Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/15/2011

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Men News

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ALGERIA

Standings

D1 Standings

Group A
1. GS Petroliers		6-0
2. CRB Dar El-B.		3-3
3. Blida		3-3
4. Arreridj		0-6
Group B
1. Staoueli		4-2
2. CSMC		4-2
3. WA Boufarik		3-3
4. O Batna		1-5
Group C
1. NAH Dey		2-0
2. Sidi-bel-Abbes		1-1
3. ASPTT		0-1
4. U.S.M.		0-1
Group D
1. Annaba		2-0
2. CRB Temouch.		1-1
3. Skikda		1-1
4. USMM Hadjout		0-2

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ARAB NATIONS CUP

Champville inks Youngblood and Thompson for Arab Cup.. - by Rabih Khoury
Champville from Lebanon signed back its former player Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.) to join the team back for Arab Cup Championship that will take place in Abu Dhabi UAE.. Also, the team signed Sagesse Ex-player Garnett Thompson to be the third foreigner with Youngblood and Lee Benson. As for Riyadi, the three foreigners will be: Nathanel Johnson, Loren Woods and Ahmad Ismaiil. The two lebanese teams are candidates to reach the final of the cup, along with ASU from Jordan. Also, Ettihad Alexandria from Egypt decided to withdraw from the Cup due to financial reasons...

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ARGENTINA

Rocamora and San isidro to TNA - by Facundo Iatzky
Tomas de Rocamora and San Isidro San Fransico, won their respective finals of liga B and got the right to play in TNA next year.
North zone: San Isidro had to suffer a lot to overcome Alma Juniors. San isidro had been one of the teams that best basketball had shown in the competition. They won the last game 69-63 with a good game of Jorge Toriano and Bruno Jovanovich.
South zone: Tomas de Rocamora had an easier way beating 81-71 alianza viedma and will play in TNA for the first time. They took advantage of the surprising defeat of #seed Velez sarsfield in quarterfinals. Matias Novello, Jorge Chahab and Lucas Barlasina were some of their best players.

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AUSTRALIA

Big V: Round 8 preview - by Eurobasket News
Sherbrooke vs. Ringwood Sat 14/5 8.00pm @ Belgrave Heights Christian School
What a cracker of a game to start off round eight! Sherbrooke has surprised many this season
and currently hold that coveted second spot, but 2nd to 5th are all on 5 wins apiece going into this
round, and its Ringwood who hold that 5th place. Much to play for??? Its the much awaited
unveiling of Sherbrookes new home court too, and theyll be pumped to claim their first notch
on the change room door. If you only get out to see one game of Big V State Championship Men
this season do yourself a favour and make it this one!
Eltham vs. Diamond Valley Sat 14/5 8.00pm @ Eltham High School
Word on the street is that E-Town has some NBL-style game night entertainment planned for
this round. And why not when youve got an NBL quality team on the floor? If you were
Diamond Valley sitting on the bottom of the ladder with a solitary win to your name, how would
you go into a match-up like this? Our guess, theyll do what they do best and play tough, hardnosed
D from tip to final whistle.
Melbourne vs. Bulleen Sat 14/5 8.00pm @ Nth Melbourne Recreation Centre
People are asking how many players Melbourne will suit up this week, but spare a though for the
powerhouse that IS the Tigers. Theyre in a re-building phase, and had they not released most of
their NBL team back to play with others across the division, their situation (and ladder position)
would provide a different view. Bulleen have got a great chance of retaining their top 4 position
after round 8 provided they dont take their opposition lightly and play out the full 40 minutes.
Waverley vs. Hume City Sun 15/5 2.30pm @ Waverley Basketball Stadium
To Dillon or not to Dillon? The outcome could hinge on that one very important inclusion. The
recent out of shooter Blennerhassett has reduced the offensive output of the Falcons, and
unless others step it up, Waverley might be in a bit of trouble. On the flip side, Hume are a club
on the rise. Grabbing their three season wins from their last four outings, theyre coming in with
momentum, self-belief and a strong will to prove the doubters wrong.
Diamond Valley vs. Sherbrooke Sun 15/5 3.00pm @ Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness
Two tired teams will take to the floor this Sunday after both having faced their own local rivals
the night before. So do Diamond Valley concede their Saturday night encounter to keep some in
the tank, with the knowledge that Sherbrooke will have played their hearts out the night before?
Doubtful. Do Sherbrooke do the same? Just as doubtful. Theres more tactics at play in this
round than just rocking up for a game of hoops.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

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

Crosswhite back with the Taipans - by Eurobasket News
The Cairns Taipans have shored up their frontcourt for the upcoming National Basketball League season re-signing centre Ian Crosswhite (212-C-82, college: Oregon) on a one year deal, prior to the free agents list is released.

Crosswhite, 29, took the Clubs Defensive player of the Year award and was also a nominee in the NBL's Most Improved player award.

The man known as Crossy has been a force to be reckoned with this season, notably holding down the paint both ends of the floor. With his size and mobility, Crosswhite has been given the task of guarding multiple positions throughout his stint with the Taipans, his versatility being a key to why he is such a rare talent in the NBL.

Ian averaged career best in 5 categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. He also shot a career high in attempted and made foul shots, reinforcing the massive season Crosswhite had in the 2010/2011 NBL season.

Crosswhite was a member of the Australian under-18 team in 2000 and attended the AIS in 2000-01. He played with the University of Oregon in the Pac-10 Conference in the American NCAA Division 1 college competition.

He joined the Kings in 2006 and played in their 2008 championship under Brian Goorjian before linking with the Taipans last season, where he averaged a career-best 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game Cairns Taipans General Manager Mark Beecroft welcomed Crosswhite back to the club and said his signing would help take the team to the next level.

Ian definitely had one of his best seasons to date Beecroft said.

He came into the season in great shape, and his form from the preseason carried on throughout the year. He is a very creative player and a great passer, but can also put the ball in the hoop and that inside presence is something we definitely need.

As fans would have seen this past season, hes a passionate player who has a desire and a will to win, Beecroft added.

Taipans Coach Aaron Fearne was also pleased with the re-signing of Crosswhite and believes he can continue to grow his influence on the Taipans outfit the more his game matures.

Getting Crossy signed quickly was a major priority for us as a club, Fearne said.

His numbers pretty much sum up why we wanted him back on board. Not only that, but his on court leadership is of the highest level, and something this team needs.

He definitely had a great season this year, and we will be looking for all that and more this coming year, but yes, we are defiantly excited to have Crossy back on board.

'We would have liked to have progressed further in returning our roster from last season, however with success of the team this season, some players have expressed they would like to test their worth under free agency.

General Manager Mark Beecroft went on to say, 'We had very competitive offers in the market for a number of players, however, it is important the long term financial stability of the Club remains the priority through this process.'

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

Sydney Kings announce first team signings for 2011-2012 season - by Eurobasket News
The Sydney Kings Management have today announced four player signings to join MVP Runner up Julian Khazzouh (211-C-86) for the 2011-2012 season. They will form the foundation of a team with a goal of making the playoffs and, ultimately, another title for the iconic national franchise.

Speaking about the signings, Head Coach, Ian Moose Robilliard said he was excited Rookie of the Year, Ben Madgen (193-G-85, college: Augusta St.) has decided to stay with the Sydney Kings for another two years.

'The Sydney Kings have also finalised negotiations with Graham Dann (two years), Luke Martin (two years), and Luke Cooper (one year); and we are continuing toward building a competitive and entertaining team to tip-off the new season at our first away-game against the Melbourne Tigers on Friday October 7', Robilliard said.

Our next step in the recruitment process will be to scour the free agent list that was released at 5pm on May 13, and to pick those players who will fire up on the court and put points on the board. We are also in negotiation with a few prospective imports and, if we get who we want, the Sydney fans will be excited and our competition will get a shock when they play the Kings, he added.

Having successfully signed these five players, we now have a core group of players who know each others strengths. With them rejoining the team, the Sydney Kings is in a very strong position to be more than competitive during the forthcoming season.'

'Most of the squad from last year are still on the court for the NBL off-season; playing in other Australian state competitions, or undertaking training camps to improve their respective games. Julian Khazzouh, for instance, has spent a month in the USA training with several NBA teams and he says his game has greatly improved as a result. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what Khazzouh can bring to the Sydney Kings this season. He is already the best centre in the NBL, so he is going to be the player to watch.'

Having Luke Cooper back one of the most tenacious players in the league is exciting and, as an interchange with Luke Martin, both their games should improve the prospects of the team.

Our club and fans have a far better appreciation of what both Madgen and Dann can provide to our club, they were both strong performers for the Sydney Kings last season and I am confident their performances next season will see them elevated to an even higher level.

The NBL season tips on on October 7, with the Sydney Kings first home game back at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

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

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BRAZIL

BRB/Brasilia joins Vivo/Franca in NBB Finals - by Eurobasket News
BRB/Brasilia - Pinheiros/Sky 99:93 (OT)

BRB/Brasilia stayed in the NBB title race. They held off Pinheiros/Sky in overtime drama to advance into the tournaments Finals. BRB/Brasilia will try to defend their title in the best-of-five series versus Vivo/Franca starting on May 19.
Pinheiros/Sky entered the game with their backs against the wall. They stormed in front early in the game outscoring the hosts 28:14. BRB/Brasilia came back to life in the second term and started to work their way back into the contest. The hosts cut the deficit by four points in the second frame. BRB/Brasilia got within 5 points with one quarter remaining in regulation. Finally the hosts pulled in front after two free throws from Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances). BRB/Brasilia stretched the gap to four points but Pinheiros/Sky answered with four consecutive points to level things up forcing overtime. Alexandre Garcia scored 8 out of his teams 13 points in the extra period and sealed the victory for BRB/Brasilia. He finished with 31 points for the winners. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points, while Lucas Tischer (208-C-83) provided 16 for the hosts. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) replied with 26 points for Pinheiros/Sky. Marquinhos Vinicius (207-F-84) had 24 points in the loss.

BRB/Brasilia: Alexandre Garcia 31, Guilherme Giovannoni 17, Lucas Tischer 16
Pinheiros/Sky: Olivinha Rodriguez 26, Marquinhos Vinicius 24

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BULGARIA

Lukoil and Levski take 2-0 lead in the NBL Semis - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the NBL Semifinals are completed tonight. Levski was too strong for Tundja 68-53 once again taking 2-0 lead in the series. Lukoil blasted Rilski yesterday 94-73 also for 2-0. Both Sophia teams now need just one more win for the Finals (best-of-five). Third games are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Tundja and Rilski will be the hosts.

Levski - Tundja 68-53 (2-0)
Levski dominated on the defensive end, holding Tundja to just 5 points in second quarter. American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and FYR Macedonian power forward Gjorgi Cekovski (202-79) chipped in 9 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Levski's coach Konstantin Papazov used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) responded with 25 points and 5 rebounds and forward Stoyan Petkov (198-85) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Levski: A.Harper 13+9reb+5ast, D.Cole 12+4reb+2ast, S.Georgiev 10+6reb+1ast, G.Cekovski 9+10reb, A.Velikov 7+4reb+4ast, S.Slaveykov 7+3reb
Tundja: S.Govedarov 25+5reb+3ast, S.Petkov 10+11reb, N.Varbanov 5+11reb+2ast, S.Finzgar 5+3reb+2ast, J.Radionov 5+2reb+1ast, M.Durchev 3+2reb+3ast

Lukoil Academik - Rilski Sportist 94-73 (2-0)
The game without a history. Lukoil Academik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Rilski Sportist's 30. Lukoil Academik looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American center Travis Peterson (208-85, college: Samford, agency: Edge Sports) scored 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Todor Stoykov (198-77, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 21 points during the contest. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FYR Macedonian guard Dimitar Karadzovski (189-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) responded with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and international swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) scored 17 points. Five Lukoil Academik and four Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Lukoil Academik: T.Peterson 24+8reb+3ast, T.Stoykov 21+2reb+2ast, D.Green 12+6reb+4ast, B.Heath 12+6ast, B.Avramov 10+2reb+6ast, V.Veselinov 5+4reb
Rilski Sportist: I.Lilov 17+2reb+3ast, D.Karadzovski 13+8reb+5ast, M.Marinov 11+5reb+1ast, A.Radojevic 10+5reb+1ast, V.Mijovic 6+3reb, B.Boev 6+2reb

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Harper, Levski	23.2
2. Lilov, Rilski S.	21.1
3. Dimitrov, Spartak	19.2
4. Naydenov, Chernom.	16.8
5. Davidov, Balkan	15.7
6. Bozov, Balkan	15.5
7. Govedarov, Tundja	15.3
8. Yanev, Cherno More	14.6
9. James, Lukoil A.	13.9
10. Stankov, Spartak	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Varbanov, Tundja	10.5
2. Yanev, Cherno More	8.6
3. Todorov, Spartak	7.4
4. Radojevic, Rilski	7.0
5. Peterson, Lukoil A.	6.9
6. Kolev, Cherno More	6.9
7. Georgiev, Levski	6.8
8. Morton, Balkan	6.5
9. Dimitrov, Spartak	6.4
10. Cekovski, Levski	6.2

Assists Per Game

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

1. Crowe, Levski	5.6
2. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.5
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	4.1
4. Dyakovski, Spartak	4.0
5. James, Lukoil A.	3.9
6. Bozov, Balkan	3.8
7. Govedarov, Tundja	3.6
8. Lilov, Rilski S.	3.5
9. Gruev, Rilski S.	3.3
10. Karadzovski, Rils.	3.3

Steals Per Game

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

1. Crowe, Levski	2.4
2. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.3
3. Zahariev, Chernomo.	2.1
4. Bozov, Balkan	1.9
5. James, Lukoil A.	1.9
6. Radionov, Tundja	1.8
7. Green, Lukoil A.	1.7
8. Bowman, Lukoil A.	1.6
9. Marinov, Balkan	1.6
10. Finzgar, Tundja	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Doychinov, Balkan	1.2
2. Radojevic, Rilski	1.0
3. Varbanov, Tundja	1.0
4. Mijovic, Rilski S.	0.7
5. Cole, Levski	0.7
6. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.6
7. Vaklinov, Rilski S.	0.6
8. Petkov, Tundja	0.6
9. Yanev, Cherno More	0.6
10. Iliev, Cherno More	0.6

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CANADA

London will have team in new pro league - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada hopes to begin play in November with a franchise in London.

The announcement of the formation of the league and the cities that may be involved were announced at a press conference in Halifax.

One of the big-money guys involved in the London franchise is Vito Frijia, president and owner of London's Southside Group, a construction firm.

Frijia has coached the Aquinas Flames senior-boys basketball team the past few years.

Frijia was not available for comment Thursday.

Representing him in Halifax was Taylor Brown, also of the Southside Group.

The three founding teams, the St. John Mill Rats, Halifax Rainmen and Quebec Kebs, left the Premier Basketball League last month.

The other four franchises that have filed letters of intent to participate are Oshawa, Kingston, Barrie and Moncton. League organizers say other teams with an interest have to get involved before June 15.

It is the first national professional basketball league in Canada.

The franchise hopes to play out of the John Labatt Centre.

'I met with the league a couple of weeks ago and they were talking about a 15-game home season or something like that,' said Brian Ohl, vice-president of Global Spectrum, the company that operates the JLC. 'We have some things, like the Knights, that take preference when it comes to scheduling.'

The JLC also does not own a basketball floor. When basketball games are played at the JLC, a floor has to be brought in.

There is a lot to do before this league gets off the ground.

'This will be Canada's basketball league,' said Andre Levingston , owner of the Halifax franchise. 'Hockey is accessible in this country. Basketball has not been accessible. Pro basketball can be successful in this country.

'You can't tell me there's not enough talent. We hope to develop players that will be drafted in the NBA draft.'

While Levingston did say the league would help develop players, he emphasized that was not the main reason for the league's existence. First and foremost, it will be a professional basketball league with entertainment and competitiveness its ultimate goals.

Sam Mitchell, the former Toronto Raptors head coach and a long-time friend and business associate of Levingston, was at the news conference.

Teams participating in the league will own it. They will share whatever revenues come in from such things as corporate sponsorship and television rights. The league will eventually hire a president, chief executive officer and commissioner, with the league office in Toronto.

There will be a required number of Canadian players on a roster. The league hopes to dedicate one round of its draft strictly to Canadian players.

The size of roster and number of Canadians still needs to be determined.

The league hopes to start with at least eight teams. It will run through February, when the playoffs begin.

'Now that we're going public, we're actually getting calls and e-mails now that are interested in owning professional teams,' Levingston said. 'We have a lot of work to do. We have to do due diligence on some other markets.'

Some of the Premier Basketball League teams drew between 4,000 and 6,000 fans on a regular basis.

There was precious little hard information that came from the press conference. Levingston said many of the league's rules and structure would be formulated when all the team owners get together. There is a franchise fee, but the actual figure was called 'confidential' and there will be a salary cap.

Courtesy of www.lfpress.com

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CBL

Florida Flight release Mike Dean - by Eurobasket News
The Florida Flight have officially released high- profile recruit Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82, college: Middle Tenn.St.).

Dean's hometown of Rome, GA was ravaged by a shocking streak of tornadoes that wreaked havoc on seven states stretching from Alabama to Virginia on April 27, 2011.

Upon receiving further damage details, Dean requested his release in order to return to Georgia and help his two children, his fianc and the rest of his family with the recovery and rebuilding process.

'We'll always be a family-first franchise,' said Mark King, Majority Owner, President and Head Coach of the Flight.

Dean was signed to play alongside veteran guard Ernest Jones to provide much-needed leadership to a young Flight squad that boasts seven rookies this season. Jones and Dean each have more than seven years of professional basketball experience.

'I was looking forward to hooking back up with Mark and playing with the Flight this season,' said Dean. 'I went through a tough training camp, and I was ready to get the second half of my career heading in the right direction. Right now, however, I have to take care of my family.'

Dean's departure leaves a leadership gap in the roster, but King is not overly concerned.

'Most coaches recruit greatness. Real coaches create greatness!' explained King. 'With Dean, I believe we were a favorite to compete for a CBL championship this season. Without him, we'll float under the radar a little more, which isn't necessarily a bad place to be when you have a young team like ours.'

The Flight dropped their season opener to the Gainesville Galaxy in Gainesville last Saturday. Their next game is their home opener against the Heartland Prowl on Saturday, May 14, at Avalon Middle School in the Avalon Park community of Orlando.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Invasion dominate home court against the Sea Dawgs - by Eurobasket News
In a Friday night match up in downtown Cary, NC, former N.C. Central University standout Jonathan Moore (6'8''-F/G-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.C.Central) put up 25 points and pulled 8 rebounds to lead the Cary Invasion to a 111 - 96 victory over the Wilmington Sea Dawgs (0 - 2). Freddy Little (6'0''-G-86) added 19 points and shot 58% from the floor for the Invasion.

Cary (2 - 0) took control of the game midway through the 3rd quarter and never let up, building a 10-point lead by the end of the third quarter. Mike Evanovich (6'8''-F, agency: Limelight Hoops) was Wilmington's leader scorer with 25 points, including 4 of 8 shooting behind the arc.

The Invasion play again on May 15th against the Port City Sharks for 'Heart of Cary Night' at the Herbert Young Center. Tip time is set for 5:00 with the doors opening to the public at 4:30. For ticket information go to www.caryinvasion.com.

Notes:

--Cary shot 45 percent overall from the field while Wilmington shot 44 percent.

--Cary hit 11 of 23 3-point shots.

--Cary out-rebounded Wilmington 45 to 35.

Courtesy of www.caryinvasion.com

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CHINA

Basketball star Yao Ming sues Chinese company for using his name and logo - by Eurobasket News
Chinese news reports say that injured NBA all-star Ming Yao (226-C-80) has sued a sportswear maker for allegedly using his name and logo to sell its products.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported late Friday that Yao had sued Wuhan Yunhe Sharks Sportswear Co. for using his name and logo 'Ming Yao Era' on its shoes. It said the lawsuit was filed in Wuhan, the capital of central Hubei province.

The Houston Rockets centre, who has a licensing agreement with Reebok, is currently recovering from a possible career-threatening ankle injury.

Copyright infringement is widespread in China, with rampant illegal copying of products from software to music and even medicine.

Courtesy of The Canadian Press

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COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA FALL AGAINST URUGUAY IN A GREAT GAME - by Victor Garcia
Colombia falls against Uruguay in a thriller, with Uruguay stealing the victory with its last shot, the game had many lead changes, but Uruguay arrived to the last quarter with the longest lead of the game of 10 points, and then Colombias Juan Carlos Fajardo made a couple of straight three pointers to put Colombia just 4 points behind a bring back the life, the game arrive to the final 14 seconds with Uruguay 2 points ahead, but again Juan Carlos Fajardo made a big three points shot to put Colombia 1 point ahead, but in the final position Uruguays Santiago Pereira slashed the Colombian defense to make the winner at the buzzer.

Another big game of Colombia, the team played with heart and the coach Pabon made a good job moving its roster from big to small and changing defenses.
Colombia was leaded by Juan Fajardo with 13 pts, Yesid Mosquera also add 12 pts, and Velasquez 12.

Colombia 58 Fajardo 13 pts,
Uruguay 59.- Medina 17 pts.

COLOMBIA DEFEATED CHILE, AND WILL PLAY FOR THE 5TH PLACE - by Victor Garcia
Colombia defeated Chile and will face Uruguay in the game for the 5 place , the National team took the lead from the beginning in another great game of Juan Fajardo, with Dwight Pomare and Mauricio Montano supporting him, Fajardo finished with 24 pts, Montano 13 pts, Pomare 13 pts and 13 rebounds, Yildon Mendoza added 8 and 10 rebounds.
The National team will face today Paraguay in the place for the 5th place.

Colombia 76 Fajardo 24 pts.
Chile 57 Lauler 21 pts.

