EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/13/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ALGERIA   


Former Spartan Mounir Benzegala Agrees To Professional Contract - by Kristian Santiago
(By Univ. of Tampa)

Former University of Tampa mens basketball player Mounir Benzegala (178-G-87, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Tampa) has agreed to a contract with Ittihad Tripoli, a professional team in Libya that represents the countrys largest club.

Traditionally Ittihad Tripoli expects to be playing for a league championship every year and as a rookie point guard I am looking forward to that challenge and opportunity, says Benzegala. Whenever you go from collegiate to professional basketball there are some challenges that you have to be aware of as a player. But with every challenge is an opportunity to rise.

Benzegala will play in his first game with Ittihad Tripoli on Thursday.

I am expected to bring leadership and intensity everyday along with the responsibility of playing hard-nosed defense, distributing the ball and scoring, states Benzegala. Being talented at this level is not enough because everyone has talent, so to separate myself is going to be important to be the first and last player in the gym. When all of your friends are going out and having fun, I will be in the gym perfecting my game, which are the sacrifices you have to make in order to play at this level.

The team is currently tied for third place with a 7-2 overall record. He will play alongside former collegiate player Augustine Okuson (Seton Hall), who also played in the4 NBDL with the Austin Toros.

Benzegala is currently competing with the Algerian National Team, awaiting confirmation for the summer Olympic qualifying games. Current collegiate players joining Benzegala on the national team include Mehdi Cheriet (205-F-87) (San Diego State), Hichem Benayad-Cherif (200-F) (IUPFW) and Mohamed Esseghir (208-F-85, college: IPFW) (USF).

With the national team, Benzegala played in two Arab championships and the African qualification contest against Morocco, which consisted of back-to-back games. In his first Arabic championship in 2009, he led the team in scoring, assists, steals and 3-point field goal percentage.

In the 2010 Arab championships, his team finished in fourth place and defeated champion Egypt in pool play, a game where Benzegala scored 16 points with four assists. He also hit a game-winning fade-away 3-pointer from the corner with one minute left to give his team a three point lead.

Benzegala also played the African qualification, which consisted of two games against Morocco in Morocco. They lost both games, as he led the team in scoring during the first game with 15 points and also had five assists. The team will be competing in the upcoming Arab games in the summer and possibly the African championships.

'There is nothing more honorable than to have the opportunity to play for your country and I will continue to do so for as long as I am asked to participate, says Benzegala. We have not played in a world championship or Olympic event since 2002 and I would like to be part of restoring Algerian Basketball to its highest prestige. With the likely arrival of former NCAA Division I player Mohamed Esseghir and two current Division I players, (Mehdi Cheriet and Hichem Benayad-Cherif), the potential is very high.

A University of Tampa graduate, Benzegala played for the Spartans from 2007-10. He started 17 games for UT in the 2009-10 season, averaging 9.1 points. He also had 39 assists and 13 steals while shooting at a 41.9 percent clip from 3-point range. In two seasons, he played in 39 games for Tampa and scored 207 total points.

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


D1 Round 35: Spirou Charleroi beats Dexia Mons-Hainaut in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in D1.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Charleroi. First ranked Spirou Charleroi faced 3rd placed Dexia Mons-Hainaut. Host Spirou Charleroi (25-6) defeated guests from Quaregnon (20-11) 94-85. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Dexia Mons-Hainaut. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Dexia Mons-Hainaut won fourth quarter 27-26. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Dexia Mons-Hainaut 34-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. Spirou Charleroi looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Dexia Mons-Hainaut's players. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Brian Greene (204-81, college: Colorado St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Dwayne Broyles (196-82, college: JMU, agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 19 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Guard Ronell Taylor (196-82, college: UAB) produced 29 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the guests. Defending champion maintains first place with 25-6 record. Dexia Mons-Hainaut at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. Spirou Charleroi are looking forward to face Antwerp Giants (#5) on the road in the next round. Dexia Mons-Hainaut will play against Belgacom Liege and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
The game in Liege was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Okapi Aalstar (22-10) played at the court of 7th ranked Belgacom Liege (10-21). Okapi Aalstar did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 84-67. American forward Tyren Johnson (202-88, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Impact Basketball) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 6 rebounds. Christopher Young contributed with 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Croatian center Andrija Stipanovic (208-86) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Belgacom Liege. Okapi Aalstar maintains second place with 22-10 record having just two points less than leader Charleroi. Belgacom Liege at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 21 games lost. Okapi Aalstar will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Belgacom Liege will play on the road against Dexia Mons-Hainaut (#3) in Quaregnon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Leuven was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Antwerp Giants (16-15) played at the court of sixth ranked Leuven Bears (12-19). Leuven Bears defeated Antwerp Giants 87-73 on Wednesday. It was a great evening for Adeola Dagunduro who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Michael Roll responded with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leuven Bears maintains sixth place with 12-19 record. Loser Antwerp Giants keep the fifth position with 15 games lost. Leuven Bears will meet VOO Verviers-Pepinster (#7) on the road in the next round. Antwerp Giants will play against the league's leader Spirou Charleroi and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 35 Verviers-Pep. defeated Gent in a road game 74-64.


Liege - Aalstar 67-84

The game in Liege was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Okapi Aalstar (22-10) played at the court of 7th ranked Belgacom Liege (10-21). Okapi Aalstar did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 84-67. It looked good early as Belgacom Liege took an 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Okapi Aalstar took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 17 points. They made 25-of-30 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Okapi Aalstar had a 32-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. Belgacom Liege was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Tyren Johnson (202-88, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Impact Basketball) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 6 rebounds. American-Lithuanian power forward Christopher Young (206-79, college: Michigan, agency: Court Side) contributed with 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Okapi Aalstar players scored in double figures. Croatian center Andrija Stipanovic (208-86) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized DR Congolese swingman Wen Boss Mukubu (198-83, college: UAB, agency: SportsTalent) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Belgacom Liege. Okapi Aalstar maintains second place with 22-10 record having just two points less than leader Charleroi. Belgacom Liege at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 21 games lost. Okapi Aalstar will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Belgacom Liege will play on the road against Dexia Mons-Hainaut (#3) in Quaregnon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Aalstar: T.Johnson 24+6reb+3ast, C.Young 21+8reb, A.Hilliard 14+7reb, J.Steinbach 11+5reb+7ast, D.Huffman 8+7reb+3ast, A.Ruoff 4+2reb+2ast
Liege: A.Stipanovic 17+7reb, W.Boss Mukubu 11+7reb+3ast, G.Hockins 10+1reb+1ast, O.Troisfontaines 9, C.Bozeman 7+9reb, X.Collette 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 98701


Gent - Verviers-Pep. 64-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Optima Gent's (5-26) home loss to eighth ranked VOO Verviers-Pepinster (11-20) 64-74 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by VOO Verviers-Pepinster. Optima Gent managed to win second period 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. VOO Verviers-Pepinster made 27-of-31 free shots (87.1 percent) during the game, while Optima Gent only scored seven points from the stripe. They outrebounded Optima Gent 42-30 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds. Georgian swingman Tornike Shengelia (205-91) helped adding 19 points and 11 rebounds. Four VOO Verviers-Pepinster players scored in double figures. American power forward Monwell Randle (203-83, college: SE Missouri St., agency: Court Side) responded with 13 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import swingman Adam Hall (196-80, college: Virginia) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. VOO Verviers-Pepinster moved-up to seventh place. Optima Gent lost fifth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. VOO Verviers-Pepinster will meet at home higher ranked Leuven Bears (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Optima Gent will play against Base Oostende and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Verviers-Pep.: T.Shengelia 19+11reb, R.Freeman 16+15reb+2ast, D.Hargrove 13+1reb+3ast, B.Gay 12+9reb, D.Waters 8+3reb+2ast, A.Chada 4+2reb
Gent: A.Hall 13+5reb+2ast, M.Randle 13+9reb, S.Geukens 9+1reb, D.Emerson 7+4reb+1ast, D.Loubry 6+3reb+4ast, M.Rose 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 98698


Charleroi - M.Hainaut 94-85

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Charleroi. First ranked Spirou Charleroi faced 3rd placed Dexia Mons-Hainaut. Host Spirou Charleroi (25-6) defeated guests from Quaregnon (20-11) 94-85. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Dexia Mons-Hainaut. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Dexia Mons-Hainaut won fourth quarter 27-26. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Dexia Mons-Hainaut 34-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. Spirou Charleroi looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Dexia Mons-Hainaut's players. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Brian Greene (204-81, college: Colorado St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Dwayne Broyles (196-82, college: JMU, agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 19 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Guard Ronell Taylor (196-82, college: UAB) produced 29 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and guard Marcus Hatten (186-80, college: St.John's) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Four Spirou Charleroi and five Dexia Mons-Hainaut players scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains first place with 25-6 record. Dexia Mons-Hainaut at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. Spirou Charleroi are looking forward to face Antwerp Giants (#5) on the road in the next round. Dexia Mons-Hainaut will play against Belgacom Liege and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Charleroi: D.Broyles 19+3reb+3ast, B.Greene 17+10reb+4ast, J.Gomis 15+2reb+6ast, C.Beghin 13+7reb, J.Hamilton 9+3reb+4ast, A.Riddick 8+2reb
M.Hainaut: R.Taylor 29+5reb+1ast, P.Van Paassen 13+4reb, M.Hatten 13+5reb+4ast, A.Nivins 11+4reb+1ast, R.Lewis 10+2reb+2ast, S.Foster 6
gschID: 98699


Leuven - Antwerp 87-73

The game in Leuven was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Antwerp Giants (16-15) played at the court of sixth ranked Leuven Bears (12-19). Leuven Bears defeated Antwerp Giants 87-73 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Leuven Bears. Antwerp Giants managed to win third quarter 29-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Leuven Bears especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for Nigerian guard Adeola Dagunduro (196-86, college: Nebraska) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). American guard Brandon Freeman (191-83, college: UALR) helped adding 18 points and 4 assists. American guard Michael Roll (196-87, college: UCLA) responded with 16 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import center Graham Brown (205-84, college: Michigan) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Antwerp Giants players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leuven Bears maintains sixth place with 12-19 record. Loser Antwerp Giants keep the fifth position with 15 games lost. Leuven Bears will meet VOO Verviers-Pepinster (#7) on the road in the next round. Antwerp Giants will play against the league's leader Spirou Charleroi and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Leuven: A.Dagunduro 18+5reb+3ast, B.Freeman 18+3reb+4ast, J.Tofi 16+5reb+1ast, I.Hanavan 9+1reb+5ast, J.J.J. Miller 8+2reb+3ast, D.Lowhorn 7+2reb
Antwerp: M.Roll 16+5reb+2ast, G.Brown 14+5reb+4ast, D.Wilson 14+6reb, R.Biggs 12+6reb+2ast, R.Moors 11+1reb+5ast, D.Donkor 2+1reb
gschID: 98700




Standings - Division I
D1 Standings
 1. Charleroi 25-6 
 2. Aalstar 22-10 
 3. M.Hainaut 20-11 
 4. Oostende 19-12 
 5. Antwerp 16-15 
 6. Leuven 12-19 
 7. Verviers-Pep. 11-20 
 8. Liege 10-21 
 9. Gent 5-26 


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Stefon JACKSON
  Verviers.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Jackson, Verviers.16.3 
 2. Mallet, Charleroi16.0 
 3. Lojeski, Oostende16.0 
 4. Freeman, Verviers.15.9 
 5. Black, Antwerp15.6 
 6. Taylor, M.Hainaut15.5 
 7. Copeland, Aalstar15.2 
 8. Waters, Verviers.15.2 
 9. Miller, Leuven15.1 
 10. Hilliard, Aalstar14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8
 1. Freeman, Verviers.8.0 
 2. Young, Aalstar7.5 
 3. Stipanovic, Liege7.4 
 4. Randle, Gent7.3 
 5. Hilliard, Aalstar7.3 
 6. Brown, Antwerp6.7 
 7. Jackson, Verviers.6.3 
 8. Tofi, Leuven6.2 
 9. Gay, Verviers-Pep.6.2 
 10. Dagunduro, Leuven6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Mitchell, Oostende4.1 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut3.7 
 3. Dagunduro, Leuven3.6 
 4. Waters, Verviers.3.4 
 5. Moors, Antwerp3.1 
 6. Bosco, Gent2.9 
 7. Black, Antwerp2.9 
 8. Miller, Leuven2.7 
 9. Burrell, Aalstar2.7 
 10. Mallet, Charleroi2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Jenkins, Liege2.8 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut2.4 
 3. Mallet, Charleroi2.3 
 4. Wilson, Antwerp2.2 
 5. Dagunduro, Leuven2.2 
 6. Mitchell, Oostende1.8 
 7. Lojeski, Oostende1.7 
 8. Taylor, M.Hainaut1.7 
 9. Hamilton, Charleroi1.6 
 10. McCauley, M.Hai.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Mejri, Antwerp1.5 
 2. Riddick, Charleroi1.5 
 3. Johnson, Aalstar0.9 
 4. Young, Aalstar0.8 
 5. Randle, Gent0.8 
 6. Wilson, Antwerp0.6 
 7. Tofi, Leuven0.6 
 8. Nivins, M.Hainaut0.5 
 9. Stipanovic, Liege0.5 
 10. Pelle, Oostende0.5 


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  BOSNIA   


Emir Mutapcic stays with Anwil Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News
Anwil Wloclawek announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Emir Mutapcic. The Bosnian specialist took over the team last summer, but they faced with elimination in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Despite that fact, Anwil decided to offer a new deal to Mutapcic who will lead them next season as well. Anwil Wloclawek was No.6 in PLK regular season with 11-11 score.
Emir Mutapcic started his coaching career in 1996 with the German team Lichterfelde. In 1999, he moved to ALBA Berlin as Assistant and after one later he already got promotion. With ALBA, Mutapcic won 3 German league titles and two National Cups. From 2005 to 2009 he worked with the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Mutapcic was a Head Coach of the Bosnian National Team in 1997 and 2004. Mutapcic was also very successful as a player.

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  BRAZIL   


Winner/Limeira already extends contract of their top players - by Paulo Freire
After the elimination on the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), the director board of Winner / Limeira confirmed the contract extension of their main players. The information was confirmed by the vice president, Cassio Roque.

The team will also keep the head coach Demetrius Ferracci and his assistant Dede Barbosa, who both in their first year together as a professionals out court, won the Paulista State title of 2010.

The smallforward Charles Lopes (202-F/C-81) and the american powerforward Durelle Brown (202-F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Manhattan) will both no longer play for the Winner / Limeira. The pair was released after the season in a decision from the coach staff.

So far, have been announced the renew of the contract for one more season of the players:

Eric Tatu Romualdo (185-G-83)
Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, college: Pittsburgh)
Diego Pinheiro (195-F/G-80)
Rodrigo Alves (200-F-87)
Dalla Barba (198-F-91)
Deryk Ramos (185-G-94)
Daniel Castellar (202-C-83)
Andre Bambu (205-C-79)

The rumors are that the directors are in negotiation with the point guard Arlindo Neto (187-G-86) who have been playing for Araraquara in the past years, also it is most like it that big man Rafael Mineiro (213-C-87) will be waived in the next days.




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  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Harper, Levski23.6 
 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, Tundja14.9 
 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: 10.5
 1. Varbanov, Tundja10.5 
 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, Levski6.8 
 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. Heath, Lukoil A.4.0 
 4. Dyakovski, Spartak4.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.3.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan3.8 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja3.6 
 8. Lilov, Rilski S.3.5 
 9. Gruev, Rilski S.3.4 
 10. Dimitrov, Spartak3.2 
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, Tundja1.9 
 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. Finzgar, Tundja1.6 
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 


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  CAYMAN ISLANDS   


Cayman Islanders playing abroad in 2011 - by Kristian Santiago
Here is a list of all Cayman Islanders playin in U.S. Colleges:

Samuel O'Garro (F) 6-5 Guard 2010-2011: Eckerd College (USA) 2,2 ppg , 1,4 rpg
Shaad O'Garro (201-F) 6-7 Forward 2010-2011: Campbellsville University (USA) Redshirt
Haymond Rankin (191-G-90) 6-3 Guard 2010-2011: University of Tampa (USA) DNP
Niik Akwei General-Vanderpui 6-4 Guard 2010-2011: Vermont Tech (USA) 9,5 ppg 5,6 rpg
Jerome Narcisse (193-G/F) 6-4 Guard 2010-2011: SW Oklahoma State (USA) DNP
Deandre Simpson (195-G) 6-5 Guard 2010-2011: SW Oklahoma State (USA) DNP
Kurt Alexander (182-G) 6-0 Guard 2010-2011: Drake (USA) 5,6 ppg , 1,4 rpg




*****************************************************
  CBL   


Standings
CBL Standings
 1. Cary I. 1-0 
 2. Gainesville G. 1-0 
 3. Birmingham S. 0-0 
 4. Fayetteville C. 0-0 
 5. Heartland P. 0-0 
 6. Miami Stars 0-0 
 7. Palm Beach T. 0-0 
 8. Savannah W. 0-0 
 9. Florida Flight 0-1 
 10. Wilmington SD 0-1 


Savannah Wildcats cancel season - by Eurobasket News
Due to the family issues in the Savannah Wildcats owners family, we regretfully have to cancel our second season. We look forward to next season and want to thank all of you for your support in our 1st season.

