Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/28/2011

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

Men News

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

ARGENTINA

Playoffs transactions - by Facundo Iatzky
Liga A: Penarol mar del plata signed temporally Mariano Fierro (201-F/C-86). Mariano comes to be one of the best players in boca Juniors. he will replace Marcos Mata, who is injured and will be one month out of the games.
TNA: Quilmes, the other team of Mar del Plata made some changes too. They have agreed terms with Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87), who replaces esteban Lopez, injured for the rest of the season. Pablo comes from Argentino Junin and he was the MVP of TNA last year.

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	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
  Estudian.
  (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.	4.4
6. Cequeira, Obras	4.2
7. Franco, Sionista	3.7
8. Treise, Quimsa	3.3
9. Victoriano, Lanus	3.0
10. Sartorelli, Argen.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (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. Selleaze, Libertad.	2.3
7. Cequeira, Obras	2.3
8. Okosa, Gimnasia CR	2.3
9. Moodie, Boca Jrs	2.2
10. Williams, Atenas	2.2

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Bucks will keep Carlos Delfino next season - by Eurobasket News
Bucks general manager John Hammond confirmed Tuesday that forward Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82) will be returning for a third season with the team.

The Bucks have a $3.5 million team option on Delfino for the 2011-12 season. The Argentine forward averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 49 games with the Bucks last season and made 40 starts.

Delfino suffered a concussion in the first week of the season and eventually missed 32 games due to symptoms from a series of hits to the head.

He was able to return to the lineup in late January and had back-to-back 30-point games in March against New York and Sacramento. That established a career high for points.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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

ARUBA

Standings - A-Klas

Liga Superior Standings

Mayor
1. Ling&Sons		6-4
2. RCA Romar Tr.		6-4
3. Ajrs R.Shack		6-4
4. YMCA Dakota		2-8
Menor
1. RCA K-hunters		8-2
2. Ajrs D.Bulldogs		6-4
3. Dakota Bball		5-5
4. Estrella		0-10

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

AUSTRALIA

Mental war underway ahead of NBL decider on Friday - by Eurobasket News
Hostilities in the psychological war between the Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers have well and truly broken out ahead of Friday nights sold-out sudden death Game Three of the iiNet National Basketball League Grand Final series.

Taipans shooting guard Phill Jones (196-G-74), one of two Kiwis on the Cairns roster who will look to deny New Zealand their first-ever NBL championship title, has boldly predicted that the Breakers will face a whole new level of pressure when they take the court for the series decider at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Friday.

The Breakers were the minor premiers with the best record in the league, and will enter Game Three as the heavy favourites with Centrebet listing them at $1.18 to win the decider, compared to $4.80 for Cairns. Jones says there are huge expectations on the Breakers to deliver New Zealand their first ever Australian professional league title.

'They've got the whole country expecting them to win', Jones told The Cairns Post. 'They don't expect anything less, so there's a lot of pressure on them.'

Taipans head coach Aaron Fearne also has made it clear that those expecting the Breakers to enjoy another home blow-out win in Game Three, as they did in the series opener, would be disappointed.

'We're not going over there to put in the same sort of performance [that] we did in game one, I can tell you that, Fearne told stuff.co.nz, before going on to make it clear that the Taipans were not concerned at all about playing the decider in Auckland.

Breakers point guard CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC), whose clutch three-pointer helped New Zealand force a first overtime period in Game Two, says however that playing at home puts his team in the drivers seat.

'This is why you have home court advantage otherwise there's no point playing for it,' Bruton told Fairfax medias Marc Hinton. 'Being in the driver's seat, being at home is an advantage. It's a fairytale this is what you want.'

Brutons teammate and Breakers captain Paul Henare (182-G-79), who will play in his final NBL game this Friday after previously announcing his intention to retire at seasons end, made it clear he was confident of victory.

'The biggest thing for us now is recovery, taking care of our bodies and making sure we do all the right things so we're good to go on Friday,' Henare told stuff.co.nz.

'We'll be good to go. We'll get this thing done.'

Injury concerns for New Zealand are legitimate with both star shooting guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) (back) and young swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, college: Washington St.) (leg) sitting out Wednesday mornings practice session. The Breakers have told media however that both players are expected to be fine in time for Friday nights game.

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

Kirk Penney sits out practice with back spasm - by Eurobasket News
Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) has thrown an injury scare into the Breakers camp just two days out from the deciding third game of the Australian NBL finals.

The star shooting guard had to pull out of today's training session at the club's Mairangi Bay headquarters after suffering a minor spasm in his back.

The injury occurred early on in what ended up being a quite intense run and Penney was immediately whisked away for treatment on his back.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis said early indications were positive that the team's leading scorer and all-league selection would be fine to play in Friday's defining clash against the Cairns Taipans, but he was not able to guarantee it.

'Kirk's [back] just spasmed up, so he went off and we obviously wanted to be careful with it,' said Lemanis immediately after today's training that had a hefty media presence.

'We didn't want to risk it today, so he went and had some work on it and says he feels much better now, so we'll see.'

Asked if his most pivotal player would be fine to play Friday night at the NSEC, he said: 'We hope so, but you don't know.'

Penney missed significant time with the Breakers last season through a back injury and Lemanis said it was something his player had been dealing with for much of his career.

'The one comment he had in there when I went in was like 'I know how to look after my back'. I think it's just precaution more than anything else, but we'll see.

'We'll find out more as the days progress.'

Penney is averaging 21 points a game for the Breakers in the off-season but was held to just 12 points on four-of-12 shooting in a substandard game by his standards on Sunday.

The Breakers will be pinning their hopes on Penney not only being fit enough to suit up for Friday's decider, but playing an influential role.

Athletic forward Thomas Abercrombie also sat out the second half of today's training when a bruised heel he suffered in Sunday's game two thriller in Cairns flared up a little.

'That was more precautionary than anything and the physio said he'll be all right,' added Lemanis.

Given that the Breakers are coming off not just a demanding 28-game regular season but a physical three-game semifinal series against the Perth Wildcats, and have now split the first two games of the grand final, players being banged up is nothing unexpected for the club.

'It's the last game [of the season] and everyone will find a way to get ready for that I'm sure,' said Lemanis. 'It's not like it's anything we haven't been through before. All season we've dealt with injuries and niggles going into games, so it's nothing to stress about.'

The Breakers won the first game of the grand final series against the Taipans 85-67 at the NSEC, but then went down 81-85 in a double-overtime thriller in Cairns to set up the decider back in Auckland.

Both clubs are chasing their first Australian NBL titles and the Breakers are seeing to become the first Kiwi club to claim the championship in a major sporting league across the Tasman.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

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

BAHAMAS

Bahamian Basketball Three Peat: Grant's Town Tavern Giants and Lady Cheetahs Victorious Again... - by Eurobasket
By Sarone Kennedy

It was the second straight triple crown feat for coach Perry Thompson and his Commonwealth Bank Giants. They joined the Four J's Lady Cheetahs, who clinched their first women's triple crown.

At the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium Wednesday night, they had to go right down to the wire before they prevailed with a 116-109 win over the Real Deal Shockers to retain their New Providence Basketball Association championship title.

Gamaliel Rose, who was named the most valuable player, finished with 29 points and 19 rebounds while Jeremy Hutchinson had 27 points and 20 rebounds, Michael 'Ferley' Bain 26 points and Ricardo Pierre 18.

The win enabled the Giants to advance to the Bahamas Basketball Federation where they also retained their Commonwealth championship title at the KLG with a 95-89 win over Grand Bahama on Saturday night.

In that game, playing without Mark Hanna, Hutchinson led the attack with 18 points and Rose added 17. Clayton 'Smiley' Miller led the Grand Bahamian team with 24, Quinton Three Ounce' Hall and Tamasio Dames both contributed 21.

'I was pretty much satisfied with the performance of the team,' said Thompson. 'It was a gruelling seven-game series between us and the Shockers. It was extremely competitive. I think both teams put their best foot forward, fortunately for us, we came out victorious in the whole series. That was what we were playing for. We made a sacrifice all season long. So we were happy to defend our title.'

With just a day's rest in between, Thompson admitted that his team was a little tired for game one of the nationals and they eventually lost by one to Grand Bahama in their opener.

'But we came back, we beat Eleuthera to go into the final and the guys really stepped it up, even though we were kind of late getting to the game,' Thompson noted.

'Once everybody arrived, we played the way the Giants are capable of playing. They seemed to have gotten away from their team concept, which worked in our favour. So I'm happy with the way our guys stepped up.'

Thompson said it was a total team effort because he had players who came through and did the role they were required to do. He mentioned players like Dencil Edgecombe, Raif Ferguson, Jamington Johnson, who all came off the bench and made a contribution.

'We will wait and see if they have the Independence Tournament this year. We would like to compete in that also,' he said. 'But we will just heal some wounds and enjoy the triple crown title again this year.'

He noted that they could not have achieved their goal without the sponsorship of Commonwealth Bank, who has assisted them tremendously over the years.

In the women's series, the New Providence Women's Basketball Association champions Four J's Lady Cheetahs also completed a triple crown as they added the national title with a 68-53 decision over Harbour Island.

Latoya 'Lil Thing' Thompson had a game high 30 points in the win. Isis Wilson and Devester Bullard both had 11 in a losing effort.

'I felt we had a long lay-off since we won the NPWBA championship,' said Bowleg after winning their first triple crown.

'We were not practicing as consistently as I would have liked. But the competition in the nationals this year wasn't too bad. Had we had the Bommer G Angels (NPWBA runners-up) and the champions from Grand Bahama, it would have made it much more stiffer and made the win more enjoyable.'

Instead, Bowleg said they enjoyed the competition from Eleuthera and they were just delighted to join the Giants in coming out as the pennant, league and national champions.

'We expected to win it, even if the other teams were involved,' Bowleg said. 'But I think it would have been sweeter if the other teams were involved. Not taking anything away from Eleuthera, I think they played very well. They gave us more competition than we expected. I think this would have been a great development for women's basketball if the other teams had showed up as we commence the national team practices.'

Results of other games played in the tournament are as follows:

Harbour Island 51,
Jr All-Stars 29

Isis Wilson scored a game high 23 points to pace the visiting team from Eleuthera to the tournament opening victory. Britinique Harrison had 19 in the loss.

Grand Bahama 82,
Eleuthera 56

Clayton Miller returned to New Providence and made an impact right away with a game high 21 points in leading his team to the men's opening victory. Alvin Bullard had 13 in the loss.

New Providence 51,
Eleuthera 41

Terrana Pyfrom and Linda Pierre both had 13 points as the Lady Cheetahs picked up where they left off after at least a two-week break since the completion of their championship. Isis Wilson matched their performance with 13 in the loss.

New Providence 53,
Jr All-Stars 36

Linda Pierre came up big again, scoring 14 in the win for the Lady Cheetahs as they stayed undefeated in the tournament. Britinique Harrison had a game high 15 in the loss.

Grand Bahama 81,
New Providence 80

In a prelude to the championship game that went into overtime, Clayton Miller canned the game-winning basket on a three-pointer at the buzzer. But it was Jabbar Lightbourne who led the way with 24. Gamaliel Rose had a game high 26 in a losing effort.

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

BOSNIA

D1 Round 9 (second stage): Igokea secures first place before the Playoffs - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Second Stage in D1.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Banja Luka. 4th placed host Borac Nektar (4-5) was smashed by first ranked Igokea (8-1) 86-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Borac Nektar. Igokea have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record and secured this spot before the Playoffs. Borac Nektar at the other side keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Igokea are looking forward to face Capljina Lasta (#5) at home in the next round. Borac Nektar will play against the league's second-placed Siroki TT Kabeli in Siroki Brijeg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Mrkonjic Grad. Third ranked host Mladost (5-4) defeated second-best Siroki TT Kabeli (7-2). It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Siroki TT Kabeli. Montenegrin center Milos Komatina (204-84) nailed 31 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Milijan Bocka accounted for 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Croatian guard Fran Pilepic (192-89) came up with 12 points for Siroki TT Kabeli in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mladost maintains third place with 5-4 record having just three points less than leader Zrinjski HT. Defending champion Siroki TT Kabeli keeps the second position with two games lost. Mladost will play against Bosna ASA BHT (#6) in Sarajevo in the next round. Siroki TT Kabeli will play at home against Borac Nektar (#4) in Banja Luka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 9 Bosna lost to Capljina on the opponent's court 67-71.

Borac Nektar - Igokea 61-86

The game between Top Four teams took place in Banja Luka. 4th placed host Borac Nektar (4-5) was smashed by first ranked Igokea (8-1) 86-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Borac Nektar. Igokea have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record and secured this spot before the Playoffs. Borac Nektar at the other side keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Igokea are looking forward to face Capljina Lasta (#5) at home in the next round. Borac Nektar will play against the league's second-placed Siroki TT Kabeli in Siroki Brijeg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Mladost - Siroki TT 84-68

The game between Top Four teams took place in Mrkonjic Grad. Third ranked host Mladost (5-4) defeated second-best Siroki TT Kabeli (7-2). It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Siroki TT Kabeli. The game was mostly controlled by Mladost. Siroki TT Kabeli was better in third quarter 19-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Siroki TT Kabeli 39-26 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Mladost players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Siroki TT Kabeli's players. Montenegrin center Milos Komatina (204-84) nailed 31 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Serbian guard Milijan Bocka (186-82, agency: 011 Sports) accounted for 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Croatian guard Fran Pilepic (192-89) came up with 12 points and Croatian center Darko Planinic (211-90) added 13 points respectively for Siroki TT Kabeli in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mladost maintains third place with 5-4 record having just three points less than leader Zrinjski HT. Defending champion Siroki TT Kabeli keeps the second position with two games lost. Mladost will play against Bosna ASA BHT (#6) in Sarajevo in the next round. Siroki TT Kabeli will play at home against Borac Nektar (#4) in Banja Luka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mladost: M.Komatina 31+7reb+3ast, M.Bocka 15+11reb+12ast, R.Velimirovic 10+9reb+4ast, P.Ivanic 9+3reb+3ast, N.Milosevic 9+2reb, D.Duranovic 5+2reb
Siroki TT: D.Planinic 13+3reb, F.Pilepic 12+4reb+3ast, S.Spralja 11+3reb, D.Persic 8+2reb, S.Stemberger 7+4reb+2ast, I.Grgat 6+2reb

Capljina - Bosna 71-67

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Capljina Lasta and 6th ranked Bosna ASA BHT had identical 1-7 record. This time Capljina Lasta used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Sarajevo 71-67. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-17. But Bosna ASA BHT won third quarter 20-8. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Capljina Lasta won last quarter 18-15. Capljina Lasta outrebounded Bosna ASA BHT 42-21 including a 19-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Serbian guard Stefan Fekete (188-86, agency: Beo Basket) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Mile Galic (195-87) accounted for 14 points and 9 rebounds. Naturalized Croatian power forward Dzenan Rahimic (204-74) came up with 15 points and Swedish-Serbian power forward Aleksandar Damjanovic (206-73) added 14 points respectively for Bosna ASA BHT in the defeat. Four Bosna ASA BHT players scored in double figures. Bosna ASA BHT's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Capljina Lasta maintains fifth place with 2-7 record. Bosna ASA BHT lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. Capljina Lasta will play against league's leader Igokea in Aleksandrovac in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bosna ASA BHT will play at home against Mladost (#3) in Mrkonjic Grad to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Capljina: S.Fekete 27+10reb+1ast, M.Galic 14+9reb+2ast, J.Brkic 12+5reb+3ast, N.Blazevic 6+2reb+1ast, B.Pelkic 5+9reb+3ast, S.Leric 4+4reb
Bosna: D.Rahimic 15+4reb, A.Damjanovic 14+2reb, D.Hodzic 11+3reb+1ast, E.Camdzic 10+4reb, M.Batina 7+2reb, M.Pasalic 4+3reb+1ast

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.

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Boris LALOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (206-C-81)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Lalovic, Hercegovac	19.9
2. Albijanic, Sloboda.	17.4
3. Opacak, Celik	17.0
4. Opacak, Celik	17.0
5. Kahrimanovic, Kak.	16.9
6. Rahimic, Bosna	16.8
7. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	16.7
8. Kahrimanovic, Zrin.	16.6
9. Komatina, Mladost	16.4
10. Gajovic, Hercegov.	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Andrija PEJOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 8

1. Pejovic, Hercegovac	8.0
2. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	7.6
3. Jagodic Kuri., Bor.	7.3
4. Kuzmic, Celik	7.3
5. Kuzmic, Celik	7.3
6. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	7.2
7. Albijanic, Sloboda.	6.4
8. Markovic, Varda HE	6.4
9. Vukovic, Slavija	6.2
10. Lalovic, Hercegov.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Vladimir RADOVANOVIC
  Herce.
  (194-G-81)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Radovanovic, Herce.	6.1
2. Pasalic, Bosna	4.7
3. Jovanovic, Borac N.	4.4
4. Boljkovac, Slavija	3.6
5. Zdravkovic, Caplji.	3.5
6. Markovic, Varda HE	3.5
7. Stanic, Slavija	3.4
8. Jovanovic, SL IAT	3.3
9. Bijelica, Capljina	3.2
10. Kastratovic, Slob.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Srdjan STANIC
  Slavija
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Stanic, Slavija	3.5
2. Radovanovic, Herce.	2.4
3. Gajovic, Hercegovac	2.3
4. Savovic, Slavija	2.1
5. Vranjes, Borac N.	2.0
6. Bijelica, Capljina	1.8
7. Komatina, Mladost	1.7
8. Lalovic, Hercegovac	1.7
9. Lesko, Brotnjo	1.4
10. Rizvic, Celik	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ognjen KUZMIC
  Celik
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kuzmic, Celik	1.8
2. Kuzmic, Celik	1.8
3. Zimic, Bosna	1.6
4. Brkic, Capljina	0.8
5. Jocovic, Borac N.	0.8
6. Pejovic, Hercegovac	0.7
7. Durasovic, SL IAT	0.7
8. Duranovic, Mladost	0.7
9. Pelkic, SL IAT L.	0.7
10. Albijanic, Slobod.	0.7

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

League 6
1. Igokea		8-1
2. Siroki TT		7-2
3. Mladost		5-4
4. Borac Nektar		4-5
5. Capljina		2-7
6. Bosna		1-8
Places 7-15
1. Zrinjski HT		15-9
2. Sloboda Dita		14-10
3. Hercegovac		13-11
4. SL IAT Leotar		12-12
5. Celik		10-14
6. Varda HE		9-15
7. Brotnjo		7-17
8. Kakanj		7-17
9. Slavija		2-22

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

BRAZIL

Vivo/Franca and Pinheiros/Sky one step away from semis - by Eurobasket News
Vivo/Franca celebrated the second straight win over Sao Jose/Vinac in the NBB quarterfinal series. Vivo/Franca earned a narrow 79:78 home win in Game 2. The third quarter proved decisive in this one. Sao Jose were up by 2 points at halftime 39:37 but the hosts outscored them 22:14 in the third term and surged ahead. Sao Jose tried hard to change things in the final period and eventually Fulvio de Assis put the visitors in front 78:77. However William Drudi (206-C/F-81) had the last word winning the game for Vivo/Franca. William Drudi provided 17 points to pace Vivo/Franca. Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75) added 13 points in the victory. Murilo Becker (210-C/F-83) answered with game-high 31 points for Sao Jose.
Shamell Stallworth (196-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) and Marquinhos Vinicius (207-F-84) scord 17 points each to lead Pinheiros/Sky to the second straight win over Joinville 84:70. Andre Goes (195-G/F-87) added 15 points for the hosts. Paulinho Boracini (183-G-84) answered with 16 points for Joinville.
Flamengo built a 23-point halftime lead and hung on to win their first game in the series versus Itabom/Bauru 79:71. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 26 points to lead Flamengo. David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) and Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83, college: Tulsa) contributed 13 points each for the winners. Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) answered with 19 points for Itabom/Bauru. Pilar Alves (200-F-84) provided 16 points in defeat.
BRB/Brasilia rebounded after the starting loss to Uberlandia in style. They thumped their opponents 109:73 at home court. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) came up with 23 points, while Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) added 22 to lead the hosts. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77) replied with 14 points for Uberlandia.

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

BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Priest LAUDERDALE
  Levski
  (221-C-73)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	23.2
2. Harper, Levski	23.2
3. Lilov, Rilski S.	21.9
4. Dimitrov, Spartak	19.8
5. Bozov, Balkan	17.5
6. Naydenov, Chernomo.	16.8
7. Davidov, Balkan	15.7
8. Govedarov, Tundja	15.5
9. Lauderdale, Levski	14.9
10. Kambala, Lukoil A.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	13.1
2. Varbanov, Tundja	10.6
3. Yanev, Cherno More	8.4
4. Todorov, Spartak	7.8
5. Radojevic, Rilski S.	7.3
6. Kolev, Cherno More	7.2
7. Peterson, Lukoil A.	6.8
8. Georgiev, Levski	6.8
9. Dimitrov, Spartak	6.7
10. Kambala, Lukoil A.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Crowe, Levski	5.6
2. Bozov, Balkan	4.3
3. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.3
4. Heath, Lukoil A.	4.0
5. Dyakovski, Spartak	4.0
6. Govedarov, Tundja	3.9
7. James, Lukoil A.	3.9
8. Zahariev, Chernomo.	3.4
9. Gruev, Rilski S.	3.4
10. Lilov, Rilski S.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Crowe, Levski	2.4
2. Zahariev, Chernomo.	2.2
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.2
4. Bozov, Balkan	2.1
5. Radionov, Tundja	2.0
6. James, Lukoil A.	1.9
7. Dimitrov, Spartak	1.7
8. Stojanovski, Lukoil A.	1.6
9. Bowman, Lukoil A.	1.6
10. Marinov, Balkan	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	2.4
2. Doychinov, Balkan	1.2
3. Radojevic, Rilski S.	1.1
4. Varbanov, Tundja	1.0
5. Lauderdale, Levski	0.9
6. Neuhaus, Chernomo.	0.8
7. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.7
8. Cole, Levski	0.7
9. Vaklinov, Rilski S.	0.7
10. Petkov, Tundja	0.6

Standings A1

NBL Standings

1. Lukoil Academik		27-0
2. Levski		21-6
3. Balkan		14-13
4. Rilski Sportist		12-15
5. Cherno More		11-16
6. Tundja		10-17
7. Spartak		9-18
8. Chernomorets		4-23

Stoykov's 19 points and 8 assists give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
33-year old swingman Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Lukoil Academik Sofia and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.
He had the game-high 19 points adding eight assists for Lukoil Academik in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Balkan (#3, 14-13) with 42-point margin 106-64. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Lukoil Academik to consolidate first place in the Bulgarian league. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. It's already very far into the season and Lukoil Academik keeps perfect 27 -0 record. In the team's last game Stoykov had a remarkable 85.7% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Lukoil Academik, through which he has constantly improved. Todor Stoykov averages this season 9.1ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances) of Tundja Yambol. He is former international center in his first season at Tundja. In the last game Varbanov recorded impressive double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Tundja to another comfortable win 82-66 over slightly higher-ranked Cherno More (#5, 11-16) being unquestionably team leader. Tundja's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-17 record. Varbanov is a newcomer at Tundja and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Lukoil Academik Sofia's star - center Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports). Peterson scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was another key player of Lukoil Academik, helping his team with a 106-64 easy win against #3 ranked Balkan in a game of the week. Lukoil Academik have amazing season winning all 27 games without a single defeat. Peterson turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Peterson has a great season in Bulgaria. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 6.8rpg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ilia Stankov (198-F-76) of Spartak - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of Levski - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74) of Spartak - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Gjorgi Cekovski (202-F/C-79) of Levski - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Devin Green (201-G/F-82) of Lukoil Academik - 17 points and 6 rebounds
9. Julian Radionov (188-G-79) of Tundja - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Brandon Heath (193-G-84) of Lukoil Academik - 13 points, 3 rebounds and 6 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)

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

CANADA

PBL replacement efforts underway - by Eurobasket News
Five is the magic number for a budding Canadian professional basketball league.

If the Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs are going to form their own circuit after disassociating with the Premier Basketball League last week, they say they need to find at least two more franchises to make it work.

The primary targets are Moncton and London, Ont.

'We're exploring (ownership groups) that have reached out to us and said theyre interested in having a franchise', said Mill Rats president Ian McCarthy. 'We had seven (teams) in the PBL this year and had a successful season, so the minimum is probably five.'

City of Moncton representatives have publicly endorsed adding a pro basketball franchise, while McCarthy and Rainmen owner Andre Levingston are travelling to London today to meet with a prospective ownership group.

For it to be a Canadian league, we would want it to be more than just the Maritimes, McCarthy said. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick would give us four provinces.

In a perfect world, a new league would have two divisions, one featuring Maritime teams the Rainmen, Mill Rats and Moncton and another featuring the Kebs and additional teams from Quebec and Ontario.

Schedules weighted on intra-divisional play would heighten rivalries and reduce travel costs.

McCarthy also suggested Sydney and Charlottetown as ideal cities in the Maritimes, as well as Mississauga and Oshawa in Ontario. He also didnt rule out the possibility of an American entry.

Were just trying to see how it plays out and which markets have real owners interested in joining, and seeing if it could work out to have that footprint, McCarthy said.

Well just see where it takes us.

Courtesy of www.metronews.ca

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

CHINA

Guangdong Wins CBA Title With Fourth Quarter Rally - by Arthur Volbert
Guangdong outscored Xinjiang 29-16 in the fourth quarter, when only one import at a time is allowed on the court, to win the CBA championship 103-93. Guangdong also won the second game of the series with a strong fourth quarter rally, displaying the superiority of its domestic players over Xinjiang's.

Haislip Marcus (207-F-80, college: Tennessee), an imprort a 208 cm import who joined Guangdong in mid-February, scored 35 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. He hit 7 of 8 three-point shots. Lester Hudson, a 187 cm point guard who joined Guangdong later in February, had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Wang Shipeng, the national team star who is Guangdong's best domestic player, had 12 points and 4 rebounds. He has been the focus of the offense in some previous games. Su Wei showed his development as a center with 12 points and 10 rebounds and held his own with Xinjiang's Mengke Bateer. Chen Jianghua had an excellent game with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in 17 minutes. Wang Zheng had 7 points and 4 rebounds, but also 5 fouls, in 7 minutes. Zhou Peng also scored 7.

