EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/10/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


10TH JUBILEE OF COACHING CLINIC IN BELGRADE - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian Association of Basketball Coaches preparing the 10th jubilee of the International Coaching Seminar Basketball Clinic Belgrade. This year's Clinic will be held on June 25th and 26th in Sport Hall of Sumice. Since this is the 10th Anniversary of the Clinic, association main wish and goal is to gather, for the first time ever, our most eminent coaches as lecturers like Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ), Zeljko Obradovic, Svetislav Pesic, Dusko Vujosevic, Bozidar Maljkovic, Dusko Ivanovic, Bogdan Tanjevic, Ranko Zeravica...
All lectures will be simultaneously translated into English language. All information related to the Clinic as well as all relevant details will be available at www.ukts.rs


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Interview with Sanni Ojibara - by Greg
From Argentina to Syria. Quite a journey for anyone, nevertheless a 27-year old from Irvington, New Jersey. But that is part of the life of a professional ball player, and that was exactly the case for Sanni Ojibara (191-G-83, college: New Jersey City St.) last year.
The 6-3 American guard with Nigerian roots, got his first break in one of Argentinas lower divisions in 2010, finished strongly (+25ppg) but then needed somewhere else to continue playing. Working out back home in New Jersey, Sanni eventually got the call from Nawaeer, a team in Syrias top-division. Rife with political tension and bloodshed now, the country has seen its fair share of accomplished imports pass through, such as former St. Johns point guard Chudney Gray, as well as former NBA forwards Samaki Walker and the recently-deceased Lorenzen Wright. As he is now back in the states training for the next time the phone rings, he was able to answer a few questions about his training and the type of player any future club will be getting.

Q) Tell me about your time playing in Syria?

A) Well the place where i was staying (Hama City) was a very slow town, nothing exciting ever happened but it was OK. My time playing there was very good. I played well and the team had another import player there, Shadi Abu Sara, who spoke great English so that helped a lot. But, I had to leave earlier then expected due to the lack of payment by the club.

Q) Compare the type of play and how they differ between Argentina and Syria.
A)Well in Argentina the style of play is fast paced and more up-tempo, while in Syria it was more of a slower paced game with much more of an emphasis on the half-court game.

Q) As you look for a new team, what type of practice and training do you do to keep in basketball condition?

A) I'll give you an ideal day of mine:
- I wake up and run about 4-5 miles
- I go to the gym and work on my body in the weight room
- I go to the pool and work more on my speed, agility, balance and power with a lot of bungee- cord exercises
- Before I leave the gym in the morning I must make at least 500 jump shots
- Later on in the evening, I'm back in the gym with a trainer working on the basketball part of my game from defense to offense and then a little more conditioning
- The before I get out the gym, I must make another 500 shots

Q) Position wise; are you more comfortable playing on the ball as a scoring point, or off the ball as a traditional shooting guard?
A)Honestly, before I was more comfortable playing off the ball as a traditional shooting guard, but I've been working with my trainer and now I'm more comfortable playing either role.

Q) What are some of the positives you can bring to a team. What are some points you continue to work on and improve?

A) Honestly, I think I can bring a lot to a team from the standpoint of leadership, along with a strong work ethic, toughness, attitude and my will to win. I'm very competitive and I hate losing. Plus my hunger for the game makes me a valuable asset to any team. I've improved my PG skills tremendously from my time in Syria till now. I look to continue to improve on my overall game because I'm aware that I can't just focus on one aspect of my game in order to become the player I know I can be. 'I feel if you don't work on your dream, then you have no right to dream.'

Also I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Full Game Film of Sanni can be viewed here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM4JE0JVm-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0L8-zOjVI

TNA: Quilmes takes 1-0 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
San Martin C - Quilmes 72-75

Quilmes did a great job in Game One of the TNA Finals. They managed to beat San Martin C on the road for 1-0 lead in the series. Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87) was a key player in victory with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Gregorio Eseverri (195-F-87), Nicolas Ferreyra (185-G-85) and Mac Hopson (188-G-87, college: Idaho) secured a great help with 15 points each. In the loosing squad, Fabian Ramirez (197-F/G-90) shined with double-double of 24 points and 11 boards. Anthony Glover (197-F-79, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.John's) added 14 pts and 8 rebs.
San Martin C opened the game better as they grabbed 27-24 lead after ten minutes. Visitors replied with 9-14 in the second quarter for plus two at the halftime. Quilmes was slightly better in Q3 as well ending it with 14-16. The game was open until the end, but Quilmes players managed to keep their lead and to take 1-0 lead in the Finals. The series is best-of-five and next game is scheduled for Tuesday. San Martin C will be the host again.

San Martin C: Fabian Ramirez 24+11 boards, Anthony Glover 14+8 boards
Quilmes: Pablo Espinoza 17+7 boards, Gregorio Eseverri 15, Nicolas Ferreyra 15, Mac Hopson 15

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Wildcats name club award winners - by Eurobasket News
Damian Martin (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount) has taken out the Season Member's MVP Award with Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and Kevin Lisch (188-G, agency: Warren Sports International, college: St.Louis) tying for the Gordon Ellis Medal at a glittering ceremony for the Perth Wildcats MVP Ball at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre tonight.

With over 1100 people in attendance for the event including players, coaches, staff, sponsors, members, media and supporters, they were treated to a memorable occasion as the Perth Wildcats' reflected back on another successful NBL season.

The Wildcats made the NBL Finals for the 25th straight occasion, an incredible feat in any estimation, and the club had plenty to celebrate and reflect back upon after a strong season despite some hurdles and injury problems along the way.

There was no more serious injury than that suffered by co-captain Shawn Redhage and he made an emotional return to Perth for the event tonight and received a heart-warming ovation from all in attendance as he made a surprise appearance on stage.

It is the first time that Redhage has been back in Perth since he suffered his horrific hip injury against Adelaide on January 23.

Already the most successful NBL franchise with five championships, the Wildcats continued to lead the way for the league in a number of areas and the occasion tonight with an incredible turn out of over 1000 people just shows how much of a strong contributor the club is not only to Western Australian sport, but to the Australian sporting landscape.

With a season that was once again a tremendous success on the court with the Wildcats finishing with a 16-12 win/loss record there is always going to be some standout performers. Tonight inside the PCEC, Damian Martin, Shawn Redhage and Kevin Lisch took out the major honours.

Martin, in his second season with the Wildcats following time with the West Sydney Razorbacks and Sydney Spirit following his college career at Loyola Marymount University, was recognised with the prestigious honour of being named the Season Member's MVP for the 2010/11 season.

The award is voted on by the members of the Perth Wildcats, of which there was around 3000 in the 2010/11 season.

Fresh off being part of the Australian Boomers campaign at the FIBA World Championships in Turkey that came on the back of helping lead the 'Cats to the 2009/10 NBL championship, Martin had a superb season averaging 8.8 points a game, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals.

More than just the numbers, though, Martin was brilliant defensively and recognised as being the NBL Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the All-NBL First Team and was the NBL Player of the Week once, and the league's Player of the Month for March.

He capped off his brilliant season with the Season Member's Award and also the Andrew Vlahov Medal as the club's Best Defensive Player.

The Gordon Ellis Medal, named after the 1983 coach of the Perth Wildcats who is the father of the legendary Mike, is the honour bestowed upon the Perth Wildcats' MVP for any given season.

This time it was a tie between co-captain Shawn Redhage and last season's Grand Final MVP Kevin Lisch.

For Redhage, it made the return to Perth for him all the more memorable as he claimed an incredible sixth straight MVP Award with the club. That feat puts him on a par with all-time great Ricky Grace who also won the Gordon Ellis Medal on six occasions.

In the 18 games he played this season, Redhage again led the Wildcats from the front averaging 18 points and 5.8 rebounds a game making him an outstanding choice once again as MVP.

He was joined in receiving the award by Lisch. Fresh off his debut season with the Wildcats that saw him star in the championship win, Lisch backed it up with another tremendous season averaging 13.2 points a game while also being outstanding defensively.

Other awards presented on the night included the Coaches Award that went to development player Greg Hire, who was an outstanding contributor in all areas of the club this season on and off the court. He also played in 13 games and showed he's a more than capable NBL player.

The Most Improved Player Award went to Cameron Tovey (200-F-85, college: Augusta St.), who returned to his hometown Wildcats this season after two years each with the Sydney Kings and Townsville Crocodiles.

He cemented himself as a star of the team not only averaging 7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds a game, but being outstanding defensively and in all areas of his game. He is now one of the most versatile and complete players in the NBL and deserved of his award.

The Chairman's Award for the 2010/11 season went to club physiotherapist Dave Philpot. He has done an incredible job with the team in his second season in Perth and deserves to be recognised in this way.



PERTH WILDCATS AWARD WINNERS 2010/11

SEASON MEMBERS AWARD 2010/11
Damian Martin

COACHES AWARD 2010/11
Greg Hire

CHAIRMANS AWARD 2010/11
David Philpot

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER 2010/11
Cameron Tovey

ANDREW VLAHOV MEDAL
Best Defensive Player 2010/11
Damian Martin

GORDON ELLIS MEDAL
Most Valuable Player 2010/11
Shawn Redhage

GORDON ELLIS MEDAL
Most Valuable Player 2010/11
Kevin Lisch

Courtesy of The Perth Wildcats and NBL



Round Eight MSBL Wrap - by Eurobasket News
A pair of impressive round eight victories saw Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks give their men's State Basketball League title hopes a major boost.

The Hawks overturned a 23-point deficit beat Wanneroo Wolves 107-102 on Friday before becoming just the second team to defeat Lakeside Lightning this season with a 92-85 victory on Saturday.

Import Anthony Lee-Ingram (198-F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Brescia (KY)) led his side past the Wolves with 33 points before claiming 28 points and 15 rebounds to help knock Lakeside off the top of the ladder.

Cockburn Cougars replaced the Lightning in first spot after beating Southwest Slammers 82-76 and Rockingham Flames 112-97.

Ty Harrelson's 26 points saw his side past the winless Slammers, while Sheldon McIntyre (G/F-87) top-scored for the Cougars with 29 points against Rockingham.

And the Flames also lost 120-112 to Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers, which means they've lost six straight since winning four of their first five games of the season.

Willetton has won its last three games after also beating Australian Central East Perth Eagles 86-81.

Robert Kampman had 33 points to help Willetton overcome the absence of Wildcats centre Matt Knight and improve its record to 7-5, while the Eagles lost their third straight despite Daniel Thomas's 18 points.

SKILLED Goldfields Giants extended their winning streak to four games with an 82-79 win over fierce rivals Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers.

The Giants jumped out to a 14-point quarter-time lead and held on thanks to Matthew Rosinski's 27 points.

The Buccaneers reached last year's semi-finals but sit in 11th spot with a disappointing 4-7 record this year after also losing 109-97 to ATD Stirling Senators.

Kalamunda Eastern Suns climbed into the top eight with a 134-99 thrashing of Southwest, with Corey Craig (30 points) leading his side to its third straight victory.

Wanneroo overcame the absence of Wildcats youngster Greg Hire (201-F-87, college: Augusta St.) to beat Perth Redbacks 118-111.

Victory saw the Wolves remain in third spot, while the Redbacks have slipped to seventh with four consecutive losses.

Mandurah Magic have won three of their last four games after winning 114-101 against Stirling, which left the Senators outside the eight on percentage.
Courtesy of: SBL

Article by Jacob Kagi


SBL: Hawks send a message with upset of Lightning - by Eurobasket News
Lakeside Lightnings five-game winning streak has ended at the hands of a Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks side that has proven itself as a genuine mens State Basketball League title contender.

The Hawks delivered a 92-85 upset over the Lightning at the WA Basketball Centre on Saturday, one night after a 107-102 comeback win over close rivals Wanneroo Wolves.

Perry Lakes jumped out to a six-point lead at quarter time and dominated to take a 16-point break into the main change.

However, Lakeside closed the gap to 10 points at three quarter time.

Both sides traded three-pointers early in the fourth term and Lakeside closed to one point before the Hawks extended their lead back out to seven points with three minutes remaining.

Luke Payne led the scoring with 30 points while Anthony Lee-Ingram (198-F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Brescia (KY)) had 28 for the Hawks.

Perry Lakes coach Dion Dagostino said he was happy for his side to carry the underdog tag.

Everyone always underestimates us, they always call us young and tonight we just outran them got up and down the floor and did a fantastic job,' he said.

Last night we were down by 23 and came back and won so they guys were exhausted but yeah it was huge.

At half time we (the coaching staff) pretty much abused them and got into them, they were shooting 20 per cent and we were shooting 60 per cent and that wasnt going to happen again so we knew it was going to turn. we expected it.

Everyones getting involved and doing their jobs, its great to see.

Article by Ben Cameron at the WA Basketball Centre
Courtesy of: SBL


Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Waverley F. 6-2 
 2. Bulleen B. 5-3 
 3. Sherbrooke S. 5-3 
 4. Eltham W. 5-3 
 5. Ringwood H. 5-4 
 6. Hume City 3-5 
 7. Melbourne 3-6 
 8. Diamond V.E. 1-7 
Central ABL
 1. Norwood F. 5-1 
 2. W.Adelaide B. 5-1 
 3. Forestville E. 4-2 
 4. Sturt S. 3-3 
 5. Eastern M. 3-3 
 6. Woodville W. 3-3 
 7. South.Tigers 2-4 
 8. N.Adelaide R. 2-4 
 9. S.Adelaide P. 2-4 
 10. C.District L. 1-5 
QBL
 1. Brisbane C. 1-0 
 2. Gold Coast R. 1-0 
 3. Mackay M. 1-0 
 4. Northside W. 1-0 
 5. Rockhampton 1-0 
 6. Toowoomba 1-0 
 7. Townsville H. 1-0 
 8. Bundaberg B. 0-1 
 9. Caboolture S. 0-1 
 10. Cairns M. 0-1 
 11. Gladstone P. 0-1 
 12. Ipswich F. 0-1 
 13. Maroochydore 0-1 
 14. SW Metro P. 0-1 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 6-1 
 2. Knox R. 6-1 
 3. Dandenong 4-2 
 4. Ballarat M. 4-3 
 5. Canberra G. 3-4 
 6. Brisbane S. 2-5 
 7. Kilsyth C. 1-6 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 5-3 
 2. NW Tasmania 4-2 
 3. Geelong S. 4-3 
 4. Sandringham S. 3-3 
 5. Hobart C. 3-4 
 6. Mt Gambier 3-4 
 7. Frankston B. 2-4 
 8. Albury W.B. 1-6 
WARATAH
 1. Sydney C. 7-2 
 2. Newcastle H. 7-2 
 3. Hills H. 7-2 
 4. Manly Warr. 5-3 
 5. Parramatta W. 4-3 
 6. Norths Bears 4-4 
 7. Hornsby S. 4-5 
 8. Maitland M. 4-5 
 9. Illawarra H. 3-2 
 10. Sutherland S. 3-4 
 11. Bankstown B. 3-5 
 12. Canberra N. 1-8 
 13. Cent.Coast C. 1-8 


Standings - SBL
SBL Standings
 1. Cockburn C. 9-2 
 2. Lakeside L. 8-2 
 3. Wanneroo W. 8-4 
 4. Goldfield G. 7-3 
 5. Perry Lakes H. 7-4 
 6. Willetton T. 7-5 
 7. Perth R. 5-6 
 8. Kalamunda E.S. 5-6 
 9. Stirling S. 5-6 
 10. East Perth E. 4-7 
 11. Rockingham F. 4-7 
 12. Geraldton B. 4-7 
 13. Mandurah M. 4-7 
 14. AIS 0-0 
 15. SW Slammers 0-11 


*****************************************************
  AZERBAIJAN   


Four wins for Azerbaijan in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Azerbaijan National Team is holding a training camp in Turkey. The team played the fourth and fifth friendly games recently. Azerbaijan celebrated a 76:60 win against Bahcesehir University. Tahir Bakhshiyev (200-F-82) came up with 26 points to lead the effort.
Azerbaijan then took on Halic University. The teams stayed close throughout the game. Eventually the regulation finished in a 79:79 draw. Both teams reached an agreement not to play an extra period. Tahir Bakhshiyev stepped up with 30 points to pace the Azeri team. It was the second game with Halic University for Azerbaijan during the trip. Earlier Elhan Aliyev team earned a 68:66 victory.


*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Muharraq edge Hala - by Yousef Ahmed

Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) made a go-ahead basket with 6.5 seconds to play to help Muharraq escape with a 103-99 victory over Al Hala last night in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

With the scores tied at 99-apiece and 15.5 ticks remaining, Clark took it upon himself to break the deadlock and save his team from humiliation. They had already squandered a comfortable 15-point lead in the final quarter, but the towering six-foot, eight-inch American was not going to let his team falter, and he slithered his way past the Hala defence and banked in a lay-up against a tough mid-air challenge from fellow-professional Patrick Simpson (206-F-83, college: SMU).

After Hala failed to get a shot attempt on the ensuing possession, Muharraq court general Mohammed Abdulmajeed was fouled and he buried two clutch free-throws with 2.3 seconds remaining to ice the win.

Clark finished as the victors' leading man, pouring in a game-high 39 points. Abdulmajeed added a solid 21, while Jassim Mohammed contributed 15, Yasser bu Naffour nine and Salem Mohammed eight.

Simpson had 31 markers to pace Hala, who faced a massive 65-46 deficit at the half but slowly battled their way back to forge the exciting finish.

Point guard Ahmed Ali chipped in with 24 points, while Ahmed Jawadi and Ahmed Jamal contributed 14 each.

With the result, Muharraq improved to a 14-2 win-loss record as they strengthened their hold of first place on the league table. Hala dropped to an 8-8 mark but remained fourth overall.

In yesterday's other game at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam, Isa Town registered a lopsided 92-55 win against an overmatched Nuwaidrat.

Professional Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR) from the US scored 25 points, while Ahmed Janahi finished with 21 and Ali Traif 18 for the winners.

Hussain Mansoor and Ali Derbas had 12 apiece to lead Nuwiadrat, who were playing without an import.

Isa Town improved to an 8-8 record and they kept alive their hopes of advancing to the six-team play-off round. Nuwaidrat fell to a 7-9 mark but are still also with a qualifying chance.

In Muharraq's victory, Clark and Abdulmajeed scored 19 points each in the first half when they built a commanding 19-point advantage. They were on fire from the field in the second quarter, when they erupted for 38 points and turned a close game wide open.

Hala, however, were not going down easily, and they opened the second half with a 10-0 run that quickly put them back to within single digits. But Clark was too much for the opposing frontline, and he stepped up to put Muharraq ahead 85-70 after three quarters.

The fourth saw a relentless Hala quintet gradually chip into Muharraq's lead. An 8-0 spurt capped by a Simpson jumper got them to within three, 89-92, before a technical free-throw and a Jawadi basket tied it for the first time since the opening quarter at 92-apiece.

The teams would trade blows over the final minutes, before Ali tied it once more at 99-all with two free-throws and 15.5 seconds left, paving the way for Clark's heroics.


Source GDN By PATRICK SALOMON, Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011



Standings
Premier League Stage Two Standings
 1. Muharraq 14-2 
 2. Al Manama 12-3 
 3. Al Ahli 11-4 
 4. Al Hala 9-7 
 5. Issa Town 8-8 
 6. Sitra 7-9 
 7. Nuwaidrat 6-10 
 8. Al Ittihad 4-12 
Stage One Standings


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


BRB/Brasilia and Vivo/Franca clinch second wins - by Eurobasket News
BRB/Brasilia stepped closer to NBB Finals following a road win over Pinheiros/Sky 90:89. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 23 points to lead the charge. BRB/Brasilia posted a 23:19 lead after ten minutes. Pinheiros/Sky did not allow the visitors to clear keeping close. The defending champions led by just 3 points at the interval 42:39. BRB/Brasilia stayed in charge throughout the third frame. But Pinheiros/Sky eventually levelled things up at 86 late in regulation. Guilherme Giovannoni hit two free throws to put the visitors back in front. Shamell Stallworth (196-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) replied with just one free throw and then Alex Garcia stretched the margin to three points 90:87. Marquinhos Vinicius got fouled while attempting a three-pointer but hit just two freebies leaving the victory for BRB/Brasilia. Nezinho dos Santos knocked down 21 points, while Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) had 17 in the victory. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) answered with 19 points for Pinheiros/Sky. Shamell Stallworth notched 17 points in defeat.
Vivo/Franca gained the second straight win over Flamengo. Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75) came up with 18 points to lead the hosts to a 94:86 success. Flamengo got to the better start as they recorded a 27:19 lead after ten minutes. But Vivo/Franca narrowed the margin to just 4 points with ten minutes remaining. Franca erupted for 36 points in the final term and ran away for the win at the end. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) and Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) banked 17 points each for the winners. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) answered with game-high 40 points for Flamengo. David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) dropped 14 points in the losing effort.


New team from Amapa State in the Super Cup Brazil - by Paulo Freire
The Sao Jose / Ceap basketball team is the largest basketball club from the North of Brazil. The club is located at Macapa city wich is the capital of Amapa State in the north of Brazil.
The team have arrive in Rio de Janeiro, where they will dispute the Super Cup Brazil after winning the Region North of the Brazil Cup.
For this challenge the Sao Jose/Ceap have put some investiment while sign almost all their player from another states even from another country, Argentina.
Their first move was sign the head coach Herbert Coimbra, knowing as Betao. Hebert Betao Coimbra (202-F/C-70) is a former player (Sao Bernardo, Ulbra, Telemar).

