Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/7/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Maccabi Electra jumps to 2-0 in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Electra opened 2011/12 edition of Adriatic league in style. The Israeli powerhouse celebrated two wins against Slovenian teams Zlatorog Lasko and Krka Novo Mesto.
In the season opener, Maccabi handed 66-83 home loss to Slovenian champions and National Cup holders Krka. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) led Maccabi with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) and Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) helped with 11 points each. In Krka, Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) delivered 15 points. Quarters: 13-25, 19-17, 19-22, 15-19.
In the second game, which was played on October 3, Maccabi celebrated 72-101 road win against Zlatorog. So, Maccabi has 2-0 now in Adriatic league. Sofoklis Schortsanitis shined in this meeting again with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) also scored 18 pts and Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) followed with 12 points.
Next game Maccabi will play today against Cibona.

Maccabi Tops Cibona 97:81 For Perfect 3:0 Adriatic Record - by David Pick
After an impressive beat down last weekend over Slovenian teams Krka & Zlatorog on route to two W's, Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to the Nokia Arena for the first time this season showcasing its two new mega superstars both from the United States (Jordan Farmar), and Europe (Thodoros Papaloukas), as they matched up against Croatian Cibona. Maccabi's Serbian forward Milan Macvan didnt suit up for the contest.

Devin Smith 19, Jordan Farmar 19 and 7 assists and Lior Eliyahu 14, drained buckets all night long, as Jordan Farmar showed who really controls the back court, putting Maccabi up 3:0 in its Adriatic league season, demolishing Cibona 97:81.

Maccabi 97 - Cibona 81

Starting lineups: Maccabi - Devin Smith, Jordan Farmar, Yogev Ohayon, Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Lior Eliyahu. Cibona - Jure Lalic, Brian Chase, Antwain Barbour, Damjan Rudez and Marin Rozic.

Maccabi's roaring fans pushed their team, especially Smith to a good 8:3 start, but Barbour's lay-up gave the guests a 14:13 lead. Smith banked his third three and Farmar's back-to-back buckets gave the hosts a 22:16 advantage after one. Pnini's trey and Eliyahu's four points began a 17:6 blitz, generously handing their team a 32:21, double-digit lead midway through the second. Chase's buzzer-beating jump shot sealed the first quarter, 41:29. Blu and Smith poured threes the whole third quarter leaving Cibona nothing but dust taking a 76:58, advantage into the final 10-minutes. The final score board showed a 97:81, home victory.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Maccabi Tops Cibona 97:81 For Perfect 3:0 Adriatic Record - by David Pick
After an impressive beat down last weekend over Slovenian teams Krka & Zlatorog on route to two W's, Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to the Nokia Arena for the first time this season showcasing its two new mega superstars both from the United States (Jordan Farmar), and Europe (Thodoros Papaloukas), as they matched up against Croatian Cibona. Maccabi's Serbian forward Milan Macvan didnt suit up for the contest.

Devin Smith 19, Jordan Farmar 19 and 7 assists and Lior Eliyahu 14, drained buckets all night long, as Jordan Farmar showed who really controls the back court, putting Maccabi up 3:0 in its Adriatic league season, demolishing Cibona 97:81.

Maccabi 97 - Cibona 81

Starting lineups: Maccabi - Devin Smith, Jordan Farmar, Yogev Ohayon, Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Lior Eliyahu. Cibona - Jure Lalic, Brian Chase, Antwain Barbour, Damjan Rudez and Marin Rozic.

Maccabi's roaring fans pushed their team, especially Smith to a good 8:3 start, but Barbour's lay-up gave the guests a 14:13 lead. Smith banked his third three and Farmar's back-to-back buckets gave the hosts a 22:16 advantage after one. Pnini's trey and Eliyahu's four points began a 17:6 blitz, generously handing their team a 32:21, double-digit lead midway through the second. Chase's buzzer-beating jump shot sealed the first quarter, 41:29. Blu and Smith poured threes the whole third quarter leaving Cibona nothing but dust taking a 76:58, advantage into the final 10-minutes. The final score board showed a 97:81, home victory.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A			2-0
2. Buducnost			0-0
3. Cedevita			0-0
4. Cibona			0-0
5. FMP			0-0
6. Helios			0-0
7. Hemofarm			0-0
8. KK Zagreb CO			0-0
9. Partizan			0-0
10. Radnicki			0-0
11. Siroki TT			0-0
12. Union Olimpija			0-0
13. Krka			0-1
14. Zlatorog			0-1

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

North
1. Quimsa		3-1
2. Regatas C.		3-1
3. Atenas		3-1
4. Sionista		3-1
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		3-1
2. Wuber-Est.Bahia		3-1
3. Obras		3-2
4. Penarol		3-2
5. GECR Indalo		2-2
6. Club 9		1-3
7. Lanus		1-3
8. Quilmes MP		1-3

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AUSTRIA

BC Vienna signs Dragan Miletic - by Stefan Prager
BC Vienna found a solution for the point guard problem and signed Dragan Miletic (195-G-82, agency: Dynamics Global Management). After the injury of point guard Markus Carr the Viennese ball club had to find a replacement. Miletic played for UBSC Graz last season but his contract ran out and was not extended. With the UBSC Miletic reached the Cup FInal Four and the playoffs for the first time in club history last season. The 29 year old Slovenian averaged 15.4ppg along with 4.4apg in 34 contests last year. He is expected to have his debut on friday when BC Vienna will face second league club DC Timberwolves in the last sixteen of the Chevrolet Cup.

A Bundesliga: Round One review - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in A Bundesliga started last weekend. Stats and game reports are below.

Klosterneub. - Furstenfeld 83-72

The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-72. Xion Dukes forced 19 Furstenfeld Panthers turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Furstenfeld Panthers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American swingman Curtis Bobb (198-78, college: Utah St.) fired 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. International guard Moritz Lanegger (188-90, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Four Xion Dukes players scored in double figures. American guard Timothy Burnette (188-82, college: Tarleton St.) produced 19 points and the other American import power forward Gary Ware (206-83, college: Purdue, agency: TSS Management) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Furstenfeld: T.Burnette 19+4reb+1ast, G.Ware 14+7reb+1ast, L.O'Neal 9+4reb+3ast, J.Robinson 9+3reb, B.Matthews 9+1ast, K.Payton 8+6reb+1ast
Klosterneub.: C.Bobb 22+7reb, R.Suljanovic 16+2reb, M.Lanegger 14+7reb+6ast, C.Nagler 12+4reb+1ast, D.Zeleznik 7+1reb, D.Hamidovic 6+3reb+1ast

Gmunden - UBSC Graz 70-72

The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 21-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. UBSC Graz made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. Gmunden Swans were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Croatian forward Marko Moric (207-81) fired 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. American guard Tim Ambrose (182-87, college: Albany, agency: I.D.S. Law) chipped in 18 points. American guard Morris Curry (178-87, college: Providence) produced 21 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Dan Oppland (203-84, college: Valparaiso, agency: SportsTalent) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Gmunden: M.Curry 21+4reb+5ast, D.Oppland 20+9reb+1ast, R.Arnold 16+3reb+1ast, R.Poiger 5+1reb, P.Huetter 3+4reb+2ast, F.Schoeninger 3+5reb
UBSC Graz: T.Ambrose 18+3reb, S.Grum 16+2ast, M.Moric 16+6reb+1ast, C.Knor 8+2reb+1ast, M.Stegnjaic 5+1reb+1ast, R.Lanegger 4+9reb+4ast

Gussing - BC Vienna 86-69

The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 47-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Gussing Knights made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Naturalized Serbian power forward Aleksandar Djuric (210-82) stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Slovenian forward Elvis Kadic (201-80) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Gussing Knights' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side Montenegrin forward Zarko Rakocevic (204-84) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Stjepan Stazic (199-78, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
BC Vienna: J.Francois 24+3reb, S.Stazic 20+6reb+3ast, Z.Rakocevic 16+10reb+3ast, D.Najdanovic 4+2reb+2ast, T.Gaspar 3+2reb+2ast, M.Tripkovic 2+2reb
Gussing: A.Djuric 18+5reb, E.Kadic 14+6reb+2ast, T.Klepeisz 13+5reb+3ast, M.Jandrasits 11+1reb+1ast, M.Klepeisz 11+2reb, S.Koch 9+6reb+4ast

Arkadia - Wels 72-89

The game was mostly controlled by Raiffeisen Wels. Arkadia Lions was better in third quarter 24-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Raiffeisen Wels forced 20 Arkadia Lions turnovers. American guard Todd Brown (196-87, college: Wright St., agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) nailed 23 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import swingman Quentin Pryor (193-83, college: Morehead St., agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) accounted for 21 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Five Raiffeisen Wels players scored in double figures. American point guard Adam Leonard (185-87, college: Missouri St., agency: Interperformances) came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds and Lithuanian center Pranas Skurdauskas (211-88, agency: Interperformances) added 9 points and 14 rebounds respectively for Arkadia Lions in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Arkadia: A.Leonard 22+5reb+1ast, T.Wade 14+3reb+1ast, B.Danek 10+4ast, P.Skurdauskas 9+14reb+2ast, R.Spasojevic 7+5reb, O.Sturm 5+1ast
Wels: T.Brown 23+7reb+1ast, Q.Pryor 21+3reb+5ast, D.Lamesic 11+7reb+1ast, A.Farokhmanesh 10+3ast, M.Kohlmaier 10+6reb, J.Werner 9+2reb+1ast

Kapfenberg - Oberwart 68-82

Kapfenberg Bulls was better in second period 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Joe Dean Shaw (199-87, college: Nevada) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Drake Reed (196-87, college: Austin Peay St.) contributed with 21 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Demetrius Nelson (203-86, college: Citadel, agency: Court Side) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and forward Larry Gordon (196-87, college: Cal Poly Pomona, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Kapfenberg Bulls. Kapfenberg Bulls' coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Kapfenberg: D.Nelson 19+13reb+1ast, L.Gordon 12+6reb+2ast, J.Fears 9+2reb+5ast, H.Kuegerl 8+3reb, T.Schreiner 7+5reb+5ast, A.Kuttnig 5+1reb+1ast
Oberwart: J.Dean Shaw 23+8reb+3ast, D.Reed 21+9reb+2ast, N.Gacesa 15+4reb, E.Fruehwirth 6+2reb, H.Artner 6+4reb+1ast, D.Jandl 4+2reb+3ast

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BELGIUM

Mickael Gelabale leaves Charleroi - by Eurobasket News
Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) is no longer a member of Charleroi. The player announced his decision yesterday. Gelabale decided to focus on his recovery (ankle injury) after the club suspended him indefinitely last week. Gelabale will have to miss 4-6 weeks due to injury which he suffered during the EuroBasket in Lithuania. Charleroi stated that Gelabale had only X-rays after the injury and not MRI, despite it should be done. He was not able to help Charleroi in Euroleague qualifications, but they still made it to the regular season.
Mickael Gelabale joined Charleroi during the summer. He spent last season with ASVEL averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for 36 games in ProA. Gelabale also added 12.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.8 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Before ASVEL, he spent one season with Cholet and helped them win the ProA title. Gelabale was a member of the Seattle Supersonics from 2006 to 2008.
Mickael Gelabale helped France to win the Silver at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He had 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1 apg for 9 games.

Antwerp News - by Peter Buyse
Port of Antwerp Giants will have to do without their American player Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, college: SMU) for between 4 to 6 weeks due to a muscle injury. To fill the roster they have signed former St Jan Antwerp player Anthony Chada (196-G/F-89), who was to sign his contract today. Chada spent most of his career playing for Verviers-Pepinster. he also played one season at Spirou Charleroi.
Better news for Roel Moors (190-G-78) who underwent succesful surgery on his nose and if cleared by the doctor can start practise again with a protective mask as of early next week.

Beginning of D1: First round review - by Eurobasket News

Regular season in Belgian top division started last weekend. Below you check the stats and read game reports.

Aalstar - M.Hainaut 90-76

The game was mostly controlled by Okapi Aalstar. Dexia Mons-Hainaut managed to win third quarter 27-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Okapi Aalstar made 21-of-23 free shots (91.3 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Dexia Mons-Hainaut helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Christopher Copeland (203-84, college: Colorado) stepped up and scored 26 points (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and guard Stefon Jackson (196-85, college: UTEP) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Four Okapi Aalstar players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard A.J. Slaughter (191-87, college: W.Kentucky) responded with 22 points and 5 assists and forward Justin Cage (198-85, college: Xavier, agency: Priority Sports) scored 12 points. Okapi Aalstar is looking forward to face Leuven Bears on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dexia Mons-Hainaut will play against VOO Verviers-Pepinster and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Aalstar: C.Copeland 26+4reb+3ast, K.Kruger 16+1reb, S.Jackson 15+9reb+3ast, C.Young 12+5reb+1ast, J.Steinbach 7+2reb, J.Holiday 5+2reb+2ast
M.Hainaut: A.Slaughter 22+1reb+5ast, J.Cage 12+2reb+3ast, A.Nivins 10+6reb+1ast, Q.Taylor 9+2reb+4ast, W.Carter 8+4reb, S.Foster 5+4reb+2ast

Gent - Liege 74-77

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Optima Gent won fourth quarter 23-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Belgacom Liege made 18-of-22 charity shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American forward Josh Bostic (196-87, college: Findlay, OH) nailed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import center Len Matela (206-80, college: Bowling Green, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Belgacom Liege players scored in double figures. Belgacom Liege's coach Fulvio Bastianini allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American-Puerto Rican guard Richard Chaney (196-84, college: Troy) came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds and American center Graham Brown (205-84, college: Michigan) added 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for Optima Gent in the defeat. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Belgacom Liege will play against Spirou Charleroi at home in the next round. Optima Gent will play against Base Oostende to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Liege: D.Waters 18+3reb+1ast, J.Bostic 18+7reb+1ast, L.Matela 14+8reb+1ast, G.Muya 11+3reb+3ast, G.Hockins 8+3reb, T.Jennings 4+6reb+1ast
Gent: R.Chaney 18+9reb, G.Brown 16+5reb+2ast, S.Geukens 14+2reb, M.Jenkins 10+1reb+3ast, L.Anderson 9+2reb+5ast, L.Bosco 6+4reb+6ast

Oostende - Leuven 91-77

The game was mostly controlled by Base Oostende. Leuven Bears managed to win third quarter 30-28. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Base Oostende shot 63.5 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Leuven Bears' players. American guard Jason Rich (191-86) fired 20 points and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. His fellow American import guard Matt Lojeski (198-85, college: Hawaii) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Base Oostende's coach Jean-Marc Jaumin used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Jamel McLean (203-88, college: Xavier) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Samoan-American power forward John Tofi (203-84, college: UTEP, agency: Court Side) added 20 points respectively for lost side. Base Oostende will meet Optima Gent on the road in the next round. Leuven Bears will play against the league's leader Okapi Aalstar.
Top scorers:
Oostende: J.Rich 20+1reb+5ast, C.Booker 16+2reb+2ast, D.Sakota 15+2reb, M.Lojeski 14+6reb+1ast, V.Petrovic 12+4reb+2ast, T.Van Den Spiegel 7+7reb
Leuven: J.Tofi 20+4reb, J.McLean 18+10reb+1ast, B.Freeman 13, M.McGhee 10+1reb+1ast, J.Davis 5+3reb+4ast, N.Marnegrave 5+1ast

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BULGARIA

Tundja Yambol tests Ivaylo Vuchkov - by Eurobasket News
Tundja Yambol announced arrival of Ivaylo Vuchkov (200-F-90) for tryout. The Bulgarian forward will spend next few days with the club and will try to 'pursue' its coaching staff to offer him a deal. Vuchkov spent last season with Balkan and Balkan II. He appeared 26 times in NBL averaging 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds. He also played 6 games in BIBL adding 3 ppg and 1.5 apg. With Balkan II, Vuchkov collected 18.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3 apg, 2.6 spg and 1.1 bpg for 19 games in Division A. He received Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian Division A Honorable Mention -11. Ivaylo Vuchkov played for Balkan also in 2009/10. Before that, he spent two seasons with Rilski Sportist. In 2007, he played for the Bulgarian U18 National Team.

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CANADA

Dontell Jefferson joins Quebec Kebs - by Eurobasket News
The Quebec Kebs of the National Basketball League of Canada announced today the signing of former NBA veteran Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) for the 2011-12 season. Per team rules, the details of the contract are confidential.

Jefferson, a 6-5, 195 lb. guard from the University of Arkansas, joins the Kebs after an outstanding minor league career to date. A veteran of five seasons in the NBDL, Jefferson averaged 14.5 ppg., 4.1 rpg., and 4.7 apg over a 159 game career with the Dakota Wizards, Utah Flash, and Idaho Stampede. A 2008-09 member of the All-NBDL 3rd team, Jefferson was a member of the NBDL All-Star team and is a past participant in the annual Skills Competition.

Jefferson was also called up to the NBA in March 2009 as a member of the Charlotte Bobcats. He averaged 4.8 ppg., in six games for the Bobcats. Jefferson has also spent time in training camps with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks.

'I am very excited to have this opportunity to play in the city of Quebec with the Kebs,' stated Jefferson. 'The chance to showcase my skills on a national stage with this fine organization, and in a new league, are very beneficial to me personally and my career as a whole. I can't wait for the start of camp to get going and work towards bringing the inaugural championship of the NBL of Canada home to Quebec.'

'Dontell is a player I have admired from afar for many years,' said Kebs Head Coach Rob Spon. 'I have always wanted to have the chance to coach him and the opportunity arose in the offseason to do just that. He is a player that can play and defend multiple positions and will pose a huge matchup problem for the rest of the teams in our league. This is a person who has played and excelled at the highest level of our sport, the NBA, and he will be suiting up for the Kebs this season. I can't wait for the season to start.'

The Quebec KEBS will also be involved in the first game of the inaugural NBL of Canada season that will take place on October 29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Universite Laval.

For more information on the Kebs, visit www.kebsdequebec.com or www.nblcanada.ca.

Courtesy of The Quebec Kebs

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CHINA

Cartier Martin latest NBA player to jump to China - by Eurobasket Center
In lieu of the NBA lockout, Washington Wizards high scoring wingman, Martin Cartier (201-G/F-84, college: Kansas St.) has inked a deal with the Jilin NorthEastern Tigers of the CBA, one of the young and upcoming teams of the Chinese Basketball Association. The team is owned by former minority owner of the Cavaliers Kenneth Huang.

Martin arrives to a team that desperately needs his leadership and knack for scoring, dont be surprised if Martin ends up leading the CBA league in scoring, in a league where NBA players are the norm, Martin looks to lead his team to the playoffs.

While playing 51 games for Washington Wizards last season his stats were: 4.1ppg and 1.5rpg.

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COLOMBIA

RUSSEL CARTER AGREES TERMS WITH CARIBBEAN HEAT - by Victor Garcia
Russel Carter, american forward , that previously played for the Bucaros, is reported to agreed terms with San Andres Caribbean Heat, Carter an athletic forward will arrive within this week.
Carter has good international experience, played previously in Italy, France, Venezuela, Philipines and Argentina, with Carter the Islan team wants to be more offensive and climb in the standings, the Caribbean Heat is already at bottom of the standings with two victories and 8 defeats.

ORGULLO PAISA READY FOR THE SOUTHAMERICAN LEAGUE - by Victor Garcia
The Orgullo Paisa team is already in Sao Paulo ready for the start of the Southamerican League, the Colombian team will face tonight Pinheiros from Brazil, in the same group are already the powerfull Obras Sanitarias from Argentina and the also powerfull Bigua from Uruguay.
Orgullo Paisa assembled a good squad for the challege, in the last hours the team report to reach and agreement with Cucuta Norte point guard Edgar Moreno who will strenght its roster for the event.
Colombian star Stalin Ortiz, Venezuelan star Heissler Guillent and Dominican star Alejandro Flores are also in the team again to play the League, the third import of the team will be Dominican center Leandro Bonilla.
With this roster the team will have scoring power in all the spots and will try to run the fastbreak in each posesion, also will have versatility because can show at times a three guards squad in the court with Moreno as point guard, Guillent running as shooting guard, and Ortiz as small forward, all three players can score and run the fastbreak, while Flores and Bonilla are strong enough to fight for the control of the paint.

The roster of the Orgulllo Paisa is:

Stalin Ortiz (6'3'-guard)
Edgar Moreno (6'3'guard)
Heissler Guillent (6'2'guard)
Alejandro Flores (6'9' forward)
Leandro Bonilla (6'10'center)
Alvaro Contreras (5'11'guard)
Deiby Aguirre (6'4' forward)
Francisco Castro (6'7'forward)
Yuberth Hinestroza (6'8'center)
Felipe Barrios (6'3' guard)
Diego Cuervo (6'5'forward)
Santiago Jaramillo (6' guard)

Coach: Johny Arcila.

Many young players and a young coach for this Orgullo Paisa Team, but a nice project for the future of the Colombian Basketball

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CROATIA

NT center Luksa Andric leads Galatasaray to Euroleague regular season - by Eurobasket News
Croatian NT center Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) was one of the best Galatasaray players at the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament in Vilnius. He helped the Turkish squad to book a spot for the regular season. Galata shocked host Lietuvos Rytas in the Finals 63-71. Andric scored 12 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in this meeting. In the Semifinals, Galatasaray was too strong for ASVEL 93-83. In that game Andric had 11 points and 4 rebs. In Game One, Galata handed 77-64 loss to PAOK. The center nailed 15 points that night. Andric was starter in all three games. Galatasaray is now placed to regular season Group D. Their rivals will be Asseco Prokom, Montepaschi, Barcelona, Unics and Olimpija.

Krizevci signs veteran center Ivan Grgat - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Grgat (210-C/F-74, agency: Court Side) is a new member of Krizevci. The veteran center penned a deal for the next season. Krizevci are newcomers to Croatian A1 league. Ivan Grgat spent last three seasons with Bosnian Siroki TT Kabeli. He helped them win three league titles and National Cup this season. Grgat averaged 11.9 points and 5.8 rebounds for 15 games in Bosnia last season. He won three annual awards Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Center of the Year. Grgat had 10.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 22 games in Adriatic league last season. Before Siroki, Ivan Grgat played for Cypriot Achilleas and Austrian Kapfenberg. He also has experience from Spain, France, Greece, Lithuania and few others countries.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. BK Decin		3-0
2. BC Kolin		2-0
3. BK Prostejov		2-0
4. BK Pardubice		2-1
5. NH Ostrava		2-1
6. USK Praha		2-1
7. Chomutov		1-1
8. CEZ Nymburk		1-1
9. Svitavy		1-1
10. Plzen		1-2
11. Usti n/Labem		1-2
12. Levice		1-3
13. B&W Opava		0-3
14. Inter Bratislava		0-3

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D-LEAGUE

Texas Legends sign Justin Dentmon for 2011-12 season - by Eurobasket News
Point guard Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington), who was named to the All NBA D-League team in his first season in the league, has signed with the Texas Legends for the upcoming year. Dentmon, a 6'2' guard out of the University of Washington, was one of the leading scorers in the league at 19.1 points per game, while averaging 4.0 assists per game.

'Justin is a tremendous guard in the NBA D-League,' commented Legends President of Basketball Operations Spud Webb. 'We look forward to seeing his continued development, and expect him to be a candidate for an NBA call-up.'