Quincy Douby led Xinjiang with 35 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. He hit 16 of 19 free throws. James Singleton had 20 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 8 of 11 shots. Xirelijiang had 10 points and 4 assists but fouled out in 29 minutes. Mulati scored 10 points, hitting 5 of 6 shots. Bateer had 9 points and 10 rebounds. Zhang Qingpeng had 5 points, hitting 2 of 10 shots and Xu Guozhong did not start and had 3 points on 1 of 7 shooting. Zhang and Xu are usually Xinjiang's most offensively prolific domestic players.

Guangdong outrebounded Xinjiang 43-29. Guangdong's domestic players outrebounded Xinjiang's domestic players 31-16, almost 2 to 1.

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 33.7

1. Gaines, Qingdao DS	33.7
2. Douby, Xinjiang	32.0
3. Morris, Beijing	29.9
4. Williams, Zhejiang.	29.7
5. Akognon, DongGuan	29.2
6. Emmett, Fujian	28.0
7. Rodgers, Shanxi Zh.	27.4
8. Pickett, Jilin	27.1
9. Hamilton, TianJ.	26.8
10. Marbury, Foshan	25.2

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 15.8

1. Jones, Fujian	15.8
2. Harris, Shanghai	14.7
3. Benson, TianJin R.	14.6
4. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.9
5. Gaines, Qingdao DS	13.5
6. Watkins, Jilin	13.3
7. Oyedeji, Foshan	13.2
8. Morris, Beijing	12.1
9. Moiso, Jiangsu	11.6
10. Abbaas, Beijing	11.5

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	9.1
2. Marbury, Foshan	5.7
3. Lu, Fujian	5.6
4. Williams, Zhejiang.	5.4
5. Hu, Jiangsu	5.3
6. LiuWei, Shanghai	5.3
7. Vroman, DongGuan	4.9
8. Allen, Shandong	4.9
9. Hamilton, TianJ.	4.9
10. Brown, Qingdao DS	4.8

Steals Per Game

XueFeng HU
  Jiangsu
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Hu, Jiangsu	4.1
2. Hamilton, TianJ.	3.8
3. Douby, Xinjiang	3.7
4. Hudson, Guandong	3.1
5. Vroman, DongGuan	2.8
6. Gaines, Qingdao DS	2.5
7. Williams, Zhejiang.	2.4
8. Emmett, Fujian	2.3
9. Pickett, Jilin	2.3
10. Zhong, Jilin	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJ.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.6
2. Watkins, Jilin	1.9
3. Moiso, Jiangsu	1.8
4. Zhang, Shanghai	1.8
5. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.8
6. Morris, Beijing	1.6
7. Jones, Fujian	1.6
8. Vroman, DongGuan	1.6
9. Benson, TianJin R.	1.5
10. Wang, Bayi	1.4

Guandong wins CBA 2010/2011 Finals - by Eurobasket News
Xinjiang - Guandong 93-103

Guandong wins 2010/2011 Finals beating Xinjang 103:93 in Game 6. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 29-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Guandong Tigers outrebounded Xinjiang Flying Tige 42-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. 29 personal fouls committed by Xinjiang Flying Tige helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Marcus Haislip (207-80, college: Tennessee) who led his team to a victory with 35 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. Guard Lester Hudson (191-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Quincy Douby (191-84, college: Rutgers) replied with 35 points (!!!) and 4 assists and forward James Singleton (203-81, college: Murray St.) added 20 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Xinjiang Flying Tige. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Xinjiang Flying Tige's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: D.Quincy 35+2reb+4ast, S.James 20+10reb+2ast, C.Tal 10+1reb+4ast, M.Lati 10+2reb+1ast, M.Bateer 9+10reb+2ast, Z.QingPeng 5+2ast
Guandong: H.Marcus 35+6reb, H.Lester 17+5reb+6ast, W.ShiPeng 12+4reb+2ast, S.Wei 12+10reb+1ast, W.Zheng 7+4reb, C.Jianghua 7+3reb+5ast

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

CYPRUS

The Cyprus Basketball is present!! - by Chris Mammides
23rd ISF World School Championship Basketball - Cyprus kids are doing marvelous!
Against all odds the Cyprus Basketball will survive as for another one time the Cypriot players showed that the Head Coaches must start trusting them and giving them time in the court as they are proving it with their teams (either national teams U16 or U18 in the recent tournament which took place at the end of 2010 in Manchester) or even now in the World School games which are taking place in China organized by the International School Sports Federation (ISF).
In the 23rd ISF World School Championship Basketball, which is taking place from the 23rd of April until the 1st of May, the School of St. Peter and St. Paul of Limassol which won the Cyprus School Basketball Championship and represents Cyprus in this Global Tournament is doing fantastic.
In the first round of the tournament, the Limassol School boys had to face Israel, China 1, Belgium FC, and Germany. The results were more than promising as the Cypriot players beat Israel 59-49, lost from the host Chinese team in the last second with 48-50 and then beat the Belgians 48-39 and the Germans with 44-32! The team of Coach Ninos Eliadis, finished at the second position in the Group C as the Chinese who lost from Belgians had better results on the other games and with a plus of 32 points, were better than the plus 29 which the Cypriot group had.
So, after a new draw for the top eight school teams of the world, the Cypriot team will play against the Chinas second team which ended in the second place of the Group D with the same record 3-1 as the Cyprus team (other countries in the group were France, Hungary Estonia and Belgium).
The roster of the Cyprus team is as follows:
Stavros Filippou
Renos Georgiou (185-G-94)
Michalis Saliva
Renos Georgiou (185-G-94)
Panagiotis Christodoulou
Dimitris Kouridis
Nestoras Matsas (184-G-94)
Stefanos Iliadis (183-G-94)
Stefanos Lamaris
Giorgos Stylianou (198-F/C-94)
Dimitris Aristotelous (185-G-94)
Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94)

23rd ISF World School Championship Basketball - Cyprus kids are doing marvelous! - by Chris Mammides
Against all odds the Cyprus Basketball will survive as for another one time the Cypriot players showed that the Head Coaches must start trusting them and giving them time in the court as they are proving it with their teams (either national teams U16 or U18 in the recent tournament which took place at the end of 2010 in Manchester) or even now in the World School games which are taking place in China organized by the International School Sports Federation (ISF).
In the 23rd ISF World School Championship Basketball, which is taking place from the 23rd of April until the 1st of May, the School of St. Peter and St. Paul of Limassol which won the Cyprus School Basketball Championship and represents Cyprus in this Global Tournament is doing fantastic.
In the first round of the tournament, the Limassol School boys had to face Israel, China 1, Belgium FC, and Germany. The results were more than promising as the Cypriot players beat Israel 59-49, lost from the host Chinese team in the last second with 48-50 and then beat the Belgians 48-39 and the Germans with 44-32! The team of Coach Nino Iliadis, finished at the second position in the Group C as the Chinese who lost from Belgians had better results on the other games and with a plus of 32 points, were better than the plus 29 which the Cypriot group had.
So, after a new draw for the top eight school teams of the world, the Cypriot team will play against the Chinas second team which ended in the second place of the Group D with the same record 3-1 as the Cyprus team (other countries in the group were France, Hungary Estonia and Belgium).
The roster of the Cyprus team is as follows:
Stavros Filippou
Renos Georgiou
Michalis Saliva
Manolis Christofi
Panagiotis Christodoulou
Dimitris Kouridis
Nestoras Matsas
Stefanos Iliadis
Stefanos Lamaris
Giorgos Stilianou
Dimitris Aristotelous
Roberdo Mantovani

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

NBL Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
BK Pardubice - Novy Jicin 67-78

The game was mostly controlled by Novy Jicin. BK Pardubice was better in fourth quarter 33-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding BK Pardubice to just 6 points in second quarter. Slovakian center Ondrej Soska (208-78) stepped up and scored 17 points for the winners and American-Puerto Rican guard Emanuel Ubilla (188-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) chipped in 8 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side American power forward Marcus Arnold (207-84, college: Illinois, agency: Stanley International) responded with 7 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import guard Derek Wright (175-86, college: Austin Peay St.) scored 15 points and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Novy Jicin: O.Soska 17+3reb, L.Jurecka 10+5reb, R.Sarovic 9+2reb+1ast, V.Peciukas 9+2reb, E.Ubilla 8+7reb+1ast, W.Channels 7+3reb+1ast
BK Pardubice: D.Wright 15+1reb+2ast, O.Peterka 12+3reb+1ast, J.Cernosek 11+1reb+1ast, M.Sykora 8+4reb, Z.Pospisil 7+4reb+3ast, M.Arnold 7+11reb+1ast

BK Prostejov - B&W Opava 87-61

The game without a history. BK Prostejov led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 5 rebounds. Canadian forward Kyle Landry (206-86, college: N.Arizona) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four BK Prostejov players scored in double figures. Forward Jakub Blazek (203-80) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and Slovakian guard Marek Stec (193-80, college: Jacksonville JC) added 13 points in the effort for B&W Opava. 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:
BK Prostejov: B.Veikalas 18+5reb+3ast, K.Landry 16+7reb+1ast, A.Slezas 14+2reb+2ast, E.Lawrence 12+3reb+6ast, R.Hyzy 7+6reb, B.Cadri-Nicholson 6+4reb
B&W Opava: J.Blazek 17+12reb, M.Stec 13+3reb+1ast, R.Klecka 9+1reb+2ast, M.Vanak 6, M.Miklosik 5+4reb, J.Dihel 3+4reb

BK Decin - NH Ostrava 96-69

The game was mostly controlled by BK Decin. NH Ostrava managed to win third quarter 29-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BK Decin dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to NH Ostrava's 32. They outrebounded NH Ostrava 37-18 including 25 on the offensive glass. BK Decin looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. International forward Pavel Houska (201-84) nailed 37 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Bosnian forward Admir Alic (198-84) accounted for 9 points and 8 assists. American forward Dwight Burke (203-86, college: Marquette) came up with 20 points and 8 rebounds and forward Lukas Palyza (204-89) added 22 points respectively for NH Ostrava in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
BK Decin: P.Houska 37+9reb+2ast, L.Sanders 12+3reb+2ast, W.Hatcher 10+3reb+6ast, A.Alic 9+4reb+8ast, J.Houska 9+5reb, T.Pomikalek 6+1ast
NH Ostrava: L.Palyza 22+2reb+2ast, D.Burke 20+8reb+3ast, A.Spagrud 13+3reb, A.Ciz 9+4ast, J.Stehlik 3+3ast, F.Zbranek 2

CEZ Nymburk - USK Praha 90-55

The game without a history. CEZ Nymburk led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. CEZ Nymburk outrebounded USK Praha 42-26 including a 34-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. Israeli-French guard Afik Nissim (180-81, agency: Beo Basket) fired 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. International guard Pavel Slezak (186-84) chipped in 16 points. Four CEZ Nymburk players scored in double figures. Forward Jiri Slavik (203-89) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and forward Martin Kriz (200-93) added 10 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest.
Top scorers:
CEZ Nymburk: A.Nissim 21+2reb+4ast, P.Slezak 16+4reb+3ast, P.Pumprla 11+3reb+1ast, M.Lenzly 10+6reb, P.Benda 8+5reb, M.Kremen 7+8reb+6ast
USK Praha: J.Slavik 17+5reb, M.Kriz 10+4reb+1ast, M.Bjegovic 9+5reb, V.Hruban 8+2reb, M.Sotnar 5+2reb+4ast, M.Klimes 2+4reb

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. Sedmak, Basketbo.	14.3
6. Hatcher, BK Decin	14.2
7. Kotas, USK Praha	14.0
8. Burke, NH Ostrava	14.0
9. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	13.8
10. Blazek, B&W Opava	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. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.8
7. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	7.8
8. Frana, Plzen	7.1
9. Kramny, Svitavy	6.9
10. Gadri, BK Prostej.	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 Jic.	2.8
10. Macela, Svitavy	2.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Kotas, USK Praha	2.0
2. Wright, BK Pardu.	1.8
3. Hampton, BK Pardu.	1.7
4. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.7
5. Holloway, Basket.	1.7
6. Smith, BC Kolin	1.7
7. Channels, Novy Jic.	1.5
8. Gajdosik, Basket.	1.4
9. Vrubl, Plzen	1.4
10. Lawrence, BK Pros.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

John Calipari considering coaching Dominican Republic - by Eurobasket News
Kentucky coach John Calipari is mulling a chance to coach the Dominican Republic national team.

Calipari posted on his website Tuesday that he has been approached by Dominican officials about taking over the team in hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

'My question to the Dominican Basketball Federation was, why are you calling me?' Calipari posted. 'Their response was, they liked what we are doing in China, including coaching their coaches and being involved in promoting grassroots basketball.'

Calipari says he would spend about six weeks with the team from August through mid-September, preparing it for the Tournament of the Americas.

The team would practice at Kentucky's Joe Craft Center before the tournament, which will be held in Brazil. The Dominican Republic has never qualified for the Olympics in men's basketball.

Calipari says he would also help train Dominican coaches. He has a similar relationship with coaches in China. He gave no timetable on his decision.

The 2009 Dominican Republic team that competed in the FIBA Americas championships included several NBA players, including Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford and Sacramento Kings swingman Francisco Garcia. The team finished fifth in the tournament with a 4-4 record.

Calipari wouldn't be the first big-time American coach to lead a foreign squad.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino is scheduled to coach the Puerto Rican national team in the same tournament this fall, though Pitino said Tuesday there's a chance the deal could fall through because NCAA rules would prevent the Cardinals from playing a series of exhibitions against the team.

Former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson unsuccessfully tried to get Mexico into the 2008 Olympics, and longtime NBA coach Del Harris led China to an eighth-place finish in the 2004 Olympics.

Courtesy of www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (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.	16.2
9. Vaikulis, Rakvere	15.8
10. Arnold, TT.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (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.	9.9
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
  TT.
  (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	3.1
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. Veideman, TU/Rock	1.7
10. Doronin, TU/Rock	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. Ringmets, Rapla	0.7
10. Saarmets, TTU/K.	0.7

EMKL Round 3 of Semi-Finals. TU/Rock and Kalev/Cramo enter Finals - by Eurobasket News
TU/Rock - TTU/Kalev 75-66

TU/Rock completed the sweep of TTU/Kalev following the victory in Tartu. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 21-19. But TTU/Kalev won second period 15-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for naturalized Greek guard Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-89) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 5 rebounds. Georgian guard Georgi Tsintsadze (192-86) helped adding 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Four TU/Rock players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American-DR Congolese forward Bambale Osby (203-86, college: Maryland) with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds and the former international guard Valmo Kriisa (190-74) scored 6 points and 6 assists. TTU/Kalev's coach Ullar Kerde rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
TU/Rock: S.Sokk 17+5reb+3ast, M.Doronin 17+4reb+1ast, G.Tsintsadze 12+6reb+6ast, V.Allingu 10+5reb+1ast, A.Paade 8+3reb+1ast, C.Eziukwu 7+7reb
TTU/Kalev: B.Osby 21+15reb+1ast, C.Archibald 10+3reb, K.Makke 8, V.Kriisa 6+3reb+6ast, E.Keedus 5+2reb, M.Kaja 5+1reb

Kalev/Cramo - Rakvere 91-53

Kalev/Cramo reached EMKL Finals as they swept Rakvere. The game without a history. Kalev/Cramo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Kalev/Cramo forced 25 BC Rakvere turnovers and outrebounded them 45-34 including 30 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for the former international forward Rait Keerles (201-80) who led the winners and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American center Michael Dunigan (208-89, college: Oregon, agency: N.E.T.) accounted for 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Forward Janis Vahter (195-86) came up with 8 points and guard Martin Dorbek (192-91) added 10 points respectively for BC Rakvere 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:
Kalev/Cramo: R.Keerles 16+8reb+2ast, M.Dunigan 13+11reb+1ast, R.Tamm 12+3reb+3ast, G.Arbet 10+1ast, J.Toome 9+8reb+3ast, G.Dorbek 8+5reb+2ast
Rakvere: M.Dorbek 10+2reb+1ast, J.Vahter 8+3reb+2ast, J.Hiiuvain 7+2reb, R.Vaikulis 6+4reb, M.Hall 4+5reb+2ast, V.Viljar 4+3reb+2ast

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

EUROCHALLENGE

One Russian team will play the 2011 EuroChallenge Final next Sunday - by Bert Larsimont

The first 2011 FIBA EuroChallenge semi-final to be played on Friday will be an all-Russian affair as Spartak Saint Petersburg will take on Lokomotiv Kuban.

Led by the fantastic Americano-Macedonian power forward Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81) in scoring, Lokomotiv is currently ranked second in the PBL, the Russian league. Mike Wilkinson, born in West Virginia, is a true team leader who already has an impressive international experience: Wisconsin in NCAA, Aris Thessaloniki in Greece, BC Khimky Moscow Region in Russia and Galatasaray in Turkey. Being in good terms with his mates is the key for Michael Wilkinson who also average an impressive 16.3 points per game in the 2011 EuroChallenge so far. Several other US born players have joined the Lokomotiv team of Head Coach Kestutis Kemzura: former Phoenix Suns's forward Alando Tucker (198-F-84, college: Wisconsin), top rebounder Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St., also having a Macedonian passport), Lionel Chalmers (184-G-80, college: Xavier) and Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee).

Add three major Russian talents like Aleksei Surovtsev (202-G-84, 3.5 assists per game so far in the 2011 EuroChallenge), Sergey Toporov (197-F-81) as well as the huge center Grigori Shukhovtsov (210-C-83) and you will understand why the Lokomotiv roster is very impressive indeed. Experienced guard Goran Jeretin (192-G-79) of Montenegro could be a crucial player for Lokomotiv too, especially if some clutch plays are needed in the semi-final.

Lokomotiv Kuban, a club located in Krasnodar, Russia, defeated BCM Gravelines of France at the quarter-final stage and finished second in the 2002 Korac Cup as well as the 2005 FIBA Europe Cup for Men. The Lokomotiv Kuban's staff hopes to reach the final again and win a title this time. To know more about the first semi-finalist, go to www.lokobasket.com.

Nevertheless, Russian semi-final opponents Spartak Saint Petersburg will be tough to beat. Besides US pro guards Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois), several excellent European players like Serbian international center Petar Popovic (211-C-79, who played for Hemofarm Vrsac, Benetton Treviso, Crvena Zvezda, DKV Joventut and Estudiantes in the past), deaf Slovenian power forward Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82, who also played for Union Olimpija Ljubljana, Enel Brindisi and Trikalla), Macedonian forward Pero Antic (210-F-82, Euroleague experience with AEK Athens from 2001 to 2005) and former Serbian-Montenegrin star of UCLA (in NCAA) Nikola Dragovic are in the Spartak roster.

Israeli Coach Zvi Sherf would like to lead his Spartak team to the title and will count on the excellent court vision and ballhandling of Russian guard Anton Ponkrashov (ex-CSKA) to reach this dream. Ponkrashov is a fantastic stand-in when experienced Henry Domercant (in Euroleague with Efes Pilsen, Olympiakos and Montepaschi Sienna in the past) or 2008 NCAA champion Patrick Beverley (ex-Arkansas, Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk, Olympiakos and Miami Heat) sometimes get tired.

Spartak Saint Petersburg is currently ranked third in the PBL, the Russian league. Spartak qualified against Pinar Karsiyaka of Turkey at the quarter-final stage. The official web site of Spartak Saint Petersburg is www.bc-spartak.ru.

Observers surely can expect a fantastic first semi-final game as both Russian sides will do anything they can to have a first European win to their club name.

In the first 2011 FIBA EuroChallenge semi-final, Spartak Saint Petersburg will face Lokomotiv Kuban at the Sleuyter Arena in Oostende, Belgium on Friday, April 29th at 18:30.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Real Madrid locks Nikola Mirotic until 2016 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid made a nice move for the future. The Spanish giant signed contract extension with Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91), who will stay with the club until the end of 2015/2016 season. Mirotic played 26 games in ACB this season averaging 7.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. In Euroleague, he added 7 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 18 appearances.
Nikola Mirotic joined Real Madrid in 2006 and played for their junior team two years. In 2008, he was moved to Real Madrid II where he had 14.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg 25 games. Last season Mirotic spent with Palencia on loan. For 31 games in LEB Gold he had 8 ppg and 4.6 rpg. Mirotic is a member of the Spanish U20 National Team. At the latest U20 EuroBasket in Croatia he had 15.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg helping Spain to win the Bronze.

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

FINLAND

Joensuun Kataja ties the Final series - by Eurobasket News
Kataja - Pyrinto 75-73

Kataja won 75:73 in Game of the Finals to tie the series at 1-1. Tampereen Pyrinto was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 23-18 charge of Joensuun Kataja, which allowed them to win the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Tampereen Pyrinto helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American swingman Jared Newson (195-84, college: Tennessee-Martin, agency: Court Side) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. The former international power forward Sami Lehtoranta (205-79) contributed with 19 points for the winners. American guard Kenneth Lowe (192-80, college: Purdue) replied with 37 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) added 10 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Tampereen Pyrinto.
Top scorers:
Kataja: J.Newson 22+3reb, S.Lehtoranta 19+4reb+2ast, J.Conley 16+1reb+1ast, D.Fells 7+11reb+2ast, J.Nenonen 4+4reb, A.Kanervo 4+2reb+1ast
Pyrinto: K.Lowe 37+5reb+4ast, D.Williams 10+9reb+1ast, A.Lehto 7, A.Williams 7+2reb+1ast, O.Ahvenniemi 4+1reb+1ast, A.Nikkila 4+4reb

KORISLIIGA: One Man Show was not enough - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Finals, Game # 2: Basketball is a team sport. Pyrinto (Tampere) noticed that tonight, when visiting Joensuu first time during this season Finals. Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, college: Purdue) (Pyrinto) is an excellent Player, but even the best gets tired. The hosts first tied Pyrinto's six-point-lead and finally Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin) (Kataja) netted the winning 2-pointer with 0,9 seconds to go. Kataja won 75-73 (32-28) and tied the series by the same 1-1. Quarters: 17-10, 15-18, 20-27, 23-18. Lowe played 37:45 minutes, scored his season high 37 points, but lost the ball twice during the last 1,5 minutes + missed two made FTs, because his foot on the charity stripe. When there was only Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo), who also reached the double digits on Pyrinto roster, Kataja actually was the better team this time. More points, more rebounds and a few dangerous sharpshooters from behind the arc. Pyrinto was shooting treys with 20% accuracy (2/10) and that is not much. Pyrinto played 18 games undefeated. We will see on Friday, April 29, how soon Pyrinto can forget this loss, or can Kataja capture the home court advantage in Game # 3 in Tampere?
Kataja - Pyrinto 75-73 (32-28). (Jared Newson 22, Sami Lehtoranta 19, Jason Conley 16. 1 - 74% (20/27), 2 - 40% (14/35), 3 - 43% (9/21). R: 21+13=34. TO: 17. - Kenneth Lowe 37 (1 - 11/14, 2 - 13/17, 3 - 0/1), Damon Williams 10/9, Antwine Williams 7. 1 - 75% (15/20), 2 - 59% (26/44), 3 - 20% (2/10). R: 21+4=25. TO: 14). Kataja - Pyrinto 1-1.

KORISLIIGA: Lassi Tuovi - the youngest Head Coach - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga (Top League) and YMCA Lappeenranta have got a new Head Coach. Lasse Tuovi , 24, will replace Jarmo Laitinen , 56, with a one-year-contract 2011-12. Tuovi has been Team's assistant coach for several seasons and will be probably be the youngest Head Coach next season on men's top level in Finland. Tommi Koskinen will be Team's new Assistant Coach. Jarmo Laitinen is right now abroad on vacation. Laitinen is well known after coaching 17 seasons on top level. A lot of experience, the third winningest Coach in Finland needs a new job.

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jonathan HEARD
  Tarmo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Heard, Tarmo	21.9
2. Wilson, Honka	21.8
3. Wood, Karhu	20.6
4. Lewis, LrNM.	20.5
5. Bailey, LrNM.	19.6
6. Barrett, KTP	19.5
7. Blanchard, ToPo	19.4
8. Walker, Kouvot	19.4
9. Williamson, Honka	19.2
10. Baxley, Karhu	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 13

1. Wood, Karhu	13.0
2. Kaunisto, Kouvot	10.6
3. Doaks, Salon Vilpas	10.1
4. Mathis, Namika Lah.	9.9
5. Williams, Pyrinto	9.7
6. Young, Tarmo	9.6
7. Blanchard, ToPo	9.0
8. Vinson, Kouvot	9.0
9. Coleman, LrNM.	8.8
10. Belser, Honka	8.5

Assists Per Game

Steffan JOHNSON
  Karhu
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Johnson, Karhu	4.8
2. Moore, LrNM.	4.8
3. Suonio, Namika Lah.	4.3
4. Williams, Pyrinto	4.3
5. Wood, Karhu	3.9
6. Virtanen, Kataja	3.9
7. Fields, KTP	3.6
8. Ivey, KTP	3.6
9. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.5
10. Wilson, Honka	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Wood, Karhu	2.1
2. Fields, KTP	2.1
3. Moore, Korihait	1.9
4. Conerly, Tarmo	1.8
5. Williams, Pyrinto	1.8
6. Heard, Tarmo	1.7
7. Ayers, Namika L.	1.6
8. Richards, ToPo	1.6
9. Sarcevic, Korihait	1.6
10. Wilson, Salon Vil.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Reaves, Korihait	0.8
2. Hendley, Namika La.	0.7
3. Heard, Tarmo	0.7
4. Wilson, Honka	0.7
5. Bailey, LrNM.	0.7
6. Suonio, Namika Lah.	0.6
7. Makalainen, Karhu	0.6
8. Heinonen, Korihait	0.6
9. Blanchard, ToPo	0.6
10. Wright, Korihait	0.6

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

FRANCE

Orleans signs LaQuan Prowell - by Eurobasket News
LaQuan Prowell (203-F-84, college: Auburn) is a new member of Orleans. The American forward is brought in as a replacement for injured Amara Sy, who will miss rest of the season. Prowell is not a new face in France as he already played for Paris-Levallois and ALM Evreux Basket.
LaQuan Prowell started this season in Greece as a member of Ilysiakos. He appeared 6 times in the league averaging 10.3 points and 4.2 rebounds. They parted ways in January and next month Prowell got a job at Evreux. He had 10.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.5 rpg for 6 games in ProB. Prowell spent last season with Paris-Levallois. He played 32 games in ProA registering 8.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg. In 2008/09, he played in Turkey for Casa TED Kolejliler Ankara. LaQuan Prowell is a product of Auburn University, where he graduated in 2008.

