Division? Yes. Freeze? They declared not. Cited a need for a serious league, since the current demands to present one under-18 well on the court, and also gives away USD$5000 for 2 foreign players on the roster.

So currently this is what we have:

Liga Nacional 'movistar' is underway

Due to the Nationwide blackout, some games were postponed, resumed or reprogrammed.

First weekend results (adults only):
Saturday, September 24

Aleman Concepcion 73 62 Pucon
Deportivo Valdivia 78 87 Castro
Osorno 89 65 Ancud
Sabuesos 59 50 San Juan
S.Italiana 84 45 C.Palestino

Sunday, September 25
Aleman Concepcion 84 66 Animas
Temuco 60 64 Pucon
Deportivo Valdivia 75 70 Ancud
Osorno 51 63 Castro
C.Palestino 70 93 Los Leones
Deportivo Puente Alto Santiago 74 64 Providencia
Boston 82 63 S.Italiano
S.Corazones 68 38 Sabuesos
San Juan 63 55 S.Italiana

Some games are available delayed on CDO Premium, and some midnights free on telecanal.

To steam up the controversy, more than a hundred people protested same Sunday in front of the former Gymnasium 'Nataniel' (on Nataniel street, blocks away from La Moneda) demanding transparency on the sale of the building.

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

COLOMBIA

FEDERATION CUP 2011, DAY 11 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Orgullo Paisa, now complete with its imports, defeated the San Andres Caribbean Heat in Medellin, the Orgullo pais is getting ready to tavel to Sao Paulo to play in the Group A of the Southamerican League, the Islander had a good performance in the first three quarters, keeping the game close, but in the last quarter the experience of the Champions took control of the game and got a 13 points lead to win.
Orgullo Paisa 91
Caribbean Heat 78

Bucaros had to make a good effort to defeat the Indervalle team in Cali, Indervalle had their three imports on the court, Ryan Lancaster, Camontae Griffin and Warren Christian, the team lost Kyle Jeffers due to injury and miss him in the game, Bucaros is still trying to find the consistence to be a challenger.
Indervalle 80
Bucaros 85

Cucuta Norte played its best game of the season and defeated the surprising Patriotas 96 81, the black and red team sealed the victory in the first quarter getting a 18 points lead, in the last quarter Cucutas coach Fernando Caballero sent the bench players to the court and them did it well keeping the game save, Windy Graterol leaded Cucuta with 23 pts.
Cucuta Norte 96 W. Graterol 23 pts.
Patriotas 81

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

CROATIA

Cedevita advanced to the EuroCup Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita- Elan Chalon 84:69

Cedevita advanced to the Regular Season of EuroCup after the confident victory at home over Elan Chalon. The Croatian side celebrated 84:69 and had 157 147 total win after two games.
Cedevita opened the game with 20-16 but could not keep the lead. Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) made it 28:27 for the guests, while Smodis scored for 38:28. Evtimov later tied the game at 44:44 and Blake Schilb gave again the French side 48:47 lead. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) nailed three to close the quarter at 58:54 and the hosts needed another two points to advance. They even erupted with 26-15 and sealed the necessary victory.
Dontaye Draper poured in 18 points and Marino Bazdaric (197-G/F-78) scored 12. Levour Warren (196-F-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina) and Marko Car (188-G/F-85) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Blake Schilb ended up with 21 points in the losing effort, while Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) and Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) posted 10 apiece.

Cedevita: Dontaye Draper 18, Marino Bazdaric 12, Levour Warren 11, Marko Car 11
Elan Chalon: Blake Schilb 21, Alade Aminu 10, Malcolm Delaney 10

Zadar fails in last pre-season check - by Eurobasket News
Zadar - Jazine 84-87

Zadar failed in its last check before the start of the new season. Jazine grabbed 84-87 victory in this friendly. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83, agency: Court Side) stepped up for Jazine scoring 25 points. Pankracije Barac (196-G-81) also was great adding three points less. In Zadar, Ante Delas (201-G/F-88) shined with 31 points. Their second scorer was Franko Sango (201-F/C-92) with 17 points. Everything looked good for Zadar until the last quarter. They made 25-19 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 25-22 for rest of the first half. Q3 belonged to Zadar as well (19-14) and they were on the right track to victory. However, Sime Spralja and his teammates exploded when it mattered most. The made impressive 15-32 in the last ten minutes, what was enough for 3-point win at the end.

Zadar: Smolic, Ante Delas 31, Batur 1, Brnas 1, Ramljak, Radic 9, Franko Sango 17, Olivari 5, Ivanov 9, Toncinic 7, Kastropil 2, Vlaic 2
Jazine: Pelczmann, Hoti 6, Kastropil, Perincic 10, Andjelic 6, Ljubicic 9, Pankracije Barac 22, Sime Spralja 25, Bazdaric 2, Ercegovic 7, Skara

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

CYPRUS

NBA Lockout - by Nima Siar
With the looming NBA lockout approaching, many players are getting signing with teams throughout Europe. Most teams are allowing these player to return to their respective NBA teams if the lockout ends however in China, for example, many big name players have signed but the Chinese basketball governing body is not allowing 'opt-out' contracts so players can return to the NBA. Check out the list of some of the NBA players who have signed internationall and the teams which they will be suiting up for this season:

LaVoy Allen
Philadelphia
Strasbourg (France)

David Andersen
New Orleans
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Hilton Armstrong
Atlanta
ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)

Leandro Barbosa
Toronto
Flamengo (Brazil)

Nicolas Batum
Portland
Nancy (France)

Keith Benson
Atlanta
Dinamo Sassari (Italy)

DeJuan Blair
San Antonio
Samara (Russia)

Craig Brackins
Philadelphia
Maccabi Ashdod (Israel)

Wilson Chandler
Denver
Zhejiang Guangsha (China)

Austin Daye
Detroit
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Boris Diaw
Charlotte
JSA Bordeaux (France)

Jon Diebler
Portland
Panionios (Greece)

Joey Dorsey
Toronto
Baskonia (Spain)

Chris Douglas-Roberts
Milwaukee
Virtus Bologna (Italy)

Semih Erden
Cleveland
Besiktas (Turkey)

Rudy Fernandez
Dallas
Real Madrid (Spain)

Jordan Farmar
New Jersey
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)

Dan Gadzuric
New Jersey
Jiangsu (China)

Sundiata Gaines
New Jersey
Armia (Georgia)

Danilo Gallinari
Denver
Olimpia Milano (Italy)

Alonzo Gee
Cleveland
Prokom Trefl Sopot (Poland)

Danny Green
San Antonio
Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Justin Harper
Orlando
Strasbourg (France)

Pooh Jeter
Sacramento
Joventut Badalona (Spain)

Ersan Ilyasova
Milwaukee
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Andrei Kirilenko
Utah
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Nenad Krstic
Boston
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Acie Law
Golden State
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Gani Lawal
Phoenix
Zastal (Poland)

Ty Lawson
Denver
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Jon Leuer
Milwaukee
Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany)

Kenyon Martin
Denver
Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China)

Patrick Mills
Portland
Melbourne Tigers (Australia)

E'Twaun Moore
Boston
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Timofey Mozgov
Denver
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

BJ Mullens
Oklahoma City
Panionios (Greece)

Mehmet Okur
Utah
Turk Telekom (Turkey)

Chandler Parsons
Houston
Cholet (France)

Nikola Pekovic
Minnesota
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Josh Powell
Atlanta
Liaoning Panpan (China)

Chris Quinn
San Antonio
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Brian Scalabrine
Chicago
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Kevin Seraphin
Washington
Caja Laboral (Spain)

Mustafa Shakur
Washington
Pau Orthez (France)

Kyle Singler
Detroit
Lucentum Alicante (Spain)

JR Smith
Denver
Zhejiang Lions (China)

Darius Songaila
Philadelphia
Galatasaray (Turkey)

DaJuan Summers
Detroit
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Pape Sy
Atlanta
Gravelines (France)

Garrett Temple
Charlotte
Casale (Italy)

Ben Uzoh
New Jersey
Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)

Robert Vaden
Oklahoma City
BK Nitra (Slovakia)

Nikola Vucevic
Philadelphia
Buducnost (Montenegro)

Sasha Vujacic
New Jersey
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Von Wafer
Boston
Cremona (Italy)

Sonny Weems
Toronto
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Mario West
New Jersey
Tezenis Verona (Italy)

Deron Williams
New Jersey
Besiktas (Turkey)

Reggie Williams
Golden State
Caja Laboral (Spain)

NBA Lockout - Transfer Update - by Nima Siar
With the looming NBA lockout approaching, many players are signing with teams throughout Europe. Most teams are allowing these players to return to their respective NBA teams if the lockout ends however in China, for example, many big name players have signed but the Chinese basketball governing body is not allowing 'opt-out' contracts so players can return to the NBA. Check out the list of some of the NBA players who have signed internationally and the teams which they will be suiting up for this season:

LaVoy Allen
Philadelphia
Strasbourg (France)

David Andersen
New Orleans
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Hilton Armstrong
Atlanta
ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)

Leandro Barbosa
Toronto
Flamengo (Brazil)

Nicolas Batum
Portland
Nancy (France)

Keith Benson
Atlanta
Dinamo Sassari (Italy)

DeJuan Blair
San Antonio
Samara (Russia)

Craig Brackins
Philadelphia
Maccabi Ashdod (Israel)

Wilson Chandler
Denver
Zhejiang Guangsha (China)

Austin Daye
Detroit
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Boris Diaw
Charlotte
JSA Bordeaux (France)

Jon Diebler (198-G-88, college: Ohio St.)
Portland
Panionios (Greece)

Joey Dorsey
Toronto
Baskonia (Spain)

Chris Douglas-Roberts
Milwaukee
Virtus Bologna (Italy)

Semih Erden
Cleveland
Besiktas (Turkey)

Rudy Fernandez
Dallas
Real Madrid (Spain)

Jordan Farmar
New Jersey
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)

Dan Gadzuric
New Jersey
Jiangsu (China)

Sundiata Gaines
New Jersey
Armia (Georgia)

Danilo Gallinari
Denver
Olimpia Milano (Italy)

Alonzo Gee
Cleveland
Prokom Trefl Sopot (Poland)

Danny Green
San Antonio
Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Justin Harper
Orlando
Strasbourg (France)

Pooh Jeter
Sacramento
Joventut Badalona (Spain)

Ersan Ilyasova
Milwaukee
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Andrei Kirilenko
Utah
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Nenad Krstic
Boston
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Acie Law
Golden State
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Gani Lawal
Phoenix
Zastal (Poland)

Ty Lawson
Denver
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Jon Leuer
Milwaukee
Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany)

Kenyon Martin
Denver
Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China)

Patrick Mills
Portland
Melbourne Tigers (Australia)

E'Twaun Moore
Boston
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Timofey Mozgov
Denver
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Byron Mullens (213-C-89, college: Ohio St.)
Oklahoma City
Panionios (Greece)

Mehmet Okur
Utah
Turk Telekom (Turkey)

Chandler Parsons
Houston
Cholet (France)

Nikola Pekovic
Minnesota
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Josh Powell
Atlanta
Liaoning Panpan (China)

Chris Quinn
San Antonio
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Brian Scalabrine
Chicago
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Kevin Seraphin
Washington
Caja Laboral (Spain)

Mustafa Shakur
Washington
Pau Orthez (France)

Kyle Singler
Detroit
Lucentum Alicante (Spain)

JR Smith
Denver
Zhejiang Lions (China)

Darius Songaila
Philadelphia
Galatasaray (Turkey)

DaJuan Summers
Detroit
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Pape Sy
Atlanta
Gravelines (France)

Garrett Temple
Charlotte
Casale (Italy)

Ben Uzoh
New Jersey
Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)

Robert Vaden
Oklahoma City
BK Nitra (Slovakia)

Nikola Vucevic
Philadelphia
Buducnost (Montenegro)

Sasha Vujacic
New Jersey
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Von Wafer
Boston
Cremona (Italy)

Sonny Weems
Toronto
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Mario West
New Jersey
Tezenis Verona (Italy)

Deron Williams
New Jersey
Besiktas (Turkey)

Reggie Williams
Golden State
Caja Laboral (Spain)

Spartak St. Petersburg will play in EuroCup Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St. Petersburg -Etha 83:64

Spartak St. Petersburg will play in EuroCup Regular Season. The Russian team proved it once more time over Etha to beat them at home 83:64. It gave them 143 123 total win.
After the minimum victory in the first leg, Spartak started with 24-21 after the first period. Mavrokefalidis brought 28:21 and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) delivered two for 35:29. Valery Likhodey (204-F-86) nailed three for 47:35, while Patrick Okafor (203-F-79, college: Houston) closed the half at 49:36.
The third quarter was decisive in the game and gave the Russian team 21-12. It totaled to 70:48 and it was clear about the winner at that time. Etha meanwhile won the last period 16-13 but lost the game by 19 points.
Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) stepped up with 26 points for the winners and Valery Likhodey posted 15. Yotam Halperin followed them with 14 points and Mavrokefalidis netted 10. Patrick Okafor delivered 15 points in defeat, while Thomas Massamba (185-G-85, agency: Lanshire Group) chipped in 11.

Spartak St. Petersburg: Patrick Beverley 26, Valery Likhodey 15, Yotam Halperin 14, Mavrokefalidis 10
Etha: Patrick Okafor 15, Thomas Massamba 11

Schedule of games 2011-2012 - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Cyprus Basketball Federation has recently announced the schedule of new years championship.

Every team is allowed to use 3 Americans and an unlimited number of Bosman players.

The championship kicks-off on the 14th of October with AEL and ETHA battling for the Super-Cup.

The new championship looks very promising as most teams have improved their rosters. AEL, Enad, Apollon, AEK, Etha, Achilleas, Keravnos, Apoel and Omonoia have all added a lot on their rosters and promise thrilled moments.

GAME 1
ACHILLEAS - OMONOIA
APOEL - ENAD
ETHA - AEK
KERAVNOS - APOLLON

GAME 2
AEL - ACHILLEAS
AEK - KERAVNOS
ENAD ETHA
OMONOIA - APOEL

GAME 3
APOEL - AEL
ETHA OMONOIA
KERAVNOS - ENAD
APOLLON - AEK

GAME 4
AEL - ETHA
ACHILLEAS - APOEL
ENAD - APOLLON
OMONOIA - KERAVNOS

GAME 5
ETHA - ACHILLEAS
KERAVNOS - AEL
APOLLON - OMONOIA
AEK - ENAD

GAME 6
AEL - APOLLON
ACHILLEAS - KERAVNOS
APOEL - ETHA
OMONOIA - AEK

GAME 7
KERAVNOS - APOEL
APOLLON - ACHILLEAS
AEK - AEL
ENAD - OMONOIA

GAME 8
AEL - ENAD
ACHILLEAS - AEK
APOEL - APOLLON
ETHA - KERAVNOS

GAME 9
APOLLON - ETHA
AEK - APOEL
ENAD - ACHILLEAS
OMONOIA AEL

GAME 10
ACHILLEAS - AEL
APOEL - OMONOIA
ETHA ENAD
KERAVNOS - AEK

GAME 11
AEL - APOEL
AEK - APOLLON
ENAD - KERAVNOS
OMONOIA - ETHA

GAME 12
APOEL - ACHILLEAS
ETHA - AEL
KERAVNOS - OMONOIA
APOLLON - ENAD

GAME 13
AEL - KERAVNOS
ACHILLEAS - ETHA
ENAD - AEK
OMONOIA - APOLLON

GAME 14
ETHA - APOEL
KERAVNOS - ACHILLEAS
APOLLON - AEL
AEK - OMONOIA

GAME 15
AEL. - AEK
ACHILLEAS - APOLLON
APOEL - KERAVNOS
OMONOIA - ENAD

GAME 16
KERAVNOS - ETHA
APOLLON - APOEL
AEK - ACHILLEAS
ENAD - AEL

GAME 17
AEL - OMONOIA
ACHILLEAS - ENAD
APOEL - AEK
ETHA - APOLLON

GAME 18
APOLLON - KERAVNOS
AEK - ETHA
ENAD - APOEL
OMONOIA - ACHILLEAS

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

BK Decin Easily Handles Defending Champs CEZ Nymburk 75-48 to Kick off Round 3 - by Surujh Roopnarine
BK Decin got their revenge, and then some. After a 15-point loss in last seasons Czech Cup semifinal and then a hard-fought play-off semifinals loss to Nymburk, the two teams met up for the first time this season in Decin, where the home squad destroyed the defending champions by 27 points! You would have to add up the combined points of Nymburks NBL losses in the last two seasons to even come close to that 27 point deficit. Maybe they were tired coming off of their 79-53 loss at the hands of Charleroi on Sunday night in Euroleague qualification, the team was playing its fourth game in five nights. But, regardless, Decin took control of the game early on and did not let up, winning every quarter on their way to the emphatic statement win. Pavel Houska (201-F-84), the best big-man and arguably the best player in the league, once again showed s worth, with a dominating 18 point, seven rebounds performance for Decin. Levell Sanders (189-G-75, college: Seton Hall) helped orchestrate the clinic (Decin shot 20-36 on two-point field goals) by dishing out a game-high six assists. Shooting 49% from the field overall, Decin was too much for the cold shooting visitors. Nymburk connected on just 17 field-goals overall, and missed on all 14 of their three-point attempts! The quartet of Chester Simmons (198-G-82, college: Washington), Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's), Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) and Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford) combined for just 13 points while committing seven turnovers.
Nymbuk falls to 1-1 and will have to rest and recover before this Fridays home-opener against Opava. Decin improves to 3-0 on the season and will next travel to Chomutov to take on last seasons 1.Liga Champions on Sunday afternoon.
DECIN: Pavel Houska (18pts+7reb), Admir Alic (13pts), Robert Landa (12pts), Lubos Stria (10pts+6reb)
NYMBURK: Petr Benda (203-F/C-82) (11pts+8reb), Ladislav Sokolovsky (10pts+7reb), Lamayne Wilson (8pts+6reb), Michal Kremen (8pts+6reb)

A fresh start for USK Praha - by Levy Nagy

There is some good news for basketball fans in Praha this year. With the addition of a very modern electronic scoreboard where you can actually see the names of every player of both competing teams, USK Praha had a great home court opening for this season playing against B&W Opava. There are a few more fans seated in the arena than they were last year. USK Praha needed a win before facing tougher teams in the league and they made all fans of Prague proud by leading the game from the start till the end.

USK Praha is being rebuilt with the addition of 5 new players to their roster after trading two of their main scorers last season, Lukas Kotas (194-F-84) to BK JIP Pardubice and Milan Bjegovic (211-C-81, agency: Numbers Sports Agency) to Falco-Szova KC Szombathely in Hungarys A Divison. The game against B&W Opava proved the point in making those trades. Stanislav Votroubek (212-C-81) was impressive for a 212cm center with his shooting of five 3 pointers. Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) played wonderfully as power forward. Milan Soukup (203-G-80) still hadnt scored this season from the field but he orchestrated the team so well by rebounding (7) and making assist (4) and in fact by doing all those little things no stats sheet will ever show but contribute to a win. Michal Vocetka (198-G/F-87) was 4 from 5 from the 3 point line showing a keen interest in shooting long shots and playing a fast paced game; he also dribbled the ball in the last seconds of the game and ended it with a 3 pointer. But after seeing Jan Hartman (193-G/F-92) losing the ball 2 times and committing a foul in the last 3 minutes of the game, the conclusion is USK Praha needs to work on their point guards in order to compete with the faster guards in the league.

B&W Opava started the game very well with a steal and a fast break kind of game but they lost their rhythm after a few minutes. Radim Klecka (188-G-90) was good as always but he couldnt stop the 3 point shots game that rained in his own court from the opponent side. Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) played at center and succeeded getting the most rebounds for his team and also did some good interventions in defense. Jan Kupcik (182-G-92) showed that the lack of height could be a lack of inspiration on the court as he wasn't able to back up their main point guard. B&W Opava gave up too early; their bench was without reaction and even their coach stuff just sit and stared at the new modern scoreboard while they were losing.

Coach Ken Scalabroni of USK Praha must be very happy with the chemistry of his team during this game. If they could only continue the way they have started.

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

D-LEAGUE

Former Mavericks assistant Del Harris to coach Texas Legends - by Eurobasket News
The Texas Legends will look to a legendary coach to lead them this season.

Savvy, 74-year-old Del Harris officially will be announced to take over the Frisco-based Legends at a news conference Tuesday, becoming the second coach in as many seasons for the National Basketball Development League team, several sources said Monday.

Harris replaces Nancy Lieberman, who left the team after one year for family obligations. She was the first female coach of a mens team under the NBA umbrella.

Harris has been in coaching for parts of six decades at virtually every level of competition. He has been coaching for more than 35 years in the NBA and spent parts of 14 NBA seasons as a head coach with a career mark of 556-457. He was the leagues coach of the year in 1995 while with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Legends have been looking for the right fit as coach for the last three months, flirting with former University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, who cited family reasons for turning down an offer that reportedly was worth $500,000 for this season.

Harris has been in the Legends front office since the teams inception. They made the playoffs last season under Lieberman but lost in the first round.

After spending 10 years with the Mavericks, mostly as the top assistant to Don Nelson and then Avery Johnson, Harris remained part of the team as a consultant before joining the Legends, who are co-owned by Mavericks president and general manager Donnie Nelson.

Harris spent this summer as an assistant coach with the Dominican Republic national team that played very well and took the bronze medal in the FIBA Americas championship, an Olympic qualifying tournament in Argentina.

Harris, whose most recent NBA jobs were being top aide for Vinny Del Negro in Chicago in 2008-09 and for Kiki Vandeweghe in New Jersey the following season, has a long-established reputation as an excellent teacher of young players, which should serve him well with players who have the goal of making it to the NBA.

The D-League season will start as expected despite the ongoing NBA lockout. NBA training camps were supposed to start Monday.

The Legends are scheduled to begin their season Nov. 26 in Frisco against the Austin Toros.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

D-League Veteran MaJic Dorsey Sets Mexican LNBP Assist Record in Consecutive Games! - by Surujh Roopnarine
MaJic Dorsey (6'1''-PG-81, college: S.Indiana) (185-PG-81, college: S.Indiana) is a fan-favorite in Mexico, having averaged close to 30 points a game for Mayas de Yucatan Merida during the 2007-08 season, but the performances he gave during his last two games have been worth the price of admission, and then some. Playing for Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio de San Juan del Rio the last few weeks after beginning the season with Halcones UV Xalapa, Dorsey helped welcome winless Volcanes de Toluca to town with a show unlike any other seen in the history of the LNPB. First on Thursday night he set a league record with 21 assists (to go along with 20 points) in a 111-86 victory. Then on Saturday he came back and dropped 23 more assists in a 108-99 victory. Record-setting performances by the same player in two consecutive games against the same opponent; it is safe to say that Volcanes will not be looking forward to their next game against Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio. In Saturday nights performance, MaJic Dorsey played all 40 minutes, also scoring 19 points on 5-15 shooting while picking up four steals. The NBA-D-League veteran Dorsey is helping turn the tide for Aguilas which had only one victory on the season until these past two. The 6-1 guard has never had a problem scoring during his career, but these incredible assist numbers are a true testament to the teammate and leader he is on the basketball court.

Dorsey, 30, is well-traveled thru the NBA D-League, playing in 147 games over five seasons with Fort Worth, Anaheim, Austin, Albuquerque and Reno. His best season came in 06-07 with the Arsenal, where he started 35 of 50 games played and averaged 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists (10th in the league) while shooting 43.3% from the field and 86.4% (10th in the league) from the free-throw line.

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

EUROCHALLENGE

EuroChallenge Round: 1 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Sokhumi - Minsk-2006 94-78
More than 3400 spectators came to support local Sokhumi in Tbilisi in the opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Georgian side overcame BC 'Minsk-2006' 94:78 and have good chances to advance to the Regular Season. The star-packed Sokhumi started well and reached 28-24 in the end of the first period. Pierre Pierce (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Iowa) scored for 30:24 and Parghalava made two free throws for 37:27. Sokhumi dominated the second frame and Frank Robinson (193-G-84, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) closed the half at 54:40. Minsk played better in the third quarter and after 21-17 reduced to 10 points. The hosts however were too good for them. Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford) increased to 85:65 and Frank Robinson brought 92:75. The latter also closed the game from the free throw line. Frank Robinson paced all the winners with 27 points and Marc Salyers notched 19. Atuashvili scored 18, while Pierre Pierce and Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) added 10 apiece. Justin Hawkins (201-F-85, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Mexico St.) delivered 18 points for the team from Belarus that will host the opponents on October 11th. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) posted 14 and Justin Knox (205-F, college: N.Carolina) added 13.

Atomeromu - Arkadia 70-48
Atomeromu SE destroyed Arkadia Traiskirchen in the start of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Hungarian team celebrated 70:48 and almost booked a spot in the Regular Season. The Hungarian team took the lead at the start of the game and reached 13-9 at the end of the frame. Wade reduced to 15:14, but then the team from Austrian failed in the game. The hosts needed 14-9 to take 27:18 at the halftime. Another 27-16 in the third quarter showed 54:34 after thirty minutes. Wade and Radosav Spasojevic (204-F/C-92) reduced to 54:38, while Lee Nailon (204-F/C-75, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: TCU) and Adam Toth (208-F/C-89, agency: FCM) closed an 8-0 run for 62:38. Atomeromu won the last period 16-14 and grabbed 22-point victory. Lee Nailon top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) added 11. Adam Toth notched 10, while Wilson delivered 9. Pranas Skurdauskas (211-C-88, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 17 points in defeat and Radosav Spasojevic netted 12.

Pyrinto - Szolnok 77-69
Pyrinto made the first step towards EuroChallenge regular season. They outgunned Szolnoki to build an 8-point buffer before the return leg in Hungary. Antero Lehto (184-G-84) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the first term. Pyrinto managed to eke out a 22:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The Finnish team tipped off the second term with five points in a row to boost the margin. They stayed in charge throughout the second term registering a 38:34 lead at halftime. Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) scored six points in a row to spark an 11:0 run from the home team that gave them a 51:40 lead midway through the third period. Pyrinto then stretched the gap to as many as 14 points with ten minutes to go 62:48. Szolnoki managed to cap the regulation on an 11:0 run and cut the deficit to just 8 points keeping hope alive for the second game. Brant Bailey (202-F-77, college: Wisc.-Stevens Point) notched 17 points, while Antwine Williams accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Szolnoki. Derasimovic had 15 points in defeat.