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CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

Group A
1. Cedevita		12-2
2. Zadar		10-3
3. KK Zagreb CO		10-3
4. Cibona		7-6
5. KK Split		5-8
6. Borik		4-9
7. Alkar Sinj		4-9
8. Zabok		1-12
Group B
1. Darda		6-4
2. Svjetlost		6-4
3. Dubrava		6-4
4. Dubrovnik		4-6
5. Kvarner 2010		4-6
6. Trogir		4-6

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

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

1. Smith, BC Kolin	17.4
2. Landry, BK Prost.	15.6
3. Houska, BK Decin	15.4
4. Horak, Svitavy	14.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	14.6
6. Sedmak, Basketbo.	14.3
7. Veikalas, BK Prost.	14.2
8. Blazek, B&W Opava	14.0
9. Kotas, USK Praha	13.7
10. Field, BC Kolin	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Basketbo.
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Meno, Basketbo.	10.4
2. Houska, BK Decin	8.6
3. Landry, BK Prost.	8.5
4. Burke, NH Ostrava	7.6
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.6
6. Spagrud, NH Ostra.	7.3
7. Frana, Plzen	7.1
8. Gadri, BK Prostejov	7.0
9. Kramny, Svitavy	6.9
10. Klimes, USK Praha	6.7

Assists Per Game

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

1. Vrubl, Plzen	6.0
2. Lawrence, BK Prost.	5.3
3. Jones, BC Kolin	3.8
4. Carnecky, B&W O.	3.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.5
6. Kotas, USK Praha	3.4
7. Sanders, BK Decin	3.3
8. Maio, Basketbo.	2.9
9. Macela, Svitavy	2.7
10. Channels, Novy Ji.	2.7

Steals Per Game

Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Kotas, USK Praha	1.9
2. Wright, BK Pardu.	1.8
3. Holloway, Basket.	1.7
4. Smith, BC Kolin	1.7
5. Hampton, BK Pardu.	1.6
6. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.6
7. Channels, Novy Jic.	1.4
8. Gajdosik, Basket.	1.4
9. Lawrence, BK Prost.	1.4
10. Vrubl, Plzen	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Martin MIKLOSIK
  B&W O.
  (226-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.2
2. Trybanski, NH Os.	1.2
3. Hanke, USK Praha	1.1
4. Kramny, Svitavy	0.9
5. Gadri, BK Prostejov	0.9
6. Meno, Basketbo.	0.8
7. Egwuatu, Svitavy	0.8
8. Bjegovic, USK Praha	0.7
9. Houska, BK Decin	0.7
10. Pelikan, Novy Jic.	0.7

BK Prostejov and CEZ Nymburk win Semi-Finals first games - by Eurobasket News
BK Prostejov - BK Pardubice 85-70

The game was mostly controlled by BK Prostejov. BK Pardubice was better in fourth quarter 18-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BK Prostejov made 22-of-29 charity shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and Canadian forward Kyle Landry (206-86, college: N.Arizona) chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four BK Prostejov players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Derek Wright (175-86, college: Austin Peay St.) responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import guard Maurice Hampton (188-84, college: Austin Peay St.) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
BK Prostejov: B.Veikalas 19+6reb+2ast, B.Cadri-Nicholson 18+8reb, K.Landry 15+10reb+2ast, A.Slezas 13+1reb, J.Prasil 11+1reb, E.Lawrence 4+5reb+9ast
BK Pardubice: D.Wright 13+6reb, M.Hampton 13+5reb+1ast, M.Arnold 10+3reb, M.Marek 9+6reb, P.Bohacik 6+5reb, L.Kraus 5+1ast

CEZ Nymburk - BK Decin 66-63

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But BK Decin won fourth quarter 20-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CEZ Nymburk made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Israeli-French guard Afik Nissim (180-81, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 4 assists. British-American guard Michael Lenzly (189-81, college: Wofford) contributed with 16 points for the winners. American guard Wiliam Hatcher (188-84, college: Miami, OH, agency: Limelight Hoops) answered with 22 points and swingman Lubos Stria (197-81) added 17 points in the effort for BK Decin. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
CEZ Nymburk: M.Lenzly 16+4reb, C.Simmons 16+4reb, A.Nissim 14+4reb+4ast, P.Benda 6+14reb, P.Pumprla 5+3reb+1ast, V.Stimac 4+3reb
BK Decin: W.Hatcher 22+1reb+2ast, L.Stria 17+1reb+1ast, M.Soukup 7+4reb+1ast, P.Houska 6+12reb, L.Sanders 5+1reb+3ast, T.Pomikalek 4+5reb

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Thornton, Voru KK	18.7
2. Saage, Rakvere	18.1
3. Erm, Rapla	17.9
4. Timermanis, Rakve.	17.4
5. Raap, Parnu	16.6
6. Osby, TT.	16.4
7. Brown, Va.	16.3
8. Raadik, Parnu	16.2
9. Arnold, TT.	15.7
10. Vaikulis, Rakvere	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Thornton, Voru KK	12.2
2. Brown, Va.	11.1
3. Arnold, TT.	11.0
4. Osby, TT.	10.0
5. Ringmets, Rapla	9.6
6. Kuuba, Voru KK	8.9
7. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.1
8. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	8.0
9. Pokla, Rakvere	7.4
10. Timermanis, Rakve.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Valmo KRIISA
  TT.
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 3.9

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

Steals Per Game

Armands SKELE
  Kalev/Cramo
  (192-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	2.7
2. Laane, Rapla	2.5
3. Raap, Parnu	2.2
4. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
5. Karner, Parnu	2.1
6. Leppik, TU/Rock	1.9
7. Dorbek, Rakvere	1.9
8. Veideman, TU/Rock	1.8
9. Tsintsadze, TU/Ro.	1.8
10. Oja, Va.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	1.8
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.4
3. Raadik, Parnu	1.2
4. Osby, TT.	1.2
5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.9
6. Arnold, TT.	0.9
7. Timermanis, Rakve.	0.9
8. Ringmets, Rapla	0.7
9. Raadik, TU/Rock	0.7
10. Brown, Va.	0.7

BC Kalev/Cramo is Estonian champion! - by Janar Filippov
BC Kalev/Cramo beat Tartu University/Rock 89:86 in Game 4 of Estonian championships final and won the series 4:0. Armands Skele (192-G-83) made two crucial three-pointers in the overtime, finished the game with 27 points and was awarded the title of MVP of the finals - the first time ever a Latvian player has earned the glory!. Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) made 5/10 from a three-point range and totalled 20 points, making him the best Estonian player of the final series. Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) added 13 points, Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Oregon) 12 points and 12 rbs.
For the hosts, Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89) had 20 points, Rain Veideman (192-G-91) 16 points and Vallo Allingu (206-C-78) 15 pts+15 rbs.
TU/Rock led the game they desperately had to win, 73:62 with 3 minutes to go, but huge effort by Gert Dorbek (8 pts in 2 last minutes) helped Kalev/Cramo to end the 4th quarter qith a 15:4 run and the game went to overtime. Then, a three-pointer by Skele made it 82:78 and after a turnover by Sten Sokk, Rait Keerles (201-F-80)s made it 86:81. Sten Sokk answered with a three-pointer, Georgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) added free throws and with a minute to go, it was 86:86.
With 39 seconds left, Armands Skele's individual effort ended with a deciding three-pointer and BC Kalev/Cramo had won the game 89:86 and the series 4:0.
It was only a second ever clean sweep in a history of 7-best-series in Estonian championships. In 2008, it was TU/Rock who destroyed Kalev/Cramo 4:0 in finals.
Altogether, in last 12 seasons, it was the 8th time when BC Kalev/Cramo and TU/Rock have met in the finals. Both have won 6 titles in last 12 years.

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

GERMANY

Patrick Heckmann to attend Boston College - by Moritz Korff
According to various online sources Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) has committed to Boston College (NCAA1) and will enroll this fall. The 19-year-old Mainz native is a member of the German U10-National Team and received 2010-11 Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro B Newcomer of the Year honors just recently. In 28 games for TV Langen he averaged 11.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest. He started his basketball career in his hometown Mainz with ASC Theresianum, spent the 2008-09 season at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado and then returned to Mainz. He was named the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-West Newcomer of the Year in 2009-10. Heckmann represented his country internationally on several occassions, including the 2008 U16 European Championships (Division B), the 2010 Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament and the 2010 U18 European Championships.

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Wood, Dt.	19.1
2. Rice, Art.Dragons	17.0
3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	16.5
4. Harris, EnBW L.	16.0
5. Ross, MBC	15.9
6. Martin, Bremerha.	15.4
7. Dorris, Phoenix	15.3
8. Benzing, Ratio.	15.1
9. Callahan, Bremerha.	14.8
10. Bryant, Ratiopharm	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Bryant, Ratiopharm	10.9
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.1
3. Reiner, Bayreuth	7.8
4. Watts, Walter T.	7.6
5. Martin, Bremerha.	7.1
6. Pleiss, Brose B.	7.0
7. Burtschi, Phoenix	6.9
8. Anderson, Goett.	6.9
9. Stevic, EWE B.	6.8
10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	6.6

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Ratkovica, Walter	7.4
2. Wood, Dt.	5.9
3. Joyce, TBB Trier	5.5
4. Rice, Art.Dragons	5.2
5. Brewer, Bremerha.	4.7
6. Green, EnBW L.	4.6
7. Rochestie, ALBA	4.5
8. Goldsberry, Brose	4.3
9. Hamilton, NY Phant.	4.3
10. Jordan, MBC	4.3

Steals Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phant.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Hamilton, NY Phant.	1.9
2. Everett, Bremerha.	1.8
3. Martin, Bremerha.	1.7
4. Burtschi, Phoenix	1.5
5. Bailey, Goettingen	1.5
6. Pryor, Phoenix	1.5
7. Ross, MBC	1.5
8. Dorris, Phoenix	1.4
9. Lukauskis, EWE B.	1.4
10. Gill, EWE Baskets	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ekene IBEKWE
  Art.Drag.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.8
3. Bryant, Ratiopharm	1.5
4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	1.4
5. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.1
6. Seward, Phoenix	1.1
7. Boumtje, Art.Drag.	1.0
8. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.0
9. Hines, Brose B.	1.0
10. Denison, Bremerha.	0.9

Will Chavis (NBC) Coach Bobby Knight Used To Always Say Winning Favors The Team That Makes The Fewest Mistakes - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Will Chavis (181-G-81, college: Texas Tech) is a 30 year old 181 cm guard who comes from Philadelphia and started his basketball learning at New Hampshire in 1998-1999 averaging 9.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.9apg before going to Texas to play at Panola Junior College averaging 25 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals per game . This gained the interest of legendary coach Bobby Knight at Texas Tech. Knight had only the best to say about the guy he coached two years at Texas Tech. 'Will takes pride in taking good shots, and is a great shooter. He also takes very good care of the ball. He is aggressive and quick on defense, and can anticipate or put under pressure the opposite point guard', stressed Bobby Knight. At Texas Tech, Chavis played together with Artland Dragon Ronald Ross and in his senior year, played 33 games averaging 7.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 going to Iceland to play for UMFN Njardvikur playing 6 games and averaging 18.3ppg; 3.1rpg; 7.8apg ( 41 assists to 11 turnovers); 2.0spg; 3pts 45.6%; FT 85.6%. The next season, he was tested by Olimpia GE Larisa (Greece-A1), but was not signed and finished the season practicing with Climamio Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-SErieA). In 2005-2006, he started to make a name playing for Mlekarna Kunin Novi Jicin (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five) playing 5 EuroCup Challenge games averaging 15.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.4apg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 50% and playing 44 games in the Czech Rep. League averaging 14.6ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4 (5.2apg), 2FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 85.0%. The next season, he went to top Dutch team Demon Astronauts Amsterdam continuing to show who well he could perform in FIBA EuroCup playing 6 games and avergaing 11.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 55.2%, 3FGP: 15%, FT: 78.3% and playing 39 games in the Dutch League and averaging 14.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.3%, FT: 87.8%, 3Pts: 40.9%. In 2007-2008, he split time with Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, but left after 7 games, where he averaged 10.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 36.6%, 3FGP: 27.8%, FT: 87.5%, and then moved to MBC in Jan 2008 playing 12 games and averaging 13.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT-1 ( 91.7%). In 2008-2009, he led MBC into the BBL averaging 10.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 86.5% in 29 games. Last season in his first season with NBC, he played 29 games: 19.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 88.3%. This season, he averaged 14,0ppg, 2,3rpg and 3,5apg. He spoke to Eurobasket about the beko BBL quarterfinal game 5 games.

Are you back in the States already or still in Nurnberg? What are your plans for the summer?

I am back in the States right now but im going back to Nurnberg early, because I want to get an early jump on working out and also I coach the JBBL team here so I have to look at new prospects.

A few weeks after the bitter loss to Ehingen, how have you digested the loss?

I let it go, I mean what happened was unheard of to play a whole game over, but it happened, we won 2 games they won 2 games but we lost and we will just have to deal with it moving forward.

What was your sweetest memory of the 2010-2011 NBC season?

I think my best memories are always in the locker room, and the time I share there with my teammates, but it was nice to have almost 2000 fans at our last home playoff game, because just thinking back when we had 300 at our first game last season, so that was great.

Is the goal for 2011-2012 another chance to move up to the PRO A?

Thats still the goal, but we have to wait and see what happens with the league. But as of right now we are still in ProB with plans to move up.

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

Im not surprised at all, the league has been like that all year with the exception of Bamberg, everyone can beat everyone.

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

It is strange, but it always comes back to what coach Knight used to say, 'winning favors the team that makes the fewest mistakes.' In the playoffs thats usually what it comes down to execution in the crunch, and a couple won balls/calls.

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

I really cant say , but Berlin has home court so in order for Oldenburg to win they really have to limit Berlin to one shot , try to get to the free throw line and take care of the basketball.

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?

Same thing Limit 2nd chance points , get easy baskets and dont turn the ball over

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?

I would say yes in almost the same exact way they both score as well as set teammates up, they will have to continue to do that in order for their team to be successful.

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

No I think its the best i've ever seen!!

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

The Lakers looked mentally tired, they didnt defend at all, but give Dallas credit, they spread the floor well and played excellent team basketball.

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

I think Thunder will win it

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Limitless

Thanks Will for the chat.

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

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-Szova	21.8
3. Bell, Kormend	20.9
4. Marshall, Marso-Va.	20.8
5. Townes, Soproni	19.5
6. Wilson, Kaposvari	19.4
7. Mekongo, FS Debre.	19.3
8. Rubin, Szedeak	19.3
9. Cunningham, Kapos.	19.2
10. Sales, Atomeromu	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Townes, Soproni	11.2
2. Sales, Atomeromu	10.3
3. Werner, Kaposvari	9.1
4. Cunningham, Kapos.	8.9
5. Bader, Szolnok	8.8
6. Jones, Albacomp	8.7
7. Egemonye, PVSK P.	8.5
8. Szabo, Soproni	8.3
9. Gosa, Falco-Szova	8.2
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-Vagep	6.5
3. Trotter, Szolnok	6.3
4. Simon, Albacomp	6.3
5. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.1
6. Kelley, Soproni	6.1
7. Moore, Kormend	5.4
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-Vagep	3.5
2. Marshall, Marso-Va.	2.9
3. Hanga, Albacomp	2.8
4. Czigler, Marso-Va.	2.7
5. Trotter, Szolnok	2.7
6. Werner, Kaposvari	2.6
7. Williams, ZTE K.	2.5
8. Crocker, Albacomp	2.3
9. Singletary, FS Deb.	2.3
10. Clark, Szolnok	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Clark, Szolnok	2.0
2. Townes, Soproni	1.9
3. Czigler, Marso-Va.	1.3
4. McKenzie, Szedeak	1.3
5. Egemonye, PVSK P.	1.1
6. Keller, Albacomp	0.9
7. Aliakseyeu, Falco-.	0.8
8. Langford, FS Debre.	0.8
9. Sales, Atomeromu	0.7
10. Toth, ZTE K.	0.7

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

INDIA

Danapal becomes India's 3rd FIBA commissioner - by M. Rajalingam
Danapal Veerasamy Ponniah from Tamil Nadu, India has successfully qualified as an International Commissioner for FIBA on May 10th, 2011 after a FIBA-Asia Clinic for Commissioners Candidates in Erbil (Iraq) from May 3-5.

Danapal is one person, who is also a certified basketball coach in India. He is a NIS certified basketball coach and and he has been a coach for the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA). He has also coached several Institutions which also includes the most reputed IIT-Madras.

An Air India employee, Danapal has the traits of a good coach cum referee. An active person in the local basketball scene, he can also be seen at all the state level basketball tournaments, where he shares his time refereeing the matches.

With this achievement, Danapal joins Naresh Chander Aneja and Norman Swaroop Isaaac as the only three from India. He joins the elite list of FIBA commisioners in Asia, thereby becoming the one among the 37 FIBA commisioners in Asia. He is the first person from Tamil Nadu to perform this achievement.

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Whiting, Aget Imola	22.4
2. Robinson, Trenkwal.	19.7
3. Crispin, Barcellona	19.6
4. Gordon, Forli	19.5
5. Jackson, Prima Ver.	19.5
6. Ebi, Aget Imola	19.2
7. Goldwire, Forli	19.1
8. Clark, Umana Reyer	18.2
9. Forte, Tuscany PT	18.1
10. Marigney, Assigeco	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Demian FILLOY
  Immobili.
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Filloy, Immobili.	9.4
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	9.2
3. Varnado, Tuscany	8.9
4. Boykin, Assigeco	8.1
5. Dickens, San Seve.	8.0
6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.	7.9
7. Waleskowski, Tezen.	7.9
8. Gordon, Forli	7.8
9. Lollis, Immobili.	7.8
10. Johnson, San Sev.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis .
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Porta, Tezenis	5.1
2. Crispin, Barcellona	4.8
3. Goldwire, Forli	4.5
4. Hickman, Fastw.	4.0
5. Clark, Umana Reyer	3.9
6. Mathis, Snaidero.	3.8
7. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.8
8. Marigney, Assigeco	3.8
9. Nardi, Forli	3.7
10. Forte, Tuscany PT	3.7

Steals Per Game

Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Ebi, Aget Imola	2.9
2. Roderick, Immobi.	2.7
3. Davis, Sunrise	2.6
4. Robinson, Trenkwal.	2.6
5. Piazza, Immobili.	2.5
6. Filloy, Immobili.	2.5
7. Achara, Barcellona	2.4
8. Cerella, Assigeco	2.4
9. Whiting, Aget Imola	2.4
10. Piazza, Forli	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Varnado, Tuscany	2.9
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	1.4
3. Achara, Barcellona	1.2
4. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.1
5. Boykin, Assigeco	0.7
6. Cutolo, San Severo	0.7
7. Cervi, Trenkwalder	0.7
8. Bryan, Umana Reyer	0.7
9. Frosini, Trenkwald.	0.7
10. Trepagnier, Tezen.	0.6

Coby Karl will play with Armani Jeans Milano - by Antonello Varallo
Coby Karl (196-G-83, college: Boise St.) will substitute injured Jonas Maciulis during upcoming playoff.
The son of one of the greatest NBA coach will be coached by the most famous Italian League coach.
Coby Karl is not a champion, but a very intelligent player, with a good knowledge of the game and he is an efficent 3 pointer. During this season he played with CB Granada (Spain-ACB), averaging 11.2 ppg in 29 games, scoring 21 points against Barcelona.

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

JUCO

Todd Phillips Named Men's Head Basketball Coach at Salt Lake Community College - by Arnault Desira
The Salt Lake Community College Athletic Department
announced today that assistant men's basketball coach Todd Phillips
will become the team's head coach on an interim basis, replacing coach
Norm Parrish. After a distinguished 20-year career as the Bruin's
head basketball coach, Parrish recently accepted a position at the
University of Utah as the director of basketball operations.

Coach Phillips served as an assistant to coach Parrish for three years
where he helped lead the Bruins to a National Championship in 2009 and
an overall record of 80-22. Phillips also spent eight years as an
assistant coach under Tommy Connor at Westminster College, helping the
Griffins reach the NAIA National Championship tournament seven times.

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

LEBANON

Arab Cup Schedule for the Lebanese Teams - by Rabih Khoury
Schedule of the Games for the Lebanese Teams:
Groups Round :

Monday 16 May 2011:

Champville (Lebanon) Vs Al Sahel (Kuwait) :2 P.M Beirut Time

Al Riyadi (Lebanon) Vs Dar Al Bayda'a (Algeria) :6 P.M Beirut Time

Tuesday 17 May 2011:

Champville (Lebanon) Vs Ahli Sidab (Oman) : 2 P.M Beirut Time

Al Riyadi (Lebanon) Vs Ittihad Sakandari (Egypt) :6 P.M Beirut Time

Wednesday 18 May 2011:

Champville (Lebanon) Vs ASU (Jordan) : 4 P.M Beirut Time

Thursday 19 May 2011:

Al Riyadi (Lebanon) Vs Al Gharrafa (Quatar) :6 P.M Beirut Time

Friday 20 May 2011:

Champville (Lebanon) Vs Beni Yas (UAE) : 6 P.M Beirut Time

Saturday 21 May 2011:

Champville (Lebanon) Vs Karkh (Iraq) :4 P.M Beirut Time

Sunday 22 May 2011:

Al Riyadi (Lebanon) Vs Shariqah (UAE) : 6 P.M Beirut Time

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LUXEMBOURG

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Points Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 26.5

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	26.5
2. Kennedy, Residence	25.6
3. McDaniel, Black S.	23.0
4. Schumacher, T71	22.2
5. Hargrove, Sparta	21.8
6. Reimold, Basket E.	20.9
7. Muller, T71	20.7
8. Delgado, Etzella	19.4
9. Gary, Contern	19.1
10. Birdsong, Amicale	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	15.5
2. McDaniel, Black S.	15.3
3. Gary, Contern	13.2
4. Hargrove, Sparta	12.2
5. Stephens, T71	11.9
6. Kennedy, Residence	11.8
7. Wurtz, Musel Pikes	11.7
8. Scott, Etzella	11.0
9. Wojnowski, Musel P.	9.8
10. Birdsong, Amicale	9.6

Assists Per Game

Christian SCHARTZ
  Amicale
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Schartz, Amicale	5.5
2. Schumacher, T71	4.1
3. Rausch, Black Star	3.7
4. Delgado, Etzella	3.5
5. Reimold, Basket E.	3.3
6. Schwartz, Musel P.	2.9
7. Koster, Residence	2.9
8. Arbaut, Sparta	2.8
9. McDaniel, Black S.	2.7
10. Giver, Etzella	2.6

Steals Per Game

Christopher JONES
  Amicale
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Jones, Amicale	2.3
2. Kalmes, Contern	1.9
3. Gary, Contern	1.8
4. Kennedy, Residence	1.7
5. Schartz, Amicale	1.6
6. McDaniel, Black S.	1.5
7. Delgado, Etzella	1.5
8. Smith, Sparta	1.4
9. Birdsong, Amicale	1.4
10. Schumacher, T71	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Brandon GARY
  Contern
  (202-F-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Gary, Contern	2.0
2. McDaniel, Black S.	1.9
3. Birdsong, Amicale	1.8
4. Hoffmann, Etzella	1.3
5. Ulmer, Soleuvre	1.0
6. Abercrombie, Spa.	0.9
7. Stephens, T71	0.9
8. Wurtz, Musel Pikes	0.7
9. Scott, Etzella	0.7
10. Jones, Amicale	0.6

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MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 27.8

1. White, Cananea	27.8
2. Sowell, Culiacan	27.3
3. Gale, Mexicali	27.2
4. Brown, Tepic	25.1
5. Sims, Los Mochis	24.3
6. Gabbidon, Tijuana	24.2
7. White, Los Mochis	23.7
8. Moore, Culiacan	23.4
9. Brown, Tepic	23.4
10. Barrett, Guasave	23.1

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Brown, Cananea	10.8
2. Moss, Nogales	10.3
3. Angounou, Guasave	9.8
4. Brown, Tepic	9.4
5. Broxsie, Nogales	9.3
6. Malloy, Los Mochis	8.7
7. Shipley, Tijuana	8.6
8. Rougeau, Culiacan	8.4
9. Gabbidon, Tijuana	7.9
10. Tate, Tijuana	7.9

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Funn, Guasave	8.3
2. Watson, Tijuana	6.1
3. White, Los Mochis	5.4
4. Thomas, Hermosillo	4.8
5. White, Cananea	4.8
6. Nungaray, Guaymas	4.8
7. Marentes, Guaymas	4.3
8. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.2
9. Brown, Tepic	4.1
10. Meza, Culiacan	3.7

Steals Per Game

Marcus MOORE
  Culiacan
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Moore, Culiacan	2.8
2. White, Cananea	2.1
3. Rougeau, Culiacan	1.8
4. Thomas, Cananea	1.8
5. Matthews, Nogales	1.7
6. Gale, Mexicali	1.7
7. Funn, Guasave	1.6
8. White, Los Mochis	1.6
9. Brown, Nogales	1.5
10. Sowell, Culiacan	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Sowell, Culiacan	3.2
2. Webb, Culiacan	2.6
3. Gale, Mexicali	2.5
4. Thomas, Hermosillo	2.3
5. Brown, Nogales	2.3
6. Brown, Nogales	2.2
7. Shipley, Tijuana	2.2
8. Matthews, Nogales	2.2
9. Funn, Guasave	2.2
10. White, Los Mochis	2.2

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

1. Cananea		25-8
2. Culiacan		23-10
3. Hermosillo		22-11
4. Guasave		19-14
5. Guaymas		18-15
6. Nogales		17-16
7. Mexicali		16-17
8. Tijuana		15-18
9. Tepic		6-27
10. Los Mochis		4-29

CIBACOPA Round 33: Frayles de Guasave defeats leader Mineros de Cananea - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in CIBACOPA. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Mineros de Cananea (25-8) on the court of fourth ranked Frayles de Guasave on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Frayles de Guasave 112-108. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Mineros de Cananea. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 57-47 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Frayles de Guasave made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 16 blocks. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for guard Kevin Sowell (190-81) who led his team to a victory with 41 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) contributed with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 blocks for the winners. Forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) answered with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Mineros de Cananea. Mineros de Cananea's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Frayles de Guasave maintains fourth place with 19-14 record. Mineros de Cananea at the other side still keeps top position with eight games lost. Frayles de Guasave are again looking forward to face league's leader Mineros de Cananea at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mineros de Cananea will have a break next round.