The Sao Jose/Ceap roster for the Super Cup Brazil is:
Gilson de Jesus (195-F/G-79, college: Kansas St.)
Jorge Seraphim (196-G/F-80, college: Furman)
Marcos Hubner (204-F/C-82, college: Abil.Christian)
Gustavo Lino (216-C, college: S.Mississippi)
Rodrigo Martins (190-F-81)
Janjaio Joerke (205-F/C-72)
Gustavo Ferreira (201-G-82)
Pablo Costa (178-G-78)
Bruno Modanez (196-F-87)
Ranier Paixao (88)
Gaston Luchino (184-G-82)
Emiliano Martina (201-C/F-83)


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.4
 1. Harper, Levski23.4 
 2. Lilov, Rilski S.21.2 
 3. Dimitrov, Spartak19.2 
 4. Naydenov, Chernom.16.8 
 5. Davidov, Balkan15.7 
 6. Bozov, Balkan15.5 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja15.2 
 8. Yanev, Cherno More14.6 
 9. Kambala, Lukoil A.14.4 
 10. James, Lukoil A.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Varbanov, Tundja10.6 
 2. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 3. Todorov, Spartak7.4 
 4. Radojevic, Rilski7.4 
 5. Peterson, Lukoil A.7.0 
 6. Kolev, Cherno More6.9 
 7. Georgiev, Levski6.7 
 8. Kambala, Lukoil A.6.7 
 9. Morton, Balkan6.5 
 10. Dimitrov, Spartak6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Crowe, Levski5.6 
 2. Alexiev, Cherno M.4.5 
 3. Dyakovski, Spartak4.0 
 4. Heath, Lukoil A.4.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.3.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan3.8 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja3.7 
 8. Lilov, Rilski S.3.5 
 9. Gruev, Rilski S.3.4 
 10. Zahariev, Chernom.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Crowe, Levski2.4 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.2.3 
 3. Zahariev, Chernomo.2.1 
 4. Radionov, Tundja2.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.1.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan1.9 
 7. Green, Lukoil A.1.7 
 8. Bowman, Lukoil A.1.6 
 9. Marinov, Balkan1.6 
 10. Stojanovski, Luko.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Doychinov, Balkan1.2 
 2. Varbanov, Tundja1.0 
 3. Radojevic, Rilski1.0 
 4. Mijovic, Rilski S.0.7 
 5. Banev, Lukoil A.0.7 
 6. Cole, Levski0.7 
 7. Petkov, Tundja0.6 
 8. Neuhaus, Chernomo.0.6 
 9. Yanev, Cherno More0.6 
 10. Vaklinov, Rilski0.6 


*****************************************************
  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Romain Sato wins Euroleague title with Panathinaikos - by Eurobasket News
Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) won the first Euroleague title in his career. The Central African superstar helped his Panathinaikos Athens to beat Maccabi Electra 78-70 in the Euroleague Finals and to win this prestigious trophy. Sato spent 27 minutes on the court yesterday collecting 13 points and 7 rebounds. In the Semifinals against his former team Montepaschi, which PAO won 77-69, Sato had 6 points and 5 boards.
Romain Sato was one of the best PAO players during the entire Euroleague season. He appeared 21 times in total averaging 9.1 points and 4 rebounds. His wonderful games against Regal Barcelona helped PAO reach the Final Four. Sato joined the club last summer from Montepaschi. The season is still not over for PAO, who wants to defend the championship and Cup title in Greece as well. Sato so far averaged 9.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 27 games in Greek league.

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: LoKoKo captured Mikko Koivisto - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Top League (Korisliiga) newcomer LoKoKo (Loimaa) has captured NT SG Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) from Torpan Pojat (Helsinki). Koivisto averaged passed season 11,9 ppg - 2,3 rpg - 1,3 apg in 28:39 mpg and 47 games. LoKoKo has now signed four new players (Koivisto, Matti Nuutinen, Clifton Jones and Jeb Ivey) and ToPo has lost three players (Koivisto, Michael Pounds and Mikael Sandberg). F Ville Makalainen (194-F-85, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) is returning back to YMCA Lahti after three seasons 'away from home'. Makalainen played one season in Kotka, then followed UK (BBL) 2009-10 and last season Makalainen belonged to Honka (Espoo) roster, where he averaged 7,8 ppg - 3,8 rpg - 1,8 apg in 37 contests.
In Division 1. American F Tracy Robinson (201-F-86, college: Loyola, IL) is returning back to Finland 2011-12, but not to BC Jyvaskyla roster, where he averaged last season 20,2 ppg - 9,9 rpg in 31,5 mpg and 22 games. Robinson will join next FoKoPo (Forssa) roster.

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  FRANCE   


Stats Leaders - N1
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 23.9
 1. Blair, Denek23.9 
 2. Kennedy, Orchy17.8 
 3. Pridotkas, Brest17.4 
 4. Petrovic, St Et.17.4 
 5. Ford, Bordeaux17.2 
 6. James, Challans16.6 
 7. Disy, Roche16.4 
 8. Blot, Blois16.3 
 9. Howell, St Quentin15.9 
 10. Lesieu, St Quent.15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petras BALOCKA
  Lievin
  (205-C-86)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Balocka, Lievin8.9 
 2. Simmons, St Et.8.7 
 3. Cilly, Orchy8.4 
 4. Pasut, Sorgues8.4 
 5. Lopez, Brest8.2 
 6. Alingue, Souffel8.0 
 7. Cabarkapa, Le Puy8.0 
 8. Hoard, Lievin7.9 
 9. Ford, Bordeaux7.8 
 10. Lesieu, St Quent.7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Julien CORTEY
  Le Puy
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Cortey, Le Puy7.5 
 2. Brochard, Blois6.5 
 3. Barbry, Orchy4.9 
 4. Ramphort, Angers B.4.7 
 5. Rambur, St Quentin4.3 
 6. Sauret, Denain4.2 
 7. Driss, Bordeaux4.0 
 8. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.0 
 9. Dessart, Lievin3.6 
 10. Thomas, St Etien.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Blair, Denek2.9 
 2. El Amrani, St Et.2.2 
 3. Neri, Roche2.0 
 4. Pistre, Le Puy2.0 
 5. James, Challans1.9 
 6. Sauret, Denain1.9 
 7. Bateko, Roche1.8 
 8. Barbry, Orchy1.8 
 9. Ipouck, Le Puy1.8 
 10. Blot, Blois1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jean-Stephane RINNA
  St Chamond
  (205-F-83)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Rinna, St Chamond1.8 
 2. Traore, Angers B.1.8 
 3. Alingue, Souffel1.7 
 4. Ford, Bordeaux1.4 
 5. Lalugba, Denain1.2 
 6. Kolb, Blois1.2 
 7. Pasut, Sorgues1.1 
 8. Ipouck, Le Puy1.1 
 9. Kennedy, Orchy1.1 
 10. Roberts, Brest0.9 


Chris Daniels claims French ProB weekly honour (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News
American Chris Daniels (200-F-82, agency: Limelight Hoops) had an amazing evening in the last round for Chalons-Reims and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 33.
The 28-year old forward had a double-double of 17 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team beat Antibes (#14, 13-20) in overtime 89-84. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Chalons-Reims is placed at 9th position in French ProB. Chalons-Reims is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 18-15 record. Daniels turned to be Chalons-Reims' top player in his first season with the team. University of Georgia graduate has very impressive stats this year. Daniels is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.6rpg) and averages solid 2.4spg and 55.5% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American forward David Monds (205-F-83) of JL Bourg Basket. Monds impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Bourg lost that game 94-104 to the higher-ranked Maurienne (#7, 18-15). This loss caused Bourg to drop to 10th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 17-16 record is not bad and everything may still change. Monds is a newcomer at Bourg and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Austen Rowland (186-G-81, agency: Court Side) of Le Portel (#8). Rowland showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, ten rebounds and ten assists (!!!) in the last round. He was a key player of Le Portel, leading his team to a 86-65 easy win against the lower-ranked Clermont (#17, 10-23). Le Portel needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 18 victories and 15 lost games. Rowland has a great season in France. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 6.8apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jason Siggers (187-G-85) of Rouen - 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Drake Reed (196-F-87) of Evreux - 23 points and 6 rebounds
6. O'Darien Bassett (188-G-86) of Clermont - 25 points and 5 rebounds
7. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87) of Boulogne - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Daviin Davis (193-F-85) of Evreux - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Lee Cummard (201-G-85) of Fos Ouest - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Simon Darnauzan (178-G-80) of Maurienne - 11 points, 3 rebounds and 12 assists

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

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  GERMANY   


Thorsten Leibenath Is Named Head Coach Of Ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ratiopharm Ulm wasted little time after the departure of Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) naming Thorsten Leibenath as their new coach. The club also announced that John Dieckelman who has coached in Sweden since 1983 will be the assistant coach. This will be the third beko BBL team for Leibenath and ratiopharm Ulm are pleased with their decision. 'Even though we have known him for many years, Thorsten was able to convince us with his knowledge and being able to analyze clearly in our five hour meeting. He is very ambitious that always wants to learn and is focused not only for the team, but the whole concept', stressed Ratiopharm Ulm manager Thomas Stoll. Leibenath started his coaching career as an assistant for Lich in 1999. He then moved to Giessen where he was an assistant from 2000-2006. He then got a year of training in Scotland where he reached the Britsih BBL final with the Scottish Rocks. He then returned to Giessen to coach the 2007-2008 season. From 2008-2010, he was head coach of the Artland Dragons reaching the Top 16 in international play, but failing to reach the beko BBL playoffs twice on the last day of the season. This season, he was coach of Osnabrueck in the PRO A. He will be joined on the sidelines by American John Dieckelman


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  GREECE   


Stats Leaders - A2
Points Per Game
 Yiannis KAKIOUZIS
  Lavrio
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Kakiouzis, Lavrio18.2 
 2. Koutroulias, Olimp.17.8 
 3. Argyropoylos, Apol.16.7 
 4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.16.6 
 5. Totsios, Ikaroi S.16.3 
 6. Giannakopoul., Lav.15.9 
 7. Michalos, Pagrati15.5 
 8. Pettas, Koroivos15.2 
 9. Vardavas, Amynta.15.1 
 10. Psileas, Lavrio15.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Apostolos KOUTROULIAS
  Olimp.
  (206-C-76)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Koutroulias, Olimp.9.4 
 2. Latovic, AGOR9.1 
 3. Pantelic, Apollo.8.9 
 4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.8.0 
 5. Kartelo, AE.7.5 
 6. Amato, Near East7.4 
 7. Macheras, Pagrati7.2 
 8. Vardavas, Amynta.7.0 
 9. Kakiouzis, Lavrio7.0 
 10. Kosanovic, Koroiv.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefs.
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Nikou, Panelefs.5.7 
 2. Katsares, KAOD5.1 
 3. Zoupas, Amyntas4.7 
 4. Kaberidis, Ikaroi4.6 
 5. Makris, Olimpiada4.2 
 6. Giannakopoul., Lav.4.2 
 7. Argyropoylos, Apol.3.9 
 8. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR3.9 
 9. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.3.8 
 10. Rallis, Ermis Lag.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Nikos KATSARES
  KAOD
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Katsares, KAOD2.3 
 2. Pettas, Koroivos2.0 
 3. Michalos, Pagrati1.9 
 4. Makris, Olimpiada1.9 
 5. Giannakopoul., Lav.1.8 
 6. Nikou, Panelefs.1.5 
 7. Pappas, Near East1.5 
 8. Papadakis, Arkad.1.4 
 9. Magounis, AGOR1.4 
 10. Zoupas, Amyntas1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollo.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Pantelic, Apollo.1.8 
 2. Kartelo, AE.1.6 
 3. Kasabalis, AE.1.5 
 4. Jovanovic, KAOD1.4 
 5. Mprozos, Arkadikos0.9 
 6. Margaritis, KAOD0.8 
 7. Papachristos, Peri.0.8 
 8. Amato, Near East0.7 
 9. Karavanas, Panery.0.7 
 10. Psathas, Apollon0.7 


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  HUNGARY   


Kormend won in Paks and needs only one more win for the bronze medal - by Tamas Deri
On saturday the two teams met in the first game of the best of three series in Paks. The home team missed american big man Sales Brooks and did not find the best option to replace him, so the guests used their options under the rim.
Player of the game was american guard Jibril Hodges with his 34 points including 4 three pointers, hungarian forward Gergely Kortelyesi was close to a double-double with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Kormend was lead by Rashad Bell, who got a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. Hungarian playmaker Andras Rujak (187-G-88) scored 18 points, experienced guard Istvan Nemeth added 14 points and 6 assists. Csaba Ferencz had a good performance helping his team with 14 points including 4 three pointers and 8 rebounds.
Game 2 will be played tonight in Kormend.

Atomeromu SE - MJUS-Fortress Kormend 81-87
(18-21, 11-20, 22-20, 20-26)
Paks, Att.: 1000, Referees: Adam J., Kiraly L., Farkas G. (Farkas)
ASE: Kovacs A. 7, Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) 34/12, Vojvoda 5/3, Kortelyesi 14, Johnson 9/3, Farago 2 Farkas -, Toth P. 4, Horti 6, Pavlik -, Coach: Horvath Imre
Kormend: Andras Rujak 18/6, Istvan Nemeth 14/6, Csaba Ferencz (194-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 14/12, Rashad Bell (201-F-82, college: Boston U.) 22/6 Dies 16, Trummer -, David 3, Hegedus -, Boldizsar -, Coach: Sabali Balazs



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  IBL   


Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Bellingham S. 4-2 
 2. W.C. Hotshots 3-1 
 3. Vancouver V. 2-1 
 4. Olympia R. 2-2 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-0 
 6. USA All-Stars 0-12 
International Division
 1. Albany L. 5-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 5-2 
 3. Oregon W. 3-1 
 4. Gary Splash 3-4 
 5. Edmonton E. 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 


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  ITALY   


stats leader
Points Per Game
 Marco EVANGELISTI
  Trapani
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Evangelisti, Trapa.18.2 
 2. Tassinari, Moncali.17.6 
 3. Musso, Perugia16.9 
 4. Rugolo, Molfetta16.8 
 5. Ricciardi, Palestr.16.8 
 6. Masper, Moncalieri16.7 
 7. Vico, Matera16.0 
 8. Carrizo, Ferentino15.9 
 9. Conte, Trento15.8 
 10. Marino, Treviglio15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Bagnoli, Potenza11.4 
 2. Rosignoli, Biscegl.9.8 
 3. Corral, Molfetta9.4 
 4. Basei, Ostuni8.9 
 5. Capitanelli, Pales.8.8 
 6. Zambon, Rieti8.7 
 7. Chiaramello, Recan.8.6 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia8.1 
 9. De Min, Treviglio8.0 
 10. Soloperto, Latina7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Simone FERRARESE
  Trento
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Ferrarese, Trento4.9 
 2. Marino, Treviglio4.8 
 3. Virgilio, Rieti4.0 
 4. Scarone, Piacenza3.8 
 5. Marcante, ASD P.3.7 
 6. Tomasiello, Comsum.3.7 
 7. Cantone, S.Antimo3.5 
 8. Passera, Piacenza3.5 
 9. Gnaccarini, Senig.3.4 
 10. Paparella, Potenza3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Guarino, Trapani3.6 
 2. Bonamente, Perugia3.2 
 3. De Nicolao, Castel.3.0 
 4. Gullo, Patti2.9 
 5. Malamov, Ruvo2.8 
 6. Cisse, ASD Pavia2.7 
 7. Bushati, Brescia2.7 
 8. Musso, Perugia2.7 
 9. Palombita, Castell.2.7 
 10. Casadei, Comsum.i.2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Zerini, Ruvo1.8 
 2. Ancellotti, Patti1.6 
 3. Corral, Molfetta1.3 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.1.1 
 5. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 6. Candido, Ferentino0.9 
 7. Spippoli, Palestri.0.9 
 8. Basei, Ostuni0.9 
 9. Biligha, ASD Pavia0.9 
 10. Pozzi, Molfetta0.8 


A dilettanti Round 4 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Perugia - Brescia 65-69

The guests were ahead by 4 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 25-19 run, which allowed them to win the game. Brescia forced 19 Perugia turnovers. Strangely Perugia outrebounded Brescia 38-25 including 27 on the defensive glass. Perugia was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Argentinian forward Mario Jose Ghersetti (200-81) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Massimo Farioli (202-77, agency: Interperformances) who added 10 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four Brescia players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Marco Pazzi (203-79) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds and center Simone Bonamente (202-79) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Perugia: M.Pazzi 15+6reb, C.Cutolo 12+1reb, M.Caroldi 11+4reb, S.Bonamente 8+6reb+1ast, B.Musso 7+3reb+2ast, G.Chiatti 6+5reb
Brescia: M.Jose Ghersetti 17+5reb+1ast, L.Gergati 11+2reb+1ast, R.Rombaldoni 11+3reb, M.Farioli 10+5reb, N.Crow 6+3reb, S.Stojkov 6
gschID: 128268


S.Antimo - Trapani 71-55

The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 71-55. S.Antimo forced 21 Trapani turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Dante Calabria (194-73, college: N.Carolina) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds. Center Giacomo Eliantonio (204-88) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international forward Walter Santarossa (200-78) replied with 12 points and 8 rebounds and guard Gianni Cantagalli (192-88, agency: Players Group) added 11 points in the effort for Trapani.
Top scorers:
Trapani: W.Santarossa 12+8reb+2ast, G.Cantagalli 11+4reb+2ast, L.Bisconti 8+7reb, F.Guarino 8+3reb+2ast, M.Evangelisti 7+3reb+1ast, L.Tardito 5+3reb
S.Antimo: D.Calabria 16+7reb+2ast, G.Eliantonio 15+9reb, J.Valentini 12+8reb+3ast, A.Iardella 8+1reb, F.Gagliardo 7+1reb+1ast, P.Aprea 7+2reb
gschID: 128269


Ruvo - Ostuni 76-80

The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 20-7. But Ruvo won second period 23-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ostuni dominated on the defensive end, holding Ruvo to just 7 points in first quarter. The winners were led by power forward Domenico Morena (210-70) who scored that evening 17 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized Argentinian forward Silvio Gigena (200-75) supported him with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Even 20 points and 9 rebounds by forward Andrea Zerini (201-88, agency: Interperformances) did not help to save the game for Ruvo. Forward Francesco Modica (203-82) added 15 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ruvo: A.Zerini 20+9reb+2ast, F.Modica 15+4reb+4ast, R.Marzoli 11+3reb+1ast, S.Provenzano 11+6reb+1ast, F.Ihedioha 6+4reb, D.Bonacini 5+3reb+2ast
Ostuni: D.Morena 17+9reb+2ast, S.Gigena 16+8reb+1ast, C.Tommasini 13+1reb+3ast, M.Gigena 12+2reb+2ast, F.Basei 7+4reb, A.Ruggiero 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 128270


Treviglio - Piacenza 65-74

The guests were ahead by 10 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 22-11 run, which allowed them to win the game. Piacenza made 16-of-21 charity shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Piacenza outrebounded Treviglio 39-27 including 30 on the defensive glass. The former international guard Marco Passera (180-82) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Riccardo Perego (203-81) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Thomas De Min (203-86) produced 9 points and 12 rebounds and guard Tommaso Marino (190-86, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Treviglio's coach Simone Lottici rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Treviglio: T.Marino 15+4ast, D.Reati 14+1reb+2ast, T.De Min 9+12reb, R.Castelli 8+3reb, G.Zanella 8+3reb, A.Vitale 6+1reb
Piacenza: M.Passera 21+11reb+8ast, N.Rizzitiello 12+1reb, R.Perego 11+10reb, R.Cazzaniga 9+7reb+1ast, F.Bolzonella 8+1reb, G.Scarone 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128267




*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Final Four of BJ League is set - by Eurobasket News
Final Four of BJ League is set as four teams won the Quarterfinal series over their opponents 2-0. Okinawa GK, Osaka Evessa, Hamamatsu and Niigata Albirex will face in the Semifinals on May 21st.



Okinawa GK - Shiga Lakestars 100-87

The game without a history. Okinawa GK led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Okinawa GK forced 20 Shiga Lakestars turnovers. American players dominated the game. Swingman Carlos Dixon (202-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Top Notch Sports) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals. Swingman Anthony McHenry (201-83, college: Georgia Tech) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Power forward Gary Hamilton (208-84, college: Miami, FL, agency: Top Notch Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Mikey Marshall (196-81, college: Texas Tech, agency: Warren Sports International) added 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Shiga Lakestars. Five Okinawa GK and four Shiga Lakestars players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Okinawa GK: C.Dixon 22+10reb+4ast, D.Palmer 19+6reb+2ast, A.McHenry 17+10reb+5ast, T.Yonamine 16+3reb+5ast, N.Kosuge 10+2reb+2ast, D.Sneed 8+2reb+1ast
Shiga Lakestars: M.Marshall 19+9reb+4ast, Y.Okada 18+2reb, G.Hamilton 18+16reb+4ast, J.Peppers 14+2reb+1ast, L.Rice 6+3reb, M.Joho 5+1reb

gschID: 128206


Osaka Evessa - Fukuoka Rizing 85-74

The game was mostly controlled by Osaka Evessa. Fukuoka Rizing was better in fourth quarter 31-29. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Osaka Evessa shot 33 for 44 from the free-throw line, while Fukuoka Rizing only scored six points from the stripe. Osaka Evessa had a 34-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. Fukuoka Rizing was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated also this game. Forward Lynn Washington (200-78, college: Indiana) scored 27 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and swingman William Knight (196-79, college: UCLA) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Osaka Evessa's coach Ryan Blackwell allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Swingman Michael Parker (200-81, college: Evergreen St.) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds and guard Nile Murry (193-83, college: TCU) scored 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Top scorers:
Osaka Evessa: L.Washington 27+8reb, W.Knight 18+9reb+3ast, K.Satterfield 13+1reb+2ast, M.Katsuhisa 8+3reb+1ast, W.Marshall 7+6reb+3ast, W.Tseng 6+11reb+3ast
Fukuoka Rizing: N.Murry 21+5reb+4ast, M.Parker 21+8reb+2ast, A.Takeno 15+2reb+4ast, T.Cordeiro 8+8reb+1ast, J.Nakanishi 5+3reb+4ast, A.Kuso 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 128207


Hamamatsu P. - Toyama Grouses 73-62

The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Toyama Grouses was better in third quarter 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Toyama Grouses were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Top Notch Sports) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and British power forward Dzaflo Larkai (203-81, college: Bellarmine, agency: Top Notch Sports) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach Kazuo Nakamura used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Haakim Johnson (201, college: Pikeville) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and his fellow American import forward John Davis (198-84, college: Tarleton St., agency: Basket Law/NM Services) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Hamamatsu P.: J.Parmer 18+9reb+2ast, D.Larkai 13+7reb+2ast, R.Nixon 13+3reb+2ast, W.Arnold 11+4reb+3ast, K.Tomori 8, M.Ohguchi 6+2reb+3ast
Toyama Grouses: H.Johnson 19+12reb+3ast, J.Davis 15+13reb+2ast, M.Kato 10+3reb+3ast, T.Mito 10+5reb+4ast, M.Azuma 3+1reb+1ast, Y.Tachibana 3+2reb
gschID: 128204


Niigata Albirex - Akita 84-76

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 22-15. But Akita Happinets won second period 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Niigata Albirex players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Akita Happinets were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American center George Leach (210-81, college: Indiana) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Yuichi Ikeda (191-83) chipped in 17 points during the contest. Four Niigata Albirex players scored in double figures. American guard Sek Henry (193-87, college: Nebraska, agency: Impact Basketball) responded with 34 points (!!!) and Nigerian forward Ayodokun Akingbade (207-84, college: George Washington) scored 8 points and 18 rebounds. Akita Happinets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Niigata Albirex: G.Leach 19+12reb, Y.Ikeda 17+3reb+3ast, S.Komatsu 16+1reb+2ast, J.Ashby 13+7reb+2ast, Z.Andrews 8+5reb, I.Konare 4+7reb+3ast
Akita: S.Henry 34+3reb+2ast, W.Graves 17+7reb+1ast, A.Akingbade 8+18reb, R.Mizumachi 6+4reb+6ast, M.Hasegawa 4+3reb+5ast, P.Butorac 3+5reb
gschID: 128205




*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Kaspiy stay in the race for D1 Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Kaspiy Aktau recovered well from 0-2 deficit in D1 consolation final series against Astana Tigers. Kaspiy celebrated back-to-back home victories to level the best-of-five series at 2-2. The series move to Astana for the decisive fifth game scheduled on May 12.
Kaspiy earned a 77:71 win in Game 3. The hosts built a 9-point halftime lead and maintained well enough in the second half to post the victory. Evgeni Isakov (203-F-82) topscored with 18 points for Kaspiy. Konstantin Dvirniy (192-G-88) added 14 points in the winning effort. Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) replied with 19 points for Astana. Dmitriy Gavrilov (203-F-86) provided 18 points for the Tigers.
Kaspiy looked even better in the fourth game in the series. The home side used a 21:7 run in the second period to build a 15-point halftime lead. Astana Tigers tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third period. The visitors narrowed the gap to 11 points but Kaspiy executed well in the final minutes recording a well-deserved 73:56 win at the end. Gytis Andrijauskas (187-G-86) notched 23 points to lead the charge. Konstantin Dvirniy contributed 11 points for the hosts. Aleksandr Kuznetsov (193-G-84) nailed 17 points for the Tigers in defeat.