Spartak-Prim. - Enisey 75-58
Spartak Primorie celebrated a comfortable victory over Enisey in the opening leg of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) scored 15 points to lead the hosts to a 17-point success that put them on the brink of qualification into regular season of the tournament. The lead changed hands throughout intense first frame. The home team eked out a 17:16 lead after ten minutes but the second term was different. Andrei Trushkin (206-C/F-81) put Enisey in front early in the quarter however Spartak answered with a 10:3 run to surge ahead. Spartak capped the period on a 22:0 run to establish a 50:25 lead at the interval. Enisey tried hard to come back into the game. They limited Spartak to just 6 points in the third term cutting the deficit to only 12 points 44:56 with ten minutes to go. Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) dragged the visitors within 9 points on several occasions in the fourth term but the hosts triggered a 13:3 run late in the quarter to clear off for good. Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: VCU) finished with 12 points, while Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87), Cuthbert Victor (196-F-83, college: Murray St.) and Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) added 9 points each in the victory. Lonny Baxter responded with 20 points for Enisey. Andrei Trushkin provided 10 points in the losing effort.

Triumph - Krasnie Krilya 94-71
Triumph registered the first win at the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. They coasted past Krasnie Krilya in the first leg of two-game series. Five players delivered in double digits for Triumph. Victor Zvarykin (199-G-86) posted 16 points to lead the effort. The teams stayed really close throughout the starting frame. Triumph and Krasnye Krylia were tied at 26 after ten minutes of action. Triumph however pulled in front in the second frame. They opened the period on a 20:1 run to take a 46:27 advantage. Triumph recorded a 52:39 advantage at the interval. The hosts limited Krasnye Krylia to just 14 points in the third frame and boosted the gap to as many as 18 points at the final break 71:53. Triumph went on an 8:2 rally late in regulation to take an 88:64 lead and cruised to the victory at the end. Davon Jefferson (203-F-86, college: USC) and Kyle Landry (206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) notched 15 points apiece for Triumph. Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.) contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. DeJuan Blair (201-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 14 points for Krasnye Krylia. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) netted 13 points in the losing effort.

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group I
1. Spartak SP			5-1
2. Lukoil Academik			4-2
3. Maccabi Haifa			2-4
4. Elitzur Netanya			1-5
Group J
1. Krka			5-1
2. Karsiyaka			4-2
3. M.Hainaut			2-4
4. Antwerp			1-5
Group K
1. Gravelines			5-1
2. Ventspils			4-2
3. Norrkoping			2-4
4. Benfica			1-5
Group L
1. Oostende			5-1
2. Lokomotiv			4-2
3. BK Prostejov			2-4
4. Zadar			1-5

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Frank ROBINSON
  Sokhumi
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 27

1. Robinson, Sokhumi	27.0
2. Lehto, Pyrinto	20.0
3. Baxter, Enisey	20.0
4. Trotter, Szolnok	19.0
5. Salyers, Sokhumi	19.0
6. Williams, Pyrinto	18.0
7. Hawkins, Minsk.	18.0
8. Bailey, Pyrinto	17.0
9. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	17.0
10. Zvarykin, Triumph	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Pranas SKURDAUSKAS
  Arkad.
  (211-C-88)
  Avg: 11

1. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	11.0
2. Williams, Pyrinto	10.0
3. McKee, Triumph	10.0
4. Jefferson, Triumph	10.0
5. Salyers, Sokhumi	9.0
6. Williams, Pyrinto	9.0
7. Trotter, Szolnok	9.0
8. Morgen, Atomeromu	9.0
9. Bader, Szolnok	8.0
10. Landry, Triumph	8.0

Assists Per Game

Pierre PIERCE
  Sokhumi
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 11

1. Pierce, Sokhumi	11.0
2. Williams, Atomeromu	8.0
3. McKee, Triumph	8.0
4. Miles, Krasnie Kri.	5.0
5. Danek, Arkadia	5.0
6. Salyers, Sokhumi	5.0
7. Jefferson, Triumph	4.0
8. Thomas, Spartak-.	4.0
9. Nikolov, Szolnok	4.0
10. Nailon, Atomeromu	4.0

Steals Per Game

Cuthbert VICTOR
  Spartak-.
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 4

1. Victor, Spartak-.	4.0
2. Williams, Atomeromu	3.0
3. Rush, Krasnie Kril.	3.0
4. Kolesnikov, Krasni.	3.0
5. Miles, Krasnie Kri.	2.0
6. Trushkin, Enisey	2.0
7. Lehto, Pyrinto	2.0
8. Wade, Arkadia	2.0
9. Nailon, Atomeromu	2.0
10. Baburin, Spartak-.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Justin KNOX
  Minsk-2006
  (205-F-)
  Avg: 5

1. Knox, Minsk-2006	5.0
2. Toth, Atomeromu	2.0
3. Trotter, Szolnok	2.0
4. Alexander, Krasni.	2.0
5. Salyers, Sokhumi	2.0
6. Jefferson, Triumph	1.0
7. Nesterov, Spartak-.	1.0
8. Nikkila, Pyrinto	1.0
9. Gay, Sokhumi	1.0
10. Robinson, Sokhumi	1.0

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

EUROCUP

Standings

Eurocup Standings

Group A
1. Benetton TV			0-0
2. Valencia			0-0
3. Aris			0-0
4. B.Muenchen			0-0
5. Hapoel J-M			0-0
6. GasTerra			0-0
7. Krka			0-0
8. Fraport SKY			0-0
9. Rudupis			0-0
10. Lokomotiv			0-0
Qualifying Round
1. Gran Canaria			2-0
2. Le Mans			2-0
3. Spartak SP			2-0
4. Oostende			1-0
5. Lukoil Academik			1-0
6. Azovmash			1-1
7. Cedevita			1-1
8. M.Hainaut			1-1
9. Besiktas			1-1
10. Chalon			1-1
11. Ventspils			1-1
12. Norrkoping			0-1
13. BK Prostejov			0-1
14. Art.Dragons			0-2
15. Etha			0-2
16. Karsiyaka			0-2

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alade AMINU
  Chalon
  (207-C/F-87)
  Avg: 20

1. Aminu, Chalon	20.0
2. Owens, Cedevita	17.0
3. Rochestie, Le Mans	17.0
4. Chatman, Karsiyaka	17.0
5. Hilliard, Art.Drag.	17.0
6. Halperin, Spart.	16.0
7. Sommerville, Le Ma.	16.0
8. Ray, Etha	15.0
9. Karaman, Karsiyaka	14.0
10. Schilb, Chalon	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ilkan KARAMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (205-F-90)
  Avg: 15

1. Karaman, Karsiyaka	15.0
2. Rey, Gran Canaria	8.0
3. Owens, Cedevita	8.0
4. Cup, Etha	8.0
5. Aminu, Chalon	7.0
6. Bazdaric, Cedevita	7.0
7. Likhodey, Spart.	7.0
8. Chatman, Karsiyaka	6.0
9. Koffi, Le Mans	6.0
10. Ray, Etha	6.0

Assists Per Game

Ken TUTT
  Etha
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Tutt, Etha	6.0
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.0
3. Chatman, Karsiyaka	6.0
4. Acker, Le Mans	5.0
5. Tchicamboud, Cha.	5.0
6. Beverley, Spart.	4.0
7. Vukusic, Cedevita	4.0
8. Warren, Cedevita	4.0
9. Holston, Art.Drag.	4.0
10. Bellas, Gran Cana.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Shawn RAY
  Etha
  (194-F-80)
  Avg: 4

1. Ray, Etha	4.0
2. Morgan, Karsiyaka	3.0
3. Draper, Cedevita	3.0
4. Chatman, Karsiyaka	3.0
5. Kahudi, Le Mans	2.0
6. Sergeev, Spartak	2.0
7. Fenn, Art.Dragons	2.0
8. Stanojevic, Karsi.	2.0
9. Delaney, Chalon	2.0
10. Zozulin, Spartak	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Adolphe Michel JEAN-BAPTISTE
  Chalon
  (205-C-79)
  Avg: 2

1. Jean-B., Chalon	2.0
2. Owens, Cedevita	2.0
3. Kouguere, Le Mans	1.0
4. Lauvergne, Chalon	1.0
5. Likhodey, Spart.	1.0
6. Karaman, Karsiyaka	1.0
7. Martinez, Gran C.	1.0
8. Koffi, Le Mans	1.0
9. Rey, Gran Canaria	1.0
10. Grunheid, Art.Dra.	1.0

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

EUROLEAGUE

Andrei Kirilenko is back to CSKA - by Eurobasket News
Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) is coming back to Russia. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with the Russian powerhouse. The deal is meant for three seasons with an option of coming back to the NBA in case of lockout end. The forward moved to the States back in 2001. He has been playing for the Utah Jazz since. Last season Andrei Kirilenko posted 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Previously Andrei Kirilenko played for Spartak Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow. The player has been the member of Russian National Team since 1999. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket. Andrei Kirilenko tallied 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists per game in Lithuania leading Russia to Bronze medals.

Lynn Greer is officially in Unics - by Eurobasket News
Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) is officially with Unics. The sides agreed on one year contract for the upcoming season.
Earlier it was announced that Lynn Greer was on his way to Russia. That will be his second campaign in the country, in 2004/2005 season he played for Dynamo Moscow and helped them to make it to the league finals.
Last year Lynn Greer finished with Armani Jeans Milano.The point guard from Philadelphia returned to Italy after 5 seasons: during 2005-2006 he was the top scorer of Italian Serie A, averaging 22.6 poits with Napoli (also his cousin, Lamaar Greer, has played with Napoli) in the best season of his career. Greer graduated from Temple, and he played 41 NBA games with Milwaukee Bucks (4.1ppg)
In Europe, he also played with Slask Wroclaw (Poland-EBL), Near East (Greece-A1), Dynamo Moscow, (Russia-A Superleague),Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) and Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL), where he began this season playing 9 games with only 3.6 ppg.

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

FINLAND

Antero Lehto leads Pyrinto past Szolnoki - by Eurobasket News
Pyrinto - Szolnoki 77:69

Pyrinto made the first step towards EuroChallenge regular season. They outgunned Szolnoki to build an 8-point buffer before the return leg in Hungary. Antero Lehto (184-G-84) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the first term. Pyrinto managed to eke out a 22:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The Finnish team tipped off the second term with five points in a row to boost the margin. They stayed in charge throughout the second term registering a 38:34 lead at halftime. Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) scored six points in a row to spark an 11:0 run from the home team that gave them a 51:40 lead midway through the third period. Pyrinto then stretched the gap to as many as 14 points with ten minutes to go 62:48. Szolnoki managed to cap the regulation on an 11:0 run and cut the deficit to just 8 points keeping hope alive for the second game. Brant Bailey (202-F-77, college: Wisc.-Stevens Point) notched 17 points, while Antwine Williams accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Szolnoki. Derasimovic had 15 points in defeat.

Pyrinto: Antero Lehto 20, Antwine Williams 18+10 boards, Brant Bailey 17
Szolnoki: Obie Trotter 19, Derasimovic 15

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

FRANCE

Maxime Zianveni will start for SIG Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News
Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79) will start for SIG Strasbourg. The Central African-French Forward will change the second team this season already.
Earlier it was announced that Maxime Zianveni was back to Hyeres-Toulon for the 2011/2012 season. In 2008-2009 he appeared first for Seastar Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A), but in January 2009 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA, starting five). In 17 games that season he averaged 10.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 24.3%, FT: 63.9%. In 2009-2010 signed at ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five) and in EuroChallenge after 12 games showed 9.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 63.3%. In French League his stats read 6.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 3.7%, FT: 72.9%. The season 2010-2011 played for STB Le Havre (France-ProA) and in 9 games before the injury had 4.1ppg, 4.0rpg.
Last season STB Le Havre bolstered its squad with Central African/French forward Maxime Zianveni. Air Max arrived to the club from Chalon, where he spent last season. For 22 games in ProA he had 6.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.5 apg. They also competed in EuroChallenge, where Zienveni added 9.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.4 apg for 12 appearances.
Maxime Zianveni is a member of the Central African National Team.

Antoine Diot out for another month - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans Sarthe Basket announced that point guard Antoine Diot (191-PG-89) will miss another month due to back injury (lumbar disc unsatisfactory). The team is not expected to use a medical joker. Diot missed EuroBasket in Lithuania because of this injury. Diot is a member of Le Mans since 2007. He had 8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.7 apg and 2.1 spg for 30 ProA games last season. He also added 9.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.6 apg for 12 games in EuroCup. Le Mans participated in Euroleague qualifications, but failed to advance. Before Le Mans, Antoine Diot played for INSEP. He also has experience from Bourg U16 team. Antoine Diot plays for the French senior NT since 2009. He had 5.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg at the EuroBasket in Poland. In the past, he played for U16, U18, U19 and U20 France.

Moroccan Mohamed Hachad to miss a month - by Eurobasket News
Fos Ouest Provence Basket announced that Mohamed Hachad (194-SG-83, college: Northwestern) will miss a month due to injury. The Moroccan guard sprained his ankle during the game against Lille. That meeting was a part of the Pro B competition - Round 1. Fos Ouest will use medical joker to replace Hachad temporarily. Mohamed Hachad joined Fos Ouest a year ago from Rouen. He had 11.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2 spg for 36 ProB games last season. He was a member of Rouen from 2008 to 2010. In their first season together Hachad had 9.6 ppg and 4 rpg in ProB. He also played for Saint-Etienne and Swiss Herens in the past. Hachad is a product of the Northwestern University. Mohamed Hachad played for the Moroccan National Team at the AfroBasket 2011 in Madagascar. He had 10.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 7 games at this event.

Cedevita advanced to the EuroCup Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita- Elan Chalon 84:69

Cedevita advanced to the Regular Season of EuroCup after the confident victory at home over Elan Chalon. The Croatian side celebrated 84:69 and had 157 147 total win after two games.
Cedevita opened the game with 20-16 but could not keep the lead. Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) made it 28:27 for the guests, while Smodis scored for 38:28. Evtimov later tied the game at 44:44 and Blake Schilb gave again the French side 48:47 lead. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) nailed three to close the quarter at 58:54 and the hosts needed another two points to advance. They even erupted with 26-15 and sealed the necessary victory.
Dontaye Draper poured in 18 points and Marino Bazdaric (197-G/F-78) scored 12. Levour Warren (196-F-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina) and Marko Car (188-G/F-85) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Blake Schilb ended up with 21 points in the losing effort, while Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) and Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) posted 10 apiece.

Cedevita: Dontaye Draper 18, Marino Bazdaric 12, Levour Warren 11, Marko Car 11
Elan Chalon: Blake Schilb 21, Alade Aminu 10, Malcolm Delaney 10

Le Mans edge Pinar Karsiyaka to seal EuroCup regular season birth - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans - Pinar Karsiyaka 80:78

Le Mans earned the second victory over Pinar Karsiyaka in the EuroCup Qualifying Round. The French team thus clinched the regular season birth. Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists to pace Le Mans.
Le Mans grabbed a 12:6 lead midway through the first frame. But the Turkish side went on a 12:2 run to post a 18:14 lead. They finished the first period up by four points 24:20. Morgan gave Pinar Karsiyaka a 36:26 lead midway through the second quarter. Le Mans however stopped the rot and cut the deficit to a single point at halftime 45:46. The hosts pulled in front early in the third term but not for long. Pinar Karsiyaka returned the lead and established a 63:54 advantage with under three minutes to go in the frame. They entered the final stanza up by seven points and full of hopes. Le Mans tipped off the fourth quarter on a 10:0 run and silenced their opponents. Pinar Karsiyaka never came back to life and had to surrender at the end. Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bradley) and Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) posted 14 points each in the victory. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 21 points for Pinar Karsiyaka. Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) had 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.

Le Mans: Alex Acker 19, Marcellus Sommerville 14, Joao Paulo Batista 14
Pinar Karsiyaka: Goran Ikonic 21, Mire Chatman 17

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

FYR MACEDONIA

PAO and Levski beat Feni Industri in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Feni Industri failed in its latest friendly games.
In the first one Feni met the reigning Euroleague and Greek champion Panathinaikos Athens. The Greens celebrated 107-70 victory in this meeting. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) led the way for PAO with 15 points. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) added 13 and Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) finished with 12. In the loosing squad, Jarrid Frye (194-G-85, college: Sacred Heart) delivered 14 points. Ngai Evans (188-G-88, college: Wright St.) stopped to 13. PAO took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back.
In the other game, Levski was better than Feni 84-79. The hosts got 20 points and 19 rebounds from Vassil Evtimov (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina). In Feni, Jarrid Frye scored 18 points. Darko Sokolov (190-PG-86) had 17, while Goran Samardziev (187-G-81) and Marko Simonovski (192-PG-89, agency: Interperformances) netted 12 points each.

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

GEORGIA

The star-packed Sokhumi won the opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Sokhumi- BC 'Minsk-2006' 94:78

More than 3400 spectators came to support local Sokhumi in Tbilisi in the opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Georgian side overcame BC 'Minsk-2006' 94:78 and have good chances to advance to the Regular Season.
The star-packed Sokhumi started well and reached 28-24 in the end of the first period. Pierre Pierce (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Iowa) scored for 30:24 and Parghalava made two free throws for 37:27. Sokhumi dominated the second frame and Frank Robinson (193-G-84, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) closed the half at 54:40. Minsk played better in the third quarter and after 21-17 reduced to 10 points. The hosts however were too good for them. Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford) increased to 85:65 and Frank Robinson brought 92:75. The latter also closed the game from the free throw line.
Frank Robinson paced all the winners with 27 points and Marc Salyers notched 19. Sergo Atuashvili (223-C-85) scored 18, while Pierre Pierce and Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) added 10 apiece. Justin Hawkins (201-F-85, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Mexico St.) delivered 18 points for the team from Belarus that will host the opponents on October 11th. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) posted 14 and Justin Knox (205-F, college: N.Carolina) added 13.

Sokhumi: Frank Robinson 27, Marc Salyers 19, Sergo Atuashvili 18, Pierre Pierce 10+11 rebs, Brandon Gay 10
BC 'Minsk-2006': Justin Hawkins 18, Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 14, Justin Knox 13

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

GERMANY

Gran Canaria edge Artland Dragons, book ticket into EuroCup regular season - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria - Artland Dragons 92:65

Gran Canaria advanced into EuroCup regular season. The Spanish team coasted past Artland Dragons tonight to seal their next stage appearance at the tournament. Gran Canaria enjoyed a five-point buffer after the game in Germany and gave little chance for the Dragons at home court. Xavier Rey (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) notched 14 points and 6 rebounds to pace Gran Canaria.
The hosts unloaded 27 points in the opening frame to clear off. Gran Canaria recorded a 27:20 lead after ten minutes of action. They stayed in charge throughout the second frame. The hosts ensured a comfortable 50:41 halftime lead. Artland Dragons were unable to keep up the tempo in the second half. Gran Canaria limited their opponents to just 14 points in the third term. The home side piled up a 19-point lead at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) and Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) delivered 12 points apiece for the winning side. Johannes Strasser (190-G-82, agency: Court Side) responded with 11 points for Artland Dragons. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) delivered 10 points in the loss.

Gran Canaria: Xavier Rey 14, Spencer Nelson 12, Marquez Haynes 12
Artland Dragons: Johannes Strasser 11, Darren Fenn 10

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

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

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Cuxhaven		3-0
2. Webmoebel		3-0
3. MBC		2-0
4. Duesseldorf		2-1
5. Crailsheim		2-1
6. Kirchheim		2-1
7. Chemnitz		1-1
8. Heidelberg		1-1
9. Braves		1-2
10. ETB Wohnbau		1-2
11. NBC		1-2
12. Ehingen		1-2
13. Jena		0-2
14. Leitershofen		0-2
15. Karlsruhe		0-3

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Vechta		3-0
2. Hannover		2-0
3. Rist Wedel		2-1
4. Schwelm		2-1
5. Wulfen		2-1
6. Dorsten		2-1
7. Wolfenbuettel		1-1
8. SU Medien		1-2
9. Stahnsdorf		1-2
10. Herten		0-1
11. ALBA Berlin II		0-2
12. Bayer Giants		0-2
13. Bernau		0-3
Group South
1. Gotha		3-0
2. Leipzig		3-0
3. Langen		2-1
4. BSW Sixers		2-1
5. Hanau		2-1
6. Licher Baeren		2-1
7. Noerdlingen		2-1
8. Giessen		1-2
9. Fraport SKY II		1-2
10. Dragons		0-2
11. BG Illertal		0-3
12. TSV Troester		0-3

Bobby Brown Is Basketball Cruel Leading The EWE Baskets Oldenburg Past The Fraport Skyliners 72-53 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Back in the late 80s, Boston native singer Bobby Brown was on top of the world celebrating world hits like Dont Be Cruel, My Prerogative, Every Little Step, and Roni, while another Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), the basketball player was more likely studying the moves and head to head duels of Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas than the dance moves of the ex new Edition singer. Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) never again found that success in the billboard charts in the 90s while Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) the basketball player matured as a basketball player and kept having success on the court and leading Alba Berlin to the Beko BBL title in 2008 and is now back in the German league and led the EWE Baskets Oldenburg past the Fraport Sklyiners 72-53 in the opening game of the new season. The Frankfurt defense had relinquished an average of 84 points in the last 3 test games and knew that they would have to have their A game if they wanted to hear Thunderbird Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) possibly squeal the famous words Dont be cruel like a disillusioned little puppy would to his master after not getting a juicy bone for its birthday, but Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) was able to do what he wanted to on the court bring calmness into the Oldenburg offense and not letting the Frankfurt defense be cruel to him. I had to be cruel today. I brought the whole package today. I got guys involved and hit my shots, said ex NBA player Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton). Frankfurt had problems getting the Oldenburg offense to stutter whenever Brown had the ball in his hands. Brown is a great player who can shoot the ball and has good moves. He is tough to defend, stressed Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). We dont kid Bobby about the singer Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton). I think he is too young to know who he is. Our Borwn was cruel for us today. When he is penetrating and hitting his shots is when the team is at its best, added 2004 Detroit Pistons NBA draft pick Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri). He was very cruel to us and controlled the game. I played against him in Greece. He is a quick athlete that can have big games. Tonight he didnt have to make the big plays, added Skyliner guard Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest). The Fraport Skyliners had a horrible shooting day at the office which a team cant do against a strong team like Oldenburg and expect to win. This was a tough game where we couldnt get anything going on offense which I think transformed over to our defense. They pressured us all night and played well on offense and defense, added Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest). The EWE baskets Oldenburg played a very consistent game not allowing Frankfurt to take control. We had a lot of trust in our system. We played very hard defense and just worked well together as a unit, commented Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton).

The game also marked the farewell of Skyliner legend Pascal Roller (180-G-76) who had his number #11 forever retired and hoisted to the rafters and long time Skyliner Dominik Bahiense De Mello made his return back home after having played 6 years on the main in Frankfurt. Pascal Roller (180-G-76) who won the German Beko BBL title in 2004 over Bamberg and won a silver medal at the 2005 European championships and a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis played 11 seasons for the Skyliners and was a household name and as cherished in the Frankfurt basketball community as Gummy Bears are for kids. Roller came out on the floor in a grey suit with his family and quickly the memories of the last 11 years started to pop into the heads of many. The thought of wanting to have Pascal Roller (180-G-76) slip out of his suit and come onto the floor probably entered into the heads of many in the second half as no shots were falling for the Fraport Skyliners. During the presentation, Roller received a friendly farwell message from 2011 NBA champion and ex teammate in the German National team Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) and a short speech from Skyliner owner Gunnar Wobke. The last time De Mello played a game in the Ballsporthalle was 4 months ago as his season ended in game 5 against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. Throughout the last 6 years, there always seemed to be minor riffs between the Bonn native and management, but at the end of the day, he always remained a Skyliner. For De Mello to move to Oldenburg seemed like a small surprise since head coach Predrag Krunic is not the easiest coach to play for, but then again his move to the north was also seen with thumbs up as the German showed he was not wimping out and jumping to the easiest challenge, but taking a harder challenge and continue to develop in a competitive environment. De Mello played 15 minutes contributing 5 points and five rebounds and was in good spirits after the game. The league couldnt have chosen a better place to have our first game than being at the ceremony of Pascal Roller (180-G-76). Seeing the ceremony of Pascal was very emotional and I am happy that I could see it. I felt good tonight and my self confidence continues to grow. I did what was needed in the minutes I got playing hard defense and hitting my shots, expressed Dominik Bahiesne De Mello. Oldenburg CEO Herman Schuller also was pleased with the basketball work of De Mello. De Mello stood his ground on defense. He came from the bench and fulfilled his role. He is becoming into a good sixth man for our team, stated Herman Schuller.