Guasave - Cananea 112-108

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Mineros de Cananea (25-8) on the court of fourth ranked Frayles de Guasave on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Frayles de Guasave 112-108. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Mineros de Cananea. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 57-47 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Frayles de Guasave made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 16 blocks. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for guard Kevin Sowell (190-81) who led his team to a victory with 41 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 blocks for the winners. Sowell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) answered with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) added 26 points and 8 assists in the effort for Mineros de Cananea. Four Frayles de Guasave and five Mineros de Cananea players scored in double figures. Mineros de Cananea's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Frayles de Guasave maintains fourth place with 19-14 record. Mineros de Cananea at the other side still keeps top position with eight games lost. Frayles de Guasave are again looking forward to face league's leader Mineros de Cananea at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mineros de Cananea will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Cananea: B.Brown 32+5reb+4ast, D.White 26+4reb+8ast, O.Zuniga 17+2reb, D.Thomas 14+4reb+6ast, J.Casillas 13+5reb+1ast, D.Onofre 3+2reb
Guasave: K.Sowell 41+5reb+4ast, R.Barrett 23+4reb+2ast, W.Funn 20+7reb+12ast, A.Izaguirre 19+6reb+3ast, M.Strobbe 4+4reb, J.Acosta 3+1reb

Tepic - Los Mochis 123-98

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Coras de Tepic's (6-27) home victory over bottom-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (4-29) 123-98 on Friday. The game without a history. Coras de Tepic led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Pioneros Los Mochis' 50 and made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Strangely Pioneros Los Mochis outrebounded Coras de Tepic 48-32 including a 23-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Pioneros Los Mochis' players. It was a good game for American swingman Cleotis Brown (198-77, college: Illinois, agency: Dream Team Management) who led his team to a victory with 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Ira Brown (193-82, college: Gonzaga, agency: Dream Team Management) contributed with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners. Five Coras de Tepic players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Raymundo Castillo (197-82, college: UTPA) answered with 34 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds and American guard Detrick White (184-76, college: Mississippi St.) added 25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks in the effort for Pioneros Los Mochis. Coras de Tepic maintains ninth place with 6-27 record. Loser Pioneros Los Mochis stay dead last with 29 lost games. Coras de Tepic will face again bottom-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (#10) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: R.Castillo 34+8reb+1ast, D.White 25+8reb+6ast, J.Favela 17+3reb+3ast, E.Hare 9+9reb+2ast, J.Estrada 8+5reb, A.Araujo 4+6reb
Tepic: C.Brown 33+9reb+4ast, J.Pablo Bravo 29+6ast, I.Brown 24+8reb+6ast, J.Parker 15+3reb+2ast, C.Estrada 12+3reb+4ast, H.Ibanez 6+3reb+6ast

Hermosillo - Tijuana 106-76

Very expected game when 8th ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (15-18) were smashed on the road by third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (22-11) 106-76 on Friday. The game without a history. Rayos de Hermosillo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Tijuana Zonkeys' 54. They outrebounded Tijuana Zonkeys 40-27 including 32 on the defensive glass. Rayos de Hermosillo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 4 passes made by Tijuana Zonkeys' players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Rayos de Hermosillo made 11 blocks. It was a good game for American center Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) who led his team to a victory with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Power forward Juan Manuel Esteva (196-83) contributed with 23 points and 4 assists for the winners. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach Dan Tacheny felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and Nickolas Velasquez added 17 points and 5 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo maintains third place with 22-11 record having just three points less than leader Cananea. Loser Tijuana Zonkeys keep the eighth position with 18 games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo will face again Tijuana Zonkeys (#8) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: C.Tate 25+10reb, N.Velasquez 17+5reb+1ast, T.Gabbidon 16+2reb+1ast, E.Zuniga 10+2reb+2ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 6+5reb, F.Valenzuela 2+2reb
Hermosillo: J.Manuel Esteva 23+2reb+4ast, M.Gray 22+7reb+2ast, J.Lopez 20+8reb, J.Durazo 10+2reb+4ast, J.Camacho 10+3reb+3ast, R.Rivera 8+1reb+4ast

Mexicali - Guaymas 94-91 OT

write game description manually
Top scorers:
Guaymas: R.Roby 21+5reb+3ast, J.Habel 18+10reb, A.Pedroza 14+5reb, H.Nungaray 9+3reb+5ast, R.Benitez 8+6reb, J.Sanchez 7+1reb
Mexicali: M.Gale 26+3reb+5ast, J.Penny 23+8reb+1ast, S.VanderMeer 17+10reb+1ast, R.Lopez 12+4reb, H.Estrada 10+4reb+3ast, P.Giron 3+1reb+1ast

Nogales - Culiacan 97-108

Rather predictable result when second ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (23-10) won against on the road 6th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (17-16) 108-97 on Friday. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 59-43 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American guard Marcus Moore (198-80, college: Washington St.) who led his team to a victory with 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Jonathan Meza used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Venezuelan forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami, FL) answered with 27 points and 5 assists and Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) added 26 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 23-10 record having just two points less than leader Cananea. Fuerza Guinda Nogales lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 16 games lost. Caballeros de Culiacan will have a break next round. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play again at home against the league's second-placed Caballeros de Culiacan (#2).
Top scorers:
Nogales: J.Walker 27+4reb+5ast, R.Moss 26+7reb, N.Brown 13+1reb+6ast, J.Mercado 12+7reb, H.Rivera 6, A.Broxsie 5+9reb+2ast
Culiacan: M.Moore 33+5reb+2ast, R.Rougeau 19+9reb+3ast, A.Henning 16+6reb+4ast, D.Meza Rogel 15+4reb+4ast, Q.Gonzalez 12+1reb+1ast, V.Avila 9+4reb+1ast

Funn's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old guard William Funn (188-G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Guasave and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.
He got a double-double of 20 points and 12 assists, while his team edged out Cananea (#1, 25-8) 112-108. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Guasave maintains the 4th position in Mexican league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Guasave will need more victories to improve their 19-14 record. In the team's last game Funn had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Guasave, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Portland State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Funn is league's best passer with 8.3apg. Funn is in league's top in and averages solid 2.2bpg and 59.5% FGP. Worth to mention Funn played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

Second best performed player last round was Kevin Sowell (190-G-81). He is American guard in his first season at Guasave. In the last game Sowell recorded impressive 41 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. It was enough for Guasave to edge the higher-ranked Cananea (#1, 25-8) by 4 points 112-108. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Guasave consolidated its place in top 4 of the standings. His team's 19-14 record is not bad at all. Sowell is one of the most experienced players at Guasave and similarly like William Funn has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 33.6ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 6.6rpg and 3.2apg. Former star Sowell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Cleotis Brown (198-G/F-77, agency: Dream Team Management) of Tepic (#9). Brown got into 30-points club by scoring 33 points in the last round. He went also for nine rebounds and four assists. He was a key player of Tepic, leading his team to a 123-98 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Los Mochis (#10, 4-29). Tepic can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 6-27 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Brown he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Brown has individually a great season in Mexico. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 23.4ppg (4th best), rebounds with 5.0rpg (#1 in league) and assists with 4.1apg (9th best). He also has 2.0bpg and FGP: 55.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Davin White (186-G-81) of Cananea - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Ira Brown (193-F-82) of Tepic - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Marquise Gray (206-C-86) of Hermosillo - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Brandon Brown (201-F-85) of Cananea - 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. James Penny (198-F-76) of Mexicali - 23 points and 8 rebounds
9. Cyrus Tate (203-F/C-85) of Tijuana - 25 points and 10 rebounds
10. Jermaine Walker (198-F-77) of Nogales - 27 points, 4 rebounds and 5 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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MONTENEGRO

Buducnost and Mornar in the final of MNE Play-Off - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Clubs Buducnost from Podgorica and Mornar from Bar will play in the finals of the MNE Play-Off.The Buducnost is in the second semifinal match and beat Ulcinj 72:68 2-0 victories in the series address, nad Mornar in Cetinje was better than Lovcen 80:74 and also after two matches won place in the final.
The Buducnost is in the second semifinal match play-off defeat Ulcinj 72:68 (28:19, 20:21, 13:13, 11:15) and to 2-0 in victories won a place in the finals, which will attempt to win the fifth Champion of Montenegro, the Mornar decided semifinal series after two games - Mornar in Cetinje were better than Lovcen 80:74 (20:20, 20:23, 27:17, 13:14).

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NBA

Brian Shaw has permission to interview with Warriors - by Eurobasket News
Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who has become a hot candidate for a few head-coaching vacancies in the NBA, including his current team, has gotten the OK from management to interview for the Golden State Warriors head coach opening.

'Yes, we have been given permission,' Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a text message Thursday. He said the Lakers also gave assistant coach Chuck Person permission to talk to the Warriors.

Shaw, a candidate to replace Phil Jackson with the Lakers, also had been given permission to interview for the opening with the Houston Rockets.

Shaw is from Oakland, went to high school there and attended St. Mary's College before transferring to UC Santa Barbara. He still has an off-season home in Oakland Hills.

Shaw, 45, interviewed for the Cleveland Cavaliers job last season, but he turned it down and returned to the Lakers.

He played on three of the Lakers' championship teams in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and was an assistant coach on the 2009 and 2010 championship teams.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Carlos Boozer jabs Chris Bosh, says Heat have two great players - by Eurobasket News
The Eastern Conference finals match-up is set and the subtle trash talking has already begun.

Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) was asked on Thursday about how to stop the Miami Heat's big three.

Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Boozer subtly jabbed Heat forward Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech), saying that Miami has two great players.

Tom Ziller of SB Nation believes that Boozer knows exactly what he is doing.

Boozer had his best game of the playoffs in Chicago's series-clinching win over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. He is averaging 11.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game throughout the postseason.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals will be played on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Lakers eye Mike Dunleavy - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers have had to replace two coaching legends in the last 20 years: Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. The only time it's worked out well, the team turned to Mike Dunleavy. They're thinking of doing the same again this time.

Dunleavy was contacted by the team this week and is said to be on the team's current 'short list' to succeed Jackson, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

That list also includes former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman, who ESPN.com's Marc Stein and ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin reported Thursday also would be 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. But a league source told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that Bryant would support the hiring of Adelman if the team decided to go in that direction.

The Lakers have scheduled interviews with Shaw and fellow Lakers assistant Chuck Person, sources told Bucher.

Dunleavy is currently awaiting judgment in his arbitration hearing with the Los Angeles Clippers, who stopped paying the balance of his contract after they fired him as general manager last year. Dunleavy earlier had resigned as coach after going 215-326 with the Clippers.

Though his recent history with the Clippers was unsuccessful, Dunleavy is still viewed as a strong tactician with an impressive history of postseason success. He was the NBA Coach of the Year in 1999 with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers have always thought fondly of the job he did in replacing Riley in 1990, leading the team to an upset over the Trail Blazers in the 1991 Western Conference finals before losing to Jackson's Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals.

Dunleavy has maintained a friendship with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and his son, Jim Buss. As recently as last year, he watched Lakers games with Buss from his suite at Staples Center.

He also has a long history with Bryant, whom he courted and nearly convinced to join the Clippers as a free agent in 2004.

Dunleavy is the winningest and was the highest-paid coach in Clippers history. He took the franchise to within one win of the Western Conference finals in 2006.

Dunleavy has a career record of 613-716 as a head coach with the Lakers, Milwaukee, Portland and the Clippers. Besides the 1990-91 run with the Lakers, he came within one game of the 2000 Finals with the Trail Blazers before a fourth-quarter collapse in Game 7 propelled Shaquille O'Neal and Bryant to their first of three championships together with the Lakers.

The team's decision-making chain of command when it comes to choosing Jackson's replacement is Jim Buss, Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak, ESPN.com's J.A. Adande reported after the Lakers were swept by Dallas Sunday.

'In that order,' one source told Adande.

In his postseason sitdown with reporters Wednesday, Kupchak said: 'We'd like to be deliberate. In Los Angeles, typically we hire coaches and they stick with us for a long time and hopefully win championships. So we'll take our time in making that decision.'

Lakers co-captain Derek Fisher and veteran forward Luke Walton have joined Bryant in registering support for Shaw, but it remains to be seen if the Busses are prepared to replace the most successful coach in history with a first-time NBA head coach.

Shaw previously has been given permission to interview for the Rockets vacancy. League sources told Bucher that Shaw and Person have been granted permission to interview for the Golden State Warriors position.

Adelman, 64, has never won a championship and is best remembered in Lakerland as coach of the Sacramento team that took a 3-2 series lead over L.A. in the heated and controversial 2002 Western Conference finals before the Kings lost in seven games.

But his reputation as a players' coach with a pleasing-to-the-eye offense would appear to make him a better fit than other top veteran coaches available -- such as Jeff Van Gundy, Jerry Sloan or Larry Brown -- because of the Buss family's well-known fondness for entertaining basketball.

In four seasons with the injury-plagued Rockets, Adelman posted a record of 193-135 for a .588 winning percentage and helped Houston extend the Lakers to seven games in the second round of the 2009 playoffs despite the absence of Yao Ming for most of the series.

Adelman's career record is 945-616, which puts him eighth in all-time victories and includes two trips to the NBA Finals with Portland, as well as one unsuccessful stint with Golden State between his jobs with the Blazers and Kings.

Courtesy of ESPN

Celtics' Ainge hiring son - by Eurobasket News
After two seasons as coach of the Maine Red Claws in the NBA Developmental League, Austin Ainge is finalizing a deal to return to the Boston Celtics front office as a player personnel executive, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Ainge, the son of Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, will rejoin the organization where he had previously served as a scout.

Ainge was the first coach of the Red Claws, an expansion franchise in 2009. Maine finished 18-32 and in fifth place in the D-Leagues Eastern Division this season.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Rajon Rondo will not need surgery, Jermaine O'Neal will - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) will not need to have surgery to repair the dislocated elbow he suffered and courageously played through during the playoff series against the Miami Heat.

'I was in the back room when Rondo had the dislocated elbow, and he was in an amazing amount of pain,' Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. I mean, he was trying to get back out on the court now. He didn't want to ice it, he didn't want the X-ray. He said, 'Pop it back, tape it up, let's go.' He was worried about the clock running down in the game and he was in excruciating pain and it was amazing what he was able to accomplish.

In a gruesome play, Rondo bent his elbow backwards after being tangled up with Heat star Dwyane Wade. Immediately following the play, it did not appear as if Rondo would be able to return to the game. In the two games following his injury Rondo averaged eight points and four assists per game, a far cry from his 10.6 points and 11.2 assist averages from the regular season.

Celtics big man Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F-78),, will need to undergo surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left wrist. ONeal apparently hurt his wrist in preseason, and further damaged it in the first round playoff series against the New York Knicks.

ONeal, 32, said he would have to take time to evaluate his own future this off-season. Once an All-Star, ONeal has been limited to a bench role with the Celtics for much of the season.

Courtesy of www.twackle.com

Doc Rivers gets five-year extension with Boston Celtics - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge was approaching his postseason news conference when his cell phone rang.

He smiled and told reporters it was from his new coach, then ducked into the nearby workout room to take the call. But he was only half-joking: It was Doc Rivers calling, and he had just agreed to a five-year contract extension that would not only give him another run at a title with the current roster but keep him in Boston to help rebuild the franchise when the Big Three era is done.

'I think Doc is the best coach in the league. So it's great for us,' Ainge said Friday at the team's practice facility. 'There's nobody I'd rather have as my coach than Doc.'

Rivers contract was set to expire - he had an option for next season - and he said after the Celtics were eliminated by the Miami Heat on Wednesday night that he was 'leaning heavily' toward coming back. But he was expected to return on a short-term deal to make one more run at a title with the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

Instead, the five-year contract worth a reported $35 million would give him the chance to lead the franchise with a rebuilt roster that probably won't include any of the thirtysomething stars who led Boston to its 18th NBA title - and Rivers' first - in 2008.

'Doc wants to be here. It's not all because he thinks that over the next five years we will have the best team in the NBA,' Ainge said. 'He's part of this franchise. He wants to do what it takes for us to be successful.'

One year after Rivers waited into the summer to make up his mind to return for just one year, he decided quickly on a long-term deal. It was discussed in training camp, shelved during the season and then revisited after the first-round sweep over the New York Knicks in the playoffs gave them a chance to talk.

'He just wanted to come back this year and see how it was going to be,' Ainge said. 'Doc has always known that we wanted him. That offer was on the table.'

Rivers has coached the Celtics for the past seven seasons, winning the NBA title in 2008 and reaching the finals in 2010 before losing in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers. This year, Boston swept the New York Knicks in four games before losing to the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals in five games.

Ainge promised changes, refusing to even promise that the team's four core players - the Big Three and point guard Rajon Rondo - would be back. If they are, there could be changes in the way they're used, with an eye toward keeping the older stars fresh for the playoffs.

And the roster will be different, he said, acknowledging that the team got little help from the bench in the postseason - especially on offense.

'There were too many scoring droughts at crucial times in games,' Ainge said. 'We need to improve our team to have a crack at it next year.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Chris Paul's future in New Orleans: Media rumors become a-Paul-ing - by Eurobasket News
The national media's obsession with getting Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) out of New Orleans continues.

First, New York media outlets and ESPN went bananas last summer over a playful toast Paul made at Carmelo Anthony's wedding. He suggested he and Anthony join Amare Stoudemire in New York to form their own Big Three in the wake of the ESPN-orchestrated circus surrounding the formation of Miami's Big Three LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

It didn't matter that Anthony had one year left on his contract with Denver and Paul had two years left on his contract with the Hornets. Of course the trade of Anthony to the Knicks seven months later guaranteed that the Paul-to-the-Knicks speculation will endure, even though Paul is under contract for another season and New York is incapable of putting together a worthwhile package to trade for Paul after trading for Anthony. The facts won't get in the way of that story.

Now we have another silly Paul story, courtesy of ESPN.com with the Associated Press playing the part of unwitting accomplice.

The headline screams from the front page of ESPN's web site Paul to think about signing with MJ, Bobcats. MJ, of course, is Michael Jordan, NBA icon and owner of the Charlotte Bobats, who play in Paul's native North Carolina.

Wow, sexy stuff, huh? The Hornets are getting ready to start the playoffs and their best player is already planning to consider signing with another team. The only thing is, he isn't, at least not judging by the facts rather than ESPN.com's distortion.

Click on the enticing headline and you see another headline above the AP story: Chris Paul will consider Bobcats in '12. Well, not so fast.

The AP, a far more reputable news agency than anything having to do with ESPN, provided some context to Paul's innocent comments.

The second sentence of the article merely raises a question; it doesn't make a declarative statement:

could Paul decide to return home next year and make Jordan his boss? Could he? Sure, he could. Will he? No one knows, not even Paul himself.

The AP merely said, Paul won't rule it out. There's a difference between not ruling out doing something and saying you'll definitely do it.

Paul, doing a phone interview with the AP to promote a Jordan Brand high-school all-star game in Charlotte, said of the prospect of signing with the Bobcats: 'It would definitely be something to think about.' Would means, if the opportunity arises, which it might not.

If it becomes clear to the Hornets that Paul will opt out after next season and sign elsewhere, general manager Dell Demps would be wise to ship Paul to the team offering the best deal, just as the Nuggets did with Anthony. The Hornets, not Paul, would choose his next home.

The wild card in all this is the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between owners and players in July. No one knows what the new deal will include. There could be the implementation of franchise designation, like the one in the NFL, which might allow New Orleans to place such a high price on any Paul suitors for signing him that his options would be greatly reduced.

There's also the outside possibility that Paul could sign a new deal with the Hornets. I'm not betting on that one, but neither am I betting on him being a Knick, or a Bobcat.

Paul's something to think about quote was followed immediately by this one: 'But right now it's all about trying to win a championship here with the Hornets.'

The AP story also said, Paul alternated praise for Jordan while stressing that his immediate concern is the Hornets' impending first-round playoff series. Stressing is a stronger word than would.

Paul also told the AP, 'I'm one of those people who tries to stay in the moment.'

Some media outlets refuse to do that, even if it requires distorting facts.

Courtesy of www.sportsnola.com

LeBron, Wade thought they might be on Bulls - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) said they each had days last summer when they woke up thinking they would join the Chicago Bulls, not the Miami Heat, in free agency.

'It was two mornings', Wade said at Friday's practice ahead of the Heats matchup against the top-seeded Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

Standing next to Wade to the Heat practice facility, James admitted he had similar thoughts.

'I definitely had one or two mornings where I woke up thinking Id be a Bull too, but ultimately I decided to come here', James said.

Courtesy of www.worldsportnews.co.cc

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NCAA1

Belmont to leave Atlantic Sun, join Ohio Valley Conference - by Eurobasket News
Belmont University, a steady presence in the NCAA basketball tourney, is leaving the Atlantic Sun Conference and joining the Ohio Valley Conference effective in the 2012-2013 academic year, the school announced Friday.

Belmont has been in the NCAA basketball tournament four times in the last five years, losing in the first round each time. This year the Bruins finished 30-5 overall and lost to Wisconsin as a 13th seed. They nearly upset Duke in 2008, losing 71-70.

Basketball coach Rick Byrd said the move could improve Belmont's chances in future NCAA tourneys. OVC teams have won three straight first-round tourney games, which he said helps the reputation of the league.

'But you have to elevate your own program,' he said.

Belmont officials said the Nashville school is joining the OVC by invitation and will save travel expenses in the process. Seven OVC schools are in Tennessee or Kentucky. The A-Sun conference has teams as far away as Florida and South Carolina.

Dr. Robert C. Fisher, Belmont's president, said the university will pay a $200,000 fee to leave the A-Sun, 'but you don't have to get on a plane to go anywhere ... and the students won't have to miss as many classes.'

Belmont has been in the A-Sun for 10 years. The winner of the league tourney, like the OVC, gets an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. Other league teams rarely get at-large bids.

OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche said the addition of Belmont 'is a hallmark day for us.'

'We were a great league yesterday and a greater league today,' she told a news conference at the school.

DeBauche said the OVC has a three-year deal with ESPN for basketball broadcasts, and the new school 'helps us in our footprint.'

Belmont, a private college in Nashville with an enrollment of about 5,900, has teams in 17 sports but has no plans to add a football team, an OVC sport.

'The OVC doesn't need us in football,' Fisher said.

Byrd said he's impressed with the caliber of basketball in the OVC, which is based in suburban Nashville.

'They have a long history of great teams,' he said. 'This is a great move.'

Belmont officials said they hope to continue their games with fellow Nashville school Lipscomb, an A-Sun member some two miles down Belmont Boulevard. Their annual rivalry is known as 'the battle of the boulevard.'

Courtesy of http://m.knoxnews.com

Court hearing postponed for Oklahoma States Darrell Williams - by Eurobasket News
A court hearing scheduled Friday for suspended Oklahoma State forward Darrell Williams (6'8''-F) has been postponed until next month.

Williams appeared in Payne County District Court with his attorney to request that his arraignment be moved back. Judge Phillip Corley agreed to reschedule the hearing to June 10.

Williams faces five felony counts alleging he inappropriately touched two female OSU students without their consent at an off-campus party in December.

Williams is charged with four counts of rape by instrumentation and one count of sexual battery. He pleaded not guilty to four of the counts before an additional count of rape by instrumentation was added last month.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Is Capel's return to Duke part of Krzyzewski's eventual exit strategy? - by Eurobasket News
As coaching trees go, Mike Krzyzewski's is hardly a towering pine. It's not Charlie Brown's Christmas shrub, but suffice to say the branches could use some work.

All of which add intrigue to Jeff Capel's return to Duke and the perennial speculation as to who will succeed Krzyzewski as the Blue Devils' basketball leader.

A former assistant to his father at Old Dominion and head coach at VCU, Capel was fired in March after five seasons as Oklahoma's big whistle. This just two years after guiding the Sooners and Blake Griffin to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight - Oklahoma lost to eventual national champion North Carolina.

At Duke, where he played point guard from 1993-97, Capel replaces Nate James as an assistant coach. James assumes an administrative role within the program.

Translation: Krzyzewski restructured his staff to bring Capel home.

The question becomes, is this merely a lifeline for Capel? Or, as Comrade Fairbank suggested upon hearing the news Sunday, is Capel being groomed for the corner office?

Not to rush Krzyzewski into his rocking chair. He's a young 64 and a year removed from his fourth national championship at Duke.

Moreover, he's a year away from pursuing a second consecutive gold medal with the United States Olympic team.

So clearly, the man hasn't lost his mojo. But sooner rather than later, barring Paterno-like longevity, Krzyzewski will retire and, presumably, have considerable say in choosing his successor.

But unless Krzyzewski and athletic director Kevin White have agreed to a timeline, I doubt either has settled on Duke's next coach. Candidates, yes. The heir apparent, no.

Not that Capel isn't credible. In 2002, VCU made him Division I's youngest head coach at 27, and during his four seasons the Rams were 79-41 and reached the 2004 NCAA tournament.

Oklahoma hired Capel to replace Kelvin Sampson, who had bolted for Indiana, and in Capel's five seasons the Sooners were 96-69 with two NCAA appearances. But after Griffin headed to the NBA, Oklahoma declined markedly with a 27-36 combined record the past two years, 9-23 in the Big 12.

It's the Sooners' first back-to-back losing seasons since 1966 and '67. But Capel is far from the only former Duke player and/or assistant to stumble.

With a law degree and a natural way with people, Quin Snyder once seemed Krzyzewski's ideal successor. Not now.

Snyder, a point guard on three Blue Devils Final Four teams, coached Missouri to four consecutive NCAAs, including a regional final in 2002. But NCAA sanctions for recruiting infractions and a 42-42 record in his final two-plus years prompted Snyder's late-season dismissal in 2006. He's now assisting Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins.

Tommy Amaker, the point guard of Krzyzewski's first Final Four team, in 1986, guided Seton Hall to the 2000 Sweet 16, but that's his only NCAA tournament in 14 years as a head coach. Michigan fired Amaker in 2007 after six seasons and a 43-53 Big Ten mark, and he's spent the last four years elevating Harvard - the Crimson lost the 2011 Ivy League championship to a Princeton buzzer-beater.

Duke's No. 2 career scorer, Johnny Dawkins, served as a Devils assistant from 1998-2008 before heading to Stanford, in theory a logical stepping stone to replacing Krzyzewski. But in Dawkins' three seasons, the Cardinal are 49-48, 20-34 in the Pacific 10, and haven't even made the NIT.

Keep in mind, Krzyzewski does not shelter or micromanage his staff. Conversely, given his myriad pursuits outside the program, he leans on his assistants more than most.

That leads some to peg long-time present staffers Chris Collins (11 seasons) and Steve Wojciechowski (12 seasons) as viable possibilities. But how to pick between the two former Duke teammates, both of whom carry the title associate head coach?

Most important, would White or whomever is leading the athletic department at the time, turn over a top-five program to a rookie head coach?

The hunch here is no, leading us to the most qualified successor within the Devils family.

Mike Brey didn't attend Duke and hasn't taken a team beyond the NCAA regional semifinals. But in 16 seasons as a head coach, five at Delaware and the last 11 at Notre Dame, this former Krzyzewski assistant (1987-95) has forged a first-rate reputation.

Brey's teams have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments and five NITs. He was 60-30 in the America East and is 112-72 in the Big East since replacing Matt Doherty at Notre Dame.

The athletic director who hired Brey for the Fighting Irish? None other than White.

Maryland approached Brey last week while searching for Gary Williams' replacement. Brey, a Maryland native, elected to remain at Notre Dame.

If the timing were right, could he also resist Duke?

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

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

NCAA3

Chapman University to become ninth member of the SCIAC - by Arnault Desira
After a unanimous vote from the SCIAC President's Council, Chapman University has accepted an invitation to join the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), beginning with the 2011-12 academic year. Chapman will become the ninth member of the conference, following an eight-month application process that culminated in the unanimous vote on May 6.

'We accept with a great deal of pride this invitation to join SCIAC we believe that Chapman can be highly competitive in the conference, and we greatly look forward to membership in this exemplary athletic association,' said James L. Doti, president of Chapman University. 'Twenty years ago, Chapman made the decision to move from NCAA Division II to Division III. That transition involved three primary goals: to start a college football program, add more women's sports and join the SCIAC. Today that mission is complete.'

The addition of Chapman to the SCIAC membership will be effective July 1, 2011 although Chapman will not be fully integrated into conference scheduling for 1 to 2 years. The Panthers will become eligible to compete for conference championships following a 2- to 3-year grace period, according to the SCIAC.

'This is an historic day in the life of our intercollegiate athletics program at Chapman,' said David Currey, Chapman's director of athletics. 'We're joining a conference that boasts some of the top-ranked academic institutions in the country. This is an opportunity that will benefit our university and student athletes for years to come.'

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NEW ZEALAND

NBL Round 5 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game of round 5 in the NBL was a home defeat of 8th ranked Taranaki MA (1-5) to sixth ranked Southland S. (2-4) 91-80. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 91-80. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Sylvester Spicer (198-F-86, college: Rogers St.) stepped up and scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Kevin Braswell (188-79, college: Georgetown, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 19 points and 6 assists. Center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds. Southland S. maintains sixth place with 2-4 record. Taranaki MA lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with five games lost. Southland S. are looking forward to face higher ranked Manawatu J. (#4) in Palmerston North in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Taranaki MA will play on the road against Waikato P. (#3) in Hamilton and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Important game to mention about took place in Stoke. Third ranked Manawatu J. (3-3) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Nelson G. (1-4) 95-94 on Friday evening. American guard Darryl Hudson (196-85, college: Howard) nailed 38 points (!!!) (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) for the winning side and Nick Horvath accounted for 15 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. International forward Mika Vukona (197-82) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Nelson G. in the defeat. Despite that victory Manawatu J. went down to fourth position due to points difference. Nelson G. at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. Manawatu J. will play against bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (#9) in Dunedin in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Nelson G. will play on the road against the league's leader Wellington S. to get more than just one victory in their record.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Manawatu J. (3-3) against fourth ranked Waikato P. (4-3) on Saturday night. Host Manawatu J. was defeated by Waikato P. in Palmerston North 83-65. The best player for the winners was Thomas Abercrombie who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Nick Horvath produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds for the hosts. Manawatu J.'s coach Ryan Weisenberg rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Waikato P. moved-up to third place. Loser Manawatu J. dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Waikato P. will meet at home Taranaki MA (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Manawatu J. will play against OceanaGold N. (#9) in Dunedin and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (0-6) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to leader Wellington S. (8-0) 99-80. Corey Webster orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points. Wellington S.'s coach Pero Cameron allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Wellington S. have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. OceanaGold N. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. Wellington S.'s next round opponent will be Nelson G. (#7) in Stoke which should be theoretically an easy game. OceanaGold N. will play at home against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Southland was also quite interesting. Leader Wellington S. (8-0) played at the court of 6th ranked Southland S. (2-4). Wellington S. defeated Southland S. 93-81 on Saturday. Lindsay Tait stepped up and scored 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Wellington S.. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Southland S. keeps the sixth place with four games lost. Wellington S. will face Nelson G. (#7) in Stoke in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Southland S. will play at home against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 5 Southland S. was destroyed by Waikato P. on the opponent's court 102-69.

Manawatu J. - Waikato P. 65-83

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Manawatu J. (3-3) against fourth ranked Waikato P. (4-3) on Saturday night. Host Manawatu J. was defeated by Waikato P. in Palmerston North 83-65. The game without a history. Waikato P. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, college: Washington St., agency: Priority Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. International center Alex Pledger (216-87, college: Belm.Abbey) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Four Waikato P. players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Nick Horvath (208-81, college: Duke) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and the former international guard Jeremy Kench (187-84) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Manawatu J.'s coach Ryan Weisenberg rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Waikato P. moved-up to third place. Loser Manawatu J. dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Waikato P. will meet at home Taranaki MA (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Manawatu J. will play against OceanaGold N. (#9) in Dunedin and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Waikato P.: H.Allen 26+1reb+2ast, T.Abercrombie 19+10reb+3ast, A.Pledger 17+12reb, J.Smith 14+6reb+4ast, J.Crowe 5+4reb+3ast, D.Ryan 2+2reb
Manawatu J.: D.Hudson 16+2ast, N.Horvath 15+15reb+2ast, J.Kench 8+9reb+1ast, R.Igbawua 8+7reb, J.Trueman 7+4reb, L.Funnell 5+2reb

Southland S. - Wellington S. 81-93

The game in Southland was also quite interesting. Leader Wellington S. (8-0) played at the court of 6th ranked Southland S. (2-4). Wellington S. defeated Southland S. 93-81 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 52-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. International guard Lindsay Tait (194-82, agency: Impact Basketball) stepped up and scored 17 points and 4 assists for the winners and the former international forward Casey Frank (203-77, college: N.Arizona) chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds. Five Wellington S. players scored in double figures. American forward Sylvester Spicer (198-86, college: Rogers St.) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import guard Kevin Braswell (188-79, college: Georgetown, agency: Priority Sports) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Wellington S.. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Southland S. keeps the sixth place with four games lost. Wellington S. will face Nelson G. (#7) in Stoke in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Southland S. will play at home against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wellington S.: C.Webster 18+4ast, L.Tait 17+4reb+4ast, E.Maxey 16+6reb, C.Frank 13+10reb+1ast, L.Henry 12+2reb+1ast, K.Johnson 11+12reb
Southland S.: S.Spicer 23+6reb+2ast, K.Braswell 12+6reb+8ast, J.Paringatai 10+3reb, B.Polyblank 9+4reb+2ast, M.Dickel 9+4reb+6ast, M.Iti 8+5reb

Taranaki MA - Southland S. 80-91

The most interesting game of round 5 in the NBL was a home defeat of 8th ranked Taranaki MA (1-5) to sixth ranked Southland S. (2-4) 91-80. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 91-80. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Sylvester Spicer (198-86, college: Rogers St.) stepped up and scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Kevin Braswell (188-79, college: Georgetown, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 19 points and 6 assists. Center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) scored 21 points. Four Southland S. and five Taranaki MA players scored in double figures. Southland S. maintains sixth place with 2-4 record. Taranaki MA lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with five games lost. Southland S. are looking forward to face higher ranked Manawatu J. (#4) in Palmerston North in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Taranaki MA will play on the road against Waikato P. (#3) in Hamilton and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Southland S.: S.Spicer 21+9reb, K.Braswell 19+4reb+6ast, G.Dawson 16+3reb, M.Dickel 13+3reb+5ast, B.Polyblank 8+7reb+2ast, D.Peck 6+2reb
Taranaki MA: J.Leasure 21+2reb+1ast, M.Campbell 17+15reb, A.Bailey-Nowell 14+7reb+1ast, L.Abrams 11+8reb, C.Stuart 10+4reb, R.Beesly 5+1reb+1ast

OceanaGold N. - Wellington S. 80-99

Bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (0-6) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to leader Wellington S. (8-0) 99-80. The game without a history. Wellington S. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Wellington S. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.6 percentage. The former international guard Corey Webster (185-88, college: Lambuth) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points. American forward Erron Maxey (198-78, college: Providence) contributed with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Wellington S. players scored in double figures. Wellington S.'s coach Pero Cameron allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. International power forward Craig Bradshaw (207-83, college: Winthrop) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds and American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) added 12 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for OceanaGold N.Wellington S. have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. OceanaGold N. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. Wellington S.'s next round opponent will be Nelson G. (#7) in Stoke which should be theoretically an easy game. OceanaGold N. will play at home against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Wellington S.: C.Webster 21+3ast, E.Maxey 15+5reb+1ast, L.Tait 15+4ast, L.Henry 14+6reb+1ast, C.Frank 9+5reb+1ast, T.McLean 9+4reb+1ast
OceanaGold N.: C.Bradshaw 18+14reb+3ast, S.To'omata 15+1reb+2ast, L.Allred 12+11reb+1ast, M.Morrison 9+2reb, J.Ross 8+1reb, S.O'Gallagher 7+2reb

Nelson G. - Manawatu J. 94-95

Important game to mention about took place in Stoke. Third ranked Manawatu J. (3-3) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Nelson G. (1-4) 95-94 on Friday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-22. But Nelson G. won second period 23-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Manawatu J. made 23-of-30 charity shots (76.7 percent) during the game. American guard Darryl Hudson (196-85, college: Howard) nailed 38 points (!!!) (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) for the winning side and the former international power forward Nick Horvath (208-81, college: Duke) accounted for 15 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. International forward Mika Vukona (197-82) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international guard Phill Jones (196-74) added 24 points respectively for Nelson G. in the defeat. Four Manawatu J. and five Nelson G. players scored in double figures. Despite that victory Manawatu J. went down to fourth position due to points difference. Nelson G. at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. Manawatu J. will play against bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (#9) in Dunedin in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Nelson G. will play on the road against the league's leader Wellington S. to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Manawatu J.: D.Hudson 38+4reb, J.Trueman 16+6reb+1ast, N.Horvath 15+13reb+5ast, J.Kench 12+3reb+5ast, R.Igbawua 6+6reb, M.Te Huna 5+1reb+1ast
Nelson G.: P.Jones 24+4reb+1ast, R.Grizzard 21+4reb, M.Vukona 17+12reb+4ast, M.Fitchett 15+3reb+1ast, D.Dora 13+7reb+3ast, M.Karena 2

Waikato P. - Southland S. 102-69

Rather expected game in Hamilton where 6th ranked Southland S. (2-4) was crushed by fourth ranked Waikato P. (4-3) 102-69 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Waikato P. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Waikato P. forced 21 Southland S. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Southland S.'s players. American guard Jason Crowe (193-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge) stepped up and scored 21 points and 9 assists for the winners and his fellow American import guard Jerry Smith (185-87, college: Louisville) chipped in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Waikato P. players scored in double figures. Australian center Martin Iti (213-83, college: N.Mexico St.) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and the former international swingman Brendon Polyblank (200-78, college: Texas St.) 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. Waikato P. moved-up to third place. Loser Southland S. keeps the sixth position with four games lost. Waikato P. will face Taranaki MA (#8) in New Plymouth in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Southland S. will play at home against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Waikato P.: A.Pledger 25+6reb+1ast, J.Crowe 21+4reb+9ast, J.Smith 20+5reb+7ast, T.Abercrombie 17+7reb+1ast, H.Allen 12+4reb+3ast, D.Ryan 3+2ast
Southland S.: M.Iti 14+7reb, S.Spicer 13+5reb, B.Polyblank 13+4reb+2ast, K.Braswell 9+3reb+5ast, J.Paringatai 7+3reb, G.Dawson 7+3reb

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darryl HUDSON
  Manawatu.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Hudson, Manawatu.	22.8
2. Leasure, Taranaki.	22.0
3. Webster, Wellingt.	21.2
4. Jones, Nelson G.	21.0
5. Dora, Nelson G.	20.4
6. Pace, Bay Hawks	20.3
7. Pledger, Waika.	20.3
8. Mickens, Auckland.	20.2
9. Smith, Waikato P.	19.4
10. Bradshaw, Oceana.	19.3

Rebounds Per Game

Mika VUKONA
  Nelson G.
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 11

1. Vukona, Nelson G.	11.0
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	10.3
3. Pledger, Waika.	10.3
4. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	10.0
5. Allred, OceanaGo.	9.8
6. Campbell, Taranaki.	9.7
7. Trousdell, Bay H.	9.4
8. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
9. Johnson, Wellingt.	8.9
10. Frank, Wellington	8.6

Assists Per Game

Kevin BRASWELL
  Southlan.
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Braswell, Southlan.	6.3
2. Tait, Wellington S.	5.6
3. Dickel, Southland	5.2
4. Kench, Manawatu J.	5.0
5. Crowe, Waikato P.	5.0
6. Martin, Auckland.	4.4
7. Smith, Waikato P.	4.4
8. Jones, Nelson G.	4.0
9. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	3.7
10. Webster, Wellingt.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Jerry SMITH
  Waikato P.
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Smith, Waikato P.	3.0
2. Crowe, Waikato P.	2.3
3. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
4. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.2
5. Allen, Waikato P.	2.0
6. Dickel, Southland	2.0
7. Frank, Wellington	1.8
8. Hudson, Manawatu.	1.7
9. Trueman, Manawatu.	1.7
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Pledger, Waika.	3.3
2. Campbell, Taranaki.	1.7
3. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.5
4. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
5. Anthony, Waika.	1.3
6. Spicer, Southlan.	1.2
7. Trueman, Manawatu.	1.0
8. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
9. Adams, Wellington	1.0
10. Johnson, Wellingt.	0.9

Standings Men

NBL Standings

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

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POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Scott, SKK Kotwica	25.4
2. Hodge, Zastal	17.0
3. Frazier, AZS K.	16.7
4. Reynolds, AZS K.	16.5
5. Hinson, Polonia Az.	16.3
6. Reese, AZS Koszal.	16.0
7. Thomas, PGE Turow	14.6
8. Bennerman, Energa	14.5
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, Siarka	9.9
3. Burgess, Zastal	9.4
4. NaNa, Polonia Azb.	8.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	7.0
6. Wysocki, PGE Turow	6.9
7. Miller, Anwil	6.6
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 Turow	5.6
4. Hodge, Zastal	5.1
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	4.8
6. Hawkins, PBG B.	4.0
7. Vaughn, Polpharma	3.5
8. Szubarga, Asseco	3.4
9. Ewing, Asseco P.	3.2
10. Nowakowski, Polon.	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hinson, Polonia Az.	2.7
2. Blassingame, Energ.	2.6
3. Hodge, Zastal	2.5
4. Skibniewski, Polph.	2.4
5. Pringle, Siarka	2.4
6. Milicic, AZS K.	2.3
7. Thomas, PGE Turow	2.2
8. Szubarga, Asseco	2.2
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, Anwil	1.3
4. Lapeta, Asseco P.	1.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	1.3
6. Burgess, Zastal	1.3
7. Davis, Energa C.	1.0
8. Kesicki, Zastal	0.8
9. Mirkovic, Polpharma	0.8
10. Miller, Anwil	0.8

PLK Round 4 of Finals. PGE Turow beat Asseco Prokom - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

PGE Turow - Asseco Prokom 54-48

PGE Turow levelled the score in the Finals once again edging Asseco Prokom in a low-scoring home affair. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Asseco Prokom won third quarter 15-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory this evening. 28 personal fouls committed by Asseco Prokom helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Torey Thomas (180-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 9 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Australian-Dutch center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) who added 16 points during the contest. At the losing side American guard Daniel Ewing (191-83, college: Duke, agency: Alti Sport) responded with 13 points and his fellow American import forward Ronnie Burrell (204-83, college: NC-Greensboro, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Asseco Prokom's coach Tomas Pacesas rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
PGE Turow: D.Kickert 16+4reb, D.Jackson 9+4reb, T.Thomas 9+6reb+6ast, M.Kuebler 6+1reb+1ast, R.Tomaszek 5, K.Wysocki 3+7reb+1ast
Asseco Prokom: D.Ewing 13+2reb+2ast, R.Burrell 10+5reb, A.Hrycaniuk 8+7reb, F.Videnov 6+2reb, T.Adams 3+2reb, R.Varda 3+8reb

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

PORTUGAL

LPB Round 1 of Finals. Porto get first victory - by Eurobasket News
Porto Ferpinta - Benfica 95-69

Porto Ferpinta recorded the first win in the epic Final series versus Benfica. The game without a history. FC Porto Ferpinta led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. FC Porto Ferpinta dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Benfica's 32. FC Porto Ferpinta looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Gregory Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and the former international forward Carlos Andrade (197-78, college: Queens, NC) chipped in 13 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Four FC Porto Ferpinta players scored in double figures. At the losing side American power forward Gregory Jenkins (206-82, college: Iona) responded with 13 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Marquin Chandler (202-82, college: San Jose St.) scored 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Porto Ferpinta: G.Stempin 23+11reb, J.Terrell 16+8reb+1ast, S.Ogirri 14+3reb+3ast, C.Andrade 13+9reb+8ast, M.Miranda 9+4reb+4ast, N.Marcal 8
Benfica: G.Jenkins 13+7reb+1ast, S.Ramos 12+6reb, M.Chandler 11+5reb+5ast, B.Reed 9+5reb, H.Evans 6+4reb+1ast, A.Tavares 5+1reb

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Riley LUETTGERODT
  Sampa.
  (196-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Luettgerodt, Samp.	21.0
2. Curnell, Barreiren.	20.1
3. Jackson, Sampaense	19.8
4. Eddie, Academica	18.2
5. Shaw, Academica	18.0
6. Austin, Vitoria SC	17.9
7. Johnson, Barreire.	17.6
8. Crutchfield, Illia.	17.4
9. Goode, Penafiel	17.4
10. Cortez, Ovarense	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin MARTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Martin, Vitoria SC	10.3
2. Cortez, Ovarense	10.0
3. Robert, Lusitania	9.7
4. Shaw, Academica	9.1
5. Eddie, Academica	9.0
6. Momplasir, Lusitan.	8.8
7. Jackson, Sampaense	8.8
8. Curnell, Barreiren.	8.5
9. Terrell, Porto F.	8.4
10. Harris, Illiabum	8.2

Assists Per Game

Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Manarte, Ovarense	6.9
2. Sing, Sampaense	6.3
3. Monteiro, Lusitania	5.2
4. Minhava, Benfica	5.1
5. Reveles, Ginasio	4.9
6. Silva, CAB	4.6
7. Fernandes, CAB	4.5
8. Simoes, Academica	4.5
9. Barroso, Ginasio	4.0
10. Andrade, Porto F.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Curnell, Barreiren.	3.2
2. Cortez, Ovarense	2.7
3. Goode, Penafiel	2.6
4. Silva, CAB	2.5
5. Jackson, CAB	2.5
6. Tavares, Vitoria SC	2.2
7. Felix, Illiabum	2.1
8. Eddie, Academica	2.0
9. Holland, Academica	1.9
10. Hartford, Ginasio	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Marcel MOMPLASIR
  Lusitania
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Momplasir, Lusitan.	3.8
2. Coelho, CAB	1.2
3. Jackson, Sampaense	1.2
4. Willis, Illiabum	1.1
5. Gentry, CAB	1.1
6. Nolen, Penafiel	1.1
7. Gray, Sampaense	1.1
8. Harris, Illiabum	1.0
9. Terrell, Porto F.	1.0
10. Austin, Vitoria SC	0.9