Meanwhile, teams prepare for the second round of CBL. Here is the schedule:

May. 15: Heartland P. - Gainesville .
May. 15: Cary I. - Savannah W.
May. 15: Fayetteville. - Wilmington SD
May. 14: Florida Flig. - Heartland P.
May. 13: Cary I. - Wilmington SD

*****************************************************
  CHINA   


Robert Traylor Passed away - by Robert Wang
Former U-M hoops star Robert 'Tractor' Traylor dies at 34
Rod Beard and Eric Lacy / / The Detroit News
Former Michigan star basketball player and Detroit native Robert 'Tractor' Traylor was found dead in his apartment in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
According to his professional team, Vaqueros de Bayamon, Traylor suffered a massive heart attack. He was 34.
Traylor, who was a high school All-America standout at Detroit Murray-Wright, played at U-M from 1995-98 before being selected by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1998 NBA draft.
After leaving U-M, Traylor was at the center of the Ed Martin scandal that rocked the University of Michigan and led to severe NCAA sanctions and vacated wins during his college career.
Traylor played seven seasons in the NBA, including two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played his final season in 2005. He averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds over his career.
News of Traylor's death shocked Steve Fishman, Traylor's lawyer, when contacted by The Detroit News.
'He was a gentle giant,' Fishman said. 'And he would do anything to help younger players. If you knew his background and the challenges he faced, you couldn't help but be impressed with what he accomplished.'
Willie Mitchell and Traylor were teammates at Michigan for one season (1994-95) but their relation ship went further back. Mitchell played at Detroit Pershing, was Mr. Basketball in '94, and played Traylor's team, Murray-Wright, in the Class A state final that season. Murray-Wright won its only state title that season, defeating Pershing, the two-time defending champion, 86-64. Traylor was a junior that year.
'I've known Robert since he was 14,' Mitchell said. 'He was a freak of nature. He was a bundle of joy to be around. Anytime he stepped into a room, he filled it with laughter. I just heard of his death. I knew he was playing in the Puerto Rican League and he was playing well. I hadn't talked to him in six months or so.'




*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


COLOMBIA DEFEATED VENEZUELA IN THE SOUTHAMERICAN U-15 - by Victor Garcia
Colombia reached its second straight victory in the Southamerican Championship U-15, the National team defeated Venezuela 71 - 53, with a great performance of the young Yildon Mendoza, Colombia reach a 49 - 22 lead in the hald time, according to Raul Pabon the National Coach, the team took advantage of its size in the paint, and also did a good job against the Venezuela pressure defense, Colombia will now face Uruguay in the quarterfinals tonight.

Colombia 71 - Yildon Mendoza (6,7' F/C - 1995)
Venezuela 53.

*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


A1 Round 13 (second stage): Leader Cedevita loses to Zadar - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Second Stage in A1.

Top ranked Cedevita (11-2) recorded its second loss on the court of third ranked Zadar on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by Zadar 88-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cedevita. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Cedevita trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 29-25 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 80-88 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Cedevita 37-23 including 27 on the defensive glass. Marko Car (188-G/F-85) fired 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American forward Brandon Brown (202-81, college: Tulane) chipped in 22 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Dontaye Draper (180-84, college: Charleston) produced 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 steals for lost side. Zadar have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with KK Zagreb CO. Cedevita at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Zadar is looking forward to face KK Split (#5) on the road in the next round. Cedevita will play against Zabok (#8) in Zabok and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Sinj. Fourth ranked Cibona (7-6) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Alkar Sinj (4-9) 77-76 on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of center Leon Radosevic (208-90) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 7 rebounds. Marin Rozic contributed with 16 points and 4 steals for the winners. Guard Josip Blajic (192-87) answered with 20 points and 7 assists for Alkar Sinj. Defending champion maintains fourth place with 7-6 record. Newly promoted Alkar Sinj dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Borik. Cibona's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Zagreb KK Zagreb CO.
Zabok can celebrate finally their first win this season after 11 consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Borik Puntamika (4-9) 76-56 on Wednesday. Toni Brnas stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. At the losing side Jure Skific responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Borik Puntamika's coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Zabok maintains eighth place with 1-11 record. It was Borik Puntamika's third loss in a row. They keep the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Alkar Sinj. Zabok will meet league's leader Cedevita in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Borik Puntamika will play against Alkar Sinj (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 13 KK Split was defeated by KK Zagreb CO in a road game 83-70.
The best stats of 13th round was 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 11 assists by Luka Petkovic of Svjetlost.

Group Group A
Zabok - Borik 76-56

Zabok can celebrate finally their first win this season after 11 consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Borik Puntamika (4-9) 76-56 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Zabok led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Zabok outrebounded Borik Puntamika 37-26 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Toni Brnas (201-91) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and forward Ivan Perincic (208-77, agency: Agency No 10) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Jure Skific (202-88) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Marino Sarlija (207-89) scored 14 points (perfect from the field making all six shots). Borik Puntamika's coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Zabok maintains eighth place with 1-11 record. It was Borik Puntamika's third loss in a row. They keep the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Alkar Sinj. Zabok will meet league's leader Cedevita in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Borik Puntamika will play against Alkar Sinj (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zabok: I.Peklaric 17+3reb+2ast, T.Brnas 15+10reb+1ast, I.Perincic 11+9reb+2ast, L.Pesut 8+2reb, S.Smajlagic 8+4reb+3ast, S.Jankovic 7+6reb+3ast
Borik: M.Sarlija 14+2reb, J.Skific 10+6reb+3ast, P.Maric 8+4reb+1ast, M.Jurjevic 7+2reb+1ast, T.Petani 7+6reb, I.Mikulic 4+1ast
gschID: 124421


KK Zagreb CO - KK Split 83-70

There was no surprise when 5th ranked KK Split (5-8) was defeated on the road by third ranked KK Zagreb CO (10-3) 83-70 on Monday. The game was mostly controlled by KK Zagreb CO. KK Split managed to win fourth quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. KK Zagreb CO had a 31-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. The former international guard Damir Mulaomerovic (195-74, agency: FCM) stepped up and scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and the former international swingman Krunoslav Simon (197-85) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side guard Toni Katic (185-92) responded with 20 points and forward Ante Grgurevic (199-75, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. Four KK Split players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. KK Zagreb CO moved-up to second place, which they share with Zadar. Loser KK Split keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. KK Zagreb CO's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Zagreb to the arena Cibona.
Top scorers:
KK Zagreb CO: D.Mulaomerovic 22+5reb+5ast, K.Simon 18+8reb+2ast, L.Zoric 14+6reb+1ast, J.Heytvelt 8+6reb, D.Rancic 6+2reb+1ast, A.Masic 5+2reb+2ast
KK Split: T.Katic 20+4reb+2ast, I.Mimica 14+3reb+3ast, R.Mahalbasic 11+5reb, A.Grgurevic 11+10reb+1ast, J.Sobin 6+4reb+2ast, S.Subotic 4+1reb+3ast
gschID: 124422


Zadar - Cedevita 88-80

Top ranked Cedevita (11-2) recorded its second loss on the court of third ranked Zadar on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by Zadar 88-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cedevita. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Cedevita trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 29-25 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 80-88 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Cedevita 37-23 including 27 on the defensive glass. Swingman Marko Car (188-85) fired 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American forward Brandon Brown (202-81, college: Tulane) chipped in 22 points and 8 rebounds. Five Zadar players scored in double figures. American guard Dontaye Draper (180-84, college: Charleston) produced 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 steals and the former international swingman Marino Bazdaric (197-78) added 16 points respectively for lost side. Zadar have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with KK Zagreb CO. Cedevita at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Zadar is looking forward to face KK Split (#5) on the road in the next round. Cedevita will play against Zabok (#8) in Zabok and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Zadar: P.Marcinkovic 24+7reb+1ast, B.Brown 22+8reb+2ast, M.Car 17+7reb+8ast, I.Batur 14+3reb, I.Ivanov 11+9reb+3ast, M.Dundovic 0
Cedevita: D.Draper 23+6reb+4ast, M.Bazdaric 16+2reb+2ast, D.Rudez 13+2reb, D.Butorac 7+1reb, V.Princ 7+2reb+1ast, H.Kovacevic 7+1reb
gschID: 124423


Alkar Sinj - Cibona 76-77

Important game to mention about took place in Sinj. Fourth ranked Cibona (7-6) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Alkar Sinj (4-9) 77-76 on Wednesday evening. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Cibona made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game, while Alkar Sinj only scored three points from the stripe. Alkar Sinj was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of center Leon Radosevic (208-90) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Marin Rozic (201-83) contributed with 16 points and 4 steals for the winners. Guard Josip Blajic (192-87) answered with 20 points and 7 assists and swingman Ante Delas (201-88) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Alkar Sinj. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains fourth place with 7-6 record. Newly promoted Alkar Sinj dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Borik. Cibona's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Zagreb KK Zagreb CO.
Top scorers:
Cibona: G.Vrbanc 19+3reb, M.Rozic 16+3reb+3ast, L.Radosevic 14+7reb+2ast, B.Bogdanovic 13+5reb+3ast, P.Barac 6+3reb, T.Zubcic 5+5reb
Alkar Sinj: J.Blajic 20+7ast, M.Modric 14+3reb, Z.Zupic 12+3reb+1ast, A.Delas 12+6reb+2ast, D.Erceg 6+9reb+1ast, I.Radic 4+4reb
gschID: 124420




A1 Standings
A1 Standings
Group A
 1. Cedevita 11-2 
 2. Zadar 10-3 
 3. KK Zagreb CO 10-3 
 4. Cibona 7-6 
 5. KK Split 5-8 
 6. Borik 4-9 
 7. Alkar Sinj 4-9 
 8. Zabok 1-11 
Group B
 1. Darda 6-4 
 2. Svjetlost 6-4 
 3. Dubrava 6-4 
 4. Dubrovnik 4-6 
 5. Kvarner 2010 4-6 
 6. Trogir 4-6 


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner .
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23
 1. Puljko, Kvarner23.0 
 2. Car, Zadar21.8 
 3. Zitko, Trogir20.2 
 4. Bogdanovic, Cibona19.8 
 5. Zoric, KK.18.3 
 6. Petkovic, Svjetlost17.4 
 7. Bakovic, Darda17.4 
 8. Saric, Dubrava17.2 
 9. Simon, KK.16.5 
 10. Wright, Cedevita15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  Dubrava
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 10
 1. Saric, Dubrava10.0 
 2. Krolo, Darda8.7 
 3. Brown, Zadar7.5 
 4. Radic, Alkar Sinj7.2 
 5. Ivanov, Zadar6.9 
 6. Zoric, KK.6.8 
 7. Sobin, KK Split6.8 
 8. Bazdaric, Cedevita6.7 
 9. Grgurevic, KK Split6.6 
 10. Ridl, Darda6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Karakas, Trogir7.1 
 2. Petkovic, Svjetlost5.3 
 3. Car, Zadar4.8 
 4. Jugo, Kvarner 20104.3 
 5. Blajic, Alkar Sinj4.1 
 6. Saric, Dubrava3.5 
 7. Renfroe, KK.3.5 
 8. Dosen, Dubrovnik3.4 
 9. Delas, Alkar Sinj3.3 
 10. Simon, KK.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Alex RENFROE
  KK.
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Renfroe, KK.2.8 
 2. Car, Zadar2.2 
 3. Marcinkovic, Zadar2.1 
 4. Saric, Dubrava2.0 
 5. Anzulovic, Alkar S.1.9 
 6. Karakas, Trogir1.8 
 7. Bicvic, Darda1.7 
 8. Brown, Zadar1.7 
 9. Puljko, Kvarner1.6 
 10. Skific, Borik1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK.
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Zoric, KK.1.6 
 2. Kraljevic, Zabok1.4 
 3. Vitali, Trogir1.2 
 4. Saric, Dubrava1.0 
 5. Krolo, Darda1.0 
 6. Vukicevic, Svjetlo.0.9 
 7. Sobin, KK Split0.9 
 8. Vladovic, Trogir0.8 
 9. Ridl, Darda0.8 
 10. Sarlija, Borik0.7 


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


An overview of the current situation in the A' Division teams - by Chris Mammides
Right after the seasons end the basketball teams of the first division start slowly-slowly to get organized for the coming season, unlike the previous years, it seems that the teams got alert and already begins their shopping, so if we get the teams one by one we will see the following:

The champion team of InterCollege Etha Engomis already renewed the contract of the triumphant coaching team and for another season Head Coach Antonis Konstantinides with his assistant coach Christoforos Livadiotis (184-G-80) will continue their career in Engomis team. At the same time there are at least three renewals as the Lithuanian Valdas Dabkus (204-F-84) and the Serbian Dejan Cup (202-F/C-83) together with (probably) Giorgos Anastasiadis (194-G/F-77) will continue their career with the champions.

The finalist of the league, team of AEL Limassol will keep the successful coaching team of the play-offs and will add another member, this member will be Andonis Evzonas (188-G/F-63), the ex player of AEL Limassol and also Coach of the Junior team of AEL will be enforcing the set duet of Christos Spirou and Markos Asonitis (198-F-79). At the same time there is a strong will to keep the American power forward center Avis Wyatt (211-F/C-84, college: Virginia St.) and at least another one or two of the foreigners of the current season's roster. One of the critical points will be the renewal of the successful Cyprus trio of Georgios Palalas (185-G-81), Michalis Kounounis (194-F/G-81) and Alexandros Liatsos (200-F-80, college: Ohio), some rumors do bring a forth Cypriot which used to play for AEL some years ago.

The third team of the season, Keravnos Strovolou seems that will keep as a head Coach for the first time in his long career as an assistant coach the Larnaka born Panagiotis Yiannaras and as a Team manager will probably remain Angelos Papadimitriou (192-G-66), from there and on depending on the plans for the season 2011-2012 and the target of the team for the specific season, obviously will sent off some local players who had no time at all with the team in the current season, while it's not certain yet whether some of the key figures of the team in the previous years will remain in the team. Christopher Razis (193-F-89) will probably heading for a team abroad as he wants to have some real court time action. The most certain players are for sure Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80) and Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) that have contract for the coming season too.

The fourth team of the season, APOEL Nicosia hasnt done any special moves other than the managerial level where we had a change in the team, as Aris Vasilopoulos took over from Prodromos Petridis and the people outside the club do consider a lot for this seasons scheme and roster.

The fifth team of the season, Achilleas Kaimakli until now is facing a legal issue as the ex player of the team Grigoris Pantouris (190-G/F-82) took some legal measure against the Kaimakli club for wages owe to him (3 months according to the Cyprus Media). Other than that we do not have anything but the fact that the head coach of the team will remain untouchable as Kuriakou Yiangoulis will probably be the Head Coach of the Kaimakli team in the coming season too.

The sixth team of the season, Apollon Limassol will keep (according to our sources which are not official) the Greek Head Coach Vasilis Fragias but probably none of the team which consist the parts of current seasons total failure. So, there is nothing yet as some news will probably and officially received within the next week or so.

The seventh team of the season, AEK Larnakas is changing the coaching team as even if we had some rumors that the Latvian head Coach Igor Migliniecks will continue in the Larnakas team finally seems that another team this season will trust a local boy, so the ex head Coach of Achilleas Kaimakli, Nikolas Papadopoulos is officially the new head coach of the team. Other than that we only have the possible staying of the Bosman player Vladimir Dujovic (194-G/F-82) which is been said (unofficial sources) that he might apply for Cyprus citizenship. Other than that, the Larnaka team will keep the following Cyprus players: Nikolao Stylianou (198-F-88, college: W.Texas A&M), Iacovos Panteli (188-G-85), Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94), and Giannis Prokopiou (182-G-80), and maybe another 2-3 players of this seasons roster.

The eighth team of Omonoia is until now a big question mark as according to some sources they want to emphasize in the specific sport and they may invest quite some money to do so, if that is the case then for sure the team from Nicosia has all the necessary elements to become quite competitive. From last seasons roster the only certain players are Barnaba brothers which consider being the future prospects for the Nicosia team and Giorgos Avgoustinou (201-F/C-94), nothing else is certain for the specific team until this moment with the probable remaining of Head Coach Adamou Kyriakos .

The ninth team of ENAD Agiou Dhometiou has agreed financial terms with its ex Head Coach Marios Argyrou while his Assistant Coach will probably remain the veteran American Cypriot player Darrin Fowlkes (198-F-67, college: Butler) as last season. From the current roster it is most certain that Razis will not play for ENAD, but we have nothing else since this very minute.



*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


NBA D-League All-Star Marcus Landry Lands in Puerto Rico - by Surujh Roopnarine
Former Reno Bighorns forward and NBA D-League All-Star Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) has signed with Coamo of Puerto Ricos BSN. Landry, 25, is coming off a successful NBA D-League campaign spent in Reno. The former Wisconsin Badger appeared in 49 regular season games (48 starts), averaging 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.5% from three. In five playoff contests he bumped his scoring up to 22.2ppg while shooting 40.7% from the field and 43.2% from three. Undrafted after his senior season of college, Landry, the younger brother of New Orleans Hornets power forward Carl Landry, appeared in 13 games with the Maine Red Claws during the 2009-10 season, while seeing NBA action in 18 games split between Boston and New York (2.4ppg, 1.1rpg). Landry will replace veteran guard Ronnie Fields (6'4''-G-77) who had been averaging 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 10 games with Coamo.

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


De La Cruz named Import Player of the Year in the UBA - by Eurobasket
ATLANTA - Will De La Cruz (188-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) is The Universal Basketball Association Import Player of the Year after leading the UBA in assists (9.4) and the Generals to the best record in the league.

The Dominican guard averaged 14.5 points. The Generals won the regular-season title in the Southern Conference and earned a No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

De la Cruz received the award April 30th at the UBA All-Star Game. He drew 28 votes from the 27-member national media panel that selects the Usbasket.com All-UBA awards. The voting was done before the UBA playoffs.

Soloman Tat of Tennessee was second with 1 vote.