The Fraport Skyliners started a new era and the pre game festivities were quite impressive as well with a mini Skyliner movie and new dance team routines with a flair from the airport, but as soon as the game started, the new slogan ready for takeoff seemed to linger and linger throughout the game since the Fraport Skyliners never really got going and seemed to be overtaken at the runway for takeoff never really getting off the ground. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg jumped off to a quick 7-0 lead as ex Miami Heat Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) scored inside, Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) dropped a three pointer and Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) nailed two free throws. The Fraport Skyliners seemed to have a nasty dose of too much motivation which led to easy mistakes. Someone had to take control and that was Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) who got into the lane twice scoring and drawing a foul as Frankfurt trailed only 9-4. Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) then scored on a layup as Frankfurt was coming back trailing only 9-6. However Oldenburg had a calm and collective offense run by Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) and laods of offensive options and weapons which Frankfurt wasnt showing. Brown then showed his passing qualities feeding Chubb with a beautiful no look lob pass for two easy points. On the next Oldenburg possession, Brown went coast to coast as Oldenburg led 13-6. Ronnie Burrell then showed he can always be a threat from outside if left open as he nailed a three pointer. Oldenburg led 16-7 with a few minutes remaining in the first quarter. However Frankfurt showed some life at the end of the quarter going on a 7-2 run to trail only 18-14 after one quarter. Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) was doing his DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) impersonation scoring in bunches and Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) nailed a buzzer beater three pointer. Frankfurt seemed to have some butterflies inside at the start with too much energy. They let up some easy baskets. They then settled down and Gray started to make shots, expressed Fraport Skyliner PRO B player Demetrius Jemison (203-F, college: Manhattan). The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were shooting 37% from the field and 29% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 25% from outside. Oldenburg had the 12-9 rebound edge and only one turnover while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners started off the second quarter focused and took their first lead of the game due to a 6-0 run to lead 20-18. 20 year old German Danilo Barthel was inserted by Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) and didnt waste any time showing that he has Beko BBL quality as he scored inside in traffic after getting a pretty pass from Gray. Barthel gave his debut in the beko BBL and was one of the better Skyliners finishing with eight points in 11 minutes. I was a bit nervous when I came in, but as soon as I made the shot and got the and one, I felt better. I am very happy that coach has the trust in me to give me minutes, expressed Danilo Barthel. Both teams then traded the lead as Hasbrouck made two free throws and 2011 Milwaukee Bucks draft pick Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) got out on the fast break grabbing a nice outlet pass from Robertson and dunking as Frankfurt led 22-21, but that would be their last lead of the game. Oldenburg then raced out on a 6-0 run to lead 27-22. One thing you have to keep an eye on is the Oldenburg fast break and here and there they were able to get behind Frankfurt and produce transition points as Hasbrouck scored and ex Skyliner De Mello didnt hesitate nailing a three pointer. Oldenburg continued to have option after option and Frankfurt only had Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) who was a scoring option. Gray made two three pointers as Frankfurt trailed only 31-28, but Frankfurt continued to be unstable on offense not getting consecutive stops as Oldenburg finished the second quarter with a 7-2 run to go into halftime with a 38-30 lead. Brown hit another three pointer and Paulding and Burrell used their athletic talent scoring inside. The Skyliners were still figuring each other out. Frankfurt only had production from Gray and Mckinney while Oldenburg was spreading the ball around. Frankfurt was giving up too many offensive rebounds, stressed Demetrious Jemison. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were shooting 45% from the field and 33% from the three point line while The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Oldenburg still had the rebound edge 20-15 and only five turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

After the less than satisfactory first half, one might have expected the Fraport Skyliners to process the Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) half time speech into something positive, but the team let Oldenburg increase the lead and seemed possibly a bit less lackluster for whatever reason. The EWE Baskets stormed out on a 12-4 run to lead comfortably 50-34. After Oldenburg got out on a 5-0 run with a three pointer by Brown and a Burrell lay up, they would show short spurts of solid basketball as Mckinney scored inside and Robertson made a steal and went coast to coast for the bucket, but all in all Frankfurt was too harmless on defense and lacked physical play. Paulding then nailed two consecutive three pointer erasing the mini Skyliner run. Oldenburg kept getting to the free throw line and getting inside as Frankfurt was begging for some production from others and finally got a Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) three pointer, but Frankfurt still trailed 54-40. Serb Milan Majstorovic finaly got into the stat sheet making a floater from the wing and Brown made another three pointer showing his quick release as another one of his many offensive attributes. After three quarters The EWE Baskets Oldenburg still led now even bigger with 61-43 as there seemed to be no Skyliner comeback flight in sight. We didnt execute well on offense or defense in the third quarter, stressed Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were shooting 48% from the field and 42% from the parking lot while The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 37% from the field and 26% from the parking lot. Oldenburg was still leading the rebound duel 27-21 and had eight turnovers while Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Fraport Skyliners had very much ground to cover to get back into the game, but the basketball god just wasnt letting any shots fall as the home team continued to struggle as in and outs was high on the menu on this day. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg outscored Frankfurt 11-10. Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) had some strong moments in the last quarter getting an ally-op dunk feed from Robertson and making a tip in off a Robertson miss as Oldenburg still had a 69-49 lead and all the flair and noise that had erupted prior to the game now seemed to be erased. De Mello scored inside and Barthel scored inside again as it seemed like the Fraport Skyliners just wanted to get the game over with and Oldenburg players already had their bus ride back in their heads and what would be playing on their I-Pods. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had a well deserved 72-53 win, but its a win where the players should stay grounded considering some of the factors considered. We played a good game, but one should not overrate the win. Frankfurt was missing some players and also missed many open shots, stressed Oldenberg CEO Herman Schuller. We missed too many open shots and our missed second chances really hurt us. We didnt talk enough on defense and there was no help on the screen and rolls, commented Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). A big difference today was that the load was spread on a lot of shoulders as Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) and Ronnie Burrell were a big help, stated Dominik Bahiense De Mello.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were led by Ronald Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) produced 15 points and four assists. Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) added 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) with 15 points and three assists. Jimmy McKinney chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Fraport Skyliners shot poorly with 33% from the field and a dismal 21% from outside, clearly lost the rebound battle and had an acceptable 18 turnovers which never allowed Frankfurt to find their usual rhythm and will have a lot to work on this week in preparation for the Tuebingen game this Saturday. We have to communicate better on defense and be more aggressive on offense and defense, warned Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). The Walter Tigers Tuebingen host The Fraport Skyliners on October 8th at 20:00.

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Robert MCKIVER
  Braves
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 30

1. McKiver, Braves	30.0
2. Reid, MBC	23.0
3. Stommes, Webmoebel	23.0
4. Jeka, Braves	23.0
5. Buck, Crailsheim	22.0
6. Webb, Crailsheim	20.0
7. Bright, Ehingen	19.5
8. Dunbar, Crailsheim	19.0
9. Mason, Webmoebel	19.0
10. Stutz, Leitersho.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Cory ABERCROMBIE
  NBC
  (201-F/C-85)
  Avg: 10

1. Abercrombie, NBC	10.0
2. Flomo, Duesseldorf	9.5
3. Uskoski, Kirchheim	8.7
4. Okoye, NBC	7.0
5. Adler, NBC	7.0
6. Capel, Cuxhaven	7.0
7. Land, Braves	7.0
8. Smith, Kirchheim	6.3
9. Jost, Webmoebel	6.0
10. Brown, Cuxhaven	6.0

Assists Per Game

Ole WENDT
  Webmoebel
  (190-G-92)
  Avg: 7

1. Wendt, Webmoebel	7.0
2. Rice, Cuxhaven	6.0
3. Matthews, Ehingen	5.5
4. Vilhjalmsson, MBC	5.0
5. Reese, Duesseldorf	4.5
6. Bartels, ETB W.	4.0
7. Diggs, Webmoebel	4.0
8. Dunbar, Crailsheim	4.0
9. Smith, Kirchheim	4.0
10. Stommes, Webmoeb.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Justin STOMMES
  Webmoebel
  (200-G/F-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Stommes, Webmoebel	5.0
2. Rice, Cuxhaven	4.0
3. Brown, Cuxhaven	4.0
4. Catovic, Braves	3.0
5. Harris, NBC	3.0
6. Bowlin, Leitershof.	2.5
7. Jeka, Braves	2.0
8. Chavis, NBC	2.0
9. Lieneke, Webmoebel	2.0
10. Stockton, Karlsru.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Martin IDES
  NBC
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 2

1. Ides, NBC	2.0
2. Flomo, Duesseldorf	1.5
3. Lischka, Crailsheim	1.0
4. Mason, Webmoebel	1.0
5. Harris, Cuxhaven	1.0
6. Veney, Leitershof.	1.0
7. Heyden, MBC	1.0
8. Smallwood, MBC	1.0
9. Thomas, Kirchheim	1.0
10. Brown, Cuxhaven	1.0

Welcome to BBL 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in 1.Bundesliga just started.

NY Phantoms - Phoenix Hagen 103-74

New Yorker Phantoms led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for New Yorker Phantoms especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Phoenix Hagen's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Stephen Dennis (198-87, college: Kutztown) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 assists. His fellow American import power forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Five New Yorker Phantoms players scored in double figures. New Yorker Phantoms' coach Sebastian Machowski felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Marc Antonio Carter (191-85, college: NC-Wilmington, agency: Limelight Hoops) answered with 26 points and 6 rebounds and Canadian guard Tristan Blackwood (183-85) added 12 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) in the effort for Phoenix Hagen.
Top scorers:
Phoenix Hagen: M.Antonio Carter 26+6reb+2ast, T.Blackwood 12+6reb, J.Hasquet 11+4reb+1ast, Z.Jonusas 9+7reb, B.Brooks 9+4reb+1ast, E.Seward 6+9reb
NY Phantoms: R.Melzer 18+5reb+1ast, S.Dennis 16+3reb+7ast, N.Williams 16, K.Visser 16+6reb+1ast, N.Mittmann 10+8reb+2ast, L.Greer 10+1reb+5ast

EnBW L'burg - LTi 46ers 73-56

The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. EnBW Ludwigsburg outrebounded LTi 46ers 35-24 including 24 on the defensive glass. LTi 46ers were plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Jerry Green (191-80, college: Cal-Irvine) fired 16 points and 5 assists for the winners. Lithuanian forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five EnBW Ludwigsburg players scored in double figures. Bosnian power forward Elvir Ovcina (211-76, college: Syracuse, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American swingman Maurice Jeffers (194-79, college: St.Louis) added 12 points (made all of his eight free throws) respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
LTi 46ers: E.Ovcina 21+10reb, M.Jeffers 12+3reb+2ast, W.Bernard 10+2reb+1ast, R.Oehle 4+1reb, K.Archibong 3+2reb, R.Pilcevic 3+1ast
EnBW L'burg: J.Green 16+3reb+5ast, M.Dorris 13+2reb+3ast, A.Harris 10+4reb+1ast, D.Zavackas 10+8reb, J.Lischka 10+4reb, J.Bowler 6+6reb

s.Oliver Baskets - TBB Trier 74-67

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But TBB Trier won third quarter 13-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. s Oliver Baskets made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. American guard Ricky Harris (188-87, college: Massachusetts) nailed 18 points for the winning side and his fellow American import power forward Ivan Elliott (203-86, college: UCSB, agency: Limelight Hoops) accounted for 15 points. The former international center Maik Zirbes (205-90) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds and American point guard Dru Joyce (183-85, college: Akron) added 5 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists respectively for TBB Trier in the defeat.
Top scorers:
TBB Trier: M.Zirbes 23+12reb, E.Gallup 17+1reb+1ast, D.Dojcin 9+4reb+2ast, O.Fassler 7+4reb+2ast, D.Joyce 5+8reb+9ast, J.Bynum 3+3reb+2ast
Wuerzburg: R.Harris 18+4reb, I.Elliott 15+4reb, J.Little 12+4reb+3ast, J.Boone 8+6reb+2ast, B.Jacobson 7, A.King 4+4reb

Bayreuth - Ratiopharm 71-82

Ulm led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 29-of-37 free shots (78.4 percent) during the game. BBC Bayreuth was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Isaiah Swann (188-85, college: Florida St.) fired 27 points and 4 assists for the winners. His fellow American import forward Steven Esterkamp (198-81, college: Ohio, agency: Limelight Hoops) chipped in 24 points and 6 rebounds. American-Puerto Rican guard Kevin Hamilton (193-84, college: Holy Cross, agency: Limelight Hoops) produced 18 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Tyler Smith (201-86, college: Tennessee) added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side.

Top scorers:
Bayreuth: K.Hamilton 18+6reb+3ast, E.Ibekwe 12+5reb, O.Jeanty 11+1reb+3ast, B.Hunter 9+9reb+1ast, T.Smith 9+7reb+6ast, B.Wyrick 5+1reb
Ratiopharm: I.Swann 27+3reb+4ast, S.Esterkamp 24+6reb+1ast, P.Guenther 13+4reb+3ast, D.Watts 6+6reb, J.Bryant 5+7reb, T.Mason-Griffin 4+1reb+2ast

Telekom Baskets - B.Muenchen 80-76 OT

The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 19-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Telekom Baskets made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. American center Chris Ensminger (209-73, college: Valparaiso, agency: Limelight Hoops) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Serbian forward Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-76) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Je'Kel Foster (191-83, college: Ohio St., agency: Lanshire Group) scored 14 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Bayern Muenchen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
B.Muenchen: A.Nadjfeji 25+13reb+5ast, J.Foster 14+4reb+3ast, P.Schwethelm 12+5reb, B.Hansbrough 10+4reb+4ast, J.Wallace 6+2reb, D.Hall 6+4reb+1ast
Telekom Baskets: C.Ensminger 17+12reb, B.Veikalas 16+6reb+2ast, Z.Buljan 14+3reb+1ast, S.Serapinas 11+3reb, J.Jordan 9+5reb+7ast, T.Gaffney 7+4reb+1ast

Brose Baskets - Goettingen 107-63

Brose Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 33-of-39 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game, while BG Goettingen only scored fourteen points from the stripe. Brose Baskets forced 21 BG Goettingen turnovers and had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by BG Goettingen's players. 34 personal fouls committed by BG Goettingen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Anthony Leon Tucker (198-85, college: Texas) fired 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Philipp Neumann (210-92) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Four Brose Baskets players scored in double figures. Ghanian-American guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe (187-88, college: N.Iowa) produced 14 points and American power forward Raymond Sykes (206-86, college: Clemson) added 13 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Goettingen: K.Ahelegbe 14+4reb+1ast, R.Sykes 13+4reb, P.Noch 13+2reb, L.Dale 9+4ast, P.Horne 5+4reb, D.Saunders 5+3reb
Brose Baskets: A.Leon Tucker 16+8reb, C.Jacobsen 15+3reb+3ast, J.Jenkins 13+2reb+2ast, P.Neumann 13+6reb+2ast, T.Pleiss 12+3reb, M.Slaughter 11+3reb

Fraport SKY - EWE Baskets 53-72

EWE Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Ronald Burrell (204-83, college: NC-Greensboro, agency: Pro One Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Bobby Brown (188-84, college: Cal.St. Fullerton, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Guard Justin Gray (188-84, college: Wake Forest) produced 15 points and guard Jimmy McKinney (192-83, college: Missouri, agency: Strategic Sports) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Fraport SKY: J.Gray 15+2reb+3ast, J.McKinney 10+5reb+2ast, Q.Robertson 8+3reb+2ast, D.Barthel 8+1reb, J.Leuer 7+9reb, J.Herber 5+2reb
EWE Baskets: R.Burrell 17+10reb, B.Brown 15+1reb+4ast, K.Hasbrouck 11+4reb+2ast, R.Paulding 9+2reb+3ast, A.Chubb 8+8reb+1ast, R.Smeulders 5+1reb

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

GREECE

NBA Lockout - Transfer Update - by Nima Siar
With the looming NBA lockout approaching, many players are signing with teams throughout Europe. Most teams are allowing these players to return to their respective NBA teams if the lockout ends however in China, for example, many big name players have signed but the Chinese basketball governing body is not allowing 'opt-out' contracts so players can return to the NBA. Check out the list of some of the NBA players who have signed internationally and the teams which they will be suiting up for this season:

LaVoy Allen
Philadelphia
Strasbourg (France)

David Andersen
New Orleans
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Hilton Armstrong
Atlanta
ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)

Leandro Barbosa
Toronto
Flamengo (Brazil)

Nicolas Batum
Portland
Nancy (France)

Keith Benson
Atlanta
Dinamo Sassari (Italy)

DeJuan Blair
San Antonio
Samara (Russia)

Craig Brackins
Philadelphia
Maccabi Ashdod (Israel)

Wilson Chandler
Denver
Zhejiang Guangsha (China)

Austin Daye
Detroit
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Boris Diaw
Charlotte
JSA Bordeaux (France)

Jon Diebler (198-G-88, college: Ohio St.)
Portland
Panionios (Greece)

Joey Dorsey
Toronto
Baskonia (Spain)

Chris Douglas-Roberts
Milwaukee
Virtus Bologna (Italy)

Semih Erden
Cleveland
Besiktas (Turkey)

Rudy Fernandez
Dallas
Real Madrid (Spain)

Jordan Farmar
New Jersey
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)

Dan Gadzuric
New Jersey
Jiangsu (China)

Sundiata Gaines
New Jersey
Armia (Georgia)

Danilo Gallinari
Denver
Olimpia Milano (Italy)

Alonzo Gee
Cleveland
Prokom Trefl Sopot (Poland)

Danny Green
San Antonio
Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Justin Harper
Orlando
Strasbourg (France)

Pooh Jeter
Sacramento
Joventut Badalona (Spain)

Ersan Ilyasova
Milwaukee
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Andrei Kirilenko
Utah
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Nenad Krstic
Boston
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Acie Law
Golden State
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Gani Lawal
Phoenix
Zastal (Poland)

Ty Lawson
Denver
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Jon Leuer
Milwaukee
Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany)

Kenyon Martin
Denver
Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China)

Patrick Mills
Portland
Melbourne Tigers (Australia)

E'Twaun Moore
Boston
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Timofey Mozgov
Denver
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Byron Mullens (213-C-89, college: Ohio St.)
Oklahoma City
Panionios (Greece)

Mehmet Okur
Utah
Turk Telekom (Turkey)

Chandler Parsons
Houston
Cholet (France)

Nikola Pekovic
Minnesota
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Josh Powell
Atlanta
Liaoning Panpan (China)

Chris Quinn
San Antonio
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Brian Scalabrine
Chicago
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Kevin Seraphin
Washington
Caja Laboral (Spain)

Mustafa Shakur
Washington
Pau Orthez (France)

Kyle Singler
Detroit
Lucentum Alicante (Spain)

JR Smith
Denver
Zhejiang Lions (China)

Darius Songaila
Philadelphia
Galatasaray (Turkey)

DaJuan Summers
Detroit
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Pape Sy
Atlanta
Gravelines (France)

Garrett Temple
Charlotte
Casale (Italy)

Ben Uzoh
New Jersey
Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)

Robert Vaden
Oklahoma City
BK Nitra (Slovakia)

Nikola Vucevic
Philadelphia
Buducnost (Montenegro)

Sasha Vujacic
New Jersey
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Von Wafer
Boston
Cremona (Italy)

Sonny Weems
Toronto
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Mario West
New Jersey
Tezenis Verona (Italy)

Deron Williams
New Jersey
Besiktas (Turkey)

Reggie Williams
Golden State
Caja Laboral (Spain)

NBA Lockout - by Nima Siar
With the looming NBA lockout approaching, many players are getting signing with teams throughout Europe. Most teams are allowing these player to return to their respective NBA teams if the lockout ends however in China, for example, many big name players have signed but the Chinese basketball governing body is not allowing 'opt-out' contracts so players can return to the NBA. Check out the list of some of the NBA players who have signed internationall and the teams which they will be suiting up for this season:

LaVoy Allen
Philadelphia
Strasbourg (France)

David Andersen
New Orleans
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Hilton Armstrong
Atlanta
ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)

Leandro Barbosa
Toronto
Flamengo (Brazil)

Nicolas Batum
Portland
Nancy (France)

Keith Benson
Atlanta
Dinamo Sassari (Italy)

DeJuan Blair
San Antonio
Samara (Russia)

Craig Brackins
Philadelphia
Maccabi Ashdod (Israel)

Wilson Chandler
Denver
Zhejiang Guangsha (China)

Austin Daye
Detroit
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Boris Diaw
Charlotte
JSA Bordeaux (France)

Jon Diebler
Portland
Panionios (Greece)

Joey Dorsey
Toronto
Baskonia (Spain)

Chris Douglas-Roberts
Milwaukee
Virtus Bologna (Italy)

Semih Erden
Cleveland
Besiktas (Turkey)

Rudy Fernandez
Dallas
Real Madrid (Spain)

Jordan Farmar
New Jersey
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)

Dan Gadzuric
New Jersey
Jiangsu (China)

Sundiata Gaines
New Jersey
Armia (Georgia)

Danilo Gallinari
Denver
Olimpia Milano (Italy)

Alonzo Gee
Cleveland
Prokom Trefl Sopot (Poland)

Danny Green
San Antonio
Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Justin Harper
Orlando
Strasbourg (France)

Pooh Jeter
Sacramento
Joventut Badalona (Spain)

Ersan Ilyasova
Milwaukee
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Andrei Kirilenko
Utah
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Nenad Krstic
Boston
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Acie Law
Golden State
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Gani Lawal
Phoenix
Zastal (Poland)

Ty Lawson
Denver
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Jon Leuer
Milwaukee
Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany)

Kenyon Martin
Denver
Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China)

Patrick Mills
Portland
Melbourne Tigers (Australia)

E'Twaun Moore
Boston
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Timofey Mozgov
Denver
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

BJ Mullens
Oklahoma City
Panionios (Greece)

Mehmet Okur
Utah
Turk Telekom (Turkey)

Chandler Parsons
Houston
Cholet (France)

Nikola Pekovic
Minnesota
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Josh Powell
Atlanta
Liaoning Panpan (China)

Chris Quinn
San Antonio
Khimki Moscow (Russia)

Brian Scalabrine
Chicago
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Kevin Seraphin
Washington
Caja Laboral (Spain)

Mustafa Shakur
Washington
Pau Orthez (France)

Kyle Singler
Detroit
Lucentum Alicante (Spain)

JR Smith
Denver
Zhejiang Lions (China)

Darius Songaila
Philadelphia
Galatasaray (Turkey)

DaJuan Summers
Detroit
Montepaschi Siena (Italy)

Pape Sy
Atlanta
Gravelines (France)

Garrett Temple
Charlotte
Casale (Italy)

Ben Uzoh
New Jersey
Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)

Robert Vaden
Oklahoma City
BK Nitra (Slovakia)

Nikola Vucevic
Philadelphia
Buducnost (Montenegro)

Sasha Vujacic
New Jersey
Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

Von Wafer
Boston
Cremona (Italy)

Sonny Weems
Toronto
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

Mario West
New Jersey
Tezenis Verona (Italy)

Deron Williams
New Jersey
Besiktas (Turkey)

Reggie Williams
Golden State
Caja Laboral (Spain)

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

HUNGARY

Ivan Vukantinov signed with Kecskemet - by Tamas Deri
Serbian wingman, Ivan Vukantinov (193-G-81) agreed with the management of Kecskemet and will play for the team in the coming season. The 30 years old, 193 cm tall serbian player started his professional carreer in his home country and played for KK Lions Vrsac in the 1st division before moving to Greece, where he spent 2,5 season with Olimpia Larisa in the top division. In the coming season he played 6 games with Keravnos Cyprus College before moving back to Vrsac in Serbia. In 2009 he played shortly in the top division of Greece, the last two years he spent in the 2nd division. In the season 2010-2011 he helped his team KAO Dramas with 14.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg in 30 games. He agreed during the summer with Panellinios Lamia, but left the team for the deal with Kecskemet.

Antero Lehto leads Pyrinto past Szolnoki - by Eurobasket News
Pyrinto - Szolnoki 77:69

Pyrinto made the first step towards EuroChallenge regular season. They outgunned Szolnoki to build an 8-point buffer before the return leg in Hungary. Antero Lehto (184-G-84) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the first term. Pyrinto managed to eke out a 22:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The Finnish team tipped off the second term with five points in a row to boost the margin. They stayed in charge throughout the second term registering a 38:34 lead at halftime. Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) scored six points in a row to spark an 11:0 run from the home team that gave them a 51:40 lead midway through the third period. Pyrinto then stretched the gap to as many as 14 points with ten minutes to go 62:48. Szolnoki managed to cap the regulation on an 11:0 run and cut the deficit to just 8 points keeping hope alive for the second game. Brant Bailey (202-F-77, college: Wisc.-Stevens Point) notched 17 points, while Antwine Williams accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Szolnoki. Derasimovic had 15 points in defeat.

Pyrinto: Antero Lehto 20, Antwine Williams 18+10 boards, Brant Bailey 17
Szolnoki: Obie Trotter 19, Derasimovic 15

Chism moved from Sopron to Albacomp - by Tamas Deri
The american big man signed some weeks ago with Sopron in Hungary and spent his trial period but decided not to stay on the roster and moved to the team of Albacomp in Szekesfehervar. The 206 cm tall very athletic Wayne Chism (206-F-87, college: Tennessee) played in several games with Sopron during the pre-season and showed his great basketball skills against some of the top teams in the country as ASE and Kormend. He moved to Szekesfehervar on friday and played already his first friendly game. He arrived during the 1st quarter of the game and helped his team with 9 points and 5 rebounds in only 13 minutes on the court.

Jonathan Jones is the third american player of JKSE - by Tamas Deri
The management of JKSE published yesterday, that american big man Jonathan Jones (211-C-79, agency: TSS Management) signed his contract for the coming season with the club and will arrive on saturday to our country. The 32 years old, 211 cm tall center is a well known player in our country as he played shortly for Dombovar in the season 2009-10 and spent the last season with Albacomp. In 39 games he helped his team with 14.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.4spg and was a key player of the team, which got 2nd in the Championship and in the Hungarian Cup.

Serbian-hungarian guard Bojan Sormaz (187-G-86, agency: TSS Management) signed also his contract with the team. The 25 years old playmaker spent already one season in our country, he played for DEKE in 2007-08 in the 2nd division and averaged 13.8ppg, 1.2rpg , 2apg, 1spg.

Atomeromu SE destroyed Arkadia Traiskirchen in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Atomeromu SE - Arkadia Traiskirchen 70:48

Atomeromu SE destroyed Arkadia Traiskirchen in the start of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Hungarian team celebrated 70:48 and almost booked a spot in the Regular Season.
The Hungarian team took the lead at the start of the game and reached 13-9 at the end of the frame. Wade reduced to 15:14, but then the team from Austrian failed in the game. The hosts needed 14-9 to take 27:18 at the halftime. Another 27-16 in the third quarter showed 54:34 after thirty minutes. Wade and Radosav Spasojevic (204-F/C-92) reduced to 54:38, while Lee Nailon (204-F/C-75, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: TCU) and Adam Toth (208-F/C-89, agency: FCM) closed an 8-0 run for 62:38. Atomeromu won the last period 16-14 and grabbed 22-point victory.
Lee Nailon top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) added 11. Adam Toth notched 10, while Wilson delivered 9. Pranas Skurdauskas (211-C-88, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 17 points in defeat and Radosav Spasojevic netted 12.

Atomeromu SE: Lee Nailon 12, Lorenzo Williams 11, Adam Toth 10, Wilson 9
Arkadia Traiskirchen: Pranas Skurdauskas 17, Radosav Spasojevic 12

Djordje Pantelic is the new center of Falco KC - by Tamas Deri
Serbian center, Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) signed for the coming season with Falco KC Szombathely and played already in several pre-season games in Hungary. The 204 cm tall big man is a very experienced player as he played already in several countries of Europe as France, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Iceland. He spent the last season with Apollon Patras in the 2nd division of Greece and helped his team with 11.0 points, 8.9 rebound and 1.9 blocks per game. He started the preperation with KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac in Serbia, but decided to leave the club for the deal with Falco KC.

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

ISRAEL

Greivis Vasquez Tells Eurobasket His Summer Plans - by David Pick
Waking up this morning and opening my lap-top, an interesting email appeared in my Outlook inbox messages. The email itself, coming from an Israeli team staff member whose name isn't relevant to the story, said the following.

'I am writing to inquire as to whether or not youre club would have any interest in signing a first round draft pick from the 2010 NBA Draft. Due to the NBA lockout Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies is now accepting offers from international teams. If you are interested in making a SERIOUS OFFER for Greivis please contact me immediately as a player of his caliber will not be available for long.' Signed, 'C.H.S' from 'A.P.S.&.E'.

The team itself is a well recognized Israeli organization and the email sender himself added, 'I'm not sure if this guy represents Vasquez, look into it.' At this point, it was unclear who really represents Vasquez, and I was determined to find out. I picked up the phone and called Greivis. Here are a few insights from our conversation.