Proliga Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Terceira Basket sweep Povoa - by Eurobasket News
Fisica - Barcelos 82-66

Fisica stayed alive in the semifinal series edging Barcelos at home court. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 82-66. Fisica dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Barcelos' 32. It was a great evening for American power forward Jason Underwood (206-84, college: Centenary) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Swingman Amadeu Cordeiro (192-78) helped adding 11 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Underwood is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Pedro Silva (198-79) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and center Joao Moreira (200-85) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Barcelos: T.Barreiro 14+3reb, P.Silva 14+11reb+1ast, C.Fechas 13+1reb+5ast, J.Moreira 13+10reb, N.Pedroso 12+6reb+1ast, R.Correia 0
Fisica: J.Underwood 22+11reb+1ast, B.Freire 17+3reb+4ast, C.Dias 14+9reb, A.Sami 12+4reb+2ast, A.Cordeiro 11+6reb+9ast, M.Salvador 6+2reb+2ast

Povoa - Terceira Basket 86-94

Terceira Basket completed the sweep claming the road win in Game 3. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-15. But Povoa won second period 23-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Terceira Basket made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Nate Bowie (183-G-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 41 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 7 assists. His fellow American import forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) accounted for 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Guard Nuno Oliveira (186-89) came up with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals and American forward Anthony jr. Oha (198-83, college: Prairie View A&M) added 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Povoa in the defeat. Four Povoa players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Povoa: N.Oliveira 22+9reb+4ast, A.jr. Oha 17+10reb+4ast, R.Coelho 15+8reb+2ast, G.Ehiagwina 13+9reb+1ast, A.Silva 8+2reb+3ast, R.Moreira 6+3reb+1ast
Terceira Basket: N.Bowie 41+10reb+7ast, D.Nevels 21+12reb+4ast, A.Pontes 17+10reb+1ast, F.Tavares 6+4reb+1ast, D.Enes 5, D.Goncalves 4+5reb+4ast

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

PUERTO RICO

BSN Round 14: #1 Vaqueros are defeated by Maratonistas - by Eurobasket News
BSN is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 14 rounds left. What a coincidence that all visitors won their games. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. It ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Vaqueros (10-5) in Bayamon on Friday night. Hosts were edged by eighth ranked Maratonistas (8-10) 69-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vaqueros. The guests trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 69-68. Maratonistas dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Vaqueros' 34. American-Lebanese forward Matt Freije (207-81, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Priority Sports) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) chipped in 16 points during the contest. The former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 17 points and 4 assists. Maratonistas moved-up to seventh place. Vaqueros at the other side still keep top position with five games lost. They share it with Quebradillas. Maratonistas are looking forward to face league's second-placed Quebradillas at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Vaqueros will play against Gallitos in Isabela and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Mets (10-7) against ninth ranked Gallitos (6-11) on Wednesday night. Host Mets were defeated by Gallitos in a tough game in Guaynabo 73-80. Naturalized American forward Florentino Valencia (198-85, college: Toledo, agency: Paris Global Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and Christian Soto supported him with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Even a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds by American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) did not help to save the game for Mets. Gallitos maintains ninth position with 6-11 record. Mets at the other side keep the third place with seven games lost. Gallitos will play against league's leader Vaqueros in Bayamon in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mets will play on the road against the league's second-placed Quebradillas and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Quebradillas (10-5) against fourth ranked Cangrejeros (9-7) on Thursday night. Host Quebradillas were crushed by Cangrejeros in Quebradillas 92-64. The best player for the winners was Ricky Sanchez who scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Peter John Ramos produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cangrejeros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-7 record. Loser Quebradillas still keep top place with five games lost. They share the position with Bayamon. Cangrejeros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Quebradillas will play against Maratonistas in Coamo and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked Indios managed to get the second consecutive victory. This time they won against seventh-ranked Caciques in Humacao 86-74. Alejandro Carmona orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 9 rebounds. Indios' coach Eddie Casiano allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Indios maintains tenth position with 5-11 record. Caciques lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with nine games lost. Indios' next round opponent will be higher ranked Atleticos (#5) in San German and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
The game in Coamo was also quite interesting. Sixth ranked Capitanes (8-8) played at the court of 8th ranked Maratonistas (8-10). Capitanes did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-72 on Wednesday. Larry Ayuso scored 27 points to lead the charge for the winners. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Capitanes moved-up to fifth place, which they share with San German. Loser Maratonistas dropped to the seventh position with ten games lost. Capitanes will face Caciques (#8) in Humacao in the next round. Maratonistas will play at home against the league's second-placed Quebradillas.

The most impressive stats of the last round was 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks by Daniel Santiago of Arecibo.

Bayamon - Coamo 68-69

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Vaqueros (10-5) in Bayamon on Friday night. Hosts were edged by eighth ranked Maratonistas (8-10) 69-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vaqueros. The guests trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 69-68. Maratonistas dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Vaqueros' 34. American-Lebanese forward Matt Freije (207-81, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Priority Sports) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) chipped in 16 points during the contest. Four Maratonistas players scored in double figures. The former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 17 points and 4 assists and international forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Maratonistas moved-up to seventh place. Vaqueros at the other side still keep top position with five games lost. They share it with Quebradillas. Maratonistas are looking forward to face league's second-placed Quebradillas at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Vaqueros will play against Gallitos in Isabela and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Bayamon: C.Antrone Lee 17+6reb, C.Dalmau 17+3reb+4ast, J.Mojica 12+4reb, T.Shannon 7+5reb+4ast, F.Western 6+2reb, R.Rickert 6+11reb+1ast
Coamo: J.Villegas 16+4reb+2ast, M.Freije 14+11reb+1ast, G.Clavell 12+7reb, M.Landry 10+6reb+1ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 8+8reb, A.Ortiz 5+5reb

Guaynabo - Isabela 73-80

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Mets (10-7) against ninth ranked Gallitos (6-11) on Wednesday night. Host Mets were defeated by Gallitos in a tough game in Guaynabo 73-80. Mets were tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Naturalized American forward Florentino Valencia (198-85, college: Toledo, agency: Paris Global Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and forward Christian Soto (203-87, college: Cal-Riverside) supported him with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Valencia is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Gallitos players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds by American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) did not help to save the game for Mets. The former international guard Carlos Escalera (190-79, college: Missouri So.) added 12 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Gallitos maintains ninth position with 6-11 record. Mets at the other side keep the third place with seven games lost. Gallitos will play against league's leader Vaqueros in Bayamon in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mets will play on the road against the league's second-placed Quebradillas and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: S.Pruitt 21+13reb, C.Escalera 12+4reb+6ast, S.Villegas 11+1reb+1ast, A.Luis Figueroa 11+5reb+1ast, R.Dalmau 9+2reb+3ast, T.Leather 8+4reb+2ast
Isabela: F.Valencia 16+11reb+1ast, D.Hinson 16+2reb+3ast, C.Soto 13+11reb+3ast, J.Verdejo 12+2reb+2ast, L.Clinch 9+7reb+6ast, J.Soto 8+1ast

Quebradillas - Santurce 64-92

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Quebradillas (10-5) against fourth ranked Cangrejeros (9-7) on Thursday night. Host Quebradillas were crushed by Cangrejeros in Quebradillas 92-64. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 17-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 92-64. Cangrejeros made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cangrejeros made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was international power forward Ricky Sanchez (212-87, college: High School) who scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. The former international guard Wilfredo Pagan (184-76, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Five Cangrejeros players scored in double figures. International center Peter John Ramos (222-85) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and the former international guard Rick Apodaca (192-80, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 7 points and 7 assists respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cangrejeros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-7 record. Loser Quebradillas still keep top place with five games lost. They share the position with Bayamon. Cangrejeros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Quebradillas will play against Maratonistas in Coamo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: P.John Ramos 19+11reb+2ast, A.Caballero 10+3reb, D.Brown 9+5reb+4ast, R.Apodaca 7+4reb+7ast, A.Alamo 7+6reb+1ast, S.Rosas 6+2reb+2ast
Santurce: R.Sanchez 16+7reb+2ast, R.Melendez 15+3reb+3ast, W.Pagan 14+4reb+5ast, M.Sweetney 12+6reb, W.Hodge 11+2reb+3ast, R.Chaney 10+9reb+3ast

Humacao - Mayaguez 74-86

Bottom-ranked Indios managed to get the second consecutive victory. This time they won against seventh-ranked Caciques in Humacao 86-74. It looked good early as Caciques took an 9-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Indios took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 12 points. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Caciques' 36. They outrebounded Caciques 51-24 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Indios players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-83) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 9 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St., agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Four Indios players scored in double figures. Indios' coach Eddie Casiano allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. point guard Denis Clemente (185-86, college: Kansas St., agency: KMG Sports Management) replied with 26 points and 5 assists and the former international guard Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-83, college: Valparaiso, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 14 points and 6 assists in the effort for Caciques. Indios maintains tenth position with 5-11 record. Caciques lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with nine games lost. Indios' next round opponent will be higher ranked Atleticos (#5) in San German and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Humacao: D.Clemente 26+4reb+5ast, M.Ali Berdiel 14+2reb+6ast, I.Johnson 10+2reb+3ast, K.Penn 8+10reb+2ast, J.Maye 7+2reb, J.Life 6+2reb
Mayaguez: A.Carmona 30+9reb+1ast, B.Robinson 15+9reb+1ast, D.Jones 15+10reb+3ast, R.Clemente 15+10reb+6ast, G.Jimenez 3+1reb+3ast, E.Rodriguez 3+1reb

Coamo - Arecibo 72-90

The game in Coamo was also quite interesting. Sixth ranked Capitanes (8-8) played at the court of 8th ranked Maratonistas (8-10). Capitanes did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-72 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Capitanes. Maratonistas was better in fourth quarter 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. International guard Larry Ayuso (190-77, college: USC, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 27 points to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Daniel Santiago (216-76, college: N.Mexico, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. Four Capitanes players scored in double figures. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds and the former international center Manuel Antonio Narvaez (211-81, college: S.Nazarene, agency: Paris Global Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Capitanes moved-up to fifth place, which they share with San German. Loser Maratonistas dropped to the seventh position with ten games lost. Capitanes will face Caciques (#8) in Humacao in the next round. Maratonistas will play at home against the league's second-placed Quebradillas.
Top scorers:
Coamo: J.Villegas 18+7reb+3ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 13+12reb+1ast, M.Landry 11+4reb+1ast, M.Freije 8+5reb, A.Ortiz 8+2reb, N.Leon 7+5reb+2ast
Arecibo: L.Ayuso 27+1reb+1ast, D.Pinnock 15+5reb+2ast, D.Santiago 14+10reb+2ast, D.Copeland 11+5reb+5ast, A.Latimer 8+5reb+2ast, J.Aubry 7+3reb

Carmona number one in Puerto Rico for week 14 - by Eurobasket News
Former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last week for Mayaguez, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 14.
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (30 points, nine rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Humacao (#8, 7-9) 86-74. Mayaguez maintains the 10th position in Puerto Rican BSN. Mayaguez is bottom ranked team in the standings. They need more victories to leave last spot and improve bad 5-11 record. Carmona just recently signed at Mayaguez, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Alejandro Carmona averages this season 17.0ppg.

The second best player in last week's games was 34-year old American center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports) of Capitanes. Santiago had a very good evening with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Arecibo to another comfortable win 90-72 over slightly lower-ranked Coamo (#7, 8-10) being unquestionably team leader. Arecibo's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Santiago is one of the most experienced players at Arecibo and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last week was American center Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports) of Guaynabo (#3). Pruitt scored 21 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Pruitt's great performance Guaynabo lost 73-80 to the lower-ranked Isabela (#9, 6-11). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Guaynabo needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 10 victories and 7 lost games. Pruitt has a great season in Puerto Rico. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.8rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Denis Clemente (185-PG-86) of Humacao - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Dwayne Jones (211-C-83) of Mayaguez - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Ramon Clemente (200-F-85) of Mayaguez - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Christian Soto (203-F-87) of Isabela - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77) of Arecibo - 27 points
9. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Manuel Antonio Narvaez (211-C-81) of Coamo - 13 points and 12 rebounds

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

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

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

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Ramos, Quebradillas	23.8
2. Vassallo, Guaynabo	23.6
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	22.1
4. Clemente, Humacao	19.6
5. Villegas, Coamo	19.6
6. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
7. Carmona, Mayaguez	18.4
8. Clinch, Isabela	17.9
9. Robinson, Mayaguez	17.6
10. Johnson, Humacao	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Narvaez, Coamo	12.5
2. Randolph, Isabela	11.9
3. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.8
4. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.5
5. Harris, San German	10.7
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.7
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Shannon, Bayamon	9.3
9. Sweetney, Santurce	8.7
10. Robinson, Mayagu.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.7
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Clemente, Humacao	5.1
4. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.1
5. Clinch, Isabela	4.7
6. Berdiel, Humacao	4.4
7. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.4
8. Vega, Coamo	3.8
9. Pagan, Santurce	3.8
10. Copeland, San G.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.8
2. Santiago, Santurce	1.8
3. Clinch, Isabela	1.7
4. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.7
5. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.5
6. Hodge, Santurce	1.5
7. Robinson, Humacao	1.5
8. Chaney, Santurce	1.4
9. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.4
10. Berdiel, Humacao	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Lamizana, Mayaguez	3.0
2. Penn, Humacao	2.5
3. Santiago, Arecibo	2.1
4. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
5. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.8
7. Sanchez, Santurce	1.7
8. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.6
9. Randolph, Isabela	1.5
10. Shannon, Bayamon	1.5

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QATAR

Rowsom to Al Rayyan - by Ali Ahmed
Al Rayyan decided to release coach Russel Bergman and sign with coach Brian Rowsom till the end of the season.

Profile: As a player (208-C-65) graduated from UNC Wilmington in 1987, was drafted in the 2nd round by the NBA Indiana Pacers (along with Reggie Miller) and played there before joining the Charlotte Hornets. He also played in Orthez (France), Nancy (France), Hapoel Eilat (Israel), Red Thunders (Japan), Manchester (United Kingdom) ..

As a coach, he used to coach in the ABA , Japan, Canda and Qatar.

notice: Brian Rowsom had a great season with Ahli Qatar before he move to Al Rayyan.

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ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

LeRoy DAWSON
  Polite.
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Dawson, Polite.	22.5
2. Hannah, Miercure.	21.2
3. Dykes, U.Mobite.	20.6
4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	20.5
5. Tomic, CSM B.	19.9
6. Pesic, Timisoara	19.8
7. Horton, Craiova	19.6
8. Darby, Rovinari	19.1
9. Vujacic, Pitesti	19.0
10. Gennie, Pitesti	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Kenneth SIMMS
  Craiova
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 11

1. Simms, Craiova	11.0
2. Coleman, Miercure.	10.5
3. Bennett, CSM B.	9.6
4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	9.3
5. Bigus, Rovinari	9.3
6. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	8.8
7. Forte, Mures	8.5
8. Burlacu, Ploiesti	7.8
9. Carutasu, Steaua	7.7
10. Eichelberger, Pit.	7.7

Assists Per Game

JuJuan COOLEY
  Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Cooley, Mures	8.3
2. Dzambic, CSM B.	7.9
3. Hannah, Miercure.	6.2
4. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	5.2
5. Stojakovic, Craiova	5.2
6. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.2
7. Blidaru, Ploiesti	5.1
8. Medvedj, Otopeni	4.9
9. Gennie, Pitesti	4.8
10. Dzambic, Timisoara	4.7

Steals Per Game

Nikola STOJAKOVIC
  Craiova
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Stojakovic, Craiova	2.5
2. Gennie, Pitesti	2.4
3. Cooley, Mures	2.4
4. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	2.4
5. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.2
6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	2.1
7. Dykes, U.Mobite.	2.0
8. Dawson, Polite.	1.9
9. Loyd, CSU Sibiu	1.9
10. Blidaru, Ploiesti	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Michael HARRISON
  CSU Sibiu
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	1.8
2. Capusan, Rovinari	1.6
3. Eichelberger, Pite.	1.6
4. Masiulis, CSU S.	1.5
5. Herndon, CSU Sibiu	1.4
6. Mladenovic, Mures	1.4
7. Simms, Craiova	1.3
8. Lazar, Oradea	1.2
9. Waterstradt, CSM B.	0.9
10. Thomson, U.Mobite.	0.9

U.Mobitelco CN celebrated the first win in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
FINAL Ploiesti - U.Mobitel.CN 79-89

The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 29-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Ploiesti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Kyndall Dykes (191-87, college: New Orleans, agency: Edge Sports) who helped to win the game recording 36 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Mihai Silvasan (200-85, agency: Court Side) contributed with 26 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Dykes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) answered with 24 points and 6 rebounds and the former international swingman Levente Szijarto (192-83, agency: Court Side) added 16 points and 6 assists in the effort for Ploiesti.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti: C.Burlacu 24+6reb+2ast, L.Szijarto 16+4reb+6ast, K.Ford 12+9reb, Q.Calhoun 9+3reb, A.Blidaru 8+9reb+8ast, D.Mack 6+1reb
U.Mobitel.CN: K.Dykes 36+9reb+2ast, M.Silvasan 26+6reb, Z.Krstanovic 14+8reb+1ast, B.Cuic 8+10reb+2ast, T.Morris 5+2reb+7ast,

3rd place

Gaz Metan - Steaua Turabo 73-90

The game without a history. Steaua Turabo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Gaz Metan's 26. They outrebounded Gaz Metan 39-28 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Steaua Turabo especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. The former international power forward Virgil Stanescu (207-77, college: S.Alabama, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and the former international center Virgil Carutasu (204-76) chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four Steaua Turabo players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Damien Kinloch (203-80, college: Tennessee Tech, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and German guard Patrick Marcu (191-86, college: Winthrop) scored 13 points. Gaz Metan's coach Bruno Soce rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Gaz Metan: P.Marcu 13+3reb, T.Dumitrescu 11+1reb, D.Mitchell 9+5reb+2ast, D.Kinloch 9+8reb+1ast, J.Howell 9+3ast, U.Velickovic 6+1reb
Steaua Turabo: J.Jackson 19+3ast, V.Stanescu 16+10reb+5ast, V.Carutasu 16+10reb+1ast, I.Tomeljak 11+6reb+5ast, J.Orbeanu 11+2reb+1ast, H.Nikolov 8+6reb+1ast

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RUSSIA

Sergey Karasev gets MVP of the Week award for Russian PBL - by Eurobasket News
Talented Sergey Karasev (203-F-93) had an amazing evening in the last round for Triumph Lyubertsy and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 25.
The 17-year old forward had the game-high 34 points adding six rebounds and three assists for Triumph as his team was edged out by Dynamo (#8, 8-17) 109-106. Triumph maintains the 10th position in Russian PBL. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Triumph have already lost 20 games and recorded just four victories. In the team's last game Karasev had a remarkable six three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Sergey Karasev averages this season 7.2ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 31-year old American center Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports) of Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Baxter impressed basketball fans with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Bad luck as Enisey lost that game 65-87 to slightly lower-ranked Krasnie Krilya (#7, 9-16). Enisey managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-13 record. Baxter is a newcomer at Enisey and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.6ppg (#4). He also registered 6.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Polish Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of top-ranked Unics Kazan. Lampe scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Unics, leading his team to a 91-77 easy win against the lower-ranked N.Novgorod (#9, 8-17). Unics confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 19 victories and 6 lost games. Lampe has a great season in Russia. After 24 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.3ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 7.4rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tywain McKee (188-G-86) of Triumph - 29 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Brion Rush (186-G-84) of Krasnie Krilya - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Terrell Lyday (190-G-79) of Unics - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Artem Yakovenko (206-F-88) of N.Novgorod - 21 points and 11 rebounds
8. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) of Khimky - 26 points and 9 rebounds
9. Victor Keyru (199-G-84) of Dynamo - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) of Triumph - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 15 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)

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

SERBIA

Superleague Round 12: Partizan edges Crvena Zvezda by three points - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in Superleague.

Fourth-ranked Crvena Zvezda (5-7) made lots of trouble for first ranked Partizan (11-1) in Beograd on Friday. The visitors managed to secure only three-point victory 95-92. However their fans expected easier game. The guests trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-92. Partizan looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Curtis Jerrells (185-87, college: Baylor) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 assists. The other American import forward James Gist (203-86) chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Partizan's coach Vlada Jovanovic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Nemanja Nedovic (192-91, agency: Beo Basket) who recorded 22 points and 4 assists. Partizan have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-1 record. Crvena Zvezda at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with FMP. Partizan are looking forward to face Mega Vizura (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Crvena Zvezda's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beograd to the arena FMP Zeleznik.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Kragujevac. Third ranked Radnicki faced second-best Hemofarm. Host Radnicki (7-5) defeated guests from Vrsac (9-3) 67-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hemofarm. It was a good game for American forward Michael Lee (207-86) who led his team to a victory with 19 points. Marko Cakarevic contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Montenegrin power forward Ivan Maras (208-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 15 points and 5 rebounds for Hemofarm. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Radnicki maintains third position with 7-5 record having four points less than leader Tamis. Hemofarm at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Radnicki will play against Metalac (#6) in Valjevo in the next round. Hemofarm will play at home against OKK Beograd (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local FMP Zeleznik (5-7) beat 6th ranked Metalac (4-8) 86-76 on Saturday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Mile Ilic who helped to win the game recording 32 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Marko Ljubicic with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FMP Zeleznik moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Crvena Zvezda. Loser Metalac keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Beograd. FMP Zeleznik's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beograd Crvena Zvezda.

In the last game of round 12 Mega Vizura was defeated by Beograd in a road game 85-78.

Beograd - Mega Vizura 85-78

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked OKK Beograd and 8th ranked Mega Vizura had identical 3-8 record. This time OKK Beograd used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Vizura 85-78 on Saturday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Mega Vizura won third quarter 24-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. OKK Beograd looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of center Uros Lucic (207-83) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Dragan Zekovic (210-87, agency: Interperformances) who added 16 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four OKK Beograd players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Branko Milisavljevic (193-76, agency: Beo Basket) with 19 points and 5 assists and guard Vasilije Micic (192-94, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. OKK Beograd (4-8) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Metalac. Loser Mega Vizura keeps the eighth position with nine games lost. OKK Beograd will meet league's second-placed Hemofarm in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mega Vizura will play against the league's leader Partizan (#1) in Beograd and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beograd: U.Lucic 27+7reb+1ast, D.Zekovic 16+5reb+3ast, M.Pavlovic 11+3reb, S.Zivkovic 10+6reb+2ast, S.Dundjerski 8+2reb+7ast, A.Vasic 6+1ast
Mega Vizura: B.Milisavljevic 19+3reb+5ast, V.Micic 14+6reb+4ast, A.Mitrovic 11+1reb, D.Cantekin 8+8reb+1ast, S.Jelovac 8+5reb, S.Matovic 7+5reb

Radnicki - Hemofarm 67-63

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Kragujevac. Third ranked Radnicki faced second-best Hemofarm. Host Radnicki (7-5) defeated guests from Vrsac (9-3) 67-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hemofarm. It looked good early as Hemofarm took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Radnicki had a 17-12 second period charge getting the lead and Hemofarm was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 63-67. It was a good game for American forward Michael Lee (207-86) who led his team to a victory with 19 points. Swingman Marko Cakarevic (200-88, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Montenegrin power forward Ivan Maras (208-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 15 points and 5 rebounds and guard Marko Sutalo (194-83) added 13 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Hemofarm. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Radnicki maintains third position with 7-5 record having four points less than leader Tamis. Hemofarm at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Radnicki will play against Metalac (#6) in Valjevo in the next round. Hemofarm will play at home against OKK Beograd (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Radnicki: M.Lee 19+3reb+1ast, M.Cakarevic 11+7reb+4ast, D.Mijatovic 9+5reb, P.Miletic 8+4reb+1ast, S.Markovic 7+3reb+5ast, S.Stojacic 5+2reb
Hemofarm: I.Maras 15+5reb, B.Krstovic 13+4reb+1ast, M.Sutalo 13+5reb+1ast, M.Jeremic 9+3reb+1ast, P.Lambic 4, M.Pavkovic 3+3reb+8ast

FMP - Metalac 86-76

The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local FMP Zeleznik (5-7) beat 6th ranked Metalac (4-8) 86-76 on Saturday night. The game was mostly controlled by FMP Zeleznik. Metalac managed to win second period 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a quality performance of naturalized Bosnian center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 32 points and 9 rebounds and guard Andreja Milutinovic (199-90) who added 12 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Marko Ljubicic (197-87) with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Stefan Balmazovic (202-89) scored 14 points. Four Metalac players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FMP Zeleznik moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Crvena Zvezda. Loser Metalac keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Beograd. FMP Zeleznik's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beograd Crvena Zvezda.
Top scorers:
FMP: M.Ilic 32+9reb+3ast, A.Milutinovic 12+9reb+2ast, F.Covic 10+1reb+6ast, V.Radivojevic 9+1reb+5ast, S.Zivanovic 7+1reb, V.Ivelja 5+2reb
Metalac: M.Ljubicic 19+12reb+5ast, S.Balmazovic 14+3reb, D.Kruscic 13, R.Marojevic 10+4reb+2ast, M.Ljubojevic 7+2reb, S.Bircevic 7+4reb+1ast

Crvena Zvezda - Partizan 92-95

Fourth-ranked Crvena Zvezda (5-7) made lots of trouble for first ranked Partizan (11-1) in Beograd on Friday. The visitors managed to secure only three-point victory 95-92. However their fans expected easier game. The guests trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-92. Partizan looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Curtis Jerrells (185-87, college: Baylor) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 assists. The other American import forward James Gist (203-86) chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Partizan's coach Vlada Jovanovic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Nemanja Nedovic (192-91, agency: Beo Basket) who recorded 22 points and 4 assists and power forward Uros Nikolic (207-87) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Partizan have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-1 record. Crvena Zvezda at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with FMP. Partizan are looking forward to face Mega Vizura (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Crvena Zvezda's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beograd to the arena FMP Zeleznik.
Top scorers:
Partizan: D.Milosavljevic 23+2reb+1ast, J.Gist 15+8reb+4ast, C.Jerrells 14+4reb+10ast, D.Kecman 14+5reb+3ast, N.Jawai 10+6reb+1ast, J.Vesely 9+3reb+3ast
Crvena Zvezda: N.Nedovic 22+2reb+4ast, U.Nikolic 19+6reb, V.Subotic 15+7reb+2ast, B.Bakic 13+1reb+3ast, S.Lesic 10+11reb+1ast, S.Dragicevic 6+2reb+2ast

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

SuperLeague
1. Partizan		11-1
2. Hemofarm		9-3
3. Radnicki		7-5
4. Crvena Zvezda		5-7
5. FMP		5-7
6. Metalac		4-8
7. Beograd		4-8
8. Mega Vizura		3-9
Places 9-16
1. Tamis		15-11
2. Napredak		12-14
3. Sloga		12-14
4. Novi Sad		12-14
5. Sloboda Uzice		12-14
6. Vojvodina		12-14
7. Borac		11-15
8. Proleter Naftagas		10-16
9. Crnokosa		9-17
10. Superfund		1-25

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Branko MILISAVLJEVIC
  Mega V.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Milisavljevi., Meg.	20.3
2. Janjusevic, Crnok.	18.8
3. Sinovec, Metalac	18.2
4. Micevic, Sloboda	17.6
5. Bozovic, Sloga	17.4
6. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	16.7
7. Bunic, Novi Sad	16.6
8. Kovacevic, Super.	16.3
9. Majkic, Prolet.	16.2
10. Sulovic, Napredak	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Sava LESIC
  Crvena Z.
  (205-C/F-88)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Lesic, Crvena Z.	11.3
2. Savovic, Hemofarm	8.2
3. Markovic, FMP	7.8
4. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	7.7
5. Ljubicic, Metalac	7.4
6. Cantekin, Mega V.	7.0
7. Lee, Radnicki	6.7
8. Majkic, Prolet.	6.6
9. Jelovac, Mega V.	6.5
10. Cubrilo, Sloga	6.4

Assists Per Game

Marko LJUBICIC
  Metalac
  (197-F-87)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Ljubicic, Metalac	6.2
2. Zarkovic, Prolet.	6.0
3. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	6.0
4. Vlahovic, Sloga	5.1
5. Radivojevic, FMP	5.0
6. Bakic, Crvena Z.	5.0
7. Mitrovic, Beograd	4.8
8. Covic, FMP	4.8
9. Milisavljevi., Meg.	4.7
10. Kocergin, Superfu.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Slobodan DUNDJERSKI
  Beograd
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Dundjerski, Beograd	2.9
2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad	2.7
3. Gagovic, Prolet.	2.3
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	2.1
5. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	2.0
6. Mukanovic, Crnok.	2.0
7. Jovic, Sloga	1.9
8. Kovacevic, Novi S.	1.9
9. Lee, Radnicki	1.8
10. Bakic, Crvena Z.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Stefan BIRCEVIC
  Metalac
  (209-F/C-89)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Bircevic, Metalac	1.3
2. Ilic, FMP	1.2
3. Majkic, Prolet.	1.1
4. Cantekin, Mega V.	0.9
5. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	0.9
6. Lee, Radnicki	0.8
7. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	0.8
8. Djekic, Mega V.	0.8
9. Ljubojevic, Slobod.	0.8
10. Buric, Tamis	0.8

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

SLOVENIA

Telemach League Round 12 of Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Second Stage in Telemach League.

The biggest surprise of round 12 was guest Union Olimpija's (#2) easy road victory over Zlatorog (#3) 70-55 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game without a history. Union Olimpija led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Zlatorog helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Nigerian-American forward Aloysius Anagonye (203-81, college: Michigan St., agency: Interperformances) who scored 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized FYR Macedonian guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, agency: World Sport Agency) chipped in 14 points. At the other side the best for losing team was center Alen Omic (213-92) who recorded 15 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Union Olimpija maintains second position with 8-4 record having four points less than leader Sentjur, which they share with Helios. Zlatorog at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Union Olimpija is looking forward to face Polzela (#6) at home in the next round. Zlatorog will play against Elektra in Sostanj and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Important game to mention about took place in Ljubljana. Fifth ranked Geoplin Slovan (5-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Elektra (2-10) 77-74 on Saturday evening. It was a good game for Serbian power forward Dalibor Djapa (204-84, agency: Alti Sport) who led his team to a victory with 30 points and 9 rebounds. Marko Pajic contributed with 6 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Salih Nuhanovic (209-82) replied with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Elektra. Geoplin Slovan maintains fifth position with 5-7 record. Elektra at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. They share the position with Maribor Messer. Geoplin Slovan will play against higher ranked Helios (#3) in Domzale in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Elektra will play at home against Zlatorog (#4) in Lasko and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Undefeated leader Krka delivered the twelfth consecutive victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Polzela (4-8) 95-64 in Novo Mesto. Worth to mention a quality performance of Goran Ikonic who helped to win the game recording 26 points. Krka's coach Aleksandar Dzikic felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was Denis Vrsaljko with 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Undefeated Krka (12-0) have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 12 victories in a row. Polzela lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with eight games lost. Krka will meet Maribor Messer (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Polzela will play against the league's second-placed Union Olimpija in Ljubljana and hope to secure a win.
The game in Maribor was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Helios (8-4) played at the court of 8th ranked Maribor Messer (2-10). Helios defeated Maribor Messer 67-53. The winners were led by Grega Mali who scored that evening 20 points and 5 rebounds. Maribor Messer's coach Slobodan Rmus rotated ten players saving starting five for next games. Helios moved-up to second place, which they share with Union Olimpija. Newly promoted Maribor Messer dropped to the seventh position with ten games lost. Helios' next round opponent will be Geoplin Slovan (#5) in Ljubljana. Maribor Messer will play at home against the league's leader Krka in Novo Mesto.

Zlatorog - Union Olimpija 55-70

The biggest surprise of round 12 was guest Union Olimpija's (#2) easy road victory over Zlatorog (#3) 70-55 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game without a history. Union Olimpija led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Zlatorog helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Nigerian-American forward Aloysius Anagonye (203-81, college: Michigan St., agency: Interperformances) who scored 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized FYR Macedonian guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, agency: World Sport Agency) chipped in 14 points. At the other side the best for losing team was center Alen Omic (213-92) who recorded 15 points and 9 rebounds and Serbian forward Vladimir Panic (194-82, agency: 011 Sports) added 8 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Union Olimpija maintains second position with 8-4 record having four points less than leader Sentjur, which they share with Helios. Zlatorog at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Union Olimpija is looking forward to face Polzela (#6) at home in the next round. Zlatorog will play against Elektra in Sostanj and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Zlatorog: A.Omic 15+9reb, V.Panic 8+3reb, S.Bozovic 6, D.Vujasinovic 4+3reb+3ast, S.Atanackovic 4+2reb+1ast, L.Dimec 4+3reb
Union Olimpija: V.Ilievski 14+4reb+1ast, D.Markota 10+1reb+1ast, K.Gregory 10+4reb, A.Anagonye 9+11reb+4ast, G.Shermadini 9+2reb, G.Jagodnik 8+4reb

Geoplin Slovan - Elektra 77-74

Important game to mention about took place in Ljubljana. Fifth ranked Geoplin Slovan (5-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Elektra (2-10) 77-74 on Saturday evening. Elektra was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 18-16 charge of Geoplin Slovan, which allowed them to win the game. They made 18-of-21 charity shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was a good game for Serbian power forward Dalibor Djapa (204-84, agency: Alti Sport) who led his team to a victory with 30 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Marko Pajic (204-92) contributed with 6 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Salih Nuhanovic (209-82) replied with 18 points and 9 rebounds and forward Sinisa Bilic (201-89) added 18 points in the effort for Elektra. Geoplin Slovan maintains fifth position with 5-7 record. Elektra at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. They share the position with Maribor Messer. Geoplin Slovan will play against higher ranked Helios (#3) in Domzale in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Elektra will play at home against Zlatorog (#4) in Lasko and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Elektra: S.Nuhanovic 18+9reb+3ast, S.Bilic 18+4reb+1ast, B.Lekic 10+7reb, B.Jersin 9+2reb+3ast, M.Vidovic 7+7reb+4ast, T.Horvat 7+1reb+2ast
Geoplin Slovan: D.Djapa 30+9reb+1ast, U.Zadnik 12+2reb+2ast, M.Krusic 8+6reb+2ast, D.Cigoja 6+4reb+4ast, M.Pajic 6+8reb+2ast, K.Lorbek 6+2reb+3ast

Maribor Messer - Helios 53-67

The game in Maribor was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Helios (8-4) played at the court of 8th ranked Maribor Messer (2-10). Helios defeated Maribor Messer 67-53. The game without a history. Helios led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They also forced 19 Maribor Messer turnovers. The winners were led by guard Grega Mali (197-84) who scored that evening 20 points and 5 rebounds and American swingman Benjamin Raymond (198-87, college: Xavier, agency: Impact Basketball) supported him with 19 points. Even 10 points by guard Jure Brolih (198-80) did not help to save the game for Maribor Messer. Forward Sasa Mucic (202-83) added 7 points and 5 rebounds. Maribor Messer's coach Slobodan Rmus rotated ten players saving starting five for next games. Helios moved-up to second place, which they share with Union Olimpija. Newly promoted Maribor Messer dropped to the seventh position with ten games lost. Helios' next round opponent will be Geoplin Slovan (#5) in Ljubljana. Maribor Messer will play at home against the league's leader Krka in Novo Mesto.
Top scorers:
Maribor Messer: M.Leskovar 10+2reb, J.Brolih 10+3reb, E.Kadic 7+1reb, S.Mucic 7+5reb, T.Horvat 6+3reb, B.Jovanovic 5+5reb
Helios: G.Mali 20+5reb+1ast, B.Raymond 19+3reb+2ast, M.Lekic 10+5reb, D.Bubnic 7+5reb, V.Petrovic 5+7reb+1ast, Z.Zagorc 4+1reb+3ast

Krka - Polzela 95-64

Undefeated leader Krka delivered the twelfth consecutive victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Polzela (4-8) 95-64 in Novo Mesto. The game without a history. Krka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Krka outrebounded Polzela 39-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a quality performance of Bosnian guard Goran Ikonic (196-80) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and power forward Smiljan Pavic (210-80) who added 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Krka's coach Aleksandar Dzikic felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was Croatian center Denis Vrsaljko (212-82) with 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and Serbian guard Igor Mijajlovic (193-84, agency: BeoExcell) scored 12 points and 6 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Krka (12-0) have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 12 victories in a row. Polzela lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with eight games lost. Krka will meet Maribor Messer (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Polzela will play against the league's second-placed Union Olimpija in Ljubljana and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Polzela: D.Vrsaljko 17+4reb, I.Mijajlovic 12+1reb+6ast, A.Podvrsnik 11+1reb+3ast, P.Kobale 10+4ast, D.Sviridov 7+10reb+1ast, S.Sebic 5+3reb
Krka: G.Ikonic 26+2reb+1ast, S.Pavic 13+6reb+1ast, B.Krivec 13+3reb+2ast, E.Muric 10+2reb+2ast, J.Balazic 10+7reb+2ast, Z.Dragic 8+8reb

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

Group A
1. Krka		12-0
2. Union Olimpija		8-4
3. Helios		8-4
4. Zlatorog		7-5
5. Geoplin Slovan		5-7
6. Polzela		4-8
7. Elektra		2-10
8. Maribor Messer		2-10
Group B
1. Sentjur		9-11
2. LTHcast Mercator		5-15
3. Parklji		1-19

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 21

1. Panic, Zlatorog	21.0
2. Simovic, Sentjur	17.4
3. Erzen, Parklji	16.9
4. Raymond, Helios	16.5
5. Thondique, Polzela	16.3
6. Harmason, Sentjur	15.1
7. Djapa, Geoplin Slo.	14.8
8. Nuhanovic, Elektra	13.4
9. Krejic, Parklji	13.4
10. Mali, Helios	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Thondique, Polzela	10.5
2. Simovic, Sentjur	8.9
3. Nuhanovic, Elektra	8.3
4. Miljkovic, Elektra	7.3
5. Raymond, Helios	7.1
6. Krusic, Geoplin	6.9
7. Zolotic, Maribor	6.3
8. Erzen, Parklji	6.1
9. Cebasek, Parklji	5.9
10. Pavic, Krka	5.8

Assists Per Game

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

1. Mijajlovic, Polzela	4.5
2. Brolih, Maribor	4.4
3. Djordjevic, Krka	4.3
4. Jersin, Elektra	4.2
5. Hohler, Sentjur	3.9
6. Harmason, Sentjur	3.8
7. Krivec, Krka	3.8
8. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	3.8
9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	3.5
10. Zagorc, Helios	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Thondique, Polzela	2.3
2. Mezek, LTHcast	1.9
3. Dragic, Krka	1.8
4. Harmason, Sentjur	1.6
5. Lapornik, Zlatorog	1.6
6. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	1.6
7. Hohler, Sentjur	1.5
8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	1.5
9. Ilievski, Union O.	1.5
10. Krejic, Parklji	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Nuhanovic, Elektra	1.9
2. Thondique, Polzela	1.2
3. Dimec, Zlatorog	1.0
4. Sviridov, Polzela	0.9
5. Shermadini, Union	0.8
6. Booker, Krka	0.7
7. Sebic, Sentjur	0.6
8. Omic, Zlatorog	0.6
9. Lapornik, Zlatorog	0.6
10. Pavic, Krka	0.6

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

SOUTH AMERICAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Former Marinos Head Coach Sergio Rouco back to NCAA - by Wolfgang Lucena
'We are pleased to announce the addition of Sergio to our staff,' said University of Mississippi Men's basketball head coach Andy Kennedy, who is the first coach in Ole Miss history to lead the Rebels to 20+ wins and postseason play in four of his five seasons at the helm. 'Sergio brings a vast array of experience to his new position. From assisting in an 18-game turnaround in his initial season at UTEP to being a successful head coach on multiple levels, Sergio brings a wealth of experience to our staff.'

Rouco served five seasons as FIU's head coach from 2004-05 to 2008-09, where he developed four players into All-Sun Belt Conference performers, including the 2009 SBC Freshman of the Year.

He began his college coaching career as an assistant at FIU from 1987-91, including one season under former Ole Miss head coach Bob Weltlich. Rouco returned to FIU as an assistant from 2000-03 before being hired by Billy Gillispie as an assistant at UTEP for the 2003-04 seasons.

Rouco was credited for much of the team's success in his one season at UTEP, which saw the Miners win 24 games and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Fla., Rouco found much success as a high school coach in his hometown, with head coaching stops at Loyola (1986-87) and Miami Norland (1991-95). He directed Loyola to a school-record 22 wins in 1986, while he led Miami Norland to 29 wins and a No. 1 state ranking for a portion of the 1994-95 season.

He boasts head coaching experience at the professional level for Club Mauricio Baez (1995) and Los Minas (1996) in the Dominican Republic, helping both squads reach the semifinals of the playoffs. In 1996-97, he was the head coach of the Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela, and he returned to that country in 2010 to coach the Marinos de Anzoategui.

He also spent three years as an associate director at the Boys & Girls Club of Miami, where his duties included supervising athletic programs, 30 employees and 8,000 youth, as well as spearheading fund-raising efforts and payroll budgeting.

Coach Sergio Rouco took Marinos de Anzoategui to the 2010 Championship game of the Professional Basketball league of Venezuela.

Source: University of Mississippi

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Guillen, La Laguna	19.4
2. Palacios, La Palma	16.8
3. Mohammed, Lleida	16.2
4. Detrick, Melilla	15.7
5. Feldeine, Breogan	15.6
6. Seawright, Leon	15.2
7. Faverani, CB Mu.	14.9
8. Navarro, Girona	14.9
9. Franklin, CB Tarra.	14.8
10. Johnson, Huesca	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Kiril WACHSMANN
  Alcazar
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Wachsmann, Alcazar	9.2
2. Curtis, Lleida	9.2
3. Sinanovic, Clinic.	8.0
4. Seawright, Leon	7.8
5. Guillen, La Laguna	7.5
6. Arteaga, Breogan	7.3
7. Kale, Ourense	7.2
8. Blair, Navarra	7.0
9. Frost, Palencia	6.9
10. Chagoyen, La Lag.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Rodriguez, Obrad.	4.6
2. Aguilar, CB Tarra.	4.6
3. Sabat, La Laguna	3.9
4. Brown, Ourense	3.5
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.5
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.5
7. Rivero, CB Murcia	3.3
8. Quezada, Leon	3.2
9. Alvarado, La Palma	2.9
10. Garrido, Palencia	2.9

Steals Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rodriguez, Obrad.	2.3
2. Bernabe, Leon	1.8
3. Xavier, Caceres	1.6
4. Franklin, CB Tarra.	1.6
5. Rost, Girona	1.6
6. Castro, Burgos	1.5
7. Palacios, La Palma	1.5
8. Alba, CB Tarragona	1.4
9. Canals, Girona	1.3
10. Johnson, Huesca	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Jeff FOOTE
  Melilla
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Foote, Melilla	2.0
2. Humphrey, Caceres	1.5
3. Fontet, Leon	1.3
4. Hicks, Breogan	1.3
5. Joseph, Navarra	1.2
6. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.2
7. Sinanovic, Clinic.	1.2
8. Faverani, CB Mu.	1.1
9. Starosta, Ourense	1.0
10. McCoy, Caceres	1.0

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Witt, Clavijo	16.4
2. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.7
3. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	15.4
4. Ramsdell, Avila	15.4
5. Paez, Lan M.	15.0
6. Bratton, Lan M.	14.9
7. Mortellaro, Lan M.	14.8
8. Mesa, Clavijo	14.7
9. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.	14.7
10. Bivia, Mallorca	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Lawal, Guadalajara	10.8
2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	9.3
3. De Santana, Clavijo	8.8
4. Chubrevich, Illesc.	8.4
5. Mortellaro, Lan M.	8.1
6. Mesa, Clavijo	7.9
7. Adams, Coruna	7.8
8. Ramsdell, Avila	7.6
9. Larry, Regal F.	7.1
10. Howard, Andorra	6.9

Assists Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Witt, Clavijo	6.0
2. Uriz, Santurtzi	5.0
3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.	5.0
4. Lopez, Coruna	4.6
5. Bivia, Mallorca	3.9
6. Pampin, Mallorca	3.7
7. Marco, ADT T.	3.6
8. Machuca, Illescas	3.4
9. Rufian, Promobys	3.3
10. Garcia, Avila	3.2

Steals Per Game

Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 2

1. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.0
2. Uriz, Santurtzi	2.0
3. Adams, Coruna	1.9
4. Bratton, Lan M.	1.8
5. Smith, Guadalajara	1.8
6. Witt, Clavijo	1.7
7. Martinez, Plasencia	1.7
8. Guirao, ADT T.	1.6
9. Rueda, Plasencia	1.5
10. Lopez, Coruna	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Biyombo, Illescas	1.9
2. Mbaye, Regal F.	1.8
3. Todorovic, Prat J.	1.4
4. Lawal, Guadalajara	1.3
5. De Santana, Clavijo	1.3
6. Green, Mallorca	1.2
7. Conde, Avila	1.2
8. Cage, ADT Tarrago.	1.1
9. Chubrevich, Illesc.	0.9
10. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	0.9

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

SYRIA

Today... Jalaa V/S Jeish in the first game of SBL Final Series ... - by Ahmad Madwar
Today... Jalaa V/S Jeish in the first game of SBL Final Series ...
At 4.00pm in Al-Asad Arena in Aleppo city, Jalaa and Jiesh are going to play the first game in SBl series ...
Jeish went to final after they beat Wehda in 2 games .... the first game results was 68/65, and in the second game Jeish Beat Wehda in the second game by 6points average and the results was 77/71 ...
Nicholas Zachery (191-G-79, college: UALR) played his best 2games in the league, but the expirience of Jeish players and them coach Imad Othman + they have one of the best american centers in Syrian League History Christien Charles (213-F/C-81, college: Villanova) , this reasons which gave the average for Jeish ...
But now Jeish in big problem against Jalaa, They have 1import player Chris after Anthony jones left to qatar, the club replaced him by Serbian player his name is Vladan Virijevic ... but he didnot show good performence untill this moment .... he came from Serbian League second Division with team it's rank is 9th ...
at the another hand Jalaa Has Jamaal Miller, Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76, college: Louisville), Marcelo Corea, Eder Arajuo and Jony Deep ... Jamaal and Samaki as import players, but the another three players they have Syrian Passport !!!!!!!! and all of them are showing very good performence ....

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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23

1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.	23.0
2. Kambala, Aliaga	20.2
3. Buckman, Antalya	19.6
4. Henderson, Antalya	19.1
5. Smith, Karsiyaka	18.8
6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.	18.6
7. Kemp, Besiktas	17.9
8. Randle, Aliaga	17.5
9. Barbour, Erdemir	17.2
10. Scales, Mersin	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Yucel, Mersin	11.3
2. Thomas, Erdemir	10.2
3. Wesson, Turk T.	9.2
4. Mays, Oyak Renault	9.0
5. Buckman, Antalya	9.0
6. Ffriend, Bornova	8.7
7. Samardjiski, Olin	8.7
8. Hall, Erdemir	8.4
9. Smith, Bornova	7.9
10. Smith, Karsiyaka	7.8

Assists Per Game

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

1. Ermis, Banvit	6.2
2. Holston, Karsiyaka	6.0
3. Conroy, Oyak R.	5.9
4. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.3
5. Chatman, Besiktas	5.1
6. Henderson, Antalya	4.7
7. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
8. Acik, Galatasaray	4.3
9. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.3
10. Tunceri, Efes Pil.	4.2

Steals Per Game

James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.2
2. Grier, Mersin	2.2
3. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.2
4. Waller, Oyak Renau.	2.1
5. Gibson, Oyak R.	2.0
6. Smith, Karsiyaka	1.9
7. Prince, Antalya	1.9
8. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
9. Chatman, Besiktas	1.6
10. Ermis, Banvit	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.8
2. Samardjiski, Olin	1.6
3. Johnson, Erdemir	1.3
4. Francis, Bornova	1.3
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	1.0
6. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.0
7. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.0
8. Ruzic, Tofas	0.9
9. Davis, Banvit	0.9
10. Savas, Fener.Ulker	0.8

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UKRAINE

Standings - Higher League

Higher Standings

Places 1-8
1. Cherkasy		25-1
2. U-VolinBasket		18-6
3. Avantazh-Pol.		11-11
4. Aviastar		11-13
5. Dynamo DN		11-15
6. Pulsar		7-17
7. Kremen-KNU		7-17
8. Vinnitsky Zubry		6-16
Places 9-13
1. KTU Krivyi Rih		10-2
2. Koksokh-Stal		10-4
3. Striba		7-7
4. Sportlitsey		7-7
5. Ternopil		0-14

Higher League Round 13: U-VolinBasket edges Avantazh-Politekhnik by three points - by Eurobasket News
Third-ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik (11-11) made lots of trouble for second ranked U-VolinBasket (18-6) in Lutsk on Saturday. U-VolinBasket managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected easier game. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 30-18. But Avantazh-Politekhnik won second period 18-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. U-VolinBasket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 18-6 record having just -20 point less than leader Cherkasy. Avantazh-Politekhnik at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. U-VolinBasket are again looking forward to face Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Avantazh-Politekhnik will have a break next round.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Lutsk. Second ranked U-VolinBasket faced 3rd placed Avantazh-Politekhnik. Host U-VolinBasket (18-6) defeated guests from Kharkov (11-11) 87-82. U-VolinBasket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 18-6 record having just -20 point less than leader Cherkasy. Avantazh-Politekhnik at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. U-VolinBasket will again play against Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Avantazh-Politekhnik will have a break next round.
Second ranked KTU Krivyi Rih blasted bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-14) in Ternopil 100-74 on Thursday evening. Ternopil-TNEU is still unable to win any game. KTU Krivyi Rih (10-2) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Ternopil-TNEU still closes the standings with 14 games lost. KTU Krivyi Rih will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ternopil-TNEU will play again against the league's leader KTU Krivyi Rih (#1) in Krivoy Rog and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Second ranked KTU Krivyi Rih blasted bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-14) in Ternopil 98-47. Ternopil-TNEU is still unable to win any game. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for KTU Krivyi Rih. They keep a position of league leader. Ternopil-TNEU lost their fourteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 14 games lost. KTU Krivyi Rih will have a break next round. Ternopil-TNEU will play again on the road against the league's leader KTU Krivyi Rih (#1) in Krivoy Rog and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

Ternopil - KTU Krivyi Rih 74-100

Second ranked KTU Krivyi Rih blasted bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-14) in Ternopil 100-74 on Thursday evening. Ternopil-TNEU is still unable to win any game. The game was mostly controlled by KTU Krivyi Rih. Ternopil-TNEU managed to win second period 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. KTU Krivyi Rih (10-2) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Ternopil-TNEU still closes the standings with 14 games lost. KTU Krivyi Rih will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ternopil-TNEU will play again against the league's leader KTU Krivyi Rih (#1) in Krivoy Rog and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Ternopil - KTU Krivyi Rih 47-98

Second ranked KTU Krivyi Rih blasted bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-14) in Ternopil 98-47. Ternopil-TNEU is still unable to win any game. The game was mostly controlled by KTU Krivyi Rih. Ternopil-TNEU was better in second period 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for KTU Krivyi Rih. They keep a position of league leader. Ternopil-TNEU lost their fourteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 14 games lost. KTU Krivyi Rih will have a break next round. Ternopil-TNEU will play again on the road against the league's leader KTU Krivyi Rih (#1) in Krivoy Rog and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

U-VolinBasket - Avantazh-Pol. 70-67

Third-ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik (11-11) made lots of trouble for second ranked U-VolinBasket (18-6) in Lutsk on Saturday. U-VolinBasket managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected easier game. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 30-18. But Avantazh-Politekhnik won second period 18-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. U-VolinBasket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 18-6 record having just -20 point less than leader Cherkasy. Avantazh-Politekhnik at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. U-VolinBasket are again looking forward to face Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Avantazh-Politekhnik will have a break next round.

U-VolinBasket - Avantazh-Pol. 87-82

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Lutsk. Second ranked U-VolinBasket faced 3rd placed Avantazh-Politekhnik. Host U-VolinBasket (18-6) defeated guests from Kharkov (11-11) 87-82. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 30-18. But Avantazh-Politekhnik won second period 18-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. U-VolinBasket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 18-6 record having just -20 point less than leader Cherkasy. Avantazh-Politekhnik at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. U-VolinBasket will again play against Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Avantazh-Politekhnik will have a break next round.

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

URUGUAY

Results for the Metro League - by Hector Lopez
Results for the Metro league:
Atenas 86 - Marcos Cabot (178-PG-89) 26 points, 6 assists, Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 24 points 12 rebounds 1 block 2 assists.
25 de Agosto 77 - John Rufus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) 16 points 7 rebounds, Fernando Lozano (186-G-81) 15 points 3 rebounds
- - -
Goes 74 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 26 points 17 rebounds 4 blocks 3 assists, Johnny Rodriguez (197-F-83) 21 points 6 rebounds 2 blocks
Nacional 65 - Roberto Amaro (197-F-69) 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, Ryan Blankson (201-F-80, college: Loyola, IL) 2 points 4 rebounds

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

VENEZUELA

Former Marinos Head Coach Sergio Rouco back to NCAA - by Wolfgang Lucena
'We are pleased to announce the addition of Sergio to our staff,' said University of Mississippi Mens basketball head coach Andy Kennedy, who is the first coach in Ole Miss history to lead the Rebels to 20+ wins and postseason play in four of his five seasons at the helm. 'Sergio brings a vast array of experience to his new position. From assisting in an 18-game turnaround in his initial season at UTEP to being a successful head coach on multiple levels, Sergio brings a wealth of experience to our staff.'

Rouco served five seasons as FIU's head coach from 2004-05 to 2008-09, where he developed four players into All-Sun Belt Conference performers, including the 2009 SBC Freshman of the Year.

He began his college coaching career as an assistant at FIU from 1987-91, including one season under former Ole Miss head coach Bob Weltlich. Rouco returned to FIU as an assistant from 2000-03 before being hired by Billy Gillispie as an assistant at UTEP for the 2003-04 seasons.

Rouco was credited for much of the team's success in his one season at UTEP, which saw the Miners win 24 games and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Fla., Rouco found much success as a high school coach in his hometown, with head coaching stops at Loyola (1986-87) and Miami Norland (1991-95). He directed Loyola to a school-record 22 wins in 1986, while he led Miami Norland to 29 wins and a No. 1 state ranking for a portion of the 1994-95 season.

He boasts head coaching experience at the professional level for Club Mauricio Baez (1995) and Los Minas (1996) in the Dominican Republic, helping both squads reach the semifinals of the playoffs. In 1996-97, he was the head coach of the Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela, and he returned to that country in 2010 to coach the Marinos de Anzoategui.

He also spent three years as an associate director at the Boys & Girls Club of Miami, where his duties included supervising athletic programs, 30 employees and 8,000 youth, as well as spearheading fund-raising efforts and payroll budgeting.

Coach Sergio Rouco took Marinos de Anzoategui to the 2010 Championship game of the Professional Basketball league of Venezuela.

Source: University of Mississippi

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

Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Big V: Round 8 preview - by Eurobasket News
Melbourne vs. Bulleen Sat 14/05 6pm @ North Melb Rec Centre
Things can change quickly in basketball and the addition to the Boomers of Hannah Zavecz has seen Bulleen win two in a row to keep them in contention with the top 4. Their opponents Melbourne dropped a game to the Eltham last week and must beat Bulleen to keep a firm grip on a finals spot. For the Boomers a win in this one and they remain within 2 games of Melbourne, keeping the finals dream alive. If the Boomers do get up here they will need to shut down Nicole Zammit and Ashley Hirons who both average double figures for the Tigers.
Sherbrooke vs. Ringwood Sat 14/05 6pm @ Belgrave Heights Christian School
Last week an undermanned Sherbrooke outfit pushed Bulleen all the way before eventually succumbing to the Boomers by 23 points. Things wont get any easier this weekend as they take on the league leading Ringwood Hawks, coming off tough wins over Waverley and Diamond Valley. Ringwoods import combo of Alison Nash-Gerlach and Andrea Verdegan continue to get better every week and are a big part of the Hawks success in 2K11 so far. Sherbrooke host their first ever clash at the new Belgrave Heights Christian School in this game and will be looking to get off to a winning start at their new venue.
Eltham vs. Diamond Valley Sat 14/05 6pm pm @ Eltham High School
After a loss to Waverley in round 6 the Wildcats added World Championship winner Hollie Grima Florance to their line-up and rebounded with a big 19-point win over the 4th place Tigers last weekend. Hollie showed her class straight away with 20 points and 6 boards in only 19 minutes on the floor and will be hot favourites to defeat a struggling Diamond Valley side. The Eagles also had a big in last week with the debut of American import Ashley Jenkins and with her having another week on the training track look for her numbers to improve. The Eagles almost held on for a win over Ringwood last week before falling behind in the last 30 seconds and despite their ladder position this is one Diamond Valley side that fight it out every week.
Hume City vs. Waverley Sat 14/05 8pm @ Broadmeadows Stadium
The Waverley Falcons lost to Ringwood by 10 points last week and with an injury cloud hanging over Alex Lough this is one game that could end up closer than what the pundits expect. The winless Broncos have pushed both league leaders Ringwood and Championship favourites Eltham this season but have ultimately fallen short of that elusive W. Look for Coach Vaughns to have his charges fired up and ready to go but the Falcons depth should see them pull away in the finals minutes.
Waverley vs. Diamond Valley Sun 15/05 12.30pm @ Waverley Basketball Centre
Both teams back it up from tough clashes the night before meaning fitness will be a key factor in this Sunday afternoon encounter. The Eagles are a young side that get up and down the court fast but the Falcons are yet to lose on their home floor in 2K11 and one would not expect this to change now.
Courtesy of:bigv.com.au

Campigli to leave Wyoming - by Eurobasket News
For the second time in the last year, the University of Wyoming women's basketball team has lost an Australian.

UW coach Joe Legerski announced on Tuesday through a press release that guard Bec Campigli (5'10''-G) won't return for her junior year, electing to pursue a professional career in her native Australia.

Last June, forward Emma Langford, an all-Mountain West Conference third-team selection the year before, announced she wouldn't return to UW so she could play professionally in Australia.

With the spring signing period ending on May 18, Campigli's decision gives Wyoming a week to possibly fill her roster spot.

'This wasn't a surprise,' Legerski said. 'Rebecca thought about it even last year and then decided to come back. She had the opportunity to go back and play professionally and try to get in a system where they might have the opportunity one day to play on a national team. That's the choice we know is always out there when you recruit international players.'

Wyoming already has a class of five freshmen signed for next season and were hoping to bring in at least one junior college transfer to balance out the roster.

With Kristen Scheffler expected to receive a medical redshirt, the 2011-12 roster includes no seniors, four juniors (Scheffler, Brenna Freeze, Ashley Sickles and Chaundra Sewell), two sophomores (Landry, Kaylee Hoffman) and five freshmen (Alison Gorrell, Kaitlyn Mileto, Jordan Sibrel, Kayla Woodward and Fatima Thiam).

That leaves Wyoming with four open scholarships.

Campigli came off the bench in all 33 games for the Cowgirls last season. The Melbourne native averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg while averaging 16.6 minutes a contest. Campigli set careers highs for points (14) and rebounds (5) this past season.

With the Cowgirls losing four senior starters, the 5-foot-10 guard was expected to battle with sophomore Chelan Landry for the starting point guard spot --while also seeing playing time at shooting guard.

'We'll take a look at some guards but the one thing this does allow is for players in the program to be a little more excited about their opportunities,' Legerski said.

Wyoming is also still searching for an assistant coach to replace Kristin Becker, who resigned at the end of March.

Courtesy of www.wyomingnews.com

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

ESTONIA - Women

National Team gathers for training camp - by Eurobasket News
Estonian National Team gathered for the training camp. Fourteen players joined the camp to prepare for the European Championship in Division B games. Estonia will continue their quest to reach Division A. They face Albania in Group B on May 30. Estonia then host Luxembourg on June 2. Estonia are at 3-1 record in the ladder at the moment.
Estonia is scheduled to play to friendly games with Norway at the weekend. Eight of 14 invitees to the camp arrived from outside of Estonia. Here are the names of the invitees: Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Laina Mesila-Kaarmann (186-F-87), Triin Teppo (186-F-90), Viive-Kai Rebane (182-F-89), Kerttu Jallai (179-F-90), Merike Anderson (181-F-81, agency: LBM Management), Yana Rannaveski (172-G-87), Kati Rausberg (172-G-89), Pirgit Puu (170-PG-88), Mirjam Nikolai (178-G-86), Kerli Haas (180-G-90), Oksana Miil (174-G-86), Merilin Metsalu (177-G-87) and Maia Bratka (185-F-92).

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

EUROLEAGUE - Women

Spartak Moscow Region keep Osipova, Petrovic, Milovanovic, Prince and Chatman - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Moscow Region keep Irina Osipova (196-F-81), Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89), Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) and Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) for the next season. The Head Coach Pokey Chatman will remain also in the team.
Spartak Moscow Region did their best last season however could not defend the title again and again in EuroLeague. Halcon Avenida stole the 5th straight title from Spartak at the EuroLeague Women Final. Both teams produced another great Final Four game, while the Spanish squad triumphed with 68:59. IN Russian League UMMC clinched 2010/2011 title! After two wins at home UMMC added 75:70 road win to weep the series. After the second place in Russian League and EuroLeague the management made some changes but will keep the players above.
It was mentioned earlier that Marina Kuzina signed with Spartak Moscow Region as it became so far the biggest signing for the Russian team. Sue Bird will not continue with Spartak Moscow Region and in on the way to join another squad.
In Russian League Irina Osipova, Jelena Milovanovic and Epiphanny Prince were the top-scorers of the team. The latter averaged 12.3 points per game, while Irina Osipova had 8.4 and Jelena Milovanovic 8.3. In EuroLeague Epiphanny Prince had 16.6 points per game and Jelena Milovanovic averaged 8.9.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Les Bleues will defend the title without Elodie Godin and Marielle Amant - by Eurobasket News
Les Bleues will defend the EuroBasket title without Elodie Godin (190-C-85) and Marielle Amant (191-F/C-89). Both players are injured and will not play in EuroBasket 2011.
Elodie Godin enjoys the third straight season with Cras Taranto but was carrying a knock in the last games of the team. In 2010-2011 for Cras Taranto (Italy-A1) she averaged 11.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 76.0% in EuroLeague. In the Italian League after 33 games her stats read 5.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.3%, FT: 70.6%.
Marielle Amant stays with Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin (LFB, starting five) for four years already. This season in EuroCup after 10 games she averaged 7.6ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.5%, FT: 59.3%. In French League after 21 games her stats read 7.1ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 83.7%.
France announced the last sixteen players for Eurobasket that are: Divonne-les-Bains from May 19 to 26 are Clemence Beikes (179-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Ana Maria Cata Chitiga, Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87), Celine Dumerc (169-G-82), Emilie Gomis (180-G-83), Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87), Pauline Krawczyk (180-F-85), Marion Laborde (178-G-86), Anael Lardy (170-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Edwige Lawson-Wade (167-PG-79), Florence Lepron (183-F-85), Endene Miyem (188-F-88), Emmeline Ndongue (190-C-83), Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86).

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FINLAND - Women

Finland prepares for friendly games at the weekend - by Eurobasket News
Finnish NT gathered to prepare for two friendly games. Fourteen players arrived to Tikkurila. Finland is set to clash with Denmark on Saturday and Sunday. Finland is getting ready for 2011 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. They are set to hit the road on June 3. Finland will face Bulgaria on the road. Tommi Koskinen invited the following players for the games:
Krista Gross (182-G), Evita Iiskola (181-F-93), Anette Juvonen (170-G-93), Vilma Kesanen (173-G-88), Henna Koponen (183-F-86, college: Coker), Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall), Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91), Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier), Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, college: Lamar), Henna Salomaa (175-G-89, college: Oakland), Tina Sten (189-G/F-85, college: St.John's), Minna Sten (188-F-87), Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) and Hanna Vapamaa (180-F-90).

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FRANCE - Women

Provence add Cindy Lima, Tamara Abalde and Elyse Penaluna - by Eurobasket News
Aix-en-Provence started to work on strengthening their roster for the next season. They recently added Cindy Lima (192-C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Tamara Abalde (188-G-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88).
Cindy Lima spent the previous season in Spain. The 29-year-old centre averaged 3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in Euroleague. In Spanish League the centre notched 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. Earlier Cindy Lima had stints in Cyprus and Latvia.
Tamara Abalde started the previous season in Rivas Ecopolis. Her stats read 5.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in Spanish League. In Euroleague the guard notched 3.2 points and 1.4 rebounds. In December 2010 Tamara Abalde moved to Navarra Pamplona. Her stats came up to 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per apperance.
Elyse Penaluna played for Bulleen Boomers in the previous season. The Australian centre notched 11.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in WNBL. Elyse Penaluna played for Australia at 2009 Oceania Championships.

LFB transfer news - by Eurobasket News
Here is the summary of recent transfer news from LFB market.

Montpellier will bolster their roster with addition of Kristen Mann (188-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: UCSB). She started the previous season in Charleville. Her stats read 14.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Bourges is set to add Marielle Amant (191-F/C-89) and Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) to their roster. Marielle Amant played for Arras, where she tallied 7.1 points and 5.3 boards per LFB game. In EuroCup the 21-year-old centre notched 7.6 points and 6.0 boards. Christelle Diallo is a talented 18-year-old centre that played in CFBB in LF2 last season.
Meanwhile Anael Lardy (170-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) left Bourges for Challes. The 23-year-old guard notched 4.6 points, 2.6 boards and 2.5 assists per Euroleague game. In LFB she had 6.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds per appearance.
Charleville will probably strengthen their roster with addition of Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Rice) and Magali Lacroix (186-F-75). The Ukrainian centre had a solid season with Mondeville. She produced 9.8 points and 6.1 boards in LFB. In Euroleague her stats read 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Magali Lacroix played for Challes and banked 9.1 points and 5.5 boards per appearance.
Nantes have invited Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Lenae Williams (186-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: De Paul), Johanne Gomis (177-G-85), Sarah Michel (178-F/G-89) and Claire Stievenard (182-F/G-93), while Joyce Cousseins-Smith (165-G-88), Emilija Podrug (190-C-79) and Mame-Marie Sy-Diop (185-F-85) will leave the team.

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HUNGARY - Women

Poland and Hungary exchange victories - by Eurobasket News
Polish and Hungarian National Teams have played two exhibition encounters lately. The teams clashed in Szczyrk and traded victories.
The first game finished with Hungary claiming a narrow 70:69 victory. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) knocked down 15 points to pace the visitors. Hungary earned a 6-point lead after the opening frame. Poland erased the deficit in the second term but Hungary cleared off once again after the big break and hung on to eke out a tough win at the end. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Orsi Szecsi (190-G/F) nailed 10 points each in the victory. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) replied with 16 points for Poland. Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) had 14 points in the loss.
Next day Poland looked better and celebrated a 58:49 win. The hosts controlled the tempo in the first half. They recorded a 33:25 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second half as Poland rolled to the win at the end. Patrycja Gulak-Lipka (193-C-82, college: Massachusetts) came up with 9 points for Poland. Emilia Tlumak (183-F-82) chipped in 8 points in the victory. Anna Lakloth (182-G-88) and Orsi Szecsi replied with 8 points each for Hungary.

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JUCO - Women

Former NJCAA All-American's Danielle Adams and Tahnee Robinson Selected in 2011 WNBA Draft - by Arnault Desira
The NJCAA would like to congratulate former women's basketball All-Americans Danielle Adams (Jefferson College, Mo., 2008, 2009) and Tahnee Robinson (Sheridan College, Wyo., 2009) on being selected in the second and third rounds, respectively, in the 2011 WNBA Draft on April 11th.

For more on Adams visit: http://www.wnba.com/silverstars/news/stars_draft_danielle_robinson_110411.html

For more on Robinson, who is the first full-blooded Native American and Wyoming native to be selected in the WNBA Draft, visit: http://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/news?slug=ycn-8276403

For the full 2011 WNBA Draft board visit: http://www.wnba.com/draft/2011/draft_board.html.

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NCAA1 - Women

Arkansas hires women's basketball assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
The Arkansas women's basketball program says it has hired a new assistant coach who will also serve as recruiting coordinator for the Razorbacks.

The school announced Wednesday the hiring of Tari Cummings to replace Zenarae Antoine, who was named head coach at Texas State earlier this month.

Cummings, a native of Pocola, Okla., finished her collegiate playing career at Oklahoma State, after two years at what was then Westark Community College. It is now Arkansas-Fort Smith.

Her coaching career began at UAFS, where she spent four years as an assistant to Louis Whorton. That was followed by two years at Cincinnati and, most recently, two years as the Cougars' recruiting coordinator.

Arkansas head coach Tom Collen said he expected Cummings' recruiting ties in Oklahoma would be valuable to the Razorbacks.

Courtesy of www.kait8.com

Mosqueda-Lewis leads 2011 All-USA girls basketball team - by Eurobasket News
USA Today's 2011 All-USA high school girls basketball team was selected by Jim Halley after discussions with analysts, coaches, players and sportswriters.

Players are seniors unless noted.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis

6-0, Guard

Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif.

Height, weight: 6-0, 175

College: Signed with Connecticut

The facts: Led the Monarchs to a 33-1 record and their second consecutive Division I state title, averaging 22 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.5 assists. Led the 2010 U.S. under-17 to the world title and was on the 2009 under-16 team for USA Basketball. Set Mater Dei career records for points and rebounds.

Advantage of USA Basketball: 'Being able to be coached by a college coach got us ready for the next level of basketball. We were not used to that pace. Coach Barbara Nelson got us used to the notion of running the ball every second of the game, and we became better students of the game. She emphasized playing smart when you're tired, making sure that fatigue isn't that big of a factor.'

On UConn: 'It is a little intimidating at first when you see (Geno Auriemma's) practices, but I know I'll be working hard prior to getting there, and I've been working hard for the past couple of years. I'll get myself as ready as I can.'

Best H-O-R-S-E shot: 'Probably a banked three or a left-handed three. They're pretty hard for people to do.'

Most impressive foe: 'Ariya Crook-Williams when we played Long Beach Poly in the Tournament of Champions.'

Playing AAU ball in Tennessee: 'It was a lot of fun. I'm not usually the type of player who likes to go in and freelance with things, but when I got down to it, it wasn't that big a factor. We just had really great chemistry. The coaches showed how well they cared for us. It worked out for me to try something new and get out of California.'

***

Cierra Burdick

6-2, Forward

Butler, Matthews, N.C.

College: Signed with Tennessee

The facts: Averaged 23.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 5.0 blocks and 4.1 steals while leading her team to a 30-1 record. Was the North Carolina state player of the year the past two seasons. Has a weighted 4.28 grade-point average. Was a member of the U.S. under-17 team that won the world title.

Favorite NBA player: Blake Griffin

Favorite WNBA player: Candace Parker

Favorite teacher: 'Lindsay Andrews for civics and economics. She made it interesting and is a really good role model. She's also taken me and my best friend to Bobcats and North Carolina games.'

In my ear: 'I'm a big fan of Trey Songz, along with Alicia Keys.'

Recent read: 'And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It's a mystery, which I normally don't read, but it was really interesting.'

On heart surgery when she was 2: 'It doesn't have any effect on my current-day life. The doctors say my heart is just as strong if not stronger than a person who hasn't had open-heart surgery. There was no way I was going to let my surgery hinder me from playing sports. I've played just about every sport there is from street hockey to volleyball to football. I just love all sports.'

***

Malina Howard

6-4, Center

Twinsburg, Ohio

College: A junior, she is undecided.

The facts: Howard led Twinsburg to a 27-0 record and the state Division I title, averaging 19.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 67% from the field.

Favorite teacher: 'My math teacher, Mrs. (Cara) McPherson. I really like and enjoy math, and she makes it easier and fun.'

Best moves: 'Probably the drop-step on the court, and then there's the Do the John Wall that my teammates and I do before every game.'

Season highlight: 'Winning state. We lost in the regional finals last year to McKinley (Canton), and we knew when we beat them this year, we weren't going to stop there.'

In my ear: 'Taylor Swift.'

Recent read: 'Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.'

Least favorite: 'Candide (a novella by Voltaire).'

On recruiting: 'I'm looking at 10 to 12 schools. It's been pretty normal. They're letting me make my own decision.'

Superpower: 'Being invisible. You could probably play tricks on people and hear what people have to say about you.'

Cartoon: 'I like Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel.'

Improving: 'I think I was able to run the floor a lot better this year.'

***

Ariel Massengale

5-6, Guard

Bolingbrook, Ill.

College: Signed with Tennessee

The facts: The senior averaged 13.7 points, 7.8 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.5 rebounds in leading top-ranked Bolingbrook to a 29-2 record and its third consecutive 4A state championship. Averaged 10.4 points and 5.4 assists for 2010 U.S. under-17 team that won world title.

Bigger deal, winning world title or state? 'I probably would have to say winning my third state championship with Bolingbrook. Since I was a kid, winning state was my goal and they didn't always have a USA team for us younger girls. When that came up it was a surprise and a great accomplishment, but I feel like what I've been working hard for is the state championship.'

Best move: 'An in-and-out crossover. I do it all the time in practice and seem to get my teammates all the time with it. I just picked it up outside playing around and having fun.'

Favorite cartoon: 'Shrek. I love all the Shrek movies.'

Favorite superpower: 'Being invisible.'

In my ear: ' (Gospel singer) Kirk Franklin. He's talented in many ways.'

Teach Me The Dougie or Teach Me The Jimmer: 'I haven't seen the Teach me the Jimmer, but if I had to choose, I love Jimmer Fredette. He's a fantastic basketball player, and I love how his older brother had him sign this contract.'

Favorite book: The Color Purple.

Least favorite book: 'Probably Black Boy (by Richard Wright).'

Favorite WNBA player: 'Renee Montgomery (of the Connecticut Sun). I tried to measure my game after her. Her leadership skills are something.'

***

Elizabeth Williams

6-3, Forward,

Princess Anne, Virginia Beach

College: Signed with Duke.

The facts: Led her team to a Group AAA state title, averaging 18.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks. Led the USA Basketball under-17 team to a gold medal at the 2010 world championships while averaging 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Season highlights: 'Winning state was amazing. Having two titles in the past three years is just great, and being able to avenge our loss in that region semifinal game (against Lake Taylor) was big. That's when our momentum picked up.'

USA Basketball: 'Helped a lot. It was a lot more physical. You had to think a lot more on the court, and I think I was able to bring that to my high school team.'

Favorite teacher: 'Dr. (Camilla) Walck was my higher-level biology teacher, taught college-level biology. She's just a real great person. She's an amazing teacher. She reiterates concepts so we get it. She's so kind.'

In my ear: 'I don't discriminate when it comes to music. I even listen to Taylor Swift.'

Best move: 'I like hook shots. They're hard to block, and they're pretty. I think it's because I've perfected it and because Tim Duncan, one of my favorite players, does the shot.'

***

COACH OF THE YEAR

Anthony R. Smith

Bolingbrook, Ill.

The facts: Smith, 34, coached his team to a 29-2 record, third consecutive state 4A title and No. 2 ranking in the USA TODAY Super 25. After he turned down an offer to be an assistant women's basketball coach at Eastern Michigan, he was named Bolingbrook's male citizen of the year. Smith was an assistant in this year's WBCA girls all-star game. He is 276-28 with four state championships in 10 seasons at Bolingbrook.

Side stat: Played football for Eastern Michigan from 1996 to 1998.

Turning down Eastern Michigan: 'Was definitely a tough choice because that is a dream, to coach at the highest level you can. But I'm happy where I'm at. It worked out.'

Season highlight: 'All season long was a highlight for this group because we had a target and got better each game out. It was great to see them focused all season. I liked the way the team was unselfish. We had a great point guard and two great players who could have carried us, but our role players did a great job of stepping up and making it a team effort.'

Favorite teacher: 'I was the class clown in high school. So, my favorite teacher was all of the teachers who put up with me and helped me get through high school.'

Cartoon character: 'Back when I was a kid, I would probably go with the Road Runner. He was always quick and able to stay out of trouble.'

***

SECOND TEAM

Pos, Player, School, location Ht., Wt., Key statistics, College

G Antoinette Bannister, Potters House Christian, Jacksonville, 5-10, 165, 27.2 ppg, 5.2 apg, 7.5 spg, Junior

G Diamond DeShields, Norcross, Ga., 6-1, 155, 20.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, Junior

F Krystal Forthan, Georgetown, Texas, 6-4, 185, 16.3 ppg, 12.2 rpb, 2.7 bpg, LSU

F Amber Henson, Sickles, Tampa, 6-4, 180, 21.0 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 7.0 bpg, Duke

G Bria Smith, Christ the King, Queens, N.Y., 5-10, 147, 21.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.7 apg, Undecided

THIRD TEAM

Pos, Player, School, location Ht., Wt., Key statistics, College

G Jordan Adams, Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif., 6-1, 165, 10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.8 apg, Junior

G Briyona Canty, Trenton (N.J.) Catholic, 5-10, 150, 17.3 ppg, 10 rpg, Rutgers

F Sara Hammond, Rockcastle County, Mount Vernon, Ky. 6-2, 178, 11.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.9 bpg, Louisville

F Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook, Ill. 6-3, 190, 20.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, Junior

G Cassie Peoples, Cy-Fair, Cypress, Texas, 5-7, 148, 24 ppg, 8 rpg, 4.5 apg, Texas

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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POLAND - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

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SLOVENIA - Women

Kranjska Gora clinch back-to-back titles - by Zeljko Zule
Kranjska Gora beat Celje 73-64 in the decisive fifth game of NBA finals and secure back-to-back titles.
Teja Oblak (172-G-90) starred with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, Eva Komplet hit 18 points and Natasa Radulovic and Tina Trebec both scored 14 points.
The game saw 13 lead changes before Kranjska Gora went on a 7-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarter to go ahead 52-46 and never looked back from there. Komplet gave Kranjska Gora their first double-digits lead, 65-55, with a pair of free throws with 2:48 remaining.
Celje was outrebounded 25-36 and shot just 41 percent (19-of-46) for 2-point to Kranjska Gora's 63 percent (25-of-40). Tjasa Gortnar collected 22 points and 7 rebounds, Ana Turcinovic posted 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds and Nika Baric added 12 points.
Finals Game 5:
Kranjska Gora-Celje 73-64 (Kolsek DNP, Oblak 23+11 rbs+8 as, Nelc DNP, Komplet 18, Radulovic 14, Lumpert, Bilic DNP, Osterman 4+8 rbs, Purkat DNP, Trebec 14+8 rbs -Turcinovic 18+8 rbs, Kerin DNP, Abramovic 7, Baric 12, U.Belak DNP, N.Belak DNP, Jagodic 2, Bosilj, Coh DNP, Tavic 3, Klavzar, Gortnar 22+7 rbs).

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	20.1
2. Kure, AJM Maribor	19.2
3. Mikic, Grosuplje	18.9
4. Komplet, Hit K.	17.5
5. Turcinovic, Merkur	17.3
6. Baric, Merkur C.	16.2
7. Dover, AJM Maribor	15.1
8. Trebec, Hit K.Gora	14.8
9. Drozg, AJM Maribor	14.5
10. Baltic, AJM M.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.	13.9
2. Turcinovic, Merkur	12.2
3. Baltic, AJM M.	8.7
4. Skof, Ilrija	8.4
5. Ljubenovic, Triglav	7.9
6. Macura, Jezica	7.7
7. Klancnik, GVT K.	7.3
8. Zdolsek, Triglav	7.2
9. Furman, AJM M.	7.0
10. Vene, Ilrija	6.7

Assists Per Game

Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	5.2
2. Baric, Merkur C.	5.1
3. Panic, Hit K.Gora	4.3
4. Jurse, Kozmetik.	3.7
5. Kolman, Grosuplje	3.5
6. Radulovic, Hit K.	3.4
7. Zdolsek, Triglav	2.8
8. Baltic, AJM M.	2.6
9. Klancnik, GVT K.	2.6
10. Dover, AJM Maribor	2.6

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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UKRAINE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA
  Dnipr.
  (181-G-92)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Iagupova, Dnipr.	19.7
2. Rastorgueva, Donb.	19.2
3. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	19.0
4. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	18.5
5. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	18.3
6. Markotenko, Frank.	18.0
7. Williams, Dnipr.	17.2
8. Ragin, Dynamo	17.0
9. Grishina, Lugans.	16.2
10. Alyoshkina, Orlan	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Ragin, Dynamo	10.8
2. Alyoshkina, Orlan	10.5
3. Rimarenko, Dynamo	9.6
4. Zarytska, Kozachka	9.6
5. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	9.6
6. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.	9.3
7. Yakunina, Lugans.	8.8
8. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	8.5
9. Zherzherunov., Koz.	7.8
10. Zhurauliova, Poli.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	6.5
2. Williams, Dnipr.	5.1
3. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	4.9
4. Dubas, Frankivsk	4.7
5. Dubrovina, Kozach.	4.7
6. Lapshynova, Polite.	4.4
7. Iagupova, Dnipr.	3.9
8. Panchenk-S., Koza.	3.8
9. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	3.8
10. Isachenko, Tim-S.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Dubrovina, Kozach.	4.2
2. Markotenko, Frank.	3.4
3. Williams, Dnipr.	2.9
4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	2.9
5. Iagupova, Dnipr.	2.8
6. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	2.3
7. Shapochkina, Yuzh.	2.3
8. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	2.3
9. Polyanychka, Frank.	2.2
10. Lubarskaya, Dyna.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	3.0
2. Zhyrakova, Polite.	2.8
3. Yaburova, Dnipr.	1.8
4. Bovykina, Dnipr.	1.6
5. Shablynska, Polite.	1.5
6. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	1.1
7. Kisilova, Kozachka	1.1
8. Berezinets, Tim-S.	1.0
9. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	0.9
10. Dorogobuzova, Tim.	0.7

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Tim-Scuf		11-1
2. Kozachka		11-2
3. Dnipro-DVUFK		7-5
4. Dynamo		7-5
5. Frankivsk		6-5
6. Yuzhna Palmira		5-8
7. Orlan		5-8
8. Donbas		4-7
9. Politeh Basket		4-8
10. Luganski Last.		0-11

Valeriya Berezhynska changes team, Olesia Malashenko leaves France - by Eurobasket News
Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Rice) will probably change the team in the next season. She will join Charleville. The 25-year-old Ukrainian centre spent the previous season in Mondeville. Her stats read 9.8 points, 6.1 boards and 1.0 assist per game in LFB. In Euroleague the centre tallied 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Valeriya Berezhynska led her team to the French LFB and French Cup semis.
Meanwhile Olesia Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) is set to leave France. The 21-year-old forward has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Russian Chevakata. Olesia Malashenko played for Arras in the previous season. She posted 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 assist per EuroCup game. In LFB Olesia Malashenko delivered 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per appearance. Last year Olesia Malashenko played for the Ukrainian U20 selection at the European Championship. She produced 17.8 points, 9.6 boards and 1.6 blocks per game in Latvia.

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USBA - Women

WUSBA 2011 season ticket sales soaring; Season Ticket Extravaganza a hit - - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Georgia (May 14, 2011) ---- 'Someone out there wants to win a new Honda Accord or take the family on a vacation to Disney World', said WUSBA president Duane Allen Jenkins. 'We should exceed our goals by the final date of sales. 'The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) today, announced the continuation of the 2011 Season Ticket Extravaganza promotion. According to league officials the WUSBA will initiate its inaugural season with a special season ticket offering that will include all fourteen WUSBA basketball teams.

The leagues fourteen teams are split into four divisions within the Southeastern Conference. The divisions are the Piedmont, the Southern, the Appalachian and the Atlantic Divisions. The teams are assigned to following divisions:

The Southern Division consist of the Atlanta Platinum (Ga.), the Montgomery Spirit (Al), the Birmingham Starz (Al) and the Macon Storm (Ga.).

The Piedmont Division will house the Augusta Raging River (Ga.), the Charlotte Blue Wave (NC) and the Columbia Breeze (SC).

The Atlantic Division will field the Jacksonville Surf (Fla.), the Richmond Colonials (Va.), the Savannah Seahawks (Ga.), and the Charleston Cadets (SC).

The Appalachian Division is the West Virginia Capitals (WV), the Nashville Thunder (Tn.), the Chattanooga Royal (Tn.) and the Knoxville Reign (Tn.).

The league has set aside 2000 single season tickets in each team city. 'This collaborated effort includes the WUSBA, the W USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins. 'With this promotion, the league will offer a single season ticket for the low cost of $105.00. With economy the way it is at this point, we would like to offer the fans high intensity basketball and first class entertainment at a great price'. The promotion began on April 15, 2011 and end at 12:00 noon, June 8, 2011. The season ticket includes free admittance to all home and home playoff games (priority seating), plus seven additional single game guest tickets, complimentary concession's, a free game day program, and a 8 'x 11' full color photograph including the fan and either the Basketball Team or the Dance Team. The league will donate 10 computer systems, including printers monitors and software, to each Boys and Girls Clubs of America in each WUSBA team city. 'With a one in two thousand chance to win a new car, no wonder people lare flocking to this promotion.'

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle. The raffle is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. The prize give-away will take place at halftime of the first home game of each WUSBA team. All season ticket holders are eligible to participate in this drawing sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2011 Honda Accord LX 4 door
(One automobile will be given away in each WUSBA team city, 14 total league wide),

* 2nd Prize: Disney World Family Vacation
( Family of four, rt airfare on Air Tran Airlines, transfers to and from the airport , daily Disney World Park passes, meals and lodging at a Disney World theme park hotel included, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 28 total league wide),

* 3rd Prize: The Seafarer Cruise Extravaganza
( Trip for two to Miami, Florida, rt airfare on Air Tran Airlines, a roundtrip one day excursion to cruise to Nassau, Bahamas aboard the Discovery Cruise Lines, overnight stay at the Holiday InterContinental Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancake, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 28 total league wide),

* 4th Prize: The Schwinn Bicycle Explosion
(six men, six women, six boys and six girls ten speed bicycles, 24 given away at each WUSBA team city, 336 total league wide),

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA team city, 350 totals league wide),

*6th Prize: The Great Kroger Gasoline Give-A-Away ($40.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA team city, 350 total league wide)

* 7th Prize: WUSBA Team Polo Shirts Give-Away
(25 shirts will be given away in each WUSBA team city, 350 total league wide).

All drawing's for this promotion will be held during the teams home game season opener. 'As far as we know, this appears to be the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports', said Jenkins, Fans can visit our website for more details about the raffle and the Women's United States Basketball Association'. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang and all of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience', proclaimed, Mr. Jenkins.' 'We'll see you and your friends, court side in 2011'.

About the Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) --- The WUSBA is a summertime professional women's triple AAA minor division basketball league. The league was founded in January 2010. The league is headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The WUSBA will show case players, coaches and dance team members for the WNBA, and the International basketball community. The leagues season begins on June 8, 2011 with the regular season ending on September 4, 2011. Each team will play a twenty eight game schedule, which will include 14 home games and 14 away games. The league will host a mid season All Star Game and a season ending Championship play-off series. Elite players can be catapulted to enjoy further basketball career opportunities in the WNBA, well as exposure to the many professional International leagues from around the world. The WUSBA will accept eligible collegiate players, dance team members, game day staff and mascots from the NCAA. League advises college students to seek advice from family, coach or friends before contacting the WUSBA. The league age limit for basketball players is 20 years old or older.

About the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., --- The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit company; the company was founded in January 2010. Approval for nonprofit status has been applied for and approval will be awarded. The WUSBA Youth Outreach gives aid to people in the community in need, regardless of race, gender, religion, age or any other positions of a persons life. Programs offered by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., can be seen by going to www.wusbayouthoutreach.org,

2011 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2011 WUSBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of Kentucky, West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. Promotion ends June 8, 2011 at 12:00 noon. WUSBA employees, family member of WUSBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 2000 season tickets sold per WUSBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 2000 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 83 to 1, each, 5th prize winning odds are 80 to 1, 6th Prize winning odds are 80 to 1. The WUSBA has set aside 2000 season tickets per USBA team city to be sold, a total 28,000 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If two season tickets are purchased by the same individual for the 2011 basketball season and before 12:00 noon June 8, 2011 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a WUSBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prize winners must make travel reservation through the WUSBA. Travel blackout periods may affect certain travel dates. Grand Prize winners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law.

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WNBA - Women

Minnesota Lynx announce training camp roster - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team's 2011 training camp roster, including free agent signee Taj McWilliams-Franklin and 2011 draftees Maya Moore, Amber Harris, Kachine Alexander and Angel Robinson. The new roster additions finalize the team's 14-player training camp roster.

The Lynx will open training camp on Sunday, May 15 with the team's first practice from 3 - 6 p.m. in the Life Time Fitness Training Center. Media availability is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. with players and coaches available upon the conclusion of practice. The Lynx will open the regular season on the road at Los Angeles on Friday, June 3 before returning to Target Center for the team's Home Opener on Sunday, June 5 vs. Los Angeles at 2:30 p.m.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin, entering her 13th season in the WNBA, signed with the Lynx on February 18. The 6-2 forward/center from St. Edward's spent last season with the New York Liberty, starting all 34 games for the fourth consecutive season and averaging double figures scoring (10.6 ppg) for the 10th time in her career.

Originally drafted by the Orlando Miracle in 1999, McWilliams-Franklin ranks second all-time in WNBA history with 2,631 rebounds as well as ranking among the WNBA all-time leaders in minutes (6th; 11,170), points (12th; 4,456), field goals (7th; 1,747), blocks (7th; 373) and steals (7th; 511). McWilliams-Franklin has made eight career playoff appearances, including winning the WNBA Championship as a member of the Detroit Shock in 2008.

Maya Moore, a 6-0 forward from Connecticut, was selected by the Lynx with the first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft. Moore left Connecticut with a four-year collegiate record of 150-4, becoming the first player in NCAA history to win 150 games over a single career -- male or female. She rewrote the record books for the Huskies as well, owning school records in total points (3,036), career scoring average (19.7 ppg) and career minutes played (4,683), while ranking second in both total rebounds (1,268) and career three-pointers (311). During her senior season, Moore broke UConn's single-season scoring record she had previously set as a sophomore, scoring 868 points (22.8 ppg). Moore enters the WNBA as the only three-time winner of the Wade Trophy (2009, 2010, 2011) in NCAA history.

A 6-5 forward from Xavier, Amber Harris was picked fourth overall by the Lynx in the 2011 WNBA Draft. Harris averaged 16.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during her four-year career, earning All-Atlantic-10 First Team honors in all four seasons and becoming just the second Musketeer in school history to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. During her junior season, Harris became the first player in school history to be named a WCBA State Farm All-American, averaging 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest. Harris finished her collegiate career averaging a career-best 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest, and being named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for the second time in her career.

Angel Robinson was acquired by the Lynx during a draft day trade with the New York Liberty during the 2011 WNBA Draft. As a senior at St. Paul Central, she was named 2007 Miss Minnesota Basketball and led her team to the Minnesota State Championship before heading to Marquette for college. She had a similarly successful career with the Golden Eagles, playing in a school-record 134 games and ranking second in career steals (277), free throws made (434) and free throws attempted (600) while sitting third in assists (570), sixth in points (1,699), eighth in field goals made (587) and 12th in rebounds (640).

Drafted by the Lynx with the 26th overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Angel Robinson was a finalist for 2007 Miss Minnesota Basketball at Benilde-St. Margaret's in St. Louis Park, Minn. before an impressive career at the University of Iowa. She was named to the All-Big Ten First Team in both her junior and senior seasons, including earning Second Team honors as a sophomore. She finished her career ranking second in school history in double-doubles (34) and career rebounds (910), eighth in assists (339) and 16th in career scoring (1,239).

The Lynx 2011 Training Camp Roster follows:

2011 Minnesota Lynx Training Camp Roster

No Player Pos Ht Birthdate College Year Yrs

1 Jessica Adair C 6-4 12/19/86 George Washington '09 1

21 Kachine Alexander G 5-9 02/28/89 Iowa '11 R

33 Seimone Augustus G/F 6-0 04/30/84 LSU '06 5

32 Rebekkah Brunson F 6-3 12/11/81 Georgetown '04 7

6 Amber Harris F 6-5 01/16/88 Xavier '11 R

9 Quanitra Hollingsworth C 6-5 11/15/88 Virginia Commonwealth '09 2

14 Alexis Hornbuckle G 5-11 10/16/85 Tennessee '08 3

24 Charde Houston F 6-0 04/10/86 Connecticut '08 3

8 Taj McWilliams-Franklin F/C 6-2 08/20/70 St. Edwards '93 12

23 Maya Moore F 6-0 06/11/89 Connecticut '11 R

2 Angel Robinson G 5-8 05/13/89 Marquette '11 R

13 Lindsay Whalen G 5-9 05/09/82 Minnesota '04 7

11 Candice Wiggins G 5-11 02/14/87 Stanford '08 3

22 Monica Wright G/F 5-10 07/15/88 Virginia '10 1

Head Coach: Cheryl Reeve (La Salle)

Assistant Coaches: Jim Petersen (Minnesota), Shelley Pattersen (Washington State)

Athletic Trainers: Chuck Barta (Wisconsin-La Crosse), Keith Uzpen (Minnesota State-Mankato)

Numerical Roster No Player

1 Jessica Adair

2 Angel Robinson

6 Amber Harris

8 Taj McWilliams-Franklin

9 Quanitra Hollingsworth

11 Candice Wiggins

13 Lindsay Whalen

14 Alexis Hornbuckle

21 Kachine Alexander

22 Monica Wright

23 Maya Moore

24 Charde Houston

32 Rebekkah Brunson

33 Seimone Augustus

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com