Frederic Sarre steppes down as Head Coach of Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News
Strasbourg announced that Frederic Sarre is no longer Head Coach of the team. Sarre decided to step down on his position after Strasbourg suspended him two days ago. The reason was fourth consecutive loss of the club, who currently has 10-17 score in ProA. They will have to fight for the survival in the last three rounds. Assistant coach Oliver Weissler will lead the team in the coming days.
Frederic Sarre took over Strasbourg in 2008. Before that he worked three years with Gravelines. In 2006, Sarre reached the Semaine des As Finals with Bourg. From 2003 to 2005, Sarre was a Head Coach of Pau-Orthez winning the double crown with them in their first season. A year after that, they reached the Cup Finals again.

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

GERMANY

Chris Oliver (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) 2011 beko BBL Playoff Preview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford) is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his first season with the The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2 (20.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%.In 2008-2009 in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. Last season, he won the Eurochallenge and played ): EuroChallenge: 13 games: 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%; German League: 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. Chris spoke to eurobasket about the 2010-2011 beko BBL playoffs.

What was your personal favorite moment of the 2010-2011 season in Germany?

One of the best moments for me was my return to Gottingen and the welcome and support that the fans gave me. It was very nice.

Do you think the first round of the beko bbl playoffs will be as exciting and unpredictable as the current NBA playoffs?

I think it will be a very competitive playoff this year just like the regular season.

How do you see the series Bamberg-Bremerhaven? Will this be a sweep for Bamberg?

Bamberg is a great team and I know they will be prepared in this series, but the playoffs are a new season so everyone is 0-0

What will Bremerhaven have to do to win this tough series?

They will have to play strong on defense and offense and limit the easy baskets for Bamberg.

How do you see the series Alba Berlin-EWE Baskets Oldenburg? This could be one of the exciting ones?

That will probably be the best series of the first round. The 2 teams are both very good and match up pretty well against each other.

Could this series go 5 games?

Yes that series could def go 5 games

Does Alba Berlin have what it takes to become champion? Could Taylor Rochestie be the missing piece to puzzle?

They have what it takes to be champion. They are solid at every position on the floor and play well together. Taylor is a great pg and runs the team very well and effectively.

How do you see the Frankfurt-BG Goettingen series?

That will be a great series. I believe in the regular season they split this series should be very competitive.

What will Goettingen have to do besides control Dashaun Wood to win?

Controlling Wood is always the main thing you need to do to have a chance to beat Frankfurt.

How do you see the series Artland Dragons-Braunschweig?

That will also be a good series. Both teams play well

Could one of these teams reach the beko BBL final?

Either team could make it to the final.

Why are the Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks playing so weak?

The teams that they are playing against are just playing hungrier than they are right now. Like I said earlier, the regular season doesnt matter when the playoffs start. You have to throw records out the window and everything. Its a new season and everyone is 0-0

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD that I saw was The Switch.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Alba Berlin-EWE Baskets Oldenburg Playoff Preview 3----1 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
If you were to have entered the cook county jail in Chicago in the 70s and told a prisoner (Chicago Cubs fan) who was about to be set free and had been totally shielded from society for the last 30 years that the Chicago Cubs had recently won 4 World Series in a row after not having sipped the champagne since 1908, would have been as cruel as banning sunglasses from society girl Paris Hilton forever, the Boston Celtic organization putting a clause in the contract of Rajon Rondo not allowing him to follow his passion of roller skating, because of the fear of possible injury or Charlie Sheen not coming to the rescue of former Met star Lenny Dykstras 22,000$ debt after the former baseball player had tried to get a star lawyer to help negotiate the return of the actor back to Two and a half men, but for faithful Alba Berlin basketball fans the waiting of experiencing titles has not been as cruel in Chicago, but in Berlin winning was a tradition from 1997-2003, but since then the team has only won one league title in 2008 and two cups in 2006 and 2009. After their undesirable and somewhat unexpected and embarrassing departure last season in the quarterfinals against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, the expectations to win grows as much as the anticipation of the Royal wedding between William and Kate, if Charlie Sheen will make it a habit to lock lips with elderly women at his show and how long the new found love between teen stars Justin Bieber and Selina Gomez. For the EWE Baskets Oldenburg, they are a novice compared to 8 time beko BBL champion Alba Berlin when it comes to kissing hardware and making additional trophy cases for their titles. The Oldenburg club led by coach Predrag Krunic won their first and only title in 2009 beating The Telekom Baskets in game 5 in the last seconds and since then have been unable to recapture the success of the fabulous 2008-2009 season. Both teams have something to prove to their fans and themselves and will be as motivated as German basket ball star Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) to reach the next round and despite start problems against the Portland Trailblazers, Kevin Love not taking off the summer and continuing to work hard in the gym and on the court to return next season even better than he is now or The Boston Red Sox trying to rebound from their sickening 11-12 start and attempt to continue to give The New York Yankees competition in the dog days of summer.

Alba Berlin did a house cleaning last summer keeping only BEKO BBL stars Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) and Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and future star in the making Luka Staiger. The team has got very strong replacements at every position and could form a more than potent second starting five coming from the bench. Which BEKO BBL team wouldnt like to start a Heiko Schaffarzik, Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports), Patrick Femerling (216-C-75, college: Washington), Yassin Idbhi, or a Sven Schultze (208-C-78)? Alba Berlin is one of the strongest teams in the BEKO BBL now despite going through some changes this season. The team started the season well going 8-1 in the first months losing only on the road to Ratiopharm Ulm. However towards the end of 2010, Alba Berlin went through a small drought period losing three games in a row including a 103-52 trouncing in Bamberg, in which the bus ride home might have felt like an eternity for the team. The air seemed thin along the Spree in Alba world as the team failed to reach the Eurocup final 16 and first got rid of point guard Hollis Price who unfairly was made an escape goat. The club that said farewell to Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) who had been at the helm since 2007 winning two titles with Alba Berlin. The team brought in Muli Katzurin from Israel who had won the Czech league titles and cups from 2007-2010. Since the arrival of Katzurin the team is 9-4 and have won four of their last five games. The team also have brought in guards Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) who still hasnt found his rhythm, 2010 Eurochallenge winner Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) with BG Goettingen and 23 year old 213 cm Serb talent Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) to help under the hoop. The team recently also released guard Marko Marnovic as well. Despite the many changes and whirlwind happenings, the team should be playing for the title. 'Alba is a solid team and have had ups and downs this season but they are still a team that will be around at the end of the season in my opinion. They have had to go through a coaching change but they have the talent to beat any of the top teams. I think that they have the talent and the players for sure to win the title', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). With the coaching change, how much has the style changed from Pavicevic to Katzurin? 'I think they are more up tempo and not as predictable as they once were. They were running a lot more sets with the old coach but now I think they have more freedom and they have players that can excel more in that style of play', stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). 'Alba Berlin has a different kind of rotation now. The biggest quality is that they are a lot more unpredictable than under Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ). They mix it up on defense as teams never really know what will be thrown at them next.

Sometimes when a strong team like Alba Berlin has so much strength in their game, opponents might not right away be aware that their could be some weakness, but no matter who the team is there is always some achilles heel in a team and if not that then there are always the chance of injuries occurring. If Alba Berlin has a weak spot then under the hoop on defense. Good BEKO BBL centers have to take their opportunity and try to do as much damage inside as possible. Allen has never been known as being the best defender inside and Femerling lacks physical toughness and Idbhi the necessary quickness. 'I dont really see any weakness besides a shot blocker down low', said Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) However one should not forget that the team added Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) who has strong fundamentals on both ends of the court and has that winning mentality and is flourishing under coach Katzurin as is German Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) who has been the big winner since the departure of Pavicevic. 'Jenkins, Allen the defense of Mcelroy is the strength of the team. They are a deep team and can score rebound and play with anyone in the league. They defend very well and will be in most games. On offense, they have so many guys that can put the ball in the basket. You cant focus on stopping only one guy', I am not to sure about there weaknesses but I would try to attack them inside some kind of way', warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). 'Berlin has a very balanced team. they have shooters and penetrators to go along with solid low post players', warned Quentin Pryor

The EWE Baskets finished the season solid in 6th place with a record of 20-14. The club started the season on fire with a 4 game winning streak beating Frankfurt, Braunschweig and the Artland Dragons and some fans might have had their first little dreams of a 2008-2009 season coming back, but the club then went on a drought going 2-6 as they lost games to Tuebingen, Phoenix Hagen and Bonn, games they usually should of won. Management noticed that something wasnt totally right with the roster releasing ex NBA player Steven Smith and Serb point guard Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) and bringing in ex NBA guard Eddie Gill (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) and Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket). Since their arrival in mid December, Oldenburg has finished the season with a 14-8 record. In this time, Oldenburg registered to three game winning streaks and never lost more than two games in a row. They had huge wins against The Artland Dragons and BG Goettingen, but remained winless in the season series against Alba Berlin and Bamberg. Despite this record, fans should be pretty pleased with the season so far, becuase the team is pretty new as they did a extensive house cleaning losing Americans Jason Gardner, Je Kel Foster and BEKO BBL rookie Josh Carter. The club also said farewell to the eastern block fraction with players Jasmin Perkovic, Milan Majstorovic and Marko Scekic. Ruben Boumtje Boumtje also departed even if it isnt so far away to the Artland Dragons. Eddie Gill (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) is a 32 year old 183cm guard who is named the thrill. He has had a solid NBA career having played 200 NBA games for teams like the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Seattle Supersonics, but also played two full seasons for the Indiana Pacers from 2004-2006. He also has had European experience having played in Greece and Italy and last season in Belgium for Base Oostende (Belgium-D1, starting five): 26 games: 7.0ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2 (4.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 28.0%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 78.0%. So far this season for Oldenburg, he has played five BEKO BBL games averaging 6,2ppg, 2,0rpg and 3,6apg in 18 minutes per game. Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) is a 25 year old 210cm forward from Serbia. He has a great shooting touch and can hit the three pointer and mid range jumper and is effective on the defensive glass. However he has mediocre athletic ability, but has played very solid wherever he has played. He started his career at Crvena Zvezda Beograd and in the last years has played for Partizan Belgrad, Le Mans, and DKV Joventut Badalona . In his career, he has played 92 games in team international play including 51 Euroleague games. From 2007-2010, he was able to score in double figures each season twice in Euroleague play and once in Eurocup play. The experience that the only 25 year old has is unmatched on the Oldenburg roster. Last season, he played for DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): EuroCup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 80.0%; Spanish League: 34 games: 9.3ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 80.0%. This season, Bogdanovic is averaging 10,0ppg and 3,0rpg in 19 minutes per game.Gill gives them flexibility at the guard position and Bogdanovic gives them size and depth under the basket, said John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). Gill and Bogdanovic make Oldenburg stronger especially with the Serb under the basket, added Walter Tiger Tuebingen forward Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). A surprising disappointment has been Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) that was one of the reasons that The Eisaberen Bremerhaven almost reached the beko BBL final in 2010. However, with Oldenburg, he has not found that seemingly consistent unstoppable form that he had last season 70 kilometers north in Bremerhaven. He is averaging only 10,3ppg, 3,7apg and 2,6rpg. A positive thing is that Campbell can break out at anytime and Oldenburg will need the friendly American to show strong games against Alba Berlin in order for the team to have a chance.

Alba Berlin have the edge over Oldenburg with the guard play. Alba Berlin has the deepest guard personal in the beko BBL. After having start problems at the point, the club released veteran Hollis Price and Serb Marko Marinovic. The club brought in Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) (2,3ppg, 1,2apg in 9,58 min per game) who has had problems finding his rhythm, but has averaged 19 minutes in the last four games and contributed 8 points in three games in a row. What the German can do on offense is unlimited as he shoots first and penetrates second. He is a great one on one player. His biggest weapon is his shooting as he loves the catch and pop and off the dribble shooting. The team also has solved their starting point guard problem bringing in Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) (10,2ppg, 4,7apg, 2,5rpg) from Turkey. Ever since Rochestie dropped 26 points for BG Goettingen last season in a road win against Alba Berlin, the club seemed fascinated by his killer instinct in stress situations. Since his arrival, he has shined with his scoring and playmaking scoring in double figures in 8 of his 12 games with Alba Berlin. At the shooting guard position, the team has unending talent with Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) (14,0ppg, 2,9apg, 2,0rpg, Immanuel McElroy (10,7ppg, 3,7apg and 4,1rpg), Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) (7,2ppg, 3,0rpg, 2,1apg and Luka Staiger (4,0ppg, 1,2rpg, 1,0apg). Both Jenkins and Mcelroy can help out at the point as well. Jenkins is one of the deadliest shooters in the league and even though it seems like he is having an average season due to the deep team, he is right at the top in stats and can still decide a game in crunch time. Mcelroy won his 5th best defender of the year award and his overall quickness, combined with his mental toughness, makes him well-suited as a defender in the attacking defense under Katzurin. He is very athletic, a 40-inch vertical jump and a bench press approaching 300 pounds, ability to break defenders down with his dribble and his explosiveness to the basket makes him an effective scorer. On offense, he always has the ability to get triple doubles. Taylor is the big winner of the season. He came to Alba Berlin on a short term contract and probably never expected to still be with the team, but is development continued to soar and under new coach Katzurin has really flourished not only with his scoring, hustle and energy on defense, but also helping under the boards where he got two double doubles this season. With Staiger, the club has a young German who is known as a prolific scorer and has done a fine job coming from the bench and doing his job. Oldenburg has a guard rotation of Louis Campbell, Eddie Gill (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) (6,1ppg, 3,3apg, 2,0rpg) and Daniel Hain (195-G/F-85) (1,2ppg, 1,0rpg). Campbell can guide an offense, but also score when needed especially in crunch time and has the experience to help take Oldenburg over the top. He has been inconsistent this season and if Alba Berlin can control him, it could be a very short series. If anyone actually dreamed that ex NBA player Gill would be sort of a player that would be a second Campbell was mistaking. It is never easy coming in the middle of the season and getting adjusted to a new league and style. Gill has averaged 22 minutes and has shown flashes of hs playmaking and scoring, but he is also a player than can still pick up his game and will need to for Oldenburg to have any chance. Hain is a solid guard that comes from the bench and will bring energy on defense as he did years back against Pascal Roller.

Despite Alba Berlin having Mr ballerina Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) (14,9ppg, 4,4rpg, 1,2apg) and Tadija Dragcevic (8,4ppg, 4,1rpg, 2,2apg) at the forward position and a very experienced Sven Schultze (208-C-78) (3,8ppg, 1,6rpg), the very slight edge goes to EWE Baskets who are deeper, more balanced and more versatile with players like Rickey Paulding (12,6ppg, 4,1rpg, 2,3apg, Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) (12,3ppg, 3,7rpg, 3,2apg, Oliver Stevic (11,4ppg, 6,9rpg, 1,2apg) and Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) (12,4ppg, 4,0rpg). Paulding also can help out at the shooting guard position and is playing his fourth season in Oldenburg. Paulding is the leader of the team who excels on the fast break and his off balance mid distance shot and after a up and down first half picked up his game in the second half scoring in double figurers in 13 of the last 15 games. Lukauskis has had a superb season and been one of the most consistent players having scored in double figurers in 25 games. He can hurt you with his shot, has an explosive first step from the wing and will bang and dish out assists. He is simply a player any team would love to have. Stevic has been the banger and heart and soul under the boards this season. he had big games against Artland, Bremerhaven and Bamberg where he was a force under the hoop. Bogdanovic came in the middle of the season and had little problems getting used to the beko BBL. His court vision, shooting and rebounding are outstanding, but he is very slow and should never be matched up against Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) belongs to the top forwards in the beko BBL and he withstood all odds with possibly not getting as much playing time in Berlin as he did in Frankfurt, by working hard in practice and becoming one of their most consistent scorers this season. He scored in double figurers in 26 of the first 30 games including explosions of 37 points against Phoenix Hagen and 28 points against Oldenburg and MBC. His playing time was reduced a bit in the last 4 games playing only 63 minutes and producing 27 points in the last 4 games, but he should be an important factor in this series. Oldenburg can only hope that Allen wont be dancing around them on a constant rate. Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) who comes from Serbia is a power forward with great talent, who can score, pass and rebound. Some say he is undersized for the four position, and that he will make a successful transition to the three position, thanks to his great court vision and athletic skills. He started the season well scoring in double figurers in 11 of 16 games, but since Katzurin came on board has gotten less playing time and scored only in double figurers in 3 of 14 games. Schultze might be 32, but he is still a very strong player with a deadly shot. With his size, he will post up the opponents small forwards and outrun the opponents power forwards. He is able to defend bigger players, but also agile enough to defend smaller ones. He can drop the three pointer in a variety of ways which gave Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) so many more ways of using him. He also is very dangerous on the fast break as he can with the speed of a point guard and then dunk. He also adds a lot of experience to the team with his international games with Germany.

The center position clearly goes to Alba Berlin. With Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) (11,4ppg, 3,3rpg), Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) (6,3ppg, 3,1rpg) and Patrick Femerling (4,8ppg, 2,7rpg), they have a very solid rotation. Oldenburg counters with Australian Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) (6,5ppg, 3,7rpg), Chris Mcnaughton (5,2ppg, 2,0rpg) and Dutch man Robin Schmeulders (2,5ppg, 1,5rpg). Oliver Stevic also can help out at center which they will need at times. Serb Raduljica has been up and down in his first 10 games, but he is only 23 years old and still getting used to the beko BBL. He had big games against Artland which have good big man play. He is developing well and will be a factor down low. Idbihi is the big winner under new coach Katzurin. In his first 18 games, he scored only three times in double figurers, but since the new coach is on board, he started getting more minutes and scored in double figurers in five of the last seven games which has helped his self confidence. Katzurin has solved the center problem in Berlin as the duo of Raduljica/Idbihi are more than solid. Femmerling is the most experienced player on the roster having won everything there is to win except the NBA title and the NCAA title, but winning 13 titles in his basketball career including the Euroleague in 2003 with FC Barcelona and winning a Bronze at the World Championships in 2002 and a Silver at the 2005 European championships. He has won 3 BEKO BBL titles and two cups. Oldenburg has had a center problem all season long and that is why the team has been led and carried by the forwards this season. The team never really established a real number one as Krunic let Baynes and Mcnaughton split the duties at center. They brought in Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) who played at the 2010 European championships in Turkey and it seemed like a lot was expected of him, but he was very inconsistent scoring in double figurers in only 8 games. After reaching the roster of the German national team and having a solid season with BG Goettingen last season where he had some strong games in the Eurochallenge, it seemed like the 28 year old German might make his full break through with Oldenburg, but that wasnt the case. Mcnaughton (10 min) and Baynes (15 min) might not be a factor in the series so any added contribution by the big men will be more than appreciated. Schmeulders is a long center that most likely will see very little time.

Alba Berlin won the season series against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg winning a 77-75 nail bitter at home and winning on the road 93-81. Alba Berlin isnt as predictable anymore with the usual boring set play offense that was run under ex coach Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) as they mix it up on offense and defense and like to play transition basketball. Oldenburg will need a complete effort on defense controlling their still present pick and roll, transition game and dangerous outside shooting from guys like Jenkins, Rochestie, Dragcevic and Staiger. Alba Berlin isnt the best rebounding team and Oldenburg has to take advantage of this. Worries arise in that Oldenburg controlled the boards in the first game hauling down 14 offensive rebounds, but in the second meeting where Alba Berlin was still without a Raduljica, Alba Berlin controlled the boards 40-32 getting 14 offensive rebounds. Alba Berlin needs to control the tempo and play an increased amount of transition as Oldenburg is a team you can catch napping. If Alba Berlin can control Campbell (7tos in second meeting) is what you would of suspected as their big concern, but ex NBA player Eddie Gill (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) (187 NBA games) has started the last four games for Campbell and seems like t will continue in the playoffs against the quick Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) and attack as much as possible and play their new aggressive defense mixing styles up, then they should be able to get through this series unscathed.

Ethan Niedermeyer (Erdgas Ehingen) Germans Definetly Know How To Celebrate - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ethan Niedermeyer (198-F-87, college: Portland) is a 198cm forward from Lafayette, California that played in the PRO B in Germany for Erdgas Ehingen. He played at Portland (NCAA) from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 32 games averaging 6.7ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 74.1%. At Portland, he reached the WCC Tournament Semifinals -09, 10. This season at Erdgas Ehingen, he played 15 games averaging 4,5ppg and 1,9rpg. He won the PRO B championship recently and talked to eurobasket about winning the title.

Was this the biggest title of your career looking back to college and high school?

The biggest title I've won, and the one that really taught me how to win, was in High School winning the Division I California State Championship

How would you compare the German celebrating to Americans celebrating a big sporting win?

Germans definetly know how to celebrate! we had a great time as a team after the win.

How was the mood of the team going into the game? It was the last game of the season on your home court?

We were upset that we didnt end it at Leitershofen. On the same hand, it was another home game which is always a great atmosphere. We were focused but were joking around and having fun during warm ups as well.

Leitershofen had the 36-29 lead at halftime. What was giving Ehingen the biggest problems in the first 20 minutes?

Our turn overs hurt us and fed into Leitershofen's transition offense.

What incredible words did Ralph Junge have at halftime to help propel the team to amass 43 points in the third quarter?

At half time we were down, he told us that Leitershofen was beating us because they were playing as a team. We needed more team plays on offense and defense.

What did Ehingen do best in the thrid quarter?

Obviously we scored very well, but we also played some great defense. I think it was three or four minutes into the third quarter before Leitershofen made a field goal.

Was this a total team effort on defense for 40 minutes considering Leitershofen coughed up the ball 25 times?

Yes it was.

Virgil Matthews and Kevin Bright led the team in scoring but talk about the importance of Tim Lang?

Tim is a great team player, even though he didnt lead us in scoring his defense, rebounding and passing (something like seven assist last night!) made a huge impact on the game.

Was this your last professional game or will we see you again on the court next season?

It very well could be my last season. I will most likely be starting at University of San Francisco Law School next fall.

Will The Dallas Mavericks rap up the Portland series in game 6?

I hope not! Go Blazers!!!

Can the Spurs come back from 3-1 down to beat Memphis. Why are the Spurs losing in this series?

I don't think that the Spurs will be able to come back. Not many teams could come back from down 3-1. Memphis is playing great defense and getting a lot out of there bench.

Do the Atlanta Hawks have the Orlando Magic series rapped up?

Not at all. Orlando is very dangerous in their last game they blew Atlanta out. Atlanta should be worried.

Who do you see in the final of the beko BBL final and can any one stop Bamberg?

I love how Bamberg plays and I think they should win it all. I'm guessing they will probably see Berlin in the finals.

Thanks Etan for the chat.

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

GREECE

HOLLAND

Results Dutch Basketball League playoffs - by Greg
In two do-or-die games for both lower seeded BS Weert and WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom on Tuesday night, it was for both 'do', as both teams did it in dramatic fashion, Glenn Stokes (170-G-76, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: American) putting once again a show at home vs. defending Dutch champs GasTerra Flames Groningen to help the Limburgers topple the Flames to force Game #3. In Bergen-op-Zoom WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom managed to avert an Eiffel Towers Den Bosch late run to hold on for victory.

In the Boshoven Stokes had once again the Flames' number, dropping 40 pts. (28 in the 1st half) to lead the Limburgers to an 87-77 stunner. BS BS Weert led at one point 72-47, a game similar to the one they experienced at the hands of the Flames in Game #1. They took control of the tempo in the beginning and kept the Flames from getting closer after late runs in crunch time. The Flames closed it to 75-68 with 3:20 remaining, but timely free throw shooting and baskets by Stokes and Trey McDowell kept the Flames at bay. League MVP Jason Dourisseau led the Flames with 16. Game #3 is on Thursday in the Martiniplaza.

In Bergen-op-Zoom WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom held a comfortable cushion on Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (38-26 halftime) and in the second half had a little luck on its side in crunchtime, thanks to big plays by Jesse Kimbrough and Tyler Tiederman to help the Giants avoid elimination, winning 77-71. A big three-pointer dagger by Kimbrough after a Kees Akerboom three-pointer gave the Giants back the momentum swing. The Giants were further helped later by two missed free throws by Eiffel PG Frank Turner, which the Giants capitalized on, thanks to a finishing touch dunk by Tiederman. Tim Blue led all scorers with 24 pts. and Tiederman added 17. Rogier Jansen led the guests with 17 pts. and Turner added 16. It will be 'win or go home' for both teams on Thursday in the Maaspoort.

DBL Quarterfinals, second games: ZZ Leiden is the first semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the DBL Quarterfinals were played on Monday and Tuesday. ZZ Leiden outplayed ABC Amsterdam on the road 58-79 (0-2) and became the first team who booked a spot for the Semifinals. Other three series are tied at 1-1 and third decisive games will give us an answer who will advance to the next stage. All games are scheduled for tomorrow.