De La Cruz was also named to the Usbasket.com All-UBA 2nd Team, All-Import 1st Team and UBA Guard of the Year. He also was a member of the CPN Pueblo Nuevo.

*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Pau-Orthez wants to keep Teddy Gipson and Slaven Rimac - by Eurobasket News
President of Pau-Orthez, former basketball star Didier Gadou, announced that the club has intention to keep Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas) and Slaven Rimac (195-G-74) for the next season. At the same time, they will most probably part ways with Antoine Mendy (198-F-83), captain Frederic Moncade (182-G-78), Demetric Bennett (193-G-85) and Travon Bryant (206-F-83, college: Missouri).
Teddy Gipson appeared 15 times in the league this season averaging 13.5 points, 4 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He rejoined the club in December after he returned from suspension. Gipson helped Pau-Orthez win the ProB championship in 2010 and was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Player of the Year.
Slaven Rimac played 29 games for the club this season collecting 12 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 2.3 apg. He joined Pau-Orthez in February of 2009. As Gipson, Rimac also won the ProB title last year.
Pau-Orthez finished the season as No.9 with 13-17 record. They failed to reach the Playoffs.

Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Rick HUGHES
  Hyeres-T.
  (204-C/F-73)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Hughes, Hyeres-T.19.1 
 2. Jefferson, AS.18.5 
 3. Nichols, Vichy18.2 
 4. Mejia, Cholet18.0 
 5. Darden, Nancy17.1 
 6. Massie, Limoges16.9 
 7. Shuler, Vichy16.0 
 8. Hamilton, Paris-.15.6 
 9. Schilb, Chalon14.6 
 10. King, Le Havre14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pops MENSAH-BONSU
  AS.
  (206-F-83)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Mensah-Bonsu, AS.9.9 
 2. Massie, Limoges9.2 
 3. Krupalija, Hyeres.8.9 
 4. Akingbala, Nancy8.3 
 5. Issa, Gravelines8.1 
 6. Jones, Le Havre7.7 
 7. Hughes, Hyeres-T.7.6 
 8. Koffi, Le Mans7.6 
 9. Jefferson, AS.7.4 
 10. Sene, Gravelines7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Reid, Vichy6.3 
 2. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.9 
 3. Taylor, Limoges5.8 
 4. Woodside, Gravelin.5.7 
 5. Linehan, Nancy5.4 
 6. King, Le Havre5.4 
 7. Wright, Limoges5.3 
 8. Walsh, AS.5.0 
 9. Sciarra, Pau-La.4.7 
 10. Albicy, Paris-Le.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Linehan, Nancy3.1 
 2. Diot, Le Mans2.3 
 3. Walsh, AS.2.2 
 4. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.2.0 
 5. Darden, Nancy2.0 
 6. Diabate, Roanne1.8 
 7. Elegar, Vichy1.8 
 8. Greer, Strasbourg1.7 
 9. Sangare, Le Havre1.7 
 10. Dewar, Le Mans1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Grave.
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Akpomedah, Grave.2.0 
 2. Ebi, Limoges1.6 
 3. Falker, Cholet1.5 
 4. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.5 
 5. Jefferson, AS.1.4 
 6. Issa, Gravelines1.3 
 7. Sene, Gravelines1.3 
 8. Akingbala, Nancy1.3 
 9. Koffi, Le Mans1.2 
 10. Elegar, Vichy1.0 


Stats Leaders - N1
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 23.9
 1. Blair, Denek23.9 
 2. Kennedy, Orchy17.8 
 3. Petrovic, St Et.17.4 
 4. Pridotkas, Brest17.4 
 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
 Lavar SIMMONS
  St Et.
  (201-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Simmons, St Et.8.7 
 2. Balocka, Lievin8.7 
 3. Pasut, Sorgues8.4 
 4. Cilly, Orchy8.4 
 5. Lopez, Brest8.2 
 6. Cabarkapa, Le Puy8.0 
 7. Hoard, Lievin8.0 
 8. Alingue, Souffel8.0 
 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, Lievin3.8 
 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. Ipouck, Le Puy1.8 
 9. Barbry, Orchy1.8 
 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 


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Slobodan Petrovski takes over Torus - by Eurobasket News
Torus will have a new Head Coach for the next season. The Macedonian outfit decided to part ways with Marjan Lazovski and hired Slobodan Petrovski as his successor. Torus was eliminated in the Semifinals this season and it is clear their ambitions were much bigger. They ended regular season as No.4 with 17-11 record.
Slobodan Petrovski most recently worked as Manager of Vardar Osiguruvanje. In 2006/07, he was Assistant Coach of Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje. Petrovski played for the FYROM National Team from 1995 to 1998. In the past, he also was a player of Vardar, Nikol Fert, MZT and Rabotnicki.
Marjan Lazovski took over Torus last summer. In 2009/10 he served as a Head Coach of Swisslion Pelister Bitola. In 2009 with AMMAK SP Ohrid, Lazovski won the Macedonian Cup. Two years before that he was named Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Coach of the Year -07. Lazovski was the Assistant Coach of the FYROM NT in 2008 and 2009 (EuroBasket in Poland).

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  GERMANY   


SC Rasta Vechta Haul In Flavio Stuckemann - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B outfit SC Rasta Vechta have gotten an early jump on the transfer market for next season getting a German player with beko BBl expereicne with Flavio Stuckemann (187-G-85) Stuckeman is a 26 year old 187cm guard that has played in 47 beko BBL games and in 27 international club games. Last season he played for BG Karlsruhe (ProA, starting five): 28 games: 10.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 80.8%. 'I want to have fun playing basketball and also be successful. Stats arent the most importnat for me, but being successful, becuase that is when basketball is most fun. I want to succed that people will want to come to games and watch us play', added Flavio Stuckemann He started his basketball career with TSV Quakenbruck junior team in 2002-2003. From 2003-2008, he played for the SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (2.Bundesliga)/Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB) and the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga), playing a total of 119 games for all teams in the beko BBL, second Bundesliga and PRO B. He played for The Artland Dragons from 2008-2010 including getting experience playing 10 Eurocup games and 6 Eurochallenge games. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German 1.Bundesliga Rookie All-Star Game -04, U20 National Team -05, European Championships U20 in Moscow -05: 8 games: 6.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 70.6%, German A2 National Team -06-07, 09, German University National Team -07, and World University Championships in Bangkok -07.

Source: SC Rasta Vechta

Dane Watts (Our Inconsistency Against Teams In The Middle To Bottom Of The Rankings Kept Tuebingen From The Top 8) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg that is playing his second season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. Last season, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. He returns to Tuebingen for the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. Watts sat down with eurobasket recently about his new home in France.

You just ended your third second season with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. What is your season summary to the season. The beko BBL playoffs were in range, but at the end it wasnt accomplished.

We had a solid group of guys and I believe we had the talent to make the bbl playoffs. Our inconsistency against teams in the middle to bottom of the rankings kept Tuebingen from the top 8.

How happy were you with your season averaging 13,7ppg, 7,6rpg and 1,1apg. What things will you work on this summer?

I felt that I brought a good intensity to my game each night out and tried to help us win any way I could. I am happy but never satisfied with my game, I will continue to get better and work on all aspects of my game.

What was your personal season highlight?

Winning in Oldenburg, that was the first time for me winning there and also the first time for Tubingen to beat them there.

Which Tiger was the unsung hero of the season?

Kenny Williams, he brought a different dynamic to our defense and he continued to play through discomfort until the doctors said to stop playing. We were not the same after we lost him.

Could you imagine Bane Ratkovica moving to an Euroleague team next season?

I think he can play for some top Euro clubs, he had a great year.

What are your future plans? Would you like to play in the beko BBL again?

I am finishing out the season here in Toulon, and then go back to the states for the summer. I will see what jobs are available and which clubs are interested before I make a decision. I have enjoyed playing in the BBL and would come back if it was the right opportunity.

I guess you werent sick of basketball and ended up in France. What were the main reasons for taking this job with HYERES-TOULON VAR BASKET.

The main reasons were to keep playing competively for a few more weeks, compete in a new league and also gain valuable playoff experience.

The team is in 7th place and will play in the French playoffs. What is your role in the team?

I have only had 1 practice with the team but I will give them a forward to stretch the defense with shooting and help with rebounding. I am trying to help them advance in the playoffs.

You played your first game against UNION POITIERS BASKET 86 last weekend. How excited were you about your debut in France?

I am excited for the new challenge and opportunity to continue proving myself against quality competition.

How was your introduction to ex NBA player Rick Hughes in practice?

I saw him play the first night I got here, he has been doing well all season.

What was your first impression of your new city Touloun? Where will you be more in your free time on the becah or running up mountains?

It is definitely a place that everyone wants to vacation at, I would say that me and my wife are more prone to the beach than the mountains. Got to take advantage of the sun and water before we head home to the midwest.

What do you like about the French way of life?

Still learning more about it, I will say that it is much different than what I have come to know in South Germany.

The Los Angeles lakers are down 2-0 to the Dallas Mavericks. Charles Barkley has said the Lakers are done. Are they done?

Not yet but they are holding on by the last thread.

The Boston celtics trail the Miami heat 2-0. Are the Celtics done?

It was two big wins for the Heat, if they get one in Boston its over

Thanks Dane for the chat.

Ronald Ross (You Dont Need A Whole Day To Recognize Sunshine! If Tyrese Rice Is Not Out There, It Limits Or Makes It More Difficult For Artland To Win!) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ronald Ross (188-G-83, college: Texas Tech) is a 28 year old 188cm guard that just completed his first season for MBC. He is originally from Hobbs New Mexico and played at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. In his senior year, he averaged 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43% and reached the NCA Sweet 16. He started his professional career with Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2) and then moved on to the CBA in 2006-2007 for Butte Daredevils playing 48 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% and in 2007 for the Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five) playing 21 games: Score-3 (17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for ENBW Ludwigsburg playing 34 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2 (1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9% reaching the cup final in 2008. In 2008-2009 he started in Israel before moving on to the Artland Dragons playing 12 games and averaging 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. Last season for the Artland Dragons, he played 12 games: 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.0%; German League: 32 games: 11.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 75.7%. He spoke to eurobasket about the beko BBL quarterfinal game 5 games.

Are you back in the States? What was the first thing that you did when you touched American soil?


Yes sir, I made it back last night. I thanked God for getting me home safely like I always do and then I gave my moms some love.

You spent some time in Israel after the MBC season. How important was this time for you to get your mind off the MBC season?

It was great going to Israel and spending time w/ some people that are really close to me. The beach and the weather was amazing as usual. As far as MBC, I learned a lot about it the game from the business side of things and the decisions I make and the people you trust. It wasn't a great learning experience, but it was learning experience and I definitely gained something from it. We had great fans despite the rough season.

How surprised were you that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners swept BG Goettingen?

I thought they would get one win but it didn't happen. I can't say I'm surprised that Frankfurt won though. They have a good team.

Are you surprised that both the Alba Berlin-Oldenburg and Artland-Braunschweig series went 5 games?

No, not at all. Those are some great match ups. These games are what make playoffs exciting. You gotta love the 1 and 2 point games from a fans perspective.

How strange is it that Alba Berlin lost two games in a row in crunch time to Oldenburg?

I didn't expect it, but it happened and I think it might have created some pressure for them, but we'll see what happens. Pressure bust pipes. (That means you can break through or stay bottled in). lol

Does Oldenburg have the energy and strength to win game 5 in Berlin? What will be key for getting the win?

Oldenburg definitely has a chance. I think it's anybody's game. It's going to be interesting to see the results.

Bryan Bailey said it is the little things that will decide that series. What will be key in game 5 for Braunschweig getting the win on the road?

Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. Sometimes the smallest little drop off can affect the result of the game. It's going to be a great game.

Braunschweig has been able to stop Darren Fenn, but not Tyrese Rice? Is Rice as valuable to his team as Dashaun Wood is to Frankfurt?

Absolutely! You don't need a whole day to recognize sunshine. If he's not out there it limits or makes it more difficult for Artland to win. Braunschweig definitely has the advantage inside though.

How crazy are the NBA playoffs? Has it ever been this crazy in your lifetime?


Of course, its been even better with better teams. There's a lot of great history with the NBA playoffs.

Why were the Los Angeles Lakers swept by the Dallas Mavericks?


Lakers? No comment. Ich bin enttauscht.

How do you see the Memphis Grizzlies-Oklahoma Thunder series?

Oklahoma all the way baby. Let's get it.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


Limitless. Highly recommended. One of my favorite movies this year.

Thanks Ron for the chat

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  HOLLAND   


PromotieDivisie Finals 2011: Binnenland are the Champions!!! - by Terry Cooper
In their second season in the PromotieDivisie, Coach Joost van Rangerlrooij put together a team that consisted of former EreDivisie and young talent to go from 2010 runner-up to 2011 Champions on Saturday in Almere. Their opponent was De Hoppers a new coming team in the league that resurged their team and added great talent to finish second in their first season. The game was a thriller from start to finish however the experience of Sjoerd van Vilsteren (199-F-84) and Sander Trommelen (201-F-87) helped seal a 76-70 win and bring home the gold. This season had to be one of the fast ending seasons in such a long time since there were really no breaks in between. I am sure the coaches and players was thrilled with this however, I know the season can end like most 2nd highest leagues a bit faster by having teams play two games one week per session. Congratulations to teams that come in their first season and showed their strength to make it to the playoffs. Also I give a big hand to Binnenland with their support from RTV Rijnmond and other supporters that made this team feel as if they are a top level team as they did it the way it should be done at any level of competition. Keep up the good work!!! Check out the highlights on their website www.cbvbinnenland.nl I guess the current teams in the league must get it together and prepare their teams for championships instead of just maintaining to stay in the league. To all fans thank you again for supporting the Promoite and have a great summer.

PromotieDivisie Finals

Binnenland - De Hoppers 76-70

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  ITALY   


SerieA Round 29: Leader Montepaschi Siena loses to Dinamo Sassari - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in SerieA. Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

Top ranked Montepaschi Siena (25-4) recorded its fourth loss on the court of ninth ranked Dinamo Sassari on Thursday night. Visitors were edged by Dinamo Sassari 83-81. Montepaschi Siena cut a 13-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Dinamo Sassari made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard James White (198-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) who scored 27 points. Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. International guard Pietro Aradori (192-88) produced 21 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Montepaschi Siena's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dinamo Sassari (14-15) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Lottomatica and CS Bologna. Defending champion Montepaschi Siena still keeps top position with four games lost. Dinamo Sassari is looking forward to face Vanoli-Braga (#12) in Cremona in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Montepaschi Siena will play at home against Lottomatica Roma (#7) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Bennet Cantu (21-8) against fifth ranked Benetton Treviso (16-13) on Thursday night. Visiting Bennet Cantu was defeated by Benetton Treviso in a tough game in Treviso 84-88. American forward Brian Skinner (207-76, college: Baylor) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. Devin Smith contributed with 19 points for the winners. Benetton Treviso's coach Jasmin Repesa allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Naturalized Uruguayan guard Nicolas Mazzarino (181-75, agency: Players Group) answered with 17 points for Bennet Cantu. Benetton Treviso moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Air AV. Bennet Cantu at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Armani MI. Benetton Treviso will play against Pepsi Caserta (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bennet Cantu will play against Cimberio Varese (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Roma was also quite interesting. 7th ranked CS Bologna (14-15) played at the court of eighth ranked Lottomatica Roma (14-15). Lottomatica Roma defeated CS Bologna 80-69 on Thursday. Ali Traore stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Jared Homan responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Lottomatica Roma moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Dinamo Sassari and CS Bologna. Lottomatica Roma will meet league's leader Montepaschi Siena on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CS Bologna will play against Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Biella. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 16th ranked Enel Brindisi (8-21) to fourteenth ranked Angelico Biella (10-19) 74-72 on Thursday evening. Aubrey Coleman nailed 21 points and 4 steals for the winning side. Angelico Biella maintains fourteenth place with 10-19 record, which they share with Banca Tercas. Enel Brindisi lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 21 games lost. Angelico Biella's next round opponent will be higher ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (#13) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Enel Brindisi will play against Air Avellino and will have a slim chance for a victory.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Teramo, where higher ranked Pepsi Caserta (12-17) lost to fifteenth ranked Banca Tercas (10-19) in a road game 77-88 on Thursday. The best player for the winners was Ivan Zoroski who scored 21 points and 8 assists. Banca Tercas' coach Alessandro Ramagli used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Banca Tercas moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Angelico BI. Pepsi Caserta lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 17 games lost. Banca Tercas will face higher ranked CS Bologna (#8) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Other games of round 29 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Vanoli CR was defeated by Armani MI in Milano 92-74. Cimberio VA beat Fabi Shoes at home 82-73. Scavolini PS lost to Air AV on the opponent's court 76-89.
The best stats of 29th round was 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists by Linton Johnson of Air AV.