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Fadi KHATIB
  Champville
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 27
 1. Khatib, Champville27.0 
 2. Warner, Byblos26.5 
 3. Johnson, Moutahed23.2 
 4. Cage, Hoops22.8 
 5. Johnson, Al Riyadi21.2 
 6. Shannon, Anibal20.9 
 7. Dawson, Chabab20.1 
 8. Youngblood, Champ.20.1 
 9. Byrd, Hoops20.0 
 10. Battles, Antranik19.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Loren WOODS
  Al Riyadi
  (218-C-78)
  Avg: 14.3
 1. Woods, Al Riyadi14.3 
 2. Warner, Byblos13.1 
 3. Cox, Champville12.9 
 4. Dawson, Chabab12.5 
 5. Shannon, Anibal11.7 
 6. Payne, Moutahed11.2 
 7. Watkins, Sagesse10.7 
 8. Battles, Antranik10.6 
 9. Byrd, Hoops10.6 
 10. Thompson, Sagesse10.5 
Assists Per Game
 Willie BANNISTER
  Antranik
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 7
 1. Bannister, Antranik7.0 
 2. Mason, Byblos6.7 
 3. Johnson, Moutahed6.3 
 4. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi6.0 
 5. Akl, Anibal5.2 
 6. Clemons, Chabab4.9 
 7. Barada, Byblos4.6 
 8. Khatib, Champville4.0 
 9. Fahed, Sagesse3.9 
 10. Warner, Byblos3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Enique CLEMONS
  Chabab
  (180-G-80)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Clemons, Chabab3.2 
 2. Johnson, Moutahed2.7 
 3. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi2.4 
 4. Bannister, Antranik2.3 
 5. Byrd, Hoops2.3 
 6. Youngblood, Champ.2.3 
 7. Mason, Byblos2.2 
 8. Johnson, Al Riyadi2.1 
 9. Lakiss, Chabab1.9 
 10. Watkins, Sagesse1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Darnell COX
  Champville
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Cox, Champville3.7 
 2. Woods, Al Riyadi2.3 
 3. Thompson, Sagesse1.5 
 4. Watkins, Sagesse1.4 
 5. Byrd, Hoops1.4 
 6. Hamdar, Hoops1.3 
 7. Warner, Byblos1.3 
 8. Kanaan, Antranik1.2 
 9. Shannon, Anibal1.2 
 10. Payne, Moutahed1.0 


Riyadi snatch seventh straight league title - by Eurobasket News
Riyadi won their seventh straight Lebanese basketball league title with a 3-0 series sweep of Champville thanks to a 76-66 Sunday.

The Manara club completed an unbeaten playoff record having beaten Sagesse by the same margin in the semifinals before going onto dismantle Champville in the final.

Coach Ghassan Sarkis started with Miguel Martinez (188-G-88), Fadi Khatib (199-F-79), Yehia Sabra (196-F-85), Tyrone Anderson (193-G-84, college: Concord) and Lee Benson (208-F/C-73, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Brown Mackie), while the home team starters were Ali Mahmoud (185-G-83), Omar El Turk (188-G-81, college: Dawson Coll.), Joseph Vogel (211-C-73, college: Colorado St.), Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) and Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville).

Champville started the game in a vigorous mood, showing swift ball rotation opening up easy shots. Riyadi on the other hand couldnt impose the tempo they wanted, only scoring two points in the first five minutes of play. The visitors continued to up the pressure throughout the first period, with Khatib and Anderson proving their worth as Champville took a 19-9 lead at the end of the quarter.

At the start of the second quarter, Riyadi found some momentum on the offensive end, reducing the lead to just three points midway through the quarter, thanks to Ahmad and Johnson, who took full advantage of the height mismatch they had under the basket. But the visitors got themselves back to the game, as Martinez and Mneimneh showed off their talents alongside Sarkis who hit two 3-pointers late on to guide Champville to a 39-30 lead.

After the halftime break, Champville knew they were on the right track to clinching their first win of the series starting the third quarter with high confidence and energy, as Khatib continued to shine. Champville were able to score 10 points in the first five minutes of the quarter until the home team players realized it was time to turn things over. Ahmad, Johnson and Vogel raised their level, scoring from everywhere on the court, thanks to some excellent offensive systems to give their team their first lead of the game, 56-55, at the end of the third quarter.

With one decisive quarter left, the visitors committed too many turnovers at a very crucial time of the game, opening the door for their opponents to play the fast tempo they love, as Ahmad and Johnson showed true leadership. At this stage everything seemed lost for Champville, as Riyadi dominated the fourth quarter, clinching a 76-66 win, and grabbing their seventh straight Lebanese League Championship.

Courtesy of www.dailystar.com.lb

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Vilmantas DILYS
  Naglis-Adakris
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.16.4 
 2. Dimsa, Nevezis16.0 
 3. Kieza, Juventus15.1 
 4. Dilys, Perlas14.9 
 5. Alijevas, Nevezis14.9 
 6. Vasylius, Neptunas14.8 
 7. Sirvydis, Sakalai14.0 
 8. Ruikis, Neptunas13.9 
 9. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.13.6 
 10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Kieza, Juventus9.5 
 2. Sarakauskas, Siaul.9.2 
 3. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.5 
 4. Dimsa, Nevezis7.1 
 5. Klimavicius, Zalgi.7.1 
 6. Jankunas, Zalgiris6.6 
 7. Adomavicius, Alytu.6.5 
 8. Vasylius, Neptunas6.5 
 9. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.6.4 
 10. Dilys, Perlas6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Alijevas, Nevezis5.9 
 2. Broadus, Siauliai5.2 
 3. Rinkevicius, Techa.5.0 
 4. El-Amin, Lietuvos.4.4 
 5. Viskontas, Perlas4.3 
 6. Juskevicius, Rudup.4.3 
 7. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.4.1 
 8. Janavicius, Siauli.4.0 
 9. Collins, Zalgiris3.8 
 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, Neptunas2.1 
 4. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.1.9 
 5. Rinkevicius, Techa.1.9 
 6. Valukonis, Techas.1.7 
 7. Razutis, Naglis-A.1.7 
 8. Alijevas, Nevezis1.7 
 9. Sinica, Rudupis1.6 
 10. Jasikevicius, Ais.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Begic, Zalgiris2.4 
 2. Valanciunas, Lietu.1.9 
 3. Silinskis, Techasas1.6 
 4. Cresnar, Nevezis1.5 
 5. Volkus, Techasas1.1 
 6. Cepukaitis, Juven.0.9 
 7. Petrukonis, Perlas0.8 
 8. Butkevicius, Rudup.0.8 
 9. Gumenyuk, Siauliai0.8 
 10. Cukinas, Aiscai K.0.7 


LKL Round 2 of Finals. Lietuvos Rytas level series - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Lietuvos Rytas - Zalgiris 81-70

Lietuvos Rytas bounced back against Zalgiris and leveled the series. The hosts trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 11 points. Lietuvos Rytas dominated on the defensive end, holding Zalgiris to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Zalgiris helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Australian forward Brad Newley (201-85, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. Bosnian forward Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) chipped in 14 points. Four Lietuvos Rytas players scored in double figures. The former international forward Paulius Jankunas (205-84, agency: Interperformances) produced 26 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Tomas Delininkaitis (192-82, agency: Interperformances) added 7 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: P.Jankunas 26+7reb, O.Samhan 8+4reb, T.Delininkaitis 7+2reb+5ast, M.Brown 5+2reb, M.Kuzminskas 5+2reb, M.Kalnietis 4+1reb+5ast
Lietuvos Rytas: K.Bajramovic 14+4reb+2ast, B.Newley 12+6reb+3ast, S.Jasaitis 11+3reb, J.Valanciunas 11+4reb+1ast, M.Gecevicius 8+3reb, M.Bjelica 8+2reb
3-4 place
Juventus - Rudupis 73-98

Rudupis posted the second straight win over Juventus. It looked good early as Juventus took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Rudupis had a 30-11 second period charge getting the lead and Juventus was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-98. Rudupis made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Juventus was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (197-90) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 7 rebounds. Naturalized Swiss guard Rolandas Alijevas (192-85) contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Five Rudupis players scored in double figures. Swingman Gintautas Matulis (195-86) replied with 20 points and 7 rebounds and the former international forward Aurimas Kieza (202-82, college: Hofstra, agency: Players Group) added 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists 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:
Juventus: G.Matulis 20+7reb+1ast, A.Vasiliauskas 15+3reb+3ast, M.Prekevicius 10+6ast, A.Kieza 9+9reb+4ast, Z.Urbonas 7+2reb+1ast, V.Cepukaitis 6+4reb+1ast
Rudupis: G.Orelikas 18+7reb+1ast, P.Butkevicius 18+2reb, R.Alijevas 13+6reb+5ast, A.Juskevicius 12+6reb+3ast, V.Lipkevicius 11+6reb+1ast, J.Sinica 10+4reb+1ast
gschID: 127850




*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael GALE
  Mexicali
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 27.6
 1. Gale, Mexicali27.6 
 2. White, Cananea27.4 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Brown, Tepic25.1 
 5. Gabbidon, Tijuana24.8 
 6. Sims, Los Mochis24.3 
 7. White, Los Mochis24.1 
 8. Thomas, Cananea23.6 
 9. Barrett, Guasave23.3 
 10. Tate, Tijuana23.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan MOSS
  Nogales
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Moss, Nogales10.5 
 2. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 3. Brown, Tepic9.4 
 4. Broxsie, Nogales9.3 
 5. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 6. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 7. Tate, Tijuana8.4 
 8. Rougeau, Culiacan8.3 
 9. Gabbidon, Tijuana8.0 
 10. Gonzalez, Culiacan7.8 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Funn, Guasave8.5 
 2. Watson, Tijuana6.1 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.3 
 4. Thomas, Hermosillo5.0 
 5. White, Cananea4.6 
 6. Nungaray, Guaymas4.6 
 7. Marentes, Guaymas4.3 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 9. Brown, Tepic4.2 
 10. Ford, Tepic4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. White, Cananea2.1 
 2. Rougeau, Culiacan1.9 
 3. Thomas, Cananea1.8 
 4. Matthews, Nogales1.7 
 5. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 6. Funn, Guasave1.7 
 7. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 8. White, Los Mochis1.5 
 9. Sowell, Culiacan1.4 
 10. Gonzalez, Culiacan1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Webb, Culiacan2.6 
 3. Gale, Mexicali2.5 
 4. Thomas, Hermosillo2.4 
 5. Brown, Nogales2.3 
 6. Brown, Tepic2.3 
 7. Brown, Tepic2.2 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 9. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 10. Matthews, Nogales2.2 


Nogales inks Joseph Bunn, Guaymas signs Anthony Pedroza - by Eurobasket News
Joseph Bunn (198-F/C-75, college: Phillips, OK) is a new player of Nogales. The veteran PF/C signed a deal for rest of the season. Bunn arrives from Atletico Argentino Junin. They competed in Argentinean TNA this season. Before Argentino, Bunn spent few months with Venezuelan Toros de Aragua. There, he had 21 ppg and 6 rpg in 14 games. In the past, Bunn played in Italy, France and Puerto Rico. He already made debut with his new team.
Guaymas announced signing of Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) for rest of the season. Pedroza arrives from Halcones Rojos. He appeared 9 times for them in Liga Americas averaging 8.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Pedroza started the season with Soles de Mexicali registering 14.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.6 apg in LNBP. He also has experience from Venezuela and France. As Bunn, Pedroza also made debut for his new team.

Hermosillo returns Lorrenzo Wade, Guasave gets Braulio Castro - by Eurobasket News
Hermosillo announced signing of Lorrenzo Wade (198-F-85, college: San Diego St.) for rest of the season. The American forward arrives from Israel, where he played for Hapoel Lev Hasharon. Wade appeared in 15 National League games averaging 19.6 points, 9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Wade started this season as a member of Soles de Mexicali. However, he played just two games for the club before they parted ways. He already played for Hermosillo last year.
Guasave got bigger with PF/C Braulio Castro. The 29-year-old Mexican signed a deal until the end of the season. In 2010, he played for Tijuana Zonkeys. Castro had limited time on the court registering 2.9 ppg and 2 rpg for 31 games in CIBACOPA. He already played for Guasave in 2008 and 2009.

*****************************************************
  NBA   


McHale an intriguing gamble if Morey's willing to roll the dice - by Eurobasket News
When Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is asked about the qualities he's looking for in a head coach, he almost always begins with the same simple phrase.

'A leader of men.'

If that's true, this will be an especially tough hire for someone who believes data that is, data collected, studied and interpreted - offers the best assessment for rosters, strategy, coaching, etc.

If that's true, this will be an especially tough hire for someone who believes data - that is, data collected, studied and interpreted - offers the best assessment for rosters, strategy, coaching, etc.

Problem is, there may not be enough data on earth to measure leadership and to figure out why some men can lead a group of men and others can't.

With the Rockets' search for a new coach focused on three finalists - Lawrence Frank, Dwane Casey and Kevin McHale - Morey's ultimate recommendation to owner Leslie Alexander might not come down to something that shows up on a spreadsheet.

I'm guessing Morey's head - and his spreadsheet - are telling him to hire Frank, a Celtics assistant who has far more head coaching experience than the other two candidates combined and is respected around the NBA for his preparation, organization and intelligence.

Frank, 40, led the Nets to four playoff appearances and seems to be something of a Jeff Van Gundy clone in the thoroughness and seriousness with which he approaches the job. He compiled a 225-241 record as a head coach. Alexander's first two coaching hires were Van Gundy and Rick Adelman, so he clearly values experience.

Casey, 54, would also be a conventional hire. He's a longtime NBA guy and highly regarded. He's only 53-69 in his time as a head coach, but he was put in a tough situation with the Timberwolves.



'An NBA survivor'

He also coached in Japan for five years and worked as an assistant for George Karl and Nate McMillan before joining Rick Carlisle's staff in Dallas. He's an NBA survivor, a favorite of almost everyone who knows him. His range of experience leaves few holes in his rsum .

And there's McHale.

He's the tough call. He's the unusual call. He's the guy who could make a general manager look brilliant. Or get him fired.

When Morey parted ways with Adelman, he understood he might have been putting his job on the line. Bringing Adelman back would have been the safe move.

'But,' Morey said, 'why have this job if you're not willing to take a chance?'

Hiring McHale would be taking a huge chance. He's 53 and has little head coaching experience - 39-55 during two interim stints with the Timberwolves.

His coaching work has received much kinder reviews than his work as a general manager, but McHale hasn't distinguished himself in either job. In an interesting twist, it was his poor decisions as a general manager that doomed him to fail as a coach.

When McHale was fired by the Timberwolves two years ago, some thought he might retreat to his Minnesota cabin and never return. Now he's tanned, rested and ready to give it another go, and even though there are about eight dozen really good reasons not to hire him, he has something that may be more important than all the X's and O's in the world combined.

McHale has presence. He's 6-10 and carries himself with the confidence of a guy who was a three-time NBA champion and one of the league's 50 best players ever.

He has people skills, too, and is instantly likable and relentlessly positive. As a coach, he excelled as a teacher of fundamentals and was highly regarded by his players.

The thing that makes him a risk is that most of his NBA experience has been as a player or front-office executive. But his buddy, Larry Bird, was a successful head coach because he understood the things he didn't know. He surrounded himself with people to help with scouting reports, strategy and the like.



Alexander gets final say

Bird brought to the table an impressive rsum and an understanding of what players want. McHale could be like that. His force of personality and experience as a star player make him an intriguing candidate.

He's exactly the kind of unconventional candidate who might appeal to an unconventional general manager. He could also chase Morey right back to computer lab.

Ultimately, the decision will be Alexander's. His previous coaching hires were safe choices, and McHale would be anything but.

The Rockets have missed the playoffs for two straight years, but with salary-cap room, two first-round draft picks and a nice core of vet-erans, Morey will for the first time have an opportunity to upgrade the roster.

He has been fearless about taking chances on players in his four years on the job. Is he willing to gamble on a coach as well? In the end, that's what this search ap-pears to have come down to.

Courtesy of www.chron.com



New Jersey Nets GM Billy King takes on task of improving roster to give Deron Williams more help - by Eurobasket News
Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) isn't going to sign an extension with the Nets in silence, or at least until his demands are publicly understood.

The point guard's formula for committing his signature has been consistent, and he has reiterated it multiple times to inquiring reporters: He wants a place he can win. The Nets need better players to win.

While a player publicly pressuring the general manager is often considered taboo, Billy King said he doesn't mind the bluntness.

He understands the task at hand.

'It's not something (Williams and I) haven't talked about privately,' King said Sunday at the draft combine at the Nets' facility in East Rutherford. 'My goal is to get to the playoffs next year. To get there, you need to improve. I think we'll improve just with the next training camp, but we also need to get more players that can help him get here.'

King said he and Williams don't have secret agreement or specific stipulation that would guarantee an extension. It's not like, for instance, Williams said he'll bolt if the Nets don't win the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, or if they can't secure Player A, B or C.

They remain in constant contact, King said, and the conversation isn't always about basketball. 'It may be that he's looking for a school for his kids,' King said.

King and Williams recently toured the Barclays Center construction site in Brooklyn, leaving mutually impressed. Williams called it 'a baller's paradise.' The Nets are scheduled to move to Brooklyn in 2012-13, the season after Williams' contract expires.

'We've been talking about it but to actually see it, to be standing on the floor where it would be was amazing,' King said. 'We were able to see where the team locker room is going to be and where (owner Mikhail) Prokhorov's box is going to be.'

Before King can offer Williams an extension (which can't happen until July 18 or whenever the new labor agreement is negotiated), he'll have to figure out what to do with the 27th pick in next month's draft.

King, who Sunday joined representatives from 29 NBA teams at a draft combine, has a good track record when it comes to late picks, having drafted Todd MacCulloch and Kyle Korver in the second round, as well as picking late first-rounders Speedy Claxton, Samuel Dalembert and John Salmons.

He's also been very active on draft day, maneuvering pieces and picks to move up or down. King hinted that may again be the case June 23.

'We could move up. We could get out of the draft,' King said. 'You never know until you get going and start talking to people.'

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Referee admits crucial error in Bulls' Game 4 loss - by Eurobasket News
Down by six points with under three minutes to play in Game 4, league MVP Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) used a fake to get Hawks guard Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) in the air, then heaved up a three-point attempt as Crawford came crashing down on him.

While the shot was errant, veteran official Bennett Salvatore's whistle shrieked and the Bulls point guard started to confer with his teammates before his procession to the charity stripe for the first of three free-throw attempts.

Unfortunately for Chicago, that trip to the foul line--which could have made it a one-possession game--never occurred.

'[Salvatore] said he blew it by accident. I dont know. Ive got to look at the play again. I thought it was a foul, but it is what it is,' said Luol Deng. 'He blew the whistle when Derrick got hit and he threw up the ball, and we all thought it was three shots.'

Salvatore later asserted that he blew his whistle inadvertently and--after some confusion; the Philips Arena PA announcer first stated the officials awarded possession to Atlanta, much to the home crowd's delight--a jump ball was declared. Hawks forward Josh Smith subsequently won the tip and the Bulls never recovered.

Salvatore was requested by assembled media and gave his explanation to a pool reporter.

'An inadvertent whistle is when a referee blows his whistle and didnt mean to,' said Salvatore. 'Thats exactly what happened.

'I blew my whistle and didnt mean to,' he continued. 'I didnt think it was a foul.

'Having watched the replay after the game, it was a foul and I should have called it.'

That concurred with what Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters.

'[Salvatore] just said it was inadvertent,' said Thibodeau. 'At that time of the game, Ive never seen that [an inadvertent whistle], but look: Bennetts a good official. He said he made a mistake. Hes human, so thats what he did. Hes a good official.

'[Rose] got him in the air, [Crawford] came down on him. I thought it was a foul. But sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesnt.'

Added Salvatore: 'I made a mistake.'

'I blew my whistle. I was positive it was not a foul,' he continued. 'I blew my whistle by accident, which is an inadvertent whistle. Thats why I disallowed it.

'Having watched the replay, it was a foulI made a mistake. I was wrong.'

Chicago went on to lose Game 4, 100-88. The series is now tied at two games apiece.

The Bulls host the Hawks at the United Center in Tuesday's Game 5. Game 6 will be Thursday at Atlanta's Philips Arena.

Courtesy of www.csnchicago.com

Jamine Peterson Most underrated player in 2011 Draft - by Allen Waters
Jamine Peterson , 6'6 F, D-League

Peterson has had an unorthodox journey to the NBA Draft. After being dismissed from Providence despite averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds two years ago, Peterson spent time in Greece before landing on the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBDL. Listed at 6'6, Peterson is more of a combo forward who thrives in a fast pace offense. 'It was a great experience', Peterson said in regards to his short time abroad. 'Playing overseas, they have a slow pace, not uptempo like the style I like to play.'

Peterson said the right things in terms of what he needs to do to contribute at the next level- ' I'm working on my overall game, but lateral movment, balance, rebounding, screening, being a good teammate... whatever the coach needs me to do'. Peterson is one of the rare examples of an American kid playing in Europe before entering the draft. Peterson said he would recommend playing abroad if a lockout takes place. 'It would show everyone that it's not just the U.S. that's good at basketball'.

The buzz around the gym was that Peterson threw down some big time dunks during scrimmages Saturday morning.Scouts are Predicting Peterson to go Late 1 st round a few teams with lottery picks siad peterson is s stud and they will consider him will like to see him again in chicago. Considering his physical tools and experience in both Greece and the D-league, it wouldn't be a surprise to see someone take a chance on the ex-Providence standout. He has already stated that he hired an agent and will be staying in the draft.

General Managers and Executive staff Think Peterson will End up going Late 1st Rond in 2011 Draft.

Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Pat Riley motivating Heat players - by Eurobasket News
Pat Riley knows about playing crucial playoff games against the Boston Celtics and how to motivate players.

With the Miami Heat's pivotal Game 4 at hand and the team trying to recover from a poor performance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Hall of Famer was putting that experience and skill to use with his team Monday.

Riley, the Heat's president, had private conversations with several players on the floor following the team's shootaround at TD Garden. Players said Riley was relating the historical relevance of the current series and passing on stories for motivation.

'He's a master of timing,' Dwyane Wade said. 'When you get to talk to someone who's been in those battles, and understand the psyche of that person, you respect it. He's given me a lot of knowledge about the game.'

Riley battled the Celtics as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in three different NBA Finals in the 1980s, creating some of the most memorable playoff games in NBA history. Players said stories from those days have made an impression on them in the midst of another playoff struggle.

'We were just just talking about the situation, about the series and about history,' LeBron James said about his time with Riley on Monday.

'That man has a lot of history, he's been in a lot of Game 4s, Games 3s, Game 7s. He's seen everything to know about. This is a huge game for us and we're approaching it like it. I've got great respect for the history of the game. I know exactly what Pat's been through in series with Boston.'

Courtesy of ESPN

LA Lakers' coach Phil Jackson retires, feeling big NBA fine - by Eurobasket News
A huge fine and a resounding playoff defeat made for a deflating end to Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson's illustrious NBA coaching career.
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Lakers 122-86 to sweep the two-time defending champions out of the playoffs, ending a Lakers season that Jackson had vowed would be his last.

Adding to the sting, the league fined Jackson $US35,000 ($A33,000) before the game for his remarks criticising officiating in the series.

Jackson had complained on Saturday that game officials were allowing defenders to use their knees to shove Lakers big man Pau Gasol out of position.

'I got out with a sour note after having been fined $35,000 this morning by the league,'' Jackson said. 'That's not fun, feeling like I've been chased down the freeway by them.

'As Richard Nixon says,'' he added with a rueful smile, 'You won't be able to kick this guy around anymore.''

However, in the wake of the defeat it took some doing to induce Jackson to reiterate his plan to retire.

Asked point-blank if he had coached his last NBA game, and if so how it felt, Jackson side-stepped neatly.

'Feels really good to be ending this season, to be honest,'' he said.

And as for the 'last game'' portion of the question?

'I haven't answered that, have I?'' he said with a smile. 'And you're not going to force me to answer it.''

But the 65-year-old Jackson, whose five adult children turned out for the game, relented.

'All my hopes and aspirations are that this is the final game I'll coach,'' he said. 'This has been a wonderful run.''

Jackson, a Hall-of-Famer since 2007, departs with a record 11 titles as a coach and only 10 postseason series defeats.

He won six championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, three with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal leading the Lakers, and the last two with a Lakers team led by Bryant.

It was only the pursuit of a possible three-peat that lured him back this season, although he said he knew it would be difficult for a Lakers team worn out by its prior championship chases.

'The thrill of trying to chase a three-peat is an exciting thing,'' he said. 'I knew it was a big challenge for this team...

'' (That) puts a lot of strain on the basketball club from all angles: personalities, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and getting charged up for game after game and assault after assault when you go in and play a team,'' Jackson said.

'It was a challenge bigger than we could meet this year.''

Bryant was among those who recognised the end of an era.

'I grew up under him,'' Bryant said. 'The way I approach things, the way I think about things - not only basketball, life in general - comes from him.

'It's a little weird for me to think of what next year is going to be like.''

Courtesy of www.heraldsun.com.au

Josh Smith: Atlanta's X-Factor - by Daniel Gibson
ATLANTA---the wise one known as Charles Barkley had some great advice for Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) that could take his game to the next level and all-star status:

'Only shoot when there is paint beneath your feet.'

Every Hawks fan in attendance let out groans every time Smith looked like he was going to take a jumper. I credit his confidence for shooting it though because if 20,000 people were yelling for me not to shoot I would probably think twice about it.

It's not that the fans don't want Smith to shoot at all, they just don't want him taking long jump shots because when he misses it affects his confidence and takes him out of his zone.

Smith is a talented player who has the skills to change the game. If he plays to his strengths every night he can put up LeBron James (6'8''-F-84)-esque numbers.

He wont score near thirty a game like James but he can get 18-24 easily, grab 10 boards, block 1-3 shots, and get over five assists a night.

That is, if he is focused and sticking to the game plan.

During the regular season Smith averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The Hawks weren't sure what type of effort they would get from him from night to night but they all know that when he comes to play he is a weapon.

Check out Smiths stat line from game 4: 23 points, 16 rebounds (five offensive), eight assists, two blocks, and one steal. He shot 8-22 with most of the misses coming on jump shots. When he missed shots in the paint he was quick enough to jump again before the defenders and tip in or dunk his own miss.

When Smith is attacking the basket and mentally locked in on both ends of the court it takes the Hawks from a middle of the pack team to one of the Eastern Conference elites.

Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) talked about how important Smith is to the team after the game.

'We're always trying to stay in his ear, but obviously when he's going to the basket and making it easy for himself, we just try to keep encouraging him,' said Johnson. 'He was All-Star caliber. When he's playing like that, it's almost impossible for a team to beat us.'

Every time he takes a jump shot he is letting the other team off the hook. If he constantly attacks the basket he would be able to make plays for himself and teammates and put pressure on the opposition.

It would help Johnson, Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan), and Kirk Hinrich (6'3''-G-81, college: Kansas) get open looks and they are the ones who should be shooting long jump shots.

If Smith continues to play the way he did Sunday night he could change the entire series and take his game from 'a good player with potential' to all-star status and more.


East and West Semifinals: Fourth games - by Eurobasket News
East
Boston C. - Miami Heat 90-98 OT
Miami's Big Three was assembled for just this purpose: To dominate the bullies from Boston who knocked them from the playoffs so many times before. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) scored 35 points, Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) had 28 and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) had 20 on Monday night to give the Heat a 98-90 overtime victory over the Celtics and move Miami within one game of the Eastern Conference finals. The Heat lead the best-of-seven East semifinals 3-1, with a chance to close out the series in Miami on Wednesday. 'Wednesday night will be our greatest challenge that we've had with this group so far,' Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'We'll get their best games on Wednesday. And we have to be better. If we're real about what we want to do, we have to beat the Boston Celtics at their best.' One game after their worst performance as a threesome, James, Wade and Bosh had 83 of Miami's 98 points and 35 of its 45 rebounds. They scored all 12 of Miami's points in overtime; Bosh and Wade had five apiece after James' fallaway jumper on the Heat's first possession of the extra period gave them the lead for good. 'We're the guys. We're the ones who get all the attention. We're the ones that get all the praise,' Wade said. 'This team is going to go as far as us three takes it.' Paul Pierce scored 27, Ray Allen had 17 and Kevin Garnett had seven points and 10 rebounds for Boston. Rajon Rondo, who dislocated his left elbow Saturday night in Game 3, played 39 minutes with a padded sleeve covering what appeared to be a brace on his left arm, scoring 10 with five assists. The Celtics would need to win the next three games - two in Miami - to have a chance to defend their Eastern Conference championship. *Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Atlanta H. - Chicago B. 100-88
The Atlanta Hawks finally won a second-round playoff game at home. They can thank a guy who frequently gets booed by the home fans, and a young guard who wasn't supposed to be playing much at all. Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) answered his critics with a huge game - 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists - and fill-in Jeff Teague (6'2''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) came up with the Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis)-like plays down the stretch to lead the Hawks past the Chicago Bulls 100-88 Sunday night, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece. The Hawks snapped a nine-game home losing streak in the second round, their misery dating to a May 13, 1996, win against Orlando. Smith is frequently criticized by Atlanta fans for his inconsistent play. He heard nothing but cheers in this one, staying away from the outside jumpers, dominating on the inside and finding the open man with crisp passes. 'There are people who don't understand the game, who don't know the game. That doesn't faze me,' Smith said. 'My teammates matter more than anybody else. They believe in me. They have confidence in my game. When I was in my rut, they told me to stay positive, to stay in the game, just do what I'd been doing all season long. I stayed with it and had the game I had tonight.' Teague has been an even bigger surprise filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich, playing with the poise of a veteran instead of someone who played infrequently during the regular season and first round of the playoffs. He scored 12 points and doled out four assists, putting the capper on a late 10-0 run that broke open a game that had been tight and intense all the way. 'He's playing great,' said Hinrich, who's watched this entire series in dress suits because of a hamstring injury. 'Obviously he has ability. He's fast. He's good at finishing up around the rim.' Driving toward the hoop with Kyle Korver draped all over him, Teague flipped up a shot as he was falling down. It banked in, giving the Hawks a safe lead, 94-84, with 1:26 remaining. The second-year player bounced off the court with a big smile, bumping his teammates on the way to the bench. Someone held up a sign, 'M-V-Teague.' The actual MVP scored 34 points. But Rose needed 32 shots to do it, and he wasn't nearly as effective as he was in scoring a career-best 44 points in Game 3, leading the Bulls to a 99-82 rout that restored Chicago's home-court advantage. The top-seeded Bulls can still close out the series simply by winning at home, but the Hawks know they'll get at least one more home game. 'Game 6 tickets are on sale now,' the Hawks public-address announcer said. After an embarrassing performance two nights earlier, the Hawks changed up their lineup. They had been dominated on the boards in the two previous games, so they went back to a bigger lineup that worked so well against Dwight Howard and Orlando in the opening round. Seven-footer Jason Collins started at center between Al Horford and Smith, putting Marvin Williams in a reserve role. Collins had a couple of early dunks, but he wound up playing less than 12 minutes. More significant was the way Atlanta changed up its defense on Rose, charging at him with double-teams - even a few triple-teams - whenever it looked as though he was about to make a move toward the hoop. No one stops Rose completely, of course. He still had plenty of moves for the highlight film, including a soaring dunk of his own miss when no one blocked him out early on. But down the stretch, the Hawks clamped down on the Chicago star. Rose tied it at 84 on a drive with 4 1/2 minutes to go, but he missed his next shot, then turned it over twice before making a late basket that didn't matter. He finished 12 of 32 from the field. 'It was a tough game but no excuses,' Rose said. 'Put this game on me. Two turnovers at the end of the game.' Watching from the bench, Hinrich noticed a big difference from Game 3 to Game 4. 'Our second line of defense was so much better,' he said. 'When Derrick got in the lane, we made him play in a crowd. That's what you have to do.' Smith showed what he can do when he's not sitting on the outside, launching up errant jumpers. In the decisive run, he played stifling defense on Rose, had a big rebound and dished out two nifty passes that set up dunks by Horford. Horford had his best game of the series, scoring 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points, knocking down some early shots to get over a rough showing in Game 3. Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) had 18 points for Chicago, and Luol Deng added 13. Korver had an especially rough night, going 1 for 8 from the field. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts. The game was in single digits until the end. The Hawks ran to what was their biggest lead, 60-52, when Smith got out on a fast break and passed to Horford slicing in off the wing for a layup. Chicago responded with a 17-7 spurt to close the third quarter. Boozer capped it with a nice spin move, laying it in with his left hand to send the Bulls to the final period up 69-67. Coach Tom Thibodeau said the tone was set in the first quarter. The Hawks came out with much more effort than they did on Friday, and the Bulls weren't nearly as tight on defense as they had been. Atlanta made 13 of 24 shots in those opening 12 minutes. 'It was too easy,' Thibodeau said. 'Then we didn't finish the game the way we would have liked.' *Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com




West
Memphis G. - Oklah.City T. 123-133 OT3
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies were in an incredible struggle on Monday night at the Fedex Forum, going to triple overtime before the Thunder finally pulled out the Game 4 win, 133-123. Former ASU standout James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) worked hard all night, scoring 19 points and making all ten of his free throw attempts. Harden played 49 minutes on the evening. Harden's consistency at the line was very significant, but his biggest moment came with just a minute left in the second overtime when he nailed a three pointer to tie the game at 117 each. Memphis' rotation was thinned out by O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley fouling out. Greivis Vazquez, who averaged just seven minutes over the first three games of the series, was forced into playing 25 minutes. He delivered, scoring 14 points, but the Grizzlies wore down in the third overtime period. Randolph, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) and Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85, agency: Interperformances) all played 57 minutes each, pushing their bodies to the limit over the course of this marathon battle. This was a game that didn't seem to want to end. The final buzzer sounded after 1:40 AM on the east coast, with fans across the nation staying up long after their bedtimes to see the climactic finish to this contest. With the win, the Thunder evened the series at 2-2 against the eighth-seeded Grizzlies, who were led by Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) 's 34 point effort. *Courtesy of http://arizona.sbnation.com

Dallas M. - LA Lakers 122-86
Phil Jackson walked off the court with a tight smile, shaking hands and accepting congratulations like he has after so many series-ending playoff games. Never like this, though. His team didn't win; it was crushed. Swept, too. And he wasn't heading merely to the offseason - he was calling it a career, ending the most successful run by any coach in NBA history. Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) and the Mavericks ended Jackson's tenure, and the Lakers' reign as two-time champions, with a 122-86 victory Sunday to win the teams' second-round series. After two tight finishes and another game that was relatively close, the Mavs turned this one into a rout in the second quarter. With Terry leading the way, Dallas hit a barrage of three-pointers to go ahead by 24 points at halftime. When he made threes on consecutive possessions early in the third quarter, Los Angeles knew it wasn't going to come back in this game or the series. Things got ugly early in the fourth quarter, with vicious, frustration-fueled cheap shots by Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) getting them ejected 45 seconds apart. But at game's end, Dallas coaches, players and team owner Mark Cuban lined up to bid farewell to the Zen Master. 'It's been a wonderful run,' Jackson said. Jackson, 65, has retired before, but he insists it's for good this time. Though he goes out with the sour taste of his first sweep in 21 postseasons, and his second-widest margin of defeat, it can't override all the sweet days. A Hall of Famer since 2007, he leaves with a record 11 titles and 10 playoff-series losses. Take away Red Auerbach, who won nine championships, and Jackson has more titles than any other two coaches combined. He won six championships with Michael Jordan, three with Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Shaquille O'Neal, and the past two with Bryant leading the way. Jackson had to be talked into coming back this season. The lure of chasing a 12th title, bundled neatly as four three-peats, did it, but he knew it would be tough with a team worn down by three straight years of reaching the Finals. That 'puts a lot of strain on the basketball club from all angles: personalities, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and getting charged up for game after game and assault after assault when you go in and play a team,' Jackson said. 'It was a challenge bigger than we could beat this year.' Bryant said, 'I grew up under him. The way I approach things, the way I think about things - not only basketball, life in general - comes from him. It's a little weird for me to think of what next year is going to be like.' Assistant Brian Shaw is considered a front-runner to take over the job. Terry tied a playoff record with nine three-pointers, and the club matched postseason marks with 11 threes in the first half and 20 for the game. Dallas made 63 percent of its shots from beyond the arc and 60 percent of its field-goal tries. 'I don't think I've seen a team play to that level,' Jackson said. 'You'd like to have an opportunity to challenge, but we didn't.' Terry made 11 of 14 shots for 32 points. J.J. Barea set a career-playoff best with 22 points and Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) added 21 points. All three of those players came off the bench. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.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 Heat26.6 
 3. Wade, Miami Heat25.5 
 4. Rose, Chicago B.25.5 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers25.1 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.24.7 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.1 
 9. Martin, Houston R.23.5 
 10. Nowitzki, Dallas23.4 
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.12.1 
 5. Bogut, Milwauke.11.1 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.10.5 
 7. Humphries, New J.10.4 
 8. Camby, Portland TB10.2 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers9.9 
 10. Lee, Golde S.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.4 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.11.1 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.9 
 4. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 5. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 6. Calderon, Toron.8.9 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.3 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.8.1 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..8.0 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.7.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.3 
 2. Ellis, Golde S.2.1 
 3. Rondo, Boston C.2.1 
 4. Wall, Washington W.1.8 
 5. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 6. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 7. Allen, Memphis G.1.8 
 8. Gay, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Kidd, Dallas M.1.7 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew BOGUT
  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. Milicic, Minnesota2.0 
 6. Duncan, San A.2.0 
 7. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 8. Stoudemire, New Y.1.9 
 9. Jefferson, Utah J.1.9 
 10. Jordan, LA Clippe.1.8 


Hawks top Bulls 100-88 in Game 4 to tie series at 2 - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks finally won a second-round playoff game at home.

They can thank a guy who frequently gets booed by the home fans, and a young guard who wasn't supposed to be playing much at all.

Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) answered his critics with a huge game 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists and fill-in Jeff Teague (6'2''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) came up with the Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis)-like plays down the stretch to lead the Hawks past the Chicago Bulls 100-88 Sunday night, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece.

The Hawks snapped a nine-game home losing streak in the second round, their misery dating to a May 13, 1996, win against Orlando.

Smith is frequently criticized by Atlanta fans for his inconsistent play. He heard nothing but cheers in this one, staying away from the outside jumpers, dominating on the inside and finding the open man with crisp passes.

'There are people who don't understand the game, who don't know the game. That doesn't faze me,' Smith said. 'My teammates matter more than anybody else. They believe in me. They have confidence in my game. When I was in my rut, they told me to stay positive, to stay in the game, just do what I'd been doing all season long. I stayed with it and had the game I had tonight.'

Teague has been an even bigger surprise filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich (6'3''-G-81, college: Kansas), playing with the poise of a veteran instead of someone who played infrequently during the regular season and first round of the playoffs. He scored 12 points and doled out four assists, putting the capper on a late 10-0 run that broke open a game that had been tight and intense all the way.

'He's playing great,' said Hinrich, who's watched this entire series in dress suits because of a hamstring injury. 'Obviously he has ability. He's fast. He's good at finishing up around the rim.'

Driving toward the hoop with Kyle Korver (6'7''-F-81, college: Creighton) draped all over him, Teague flipped up a shot as he was falling down. It banked in, giving the Hawks a safe lead, 94-84, with 1:26 remaining. The second-year player bounced off the court with a big smile, bumping his teammates on the way to the bench.

Someone held up a sign, 'M-V-Teague.'

The actual MVP scored 34 points. But Rose needed 32 shots to do it, and he wasn't nearly as effective as he was in scoring a career-best 44 points in Game 3, leading the Bulls to a 99-82 rout that restored Chicago's home-court advantage. The top-seeded Bulls can still close out the series simply by winning at home, but the Hawks know they'll get at least one more home game.

'Game 6 tickets are on sale now,' the Hawks public-address announcer said.

After an embarrassing performance two nights earlier, the Hawks changed up their lineup. They had been dominated on the boards in the two previous games, so they went back to a bigger lineup that worked so well against Dwight Howard and Orlando in the opening round.

Seven-footer Jason Collins started at center between Al Horford and Smith, putting Marvin Williams in a reserve role. Collins had a couple of early dunks, but he wound up playing less than 12 minutes.

More significant was the way Atlanta changed up its defense on Rose, charging at him with double-teams even a few triple-teams whenever it looked as though he was about to make a move toward the hoop.

No one stops Rose completely, of course. He still had plenty of moves for the highlight film, including a soaring dunk of his own miss when no one blocked him out early on.

But down the stretch, the Hawks clamped down on the Chicago star. Rose tied it at 84 on a drive with 4 1/2 minutes to go, but he missed his next shot, then turned it over twice before making a late basket that didn't matter. He finished 12 of 32 from the field.

'It was a tough game but no excuses,' Rose said. 'Put this game on me. Two turnovers at the end of the game.'

Watching from the bench, Hinrich noticed a big difference from Game 3 to Game 4.

'Our second line of defense was so much better,' he said. 'When Derrick got in the lane, we made him play in a crowd. That's what you have to do.'

Smith showed what he can do when he's not sitting on the outside, launching up errant jumpers. In the decisive run, he played stifling defense on Rose, had a big rebound and dished out two nifty passes that set up dunks by Horford.

Horford had his best game of the series, scoring 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points, knocking down some early shots to get over a rough showing in Game 3.

Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) had 18 points for Chicago, and Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 13. Korver had an especially rough night, going 1 for 8 from the field. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts.

The game was in single digits until the end. The Hawks ran to what was their biggest lead, 60-52, when Smith got out on a fast break and passed to Horford slicing in off the wing for a layup.

Chicago responded with a 17-7 spurt to close the third quarter. Boozer capped it with a nice spin move, laying it in with his left hand to send the Bulls to the final period up 69-67.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said the tone was set in the first quarter. The Hawks came out with much more effort than they did on Friday, and the Bulls weren't nearly as tight on defense as they had been. Atlanta made 13 of 24 shots in those opening 12 minutes.

'It was too easy,' Thibodeau said. 'Then we didn't finish the game the way we would have liked.'

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Mavericks send legend Jackson, Lakers packing - by Eurobasket News
Phil Jackson walked off the court with a tight smile, shaking hands and accepting congratulations like he has after so many series-ending playoff games.

Never like this, though.

His team didn't win; it was crushed. Swept, too.

And he wasn't heading merely to the offseason - he was calling it a career, ending the most successful run by any coach in NBA history.

Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) and the Mavericks ended Jackson's tenure, and the Lakers' reign as two-time champions, with a 122-86 victory Sunday to win the teams' second-round series. After two tight finishes and another game that was relatively close, the Mavs turned this one into a rout in the second quarter.

With Terry leading the way, Dallas hit a barrage of three-pointers to go ahead by 24 points at halftime. When he made threes on consecutive possessions early in the third quarter, Los Angeles knew it wasn't going to come back in this game or the series.

Things got ugly early in the fourth quarter, with vicious, frustration-fueled cheap shots by Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum getting them ejected 45 seconds apart. But at game's end, Dallas coaches, players and team owner Mark Cuban lined up to bid farewell to the Zen Master.

'It's been a wonderful run,' Jackson said.

Jackson, 65, has retired before, but he insists it's for good this time. Though he goes out with the sour taste of his first sweep in 21 postseasons, and his second-widest margin of defeat, it can't override all the sweet days.

A Hall of Famer since 2007, he leaves with a record 11 titles and 10 playoff-series losses. Take away Red Auerbach, who won nine championships, and Jackson has more titles than any other two coaches combined. He won six championships with Michael Jordan, three with Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Shaquille O'Neal, and the past two with Bryant leading the way.