BS Weert - GasTerra 87-77 (1-1)
The game was mostly controlled by BS Weert. GasTerra managed to win fourth quarter 30-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game. BS Weert had a 33-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when BS Weert made 8 blocks. 26 personal fouls committed by GasTerra helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Glenn Stokes (170-76, college: American, agency: R.H.Consultancy) who scored 40 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. The other American import guard Trey McDowell (188-85, college: Louisiana Tech, agency: Court Side) chipped in 14 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four BS Weert players scored in double figures. American guard Jason Dourisseau (196-83, college: Nebraska) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and Canadian swingman Steve Ross (201-80, college: Santa Clara, agency: Court Side) added 9 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. GasTerra's coach Marco van den Berg rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
GasTerra: J.Dourisseau 16+8reb+2ast, M.Haryasz 12+3reb+1ast, S.Ross 9+9reb, R.Bostain 9+4reb+1ast, J.Turek 8+3reb, J.Ellis 6+5reb
BS Weert: G.Stokes 40+6reb+2ast, T.McDowell 14+4reb+5ast, J.Hairston 14+9reb, K.van Kempen 10+9reb+1ast, D.Minter 5+7reb, L.Hamm 2+3reb

Giants - Eiffel Towers 77-71 (1-1)
Eiffel Towers trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 15 after three quarters before a 28-19 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 71-77 at the end of the game. American forward Tim Blue (205-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) scored 24 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Tyler Tiedeman (201-85, college: Boise St., agency: Interperformances) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. American guard Frank Turner (178-88, college: Canisius, agency: Court Side) responded with 16 points and 6 assists and the former international guard Rogier Jansen (188-84, agency: Court Side) scored 17 points and 5 assists. Four Eiffel Towers players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Eiffel Towers: R.Jansen 17+3reb+5ast, F.Turner 16+4reb+6ast, M.Aarts 10+8reb, C.Jackson 10+8reb+1ast, K.Akerboom 8+2reb+1ast, S.Wessels 7+9reb+1ast
Giants: T.Blue 24+9reb+2ast, T.Tiedeman 17+8reb, B.Griffin 10+5reb+2ast, J.Kimbrough 10+2reb+1ast, A.Morgan 8+5reb+1ast, T.Theeuwkens 4+5reb+4ast

ABC - ZZ Leiden 58-79 (0-2)
The game without a history. ZZ Leiden led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 29-of-35 charity shots (82.9 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by ABC helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Monta McGhee (198-F-79, agency: Basket Law/NM Services, college: Lewis) notched 19 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Seamus Boxley (201-82, college: Portland St.) supported him with 19 points. Four ZZ Leiden players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 5 rebounds by forward Hicham Kherrazi (195-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy) did not help to save the game for ABC. Forward Ralf de Pagter (200-89) added 11 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. 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:
ABC: H.Kherrazi 18+5reb+1ast, R.de Pagter 11+5reb+2ast, J.Voorn 8+3reb+1ast, D.Van Der Horst 7+2reb+3ast, S.de Randamie 5+7reb+1ast, R.Siljade 4+3reb
ZZ Leiden: M.McGhee 19+5reb, S.Boxley 19+3reb+2ast, R.Bekkering 12+3reb, T.Jackson 10+4reb+3ast, W.de Jong 10+6reb+2ast, A.Slagter 5+8reb+5ast

DeFriesland - Magixx 71-70 (1-1)
DeFriesland outrebounded Magixx 39-27 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. American-Mexican forward Mark Sanchez (201-87, college: Boise St., agency: Court Side) saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Nigerian forward Manny Adako (203-87, college: Northeastern, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Brian Laing (195-85, college: Seton Hall, agency: JEMsports) replied with 28 points and his fellow American import forward Markel Humphrey (198-87, college: Marshall) added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Magixx.
Top scorers:
Magixx: B.Laing 28+3reb+1ast, M.Humphrey 15+6reb+1ast, T.Vermeulen 13, N.Oudendag 4+1reb, G.McDermott 3+10reb+2ast, Z.Taylor 3+5reb+4ast
DeFriesland: M.Sanchez 20+13reb+1ast, M.Adako 18+5reb+1ast, T.Brown 14+7reb+2ast, G.Punch 9+4reb+5ast, C.Chitwood 6+7reb+1ast, S.Waaldijk 2+1reb

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 17

1. Stokes, BS Weert	17.0
2. Blue, Giants	16.6
3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	15.6
4. Laing, Magixx	15.3
5. Tiedeman, Giants	15.0
6. Mills, Eiffel Towers	14.9
7. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	14.8
8. Kimbrough, Giants	14.8
9. Hilliman, Rotterdam	14.5
10. Brown, DeFriesland	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	9.3
5. Sanchez, DeFriesl.	8.9
6. Griffin, Giants	8.5
7. Ellis, GasTerra	8.1
8. de Randamie, ABC	8.0
9. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	7.6
10. Blue, Giants	7.5

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	4.0
4. Kimbrough, Giants	3.9
5. Marshall, Lands.	3.6
6. Jansen, Eiffel T.	3.6
7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden	3.5
8. Bostain, GasTerra	3.4
9. Williams, DeFriesland	3.3
10. Mladenovic, Rotte.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jason DOURISSEAU
  GasTerra
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Dourisseau, GasTe.	2.3
2. Turner, Eiffel T.	2.3
3. Taylor, Magixx	2.2
4. Marshall, Lands.	2.1
5. Ellis, GasTerra	2.1
6. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	2.0
7. Bostain, GasTerra	2.0
8. Jackson, ZZ Leiden	2.0
9. McDermott, Magixx	2.0
10. McDowell, BS Weert	1.9

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	1.2
4. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.0
5. Mullery, Landstede	0.9
6. Hamm, BS Weert	0.9
7. McDermott, Magixx	0.8
8. Minter, BS Weert	0.8
9. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	0.8
10. Bekkering, ZZ Le.	0.8

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

HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Muhammad EL-AMIN
  PVSK Pannon
  (196-G/F-87)
  Avg: 22

1. El-Amin, PVSK P.	22.0
2. Doyne, Falco-Szova	21.8
3. Bell, Kormend	21.1
4. Marshall, Marso-Va.	20.8
5. Townes, Soproni	19.5
6. Wilson, Kaposvari	19.4
7. Mekongo, FS Debre.	19.3
8. Rubin, Szedeak	19.3
9. Cunningham, Kapos.	19.2
10. Sales, Atomeromu	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Darian TOWNES
  Soproni
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Townes, Soproni	11.2
2. Sales, Atomeromu	10.4
3. Werner, Kaposvari	9.1
4. Cunningham, Kapos.	8.9
5. Jones, Albacomp	8.8
6. Bader, Szolnok	8.5
7. Egemonye, PVSK P.	8.5
8. Szabo, Soproni	8.3
9. Mekongo, FS Debre.	8.2
10. Gosa, Falco-Szova	8.2

Assists Per Game

Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  Khimik
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Williams, ZTE K.	7.3
2. Savic, Marso-Vagep	6.5
3. Trotter, Szolnok	6.5
4. Simon, Albacomp	6.2
5. Kelley, Soproni	6.1
6. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.1
7. Rodgers, Salgotar.	5.8
8. Moore, Kormend	5.4
9. Glavinic, PVSK P.	5.1
10. Wittmann, Kecsk.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Brane SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Savic, Marso-Vagep	3.5
2. Marshall, Marso-Va.	2.9
3. Hanga, Albacomp	2.9
4. Czigler, Marso-Va.	2.7
5. Werner, Kaposvari	2.6
6. Trotter, Szolnok	2.6
7. Williams, ZTE K.	2.5
8. Rodgers, Salgotar.	2.4
9. Singletary, FS Debre.	2.3
10. Crocker, Albacomp	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Clark, Szolnok	2.1
2. Townes, Soproni	1.9
3. Czigler, Marso-Va.	1.3
4. McKenzie, Szedeak	1.3
5. Egemonye, PVSK P.	1.1
6. Keller, Albacomp	0.9
7. Aliakseyeu, Falco-Sz.	0.8
8. Langford, FS Debre.	0.8
9. Orsulic, Kecskemeti	0.7
10. Gosa, Falco-Szova	0.7

Crocker's season is over - by Tamas Deri
Tony Crocker (201-G/F-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Oklahoma) signed in september 2010 his first professional contract with Albacomp in our country. The very athletic wingman got to one of the best imports in our league and is one of the favourites of the basketball fans. Crocker graduated on the University of Oklahoma last seaon where he had a great senior season averaging 11.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg in 30 games. In July he played with the Houston Rockets on the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, after he had several NBA workouts with the Spurs, Mavs and Timberwolves.
Crocker played 31 games for Albacomp so far and was one of the top players of coach Dzunic's team. He scored 17.0 points, grabbed 4.3 rebounds, collected 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals in 32.6 minutes on the court. He scored in 10 games more than 20 points, had his season high 32 points against Szeged on the 6th of February 2011. In the first round of the playoffs he scored 99 points in five games against Falco KC Szombathely. He had also an amazing game against ASE in the first game of the semifinals on saturday in Szekesfehervar, but in the third quarter he had to leave the court and did not come back anymore. However he had almost a double-double of 23 points and 9 reobunds in 23 minutes on the court.

- Tony, in the last minute of the 3rd quarter you just felt on the floor and left the court. What happened exactly and how bad is your injury?
- I made a bad step on someone's foot and it was a fractured bone in my foot. It didn't break completely but it broke enough, so i am out for the rest of the season.
- You had a great rookie season so far, what are your feelings about it?
- Yes, i am real thankful to my agents and their hungarian partners for giving me the opportunity to start my professional carreer with a real professional club as Albacomp in a good level league.
- What are your plans for the future? Are you thinking about coming back to play in our country?
- The most important is to get fit again, after that me and my agents will take a look at the options for the next season. Of course i would not consider to play for Albacomp again, as i collected real good experiences and like the athmosphere here.
- What do you think about the chances of Albacomp to win the Championship?
- I heard, that after my injury was published some people believed that our team will not get into the Finals. As everybody saw, the guys played real well yesterday and won in Paks by 20 points. We are up 2-0 now and with a home win on friday we would make the step into the Finals. You konw, every series begin from 0-0, so i am sure that my teammates would fight like lions in the Finals.
- Tony, thanks for your time and we wish you all the best for your future carreer!

Gosa moves to the Panthers in Furstenfeld - by Tamas Deri
The Furstenfed Panthers added the 34 year old Forward Charles Gosa (202-F-77, college: N.Mexico St.) to their roster. The experienced Forward became available after his team of Falco KC Szombathely lost in the Quarterfinals of the Hungarian Championship. During his 29 games in Hungary Gosa averaged 17.3 Points and 8.2 Rebounds per game. Last season he already played 7 games in Austria for the Oberwart Gunners and he was responsible for 12.5 Points and 6.7 Rebounds per contest. Gosa is a very high skilled basketball player and might have his debut tomorrow in the 2nd game of the Semifinals in Gmunden.

Gosa moves to the Panthers in Furstenfeld - by Tamas Deri
The Furstenfed Panthers added the 34 year old Forward Charles Gosa (202-F-77, college: N.Mexico St.) to their roster. The experienced Forward became available after his team of Falco KC Szombathely lost in the Quarterfinals of the Hungarian Championship. During his 29 games in Hungary Gosa averaged 17.3 Points and 8.2 Rebounds per game. Last season he already played 7 games in Austria for the Oberwart Gunners and he was responsible for 12.5 Points and 6.7 Rebounds per contest. Gosa is a very high skilled basketball player and might have his debut tomorrow in the 2nd game of the Semifinals in Gmunden.

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

IBL

Battle Creek Knights join LA Lightning and strong field for IBL Winter season - by Serafim Karaiskakis
The Los Angeles Lightning, a 4th year professional basketball team that has featured 8 ex-NBA players, has moved to the International Basketball League's Winter season. The Battle Creek (Michigan) Knights have committed to play as well- joining what shapes up to be a strong field of teams from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon and Washington.

TheBattle Creek Knightsin fact have submitted their bid to host the Winter Championship tournament at Kellogg's Arena. Last Winter, the IBL held its tournament at Kellogg's Arena and saw a 40-foot buzzer beating and game winning shot as the Kankakee Soldiers won the inaguaral Winter championship.

The L.A. Lightning, which has featured eight former NBA players on its star-studded roster, captured the 2009IBL Championship. That squad was led by Lamond Murray, Fred Vinson and Toby Bailey. The team went 14-6 in 2010, led by IBL All-Star Trayvon Lathan (26 ppg, 11.5 rpg), and has won 19 of its last 22 home games. 'We have a developing business opportunity that would have created a conflict with the latter part of the Spring season,' said Lightning owner and GM Mark Harwell. 'After three years in the spring, we felt it was time for a change. I think it will be a good fit to play during the traditional basketball season.'

The Portland Chinooks orOregon Waves (name change possibly underway to an original Portland name brand 'Chinooks' that was the Terry Emmert owned brand of the first four years in Portland) will play in the Winter season as well.

The International Basketball League is a high-scoring league that allows just onetimeout per quarter and gives owners just oneflight per season. Note: IBL will hold Winter league meeting in Portland Oregon on April 30th (2011) for interested parties.

Currently, the IBL traditional Spring/Summer season is underwaywith another strong field of teams such as the 6th year Bellingham Slam, the 7th year Vancouver Volcanoes, the 4th year Olympia Reign, the 7th year West Coast Hotshots, the 7th year entry from Portland- the Oregon Waves, the 4th year entry from Edmonton- the Edmonton Energy, the 2nd year Albany Legends, the 2nd year Gary Splash and the 6th year Kankakee Soldiers (both Gary and Kankakee play in both the traditional season and the Winter season). Also active in the traditional (current season) is the USA All Stars and 5 branding teams (teams that play a partial schedule in an effort to build their brand).

source: iblhoopsonline.com

Standings

IBL Standings

Continental Division
1. Bellingham S.		2-0
2. L.Angeles L.		0-0
3. Vancouver V.		0-0
4. Olympia R.		0-1
5. W.C. Hotshots		0-1
6. USA All-Stars		0-4
International Division
1. Kankakee S.		4-2
2. Albany L.		2-1
3. Gary Splash		2-1
4. Edmonton E.		0-0
5. Oregon W.		0-0
Branding Team
1. Lansing C.		2-1
2. Las Vegas P.		0-0
3. Ohio H.G.		0-0
4. Phoenix R.		0-0
5. Lake Co.		0-1

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

IRAN

Towzin Destroyed Qom; Azad Uni. Won Petrochimi ... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Season 2010-2011 Playoff games started today and some strange results was inetersting for everybody.

First of all, in the Most Important Game of the Day, Rah-o-Tarabari Qom (rank 4) was guest in kashan to play against Towzin Electric Kashan (rank 5). Everybody were waiting for a close result and tough game but Towzin Coaches has analyzed Qom very well and didn't let them do Anything special; Towzin showed that they are really better than Qom and finished the 1st Quarter on 21-5 !!! , They continued to control the game and the result on Half time was 40-19 for Towzin when Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84) was the Scorer Leader with 14 pts. Qom players tried to reduce the difference in 3rd quarter but they lost the 3rd quarter as well by 21-20 and the 4rd quarter was the end of Towzin Show and finished Qom on 82-51 and showed that they deserve to be in Top4 for sure ...
Zlatko Jovanovic was the best player by 26 points, Eight 3pts and 7 assists and Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) with his Blocks & Rebounds and Mohammad Jamshidi (196-F-91) with Good Steals and hard work and efficient playing helped him to destroy Qom.

Second important game was in Tehran between Azad University and Petrochimi. Petrochimi players thought they will win the game and pass this round of play-off easily but Azad University were waiting for them to show that it's not so easy and Won Petrochimi 95-94 ...

In other games, Mahram won Caspian Qazvin 60-95 and Gorgan lost on 61-76 against Zob Ahan Esfahan.

Second games of this round will be on Saturday.

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

ISRAEL

Sharon Drucker officially takes over Montegranaro - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Fabi Shoes Montegranaro hired Sharon Drucker (agency: Beo Basket ) as their new Head Coach. The team parted ways with Stefano Pillastrini and Matteo Panichi. Drucker started this season in Greece as a Head Coach of Aris Thessaloniki. However, they split ways in February. Last two years Drucker worked as an Assistant Coach of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. He supposed to work in Italy in the past as he signed a deal with Fortitudo, but the team decided to bring in Dragan Sakota before the season and later Drucker won the dispute at FIBA.
Sharon Drucker won the Belgian Cup in 2008 with Oostende. In 2006, he led Ural Great Perm to EuroCup Challenge title. Two years before that Drucker won the ULEB Cup title with Hapoel Jerusalem and was Eurobasket All-European Coach of the Year Nominee. In 2003, Drucker was named Eurobasket All-Israeli League Coach of the Year.
Fabi Shoes Montegranaro currently has 10-17 record in SerieA and will try to secure the survival in the last three rounds.

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

ITALY

SerieA Standings

1. Montepaschi		25-2
2. Bennet Cantu		20-7
3. Armani MI		19-8
4. Air AV		14-13
5. Cimberio VA		14-13
6. Benetton TV		14-13
7. Lottomatica		13-14
8. CS Bologna		13-14
9. Scavolini PS		13-14
10. Dinamo Sassari		12-15
11. Pepsi Caserta		12-15
12. Vanoli CR		11-16
13. Fabi Shoes		10-17
14. Angelico BI		9-18
15. Banca Tercas		9-18
16. Enel Brindisi		8-19

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

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

1. White, Dinamo Sass.	20.3
2. Thomas, Air AV	18.2
3. Zoroski, Banca T.	15.8
4. Ford, Fabi Shoes	15.7
5. Dean, Air AV	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. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.3
3. Troutman, Air AV	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 Brind.	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, Cimberi.	3.7
8. Zoroski, Banca T.	3.6
9. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.6
10. Markovic, Benetto.	3.6

Steals Per Game

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

1. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.1
2. Stonerook, Montepa.	2.8
3. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
4. Green, Air AV	2.7
5. Thomas, Air AV	2.7
6. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.6
7. Djedovic, Lottomat.	2.5
8. McCalebb, Montepas.	2.5
9. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.4
10. Hawkins, Armani MI	2.4

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Angelico Biella tab Aubrey Coleman - by Eurobasket News
Angelico Biella continued to make changes on their roster. They have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Aubrey Coleman (193-G-87, college: Houston). The 23-year-old guard is expected to replace A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) on the squad. Aubrey Coleman started the season in Aliaga Petkim in Turkey. He averaged 16.6 points, 4.4 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. In January Aubrey Coleman moved to the Austin Toros in D-League. His stats read 13.4 points, 4.5 boards and 2.1 assists per game. It is the first pro season for the guard. Aubrey Coleman graduated from the University of Houston in 2010. He notched 25.6 points, 7.4 boards, 2.7 steals and 2.6 assists per game in his senior season.

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

LATVIA

LBL D2 Round 2 of Finals - by Eurobasket News

3-4 place

Gulbene - Jurmala 83-70

Gulbene leveled the series versus Jurmala. They claimed a home win in Game 2. The game without a history. Gulbene led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Maris Snikis came up with 22 points and 12 rebounds for Gulbene. Ingars Aizpurs added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Kaspars Raiskums answered with 17 points and 9 boards for Jurmala.

FINAL

BAA Riga - Ventspils Aug. 63-59

BAA Riga celebrated the first win against Ventspils Augustskola. Ventspils Augstskola was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. BAA Riga dominated on the defensive end, holding Ventspils Augstskola to just 6 points in fourth quarter. Arturs Lusis nailed 19 points to lead the charge. Janis Timma contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Karlis Apsitis notched 18 points in the losing effort.

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

LITHUANIA

LKL Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris with victories - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Rudupis 88-75

Lietuvos Rytas prevailed against Rudupis in the opener. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Lietuvos Rytas's pressure prevailed and they won that period 21-14 extending their advantage to 13 points. They shot 64.6 percent from the field. Lietuvos Rytas had a 23-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Lietuvos Rytas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 66.7 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Serbian guard Aleksandar Rasic (195-84, agency: Beo Basket) fired 12 points and 9 assists for the winners. Australian forward Brad Newley (201-85, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 15 points. Naturalized Swiss guard Rolandas Alijevas (192-85) produced 14 points and 5 assists and forward Justinas Sinica (203-85) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Five Lietuvos Rytas and four Rudupis players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Lietuvos Rytas: B.Newley 15+4reb+2ast, K.Bajramovic 12+3reb+3ast, A.Rasic 12+1reb+9ast, S.Jasaitis 11+5reb, M.Gecevicius 10+5reb+4ast, J.Valanciunas 8+5reb
Rudupis: E.Zelionis 15+3reb, J.Sinica 15+2reb+4ast, A.Juskevicius 14+4ast, R.Alijevas 14+3reb+5ast, G.Orelikas 8+7reb, V.Lipkevicius 6+1ast

Zalgiris - Juventus 95-63

Zalgiris cruised past Juventus in Kaunas. The game without a history. Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Juventus' 28. Zalgiris forced 20 Juventus turnovers and outrebounded them 42-28 including 32 on the defensive glass. Juventus was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Paulius Jankunas (205-84, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 8 rebounds. International forward Tadas Klimavicius (204-82, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 11 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Gediminas Maceina (188-84) answered with 8 points and 7 rebounds and forward Arunas Vasiliauskas (201-85) added 11 points in the effort for Juventus. 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:
Zalgiris: P.Jankunas 17+8reb+1ast, A.Milaknis 12+3reb, T.Klimavicius 11+7reb+3ast, T.Watson 9+2reb, O.Samhan 9+6reb, T.Plaisted 7+3reb+1ast
Juventus: M.Pociukonis 12+1reb+1ast, A.Vasiliauskas 11+2reb+2ast, G.Maceina 8+7reb+3ast, A.Adomaitis 7+1reb, Z.Urbonas 6+3reb, A.Kieza 6+4reb+2ast

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Vilmantas DILYS
  Naglis-Adakris
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.	16.4
2. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.0
3. Kieza, Juventus	15.7
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, Rudup.	13.9
10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Kieza, Juventus	9.8
2. Sarakauskas, Siaul.	9.2
3. Valanciunas, Lietu.	7.8
4. Klimavicius, Zalgi.	7.1
5. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.1
6. Jankunas, Zalgiris	6.7
7. Adomavicius, Alytu.	6.5
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.5
9. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.	6.4
10. Dilys, Perlas	6.4

Assists Per Game

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

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.9
2. Broadus, Siauliai	5.2
3. Rinkevicius, Techa.	5.0
4. Juskevicius, Rudup.	4.6
5. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.4
6. Viskontas, Perlas	4.3
7. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.	4.1
8. Janavicius, Siauli.	4.0
9. Collins, Zalgiris	4.0
10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Gintaras LEONAVICIUS
  Techa.
  (194-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Leonavicius, Techa.	2.1
2. Juskevicius, Rudup.	2.1
3. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.1
4. Rinkevicius, Techa.	1.9
5. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.	1.9
6. Razutis, Naglis-A.	1.7
7. Alijevas, Nevezis	1.7
8. Valukonis, Techasas	1.7
9. Jasikevicius, Aisc.	1.6
10. Ruikis, Neptunas	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, Lietu.	1.9
4. Silinskis, Techasas	1.6
5. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.5
6. Volkus, Techasas	1.1
7. Cepukaitis, Juven.	0.9
8. Klimavicius, Zalgi.	0.8
9. Jankauskas, Rudupis	0.8
10. Gumenyuk, Siauliai	0.8

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

MONTENEGRO

Caja Laboral expected to sign Vladimir Dragicevic - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral is close to sign a deal with Montenegrin power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86). The 24-year-old Dragicevic already arrived to Vitoria for the medical tests.
Vladimir Dragicevic started this season with Buducnost Podgorica registering 16.1 ppg and 7 rpg for 27 Adriatic league games. He helped them reach the Semifinals. In EuroCup, Dagicevic had 19 ppg and 4 rpg in four games, while in two Euroleague Qualifications games he averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Dragicevic was a member of Buducnost since 2007. Last season he had 10.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 26 games in Adriatic league. He also added 14.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge appearances. Before Buducnost, Dragicevic played for Lovcen Cetinje. Lottomatica Roma also showed serious interested for the player recently, but at the end the Spanish champion managed to secure his arrival.

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

NAIA

Press Release From Montana Tech Men's Basketball - by Greg
Washington standout Daniel Simon (6'5''-F) signs with the Orediggers

Daniel Simon of Ephrata, WA has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Montana Tech Orediggers. The 65 Forward has most recently played for Coach Jeremy Eggers at Bellevue College in Washington.

Highlights
(2010-2011) Bellevue College: Daniel averaged 12pts 6.3rebs 2.3ast. He led his team to a North Region Championship (14-2 record) and a 7th place finish at the NWAACC tournament (21-8 overall). Daniel was named First Team All-Region and voted into the NWAACC All-Star game.
(2007-2008) As a Senior at Ephrata High School Daniel averaged 17pts 9rebs 3ast. He led his team to a 25-2 record and class 2A state championship. For his accomplishments Daniel was named Washington 2008 AP 2A Player of the Year as well as 2008 State Tournament MVP.

Daniel on signing at Montana Tech
'I chose Montana Tech for the opportunity to help Coach Woliczko build a strong basketball program and earn my degree in Communications from a well accredited school.'

Montana Tech Head Coach Aaron Woliczko on Daniel
I am very excited about the signing of Daniel Simon. Daniel is a great young man that can play many different positions for us. His versatility will allow him to play in the post or on the perimeter. Daniel has a great toughness about him and I am confident he will make an immediate impact in our program.

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

NBA

Kevin McHale to interview for Rockets job - by Eurobasket News
Kevin McHale will interview for the Houston Rockets coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

McHale, who had two different tenures as Minnesota Timberwolves coach and served as the franchises general manager, has been working as a television analyst for the past two years.

The Rockets and McHale are still working on setting a date for the meeting, presumably around McHales playoff broadcasting responsibilities, a source said.

Houstons casting a wide net to find a replacement for Rick Adelman. GM Daryl Morey has a list of interview candidates that includes ex-Cavaliers coach Mike Brown, Dallas assistant Dwane Casey, Milwaukee assistant Kelvin Sampson, Washington assistant Sam Cassell (notes) and Houston assistant Jack Sikma.

McHale is expected to be in the running for the Boston Celtics coaching job, too, if Doc Rivers declines to sign a contract extension.

As head coach in 2005 and 2009 for the Wolves, McHale had a 39-55 record.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Ball is in NBA's court after Sacramento firms unveil pledges to keep Kings - by Eurobasket News
Here we wait.

Sacramento officials took their last shot at keeping the Kings on Tuesday, unveiling a group of corporations that agreed to put down deposits on $10 million worth of sponsorships and ticket sales next season.

'The NBA has said to Sacramento, 'Show me the money,' ' a beaming Mayor Kevin Johnson (6'1''-G-66, college: California) said, flanked by 30 business leaders outside Golden 1 Credit Union offices. 'And today, we're doing just that.'

Now the team's fate lies mostly in the hands of the NBA and its relocation committee, which is investigating whether Sacramento is a more viable market than Anaheim. The league's top brass have made it clear they are interested in keeping the team here at least one more year.

The Maloofs, who own the Kings, may still seek a move, regardless of what league officials tell them to do. A source close to the team said the Maloofs have concerns about long-term corporate support in Sacramento and the region's ability to finance a new arena.

Many close to the situation, including Johnson, don't expect to know if the Kings will seek a move until Monday the NBA deadline to file.

While the NBA historically has approved most relocation requests without much resistance, the Maloofs have been surprised by the friction they've encountered, according to a consultant familiar with the Kings' finances.

'They thought this thing was going to sail through the league,' said the source, who refused to be identified.

The Maloofs face outside pressures as well. An ownership group led by billionaire Ron Burkle and Sacramento lobbyist Darius Anderson remains in play, looking to purchase the Kings should they stay in Sacramento.

On Tuesday, Johnson and business leaders aimed to convince the NBA that Sacramento can support the Kings. A team of league officials led by the NBA's marketing guru, Chris Granger met with the local group.

Emerging from the two-hour meeting, Johnson said the businesses had made 'a down payment on the future of the Sacramento Kings.' Several business representatives said they signed letters of intent at the meeting and have agreed to write checks by the end of this week for 20 percent of their first-year pledges.

The mayor released a list of companies that agreed to make deposits but declined to divulge how much each had given. A spokeswoman for one company on the list, Susan Brauner of Blue Diamond Growers, said her firm has not made a pledge.

A mayoral spokesman said the mayor's office is talking with Blue Diamond. Later the mayor issued a statement: 'This process has moved at warp speed, and we understand that some companies may need a little more time. In the case of Blue Diamond, if there has been any confusion on our part, we apologize.'

NBA Commissioner David Stern had sought the pledges, but the league would not comment on Tuesday's presentation. Neither would the Kings.

The NBA will spend the next 30 days analyzing whether the pledges fit the available sponsorships and luxury suites at Power Balance Pavilion.

Many of the corporations made multiyear commitments, the mayor's office said. But the $10 million was seen as a way to buy one more year for the franchise in Sacramento while progress is made on a new arena. If progress isn't made, one more year is likely all the city will get.

' (The Maloofs) can't stay under the status quo (arena arrangement),' the consultant familiar with the Maloofs' finances said. And if they are told they can't leave, and an arena plan goes nowhere, 'then and only then will they consider selling this team.'

Burkle and Anderson loom large, despite the Maloofs' insistence they won't sell.

Anderson, who is well-known in political circles, has worked closely with Johnson and Councilman Rob Fong in recent weeks and was at the center of the fundraising effort that put together the corporate pledges.

Lloyd Greif, a Los Angeles investment banker and longtime friend of Burkle's, said the billionaire's presence shifted momentum in Sacramento's favor and was a factor in the NBA's deliberations.

'All of a sudden, riding to the scene comes one of the wealthiest men in America saying he wants to own the team in Sacramento,' he said. 'And you think the NBA owners aren't paying attention? Of course they are.'

Even if the Kings remain in Sacramento another year, Stern has made it clear that the team's long-term future here depends on the region's ability to produce an arena.

Johnson said a new arena campaign would start the moment the city is told 'we're lucky enough to be given another year (of the Kings) in Sacramento.' Unlike past efforts, this one will involve more than just the city of Sacramento. One idea under discussion is a multi-county joint powers authority.

Even as Sacramento scrambles to keep the Kings, it's moving to protect itself financially if the team leaves. On Tuesday, the state Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill requiring the Kings to immediately repay $77 million they owe the city if they leave.

The bill's author, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and two other area legislators sent Stern a letter urging the NBA to keep the team in town.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

NBA players could decertify - by Eurobasket News
The NBA players' union already has enough votes from its members to decertify, should it decide to follow the strategy used by the NFL players' union, CBSSports.com reported, citing unnamed sources.

The NBA is facing the possibility of a lockout when the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the owners expires on June 30.

But a U.S. District Court judge's decision to grant an injunction ending the NFL lockout -- casting aside the league's argument that the NFL union's decision to decertify was a sham -- may have given the NBA players' union an important precedent -- should the ruling stand.

'This is a victory for all professional sports' unions,' Gabe Feldman, head of the Sports Law Center at Tulane University, told CBSSports.com. 'If the case stands up on appeal, it gives player unions a significant, though costly, weapon to use as leverage in labor negotiations.'

In the event of an NBA lockout, the union could do what the NFL union did -- decertify, then file an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA anywhere the league does business. That would include Minnesota, where U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson heard arguments from the NFL and its union, then issued an opinion Monday ordering an end to the lockout.

The NFL has filed a notice of appeal of Nelson's decision with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.

Billy Hunter, the NBA union's executive director, told Sports Illustrated that the decision was 'a great ruling for the players,' but only the first step in a lengthy battle.

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

Last week, NBA commissioner David Stern said he is eager to intensify talks with the union to avoid a lockout and court fight. At the league's recent owners' meetings, Stern said the NBA was planning to present a revised proposal to the union soon.

The NBA and its union remain divided on key issues; the league's owners want to replace the current soft salary cap and luxury tax system with a hard salary cap, as well as reduce the length of guaranteed contracts.

Courtesy of ESPN

Ron Artest wins 2010-11 NBA Citizenship Award - by Eurobasket News
Six and a half years since the infamous Pacers-Pistons brawl, Ron Artest (6'7''-G-79, college: St.John's) has won the NBAs longest-running citizenship and community-service award.

Artest was announced Tuesday as the 2010-11 winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented annually by the Pro Basketball Writers Association to one NBA player, coach or trainer for outstanding service away from the game. I will present the trophy to Artest on behalf of the PBWA just before tip-off of Game 5 of the Hornets-Lakers playoff series Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Artest has generated tremendous exposure for mental-health counseling in schools with his speaking engagements, even appearing in front of members of Congress in Washington in February. He raffled the 2010 NBA championship ring won in his first season with the Lakers, and the Win My Bling contest wound up in December with lifelong Lakers fans Raymond Mikhael of Hawthorne getting Artests ring and Artests Xcel University charity getting more than $650,000.

Ron has such a passion for the issue, and has demonstrated such leadership he was a perfect choice for such a prestigious award, said Doug Smith of the Toronto Star and president of the PBWA. His work embodies the kind of dedication to important causes that NBA players have become known for.

Artests offbeat personality appearing on The Jimmy Kimmel Show in just boxers a year and a half ago, planning careers in the NFL and as a pro boxer after basketball, releasing a new song called Go Loco and his tarnished reputation from going into the crowd to fight that 2004 night in Auburn Hills, Mich., didnt stop him from getting more votes for the Kennedy award than fellow finalists Marcus Camby, Dwight Howard and Kyle Korver.

When told a month ago he was a finalist for the award, Artest said: Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Im not sure what everyone is doing, but congratulations to everybody. Its cool.

Last season, Artest even revealed he used to drink alcohol before games while playing for the Chicago Bulls and past marital infidelities in hopes of enlightening todays youth about moving forward from missteps. He has tried to steer clear of controversy as he tries to change his image while continuing to speak his mind.

Artest is the first Laker to win the award since Magic Johnson won in 1992 for his campaign to raise AIDS awareness.

The award is named for the second commissioner in NBA history and dates back to 1975, when Wes Unseld won the first award. The most recent winners are Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Dikembe Mutombo and Samuel Dalembert.

Courtesy of www.ocregister.com

Bucks will keep Carlos Delfino next season - by Eurobasket News
Bucks general manager John Hammond confirmed Tuesday that forward Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82) will be returning for a third season with the team.

The Bucks have a $3.5 million team option on Delfino for the 2011-12 season. The Argentine forward averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 49 games with the Bucks last season and made 40 starts.

Delfino suffered a concussion in the first week of the season and eventually missed 32 games due to symptoms from a series of hits to the head.

He was able to return to the lineup in late January and had back-to-back 30-point games in March against New York and Sacramento. That established a career high for points.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Haslem continuing to improve for Heat - by Eurobasket News
Heat forward Udonis Haslem (6'8''-C-80, college: Florida) says he's hopeful of returning to the Miami lineup sometime this postseason.

Continuing his comeback following a ruptured foot ligament in November, Haslem went through another full practice with Miami on Tuesday. Haslem says there was less pain and soreness in his foot after the workout than he expected.

Haslem says he feels like his time is coming. He says he doesn't know when, 'but I definitely feel like it's coming.'

There is still no firm timetable for Haslem's potential return. He is not in Miami's plans for Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series against Philadelphia on Wednesday.

If Miami advances, it could open the East semifinals against Boston this weekend.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Fouls, hurt right foot limiting Boozer - by Eurobasket News
There have been two consistent aspects to Carlos Boozer's (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) 2011 playoffs thus far - foul trouble and facing a horde of media asking what's wrong with his production.

Both scenarios played out again late Tuesday night with an added twist: Boozer suffered turf toe on his right foot that he said he heard pop and contributed to him sitting for the final 18 minutes, 17 seconds.

'We'll just see how it goes every day, try to get the pain out of it,' Boozer said. 'I'm in a great deal of pain. But I got until the next round starts.

'I told (coach Tom Thibodeau) if he needed me I'd be out there and try to gut it out. He said, 'If I need you, I'll put you in. If not, we'll just try to get it better.''

Then again, Boozer might have sat anyway given that he produced just two points on 1-for-5 shooting and five rebounds in 15:31. He picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and two more in the third before sitting for good.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.0
2. James, Miami Heat	26.6
3. Wade, Miami Heat	25.3
4. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
5. Rose, Chicago B.	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	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. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.1
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.1
10. Rose, Chicago B.	7.6

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Caron Butler's Return, Much Needed - by Eddie King
Caron Butler (6'7 G/F '80 college Conneticut) has been having contact practices with the rest of the team, and could return if the Mavs advance to the next round to meet most

likely the defending champions the LA Lakers. Besides his skills set, he is a very tough minded player and competitor and will definitely want to beat his former team the Lakers.

He'll be a much needed addition both physically and mentally. The Mavs didnt let past failures snowball along with blowing a 23 point lead in game 4 of this series. That was a

definite mental hump that they got over. This would be another psychological boost for them. Practicing and conditioning shape is far different from game shape, but even 15-20

min along with Shawn Marion (6'8 F '78 college UNLV) at that position will make them that much deeper and scary in my opinion. This doesn't make them the team to beat, but it

gives them a better chance to beat the Lakers if they meet in the second round.

Information provided by Eddie King

Definition of Toughness - by Eddie King
It's hard to measure individual player's toughness, because we measure it on what we percieve toughness to be. In the NBA there are players that we are so quick to call 'soft' but we dont explain why we think they're soft. And some people we percieve to be tough because they're more outwarldy demonstrative. Bottom line, Every fan, columnist, sportcaster, and player have there own opinion on what a tough player is, both mentally and physically. But there are those few players that you cant deny there toughness, even if you don't like them as a player/person or whatever. Two of them would be Kobe Bryant (6'7 78 G/F) and Derrick Rose (6'3 88 PG). The biggest news about both game 5's for the Lakers and Bulls was how bad are the ankle injuries for Kobe and Derrick. My theory on this was that they both were going to play no matter how bad the ankles were and they both were also going to play great and in their own way let the opponent know that they're here to win!. Kobe did it by his two 'rimrocking dunks' (that we havent seen in a couple of years) on Okafor and Landry, and Derrick did it by doing his normal ridiculously quick change of pace crossovers and finishing at the rim all game. Both teams energy picked up when they saw there leaders explosion and will to win. As I pretty sure there ankles were throbbing at times on the court, The stories/coverage of the injuries were more for the media and fans to talk about. Like Charles Barkley said on TNT last night, 'Kobe didnt go to the hospistal so he'll be alright'. Kobe threw wa little Hollywood in there by playing possum until the second quarter, then going the retro machine and pulling out some old posterizations! Like Shannon Brown said, 'he looked like the Afro Kobe'. A little less drama on the Westside of Chicago with Derrick Rose, more business as usual, but that's what we love about the both of them. 'They were who we thought they were' in both cases. Nonetheless, it doesn't get much tougher than either one on them, and they are ready to lead there respective teams on long playoff runs!

2011 NBA Playoffs Contenders or Pretenders - by Darryl Reshaw
2011 NBA Playoffs Contenders or Pretenders by Darryl Reshaw

The first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs have been exciting an amusing to date.
Making a prediction on which team will ride into the sunset as the 2011 NBA Champions is a very difficult choice.
After watching all of the apparent top teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences some are Pretenders oppose to Contenders.

Lets start with the San Antonio Spurs who are the top seeded team in the West.
After Los Angeles Lakers beat them down on their home court after the All Star beak experts and players predicted they were not going too far in the post season.
Their new high octane offense was designed to take them to the next level.
However they have ran into a very hungry Memphis Grizzlies team who are more athletic, younger, better defensively and have a tougher inside presence.
Mike Conley (6'1''-G-87, college: Ohio St.) has matured into a fine and elusive point guard who is giving Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) nightmares.
His dribble penetration has been driving the Spurs defense crazy and benefited O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC) who has been nailing down some dagger 3pt shots.
Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) has shown the NBA community that he is a bona-fide offensive post presence and is a quality rebounder.
Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88, college: Kansas) play has been outstanding coming off of the bench and the play that he blocked Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) shot and ran the floor and dunk the ball on the same possession defines the Memphis team.
Memphis coach Lionel Hollins who has a NBA ring as a player is doing a fantastic coaching job.
Will the Spurs be able to regroup after being down 3-1 or will they be the biggest Pretenders since Golden State ousted Dallas who was a #1 seed a few years ago?

The Los Angeles Lakers are having a very difficult time guarding another quick PG as usual in the playoffs.
Will their inability to defend Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) or the next quick point guard they face in the playoffs be their Achilles heal.
Most Lakers fans have known for years that Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) is slowing down and can't guard any of the quality young point guards in the NBA.

If they get past New Orleans they may get a break with the Dallas Mavericks who features an aging Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) who gets the majority of minutes at the point guard spot for Dallas.
However their chances of defending their NBA title may rely on the ability Derek Fisher being able to guard Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA), Mike Conley (6'1''-G-87, college: Ohio St.), or Ty Lawson (5'11''-G-87, college: N.Carolina).
The Lakers have known to switch Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) on the elite point guards that Fisher cant check but the scenario effects his offensive output.
The other issue that the Lakers have is the fact Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) struggles with physical defenders..
Assuming the Lakers advance to the Western Conference Finals to face possibly Oklahoma City their worst nightmares will be Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) and Kendrick Perkins (6'10''-C-84).

Boston Celtics made the Kendrick Perkins trade and everybody thinks they traded away their potential championship.
They had an easy time with the New York Knicks who play absolutely no defense and they made the craziest trade of the year.
Boston seems a little older, a step slower and an injury away from being the top dog in the Eastern Conference.
If any of the big four gets injured they will be a playoff after thought and their inside game sucks without Kendrick Perkins.
Shaquille O''Neal seems very overweight and a constant visitor to the injury reserve team the past few seasons.
His last injury was cause by just running the floor (unforced injury).
Kresimir Kristic (6'9''-C-81) is currently injured and even if he returns he lacks the physicality of Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) or Kendrick Perkins in the middle.

Chicago is the top seeded team in the Eastern Conference and are led by the sensational soon to be MVP Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis).
They were lucky to escape a couple of losses to a young scrappy Indiana Pacer team who can not close a cookie jar.
The Pacers basically gave away two games and tried to give their only victory away as well.
They struggled to defend the pick and pop with Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85, college: N.Carolina) killing them in game one of their series.
The Chicago Bulls did not look like the Eastern Conference Champions in the first round series against Indiana.

Oklahoma City Thunder has been looking good offensively and defensively in the series against the Denver Nuggets.
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) is a developing super star with crazy athleticism and an effective jump shot.
He is unstoppable attacking the basket and sometimes he may take too many contested jump shots.
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) is a pure scorer that will always get his 25 points but if he gets hot it can easily be 40 points on any given night.
However the emerging star on their team has been Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89).
He has a nice mid range jump shot and is a relentless rebounder and a great athletic defender.
Their inside tandem of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka is one of the best front lines in the NBA.
James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) has been tremendous off the bench providing perimeter scoring for the Thunder.
Their only question mark has been the ineffective scoring from Thabo Sefolosha (6'5''-G-84, agency: ACMT) who has been off the mark with his perimeter looks.
The Denver Nuggets were one of the hottest teams in the NBA going into the playoffs and have competed with the Thunder but lost a couple of close ones.
Denver's quick guards and quality inside play from Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) and Kenyon Martin (6'8''-F/C-77, college: Cincinnati) have made the series interesting.
The Nuggets are not going away without a good fight and might be one of the top three teams in the Western Conference.
They are loaded with talent at all of the positions and can really score some points when they get hot.

Atlanta Hawks are one of the most interesting teams in the NBA with a lot of talent but you never know which team is going to show up.
The Hawks management gave Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) franchise player money to a guy who is a questionable playoff performer.
I guess the Hawks are like Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas), tune in and see who shows up
The Hawks lead the series against Orlando 3-2 going back to Atlanta for game six and a potential close out game.
In this series the Hawks have been led by the outstanding play of Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) who has been torching the Orlando defenders with his supreme one on one play.
The Hawks have a tendency to dribble too much and to play street basketball which will be an issue in the second round.
Orlando Magic has been reduced to a two man show of Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85) and Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's).
Dwight Howard has been outstanding but still picks up the silly off the ball fouls and Jameer Nelson has done his job.
Their issue is all of the other players are only jump shooters that seem to all went ice cold at the same time.
If their shooters are hot they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
However if you live by the jumper you will die by the jumper.
Stan Van Gundy seems like he would rather let Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) shoot ill advised jump shots than have a more rugged defender or inside player on the court.
Playing Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) a lot of minutes is like giving the Hawks an early Christmas present.
Another question is what ever happened to Hedo Turkoglu (6'9''-F-79)s game from a few seasons ago where he was outstanding for Orlando in their championship run.
Orlando is headed for a quick exit out of the NBA playoffs.

The Dallas and Portland series seems like and evenly matched contest.
Is there anybody on the East Coast who is willing to forgo their sleep to watch the boring Dallas Mavericks and their eventual exit in the playoffs?
They should be able to get by Portland but who seriously thinks they will advance any further.
I do like watching Portlands LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11''-C-85, college: Texas) who is one of the most under rated stars in the NBA.
LaMarcus Aldridge has a nice game and is one of the best power forwards in the NBA who features quality post moves and consistent perimeter shooting.

Last but not least the Miami Heat is positioning their team to past the test of the Boston Celtics.
The legendary Chicago Bulls had to overcome the Detroit Pistons before seeing the end of the rainbow that feature six (6) NBA Championships.
Boston has its NBA Championship ring featuring the Big Four and has dominated the Heat earlier in the year.
However the playoffs are a new season and will this be LeBron's and Dwayne Wade's year?
This potential second round match-up is the one all real basketball fans will be watching.
Boston has the coach, the chemistry and the experienced stars but Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut), Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) and Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) are not in their prime.
Miami has a lot to prove and they are the younger team with all of their big three stars in the prime of their careers.
This will be the epic battle of the 'changing of the guard'.
The winner of the Boston and Miami series I believe will be the Eastern Conference Champions.

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

NCAA1

College basketball games draw 32.8 million fans - by Eurobasket News
College basketball attendance across the three divisions has decreased slightly to 32.8 million.

The NCAA announced Tuesday that it still ranks No. 5 all-time.

Division I schools drew 27.6 million fans, an increase of more than 86,000 over the previous season.

Kentucky led the nation in average home attendance for the 15th time in 16 years. The Wildcats averaged 23,603. Syracuse was second at 22,312.

For the 35th consecutive year, the Big Ten led all conferences in home attendance with 2.4 million.

Brigham Young had the nation's biggest one-season increase, 4,685 per game. San Diego State was the only other school to have an increase of more than 4,000 fans per game.

Overall attendance for the three divisions dropped by about 0.5 percent from 2009-10.

Courtesy of www.statfox.com

Mizzou may like its chances of keeping Bowers - by Eurobasket News
Though Laurence Bowers (6'8''-F) was once thought to have one foot out the door, he doesn't much sound like a man on the move from Missouri. Bowers talks excitedly about what he expects in his senior season playing for new coach Frank Haith , even though Bowers is currently in line to skip that season entirely. 'Coach Haith, he stressed to us that he likes playing inside out,' Bowers said after a recent workout. 'You can definitely see that that's their philosophy, just from the individuals. It's a lot of post stuff that we're working on. Coach said that he wants a stretch four [power forward], and he told me that I need to be a stretch four this year.' An NBA lockout looming on the horizon could also help persuade both Bowers and Kim English to come back to Missouri.

Courtesy of The Columbia Daily Tribune

John Calipari considering coaching Dominican Republic - by Eurobasket News
Kentucky coach John Calipari is mulling a chance to coach the Dominican Republic national team.

Calipari posted on his website Tuesday that he has been approached by Dominican officials about taking over the team in hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

'My question to the Dominican Basketball Federation was, why are you calling me?' Calipari posted. 'Their response was, they liked what we are doing in China, including coaching their coaches and being involved in promoting grassroots basketball.'

Calipari says he would spend about six weeks with the team from August through mid-September, preparing it for the Tournament of the Americas.

The team would practice at Kentucky's Joe Craft Center before the tournament, which will be held in Brazil. The Dominican Republic has never qualified for the Olympics in men's basketball.

Calipari says he would also help train Dominican coaches. He has a similar relationship with coaches in China. He gave no timetable on his decision.

The 2009 Dominican Republic team that competed in the FIBA Americas championships included several NBA players, including Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford and Sacramento Kings swingman Francisco Garcia. The team finished fifth in the tournament with a 4-4 record.

Calipari wouldn't be the first big-time American coach to lead a foreign squad.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino is scheduled to coach the Puerto Rican national team in the same tournament this fall, though Pitino said Tuesday there's a chance the deal could fall through because NCAA rules would prevent the Cardinals from playing a series of exhibitions against the team.

Former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson unsuccessfully tried to get Mexico into the 2008 Olympics, and longtime NBA coach Del Harris led China to an eighth-place finish in the 2004 Olympics.

Courtesy of www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Nike Hoop Summit Rosters 2011 - by Karol

World Team Selection 2011

Pangos

Neto

Guo

Ponitka

Fournier

World Team Selection

Kevin Pangos (6'1''-G-93)
Raul Neto (6'1''-G-92) of Pitagoras/Minas Tenis Clube Brazil

Guo Ailun (6'4''-G-93) of Liaoning Panpan Hunters China

Mateusz Ponitka (6'5''-G-93) of Tempcold AZS Politechnika Warszawa Poland

Evan Fournier (6'6''-G/F-92) of Union Poitiers Basket 86 France

Davis Bertans (6'7''-F-92) of Union Olimpija Ljubljana Slovenia

Dario Saric (6'9''-F/C-94) of KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje Croatia

Kyle Wiltjer (6'9''-C)
Bismack Biyombo (6'9''-C-92) of Baloncesto Fuenlabrada Spain

Przemyslaw Karnowski (7'0''-C-93) of SMS PZKosz Wadysawowo Poland

Lucas Riva (6'11''-C-92) of Asefa Estudiantes Madrid 2nd Team Spain

Head Coach: Roy Rana (Canada)
Assistant Coach: Marin Sedlacek (Serbia)

U.S. Team 2011

Cook

Teague

Rivers

Beal

Wroten

U.S. Team

Quinn Cook (6'1''-G-93)
Marquis Teague (6'3''-G-93) of High School
Austin Rivers (6'3''-G) of High School
Bradley Beal (6'4''-F/G-93)
Anthony Wroten (6'5''-G-93) of High School
Adonis Thomas (6'7''-F/G-93)
Michael Gilchrist (6'7''-F-93)
James McAdoo (6'9''-F-93)
Rakeem Christmas (6'9''-C/F) of Syracuse University
Anthony Davis (6'10''-F/C) of High School

Head Coach: Kevin Sutton
Assistant Coach: Kevin Boyle

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

NEW ZEALAND

Rod Grizzard debuts for Nelson Giants - by Eurobasket News
Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, college: Alabama) joined the Nelson Giants. The 30-year-old guard started the season in the Sydney Kings in ANBL. He tallied 9.3 points, 6.0 boards and 2.5 assists per game in Australia before leaving in November after suffering an injury. Last season Rod Grizzard spent in Israel. He notched 8.7 points, 4.2 boards, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game for Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion in Premier League. Rod Grizzard has debuted for the Nelson Giants tonight. The guard erupted for 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists but could not prevent a 75:89 loss.

Mental war underway ahead of NBL decider on Friday - by Eurobasket News
Hostilities in the psychological war between the Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers have well and truly broken out ahead of Friday nights sold-out sudden death Game Three of the iiNet National Basketball League Grand Final series.

Taipans shooting guard Phill Jones (196-G-74), one of two Kiwis on the Cairns roster who will look to deny New Zealand their first-ever NBL championship title, has boldly predicted that the Breakers will face a whole new level of pressure when they take the court for the series decider at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Friday.

The Breakers were the minor premiers with the best record in the league, and will enter Game Three as the heavy favourites with Centrebet listing them at $1.18 to win the decider, compared to $4.80 for Cairns. Jones says there are huge expectations on the Breakers to deliver New Zealand their first ever Australian professional league title.

'They've got the whole country expecting them to win', Jones told The Cairns Post. 'They don't expect anything less, so there's a lot of pressure on them.'

Taipans head coach Aaron Fearne also has made it clear that those expecting the Breakers to enjoy another home blow-out win in Game Three, as they did in the series opener, would be disappointed.

'We're not going over there to put in the same sort of performance [that] we did in game one, I can tell you that, Fearne told stuff.co.nz, before going on to make it clear that the Taipans were not concerned at all about playing the decider in Auckland.

Breakers point guard CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC), whose clutch three-pointer helped New Zealand force a first overtime period in Game Two, says however that playing at home puts his team in the drivers seat.

'This is why you have home court advantage otherwise there's no point playing for it,' Bruton told Fairfax medias Marc Hinton. 'Being in the driver's seat, being at home is an advantage. It's a fairytale this is what you want.'

Brutons teammate and Breakers captain Paul Henare (182-G-79), who will play in his final NBL game this Friday after previously announcing his intention to retire at seasons end, made it clear he was confident of victory.

'The biggest thing for us now is recovery, taking care of our bodies and making sure we do all the right things so we're good to go on Friday,' Henare told stuff.co.nz.

'We'll be good to go. We'll get this thing done.'

Injury concerns for New Zealand are legitimate with both star shooting guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) (back) and young swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, college: Washington St.) (leg) sitting out Wednesday mornings practice session. The Breakers have told media however that both players are expected to be fine in time for Friday nights game.

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

Kirk Penney sits out practice with back spasm - by Eurobasket News
Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) has thrown an injury scare into the Breakers camp just two days out from the deciding third game of the Australian NBL finals.

The star shooting guard had to pull out of today's training session at the club's Mairangi Bay headquarters after suffering a minor spasm in his back.

The injury occurred early on in what ended up being a quite intense run and Penney was immediately whisked away for treatment on his back.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis said early indications were positive that the team's leading scorer and all-league selection would be fine to play in Friday's defining clash against the Cairns Taipans, but he was not able to guarantee it.

'Kirk's [back] just spasmed up, so he went off and we obviously wanted to be careful with it,' said Lemanis immediately after today's training that had a hefty media presence.

'We didn't want to risk it today, so he went and had some work on it and says he feels much better now, so we'll see.'

Asked if his most pivotal player would be fine to play Friday night at the NSEC, he said: 'We hope so, but you don't know.'

Penney missed significant time with the Breakers last season through a back injury and Lemanis said it was something his player had been dealing with for much of his career.

'The one comment he had in there when I went in was like 'I know how to look after my back'. I think it's just precaution more than anything else, but we'll see.

'We'll find out more as the days progress.'

Penney is averaging 21 points a game for the Breakers in the off-season but was held to just 12 points on four-of-12 shooting in a substandard game by his standards on Sunday.

The Breakers will be pinning their hopes on Penney not only being fit enough to suit up for Friday's decider, but playing an influential role.

Athletic forward Thomas Abercrombie also sat out the second half of today's training when a bruised heel he suffered in Sunday's game two thriller in Cairns flared up a little.

'That was more precautionary than anything and the physio said he'll be all right,' added Lemanis.

Given that the Breakers are coming off not just a demanding 28-game regular season but a physical three-game semifinal series against the Perth Wildcats, and have now split the first two games of the grand final, players being banged up is nothing unexpected for the club.

'It's the last game [of the season] and everyone will find a way to get ready for that I'm sure,' said Lemanis. 'It's not like it's anything we haven't been through before. All season we've dealt with injuries and niggles going into games, so it's nothing to stress about.'

The Breakers won the first game of the grand final series against the Taipans 85-67 at the NSEC, but then went down 81-85 in a double-overtime thriller in Cairns to set up the decider back in Auckland.

Both clubs are chasing their first Australian NBL titles and the Breakers are seeing to become the first Kiwi club to claim the championship in a major sporting league across the Tasman.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin MICKENS
  Auckland.
  (207-F/C-83)
  Avg: 27.5

1. Mickens, Auckland.	27.5
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	25.5
3. Maxey, Wellington	23.0
4. Dora, Nelson G.	22.0
5. Polyblank, Southla.	22.0
6. Smith, Waikato P.	21.8
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	21.8
8. Leasure, Taranaki.	21.0
9. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	20.5
10. McLean, Wellingt.	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Allred, OceanaGo.	13.0
2. Bradshaw, OceanaGo.	11.0
3. Johnson, Wellingt.	11.0
4. Horvath, Manawatu.	10.0
5. Frank, Wellington	10.0
6. Bartlett, Auckland.	9.5
7. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
8. Dawson, Southlan.	9.0
9. Anthony, Waika.	9.0
10. Henry, Wellington.	9.0

Assists Per Game

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

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

Steals Per Game

Kareem JOHNSON
  Wellingt.
  (205-C-80)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Johnson, Wellingt.	2.5
2. Smith, Waikato P.	2.5
3. Allen, Waikato P.	2.5
4. Dickel, Southland	2.5
5. Polyblank, Southla.	2.5
6. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
7. Maxey, Wellington	2.0
8. Hudson, Manawatu.	2.0
9. Leasure, Taranaki.	2.0
10. Dawson, Southlan.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Bay Hawks		4-0
2. Wellington S.		2-0
3. Waikato P.		2-2
4. Manawatu J.		1-1
5. Southland S.		1-1
6. Auckland P.		1-1
7. Nelson G.		0-2
8. OceanaGold N.		0-2
9. Taranaki MA		0-2

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

PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

1. De La Salle		9-0
2. Ibdaa D.		9-0
3. Bethlehem		6-3
4. Al Ahli		5-3
5. Berzeit Club		5-4
6. Sarriyet		5-4
7. Hiteen		5-4
8. Beit Sahour		4-4
9. Orthodox R.		4-6
10. Ebal		2-6
11. Qalandia		2-6
12. Al Fara		0-8
13. Islami		0-8

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

PBL

Cavs owners did it the right way - by Eurobasket News
They always did the right thing.

The four owners of the now-folded Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry always paid their bills, made sure there were games in Lawton and tried their best to bring the best possible entertainment to the city and its people.

It was just the right thing to do.

Now a week after the debacle that was labeled the Premier Basketball League Finals and the subsequent folding of the Cavalry due to league and financial reasons, owner Mike Brown expressed that he still feels good about what was done for this region with minor league basketball.

'The great thing is that the four owners of this team feel great about what we have done over the last four years and feel we have done everything we could to make the deal work,' Brown said.

Doing everything to make it work meant paying for busses to pick teams up in another state on their own dime, long sleepless nights trying to find out just how the team would get to the corners of the North American continent and trying their best to make sure that all the problems left unfinished by the previous ownership were handled in as professional a manner as possible.

Just trying to make things work, and trying to do the right thing.

But would they do it again?

If time went backwards, would Brown, Phil Kennedy, Hossein Moini and John Zelbst be standing in the conference room at The Lawton Constitution with head coach Micheal Ray Richardson and general manager Otis Birdsong on that Christmas Eve, announcing that they had saved the team from folding during that first season in the Continental Basketball Association?

Would they have stepped up where former owner Baron Hopgood had not?

'There's no doubt I would do it again; but I would just do it a lot differently,' Brown said. 'Boy I would have done things a lot differently. We came in and kept things the way they were, and there were nine people working for the Cavs. Nine people on the payroll. I mean, really? We should have just started fresh and maybe hired some of the people back. That was a burdensome payroll.'

That payroll included Birdsong, a vice president of marketing, a public relations manager and various office staff that the Cavs in subsequent seasons pared down to just one person, and in the end the owners themselves just took the reins and got the team home.

Carry time forward to the end of the second season. At that time the CBA was crumbling and with just four teams, the season ended abruptly and the Cavs were forced to play a series in Albany to decide the winner.

After that season ended, things were in the air again. The CBA was no more, and the financial situation was not getting any better. After two seasons, the Cavs had not sold out the Great Plains Coliseum once, a troubling statistic.

Should they have hung it up then?

'That's tough. There is a strong possibility we would have just hung it up,' Brown said. 'At that point, we won a championship the first year, we won a championship the second year. Maybe we were tempting fate. Maybe we were stupid to go on after that.'

But that third year was the golden age of the team. With the PBL being the most stable league in the nation, the Cavs enjoyed a great season not only on the floor but at the box office, with sellouts in that third season helped by the fact the league was together.

But in the back of their minds, minor league basketball was always there and it was never truely stable; not one bit.

'You couldn't ever just set up the business and let it run,' Brown said. 'You always had to anticipate something was going to go wrong, because something always did. In the end, it involves a lot of people that don't always do what they say they are going to do. I never got used to that, and it's certainly something that I'm not going to miss.'

Then the PBL Finals came, and the foul shot disparity came to light and things came off the hinges.

'It's more serious disappointment than anger,' Brown said. 'I'm just disappointed that it would happen like that.'

Now with the Cavs in the ground it's time for Lawton to move forward and remember the good times. Remember what it was like when things were going right, if it was for just a season.

Because it's going to take a lot to get another team back, so remember the fond memories while they last.

'When it comes time next year and it's time to tip off, yeah I'm going to miss it,' Brown said. 'Then I just have to remind myself of all the things and the loose ends that I have to keep track of.'

All those ends are tied off now, with the truth that it was done the right way.

Courtesy of http://swoknews.com

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

PHILIPPINES

Smart Gilas reinforce squad before Asia Champions Cup - by Eurobasket News
Smart Gilas are shaping up their roster prior to the start of 22nd Asia Champions Cup. The tournament is slated to tip off on May 28 in Manila. Smart Gilas invited Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) and Asi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii). Dondon Hontiveros has played for San Miguel Beerman in PBA this season. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.6 boards and 2.1 assists per game. Asi Taulava played for Meralco Bolts in PBA. His stats read 7.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance. Asi Taulava participated at the 2010 Asian Games. He notched 11.6 points, 8.5 boards for Philippines in China.
Smart Gilas also intend to recruit Kelly Williams (198-F-82, college: Oakland) and Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) for the tournament. Kelly Williams is playing for Talk N Text Texters in PBA. His stats read 9.6 points, 7.4 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. Jimmy Alapag also is the member of the Texters squad. The 33-year-old guard notches 14.3 points, 5.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ted SCOTT
  SKK Kotwica
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Scott, SKK Kotwica	25.4
2. Hodge, Zastal	17.0
3. Frazier, AZS K.	16.7
4. Reynolds, AZS K.	16.5
5. Hinson, Polonia Az.	16.3
6. Reese, AZS Koszalin	16.0
7. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	14.8
8. Bennerman, Energa	14.5
9. NaNa, Polonia Azbud	14.4
10. Thomas, PGE Turow	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Harris, SKK K.	11.4
2. Truscott, Siarka	9.9
3. Burgess, Zastal	9.4
4. NaNa, Polonia Azbud	8.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	7.0
6. Wysocki, PGE Turow	6.8
7. Ceranic, Trefl S.	6.7
8. Miller, Anwil	6.6
9. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	6.4
10. Reynolds, AZS K.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Igor MILICIC
  AZS K.
  (194-G-76)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Milicic, AZS K.	6.6
2. Blassingame, Energ.	6.3
3. Thomas, PGE Turow	5.6
4. Hodge, Zastal	5.1
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	4.8
6. Hawkins, PBG B.	4.0
7. Szubarga, Asseco P.	3.9
8. Vaughn, Polpharma	3.5
9. Ewing, Asseco P.	3.1
10. Nowakowski, Polon.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Polonia Azbud
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Hinson, Polonia Az.	2.7
2. Blassingame, Energ.	2.6
3. Hodge, Zastal	2.5
4. Pringle, Siarka	2.4
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	2.4
6. Milicic, AZS K.	2.3
7. Szubarga, Asseco P.	2.2
8. Thomas, PGE Turow	2.1
9. Hawkins, PBG B.	2.1
10. Reese, AZS Koszal.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Harris, SKK K.	2.0
2. Reynolds, AZS K.	1.4
3. Lapeta, Asseco P.	1.4
4. Hicks, Anwil	1.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	1.3
6. Burgess, Zastal	1.3
7. Davis, Energa C.	1.0
8. Miller, Anwil	0.8
9. Kesicki, Zastal	0.8
10. Mirkovic, Polphar.	0.8

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Quebradillas		8-2
2. Bayamon		7-3
3. Guaynabo		7-4
4. Coamo		6-6
5. Humacao		5-5
6. San German		5-6
7. Arecibo		4-5
8. Santurce		4-6
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	21.9
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.4
4. Clinch, Isabela	20.7
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	20.7
6. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
7. Brown, Quebradillas	18.4
8. Shannon, Bayamon	17.5
9. Sanchez, Santurce	16.6
10. Sweetney, Santurce	16.4

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.	10.7
6. Shannon, Bayamon	10.2
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Ofoegbu, Humacao	8.2
9. Vassallo, Guaynabo	8.2
10. Sweetney, Santurce	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. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.5
7. Copeland, San G.	4.2
8. Pagan, Santurce	4.2
9. Vega, Coamo	4.1
10. Garcia, Humacao	3.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Santiago, Santurce	2.3
2. Hinson, Isabela	2.2
3. Clinch, Isabela	2.2
4. Chaney, Santurce	1.8
5. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.7
6. Benison, Santurce	1.7
7. Harris, San German	1.6
8. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.5
9. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.5
10. Cruz, Arecibo	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. Santiago, Arecibo	2.1
4. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
5. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
6. Shannon, Bayamon	1.4
7. Harris, San German	1.4
8. Freije, Coamo	1.2
9. Rice, San German	1.2
10. Aubry, Arecibo	1.1

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

PBL Standings

1. Unics		16-5
2. Lokomotiv		15-7
3. Spartak SP		15-8
4. CSKA		15-8
5. Khimky		14-7
6. Enisey		10-12
7. N.Novgorod		8-15
8. Krasnie Krilya		7-15
9. Dynamo		7-16
10. Triumph		4-18

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Keith LANGFORD
  Khimky
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Langford, Khimky	18.2
2. Baxter, Enisey	16.6
3. Domercant, Spart.	16.2
4. Lampe, Unics	15.9
5. Keyru, Dynamo	15.6
6. Williams, Enisey	15.6
7. Labovic, Enisey	14.3
8. Beverley, Spart.	13.6
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	13.6
10. Vyaltsev, Triumph	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	7.7
2. Lampe, Unics	7.1
3. Khryapa, CSKA	7.1
4. Beverley, Spart.	6.9
5. Baxter, Enisey	6.8
6. Papadopoulos, Khi.	6.6
7. Monya, Khimky	6.3
8. Brezec, Krasnie	6.2
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	6.2
10. Massey, Lokomotiv	6.1

Assists Per Game

Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 7

1. Williams, Enisey	7.0
2. Bremer, Krasnie	5.5
3. Vyaltsev, Triumph	5.0
4. Ponkrashov, Spart.	4.8
5. Popovic, Unics	4.5
6. Khvostov, Dynamo	4.1
7. Planinic, Khimky	3.8
8. Holden, CSKA	3.5
9. Rush, Krasnie Kril.	3.2
10. Aleksic, N.Novgor.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Beverley, Spart.	2.1
2. Voronov, Dynamo	1.8
3. Surovtsev, Lokom.	1.6
4. Ponkrashov, Spart.	1.5
5. Komarovskiy, Eni.	1.4
6. Massey, Lokomotiv	1.4
7. Lyday, Unics	1.4
8. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	1.4
9. Labovic, Enisey	1.4
10. Pashutin, Unics	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Sergey VARLAMOV
  Triumph
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Varlamov, Triumph	1.1
2. Eze, Khimky	1.1
3. Kaun, CSKA	1.0
4. Zabelin, CSKA	1.0
5. Monya, Khimky	1.0
6. Likhodey, Triumph	1.0
7. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	0.9
8. Yakovenko, N.Nov.	0.9
9. Davidson, Krasni.	0.9
10. Lampe, Unics	0.8

PBL Round 23:CSKA and Unics grab road victories - by Eurobasket News
The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets.

Eighth-ranked Krasnie Krilya (7-15) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (15-8) in Samara on Sunday. The visitors from St.Petersburg managed to secure only one-point victory 72-71. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 29-18. But Krasnie Krilya won third quarter 21-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spartak St.Petersburg made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Anton Ponkrashov (200-86, agency: RIZO) contributed with 16 points for the winners. American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) answered with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Krasnie Krilya. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Spartak St.Petersburg moved-up to third place, which they share with CSKA. Krasnie Krilya lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 15 games lost. Spartak St.Petersburg is looking forward to face league's leader Unics Kazan at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Krasnie Krilya will play against the league's leader Unics Kazan (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
PBL top team - Unics Kazan (16-5) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixth ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (10-12) 101-76. It was a great evening for American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory scoring 39 points (!!!) and 5 steals (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). Maciej Lampe helped adding 19 points and 8 rebounds. American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Unics Kazan have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 16-5 record. Enisey Krasnoyarsk at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Unics Kazan will play against Krasnie Krilya (#8) in Samara in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play on the road against Dynamo Moscow and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between ninth ranked Dynamo Moscow (7-16) and 7th ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (8-15) in Moscow on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Dynamo Moscow outscored guests from Nizhny Novgorod 87-60. It was a quality performance for Eugeny Voronov who led the winners and scored 19 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. Ivan Paunic came up with 19 points for BC Nizhny Novgorod in the defeat. BC Nizhny Novgorod's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Dynamo Moscow maintains ninth place with 7-16 record. Newly promoted BC Nizhny Novgorod keeps the seventh position with 15 games lost. Dynamo Moscow will meet at home higher ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BC Nizhny Novgorod will play against Krasnie Krilya in Samara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 23 CSKA beat Triumph on the road 87-83.

Dynamo - N.Novgorod 87-60

The game between ninth ranked Dynamo Moscow (7-16) and 7th ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (8-15) in Moscow on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Dynamo Moscow outscored guests from Nizhny Novgorod 87-60. The game without a history. Dynamo Moscow led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Dynamo Moscow forced 19 BC Nizhny Novgorod turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. It was a quality performance for international guard Eugeny Voronov (193-86) who led the winners and scored 19 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. Guard Artur Urazmanov (186-87) accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Five Dynamo Moscow players scored in double figures. Serbian guard Ivan Paunic (194-87, agency: Beo Basket) came up with 19 points and naturalized Belarusian forward Valentin Yurchyk (207-87, agency: RIZO) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for BC Nizhny Novgorod in the defeat. BC Nizhny Novgorod's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Dynamo Moscow maintains ninth place with 7-16 record. Newly promoted BC Nizhny Novgorod keeps the seventh position with 15 games lost. Dynamo Moscow will meet at home higher ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BC Nizhny Novgorod will play against Krasnie Krilya in Samara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
N.Novgorod: I.Paunic 19+3reb+1ast, A.Yakovenko 10+2reb+2ast, V.Yurchyk 10+7reb+2ast, S.Antonov 9+6reb+1ast, N.Protic 4+1reb+2ast, D.Golovin 4+3reb
Dynamo: E.Voronov 19+4reb+6ast, A.Urazmanov 16+5reb+2ast, D.Domani 12+3reb, V.Keyru 11+2reb+1ast, A.Zhukanenko 10+5reb+2ast, N.Shabalkin 9+2reb

Krasnie Krilya - Spartak SP 71-72

Eighth-ranked Krasnie Krilya (7-15) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (15-8) in Samara on Sunday. The visitors from St.Petersburg managed to secure only one-point victory 72-71. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 29-18. But Krasnie Krilya won third quarter 21-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spartak St.Petersburg made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Anton Ponkrashov (200-86, agency: RIZO) contributed with 16 points for the winners. American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) answered with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import swingman Gerald Green (202-86, college: High School, agency: Lanshire Group) added 16 points in the effort for Krasnie Krilya. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Spartak St.Petersburg moved-up to third place, which they share with CSKA. Krasnie Krilya lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 15 games lost. Spartak St.Petersburg is looking forward to face league's leader Unics Kazan at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Krasnie Krilya will play against the league's leader Unics Kazan (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Krasnie Krilya: G.Green 16+3ast, V.Zvarykin 15+2reb+1ast, B.Rush 9+6reb+5ast, F.Dmitriev 8+5reb, A.Dedushkin 7+4reb, P.Brezec 7+10reb
Spartak SP: P.Beverley 24+12reb+1ast, H.Domercant 16+2reb, A.Ponkrashov 16+3reb+1ast, V.Dyachok 7+3reb, P.Antic 5+3reb, P.Popovic 4+6reb

Enisey - Unics 76-101

PBL top team - Unics Kazan (16-5) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixth ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (10-12) 101-76. The game was mostly controlled by Unics Kazan. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was better in fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Unics Kazan forced 19 Enisey Krasnoyarsk turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Unics Kazan especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. It was a great evening for American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory scoring 39 points (!!!) and 5 steals (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) helped adding 19 points and 8 rebounds. Four Unics Kazan players scored in double figures. American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) scored 10 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Unics Kazan have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 16-5 record. Enisey Krasnoyarsk at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Unics Kazan will play against Krasnie Krilya (#8) in Samara in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play on the road against Dynamo Moscow and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Enisey: L.Baxter 23+8reb, D.Labovic 15+4reb+1ast, M.Williams 10+6reb+8ast, A.Komarovskiy 9+1reb+1ast, V.Solovyev 6+2reb, D.Nikolaev 4+2reb
Unics: T.Lyday 39+2reb+2ast, M.Lampe 19+8reb+3ast, M.Popovic 11+1reb+4ast, K.McCarty 11+8reb+1ast, P.Samoylenko 7+2ast, V.Veremeenko 6+7reb+1ast

Triumph - CSKA 83-87

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked CSKA Moscow (15-8) beat bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (4-18) in Lubertsy 87-83 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Triumph Lyubertsy won third quarter 26-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Triumph Lyubertsy 39-28 including 16 on the offensive glass. CSKA Moscow looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for international center Andrey Vorontsevich (204-87) who led the winners and scored 29 points and 9 rebounds. The former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) accounted for 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. The former international guard Egor Vyaltsev (192-85) came up with 21 points and 4 assists and American guard Tywain McKee (188-86, college: Coppin St.) added 23 points and 4 steals respectively for Triumph Lyubertsy in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak SP. Triumph Lyubertsy lost tenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. CSKA Moscow will meet at home league's second-placed Lokomotiv in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Triumph Lyubertsy will play against Khimky (#5) in Khimki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Triumph: T.McKee 23+3reb+2ast, E.Vyaltsev 21+3reb+4ast, S.Karasev 14+5reb+1ast, L.Nevill 8+5reb, P.Spiridonov 7+4reb, V.Likhodey 4+1reb+1ast
CSKA: A.Vorontsevich 29+9reb+1ast, S.Kaun 15+5reb, V.Khryapa 14+10reb+5ast, J.Holden 8+3reb+6ast, J.Gordon 8+5reb+4ast, A.Shved 4+1reb+2ast

Ivan Lazarev debuted for Triumph - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Lazarev (205-C-91) debuted for Triumph as his new team played against the defending champions CSKA. No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked CSKA Moscow (15-8) beat bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (4-18) in Lubertsy 87-83 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Triumph Lyubertsy won third quarter 26-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Triumph Lyubertsy 39-28 including 16 on the offensive glass. CSKA Moscow looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for international center Andrey Vorontsevich (204-87) who led the winners and scored 29 points and 9 rebounds. The former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) accounted for 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. The former international guard Egor Vyaltsev (192-85) came up with 21 points and 4 assists and American guard Tywain McKee (188-86, college: Coppin St.) added 23 points and 4 steals respectively for Triumph Lyubertsy in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak SP. Triumph Lyubertsy lost tenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. CSKA Moscow will meet at home league's second-placed Lokomotiv in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Triumph Lyubertsy will play against Khimky (#5) in Khimki and hope to secure a win.
Ivan Lazarev is the Russian U16 National Team member in -07, Russian U18 National Team -09, Russian U23 League Finalist -09. At the European Championships U18 in Metz (France) after 5 games he averaged 8.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 75.0%. Last year he was a member of the Russian U20 National Team -10.