Armani MI - Vanoli CR 92-74

There was no surprise when 12th ranked Vanoli-Braga (12-17) was defeated on the road by third ranked Armani Milano (21-8) 92-74 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Armani Milano. Vanoli-Braga was better in third quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Armani Milano looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Vanoli-Braga's players. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Mason Rocca (204-77, college: Princeton) who scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. American guard David Hawkins (194-82, college: Temple) chipped in 17 points and 6 assists. Five Armani Milano players scored in double figures. Slovenian forward Marko Milic (202-77) produced 13 points and 7 rebounds and American-Bulgarian guard Earl Rowland (188-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 17 points and 4 steals respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Armani Milano have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Bennet Cantu. Loser Vanoli-Braga dropped to the eleventh position with 17 games lost. Armani Milano will face Scavolini Pesaro (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vanoli-Braga will play against Dinamo Sassari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Armani MI: D.Hawkins 17+1reb+6ast, B.Eze 15+5reb+2ast, M.Rocca 14+9reb+3ast, L.Greer 13+3reb+7ast, I.Jaaber 10+4reb+2ast, M.Petravicius 10+2reb
Vanoli CR: E.Rowland 17+1reb+2ast, M.Milic 13+7reb+1ast, D.Cinciarini 12+1ast, A.Drozdov 9+5reb+1ast, J.Foster 7+4reb+2ast, B.Sekulic 6+6reb
gschID: 96256


Angelico BI - Enel Brindisi 74-72

A very interesting game took place in Biella. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 16th ranked Enel Brindisi (8-21) to fourteenth ranked Angelico Biella (10-19) 74-72 on Thursday evening. Enel Brindisi was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 26-19 third quarter run of Angelico Biella. American guard Aubrey Coleman (193-87, college: Houston) nailed 21 points and 4 steals for the winning side and Dominican guard Edgar Sosa (188-88, college: Louisville) accounted for 18 points and 6 assists. French-Ivorian forward Herve Toure (202-82, agency: ACMT) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Cedric Jackson (191-86, college: Cleveland St., agency: Impact Basketball) added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Enel Brindisi in the defeat. Five Enel Brindisi players scored in double figures. Angelico Biella maintains fourteenth place with 10-19 record, which they share with Banca Tercas. Enel Brindisi lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 21 games lost. Angelico Biella's next round opponent will be higher ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (#13) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Enel Brindisi will play against Air Avellino and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Angelico BI: A.Coleman 21+4reb+2ast, E.Sosa 18+1reb+6ast, J.Viggiano 11+8reb, M.Soragna 8+2reb+3ast, G.Jurak 7+7reb+4ast, M.Chessa 3
Enel Brindisi: H.Toure 18+10reb+2ast, B.Dixon 12+4reb+1ast, G.Maresca 12+2reb, L.Infante 10+9reb, C.Jackson 10+6reb+6ast, Y.Diawara 7+5reb
gschID: 96257


Lottomatica - CS Bologna 80-69

The game in Roma was also quite interesting. 7th ranked CS Bologna (14-15) played at the court of eighth ranked Lottomatica Roma (14-15). Lottomatica Roma defeated CS Bologna 80-69 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 50-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Lottomatica Roma forced 20 CS Bologna turnovers. French center Ali Traore (207-85, college: S.Idaho JC, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and international swingman Luigi Datome (202-87) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Lottomatica Roma players scored in double figures. American-Bulgarian center Jared Homan (206-83, college: Iowa St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and American swingman K.C. Rivers (196-87, college: Clemson, agency: Lanshire Group) scored 19 points (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). Lottomatica Roma moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Dinamo Sassari and CS Bologna. Lottomatica Roma will meet league's leader Montepaschi Siena on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CS Bologna will play against Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lottomatica: C.Smith 18+2reb+1ast, A.Traore 18+5reb+2ast, L.Datome 16+6reb+3ast, V.Dasic 10+10reb+3ast, D.Washington 9+4reb+2ast, L.Vitali 6+3reb+2ast
CS Bologna: K.Rivers 19+3reb+3ast, P.Koponen 15+5reb+1ast, J.Homan 12+13reb, G.Poeta 9+1reb+2ast, K.Winston 9+1reb, D.Gailius 5+2reb
gschID: 96253


Cimberio VA - Fabi Shoes 82-73

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Cimberio Varese (15-14) defeated at home 13th ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (11-18) 82-73 on Thursday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Fabi Shoes Montegranaro won third quarter 20-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cimberio Varese made 33-of-37 free shots (89.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Fabi Shoes Montegranaro turnovers. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Ronald Slay (203-81, college: Tennessee, agency: David Lee services) who scored 16 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). The former international power forward Giacomo Galanda (211-75) chipped in 19 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American power forward Sharrod Ford (206-82, college: Clemson, agency: Pro One Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and Bulgarian power forward Dejan Ivanov (205-86) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Fabi Shoes Montegranaro players scored in double figures. Cimberio Varese maintains sixth place with 15-14 record. Loser Fabi Shoes Montegranaro keeps the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Cimberio Varese will face league's second-placed Bennet Cantu on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro will play against Angelico Biella (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cimberio VA: G.Galanda 19+2reb+1ast, R.Slay 16+6reb+2ast, P.Goss 14+5reb+3ast, T.Rannikko 8+1reb+1ast, A.Righetti 8+5reb+1ast, R.Stipcevic 7+3reb+4ast
Fabi Shoes: P.Tucker 15+4reb+2ast, S.Ford 14+11reb, D.Ivanov 12+10reb+1ast, A.Maestranzi 11+3ast, A.Cinciarini 10+8reb+1ast, D.Cavaliero 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 96254


Air AV - Scavolini PS 89-76

Very expected game when 10th ranked Scavolini Pesaro (13-16) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Air Avellino (16-13) 89-76 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-76. Air Avellino outrebounded Scavolini Pesaro 39-22 including 17 on the offensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. The best player for the winners was American forward Linton Johnson (203-80, college: Tulane, agency: Priority Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. American-FYR Macedonian guard Marques Green (170-82, college: St.Bonaventure) chipped in 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Air Avellino players scored in double figures. American guard Andre Collins (183-82, college: Loyola, MD) produced 21 points, 6 assists and 4 steals and Puerto Rican guard Guillermo Diaz (188-85, college: Miami, FL) added 19 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Air Avellino have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 16-13 record, which they share with Benetton TV. Loser Scavolini Pesaro keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Air Avellino will face bottom-ranked Enel Brindisi (#16) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Scavolini Pesaro will play against Armani Milano (#3).
Top scorers:
Air AV: M.Green 20+6reb+7ast, L.Johnson 19+16reb+4ast, R.Cortese 18+3reb, S.Szewczyk 14+5reb+2ast, O.Thomas 10+7reb+4ast, D.Lauwers 8+2reb+1ast
Scavolini PS: A.Collins 21+2reb+6ast, G.Diaz 19+2reb+5ast, M.Cusin 13+9reb, D.Hackett 9+2reb+2ast, T.Lydeka 5+2reb, N.Aleksandrov 4+1reb
gschID: 96255


Dinamo Sassari - Montepaschi 83-81

Top ranked Montepaschi Siena (25-4) recorded its fourth loss on the court of ninth ranked Dinamo Sassari on Thursday night. Visitors were edged by Dinamo Sassari 83-81. Montepaschi Siena cut a 13-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Dinamo Sassari made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard James White (198-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) who scored 27 points. Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. International guard Pietro Aradori (192-88) produced 21 points and 8 rebounds and American-FYR Macedonian guard Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Montepaschi Siena's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dinamo Sassari (14-15) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Lottomatica and CS Bologna. Defending champion Montepaschi Siena still keeps top position with four games lost. Dinamo Sassari is looking forward to face Vanoli-Braga (#12) in Cremona in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Montepaschi Siena will play at home against Lottomatica Roma (#7) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Dinamo Sassari: J.White 27+1reb+2ast, O.Hunter 17+9reb, T.Diener 11+1reb+2ast, M.Vanuzzo 10+8reb+1ast, D.Tsaldaris 6+4reb+3ast, J.Hubalek 5+5reb
Montepaschi: P.Aradori 21+8reb+1ast, B.Lester McCalebb 14+7reb+6ast, M.Hairston 11+1reb, K.Lavrinovic 11+6reb, T.Ress 8+3reb, M.Rakovic 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 96250


Banca Tercas - Pepsi Caserta 88-77

We should mention about the upset which took place in Teramo, where higher ranked Pepsi Caserta (12-17) lost to fifteenth ranked Banca Tercas (10-19) in a road game 77-88 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Banca Tercas. Pepsi Caserta was better in fourth quarter 30-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Banca Tercas looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was Serbian guard Ivan Zoroski (195-79) who scored 21 points and 8 assists. American-FYR Macedonian center Kevin Fletcher (207-80, college: Colorado Springs, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds. Banca Tercas' coach Alessandro Ramagli used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Jumaine Jones (202-79, college: Georgia) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and Nigerian-American swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Banca Tercas moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Angelico BI. Pepsi Caserta lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 17 games lost. Banca Tercas will face higher ranked CS Bologna (#8) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Banca Tercas: I.Zoroski 21+2reb+8ast, K.Fletcher 20+7reb+1ast, R.Fultz 16+2reb+5ast, R.De La Fuente 13+4reb+2ast, D.Diener 7+2reb+7ast, J.Davis 7+5reb
Pepsi Caserta: E.Ere 19+5reb+1ast, J.Jones 18+11reb+2ast, F.Di Bella 12+1reb+1ast, E.Williams 10+6reb, L.Koszarek 7+5reb+3ast, T.Bowers 6+4reb+3ast
gschID: 96251


Benetton TV - Bennet Cantu 88-84

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Bennet Cantu (21-8) against fifth ranked Benetton Treviso (16-13) on Thursday night. Visiting Bennet Cantu was defeated by Benetton Treviso in a tough game in Treviso 84-88. Bennet Cantu was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 29-23 charge of Benetton Treviso, which allowed them to win the game. They made 16-of-21 charity shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Benetton Treviso outrebounded Bennet Cantu 38-25 including 25 on the defensive glass. American forward Brian Skinner (207-76, college: Baylor) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. His fellow American import swingman Devin Smith (196-81, college: Virginia) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Benetton Treviso's coach Jasmin Repesa allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Naturalized Uruguayan guard Nicolas Mazzarino (181-75, agency: Players Group) answered with 17 points and American forward Maarten Leunen (206-85, college: Oregon) added 16 points in the effort for Bennet Cantu. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Benetton Treviso moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Air AV. Bennet Cantu at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Armani MI. Benetton Treviso will play against Pepsi Caserta (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bennet Cantu will play against Cimberio Varese (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Benetton TV: D.Smith 19+4reb+2ast, B.Skinner 14+14reb, A.Gentile 14+4reb+1ast, G.Brunner 13+3reb+2ast, S.Nicevic 11+5reb+2ast, D.Motiejunas 6+1reb
Bennet Cantu: N.Mazzarino 17+1reb+2ast, M.Leunen 16+3reb, M.Green 13+2reb+2ast, M.Scekic 12+5reb, V.Micov 11+5reb+2ast, J.Tabu 9+3reb
gschID: 96252




Standings - SerieA
SerieA Standings
 1. Montepaschi 25-4 
 2. Bennet Cantu 21-8 
 3. Armani MI 21-8 
 4. Air AV 16-13 
 5. Benetton TV 16-13 
 6. Cimberio VA 15-14 
 7. Lottomatica 14-15 
 8. CS Bologna 14-15 
 9. Dinamo Sassari 14-15 
 10. Scavolini PS 13-16 
 11. Pepsi Caserta 12-17 
 12. Vanoli CR 12-17 
 13. Fabi Shoes 11-18 
 14. Angelico BI 10-19 
 15. Banca Tercas 10-19 
 16. Enel Brindisi 8-21 


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. White, Dinamo Sass.20.9 
 2. Thomas, Air AV18.1 
 3. Zoroski, Banca T.16.1 
 4. Ford, Fabi Shoes15.7 
 5. Dean, Air AV14.8 
 6. Hunter, Dinamo S.14.8 
 7. Roberson, Enel B.14.8 
 8. Goss, Cimberio VA14.8 
 9. Milic, Vanoli CR14.7 
 10. Troutman, Air AV14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes10.4 
 2. Jones, Pepsi C.8.5 
 3. Homan, CS Bologna8.4 
 4. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 5. Davis, Banca Terc.8.1 
 6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.0 
 7. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.8 
 8. Lang, Enel Brindisi7.8 
 9. Suton, Angelico BI7.4 
 10. Johnson, Air AV7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Green, Air AV6.8 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.7 
 3. Sosa, Angelico BI4.6 
 4. Goss, Cimberio VA3.9 
 5. Collins, Scavolin.3.9 
 6. Zoroski, Banca T.3.8 
 7. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.7 
 8. Green, Bennet Can.3.6 
 9. Stipcevic, Cimberi.3.6 
 10. Markovic, Benetto.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3
 1. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.0 
 2. Stonerook, Montep.2.8 
 3. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 4. Thomas, Air AV2.7 
 5. McCalebb, Montepa.2.6 
 6. Goss, Cimberio VA2.6 
 7. Hawkins, Armani MI2.5 
 8. Green, Air AV2.5 
 9. Collins, Scavolin.2.4 
 10. Ortner, Bennet C.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.3 
 2. Eze, Armani MI1.5 
 3. Crosariol, Lottoma.1.3 
 4. Toure, Enel Brindi.1.2 
 5. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.1 
 6. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.0 
 7. Szewczyk, Air AV1.0 
 8. Cusin, Scavolini PS1.0 
 9. Drozdov, Vanoli CR0.9 
 10. Homan, CS Bologna0.9 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Whiting, Aget Imola22.4 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona20.3 
 3. Robinson, Trenkwal.19.7 
 4. Gordon, Forli19.5 
 5. Jackson, Prima Ver.19.4 
 6. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 7. Goldwire, Forli19.1 
 8. Forte, Tuscany PT18.4 
 9. Clark, Umana Reyer18.3 
 10. Marigney, Assigeco17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Demian FILLOY
  Immobili.
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Filloy, Immobili.9.3 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola9.2 
 3. Varnado, Tuscany9.0 
 4. Boykin, Assigeco8.1 
 5. Dickens, San Seve.8.0 
 6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.7.9 
 7. Waleskowski, Tezen.7.9 
 8. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 9. Lollis, Immobili.7.8 
 10. Johnson, San Sev.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis .
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Porta, Tezenis5.1 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona4.9 
 3. Goldwire, Forli4.5 
 4. Clark, Umana Reyer3.9 
 5. Hickman, Fastw.3.9 
 6. Whiting, Aget Imola3.8 
 7. Marigney, Assigeco3.8 
 8. Mathis, Snaidero.3.8 
 9. Farabello, N.Fer.3.7 
 10. Nardi, Forli3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Ebi, Aget Imola2.9 
 2. Roderick, Immobi.2.7 
 3. Robinson, Trenkwal.2.6 
 4. Davis, Sunrise2.5 
 5. Piazza, Immobili.2.5 
 6. Filloy, Immobili.2.5 
 7. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 8. Whiting, Aget Imola2.4 
 9. Achara, Barcellona2.4 
 10. Hunter, Sunrise2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Varnado, Tuscany2.9 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola1.4 
 3. Achara, Barcellona1.3 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.1 
 5. Bryan, Umana Reyer0.7 
 6. Cutolo, San Severo0.7 
 7. Cervi, Trenkwalder0.7 
 8. Boykin, Assigeco0.7 
 9. Frosini, Trenkwald.0.7 
 10. Slay, Umana Reyer0.6 


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


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Fadi KHATIB
  Champville
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 27.3
 1. Khatib, Champville27.3 
 2. Warner, Byblos26.5 
 3. Johnson, Moutahed23.2 
 4. Cage, Hoops22.8 
 5. Johnson, Al Riyadi22.1 
 6. Shannon, Anibal20.9 
 7. Youngblood, Champ.20.1 
 8. Dawson, Chabab20.1 
 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 Riyadi5.9 
 5. Akl, Anibal5.2 
 6. Clemons, Chabab4.9 
 7. Barada, Byblos4.6 
 8. Khatib, Champville4.1 
 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. Byrd, Hoops2.3 
 5. Bannister, Antranik2.3 
 6. Youngblood, Champ.2.3 
 7. Johnson, Al Riyadi2.2 
 8. Mason, Byblos2.2 
 9. Watkins, Sagesse1.9 
 10. Lakiss, Chabab1.9 
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. Byrd, Hoops1.4 
 5. Watkins, Sagesse1.4 
 6. Hamdar, Hoops1.3 
 7. Warner, Byblos1.3 
 8. Kanaan, Antranik1.2 
 9. Shannon, Anibal1.2 
 10. Payne, Moutahed1.0 


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


LKL Round 3 of Finals. Zalgiris regain lead - by Eurobasket News
3-4 place
Rudupis - Juventus 84-83

Rudupis narrowly overcame Juventus to clinch LKL Bronze medals. It looked good early as Juventus took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Rudupis had a 25-17 second period charge getting the lead and Juventus was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 83-84. Juventus was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for swingman Adas Juskevicius (194-89) who saved his team from a defeat with 22 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (197-90) contributed with 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Gediminas Maceina (188-84) answered with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international forward Aurimas Kieza (202-82, college: Hofstra, agency: Players Group) added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Juventus. Five Juventus players scored in double figures. Juventus' coach Robertas Giedraitis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Rudupis: A.Juskevicius 22+4reb+2ast, G.Orelikas 21+5reb, P.Butkevicius 18+6reb, E.Zelionis 8+3reb, R.Alijevas 7+2reb+4ast, J.Sinica 4+7reb+2ast
Juventus: A.Kieza 20+5reb, A.Vasiliauskas 16+5reb, G.Maceina 12+8reb+6ast, Z.Urbonas 12+5reb, V.Cepukaitis 11+6reb, M.Prekevicius 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 128216


FINAL
Zalgiris - Lietuvos Rytas 70-67

Zalgiris outscored Lietuvos Rytas at home court to surge ahead 2-1 in the championship series. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Lietuvos Rytas won third quarter 25-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Lietuvos Rytas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard DeJuan Collins (188-76, college: Tuskegee) who scored 18 points and 4 assists. The former international forward Paulius Jankunas (205-84, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 17 points. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) who recorded 17 points and center Jonas Valanciunas (210-92) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: D.Collins 18+2reb+4ast, P.Jankunas 17+4reb+2ast, M.Kalnietis 12+2reb+2ast, T.Delininkaitis 6+2reb+1ast, A.Milaknis 5+2reb, T.Klimavicius 5+4reb+2ast
Lietuvos Rytas: M.Gecevicius 17+2reb+3ast, J.Valanciunas 12+5reb+1ast, K.Bajramovic 8+2reb+1ast, S.Jasaitis 7+5reb, A.Rasic 6+3reb+1ast, C.Nalga 6+4reb+3ast
gschID: 128217