Dentmon started 35 games for the Legends in the 2010-11 season, and was among the league leaders in three point field goal percentage at 42.9%. Dentmon has been a consistent presence in Frisco throughout the off-season, appearing in many Legends community events.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Avery Bradley signs in Israel - by Eurobasket News
Avery Bradley (6'2''-G-90, college: Texas) will continue his career in Israel. The American point guard penned a deal with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Bradley will have an option to leave at the end of the NBA lockout. Avery Bradley played for the Boston Celtics last season. He appeared 27 times for them in NBA averaging 1.9 points. He also spent some time in D-League with the Maine Red Claws. There, Bradley had 17.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.2 apg and 3 spg. Avery Bradley graduated at the University of Texas a year ago. He had 11.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for his school in 2009/10. Boston selected him as 19th overall pick at the 2010 NBA Draft.

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

ESTONIA

Kalev Tallinn clinched third place in St.Petersburg - by Eurobasket News
Kalev Tallinn-Aris 71:57

Kalev Tallinn overcame Aris in the game for the third place at Kondrashin and Belov Cup. The Estonian team finished with 71:57 to finish with 1-1 record. The Greek side lost all two games and ended up on the last spot.
Kalev Tallinn took control from the very beginning and never looked behind. They started with 19-8 and added 18-13 in the second frame. Moreover the third quarter also belonged to the Estonian side, while Aris responded with 21-17 in the last stanza.
Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) and Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, while Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) added 12. Armands Skele (192-G-83) followed them with 8 points in a win. Sam Muldrow (205-F, agency: Impact Basketball, college: S.Carolina) replied with 15 points in the losing effort, while Adrian Oliver (193-G-88, college: San Jose St.) and Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) notched 11 apiece.

Kalev Tallinn: Pavel Ulyanko 15, Gert Dorbek 15, Gregor Arbet 12, Armands Skele 8
Aris: Sam Muldrow 15, Adrian Oliver 11, Darryl Watkins 11

Standings - KML

KML Standings

1. Parnu		1-0
2. Tartu Ulikool		1-0
3. TTU/Kalev		1-0
4. Kalev/Cramo		0-0
5. Tln Kalev		0-0
6. Rapla		0-1
7. Tarvas		0-1
8. Valga/CKE		0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Illimar PILK
  TT.
  (195-F-88)
  Avg: 23

1. Pilk, TT.	23.0
2. Arnold, TT.	22.0
3. Raap, Parnu	18.0
4. Hallik, Tarvas	18.0
5. Cunda, Va.	17.0
6. Karner, Parnu	17.0
7. Raadik, Parnu	16.0
8. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.0
9. Veideman, Tartu U.	16.0
10. Soo, Rapla	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Taavi HAMARSALU
  Parnu
  (199-C/F-89)
  Avg: 12

1. Hamarsalu, Parnu	12.0
2. Ringmets, Rapla	11.0
3. Cunda, Va.	10.0
4. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.0
5. Kajupank, Rapla	10.0
6. Vasar, Va.	9.0
7. Adedeji, Va.	9.0
8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	8.0
9. Kaja, TT.	7.0
10. Hallik, Tarvas	7.0

Assists Per Game

Rain VEIDEMAN
  Tartu U.
  (192-G-91)
  Avg: 5

1. Veideman, Tartu U.	5.0
2. Karner, Parnu	5.0
3. Dorbek, Tarvas	5.0
4. Doronin, Tartu U.	4.0
5. Kriisa, Tarvas	4.0
6. Cunda, Va.	3.0
7. Tomingas, TT.	3.0
8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	3.0
9. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	3.0
10. Pilk, TT.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Rain KARNER
  Parnu
  (186-PG-91)
  Avg: 7

1. Karner, Parnu	7.0
2. Veideman, Tartu U.	4.0
3. Dorbek, Tarvas	4.0
4. Eichfuss, Tartu U.	3.0
5. Cunda, Va.	3.0
6. Laane, Rapla	3.0
7. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	2.0
8. Saage, Tartu Uliko.	2.0
9. Cricelli, Va.	2.0
10. Raadik, Parnu	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Bill AMIS
  Tartu Ulikool
  (205-F-87)
  Avg: 4

1. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	4.0
2. Voolaid, Parnu	3.0
3. Eichfuss, Tartu U.	2.0
4. Adedeji, Va.	2.0
5. Hallik, Tarvas	2.0
6. Raadik, Tartu Ulik.	1.0
7. Vares, Va.	1.0
8. Kriisa, Tarvas	1.0
9. Vasar, Va.	1.0
10. Raadik, Parnu	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. Lukoil Academik			2-0
2. Gran Canaria			2-0
3. Oostende			2-0
4. Le Mans			2-0
5. Spartak SP			2-0
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. Art.Dragons			0-2
13. Etha			0-2
14. Norrkoping			0-2
15. Karsiyaka			0-2
16. BK Prostejov			0-2

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

EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. Bennet Cantu			0-0
2. Bizkaia Bilbao			0-0
3. Caja Laboral			0-0
4. Fener.Ulker			0-0
5. Nancy			0-0
6. Olympiakos			0-0
Group B
1. Brose Baskets			0-0
2. CSKA			0-0
3. KK Zagreb CO			0-0
4. Panathinaikos			0-0
5. Unicaja			0-0
6. Zalgiris			0-0
Group C
1. Charleroi			0-0
2. Anadolu Efes			0-0
3. Armani MI			0-0
4. Maccabi T-A			0-0
5. Partizan			0-0
6. Real Madrid			0-0
Group D
1. Galatasaray			0-0
2. Asseco Prokom			0-0
3. Montepaschi			0-0
4. Regal Barca			0-0
5. Unics			0-0
6. Union Olimpija			0-0

Bilbao lands Oliver Stevic - by Zoran Popovic
Former Crvena Zvezda power forward/center Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) sings contract with Spanish Euroleague member Bilbao. Stevic signs short term contract as replacement for injured Axel Hervelle. Last season Stevic played for EWE Baskets and on 40 games in Gemany Championship average scored 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.3 steals per game. During the career Stevic played for FMP Zeleznik, KK Borac Cacak, Masinac Kraljevo, KK Koper, ASCO Slask Wroclaw, Anwil Wloclawek and Crvena Zvezda.

Breaking Down Maccabi T-A's Crazy Summer, Included 76 Players - by David Pick
Just several hours before their homecoming debut at Nokia Arena against Croatian Cibona in the Adriatic league, and after a long hectic summer preparing for an exhausting three league competition season, Eurobasket rounds up each and every player's name that was mentioned as a potential candidate to join Maccabi Tel-Aviv's roster this summer.

Out of the whopping seventy-six player profiles below, a bare minimum of only six were eventually signed (those mentioned in Italic). In addition, it's important to note, that the yellow-and-blue team haven't yet finished building its roster, as coach Blatt still seeks the final missing piece that will complete his impressive 2011/12 puzzle. The following names are categorized to groups of Israelis, Americans, Europeans/South Americans and under contract NBA players, in the way that it doesn't at all matter how, when or where they were mentioned, whether it being by the media, team affiliated sources, agents, players themselves or even official team notices of signed contracts. Bottom line is, the following names were associated with M.T.A this summer.

Israelis - Yotam Halperin, Yogev Ohayon, Sylven Landesberg, Moran Roth, Dan Grunfeld, Raviv Limonad, Jon Scheyer.

Americans - Aaron Jackson, K.C. Rivers, Rawle Marshall, Trey Johnson, Dwayne Mitchell, D.J Strawberry, Josh Akognon, Rashad McCants, Shawn James, Jaycee Carroll, Jeremy Richardson, Coby Karl, Nate Miller, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Weaver, Curtis Jerrells, James White, Ibrahim Jaaber, Marcus Williams, Patrick Beverley, Matt Walsh, Omar-Sharif Cook, Earl Rowland, Devin Smith, Demarcus Nelson, Pooh Jeter, Bobby Brown, Anthony Parker, David Logan, Justin Dentmon, Osiris Eldridge, Keith Langford, Taylor King, Torey Thomas.

Europeans/South Americans - Nemanja Nedovic, Gustavo Ayon, Nikola Vujcic, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Sammy Mejia, Nando De Colo, Nikolaos Zisis, Bostjan Nachbar, Mickael Gelabale, Marko Popovic, Giorgi Shermadini, Jaka Lakovic, Thodoros Papaloukas, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Richard Grznar, Evan, Fournier, Igor Rakocevic.

NBA Players - Jonas Valanciunas, Ron Artest, Zabian Dowdell, E'Twaun Moore, Will Bynum, Javaris Crittenton, Amare Stoudemire, Jordan Farmar, Roger Mason Jr., Omri Casspi, Sundiata Gaines, Marcus Thornton, Aaron Brooks, Patrick Mills, Luther Head, Ronnie Price, Daequan Cook, Shannon Brown.

If we were to combine all the names above, it would be possible to form six-different full rosters and fourteen-different starting five line-ups.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kataja		3-0
2. Kauhajoki		3-0
3. Nilan Bisons		1-0
4. Pyrinto		1-0
5. ToPo		1-1
6. Salon Vilpas		1-2
7. Namika Lahti		1-2
8. Korihait		1-2
9. Kouvot		1-2
10. KTP		0-2
11. LrNMKY		0-2

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

FRANCE

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Jermont HORTON
  Blois
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 28

1. Horton, Blois	28.0
2. Sulpice, Angers B.	23.0
3. Racine, CFBB	21.0
4. Cretaux, Lievin	21.0
5. Alao, Brest	21.0
6. Belser, Charleville	20.0
7. Godin, Cognac	19.0
8. Bigote, Cognac	19.0
9. Kaunisto, Blois	19.0
10. Tillon, Montbrison	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 14

1. Kaunisto, Blois	14.0
2. Quincy-Jones, Sorg.	11.0
3. Jaiteh, CFBB	11.0
4. Mdivani, Rueil	10.0
5. Sani, Blois	10.0
6. Jacques, Le Puy	9.0
7. Caskill, Cognac	9.0
8. Diame, Rueil	9.0
9. Chupin, Angers B.	9.0
10. Guillarme, Charle.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Pierre BROCHARD
  Blois
  (185-PG-80)
  Avg: 8

1. Brochard, Blois	8.0
2. Tillon, Montbrison	7.0
3. Duro, Rueil	7.0
4. Dessart, Lievin	7.0
5. Calvez, Charleville	6.0
6. Belser, Charleville	5.0
7. Sene, Le Puy	5.0
8. Rathieuville, Brest	4.0
9. Lema, Cognac	4.0
10. Pasut, Sorgues	4.0

Steals Per Game

Simon CRETAUX
  Lievin
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 5

1. Cretaux, Lievin	5.0
2. Lema, Cognac	4.0
3. Gourari, Rueil	3.0
4. Ipouck, Chartres	3.0
5. Dessart, Lievin	3.0
6. Drouault, Angers B.	3.0
7. Chupin, Angers B.	2.0
8. Guillarme, Charlev.	2.0
9. Bigote, Cognac	2.0
10. Liorel, Brest	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Desmond QUINCY-JONES
  Sorgu.
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Quincy-Jones, Sorg.	2.0
2. Borval, Le Puy	2.0
3. Tornato, Blois	2.0
4. Diakite, Clermont	2.0
5. Caskill, Cognac	2.0
6. Lopez, Brest	2.0
7. Gotagni, Le Puy	1.0
8. Jalce, Chartres	1.0
9. Koundjia-S., Le Puy	1.0
10. Bluntt, Orchy	1.0

NM1: Round 1 review - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in NM1 started last weekend.

Cognac - Sorgues 83-77

The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 32-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Cognac made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Sorgues turnovers. Strangely Sorgues outrebounded Cognac 40-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Sorgues helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Mathieu Bigote (187-G-84) (187-84) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. American center Ian Caskill (207-81, college: JMU) contributed with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Cognac players scored in double figures. Forward Desmond Quincy-Jones (201-85, college: Pace) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and guard Arnaud Thinon (178-87) added 14 points in the effort for Sorgues.
Top scorers:
Cognac: J.Godin 19+3ast, M.Bigote 19+2reb+3ast, C.Bertorelle 11+2reb+2ast, J.Moupegnou 11+1reb, I.Caskill 10+9reb+4ast, I.Saounera 8+1reb
Sorgues: D.Quincy-Jones 15+11reb+2ast, A.Thinon 14+2reb+3ast, D.Griffin 12+4reb+1ast, V.Ateba 9+4reb+1ast, S.Mekdad 9+6reb+2ast, Y.Bassine 7+4reb+2ast

Montbrison - Lievin 72-98

Montbrison was not able to use a home court advantage and was crushed by the opponent from Lievin 98-72 on Saturday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game without a history. Lievin Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Lievin Basket forced 20 Montbrison turnovers. It was a very good performance for guard Jerome Dessart (184-84) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 assists. Guard Vincent Lehut (186-87) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. Five Lievin Basket players scored in double figures. Guard Benjamin Tillon (189-85) answered with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and forward St. Robert James added 16 points in the effort for Montbrison.
Lievin: S.Cretaux 21+1ast, V.Lehut 16+4reb+4ast, J.Dessart 16+2reb+7ast, A.Hoard 12+3reb+1ast, A.Pierre-Joseph 10+3reb+1ast, T.Sanborn 8+5reb+1ast
Montbrison: B.Tillon 18+6reb+7ast, S.ROBERT James 16+3reb+1ast, L.Biela 10+1reb+2ast, H.Malor 8+2reb+1ast, S.Salvis 8+4reb, A.Dumoulin 7+3reb+1ast

Le Puy - Clermont 96-64

The game without a history. Le Puy ASMB led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Le Puy ASMB especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Stade Clermont's players. It was a very good performance for swingman Guillaume Sene (197-86) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 5 assists. Central African forward Martial Gotagni (190-79) contributed with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Le Puy ASMB players scored in double figures. American forward Jonathan McClark (200-77, college: Rider) answered with 11 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Julien Cortey (175-80) added 12 points in the effort for Stade Clermont.
Top scorers:
Le Puy: G.Sene 18+4reb+5ast, S.Borval 16+3reb+2ast, M.Gotagni 15+5reb+3ast, R.Koundjia-Sindo 12+3reb+1ast, Y.Smail 12+3reb+1ast, Y.Jacques 9+9reb+3ast
Clermont: J.Cortey 12+3reb+1ast, J.McClark 11+8reb+1ast, B.Matanga 10+1reb+1ast, X.Delarue 6+7reb, S.Naydenov 6+1reb+1ast, M.Diakite 5+6reb+2ast

Challans - Roche 68-76

The guests trailed by 14 points after three quarters before their 35-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Roche forced 26 Vendee Challans turnovers. Vendee Challans was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for forward Aurelien Toto N'Kote (194-79) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Benjamin Thomas (181-82) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Fabien Herard (198-79) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Josh Almanson (205-82, college: Bowling Green) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Vendee Challans.
Top scorers:
Roche: A.Toto N'Kote 23+6reb+1ast, B.Thomas 23+5reb, M.Diallo 14+2reb+3ast, J.Bestron 6+3reb, E.Andre 5+1reb, L.Simmons 3+9reb+1ast
Challans: F.Herard 20+8reb, S.Cherasse 12+1reb+1ast, R.Boissie 10+2reb+1ast, J.Almanson 10+5reb+1ast, M.Boutry 9+4reb+1ast, J.Geay 4+1reb+4ast

Rueil - CFBB 89-67

The game without a history. Rueil led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to CFBB's 50. Quite impressive performance for Georgian center Georges Mdivani (205-85, agency: Promotex) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Naturalized Serbian center Streten Cabarkapa (204-84) contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Rueil players scored in double figures. Power forward Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-94) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and guard Anthony Racine (190-94) added 21 points in the effort for CFBB.
Top scorers:
Rueil: S.Cabarkapa 17+5reb+4ast, K.Gourari 16+5reb+3ast, G.Mdivani 15+10reb+2ast, M.Diame 13+9reb, C.Mansare 12+2reb+1ast, G.Duro 8+4reb+7ast
CFBB: A.Racine 21+2reb+1ast, M.Jaiteh 13+11reb+1ast, B.Dallo 9+5reb+2ast, L.Laporal 8+2reb, C.Pontens 8+2ast, P.Rigot 2

Souffel - St Quentin 62-49

The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 62-49. Quite impressive performance for guard Jeremy Tschamber (192-84) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 4 assists. Swingman Jessie Begarin (190-88, agency: Court Side) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Darnell Williams (200-78, college: San Jose St., agency: David Lee services) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import guard Keonta Howell (193-85, college: Toledo) added 14 points in the effort for Saint-Quentin. Souffelweyersheim (1-0) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams.
Top scorers:
Souffel: J.Tschamber 18+4reb+4ast, J.Begarin 16+5reb+3ast, J.Alingue 13+5reb+1ast, J.Bach 5+7reb+3ast, A.N'Diaye 4+4reb+4ast, T.Traineau 2+1reb+1ast
St Quentin: K.Howell 14+2reb, D.Williams 10+11reb, K.Bichard 7+2reb, J.Ball 5+5reb+2ast, O.Romain 5+1reb+2ast, J.Lesieu 5+5reb

Brest - Blois 71-86

Blois led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-22 charity shots (77.3 percent) during the game. American guard Jermont Horton (198-83, college: Rutgers-Newark) stepped up and scored 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Finnish forward Ville Kaunisto (204-82) chipped in 19 points and 14 rebounds. At the losing side guard Zaka Alao (187-81) responded with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Antoine Liorel (181-89) scored 14 points.
Top scorers:
Blois: J.Horton 28+7reb+1ast, V.Kaunisto 19+14reb+1ast, G.Staelens 16+1reb+4ast, P.Brochard 7+4reb+8ast, J.Tornato 6+2reb+2ast, T.Sani 4+10reb
Brest: Z.Alao 21+6reb+4ast, A.Liorel 14+3reb+2ast, R.Lopez 12+4reb+1ast, D.Fells 9+7reb+2ast, V.Pridotkas 9+4reb, J.Rathieuville 4+3reb+4ast

Chartres - Orchy 63-62

Orchesien BC was ahead by 6 points after three quarters before a 21-14 charge of Chartres, which allowed them to win the game. Serbian center Ljubomir Avramovic (201-79) fired 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Guillaume Merie (198-83) chipped in 18 points. Chartres' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Serbian forward Djordje Petrovic (202-84) produced 14 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Jahsha Bluntt (198-84, college: Delaware St., agency: David Lee services) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Chartres: G.Merie 18+2reb+3ast, L.Avramovic 16+8reb+1ast, M.Vasic 10+1reb, M.Ipouck 4+7reb+1ast, A.Barakaou 3+1ast, Z.Bojovic 3+2reb+1ast
Orchy: D.Petrovic 14+5reb+1ast, J.Bluntt 12+5reb, A.Gacko 10+3reb, D.Cilly 9+3reb, A.Belkessa 8+1reb+2ast, E.Barbry 5+4reb+4ast

Charleville - Angers BC 49 77-64

The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 24-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Charleville-Mezieres forced 21 Angers BC 49 turnovers. American forward Corey Belser (200-82, college: San Diego) nailed 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and center Cyril Guillarme (206-84) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Charleville-Mezieres players scored in double figures. Guard Olivier Sulpice (192-77) came up with 23 points and swingman Pierre-Etienne Drouault (194-90) added 14 points respectively for Angers BC 49 in the defeat. Des
Top scorers:
Charleville: C.Belser 20+8reb+5ast, F.Calvez 14+6ast, C.Guillarme 13+8reb+3ast, T.Toney 12+4reb+2ast, F.Bourdillon 9+2reb+1ast, N.Boundy 6+1reb
Angers BC 49: O.Sulpice 23+4reb+3ast, P.Drouault 14+2reb+1ast, S.Traore 7+4reb+2ast, T.Lonzieme 6+4reb, T.Ramphort 5+2reb+3ast, T.Pearson 4+3reb

Mickael Gelabale leaves Charleroi - by Eurobasket News
Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) is no longer a member of Charleroi. The player announced his decision yesterday. Gelabale decided to focus on his recovery (ankle injury) after the club suspended him indefinitely last week. Gelabale will have to miss 4-6 weeks due to injury which he suffered during the EuroBasket in Lithuania. Charleroi stated that Gelabale had only X-rays after the injury and not MRI, despite it should be done. He was not able to help Charleroi in Euroleague qualifications, but they still made it to the regular season.
Mickael Gelabale joined Charleroi during the summer. He spent last season with ASVEL averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for 36 games in ProA. Gelabale also added 12.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.8 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Before ASVEL, he spent one season with Cholet and helped them win the ProA title. Gelabale was a member of the Seattle Supersonics from 2006 to 2008.
Mickael Gelabale helped France to win the Silver at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He had 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1 apg for 9 games.

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

GERMANY

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

John Bynum (TBB Trier)Bremerhaven Bring A Lot Of Athletcism And Toughness On Both Ends Of The Court - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 33 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that is playing his second season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2. can Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. Last season with TBB Trier, he played 35 games: 6.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 64.3%. He spoke to eurobasket prior to the game against Bremehaven October 7th.

A tough 74-67 loss in Wurzburg. Last season Bayreuth was one of those places nobody wanted to play in. How did you like the atmopshere in the Wurzburg arena?

The atmosphere is Wurzburg was great. They have some great fans and at times it was extremely loud when they got on some runs. It will be a tough place to play this season for many BBL teams.

TBB Trier seemed to have one of their problems that they had last season. You played steady defense giving up only 74 points and on any other day 80 points on offense would of been a regular win but you struggled offensively making only 67 points. How does TBB Trier want to battle this problem this season with the roster that you have?

Well for one we were missing Phil which is a big part of our offense and we are not 100 percent healthy right now but without excuses we had our chances to win the games bad as we played not to take anything away from Wurzburg but we felt we lost this game ourselves.

Wurzburg had a 42-31 at halftime. What was giving TBB Trier the biggest problems on defense?

I think our biggest problem was that they were taking us out of our sets and we were starting our offense really late and had to rush a lot. They did a great job pressuring us and making it hard for us offensively.

Maik Zirbes had a monster game with 23 points and 12 rebounds. It seems like Zirbes has become a player. How has coach Hendrik Roedl helped him best to develop?

I think for Maik it has just been feeling confident, he has always been a great player now it is up to him to be consistent and our coaching staff has did a great job developing him.

The next game is against your ex team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. They kept a core of players and got new strong players and seem to have a potential playoff team on paper. What can we expect from this game?

I think it will be another tough game for us because they bring a lot of athleticism and toughness on both ends of the court. It is going to take a full forty minutes to win this game but we will be up for the challenge.

There are many great guard duos in the Beko BBl, but Brewer/Everett still seem to be a bit unnoticed. Which guy do you like to defend most?

Well both guys are great players and have great potential. We know they are threats and are key players for Bremerhaven. As far as who I would rather guard, who ever coach assigns me to guard when I enter the game I'm up for the challenge.

Bremerhaven can be an explosive team. What will be key in getting the first TBB Trier home win?

I think we have to slow them down in transition and make them play deep into their sets. Offensively we have to execute and make them play defense and not give up the ball early.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg swept away Bg Goettingen 107-63. What is your early impression of them? Are they better than last years team?

Yea Bamberg is a clear favorite at this stage and look really good. You can't really compare them to last years team because they have only won one game this season so far compared to them winning it all last season but we will know when the season is done.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Soul man with Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson

Thanks John for the chat.

Can The Fraport Skyliners Delay The Birth Of The Walter Tigers Tuebingen NCAA Kids Into Professional Basketball Manhood October 8th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The severe magnitude of disappointment can always be categorized from minimal to great depending how critical one looks at the picture. For Boston Redsox fans, the unbelievable, shocking and painful September slide in which they came into September with a 9 game lead in the Wildcard race, but a 7-20 September record and 4-3 loss in a do or die game in the last game in minor Bill Buckner fashion must of uttered a new famous phrase in Boston not again, great tennis player Ivan Lendl coming to Wimbeldon so many times, but never leaving the hallowed grass courts as a true Wimbeldon champion and possibly removing the word grass from his vocabulary which is difficult to do for him considering he is a passionate golfer or Paris Hilton after walking her little dog walking into a harmless kids food fight in a corner of Central Park west and getting her designer clothes dirty. These are all painful occurrences for these people, but what Walter Tigers Tuebingen fans recently endured with the sudden unannounced overnight disappearance of full bearded center Kenneth Wiliams (203-F-85, college: Mississippi) could be classified as deep unexpected hurt. This would have been the fourth season for the Miami native, but instead he is gone having left a very young and inexperienced Tiger team standing on brittle thin ice shortly before the start of the season. Ex teammate Steven Wright seemed concerned who is playing in Finland this season. I was shocked when I heard that Kenny had left. I dont know all the details, but knowing Kenny, it really wouldnt seem like he would leave in the middle of the night if it wasnt really urgent. Istill havent talked to him, but people have told me that he is ok. Kenny is a good player that always worked hard and is a good rebounder. We didnt do too much off the court, but he was a cool guy and will be missed under the basket, warned ex walter Tiger Tuebingen guard Steven Wright. Beko BBL players have noticed the void that has been left under the court even if experienced Velimir Radinovic (212-C-81, college: Ohio St.) was brought in, Wiliams had played in Tuebingen for years and knew the system well. He will be missed obviously underneath the basket on both ends of the floor, his rebounding and just his presence is a key loss for the team. He was real active at both ends on the floor and we had to focus on keeping a body on him at all times. he can hurt you on the offensive glass, stated TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). Kenny was one of our leaders and was going to play a huge role on our team. It definitely was a setback but I think we have grown closer as a team because of it.Kenny could always make me laugh so easily and his friendly personality was so contagious which is why so many people in Tbingen liked him, remembered Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.).

Since coming into the BBL in 2004-2005, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been treading water in the BBL middle standings and at times scrapping the deregulation area. The best finish of the club was 2006-2007 as they finished in 10th place. The Tigers have been more a harmless creature that seems to have their mouth sealed with little power escaping instead of showing their absolute unconquerable qualities of a tiger on the court. The team has been known for developing a healthy fan base and letting guys like Rasko Katic and AJ Moye (his first year) develop into top BBL players, but then again also have gone the usual BBL route of signing an abundance of Americans and closing an eye for further developing German players and the organization also has been prone to getting involved with minor scandals like in 2006 with Tamien Trent and Mike Moten who were banned by the German basketball federation following a drug test. Making the jump to the BBL is not easy and if one were to ask experts in the Tuebingen surrounding, one would always here two things. A slim budget and not getting the right mix of players seemed to be the most important reasons why the club has never been able to play games in May when it counts most. Since entering the Beko BBL in 2004, the team has always hovered between 10th and 15th place and their best finish was 2007 as they were in 10th place.

Last season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished in 12th place with a record of 15-19. Lacking more consistence at home in the Paul Horn arena showed with their 9-8 record. Last season the team celebrated huge victories against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg, Alba Berlin and The Telekom Baskets Bonn before the Allstar break, but then again showed their inconsistency losing games to teams like the Mitteldeutscher BC or Phoenix Hagen. Just like the season before, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen made a dash for the Beko BBl playoffs in winter winning six games in a row and heightening the playoffs hopes for the fans with big wins against Bonn Oldenburg and Ulm. However then as if each player had seen a black cat and then walked under a ladder for so called bad luck went on an unlucky losing streak losing six games in a row and finishing the season 2-7 and once again not making the playoffs. A 40 point loss to Bamberg in the heat of their six game winning streak and an 18 point loss to the LTi Giessen 46ers just seemed uncharachteristic after their successful run. It was an up and down season. The season started rough, then we had a nice winning streak, but then had a long losing streak, but closed out the season well. We hurt ourselves with our inconsistency. We were unable to bring the same effort night in and night out which killed us, stressed ex Walter Tigers Tuebingen forward Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford) who is playing in France this season with SIG Strassburg.

This season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen might use a motto that German basketball player Christian Standhardinger (203-F-89) might be using after a few miscues in the NCAA and always coming back to try his luck in the NCAA with If you dont succeed at first then try try again in hopes of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. However if a strong starting five last season with Bane Ratkovica, Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia), Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford), Dane Watts and Anatoly Kashirov wasnt potent enough for May basketball, how does the team see making an impact this season in the even stronger Beko BBL and a new starting five? Guys like Dane Watts had a very strong season whereas other starters solid seasons, but were still able to double their market value and get better financial contracts with other teams. Some teams play for titles, while other teams play for the playoffs and in the last years , The Walter Tigers Tuebingen seem to be a team that brings in younger talented players guaranteeing them playing time so they can develop further and then go to more attractive and more lucrative teams. You can expect a group of guys that play with a lot of passion and play extremely hard. We will defend well and can score with anybody in the Bundesliga, warned Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). Last season, Tuebingen already had established Beko BBl players like Dane Watts and Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford), but this season the team has their youngest team ever having six guys that were only 23 years old this summer. With Beko BBL babies Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.), Tyrone Nash and Adnan Hodzic (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Lipscomb) coming from the NCAA and Americans Reggie Redding (196-G-88, college: Villanova) and Josh Young (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Drake) coming off their rookie years last season and born in 1988, Igor Perovic has indirectly shown that these guys will have perform right away getting their feet wet quickly. Perovic has much experience with thirty something players Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) and Velomir Radiovic and Nicolai Simon who has title experience with Alba Berlin, but still many young bucks that will be in a nasty shark infested basketball pool each weekend. . I think if you have a good chemistry of players then it is a good thing. Experience is key in close games early in the season but once your out on the court all that age goes out the window in most cases. It is risky but if you got good chemistry it will help in a lot of ways. I think the team will play hard and will surprise a lot of teams. Young teams are usually hungry and they may struggle at times but just like most young teams we may not know which team may show up. But they will be a team that competes just like the rest of the BBL, warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum. Still having so much youth can also be a positive thing. I think their strength will be them playing hard, I didnt really get a chance to see them in preseason but on paper they have some solid individual players. I really dont know about weaknesses but I'm sure that will show up as the season goes along, added John Bynum. We just need to continue to get better as a whole. Our ceiling with how good we can be is so high because we are so young. If we get better every day we will be fine during the season, added Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). The glue for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen will be Louis Campbell and teams will learn quickly that keeping the American in check will make basketball life on the court very difficult for the Tigers. I think they Campbell is a key but we have to see what the newcomers bring to the table as well. To put so much pressure on one guy meaning Campbell isnt fair but I think they got some young guys who can make a difference as well, stressed John Bynum. One Skyliner that will be motivated to play hopefully his first official professional game and against the NCAA players is Michael Thompson who is aware of the NCAA rookies in Tuebingen. I will be great to be on the court with those three great players with Duggins, Nash and Hodzic. All three had great careers in the NCAA. I played against Nash. We will have to keep an eye on him. He can do it all, shoot the three, play with his back to the basket and play aggressive defense, warned Michael Thompson.

The first and most important signing this past summer for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg was Louis Campbell who is a 32 year old 190cm point guard from New Jersey that played three years in Japan was easily the top playmaker in the BEKO BBL in 2009-2010. Had he been with Oldenburg in 2009-2010, he might have made the difference between an early exit in the playoffs and a second championship. After getting a jump start in Giessen from 2004-2006, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in 2009-2010 leading the team into the playoffs playing 43 games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6% . He can guide an offense, but also score when needed especially in crunch time. However a lot of the magic that he had for Douglas Spradley two years ago wasnt present last season for Predrag Krunic and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg as he played 40 games averaging 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 82.1%. However what many didnt know, Campbell has a serious Adductor injury. Most guys would of sat out, but he continued to play, because Oldenburg had no other alternative at the point. With the departure of Kenneth Wiliams, the team recently had to respond and brought in experienced Velimir Radinovic that played in the Beko BBL the last two years for MBC. Radinovic is a 30 year old 212cm Serb-Canadian that played at the well know Ohio State and has gathered experience playing for top clubs FMP Zeleznik Beograd and KK Hemofarm Vrsac. He alos played in France and Greece and last season for MBC played 27 games: 6.6ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 68.8%. he scored in double figures seven times and his best scoring game was 16 points against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Velimir is so big and strong that he can clog up the middle and give us a shot blocking presence. He is a smart player with a high basketball IQ and can be a leader for the young guys, stressed Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). Even though Nicolai Simon is only 24 and should belong to the younger generation, is the third most experienced player on the roster. He is a 191 cm guard that is playing his second season in Tuebingen. He is made a comeback in The BEKO BBL in 2009-2010 after coming into the BEKO BBL in 2006-2007 after being heralded as a big German talent. In 2006-2007, he was able to play 33 games for Alba Berlin despite being on a team with a deep roster. In 2007-2008, he injured himself playing only five games. Last season, he took a step back and played for Ergas Ehingen in the German PRO B averaging 8,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 5,2apg. and to develop further as a professional basketball player. In 2009, he played at the World University games in Belgrad averaging 4,1ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 31 games: 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg.

Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.) is a Beko BBL rookie that is a 24 year old 187cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman season with 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood as has fond memories of the Alba Berlin guard on the court and their one on one battles. Every once in a while at practice I'd be walking by Dashaun and he would stop me and tell me exactly how he was going to score on his opponent that next possession and sure enough he would go out there and do that exact thing and look at me and laugh while running down the court. Thats easy! Dashaun beat me 9 out of 10 times on one on one. I was a young puppy out of high school and he was the horizon league player of the year. I don't remember him having any weaknesses other than he was smaller than me so I could post him up, stressed Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). In his senior year, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Beko BBL teams will have to be aware of the dangerous game of the American. He is a scorer, but also has hidden attributes. My jumping ability isnt always noticed. I've surprised a lot people when I get up to block a shot or dunk, warned Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). Another Beko BBL rookie this season is Tyrone Nash. Nash is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Queens, New York. He played together with FC Bayren Munich guard Ben Hansbrough (190-G-87, college: Notre Dame) at Notre Dame and in his senior year played Notre Dame 34 games: 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.9%. Another Beko BBL rookie for the Tigers is Adnan Hodzic (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Lipscomb) who is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played at Lipscomb (NCAA) from 2007-2011 together with BG Goettingen guard Josh Slater and in his senior year played 30 games: 17.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 72.6%. Despite playing for a less known school and losing some credibility of his worth, he had some great performances at the NCAA level which brought notice. It did hurt a bit, however, some of my best games were against bigger schools and better competition. The best player I played against in the NCAA was my junior year. I played against Derrick Williams. I had 34pts 13reb I just play hard every night. The critics and doubters will always be there, warned Adnan Hodzic (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Lipscomb). Hodzic also has a hidden strength. One strength that is very overlooked is my ability to shoot from outside. All spring and summer I have been working on expanding my game. I have developed a good mid range and long range shot. I am also good at driving the ball to the rim, stressed Adnan Hodzic (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Lipscomb).

The team also brought in Reggie Redding who will be starting his second professional season despite being only 23 years old. Redding is a 196cm guard from Philadelphia and possesses a great feel for the game, moves well without the ball, offers size and the ability to score from the guard position. He played at Villanova (NCAA) with ex BG Goettingen forward Dwayne Anderson and in his senior year played 23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. he reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008. Last season he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A) winning the league and cup title and played 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. The club also brought in Josh Young (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Drake) who makes the jump from the PRO B to the Beko BBL. Young is a 23 year old 185cm guard from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He played at Drake from 2006-2010 including two years with ex Skyliner Adam Emmenecker. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. Last season he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB) tearing up the league playing 11 games averaging 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. Rueben Spoeden is a 22 year old 202cm forward from Frankfurt that is playing his second season in Tuebingen. He started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt an dthen played for TV Langen where his teammate was Robin Benzing. He also has a license for Ergas Ehingen. Last season he with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played 8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at ErdgaEhingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. German American Akeem Vargas rounds out the roster. He is a 21 year old 190 cm guard that started his basketball career with the SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. In 2009-2010, he got experience in the States playing for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. Last season with Tuebingen, he got into 12 games: 0.4ppg; and also had also a license to play for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B)playing 27 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 77.6%.

This Saturday, The Fraport Skyliners will be looking to rebound from their disappointing home opening 72-53 loss to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. In the loss, The Fraport Skyliners had a dismal shooting day, had an off day under the basket and turned over the ball a frightening 18 times something that was less prevalent in the preseason a time when turnovers can be more common. Frankfurt had a not 100% Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) against Oldenburg and were without ex NBA player Jermario Davidson and Beko BBL rookie Michael Thompson due to injuries. Thompson could be back in the lineup to give the point guard position more of a push when Gray is taking a breather. Gray suspects a totally different game and no one should worry after only one loss. We only played one game so far. We have to look at our mistakes form the Oldenburg game, come up with a new game plan and execute better in Tuebingen. A lot of the Fraport Skyliner mistakes started in the offense which transformed into their defense. We have to communicate better on defense and just be more aggressive on offense and defense, warned Skyliner guard n. Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) The Walter Tigers Tuebingen will be highly motivated as they start their season at home against the Fraport Skyliners. One match up to watch will be at the point guard position with Louis Campbell and Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest). . Cambpell has a lot of experience and I'm sure he has something to prove after having a so called down season from what we expect to see from him. Gray is a rookie in this league although he has experience playing but it should be a great matchup to see, warned John Bynum. The Fraport Skyliners go into the game as the favorite and Tuebingen have nothing to lose and will give everything that they have. . Frankfurt just has to play their game and control the tempo and the boards and use their experience in crucial parts of the game, warned John Bynum. It's going to be a hard fought game but I think the team that is the most aggressive and the team that plays the hardest for the longest will win, warned Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wright St.). The Walter Tigers Tuebingen host The Fraport Skyliners on Saturday October 8th at 20:00.

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GREECE

Aris lands Krusic - by Chris Mammides
Aris is officially replacing the American Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) with the Slovenian Matej Krusic (211-C-87). The American center was on a doubt since he arrived in Greece with Head Coach Vangelis Alexandris giving him quite some time in a number of friendly games to show his abilities. Probably the Greek veteran coach decided that the style of the specific player is not the one that actually matches with the 'yellows' so he decided to dismiss the American center and replace him with the Slovenian Matej Krusic. The Slovenian cetner was training with his ex tea, Geopli Slovan from the very beginning of the summer so theoretically he is ready to give a lot and immediately to the Thessaloniki team. Furthermore, the Slovenian center had quite decent numbers last season in the Slovenian league as his 11.3ppg and 6.8rpg were solid. It is worth mentioned that the team of Aris lost nearly all the friendly games played this season and all tournaments participated.

Kalev Tallinn clinched third place in St.Petersburg - by Eurobasket News
Kalev Tallinn-Aris 71:57

Kalev Tallinn overcame Aris in the game for the third place at Kondrashin and Belov Cup. The Estonian team finished with 71:57 to finish with 1-1 record. The Greek side lost all two games and ended up on the last spot.
Kalev Tallinn took control from the very beginning and never looked behind. They started with 19-8 and added 18-13 in the second frame. Moreover the third quarter also belonged to the Estonian side, while Aris responded with 21-17 in the last stanza.
Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) and Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, while Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) added 12. Armands Skele (192-G-83) followed them with 8 points in a win. Sam Muldrow (205-F, agency: Impact Basketball, college: S.Carolina) replied with 15 points in the losing effort, while Adrian Oliver (193-G-88, college: San Jose St.) and Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) notched 11 apiece.

Kalev Tallinn: Pavel Ulyanko 15, Gert Dorbek 15, Gregor Arbet 12, Armands Skele 8
Aris: Sam Muldrow 15, Adrian Oliver 11, Darryl Watkins 11

Watkins is officially with Aris Thessaloniki - by Eurobasket News
Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) is officially with Aris Thessaloniki for the upcoming season. He just participated with the team in Russian International Tournament and was one of the key players.
Aris Thessaloniki announced signing of a one-year deal with Darryl Watkins. The latter is a product of the Syracuse University, where he graduated in 2007. He played for the Sacramento Kings, LA D-Fenders and Iowa Energy in 2007/08 season. Watkins had 1.3 ppg for the Kings in 9 NBA games. Season 2008/09, Watkins spent in China with TianJin Rongcheng. He averaged 20.7 points, 14 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 43 games (CBA). Watkins missed entire 2009/10 season and he spent the last one with Lebanese team Sagesse. He had 15.5 ppg and 10.7 rpg for them in 27 games. In Lebanon he recorded 26 points and 17 rebounds at the Top 4 Round 1 when Al Riyadi beat Sagesse 82-73.

Anadolu Efes hands 67-62 loss to Olympiakos - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes - Olympiakos 67-62

Anadolu Efes and Olympiakos played a friendly game last night in Istanbul. Anadol Efes was better team celebrating 67-62 victory in this meeting. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) top-scored for the hosts with 18 points. Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) were behind him with 16 and 9 points respectively. On the other side, Olympiacos got 15 points from Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) and 12 from Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88). Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) and Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) stopped to 8 pts each. Olympiacos was slightly better at the beginning as they made a minimum lead in the first ten minutes 18-19. Anadolu Efes responded with 20-15 in the second quarter for plus four at the HT. They jumped to 57-50 until the end of Q3 and later managed to keep its lead until the end. Both teams prepare for domestic championships and Euroleague as well.

Anadolu Efes: Esteban Batista 18, Sasha Vujacic 16, Sinan Guler 9
Olympiakos: Kyle Hines 15, Martynas Gecevicius 12, Georgios Printezis 8, Lazaros Papadopoulos 8

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ICELAND

Cameron Echols back to Iceland - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Cameron Echols (203-F/C-81, college: Ball St.) is back in Iceland. 6'8' power forward out of Ball State has sign with Njardvik. Echols has played in Iceland before, with KR 2004-2005 season where he average 28,2 points and 13 rebounds. Since then Echols has played Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay.
A veteran player that should be a good help for this young Njardvik team where most of the players are younger than 20 years old.
Valur added on their roster a young and tallentede guard in USA/Icelandic player 6'3' Austin Magnus Bracey. Bracey name is well known name in Icelandic basketball after his father Val Bracey played there around 1980 and is one of the better American to play in the Country

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ISRAEL

Ashkelon Roster Update - Joseph Forte IN, Darrell Harris OUT - by David Pick
American guard Joseph Forte landed in Israel for a second pre-season try-out this summer. 30-year-old Forte was recently in Italy trying to secure a guaranteed contract with M.Siena but was waived and rolled to Israel where he's now down south with Ironi Ashkelon. Should Forte impress the coaching staff he'll replace Tony Skinn, who signed a try-out deal that is coming to an end.

The Boston Celtics 2001, 21st overall NBA Draft pick, played two years in the league (Boston, Seattle), before moving abroad, hooping last season in Italy's second division for Carmatic Pistoia, averaging 17.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.6apg and 2.0 steals per game.

Earlier today, Ashkelon released power forward/center Darrell Harris.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Breaking Down Maccabi T-A's Crazy Summer, Included 76 Players - by David Pick
Just several hours before their homecoming debut at Nokia Arena against Croatian Cibona in the Adriatic league, and after a long hectic summer preparing for an exhausting three league competition season, Eurobasket rounds up each and every player's name that was mentioned as a potential candidate to join Maccabi Tel-Aviv's roster this summer.

Out of the whopping seventy-six player profiles below, a bare minimum of only six were eventually signed (those mentioned in Italic). In addition, it's important to note, that the yellow-and-blue team haven't yet finished building its roster, as coach Blatt still seeks the final missing piece that will complete his impressive 2011/12 puzzle. The following names are categorized to groups of Israelis, Americans, Europeans/South Americans and under contract NBA players, in the way that it doesn't at all matter how, when or where they were mentioned, whether it being by the media, team affiliated sources, agents, players themselves or even official team notices of signed contracts. Bottom line is, the following names were associated with M.T.A this summer.

Israelis - Yotam Halperin, Yogev Ohayon, Sylven Landesberg, Moran Roth, Dan Grunfeld, Raviv Limonad, Jon Scheyer.

Americans - Aaron Jackson, K.C. Rivers, Dwayne Mitchell, D.J. Strawberry, Josh Akognon, Rashad McCants, Rawle Marshall, Shawn James, Jaycee Carroll, Jeremy Richardson, Coby Karl, Nate Miller, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Weaver, Curtis Jerrells, James White, Ibrahim Jaaber, Marcus Williams, Patrick Beverley, Matt Walsh, Omar-Sharif Cook, Earl Rowland, Devin Smith, Demarcus Nelson, Pooh Jeter, Bobby Brown, Trey Johnson, Anthony Parker, David Logan, Justin Dentmon, Osiris Eldridge, Keith Langford, Taylor King, Torey Thomas.

Europeans/South Americans - Nemanja Nedovic, Gustavo Ayon, Nikola Vujcic, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Sammy Mejia, Nando De Colo, Nikolaos Zisis, Bostjan Nachbar, Mickael Gelabale, Marko Popovic, Giorgi Shermadini, Jaka Lakovic, Thodoros Papaloukas, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Richard Grznar, Evan, Fournier, Igor Rakocevic.

NBA Players - Jonas Valanciunas, Ron Artest, Zabian Dowdell, E'Twaun Moore, Will Bynum, Javaris Crittenton, Amare Stoudemire, Jordan Farmar, Roger Mason Jr., Omri Casspi, Sundiata Gaines, Marcus Thornton, Aaron Brooks, Patrick Mills, Luther Head, Ronnie Price, Daequan Cook, Shannon Brown.

If we were to combine all the names above, it would be possible to form six-different full rosters and fourteen-different starting five line-ups.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Bnei Hasharon Strengthen Their Front Court Line By Signing Kenny Lawson - by David Pick
In light of a rusty start to its season and the fact that NBAer Trevor Booker might leave before the end of the season, Bnei Hasharon strengthen their front court line by signing 23-year-old Creighton Bluejays graduate, Kenny Lawson. The talented big finished playing NCAA ball averaging 9.2ppg and 5.5rpg over 38 games, and played last season in China for Jiangsu posting double-double number of 22.1ppg and 11.1rpg.

Bnei's foreign roster already includes LaceDarius Dunn, Demond Carter, Delroy James and of course Trevor Booker, now expanding to five with addition on Lawson Jr.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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ITALY

Standings - B1

Nazionale A Standings

1. Ferentino		2-0
2. Lago Maggiore		2-0
3. Napoli		2-0
4. Omegna		2-0
5. Trieste		2-0
6. Anagni		1-1
7. Bari		1-1
8. Latina Basket		1-1
9. Firenze		1-1
10. Santarcangelo		1-1
11. UCC		1-1
12. Chieti		1-1
13. Comsum.it SI		1-1
14. Pavia		1-1
15. Trento		1-1
16. Perugia		1-1
17. Orlandina		1-1
18. Torino		1-1
19. Treviglio		1-1
20. Trapani		0-0
21. Fabriano		0-2
22. Matera		0-2
23. Recanati		0-2
24. Ruvo		0-2
25. San Severo		0-2

Only one game for Kobe in Italy - by Edoardo Tamalio
A game-event with Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) in a Virtus Jersey. This is the update of the Kobe-saga, given the difficulty of restraining him a month in Bologna, this is Sabatini's new hypothesis. The date would be the 12th October, anticipating championship match against Treviso. Bologna offers 2 millions dollars for just a single game, an offer hard to refuse for the number 24. A definitive answer from the player is expected for tomorrow.