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

SLOVAKIA

Nitra won over Levice in Game 1 - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Nitra - Levice 86-77

Nitra won over Levice in game 1 of the Finals. Levice was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 55-38 second half run of Nitra. They outrebounded Levice 37-26 including 23 on the defensive glass. American guard Ronald Moore (183-88, college: Siena) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners and the former international center Branislav Tomek (205-83) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Jozef Vojtek (203-85) responded with 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and American swingman Mike English (194-82, college: UMKC) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Nitra: P.Bosak 14+6reb+1ast, R.Moore 14+11reb+5ast, M.Ziak 14+2ast, S.Votroubek 13+5reb+3ast, B.Tomek 13+9reb+1ast, J.Montgomery 11+3reb+2ast
Levice: J.Vojtek 17+4reb+1ast, T.Kostomaj 15+3reb+2ast, M.English 14+5reb+2ast, D.Toroman 13+5reb+1ast, E.Henderson 12+3reb, R.Urland 4+4reb

3rd place

Nova Ves - Vahostav-Zilina 84-90

The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-84. Vahostav-Zilina made 30-of-37 free shots (81.1 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Nova Ves helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Justin Carter (193-87, college: Creighton) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Adam McCoy (193-86, college: N.Texas) contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Corey Jefferson (183-85, college: Texas St.) answered with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and power forward Louis Johnson (203-86, college: W.Illinois) added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Nova Ves. Four Nova Ves players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Vahostav-Zilina: J.Carter 28+11reb+5ast, A.McCoy 22+6reb, J.Zavodny 10+4reb+5ast, L.Hoferica 9+4reb, D.Stojanovic 7+6reb+1ast, P.Tilandy 6+3reb+1ast
Nova Ves: C.Jefferson 26+7reb+8ast, L.Johnson 18+10reb+1ast, S.Baldovsky 15+6reb+1ast, M.Batka 10+4reb+1ast, M.Bartos 6+2reb+1ast, S.Becarik 5

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Adam MCCOY
  Svit
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 26.6

1. McCoy, Svit	26.6
2. Fears, Prievidza	23.3
3. Burrows, Komarno	21.7
4. Carter, Vahostav.	20.9
5. Delic, Handlova	20.2
6. Sapp, Pezinok	20.2
7. Jackson, Komarno	19.2
8. Tomek, Nitra	18.8
9. McCoy, Vahostav.	18.5
10. Lukjanec, Pezinok	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Branislav TOMEK
  Nitra
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Tomek, Nitra	11.9
2. Jackson, Komarno	11.2
3. Delic, Handlova	9.3
4. Szalay, Prievidza	8.8
5. Johnson, Nova Ves	8.4
6. Micuda, Pezinok	8.2
7. Carter, Vahostav.	8.0
8. Johnson, Komarno	7.9
9. Burrows, Komarno	7.6
10. Dorazil, Svit	7.5

Assists Per Game

Ronald MOORE
  Nitra
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Moore, Nitra	6.9
2. Jones, Komarno	6.4
3. Jefferson, Nova Ves	6.0
4. Fears, Prievidza	5.6
5. Cosic, Svit	5.2
6. English, Levice	5.1
7. Sapp, Pezinok	4.4
8. Milosevic, Pezinok	4.1
9. Kostomaj, Levice	4.0
10. Gavlak, Handlova	3.9

Steals Per Game

Jeremy FEARS
  Prievidza
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Fears, Prievidza	3.1
2. Carter, Vahostav.	2.5
3. Moore, Nitra	2.4
4. English, Levice	2.4
5. Jefferson, Nova Ves	2.1
6. Nuber, Handlova	2.1
7. Jones, Komarno	2.0
8. Sapp, Pezinok	2.0
9. Zavodny, Vahost.	1.9
10. Zilik, Inter B.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Peter MICUDA
  Pezinok
  (206-C-72)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Micuda, Pezinok	1.9
2. Henderson, Levice	1.9
3. Szalay, Prievidza	1.9
4. Jackson, Komarno	1.4
5. Batka, Nova Ves	1.3
6. Mroz, Nova Ves	1.1
7. Carter, Vahostav.	1.0
8. Tomek, Nitra	0.9
9. Burrows, Komarno	0.9
10. McCoy, Svit	0.8

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

Group A
1. Krka		8-0
2. Helios		6-2
3. Zlatorog		5-3
4. Union Olimpija		5-3
5. Polzela		3-5
6. Geoplin Slovan		3-5
7. Elektra		1-7
8. Maribor Messer		1-7
Group B
1. Sentjur		9-11
2. LTHcast Mercator		5-15
3. Parklji		1-19

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Panic, Zlatorog	21.5
2. Simovic, Sentjur	17.4
3. Erzen, Parklji	16.9
4. Thondique, Polzela	16.3
5. Raymond, Helios	15.7
6. Harmason, Sentjur	15.1
7. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan	14.5
8. Mijajlovic, Polzela	14.1
9. Mali, Helios	13.9
10. Krejic, Parklji	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Thondique, Polzela	10.5
2. Simovic, Sentjur	8.9
3. Nuhanovic, Elektra	8.2
4. Miljkovic, Elektra	7.6
5. Raymond, Helios	7.0
6. Krusic, Geoplin .	6.8
7. Zolotic, Maribor .	6.2
8. Erzen, Parklji	6.1
9. Cebasek, Parklji	5.9
10. Pavic, Krka	5.9

Assists Per Game

Igor MIJAJLOVIC
  Polzela
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Mijajlovic, Polzela	4.5
2. Brolih, Maribor .	4.4
3. Jersin, Elektra	4.3
4. Djordjevic, Krka	4.1
5. Hohler, Sentjur	3.9
6. Harmason, Sentjur	3.8
7. Vujasinovic, Zlatorog	3.8
8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	3.5
9. Krivec, Krka	3.5
10. Zagorc, Helios	3.1

Steals Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Thondique, Polzela	2.3
2. Dragic, Krka	2.1
3. Mezek, LTHcast .	1.9
4. Harmason, Sentjur	1.6
5. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	1.6
6. Lapornik, Zlatorog	1.6
7. Jagodnik, Union O.	1.5
8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	1.5
9. Zadnik, Geoplin .	1.5
10. Udrih, Union Olimpija	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Nuhanovic, Elektra	1.9
2. Thondique, Polzela	1.2
3. Dimec, Zlatorog	1.1
4. Shermadini, Union O.	1.0
5. Sviridov, Polzela	0.8
6. Mijajlovic, Zlatorog	0.6
7. Sebic, Sentjur	0.6
8. Lapornik, Zlatorog	0.6
9. Omic, Zlatorog	0.5
10. Booker, Krka	0.5

Telemach League Round 8: Leader Krka gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Undefeated leader Krka delivered the eighth consecutive win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Geoplin Slovan (3-5) 98-57 in Novo Mesto. The game without a history. Krka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Geoplin Slovan to just 7 points in second quarter. Krka made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Geoplin Slovan 40-29 including 30 on the defensive glass. Krka shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 65.0 percentage. The best player for the winners was American power forward Christopher Booker (208-81, college: Purdue, agency: Lanshire Group) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Jure Balazic (204-80) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Jaka Blazic (193-90) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Krka (8-0) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 8 victories in a row. Geoplin Slovan at the other side dropped to the fifth place with five games lost. They share the position with Polzela. Krka are looking forward to face Elektra (#7) in Sostanj in the next round where they are favorite. Geoplin Slovan will play on the road against Zlatorog in Lasko and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Sostanj supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Union Olimpija (5-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Elektra (1-7). Union Olimpija smashed Elektra 84-49. The former international forward Goran Jagodnik (203-74, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 7 rebounds. Vlado Ilievski contributed with 11 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Center Salih Nuhanovic (209-82) replied with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Elektra. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Union Olimpija moved-up to third place, which they share with Zlatorog. Elektra at the other side keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Maribor Messer. Union Olimpija will play against league's second-placed Helios in Domzale in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Elektra will play at home against the league's leader Krka (#1) in Novo Mesto to get more than just one victory in their record.
The game in Maribor was also quite interesting. Third ranked Zlatorog (5-3) played at the court of 8th ranked Maribor Messer (1-7). Zlatorog managed to secure a 9-point victory 85-76 on Tuesday. Worth to mention a great performance of Vladimir Panic who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 6 rebounds. Sasa Mucic responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Zlatorog maintains third position with 5-3 record having just three points less than leader Sentjur, which they share with Union Olimpija. Maribor Messer lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Elektra. Zlatorog will meet at home Geoplin Slovan (#6) in the next round. Maribor Messer will play against Polzela and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 8 Polzela was defeated by Helios in Domzale 90-74.

Group Group A

Helios - Polzela 90-74

There was no surprise in Domzale where 5th ranked Polzela (3-5) was defeated by second ranked Helios (6-2) 90-74 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Helios. Polzela managed to win fourth quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Helios looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Benjamin Raymond (198-87, college: Xavier, agency: Impact Basketball) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 assists and guard Grega Mali (197-84) who added 24 points during the contest. Helios' coach Rado Trifunovic used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Uzbekistani center Dmitry Sviridov (212-85) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Stanko Sebic (204-84) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Helios have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-2 record having just two points less than leader Sentjur. Loser Polzela keeps the fifth place with five games lost. They share the position with Geoplin Slovan. Helios will meet Union Olimpija (#4) in the next round. Polzela will play against Maribor Messer and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Polzela: D.Sviridov 18+6reb+2ast, S.Sebic 16+5reb+1ast, I.Mijajlovic 10+6reb+5ast, D.Vrsaljko 10+1reb, M.Venta 8+1reb+4ast, M.Vasl 7+4reb+2ast
Helios: G.Mali 24+3reb+1ast, B.Raymond 20+4reb+6ast, D.Zerak 9+5reb+1ast, M.Lekic 9+3reb+1ast, D.Bubnic 8+1reb+2ast, K.Prepelic 7+2reb+2ast

Elektra - Union Olimpija 49-84

The game in Sostanj supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Union Olimpija (5-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Elektra (1-7). Union Olimpija smashed Elektra 84-49. The game without a history. Union Olimpija led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Elektra's 32. Union Olimpija forced 20 Elektra turnovers. The former international forward Goran Jagodnik (203-74, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 7 rebounds. Naturalized FYR Macedonian guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, agency: World Sport Agency) contributed with 11 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Five Union Olimpija players scored in double figures. Center Salih Nuhanovic (209-82) replied with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Brane Lekic (206-90) added 8 points in the effort for Elektra. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Union Olimpija moved-up to third place, which they share with Zlatorog. Elektra at the other side keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Maribor Messer. Union Olimpija will play against league's second-placed Helios in Domzale in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Elektra will play at home against the league's leader Krka (#1) in Novo Mesto to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Elektra: S.Nuhanovic 12+7reb+6ast, B.Lekic 8+3reb, M.Miljkovic 6+4reb, B.Jersin 5+1reb+1ast, U.Bukovic 5+3reb+2ast, S.Bilic 4+1reb+1ast
Union Olimpija: G.Jagodnik 15+7reb+3ast, K.Gregory 12+2reb, A.Anagonye 11+5reb, V.Ilievski 11+2reb+5ast, D.Markota 10+4reb, D.Bertans 7+2reb+1ast

Krka - Geoplin Slovan 98-57

Undefeated leader Krka delivered the eighth consecutive win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Geoplin Slovan (3-5) 98-57 in Novo Mesto. The game without a history. Krka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Geoplin Slovan to just 7 points in second quarter. Krka made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Geoplin Slovan 40-29 including 30 on the defensive glass. Krka shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 65.0 percentage. The best player for the winners was American power forward Christopher Booker (208-81, college: Purdue, agency: Lanshire Group) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Jure Balazic (204-80) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Four Krka players scored in double figures. Guard Jaka Blazic (193-90) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Uros Zadnik (187-90) added 10 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Krka (8-0) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 8 victories in a row. Geoplin Slovan at the other side dropped to the fifth place with five games lost. They share the position with Polzela. Krka are looking forward to face Elektra (#7) in Sostanj in the next round where they are favorite. Geoplin Slovan will play on the road against Zlatorog in Lasko and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Geoplin Slovan: J.Blazic 20+6reb+4ast, U.Zadnik 10+3reb, L.Rupnik 10+1ast, K.Lorbek 6+2reb, M.Krusic 4+3reb+1ast, M.Markic 3+2reb
Krka: Z.Dragic 16+4reb+1ast, C.Booker 16+5reb+2ast, E.Muric 13+3reb+1ast, J.Balazic 12+9reb+1ast, D.Djordjevic 8+3reb+3ast, S.Pavic 8+7reb

Maribor Messer - Zlatorog 76-85

The game in Maribor was also quite interesting. Third ranked Zlatorog (5-3) played at the court of 8th ranked Maribor Messer (1-7). Zlatorog managed to secure a 9-point victory 85-76 on Tuesday. Maribor Messer trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 23-19 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 76-85 at the end of the game. Zlatorog dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Maribor Messer's 32. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian forward Vladimir Panic (194-82, agency: 011 Sports) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 6 rebounds and guard Luka Lapornik (195-88) who added 11 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Forward Sasa Mucic (202-83) responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds and Serbian power forward Ilija Zolotic (207-86, agency: BeoExcell) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Zlatorog maintains third position with 5-3 record having just three points less than leader Sentjur, which they share with Union Olimpija. Maribor Messer lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Elektra. Zlatorog will meet at home Geoplin Slovan (#6) in the next round. Maribor Messer will play against Polzela and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maribor Messer: S.Mucic 22+9reb+2ast, E.Kadic 15+1reb, I.Zolotic 14+7reb, P.Brolih 6+1reb+1ast, B.Jovanovic 5+4reb+2ast, T.Horvat 5
Zlatorog: V.Panic 29+6reb+1ast, L.Lapornik 11+7reb, S.Bozovic 8+1reb, D.Vujasinovic 8+1reb+4ast, A.Omic 8+3reb, L.Dimec 6+2reb

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

SPAIN

Printezis returns to his country - by Giorgos Diploidis
Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) today solved his contract with Unicaja Malaga where he went at 2009 and he stayed there for about two seasons. His returns to Greece in a team that he has been in the past Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus. He was part of the team of Piraeus from 2000 with a 'break' the period 06-07 when he was loaned to Olimpia GE Larisa.

The last moths he was not playing for the Spanish team and the return in Greece was a chance for him to take games in order to be a member of the Greek national team for the eurobasket of Lithuania.

Real Madrid locks Nikola Mirotic until 2016 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid made a nice move for the future. The Spanish giant signed contract extension with Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91), who will stay with the club until the end of 2015/2016 season. Mirotic played 26 games in ACB this season averaging 7.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. In Euroleague, he added 7 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 18 appearances.
Nikola Mirotic joined Real Madrid in 2006 and played for their junior team two years. In 2008, he was moved to Real Madrid II where he had 14.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg 25 games. Last season Mirotic spent with Palencia on loan. For 31 games in LEB Gold he had 8 ppg and 4.6 rpg. Mirotic is a member of the Spanish U20 National Team. At the latest U20 EuroBasket in Croatia he had 15.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg helping Spain to win the Bronze.

Caja Laboral expected to sign Vladimir Dragicevic - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral is close to sign a deal with Montenegrin power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86). The 24-year-old Dragicevic already arrived to Vitoria for the medical tests.
Vladimir Dragicevic started this season with Buducnost Podgorica registering 16.1 ppg and 7 rpg for 27 Adriatic league games. He helped them reach the Semifinals. In EuroCup, Dagicevic had 19 ppg and 4 rpg in four games, while in two Euroleague Qualifications games he averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Dragicevic was a member of Buducnost since 2007. Last season he had 10.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 26 games in Adriatic league. He also added 14.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge appearances. Before Buducnost, Dragicevic played for Lovcen Cetinje. Lottomatica Roma also showed serious interested for the player recently, but at the end the Spanish champion managed to secure his arrival.

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

SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Darius HARGROVE
  Verviers-Pep.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Hargrove, Jamtland	21.9
2. Brown, 08	20.5
3. Smith, Sodertalje	19.9
4. Palm, Boras	19.4
5. Smith, Uppsala	18.8
6. Rush, Sundsvall	18.5
7. McCoy, Boras	18.4
8. Wesby, Sundsvall	18.0
9. Gunnarsson, Solna	17.1
10. Levett, LF Basket	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Palm, Boras	10.3
2. Baeringsson, Sunds.	10.1
3. Kosmalski, Solna	8.6
4. McKnight, Boras	8.5
5. Brown, 08	7.9
6. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	7.8
7. Walker, Solna	7.5
8. Constantine, Solna	7.5
9. Cipriano, Eco O.	7.5
10. Salaam, Jamtland	7.0

Assists Per Game

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

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	6.3
2. Pleick, Eco Orebro	5.5
3. Beck, 08	5.1
4. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.5
5. McCoy, Boras	4.4
6. Smith, Uppsala	4.4
7. Mitchell, Norrkoping	4.0
8. Hellgren, Jamtland	4.0
9. Smith, Sodertalje	4.0
10. Gaidamaviciu., Norrko.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 3

1. Smith, Sodertalje	3.0
2. Mbemba, LF Basket	2.9
3. Hargrove, Jamtland	1.9
4. Pleick, Eco Orebro	1.8
5. Hellgren, Jamtland	1.8
6. Smith, Uppsala	1.8
7. Brown, 08	1.7
8. Baeringsson, Sunds.	1.7
9. Rush, Sundsvall	1.7
10. McCoy, Boras	1.7

Blocks Per Game

John ROSENDAHL
  LF Basket
  (203-F/C-77)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Rosendahl, LF Ba.	1.9
2. Salaam, Jamtland	1.8
3. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.7
4. Palm, Boras	1.4
5. Cipriano, Eco O.	1.3
6. Constantine, Solna	1.2
7. Kohlmaier, Uppsala	1.1
8. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.0
9. Walker, Solna	0.9
10. Mosley, Eco Orebro	0.8

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

SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Abukar, Lugano T.	21.3
2. Brown, Starwings	20.5
3. Glover, Boncourt	20.3
4. Byron, BBC Nyon	20.2
5. Polyblank, Geneve	20.1
6. Smith, Fribourg	20.1
7. Popovich, SAV V.	20.0
8. Farokhmanesh, SAM	19.5
9. Reid, Monthey	19.1
10. Hunte, BBC Nyon	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	12.2
2. Thompson, Starw.	10.6
3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.	9.9
4. Gugino, Boncourt	9.7
5. Reid, Monthey	8.9
6. Dos Santos, Bonco.	8.2
7. Sloan, Geneve Lions	8.1
8. Toure, Geneve Lions	7.8
9. Esterkamp, Fribo.	7.6
10. Smith, Fribourg	7.5

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	7.5
2. Glover, Boncourt	6.3
3. Williams, Fribourg	6.0
4. Angley, Lugano T.	4.6
5. Brown, Starwings	4.5
6. Draughan, Lugano T.	4.4
7. Hollins, Starwings	4.2
8. Esterkamp, Fribo.	4.1
9. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.1
10. Sharper, Monthey	4.1

Steals Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	3.9
2. Glover, Boncourt	3.7
3. Hunte, BBC Nyon	3.0
4. Gugino, Boncourt	2.6
5. Draughan, Lugano T.	2.4
6. Angley, Lugano T.	2.4
7. Efevberha, Lugano	2.3
8. Farokhmanesh, SAM	2.3
9. Louissaint, Month.	2.2
10. Sharper, Monthey	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	3.3
2. Toure, Geneve Lions	2.2
3. Thompson, Starw.	2.0
4. Lukic, Zurich W.	1.7
5. Gugino, Boncourt	1.5
6. Sloan, Geneve Lions	1.4
7. Sanders, Lugano T.	0.9
8. Matter, Starwings	0.8
9. Moris, Monthey	0.8
10. Vogt, Fribourg	0.8

Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

All-Swiss LNA 1st Team 2010-11

Abukar

Glover

Efevberha

Smith

Daniels

Player of the Year: Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers
Guard of the Year: Michael Efevberha (196-G-84) of Lugano Tigers
Forward of the Year: Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers
Center of the Year: Cruz Daniels (211-C-85) of BBC Nyon
Import Player of the Year: Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers
Domestic Player of the Year: Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86) of Lugano Tigers
Defensive Player of the Year: Cruz Daniels (211-C-85) of BBC Nyon
Coach of the Year: Joe Whelton of Lugano Tigers

1st Team
PG: Shorown Glover (180-87) of Boncourt
G: Michael Efevberha (196-84) of Lugano Tigers
F: Mohammed Abukar (208-85) of Lugano Tigers
F: Steve Smith (200-81) of Fribourg
C: Cruz Daniels (211-85) of BBC Nyon

2nd Team
G: Rickey Gibson (191-84) of SAV Vacallo
G: Tony Brown (193-79) of Starwings
F: Kevyn Popovich (196-85) of SAV Vacallo
F: Ronald Yates (201-83) of Monthey
F: Arizona Reid (196-86) of Monthey

Honorable Mention
Ali Farokhmanesh (183-G-88) of SAM Massagno
Chad Byron (188-G-87) of BBC Nyon
Max Kouguere (198-F-87) of Geneve Lions
Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81) of SAV Vacallo
John Sharper (186-G-84) of Monthey
Marcus Sloan (205-F-82) of Geneve Lions

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Vladimir Buscaglia (197-80) of Fribourg
G: Dusan Mladjan (199-86) of Lugano Tigers
F/G: Westher Molteni (200-87) of Monthey
G/F: Nikola Dacevic (205-79) of SAV Vacallo
C: Oliver Vogt (209-80) of Fribourg

All-Imports Team
PG: Shorown Glover (180-87) of Boncourt
G: Michael Efevberha (196-84) of Lugano Tigers
F: Mohammed Abukar (208-85) of Lugano Tigers
F: Steve Smith (200-81) of Fribourg
C: Cruz Daniels (211-85) of BBC Nyon

All-Defensive Team
Rickey Gibson (191-G-84) of SAV Vacallo
Edwin Draughan (196-G/F-82) of Lugano Tigers
Cruz Daniels (211-C-85) of BBC Nyon
Marcus Sloan (205-F-82) of Geneve Lions
Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) of Geneve Lions

Boncourt re-sign Ismael N'Diaye - by Luca Maffioli
Ismael N'Diaye (198-F-82, college: FIU) will stay in BC Boncourt Red Team for another season. The 28-year-old Ivorian played 5 games with BC Boncourt Red Team and he tallied 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals. The forward spent the previous season in Lausanne. He graduated from the Florida International University in 2010. N'Diaye (198-F-82, college: FIU) played for Cote dIvoire at the 2010 World Championship. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 boards per game.

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

SYRIA

Full Final 8 results , Jeish V/S Wehda ... Jalaa V/S Kasyoun in the Final 4 .... - by Ahmad Madwar
Jeish V/S Ittihad Series finished since a couple of days ....
Jeish beat Ittihad in the third gamer by 28points and the result was 73/45 ... it was big average for Jeish , but we have dont forget Jeish was the champion of the league and the cup for last season ... and they have very good players , starting 5 or the bench also !!!!!!!
Christien Charles (213-F/C-81, college: Villanova) was very good in this game and he scored 14points, but he did big job on defense and rebounds ....
at the another hand Lavel Payne wasnot in his day , he scored 10points only ....
the Series finished 2/1 for jeish , and the former 2 games results were :
Game 1 : Jeish 69/64 Ittihad
Game 2 : Ittihad 71/65 Jeish
Game 3 : Jeish 73/45 Ittihad

in the another series Wehda goes to Final 4 after they beat Wathba in 2 games ....
the results of 2 games were :
Game 1 : Wathba 58/75 Wehda
Game 2 : Wehda 65/54 Wathba

Wehda and Jeish followed Jalaa and Kasyoun in Final 4, Jalaa and Kasyoun beat Hurriya and Karameh ..
In Jalaa and Hurriya Series , Jalaa didnot find any problem to beat Hurriya by big average ... the results of 2 games were :
Game 1 : Jalaa 93/51 Hurriya
Game 2 : Hurriya 65/103 Jalaa

Kasyoun beat Karameh in 2 games also ... the results of 2 games were :
Game 1 : Karameh 77/90 Kasyoun
Game 2 : Kasyoun 74/61 Karameh

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

TPBL

2012 TPBL TEAM ENTRIES DEADLINE SET - by Chris Cardenas
Looking to enter your team into a competitive basketball league? How about playing some pro league basketball in our states pro league? The TPBL for 11 seasons has brought some of the best basketball our states fans could see anywhere. Past cities represented have been major cities such as: EL PASO,AUSITIN, HOUSTON, DALLAS, LUBBOCK, SAN ANTONIO and smaller cities as well such as : MIDLAND, SAN ANGELO, ABILENE, ODESSA, STEPHENVILLE, KERRVILLE and SNYDER.
Be the next pro league team to enter the TPBL and represent your area of the state against the best basketball players around.

deadline to enter your team and pay the $1,000 league fee is NOV. 1ST.
to enter your team call: 325-374-2910 or email league owner chris cardenas : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com
season tips off again JAN 2012.

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

TURKEY

Karadeniz's 30-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old forward Ali Karadeniz (203-F-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Trabzonspor Basketbol and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 28.
He had the game-high 30 points adding nine rebounds and three assists for Trabzonspor in his team's victory, helping them to beat Erdemir (10-18) 85-79. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Trabzonspor is placed at 11th position in Turkish league. Trabzonspor is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-18 record. Karadeniz turned to be Trabzonspor's top player in his first season with the team. University of Arizona graduate has very impressive stats this year. Karadeniz is league's best scorer averaging so far 22.8ppg. Karadeniz is in league's top in and averages solid 56.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was James Mays (206-F-86) of Oyak Renault Bursa. He is American forward in his first season at Oyak Renault. In the last game Mays recorded impressive double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Oyak Renault lost that game 64-96 to the higher-ranked Mersin (#13, 10-18). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Oyak Renault is still at the dead bottom 16th position. 25 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Oyak Renault managed to get this year. Mays is a newcomer at Oyak Renault and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances) of Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (#3). Simmons scored 19 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Banvit, leading his team to a 93-63 easy win against the lower-ranked Aliaga (#14, 8-20). Banvit needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 21 victories and 7 lost games. Simmons has a very solid season. In 27 games in Turkey he scored 10.4ppg. He also has 5.1rpg, FGP: 54.2% and 3PT: 44.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) of Mersin - 18 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Ermal Kurtoglu (208-C-80) of Galatasaray - 24 points and 7 rebounds
6. Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) of Fener.Ulker - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
7. James Thomas (203-F/C-80) of Erdemir - 17 points and 11 rebounds
8. Patrick Christopher (196-G-88) of Antalya - 19 points and 7 rebounds
9. Baris Ermis (194-G-85) of Banvit - 8 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) of Efes Pilsen - 20 points and 5 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)

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

UBA

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
(194-G/F-82)
Avg: 27.3

1. Barnes, GIE M.	27.3
2. Barrett, S.Generals	26.6
3. Perkins, Austin K.	24.4
4. Sloan, S.Generals	24.1
5. Kearse, Dallas S.	24.0
6. James, DFW W.	22.4
7. Holmes, Atlanta A.	21.8
8. Allison, Norman E.	21.6
9. Clark, St.Mount.	21.1
10. Grismore, C.Tex.	21.1

Rebounds Per Game

Sylvester MORGAN
  USA
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Morgan, GIE M.	13.1
2. Dailey, GIE M.	12.7
3. Hall, St.Mount.	10.8
4. Bryant, Dallas S.	10.5
5. Hill, DFW Warriors	10.2
6. Akpele, S.Generals	10.1
7. Wilson, Tennesse.	9.7
8. Holmes, Atlanta A.	9.6
9. Shewmake, Tennesse.	9.6
10. Davis, Dallas Sta.	9.6

Assists Per Game

DeAndre BRAY
(168-G-85)
Avg: 9.9

1. Bray, S.Generals	9.9
2. De La Cruz, S.Gen.	9.1
3. Haskins, C.Texas C.	8.3
4. Williams, GIE M.	8.3
5. Belton, GIE M.	7.9
6. Belton, Atlanta A.	7.8
7. Beaulah, GIE M.	6.4
8. Douglas, DFW W.	6.3
9. Taylor, Tennesse.	6.0
10. Duggans, St.Mount.	5.7

Steals Per Game

Freddie WILLIAMS
(188-G-87)
Avg: 3.6

1. Williams, S.Genera.	3.6
2. Kearse, Dallas S.	3.5
3. Williams, GIE M.	3.3
4. Bray, S.Generals	3.0
5. Taylor, Tennesse.	2.7
6. Brown, Norman E.	2.7
7. Haskins, C.Texas C.	2.5
8. Snell, Atlanta A.	2.4
9. Barnes, GIE M.	2.4
10. Barrett, S.Genera.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Demario WILLIAMS
(216-C-85)
Avg: 6.2

1. Williams, GIE M.	6.2
2. Moore, S.Generals	5.5
3. Morgan, GIE M.	5.0
4. Bryant, Dallas S.	4.8
5. Davis, Dallas Stars	3.2
6. Wilson, Tennesse.	3.0
7. Hall, St.Mount.	2.9
8. Williams, Norman E.	2.6
9. Hill, DFW Warriors	2.5
10. Dailey, GIE M.	2.5

Standings

UBA Standings

Eastern
1. Southeast H.		22-4
2. Cleveland V.		19-5
3. Columbus C.		10-13
4. Colonial F.		6-18
5. NE Air Soul		2-22
Southern
1. S.Generals		33-5
2. GIE Morrow D.		30-14
3. Atlanta A.		19-10
4. Georgia L.		10-22
5. St.Mountain H.		3-24
Western
1. C.Texas C.		25-6
2. Tennessee D.		23-11
3. Norman E.		22-8
4. Austin K.		14-12
5. DFW Warriors		13-14
D-League
1. Irie M.		0-0
2. Proline		0-0
3. Team Japan		0-0
Travel Teams
1. Columbus Crush		9-2
2. Dallas Star		8-22
3. Houston X.		6-0
4. Oklahoma S.		1-25
5. Nashville B.		0-13
6. Metro Atlanta		0-19

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

UKRAINE

Superleague youth teams "Final eight tournament" - by Alexei Revenko
Today in Dnipropetrovsk start final eight tournament Superleague youth teams. In first round (1/4 finals) played:
Donetsk - MBC Mykolaiv 77-60
In winners most ptoductive players was Vadim Myakinin (194-G-90) with 15 points and Vladimir Egorov (200-F-91) with 14 points. In Mykolaiv Anatoliy Shundel (199-F-93) scored 18 points, Vladislav Tonchenko (185-G-89) 15 points and 8 asissts.
Halychyna - Ferro-ZNTU 66:62
Anton Davidyuk (194-F-92) scored 26 points and added 10 rebounds. In Ferro Maksym Kozlovets (202-C-90) 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Khimik - Dnipro 71-74
In winners Olexiy Len (210-C-93) scored 21 points, Olexandr Mishula (187-G-92) 19 points and 5 rebounds. In Khimik Olexandr Belikov (200-G-92) 15 points, Andrei Bida (196-G-91) 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Azovmash - BC Kyiv will play lately today

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

URUGUAY

Larranaga is the Metro leader with a 5-0 - by Hector Lopez
Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) and Federico Martinez (203-F/C-74) netted 19 points each one leading Larranaga to beat Tabare 89-81 with a 5-0 record for the Metro League. Boston also grabbed 9 rebounds and Martinez 8. For Tabare Matias de Gouveia (180-G-88) netted 24 points and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) added 9 with 6 rebounds. Other results:
Capitol 91 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 29 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks
Urunday 70 - Juan Garbarino (185-G-89) 23 points, Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 14 points 21 rebounds 3 blocks
- - -
25 de Agosto 76 - Leandro Pintos (202-C-83) 22 points 8 rebounds 3 blocks, Bruce Cooper (203-F/C-83, agency: Elleby Sports, college: S.Connecticut) 11 points 11 rebounds
Yale 68 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 25 points 10 rebounds, 2 blocks 3 assists

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

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

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos		22-6
2. Cocodrilos		21-6
3. Trotamundos		19-10
4. Bucaneros		15-14
5. Guaiqueries		14-13
6. Gigantes		14-15
7. Panteras		14-16
8. Toros		11-19
9. Guaros		9-19
10. Gaiteros		4-25

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

VTB UNITED LEAGUE

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

All-VTB League 1st Team

Popovic

Burtt

McCarty

Bajramovic

Lampe

Player of the Year: Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics Russia

Guard of the Year: Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics Russia

Forward of the Year: Kelly McCarty (201-F-75) of Unics Russia

Center of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics Russia

Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn King (208-C-82) of Minsk-2006 Belarus

European Player of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics Russia

Import Player of the Year: Steve Burtt (185-G-84) of Dnipro Ukraine

Coach of the Year: Sergio Scariolo of Khimky Russia

1st Team
G: Marko Popovic (185-82) of Unics Russia

G: Steve Burtt (185-84) of Dnipro Ukraine

F: Kelly McCarty (201-75) of Unics Russia

F: Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) of Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania

C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Unics Russia

2nd Team
G: Ramel Curry (191-80) of Azovmash Ukraine

G: Terrell Lyday (190-79) of Unics Russia

F: Chris Owens (204-79) of Azovmash Ukraine

F: Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) of VEF Riga Latvia

C: Shawn King (208-82) of Minsk-2006 Belarus

Honorable Mention
Trajan Langdon (192-G-76) of CSKA Russia

Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) of Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania

Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of Khimky Russia

Daniel Ewing (191-G-83) of Asseco Prokom Poland

Michael Dunigan (208-C-89) of Kalev/Cramo Estonia

Fred House (195-F-78) of Azovmash Ukraine

All-Europeans Team
G: Marko Popovic (185-82) of Unics Russia

G: Martynas Pocius (196-86) of Zalgiris Lithuania

C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Unics Russia

F: Kelly McCarty (201-75) of Unics Russia

F: Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) of VEF Riga Latvia

All-Imports Team
G: Steve Burtt (185-84) of Dnipro Ukraine

G: Ramel Curry (191-80) of Azovmash Ukraine

F: Fred House (195-78) of Azovmash Ukraine

C: John Williamson (198-86) of Honka Finland

C: Shawn King (208-82) of Minsk-2006 Belarus

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

Women News

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

BAHRAIN - Women

Bahrain hold off Oman for second win in Doha - by Eurobasket News
Bahrain - Oman 48:34

Bahrain recorded the second win at the inaugural GCC Championship in Qatar. They held off Oman to improve at 2-1 record. Oman in the meantime suffered the third loss in a row. Dalia Abdullah produced 18 points to lead Bahrain to the victory.
Bahrain posted a 13:8 lead after ten minutes. The teams combined for just 8 points in the second term but Bahrain enlarged their lead to 9 points 19:10. Oman tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third term. They cut the deficit to 8 points with one quarter remaining but it was not enough. Bahrain prevailed 17:11 in the final stanza and registered the win at the end. Fatima Hassan accounted for 14 points, while Mariam Hedar finished with 11 points and 11 boards for Bahrain. Hiba Saeed answered with 8 points for Oman. Somaia Mouhssen and Gohaina Ali had 7 points each in the losing effort.

Bahrain: Dalia Abdullah 18, Fatima Hassan 14, Mariam Hedar 11+11 boards
Oman: Hiba Saeed 8, Somaia Mouhssen 7, Gohaina Ali 7

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

KUWAIT - Women

UAE topple Kuwait at GCC Championship - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Kuwait 41:28

UAE improved at 3-1 record at GCC Championship in Doha. They rallied past Kuwait yesterday. Amal Gamal stepped up with 13 points and 15 rebounds for UAE. Kuwait suffered the third loss in a row.
UAE earned a 7:2 lead ten minutes into the game. Kuwait bounced back in the second term. They cut the deficit to a single point at halftime 13:14. Kuwait erased the deficit in the third term as the teams entered the final period tied at 21. But UAE exploded with 20 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Fatfa Almodrab accounted for 9 points, while Ziekha Abdulla finished with 6 in the victory. Mariam Ali replied with 7 points for Kuwait. Esha Adnan and Atlaf Mousaed provided 4 points each in the loss.

UAE: Amal Gamal 13+15 boards, Fatfa Almodrab 9, Ziekha Abdulla 6
Kuwait: Mariam Ali 7, Esha Adnan 4, Atlaf Mousaed 4

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

LITHUANIA - Women

LKKA-Aistes clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News

3-4 place

LKKA-Aistes - Utena 87-78

LKKA-Aistes claimed LMKL Bronze after they held off Utena in the decider. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 15-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-78. LKKA-Aistes forced 19 Utena turnovers. Guard Santa Okockyte (176-G-92) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 9 assists. Center Laura Svaryte (190-92) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Ela Briedyte (176-79) answered with 31 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and guard Asta Daujadiene (176-73) added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Utena. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
LKKA-Aistes: S.Okockyte 30+4reb+9ast, J.Marmiene 19+3reb+2ast, L.Svaryte 16+13reb+1ast, K.Balciunaite 12+13reb+2ast, K.Druskyte 9+1ast, V.Kaminskyte 1+1reb
Utena: E.Briedyte 31+5reb+2ast, A.Daujadiene 13+8reb+4ast, A.Ziegyte 12+4reb+3ast, G.Kirstukaite 11+7reb+4ast, K.Palaimaite 6+3reb, V.Tamuleviciute 3+2reb

Stats Leaders - LMKL

Points Per Game

Santa OKOCKYTE
  LK.
  (176-G-92)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Okockyte, LK.	20.4
2. Baliutaviciu., Rut.	16.9
3. Kinkeviciene, Lais.	16.9
4. Milieskiene, Lemmi.	15.0
5. Bimbaite, VICI K.	14.7
6. Briedyte, Utena	14.4
7. Aglinskaite, MRU	13.8
8. Aglinskaite, Laisve	13.7
9. Solopova, VICI K.	13.4
10. Budryte, Laisve	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sandra BALIUTAVICIUTE
  Ruta S.
  (182-F-81)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Baliutaviciu., Rut.	10.9
2. Grigalauskyt., Lem.	9.1
3. Palaimaite, Utena	9.1
4. Balciunaite, LKKA-.	8.9
5. Aleksaite, MRU	8.8
6. Galdikaite, MRU	8.6
7. Taraseviciut., Lai.	8.2
8. Budryte, Laisve	8.2
9. Margeviciute, Lemm.	7.2
10. Kirstukaite, Utena	6.9

Assists Per Game

Ligita KINKEVICIENE
  Laisve
  (173-G-76)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Kinkeviciene, Lais.	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. Okockyte, LK.	3.7
7. Pilypaitis, VICI K.	3.5
8. Solopova, VICI K.	3.4
9. Valentiene, VICI K.	3.1
10. Ziegyte, Utena	2.9

Steals Per Game

Kornelija BALCIUNAITE
  LKKA-.
  (176-F-81)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Balciunaite, LKKA-.	3.4
2. Kinkeviciene, Lais.	3.3
3. Bimbaite, VICI K.	3.1
4. Solopova, VICI K.	2.6
5. Milieskiene, Lemmi.	2.5
6. Sauliute, VICI K.	2.4
7. Briedyte, Ruta S.	2.3
8. Baliutaviciu., Rut.	2.1
9. Daujadiene, Utena	2.1
10. Pilypaitis, VICI	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Kristina ALMINAITE
  VICI K.
  (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, Lemm.	1.0
8. Budryte, Laisve	0.9
9. Baliutaviciu., Rut.	0.8
10. Kvederaviciu., La.	0.8

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

NCAA1 - Women

Cal brings back Gottlieb as new women's coach - by Eurobasket News
Lindsay Gottlieb's royal blue suitcase sits in her dark, empty office, with former coach Joanne Boyle's nameplate still hanging out front near the door.

That switch will happen soon enough -- just a minor detail in what should be a smooth transition for California's women's basketball program with a familiar face running the team.

Gottlieb got back to Berkeley in a hurry as soon as she was hired to coach the Golden Bears following three seasons in charge at UC Santa Barbara. She replaces her longtime mentor after Boyle bolted for the Virginia job earlier this month.

'Cal's always been not a job, but the job. This is where I always wanted to be. I did not expect in three years for Joanne to leave,' Gottlieb said Tuesday when formally introduced at Haas Pavilion. 'Coming here, I am not saying I'm just happy to be at Cal. We want to hit it out of the park.'

The 33-year-old Gottlieb is eager to build on what she helped start at Cal as a top assistant under Boyle. And what an intriguing time to take over heading into the first year of the Pac-12 Conference with a young roster that believes it has underachieved the past two seasons.

Cal made four consecutive NCAA tournaments from 2006-09 and posted four straight 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. The Bears lost 81-65 at Colorado in the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament last month, finishing with an 18-16 record.

'We definitely were a little bummed about last year,' guard Layshia Clarendon said. 'We haven't done all we wanted to do. Believe was her biggest thing. Believe in her and give her a chance.'

Gottlieb coached at Cal from 2005-08 under Boyle, who made Gottlieb her No. 1 assistant at Richmond when Gottlieb was only 24.

She met with her new players Tuesday and planned to get in the gym Wednesday.

Gottlieb's goal is for the Bears to become a regular again in the NCAA tournament, a team that challenges for the Sweet Sixteen each season and soon takes the step to the Final Four. One must only look across the bay at powerhouse Stanford for an example.

'Certainly there's no rebuilding,' Gottlieb said. 'Hopefully I can bring some new energy and vision.'

'We don't have to teach her how to say 'Go Bears' quipped athletic director Sandy Barbour.

Boyle left Cal after the Final Four, which would have been a prime time for Barbour to interview candidates for the job. Gottlieb was at the top of the list from the start -- and not just because of her familiarity with the program. Barbour reduced the pool to four or five finalists and moved 'swiftly' in the process, according to Gottlieb. The mutual interest on both sides didn't hurt.

'We had great interest in the position,' Barbour said. 'Hirings of this import are never no-brainers. There was no doubt Lindsay was the best candidate. Her proximity to us certainly helped (the evaluation process). She had been here and was someone we really cared about. It was certainly the level of success she had but also the manner in which she went about it.'

Gottlieb went 56-39 in three seasons at UCSB, where she led the Gauchos to a pair of postseason berths and two Big West Conference championships. She was the 2009 Big West Conference coach of the year.

UCSB went 19-12 with a 12-4 conference record last season on the way to the program's second Big West title during Gottlieb's tenure. The Gauchos lost in the first round of the WNIT to Southern California.

Now, Gottlieb will get settled in and get to work in a hurry. She has two positions to fill on her coaching staff, with Charmin Smith the one assistant expected to stay.

'I was part of a process here that helped elevate Cal to national prominence,' Gottlieb said. 'Now it's my challenge to take the reins and say to this group and this community, 'We can do even more.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Charlotte tabs Marquettes Consuegra womens coach - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte has hired Marquette assistant and former Iowa standout Cara Consuegra as women's basketball coach.

Consuegra was introduced Tuesday as Karen Astons replacement. Aston resigned earlier this month and was later hired as coach at North Texas.

Consuegra spent the past seven seasons at Marquette. The Golden Eagles reached the postseason each season, including the second round of the NCAA tournament this year.

A former star point guard, Consuegra holds Iowas single-season and career assist records. The former all-conference selection was voted the most outstanding player of the 2001 Big Ten Tournament.

The 32-year-old Consuegra becomes Charlottes fourth coach in 10 years. She takes over a team that lost in the WNIT semifinals last season.

Courtesy of Yahoo

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

OMAN - Women

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

PORTUGAL - Women

Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League Awards 2010-11 - by Greg

All-Portuguese League 1st Team 2010-2011

Nwagbo

Penicheiro

Ross

Drye

Robinson

Player of the Year: Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos
Guard of the Year: Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos
Forward of the Year: Utahya Drye (185-F-88) of CAB Madeira
Center of the Year: Angelica Robinson (196-F-87) of Alges
Newcomer of the Year: Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos
Most Improved Player of the Year: Sofia Silva (187-C-90) of Olivais
Import Player of the Year: Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos
Domestic Player of the Year: Paula Muxiri (184-F/C-81) of Quinta
Defensive Player of the Year: Utahya Drye (185-F-88) of CAB Madeira
Coach of the Year: Jose Leite of Quinta

1st Team
G: Ticha Penicheiro (180-74) of Alges
G: Chineze Nwagbo (183-82) of AD Vagos
G/F: Kendel Ross (185-88) of GDESSA
F: Utahya Drye (185-88) of CAB Madeira
F: Angelica Robinson (196-87) of Alges

2nd Team
G: Felicite Mendes (170-91) of Quinta
G: Jessica Starling (186) of CAB Madeira
G: Brandie Hoskins (175-85) of Boa Viagem
F/C: Paula Muxiri (184-81) of Quinta
F: Earnesia Williams (185-87) of Olivais

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Ticha Penicheiro (180-74) of Alges
G: Carla Freitas (170-80) of CAB Madeira
F: Ana Oliveira (176-83) of Alges
F/C: Paula Muxiri (184-81) of Quinta
C: Tamara Milovac (186-86) of CDTN

All-Imports Team
G: Bridgette Reyes (170) of Barcelos
G: Chineze Nwagbo (183-82) of AD Vagos
G/F: Kendel Ross (185-88) of GDESSA
F: Utahya Drye (185-88) of CAB Madeira
F: Angelica Robinson (196-87) of Alges

All-Defensive Team
Carla Ribeiro (168-G-86) of Uniao Micaelense
Jessica Starling (186-G) of CAB Madeira
Ana Oliveira (176-F-83) of Alges
Utahya Drye (185-F-88) of CAB Madeira
Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) of Alges

All-Newcomers Team
Ticha Penicheiro (180-G-74) of Alges
Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos
Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88) of GDESSA
Utahya Drye (185-F-88) of CAB Madeira
Angelica Robinson (196-F-87) of Alges

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

RUSSIA - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ana DABOVIC
  Dy.
  (183-G/F-89)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Dabovic, Dy.	19.5
2. Charles, Nadezhda.	19.1
3. Davenport, Cheva.	17.7
4. Lacy, Spartak SP	17.1
5. Harding, Dynamo K.	16.1
6. Parker, UMMC	15.6
7. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	15.6
8. Snow, Dynamo K.	14.1
9. Gruda, UMMC	13.8
10. Petrakova, Cheva.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Tina CHARLES
  Nadezhda.
  (193-C-88)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Charles, Nadezhda.	9.5
2. Davenport, Cheva.	8.9
3. Myasoedova, Dynam.	8.8
4. Veremeenko, Nadezh.	8.0
5. Stepanova, UMMC	7.6
6. Psareva, Dynamo M.	7.1
7. Petrakova, Cheva.	6.5
8. Tolikova, Spart.	6.5
9. Cherepanova, Cheva.	6.4
10. Snow, Dynamo K.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Ana DABOVIC
  Dy.
  (183-G/F-89)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Dabovic, Dy.	5.1
2. Hammon, Nadezhda.	5.1
3. Dumerc, UMMC	3.9
4. Pondexter, UMMC	3.7
5. Moore, Chevakata	3.6
6. Johnson, Dynamo K.	3.4
7. Linkeviciene, Dyna.	3.4
8. Ciglar, Spartak SP	3.1
9. Harding, Dynamo K.	3.1
10. Keyru, Spartak SP	3.1

Steals Per Game

Loree MOORE
  Chevakata
  (176-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Moore, Chevakata	3.1
2. Prince, Spartak	2.5
3. Linkeviciene, Dyna.	2.2
4. Vodopiyanova, Dyna.	2.2
5. Dabovic, Dy.	2.2
6. Keyru, Spartak SP	2.0
7. Ivanova, Spartak N.	1.9
8. Nevzorova, Spart.	1.9
9. Khodzhayan, Spart.	1.9
10. Bolsunovskay., Dy.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Veremeenko, Nadezh.	2.5
2. Myasoedova, Dynam.	2.0
3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	1.3
4. Snow, Dynamo K.	1.2
5. Parker, UMMC	1.1
6. Davenport, Cheva.	1.1
7. Paskalenko, Spart.	0.9
8. Loginova, Spart.	0.8
9. Kiseleva, Chevakata	0.8
10. Charles, Nadezhda.	0.7

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

SLOVENIA - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	20.9
2. Kure, AJM Maribor	19.2
3. Mikic, Grosuplje	18.9
4. Turcinovic, Merkur C.	17.6
5. Komplet, Hit K.	17.5
6. Baric, Merkur C.	17.0
7. Dover, AJM Maribor	15.1
8. Trebec, Hit K.Gora	14.9
9. Drozg, AJM Maribor	14.5
10. Baltic, AJM M.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja KED
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 13.9

1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.	13.9
2. Turcinovic, Merkur C.	12.6
3. Baltic, AJM M.	8.7
4. Skof, Ilrija	8.4
5. Ljubenovic, Triglav	7.9
6. Macura, Jezica	7.7
7. Klancnik, GVT K.	7.3
8. Zdolsek, Triglav	7.2
9. Furman, AJM M.	7.0
10. Gortnar, Merkur C.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Nika BARIC
  Merkur Celje
  (169-G-92)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Baric, Merkur C.	5.3
2. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	4.7
3. Panic, Hit K.Gora	4.3
4. Jurse, Kozmetik.	3.7
5. Kolman, Grosuplje	3.5
6. Radulovic, Hit K.	3.4
7. Zdolsek, Triglav	2.8
8. Dover, AJM Maribor	2.6
9. Baltic, AJM M.	2.6
10. Klancnik, GVT K.	2.6

Steals Per Game

Klavdija OBLAK
  Odeja KED
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Oblak, Odeja KED	3.5
2. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	2.8
3. Drozg, AJM Maribor	2.8
4. Gabrovsek, Jezica	2.6
5. Klancnik, GVT K.	2.6
6. Zupancic, Grosuplje	2.5
7. Dover, AJM Maribor	2.5
8. Zalar, Ilrija	2.5
9. Abramovic, Merkur C.	2.4
10. Mikic, Grosuplje	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja KED
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.	1.3
2. Pavli, Jezica	0.8
3. Srot, GVT Konjice	0.7
4. Trebec, Hit K.Gora	0.6
5. Drozg, AJM Maribor	0.5
6. Gjerkes, Grosuplje	0.5
7. Zdovc, GVT Konjice	0.5
8. Furman, AJM M.	0.5
9. Vene, Ilrija	0.4
10. Baltic, AJM M.	0.4

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

UKRAINE - Women

U18 National team prepare to Euro championship - by Alexei Revenko
Woman U18 national team prepare to Euro championship. Team come back from USA where played in a friendly tournament. There was 32 teams (colleges and universities) and only
Ukrainian team present their country. Ukrainian U18 team in this tournament won 3 games and finished on the 9th place.
Ukraine - Florida 38-55
Ukraine - Arizona 55-46
Ukraine - Tenesse 64-57
Ukraine - Alabama 54-52
In U18 Euro championship Ukrainian team will play in group 'B' with Italy, Serbia and Belgium.

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Women

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

USBA - Women

WUSBA 2011 basketball season is set to tip off on schedule - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (April 27, 2011) ----There will be minor league women's basketball this summer. The new women's triple AAA professional minor basketball is set to open its doors. The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) will be dribbling onto the hardwood on June 8, 2011, with its concentration of teams in the southeast United States.

The newly organized WUSBA will begin play with twenty franchises. The new league is scheduled to begin its inaugural season this coming summer.

The league is set to begin two weeks after the WNBA begins their normal summer campaign. The newly formed league plans to operate four divisions. Each division will house five teams. Each team will play a twenty eight game schedule. Home arena sites have already been approved and an approved schedule is complete. 'The WUSBA is set and ready to roll,' said WUSBA president and C.E.O. Duane Jenkins.

'The league had plans to initiate a women's league to play at the same time of the WNBA and with the overflow of men's lower level minor basketball leagues, we felt the time to activate the WUSBA is now, not later,' said WUSBA president Duane Jenkins. 'The WNBA does not have a developmental league; we believe they can hopefully use the WUSBA to bring players up to the show when they need to replace injured basketball players.'

The WUSBA, based in Atlanta, Georgia has begun marketing itself as the right balance between the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NCAA and the various professional leagues and teams around Europe . Women, who wish to continue their professional career, now have an organized league to play within the United States.

'We're ready to put a good product on the floor and make it affordable for the fans,' said Jenkins, a businessman from Atlanta. Women play on a very high level, and their opportunities here in the states are limited, the WUSBA will keep them in shape, just in case the WNBA needs a call up for a replacement basketball player.'

As a way to attract fans, Jenkins said the WUSBA plans a multitude of value-added activities for families, such as the WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza and the Single Ticket Extravaganza. 'These promotions are a joint promotion with our sponsors and advertisers. 'We really want to make this a total entertainment package for the families in our communities,' Jenkins said.

'The WNBA has a great basketball program, and we feel like we could be a real benefit to female basketball players, said Mr. Jenkins 'We will be a good fit to assist them to reach the next level.'

So far we have had positive response from a great many people, particularly on the upper level of womens basketball and we have seen a lot of response from European basketball players inquiring to be placed on a team.

This new organization has vowed to bring competitive basketball to each city. The WUSBA will use the same rules as the WNBA. 'The basketball size and three point line will be standard for all teams,' Jenkins said. 'Plenty of talented players come from the college ranks each year that don't make the WNBA's 12 teams.' 'We want to be the minor league for women's basketball, the same way the CBA was to the NBA, before the NBADL was developed, at this point we do not have the backing of the WNBA, but who knows what the future holds.'

Many American players choose to go overseas in September of each year to take advantage the good salaries and competitive play of European professional leagues. 'Most of them don't have anywhere else to play here in the states, this will give players a place to play while there at home,' Jenkins said. He added that he is confident Southeastern United States sports fans will turn out to see the new WUSBA this coming season. People support women's basketball as much as they do the men, what we've done is given the game of basketball more variety.

The teams will be split into the following divisions:

The Appalachian Division consists of, the West Virginia Capitals, the Chattanooga Royal, the Knoxville Reign, the Kentucky Plateau and the Nashville Thunder;

The Atlantic Division will be comprised of the Charleston Cadets, the Richmond Colonials, the Savannah Seahawks, the Norfolk Blaze and the Jacksonville Surf.

The Southern Division is the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, the Macon Storm, the Tallahassee Cypress and the Montgomery Spirit

The Piedmont Division will field the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, the Augusta Raging River, the Raleigh Roadrunners and the Winston Salem Cardinals.

Jenkins noted, 'The WUSBA teams will have an advantage over other minor leagues in that they are the only Triple AAA women's minor league in the states in which the players receive compensation,, which places us one step below the WNBA, to us that's a great place to be.'

He also noted that the investors and the sponsors unanimously supported this move into women's professional basketball. 'The WUSBA give us an unfettered involvement in professional basketball. We are confident our investments in the world of basketball are now safe.'

The players receive a compensation package of $300.00 per week, a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurants, housing and commissions on sponsorship sales.

Everyone we spoke to about the WUSBA, agreed with us, the timing is perfect and all of the venues we approached to rent their arena gave us 100% of their support,' said Jenkins