Jackson had to be talked into coming back this season. The lure of chasing a 12th title, bundled neatly as four three-peats, did it, but he knew it would be tough with a team worn down by three straight years of reaching the Finals.

That 'puts a lot of strain on the basketball club from all angles: personalities, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and getting charged up for game after game and assault after assault when you go in and play a team,' Jackson said. 'It was a challenge bigger than we could beat this year.'

Bryant said, 'I grew up under him. The way I approach things, the way I think about things - not only basketball, life in general - comes from him. It's a little weird for me to think of what next year is going to be like.'

Assistant Brian Shaw is considered a front-runner to take over the job.

Terry tied a playoff record with nine three-pointers, and the club matched postseason marks with 11 threes in the first half and 20 for the game. Dallas made 63 percent of its shots from beyond the arc and 60 percent of its field-goal tries.

'I don't think I've seen a team play to that level,' Jackson said. 'You'd like to have an opportunity to challenge, but we didn't.'

Terry made 11 of 14 shots for 32 points. Jose Juan Barea (5'11''-G-84, college: Northeastern) set a career-playoff best with 22 points and Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) added 21 points. All three of those players came off the bench.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Jamine Peterson Most underrated player in 2011 Draft - by Allen Waters
Jamine Peterson , 6'6 F, D-League

Peterson has had an unorthodox journey to the NBA Draft. After being dismissed from Providence despite averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds two years ago, Peterson spent time in Greece before landing on the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBDL. Listed at 6'6, Peterson is more of a combo forward who thrives in a fast pace offense. 'It was a great experience', Peterson said in regards to his short time abroad. 'Playing overseas, they have a slow pace, not uptempo like the style I like to play.'

Peterson said the right things in terms of what he needs to do to contribute at the next level- ' I'm working on my overall game, but lateral movment, balance, rebounding, screening, being a good teammate... whatever the coach needs me to do'. Peterson is one of the rare examples of an American kid playing in Europe before entering the draft. Peterson said he would recommend playing abroad if a lockout takes place. 'It would show everyone that it's not just the U.S. that's good at basketball'.

The buzz around the gym was that Peterson threw down some big time dunks during scrimmages Saturday morning.Scouts are Predicting Peterson to go Late 1 st round a few teams with lottery picks siad peterson is s stud and they will consider him will like to see him again in chicago. Considering his physical tools and experience in both Greece and the D-league, it wouldn't be a surprise to see someone take a chance on the ex-Providence standout. He has already stated that he hired an agent and will be staying in the draft.

General Managers and Executive staff Think Peterson will End up going Late 1st Rond in 2011 Draft.

Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Notre Dame F Scott stays in NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Notre Dame forward Carleton Scott (6'7''-F-88) will bypass his final year of eligibility with the Irish and remain in the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-8 Scott averaged 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds last season when he started 29 times as the Irish went 27-7. They lost their second NCAA tournament game to Florida State.

Scott had career averages of 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and blocked 97 shots.

Courtesy of www.kansascity.com

Butler junior Shelvin Mack leaving for NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Butler University officials said Sunday that guard Shelvin Mack (6'3''-G-90) is keeping his name in the June 23 NBA draft and won't return for his senior season with the small Indiana school that reached the NCAA basketball final the last two seasons.

Mack confirmed his decision with The Indianapolis Star in a phone interview. He told the newspaper he decided Saturday night.

'I think it's a good time for me personally to go after my dreams,' he said Sunday from Lexington, Ky., where he was home for Mother's Day.

Mack is Butler's all-time NCAA tournament scoring leader with 232 points in 13 games. The Bulldogs now face a significant rebuilding project with the departure of five seniors, including starters Matt Howard and Shawn Vanzant.

Butler fell to Connecticut in the April 4 title game in Houston, 53-41. The Bulldogs lost to Duke in the 2010 final.

Mack averaged 16.0 points and shot 35.4 percent on 3-pointers his junior season. He averaged 20.3 points during the 2011 NCAA tournament and was the Bulldogs' only scorer in double figures in the final with 13 points.

He finished 11th on Butler's all-time list with 1,527 points, fourth in 3-pointers with 216 and fifth in assists with 357.

The NBA draft combine is May 18-22.

Mack said he and Pittsburgh's Ashton Gibbs worked out Thursday in Oklahoma City for the NBA's Thunder. Gibbs has decided to stay in school.

Mack said he considered a 'worst-case scenario,' in which no one would pick him. Only first-round picks receive guaranteed contracts, and projections on him vary from late in the first round to the second round.

All draftees also must deal with the possibility of an NBA lockout of its players.

Mack said if he goes undrafted, he would be 'OK with that.'

'I can't worry about the end result,' he said. 'All I can do is work hard and get in the best shape.'

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

Bowers, English withdraw from NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Missouri junior forwards Laurence Bowers (6'8''-F) and Kim English (6'6''-G) will return to school to play for new coach Frank Haith next year.

The two starters declared for the NBA draft in early April on the same day the school hired Haith. Not hiring an agent allowed each to gauge their pro potential without losing college eligibility.

Both Bowers and English were projected as second-round draft picks at best in the late June draft. With an NBA labor lockout looming, neither wanted to take the chance of being unable to sign a pro contract.

Bowers announced his decision through a university spokesman. English disclosed his decision on Twitter.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Texas players Thompson, Joseph stay in NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Texas standouts Tristan Thompson (6'8''-F-91) and Cory Joseph (6'3''-G-91) are staying in the NBA draft and won't be back for the Longhorns.

Thompson and Joseph were freshmen last season. They join teammate Jordan Hamilton in leaving the Longhorns early for the NBA.

That leaves Texas without three starters from the team that rose to No. 3 in the nation and challenged Kansas for the Big 12 title last season. Thompson was the Big 12 freshman of the year.

College players had until midnight Sunday night to withdraw from the draft to remain eligible.

Texas has one of the top-ranked recruiting classes coming in for next season, highlighted by guard Myck Kabongo.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Penn St signs JC guard Matt Glover - by Eurobasket News
Junior college guard Matt Glover has signed a letter of intent to play at Penn State.

The 6-foot-4 Glover will have three years of eligibility left and can start playing this fall. The Nittany Lions hope he will help fill a backcourt void created by the departures of senior Talor Battle and Battle's half-brother, freshman Taran Buie.

Glover averaged about 12 points and five rebounds in his only season at Sheridan College in Wyoming. Coach Ed DeChellis said Monday that Glover's 205-pound frame is Big Ten-ready.

Battle is the school's career scoring leader after wrapping up his four-year career by leading Penn State to the NCAA tournament in March. Buie decided to transfer last month after a season full of off-court trouble.

Courtesy of www.sfexaminer.com

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Darryl DORA
  Nelson G.
  (206-C-85)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Dora, Nelson G.22.3 
 2. Webster, Wellingt.22.3 
 3. Leasure, Taranaki.22.2 
 4. Hudson, Manawatu.20.8 
 5. Polyblank, Southla.20.7 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.20.4 
 7. Pace, Bay Hawks20.3 
 8. Mickens, Auckland.20.2 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.19.7 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.19.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lance ALLRED
  OceanaGo.
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 9.6
 1. Allred, OceanaGo.9.6 
 2. Trousdell, Bay H.9.4 
 3. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 4. Bradshaw, OceanaG.9.2 
 5. Grizzard, Nelson G.9.0 
 6. Johnson, Wellingt.9.0 
 7. Frank, Wellington9.0 
 8. Dawson, Southlan.9.0 
 9. Campbell, Taranaki.8.6 
 10. Horvath, Manawat.8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington S.
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Tait, Wellington S.6.7 
 2. Kench, Manawatu J.6.0 
 3. Dickel, Southland6.0 
 4. Le''afa, Wellingt.4.5 
 5. O''Gallagher, Ocean.4.4 
 6. Martin, Auckland.4.4 
 7. Smith, Waikato P.4.0 
 8. Leasure, Taranaki.3.6 
 9. Webster, Wellingt.3.3 
 10. Kenny, Bay Hawks3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Hayden ALLEN
  Waikato P.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Allen, Waikato P.2.8 
 2. Smith, Waikato P.2.8 
 3. Dickel, Southland2.3 
 4. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 5. Kench, Manawatu J.2.3 
 6. Frank, Wellington2.2 
 7. Johnson, Wellingt.2.0 
 8. Polyblank, Southla.2.0 
 9. Hudson, Manawatu.2.0 
 10. Dempster, Nelson1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcus CAMPBELL
  Taranaki.
  (214-C-82)
  Avg: 2
 1. Campbell, Taranaki.2.0 
 2. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 3. Anthony, Waika.1.3 
 4. Adams, Wellington1.3 
 5. Spicer, Southlan.1.3 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.1.0 
 7. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 8. Beck, Auckland P.0.8 
 9. Frank, Wellington0.8 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.8 


Breakers look to retain Penney, Abercrombie - by Eurobasket News
The New Zealand Breakers will hold talks this week with Kiwi stars Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) and Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.) and remain confident both will be on board for next season's defence of the Aussie NBL title.

As it stands now the Breakers have just three roster spots open for next season - their two imports and the position vacated by the retired Paul Henare.

But with point guard Kevin Braswell remaining in New Zealand to play for the Southland Sharks and outstanding big man Gary Wilkinson understood to be keen on a return, there is a good chance the Breakers could retain their American duo.

Coach Andrej Lemanis is already on the record about the wisdom of retaining quality imports when you find them and club GM Richard Clarke confirmed discussions with the pair were already under way.

'Kevin enjoys it here, and we know how he plays and what he offers,' said Clarke. 'And I think everyone now realises what a great signing Gary was.'

Wilkinson will probably need his contract upgraded to reflect his all-NBL status, while Braswell wants a starting role if he returns. Both should be accommodated.

That would leave just Henare's spot to fill, with young Tall Black BJ Anthony and versatile Saints forward Leon Henry considered frontrunners for elevation. CJ Bruton, Corey Webster and Braswell would provide cover at the point.

Anthony was a development player this season, but wants a full roster spot for 2011-12, while Henry filled in when Penney went to the NBA and trained with the squad all season.

Clarke confirmed yesterday the club would not look across the Tasman to fill Henare's spot. 'That New Zealand-ness we have now is important and that's why we're looking at guys like BJ and Leon who have worked hard to get their chance,' he said.

Further spots could open up if either Penney or Abercrombie are enticed to the NBA or Europe , with both having 'outs' in their deals. However the looming NBA lockout seems certain to limit opportunities in the north next season.

'We'll sit down with Kirk and Tom this week and talk with them about this next season and beyond,' said Clarke. 'I'm pretty confident both will be playing for us next season. I know both want to play here again.

'We know these guys well, and we know about their ambitions. Part of our role is in helping them realise those ambitions.

'Hopefully next week we'll get some surety from both players about what their plans are.'

Meanwhile, Clarke confirmed plans were afoot to take a couple of games to Vector Arena next year as the club explores options outside the North Shore Events Centre.

However, he said the NSEC would remain the primary home venue until demand forced them to move to the larger downtown arena.

'What we need to do is test the venue and while everyone says we should be playing at this bigger stadium, we need to see whether the model works.'

Clarke pointed out that the Breakers' season average of 3000 fans still left room for another 1000 to be added before the house-full signs came out.

'If we repeat what we achieved in the playoffs for every game at the NSEC it would still be a great result for us in terms of revenue.

'But until we're selling out the Events Centre every week it's hard to see us looking any further than that as a home base..'

Clarke admitted 'lessons' had been learnt around the handling of playoff tickets and work had begun with their partners around that.

The Breakers boss also hoped there would be major corporate and sponsorship spinoffs from the huge interest generated by the championship run, and firming those opportunities up would be a major task over the next month.

The aim was also to double the current season ticket base and grow sponsorship and corporate support to a position where 2000 of the 4000 seats were locked in each week.

Clarke also confirmed the four-game home playoff stand had generated a significant revenue boost, though it was cash that only served to 'ease the burden' in the constant quest for funding.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


DStv PBL: Dodan Warriors, Comets rally to last minute wins - by Olusegun Ikuesan
As the regular season of the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League draw to a close Dodan Warriors basketball club and Comets basketball club picked valuable wins over Chariots basketball club and Islanders basketball club on Saturday in Lagos.

Dodan Warriors BC defeated Chariots BC by 69-47 points with a stellar three-point shot from combo guard Mohammed Bukar at the buzzer to give the 2006 FIBA Africa Champions Club third place finisher a final-8 playoffs ticket.

Warriors dominated the Chariots in all departments of the game winning in all four quarters by 19-14, 16-11, 21-11 and 13-11 to end the regular season with a 8-6 records and fourth place in the conference.

Comets BC on the other hand made a bold come-back after missing out of the playoffs party for several years with a 69-61 points victory over Islanders BC for a 9-5 record and third place finish.

The Dakar, Senegal 2001 second place team of the now rested FIBA Africa Winners Club Cup Championship (ASHRY CUP) picked the first three quarters by 17-10, 20-17, 14-12 but lost the last one by 18-22 points respectively with former Nigeria international Dennis Ebikoro showing great presence for the 2003 winner of the Nigerian league.

Union Bank basketball club on Sunday extended its regular season record to 13-1 with a 96-81 points victory over Police Baton basketball club in a local derby at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos.

The victory thus earn the Coach Ayinla Johnson tutored bankers the top spot of the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League leading three other clubs from the conference (Royal Hoopers, Comets and Dodan Warriors) to the final-8 playoffs.

...... Action resume in the Savannah

Action return to the Savannah conference after weeks of inactivities due to the outbreak of violence that rock some Northern part of the country after the outcome of the Presidential election with four games lined up Wednesday across four cities.

In Bauchi, Nets will be at home to defending champion of the league Kano Pillars basketball club in a week-11 game, Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna will host Niger Potters basketball club of Minna at the sports hall of the Muritala Muhammed Square, Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi will be the guest of Immigration basketball club of Kano at the sports hall of Sani Abacha stadium, while Plateau Peaks basketball club and Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos in a local derby in Abuja.

The conference regular season is expected to the rounded up in two weeks of resumption of hostilities in order to give teams from the conference enough time to prepare for the final-8 playoffs.


HOSTING BID FOR 2011 DSTV LEAGUE FINAL EIGHT TOURNAMENT BY LAGOS BASED ATLANTIC CONFERENCE TEAMS (1) - by Olusegun Ikuesan
OUR BID

In support of our bid, we feel it is only appropriate to acquaint you with the special characteristics and distinguishing factors which set our bid apart and why no other host can match the unparalleled competitive advantages we offer.

PROVISION OF WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
It is common knowledge that in spite of its age, the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium remains arguably the most spectator and TV friendly venue in the country today. It is our plan to create a never-before-achieved TV viewing experience for DSTV subscribers in particular and basketball fans in general.

ABILITY TO FILL THE PLAYING VENUE WITH SPECTATORS
Conservative estimates put the population of Lagos at around fifteen million, making it easily the most densely populated city in Nigeria. The size of the population becomes important when viewed as a determinant of how easy or difficult it would be to achieve filling the playing venue with spectators, which is a highly desired aspect of the event from the point of view of the sponsors and NBBF. The population within walking distance or three kilometers radius of the proposed National Stadium venue is estimated to be around four million. No other city, venue or location in Nigeria is capable of accessibility or proximity to such a large human population or simply put, target market. In addition to the above natural advantages, we have mapped out a very detailed and elaborate publicity plan which will ensure that the Stadium is filled to such a capacity that will give the NBBF and our League sponsors DSTV, the type of broadcasting opportunity that they had previously only dared dream of.

UNPARALELLED MEDIA COVERAGE
Because of the constant flow of breaking news and news worthy items, plus the ready availability of facilities for the dissemination of such news, Lagos has become undeniably the media capital of Nigeria. Every major print and electronic media has a major base in the city. Of particular interest is the fact that there are probably more sports writers, sports casters and sports journalists frequenting the National Stadium itself on a regular basis than in the rest of the country put together. It is this ready media pool that we intend to tap into as part of our overall strategy, to give the Final Eight event the kind of media backing and publicity that has never before been witnessed. There will be weekly press conferences, media events, team profiling, arranged news items, banners, handbills, special promotions etc as part of our strategy in this regard.

LONG TERM MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Lagos remains unchallenged as the commercial capital of Nigeria. Nearly every major business concern and enterprise in Nigeria has a major operational base in Lagos. Statistically, eighty percent of all companies with an annual turnover in excess of one hundred million naira, have head offices or a base in Lagos. Close to seventy percent of the companies with annual turnover in excess of one billion naira have at least one of their top three management executives stationed in Lagos. The net effect of this is that if basketball is looking for a platform to present itself positively to the decision makers, the movers and shakers in Nigerian business, who have the financial muscle to provide much needed financial support, look no further than Lagos. We respectfully suggest to the NBBF that as supportive as DSTV has been over the years, there may be a need to put the game in a position where it can attract additional sponsors with similar financial clout, especially as the DSTV relationship is not exclusive.


DStv PBL: Nets host Pillars in Bauchi - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Third place Bauchi Nets basketball club will have its hands full as it host defending champion and Savannah conference top of the log of the DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club Wednesday at the Arena of the Bauchi Township Stadium.

The Week-11 ctacker promises to be a top-notch game as the Nets searches for a second straight playoffs ticket will the Pillars will want to maintain its invicibility as it remain the only team in the league this season that is yet to taste defeat.

In Kaduna Kada Stars basketball club will be at home to Niger Potters basketball club of Minna as Kaduna fans yarn for the return of basketball action.

Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano will attempt to rattle visiting Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi when both clash at the sport hall of the Sani Abacha stadium in Kofar Mata, Kano Wednesday afternoon as two Jos-based teams play away from home when Plateau Peaks basketball club host Tapgun Rockets basketball club.


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Talk 'N Text captures second jewel in grand slam bid - by Eurobasket News
TALK 'N Text was able to weather the best Barangay Ginebra was able to offer and all because its players refused to lose heart.

The Tropang Texters' ablest players came up big in the most crucial stretches as they fashioned a 99-96 overtime victory over the Kings Sunday to bag the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.

Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.), Jason Castro and Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) each delivered the sterling plays in TNT's gallant fightback from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit before keeping their team together in the extension as they wrapped up the best-of-seven series four games to two.

It was the second straight title for TNT, which also topped the season-opening Philippine Cup and it got a little help from Ginebra itself.

Back-to-back triples by Alapag and Castro pushed the Texters ahead 97-96 but the Kings managed to score just a triplecourtesy of John Wilsonin the game's final 1:30 as the likes of Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior), Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) and Willie Miller (180-G-77) missed their mark.

After Alapag's charities made it a three-point game in the final 15.2 seconds, Ginebra's chances to stretch the duel went down the drain as Caguioa missed a triple and Miller's pass to JC Intal went wide and out of the sideline as the final buzzer sounded and the entire TNT bench and their fans erupted in frenzied celebration.

Alapag wound up with 24 points with Castro adding 19 as the two were named the Phoenix-PBA Press Corps' Co-Finals Most Valuable Player for the second straight conference.

What a luxury to have two point guards who genuinely like playing together and can play well together. That's one of the secrets to our success, said TNT coach Chot Reyes, who also dedicated the victory to his uncle, Boy Molina, who is set to undergo heart procedure once the series is over.

Willie Miller led Ginebra with 21 points while Nate Brumfield notched his season-high 17th double-double with 18 points and 22 rebounds before getting hit by cramps on his left leg in the last 1:30.

Definitely, that was a major factor, Reyes related. Brumfield is really working hard and were just waiting for him to break. For a very long while I never thought we'd get that break.

Ginebra had the chance to win in regulation after Alapag's drive pegged an 88-all count in the last 19.9 seconds. But Robert Labagala muffed the potential game-winner when his semi-hook rimmed out before the buzzer.

Miller was also the spark that pulled Ginebra away from a 55-53 count with two charities, before Menk, Brumfield, JC Intal and Labagala left their prints on a 22-8 run that stretched the difference to 74-61, going into the last 14 minutes of the game.

That was a big letdown for TNT, which first drew within 51-53 following a triple by Alapag to open the third.

With Labagala opening the final canto with a trey and John Wilson draining two jumpers, the Kings stretched their lead to 15 points anew at 81-66.

Turned out the Texters were saving their best for last.

After going scoreless in the first quarter, Brumfield sprang to life in the second with 11 points and nine of his 14 first half rebounds, leading Ginebra to a 53-48 advantage at the half.

Miller, averaging 5.2 points in the first five games of the series, led all scorers at the break with 13 and was instrumental in staking the Kings to the lead that went as high as 40-25, 8:25 to go.

Like in a long stretch in the first period, TNT went 0-of-3 and committed two turnovers to start the second, not scoring until Harris broke the ice with a jumper, 9:14 to go.

As is its wont, TNT came roaring back.

Spearheaded by Alapag, Castro and Peek, the Texters bucked the listless play by Paul Harris in the second quarter to tie the count at 48 before Mike Cortez's charity and Brumfield's back-to-back putbacks gave the Kings the five-point edge.

Harris actually got off to a fine start, scoring six points and getting help from Williams and Castro in giving TNT a 14-7 start.

But JC Intal not only anchored the succeeding defense on Harris but also drained two triples in a massive 17-2 exchange that put the Kings on top 24-16 before

Harris and Castro made it a very manageable 23-28 count.

The Texters went 1-of-8 from the field and committed seven turnovers in that four-minute span, where Miller came off the bench to scatter six points and John Wilson chipped in four.


The scores:

Talk N' Text 99 - Alapag 24, Castro 19, Harris 18, De Ocampo 18, Williams 10, Peek 10, Reyes 0,
Fonacier 0, Carey 0.

Ginebra 96 - Miller 21, Brumfield 18, Intal 17, J. Wilson 14, Labagala 8, Caguioa 6, Menk 5, Cortez
3, Mamaril 2, Hatfield 2, Tubid 0.