'My current agent is Herb Rudoy from Interperformances,' said Vasquez, 'I have no idea who C.H.S is and I'm very upset agents use my name and reputation without legal authorization.' Yet, as I informed Greivis, it is known that American agent Scott Nichols was pushing the Memphis point guard to two of Israel's elite teams, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem. Maccabi would have signed him in a heartbeat if no NBA out was possible, while the second club already agreed on financial terms. 'Scott is a good friend of mine and we've come to build a great relationship. If I had signed with J'slm, Scott would have gotten commission and credit, but he's not my agent,' added Vasquez.

At this point I was curious as to why Greivis officially turned down the Israeli offer and a potential possibility of rejoining former Maryland teammate, D.J. Strawberry?

'I recently finished playing intense basketball for a few good months with the Venezuelan national team and was looking to do something other than basketball. I gave Israel a huge thought and talked to people who spoke highly of the place, however, the situation in my country isn't easy and once the opportunity of giving back to the community and working with kids during the NBA lockout came up, I couldnt say no.'

The 24-year-old Terrapins' second all-time leading scorer is undoubtedly recognized as Venezuela's biggest, most hyped athlete, knowing that along with glory and fame come great resposibilitis. 'I've decided not to play basketball abroad during the lockout so that I could run a social community basketball project. It has nothing to do with politics despite being sponsored by the private companies and the government. It's not a done deal yet, but the details of this new journey include going on tour to every city in Venezuela holding a basketball clinic for kids,' said Vasquez.

ITALY

Italian teams play their last game before the start of 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
Italian teams play their last game before the start of 2011/2012 season. Here are the latest results:
ANGELICO BIELLA edged BENETTON TREVISO 79:76. Jacob Pullen (182-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) stepped up with 22 points and Coleman notched 19. Vlad Moldoveanu (207-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) delivered 15 points in the losing effort.
SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA PESARO overcame FABI SHOES MONTEGRANARO 84:79. Daniele Cavaliero (189-G-84) poured in 18 points, while Mirza Alibegovic (195-G-92), Jones and Daniel Hackett (197-G-87, college: USC) added 12 apiece. Di Bella produced 18 points in the losing effort.
NOVIPIU' CASALE MONFERRATO won over CANADIAN SOLAR 72:61. Garrett Temple (197-G-86, college: LSU) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Pierich netted 11. Koponen ended up with 17 points in defeat.
HELIOS DOMZALE won over UMANA VENEZIA 85:84. Jure Besedic (208-F/C-92) and Prepelic top-scored for the Slovenain team with 18 points each, while Jure Besedic posted 16. Clark ended up with 18 points in the losing effort. Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85, agency: Players Group) netted 15 and Szewczyk as well as Marco Allegretti (204-F-81) brought 14 each.

ANGELICO BIELLA-BENETTON TREVISO 79-76
ANGELICO: Jurak 6; Minessi ne; Coleman 19; Soragna ne; Jacob Pullen 22; Lagan 2; Miralles 11; Lombardi 8; Magarity; Chessa 3; Tavernari 6.
BENETTON: Adrien 10; Moore 9; Mekel 9; Bulleri 10; De Nicolao 4; Sandri ne; Cuccarolo; Gentile 11; Vlad Moldoveanu 15; Woyciechovski; Scalabrine 8.

SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA PESARO-FABI SHOES MONTEGRANARO 84-79
SCAVOLINI SIVIGLIA White 2, Daniele Cavaliero 18, Mirza Alibegovic 12, Hickman 9, Cusin 6, Flamini 3, Daniel Hackett 12, Lydeka 10, Jones 12, Tort ne.
FABI SHOES: Karl 4, Ruini 3, Antonutti 11, Nicevic 6, Di Bella 18, Kirksay 9, McNeal 8, Brunner 4, Ivanov 16, Mazzola ne, Perini ne, Piunti ne.

NOVIPIU' CASALE MONFERRATO-CANADIAN SOLAR 72-61
NOVI PIU': Malaventura 4, Nnamaka 5, Pierich 11, Trapan Janningi 8, Chiotti 9, Garrett Temple 21, Janning 7, Dunigan 7, Berti, Ferrero, Di Prampero ne.
CANADIAN SOLAR: McIntyre 6, Koponen 17, Poeta 8, Homan 9, Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) 7, Martinoni 2, Gailius 10, Douglas Robert 2, Gigli, Moraschini ne, Canelo ne, Quaglia ne.

HELIOS DOMZALE-UMANA VENEZIA 85-84
HELIOS: Jure Besedic 16, Person 7, Jeftic 3, Korosec, Markovic, Pasalic 18, Cebular 5, Bubnic 2, Petrovic 5, Cresnar 1, Gay 10, Prepelic 18.
UMANA: Clark 18, Marco Allegretti 14, Causin 6, Tomassini 2, Slay ne, Meini ne, Young 7, Tommaso Fantoni 15, Magro, Rosselli 6, Bryan 2, Szewczyk 14.
Stats courtesy of:legabasket.it

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

KOSOVO

KB Bashkimi captures Stefan Haynes - by Dren Shporta
Days before the new season of BKT Superliga starts, the club from Prizren, Bashkimi, agreed terms with Stefan Haynes (208-F). Canadian nationality player will join his team during the week.

Orange team from Prizren needed a forward player and seems that they found the one just days before the beginning of the first round of BKT Superliga season. He will join the team today. We were searching for a high post player and we think he will be very useful for us, said the club official.

Haynes was a York University player in a CIS League. KB Bashkimi from Prizren after Samir Shaptahovic, Valentin Spaqi and coach Sasa Katalinic signed Haynes and will be the most strengthened team in the actual 2011/12 season. In their first round match Bashkimi will travel to Mitrovica to play against their big rivals Trepca, which is strengthened with Jaleel Nelson and Daniel Milanovski.

KB Peja one of the youngest teams in the BKT Super League - by Dren Shporta
Last seasons play-off finalist and the Kosovo Cup Winner, KB Peja, this year has lost two of the most experienced players. After Samir Shaptahovic moved to play in Prizren for KB Bashkimi and Edis Kuraja moved to Prishtina to play for KB Kolegji Univers, the team didnt spend on transfer but have decided to rely on their own strength.

Vigan Radoni (89) (22 years) and Rron Grapci (21 years) are the oldest players in the team. Heads of the team after the meeting during last week have decided to keep the players that they posses and to play half of the season with them. Now, they are the youngest team in the BKT Superliga and the average age of the team is 18.

Weve decided to regenerate the team. We will start this season like this, with Radoni and Grapci as the core of the team. While season goes on maybe we will make some changes but for now this is the team, said Bujar Loci the coach of yellows from Peja.

Standings - Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

1. Bambi		0-0
2. Bashkimi		0-0
3. Drita		0-0
4. Kolegji Univer.		0-0
5. Kosova		0-0
6. Peja		0-0
7. Prishtina BC		0-0
8. Trepca		0-0

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

LATVIA

Azovmash heads to EuroCup Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash-BK Ventspils 79:65

Azovmash heads to EuroCup Regular Season beating BK Ventspils at home. The Ukrainian team needed 89:65 victory to win by total of 13 points after two games.
Ventspils won the first game at home by one point and started better. Strelnieks nailed three at the end of the first period for 16:14. Moreover Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) gave his side 19:14 early in the second and Bojan Bakic (197-G-83, agency: Alti Sport) scored for 24:20. Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) managed to tie the game at 30:30, while he also gave his side 37:32 at the halftime.
Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) brought 44:39 and Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) scored for 49:41 midway through the third period. Azovmash had 14-point advantage in the period, but could keep only 62:56 after thirty minutes. Moreover Strelnieks tied the game at 62:62 and only 7-0 run allowed the Ukrainian team to stay closer to EuroCup. Hasan Rizvic and Ricky Minard ensured the last points for the winners and will play in the Regular Season.
Ricky Minard paced all the winners with 24 points and Daniel Ewing added 18. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) posted 13, while Hasan Rizvic delivered 9. Bojan Bakic ended up with 18 points for the Baltic side and Jahmar Young posted 14.

Azovmash: Ricky Minard 24, Daniel Ewing 18, Radoslav Rancik 13, Hasan Rizvic 9
BK Ventspils: Bojan Bakic 18, Jahmar Young 14

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

LEBANON

Hoskin won't play for Champville and who knows never for Sarkis.. - by Ahmad Kerdi
Samuel Hosin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) was supposed to join his new Lebanese Teammates after being nationalized to join the Cedars in the latest Asian Championships. But few days after arriving to Wuhan, the 32 years old American Forward/Center received a Chinese Offer to play in the CBA again for almost half a million US Dollars.
Hoskin will be back to the CBA after playing for 3 consecutive years in the league before leaving it mid last season heading to Iran where he played for Shahrdari Gorgan Municipality.
Champville have different options on who the replacement of Samuel could be but Jamaican Center Kimany Ffriend (211-C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Nebraska) who played last year In Qatar seems the best so far and the closest to sign over the next few days in case everything worked out between both parties.
On the other hand some rumors pointed out that Hoskin might not even return to the Lebanese National Team in the presence of Coach Ghassan Sarkis knowing that the Cedars will participate in the Next edition of the Arab Championship that is scheduled in Doha in December.

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

LIGA SUDAMERICANA

LNB News - Centauros de Apure brings in Romero, Perez and Elliott, Mitchell goes back to USA - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Centauros de Apure, current leaders of Venezuela's Liga Nacional (LNB), is getting ready for the 2011 edition of Liga Suramericana de Clubes and announced the acquisition of PF Hector Romero (202-F/C-80), SG Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) and American PG Carl Elliott (193-G-83), while a press release also indicated that PF Carl Mitchell (205-F-79) has been released and the team will bring in a Center in the next few hours.

Romero, a 31 year-old PF, played in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament in Mar del Plata, Argentina and averaged 12.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 8 outings for the Venezuelan Senior NT.

Perez missed the tournament because he had to attend personal matters in Puerto Rico and was unable to go to practice and earn a spot in the final roster. He played a full season for Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela's LPB.

Meanwhile, Elliott helped Cocodrilos get to the LPB Finals for the fifth straight year (third for him) after averaging 15.4 points per game in 42 regular season appearances. Mitchell was a very good signing for Centauros and helped the team win 12 out of 13 LNB games, but the need for a natural center and the arrival of Romero forced the general management to let him go.

New signings will be announced in the next few hours.

Centauros will play against Malvin (Uruguay), Uniceub (Brazil) and Club Amistad (Bolivia) in Montevideo, Uruguay, from October 12th till the 14th. A first group will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil from October 6th till the 8th involving Pinheiros (Brazil), Obras Sanitarias (Argentina), Bigua (Uruguay) and Orgullo Paisa (Colombia).

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

LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Neptunas		1-0
2. Zalgiris		1-0
3. Baltai Kaunas		0-0
4. Juventus		0-0
5. Kedainiai		0-0
6. Lietuvos rytas		0-0
7. Pieno Zvaigzdes		0-0
8. Rudupis		0-0
9. Sakalai		0-0
10. Siauliai		0-0
11. Naglis Palangos		0-1
12. Techasas		0-1

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

LUXEMBOURG

Spencer - by John Thomas
Spencer Johnson (198-F-87), a 23 year old forward out of the University of Missouri Kansas City fills the foreigner spot for the 2011 Cup Champions Etzella Ettelbruck. The 1.98m forward averaged 11.7 points and a team-high 9.4 rebounds last season. The 6'6, 215 lb. Johnson hails from Champaign, Illinois. Last season for the Kangaroos, Johnson shot .444 from the field, .346 from three-point range and .648 from the free throw line... recorded 24 assists, 13 blocks and 26 steals... 283 rebounds are a UMKC single-season record, while 9.4 rebounds per game are second most in school history. He was an honorable Mention all-Summit League Selection, setting the school records for career rebounds (710) and games (121) and ranks 10th in UMKC history in scoring with 993 points. Spencer was born on Dec. 2, 1987 and is the son of Jean Sago. For a look at the rest of his bio, see the following website: http://www.umkckangaroos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=89994&SPID=10799&DB_OEM_ID=18300&ATCLID=1263934&Q_SEASON=2010

For a highlight video, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijo9lL9mmrk&NR=1

Lukosevicius gets a tryout at Racing! William Walker trys out at Heffingen! - by John Thomas
N2 News

Basket Racing Club Luxembourg recently made a tryout agreement with Lithuanian, Laimonas Lukosevicius (197-G/F-86) (born in 1986). The 1m97 forwar played for BC Nevezis Kedainiai of Lithuania top league (LKL) and also in the Baltic Basketball League (BBL) in 2010-2011. In past seasons he also played for other Lithunian top teams: BC Techasas Panevezys and BC Siauliai.
Career:
2003-2004: BC Siauliai (LKL): DNP
2004-2005: Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (LKAL, starting five)
2005-2006: BC Siauliai (LKL) - Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (NKL, starting five)
2006-2007: BC Siauliai (LKL)
2008-2009: BC Siauliai (LKL): 2 games: 0pts, in Nov.'08 moved to Panevezys Techasas (LKL, starting five): Lithuanian League: 10 games: 8.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 72.4%; Baltic League (Challenge Cup): 9 games: 10.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg
2009-2010: Panevezys Techasas (LKL): Baltic League: 9 games: 13.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 68.4%; Lithuanian League: 24 games: 14.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 69.2%
2010-2011: Nevezis Kedainiai (LKL): Baltic League: 14 games: 6.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 75.0%; Lithuanian League: 14 games: 3.6ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg

DBBL News

Australian Robert Manson apparently failed his tryout in Heffingen. So, the club has brought in William Walker (201-F-87, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Bethel (IN)) for a tryout. The 24 year old last played for Solna (Sweden) where he averaged 13.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.0apg. The 2'01'' Forward/Center (born May 22, 1987), Michigan City, Indiana, was a four-year starter for the Bethel Pilots. He led Bethel in scoring in three of his four seasons and in rebounding all four years. He is one of three Pilots in the history of the program to score 2,000 career points, collect 1,000 career rebounds, and block 100 career shots. Last season, Walker averaged 20.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game and led the Pilots to a 33-4 record and their fifth Final Four in program history. He earned NAIA DII National Player of the Year and MCC Conference Player of the Year honors. In March, Walkers #33 jersey was retired by the Bethel mens basketball program, joining four others in having that distinction. For his career, Walker played in 134 games and started 122 games. He scored 2,427 points (4th all-time, 18.1 per game), pulled down 1,234 rebounds (5th all-time, 9.2 per game), dished out 318 assists (2.4 per game), blocked 145 shots (3rd all-time, 1.1 per game), and swiped 170 steals (1.3 per game).

Awards/Achievements:
MCC Honorable Mention All-Conference -06
MCC All-Newcomer Team -06
NAIA Honorable Mention All-American -07
NCCAA Second Team All-American -07
NCCAA Tournament MVP -07
NAIA Second Team All-American -08
NAIA D2 Final Four -09
NAIA Player of the Year -09
CCAA Player of the Year -09
MCC Player of the Year -09
NAIA First Team All-American -08-09
NCCAA First Team All-American -09
MCC First Team All-Conference -07-09
NAIA All-Tournament Team -09
Team MVP -07-09
Swedish Basketligan All-Star Game -11
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Honorable Mention -11
Eurobasket.com Swedish Basketligan All-Imports Team -11

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

MEXICO

MaJic Dorsey Sets LNBP Assists Record In Consecutive Games! - by Surujh Roopnarine
Daryl 'MaJic' Dorsey (185-PG-81, college: S.Indiana) is a fan-favorite in Mexico, having averaged close to 30 points a game for Mayas de Yucatan Merida during the 2007-08 season, but the performances he gave during his last two games have been worth the price of admission, and then some. Playing for Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio de San Juan del Rio the last few weeks after beginning the season with Halcones UV Xalapa, Daryl Dorsey helped welcome winless Volcanes de Toluca to town with a show unlike any other seen in the history of the LNPB. First on Thursday night he set a league record with 21 assists (to go along with 20 points) in a 111-86 victory. Then on Saturday he came back and dropped 23 more assists in a 108-99 victory. Record-setting performances by the same player in two consecutive games against the same opponent; it is safe to say that Volcanes will not be looking forward to their next game against Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio. In Saturday nights performance, Daryl Dorsey played all 40 minutes, also scoring 19 points on 5-15 shooting while picking up four steals. The NBA-D-League veteran Daryl Dorsey is helping turn the tide for Aguilas which had only one victory on the season until these past two. The 6-1 guard has never had a problem scoring during his career, but these incredible assist numbers are a true testament to the teammate and leader he is on the basketball court.

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

MONTENEGRO

Arso Lekovic singed one year contract whit Jedinstvo - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Jedinstvo from B.Polje member of MNE1A League and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club Mornar from Bar Arso Lekovic (198-F-90) singed one year contract whit Basketball Club Jedinstvo from B.Polje.In season 2010-2011 Arso Lekovic play 14 games for Basketball Club Mornar from Bar : 4.3 ppg , 0.7 aspg. 1 rpg.Before Basketball Club Jedinstvo Arso Lekovic play for Basketball Clubs Buducnost from Podgorica and Mornar from Bar.

Seferovic inks for Mogren - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Mogren from Budva member od MNE1A League and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball Player of Basketball Club Teodo from Tivat Vasilije Seferovic (193-G/F-85) singed one year contract whit Baketball Club Mogren from Budva.Before Basketball Club Mogren Vasilije Seferovic play for many Montenegrin basketball clubs : Teodo from Tivat, Lovcen from Cetinje, BC Abs Primorje and BC Primorje from H.Novi , BC Mornar and BC Primorka form Bar.In last seaosn Vasilije Seferovic play 25 games for BC Teodo : 18.5 ppg, 1.5 apg , 3 rbpg

NT news: Kadija left, brothers Pavicevic still in charge - by Darko Pekic
After Dejan Radonjic's resignation another coach left his National Team position. Miodrag Kadija , the experienced coach who previously coached KK Lovcen, KK Atlas and many other teams, decided that it's time to say goodbye. He left his coaching job in National Team Under 18, after 4 years in charge, because he didn't achieve the expected results last summer ( the qualification to Division A). The coaches of NT Under 22 and NT Under 16, brothers Mihajlo Pavicevic and Djordjije Pavicevic , extended their contracts and will lead their selections in the next Qualification Cycle.

Dejan Radonjic steps down as Montenegro NT Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Dejan Radonjic is no longer a Head Coach of the Montenegrin National Team. The 41-year-old specialist decided to step down on his position and Montenegrin Basketball Federation accepted his move. The reason why Radonjic left NT is bad result at the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Team Montenegro had big hopes at this event, but they failed to reach the second stage. Montenegro registered only one win in five games. They finished at the bottom of Group C.
Dejan Radonjic currently leads Montenegrin champions Buducnost Podgorica. They failed in Euroleague qualifications this past weekend, but will play in EuroCup this season. It is not know yet who will replace Radonjic at the Montenegro NT bench. There will be couple of candidates for sure.

Ivan Koljevic leads Polpharma to Polish Supercup trophy - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Koljevic (185-G-84, agency: BeoExcell) demonstrated wonderful performance in the Polish Supercup. The Montenegrin point guard, who signed with Polpharma last month, already paced his new team to the first trophy this season. Polpharma celebrated 79-78 thriller win against the reigning champions Asseco Prokom. Koljevic paced Polpharma to victory scoring 21 points. Ivan Koljevic joined Polpharma from PGE Turow Zgorzelec, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 18 times for them in PLK averaging 7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. They parted ways during the season. In 2009/10, Ivan Koljevic changed three teams. He started with Turkish Bornova averaging 7.5 points and 2 rebounds in TBL. In January of 2010, Koljevic moved to Khimik Yuzhny and later he joined Greek Kavala. Koljevic also has experience from Cherkassy Monkeys, Ural Great Perm, Lietuvos Rytas and Lagun Aro Bilbao. In Montenegro, he played for Buducnost and Lovcen.

Zoran Kascelan inks for Leotar , Mandic inks for Napredak - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Leotar from Trebinje member of BiH Premier League and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club ABS Primorje from H.Novi Zoran Kascelan (190-G-86) singed contract until end of season whit Basketball Club Leotar.Before Basketball Club Leotar Zoran Kascelan play for Montenegrin Basketball Clubs Mogren from Budva and Lovcen from Cetinje.
In same way Basketball Club Napredak from Krusevac and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club Teodo from Tivat Aco Mandic (205-C/F-84) singed one year contract whit Club.Aco Mandic play is season 2010-2011 27 games in MNE1A and MNE1A Super League.

Nesovic returned to Serbia - by Darko Pekic
Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85, agency: Beo Basket), the former Buducnost player, decided to sign a contract for next sesaon with KK Hemofarm (Serbia). The 26 years old Bosnian international will wear Hemofarm's jersey for the second time. He already played there in the season 2006/2007. The journeyman Nesovic, also played for KK Crvena Zvezda ( Serbia), Ludwigzburg (Germany), Fuenlabarada (Spain), Prokom (Poland) and Olimpija (Slovenia).

He averaged last year 5.6 ppg, 2.1 apg, 1.6 rpg and 1.3 spg for Buducnost. Nesovic would have had even better stats but he got injured in January in a game against Partizan and missed the rest of the regular season in NLB. He returned for the play-offs and gave his contribution.

Nesovic won the 2010/2011 League Title and Cup Title with Buducnost

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

MOROCCO

Moroccan Mohamed Hachad to miss a month - by Eurobasket News
Fos Ouest Provence Basket announced that Mohamed Hachad (194-SG-83, college: Northwestern) will miss a month due to injury. The Moroccan guard sprained his ankle during the game against Lille. That meeting was a part of the Pro B competition - Round 1. Fos Ouest will use medical joker to replace Hachad temporarily. Mohamed Hachad joined Fos Ouest a year ago from Rouen. He had 11.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2 spg for 36 ProB games last season. He was a member of Rouen from 2008 to 2010. In their first season together Hachad had 9.6 ppg and 4 rpg in ProB. He also played for Saint-Etienne and Swiss Herens in the past. Hachad is a product of the Northwestern University. Mohamed Hachad played for the Moroccan National Team at the AfroBasket 2011 in Madagascar. He had 10.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 7 games at this event.

Latest news - by Marek Krala
Karim Nesba (188-G-86, agency: Promotex, college: Auburn-Montgomery) finally not return to Al-Hoceima and decided to make a 1 year agreement with Berkane.Very good option for the team of the north of Morocco.
Tyronne McNeal (211-C-87, college: Miami Dade CC) who signed in Portugal in the pre-season and already left before the season starts will be with Erik Soderberg (201-C-81, college: Azusa Pacific) from Montbrison in NM1 in France the new addition of Berkane too.
Yasine Makhoukh (203-C/F-84) has signed in Al-Hoceima and the board decided to keep Nabil El Amrani (185-G-88) too.Marouane El Mouattibi will stay in SportPlazza with probably Mustaphe Khalfi as Point-guard.
The MAS of Fez will get back on their roster Mouhamadou Diouf (205-C-82) aka Papis who will return after 2 seasons in IRT Tanger.
ASS decided to named the Head Coach of the Camerounese national selection as head coach for this season.Some rumors says that Younes Younes Idrissi (204-F/C-84, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Iona) will probably sign in Berkane too.
The national team menber Reda Rhalimi (213-C-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) is still free agent. Marius Assoumou (185-F-84) and the FUS part away.The gabonese player who 's in Morocco now is still seeking for a team.
The already in a short time famous coach in Morocco Zeljko Zecevic (agency: 011 Sports ) will not stay in WAC.Obsviously the team still didnt know if they will play in first division this season.

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

NBA

Top NBA agents urge players to 'refuse' unfair labor deal - by Eurobasket News
Some of the leading agents representing NBA players crafted a letter to dozens of their clients, urging them to 'participate in the process' and stand firm to avoid further concessions beyond those already made by the National Basketball Players Assn.

The letter, obtained by The Times on Monday, was distributed to players linked to agents including Arn Tellem, Dan Fegan and Bill Duffy of Los Angeles as well as Leon Rose.

'The NBA seeks unprecedented and unjustified changes to the collective bargaining agreement,' the agents wrote in the letter. 'Do not acknowledge 'scare tactics' and fight to achieve your goals. You fought your entire life to reach the NBA and must not let your right to receive fair compensation [to] be taken from you now.'

The agents stressed the importance of not accepting any further reduction of basketball-related income, or BRI, which the union has agreed to trim from 57% in 2010 (an estimated $2.15 billion or more in player salary) to 53%.

The agents also want the players to retain salary-cap exceptions for mid-level (one player signed for the average NBA salary) and 'Larry Bird' players (re-signed veteran free agents) while holding firm to keep maximum salary and standard contract length.

'Remember, it is not about when or how fast a deal is reached, it is about taking the time to secure the best deal,' the agents wrote.

Tuesday is expected to be a pivotal day in NBA labor talks, as the owner-imposed lockout moves toward its 100th day, and the exhibition season appears to be in deep jeopardy of being cancelled. The regular season openers on Nov. 1 could be scratched later this week.

One basketball official involved in the talks but not permitted to speak publicly about negotiations said late Monday, 'The parties are still very far apart, so I would not be too optimistic.'

Courtesy of http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

Monday NBA labor meetings set table for do-or-die Tuesday - by Eurobasket News
Here is where things finally stand - today is the big deal, best offer, drop-dead date for the NBA labor negotiations. If things go poorly today, well, hope you have some NBA games stored on your DVR to watch.

There was a five-hour meeting Monday between commissioner David Stern and the heads of the NBA players union that was described as setting the table for a meeting today that starts at high noon. Which sounds suspiciously like nothing really happened Monday from where I sit. About 10 owners and a number of players are expected to attend Tuesday in New York.

'If serious progress cannot be made, you can expect the rest of the preseason to be cancelled and the postponement of the regular season will be right behind it.'

Which again leaves me feeling like Charlie Brown running up to kick the football. With David Stern as Lucy. When was the last time one of these big meetings went well?

It sounds like on Tuesday they are finally going to get around to the elephant in the room the split of Basketball Related Income (or BRI). In the old deal the players got 57 percent and they have come as far down in their offers as 53 percent while the owners have offered only 48 percent to the players. In real dollars, thats a $200 million difference in year one of a six year deal.

David Stern had this to say, via Ken Berger of CBSSports.com (on twitter).

'We're apart on the split. But we know that the answer lies somewhere between where they were and where we are.'

'I think if there's a will well be able to deal with both the split and with the system issues.'

Each side has reserved its right to be where it is, knowing that there is a heart-to-heart that will ultimately take place.

You can take that as the honest truth or as Stern setting the table to smack the players not having the will to get a deal done if he doesnt like the offer. Even though the players have given more so far than the owners.

Union president Derek Fisher echoed the same sentiment, that Tuesday was going to be a key day in the negotiations.

Come back to PBT tomorrow, well get you the news. Even if we feel like Charlie Brown flying helplessly through the air.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com

Greivis Vasquez Tells Eurobasket His Summer Plans - by David Pick
Waking up this morning and opening my lap-top, an interesting email appeared in my Outlook inbox messages. The email itself, coming from an Israeli team staff member whose name isn't relevant to the story, said the following.

'I am writing to inquire as to whether or not youre club would have any interest in signing a first round draft pick from the 2010 NBA Draft. Due to the NBA lockout Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies is now accepting offers from international teams. If you are interested in making a SERIOUS OFFER for Greivis please contact me immediately as a player of his caliber will not be available for long.' Signed, 'C.H.S' from 'A.P.S.&.E'.

With a growing population who's currently status is 29-million people, Vasquez, a Caracas native, is expected to attend all twenty-three states thorough his 2011 summer off-season tour which includes, 'bringing trainers with me to hold open workouts for the kids to get a glimpse of how an NBA player works to stay in shape and improve on a daily basis. In addition, we'll have a presentation where they can ask questions and get autographs.'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Text of Derek Fisher's letter to NBA players - by Eurobasket News
Text of a letter players' association president Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) sent to NBA players Monday that was obtained by the Associated Press:

Guys,

I write to you from New York where we have had the most recent negotiating sessions, the latest one today. I wanted to keep everyone in the loop on the events of the past few days and since my last update.

Before I update you though, I must comment on a letter that has been brought to my attention and drafted by a handful of agents representing you. The letter which I personally read this morning is to their players and had planned to release this afternoon/evening. Your agents represent you, there's a loyalty there and I can appreciate that. I'll never question it, the work they do for you, or the decisions you and they make together. The letter however includes misinformation and unsupported theories.

As you would imagine, the agents are not aware of my seeing this ahead of its release. As a player myself, I know that each player should read everything we can. My emails, media reports, letters from their representation, to form an opinion on the situation. Educate yourself, ask questions, do it all. But not all of what you read is fact, you know this, I know this.

One issue I need to again be very clear onnothing can be accepted without a vote by the players. If and when there is a proposal that we feel is in the best interests of us as players, each of you WILL have the opportunity to vote in person. It's in the union bylaws, it's not up for negotiation. You will have the opportunity to see the full proposal before you agree, you will be able to challenge it, question it, anything you feel appropriate in order to know that this is the best deal for you and your fellow players.

As far as the negotiations, quite a few guys came out for the meeting on Friday. We met as a group first where we updated the players on the league and owner's position which I have briefed you on previously. Everyone in the room was in agreement, we have been more than fair in our proposals.

We then continued into the meeting with David Stern, Adam Silver and the Labor Negotiations Committee including: Jeanie Buss, Peter Holt, Clay Bennett, Jim Dolan, Larry Miller, Robert Sarver, Bob Vanderweide, Glen Taylor and Mickey Arison.

It was there that we discussed details of proposals and continued to reiterate our position on several key economic and system issues. At the conclusion of the day's meetings, yet again, it was agreed by the players present, we will continue to negotiate in good faith but what we have offered thus far is fair and reasonable.

Talks continued Saturday and again today in smaller groups.

Tomorrow, as you may have read, will be another larger negotiating session. Everyone in the regional meetings, Friday's player meeting, and throughout this process has been in support of the position the NBPA has taken. We go into tomorrow's meeting strong, remaining steadfast on the issues we will not be able to move away from. Anyone saying different is not privy to the meetings and is uninformed.

Keep the questions, comments and suggestions coming. Stand united.

Derek

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Andrei Kirilenko signs in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Another overseas move by one of the NBA players. This time it is Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81), who penned a three-year deal with his former team CSKA Moscow. The Russian superstar will have NBA out option after the lockout. Kirilenko left CSKA ten years ago for the Utah Jazz. He never moved from Utah to any other NBA club. Last season Kirilenko had 11.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3 apg in 64 games. His best NBA season came in 2003/04. At that time Kirilenko had 16.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg and 2.8 bpg. Kirilenko passed medical tests and already started to practice with his new/old team.

--------
Andrei Vatutin, PBC CSKA President:
When the NBA lockout started we considered it incorrect to sign someone with a risk to leave. But after the second thought we decided to make an exception in Andrei's case. He is a special player for CSKA and Russian basketball. First, he already played for our team. Second, the countrys best player should play for the countrys best club we agreed on that with the management of clubs owners, Norilsky Nickel. It is also important that Andrei expressed his desire to play for CSKA himself and during all the negotiation process he confirmed several times his interest in contract with our club. This past Eurobasket proved that Kirilenko keeps his good shape, understanding of European basketball and, what is important, popularity. I am sure that he will attract the fans to the stands not only in Moscow but all over Russia.
We understand perfectly all the risks of his possible departure but we knowingly take them. In my opinion there are no minuses in inviting Andrei. Even if he leaves the team in a month or two depending on his desire Kirilenko will play several games, and his participation will add to the interest toward our team. I am sure that most of the fans as well as me are anxious to see Kirilenko in CSKA uniform. If the lockout finishes, and Andrei decides not to chase NBA contract, our perspectives become even better.
Id like to note that Jonas Kazlauskas opinion was very important for us and in fact the final decision was taken by him. Id like to say thank you to Norilsky Nickel management once again for supporting our idea to invite the Russian National Team leader. Thats a perfect evidence of their attention to the team, interest in CSKAs successes and development of Russian basketball.

Jonas Kazlauskas, CSKA head coach:
My opinion you should not take the NBA player during the lockout. If they can leave you, you dont know what to expect. And only the week teams can take this kind of step. At the same time every rule has its exception, and Kirilenko is the exception. Andrei is the star of Russian and world basketball, he means for his country as much as Sabonis for Lithuania, Pau Gasol for Spain, Nowitzki for Germany. He grew here, he played for CSKA, for Russia. I think thanks to his Eurobasket participation he stays in good shape. Surely, we will need time to embed him into team system. Hopefully, one or two weeks will be enough.

Andrei Kirilenko:
I am glad to be back to the team where I spent the years of adolescence. Its a pleasure to have a chance to play for Russian fans, my friends, relatives. CSKA has a very strong team, great coach, excellent players. Its great when the highest goals are ahead of you. Its especially interesting to play under the load of responsibility. I am sure that we are able to solve any task together. Id like to mention also that all the money earned in Russia I will send to Kirilenkos Kids charity foundation. The foundation will help the children hospitals and charity-schools, sport schools, sport veterans and the basketball players who became the disabled persons.

Courtesy of www.cskabasket.com
-------

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

NBLCANADA

National Basketball League of Canada issues statement - by Eurobasket News
In response to this morning's postponement of the National Basketball League of Canada's commissioner announcement, President & CEO Andre Levingston has issued the following statement:

'Last month, the National Basketball League of Canada made an agreement in principal with the candidate being considered for the position of the league's commissioner. While both parties were extremely encouraged by the opportunity, unforeseen circumstances within the agreement arose at the eleventh hour that would have put the league in an uncompromising financial position.

At this time, the NBL Canada feels it is not in the league's best interest to move forward. We are confident that we have taken the necessary steps to protect the league and its owners. We remain in good standing with the former candidate, and are optimistic and committed to finding the best possible suitor for this position.'

Courtesy of NBL

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

NCAA1

Big 12 presidents approve revenue sharing - by Eurobasket News
Big 12 university leaders agreed to equally share the wealth from the conference's most lucrative television deals if its members agree to lock those top-tier TV rights into the league for at least six years.

The league's announcement Monday was an encouraging sign for the long-term health of the conference, but it is no done deal.

Missouri is considering leaving the Big 12, possibly for the Southeastern Conference, and the university's board of curators is scheduled to meet Tuesday in St. Louis.

Interim Big 12 Commissioner Chuck Neinas hopes the approval by the presidents and chancellors of equal revenue sharing and a grant of tier-one and tier-two TV rights to the league will help convince Missouri to stay instead of joining Texas A&M in the SEC.

'In an objective view, this should be a positive sign for Missouri,' Neinas said during a teleconference with reporters.

Neinas said he plans to visit with Missouri officials this week, but not before Tuesday's curators' meeting.

Neinas said Missouri should consider its long-standing rivalry with Kansas, the Kansas City-based Big 12 basketball tournaments and the close proximity between Columbia to other Big 12 schools.

'It's one thing to talk about the Southeastern Conference, but how many people are going to be able to afford to travel to Gainesville, Fla., or Columbia, S.C., or Tuscaloosa, Ala.,' Neinas said. 'You know, John Q. Fan, he can get in the car and drive to Big 12 games.

'Besides, Missouri is midwestern, not southern.'

The revenue-sharing model had been proposed by Texas several weeks ago, but was waiting for a vote by league presidents. Neinas said that school leaders, who make up the Big 12 Board of Directors, voted unanimously in favor of it on Sunday.

Each school must still approve the granting of TV rights, and that's where the Missouri curators come in.

The Big 12 also plans to move forward with expansion plans, apparently regardless of what Missouri decides.

Neinas said the Big 12's expansion committee has been 'activated' and will start meeting sometime this week. Neinas said the league has been encouraged by the amount of interest other schools have shown in the Big 12.

Neinas said the move toward sharing TV rights for football and men's basketball will help the league's expansion efforts and pointed to the 13-year, $1 billion television deal reached with Fox Sports in April.

Neinas said the conference has no timetable on expansion, though the league's athletic directors must still come to a consensus on what approach they want to take.

'We have some things in mind that I'm not prepared to reveal at this point, but we're working in a very positive way toward improving what is already a good conference,' Neinas said.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Four Tar Heels lead Wooden Award list - by Eurobasket News
Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F) and three of his North Carolina teammates are among the 50 players on the Wooden Award's preseason list.

John Henson (6'10''-F), Kendall Marshall (6'3''-G) and Tyler Zeller (7'0''-F-90) of the Tar Heels were also selected for the list by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Monday.

Ohio State (Jared Sullinger, William Buford, Aaron Craft) and Vanderbilt (Festus Ezeli, John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor) had three players chosen, while California, Connecticut, Memphis, Syracuse and UCLA all had two.

The Big East had 10 players on the list followed by the Big Ten with nine and the Southeastern Conference with seven players. The North Carolina players were the only ones from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The 36th annual Wooden Award will be presented the weekend of April 6-8.

The 50 players selected for the Wooden Award preseaon list:

Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame; Harrison Barnes, North Carolina; Will Barton, Memphis; Dee Bost, Mississippi State; William Buford, Ohio State.

Allen Crabbe, California; Aaron Craft, Ohio State; Marcus Denmon, Missouri; Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt; Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh.

Michael Glover, Iona; Drew Gordon, New Mexico; Draymond Green, Michigan State; JaMychal Green, Alabama; Jorge Gutierrez, California.

Tim Hardaway, Jr., Michigan; Elias Harris, Gonzaga; John Henson, North Carolina; Tu Holloway, Xavier; Robbie Hummel, Purdue .

Joe Jackson, Memphis; Scoop Jardine, Syracuse; John Jenkins, Vanderbilt; Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara; Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette.

Kevin Jones, West Virginia; Terrence Jones, Kentucky; Perry Jones III, Baylor; Kris Joseph, Syracuse; Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut.

Kendall Marshall, North Carolina; Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota; Ray McCallum, Detroit; Doug McDermott, Creighton; Khris Middleton, Texas A&M.

Reeves Nelson, UCLA; Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure; Alex Oriakhi, Connecticut; Thomas Robinson, Kansas; John Shurna, Northwestern.

Peyton Siva, Louisville; Joshua Smith, UCLA; Jared Sullinger, Ohio State; Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt; Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin.

Casper Ware, Long Beach State; Maalik Wayns, Villanova; Keith Wright, Harvard; Patric Young, Florida; Tyler Zeller, North Carolina.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Curtis Kelly get pro deal in Isreal - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Kelly (6'8''-F-88, college: Kansas St.) is set to start his professional basketball career. The American forward penned a one-season deal with Hapoel Tel-Aviv. They will compete in Israeli Premier league and also in Balkan league. Kelly replaced Tracy Smith, who was released recently. Curtis Kelly is a product of the Kansas State University, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 25 times for his school as a senior averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals. He participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) after that. For two games at this event Kelly had 9.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2 apg. Curtis Kelly helped Kansas State to reach NCAA Elite Eight in 2010. He had 11.5 ppg and 6.2 rpg that season. He transferred to Kansas State in 2008 from the University of Connecticut.

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

NEW ZEALAND

NBL Preview - by Duncan Matheson

Looking ahead to the NBL season just 3 days away, we take a look at each of the 9 teams and their prospects for the season. At this early stage, there appear to be three brackets of teams:

Emmanuelle Chriqui.. the LEGIT!!
They appear to be total class, they got the talent, theyre exciting to watch and would be even better to play with..

Perth Wildcats

Projected Starters: D.Martin, Lisch, Tovey, Redhage, Nevill
Bench: Robbins, Williamson, Hire, Wagstaff, Trueman, Knight

Outlook: The Wildcats are the NBLs most successful franchise, and missing the finals would be more out of place than the Pope at the playboy mansion. Champions two years ago, they took eventual champions New Zealand to the brink of elimination last year and return a healthy Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and have acquired star centre Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah). On paper, and if pre-season form is any indication at all, they are simply the cream of the class right now.

Offence: B+
Defence: A
Overall: A

X-Factor: Shawn Redhage. He is still the best scorer for this team and will be required to deliver in crunch time, as well as show the ability to play some 3 with such a big frontline.

Gold Coast Blaze

Projected Starters: Gibson, Harvey, English, Worthington, Hudson
Bench: Cadee, Goulding, Garlepp, Petrie, Hoare

Outlook: This team always look star-studded on paper, but have perhaps failed to deliver to expectations in previous years. Wortho was hampered by injury last year and looks set to have a dominant season, and with all the shots that will be going up from the perimeter import Will Hudson (205-F-89) looks a perfect fit for this group, racking up 10 offensive rebounds in a pre-season game. Defence is the question mark, but with some very good defensive players (Gibbo, Wortho, Hudson) if that mentality rubs off theres no reason they cant be solid defensively.

Offence: A
Defence: C+ (but with potential for major improvement)
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.). Surprising to pick their best player, and I could have picked two or three others, but when Wortho gets it going he is arguably the best player in the comp and could carry the Blaze to their first title.

New Zealand Breakers

Projected Starters: CJ Jackson, Bruton, Abercrombie, Vukona, Wilkinson
Bench: Corletto, Henry, Boucher, Anthony, Pledger

Outlook: Last years champions are still loaded with talent. It would be nave to not mention the loss of Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin), but the Breakers did possess a very good record last season even when they missed Penney. On top of that however, import guard Braswell is another big loss, and I believe Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) was set for a breakout year in the back-up two spot before his controversial release. Make no mistake they are still contenders, but will need big seasons from their youngsters.

Offence: A-
Defence: B-
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.). With no Penney, a man with NBA-level athleticism who many have said has the ability to take his game to a higher level, this is his chance.

Alyson Hannigan
Right now you look at them and say, 'Yeah, theyre ok. Maybe when they're fully done up I'd 'jump on-board', but right now they seem to lack class and be no more than slightly appealing.' Luckily for these teams, like Alyson Hannigan if they are prepared to do the dirty work they could get themselves to the top..

Melbourne Tigers

Projected Starters: Mills, Ubaka, Dorsey, Walker, Tragardh
Bench: Dillon, Lewis, Greer, Rush, Burston

Outlook: While many are sold on the Tigers, I am not. Mills is in yes, but his shooting in the Oceania series and NBL pre-season has been as accurate as Quade Coopers goal-kicking. (Australian Rugby reference, for all foreigners) Will Mills fit in? And how long will be at the Tigers? Can they rebound and have a defensive presence in the paint with that frontcourt? They have undergone a major off-season makeover, which certainly appears to be a positive one with talented recruits and a hard-nosed, successful coach in Trevor Gleeson (agency: Warren Sports International ), but I have strong doubts on their championship credentials.

Offence: A-
Defence: C+
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Matthew Burston (210-F/C-82). With only 3 legitimate bigs, an injury prone Burston better not only stay healthy, but be ready to rebound like Dwight Howard.

Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Projected Starters: Wilson, A. Warren, Hill, Loughton, Crosswhite
Bench: Williams, George, Grabau, Dowdell, Rychart

Outlook: Last seasons runner-up, and they still have all three players that make up their greatest strength; one tough frontcourt. Reports are Wilson and Warren are downgrades at the import spots, but lets face it, they didnt exactly light up the scoreboard last year either. They will once again be stingy defensively which will allow them to be competitive, and continue to be hard to beat at home. Did they overachieve last year to make a grand final? Probably, and I think theyll struggle to achieve that again, but they are a very solid group and certainly finals contenders.

Offence: C+
Defence: A-
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Brad Hill (198-G/F-86). Looked sharp in pre-season, and on a team that lacks a bit of firepower he has shown he has the athleticism and scoring ability for a breakout year.

Wollongong Hawks

Projected Starters: R. Martin, Campbell, Saville, Catron, Davidson
Bench: Demos, D.Jackson, Coenraad, Forman, Gruber

Outlook: I liked this Hawks group initially, but its been a turbulent few weeks as they released an import and are still looking for a replacement and will be missing Matty Campbell for Round 1. They have added great depth to their frontcourt, and it will be competitive for minutes as Oscar Forman (205-F-82) looks set to be instant offence of the bench after an outstanding season as a starter. Reports of a 168cm import being looked at bewilder me however, as the continued development of Martin and ageing of stalwart Campbell would have me looking for a bigger sized combo guard. The jury is out on the Hawks. Saville stays healthy, import Catron delivers, big seasons from some developing players, maybe they can contend but I'd have them outside the finals as we speak.

Offence: B-
Defence: B+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Timothy Coenraad (200-G/F-85, college: Nova SE). A 67 do-it-all swingman, Saville and Campbell are battling on but age gets us all eventually, this season provides a huge opportunity for Coenraad.

Sydney Kings

Projected Starters: Bruce, Madgen, Ratzsch, Grant, Khazzouh
Bench: L. Martin, Cooper, Gynes, Bose, Dann, Iti

Outlook: When the Kings initially signed three point guards in Martin, Cooper and Bruce I had no idea what this franchise was doing. The signings since however have been outstanding and provide this group with great depth and every position and I believe the Kings have the ability to be finals contenders this season. Aaron Bruce (191-G-84) has had a superb pre-season and Kings fans will be hoping he can take that form into the regular season. Khazzouh will again be the anchor, but now has a standout next to him at the four in Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, college: Clemson), something they didnt have last season. Bose will be crucial off the bench, Dann will work tirelessly on the glass, Madgen is one of Australias most promising guards, theres a lot to like about this group. They could have some weaknesses defensively, and Im not ready to jump on the bandwagon yet because they're coming from a long way back, but there's potential to be a believer.

Offence: B+
Defence: C+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Aaron Bruce. He probably wasnt expected to be the starter, but their point guard spot still has the potential to be weak and he will need to continue his form to compete with some very talented opposition at the one.

Queen Latifah
Right now I look at these teams and say, 'They do nothing for me, I dont understand what they are or what they are doing.' Only the most starry-eyed optimists whose favourite movie is 'Just Wright' could see these teams contending this year..

Townsville Crocodiles

Projected Starters: Gill, Crawford, Mims, Holmes, Schenscher (out 6 weeks)
Bench: Norton, C. Cedar, M. Cedar, Blanchfield, Allen, G. Vanderjagt

Outlook: Bleak. Sorry Croc's fans, you have had a culture of success over most of the last decade, but its hard to be optimistic about this season. Hinder out for the year, the captain and heart and soul, a big loss to start with. Quality signing in Jacob Holmes (201-F-83), one of my favourite players with his outstanding work ethic, but he showed signs of being on the decline last season. Now Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) out for six weeks and being replaced by Vanderjagt, which in fairness, you could argue is like replacing Garnett with Scalabrine. Add in that neither import has shown any real class in pre-season, and Crocs fans better be hoping Crawford and Michael Cedar (195-G-86) are going to put on regular Gaze-like shooting displays for the Crocs to finish anywhere near finals contention.

Offence: B-
Defence: C
Overall: C+

X-Factor: Benjamin Allen (211-C-86, college: St.Mary's, CA). After a big senior year at St. Marys, Allen was a no show last season. With such debilitating injuries to the Crocs frontline, Allen has been provided the opportunity to step up and make a name for himself, can he deliver?

Adelaide 36ers

Projected Starters: C. Warren, Herbert, Weigh, Ballinger, Johnson
Bench: Crosswell, Daly, Ng, Creek, Helliwell

Outlook: Wooden spoon two years ago, narrowly avoided it last year, will struggle to avoid it again. This is the only team where signing Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah) makes sense and if they can pull it off they better hope the NBA never resumes if they are to compete. They've already lost an import before the season started and are in search of another, and their frontcourt seems to really lack depth. Helliwell? Really? Was it his stellar season last year that convinced you? Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) has shown great promise and could have a breakout year starting at the five, and Chris Warren (177-G-88, college: Mississippi) looks to be one of the more legit new imports. But in the last two seasons they have haemorrhaged points and dont appear to have made any moves to finally be able to guard anybody.

Offence: B-
Defence: C- (and thats only cos Im a nice teacher that doesnt fail anyone)
Overall: C

X-Factor: Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) will have a big year, I am going to gurantee it. Even if he does I still dont see it being enough, but if he can have the kind of year that sees him elevated to Boomers competition, maybe the sixers can somehow make the finals.

NBL Preview - by Duncan Matheson

Looking ahead to the NBL season just 3 days away, we take a look at each of the 9 teams and their prospects for the season. At this early stage, there appear to be three brackets of teams:

Emmanuelle Chriqui.. the LEGIT!!
They appear to be total class, they got the talent, they're exciting to watch and would be even better to play with..

Perth Wildcats

Projected Starters: D.Martin, Lisch, Tovey, Redhage, Nevill
Bench: Robbins, Williamson, Hire, Wagstaff, Trueman, Knight

Outlook: The Wildcats are the NBL's most successful franchise, and missing the finals would be more out of place than the Pope at the playboy mansion. Champions two years ago, they took eventual champions New Zealand to the brink of elimination last year and return a healthy Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and have acquired star centre Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah). On paper, and if pre-season form is any indication at all, they are simply the cream of the class right now.

Offence: B+
Defence: A
Overall: A

X-Factor: Shawn Redhage. He is still the best scorer for this team and will be required to deliver in crunch time, as well as show the ability to play some 3 with such a big frontline.

Gold Coast Blaze

Projected Starters: Gibson, Harvey, English, Worthington, Hudson
Bench: Cadee, Goulding, Garlepp, Petrie, Hoare

Outlook: This team always look star-studded on paper, but have perhaps failed to deliver to expectations in previous years. Wortho was hampered by injury last year and looks set to have a dominant season, and with all the shots that will be going up from the perimeter import Will Hudson (205-F-89) looks a perfect fit for this group, racking up 10 offensive rebounds in a pre-season game. Defence is the question mark, but with some very good defensive players (Gibbo, Wortho, Hudson) if that mentality rubs off theres no reason they cant be solid defensively.

Offence: A
Defence: C+ (but with potential for major improvement)
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.). Surprising to pick their best player, and I could have picked two or three others, but when Wortho gets it going he is arguably the best player in the comp and could carry the Blaze to their first title.

New Zealand Breakers

Projected Starters: CJ Jackson, Bruton, Abercrombie, Vukona, Wilkinson
Bench: Corletto, Henry, Boucher, Anthony, Pledger

Outlook: Last years champions are still loaded with talent. It would be naive to not mention the loss of Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin), but the Breakers did possess a very good record last season even without Penney. On top of that however, import guard Braswell is another big loss, and I believe Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) was set for a breakout year in the back-up two spot before his controversial release. Make no mistake they are still contenders, but will need big seasons from their youngsters.

Offence: A-
Defence: B-
Overall: A-

X-Factor: Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.). With no Penney, a man with NBA-level athleticism who many have said has the ability to take his game to a higher level, this is his chance.

Alyson Hannigan
Right now you look at them and say, 'Yeah, they're ok. Maybe when theyre fully done up I'd 'jump on-board', but right now they seem to lack class and be no more than slightly appealing.' Luckily for these teams, like Alyson Hannigan if they are prepared to do the dirty work they could get themselves to the top..

Melbourne Tigers

Projected Starters: Mills, Ubaka, Dorsey, Walker, Tragardh
Bench: Dillon, Lewis, Greer, Rush, Burston

Outlook: While many are sold on the Tigers, I am not. Mills is in yes, but his shooting in the Oceania series and NBL pre-season has been as accurate as Quade Coopers goal-kicking. (Australian Rugby reference, for all foreigners) Will Mills fit in? And how long will be at the Tigers? Can they rebound and have a defensive presence in the paint with that frontcourt? They have undergone a major off-season makeover, which certainly appears to be a positive one with talented recruits and a hard-nosed, successful coach in Trevor Gleeson (agency: Warren Sports International ), but I have strong doubts on their championship credentials.

Offence: A-
Defence: C+
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Matthew Burston (210-F/C-82). With only 3 legitimate bigs, an injury prone Burston better not only stay healthy, but be ready to rebound like Dwight Howard.

Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Projected Starters: Wilson, A. Warren, Hill, Loughton, Crosswhite
Bench: Williams, George, Grabau, Dowdell, Rychart

Outlook: Last seasons runner-up, and they still have all three players that make up their greatest strength; one tough frontcourt. Reports are Wilson and Warren are downgrades at the import spots, but let's face it, they didn't exactly light up the scoreboard last year either. They will once again be stingy defensively which will allow them to be competitive, and continue to be hard to beat at home. Did they overachieve last year to make a grand final? Probably, and I think they'll struggle to achieve that again, but they are a very solid group and certainly finals contenders.

Offence: C+
Defence: A-
Overall: B+

X-Factor: Brad Hill (198-G/F-86). Looked sharp in pre-season, and on a team that lacks a bit of firepower he has shown he has the athleticism and scoring ability for a breakout year.

Wollongong Hawks

Projected Starters: R. Martin, Campbell, Saville, Catron, Davidson
Bench: Demos, D.Jackson, Coenraad, Forman, Gruber

Outlook: I liked this Hawks group initially, but its been a turbulent few weeks as they released an import and are still looking for a replacement and will be missing Matty Campbell for Round 1. They have added great depth to their frontcourt, and it will be competitive for minutes as Oscar Forman (205-F-82) looks set to be instant offence off the bench after an outstanding season as a starter. Reports of a 168cm import being looked at bewilder me however, as the continued development of Martin and ageing of stalwart Campbell would have me looking for a bigger sized combo guard. The jury is out on the Hawks. Saville stays healthy, import Catron delivers, big seasons from some developing players, maybe they can contend but I'd have them outside the finals as we speak.

Offence: B-
Defence: B+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Timothy Coenraad (200-G/F-85, college: Nova SE). A 6'7 do-it-all swingman, Saville and Campbell are battling on but age gets us all eventually, this season provides a huge opportunity for Coenraad.

Sydney Kings

Projected Starters: Bruce, Madgen, Ratzsch, Grant, Khazzouh
Bench: L. Martin, Cooper, Gynes, Bose, Dann, Iti

Outlook: When the Kings initially signed three point guards in Martin, Cooper and Bruce I had no idea what this franchise was doing. The signings since however have been outstanding and provide this group with great depth and every position and I believe the Kings have the ability to be finals contenders this season. Aaron Bruce (191-G-84) has had a superb pre-season and Kings fans will be hoping he can take that form into the regular season. Khazzouh will again be the anchor, but now has a standout next to him at the four in Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, college: Clemson), something they didn't have last season. Bose will be crucial off the bench, Dann will work tirelessly on the glass, Madgen is one of Australia's most promising guards, there's a lot to like about this group. They could have some weaknesses defensively, and I'm not ready to jump on the bandwagon yet because they're coming from a long way back, but there's potential to be a believer.

Offence: B+
Defence: C+
Overall: B

X-Factor: Aaron Bruce. He probably wasn't expected to be the starter, but their point guard spot still has the potential to be weak and he will need to continue his form to compete with some very talented opposition at the one.

Queen Latifah
Right now I look at these teams and say, 'They do nothing for me, I dont understand what they are or what they are doing.' Only the most starry-eyed optimists whose favourite movie is 'Just Wright' could see these teams contending this year..

Townsville Crocodiles

Projected Starters: Gill, Crawford, Mims, Holmes, Schenscher (out 6 weeks)
Bench: Norton, C. Cedar, M. Cedar, Blanchfield, Allen, G. Vanderjagt

Outlook: Bleak. Sorry Croc's fans, you have had a culture of success over most of the last decade, but its hard to be optimistic about this season. Hinder out for the year, the captain and heart and soul, a big loss to start with. Quality signing in Jacob Holmes (201-F-83), one of my favourite players with his outstanding work ethic, but he showed signs of being on the decline last season. Now Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) out for six weeks and being replaced by Vanderjagt, which in fairness, you could argue is like replacing Garnett with Scalabrine. Add in that neither import has shown any real class in pre-season, and Crocs fans better be hoping Crawford and Michael Cedar (195-G-86) are going to put on regular Gaze-like shooting displays for the Crocs to finish anywhere near finals contention.

Offence: B-
Defence: C
Overall: C+

X-Factor: Benjamin Allen (211-C-86, college: St.Mary's, CA). After a big senior year at St. Marys, Allen was a no show last season. With such debilitating injuries to the Crocs frontline, Allen has been provided the opportunity to step up and make a name for himself, can he deliver?

Adelaide 36ers

Projected Starters: C. Warren, Herbert, Weigh, Ballinger, Johnson
Bench: Crosswell, Daly, Ng, Creek, Helliwell

Outlook: Wooden spoon two years ago, narrowly avoided it last year, will struggle to avoid it again. This is the only team where signing Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah) makes sense and if they can pull it off they better hope the NBA never resumes if they are to compete. They've already lost an import before the season started and are in search of another, and their frontcourt seems to really lack depth. Helliwell? Really? Was it his stellar season last year that convinced you? Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) has shown great promise and could have a breakout year starting at the five, and Chris Warren (177-G-88, college: Mississippi) looks to be one of the more legit new imports. But in the last two seasons they have haemorrhaged points and don't appear to have made any moves to finally be able to guard anybody.

Offence: B-
Defence: C- (and thats only cos Im a nice teacher that doesnt fail anyone)
Overall: C

X-Factor: Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) will have a big year, I am going to gurantee it. Even if he does I still don't see it being enough, but if he can have the kind of year that sees him pushing for Boomers selection, maybe the sixers can somehow make the finals.

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

NORWAY

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 24

1. Mjos, Baerum B.	24.0
2. Sahlertz, Tromso	22.3
3. Land, Asker Aliens	21.7
4. Stien, Asker Aliens	21.0
5. Kombat, Froya B.	20.7
6. Hagen, Ammerud	18.7
7. Okoroafor, Ammerud	18.3
8. Wallace, Tromso	18.0
9. Berg, Gimle BBK	17.0
10. Mahnin, Centrum	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Lee-Ingram, Asker	13.7
2. Byerson, Tromso	9.0
3. Bullock, Froya B.	8.7
4. Hagen, Ammerud	8.0
5. Oatis, Baerum B.	7.7
6. Kombat, Froya B.	7.3
7. Ferranti, Baerum B.	7.3
8. Wallace, Tromso	7.0
9. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	7.0
10. Ouakkaha, Froya	6.3

Assists Per Game

Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Issalhi, Tromso	7.0
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	5.0
3. Midtvedt, Asker A.	5.0
4. Gabrans, Froya B.	4.7
5. Byerson, Tromso	4.0
6. Lee-Ingram, Asker	4.0
7. Stien, Gimle BBK	3.7
8. Stien, Asker Aliens	3.7
9. Mjos, Baerum B.	3.7
10. Mahnin, Centrum	3.7

Steals Per Game

Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Issalhi, Tromso	3.0
2. Sahlertz, Tromso	2.0
3. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.0
4. Westerlund, Ammeru.	2.0
5. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.0
6. Gabrans, Froya B.	1.7
7. Hagen, Ammerud	1.7
8. Vangen, Centrum	1.3
9. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	1.3
10. Andersen, Langhus	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Oatis, Baerum B.	3.7
2. Byerson, Tromso	1.3
3. Nyborg, Centrum	1.0
4. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	1.0
5. Lee-Ingram, Asker	1.0
6. Andreassen, Baerum	0.7
7. Bullock, Froya B.	0.7
8. Kombat, Froya B.	0.3
9. Mjos, Baerum B.	0.3
10. O''Garrow, Langhus	0.3

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

POLAND

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

1. AZS Szczecin		1-0
2. P.Cukier SIDEn		1-0
3. Rosa Radom		1-0
4. SKK Siedlce		1-0
5. Sokol Lancut		1-0
6. Spojnia		1-0
7. Start Gdynia		1-0
8. Znicz Basket		0-0
9. AZS Kutno		0-1
10. MKS DG		0-1
11. MOSiR Krosno		0-1
12. Polonia		0-1
13. Sportino		0-1
14. Start Lublin		0-1
15. Sudety		0-1

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. GKK Gorzow		2-0
2. Ksiezak		2-0
3. Open Florentyna		2-0
4. Zuraw		2-0
5. Astoria		1-0
6. AZS PP Poznan		1-1
7. AZS UWM Olsz.		1-1
8. Zyrardowianka		1-1
9. KK Swiecie		0-1
10. Korsarz		0-2
11. SMS PZKosz		0-2
12. Trefl II		0-2
13. Wilki Morskie		0-2
Group B
1. AZS AWF K-ce		2-0
2. Pogon Prudnik		2-0
3. Slask II W.		2-0
4. WKK Obiekty		1-0
5. BM Wegiel Stal		1-1
6. Nysa Klodzko		1-1
7. AZS AGH Alstom		1-1
8. MCKiS Jaworz.		1-1
9. HK Zory		1-1
10. Alba Chorzow		1-1
11. Piotrcovia		0-1
12. GTK Gliwice		0-2
13. Mickiewicz		0-2
14. MKS Skierniew.		0-2
Group C
1. Novum Lublin		2-0
2. PWiK Piaseczno		2-0
3. Unia Tarnow		2-0
4. Handlopex AZS		1-0
5. UMKS		1-1
6. MKS Limbach		1-1
7. Wisla AWF Kr.		1-1
8. Staco MNLK		1-1
9. AZS II Polit.W-wa		1-1
10. Tur		0-1
11. Pulaski Warka		0-2
12. Rosa II Radom		0-2
13. UKS Siemaszka		0-2

Polpharma grab Polish SuperCup - by Eurobasket News
Polpharma - Asseco Prokom 79:78 (19:18, 15:10, 18:20, 27:30)

Polpharma grab Polish SuperCup as they stun Asseco Prokom. Both teams showed an excellent preparation for the upcoming season, while Polpharma took 79:78 victory.
Polpharma surprised Prokom with 19-18 in the opening tip and even added 15-10 in the second quarter. The board showed 6-point advantage for the team from Gdansk at the halftime. In the third quarter Prokom needed 20-18 to reduce to 4 points entering the final period. Moreover they won the final quarter 30-27, but could not win the game.
Michael Hicks (193-G-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Missouri) top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Ivan Koljevic (185-G-84, agency: BeoExcell) netted 21. Simmons posted 10 and Wall added 9. Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) ended up with 22 points in the losing effort, whilst Zamojski delivered 19. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) notched 14 and Blassingame added 8.

Polpharma: Michael Hicks 22, Ivan Koljevic 21, Simmons 10, Wall 9, Metelski 7, Brian Gilmore (203-F-85, college: American) 5, Snieg 2, Grzegorz Arabas (190-F/G-78, agency: Promotex) 2, Weeden 1, Dabrowski 0
Asseco Prokom: Alonzo Gee 22, Zamojski 19, Donatas Motiejunas 14, Blassingame 8, Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) 6, Lapeta 4, Szczotka 4, Brown 1, Frasunkiewicz 0, Kuebler 0, Seweryn 0

Slask Wroclaw and Trefl Sopot open Sopot Tournament with wins - by Eurobasket News
Slask Wroclaw and Trefl Sopot claimed victories on the opening day of pre-season tournament in Sopot.
Slask Wroclaw held off Bnei Hasharon 90:69. Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners. Slask opened the encounter with a 27:8 rally to set the tone. They maintained the lead well throughout the reminder of the contest claiming a well-deserved win at the end. Ljubisa Bogovac provided 21 points in the victory. Delroy James (203-F-87, college: Rhode Island) responded with 17 points for Bnei Hasharon. LaceDarius Dunn (193-G-87, college: Baylor) netted 14 points in the loss.
Trefl Sopot overcame PBG Basket 94:58 behind 16 points from Chris Burgess (209-C-79, college: Utah). Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) and Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) delivered 12 points each in the victory. Trefl Sopot piled up a 46:32 halftime lead. The hosts did not slow down in the second half and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) had 11 points in the winning effort. Damian Kulig (205-F/C-87) responded with 14 points for PBG Basket. Zarko Comagic (201-F-85, agency: 011 Sports, college: N.Arizona) and Jacek Sulowski (192-G-79) netted 11 points apiece in the loss.

Lafayette to join Asseco - by J W
Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) is close to sign with Asseco Prokom Gdynia. Lafayette started last season with Partizan Belgrade, but was released soon. Then he played couple months with Fort Wayne Mad Ants averaging 16.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg & 3.6 apg and ended the season with Maccabi Ashdod in Israeli League with just 10.5 ppg & 2.9 apg. Lafayette has played one game in the NBA scoring 7 points for Boston Celtics during 2009/2010 season. He will be probably starting PG for Polish champions, who have only one other playmaker in their roster: Jerel Blassingame (177-G-81, college: UNLV)

Zastal Zielona Gora adds Marcin Sroka - by Eurobasket News
Zastal Zielona Gora added another player for the upcoming season. It is Polish forward Marcin Sroka (200-F-81, agency: Promotex). He finished 2010/11 with Ukrainian team Politekhnika-Halychyna averaging 6.3 points and 2.1 rebounds for 22 games. Sroka joined them in January from AZS Koszalin. With Koszalin he had 9.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 11 games in PLK. From 2008 to 2010, Marcin Sroka played for Energa Czarni. In the past, he was a member of Polpak, Anwil, Stal Ostrow etc.
Yesterday, Zastal Zielona Gora landed Serbian big guy Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: BeoExcell). It will be his third straight season in PLK. The latest one Mirkovic spent with Polpharma. He joined them in November averaging 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds for 21 games. Mirkovic started last season with Crvena Zvezda Beograd. In 2009/10, Uros Mirkovic also played for Polpharma. He had 8 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 33 games at that time. In 2008/09, he was MVP of the Serbian league. In 24 games with Masinac, Mirkovic collected 19.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.7 spg. He also has experience from Vojvodina Srbijagas. With Polpharma, Mirkovic won the Polish Cup last season.

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

PORTUGAL

Benfica and Porto record wins at Antonio Pratas Trophy - by Eurobasket News
Benfica recorded the second straight win at the Antonio Pratas Trophy. They toppled Barreirense 86:69. Sergio Ramos (200-F-75) scored 27 points to pace the winners. Benfica controlled the tempo as they piled up a 49:38 halftime lead. Benfica limited their opponents to just 9 points in the third term to take a 67:47 lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Ted Scott (188-G-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: W.Virginia St.) nailed 24 points for Benfica. Joao Guerreiro (205-F-90) responded with 15 points and 11 rebounds for Barreirense. Jose Silva (194-F-89) netted 14 points in the loss.
Porto Ferpinta also claimed the second win as they rallied past Vitoria Guimaraes 93:70. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) delivered 20 points to lead the effort. Porto unleashed 46 points in the first half to enjoy an 8-point buffer. They added 47 points in the second half and cruised to the victory at the end. Nuno Marcal (205-F-75) posted 15 points, while Gregory Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) had 14 points in the winning case. Maris Gulbis (202-F-85, agency: Players Group) replied with 19 points for Guimaraes.
Ovarense also advanced into the semifinal stage of the tournament as they held off Sampaense 81:70. Austen Powers (203-F-87, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle) provided 31 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners. Mario Gonsalves contributed 10 points for Ovarense. Tyronne McNeal (211-C-87, college: Miami Dade CC) and Joao Reveles (187-G-80) netted 19 points each for Sampaense.
Lusitania completed the semifinal picture as they coasted past Academica 77:51. Ricky Franklin (185-PG-87, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) delivered 24 points, while Marcel Momplasir (205-C-81, college: Rhode Island) and Mohamed Camara (196-F-83) contributed 12 points apiece in the victory. Richard Oruche (191-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Ill.-Springfield) answered with 16 points for Academica.

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

ROMANIA

Aliakseyeu signed with BC Mures - by Tamas Deri
The 212 cm tall Mikalai Aliakseyeu (agency: TSS Management) signed his contract with BC Mures in Romania for the coming season and is expected to arrive to the city by the end of this week. The 33 years old Belarus NT center is a very experienced player. He played college basketball with the University of Buffalo and started his professional carreer with CSKA Moscow in Russia. He played shortly for FMP Zeleznik Beograd before moving back to St. Petersburg in Russia. He spent also almost two seasons with CSK VVS-SAMARA, but moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny in Ukraine during the season 2004-05. He played in the top division of Greece, Latvia and Cyprus before moving to Hungary in February 2007, where he finished the season with Falco KC Szombathely, in 17 games he helped his team with 10.2 points and 8.9 rebounds. During the summer he agreed with the management and came back to Szombathely, where he was a key player of the team winning the first Championship Title in the Club's history. Aliakseyeu run a solid season again puting up 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks. After the successfull season in Hungary he signed with Lvovskaya Politekhnika Lvov and played 20 games. In the season 2009-10 he moved back to Hungary and spent the season with Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend. In 28 games he averaged 13.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg. The last season he played again for Falco KC Szombathely and in 30 games he put up 12.4ppg, 6.4rpg.

Vladimir Mijovic has been tested by Cluj Napoca - by Tamas Deri
The 207 cm tall serbian power forward has been on a tryout with Romanian Champion Cluj Napoca. Vladimir Mijovic (207-F-84) is a very athletic big man, who started his professional carreer with KK Sloga Kraljevo in Serbia. He started the season 2008-09 with Omonia in Cyprus and averaged amazing 21.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He left the team in December and finished the season with PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia in Bulgaria. The coming season he spent with Proteas EKA AEL Limassol and Achilleas Kaimakliou in Cyprus. For the last season he moved back to Bulgaria and played for Rilski Sportist Samokov. In 27 games of the Bulgarian League he averaged 10.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.3apg and in 8 games of the Balkan League he put up 11.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg. During the summer he agreed with LTi Giessen 46ers in the Bundesliga of Germany, but left the team in September.

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. TEMP-SUMZ		1-0
2. Univ.Surgut		1-0
3. Ural Ekaterinb.		1-0
4. Ataman		0-0
5. Metallurg-Univ.		0-0
6. Rjazan		0-0
7. Spojuz Zaretch.		0-0
8. Ruskon-Mord.		0-1
9. Severstal		0-1
10. Spartak V.		0-1

Spartak St. Petersburg will play in EuroCup Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St. Petersburg -Etha 83:64

Spartak St. Petersburg will play in EuroCup Regular Season. The Russian team proved it once more time over Etha to beat them at home 83:64. It gave them 143 123 total win.
After the minimum victory in the first leg, Spartak started with 24-21 after the first period. Mavrokefalidis brought 28:21 and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) delivered two for 35:29. Valery Likhodey (204-F-86) nailed three for 47:35, while Patrick Okafor (203-F-79, college: Houston) closed the half at 49:36.
The third quarter was decisive in the game and gave the Russian team 21-12. It totaled to 70:48 and it was clear about the winner at that time. Etha meanwhile won the last period 16-13 but lost the game by 19 points.
Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) stepped up with 26 points for the winners and Valery Likhodey posted 15. Yotam Halperin followed them with 14 points and Mavrokefalidis netted 10. Patrick Okafor delivered 15 points in defeat, while Thomas Massamba (185-G-85, agency: Lanshire Group) chipped in 11.

Spartak St. Petersburg: Patrick Beverley 26, Valery Likhodey 15, Yotam Halperin 14, Mavrokefalidis 10
Etha: Patrick Okafor 15, Thomas Massamba 11

Triumph cruise past Krasnie Krilya - by Eurobasket News
Triumph - Krasnie Krilya 94:71

Triumph registered the first win at the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. They coasted past Krasnie Krilya in the first leg of two-game series. Five players delivered in double digits for Triumph. Victor Zvarykin (199-G-86) posted 16 points to lead the effort.
The teams stayed really close throughout the starting frame. Triumph and Krasnye Krylia were tied at 26 after ten minutes of action. Triumph however pulled in front in the second frame. They opened the period on a 20:1 run to take a 46:27 advantage. Triumph recorded a 52:39 advantage at the interval. The hosts limited Krasnye Krylia to just 14 points in the third frame and boosted the gap to as many as 18 points at the final break 71:53. Triumph went on an 8:2 rally late in regulation to take an 88:64 lead and cruised to the victory at the end. Davon Jefferson (203-F-86, college: USC) and Kyle Landry (206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) notched 15 points apiece for Triumph. Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.) contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. DeJuan Blair (201-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 14 points for Krasnye Krylia. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) netted 13 points in the losing effort.

Triumph: Victor Zvarykin 16, Davon Jefferson 15, Kyle Landry 15
Krasnie Krilya: DeJuan Blair 14, Jarvis Hayes 13

Andrei Kirilenko is back to CSKA - by Eurobasket News
Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) is coming back to Russia. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with the Russian powerhouse. The deal is meant for three seasons with an option of coming back to the NBA in case of lockout end. The forward moved to the States back in 2001. He has been playing for the Utah Jazz since. Last season Andrei Kirilenko posted 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Previously Andrei Kirilenko played for Spartak Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow. The player has been the member of Russian National Team since 1999. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket. Andrei Kirilenko tallied 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists per game in Lithuania leading Russia to Bronze medals.

Spartak Primorie step closer to EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Primorie - Enisey 75:58

Spartak Primorie celebrated a comfortable victory over Enisey in the opening leg of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) scored 15 points to lead the hosts to a 17-point success that put them on the brink of qualification into regular season of the tournament.
The lead changed hands throughout intense first frame. The home team eked out a 17:16 lead after ten minutes but the second term was different. Andrei Trushkin (206-C/F-81) put Enisey in front early in the quarter however Spartak answered with a 10:3 run to surge ahead. Spartak capped the period on a 22:0 run to establish a 50:25 lead at the interval. Enisey tried hard to come back into the game. They limited Spartak to just 6 points in the third term cutting the deficit to only 12 points 44:56 with ten minutes to go. Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) dragged the visitors within 9 points on several occasions in the fourth term but the hosts triggered a 13:3 run late in the quarter to clear off for good. Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: VCU) finished with 12 points, while Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87), Cuthbert Victor (196-F-83, college: Murray St.) and Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) added 9 points each in the victory. Lonny Baxter responded with 20 points for Enisey. Andrei Trushkin provided 10 points in the losing effort.

Spartak Primorie: Torey Thomas 15, Konstantin Nesterov 12, Evgeni Baburin 9, Jeleel Akindele 9, Cuthbert Victor 9
Enisey: Lonny Baxter 20, Andrei Trushkin 10

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

SERBIA

Filip Sepa, OKK Beograd too strong for Crvena Zvezda in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda - OKK Beograd 79-84

Crvena Zvezda and OKK Beograd met in a friendly game yesterday. OKK Beograd was better celebrating 79-84 victory at the end. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Dragan Mitrovic (200-F-85) and Luka Drca (195-G-87, agency: Beo Basket, college: Utah) had 15 points each, while Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) added 13 pts. On the other side, Morrison once again was the leading scorer. He had 19 points. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket), Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) and Mile Ilic (215-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) posted 11 pts each. Crvena Zvezda made minimum lead in the first ten minutes (15-14), but OKK Beograd took control on them after that. Filip Sepa and his teammates created 17-23 in the second period for plus five at the HT. They increased advantage to 7 points in Q3 and it was too much for Crvena Zvezda for rest of the game. Season begins next weekend for both teams. Crvena Zvezda will compete in Adriatic league, while OKK Beograd will play in Serbian A league.

Crvena Zvezda: Covic, Cvetkovic, Morison 19, Markovic 2, Mile Ilic 11, Lazic 10, Tubak, Smiljanic, Nemanja Nedovic 11, Subotic, Radetic 5, Andreja Milutinovic 11, Popovic 10
OKK Beograd: Stojancev, Dragan Mitrovic 15, Filip Sepa 20, Knezevic 10, M. Dimitrijevic, Malidzan 9, P. Dimitrijevic, Suzic 2, Luka Drca 15, Djurica, Kljajevic, Nenad Misanovic 13

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

SLOVENIA

KK Sentjur announced the roster - by Eurobasket News
KK Sentjur announced the roster for the upconing season. After bringing two Americans to the squad it looks great for the competitive season. Igor Maric (196-F-85) is a Croatian player who was one of the last to join. in 2003-2004 started for KK Dubrava Sport Tip Zagreb (A1). In 2004-2005 he played for KK Dubrava Sport Tip Zagreb (A1)as well as in 2006-2007. In 2007-2008 moved to KK Zabok (A1) and in 26 games averaged 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg. In 2008-2009 came back to KK Dubrava Zagreb (A1) and after 20 games had 10.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 50.6%, FT: 84.0%. In 2009-2010 for KK Dubrava Zagreb (A1, starting five) he increased to14.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT-1 (90.0%). The last season Igor Maric played for Svjetlost Slavonski Brod (A1) and in Balkan League showed 10.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 66.7%. In Croatian League after 24 games his stats read 12.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT-1 (95.3%).
Magusar Matevz comes from SD Fenomeni Ljubljana

Ivan Drzic (205-C-83)
Tadej Ferme (187-G-91)
Magusar Matevz
Igor Maric
Travis Nelson (211-C-87, college: Minn.St.-Mankato)
Klemen Oset (185-G-92)
Anze Pelc (190-G-90)
Mladen Primorac (210-C-90)
Patrick Rembert (182-G, college: Cal-Irvine)
Matic Roser (196-F-94)
Milan Sebic (204-F-86)
N Skoberne

Helios announced D.J. Gay - by Eurobasket News
Helios announced D.J. Gay (182-G-89) for the upcoming season as the American Player already debuted in few pre-season games for the team. He scored recently 10 points in the game versus Venezia.
HELIOS DOMZALE won over UMANA VENEZIA 85:84. Besedic and Prepelic top-scored for the Slovenain team with 18 points each, while Besedic posted 16. Clark ended up with 18 points in the losing effort. Fantoni netted 15 and Szewczyk as well as Allegretti brought 14 each.
D.J. Gay comes from San Diego St. (NCAA). In 33 games he averaged 5.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.1%, 3Pts: 37.2%, FT: 64.0%. In his last season there he improved to 11.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 37.3%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011 he participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) and in 3 games had 6.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg.

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

SOUTH KOREA

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Anyang KGC		1-0
2. Daegu Orions		1-0
3. ET Land		1-0
4. Sonic Boom KT		1-0
5. Mobis Phoebus		0-0
6. Samsung Th.		0-0
7. Dongbu Promy		0-1
8. KCC Egis		0-1
9. LG Sakers		0-1
10. SK Knights		0-1

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

SPAIN

Regal Barca invites Marc and Pau Gasol for practices - by Eurobasket News
Marc and Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) to practice with Regal Barca until the lockout. Two brothers are happy to stay in Spain and to wait for the upcoming season in NBA.
Pau Gasol last season played for $17,823,000 for Los Angeles Lakers (NBA (starting five). In 92 games he averaged 18.2ppg, 9.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 82.1%. In his contract he is a player of the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, starting five) for 2011/2012 as well.
Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) played last season for $3,573,333 for Memphis Grizzlies (NBA, starting five). In 93 games he showed 12.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.8%.
Due to the excellent game from the brothers Spain repeated as European Champions this summer. They overcame France in the title game in Kaunas. Juan Carlos Navarro put on another brilliant performance scoring 27 points and issuing 4 assists. Pau Gasol and Jose Manuel Calderon accounted for 17 points each in the victory. Marc Gasol added 11 points and 6 rebounds to the victory.

Gran Canaria edge Artland Dragons, book ticket into EuroCup regular season - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria - Artland Dragons 92:65

Gran Canaria advanced into EuroCup regular season. The Spanish team coasted past Artland Dragons tonight to seal their next stage appearance at the tournament. Gran Canaria enjoyed a five-point buffer after the game in Germany and gave little chance for the Dragons at home court. Xavier Rey (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) notched 14 points and 6 rebounds to pace Gran Canaria.
The hosts unloaded 27 points in the opening frame to clear off. Gran Canaria recorded a 27:20 lead after ten minutes of action. They stayed in charge throughout the second frame. The hosts ensured a comfortable 50:41 halftime lead. Artland Dragons were unable to keep up the tempo in the second half. Gran Canaria limited their opponents to just 14 points in the third term. The home side piled up a 19-point lead at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) and Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) delivered 12 points apiece for the winning side. Johannes Strasser (190-G-82, agency: Court Side) responded with 11 points for Artland Dragons. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) delivered 10 points in the loss.

Gran Canaria: Xavier Rey 14, Spencer Nelson 12, Marquez Haynes 12
Artland Dragons: Johannes Strasser 11, Darren Fenn 10

Marcus Landry joins Manresa - by Eurobasket News
Marcus Landry (201-F-85, college: Wisconsin) will continue his career in Spain. The forward has agreed on terms of short-term contract with Assignia Manresa. Last season started in D-League. He played for the Reno Bighorns and averaged 17.6 points, 4.4 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Later Marcus Landry moved to Maratonistas de Coamo in Puerto Rico. The forward registered 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per appearance. Previously Marcus Landry had stints with the New York Knicks and the Maine Red Claws.

Andrais Thornton joined Plasencia Extremadura - by Eurobasket News
Andrais Thornton (203-C-85, college: NW Missouri St.) joined Plasencia Extremadura for the upcoming season. The player started this season in Estonia, but heads to Spain.
In 2007-2008 he appeared for NW Missouri St. (NCAA2) and averaged 6.1ppg, 4.3rpg. In 2008-2009 played for Heimerer Schulen Basket Landsberg (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five) and had high 23.0ppg. In 2009-2010 moved to Kalev Tallinn (Estonia-KML, starting five), but was released in Oct.'09. In Nov.'10 signed at Voru KK (Estonia-KML, starting five) and after 13 games averaged 18.7ppg, 12.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 69.3%. In Feb.'11 moved to CBP/Sentir Penafiel (Portugal-LPB) and showed 12.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 55.8%
Last season in Estonian he erupted with 32 points at the Regular Season Round 15 when TTU/Kalev II beat Voru KK 77-56. TTU/Kalev II lead from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. TTU/Kalev II forced 20 Voru KK turnovers. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Andrais Thornton who recorded a double-double by scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds.

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Fribourg		1-0
2. Lugano Tigers		1-0
3. Monthey		1-0
4. SAV Vacallo		1-0
5. Geneve Lions		0-0
6. BBC Nyon		0-1
7. Boncourt		0-1
8. SAM Massagno		0-1
9. Starwings		0-1

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

TAIWAN

Liu Jia-fa joins TB coaching staff - by Chris Wang
Former Dacin head coach Liu Jia-Fa will join Taiwan Beer's coaching staff as an assistant coach, local media reported last week.

Liu twice led Dacin to advance to the SBL Finals but lost to Yulon and Taiwan Beer respectively. He coached Chunghwa Telecom of the women's league WSBL for two years after leaving Dacin.

In Taiwan Beer, he will coach alongside current Taiwan NT head coach Chou Jun-san and Taiwan NT assistant Liu Hua-lin as assistants under the head coach Yen Chia-hua.

According to Yen, Liu will be in charge of development of young players while Chou is in charge of on-court coaching and substitution.

Taiwan Beer will rely on younger players this season as Lin Chih-chieh and Wu Tai-hao will both play in China and Doug Creighton has left the team to sign with Pure Youth.

Liu said he will stress fundamentals and physical training, given that Taiwanese players are injury-prone, which reflected their lack of sufficient physical training.

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

TANZANIA

JKT Stars sweep aside Tan Blacks - by Carlos Pereira
Dar es Salaam. The Temeke District Basketball League continued on Sunday with JKT Stars trouncing Tan Blacks 60-26 at TTC Sigara courts.JKT Stars, who flopped in last seasons Kili RBA League, stupefied their opponents with pace and scored points galore in quick succession.
The winners and runners-up of the league organised by Dar es Salaam Basketball (DB), will qualify for the RBA League, one of the biggest basketball events in the country.Despite the defeat, Tan Black played their hearts out, and periodically, gave their highly-fancied opponents a reality check.
The game attended by a handful of fans saw JKT Stars make a bright start to the game and pinned Tan Black to their own half.The army team rattled Tan Black rearguard to take a convincing 27-8 lead until the end of the first quarter.
JKT did not stop to trouble their clueless opponents and the remaining quarters saw them add 33 more points while Tan Black notched 18 only.Frank Simkoko was JKT Stars hero after burying 20 points, thus emerging the best scorer of the one-sided game.
In another enthralling match played at the same venue Changombe United laboured to edge out hard-fighting PTW Stars 43-42.ABC, who were to play Cargo, earned a walkover after their opponents failed to show up for the match.
In Ilala District, Magone were indeed a class above Airwing after cruising to an emphatic 108-43 win at Don Bosco courts.Magone started the game on a high tempo and managed to take a 28-11 lead in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Magone scored 23-11 and until the halftime break they were leading 51-22.
The third quarter was no different as Magone scored 37-11 before winding up with the 20-8 win in the last quarter.
Meanwhile, Prisca Melecela reports that Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) has suspended all matches to give the teams room to participate in the Zone V championships opening on Saturday.The two-week Zone V Championships will feature over 15 teams from East and Central Africa.

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

TURKEY

Dexia Mons-Hainaut shock Besiktas, advance into EuroCup regular season - by Eurobasket News
Dexia Mons-Hainaut - Besiktas 74:63

Dexia Mons-Hainaut reached EuroCup regular season. They stunned ambitious Besiktas at home court overcoming an 8-point deficit after the game in Turkey. A.J. Slaughter (191-G-87, college: W.Kentucky) delivered 19 points to pace the Belgian side.
The game looked to go Besiktas way in the first half. The Turkish team were well in control of their fate opening an 18:8 lead late in the period. Dexia cut the deficit to just four points at the first intermission 14:18. The hosts got within a single point midway through the second quarter 27:28. However Hawkins scored five points in a 7:1 run that gave the visitors a 35:28 lead. Dexia surprised Besiktas in the third term. They went on a 21:2 run to grab a 49:39 lead. The hosts entered the fourth frame up by as many as 8 points 53:45. Erceg drained a triple at the beginning of the final stanza but Dexia answered with 13 points in a row to accumulate an 18-point buffer. Erceg, Deron Williams and Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) dragged Besiktas within 9 points with ten seconds to go 63:72. Ronell Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) knocked down two free throws but Erceg had a chance to save the visitors. His three-pointer though missed the mark and Besiktas had to surrender at the end. Ahmad Nivins (206-F-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: St.Joseph's) posted 18 points, while Ronell Taylor, Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Xavier) and Warren Carter (205-F/C-85, college: Illinois) had 9 points each in the victory. Marcelus Kemp answered with 18 points for Besiktas. Ersin Dagli (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) netted 13 points in the losing effort.

Dexia Mons-Hainaut: A.J. Slaughter 19, Ahmad Nivins 18, Ronell Taylor 9, Justin Cage 9, Warren Carter 9
Besiktas: Marcelus Kemp 18, Ersin Dagli 13

Le Mans edge Pinar Karsiyaka to seal EuroCup regular season birth - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans - Pinar Karsiyaka 80:78

Le Mans earned the second victory over Pinar Karsiyaka in the EuroCup Qualifying Round. The French team thus clinched the regular season birth. Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists to pace Le Mans.
Le Mans grabbed a 12:6 lead midway through the first frame. But the Turkish side went on a 12:2 run to post a 18:14 lead. They finished the first period up by four points 24:20. Morgan gave Pinar Karsiyaka a 36:26 lead midway through the second quarter. Le Mans however stopped the rot and cut the deficit to a single point at halftime 45:46. The hosts pulled in front early in the third term but not for long. Pinar Karsiyaka returned the lead and established a 63:54 advantage with under three minutes to go in the frame. They entered the final stanza up by seven points and full of hopes. Le Mans tipped off the fourth quarter on a 10:0 run and silenced their opponents. Pinar Karsiyaka never came back to life and had to surrender at the end. Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bradley) and Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) posted 14 points each in the victory. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 21 points for Pinar Karsiyaka. Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) had 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.

Le Mans: Alex Acker 19, Marcellus Sommerville 14, Joao Paulo Batista 14
Pinar Karsiyaka: Goran Ikonic 21, Mire Chatman 17

Latest friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Tofas was better than Finalspor 93-71 in a friendly game which was played this past weekend. Austin Nichols (198-G/F-82, college: Humboldt St.) stepped up for Tofas with 20 points. Their second scorer was Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) with 16 pts. On the other side, Finalspor got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Cyrus Tate (203-F/C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Iowa).
Olin Edrine handed 70-51 loss to Bulgarian Yambol. Ogun Sevinc (198-F/G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) and Polat Kocaoglu (205-C/F-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) scored 11 and 10 points respectively for the winners. Stanislav Govedarov and John Ofoegbu delivered 17 points each in loss.
Hacettepe was too strong for Trabzon 76-66. Ricardo Marsh (207-F-81, college: ODU) was the leading player in victory with 19 points. Jonathan Gibson (182-PG-87, college: N.Mexico St.) replied with 16 pts in defeat.

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

UKRAINE

Superleague Standings

1. Budivelnyk		2-0
2. Khimik		2-0
3. Azovmash		1-0
4. Cherkasy		1-0
5. Mykolaiv		1-0
6. BC Kyiv		1-1
7. Hoverla		1-1
8. Ferro-ZNTU		1-1
9. Dnipro		0-0
10. BC Donetsk		0-1
11. BC Odessa		0-1
12. Kryvbasbasket		0-1
13. DniproAzot		0-2
14. Halychyna		0-2

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

URUGUAY

Results for the LUB 4th round - by Hector Lopez
Results for the Uruguayan League 4th round (Group Capital)
Hebraica Macabi 83 - Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) 22 points 7 assists, Kodi Augustus (203-F-87, college: Mississippi St.) 19 points 4 rebounds, Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 8 points 8 rebounds
Welcome 76 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 35 points 4 rebounds, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 8 points 5 rebounds 2 blocks
- - -
Cordon 78 - Rodrigo Riera (184-G-72) 18 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84, college: S.Carolina) 17 points 6 rebounds, Anthony Simpson (203-F-87, college: Kent St.) 13 points 9 rebounds 4 blocks
Bigua 67 Mathias Calfani (202-C-92) 16 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks, Marvin Jefferson (206-C-86, college: Idaho) 5 3 rebounds
- - -
Sayago 88 - Derrick Roland (193-G-88, college: Texas A&M) 38 points 2 rebounds 1 block, Terrence Shelman 23 points 9 rebounds
Montevideo 88 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 24 points 12 rebounds Otis Polk (206-C-88, college: Bowling Green) 19 points 19 rebounds, Braxton Byerson (190-G/F-83, college: Virginia Union) 0 points 2 rebounds
- - -
Bohemios 81 - Jaycen Herring (196-G/F-86, college: SE Missouri St.) 19 points 2 rebounds, Jamal Douglas 13 points 11 rebounds
Trouville - Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 21 points 18 rebounds

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

Capital
1. Defensor		4-0
2. Bohemios		3-0
3. Hebraica		2-0
4. Malvin		2-0
5. Aguada		2-1
6. Un.Atletica		2-1
7. Montevideo		2-2
8. Welcome		2-2
9. Guruyu Waston		1-2
10. Olimpia		1-2
11. Cordon		1-2
12. Trouville		1-3
13. Sayago		1-3
14. Bigua		1-3
15. Cader		0-2
16. Larre Borges		0-2
Littoral
1. Anastasia		0-0
2. Juventus Salto		0-0
3. Remeros		0-0
4. Universitario S.		0-0
5. Wanderers		0-0
South
1. Flores Trinidad		0-0
2. Lagomar		0-0
3. Lavalleja		0-0
4. Maldonado		0-0
5. Plaza		0-0

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Cent.Apure		12-1
2. Graneros		8-4
3. Lanc.Cojedes		8-4
4. Tiburones		8-4
5. Estudiantes		7-4
6. Rojos de Sucre		6-8
7. Atleticos UCV		0-12
8. Cacaoteros		0-12

LPB News - President of Guaros says he's not selling the franchise to Luis Sojo - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Carlos Garcia, team president of Guaros de Lara, denied the fact that he might have engaged in negotiations to sell his franchise to former baseball player Luis Sojo in a recent meeting they had in Panama City, Panama.

Garcia admitted that they both talked about the LPB 2011 and the future plans of his organization, quoting Sojo as 'an old friend', while Sojo said in a phone interview that buying a basketball franchise 'is an appealing move' but that 'his mind is in other things right now' and that he 'just loves basketball'. Sojo even played a game as a member of Guaros back in the LPB 2003 when the franchise was new to the city of Barquisimeto and was looking for more fan support by using known baseball stars to promote itself.

The report of Diario El Impulso in Barquisimeto came at the same time than a different report by Diario Lider's Reiner Izturriaga in which the league's Executive President, Rolando Urdaneta, admitted that Sojo had 'expressed interest' in buying Guaros de Lara.

Guaros is still behind on payments to players and coaching staff regarding the 2011 season and Garcia said that he'll make announcements regarding the 2012 'in the upcoming days' as he gets together with his general management.

Venezuelans Abroad - David Cubillan helps Soles past Pioneros in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Soles de Mexicali completed a sweep over Pioneros de Quintana Roo as hosts in Matchday 12 of Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), thanks to Venezuelan PG David Cubillan (183-PG-87), who netted 22 points and added 5 assists in a victory, 109-106.

Cubillan played 35 minutes and added a couple of steals and a couple of rebounds in a game in which Venezuelan PF-C Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) was absent for the second straight night. Greg Smith (208-C-91) completed another double double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, Carl Edwards (196-F-81) added 20 points and Justin Griffin (194-G/F-83) ended up with 19 for the winning side.

A performance of 37 points and 12 rebounds was not enough for Quintana Roo's John Millsap (198-F-82), while both Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) and Gregory Grays (185-PG-79) finished up with 20 points. Millsap and Beck played together for Guaros de Lara in Venezuela's LPB 2011 season.

In another game, Halcones Rojos de Veracruz defeated Huracanes de Tampico 86-71. In the winning side, Venezuelan PG Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) was important with 11 points and 8 assists, while countryman PF Luis Bethelmy (200-F/C-86) added 9 points and 4 rebounds.

In the loosing side, Venezuelan PF Nestor Colmenares (203-F-87) had a rough night with only 2 points, 4 rebounds and a couple of assists in 20 minutes of action.

Venezuelans Abroad - Windy Graterol lifts Cucuta Norte in Colombia's Copa Invitacional - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF-C Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86), one of the most promising prospects of Venezuela's Senior NT in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament played in Mar del Plata, Argentina, helped Cucuta Norte get a victory over Patriotas de Boyaca, 96-81, in Matchday 11 of Colombia's Copa Invitacional.

Graterol, who's been invited to a D-League training camp by the Los Angeles D-Fenders and Venezuela's Senior NT head coach Eric Musselman next week, scored 23 points for Cucuta, while Venezuelan Fernando Lucena finished up with 16 for Patriotas.

The player of Cocodrilos de Caracas in Venezuela's LPB doesn't have an American visa on his passport, which could mean that he'll not attend the invitation.

Other Venezuelans played well in Matchday 9 and 10. Diego Guevara (184-G-77) netted 13 points for Bucaros de Bucaramanga in a triumph over Guerreros de Bogota 83-70 in Matchday 9 and Juan Herrera (197-F-81) scored 21 for the same team in Matchday 10, though this time Guerreros won 88-87 thanks to an effort of 18 points by another Venezuelan, Cesar Silva (190-G/F-81).

Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) reported to work for Orgullo Paisa, a team that's preparing to play in the 2011 edition of Liga Suramericana.

Venezuelans Abroad - Jose Vargas replaces Miguel Marriaga in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuela SG-SF Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) will replace fellow Venezuelan PF-C Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) as imported player of Soles de Mexicali in Mexico's LNBP, after succesfully helping Venezuela's Senior NT into a fifth place performance in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Vargas averaged 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 7 games with Venezuela and comes from a great season with Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela's LPB.

He'll be joining several members of Trotamundos in Mexicali, such as Spaniard coach Ivan Deniz , Venezuelan assistant coach Ronald Guillen , Venezuelan PG David Cubillan (183-PG-87) and Americans SG Carl Edwards (196-F-81) and SF-PF Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89).

During his time in Mexico, Marriaga averaged 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in 7 matches, 4 of those as a starter for Soles.

Venezuelans Abroad - Keving Palacios (Cordon) sinks Bigua in Uruguay's LUB - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) combined with Rodrigo Riera (184-G-72) and Emiliano Giano (180-PG-89) to help Club Atletico Cordon get its second straight victory in Uruguay's LUB, as they defeated Bigua, 78-67, in Matchday 4, thanks to an effort of 17 points and 6 rebounds by Palacios.

He played 30 minutes this time -he had played all 40 in the previous win with 13 points scored- and went 6 for 10 from the two-point range and 5 for 12 from the free-throw line while Riera scored 18 and Giano added another 17. Anthony Simpson (203-F-87) chipped in 13.

Bigua is coached by Argentinian Guillermo Narvarte and Venezuelan assistant coach Daniel Seoane. Their top scorers were Mathias Calfani (202-C-92) with 16, Emilio Taboada (191-F-82) with 15 and Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80) with 13.

In another game, Venezuelan Julio Miglionico (202-F/C-91) played 8 minutes with no points, no rebounds or assists and a couple of personal fouls but his team, Sayago, defeated Montevideo 88-80.

Venezuelans Abroad - Axiers Sucre scores 7, grabs 10 rebounds in Argentina - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) finished up with 7 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes of play, but his team, Ciclista Olimpico La Banda, was unlucky and lost against Regatas Corrientes, 82-84, in Matchday 4 of Argentina's Liga Nacional (LNA), first division basketball.

Sucre netted 3 of 4 two-point shots but missed all his of 5 three-point attempts, while going 1 of 6 from the free-throw line in a rather rare game offensively for him.

Regatas won thanks to a double double by Louis Roe (200-F-72) with 22 points and 10 rebounds, Ramzee Stanton (197-F-80) added 14 with 8 boards and Djibril Kante (201-C-80) chipped in 13. For La Banda, Matias Ibarra (183-G-81) ended up with 14, Fernando Malara (194-F-80) with 10 and Puerto Rican Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85) with 10 more.

LNB News - Centauros de Apure brings in Romero, Perez and Elliott, Mitchell goes back to USA - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Centauros de Apure, current leaders of Venezuela's Liga Nacional (LNB), is getting ready for the 2011 edition of Liga Suramericana de Clubes and announced the acquisition of PF Hector Romero (202-F/C-80), SG Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) and American PG Carl Elliott (193-G-83), while a press release also indicated that PF Carl Mitchell (205-F-79) has been released and the team will bring in a Center in the next few hours.

Romero, a 31 year-old PF, played in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament in Mar del Plata, Argentina and averaged 12.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 8 outings for the Venezuelan Senior NT.

Perez missed the tournament because he had to attend personal matters in Puerto Rico and was unable to go to practice and earn a spot in the final roster. He played a full season for Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela's LPB.

Meanwhile, Elliott helped Cocodrilos get to the LPB Finals for the fifth straight year (third for him) after averaging 15.4 points per game in 42 regular season appearances. Mitchell was a very good signing for Centauros and helped the team win 12 out of 13 LNB games, but the need for a natural center and the arrival of Romero forced the general management to let him go.

New signings will be announced in the next few hours.

Centauros will play against Malvin (Uruguay), Uniceub (Brazil) and Club Amistad (Bolivia) in Montevideo, Uruguay, from October 12th till the 14th. A first group will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil from October 6th till the 8th involving Pinheiros (Brazil), Obras Sanitarias (Argentina), Bigua (Uruguay) and Orgullo Paisa (Colombia).

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

VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Standings

VTB United League Standings

Group A
1. Enisey			2-1
2. Unics			1-0
3. Zalgiris			1-0
4. Anwil			1-2
5. Budivelnyk			0-0
6. Khimky			0-0
7. N.Novgorod			0-0
8. VEF Riga			0-0
9. BC Astana			0-1
10. Kalev/Cramo			0-1
Group B
1. Krasnie Krilya			3-0
2. Asseco Prokom			0-0
3. Azovmash			0-0
4. CEZ Nymburk			0-0
5. CSKA			0-0
6. Lietuvos rytas			0-0
7. Lokomotiv			0-0
8. Minsk-2006			0-0
9. Spartak SP			0-0
10. Siauliai			0-2

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

Women News

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

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Africabasket.com All-African Championships Awards 2011 - by Greg

Africabasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2011

Mauricio

Diouf

Traore

Guadalupe

Sissoko

Best Player: Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80) of Angola
Best Guard: Aya Traore (186-F-83) of Senegal
Best Forward: Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80) of Angola
Best Center: Djenebou Sissoko (190-F/C-82) of Mali
Best Coach: Herve Coudray of Mali

1st Team
G: Diodio Diouf (170-84) of Senegal
F: Aya Traore (186-83) of Senegal
F: Nassecela Mauricio (181-80) of Angola
F/G: Sonia Guadalupe (188-85) of Senegal
F/C: Djenebou Sissoko (190-82) of Mali

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Spirit will be strong, says Kristi Harrower - by Eurobasket News
Bendigo Bank Spirit captain Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) says this seasons team is the strongest in club history.

Harrower, who will lead the Bendigo side for the fifth time, said the Spirit had recruited well ahead of the 2011-12 Womens National Basketball League season.

Its a really exciting year for us and I think its the deepest team weve put on the floor in the last five years, Harrower said.

Weve got a lot of depth this year and a lot more experience.

Among the Spirit recruits this season is Australian Opal and WNBL champion Deanna Smith.

Harrower said the inclusion of Doccy was a plus.

Deanna Smith is somebody who has been around for a while and has been a part of the Opals squad and has so much experience, she said.

She has won championships and is a flat-out scorer.

She is also somebody that works hard like Tess Madgen and myself, and will just bring that extra level to our training sessions.

Harrower, who is recovering from a knee injury, said Smith would be a valuable asset up forward.

To have somebody like Deanna is good because she can take on my role in some games if Im struggling with my knee.

In those game I know I can just be a passer and get the ball to Tess (Madgen) and Doccy.

Another addition to the Spirits line-up is New Zealander Lisa Wallbutton.

Harrower said Wallbutton would bring experience and skill to the side.

She went to the Beijing Olympics and is somebody who has a lot of experience, the Spirit skipper said.

Lisa is somebody who will keep the ball alive on the boards and thats the kind of player we need.

Harrower she was determined to see Bendigo go one step further in season 2011-12.

Even though were still not big, everybody knows that with our group, height doesnt matter, she said.

A lot of people said we were the best team that played together last year, so we need build on that.

Were looking at finals and when we get there well be looking at the championship game.

Courtesy of www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au

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

BELARUS - Women

Jana Rannaveski move to Chartres (France NF1) - by Timur Tolokh
Jana spent last season in Minsk-2006 and scored EuroCup: 5 games: 5.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 45.5%; BWBL: 17 games: 5.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 72.0%
also Jana played in 2005-2006: Tallinna Kalev (Meistriliiga, starting five) - Audentes Tallinn: BWBL: 10 games: 3.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 0.9apg
2006-2007: TLU/AJ Tooted Tallinn (Estonia-Meistriliiga, starting five): BWBL: 10 games: 5.0ppg, 2.2rpg
2007-2008: TLU/Volta Tallinn (Meistriliiga, starting five): BWBL: 13 games: 10.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 48.1%, FT: 90.9%
2008-2009: BC Star-TLU (Meistriliiga, starting five): EuroCup: 8 games: 12.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.9spg; BWBL: 16 games: 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 64.0%; Estonian League: 20 games: Score-4 (16.0ppg), 5.2rpg, Assists-2 (2.7apg)
2009-2010: BC Star-TLU Tallinn (Meistriliiga, starting five): 18 games: Score-3 (15.7ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-1 (3.6apg), Steals-1 (3.4spg), 2FGP: 13.5%, 3PT-3 (44.1%), FT: 65.2% Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87)

Gorizont Minsk bring back Ukrainian Khomenchuk - by Eurobasket News
Gorizont Minsk bring back Ukrainian Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-C-89) for the upcoming season. The 203cm Center will start for the team from Belarus.
The season 2010-2011 she started for Dynamo Kursk (Russia-PBL), but in Dec.'10 moved to Gorizont Minsk (Belarus-Premier League). In BWBL after 5 games she averaged 16.0ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.8apg, 3.4bpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 58.3%, while in EuroCup had 10.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7bpg. In May'11 signed at Tim-Scuf Kyiv (Ukraine-UPBL) and showed 10.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 63.6%.
In her top game in Belarus last season Aleksandra Khomenchuk collected 22 points and 13 rebounds. Spartak Saint Petersburg however became the first Baltic League finalists. They toppled Gorizont in the first game of BWBL Final Four in Kaunas. Jennifer Lacy stepped up with 28 points to lead the Russian team. Aleksandra Khomenchuk posted 22 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

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

BELGIUM - Women

D1: Round 2 review - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in D1.

Point Chaud - Willebroek 62-44

Point Chaud used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Willebroek 62-44. The game was mostly controlled by Point Chaud. Basket Groot was better in fourth quarter 16-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Basket Groot to just 5 points in third quarter. Point Chaud forced 24 Basket Groot turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward Mariesa Greene (183-87, college: Barry) who scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. International point guard Noemie Mayombo (171-91, agency: LBM Management) chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Sarah Dochez (181-89) produced 13 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Karen Hendrickx (171-88) added 11 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Point Chaud: M.Greene 12+7reb+3ast, N.Mayombo 10+5reb+2ast, E.Mayombo 10+3reb+1ast, T.Hetting 6+4reb, L.Lonay 6+1reb, A.Bernard 4+1reb
Willebroek: S.Dochez 13+9reb, K.Hendrickx 11+2reb, A.Schyvens 6+2reb, V.Mans 4+4reb, N.Poffyn 4+4reb+1ast, L.De Meyer 3

Sint Kateline - Blue Cats 73-72

A very close game took place in Sint Kateline between Sint Kateline Waver and Blue Cats. Sint Kateline Waver (2-0) got a very close home victory over Blue Cats (0-2). Sint Kateline Waver managed to escape with a 1-point win 73-72 on Sunday evening. Sint Kateline Waver keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Dexia Namur and Kangoeroes-B. Blue Cats at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Willebroek and Tulikivi Deerlijk. Sint Kateline Waver will meet bottom-ranked Basket Groot (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Blue Cats will play against Jeugd Gentson and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Castors Braine - Kangoeroes-B. 56-98

Hosts were rolled over by Kangoeroes-B. (2-0) 98-56. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 1-0 record before this meeting. The game without a history. Kangoeroes-B. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Kangoeroes-B. forced 22 Castors Braine turnovers and had a 27-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kangoeroes-B. made 7 blocks. The former international center Dana Boonen (197-79, college: Rutgers) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. International center Lieselot Malfait (190-87, college: IPFW) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Kangoeroes-B. players scored in double figures. The former international guard Amandine Halin (170-90) replied with 13 points and 4 assists and center Nathalia Grischina (186-73) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Castors Braine. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kangoeroes-B. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Dexia Namur and Sint Kateline. Newly promoted Castors Braine dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Kangoeroes-B. is looking forward to face Point Chaud (#6) in Sprimont in the next round where they are favorite. Castors Braine will play on the road against Tulikivi in Deerlijk and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Kangoeroes-B.: L.Malfait 14+6reb+1ast, E.Decroos 14+4reb, D.Boonen 11+10reb+2ast, A.Delaere 11+4reb, I.Meylemans 10+2reb, A.Strubbe 9+1ast
Castors Braine: A.Halin 13+2reb+4ast, N.Grischina 11+6reb, T.Kazadi 9+5reb, A.Razanaka 8+2reb+1ast, E.Vermylen 4+3reb, O.Thibaut 4+2reb

Jeugd Gentson - Houthalen 75-82

Very important is a home loss of Jeugd Gentson (1-1) against Houthalen (1-1) on Saturday night. Host Jeugd Gentson was defeated by Houthalen in a tough game in Gent 75-82. Houthalen left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Jeugd Gentson. Houthalen's next round opponent will be Declercq Stortbeton (#8) in Waregem. Jeugd Gentson will play on the road against Blue Cats (#10) in Ieper.

Waregem - Dexia Namur 59-67

Another interesting game for undefeated Dexia Namur (2-0) which played in Waregem against Declercq Stortbeton (1-1). Top-ranked Dexia Namur won 67-59. It was a key game for the top position in the league. International center Laurence VanMalderen (193-81, agency: LBM Management) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Chandrea Jones (175-87, college: Syracuse, agency: LBM Management) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The former international forward Nele Deyaert (186-79) responded with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and American swingman Kayla Tetschiag (183-83, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) scored 11 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Dexia Namur keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kangoeroes-B. and Sint Kateline. Defending champion Declercq Stortbeton dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Dexia Namur will play against R.Spirou Monceau (#7) in Charleroi in the next round where they are favorite. Declercq Stortbeton will play on the road against Houthalen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dexia Namur: L.VanMalderen 18+6reb+1ast, S.Dubuc 15+2reb, C.Jones 13+6reb, I.Ibekwe 10+4reb+1ast, O.Agabalova 7+3reb+4ast, H.Ben Abdelkader 2+3reb+1ast
Waregem: J.Raman 13+6reb+1ast, J.Vanloo 12+6reb+2ast, N.Deyaert 11+8reb+5ast, K.Tetschiag 11+9reb, L.Biebuyck 5+2reb, L.Foucart 4+1reb

Spirou Monceau - Tulikivi Deerlijk 59-50

R.Spirou Monceau used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Deerlijk 59-50. R.Spirou Monceau (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Tulikivi at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. R.Spirou Monceau's next round opponent will be league's leader Dexia Namur on the road and it may be the game of the week. Tulikivi will play against Castors Braine (#5).

D1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Laurence VANMALDEREN
  Dexia N.
  (193-C-81)
  Avg: 18

1. VanMalderen, Dexia	18.0
2. Dubuc, Dexia Namur	15.0
3. Malfait, Kangoero.	14.0
4. Decroos, Kangoero.	14.0
5. Jones, Dexia Namur	13.0
6. Raman, Waregem	13.0
7. Dochez, Willebroek	13.0
8. Halin, Castors Bra.	13.0
9. Greene, Point Cha.	12.0
10. Vanloo, Waregem	12.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dana BOONEN
  Kangoero.
  (197-C-79)
  Avg: 10

1. Boonen, Kangoero.	10.0
2. Tetschiag, Waregem	9.0
3. Dochez, Willebroek	9.0
4. Deyaert, Waregem	8.0
5. Greene, Point Cha.	7.0
6. Jones, Dexia Namur	6.0
7. Vanloo, Waregem	6.0
8. Hendrickx, Kangoe.	6.0
9. VanMalderen, Dexia	6.0
10. Malfait, Kangoero.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Nele DEYAERT
  Waregem
  (186-F-79)
  Avg: 5

1. Deyaert, Waregem	5.0
2. Halin, Castors Bra.	4.0
3. Agabalova, Dexia N.	4.0
4. Lauwers, Kangoero.	3.0
5. Greene, Point Cha.	3.0
6. Van Driel, Kangoe.	3.0
7. Boonen, Kangoero.	2.0
8. Vanloo, Waregem	2.0
9. Doppee, Point Cha.	2.0
10. Mayombo, Point C.	2.0

Steals Per Game

Noemie MAYOMBO
  Point C.
  (171-PG-91)
  Avg: 7

1. Mayombo, Point C.	7.0
2. Schyvens, Willebro.	4.0
3. Delaere, Kangoero.	4.0
4. Dochez, Willebroek	3.0
5. Van Driel, Kangoe.	3.0
6. Poffyn, Willebroek	3.0
7. Deneil, Dexia Namur	3.0
8. Bijnens, Willebroek	2.0
9. Kazadi, Castors	2.0
10. Lonay, Point Cha.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sarah DOCHEZ
  Willebroek
  (181-F-89)
  Avg: 3

1. Dochez, Willebroek	3.0
2. Vanloo, Waregem	2.0
3. Raman, Waregem	2.0
4. Decroos, Kangoero.	2.0
5. Dubuc, Dexia Namur	1.0
6. Malfait, Kangoero.	1.0
7. Mayombo, Point C.	1.0
8. De Meyer, Willebro.	1.0
9. Meylemans, Kangoe.	1.0
10. Bijnens, Willebro.	1.0

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Dexia Namur		2-0
2. Kangoeroes-B.		2-0
3. Sint Kateline		2-0
4. Houthalen		1-1
5. Castors Braine		1-1
6. Point Chaud		1-1
7. Spirou Monceau		1-1
8. Waregem		1-1
9. Jeugd Gentson		1-1
10. Blue Cats		0-2
11. Tulikivi Deerlijk		0-2
12. Willebroek		0-2

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

BRAZIL - Women

De Souza returns for game 2 of WNBA finals - by Mel Devonne
Erika de Souza was forced to leave her Atlanta Dream WNBA team to join the Brazilian national
team for the FIBA qualifing tournament in Columbia, which ended over the weekend.
Brazil easily won the tourny and qualified for the London 2012 olympics, but Erika's work is far from over.
She must return to help her WNBA team who are down 1 game in the WNBA finals vs Minn. Lynx
Game 2 is Wednesday Oct 5 and De Souza is expected to be back in the starting lineup.
Brasilian Izzy Castro Marques has been dynamite in the playoffs for Atlanta and the return of de Souza
should help Atlanta in game 2 of the WNBA finals.

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

EUROLEAGUE - Women

Janel McCarville remain with Famila Wuber Schio - by Eurobasket News
Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) remain with Famila Wuber Schio for another season. The American Center will enter her second season in Italy.
In 2010-2011 for Famila Wuber Schio (Italy-A1, starting five) in Euroleague she averaged 9.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 76.9%, while in Italian League after 29 games her stats read 10.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 77.6%.
Last year Famila Wuber Schio decided to prove the top positions not only in the Italian league, however to show their best in EuroLeague. Janel McCarville moved to the team and helped them a lot.
Earlier American Center played for the defending champion of Euroleague Spartak Vidnoe. In Euroleague after 16 games she averaged 11.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 87.5%. In Russian League after 13 games her stats read 8.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 73.7%. Last year she became Euroleague Champion, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention, Russian Superleague Regular Season Champion, Russian Superleague Finalist and Russian Cup Finalist.

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

FRANCE - Women

LF2: Armentieres and Toulouse stay perfect after three rounds - by Eurobasket News
Round Three of the French LF2 was played this past weekend. Armentieres and Toulouse celebrated and remained the only two teams with perfect record.
Armentieres was better than Voiron on the road 65-71. Aurelie Carmona (185-C/F-87) was a key player in victory with double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. She reached valuation 29. In the loosing squad, Magali Mendy (177-G-90) collected 16 points and 5 rebs.
Toulouse also celebrated on the round this weekend. They handed 52-68 loss to CFBB. Carrem Gay (188-F-87, college: Duke) top-scored in this victory with 19 points (6 rebs). Berengere Dinga-Mbomi (174-G-95) delivered 16 points in loss.

Round 3
CFBB - Toulouse 52-68
Dunkerque - Roche 83-77
Reims - Le Havre 71-69
Limoges - LTB 29 54-68
Laveyron - Perpignan 51-47
SIG - COB Calais 61-73
Voiron - Armentieres 65-71

Round 4
Oct. 8, 2011 LTB 29-Laveyron
Oct. 8, 2011 Le Havre-Limoges
Oct. 8, 2011 Roche-Voiron
Oct. 8, 2011 Armentieres-CFBB
Oct. 8, 2011 COB Calais-Dunkerque
Oct. 8, 2011 Perpignan-Reims
Oct. 8, 2011 Toulouse-SIG

LF2 Standings
1. Armentieres 3-0
2. Toulouse 3-0
3. COB Calais 2-1
4. LTB 29 2-1
5. Roche 2-1
6. Voiron 2-1
7. Perpignan 1-2
8. CFBB 1-2
9. Laveyron 1-2
10. Reims 1-2
11. Le Havre 1-2
12. Dunkerque 1-2
13. Limoges 1-2
14. SIG 0-3

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

GERMANY - Women

Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Eurobasket News

2.Bundesliga Standings

North
1. Rotenburg/Sch		19-1
2. Quakenbrueck		16-5
3. Osnabruck		15-5
4. Opladen		10-11
5. Gruenberg		9-12
6. Bielefeld		8-12
7. Hagen Phoenix		8-13
8. Rist Scala		8-13
9. Neuss		7-14
10. Dorsten		6-14
11. Jena		6-14
South
1. Leimen		17-6
2. Viernheim		17-6
3. Bamberg		16-7
4. Heidelberg		15-8
5. Speyer		15-8
6. Sandhausen		13-10
7. Mainz		12-11
8. Germering		11-12
9. Ludwigsburg		8-14
10. Wuerzburg		6-17
11. Herzogenaurach		4-18
12. Keltern		3-20

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

HOLLAND - Women

STOL-Grasshoppers DS1 lose in Den Helder - by Eurobasket
STOL-Grasshoppers Katwijk travelled to Den Helder last Saturday without American Lauren Beckley (181-F/C-91, college: Shippensburg) who suddenly and unexpectedly left the team. The home team was stronger and won by 64-53. Corinne Manuputty (173-G-85) made an excellent debut with a double-double of 31 points and 11 rebounds. STOL-Grasshoppers began the match well, 7-0 ahead, then 9-2, and then 12-13 behind. A sloppy period follows with too many lost balls and too many bad decisions in the field. The quarter ends with STOL-Grasshoppers 16-13 behind.
Den Helder starts sharper in the second quarter and widen their lead to 27-13. Substitutions and other changes in the field bring no improvement in STOL-Grasshoppers play and this period ends at 36-23. Not a bit problem, but disappointing.
The start of the third period is again for Den Helder. With 2 scores in a row, the scoreboard goes to 40-23. The third period continues with only Corine scoring for the Katwijks team the rest have an offensive off-day. The period ends at 52-41.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, STOL-Grasshoppers manage to come within 8 points (55-47), but in the end Den Helder takes a deserved win at 64-53.
Den Helder was prepared, sharper, and more accurate in completing their plays. We played without our usual inspiration and have to improve a lot for the coming season, says a disappointed coach Bo Melis.

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

ITALY - Women

Standings A2 Women - by Eurobasket News

A2 Standings

North
1. Bologna		1-0
2. Borgotaro		1-0
3. Cervia		1-0
4. Marghera		1-0
5. Piemonte		1-0
6. San Martino		1-0
7. Vigarano		1-0
8. Alghero		0-1
9. Biassono		0-1
10. Bolzano		0-1
11. Cagliari V.		0-1
12. Milano		0-1
13. Muggia		0-1
14. Udine		0-1
South
1. Battipaglia Cipl.		1-0
2. Chieti		1-0
3. Napoli BK		1-0
4. Napoli S.Dike		1-0
5. Pomezia		1-0
6. Ragusa		1-0
7. T. La Spezia		1-0
8. Ancona		0-1
9. Battipaglia Carp.		0-1
10. Firenze		0-1
11. Orvieto		0-1
12. R. La Spezia		0-1
13. Siena		0-1
14. Viterbo		0-1

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

NCAA1 - Women

Huskers' Yori recovers from surgery complications - by Eurobasket News
Nebraska coach Connie Yori was hospitalized for almost a month because of surgery complications, but she was able to stop by her team's first practice for a few minutes.

The athletic department announced Yori's health problems Monday. She said in a statement that she hopes to resume some of her duties by next week, and she thanked those close to her for their support.

Yori underwent arthroscopic surgery Aug. 19 to repair damage to her left knee dating to her playing days in the 1980s.

She was hospitalized a week for a staph infection Sept. 5. She was home four days before she was hospitalized again with a blood clot in the knee. She was released Friday.

Yori was Associated Press national coach of the year in 2010.

Courtesy of www.necn.com

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

PORTUGAL - Women

GDESSA/Barreiro lands Ned - by Eurobasket Center
GDESSA/Barreiro strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American guard Angie Ned (175-G-85, college: Cal-Irvine, agency: Gamble Sports Management). Ned played most recently at So Cal Mayhem (WBCBL) in the U.S. While playing 5 games for Mayhem last season she averaged 28.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.5apg and 3.0 spg. She graduated University of California-Irvine in 2007 and it will be her fifth season in pro basketball.

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

ROMANIA - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Flavia FERENCZI
  Cluj N.
  (175-F-91)
  Avg: 21

1. Ferenczi, Cluj N.	21.0
2. Givens, Targoviste	21.0
3. Beachem, Targu M.	20.0
4. Zherzherunov., Tar.	18.0
5. Johnson, Iasi	18.0
6. Haas, Timisoara	18.0
7. Bartee, Craiova	17.0
8. Munteanu, Olimpia	16.0
9. Cursaru, Brasov	15.0
10. Cazac, Brasov	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Keila BEACHEM
  Targu M.
  (187-F-82)
  Avg: 17

1. Beachem, Targu M.	17.0
2. Zherzherunov., Tar.	11.0
3. Greer, Craiova	11.0
4. Munteanu, Olimpia	10.0
5. Graboski, Alexandr.	10.0
6. Nicolaescu, Rapid	10.0
7. Laplante, Alexandr.	9.0
8. Johnson, Iasi	9.0
9. Pop, Cluj Napoca	9.0
10. Fodor, Cluj Napoca	8.0

Assists Per Game

Marija PRLJA
  Alexandria
  (163-G-87)
  Avg: 7

1. Prlja, Alexandria	7.0
2. Graham, Targu M.	6.0
3. Diaconu, Targoviste	6.0
4. Hicks, Targu Mures	5.0
5. Hoskins, Craiova	5.0
6. Cursaru, Brasov	4.0
7. Gavrila, Craiova	4.0
8. Pop, Cluj Napoca	4.0
9. Samburska, Targo.	3.0
10. Beachem, Targu M.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ancuta STOENESCU
  Timis.
  (169-G-80)
  Avg: 6

1. Stoenescu, Timis.	6.0
2. Laplante, Alexandr.	5.0
3. Prlja, Alexandria	5.0
4. Ferenczi, Cluj N.	5.0
5. Beachem, Targu M.	5.0
6. Gavrila, Craiova	5.0
7. Avram, Brasov	4.0
8. Nicolaescu, Rapid	4.0
9. Dumitrache, Olimpia	4.0
10. Graboski, Alexand.	4.0

Blocks Per Game

Adina STOIEDIN
  Timisoara
  (186-C/F-91)
  Avg: 3

1. Stoiedin, Timisoara	3.0
2. Zherzherunov., Tar.	3.0
3. Graboski, Alexandr.	2.0
4. Al Shaar, Cluj N.	2.0
5. Perta, Rapid	2.0
6. Greer, Craiova	1.0
7. Lache, Olimpia	1.0
8. Avram, Brasov	1.0
9. Pop, Cluj Napoca	1.0
10. Chivu, Alexandria	1.0

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

RUSSIA - Women

Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk bring back Oksana Horoshavina - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk bring back Oksana Horoshavina (186-F-85). The Russian player started the season for the team but then moved to BC Frankivsk.
In 2007-2008 she appeared for Spartak Peduniversitet Penzenskaya Oblast. In 2008-2009 started for Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk (A Superleague) and avearged 0.9ppg. In 2009-2010for Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk (A Superleague) Oksana improved to 2.1ppg, 1.2rpg. The last season she started for Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk (PBL) and in Russian League after 16 games had 1.7ppg, 1.0rpg. In EuroCup her stats read1.4ppg. Then moved to BC Frankivsk (Ukraine-UPBL, starting five) and in 19 games showed high 11.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 72.0%.
In Ukraine 26 points at the Regular Season Round 9. Frankivsk smashed Luganski Last. 121:55 as Horoshavina Oksana also added 3 points and 4 rebounds.

Natalja Melenteva joined Energy Ivanovo - by Eurobasket News
Natalja Melenteva (185-F-78, agency: LBM Management) joined Energy Ivanovo for the upcoming season. The Russian player will be one of the key players in the team.
In 2004-2005 she started for Dynamo Kursk (A Superleague) and in 32 games averaged 5.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3FGP: 23.0%. After another season there she moved to Dynamo-Energia Novosybirsk (A Superleague) and in 25 games had 10.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 66.0%.
In 2009-2010 played for Donbas Donetsk (Ukraine-UPBL, starting five) and became the third top-scorer with 18.1ppg, Reb-5 (8.6rpg), 2.0apg, 1.7spg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 appeared for Dynamo Kursk (PBL, starting five) and in EuroCup showed 5.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 54.5%. In Russian League after 25 games her stats read 5.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 31.7%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 56.0%.
In 2010 she was Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL Bosman Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UPBL All-Bosmans Team -10 and Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL 1st Team -10.

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

SOUTH KOREA - Women

Winnus surprise the defending champions in 2011/2012 opener - by Eurobasket News
Winnus surprise the defending champions in 2011/2012 opener. Winnus celebrated an easy 86:69 win over S-Birds in the first game of the Regular Season. They started with 18-15 and added 26-16 in the second period. Both teams scored 16 points each in the third quarter, while Winnus added 26-22 in the last stanza.
Cho Eun Joo (180-G/F-83) erupted with 27 points for the winners. Han Chae-Jin (174-F-84) followed her with 21 and Sin Jung Ja (185-F/C-80) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds. She was later named MVP of the game. Kang Young Suk (187-C-81) replied with 21 points in the losing effort. Kim Danbi (180-F-90) collected 13 points and 7 boards, while Lee Younhoa (186-C-83) posted 11.
The next game will be played tomorrow between KB Savers and Bichumi. On October 6th Woori Hansae will face Cool Cats.

Standings - WKBL

WKBL Standings

1. Winnus		1-0
2. Bichumi		0-0
3. Cool Cats		0-0
4. KB Savers		0-0
5. Woori Hansae		0-0
6. S-Birds		0-1

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

SPAIN - Women

Perfumerias signs short term deal with Marissa Coleman - by Eurobasket News
Marissa Coleman (185-G/F-87, college: Maryland) signed a one-month deal with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca. She will temporarily replace injured DeWanna Bonner. Coleman played for the Washington Mystics this WNBA season. She appeared 33 times for them averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. In Europe, Marissa Coleman spent last season with Hungarian MKB Euroleasing. Actually, she joined them in January averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds for five Euroleague games. She also added 10.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2.3 apg for 10 games in Hungary. MBK Euroleasing won the Hungarian league title. In 2009/10, Coleman was a member of Italian Fanila Wuber Schio. It was her first season as a pro. Marissa Coleman graduated at the Maryland University two years ago.

Kaayla Chones joins preparations of Burgos - by Eurobasket News
Kaayla Chones (191-C-81, college: N.Carolina St.) arrived to Spain and joined preparations of her new team Jopisa Ciudad de Burgos. They will compete in LFB, which starts in ten days. Chones penned a deal with Burgos at the end of August. The American center spent last season with Navarra. She was one of their best players with 15 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 26 games. Chones was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Honorable Mention -11. Before Navarra she spent one year with Girona. There Kaayla Chones also shined. She had 10.5 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 26 games in LFB. In the past, Chones was a member of Italian Ribera and French Mourenx. He played for Spanish Cajacanarias in 2006/07. In 2006, Kaayla Chones was named Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Honorable Mention -06. She had 14.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg with BSE-ESMA Budapest at that time.

Start of LF2 season - by Eurobasket News
Spanish LF2 season started this past weekend. Only Group B games were played.
Eivissa destroyed Palma on the road 51-82 mostly owing to Anna Boleda (181-F-81), who scored 20 points and pulled down 6 rebounds.
Alcobendas celebrated easy 83-61 home win against Cravic Reus. Leslie Knight (184-F-86) exploded in victory with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
Irlandesas was better than Gernika also at home, while Casablanca grabbed 52-58 win against Real Canoe as a guest. Arantxa Calvo (169-G-77) had 14 points and 7 rebounds in victory.
Estudiantes was too strong for Las Rozas in a home game 75-61. In the last game of the round, Pais Vasco celebrated in thriller against Conquero, 77-76. Laura Arroyo (182-F-91) had 21 points and 6 boards for Pais Vasco.

Round 2 - Group B
10/8/2011 Casablanca - Estudiantes
10/8/2011 Gernika - Real Canoe
10/8/2011 Cravic Reus - Irlandesas
10/8/2011 Eivissa - Alcobendas
10/8/2011 Las Gaunas - Segle XXI
10/8/2011 Conquero - Orion-GDKO
10/8/2011 Las Rozas - Pais Vasco

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

SWEDEN - Women

Telge invite two young players - by Eurobasket News
Telge invite two young players for the upcoming season.
Linnea Frykbo (169-G-94) is a Swedish U16 National Team -10. At the European Championships U16 for Women in Greece -10 after 8 games she averaged 7.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 29.7%, 3PT: 27.9%. This summer she was a member of the Swedish U18 National Team -11. At the European Championships U18 in Oradea (Romania) -11 together with her team Linnea reached Semifinals and after 9 games had 2.1ppg, 1.0rpg.
Regan Magarity (187-F-96) is another young player in the team. This summer she was a member of the Swedish U16 National Team -11. At the European Championships U16 for Women in Cagliari (Italy) -11 after 9 games she avearged 14.0ppg, Reb-4 (9.6rpg), 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 56.1%. She was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 2nd Team -11.
Telge also will keep Mikaela Gustavsson (184-C-93), Paulina Hersler (189-F-94), Ulrica Holmqvist (184-C-93), Jennifer Kucukkaya (165-PG-91), Helena Kurt (165-PG-93) and Amanda Zahui (191-C-93).

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

TURKEY - Women

Galatasaray Medical Park wins in another friendly - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray Medical Park celebrated in another friendly game during the pre-season. This time Gala women were better than Cras Basket Taranto 61-57. The game was played last night at the Abdi Ipekci arena, Istanbul. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) led the scorers in victory with 14 points. Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) shined in her debut with 10 points and Alba Torrens (188-F-89) also netted 10 pts in this meeting. Isil Alben (170-G-86) helped her team with 8 points and 4 boards. Galatasaray had nice beginning as they made 17-11 lead in the first ten minutes. However, the Italian squad shined after that making 29-32 turn until the halftime. They increased lead to four points after the breather. Than, Ivanka Matic and her teammates responded with 22-14 in the last period, what was enough for the victory at the end. Galatasaray will play against Istanbul Universitesi today.

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

UKRAINE - Women

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

WNBA - Women

Dream center gets attention - by Eurobasket News
Getting from Neiva, Colombia to Minneapolis isnt the easiest journey. And the Atlanta Dream cant wait for Erika De Souza's (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 3,100-plus mile trip from South America to be complete.

Because while the Dream was losing Game 1 of the WNBA Finals to the Minnesota Lynx, de Souza was on her way back from leading Brazil to the championship of the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship. While Brazil earned a spot in the 2012 London Olympics with the victory, the Dream missed its 6-5 center.

Thank goodness thats out of the way, Dream coach Marynell Meadors said. We get her back and she can help us win a few games here.

While Atlanta won the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals without de Souza by going with a small lineup, the lack of size became a liability against the bigger Lynx. Minnesota outrebounded the Dream by 12 and outscored Atlanta in the paint by 22 points. A season-low rebound total in Game 1 made it more difficult for the Dream to push the ball up the floor and score in transition.

How tough is the trip from South America? Despite the fact that the championship game was played Saturday night, de Souza still hadnt reached Minneapolis by the time the Dream coaches and players met with the media on Monday afternoon. Flight difficulties in Colombia left the Dream not knowing exactly when de Souza would arrive. They hope it will be in time for Tuesday afternoons practice.

I would love to be able to tell you yes, Meadors said when asked if de Souza would practice on Tuesday. And Im probably going to hug her as soon as she walks in the door.

While basketball is a team game and parts are often interchangeable, de Souzas absence wasobvious. With the Dream playing with a small lineup in Game 1, Minnesotas guards repeatedly found forward Rebekkah Brunson inside. Brunson, who hadnt scored more than 15 points in any of the first five Lynx playoff games, finished with 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting while also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Guards were guarding her for the most part most of the night, said Minnesota forward, Collins Hill graduate and WNBA rookie of the year Maya Moore. So we wanted to get it to her.

Brunson and Taj McWilliams-Franklin shouldnt have as much room to operate in Wednesdays Game 2 or when the teams travel to Atlanta for Fridays Game 3 and Sundays Game 4 (if necessary). While de Souzas points and rebounds are important, her return cant be measured simply with a box score.

She does give us physicality, Meadors said. She does give us rebounds. She does give us a threat inside. That hurt us last night.

When she does return, Meadors strongly indicated that shell go back to the lineup that was effective when the Dream finished the regular season by winning 17 of 22 games just to get into the playoffs. That means Sancho Lyttle, who didnt score in Game 1, can move from center to power forward and Angel McCoughtry can return to being a scoring small forward instead of an undersized power forward.

The hope is that Lyttle will be able to return to the form that allowed her to average 10 points per game in the regular season.

Shes basically a face up (power forward) who roams around and weve kind of taken her out of her game a little bit, Meadors said. She didnt shoot the ball well, she didnt have good looks, sometimes I dont think she was really looking for her shot. We need for her to do that.

Can de Souzas return be the difference for the Dream? Thats difficult to predict, but the Atlanta players like their chances.

Having Erika, thats my huge comfort level down in the post, Lindsey Harding said. Its going to be great to have her back. Shes great on the boards. Shes great scoring inside and were definitely going to look for that, look at the rebounds. We need here and everybody else to step up.

Especially with the Dream already down 1-0 to Minnesota and now having lost four consecutive games in the WNBA Finals. A Game 2 loss to the Lynx wouldnt guarantee that the Dream will again be swept, but it would make things very difficult.

And thats why de Souzas return is so welcome.

Courtesy of www.ajc.com