Standings - Lega 2

Lega2 Standings

1. Aget Imola		1-0
2. Biancoblu BO		1-0
3. Centrale Latte		1-0
4. Fileni BPA		1-0
5. Giorgio Tesi PT		1-0
6. MarcoPoloShop		1-0
7. Prima Veroli		1-0
8. Trenkwalder		0-0
9. Assi Ostuni		0-1
10. Enel Brindisi		0-1
11. Givova Scafati		0-1
12. Morpho Basket		0-1
13. S.Antimo		0-1
14. Sigma Barcel.		0-1
15. Tezenis Verona		0-1

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KAZAKHSTAN

Standings -D1

D1 Standings

1. BC Astana		1-0
2. Barsy Atyrau		0-0
3. BK Almaty		0-0
4. Kaspiy Aktau		0-0
5. Tobol		0-0
6. BK Atyrau		0-1

BC Astana open championship with rout of BK Atyrau - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana - BK Atyrau 116:47

BC Astana victoriously opened D1 championship. The newly created team outscored BK Atyrau in the opener. Six played scored in double figures for the winners. Rustam Yargaliev (195-F/G-86) and Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) accounted for 16 points each in the victory.
BC Astana gave little chance for their opponents right from the start. The hosts built a 32:16 lead after ten minutes. BC Astana stretched the gap to as many as 33 points at the interval 61:28. BC Astana maintained the lead throughout the third term. They outscored BK Atyrau 33:10 in the third quarter and marched to the victory in the fourth frame. Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 15 points, while Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest) added 12 points in the victory. Yuriy Korshunov (204-F-86) responded with 17 points for BK Atyrau.Pavel Dynnik (201-C-92) had 8 points in the losing case.

BC Astana: Rustam Yargaliev 16, Rawle Marshall 16, Goran Cakic 15
BK Atyrau: Yuriy Korshunov 17, Pavel Dynnik 8

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KOSOVO

Mazreku joins Peja - by Dren Shporta
One of the best kosovar centers Blerim Mazreku (206-F/C-81) who played many years for Prishtina, this season will join Peja. The yellows from Peja this season intended to rely on their own school forces but only three days before the opening of the game season agreed with Mazreku.

Mazreku has won many titles with Prishtina and is very experienced player. He surely will make youngsters of Bujar Loci more competitive and dangerous under the basket. He also played for Kosovo national team.

I have agreed terms to be Pejas player until the end of the season. They needed a center and Ill try to help them to reach the play-off, said Mazreku.

KB Bashkimi lands Kabine Sissoko - by Dren Shporta
Kabine Sissoko (209-C-86) is the second international player that KB Bashkimi has captured before the season start. The oranges from the southern city of Kosova, Prizren, are now the most strengthened team in BKT Superliga .

After getting in the team kosovars like Samir Shaptahovic and Valentin Spaqi they captured the candian Stephan Haynes. And now they got the Mali born player Kabine Sissoko, which has also Swiss and Croatian passport. Kabine is 209 centimeters high and before Bashkimi he has played for Vindija from Varazdin in Croatian A2 league.

Bashkimi in the first match of the new season will play against Trepca in Mitrovica which are also strengthened with Jaleel Nelson and Daniel Milanovski.

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LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. BK VEF		1-0
2. Liepaja-2		1-0
3. Riga		1-0
4. RSU		1-0
5. VA		1-0
6. Cesis		0-0
7. DSN		0-0
8. Gulbene		0-0
9. Livani		0-0
10. Saldus		0-0
11. VEF Kadeti		0-0
12. Barons/Keizar.		0-1
13. Jelgava/LLU		0-1
14. Ogres		0-1
15. Ridzene		0-1
16. Valmiera U21		0-1

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LEBANON

Sagesse lands Terrence Leather - by Rabih Khoury
After failing to impress, Sagesse management decided to release Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.). The replacement was directly found, and it is Terrence Leather (204-C-81, college: S.Florida). Leather played the past 5 seasons in Kores wehre he had excellent numbers in nearly all seasons. He played last year for Seoul SK Knights and averaged in 54 games: Score-3 (20.8ppg), Reb-2 (9.4rpg), 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 78.4%. Leather will arrive to Lebanon this night to join his new team, while Sagesse management is still negotiating to sign a second import

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LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

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

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MALTA

Athleta retain SuperCup title - by Eurobasket News
Athleta - Siggiewi 59:54

Athleta clinched the SuperCup trophy. They defended the title after beating Siggiewi. Omar Said (177-G-80) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. It was a close battle from start to finish. The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Athleta eked out a 32:29 lead at the interval. Siggiewi would not go away. They cut the deficit to just two points late in regulation. However Athleta played sank three free throws in the crucial moment to seal the victory. Marko Matijevic (200-F-78) responded with 16 points for Siggiewi.

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MEXICO

Barcelona wrap up pre-season campaign with win over Huracanes - by Eurobasket News
FC Barcelona - Huracanes 85:40

Barcelona finished the pre-season campaign on a high note. They stormed past Huracanes de Tampico. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) scored 17 points to pace the Catalan team.
Barcelona grabbed the lead early in the game. They posted a 21:10 lead after ten minutes of action. The Spanish team stretched the lead in the second frame. They outgunned Huracanes 21:7 for a 42:17 halftime advantage. One-way traffic continued in the second half. Barcelona went on an 18:8 run in the third term to pile up an unassailable lead before the fourth frame. They cruised to the victory in the fourth quarter. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) posted 12 points, while Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) and Judson Wallace (205-F/C-82, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Princeton) contributed 11 points each in the victory. Stephen Sir (195-G-82, college: N.Arizona) responded with 14 points for Huracanes. Robert Hornsby (196-F/C-82, college: Troy) notched 9 points in the loss.

FC Barcelona: Joe Ingles 17, Kosta Perovic 12, Marcelinho Huertas 11, Judson Wallace 11
Huracanes: Stephen Sir 14, Robert Hornsby 9

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MONTENEGRO

The history of foreign players in Montenegro. Part two - by Darko Pekic
Although Buducnost is considered the most successful team in Montenegro, with most trophies and titles, it doesn't mean that other teams, at some point in their basketball lifes, did not take a chance with foreign players, trying to sign the potential team leader and fan favorite. Some of them got what they wanted, others got regrets. However, only one team, except Buducnost of course, can be proud on it's Euroleague American. We are talking about Morris Finley (180-G-81, college: UAB) from KK Mornar.

Ex Armani Jeans Milano averaged last year in the Euroleague 11.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg and led his team in assists. Two years before that he won everything in Italy with Montepaschi Siena ( League title, Cup and Supercup). But probably only a few passionate fans in Italy know that he started his overseas career in a small club called KK Mornar Bar. 'Mo' arrived in Montenegro at the beginning of the season 2004/2005, after a successful college career where he reached NCAA Sweet 16 with his UAB. In his first season in Europe 'Mo' showed what he is capable of: 23.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.2apg, 2.4spg. Extremely smart, quick point guard with long range, he soon became the absolute team leader and earned respect against giants such as Partizan, Buducnost, Crvena Zvezda etc. Finley left the team in April 2005. He is still considered the best foreigner in Mornar.

Finley's teammate Wayne Wallace (206-C/F-80, college: Virginia Union) was also something special. The nephew of Ben Wallace, the Pistons legend did what people with the surname Wallace do best- grab rebounds and defend! Unlike Finley, he already had some pro experience in Belgium and US minor league but only in Montenegro he got the real chance to prove his worth. Fans and opponents will remember his tremendous blocking ability and dunks. He only averaged 9.3ppg, 6.4rpg but was more useful to the team than the numbers show. After the end of the season he moved to Israel. This season Wallace will play in Ukraine Premier League for Politekhnika-Halychyna.

The year later we saw some other Americans, not as successful as Mo and Wayne. Their replacements were players with excellent reputations though. Julius Barnes (186-G-81, college: Stanford) and Wrenn Doug (203-F-80, college: Washington). Barnes was an intelligent point guard , not as flashy as Finley but very useful to the team. He came from the great school (NCAA Final Eight and Pac-10 Conference Champion in 2001 with Stanford), and already had some european experience while Wrenn was a rookie in Europe. Barnes had good numbers 12.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.9spg in the domestic league and left Mornar at the end of the season. He is the only Amercan who played for Mornar twice. After six months he signed again and led the team to the Montenegrin League Semifinals. The same years he was honored the Sportsman of the Year in Bar, the first time in history that a foregner won that award. After the end of the season he returned home. Now he works as assistant coach at Stanford basketball program.

On the other side, Wrenn will probably be remember for his afro haircut and amazing dunks, but he didn't last long. Wrenn was an NBA potential (High School national Top 25 prospect and PAC Newcomer of the Year), very athletic but with problematic reputation. After a couple of seasons in US minor league he came to Mornar but was not ready to adapt to the European style of play and left the team after two or three preseason games. Not much from that kind of potential you would agree.. Wrenn continued his career in Asia but his bad reputation followed him like a ghost. In 2009 he finished in prison because after a car accident he pulled a gun on a woman. Wrenn got 12 months

A year later, point guard Julius Barnes was replaced with Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (190-G-83, college: New Orleans) from New Orleans. Barnes was brought to 'feed' with assists former Oklahoma State talent Anthony Brown (203-F-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Oklahoma St.). Barnes was a tall point guard and did a bit of everything but when you sum it, that was not good enough for Mornar squad. He left the team at the beginning of 2010. Worth to mention are his numbers: 8.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg while shooting 53% from the 3 point line. Barnes is now on try-out with BC Kolin in Czech Republic. His fellow teamamate Anthony Brown was very dominant but he left Bar even earlier, after two months because he had a dispute with his club. Actually, he signed a contract in Portugal but he didnt get the letter of clearance from Mornar. FIBA fined the Montenegro Federation with a 10000 CHF (approx. 7000 EUR) penalty. This penalty was later reduced to 5000 CHF due to Montenegro being new in FIBA. Brown was suspended from international games until the issue was solved. This year he signed a contract in Finland and is doing fine.

Playmaker position was filled with Stallings Nick (190-G-83, college: Centenary). The Centenary star got a chance to start his professional career in Mornar but he failed. After only one game in Balkan league he was released. However, his next experience in Macedonia was much better and he is now shining in China. To replace power forward Anthony Brown, another big man arrived in Bar. His name was Chris Hunter (211-F/C-84, college: Michigan), and he had even greater reputation than his countrymen. Hunter came directly from the NBA! He played with the Knicks and the Warriors. In January moved to Mornar because he needed some playing time. However, an NBA call arrived sooner than he expected and he left the team after a couple of weeks. Hunter signed with the Warriors and still plays in NBA D league.

But Mornar didn't wait long. They found even a greater name, the ex Laker Soumaila Samake (215-C-78) signed a contract till the end of the season! The super tall and thin Mali international spent a couple of seasons in the NBA and toured the world (China, Korea, Slovenia) before arriving in Bar. The coaches had their doubts because his knees were damaged but Samake was signed anyway. The quiet guy from West Africa did well, his numbers in Balkan League speak for itself: 15.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0bpg. He signed to play in Iran for the season 2010/2011 and during this summer rappresented his National Team in Madagascar ( African Championship)

The last season ( 2010/2011) we saw in action Lebaron Weathers (203-F/C, college: Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Lance Sullivan (185-G, college: Rogers St.). Weathers had a solid college career and good potential while Sullivan, who came from a small school, was very enthusiastic about this experience. Weathers, like many other Americans, had a hard time to get used to the lifestyle in Europe and after a couple of preseason games he returned to the States. He also tried his luck in Slovakia and Portugal 2nd division after that. Now he is a free agent, looking for a club for next season. Sullivan took his opportunity and gave his contribution. He was known for hard defense, steals and good 3 pont % (over 53%). But after the New Year break they told him not to return in Montenegro because the Club management decided to focus on domestic talents such as Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) or Nemanja Radovic (208-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket).

Other teams in Montenegro didn't make a lot of experiments like Buducnost or Mornar. Of course, one of the reasons was the lack of funding. But it doesn't mean that others didn't give a chance to foregners. For example, KK Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje started the 2008/2009 season with two Americans in their roster, big man Daniel Cromwell (213-C-85, college: Le Moyne) and guard David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois). Cromwell started the season well but probably was homesick and decided to leave the team in December. And has never returned to Europe.. He now works as Sales Representative for a Pharmaceutical company based in New York. Jackson stayed longer in Montenegro and after a successful career at Western Illinois proved his qualities in Europe. He averaged 16.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 6.0apg and was the leader of the team in almost every cathegory! After a year in Bijelo Polje he moved to Slovakia, and then signed in Poland where he still plays with success. He won a league title in Slovakia.

A year later, Jedinstvo brought Anthony Jones (194-G/F-84, college: Indiana Tech), hoping that he could repeat Jackson' stats and contribution. Jones was a different player though, a good defender and team player. He started great but in the second part of the season he didn't see much playing time so he decided to move to Germany. Now he plays in Slovakia.

An American played for KK Ibon Niksic, a club with great tradition ( but due to financial problems they changed their name and now are known as KK Sutjeska). His name is Gentry Lewis (206-F/C-81, college: Philander Smith). The husband od Doneeka Hodges Lewis (WNBA player) had a brief experience in Niksic during the 2006/2007 season and didn't leave a great impression. After 10 games Lewis left the team. Although very physical Lewis struggled a lot and was not able to dominate at this level. His playing career continued in Slovenia. Last summer he was seen in Houston as a member of the team Okinawa ( Eurobasket Summer League)

KK Mogren also tried that experiment in 2006. They brought Eliot Goren (188-G-83, college: Carnegie Mellon), a white boy from a small school, but he failed to impress the coaching staff in Budva and returned home in December. A month later Goren moved to Germany, played till the end of the season and it seems that he was not able to get any other pro contract after that. A year later KK Primorje Herceg Novi sorprised everyone when they decided to sign a tall guy from Mali, Kabine Sissoko (209-C-86), to help them in the Superliga. The 25 years old big man with Croatian passport spent most of his career in ex Yugoslavia where he played for KK Zadar, KK Zagreb, OSK Celic etc. KK Primorje and Herceg Novi were just another stop on his journey through Balkan wilderness. His club for the 2011/2012 seson will be KB Baschimi from Kosovo. A new start, after two years in Croatian lower leagues..

Well, here we are. At the end. I tried to collect here as many information as possible about some past stars but also about guys who were considered poor and not worth that kind of money. This list will probably need an update in the years to come because many more Americans and others are eager to try their luck in Podgorica, Budva, Bar and other Montenegrin cities. The question is- who is the ONE? The time will give us ansfer..

Vaso Aleksic signs in Denmark - by Darko Pekic
Vaso Aleksic (203-F-85, college: Mountain St.) is the new signing of Horsholm 79ers from Denmark (Legaen). The 26 years old forward moved to Denmark after a bad experience in Bosnia & Hercegovina where he played for KK Hercegovac Bileca and averaged only 0.2ppg and 0.2 rpg in 7 games. Now Aleksic will have a chance to help his countryman Milan Skobalj , Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen Coach of the Year in 2010, to achive even better results with his team in the upcoming seson.

Aleksic started his career in KK Primorka, a club from Montenegro known for it's famous basketball school where players such as Sasha Pavlovic and Mladen Sekularac learned their first basketball steps. He also has college experience (Hiwassee JC and Mountain St. )

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NBA

Avery Bradley signs in Israel - by Eurobasket News
Avery Bradley (6'2''-G-90, college: Texas) will continue his career in Israel. The American point guard penned a deal with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Bradley will have an option to leave at the end of the NBA lockout. Avery Bradley played for the Boston Celtics last season. He appeared 27 times for them in NBA averaging 1.9 points. He also spent some time in D-League with the Maine Red Claws. There, Bradley had 17.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.2 apg and 3 spg. Avery Bradley graduated at the University of Texas a year ago. He had 11.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for his school in 2009/10. Boston selected him as 19th overall pick at the 2010 NBA Draft.

NBA agents back off decertification plan - by Eurobasket News
Depending on who you believe, the NBA owners and players could be closing in on a deal this weekend or could be canceling the entire season and heading to Europe in the near future.

ESPN reports, though, that there were seven agents of NBA players who sent a 'warning letter' Monday that discussed decertifying the players' union.

Since then, though, the seven agents involved -- Arn Tellum, Bill Duffy, Dan Fegan, Jeff Schwartz, Leon Rose, Henry Thomas and Mark Bartelstein - have backed off the decertification plan, the site reports. 'The letter ... has been widely viewed by players and others around the league as anti-union,' ESPN reports.

No talks are scheduled Thursday and the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which begins Friday at sundown and ends 24 hours later, will curtail talks on Friday and Saturday,
'That means Sunday could be the only day left to save the Nov. 1 start of the regular season,' the site notes.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Union letter: Players not backing down - by Eurobasket News
Players Association president Derek Fisher and executive director Billy Hunter told NBA players they have been advised by the unions membership not to back down in labor negotiations with the leagues owners. The players, Fisher and Hunter wrote in a letter to union members obtained by Yahoo! Sports, are prepared to sacrifice and stand for what we believe is fair.

The following is the letter in its entirety:

TO: ALL PLAYERS

FROM: Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) & BILLY HUNTER

DATE: October 5, 2011

RE: YESTERDAYS BARGAINING SESSION

You likely have seen reports about yesterdays collective bargaining session and we wanted you to hear directly from us a brief account of what transpired and what we expect lies immediately ahead.

We were thankful to be joined yesterday by 10 other players including board members Matt Bonner, Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Roger Mason Jr. and Theo Ratliff, together with Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Ben Gordon, Paul Pierce, and Amare Stoudemire. Before meeting with the group of 12 owners, we had a very spirited discussion in our own room as we reflected on the lessons learned over the past several years while preparing the players for this labor struggle. The overwhelming feeling was that the players are prepared to sacrifice and stand for what we believe is fair. The clear message we have received from the players, and the one we will heed, is not to back down.

Yesterday, the owners gave us an opportunity to back down. We refused.

As you know, we have two main issues in this negotiation: the system and the split. On the system, we have fought to preserve our soft cap structure. After two years of hard cap proposals, the owners recently agreed to consider retaining a soft cap system. They have asked us to address their concerns that we (1) help to better match pay for performance and (2) improve competitive balance among the teams. We have discussed different ways to accomplish these objectives, and while we still maintain significant differences on these points, we believe that with some hard work and fresh thinking, our differences can be bridged. We will communicate more specifics on these points when we meet in our next player meeting.

Yesterday, however, was about the revenue split. The owners have long been pushing for significant economic relief and we have differences about the extent of the owners losses. There have been numerous proposals to shift more dollars to the owners side and help cover the increased cost of running this business. In our last formal proposal, we offered to reduce our share of BRI to 52.4 percent, and then gradually increase that percentage over the course of a six-year deal to 54 percent, yielding an average of 53 percent. This offer measured against our current system which guarantees us 57 percent of BRI shifts an average of $185 million per year to the owners side, for a total of $1.1 billion over six years. We feel this offer which would involve no rollbacks of existing contracts and maintain the current salary cap and luxury tax levels is fair and addresses the owners complaints.

The owners, on the other hand, have been in a far different place. Prior to yesterday, they had stood on an offer averaging 46 percent of BRI, rolling back this years salaries and benefits to $2 billion flat and growing very slowly over 10 years. Yesterday, they hoped to exchange back and forth offers in an effort to bring our proposal as far down as possible. They began the day offering an increase of just over one point to an average of 47 percent. (They characterized the proposal as a 50-50 split, but with a new $350 million expense deduction, their offer would actually result in the players receiving only 47 percent of current BRI.) This proposal would reduce our salaries and benefits in each of the next two seasons before allowing salaries to grow modestly over the next 10 years. We informed them, in no uncertain terms, that such an offer was unacceptable, and that we would not engage in this type of horse trading. We reminded them that we had already moved a significant way from our current 57 percent and would take a stand until they agreed to a fair deal.

As the day progressed, no further formal proposals were made. We held several small group sessions, in which we each explored different scenarios that we thought our respective sides might consider. During those talks, the owners suggested that they might consider a BRI split likely to yield the players 50 percent of current BRI. After seriously considering whether we should proceed down this path, our group determined not to do so. Recognizing all the owners arguments about the state of the business and the condition of the economy, in our view, the owners can and should share more of the record revenues our players generate. Reducing our share of BRI by seven points to 50 percent a level we have not received since the early 1990s is simply not a fair split. We refused to back down. As we have done since the beginning, we again indicated a willingness to compromise, and asked the owners to do the same. They refused.

As the day ended, each side felt that they had gone as far as they could. We will continue to review the numbers and assess the various proposals, but we will hold firm until we can get a fair deal. While this negotiation is far from over, we cannot now say when it will resume again in earnest. For today, the players made a stand. It was the right stand to make, for ourselves and for the generations of players to follow. Hard work and sacrifice by both sides will hopefully end this soon, and the owners will open the doors and let us come to work. In the meantime, we ask you to maintain the same strength and focus you have exhibited since the beginning. We must demonstrate our unity, especially as we expect the league to announce the cancellation of the first two weeks of the season next Monday if no further progress is made. The owners must know that the players are firm, educated and resolved to getting a fair deal.

We will continue to update you regularly. Tomorrow, we will send out word about a player meeting we are looking to schedule within the next week. Thank you for your support and best regards.

D.F. & G.W.H.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Marijuana possession charges against Marcus Camby dropped - by Eurobasket News
The marijuana possession charges against Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby (6'11''-C/F-74, college: Massachusetts) have been dropped by the Brazoria County (Texas) district attorneys office and his criminal record has been cleared.

Camby and Kendal Johnson were arrested last month after police discovered a small amount of marijuana in Cambys car during a traffic stop in Pearland, Texas. But after weighing evidence - and accepting a guilty plea from Johnson - Camby has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

For the record, Marcus Camby did not get charged with a crime and Marcus Camby did not possess any marijuana, Randall Novak, Cambys Houston-based attorney, said.

Johnson, 24, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a Class B Misdemeanor possession charge and paid a $1,500 fine.

The two men were arrested after Cambys 2010 black Porsche was pulled over in a school zone for an equipment violation outside Houston, where Camby resides in the offseason. Officers questioned Camby during the stop, noticed the smell of burnt marijuana and discovered a small bag of the same substance under the front passenger seat where Johnson was sitting during a search.

Police confiscated roughly an ounce of marijuana, arrested both men and charged them with Possession of Marijuana in a drug free zone, a Class A Misdemeanor. They faced up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

Johnson, Cambys cousin, is from Connecticut. Earlier this year, the state decriminalized the possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use by adults. Adult possession of up to one-half ounce is punishable by a fine rather than jail time and does not include a criminal record.

Camby, who also was arrested on marijuana charges in 1997, will have his record cleared.

The county district attorney weighed the evidence, weighed the fact that the marijuana was under Kendals seat ... and weighed the fact that Kendal is confessing to his marijuana, Novak said. With those facts together, they dont have a case.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com

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NBLCANADA

NCAA1

Ex-Celtics star Bill Russell sues NCAA - by Eurobasket News
William Bill Russell, the former National Basketball Association star center for the Boston Celtics, accused the National Collegiate Athletic Association in an antitrust complaint of selling videos using his likeness without paying him or seeking his consent.

The lawsuit is the latest to claim the NCAA violates federal antitrust laws by keeping former student basketball and football athletes from receiving compensation for the commercial use of their images and likeness. The association has denied wrongdoing in those cases.

Electronic Arts Inc., the second-largest U.S. video game maker, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Russell accuses it of using his image in a Tournament of Legends feature on an NCAA basketball video game.

Russell, who led the University of San Francisco to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, said in the complaint filed yesterday in federal court in Oakland, California, that the association sells $150 videos of the teams championship games. At least 54 video clips featuring him are available through the website of the NCAAs for-profit business partner and photos of him through an NCAA on-line photo store, according to the complaint.

Sales, Profit
Russell seeks a court order blocking further sale of the videos, plus disgorgement of profits from the videos and unspecified damages.

Chris Radford, an NCAA spokesman, and Jeff Brown, an Electronic Arts spokesman, didnt immediately respond to e-mails and voicemails seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Russells complaint will probably be consolidated with a pending lawsuit brought by former UCLA basketball star Ed OBannon on behalf of other former NCAA players against the association and Redwood City, California-based Electronic Arts, according to the complaint.

Bill Russell, one of the greatest NCAA, NBA and Olympic basketball players in history, joins the lawsuit brought by Ed OBannon alleging that the NCAA has violated federal antitrust law by unlawfully foreclosing former Division I mens basketball and football players from receiving any compensation related to the commercial use of their images and likenesses, Jon King, an attorney for the former players, said yesterday in an e-mail.

Athletes Rights
The OBannon case alleges that the NCAA and Electronic Arts worked together to violate former student athletes rights to control and profit from the use of their images.

The NCAA and Electronic Arts have denied wrongdoing in that case. The company has said in court filings that the constitutional right to free speech under the First Amendment means it doesnt need permission to use the players likenesses because the videos have enough creative elements that, as a whole, they are more than a depiction of any one athlete.

The games allow users to create their own plays and players likenesses are only some of thousands of virtual players in a game that contains other audio, visual and engineering elements, Electronic Arts said in court documents.

Russell won 11 NBA titles with the Celtics. He was a five- time NBA Most Valuable Player and is second on the career list for rebounds with 21,620, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain, his rival throughout the 1960s.

The case is Russell v. NCAA, 11-04938, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (Oakland).

Courtesy of www.bloomberg.com

AD: Notre Dame still monitoring landscape - by Eurobasket News
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says the school is closely monitoring the changing landscape of college athletics and hopes the Big East remains a vibrant partner with the school.

The Irish are football independents, but many of their athletic teams compete in the Big East, including the men's and women's basketball programs. The Big East is looking for new members after Pittsburgh and Syracuse said they were bolting for the ACC.

'Certainly the factors that have contributed to the larger conference realignment continue to exist,' Swarbrick said Wednesday. 'And we're doing the same thing we've done throughout, monitoring them closely, and hoping that the Big East stays a vibrant and successful partner for us.'

What schools might be added and when are all part of the upheaval in the Big East and throughout college sports.

'They're (the Big East) working on additions. You got to wait until the whole picture is shaped to really have a feel for it, for what that option is like,' Swarbrick said. 'Just continue to support them and be involved in their planning and hope they wind up in a great place.'

Asked what the Big East's direction might be, Swarbrick said:

'It's great to make plans,' he said. 'It's whether the people you might be interested in or the circumstances will allow you to achieve those plans. But certainly the way the conference is thinking and what it's trying to achieve are consistent with what I think it needs to do.'

Notre Dame was mentioned repeatedly last year when the Big Ten was discussing expansion, culminating in the addition of Nebraska as its 12th member. The Irish have also been mentioned as a desirable target for other leagues in recent months, particularly by the fractured Big 12.

Notre Dame also announced Wednesday its hockey program was joining Hockey East in two years and that its games would be televised on NBC. That network has televised Notre Dame football games for two decades.

Swarbrick said he didn't envision Notre Dame having a separate network for its sports similar to the Longhorn Network at Texas. That doesn't mean Notre Dame's exposure won't reach from coast to coast through various means.

'Texas has a geographic footprint that allows it to launch a cable station, a cable network. We don't,' Swarbrick said. 'There is no cable footprint that fits Notre Dame, but when emerging technologies allow us to put a program out that someone in San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York can all gain access to because of those technologies, that's where we want to be.'

Swarbrick, who is involved in NCAA task forces, predicted significant changes ahead for college sports - outside realignment - soon.

'I do think college sports is going to look different in meaningful ways in 18 months,' he said without elaborating. He then suggested he supports some kind of stipend for athletes to defray living expenses.

'It's a cost of living element that exists in a lot of academic scholarships,' he said. 'This isn't a radical notion in the university world. So given the demands on student athletes increasingly across all sports and they way they engage in their sport year-round, it probably is an appropriate offset to the fact they can't typically have gainful employment in the summer like most students or have an internship.'

Courtesy of www.thenewstribune.com

Report: Missouri wanted a Big Ten invite the most - by Eurobasket News
Missouri is hoping to join the Southeastern Conference but would have preferred an offer from the Big Ten that never came, a university official said Wednesday.

Missouri hoped to join the Big Ten last year but the league instead chose Nebraska. The university official said the Big Ten remains Missouri's top choice but that conference 'has no interest.'

'That's what's left,' the official said, referring to the SEC. The official, who is familiar with school discussions involving conference affiliation, spoke on condition of anonymity because the school has not commented publicly about its intentions.

Missouri curators agreed unanimously Tuesday night to give Chancellor Brady Deaton the authority to look elsewhere rather than immediately commit to the reeling Big 12. Just one day earlier, Deaton and other Big 12 chancellors and presidents agreed to equally share revenue from the conference's most lucrative television deals if member schools agree to give those top-tier rights to the league for at least six years.

The agreement is subject to approval by university governing boards. It was a step Missouri curators don't want to take until the school is able to 'fully explore options for conference affiliation ... which best serve the interests of the University of Missouri,' board chairman Warren Erdman told The Associated Press.

The Big 12 is down to 10 members and will lose Texas A&M to the SEC next year after the departures of Colorado (to the Pac-12) and Nebraska.

SEC athletic directors and Commissioner Mike Slive met Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala., to discuss the logistics of Texas A&M's arrival. Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said there were no discussions about a 14th team, though Slive has not ruled out further expansion.

Sticking with the Big 12 remains an option, Deaton said Tuesday, and the costs of leaving could prove troublesome - Missouri is likely to forfeit most of its annual conference revenues.

The revenue-sharing plan approved Sunday by the Big 12 board of directors -- a move designed to keep Missouri and other potential stray members in the fold -- would give each school an estimated $20 million in June.

And that figure is expected to grow by 2013 when the league's new 13-year contract with Fox Sports kicks in, according to two people with knowledge of the deal and ties to the Big 12. They spoke only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the revenue-sharing plan.

The Big 12's television contract with ABC/ESPN expires in 2016 and also likely will bring in additional money when renegotiated.

The SEC, by contrast, distributed $18.3 million in revenue to each of its 12 members this year. But that league can also expect more lucrative contracts when the next round of TV rights negotiations occur.

State Sen. Kurt Schaefer, a Republican whose Columbia district includes the Missouri campus, said his constituents are 'hands down' in favor of an SEC move. Now that Missouri has made its desire to roam known, he has doubts that a union with the Big 12 can be salvaged.

'It's kind of like a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship,' said Schaefer, a Missouri graduate. 'Once it's fractured and somebody gets a wandering eye, can you repair that? It's not clear.'

While Missouri is a charter member of the Big 12, founded in 1996 when the Big Eight schools added four members of the defunct Southwest Conference, dissatisfaction with the conference has grown. In the early '90s, with the Big Eight on the verge of collapse, Missouri pushed to join the Big Ten and a group of state business leaders even formed a lobbying group.

A year ago, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, an avid sports fan, was an outspoken supporter of a move to the Big Ten, noting that its schools, like Missouri, are members of the invitation-only Association of American Universities.

The Big Ten instead chose another AAU school in Nebraska.

Besides being a fresh blow to the Big 12, a Missouri departure would threaten its long-standing rivalry with neighboring Kansas, one of the oldest in college sports.

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self told The Associated Press on Wednesday he would be in no hurry to schedule Missouri as a nonconference opponent if the Tigers decided to leave the Big 12 and sever a conference tie with the Jayhawks that dates to 1907.

'I don't know why we would want to do that, if they've done something that put KU in jeopardy,' Self said.

Such a move would not be unprecedented for Kansas. When Notre Dame negotiated its own football television deal with NBC, causing the television contract held by the College Football Association to collapse, Kansas canceled its home-and-home basketball agreement with the Irish.

Erdman, a Kansas City attorney, said Missouri takes long-term relationships and regional affiliations seriously. But the financial allure of seven-figure TV contracts and the broader benefits of such deals to a university are equally if not more important, he said.

'The cultural and economic effects of a decision like this on all parts of the state are important,' he said. 'And we should be sensitive to those factors as part of our overall consideration. However, when it's all said and done, our fiduciary duty is to the University of Missouri.'

Missouri alumni, donors and fans haven't been shy about sharing their opinions with university leaders, barraging curators with emails encouraging a Big 12 exit.

'It's been pretty overwhelmingly positive to leave the Big 12,' said Todd McCubbin, executive director of the Missouri Alumni Association. 'And the SEC has been a popular choice.'

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

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POLAND

Spartak wins Kondrashin and Belov Cup - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St. Petersburg- Asseco Prokom Gdynia 77:65

Spartak wins Kondrashin and Belov Cup that was played in St. Petersburg. In the Final game the hosts of the campaign rolled over Asseco Prokom Gdynia 77:65.
Asseco Prokom Gdynia started better and upset the hosts in the opening period. The Polish team grabbed 22-19 but could not keep the lead at the halftime. Spartak needed 16-11 in the second frame to take 35:33 after 20 minutes. The second half belonged to the Russian team as they won both quarters. In the third period Spartak won 24-15 and then finished the game with 18-17 in the last frame.
Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) paced all the winners with 22 points and Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-C-84) added 20. Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) followed them with 13 points in a win. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati), Devin Brown (195-G/F-78, college: UTSA) and Jerel Blassingame (177-G-81, college: UNLV) all scored 13 apiece and Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) netted 12.

Spartak St. Petersburg: Patrick Beverley 22, Loukas Mavrokefalidis L. 20, Yotam Halperin 13
Asseco Prokom Gdynia: Adam Hrycaniuk 13, Devin Brown 13, Jerel Blassingame 13, Alonzo Gee 12

Kotwica Kolobrzeg announce Darrell Harris - by Eurobasket News
Darrell Harris (208-F/C-84, college: Rhode Island) is coming back to Poland. The centre signed contract with Kotwica Kolobrzeg. The deal is meant for one season. Darrell Harris played for Kotwica last season. He left in the summer to join Ironi Ashkelon. But the centre decided to leave Israel after several weeks and retuned to Poland. Last season Darrell Harris posted 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.0 blocks per game in PLK. Previously the played had stints with Malvin, Canarias, Schalke 04, Barreirense. Eurobasket.com named Darrell Harris All-Polish League Defensive Player of the Year last season. The centre was also named Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese Player of the Year in 2008.

Lukasz Ratajczak joins SKK Siedlce - by Eurobasket News
SKK Siedlce strengthened their roster. They landed Lukasz Ratajczak (204-F-86, agency: Promotex). The forward spent the pre-season with Polpharma but left them a couple of days ago. Last season Lukasz Ratajczak started in ISS Sportino. He then moved to PBG Basket midway through the season. Lukasz Ratajczak posted 3.5 points there. The forward finished the season in Open Florentyna Pleszew. He tallied 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. Previously Lukasz Ratajczak had stints with Viking Rumia, Kager Gdynia, Energa Czarni, Atlas Stal Ostrow and Trefl Sopot. The forward played for Polish U18 and U20 National Teams.

Trefl Sopot bring in Vonteego Cummings - by Eurobasket News
Trefl Sopot landed another import player just prior to the start of the championship. They agreed on terms of contract with Vonteego Cummings (192-G-76, college: Pittsburgh). The veteran guard spent the previous season in Cyprus. Vonteego Cummings played for Keravnos Strovolou. He tallied 11.9 points, 3.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in Division A. In EuroChallenge Qualifying Round his stats read 7.0 points and 1.5 assists per appearance. Vonteego Cummings had stints in the NBA, USBL, Italy, D-League, Serbia, Israel, Spain Croatia and Greece before moving to Cyprus. The guard received Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Honourable Mention in2011. Our site put Vonteego Cummings on Serbia and Montenegro League All-Imports Team in 2006. The guard was Adriatic League and Serbia and Montenegro League champion together with Partizan.

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 Lowicz		2-0
3. Open Florentyna		2-0
4. Zuraw Gniewno		2-0
5. Astoria Bydg.		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 Gdansk		0-2
11. SMS PZKosz		0-2
12. Trefl II Sopot		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		2-0
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. GTK Gliwice		0-2
12. Mickiewicz		0-2
13. MKS Skierniew.		0-2
14. UMKS Piotrc.		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 Kielce		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 Bielsk Pdl.		0-1
11. Pulaski Warka		0-2
12. Rosa II Radom		0-2
13. UKS Siemaszka		0-2

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PORTUGAL

Ovarense Dolce Vita adds Crowder to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Ovarense Dolce Vita agreed terms with 25-year old American forward James Crowder (201-F-86, college: Pfeiffer, agency: KMG Sports Management). Crowder played most recently at Hibernian UCD Marian Dublin (Ireland-SuperLeague). In 19 games he was averaging 21.4ppg, 10.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.2spg and 1.0bpg. It was a very successful year in his career as he was in the top 10 in leaders in all categories (PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG) while shooting over 60% from the field and almost 40% from 3PT. He was also selected to Eurobasket.com Irish Superleague All-Imports Team. During the summer he attended Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas. While playing 3 games for Team Geneva he recorded 14.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.3apg and 1.3spg. James graduated Pfeiffer University in 2010 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

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PUERTO RICO

Jose Juan Barea, Carlos Arroyo to play at Pan American Games - by Eurobasket News
Dallas Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea and Boston Celtics point guard Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) will play for Puerto Rico at this month's Pan American Games.

'The two players will start practicing with the national team next week', Puerto Rico's Basketball Federation vice president Ricardo Carrillo said.

Carrillo added that Daniel Santiago also will join the team Friday.

The Pan American Games will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico. It will feature athletes from 42 countries.

Courtesy of ESPN

Preparation - by Joel Camacho
After playing in two leagues in one season I had to rest up a little. Now its back to the drawing board and im back home working with my trainers. Correcting technique and strengthening the body is something I take pride in. I definitely love the process of making a deal with yourself and your trainer to push it to the limit six days of the week to see improvement and results. I am originally from San Diego, California and its good to be back working out in a familiar place for this next month and a half. I am planning on returning to europe in November after my preparation. The NBA lockout situation has definitely had an effect over seas but I am seeing the effect more as a positive. I think it is good for children and fans across the world to see their favorite player or players they admire. It definitely strengthens leagues and forces players to step their game up.
After my season in Cyprus with Apollon a couple of my teammates went on to continue to play in europe for the last two months of the season. Shammond Williams, Cory Carr, and Dante Stiggers finished up in Italy, Israel, and Greece. I was very happy for all of them but especially for Dante because I seen him day in and day out working and hoping to continue his season on a bigger stage. He ended up in PAOK in Greece and finished the season with them and eventually signed for this upcoming season. When you get to know your teammates and their families and actually get along with them, you actually root them on from a distance and support them. Basketball is such a small world and you never know where your going next but definitely will play with or against someone you know. Basketball over seas has been a blessing to me and a decision I will never regret. Just wanted to check in with the world, until next time ill be in the lab. PEACE!

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ROMANIA

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Gaz Metan		1-0
2. Giurgiu		1-0
3. Oradea		1-0
4. Otopeni		1-0
5. Pitesti		1-0
6. Targu Mures		1-0
7. Timisoara		1-0
8. U.Mobitel.CN		1-0
9. Craiova		0-1
10. CSM Bucuresti		0-1
11. CSU Sibiu		0-1
12. Dinamo B.		0-1
13. Perla Harghitei		0-1
14. Ploiesti		0-1
15. Politehnica		0-1
16. Rovinari		0-1

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RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

PBL Standings

1. CSKA		1-0
2. Enisey		0-0
3. Khimky		0-0
4. Krasnie Krilya		0-0
5. Lokomotiv		0-0
6. Spartak SP		0-0
7. Spartak-Prim.		0-0
8. Triumph		0-0
9. Unics		0-0
10. N.Novgorod		0-1

CSKA opens 2011/2012 season with the win - by Eurobasket News
Regular Season Round 1
Nizhniy Novgorod - CSKA 62:79

CSKA opens 2011/2012 season with the win over Nizhniy Novgorod. The defending champions had a road 79:62 victory in the first game of the year.
Both teams nailed 17 points each in the opening period and only in the second CSKA managed to take the lead. After 19-14 in the second frame the board showed 36:31 for the guests. The second half completely belonged to the favorites. CSKA won the third quarter 26-18 and added 17-13 in the last frame.
Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) poured in 20 points, while Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Shved Alexey followed him with 14 points each. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 10 points in the winning effort. Ernest Bremer (195-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) replied with 14 points in defeat and Oleg Baranov (202-F-82) added 8.
Tomorrow the league will have another two games.
Spartak-Prim. will face Unics, while Khimky will take on Krasnie Krilya.

Nizhniy Novgorod: Ernest Bremer 14, Oleg Baranov 8
CSKA: Darjus Lavrinovic 20, Andrey Vorontsevich 14, Shved Alexey 14, Ramunas Siskauskas 10

Spartak wins Kondrashin and Belov Cup - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St. Petersburg- Asseco Prokom Gdynia 77:65

Spartak wins Kondrashin and Belov Cup that was played in St. Petersburg. In the Final game the hosts of the campaign rolled over Asseco Prokom Gdynia 77:65.
Asseco Prokom Gdynia started better and upset the hosts in the opening period. The Polish team grabbed 22-19 but could not keep the lead at the halftime. Spartak needed 16-11 in the second frame to take 35:33 after 20 minutes. The second half belonged to the Russian team as they won both quarters. In the third period Spartak won 24-15 and then finished the game with 18-17 in the last frame.
Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) paced all the winners with 22 points and Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-C-84) added 20. Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) followed them with 13 points in a win. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati), Devin Brown (195-G/F-78, college: UTSA) and Jerel Blassingame (177-G-81, college: UNLV) all scored 13 apiece and Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) netted 12.

Spartak St. Petersburg: Patrick Beverley 22, Loukas Mavrokefalidis L. 20, Yotam Halperin 13
Asseco Prokom Gdynia: Adam Hrycaniuk 13, Devin Brown 13, Jerel Blassingame 13, Alonzo Gee 12

Spartak-Primorie add Aleksandr Fomin - by Eurobasket News
Spartak-Primorie landed Aleksandr Fomin (207-F-86, agency: Interperformances). The forward started the previous season with Krasnie Krilya. He tallied 1.4 points, 1.0 board per game in PBL. In EuroCup his stats read 2.0 points per appearance. In April Aleksandr Fomin moved to BC Rjazan. His stats came up to 17.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague.

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

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

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Darjus LAVRINOVIC
  CSKA
  (212-C-79)
  Avg: 20

1. Lavrinovic, CSKA	20.0
2. Vorontsevich, CSKA	14.0
3. Shved, CSKA	14.0
4. Bremer, N.Novgorod	14.0
5. Siskauskas, CSKA	10.0
6. Baranov, N.Novgorod	8.0
7. Ivanov, N.Novgorod	7.0
8. Krstic, CSKA	7.0
9. Marjanovic, N.Nov.	6.0
10. Ignerski, N.Nov.	6.0

Rebounds Per Game

Andrey VORONTSEVICH
  CSKA
  (204-C-87)
  Avg: 8

1. Vorontsevich, CSKA	8.0
2. Shved, CSKA	7.0
3. Baranov, N.Novgorod	6.0
4. Lavrinovic, CSKA	5.0
5. Marjanovic, N.Nov.	5.0
6. Krstic, CSKA	4.0
7. Stepanenkov, N.No.	4.0
8. Antonov, N.Novgor.	3.0
9. Protic, N.Novgorod	2.0
10. Bremer, N.Novgorod	2.0

Assists Per Game

Alexey SHVED
  CSKA
  (196-G-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Shved, CSKA	5.0
2. Teodosic, CSKA	3.0
3. Savelyev, N.Nov.	2.0
4. Vorontsevich, CSKA	2.0
5. Marjanovic, N.Nov.	2.0
6. Stepanenkov, N.No.	2.0
7. Krstic, CSKA	2.0
8. Paunic, N.Novgorod	1.0
9. Protic, N.Novgorod	1.0
10. Panin, N.Novgorod	1.0

Steals Per Game

Ernest BREMER
  N.Novgorod
  (195-G-80)
  Avg: 2

1. Bremer, N.Novgorod	2.0
2. Shved, CSKA	1.0
3. Vorontsevich, CSKA	1.0
4. Krstic, CSKA	1.0
5. Ivanov, N.Novgorod	1.0
6. Marjanovic, N.Nov.	1.0
7. Kurbanov, CSKA	0.0
8. Baranov, N.Novgorod	0.0
9. Antonov, N.Novgor.	0.0
10. Panin, N.Novgorod	0.0

Blocks Per Game

Boban MARJANOVIC
  N.Nov.
  (222-C-88)
  Avg: 1

1. Marjanovic, N.Nov.	1.0
2. Shved, CSKA	1.0
3. Kurbanov, CSKA	1.0
4. Krstic, CSKA	1.0
5. Lavrinovic, CSKA	1.0
6. Kaun, CSKA	0.0
7. Bremer, N.Novgorod	0.0
8. Savelyev, N.Nov.	0.0
9. Baranov, N.Novgorod	0.0
10. Paunic, N.Novgorod	0.0

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SERBIA

Bilbao lands Oliver Stevic - by Zoran Popovic
Former Crvena Zvezda power forward/center Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) sings contract with Spanish Euroleague member Bilbao. Stevic signs short term contract as replacement for injured Axel Hervelle. Last season Stevic played for EWE Baskets and on 40 games in Gemany Championship average scored 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.3 steals per game. During the career Stevic played for FMP Zeleznik, KK Borac Cacak, Masinac Kraljevo, KK Koper, ASCO Slask Wroclaw, Anwil Wloclawek and Crvena Zvezda.

Ivan Vukadinov signs in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Vukadinov (193-G-81) will continue his career in Hungary. The Serbian guard penned a deal with Kecskemet. He supposed to play for Panellinios Athens this season, but at the end he moved to Kecskemet. Vukantinov spent 2010/11 in Greece with A2 team KAO Dramas. For 30 games he averaged 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals. Before Dramas, Vukadinov was a member of Rethymno and Kavala. In Serbia, he played for Swisslions Takovo, Napredak Rubin, Zastava Kragujevac and Beopetrol. From 2005 to 2007, Ivan Vukadinov was a member of Greek Olimpia GE Larissa. Last season he was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Guard of the Year -11. He helped KAO Dramas to win A2 title.

Crvena Zvezda celebrates in friendly against Bayern Munich - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda Beograd - Bayern Munich 80-55

Crvena Zvezda Beograd and Bayern Munich met in a friendly game last night. Crvena Zvezda was the host and celebrated easy 80-55 victory. Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) paced the Serbian squad with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Filip Covic (180-G-89, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points, while Petar Popovic (211-C-79) and Nikola Markovic (208-F/C-89) followed him with one less. On the other side, Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Pro One Sports) was the leading scorer with 12 points. Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgetown) and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) posted 11 and 9 points respectively. Crvena Zvezda took control on Bayern from the very beginning. They made impressive 26-11 lead in the first ten minutes. Bayern came to minus ten until the halftime (43-33), but Adam Morrison and his teammates responded with 17-9 in Q3. They also were better in the last ten minutes 20-13 for the final 80-55 victory.

Crvena Zvezda Beograd: Adam Morrison 17+6 boards, Filip Covic 10, Petar Popovic 9, Nikola Markovic 9
Bayern Munich: Philipp Schwethelm 12, Jonathan Wallace 11, Bogdan Radosavljevic 9

OKK Beograd returns Mirko Kovac - by Eurobasket News
Mirko Kovac (199-F-83, agency: Interperformances) is back to OKK Beograd. The Serbian guard played for the club from 2001 to 2003 and later in 2005/06 season. The latest one Kovac spent on Cyprus. He was a member of APOEL Nicosia averaging 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 14 league games. Kovac also added 2.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 6 games in EuroChallenge. In 2009/10, Mirko Kovac played for Polish AZS Koszalin. He joined them at the middle of the season registering 8.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 13 games. They won the Polish Cup together. Serbian A League begins tomorrow. OKK Beograd will host Napredak on Saturday.

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SLOVAKIA

Standings - D1

Extraliga Standings

1. Nitra		2-0
2. Nova Ves		2-0
3. Prievidza		2-0
4. Komarno		1-0
5. Svit		1-1
6. Vahostav-Zilina		0-1
7. B.Bystrica		0-2
8. Handlova		0-2
9. Levice		0-2

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SLOVENIA

Jurica Golemac signs in Italy, Sidigas Avellino - by Eurobasket News
Jurica Golemac (209-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Italy. The Croatian power forward penned a deal for the next season. Golemac will replace Szymon Szcewczyk, who left for Reyer Venezia. Jurica Golemac heads to Avelino from VAP Kolossos. He had 8.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 1.9 apg for 23 Greek league games last season. Before Kolossos, Golemac played for ALBA Berlin and Panathinaikos Athens in 2009/10. With ALBA he had 5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.4 apg for 15 German league games. He also added 6 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 7 games in EuroCup. With PAO, Jurica Golemac registered 2.3 ppg and 1 apg in four Euroleague games. He had almost the same numbers in Greece. In the past, Jurica Golemac played for Lottomatica Roma, Panellinios Athens, Paris-Levallois, Hapoel Jerisalem, Ural Great Perm etc. He played for the Slovenian National Team at the EuroBasket in Poland.

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SOUTH KOREA

Standings

KBL Standings

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

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SPAIN

TURKEY

Anadolu Efes hands 67-62 loss to Olympiakos - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes - Olympiakos 67-62

Anadolu Efes and Olympiakos played a friendly game last night in Istanbul. Anadol Efes was better team celebrating 67-62 victory in this meeting. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) top-scored for the hosts with 18 points. Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) were behind him with 16 and 9 points respectively. On the other side, Olympiacos got 15 points from Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) and 12 from Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88). Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) and Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) stopped to 8 pts each. Olympiacos was slightly better at the beginning as they made a minimum lead in the first ten minutes 18-19. Anadolu Efes responded with 20-15 in the second quarter for plus four at the HT. They jumped to 57-50 until the end of Q3 and later managed to keep its lead until the end. Both teams prepare for domestic championships and Euroleague as well.

Anadolu Efes: Esteban Batista 18, Sasha Vujacic 16, Sinan Guler 9
Olympiakos: Kyle Hines 15, Martynas Gecevicius 12, Georgios Printezis 8, Lazaros Papadopoulos 8

Aliaga Petkim adds Senturk to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Aliaga Petkim added to their roster 25-year old Turkish guard Caner Senturk (196-G-86, agency: EM-PA). Senturk played most recently at Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (TB2L). While playing 28 games for Selcuk Univ. last season he recorded 7.4ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Caner is a former member of Turkish Junior National Teams (U18, U20). He also played for Turkish University National Team at World Univ. Championships in 2007.

Bandirma parts ways with rookie Frank Hassell - by Eurobasket News
Frank Hassell (203-F-88, college: ODU) is no longer a member of Bandirma Kirmizi. The Turkish outfit decided to release the player one month after he arrived. Hassell signed with Bandirma at the beginning of September and it was his pro deal. Frank Hassell graduated at the Old Dominion University this year. He shined with 15.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.3 bpg for his school as a senior. Hassell appeared in 34 games. He participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) this year as well. There, he had 10 ppg and 11.7 rpg for 3 games. Frank Hassell was named All-CAA 1st Team -11. He helped ODU to win the CAA Tournament and was named Tournament MVP. ODU won it also in 2010.

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UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

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

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

URUGUAY

Malvin will host the South American League - by Hector Lopez
Malvin, the Uruguayan League campions, will host one of the groups for the South American League playing Uniceub, From Brazil, Centauros from Apure, Venezuela, and Maistad, from Sucre, Bolivia. Malvin has signed an additional third import player, Myles Anthony (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier), to play this group. The schedule is as follows:
(All local time)
Thursday 13/10
Uniceub vs. Centauros (19.00)
Malvin vs. Amistad (21.15)
Friday 14
Uniceub vs. Amistad (20.00)
Malvin vs. Centauros (22.15)
Saturday 15
Centauros vs. Amistad (19.00)
Malvin vs. Uniceub (21.15)
The two first team will advance to the final serie with four other teams. Malvin has two other import players (Jesse Smith (211-C/F-82, college: Idaho St.) and Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis)) and four of their players are members of the NT: Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86), Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana), Fernando Martinez (170-PG-79) and Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91)

Bigua will debut at Liga Sudamericana - by Sergio Palay

The uruguayan team, Atletico Bigua, will begin a new edition of the Liga Sudamericana this night.
The runner-up of LUB will play in Sao Paulo from 18:30 hours against Obras Sanitarias of Argentina. Curiously, in that team plays Martin Osimani, formed in Bigu, and champion
several times with this team.
In Bigu will debut the foreing player Ryan Humphrey. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) is the star of the team of coach the argentinian Narvarte.
The other two teams in the group are Pinheiros Brazil and Orgullo Paisa of Colombia.

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Cent.Apure		13-1
2. Estudiantes		9-4
3. Lanc.Cojedes		9-5
4. Tiburones		9-5
5. Graneros		8-6
6. Rojos de Sucre		6-10
7. Atleticos UCV		1-13
8. Cacaoteros		1-13

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Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Bendigo Spirit complete roster with three signings - by Eurobasket News
The Bendigo Spirit has finalised its roster for the upcoming 2011/12 WNBL campaign with the signings of three returning players from last years squad.

Inaugural Spirit members Jaclyn Smith (178-G-83) and Andrea Wilson (172-G-85) return for their fifth seasons with the team while Ashleigh Stonehouse joins the side for her second season after making her WNBL debut last year.

The trio will add further depth to the Spirit line-up as it hopes to improve on the clubs third-place finish that saw them fall one game short of playing in the Grand Final.

Stonehouse returns to Bendigo after completing a successful season for the Ballarat Rush in the SEABL where she averaged 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Ashleigh is a really promising young player that we hope to develop as she makes the jump to the WNBL level, Harrower said.

As a strong, physical forward who also has the ability to shoot, she had a great season in the SEABL for Ballarat and were hopeful she can continue that form here.

Smith, a Bendigo native and sister to new-recruit Deanna Doccy Smith, will once again suit up under head-coach Bernie Harrower, with whom she spent 10 years playing under while with the Bendigo Braves in the SEABL.

Harrower said he welcomes the return of one of Bendigos local talents to a team that values giving regional Victorians a place to play at the highest level.

Its one thing thats really important for our program that weve had some Bendigo people. When you really look at our team, its really only Kristi, Jac and now Deanna that are Bendigo in our group.

Courtesy of WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Sirenos Kaunas will debut in BWBL and LMKL - by Eurobasket News
Sirenos Kaunas will debut in BWBL and LMKL this season. The new team already announced Indre Dudenaite (184-F-88), Ieva Stankeviciute (176-G-89), Indre Kersulyte (171-G-89), Egle Sarapaite (173-G-88), Kristina Alminaite (204-C-90) and Laura Rakutyte (183-F-86).
Indre Dudenaite comes from Aistes Kaunas (LMKL). In Lithuanian League last season she averaged 18 games: 7.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 58.1%.
Ieva Stankeviciute arrived from Utena (LMKL). In 20 games last season she averaged 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg.
Indre Kersulyte comes from Laisve Kaunas (LMKL) where she played in the last four seasons.
Egle Sarapaite also arrived from Laisve Kaunas (LMKL, starting five). In 26 games last season she was one of the leaders with 7.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 29.2%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 52.2%.
Kristina Alminaite was a player of VICI Kaunas (LMKL) and in Lithuanian League averaged 6.4ppg, 3.6rpg, Blocks-1 (1.6bpg), FGP: 58.3%, FT: 68.2%.
Laura Rakutyte started the season 2009-2010 for LKKA-Aistes, but then moved to Laisve Kaunas (LMKL) and in 17 games showed 3.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.4spg. In 2010-2011 she played for Laisve Kaunas (LMKL) and had 1.0ppg, 2.1rpg.

Olimpia announced Ala Murauskaya and Katsiaryna Kashlei - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia announced Ala Murauskaya and Katsiaryna Kashlei for the upcoming season. Ala Murauskaya comes from Berezina-RCOR Borisovo. In 2008-2009 she played for Arvi Marijampole (Lithuania-LMKL) and in EuroCup averaged 4.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, while in BWBL after 19 games her stats read 7.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 19.7%, FT: 63.4%. In Lithuanian League she showed 8.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 25.2%, FT: 46.7%.
In 2009-2010 moved to Berezina-RCOR Borisvo (Premier League, starting five) and in BWBL had 13.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.9apg, 2.5spg. In 2010-2011 for Berezina-RCOR Borisovo (Premier League, starting five)became the second top-scorer in BWBL and showed 17.0ppg, Reb-3 (8.6rpg), Assists-3 (4.1apg), Steals-1 (3.4spg), Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 57.3%.
Katsiaryna Kashlei comes back to the team. The season 2010-2011 she started for Olimpia GrGAU Grodno (Premier League) and in BWBL after 18 games averaged 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5 (3.5apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 84.2%, Later in the season moved to Orlan Simferopol (Ukraine-UPBL, starting five) and in 14 games had 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 73.3%.

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BELARUS - Women

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

CROATIA - Women

Julie McBride pens deal with Gospic - by Eurobasket News
Julie McBride (165-G-82, college: Syracuse) pens deal with Gospic for the upcoming season. The American Guard comes from Turkey where she played for several season. In 2010-2011 she played for Ceyhan Belediyespor (Turkey-TKBL) and in 19 games averaged 15.6ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 81.2%.
Earlier Gospic also announced the roster's changes for the next season and should looked packed for the EuroLeague campaign as well as National League and Adriatic League.
Kia Wright (173-G-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: St.John's), Martina Dover (177-G-86), Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86), Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) are the new faces in the team.
Kia Wright is an American Guard who originally comes from St.John's (NCAA). Martina Dover is a Slovenian Guard who will arrive from Maribor. In 2010-2011 for AJM Maribor (SKL) she averaged 15.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.6apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 72.3% in Slovenian League and in Adriatic League after 20 games had 14.6ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT-1 (60.0%), FT-3 (87.0%, starting five).
Eva Komplet also comes from Slovenia as she played for Hit Kranjska Gora (SKL, starting five). Last year she became the third top-scorer with 17.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-3 (85.1%).
Kalisha Keane is a Canadian Forward who comes from Michigan St. (NCAA, starting five). In her last season there she showed 16.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 74.7%.

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CYPRUS - Women

Six A1 teams withdrew from the league due to financial problems - by Eurobasket
There is a very unique situation in Cypriot Women League. It's a tradition that the league starts a little later than other leagues and that's why their schedule is also announced just before the season starts. But it was a 'special' year with the schedule missing 5 teams including even the champion AEK Larnaca. The other four teams which decided to 'take at least one year break' are Etha Engomis, ENAD Agiou Dhometiou, APOEL Nicosia, Anagennisis Germasogias and Apollon.
It was not a secret that the clubs had financial problems. Cyprus similarly like Greece has some serious economic challenges and it effects also sport. But cutting the number of teams by almost half is a very unique. Plus a term 'at least one year break' does not necessarily mean that we can see them back next season. The league this year will have just 7 teams, while 4 of them were brought from A2 just to make up for the teams which withdrew. The league with just 3 teams left from last season will be actually a fraction what Cyprus can offer about their women basketball. But let's stay tuned. It's still the top women league in Cyprus and it may be still not a 'lost season'. Plus all these 6 teams, which withdrew from the top league will still keep youth teams playing in cadet and junior leagues.
Maybe they should add a team or two from Northern Cyprus to balance it up as Turkey is not in so deep financial disaster (sorry all Greek friends, it was just a joke...).

Standings - women

A1 Standings

1. Achilleas		0-0
2. AEL Limassol		0-0
3. Akademia		0-0
4. APOP Paphou		0-0
5. Keravnos		0-0
6. Olympos		0-0
7. Univ.of Cyprus		0-0

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

SEAT-SZESE Gyor hopes for Montgomery Renee and Hollingsworth - by Eurobasket News
SEAT-SZESE Gyor hopes for Renee Montgomery (170-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) and Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) in the upcoming EuroLeague season. Both Americans should be key players in the Hungarian team.
Renee Montgomery played last season for Maccabi Ashdod (Israel-D1, starting five) and in 27 games averaged 17.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 82.0%. Earlier TEO Vilnius signed a one-year contract.
In 2005-2006 the player joined Connecticut (NCAA) and remained there until the last season. She improved her stats every year and averaged 16.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 5.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3Pts: 38.1%, FT: 74.4% in 2008. In 2009 she was drafted by Minnesota Lynx and started her fist season in WNBA.
Quanitra Hollingsworth is a known name already in Hungary. Jan.'11 she moved to SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A, starting five) and in Hungarian League after 12 games she ahd 15.6ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.5%, FT: 69.0%. In EuroCup her stats read 11.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.5bpg.

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GREECE - Women

Start of the new season: Round One review - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in A1 started last weekend. Below you can check the stats, read game reports and get info about the second round.

Athinaikos - DAS Ano Liosa 82-49

The game without a history. Athinaikos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Athinaikos forced 21 DAS Ano Liosa turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84) (187-84) who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of her nine free throws !!!). The former international guard Lolita Lymoura (180-85, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Four Athinaikos players scored in double figures. American forward Collen Planeta (188-88, college: Point Loma) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import point guard Daphanie Kennedy (175-86, college: Pepperdine) added 14 points in the effort for DAS Ano Liosa. Athinaikos is looking forward to face Aris in Thessaloniki in the next round and are hoping to win another game. DAS Ano Liosa will play at home against Panionios in Athens and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Athinaikos: M.Kay Kotsopoulos 16+2reb, K.Sotiriou 15+6reb+5ast, D.Kalentzou 13+4reb+3ast, L.Lymoura 11+6reb+5ast, C.Handy 9+4reb+1ast, O.Hatzinikolaou 8+2reb+3ast
DAS Ano Liosa: C.Planeta 17+7reb+1ast, D.Kennedy 14+3reb+2ast, I.Diela 7+5reb, A.Kalabakou 5+1ast, M.Zacharaki 2+3reb, T.Voulgari 2+4reb+2ast

FEA Neas - Aris 72-44

FEA Neas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Aris to just 7 points in first quarter. They outrebounded Aris 34-23 including a 25-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a very good performance for American guard Kary Koch (173-83, college: Missouri St.) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international power forward Nena Nikolaidou (190-79) contributed with 21 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international guard Nafsika Stavridou (182-86) answered with 17 points and guard Roula Mouli (177-85) added 9 points in the effort for Aris. FEA Neas will face Asteras in the next round. Aris will play against Athinaikos in Athens.
Top scorers:
FEA Neas: N.Nikolaidou 21+7reb+2ast, K.Koch 20+8reb+8ast, E.Stamati 9+4reb+4ast, K.Deli 8+2reb+3ast, T.Chalivera 7+9reb, I.Valantasi 2+2reb
Aris: N.Stavridou 17+4reb+2ast, R.Mouli 9+4reb+2ast, N.Hatzakou 8, V.Flega 4+2reb, F.Skiadopoulou 3+5reb+1ast, K.Triantafyllidou 2

Kronos AD - Asteras 60-68

The guests were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 24-15 run, which allowed them to win the game. Asteras shot 36 for 50 from the free-throw line, while Kronos AD only scored sixteen points from the stripe. Kronos AD was plagued by 35 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Vassiliki Daskalopoulou (178-84) stepped up and scored 16 points for the winners and Latvian center Zenta Melnika (197-91) chipped in 6 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side Anastasia Gotzi responded with 22 points and 5 assists and forward Maria Xanthou (185-82) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds. Asteras will play against FEA Neas in Halkidon in the next round. Kronos AD will play on the road against Panathinaikos in Athens.
Top scorers:
Asteras: V.Daskalopoulou 16+4reb+1ast, M.Chalivelaki 13+2reb+2ast, K.Ristic 12+3reb+1ast, S.Jones 9+6reb, L.Vlachou 7+2reb, Z.Melnika 6+12reb+1ast
Kronos AD: A.Gotzi 22+3reb+5ast, M.Xanthou 8+5reb, M.Zikiridou 7+6reb, V.Vrochidou 7+4reb, M.Konstantinou 6, M.Michou 6+5reb

Apollon Kal. - Panathinaikos 58-65

Apollon Kal. was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 19-6 charge of Panathinaikos, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Apollon Kal. to just 6 points in fourth quarter. Panathinaikos made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Apollon Kal. 38-25 including 27 on the defensive glass. American power forward Diana Delva (188, college: Hartford) nailed a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side and the former international power forward Afroditi Kosma (187-83) accounted for 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. Panathinaikos' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vera Bustos came up with 15 points and 9 rebounds and Tasoula Kostara added 11 points and 4 steals respectively for Apollon Kal. in the defeat. Panathinaikos will meet at home Kronos AD in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Apollon Kal. will play against Apollon Ptol. (#8) in Ptolemaida.
Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: D.Delva 22+11reb, K.Spathari 12+5reb+2ast, A.Kosma 11+11reb+3ast, E.Vlani 11+1reb+1ast, A.Maglara 4+1reb+1ast, A.Slouka 2+3reb+3ast
Apollon Kal.: V.Bustos 15+9reb+3ast, T.Kostara 11+3ast, S.Vasiliadou 8+1ast, A.Tamoutseli 8+5reb, K.Nikolaidou 7+5reb+1ast, M.Psichogiou 5

PAOK - Apollon Ptol. 51-45

PAOK used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Ptolemaida 51-45 on Saturday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Apollon Ptol. was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 15-7 charge of PAOK, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Apollon Ptol. to just 4 points in second quarter. Quite impressive performance for the former international forward Dimitra Giannopoulou (184-84) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. American power forward Diana Barnes (188-88, college: Miami, FL) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. American center Mellisa D'Amico (195-86, college: Notre Dame) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds and the other American import swingman Siarre Evans (178-88, college: E.Tenn.St.) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Apollon Ptol. PAOK will face Esperides (#3) in Glyfada in the next round. Apollon Ptol. will play against Apollon Kal..
Top scorers:
PAOK: D.Barnes 14+17reb+1ast, D.Giannopoulou 13+14reb+5ast, J.Barnes 8+2reb+1ast, M.Avtzi 8+7reb+1ast, S.Spanidou 6+4reb, A.Stamolabrou 2+1reb+2ast
Apollon Ptol.: M.D'Amico 17+19reb+2ast, S.Evans 14+8reb, E.Papadimitriou 5+4reb+2ast, E.Kiratzi 5+2reb+3ast, M.Papavassiliou 2+2reb, A.Karadima 2+7reb+1ast

Panionios - Esperides 53-78

The game without a history. Esperides led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Panionios to just 2 points in fourth quarter and to 13 points in second half. Esperides dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Panionios' 26. They outrebounded Panionios 40-25 including 28 on the defensive glass. American center Latoya Williams (193-87, college: Chipola JC) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Theoni Tzegianaki (162-85) chipped in 16 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. American guard Brittany Johnson (180-89, college: Ohio St.) produced 23 points and forward Marianna Axiopoulou (180-84) added 4 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Esperides' next round opponent will be PAOK (#6) in Thessaloniki. Panionios will play on the road against DAS Ano Liosa (#10).
Top scorers:
Esperides: L.Williams 25+16reb+1ast, T.Tzegianaki 16+4reb+8ast, R.Kalogirou 10+4reb+2ast, D.Kalopita 9+3reb, H.Dunham 9+7reb+4ast, N.Mouzaki 6+4reb
Panionios: B.Johnson 23, D.Giannakopoulou 12+3reb+1ast, P.Papamichail 10+3reb+1ast, M.Axiopoulou 4+7reb+6ast, L.Milkova 4+5reb, E.Androulaki 0+3reb

Standings -A2 Women - by Chris Mammides

A2 Standings

Group North
1. Anagenisi		0-0
2. AO Serron		0-0
3. Komotini		0-0
4. M.Aleksandros		0-0
5. MENT		0-0
6. Olympia L.		0-0
7. Olympiakos		0-0
8. Panathlitikos		0-0
9. PAOK D.Mak.		0-0
10. Prasili Golia		0-0
11. Pylaia		0-0
12. Titanes Dramas		0-0
Group South
1. Agia Paraskevis		0-0
2. Amarillida		0-0
3. AO Ellinikou		0-0
4. Apollon Patras		0-0
5. Halkida		0-0
6. Illokratis		0-0
7. Nea Kifisia		0-0
8. Niki Lefkadas		0-0
9. PAS Giannina		0-0
10. Proteas		0-0
11. Sporting		0-0
12. Terpsithea		0-0

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HUNGARY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Brankica HADZOVIC
  DKSK
  (175-G-81)
  Avg: 19

1. Hadzovic, DKSK	19.0
2. Czukor, ZTE	18.0
3. Szelesy, ZTE	17.0
4. Vida, Nanette FTC	16.5
5. Rasheed, SE.	16.5
6. Skoric, DKSK	16.5
7. Bozoki, Bajai NKK	15.0
8. Cymmer, Cegledi	15.0
9. Kovacs, Nanette F.	15.0
10. Simon, SE.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Nora BUJDOSI
  SE.
  (185-F-85)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Bujdosi, SE.	12.5
2. Krnjic, UNIQA E.	11.3
3. Farkasinszki, DKSK	10.5
4. Horvath, EL.	9.5
5. Zsovar, ZTE	8.0
6. Turoczi, Nanette	8.0
7. Krivacevic, UNIQA	7.7
8. Bozoki, Bajai NKK	7.5
9. Teilane, Vasas	7.0
10. Cymmer, Cegledi	7.0

Assists Per Game

Hajnalka SZLIMAK
  Nanette .
  (182-F-82)
  Avg: 7

1. Szlimak, Nanette	7.0
2. Ciglar, SE.	7.0
3. Torok, Pecs 2010	6.0
4. Englert, Nanette	5.0
5. Zsovar, ZTE	5.0
6. Fegyverneky, UNIQ.	3.0
7. Szalay, ZTE	3.0
8. Sarok, Pecs 2010	3.0
9. Medgyessy, Atome.	3.0
10. Scekic, Bajai NKK	3.0

Steals Per Game

Lilla HORVATH
  Pecs 2010
  (182-F-90)
  Avg: 6

1. Horvath, Pecs 2010	6.0
2. Scekic, Bajai NKK	5.5
3. Szepsi, Bajai NKK	5.0
4. Szalay, ZTE	5.0
5. Ciglar, SE.	4.5
6. Csicsai, EL.	4.5
7. Theodoran, Bajai N.	4.0
8. Szabo, UNIQA E.	4.0
9. Rujak, Nanette FTC	4.0
10. Varga, ZTE	4.0

Blocks Per Game

Anita TEILANE
  Vasas
  (196-C-85)
  Avg: 5

1. Teilane, Vasas	5.0
2. Cvetanovic, Atome.	3.0
3. Zavecz, UNIQA E.	1.7
4. Bagi, BSE-.	1.5
5. Czukor, ZTE	1.0
6. Murphy, Pecs 2010	1.0
7. Bujdosi, SE.	1.0
8. Quigley, Pecs 2010	1.0
9. Gorjanacz, Bajai N.	1.0
10. Reiner, DKSK	1.0

Standings - Women

A Standings

1. UNIQA Eurol.		3-0
2. Bajai NKK		2-0
3. Nanette FTC		2-0
4. SEAT-SZESE		2-0
5. ZTE		2-0
6. Pecs 2010		1-0
7. Atomeromu		0-1
8. Cegledi EKK		0-2
9. DKSK		0-2
10. ELTE-BEAC		0-2
11. Vasas		0-2
12. BSE-FCSM		0-3

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

ZTE - Cegledi EKK 67-45

There was no surprise in Zalaegerszeg where Cegledi EKK (0-2) was crushed by ZTE (2-0) 67-45 on Wednesday. The game without a history. ZTE led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The best player for the winners was forward Judit Szelesy (184-F-78, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) (184-78, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) who scored 17 points. The former international forward Tunde Czukor (181-84) chipped in 18 points. Polish guard Katarzyna Cymmer (172-89) produced 20 points and 8 rebounds and guard Katinka Orban (176-89) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. ZTE moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Cegledi EKK at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. ZTE is looking forward to face BEAC-Ujbuda (#10) in Budapest in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cegledi EKK will play at home against Pecs 2010 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
ZTE: T.Czukor 18+3reb, J.Szelesy 17+4reb+3ast, M.Bukovszki 8+1reb+1ast, Z.Horvath 6+5reb+1ast, V.Szalay 6+4reb+3ast, Z.Varga 5+3reb+1ast
Cegledi EKK: K.Cymmer 20+8reb+1ast, K.Orban 14+5reb+1ast, A.Serban 4+6reb, M.Dobrowolska 4+3reb, R.Ruttner 3+1reb+1ast, V.Filipowicz 0

BSE-FCSM - SEAT-SZESE 45-87

The game with biggest result difference took place in Budapest. Local BSE-FCSM (0-3) was outscored by SEAT-SZESE (2-0) 87-45 on Wednesday night. The game without a history. SEAT-SZESE led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to BSE-FCSM's 30. SEAT-SZESE forced 23 BSE-FCSM turnovers and outrebounded them 36-21 including 26 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by BSE-FCSM helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Nora Bujdosi (185-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. International forward Rita Rasheed (180-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) chipped in 23 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Five SEAT-SZESE players scored in double figures. Guard Dora Szondy (173-88) produced 15 points and power forward Melinda Bagi (190-86) added 9 points and 6 steals respectively for the hosts. BSE-FCSM's coach Artur Puskas gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. SEAT-SZESE moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. BSE-FCSM at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. SEAT-SZESE is looking forward to face DKSK (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. BSE-FCSM will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
SEAT-SZESE: R.Rasheed 23+3reb, D.Nagy 13+2reb, N.Bujdosi 12+17reb+4ast, I.Ciglar 11+3reb+10ast, Z.Simon 10+5reb+2ast, V.Vincze 8+4reb+1ast
BSE-FCSM: D.Szondy 15+1reb+1ast, M.Bagi 9+4reb+2ast, V.Orso 7+1reb, Z.Sonyak 5+7reb+1ast, V.Szabo 4+1reb, K.Tiba 4+1reb

Nanette FTC - DKSK 76-62

No shocking result in a game in Budapest where Nanette FTC (2-0) defeated DKSK (0-2) 76-62 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Nanette FTC. DKSK managed to win fourth quarter 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-19 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Nanette FTC looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was international power forward Nikoletta Turoczi (187-80) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. International forward Hajnalka Szlimak (182-82) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Nanette FTC's coach Sandor Farkas used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian forward Maja Skoric (184-89) produced 16 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Orsolya Farkasinszki (185-86) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four DKSK players scored in double figures. Nanette FTC moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser DKSK still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nanette FTC is looking forward to face Atomeromu (#7) in Szekszard in the next round where they are favorite. DKSK will play at home against SEAT-SZESE in Gyor and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Nanette FTC: N.Turoczi 19+10reb+1ast, A.Vida 15+4reb+1ast, H.Szlimak 14+5reb+7ast, P.Russai 8+3reb+1ast, K.Kovacs 6+7reb, O.Englert 5+2reb+6ast
DKSK: M.Skoric 16+9reb+2ast, D.Reiner 13+2reb+1ast, B.Hadzovic 13+3reb+3ast, O.Farkasinszki 11+8reb, J.Budimir 3+4reb+2ast, B.Szabo 2+1reb

Bajai NKK - ELTE-BEAC 61-48

Very expected game when BEAC-Ujbuda (0-2) was defeated on the road by Bajai NKK (2-0) 61-48 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 35-20 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Bajai NKK dominated on the defensive end, holding BEAC-Ujbuda to just 5 points in third quarter. They also forced 32 BEAC-Ujbuda turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by BEAC-Ujbuda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was power forward Bettina Bozoki (190-89) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Petra Szabo (183-87) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Szidonia Katona (182-93) produced 12 points and forward Szilvia Horvath (179-86) added 2 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bajai NKK maintains second position with 2-0 record behind leader UNIQA Eurol., which they share with 3 other teams. Loser BEAC-Ujbuda still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Bajai NKK is looking forward to face Vasas (#11) in Budapest in the next round and are hoping to win another game. BEAC-Ujbuda will play at home against ZTE in Zalaegerszeg and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Bajai NKK: P.Szabo 12+8reb, B.Bozoki 12+11reb+1ast, A.Zygaite 11+4reb+1ast, M.Scekic 8+3reb+4ast, G.Szepsi 7+7reb+4ast, A.Theodoran 6+5reb+2ast
ELTE-BEAC: S.Katona 12+3reb+2ast, A.Guti 7+2reb, V.Havasi 6+5reb+1ast, J.Zsamar 6+4reb+1ast, E.Horvath 5+2reb, E.Szasz 4+4reb+2ast

Best players of A League - Round 2 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced international power forward Nikoletta Turoczi (187-F/C-80) had an amazing evening in the last round for Nanette FTC and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2.
The 31-year old power forward had a double-double of 19 points and ten rebounds, while her team beat DKSK (#9, 0-2) 76-62. Nanette FTC maintains the 3rd position in A League. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Nanette FTC won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old former international forward Nora Bujdosi (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) of SEAT-SZESE. Bujdosi impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds. She lead SEAT-SZESE to comfortable win outscoring BSE-FCSM (0-3) 87-45. Her team has extremely good start of the season. They won both games so far. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Bujdosi is a newcomer at SEAT-SZESE and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was another SEAT-SZESE's star - Croatian guard Iva Ciglar (170-G-85, agency: Data Plus Group). Ciglar scored 11 points and passed ten assists (!!!). She was another key player of SEAT-SZESE, helping her team with a 87-45 easy win against BSE-FCSM (#12, 0-3). SEAT-SZESE has a very good start of the season. But there were just 2 games played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rita Rasheed (180-F-89) of SEAT-SZESE - 23 points and 3 rebounds
5. Bettina Bozoki (190-F/C-89) of Bajai NKK - 12 points and 11 rebounds
6. Hajnalka Szlimak (182-F-82) of Nanette FTC - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Tunde Czukor (181-F-84) of ZTE - 18 points and 3 rebounds
8. Gina Szepsi (175-G-85) of Bajai NKK - 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Katarzyna Cymmer (172-G-89) of Cegledi EKK - 20 points and 8 rebounds
10. Judit Szelesy (184-F-78) of ZTE - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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ICELAND - Women

Melisa Lechlitner to Valur - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Valur has sign import player for upcoming season. Melissa Lechlitner (170-G-88, college: Notre Dame) has sign with the Club. Melissa Melissa Lechlitner (170-G-88, college: Notre Dame) played College ball at Notre Dame
and last season she played in Top league Germany. Valur also added on their roster good Icelandic players in Maria Ben coming from 4 years playing College ball in USA, Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir and Gudbjorg Sverrisdottir came from Hamar and a former Valur player Signy Hermansdottir from KR.
Snaefell made a change in their American player, Shannon McKever did not fit in what team needed and was replaced by Kieraah Marlow (178-F-85) who played College ball at Georgetown and has played 2 season in Finland top league.

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ITALY - Women

Beginning of A2 - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in A2 began last weekend. Stats, game reports and next round schedule are below.

Group North

O.G. Collegno - Alghero 63-61 OT

Alghero was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 12-point lead after three quarters before a 17-5 charge of Pall.Piemonte, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 6-4. Pall.Piemonte dominated on the defensive end, holding Alghero to just 5 points in fourth quarter. They also forced 22 Alghero turnovers. Guard Paola Montanaro (168-89) fired 23 points for the winners. Guard Alice Quarta (175-91) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. Power forward Paola Cucchiara (183-81) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds and Bulgarian power forward Radostina Slavova-Naneva (188-86) added 6 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Pall.Piemonte will meet Vigarano on the road in the next round. Alghero will play against Marghera in Venezia.
Top scorers:
O.G. Collegno: P.Montanaro 23+3reb, A.Quarta 17+9reb, R.Santuz 6+8reb, S.Pignetti 5+4reb+1ast, L.Bonetti 4+7reb+2ast, A.Simonetti 4+2reb+2ast
Alghero: P.Cucchiara 25+6reb, E.Donati 13+1reb, R.Martelliano 7+3reb, R.Slavova-Naneva 6+12reb, C.Mei 6+2reb, C.Giorgi 2+6reb

Milano - Vigarano 45-60

The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 60-45. Vigarano dominated on the defensive end, holding Milano to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Polish forward Magdalena Losi (173-80, agency: Promotex) stepped up and scored 31 points and 6 steals for the winners and guard Marika Zanardi (175-81) chipped in 16 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. At the losing side power forward Ntumba Madelene Mitongu (180-81) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and guard Michela Frantini (175-83) scored 8 points. Vigarano will face Pall.Piemonte at home in the next round. Milano will play against San Martino in San Martino di L.
Top scorers:
Vigarano: M.Losi 31+4reb, M.Zanardi 16+2reb+6ast, E.Laffi 6+7reb+1ast, E.Basso 3+2reb+1ast, G.Belfiore 2+12reb, G.Vian 2+3reb
Milano: N.Madelene Mitongu 12+13reb+1ast, S.Stabile 9+1ast, M.Frantini 8+2reb+2ast, J.Lidgren 6+3reb, S.Brioschi 4+1reb, C.Giunzioni 2+4reb

Udine - Cervia 61-63

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Udine won third quarter 18-7. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Terme di Cervia won last quarter 24-23. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Udine to just 7 points in second quarter. Guard Elisa Bonaldo (170-81) stepped up and scored 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and swingman Sara Cappucci (184-91) chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Terme di Cervia's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side Latvian forward Ieva Veinberga (183-84) responded with 20 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Alice Romagnoli (190-84) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Terme di Cervia will face Virtus Cagliari at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Udine will play against Bolzano.
Top scorers:
Cervia: E.Bonaldo 23+6reb, S.Cappucci 12+7reb, E.Ramo' 11+7reb, V.Rossi 6+3reb+2ast, G.Bona 4+2reb, G.Gasperoni 3+1reb+1ast
Udine: I.Veinberga 20+9reb+1ast, D.Vicenzotti 13+2reb, A.Romagnoli 11+6reb, T.Madonna 8+4reb+2ast, M.Fiascaris 3+1reb, F.Pozzecco 3+1reb

Borgotaro - Biassono 71-61

The game was mostly controlled by Borgotaro. Biassono was better in second period 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Borgotaro forced 19 Biassono turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Borgotaro especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. Forward Cecilia Camisa (182-81) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Hungarian swingman Judit Fritz (183-87, college: St.Francis, NY) chipped in 14 points. Four Borgotaro players scored in double figures. Borgotaro's coach Marcello Degli Espositi used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side guard Virginia Galbiati (173-92) responded with 23 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Antonella Contestabile (187-87, agency: Players Group) scored 19 points and 9 rebounds. Borgotaro will face Muggia on the road in the next round.. Biassono will play against the league's leader Meccanica NB in Bologna.
Top scorers:
Borgotaro: C.Camisa 17+14reb, J.Fritz 14+2reb, G.Marchini 13, S.Martini 10+2reb, F.Scanzani 6+3reb+1ast, E.Catellani 6+4reb
Biassono: V.Galbiati 23+7reb+1ast, A.Contestabile 19+9reb, A.Mandelli 7, E.Barbieri 5+4reb, A.Zucchi 4+1reb, M.Fumagalli 3+2reb

Bologna - Bolzano 71-59

It looked good early as Bolzano took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Meccanica NB had a 27-14 second period charge getting the lead and Bolzano was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 59-71. Meccanica NB forced 21 Bolzano turnovers. Forward Irene Cigliani (177-92) nailed 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and forward Eleonora Costi (180-83) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds. Polish-French center Karolina Piotrkiewicz (190-84, college: Liberty, agency: LBM Management) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and Serbian guard Bojana Tunguz (172-91) added 12 points and 13 rebounds respectively for Bolzano in the defeat. Four Bolzano players scored in double figures. Bolzano's coach Michele Massai rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bolzano will play next round against Udine trying to get back on the winning streak. Meccanica NB will try to continue on its current victory against Biassono on the road.
Top scorers:
Bologna: I.Cigliani 21+6reb+1ast, E.Costi 17+7reb+3ast, G.Leva 9+5reb+1ast, K.Cesnaviciute 7+8reb+1ast, A.Denti 6+10reb+1ast, V.Zanoli 6+5reb+7ast
Bolzano: K.Piotrkiewicz 12+15reb+4ast, B.Tunguz 12+13reb+1ast, G.Crestani 10+6reb, E.Zambarda 10+4reb+2ast, M.Maron 6+4reb+2ast, N.Mora 3

Cagliari V. - San Martino 45-60

The game without a history. San Martino led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Virtus Cagliari's 28. San Martino forced 23 Virtus Cagliari turnovers. International power forward Martina Sandri (185-88) stepped up and scored 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and forward Maria Sbrissa (187-86, college: NYIT) chipped in 8 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side naturalized Argentinian guard Laura Nicolini (174-75) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and power forward Giulia Rulli (185-91) scored 9 points and 8 rebounds. San Martino will face Milano at home in the next round. Virtus Cagliari will play against Terme di Cervia.
Top scorers:
San Martino: M.Sandri 20+8reb, F.Dotto 12+1ast, M.Sbrissa 8+8reb, A.Cattapan 5+3reb+1ast, C.Dotto 5+2reb+1ast, V.Ferri 4
Cagliari V.: L.Nicolini 19+14reb+2ast, G.Rulli 9+8reb, R.Costa 9+2reb, S.Passon 4+3reb, M.Giovanna Noe 2+4reb+2ast, R.Niola 2+1reb

Marghera - Muggia 87-65

The game was mostly controlled by Marghera. Muggia was better in third quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Marghera forced 23 Muggia turnovers. Guard Marta Savelli (175-82) stepped up and scored 31 points and 7 steals (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Greta Brunelli (176-90) chipped in 24 points and 5 steals. At the losing side Slovenian center Ajda Gabrovsek (190-84) responded with 13 points and 8 rebounds and guard Jessica Cergol (180-85) scored 15 points. Marghera will face Alghero on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Muggia will play against the Borgotaro.
Top scorers:
Marghera: M.Savelli 31+1reb, G.Brunelli 24+2reb+1ast, M.Granzotto 14+3reb+2ast, A.Rimpova 8+11reb+2ast, V.Vianello 5+2reb, C.Pellegrino 4+4reb
Muggia: J.Cergol 15+2reb, A.Gabrovsek 13+8reb, A.Borroni 10+5reb+1ast, V.Primossi 8+1reb+2ast, G.Fragiacomo 5+1reb, A.Palliotto 4+3reb

Group South

Pomezia - Viterbo 66-53

Pomezia used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Viterbo 66-53 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in South. The game was mostly controlled by Pomezia. Viterbo was better in third quarter 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Viterbo to just 5 points in second quarter and to 14 points in first half. Pomezia dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Viterbo's 22. Forward Carolina Scibelli (182-86) stepped up and scored 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and guard Laura Perseu (169-85) chipped in 18 points. At the losing side forward Alice Richter (184-91) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Alessandra Boi (188-81) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds. Pomezia will face Ragusa on the road in the next round. Viterbo will play against the league's leader C.U.S. Chieti.
Top scorers:
Pomezia: L.Perseu 18+3reb, C.Scibelli 15+7reb, S.Innocenti 9+3reb, L.Gelfusa 8+6reb, V.Morgagni 8+7reb, M.Fantauzzi 8+5reb
Viterbo: A.Richter 18+6reb, A.Boi 10+12reb, R.Yordanova 9+5reb, S.Scoscia 5+3reb, L.Spirito 5+3reb, I.Gubbiotti 4+1reb

S.E.Battipaglia - Ancona 67-54

It was a very close game until the last quarter, when S.E.Battipaglia's pressure prevailed and they won that period 18-12 extending their advantage to 13 points. S.E.Battipaglia forced 19 Ancona turnovers. Czech center Martina Rejchova (195-83) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and guard Giovanna Granieri (170-74) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side guard Carola Sordi (179-82) responded with 23 points and American-British center Gillian D'Hondt (191-82, college: Pacific) scored 9 points and 12 rebounds. Ancona will play next round against Battipaglia. S.E.Battipaglia will try to continue on its current victory against twelfth ranked S. La Spezia on the road.
Top scorers:
S.E.Battipaglia: M.Rejchova 16+10reb+1ast, G.Granieri 16+5reb+3ast, F.Di Battista 16+2reb+2ast, I.Pieropan 9+3reb, F.Zerella 8+13reb, V.Moscariello 2
Ancona: C.Sordi 23+3reb, G.D'Hondt 9+12reb, C.Cadoni 8+4reb, R.Racca 7+4reb+1ast, E.Lascala 5+3reb+2ast, G.Formiconi 2

T. La Spezia - Siena 75-62

T. La Spezia used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Siena 75-62 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in South. The game was mostly controlled by T. La Spezia. Consum.it Siena was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Power forward Roberta Sarti (186-79) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and German power forward Petra Glaser (196-81, college: Long Beach St.) chipped in 18 points. Four T. La Spezia players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Cristina Consolini (185-83) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Valentina Petrassi (172-74) scored 14 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). T. La Spezia will face Napoli S.Dike on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Consum.it Siena will play against the Napoli BK Women.
Top scorers:
T. La Spezia: R.Sarti 19+6reb+1ast, P.Glaser 18+3reb, E.Templari 14+4reb, A.Scopigno 11+2reb+1ast, M.Bonafede 6+8reb+1ast, V.De Pretto 6+2reb+1ast
Siena: C.Consolini 15+8reb, V.Petrassi 14+3reb+1ast, R.Grillo 9+7reb, I.Torre 9+4reb, M.Biscarini 7+3reb, S.Delibasic 6+3reb+1ast

Chieti - S. La Spezia 53-51

S. La Spezia was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. C.U.S. Chieti dominated on the defensive end, holding S. La Spezia to just 7 points in third quarter. C.U.S. Chieti forced 20 S. La Spezia turnovers. Swedish guard Josefin Olheim (176-86) stepped up and scored 19 points for the winners and the former international center Elisa Silva (192-88) chipped in 4 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side Serbian forward Marija Micovic (183-82, agency: Players Group) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds and guard Sara De Scalzi (176-83) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Chieti: J.Olheim 19+2reb+1ast, C.De Luca 12+4reb, F.Tognalini 10+2reb, V.Gatti 5+2reb, E.Silva 4+12reb, M.Zanella 3+2reb
S. La Spezia: M.Micovic 18+7reb+1ast, S.De Scalzi 11+5reb+2ast, C.Mugliarisi 9+1reb, M.Balleggi 5+6reb, D.Vujovic 4+7reb, A.Zampieri 4+3reb Battipaglia - Napoli S.Dike 62-69 OT

OT win for Napoli S.Dike. Bocchetti was their key player with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Guida had 18 points and 6 boards in loss.
Top scorers:
Napoli S.Dike: S.Bocchetti 19+9reb+1ast, M.Orazzo 17+2reb, R.Cupido 14+3reb, E.Pavel 14+11reb, L.Di Costanzo 2+1reb, L.Gemini 2+1reb
Battipaglia Carp.: A.Guida 18+6reb, S.Bona 17+11reb+1ast, C.Ardito 9+11reb, C.Pantani 8+4reb+2ast, R.Potolicchio 7, A.Trotta 3+3reb+1ast
Orvieto - Ragusa 58-63

The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 16-8 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Ragusa forced 20 Orvieto turnovers. Mozambican center Clarisse Machanguana (194-73, college: ODU, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stepped up and scored 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and guard Maria Buzzanca (171-76) chipped in 15 points. At the losing side swingman Lisa Tripalo (180-87) responded with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Latvian power forward Lauma Reke (185-86, college: St.Peter's) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Ragusa: C.Machanguana 18+8reb, M.Buzzanca 15+2reb, S.Kouznetsova 7+6reb+3ast, S.Sarni 6+4reb, F.Mazzone 4, V.Carnemolla 4+3reb+2ast
Orvieto: A.Puliti 12+2reb+1ast, L.Tripalo 11+5reb+4ast, L.Reke 10+6reb+1ast, A.Tava 6+2reb, A.Ratti 6+5reb+1ast, F.Mariani 6+2reb+2ast
Napoli BK - Firenze 62-52

Napoli BK Women used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Firenze 62-52 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in South. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 62-52. Forward Benedetta Consorti (180-86) stepped up and scored 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and point guard Viviana Giordano (167-89) chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side center Clelia Corsi (190-89) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and guard Francesca D'Erasmo (175-84) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Napoli BK Women will face Consum.it Siena on the road in the next round. Il Fotoamatore Firenze will play against Orvieto.
Top scorers:
Napoli BK: B.Consorti 15+6reb+1ast, M.Tomova 15+5reb, V.Giordano 10+10reb, N.Calamai 8+3reb+3ast, E.Ferretti 7+2reb+1ast, N.Innocente 3+11reb
Firenze: I.Stefanini 14+3reb, F.D'Erasmo 11+6reb, C.Corsi 10+10reb, F.Fabbri 9+1reb, L.Ilieva 6+5reb, P.Della Valle 2

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. O.G. Collegno		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. Chieti		1-0
2. Napoli BK		1-0
3. Napoli S.Dike		1-0
4. Pomezia		1-0
5. Ragusa		1-0
6. S.E.Battipaglia		1-0
7. T. La Spezia		1-0
8. Ancona		0-1
9. Battipaglia		0-1
10. Firenze		0-1
11. Orvieto		0-1
12. S. La Spezia		0-1
13. Siena		0-1
14. Viterbo		0-1

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LITHUANIA - Women

VICI keep American Kemezys Amanda, bring another 4 new names - by Eurobasket News
VICI keep American Amanda Kemezys (192-C-87, college: St.Louis), bring another 4 new names adding Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82), Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Vaida Sipaviciute (193-C-85, college: Syracuse) and Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) to 2011/2012 roster.
Amanda Kemezys joined VICI Kaunas (Lithuania-LMKL) last year and in Euroleague after 7 games averaged 3.0ppg, 2.1rpg. In BWBL her stats read 10.0ppg, 7.8rpg, FGP: 65.5%, FT: 75.0%, while in Lithuanian League after 27 games she had 9.9ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP-2 (62.7%), FT: 72.6%.
She recorded with 22 point and 8 rebounds at the Regular Season Round 15. VICI Kaunas beat Laisve 87-74 and it ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Laisve. The game was mostly controlled by VICI Kaunas. It was a great evening for American center Amanda Kemezys led her team to a victory scoring 22 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field).
Tatsiana Likhtarovich is Belarus International player coming from Gorizont Minsk. Vaida Sipaviciute arrived from Faenza and Sandra Linkeviciene joined the team after the Russian Dynamo Kursk.

LKKA-Aistes keep the majority of the squad - by Eurobasket News
LKKA-Aistes keep the majority of the squad for the 2011/2012 season. The Lithuanian team invited however few other names in a team.
Ingrida Masiuliene (186-F-75) is a Lithuanian Forward. In 2009-2010 she played for LKKA-Aistes (LMKL) and in 33 games averaged 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 33.9%, FT: 65.3%. The season 2010-2011 she started for Ruta Siauliai (LMKL, starting five), in Oct.'10 moved to Laisve Kaunas (LMKL). After 2 games her stats read 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5spg, left in Nov.'10.
Laura Zelnyte (185-F-94) played for LAMMKK Marijampole (LMKL, starting five). In 25 games she averaged 5.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 44.7%.
Justina Matuzonyte (193-C-94) isalso coming from LAMMKK Marijampole (LMKL). In 24 games she averaged 2.0ppg, 3.4rpg.

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MALTA - Women

Luxol edge Depiro in SuperCup clash - by Eurobasket News
Luxol - Depiro 60:42

Luxol celebrated the first title of the season. They cruised past Depiro in the SuperCup clash. B Naudi stepped up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Luxol grabbed the lead right from the start. They ensured a comfortable 31:10 lead at the interval. Luxol stayed comfortably in front throughout the third term. They entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 16 points 44:28. Depiro went on a desperate rescue run late in regulation. They drained a bunch of three-pointers but Luxol stayed in control and rallied to the victory at the end. Greta Zarb and Beverly Zammit (178-G/F-87) posted 10 points each in the winning case. A Borg responded with 13 points for Depiro. Steffi Demartino topscored with 17 points in the loss.

Luxol: B Naudi 15, Greta Zarb 10, Beverly Zammit 10
Depiro: Steffi Demartino 17, A Borg 13

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NCAA1 - Women

Summitt happy to be back at Lady Vols practice - by Eurobasket News
Pat Summitt is glad to be back at practice with her Tennessee squad after revealing during the offseason that she's been diagnosed with dementia.

'That's what I want to talk about, basketball, not dementia,' a fully-engaged Summitt said Wednesday after the Lady Volunteers' first practice of the 2011-12 season.

Summitt revealed to her team and the rest of the world in late August that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, over the summer. The 59-year-old Hall of Fame coach said she wanted to go ahead and deal with the news then so she could focus on basketball when the season arrived.

The timing seemed to have a positive effect for the Lady Vols, who have failed to reach the Final Four for three straight seasons after winning back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008.

'I think it motivated this team. Once they heard about it, they were like, 'We're cutting down some nets,'' said Summitt, who was her usual intense self on the sidelines. 'When I gave them the diagnosis, I think it really motivated them. I wanted to sit down with my team and tell them what was going on. They've been great.

'I think they really are motivated for a championship.'

Sophomore guard Meighan Simmons said she cried when Summitt shared the news but feels she's becoming even closer to her coach now.

'I feel like I will be able to hug her more and tell her I appreciate her because I really feel like she really needs that,' Simmons said. 'With Pat, she's one of the best coaches in the country, and I think to be playing for her I really feel like it touches me because I'm playing for her and she's taking care of me as far as making me become a better person, a better athlete. I feel like now it's our turn to return a favor to her.'

Summitt sought a diagnosis after struggling both mentally and physically during the 2010-11 season, which ended with a 34-3 record for the Lady Vols and a loss in the regional finals.

'Back in August after she told us she was going to make that announcement, she came to us and said, 'OK, now that we've got that out of the way, now everyone knows and now we're back to business,'' freshman point guard Ariel Massengale said.

There's been an outpouring from former players, fans and casual observers ever since she revealed she was struggling with dementia. This week alone, Summitt has been named the recipient of the Maggie Dixon Courage award and the Mildred 'Babe' Didrikson Zaharias Courage award. Former Lady Vol standout Kara Lawson announced she was working to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association in Summitt's honor.

Summitt struggled for several months with the news that she was facing dementia before her son, Tyler, encouraged her to share her diagnosis with the world. Tyler Summitt helps her keep her days organized by making to-do lists for her.

On the list for Wednesday in addition to practice was a book club meeting with the Lady Vols. At their coach's encouragement, they're reading 'Good to Great' by Jim Collins, a book about what makes some companies more successful than others.

'We have two players that present anytime that we go in,' she said. 'It's really been good because they have to explain it. It doesn't come from the coaches, it comes from the players. I think they're learning a lot. It's a good focus for them.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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POLAND - Women

Standings - PLKK

PLKK Standings

1. CCC Polkowice		2-0
2. Energa Torun		2-0
3. Gorzow		2-0
4. ROW Rybnik		2-0
5. Wisla Can-Pak		2-0
6. Lider Pruszkow		1-1
7. Lotos Gdynia		1-1
8. Tecza Leszno		1-1
9. Widzew		1-1
10. Artego Bydg.		0-2
11. Inea AZS		0-2
12. LKS Siemens		0-2
13. MUKS Poznan		0-2
14. Odra Brzeg		0-2

PLKK Round 2: LKS Siemens lose to Lotos Gdynia - by Grzegorz Ozog
Gorzow - Artego Bydgoszcz 67:57

Top scorers:
Gorzow: L. Weaver 14+12reb+3ast,A. Smalley 11+6reb+4ast, C. Nnamaka 11+4reb, A. Skobel 11+3reb+2ast, K. Dwigalska 10+3reb+5ast, P. Johnson 6+6reb, A. Kaczmarczyk 4+2reb
Artego Bydgoszcz: E. Mowlik 18+6reb+2ast, A. Szott 12+5reb+2ast, L. Jimenez 11+6reb, M. Koc 10+3reb, J. Gorzynska-Szymczak 2+4reb+2ast, N. Mrozinska 2, P. Kuras 2+4reb

14+4reb

Lotos Gdynia - LKS Siemens 85:57

Widzew - Lider Pruszkow 62:75

Energa Torun - Tecza Leszno 85:62

CCC Polkowice - MUKS Poznan 92:54

Row Rybnik - Odra Brzeg 65:55

INEA AZS - Wisa Can-Pack 41:75

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PUERTO RICO - Women

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

Points Per Game

Renee TAYLOR
  Juncos V.
  (158-G-85)
  Avg: 28.3

1. Taylor, Juncos V.	28.3
2. Gant, San German	22.2
3. Ross, San Juan W.	21.1
4. Bingham, San G.	21.0
5. Martin, Guaynabo.	20.9
6. Williams, Morovis	20.5
7. McLean, Juncos V.	18.8
8. Jones, Aguas B.T.	18.1
9. Young, Aguas B.T.	18.0
10. Raven, Morovis M.	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Candyce BINGHAM
  San G.
  (183-F-86)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Bingham, San G.	12.9
2. Rosigi, Morovis M.	12.4
3. Gant, San German	12.3
4. Seals, Guaynabo M.	11.3
5. Pineiro, Morovis M.	10.6
6. Blake, Carolina G.	10.4
7. Ross, San Juan W.	10.2
8. Martin, Guaynabo.	10.1
9. Jones, Aguas B.T.	9.9
10. Cabrera, Juncos V.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Yahimily CABRERA
  Juncos V.
  (--82)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Cabrera, Juncos V.	7.6
2. Young, Aguas B.T.	6.4
3. Raven, Morovis M.	5.0
4. White, San German	4.8
5. Bingham, San G.	4.7
6. Flagg, San Juan W.	4.7
7. Teasley, Ponce L.	4.2
8. Montalvo, San J.	4.0
9. Flores, Carolina G.	3.9
10. Williams, Morovis	3.5

Steals Per Game

Yahimily CABRERA
  Juncos V.
  (--82)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Cabrera, Juncos V.	3.2
2. Flores, Carolina G.	2.9
3. Mahan, San Juan W.	2.9
4. Taylor, Juncos V.	2.8
5. Gant, San German	2.8
6. Martin, Guaynabo.	2.7
7. McLean, Juncos V.	2.7
8. Williams, Morovis	2.5
9. Raven, Morovis M.	2.5
10. Teasley, Ponce L.	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Dominic SEALS
  Guaynabo M.
  (188-F-87)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Seals, Guaynabo M.	1.8
2. Willoughy, Juncos	1.7
3. Tapia, San Juan W.	1.5
4. Williams, Morovis	1.4
5. Bingham, San G.	1.3
6. Jones, Aguas B.T.	1.2
7. Martin, Guaynabo.	1.1
8. Ramirez, Aguas B.	1.0
9. Bermudez, San G.	0.9
10. Gant, San German	0.8

Lady Comfort signs with San German - by Eurobasket News
Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) will continue her career in Puerto Rico. The American center penned a deal with Athleticas de San German for rest of the BSNF season. She already made her debut with San German collecting 11 points and 8 rebounds against Aguas. San German lost that game in thriller 79-80. On Tuesday, Comfort scored 15 points against Guaynabo and San German won 76-67. Lady Comfort spent last season with Spanish Mariana. She appeared 26 times in LFB averaging 10.2 points and 7 rebounds. Before Spain, Lady Comfort spent season and a half in France. She was a member of Villeneuve and helped them reach LFB Semifinals in 2009. Comfort also has experience from Montenegrin team Buducnost Podgorica.

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ROMANIA - Women

Larisa Yaburova joins Satu Mare - by Eurobasket News
Satu Mare strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Larisa Yaburova (190-F/C-89). The deal is meant for one season. Last season the centre played for Dnipro-DVUFK in Ukrainian UPBL. Larisa Yaburova tallied 10.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.

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SERBIA - Women

One more signing for Partizan - by Dragana Vukovic
The management of ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd announced signing of Alicia Gladden (180-F-85, college: Florida St.).Last two seasons she played for Energa Torun,Poland.She was averaging 8.6 points,4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in EuroCup and 9.1 points,5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in Polish Championship.She was playing final of Polish Championship with Energa Torun. In season 2009/10 she was Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Forward of the Year.

Ex Yu started season with Spartak Moscow - by Dragana Vukovic
Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region played first friendship game in this season. They beat Dynamo Kursk by 75:63. Ex YU players were important part of this game and they had lot of minutes. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ( Montenegro ) had 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) ( Serbia ) had 2 points and 4 rebounds, Nika Baric (169-PG-92) ( Slovenia ) scored 6 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists while Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) ( Serbia ) added 18 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region played without American players.

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Extraliga, Round 3: Poprad wins third straight - by Eurobasket News
Round Three of the Slovakian Extraliga was played last night.

SBK Samorn - Good Angels Kosice 39:80 (3:25, 14:11, 10:20, 12:24)
Good Angels Kosice registered second straight win mostly owing to Natalia Vieru (197-C-89) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), who scored 19 and 18 points respectively. The hosts did not have anyone with double-digits.

BK SOUZ Cassovia Kosice - ZBK Whirlpool Poprad 67:82 (18:21, 12:22, 12:19, 25:20)
Poprad jumped to 3-0 record after this meeting. Their leading player last night was Ashley Lindsey (193-F-87, college: Texas) with 20 points. Michaela Zentkova (189-C-89) and Beata Simova (184-F-87) followed with 18 points each. Katarina Timkova (172-F-81) scored 18 for the hosts.

MBK Region Roznava - MBK Ruzomberok 57:74 (12:14, 21:14, 12:23, 12:23)
2-0 record for Ruzomerok, who got 14 points from Kamila Stepanova (193-C-88). Viera Libicova (190-C-80) shined in loss with 22 pts.

Extraliga standings
1. Poprad 3-0
2. Dobri Anjeli 2-0
3. MBK Ruzomb. 2-0
4. Dannax Sport 1-1
5. Roznava 1-2
6. Cassovia K. 0-3
7. Samorin 0-3

Standings - Women

Extraliga Standings

1. Poprad		3-0
2. Dobri Anjeli		2-0
3. MBK Ruzomb.		2-0
4. Dannax Sport		1-1
5. Roznava		1-2
6. Cassovia K.		0-3
7. Samorin		0-3

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

Standings - WKBL

WKBL Standings

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

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USBA - Women

WUSBA to refund basketball players travel expenditures; Deadline for refund October 31, 2011 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga., (October 6, 2011) ----The coaches and the players will receive full refund for all airline, train or bus travel expenditures of the cancelled 2011 summer and fall basketball seasons.

'There's always scuttlebutt about teams folding or something not going as foreseen,' said Duane Allen Jenkins, the leagues President and CEO. 'But it always seems blame and accusation follows realistic business decisions. 'We tried to open the season this past summer and this fall, however, we had some challenges we could not overcome, such as the air conditioning issue this summer and the conflict in scheduling this fall. It has been one thing or another that has caused us to delay our opening until April 2012.'

Now we have everything all set to go and that is our plan,' said Jenkins, the WUSBA sole owner and chief executive office. Every coach was informed of the decision in a conference meeting. All of our coaches understood our reasoning.

The executive staff of the WUSBA reviewed the measure and voted to cancel the season during a series of marathon calls in mid August. 'That was probably the hardest part of the discussion we had: What do we do about the kids who wanted to play in the league?' Jenkins said, 'And I think the answer to that is, it was always a possibility that we would postpone our opening, but we needed to be fair to ourselves and our teams and target the spring.' Every venue gave us preliminary approval to rent the gymnasiums; well have an exact number of contracted gyms by November 30, 2011.

The decision left game day staff, coaches and players scrambling to find another league to go to. Some players and players left jobs to play in the league, while others are left with canceled airline tickets.

'We were just kind of hoping we would find a way to make it work and continue, but apparently we decided that shutting it down was necessary,' said Jenkins. '
The league did not lose any money since its inception, he said, and funding was not a significant factor.' Over the previous year, though, corporate sponsorships have been stalled due to the delay in opening the season for both leagues. We finished this quest into basketball and we do not owe anyone a red nickel, we are proud of that fact, we owe no one any money and we did not receive any money from any individual or business during this time. Jenkins said, After extensive discussions with the leagues investors and sponsors, they all agree with our decision.

'I'm still very excited because this league is a great idea,' Jenkins said. 'We cant wait; the league will start next spring.'

'We had a number of great young coaches coming in, and with all these obstacles that have happened, we believe our business model of women's basketball will be successful,' Jenkins said.

Jenkins said 'We know we're going to disappoint several thousands of people today in each of our cities and millions across the country.' 'It's sad news for the fans, the coaches, the players and for a lot of employees, and it good news for the future of womens basketball,' Jenkins said. 'It's very rare for a company, especially given the economic times we're in, to be given the time we took to put this basketball model together, a model that will work.

Any player who bought a airline, train or bus ticket needs to send a copy to www.wusbateamrefund.com. After verification of purchase a full refund will be sent. Players have until October 31, 2011 to send in their request for refund.

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WNBA - Women

Augustus leads Lynx to 101-95 Game 2 win vs. Dream - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota L. - Atlanta D. 101-95
Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU), her left knee sore and looking exhausted from an all-around effort, lifted the Minnesota Lynx to the brink of their first WNBA title. She's not ready to relax just yet. There's still some work to do. Augustus scored 36 points to lead Minnesota's second-half surge, and the Lynx beat the Atlanta Dream 101-95 in Game 2 of the league championship series on Wednesday night. 'The legacy isn't complete until you're holding the trophy,' Augustus said. Jessica Adair (6'4''-C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: George Washington) added 13 points in 18 minutes in a reserve role for the Lynx, who took a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five matchup by overcoming 38 points by the Dream's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville), who broke her own record for a WNBA Finals game set last year. Game 3 is set for Friday night in Atlanta. McCoughtry had 24 points in the first half, but she shot just 2-for-13 after halftime and shook her head in disgust afterward at what the Dream complained was an unfair discrepancy - 33-23, Atlanta - in the foul calls by officials Sue Blauch, Lamont Simpson and Kurt Walker. 'Let us battle out. Let us scratch and claw to the end. It's entertainment. That's what people want to see,' McCoughtry said, a scowl on her face. Coach Marynell Meadors was just as outspoken. 'I just really don't understand a lot of the things being called,' she said. With veteran center Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-F/C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) on the bench with a sprained right knee suffered late in the third quarter, WNBA Rookie of the Year Maya Moore sitting for most of the game in foul trouble and fellow All-Star Rebekkah Brunson having a quiet game, Augustus took over. Hearing 'MVP' chants as she swished her free throws down the stretch, the sixth-year forward - who has suffered through her share of losing and injuries - finished 11-for-14 from the floor and 13-for-16 at the line to help the Lynx fight back from a pair of 10-point holes in the second quarter. 'As they say, 'Mone was in the zone,' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. The Lynx took a 77-76 lead early in the fourth, their first edge since 20-19, and used a 10-0 spurt to turn an 85-81 deficit with five minutes to go into a comfortable lead in the closing minutes. Augustus knocked down a floating baseline jumper with two Dream defenders in her face to give the Lynx an 87-85 lead. Lindsay Whalen, who had 13 points, banked in a spin-dribble turnaround shot and drew a foul to make the arena erupt in excitement as Moore lifted her up in a bear hug to celebrate. Whalen's three-point play made it 91-85 with 2:25 left. Though the onslaught of whistles interrupted the flow of the game, which lasted 2 hours and 26 minutes, the Lynx weren't rattled. 'However the game is called, you just have to play through it. Whatever the refs are calling, that's what they see and you just have to move on,' Whalen said. The Dream led 58-50 after a dizzying first half by two of the WNBA's three highest-scoring teams. But McCoughtry started to miss more after halftime, unlike in Game 1 when she had 19 of her 33 points in the third quarter, and the Dream - who finished 21-for-32 at the line - missed a number of free throws that came back to hurt them later. Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) was twice fouled while taking a three-pointer and made only one of those six free throw attempts. Lindsey Harding had 10 of her 14 points in the first half for the Dream. Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) finished with eight points and 10 rebounds. Target Center was alive again, giving local sports fans a chance to cheer for some success in this swooning market. All kinds of folks in green and white T-shirts waving their white pom pons turned the atmosphere into another resounding advantage for the Lynx. Vikings players Bernard Berrian and Kevin Williams checked out the game from their court-side seats. Timberwolves executive David Kahn was there. Even LeBron James was watching, from afar. He raved on Twitter about the performances put on by McCoughtry and Augustus. After taking a three-game leave to play for her native Brazil in an Olympic qualifying tournament, de Souza brought her broad shoulders - with a tattoo on each one - back to the basket for the Dream, who were outscored 52-30 in the lane and outrebounded 40-28 during Game 1. The 6-foot-5 de Souza struggled early, missing a short shot, traveling twice and committing an over-the-back foul before settling down and beginning to contribute. Even before she scored a point or grabbed a rebound, though, her presence was valuable, drawing the defense in and making it easier for McCoughtry to find shooting space outside. The All-WNBA forward, who narrowly finished second in the league in scoring in just her third professional season, hit a leaning bank shot to start the second quarter and finished the frame with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the top of the key - as if to remind the crowd of 15,124 that the first half was all hers. Well, almost all hers. Augustus had 14 points in the second quarter herself, deftly using her crossover dribble to slash to the lane and convert shot after off-balance bank shot. 'If I had to give everything I had, then so be it,' Augustus said. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Indiana F.		22-13
2. Connecticut S.		21-13
3. Atlanta D.		20-16
4. New York L.		19-15
5. Chicago S.		14-20
6. Washington M.		6-28
Western
1. Minnesota L.		28-7
2. Seattle S.		21-13
3. Phoenix M.		19-15
4. S.Antonio SS		18-16
5. L.Angeles S.		15-19
6. Tulsa S.		3-31

Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin sprains knee; coach says her status is day to day - by Eurobasket News
Lynx starting center Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-F/C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) sprained her right knee colliding with teammate Monica Wright during a scrum in the third quarter of Minnesota's 101-95 victory in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night.

McWilliams-Franklin, 41, limping noticeably after the game and receiving medical attention in the training room, refused to discuss the injury.

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said her status is day to day.

McWilliams-Franklin, who suffered from a stomach ailment in Game 1, played more than 25 minutes in Game 2, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds.

Power forward Rebekkah Brunson said she has 'aches and pains here and there' but will be ready to play in Game 3 on Friday in Atlanta. Seimone Augustus, who scored 36 points in Game 2, has swelling in her left knee, which was surgically repaired in 2009.

Augustus shrugged off the injury as nothing and wondered why Reeve even mentioned it in the postgame news conference.

'It's a rough and physical series,' Brunson said. 'We have to fight through it.'

No worries: An ocean away, the U.S. national women's basketball team is playing in a tournament in Europe in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics. The Lynx have five candidates for that team: Augustus, Whalen, Brunson, Moore and Candice Wiggins.

If the Lynx weren't in the WNBA Finals, those five would be there. None asked to be excused from the finals to play with Team USA.

'The idea didn't even cross their minds,' Reeve said.
Atlanta's Erika de Souza missed Game 1 with the Dream's blessing to play for the Brazilian national team in that same tournament. The 6-foot-5 post returned for Game 2.

Team USA is the four-time defending Olympic gold medalists and has a 33-game Olympic winning streak. The Olympic basketball tournament is July 28-Aug. 12, meaning the 2012 WNBA season likely will take a recess during that time.

Taking a day off: The Lynx will travel to Atlanta today and won't practice.

'With exerting themselves (in Game 2), we're going with the idea that less is more,' Reeve said.

Minnesota will study video of Game 2 on Friday morning in Atlanta and participate in a shootaround at Philips Arena.

Miller in finals: Not all Minnesotans in the stands for Game 1 and 2 were cheering for the Lynx.

Rochester (Minn.) native Coco Miller is a reserve guard for the Dream playing in the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive season. The 2001 first-round draft pick, picked No. 9 overall by Washington, is in her third season with Atlanta.

Last season, she averaged 25.7 minutes and 10.6 points a game in the playoffs when Atlanta won the Eastern Conference title before losing to Seattle in the finals.

She scored two points in nearly seven minutes in Game 1 and no points in four minutes in Game 4.

Briefly: The Lynx have lost just three times since Aug. 16, a span of 17 games.

- Brunson's 16 rebounds in a loss to San Antonio on Sept. 18 is the third most in the WNBA postseason. Phoenix's Penny Taylor and Connecticut's Tina Charles both had 17 rebounds in the first round.

- A deep playoff run was expected to give the Lynx enough of a financial boost to finish in the black for the first time in more than a decade. That won't happen because the team's fiscal year ended on Sept. 30. Minnesota's expenditures and revenues will be tabulated into the 2012 season.

Courtesy of www.twincities.com