Quarters: 23-28, 48-53, 64-74, 88-88, 99-96

Courtesy of www.pba.ph



*****************************************************
  POLAND   


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Ted SCOTT
  SKK Kotwica
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 25.4
 1. Scott, SKK Kotwica25.4 
 2. Hodge, Zastal17.0 
 3. Frazier, AZS K.16.7 
 4. Reynolds, AZS K.16.5 
 5. Hinson, Polonia Az.16.3 
 6. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.0 
 7. Thomas, PGE Turow14.6 
 8. Bennerman, Energa14.5 
 9. NaNa, Polonia Azb.14.4 
 10. Dylewicz, Trefl S.14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Harris, SKK K.11.4 
 2. Truscott, Siarka9.9 
 3. Burgess, Zastal9.4 
 4. NaNa, Polonia Azb.8.3 
 5. Easley, Polonia Az.7.0 
 6. Wysocki, PGE Turow6.9 
 7. Miller, Anwil6.6 
 8. Ceranic, Trefl S.6.5 
 9. Reynolds, AZS K.6.4 
 10. Archibeque, Polph.6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Igor MILICIC
  AZS K.
  (194-G-76)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Milicic, AZS K.6.6 
 2. Blassingame, Energ.6.2 
 3. Thomas, PGE Turow5.6 
 4. Hodge, Zastal5.1 
 5. Skibniewski, Polph.4.8 
 6. Hawkins, PBG B.4.0 
 7. Szubarga, Asseco3.7 
 8. Vaughn, Polpharma3.5 
 9. Ewing, Asseco P.3.2 
 10. Harrington, Trefl3.0 
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, Zastal2.5 
 4. Pringle, Siarka2.4 
 5. Skibniewski, Polph.2.4 
 6. Szubarga, Asseco2.3 
 7. Milicic, AZS K.2.3 
 8. Thomas, PGE Turow2.2 
 9. Hawkins, PBG B.2.1 
 10. Vaughn, Polpharma2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Harris, SKK K.2.0 
 2. Lapeta, Asseco P.1.4 
 3. Reynolds, AZS K.1.4 
 4. Hicks, Anwil1.3 
 5. Burgess, Zastal1.3 
 6. Easley, Polonia Az.1.3 
 7. Davis, Energa C.1.1 
 8. Kesicki, Zastal0.8 
 9. Mirkovic, Polpharma0.8 
 10. Miller, Anwil0.8 


Stats Leaders - 1Liga
Points Per Game
 Michal JANKOWSKI
  Polonia .
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 17.7
 1. Jankowski, Polonia17.7 
 2. Pacocha, AZS S.17.5 
 3. Witos, GKS Tychy17.4 
 4. Jakobczyk, Gornik16.3 
 5. Michalak, Polonia16.0 
 6. Ustarbowski, Gor.15.7 
 7. Lichodzijews., ISS15.6 
 8. Mordzak, Asec.Pro.15.3 
 9. Wojdyla, Asec.Pro.14.7 
 10. Mis, SKK Siedlce14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Wojciech ZURAWSKI
  ISS S.
  (199-F/C-76)
  Avg: 9.6
 1. Zurawski, ISS S.9.6 
 2. Lichodzijews., ISS9.2 
 3. Mielczarek, AZS S.8.6 
 4. Wojdyla, Asec.Pro.8.5 
 5. Mis, SKK Siedlce7.9 
 6. Wilczek, Sokol Lan.7.7 
 7. Luszczewski, Start7.7 
 8. Klima, Sokol Lancut7.6 
 9. Grudzinski, Spojnia7.5 
 10. Ustarbowski, Gor.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Rafal WOJCICKI
  SKK S.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Wojcicki, SKK S.6.3 
 2. Wilczek, Tempcold.6.3 
 3. Brek, SKK Siedlce5.9 
 4. Sikora, Start Lubl.5.0 
 5. Stoklosa, Spojnia4.9 
 6. Jakobczyk, Gornik4.9 
 7. Zytko, ISS Sporti.4.6 
 8. Mordzak, Asec.Pro.4.2 
 9. Basinski, MMKS D.4.2 
 10. Kardas, Rosasport4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Maciej USTARBOWSKI
  Gor.
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Ustarbowski, Gor.3.1 
 2. Wojcicki, SKK S.2.8 
 3. Zytko, ISS Sporti.2.8 
 4. Muszynski, Gornik2.6 
 5. Malczyk, Asec.Pro.2.6 
 6. Michalak, Polonia2.5 
 7. Szymanski, Znicz B.2.4 
 8. Klima, Sokol Lancut2.3 
 9. Mielczarek, AZS S.2.1 
 10. Sikora, Start Lub.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Adam LISEWSKI
  MMKS D.
  (206-F/C-80)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Lisewski, MMKS D.2.2 
 2. Szymanski, Znicz B.1.5 
 3. Klima, Sokol Lancut1.4 
 4. Lichodzijews., ISS1.3 
 5. Kulikowski, Spojnia1.1 
 6. Salamonik, LKS L.1.1 
 7. Mis, SKK Siedlce1.1 
 8. Bzdyra, GKS Tychy1.0 
 9. Pietras, Polonia 2.0.9 
 10. Glabas, Polonia 2.0.9 


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Proliga Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Terceira and Barcelos post victories - by Eurobasket News
Terceira Basket - Povoa 98-93

Terceira Basket earned 2-0 lead against Povoa after home games. Povoa was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 29-20 third quarter run of Terceira Basket. Povoa was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Durrell Nevels (198-F-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) supported him with 28 points and 6 assists. Four Terceira Basket players scored in double figures. Even 32 points, 6 assists and 4 steals by guard Nuno Oliveira (186-89) did not help to save the game for Povoa. American forward Anthony jr. Oha (198-83, college: Prairie View A&M) added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the guests.
Top scorers:
Terceira Basket: N.Bowie 28+3reb+6ast, F.Tavares 25+3reb+1ast, D.Nevels 21+15reb+3ast, A.Pontes 11+9reb+4ast, D.Goncalves 8+7reb+2ast, D.Enes 5+4reb
Povoa: N.Oliveira 32+1reb+6ast, A.jr. Oha 21+10reb+1ast, R.Coelho 18+5reb+1ast, A.Silva 8+7reb+1ast, R.Moreira 6+2reb, G.Ehiagwina 5+10reb+1ast
gschID: 128123


Barcelos - Fisica 79-69

Barcelos recorded the second win in a row over Fisica. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-69. The former international forward Pedro Silva (198-79) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Tiago Barreiro (187-83) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Four Barcelos players scored in double figures. Guinea-Bissau center Anastacio Sami (207-76) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and American power forward Jason Underwood (206-84, college: Centenary) scored 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Barcelos: C.Fechas 18+2reb+3ast, N.Pedroso 18+5reb+1ast, T.Barreiro 18+6reb+6ast, P.Silva 17+11reb+3ast, J.Moreira 8+9reb, J.Viana 0
Fisica: A.Sami 22+10reb+2ast, J.Underwood 16+8reb+2ast, A.Catarino 8+2reb, R.Junior 7+1reb, B.Freire 7+3reb, M.Salvador 5+2reb+5ast
gschID: 128124




*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Mayaguez lands Dwayne Jones, returns Ramon Clemente - by Eurobasket News
Mayaguez announced signing of two new players. Dwayne Jones (211-C-83, college: St.Joseph's) and Ramon Clemente (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Wichita St.) penned deals for rest of the season.
Dwayne Jones arrives to Mayaguez from China. He played 31 games for Fujian SBS XunXin registering 18 ppg, 15.8 rpg and 1.6 bpg. Jones ended as the best CBA rebounder for season 2010/11. Last season Jones spent in NBA D-League as a member of Austin Toros. In 48 games he had 17.6 ppg and 16 rpg. There, he also ended as No.1 in rebounding and was named USBasket.com All-D-League Center of the Year -10. Jones signed a short term deal with the Phoenix Suns last season averaging 1.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 4 NBA games. In 2007/2008, he had 1.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 56 NBA games with the Cleveland Cavs.
Ramon Clemente heads to his new/old club from Israel. He played 31 games in National League averaging 22.6 ppg and 11.4 rpg. Clemente played for Mayaguez in 2008 and 2009.

Weekly BSN Team Rankings-Week 6 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

This week, as has evidently become a bad trend, the refs keep calling horrible games (techs to Quebradillas' players for arguing calls but no techs to Manuel Cintron for throwing a tantrum on the court?).

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en&hl=en&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=18&range=A1%3AF11&output=html

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 10-4 
 2. Quebradillas 10-4 
 3. Guaynabo 10-6 
 4. Santurce 7-7 
 5. Arecibo 7-7 
 6. San German 7-8 
 7. Coamo 7-8 
 8. Humacao 7-8 
 9. Isabela 5-10 
 10. Mayaguez 3-11 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Ramos, Quebradillas24.1 
 2. Vassallo, Guaynabo23.6 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon22.5 
 4. Clinch, Isabela19.8 
 5. Robinson, Mayaguez19.8 
 6. Villegas, Coamo19.5 
 7. Johnson, Humacao18.7 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 9. Clemente, Humacao18.5 
 10. Randolph, Isabela17.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 14
 1. Narvaez, Coamo14.0 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.1 
 3. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.7 
 4. Ramos, Quebradillas11.6 
 5. Lloreda, San G.10.9 
 6. Harris, San German10.4 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon9.6 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce8.7 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.9 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas6.0 
 3. Clemente, Humacao5.2 
 4. Guzman, Guaynabo5.1 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.9 
 6. Berdiel, Humacao4.3 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.1 
 8. Copeland, San G.3.8 
 9. Garcia, Humacao3.8 
 10. Vega, Coamo3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hinson, Isabela2.1 
 2. Clinch, Isabela1.9 
 3. Rodriguez, Guayna.1.6 
 4. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 5. Pinnock, Arecibo1.4 
 6. Robinson, Mayaguez1.4 
 7. Carmona, Mayaguez1.4 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon1.4 
 9. Rivera, Mayaguez1.4 
 10. Berdiel, Humacao1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.4 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 5. Santiago, Arecibo1.8 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.6 
 7. Robinson, Mayaguez1.6 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon1.5 
 9. Sanchez, Santurce1.4 
 10. Randolph, Isabela1.4 


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Lampe number one in Russia for round 24 - by Eurobasket News
Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Unics Kazan, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 32 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Spartak SP (#5, 15-9) 78-72. It allowed Unics to consolidate first place in the Russian PBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Unics has a very solid 18-6 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. Lampe turned to be Unics' top player in his first season with the team. Maciej Lampe has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 17.0ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 7.4rpg) and averages impressive 53.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Croatian Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) of Khimky. Loncar had a very good evening with 33 points and 7 rebounds. Of course he lead Khimky to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Triumph (#10, 4-19) 101-76. Despite this victory Khimky slide down in the standings to 4th position. His team's 15-8 record is not bad at all. Loncar is a newcomer at Khimky, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Ernest Bremer (195-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports) of Krasnie Krilya Samara (#7). Bremer scored 22 points and passed nine assists. He was a key player of Krasnie Krilya, leading his team to a 85-72 easy win against N.Novgorod (8-16). The chances of Krasnie Krilya not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 16 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bremer could try to bring Krasnie Krilya's a little bit higher in the standings. Bremer has individually a great season in Russia. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.8apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Henry Domercant (192-G-80) of Spartak SP - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) of Krasnie Krilya - 24 points and 7 rebounds
6. Alando Tucker (198-F-84) of Lokomotiv - 19 points and 7 rebounds
7. Andrei Komarovskiy (196-G-85) of Enisey - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Eugeny Voronov (193-G-86) of Dynamo - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Khimky - 22 points and 4 rebounds
10. Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

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

SuperLeague: The Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News
Four teams advanced to the semis of the SuperLegue that will start on May 14th. Universitet Surgut and Ural swept the Quarterfinal series, while Saransk and Spartak-Primorye advanced today after the massive wins.
Universitet Surgut overcame Rjazan 82:81 in Game 1 and then added 91:77 in Game 2. Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) paced all the winners with 18 points and Linas Lekavicius (185-G-84, college: American) netted 14. Fomin responded with 20 points in the losing effort.
Ural outscored Severstal 67:63 and 73:69. In the second game Marque Perry (185-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) and Anton Glazunov (182-G-86) stepped up with 15 points each, while Polyakov posted 17 points in defeat.
Saransk lost to Revda 83:92, but then needed 88:79 and 90:70 to advance to the semis. Aleksandr Krylov (205-F-80) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Efgrafov netted 14 in the losing effort.
Spartak-Primorye lost the opener to Metallurg 72:73, but then won 87:71 and 117:58. Aleksey Golyahov led the way in Game 3 with 19 points.


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


10TH JUBILEE OF COACHING CLINIC IN BELGRADE - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian Association of Basketball Coaches preparing the 10th jubilee of the International Coaching Seminar Basketball Clinic Belgrade. This year's Clinic will be held on June 25th and 26th in Sport Hall of Sumice. Since this is the 10th Anniversary of the Clinic, association main wish and goal is to gather, for the first time ever, our most eminent coaches as lecturers like Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ), Zeljko Obradovic, Svetislav Pesic, Dusko Vujosevic, Bozidar Maljkovic, Dusko Ivanovic, Bogdan Tanjevic, Ranko Zeravica...
All lectures will be simultaneously translated into English language. All information related to the Clinic as well as all relevant details will be available at www.ukts.rs


Zeljko Obradovic and Milenko Tepic win Euroleague title with PAO - by Eurobasket News
Zeljko Obradovic and Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) won the Euroleague title yesterday with their Panathinaikos Athens. They outplayed Maccabi Electra in the Finals 78-70 to win the trophy. It is eighth Euroleague title for the Serbian specialist and first for Tepic. At the same time, this is fifth Euroleague title for Obradovic with PAO. Before PAO, he won the same trophy with Partizan, Joventut and Real Madrid. Even before this title Obradovic was the winningest head coach in Euroleague history. Milenko Tepic didn't get a chance to play in Barcelona, but he averaged 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds for 17 games earlier this season. He joined PAO two years ago from Partizan. Tepic currently has 8.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.2 apg for 27 Greek league games. Panathinaikos reached the Big Final thanks to 77-69 victory against Montepaschi in the Semis.

*****************************************************
  SOUTH AFRICA   


DStv PBL: Nets host Pillars in Bauchi - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Third place Bauchi Nets basketball club will have its hands full as it host defending champion and Savannah conference top of the log of the DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club Wednesday at the Arena of the Bauchi Township Stadium.

The Week-11 ctacker promises to be a top-notch game as the Nets searches for a second straight playoffs ticket will the Pillars will want to maintain its invicibility as it remain the only team in the league this season that is yet to taste defeat.

In Kaduna Kada Stars basketball club will be at home to Niger Potters basketball club of Minna as Kaduna fans yarn for the return of basketball action.

Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano will attempt to rattle visiting Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi when both clash at the sport hall of the Sani Abacha stadium in Kofar Mata, Kano Wednesday afternoon as two Jos-based teams play away from home when Plateau Peaks basketball club host Tapgun Rockets basketball club.


HOSTING BID FOR 2011 DSTV LEAGUE FINAL EIGHT TOURNAMENT BY LAGOS BASED ATLANTIC CONFERENCE TEAMS (1) - by Olusegun Ikuesan
OUR BID

In support of our bid, we feel it is only appropriate to acquaint you with the special characteristics and distinguishing factors which set our bid apart and why no other host can match the unparalleled competitive advantages we offer.

PROVISION OF WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
It is common knowledge that in spite of its age, the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium remains arguably the most spectator and TV friendly venue in the country today. It is our plan to create a never-before-achieved TV viewing experience for DSTV subscribers in particular and basketball fans in general.

ABILITY TO FILL THE PLAYING VENUE WITH SPECTATORS
Conservative estimates put the population of Lagos at around fifteen million, making it easily the most densely populated city in Nigeria. The size of the population becomes important when viewed as a determinant of how easy or difficult it would be to achieve filling the playing venue with spectators, which is a highly desired aspect of the event from the point of view of the sponsors and NBBF. The population within walking distance or three kilometers radius of the proposed National Stadium venue is estimated to be around four million. No other city, venue or location in Nigeria is capable of accessibility or proximity to such a large human population or simply put, target market. In addition to the above natural advantages, we have mapped out a very detailed and elaborate publicity plan which will ensure that the Stadium is filled to such a capacity that will give the NBBF and our League sponsors DSTV, the type of broadcasting opportunity that they had previously only dared dream of.

UNPARALELLED MEDIA COVERAGE
Because of the constant flow of breaking news and news worthy items, plus the ready availability of facilities for the dissemination of such news, Lagos has become undeniably the media capital of Nigeria. Every major print and electronic media has a major base in the city. Of particular interest is the fact that there are probably more sports writers, sports casters and sports journalists frequenting the National Stadium itself on a regular basis than in the rest of the country put together. It is this ready media pool that we intend to tap into as part of our overall strategy, to give the Final Eight event the kind of media backing and publicity that has never before been witnessed. There will be weekly press conferences, media events, team profiling, arranged news items, banners, handbills, special promotions etc as part of our strategy in this regard.

LONG TERM MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Lagos remains unchallenged as the commercial capital of Nigeria. Nearly every major business concern and enterprise in Nigeria has a major operational base in Lagos. Statistically, eighty percent of all companies with an annual turnover in excess of one hundred million naira, have head offices or a base in Lagos. Close to seventy percent of the companies with annual turnover in excess of one billion naira have at least one of their top three management executives stationed in Lagos. The net effect of this is that if basketball is looking for a platform to present itself positively to the decision makers, the movers and shakers in Nigerian business, who have the financial muscle to provide much needed financial support, look no further than Lagos. We respectfully suggest to the NBBF that as supportive as DSTV has been over the years, there may be a need to put the game in a position where it can attract additional sponsors with similar financial clout, especially as the DSTV relationship is not exclusive.


DStv PBL: Dodan Warriors, Comets rally to last minute wins - by Olusegun Ikuesan
As the regular season of the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League draw to a close Dodan Warriors basketball club and Comets basketball club picked valuable wins over Chariots basketball club and Islanders basketball club on Saturday in Lagos.

Dodan Warriors BC defeated Chariots BC by 69-47 points with a stellar three-point shot from combo guard Mohammed Bukar at the buzzer to give the 2006 FIBA Africa Champions Club third place finisher a final-8 playoffs ticket.

Warriors dominated the Chariots in all departments of the game winning in all four quarters by 19-14, 16-11, 21-11 and 13-11 to end the regular season with a 8-6 records and fourth place in the conference.

Comets BC on the other hand made a bold come-back after missing out of the playoffs party for several years with a 69-61 points victory over Islanders BC for a 9-5 record and third place finish.

The Dakar, Senegal 2001 second place team of the now rested FIBA Africa Winners Club Cup Championship (ASHRY CUP) picked the first three quarters by 17-10, 20-17, 14-12 but lost the last one by 18-22 points respectively with former Nigeria international Dennis Ebikoro showing great presence for the 2003 winner of the Nigerian league.

Union Bank basketball club on Sunday extended its regular season record to 13-1 with a 96-81 points victory over Police Baton basketball club in a local derby at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos.

The victory thus earn the Coach Ayinla Johnson tutored bankers the top spot of the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League leading three other clubs from the conference (Royal Hoopers, Comets and Dodan Warriors) to the final-8 playoffs.

...... Action resume in the Savannah

Action return to the Savannah conference after weeks of inactivities due to the outbreak of violence that rock some Northern part of the country after the outcome of the Presidential election with four games lined up Wednesday across four cities.

In Bauchi, Nets will be at home to defending champion of the league Kano Pillars basketball club in a week-11 game, Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna will host Niger Potters basketball club of Minna at the sports hall of the Muritala Muhammed Square, Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi will be the guest of Immigration basketball club of Kano at the sports hall of Sani Abacha stadium, while Plateau Peaks basketball club and Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos in a local derby in Abuja.

The conference regular season is expected to the rounded up in two weeks of resumption of hostilities in order to give teams from the conference enough time to prepare for the final-8 playoffs.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Carroll, Gran Cana.19.3 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.16.4 
 3. McDonald, DKV J.15.2 
 4. English, DKV J.15.1 
 5. Baron, Lagun A.14.8 
 6. Caner-Medley, Estu.14.5 
 7. Teletovic, Caja L.14.3 
 8. Martinez, Valencia14.2 
 9. Freeland, Unicaja13.2 
 10. Davis, Cajasol12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Kurz, Granada9.1 
 2. Batista, Fuenlabr.8.4 
 3. Caner-Medley, Estu.7.6 
 4. Donaldson, Menorca6.9 
 5. Barac, Caja Laboral6.9 
 6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada6.4 
 7. Wallace, Gran Cana.6.2 
 8. Doellman, Meridiano6.2 
 9. Slokar, Manresa6.2 
 10. Miralles, Lagun A.6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Huertas, Caja L.5.9 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.5 
 3. Ciorciari, Menorca5.1 
 4. Rubio, Regal Barca4.5 
 5. Valters, Fuenlabr.4.4 
 6. Salgado, Lagun A.4.2 
 7. Prigioni, Real Mad.4.0 
 8. Dumas, Valladolid4.0 
 9. Green, Gran Canaria4.0 
 10. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cook, Valencia2.2 
 2. Kirksay, Cajasol2.0 
 3. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.8 
 4. Robinson, DKV J.1.8 
 5. Calloway, Cajasol1.8 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca1.8 
 7. Van Lacke, Vallado.1.6 
 8. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.6 
 9. Ciorciari, Menorca1.6 
 10. Davis, Cajasol1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabr.
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.3 
 2. Fischer, Real Madr.1.6 
 3. Vazquez, Regal B.1.5 
 4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.4 
 5. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 6. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 7. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 8. Andriuskevic., Mer.1.1 
 9. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 10. Barac, Caja Labor.1.1 


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Stats Leaders LNA
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 21.2
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.21.2 
 2. Brown, Starwings20.5 
 3. Glover, Boncourt20.3 
 4. Byron, BBC Nyon20.2 
 5. Polyblank, Geneve20.1 
 6. Popovich, SAV V.20.0 
 7. Farokhmanesh, SAM19.5 
 8. Smith, Fribourg19.4 
 9. Reid, Monthey18.5 
 10. Hunte, BBC Nyon18.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon12.2 
 2. Thompson, Starw.10.6 
 3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.9.9 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt9.7 
 5. Reid, Monthey8.5 
 6. Dos Santos, Bonco.8.2 
 7. Smith, Fribourg7.8 
 8. Sloan, Geneve Lio.7.8 
 9. Toure, Geneve Lio.7.8 
 10. Esterkamp, Fribo.7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo7.5 
 2. Glover, Boncourt6.3 
 3. Williams, Fribourg5.4 
 4. Brown, Starwings4.5 
 5. Angley, Lugano T.4.4 
 6. Hollins, Starwings4.2 
 7. Draughan, Lugano4.2 
 8. Ross, Geneve Lions4.1 
 9. Petkovic, Fribourg4.1 
 10. Esterkamp, Fribo.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo3.9 
 2. Glover, Boncourt3.7 
 3. Hunte, BBC Nyon3.0 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt2.6 
 5. Efevberha, Lugano2.4 
 6. Draughan, Lugano2.3 
 7. Farokhmanesh, SAM2.3 
 8. Angley, Lugano T.2.3 
 9. Sharper, Monthey2.1 
 10. Louissaint, Month.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon3.3 
 2. Toure, Geneve Lio.2.3 
 3. Thompson, Starw.2.0 
 4. Lukic, Zurich W.1.7 
 5. Gugino, Boncourt1.5 
 6. Sloan, Geneve Lio.1.5 
 7. Sanders, Lugano T.0.9 
 8. Moris, Monthey0.8 
 9. Vogt, Fribourg0.8 
 10. Matter, Starwings0.8 


LNA Round 1 of Finals. Lugano Tigers earn opening victory - by Eurobasket News
Lugano Tigers - Fribourg 77-65

Lugano Tigers clinched the first win in the title series. They held off Fribourg at home court. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 77-65. Lugano Tigers dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Fribourg's 20. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Nigerian guard Michael Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Mohammed Abukar (208-85, college: San Diego St.) contributed with 24 points for the winners. American power forward Yuanta Holland (202-78, college: Dayton) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Steve Smith (200-81, college: Iona) added 8 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Fribourg. Four Fribourg players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Lugano Tigers: M.Efevberha 25+5reb+3ast, M.Abukar 24+4reb, D.Mladjan 12+2reb, S.Finn 5+7reb, B.Sanders 3+5reb, M.Schneiderman 3+4reb
Fribourg: Y.Holland 15+8reb+3ast, J.Kazadi 14+5reb+2ast, D.Esterkamp 12+5reb+5ast, T.Quidome 11+1reb, S.Smith 8+13reb+1ast, V.Buscaglia 5+4reb+1ast
gschID: 128024




*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


Interview with Sanni Ojibara - by Greg
From Argentina to Syria. Quite a journey for anyone, nevertheless a 27-year old from Irvington, New Jersey. But that is part of the life of a professional ball player, and that was exactly the case for Sanni Ojibara (191-G-83, college: New Jersey City St.) last year.
The 6-3 American guard with Nigerian roots, got his first break in one of Argentinas lower divisions in 2010, finished strongly (+25ppg) but then needed somewhere else to continue playing. Working out back home in New Jersey, Sanni eventually got the call from Nawaeer, a team in Syrias top-division. Rife with political tension and bloodshed now, the country has seen its fair share of accomplished imports pass through, such as former St. Johns point guard Chudney Gray, as well as former NBA forwards Samaki Walker and the recently-deceased Lorenzen Wright. As he is now back in the states training for the next time the phone rings, he was able to answer a few questions about his training and the type of player any future club will be getting.

Q) Tell me about your time playing in Syria?

A) Well the place where i was staying (Hama City) was a very slow town, nothing exciting ever happened but it was OK. My time playing there was very good. I played well and the team had another import player there, Shadi Abu Sara, who spoke great English so that helped a lot. But, I had to leave earlier then expected due to the lack of payment by the club.

Q) Compare the type of play and how they differ between Argentina and Syria.
A)Well in Argentina the style of play is fast paced and more up-tempo, while in Syria it was more of a slower paced game with much more of an emphasis on the half-court game.

Q) As you look for a new team, what type of practice and training do you do to keep in basketball condition?

A) I'll give you an ideal day of mine:
- I wake up and run about 4-5 miles
- I go to the gym and work on my body in the weight room
- I go to the pool and work more on my speed, agility, balance and power with a lot of bungee- cord exercises
- Before I leave the gym in the morning I must make at least 500 jump shots
- Later on in the evening, I'm back in the gym with a trainer working on the basketball part of my game from defense to offense and then a little more conditioning
- The before I get out the gym, I must make another 500 shots

Q) Position wise; are you more comfortable playing on the ball as a scoring point, or off the ball as a traditional shooting guard?
A)Honestly, before I was more comfortable playing off the ball as a traditional shooting guard, but I've been working with my trainer and now I'm more comfortable playing either role.

Q) What are some of the positives you can bring to a team. What are some points you continue to work on and improve?

A) Honestly, I think I can bring a lot to a team from the standpoint of leadership, along with a strong work ethic, toughness, attitude and my will to win. I'm very competitive and I hate losing. Plus my hunger for the game makes me a valuable asset to any team. I've improved my PG skills tremendously from my time in Syria till now. I look to continue to improve on my overall game because I'm aware that I can't just focus on one aspect of my game in order to become the player I know I can be. 'I feel if you don't work on your dream, then you have no right to dream.'

Also I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Full Game Film of Sanni can be viewed here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM4JE0JVm-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0L8-zOjVI

*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Standings - D1
D1 Stage Two Standings
Play-Off Group A
 1. ES Sahel 4-0 
 2. Ezzahra 1-3 
 3. JS Kairouan 1-3 
Play-Off Group B
 1. Stade Nabeulien 3-1 
 2. ES Rades 3-1 
 3. C Africain 0-4 
Places 7-12
 1. C Cheminots 10-12 
 2. US Monastir 9-13 
 3. CA Bizerte 6-16 
 4. EOG Kram 6-16 
 5. JS Manazeh 6-16 
 6. C Tunisair 5-17 
Stage One Standings


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Potter is named HS Player of the Year - by David Edole
ST. CROIX-- I remember a couple of years ago, a debate raged over who was the best closer. Was it Kobe Bryant or LeBron James? In the Virgin Islands the best player in the territory showed why he is the best when he finished off St. Croix by scoring nine of his teams final thirteen points. Merwin Potter (93) has won his second player of the year award after garnering the award as a sophomore. Potter guided Charlotte Amalie to the Martin Luther King and Antilles Basketball Jam titles. Central High School Basketball Invitational was the only title that eluded him this year.
Potter has represented the Virgin Islands in international competition. He has played with Under 15 team in Antigua, U17 team in Mexico and U18 team in San Antonio. The 6-foot-2 guard was a key member of the Under 17 team that won the bronze medal in Centro Basket play and had two tremendous games against Mexico in the Tournament of Americas.
Joining Potter on the all Virgin Islands team are Xavier Richards, Agyei Gregory (94), Raydel Denis and Kadeem Jones (94). If Potter is 1A, Richards is 1B. Richards exploded for 32 points and 19 rebounds in a win over Central High at Carib invitational tourney. The 6-foot-1 guard is most known for his explosive jumping ability and viscous throw downs. The Eudora Kean junior was the leading scorer in the Virgin Islands and one of the better rebounders. St. Croix Central High School tournament MVP Raydel Denis is the third member of the V.I. squad. Denis is probably the best low post scorer in the territory. He was the reason Educational Complex was one win away from the STX-IAA title.
Antilles guard Agyei Gregory is on the team after having a strong season. The guard was sensational in a win over Eudora Kean, he had 19 points and eight assists in a regular season game. He was unstoppable in the first half of the Educational Complex game when he scored 19 of his 26 points in the MLK tournament. Rounding out the starting five is the little general, Kadeem Jones. Jones has basically played all over the world. He has represented the Virgin Islands in U18 (Texas), U17 (Mexico) and U16 (Antigua) and FIBA 33 (Singapore) play. He was the main catalyst when he pumped in 13 points to lead Central High to the STX-IAA title. However, his best offensive game of the season was 25 points to lift the Central High School boys basketball team to a 79-59 win over archrival Educational Complex in the semifinals of the Bonifacio Sanchez Jimenez Tournament.
Dornell Weaver (94), an athletic well chiseled 6-foot-6 forward leads the second team. He showed everyone what he was made off in the annual ALL VI Hoop classic when he hauled down 14 boards. Weaver also had a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead Antilles to a 62-51 victory over Eudora Kean. To show it was not a fluke, Weaver had a team-high 22 points to go along with 12 boards, in a 47-46 rematch lost. Melvine Adams joins the second team because of his consistent play. The junior national team alternate put up norms of 14 points a game. Razeem Huggins started the season auspiciously; he looked like an average player. He then had a string of double digit scoring games and ended up as Central High School leading scorer. He showed his mettle when he poured in 16 points in the All Star game. A pair of Chicken Hawks rounds out the second team. If you look at CAHS box score it would read Potter as the leading scorer and Deshawn Creque is second in points. When Potter took an early exit in a regular season game against Antilles, it was Creque who responded offensively. The three point shooter/slasher was good for 18 points. No player in the territory out hustles Cursim Hansen. He looks at the basketball as a piece of beef and he must have it. During the all star game, Hansen had the most floor burns and had a pretty left hand lay-up of the glass. Charlotte Amalie is UNDEFEATED with Hansen in the lineup. Did I forget to mention he is a football prospect and is track and field super athlete?
The third team is filled with shooters. Michael Nelthropp (Country Day) and Kareem Harris (Manor) have been filling it up for their respective teams. Nelthropp has been raining three pointers on St. Croix. I saw him score 19 first half against Central during the Carib Invitational. Harris scored a career high 35 points in a win over Antilles in the Basketball Jam. Seedy guards Amalie Krigger and Tamoi Francis of Educational Complex are on the team. Krigger has had his moments and showed his toughness in leading Barras to a win over Central at the MLK tournament. Complex was blown out by Charlotte Amalie earlier. Krigger had 13 points and nailed big free throws. Francis is an attacking guard; he is hard to stop when he gets a running lead to the basket. This was evident when he finished with 12 points in a win over Central High. Shanoi Miller is a jack of all trades. He can pass, shoot, rebound and steal. If Charlotte Amalie needs anything Miller gives it to them.

All V.I. First Team
F 6-6 Raydel Denis, Senior, Educational Complex
G 6-2 Merwin Potter, Senior, Charlotte Amalie
G 6-1 Xavier Richards, Junior, Eudora Kean
G 6-1 Agyei Gregory, Junior, Antilles
G 5-6 Kadeem Jones, Senior, Central High

All V.I. Second Team
F 6-6 Dornell Weaver, Junior, Antilles
F 6-4 Melvine Adams, Senior, Educational Complex
F 6-2 Razeem Huggins, Junior, Central High
G 5-10 Deshawn Creque, Senior, Charlotte Amalie
G 5-8 Cursim Hansen, Junior, Charlotte Amalie

All V.I. Third Team
G 6-2 Michael Nelthropp, Senior, Country Day via AZ Academy
G 6-2 Kareem Harris, Junior, Manor
G 5-10 Shanoi Miller, Junior, Charlotte Amalie
G 5-10 Amalie Krigger, Senior, Educational Complex
G 5-9 Tamoi Francis, Senior, Educational Complex

Honorable Mention: Chris Matthews (Charlotte Amalie), Ryan Perpie (Educational Complex), Shomari Francis (Central), Kelvin Thomas (Central), DeCosta Cromwell (Central), Reno Motta (Central),Anamuko Utibe (Antilles), Jamoi Edinborough (Antilles), Brandon Wynter (All Saints), Adrian Kolarik (Eudora Kean), Deland Isidore (Eudora Kean), Jecoy Julius (Eudora Kean), Andrew Penn (Gifft Hill)

AWARDS
The Individual Awards was voted by five people who are some of the biggest basketball fans in the territory. Two are from St. Croix and St. Thomas and the other is a transplant from the United States. Each person had a vote and the player with the most votes received the award.

Tim Duncan Player of the Year Award: Merwin Potter, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: The MVP of the Martin Luther King Tournament and showed he is the best closer in the VI during the 13th annual All V.I. Hoop Classic.

Raja Bell Defensive Player of the Year Award: Cursim Hansen, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: Even coach Tracey Stellato, of Panola College, fell in love with his hustle and grit.

Holman Harley Lead Guard Award: Kadeem Jones Central
Comment: This guy has played all over the world and he knows how to lead a team.

Fitzroy Brow Shot Blocking Award: Merwin Potter, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: For a guy 6-foot-2 he gets a lot of rejections from the weak side.

Ronald Charles Rebounding Award: Xavier Richards, Eudora Kean
Comment: He loves to snatch the ball out of the air despite being just 5-foot-11.

Will 'Pewee' Petersen Shooting Award: Kareem Harris, Manor
Comment: When he is on he fills up the basket, just ask Antilles School.

Glen 'Kimble' Williams Scoring Award: Merwin Potter, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: 30 points in the all star game says it all.

Cuthbert Victor Most Versatile Player Award: Merwin Potter, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: He does everything for the Chicken Hawks.

Leon Trimmingham Sixth Man Award: Shomari Francis, Central
Comment: Had a couple of twenty point games.

Danny Cornelius Coach of the Year Award: Pedrito Estrill, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: The Hawks were destroying people early on in the season. The ball movement was the best Ive seen in years.

Milton M. Newton Territory Champs: Charlotte Amalie
Comment: Charlotte Amalie and Educational Complex finished 2-2 on the season but the Hawks destroyed them twice.


*****************************************************
  UBA   


UBA stars honored by Usbasket All-USA selections - by UBA media
David Walls Reports:
May 9, 2011

Congratulations to the following athletes in the UBA for being on the Usbasket.com All-United States Team. What an honor for the UBA to have four players named to this list. With that being said the world must now take notice to the way of the future. Not only is the UBA just two years old but its the fastest growing professional basketball league in history.

Just think in just two seasons the UBA has sent over 40 players overseas. Not only are they going overseas but there all playing well. No disrespect to the other league but the UBA looks to be the new wave for minor league. Below you will find the players selected to the star studded list

1. Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Atlanta Christian): (GIE Morrow Disciples)
Barnes was not only named to the All-USA 1st Team but USA Guard of the Year (and how could you argue). He is currently averaging a league best 27.3ppg along with a break out 60 point game vs. the Tennessee Dragons. For those who may think the Dragons are a push over; you should check there roster and record. Top to bottom the Dragons are loaded with talent. From Western Conference POY T.J. Taylor (6'1''-G-86, college: Erskine) to sharp shooter Antonio Webb (5'10''-G-84, college: Bethune-Cookman); the Dragons are one of the favorites to win the UBA. With that being said, for Barnes to score 60 is amazing. To follow up his selection as Guard of the Year Barnes was named UBA Most Valuable Player along with All-Star co-MVP.

Break Down: Many say Barnes is basic and can only shoot but I say numbers dont lie. Barnes has averaged over 26ppg on every level (college, overseas and minor leagues) and looks to be getting stronger. There is word that he will enter the NBA Dleague Draft next season.

2. Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, college: Ill.-Chicago): (GIE Morrow Disciples)
Dailey is by far the best athlete in the country. He was named to the All-USA 2nd Team. He played 20 games with the Disciples before being signed by Yulon Luxgen of Taiwan. Dailey was named to the All-SBL 2nd team and All-Import team in Taiwan before returning to the UBA. He is currently averaging 16.4ppg and a league high 12.4rpg. Dailey was recently named UBA Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-UBA Team.

Break Down: Dailey can play on the highest level. Dont be surprised if hes on a NBA roster next season clapping for LeBron. He needs to work on his mid-range game and this ball handling. But his leaping ability and great defensive skills makes him the most dangerous player on the floor.

3. Norman Plummer (6'8''-F-84, college: S.Indiana): (Columbus Crusher)
Plummer is what I like to call the Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) of the UBA. This kid is 20 and 10 anywhere you put him. He was named to the All-USA 3rd Team. Plummer spent his first three seasons overseas (Lebanon, Uruguay) where he averaged over 20 points and 10 boards every night. I dont expect Plummer to be in the UBA next season. He averaged 22.3ppg and 12.0rpg for the Crush.

Break Down: The only weakness in Plummers game is his conditioning. If he is in shape hes the best player on the floor anywhere.

4. Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's): (Dallas Stars)
Kearse was the biggest sleeper on this list. He is a two time league leader in scoring in Europe (Denmark). He was named to the All-USA HM Team. Kearse has made his mark in the UBA. He averaged 24.0ppg, 6.4rpg and 4.9apg. Kearse was named to the All-UBA 1st Team and would have been the MVP if he had a better team.

Break Down: Kearse is very under rated. He is the best guard in the league. A big 6-5 combo guard that can play three positions. I see Kearse back in Europe next season.



*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Burtt, Dnipro22.4 
 2. Burns, Fe.16.7 
 3. Flores, BC Donetsk16.7 
 4. Washington, BC Od.16.4 
 5. Curry, Azovmash16.1 
 6. Wiggins, Halychyna15.1 
 7. Millage, Khimik14.9 
 8. Love, Mykolaiv14.7 
 9. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
 10. Fraser, DniproAzot14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.9 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.8.1 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Owens, Azovmash6.6 
 8. Chappell, Hoverla6.6 
 9. Hunter, Fe.6.5 
 10. Sandul, BC Kyiv6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Burtt, Dnipro5.5 
 2. Abernethy, Halyc.5.2 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Sparks, BC Odessa4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Vasiljevic, BC Do.4.6 
 7. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 8. Millage, Khimik4.5 
 9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.4.2 
 10. Sirsnins, DniproA.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Millage, Khimik2.4 
 2. House, Azovmash1.9 
 3. Sparks, BC Odessa1.8 
 4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.1.5 
 5. Burns, Fe.1.5 
 6. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.5 
 7. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.4 
 8. Chappell, Hoverla1.4 
 9. Burenko, BC Kyiv1.4 
 10. Love, Mykolaiv1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.1 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.9 
 3. Hunter, Fe.1.5 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.4 
 5. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 6. Coleman, Hoverla1.3 
 7. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 8. Pettway, Dnipro1.2 
 9. Balashov, BC Odes.1.2 
 10. Agafonov, Budiv.1.1 


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Nurse wins battle of the GB coaches - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain assistant coach Nick Nurse took the bragging rights against GB head coach Chris Finch as his Iowa Energy team sealed the NBA Development League title.


A 119-111 home victory on Friday evening sealed a 2-1 series win for Nurses side and prevented Finchs Rio Grande Valley Vipers becoming the second team to successfully defend their title.


A strong start to the final period proved key for the Energy as they outscored the visitors 21-5 in the first five minutes to take control of the game.


The Vipers got as close as 105-101 with four minutes remaining on a Jerel McNeal lay-up, but were outscored 38-23 in the final quarter.


A 14-2 run in the second period had given Finchs team a 39-28 lead, but Energy recovered to trail by five going into the locker room. Vipers led 88-81 at the final break, but with Stefhon Hannah leading the way with 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals, it was Energy who lifted the trophy.


Michael Haynes had 21 points, eight rebounds and four steals for Energy, with Jerel McNeal lading the Vipers with 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, and Matt Janning also recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.


It completes a successful season for Nurse, who succeeded Finch as Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year and also coached the Eastern All-Star team.


Finch and Nurse now have a break before Team GB begin their build-up for EuroBasket 2011 in July.
Courtesy of: bbl.org.uk

Junior Final Fours 2011 - boys' competition recap - by Eurobasket News
Under 18 Men

Worthing Thunder captured their first-ever national title at youth level when they defeated Cheshire Jets 83-81 in the U18 men's playoff final on Sunday in Sheffield.

The last game of the 2011 Junior Final Fours was a treat for the fans at EIS-Sheffield as the two finalists were involved in one of the weekend's best match-ups.

The game was decided in the final moments as Cheshire's Greg Krippa was sent to the line for a pair, with his team down 80-79 with 20 seconds remaining. The guard connected on both to put his team up by a point and with Worthing out of timeouts, they had 20 seconds to set up the offence.

The ball ended up in Kyifer Del Mundo 's hands and he drove strong to the basket where he connected on the lay-up while being fouled by Krippa with 10 ticks left. Del Mundo calmly sunk the free throw and Jake Hunt's prayer from distance drew iron, leaving Worthing hoisting the trophy.

Del Mundo was chosen as the game's MVP for his performance, including 13 points and 9 rebounds on a great shooting percentage. He was among four Thunder players who hit double digits including Luke Nelson (18), Joe Carter (14), and Jack Sunderland (11). Krippa was the game's top scorer with 20 points.

The U18 semi finals were also down to the wire, with Cheshire edging rivals Manchester Magic 66-64, whereas Thunder had a shoot-out with Leicester Warriors, winning 100-90.

Manchester Magic beat Leicester Warriors 74-62 in the third place playoff.

Under 16 Boys

Manchester Magic and Cheshire Jets also met on Saturday, this time in the U16 boys' playoff final, and it was Magic who came out on top 77-70.

Magic youngster Tamas Okros was awarded the MVP (he also won the MVP in the U15 boys' playoff final) for his 18 point, 18 rebound double-double which included 6 for 6 calmly taken free throws in key moments of the final.

In a game that was nip and tuck, Jets looked in control heading into the final quarter with a 62-50 lead, but Magic were not to be outdone. After cutting the lead to two midway through the period, Conor Porter stole the ball from Cheshire's Greg Krippa and on the break found his teammate Kayin Darbey in the corner, who nailed a three to put Manchester up 66-65.

Okros converted on an old-fashioned three point play moments later only to be answered by Jets' guard Cameron MacKay, who answered from way outside to make the score 69-68 to Magic.

A driving Krippa lay-up with just under 3 minutes left put the Jets up one (70-69), but it was to be the final points of the game for the Cheshire outfit as an 8-0 run added to an outstanding fourth quarter for Magic. Manchester outscored Cheshire 27-8 in the fourth to seal their sixth U16 boys' title.

Darbey (28) and Porter (18) completed the double digit scorers for Manchester with the latter also adding 10 boards and 6 assists.

MacKay had 25 for the Jets followed by Krippa (17) and Matthew Dickinson (10).

In the semi finals, Magic defeated Worthing Thunder 106-86 and Jets beat Solent Kestrels, 70-58. Kestrels ensured they would leave with bronze after handily defeating Worthing 83-48 in the third place playoff.

Under 14 Boys

The U14 boys' playoffs were really all about Manchester Magic, who averaged near triple digit wins in 2010/11, and who could possibly beat them.

The 2011 Junior Final Fours proved no one was up to the task as they cruised through the semi finals, beating London Greenhouse Pioneers II 95-45 and then Newham All-Star Sports Academy (NASSA) in the final 91-65.

Playing nearly the whole playoff final, Manchester's Joe Swindells walked away with the MVP after scoring 28 points (on 60% shooting) and pulling in 10 boards. Raheem Idris (20), Jamal Everett (13), Hamad Ali (12), and Allistair Lloyd (11) also scored well for Magic. Calvin Kintu had 20 for NASSA.

The bronze medal match saw an all-London showdown as Haringey Hawks defeated Greenhouse Pioneers II 69-53.

More photos to be include in the next edition of England Basketballs newsletter, Zone Press.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


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




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Marianna Tolo re-signs with the Capitals - by Eurobasket News
Australian Opals centre Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) has re-signed with the Canberra Capitals for season 2011/12.

The 21-year-old was one of the most highly sought after free-agents in the league, turning down offers from a number of rival clubs before re-signing with the Capitals.

Winner of the Capitals most valuable player award for the past two seasons, Tolo told Jon Tuxworth of The Canberra Times, she is happy to be back in Canberra.

'It was a hard decision, but I think I made the right one in the end,'' Tolo told The Canberra Times.

''Townsville really showed a lot of interest and I would like to play up there at one stage I guess. I chatted to [former Canberra assistant] Chris [Lucas] for a bit and they've signed some really good players up there.''

An All-Star Five member in season 2010/11, the newly signed deal will see Tolo continue her preparation for a shot at the 2012 Olympics under Australian coach Carrie Graf.

With Canberra still waiting to hear if Lauren Jackson is playing with them next season, Tolo said her decision was made easier by the fact former team-mate Suzy Batkovic decided to move to the Adelaide Lightning.

''It would have been hard to play with all three of us here, and I think that's not really what I need at this stage of my career,'' she told The Canberra Times.

''They're such good players, three-time Olympians and it would be a good experience, but I'm at that stage where I need to play and work on my game skills.

''I know Graffy's game plans and strategies, and having Dan [Wollongong-based partner Dan Jackson] close was a big factor too.''

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

East Perth successful in Tiger hunt (Round Eight WSBL Wrap) - by Eurobasket News
Australian Central East Perth Eagles became the first side to beat defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers this women's State Basketball League season with a 67-65 round eight victory.

The Tigers had won their first 10 games of the season but East Perth took advantage of the absence of West Coast Waves star Melissa Marsh to end its two-game losing streak.

Nicole Jorre St Jorre had 24 points to lead the Eagles to their fifth win of the season, while Jasmine Hooper and Kate Malpass (176-G-88) had 23 points for Willetton.

But the Tigers thrashed Rockingham Flames 103-39 the previous night, with Malpass (28 points) again playing a crucial role.

Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks maintained the pressure on Willetton with wins against Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves and Lakeside Lightning.

Second placed Perry Lakes survived a strong finish from the third placed Wolves to win 59-56, led by Rosie Tobin (18 points).

And the Hawks made it seven straight victories with a 68-53 win over the Lightning, who had won three consecutive games before that defeat.

Perth Redbacks consolidated their top eight spot with an upset 74-68 win over Wanneroo.

The Redbacks had lost two straight but Brooke Hiddlestone (F/C-77) (25 points and 18 rebounds) and Marita Payne (21 points) helped break that streak and hand the Wolves their third loss from four outings.

Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars maintained their solid form with comfortable wins over Southwest Slammers and Rockingham.

The Cougars handed Southwest its eighth consecutive loss with a 66-51 result, led by Emma Pass (16 points).

And Courtney and Kara Hargreaves (31 and 27 points respectively) helped Cockburn to a 105-33 annihilation of the Flames, who have lost all nine games despite finishing second last year.

Kalamunda Eastern Suns beat Southwest Slammers 76-67 to extend their winning streak to two games.

Sarah-Jane Knox had 19 points from just 21 minutes to help seventh placed Kalamunda to victory, while Lavesa Glover (191-C-86, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) scored 20 points for Southwest.

Mandurah Magic climbed up to third spot with an 81-60 win over Western Stainless Stirling Senators, who have lost three of their last four games.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: SBL


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


LF2: Regular season is over, Lyon is No.1 - by Eurobasket News
LF2 regular season ended on Saturday. Lyon finished as No.1 with 25-5 record. They lost against Reims in the last round, but that defeat didnt change anything. Here is the final standings and also results of the last round.

LF2 standings
1. Lyon 25-5
2. Roche 23-7
3. Nice 22-8
4. Reims 22-8
5. Armentieres 16-14
6. Perpignan 16-14
7. Limoges 16-14
8. SI Graffenstaden 14-16
9. Pleyber Christ 14-16
10. Voiron 14-16
11. Dunkerque 14-16
12. Le Havre 12-18
13. Rennes 11-19
14. Angers 11-19
15. Pau Orthez 7-23
16. CFBB 3-27

Round 30
May 7: Limoges 61-66 Rennes
May. 7: Angers 51-61 Roche
May. 7: Reims 75-53 Lyon
May. 7: CFBB 65-66 Nice
May. 7: Perpignan 74-66 Pau Orthez
May. 7: Armentieres 59-58 Pleyber Chri.
May. 7: SI Graffenst. 63-57 Voiron
May. 7: Dunkerque 65-58 Le Havre

Four teams advanced to Final Four, which will he held in Lyon on May 21 and 22. Lyon will meet Reims, while Roche will take on Nice. Game Roche - Nice will start at 17:30, while the other Semifinals is scheduled for 20h. Game for third place will be played on May 22 at 14h, while the Big Final will start at 16:30h.

Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Eurobasket News
LF2 Standings
 1. Lyon 25-5 
 2. Roche 23-7 
 3. Nice 22-8 
 4. Reims 22-8 
 5. Armentieres 16-14 
 6. Perpignan 16-14 
 7. Limoges 16-14 
 8. SI Graffenstaden 14-16 
 9. Pleyber Christ 14-16 
 10. Voiron 14-16 
 11. Dunkerque 14-16 
 12. Le Havre 12-18 
 13. Rennes 11-19 
 14. Angers 11-19 
 15. Pau Orthez 7-23 
 16. CFBB 3-27 


LFB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mistie BASS-WILLIAMS
  Challes
  (191-C-83)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Bass-W., Challes19.1 
 2. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.16.4 
 3. Grima, Aix-en-P.15.9 
 4. Humphrey, Landes15.3 
 5. Dubljevic, Tarbes15.0 
 6. Sanni, Villeneuve14.7 
 7. Sharp, Mondeville14.3 
 8. Mann, Charleville14.3 
 9. Hurst, Aix-en-P.14.1 
 10. Covington, Union14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurelie BONNAN
  Mondeville
  (187-F-83)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Bonnan, Mondeville10.8 
 2. Humphrey, Landes10.0 
 3. Diawara, Charlevil.9.7 
 4. Bass-W., Challes9.3 
 5. Bales, Union Haina.8.8 
 6. Sanni, Villeneuve8.6 
 7. Kamba, Union H.8.2 
 8. Matic, Tarbes6.8 
 9. Grima, Aix-en-P.6.8 
 10. Thomas, Villeneuve6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Caroline AUBERT
  Nantes
  (168-G-80)
  Avg: 5
 1. Aubert, Nantes5.0 
 2. Hurst, Aix-en-P.4.7 
 3. Manic, Landes4.2 
 4. Lepron, Tarbes4.1 
 5. Mitchell, Arras4.0 
 6. Tanqueray, Villene.3.8 
 7. Bar, Challes3.7 
 8. Carpreaux, Villene.3.5 
 9. Aubert, Toulouse3.5 
 10. Sharp, Mondeville3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Johanne GOMIS
  Arras
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Gomis, Arras2.6 
 2. Bar, Challes2.4 
 3. Skrela, Lattes M.2.2 
 4. Milovanovic, Toulo.2.1 
 5. Poto, Lattes M.2.0 
 6. Young, Landes1.9 
 7. Bouderra, Charlevi.1.9 
 8. Bonnan, Mondeville1.8 
 9. Mitchell, Arras1.7 
 10. Beikes, Union Hai.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Alison BALES
  Union Hainaut
  (201-C-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Bales, Union Haina.2.1 
 2. Ndongue, Bourges1.6 
 3. Jones, Toulouse0.7 
 4. Sy-Diop, Nantes0.7 
 5. Bertal, Villeneuve0.7 
 6. Dowdell, Toulouse0.7 
 7. Bonnan, Mondeville0.7 
 8. Humphrey, Landes0.6 
 9. Bass-W., Challes0.6 
 10. Smith, Tarbes0.6 


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


A2 Finals, North and South: CUS Cagliari and Alcamo 1-0 up - by Eurobasket News
First games of the A2 Finals were played last night.
In Group North, CUS Cagliari outplayed Bolzano 46-52 on the road for 1-0 lead. Barbora Fabianova (182-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Youngstown St.) was the leading player in victory as she collected 18 points and 6 rebounds. Barbara Gibertini (188-C-79) helped with double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Laine Kurpniece (188-C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Binghamton) shined with 16 points and 10 rebs.
In Group South, Alcamo handed 54-60 home loss to Chieti. Simina Mandache (185-F-81) was a key player for the guests with 27 points and 5 rebs. Daniela Georgieva (179-F-86) had 15 pts and 7 rebs in defeat.
The Finals series is best-of-three what means that CUS Cagliari and Alcamo need one more win for the title. Second games are scheduled for May 12. CUS Cagliari and Alcamo will be the hosts.

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


D2 Standings - by Greg
D2 Standings
 1. BBALL6 1-0 
 2. Targu Mures 1-0 
 3. Baia Mare 0-1 
 4. Targu Secuiest 0-1 


*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND - Women  


Robert Archibald meets Phoenix U18 Women Team - by Eurobasket News
GB Team member Robert Archibald met the U18 Polonia Phoenix Women team at Valencia (Spain) last Sunday.

The former NBA player was there to compete in an ACB Game with his current team Unicaja Malaga and the Phoenix players were there following their victory at the International Tournament in Oliva, Spain.

Power Electronics Valencia and Ocio Experience organisation made it possible, by contacting Archibald and obtaining passes for the Phoenix players and coaching staff.

The Scottish player was absolutely happy to meet and welcome a very excited bunch of home supporters. Phoenix girls took pictures with local hero, but also with some other former World Champions like Rodriguez, Jimenez or Garbajosa who were impressed to see how Archibald is well known in his home country.

Archibald is having a nice season with Unicaja Malaga averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds per night having 17 minutes court time per game and his team in currently placed 8th on ACB competition, still fighting for a playoff spot.

Paisley born center is Scottish basketballs best chance of representation at 2012 Olympic Games in London, being part of GB Squad.
Courtesy of: basketballscotland.co.uk

Sarah Thomson, new U16 Women National Team Captain - by Eurobasket News
Sarah Thomson has been voted as new U16 Women National Team Captain.

St.Mirrens player has international experience and was member of the U16 Squad that won Gold medal at 2010 U16 FIBA Euro C Championships in Andorra. Thomson has been member of the squad for the last two seasons and this will be her third consecutive summer playing for Scotland National Team.

With her club, Thomson has won National League trophy three of the last four seasons and also three of the last four Scottish Cups, being MVP of the last Cup Final with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 steals and 3 blocks vs Polonia Phoenix. Further than that, Sarah Thomson also won basketballscotland School Cup this season being part of Park Mains High team.

Robyn Lewis, teammate of Thomson at Park Mains and St.Mirren, has been selected as U16 Women National Team Vice-Captain. Lewis was also Gold medal last year at Andorras Euro C. It looks like cadettes are in the right hands.
Courtesy of: http://www.basketballscotland.co.uk



*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA - Women  


Balanced Kranjska Gora beat Celje, lead series 2-1 - by Zeljko Zule
Teja Oblak (172-G-90) led all starters in double figures with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists and Kranjska Gora used a balance attack to beat Celje 80-65 and take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Final series. Tina Trebec finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Natasa Radulovic collected 16 points and 7 rebounds, Eva Komplet scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds and Martina Osterman had 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Celje opened the game with a 6-2 lead, but Kranjska Gora responded with a 21-4 run to build a lead as high as 13. Celje cut the deficit to 42-45 early in the second half, but the home team again went ahead 55-44 and 67-51 with 8:44 remaining. Celje was outrebounded 21-35. Ana Turcinovic had 15 points and 8 rebounds, Rebeka Abramovic came off the bench for 11 points and Tjasa Gortnar scored 9 of her 10 poiints in the first half.
Finals Game 3:
Kranjska Gora-Celje 80-66 (Kolsek, Oblak 17+13 as+7 rbs, Nelc, Komplet 15+7 rbs, Radulovic 16+7 rbs, Lumpert 1, Bilic, Osterman 13+6 rbs, Purkat DNP, Trebec 18+7 rbs Turcinovic 15+8 rbs, Kerin DNP, Abramovic 11, Baric 8, U.Belak, N.Belak, Jagodic 8, Bosilj 8, Coh DNP, Tavic 5, Klavzar, Gortnar 10).
Game 4 will be played on Wednesday in Celje.


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Richardson High School Player of the Year - by David Edole
ST. CROIX--- This has been the most interesting girls basketball season I have ever seen. Central High came out like gang busters and Charlotte Amalie made a late run. So who do I choose as player of the year? Even my voters had no idea, it was an even draw and they left me with the deciding vote. After some deliberation I had to go with Te'Andra Richardson as the Virgin Islands High School basketball player of the year. Richardson exploded for a game-high 24 points to lift the Lady Hawks to a 55-46 victory in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational Basketball Tournament and was named MVP of the Antilles Basketball Jam in March. The 6-foot forward recently committed to Panola College in Cartage, Texas. Joining Richardson on the first team is a pair of Central High Lady Caribs. Melanesiah Hendricks and Lanese Bough (168-G-93) was the engine that had Central in the talk as territorial champs. Hendricks came out big as she had 13 points in a 35-32 win over Charlotte Amalie in the MLK but had 26 points in a win over the Hawks that sticks out. The 5-foot-2 guard was dropping three pointers like rain and was named MVP of the central High tournament. Most of Hendricksons scoring came by way of Lanese Bough. Bough was by far and away the top assist woman in the territory. The 5-foot-8 guard is a stat sheet stuffer. She had eight points, eight steals, six assists and five rebounds on her way to being named MVP of Sun Stroke All V.I. Hoop Classic.
Akia 'Mookie' Frett, a freshman, is the reason Eudora Kean has become a feared team in the Virgin Islands. Frett scored a career high 27 points in a loss to the Hawks and 23 points to lead the Lady Devil Rays in a 67-8 victory over All Saints. Frett is more than a scorer and was scheduled to attend Piney Woods in Mississippi. Rounding out the starting unit is Sakile Brathwaite- Hall. Braithewate-Hall scored a team-high 14 points to lead the Antilles to a 41-28 win over Eudora Kean High in a St. Thomas-St. John IAA varsity game. She also had 14 in a, 37-34 loss to the Hawks. The 6-foot-forward also had a 17 rebound game at Carib Invitational.
Big Edidiong Utibe smashes her way to the second team. She had the game of her young life in the All Star game when she put up 14 points and 19 rebounds. The 6-foot-2 post is brutal in the paint. She really loves contact. Seniors Neandra Auguste and Veronnique Llanos are Educational Complex additions to the team. Auguste had one game that really stood out in my mind; it was 25 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to Charlotte Amalie. Llanos brought consistency to the Lady Barras. Shaniqua Wheatley is the second Lady Hawk to be honored. The 5-foot-8 guard was outstanding during the Carib Invitational Tournament and put up 14 points per game. Last but not least is Kadesha Barry. The lefty was Central Highs third leading scorer and second in steals and assists. She had eight points, five rebounds and a team-high four assists in Centrals lost to Charlotte Amalie at the MLK.

All V.I. First Team
F 6-0 TeAndra Richardson, Senior, Charlotte Amalie
F 6-0 Sakile Brathwaite-Hall, Senior, Antilles
G 5-8 Lanese Bough, Senior, Central High
G 5-2 Melanesiah Hendrickson, Senior, Central High
G 5-4 Akia Frett, Freshman, Eudora Kean

All V.I. Second Team
F 5-10 Neandra Auguste, Senior, Educational Complex
F 5-8 Veronique Llanos, Senior, Educational Complex
C 6-2 Edidiong Utibe, Sophomore, Antilles
G 5-8 Shaniqua Wheatley, Junior, Charlotte Amalie
G 5-7 Kadesha Barry, Sophomore, Central High

Honorable Mention: Chales Martin (Antilles), Elsia Williams (Antilles), Alanah George (Eudora Kean), Asheila Ettiene (Eudora Kean), Jeniya Toussaint (Eudora Kean), Johvanna John (Central), Julissa Thomas (Educational Complex), Merissa Murphy (Charlotte Amalie), Kayshauna Williams (Charlotte Amalie), Jerusha Corbett (Charlotte Amalie), Kelssy Trass (Charlotte Amalie), Rhea Simon (All Saints), Chavante Marsh (All Saints), Viniqua David (Gifft School),

AWARDS
The Individual Awards was voted by five people who are some of the biggest basketball fans in the territory. Two are from St. Croix and St. Thomas and the other is a transplant from the United States. Each person had a vote and the player with the most votes received the award.

Tajama Abraham-Ngonba Player of the Year Award: Te'Andra Richardson, Charlotte Amaloie
Comment: Richradson was the MVP of two tourney.

LaKeisha Frett Defensive Player of the Year Award: Lanese Bough, Central
Comment: The best on the ball defender in the territory.

Tombi Bell Lead Guard Award: Lanese Bough, Central
Comment: Led the league in assists.

Martha Bodley Shot Blocking Award: Kelssy Trass, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: Loves to stalk opponents from behind.

Natasha Roxie Lettsome Rebounding Award: Edidiong Utibe, Antilles
Comment: Had 19 rebounds in an all star game. She was close to twenty rebounds four times.

Shaquana Wilkins Shooting Award: Melanesiah Hendrickson, Central
Comment: The stroke is as pure as they come.

Stephanie Piedy Williams Scoring Award: Te'Andra Richardson, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: Can score it from deep, mid range, post and drive.

Lynn Liburd Most Versatile Player Award: Lanese Bough, Central
Comment: Can pass it, steal it and shoot it,

Yanique Javois Sixth Man Award: Kayshawnna Williams, Charlotte Amalie
Comment: Can replace any of the starters and can stroke from deep.

Budd Hazard Coach of the Year Award: Akil Lewis, Eudora Kean
Comment: Has Eudora Kean headed in the right direction.

Vanise Frazier Territory Champs: Charlotte Amalie

Comment: Charlotte Amalie won the MLK and Antilles Basketball Jam tournaments.



*****************************************************
  UKRAINE - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Olga MAZNICHENKO
  Tim-S.
  (187-F-91)
  Avg: 19.8
 1. Maznichenko, Tim-S.19.8 
 2. Iagupova, Dnipr.19.7 
 3. Rastorgueva, Donb.19.2 
 4. Markotenko, Frank.18.3 
 5. Lubarskaya, Dynamo17.8 
 6. Williams, Dnipr.16.9 
 7. Ragin, Dynamo16.8 
 8. Suzyk, Frankivsk16.6 
 9. Rimarenko, Dynamo16.3 
 10. Grishina, Lugans.16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Ragin, Dynamo11.4 
 2. Alyoshkina, Orlan10.5 
 3. Rimarenko, Dynamo10.3 
 4. Maznichenko, Tim-S.10.1 
 5. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.9.5 
 6. Zarytska, Kozachka9.4 
 7. Yakunina, Lugans.8.6 
 8. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.8.4 
 9. Dorogobuzova, Tim-.8.3 
 10. Grishina, Lugans.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.6.2 
 2. Williams, Dnipr.5.3 
 3. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf4.9 
 4. Lapshynova, Polite.4.9 
 5. Dubas, Frankivsk4.5 
 6. Dubrovina, Kozach.4.4 
 7. Panchenk-S., Koza.3.9 
 8. Iagupova, Dnipr.3.7 
 9. Pokoiova, Kozachka3.7 
 10. Lubarskaya, Dyna.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Dubrovina, Kozach.4.6 
 2. Markotenko, Frank.3.4 
 3. Williams, Dnipr.3.1 
 4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf3.0 
 5. Iagupova, Dnipr.2.5 
 6. Siromatnikov., Yuz.2.4 
 7. Lubarskaya, Dynamo2.3 
 8. Shapochkina, Yuzh.2.2 
 9. Bondar, Dynamo2.2 
 10. Polyanychka, Fran.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Alyoshkina, Orlan3.0 
 2. Yaburova, Dnipr.1.9 
 3. Shablynska, Polite.1.6 
 4. Bovykina, Dnipr.1.6 
 5. Kisilova, Kozachka1.2 
 6. Maznichenko, Tim-S.1.1 
 7. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.1.0 
 8. Berezinets, Tim-S.1.0 
 9. Dorogobuzova, Tim-.0.8 
 10. Stafyuk, Dynamo0.8 


Olena Samburska joined Kozachka - by Eurobasket News
One of the most successful Ukrainian players abroad this year Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) recently joined Kozachka. Few weeks ago she tasted gold with Bulgarian Lukoil.
Olena Samburska was named Bulgarian League Regular Season Champion -09, 11, Bulgarian League Champion -09, 11, reached Bulgarian Cup Semifinals -09, EuroCup Quarterfinals -10, Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Guard of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Bosman Player of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 1st Team -11.
Olena Samburska and her Lukoil continued to dominate in Bulgaria. They handed 80-85 home loss to Levski in Game Four defending the title with 3-1 in the Finals. It is third straight NBL title for Lukoil. Ukrainian guard Olena Samburska chipped in 26 points and 5 rebounds. Lukoil was also the regular season champion with 13-7 record. They eliminated Dunav in the Semifinals with perfect 3-0.

Surprising Frankivsk climbs to the third place - by Eurobasket News
Surprising Frankivsk climbs to the third place as the team shocked Dynamo 77:74 over the weekend. Frankivsk started the game with 27-24 but then the teams were tied at the halftime after 25-22 in the second frame. Due to the third quarter the hosts managed to win the game and improved to 7-4 record (they lost to Tim Skuf on Sunday). Arina Markotenko (170-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Viktoriya Suzyk (182-F-88) netted 16. Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87, college: Clayton St.) replied with 21 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.
Tim Skuf won over Frankivsk 94:68 to take 11-0 record on top. Inna Faskhutdinova (182-F-84) erupted with 27 points and Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) added 19 points and 14 boards. Arina Markotenko scored 21 points in defeat.
Kozachka meanwhile took 9-2 record on the second place beating Yuzhna Palmira 90:64 away from home. Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87, agency: Promotex) netted 20 points and Dubrovina Olga posted 13. Tatiana Shapochkina (179-G-90) delivered 28 points for the home side.



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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Bradford Dragons Sport England Small Grants success - by Eurobasket News
Building on from the club's recent senior men's success in winning the Division 2 league title, Bradford Dragons have been successful in a Sport England Small Grants application for their 'Women's and Girls' Basketball Development Initiative'.

The club worked in conjunction with Bradford Council's Community Sport and Activities Development Coach, Mark Gunn, to secure a 10,000 grant from Sport England striving towards working with local communities to get people playing more sport. The grant will allow the club to make new sporting opportunities available for females in and around the Bradford area.

The club are currently running Women's Basketball Summer Workout sessions for females aged 14+ at Bradford College on Thursdays, 8-9:30pm, and players of all abilities from all over Yorkshire have been attending since they started in April. Coaches will also be delivering basketball in schools, colleges and the community to engage with younger females to attract more female players, coaches and volunteers to the club and build towards creating U13, U15 and senior women's teams ahead of the 2011/12 season with aspirations of expanding to England Basketball's junior and senior national leagues in the 2012/13 season.

Stuart Culliford, Bradford Dragons Basketball Club's Chairperson, said: 'We are delighted to receive this grant which will enable us to restart our women and girls basketball programme after a two year gap. Women and girls basketball remains a core development objective for Dragons as we seek to grow a strong basketball community in the Bradford district.'

Sport England invests National Lottery and Exchequer funding in projects that will grow and sustain participation in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport. Judith Rasmussen, Sport England's Regional Lead for Yorkshire, said: 'The opportunity to try a new sport for the first time is often all a person needs to catch the sporting bug. The Bradford Dragons Women's and Girls' project is a great way for females of all ages to try basketball and have a quality sporting experience that will encourage them to stay involved.'
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk