Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/27/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Awards 2010-11 - by Karol

All-Adriatic League 1st Team

Zoric

Macvan

Lee

Draper

Jerrells

Player of the Year: Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) of KK Zagreb CO Croatia

Guard of the Year: Dontaye Draper (180-G-84) of Cedevita Croatia

Forward of the Year: Michael Lee (207-F-86) of Radnicki Serbia

Center of the Year: Milan Macvan (206-C-89) of Maccabi T-A Israel

Import Player of the Year: Michael Lee (207-F-86) of Radnicki Serbia

European Player of the Year: Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) of KK Zagreb CO Croatia

Defensive Player of the Year: Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) of KK Zagreb CO Croatia

Coach of the Year: Vlada Jovanovic of Partizan Serbia

1st Team
C: Milan Macvan (206-89) of Maccabi T-A Israel

C/F: Luka Zoric (211-84) of KK Zagreb CO Croatia

F: Michael Lee (207-86) of Radnicki Serbia

G: Dontaye Draper (180-84) of Cedevita Croatia

G: Curtis Jerrells (185-87) of Partizan Serbia

2nd Team
C/F: Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86) of Buducnost Montenegro

F: Ricardo Marsh (202-81) of Crvena Zvezda Serbia

G/F: Marko Car (188-85) of Zadar Croatia

G: Saso Ozbolt (188-81) of Union Olimpija Slovenia

G: Miljan Pavkovic (178-81) of Hemofarm Serbia

Honorable Mention
Jan Vesely (211-F-90) of Partizan Serbia

Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80) of Union Olimpija Slovenia

Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81) of Krka Slovenia

Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79) of Cedevita Croatia

Vedran Morovic (184-G-83) of Siroki TT Bosnia

All-European Players Team
C/F: Luka Zoric (211-84) of KK Zagreb CO Croatia

C: Milan Macvan (206-89) of Maccabi T-A Israel

F: Marko Simonovic (202-86) of Buducnost Montenegro

G/F: Marino Bazdaric (197-78) of Cedevita Croatia

G/F: Marko Car (188-85) of Zadar Croatia

All-Imports Team
C/F: Corsley Edwards (205-79) of Cedevita Croatia

F: Ricardo Marsh (202-81) of Crvena Zvezda Serbia

F: Michael Lee (207-86) of Radnicki Serbia

G: Dontaye Draper (180-84) of Cedevita Croatia

G: Curtis Jerrells (185-87) of Partizan Serbia

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Madagascar to host FIBA African Championships 2011 - by Kristian Santiago
The final decision has been made and Madagascar will be hosting the Men's edition of the African Championships later this year.
Hosting 16 teams in four groups, the island will be facing a huge task in organizing this prestigious event, which will go down in August (17th-28th ) in the captial Antananarivo.
It will be the third time for Madagascar's basketball national team to play in the African Championships after previously qualifying only in 1972 and the 2003.
The country hosted the Women's edition in 2009 and jumped in now to replace the Ivory Coast after war broke out in the West African country and the national federation there could not secure the financial funding to keep the African Championships.

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ALGERIA

Standings

D1 Standings

Group A
1. GS Petroliers		3-0
2. Blida		2-1
3. CRB Dar El-B.		1-2
4. Arreridj		0-3
Group B
1. CSMC		3-0
2. WA Boufarik		1-2
3. Staoueli		1-2
4. O Batna		1-2
Group C
1. ASPTT		0-0
2. NAH Dey		0-0
3. Sidi-bel-Abbes		0-0
4. U.S.M.		0-0
Group D
1. Annaba		0-0
2. CRB Temouch.		0-0
3. Skikda		0-0
4. USMM Hadjout		0-0

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AMERICAN SAMOA

Peyton Siva, Jr. shines at University of Louisville - by Kristian Santiago
By B. Faamausili bf@samoanews.com
Louisville University Mens Basketball created a tremendous beginning with a 11-2 start of their 2010-2011 NCAA basketball season, and the starting 58 180 pound Samoan and Creole point guard Peyton Siva (180-G-90). had a lot to contribute during this years early push.

U of L is currently ranked No. 23 in the top 25 NCAA ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll for the Mens Basketball rankings, after being ranked No. 22 previously before falling to the No. 11 ranked University of Kentucky last Saturday, New Years Day.

Peyton Siva was honored by the Big East Conference and named the Big East player of the week, last week. The Cardinals will face their conference rival Seton Hall University at home, later on today.

Samoa News had the opportunity to speak to Peyton Siva Sr. on Monday afternoon, January 3, 2010. Peyton Siva Sr, who is the father of the young star, spoke to Samoa News over the phone while he was visiting family in New Jersey for a couple of days.

He said at that time, my goal is to be with my son so that he doesnt have to worry about anything.

The proud father added, Peyton is very blessed and I thank God for playing through my son. As he grew into an athlete, he played football, baseball, cricket, and basketball. But playing football was his first love. He was an active running back and wide receiver in the football little leagues all the way until he got injured his sophomore year at Franklin High School in Seattle.

Thats when he told me that he wanted to try and focus on basketball. I just want to thank all of his supporters, family and the people of American Samoa for noticing my son and Im glad my son can be a role model for some of the young Samoan youth.

Peyton Jr.s grandfather is from the island of Manua , and his grandmother is from the village of Vaitogi, Peyton Sr. said

I have it in my heart that my son and I can maybe sometime visit our homeland this year, so that my son will get to experience the lifestyle of our people and where we came from.

As a facilitator, Peyton Jr. leads the Cardinals in assists, with 63 assists in only 13 games, which is more assists than he recorded last year when he had 56 for the whole season. The upcoming star also has a total of 30 steals, 140 points, and averages 10.9 points per game so far in the 2010-2011 season. This young talented Samoan handed out at least three assists on 11 occasions as a freshman, but an early season wrist injury disrupted his early development.

When he recovered from his injury, Peyton returned to the hardwood floor and produced eight points, three steals and matched a career high with five assists in 17 minutes at Connecticut. He has numerous achievements, as he stamped a career-high of 14 points at West Virginia, adding two steals and a career-best matching four rebounds, and made four of five three point field goals.

He totaled six points and a career-best matching five assists at St. Johns, and played an efficient 12 minutes against Cincinnati, totaling 10 points, three assists and three steals while hitting 3-of-4 field goals.

With just the second game in six weeks, Peyton conducted 12 points against Villanova University without his wrist being heavily taped. This player produced three points, and a season-high matching four rebounds against Louisiana Lafayette.

He sprained his wrist again after the second meeting against UNLV, and missed two games. When he returned to action, he produced five points, four assists and four steals versus Western Carolina. He totalled eight points and three assists against Oral Roberts.

Peyton also played on a Reach USA team in China to represent America, where he scored 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, and also scored the game-winning shot to carry the USA reach team to a 70-69 victory over the Russia Peak All-Stars in the final.

According to www.sportsreach.org, Peyton Jr. countered his way through two defenders with 3.4 seconds left in the game against the Russia Peak All-Stars. He then came across a 74 Russian and jumped up with his bottom to shield the Russian, and kissed it off the glass for the winner.

His high school basketball achievements are numerous, and include two Class 3A Washington State championships. He attended Franklin High School.

He was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Washington, and the Washington state high school Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the Seattle Times.

He was a three-year captain for Franklin High School and was ranked No. 25 nationally in the ESPN 100, and 38th by Scout.com, and No. 51 nationally by USA Today. Peyton Jr. started as a freshman averaging 13.2 points per game and played his part in helping Franklin win the state 4A championship.

His parents are Yvette Gaston and Peyton Siva. He has an older brother, Michael and a sister, Leilanna Barrientes.

Peyton received offers from Washington, Arizona, Kentucky, Miami, but committed to Louisville University after high school, saying its the best school in the world.

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ANGOLA

French technician tipped to be next basketball coach - by Eurobasket News
According to the President of the disciplinary committee of the Angolan basketball federation,FAB,Paulo Madeira,French trainer,Michl Gomes has shown interest in the job.
However,he announced on Wednesday during a press conference to announce the sacking of the former coach that they have not taken any engagements with the Frenchman. We want a coach who will dedicate all his time to the national team.An Angola being African champions,it is normal that may coaches express their interest to coach us he told a press conference.
Courtesy of: http://www.starafrica.com

Basketball headcoach Luis Magalhaes sacked - by Eurobasket News
The Angolan Basketball federation,FAB has sacked Luis Magalhaes from the post of national team head coach.
The information was revealed by the president of the disciplinary committee of the FAB,Paulo Madeira during a press conference last Wednesday. According to him,this decision comes as a continuous breach of contract by the coach . Due to certain declarations from Luis,we have decided to terminate his contract explained the president while making reference to declarations made by the Portuguese before and after the world cup in Turkey.
Courtesy of: http://www.starafrica.com

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joseph BUNN
  Argentino
  (198-F/C-75)
  Avg: 20

1. Bunn, Argentino	20.0
2. Jackson, La Union	19.4
3. Johnson, Monte H.	16.8
4. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	16.6
5. Meyinsse, Club 9	16.6
6. Gutierrez, Obras	16.1
7. Galindo, Libertad S.	15.9
8. Taylor, Lanus	15.3
9. Salles, Monte H.	14.9
10. Gutierrez, Penarol	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ruben GARCES
  La Union
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Garces, La Union	10.9
2. Gutierrez, Obras	10.1
3. Kammerichs, Regat.	9.8
4. Battle, Libertad S.	9.2
5. Rollins, Gimnasia.	8.7
6. Williams, Atenas	8.2
7. Johnson, Monte H.	8.0
8. Kante, Olimpico LB	7.9
9. Leiva, Penarol	7.4
10. Bucknor, Club 9	7.3

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.9
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.8
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.3
4. Salles, Monte H.	4.8
5. Ginobili, Libertad S.	4.4
6. Cequeira, Obras	4.2
7. Franco, Sionista	3.7
8. Treise, Quimsa	3.3
9. Victoriano, Lanus	3.0
10. Sartorelli, Argentino	2.9

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.3
2. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.6
3. Salles, Monte H.	2.5
4. Martinez, Regat.	2.5
5. Labaque, Atenas	2.4
6. Okosa, Gimnasia CR	2.3
7. Selleaze, Libertad S.	2.3
8. Cequeira, Obras	2.3
9. Williams, Atenas	2.2
10. Lamonte, Penarol	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Battle, Libertad S.	2.0
2. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
3. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.3
4. Roe, Regatas C.	1.2
5. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
6. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
7. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.0
8. Williams, Atenas	0.9
9. Aguerre, Estudian.	0.8
10. Tintorelli, Quimsa	0.8

TNA Semifinals: Both series tied at 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the TNA Semifinals were played yesterday. Quilmes and Alvear celebrated for 1-1 tie in their series.
Quilmes outplayed Ciclista on the road 84-93. Phillip Hobson (195-G/F-74, college: Barton County CC) was totally the best player in this victory as he scored 35 points. Walter Storani (200-F/C-70) had 24 pts in defeat. Ciclista won the first game 94-91.
Alvear was better than San Martin C yesterday 83-69. Jason Osborne (204-F-74, agency: Court Side, college: Louisville) shined for the winners with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Barrios Ramirez had 18 pts and 5 boards in defeat. San Martin C celebrated in Game One 72-76.
Third games of TNA Semifinals are scheduled for April 30.

LigaA Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
LigaA Quarterfinals started yesterday. Lanus and Quimsa celebrated road wins, while Atenas and Penarol won at home for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five (2-2-1). Second games are scheduled for Wednesday.

Libertad S. - Lanus 57-77 (0-1)
Lanus dominated on the defensive end, holding Libertad Sunchales to just 6 points in fourth quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Libertad Sunchales' 26. Panamanian power forward Jamaal Levy (206-83, college: Wake Forest, agency: Priority Sports) fired 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds. Four Lanus players scored in double figures. Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and forward Alexander David Galindo (198-85, college: FIU) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Lanus: L.Victoriano 13+1ast, C.Moodie 11+2reb, J.Levy 11+5reb+3ast, T.Taylor 10+6reb+2ast, F.Malara 8+3reb, D.Prego 7+1reb
Libertad S.: R.Battle 18+10reb, A.David Galindo 11+8reb, R.Selleaze 8+3reb+3ast, J.Pablo Cantero 7+2reb+1ast, M.Saglietti 4+1reb, R.Gabini 4+1reb

Atenas - La Union 73-56 (1-0)
It looked good early as La Union took an 10-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Atenas took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 17 points. American power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) nailed 10 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) accounted for 8 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Gabriel Mikulas (201-80, college: E.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and Panamanian-Spanish power forward Ruben Garces (206-73, college: Providence, agency: Priority Sports) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively for La Union in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Atenas: B.Labaque 10+6ast, J.Williams 10+6reb+2ast, J.Manuel Rivero 10+3reb+1ast, M.Garcia 9+1reb, M.Lescano 9+3reb+3ast, M.Gerlero 8+5reb
La Union: G.Mikulas 14+10reb+1ast, R.Garces 13+11reb, D.Jackson 8+1reb+1ast, A.Pau 7+1reb+1ast, M.Ibarra 7+2ast, L.Perez 5+1reb

Penarol - Regatas C. 78-69 (1-0)
Regatas Corrientes trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 17-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-78 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Regatas Corrientes 32-21 including 24 on the defensive glass. American guard Kyle Lamonte (191-84, college: William Carey, agency: KMG Sports Management) fired 22 points for the winners. International forward Leonardo Gutierrez (200-78) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. Lamonte is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Naturalized Italian guard Eduardo Villares (188-79) produced 24 points and the former international power forward Federico Kammerichs (203-80) added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Penarol: K.Lamonte 22+4reb+1ast, L.Gutierrez 16+9reb+2ast, F.Campazzo 9+7reb+3ast, M.Leiva 8+3reb+2ast, S.Safar 7, A.Diez 6+3reb
Regatas C.: E.Villares 24+2reb, F.Kammerichs 11+6reb+1ast, L.Roe 10+4reb+2ast, J.Martinez 8+3ast, N.Romano 7+4reb, R.Stanton 6+4reb

Obras - Quimsa 75-82 (0-1)
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Obras won fourth quarter 21-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Quimsa made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. The former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) stepped up and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and the former international guard Julio Mazzaro (190-79) chipped in 22 points. Four Quimsa players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward William McFarlan (201-76, college: St.Thomas Aquinas, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds and international power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: J.Mazzaro 22+1reb, D.Cavaco 16+4reb, D.Lo Grippo 15+8reb+1ast, J.Treise 11+5reb+6ast, D.Tintorelli 8+4reb+2ast, N.Aguirre 5+1reb+1ast
Obras: W.McFarlan 28+10reb+2ast, J.Gutierrez 17+10reb+2ast, M.Osimani 11+2reb+5ast, J.Pittman 7+4reb+2ast, L.Cequeira 6+2reb+4ast, A.Elsener 4

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AUSTRIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stjepan STAZIC
  Furstenfeld
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.4

1. Stazic, BC Vienna	26.4
2. Vay, Arkadia	19.4
3. Brokenboroug., Wel.	19.4
4. Kennedy, Worth.	19.4
5. Houston, Arkadia	18.7
6. Mayes, Gmunden	17.5
7. Heard, Gussing	17.0
8. Shavies, Furstenf.	17.0
9. Nagler, Klostern.	16.3
10. Shawn, Oberwart	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus HEARD
  Gussing
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Heard, Gussing	9.2
2. Johnson, Oberwart	8.5
3. Graham, UBSC G.	7.9
4. Stazic, BC Vienna	7.9
5. Trepalovac, BC Vi.	7.8
6. Vay, Arkadia	7.6
7. Djuric, Gussing	7.5
8. Volcic, Oberwart	7.3
9. Oppland, Gmunden	7.0
10. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Markus CARR
  BC Vienna
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Carr, BC Vienna	7.3
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	7.2
3. Holcomb-Faye, Wels	6.6
4. Danek, Arkadia	6.3
5. Schreiner, St.Po.	5.4
6. Stazic, Furstenfeld	4.5
7. Parker, Oberwart	4.5
8. Miletic, UBSC G.	4.4
9. Stazic, BC Vienna	4.4
10. Boylan, Gmunden	4.1

Steals Per Game

Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Polten
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Schreiner, St.Po.	2.4
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	2.3
3. Boylan, Gmunden	2.2
4. Ray, Furstenfeld	2.1
5. Jandl, St.Polten	2.0
6. Parker, Oberwart	1.9
7. Stazic, BC Vienna	1.7
8. Vay, Arkadia	1.7
9. Artner, Oberwart	1.7
10. Matthews, Furstenf.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Louis GRAHAM
  UBSC Graz
  (205-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Graham, UBSC G.	1.6
2. Hicks, Furstenfeld	1.4
3. Hampton, Furstenf.	1.3
4. Pekovic, BC Vienna	1.2
5. Slack, Gmunden	1.1
6. Sally, Oberwart	0.9
7. Miljkovic, BC Vi.	0.8
8. Vay, Arkadia	0.8
9. Heard, Gussing	0.7
10. N''Diaye, BC.	0.7

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Stage Two Standings

1. Muharraq		10-2
2. Al Manama		10-2
3. Al Ahli		9-3
4. Nuwaidrat		6-6
5. Sitra		6-6
6. Issa Town		5-7
7. Al Hala		5-7
8. Al Ittihad		4-8

Stage One Standings

Impressive Rice sinks Isa Town - by Yousef Ahmed

Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) powered Manama to a crushing 83-64 victory over Isa Town last night in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Rice buried an impressive seven three-pointers en route to scoring a game-high 28 points to lead his team to the romp.

The six-foot, 10-inch big man from the US also grabbed 14 rebounds as Manama came away with their 10th win of their league campaign and moved to a tie in first place on the standings with bitter rivals Muharraq.

Point guard Ahmed Abdulaziz added 17 markers while versatile wing Bader Abdulla Malabes scored 14. Malabes also dished out six assists and committed zero turnovers.

Ahmed Al Mutawa (199-F/C-81, college: Broward CC) added 13 points for Manama to go along with three blocks.

Rice was sinking baskets from all over the floor in yesterday's game, and made it look easy in the process.

After Manama took a 21-12 lead at the end of the opening quarter, Rice helped his side pull away in the second with a big triple late in the half to make it 41-23 heading into the break.

Rice continued his hot shooting in the third, connecting on another three long-range bombs in the period for a comfortable 61-33 advantage. They eventually went ahead 68-41 with just the last canto to play.

Such was Manama's dominance that even veteran forward Abdulmajeed Shahram, who was playing in his first game for the team after coming out of a one-and-a-half-year retirement, scored from beyond the arc.

Shahram put Manama 33 points in front with his basket, 81-48. It was their biggest lead of the night, and his shot drew the loudest cheers from the sparse crowd that was in attendance at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Isa Town managed to close the gap during garbage time with solid play from American professional Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR), and Bahraini talents Hassan Ramadan and Ali Traif.

Holden finished the game with a team-best 23 points and eight rebounds, but he was their lone player in double figures. Ramadan contributed nine points while Traif had eight.

Isa Town suffered their seventh loss after 12 games, but are still in contention for a berth in the six-team play-off round.

No league games are scheduled for tonight, but action resumes tomorrow with Muharraq taking on Al Ettihad at 5.30pm, followed by defending champions Al Ahli locking horns with Al Hala at 7.15pm.

Source GDN By PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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BELGIUM

Mons edges Oostende in thrilling 2011 Belgian Cup Final - by Bert Larsimont
Union Mons Hainaut has won the Belgian Cup today. In a very thrilling final game played at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Union Mons Hainaut defeated defending Cup winner BC Oostende 68-66.

After a well balanced first quarter, Union Mons Hainaut of Coach Arik Shivek (agency: Avi Zilberman) took a larger lead of ten points (31-21) but Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) led Oostende to a a fantastic comeback mainly thanks to great hits from the three-point range.

After the half (33-33), BC Oostende ran down the floor at a higher speed and did shoot with more efficiency. The Northern Belgian team even took a 6-point advantage at the end of the third quarter (50-56).

In the final seconds of this very intense match-up, Oostende turned the ball over and the Foxes of Mons Hainaut took advantage of that. With around 30 seconds left on the clock, the game was tied at 66-66. With 14 seconds remaining, Mons' forward Ronell Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) hit a jumper to make 68-66. Oostende's center Will Thomas (200-F-86, agency: Interperformances) missed two crucial free-throws with a bit more than one second remaining on the clock but the rebound was missed by the Mons' players. After a last time-out taken by BCO Head Coach Jean-Marc Jaumin , the last BCO jump shot attempted by Matt Lojeski on a alley-oop was not successful and the 2000 fans of Mons Hainaut who travelled to Antwerp to attend the Cup final could party as their favourite team won the title. Union Mons Hainaut had already won the Cup in 2006 while Oostende had already won the Cup 12 times.

BCO center Thomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78), bothered by a back injury, played only three minutes in this game.

Best scorers for Union Mons Hainaut: Ronell Taylor 16; Shan Foster (198-G/F-86, college: Vanderbilt) 13; Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Xavier) 11; Ahmad Nivins (206-F-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: St.Joseph's) 10.
Best scorers for BC Oostende: Matt Lojeski 16; Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) 10; Veselin Petrovic (196-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) 10.

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BOSNIA

Interview with Samir Sehic - by Nedzad Kladusak
He is only 14 years old but he is already US champ and is one of the most promising young Bosnian basketball prospects.
I want to present you Samir Sehic, a 201cm giant who will be member of a 'golden' Bosnian basketball generation.

Q - Could you please introduce yourself?
I am Samir Sehic. I play basketball for the Texas Titans, and we won 2 back to back national championships. I am 67', 230 pounds. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia September 22, 1996. Then I moved to Dallas, TX in 2002 where I started my career in basketball and I have lived it ever since. Now I live in Houston, TX. Just a few hours from Dallas, and I still have continued playing with my same team. Its been a lot of work, but it is worth every sweat.

Q - How did it come that you play basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was about 7 years old. And yes, I have loved it ever since. It has been a great ride ever since I picked up a basketball and I cant imagine what it would be like not have it in my life.

Q - You play for Texas Titans. Can you tell us something about the program and the league your team competes in?
Yes, I play for the Texas Titans and its been great. We are sponsored by Mr. Kenny Troutt that has 2 sons. One 8th grader and other 10th grader. There are 2 teams that his sons play on. I happen to play for his younger team. We travel all over the country playing tournaments. Its a blast. We compete at the highest level of basketball at this age. I believe this is the best in whole world.

Q - How are you connected to BIH and do you follow Bosnian basketball?
My whole family from both sides of my mom and dads side is from Bosnia. Both my grandparents live in Bosnia. I try to visit Bosnia as much as I can and when I go I enjoy it very much. But do I follow BiH basketball, honestly not that much but I have heard great stories from my father about Mirza Delibasic and team Bosna.

Q - You are 201cm tall and have 100 kilos. Are there any prognoses how tall you will be?
I eat a lot and I enjoy food. How big I am gonna be? Only GOD knows. But I have been blessed to be a big and healthy kid.

Q - You are physical very dominant. It the game of your team adjusted to your skills?
Im a big kid and Im been blessed to be able to play for the Texas Titans. I play the 4 and 5 position spot. I try to be as big of a BEAST under the basket and I try to be anywhere else on the court.

Q - Can you describe your daily practice and who supports you in your further development?
I usually wake up at 6 and go to school do my jump rope and work out. Then after school I will stay and work on my basketball game for an 1 and half hour and then I go home and do my homework and eat for about an 2 hours than I go and workout with my dad or coaches, for 2 hours. Then I get home and its about 9. I eat take a shower and go to bed and then repeat it all over. On weekend, if I have just practice in Dallas, TX I fly out Saturday and have 2 practices and the Sunday I have another 2 practices and then I fly home to Houston, TX Sunday night and get ready for school. If I have a tournament then I just fly out Friday and come back Sunday night. My family and coaches and specially my dad have a huge part in my development and they are what has got me here today.

Q - What dou you consider to be your biggest strength? What do you consider to be a weak point?
I fell like my biggest strength is posting up, but I fell that I can improve in every aspect of the game of basketball. Im just 14 years old

Q - You play under the paints. Do you prefer posting up or do you prefer popping out and taking a mid-range shot?
I actually love popping out for that 15 footer and shooting it I like playing under the basket top but if I have to pop out and shot I wont disappoint.

Q - Which player on your position inspires you most?
Shaquille ONeal inspires me as a player and in general. He is one of the only players in the NBA that has a masters degree. So that mean he not only did it on the court but in the classroom which is something I would like to accomplish one day.

Q - Have you already been contacted by colleges and do you have some preferences?
It is still too early for collages to be looking for us, but we are exposed very much by travailing all over the United States.

Q - Have you been contacted by KSBIH and what are you summer plans?
In the last few days they have contacted my dad and expressed there interest in me playing this summer, in the 16u division. In this point of time we have not made a final decision, but I am very egger to go.

Q - Do you know some players of the U16 NT? What do you want to achieve with this team?
I dont happen to know anybody, but I am excited to meet them and I hope they have the same goal as me and thats to be champs.

Q - The rising center star Nedzad Sinanovic is also from Zavidovici. Have you ever tried to contact him?
Yes I have, my dad actually was his school coach and there still in contact today and I have meet him and his brother. I am excited to see how far he will go.

Q - USA hosts a large Bosnian community. Are there any contacts to other Bosnian players and does anyone takes care of our players playing in highschool and college teams?
I am in contact with a spectacular player Adnan Hodzic, who is going to graduate from collage this summer. He is a great guy and great example for all young athletics.

Q - The Rockets have t reached the Play-Offs. Who do you think will become NBA champ 2010/2011?
I am hoping that the Boston Celtics win and take home the ring.

Q - Samir I wish you and your family all the best and a long successful career!
Thank you guys for contacting me and my family and I hope that we will see each other this summer.

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

BULGARIA

Lukoil keeps it going, still undefeated in Bulgaria - by Maria Mitzova
Lukoil Academik Sofia is just sliding through the season in Bulgaria, only one win shy from a perfect record of 28 victories and no defeat. The champions managed an easy one against Balkan Botevgrad, winning away from home 106-64, in the round before the last from the regular season.
Lukoil was ahead throughout the game, leading by double digits early in the second quarter. At the break the margin was already 20 58-38, and kept rising. It jumped to 35, and after 30 minutes the score was 83-52. The champions never slowed down to close it with 42-point lead.
Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) score 20 points for Lukoil, team captain Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) added 19, plus 8 assists, and Devin Green (201-G/F-82, college: Hampton) had 17 points. Georgi Davidov (205-F/C-76) was topscorer for Balkan Botevgrad with his 12 points.

Yambol denied Cherno more a Top 4 spot - by Maria Mitzova
Tundja Yambol defeated Euroins Cherno More 82-66 at home, and denied the team from Varna the 4th place in the final standings. Theres only one round to go from the regular season in the National Basketball League. With the win, Tundja Yambol still has chances to go fifth, and it will happen if they get one more victory, while Euroins Cherno More loses to Balkan in the next, final games. Anyway, Tundja Yambol is going no worse than sixth seed, no matter the last results.
The first quarter in Tundja Yambol was tied at 17, but then the hosts succeeded to break through, and get a lead at the break 35-31.
Cherno more stayed close during most of the third, but a 11-0 run for Tundja Yambol made it 65-43 for them. The final period was pretty much useless, with the lead increasing to 25. The sole thing the visitors managed was to cut it to more respectable 16.
Slovenian Davor Sattler (185-G-86, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stepped up for Stanislav Govedarov who missed the game, and scored 19 points (4 triples). Julian Radionov (188-G-79) had 18 points, and Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances) got double-double 15 pts and 10 rebs.
Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) scored 16 for Cherno more, and Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90) added 13 pts, 5 assists and 5 rebs.

Comeback win for Spartak in the battle of the last two - by Maria Mitzova
BC Spartak Pleven got its 9th victory of the season, after a comeback win over Chernomorets Burgas 82-73. Despite the success, Spartak cant now move up in the standings, and will finish the season on seventh place, while Chernomorets Burgas is last, before the last round of NBL. It also was a ninth consecutive loss for Decho Koevinovs men.
In the beginning it was a close affair, with many lead changes and ties. A good run by Spartak gave them the lead after 10 25-20. Chernomorets Burgas finished the half strong, and came from behind to lead 43-37 at the break.
In the third quarter, the visiting team from Bourgas stayed on top, but Spartak was pushing hard to tie it at 50. After 30 minutes it was still Chernomorets Burgas in charge 59-52, and nothing was yet decided.
The last three minutes were the tie-breaker, and a 10-0 run for the hosts put them ahead 78-70, and from this point they just closed the game.
Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74) scored 23 points for the win, and Ilia Stankov (198-F-76) added 17. For Chernomorets Burgas, Hristo Zahariev (197-G/F-90) got 20 points.

Levski swept the season series against Rilski sportist - by Maria Mitzova
In just another low-scoring battle turned out the derby game of the 27th round in the NBL between Rilski Sportist Samokov and Levski Sofia. Levski Sofia got its fourth victory against this opponent to sweep the season series, and to avoid meeting them in the playoffs. The only chance those two teams meet again this post-season is on the Final.
Levski Sofia had to seek revenge against Rilski, for the lost semifinal in the Balkan league, and got it, but its still a very small consolation. Both teams again played nervous, emotional game, missing shots, and showing aggression in defense.
His first minutes for Levski Sofia registered the newcomer Ventsislav Petkov (188-G-91). The young playmaker, brought in for the released Jason Crowe (193-G-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge), played 8 minutes and showed a lot of potential.
The game was tied for most parts of it, right until the last quarter, which started at 52 apiece.
Strong run in both offense and defense for Levski Sofia got them on top before the closing minutes, and after six consecutive points by Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi), they led by 5, with 5 minutes to go.
From this point on, Levski Sofia kept its lead, with Rilski only managing to cut it to two on three occasions, but never to tie again.
Aaron Harper, whos already on top of the scorers list, finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds. His main competition for scoring champion Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) form Rilski, finished with just 12 in this game.
Gjorgi Cekovski (202-F/C-79) added double-double for Levski Sofia with 11 pts and 10 rebs, while Asen Velikov (188-G-86) scored 10 points. For Rislki DDimitar Karadzovski (189-G-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) was the best with 19 points, and Martin Marinov got 10.

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

CANADA

Canadians Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph declare for NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Three University of Texas basketball players, including Canadians Tristan Thompson (203-F-91) and Cory Joseph (190-G-91), have declared themselves eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft, the school announced Friday.

Freshman forward/centre Thompson (Brampton, Ont.) and freshman guard Joseph (Pickering, Ont.) will submit their names into the draft but not hire an agent.

Players who declare for the draft can return to college if they withdraw from the draft. Those who sign with an agent are deemed ineligible by the NCAA.

Thompson was one of five finalists for the Wayman Tisdale Award, an honour given by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) to the National Freshman of the Year. The Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year, Thompson also earned first-team National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 8 and USBWA All-District VII honors. He led the team in rebounding (7.8 rpg), blocked shots (86), double-doubles (10) and field goal percentage (.546) and ranked second in scoring (13.1 ppg).

'This was a difficult decision, but it was the best decision for myself and my family,' Thompson said. 'I will continue to go to class and complete the spring semester here at Texas.

I will continue to gather all the information about my draft status and use that information over the next two weeks to determine whether or not to keep my name in the draft.'

Joseph was named to the USBWA Freshman All-America Second Team, All-Big 12 honourable mention and the Big 12 All-Rookie Team. He led the team in assists (3.0 apg), steals (37), three-point field goal percentage (.413, 52-of-126) and minutes played (32.4 mpg) and ranked fourth in rebounding (3.6 rpg) and tied for fourth in scoring (10.4 ppg).

'I want to use this two-week period of time to get a better feel of what my draft status would be this year,' Joseph said.

'I will finish my classes here, hopefully go through some workouts for NBA teams and personnel and use feedback from those workouts to make the best decision.'

Thompson and Joseph were also teammates on Canada's Junior Men's National Team in 2009 and played together at Findlay College Prep in Henderson, Nev.

Longhorn sophomore swingman Jordan Hamilton plans to begin the process of hiring an agent and will forego his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility.

Hamilton was one of 10 finalists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, an honour given by the USBWA to the National Player of the Year. Hamilton led the team in scoring (18.6 ppg) and ranked second on the squad in rebounding (7.7 rpg), double-doubles (eight) and minutes played (32.2 mpg). He finishes his two-year career ranked 31st in school history in scoring with 1,012 points in 70 career games (14.5 ppg).

The NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

Pro basketball teams eye expansion - by Eurobasket News
Two of the three basketball amigos will travel to London, Ont., this week to see if an ownership group there is serious about forming a team and joining a proposed Canadian league.

Saint John Mill Rats general manager and president Ian McCarthy along with the Halifax Rainmen's Andre Levingston , the team's owner, and Quebec Kebs vice-president and general manager Vincent Bernier earned the three amigos nickname after dropping out of the Premier Basketball League. They made the move last week over concerns surrounding playoff officiating.

McCarthy and Levingston will fly to Ontario tomorrow to meet with an ownership group in London.

'I think what we're going to do is start the dialogue with certain cities and see if there is an interest there and if there is enough interest in other markets, we'll be leaning in that direction,' McCarthy said about forming a pro Canadian basketball league.

'If we're not able to pull together enough markets, then we'll probably look at joining a current league.'

McCarthy, who is also part of the Mill Rats ownership group, believes they can form a Canadian league with as few as five teams.

Moncton has also expressed interest in setting up a professional basketball franchise. Levingston has headed the charge to bring Moncton into the fold, but yesterday he said he wouldn't be part of the ownership group.

'I think the city is ready for it,' Levingston said. 'I think they would definitely support it.'

The teams have already received warm overtures from the Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League and the International Basketball League.

The three met Saturday night. They were in Saint John for a charity basketball game yesterday at Harbour Station which included players from the Rainmen, Mill Rats and the Kebs.

'All of us have been in two different leagues and there were things about each of those leagues that we didn't feel comfortable with. Hence the change, so we know we want to do it right,' McCarthy said as the game against the Sendai Japan All Stars to raise money for their quake-ravished homeland got underway. The Mill Rats and Friends, as they were called yesterday, won 111-93. The three teams left the American Basketball Association along with the now defunct Vermont Frost Heaves in 2009 and joined the PBL.

The three teams, said Bernier, have more leverage as a bargaining unit.

'Coming as group like that, it gives them three teams at once so that's a big advantage we have - on transportation, on everything.'

He also holds out hope that Vermont might reform and join the three basketball amigos in their quest for a new home.

'We wish to see them back,' Bernier said.

Levingston said the teams will announce what league they plan to play in at a press conference during the second week of May.

'We have three teams right now that have done things the right way for a long time and that's impressive to a lot of leagues, that's why we're getting so many calls,' Levingston said.

The National Basketball Association's Development League is also in the running, but it has a 50-game schedule and a $2.5-million franchise fee.

Bernier said there's still a lot of work to do before a final call is made.

'We have to measure all the options, get all the information we can to build a strategy because we want to do it together, the three teams,' Bernier said.

Courtesy of www.canadaeast.com

Mangisto Arop leaves Gonzaga basketball team - by Eurobasket News
Mangisto Arop (195-F-90) has been granted his release from the Gonzaga basketball team.

Coach Mark Few said the reserve guard wants to find a team where he can get more playing time.

Arop appeared in 28 games this past season with eight starts, although his playing time diminished as the season grew. He averaged 4.6 points per game. As a freshman he appeared in 31 games off the bench.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

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

CHINA

Xin Jiang Owns Player's Salary - by Robert Wang
Got the info. from china newspapper today saying that Xin Jiang team owns their import former NBA power forward James Singleton 400,000 USD salary. James Singleton doesn't have a good relationship with his team coach and James would like to go to Fo Shan next season and play with Stephon Marbury. That would be a good match! Let's see what will happen next year. Also Xin Jiang team has been go approach with Jiang su center Tng Zheng Dong and showed interested on Tang. This would show that Xin Jiang will not sign with their current center Bater any more. Barter's contract would be ending in two months and Bater also talked to Fo shan about his plan next year. This would give us a big surprise if these two big men go to Fo shan team next year.

Recovering Yao Ming wants to re-sign with Houston Rockets - by Eurobasket News
Rockets center Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Yao says his priority is recovering from the stress fracture to his left ankle that kept him out of all but five games this season. He told reporters in his hometown of Shanghai on Thursday that he hopes to begin workouts once he returns to the U.S.

Yao says his professional future depends on his injury and the outcome of talks between the NBA and its union over a new collective bargaining agreement.

He says he wouldn't consider moving if conditions offered by another team were similar to those given by the Rockets.

With Rick Adelman's departure this week, Houston is searching for a third coach since 2003.

Courtesy of ESPN

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

CROATIA

Zagreb releases coach Mladen Erjavec - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from Croatian media, BC Zagreb is on the lookout for the new Head Coach. Reportedly the club management has decided to let Mladen Erjavec go. They did not disclose the reasons for such decision, but now both the club and the Coach will be looking for alternatives. Zagreb currently occupies 2nd place in Croatian league with 6-2 record. It remains to be seen who will be appointed as replacement for Erjavec.
Mladen Erjavec took his first coaching job in 2008 when he was appointed Assistant Coach at BC Zagreb. At the same time he worked as Assistant Coach of U20 Croatia National Team. Following season, he was appointed Assistant Coach of Croatia B National Team which took participation at the 2009 Mediterranean Games. He also went with Croatia Senior National Team to 2010 World Championships in Turkey. At the start of this season, Erjavec took over as Head Coach of BC Zagreb. With Zagreb, Erjavec has so far won 2 consecutive National Cups in 2010 and 2011.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Smith, BC Kolin	17.4
2. Houska, BK Decin	15.8
3. Landry, BK Prost.	15.6
4. Horak, Svitavy	14.7
5. Kotas, USK Praha	14.5
6. Sedmak, Basketbo.	14.3
7. Hatcher, BK Decin	14.2
8. Burke, NH Ostrava	14.0
9. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	13.8
10. Hampton, BK Pardu.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Svitavy
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 11

1. Meno, Svitavy	11.0
2. Meno, Basketbo.	10.4
3. Houska, BK Decin	8.6
4. Landry, BK Prost.	8.5
5. Burke, NH Ostrava	8.0
6. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	7.8
7. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.7
8. Frana, Plzen	7.1
9. Kramny, Svitavy	6.9
10. Klimes, USK Praha	6.7

Assists Per Game

Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6

1. Vrubl, Plzen	6.0
2. Lawrence, BK Prost.	5.0
3. Jones, BC Kolin	3.8
4. Carnecky, B&W O.	3.6
5. Kotas, USK Praha	3.6
6. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.4
7. Sanders, BK Decin	3.2
8. Maio, Basketbo.	2.9
9. Channels, Novy Jicin	2.9
10. Macela, Svitavy	2.7

Steals Per Game

Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Kotas, USK Praha	2.0
2. Hampton, BK Pardu.	1.8
3. Wright, BK Pardu.	1.7
4. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.7
5. Holloway, Basket.	1.7
6. Smith, BC Kolin	1.7
7. Lawrence, BK Prost.	1.4
8. Channels, Novy Jicin	1.4
9. Gibson-B., NH Os.	1.4
10. Vrubl, Plzen	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Boris MENO
  Svitavy
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Meno, Svitavy	1.6
2. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.2
3. Trybanski, NH Os.	1.2
4. Hanke, USK Praha	1.1
5. Kramny, Svitavy	0.9
6. Meno, Basketbo.	0.8
7. Egwuatu, Svitavy	0.8
8. Houska, BK Decin	0.8
9. Bjegovic, USK Praha	0.8
10. Gadri, BK Prostejov	0.8

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

D-LEAGUE

Lakers decline comment on Derrick Caracter's arrest - by Eurobasket News
Lakers rookie forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) walked past a couple of reporters following practice Monday and declined to address his arrest early Sunday morning in New Orleans that involved him allegedly striking a cashier at a restaurant. Nonetheless, Caracter tweeted, 'The truth will come out.. Believe me.'

'We're looking into the situation,' said Lakers spokesman John Black, who addded Caracter's status on the team hasn't changed. 'It's inappropriate to comment further at this time.'

Caracter was detained and booked under several charges: one count of battery for hitting the employee, one count of public intoxication and one for resisting arrest. He was later released from jail after bond was posted. Caracter, 22, reportedly grabbed and shoved a cashier at an IHOP restaurant on Canal Street, according to New Orleans police.

The account, issued in a police news release Monday morning, said the Lakers rookie forward had been refused service at the IHOP because he was 'obviously drunk, unruly.' A police officer was summoned to try to defuse the situation. Backup arrived after Caracter would not cooperate.

Caracter has played a limited role with the Lakers, appearing in 41 games and averaging two points on 48.5% shooting in 5.2 minutes a game. He also had two stints with the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam.

Courtesy of http://lakersblog.latimes.com

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

EGYPT

Superleague Standings

Superleague Standings

Group A
1. Al Ittihad		8-1
2. Gezira		7-2
3. Ahly		6-3
4. Zamalek		5-4
5. Somouha		3-6
6. Sporting		3-6
7. Shorta-Police		2-6
8. Gasco		1-7
Places 9-12
1. Al Dhan		0-0
2. Al-Intaj		0-0
3. Geish Army		0-0
4. Shams		0-0

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Penafiel
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Thornton, Voru KK	18.7
2. Timermanis, Rakve.	18.6
3. Saage, Rakvere	18.1
4. Erm, Rapla	17.9
5. Raap, Parnu	16.6
6. Brown, Va.	16.3
7. Raadik, Parnu	16.2
8. Osby, TT.	16.0
9. Vaikulis, Rakvere	15.8
10. Arnold, TT.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Penafiel
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Thornton, Voru KK	12.2
2. Brown, Va.	11.1
3. Arnold, TT.	11.0
4. Osby, TT.	9.8
5. Ringmets, Rapla	9.6
6. Kuuba, Voru KK	8.9
7. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.3
8. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	7.5
9. Pokla, Rakvere	7.4
10. Timermanis, Rakve.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Valmo KRIISA
  TTU/Kalev
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Kriisa, TT.	3.9
2. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.3
3. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	3.2
4. Vaikulis, Rakvere	3.1
5. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	3.0
6. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	2.8
7. Pokla, Rakvere	2.7
8. Winston, Va.	2.6
9. Laane, Rapla	2.6
10. Oja, Va.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (180-G-93)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Laane, Rapla	2.5
2. Raap, Parnu	2.2
3. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	2.2
4. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
5. Karner, Parnu	2.1
6. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.1
7. Dorbek, Rakvere	1.9
8. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	1.8
9. Doronin, TU/Rock	1.7
10. Oja, Va.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	1.9
2. Osby, TT.	1.3
3. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.2
4. Raadik, Parnu	1.2
5. Timermanis, Rakve.	1.1
6. Arnold, TT.	0.9
7. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.8
8. Brown, Va.	0.7
9. Raadik, TU/Rock	0.7
10. Saarmets, TTU/K.	0.7

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

EUROCHALLENGE

EuroChallenge Final Four in Oostende on April 29th and May 1st - by Bert Larsimont

Here is the 2011 FIBA EuroChallenge Final Four schedule:

First semi-final: Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia) - Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia) on 29th April -- 18:30 CET
Second semi-final: Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia) - Telenet Oostende (Belgium) on 29th April -- 21:00 CET

3rd Place Game: Loser SF1 - Loser SF2 on 1st May -- 17:00 CET
Title Game: Winner SF1-Winner SF2 on 1st May -- 20:00 CET

The venue will be the Sleuyter Arena in Oostende, Belgium, with a capacity of more than 5000 spectators.

Address:
Sleuyter Arena
Northlaan 13
8400 Oostende
Belgium

Stay 'tuned' for more EuroChallenge Final Four news and previews on www.eurobasket.com.

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EUROLEAGUE

2010-11 All-Euroleague nominees - by Eurobasket News
The wait is over, Turkish Airlines Euroleague fans. Here are your nominees for the 2010-11 All-Euroleague team! Fans and media members have voted to nominate 10 players to the All-Euroleague team, producing a top-level list of nominees for what has been an incredible 2010-11 season. That list is half-filled with 5 out of 10 players who are first-time nominees to the All-Euroleague team. Many thousands of fans from around the world were allowed to cast votes for their favorite or most deserving players, as did media members from each of the countries with Euroleague teams this season. Just as last season, teams that qualified to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four dominated the nominations, with Panathinaikos and Maccabi Electra each having two nominees each, while Montepaschi Siena and Real Madrid had one apiece. Other nominees came from four non-Final Four teams: Power Electronics Valencia, Regal FC Barcelona, Olympiacos and Caja Laboral. The All-Euroleague first and second teams, plus the Euroleague MVP, will be named at EFES Pilsener Euroleague Awards Ceremony on May 7 at the Final Four in Barcelona.

POINT GUARDS

Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80), Panathinaikos
Led the league in assists (5.7 ppg.)...Assists total (116) eighth-best in league history Led Playoffs in scoring (18 ppg.) Voted Best Defender by Euroleague head coaches Only player ranked the top 10 in assists, steals and index rating Chosen as the Sportingbet December MVP.

Jeremy Pargo (188-PG-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), Maccabi Electra
Led Maccabi in scoring (13 ppg.), assists (3.9 apg.)... Led Playoffs in performance index rating (19.5 ppg.), was second in scoring (17.3 ppg.)... Scored game-winning basket in Game 2 of Playoffs Chosen as the Sportingbet March MVP... Maccabis record was 11-1 when he scored in double figures

SHOOTING GUARDS AND SMALL FORWARDS

Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80), Regal FC Barcelona
Led team and ranked fourth in the league in scoring (14.1 ppg.) Second in the league in three-pointers per game (2.2 3pg.) Top scorer in Top 16 (20 ppg.) while team went 6-0... Chosen as the Sportingbet January MVP Barcelonas record was 8-2 when he scored in double figures.

Sergio Llull (190-G-87), Real Madrid
Led Real Madrid in scoring (11.5 ppg.) and cumulative three-pointers made (30), free throws made (52), assists (65) and fouls drawn (69) in first season as a starter Was the teams leading scorer in a game seven times this season Was specialist at end-of-quarter and end-of-game shot.

Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket), Olympiacos
Led Olympiacos and was third in league in scoring (14.2 ppg.) Led team and was fourth in league in assists (4.3 apg.) Only player ranked in top five in both scoring and assists Led league in fouls drawn (108), free throws made (92) and attempted (108) Scored in double figures in first 19 games.

Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84), Caja Laboral
Euroleague leader in performance index rating (19.1)Led the league in three-point shooting accuracy (50%)Averaged career highs in scoring (13.7 ppg.), rebounding (5.5 rpg.), assists (2.4 apg.) and steals (0.8 spg.)Top 16 Week 6 MVP with second-best rating in the Top 16 (37).

POWER FORWARDS AND CENTERS

Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), Power Electronics Valencia
Led Power Electronics Valencia in scoring (11.9 ppg.)... Posted the highest average index rating in the seasons only five-game Playoff series (14.4)... Only player to rank among top 10 in scoring (14.2 ppg.), rebounds (5.2 rpg.) and blocks (0.6 bpg.) in the playoffs... Playoffs Game 5 MVP.

Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85), Maccabi Electra
Led league in per-minute scoring (0.63 ppm.) Averaged career-high 12.3 points per game Drew second-most fouls in the league (97) Performance Index rating of 38 in regular season finale was third-best in the Euroleague this season Maccabis record was 9-2 when he scored in double figures.

Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79), Montepaschi Siena
Led Montepaschi in rebounding (5.1 rpg.), three-pointers made (19) and fouls drawn (4.3 pg.), second in scoring (11.8 ppg.)... Ranked in among top 10 players in he Playoffs in scoring (13.5 ppg.), three-point shooting (50%) and blocks (0.5 bpg.) Regular Season Week 6 MVP.

Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.), Panathinaikos
Led Panathinaikos in scoring (12.8 ppg.), rebounding (5.3 rpg.) and blocked shots (0.9 bpg) Ranked fifth in average performance index rating in Playoffs (14.5) Set career high with 4-block game in Week 3 of Regular Season Scored his 2,000th career point during the Playoffs.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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

FRANCE

French NM1 round 32 best performance: Rolan Roberts (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News

American power forward Rolan Roberts (201-F/C-78, agency: Warren Sports International) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Etendard de Brest, receiving a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 32.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Challans (#10, 15-15) 74-61. Brest is placed at 4th position in French NM1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Brest will need more victories to improve their 19-12 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Roberts as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Rolan Roberts averages this season 10.4ppg and 7.1rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 32-year old American John Ford (207-C-78) of league's leader JSA Bordeaux Basket. Ford had a very good evening with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Bordeaux was edged by the lower-ranked St Etienne (#5, 18-13) 79-76. Bordeaux managed to keep the same 1st spot in the standings. It was just his team's 5th loss this season, while they won 26 other games. Ford is a newcomer at Bordeaux, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.1ppg (#5). He also registered 7.9 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Jean-Victor Traore (204-F-85) of Angers BC 49 (#3). Traore scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Angers BC 49, leading his team to a 80-72 win against the lower-ranked Blois (#9, 16-15). Angers BC 49 needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 11 lost games. Traore has a very solid season. In 29 games in France he scored 10.9ppg. He also has 7.0rpg, 1.7bpg and FGP: 56.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Harry Disy (201-F-84) of Roche - 32 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Francisco Bateko (185-G-84) of Roche - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Sebastien Cherasse (184-G-84) of Angers BC 49 - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Rafael Lopez (204-C-86) of Brest - 25 points and 8 rebounds
8. Kai Williams (198-F-89) of Blois - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Cyril Guillarme (206-C-84) of Le Puy - 19 points and 12 rebounds
10. David Cilly (196-G/F-81) of Orchy - 13 points and 10 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Rick HUGHES
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (204-C/F-73)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	18.5
2. Jefferson, AS.	18.4
3. Mejia, Cholet	18.4
4. Nichols, Vichy	17.8
5. Darden, Nancy	17.0
6. Massie, Limoges	16.9
7. Shuler, Vichy	15.6
8. King, Le Havre	15.4
9. Woodside, Gravelines	15.0
10. Hamilton, Paris-.	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-F/C-77)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Massie, Limoges	9.2
2. Krupalija, Hyeres.	8.9
3. Akingbala, Nancy	8.5
4. Issa, Gravelines	8.2
5. Jones, Le Havre	7.9
6. Koffi, Le Mans	7.6
7. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	7.5
8. Jefferson, AS.	7.4
9. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	7.2
10. Falker, Cholet	7.0

Assists Per Game

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

1. Reid, Vichy	6.3
2. King, Le Havre	5.9
3. Woodside, Gravelines	5.9
4. Taylor, Limoges	5.8
5. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.7
6. Linehan, Nancy	5.7
7. Wright, Limoges	5.5
8. Walsh, AS.	5.0
9. Diabate, Roanne	4.8
10. Sciarra, Pau-La.	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3

1. Linehan, Nancy	3.0
2. Diot, Le Mans	2.4
3. Walsh, AS.	2.2
4. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.	2.0
5. Darden, Nancy	2.0
6. Sangare, Le Havre	1.9
7. Elegar, Vichy	1.9
8. Albicy, Paris-Le.	1.8
9. Diabate, Roanne	1.8
10. Schilb, Chalon	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.6
2. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.5
3. Falker, Cholet	1.5
4. Jefferson, AS.	1.4
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.4
6. Issa, Gravelines	1.4
7. Sene, Gravelines	1.2
8. Koffi, Le Mans	1.2
9. Fofana, AS.	1.1
10. Pasco, Strasbourg	1.1

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Sonko, Maurienne	18.9
2. Siggers, Rouen	18.5
3. Harris, Lille	18.5
4. Carter, Nanterre	17.9
5. Rouse, Charleville	17.1
6. Davis, Le Portel	16.2
7. Milbourne, Boulogne	16.2
8. Gay, Fos Ouest	16.0
9. Labeyrie, Le Portel	15.4
10. Daniels, Nanterre	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Barber, Nantes	10.1
2. Mathis, Maurienne	9.4
3. Daniels, Chalons-.	9.4
4. Bing, Dijon	9.2
5. Rouse, Charleville	8.7
6. Wyatte, Le Portel	8.6
7. Monds, Bourg	8.5
8. Badiane, Boulazac	8.1
9. Giles, Rouen	8.0
10. Monroe, Boulogne	8.0

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.0
2. Rowland, Le Portel	6.6
3. Downey, Nantes	5.8
4. Patiejunas, Boulo.	5.6
5. Oliver, Bourg	5.4
6. Taylor, Rouen	5.0
7. Williams, Le Portel	5.0
8. Mullins, Chalons-.	4.9
9. Craven, Dijon	4.7
10. Denave, St Vallier	4.7

Steals Per Game

Kyle SHILOH
  St Vallier
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.6
2. Doyne, Charleville	2.6
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.5
4. Daniels, Chalons-.	2.4
5. Craven, Dijon	2.4
6. Sonko, Maurienne	2.3
7. Patiejunas, Boulo.	2.2
8. Melody, Dijon	2.1
9. Mullins, Chalons-.	2.1
10. Leloup, Dijon	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.8
2. Jefferson, Quimper	1.3
3. Monds, Bourg	1.0
4. Barber, Nantes	1.0
5. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
6. Daniels, Nanterre	0.9
7. N''Diaye, Clermont	0.9
8. Taccoen, Lille	0.9
9. Davis, Evreux	0.9
10. Mathis, Maurienne	0.7

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GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Johnson, Webmoebel	21.0
2. Shepherd, Osnab.	20.2
3. Roessler, Karlsruhe	18.6
4. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	18.1
5. Watts, Dragons	17.7
6. Brooks, Kirchheim	17.7
7. Cook, Cuxhaven	17.2
8. Yearby, Cuxhaven	17.0
9. Alexander, ETB W.	17.0
10. Samarco, Webmoebel	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Smallwood, Kirchheim	10.8
2. Yearby, Cuxhaven	9.9
3. Black, Karlsruhe	8.8
4. Watts, Dragons	8.7
5. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	8.6
6. Schoo, Heidelberg	8.3
7. De Michael, Kirchheim	8.0
8. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	7.9
9. Shaw, Chemnitz	7.8
10. Heindel, Freiburg	7.1

Assists Per Game

Aaron COOK
  Cuxhaven
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Cook, Cuxhaven	6.6
2. Zazai, Chemnitz	5.9
3. Gray, Crailsheim	5.8
4. Brooks, Kirchheim	5.5
5. Johnson, Webmoebel	5.1
6. Larsen, Dragons	4.6
7. Jeka, Wuerzburg	4.5
8. Burnette, Osnab.	4.5
9. Lowery, Braves	4.4
10. Hamann, B.Muenchen	4.3

Steals Per Game

Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Johnson, Webmoebel	3.0
2. Gause, Freiburg	2.8
3. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	2.3
4. Zazai, Chemnitz	2.1
5. Burns, Webmoebel	1.9
6. Johnson, Chemnitz	1.9
7. Alexander, ETB W.	1.9
8. Brooks, Kirchheim	1.8
9. Scott, Kirchheim	1.7
10. Shaw, Chemnitz	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jonas WOHLFARTH-BOTTERMANN
  Telekom Baskets
  (207-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	2.1
2. Smallwood, Kirchheim	2.1
3. Williams, Karlsruhe	1.8
4. Schoo, Heidelberg	1.6
5. Hill, Jena	1.4
6. Yearby, Cuxhaven	1.4
7. Shaw, Cuxhaven	1.3
8. Fleetwood, Osnab.	1.3
9. Henry, Hannover	1.3
10. De Michael, Kirchheim	1.1

Tim Burnette (s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg) We Did It! Finished Out The End Of The Season Strong! - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Timothy Burnette (188-G-82, college: Tarleton St.) is a 28 year old 193cm guard that was born in San Antonio, Texas. He played at North Carolina-Wilmington (NCAA) from 2001-2003 and then transfered to Tarleton State (NCAA) for the 2003-2004 season. In his rookie season in 2004-2005, he played in Germany for 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 1 game: 29pts, next month moved to BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2005-2006, he played for Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 13 games: 2.8ppg. In 2006-2007, he played for TS Goeppingen (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five), in Nov.'06 moved to Kirchheim Knights (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 21 games: 19.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 49%, 3FGP: 30.7%, FT: 68.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Knights (Germany-ProB, starting five): 28 games: 21.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.1%. In 2008-2009, he went to Austria to play for kelag Worthersee Piraten (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 29 games: 20.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.4apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 75.2%. Last season he played for Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 21 games: 8.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 78.9%. This season, he started for Pro ballers osnabrueck before going to s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg to help the team advance to the beko BBL. He spoke to eurobasket following the win against BV Chmenitz on the last game day.

Congrats on the 77-61 win against BV Chemnitz and reaching the beko BBL. What was your first thought as the buzzer sounded after 40 minutes?

We did it! Finished out the end of the season strong!

Where would you rate this win with other big games in your career?

I would rate this one number 3. Under the two Conference Championships won while at UNCW.

How was the mood in the team shortly before the game? Was there more nervousness or just healthy self confidence?

Everyone was confident in the game plan and what they had to do! So, I would say it was more like we couldn't wait to play.

Wurzburg had the 40-30 lead at halftime. What was key in the first half for having the comfortable lead?

We attacked the basket from the start and got them in some foul trouble early. We wanted Chemnitz to have to play there bench players.

In the second half, Wurzburg kept control of the game. What was the biggest strength of Wurzburg in the second half?

In the second half, we rebounded the ball better and had more stamina towards the end. We played the second half with the will to finish.

You came very late to the team. How quickly were you integrated into the team and which teammate helped you the most?

Everything was smooth, I picked up the plays and defensive concept fast. I was welcomed by all the players on this team but I would say Lars Buss helped me the most.

BV Chemnitz had a lot of support from usual guys like Johnson, Harbut and Zazai, but was a big difference the benches?

Yes, that was the big difference!

What did you enjoy most this season with s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg?

I enjoyed playing at the S. Oliver Arena in front of all the Wuerzburg Basket Fans!!!

Kevin Love was named the most improved player. Were you surprised by his rapid development this season?

Yeah, he had a great season. Just like most of the players from the U.S. Team that won the Worlds!

The Los Angeles Lakers have the 2-1 lead over the Hornets. Is this series over?

No, I want it to be the year of the under dog in the NBA.

Rajon Rondo exploded against The New York Knicks with 15 points, 20 assists and 11 rebounds. After struggling the last months, is Rondo back for good or was this just a fluke?

I think he is back. I think he knows how important this playoff year is for him and his team.

Please end this sentence. The Indiana Paces coming back down from 3-0 to win over the Chicago Bulls 4-3 is as likely as.............

Osnabrueck playing in the Pro A again next year!

Thanks Tim for the chat.

Ehingen wins ProB Finals - by Eurobasket News
Ehingen - Leitershofen 91-65

Ehingen won ProB Finlas as they won over Leitershofen 91:65 in the desicive third game. The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 62-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Ehingen/Urspringschule dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Leitershofen's 32. Ehingen/Urspringschule forced 24 Leitershofen turnovers and outrebounded them 36-23 including 16 on the offensive glass. Ehingen/Urspringschule looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Leitershofen's players. It was a great evening for American guard Virgil Matthews (188-83, college: Montana) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 6 assists. Swingman Kevin Bright (198-92) helped adding 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and the other American import guard Michael Mathey (188-87, college: W.Liberty St.) scored 17 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Ehingen: K.Bright 21+4reb+1ast, V.Matthews 20+3reb+6ast, T.Lang 12+4reb+7ast, M.Schick 9+8reb+1ast, F.Boeke 8+5reb, A.Vargas 7+3reb+6ast
Leitershofen: M.Mathey 17+3reb+3ast, D.Uskoski 13+10reb+1ast, D.Veney 7+2reb+1ast, S.Montag 7+1reb+1ast, C.Kemmer 6+1ast, J.Genck 4+2reb

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

GREECE

Aris add Kashirov until the end of the season - by George Fragkos
Aris Thessaloniki has announced the acquisition of Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87), the 23-year-old center, who until recently was playing for Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Kashirov has agreed a contract with the Greek club, which will last up to the end of the season. Aris decided to strengthen even more their front line and after the agreement with Anthony King (206-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL), who has already attended some training sessions, Lefteris Subotic requested one more player.

The chosen one was Kashirov, a very tall center, with great achievements in his career. As a member of CSKA Moscow, the Russian won the national championship and additionally the most important trophy in Europe, the Euroleague. This year he was one of the starting five at Walter Tigers, having an average of 13 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

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

HOLLAND

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Tim BLUE
  Giants
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Blue, Giants	16.4
2. Stokes, BS Weert	16.4
3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	15.6
4. Laing, Magixx	15.3
5. Tiedeman, Giants	15.0
6. Kimbrough, Giants	14.9
7. Mills, Eiffel Towers	14.9
8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	14.8
9. Hilliman, Rotterdam	14.5
10. Borha, Landstede	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Robbie SIHOTA
  Rotterdam
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Sihota, Rotterdam	10.6
2. McDermott, Magixx	10.2
3. Hilliman, Rotterdam	9.6
4. Haryasz, GasTerra	9.4
5. Sanchez, DeFriesl.	8.9
6. Griffin, Giants	8.6
7. Ellis, GasTerra	8.2
8. de Randamie, ABC	8.0
9. Hamm, BS Weert	7.6
10. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	7.6

Assists Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Turner, Eiffel T.	5.4
2. Bauscher, GasTerra	4.9
3. Stokes, BS Weert	4.1
4. Kimbrough, Giants	4.0
5. Jansen, Eiffel T.	3.6
6. Marshall, Lands.	3.6
7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden	3.5
8. Bostain, GasTerra	3.5
9. Williams, DeFriesland	3.3
10. Mladenovic, Rotte.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jason DOURISSEAU
  GasTerra
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Dourisseau, GasTe.	2.4
2. Turner, Eiffel T.	2.3
3. Taylor, Magixx	2.2
4. Marshall, Lands.	2.1
5. Ellis, GasTerra	2.1
6. McDermott, Magixx	2.0
7. Jackson, ZZ Leiden	2.0
8. Stokes, BS Weert	2.0
9. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	2.0
10. Bostain, GasTerra	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcel AARTS
  Eiffel Towers
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Aarts, Eiffel T.	1.4
2. Hairston, BS Weert	1.3
3. Blue, Giants	1.1
4. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.0
5. Mullery, Landstede	0.9
6. Hamm, BS Weert	0.9
7. McDermott, Magixx	0.8
8. Bekkering, ZZ Le.	0.8
9. Hulzebos, Landstede	0.8
10. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	0.8

Team-by-Team Outlook Dutch Basketball League Playoffs - Gas Terra Flames - by Greg
GasTerra Flames Groningen
Record: 29-7
Head coach: Marco van den Berg

Strengths:

Gas Terra Flames have the deepest team in the eredivisie, a strong inside rotation of Matt Haraysz, John Turek and Jason Ellis, as well as scorers in the backcourt of Matt Bauscher and Robby Bostain. Both Ellis and Jason Dourisseau are the backbone of this team, and are lockdown defenders. Coach van den Berg can put different combinations on the floor whether it is going big or playing smallball. The Flames are scoring a league-best 80.1 ppg, tops in rebounding, steals and assists. Haraysz is a double-double threat every game, the best inside scorer in the Dutch eredivisie. The Martiniplaza crowd is the 6th man for the Flames.

Weaknesses:

The Flames are the worst free throw shooting team in the eredivisie, making only 61.7% from the line total. After a 26-2 start, the Flames have hit bumps in the road, closing out the regular season at 3-5. During that 3-5 period, the Flames have not been clicking on all cylinders on the defensive end, being vulnerable to quicker point guards and containing the dribble drive game. The rotations that were so sharp in the 1st half of the season have been inconsistent at the worst time. The team lacks a defined go-to guy in the clutch, perhaps as a result of having too much of a luxury of having players in the past who were previous top scorers for their respective teams. The distraction of the too early decision of parting ways with head coach van den Berg.

Outlook:

Over the past few weeks there have been clinks in the armour exposed in the Gas Terra Flames arsenal. The uncertainty of the future aspects of the Gas Terra Flames team has left regardless a black mark and distraction. The Flames showed their true grit in winning the Dutch Cup title, but the road to the championship this time will be more difficult. For this team to get its mojo back (and not to mention an excellent parting gift for van den Berg), it will have to get its defensive intensity back that brought them this far, as well as valuing the ball possessions better, stopping penetration and making their free throws. If not, it will be a sad ending for everyone involved. Their 1st round opponent BS Weert and Glenn Stokes will be licking their chops and will not make it any easier for them. The Flames have an excellent 6th man in the Martiniplaza, they have to come up with a way to gain their mojo back if it expects to ride off into the sunset with the title remaining in Groningen.

Team-by-Team Outlook Dutch Basketball League Playoffs - Eiffel Towers - by Greg
Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
Record: 26-10
Head coach: Raoul Korner
Key players: Frank Turner (178-G-88), Julien Mills (193-G/F-85), Kees Akerboom (200-F-83), Rogier Jansen (188-G-84)

Strengths:
Excellent chemistry, strong perimeter game, strong core of Dutch players with vast experience and scoring prowess. Eiffel Towers value their offensive possessions well, resulting in the fewest turnovers in the Dutch league. The improved play of inside players Marcel Arts and Jeroen van der List this season.

Eiffel Towers are a dangerous team with the ball in Turner's hands. Turner is strong at breaking his defender down off the dribble, changing speeds and can find the open man in the lane. Julien Mills is a capable scorer who compliments Turner well. Jansen and Akerboom stretches the defense, giving Korner reliable threats.

Weaknesses:
Eiffel Towers lack a true inside scoring threat, and a defined defensive inside stopper. C.J. Jackson has yet to make an impact on the offensive end and Arts, while vastly improved, still has moments of inconsistency. Jansen is combustible and can sometimes work against his team. A true backup point guard to give Turner some rest and not lose on floor leadership.

Outlook:
Eiffel Towers can be a darkhorse title threat, but in order to do that must beat both Gas Terra Flames and ZZ Leiden if it comes to that. In the regular season however, their combined record of 2-6 was vs. both teams. Korner is a motivated, energetic coach who has instilled some integrity and true grit into the club and the players have responded well to it. The sky is the limit for Eiffel Towers.

Team-by-Team Outlook Dutch Basketball League Playoffs - Magixx Kidsright - by Greg
Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen
Record: 22-14
Head coach: Michael Schuurs
Key players: Brian Laing (195-G/F-85), Zaire Taylor (193-G-86), Markel Humphrey (198-F-87), Geoff McDermott (203-F-87), Thijs Vermeulen (194-F-85), Nick Oudendag (210-C/F-87)

Strengths:
Magixx Kidsright are both strong on the backboards and on the open court. Only Gas Terra Flames forced more turnovers than Magixx Kidsright. The quartet of Laing, Taylor, Humphrey and McDermott are the engine that runs this team. When their open court game is on, are capable of beating every team in the league.

Weaknesses:
Despite its strong play on the glass, this is a weak boxing out team. They struggle vs. teams with strong scoring inside players. Their inside players can be easily lured into making silly fouls. Can sometimes depend too much on Taylor to carry the scoring load. Laing has shown flashes of brilliance this season, as evidence in a 41-point effort vs. De Friesland Aris, but managed to score only 2 pts. the following game vs. Gas Terra Flames. Magixx relies too much on 1-on-1 action at times, perhaps to compensate for lack of consistent three-point shooting (only 27.9% total).

Outlook:
Magixx are a well coached team under Schuurs, who always makes the best out of every situation with the clubs standing. For this team to win, Laing must be capable of making consistent plays, it starts with him. This could lead to a ripple effect for the rest of the team. They will be tested vs. a more confident De Friesland Aris team. They must bring their A-game with them, otherwise will be an early vacation.

Results Dutch Basketball League playoffs - by Greg
Monday night in Amsterdam #1 Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden made the next step towards their march to the Dutch championship with an impressive win in eliminating ABC Amsterdam, while in DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden remained alive thanks to the heroic efforts of Todd Brown (196-G-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Wright St.) in the last seconds in winning over Magixx Kidsright.

In the Sporthallen-Zuid on Monday, balanced scoring strong field goal defense and defensive rebounding, and getting to the free throw line helped enable ZZ Leiden to end ABC Amsterdam's season en route to an impressive 79-58 win. Monta McGhee got ZZ going in the 1st half with 5 of 6 from behind the arc to stake ZZ to a 38-30 lead. ABC Amsterdam managed to get ZZ's inside tandem of Ross Bekkering and Jesse Smith in foul trouble, but could not sustain it in the 2nd half. The strong play by Seamus Boxley more than made up for it. A 19-5 run by ZZ in crunch time was the nail in the coffin. McGhee and Boxley led ZZ with 19 pts. each. Hicham Kherazzi led Amsterdam with 18 pts. The win allows ZZ Leiden to wait out the results of the Magixx Kidsright-De Aris winner to determine their next opponent. Meanwhile the team of Hakim Salem season ends, but they deserve credit for the excellent job they did in providing the Dutch league with sorely needed exposure for young Dutch talent.

In the Kalverdijk sporthal it was once again a thriller for the Aris faithful, as the De DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden Aris fans got their money's work, thanks to two free throws by hero Todd Brown with 0 seconds remaining, keeping the dream alive for De DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden Aris in winning 71-70. It was reminiscent of the battles that took place between these teams during the regular season. Brian Laing had his A-game (28 pts.), but Magixx struggled to knock down its free throws (only 5 of 11), plus foul trouble by Geoff McDermott (only 3 pts.) , and Zaire Taylor's 1 for 10 shooting (only 3 pts) was their Achilles' heel. Mark Sanchez had a strong game, with a double-double of 20 pts. and 13 rebounds. Manny Adako added 18 and Brown 14. It will be 'win or go home' for both teams in Nijmegen on Thursday.

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IBL

Gary Guard Recalls anguish of losing title game at buzzer - by John Gary
thanks to oursportscentral.com The gut wrenching feeling still is received by TJ JACKSON. Watching the NCAA tourney upsets on tv reignited it.The dynamic moment for the Gary Splash guard and his mates came January 16th in the finals of the IBLs first winter season. He has since lived with this difficult moement in his life ever since.The club lost to a very good opponent but that did not take away memories of the loss.

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IRAN

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Mahram		20-2
2. Zob Ahan		19-3
3. Petrochimi		17-5
4. Tarabari Qom		16-6
5. T.E.Kashan		15-7
6. Azad		10-12
7. Gorgan		8-14
8. Caspian		7-15
9. B.A. Shiraz		7-15
10. M.H.Ahvaz		6-16
11. Shahrekord		5-17
12. Pouya		2-20

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ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 27.2

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	27.2
2. Hall, Beer Yaakov	24.3
3. Moragne, Hapoel B.	23.4
4. Clemente, Megido.	23.0
5. Miller, Megido/Y.	22.3
6. Delaney, Maccabi .	21.4
7. Young, Hod Hasharon	20.8
8. Gomez, Beer Yaakov	20.4
9. Timberlake, Elitzu.	20.2
10. Wade, Lev Hasharon	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Johnson, Ironi N.	12.6
2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	11.6
3. Clemente, Megido.	11.4
4. Brandy, Hod H.	10.1
5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	9.8
6. McFarlin, Lev H.	9.0
7. Wade, Lev Hasharon	9.0
8. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	8.9
9. Strong, Hapoel T.	8.9
10. Moragne, Hapoel B.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Yaron LAHAT
  Hapoel T-A
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	6.6
2. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	6.6
3. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	6.4
4. Shaashoua, Hapoel T.	5.9
5. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	5.8
6. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	5.7
7. Fisher, Ironi R.	4.7
8. Timor, Hapoel Tivon	4.6
9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	4.4
10. Harush, Kohav Yair	4.3

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	3.0
2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	2.6
3. Bochman, Beer Y.	2.5
4. Markson, Hapoel A.	2.2
5. Delaney, Maccabi .	2.2
6. Shaashoua, Hapoel T.	2.1
7. Lev, Maccabi HBK	2.0
8. Fisher, Ironi R.	2.0
9. Naor, Hapoel T-A	2.0
10. Young, Hod Hasharon	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Shelton COLWELL
  Ironi Ramat Gan
  (202-C/F-80)
  Avg: 2

1. Colwell, Ironi R.	2.0
2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	2.0
3. Utter, Hapoel T-A	2.0
4. Strong, Hapoel T.	1.9
5. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri	1.7
6. Johnson, Ironi N.	1.5
7. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.5
8. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	1.4
9. Brandy, Hod H.	1.2
10. Markson, Hapoel A.	1.2

National League Round 2 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Megido/Yokneam - Hapoel T-A 86-88

The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 17-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Hapoel T-A made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Megido/Yokneam helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) scored 27 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) chipped in 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Hapoel T-A players scored in double figures. American forward Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Puerto Rican forward Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St., agency: Global Sports Plaza) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds. Megido/Yokneam's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Hapoel T-A: B.Asbury 27+8reb, A.Uter 22+7reb+4ast, G.Eytan 16+2reb+2ast, Y.Shvartzman 10+1reb+1ast, Y.Lahat 6+8reb+9ast, E.Eliyah 3+1reb
Megido/Yokneam: R.Clemente 26+13reb+1ast, N.Miller 24+12reb+5ast, C.Buchman 11+6reb+1ast, T.Bar Even 9+1reb, J.Shtarkman 5+2reb+3ast, N.Levi 4+1reb+1ast

Elitzur Yavne - Maccabi HBK 85-74

Maccabi HBK was ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 33-14 third quarter run of Elitzur Yavne. Swingman Elad Hofman (192-85) notched 21 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and American guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) supported him with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Elitzur Yavne players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 4 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) by American guard Paul Delaney (188-86, college: UAB, agency: Lanshire Group) did not help to save the game for Maccabi HBK. His fellow American import forward Steffon Bradford (200-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the guests.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Yavne: E.Hofman 21+3reb+5ast, K.Wilson 20+5reb, C.Timberlake 16+8reb+5ast, N.Golan 12+5reb+2ast, Z.Volfer 10+2reb+3ast, G.Cohen 5+2reb
Maccabi HBK: P.Delaney 20+3reb+4ast, S.Bradford 16+8reb, I.Lev 15+6reb, E.Skverer 8+2reb+2ast, N.Matalon 8+2reb+3ast, G.Kantor 5+1reb+1ast

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ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.3

1. White, Dinamo Sassari	20.3
2. Thomas, Air AV	18.2
3. Zoroski, Banca T.	15.8
4. Dean, Air AV	15.7
5. Ford, Fabi Shoes	15.7
6. Roberson, Enel B.	15.5
7. Goss, Cimberio VA	14.9
8. Hunter, Dinamo S.	14.7
9. Troutman, Air AV	14.6
10. Milic, Vanoli CR	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.1
2. Troutman, Air AV	8.3
3. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.3
4. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.3
5. Homan, CS Bologna	8.1
6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	7.9
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.7
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	7.6
9. Suton, Angelico BI	7.4
10. Toure, Enel Brindisi	7.0

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Green, Air AV	6.7
2. Diener, Dinamo S.	4.8
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.4
4. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.9
5. Goss, Cimberio VA	3.9
6. Collins, Scavolin.	3.8
7. Stipcevic, Cimberio.	3.7
8. Zoroski, Banca T.	3.6
9. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.6
10. Markovic, Benetton.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.1
2. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
3. Green, Air AV	2.7
4. Thomas, Air AV	2.7
5. Stonerook, Montepas.	2.6
6. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.6
7. Djedovic, Lottomat.	2.5
8. Collins, Scavolin.	2.4
9. Dasic, Lottomatica	2.4
10. White, Dinamo Sassari	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.3
2. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.3
3. Toure, Enel Brindisi	1.2
4. Hunter, Dinamo S.	1.1
5. Cusin, Scavolini PS	1.0
6. Polonara, Banca T.	1.0
7. Szewczyk, Air AV	1.0
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	1.0
9. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.9
10. Homan, CS Bologna	0.8

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JAPAN

Best players of Japanese BJ League round 52 - by Eurobasket News
American Mikey Marshall (196-G-81, agency: Warren Sports International) had an amazing evening in the last round for Shiga Lakestars and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 52.
The 29-year old guard had a double-double of 26 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Takamatsu FA (#9, 10-38) 95-80. Shiga Lakestars maintains the 4th position in Japanese BJ League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Shiga Lakestars will need more victories to improve their 30-20 record. Marshall turned to be Shiga Lakestars' top player in his first season with the team. Mikey Marshall averages this season 18.1ppg and 7.1rpg. Worth to mention Marshall played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old American guard Sek Henry (193-G-87, agency: Impact Basketball) of Akita Northern Happinets. Henry impressed basketball fans with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course he lead Akita to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Toyama Grouses (#7, 13-31) 88-63. Akita's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 18-32 record. Henry is a newcomer at Akita and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.7ppg (#7). His other stats are also decent: 5.7rpg and 5.0apg.

The third best performed player last round was American Reginald Warren (204-F-81) of Kyoto Hannaryz (#5). Warren showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, fifteen rebounds (!!!) and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of Kyoto Hannaryz, leading his team to a 98-89 win against slightly lower-ranked Shimane (#6, 24-26). Kyoto Hannaryz needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 28 victories and 20 lost games. Warren has a great season in Japan. After 38 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.2rpg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jeral Davis (216-C-84) of Shimane - 24 points and 9 rebounds
5. Wayne Marshall (211-C-86) of Osaka Evessa - 26 points and 4 rebounds
6. Abdullahi Kuso (206-F-84) of Fukuoka Rizing - 20 points and 9 rebounds
7. Yoshiki Yamashiro (188-F-84) of Okinawa GK - 22 points and 5 rebounds
8. Antonio Burks (198-F-82) of Akita - 21 points and 8 rebounds
9. Anthony McHenry (201-G/F-83) of Okinawa GK - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Hirotaka Kondo (184-G-82) of Niigata Albirex - 26 points

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

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JUCO

Colbys Community College mens basketball generation who finally - by Greg
During the last couple seasons, mens basketball program of Colby Community College has been known as cannon fodder. However, the season of 2007/2008, will be remembered as a special year. That year, the team was composed of 13 players (12 freshmens and 1 sophomores), whose potential and talent was at the highest level in America. Before the start of the season, the team aspirations aimed at winning the NJCAA national title. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The team with a huge potential finished at the last place in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (Western Division) with overall record of 7-23. The contributing factors for bad results, as established by the media, were found in the head coach John Woods (record 32-89, 4yrs), who apparently did not know how to use all that talent, and facilitate the basketball program accordingly. Following the bad results at the end of season, 12 players and 2 assistant coaches left the team. Mostly of them were dissatisfied with the situation in the team and results that the team accomplished. For the NJCAA media, fans and coaches the 2007/2008 men's basketball team will be remembered as a diamond that never got a chance to shine. However, just like in any good movie this story has a happy ending.

Some of the players did not continue playing basketball ( 63 guard Mike Boyd, 65 forward Brantrel Graham, 64 guard Anthony Rohr and 68 forward Koance Davis). However, nine members of the former team have been involved in competitive basketball whilst also studying at tertiary level. The following are some of those seven players:

- 61 guard, Andrew Engel graduated last year from Bowie State University NCAA DII;
- 67 forward Travis Franklin who will graduate this year from Colorado State University NCAA DI. Franklin will join two more players who will graduate this year;
- 66 forward Erick Peguero from Washington Adventist University NCAA DII (junior year played for Tennessee State University NCAA DI); and
- 69 forward Milos Bucalo from Emmanuel College NAIA (junior year played for Northern New Mexico NCAA DII, sophomore year at College of Alameda JUCO).

Also, there are three players who sat out a year:

- 60 guard Mikey Doll, junior at Kansas Wesleyan University NAIA (sophomore year played for Bethel College NAIA);
- 611 Everson Lacerda center is junior at St. Thomas University NAIA (redshirt at Hutchinson Community College JUCO, sophomore year at University of the Pacific NCAA DI); and
- 62 Daray Hill guard playing for Washington Adventist University NCAA DII (sophomore year at Dodge City Community College).

Two of them, who made 3 years of break,
- 64 forward Jordan Ottoway is sophomore at Lakeland College, Canada
- 511 guard Tashaun Kelly is sophomore at Allen Community College JUCO.)

Also worth mentioning, Coaches Vu Phan and Peter Sambu are the head coaches today.

-Coach Phan is coaching at Frank Phillips College JUCO

-Coach Peter Sambu is coaching at Lakeland College, Canada.

It is obvious that the team of 2007/2008 had great potential. Not too many JUCO schools can proudly say that 9 of their players continue and felt ardency under the hoops of NCAA DI, DII and NAIA basketball.

Only let-down of this story is that these young players will never get a chance to bring Colby a title.

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LATVIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Derek WILLJAM
  Barons
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 16.2

1. Willjam, Barons	16.2
2. Wilson, Zemgale	16.1
3. Caldwell, Liepaja	15.1
4. Bergmanis, Zemgale	15.1
5. Peiners, LU	14.8
6. Veselovs, Valmiera	14.7
7. Duselis, LU	14.1
8. Mednis, Turiba	13.8
9. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs	13.3
10. Berzins, VEF R.	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Roberts MEDNIS
  Turiba
  (204-C-89)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Mednis, Turiba	7.9
2. Rozitis, Zemgale	7.5
3. Berzins, VEF R.	7.5
4. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	7.3
5. Wilson, Zemgale	7.2
6. Selakovs, VEF R.	6.3
7. Veselovs, Valmiera	6.0
8. Cavars, Barons	6.0
9. Piternieks, LU	5.9
10. Dilevka, Turiba	5.7

Assists Per Game

Dairis BERTANS
  VEF Riga
  (192-G/F-89)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Bertans, VEF R.	4.7
2. Gabrans, Valmiera	4.5
3. Strelnieks, Ventspils	4.2
4. Willjam, Barons	4.0
5. Carter, Ventspils	3.8
6. Mitchell, Liepaja	3.7
7. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.7
8. Gailitis, VEF R.	3.5
9. Piternieks, LU	3.2
10. Metra, Zemgale	2.7

Steals Per Game

Gatis JAHOVICS
  VEF Riga
  (200-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Jahovics, VEF R.	2.2
2. Gailitis, VEF R.	1.9
3. Strelnieks, Ventspils	1.7
4. Mitchell, Liepaja	1.7
5. Motivans, Turiba	1.6
6. Cavars, Barons	1.6
7. Gabrans, Valmiera	1.6
8. Bertans, VEF R.	1.6
9. Slisans, LU	1.6
10. Rozitis, LU	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Berzins, VEF R.	2.1
2. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.8
3. Beard, Liepaja	1.2
4. Skirmants, Barons	1.1
5. Mejeris, Liepaja	1.0
6. Piternieks, LU	0.8
7. Kuzminskas, Ventspils	0.8
8. Blaus, Ventspils	0.8
9. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	0.8
10. Meiers, Liepaja	0.8

LBL Round 1 of Semi-Finals. VEF Riga and Ventspils open win count - by Eurobasket News
Ventspils - Barons 78-66

Ventspils prevailed in the opening game against Barons. The game was mostly controlled by Ventspils. Barons was better in fourth quarter 18-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barons were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Arturs Strelnieks (196-85) nailed 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and American forward Brandon Hunter (201-80, college: Ohio) accounted for 12 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Derek Willjam (185-85, college: SMU) came up with 15 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import swingman Devin Sweetney (198-87, college: St.Francis, PA, agency: Strategic Sports) added 8 points respectively for Barons in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: S.Kuzminskas 15+3reb+1ast, B.Hunter 12+8reb, A.Strelnieks 11+9reb+1ast, J.Strelnieks 9+2reb+2ast, A.Vairogs 7+2reb+1ast, A.Berzins 6+4reb+2ast
Barons: D.Willjam 15+7reb+3ast, R.Feldmanis 9+4reb, D.Sweetney 8+4reb+1ast, I.Bankevics 7, K.Pishchalnikov 6+5reb, M.Skirmants 6+2reb

VEF Riga - Liepaja 71-69

VEF Riga had a narrow escape against Liepaja in the first game of the semifinal series. The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 26-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. VEF Riga forced 19 Liepaja turnovers. International swingman Dairis Bertans (192-89) stepped up and scored 20 points for the winners and American forward Tyler Cain (203-88, college: S.Dakota) chipped in 8 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side the former international center Jurijs Aleksejevs (203-85) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and American guard Pierce Caldwell (191-88, college: Incarnate World) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds.
Top scorers:
VEF Riga: D.Bertans 20+3reb+2ast, A.Parakhouski 13+2reb, S.Valters 8+1reb+3ast, T.Cain 8+11reb+2ast, K.Janicenoks 8+4reb+2ast, B.Bakic 7+3reb
Liepaja: J.Aleksejevs 19+13reb, P.Caldwell 19+8reb+2ast, M.Mejeris 10+7reb, A.Mitchell 9+5reb+5ast, M.Kravcenko 8+5reb+2ast, M.Meiers 2+2reb+2ast

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LITHUANIA

Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian NKL Awards 2010-11 - by Karol

All-Lithuanian NKL 1st Team

Mockevicius

Harrison

Petraitis

Sragauskis

Player of the Year: Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) of Akademija
Guard of the Year: Sarunas Vingelis (192-G-89) of LKKA-Atletas
Forward of the Year: Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-F-86) of LKKA-Atletas
Center of the Year: Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) of Akademija
Import Player of the Year: Darrick Leonard (188-G-84) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
Domestic Player of the Year: Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-F-86) of LKKA-Atletas
Defensive Player of the Year: Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) of Akademija
Coach of the Year: Rimantas Endrijaitis of Pieno Zvaigzdes

1st Team
G: Bryan Harrison (188-84) of Mazeikiai
G: Sarunas Vingelis (192-89) of LKKA-Atletas
G/F: Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) of Delikatesas
F: Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-86) of LKKA-Atletas
C: Egidijus Mockevicius (204-92) of Akademija

2nd Team
G: Gintautas Vileita (194-75) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
G: Darrick Leonard (188-84) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
G/F: Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) of Delikatesas
F: Audrius Mineikis (202-77) of Radviliskis
C: Mindaugas Kupsas (215-91) of Zalgiris-Sabonio

Honorable Mention
Evaldas Jurkus (190-G-84) of Silute
Darius Tarvydas (200-F-91) of Puntukas
Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-G-85) of Radviliskis
Laurynas Jacevicius (193-G/F-88) of Perlas-MRU

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Gintautas Vileita (194-75) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
G: Sarunas Vingelis (192-89) of LKKA-Atletas
G/F: Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) of Delikatesas
F: Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-86) of LKKA-Atletas
C: Egidijus Mockevicius (204-92) of Akademija

All-Defensive Team
Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) of Akademija
Vytautas-Edvardas Pikalavicius (196-F/G-90) of Delikatesas
Azeez Oladimeji (204-F-89) of Radviliskis
Darrick Leonard (188-G-84) of Pieno Zvaigzdes
Bryan Harrison (188-G-84) of Mazeikiai

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Vilmantas DILYS
  Perlas
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris	16.4
2. Kieza, Juventus	16.1
3. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.0
4. Alijevas, Nevezis	14.9
5. Dilys, Perlas	14.9
6. Vasylius, Neptunas	14.8
7. Sirvydis, Sakalai	14.0
8. Ruikis, Neptunas	13.9
9. Juskevicius, Rudupis	13.9
10. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Kieza, Juventus	10.1
2. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	9.2
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	7.8
4. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.1
5. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	7.1
6. Jankunas, Zalgiris	6.6
7. Adomavicius, Alytus A.	6.5
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.5
9. Valukonis, Techasas	6.4
10. Dilys, Perlas	6.4

Assists Per Game

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

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.9
2. Broadus, Siauliai	5.2
3. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.0
4. Juskevicius, Rudupis	4.6
5. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.4
6. Viskontas, Perlas	4.3
7. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris	4.1
8. Collins, Zalgiris	4.0
9. Janavicius, Siauliai	4.0
10. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	3.8

Steals Per Game

Adas JUSKEVICIUS
  Rudupis
  (194-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Juskevicius, Rudupis	2.1
2. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.1
3. Leonavicius, Techa.	2.1
4. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris	1.9
5. Rinkevicius, Techasas	1.9
6. Razutis, Naglis-A.	1.7
7. Valukonis, Techasas	1.7
8. Alijevas, Nevezis	1.7
9. Jasikevicius, Aiscai K.	1.6
10. Birgelis, Alytus A.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Deng GAI
  Naglis-Adakris
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Gai, Naglis-Adakris	2.9
2. Begic, Zalgiris	2.4
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	1.9
4. Silinskis, Techasas	1.6
5. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.5
6. Volkus, Techasas	1.1
7. Cepukaitis, Juven.	0.8
8. Zelionis, Rudupis	0.8
9. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	0.8
10. Gumenyuk, Siauliai	0.8

Sireika will coach Siauliai next year - by Evaldas Ceilytkas
After poor appearance in this season BC Siauliai (team didnt passed quarterfinals first time in last twelve years in Lithuanian league, didn't passed to final four in BBL) team decided to renew contract with Antanas Sireika for next season. Team decided to keep these players for next year: Rashaun Broadus (182-G-84, college: BYU), Darius Gvezdauskas (192-G-88), Vytautas Sarakauskas (203-C-82), Edvinas Ruzgas (198-G-87, college: TCU), Mindaugas Zukauskas (201-F-75, agency: World Sport Agency), Ignas Ramasauskas (210-C-93) Roman Gumenyuk (221-C-87), Vitali Liutych (198-G/F-92), Julius Jucikas (205-C-89).

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

MADAGASCAR

MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Stage Two Standings

SuperLeague
1. Buducnost		6-0
2. Mornar Bar		3-2
3. Lovcen		3-3
4. Ulcijn		3-3
5. Teodo Tivat		2-4
6. Jedinstvo		1-6
Play-Out
1. KK Podgorica		5-3
2. Mogren		5-3
3. Danilovgrad		4-3
4. ABS Primorje		4-4
5. Gorstak		1-6

Stage One Standings

MNE1A S-League 7.Round : Buducnost easy against the Jedinstvo, derby at Cetinje - by Dragan Scepanovic
In premier match 7th MNE1A Super League rounds played basketball tonight Jedisntvo - Buducnost, and program tomorrow at the remaining two duels.
As expected, Buducnost is easy to beat Jedinstvo in Bijelo Polje. Team form Podgorica from the start and led at halftime had a 10 point lead (36:26). Playful guests in the middle of the third quarter increased the difference to 25 points, after which they peacefully ended the meeting.

Jedinstvo - Buducnost 52:76 (12:19, 14:17, 5:22, 21:18)
Bijelo Polje SC: Nikoljac. Spect: 300. Reff: Lepetic (Herceg Novi), Vojinovic (Niksic), Koljensic (Podgorica).
Jedinstvo: Kovacevic, Ticevic 5, Sekularac, Miljic 3, Damjanovic, Omerovic 6, Babaca 17, Boban Medenica (204-F-87), Petrovic 7, Vladimir Grdinic (190-G-78) 6, Milosev 2, Marko Ljujic (205-C-90) 6.
Buducnost: Scekic 8, Mihajlovic 8, Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87), Filip Barovic (205-F-90) 10, Simonovic, Kadziulis 16, Dubljevic 10, Milutin Djukanovic (188-G-91) 3, Sead Sehovic (199-F-89) 8, Mugosa, Nesovic 6, Milosevic 7.

MNE1A Play-Off League : Podgorica finished first in the Play-Off league - by Dragan Scepanovic
In the second game of the last, 10.Round of MNE1A Play-out League, Danilovgrad is in Kolasin defeat Gorstak 98:75. Podgorica Survival League finished first, ahead of Danilovgrad and Mogren.Danilovgrad is in the second match of the last round in Kolasin was better than the team Gorstak 98:75 (28:20, 25:16, 20:19, 25:20).In the first game of this round yesterday in Mogren in Budva beat Podgorica 80:66 (15:11, 21:22, 22:18, 22:15).In this round the team was free to ABS Primorje.
Three teams finished the league with 13 points, but the Podgorica was the most successful in duels with each other and Mogren and Danilovgrad achieved three wins and suffered one defeat and won first place.Danilovgrad is finished in second place, because the anti-Podgorica, Mogren recorded two wins and as many defeats, while the team from Mogren from Budva celebrated in one of four clashes against teams that finished the season with the same number of points.ABS Primorje finished in fourth place with 12 points, while the Gorstak as last lost its status as premiership club and next season will play in the First B league.

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

NBA

Kobe Bryant's dramatic dunks on sprained ankle lead Lakers past Hornets 106-90 for 3-2 lead - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 19 points and threw down two stirring dunks on a sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers pushed the New Orleans Hornets to the brink of first-round playoff elimination with a 106-90 victory in Game 5 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 series lead.

Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) added 16 points as the two-time defending NBA champions roared back from a slow start in a pivotal game for their threepeat hopes with another dramatic playoff performance by Bryant, who injured his ankle in Game 4.

Trevor Ariza (6'8''-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: UCLA) scored 22 points, Marco Belinelli (6'5''-G-86) added 21, and Chris Paul had 20 points and 12 assists for the seventh-seeded Hornets, who have lost three of four since their stunning Game 1 victory. Ariza hit five 3-pointers, but managed just six points in the second half as the Lakers took control of the game and perhaps the series.

Game 6 is Thursday in New Orleans.

Bryant left New Orleans on crutches two days earlier, but he refused an MRI exam extensive treatment when he got home, with coach Phil Jackson reluctantly agreeing. Postseason injuries are nothing new for the two-time NBA finals MVP, who has persevered through a slew of them during 67 playoff games in the previous three years.

After a slow start, Bryant erased worries about his fitness with a dunk that recalled the days when a younger Kobe wore a No. 8 jersey. Late in the second quarter, he drove the lane with a left-hand dribble, went up with two hands and threw down a right-handed slam over Emeka Okafor, electrifying his Staples Center fans.

He added another crowd-riling slam with his left hand in the third quarter while Los Angeles jumped to an 11-point lead, and he headed back to the locker room early to get more treatment when he came out for good in the final minutes.

While Bryant took the emotional lead, the Lakers got another outstanding low-post game from Bynum, who moved exceptionally well on his own sore knee. Gasol also returned to nearly normal after an awful start to the series, while Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) and Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) added 13 points apiece.

The Hornets made 61 percent of their shots in the first half, but couldn't maintain that pace when the Lakers got down to business. Last spring, the Lakers also faced an even first-round series heading into Game 5 against Oklahoma City, and they responded with eight consecutive wins.

Ariza breezed past Bryant for a layup on the Hornets' opening possession as they came out with no fear of the big Hollywood stage, making 13 of their 16 shots in the first quarter and jumping to a nine-point lead. Paul racked up eight assists in the period, picking up right where he left off in New Orleans.

But Bryant added three more baskets after his dramatic dunk, staking Los Angeles to a 54-51 halftime advantage. Paul kept the Hornets right in it, scoring seven points in the final 2 minutes of the first half.

Paul's triple-double allowed New Orleans to even the series in Game 4, but he struggled to make big plays after getting eight assists in the first quarter. His frustrating night was epitomized in the final minutes when Ron Artest's defense forced him simply to drop the ball on the ground, unable to shoot or to pass after he jumped.

Courtesy of www.newser.com

Magic extend series with 101-76 win over Hawks - by Eurobasket News
The Orlando Magic aren't ready for their season to end just yet.

Facing their first opening round postseason exit since 2007, the Magic blew out the Atlanta Hawks 101-76 on Tuesday night.

Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) scored 17 points and J.J. Redick (6'4''-G-84, college: Duke) added 14 off the bench to lead the Magic.

The win trims Atlanta's series' lead to 3-2 and keeps alive the Magic's hopes of becoming the ninth team in NBA history to win a playoff series after trailing 3-1. If they can win Game 6 Thursday in Atlanta, they would host a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.

Magic center Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85) battled foul trouble throughout the night and had just one field goal, finishing with eight points and eight rebounds. Orlando didn't need his offense, though, as it broke out of a series-long shooting funk with 11 3-pointers.

'We're a good shooting team,' Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. 'This is more of us than what we showed in the first four games...This isn't an aberration. We've been doing this for four years. The first four games were the aberration.'

Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) scored 22 points to lead Atlanta, which shot below 40 percent for just the second time this series.

The Magic cruised in the second half, allowing Howard to log his first extended rest of the series in the fourth quarter as their lead crept above 30 points.

In a short turnaround following his team's loss in Game 4, Van Gundy preached patience over panic to his team. It paid off in a big way as Orlando was unselfish in its half court sets and passed the ball to free up its shooters.

That allowed the Magic to push the pace and keep the game up tempo. The Hawks have won every game with the Magic this season in which it kept them under 90 points.

For the second straight game the Magic's bench got some production led by Redick. It also got 11 points from Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) and nine from Gilbert Arenas, who had erupted for 20 in Game 4.

The Hawks couldn't miss in the first four games, but were cold throughout Tuesday. They shot a series-low 36 percent overall and 25 percent from beyond the arc.

The Magic finished at just 41 percent, but hit 42 percent of their attempts from 3.

'The law of averages is eventually going to even out,' Redick said. 'We didn't shoot amazing tonight, but we shot very well.'

But more importantly they held Atlanta sixth-man Jamal Crawford, who came in averaging a team-best 24 points, to just eight on 2 of 8 shooting.

'They had a good run,' Crawford said. 'They were making shots. They came out with a nothing to lose-type attitude. You could sense it and you have to tip your hat to them.'

The Magic were able to coast based on what they did much earlier in the game.

Orlando put together easily its best half of the series in building a 58-35 halftime lead.

Everyone was involved as the Magic, who led by as many as 24 points in the half, moved the ball in the half court to open up great looks from the perimeter. Following another cold start, Orlando picked things up in the second quarter and finished the half shooting 45 percent and 46 percent from beyond the arc (6 for 13).

Richardson had 12 by the break.

Smith paced Atlanta with 11 first-half points, but the Hawks struggled on offense, going 13 for 38 (34 percent) - making just two 3s. They also had eight turnovers that led to nine of Orlando's points.

The Magic were leading 10-8 when Howard picked up his second personal foul of the night with 5:40 left in the first, but Orlando closed with a 16-5 run without him. Redick had the hot hand, going 5 for 5 in the period and scoring the Magic's last 11 points.

Atlanta was just 3 for 19 in the first quarter.

Hawks coach Larry Drew said though they would have liked to close out the series Tuesday, he doesn't think his team has was rattled by the lopsided night.

'We're in a situation where we still feel good about ourselves,' Drew said. 'We'll go back home. We still have an opportunity. Our fans are gonna be behind us, just as they're fans were behind them. So we're gonna put this game behind us as fast as we can.'

Likewise, Van Gundy said everyone in the Magic's locker room knew Tuesday night was just the first step in a long road back.

'I think our guys have the right mindset right now,' he said. 'I don't think there'll be any celebrating. I don't think we'll even celebrate five or 10 minutes...We know what we're capable of and we're going to have to bring that same thing.'

Notes: The Magic set a playoff franchise record for fewest turnovers in a game with six. ... Tuesday marked just the second time in the series that the Hawks didn't hold a double-digit lead at some point during the first half.

Courtesy of www.newsobserver.com

Rose, Bulls eliminate Pacers, 116-89 - by Eurobasket News
Sitting on the bench with four fouls and his team struggling, Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) pleaded with his coach to put him back in the game.

Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau took the risk and his All-Star guard responded, lifting the Bulls to the second round.

Rose scored 25 points, Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 24 and Chicago finally played like a top seed, knocking off the Indiana Pacers 116-89 in Game 5 to wrap up their first-round playoff series Tuesday night.

The top-seeded Bulls can breathe a little easier after getting a dominant performance by their MVP candidate and an emphatic win that came on the heels of four dramatic games.

They can also turn their attention to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they'll meet Atlanta or Orlando.

'Speechless right now,' Rose said. 'I really can't believe it. It's a great accomplishment. I'm happy for my teammates, happy for my coaching staff. They did a really great job.'

Rose seemed just fine after spraining his left ankle in Game 4. He had it taped and acknowledged he was a bit apprehensive at first, but he wound up hitting 8 of 17 shots. He dominated in the early going and came up big in the third after the Pacers pulled within four. He scored 10 points over the final six minutes after returning with four fouls, and Chicago ended the quarter on a 23-8 run to blow the game open.

The Bulls hit 14 of 31 3-pointers, including five by Keith Bogans (6'5''-G-80, college: Kentucky) (15 points) and three each by Deng and Rose. Deng also had seven assists and six rebounds.

Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) added 14 points and eight rebounds, and the Bulls won a playoff series for the first time since they swept Miami in the first round in 2007 and only the second time since the championship era. It was clearly their most impressive performance of the postseason even though Carlos Boozer scored just two points.

'All year long, we've focused in on going step by step,' Thibodeau said. 'I think once you start skipping steps and looking at all the other stuff, that's when you get lost. So we knew we were capable of playing better, although when you look at the series, to be up 3-1, you've got to do a lot of things well, too.'

Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) scored 20 for the Pacers and had some strong words afterward for Noah. He accused Noah of throwing elbows that ultimately led to a technical foul for A.J. Price after an altercation with Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85, college: N.Carolina) and an ejection by Josh McRoberts later in the game.

'He's a dirty player, honestly,' Granger said.

'Everyone knows in the league Jo is not dirty,' Deng countered.

Tyler Hansbrough had 14 points and 11 rebounds, but the Pacers trailed the entire way and committed 21 turnovers.

The Pacers had just scored seven straight to pull within 61-57 midway through the third with Rose on the bench with four fouls when the Bulls put them away.

Taj Gibson actually started the barrage with a 19-footer. Rose, who had just returned, then went to work.

'They made a run and got it close, but we made a run and it really became contagious,' Deng said. 'Guys were just hitting shots and we moved the ball really well.'

Rose hit a 3-pointer, blocked Hibbert down low, and hit another 3. Then, he stole the ball from Nick Collison and got fouled on the break, hitting 1 of 2 free throws to make it 70-57 with 4:32 left in the quarter.

Rose nailed another 3 two minutes later to make it 75-60, and Bogans buried two more as the lead hit 82-65 with 42 seconds left.

'The biggest challenge is they're good at countering everything you throw at them,' Pacers interim coach Frank Vogel said.

They tried trapping again. They tried running him off picks. It didn't matter, though.

'Derrick Rose puts a lot of pressure on you to change your style,' Vogel said.

Things took a nasty turn in the closing seconds of the third when McRoberts threw an elbow at Noah and got ejected.

The two were starting to run the other way after a missed 3-pointer by Rose. McRoberts said he was elbowed in the throat by Noah and was simply retaliated when swung his right elbow. That blow missed, but McRoberts got called for the flagrant foul 2 and got tossed.

'I was trying to shove back to defend myself,' he said.

Noah, who hit both free throws with 2.5 seconds left to make it 84-65, said: 'I wasn't dirtier than anyone else. It was a battle down there. I wasn't trying to hurt anybody. I was just trying to win.'

The series win is another big step for a rebuilt team that leaped into the championship picture, igniting the fan base in a way not seen since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were leading the way.

How they got here is well documented:

- The firing of coach Vinny Del Negro and hiring of Tom Thibodeau after back-to-back 41-win seasons and first-round exits;

- The roster overhaul that brought in Boozer and a deep rotation after LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joined in Miami;

- The continued climb of Rose from Rookie of the Year to All-Star to possible MVP.

Where they go from here remains to be seen. This much is certain, though. Anything less than a deep run would be a disappointment, and the Bulls can exhale for now.

The Pacers, meanwhile, can take some satisfaction knowing that they improved in the latter half of the season after Vogel replaced Jim O'Brien, then pushed the Bulls before bowing out.

'One thing he did well is we became a team under him,' Hansbrough said.

Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

Game 5 Preview: Chicago Bulls (3-1) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-3) - by Daniel Gibson
CHICAGO---After finally breaking through following three close losses the Indiana Pacers are believers that they can make history and come back to eliminate the Chicago Bulls.

It doesn't matter to them that no team in the history of the NBA has come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win.

'Some team will have to do it at one point right, why not us that's what I think,' said Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico). 'So might as well start with the Indiana Pacers.'

Granger and the Pacers feel more confident than a team down 3-1 normally would because they haven't been dominated one game in the series.

They came in as the eighth seeded team and have stood up to the team with the best record in the league.

'That's what gives us a lot of confidence knowing that those first two games we should have won at least one of them,' said Granger, 'unfortunately we didn't and we had the opportunity. Like I said we had the opportunity and I'm pretty sure on Tuesday night well have the opportunity again, well have to seize the moment this time.'

Darren Collison (6'0''-G-87, college: UCLA) shares the same confident mindset as Granger and he feels that if the Pacers come into Chicago with the same mentality and emotion they played with in each game this series, they should be in position to win.

Collison understands that it will take more than emotion and effort.

'Just continue to play with heart and it comes down to execution but at the same time you have to have that mental will to win and that's what we had out of everybody on the team,' said Collison. 'There were times when things got a little shaky but we wanted it so bad that we came together and we stuck it out and we got the victory.'

It is not difficult to see where the players confidence and belief comes from after talking to coach Frank Vogel.

'Were a confident bunch we feel 'why not us,' said Vogel. 'We've played this team toe-to-toe it could easily be 3-1 in our favor. We have confidence playing in their building, we played two really good games there before and were going to try to win game 5.'

The Pacers have defended Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) about as well as a team can. He has been shooting below his season average and last game he only attempted four free-throws.

Rose is coming off of a sprained ankle that appeared to limit his ability to drive to the basket and get his usual elevation on jump shots and layups.

Rose didn't complain or make excuses after the game.

'It's not broken so I'm definitely playing,' said Rose.

Whether Rose is 100 percent or not doesn't affect the Pacers confidence. They believe they can win.

Now its time to play the game.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.8

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.8
2. James, Miami Heat	26.7
3. Wade, Miami Heat	25.3
4. Rose, Chicago B.	25.2
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.2
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.1
9. Martin, Houston R.	23.5
10. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.2

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.2
2. Howard, Orlando M.	14.2
3. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.1
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.0
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.1
6. Humphries, New J.	10.4
7. Noah, Chicago B.	10.4
8. Camby, Portland TB	10.2
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.0
10. Lee, Golde S.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.4
2. Rondo, Boston C.	11.2
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.9
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.3
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.1
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.1
10. Harris, New J.	7.6

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
2. Ellis, Golde S.	2.1
3. Rondo, Boston C.	2.1
4. Felton, New Y.	1.8
5. Wall, Washington W.	1.8
6. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.8
7. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
8. Gay, Memphis G.	1.7
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.7
10. Conley, Memphis G.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.6
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.5
3. McGee, Washingt.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Duncan, San A.	2.0
6. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.0
7. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
8. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
9. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
10. Jordan, LA Clippers	1.8

Mavs bounce back to win Game 5 vs. Trail Blazers - by Eurobasket News
Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) is the active, energetic big man the Dallas Mavericks have never had before. He's also a pretty good strategist.

Knowing the season was basically on the line in Game 5 of their first-round series against Portland, Chandler went to coach Rick Carlisle on Monday morning with a suggestion. Instead of always playing on the weak side of the offense, he wanted to move around to try getting more involved and to have a better chance at grabbing rebounds.

Go for it, Carlisle said.

Chandler wound up with 14 points and 20 rebounds, but his most important contribution might've been setting the aggressive, exciting tone the Mavericks needed to bounce back from a devastating loss and beat the Trail Blazers 93-82. Dallas leads the series 3-2, with two days to rest up before trying to close things out in Game 6 on Thursday night in Portland.

'He's got to be active for us, and he knows that,' Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) said. 'Hyping the crowd, being vocal in the huddle. That's what he's been doing for us all year long. If he keeps playing like that, with energy, we'll be OK.'

The Mavs were fresh off blowing a 23-point lead over the final 14 minutes of Game 4. Instead of having the Trail Blazers on the brink of elimination, they'd given the No. 7 seed new hope of pulling off the upset. Carlisle called it a must-win, a nod to Dallas being 0-4 in Portland this season and to the club having lost eight straight playoff road games.

Between Chandler's new role and a healthy use of a zone defense, the Mavs again found themselves up by double-digits early in the fourth quarter. Only this time they were able to protect it, forcing 10 straight misses and playing smart on offense. Although Dallas' shooting touch was off the Mavs missed their first 10 3-point tries of the second half they got to the foul line and won the rebounding battle.

Dallas not only outrebounded its taller foe 49-37, the Mavs grabbed a whopping 20 offensive rebounds. Chandler had 13, and swatted several more to guards near midcourt. His offensive boards were the most ever by a Dallas player in the playoffs and the most for anyone in the playoffs since Shaquille O'Neal had 14 in 1995.

'They played like they wanted it more than we did,' said Portland's Brandon Roy, who went from scoring 24 points in Game 4 to just five in 26 minutes. 'They played harder than we did. I thought they played a little tougher than in the first four games. They had more of a sense of urgency. Now it's our turn to show that same sense of urgency.'

Nowitzki led Dallas with 25 points, 11 coming in the third quarter, when the Mavericks broke open a tight game with a 15-5 run. Still, everyone was waiting to see whether they could protect it this time.

Chandler made sure of it. He had seven rebounds in the final period, including one that resulted in a layup by J.J. Barea that put Dallas up by 17 and prompted the Blazers to call time out. As the home crowd stood and roared in approval, Chandler walked to the bench with a huge smile, nodding his head and rocking his shoulders.

'Coming out tonight, I knew my team would need me,' he said. 'After a bad loss, a lot of times it can carry over. Tonight, I wanted to bring energy and hope my teammates would feed off it, and they did.'

Chandler was tenacious from the start, putting up seven points and seven rebounds in nine minutes. His teammates weren't as crisp, but they eventually followed his lead.

'At the beginning of the game, both teams were so jacked, neither team could even run a play,' Carlisle said. 'Hey, when guys are playing that hard, it's just playing basketball and making plays. Tyson was the recpient of some stuff and it was great.'

History is certainly on Dallas' side to pull out the series. Of the previous 157 series tied at 2, the Game 5 winner has come out on top 83 percent of the time.

Then again, it could easily still go to a seventh game. The home team has won every game this series.

'Let's hope that it stays that way for us,' Portland coach Nate McMillan said.

Blazers center Marcus Camby (6'11''-F/C-74, college: Massachusetts) warned that his club 'can't rely on being home as a cure-all.'

'We have to play a whole lot better,' he said.

Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) scored 20 points for Dallas and Shawn Marion (6'7''-F-78, college: UNLV) added 14. Jason Kidd had 14 assists and four points, with his only basket coming long after the game was decided.

Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) led Portland with 18 points and Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) scored 18. LaMarcus Aldridge had only 12 points.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Recovering Yao Ming wants to re-sign with Houston Rockets - by Eurobasket News
Rockets center Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Yao says his priority is recovering from the stress fracture to his left ankle that kept him out of all but five games this season. He told reporters in his hometown of Shanghai on Thursday that he hopes to begin workouts once he returns to the U.S.

Yao says his professional future depends on his injury and the outcome of talks between the NBA and its union over a new collective bargaining agreement.

He says he wouldn't consider moving if conditions offered by another team were similar to those given by the Rockets.

With Rick Adelman's departure this week, Houston is searching for a third coach since 2003.

Courtesy of ESPN

NFL ruling a victory for NBA players - by Eurobasket News
The ruling Monday by U.S. District Judge Susan Nelson putting a temporary end to the NFL lockout also was, by extension, a victory for the National Basketball Players Association in its ongoing labor negotiation with the NBA.

In legitimizing the NFL players' move to dissolve their union in the face of the owners' lockout, and granting an injunction to end the lockout pending appeal, Nelson dealt a legal blow to both sports leagues in their efforts to use a lockout as a weapon in collective bargaining.

'This is a victory for all professional sports unions,' said Gabe Feldman, head of the Sports Law Center at Tulane University.

Top officials with the NBA and NBPA were reading every word of Nelson's opinion Monday, but the upshot for the NBA's labor negotiation was clear and resounding: If the NBPA elects to decertify -- in effect, dissolving the union and forfeiting the ability to collectively bargain contracts and work rules -- then Nelson's ruling will stand as federal precedent rendering moot the NBA's presumed tactic of imposing a lockout. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement expires at 12:01 a.m. on July 1.

Anticipating a lockout, the NBPA already has collected enough signatures to approve a vote for decertification, sources told CBSSports.com. Both sides in the NBA labor negotiation have been closely monitoring the NFL labor case, and top NBA negotiators for more than a year have been holding out hope that a decertification by the players would be ruled a 'sham' by federal courts.

But Nelson, the U.S. District Court Judge in Minneapolis, recognized the NFL players' decertification and created a precedent that has conclusive implications for a similar anti-trust lawsuit in the NBA. The NFL quickly announced that it will seek an immediate stay of Nelson's ruling and appeal to a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which will render final judgment.

Thus, the victory for NFL and NBA players 'could be short-lived,' Feldman said. 'If the case stands up on appeal, it gives player unions a significant, though costly, weapon to use as leverage in labor negotiations.'

Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBPA, told SI.com that the decision was 'a great ruling for the players. But it's like the first round of a 15-round fight.' Hunter expects a stay to be granted.

'What it does is put pressure on us to sit down and settle this,' Hunter said. 'We just want a fair deal.'

If NBA owners and players are not able to reach a new collective bargaining agreement by July 1, owners could still impose a lockout. But Nelson's ruling, if upheld on appeal, would make the tactic a moot point. After decertifying, NBA players could file an anti-trust lawsuit in any federal jurisdiction where the NBA does business, but almost certainly would seek out the same court that ruled in the NFL players' favor.

If you're a lawyer or have too much time on your hands, you can read Nelson's 89-page opinion here.

Over the past week, NBA commissioner David Stern has substantially ratcheted down his rhetoric, saying at a Board of Governors meeting in New York and during a playoff media appearance in Philadelphia that a federal court case and potential National Labor Relations Board dispute 'should be avoided.' Stern said he and Hunter are in agreement that having their sport's future taken out of their hands and placed under the authority of the NLRB and/or federal courts would not be desirable.

'The NFL is sort of out there on display,' Stern said last Thursday night in Philadelphia. 'Here they are, they're profitable, but their future somehow is involved in some combination of court cases and NLRB proceedings. On behalf of the NBA -- and I believe, Billy, on behalf of the union -- (we) understand that's a route that should be avoided.'

The NBA and NBPA now will wait potentially several weeks for the Eighth Circuit to rule on the NFL's appeal. In the meantime, Stern said after the most recent Board of Governors meeting in New York that owners intend to submit a second proposal to the players within the next two weeks. As of Monday, sources said that proposal has yet to be submitted.

The two sides in the NBA negotiation remain miles apart on key issues ranging from contract lengths and guarantees to a proposal by owners to scrap the soft-cap/luxury tax system and replace it with a hard cap with no exceptions. Owners have internally discussed a willingness to phase in their changes over several years, but that has yet to soften the players' opposition. Owners and players also continue to disagree strongly on the issue of how much money NBA teams are losing. Stern said recently that 22 of the league's 30 teams are expected to lose money this season, to the tune of $300 million.

NBA owners also seek to change the formula used to determine how much revenue is paid to the players as salary -- known as basketball-relate income, or BRI. Players currently receive 57 percent of BRI, net some expenses, but owners want to net out significantly more expenses before dividing up what's left between players and teams. In their counterproposal to the owners, the NBPA expressed a willingness to discuss a reduction in the players' share of BRI -- an offer that has been met with resistance from the owners, who say it costs too much to generate the revenue players receive.

Courtesy of http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com

Kobe Bryant refuses MRI exam, says he'll play Tuesday - by Eurobasket News
After practice Monday, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was asked if Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) would play in Game 5 of the Hornets series Tuesday.

'He says he'll play,' Jackson said.

The Lakers want Bryant to have an MRI exam and an X-ray on his sprained left ankle, but he's refusing to have either.

Bryant was injured in the final minutes of Sunday's Game 4 loss in New Orleans when he landed awkwardly on his left ankle while defending Willie Green.

Bryant did not speak to the media Monday.

The Western Conference first-round series is tied at 2-2.

Courtesy of http://lakersblog.latimes.com

Derrick Rose will be ready to play in Game 5 against Pacers - by Eurobasket News
Fans might be worrying and the media might be wondering about how Derrick Rose's (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) gimpy left ankle will hold up when the Bulls try to close out the Indiana Pacers tonight.

Even Rose wont go too far out on a limb.

But his teammates arent worrying or wondering.

Well see what happens, center Joakim Noah said Monday. But I dont think hell miss a beat, for some reason.

The reason?

In the NBA these days, its really popular to milk your injuries, to let everyone know how much pain youre playing in, guard Kyle Korver said. But thats not Derrick at all.

''Hes tough. He doesnt ever complain. Hes played with injuries that you guys dont know about. Thats something that, as a teammate, you really respect.

Hes got a huge heart. Hes shown it all year. Yeah, hell be playing. I think hell come out great. Hell be fine.

Rose sat out practice to rest his sprained ankle, but he has no intention of missing Game 5 tonight.

Its not broke, so Im definitely going to be playing, Rose said, Its getting better every day.

Im getting treatment morning and night. The only thing you can do is take a shot and see how it feels.

Take a shot, as in, hell receive a painkiller before the game.

Im getting one for sure, Rose said, adding that he has taken shots twice before in his three-year Bulls career: My rookie year, my wrist was messed up, and I got a shot. And last year, I had to get a shot in my back.

Did it affect his performance? No.

After spraining the ankle Saturday in the first quarter of Game 4, Rose returned quickly and wound up playing 431/2 minutes but was 3-for-16 from the field in the last three quarters after going 3-for-6 before the injury.

I just missed shots, he said. I could say it was my ankle, but theres no excuses when youre playing. Thats the way I think about it.

Rose, whose shots were consistently short after the injury, is confident hell be able to adjust his shot tonight.

Just legs and follow-through, he said. I have a lot of confidence in my shot. That night I was just off.

Rose also has confidence in the formula coach Tom Thibodeau has drawn up:

Be aggressive, the same way we played toward the end of the game [Saturday]. Thats the way we have to play right from the beginning. We have to be more aggressive, just play hard and come out with that edge.

The positives of ending Indianas season tonight are obvious and numerous. Here are three big ones:

1. Rose could rest up that ankle.

2. Rose could rest up that ankle.

3. A city that has become anxiety-riddled even though the Bulls are up 3-1 could exhale and restore its psyche for the next round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, after having an edge all season, Thibodeau has been reassuringly calm during the post-season.

The mere mention of suggestions such as putting more shooters on the floor, or having his big men carry brass knuckles, brings a knowing smile to his face.

Its the playoffs, Thibodeau said. Theres more attention on everything.

And then he served up one of his many off-the-cuff proverbs: The important thing to do is not lose sight of whats important. If you know youve put everything you have into getting ready to play, youll be fine. You just have to go out and do your job.

Well, maybe thats three proverbs. If the Bulls keep them in mind, you have to like their chances of coming up with their fourth victory.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Lakers decline comment on Derrick Caracter's arrest - by Eurobasket News
Lakers rookie forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) walked past a couple of reporters following practice Monday and declined to address his arrest early Sunday morning in New Orleans that involved him allegedly striking a cashier at a restaurant. Nonetheless, Caracter tweeted, 'The truth will come out.. Believe me.'

'We're looking into the situation,' said Lakers spokesman John Black, who addded Caracter's status on the team hasn't changed. 'It's inappropriate to comment further at this time.'

Caracter was detained and booked under several charges: one count of battery for hitting the employee, one count of public intoxication and one for resisting arrest. He was later released from jail after bond was posted. Caracter, 22, reportedly grabbed and shoved a cashier at an IHOP restaurant on Canal Street, according to New Orleans police.

The account, issued in a police news release Monday morning, said the Lakers rookie forward had been refused service at the IHOP because he was 'obviously drunk, unruly.' A police officer was summoned to try to defuse the situation. Backup arrived after Caracter would not cooperate.

Caracter has played a limited role with the Lakers, appearing in 41 games and averaging two points on 48.5% shooting in 5.2 minutes a game. He also had two stints with the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam.

Courtesy of http://lakersblog.latimes.com

Kings minority owners want team to stay in Sacramento - by Eurobasket News
Not all the Kings owners are interested in Anaheim.

Minority owners Bob Cook and Joe Benvenuti, who together hold a 25 percent stake in the team, said they adamantly oppose moving the team out of Sacramento. But both acknowledged as minority owners they may have little say in whether the team stays or goes.

'I don't want 'em to move, but there isn't much I can do about it,' said Benvenuti, a Sacramento developer who owns a 15 percent share of the team and was one of the original group that brought the Kings from Kansas City.

Cook, also a developer, is even more adamantly opposed to a move.

Cook said he called Gavin Maloof, whose family holds a controlling interest, two weeks ago after hearing rumors the Maloofs were negotiating with representatives at the city-owned Honda Center in Anaheim.

Maloof confirmed the family was in negotiations with Anaheim but did not offer details, Cook said.

'I can understand the frustrations of our majority owners,' Cook said. 'We need a multipurpose facility (in Sacramento to replace the current Natomas arena), and we haven't got anything done.'

But if the Maloofs give Cook a say on moving the team, he'll say no, even if it puts more money in his pocket. He said that's because he and others, including Gregg Lukenbill, worked for years in the late 1970s and early 1980s to get the Kings here, and he doesn't want Sacramento to lose the product of that 'labor of love.'

'As far as what voice I will have, I don't know,' Cook said Wednesday. 'I've got my fingers crossed the Kings stay in Sacramento.'

A third minority owner, Dave Lucchetti, said he also wants the team to stay. Two other minority owners could not be reached Wednesday.

The Maloof family purchased a controlling interest in the team in July 1999, and have called the shots since then.

The Kings and Anaheim officials remained mum on Wednesday about the status of their negotiations. Neither side has publicly acknowledged there have been discussions. But, questioned by The Bee at a press conference last week, National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern revealed negotiations have been under way.

Earlier this month, the Maloofs went to Anaheim to meet with City Manager Tom Wood, city spokeswoman Ruth Ruiz confirmed. But she characterized the get-together as informal.

'It was not an official negotiation . It was more like a meet and greet,' she said. The city owns Honda Center, but any negotiations with potential new teams are handled by the management team at the center, not the city, she said.

Assemblyman Chris Norby, R-Fullerton, who represents Anaheim, said city officials there have indicated they have no plans to put up money to get the Kings to move.

'I don't believe the city is offering any inducements to steal the Kings away,' he said.

For the Maloofs, a key deadline is approaching. Any team that wants to move to a new city this year must submit a formal request to the NBA by Tuesday.

Teams, however, can ask for a deadline extension, probably for one month, NBA officials told the Bee Wednesday.

The league's board of governors the team owners would vote whether to allow the extension. That vote can be taken without holding a meeting, league officials said.

In Sacramento this week, officials said they will press forward with a financial feasibility study for a downtown sports and entertainment complex, and keep their fingers crossed that the Kings will be willing to cooperate.

'We're all looking at the calendar in a way we haven't looked at it before,' Mayor Kevin Johnson said this week. 'If March 1 comes around, it would be great news if they say, 'We are committed to Sacramento and this is where we want to be.' '

Even if the Kings leave, the city will continue exploring how to finance a downtown complex, Johnson said.

Johnson aide R.E. Graswich said Wednesday the mayor's office had called team executives asking them to keep their word and meet with city representatives soon.

The city-commissioned development team studying the arena issue has asked the Kings for financial documents and for a meeting date, but as of Wednesday had not received either.

'We are under the impression at least some of the documents may be turned over as early as Friday,' said Adam Mendelsohn, spokesman for downtown developer David Taylor and ICON Venue Group. 'We have put in a request to meet with them and are waiting on a date that works for them.'

In what could be a last-ditch effort to show the Maloofs the Kings still have support in Sacramento, a group of fans is pushing to sell out Monday night's home game the night before the Tuesday relocation request deadline.

That effort is going well, advocates say. Kings officials reported Wednesday afternoon fewer than 1,500 tickets remain for that game.

Norby's legislative colleagues in Sacramento and Southern California were short on details about the possible team move, but they chimed in Wednesday with their views.

Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, a former season ticket holder, said Sacramento needs a new facility, regardless of whether the Kings stay or go, but he's hoping they stay.

'I would do anything necessary to try to retain the Kings here in Sacramento, barring a tax increase,' he said. He said sports are oversaturated in Southern California, whereas Sacramento has a 'unique, captive audience that's always been very loyal.'

Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, said he's interested in seeing the Kings or any men's or women's professional team move to the Honda Center, which houses the Anaheim Ducks professional ice hockey team.

'We welcome any Kings and queens and any other royalties,' he joked. 'We have a wonderful facility ... that's underutilized.'

Correa said he is not aware of specific legislative efforts to woo the team, but said he would be happy to assist.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

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

NCAA1

George Washington's Hobbs fired after 10 years - by Eurobasket News
Karl Hobbs was fired Monday as men's basketball coach at George Washington after 10 seasons at the school.

A person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said that Hobbs was offered the chance to resign but refused to do so.

Hobbs' firing comes less than a week after Patrick Nero was introduced as George Washington's new athletic director. Jack Kvancz is stepping down from that position during the summer.

'Karl Hobbs brought GW men's basketball to new heights of success and achieved many firsts for GW men's basketball that will never be forgotten,' Kvancz said in a statement.

Hobbs' contract was set to expire next year. His release is effective immediately.

'It has been an honor to serve as head coach of the George Washington University's men's basketball team,' Hobbs said in a statement. 'I am proud of what we achieved here and am grateful to have had the chance to work with and guide the development and accomplishments of so many outstanding student-athletes.'

The school said a national search would begin immediately.

Hobbs was the A-10 coach of the year after leading George Washington to a 27-3 record in 2005-06, including 16-0 in the conference. In his 10 seasons, Hobbs posted a 166-129 record.

In the past four seasons, George Washington has struggled going 52-64 overall and just 25-39 in the conference under the 49-year-old Hobbs.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Colgate hires Temple assistant - by Eurobasket News
Temple assistant Matthew Langel was hired Monday as the new coach of the Colgate Raiders.

Langel spent the past five seasons as an assistant under Fran Dunphy, who has led the Owls to four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

'I'm thrilled for Matt,' Dunphy said. 'Colgate gets a person with great character who is very wise and can be a mentor to all of his student-athletes.'

Langel, 32, succeeds Emmett Davis, who was released from his contract in mid-March after finishing the season 7-23 overall and 4-10 in the Patriot League.

The 51-year-old Davis, who replaced the late Jack Bruen in 1998, was 165-212 in 13 seasons. Davis led the Raiders to the Patriot League Championship game in 2008, tying a school record for wins in a season with 18 in 2007-08.

Langel excelled on the court in college, scoring 1,181 points at Penn. He led the Quakers to two Ivy League titles and NCAA tournament appearances from 1996-2000. The Quakers went 27-1 in Ivy League play in his junior and senior seasons.

Langel, who briefly played professionally in Europe, also was a member of Dunphy's staff at Penn. Athletic director David Roach will formally introduce Langel on Thursday.

Under Dunphy and Langel, the Owls lost in the first round three consecutive seasons before defeating Penn State this year. They were eliminated in the second round by San Diego State.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

Mangisto Arop leaves Gonzaga basketball team - by Eurobasket News
Mangisto Arop (195-F-90) has been granted his release from the Gonzaga basketball team.

Coach Mark Few said the reserve guard wants to find a team where he can get more playing time.

Arop appeared in 28 games this past season with eight starts, although his playing time diminished as the season grew. He averaged 4.6 points per game. As a freshman he appeared in 31 games off the bench.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darryl DORA
  Nelson G.
  (206-C-85)
  Avg: 29

1. Dora, Nelson G.	29.0
2. Mickens, Auckland.	27.5
3. Horvath, Manawatu.	25.5
4. Maxey, Wellington S.	23.0
5. Allen, Waikato P.	22.7
6. Polyblank, Southlan.	22.0
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	21.8
8. Smith, Waikato P.	21.3
9. Leasure, Taranaki.	21.0
10. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	20.5

Rebounds Per Game

Lance ALLRED
  OceanaGold N.
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 13

1. Allred, OceanaGo.	13.0
2. Bradshaw, OceanaGo.	11.0
3. Johnson, Wellingt.	11.0
4. Frank, Wellington S.	10.0
5. Horvath, Manawatu.	10.0
6. Anthony, Waika.	10.0
7. Bartlett, Auckland.	9.5
8. Dora, Nelson G.	9.0
9. Dawson, Southlan.	9.0
10. Henry, Wellington S.	9.0

Assists Per Game

George LE''AFA
  Wellington S.
  (178-PG-78)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Le''afa, Wellingt.	7.5
2. Dickel, Southland S.	7.0
3. Kench, Manawatu J.	5.5
4. Martin, Auckland.	5.0
5. Wright, Nelson G.	4.0
6. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	4.0
7. Frank, Wellington S.	4.0
8. Dora, Nelson G.	4.0
9. Kenny, Bay Hawks	3.8
10. Bartlett, Auckland.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Hayden ALLEN
  Waikato P.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Allen, Waikato P.	3.3
2. Dickel, Southland S.	2.5
3. Johnson, Wellingt.	2.5
4. Polyblank, Southlan.	2.5
5. Dempster, Nelson G.	2.0
6. Hudson, Manawatu.	2.0
7. Maxey, Wellington S.	2.0
8. Smith, Waikato P.	2.0
9. Leasure, Taranaki.	2.0
10. Seay, Waikato P.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Marcus CAMPBELL
  Taranaki MA
  (214-C-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Campbell, Taranaki.	2.5
2. Henry, Wellington S.	1.5
3. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
4. Iti, Southland S.	1.0
5. Mickens, Auckland.	1.0
6. Bailey-N., Taranaki.	1.0
7. Scirkovich, Waika.	1.0
8. Bradshaw, OceanaGo.	1.0
9. Anthony, Waika.	1.0
10. Seay, Waikato P.	1.0

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

PERU

Inmaculada's new import looking impressive, Real Club De Lima remain undefeated - by Tim Nelson
Monday night's games were not the most competitive, as both matches were finished in 'blow-out' fashion.

The doubleheader started off with Colegio Inmaculada facing off against Universitario. The contest was never close after the opening minutes of play as Inmaculada lead by 19 points at halftime. The club had a big contribution from their american guard Kyle Madison who finished with 28 points and 8 rebounds along with two crowd dazzling dunks. Madison has proven to be a vital part of the teams success after the lost of Stephen Nosworthy (203-C-88, college: J.and Wales, FL), who had to return to the states due to a family emergency. By the fourth quarter the lead had been extended to more than 30 points, allowing Inmaculada to rest their key players and play their reserves for most of the period. The final score was 87-50.

The night ended with Universidad de Lima / Real Club de Lima facing off against Ejercito in a successful effort to keep their winning streak going. The match was a very physical and hard fought competition, although the scoreboard did not reflect that. Real Club went to the break only leading by 11 points after having an 18 point lead with 4:00 minutes left to go in the first half. By the end of the third period, the contest was well decided. With a lot of contribution from their bench and some solid play from their american player, Real Club was able to remain undefeated, stretching their record to 7-0. Tim Nelson (186-G-86, college: Oklahoma S&A) finished with 16 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. The final score was 72-44.

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

PHILIPPINES

Ginebra books Finals seas vs. TNT - by Eurobasket News
When its locals all show up, Barangay Ginebra is one very hard team to beat.

Ronald Tubid (186-G-81) notched his first double-double of the conference and led the Kings to a 92-85 win over Smart-Gilas Sunday and into the Finals of the PBA Commissioners Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rudy Hatfield (191-F-77, college: Michigan), Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) and Willie Miller (180-G-77) also came up big for Ginebra, enabling it to buck Nate Brumfields low-scoring night and wrap up the best-of-five semifinals duel, three games to one, its nice to be back in the championship, said Kings coach Jong Uichico after steering the team to its 19th finals stint in all and first since the 2009 Fiesta Conference, when it lost to sister team San Miguel Beer in seven games.

The Kings will be lined up in the best-of-seven title duel against early qualifier Talk N Text and Uichico said his players must come up with a better game than they did against the Nationals to have at least equal chances with the Tropang Texters.

Theyre strong, Weve got to really play for 48 minutes against them. Theres no time to relax against them, he stated. If the locals continue to show up like they did Sunday, the
perennial favorites could increase the odds in their favor.

Brumfield finished with only nine points but did have seven rebounds, two assists and as many steals in 32 minutes. Uichico said Brumfield simply felt no need to go to the basket more than his 10 field tries.

If our locals are doing well, his job is made easier, Uichico pointed out. But if not, he can score.

The Nationals were relegated to third place by the loss, which was directly caused by its failure to hit the big shots after posting a 51-36 lead early in the third quarter.

Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) had gamehighs of 25 points and 17 rebounds, but there were very few sources of the much-needed help.

Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) made three triples but JV Casio, who drained seven treys in a 100-88 win last Wednesday, only had one triple.

For the only time in the series, the Kings outshot the Nationals, 9-6, from beyond the arc, with Tubid accounting for six and Yancy de Ocampo adding two.

Hastening the Nationals downfall was the foul trouble entered into by Douthit, who picked up his fifth in the last 51 seconds of the third period and had to be benched until the 7:46 mark of the final canto.

By then, momentum was already on Ginebras side. Miller, who only had a point in the first three quarters, took over at the start of the fourth with 10 points and was in on every Ginebra play as it separated itself from Gilas, 83-73.

Tubid then took over, booming in the last two of his triples and giving the Kings an 88-73 spread it would use to cruise in the final 4:40 of the game.

One proof of Gilas unraveling was Aldrech Ramos tapping the ball off Mike Cortezs missed jumper into the Ginebra guard himself, resulting in a followup that made it 85-73.

Tubid wound up with 22 points and 10 rebounds in a big bounce back from a three-point performance in Game 3.

Hatfield had 16 points and eight rebounds while Caguioa gave Ginebra a good start by firing eight of his 15 points in the first period.

The scores:

Ginebra 92 - Tubid 22, Hatfield 16, Caguioa 15, Miller 11, Brumfield 9, De Ocampo 8, Cortez 6,
Wilson J. 3, Wilson W. 2, Labagala 0, Mamaril 0.

Smart Gilas 85 - Douthit 25, Lassiter 13, Baracael 13, Casio 11, Tiu 7, Barroca 7, Ramos 5, Aguilar
4, Lutz 0.

Quarters: 18-26, 36-45, 68-65, 92-85.

Courtesy of PBA (www.pba.ph)

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

PUERTO RICO

Mayaguez signs Brandon Robinson - by Eurobasket News
Brandon Robinson (202-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Auburn) is a new player of Mayaguez. The American forward signed a deal for rest of the season. Robinson arrives from Humacao, where he started 2011 BSN edition. He appeared 8 times for the club averaging 15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Robinson already made his debut with Mayaguez registering double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds against Quebradillas. His Mayaguez lost this game 82-87.
Before Humacao, Brandon Robinson played for Halcones Rojos in Mexico. He had 14.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 17 games in LNBP. He also appeared 6 times in Liga Americas adding 16.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg. In the past, Robinson played in China, Korea, NBDL, Finland and Estonia.

Humacao adds Ivan Johnson and Denis Clemente - by Eurobasket News
Humacao came up with signing of two new players. The Puerto Rican outfit brought in Ivan Johnson (203-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) and Denis Clemente (185-PG-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Kansas St.).
Ivan Johnson heads to Humacao from the NBA D-League team Erie Baywahks, where he finished 2010/11 season. He played 52 games for the club collecting 22.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 3.2 apg. Season 2009/10 he spent with KCC Egis in Korea. Johnson had 17 ppg and 6.3 rpg helping the club to reach the KBL Finals. In the past he was a member of Changwon LG Sakers, Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Anaheim Arsenal.
Denis Clemente heads to Humacao from Marousi Athens. He joined the Greeks in December averaging 8.4 points for 13 games. Clemente started this season in Israel with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion. He had 9.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for them in 7 Premier League games. Clemente is a product of Kansas State University, where he graduated last year.

Santruce brings in Melendez, Coamo inks Clavell - by Eurobasket News
BSN teams continue with signings.
Santruce announced arrival of Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) for rest of the season. Melendez is coming to Santruce from San German, where he had 3.5 ppg in four games. Melendez already made his debut with Santruce scoring 2 points against his former team (San German). Melendez played for Mexican Panteras recently. He finished as the best LNBP scorer with 24.9 ppg for 27 games.
Coamo signed Gilberto Clavell (198-F-89) for rest of the season. He arrives from the Same Houston State University, where he had 19.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg last season. Clavell was a member of Puerto Rican U18, U19 and U21 National Team in the past. At the U19 World Championship 2007 he had 12 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 5 games.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Quebradillas		8-2
2. Bayamon		7-2
3. Guaynabo		7-4
4. Coamo		6-5
5. Humacao		5-5
6. Arecibo		4-5
7. San German		4-6
8. Santurce		3-6
9. Isabela		3-7
10. Mayaguez		3-8

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22.9

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	22.9
2. Villegas, Coamo	22.1
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.4
4. Ramos, Quebradillas	20.7
5. Clinch, Isabela	20.7
6. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
7. Brown, Quebradillas	18.4
8. Shannon, Bayamon	17.2
9. Sweetney, Santurce	16.6
10. Randolph, Isabela	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Narvaez, Coamo	12.8
2. Randolph, Isabela	12.6
3. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.9
4. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.8
5. Lloreda, San G.	10.5
6. Shannon, Bayamon	10.1
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Vassallo, Guaynabo	8.2
9. Ofoegbu, Humacao	8.2
10. Robinson, Humacao	8.1

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.3
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.7
4. Clinch, Isabela	5.4
5. Cruz, Arecibo	4.8
6. Pagan, Santurce	4.6
7. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.5
8. Copeland, San G.	4.4
9. Vega, Coamo	4.2
10. Hodge, Santurce	4.0

Steals Per Game

Eddin ''Guayito'' SANTIAGO
  Santurce
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Santiago, Santurce	2.3
2. Clinch, Isabela	2.2
3. Hinson, Isabela	2.2
4. Chaney, Santurce	1.9
5. Harris, San German	1.8
6. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.7
7. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.6
8. Cruz, Arecibo	1.5
9. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.5
10. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Lamizana, Mayaguez	3.0
2. Penn, Humacao	2.4
3. Traylor, Bayamon	2.2
4. Santiago, Arecibo	2.1
5. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
6. Shannon, Bayamon	1.6
7. Freije, Coamo	1.3
8. Rice, San German	1.2
9. Aubry, Arecibo	1.1
10. Sanchez, Santurce	1.1

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. Univ.Surgut		31-9
2. Spartak-Primorie		30-10
3. Saransk		30-10
4. Ural Ekaterinb.		28-12
5. Severstal		26-14
6. Revda		19-21
7. Metallurg-Univ.		17-23
8. Rjazan		15-25
9. Lokomotiv		9-31
10. Irkutsk		8-32
11. Zaretchny		7-33

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

RWANDA

Govt to Bail Out London Games Bound Athletes - by Eurobasket News
THE president of the National Olympic and Sport Committee (CNOSR) has confirmed that the government will provide monetary support to federations to help them prepare athletes for next year's London Olympics Games.

Dr. Charles Rudakubana said, 'The Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) is committed to funding federations so that they prepare athletes for next year's Olympics.'

'We are working out on the budget for the Games which will be presented to the Ministry and thereafter preparations will kick off,' added Rudakubana.

For federations (basketball and cycling) that still have debts stemming from staging international competitions international, Rudakubana revealed that the ministry was aware and looking into the issue.
'The Ministry is aware and looking at ways of clearing the debts,' he added.

Rwanda is expected to field her biggest contingent in an international competition this September. About 140 athletes are expected to grace the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

The country will compete in eleven disciplines ranging from basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, athletics, boxing, lawn tennis, and table tennis, karate, swimming and cycling among others.

In the last edition held in Algiers in 2007, Dieudonne Disi came closest to the podium after a fourth spot finish in the half marathon.The Games will be a platform for next year's Olympics.

This time round, Rwanda's target is to field more athletes than in 2008 when the country fielded four athletes.
Courtesy of: http://allafrica.com

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

SOMALIA

Washington State's Faisal Aden Making Early Case for Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year - by Kristian Santiago
(By the Bleacherreport)

Really? Two games into the season and someone is already giving out awards?

No.

That would be unfair and irresponsible for anyone to make the case for any player to win an award at this point in the season. But it's never too early to starting creating a resume.

Washington State's Faisal Aden (193-G-89) (pronounced Phase-el Aid-in) through two regular season games, is averaging a team high 22 points to go along with four-and-a-half rebounds in 30 minutes of play per game. He also leads the team in steals with six.

The 6'4' transfer from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla. has been the scoring leader in both of the team's first two games against Southern University and last night when the Cougars hosted Idaho and won 88-71 to improve their record to 2-0.

As a freshman at HCC, the native of Somalia, averaged 20 points, three-and-a-half rebounds, and just over two assists and steals a game. He entered his sophomore season as a preseason All-American and saw statistical improvement across the board.

Now at Washington State, his numbers have not dropped off.

From afar. people might notice these early numbers and say he's a benefactor of preseason Wooden award candidate Klay Thompson's presence but if you watch the games as I have, I can honestly say that's not the case.

Aden, has more shot attempts than Thompson and a better field goal percentage including being more efficient from three point territory with both having equal shot attempts. While Thompson has grown into a player who shoots better when he receives the ball and is able to set his feet, Aden has shown the capability to create off the dribble and pull up and knock down a jump shot from anywhere on the court.

In an exhibition game against Lewis-Clark State back on November 5, Aden poured in a team high 22 points in just 19 minutes coming off the bench.

Due to an injured left wrist for point guard Reggie Moore, which has him labeled as day-to-day, Aden has found himself in the starting lineup the first two games.

When Moore comes back, it will be interesting to see how head coach Ken Bone adjusts his lineup. Will Aden stay in the starting lineup which would most likely mean taking the place of Marcus Capers? Or leave Capers in who despite his offensive deficiencies, is a terrific defender and currently team leader in rebounds averaging just under ten a game.

Aden gives the Cougars something they lacked last year. Another pure scorer to help relieve Thompson of trying to carry the team offensively. The Cougars have not had a duo of scoring threats in a long time if ever.

Even during their back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2007 and 2008, Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver only averaged 14 and 12 points respectively. But much of that could be attributed to the team's style of play back then when scoring wasn't exactly No. 1 on their priority list.

It's easy to scoff and look at the Cougar opponents and try and diminish Aden's early performances, but I just want to throw his name out there and put it on your radar.

Aden and the Cougars travel to Seattle next week for their annual Cougar Hardwood Classic where they will host Portland at Key Arena on Tuesday, November 23 at 7:30 PM

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round 6 of Finals:KCC Egis triumphs in the League - by Eurobasket News
KCC Egis - Dongbu Promy 79-77

KCC Egis became the winner of the League as they won the series 4-2 over Promy after 79:77 thriller on April 26th. The hosts trailed by 10 points at the halftime before their 49-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. KCC Egis shot 24 for 33 from the free-throw line, while Dongbu Promy only scored seven points from the stripe. 26 personal fouls committed by Dongbu Promy helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Chris Daniels (211-84) had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international center Seung-Jin Ha (222-85) chipped in 22 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four KCC Egis players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Victor Thomas (201-79, college: La Salle) with 23 points and 9 rebounds and the former international power forward Joo-Sung Kim (205-79) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
Top scorers:
KCC Egis: C.Daniels 25+10reb+3ast, S.Ha 22+9reb, J.Lim 10+4reb+4ast, B.Kang 10+2reb+4ast, T.Chon 7+1reb+5ast, M.Shin 5+2reb
Dongbu Promy: V.Thomas 23+9reb, J.Kim 16+10reb+5ast, J.Hwang 10+3reb+6ast, H.Yoon 9+2reb+6ast, R.Benson 8+2reb, J.Park 7+4reb+3ast

KCC stands on top of the KBL championship. - by JungHwan Seo
KCC Egis became a champion again.

KCC Egis defeats Dongbu Promy to 79-77 at game 6 on Tuesday. This is KCC Egis's fifth championship in their franchise history. That is the most in the KBL too. KCC Egis made a dynasty getting 2 championships for last 3 seasons.

Ha Seung-Jin (222-C-85) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds at game 6 awarded for the finals MVP. After the game Ha was wearing a jersey of Kang Eun-Sik (200-F-82) who was seasoned out after game 4.

'Hey, Kang. Are you watching me? I told you that I'll take a champ for you. We can't be a champ without you. I am very proud of you. Let's get a back to back championship together at next season.' Ha said in front of the TV camera.

Ha became the best Korean big man in the KBL over Seo Jang-Hoon (207-C-74) and Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79). He averaged 16.9 points and 9.1 boards during the final series.

Kim Joo-Sung played well with 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the finals. However, he fouled out when final 2:04 minutes left at game 6.

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

SPAIN

Spanish ACB round 31 best performance: Nik Caner-Medley - by Eurobasket News
American forward Nik Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Estudiantes, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 31.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat Menorca (#18, 6-25) 77-69. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings in . Estudiantes maintains the 10th position in Spanish ACB. Estudiantes is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 16-15 record. In the team's last game Caner-Medley had a remarkable 87.5% from 2-point range and got three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It's his second year at Estudiantes and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Former University of Maryland star has very solid stats this year. Caner-Medley is in league's top in points (5th best: 14.9ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 7.7rpg) and averages impressive 57.6% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Argentinian Leonardo Mainoldi (204-F-85) of Fuenlabrada. Mainoldi had a very good evening with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Of course Fuenlabrada cruised to a 84-75 relatively comfortable win over Bizkaia Bilbao (18-13). This victory allowed Fuenlabrada to move up to 5th position in . His team lost some distance to top teams. But 18-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Mainoldi is one of the most experienced players at Fuenlabrada and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Fuenlabrada's star - Latvian guard Kristaps Valters (190-G-81). Valters scored 16 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was another key player of Fuenlabrada, helping his team with a 84-75 win against Bizkaia Bilbao (18-13). Fuenlabrada needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in . Their record at this point is 18 victories and 13 lost games. Valters has a great season in Spain. After 29 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 4.4apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. D'or Fischer (211-C-81) of Real Madrid - 19 points and 3 rebounds
5. Stephane Dumas (190-G-78) of Valladolid - 13 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85) of Valladolid - 17 points and 2 rebounds
7. Pablo Aguilar (203-F/C-89) of CAI Zaragoza - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) of Unicaja - 13 points and 6 rebounds
9. Eulis Baez (201-F-82) of Valladolid - 11 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Pancho Jasen (199-G-78) of Estudiantes - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	19.3
2. Navarro, Regal B.	16.3
3. English, DKV J.	15.1
4. McDonald, DKV J.	15.0
5. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	14.9
6. Martinez, Valencia	14.6
7. Baron, Lagun A.	14.5
8. Teletovic, Caja L.	14.4
9. Kurz, Granada	13.9
10. Freeland, Unicaja	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Robert KURZ
  Art.Dragons
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Kurz, Granada	9.1
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
3. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	7.7
4. Barac, Caja Laboral	7.0
5. Donaldson, Menorca	6.9
6. Slokar, Manresa	6.4
7. Wallace, Gran Canaria	6.3
8. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	6.3
9. Miralles, Lagun A.	6.3
10. Freeland, Unicaja	6.3

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Huertas, Caja L.	5.8
2. Cook, Valencia	5.6
3. Ciorciari, Menorca	5.0
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.5
5. Valters, Fuenlabr.	4.4
6. Prigioni, Real Madrid	4.2
7. San Miguel, Manre.	4.0
8. Green, Gran Canaria	4.0
9. Salgado, Lagun A.	3.9
10. Dumas, Valladolid	3.8

Steals Per Game

Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Cook, Valencia	2.3
2. Kirksay, Cajasol	1.9
3. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.8
4. Calloway, Cajasol	1.8
5. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.8
6. Robinson, DKV J.	1.8
7. Van Lacke, Valladolid	1.6
8. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.6
9. Davis, Cajasol	1.6
10. San Miguel, Manre.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabrada
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.	2.3
2. Fischer, Real Madrid	1.6
3. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.5
4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.5
5. Barnes, Valladolid	1.3
6. Kurz, Granada	1.3
7. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.1
8. Slaughter, Valladolid	1.1
9. Andriuskevic., Meridi.	1.1
10. Savane, Gran C.	1.1

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

SWEDEN

Basketligan Finals: Dragons take 2-1 lead against Dolphins - by Eurobasket News
Finals, Game 3: Sundsvall - Norrkoping 80-70 (2-1)

Norrkoping Dolphins were trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 23-9 charge of Sundsvall Dragons, which allowed them to win the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. It was a great evening for Icelandic power forward Hlynur Baeringsson (200-82, college: High School) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Irish-Australian swingman Liam Rush (202-82) helped adding 21 points. Four Sundsvall Dragons players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was international power forward Joakim Kjellbom (213-79, college: N.Arizona) with 12 points and 9 rebounds and American guard Andrew Mitchell (181-79, college: Kent St.) scored 14 points and 4 assists. Norrkoping Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.

Top scorers:
Sundsvall: L.Rush 21+3reb+3ast, J.Jeansson 17+1reb+2ast, H.Baeringsson 16+10reb+6ast, A.Wesby 10+5reb+2ast, J.Sigurdarson 8+2reb+2ast, N.Mottram 5+5reb
Norrkoping: A.Mitchell 14+4reb+4ast, J.Kjellbom 12+9reb+2ast, A.Saks 12+8reb, R.Hanke 7+4reb, O.Ayuba 7+1reb, G.Gervin 7+1reb+2ast

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

TANZANIA

Dar Basketball Team Fails to Shine Again in 2011 Inter Cities Tournament in Nairobi - by Eurobasket News
Dar Es Salaam Dar es Salaam's regional basketball team, Dream Team, bowed out of the 2011 East Africa Inter-Cities championship after crashing to a painful 106-44 defeat to hosts Nairobi in a semi final match at Nyayo Stadium, Kenya on Friday.It was the team's heaviest defeat since joining the tournament over a decade ago.

Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) official Manase Zablon blamed the team's ungraceful elimination in the tournament on poor preparations.The hosts looked destined for a win right from the first whistle as they put their opponents at bay throughout the game. It came as no surprise when they took a deserved 24-7 first quarter lead.

In the second quarter, they started where they had left out, scoring points almost at will for a 40-20 half time lead. In the second half, Nairobi scored 66 more points while the Dar es Salaam team managed to chalk only 20. Lusajo Samuel was a notable player for Dar es Salaam. He emerged the top marksman for his team with 18 points.

Dar es Salaam will swing back in action today against Nairobi University in what will be a mere formality game for the Tanzania team.The year's tournament has attracted nine men teams and four women's teams from the East and Central African cities.

On Thursday, Nairobi dismissed Eldoret 77-54 at the same venue. Ancette Wafula made the opening seven points and wound up with game high 23 points as Nairobi led 37-19 at the break. Dan Okwirri nailed 19 for the losers. (Brown Msyani)

It was a good day for Nairobi teams as the women's select side demolished Kenya Universities (Kusa) 71-34 after a 35-23 half time advantage.
Hilda Indasi and Angela Okoth bagged 11 points apiece while Kusa had 15 from Faith Owich. Kusa men beat Bentiu from Southern Sudan 75-45 with Evans Letting on fire sinking 16 points the same as the losers Major Magar.

Todays fixtures: Mwanza v Mombasa, Kusa v Mogadishu (women), Bentiu v Dar, Mombasa v Juba, Kusa v Mogadishu, Nairobi Select v Nairobi Combined (women), Eldoret v Mwanza, Juba v Mogadishu. Nairobi rocked Mwanza 75-33 on Tuesday night.

A quick three pointer by Ancette Wafula set the victors off to a bright start but Mwanza took a 7-3 lead on baskets by Juma Kissoy. Demson Owili unveiled two dunks as Nairobi took a 17-7 first quarter lead. The ever busy Salim Ali showed his defensive prowess as Nairobi raced away 29-9 in the second for 46-16 half time scores.
Courtesy of: http://allafrica.com

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

TUNISIA

Tunisia/Play-offs (day 2) :ESR and EZS send strong signals - by Eurobasket News
Both clubs have sent strong signals to the favourites of the playoffs after holding respectively CA (70-65) and JSK (78-63).
These matches were being played as the two main favourites of the play-offs ,Stade Nabeulien and Etoile of Sade were exempted for this second playing day.Both teams will have a hard nut to crack in the following days when they clash with these teams respectively.At the level of the play-outs, matters are not getting any better for ES Goulette and TA club who registered their second consecutive defeats respectively against JSM (75-63) and lUSM (75-65).On the other hand,CSC consolidated their leadership position with a 73 64 victory over CAB.

RESULTS

Play-offs

ESR-CA : 70-65

EZS-JSK : 78-63

Play-out

JSM-ESG : 75-63

CSC-CAB : 73-64

TAC-USM : 65-75
Courtesy of: http://www.starafrica.com

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

TURKEY

TBL Round 28 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Third-ranked Efes Pilsen (20-8) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (25-3) in Istanbul on Sunday. The visitors managed to secure only two-point victory 72-70. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Efes Pilsen. Worth to mention a great performance of Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Efes Pilsen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fenerbahce Ulker have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 25-3 record. Efes Pilsen at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. Fenerbahce Ulker will face Mersin (#13) in Akdeniz in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Efes Pilsen will play on the road against Besiktas (#6) in Istanbul and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Olin Edirne was beaten by Tofas on the road 68-63. Mersin destroyed Oyak Renault on its own court 96-64. Besiktas unfortunately lost to Galatasaray in Istanbul 73-81. Turk Telekom managed to beat Bornova at home 74-67. Antalya was crushed by Karsiyaka on the opponent's court 79-101. Aliaga was smashed by Banvit in a home game 63-93. Erdemir lost to Trabzonspor on the road 79-85.
The most impressive performance of 28th round was 30 points and 9 rebounds by Ali Karadeniz of Trabzonspor.

Tofas - Olin Edirne 68-63

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Tofas (11-17) beat higher ranked Olin Edirne (16-12) in Bursa 68-63 on Saturday. Olin Edirne trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 26-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 63-68 at the end of the game. Tofas dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Olin Edirne's 26. They outrebounded Olin Edirne 41-24 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jason Rowe (178-78, college: Loyola, MD) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Croatian power forward Tomislav Ruzic (208-79) contributed with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Tofas' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. FYR Macedonian center Predrag Samardjiski (214-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Can Akin (190-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 18 points in the effort for Olin Edirne. Tofas moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Turk Telekom. Newly promoted Olin Edirne keeps the seventh position with 12 games lost. Tofas will face higher ranked Antalya (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Tofas: J.Rowe 18+6reb+7ast, T.Ruzic 11+8reb, I.Koc 9+2reb, A.Nichols 8+8reb+1ast, J.Zuza 8+5reb, C.Altintig 7+3reb+4ast
Olin Edirne: P.Samardjiski 19+9reb, C.Akin 18+3reb+2ast, V.Ginevicius 12+2reb+6ast, S.Doliboa 8+3reb, T.Ersoz 3+4reb+2ast, R.Oz 3+1reb

Mersin - Oyak Renault 96-64

Rather expected game when 16th ranked Oyak Renault (3-25) was smashed by thirteenth ranked Mersin (10-18) in Akdeniz 96-64 on Saturday. Mersin dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Oyak Renault's 42. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Oyak Renault's players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Nedim Yucel (203-79) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. American guard Alex Scales (192-78, college: Oregon) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Four Mersin players scored in double figures. American forward James Mays (206-86, college: Clemson) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Kerem Ozkan (201-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Oyak Renault. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Mersin have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Trabzonspor and Erdemir. Oyak Renault lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Mersin will face league's leader Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Oyak Renault will play at home against Turk Telekom (#9) in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Mersin: A.Scales 20+2reb+1ast, N.Yucel 18+12reb+2ast, A.Grundy 14+2reb+5ast, M.Demir 13+5reb+2ast, V.Grier 8+3reb+2ast, V.Pastal 5+1reb+1ast
Oyak Renault: J.Mays 26+13reb+1ast, K.Ozkan 12+5reb, O.Sevinc 10, S.Inan 6+2reb+2ast, N.Dal 4+1reb+3ast, W.Conroy 4+3reb+4ast

Galatasaray - Besiktas 81-73

Rather predictable result when second ranked Galatasaray (22-6) won against 6th ranked Besiktas (18-10) in Istanbul 81-73 on Monday. Besiktas was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 25-16 charge of Galatasaray, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Ermal Kurtoglu (208-80, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). Forward Caner Topaloglu (199-85) contributed with 16 points for the winners. The former international guard Serkan Erdogan (190-78, agency: 1x1 Sports) replied with 17 points and 4 assists and Australian center Andrew James Ogilvy (211-88, college: Vanderbilt) added 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) in the effort for Besiktas. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Galatasaray maintains second position with 22-6 record having just three points less than leader Fener.Ulker. Besiktas at the other side keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. Galatasaray will face Olin Edirne (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Besiktas will play against Efes Pilsen in Istanbul and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Galatasaray: E.Kurtoglu 24+7reb, C.Topaloglu 16+1reb+2ast, P.Shumpert 13+4reb+2ast, J.Johnson 7+4reb+5ast, T.Acik 6+2reb+3ast, R.Rancik 5+2reb
Besiktas: A.James Ogilvy 18+5reb+2ast, S.Erdogan 17+4reb+4ast, M.Kemp 13+2reb+2ast, M.Chatman 8+6reb+3ast, M.Ignerski 5+9reb, F.Likholitov 5+2reb

Turk Telekom - Bornova 74-67

Not a big story in a game when 15th ranked Bornova (7-21) lost to ninth ranked Turk Telekom (11-17) in Ankara 67-74 on Saturday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Bornova won fourth quarter 22-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward KZell Wesson (201-77, college: La Salle) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. The other American import guard Jerome Randle (178-87, college: California) contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Turk Telekom players scored in double figures. Jamaican center Kimani Ffriend (211-77, college: Nebraska, agency: Court Side) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and guard Soner Senturk (194-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Bornova. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Turk Telekom maintains ninth position with 11-17 record, which they share with Tofas. Bornova lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 21 games lost. Turk Telekom will face bottom-ranked Oyak Renault (#16) in Bursa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bornova will play at home against Banvit in Balikesir.
Top scorers:
Turk Telekom: J.Randle 17+3reb+4ast, K.Wesson 12+13reb+1ast, R.Basak 12+3reb, J.Jagla 11+4reb+1ast, C.Ugur Ogut 6+1reb+4ast, G.Stiemsma 6+6reb
Bornova: K.Ffriend 19+11reb, U.Sonkol 15+11reb+1ast, S.Senturk 14+9reb+6ast, A.Voskuil 9+3reb+1ast, R.Murat Kaya 6+3reb+1ast, J.Sensley 3+1reb

Karsiyaka - Antalya 101-79

Everything went according to plan when sixth ranked Karsiyaka (19-9) outplayed at home 8th ranked Antalya (13-15) 101-79 on Saturday. The game without a history. Karsiyaka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Andre Smith (203-85, college: N.Dakota St.) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard David Holston (170-86, college: Chicago St.) contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Karsiyaka's coach Hakan Demir felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Bradley Buckman (203-84, college: Texas) replied with 20 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Patrick Christopher (196-88, college: California) added 19 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Antalya. Five Karsiyaka and four Antalya players scored in double figures. Karsiyaka have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Antalya at the other side keeps the eighth position with 15 games lost. Karsiyaka will face Erdemir (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Antalya will play against Tofas (#10) in Bursa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Karsiyaka: A.Smith 21+6reb+4ast, B.Batuk 20+4ast, A.Saruhan 15, S.Marshall 14+6reb+3ast, D.Holston 13+6reb+8ast, E.Bayav 6+3reb+2ast
Antalya: B.Buckman 20+8reb+2ast, P.Christopher 19+7reb+1ast, J.Prince 18+5reb+3ast, M.Guler 10+5reb+6ast, G.Gen 9+2reb+4ast, E.Balto 3

Efes Pilsen - Fener.Ulker 70-72 OT

Third-ranked Efes Pilsen (20-8) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (25-3) in Istanbul on Sunday. The visitors managed to secure only two-point victory 72-70. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Efes Pilsen. Efes Pilsen was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 19-18 charge of Fenerbahce Ulker, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 10-8. Efes Pilsen was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian guard Roko-Leni Ukic (195-84) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. The former international center Oguz Savas (208-87) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Fenerbahce Ulker players scored in double figures. International power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-77) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds and Serbian guard Igor Rakocevic (191-78) added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Efes Pilsen. Efes Pilsen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fenerbahce Ulker have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 25-3 record. Efes Pilsen at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. Fenerbahce Ulker will face Mersin (#13) in Akdeniz in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Efes Pilsen will play on the road against Besiktas (#6) in Istanbul and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fener.Ulker: R.Ukic 19+11reb+2ast, O.Savas 17+5reb, M.Tomas 11+1reb+5ast, E.Preldzic 10+4reb+5ast, S.May 8+1reb+1ast, O.Onan 5+1reb+1ast
Efes Pilsen: I.Rakocevic 20+5reb+1ast, K.Gonlum 19+9reb+1ast, N.Vujcic 7+1reb, L.Roberts 7+6reb, K.Tunceri 6+4ast, M.Thornton 4+2reb+1ast

Aliaga - Banvit 63-93

There was no surprise when 14th ranked Aliaga (8-20) was outleveled at home by third ranked Banvit (21-7) 93-63 on Sunday. The game without a history. Banvit led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Aliaga's 34. They outrebounded Aliaga 39-27 including a 28-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Banvit especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a very good performance for American guard Keith Simmons (196-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American-Azerbaijan forward Charles Davis (202-84, college: Alabama) contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Banvit players scored in double figures. American swingman Jarvis Hayes (201-81, college: Georgia, agency: David Lee services) replied with 17 points and Latvian center Kaspars Kambala (206-78, college: UNLV, agency: Alti Sport) added 15 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Aliaga. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Banvit maintains third position with 21-7 record having four points less than leader Fener.Ulker. Loser Aliaga keeps the fourteenth place with 20 games lost. Banvit will face Bornova (#15) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Aliaga will play against Trabzonspor.
Top scorers:
Banvit: K.Simmons 19+11reb+3ast, J.Dixon 17+1reb+3ast, C.Davis 17+3reb+4ast, V.Golubovic 11+5reb, B.Ozcan 8+2reb, B.Ermis 8+3reb+7ast
Aliaga: J.Hayes 17+3reb, K.Kambala 15+5reb, M.James 11+1reb+3ast, B.Guney 9+3reb+6ast, Z.Zagorac 6+7reb, L.Bilgin 2+3reb

Trabzonspor - Erdemir 85-79

There was a small surprise when twelfth ranked Trabzonspor (10-18) beat at home 10th ranked Erdemir (10-18) 85-79 on Saturday. 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 85-79. Trabzonspor made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. Erdemir was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for American forward Ali Karadeniz (203-80, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and 9 rebounds. American-Nigerian forward Derrick Obasohan (199-81, college: Texas Arlington, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 15 points for the winners. American power forward James Thomas (203-80, college: Texas) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American-Lebanese swingman Antwain Barbour (196-82, college: Kentucky, agency: Court Side) added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Erdemir. Erdemir's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Trabzonspor moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Mersin and Erdemir. Trabzonspor will face Aliaga (#14) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Trabzonspor: A.Karadeniz 30+9reb+3ast, D.Obasohan 15+3reb+3ast, I.Milosevic 10+1reb+2ast, E.Gorkem 9+1reb, G.Cakic 7+2reb, V.Dragojlovic 6+4reb
Erdemir: A.Barbour 20+6reb+1ast, H.Demirel 18+3reb+5ast, J.Thomas 17+11reb, E.Veyseloglu 7+2reb, A.Erol 5+2reb+3ast, O.Yilmaz 4+1reb

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzonspor
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Karadeniz, Trabzons.	22.8
2. Kambala, Aliaga	20.7
3. Henderson, Antalya	20.6
4. Smith, Karsiyaka	19.5
5. Seibutis, Olin Edirne	18.7
6. Kemp, Besiktas	18.1
7. Gibson, Oyak R.	18.1
8. Randle, Aliaga	17.5
9. Scales, Mersin	17.4
10. Barbour, Erdemir	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Yucel, Mersin	11.2
2. Thomas, Erdemir	10.4
3. Wesson, Turk T.	9.5
4. Samardjiski, Olin E.	9.3
5. Buckman, Antalya	9.2
6. Mays, Oyak Renault	9.0
7. Ffriend, Bornova	8.5
8. Hall, Erdemir	8.4
9. Smith, Karsiyaka	8.1
10. Smith, Bornova	7.9

Assists Per Game

Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Ermis, Banvit	6.2
2. Conroy, Oyak R.	5.9
3. Holston, Karsiyaka	5.8
4. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.3
5. Chatman, Besiktas	5.3
6. Henderson, Antalya	5.1
7. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
8. Acik, Galatasaray	4.5
9. Seibutis, Olin Edirne	4.2
10. Randle, Turk T.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Aubrey COLEMAN
  Austin T.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Coleman, Aliaga	3.1
2. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.2
3. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.2
4. Waller, Oyak Renault	2.1
5. Grier, Mersin	2.1
6. Gibson, Oyak R.	2.0
7. Prince, Antalya	1.9
8. Smith, Karsiyaka	1.8
9. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
10. Chatman, Besiktas	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Predrag SAMARDJISKI
  Olin Edirne
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Samardjiski, Olin E.	1.7
2. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.7
3. Johnson, Erdemir	1.3
4. Francis, Bornova	1.3
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	1.0
6. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.0
7. Wesson, Turk T.	0.9
8. Davis, Banvit	0.9
9. Simpsons, Turk T.	0.9
10. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	0.9

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

1. Fener.Ulker		25-3
2. Galatasaray		22-6
3. Banvit		21-7
4. Efes Pilsen		20-8
5. Karsiyaka		19-9
6. Besiktas		18-10
7. Olin Edirne		16-12
8. Antalya		13-15
9. Turk Telekom		11-17
10. Tofas		11-17
11. Trabzonspor		10-18
12. Erdemir		10-18
13. Mersin		10-18
14. Aliaga		8-20
15. Bornova		7-21
16. Oyak Renault		3-25

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UGANDA

Team Ikong Triumph - by Eurobasket News
JOSEPH Ikong and his troops scooped the sh2m grand prize after thumping Team Ben Komakech 70-49 in the final of the preseason basketball bonanza that is the Friday Night Lights (FNL).

Ikong, though, may have to pass up his share of the collective winners prize since he claimed a separate sh3m for taking the tournament MVP award, slum dunk competition as well top the scorers.

However, the real value of this event went beyond its prizes and entertainment. What FNL really achieved was laying down an indirect challenge for sport governing body FUBA.

The manner in which match days were not just about about basketball but creating a fun experience for both teams but especially spectators is something FUBA must adopt. Above all, though, it was the ability of FNL to attract as many sponsors as they did that was most noteworthy.

FUBA have failed to exploit the marketing potential of local basketball but after FNL, they can no longer put the blame on the sponsors.

'Sponsors are ready to invest,' Sam Ssebaduka, an FNL organiser said. 'You just have to clearly show them how they are going to benefit.'
Courtesy of: http://allafrica.com
By Charles Mutebi

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UKRAINE

Superleague Round 3 of Quarter-Finals. BC Donetsk reach semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Kryvbasbasket - BC Donetsk 50-108

BC Donetsk became the first Superleague semifinalists as they swept Kryvbasbasket following the road win. The game without a history. BC Donetsk led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Kryvbasbasket to just 6 points in third quarter. BC Donetsk dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Kryvbasbasket's 26. They outrebounded Kryvbasbasket 42-16 including a 28-7 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for BC Donetsk especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 66.7 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Kryvbasbasket's players. Kryvbasbasket was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for international center Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-87, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). American guard Justin Gray (188-84, college: Wake Forest) contributed with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Four BC Donetsk players scored in double figures. Guard Artem Slipenchuk (192-89, agency: Interperformances) answered with 12 points and forward Vitali Malchevskiy (206-87) added 10 points in the effort for Kryvbasbasket. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
BC Donetsk: V.Kravtsov 21+7reb+1ast, J.Edwards 16+3reb+1ast, D.Gliebov 13+7reb+1ast, A.Owens 13+3reb+3ast, B.Cvetkovic 12+2reb+2ast, J.Gray 9+5reb+8ast
Kryvbasbasket: A.Slipenchuk 12+2reb+2ast, V.Malchevskiy 10+3reb, E.Annenkov 9+3ast, D.Korablev 5+2reb, I.Zaitsev 4+1reb+1ast, O.Omel'chenko 4+1ast

Mykolaiv - Hoverla 79-71

Mykolaiv cut the deficit in the series against Hoverla. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 29-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Mykolaiv made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a great evening for swingman Brian Greene (196-83, college: Florida A&M) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Justin Love (188-78, college: St.Louis) helped adding 15 points and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). Mykolaiv's coach Valentin Berestnev used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was guard Derrick Zimmerman (189-81, college: Mississippi St., agency: Pro One Sports) with 22 points (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and center Eric Coleman (200-85, college: N.Iowa, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) scored 9 points and 11 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Mykolaiv: B.Greene 25+15reb+2ast, J.Love 15+2reb+4ast, O.Onufriyev 12+5reb+1ast, A.Mazutis 7+3reb+2ast, A.Butskyy 5+3ast, J.Umbrasko 5
Hoverla: D.Zimmerman 22+2reb+3ast, P.Ulyanko 13+6reb, E.Coleman 9+11reb+2ast, J.Chappell 9+3reb+3ast, D.Swanson 9+5reb+3ast, I.Kryvych 6+2reb

Dnipro - Budivelnyk 49-80

Budivelnyk thrashed Dnipro for 2-1 lead in the quarterfinal series. The game without a history. Budivelnyk led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Budivelnyk had a 34-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Lamayne Wilson (204-80, college: Troy) who scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard William Keys (188-77, college: N.Mexico St.) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Budivelnyk's coach Josep Berrocal felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Steve Burtt (185-84, college: Iona) who recorded 13 points and 9 assists and power forward Mario Austin (206-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: Strategic Sports) added 7 points and 13 rebounds respectively.
Top scorers:
Budivelnyk: L.Wilson 18+7reb+4ast, W.Keys 17+6reb+5ast, D.Spencer 15+8reb+4ast, Z.Morley 8+4reb+1ast, D.Ikovlev 7+4reb, A.Betts 6+6reb
Dnipro: S.Burtt 13+2reb+9ast, S.Tymofeyenko 10+6reb+1ast, M.Austin 7+13reb+2ast, M.Kornienko 6+6reb, D.Ivanov 6+1reb+1ast, M.Vilkhovetskyi 5+1reb+2ast

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Burtt, Dnipro	22.5
2. Burns, Fe.	16.9
3. Flores, BC Donetsk	16.7
4. Washington, BC Od.	16.4
5. Curry, Azovmash	16.2
6. Wiggins, Halychyna	15.1
7. Millage, Khimik	14.9
8. Love, Mykolaiv	14.6
9. Bakic, Kryvbasb.	14.5
10. Fraser, DniproAzot	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Fraser, DniproAzot	10.9
2. Wiggins, Halychyna	9.3
3. Burns, Fe.	8.5
4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv	7.6
5. Austin, Dnipro	7.4
6. Morrison, Halyc.	7.2
7. Hunter, Fe.	6.7
8. Owens, Azovmash	6.7
9. Chappell, Hoverla	6.6
10. Coleman, Hoverla	6.5

Assists Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Burtt, Dnipro	5.4
2. Abernethy, Halyc.	5.2
3. Zimmerman, Hoverla	5.0
4. Vasiljevic, BC Do.	4.9
5. Sparks, BC Odessa	4.8
6. Funn, Halychyna	4.7
7. Brewer, BC Odessa	4.5
8. Millage, Khimik	4.5
9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.	4.2
10. Williams, Khimik	3.9

Steals Per Game

Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Millage, Khimik	2.4
2. House, Azovmash	1.9
3. Sparks, BC Odessa	1.8
4. Sirutavicius, Dnipro.	1.5
5. Mazutis, Mykolaiv	1.5
6. Burns, Fe.	1.4
7. Chappell, Hoverla	1.4
8. Mays, Fe.	1.4
9. Love, Mykolaiv	1.4
10. Harris, Fe.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hughes, Mykolaiv	2.1
2. Kravtsov, BC Do.	1.9
3. Hunter, Fe.	1.5
4. Morrison, Halyc.	1.4
5. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.	1.4
6. Coleman, Hoverla	1.3
7. Turner, BC Odessa	1.3
8. Balashov, BC Odessa	1.2
9. Pettway, Dnipro	1.2
10. Owens, Azovmash	1.1

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UNITED KINGDOM

Official BBL All Defensive Team 2010-11 Announced - by Paul Nilsen

As excitement builds ahead of the official BBL Player Of The Year and BBL Coach Of The Year awards to be announced later this week, British Basketball League are thrilled to confirm the line-up for the All Defensive Team of the 2010-11 season - as voted for by the Head Coach of each club.

Reggie Jackson (Newcastle Eagles)
Having arrived as a replacement for the injured Joe Chapman earlier this year, Reggie Jackson returned to his former club and took Tyneside by storm once again. His performances at both ends of the court have been impressive but his defensive quickness has once again been the stand out element of his game, enabling him to nullify the penetration threat of opposing guards and come up with a plentiful amount of steals.

Demarius Bolds (Prestige Homes MK Lions)
Its been an impressive first season in the BBL for Demarius Bolds who despite not reaching the play-offs with his team, still impressed opposing coaches around the league with his work rate and tenacity on defence. Quick hands, good positioning and his thirst for rebounds all contribute to his well deserved place in the line-up.

Drew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova) (Mersey Tigers)
While the inclusion of the Great Britain captain is perhaps the most predictable, that does not mean anybody has become complacent about the outstanding defensive capabilities of Sullivan. His impressive wing span allows him to specialise in ball denial, something you dont see on the stat sheet but continues to be critical in the success of each team in which the Londoner plays. Having had his season ended prematurely by injury, everyone is hoping he will be able to make a speedy recovery and get back on the floor as soon as possible,

Kadiri Richard (Newcastle Eagles)
A devastating shot-blocker due to his superb athleticism, Kadiri Richard has grown in importance to the Eagles throughout the season. Having come within a whisker of numerous triple-doubles during the campaign due to his scoring, rebound and blocking ability, Richard is continuing to establish himself as a premier defensive player in the BBL.

Tafari Toney (Mersey Tigers)
Now with his third BBL team in three years, the fact that Tafari Toney has won trophies in each and every season speaks volumes. The center is a formidable figure in the paint and with a long reach in addition to his size, scoring on Toney is not an easy task. He can block shots and crash the defensive boards, things which have helped propel his team to a BBL Championship and BBL Trophy double.

BBL All British Team 2010-11 - by Paul Nilsen

After casting their respective votes, Head Coaches across the British Basketball League have joined forces to establish the BBL All-British Team 2010/11. Perhaps not surprisingly, BBL Championship and BBL Trophy winners Mersey Tigers dominate the line-up by taking up four of the five spots.

Nate Reinking (Mersey Tigers)

With an already illustrious and extensive resume, the classy Nate Reinking remains one of the most unmistakable figures in British Basketball as he continues to add to his list of honours. His deadly shooting ability and composure in crunch time have been priceless for Tigers in their pursuit of a BBL treble. The veteran guard will look to finish the season with a typical flourish at the BBL Play Off Championship Final at the NIA in Birmingham on Saturday before he heads to Lithuania to help Great Britain try and achieve success at EuroBasket 2011.

Andrew Sullivan (Mersey Tigers)

There are few more decorated players in the BBL than Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan who continues to be one of the stand-out performers wherever he plays. During what has sometimes been a turbulent year for Mersey Tigers, Sullivan has led his team superbly at both ends of the floor with impressive numbers in just about every category showcasing his all-round influence and skill-set. He is also expected to be a serious contender for the 2010-11 BBL Player Of The Year Award after being one of the leading players in the BBL Team Of The Week during the season.

Anthony Rowe (203-C-85, college: N.Georgia) (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders)

An absolute revelation and one of the top performers during the 2010-11 BBL season, Anthony Rowe (203-C-85, college: N.Georgia) has been superb for UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders all year. Highlighting his fantastic productivity, Rowe has featured in the BBL Team Of The Week on numerous occasions and impressed everyone with his scoring and rebounding ability - attributes which helped his team achieve a top five finish in the BBL Championship.

Andrew Thomson (Mersey Tigers)

There is just no stopping Andy Thomson as he continues to establish himself as one of the premier big men in the BBL after another wonderful season on Merseyside. The way he has developed and imposed himself in games during the last couple of years has been a real tonic for Tigers. The former Manchester Magic forward has multiple appearances in the BBL Team Of The Week as well as a collection of winners medals to show for his stellar performances and most impressively of all, his consistency.

Tafari Toney (Mersey Tigers)

Tafari Tap Toney has been a tower of strength in the frontcourt for Tigers all season long and will be hoping to post one more typically dominant performance in the BBL Play-Off Final on Saturday against former club One Health Sharks Sheffield. Something of a trophy magnet ever since he first took to the floor in the BBL, his all-round power in the paint, defensive capabilities and effectiveness on the glass continue to cement his place as one of the leading centers in the league.

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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

1. Larranaga		4-0
2. Nacional		4-0
3. Goes		3-1
4. Urunday Univ.		3-1
5. Tabare		3-1
6. Atenas		2-3
7. Yale		1-3
8. Capitol		1-3
9. 25 de Agosto		0-4
10. Verdirrojo		0-5

Isadore Pop Thornton returns to Sayago - by Sergio Palay

Isadore Thornton (202-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) returns to Sayago after passing through Hebraica Macabi.

The pivot that does not occupy place of foreign player, has been on the team in year 2007 when he was a great figure averaging 24.6 points per game and 8.5 rebounds.

Two years later, he returned to Sayago to also be a star. That once signed similar numbers by averaging nearly 24 points and 9 rebounds.

At 37 years old, Thornton is a great signing for a team that as always has the great goal of maintaining the category.

Quentin Smith leads Atenas with 24 points - by Hector Lopez
Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) joined Atenas, just hours after his arrival, and led his new team to beat Verdirrojo 87-75, for the Metro league fifthe round. Smith netted 24 points (75%) and grabbed 15 rebounds for Atenas, while Pablo Clerici (195-F-78) scored 15 points with 13 assists. For Verdirrojo, playing without import players, Alvaro Ramirez (195-F-74) scored 15 points with 5 rebounds and Diego Garcia (183-G-92) added other 19 points. The game Goes-Nacional was suspended aftyer technical problemnas with the electronic board.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos		22-6
2. Cocodrilos		21-6
3. Trotamundos		18-10
4. Guaiqueries		14-12
5. Bucaneros		14-14
6. Gigantes		14-15
7. Panteras		14-16
8. Toros		11-18
9. Guaros		9-19
10. Gaiteros		4-25

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ZAMBIA

Boys Get Consolation Result - by Eurobasket News
The Zambia boys' basketball team got a consolation result on Thursday evening when they defeated Angola 58-49 at the six-nation Zone Six Cup of Nations U-16 preliminaries that were scheduled to close last night at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka.

The win came after three successive defeats to Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe after having opened the tournament with an impressive 127-10 against whipping boys and girls of the tournament.

Despite the victory, Zambia still missed a chance of representing Zone Six at the AfroBasket U-18 after shattered dream to qualify to the AfroBasket U-18 Africa Championships whose venue is yet to be decided.

The boys' team lost against Mozambique 81-54, South Africa 81-71 and Zimbabwe 55-52, but despite hammering Angola 58-49 it was not enough to secure them a ticket to the AfroBasket African Championships.

Coach for the boys' team, Noah Mabutwe who was impressed with the performance of his team during tournament advised the Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) to maintain the team saying it had a lot of promise for the future despite not living their dream to qualify for the African championship.

He said the future of the team would depend on commitment, discipline and exposure of the players to international tournaments.

Mabutwe advised the ZBA executive to give the team ample time to prepare for important future international assignments like the just ended championship. He said ZBA should in future cast the net for selection of players wide to include all the nine provinces, unlike the current trend where only a few players are chosen from along the line of rail.
Mabutwe said most players were drawn from small clubs in Lusaka without considering the involvement of players from other provinces making the squad selection process challenging.

He commended the participating countries for playing according to the rules and discipline of the game. Both the boys and girls in Zambian teams had learnt something from the tournament to help enhance basketball in Zambia.

He said Zambia was a sports destination where athletes and sportsmanship can be developed if sports administration in the country could be treated seriously.

And girls coach Joseph Chowa advised the Zambian teams not to reflect on defeats that the team had suffered during the tournament but that they should consider working hard to replicate the talent and fighting spirit of South Africa and Mozambique
Courtesy of: http://allafrica.com
By Abraham Sakala

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Helen Naylor joins Brisbane Capitals - by Eurobasket
Brisbane Capitals agreed terms with 24-year old British former international forward Helen Naylor (180-F-87). Naylor played most recently at City of Sheffield Hatters (United Kingdom). While playing 19 games for Sheffield Hatters last season she recorded 17.2, 7rpg, and 4apg. Naylor is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Lithuania, Serbia and United Kingdom.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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AUSTRIA - Women

FLYING FOXES CHAMPION - THE COACH SAYS GOOD BYE - by Greg
Flying Foxes Post SV Wien won the final-series against BK Duchess Klosterneuburg 3:0 and became champions of the AWBL (Austrian Women Basketball League) the fifth time in a row. It was the seventh title for the Foxes, who became cup-winner (second time after 2010) as well.
Christoph Pinezich - headcoach for two years - withdrew from his function after this win. His record with the team is outstanding: 59 wins - 1 loss (Oct. 30th, 2009 agaist Wels) - following 55 successful games, finishing a perfect season 2010-11. Now he will coach the Austrian national team. Pinezich thanked officials and players for the chance to work with the best Austrian team and the possibility to earn two doubles (championship and cup). He praised the whole team but also said, that the two US-Americans were special.
Amanda AT Thompson (183-F-87, college: Oklahoma) was not only the best player in the AWBL but also the sunshine of the Foxes and an example of a pro for the young Austrian players with her dedication to the game and her excellent attitude.
Quenese Q Davis (178-G-88, college: San Diego St.) was the perfect addition to AT, the guard was an unselfish key-factor for the titles, bringing her best effort in deciding games. Best examples: the quadruple double in game 2 of the finals and making 71 points in the final-series. The coaches honored her performance and elected her MVP of the Austrian Cup Final Four and MVP
of the Championship-Finals.

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CAPE VERDE - Women

Aires Carla triumphs abroad - by Eurobasket News
Cape Verdean Carla Aires (182-F-82) and her Quinta dos Lombos earned the first ever Liga Feminina title. They overcame CAB Madeira in the fourth game of the series to clinch 3-1 victory. Quinta dos Lombos thus completed the triple this season as they have won Portuguese Cup, Federation Cup and Liga Feminina.
Quinta stormed into the game. They went on a 12:0 run early in the game to grab control. Quinta recorded a 23:13 lead after ten minutes. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They fired 29 points to build a 52:34 halftime buffer. CAB Madeira managed to revive the intrigue in the third term. They cut the margin by four points to trail by 12 points before the fourth term. But Quinta never allowed the visitors to get too close in the final term. They stayed in charge and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Larisse Lima stepped up with 16 points for Quinta. Alison Mann added 15 points for the winners. Utahya Drye answered with 26 points for CAB Madeira. Carla Freitas netted 14 points in the loss.

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ESTONIA - Women

Eclex defend their Meistriliiga title - by Eurobasket News
Eclex - Tartu Ulikool 99:59

Eclex repeated as Mestriliiga champions. They cruised past Tartu Ulikool in the third game of the championship series to complete the sweep. Six Eclex players scored in double figures to lead the hosts to the trophy. Eclex built an 8-point lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 24 points at the interval. Eclex stayed dominant in the third term. They erupted for 30 points to enjoy a comfortable 36-point buffer at the final intermission. Tartu Ulikool never recovered and suffered a heavy loss at the end. Kerli Haas (180-G-90) notched 24 points for Eclex. Marit Maaring (178-G-91) added 15 points in the victory. Liisi Sokman (168-G-88) answered with 19 points for Tartu Ulikool. Triin Teppo (186-F-90) had 18 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Eclex: Kerli Haas 24, Marit Maaring 15, Merilin Metsalu (177-G-87) 14
Tartu Ulikool: Liisi Sokman 19, Triin Teppo 18

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE - Women

Former WNBA Player Rushia Brown will direct the ESL Womens's event - by Eurobasket
Atlanta, GA - The Eurobasket Summer League Womens Event in Atlanta named Rushia Brown the Event Director.
Rushia the former seven (7) year WNBA player and ten (10) year European player will head the ESL annual Womens event.

Rushia outstanding network of contacts in the Womens basketball market, her passion for the game and the Eurobasket brand will make the ESL event the best in the market.

Rushia Brown, a Charleston, SC native was introduced to organized basketball as a high school freshman.
Twenty years later, her legacy as a professional athlete with the WNBA and FIBAs international league, motivates aspiring young women to pursue their dreams.

She attended Furman University and by the time Brown graduated, she had been named the team MVP and All-Conference four (4) consecutive years and twice named Edna Hartness Player of the Year. Five years later her jersey #34 would hang from the rafters as she was inducted into Furmans Athletic Hall of Fame.

Rushia had a successful (17) year career consisting of (10) years of professional basketball in Europe, spending time in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Korea, and 7 years in the WNBA with Cleveland and Charlotte. Brown won numerous championships including 2 European titles, 4 national titles and an Eastern Conference Championship with the Cleveland Rockers. The most highly regarded victory by Brown came off the court was her ability to live in different cultures and pick up languages.

After retiring from the professional ranks of basketball, Brown became and advocate of the sport and the young ladies that play it.
Brown created OverTime Basketball Academy in 2006 with a mission of providing young girls young ladies an opportunity to learn how much can be gained if they put in the OVERTIME, not just on the court, but in all facets of their lives.

Browns commitment to the game and the women that play it doesnt stop with the youth. In 2010, Brown partnered with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and the Womens National Basketball Players Association to form the WPBAA, an organization that assists female professional basketball players in the WNBA and Europe with the resources to transition from the sport to mainstream society. The WPBAA forges healthy relationships with business owners, medical providers, higher learning institutions and support groups to assist players. The organization is committed to both current and retired players.

The ESL 2011 Womens Event in Atlanta will be the third annual year Eurobasket has hosted this event.

Former ESL players have graduated from this event and received overseas opportunities from professional teams.

However with Rushia Browns direction the ESL Womens event will transcend to the elite level of exposure and opportunities for the participants.

For additional information please contact marketing@eurobasket.com

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

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HOLLAND - Women

Batouwe recruit Dena Bandt - by Eurobasket News
Batouwe have already started building the team for the next season. They lately invited Dena Bandt to join the team. The player spent the previous season in CTO Amsterdam. She tallied 1.5 points per game in Eredivisie. In the meantime Batouwe will probably part ways with Amanda Van Huenen (185-C-91). The 19-year-old centre was among top performers for Batouwe last season. She tallied 12.5 points, 4.5 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Amanda Van Huenen played for the Dutch U20 selection at the 2010 European Championship. She notched 0.6 points and 1.0 board per appearance in Latvia. She also played for U16 and U18 selections.

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LITHUANIA - Women

LMKL Round 4 of Finals. Utena force decider in Bronze medals series - by Eurobasket News

3-4 place

Utena - LKKA-Aistes 87-77

Utena leveled the Bronze medals series against LKKA-Aistes. They celebrated a home win to force the decisive fifth game. The game was mostly controlled by Utena. LKKA-Aistes managed to win third quarter 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Utena dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to LKKA-Aistes' 44. 24 personal fouls committed by LKKA-Aistes helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Agne Ziegyte (175-86) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Guard Asta Daujadiene (176-73) contributed with 13 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Jolanta Marmiene (181-79) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and guard Santa Okockyte (176-92) added 29 points in the effort for LKKA-Aistes. LKKA-Aistes' coach Aurimas Jasilionis rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Utena: A.Ziegyte 26+8reb+7ast, E.Briedyte 16+2reb+2ast, A.Daujadiene 13+3reb+4ast, V.Tamuleviciute 9+3reb+4ast, G.Kirstukaite 8+6reb+3ast, D.Zintikaite 7+1reb
LKKA-Aistes: S.Okockyte 29+1reb+3ast, J.Marmiene 21+11reb+2ast, K.Balciunaite 11+6reb, L.Svaryte 7+5reb, V.Kaminskyte 4+4reb, D.Saurazaite 3+2reb+1ast

Stats Leaders - LMKL

Points Per Game

Santa OKOCKYTE
  LKKA-Aistes
  (176-G-92)
  Avg: 20

1. Okockyte, LK.	20.0
2. Baliutaviciu., Ruta S.	16.9
3. Kinkeviciene, Laisve	16.9
4. Milieskiene, Lemmin.	15.0
5. Bimbaite, VICI K.	14.7
6. Aglinskaite, MRU	13.8
7. Aglinskaite, Laisve	13.7
8. Briedyte, Utena	13.6
9. Solopova, VICI K.	13.4
10. Budryte, Laisve	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sandra BALIUTAVICIUTE
  Laisve
  (182-F-81)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Baliutaviciu., Ruta S.	10.9
2. Palaimaite, Utena	9.4
3. Grigalauskyt., Lemmin.	9.1
4. Aleksaite, MRU	8.8
5. Balciunaite, LKKA-.	8.7
6. Galdikaite, MRU	8.6
7. Budryte, Laisve	8.2
8. Taraseviciut., Laisve	8.2
9. Margeviciute, Lemmin.	7.2
10. Kirstukaite, Utena	6.9

Assists Per Game

Ligita KINKEVICIENE
  Laisve
  (173-G-76)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Kinkeviciene, Laisve	5.5
2. Sauliute, VICI K.	5.4
3. Zygelyte, Lemminka.	4.4
4. Bimbaite, VICI K.	4.1
5. Daujadiene, Utena	4.0
6. Pilypaitis, VICI K.	3.5
7. Okockyte, LK.	3.5
8. Solopova, VICI K.	3.4
9. Valentiene, VICI K.	3.1
10. Ziegyte, Utena	2.9

Steals Per Game

Ligita KINKEVICIENE
  Laisve
  (173-G-76)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Kinkeviciene, Laisve	3.3
2. Balciunaite, LKKA-.	3.3
3. Bimbaite, VICI K.	3.1
4. Solopova, VICI K.	2.6
5. Milieskiene, Lemmin.	2.5
6. Sauliute, VICI K.	2.4
7. Briedyte, Ruta S.	2.3
8. Baliutaviciu., Ruta S.	2.1
9. Daujadiene, Utena	2.1
10. Pilypaitis, VICI K.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Kristina ALMINAITE
  VICI Kaunas
  (204-C-90)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Alminaite, VICI K.	1.6
2. Palaimaite, Utena	1.3
3. Aleksaite, MRU	1.3
4. Paugaite, VICI K.	1.3
5. Kirstukaite, Utena	1.2
6. Juceviciute, Utena	1.1
7. Margeviciute, Lemmin.	1.0
8. Budryte, Laisve	0.9
9. Baliutaviciu., Ruta S.	0.8
10. Kvederaviciu., Laisve	0.8

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Siarre EVANS
  Racing
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 32

1. Evans, Racing	32.0
2. Bingham, Amicale	29.2
3. Geehan, AB Contern	25.1
4. Spencer, Heffingen	24.2
5. Fisher, Musel Pikes	24.0
6. Fitz, Basket Esch	23.8
7. Underwood, Resid.	22.0
8. Donovan, Etzella	21.9
9. Walton, Black Star	21.7
10. Barnes, T71 D.	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

Siarre EVANS
  Racing
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Evans, Racing	18.4
2. Fitz, Basket Esch	15.5
3. Bingham, Amicale	14.6
4. Geehan, AB Contern	14.6
5. Spencer, Heffingen	12.9
6. Walton, Black Star	12.4
7. Underwood, Resid.	12.4
8. Fisher, Musel Pikes	12.3
9. Barnes, T71 D.	11.0
10. Donovan, Etzella	9.3

Assists Per Game

Andrea HARIS
  Basket Esch
  (169-G-78)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Haris, Basket Esch	4.1
2. Schmit, Musel Pikes	3.5
3. Donovan, Etzella	3.3
4. Bingham, Amicale	3.1
5. Evans, Racing	3.0
6. Petrova, Black Star	2.8
7. Meintz, Amicale	2.8
8. Kugener, T71 D.	2.7
9. Cigrang, Musel Pikes	2.6
10. Van Dyck, Amicale	2.6

Steals Per Game

Cathy SCHMIT
  Musel Pikes
  (169-G-90)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Schmit, Musel Pikes	3.4
2. Geehan, AB Contern	3.1
3. Underwood, Resid.	3.1
4. Petrova, Black Star	3.0
5. Evans, Racing	2.8
6. Wagener, T71 D.	2.8
7. Fisher, Musel Pikes	2.8
8. Meynadier, Musel P.	2.3
9. Bach, Residence	2.2
10. Bingham, Amicale	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Stephanie GEEHAN
  AB Contern
  (191-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Geehan, AB Contern	2.3
2. Bingham, Amicale	1.5
3. Fitz, Basket Esch	1.4
4. Mazjoukhina, Musel P.	1.3
5. Hetto, Heffingen	1.3
6. Bertrand, Musel P.	1.0
7. Spencer, Heffingen	0.8
8. Evans, Racing	0.8
9. Barnes, T71 D.	0.7
10. Walton, Black Star	0.6

Diekirch League Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Etzella and Musel Pikes will play for the title - by Eurobasket News
Musel Pikes - Basket Esch 87-60

Musel Pikes advanced into the Final after they held off visting Basket Esch. The game was mostly controlled by Musel Pikes. Basket Esch was better in fourth quarter 29-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Basket Esch to just 5 points in second quarter. Musel Pikes dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Basket Esch's 40. Musel Pikes forced 25 Basket Esch turnovers and outrebounded them 47-23 including a 28-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a quality performance for American forward Christine Fisher (183-F-83) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Forward Carine Cigrang (175-85) accounted for 20 points for the winning side. Slovakian forward Agnesa Szaboova (184-75) came up with 17 points and American forward Rachele Fitz (183-87, college: Marist) added 9 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Basket Esch in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Musel Pikes: C.Fisher 24+17reb+3ast, C.Cigrang 20+4reb+1ast, C.Schmit 13+3reb+3ast, M.Meynadier 10+3reb+4ast, I.Mazjoukhina 7+6reb+4ast, S.Bertrand 7+10reb+3ast
Basket Esch: A.Szaboova 17+2reb+2ast, A.Haris 14+1reb+1ast, R.Fitz 9+9reb+1ast, B.Schulte 4+1reb, J.Donnersbach 4+2reb, A.Leyers 3+1ast

Etzella - T71 Dudelange 77-68

Etzella joined Musel Pikes in the championship series beating T71 Dudelange at home court. T71 Dudelange was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Etzella forced 21 T71 Dudelange turnovers. It was a great evening for Canadian forward Katie Donovan (183-82) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. International guard Lynn Schreiner (165-91) helped adding 26 points. The best for the losing side was American power forward Diane Barnes (188-88, college: Miami, FL) with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Rachel Wagener (168-86) scored 23 points.
Top scorers:
Etzella: L.Schreiner 26+4reb+1ast, K.Donovan 23+11reb+6ast, L.Hetting 12+2reb+1ast, J.Schreiner 6+2ast, A.Neiertz 5+10reb+1ast, N.Goedert 3+2reb+2ast
T71 Dudelange: R.Wagener 23+3reb, D.Barnes 17+10reb, A.Kugener 9+9reb+1ast, C.Sitz 8+2reb+1ast, K.Bruck 6, A.Wagener 5+4reb+3ast

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MONTENEGRO - Women

WMNE Final Play-Off 3. Round : Jedinstvo won the title of Montenegro - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball players of Jedinstvo defend the title in Montenegro, after the third and final match overcome Buducnost PGD 89:56 and 3-0 in winning the trophy.
Jedinstvo is in Bijelo Polje, in the third game of the final series of the playoffs, overcome Buducnost PGD 89:56 (30:16, 22:15, 24:9 and 13:16) and to 3-0 in winning the trophy.
This is the third time that team from Bijelo Polje is Montenegro Champion in the clubs history.Jedinstvo to the trophy came with a maximal effect in the league of the season and the playoffs.

Jedinstvo Buducnost PGD 89:56 (30:16, 22:15, 24:9, 13:16)
Bijelo Polje SC: Nikoljac.Spect: 200. Reff: Dragojevic, Jokic (Podgorica), Raicevic (Bijelo Polje).
Jedinstvo: Knezevic 15, Bigovic 4, Burdzovic 2, Popovic 20, Lazovic, Zlaic, Garcevic 9, Djordjevic 2, Mujovic, Hadzovic, Zivana Jankovic (174-G-83) 12, Rakovic 25.
Buducnost PGD: Grnovic 4, Caricic, Perunovic 6, Vujadinovic 23, Zivaljevic, Mugosa, Sofranac, Katnic 14, Milosev 9, Franovic, Sekulic, Loncarevic.

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PORTUGAL - Women

Nwagbo number one in Portugal for round 22 - by Joao Santos
Nigerian-American guard Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked AD Vagos, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, while her team outclassed CDTN (#8, 7-13) with 40-point margin 102-62. AD Vagos maintains the 2nd position in Portuguese Liga Feminina. They are still close to the very top. AD Vagos would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 17-3 record. Nwagbo turned to be AD Vagos' top player in her first season with the team. Former Syracuse University star has very solid stats this year. Nwagbo is in league's top in points (7th best: 19.0ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 12.1rpg) and averages impressive 2.0spg and 63.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 22-year old Canadian Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88) of GDESSA/Barreiro. Ross had a very good evening with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds. Of course she lead GDESSA to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Barcelos (#10, 3-17) 77-40. This victory allowed GDESSA to move up to 7th position in the standings. Her team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-12 record. Ross is a newcomer at GDESSA, but is already one of team's top players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.0ppg (#1). She also registered 11.6 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jessica Richter (178-G) of Academico FC (#9). Richter scored 24 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Richter's great performance Academico lost 62-81 to the higher-ranked Alges (#4, 13-7). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. Academico can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-15 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Richter she does not play for a better team. But maybe if she did, her season stats would not be that high. Richter has a very solid season. In 20 games in Portugal she scored 12.4ppg. She also has 7.0rpg, 2.3spg and FGP: 51.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ticha Penicheiro (180-G-74) of Alges - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists
5. Tamara Milovac (186-C-86) of CDTN - 21 points and 9 rebounds
6. Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) of Alges - 27 points and 9 rebounds
7. Joana Lopes (185-F-86) of AD Vagos - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Kia Herbel (C) of GDESSA - 16 points and 9 rebounds
9. Paula Muxiri (184-F/C-81) of Quinta - 30 points and 7 rebounds
10. Michelle Brandao (171-G-91) of Olivais - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists

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

England U16 Women return from Portugal - by Eurobasket News
England's U16 Women returned from Portugal after three days including training and games against the Portuguese U18 and U16 national teams.

They started the trio of games with a match-up against Portugal's U18s and in an impressive defensive display lost 44-38 to the older age group.

Day two saw them face Portugal's U16 team and against the 2010 European Division B bronze medallists, they won 54-46 with an even points spread throughout the 10 England players who travelled.

They faced Portugal's U16s again in the final game of the trip and with coach Karen Burton limiting playing minutes of some players carrying minor injuries, the hosts ran away with a 59-30 win.

England roster Portugal 2011 (club in brackets)

Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (Haringey)
Janice Monakana (183-F-95) (Haringey)
Leah McDerment (178-G-96) (Manchester)
Mollie Campbell (188-F-95) (Manchester)
Megan Lewis (Sevenoaks)
Lauren Milligan (Solent)
Karlyn Edgeller (Ipswich)
Shequila Joseph (Haringey)

Otobo Osaro (185-C-95) (Eastside)
Cheridene Green (190-C-95) (Sevenoaks)
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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SENEGAL - Women

Felicite Mendes earned Liga Feminina title - by Eurobasket News
Felicite Mendes (170-G-91) earned Liga Feminina title with her Portuguese Quinta dos Lombos earned the first ever Liga Feminina title. They overcame CAB Madeira in the fourth game of the series to clinch 3-1 victory. Quinta dos Lombos thus completed the triple this season as they have won Portuguese Cup, Federation Cup and Liga Feminina.
Quinta stormed into the game. They went on a 12:0 run early in the game to grab control. Quinta recorded a 23:13 lead after ten minutes. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They fired 29 points to build a 52:34 halftime buffer. CAB Madeira managed to revive the intrigue in the third term. They cut the margin by four points to trail by 12 points before the fourth term. But Quinta never allowed the visitors to get too close in the final term. They stayed in charge and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Larisse Lima stepped up with 16 points for Quinta. Alison Mann added 15 points for the winners. Utahya Drye answered with 26 points for CAB Madeira. Carla Freitas netted 14 points in the loss.
In her top game Quinta dos Lombos proved their strength against Boa Viagem in the opening game of the Quarter-Finals series. The game was mostly controlled by Quinta. Boa Viagem was better in fourth quarter 18-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Quinta especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of international power forward Paula Muxiri who helped to win the game recording 21 points, while Felicite Mendes scored 20. American forward Alison Mann contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Quinta's coach Jose Leite allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Brandie Hoskins answered with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import guard Chevon Keith added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Boa Viagem.

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SERBIA - Women

Partizan sweeps Hemofarm in the Finals, defends championship title - by Eurobasket News
Finals, Game 3: Partizan Galenika - Hemofarm STADA 82-79 (3-0)

Partizan swept Hemofarm in the Playoff Finals to defend the championship title in Serbia. The team from Belgrade celebrated 82-79 victory in Game Three to win the series with perfect 3-0. Dajana Butulija (175-G-86) paced the home squad to victory with 21 points. Dunja Prcic (180-G-87) and Latoya Williams (193-C-87, college: Chipola JC) scored 14 pts each, while Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) added 12 points. In Hemofarm, Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) delivered 20 and Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) had 18 points. Markovic netted 11 pts. Partizan had impressive last quarter (28-14) and it was a key of this victory. Hemofarm made plus 11 in the first half, but it was not enough. This is the second trophy for Partizan this season as they already won the Serbian National Cup. They defeated Hemofarm in that Final as well 83-69.
Partizan entered to Playoffs as No.2 with 11-3 record. They eliminated Radivoj Korac in the Semifinals with perfect 2-0. Hemofarm was undefeated in regular season (14-0), but they failed when it mattered most.

Partizan: Dajana Butulija 21, Dunja Prcic 14, Latoya Williams 14, Milica Dabovic 12
Hemofarm: Tamara Radocaj 20, Biljana Stankovic 18, Markovic 11

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SLOVENIA - Women

Krka's bench outscores the entire Slovan team - by Zeljko Zule
Krka's bench players outscored the entire Slovan team 59-57 in Telemach Superleague's Round 8 victory, 98-57. Helios gained control of a game against Hopsi with a 26-4 run spanning halftime. Zlatorog produced an 18-3 run and grabbed the lone lead change in the match against Maribor. Olimpija crushed Elektra by 35 points.
Krka-Slovan 98-57: Krka never trailed and its bench players outscored the entire Slovan's team 59-57. Zoran Dragic and Chris Booker both came from the bench for 16 points each, Edo Muric scored 13 points and Jure Balazic finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Krka shot 13-of-20 behind the 3-point line nad grabbed 40 rebounds. Slovan was led by Jaka Blazic and his 20 points, Uros Zadnik and Luka Rupnik added 10 points apiece.
Helios-Hopsi 90-74: Helios made a 26-4 run spanning halftime to go ahead 67-41. Grega Mali (197-G-84) scored 26 points on shooting 6-of-8 behind the 3-point line, Benjamin Raymond had 20 points and 6 assists. For Hopsi, Dmitry Sviridov posted 18 points, Stanko Sebic 16 and Igor Mijajlovic and Denis Vrsaljko scored 10 points each.
Maribor-Zlatorog 75-86: Zlatorog would need just one lead change and an 18-3 run over an eight minute span to secure the decision. Zlatorog took a 32-24 advantage and opened the second half with a 12-2 span. Vladimir Panic scored 29 points on shooting 10-of-14 from the field and Luka Lapornik added 11 rebounds. Maribor's bench players were outscored by opposing reserves 14-29. Sasa Mucic finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, Elvis Kadic posted 15 points and Ilija Zolotic had 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Elektra-Olimpija 49-84: Olimpija never trailed and won in all four quarters. Goran Jagodnik scored 15 points, Kenny Gregory 12, Vlado Ilievski and Aloysious Anagonye both netted 11 points and Damir Markota 10. Elektra's lone scorer in double figures was Salih Nuhanovic, who contributed 10 of his total 12 points in the first quarter.

Classic Finals: Kranjska Gora vs Celje - by Zeljko Zule
Kranjska Gora and Celje both need just two games to move in the 2011 Finals. The best-of-five series will start in Kranjska Gora on May, 3.
Ilirija-Kranjska Gora 48-81: Even without illness Teja Oblak, Kranjska Gora easily won. The made a 13-3 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 26 points at the break. Eva Komplet scored 19 of her 27 points in the first halftime, Tina Trebec added 18 points, Natasa Radulovic 12 and Zorka Bilic 10. Ilirija was outrebounded 23-45. Natasa Vene netted 13 points, Barbara Skod 11 and Polona Zalar 10.
Maribor-Celje 73-88: After trailing 8-11, Celje scored 10 straight points to go ahead 18-11 and never looked back from there. Nika Baric (169-G-92) scored 37 points on shooting 12-of-18 from the field, Ana Turcinovic collected 19 points and 10 rebounds and Rebeka Abramovic added 12 points. Maribor was outrebounded 14-29 and commited 21 turnovers. Martina Dover finished with 20 points, Katarina Ilijev scored 20 points including five 3-pointers, Kristina Baltic posted 17 points and Maja Drozg 10.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

LNSA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mariesa GREENE
  Pully
  (183-F-)
  Avg: 30.2

1. Greene, Pully	30.2
2. Trahan, Fribourg	26.9
3. Villarroel, Helios	26.0
4. Edwards, Riva B.	25.5
5. Diouf, Pully	25.2
6. Bowman, Riva B.	25.1
7. Sissoko, Helios	23.8
8. Williams, Fribourg	21.2
9. Yanni, Basel	19.6
10. Klimowicz, Nyon	19.2

Rebounds Per Game

Mariesa GREENE
  Pully
  (183-F-)
  Avg: 16.2

1. Greene, Pully	16.2
2. Trahan, Fribourg	14.4
3. Sissoko, Helios	12.2
4. Wilkins, Riva Basket	12.2
5. Hamlin, Highflyers	11.3
6. Klimowicz, Nyon	11.0
7. Bowman, Riva B.	10.6
8. Edwards, Riva B.	10.2
9. Griffith, Highflyers	9.6
10. Skouby, Basel	9.3

Assists Per Game

Diodio DIOUF
  Pully
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Diouf, Pully	6.0
2. Williams, Fribourg	4.6
3. Villarroel, Helios	4.4
4. Dorestand, Highf.	4.2
5. Yanni, Basel	3.8
6. Heckendorn, Basel	3.5
7. Greene, Pully	3.3
8. Gur, Nyon	3.0
9. Annibale, Riva Basket	2.7
10. Sakica, Highflyers	2.7

Steals Per Game

Diodio DIOUF
  Pully
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Diouf, Pully	4.3
2. Greene, Pully	4.2
3. Villarroel, Helios	4.2
4. Williams, Fribourg	4.1
5. Gur, Nyon	4.0
6. Sissoko, Helios	3.5
7. Edwards, Riva B.	3.3
8. Klimowicz, Nyon	3.2
9. Dorestand, Highf.	3.1
10. Trahan, Fribourg	3.1

Blocks Per Game

Hillary KLIMOWICZ
  Nyon
  (191-F/C-87)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Klimowicz, Nyon	4.7
2. Williams, Fribourg	2.6
3. Bowman, Riva B.	1.7
4. Edwards, Riva B.	1.5
5. Skouby, Basel	1.4
6. Greene, Pully	1.3
7. Trahan, Fribourg	1.2
8. Hamlin, Highflyers	1.1
9. Favre, Nyon	1.1
10. Yanni, Basel	1.0

LNA Women Finals: 2-1 for Elfic Fribourg - by Melanie Nussbaumer
BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket - Sdent Helios Basket 88-84 (50-37)
Elfic took advantage in the serie on their home court Saturday, winning 88-84 over Helios. An energetic first quarter for both team, Villarroel scoring half of her team's points! (12pts), Elfic kept pushing the ball in the second quarter, finishing on the score of 50-37. Helios came back in the third quarter, Lia Volpe (165-G-86) made 3 of her 3pts attempt in the last quarter to keep her team in the score, but the team work of Fribourg in defense and offense, allowed them to come back in the last instance of the game. Best scorers of the game: For Fribourg: Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) 32pts+10reb; Angelina Williams (183-F-83, college: Illinois) 26pts+10reb; Lisa Mazzocchi (170-G/F-90) 13pts; Bettina Mueller 13pts+4ass
For Helios: Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, agency: LBM Management, college: Oklahoma) 28pts+11reb; Djenebou Sissoko (190-F/C-82, college: Union (TN)) 22pts 7reb; Jalinka Michaux (175-F-87) 15pts+5reb; Lia Volpe (165-G-86) 9pts (3 on 4 at 3pts)

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women

Diego Martin girls win Easter Hoops Classic - by Don Farrell

Team captain Anika Nottingham played her role as team leader and scored 26 points, a tournament-best that helped guided Diego Martin All Stars to an exciting 3733 victory over favourites MSD Chaguanas Lions in the girls championship match. Action was in the Fourth annual Super 10 Basketball League (SBL) Easter Hoops Classic on Saturday at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo. Diego Martin held a commanding 18-12 half-time advantage, but Lions which entered the match undefeated and as title favourites stormed back in the third quarter behind two big three-pointers from Jenisha Jones. The teams traded baskets in the final three minutes of the fourth and final quarter until Nottingham, Shaunna Sankar and the rest of team closed out the match with a 62 run. Forwards Shanella Pierre and Sammaya Marcelle, the daughter of referee Lennox Marcelle, both netted nine points for the Lions which lost for the only time in the tournament.

Forward Josephine Vidale displayed a spirited all-round performance on defence and assisted Nottingham with over 23 rebounds at both ends of the court between them. Former WNBA player T&Ts Pietra Gay later presented Nottingham, Vidale and Marcelle with individual awards. She also presented the gold medals and championship trophy to Diego Martin All Stars, while Earle Noel, the vice president of Organisation and Development handed out the silver medals. Meanwhile, forward Javon Castillo and centre Christopher John combined for 34 points which helped Valencia Heat lift the boys title over Trailblazers Basketball Academy with a 6644 win to bring the tournament to an end after 34 matches played over 11 days.

Castillo, who sank four three-pointers, was adjudged the player of the game and was presented with the game-ball by Gay. Blink Brian Chase Academy defeated St Martin Girls 4627 for the bronze medals which were handed out by former national player Ian Poison Gomes. East Mucurapo Secondary outset Mt Hope Spurs for the bronze medals in the boys third place play-off 4941. The Super 10 Basketball League would like to extend heart felt thanks to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Toyota, Carib Brewery Limited (Malta), Bottlers Limited (Powerade & Dasani), Pietra Gay, Shaleina Charles, Ian Poison Gomes, the NBFTT and Gold Medal Sports Company.

Results

Third Place Girls:
Blink Brian Chase Academy 46 (Rochell Cliff 17, Shenise George 14, Nyota Saldenha 7) vs St Martin 27 (Latisha Manswell 7, Cheryse Aguillera 8)

Girls Championship:
Diego Martin All Stars 37 (Anika Nottingham 27, Shaunna Sankar 5) vs MSD Chaguanas Lions 34 (Shanella Pierre 9, Sammaya Marcelle 9)

guardian

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UKRAINE - Women

Kochubei and Khomenchuk won the title abroad - by Eurobasket News
Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) and Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-C-89) triumphed in Belarus with Gorizont. Both Ukrainian players won the Final series with their team over the favorite Minsk-2006. Two games at home court of Gorizont were the last in the series as they won the series 3-1.
After the teams exchanged the wins in the first two games, the third game became the most interesting. Gorizont needed overtime to seal 99:96 victory. Trailing 13 points at the halftime, Gorizont produced a 24-13 in the fourth period and then won the extra time 14-11. Tatsiana Likhtarovich stepped up with 25 points and Natalia Anufryienka netted 17. Brooke Queenan replied with 29 points, while Chrissy Givens had 24 points and 10 rebounds.
In Game 4 Gorizont triumphed with 86:72 victory. The last quarter became decisive in the game as the hosts needed 30-18 for the final spurt. Aleksandra Khomenchuk erupted with 27 points and 19 rebounds, while Natalia Anufryienka added 22. Brooke Queenan answered with 22 points in the losing effort.

Orlan surprise Dnipro at home - by Eurobasket News
Orlan surprise Dnipro at home in the only game on Tuesday, April 26th. The team from Simferopol defeated Dnipro 82:67.
The squad from Dnipropetrovsk started the game with 24-21, but the hosts did not allow them to control the game. Orlan needed 22-17 to take 2-point lead at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Orlan produced 19-8 to ensure the bigger lead after 30 minutes. Moreover Orlan won the last period 20-18 for the final success.
Oxana Pysmennyk (191-F-78) and Kashley top-scored for the winners with 21 points each, while Alyushkina netted 16. Yagupova responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Kimberly Williams (168-G-74, agency: Merit Sports, college: De Paul) added 22. Taisiia Bovykina (190-C-89, agency: LBM Management) collected 14 points and Kirienko scored 4.

Yuzhna Palmira Odessa adds Vukovic to their roster - by Eurobasket
Yuzhna Palmira Odessa added to their roster 33-year old Serbian center Dragana Vukovic (190-C-78). Vukovic played most recently at Radivoj Korac Beograd (Serbia). While playing 21 games for Radivoj Korac this season she averaged 3.2ppg and 3.4rpg. She has already played two games for Palmira, and she has double-double on both games Vukovic played also pro basketball in Cyprus and Serbia.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Tim-Scuf		7-0
2. Kozachka		7-2
3. Dynamo		5-2
4. Dnipro-DVUFK		4-3
5. Frankivsk		3-3
6. Yuzhna Palmira		3-4
7. Orlan		3-5
8. Donbas		2-5
9. Politeh Basket		2-5
10. Luganski Last.		0-7

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

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USBA - Women

WUSBA seeks former WNBA players to coach basketball teams - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 26, 2011)---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) today announced openings for Head Coaches, Dance Team Coaches and Assistant Coaches positions for the upcoming 2011 basketball season. The concentration of WUSBA teams is in the Southeast United States. The WUSBA currently has twenty basketball teams split into four divisions, spread over nine southern states. The WUSBA owns and operates all teams. Each team operates independently of each other. Each team has an Event Manager assigned as team representative.

Former WNBA basketball players, College assistant and international coaches are invited to submit resumes and biographies for consideration. We are in search of people who have a desire to develop and advance to potential head coaching jobs in the NCAA I, II and III division schools.

Long time coach Terry Truax will be solicited to oversee the selection process. He will be touted to conduct training and job placement. Truax has 45 years of experience in basketball. He's coached at Towson State University, the University of North Carolina, University of Maryland, just to name a few. His longest tenure was with Towson State University for fourteen years. 'Our goal is to hire former WNBA basketball players and NCAA assistant coaches to work a full summer schedule; we can help them with their dreams of pounding the sidelines as a Division One coach', said Truax.

The WUSBA 2011basketball season runs from June 8, 2011 to August 27, 2011. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule, fourteen home and fourteen away. The league has a mid season All Star Game scheduled for the 3rd week of July. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins August 27, 2011with the Championship game on September 4, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The league draft is scheduled for May 7th and team tryouts and camps begin May 14 and 21, 2011.

WUSBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'Announcing now gives us a prime opportunity for us to get to know our coaches. We want our fans to be able to become familiar with their head coach and quite simply, the coach will have ample time be able to select the players or dance team members of his or her choice'.

The league has developed a comprehensive package for the coaches. Head Coaches receive $600.00 per week. Assistant coaches receive $450.00 per week and Dance Team coaches receive $275.00 per week. Basketball Coaches receive a daily meal at Golden Corral and housing. As a bonus coaches receive compensation for sponsor speaking engagements. Women coaches are urged to apply for a position.

The league has begun receiving resumes for consideration. According to the league, each coach candidate should submit his or her resume as soon as possible for consideration. All candidates will receive a response. 'We expect a huge response and I suggest any candidate wishing to be considered should submit their resume no later than May 3, 2011', said WUSBA Executive Vice President Kenneth Green. 'We're very excited about the upcoming season. Some of our teams have a coaching staff in place already and for each team in need of a coach, this is a great opportunity for an aspiring individual who has the propensity to lead and succeed'. Resumes can be sent to southernbasketballassociation@yahoo.com .

Contact:
Duane Allen Jenkins- (404) 428-3411
Kenneth Green- (404) 547-6907

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WNBA - Women

Geethu Anna Jose becomes first Indian player to get WNBA tryouts - by Eurobasket News
Indian basketball is set to take a big step forward this month when Geethu Anna Jose (6'1''-C-85) becomes the first player from her country to attend tryouts for the WNBA.

The 25-year-old center will have training sessions with the Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks and San Antonio Silver Stars over a span of eight days in what could be a history-making moment for the sport in her country.

'There is pressure and high expectations,' the 6-foot-2 Jose told The Associated Press. 'The Indian basketball community is excited, but then, it is also my dream and I am going to go out there and give it my best shot.'

Jose, who hails from the southern state of Kerala, is easily the biggest draw in Indian basketball and was the top scorer in the previous two FIBA Asian championships.

In the last edition held in India in 2009, the center averaged 22 points to help her team stay in the Elite Level 1 group. India finished sixth in the 12-team competition.

Jose is looking to draw from her experience of playing as a professional for three seasons for Ringwood Hawks in Australia's Big V Basketball as she eyes a WNBA breakthrough.

'Inside game is very hard outside India,' Jose said. 'The players there are really tough. My three years in Australia have given me a lot of confidence, and I'd think it was there that my dream of playing in the WNBA was born.'

Jose's Australian opportunity came after she caught Hawks coach Tim Mottin's eye during the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, she said. In that tournament, she had a chance to play against Australian center and WNBA star Lauren Jackson, who has been her inspiration since.

'She's simply astonishing. I just love her game,' Jose said. 'For one who is 6-foot-5, she covers the court with amazing speed and can score from almost anywhere. Against us, she was on court for just 20 minutes and scored 40 points.'

Courtesy of www.mailtribune.com