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, Juventus15.3 
 4. Alijevas, Nevezis14.9 
 5. Dilys, Perlas14.9 
 6. Vasylius, Neptunas14.8 
 7. Sirvydis, Sakalai14.0 
 8. Ruikis, Neptunas13.9 
 9. Juskevicius, Rudup.13.8 
 10. Jankunas, Zalgiris13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Kieza, Juventus9.4 
 2. Sarakauskas, Siaul.9.2 
 3. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.4 
 4. Dimsa, Nevezis7.1 
 5. Klimavicius, Zalgi.7.0 
 6. Adomavicius, Alytu.6.5 
 7. Vasylius, Neptunas6.5 
 8. Jankunas, Zalgiris6.5 
 9. Dilys, Perlas6.4 
 10. Dilys, Naglis-Ada.6.4 
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.4.2 
 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. Vasylius, Neptunas2.1 
 3. Juskevicius, Rudup.2.0 
 4. Rinkevicius, Techa.1.9 
 5. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.1.9 
 6. Sinica, Rudupis1.7 
 7. Valukonis, Techas.1.7 
 8. Razutis, Naglis-A.1.7 
 9. Alijevas, Nevezis1.7 
 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. Jankauskas, Rudu.0.7 


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


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 27.8
 1. White, Cananea27.8 
 2. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 3. Gale, Mexicali27.2 
 4. Brown, Tepic25.1 
 5. Gabbidon, Tijuana24.5 
 6. Sims, Los Mochis24.3 
 7. White, Los Mochis23.7 
 8. Thomas, Cananea23.3 
 9. Barrett, Guasave23.1 
 10. Brown, Tepic22.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Brown, Cananea11.4 
 2. Moss, Nogales10.4 
 3. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 4. Brown, Tepic9.4 
 5. Broxsie, Nogales9.3 
 6. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 7. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 8. Rougeau, Culiacan8.3 
 9. Gabbidon, Tijuana8.1 
 10. Avila, Culiacan7.9 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Funn, Guasave8.2 
 2. Watson, Tijuana6.1 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.3 
 4. Thomas, Hermosillo4.9 
 5. Nungaray, Guaymas4.8 
 6. White, Cananea4.7 
 7. Marentes, Guaymas4.3 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 9. Ford, Tepic4.1 
 10. Brown, Tepic4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Marcus MOORE
  Culiacan
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Moore, Culiacan2.9 
 2. White, Cananea2.1 
 3. Rougeau, Culiacan1.8 
 4. Thomas, Cananea1.8 
 5. Funn, Guasave1.7 
 6. Matthews, Nogales1.7 
 7. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 8. White, Los Mochis1.6 
 9. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 10. Sowell, Culiacan1.4 
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, Tepic2.3 
 6. Brown, Nogales2.3 
 7. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 8. Brown, Nogales2.2 
 9. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 10. Matthews, Nogales2.2 


Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Cananea 25-7 
 2. Culiacan 22-10 
 3. Hermosillo 21-11 
 4. Guasave 18-14 
 5. Guaymas 18-14 
 6. Nogales 17-15 
 7. Mexicali 15-17 
 8. Tijuana 15-17 
 9. Tepic 5-27 
 10. Los Mochis 4-28 


Guaymas adds Richard Roby, Cananea returns Miguel Acuna - by Eurobasket News
Guaymas signed a deal with Richard Roby (198-G-85) for rest of the season. The American guard arrives from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 58 times in NBA D-League averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2 assists. He helped the team reach D-League Finals. Season 2009/10, Roby played overseas as a member of Maccabi Haifa Heat. For 24 games in Israeli league he had 7.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.1 apg. A year before that he had 9.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 26 games with Bnei Hasharon. Roby is a product of the Colorado University in 2008.
Cananea announced signing of Miguel Acuna (181-G-72) for rest of the season. He already played for Cananea few years in the past.

Raymond Castillo signs with Los Mochis, Tijuana adds Nickolas Velasquez - by Eurobasket News
Los Mochis came up with the new signing. The Mexican outfit inked a deal with Raymond Castillo (197-G/F-82, college: UTPA) for rest of the season. Most recently Castillo played for Halcones UV Xalapa. It was on season 2009/10, when he had 4.5 ppg for 34 LNBP games. A year before that Castillo had 8.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg. He helped Halcones UV Xalapa win the LNBP title in both seasons. In 2008, he was a member of the Mexican National Team averaging 12.4 points and 2.8 rebounds at the Centrobasket in Quintana-Roo.
Tijuana signed a deal with Nickolas Velasquez. He split 2010 CIBACOPA season between Pioneros Los Mochis and Frayles de Guasave. For 8 games with Los Mochis Velasquez averaged 7.8 points and 2.6 rebounds.

CIBACOPA Round 32 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#6) forced the game against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#5) into an overtime, but lost by five points 106-111 on Wednesday night. Jerome Habel (208-F-85, college: San Diego St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach Eduardo Opezzo used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Ostioneros de Guaymas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Guasave. Fuerza Guinda Nogales at the other side keep the sixth position with 15 games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will face Bomberos de Mexicali (#7) on the road in the next round. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against the league's second-placed Caballeros de Culiacan.

The most impressive performance of 32th round was 53 points (!!!) and 4 assists by Davin White of Cananea.

Culiacan - Guasave 94-92

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (22-10) edged at home 4th ranked Frayles de Guasave (18-14) 94-92 on Wednesday. Frayles de Guasave was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 21-17 charge of Caballeros de Culiacan, which allowed them to win the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Caballeros de Culiacan made 9 blocks. American guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) orchestrated the victory by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Quentin Gonzalez (200-84, college: McNeese St.) contributed with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Jonathan Meza used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Kevin Sowell (190-81) replied with 35 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 5 blocks (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and his fellow American import guard Rasheem Barrett (196-87, college: Auburn, agency: SportsList Inc.) added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks in the effort for Frayles de Guasave. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 22-10 record having just three points less than leader Cananea. Frayles de Guasave at the other side keeps the fourth place with 14 games lost. Caballeros de Culiacan will face Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#6) on the road in the next round. Frayles de Guasave will play against the league's leader Mineros de Cananea.
Top scorers:
Guasave: K.Sowell 35+5reb, R.Barrett 17+9reb+1ast, M.Strobbe 14+11reb+2ast, W.Funn 14+4reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 9+9reb+1ast, J.Acosta 3+1reb
Culiacan: R.Rougeau 33+8reb+3ast, D.Meza Rogel 19+3reb+1ast, Q.Gonzalez 19+7reb+1ast, A.Henning 15+5reb+1ast, J.Gonzalez 5+4reb+2ast, V.Avila 2+5reb+3ast
gschID: 122950


Cananea - Tepic 115-97

Very expected game when 9th ranked Coras de Tepic (5-27) lost on the road to first ranked Mineros de Cananea (25-7) 115-97 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 13 points at the halftime before their 73-42 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Mineros de Cananea shot 61.6 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. American players dominated the game. Guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) orchestrated the victory by scoring 53 points (!!!) and 4 assists. Forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) contributed with 22 points and 5 assists for the winners. Four Mineros de Cananea players scored in double figures. Mineros de Cananea's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Ira Brown (193-82, college: Gonzaga, agency: Dream Team Management) replied with a double-double by scoring 31 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and swingman Cleotis Brown (198-77, college: Illinois, agency: Dream Team Management) added 35 points (!!!) and 5 assists in the effort for Coras de Tepic. Mineros de Cananea maintains first position with 25-7 record. Coras de Tepic at the other side keeps the ninth place with 27 games lost. Mineros de Cananea will face Frayles de Guasave (#4) on the road in the next round. Coras de Tepic will play against Pioneros Los Mochis (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tepic: C.Brown 35+4reb+5ast, I.Brown 31+12reb+2ast, J.Parker 18+2reb+1ast, H.Ibanez 7+1reb+3ast, E.Gomez 6+6reb+1ast, R.Aguilar Nery 0
Cananea: D.White 53+1reb+4ast, D.Thomas 22+4reb+5ast, B.Brown 12+13reb, J.Casillas 11+2reb+3ast, M.Valenzuela 8+1ast, I.Gutierrez 4+1reb
gschID: 122951


Los Mochis - Hermosillo 105-96

There was a surprise result when tenth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (4-28) won against at home higher ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (21-11) 105-96 on Wednesday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 30-19. But Rayos de Hermosillo won second period 40-34. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Pioneros Los Mochis won last quarter 24-16. Strangely Rayos de Hermosillo outrebounded Pioneros Los Mochis 48-30 including a 20-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Detrick White (184-76, college: Mississippi St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Guard Juan Favela (183-91) contributed with 27 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) replied with 35 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Terrance Thomas (198-80, college: Baylor) added 10 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Rayos de Hermosillo. Four Pioneros Los Mochis and five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Pioneros Los Mochis maintains tenth position with 4-28 record. Rayos de Hermosillo at the other side keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis will face higher ranked Coras de Tepic (#9) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Tijuana Zonkeys (#8).
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: L.Wade 35+8reb+4ast, M.Gray 16+6reb+4ast, J.Lopez 13+8reb+1ast, E.Medina 11+4reb+3ast, T.Thomas 10+12reb+6ast, J.Manuel Esteva 6+4reb
Los Mochis: J.Favela 27+5reb+2ast, R.Castillo 27+4reb+1ast, D.White 24+5reb+6ast, E.Hare 13+10reb+1ast, J.Estrada 9, F.Ibarra 3+5reb+2ast
gschID: 122952


Guaymas - Nogales 111-106 OT

Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#6) forced the game against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#5) into an overtime, but lost by five points 106-111 on Wednesday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Fuerza Guinda Nogales won third quarter 27-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Fuerza Guinda Nogales used huge pressure winning it 24-23 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 10-15. Ostioneros de Guaymas looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ostioneros de Guaymas made 12 blocks. American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Richard Roby contributed with 21 points and 5 assists for the winners. Five Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach Eduardo Opezzo used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American-Venezuelan forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami, FL) replied with 40 points (!!!) and Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) added 22 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Ostioneros de Guaymas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Guasave. Fuerza Guinda Nogales at the other side keep the sixth position with 15 games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will face Bomberos de Mexicali (#7) on the road in the next round. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against the league's second-placed Caballeros de Culiacan.
Top scorers:
Nogales: J.Walker 40+4reb+1ast, R.Moss 22+11reb+1ast, J.Bunn 13+11reb, O.Quintero 8+3reb+3ast, B.Heredia 7+3reb+4ast, J.Mercado 6
Guaymas: J.Habel 25+11reb+2ast, R.Roby 21+3reb+5ast, A.Pedroza 19+3reb+2ast, F.Benitez 15+3reb, J.Luis Bucio 11+4reb+5ast, R.Benitez 8+3reb+2ast
gschID: 122948


Tijuana - Mexicali 78-90

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 7th ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (15-17) lost at home to eighth ranked Bomberos de Mexicali (15-17) 90-78 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-78. Bomberos de Mexicali dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Tijuana Zonkeys' 50. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bomberos de Mexicali made 7 blocks. The former international power forward Hugo Carrillo (205-83) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) contributed with 16 points and 5 assists for the winners. American forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international guard Enrique Zuniga (193-76, college: Grand Canyon) added 18 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. Five Bomberos de Mexicali and four Tijuana Zonkeys players scored in double figures. Bomberos de Mexicali moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Tijuana. Bomberos de Mexicali will face higher ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (#5) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: T.Gabbidon 22+14reb+4ast, E.Zuniga 18+9reb+3ast, C.Tate 14+3reb+2ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 12+5reb+2ast, N.Jones Velasquez 5+3reb+3ast, A.Ornelas 5+1ast
Mexicali: H.Carrillo 20+6reb+3ast, R.Lopez 17+3reb+2ast, M.Gale 16+3reb+5ast, S.VanderMeer 12+7reb+1ast, A.Gonzalez 10+4reb+1ast, A.Vazquez 7+4reb+1ast
gschID: 122949




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


Pau Gasol might play for Spain this summer - by Eurobasket News
Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) is faced with a rare situation. He has June entirely off.

The last two, he's kind of been, you know, busy. But with the time and added rest time, Gasol is thinking about playing for his home country of Spain for the first time in two years. Spain plays in the Eurobasket tournament Aug. 31-Sept. 18 in Lithuania.

'My decisions the last couple years have been because of a lack of rest and time to recover from our runs to the championships before the beginning of the season,' Gasol told ESPNLosAngeles.com. 'But this obviously gives me more opportunity of participating with my national team.'

There was a ton of criticism for Gasol following the Lakers sweep at the hands of the Mavericks, some centering around energy and focus. I'm not questioning whether or not Gasol is up for playing for Spain, it's just that some are going to wonder if he's better served taking the time off to heal and rest.

The two top teams from Eurobasket automatically qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Western Oregon Hires Sacramento St. Assistant - by Sanjey Noriega
From: gnacsports.com

Brady Bergeson , who has spent the last three seasons as an assistant men's coach at Sacramento State, has been named W.Oregon University's head men's basketball coach.

Prior to Sacramento State, Bergeson spent six years as an assistant coach at Metro State (Colo.).

Coach Bergeson's enthusiasm and dedication to give student-athletes the best possible collegiate experience stood out throughout the interview process, WOU athletic director Daniel Hare said.

His work ethic, passion and knowledge for the game, along with his experience at one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the country, makes him the perfect fit for this position. He's been where we would like to go.

During his time at Sacramento State, Bergeson helped oversee a massive rebuilding project that has seen the Hornets break a number of milestones over the past three seasons.

Bergeson's duties included recruiting and serving as the team's offensive coordinator. He also worked regularly with the guards and assisted with scouting and academic development.

The 2009-10 squad captured nine wins, more than the previous two seasons combined, as the Hornets snapped a 39-game road losing streak with a win at Oregon State.

This is an exciting step and a wonderful opportunity for my family,' Bergeson said. 'We are joining forces with an excellent university.

'I am looking forward to stepping in line with a department full of excellent coaches and doing my part to strive to meet the visions of the university and the department.

During his six seasons at Metro State (2002-08), the team combined to post a 157-38 overall record and a 93-21 conference mark, including five NCAA Div. II Tournament appearances.

Metro also won four Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournament championships and a pair of North Central Regional titles.

The Roadrunners won at least 19 games every season during his tenure, including a 32-3 overall record, a 19-0 mark in the RMAC and a Final Four appearance during the 2003-04 season.

Bergeson coached under current St. John's associate head coach Mike Dunlap (2002-06) and Brannon Hays (2006-08) at Metro State, where he oversaw recruiting, travel, scouting, summer camps and the mentoring program.

Brady (Bergeson) is one of the best young coaches out there, Dunlap said. He has an extensive recruiting network, is a terrific teacher and is a tireless worker. I'm thrilled he has this opportunity and I'm excited to watch him grow as a head coach.

A native of Longview, Wash., Bergeson played four years of college basketball at Chapman University (Orange, Calif.) where he served as the team's point guard.

Chapman posted a 66-34 combined record during his four seasons, and he was the University's Student-Athlete of the Year and team captain during his senior year (1999-00).

Bergeson, 33, earned his master's degree in negotiation, conflict resolution and peace-building from Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2007.

He graduated with cum laude and Gray Key honors from Chapman in 2000, where he received his bachelor's degree in psychology. Bergeson married Brooke Kiefer on June 18, 2010.


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


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


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. Pledger, Waika.22.0 
 4. Leasure, Taranaki.22.0 
 5. Hudson, Manawatu.20.8 
 6. Pace, Bay Hawks20.3 
 7. Smith, Waikato P.20.3 
 8. Mickens, Auckland.20.2 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.19.7 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.19.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus CAMPBELL
  Taranaki.
  (214-C-82)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Campbell, Taranaki.9.7 
 2. Allred, OceanaGo.9.6 
 3. Pledger, Waika.9.5 
 4. Trousdell, Bay H.9.4 
 5. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 6. Bradshaw, OceanaG.9.2 
 7. Grizzard, Nelson G.9.0 
 8. Frank, Wellington9.0 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.9.0 
 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. Crowe, Waikato P.6.0 
 4. Braswell, Southlan.5.5 
 5. Dickel, Southland5.0 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.4.5 
 7. Le''afa, Wellingt.4.5 
 8. O''Gallagher, Ocean.4.4 
 9. Martin, Auckland.4.4 
 10. Webster, Wellingt.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 3
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.3.0 
 2. Smith, Waikato P.2.8 
 3. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 4. Kench, Manawatu J.2.3 
 5. Allen, Waikato P.2.3 
 6. Frank, Wellington2.2 
 7. Dickel, Southland2.2 
 8. Hudson, Manawatu.2.0 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.2.0 
 10. Dempster, Nelson1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Pledger, Waika.3.0 
 2. Campbell, Taranaki.1.7 
 3. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 4. Anthony, Waika.1.3 
 5. Adams, Wellington1.3 
 6. Spicer, Southlan.1.0 
 7. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 8. Frank, Wellington0.8 
 9. Beck, Auckland P.0.8 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.8 


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


DStv PBL: Pillars in impressive away win, Kada record another centenary - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club proved champion stuff with a 75-49 points win over home side Bauchi Nets basketball club at the resumption of the Savannah conference of the league on Wednesday.

The thus extend its invicibily as its the only team left in the league that is yet to taste defeat, in Kaduna host Kada Stars basketball club recorded another centenary points with a 103-67 points bashing of Niger Potters basketball club of Minna, Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi joined Pillars in picking away win with a 63-55 points victory over Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano while Plateau Peaks basketball club had the better of two city rival with a 54-49 points win over Tapgun Rockets basketball club in Abuja.

Action continue on Sunday with games on the bill as the race for the league Final-8 playoffs hots-up as well as the battle against relegation.






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


Tropang Texters are the new Kings! 2011 PBA Commissioners Cup Finals Game 6: Talk N Text over Bgy. Ginebra, 99-96 - by Eurobasket
Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.), Jason Castro (173-G-86), and Ranidel De Ocampo made the timely hits in the endgame to stretch the game into overtime and seal the deal for Talk N Text.

Alapag, the Best Player of the Conference, netted 24 points while Castro and De Ocampo conspired to help the diminutive guard lead the Texters to the Commissioners Cup Crown! The terrific trio combined for 9 triples and none were bigger than the ones they hit in the endgame to clinch the title for coach Chot Reyes.

TNT import Paul Harris also gave a good account of himself, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

It was a sorry loss for the Bgy. Ginebra Gin Kins, as they led practically most of the game until some endgame misses and lapses handed the title to TNT. The Kings were led by import Nate Brumfields monster output of 18 points, 22 boards, and 4 assists. Locals Willie Miller, JC Intal, as well as rookies John Wilson and Rob Labagala also gave good accounts of themselves, combining for 12 triples.

With this win, TNT gave 3-time Coach of the Year awardee Chot Reyes his 5th PBA title.

It was a wonderful game worthy of the championship billing, certainly more entertaining than Pacquiaos dominance over Shane Mosley earlier in the day.

Ginebra controlled the tempo most of the way, but the Texters proved sterner in the end, especially since the inexperience of rookies Wilson and Labagala showed. Alapag again made a good case for him being one of the best, if not the best, guard in the country. Perhaps coach Rajko Toroman can keep a slot open for him in Smart-Gilas in time for the FIBA-Asia tourney later in the year?

Congratulations to the TNT Tropang Texters!

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

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


Eurobasket.com All-Polish 1Liga Awards 2010-11 - by Greg
Eurobasket.com All-Polish 1Liga 1st Team 2011
#s#
Piotr Pamula
Pamula
Michal Jankowski
Jankowski
Marek Piechowicz
Piechowicz
Tomasz Wojdyla
Wojdyla
Aleksander Lichodzijewski
Lichodzijewski
#e#5

Player of the Year: Piotr Pamula (195-G-90) of Tempcold AZS
Guard of the Year: Piotr Pamula (195-G-90) of Tempcold AZS
Forward of the Year: Tomasz Wojdyla (201-F-77) of Asec.Prokom-2
Center of the Year: Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-C-84) of ISS Sportino
Defensive Player of the Year: Adam Lisewski (206-F/C-80) of MMKS DG
Coach of the Year: Mladen Starcevic of Tempcold AZS

1st Team
G: Piotr Pamula (195-90) of Tempcold AZS
G: Michal Jankowski (192-87) of Polonia 2011
G/F: Marek Piechowicz (203-88) of MMKS DG
F: Tomasz Wojdyla (201-77) of Asec.Prokom-2
C: Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-84) of ISS Sportino

2nd Team
G: Lukasz Wilczek (189-86) of Tempcold AZS
G: Lukasz Pacocha (182-82) of AZS Szczecin
F: Maciej Ustarbowski (201-87) of SKK Siedlce
F/C: Wojciech Zurawski (199-76) of ISS Sportino
C: Maciej Klima (205-82) of Sokol Lancut

Honorable Mention
Michal Nowakowski (202-F-88) of Tempcold AZS
Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) of Tempcold AZS
Adam Lisewski (206-F/C-80) of MMKS DG
Pawel Wiekiera (206-F-78) of Rosasport
Wiaczeslaw Rosnowski (198-G-75) of ISS Sportino
Marcin Salamonik (202-F-83) of LKS Lodz
Grzegorz Mordzak (183-G-77) of Asec.Prokom-2
Rafal Wojcicki (193-G-82) of SKK Siedlce
Dawid Witos (190-G-83) of GKS Tychy
Krzysztof Jakobczyk (183-G-86) of ISS Sportino
Michal Michalak (194-G-93) of Polonia 2011



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 Turow14.8 
 8. Bennerman, Energa14.5 
 9. Dylewicz, Trefl So.14.4 
 10. NaNa, Polonia Az.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. Dylewicz, Trefl S.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, Asseco3.6 
 8. Vaughn, Polpharma3.5 
 9. Ewing, Asseco P.3.3 
 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. Skibniewski, Polph.2.4 
 5. Pringle, Siarka2.4 
 6. Milicic, AZS K.2.3 
 7. Thomas, PGE Turow2.2 
 8. Szubarga, Asseco2.2 
 9. Hawkins, PBG B.2.1 
 10. Ewing, Asseco P.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Harris, SKK K.2.0 
 2. Reynolds, AZS K.1.4 
 3. Hicks, Anwil1.3 
 4. Lapeta, Asseco P.1.3 
 5. Easley, Polonia Az.1.3 
 6. Burgess, Zastal1.3 
 7. Davis, Energa C.1.0 
 8. Kesicki, Zastal0.8 
 9. Mirkovic, Polpharma0.8 
 10. Miller, Anwil0.8 


PLK Round 3 of Finals. Asseco Prokom surge ahead - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
PGE Turow - Asseco Prokom 56-81

Asseco Prokom returned the lead in the title series. They upset PGE Turow on the road in Game 3. The game without a history. Asseco Prokom led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding PGE Turow to just 6 points in fourth quarter. Asseco Prokom dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to PGE Turow's 14 and made 23-of-28 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. They outrebounded PGE Turow 37-16 including a 28-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Serbian-Bosnian power forward Ratko Varda (216-79, agency: Alti Sport) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 9 rebounds. American guard Daniel Ewing (191-83, college: Duke, agency: Alti Sport) helped adding 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Asseco Prokom players scored in double figures. Asseco Prokom's coach Tomas Pacesas felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Torey Thomas (180-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) with 21 points and 4 assists and Australian-Dutch center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) scored 11 points.
Top scorers:
PGE Turow: T.Thomas 21+2reb+4ast, D.Kickert 11+4reb+1ast, M.Kuebler 10+1ast, M.Gabinski 6+3reb, D.Jackson 3+2reb+2ast, K.Wysocki 2+4reb
Asseco Prokom: R.Varda 18+9reb+3ast, D.Ewing 17+5reb+5ast, K.Szubarga 10+2reb+1ast, P.Szczotka 10+5reb+3ast, R.Burrell 8+4reb+1ast, C.Eldridge 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 128090




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


Season scout - Seixal - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
An historical team, Seixal FC/Slimcei had their worst season ever in Proliga, and will have to face CNB1. They were able to win their last game against Guifoes, avoiding a no-win-season. With a mixture of veteran players and very young prospects, Carlos Martins never had the chance to fight for maintenance.

The season

What can you tell of a team that finishes a season in last place, with a 1-21 record? Seixal FC/Slimcei was sometimes close to win games, and it was a needed thing to get up the team morale. They had a good period in the beginning, when they played at Guimaraes, in a Cup match, and they had a second good moment when Tomas Lopez (198-F-78) signed with them to play only three games. But no victory was achieved, and the team, even discussing results, was going with their head down. That all ended up with a salvation win in the last round, but with no value to make them keep a Proliga place.

The player

Tiago Magalhaes (192-F-76). A veteran center who was the most valuable team player, even if he lacks height (just 1.92m) and quickness, his sense of position made him rebound more than everybody in the team, while being one of the better scorers. Other fantastic player was Tomas Lopez (78) played only three games but averaged 31 points. They lost those three matchups, but if he kept playing in Seixal FC/Slimcei until the end, he surely would be their MVP.

The prospects

Daniel Machado (190-G/F-90) and Andre Clerigo (200-F-90). Both young players had good seasons in a losing team, trying to fight against their limitations and they lack of confidence. Machado, 1.90m, plays in positions 2 and 3, has a good shooting range and is an aggressive defender. He averaged 11.1 points and 1.7 steals. Clerigo plays as 4, even if he still lacks weight and power. He is an inside player, with 2.00m, and can have an evolution if he keeps working. They both merit a new opportunity in Proliga, in a team that asks more of their qualities.



More at: www.porbasket.blogspot.com



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


BSN Midseason Team's Statistical Analysis - by Eric de la Cruz
With the regular season reaching its midpoint Saturday night, I would like to offer the results of my statistical analysis for each team.

As Dean Oliver says in his book Basketball on Paper, teams and not players are the ones who win games (as in soccer and unlike baseball which is an individual sport masquerading as a team sport), so any analysis such start at the group level.

The first part of my analysis will focus on 2 related aspects of the teams. The second part, to be published in the coming weeks, will focus on the players.

Offensive and Defensive Efficiency (ranking of the best and worst offenses and defenses): as will be demonstrated in the first table, points scored and allowed per game is not the best measure of offensive and defensive ability for a team, because according to Oliver, John Hollinger and David Berri, it ignores game pace (for example, Quebradillas is the team that scores and allows the most points per game because of the breakneck speed that they play). Here comes into consideration the concept of possessions; all these advanced stats use at their core this concept instead of averages, like traditional stats do with points, rebounds or assists per game (so Quebradillas, because of their game pace, use more possessions than the other teams; that is why their numbers are so high, especially on offense). Efficiency measures how good a team is once they have the ball; the best offenses are not the ones who take the most shots, but the ones who make the most (that is why shooting percentage is so important as will be demonstrated in the 2nd table). The same happens on defense (the best defense is not the one who allows the fewer shots, but the one who allows the worst shots).

To find these efficiencies, the first step is to determine the possessions of the team and its opponents, find the average possessions (both teams use the same possessions per game) and divide points scored (offense) and points allowed (defense) by such average.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_ihmkIhHKqHs/TcsD75ttH1I/AAAAAAAAABA/GEjakm_Wa5U/s800/efficiency%20ranking.PNG

Some observations about the table:

Blue font means improvement and red font the opposite (compared to points per game).

Humacao and Coamo are the teams that were most affected.

It must not be a coincidence that the top 3 offenses are actually the top 3 teams. As Oliver says in his book, traditionally the best offenses are the ones who win and not the best defenses (is not defense wins championships the common perception?). Defense is still very important, especially in the postseason, where the pace is slower and teams use fewer possessions. But at the end of the game, the team with the most points in the scoreboard is the winner.

Dean Oliver's 4 Factors: these factors are derived from the efficiency measures used in the last table; they explain and show, in an easier way, why teams are bad or good offensively or defensively. There are really 8 factors because they are each used for offense and defense:

Shooting (effective field goal percentage combines 2 and 3 point shots).
Turnovers (per possession)
Offensive Rebounds (and Defensive Rebounds)
Ability to get fouled (and make the shots)

Not all factors have the same value; the order in which they appear represents their worth, with shooting being the most important and the ability to get fouled the least.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ihmkIhHKqHs/Tcv1dz34ziI/AAAAAAAAABo/3W8aU7indr8/s800/BSN%20Mid%20Season%204%20Factors.PNG

Quebradillas signs Mark Worthington - by Eric de la Cruz
Last night Quebradillas Pirates signed Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) to add toughness and defense to their front-court. Mark started the season with the Mets de Guaynabo, but was replaced by Leather Terrence (204-C-81, college: S.Florida). He's expected to help Quebradillas Pirates on defense by grabbing rebounds and defending the opposing team's big men (either in the low or high post) and on offense by stretching the floor to let Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) work in the paint and to give him some rest as a back up center. He replaces DeShawn Sims (203-F-88, college: Michigan).

Guaynabo brings in Terrence Leather - by Eurobasket News
Leather Terrence (204-C-81, college: S.Florida) is a new member of Guaynabo. The American center signed a deal for rest of the season. Leather arrives to Guaynabo from South Korea, where he spent 2010/11. He was a member of the Seoul SK Knights averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 54 KBL games. Leather ended the competition as third best scorer and second rebounder.
From 2007 to 2010 Leather played for Seoul Samsung Thunders, also in Korea. Season 2008/09 was the best one for him as he registered 27.4 ppg and 11 rpg. Leather was the best scorer and rebounded that year in KBL. In the past, Leather also played for Talk N Text, Leon, Benfica Lisbon and Guessen 46ers. He is a product of the South Florida University, where he graduated in 2005.

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


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. Villegas, Coamo19.9 
 5. Johnson, Humacao18.7 
 6. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 7. Clemente, Humacao18.5 
 8. Robinson, Mayaguez18.0 
 9. Clinch, Isabela17.9 
 10. Ayuso, Arecibo17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 13
 1. Narvaez, Coamo13.0 
 2. Randolph, Isabela11.9 
 3. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.8 
 4. Ramos, Quebradillas11.6 
 5. Harris, San German10.7 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.7 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon9.6 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce8.9 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.8.3 
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, Isabela4.7 
 6. Berdiel, Humacao4.3 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.3 
 8. Garcia, Humacao3.8 
 9. Copeland, San G.3.8 
 10. Vega, Coamo3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Eddin ''Guayito'' SANTIAGO
  Santurce
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Santiago, Santurce2.2 
 2. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.7 
 4. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 5. Carmona, Mayaguez1.5 
 6. Robinson, Mayaguez1.5 
 7. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 8. Hodge, Santurce1.5 
 9. Berdiel, Humacao1.4 
 10. Dalmau, Bayamon1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.4 
 3. Santiago, Arecibo2.1 
 4. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 7. Robinson, Mayaguez1.7 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon1.5 
 9. Sanchez, Santurce1.5 
 10. Randolph, Isabela1.5 


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


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Keith LANGFORD
  Khimky
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Langford, Khimky18.2 
 2. Lampe, Unics17.3 
 3. Domercant, Spart.16.8 
 4. Baxter, Enisey16.6 
 5. Keyru, Dynamo15.9 
 6. Williams, Enisey15.3 
 7. Labovic, Enisey14.5 
 8. Vyaltsev, Triumph13.9 
 9. Beverley, Spart.13.9 
 10. Wilkinson, Lokomo.13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Maciej LAMPE
  Unics
  (210-C-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Lampe, Unics7.4 
 2. Zhukanenko, Dynamo7.4 
 3. Beverley, Spart.6.9 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA6.8 
 5. Baxter, Enisey6.7 
 6. Monya, Khimky6.3 
 7. Massey, Lokomotiv6.3 
 8. Brezec, Krasnie6.2 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.0 
 10. Papadopoulos, Khi.5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 7
 1. Williams, Enisey7.0 
 2. Bremer, Krasnie5.9 
 3. Vyaltsev, Triumph5.3 
 4. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.6 
 5. Popovic, Unics4.4 
 6. Khvostov, Dynamo4.1 
 7. Planinic, Khimky4.0 
 8. Holden, CSKA3.5 
 9. Rush, Krasnie Kril.3.3 
 10. Samoylenko, Unics3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Beverley, Spart.2.1 
 2. Voronov, Dynamo1.8 
 3. Ponkrashov, Spart.1.6 
 4. Bremer, Krasnie1.5 
 5. Domercant, Spart.1.5 
 6. Labovic, Enisey1.4 
 7. Pashutin, Unics1.4 
 8. Surovtsev, Lokom.1.4 
 9. Massey, Lokomotiv1.3 
 10. Rush, Krasnie Kri.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Benjamin EZE
  Khimky
  (207-C/F-81)
  Avg: 1.1
 1. Eze, Khimky1.1 
 2. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 3. Zabelin, CSKA1.0 
 4. Kaun, CSKA1.0 
 5. Monya, Khimky1.0 
 6. Varlamov, Triumph1.0 
 7. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.9 
 8. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.9 
 9. Likhodey, Triumph0.9 
 10. Lampe, Unics0.8 


Standings - Superleague A
PBL Standings
 1. Unics 19-6 
 2. CSKA 16-8 
 3. Lokomotiv 16-9 
 4. Spartak SP 16-9 
 5. Khimky 15-8 
 6. Enisey 12-13 
 7. Krasnie Krilya 9-16 
 8. Dynamo 8-17 
 9. N.Novgorod 8-17 
 10. Triumph 4-20 


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Awards 2010-11 - by Greg
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian 1st Team 2011
#s#
Mike English
English
Ronald Moore
Moore
Esian Henderson
Henderson
C.J. Jackson
Jackson
Branislav Tomek
Tomek
#e#5

Player of the Year: Mike English (194-F/G-82) of Levice
Guard of the Year: Mike English (194-F/G-82) of Levice
Forward of the Year: C.J. Jackson (206-F-87) of Komarno
Center of the Year: Branislav Tomek (205-C-83) of Nitra
Bosman Player of the Year: Nenad Delic (210-F/C-84) of Handlova
Import Player of the Year: Mike English (194-F/G-82) of Levice
Domestic Player of the Year: Branislav Tomek (205-C-83) of Nitra
Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Carter (193-F-87) of Vahostav-Zilina
Coach of the Year: Lubomir Urban of Nitra

1st Team
G: Ronald Moore (183-88) of Nitra
F/G: Mike English (194-82) of Levice
F: Esian Henderson (203-86) of Levice
F: C.J. Jackson (206-87) of Komarno
C: Branislav Tomek (205-83) of Nitra

2nd Team
G: Corey Jefferson (183-85) of Nova Ves
G: Adam McCoy (193-86) of Vahostav-Zilina
F: Jaraun Burrows (203-85) of Komarno
F: Justin Carter (193-87) of Vahostav-Zilina
F/C: Nenad Delic (210-84) of Handlova

Honorable Mention
Stjepan Gavran (206-C-78) of Inter Bratislava
Davor Velcic (206-F-80) of B.Bystrica
Gabriel Szalay (215-C-86) of Prievidza
Johnathon Jones (183-G-88) of Komarno
Joe Wolfinger (213-C-85) of Levice
Pawel Mroz (215-C-84) of Nova Ves
J.J. Montgomery (196-G-82) of Nitra
Pavel Bosak (192-G-82) of Nitra

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Robert Nuber (187-83) of Handlova
F: Vincent Polakovic (203-84) of Svit
F: Stanislav Baldovsky (192-89) of Nova Ves
C: Gabriel Szalay (215-86) of Prievidza
C: Branislav Tomek (205-83) of Nitra

All-Imports Team
G: Ronald Moore (183-88) of Nitra
F/G: Mike English (194-82) of Levice
F: Esian Henderson (203-86) of Levice
F: C.J. Jackson (206-87) of Komarno
C: Joe Wolfinger (213-85) of Levice

All-Bosmans Team
G: Pavel Bosak (192-82) of Nitra
G: Denis Toroman (194-82) of Levice
F: Davor Velcic (206-80) of B.Bystrica
F/C: Nenad Delic (210-84) of Handlova
C: Pawel Mroz (215-84) of Nova Ves



*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Kostomaj wins Slovakian championship - by Zeljko Zule
It was the first season abroad for Tadej Kostomaj (186-G-87) and it was a great one. Slovenian guard helped Levice to beat Nitra with 3-2 in Slovakian Finals and to win their first championship title. Kostomaj joined Levice last summer after many years with Zlatorog, Sentjur and Elektra. He appeared 48 times in Slovakian league collecting 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Krka wins regular season, Zlatorog promotes to Adriatic League - by Zeljko Zule
Krka earned their 11th win of the season, 79-74 over Helios, and clinched the 2011 Teleamch League regular-season championship, assuring them of home-court advantage throughout the playoff. Zlatorog secured a playoff spot and promoted to the 2011-12 Adriatic League with a 61-54 road win over Hopsi. Olimpija crushed city rival Slovan by 70-45 and Boris Jersin hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 4 seconds to play as Elektra beat Maribor 80-79.

Helios-Krka 74-79: The home team lead just at 2-0 and 4-2 and trailed by as many as 14 points early in the second quarter. They cut defitic to 74-75 with 0:36 remaining. Bojan Krivec hit a pair of free throws for Krka and Benjamin Raymond missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer. He finished with 18 points, Marko Lekic had 17, Vjeko Petrovic 15 and Drazen Bubnic scored 11 points. Krka was led by Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) and his 22 points, Dragisa Drobnjak added 11 and Jure Balazic 10.
Hopsi-Zlatorog 54-61: Zlatorog went on a 11-2 run to take a lead 17-10 and never looked back from there. Vladimir Panic scored 21 points, Alen Omic came off the bench for 11 points and Simo Atanackovic had 10 points and 9 rebounds. Hopsi's lone player in double digits was Dmitry Sviridov with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
Olimpija-Slovan 70-45: After leading by only 4 points at the break, Olimpija outscored Slovan 43-22 in the second half. Damir Markot had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in just 20 minutes, Goran Jagodnik added 13 points and Aloysiuos Anagonye 11. Slovan shot just 15-of-51 from the field. Jaka Blazic finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds and Matej Krusic posted 10 points.
Elektra-Maribor 80-79: The game saw 18 lead changes and the largest lead for either team was seven points. Marjan Vidovic made a pair of free throws to cut the Elektra's deficit to 77-78 with 0:16 remaining. Tadej Horvat hit one of two free throws to extend the lead for Maribor to 79-77 and Boris Jersin sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 4 seconds to play. Vidovic finished with 16 points, Milos Miljkovic scored 15 points and Salih Nuhanovic had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Maribor outrebounded Elektra 40-29, pickung up 17 offensived boards. Ilija Zolotic collected 15 points and 9 rebounds, Tadej Horvat posted 15 points and Sasa Mucic had 12 points and 10 rebounds.





Standings - 1A

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


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 21.6
 1. Panic, Zlatorog21.6 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur17.4 
 3. Erzen, Parklji16.9 
 4. Thondique, Polzela16.3 
 5. Raymond, Helios16.3 
 6. Harmason, Sentjur15.1 
 7. Djapa, Geoplin Slo.14.2 
 8. Krejic, Parklji13.4 
 9. Nuhanovic, Elektra13.3 
 10. Zolotic, Maribor12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Thondique, Polzela10.5 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur8.9 
 3. Nuhanovic, Elektra8.2 
 4. Raymond, Helios7.4 
 5. Miljkovic, Elektra7.3 
 6. Krusic, Geoplin6.9 
 7. Zolotic, Maribor6.3 
 8. Erzen, Parklji6.1 
 9. Cebasek, Parklji5.9 
 10. Pavic, Krka5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Igor MIJAJLOVIC
  Polzela
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Mijajlovic, Polzela4.4 
 2. Brolih, Maribor4.4 
 3. Jersin, Elektra4.3 
 4. Krivec, Krka3.9 
 5. Djordjevic, Krka3.9 
 6. Vujasinovic, Zlato.3.9 
 7. Hohler, Sentjur3.9 
 8. Harmason, Sentjur3.8 
 9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan3.5 
 10. Zagorc, Helios3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thondique, Polzela2.3 
 2. Dragic, Krka2.0 
 3. Mezek, LTHcast1.9 
 4. Lapornik, Zlatorog1.7 
 5. Mahkovic, LTHcas.1.6 
 6. Ilievski, Union O.1.6 
 7. Harmason, Sentjur1.6 
 8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan1.5 
 9. Hohler, Sentjur1.5 
 10. Zagorc, Helios1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 2
 1. Nuhanovic, Elektra2.0 
 2. Thondique, Polzela1.2 
 3. Dimec, Zlatorog1.0 
 4. Sviridov, Polzela0.9 
 5. Shermadini, Union0.8 
 6. Booker, Krka0.6 
 7. Lapornik, Zlatorog0.6 
 8. Pavic, Krka0.6 
 9. Sebic, Sentjur0.6 
 10. Omic, Zlatorog0.5 


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Yang Dong-geun Stays With Mobis Phoebus - by Jeff Liebsch
Free agent Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) will remain with Ulsan Mobis Phoebus, after signing a five-year contract yesterday.

The contract is worth 570 million won ($1 US = 1,080KRW), with 510 million guaranteed and the remaining 60 million in incentives.

Yang, who won consecutive MVP awards in the 2005-06 season, as well as the 2006-07 season, has built a solid reputation with the club and the fans, and wished to remain with the team.

He made his debut in 2004, where he averaged 13.3 points, 5.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.

Yang also is one of the leaders of the national team, and last year at the Guangzhou Asian Games, contributed to Korea's silver medal performance. This year, he is also expected to compete in the Asian Championships.

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


Pau Gasol might play for Spain this summer - by Eurobasket News
Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) is faced with a rare situation. He has June entirely off.

The last two, he's kind of been, you know, busy. But with the time and added rest time, Gasol is thinking about playing for his home country of Spain for the first time in two years. Spain plays in the Eurobasket tournament Aug. 31-Sept. 18 in Lithuania.

'My decisions the last couple years have been because of a lack of rest and time to recover from our runs to the championships before the beginning of the season,' Gasol told ESPNLosAngeles.com. 'But this obviously gives me more opportunity of participating with my national team.'

There was a ton of criticism for Gasol following the Lakers sweep at the hands of the Mavericks, some centering around energy and focus. I'm not questioning whether or not Gasol is up for playing for Spain, it's just that some are going to wonder if he's better served taking the time off to heal and rest.

The two top teams from Eurobasket automatically qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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


LNA Round 2 of Finals. Lugano Tigers win second straight - by Eurobasket News
Lugano Tigers - Fribourg 95-81

Lugano Tigers earned 2-0 lead in the title series as they overcame Fribourg for the second straight time at home court. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-81. Lugano Tigers outrebounded Fribourg 37-26 including 23 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Lugano Tigers especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. American forward Mohammed Abukar (208-85, college: San Diego St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import power forward Matt Schneiderman (205-81, college: N.Iowa) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American forward Steve Smith (200-81, college: Iona) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and international guard Jonathan Kazadi (195-91) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Fribourg. Five Lugano Tigers and four Fribourg players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Lugano Tigers: M.Abukar 16+7reb+2ast, M.Schneiderman 14+8reb+1ast, B.Sanders 12+4reb, M.Efevberha 12+5reb+2ast, S.Finn 11+7reb, E.Draughan 9+2ast
Fribourg: S.Smith 18+12reb+1ast, T.Williams 15+1reb+3ast, V.Buscaglia 15+2ast, J.Kazadi 11+6reb+3ast, D.Esterkamp 8+7reb+1ast, T.Quidome 8+2ast
gschID: 128025




Stats Leaders LNA
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 21
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.21.0 
 2. Brown, Starwings20.5 
 3. Glover, Boncourt20.3 
 4. Byron, BBC Nyon20.2 
 5. Popovich, SAV V.20.0 
 6. Farokhmanesh, SAM19.5 
 7. Smith, Fribourg19.4 
 8. Reid, Monthey18.5 
 9. Hunte, BBC Nyon18.2 
 10. Bomayoko, Zurich17.7 
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, Fribourg7.9 
 8. Toure, Geneve Lio.7.8 
 9. Sloan, 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, Fribourg5.3 
 4. Brown, Starwings4.5 
 5. Angley, Lugano T.4.4 
 6. Hollins, Starwings4.2 
 7. Draughan, Lugano4.1 
 8. Ross, Geneve Lions4.1 
 9. Petkovic, Fribourg4.1 
 10. Hunte, BBC Nyon4.0 
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. Angley, Lugano T.2.4 
 6. Farokhmanesh, SAM2.3 
 7. Efevberha, Lugano2.3 
 8. Draughan, Lugano2.2 
 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 


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Taiwan NT having trouble with injury andbasketball - by Chris Wang
Chen Tse-Wei (200-F-85) became the latest casualty down with injury as the 200cm Dacin forward withdrew from the national team training camp for the 2011 EABC, according to head coach Chou Jun-san.

So far, Chen, Tien Lei and Chang Chih-feng -- coincidentally, all three came from Dacin, have decided to sit out the EABC.

Tseng Wen-ting, who's currently playing in the BJ League of Japan, has said he would like to sit out the EABC before joining the NT in Wuhan, if the team makes the Asian Championship.

Other injured players included Wu Tai-hao, Chen Shih-nian and Ho Shou-cheng. All three are still currently in the camp.

However, injury is not the only problem Taiwan NT has at this moment. Entering the third day of the camp, Chou found out that his players had trouble catching, shooting and even grabbing the ball.

Local media reported that players complained about the official ball, manufactured by Molten and sanctioned by FIBA in international competitions, saying that the ball is lighter and is slippery. The Molten ball also comes with a different touch which will take time to get used to, they said.

Basketball manufactured by Spalding is used by majority of competitions in Taiwan, including the SBL.

Chou said half-jokingly that he might have to ask the players to sleep with the Molten ball so they could get used to the ball as soon as possible.

Current player status in training camp

Yang Ching-min, 188cm, 1984/01/22, 27, TB
y-Wu Tai-hao, 202cm, 1985/02/07, 26, TB
Cheng Jen-wei, 194cm, 1987/04/06, 24, KKL
y-Chen Shih-nian, 180cm, 1984/04/08, 27, TB
y-Ho Shou-cheng, 196cm, 1983/02/15, 28, TB
Doug Creighton, 195cm, 1985/03/07, 26, TB
x-Tien Lei, 202cm, 1983/06/01, 27, Dacin
x-Chang Chih-feng, 183cm, 1981/04/22, 30, Dacin
x-Chen Tse-Wei, 200cm, 1985/01/30, 26, Dacin
James Mao, 196cm, 1982/11/16, 28, PY
Chien Chia-hung, 197cm, 1987/03/06, 24, PY
Lu Cheng-ju, 194cm, 1986/08/23, 24, Yulon
Chen Shun-hsiang, 190cm, 1985/05/02, 26, BOT
Su Yi-chieh, 182cm, 1987/01/28, 24, TM
Chen Ching-huan, 190cm, 1987/12/18, 25, KKL
Chang Jung-hsuan, 194cm, 1986/02/03, 23, KKL
Lee Hsueh-lin, 175cm, 1984/01/31, 27, Beijing (China)
z-Tseng Wen-ting, 202cm, 1984/07/06, 26, Osaka (Japan)
Lin Chih-chieh, 192cm, 1982/06/11, 28, Zhejiang (China)
Chen Hsin-an, 195cm, 1980/07/01, 30, Dong Guan (China)
z-Jet Chang, 192cm, 1988/12/27, 22, BYU-Hawaii (US)
Chou Po-chen, 196cm, 1990/08/08, 20, Taiwan Normal University
z-Chou Yi-hsiang, 194cm, 1991/02/04, 20, Salt Lake CC (US)

x - injured, will sit out the EABC
y - injured, still with the camp
z - not yet reported to the camp


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


Last news from Superleague teams - by Alexei Revenko
Khimik-OPZ Yuzny come back from vacation. Now team practice at home court. In training camp work youth ukrainian players and Alexander Kolchenko (198-F/G-88, agency: Beo Basket), Andrii Kalnichenko (200-G-86), Sergei Popov (193-G-88), Stanislav Zavadsky (213-C-87).
Politekhnika-Halychyna announced that club canceled contracts with all players and staf. Head coach Andrei Podkovyrov also break his contract.
Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih also began practice with youth players. In trainings also take part Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) and Igor Krivtsov (202-F-86). Now team negotiates with all ukrainian players who played last season in club.
Azovmash Mariupol looking for new head coach. Rolandas Jarutis will be a club's sport director in next season.


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 24-7 
 2. Marinos 24-9 
 3. Trotamundos 23-10 
 4. Guaiqueries 19-15 
 5. Bucaneros 18-16 
 6. Gigantes 16-17 
 7. Panteras 15-19 
 8. Guaros 12-21 
 9. Toros 11-24 
 10. Gaiteros 5-29 




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

Women News

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


Ros Casares lands WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares announced signing of Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) for the next season. One of the best players on the World arrives from Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. Jackson helped Russians win the Euroleague titles in 2008 and 2009. They were also very successful in Russia. Lauren Jackson was a member of Spartak from 2006 to 2009 and last season as well. In the meantime, she spent one year with Canberra Capitals. As mentioned above, one of the best players on the World has 3 WNBA titles in her pocket. Last season she won the ring with the Seattle Storm. In 39 games Jackon averaged 20.7 points and 8.5 rebounds. She won many personal awards in WNBA and Euroleague as well. Actually, she was named All-WNBA MVP -03, 07, 10. With this signing, Ros Casares quickly became one of the main favorites for the Eurolegaue title next season.

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Belgium NT will miss Big Two - by Eurobasket News
Belgium NT will miss Big Two players in their roster. Ann Wauters (194-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) can not help the team during EuroBasket Women 2011 Qualifying Round.
Ann Wauters will be giving birth at the end of May or the beginning of June, while Kathy Wambe felt that it was time for the new generation.
Kathy Wambe and her Taranto just finished the season in Italy. Familia Schio became the new champion of Italy. They outplayed Taranto 75-59 in fifth crucial game of the A1 Finals taking back the title after three years. At the same time, Familia Schio dethroned Taranto who was winning the championship for the last two seasons.
Ann Wauters remained in Russia with her UMMC for the last two seasons. In 2009-2010 in Russian League she avareged 11.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT-1 (75.0%), FT: 80.0% and in Euroleague after 16 games showed 9.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT-2 (62.5%), FT: 82.1%. The season 2010-2011 for UMMC she appeared in Euroleague 3 games and had 13.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, while in Russian League after 4 games her stats read 12.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg.

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


USK Praha remain the majority of the squad - by Eurobasket News
ZVVZ USK Praha remain the majority of the squad of the squad for the next season and already announced keeping Eva Viteckova (189-F-82), Katerina Elhotova (176-G-89), Katerina Bartonova (171-G-90), Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida), Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) and Petra Kulichova (198-C-84).
Milton-Jones Delisha was the top-scorer of the team averaging 19.4 points per game. In Euroleague she also had 15.7 points per game that was the best result in the team. Eva Viteckova is second in EuroLeague with 14.3 points per game, while Katerina Elhotova was second in the National League with 14.0 points per game.
As a reminder USK Praha is the Champion of 2010/2011 season! The team swept the series over Frisco Sika 3-0 as they needed 72:62 win in the last game. Frisco Sika was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. It was a good game for American forward Delisha Milton-Jones who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Belgium NT will miss Big Two - by Eurobasket News
Belgium NT will miss Big Two players in their roster. Ann Wauters (194-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) can not help the team during EuroBasket Women 2011 Qualifying Round.
Ann Wauters will be giving birth at the end of May or the beginning of June, while Kathy Wambe felt that it was time for the new generation.
Kathy Wambe and her Taranto just finished the season in Italy. Familia Schio became the new champion of Italy. They outplayed Taranto 75-59 in fifth crucial game of the A1 Finals taking back the title after three years. At the same time, Familia Schio dethroned Taranto who was winning the championship for the last two seasons.
Ann Wauters remained in Russia with her UMMC for the last two seasons. In 2009-2010 in Russian League she avareged 11.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT-1 (75.0%), FT: 80.0% and in Euroleague after 16 games showed 9.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT-2 (62.5%), FT: 82.1%. The season 2010-2011 for UMMC she appeared in Euroleague 3 games and had 13.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, while in Russian League after 4 games her stats read 12.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg.

Agnieszka Bibrzycka will not play for Poland - by Eurobasket News
Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) will not play for Poland at the EuroBasket Women 2011 due to personal reasons. One of the best Polish player as well as the player of Russian UMMC recently enjoyed the tile abroad. Her UMMC clinched 2010/2011 title! After two wins at home UMMC added 75:70 road win to weep the series. Agnieszka Bibrzycka averaged 12.0 points per game in EuroLeague and had 6.9 points in the National League.
Polish squad for the Eurobasket will include Katarzyna Dzwigalska (174-G-85), Anna Pietrzak (167-G-87), Weronika Idczak (175-G-89), Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group), Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group), Agnieszka Skobel (180-F-89), Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group), Malgorzata Babicka, Katarzyna Krezel, Oliwia Tomialowicz, Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (188-F/C-89), Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85), Joanna Czarnecka (192-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group), Patrycja Gulak-Lipka, Alaksandra Chomac and Emilia Tlumak (183-F-82).
Poland coach Dariusz Maciejewski looks forward for the upcoming event. Hosts Poland will take on the 2009 Bronze medalists Spain as well as Montenegro and the team that will qualify through the Additional Qualifying Tournaments, in Group C.


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


Coach Pierre Vincent leaves Bourges - by Eurobasket News
Pierre Vincent is no longer a Head Coach of Bourges. The French specialist announced he will not return for 2011/12 season despite his club won the LFB title few days ago. Vincent took over Bourges in 2004 winning three LFB titles with them. He also helped the club win French Cup in 2006 and was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Coach of the Year -06, 07, 08, 11. It is not known where Vincent will continue his coaching career. According to the rumors, one of the options could be ASVEL (men). Also it is now know who will replace Vincent at Bourges.
Before Bourges, Pierre Vincent worked with CEP Poitiers and French U18 National Team (men). Since 2008 he is a Head Coach of the French womens NT. It is also important to mention that Bourges reached Euroleague Quarterfinals three times Semifinals twice under Vincent.

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


Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Awards 2010-11 - by Karol
All-Italian A1 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
Laura Macchi
Macchi
Janel McCarville
McCarville
Sophia Young
Young
Adriana Moises Pinto
Moises Pinto
Cameo Hicks
Hicks
#e#5

Player of The Year: Laura Macchi (187-F-79) of Familia Schio
Guard of The Year: Adriana Moises Pinto (169-G-78) of Faenza
Forward of The Year: Laura Macchi (187-F-79) of Familia Schio
Center of The Year: Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) of Basket Parma
Bosman Player of The Year: Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) of Basket Parma
Import Player of The Year: Janel McCarville (188-C-82) of Familia Schio
Domestic Player of The Year: Laura Macchi (187-F-79) of Familia Schio
Defensive Player of The Year: Lauren Ervin (191-F-85) of Faenza
Coach of The Year: Sandro Orlando of Familia Schio

1st Team
C: Janel McCarville (188-82) of Familia Schio
F: Laura Macchi (187-79) of Familia Schio
F: Sophia Young (186-83) of Taranto
G: Adriana Moises Pinto (169-78) of Faenza
G/F: Cameo Hicks (178-84) of Comense

2nd Team
C/F: Nicole Antibe (187-74) of Basket Parma
F: Megan Mahoney (183-83) of Taranto
F: Lauren Ervin (191-85) of Faenza
G: Liron Cohen (173-82) of Familia Schio
G: Kathy Wambe (173-81) of Taranto

Honorable Mention Team:
Laura Summerton (191-C-83) of Bracco Geas
Florina Pascalau (193-C-82) of Priolo
Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) of Basket Parma
Tamecka Dixon (176-G-75) of Pozzuoli
Marcedes Walker (191-C-86) of Pozzuoli
Vanessa Gidden (193-C/F-85) of Vomero NA

All-Domestic Players Team:
F: Laura Macchi (187-79) of Familia Schio
F: Simona Ballardini (181-81) of Umbertide
G: Francesca Zara (177-76) of Umbertide
F/C: Jenifer Nadalin (187-83) of Familia Schio
G: Michelle Greco (176-80) of Taranto

All-Imports Team:
C: Janel McCarville (188-82) of Familia Schio
F: Lauren Ervin (191-85) of Faenza
F: Sophia Young (186-83) of Taranto
G: Adriana Moises Pinto (169-78) of Faenza
G/F: Cameo Hicks (178-84) of Comense

All-Bosmans Team:
C/F: Nicole Antibe (187-74) of Basket Parma
C: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-86) of Familia Schio
G: Liron Cohen (173-82) of Familia Schio
G: Kathy Wambe (173-81) of Taranto
G/F: Tanja Cirov (181-81) of Priolo

All-Defensive Team:
Lauren Ervin (191-F-85) of Faenza
Vanessa Gidden (193-C/F-85) of Vomero NA
Janel McCarville (188-C-82) of Familia Schio
Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80) of Bracco Geas
Nicole Ohlde (193-F/C-82) of Umana Reyer



*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Stats Leaders - PLKK
PLKK Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Koehn, Utex R. 19.0
2 Harris, Utex Row 16.0
3 Ross, Lider P. 15.0
4 Wright, Lotos G. 15.0
5 Kobryn, Wisla C. 14.3
6 Szott, Artego 14.0
7 Jankowska, LKS 14.0
8 Oha, LKS 13.8
9 Losi, LKS 13.5
10 Fox-Griffin,Tecza 13.3
Rebounds Per Game
1 Oha, LKS 9.9
2 Bjelica, Lotos G. 9.2
3 Carter, CCC P. 8.6
4 Leuchanka, Wisla 8.4
5 Crisman, Artego 7.9
6 Alexander, Odra 7.9
7 Cheek, Super-Pol 7.8
8 Denson, Lider P. 7.7
9 Jankowska, LKS 7.4
10 Irvin, Lotos 7.3
Assists Per Game
1 Zoll, CCC P. 5.7
2 Richards, Gorzow 4.2
3 Kulaga, Super-Pol 4.1
4 Phillips, Wisla C. 3.9
5 Raymond, Artego 3.8
6 Swanier, Lotos G. 3.8
7 Idczak, Inea AZS 3.7
8 Bortelova, Energa T. 3.6
9 Babkina, Lotos G. 3.5
10 Gawronska, Odra B. 3.5
Steals Per Game
1 Swanier, Lotos G. 2.8
2 Phillips, Wisla C. 2.4
3 Ross, Lider P. 2.4
4 Bednarek, Lider P. 2.3
5 Leedham, Gorzow 2.2
6 Wright, Lotos G. 2.2
7 Carter, CCC P. 2.1
8 Crisman, Artego 2
9 Powell, Wisla C. 2
10 Harris, Utex Row 1.9
Blocks Per Game
1 Denson, Lider P. 2
2 Majewska, CCC P. 1.7
3 Irvin, Lotos Gdynia 1.4
4 Burse, Wisla C. 1.3
5 Perostiyska, Energa T. 1.3
6 Jankowska, LKS S. 1.1
7 Goff, Super-Pol 1
8 Kobryn, Wisla C. 0.9
9 Oha, LKS Siemens 0.9
10 Alexander, Odra B. 0.8


The Champions announce the changes for the next season - by Eurobasket News
Wisla, being the Champions of the League announce the changes for the next season as it was mentioned earlier that Anke De Mondt (180-F/G-79) and Erin Phillips (173-G-85) will play for the team. Moreover Wisla announced signing of Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) and keeping Katarzyna Krezel (184-G/F-85), Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) and Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia).
Ana Dabovic played for Aris Thessalonikis (Greece-A1) in 2009/2010 and in 23 games averaged 13.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP-3 (57.0%), 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.0%. In 2010-2011 she moved to Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk (Russia-PBL, starting five) and in Russian League became the top-scorer with 19.5ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-1 (5.1apg), Steals-3 (2.2spg), FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 70.3%. In EuroCup she was also the best top-scorer with 20.3ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-3 (4.6apg), Steals-5 (2.6spg), FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 66.7%.
Wisla Can-Pack returned PLKK trophy after two-season pause. The Krakow team overcame CCC in the fourth game of the championship series tonight to clinch the first title since 2007/08 season. Yelena Leuchanka tallied 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead Wisla to the triumph. She was named PLKK Finals MVP after the game.

Agnieszka Bibrzycka will not play for Poland - by Eurobasket News
Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) will not play for Poland at the EuroBasket Women 2011 due to personal reasons. One of the best Polish player as well as the player of Russian UMMC recently enjoyed the tile abroad. Her UMMC clinched 2010/2011 title! After two wins at home UMMC added 75:70 road win to weep the series. Agnieszka Bibrzycka averaged 12.0 points per game in EuroLeague and had 6.9 points in the National League.
Polish squad for the Eurobasket will include Katarzyna Dzwigalska (174-G-85), Anna Pietrzak (167-G-87), Weronika Idczak (175-G-89), Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group), Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group), Agnieszka Skobel (180-F-89), Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group), Malgorzata Babicka, Katarzyna Krezel, Oliwia Tomialowicz, Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (188-F/C-89), Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85), Joanna Czarnecka (192-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group), Patrycja Gulak-Lipka, Alaksandra Chomac and Emilia Tlumak (183-F-82).
Poland coach Dariusz Maciejewski looks forward for the upcoming event. Hosts Poland will take on the 2009 Bronze medalists Spain as well as Montenegro and the team that will qualify through the Additional Qualifying Tournaments, in Group C.


Wisla Can-Pack re-singed Erin Phillips - by Grzegorz Ozog
TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow extended the contract with the representative of Australian - Erin Phillips (173-G-85). Phillips signed contract for 2011/2012 season. Last season, Phillips led her team to the Polish Championship and to the Euroleague quarterfinals. In Euroleague she appeared 13 times averaging 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. In Polish league, she added 12.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 3.9 apg for 26 games.
Phillips will join the team after the WNBA season (she will play in Indiana Fever).
Erin Phillips joined Wisla in 2010. Since the beginning of her stay in Cracow she leads the team from victory to victory.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Ros Casares keep Natalia Hejkova - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares Valencia keep Natalia Hejkova and will have many changes for the next season.
Natalia Hejkova started her coaching career in CSP Ruzomberok (Slovakia) and then in 2004-2005 joined MKB Euroleasing Sopron (Hungary-A). After two years with the Hungarian team she headed to Spartak Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague) and then Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague). In February 2011 she took on Ros Casares Valencia (Spain-LFB) but managed to win silver medals of the league.
In the Final series Perfumerias celebrated 85-90 victory in Valencia last night sweeping the defending champ Ros Casares with perfect 2-0 in the Finals. It means that Perfumerias won the title in Spain after five years. Ros Casares was dominating since 2006/07 season. Perfumerias already won the Euroleague title three weeks ago. Perfumerias was the regular season champion with almost perfect 25-1 record. They eliminated Rivas Ecopolis with perfect 2-0 in the Semis, while Ros Casares finished the season second with 23-3 record.

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20
 1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora20.0 
 2. Kure, AJM Maribor19.2 
 3. Mikic, Grosuplje18.9 
 4. Komplet, Hit K.17.4 
 5. Turcinovic, Merkur17.3 
 6. Baric, Merkur C.16.4 
 7. Dover, AJM Maribor15.1 
 8. Trebec, Hit K.Gora14.8 
 9. Baltic, AJM M.14.5 
 10. Drozg, AJM Maribor14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja K.
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 13.9
 1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.13.9 
 2. Turcinovic, Merkur12.4 
 3. Baltic, AJM M.8.7 
 4. Skof, Ilrija8.4 
 5. Ljubenovic, Triglav7.9 
 6. Macura, Jezica7.7 
 7. Klancnik, GVT K.7.3 
 8. Zdolsek, Triglav7.2 
 9. Furman, AJM M.7.0 
 10. Vene, Ilrija6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora5.1 
 2. Baric, Merkur C.5.1 
 3. Panic, Hit K.Gora4.3 
 4. Jurse, Kozmetik.3.7 
 5. Kolman, Grosuplje3.5 
 6. Radulovic, Hit K.3.3 
 7. Zdolsek, Triglav2.8 
 8. Baltic, AJM M.2.6 
 9. Dover, AJM Maribor2.6 
 10. Klancnik, GVT K.2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Klavdija OBLAK
  Odeja KED
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Oblak, Odeja KED3.5 
 2. Drozg, AJM Maribor2.8 
 3. Gabrovsek, Jezica2.6 
 4. Oblak, Hit K.Gora2.6 
 5. Klancnik, GVT K.2.6 
 6. Zupancic, Grosuplje2.5 
 7. Dover, AJM Maribor2.5 
 8. Zalar, Ilrija2.5 
 9. Abramovic, Merkur2.4 
 10. Mikic, Grosuplje2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja K.
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.1.3 
 2. Pavli, Jezica0.8 
 3. Srot, GVT Konjice0.7 
 4. Trebec, Hit K.Gora0.6 
 5. Drozg, AJM Maribor0.5 
 6. Gjerkes, Grosuplje0.5 
 7. Zdovc, GVT Konjice0.5 
 8. Furman, AJM M.0.5 
 9. Turcinovic, Merkur0.4 
 10. Baltic, AJM M.0.4 


*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


Ros Casares lands WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares announced signing of Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) for the next season. One of the best players on the World arrives from Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. Jackson helped Russians win the Euroleague titles in 2008 and 2009. They were also very successful in Russia. Lauren Jackson was a member of Spartak from 2006 to 2009 and last season as well. In the meantime, she spent one year with Canberra Capitals. As mentioned above, one of the best players on the World has 3 WNBA titles in her pocket. Last season she won the ring with the Seattle Storm. In 39 games Jackon averaged 20.7 points and 8.5 rebounds. She won many personal awards in WNBA and Euroleague as well. Actually, she was named All-WNBA MVP -03, 07, 10. With this signing, Ros Casares quickly became one of the main favorites for the Eurolegaue title next season.

Eshaya Murphy heads to Valencia - by Eurobasket News
Eshaya Marie Murphy (180-G/F-85, college: USC) heads to Valencia and will join Ros Casares. The top-scorer of the Spain-LFB last season for Soller Joventud Mariana will try to go for the title with her new team.
Over the last few years Eshaya Marie Murphy changed some teams. In 2008-2009 she appeared in Baloncesto Feve San Jose Leon (Spain-LFB, starting five) and in Spanish League after 28 games averaged massive 20.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 79.9%, while in EuroCup became the top-scorer with 22.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 84.3%. In summer 2009 played for Washington Mystics (WNBA), in June moved to Indiana Fever (WNBA) and in 27 games had 3.7ppg, 1.6rpg. Also appeared in Aguas Buenas Tigresas (Puerto Rico-LSF). In 2009-2010 moved to Soller Joventud Mariana (Spain-LFB) and again became the top-scorer of the League with 21.1ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0apg, Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 77.3%. In 2010 played for Indiana Fever (WNBA): 15 games: 5.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 57.1%, in July moved to Chicago Sky (WNBA): 11 games: 5.1ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 29.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%. Last season continued with Soller Joventud Mariana (Spain-LFB, starting five) and was again the best top-scorer of the League averaging 25.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 77.0%

Ros Casares inks WNBA No.1 pick Maya Moore - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares continued with amazing signings. In just two days the Valencia team brought in WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and WNBA No.1 pick Maya Moore (182-F-89, college: Connecticut). Earlier they signed Euroleague Women champions Silvia Dominguez and Sancho Lyttle of Halcon Avenida Perfumerias, Belgian center Ann Wauters, Hungary captain Katalin Honti and LFB MVP Eshaya Murphy. The team kept Natalia Hejkova as Head Coach and players Jana Vesela, Laia Palau and Sonia Reis. Their main goal for the next season will be Euroleague title.
Maya Moore is a product of the Connecticut University, where she graduated few months ago. She paced her school to NCAA title in 2009 and 2010. Minnesota Lynx selected Maya Moore as No.1 pick at the latest WNBA Draft and she already signed a deal with the franchise. Moore is active member of the USA National Team. She helped them win the Gold at the World Championships in Czech Republic last summer. For 9 games, Moore had 8.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg.

Ros Casares keep Natalia Hejkova - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares Valencia keep Natalia Hejkova and will have many changes for the next season.
Natalia Hejkova started her coaching career in CSP Ruzomberok (Slovakia) and then in 2004-2005 joined MKB Euroleasing Sopron (Hungary-A). After two years with the Hungarian team she headed to Spartak Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague) and then Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague). In February 2011 she took on Ros Casares Valencia (Spain-LFB) but managed to win silver medals of the league.
In the Final series Perfumerias celebrated 85-90 victory in Valencia last night sweeping the defending champ Ros Casares with perfect 2-0 in the Finals. It means that Perfumerias won the title in Spain after five years. Ros Casares was dominating since 2006/07 season. Perfumerias already won the Euroleague title three weeks ago. Perfumerias was the regular season champion with almost perfect 25-1 record. They eliminated Rivas Ecopolis with perfect 2-0 in the Semis, while Ros Casares finished the season second with 23-3 record.

*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Ros Casares inks WNBA No.1 pick Maya Moore - by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares continued with amazing signings. In just two days the Valencia team brought in WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and WNBA No.1 pick Maya Moore (182-F-89, college: Connecticut). Earlier they signed Euroleague Women champions Silvia Dominguez and Sancho Lyttle of Halcon Avenida Perfumerias, Belgian center Ann Wauters, Hungary captain Katalin Honti and LFB MVP Eshaya Murphy. The team kept Natalia Hejkova as Head Coach and players Jana Vesela, Laia Palau and Sonia Reis. Their main goal for the next season will be Euroleague title.
Maya Moore is a product of the Connecticut University, where she graduated few months ago. She paced her school to NCAA title in 2009 and 2010. Minnesota Lynx selected Maya Moore as No.1 pick at the latest WNBA Draft and she already signed a deal with the franchise. Moore is active member of the USA National Team. She helped them win the Gold at the World Championships in Czech Republic last summer. For 9 games, Moore had 8.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg.