EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/14/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Kentucky Pro Am Provides Good Overseas Exposure - by Travis McAvene
The 2011 Kentuckiana Pro Am Tournament/Camp will be held July 7-10. The 17th annual event will be held in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can enter as a team or individual. The KPA is set up to provide professional exposure to players, as well as provide a competitive summer league environment. Several players over the past 16 years have gone on to very good European careers based on their particiapation in the KPA. Complete entry info can be found at www.kyproam.com .



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  ANGOLA   


1 De Agosto Face Recreativo Do Libolo - by Eurobasket News
Luanda 1 de Agosto are facing on Thursday evening Recreativo do Libolo in Luanda's Rio Seco pavillion, in the second round of the national senior males basketball championship 'Final Four'.

1 de Agosto need to win their opponent in order to keep the pace to the leader Petro de Luanda.

In the same round, Inteclube will play Petro de Luanda at 28 de Fevereiro pavilion.

Check standings:

Petro de Luanda - 8 points

1 de Agosto - 6 points

Recreativo do Libolo - 6 points

Interclube - 5 points
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Petro De Luanda Beat Recreativo Do Libolo - by Eurobasket News
Luanda Petro de Luanda defeated on Tuesday Recreativo do Libolo by 89-76 in Luanda's Cidadela pavilion, in the last stage of the national senior males basketball 'Final Four'.

In the first half, Petro de Luanda were already winning the match by 49-43.

With this result, Petro lead the competition with eight points.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Bai Basket - Final Four - day 5 - by Antonio Santos
On day 5 1 de Agosto wanst able to beat Libolo on is court.
Bot teams didnt play well on the 1st half. However on the 2nd part of the game both teams find the way to the basket with DAgosto able to score 53pt and Libolo 51. At the end Libolo won by 5 (84 x 89).

1 de Agosto: Filipe Abrao (04), Armando Costa (14), Adilson Baza (00), Mrio Correia (11), Kikas Gomes (15), Felizardo Ambrsio (23), Vlademir Ricardino (04), Hlder Ortet (00), Adolfo Quimbamba (00), Carlos Almeida (07), Miguel Lutonda (06), Karlton Mims (00); Coach: Lus Magalhes
Libolo: Domingos Bonifcio (26), Olmpio Cipriano (17), Francisco Sousa (00), Edson Ndoniema (00), Mayzer Alexandre (09), Abdel Bouckar (08), Simo Santos (05), Leonel Paulo (16), Abdel Gomes (03), Feliciano Camacho (00), Milton Barros (03), Edgar Chocolate (02); Coach: Raul Duarte
Referees: Domingos Simo, Clsio Francisco e Osvaldo Neto

On the other game of the BAI Basket final four, Petro coach by Alberto Babo, beat Inter Clube, 96 x 84, and lead BAI Basket with five victories on five games.


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  ARGENTINA   


LigaA Semifinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
First games of the LigaA Semifinals were played on Wednesday and Thursday. Penarol and Atenas had no troubles to beat their rivals and to take 1-0 lead. The series is best-of-five and second games are scheduled for today and tomorrow. Same teams will be the hosts again.




Penarol - Libertad S. 78-66 (1-0)
The game without a history. Penarol led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. International forward Leonardo Gutierrez (200-78) stepped up and scored 20 points for the winners and guard Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-78) chipped in 19 points. Four Penarol players scored in double figures. Penarol's coach Sergio Hernandez used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with 15 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) scored 8 points and 9 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Penarol: L.Gutierrez 20+4reb+3ast, P.Sebastian Rodriguez 19+1reb+1ast, M.Leiva 11+3reb, K.Lamonte 10+3reb+2ast, S.Safar 7+3reb, A.Reinick 4+4reb
Libertad S.: R.Selleaze 15+5reb, S.Ginobili 14+4ast, J.Pablo Cantero 8+2reb+1ast, R.Battle 8+9reb+2ast, R.Wolkowyski 6+3reb, J.Emiliano Fernandez 6

gschID: 128210


Atenas - Quimsa 76-56 (1-0)
The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-56. Atenas dominated on the defensive end, holding Quimsa to just 2 points in third quarter. They made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Quimsa 41-29 including 28 on the defensive glass. American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) stepped up and scored 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds. Four Atenas players scored in double figures. At the losing side naturalized Italian center Damian Tintorelli (204-81, agency: Players Group) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) scored 9 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Atenas: G.Lewis 14+8reb, J.Williams 11+7reb+1ast, M.Gerlero 11+4reb+1ast, M.Garcia 11+4reb+1ast, J.Manuel Rivero 8+5reb+1ast, P.Orlietti 5+3reb
Quimsa: D.Cavaco 10+2reb+1ast, D.Lo Grippo 9+6reb, D.Tintorelli 9+8reb+1ast, J.Mazzaro 9+3reb+3ast, D.Gomez Camargo 7+2reb+1ast, A.Marin 5
gschID: 128209




Manu makes 'All-NBA Third Team' - by Eurobasket News
Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) was named to the '2010-11 All-NBA Third Team' while Tim Duncan was not selected to an All-NBA squad for the first time in his career.

Ginobili's selection marks the 35th time in Spurs history that one of their players has been tabbed for an All-NBA Team. It's the second time in Manu's career he's been selected for the Third Team.

Joining Manu on the Third Team is Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Memphis' Zach Randolph, Atlanta's Al Horford and New Orleans' Chris Paul.

Duncan wasn't selected for an All-NBA squad for the first time in 13 years partially because he recorded career lows in points and minutes played, sacrificing stats in order to stay fresh for the playoffs only to get run out of the first round by Memphis.

2010-11 All-NBA First Team: LeBron James, Miami; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Derrick Rose, Chicago.

2010-11 All-NBA Second Team: Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Amare Stoudemire, New York; Dwyane Wade, Miami; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City.

Courtesy of www.ksat.com

Stats Leaders - LigaA
Points Per Game
 Joseph BUNN
  Argentino
  (198-F/C-75)
  Avg: 20
 1. Bunn, Argentino20.0 
 2. Jackson, La Union19.4 
 3. Johnson, Monte H.16.8 
 4. Meyinsse, Club 916.6 
 5. Gutierrez, Obras16.4 
 6. Lo Grippo, Quimsa16.4 
 7. Gutierrez, Penarol15.1 
 8. Taylor, Lanus15.0 
 9. Salles, Monte H.14.9 
 10. Galindo, Libertad14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ruben GARCES
  La Union
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 11
 1. Garces, La Union11.0 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras10.0 
 3. Kammerichs, Regat.9.8 
 4. Battle, Libertad S.9.0 
 5. Rollins, Gimnasia.8.7 
 6. Williams, Atenas8.2 
 7. Johnson, Monte H.8.0 
 8. Kante, Olimpico LB7.9 
 9. Alston, Boca Jrs7.3 
 10. Bucknor, Club 97.3 
Assists Per Game
 Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Sanchez, Estudian.6.9 
 2. Martinez, Regat.5.7 
 3. Labaque, Atenas5.1 
 4. Salles, Monte H.4.8 
 5. Ginobili, Libertad4.1 
 6. Cequeira, Obras4.0 
 7. Franco, Sionista3.7 
 8. Treise, Quimsa3.3 
 9. Victoriano, Lanus3.0 
 10. Sartorelli, Argen.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Sanchez, Estudian.3.3 
 2. Sciutto, Monte H.2.6 
 3. Martinez, Regat.2.6 
 4. Salles, Monte H.2.5 
 5. Cequeira, Obras2.4 
 6. Labaque, Atenas2.4 
 7. Okosa, Gimnasia CR2.3 
 8. Selleaze, Libertad2.2 
 9. Moodie, Boca Jrs2.2 
 10. Williams, Atenas2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2
 1. Battle, Libertad S.2.0 
 2. Roe, Regatas C.1.3 
 3. Johnson, Monte H.1.3 
 4. Meyinsse, Club 91.3 
 5. Gutierrez, Obras1.1 
 6. Kammerichs, Regat.1.1 
 7. Alston, Boca Jrs1.0 
 8. Williams, Atenas0.9 
 9. Tintorelli, Quimsa0.8 
 10. Aguerre, Estudian.0.8 


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  AUSTRIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.4
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.4 
 2. Vay, Arkadia19.5 
 3. Brokenboroug., Wel.19.4 
 4. Kennedy, Worth.19.4 
 5. Houston, Arkadia18.5 
 6. Mayes, Gmunden17.1 
 7. Heard, Gussing17.0 
 8. Shavies, Furstenf.16.6 
 9. Shawn, Oberwart16.4 
 10. Nagler, Klostern.16.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus HEARD
  Gussing
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Heard, Gussing9.2 
 2. Johnson, Oberwart8.0 
 3. Graham, UBSC G.7.9 
 4. Stazic, BC Vienna7.9 
 5. Trepalovac, BC Vi.7.8 
 6. Vay, Arkadia7.6 
 7. Djuric, Gussing7.5 
 8. Volcic, Oberwart7.1 
 9. Oppland, Gmunden7.0 
 10. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Markus CARR
  BC Vienna
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Carr, BC Vienna7.3 
 2. Shavies, Furstenf.7.0 
 3. Holcomb-Faye, Wels6.6 
 4. Danek, Arkadia6.3 
 5. Schreiner, St.Po.5.4 
 6. Stazic, BC Vienna4.4 
 7. Miletic, UBSC G.4.4 
 8. Parker, Oberwart4.4 
 9. Stazic, Furstenfeld4.4 
 10. Coffin, BC Vienna4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Po.
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Schreiner, St.Po.2.4 
 2. Shavies, Furstenf.2.3 
 3. Boylan, Gmunden2.3 
 4. Jandl, St.Polten2.0 
 5. Ray, Furstenfeld2.0 
 6. Parker, Oberwart1.8 
 7. Stazic, BC Vienna1.7 
 8. Vay, Arkadia1.7 
 9. Matthews, Fursten.1.6 
 10. Bachlechner, Wort.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Hicks, Furstenfeld1.7 
 2. Graham, UBSC G.1.6 
 3. Hampton, Furstenf.1.3 
 4. Pekovic, BC Vienna1.2 
 5. Slack, Gmunden1.1 
 6. Miljkovic, BC Vi.0.8 
 7. Sally, Oberwart0.8 
 8. Vay, Arkadia0.8 
 9. Heard, Gussing0.7 
 10. N''Diaye, BC.0.7 


Schrittwieser resigns as Bulls Head Coach after 18 years - presents Ante Perica as his successor - by Stefan Prager
After 18 years of coaching the Kapfenberg Bulls (former Bears) Michael Schrittwieser has announced his retirement and set an end to an era which used to be a dynasty a few years ago. Schrittwieser has won it all. In his 18 seasons as Head Coach of Kapfenberg Schritwieser coached his team in 759 games - 64% of them were wins. He coached his team to the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons reaching the semifinals 13 times. From 2001 to 2004 he won four championships with the Bears and dominated the league for years. In 2007 he won his only cup title. Schrittwieser participated in European Cups in 12 seasons. After all this years Schrittwieser said: 'I was thinking about it a long time but even if it's hard to say: My career as a basketball coach is over!'

Schrittwieser will stay at the Bulls organization. From now on he will lead the organization as a managing director. As his first official act he presented his own successor in Ante Perica (agency: Agency No 10 ). Perica is known well in Austria as he was coaching the Oberwart Gunners from 2007 to 2009 reaching the finals twice in 2007 and 2008. The 40 year old Croatian was named Austrian coach of the year in 2007. The former player will coach the Bulls together with long term assistant coach Midhat Kamenica.

Schrittwieser closed the resignation press conference with: 'I want to thank all the people who supported me over the years. I want the thank all my players, club officials and fans and especially i want to thank two people: Mido Kamenica who since 1995 was not only a colleague but a friend and Karl Thaller who guided the club since 1996 and was a very supportive president over the years!'

A Bundesliga Finals: Gunners take Game One on the road - by Eurobasket News
Finals, Game 1: Gmunden - Oberwart 67-76 (0-1)

Oberwart did a great job in Game One of the A Bundesliga Finals. The Gunners outplayed Gmunden on the road 67-76 taking 1-0 lead in the series. Second game is scheduled for Sunday and Gmunden will be the host. Gmunden was the regular season champion with 23-9 record.
The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-67. American forward Tyrone Sally (201-82, college: W.Virginia, agency: 540 Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import forward Joe Dean Shaw (199-87, college: Nevada) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Oberwart Gunners players scored in double figures. International power forward Matthias Mayer (204-81) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and American swingman Ian Boylan (197-83, college: Cal.St. Northridge) added 9 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side.

Top scorers:
Gmunden: M.Mayer 15+11reb+1ast, D.Mayes 11+1reb+2ast, F.Schoeninger 9+3reb+2ast, E.Murati 9+2reb, I.Boylan 9+1reb+4ast, M.Mullary 6+4reb+1ast
Oberwart: T.Sally 16+10reb+3ast, J.Dean Shaw 15+6reb+2ast, B.Volcic 13+2reb, H.Artner 11+2reb+1ast, K.Parker 9+5reb+5ast, D.Gonzalvez 7+2reb+1ast
gschID: 128229




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  BELGIUM   


Tyren Johnson claims Belgian D1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Tyren Johnson (202-F-88, agency: Impact Basketball) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Generali Okapi Aalstar and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 35.
The 22-year old forward had the game-high 24 points adding six rebounds and three assists for Aalstar in his team's victory, helping them to crush Liege (#8, 10-21) with 17-point margin 84-67. Aalstar maintains the 2nd position in Belgian D1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Aalstar will need more victories to improve their 22-10 record. In the team's last game Johnson had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Tyren Johnson averages this season 9.9ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young Georgian swingman Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster. Shengelia impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. Of course VOO Verviers-Pepinster cruised to a 74-64 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Gent (#9, 5-26). This victory allowed VOO Verviers-Pepinster to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-20 record. Shengelia is a newcomer at VOO Verviers-Pepinster and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

The third best performed player last round was American Brian Greene (204-F-81) of top-ranked TEC Spirou Charleroi. Greene showcased his all-around game by recording 17 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Charleroi, leading his team to a 94-85 win against #3 ranked M.Hainaut in a game of the week. Charleroi confirms their top position in the standings Greene has a very solid season. In 30 games in Belgium he scored 7.9ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar - 21 points and 8 rebounds
5. Graham Brown (205-C-84) of Antwerp - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Ronell Taylor (196-G-82) of M.Hainaut - 29 points and 5 rebounds
7. John Tofi (203-F/C-84) of Leuven - 16 points and 5 rebounds
8. Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86) of Leuven - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Brandon Freeman (191-G-83) of Leuven - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82) of Charleroi - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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  BOSNIA   


Semifinals: Igokea eliminates Borac, Mladost forces Game 3 against Siroki - by Eurobasket News
Igokea became the first finalist of the Bosnian top division. They outplayed Borac Nektar on the road 72-86 for perfect 2-0 win in the Playoff Semifinals. Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) was the leading player in victory with 14 points. Zarko Rakocevic (204-F-84), Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and James Florence (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mercer) followed him with 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Igor Josipovic (203-F/C-88) delivered 14 points. Igokea celebrated 89-63 victory in Game One.
Mladost is alive in the Playoff Semifinals. They handed 77-73 loss to Siroki forcing decisive Game Three. Milijan Bocka (186-G-82, agency: 011 Sports) was a key player for the winners with 29 points. Milos Komatina (204-C-84, agency: Sport Connect) helped with 18 pts. On the other side, Ivan Grgat (210-C/F-74, agency: Court Side) netted 15 pts. Teams will meet again on Saturday and Siroki will be the host. The winner of that game will join Igokea in the Finals.

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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


19 Teams For Digicel Sponsored 2011 National Basketball League - by David Edole
Will Mega Mix do it again? Digicel offers Double Top Up on Opening Night!

Basketball fans are gearing up for mega excitement once again as the Annual National Basketball League gets off to an electrifying start this weekend with an island-wide motorcade on Friday 13 May and the official start of the games on Saturday 14 May.

President of the BVI Basketball Federation Byron Hodge and Vice President Roy Garraway on Tuesday unveiled detailed plans for this years tournament, which will pay tribute to past National Team player Kenny 'Funny' Thomas.

'We are pleased to continue the tradition of naming the league in honour of local players who have made notable contributions to basketball over the years,' Garraway said. 'Kenny has represented the BVI at many local and regional tournaments and we have invited him to accept this recognition this year and he has accepted.'

Eleven senior teams and eight junior teams will take part in the 2011 Kenny 'Funny' Thomas Basketball League. They will be represented during Fridays motorcade, which starts at 2pm from the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex through Road Town to Cane Garden Bay over the Ridge Road to Beef Island and back to Road Town via the coast, ending at the Digicel Flagship Store at 4pm.

The teams and the Digi Girls will also be out in full force the following day for a march past starting at 3pm at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports near the Wickhams Cay round-a-bout, proceeding along James Walter Francis Drive, around the traffic lights and to the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. There, the Federation will present awards from last years tournament. During the ceremony, Minister of Sports Honourable Andrew Fahie, Representative for District 5 Hon. Elvis Harrigan and an official from sponsors Digicel are expected to make remarks.

The first games on the opening night will see top teams Young Guns come up against Another Level; an Over 40s game - Disciples from Tortola and Gunners from St. Thomas, USVI; and the big match - 2010 champions Mega Mix versus East.

'Digicel is sponsoring the National Basketball League for the second consecutive year and we are working with the Basketball federation to ensure that this years league brings the high level of excitement associated with this well loved sport,' stated Digicel BVI CEO Alan Bates. 'We continue to give back to the community by supporting sporting, cultural and educational activities and we encourage everyone to support the Basketball Federation with your attendance at these games and see whether Mega Mix can retain their 2010 championship title.'

Bates also announced that on Saturday at the games, every customer who tops up $10 or more will get DOUBLE Credit! The Digi Girls will also be out at other major games with special offers for those who attend.


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


NBL Semifinals: Lukoil and Levski 1-0 up - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Lukoil Academik and Levski were too strong for their rivals in Game One of the NBL Semifinals. Both teams grabbed 1-0 lead and they will be the hosts in Game Two as well (today and tomorrow). The series is best-of-five and format is 2-2-1.

ID: 128232


Lukoil Academik - Rilski Sportist 98-74 (1-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Lukoil Academik. Rilski Sportist managed to win third quarter 24-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lukoil Academik dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Rilski Sportist's 26. American swingman Devin Green (201-G/F-82, college: Hampton) stepped up and scored 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import center Travis Peterson (208-85, college: Samford, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Five Lukoil Academik players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Martin Marinov (191-85) responded with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and international guard Aleksandar Gruev (187-83) scored 17 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Lukoil Academik: D.Green 19+5reb+3ast, T.Peterson 16+5reb+1ast, B.Avramov 13+3reb+4ast, B.Sundov 12+4reb+1ast, T.Stoykov 12+3reb+6ast, B.Heath 10+1reb+5ast
Rilski Sportist: A.Gruev 17+1reb+3ast, B.Boev 15+2reb+3ast, M.Marinov 13+6reb+4ast, D.Karadzovski 7+5reb+7ast, S.Vaklinov 6+3reb, D.Marojevic 6+3reb
gschID: 128233


Levski - Tundja 82-60 (1-0)
The game without a history. Levski led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Levski had a 36-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) stepped up and scored 28 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners and his fellow American import center Donald Cole (204-81, college: Sam Houston St., agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 16 points. At the losing side Slovenian forward Simon Finzgar (196-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza) responded with 11 points and 6 rebounds and the former international center Nikolay Varbanov (209-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Levski: A.Harper 28+8reb+2ast, D.Cole 16+2reb+2ast, Z.Georgiev 8+3reb+3ast, G.Cekovski 7+3reb+1ast, S.Georgiev 7+9reb+1ast, A.Velikov 5+4reb+7ast
Tundja: S.Finzgar 11+6reb+2ast, N.Varbanov 10+9reb, P.Marinov 8+2reb+2ast, S.Govedarov 7+2ast, N.Tmusic 6+4reb+1ast, D.Sattler 6+1ast

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, Rilski7.1 
 5. Kolev, Cherno More6.9 
 6. Peterson, Lukoil A.6.9 
 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.3.3 
 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. Finzgar, Tundja1.6 
 10. Marinov, Balkan1.6 
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. Vaklinov, Rilski S.0.7 
 8. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 9. Neuhaus, Chernomo.0.6 
 10. Petkov, Tundja0.6 


*****************************************************
  CAMEROON   


Condor of Yaounde champions of Cameroon - by Eurobasket News
The Nkoo Ovos Multisport Complex in Ebolowa last week-end, hosted the final round of the Orange Basket ball Championship, the name given to the countrys natinal championship. Condor of Yaounde, Africas number two, thrashed Volcanic Warriors from Buea on Sartuday April 30 and Beac of Yaounde the following day to emerg champions for the second time in a row. With three points away from the champions, Injs of Yaounde occupies second position (20 points) while Montagne from Bafoussam is third with 19 points.

Phoenix of Douala (19 points) and Beac of Yaounde (18 points), who were considered favourites at th start of the competition,finished in fourth place. At the bottom of the classification table are Phoenix of Ebolowa (15points) and Volcanic Worriors from Buea (12 points). The only feat at the competition was Far Compet of Yaoundes absence. After missing two matches, officials of the Cameroon Basket-ball Federation declared as prescribed the texts, that they have forfeited.

Complete results of matches played in Ebolowa

Sartuday April 30, 13th day of play



Beac Montagne 73 70



Phoenix (Dla) Injs 60 83



Condor Volcanic 72 34



Sunday 1st May, 14th day of play



Volcanin Montagne 42 55



Phoenix of Ebolowa Phoenix of Douala 60 79



Beac Condor 55 59





Cameroon Basket-ball federation end of sport season time table:



From 27 to 29 May: Final four in Yaounde to detetmine the champions of Cameroon in the ladies senior



From 03 to 05 June in Bertoua (Eastern Region), minime festival.



From 21 to 25 June in Garoua ( Northern Region), Junior National championship.



Sartuday 02 July Cameroon cup finals in Yaounde



From 03 to 16 July eliminatories of Zone 4 African Championship (men and ladies) with 22 teams from Central African sub region expected to take part.
Courtesy of: Star of Africa


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Three teams form new Canadian Basketball League - by Eurobasket News
Three Canadian basketball teams are banking on the prospects of a new professional league in the country.

The Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mills Rats and Quebec Kebs have joined forces to form the National Basketball League, set to begin its inaugural season in October.

While numerous basketball franchises and leagues in Canada have failed to survive in the past, Andre Levingston is confident they'll be the ones to buck the trend.

'We thought the time was right,' Levingston, the president and CEO of the Rainmen, said in a phone interview from Halifax. 'There's definitely a thirst and passion for the game of basketball in the country.

'We thought, if there ever was going to be a time to do it, it was now. The country needs it and wants it and we want to bring it to them.'

The Rainmen, Mill Rats and Kebs -- who left the Premier Basketball League after this past season amid complaints of poor management -- are the league's only three teams thus far.

But Levingston said he's received commitments from Kingston, London and Barrie, Ont., and has had interest from officials in Oshawa, Windsor and Kitchener, Ont., along with Moncton and Fredericton.

A league stipulation would see at least two Canadian players on each team.

The World Basketball League -- which included six Canadian teams -- was founded in 1987 by a group that included NBA Hall of Famer and Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy. That league, which had a height restriction of six-foot-five and under, folded in 1992.

The all-Canadian National Basketball League, which included eight teams, started up the same year but barely got off the ground, folding after less than two seasons.

'I don't know why the other leagues failed,' Levingston said. 'We feel we have timing on our side, for one, and I don't know if the teams were getting the corporate support that we're getting, and I guarantee you they wouldn't be sitting with these individuals in the '90s that we had today with us.'

One of those individuals was Sam Mitchell. The former Toronto Raptors head coach, a longtime friend and business associate of Levingston's, was at Thursday's news conference in Halifax to announce the new league.

The Rainmen, Levingston said, averaged more than 4,000 fans a game last season.

Courtesy of www.tsn.ca

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


Pavle Marcinkovic claims Croatian A1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Talented Pavle Marcinkovic (197-G-89) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Zadar and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13 (Second Stage).
The 21-year old guard had the game-high 24 points adding seven rebounds for Zadar in his team's victory, helping them to beat Cedevita (#1, 11-2) 88-80. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Zadar is placed at 2nd position in Croatian A1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. Zadar will need more victories to improve their 10-3 record. In the team's last game Marcinkovic had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Zadar, through which he has constantly improved. Pavle Marcinkovic averages this season 9.7ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young forward Toni Brnas (201-F-91) of Zabok. Brnas impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Zabok to another comfortable win outscoring slightly higher-ranked Borik (#6, 4-9) 76-56. Zabok's 8th position in the standings has not changed. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Zabok managed to get this Second Stage. Brnas is one of the most experienced players at Zabok and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Toni Katic (185-G-92) of KK Split (#5). Katic scored 20 points. Despite Katic's great performance KK Split lost 70-83 to slightly higher-ranked KK Zagreb CO (#3, 10-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of KK Split not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 8 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Katic could try to bring KK Split's a little bit higher in the standings. Katic has a very solid season. In 30 games in Croatia he scored 13.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84) of Cedevita - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) of KK Zagreb CO - 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74) of KK Zagreb CO - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Brandon Brown (202-F-81) of Zadar - 22 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Marko Car (188-G/F-85) of Zadar - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists
9. Josip Blajic (192-G-87) of Alkar Sinj - 20 points and 7 assists
10. Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) of Cibona - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


You Gotta Have Heart . Czech National Title youngest minik - by Stacey Sandlin
If you were out and about last weekend in a small town in northern Czech you would have seen the town of Litomerice, overrun with mini basketball players competing for the title of Czech National Champions in the 2000 age group. I have to say WOW there are some really talented kids in Czech (I hope the Czech Federation is taking note and doing things to make Basketball a major force in the Czech Republic, but that is a different article!) I was worried as sitting through 3 days of games with 10 year olds could prove to be well a very long weekend but this tourney was a really amazing show of talent, heart and passion for basketball from both the athletes and coaches and an even more amazing show of Parental support And let me tell you no one was there for show they were there to win!

But the team I really want to talk about is the Prostejov team now remember I told you this was a run at the National Title for 10 year olds, born in 2000 well someone forgot to the tell the Prostejov boys because they only have a few players who fit this age group all the other kids were born in 2001, many in 2002 (R. Balint, V. Veikalas, D.Kratchovile) and even one Simon Salaj who was born in 2003. You could see the size difference in many of the kids compared to the Prostejov boys and many of the players had more experience and better skills but I have to say the Prostejov boys had the most heart! They were the smallest and the youngest and lost their first game by a Whooping 79 points, against Pisek who went on the win the Title. Yet they never gave up and they played their hearts out! The second game of the tourney for PV was against NH Ostrava and as a spectator you could understand how easy it would have been after this last game to just really give up but instead the youngest and smallest team came out on the court, gave it their all and beat NH Ostrava 71:55!

Moving on to Saturday and my favorite game of the tournament was the game Prostejov vs Sokol Prague (finished 4th in the tournament) and who by the way has some great parents and fans! They had moms with Pom Poms and dad with Horns and they obviously have some great support from their parents. Now the game didnt start out so well for Prostejov, and these boys from Prague were definitely bigger, more talented and better players than Prostejov and it looked to be another loss for the Mini Prostejov Boys, as they were down by 20 points but then this amazing thing happened . Pardubice entered the stadium no reallyThe Pardubice team and fans came and sat down with the Prostejov parents, and started cheering on the boys! For those of you who dont know the Pardubice parents and fans well lets say in my book they deserve the award for most team spirit, and the best fans of the kids they had the Red scarves, the horns and THE DRUMS! They came, they saw, they cheered and they drummed FOR Prostejov .and just like that you saw these small Prostejov boys come to life! Their eyes got big when they heard the drums the smiles on their faces got brighter, they listened to the coach and most of all, believed they could win! Lubomir Ruzicka, went into full on coaching mode, using the momentum from the fans to spur on the boys! The boys had superman energy making amazing shots pulling down rebounds and running faster and harder then I had ever seen them run. The fear of being smaller was gone and they played as if they were 6 feet tall! They came back from a 20 point deficit and pulled ahead by 2! The crowd was amazed the parents were on their feet and high fiving! The kids got a feel for what it is like to be a professional player and have the crowd behind you! It was electric! In the end they lost by 2, but the boys came off the floor with smile, bright eyes and heads held high these boys will for sure be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

That being said I have to speak of the Coach, Lubomr Ricka. I have known him for about 2 years now and I have to say he is one of the most talented coaches for young people that I have ever met. This group of boys had never played together before and most of them are 2 or 3 years younger than the competition. But Lubo, took them and taught them fundamentals, taught them to play defense how to make a layup both right and left, they can dribble with both hands and cross the ball over many of these kids are in there first year of competitive basketball! Most of all Lubo taught them to have heart, love the game of basketball and never give up! In one short season he took the smallest and Youngest Czech players to the National Tournament! He has a lot of heart and passion when coaching these kids and you can tell how much he loves the game of basketball. If I could pick a coach for your kids anywhere in the world he would be my pick!. Lubo, who is finishing his 9th season of coaching, not only coaches the little guys but also has coached 5 players onto the Czech National Team 3 (from Pardubice) U16, 2 (from Pardubice) U20. He also holds one of the best basketball camps for kids every year here in Czech, he takes on 100 kids and they spend the week working on skills in Svitavy there are only 20 spots left in his camp this year so check it out because he is a amazing coach, hard working and dedicated to the game of basketball! Here is the website for more information www.basketbal.svitavy.cz

All in all it was a great weekend! There were some notable figures in the crowd one being Benas Veikalas, (BK Prostejov) who after helping his team defeat Opava on Friday night, drove 4 hours to watch his youngest son, Vincent play and cheer for Prostejov. A big surprise for many of the kids was when Levell Sanders (Bk Decin) and his beautiful significant other Pamela showed up to support the kids, handing out awards and signing autographs and taking numerous photos with the kids . It was great to see them all lined up waiting for photos and his autograph. For any of you who know Levell he is a truly good person and has a real interest in kids basketball in Czech Republic. Levell is going to be holding a training camp for the kids this summer in Novy Jicin so for those of you who want to get some more knowledge from Levell, here are the details. The camp dates are July 3rd to the 8th and the 2nd camp is August 14th to the 19th. It will be in Podhuri Beskyd, okr. Novy Jicin. ages are 9-16 Years. Levell says I would like to help the kids with the basic fundamentals. Watching the national finals I saw so many kids with talent, that just need a little more fundamentals to take it to the next level! Also what I think is good is that the kids will have an hour of English everyday learning the basic basketball terminology. If anyone wants more information, you can check out Levells camp at www.educateam.cz. I think for any of you up and coming basketball stars this camp will be well worth your time so check it out!

And the Title goes to .. Sokol Pisek
So the smallest youngest Prostejov didnt win the title, it went to Sokol Pisek, who really deserved the title and had the best player of the tournament Vitak Krejci, this kid has some crazy skills! SO no, its not a Cinderella story but in my book Prostejov were the winners of the most heart award .they came they saw and for me they conquered .. so congratulations to the Prostejov team
Kratochvil David, Benes Martin, Balint Richard, Brothanek Petr (MVP and High scorer of the team) Pelikan Matous, Medek Dominik, Veikalas Vincent, Muller Richard, Hajek Martin, Tabery Martin, Bukovec Tomas, Sevik Jan, ejka Lukas, Salaj Simon!!!

And Congrats to all the teams who participated in the National Tournament it was a great weekend and a show of some really amazing and talented kids and awesome supportive parents and fans!
OVERALL STANDINGS:
1st Sokol Pisek - Best player: Vitak Krejci
2nd BK Locomotive Pilsen - Best Player: Rostislav Jirak
3rd BK Snakes Ostrava - Best player: Patrik Kudry
4th Prague Sokol - Best player: Martin Tax
5th Slavoj BK Litomerice - Best player: Martin Kala
6th JBC Brno - Best player: Gianluca Proek
7th BK Pardubice - Best player: David Schmidt
8th BK Prostejov - Best player: Peter Brothnek
9th BK Trutnov - Best player: Dominik Mach
10th BK Liberec Condors - Best Player: John Student
11th BK Nymburk - Best player: Vojtech Vejvar
12th NH Ostrava - the best player Dominik Lukac

ALL STARS : Patrick Kudry (Snakes Ostrava)
Philip Hauzer (Prague Sokol)
Stephen Borovka (Falcon Sand Hornets)
Rostislav Jirak (BK Loko Pilsen)
James Trusina (BK Slavoj Litomerice)
Best shooter: Gianluca Prosek (JBC Brno)
Best free-throw shooter: Patrick Kudry (Snakes Ostrava)
The most useful PLAYER: Vit Tailor (Falcon Sand Hornets)
http://narodni-finale.webnode.cz/vysledky/

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


Flash could catch fire if Jazz are locked out - by Eurobasket News
NBA owners, players and fans will lose mightily if there is an NBA lockout this summer. Revenue streams will stagnate, the promotion mill will grind to a halt, and public interest in a game associated with star power and prestige will wane.

One organization stands to benefit from a widely predicted work stoppage, though. At times forgotten, the minor league basketball franchise based in Orem could receive a significant boost in exposure and income.

A lengthy lockout would impair the Jazz, Salt Lake City and local small businesses. But for the Development Leagues Utah Flash, the longer the NBA locks its doors, the better.

'If we were the only professional basketball team in the state, I think it would spur the interest of the people,' said Flash president Drew Sellers. 'I think this is definitely a basketball-oriented state.'

Sellers is not hoping for a lockout. But the Flash have worked to build and brand during the past four seasons drawing interest from fans in Utah County but failing to make significant inroads in Salt Lake County and Sellers sees potential in the NBAs temporary pause.

The disappearance of the Jazz would result in increased attention for the Flash. Meanwhile, a prolonged NBA vacation would equal increased opportunity for its minor league system, which will still be allowed to operate even if owners and players go to war while fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement.

The possibility that Flash players will become household names next season in Salt Lake City is highly unlikely. However, the Flash played 25 games in Orem last season, drawing more than 100,000 fans and ranking second in the league in attendance. Sponsorships do not pour in, but they are steady. And after carving out a small spot in a sports market long dominated by the Jazz, University of Utah and Brigham Young University, the Flash still have room for growth. If Al Jefferson, Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward are sitting at home in November instead of running the court, the Flash will be the only pro basketball game in town.

'I hope that we would have some interest from people that typically havent been interested in the Flash in the past,' Sellers said.

Uncertainty reigns in the NBA as a June 30 deadline approaches for a new CBA, and predicting how long a lockout will last and if there will be one is something that analysts are unable to agree upon. However, there is increased certitude for the Flash in the organizations relationship with the Jazz.

Actual and implied familial connections provided both franchises with a strong foundation when the Flash came to life in 2007. Former Flash coach Brad Jones served as a scout for the Jazz and was former coach Jerry Sloans nephew. Meanwhile, Jazz scout David Fredman served as the Flashs general manager. As a result, everyone from ex-Jazz center Kosta Koufos to current Jazz big man Kyrylo Fesenko spent time in Orem, as one of the NBAs smallest markets shined a light on a minor league team located just 40 miles away.

'[The Jazz] set it up to be a successful relationship because they took us and the D-League seriously,' said Jones, who now coaches the D-Leagues Austin Toros.

The communication between the Jazz and Flash took a hit when Jones was replaced last August by first-year coach Kevin Young. But Sellers, Young and Jazz general manager Kevin OConnor were adamant that the relationship between the organizations is again cemented in mutual respect. Moreover, OConnor admires what Young accomplished during his initial season the Flash finished 28-22 and qualified for the playoffs while Sellers is open to an increased affiliation with the Jazz.

'The relationships been terrific,' he said. 'Hopefully theyve been able to generate some interest from the players weve sent down.'

Even if the Flash are unable to rely upon the prowess of the Jazz next season due to a lockout, the team could gain ground if the new CBA addresses long-held concerns about a lack of flexibility in D-League player movement. If the NBA institutes a hard salary cap and maximum rosters are trimmed down, the sports minor league system will gain increased importance. Minimum contracts and a reliable farm system will be at a premium, aiding small-market franchises such as the Jazz and bringing more attention to the NBAs second tier.

'I think with the new CBA there could be a few things that could affect our league,' Young said. 'I dont know. Im just as curious as everyone what the new CBA is going to entail. And, hopefully, some things shake out and it affects us in a positive way.'

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

Kentucky Pro Am Provides Good Overseas Exposure - by Travis McAvene
The 2011 Kentuckiana Pro Am Tournament/Camp will be held July 7-10. The 17th annual event will be held in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can enter as a team or individual. The KPA is set up to provide professional exposure to players, as well as provide a competitive summer league environment. Several players over the past 16 years have gone on to very good European careers based on their particiapation in the KPA. Complete entry info can be found at www.kyproam.com .



*****************************************************
  EBA   


All-Stars and Destroyers Claim EBA Top Seeds - by EBA Media
The Eastern Basketball Alliance regular season is in the books for 2011 and the teams now head into the play-off season.

The Metropolitan All-Stars of Washington, DC ended the season with the leagues best record at 11-1, walking away the Sothern Conference title.

The Northern Conference, however, came right down to the wire. The New York Wizards (9-3) suffered a final-day loss to the Harrisburg Horizon, dropping them into a first-place tie with the Destroyers of Philadelphia. The tie-breaker gives the #1 seed in the Northern Conference to The Destroyers (9-3).


Honors handed out for EBA Stat Leaders - by EBA Media
End of the season, individual stat leaders of the EBA were announced today. Honors for each category were spread evenly among 8 of the leagues top players.

Charles Parker 64 guard of The Harrisburg Horizon won the scoring title with 416 points in 12 games.

Lloyd Johnson, Hudson Valley guard nudged out Parker by 0.1 for the best average. Johnson had 34.8ppg in 6 games to Parkers 34.7 in 12 games.

Randy Gill of the Washington Madness won the assist title with 77 in 11 games. Aubin Scott, NY Wizards team leader and perennial all-star was close behind with 74 in 11 games. Chris Howard, Washington Madness topped the averages with 8.8 assists in 4 games.

The rebounds champion was all-star Fahreed Cheatham of The Destroyers with 156 boards in 12 games.

Anton Hawkins of the Metro All-Stars came up with 35 steals in 11 games for the EBAs Southern Conference Champions. Derrick Hankins from the Old Dominion Mustangs had the best steals average with 4.3

Herman Wrice of South Jersey Enterprise, blocked 27 shots to claim that title and rounding out the stat categories. Tyler Crawford connected on 27 3-pointers in 12 games, to claim the behind the line title. Its worth noting that Chris Matthews of the Washington Madness tied an EBA record that has stood since 1997 when he connected on 10 3-pointers against Winchester on March 19.

Dick Anzolut, League President said Congratulations to all The Stat Champions. You made it an exciting year for the EBA.


EBA Announces End of Year Honors - by EBA Media
Alvin Brown Jr. put the finishing touch on a very successful season by being named EBA Coach of the Year. Brown guided his Metropolitan All-Stars to the EBA Championship and a 14-1 record.

The race for EBA League MVP ended in a dead heat between three outstanding players Metropolitan All-Stars big man Calvin Brown Jr., EBA League scoring leader Charles Parker of the Harrisburg Horizon, and the New York Wizards floor leader and league assist king Aubin Scott.

The Destroyers talented forwards Anthony Frazier and Fahreed Cheatham joined Brown, Parker and Scott on the All EBA first team.


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Kwamena Brace moves to Kouvola - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish G-F Kwamena Brace (196-G/F-87) is changing the league and scenery. After two years at Kauhajoki and as many seasons at Forssa Brace will play the next two seasons (2011-13) on Kouvot (Kouvola) roster in Top League. Passed season Brace averaged 7,6 ppg - 5,3 rpg in 19 contests and 21:06 mpg on FoKoPo roster in Division 1. FoKoPo has also signed one new player. Gambian F-C Baboucarr Bojang (204-F-80, college: Illinois St.) will continue his basketball career at Forssa. Last season Bojang had a good year at BC Nokia, where he averaged 19,9 ppg - 14,2 rpg in 33:41 mpg and 19 games. Bojang will start his sixth season in Finland.

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


Pau-Orthez extends Chinemelu Elonu - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez announced signing of one-year contract extension with Chinemelu Elonu (208-F/C-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M). The Nigerian big guy arrived to Pau-Orthez in January as a 'medical joker'. Elonu appeared 15 times in ProA averaging 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds. He started the season in Greece as a member of Panionios ON Telecoms Athens. There, he had 7.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 9 games.
Chinemelu Elonu is a product of the Texas A&M University. He graduated there two years ago averaging 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as a senior. His first professional season Elonu spent in Spain. He played for the LEB Gold team CAI Zaragoza collecting 6.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.5 bpg. They were regular season champions and booked a spot for ACB.

Hugues Occansey is the new coach of Blois - by Romain Brusc
Blois (NM1) engaged Hugues Occansey as head coach for two years. He is going to replace Nicolas Faure who was in post since the season 2006-2007. This change of strategy happened after a difficult season for ADA Blois. The club aimed at play offs but if failed that objective classifying 12th. The objective fixed to Hugues Occansey is to reach ProB. He did it with Limoges in the season 2005-2006. After this experience, he has been assistant coach of ASVEL (2006-2007) and head coach of BBC Nyon (2009-2010) and Brest (2010).

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Stats Leaders - Superleague
Points Per Game
 Darko MATIC
  Kumanovo.
  (192-G-84)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Matic, Kumanovo.21.5 
 2. Jovanovic, Ultima.20.3 
 3. Trajkovski, Torus18.0 
 4. Petkovski, Pelist.16.8 
 5. Filipovic, Ovce Po.16.4 
 6. Morban, Lirija16.4 
 7. Blazevski, Rabotni.16.1 
 8. Mirakovski, Rabot.15.1 
 9. Nikolovski, MZT S.14.7 
 10. Anakievski, Pelis.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gjorgje JOVANOVIC
  Ultima.
  (209-C-80)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Jovanovic, Ultima.10.6 
 2. Pavlovski, Lirija8.4 
 3. Nikolovski, MZT S.8.4 
 4. Talevski, Pelist.8.1 
 5. Trajkovski, Torus7.8 
 6. Chappell, ABA S.7.7 
 7. Jelesijevic, Torus7.7 
 8. Rejnerio, Lirija7.6 
 9. Knezevic, Feni I.7.4 
 10. Filipovic, Ovce P.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Carlos MORBAN
  Lirija
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Morban, Lirija5.1 
 2. Kostovski, Torus S.4.7 
 3. Mirakovski, Rabot.4.6 
 4. Petrovski, MZT S.3.8 
 5. Blazevski, Rabotni.3.7 
 6. Mladenovic, Ultima.3.7 
 7. Lazic, Ultimate.3.3 
 8. Samardziev, Feni I.3.1 
 9. Vukotic, Kumanovo.3.1 
 10. Miljkovic, Torus3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Gjorgi ANAKIEVSKI
  Pelist.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Anakievski, Pelist.2.5 
 2. Morban, Lirija1.6 
 3. Stojanovski, Feni1.5 
 4. Lindsay, MZT S.1.5 
 5. Petrovski, MZT S.1.5 
 6. Boswell, ABA S.1.5 
 7. Blazevski, Rabotni.1.5 
 8. Frye, Feni Indistr.1.4 
 9. Mladenovic, Ultima.1.4 
 10. Dimcevski, Torus1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Bojan TRAJKOVSKI
  Torus S.
  (206-C/F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Trajkovski, Torus1.7 
 2. Chappell, ABA S.1.4 
 3. Jelesijevic, Torus1.3 
 4. Dendra, Rabotnicki1.1 
 5. Petric, Kumanovo.1.1 
 6. Gocevski, Rabotnic.1.0 
 7. Simic, Rabotnicki1.0 
 8. Krstevski, Torus S.0.9 
 9. Frye, Feni Indistr.0.9 
 10. Avramovski, MZT S.0.8 


Rabotnicki joins Feni Industri in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals, Game 5: MZT Skopje - Rabotnicki 69-82 (2-3)

Fifth decisive game of the Superleague Semifinals between MZT Skopje and Rabotnicki was played last night. Rabotnicki did a great job beating their rival on the road 69-82 and advanced to the Finals where they will meet defending champion Feni Industri. The team from Kavadarci starts with 1-0 due to better score in regular season and they will have a home court advantage as well. The winner of the Finals will be the first team who reach four wins. The series starts Wednesday.
The game was mostly controlled by Fersped-Rabotnicki. MZT Skopje managed to win fourth quarter 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fersped-Rabotnicki made 23-of-25 free shots (92.0 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by MZT Skopje helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international center Pero Blazevski (200-72) who scored 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Naturalized Serbian center Toni Simic (210-76) chipped in 18 points. Four Fersped-Rabotnicki players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Miljan Pupovic (209-83) produced 14 points and naturalized Serbian forward Nenad Zivcevic (204-87) added 9 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. MZT Skopje's coach Igor Gacov rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.

Top scorers:
MZT Skopje: M.Pupovic 14+3reb, K.Nikolovski 10+2reb, N.Zivcevic 9+5reb+2ast, I.Penov 8+6reb, G.Kocov 7+5reb+2ast, Z.Gocevski 6+1reb
Rabotnicki: T.Simic 18+4reb, P.Blazevski 14+7reb+5ast, E.Bogoev 14+5reb+2ast, V.Filipovic 13+3reb, E.Hadzibulic 10, M.Simonovski 5+4reb

gschID: 128237




*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Tornike Shengelia shines in Beglium - by Geo Basket
Georgian swingman Tornike Shengelia (207-G/F-91) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds while VOO Verviers-Pepinster won against Gent on the road 74-64. This victory allowed VOO Verviers-Pepinster to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-20 record. Shengelia is a newcomer at VOO Verviers-Pepinster and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Shengelia is also declared for the 2011 NBA Draft.

*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Jannik Freese (Giessen 46ers) beko BBL Quarterfinals Game 5 Thoughts - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jannik Freese (211-F/C-86) is a 24 year old 211cm center that just completed his third season with The Giessen 46ers. He spent a year in the States and went to Northwestern high school in Washington D.C. He came back to Germany and played for Oldenburger TB before going to SG FT/MTV Braunschweig where he played from 2005-2007. In 2007-2008, he played for Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB) playing 26 games averaging 11.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 63.9%, and played also at New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga): 6 games: 0.5ppg. In 2008-2009, he played 15 games for The Giessen 46ers averaging 2.4ppg, 2.3rpg; and also played at LTi Lich (ProA) playing 15 games and averaging 17.1ppg, 8.5rpg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 67.4%. In 2009-2010, he averaged 4,3ppg and 3,0rpg in 30 games. Last season, he averaged 4,1ppg and 2,7rpg in 31 matches. Eurobasket had a chat with the German about the current beko BBL playoffs.

How have you digested the end of the beko BBL season with Giessen?


Yes I have digested the previous season so far, I mean we started off good and we slipped and lost a lot of games straight so there was of course some frustration but we won a couple big ones in the end to stay in the league.

Why was the team near the end of the standings at the end?


Once we got into this loosing streak it was so hard to get out of it and we had some guys battling with injurys so a lot of things came together.



What was missing for the team to be a playoff team?

I mean as you can see this years playoff race was a very close one and a few games here and there could of helped us to get close to those ranks, but n the end without a couple injutys from key players like Chase Griffin and Anthony Smith for example we could have kept up the good work on how we started the season and we also lost a couple close ones for example vs Oldenburg and Bamberg, each of them by 1 point. But in the end we didnt get close to making the playoffs.



How excited are about spending time in Washington DC again this summer?


I am looking forward to the workouts. I will do with my trainer and also change the scenery a little from a long season to go into some really hot n humid weather, I have some plans for the future so its there is going to be a lot of work on the court and also in the weightroom waiting for me,so I am looking forward to see improvements in both areas:)

Is there anything you will want to do that you havent done in a long time in the States?

I mean being in DC there is so much to do, I cant even tell you. Of course I will enjoy some good restaurants in the area. Maybe some Ruth Chris steak or some chipotle would be nice.


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

Goettingen is a very dangerous and well coached team so therefore I was surprised about the sweep, but on the other hand Frankfurt showed their class all season by finishing number 2 overall and proved it in the first round of the playoffs.



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

No not at all I mean Braunschweig and Artland both had similar records so I figured they would be decided in a game 5, after seeing the first Alba-Oldenburg game, I thought Alba was going t sweep Oldenburg but Oldenburg fought back into the series.


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

I was actually watching the 4th game in the arena and luka bogdanovic made some big shots in the end, alba decided to foul at 20 sec with the game tied and he made a free throw to take the lead and Alba had 2 chances to win the game, it was a great playoff game the athmosphere in the arena was amazing.



Does Oldenburg have the energy and strength to win game 5 in Berlin?

Having home court advantage is big for Alba but also Oldenburg has the momentum right now so its gonna be a close one.

What will be key for getting the win?


I think we will see a defensive battle so yea its gonna be defense and who will make the big plays in the end.



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?


Its allways tough to play in Quakenbrueck but im sure Braunschweig will go there confident and again this will also be another close one.



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?


Yea Braunschweig is a very big team, Hamilton is a very good but also bigger pg than Rice, Rice is super quick so it hard to stop his penetration especially when his shot is falling as well because you ant really back off him, I think both players are very important for their team in their own way.


How crazy are the NBA playoffs?

PLayoffs are really crazy I have to admit I only get a chance to see the sunday games because, I dont like to stay up super late n wait for games to start at 2 and finish at 5, because I have to get up in the morning but yea from watching recaps and reading articles I am surprised that Memphis is playing such good basketball right now and of course seeing the Bulls back in the mix is a good thing as well.

Has it ever been this crazy in your lifetime?


Playoffs are always crazy and their will allways be upsets in series, because its just a whole new season itself and team come of momentums and heart is a big part of the playoffs as well.



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

Well Dallas was making their shots and played very solid defense so far, I w as a little bit dissapointed by the way the Dallas played in game four, I mean with a game that important you dont come out and play like that.



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


I see okc in 6 games because they have more talent overall and they been there last year loosing to the Lakers so they are hungry, Memphis is new to the playoffs so young, but playoffs experienced okc team will win it in 6. I saw a videoof them today on their day off going into the gym getting shots up, I mean not just a couple guys, but the whole team, thats what a good team does.


What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched a couple of Simpsons dvds.


Thanks Jannik for the chat.

Steven Wright (Gloria Giants Duesseldorf) beko BBL Quarterfinal Playoff Game 5 Thoughts - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky) is a 27 year old 191cm guard from Dayton, Ohio. He just completed playing his fourth season in the BEKO BBL and first for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. He is an extremely athletic combo guard with great quickness, an explosive leaper and has great ball handling and passing skills. He hurts you with his penetration or a pull up for the mid ranged jumper, pick and roll, coming off picks for the shot, and when left open he'll hit the three pointer also. At the same time he is an unselfish player who creates scoring opportunities for others and has a very good ability to finish around the basket. He is a great defensive player because of his quickness and athletic abilities and is a great and mature person with a good work ethic. He played at Bowling Green from 2002-2006. He finished his NCAA career at Northern Kentucky in 2006-2007 averaging 16,8 ppg., 5,3 rpg., 3,2 apg., 1,6 spg., FG: 46.1%, 3PT: 34,6%, FT 77,5%. In 2007, he came to Germany an dplayed for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig averaging 7.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. In 2008-2009, he helped lead The Paderborn Baskets into the BEKO BBL playoffs averaging 7.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 77.2% in 36 games. In 2009-2010, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 26 games: 5.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 81.6%. Last season, he played for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf averaging 8,7ppg, 2,8 rpg and 1,6apg. He spoke to eurobasket about the beko BBL quarterfinal game 5 games.


You are still in Germany. You spent some time in the Hospital. How are you and what exactly happened?


Yes im still in Germany. I had to have my tonsils removed, it has been and on goin thing that I should have taken care of a long time ago. Getting them things out may have been the worse pain ever. I wouldnt recommend that to anyone lol. I couldnt eat for about 2 weeks, but im back now.


When will you be going back to the States and what is your plan for the summer?


I go back to the states Friday. This summer just spend sometime with the family and workout. Last summer I kinda had family issues and couldnt really focus much on training. So this summer my main focus will be getting better coming back already in shape.


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


I was very surprised they gott got swept. Frankfurt is playing extremly well the semis are going to be very interesting.

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

Very surprised that this series is going to game 5. I remember we talked last week I thought it would be a sweep. I think Berlin will win in game 5 at home. I figured the Artland and Braunschweig series would be the most interesting game 5 is up in the air for both teams. I think whoever wants it more will win.

How can it be that Alba Berlin lost 2 games in a row to the same opponent in crunchtime?

I watched both games Oldenburg made plays at the right time. Also, dont know why Derrick Allen isnt getting more minutes im sure he could help out more.

Can Oldenburg win their third game in a row against Alba Berlin on the road and the series? Will it come down to the small things that will decide this series?

Like I said before I think Berlin will win game 5 at home. Its tough playing in the 02 arena. If Berlin control Paulding they will win for sure.

The Artland-Braunschweig series has gone back and fourth. What will be key in game 5 in Artland? Can Braunschweig win the series on the road?

Game 5 will be tough for both teams. Braunschweig has been playing well on the road. They both are good teams. I think it comes down to who wants it more. The team with the less mistakes will win.

Have you ever expereinced such a crazy NBA playoffs like this season?


Its been a surprise of course. Im not a Laker fan I didnt expect them to lose this early. Spurs wasnt a surprise though they have a whole bunch of old guys lol. The rest of the playoffs will be interesting.

Why did the Los Angeles Lakers get swept by the Dallas Mavericks. Were the Lakers like a full Shaq after 20 big macs? lol


To be honest I didnt catch to much of that series. But it seemed like Dallas wanted it more and Lakers gave the confidence from the Jump and Dallas ran with it.


How do you see the Grizzlies-Thunder series? Can the Grizzlies reach the western final with another upset?


That series maybe the best match ups. Both teams have young guys thats been playing agaisnt each other since high school. I think this series goes to game 7 with OKC coming out on top.

What is your alltime favorite American breakfast cerial and why?

Apple Jacks is my favorite by far. I have to settle with Frosty while im in Germany though lol.

Thanks Steve for the chat.



John Patrick New Head Coach Of s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It didnt take BG Goettingen coach John Patrick long to digest the 3-0 sweep by The Deutsche Bank Skyliners as 116 hours later he was named new head coach and sport director of new beko BBL team s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg getting a 2 year contract. Patrick spent 6 very successful years in Goettingen where he helped the team move up to the beko BBL in 2007 and helped the club reach the beko BBL playoffs the last three years.His biggest success in this time was leading the club to the 2010 Eurochallenge win. He also was named beko BBL coach of the year in 2010 qnd 2011. 'It is huge fortune that we were able to convince a man like John patrick for our program. Our goal this season is too remain in the league. We have gotten the right person in John Patrick . We quickly realized in our talks that we have the same goals. We have accomplished a lot in the last 4 years and the only thing missing is BBL expereince. John patrick with his expereince, success and international contacts is the right person for the job. He has proved that every year he was able to get the maximum out of modest quality. We are proud to have been able to get such a personality like him for our organization', stressed s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg CEO Jochen Baehr.

Patrick who has 5 kids started his coaching career in 2000 for Zexel Blue Winds (Japan) where he coached until 2003. He then came to Goettingen where he coached the club in the second Bundesliga north until 2005. He then went back for a season to Japan where he led the team Toyota Alvark to the league title.Patrick is happy about having a new challenge in his still young coaching career. 'It was time for me to find a new challenge. I see a lot of perspectives in Wurzburg. I know that the management, fans and whole city is happy about basketball.- The club has high goals and a clear structure. I see the chance to build something big in Wurzburg', warned John Patrick. The club has offered Marcel Schroeder who led the team to the beko BBL this season a two year contract as assitant coach. He has a few days to make a decision.

Source: s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg

Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki makes second-team All-NBA again - by Eurobasket News
In whats become as common as the Mavericks winning 50 games in the regular season, Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) received All-NBA recognition Thursday for the 11th consecutive season.

Three days after Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called him one of the top 10 players in NBA history, Nowitzki was named to the All-NBA second team.

Hes one of only two players, joining the Lakers Kobe Bryant , to be named to the All-NBA team (first, second or third) in each of the last 11 seasons. Tim Duncan had been on that list but didnt receive the honor this season.

Nowitzki shot a career-high 51.7 percent from the field during the regular season and ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring at 23 points per game.

Nowitzki, who ranks fourth in scoring among active players, has been named to the All-NBA first team four times. This is his fifth second-team selection.

Nowitzki might get the chance to go head-to-head with the two forwards named to the All-NBA first team - Oklahoma Citys Kevin Durant and Miamis LeBron James - later in the playoffs.

Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge from Seagoville was named to the third team.

Its always an honor to make the All-NBA team, Nowitzki said in a statement. It is a great individual honor, but it means more to me that it allows me to represent the Mavericks organization.

Mavericks practice at AAC: The Mavericks practiced on the main court at American Airlines Center on Thursday instead of the teams practice court, focusing more on offense with a lot of shooting.

Carlisle called the practice a light contact day. He said the Mavericks will scrimmage Friday.

When we know who the opponent is going to be, then well be kicking our prep into high gear in a relatively short period of time, Carlisle said. The NBA culture prepares you for that. Its nothing thats new to us.

Kidd getting his rest: At 38 years old, point guard Jason Kidd said hes happy about getting a week to rest before the Western Conference finals.

Kidd said he relaxed Wednesday night by watching a few movies instead of watching basketball. On Thursday morning, however, he was the last player to leave practice.

After making 10 consecutive free throws, he finished practice by working his way around the 3-point line, making 20 of 25 shots, including the first 13 of 15.

Kidd will face a different challenge in the next round. He had the luxury of chasing around 36-year-old Derek Fisher of the Lakers in the last series, but will see Russell Westbrook , 22, of Oklahoma City or Mike Conley, 23, of Memphis in the conference finals.

Theyre young and they recover a lot quicker, Kidd said. Were probably the oldest team still left. We have to use our wisdom and our experience.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Olympiakos and Panathinaikos fight for the first national trophy - by George Fragkos
After a lot of talks in offices and negotiations between the state, HEBA, Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus and Panathinaikos Athens, the Greek Cup final will be played this Sunday 15th May at 6.30 p.m. local time. The two opponents fight for the first national trophy of the season, at the Elliniko National Gym starting their one-to-one battles which are expected to be a lot till the end of the season. These two teams are by far the most powerful in Greece and it is almost certain that the championship will be a won by one of them as well.

What made this final be scheduled so late was the fear of ugly incidents between the fans of the two teams. The hostility between the fans of Olympiakos and Panathinaikos is something almost globally known and almost every time they face each other, there are riots. However, this time the police is assuring that there will be nothing unpleasant at the stands. One reason for their certainty is the fact that there will be only 900 tickets given to each club, which means that more than half of the Gym will be empty in order to avoid any contact between the Reds and the Greens.

In any case, at a game as important as this one, it would be even foolish to focus at what will happen off court, when on the court there will be given such a spectacular and passionate battle. Panathinaikos having already achieved their first and most prestigious goal, the conquest of the Euroleague, wants to continue the successful season, winning the second title of the season, just one week after the triumph in Barcelona. At the other end, there is Olympiakos, a team which may has failed to reach the Euroleague Final Four, but is considered to be equally strong with the European Champions. The players of Zeljko Obradovic have not managed yet to beat those of Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ), which has been unbeaten at both Greek competitions after almost 30 games and this definitely adds something more to this duel.

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


A Division Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Muhammad EL-AMIN
  PVSK P.
  (196-G/F-87)
  Avg: 22
 1. El-Amin, PVSK P.22.0 
 2. Doyne, Falco-Szova21.8 
 3. Bell, Kormend20.9 
 4. Marshall, Marso-Va.20.8 
 5. Townes, Soproni19.5 
 6. Wilson, Kaposvari19.4 
 7. Mekongo, FS Debre.19.3 
 8. Rubin, Szedeak19.3 
 9. Cunningham, Kapos.19.2 
 10. Sales, Atomeromu18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darian TOWNES
  Soproni
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Townes, Soproni11.2 
 2. Sales, Atomeromu10.3 
 3. Werner, Kaposvari9.1 
 4. Bader, Szolnok8.9 
 5. Cunningham, Kapos.8.9 
 6. Jones, Albacomp8.6 
 7. Egemonye, PVSK P.8.5 
 8. Szabo, Soproni8.3 
 9. Gosa, Falco-Szova8.2 
 10. Mekongo, FS Debr.8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  ZTE K.
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Williams, ZTE K.7.3 
 2. Savic, Marso-Vagep6.5 
 3. Trotter, Szolnok6.3 
 4. Simon, Albacomp6.3 
 5. Kalman, Falco-Sz.6.1 
 6. Kelley, Soproni6.1 
 7. Moore, Kormend5.4 
 8. Glavinic, PVSK P.5.1 
 9. Wittmann, Kecsk.4.5 
 10. Singletary, FS De.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Brane SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Savic, Marso-Vagep3.5 
 2. Marshall, Marso-Va.2.9 
 3. Hanga, Albacomp2.8 
 4. Czigler, Marso-Va.2.7 
 5. Trotter, Szolnok2.7 
 6. Werner, Kaposvari2.6 
 7. Williams, ZTE K.2.5 
 8. Crocker, Albacomp2.3 
 9. Clark, Szolnok2.3 
 10. Singletary, FS De.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Clark, Szolnok2.1 
 2. Townes, Soproni1.9 
 3. McKenzie, Szedeak1.3 
 4. Czigler, Marso-Va.1.3 
 5. Egemonye, PVSK P.1.1 
 6. Keller, Albacomp0.9 
 7. Aliakseyeu, Falco-.0.8 
 8. Langford, FS Debre.0.8 
 9. Gosa, Falco-Szova0.7 
 10. Sales, Atomeromu0.7 


Kormend is No.3 in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Places 3-4, Game Two: Kormend - Atomeromu 97-69 (2-0)

Kormend won the Bronze medal in Hungarian championship. They blasted Atomeromu 97-69 last night for 2-0 win in the series. Of course, Atomeromu ended as No.4. In the first game, Kormend won on the road 81-87.
The game without a history. Kormend led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The former international guard Csaba Ferencz (194-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Rashad Bell (201-F-82, college: Boston U.) contributed with 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Kormend players scored in double figures. American forward Ian Johnson (205-F-84, college: Davidson) replied with 19 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Balint Horti (206-F/C-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 13 points in the effort for Atomeromu.
Kormend finished regular season as No.4 with 17-9 record. They eliminated Kecskemeti in the Quarterfinals and later failed against Szolnok in the Semis.

Top scorers:
Kormend: C.Ferencz 23+5reb+3ast, E.Dies 17+7reb+1ast, R.Bell 16+8reb+2ast, A.Rujak 14+4reb+3ast, G.Hegedus 10+1reb+2ast, I.Nemeth 7+3reb+3ast
Atomeromu: I.Johnson 19+7reb, B.Horti 13+2reb+1ast, J.Pavlik 11+1reb+1ast, D.Vojvoda 7+5reb+3ast, A.Kovacs 6+3reb+2ast, G.Koertelyesi 5+3reb+1ast


*****************************************************
  IBL   


Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Bellingham S. 5-2 
 2. W.C. Hotshots 4-2 
 3. Vancouver V. 3-1 
 4. Olympia R. 2-2 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-1 
 6. USA All-Stars 0-12 
International Division
 1. Albany L. 7-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 6-2 
 3. Oregon W. 3-3 
 4. Gary Splash 3-4 
 5. Edmonton E. 0-0 
Branding Team
 1. Lansing C. 2-1 
 2. Dayton A. 0-0 
 3. Ohio H.G. 0-0 
 4. Phoenix R. 0-0 
 5. Las Vegas P. 0-1 
 6. Lake Co. 0-2 


Kentucky Pro Am Provides Good Overseas Exposure - by Travis McAvene
The 2011 Kentuckiana Pro Am Tournament/Camp will be held July 7-10. The 17th annual event will be held in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can enter as a team or individual. The KPA is set up to provide professional exposure to players, as well as provide a competitive summer league environment. Several players over the past 16 years have gone on to very good European careers based on their particiapation in the KPA. Complete entry info can be found at www.kyproam.com .



*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


Get Best Result in SEA Games XXVI - by Koko Triloka
JAKARTA - The defense system is the focus of the second day of Indonesia Development Camp (IDC) in 2011 presented by Bakrie Kalila Investment in the Basketball Hall Sports Trade Center (STC), Senayan, Jakarta (10 / 5). Defense can reliably deliver the perfect national team to get the best results in the SEA Games XXVI held in Indonesia in November.

On the first morning session yesterday, led by assistant coach training / development of the Toronto Raptors basketball Eric Hughes was indeed emphasized in the defense pattern. One of the most important is the 4 man shell. The pattern of the exercise relies on guard played four people. Team coach requires players''noise''in the pattern. It is intended to break the concentration of the attack the opponent. In addition, there are four training pattern touch-train man defense. The pattern does not vary much with the previous system.

Namely, make the opponent who attacked the topsy-turvy to spend time. Another important system that was exhibited was 3 man rebounding. In the pattern, giving knowledge to coach players to be more clever when making a rebound. Three players in the blockhouse demanded quick to decide to attack. Eric Hughes said that the exercises in the first three days are very heavy and tiring. However, fortunately the players are very concentrated and worked hard all day. Romy Chandra et al also beginning to adapt to the pattern applied to the ranks of coaches.

Eric confirmed that the focus of the second day of practice is the defense. In two days ahead, it will continue to try menyempurkan ability to survive the national team players. Therefore, defense, says Eric, is the most important elements of a team to get maximum results. ''No offense, but defense. Offense can not give you victory, but the defense could. Defense can make a team a champion,''he said. NBA Basketball Operations Director of Asia Jama Mahlalela said the players have started to adapt to the pattern applied.

He also saw that the members of the squad has sufficient capability. Stay within the next two days, Jama will try to exploit the best time to brush up again the defense team. NBA Legend of Ron Harper added that the players should not bother doing rebounds. Insistence on the bottom ring is a fundamental part of every team to win the match by match. ''The most important is the concept of defense. They must strive to improve the capability,''he said. Shooting guard Xavier Prawiro insists he is ready to capture the substance of the team coach. Xavier Prawiro said that although the basic to the training gave the same concept, but what is Eric presented makes his insights increases.

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Hapoel J-M and Maccabi T-A sweep the Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel J-M and Maccabi T-A sweep the Quarter-Finals with 3-0.



Maccabi T-A - Elitzur Netanya 92-78

Maccabi swept the series 3-0 and headed to the semis. The game without a history. Maccabi T-A led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Elitzur Netanya's players. The best player for the winners was international power forward Lior Eliyahu (206-85) who scored 22 points and 6 assists. American swingman Chuck Eidson (202-80, college: S.Carolina, agency: Court Side) chipped in 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Maccabi T-A players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Romeo Travis (201-84, college: Akron) who recorded 19 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard Adrian Banks (191-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Netanya: A.Banks 20+5reb, R.Travis 19+9reb+1ast, E.Brown 14+5reb+1ast, J.Smith 8+2reb+3ast, E.Gueta 8+1reb, E.McCollum 4+1reb+1ast
Maccabi T-A: L.Eliyahu 22+4reb+6ast, S.Schortsanitis 15+3reb+2ast, J.Pargo 14+2reb+7ast, C.Eidson 13+9reb+6ast, R.Hendrix 10+5reb+1ast, T.Burstein 8+6reb+2ast

gschID: 127621


Hapoel J-M - Maccabi Ashdod 86-76

Hapoel advanced to the semis after the third straight win. The game was mostly controlled by Hapoel J-M. Maccabi Ashdod was better in second period 15-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-20 charity shots (85.0 percent) during the game. It was a good game for international point guard Yuval Naimy (188-85) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 4 assists. American guard Willie Solomon (187-78, college: Clemson) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Hapoel J-M's coach Oded Katash allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Lorenzo Gordon (201-83, college: Oklahoma City, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) answered with 24 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Oliver Lafayette (188-84, college: Houston) added 19 points and 6 assists in the effort for Maccabi Ashdod.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Ashdod: L.Gordon 24+7reb+1ast, O.Lafayette 19+2reb+6ast, J.Carter 13+6reb+1ast, J.Martin 8+3reb, N.Berkowitz 5+2reb+1ast, J.Duncan 2+4reb
Hapoel J-M: W.Solomon 21+1reb+1ast, Y.Naimy 19+3reb+4ast, B.Randle 10+6reb+2ast, L.Hakmon 9+1reb, D.Dowell 9+4reb+1ast, J.Rich 7+1reb+1ast
gschID: 127622


Galil Gilboa - Hapoel Holon 89-73

The game was mostly controlled by Galil Gilboa. Hapoel Holon was better in third quarter 28-27. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Galil Gilboa dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Hapoel Holon's 28. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a good game for international point guard Gal Mekel (193-88, college: Wichita St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. International guard Dagan Yavzuri (193-85) contributed with 24 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Five Galil Gilboa players scored in double figures. American power forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) answered with 24 points and 8 rebounds and the former international point guard Moran Roth (183-82) added 19 points and 6 assists in the effort for Hapoel Holon.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Holon: R.Melzer 24+8reb+2ast, M.Roth 19+4reb+6ast, A.Ben David 8+5reb, N.Cohen 7+7reb, I.Stolero 6+1reb, K.Powell 6+6reb+2ast
Galil Gilboa: D.Yavzuri 24, M.Killingsworth 16+5reb, G.Mekel 11+8reb+10ast, W.Carter 10+10reb+3ast, C.Fells 10+7reb+4ast, I.Kozikaro 7+4reb
gschID: 127623


Bnei Hasharon - Maccabi Rishon 75-82

Bnei Hasharon was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 48-33 second half run of Maccabi Rishon. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was a good game for American power forward Raymar Morgan (202-88, college: Michigan St.) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import swingman Dwayne Mitchell (196-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American power forward Shawn James (208-83, college: Northeastern) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds and American-Romanian swingman Dan Grunfeld (198-84, college: Stanford) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Bnei Hasharon. Five Maccabi Rishon and four Bnei Hasharon players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Bnei Hasharon: S.James 22+9reb+1ast, D.Grunfeld 16+6reb+5ast, F.Rivera 12+2reb+3ast, L.Nailon 12+5reb+5ast, R.Steele 6+3reb+2ast, S.Shason 3
Maccabi Rishon: R.Morgan 22+5reb+3ast, Y.Orland 14, I.Swann 11+2reb, A.McGhee 11+4reb+3ast, D.Mitchell 10+8reb+5ast, T.McCullough 7+3reb
gschID: 127620




Ashdod Re-sign Josh Carter, Leaving Buy-Out Option Open - by David Pick
'If it's not broken don't fix it', is the slogan for the Israeli southern team Maccabi Ashdod, who finished their first unforgettable franchise history season in Israel's division one basketball league earlier this week.

Ashdod who got swept 3:0 by Hapoel Jerusalem in the first round of the Israeli playoffs, decided that due to a superb season finishing as the 6th seed, they will re-sign the core and foundation of the team, starting with head coach, Ofer Berkovic, to all-Israeli player of the decade, Meir Tapiro, Americans Ramel Bradley and Josh Duncan and finishing with swingman Josh Carter.

Carter, a standout who played last season for Oldenburg in Germany, enjoyed an admirable season finishing with averages of 17.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg in the Israeli league. In the Playoffs the former Texas A&M shooting guard recorded 14.1 ppg and 4 rpg.

Ashdod who benefited from a somewhat experienced Euroleague player (7.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg over 10 games), decided to waste no time despite the upcoming NBA 'lockout', and secure their jewel for next season. Carter signed a one year extension with the team, however, left a small buyout option of 20,000 dollars if any tempting offers are to come him way.

A pre-season underestimated Carter sparked this year scoring in double digits in 25 out of the 30 games he played (League and Playoffs), and over 20+ points in 12 different encounters. A professional career high of 30 points in 33 minutes, gave his team a crucial 89:83 road victory earlier this season, as Carter displayed an outstanding shooting performance of 3/3 -2, 6/12 -3, and 6/6 from the charity line, securing a hard fought battle against his older brother, also playing in Israel.


Maccabi's Mixed Feelings - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel-Aviv returned last night to its normal figure with another trashing victory over an Israeli opponent, this time, with a 92:78 victory, sweeping 8th seed Elitzur Netanya in Israel's first round of the playoffs advancing to the Final Four, where the yellow-and-blue players hope for 'another classic battle for a title against Hapoel Jerusalem'.

Maccabi's head coach David Blatt, was fined this morning a little over 4,000 dollars by the Israeli league organization due to his accusations against the leagues referees regarding his star center Sofoklis Schortsanitis.

The Greece center had picked up early fouls and finished another league appearance with 4 fouls, forcing Blatt to bench the frustrated big man. Sofo has acquired at least 4 fouls or more for the 12th time out of 30 games this season. 'People pay good money to watch great players like Sofo play the game, not to watch him get into foul trouble', Said Blatt.

'Sofo is a big guy who doesn't play dirty basketball. Players run into him more than he does to them, and it is frustrating that strange and unnecessary fouls are called against him', added the coach.

Adriatic League

In another event, Maccabi is closing in on the final date of joining the Adriatic league which ends May 20th. Even though joining the league means an extra two million dollars to the team's budget, it seems to appear that not everyone at Maccabi is as thrilled on playing in another competitive league.

American/Israeli star forward, David Blu, who is playing his fifth season for Maccabi, expressed his feelings regarding the situation: 'I've played in the Adriatic league a few years ago when I was younger and it was very tough. It's not the three games a week that is intimidating, rather the traveling to small cities in small planes which is very exhausting'.

Blu, one of Maccabi's better players all season long, is very fond and appreciative of Israel and the city if Tel-Aviv, which to him is a 'home away from home', would like to return and play for the organization next season as well, however, there are some minor details that are still in the way, 'I don't know how much the decision of joining the Adriatic league would affect my situation. I love Maccabi and I'm a professional. I always play to win, so if we join, I will put in 100%, but I would rather we do not. Anyways, us players don't have a say in the matter', added Blu.






National League Round 2 of Finals - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi HBK - Hapoel T-A 65-64

Maccabi HBK took 2-0 lead in the Finals after 65:64 win. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 39-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Maccabi HBK made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. American guard Paul Delaney (188-86, college: UAB, agency: Lanshire Group) scored 27 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Steffon Bradford (200-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) chipped in 22 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. American forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) responded with 25 points and 8 rebounds and Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Maccabi HBK: P.Delaney 27+9reb+3ast, S.Bradford 22+11reb, M.Moscovitz 4+3reb, E.Skverer 4+1ast, I.Grinboim 4+2reb+2ast, I.Lev 2+7reb+3ast
Hapoel T-A: B.Asbury 25+8reb+3ast, A.Uter 14+12reb+1ast, T.Chaimovic 12+2ast, E.Eliyah 6+1ast, Y.Shvartzman 4+1reb+2ast, Y.Rokni 2+1reb
gschID: 128134




Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 27
 1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A27.0 
 2. Hall, Beer Yaakov24.3 
 3. Moragne, Hapoel B.23.4 
 4. Delaney, Maccabi22.8 
 5. Clemente, Megido.22.6 
 6. Miller, Megido/Y.22.0 
 7. Young, Hod Hashar.20.8 
 8. Gomez, Beer Yaakov20.4 
 9. Timberlake, Elitzu.20.2 
 10. Wade, Lev Hashar.19.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi N.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Johnson, Ironi N.12.6 
 2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.11.6 
 3. Clemente, Megido.11.4 
 4. Brandy, Hod H.10.1 
 5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.9.8 
 6. Wade, Lev Hasharon9.0 
 7. McFarlin, Lev H.9.0 
 8. Strong, Hapoel T.8.9 
 9. Hardin, Elitzur Ya.8.9 
 10. Moragne, Hapoel B.8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Ofir FARHI
  Beer Yaakov
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Farhi, Beer Yaakov6.6 
 2. Dobie, Lev Hashar.6.4 
 3. Lahat, Hapoel T-A6.3 
 4. Shaashoua, Hapoel5.9 
 5. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.5.8 
 6. Eliyahu, Hapoel Af.5.7 
 7. Fisher, Ironi R.4.7 
 8. Timor, Hapoel Tivon4.6 
 9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.4.4 
 10. Harush, Kohav Yair4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Nate MILLER
  Megido/Y.
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Miller, Megido/Y.3.1 
 2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Af.2.6 
 3. Bochman, Beer Y.2.5 
 4. Markson, Hapoel A.2.2 
 5. Delaney, Maccabi2.2 
 6. Shaashoua, Hapoel2.1 
 7. Young, Hod Hashar.2.0 
 8. Naor, Hapoel T-A2.0 
 9. Fisher, Ironi R.2.0 
 10. Sukar, Elitzur Ra.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Adrian UTER
  Hapoel T-A
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Utter, Hapoel T-A2.1 
 2. Colwell, Ironi R.2.0 
 3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.2.0 
 4. Strong, Hapoel T.1.9 
 5. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri1.7 
 6. Johnson, Ironi N.1.5 
 7. Hugee, Hapoel Afu.1.5 
 8. Hardin, Elitzur Ya.1.4 
 9. Markson, Hapoel A.1.2 
 10. Brandy, Hod H.1.2 


*****************************************************
  ITALY   


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.19.5 
 6. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 7. Goldwire, Forli19.1 
 8. Forte, Tuscany PT18.4 
 9. Clark, Umana Reyer18.2 
 10. Marigney, Assigeco17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Demian FILLOY
  Immobili.
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Filloy, Immobili.9.4 
 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. Lollis, Immobili.7.8 
 9. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 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. Mathis, Snaidero.3.8 
 7. Whiting, Aget Imola3.8 
 8. Marigney, Assigeco3.8 
 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. Piazza, Immobili.2.5 
 5. Filloy, Immobili.2.5 
 6. Davis, Sunrise2.5 
 7. Achara, Barcellona2.4 
 8. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 9. Whiting, Aget Imola2.4 
 10. Piazza, Forli2.3 
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. Boykin, Assigeco0.7 
 6. Cutolo, San Severo0.7 
 7. Cervi, Trenkwalder0.7 
 8. Bryan, Umana Reyer0.7 
 9. Frosini, Trenkwald.0.7 
 10. Taylor, Fastweb0.6 


Austin Nichols moves to Italy - by Eurobasket News
Austin Nichols (198-G/F-82, college: Humboldt St.) signed a deal with Virtus Bologna. The 29-year-old guard inked the deal till the end of the season and is expected to return to Tofas in Turkey next season. Austin Nichols started the season in Tofas in Turkey. He tallied 14.3 points, 4.5 boards and 1.8 assists per game in TBL. Last season the guard played in France. He notched 11.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in Euroleague. In French League his stats read 10.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance. The guard helped Orleans win French Cup title in 2010. Nichols had stints in France, IBL, China, WBA and NBDL earlier in his career. Austin Nichols will strengthen the Italian team for the playoffs that are slated to start on May 18.


Jeleel Akindele leaves Montepaschi Siena - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena and Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) decided to part ways. The 28-year-old centre arrived in Italy in December. He appeared in six Euroleague games. His stats read 3.3 points and 2.3 boards per appearance. Jeleel Akindele started the season in Nizhny Novgorod. The centre appeared in one EuroChallenge game scoring 9 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. In Russian PBL the centre notched 11.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The centre played for Nigeria at the AfroBasket in 2009. Jeleel Akindele produced 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in Libya. Jeleel Akindele had stints in D-League, Spain, France earlier in his career.


Lega2 Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Immobiliare SR - Prima Veroli 76-59

Rimini knocked down Prima Veroli in the opener. The game without a history. Immobiliare SR led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 26-of-31 charity shots (83.9 percent) during the game. Serbian-Greek forward Dusan Vukcevic (201-75, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 22 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners and American swingman Terrence Roderick (195-88, college: UAB, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side American guard Jarrius Jackson (188-85, college: Texas Tech) responded with 23 points and 4 steals and the former international power forward Ivan Gatto (207-78) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Immobiliare SR: D.Vukcevic 22+5reb+2ast, T.Roderick 17+7reb+3ast, Q.Lollis 15+8reb, D.Filloy 8+12reb+2ast, N.Metreveli 8+3reb, A.Piazza 4+3ast
Prima Veroli: J.Jackson 23+2reb+1ast, I.Gatto 10+6reb+2ast, J.Penn 9+3reb+1ast, D.Brkic 5+10reb, M.Rossetti 5+4reb, A.Iannone 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128172


Sunrise Scafati - Barcellona 77-88

Barcellona stole home-court advantage from Sunrise Scafati claiming a road win in the first game. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 48-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Sigma Barcellona made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Panamanian guard Michael Hicks (193-76, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 5 steals. Scottish-Nigerian power forward Kieron Achara (208-83, college: Duquesne) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Sigma Barcellona players scored in double figures. Forward Patrick Baldassarre (200-86, agency: Players Group) answered with 27 points and 9 rebounds and the former international forward Nikola Radulovic (207-73) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the effort for Sunrise Scafati.
Top scorers:
Barcellona: M.Hicks 28+4reb, K.Achara 16+12reb, A.Ghiacci 13+8reb+1ast, R.Bucci 12+2reb+2ast, M.Cardinali 7+1reb+1ast, J.Crispin 5+2reb+5ast
Sunrise Scafati: P.Baldassarre 27+9reb, J.Hunter 20+6reb+4ast, N.Radulovic 14+9reb+7ast, F.Amoni 9+2reb, C.Cavallaro 5+1reb, M.Levin 1+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128173


Fastweb CM - Tuscany PT 81-60

Fastweb Casale prevailed against Tuscany Pistoia at home court. The game without a history. Fastweb CM led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Fastweb CM forced 19 Tuscany Pistoia turnovers. American guard Ricky Hickman (190-85, college: NC-Greensboro) stepped up and scored 19 points and 4 assists for the winners and his fellow American import guard Donell Taylor (198-82, college: UAB) chipped in 19 points and 5 steals. At the losing side American forward Jarvis Varnado (206-88, college: Mississippi St.) responded with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks and power forward Fiorello Toppo (198-80) scored 13 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Fastweb CM: D.Taylor 19+3reb+2ast, R.Hickman 19+4reb+4ast, M.Malaventura 11+1reb+1ast, T.Fantoni 9+4reb, O.Nnamaka 9+7reb, S.Masciadri 6+4reb
Tuscany PT: F.Toppo 13+3reb, J.Porzingis 12+2reb, G.Fucka 10+3reb, J.Varnado 8+11reb, S.Berti 8+2reb, A.Filloy 5+1ast
gschID: 128170


Umana Reyer - Snaidero UD 81-70

Umana Reyer proved their favorite status with a confident win over Snaidero Udine at home court. The game was mostly controlled by Umana Venezia. Snaidero Udine was better in fourth quarter 29-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Snaidero Udine to just 6 points in third quarter. Umana Venezia made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Umana Venezia had a 27-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Tamar Slay (204-80, college: Marshall) stepped up and scored 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and American-Bulgarian guard Kiki Clark (173-84, college: St.Peter's) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Umana Venezia's coach Andrea Mazzon allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side guard Roberto Prandin (188-86) responded with 17 points and naturalized American guard Donte Mathis (190-77, college: Texas St.) scored 15 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Umana Reyer: K.Clark 15+2reb+4ast, A.Young 13+3reb+2ast, T.Slay 13+6reb+2ast, M.Allegretti 11+3reb+3ast, A.Causin 10+2reb, S.Bryan 7+8reb+1ast
Snaidero UD: R.Prandin 17+2reb+3ast, D.Mathis 15+3reb+4ast, D.Pascolo 13+2reb+1ast, C.Cotis Harrison 10+3reb+1ast, L.Dordei 6+11reb, R.Truccolo 3+2ast
gschID: 128171




Best players of Italian SerieA round 29 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Linton Johnson (203-F-80, agency: Priority Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for Air Avellino and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 29.
The 30-year old forward had a double-double of 19 points and sixteen rebounds, while his team beat Scavolini PS (#10, 13-16) 89-76. Air AV maintains the 4th position in Italian SerieA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Air AV will need more victories to improve their 16-13 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Johnson as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Linton Johnson averages this season 7.6ppg and 7.3rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American guard Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of league's best team Montepaschi Siena. McCalebb impressed basketball fans with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Montepaschi was edged by the lower-ranked Dinamo Sassari (#9, 14-15) 83-81. Montepaschi managed to keep the same 1st spot in the standings. It was just his team's 4th loss this season, while they won 25 other games. McCalebb is a newcomer at Montepaschi and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Jumaine Jones (202-F-79) of Pepsi JuveCaserta (#11). Jones scored 18 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Jones' great performance Pepsi Caserta lost 77-88 to the lower-ranked Banca Tercas (#15, 10-19). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Pepsi Caserta ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 17 games, recording just twelve victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Jones could help Pepsi Caserta to bring them higher in the standings. Jones has a great season in Italy. After 29 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.5rpg (2nd best). He also has 2.2spg and FGP: 53.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) of Montepaschi - 21 points and 8 rebounds
5. Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88) of Lottomatica - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. James White (198-G-84) of Dinamo Sassari - 27 points and 2 assists
7. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81) of Benetton TV - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Marques Green (170-G-82) of Air AV - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Jared Homan (206-C-83) of CS Bologna - 12 points and 13 rebounds
10. Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81) of Armani MI - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

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

*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Strathmore University Pip Baraka Xtreme in Nba Duel - by Eurobasket News
STRATHMORE University pipped Baraka Xtreme in a tight Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) provincial league show at the Railways Club. The Thika-based losers were on the driving seat in the first half as Amos Wachira, Peter Kimani and Calvin Apwoko dictated the tempo. However, the students had the upper hand in the last half, going past Baraka to bag maximum points. Allan Nyongesa led the Blades with 12 points while live wire Wachira also nailed 11 for Xtreme, who had not lost a tie this year before the encounter. Kenya Airways continued their great start in the league when they whipped Dolphins 69-39. Jimmy Wanyama scored 13 points and Rogers 'Shark' Mutai made 12 for KQ. Zeddy Njoroge hit 12 for the losers.

Dan Nalwenge nailed two late foul shots to ensure Barclays Bank continue their winning ways with a 35-32 win over Friends of Basketball (FoB) who lost their rhythm in the latter stages despite Fred Kimanthi's 10. Lameck Obuya scored 15 points and Kelvin Mutai added 14 as Legacy battled to beat Little Prince 53-46.Victor Okoth collected 13 for the hapless Prince who have been blowing hot and cold. Multi Media University rallied superbly from behind to blank Heroes 49-35, behind balanced scoring feat from Ray Nyatome and Frank Otula, who registered 15 a piece in that win.
By Dann O'werre
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Airways Set Early Pace in NBA League - by Eurobasket News
KENYA Airways have set an early pace in the on going Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) Provincial League. Kenya Airways, who featured in the inaugural national league in 1987 before being disbanded, are upbeat about their chances to climb back to the mainstream basketball as proved by their weekend results at the Railways Club. Airways beat Barclays Bank 56-50 in an entertaining duel. In this nip and tuck game that would have gone either way, Kenya Airways relied heavily on the exploits of Emmanuel Ekai and Nathan Lichungu to carry the day. Despite the pressure by the bankers' Abel Kimondo and Dan Nalwenge, Ekai and Lichungu scored 16 and 11 points respectively. George Ochieng made 14 and Don Obiga added 11 for BBK.

Strathnmore University completed a fruitful weekend as they whipped Heroes 62-33 as Pascal Nabwana managed 14 points for the students. Edwin Karani scored 11 points for Herioes. Felix Omondi nailed 16 points and Zacharia Mwangi shot 15 to propel Friends of Basketball (FoB) to a close 63-60 win over Multi Media University (MMU), who had Ray Nyatome scoring 21 and Harry Digu made 20. Old Pirates clobbered Dolphins 54-43, behind Anhony Gatura's 10 points while Teddy Njoroge hit 14 for the losers.

Don Bosco hit Little Prince 45-37 with Ben Githinji and Ben Bindar making 10 points each. Lanky Malek Lino collected 14 for the losers. In the ladies tie, Barclays Bank dismissed Multi Media University 22-14 in a low scoring encounter.
By Dann O'werre
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Pierce CALDWELL
  Liepaja
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 15.7
 1. Caldwell, Liepaja15.7 
 2. Willjam, Barons15.3 
 3. Bergmanis, Zemgale15.1 
 4. Peiners, LU14.8 
 5. Veselovs, Valmiera14.7 
 6. Duselis, LU14.1 
 7. Mednis, Turiba13.8 
 8. Berzins, VEF R.13.3 
 9. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs13.3 
 10. Kaufmanis, Valmie.13.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Berzins, VEF Riga8.2 
 2. Mednis, Turiba7.9 
 3. Cain, VEF Riga7.5 
 4. Rozitis, Zemgale7.5 
 5. Berzins, VEF R.7.5 
 6. Hunter, Ventspils7.3 
 7. Aleksejevs, Liepaja6.7 
 8. Selakovs, VEF R.6.3 
 9. Veselovs, Valmiera6.0 
 10. Cavars, Barons6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Dairis BERTANS
  VEF R.
  (192-G/F-89)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Bertans, VEF R.4.7 
 2. Gabrans, Valmiera4.5 
 3. Willjam, Barons4.2 
 4. Strelnieks, Ventsp.3.9 
 5. Mitchell, Liepaja3.8 
 6. Bergmanis, Zemgale3.7 
 7. Gailitis, VEF R.3.5 
 8. Bertans, VEF Riga3.3 
 9. Carter, Ventspils3.2 
 10. Piternieks, LU3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Gatis JAHOVICS
  VEF R.
  (200-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Jahovics, VEF R.2.2 
 2. Gailitis, VEF R.1.9 
 3. Cain, VEF Riga1.9 
 4. Strelnieks, Ventsp.1.8 
 5. Mitchell, Liepaja1.7 
 6. Motivans, Turiba1.6 
 7. Bertans, VEF R.1.6 
 8. Slisans, LU1.6 
 9. Gabrans, Valmiera1.6 
 10. Cavars, Barons1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF R.
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Berzins, VEF R.2.1 
 2. Rozitis, Zemgale1.8 
 3. Skirmants, Barons1.2 
 4. Mejeris, Liepaja1.1 
 5. Meiers, Liepaja0.8 
 6. Berzins, VEF Riga0.8 
 7. Kuzminskas, Ventsp.0.8 
 8. Piternieks, LU0.8 
 9. Cain, VEF Riga0.7 
 10. Aleksejevs, Liepa.0.7 


*****************************************************
  MADAGASCAR   


Afrobasket/Madagascar :Rehabilitation works to start soon - by Eurobasket News
Madagascar will soon start rehabilitation works on its two sites to that will host the 2011 edition of the mens Afrobasket.
Submit your comment | 1 2 3 4 5 Share: The tournament runs from the 17 to the 28 August in Madagascars capital,Antananarivo.While waiting for the competition to be official attributed to Madagascar,the local organising committee has started intensifying preparations to make the events a success.The two sites to be rehabilitated are the multipurpose sports complex and the Mahamasina gymnasium.The works will take at most one and a half month though the cost is yet to be fixed as the financial calculations are still going on.
By: Frank Stamford
Courtesy of: Star Africa

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Semi Final 1.Round : Buducnost and Mornar took the lead in the semifinals - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Clubs Buducnost and Mornar achieved victory in the first semi final of the playoffs. Buducnost is defeated in Podgorica Ulcinj 78:62 (23:9, 21:11, 19:30, 15:12), while a Mornar in a suspenseful game in Bar was better than Lovcen 78:77 (26:23, 18:17 , 16:23, 18:14). Other matches are played at the weekend.

Buducnost - Ulcinj 78:62 (23:9, 21:11, 19:30, 15:12)
Simonovic 19 , Dubljevic 14 , Mihailovic 12, Kadziulis 10 - Milosevic 14 ,Mijajlovic 13, Djurisic 11.

Mornar - Lovcen 78:77 (26:23, 18:17 , 16:23, 18:14)
Jelenic 22, Gagic 16, Radovic 12 - Milos Lopicic (216-C-90) 20 , Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 10 , Jevdjic 10.



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


Randolph's double-double helps Grizzlies beat Thunder 95-83, push West semis to Game 7 - by Eurobasket News
Just keep counting Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies out. They revel in that underdog status.

Now the team few outside of Memphis ever noticed before this postseason has provided the NBA with the first Game 7 of these playoffs.

Randolph had 30 points and 13 rebounds, and the Grizzlies avoided elimination by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-83 Friday night to push their Western Conference semifinal to a deciding game.

'We just have to go out and do it again,' Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said. 'I know all of the pundits think it's over. They've been saying we would win tonight, and Oklahoma City would win in seven, but it's not over yet. We have to go win that game, and I'm looking forward to it.'

The Grizzlies had never won a game before when facing elimination, but that was back in 2004, 2005 and 2006, when they were swept out of the postseason each of those years. These Grizzlies are having not only the best playoff run in franchise history, but they now have won more games this postseason than any other No. 8 seed from the West.

Game 7 will be Sunday in Oklahoma City, with the winner advancing to play the well-rested Dallas Mavericks.

'This is where we want to be playing, Game 7, that one game to get to the Western Conference finals,' Randolph said. 'It's important. I feel good, but the job ain't done yet. We know it's going to be tough going to Oklahoma trying to win that game. We believe we can do it, and we're committed.'

O.J. Mayo, who started in place of Sam Young, scored 16 points for Memphis. Mike Conley had 11 points and a franchise playoff-record 12 assists, and Tony Allen added 10 points as the Grizzlies improved to 5-1 on their home court this postseason, with a sellout crowd standing for the entire second half cheering to keep this stunning run going at least one more game.

'We like people betting against us,' Conley said. 'It motivates us. We know a lot of people don't believe other than in the city of Memphis that we can get this done. We believe we can. That's all that matters.'

Memphis outscored the Thunder 51-29 in the second half and 46-38 in the paint overall.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 27 points, and James Harden had 14. Kevin Durant, the NBA's leading scorer in the regular season, was held to a postseason-low 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting. He was 1 of 9 from beyond the arc.

'It's going to be a tough Game 7 at our place,' Durant said. 'I'm looking forward to it. I started the game off like I did ... After that, it goes downhill. It's frustrating.'

Westbrook refused to call this a blown opportunity.

'We got one more game, and we've got to be able to close it out,' he said.

Randolph had been limited to just 19.8 points and 31.9 percent shooting since he scored a career playoff-best 34 points in Game 1. He had been the focus of the Thunder's defense and had just nine points on 3 of 9 shooting in Game 5. Hollins credited the difference to having 48 more hours to recover from their triple-overtime loss Monday.

'Obviously, we've been a team that's been able to come from behind all year long, and we did it again tonight,' Hollins said.

The power forward, named to the All-NBA's third team on Friday, scored 12 in the fourth to preserve Memphis' lead. Randolph scored six straight points, capped by a 12-foot fallaway jumper that sent the fans into a frenzy chanting his nickname.

'He was making jump shots, and he was making contested jump shots,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. 'He's third-team All-NBA for a reason. That guy is a player, and when he gets it going, you only can do what you can do and that is contest his shot and force him to take tough shots and he made some tough shots tonight.'

Randolph said Mayo's addition to the starting lineup helped give him more space with the Thunder forced to honor the guard. Hollins told Mayo he would be starting before the morning shootaround but called Randolph unbelievable.

'He never fails,' Mayo said. 'You can live when he has a bad game because he plays so many incredible games, and down the stretch he carries us so much that when he has a bad game, you're like 'OK, he's a little human.' But pretty much, he never fails us.'

Oklahoma City just couldn't get to the basket or sink shots in the second half. The Thunder had a fast break with Westbrook driving to the basket, but he just couldn't finish the shot. Randolph came up with the rebound, then Mayo hit a 19-footer to push the Grizzlies' lead to 88-79 with 3:11 left.

The Thunder had their biggest lead at 54-41 just before halftime and looked ready to blow out Memphis, just as they did in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.

But Shane Battier ended the first half with a 3-pointer, and the Grizzlies used that as the start of an 18-5 run into the third. Randolph's bucket with 5:19 left in the third tied it at 59, Gasol tied it again at 65, and Mayo's three-point play put Memphis ahead to stay at 68-65 with 2:10 left.

Durant picked up his second personal on a questionable offensive foul with 7:37 left in the first quarter and sat for the rest of the period. With Battier defending him most of the night, Durant went 1 of 10 from the floor in the second half. Hollins downplayed anything the Grizzlies did defending Durant.

'He saved himself for Sunday,' Hollins quipped.

The Thunder used a 20-7 spurt during which Westbrook scored seven, and Harden capped it with back-to-back 3-pointers for a 52-39 lead with 1:03 remaining in the second quarter. Unlike Game 5, they couldn't build on this lead.

NOTES: Young had a tough day Friday. He found his car had been stolen after the morning shootaround. It was retrieved 15 minutes or so later, and he credited OnStar for the recovery. ... The Denver Nuggets won six postseason games as a No. 8 seed in 1994. ... The stats crew struggled, counting a travel by James Harden late in the first quarter as a bucket and showing a tie at 23-23 at the end of the quarter. They didn't get it corrected until 8:24 left in the second quarter, a span of more than five minutes. The public address announcer noted the score change. ... The Thunder hit 11 of 20 in the second quarter when they outscored Memphis 30-21.

Courtesy of www.newser.com

Chicago off to 1st conference final since '98 - by Eurobasket News
Turns out, the Chicago Bulls are more than just a one-man team.

Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) sure had plenty of help in this one.

Next up: the Eastern Conference final, against Miami and the Big Three.

Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored 23 points, Rose doled out 12 assists in more of a supporting role and the Bulls cruised past the Atlanta Hawks 93-73 on Thursday night, wrapping up the East semifinal in six games.

'It's huge for us to get this far,' Rose said. 'We're happy to get the conference finals, but we're not planning to stop right there.'

The Bulls haven't been this far since 1998, when Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were on their way to a second three-peat. Pippen sat near the Chicago bench, relishing a new generation that's carried his old team into contention for another championship.

'When we showed up for training camp, we knew we could be special,' Rose said. 'We were ready to put in the work and not be concerned with statistics. We just were concerned with winning each night.'

As if to prove his point, Rose took a playoff-low 14 shots and finished with 19 points, his second-lowest total of the postseason. This was a textbook performance by the guys around him, each of them comfortable in a supporting role, each of them willing to do the dirty work at the defensive end.

The most impressive number: Chicago had assists on all but seven of its 41 baskets. Or, come to think of it, maybe it was this stat: The Hawks shot just 37 percent (27 of 74) and rarely got an open look.

'If anything, our defense won this game,' said Rose, who had been averaging nearly 30 points a game in the playoffs.

At the other end, Boozer kept winding up with the ball with no one around, and kept knocking down jump shots. He went 10-of-16 from the field, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out five assists.

'D-Rose gets so much attention,' said Boozer, who had been bothered by a toe injury and come under criticism at home for inconsistent play. 'The 15-footer was open for me. I shot it.'

Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) hit some big baskets early and finished with 13 points, plus five steals. Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) scored 11 and stifled the Hawks with three blocks. Omer Asik chipped in with two swats of his own. Keith Bogans made only one basket, but it was a big 3-pointer as the Bulls put it away in the third quarter.

And, boy, did everyone play some defense.

'What goes underrated about them is the depth of their team,' said Atlanta's Al Horford, who had a miserable night and a tough series overall. 'They just wear on you. They just kept coming, kept coming every game. It seemed like their starters were fresh.'

The Bulls fell on hard times after the glorious M.J. era, including three straight 60-loss seasons. But they have put together a deep, talented team that won more games than anyone during the regular season.

Yep, even more than the ballyhooed Heat, whose collection of stars runs three-deep with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who came together in south Florida knowing anything less than a title would be considered a failure.

First, they'll have to get by the Bulls.

Game 1 is Sunday in Chicago.

'It's going to be a great matchup,' Rose said. 'We're fine with being considered the underdog.'

Atlanta had hoped to extend this series to a Game 7, feeling the pressure would be squarely on the Bulls if it came down to a winner-take-all. But Chicago squashed those hopes right from the opening tip. The Bulls never trailed, and the lead was 10 by the end of the first quarter.

The Hawks had been in that position before. They fell behind by 15 in Game 5, then fought back to lead early in the fourth quarter. Chicago dominated down the stretch for a 13-point win, but the Bulls weren't about to cut it that close again.

With the loss, Atlanta extended an infamous playoff mark: The Hawks have never advanced past the second round since moving from St. Louis in 1968.

Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 19 points. Josh Smith was the only other player in double figures with 18. The Hawks went 1-of-11 from beyond the 3-point arc.

'They just got on a roll,' Johnson said. 'Boozer probably had his best game that he played all series. ... You have him scoring and playing big like that, obviously they're going to be tough to beat.'

Deng went down early, landing hard after Smith got a piece of him going for the block. Deng was OK, staying in the game to shoot a pair of free throws after a timeout.

Then Atlanta got its own scare early in the second quarter. Jeff Teague, the fill-in point guard who had been the surprise of the series, had a nasty fall along the baseline. He went straight to the X-ray room, his right arm dangling limply beside him as he trotted off in obvious pain.

Nothing was broken, but it turned out both wrists were sprained. He returned late in the second quarter all taped up, but it didn't help much. During breaks, he rubbed at the tape and kept flexing his wrist. The second-year player wasn't a factor, scoring just 4 points on 2-of-6 shooting.

'It was pretty bad,' Teague said. 'It was pretty tough to hold the ball. There was no way I could shoot the ball.'

But he was hardly the only one who struggled. Horford, who had been named to the All-NBA third team earlier in the day, went 2-of-10. So did Jamal Crawford, the victim of persistent double-teaming ever since he had a big game in Atlanta's surprising Game 1 win.

Chicago led by as many as 17 in the first half, with Boozer leading the way. He had 13 points, four rebounds and two assists at the break.

Atlanta made a late surge, the crowd on its feet when Smith pulled off a spectacular dunk on a lob from Johnson - despite getting a shove from Noah as he was soaring toward the hoop.

But a big call went against Smith, costing the Hawks a chance to cut the gap to single figures before halftime. He scored off another fast break, and the referees had to confer before ruling the Rose had drawn the offensive foul. Smith grabbed his head in disbelief and pleaded with the officials, to no avail.

Chicago settled for a 45-35 halftime lead and never let the margin below double figures over the final two quarters.

Notes: The Hawks stuck with their big lineup, starting Jason Collins at center for the third straight game and bringing F Marvin Williams off the bench. Williams failed to score in 15 minutes. ... Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on Atlanta C Zaza Pachulia, who's been accused of going down a little too easily trying to draw fouls: 'He sells. That's all I'll say: he sells.' ... Chicago's Taj Gibson had 10 points and four rebounds in less than 14 minutes.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.7
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.7 
 2. James, Miami Heat26.7 
 3. Wade, Miami Heat25.6 
 4. Rose, Chicago B.25.5 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers25.1 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.24.7 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.1 
 9. Martin, Houston R.23.5 
 10. Nowitzki, Dallas23.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2
 1. Love, Minnesota T.15.2 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.14.2 
 3. Griffin, LA Clipp.12.1 
 4. Randolph, Memph.12.0 
 5. Bogut, Milwauke.11.1 
 6. Humphries, New J.10.4 
 7. Noah, Chicago B.10.4 
 8. Camby, Portland TB10.2 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers9.9 
 10. Lee, Golde S.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.4 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.11.0 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.9 
 4. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 5. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 6. Calderon, Toron.8.9 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.3 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.8.1 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..8.0 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.7.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.3 
 2. Ellis, Golde S.2.1 
 3. Rondo, Boston C.2.1 
 4. Allen, Memphis G.1.8 
 5. Wall, Washington W.1.8 
 6. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 7. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 8. Gay, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Kidd, Dallas M.1.7 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew BOGUT
  Milwauke.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Bogut, Milwauke.2.6 
 2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.6 
 3. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 4. Howard, Orlando M.2.3 
 5. Duncan, San A.2.0 
 6. Milicic, Minnesota2.0 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.1.9 
 8. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 9. Jefferson, Utah J.1.9 
 10. Jordan, LA Clippe.1.8 


Doc Rivers deal in the works - by Eurobasket News
Doc Rivers took a lot of people by surprise Wednesday night with the postgame announcement hes leaning heavily toward returning to coach the Celtics for at least another year.

His affinity for the organization - driven home by the comment Im a Celtic - may even indicate a longer commitment.

A league source confirmed last night that the team is close to finalizing a contract extension for Rivers, reportedly for three years.

Rivers contract expires June 30.

A press conference had already been scheduled for this morning, when Danny Ainge will hold a season-ending talk with the media. A new contract may well be one of the topics.

With Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen signed through next year, and Paul Pierce [stats] the season after that, Rivers inclinations are critical.

Doc is very important, for me, said Pierce. Were trying to move forward, try to get back next year to win a championship, and hes one of the main pieces.

If Doc says that, I believe him. Thats a big part if we want to be a contending team next year.

Rivers, after hearing all of that break-up-the-Lakers talk since the two-time defending champs were swept by Dallas, insisted enough pieces still exist to remain relevant, with a few necessary additions.

I dont believe this team is done, he said. After listening to the Lakers being broken up, then Im sure (people think) that we all are done. We have to add some people. Other than that, I love the people in that locker room.

Allens future in Hub

Ainge has looked into trading Allen before in an attempt to get younger, and considering the guard remains in remarkable shape, it wouldnt be out of the question for his name to find its way into the market again.

Though he has one season left with the Celtics at $10 million, its a players option.

That doesnt mean Allen envisions himself elsewhere. He admittedly was relieved when the trading deadline came and went without a change of address during the 2009-10 season.

This has been my team, he said. I have been full steam ahead with this team. I dont have any plans to go anywhere else.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com

2010-11 All-NBA Teams named - by Eurobasket News
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) of the Chicago Bulls, the 2010-11 NBA Most Valuable Player, and LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of the Miami Heat, winner of the two previous MVP awards, highlight the 2010-11 All-NBA First Team. James was the lone unanimous choice, receiving all 119 first-place votes. Joining James and Rose on the First Team are Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85) of the Orlando Magic.

Earning his first All-NBA team selection, Rose led the Bulls to an NBA-best 62-20 mark. He averaged team highs of 25.0 points and 7.7 assists to go along with 4.1 rebounds, becoming only the seventh player in NBA history to average at least 25.0 points, 7.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds. Rose was the only player in the NBA to rank in the top 10 in scoring (seventh) and assists (10th).

James, who earns First Team honors for the fourth straight season and fifth time overall, was second in the NBA in scoring (26.7 ppg), and averaged team highs in assists (7.0 apg) and steals (1.57 spg) to go along with 7.5 rpg. James became the first player in history to surpass the 2,000-point, 500-rebound, 500-assist and 100-steal marks in four consecutive seasons.

Howard, an All-NBA First Team selection for the fourth consecutive season, earned the 2010-11 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, becoming the first player to win the award three straight seasons. He led the league with 66 double-doubles, while ranking second in rebounds (14.1 rpg) and fourth in blocks (2.38 bpg). Howard also averaged a career-high 22.9 points.

Bryant, an All-NBA First Team selection for the sixth straight season and ninth time in his career, finished fifth in the league in scoring (25.3 ppg), while averaging 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Among active players, Bryant is tied with the San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan for most First Team selections.

Durant earns his second All-NBA First Team selection. Durant led the league in scoring (27.7 ppg) for the second consecutive year, to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Durant scored at least 40 in a league-high five games this season.

The All-NBA Second Team consists of guards Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, forwards Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, and center Amare Stoudemire of the New York Knicks.

The All-NBA Third Team includes the San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili and the New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul at guard, the Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge and the Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph at forward, and the Atlanta Hawks Al Horford at center.

The All-NBA Teams were chosen by a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The media voted for All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams by position with points awarded on a 5-3-1 basis.



Below are the results of the voting for the 2010-11 All-NBA Teams, with First Team votes in parentheses:



2010-11 ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward LeBron James, Miami (119) 595
Forward Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City (69) 492
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando (118) 593
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (98) 551
Guard Derrick Rose, Chicago (118) 593



2010-11 ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers (2) 259
Forward Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas (47) 437
Center Amare Stoudemire, New York (2) 258
Guard Dwyane Wade, Miami (24) 392
Guard Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City 184



2010-11 ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland 135
Forward Zach Randolph, Memphis 67
Center Al Horford, Atlanta 62
Guard Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 106
Guard Chris Paul, New Orleans 157

Other players receiving votes, with point totals (first team votes in parentheses): Rajon Rondo, Boston, 68; Paul Pierce, Boston, 55; Carmelo Anthony, Denver-New York, 53; Kevin Love, Minnesota, 48; Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 43; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers, 36; Tony Parker, San Antonio, 27; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 22; Deron Williams, Utah-New Jersey 19; Steve Nash, Phoenix, 17; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee, 13; Monta Ellis, Golden State, 11; Nene, Denver, 11; Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers, 9; Kevin Martin, Houston, 7; Tyson Chandler, Dallas, 7; Joakim Noah, Chicago, 5; Marc Gasol, Memphis, 3; Al Jefferson, Utah, 3; Kendrick Perkins, Boston-Oklahoma City, 3; Andrea Bargnani, Toronto, 2; Chris Bosh, Miami, 2; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 1; Emeka Okafor, New Orleans, 1; Eric Gordon, L.A. Clippers, 1; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte-Portland, 1; Jason Kidd, Dallas, 1; Luis Scola, Houston, 1; Luol Deng, Chicago, 1; Ray Allen, Boston, 1.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com



Maloofs agree to show Kings financial data to arena task force - by Eurobasket News
Sacramento Kings co-owner George Maloof said Wednesday he has agreed to make team financial data available to a city-commissioned group studying ways to finance a new sports and entertainment facility.

That group, headed by national arena builder ICON Venue Group and downtown Sacramento developer David Taylor, is due to present an arena feasibility study to the City Council on May 26.

Team officials previously refused to provide business data for the study.

The team was negotiating a move to Anaheim for the upcoming season but decided last week against that move for now.

On Wednesday, Mayor Kevin Johnson and ICON representatives met in Las Vegas with George Maloof, who runs the family's Palms hotel and casino, and has been designated his family's point man on the Sacramento arena project.

'Whatever (business data) they need, we'll help out,' Maloof said after the meeting.

Maloof, however, said it's too early to discuss how much his family might contribute financially to a new facility. He said he needs to know more about Sacramento's approach to financing and operating a facility.

The mayor issued a statement calling the meeting 'positive and constructive.'

'We began a dialogue on how best to pursue a public-private partnership that creates jobs and economic development for the Sacramento region,' the statement read. 'We all look forward to the May 26 feasibility study presentation by the ICON-Taylor group.'

NBA officials and Kings owners said the team will stay in Sacramento at least one more season, but would look to move elsewhere if Sacramento doesn't produce a workable arena plan prior to March 2012. They contend the team can't survive in Sacramento without the added revenue a modern arena with more amenities would provide.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Knicks' Jeffries has knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
Knicks big man Jared Jeffries (6'10''-C-81, college: Indiana) underwent surgery on his right knee to clean out debris and will need 6-8 weeks of recovery, the club announced.

Jeffries, who signed with the Knicks for his second stint after the February NBA trade deadline, frequently started at center but ultimately did not excel defensively as much as Mike D'Antoni had hoped.

Jeffries' turnover, after receiving an inside feed from Carmelo Anthony, in the final seconds of Game 2 in Boston became one of the most crucial plays of the first-round sweep loss. Jeffries had space to go up and dunk but instead tried passing to Bill Walker and it was stolen by Kevin Garnett.

Jeffries is a free agent and could be back for the veteran's minimum if such a provision exists in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Sources: Lakers 'very interested' in Rick Adelman - by Eurobasket News
'The Los Angeles Lakers' search for Phil Jackson's replacement is just beginning, but NBA coaching sources on Thursday described the Lakers as 'very interested' in Rick Adelman as a candidate for the position. Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw has the public endorsement of Kobe Bryant and is regarded as by far the strongest in-house candidate for the position. Yet sources say Lakers officials are intrigued by the Adelman option, not only because of his history of success in Portland, Sacramento and Houston but also his reputation for thriving with veteran teams and the similarities between Adelman's 'corner' offense and Jackson's 'triangle' offense.'

Also on the early list of candidates, Stein and McMenamin report, are Mike Dunleavy, who began his coaching career with the Lakers, and Jeff Van Gundy. As for Adelman, nothing about the report is at all surprising. I noted when the Rockets fired Adelman last month he'd instantly become an intriguing candidate to succeed Jackson. And while I still think Shaw is the leading contender, the way the Lakers went out only decreases his odds. Had they advanced to a fourth straight Finals, it would have been harder to break up the band.

At his exit interview Wednesday, Kobe Bryant pointed to 'familiarity' as one of Shaw's great attributes. He knows their personalities as players, and how they like to be coached, Bryant said. At this point, though, familiarity and comfort may work against Shaw, not for him. Management might decide it best to make the players a little more uncomfortable. Getting dusted in the second round adds credence to the theory the Lakers need an entirely new voice, and while by definition no voice is like Jackson's, Shaw's still comes from the same tree.

Dunleavy, says Mark Heisler of the LA Times, is well thought of in the Lakers' front office and has had a successful career on the bench, but I tend to think his stint with the Clippers creates a P.R. problem for the team. I don't know if fans would accept the choice. Van Gundy feels like a long shot.

The real wrinkle here is the possibility of a lockout. A long layoff and short regular season favors veteran teams with continuity, obviously favoring Shaw (and, along with it, keeping the core of the team intact), who keeps the existing system and won't require a learning curve with the players. The Lakers don't have a large window with Kobe, and can't afford to give away a year rebuilding, whether with wildly different personnel or a big change in system in a compressed season. Mitch Kupchak wouldn't -- couldn't -- speak to how the labor issues impact the coaching search, but did say the team will be in no hurry to name the next coach.

Whatever the end result, I suspect it'll take a while to get there.

Courtesy of ESPN

Jeff Green looks forward to returning to Celtics next season - by Eurobasket News
It's going to be an interesting summer for one of the newest Celtics. Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) got his first three-month taste of life in Boston this spring, but it might be over before it started.

Green, who came over from Oklahoma City in the now-infamous Kendrick Perkins trade on Feb. 24, is finishing out the rookie-scale contract he signed with the Thunder after being drafted in 2007. He's about to become a restricted free agent -- meaning anyone can offer him a contract this summer -- but the Celtics retain the right to match the offer and keep him.

Green is likely to remain a Celtic after the summer of 2011. And he's fine with that.

'It's a great place,' Green said after the Celtics' season-ending loss Wednesday to the Heat. 'Just look at the guys they've got on this roster. It's a dream to play with them. These are guys I looked up to growing up. Just having this opportunity has been great, and hopefully I'll have it again.'

Green went from a young team in Oklahoma City -- surrounded by under-23 stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and James Harden -- to Boston, surrounded by ring-wearing veterans. Kevin Garnett had the locker next to his.

'They were amazing in my couple of months here,' Green said of his new teammates. 'Coming into a new situation, they helped me out a lot. They taught me a lot. They've been in this league for a long time, so I was right under their wing, just learning everything I could from them. They were great.'

Green is already looking forward to next year in Boston. Doc Rivers is leaning toward returning, the veteran Big Three is still intact, and he's ready to make another run in 2012.

'It's going to be a great thing next season,' he said. 'It'll give us an opportunity to bond even more. We've just got to get better, including myself personally. I'm just looking forward to next year.'

Courtesy of www.nesn.com

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


2011 NCAA hoops champs UConn to visit White House - by Eurobasket News
The Huskies are coming to the White House.

President Barack Obama will have the welcome mat out Monday for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team as he honors the Huskies for winning the NCAA championship.

Connecticut beat Butler 53-41 last month to capture its third title.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

Kent State sues former coach Ford over departure - by Eurobasket News
Kent State is suing former men's basketball coach Geno Ford (5'8''-G-75, college: Ohio) for more than $1.2 million in damages over his recent departure for Bradley University.

The lawsuit filed April 26 in Portage County Common Pleas Court in northeast Ohio alleges Ford had no permission to terminate his Kent State contract, which was scheduled to expire March 31, 2015, and that he breached his contract and his duty to Kent State.

'Kent State honors its agreements, and it expects others to do the same,' Rodd Sanders, an attorney representing the Ohio school, said Thursday.

The lawsuit also seeks more than $25,000 in compensatory damages and unspecified punitive damages from Bradley, alleging that the in Peoria, Ill., school interfered with the Kent State contract and 'intentionally induced Ford to breach the agreement.' The lawsuit also alleges that Bradley did not pay Kent State an early departure fee.

Ford said in a statement Thursday that 'it is unfortunate this has turned into a legal matter.' He said, 'During the process, everything was handled professionally and appropriately.'

Bradley athletic director Michael Cross released a statement saying the university 'is respectful of employer-employee relationships' and that Ford and Bradley handled the hiring process 'in a straightforward and professional manner with the clear consent of Kent State.'

Ford was Kent State's head coach from April 2008 through March 27 of this year, when Bradley announced him as its new coach. He was earning a total base and supplemental salary of $300,000 a year at Kent State.

Ford agreed in his contract that if he left before it expired he would pay Kent State a sum equal to his base and supplemental salary, multiplied by the number of years or any portions of those years remaining in the agreement, the lawsuit states.

Ford led Kent State to its second consecutive Mid-American Conference regular-season title in 2010-11. The Flashes finished 25-12 and lost in the NIT quarterfinals. In three seasons at Kent State, his teams went 68-37, including 35-13 in the MAC, and he was voted MAC coach of the year twice.

He has also coached at NAIA Shawnee State and Division III Muskingum.

Ford replaced Jim Les, who was fired earlier in March of this year after nine seasons at Bradley. The Braves finished 12-20 overall and 4-14 in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.

Kent State hired former assistant Rob Senderoff to replace Ford.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Former Kansas official sentenced to 57 months in prison in ticket scam - by Eurobasket News
The highest-ranking official caught in a $2 million ticket-scalping scandal at the University of Kansas was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison as federal prosecutors said they have wrapped up their investigation into a case that embarrassed the school.

Ben Kirtland, the former associate athletic director in charge of development, will spend 57 months in federal prison, the sentence jointly recommended by the prosecution and defense. Kirtland, 54, of Lenexa, was in charge of fundraising for Kansas Athletics Inc., the nonprofit group that promotes Jayhawks athletics.

'We believe we have pursued all credible leads. We believe in this particular instance, KU needs to move on,' U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Thursday in a phone interview. 'There's no evidence we've found of any other systematic problems at the university and we believe the university can put this behind them.'

Grissom said he hoped the university can now focus on providing an education for students.

'This wasn't the University of Kansas, it was five individuals parasites and thieves who took advantage of their positions,' he said.

In all, seven people were snared in the investigation into the unlawful sale of football and basketball season tickets by key athletics department officials to ticket brokers and others in which the employees pocketed the money.

Kirtland pleaded guilty in February to a single count of conspiracy to defraud the United States through wire fraud, tax obstruction and interstate transportation of stolen property. In a brief courtroom statement, Kirtland said he was sorry for all the 'greed, stupidity and recklessness' his actions caused.

Outside the courtroom afterward, he and family members cried as they hugged each other.

'As always it is the families and friends who trust and admire us who suffer the most,' U.S. District Judge Wesley Brown told Kirtland during the hearing.

The judge also ordered restitution of more than $1.29 million, a figure that includes $1.2 million to be paid to the university and $85,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. Brown also entered a $2 million forfeiture judgment.

Five defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 37 months to 57 months in prison. Of the total restitution ordered, Kirtland will be liable for about $1.19 million of it along with four co-defendants.

'Ben is a good man who made a bad mistake and, as he said in court, he is going to spend the rest of his life to atone for that,' his defense attorney Robin Fowler said outside the courtroom.

Two other officials who cooperated with investigators were charged only with failing to tell authorities about the crimes and both received probationary sentences.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway told reporters his office would try to recover as much restitution as it can by going after any available assets.

Hathaway also tried to put to rest any lingering doubts about former athletic director Lew Perkins, who retired 12 months early last year without explanation. Perkins has in the past acknowledged poor oversight of the ticketing operations, saying the scandal was the most embarrassing thing that happened in his 40-year career.

'We never discovered any evidence that he knowingly participated,' Hathaway said of Perkins.

A points system established by the university to encourage donations in exchange for tickets created an incentive for fraud in this case and gave the defendants the ability to manipulate the computer system, Hathaway said, adding the university has since done everything it can to prevent any ticket thefts.

The university issued a statement calling Kirtland's sentencing 'the close of a painful chapter' and tried to reassure donors the university had started the process of rebuilding their trust immediately upon discovering the thefts.

Brown handed down probationary sentences in March to Brandon Simmons, the school's former athletic director of sales and marketing, and to Jason Jeffries, the former assistant director of ticket operations. Jeffries is believed to have stolen $56,000 worth of tickets, while Simmons' share of the loot was $157,000, according to court documents.

Kirtland and four others were charged with the more serious crime of conspiracy.

Charlette Blubaugh, the former associate director in charge of the school ticket office, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. Her husband, Tom Blubaugh, a consultant for the ticket office, was sentenced to 46 months in prison. The government contends the Blubaughs pocketed $841,000 from unlawful ticket sales.

Kassie Liebsch, the former systems analyst at the ticket office, was sentenced to 37 months in prison after receiving $299,000 in illicit ticket sale money. Former assistant athletics director Rodney Jones received a 46-month prison sentence. His personal take from the ticket scheme was believed to be $359,000. Kirtland pocketed $315,000.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Oklahoma regents approve $16.6M deal for Kruger - by Eurobasket News
The University of Oklahoma's Board of Regents voted Thursday to approve a seven-year, $16.6 million contract for new men's basketball coach Lon Kruger .

The regents met in executive session for over a half hour before resuming their meeting and voting unanimously to approve the deal, which will pay Kruger $2 million over the course of the next year.

Kruger will receive a base salary of $250,000, a $1.45 million annual payment for personal services and fund-raising and a $300,000 bonus each May for staying another full season with the Sooners. The contract includes an automatic $100,000 raise each year and a $500,000 bonus if Kruger completes five seasons and is still at Oklahoma at the end of June 2016.

Kruger still must sign the contract.

'To hire someone with his pedigree is something we're real excited about doing,' athletic director Joe Castiglione said. 'I think now that we've got through the business of this, we can get to the things that help our basketball program grow and become more successful.'

Kruger was hired April 1 to replace Jeff Capel, who was fired after the Sooners' first consecutive losing seasons since 1967. He was set to make about $1.4 million over the next year if he had stayed for an eighth season at UNLV, including a stay bonus of $325,000 if he remained the coach at the end of March.

Regents also agreed to pay a $500,000 buyout that got Kruger out of his contract at UNLV. Castiglione said the buyout amount on Kruger's new contract wasn't finalized yet.

At a time when the state is facing a significant budget problem and cutting funds to universities and many state agencies, Castiglione said the money for Kruger's contract will come only from the athletic department, which is self-sustaining and doesn't use state tax money, student fees or other funding from the university. The athletic department even contributes millions of dollars to the university's academic budget each year.

Castiglione said the funding for the contract is supplemented by deals with vendors such as Nike in addition to licensing agreements and lucrative television packages.

'We don't make our decisions in a vacuum,' Castiglione said. 'We're very cognizant of the difficult economic times, which not only affect the university but the people that support our programs our fans.'

Castiglione said the package is based on research for similarly qualified coaches at schools similar to Oklahoma, in the Big 12 and beyond. Just a day earlier, Texas bumped Rick Barnes' salary up to $2.4 million per year about the same as the $2.37 million Kruger would make annually over the course of his contract.

'You have, to the best possible way, an apples to apples comparison,' Castiglione said. 'It's not perfect but it's close enough.'

Castiglione praised Kruger for his activities over the past six weeks, reaching out to students, supporters and former players to try and make a connection and, in turn, boost sagging attendance at the Lloyd Noble Center.

Kruger is 479-304 in 25 seasons as a college coach, rebuilding the programs at Kansas State, Illinois, Florida and UNLV and taking each to the NCAA tournament. His teams have competed in the NCAA tournament 13 times, reaching the round of 16 or beyond three times and the Final Four once.

'He may be the consummate turnaround specialist in college basketball history,' Castiglione said. 'Hard to argue with a record of achievement in every place he's been and served as a head coach in college basketball.'

University president David Boren said Kruger's salary fits appropriately into the 'national marketplace.' It's about $470,000 more annually than Capel was making under his last deal.

'Salary by itself is not the only indicator of commitment. ... Even though we're doing different things, it doesn't mean we weren't trying to be successful before or we weren't providing resources before,' Castiglione said.

'Anybody that says that our commitment was less than full is really not paying attention to what we've done. We may have been more successful at times than others, but we've never waned in being fully committed to having fully successful sport programs.'

Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Darryl HUDSON
  Manawatu.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 24.2
 1. Hudson, Manawatu.24.2 
 2. Pledger, Waika.22.0 
 3. Leasure, Taranaki.22.0 
 4. Webster, Wellingt.22.0 
 5. Jones, Nelson G.21.0 
 6. Dora, Nelson G.20.4 
 7. Pace, Bay Hawks20.3 
 8. Smith, Waikato P.20.3 
 9. Mickens, Auckland.20.2 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.19.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mika VUKONA
  Nelson G.
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 11
 1. Vukona, Nelson G.11.0 
 2. Bradshaw, OceanaG.10.0 
 3. Allred, OceanaGo.9.8 
 4. Campbell, Taranaki.9.7 
 5. Pledger, Waika.9.5 
 6. Trousdell, Bay H.9.4 
 7. Horvath, Manawatu.9.4 
 8. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.8.4 
 10. Frank, Wellington8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 6
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.6.0 
 2. Tait, Wellington S.6.0 
 3. Kench, Manawatu J.5.8 
 4. Braswell, Southlan.5.5 
 5. Dickel, Southland5.0 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.4.5 
 7. Martin, Auckland.4.4 
 8. Jones, Nelson G.4.0 
 9. Le''afa, Wellingt.3.9 
 10. O''Gallagher, Ocea.3.7 
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. Allen, Waikato P.2.3 
 5. Dickel, Southland2.2 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.2.0 
 7. Frank, Wellington1.9 
 8. Johnson, Wellingt.1.7 
 9. Hudson, Manawatu.1.6 
 10. Braswell, Southla.1.5 
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. Vukona, Nelson G.1.5 
 5. Anthony, Waika.1.3 
 6. Spicer, Southlan.1.0 
 7. Trueman, Manawatu.1.0 
 8. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 9. Adams, Wellington1.0 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.9 


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


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


Pau-Orthez extends Chinemelu Elonu - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez announced signing of one-year contract extension with Chinemelu Elonu (208-F/C-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M). The Nigerian big guy arrived to Pau-Orthez in January as a 'medical joker'. Elonu appeared 15 times in ProA averaging 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds. He started the season in Greece as a member of Panionios ON Telecoms Athens. There, he had 7.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 9 games.
Chinemelu Elonu is a product of the Texas A&M University. He graduated there two years ago averaging 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as a senior. His first professional season Elonu spent in Spain. He played for the LEB Gold team CAI Zaragoza collecting 6.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.5 bpg. They were regular season champions and booked a spot for ACB.

DStv PBL Standings
DStv PBL Standings
Atlantic Conf.
1. Union Bank 13-1
2. Royal Hoopers 12-2
3. Comets 9-5
4. D.Warriors 8-6
5. Islanders 7-7
6. Police Baton 5-9
7. Chariots 1-13
8. Delta Force 1-13
Savannah Conf.
1. Kano Pillars 11-0
2. Kada Stars 9-2
3. Yelwa Hawks 7-4
4. Bauchi Nets 7-4
5. Niger Potters 4-7
6. Plateau Peaks 4-7
7. Immigration 2-9
8. Rockets 0-11


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Kentucky Pro Am Provides Good Overseas Exposure - by Travis McAvene
The 2011 Kentuckiana Pro Am Tournament/Camp will be held July 7-10. The 17th annual event will be held in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can enter as a team or individual. The KPA is set up to provide professional exposure to players, as well as provide a competitive summer league environment. Several players over the past 16 years have gone on to very good European careers based on their particiapation in the KPA. Complete entry info can be found at www.kyproam.com .



*****************************************************
  PERU   


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 10-0 
 2. Regatas 9-1 
 3. Inmaculada 6-4 
 4. San Marcos 4-4 
 5. Ejercito 3-6 
 6. Centro Naval 1-7 
 7. Rinconada 0-0 
 8. Escuela Fap 0-2 
 9. Real Amist. 0-2 
 10. Circolo/UAP 0-4 


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


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Ted SCOTT
  SKK Kotwica
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 25.4
 1. Scott, SKK Kotwica25.4 
 2. Hodge, Zastal17.0 
 3. Frazier, AZS K.16.7 
 4. Reynolds, AZS K.16.5 
 5. Hinson, Polonia Az.16.3 
 6. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.0 
 7. Thomas, PGE Turow14.8 
 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 


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


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 10-4 
 2. Quebradillas 10-5 
 3. Guaynabo 10-7 
 4. Santurce 9-7 
 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: 23.8
 1. Ramos, Quebradillas23.8 
 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, Quebradillas11.5 
 5. Harris, San German10.7 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.7 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Shannon, Bayamon9.6 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce8.7 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.9 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 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. Apodaca, Quebradi.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Santiago, Santurce1.8 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.7 
 4. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 5. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 6. Hodge, Santurce1.5 
 7. Robinson, Mayaguez1.5 
 8. Carmona, Mayaguez1.5 
 9. Chaney, Santurce1.4 
 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. Sanchez, Santurce1.7 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon1.5 
 10. Randolph, Isabela1.5 


*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Al-Shabab wins Arabian Gulf Basketball Clubs Championship 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Al-Shabab wins Arabian Gulf Basketball Clubs Championship 2011 after a heart-breaking final over Al-Rayan from Qatar. The team from the United Arab Emirates won 79:78 in overtime. Both teams deserved to be named the winner of the tournament, but Al-Shabab grabbed the title.
In the game for the third place Uhud from Saudi Arabia beat AlGarrafa from Qatar 86:80.

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  RUSSIA   


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


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. Beverley, Spart.13.9 
 9. Vyaltsev, Triumph13.9 
 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. Khryapa, CSKA6.9 
 4. Beverley, Spart.6.9 
 5. Baxter, Enisey6.7 
 6. Monya, Khimky6.4 
 7. Massey, Lokomotiv6.3 
 8. Brezec, Krasnie6.2 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.0 
 10. Papadopoulos, Khi.5.8 
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, Khimky3.9 
 8. Rush, Krasnie Kril.3.3 
 9. Holden, CSKA3.3 
 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. Domercant, Spart.1.5 
 5. Bremer, Krasnie1.5 
 6. Labovic, Enisey1.4 
 7. Pashutin, Unics1.4 
 8. Surovtsev, Lokom.1.4 
 9. Lyday, Unics1.3 
 10. Rush, Krasnie Kri.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Kaun, CSKA1.2 
 2. Eze, Khimky1.1 
 3. Monya, Khimky1.0 
 4. Varlamov, Triumph1.0 
 5. Zabelin, CSKA1.0 
 6. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 7. Likhodey, Triumph0.9 
 8. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.9 
 9. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.9 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA0.8 


PBL Round 25 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Fifth ranked Khimky won an overtime thriller against much higher ranked CSKA Moscow by one point 89-88 on Friday night. The game took place in Moscow. But the guests from Khimki were better at the end. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of CSKA Moscow. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) fired 26 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Khimky (16-8) moved-up to second place. Defending champion CSKA Moscow dropped to the third position with nine games lost. Khimky will face Lokomotiv (#3) in Kuban in the next round, which may be the game of the day. CSKA Moscow's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Moscow to the arena Dynamo Moscow.

The best stats of 25th round was 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by Sergey Karasev of Triumph.

Krasnie Krilya - Enisey 87-65

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Samara where 6th ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-13) was crushed by seventh ranked Krasnie Krilya (9-16) 87-65 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Krasnie Krilya. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was better in second period 18-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Enisey Krasnoyarsk to just 6 points in first quarter. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) fired 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (195-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Five Krasnie Krilya players scored in double figures. American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) produced 26 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Krasnie Krilya maintains seventh place with 9-16 record. Enisey Krasnoyarsk at the other side keeps the sixth position with 13 games lost. Krasnie Krilya will face bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (#10) in Lubertsy in the next round.
Top scorers:
Enisey: L.Baxter 26+9reb, M.Williams 11+7reb+4ast, K.Pinkney 8+2reb+2ast, S.Demeshkin 7+1reb, P.Sergeev 6+4reb, A.Komarovskiy 4+2reb+1ast
Krasnie Krilya: B.Rush 19+9reb+6ast, E.Bremer 13+5reb+9ast, A.Kuzyakin 12+2reb+1ast, P.Brezec 12+4reb, K.Nesterov 11+4reb+1ast, A.Dedushkin 4+5reb
gschID: 104069


CSKA - Khimky 88-89 OT

Fifth ranked Khimky won an overtime thriller against much higher ranked CSKA Moscow by one point 89-88 on Friday night. The game took place in Moscow. But the guests from Khimki were better at the end. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of CSKA Moscow. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 29-23 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 1-point victory in overtime. CSKA Moscow was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. International forward Sergey Monya (203-83) fired 26 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Eritrean-Polish swingman Thomas Kelati (195-82, college: Washington St., agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 21 points and 4 steals. The former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) produced 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Lithuanian guard Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) added 21 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Khimky (16-8) moved-up to second place. Defending champion CSKA Moscow dropped to the third position with nine games lost. Khimky will face Lokomotiv (#3) in Kuban in the next round, which may be the game of the day. CSKA Moscow's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Moscow to the arena Dynamo Moscow.
Top scorers:
CSKA: R.Siskauskas 21+4reb, S.Kaun 17+7reb, V.Khryapa 14+8reb+4ast, J.Gordon 9+7reb+3ast, T.Langdon 8+1reb+1ast, A.Shved 8+2reb+2ast
Khimky: S.Monya 26+9reb+1ast, T.Kelati 21+4reb+3ast, K.Loncar 21+3reb, R.Lopez 8+4reb+6ast, V.Fridzon 5+2reb+1ast, Z.Planinic 4+4reb+2ast
gschID: 104070


Unics - N.Novgorod 91-77

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Unics Kazan (19-6) defeated at home 8th ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (8-17) 91-77 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Unics Kazan. BC Nizhny Novgorod was better in fourth quarter 27-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Unics Kazan made 27-of-33 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Strangely BC Nizhny Novgorod outrebounded Unics Kazan 41-27 including a 22-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. BC Nizhny Novgorod was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) fired 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Artem Yakovenko (206-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and forward Oleg Baranov (202-82) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Unics Kazan maintains first place with 19-6 record. BC Nizhny Novgorod lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth position with 17 games lost. Unics Kazan will face Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. BC Nizhny Novgorod will play against Spartak St.Petersburg.
Top scorers:
N.Novgorod: A.Yakovenko 21+11reb, O.Baranov 13+5reb, A.Pustahvar 12+4reb+1ast, D.Golovin 8+1ast, N.Protic 7+2reb+2ast, I.Savelyev 5
Unics: T.Lyday 27+6reb+4ast, M.Lampe 23+8reb+1ast, P.Samoylenko 10+2reb+6ast, H.Rizvic 8+2reb, Z.Pashutin 6+1reb+1ast, R.Minard 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 104066


Lokomotiv - Spartak SP 69-70

There was a minor upset in Kuban where 3rd placed Lokomotiv (16-9) was edged by fifth ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (16-9) 70-69 on Thursday. Lokomotiv was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 15-13 charge of Spartak St.Petersburg, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 20 Lokomotiv turnovers. Lokomotiv was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Slovenian power forward Miha Zupan (205-82) fired 18 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) produced 14 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Spartak St.Petersburg moved-up to third place, which they share with CSKA and Lokomotiv. Spartak St.Petersburg will face BC Nizhny Novgorod (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Lokomotiv will play against the league's second-placed Khimky (#2) in Khimki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv: J.Massey 14+7reb+1ast, L.Chalmers 14+8reb+7ast, G.Shukhovtsov 8+5reb+1ast, M.Grigoryev 8+3reb+1ast, A.Tucker 7+2reb+1ast, M.Wilkinson 6+6reb+1ast
Spartak SP: H.Domercant 20+4reb, M.Zupan 18+8reb+1ast, P.Beverley 17+7reb+2ast, N.Dragovic 5+4reb, P.Popovic 3+1reb, E.Kolesnikov 3+1reb
gschID: 104067


Triumph - Dynamo 106-109

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Dynamo Moscow's (8-17) road victory over bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (4-20) 109-106 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 19-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Dynamo Moscow looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Triumph Lyubertsy was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international guard Victor Keyru (199-84) fired 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international forward Nikita Shabalkin (205-86) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Sergey Karasev (203-93) produced 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and American guard Tywain McKee (188-86, college: Coppin St.) added 29 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Dynamo Moscow and four Triumph Lyubertsy players scored in double figures. Triumph Lyubertsy's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dynamo Moscow moved-up to eighth place, which they share with N.Novgorod. Triumph Lyubertsy lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. Dynamo Moscow's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Moscow CSKA Moscow.
Top scorers:
Triumph: S.Karasev 34+6reb+3ast, T.McKee 29+8reb+3ast, E.Vyaltsev 18+3reb+15ast, V.Likhodey 14+5reb+1ast, A.Nesterov 7+4reb+1ast, A.Kurcevich 4+4reb+3ast
Dynamo: V.Keyru 24+6reb+4ast, P.Gubanov 18+6reb+1ast, A.Urazmanov 17+3reb+5ast, N.Shabalkin 14+11reb, E.Voronov 12+7reb+6ast, A.Zhukanenko 10+3reb+2ast
gschID: 104068




Kelly McCarty is done for the season - by Eurobasket News
Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) will miss the reminder of the season. The Unics forward injured knee ligaments and is not expected to return this season. Kelly McCarty got injured during Round 25 game against Nizhny Novgorod. Kelly McCarty joined the Kazan team at the start of the season. He tallied 13.1 points, 4.0 boards and 1.1 assists per game in EuroCup. In Euroleague Qualifying round the forward delivered 12.5 points, 6.0 boards. In PBL his stats read 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds per appearance. In VTB-League Kelly McCarty notched 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists. The forward was named into Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 2nd Team. Kelly McCarty also made it into All-VTB League 1st Team and was trumped All-VTB League Forward of the Year.


*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


Rwanda to Host Regional Local Govt Games - by Eurobasket News
Rwanda will host this year's East African local authorities sports and cultural events.

The games will be held in December under the umbrella, East African Community Local Authorities Sports and Culture Association (EALASCA).

During a related event yesterday in Kigali, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, became the patron of the association while the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, became his deputy.

The duo received the baton from their Ugandan counterparts, who held the patronage of the previous edition.

Contestants will compete in football, volleyball and athletics. Other disciplines in the tournament include cultural dances, basketball and netball.

Cyrille Turatsinze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, who received the patronage chain on behalf of the Minister, said that this was a 'core step of accelerating the integration process.'

'Sports in Rwanda is a foundation of good governance and a tool to mobilise people in promoting peace, unity and reconciliation and security,' said Turatsinze.

He called for further partnership to make the competition a success.

Ndayisaba described the position assumed by Rwanda as a 'step forward in the EAC integration process and enhancing cooperation between the bloc's local authorities and citizens.'

John Kashaka Muhanguzi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ugandan Ministry of Local Government, said that Rwanda was chosen as the host and patron of the event, because of her commitment.

'We are confident Rwanda will ensure the games are successful,' Kashaka said.

The competitions pioneered by Kenya in 2009, aim at bringing together EAC citizens to create a strong economic, political and social bloc.

Last year, Kigali won two trophies; in volleyball and traditional dancing, during the second edition held in Uganda.
Courtesy of: The New Times

*****************************************************
  SAUDI ARABIA   


Uhud finished third at home tournament - by Eurobasket News
Uhud finished third at home tournament. Al-Shabab wins Arabian Gulf Basketball Clubs Championship 2011 after a heart-breaking final over Al-Rayan from Qatar. The team from the United Arab Emirates won 79:78 in overtime. Both teams deserved to be named the winner of the tournament, but Al-Shabab grabbed the title.
In the game for the third place Uhud from Saudi Arabia beat AlGarrafa from Qatar 86:80.

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


Savovic number one in Serbian Superleague for round 11 - by Eurobasket News
Forward Boris Savovic (206-F-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Hemofarm, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 11 (Superleague).
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat FMP (#5, 4-7) 100-92. Hemofarm maintains the 2nd position in Serbian A League. They are still close to the very top. Hemofarm would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 9-2 record. Savovic turned to be Hemofarm's top player in his first season with the team. Boris Savovic averages this season 13.9ppg and 8.5rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old Marko Ljubicic (197-F-87) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo. Ljubicic had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 11 assists. Of course Metalac cruised to a 106-94 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Crvena Zvezda (#4, 5-6). Metalac's 6th position in has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-7 record. Ljubicic is a newcomer at Metalac, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Sava Lesic (205-C/F-88) of Crvena Zvezda (#4). Lesic scored 22 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Lesic's great performance Crvena Zvezda lost 94-106 to slightly lower-ranked Metalac (#6, 4-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Crvena Zvezda ranking at the top of , however are very questionable as they have already lost 6 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Lesic could help Crvena Zvezda to bring them higher in the standings. Lesic has a very solid season. In 11 games in Serbia he scored 13.8ppg. He also has 11.4rpg and FGP: 59.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89) of Partizan - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76) of Mega Vizura - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88) of Radnicki - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Boris Bakic (194-G-86) of Crvena Zvezda - 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Filip Covic (180-G-89) of FMP - 8 points, 4 rebounds and 13 assists
9. Nenad Sulovic (202-F/C-85) of Radnicki - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) of Partizan - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


Pau Gasol named 'All-NBA Second Team' - by Eurobasket News
Despite his team was knocked down in the West Conference Semifinals, Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) is praised for his great performance this season. The Spanish superstar was named to 'All-NBA Second Team' for season 2010/11. His teammate Kobe Bryant made it to the 'First Team'. Gasol appeared 92 times for the Lakers this season averaging 18.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.6 bpg. He helped Lakers reach the West Semifinals, but Dallas Mavericks were too strong for them (4-0).
Pau Gasol joined the Lakers in February of 2008 from the Memphis Grizzlies. He helped Lakers win the rings in 2009 and 2010. Gasol also participated four times at the NBA All-Star Game, including this season as well. Recently, Gasol announced there is a chance that he will rejoin Team Spain for the upcoming European Championship in Lithuania. Lakers are eliminated earlier than expected and Gasol will have a chance to take a rest, so he might be ready to help his country this summer. Spain is the defending champion at this event.

Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
 1. Regal Barca 27-6 
 2. Real Madrid 25-8 
 3. Valencia 23-10 
 4. Caja Laboral 22-11 
 5. Gran Canaria 20-13 
 6. Bizkaia Bilbao 20-13 
 7. Fuenlabrada 19-14 
 8. Unicaja 18-15 
 9. Valladolid 18-15 
 10. Estudiantes 16-17 
 11. CAI Zaragoza 15-18 
 12. Cajasol 15-18 
 13. DKV Joventut 14-19 
 14. Lagun Aro GBC 12-21 
 15. Manresa 10-23 
 16. Meridiano 9-24 
 17. Granada 7-26 
 18. Menorca 7-26 


Salgado's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old guard Javier Salgado (180-G-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.
He got a double-double of 10 points and 13 assists, while his team beat CAI Zaragoza (#11, 15-18) 84-71. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Lagun Aro GBC maintains the 14th position in Spanish league. Lagun Aro GBC is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-21 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Salgado as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Salgado has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (6th best: 4.2apg).

Second best performed player last round was Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket. He is former international forward in his second season at Bizkaia Bilbao. In the last game Mumbru recorded impressive 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Of course he lead Bizkaia Bilbao to another comfortable win 90-74 over the lower-ranked Menorca (#18, 7-26) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Bizkaia Bilbao to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 20-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Mumbru is well-known at Bizkaia Bilbao and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to another Bizkaia Bilbao Basket's star - forward Marko Banic (205-F-84). Banic scored 16 points. He was another key player of Bizkaia Bilbao, helping his team with a 90-74 easy win against the lower-ranked Menorca (#18, 7-26). Bizkaia Bilbao needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 13 lost games. Banic has a very solid season. In 33 games in Spain he scored 11.4ppg. He also has 4.3rpg and FGP: 59.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83) of Caja Laboral - 11 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Aaron Jackson (193-G-86) of Bizkaia Bilbao - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) of Real Madrid - 19 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Stephane Dumas (190-G-78) of Valladolid - 12 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Josh Asselin (211-C/F-78) of Estudiantes - 17 points and 5 rebounds
9. Leonardo Mainoldi (204-F-85) of Fuenlabrada - 21 points and 6 rebounds
10. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) of Regal Barca - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


*****************************************************
  TANZANIA   


Jeshi Stars Too Good for Prisons in NBL - by Eurobasket News
JESHI Stars women side was too good for Tanzania Prisons, winning 67-38 at the ongoing National Basketball League (NBL) at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The encounter started at a slow pace with both sides attacking in turn, but the game picked momentum as the clock ticked by. Jeshi Stars took a 13-7 points lead in the first quarter. On resumption, Prison were a different team.

They started forcefully, taking control of the game but their efforts were short-lived as they allowed Jeshi Stars to change the tide and went for half time leading 25-23.

In the third quarter, Prison were in a total mess as they managed to register only four pints, while Jeshi Stars capitalized on their opponents lack of stamina to register quick points thus went for breather 45 by 27.

The losers tried to pick up during the last quarter, however; their striking line was out of sort and could not penetrate the Jeshi Stars guards.

In another encounter, ABC men side had to work an extra mile to register a narrow 56-52 point's win against JKT in a tough game at the same venueon Tuesday.

The match started on a fast pace with both sides putting up a spirited fight from the word go. However, ABC displayed extra skills which made them win the game.
Courtesy of: Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

Basketball Body to Set Up Academies - by Eurobasket News
TANZANIA Basketball Federation (TBF) is set for an introduction of Regional Basketball Academies under its youth development project in a bid to produce players who will excel in the sport.

TBF Secretary General, Alexander Msoffe told the 'Daily News' on Friday that the project under the National Intensive Training Centre Programme (NITCP), will work together with schools and other stakeholders countrywide with an objective of attracting as many youth in sports as possible.

Msoffe said the programme is part of the federation's strategic development plan 2011-2014 on youth development, which has an ultimate goal of taking the sport to another level by the end of programme.

By the end of this month, the federation will meet with all stakeholders for a planning forum to be followed by an official signing of the programme before it is submitted to the National Sports Council (NSC) for ratification.

'Since we want to work with primary and secondary schools in establishing these academies in regions, then NSC has to have it endorsed for proper implementation of its objectives,' he observed.

In October, he said, they are planning for a National Academy camp, which among others will be an avenue for the selection of squads for next year's National Junior Country Cup and Dar Slam Cup.

Msoffe said the programme is aimed at establishing a more coordinated nationwide framework for coaches, players and officials' to achieve excellent development.

Moreover, it will also help the federation to identify a network of coaches as well as improve the overall standards of players, trainers and officials at national level to establish a best practice programmes with focus on athletes physical, technical, tactical and mental competencies.

'By the end of the phase one project, we will implement nationwide resources for juniors and seniors' players' conduit which will be key to TBF's high performance programmes for the senior national teams,' said Msoffe.
Courtesy of: Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

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


National Championships (Play-off) :Day 5 Results - by Eurobasket News
Day five matches of the Tunisian basketball play-offs championships were played on Wednesday.
These are the results according to the groups;

Group A
Kairouan Hall: JS Kairouan - Ezzahra sports 86/81
Exempted: ES Sahel


Group B
Gorjani Hall in Tunis : Club Africain - ES Rads 58/83
Exempt: Stade Nabeulien

Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23
 1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.23.0 
 2. Kambala, Aliaga20.2 
 3. Buckman, Antalya19.6 
 4. Henderson, Antalya19.0 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka18.8 
 6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.18.6 
 7. Kemp, Besiktas17.9 
 8. Randle, Aliaga17.5 
 9. Barbour, Erdemir17.2 
 10. Scales, Mersin17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Yucel, Mersin11.3 
 2. Thomas, Erdemir10.2 
 3. Wesson, Turk T.9.2 
 4. Mays, Oyak Renault9.0 
 5. Buckman, Antalya9.0 
 6. Samardjiski, Olin8.9 
 7. Ffriend, Bornova8.7 
 8. Hall, Erdemir8.4 
 9. Smith, Bornova7.9 
 10. Smith, Karsiyaka7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Ermis, Banvit6.2 
 2. Holston, Karsiyaka6.0 
 3. Conroy, Oyak R.5.9 
 4. Rasic, Trabzonspor5.3 
 5. Chatman, Besiktas5.1 
 6. Henderson, Antalya4.8 
 7. Rowe, Tofas4.6 
 8. Ukic, Fener.Ulker4.3 
 9. Acik, Galatasaray4.3 
 10. Akin, Olin Edirne4.1 
Steals Per Game
 James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Mays, Oyak Renault2.2 
 2. Holston, Karsiyaka2.2 
 3. Grier, Mersin2.2 
 4. Waller, Oyak Renau.2.1 
 5. Gibson, Oyak R.2.0 
 6. Prince, Antalya1.9 
 7. Smith, Karsiyaka1.9 
 8. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 9. Chatman, Besiktas1.6 
 10. Guler, Antalya1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Stiemsma, Turk T.1.8 
 2. Samardjiski, Olin1.6 
 3. Francis, Bornova1.3 
 4. Johnson, Erdemir1.3 
 5. Mays, Oyak Renault1.0 
 6. Ogilvy, Besiktas1.0 
 7. Aldemir, Karsiyaka1.0 
 8. Davis, Banvit0.9 
 9. Ruzic, Tofas0.9 
 10. Sensley, Bornova0.8 


Beko Basketball League playoffs: Fenerbahce Ulker starts with a close win over Antalya BSB - by Pervin Elgin
In the Beko Basketball League quarter-final playoffs series Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball Team won their first match by narrowly defeating Antalya BSB: 80-77. Due to a Turkish League rule that gives a team a 1-0 start in a series if it swept its opponent in the regular season, Ulker now leads the best-of five series 2-0.

Fenerbahce Ulkers duo Omer Onan and Darjus Lavrinovic kicked off the first period with their baskets, but Antalya BSB countered with scores by Gerry Henderson and Muratcan Guler. In the next minutes, both teams kept on scoring mutual baskets. Ulker finished the period on top 23-22.

Fenerbahce Ulker also started the scores in the second period, with Oguz Savas and Kaya Peker finding the baskets quickly. Marko Tomas added a series of scores as well, and FB Ulker clearly dominated the reminder of first half. With a period score of 27-11 Ulker went to the locker room leading 50-33.

In the third period both teams started with 3-point baskets, but after that a reborn Antalya BSB took over. J.P. Prince led his team in the catch up. BSB scored a total of 28 points in the period, Fenerbahce Ulker only 15, ending the third with a narrow 65-61 lead.

The final period began a basket by Oguz Savas, but Polat Kocaoglu's 3-point score closed the difference in numbers to 1. After mutual scores, Ulkers duo Roko Ukic and Marko Tomas raised the difference up to 7 again with 5 minutes left on the clock: 75-68. The guest team's 3-point baskets by John Prince and Parker Kocaoglu, brought the balance in the score back: 75-75 with 2 minutes to play. Emir Preldzic took back the advantage in scores with his 3-point score, Antalya BSB responded with a score from under the basket, but after a foul Darjus Lavrinovics 2 points were the final judgement, securing a 80-77 victory for Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball Team.



TBL Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
First games of the TBL Quarterfinals were played on Wednesday and Thursday. Home teams registered three wins, with just Olin Edrine celebrating on the road. Second games are scheduled for today and tomorrow. The series is best-of-five. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce Ulker started with 1-0 against their rivals due to better score in regular season.



Galatasaray - Besiktas 94-90 OT (2-0)
The hosts were ahead by 4 points but lost the second period ending it with a 4-point deficit before their 20-16 run, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 14-10. Galatasaray forced 19 Besiktas turnovers. They shot the lights out from three nailing 14 long-distance shots on high 56.0 percentage. American guard Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) nailed 27 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and the former international center Ermal Kurtoglu (208-80, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Mire Chatman (187-78, college: UTPA, agency: Higher Vision Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import guard Marcelus Kemp (196-84, college: Nevada) added 27 points respectively for Besiktas in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Galatasaray: P.Shumpert 27+7reb+3ast, E.Kurtoglu 16+6reb, J.Shipp 14+6reb+1ast, J.Johnson 12+1reb+3ast, C.Topaloglu 8+3reb+3ast, T.Acik 6+2reb+4ast
Besiktas: M.Kemp 27+1reb+3ast, M.Chatman 18+10reb+6ast, A.James Ogilvy 16+11reb+2ast, S.Erdogan 16+1reb+2ast, M.Ignerski 7+4reb+1ast, C.Ozer 5+5reb+3ast
gschID: 128228


Fener.Ulker - Antalya 80-77 (2-0)
Antalya cut a 17-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the game. Croatian guard Marko Tomas (201-85) fired 20 points for the winners. The former international power forward Kaya Peker (207-80, agency: Court Side) chipped in 10 points and 9 rebounds. Four Fenerbahce Ulker players scored in double figures. American guard J.P. Prince (201-87, college: Tennessee) produced 24 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Polat Kocaoglu (205-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 14 points respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Fener.Ulker: M.Tomas 20+1reb+1ast, O.Onan 12+2reb, R.Ukic 11+4reb+5ast, O.Savas 10+1reb, D.Lavrinovic 10+7reb+2ast, K.Peker 10+9reb+3ast
Antalya: J.Prince 24+7reb+2ast, P.Kocaoglu 14+4reb+3ast, B.Buckman 10+2reb, E.Balto 10+5reb, M.Guler 7+9reb+2ast, G.Gen 6+1reb+5ast
gschID: 128226


Banvit - Olin Edirne 84-87 OT (0-1)
Banvit was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 14-point lead after three quarters before a 27-13 charge of Olin Edirne, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 12-9. Lithuanian guard Renaldas Seibutis (196-85) fired 28 points and 4 assists for the winners. Davud Kamer chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. American guard Keith Simmons (196-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import guard Juan Dixon (191-78, college: Maryland) added 17 points respectively for lost side. Four Banvit players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Olin Edirne: R.Seibutis 28+1reb+4ast, S.Doliboa 15+4reb+2ast, D.Kamer 11+15reb+2ast, C.Akin 9+3reb+5ast, E.Bibo 7+1reb+1ast, C.Ercan 7
Banvit: K.Simmons 19+10reb+1ast, J.Dixon 17+1reb+2ast, C.Davis 13+2reb+1ast, V.Golubovic 12+3reb, L.Williams 10+4reb, M.Akpinar 7+1reb
gschID: 128227


Efes Pilsen - Karsiyaka 90-72 (1-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Efes Pilsen. Karsiyaka was better in fourth quarter 24-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Efes Pilsen dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Karsiyaka's 30 and made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Karsiyaka 36-21 including a 28-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Efes Pilsen looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American power forward Lawrence Roberts (205-82, college: Mississippi St.) fired 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. International power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-77) chipped in 10 points and 9 rebounds. Serbian center Jovo Stanojevic (208-77, agency: Beo Basket) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and guard David Holston (170-86, college: Chicago St.) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Efes Pilsen: S.Guler 15+2reb+2ast, L.Roberts 14+7reb+3ast, K.Gonlum 10+9reb+3ast, C.Akyol 9+1reb, M.Thornton 9+3ast, I.Rakocevic 8+3reb+2ast
Karsiyaka: J.Stanojevic 19+5reb+3ast, D.Holston 13+2reb+4ast, A.Saruhan 9+2reb+2ast, S.Marshall 6+2reb, F.Aldemir 6+3reb+1ast, A.Ali Erdogan 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128225




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


Kentucky Pro Am Provides Good Overseas Exposure - by Travis McAvene
The 2011 Kentuckiana Pro Am Tournament/Camp will be held July 7-10. The 17th annual event will be held in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can enter as a team or individual. The KPA is set up to provide professional exposure to players, as well as provide a competitive summer league environment. Several players over the past 16 years have gone on to very good European careers based on their particiapation in the KPA. Complete entry info can be found at www.kyproam.com .



Is Belton the best point guard in the UBA? - by UBA media
David Walls Reports:
May 13, 2011

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Assault strong finish to the 2011 season has started to catch the attention of fans and teams around the world of basketball.

One Assault player, however, already has the attention of his peers.

Point Guard William Belton (6'1''-G-84, college: Wofford), who came into the season regarded as one of UBA's best players, was recently voted as the most underrated player in minor league ball in this years Usbasket.com poll.

Belton started the season off slow, but has picked up his production in the last couple months. He is 3rd in the UBA is assist (8.0) and is the top scoring guard in the league with 19.2ppg. His best game of the season came against the league's top guard (De La Cruz) on Feb. 5. Belton scored a career high 30 points while dissing 7 assists.

Belton was recently named to the Usbasket.com All-UBA 3rd Team and selected to the 2011 UBA All-Star Game. Many feel he should have won Guard of the Year but it's hard to vote over De LA Cruz and the top ranked Generals.

One thing is for sure. This years playoffs will be interesting. Belton will have the chance to prove he is a top guard. There is no doubt in my mind he will be in Europe or overseas next season.



*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Al-Shabab wins Arabian Gulf Basketball Clubs Championship 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Al-Shabab wins Arabian Gulf Basketball Clubs Championship 2011 after a heart-breaking final over Al-Rayan from Qatar. The team from the United Arab Emirates won 79:78 in overtime. Both teams deserved to be named the winner of the tournament, but Al-Shabab grabbed the title.
In the game for the third place Uhud from Saudi Arabia beat AlGarrafa from Qatar 86:80.

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


England Basketball announce national teams recognition award - by Eurobasket News
England Basketball has introduced a recognition award scheme for clubs that produce National Junior team members. The new award and recognition certificate acknowledges the club's work in identifying and developing players who make the England national junior teams for European championships.

Head of Performance Warwick Cann commented on the significance of the awards: 'As we continue to improve basketball standards and compete in an international environment, the quality of our best junior players is an important indicator for the growth of the game in England. Hopefully these awards will further encourage clubs to continue to be focused on player development alongside competition.

'The recent launch of the Areas of Emphasis has highlighted the need for a clearer focus on skill development with all players and not simply just winning games. England Basketball through its recent T16 initiatives is working with club and regional coaches to produce a more focussed approach to skills coaching amongst young players. The aim is to encourage clubs to maintain and improve the quality and skill level of all young players.

'Several clubs have a history of producing National team players through the good efforts of their club coaches. Hopefully a clearer focus on skills and player development will help the standard of skill development in England.'

The top 4 clubs for producing players for 2010 England junior teams were:
Haringey Angels (6 national team players)
Sevenoaks Suns (5)
Derby Trailblazers (3)
Nottingham Wildcats (3)
Six other clubs - Manchester, Southend Swifts, Ipswich, London Pioneers, Westminster Warriors and Reading Rockets - provided two players each to national teams. While ten clubs provided one representative each. Some awards were presented to clubs at the Junior Final Fours in Sheffield.

England Basketball congratulates all these clubs on their efforts and coaching and looks forward to continuing to work with them on improving the standard of national team players in the future.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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


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


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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 24-7 
 2. Marinos 24-9 
 3. Trotamundos 23-10 
 4. Guaiqueries 19-16 
 5. Bucaneros 19-16 
 6. Gigantes 17-17 
 7. Panteras 15-20 
 8. Guaros 12-21 
 9. Toros 11-24 
 10. Gaiteros 5-29 


Eric Musselman on federation radar - by Eurobasket News
Eric Musselman may be the next Venezuelan National Team head coach. Venezuelan Basketball Federation and Professional Basketball League representatives have approached the US specialist inviting him to guide the team. Eric Musselman has reportedly agreed to think the proposal over. The specialist worked with the Reno Bighorns in D-League in 2010/11 season. He guided the team to the leagues semifinals. In 2006/07 season Eric Musselman worked at the bridge in the Sacramento Kings in NBA. He also had stints with the Golden State Warriors and CBAs Florida Beachdogs. Musselman also worked as assistant coach in the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies. In 2010 Eric Musselman worked with Dominican Republic National Team at the Centrobasket tournament.
Joe Wolf was named as another possible candidate for the job.


Leandro Garcia Morales joins Cocodrilos - by Eurobasket News
Cocodrilos de Caraces received a major strengthening to their backcourt. Leandro Garcia Morales arrived in Caracas on Wednesday. The 30-year-old guard signed a deal with Cocodrilos. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) just finished the season in Mexico. He tallied 17.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.0 boards and 1.6 steals per game in LNBP. In Liga Americas the guard notched 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per appearance. Last season Leandro Garcia Morales played for Cocodrilos in LPB. His stats read 17.0 points, 3.2 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.9 rebounds per game. The guard was named All-Mexican LNBP Player of the Year in 2010. Leandro Garcia Morales played for Uruguay at the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship. He posted 14.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game in San Juan.



LPB Round 41: Gigantes defeat Panteras in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 41 in the LPB took place in Puerto Ordaz. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Panteras (15-20) to sixth ranked Gigantes (17-17) 78-75. Gigantes maintains sixth place with 17-17 record. Panteras lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 20 games lost. Gigantes are again looking forward to face Panteras (#7) in Caracas in the next round. Panteras will have a break next round.
The game in La Guaira was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-16) played at the court of fifth ranked Bucaneros (19-16). Bucaneros managed to secure a 7-point victory 81-74. Bucaneros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries lost third consecutive game. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in La Guaira was also quite interesting. 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-16) played at the court of fifth ranked Bucaneros (19-16). Bucaneros managed to secure a 7-point victory 125-118 on Thursday. Bucaneros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries lost third consecutive game. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Barquisimeto was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Trotamundos (23-10) played at the court of 8th ranked Guaros (12-21). Trotamundos defeated Guaros 101-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Guaros. Trotamundos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 23-10 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Guaros at the other side keep the eighth position with 21 games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round. Guaros will play again on the road against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia.


Bucaneros - Guaiqueries 81-74

The game in La Guaira was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-16) played at the court of fifth ranked Bucaneros (19-16). Bucaneros managed to secure a 7-point victory 81-74. Bucaneros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries lost third consecutive game. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 121566


Bucaneros - Guaiqueries 125-118

The game in La Guaira was also quite interesting. 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-16) played at the court of fifth ranked Bucaneros (19-16). Bucaneros managed to secure a 7-point victory 125-118 on Thursday. Bucaneros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries lost third consecutive game. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 121567


Gigantes - Panteras 78-75

The most exciting game of round 41 in the LPB took place in Puerto Ordaz. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Panteras (15-20) to sixth ranked Gigantes (17-17) 78-75 in the game for the sixth place. Gigantes maintains sixth place with 17-17 record. Panteras lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 20 games lost. Gigantes are again looking forward to face Panteras (#7) in Caracas in the next round. Panteras will have a break next round.
gschID: 121568


Guaros - Trotamundos 86-101

The game in Barquisimeto was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Trotamundos (23-10) played at the court of 8th ranked Guaros (12-21). Trotamundos defeated Guaros 101-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Guaros. Trotamundos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 23-10 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Guaros at the other side keep the eighth position with 21 games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round. Guaros will play again on the road against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia.
gschID: 128431






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Women News

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS - Women  


Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Awards 2010-11 - by Chris Mammides
Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League 1st Team 2011
#s#
Milena Vukicevic
Vukicevic
Natasa Andjelic
Andjelic
Katerina Zohnova
Zohnova
Monika Veselovski
Veselovski
D
Lloyde
#e#5

Player of the Year: Milena Vukicevic (188-F/C-80) of AEL Limassol
Guard of the Year: Natasa Andjelic (185-G-77) of Keravnos
Forward of the Year: D'lesha Lloyde (183-F-86) of AEK Larnaca
Center of the Year: Milena Vukicevic (188-F/C-80) of AEL Limassol
Newcomer of the Year: Stavria Koniali (170-G-93) of Keravnos
Most Improved Player of the Year: Sophia Theologou (189-C-88) of Achilleas
Bosman Player of the Year: Milena Vukicevic (188-F/C-80) of AEL Limassol
Domestic Player of the Year: Kalia Papadopoulou (166-G-80) of Keravnos
Defensive Player of the Year: Milena Vukicevic (188-F/C-80) of AEL Limassol
Coach of the Year: Nikolina Kouzi of AEK Larnaca

1st Team
G: Natasa Andjelic (185-77) of Keravnos
G: Katerina Zohnova (179-84) of AEK Larnaca
F: Monika Veselovski (183-77) of AEL Limassol
F: D'lesha Lloyde (183-86) of AEK Larnaca
F/C: Milena Vukicevic (188-80) of AEL Limassol

2nd Team
G: Maja Scekic (170-87) of AEL Limassol
G: Kalia Papadopoulou (166-80) of Keravnos
F: Ashley Jones (185) of Achilleas
F: Tiana Rus (180-75) of AEL Limassol
C: Sophia Theologou (189-88) of Achilleas

Honorable Mention
Nikolina Popovic (184-G/F-84) of AEL Limassol
Joanna Barnes (175-F-83) of Olympos
Milena Zaric (187-C-74) of Keravnos
Antonia Makri (174-G/F-79) of Keravnos
Zoe Athanasiou (172-G-88) of AEK Larnaca
Andri Hatzibey (171-G-88) of AEK Larnaca
Valentina Emilova Ionova (176-G-83) of Achilleas
Sonia Papadopoulou (171-G/F-82) of Achilleas
Tiana Rus (180-F-75) of AEL Limassol
Marianna Karahana (168-G-93) of Akademia

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Kalia Papadopoulou (166-80) of Keravnos
G: Valentina Emilova Ionova (176-83) of Achilleas
G: Zoe Athanasiou (172-88) of AEK Larnaca
G/F: Antonia Makri (174-79) of Keravnos
C: Sophia Theologou (189-88) of Achilleas



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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Ferancikova and Bednarova leave USK Praha - by Eurobasket News
As it was mentioned earlier ZVVZ USK Praha remain the majority of the squad for the next season and already announced keeping Eva Viteckova, Katerina Elhotova, Katerina Bartonova, Delisha Milton-Jones, Lindsay Whalen and Petra Kulichova.
Few days later it became known that Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) and Marketa Bednarova (178-F-81) will leave the team.
Michaela Ferancikova started with the team early in 2004 and only in 2009 had to stay out of the court due to maternity leave. In 2010-2011 for ZVVZ USK Praha (ZBL) in Euroleague she averaged 3.3ppg, 3.8rpg. In Czech Rep. League after 20 games her stats read 5.6ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 86.7%.
Marketa Bednarova also stayed with the team since year 2004. In 2010-2011 for ZVVZ USK Praha (ZBL, starting five) she averaged 2.5ppg in Euroleague. In Czech Rep. League after 25 games her stats read 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT-2 (44.1%), FT: 84.4%.
Together with USK Praha Michaela Ferancikova and Bednarova became 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.


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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Marina Kuzina signs with Spartak Moscow Region - by Eurobasket News
Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) signs with Spartak Moscow Region as it became so far the biggest signing for the Russian team. The National team player comes from Dynamo Moscow after three season spent there.
Marina Kuzina played for Nadezhda Orenburg, UMMC Ekaterinburg and then in 2008-2009 joined Dynamo Moscow (A Superleague, starting five). In EuroCup she averaged 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3% in her debut year. In Russian League after 22 games showed 13.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 69.6%. In 2009-2010 she became the best top-scorer of the League with 22.6ppg) 6.6rpg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT-2 (96.1%), while in EuroCup second top-scorer with 20.5ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (2.2bpg), FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 83.8%. Last season for Dynamo Moscow she averaged 15.6ppg, 6.0rpg, Blocks-3 (1.3bpg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 73.5% and in EuroCup showed 13.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 59.1%. Over the last few years she reached EuroCup Quarterfinals -10, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Europeans Team -10, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Domestic Players Team -10 and Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11.


Diana Taurasi heads to Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
One of the most shocking news in the transfer market happened in Turkey. One of the best players in the world Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) will play for Galatasaray next season.
Diana Taurasi is back in Istanbul, but she will not play for Fenerbahce where she played last season. Her new team is the rival of the previous one.
In Europe Diana Taurasi reached the success mostly with Spartak Moscow Region. In 2006-2007 she appeared for Spartak Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague) and in 30 games averaged 13.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 79.0%, while in Euroleague after 12 games her stats read 13.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 39%, 3FGP: 43.8%, FT: 65.2%. In 2008-2009 for Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague, starting five) in Russian League after 25 games she became the second top-scorer of the League with 17.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 89.2% and in Euroleague she became the top-scorer with 20.5ppg), 5.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 83.1%.
Widely acknowledged as the best player in the world, Taurasi will join another recently signed star Alba Torrens in Galatasaray.

Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui became the last signing for Ros Casares - by Eurobasket News
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) became the last signing for Ros Casares as the Spanish outfit is number one in Europe now in the transfer market. It will be difficult to imagine another team in 2011/2012 season that will compete in the same level with them.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui played almost for the whole career in Tarbes. She joined the team in 2003-2004 and remained until 2010. In her last season for Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (LFB) in Euroleague she averaged 9.1ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 50.0%, while in French League she became the fourth top-scorer with 15.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 67.3%. In 2010-2011 moved to Famila Wuber Schio (Italy-A1) and in Euroleague after13 games showed 12.9ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 51.6%, FT: 77.6%. In Italian League after 30 games her stats read 10.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.9spg, FGP: 48.5%, FT: 72.6%.
Together with Familia Schio Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 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.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Laura Macchi can not help Azzurre - by Eurobasket News
Laura Macchi (187-F-79) can not help Azzurre again this summer. In order to advance to EuroBasket 2011 Italy must finish top of Additional Qualifying Tournament Group B, which includes Germany, Romania, Serbia and Belgium.
Laura Macchi is one of the best local players and just tasted Gold with her Famila Schio. In 2007 she joined the team where she still remains. In 2010-2011 for Famila Wuber Schio (A1) in Euroleague Laura appeared in 13 games and averaged 10.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.3%. In Italian League after 31 games her stats read 13.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 77.4%.
Italy announced the preliminary squad for Additional Qualifying Tournament that will include Marte Alexander (194-C-76, college: Arizona), Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management), Simona Ballardini, Sabrina Cinili, Chiara Consolini (182-F-88), Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88), Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances), Mariachiara Franchini, Angela Gianolla (171-G-80), Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80), Roberta Meneghel (182-F-77), Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, college: Furman), Chiara Pastore (171-G-86), Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.), Valentina Siccardi (182-G/F-82), Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88), Nnena Wabara (183-F-81, agency: 540 Sports, college: Baylor) and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86).

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  FRANCE - Women  


Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui ends wonderful season in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) ended very successful season in Italy. The French center helped her team Familio Schio to win the double: Championship Title and National Cup. Yacoubou-Dehoui and her teammates outplayed defending champion Taranto 75-59 in crucial Game Five of the Playoff Finals winning the series with 3-2. Yacoubou-Dehoui had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals. She was third MVP of this game with valuation 22. Earlier this season, they already won the National Cup trophy.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui joined Familia Schio last summer from Tarbes. She appeared 30 times in the league averaging 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. In Euroleague, she added 12.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 13 games. Yacoubou-Dehoui is active member of the French National Team since 2007.

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  GREECE - Women  


A1: Athinaikos defends the title - by Eurobasket News
Finals
Game 1: Athinaikos - FEA Neas 68-52 (3-0)

Athinaikos continues to dominate in Greek basketball. They outplayed FEA Neas 68-52 last night to defend the title with perfect 3-0. It was the first game of the Finals series, but Athinakos already had 2-0 from the regular season. It means that Athinaikos won their third straight title in Greek championship. It is their second trophy this year as they already won the National Cup.
The game was mostly controlled by Athinaikos. FEA Neas was better in third quarter 14-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded FEA Neas 33-20 including 21 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Athinaikos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.5 percentage. International guard Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) stepped up and scored 20 points for the winners and American center Ruth Riley (196-79, college: Notre Dame) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Athinaikos' coach Ioannis Ktistakis allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side the former international guard Tania Halivera (178-85) responded with 16 points and 4 steals and American forward Kathleen Daly (168, college: Scranton) scored 11 points.

Top scorers:
Athinaikos: D.Kalentzou 20+3reb+2ast, R.Riley 13+8reb+2ast, M.Kress 9+6reb+4ast, K.Sotiriou 6+3reb, O.Hatzinikolaou 5+3reb+6ast, Z.Kechagia 5+3reb+2ast
FEA Neas: T.Halivera 16+4reb+1ast, K.Daly 11+1reb+2ast, E.Stamati 9+1reb+2ast, R.Henry 6+3reb+2ast, N.Nikolaidou 6+6reb+1ast, S.Kiriakopoulou 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128404




Third place
Game 1: Aris - Panathinaikos 49-80 (2-1, best-of-five)

The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-49. Panathinaikos dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Aris' 28. Panathinaikos forced 28 Aris turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jordan Murphree (183-87, college: Texas Tech, agency: Merit Sports) who helped to win the game recording 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Forward Theodora Panteli (183-87, college: Binghamton) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. Forward Nikoleta Balla (181-92) answered with 6 points and 10 rebounds and forward Maria Tranta (175-92) added 9 points in the effort for Aris. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Game Two - Sunday. Aris started with 2-0 due to wins in the regular season.
Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: T.Panteli 13+10reb+1ast, J.Murphree 12+7reb+7ast, G.Marginean 12+8reb+1ast, E.Vlani 11+2reb+2ast, S.Dafkou 10+1reb+2ast, J.Derevjanik 9+4reb
Aris: M.Tranta 9+4reb+1ast, M.Polichrou 8, M.Bousnaki 8+2reb+1ast, N.Balla 6+10reb+1ast, A.Spiridopoulou 5+3reb, S.Hasapi 4+1reb
gschID: 128405




A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kaili MCLAREN
  Apollon
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. McLaren, Apollon17.8 
 2. Marginean, Panath.17.7 
 3. Milkova, Esperides17.1 
 4. Delva, DAS A.16.7 
 5. Koch, Panionios16.3 
 6. Kotsopoulou, DAS15.4 
 7. Mazic, Panionios15.3 
 8. Frohlich, Proteas14.1 
 9. Henry, FEA Neas14.0 
 10. Stamati, FEA Neas13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaili MCLAREN
  Apollon
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. McLaren, Apollon13.3 
 2. Delva, DAS A.11.6 
 3. Frohlich, Proteas11.5 
 4. Mazic, Panionios11.5 
 5. Skrba, Aris10.3 
 6. Skibbe, DAS A.9.8 
 7. Thompson, Olymp.9.4 
 8. Ducker, Esperides8.3 
 9. Nkele, Apollon8.2 
 10. Green, PAOK8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Natali PLOUBI
  DAS A.
  (169-G-81)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Ploubi, DAS A.7.2 
 2. Koch, Panionios4.6 
 3. LeNoir, Aris4.4 
 4. Axiopoulou, Esperi.4.2 
 5. Lymoura, Athin.4.1 
 6. Stavridou, PAOK3.6 
 7. Hatzinikolao., Ath.3.5 
 8. Green, PAOK3.5 
 9. Fox, Proteas3.4 
 10. Kalogirou, Esperi.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Roula KALOGIROU
  Esperides
  (172-G-81)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Kalogirou, Esperid.3.1 
 2. Axiopoulou, Esperi.2.7 
 3. Koch, Panionios2.7 
 4. Murphree, Panathin.2.4 
 5. Skrba, Aris2.3 
 6. Derevjanik, Panath.2.3 
 7. Marginean, Panath.2.3 
 8. Hatzinikolao., Ath.2.3 
 9. Fox, Proteas2.2 
 10. Green, PAOK2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Asimina KOUTSOUNOURI
  Olympi.
  (190-C-)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Koutsounouri, Olym.1.5 
 2. Skrba, Aris1.4 
 3. Delva, DAS A.1.2 
 4. McLaren, Apollon1.1 
 5. Riley, Athinaikos1.0 
 6. Skiadopoulou, PAOK0.9 
 7. Rousou, Panionios0.8 
 8. Skibbe, DAS A.0.8 
 9. Nikolaidou, FEA N.0.6 
 10. Smirnaiou, DAS A.0.6 


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  ISRAEL - Women  


Liron Cohen wins the title in Italy - by Eurobasket News
It was a wonderful season for the Israeli player Liron Cohen (173-G-82). The 28-year-old guard won the championship title in Italy with her team Familia Schio. Cohen and her teammates outplayed defending champion Taranto 75-59 in crucial Game Five of the Finals series to win the trophy. It is not the first title for Cohen and Familia Schio as they already won the Italian Cup earlier this season. Cohen shined in the fifth crucial game scoring 13 points.
Liron Cohen joined Familia Schio last summer from Wisla Can-Pack Krakow. She appeared 32 times in the league averaging 8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3 assists. Cohen had even better numbers in Euroleague, where she added 11.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 3.6 apg. Cohen is active member of the Israeli National Team since 2003. Recently she exploded with 20.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 6.7apg in Qualifications to European Championships 2011.

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  ITALY - Women  


Laura Macchi can not help Azzurre - by Eurobasket News
Laura Macchi (187-F-79) can not help Azzurre again this summer. In order to advance to EuroBasket 2011 Italy must finish top of Additional Qualifying Tournament Group B, which includes Germany, Romania, Serbia and Belgium.
Laura Macchi is one of the best local players and just tasted Gold with her Famila Schio. In 2007 she joined the team where she still remains. In 2010-2011 for Famila Wuber Schio (A1) in Euroleague Laura appeared in 13 games and averaged 10.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.3%. In Italian League after 31 games her stats read 13.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 77.4%.
Italy announced the preliminary squad for Additional Qualifying Tournament that will include Marte Alexander (194-C-76, college: Arizona), Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management), Simona Ballardini, Sabrina Cinili, Chiara Consolini (182-F-88), Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88), Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances), Mariachiara Franchini, Angela Gianolla (171-G-80), Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80), Roberta Meneghel (182-F-77), Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, college: Furman), Chiara Pastore (171-G-86), Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.), Valentina Siccardi (182-G/F-82), Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88), Nnena Wabara (183-F-81, agency: 540 Sports, college: Baylor) and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86).

A2: CUS Cagliari wins Group North title, Alzamo is No.1 in Group South - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the Group North and South Finals were played last night. CUS Cagliari and Alzamo managed to beat their rivals winning the title with perfect 2-0. They also won the promotion to SerieA for season 2011/12.
In Group North, CUS Cagliari handed 75-54 loss to Bolzano. Cinzia Arioli (178-G-84) came up with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts, and Eleonora Piana (170-G-84) also scored 15 pts. In Game One, CUS Cagliari outplayed Bolzano 46-52 on the road. Barbora Fabianova was the leading player in victory as she collected 18 points and 6 rebounds. Barbara Gibertini helped with double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Laine Kurpniece shined with 16 points and 10 rebs.
In Group South, Alzamo blasted Chieti 60-37. Simina Mandache (185-F-81) shined for the hosts with double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Claudia Gattini (180-G-79) helped with 15 pts and 5 rebs. In Game One, Alcamo handed 54-60 home loss to Chieti. Simina Mandache was a key player for the guests with 27 points and 5 rebs. Daniela Georgieva had 15 pts and 7 rebs in defeat.

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  MALI - Women  


Lynx waive veteran forward Maiga-Ba - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx have waived veteran forward Hamchetou Maiga-Ba (6'1''-G/F-78, college: ODU).

Maiga-Ba appeared in all 34 games for the Lynx last season. She averaged 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in her one season with Minnesota.

The nine-year veteran originally was drafted by Sacramento in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She played a total of six years with the Monarchs, sandwiched around two seasons with the Houston Comets, before the Lynx signed her last year.

Minnesota's roster stands at 14 players.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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  NIGERIA - Women  


NBBF/Zenith Bank WBL: First Deepwater begin title defense - by Olusegun Ikuesan
First Deepwater Basketball Club will stake its title at this years edition of the Zenith Bank Basketball Women League, which begins today at the sports hall of the Abuja National Stadium.

Already, all the teams are in Abuja for todays opening ceremony, which will also have the nine other clubs in attendance.

Former champion, First Bank Basketball Club lead the challenge for the title won by its city rival First Deepwater basketball club who is having its third season in the Nigerian women league having joined the league in the 2008/2009 season after acquiring the right of defunct Amazon basketball club.

Other teams that will give First Deepwater basketball club a run for her tallents and money includes, Dolphin basketball club of Lagos, Customs basketball club of Lagos, Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure, Delta Force of Asaba, AHIP of Kano, Immigration of Kano, FCT Angels of Abuja and Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos.

The Abuja leg is the first phase of the league and will run from May 12 through 22 with the first jump-ball fixed for today (May 13) while the phase ends on Sunday May 22.

First Deepwaters greatest challenge would come from First Bank, a team that has dominated the competition before it was dethroned last season.

Winner of the tourney will get N1 million, the second team will get N500,000 while the third will get N300,000. Also, individual awards will also go to outstanding players at the end of the third phase in Lagos.


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  PERU - Women  


Standings - Superior (Women)
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 5-2 
 2. Regatas 0-0 
 3. Centro Naval 0-0 
 4. UAP 0-0 


New Import helps Real Club in double OT win - by Timothy
After only arriving to Lima 48 hours before tipoff, Universidad de Lima / Real Club de Lima's new American player Charitie Lewis showed the fans and opposing club she is exactly what the team has been missing. After a year of being an assistant coach of a college womens basketball team and being off the court as a player, nor having the opportunity to practice or play with her new club teammates prior to game night Ms. Lewis' basketball skill showed itself which left no doubt the coach had made the right choice of player and to put her in the game. Lewis helped send the game into its first overtime period with a strong finish at the basket plus a foul with 00:6 left in the fourth quarter. After completing the three point play, a basket was scored by a player from Centro Naval de Peru and the game was sent into its first extra period. The first overtime was very evenly played by both teams as they went back and forth trading buckets. After 5:00 minutes extra proved to not be enough to decide a winner, the game was sent into its second overtime. Real club then set its self apart and took control of the match with key defensive stops and scores on almost every possession. Charitie Lewis was sent to the bench with 3:30 left to play in the second overtime with a minor injury, but her work was already done. Lewis finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds and a steal in 26 minutes of action. Not bad for a player who was suffering from a serious case of jet lag, no previous practice or playing time with the team and not to mention this was the first game of her professional game of her career. The final score was 61 to 58 and Reals record has improved to 5-2.

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  POLAND - Women  


Wisla Can-Pack keep Powell and Kobryn - by Grzegorz Ozog
TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow is getting closer to completing roster for next season. After signing a contract with Erin Phillips and Yelena Leuchanka Wisla signed Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82) and Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82).

In the previous season Nicole Powell appeared in 6 Euroleague games averaging 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. In Polish league, she added 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.5 apg for 16 games.

Ewelina Kobryn which is currently the best Polish player played in 14 Euroleague games. She had 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists. In PLKK she appeared in 29 Euroleague games averaging 14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.1 apg.

They signed a contract for the season 2011/2012. Both players will join the team after the WNBA season. Kobryn and Powell will play in Indiana Fever.

TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow roster 2011/2012: Ana Dabovic (SER), Anke De Mondt (BEL), Ewelina Kobryn (POL), Katarzyna Krezel (POL), Yelena Leuchanka (BLR), Paulina Pawlak (POL), Erin Phillips (AUS), Nicole Powell (USA), Agnieszka Sniezek (POL), Maja Vucurovic (SER)


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Marina Kuzina signs with Spartak Moscow Region - by Eurobasket News
Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) signs with Spartak Moscow Region as it became so far the biggest signing for the Russian team. The National team player comes from Dynamo Moscow after three season spent there.
Marina Kuzina played for Nadezhda Orenburg, UMMC Ekaterinburg and then in 2008-2009 joined Dynamo Moscow (A Superleague, starting five). In EuroCup she averaged 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3% in her debut year. In Russian League after 22 games showed 13.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 69.6%. In 2009-2010 she became the best top-scorer of the League with 22.6ppg) 6.6rpg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT-2 (96.1%), while in EuroCup second top-scorer with 20.5ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (2.2bpg), FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 83.8%. Last season for Dynamo Moscow she averaged 15.6ppg, 6.0rpg, Blocks-3 (1.3bpg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 73.5% and in EuroCup showed 13.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 59.1%. Over the last few years she reached EuroCup Quarterfinals -10, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Europeans Team -10, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Domestic Players Team -10 and Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11.


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  SPAIN - Women  


Erika DeSouza and Marta Xargay remain with Perfumerias - by Eurobasket News
Erika DeSouza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Marta Xargay Casademont (180-G-90, agency: Josep and Nicolas) remain with Perfumerias and will continue with the team in 2011/2012 season. As the majority of the squad left already Erika and Marta decided to stay with their coach Mondelo.
Erika DeSouza joined Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca (Spain-LFB, starting five) in the start of the last season after leaving Ros Casares. In Euroleague she averaged 12.6ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 62.1%, while in Spanish League after 29 games her stats read 13.6ppg, Reb-2 (8.5rpg), 1.1spg, Blocks-3 (1.1bpg), FGP: 54.4%, FT: 61.3%.
Marta Xargay Casademont joined Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca (LFB) in 2009 and in Euroleague after 13 games averaged 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.2apg. In Spanish League after 29 games she showed 3.2ppg, 1.9rpg. In 2010-2011 for Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca (LFB) she improved to 3.5ppg, 1.3rpg in EuroLeague and showed 4.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg in Spanish League.
Former Alba Torrens (184-F-89) and Anke De Mondt (180-F/G-79) have already reached agreement on moves to Galatasaray and Wisla Can-Pack Krakow, respectively.



Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui became the last signing for Ros Casares - by Eurobasket News
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) became the last signing for Ros Casares as the Spanish outfit is number one in Europe now in the transfer market. It will be difficult to imagine another team in 2011/2012 season that will compete in the same level with them.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui played almost for the whole career in Tarbes. She joined the team in 2003-2004 and remained until 2010. In her last season for Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (LFB) in Euroleague she averaged 9.1ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 50.0%, while in French League she became the fourth top-scorer with 15.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 67.3%. In 2010-2011 moved to Famila Wuber Schio (Italy-A1) and in Euroleague after13 games showed 12.9ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 51.6%, FT: 77.6%. In Italian League after 30 games her stats read 10.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.9spg, FGP: 48.5%, FT: 72.6%.
Together with Familia Schio Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 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.


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  TURKEY - Women  


Diana Taurasi heads to Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
One of the most shocking news in the transfer market happened in Turkey. One of the best players in the world Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) will play for Galatasaray next season.
Diana Taurasi is back in Istanbul, but she will not play for Fenerbahce where she played last season. Her new team is the rival of the previous one.
In Europe Diana Taurasi reached the success mostly with Spartak Moscow Region. In 2006-2007 she appeared for Spartak Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague) and in 30 games averaged 13.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 79.0%, while in Euroleague after 12 games her stats read 13.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 39%, 3FGP: 43.8%, FT: 65.2%. In 2008-2009 for Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague, starting five) in Russian League after 25 games she became the second top-scorer of the League with 17.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 89.2% and in Euroleague she became the top-scorer with 20.5ppg), 5.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 83.1%.
Widely acknowledged as the best player in the world, Taurasi will join another recently signed star Alba Torrens in Galatasaray.

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Sixteen players invited to U18 Girls camp - by Eurobasket News
England U18 Girls Head Coach, Michael Ball , has named 16 players to attend a camp on May 21st in Tonbridge.

The squad will gather on May 20th and will be in attendance at the Great Britain senior women's game against Cuba at Surrey Sports Park, which is part of their Invitational Tournament. They will then have practice and an intra-squad match on the 21st, allowing coach ball to make a selection of 13 players to travel to Germany the following week for two games.

Coach Ball stated: 'We wanted to give our players the opportunity to see the GB Senior squad in action. Then the players have a last chance to impress before we reduce the squad down to 13 players.'

Name Club Region
Whitney Allen (162-G-94) Nottingham Wildcats East Midlands
Lucy Buxton Doncaster Panthers Yorkshire
Chantel Charles (178-G-94) Barking Abbey London
Lana Doran Haringey Angels London
Maisie Elston (177-F-93) Sevenoaks Suns South East
Melita Emanuel-Carr Haringey Angels London
Christina Gaskins (185-C-93) Barking Abbey East
Claire Harper Nottingham Wildcats East Midlands
Rosie Hynes (172-G-93) Barking Abbey London
Kaitlyn Lewis Sevenoaks Suns South East
Sante Moonie Eastside Eagles London
Ashleigh Munns Sevenoaks Suns South East
Jess Shillito Mansfield Giants East Midlands
Charlene St Marthe Haringey Angels London
Ashleigh Sumner Doncaster Panthers Yorkshire
Florence Ward (170-G-94) Solent Suns South

Also this week, U15 Boys Development Squad coach Andreas Kapoulas has named an updated squad of 16 players and U15 Girls Development Squad coach Lee Davie has announced the team that will travel to Copenhagen for their tournament.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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  WBCBL - Women  


The Flint Monarchs sign their core group of players for women's semi-pro basketball team - by Willie McCray
By Eric Woodyard | Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan A new era in local women's basketball has officially begun.

The Flint Monarchs a new team in the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League have announced the signings of its first seven players.

Sharonda Hurd, Tamara Riley, Jasmine McCall, Nan Moore, Latisha Luckett, Brianna Berry and Tianna Kirkland were selected as the core members to help lead the franchise this season.

These are seven very talented young ladies from within the state of Michigan who have played at high levels of basketball and illustrate the fight and commitment I want this organization to stand for, said team president and general manager Dreyon Wynn.

Last season, the semi-professional team named the Flint Lady Flames finished with a 12-8 record and fell in the second round of the WBCBL national tournament to Gulf Coast (Miss.).

Wynn served as head coach of the Lady Flames. He decided to give the franchise a different name, since they're moving in a new direction with first-year head coach Deonta McChester.

Although the two consulted about the teams roster moves, McChester ultimately had the final word about the players he wanted to build his team around.

I feel that were headed in the right direction. I feel that these young ladies, with the experience that they had last year, they know what it takes, said McChester. With the core that I have now, I really feel that we are going forward.

Six of the seven core players are returnees from the Flames.

Berry is the only member who didn't play with the group a year ago, but shes no stranger to the area. Shes a 2005 graduate of Southwestern, where she earned All-City honors as a senior after averaging 14.5 points per game.

Berry played for the WBCBL champion Rock County Robins (Wis.) team in 2010.

The Monarchs feel like they have added a valuable asset by signing the 6-foot-1 hometown player.

Shes bringing us a nice size, big body, and experience, McChester said.

McCall led the Flames in scoring a year ago, averaging 13.6 points.

She also averaged 3.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, earning an All-Northeast Regional First-Team selection for her consistency.

Riley averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds in 2010 and was selected to the All-Northeast Regional Second-Team.

Hurd poured in a career-high 30 points and 11 rebounds in a game last season against league champion Rock County. Shes also a former standout at Central Michigan University.

Luckett rejoins the group as its spark off the bench. She is a 5-7 combo guard who also played at CMU and is a grad assistant coach at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.

Kirkland is another hometown product who starred at Kearsley.

She played four years at Ferris State University (1997-2001), and as a senior led the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Division II tournament appearance.

She is now an assistant coach with the University of Michigan womens basketball team.

The Monarchs begin their season on May 14 when they travel to Toronto to take on the Toronto Lady Elite 1s.

McChester will fill out the roster by adding at least seven players before the season begins.

Brevard Flame ready to tip off - by Willie McCray
Written by ED PIERCE | FLORIDA TODAY

With a full roster and a year's experience of playing together, the Brevard Flame women's semi-pro basketball squad is ready to open the 2011 Women's Blue Chip Basketball League season.

The Flame hosts the Central Florida Dream of Orlando at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Grant Street Community Center in Melbourne.

Brevard joins teams from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Orlando in the league's Suncoast Conference and is looking to get off to a fast start under coach Reuben Williams.

'We plan on making a positive impression on the community and provide good family entertainment,' Williams said.

Most WBCBL players have college basketball experience or have played in the National Women's Basketball League, the WNBA or internationally. The league does not pay players, but offers exposure and competition to attract scouts and agents for women's domestic and international professional basketball teams.

The WBCBL season runs through July.

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  WNBA - Women  


Tulsa Shock's Ohlde retires from WNBA - by Eurobasket News
Tulsa Shock post player Nicole Ohlde (6'4''-F/C-82, college: Kansas St.) apparently decided she didnt want a summer job.

Ohlde, in a press release issued Thursday by the Shock, announced she is retiring from the WNBA, but indicated she intends to play a couple more seasons overseas.

This is a decision I put a lot of thought into, Ohlde said in the release.

I have had a wonderful seven years playing in the WNBA and although it was a difficult decision for me I knew it was the right one. My body the past couple years has felt worn down so I felt like it was time that I took a break. I'm looking forward to having the summer to rest up and finally spend some time with my family.

Ohlde, selected sixth overall out of Kansas State by the Minnesota Lynx in 2004, played in 236 career WNBA games (including postseason) and was a member of a Phoenix Mercury championship team in 2009.

Ohlde wore a Shock uniform for her last 12 WNBA games. She was traded from Phoenix to Tulsa in exchange for Kara Braxton last season. The Shock also got the Mercurys first-round pick in the 2011 draft, which was used to select Stanfords Kayla Pedersen.

Ohlde averaged 7.9 points and 3.8 rebounds during her time with the Shock. Her most productive season came in 2007, when she averaged 11.5 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Lynx. The Shock begins training camp Sunday.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Diana Taurasi signs with Galatasaray (Turkey) - by Eurobasket News
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) is heading back to Turkey after being cleared of doping allegations she faced while playing in the country.

Turkish club Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Thursday that it reached a deal with Taurasi for next season.

Taurasi, who also plays for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, spent last year with Fenerbahce but had her contract terminated after testing positive for modafinil, a banned stimulant.

The American basketball star was provisionally suspended by the Turkish league but was cleared of the charges after the lab that performed the test retracted its report in February.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Courtesy of ESPN

New WNBA president, Laurel Richie, found off the court - by Eurobasket News
When Laurel J. Richie was asked to give a keynote address on leadership at an awards ceremony in Seattle, her speech on rebranding brought rave reviews. What Richie didn't expect was that it would set into motion a rebranding of her life and career.

The WNBA will begin its 15th season June 4 and it will do so with Richie as its new president. Unlike the leagues two previous presidents, Val Ackerman and Donna Orender, Richie has no background in basketball.

'We found somebody who was adept with respect to sports', said NBA commissioner David Stern in a press conference to announce Richies hiring. 'She's culturally adept at understanding what impact the game and the players could have on the global community.'

Richie comes to the WNBA from the Girl Scouts of America, where she served as the senior vice president of marketing. Before that, she worked for the international advertising and marketing firm Ogilvy and Mather.

'From a professional standpoint, [I bring] sort of a track record of re-energizing and revitalizing iconic brands. That has been a passion of mine', Richie said. 'I love to wrap my head around complex businesses. I would characterize the WNBA as that. My eyes are wide open to the challenges ahead. I see tremendous opportunity to grow the game by building on what I believe is a very strong foundation.'

Richie admits to being on a learning curve, since shes watched WNBA games on television but hasnt attended any.

I have been a viewer of games, not necessarily an attender of games, Richie said. As I take on the marketing portion of this work, were going to need to address converting the interested to the actively engaged. I want to think about how we reach out to people and engage them, versus putting the burden on them to come and grab us.

New Mystics president and general manager Trudi Lacey believes Richies marketing experience will help enrich the WNBA brand.

She has a legacy of building character, confidence and courage in all the young people she touched while working with the Girl Scouts, Lacey said. She understands having a sense of community, and she is committed to leading with excellence and integrity. She is a role model that we are profoundly proud to have as president of our league.

Mystics chief operating officer Greg Bibb called Richies hiring an asset.

Her track record as a successful businesswoman who has held leadership positions with blue-chip brands, as well as female-oriented organizations, will be a tremendous asset to not only the Washington Mystics, but all of the WNBAs member clubs, Bibb said.

Richie said her first order of business is to hit the road.

A priority for me is to really get into the market, to get to a game so that I can wipe that off of my record, to meet with players, owners, fans, sponsors, and the media, Richie said. I start on the 16th and my bags are already packed.

Courtesy of www.washingtontimes.com

Lynx waive veteran forward Maiga-Ba - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx have waived veteran forward Hamchetou Maiga-Ba (6'1''-G/F-78, college: ODU).

Maiga-Ba appeared in all 34 games for the Lynx last season. She averaged 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in her one season with Minnesota.

The nine-year veteran originally was drafted by Sacramento in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She played a total of six years with the Monarchs, sandwiched around two seasons with the Houston Comets, before the Lynx signed her last year.

Minnesota's roster stands at 14 players.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com