EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/17/2011

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Men News

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  ARAB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Standings
Arab Club Championships Standings
Group A
 1. ASS Sale 2-0 
 2. Al Riyadi 1-0 
 3. Al Gharrafah 0-1 
 4. CRB Dar El-B. 0-1 
 5. Sharjah 0-1 
Group B
 1. ASU 1-0 
 2. Banijas 1-0 
 3. Champville 1-0 
 4. Al Ahli 0-1 
 5. Al Karkh 0-1 
 6. Al Sahel 0-1 


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  ARGENTINA   


TNA Finals: Quilmes MP takes 2-1 lead - by Eurobasket News
Quilmes MP - San Martin C 101-68

Third game of the TNA Finals was played last night. Quilmes MP destroyed San Martin C 101-68 for 2-1 lead in the series. It means that Quilmes now needs just one more win for the title. Next game is scheduled for Tuesday and Quilmes will be the host again. Phillip Hobson (195-G/F-74, college: Barton County CC) shined for the winners last night with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86, college: San Diego) also was great helping with double-double of 18 points and 11 boards. Mario Sepulveda (200-F-77) secured 17 pts and 6 rebs for his team. In the loosing squad, Anthony Glover (197-F-79, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.John's) collected 13 points and 7 boards. Sebastian Castineira (196-F-78) and Ariel Pau (186-G-84) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Quilmes had monster first half scoring 62 points. They stopped San Martin C to 45 on the other side.

Quilmes MP: Phillip Hobson 22+8 boards+6 as, Leonardo Pomare 18+11 boards, Mario Sepulveda 17+6 boards
San Martin C: Anthony Glover 13+7 boards, Sebastian Castineira 12+5 boards, Ariel Pau 11

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  ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Mahram add Hamed Afagh and Asghar Kardoust - by Eurobasket News
Mahram will add Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) and Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) to their roster for 22nd Asia Champions Cup. Both players are Iranian internationals. Hamed Afagh has been played for Zob Ahan this season. The guard also participated at the 2010 Asian Games in China. He tallied 18.9 points, 2.4 boards, 2.1 steals and 1.0 assist per game in Guangzhou. Hamed Afagh played for Mahram in 2010 Asia Champions Cup. His stats read 10.1 points, 1.9 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance.
Asghar Kardoust will strengthen Mahrams frontcourt. The 25-year-old centre played for Tarabari Qom in Iranian Superleague this season. Asghar Kardoust participated at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 3.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in Turkey. In 2010 Asian Games the centre came up with 12.5 points, 9.1 boards and 1.9 blocks per game. Kardoust was named Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Games Best Defensive Player.


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  AUSTRALIA   


QBL: Mountaineers remain grounded - by Eurobasket News
AFTER only one year playing with the Mountaineers, its hard to call Stephen Kluck a veteran, but he is one of the few players to go through the dark days of last year.

Kluck and Charles and Anthony Dickerson are the only current Mountaineers players to experience last years win-less Queensland Basketball League season, so he savoured Sunday afternoons 94-83 victory over Ipswich more than most.

It gives us a great start to the season. Its a shame a lot of the fellas from last year werent there to see it through, Kluck said.

While expecting the team to go well and win their fair share of games this year, the 6ft 9in centre never expected their hoodoo-breaking victory to come so early in the year.

But in a sign of the teams new-found maturity under coach Pop Dickerson, Kluck is refusing to get carried away with the win.

Theres a lot of work to be done this year. But a win is a win, Kluck said.

So whats changed for the Mountaineers this year? Well, theyve added experienced American imports Rashad Chase and James Legan to the line-up.

But more than that theyre finally playing out the entire game.

In the past, we had some good runs in the early periods of the game or late on, but then everyones had a bit of a brain freeze, Kluck said.

The biggest thing weve got to do is hold our heads and control games to the end.

The crowd at Sundays game was the biggest Kluck can remember since joining the team and he said the players really fed off the support.

It was good to give them the win and something to finally cheer about, Kluck said.

Weve got a pretty talented team. A lot of our new players have brought more experience.

Plus were just sick of losing so everyone has been working really hard in pre-season.

For the first time in a long time, Toowoomba is sitting inside the QBL top eight and while theyve only played one game, Kluck is confident the team can stay there.

Our goal is to beat everybody, he said.

Its our first season together and a lot of the guys in the team havent run together.

This team has got potential.
Courtesy of: Tim Braban The Chronicle


Mountaineers humbled by loss - by Eurobasket News
AFTER winning their first game in two years a week earlier, the Toowoomba Mountaineers men crashed back down to earth with a thud on Saturday night.

The joy of securing their first win since 2009 against Ipswich became a distant memory at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre as Brisbane handed the Mountaineers a convincing 101-73 defeat in their Queensland Basketball League round two fixture.

The Mountaineers were outscored by Brisbane in every quarter, the Capitals shooting 52.9 per cent from the field while Toowoomba managed to hit only 37.3% of its shots.

Mountaineers coach Pop Dickerson said his team was outplayed by a sharp Brisbane outfit.

We ran into a team who played better than we did on the night and they might not be the only team that does it to us, Dickerson said.

We just got pushed out of everything we wanted to do. They outplayed us is what they did.

James Legan (191-G-87, agency: Court Side) again led the scoring for Toowoomba with 26 points while Brisbane forward Thomas Garlepp dominated with a game-high 31 points.

The Mountaineers women also struggled on Saturday, going down to Brisbane 74-47. After a disappointing start to the season against Ipswich, the Mountaineers came out firing against their more-fancied opponents and trailed by only two-points at half-time.

But Brisbane pulled away from Toowoomba in the second half, with English import Helen Naylor scoring 24 points for the Capitals.

Olimpiea Hurst and Jennifer Chard were strong for the Mountaineers, scoring 13 and 11 points respectively.
Courtesy of: Tim Braban The Chronicle


Melbourne Tigers sign Liam Rush and Daniel Dillon, dump Wade Helliwell - by Eurobasket News
Melbourne centre Wade Helliwell (212-C-79, college: Charlotte) has made way for Tigers recruits Liam Rush (202-F/G-82) and Daniel Dillon (191-G-86, college: Arizona) as incoming coach Trevor Gleeson shapes his new NBL side.

Former Boomer Liam Rush, who has spent the past two seasons playing in Sweden, and Dillon, signed from Cairns, have both inked three-year deals.

Swingman Rush, 29, previously played with NBL clubs West Sydney Razorbacks and Perth and represented Australia at the Stankovic Cup in 2009.

Budding guard Dillon, 25, had a breakout season with NBL runners-up Cairns Taipans last season after playing college ball in Arizona.

The duo will join young star Bennie Lewis, Tigers veterans Tommy Greer and Daryl Corletto, and big men Cameron Tragardh and Matthew Burston.

Helliwell has been released from his playing contract and added to the free agent list.

Coach Gleeson said he was excited with the way the team was shaping up and had tried to recruit Rush before.

This season in Sweden, Rush led his team in scoring with 18.3 points per game and showed his versatility averaging 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

'He (Rush) is a proven player at this level who can play multiple positions, is athletic and can shoot the ball well.

'Daniel is young but tough and his signature is a real coup for the club. I love the way he competes, he is a very good defender and he is improving with each game.'

The remaining three places on the Tigers roster are likely to include two imports, while Gleeson planned to continue to assess NBL free agents including veteran Peter Crawford whom he coached at Townsville last season.

Gleeson has also confirmed his coaching panel, with his former Crocodiles right-hand man Rohan Short joining the club as the sole fulltime assistant coach.

Courtesy of www.heraldsun.com.au

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  AUSTRIA   


A Bundesliga Finals: Gmunden wins Game Two 63-56 (1-1) - by Eurobasket News
Finals, Game 2: Gmunden - Oberwart 63-56 (1-1)

Second game of the A Bundesliga Finals was played last night. Gmunden managed to forget their home loss in the first meeting and to beat Oberwart 63-56 for 1-1 tie in the series. The format is best-of-five and Oberwart will be the host in the next two games. Game Three is scheduled for May 18.
The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 63-56. The best player for the winners was international power forward Matthias Mayer (204-81) who scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Dan Oppland (203-84, college: Valparaiso, agency: SportsTalent) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). The former international center Bernd Volcic (205-76, college: New Orleans, agency: Interperformances) produced 16 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Tyrone Sally (201-82, college: W.Virginia, agency: 540 Sports) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests.

Top scorers:
Gmunden: D.Oppland 16+6reb+2ast, M.Mayer 14+8reb+2ast, F.Schoeninger 9+1ast, M.Mullary 8+5reb+1ast, D.Mayes 7+3reb+2ast, I.Boylan 6+6reb+4ast
Oberwart: B.Volcic 16+5reb+1ast, D.Gonzalvez 11+1reb+1ast, T.Sally 11+5reb+1ast, J.Dean Shaw 7+5reb+3ast, H.Ochsenhofer 5+2reb+1ast, J.Johnson 2+3reb
ID: 128436




Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.4
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.4 
 2. Vay, Arkadia19.5 
 3. Kennedy, Worth.19.4 
 4. Brokenboroug., Wel.19.4 
 5. Houston, Arkadia18.5 
 6. Heard, Gussing17.0 
 7. Mayes, Gmunden16.8 
 8. Shavies, Furstenf.16.6 
 9. Nagler, Klostern.16.3 
 10. Shawn, Oberwart16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus HEARD
  Gussing
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Heard, Gussing9.2 
 2. Graham, UBSC G.7.9 
 3. Johnson, Oberwart7.9 
 4. Stazic, BC Vienna7.9 
 5. Trepalovac, BC Vi.7.8 
 6. Vay, Arkadia7.6 
 7. Djuric, Gussing7.5 
 8. Volcic, Oberwart7.0 
 9. Oppland, Gmunden7.0 
 10. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Markus CARR
  BC Vienna
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Carr, BC Vienna7.3 
 2. Shavies, Furstenf.7.0 
 3. Holcomb-Faye, Wels6.6 
 4. Danek, Arkadia6.3 
 5. Schreiner, St.Po.5.4 
 6. Miletic, UBSC G.4.4 
 7. Stazic, BC Vienna4.4 
 8. Stazic, Furstenfeld4.4 
 9. Parker, Oberwart4.3 
 10. Boylan, Gmunden4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Po.
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Schreiner, St.Po.2.4 
 2. Boylan, Gmunden2.3 
 3. Shavies, Furstenf.2.3 
 4. Ray, Furstenfeld2.0 
 5. Jandl, St.Polten2.0 
 6. Parker, Oberwart1.8 
 7. Stazic, BC Vienna1.7 
 8. Vay, Arkadia1.7 
 9. Bachlechner, Worth.1.6 
 10. Stazic, Furstenfe.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Hicks, Furstenfeld1.7 
 2. Graham, UBSC G.1.6 
 3. Hampton, Furstenf.1.3 
 4. Pekovic, BC Vienna1.2 
 5. Slack, Gmunden1.1 
 6. Miljkovic, BC Vi.0.8 
 7. Sally, Oberwart0.8 
 8. Vay, Arkadia0.8 
 9. Heard, Gussing0.7 
 10. N''Diaye, BC.0.7 


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  BAHRAIN   


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


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  BELGIUM   


Leuven News - by Peter Buyse
Stella Artois reached the playoffs outright by beating Verviers-Pepinster on the road. Verviers had already been excluded from the playoffs by the league due to license problems. But Leuven removed all doubt with their road win over Verviers.
Today they announced the contract extension for Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska) for next season. He is their 4th player for next year's roster since Brandon Freeman, Niels Marnegraeve and Thomas Creppy are still under contract.
Wim Vuchelen is leaving the team after many years and is headed to GSG AArschot, Leuven's lower division sattelite team.

Biggs' 22 points and 8 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
34-year old forward Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side) put on an amazing game in the last round for Antwerp and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 36.
He had the game-high 22 points adding eight rebounds and two assists for Antwerp in his team's victory, helping them to beat Charleroi (#1, 25-7) 60-49. Antwerp finished regular season as No.5 (17-15) and advanced to Playoff Quarterfinals. In the team's last game Biggs had a remarkable 100.0% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Antwerp, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Ralph Biggs averages this season 8.5ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster. He is American forward in his first season at VOO Verviers-Pepinster. In the last game Gay recorded impressive double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as VOO Verviers-Pepinster was edged by slightly higher-ranked Leuven (#6, 13-19) 71-67. VOO Verviers-Pepinster ended as No.7 with 11-21 record. Gay is a newcomer at VOO Verviers-Pepinster and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Will Thomas (200-F-86, agency: Interperformances) of Oostende (#4). Thomas scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Oostende, leading his team to a 84-61 easy win against the lower-ranked Gent (#9, 5-27). Oostende registered 20 victories and 12 lost games finishing the regular season as No.4. Thomas has a very solid season. In 32 games in Belgium he scored 11.2ppg. He also has 5.8rpg and FGP: 55.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Caleb Green (203-F-85) of Oostende - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Daniel Emerson (206-F-86) of Gent - 11 points and 10 rebounds
6. Darius Hargrove (193-G-82) of Verviers-Pep. - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. James J.J. Miller (180-G-79) of Leuven - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Justin Cage (198-F-85) of M.Hainaut - 5 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Stephane Pelle (205-C/F-80) of Oostende - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Shan Foster (198-G/F-86) of M.Hainaut - 14 points and 5 rebounds

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

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  BOSNIA   


Siroki joins Igokea in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Semifinals, Game 3: Siroki - Mladost 83-66 (2-1)

Third game of the Semifinals was played last night. Siroki managed to beat Mladost 83-66 winning the series with 2-1 and of course they will meet Igokea in the Finals. Siroki is the defending champion and the first game is scheduled for Tuesday. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) was the leading player for Siroki last night collecting 23 points and 5 rebounds. Vedran Morovic (184-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Olney Central CC) had 16 points, 5 assists and 5 steals, while Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) added 10 points and 12 boards. Young Boris Barac (205-F-92) helped the hosts with 9 pts and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Milan Kezic (194-F-86) top-scored with 15 points. Milijan Bocka this time was stopped by Siroki guards. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game. The home squad made 16-0 run during the period to reach 42-22 lead and all after that was just the formality. It is important to mention that Siroki played last night without Dalibor Persic, Sinisa Stemberger and Sime Spralja (injuries).

Siroki: Fran Pilepic 23+5 boards, Vedran Morovic 16+5 as+5 st, Zeljko Sakic 10+12 boards, Boris Barac 9+7 boards
Mladost: Milan Kezic 15

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  BRAZIL   


Tijuca clinch Super Cup Brazil - by Eurobasket News
The Brazilian Confederation (CBB) held the finals of Super Cup Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Tijuca faced the Liga Sorocabana team LSB/Case/Objectivo. Tijuca claimed a narrow 77:73 victory at the end. Diego Conceicao (200-F-87) came up with 23 points to pace Tijuca. Ricardinho dos Santos (189-G-74) contributed 14 points for the winners. LSB/Case/Objectivo led by three points after the opening frame but Tijuca erased the deficit. They stepped on the gas in the third frame to pile up a 9-point lead at the final intermission. LSB/Case/Objectivo tried hard in the final period but all in vain. Fred Peete (193-G-84, college: N.Mexico St.) and Kenny Montrell replied with 17 points apiece for LSB/Case/Objectivo.
Rio Claro overcame Sao Jose/CEAP 79:74 to clinch Bronze. Ulisses Lima (192-F-85) nailed 29 points for the winners. Rodrigo Martins (190-F-81) answered with 17 points in defeat.



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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


British Virgin ISlands National teams news - by David Edole
British Virgin Islands basketball is in for a very busy summer. The senior mens team is scheduled to play in the XXI CBC Senior Men Championship that will be held in Nassau, Bahamas, July 25th thru July 30th, 2011. The top three CBC teams will classify for CentroBasket 2012. BVI, a silver medalist in the 2009 edition, is placed in group B with Bermuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Cayman Islands and the host team Bahamas.

XXI Senior Men Championship
Group A
Jamaica
Virgin Islands
Antigua and Barbuda
Guyana
Turks and Caicos

Group B
British Virgin Islands
Bahamas
Bermuda
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Cayman Islands

BVI is also scheduled to play in the U17 Centrobasket Men tournament that will be held in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, on August 3 7, 2011. The other teams competing in the tournament are Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, in addition to the host Puerto Rico.




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


Levski swept Yambol for a second straight NBL final - by Maria Mitzova
Levski Sofia won three games in a row against Tundja Yambol, to qualify without troubles for the National Basketball League final. The Blue team won the first two in Sofia, and on Monday closed the semifinal series in Diana Hall after a thrilling shootout 101:72.
Both teams didnt care much about defense, and leaned on the better offensive performance. Tundja Yambol was without two starters - the playmaker Yulian Radionov and the center forward Nikolay Varbanov. Both were nursing injuries, suffered in the Game 2, and couldnt recover in such a short time.
Levski Sofia opened the game with 9-0 run, and never looked back. The team from Sofia got the first quarter 30:17. Then they gave up some points in the second, when the hosts cut it to eight points differential, but Levski Sofia was never really threatened. The halftime score was 50:40 for Levski Sofia, and from that point on, till the end, the lead was increasing to 20 points after three and almost 30 at the final whistle.
Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) scored 25 for the win, Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) added 19, and Asen Velikov (188-G-86) had an all-around game with nine points, eight rebounds and six assists. Martin Durchev (200-G-87) poured some triples, and 23 points for Tundja Yambol, and Pavel Marinov (197-G-88, agency: Interperformances) had 12 points and six assists.
Most likely, the third place series will start on May 20th, and the Finals a day later. The other semifinal between Lukoil Akademic and Rilski sportist will decide the games, with Lukoil leading 2-0 wins.
This is second straight League final for Levski Sofia, after last season the team lost to Lukoil Academik. The last champion title for the Blues dated back to 2001.

Respected coaches Todorov, Nash, Barthel and Merk to attend Chicago pro camp! - by Eurobasket
The market is full of exposure camps, some good and many bad. Each player and coach should do their due diligence and evaluate camps based on their website, referrals, track record etc. One camp has made a serious effort to 'raise the bar' in the market and push for excellence..The Diamond Midwest Invitational and apparently quite a few well-respected coaches feel the same way!

This year The Diamond Midwest Invitational will have attending coaches from a variety of countries and top leagues from 3 continents all over the world! Like Bob Nash from the Saitma Broncos in Japan's Bj league or Aleksandar Todorov (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) former coach from Bulgaria's Riliski Sport. This group is searching for the best players to fill their teams rosters this year!
Andreas Barthel from Webmoebel in Pro A Germany and Steve Merk from the the exceptional American league the PBL, look to not only sign players, but add value to the camp by teaching players what it takes to play at a high professional level! Todorov, a highly regarded Bulgarian Coach and Diamond Midwest attending coach said ' This event is a great way for all coaches to evaluate good ball players for their teams and the camp's willingness to pay for our travel accommodations makes this event the best!' Additional coaches and owners from Germany, Holland, Macedonia, Argentina, Latvia, the PBL, D-league and ABA are also slated to attend the June 3rd-5th camp in Chicago, Il. Coaches and player's are still encouraged to sign up before it's full!

No to long ago Seth Haake (191-G-87, college: Bemidji St.) was in the same position as many other college graduates.. The Bemidji State graduate was an aspiring pro athlete with no contacts or agent. He stumbled upon the Diamond Midwest Invitational and well...the rest is history. After a solid camp (being named as an all-camp performer) Seth was told to stay in shape and be ready, like so many other players in early summer waiting for a deal. The weeks and months went by , but still no deal or interest. ' I was definitely worried and getting down on myself, but Diamond Midwest emailed me weekly, telling me to keep my head up and that they would continue to help me find work' said Seth. In early December Seth got a call from the camp owner that he would never forget! Diamond Midwest had signed Seth, to Telemotive Munchen in Germany. 'I was shocked and surprised, I really felt there was no hope. It just goes to show the lengths Diamond is willing to go for each player' said Haake. Upon his arrival Seth led Munchen to a 11-2 record while averaging 20.0ppg 6.8rpg 3.2apg and 2.6spg. The deal turned out to resurrect the teams season and was a brilliant beginning to Seth's young career.

It seems success stories like these happen more often than not at this camp... Bret Kanis, a recognized agent, used Diamond Midwest's contacts to place one of his Big men in Portugal this past year. 'Their just an honest, easy group to work with. If they can help you, they will try. They're not driven by money or profit. Rather they want to provide a legitimate service to each and every player or coach they can' said Kanis! Diamond Midwest is unique in that they pay for transportation and or accommodations for many of the coaches who attend to view players. This helps to reduce the coaches cost while also providing a service to the camp and its players...It's a great place for coaches to view talented ball players and network with one another.

If your a coach interested in evaluating great talent from all over the US or a player looking to get their money's worth, show their talent and get signed, then check out what the Diamond Midwest Invitational has to offer. One thing is for sure..They will continue to do it the right way and raise the bar each year! Visit www.diamondbasketball.com for more info or email rmueller@basketballexposurecamp.com

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


Edmonton Energy open IBL season 1-2 - by Eurobasket News
The Edmonton Energy went 1-2 on the opening weekend of their International Basketball League (IBL) season, salvaging the final game of a three-game series on the road against the Albany Legends.

Sunday - Edmonton 124 Albany 108
After falling apart in the fourth quarter on Saturday and dropping Friday's opener by just four points, the Energy put it all together on Sunday for a 16-point win, snapping a five-game Legends' winning streak. Albany, with its season well underway, now is 9-3, good for second place in the IBL's International Division behind the Kankakee (Ill.) Soldiers at 8-2.

Saturday - Albany 122 Edmonton 115
The Legends overcame an 11-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, four technical fouls and the ejection of head coach Ben Smith to come back for the win.
Albany took a one-point lead, 55-54, into the half, only to come out to find the Energy on fire in the third quarter, outscoring the Legends 31-19 in the stanza.
Smith was ejected after two technical fouls with 5:27 left in the period. But Albany regrouped under assistant coach Rich Gilooly, with the Legends playing solid defence down the stretch and forcing nine Energy turnovers and outscoring them by 18 in the fourth.
Albany was led by veterans Damone Morris and DeAndre Thomas, each with 22 on the night.
Casey Crawford's (206-F-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Colorado) 22-point, 10-rebound performance led the Energy, with Rashaun Broadus (182-G-84, college: BYU) and Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) adding 19 apiece, while Curtis Nash and Troy Gottselig (Findlater, Sask.) each had 16. Gottselig was a member of Canada's Development Men's National Team in 2010.

Friday - Albany 110 Edmonton 106
The Legends took Game 1 of the three-game set behind a 28-point off-the-bench performance by Lloyd Johnson and a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double from DeAndre Thomas.
Albany's sharpshooters canned five consecutive threes in the first quarter to put the Legends ahead 28-24. They extended the lead to a dozen, 55-43, at the half. A strong Edmonton performance in the third cut the deficit to six, 78-72, at the end of the period.
The Energy got within one, 87-86, with 6:36 left in the game on a three by Benson Collier, but the Albany defence tightened up and the Legends' Damone Morris extended the lead back to four on a three-pointer just 11 seconds later. The Legends then held off the Energy for the win.
Quinnel Brown paced the Energy with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Rashaun Broadus had 24 points and 11 assists.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca



Volcanoes win fourth straight basketball game - by Eurobasket News
The Vancouver Volcanoes outscored the Olympia Reign 14-2 in overtime for a 113-101 International Basketball League victory Saturday at the O'Connell Center at Clark College.

Vancouver (4-1) led by as many as 19 points, but Olympia (3-4) crawled back into the game with a strong fourth quarter.

Vancouvers Andre Murray (188-G-87, college: Portland St.) led all scorers with 36 points on 11 of 22 shooting and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. Devin Uskoski (198-C-85, college: Rocky Mountain) added 15 points and 15 rebounds, Brian Morris (205-F-87, college: Humboldt St.) had 18 points and 17 rebounds, and Lawrence Blackledge (203-F-86, college: Marquette) added 14 points.



VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 113, OLYMPIA REIGN 101 (OT)

OLYMPIA (3-4) Wright 2-3 0-0 4, Abraham 7-13 0-0 14, McClinon 1-1 2-4 4, Whittaker 3-10 0-0 8, Matthews 8-26 6-8 24, Richardson 2-3 0-0 4, Moore 4-9 2-2 10, Cook 4-6 1-1 9, Ward 9-23, 5-11 24. Totals 40-94 (5-34) 5-11 101.

VANCOUVER (4-1) Bloodsaw 2-5 3-4 7, Williams 3-9 0-0 6, Hartman 4-12 0-2 8, White 2-5 0-0 4, Blackledge 6-18 0-0 14, Murray 11-22 11-13 36, Uskoski 5-6 5-7 15, Carlisle 2-6 0-2 5, Morris 7-9 4-4 18. Totals 42-92 (6-29) 23-32 113.

Olympia 21 24 29 25 2101

Vancouver 20 42 21 16 14113

Courtesy of www.columbian.com

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


Invasion blast the Sharks - by Eurobasket News
In a Sunday afternoon game in downtown Cary, NC, former St. Augustine College star Chuck Ward scored 18 points and pulled 13 rebounds to lead the Cary Invasion to a 141 - 99 victory over the Port City (Savannah) Sharks. Freddie Little dropped 24 points, including shooting 7 for 11 behind the arc, and Jonathan Moore (6'8''-F/G-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.C.Central) scored 19 points in the win for the Invasion.

The Invasion (3 - 0) took control of the game from the beginning and never let up, scoring 47 points and building a lead of 20 points in the first quarter. The game was never in question with the Sharks outmanned and outnumbered at every position on the court.

Leon Frazier (6'3''-G-86, college: Mayville St.), Jr. and Maurice Brown each scored 27 points in the losing effort for Port City (0 - 1).

The Invasion play at Wilmington on May 20th in their first road game of the season and then again on May 22nd at home against the Fayetteville Crossover for 'AAU Night' at the Herbert Young Center in Cary. Tip time is set for 5:00 with the doors opening at 4:30. For ticket information go to www.caryinvasion.com.

Notes:

--Cary shot 59% from the field while Port City shot 46%.

--Cary out-rebounded Port City 54-36.

--It was 'Heart of Cary' night at the game.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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


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


A1 Round 14 (second stage): Cedevita is the regular season champion - by Eurobasket News
The Second Stage in A1 just ended. Cedevita is No.1 with 12-2 record. Zadar, Zagreb and Cibona also advanced to Playoff Semifinals, which start on Thursday.

Standings
1. Cedevita 12-2
2. Zadar 11-3
3. KK Zagreb CO 11-3
4. Cibona 7-7
-------
5. Borik 5-9
6. KK Split 5-9
7. Alkar Sinj 4-10
8. Zabok 1-13

Quarterfinals
Cedevita - Cibona
Zadar Zagreb
.

Cedevita - Zabok 86-69

A1 top team - Cedevita (12-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat eighth ranked Zabok (1-13) in Zagreb 86-69. The game was mostly controlled by Cedevita. Zabok was better in second period 20-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cedevita forced 23 Zabok turnovers. Zabok was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) (180-84, college: Charleston) scored 37 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Damjan Rudez (206-86) chipped in 19 points during the contest. Forward Ivan Perincic (208-77, agency: Agency No 10) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and guard Sven Smajlagic (193-90) scored 16 points.
Top scorers:
Cedevita: D.Draper 37+7reb+3ast, D.Rudez 19+3reb+2ast, M.Bazdaric 9+12reb, T.Petrovic 8+5reb, H.Kovacevic 6+1reb+1ast, V.Krstic 4+1ast
Zabok: I.Perincic 22+8reb, S.Smajlagic 16+4reb+2ast, S.Jankovic 12+3reb+7ast, D.Krajacic 9+4reb+3ast, L.Pesut 4+4reb+3ast, M.Stojkovic 3+2reb+2ast
gschID: 124425


KK Split - Zadar 74-85

The game in Split was also quite interesting. Second ranked Zadar (11-3) played at the court of 5th ranked KK Split (5-9). Zadar defeated KK Split 85-74 on Saturday. The game without a history. Zadar led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Swingman Marko Car (188-85) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the effort and American forward Brandon Brown (202-81, college: Tulane) supported him with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Five Zadar players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 8 rebounds by swingman Josip Sobin (203-89) did not help to save the game for KK Split. Forward Toni Dijan (205-83) added 14 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Zadar have an impressive five-game winning streak.
Top scorers:
Zadar: B.Brown 24+8reb+2ast, M.Car 17+6reb+12ast, I.Ivanov 14+8reb+3ast, I.Batur 14+1ast, P.Marcinkovic 11+4reb, S.Olivari 3
KK Split: J.Sobin 16+8reb, T.Dijan 14+6reb+3ast, L.Babic 11+1reb+1ast, I.Mimica 11+3reb+4ast, T.Katic 8+2reb+3ast, A.Grgurevic 6+5reb+7ast
gschID: 124426


Cibona - KK Zagreb CO 95-101

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Zagreb: KK Zagreb CO (#3) and Cibona (#4). Cibona was defeated at home 95-101 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cibona. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Cibona won third quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. KK Zagreb CO made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. The former international power forward Luka Zoric (211-84) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 6 rebounds. The former international swingman Krunoslav Simon (197-85) contributed with 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international power forward Tomislav Zubcic (214-90, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 14 points and 5 rebounds and center Leon Radosevic (208-90) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Cibona. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
KK Zagreb CO: L.Zoric 23+6reb+3ast, K.Simon 20+8reb+2ast, D.Mulaomerovic 16+1reb+5ast, J.Heytvelt 11+8reb, M.Halilovic 7+2reb, A.Masic 6+5reb+1ast
Cibona: T.Zubcic 14+5reb+1ast, A.Krapic 13+2reb, L.Radosevic 12+6reb+1ast, B.Bogdanovic 11+2reb+6ast, J.Lalic 10+3reb, G.Vrbanc 9+3reb+1ast
gschID: 124427


Borik - Alkar Sinj 81-64

Everything could happen in Zadar at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Borik Puntamika and 7th ranked Alkar Sinj had identical 4-9 record. This time Borik Puntamika used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Sinj 81-64 on Sunday night. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 47-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Borik Puntamika dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Alkar Sinj's 22. Power forward Marino Sarlija (207-89) notched 25 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and power forward Jure Skific (202-88) supported him with 15 points and 4 assists. Four Borik Puntamika players scored in double figures. Borik Puntamika's coach Neven Plantak used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 15 points by guard Josip Blajic (192-87) did not help to save the game for Alkar Sinj. Swingman Ante Delas (201-88) added 9 points and 5 rebounds for the guests.
Top scorers:
Borik: M.Sarlija 25+9reb+2ast, J.Skific 15+4reb+4ast, T.Petani 13+5reb+5ast, M.Jurjevic 11+4reb+1ast, M.Pesut 6+2reb, M.Cakarun 5+3reb
Alkar Sinj: J.Blajic 15+4reb, A.Delas 9+5reb+2ast, A.Bilobrk 9+4reb+1ast, D.Erceg 8+3reb, J.Curkovic 7+7reb, I.Radic 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 124424




A1 Standings
A1 Stage Two Standings
Group A
 1. Cedevita 12-2 
 2. Zadar 11-3 
 3. KK Zagreb CO 11-3 
 4. Cibona 7-7 
 5. Borik 5-9 
 6. KK Split 5-9 
 7. Alkar Sinj 4-10 
 8. Zabok 1-13 
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 
Stage One Standings


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner .
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23
 1. Puljko, Kvarner23.0 
 2. Car, Zadar21.4 
 3. Zitko, Trogir20.2 
 4. Bogdanovic, Cibona19.2 
 5. Zoric, KK.18.6 
 6. Petkovic, Svjetlost17.4 
 7. Bakovic, Darda17.4 
 8. Saric, Dubrava17.2 
 9. Simon, KK.16.7 
 10. Wright, Cedevita15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  Dubrava
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 10
 1. Saric, Dubrava10.0 
 2. Krolo, Darda8.7 
 3. Brown, Zadar7.5 
 4. Bazdaric, Cedevita7.2 
 5. Radic, Alkar Sinj7.0 
 6. Ivanov, Zadar7.0 
 7. Sobin, KK Split6.9 
 8. Zoric, KK.6.7 
 9. Ridl, Darda6.5 
 10. Grgurevic, KK Spl.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Karakas, Trogir7.1 
 2. Car, Zadar5.4 
 3. Petkovic, Svjetlost5.3 
 4. Jugo, Kvarner 20104.3 
 5. Draper, Cedevita4.3 
 6. Blajic, Alkar Sinj3.9 
 7. Renfroe, KK.3.5 
 8. Saric, Dubrava3.5 
 9. Dosen, Dubrovnik3.4 
 10. Delas, Alkar Sinj3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Alex RENFROE
  KK.
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Renfroe, KK.2.8 
 2. Draper, Cedevita2.5 
 3. Marcinkovic, Zadar2.2 
 4. Car, Zadar2.1 
 5. Saric, Dubrava2.0 
 6. Anzulovic, Alkar S.1.9 
 7. Karakas, Trogir1.8 
 8. Bicvic, Darda1.7 
 9. Petani, Borik1.7 
 10. Brown, Zadar1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK.
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Zoric, KK.1.6 
 2. Kraljevic, Zabok1.4 
 3. Vitali, Trogir1.2 
 4. Saric, Dubrava1.0 
 5. Krolo, Darda1.0 
 6. Vukicevic, Svjetlo.0.9 
 7. Ridl, Darda0.8 
 8. Sobin, KK Split0.8 
 9. Vladovic, Trogir0.8 
 10. Sarlija, Borik0.7 


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


Dwight Burke is a newcomer at ALM Evreux Basket - by Eurobasket
ALM Evreux Basket (ProB) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American forward Dwight Burke (203-F-86, college: Marquette). Burke played most recently at BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Rep.). While playing 28 games for NH Ostrava this season he averaged 13.5ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.0apg. Burke was also called for the Czech Rep. NBL All-Star Game in the mid-season. He has already pro experience playing in Uruguay.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


Austin Ainge joins Celtics front office - by Eurobasket News
After spending the past two seasons as head coach of the D-League Maine Red Claws, Austin Ainge will re-join the Celtics front office as director of player personnel, the team said.

From the Red Claws' press release:

'I truly appreciate the opportunity that the Red Claws gave me and have enjoyed my time in Maine tremendously', said Ainge. 'The fans in Maine are incredible, and I wish the organization nothing but the best going forward.'

Ainge was a scout with the Celtics during the 2008-09 season, working with then-rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker while they were in Maine. He became the first coach of the Red Claws, who went 18-32 this past season.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

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


DOMINICANS ABROAD: Wells Signs in Estonia - by Ozell Wells
Valga/CKE Inkasso has reached an agreement with Ozell Wells to take the reigns of the club over the next two seasons. Antti Vasar (195-F-79), club manager, said that several people nominated for the new head coach position, but Wells spoke in favor of the fact that, in addition to the Senior Mean, he is also devoted to work with the young people in the club.
In a quote to Larva Valgamaalasele, coach Wells said that he has long wanted to serve as mentor to the team of Valga and closely watched the team's current status and results, and can only move upwards. Wells has in his career worked in many different countries, and also has served as several national teams' head coach. The Dominican coach has also worked with the Valga club in 2007, helping to take them to the famed Haarlem Basket Week in Holland and a thrilling tournament upset over the eventual Dutch Champion MyGuide Amsterdam.

courtesy of valgamaalane.ee

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Valga/CKE Introduces New Coach - by Ozell Wells
Valga/CKE Inkasso has reached an agreement with Ozell Wells to take the reigns of the club over the next two seasons. Antti Vasar (195-F-79), club manager, said that several people nominated for the new head coach position, but Wells spoke in favor of the fact that, in addition to the Senior Mean, he is also devoted to work with the young people in the club.
In a quote to Larva Valgamaalasele, coach Wells said that he has long wanted to serve as mentor to the team of Valga and closely watched the team's current status and results, and can only move upwards. Wells has in his career worked in many different countries, and also has served as several national teams head coach. The Dominican has also worked with the Valga club in 2007, helping to take them to the famed Haarlem Basket Week in Holland and a thrilling tournament upset over the eventual Dutch Champion MyGuide Amsterdam.

courtesy of valgamaalane

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Spain show interest in hosting Eurobasket 2015 - by Eurobasket News
Spain show interest in hosting Eurobasket 2015 for both Men and Women. Two years ago Spain were crowned European Champions for the first time with a classy and resounding 85-63 success over Serbia.
This year Eurobasket will be hosted in Lithuania, while Slovenia was awarded Eurobasket 2013. This is the first time in history that Slovenia will organise Europe's most prestigious basketball tournament and the announcement sparked celebrations among the Slovenian delegation who have worked hard to bring the Championship to the country and were present in Munich to support the bid. In Slovenia the tournament will take place in five venues in the summer of 2013. The dates have yet to be finalised.



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


Chalon wins 'Coupe de France 2011' - by Eurobasket News
Elan Chalon/Saone - CSP Limoges 79-71

Elan Chalon/Saone is the winner of 'Coupe de France 2011'. They managed to beat CSP Limoges last night 79-71 to win this trophy. The Big Final took place at the Bercy arena (Paris) in front of 14300 spectators. Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) was a key player for the winners as he collected 26 points and 5 rebounds. He was named MVP of the Big Final. Alade Aminu (208-F-87, college: Georgia Tech) had 17 points and 9 boards, while Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) added 10 pts, 6 boards and 5 assists. In the loosing squad, Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) shined with 28 points and 6 boards. Ronnie Taylor (188-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) and Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) had 17 and 12 points respectively. Limoges opened the game better making 18-22 lead in the first ten minutes. Chalon replied with 18-15 in the second quarter and continued with 20-14 in Q3. Last ten minutes belonged to Chalon as well (23-20), what was enough for the final 79-71 victory and first trophy in the clubs history. The season is not over for Chalon, who looks forward to ProA Quarterfinals.

Elan Chalon/Saone: Blake Schilb 26+5 boards, Alade Aminu 17+9 boards, Ilian Evtimov 10+6 boards+5 as
CSP Limoges: Robert Hite 28+6 boards, Ronnie Taylor 17, Cedrick Banks 12+6 as

Dwight Burke is a newcomer at ALM Evreux Basket - by Eurobasket
ALM Evreux Basket (ProB) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American forward Dwight Burke (203-F-86, college: Marquette). Burke played most recently at BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Rep.). While playing 28 games for NH Ostrava this season he averaged 13.5ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.0apg. Burke was also called for the Czech Rep. NBL All-Star Game in the mid-season. He has already pro experience playing in Uruguay.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Stats Leaders - N1
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 23.9
 1. Blair, Denek23.9 
 2. Kennedy, Orchy17.8 
 3. Pridotkas, Brest17.4 
 4. Petrovic, St Et.17.4 
 5. Ford, Bordeaux17.2 
 6. James, Challans16.6 
 7. Disy, Roche16.4 
 8. Blot, Blois16.3 
 9. Howell, St Quentin15.9 
 10. Lesieu, St Quent.15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petras BALOCKA
  Lievin
  (205-C-86)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Balocka, Lievin8.7 
 2. Simmons, St Et.8.7 
 3. Pasut, Sorgues8.4 
 4. Cilly, Orchy8.4 
 5. Lopez, Brest8.2 
 6. Alingue, Souffel8.1 
 7. Cabarkapa, Le Puy8.0 
 8. Hoard, Lievin8.0 
 9. Ford, Bordeaux7.8 
 10. Lesieu, St Quent.7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Julien CORTEY
  Le Puy
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Cortey, Le Puy7.5 
 2. Brochard, Blois6.5 
 3. Barbry, Orchy4.9 
 4. Ramphort, Angers B.4.8 
 5. Rambur, St Quentin4.3 
 6. Sauret, Denain4.2 
 7. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.0 
 8. Driss, Bordeaux4.0 
 9. Dessart, Lievin3.8 
 10. Thomas, St Etien.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Blair, Denek2.9 
 2. El Amrani, St Et.2.2 
 3. Pistre, Le Puy2.0 
 4. Bateko, Roche1.9 
 5. James, Challans1.9 
 6. Neri, Roche1.9 
 7. Sauret, Denain1.9 
 8. Barbry, Orchy1.8 
 9. Ipouck, Le Puy1.8 
 10. Roberts, Brest1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jean-Stephane RINNA
  St Chamond
  (205-F-83)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Rinna, St Chamond1.8 
 2. Alingue, Souffel1.7 
 3. Traore, Angers B.1.7 
 4. Ford, Bordeaux1.4 
 5. Lalugba, Denain1.2 
 6. Kolb, Blois1.2 
 7. Ipouck, Le Puy1.1 
 8. Kennedy, Orchy1.1 
 9. Pasut, Sorgues1.1 
 10. Pourchot, CFBB1.0 


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


Geogian Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Beqa CHIKVILADZE
  GTU T.
  (195-G-91)
  Avg: 23.8
 1. Chikviladze, GTU T.23.8 
 2. Sanadze, Batumi21.1 
 3. Parghalava, Sokhu.19.2 
 4. Berishvili, TSU T.18.9 
 5. Panchulidze, TSU T.18.0 
 6. Matiashvili, TSU T.18.0 
 7. Dvalishvili, Samed.17.3 
 8. Tugushi, Army17.0 
 9. Tsekvava, Energy16.0 
 10. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Akaki DVALISHVILI
  Samed.
  (206-C-90)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Dvalishvili, Samed.11.2 
 2. Berishvili, TSU T.10.1 
 3. Matiashvili, TSU T.9.6 
 4. Damus, Sokhumi9.4 
 5. Londaridze, TSU T.9.2 
 6. Keshelava, Batumi9.1 
 7. Imnadze, MIA T.8.9 
 8. Ugrekhelidze, Army8.7 
 9. Toudjani, Energy R.8.6 
 10. Beruashvili, GTU8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Beka TSIVTSIVADZE
  MIA T.
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Tsivtsivadze, MIA6.8 
 2. Gaprindashvi., TSU6.1 
 3. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi5.5 
 4. Artsividze, GSAU T.5.0 
 5. Tugushi, Army5.0 
 6. Parghalava, Sokhu.4.9 
 7. Harris, Sokhumi4.5 
 8. Didia, Kutaisi4.5 
 9. Tsivtsivadze, Ener.4.4 
 10. Rogers, Samedicino4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Vasili BERUASHVILI
  GTU T.
  (198-F-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Beruashvili, GTU T.3.0 
 2. Tsekvava, Energy2.8 
 3. Antadze, GTU T.2.7 
 4. Berishvili, Kutaisi2.6 
 5. Gulisabedash., Sam.2.2 
 6. Panchulidze, TSU T.2.2 
 7. Berishvili, TSU T.2.1 
 8. Parghalava, Sokhu.2.1 
 9. Gaprindashvi., TSU2.1 
 10. Sanadze, Batumi2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Samuel LAMU
  Energy R.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Lamu, Energy R.2.2 
 2. Damus, Sokhumi1.5 
 3. Bekauri, Samedicino1.4 
 4. Matiashvili, TSU T.1.2 
 5. Toudjani, Energy R.1.2 
 6. Dvalishvili, Samed.1.2 
 7. Imnadze, MIA T.1.1 
 8. Damus, Sokhumi1.1 
 9. Berishvili, TSU T.1.1 
 10. Beruashvili, GTU1.0 


Army and TSU Tbilisi advanced to the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Army and TSU Tbilisi advanced to the Finals winning the series over their opponents 3-1.

Sokhumi - Army 65-71

It looked good early as Sokhumi took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Army Sport Klub had a 22-11 second period charge getting the lead and Sokhumi was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 65-71. The winners were led by the former international guard Kote Tugushi (192-84) who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists and center Giorgi Sharabidze (210-90) supported him with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Army Sport Klub players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds by American power forward Carl Damus (203-84, college: CSU Bakersfield) did not help to save the game for Sokhumi. Guard Giorgi Markhvashvili (190-83) added 12 points and 6 rebounds for lost side.
Top scorers:
Sokhumi: C.Damus 16+15reb, I.Sordia 8+1reb, E.Harris 8+5reb+5ast, L.Parghalava 7+4reb+4ast, T.Kankia 6+3ast
Army: K.Tugushi 22+4reb+5ast, G.Sharabidze 14+8reb+1ast, Z.Babiashvili 13+8reb, A.Boisa 11+9reb+1ast, G.Pirvelashvili 5+2reb, R.Atanelishvili 4+2reb

gschID: 128556


Kutaisi - TSU Tbilisi 74-80

The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 22-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. TSU forced 19 Kutaisi turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of center Richard Matiashvili (209-89) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and guard Giorgi Markhvashvili (190-83) who added 24 points during the contest. At the losing side forward Rezo Didia (203-87) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and guard Buba Kvimsadze (195-82) scored 9 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Kutaisi: R.Didia 17+9reb+2ast, T.Babunashvili 14+2reb+2ast, L.Tsekvava 12+2reb+8ast, M.Bolkvadze 11+9reb+1ast, B.Kvimsadze 9+5reb+10ast, G.Barbakadze 5+4reb
TSU Tbilisi: G.Markhvashvili 24+4reb+2ast, R.Matiashvili 17+11reb+3ast, I.Londaridze 15+10reb+3ast, M.Berishvili 13+6reb+7ast, M.Chitashvili 5+2reb, Z.Korkotadze 4+2reb
gschID: 128557




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


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Wood, Dt.19.1 
 2. Rice, Art.Dragons17.0 
 3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.5 
 4. Harris, EnBW L.16.0 
 5. Ross, MBC15.9 
 6. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 7. Dorris, Phoenix15.3 
 8. Benzing, Ratio.15.1 
 9. Callahan, Bremerha.14.8 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm10.9 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.1 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth7.8 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.6 
 5. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.7.0 
 7. Anderson, Goett.6.9 
 8. Burtschi, Phoenix6.9 
 9. Stevic, EWE B.6.8 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Ratkovica, Walter7.4 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.9 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.5 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons5.2 
 5. Brewer, Bremerha.4.7 
 6. Green, EnBW L.4.6 
 7. Rochestie, ALBA4.4 
 8. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 9. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.3 
 10. Goldsberry, Brose4.3 
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, Phoenix1.5 
 5. Ross, MBC1.5 
 6. Pryor, Phoenix1.5 
 7. Bailey, Goettingen1.5 
 8. Dorris, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Lukauskis, EWE B.1.4 
 10. Wise, Telekom1.4 
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, Ratiopharm1.5 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.4 
 5. Brempong, Duesseld.1.1 
 6. Seward, Phoenix1.1 
 7. Boumtje, Art.Drag.1.0 
 8. Goree, NY Phantoms1.0 
 9. Hines, Brose B.1.0 
 10. Denison, Bremerha.0.9 


Phoenix Hagen Sign Jordan Hasquet - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Phoenix Hagen got active on the transfer market for the 2011-2012 beko BBL season by signing Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, college: Montana). Hasquet is a 25 year old 206cm power forward from Missoula, Montana.He weighs 112 kilo and is a very versatile player that can shoot, penetrate, get rebounds and has a very high basketball IQ. He played at Montana from 2005-2009. In his four seasons there, he played 123 NCAA games averaging 11,4ppg, 5,9rpg and 1,7apg. In his senior year, he played 29 games: 11.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3Pts: 39.2%, FT: 71.4%. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe and played for Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-LNA): 32 games: 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 71.4%. 'Jordan is very versatile, can score around the basket and gives a lot of energy. He was very alert, coachable and very game intelligent during his try out', stressed Phoenix hagen coach Ingo Freyer . Basketball always seemed to play a big role in the life of Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, college: Montana). 'It seemed like I always lived in the gym. I invested a lot of time for basketball and wasnt able to do other things because of basketball', stated Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, college: Montana). Awards/Achievements in his acreer have been Big Sky Regular Season Runner-Up -06, Big Sky Tournament Winner -06, Big Sky All-Tournament Team -06, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Semifinals -07, All-Big Sky Conf. 1st Team -07, All-Big Sky Conf. Honorable Mention -08, Big Sky Conf. Regular Season Runner-Up -09, All-Big Sky Conf. 2nd Team -09, Swiss Cup Winner -10, and Swiss LNA Semifinals -10.

Source: Phoenix Hagen

Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) When It Comes Down To Crunch Time Against Bamberg, We Will Have To Execute Our Plays Precisely - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bucknell) is a 30 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 9th professional basketball season playing his 4th with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17games averaging 18.1ppg,5.3rpg,2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. Last season, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. He sat down and spoke with Eurobasket before the game 1 against THe Brose Baskets Bamberg May 17th.

Congrats on the 99-69 win against Braunschweigin game 5. Was this win as easy as the result showed?

The game was not easy at all. Braunschweig played a solid first half and were making some tough shots. But we executed down the stretch and got some easy baskets.

Do you think that Braunschweig might still have had game 4 in the back of their minds as a game they could of won at home and wrapped up series?

Probably, because that was the closest game of the series.

The Artland Dragons had the comfortable 42-33 lead at halftime. What was key for the 9 point lead at halftime?

We played good defense to start the game and had good ball movement on offense.

In the second half, The Artland Dragons were able to extend their lead to 20 points. What was key in the second half for getting the win?

I think we just got defensive stops which lead to easy fast break baskets.

You and Tyrese Rice combined for 49 points. How important was this production for your self confidence for the upcoming series against the tough Bamberg guards?

It always helps when you play well and the team does well. Bamberg has tough guards and we will have to be ready and stay foucsed for 40 minutes against them.

How big was Robert Kurz tonight? He just came back from injury and seemed to be everywhere on the offensive boards in the second half?

Rob helped us a lot the last two games. He brings a lot of energy, and hustle plays to our team. He's a good rebounder and defender and we're glad he's back to help us.

What will be the advantage in game 1 in Bamberg, their long rest or the game rhythm of Artland?

Hopefully, the game rhythm will be an advantage for us.

How excited are you to battle against John Goldsberry, Brian Roberts and Anton Gavel?

They are all good players and I'm looking forward to the next challenge.

What will be key for winning this series against The Brose Baskets Bamberg?

I think we have to limit our turnovers and control the boards this series. When it comes down to crunch time we have to execute our plays precisely.

Who has the upperhand in game 7 Oklahoma or Memphis

I think Oklahoma does, because they are playing at home.

Who has the edge in the Chicago-Miami series?

I think Chicago has the edge, because they have a deeper bench than Miami.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

2011 beko BBL Semi Final Preview Brose Baskets Bamberg-Artland Dragons 3-----1 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It was more than 6 weeks ago at the Top 4 in Bamberg where 3 time beko BBl champion Brose Baskets Bamberg had arrived to the competition cruising through the season like an unstoppable Dwight Howard mowing everybody down in his path in the zone as if he had found some extra Popeye spinach to add extra strength were rudely challenged on back to back days by the Artland Dragons and New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig as if the name Brose Baskets Bamberg supplied as much trepidation as the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf, a Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) on the baseball field with the Chicago White Sox back in 1994 or Leslie Nielson directing a dramatic picture as both teams gave the Bavarian team 2 good run for the money games. Bamberg will meet The Artland Dragons in a best of 5 series as Quackenbruck slipped by The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig winning the last two games 3-2 in games. Bamberg needed 45 minutes in the semi final cup game and Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) fouled out early to reach the cup final 6 weeks ago. 'Well you play each team twice in the regular season. The playoffs are much different. I think it comes down to match ups', warned ex Tuebingen guard Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky) Chris Fleming (agency: Pro One Sports ) had an extra amount of time to prepare for both teams for not another do or die cup game, but rather for a five game series. 'I dont think the time off will effect Bamberg as they have some veteran guys that will keep the team going in the right direction', stressed Gloria Giants guard Steven Wright The Artland Dragons might of lost all three games this season to Bamberg, but only by a combined total of 8 points in the regular season and in OT in the cup final and with their confidence rising like a Barack Obama for a second term at President after eliminating Bin Ladin are as scared of Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) and company as the Dallas Mavericks were of the Los Angeles Lakers, DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) of ever not being able to strut into the lane at any given moment of any game, or Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone is from not returning as Rocky again. Bamberg will have to continue to play their focused and consistent game as Artland will seek revenge for all three loses as there will be no gifts given in this series. 'Its the playoffs the games will be different. I think Bamberg will be better prepared than at the Top 4. All the teams are playing well as of right now. Bamberg has got to continue what they have been doing the whole season. Playing great defense, moving and shooting the ball well', warned ex Braunschweig guard Steven Wright

The Brose Baskets Bamberg only lost two games all season and had a huge advantage over most of the other 17 BEKO BBL teams in that they have kept a core of their team. This season Bamberg has kept many teams off guard with not just one style of play. We can play a multitude of different styles. We have players on our roster that can do everything. The style we play depends on our opponent and style of game they play. We will always be able to tailor our game to match the opponent, added Bamberg forward Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). It seems like Bamberg have no weak spot at any position. We are a strong team and have depth at every position with a number of players being able to play multiple positions, said Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). But the biggest strength of the Brose Baskets Bamberg is something that every team in basketball any where on earth strive to have. We simply play team basketball. We have developed a chemistry in a short time. There is no player on this team that is looking for individual stats. Each guy is interested in trying to do what is best for the team to have success, warned Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). The Brose Baskets Bamberg started off the season so hot winning their first 17 games in a row that it seemed like talk of an undefeated season was not a far fetched idea. However the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf proved that anything is possible in the BEKO BBL as they upset Bamberg 72-69. 'A season is long and tough and it is really tough to go undefeated at anything. One should not forget that Bamberg played very many games already', stated John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). They have blown away most of the competition with ease holding teams to under 70 points 26 times. They average 81 points per game and have only built on the strong team chemistry that was already present early in the season. 'Bamberg seem to get better with each game that they have played. The Euroleague games also have helped them get better', added John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). You would have thought that teams would have an easier time the second time around, but that wasnt the case. 'In the second half of the season, teams are able to see more of a pattern of play of their opponents and know more about each individual player by film and other things that they didnt have in the first half. After playing a team once, you are better at evaluating things better and you can also see them play against teams before you as well', said John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). But Bamberg lost only once in the second half of the season in Goettingen and won each home game. Bamberg won the quarterfinal series against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 3-0, but it wasnt a cake walk as Bremerhaven was in the first two games losing in crunch time. In game 3, Bamberg manhandled Bremerhaven 86-58 having the big rebound edge 50-33, having 6 guys in double figurers and sending the club of coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) into summer vacation.

The Artland Dragons had a lot of pressure to reach the beko BBL playoffs again after missing them on the last game day twice the last two years, but new coach Stefan Koch had his team ready from the start and led the team to a fourth place finish with a record of 23-11. They have had three winning streaks of three games and there only rap could be that they have problems winning against top teams. They lost both times to the Brose Baskets Bamberg, but only with a total combined score of 8 points. Their biggest win of the season was a 78-74 win in Berlin. Despite not being able to beat top teams, the club is one that cant be underestimated. 'Artland has been a great team this season and continued to get better each week. They are a team that will go deep into the playoffs', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). One thing that The Artland Dragons have improved is not getting lost on defense. 'Now we don't lose our defensive focus when we aren't scoring on the offensive end. Earlier in the year, when we would miss shots, our defensive intensity would go down. Now we are able to move on to the next play, without thinking about our past mistakes', stressed Artland Dragon guard Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bucknell). The team finished the season strong winning nine of their last 11 games including posting a five game winning streak. After getting smoked by Alba Berlin and MBC giving up 178 total points, The Dragons move into the playoffs breathing their hated fire on defense giving up 70 or less points in two of the last three games. The Artland Dragons come into this best of five semi final series against Bamberg coming from 2-1 down against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig in the Quarterfinals winning a nail bitter in game 4 in Braunschweig as Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) poured in 27 points and winning game five at home 99-69 as Artland was led by guard combo Bryan Bailey and Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) that combined for 49 points and totally dominated the boards 49-23. Rice will have to continue to be the DaShaun Wood of the Artland Dragons for his team to have any kind of chance against Bamberg.

When breaking down the teams with the individual positions, the guard position edge goes to The Brose Baskets Bamberg despite the strong guard duo of Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) (17,0ppg, 2,7rpg, 5,2apg) and Bryan Bailey (11,5ppg, 2,3rpg, 3,3apg). Rice is the second best scoring point guard in the BEKO BBL after DaShaun Wood, but not as explosive or consistent as Wood. If Rice has a off night, the Artland offense will be greatly effected. Bailey is a strong player that can do so many things, but scoring will be a plus, but his defense will have to be excellent against Bamberg. Strasser gives experience and his three pointer from the bench. However The Brose Baskets Bamberg are stronger and more valuable with the guard trio of John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) (4,3ppg, 1,8rpg, 4,3apg), Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) (10,4ppg, 2,6rpg, 2,2apg) and Brian Roberts (188-G-85) (10,4ppg, 2,3rpg, 3,4apg). Goldsberry probably the most unselfish player at the moment in the league can change a game with his defense as he once had 10 steals with Leverkusen, Gavel will hurt you with his threes and extra pass ability and just when you thought that you could have a breather on defense, in comes Roberts who can score in bunches quicker than Ray Allen (197-G-75, college: Connecticut) can releases his bombs from the corner. With Casey Jacobsen (12,3ppg, 3,4rpg, 3,0apg), Bamberg has an ex NBA player that is as unselfish as his teammate John Goldsberry as well. Jacobsen is a very versatile player that scores, rebounds and gets assists and is the ultimate team player and on top of that the team leader. 'I think it is pretty even. I think Goldsberry and Rice are two different guards, but Roberts gives them a great option off the bench and when you throw in Casey Jacobsen then you have some great guard play, but Artland has some great guard play as well', added John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

The forward edge also goes to The Brose Baskets Bamberg. With Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) (12,3ppg, 4,3rpg, 1,7apg), Bamberg has one of the top power forwards that is always guaranteed to score even if it doesnt look pretty, the Serb has been doing it for his whole career and his experience is huge. Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) (10,0ppg, 4,3rpg) is a big body that frees up space for the guards and he scores and rebounds on a consistent level this season and Reyshawn Terry (10,1ppg, 5,4rpg) brings the athletic quality to the forwards. The Artland Dragons have a solid trio with Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami, OH) (10,9ppg, 5,1rpg), Adam Hess (201-G/F-81, college: William & Mary) (8,6ppg, 4,3rpg) and Robert Kurz (206-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) (8,8ppg, 6,7rpg). Peavy gives you solid inside out game, Hess can damage you from outside and will go where it hurts, and Kurz is a relentless worker under the boards that gobbles up rebounds, can score and has NBA experience. 'I like Bambergs frontline, they are very deep and versatile', stated John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). At the center position, it is pretty even. Bamberg has a strong duo with German national player Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89)/Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). Pleiss (9,5ppg, 7,0rpg) has improved very much this season and his defense adds a new dimension to the Bamberg play. Hines brings routine and consistency. One cant get a better center offense/defense duo with Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) (12,2ppg, 6,1rpg, 1,5apg) and Ruben Boumtje Boumtje (7,2ppg, 5,4rpg). Fenn is a scorer who will need to have a good game for Artland to be successful and Boumtje Boumtje is the ideal guy coming from the bench especially to help stop opponents runs. The Brose Baskets Bamberg also have the experience factor. The club has 7 players that have almost played two complete seasons together and have played Euroleague together. The Artland Dragons boast experienced players with Fenn, Hess, Boumtje Boumtje and Strasser, but their experience in the BEKO BBL doesnt match that of Bamberg. 'I think Bamberg has played in some big games this season and I think they have the experience advantage as well', commented John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The coaching match up is an interesting one with Chris Fleming (agency: Pro One Sports ) vs Stefan Koch and also even. Koch is back coaching after being away from the sidelines for almost 4 years, but in his career, he has shown his ability to bring success winning the 2000 BEKO BBL cup with the Opel Skyliners, winning the 2003 Austrian title with the Montan Bears Kapfenberg and led the Giessen 46ers to the 2005 BEKO BBl semi finals losing to Bamberg in 5 games. Chris Fleming (agency: Pro One Sports ) has just as an impressive resume making the Artland Dragons into a BEKO BBL team in 2003, winning the Cup in 2008, before coming to Bamberg last season and winning the double.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg won the season series against The Artland Dragons 60-58 at home and 75-69 on the road. Bamberg was pretty lucky in the first game as Artland played them very tough forcing them to shoot 35% from the field and 18% from outside and winning the rebound duel 43-34. The 8 turnovers by Bamberg saved them on this day. The second game was another very close affair as Artland shot only 36% from the field, but won the rebounding duel again. Bamberg was the better team in crunch time keeping their nerves in check. The Artland Dragons will have to play with very high intensity for 40 minutes and Hope that Rice has a DaShaun Wood type of game every night. Bamberg averages 82 points per game and shoot 47% from the field and 40% from downtown. The first seven top scorers of Bamberg are shooting over 40% from the field and six of the top seven scorers are shooting over 40% from the parking lot. Artland will have to play clever defense and mix it up, because once Bamberg gets going it is almost impossible to rock their boat. Artland cant let Bamberg get on fast starts or play inconsistent for long periods of time otherwise each night could be long. 'Rice needs to play well in order for them to win for sure. He has stepped up his game in the 2nd half of the season and a lot of their success depends on him', added John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The Artland Dragons will have to defend well and bang under the boards to be successful. Bamberg has the best defense in the BEKO BBL and Artland should concentrate on attacking Suput who isnt the strongest defender, get at Roberts on the pick role and force Pleiss out to get more room inside for their big men. 'Artland just has to use their strengths and I think their guards have to play well to win this game', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The Brose Baskets Bamberg have scored 70 points or more in 32 of the 35 games and just need to find their rhythm quickly and bring intensity and with the crowd behind them should be okay. Artland has an up tempo offense. Their weakness is their half court game. If you make them play that then they will have problems. Bamberg should also keep them from continuously moving the ball and containing their transition opportunities. Bamberg have lost only twice this season and been near perfect. There isnt much which they should change, but just go on the court and do their magic. 'Bamberg just has to play their game and do what they have been doing all season', stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The Brose Baskets Bamberg host The Artland Dragons in game one May 17th at 20:00.

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


Ilysiakos appeals in FIBA for Baxter! - by Giorgos Diploidis
Ilysiakos Athens will appeal to FIBA for 12.000 euros which they haven't received from Petrochimi for the transfer of Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) Baxter has moved some time before the ending of the regular season in Greece to Iran because he had a very good proposal from them which was very difficult to turn down. The team of Athens will try to take also the extra money for the delay of the 12.000 euros.

Although the season ended for Ilysiakos Athens, the most Greek players of the club continue to be trained.

Stats Leaders - A2
Points Per Game
 Yiannis KAKIOUZIS
  Lavrio
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 18.4
 1. Kakiouzis, Lavrio18.4 
 2. Koutroulias, Olimp.17.3 
 3. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.16.6 
 4. Argyropoylos, Apol.16.3 
 5. Totsios, Ikaroi S.16.2 
 6. Giannakopoul., Lav.15.9 
 7. Pettas, Koroivos15.8 
 8. Michalos, Pagrati15.5 
 9. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.15.2 
 10. Vardavas, Amynta.15.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Apostolos KOUTROULIAS
  Olimp.
  (206-C-76)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Koutroulias, Olimp.9.5 
 2. Pantelic, Apollo.9.0 
 3. Latovic, AGOR9.0 
 4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.8.1 
 5. Kartelo, AE.7.5 
 6. Amato, Near East7.3 
 7. Macheras, Pagrati7.2 
 8. Vardavas, Amynta.7.0 
 9. Kakiouzis, Lavrio6.9 
 10. Jovanovic, KAOD6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefs.
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Nikou, Panelefs.5.8 
 2. Katsares, KAOD4.9 
 3. Zoupas, Amyntas4.7 
 4. Kaberidis, Ikaroi4.6 
 5. Makris, Olimpiada4.2 
 6. Giannakopoul., Lav.4.2 
 7. Argyropoylos, Apol.4.0 
 8. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.4.0 
 9. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR3.9 
 10. Rallis, Ermis Lag.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Nikos KATSARES
  KAOD
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Katsares, KAOD2.3 
 2. Pettas, Koroivos2.0 
 3. Makris, Olimpiada1.9 
 4. Michalos, Pagrati1.9 
 5. Giannakopoul., Lav.1.8 
 6. Pappas, Near East1.5 
 7. Nikou, Panelefs.1.5 
 8. Papadakis, Arkad.1.5 
 9. Zoupas, Amyntas1.4 
 10. Magounis, AGOR1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollo.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Pantelic, Apollo.1.9 
 2. Kartelo, AE.1.6 
 3. Kasabalis, AE.1.5 
 4. Jovanovic, KAOD1.4 
 5. Mprozos, Arkadikos0.9 
 6. Margaritis, KAOD0.8 
 7. Karavanas, Panery.0.8 
 8. Amato, Near East0.7 
 9. Papachristos, Peri.0.7 
 10. Psathas, Apollon0.7 


Standings - A2
A2 Standings
 1. KAOD 23-3 
 2. AGOR 18-8 
 3. Ikaroi Serron 17-9 
 4. Lavrio 17-9 
 5. Arkadikos 15-11 
 6. Panelefsiniakos 14-12 
 7. Apollon Patras 13-13 
 8. AEK/Argous 12-14 
 9. Amyntas Dafnis 12-14 
 10. Olimpiada 11-15 
 11. Ermis Lagkada 11-15 
 12. Pagrati 10-16 
 13. Panerythraikos 10-16 
 14. Periko/Arhelaos 10-16 
 15. Koroivos 9-17 
 16. Near East 6-20 


A2 Round 26: KAOD edges AGOR by one point - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in A2 is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds. There were many interesting games last round. It ended with extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

Second-ranked AGOR (18-8) made lots of trouble for first ranked KAOD (23-3) in Dramas on Saturday. KAOD managed to secure only one-point victory 71-70. However their fans expected easier game. AGOR was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-14 charge of KAOD, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Serbian guard Ivan Vukantinov (193-G-81) who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Power forward Vageli Margaritis (202-82) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Giannis Kiriakopoulos (185-83) produced 20 points for the guests. KAOD maintains first position with 23-3 record. AGOR at the other side keeps the second place with eight games lost. KAOD are looking forward to face Arkadikos (#5) in Arkadia in the next round. AGOR will play on the road against Ermis Lagkada in Lagadas and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lavrio (17-9) against fifteenth ranked Koroivos (9-17) on Saturday night. Visiting Lavrio was defeated by Koroivos in a tough game in Koroivos 71-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lavrio. Guard Nikos Pettas (195-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points. Tasos Dimitriadis contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Yiannis Kakiouzis (205-78) replied with 23 points and 6 rebounds for Lavrio. Lavrio's coach Christos Serellis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Koroivos maintains fifteenth position with 9-17 record. Lavrio at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third place with nine games lost. They share the position with Ikaroi Serron. Koroivos will play against bottom-ranked Near East (#16) in Kesariani in the next round. Lavrio will play at home against Ikaroi Serron (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Bottom-ranked Near East managed to get a sixth victory on Saturday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked Ermis Lagkada in Kesariani 76-66. Alkis Pappas scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Nikos Gamouras responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Near East maintains sixteenth position with 6-20 record. Ermis Lagkada lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Olimpiada. Near East will meet at home higher ranked Koroivos (#15) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ermis Lagkada will play against the league's second-placed AGOR (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Pagrati (10-16) survived in overtime against Panelefsiniakos (14-12) by five points 89-84. Fotis Vasilopoulos notched 23 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the effort. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Pagrati moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Panerythraikos and Periko/Arhelaos. Panelefsiniakos lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Pagrati's next round opponent will be higher ranked Olimpiada (#10) in Patras and it may be quite challenging game.
The game in Patra was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Arkadikos (15-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Apollon Patras (13-13). Arkadikos managed to secure a 9-point victory 57-48 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Apollon Patras. The best player for the winners was Dimitris Katiakos who scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Arkadikos maintains fifth position with 15-11 record. Newly promoted Apollon Patras keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Arkadikos will face league's leader KAOD in Dramas in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Apollon Patras will play on the road against Panerythraikos (#13) in New Eritrea.

Rest of the games of round 26 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Olimpiada was crushed by Ikaroi Serron in Serres 83-60. Amyntas Dafnis was beaten by AEK/Argous at home 75-80. Panerythraikos won against Periko/Arhelaos on the opponent's court 70-64.
The best stats of 26th round was 18 points and 6 rebounds by Kostas Macheras of Pagrati.

Pagrati - Panelefsiniakos 89-84 OT

Pagrati (10-16) survived in overtime against Panelefsiniakos (14-12) by five points 89-84. Panelefsiniakos was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 21-17 third quarter run of Pagrati. They tied the game at the end of regular time. Then they were better in overtime eventually winning that period 15-10. They made 29-of-32 charity shots (90.6 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Panelefsiniakos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-86) notched 23 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the effort and center Kostas Macheras (205-85, agency: FCM) supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even 23 points by forward Alexandros Sigounas (200-88, agency: FCM) did not help to save the game for Panelefsiniakos. Guard Nikos Kaklamanos (189-81, agency: FCM) added 13 points and 5 assists for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Pagrati moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Panerythraikos and Periko/Arhelaos. Panelefsiniakos lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Pagrati's next round opponent will be higher ranked Olimpiada (#10) in Patras and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Panelefsiniakos: A.Sigounas 23+4reb+2ast, N.Kaklamanos 13+3reb+5ast, T.Nikou 13+1reb+7ast, V.Koukouravas 9+2reb+2ast, G.Trihopoulos 8+4reb+2ast, G.Tirlas 6+2reb
Pagrati: F.Vasilopoulos 23+3reb+7ast, N.Voulgaris 21+1reb+1ast, K.Macheras 18+6reb+2ast, C.Karavolas 8+3reb, G.Dimakos 8+3reb, C.Skouzis 6+3reb+2ast
gschID: 98916


Ikaroi Serron - Olimpiada 83-60

There was no surprise in Serres where 9th ranked Olimpiada (11-15) was crushed by fourth ranked Ikaroi Serron (17-9) 83-60 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Ikaroi Serron. Olimpiada was better in third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ikaroi Serron dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Olimpiada's 24. Ikaroi Serron forced 20 Olimpiada turnovers and outrebounded them 45-33 including 32 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Giorgos Koukas (180-85, agency: FCM) who scored 12 points and 6 assists. Center Charalambos Voiatopoulos (209-85) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Five Ikaroi Serron players scored in double figures. Ikaroi Serron's coach Lefteris Hatzikiriakidis felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Kostas Aktipis (191-91) produced 14 points and center Apostolos Koutroulias (206-76) added 4 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Ikaroi Serron have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Lavrio. Loser Olimpiada dropped to the tenth position with 15 games lost. Ikaroi Serron will face Lavrio (#4) on the road in the next round. Olimpiada will play against Pagrati (#12) in Athens and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Olimpiada: K.Aktipis 14+3reb+1ast, K.Tsotsos 12+3reb, S.Veskoukis 11+3reb, N.Makris 8+4reb+4ast, D.Makris 7+4reb+4ast, A.Koutroulias 4+11reb+2ast
Ikaroi Serron: C.Voiatopoulos 16+6reb, K.Totsios 13+5reb+4ast, K.Pehlivanis 12+1reb+3ast, G.Koukas 12+4reb+6ast, T.Topouzis 10+9reb, F.Simeonidis 8+4reb+1ast
gschID: 98917


Koroivos - Lavrio 76-71

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lavrio (17-9) against fifteenth ranked Koroivos (9-17) on Saturday night. Visiting Lavrio was defeated by Koroivos in a tough game in Koroivos 71-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lavrio. The hosts were already 14 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 23-14 Lavrio's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 76-71 at the end of the game. Koroivos made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Guard Nikos Pettas (195-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points. Center Tasos Dimitriadis (201-82) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Yiannis Kakiouzis (205-78) replied with 23 points and 6 rebounds and guard Kostas Sinnis (193-80) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Lavrio. Lavrio's coach Christos Serellis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Koroivos maintains fifteenth position with 9-17 record. Lavrio at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third place with nine games lost. They share the position with Ikaroi Serron. Koroivos will play against bottom-ranked Near East (#16) in Kesariani in the next round. Lavrio will play at home against Ikaroi Serron (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Lavrio: Y.Kakiouzis 23+6reb+1ast, K.Sinnis 12+6reb+1ast, G.Zakinthinos 9+5reb+3ast, K.Paschalis 6+2reb+2ast, P.Karvounis 6+1reb+3ast, M.Kousoulas 5+1ast
Koroivos: N.Pettas 30+3reb, T.Dimitriadis 15+8reb+1ast, S.Tsabis 10+1reb+2ast, T.Ifantis 9+3reb, P.Kosanovic 8+6reb+1ast, A.Bekris 3+1reb
gschID: 98918


Apollon Patras - Arkadikos 48-57

The game in Patra was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Arkadikos (15-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Apollon Patras (13-13). Arkadikos managed to secure a 9-point victory 57-48 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Apollon Patras. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Arkadikos forced 19 Apollon Patras turnovers. The best player for the winners was forward Dimitris Katiakos (205-87) who scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Center Vasilis Giannoulakos (217-84) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Serbian forward Djordje Pantelic (204-84) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks and Serbian power forward Zoran Milovic (204-77) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Arkadikos maintains fifth position with 15-11 record. Newly promoted Apollon Patras keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Arkadikos will face league's leader KAOD in Dramas in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Apollon Patras will play on the road against Panerythraikos (#13) in New Eritrea.
Top scorers:
Apollon Patras: D.Pantelic 16+12reb, Z.Milovic 10+8reb, N.Argyropoylos 8+5ast, G.Petropoulos 4+2reb+1ast, T.Zafiris 4+3reb, S.Daniil 2+1reb
Arkadikos: D.Katiakos 12+5reb+1ast, V.Giannoulakos 10+8reb, M.Papadakis 9+6ast, G.Mprozos 7+1ast, T.Tsiotras 6+4reb+3ast, S.Gizogiannis 5+11reb
gschID: 98912


KAOD - AGOR 71-70

Second-ranked AGOR (18-8) made lots of trouble for first ranked KAOD (23-3) in Dramas on Saturday. KAOD managed to secure only one-point victory 71-70. However their fans expected easier game. AGOR was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-14 charge of KAOD, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Serbian guard Ivan Vukantinov (193-81) who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Power forward Vageli Margaritis (202-82) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Giannis Kiriakopoulos (185-83) produced 20 points and Serbian center Damir Latovic (204-80) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. KAOD maintains first position with 23-3 record. AGOR at the other side keeps the second place with eight games lost. KAOD are looking forward to face Arkadikos (#5) in Arkadia in the next round. AGOR will play on the road against Ermis Lagkada in Lagadas and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
AGOR: G.Kiriakopoulos 20+4reb+3ast, D.Latovic 15+5reb, T.Charismidis 8+3reb, S.Grundberg 7+3reb+1ast, G.Koumoulos 7+1reb+1ast, G.Theodorakos 6+3reb
KAOD: I.Vukantinov 17+6reb+3ast, V.Margaritis 11+9reb+3ast, N.Katsares 11+1ast, A.Tsamatos 10+7reb, V.Kitsoulis 9+4reb+1ast, L.Jovanovic 8+6reb
gschID: 98913


Near East - Ermis Lagkada 76-66

Bottom-ranked Near East managed to get a sixth victory on Saturday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked Ermis Lagkada in Kesariani 76-66. They outrebounded Ermis Lagkada 40-29 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Alkis Pappas (185-88, agency: FCM) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian guard Milan Stanojevic (188-86, college: E.Washington) chipped in 19 points during the contest. Four Near East players scored in double figures. Forward Nikos Gamouras (202-86) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and forward Alexandros Panagiotopoulos (202-80, agency: FCM) scored 19 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Near East maintains sixteenth position with 6-20 record. Ermis Lagkada lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Olimpiada. Near East will meet at home higher ranked Koroivos (#15) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ermis Lagkada will play against the league's second-placed AGOR (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Ermis Lagkada: A.Panagiotopoulos 19+4reb+2ast, N.Gamouras 17+12reb, D.Rallis 15+2reb+7ast, G.Anagnostopoulos 9+1reb+1ast, S.Nisiotis 3+4reb, N.Papakonstantinou 2+1reb
Near East: M.Stanojevic 19+3reb+1ast, A.Psaropoulos 13+5reb+4ast, A.Pappas 12+7reb+5ast, A.Tolias 10+8reb+2ast, N.Tsoutsos 9+10reb+1ast, F.Moschovitis 7+1reb+2ast
gschID: 98914


Amyntas Dafnis - AEK/Argous 75-80

There was a small surprise in Athens where eleventh ranked AEK/Argous (12-14) defeated 8th ranked Amyntas Dafnis (12-14) 80-75 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 26-20 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was power forward Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-83, agency: FCM) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Dimitris Papantoniou (190-83) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Kostas Vardavas (193-81) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and forward Pigas Papargiropoulos (202-86) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Amyntas Dafnis' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. AEK/Argous moved-up to eighth place, which they share with defeated Amyntas Dafnis. AEK/Argous will face Periko/Arhelaos (#14) in Perikos in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Amyntas Dafnis: K.Vardavas 16+8reb+1ast, B.Samothrakis 14+2reb+2ast, L.Zoupas 11+4reb+3ast, P.Papargiropoulos 11+5reb+3ast, S.Dorkofikis 9+5reb, P.Koukounias 5+3reb
AEK/Argous: D.Papantoniou 20+5reb+2ast, A.Gizogiannis 18+12reb+3ast, D.Lewis 15+5reb, A.Raptis 14+3reb+4ast, G.Kopsaftis 7+2reb+4ast, T.Kasabalis 6+6reb+1ast
gschID: 98915


Periko/Arhelaos - Panerythraikos 64-70

There was a minor upset in Perikos where 12th ranked Periko/Arhelaos (10-16) was defeated by fourteenth ranked Panerythraikos (10-16) 70-64 on Saturday. Panerythraikos made 27-of-33 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Periko/Arhelaos was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Cypriot guard Andreas Sizopoulos (189-83) who scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Thanasis Straganiotis (180-83) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. Guard Giannis Rodostoglou (197-83) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and forward Antonis Sivorotka (203-85) added 11 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Panerythraikos moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Periko/Arhelaos and Pagrati. Periko/Arhelaos lost fourth consecutive game. Panerythraikos will face higher ranked Apollon Patras (#7) at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Periko/Arhelaos: G.Rodostoglou 21+6reb+1ast, A.Sivorotka 11+13reb+1ast, N.Tsouk 7+3reb, P.Nanis 7+3reb+1ast, K.Behlivanis 6+4reb+3ast, E.Jeromanovs 5+1reb+1ast
Panerythraikos: A.Sizopoulos 18+5reb, M.Laksa 12+4reb+1ast, T.Straganiotis 12+3reb+4ast, N.Matzioris 7, S.Kontoudis 7+1ast, G.Stamatis 6+4reb
gschID: 98911




*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Stats Leaders - Eredivisie
Points Per Game
 Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 17
 1. Stokes, BS Weert17.0 
 2. Blue, Giants16.3 
 3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden15.8 
 4. Tiedeman, Giants14.9 
 5. Mills, Eiffel Towe.14.9 
 6. Kimbrough, Giants14.7 
 7. Laing, Magixx14.7 
 8. Brown, DeFriesland14.6 
 9. Hilliman, Rotterdam14.5 
 10. Adako, DeFriesland14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robbie SIHOTA
  Rotterdam
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Sihota, Rotterdam10.6 
 2. McDermott, Magixx10.3 
 3. Hilliman, Rotterdam9.6 
 4. Haryasz, GasTerra9.2 
 5. Sanchez, DeFriesl.8.8 
 6. Griffin, Giants8.4 
 7. Ellis, GasTerra8.0 
 8. de Randamie, ABC8.0 
 9. Jackson, Eiffel T.7.8 
 10. McGhee, ZZ Leiden7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Eiffel T.
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Turner, Eiffel T.5.5 
 2. Bauscher, GasTerra4.8 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert4.0 
 4. Kimbrough, Giants3.9 
 5. Jansen, Eiffel T.3.7 
 6. Marshall, Lands.3.6 
 7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden3.5 
 8. Williams, DeFriesl.3.3 
 9. Bostain, GasTerra3.3 
 10. Mladenovic, Rotte.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jason DOURISSEAU
  GasTe.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Dourisseau, GasTe.2.3 
 2. Turner, Eiffel T.2.2 
 3. Marshall, Lands.2.1 
 4. Stokes, BS Weert2.1 
 5. Taylor, Magixx2.1 
 6. Jackson, ZZ Leiden2.0 
 7. McDermott, Magixx1.9 
 8. Bostain, GasTerra1.9 
 9. Ellis, GasTerra1.9 
 10. McGhee, ZZ Leiden1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcel AARTS
  Eiffel T.
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Aarts, Eiffel T.1.3 
 2. Hairston, BS Weert1.3 
 3. Blue, Giants1.1 
 4. Hilliman, Rotterdam1.0 
 5. Mullery, Landstede0.9 
 6. McDermott, Magixx0.9 
 7. Hamm, BS Weert0.9 
 8. Hulzebos, Landste.0.8 
 9. Boxley, ZZ Leiden0.8 
 10. Minter, BS Weert0.8 


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Perochimi And Mahram the winners of the firs game - by Kazem Ghayem
At the first game of final,yesterday in an exiting match,Mahram Tehran defeat Zob Ahan Esfahan 101-74 to have an easier way to win the title.
at the firs quarter Zob Ahan Esfahan played better and they was up 18 to 11. but at the second quarter Mahram Tehran crashed Zob by a 36 to 11 win in this quarter. Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) played so Rough in this game and he hit Zob Ahan Esfahan players by punch at least 4 times and 2 of them was so obvious! Zob Ahan Esfahan tried to decrease the difference but they failed and Mahram Tehran won the game 101-76 but for sure their second match today will not be easy like the first for them.
In the other match for 3rd place in Mahshahr Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour defeat Towzin Electric Kashan in the first match much easier than even they thought. at the beginning both of teams was playing wary but with the start of second half the situation changed and petrochimi took the lead by 20 points till the end. in this match Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) make 20 points and after him C.J. Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) by 19 and KZell Wesson (201-F/C-77, college: La Salle) by 13 points was the goal leaders for Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour. Saman Veisi (191-G-82) also was successful on defense and he controlled Zlatco Jovanovic completely and he took only 2 points. Saeid Davarpanah (189-G-87) was also the goal leader for Towzin Electric Kashan as he took 23 points. the second match will held today in Mahshahr.

Mahram add Hamed Afagh and Asghar Kardoust - by Eurobasket News
Mahram will add Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) and Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) to their roster for 22nd Asia Champions Cup. Both players are Iranian internationals. Hamed Afagh has been played for Zob Ahan this season. The guard also participated at the 2010 Asian Games in China. He tallied 18.9 points, 2.4 boards, 2.1 steals and 1.0 assist per game in Guangzhou. Hamed Afagh played for Mahram in 2010 Asia Champions Cup. His stats read 10.1 points, 1.9 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance.
Asghar Kardoust will strengthen Mahrams frontcourt. The 25-year-old centre played for Tarabari Qom in Iranian Superleague this season. Asghar Kardoust participated at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 3.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in Turkey. In 2010 Asian Games the centre came up with 12.5 points, 9.1 boards and 1.9 blocks per game. Kardoust was named Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Games Best Defensive Player.


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


National League: Maccabi HBK won the Final series - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi HBK won the Final series as they swept Hapoel T-A in three games.

Hapoel T-A - Maccabi HBK 83-96

The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 96-83. 28 personal fouls committed by Hapoel T-A helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American guard Paul Delaney (188-86, college: UAB, agency: Lanshire Group) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Steffon Bradford (200-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) helped adding 19 points and 7 rebounds. Five Maccabi HBK players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) with 29 points and 8 rebounds and Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) scored 25 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Hapoel T-A: B.Asbury 29+8reb+1ast, A.Uter 25+7reb, T.Chaimovic 14+3reb+1ast, Y.Shvartzman 8+1reb+2ast, G.Eytan 4+2reb+1ast, Y.Lahat 3+2reb+3ast
Maccabi HBK: S.Bradford 19+7reb+1ast, P.Delaney 18+8reb+4ast, E.Skverer 15+3reb+4ast, N.Matalon 13+1reb, I.Grinboim 12+2reb+2ast, O.Shaltiel 7+4reb

gschID: 128548




Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 27
 1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A27.0 
 2. Hall, Beer Yaakov24.3 
 3. Moragne, Hapoel B.23.4 
 4. Delaney, Maccabi22.6 
 5. Clemente, Megido.22.6 
 6. Miller, Megido/Y.22.0 
 7. Young, Hod Hashar.20.8 
 8. Gomez, Beer Yaakov20.4 
 9. Timberlake, Elitzu.20.2 
 10. Wade, Lev Hashar.19.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi N.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Johnson, Ironi N.12.6 
 2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.11.6 
 3. Clemente, Megido.11.4 
 4. Brandy, Hod H.10.1 
 5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.9.8 
 6. Wade, Lev Hasharon9.0 
 7. McFarlin, Lev H.9.0 
 8. Strong, Hapoel T.8.9 
 9. Hardin, Elitzur Ya.8.9 
 10. Moragne, Hapoel B.8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Ofir FARHI
  Beer Yaakov
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Farhi, Beer Yaakov6.6 
 2. Dobie, Lev Hashar.6.4 
 3. Lahat, Hapoel T-A6.2 
 4. Shaashoua, Hapoel5.9 
 5. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.5.8 
 6. Eliyahu, Hapoel Af.5.7 
 7. Fisher, Ironi R.4.7 
 8. Timor, Hapoel Tivon4.6 
 9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.4.4 
 10. Harush, Kohav Yair4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Nate MILLER
  Megido/Y.
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Miller, Megido/Y.3.1 
 2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Af.2.6 
 3. Bochman, Beer Y.2.5 
 4. Markson, Hapoel A.2.2 
 5. Delaney, Maccabi2.1 
 6. Shaashoua, Hapoel2.1 
 7. Young, Hod Hashar.2.0 
 8. Fisher, Ironi R.2.0 
 9. Naor, Hapoel T-A2.0 
 10. Bet-Yosef, Beer1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Adrian UTER
  Hapoel T-A
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Utter, Hapoel T-A2.1 
 2. Colwell, Ironi R.2.0 
 3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.2.0 
 4. Strong, Hapoel T.1.9 
 5. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri1.7 
 6. Johnson, Ironi N.1.5 
 7. Hugee, Hapoel Afu.1.5 
 8. Hardin, Elitzur Ya.1.4 
 9. Markson, Hapoel A.1.2 
 10. Brandy, Hod H.1.2 


Galil Gilboa and Maccabi Rishon complete the Semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News
Sports gamblingplayers have seen mostly Maccabi T-A as the first favorite to win the league title.



Galil Gilboa and Maccabi Rishon complete the Semifinal picture of the Israeli Play-offs. Both teams won their series 3-1.

Hapoel Holon - Galil Gilboa 65-72
The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. International point guard Gal Mekel (193-88, college: Wichita St.) fired 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American power forward Marco Killingsworth (202-82, college: Indiana) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Galil Gilboa players scored in double figures. American power forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) produced 25 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Nir Cohen (202-81, college: San Diego, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Galil Gilboa: G.Mekel 19+6reb+6ast, M.Killingsworth 14+6reb+5ast, W.Carter 12+4reb+1ast, J.McClinton 10+1reb+1ast, G.Israeli 7+4reb+5ast, I.Kozikaro 6+5reb+1ast
Hapoel Holon: R.Melzer 25+7reb+2ast, K.Powell 12+5reb+2ast, A.Ben David 11+2reb+5ast, N.Cohen 8+9reb+2ast, M.Roth 7+4reb+4ast, I.Stolero 1+3reb+2ast


gschID: 128433
Maccabi Rishon - Bnei Hasharon 105-95
Bnei Hasharon was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 31-29 charge of Maccabi Rishon, which allowed them to win the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Bnei Hasharon was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Dwayne Mitchell (196-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. The other American import guard Isaiah Swann (188-85, college: Florida St.) contributed with 34 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Maccabi Rishon players scored in double figures. American point guard Ronald Steele (187-86, college: Alabama, agency: SportsTalent) replied with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Romanian swingman Dan Grunfeld (198-84, college: Stanford) added 28 points (made all of his seven free throws) in the effort for Bnei Hasharon.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Rishon: I.Swann 34+6reb+4ast, D.Mitchell 20+13reb+11ast, A.McGhee 18+9reb+1ast, Y.Orland 13+2reb+2ast, R.Morgan 8+2reb, N.Hanochi 5+1reb+4ast
Bnei Hasharon: R.Steele 28+7reb+4ast, D.Grunfeld 28+3reb+1ast, F.Rivera 15+1reb+1ast, L.Nailon 8+3reb+4ast, B.Dunston 6+7reb+1ast, E.Katz 4+7reb+4ast

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


Hunter's 28 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Othello Hunter (203-F-86, agency: David Lee services) put on an amazing game in the last round for Dinamo Sassari and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 30.
He had the game-high 28 points adding nine rebounds and two assists for Dinamo Sassari in his team's victory, helping them to beat Vanoli CR (#12, 12-18) 88-82. Dinamo Sassari is placed at 6th position in Italian league. Dinamo Sassari is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 15-15 record. Hunter turned to be Dinamo Sassari's top player in his first season with the team. Ohio State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Hunter is in league's top in points (5th best: 15.3ppg), rebounds (7th best: 7.8rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg,2.3spg and 59.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Brian Skinner (207-F-76) of Benetton TV. He is American forward in his first season at Benetton TV. In the last game Skinner recorded impressive double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Of course Benetton TV cruised to a 88-76 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Pepsi Caserta (#11, 12-18). Benetton TV's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 17-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Skinner is one of the most experienced players at Benetton TV and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) of Scavolini Spar Pesaro (#10). Hackett scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Scavolini PS, leading his team to a 82-71 win against the higher-ranked Armani MI (#3, 21-9). The chances of Scavolini PS ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 16 games, recording just fourteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hackett could help Scavolini PS to bring them higher in the standings. Hackett has a very solid season. In 30 games in Italy he scored 14.3ppg. He also has 2.4spg and FGP: 58.6%. Daniel Hackett has also Italian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sharrod Ford (206-F/C-82) of Fabi Shoes - 21 points and 12 rebounds
5. Omar Thomas (197-F-82) of Air AV - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Eric Williams (206-C-84) of Pepsi Caserta - 15 points and 14 rebounds
7. James White (198-G-84) of Dinamo Sassari - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Jumaine Jones (202-F-79) of Pepsi Caserta - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Linton Johnson (203-F-80) of Air AV - 13 points and 5 rebounds
10. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) of Benetton TV - 16 points and 10 rebounds

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)

A dilettanti Round 1 of Finals - by Armando Caporaso
Trapani - Brescia 81-85

In the first round of the final for the direct promotion to the LegaA2 Brescia wins on the court of Trapani thanks a great last quarter (24-14) and thanks the points in the last minute of Gergati from the line of the free throw. For the visitors excellent shooting percentage (55% total and 63% by 2) with 6 players in double digit. The top scorer is Massimo Farioli (202-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances) that closes with 16 points, 3 steals and 7 fouls suffered. For the other players of the Centrale del Latte there are 15 points of Rodolfo Rombaldoni (190-G-77, agency: Players Group) with 3/4 by 3, 14 points for Lorenzo Gergati (188-G-84), 13 points of Mario Jose Ghersetti (200-F-81) and Franko Bushati (188-G-85) respectively with 7 rebounds + 3 blocks for the Argentinian and 3 steals for the Albanian and lastly 10 points, starting from the bench, of Stevan Stojkov (182-G-89) with 3 assist. For the Shinelco bad defeat on their field, close to the double-double Walter Santarossa (200-F-78) with 19 points and 9 rebounds, 14 points for Ariel Svoboda (192-G-85, agency: Players Group), 11 points for Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) (a very bad 5/16 at shoot with 0/6 by 3) and Francesco Guarino (182-G-79) that adds 3 assist, 10 points for Gianni Cantagalli (192-G-88, agency: Players Group) and Luca Bisconti (206-F/C-82) that catch 6 rebounds and 6 points + 4 rebounds in only 18 minutes of Christian Cappanni (205-C-75).

Ostuni - Treviglio 71-59

The game between Ostuni and Treviglio is balanced until the end of the third period, in the last 10 minutes the hosts mark a partial of 21-11 and take home the first victory in the series. For the Assi Basket Mario Gigena (198-F-77) is the MVP with 20 points (7/13) and 5 rebounds, good performance also his brother Silvio Gigena (200-F-75) with 16 points and 6/8 by 2 in 27 minutes, 10 points for the ex Napoli Domenico Morena (210-F/C-70) with 6 rebounds and 3 assist, 8 points from the bench for Marco Bona (194-G-89) with 4 rebounds and 4 steals, 7 points and 2 blocks of Francesco Basei (207-C-83) and 6 points and 8 rebounds for Claudio Tommasini (190-G-91). For the Co.Mark is decisive the very bad percentage in 3-point shooting (4/24), in particular for Davide Reati (193-G-88) that scores 11 points but with 1/10 by 3! For the others 12 points and 7 rebounds of Jacopo Borra (212-C-90), 10 points and 3 steals for Andrea Vitale (199-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances), 9 points in 13 minutes for Tommaso Milani (190-G-88) and 8 points with 6 assist but 2/8 at shoot for Tommaso Marino (190-G-86, agency: Interperformances).


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


Pro clubs struggling financially - by K Will
Currently in Japan there are twenty teams in the bj-league and two teams in the JBL that are pro clubs. The rest of the teams are ran by company teams such as Toyota, Panasonic etc.

The cause of the earthquake made of huge impact on the Japanese economy and many teams major sponsors have been forced to cut their budget and lower their players salary. Especially the two JBL teams, Hokkaido and Tochigi are having rough moments financially and many players from those teams are expected that there will be big changes in the roster and players might moving to different teams and switching leagues.

On the other hand this issue might have some upsides. If the JBL players decide to switch leagues and move to the bj-league the quality of the domestic player in the bj-league will be raised.

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


Astana Tigers clinch D1 Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Astana Tigers - Kaspiy 77:64

Astana Tigers celebrated D1 Bronze. They overcame Kaspiy in the decisive fifth game of the consolation final series. Vilius Gabsys (199-F-79, agency: Court Side) stepped up with 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead former champions.
The Tigers entered the game after two straight losses in Aktau. The Tigers surged ahead early on. They outgunned Kaspiy 17:14 in the opening frame. The hosts maintained the pressure in the second frame. The home team stretched the gap to as many as 15 points at the interval 41:26. Kaspiy could not pick up the tempo in the third stanza. Astana boosted the margin to 25 points with one quarter remaining. Kaspiy narrowed the deficit in the fourth term but could not seriously threaten the deficit. Aleksandr Kuznetsov (193-G-84) nailed 20 points, while Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) had 13 points in the victory. Evgeni Isakov (203-F-82) responded with 15 points for Kaspiy. Gytis Andrijauskas (187-G-86) and Vitali Lopatin (189-G-81) had 14 points apiece in the loss.

Astana Tigers: Vilius Gabsys 22, Aleksandr Kuznetsov 20, Rustam Yargaliyew 13
Kaspiy: Evgeni Isakov 15, Gytis Andrijauskas 14, Vitali Lopatin 14


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Standings - Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
 1. Sigal Prishtina 26-2 
 2. Bambi 23-5 
 3. Peja 22-6 
 4. Trepca 14-14 
 5. K.EuroSporti 10-18 
 6. Kosova 9-19 
 7. Bashkimi 8-20 
 8. Mitrovica 0-28 


Superleague Semifinals: Sigal Prishtina and Peja take 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News
First games of the Superleague Semifinals were played on Saturday. Sigal Prishtina and Peja outscored their rivals taking 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-three (1-1-1).
Sigal Prishtina blasted Trepca at home 92-68. It means that the team from Prishtina now needs one more win for the Finals. Second game is scheduled for May 18 and Trepca will be the host. It is important to mention that Sigal Prishtina was the regular season champion with 26-2 record.
In the other Semifinals, Peja cruised past Bambi on the road 90-108. It was a great night for Peja players, who will be the hosts in the next meeting. It will be a nice chance for them to book a spot for the Finals. That game is scheduled for May 18.

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


PMA Basketball Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Awards 2010-2011 - by Eurobasket
PMA Basketball All-Lebanese League Awards 2011
#s#
Nathanel Johnson
Johnson
Ali Mahmoud
Mahmoud
Fadi Khatib
Khatib
Terrence Shannon
Shannon
Loren Woods
Woods
#e#5

Player of the Year: Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77) of Al Riyadi
Guard of the Year: Austin Johnson (191-G-87) of Moutahed
Forward of the Year: Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77) of Al Riyadi
Center of the Year: Loren Woods (218-C-78) of Al Riyadi
Newcomer of the Year: Charles Tabet (205-C) of Anibal
Most Improved Player of the Year: Bassel Bawji (204-F-89) of Moutahed
Import of the Year: Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77) of Al Riyadi
Domestic Player of the Year: Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) of Champville
Defensive Player of the Year: Darnell Cox (211-C-85) of Champville
Turning Point Player of the Year: Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) of Al Riyadi

1st Team
G: Ali Mahmoud (185-83) of Al Riyadi
F: Nathanel Johnson (199-77) of Al Riyadi
F: Fadi Khatib (199-79) of Champville
F: Terrence Shannon (203-79) of Anibal
C: Loren Woods (218-78) of Al Riyadi

2nd Team
G: Rodrigue Akl (190-88) of Anibal
G: Austin Johnson (191-87) of Moutahed
G: Jasmon Youngblood (195-84) of Champville
F: Calvin Warner (201-80) of Byblos
C: Darnell Cox (211-85) of Champville

Honorable Mention
Miguel Martinez (188-G-88) of Champville
Malcolm Battles (205-F/C-79) of Antranik
Calvin Cage (183-G-84) of Hoops
William Byrd (201-G/F-85) of Hoops
Ali Barada (186-G) of Byblos
Darryl Watkins (211-C-84) of Sagesse
Mohamad Hamdar (202-C-88) of Hoops
Ali Kanaan (206-F-85) of Antranik
Amir Saoud (G) of Al Riyadi
Nadim Souaid (192-F-86) of Antranik
Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80) of Sagesse
Mark Dawson (206-F/C-83) of Chabab

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Ali Mahmoud (185-83) of Al Riyadi
G/F: Jean Abed El Nour (197-83) of Al Riyadi
F: Fadi Khatib (199-79) of Champville
C: Charles Tabet (205) of Anibal
C: Joseph Vogel (211-73) of Al Riyadi

All-Imports Team
G: Austin Johnson (191-87) of Moutahed
F: Nathanel Johnson (199-77) of Al Riyadi
G: Jasmon Youngblood (195-84) of Champville
F: Terrence Shannon (203-79) of Anibal
C: Loren Woods (218-78) of Al Riyadi

All-Defensive Team
Brandon Mason (194-G/F-81) of Byblos
Ghaleb Rida (190-G-81) of Sagesse
Elie Roustom (197-F-87) of Moutahed
Charles Tabet (205-C) of Anibal
Darnell Cox (211-C-85) of Champville



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


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Vilmantas DILYS
  Naglis-Adakris
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.16.4 
 2. Dimsa, Nevezis16.0 
 3. Kieza, Juventus15.3 
 4. Alijevas, Nevezis14.9 
 5. Dilys, Perlas14.9 
 6. Vasylius, Neptunas14.8 
 7. Sirvydis, Sakalai14.0 
 8. Ruikis, Neptunas13.9 
 9. Juskevicius, Rudup.13.8 
 10. Jankunas, Zalgiris13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Kieza, Juventus9.4 
 2. Sarakauskas, Siaul.9.2 
 3. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.3 
 4. Dimsa, Nevezis7.1 
 5. Klimavicius, Zalgi.6.9 
 6. Adomavicius, Alytu.6.5 
 7. Vasylius, Neptunas6.5 
 8. Jankunas, Zalgiris6.5 
 9. Dilys, Perlas6.4 
 10. Dilys, Naglis-Ada.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Alijevas, Nevezis5.9 
 2. Broadus, Siauliai5.2 
 3. Rasic, Lietuvos.5.2 
 4. Rinkevicius, Techa.5.0 
 5. El-Amin, Lietuvos.4.4 
 6. Viskontas, Perlas4.3 
 7. Juskevicius, Rudup.4.2 
 8. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.4.1 
 9. Janavicius, Siauli.4.0 
 10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Gintaras LEONAVICIUS
  Techa.
  (194-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Leonavicius, Techa.2.1 
 2. Vasylius, Neptunas2.1 
 3. Juskevicius, Rudup.2.0 
 4. Rinkevicius, Techa.1.9 
 5. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.1.9 
 6. Sinica, Rudupis1.7 
 7. Valukonis, Techas.1.7 
 8. Alijevas, Nevezis1.7 
 9. Razutis, Naglis-A.1.7 
 10. Jasikevicius, Ais.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Begic, Zalgiris2.4 
 2. Valanciunas, Lietu.1.9 
 3. Silinskis, Techasas1.6 
 4. Cresnar, Nevezis1.5 
 5. Volkus, Techasas1.1 
 6. Cepukaitis, Juven.0.9 
 7. Petrukonis, Perlas0.8 
 8. Butkevicius, Rudup.0.8 
 9. Gumenyuk, Siauliai0.8 
 10. Weaver, Siauliai0.7 


LKL Round 4 of Finals. Zalgiris step closer to the title - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Lietuvos Rytas - Zalgiris 71-83

Zalgiris celebrated the third win in the Finals edging Lietuvos Rytas in Vilnius. The game without a history. Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Lietuvos Rytas' 30 and made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Lietuvos Rytas 37-22 including 24 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Lietuvos Rytas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard DeJuan Collins (188-76, college: Tuskegee) fired 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. The other American import guard Marcus Brown (193-74, college: Murray St., agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 14 points. Bosnian forward Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and international swingman Simas Jasaitis (202-82) added 17 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Lietuvos Rytas: S.Jasaitis 17, K.Bajramovic 16+8reb+2ast, A.Rasic 9+1reb+6ast, M.Gecevicius 8+1ast, M.Bjelica 8+4reb, B.Newley 6+4reb
Zalgiris: D.Collins 15+6reb+3ast, M.Brown 14+2reb+3ast, P.Jankunas 11+6reb+2ast, M.Kuzminskas 9+2reb, M.Kalnietis 9+2reb+3ast, B.Marjanovic 7+6reb
gschID: 128218




*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Soleuvre add Dimitri Jorssen to the roster - by Eurobasket News
Soleuvre announced the signing for the next season. They brought in Dimitri Jorssen (212-C-79, college: Utah St.). The 32-year-old centre spent the previous season in Belgium. He tallied 2.9 points, 2.2 boards per game for Verviers-Pepinster. Previously Dimitri Jorssen had stints in Belgium, Spain and Italy. The centre played for Belgian National Team in 2002/2006 seasons.
In the meantime Basket Esch extended the contract with John Reimold (198-F-81, college: Bowling Green). The 29-year-old forward will enter the third straight season with Basket Esch. Last season John Reimold notched 20.9 points, 8.2 boards and 3.3 assists per game. Earlier John Reimold played in Germany and Argentina.



Diekirch League Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Etzella and T71 post wins - by Eurobasket News
Etzella - Sparta 83-74

Etzella surged ahead in the semis. They held off Sparta at home court behind 24 points from Nelson Delgado (186-G/F-80). Jairo Delgado (190-G/F-85) stepped up with 21 points, while Tim Giver (184-G-80) added 17 points in the winning effort. Larrie Smith (197-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) answered with 24 points for Sparta. Lucas Hargrove (198-F-88, agency: 540 Sports, college: Auburn) delivered 19 points in the loss.

gschID: 128200


Amicale - T71 58-60

T71 earned the lead in the semfinal series against Amicale. They celebrated the first victory away from home. Amicale trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 24-12 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 58-60 at the end of the game. T71 dominated on the defensive end, holding Amicale to just 4 points in third quarter. 27 personal fouls committed by Amicale helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International guard Tom Schumacher (190-87, college: Cal.Baptist) stepped up and scored 24 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and American swingman Denell Stephens (193-86, college: Slippery Rock, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) chipped in 11 points and 17 rebounds. At the losing side the former international guard Christian Schartz (180-86) responded with 11 points and 8 assists and American forward Louis Birdsong (198-88, college: George Mason, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
T71: T.Schumacher 24+6reb, D.Stephens 11+17reb+1ast, F.Muller 10+7reb, G.Ruffato 9+2reb+5ast, A.Abreu 2+1reb, T.Steinmetz 2+1reb
Amicale: L.Birdsong 15+7reb+1ast, C.Schartz 11+4reb+8ast, E.Jeitz 10+4reb+2ast, R.Birenbaum 9+3reb+3ast, C.Jones 7+6reb+2ast, M.Zianveni 4+5reb
gschID: 128201




*****************************************************
  MALAYSIA   


Westsports KL Dragons adds Ayer to their roster - by Eurobasket
Westsports KL Dragons (ASEAN League) added to their roster 28-year old American center Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount). Ayer played most recently at Dakota Wizards (D-League) in the U.S. While playing 19 games for Dakota W. this season he averaged 12.3ppg, 5.6rpg and 0.3bpg. Ayer is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  MEXICO   


CIBACOPA Round 34: #1 Mineros de Cananea is defeated by Frayles de Guasave - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in CIBACOPA just ended. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. 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 another loss of top-ranked Mineros de Cananea (25-9) on the court of fourth ranked Frayles de Guasave on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by Frayles de Guasave in overtime 95-94. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Mineros de Cananea won third quarter 24-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Mineros de Cananea used huge pressure winning it 20-13 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 11-12. Frayles de Guasave looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 17 blocks. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) had a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Rasheem Barrett (196-87, college: Auburn, agency: SportsList Inc.) chipped in 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks during the contest. At the losing side forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Frayles de Guasave maintains fourth position with 20-14 record. Mineros de Cananea at the other side still keeps top place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

The most impressive stats of the last round was 33 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 8 assists by Cleotis Brown of Tepic.


Nogales - Culiacan 83-86

Very expected game when 6th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (17-17) were edged at home by second ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (24-10) 86-83 on Saturday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Caballeros de Culiacan made 8 blocks. American guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) scored 33 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 5 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Marcus Moore (198-80, college: Washington St.) chipped in 27 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Jonathan Meza used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and American-Venezuelan forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami, FL) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Four Fuerza Guinda Nogales players scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 24-10 record behind leader Cananea. Fuerza Guinda Nogales lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Nogales: R.Moss 20+12reb, J.Walker 19+6reb+2ast, O.Quintero 15+2reb, N.Brown 10+1reb+4ast, A.Broxsie 6+11reb+2ast, B.Heredia 5+1reb+2ast
Culiacan: R.Rougeau 33+6reb+1ast, M.Moore 27+7reb+2ast, Q.Gonzalez 13+6reb+3ast, A.Henning 4+9reb+2ast, D.Meza Rogel 4+3reb+3ast, J.Gonzalez 2+2reb
gschID: 122959


Guasave - Cananea 95-94 OT

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Mineros de Cananea (25-9) on the court of fourth ranked Frayles de Guasave on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by Frayles de Guasave in overtime 95-94. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Mineros de Cananea won third quarter 24-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Mineros de Cananea used huge pressure winning it 20-13 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 11-12. Frayles de Guasave looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 17 blocks. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) had a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Rasheem Barrett (196-87, college: Auburn, agency: SportsList Inc.) chipped in 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks during the contest. Funn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) scored 23 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Frayles de Guasave maintains fourth position with 20-14 record. Mineros de Cananea at the other side still keeps top place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Cananea: B.Brown 28+11reb+4ast, D.White 23+2reb+7ast, D.Thomas 20+7reb+3ast, J.Casillas 8+3reb+4ast, D.Onofre 7+3reb, O.Zuniga 4+2reb
Guasave: W.Funn 34+8reb+13ast, R.Barrett 21+9reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 17+8reb+1ast, K.Sowell 15+6reb+7ast, L.Reinhold 6+1reb, F.Sanchez 2+9reb+1ast
gschID: 122960


Tepic - Los Mochis 129-118

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Coras de Tepic's (7-27) home victory over bottom-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (4-30) 129-118 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Coras de Tepic. Pioneros Los Mochis was better in fourth quarter 40-29. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Coras de Tepic made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Pioneros Los Mochis' players. American swingman Cleotis Brown (198-77, college: Illinois, agency: Dream Team Management) had a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard James Parker (188-81, college: Robert Morris) chipped in 34 points (!!!) and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side American guard Detrick White (184-76, college: Mississippi St.) responded with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international swingman Raymundo Castillo (197-82, college: UTPA) scored 29 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Coras de Tepic maintains ninth position with 7-27 record. Loser Pioneros Los Mochis stay dead last with 30 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: R.Castillo 29+6reb, D.White 28+9reb+4ast, E.Hare 22+7reb, J.Favela 19+1reb+4ast, A.Araujo 11+8reb+1ast, J.Estrada 7+3reb+1ast
Tepic: J.Parker 34+3reb+5ast, C.Brown 33+12reb+8ast, I.Brown 21+13reb+3ast, J.Pablo Bravo 21+3reb+4ast, C.Estrada 11+1reb+5ast, H.Torres 9+3reb
gschID: 122961


Hermosillo - Tijuana 122-91

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (15-19) were rolled over on the road by third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (23-11) 122-91 on Saturday. Rayos de Hermosillo maintains third position with 23-11 record having just two points less than leader Cananea. Tijuana Zonkeys lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 19 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 122962


Mexicali - Guaymas 82-96

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (19-15) beat on the road 7th ranked Bomberos de Mexicali (16-18) 96-82 on Saturday. The game without a history. Ostioneros de Guaymas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Strangely Bomberos de Mexicali outrebounded Ostioneros de Guaymas 41-25 including a 19-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ostioneros de Guaymas made 18 blocks. American guard Richard Roby (198-85) scored 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach Eduardo Opezzo used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side the former international power forward Hugo Carrillo (205-83) responded with 24 points and 6 assists and American guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) scored 23 points and 8 blocks. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas maintains fifth position with 19-15 record. Loser Bomberos de Mexicali keeps the seventh place with 18 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Mexicali: H.Carrillo 24+4reb+6ast, M.Gale 23+4reb+1ast, R.Lopez 12+1reb, S.VanderMeer 10+15reb, A.Vazquez 4+4reb+1ast, J.Penny 3+6reb+1ast
Guaymas: R.Roby 24+7reb+4ast, J.Habel 15+5reb+1ast, A.Pedroza 14+3reb+2ast, F.Benitez 12+3reb, J.Sanchez 10, R.Benitez 8+1reb+2ast
gschID: 122958




Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Cananea 25-9 
 2. Culiacan 24-10 
 3. Hermosillo 23-11 
 4. Guasave 20-14 
 5. Guaymas 19-15 
 6. Nogales 17-17 
 7. Mexicali 16-18 
 8. Tijuana 15-19 
 9. Tepic 7-27 
 10. Los Mochis 4-30 


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 27.6
 1. White, Cananea27.6 
 2. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 3. Gale, Mexicali27.0 
 4. Brown, Tepic25.0 
 5. Sims, Los Mochis24.3 
 6. Gabbidon, Tijuana24.2 
 7. White, Los Mochis23.9 
 8. Brown, Tepic23.8 
 9. Moore, Culiacan23.7 
 10. Barrett, Guasave23.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Brown, Cananea10.8 
 2. Moss, Nogales10.4 
 3. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 4. Brown, Tepic9.5 
 5. Broxsie, Nogales9.4 
 6. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 7. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 8. Rougeau, Culiacan8.2 
 9. Tate, Tijuana7.9 
 10. Gabbidon, Tijuana7.9 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Funn, Guasave8.4 
 2. Watson, Tijuana6.1 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.3 
 4. Nungaray, Guaymas4.8 
 5. Thomas, Hermosillo4.8 
 6. White, Cananea4.8 
 7. Marentes, Guaymas4.3 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 9. Brown, Tepic4.2 
 10. Brown, Nogales3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Marcus MOORE
  Culiacan
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Moore, Culiacan2.6 
 2. White, Cananea2.2 
 3. Thomas, Cananea1.9 
 4. Matthews, Nogales1.7 
 5. Rougeau, Culiacan1.7 
 6. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 7. Funn, Guasave1.6 
 8. Gale, Mexicali1.6 
 9. White, Los Mochis1.5 
 10. Sowell, Culiacan1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Gale, Mexicali2.7 
 3. Webb, Culiacan2.6 
 4. Brown, Nogales2.3 
 5. Thomas, Hermosillo2.3 
 6. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 7. Matthews, Nogales2.2 
 8. Brown, Tepic2.2 
 9. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 10. Funn, Guasave2.2 


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  NBA   


Pop's offseason goal: Discover Duncans sidekick - by Eurobasket News
As he has for 14 years running, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expects to be able to chisel Tim Duncan's (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) name into his starting lineup for the 2011-12 campaign, whenever it begins.

Though Duncan has passed his 35th birthday, he remains under contract for next season, and Popovich sees no reason to doubt the two-time MVP will return for another go-round.

Timmys given me no indication hes considering retiring, or anything like that, Popovich said.

In what has seemed to be an annual offseason ritual ever since David Robinson hung up his Nikes, the search is on for someone to be Duncans frontcourt running mate.

With the playoff wounds inflicted by Zach Randolph and Memphis bruising frontcourt still fresh, and with Antonio McDyess all but officially retired, Popovich said this week that finding a partner for Duncan will be the teams top offseason personnel priority.

The Spurs have not ruled out exploring the trade or free-agent markets to accomplish that goal, once they open for business, but are more likely to look in-house to fill the void.

One returning candidate is 22-year-old DeJuan Blair, an undersized forward at 6-foot-7 who started 65 games, but battled weight issues and fell out of favor in the postseason. Another is 25-year-old Tiago Splitter, a 6-foot-11 former first-round draft pick who arrived last summer amid a frenzy of fanfare only to have his rookie season undermined by alternating spates of injury and inactivity.

Two weeks removed from a playoff ouster, and with plenty of offseason in front of him, Popovich hasnt committed to anyone just yet. At times, however, he appears willing to talk himself into the dawning of the Splitter era.

I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency, Popovich said. Hes going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.

A limited offensive player, Splitter already has begun offseason work with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland to work on his free-throw stroke and to move his game a bit further from the basket. That work, however, is likely to be interrupted when Splitter joins the Brazilian national team for preparations for the Tournament of the Americas later this summer, and wont resume until the NBAs collective bargaining issues are settled.

Though Splitter did not spend much time paired with Duncan this season, and doesnt have a jumper to spread the floor as McDyess did, Popovich thinks the two could coexist. For proof, he points to Fabricio Oberto, a player similar to Splitter who started next to Duncan on the Spurs 2007 championship team.

We played with two bigs before, when Fab was here, Popovich said. Fab and Timmy were the starters, and we got it done.

Splitter appeared in 60 games as a rookie, after missing all of training camp and the preseason with a calf injury. He did not see action in the postseason until Game 4 against Memphis, after which he became a rotation fixture.

When you miss the entire training camp and youre a rookie, youre going to have a tough time in any program, Popovich said. After that, he got injured once or twice more. At the time, when he would get a little healthy and be available, we were rolling. DeJuan was starting, so we didnt change it.

Blair averaged 8.8 points and 7.3 rebounds as an unorthodox starting center. In mid-March, he was benched in favor of McDyess, whose defensive chops the coaching staff deemed more valuable in the postseason.

After Blair ballooned to nearly 300 pounds late in the season, Popovich challenged him to shed excess weight. In response, Blair dropped 20 pounds by cutting fast food out of his diet.

Heading into the summer, Popovich has challenged Blair again.

Blairs future with the Spurs, the coach said, is not aligned with working on his jumper or developing a jump hook. Its not defense.

Its personal discipline, responsibility and maturity, Popovich said. That will get him to the next level. Short of that, hell have a hard time.

As it has been for nearly a decade of offseasons now, when it comes to Spurs big men, Duncan is the only sure thing.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Rubio close to shaking up the Draft - by Eurobasket News
For two years the Minnesota Timberwolves have been very patient and committed in their pursuit of Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio (6'4''-G-90), who they selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. They've passed on trade offers for his draft rights, having faith that he would eventually sign with them. Finally, the wait is almost over.

According to sources the Timberwolves are as optimistic as they've ever been that Rubio will be joining them for the 2011-2012 season. Signing Rubio this offseason has been Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn's plan for over a year and he's on the verge of seeing it through. Nothing is signed or finalized yet, but it should be in the coming weeks.

The 20-year-old Rubio has been widely regarded as one of the top point guard prospects in the world for over three years. At 6'4 Rubio possesses phenomenal court vision and creativeness that has drawn comparisons to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and former NBA star Pete Maravich.

When the Timberwolves originally drafted Rubio he played for DKV Joventut. That same summer Regal Barcelona paid his lofty buyout in its entirety, something that the Timberwolves couldn't do due to restrictions in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and signed him to a multiyear contract. The first year of that contract with Barcelona did not have a buyout option, but now he can get out of it for reportedly $1 million or slightly more, which the Timberwolves can pay $500,000 of.

Rubio's development hasn't progressed at the rate that many were expecting it to with Barcelona. In fact, some say he's regressed. His 2010-2011 averages of six points, three rebounds and three assists on 39% shooting from the field and 22% from beyond the arc aren't exactly impressive. That hasn't reduced the Timberwolves' interest in him at all, though.

They believe that his game is better fit for the NBA, where defenders aren't allowed to be as physical on the perimeter as they are overseas, and that he's still very far from peaking. He'll be surrounded by some solid offensive weapons in All-Star Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, Anthony Randolph and Wayne Ellington, who will all greatly benefit from his playmaking abilities. The Timberwolves were ranked 25th in assists per game as a team last season. His jump shot definitely needs to improve, but Rubio's biggest challenge in the NBA will be on the defensive end where he'll be facing tough matchups on a nightly basis.

If Rubio does indeed sign as expected, point guard Jonny Flynn's days in Minnesota are numbered. Sources also indicated to HOOPSWORLD that Flynn is almost sure to be traded in that case with the Toronto Raptors being one of the most probable destinations. There could be some competition for his services as the Charlotte Bobcats and Detroit Pistons could also use some help at the lead guard spot. Flynn is a first-class individual with incredible character, but he hasn't produced as hoped in Minnesota and Rubio's arrival makes him expendable. At the age of 22 he still has some upside and his price tag is not very high at all.

Where Rubio makes things really interesting is in this year's draft. The Timberwolves have the best chance statistically to win the lottery. However, this is being projected as one of the weaker draft classes in the last few years. It's really lacking in star power and there are only two players that really warrant consideration for the top selection: Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams.

If they win the lottery, the Timberwolves aren't going to draft Irving right after ending a two-year quest to sign Rubio. Williams is an intriguing player with nice versatility, but ideally what they would like to do with the pick is trade it. After winning only 32 games combined over the last two years there is a demand to start winning a lot more regularly from the fan base and ownership.

They've been rebuilding for several years now and there is no lack of young talent on the roster. The need for proven veterans is far more pressing than another high draft pick who would come in with a lot of pressure to be a major contributor immediately. The pick will be shoped heavily whether they win the lottery or not. Amongst the things the Timberwolves would be looking for in a deal for their top first round pick would be an experienced point guard to mentor Rubio and an upgrade at the center position.

Courtesy of www.hoopsworld.com


(1) Bulls vs. (2) Heat: Series Break Down - by Daniel Gibson
CHICAGO---The Miami Heat couldn't figure out a way to beat Boston until their final meeting in the last week of the regular season.

During the playoffs the Heat made Boston look old and slow on their way to winning the series in 5 games.

The Heat struggled against the Bulls the same way during the regular season but each game was close. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) missed one game and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) was injured in another.

The Heat also had many chances to win every game but struggled to execute down the stretch.

Last series against the Celtics both James and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) seemed to figure things out and even Bosh sealed a win with his tip-in.

Its only right that a trip to the Finals would be decided by the number 1 seed facing the number 2.

The Bulls have lost a few games but there was never a real feeling that they were threatened or in danger of losing the series. When they came out and dominated the game on the defensive end they lived up to their top ranking.

This series has everything that a basketball fan could want.

Great offensive players, great team defense on both sides, the current MVP of the league taking on the former back-to-back winner, James passed on joining Rose in Chicago to play with Wade, and Wade is a Chicago native.

That's just to name a few.

The Bulls pose a bigger threat to Miami than the Celtics did. Chicago's defense is equally as good as Boston's, if not better, and the team is much younger and more athletic.

The difference between the two teams comes on the offensive end.

The Celtics had a couple of different players that were capable of taking over a game on a given night. Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut), Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) (before he had one arm), Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76), and Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) each could lead the team to a win.

For the Bulls, the team goes as Rose goes. If he is struggling the team will be in trouble. The good news for Bulls fans is that Rose is so good and so confident right now that I don't see him having too many bad games in this series.

With that said, I'm going with the Miami Heat winning this series in 6. I will break down the match ups by position and show why I think Miami has the advantage.

PG: Advantage Bulls

Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) will dominate this match up every game, but I can see LeBron or Wade switching over to defend him and also sending double-teams his way. The Bulls dont have a shooting guard that can take advantage of Bibby or Chalmers so they can switch off and cover that position.

SG: Advantage Heat

Wade averaged 29 points against the Bulls this season and he will continue to be score on them this series. It is difficult to double Wade because then James and Bosh will have an opportunity to take their defenders one-on-one and if they swing the ball there will be shooters wide open.

SF: Advantage Heat

James averaged 27 points against the Bulls this season and finally getting the monkey off his back by defeating the Celtics and apologizing about 'The Decision' will probably cause him to play with even more confidence. Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) will have to attack James and try to make him work hard on the defensive end and possible get into foul trouble. Brewer will come off the bench for the Bulls and play good defense and finish on the break and James Jones will come in for the Heat and knock down open 3s created by Wade and James penetration.

PF: Draw

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) and Carlos Boozer have both had up and down games throughout the playoffs. I was ready to give the edge to Miami because Bosh has had more of an impact than Boozer up to his point but Taj Gibson (6'9''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) has played well for the Bulls off the bench. Having Udonis Haslem (6'8''-C-80, college: Florida) back may help Miami but Ill stick with a draw on this one.

C: Draw

Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) is a good player and he plays with a lot of energy and emotion but Joel Anthony was hearing the MVP chants from the fans in Miami. Anthony has been a force on defense and Big Z might come in and knock down some shots. Asik gives the Bulls solid minutes off the bench as well so I have to call this match up a draw too.

The series come down to this.

The Bulls only clear cut advantage over Miami comes with Rose at the point guard position. He will see plenty of Wade and James defending him, and while they wont be able to stop him completely, they can make things more challenging.

I see Rose taking over 30 shots a game and having to carry the team on his shoulders every single night. He is a great player but he is up against two great players and an All-Star in Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech). Rose will go down but he will go out swinging.

I think every game will be close but Miami will advance to the finals.


Shannon Brown responds to rumors on Twitter, claims he did not sleep with Pau Gasol's girlfriend - by Eurobasket News
In the wake of the Lakers' second-round collapse, just about everybody is looking for an explanation as to why the team had such little chemistry, and why Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) was so mediocre.

Rumors initially surfaced that Pau Gasol had split from girlfriend Silvia Lopez Castro, and the next incarnation of that notion was that Kobe Bryant's wife had orchestrated the breakup. Thereafter, the story evolved into Shannon Brown (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) having slept with Lopez Castro.

The Lakers guard, in an attempt to avoid a Delonte West-Gloria James situation, addressed the rumors via Twitter on Saturday night.

Ok let me put a end to this right now before it goes any further. I DID NOT SLEEP WITH Pau Gasol's woman!!! First and last time addressing it!

Courtesy of www.nesn.com

Rudy Gay to be available this summer? - by Eurobasket News
With the Grizzlies playing so well as their star player watching from the sidelines, the Akron Beacon Journal is speculating that Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) could be made offered up in a trade this summer: There is belief around the league that injured Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay could be had in the right deal. Gay, 25, has about $68 million left on his contract for the next four years. The Grizzlies have already given Zach Randolph a monster $71 million extension this spring and Marc Gasols expiring contract is up next. Do the Grizzlies have enough money for Randolph, Gasol, Mike Conleys five-year, $45 million extension that begins next season and Gay, too? Perhaps, but they played awfully well during the postseason without him. Gay averaged 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in a season that ended in mid-February to a shoulder injury. He is one of the leagues most explosive scorers and just entering the prime of his career, so he wont come cheap. The Grizzles would likely want quality assets in return.

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com



Cavaliers unlikely to score a big star - by Eurobasket News
The Cavaliers will finally learn during Tuesday night's lottery where they are drafting next month. Unfortunately, there isn't a set of pingpong balls on the planet that will improve the quality of this draft.

We've heard for months this could be the worst draft in 25 years, but just how bad is it?

This bad: One NBA talent evaluator said last week he isn't sure there is a future All-Star anywhere in this draft. To put that in perspective, every draft between 1978 and 2008 has produced at least three All-Stars, except one year (2007). That draft is still too young to judge, since guys like Mike Conley, Jeff Green and Joakim Noah could still make an All-Star team before their careers are through.

And to be fair, no one thought Manu Ginobili would be a two-time All-Star, otherwise he wouldn't have lasted until the 57th pick in 1999. So no one will really know how good or bad this draft is until at least five years from now.

What is fair and obvious is that an already thin pool was crippled by Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones and Harrison Barnes choosing to return to school for another year. Barnes particularly could've really helped the Cavs, who arguably had the worst collection of wing players in the league last season.

But the lack of talent in this draft isn't news to the organization. They essentially purchased the Los Angeles Clippers' lottery pick for $12 million (the difference between Mo Williams' contract and Baron Davis' contract) knowing full well this was a weak crop.

Even if they don't find future All-Stars, the Cavs still believe they can find two good pieces to begin the rebuild. Since no one believes this will be a quick fix, two good players in this draft, combined with a couple of good players out of what should be an outstanding draft class next summer can suddenly position the Cavs on the right path.

They continue to use the Oklahoma City Thunder as the model franchise for how to successfully build a team. The Thunder landed their superstar (Kevin Durant) in 2007, but it still took them four years to evolve into legitimate championship contenders.



Euro rising

With little to choose from in the college ranks, NBA fans will become familiar with names like Jonas Valanciunas, Enes Kanter, Bismack Biyombo, Jan Vesely, Davis Bertrans and Nikola Mirotic in the next month. All of them and more are Europeans who will have varying degrees of impact on a draft that should be littered with international talent.

Cavs General Manager Chris Grant has made multiple trips to Europe scouting overseas, but drafting Euros at least with the two lottery picks could be tricky. The Cavs don't want to be in the position the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in since taking point guard Ricky Rubio fifth overall two years ago.

Rubio still hasn't played for the Timberwolves, who seemingly spend every summer in Europe begging him to come play for them. Now the Timberwolves could be forced into picking another point guard in Kyrie Irving should they land the No. 1 overall pick two years after drafting their point guard of the future in Rubio.

Before the Cavs spend a lottery pick on a European player, they would want assurances he would be allowed to come to the NBA. Mirotic, for example, just signed a five-year extension with Real Madrid after earning the Euroleague's Rising Star Trophy this season.

Trade talk

There isn't much brewing with the Cavs' trade exception, mainly because no one knows where anyone is drafting yet. Any sort of trade talk will heat up again closer to the June 23 draft.

The acquisition of Davis and the Clippers' lottery pick has taken some of the pressure off management to use the $14.5 million trade exception acquired in the LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) deal last summer with the Miami Heat. The Cavs know it would've been a public relations disaster and they would've been sharply criticized by fans had they let the exception expire and not made any moves to improve this team.

They correctly view the trade that brought the Clippers' pick as a move equivalent to using the trade exception.

There is belief around the league that injured Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay could be had in the right deal. Gay, 25, has about $68 million left on his contract for the next four years. The Grizzlies have already given Zach Randolph a monster $71 million extension this spring and Marc Gasol's expiring contract is up next.

Do the Grizzlies have enough money for Randolph, Gasol, Mike Conley's five-year, $45 million extension that begins next season and Gay, too? Perhaps, but they played awfully well during the postseason without him.

Gay averaged 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in a season that ended in mid-February to a shoulder injury. He is one of the league's most explosive scorers and just entering the prime of his career, so he won't come cheap.

Since the new NBA season doesn't officially begin until July 1, players' 2010-11 salaries apply until then. That means the $13.6 million Gay earned this season fits under the Cavs' trade exception, but he would command much more than simply the trade exception. The Grizzles would likely want quality assets in return.



Sorry apology

LeBron James' surprising apology for how he handled ''The Decision'' last summer has done little to repair the damage in the eyes of Cavs fans.

James' all-out play and incredible effort in the clinching victory over the Boston Celtics this season was in stark contrast to his relative disinterest during last season's playoff collapse.

It would have meant more had James apologized when given the opportunity to do so Dec. 2 in Cleveland. But perhaps more telling, James' apology last week was unprovoked. He wasn't even asked about Cleveland or the hourlong television show, proving how much the events of last summer still weigh on his mind constantly.

Courtesy of www.ohio.com



Phoenix Suns president reveals he's gay - by Eurobasket News
Last month, in a Midtown office adorned with sports memorabilia, two longtime friends met for a private talk. David Stern, commissioner of the NBA, sipped his morning coffee, expecting to be asked for career advice. Across from him sat Rick Welts, president and chief executive of the Phoenix Suns, who had come to New York not to discuss careers, but to say, finally, I am gay.

In many work environments, this would qualify as a so-what moment. But until now, Welts, 58, who has spent 40 years in sports, rising from ball boy with the Sonics to NBA executive to team president, had not felt comfortable enough in his chosen field to be open about his sexuality. His eyes welling at times, he also said that he planned to go public.

By this point, Welts had already traveled to Seattle to share his news with another friend, Bill Russell, one of the greatest basketball players ever and the recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He had also met with Val Ackerman, the founding president of the WNBA, in New York, and would soon be lunching in Phoenix with Steve Nash, the point guard and leader of the Suns and twice the NBA's most valuable player.

In these meetings and in interviews with The New York Times, Welts explained that he wants to pierce the silence that envelops the subject of homosexuality in men's team sports. He wants to be a mentor to gay people who harbor doubts about a sports career, whether on the court or in the front office. Most of all, he wants to feel whole, authentic.

'This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits,' said Welts, who stands now as a true rarity, a man prominently employed in professional men's team sports, willing to declare his homosexuality. 'Nobody's comfortable in engaging in a conversation.'

Richard Lapchick, founder and director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, and the son of the basketball legend Joe Lapchick, agreed.

'The fact that there's no other man who has done this before speaks directly to how hard it must be for Rick to do this now,' he said.

Stern did not find the discussion with Welts awkward or even surprising; he had long known that his friend was gay but never felt that he had license to broach the subject. Whatever I can do to help, the affably gruff commissioner said. He sensed the decades of anguish that had led the very private Welts to go public.

After what needed to be said had been said, the two men headed for the door. And for the first time in their 30-year friendship, they hugged.

The very next day, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, one of the faces of the NBA, responded to a technical foul by calling the referee a 'faggot.'



A feeling of isolation

Rick Welts always knew.

Growing up in Seattle, he was the industrious kid who landed a coveted job with the SuperSonics, first as a ball boy, then as an assistant trainer. By the time he went to the University of Washington, he had enough goodwill clout to have Lenny Wilkens, then coach of the Sonics, visit his fraternity for a chat.

After college, Welts returned to the Sonics as assistant director of public relations, a position that came with a desk but not an office. His diligent omnipresence, from early morning to late evening, impressed the team's coach at the time, the intimidating Bill Russell. 'Hey!' Russell would call. 'White boy down the hall!'

And Welts would hustle up to do whatever was asked. The mutual respect that developed between the demanding basketball legend and the earnest employee gradually grew into a friendship close enough for Russell to judge him 'a good teammate.'

Immersed in a business where manhood is often defined by on-court toughness and off-court conquest, Welts rose to become the public-relations director for the Sonics, at a time when the team won its only championship, in 1979.

Welts was eventually recruited by Stern, then a rising star in the NBA's front office, to become the league's director of national promotions. That is, to ask businesses to invest marketing dollars in what was then, arguably, the least popular professional sport.

Welts accepted. By this point, he had established a relationship with an architect he had met by chance in a Seattle restaurant in 1977. Soon Rick and Arnie became just another Manhattan couple, enjoying the live-and-let-live anonymity of the big city.

At the same time, Welts helped to raise the NBA's profile and profits. In 1984, for example, he created the NBA All-Star Weekend, with a slam-dunk contest and an old-timers' game, just as Stern became the league's commissioner. And in 1997, he and Ackerman won accolades for their roles in establishing the WNBA.

'In many ways, he had a complete understanding of the soul of the NBA,' said a grateful Stern. The NBA, though, did not have a complete understanding of Rick Welts .

Although he had opened up to his supportive parents and to his younger, only sibling, Nancy, Welts feared that if he made his homosexuality public, it would impede his rising sports career.

But this privacy came at great cost. In March 1994, his longtime partner, Arnie, died from complications related to AIDS, and Welts compartmentalized his grief, taking only a day or two off from work.

Around 7:30 on the morning after Arnie's death, Welts' home telephone rang. 'It was Stern,' he recalled. 'And I totally lost it on the phone. You know. Uncle Dave. Comforting.'

Even then, homosexuality was never discussed directly.

For weeks, Welts walked around the office, numb, unable to mourn his partner fully, or to share the anxiety of the weeklong wait for the results of an HIV test, which came back negative.

He began to think: Here he was, in his mid-50s, and maybe he had sacrificed too much; and maybe he should open up about his sexuality, in a way that might help others.

On an overcast spring morning in Seattle, Russell, wearing a green Boston Celtics cap, welcomed that white boy down the hall into his home. Welts said what he wanted to say and asked whether Russell, whose aversion to speaking with the media is legendary, would agree to talk to a reporter for The Times. 'Of course,' Russell said. 'Anything.'

As Welts shook the massive right hand offered to him, he felt a rush of nervous relief.

'I was really now on this journey,' he said.

The day after Welts met with Stern, Kobe Bryant called the referee the slur, forcing Stern once again to confront a culture in which the worst thing you can say about a man is to somehow suggest that he is less than a man.

Stern issued a $100,000 fine against Bryant, who has apologized. When asked weeks later about the persistent perception of the NBA and other men's team sports as homophobic, Stern said, 'I think we're going to get there.'

Courtesy of http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com



Ainge sees bright future for Green - by Eurobasket News
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said he expects to make restricted free agent Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) a qualifying offer prior to the July 1 deadline, in an effort to retain the services of the 24-year old forward and potentially make him a centerpiece of the club once the Big Three era comes to a close.

The original Jeff Green experiment ended on Wednesday, after approximately three months of what many would say were mixed results at best.

Transitioning from a starter who played 37 minutes per game for the Thunder to a reserve who played less than 25 minutes in every game of the 2011 postseason proved to be difficult for Green. And with the off-again, on-again struggles came waves of external criticism. Internally, however, the Celtics knew Green wasn't going to produce the same statistics he put forth as a member of the Thunder -- a concept that many of Green's critics outside of the locker room never seemed to grasp. Ainge, the man who traded for Green back in February, had his own expectations, and he said the former Georgetown star met them here.

'I think what people don't realize is how hard it is to [change roles],' Ainge said Friday at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint. 'When I played in the [1980s], we brought in players that were hurting us every time we played them, like we couldn't stop them. I think one example is a player named Darren Daye. He used to score 25 every time we played him, but now all of a sudden he's coming in, he's playing behind Larry Bird and Kevin McHale and some games he scores zero playing behind them because he's just coming into the game to give them a rest.

'It's a different role and the expectations need to be different... [Green] gave us scoring, 3-point shooting that we needed, along with good defense and some athleticism. I think Jeff was a bright spot, based on what my expectations were.'

Should the Celtics sign Green to a long-term deal, the experiment will begin all over again, only with different variables in play this time around. Ainge told Boston sports radio station WEEI on Thursday that Green will likely play a much larger role for Boston next season (and in seasons beyond), teasing the possibility of him starting in place of someone like Paul Pierce or Ray Allen. Ainge backed off of that possibility a bit on Friday when he spoke with reporters, explaining that he was only suggesting it to illustrate how he would expect Green to do more for Boston next season if he inks a new deal.

'There's some things that can be tweaked,' said Ainge. 'That's my whole point.'

Rewarding Green with a consistent position (he bounced back and forth from small forward to power forward when he joined the Celtics), more minutes, and establishing him as more of a focal point of the team's offense could help to further unlock the potential he clearly has on that end of the floor. At times, Green showed flashes of offensive versatility, from being able to post up on either block and back his man down into the lane, to having the ability to bury shots from behind the 3-point line. But often, Green appeared to lack the ever-important consistency, sometimes going consecutive games without a single post-up or 3-point attempt.

After the Celtics lost Game 5 of an Eastern Conference semifinals series Wednesday against the Miami Heat, Green suggested there is more to his game than what he was able to display in his first few months with Boston.

'These last couple months have been great like I said. Hopefully you'll see more,' said Green. 'All I'm going to do is just get better. There's a lot to my game that a lot of people haven't seen, a lot of dimensions that I can bring to this team or wherever I'm at.'

It appears as though Ainge is banking on that potential becoming reality, under the assumption that an increased role will give Green the necessary room to thrive on a team that will most likely still be filled with aging veteran stars who won't be playing as many minutes as in years past.

'First of all he's a good player right now,' Ainge said. 'Jeff has proven himself. He's been a starter on a 50-win team in the NBA and probably the third most important contributor to a team. I think that this year in the playoffs he proved that when he was really needed as more than just a player to give rest -- he played behind Ray and Paul and [Kevin Garnett], which is a tough assignment -- but when Paul got hurt in Game 2, Jeff comes in, scores 10 points in a six- or seven-minute span, had five huge points for us in the fourth quarter of [Game 5]. I think Jeff played excellent.

'I think that because of his versatility -- and maybe the expectations were too high because we were trading Kendrick Perkins for him, or I don't know what it is, but we knew that he wasn't going to start, we knew he wasn't going to play 35 minutes. We needed a veteran player, an experienced player, an athletic player, so we know what Jeff Green is. He's a highly efficient offensive player that plays good defense, that has great character, that's 6-foot-9, versatile, athletic, and that's what we need. And he's young, and I think he's just going to get better because of his character and his work ethic.'

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Respected coaches Todorov, Nash, Barthel and Merk to attend Chicago pro camp! - by Eurobasket
The market is full of exposure camps, some good and many bad. Each player and coach should do their due diligence and evaluate camps based on their website, referrals, track record etc. One camp has made a serious effort to 'raise the bar' in the market and push for excellence..The Diamond Midwest Invitational and apparently quite a few well-respected coaches feel the same way!

This year The Diamond Midwest Invitational will have attending coaches from a variety of countries and top leagues from 3 continents all over the world! Like Bob Nash from the Saitma Broncos in Japan's Bj league or Aleksandar Todorov (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) former coach from Bulgaria's Riliski Sport. This group is searching for the best players to fill their teams rosters this year!
Andreas Barthel from Webmoebel in Pro A Germany and Steve Merk from the the exceptional American league the PBL, look to not only sign players, but add value to the camp by teaching players what it takes to play at a high professional level! Todorov, a highly regarded Bulgarian Coach and Diamond Midwest attending coach said ' This event is a great way for all coaches to evaluate good ball players for their teams and the camp's willingness to pay for our travel accommodations makes this event the best!' Additional coaches and owners from Germany, Holland, Macedonia, Argentina, Latvia, the PBL, D-league and ABA are also slated to attend the June 3rd-5th camp in Chicago, Il. Coaches and player's are still encouraged to sign up before it's full!

No to long ago Seth Haake (191-G-87, college: Bemidji St.) was in the same position as many other college graduates.. The Bemidji State graduate was an aspiring pro athlete with no contacts or agent. He stumbled upon the Diamond Midwest Invitational and well...the rest is history. After a solid camp (being named as an all-camp performer) Seth was told to stay in shape and be ready, like so many other players in early summer waiting for a deal. The weeks and months went by , but still no deal or interest. ' I was definitely worried and getting down on myself, but Diamond Midwest emailed me weekly, telling me to keep my head up and that they would continue to help me find work' said Seth. In early December Seth got a call from the camp owner that he would never forget! Diamond Midwest had signed Seth, to Telemotive Munchen in Germany. 'I was shocked and surprised, I really felt there was no hope. It just goes to show the lengths Diamond is willing to go for each player' said Haake. Upon his arrival Seth led Munchen to a 11-2 record while averaging 20.0ppg 6.8rpg 3.2apg and 2.6spg. The deal turned out to resurrect the teams season and was a brilliant beginning to Seth's young career.

It seems success stories like these happen more often than not at this camp... Bret Kanis, a recognized agent, used Diamond Midwest's contacts to place one of his Big men in Portugal this past year. 'Their just an honest, easy group to work with. If they can help you, they will try. They're not driven by money or profit. Rather they want to provide a legitimate service to each and every player or coach they can' said Kanis! Diamond Midwest is unique in that they pay for transportation and or accommodations for many of the coaches who attend to view players. This helps to reduce the coaches cost while also providing a service to the camp and its players...It's a great place for coaches to view talented ball players and network with one another.

If your a coach interested in evaluating great talent from all over the US or a player looking to get their money's worth, show their talent and get signed, then check out what the Diamond Midwest Invitational has to offer. One thing is for sure..They will continue to do it the right way and raise the bar each year! Visit www.diamondbasketball.com for more info or email rmueller@basketballexposurecamp.com

Texas A&M hires Murray State's Billy Kennedy - by Eurobasket News
Texas A&M has hired Murray State's Billy Kennedy to be its next basketball coach, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Aggies athletic director Bill Byrne had narrowed the list of candidates to replace Mark Turgeon, who left A&M for Maryland last week, to Kennedy and Northern Iowas Ben Jacobson. Byrne, according to the newspaper, has told all other candidates that Kennedy will get the job. The school is expected to formally announce Kennedy's hiring at a news conference Monday.

Northern Iowa athletic director Troy Dannen said Sunday that Jacobson, who led the school the Sweet 16 in '10, would be staying with the Panthers. Dannen Posted this message on his Twitter feed: 'Jake stays in Cedar Falls. Great news for all of us.'

Kennedy, 47, is a former A&M assistant (1990-91 under Kermit Davis) who has a 211-179 career record at Centenary, Southeastern Louisiana and Murray State. In five seasons at Murray State, his clubs finished first or second in the Ohio Valley Conference. His 13th-seed Racers upset Vanderbilt in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament and lost by two to NCAA runner-up Butler in the second round. He leaves Murray State just days after agreeing on a new contract, but the A&M offer of $1 million annually more than quadrupled that salary.

Before landing on Kennedy, Byrne also inquired about hiring Marquettes Buzz Williams, Memphis Josh Pastner, Colorados Tad Boyle, North Texas Johnny Jones, Wichita States Gregg Marshall and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy.

Kennedy takes over an Aggies program has advanced to six consecutive NCAA Tournaments and could be a preseason top 25 club. Seven of the club's top 10 players are set to return, including the top two scorer's, Khris Middleton and David Loubeau. A&M's top two incoming recruits, Jamal Branch and Jordan Green, told the Chronicle last week that they planned to stick with the Aggies no matter who was the next coach.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

VCU coach Shaka Smart still riding wave from Final Four run - by Eurobasket News
In the 40 days since Virginia Commonwealth played in its first Final Four, coach Shaka Smart has enjoyed his share of adventures.

He attended the White House correspondents' dinner and threw a ceremonial first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, where he also sang Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Last year he and wife Maya went unnoticed in restaurants. Now, unless they grab the check in a hurry, either someone picks up the tab or it's on the house. Locals are saying thanks for leading VCU, which barely made the NCAA field of 68, to one can-you-believe-it win after another before losing to Butler in the semifinals in Houston.

Smart was briefly courted by North Carolina State before he agreed to a new contract with VCU that will pay him about $1.2 million a season in base pay, more than three times the base pay in his previous contract.

Not bad for his second season as a head coach.

'I'm very appreciative of the attention: people wanting autographs, the governor having us over,' says Smart, who turned 34 April 8. 'I know it's because we won five games in March, and I emphasize 'we.' We did it together. It was a group of players and coaches who bonded together.'

He also knows fame can be fleeting. By fall some will wonder if he can sustain success. Last season's team was led by seniors recruited by former coach Anthony Grant, who left in 2009 for Alabama. Most of the remaining players are Smart's recruits. At a minimum, fans probably will expect repeat NCAA tournament appearances.

'All I can do is take the team I have each year and do the best job I can molding it into a winner,' Smart says. 'Last season we went to the Final Four. It was a heck of an accomplishment.'

The Rams' postseason run started in the expanded round of play-in games with a win against Southern California. Wins against Georgetown, Purdue and Florida State followed. The ultimate shocker came in the Southwest regional final in San Antonio, where VCU knocked off No. 1 seed Kansas to advance to the Final Four.

Before last season, VCU had never played beyond the tournament's first weekend. The biggest postseason thrill for the school of about 32,000 was 2007's first-round upset of Duke.

After pairings were announced on Selection Sunday, some TV analysts knocked the tournament selection committee for putting VCU in the field of 68.

Every win by VCU, a member of the mid-major Colonial Athletic Association, was something to talk about in March.

'It's one of those things where in the midst of it everybody knew something special was happening,' Smart says.

Now comes a reality check: Only two starters 7-0 freshman D.J. Haley and 6-6 junior Bradford Burgess will return in the fall. VCU athletics director Norwood Teague is mindful of that.

'Managing expectations is very important to me,' Teague says. 'I want to do a good job in doing that. You do that through telling your stakeholders we could go through a rebuilding year.'

Florida coach Billy Donovan, who coached the Gators to back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 and for whom Smart worked during the 2008-09 season, says Smart is in for the biggest learning experience of his career.

'The sack on his back has gotten heavier,' Donovan says. 'When you win at that level, there's baggage. Every time they lose it will be scrutinized. Everything will be looked at differently.'

Smart talks about the Final Four and the accompanying adulation with a sense of detachment.

'I've learned earlier in my life not to take anything personally,' he says. 'People say that as it relates to bad things. I think it's also important to apply that to success. If you start feeling like this is all a reflection on you, then you can start to get complacent. You can start feeling like you have it all figured out and you don't need to get better.'

Smart always expects to win, his wife says. He goes to bed thinking about the game and wakes up strategizing. Because he's a meticulous planner, 'when the team loses, it comes as a complete shock to him,' she says.

With a youthful disposition, including a propensity for joining players in a hustle drill as they dive for loose balls, Smart connects with his players.

For Haley, a mechanical engineering major, it's a plus that Smart has an intellectual mind. 'He's very educated and that's easy to tell,' Haley says. 'We talk about politics and have discussions about physics. He told me in college he had to track planetary motion. I was like, 'Wow.''



Smarts just one of Smart's qualities

Smart graduated magna cum laude from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, in 1999 with a degree in history. He also was an outstanding Division III basketball player and decided to pursue coaching instead of a Ph.D.

He met his wife through a mutual friend while he was an assistant at Akron. They married five years ago and are a expecting a baby girl in mid-September. Maya Smart, 30, received a bachelor's degree from Harvard and a master's in journalism from Northwestern. She is a freelance business writer and editor who teaches an on-line business journalism course for Arizona State.

While in college, Smart never missed class except for road games, and those absences bothered him. 'Maybe people would say I'm a nerd for that,' he says.

If he weren't a coach, he probably would be a professor, Smart says. He often cites quotations he has archived in the last four years on his laptop. From William Shakespeare and Helen Keller to Jimi Hendrix and Eminem, Smart has a 120-page collection.

'It's his only hobby,' his wife says. 'He spends so much time thinking about basketball that this gives him five minutes a day to think about something else.'

He uses a favorite quote to describe VCU's Final Four run, by English poet John Keats: 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.'

Except for that phrase, Smart has a hard time describing what it felt like to reach the Final Four.

'So often words are insufficient in defining an experience or a time in your life,' he says. 'This was definitely one of those times.'

The experience strengthened his ties to the university, and a new contract gave him stability, he says. 'A lot of people would say, 'You just went to the Final Four, you have to capitalize on that. You've got to take something bigger.'

'I'm thinking, 'We just went to the Final Four. Maybe I'm messed up, but that's a reason to stay.' If the day after we got back from the Final Four, I had said, 'I'm going somewhere else,' that would have forever diminished the experience for all of us.''



Life still not back to normal

Smart still hasn't watched tape of the Butler game, a 70-62 loss.

'I'll watch it at some point this offseason,' he says. 'It was a game that we really wanted to win and felt we could have won. It will hurt a little bit to watch it but I will eventually.

'When I watch it, I'm going to need a nice three-hour span of time to watch, rewind and write down notes and put it behind me.'

By then maybe life will be back to normal. For weeks he and his staff have sorted through piles of cards. Some congratulate Smart and the team; others offer condolences on the loss of his grandfather, Walter King, who died at 90 on March 29.

Smart was raised by his mother, Monica King, in Wisconsin. Walter King was the father figure in his life, and Smart often visited him in Chicago. Before the NCAA tournament began, Smart saw his grandfather for the last time.

Following his grandfather's wishes, there was no funeral but the family will celebrate his life later this spring. Smart says his death still hasn't sunk in.

'There have been three or four times where I've called him and he's not there,' he says.

Smart's appearance at Wrigley Field, where he watched many Cubs games with his grandfather, happened to land on Sunday, Walter King's birthday.

He walked up to the pitcher's mound and delivered the pitch.

It was a strike. For now, he's still golden.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com



Louisville recruit Tony Woods now looking at Kentucky, Texas - by Eurobasket News
Former Wake Forest center Tony Woods (6'11''-C-90) appears to have ushered in the University of Kentucky and ushered out Louisville in his quest to play next season.

Woods committed to U of L in November after he left Wake Forest. He had a strong relationship with former Cardinals assistant coach Tim Fuller, who had also played at Wake.
UK was one of several schools to inquire about Woods in the fall as well.

When Fuller left U of L to take a similar position at Missouri, Woods decided to open up his recruitment, too. According to Yahoo! Sports, Woods made an unofficial visit to UK last week and is also considering visiting Texas.

Woods told Yahoo! that he met with UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart and president Lee Todd on his visit.

I guess they're the ones who ultimately have to give me the green light, Woods said. Hopefully I left them with a good impression.

The 6-foot-11 center left Wake after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a September argument with his girlfriend. Woods accepted responsibility for his actions when he explained the incident to The Courier-Journal in November.

One reason I pleaded guilty is because one thing not really published in any newspapers that actually took place was I was holding my son during this whole incident, Woods said. That's why it took place. She took an action, and I reacted poorly and I pushed her.

He enrolled at Jefferson Community College, and as long as he completes his associate's degree he will be able to play in the fall for another Division I school due to an NCAA transfer rule.

With Terrence Jennings opting to turn professional, Woods still was welcomed at U of L. But sophomore-to-be Gorgui Dieng likely will start at center, and freshman Zach Price and junior Stephan Van Treese are available.

The Wildcats could use another post player to go along with Eloy Vargas, the only true post player returning, and freshman power forward Anthony Davis, ranked by some as the top player in the 2011 class.

Courtesy of www.dnj.com

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


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 Hawks20.3 
 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, Wellington8.6 
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, Southland5.2 
 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, Southland2.0 
 7. Frank, Wellington1.8 
 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, Wellington1.0 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.9 


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


Aminu Alade wins Coupe de France 2011 with Chalon - by Eurobasket News
Alade Aminu (208-F-87, college: Georgia Tech) has a great season in France. The Nigerian forward helped his Chalon win 'Coupe de France 2011' last night. They outplayed Limoges in the Big Final 79-71 to win this trophy. The game took place at the Bercy arena (Paris) in front of 14300 spectators. Blake Schilb was a key player for the winners as he collected 26 points and 5 rebounds. Alade Aminu also shined adding 17 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, Robert Hite with 28 points and 6 boards. Ronnie Taylor and Cedrick Banks had 17 and 12 points respectively. Limoges opened the game better making 18-22 lead in the first ten minutes. Chalon replied with 18-15 in the second quarter and continued with 20-14 in Q3. Last ten minutes belonged to Chalon as well (23-20), what was enough for the final 79-71 victory and first trophy in the clubs history. The season is not over for Chalon, who looks forward to ProA Quarterfinals.
Alade Aminu joined Chalon last summer from the Miami Heat. He appeared 29 times in ProA so far averaging 8.3 points and 4.8 rebounds.

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


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
1. Real Club 10-0
2. Regatas 9-1
3. Colegio Inmaculada 8-3
4. Escuela de Oficiales de la Fap
8-3
5. Ejercito 4-7
6. Club Centro Naval del Peru 4-7
7. El Bosque
4-6
8. San Agustin 4-6
9. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos 2-9
10. Universitario
0-11


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


Hala Bola! The 2011 PBA All-Star Weekend in Boracay - by Enzo Flojo
This years PBA All-Star Weekend promises to be extra unique as the PBA stars invade the island paradise of Boracay from May 18-22, 2011.

Aside from the North vs. South All-Star Game, which is the main attraction of the 22nd edition of the spectacle, there are a host of skills events and the Rookies vs. Sophomores Blitz Game that should enthrall fans and tourists alike.

In last years All-Star Game, the North stars escaped the Souths challenge, 133-130, and Im sure the Southerners will want some payback.

The All-Star MVP then, Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) (Rain or Shine), is once again expected to give a great all-around performance. Out to help him are the following:

North Starters: Marc Pingris (195-C-81) (Derby Ace), Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) (Derby Ace), Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) (Ginebra) and Willie Miller (180-G-77) (Ginebra).

North Reserves: LA Tenorio (178-G-84) (Alaska), Mark Cardona (180-G/F-81) (Meralco), Ranidel de Ocampo (Talk n Text), Harvey Carey (191-F-79, college: Sonoma St.) (Talk n Text), Rabeh Al-Hussaini (199-F/C-88) (San Miguel Beer), Arwind Santos (193-F-81) (San Miguel Beer) and Alex Cabagnot (183-G-82, college: Hawaii-Hilo) (San Miguel Beer).

North Coach: Ato Agustin (San Miguel Beer).

And leading the Southern push is James Yap (191-F/G-82) (Derby Ace), who garnered the most fan votes. Aiding him are:

South Starters: Jay Washington (206-C-81, college: Eckerd) (San Miguel Beer), Kelly Williams (198-F-82, college: Oakland) (Talk n Text), Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior) (Ginebra) and Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) (Alaska).

South Reserves: Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) (Talk n Text), PJ Simon (Derby Ace), Asi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) (Meralco), Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) (Air21), Danny Seigle (198-F/G-76, college: Wagner) (Air21), Joe Devance (201-C-82, college: UTEP) (Alaska) and Sonny Thoss (Alaska).

South Coach: Chot Reyes (Talk n Text).

Skills Events Participants:

Slam Dunk Contest: Kelly Williams, Gabe Norwood, Jay Washington, JC Intal, Ronald Tubid, Elmer Espiritu, and Rey Guevarra.

3-Point Shootout: Mark Macapagal, Jimmy Alapag, Dondon Hontiveros, James James Yap, Mark Cardona, Joe Devance, Ronald Tubid, Ronjay Buenafe and Sunday Salvacion.

*There is also a special side-event shootout involving the top three finishers and PBA greats Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin and Allan Caidic.

Obstacle Challenge: Jonas Villanueva, Jimmy Alapag, Ronjay Buenafe, Alex Cabagnot, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio, Chris Ross, Josh Urbiztondo and Sean Anthony.

It seems like the PBA brass are pulling no punches and sparing no expense to make this years staging of the All-Star Weekend really distinct and memorable. It should bolster the already bursting-at-the-seams tourism industry in Boracay, and expose the PBA players to foreign presence. It also seems apt that the All-Star Weekend is only a few weeks removed from the end of the Commissioners Cup, securing attention for the league in-between conferences.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach suits, camera, and book that ticket! Time to go to Bora, enjoy the beach, and be spellbound by the 22nd PBA All-Star Weekend! Hala Bora! <<>><<>>

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


Who Really Had Us In The Championship - by Nate Bowie
Changes in our lives can be significant and mentally challenging. The pessimist sees change and fears things may get worse. The optimist sees change and hopes things may get better. The realist sees change and is inspired by the challenge to make things better! And us Terceira Basket had hope, and we made it through the trails and tribulations as we with stood all the hate and turmoil. Winning is a lovely feeling and especially when nobody had us winning NO GAMES. As I put the whole season in one sentence, success is never acheived by ones brain but is acheived by ones HEART. As we enter into the championship games against Barcelos we go into this with the same glasses a optimist will wear. We are ready, as we are undefeated in the playoffs and on a 8 game wining streak.

Beating tough and hard fought Povoa I was very excited because the gym was packed as if it was the last van ride to heaven. I look around the gym and this was the environment I was used to playing in in College, Slovenia and Spain. Regardless if we are home or away the crowd really did it for me and I went out with a bang. Scoring 41 points, 7 out of 10 threes, 10 rebounds and three assist away from a triple double. All I can say is life is good. I came into this season with the mentality of we all have we all have two choices; we can make a living or we can design a life and I decided when I stepped on the court that I will design my life.

In conclusion I wanted to say that - I wasnt the kind of guy that believed in superheroes. Rather, I do believe in the extraordinary. I believe people can do the extraordinary out of the ordinary, not outside of the ordinary. Until next time stay tune and be safe. Xau. Nate Bowie (183-G-86, college: Cent.Arkansas)

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Some observations about the table:

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

Humacao and Coamo are the teams that were most affected.

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

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

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

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

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

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 11-5 
 2. Guaynabo 11-7 
 3. Quebradillas 10-6 
 4. Santurce 9-7 
 5. San German 9-8 
 6. Arecibo 8-9 
 7. Humacao 8-9 
 8. Coamo 8-10 
 9. Isabela 6-12 
 10. Mayaguez 5-12 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.4
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo24.4 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas23.6 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon21.5 
 4. Clemente, Humacao19.6 
 5. Villegas, Coamo19.6 
 6. Johnson, Humacao19.0 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Ayuso, Arecibo18.2 
 9. Clinch, Isabela18.0 
 10. Harris, San German17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Narvaez, Coamo12.5 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.1 
 3. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.9 
 4. Ramos, Quebradillas11.4 
 5. Harris, San German10.9 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.8 
 7. Rickert, Bayamon10.6 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon9.1 
 10. Sweetney, Santur.8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.8 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Copeland, Arecibo5.6 
 4. Guzman, Guaynabo5.1 
 5. Clemente, Humacao4.9 
 6. Clinch, Isabela4.6 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 8. Berdiel, Humacao3.9 
 9. Copeland, San G.3.8 
 10. Apodaca, Quebradi.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Brandon ROBINSON
  Mayaguez
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Robinson, Mayaguez1.9 
 2. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 3. Santiago, Santurce1.8 
 4. Clinch, Isabela1.6 
 5. Rivera, Mayaguez1.5 
 6. Hodge, Santurce1.5 
 7. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 8. Carmona, Mayaguez1.4 
 9. Dalmau, Bayamon1.4 
 10. Chaney, Santurce1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.4 
 3. Santiago, Arecibo2.2 
 4. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Sanchez, Santurce1.7 
 7. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.6 
 9. Rickert, Bayamon1.6 
 10. Shannon, Bayamon1.4 


Weekly BSN Team Rankings-Week 7 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en&hl=en&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=19&range=a1%3Af11&output=html



*****************************************************
  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.20.5 
 4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.20.4 
 5. Tomic, CSM B.19.9 
 6. Pesic, Timisoara19.8 
 7. Horton, Craiova19.6 
 8. Darby, Rovinari19.1 
 9. Vujacic, Pitesti19.0 
 10. Gennie, Pitesti18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kenneth SIMMS
  Craiova
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 11
 1. Simms, Craiova11.0 
 2. Coleman, Miercure.10.5 
 3. Bennett, CSM B.9.6 
 4. Bigus, Rovinari9.3 
 5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.9.2 
 6. Nicoara, Gaz Metan8.8 
 7. Forte, Mures8.5 
 8. Burlacu, Ploiesti7.8 
 9. Carutasu, Steaua7.7 
 10. Eichelberger, Pit.7.7 
Assists Per Game
 JuJuan COOLEY
  Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Cooley, Mures8.3 
 2. Dzambic, CSM B.7.9 
 3. Hannah, Miercure.6.2 
 4. Howell, Gaz Metan5.2 
 5. Stojakovic, Craiova5.2 
 6. Blidaru, Ploiesti5.1 
 7. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN5.1 
 8. Medvedj, Otopeni4.9 
 9. Gennie, Pitesti4.8 
 10. Dzambic, Timisoara4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Nikola STOJAKOVIC
  Craiova
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Stojakovic, Craiova2.5 
 2. Gennie, Pitesti2.4 
 3. Cooley, Mures2.4 
 4. Harrison, CSU Sibiu2.4 
 5. Howell, Gaz Metan2.2 
 6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan2.1 
 7. Dykes, U.Mobite.2.0 
 8. Blidaru, Ploiesti1.9 
 9. Eichelberger, Pite.1.9 
 10. Dawson, Polite.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael HARRISON
  CSU Sibiu
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Harrison, CSU Sibiu1.8 
 2. Capusan, Rovinari1.6 
 3. Eichelberger, Pite.1.6 
 4. Masiulis, CSU S.1.5 
 5. Mladenovic, Mures1.4 
 6. Herndon, CSU Sibiu1.4 
 7. Simms, Craiova1.3 
 8. Lazar, Oradea1.2 
 9. Dragusin, Gaz M.0.9 
 10. Burlacu, Ploiesti0.9 


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


Standings - Superleague A
PBL Standings
 1. Unics 20-6 
 2. CSKA 17-9 
 3. Lokomotiv 17-9 
 4. Khimky 16-9 
 5. Spartak SP 16-10 
 6. Enisey 12-14 
 7. Krasnie Krilya 10-16 
 8. N.Novgorod 9-17 
 9. Dynamo 8-18 
 10. Triumph 4-21 


Chris Lofton and Lokomotiv Kuban split ways - by Eurobasket News
Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) left Russia. The 25-year-old guard has reached an agreement on terms of contract termination with Lokomotiv Kuban. Chris Lofton joined the Russian team back in March. He appeared in one EuroChallenge game scoring 2 points and grabbing one rebound. In Russian PBL the guard notched 3.3 points per appearance. Chris Lofton started the game in D-League. He tallied 15.6 points, 3.5 boards and 2.3 assists per game for the Iowa Energy. Last season Chris Lofton started in Caja Laboral. The guard later moved to Estudiantes in Madrid. He posted 12.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists per ACB game.


PBL Round 26: Unics Kazan beats Enisey Krasnoyarsk by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in PBL.

Sixth-ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-14) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Unics Kazan (20-6) on Sunday. The visitors from Kazan managed to secure only three-point victory 89-86. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 30-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Enisey Krasnoyarsk helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American swingman Ricky Minard (194-82, college: Morehead St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. Bosnian-Slovenian center Hasan Rizvic (212-84) contributed with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds for Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Unics Kazan have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-6 record. Enisey Krasnoyarsk at the other side keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. Unics Kazan are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (#10) in Lubertsy in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play on the road against Spartak St.Petersburg (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Khimky (16-9) against fourth ranked Lokomotiv (17-9) on Monday night. Host Khimky was defeated by Lokomotiv in a tough game in Khimki 75-81. It was a key game for the second position in the league. American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) scored 24 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Lionel Chalmers chipped in 26 points during the contest. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Croatian-Bosnian guard Zoran Planinic (199-82) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Lokomotiv moved-up to second place, which they share with CSKA. Khimky at the other side dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. Lokomotiv will play against BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Khimky will play against Dynamo Moscow (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Spartak St.Petersburg (16-10) and BC Nizhny Novgorod (9-17), which took place in Nizhny Novgorod. Higher ranked Spartak St.Petersburg lost to ninth ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod in a road game 73-84 on Sunday. Nemanja Protic notched 20 points to lead the effort. Even 24 points and 6 assists by Anton Ponkrashov did not help to save the game for Spartak St.Petersburg. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BC Nizhny Novgorod moved-up to eighth place. Loser Spartak St.Petersburg dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. BC Nizhny Novgorod will meet higher ranked Lokomotiv (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Spartak St.Petersburg will play against Enisey Krasnoyarsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between 9th ranked Dynamo Moscow (8-18) and third ranked CSKA Moscow (17-9) in Moscow ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Moscow outscored Dynamo Moscow 87-66. The best player for the winners was Viktor Khryapa who scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. CSKA Moscow's coach Jonas Kazlauskas felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Lokomotiv. Dynamo Moscow at the other side keeps the ninth position with 18 games lost. CSKA Moscow's next round opponent will be Krasnie Krilya (#7) in Samara where they are favorite. Dynamo Moscow will play on the road against Khimky in Khimki.

In the last game of round 26 bottom-ranked Triumph was beaten by Krasnie Krilya on the road 94-87.


N.Novgorod - Spartak SP 84-73

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Spartak St.Petersburg (16-10) and BC Nizhny Novgorod (9-17), which took place in Nizhny Novgorod. Higher ranked Spartak St.Petersburg lost to ninth ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod in a road game 73-84 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by BC Nizhny Novgorod. Spartak St.Petersburg managed to win fourth quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Nizhny Novgorod dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Spartak St.Petersburg's 18. They outrebounded Spartak St.Petersburg 42-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. Serbian guard Nemanja Protic (182-86) notched 20 points to lead the effort and naturalized Belarusian forward Aliaksandr Pustahvar (201-85, agency: RU-Basket Management) supported him with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Even 24 points and 6 assists by the former international guard Anton Ponkrashov (200-86, agency: RIZO) did not help to save the game for Spartak St.Petersburg. Serbian-Montenegrin forward Nikola Dragovic (206-87, college: UCLA) added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BC Nizhny Novgorod moved-up to eighth place. Loser Spartak St.Petersburg dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. BC Nizhny Novgorod will meet higher ranked Lokomotiv (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Spartak St.Petersburg will play against Enisey Krasnoyarsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spartak SP: A.Ponkrashov 24+4reb+6ast, H.Domercant 17+3reb, N.Dragovic 17+9reb, P.Beverley 8+3reb+2ast, P.Popovic 7+1reb+1ast, A.Kotishevskiy 0+1ast
N.Novgorod: A.Yakovenko 20+2reb, N.Protic 20+4reb+2ast, A.Pustahvar 14+9reb+2ast, S.Antonov 8+11reb+2ast, I.Paunic 6+5reb+2ast, O.Baranov 5+3reb
gschID: 104071


Enisey - Unics 86-89

Sixth-ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-14) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Unics Kazan (20-6) on Sunday. The visitors from Kazan managed to secure only three-point victory 89-86. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 30-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Enisey Krasnoyarsk helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American swingman Ricky Minard (194-82, college: Morehead St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. Bosnian-Slovenian center Hasan Rizvic (212-84) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Kevinn Pinkney (207-83, college: Nevada) added 18 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Five Unics Kazan and four Enisey Krasnoyarsk players scored in double figures. Unics Kazan have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-6 record. Enisey Krasnoyarsk at the other side keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. Unics Kazan are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (#10) in Lubertsy in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play on the road against Spartak St.Petersburg (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Enisey: L.Baxter 24+10reb, A.Komarovskiy 19+1reb+6ast, K.Pinkney 18+6reb+2ast, M.Williams 10+3reb+7ast, S.Demeshkin 6+1reb, A.Savkov 4+5reb+2ast
Unics: R.Minard 22+5reb+3ast, M.Lampe 17+2reb, M.Popovic 13+1reb+1ast, H.Rizvic 10+10reb, Z.Pashutin 10+5reb+3ast, T.Lyday 7+1reb
gschID: 104072


Krasnie Krilya - Triumph 94-87

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Krasnie Krilya (10-16) beat bottom-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (4-21) in Samara 94-87. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 28-22. But Triumph Lyubertsy won second period 23-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Krasnie Krilya especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. The best player for the winners was American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) who scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (195-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 19 points and 7 assists. Krasnie Krilya's coach Stanislav Eremin used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international guard Egor Vyaltsev (192-85) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists and forward Valery Likhodey (204-86) added 24 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Krasnie Krilya have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 10-16 record. Triumph Lyubertsy lost thirteenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. Krasnie Krilya's next round opponent will be league's second-placed CSKA Moscow on the road and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Triumph Lyubertsy will play against the league's leader Unics Kazan (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Triumph: V.Likhodey 24+6reb, E.Vyaltsev 19+6reb+10ast, S.Karasev 12+4reb+3ast, A.Vikhrov 9+3reb+1ast, P.Spiridonov 7+3reb+1ast, A.Kurcevich 7+2reb+1ast
Krasnie Krilya: B.Rush 19+6reb+6ast, E.Bremer 19+2reb+7ast, V.Zvarykin 15+3reb+2ast, M.Marinovic 9+1reb+3ast, A.Trushkin 8+4reb+1ast, A.Dedushkin 7+6reb
gschID: 104073


Khimky - Lokomotiv 75-81

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Khimky (16-9) against fourth ranked Lokomotiv (17-9) on Monday night. Host Khimky was defeated by Lokomotiv in a tough game in Khimki 75-81. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-15. But Khimky won second period 26-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) scored 24 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) chipped in 26 points during the contest. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Croatian-Bosnian guard Zoran Planinic (199-82) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) scored 22 points and 5 rebounds. Lokomotiv moved-up to second place, which they share with CSKA. Khimky at the other side dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. Lokomotiv will play against BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Khimky will play against Dynamo Moscow (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Khimky: K.Loncar 22+5reb, Z.Planinic 17+6reb+7ast, S.Monya 12+6reb+2ast, V.Fridzon 9+3reb+1ast, L.Papadopoulos 6+3reb+1ast, T.Kelati 5+2reb+1ast
Lokomotiv: L.Chalmers 26+2reb+2ast, J.Massey 24+7reb+3ast, Y.Vasiliev 8+2reb+1ast, G.Jeretin 7+3reb+2ast, S.Toporov 6+4reb+1ast, M.Grigoryev 4+2reb+2ast
gschID: 104074


Dynamo - CSKA 66-87

The game between 9th ranked Dynamo Moscow (8-18) and third ranked CSKA Moscow (17-9) in Moscow ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Moscow outscored Dynamo Moscow 87-66. The game without a history. CSKA Moscow led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Dynamo Moscow's 22 and made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Dynamo Moscow 36-22 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. CSKA Moscow brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) who scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. International center Sasha Kaun (211-85) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. CSKA Moscow's coach Jonas Kazlauskas felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. International guard Eugeny Voronov (193-86) produced 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international guard Victor Keyru (199-84) added 20 points and 4 steals respectively for the hosts. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Lokomotiv. Dynamo Moscow at the other side keeps the ninth position with 18 games lost. CSKA Moscow's next round opponent will be Krasnie Krilya (#7) in Samara where they are favorite. Dynamo Moscow will play on the road against Khimky in Khimki.
Top scorers:
Dynamo: V.Keyru 20+1reb+3ast, E.Voronov 16+6reb+6ast, P.Gubanov 11+4reb+3ast, A.Zhukanenko 7+6reb+1ast, N.Shabalkin 4+2reb, V.Zavoruev 4+1reb
CSKA: S.Kaun 13+6reb, J.Holden 10+4reb+4ast, M.Smodis 10+1reb, V.Khryapa 10+8reb+3ast, T.Langdon 9+3reb+2ast, D.Polokhin 7+2ast
gschID: 104075




Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Tywain MCKEE
  Triumph
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. McKee, Triumph19.9 
 2. Langford, Khimky18.2 
 3. Lampe, Unics17.2 
 4. Baxter, Enisey16.9 
 5. Domercant, Spart.16.8 
 6. Keyru, Dynamo16.3 
 7. Williams, Enisey15.1 
 8. Labovic, Enisey14.5 
 9. Vyaltsev, Triumph14.1 
 10. Chalmers, Lokom.13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo7.3 
 2. Lampe, Unics7.2 
 3. Khryapa, CSKA7.0 
 4. Baxter, Enisey6.8 
 5. Beverley, Spart.6.6 
 6. Monya, Khimky6.4 
 7. Massey, Lokomotiv6.3 
 8. Brezec, Krasnie6.2 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.0 
 10. Paunic, N.Novgorod5.5 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 7
 1. Williams, Enisey7.0 
 2. Bremer, Krasnie6.0 
 3. Vyaltsev, Triumph5.5 
 4. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.7 
 5. Popovic, Unics4.3 
 6. Khvostov, Dynamo4.1 
 7. Planinic, Khimky4.0 
 8. Rush, Krasnie Kril.3.4 
 9. McKee, Triumph3.4 
 10. Holden, CSKA3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Beverley, Spart.1.9 
 2. Voronov, Dynamo1.8 
 3. McKee, Triumph1.8 
 4. Bremer, Krasnie1.6 
 5. Ponkrashov, Spart.1.5 
 6. Surovtsev, Lokom.1.4 
 7. Pashutin, Unics1.4 
 8. Labovic, Enisey1.4 
 9. Domercant, Spart.1.4 
 10. Massey, Lokomotiv1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Kaun, CSKA1.2 
 2. Eze, Khimky1.1 
 3. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 4. Varlamov, Triumph1.0 
 5. Monya, Khimky1.0 
 6. Zabelin, CSKA0.9 
 7. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.9 
 8. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.9 
 9. Likhodey, Triumph0.9 
 10. Sokolov, CSKA0.8 


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


UNsigned Free Agents Update - by Kevin Campigotto
*** All figures in Million Won. 1,000,000= roughly 916,000 USD ***




















































































































TEAMS OFFER PLAYERS OFFER
TEAM PLAYER TOTAL ANNUAL

SALARY		 CONTRACT LENGTH TOTAL ANNUAL

SALARY		 CONTRACT

LENGTH
Dongbu Kim Jin-Ho NO OFFER FROM TEAM 55 2
Kim Sung-Hyun 45 1 56 2
Park Bum-Jae 36 1 42 2
Park Bum-Jae 35 1 38 1
Mobis Lee Seung-Hyun 40 1 45 1
Orions Park Hoon-Keun 70 1 75 1
Suk Myung-Jun 90 3 100 3
KT Choi Min-Gyu NO OFFER FROM TEAM 60
Park Sung-Woon NO OFFER FROM TEAM 60
Incheon Lee Sang-Jun NO OFFER FROM TEAM 50
Anyang Shin Jae-Rok No offer from team 45 2
LG Cho Sang-Hyun 200 1 250 2
Samsung Kang Hyuk 180 1 230 2



Seoul Guard Hyuk Kang becomes free agent after negotiations fail - by Kevin Campigotto
Seoul Samsung Thunders guard Kang Hyuk (187-G-76) will enter the free agent market after negotiations over a new contract failed. He is one of 19 players who will be free agents this off-season. There was a huge divide between what Kang wanted and what Samsung was willing to pay. Kang wanted a contract worth a total of 230,000,000 won while Samsung refused to offer more than 180,000,000 won.

With Samsung placing its head coach after it was bounced from the playoffs, this split seems part of his rebuilding effort. Many believe that Kang will not fit into the system he is trying to implement and so will not be returning to Samsung.

Last season Kangs salary was 300,000,000 won and because of KBL free agency regulations, if he signs with a new team that team will have to pay Samsung equal to Kangs salary last season, 300,000,000. However, Kang is considered one of the top free agents this year so there are some teams who might be willing to pay the cost.

In total 19 KBL players failed to come to an agreement with their current team. The will have from the 16th to the 20th of this month to negotiate a contract and sign a letter of intent to re-sign with a new team. Unlike the NBA, once league-wide negotiations begin the player must go to whichever team offers the most money. If the players are unable to attract a new team they will begin renegotiating with their current club starting on the 21st.

Besides the 19 free agents, 5 players have announced their retirement. They are: Kwon Chul-Hyun (197-F-82), Kim Byong-Chul (185-G-73), Ha Sang-Yoon (180-G-76), Park Young-Min (189-G/F-79), and Lee Chang-Soo (196-C/F-69). 19 other free agents have already renewed their contracts with their current teams.



Signed Free Agents Update - by Kevin Campigotto
List of players who have re-signed with their teams

*** All figures in Million Won. 1,000,000= roughly 916,000 USD ***































































































































































































Team player Contract length Annual salary incentive Total salary Raise (%)
Dongbu Hwang Jin-Won 1 180 40 220 0
Jin Kyung-Suk 2 75 7 82 17.1
Mobis Yang Dong-Geun 5 510 60 570 16.3
Choi Yun-Ho 1 36 0 36 2.9
Orions Oh Yong-Jun 3 130 20 150 25
Anyang KGC Kim Sung-Chul 3 270 30 300 -9.1
Park Sung-Hoon 3 80 10 80 63.6
KCC Choo Seung-Kyun 1 180 20 200 -42.9
Jung Sun-Kyu 3 80 20 100 -16.7
Incheon Seo Jang-Hoon 1 250 100 350 0
Lim Hyo-Sung 4 80 0 80 33.3
Chung Byung-Kook 5 120 20 140 137.3
SK Baek In-Seon 5 180 20 200 100
Hwang Sung-In 2 80 5 85 -34.6
Shin Sang-Ho 1 35 0 35 59.1
LG Kim Hyun-Joong 5 200 50 250 127.3
Han Jung-Won 4 80 0 80 14.3
KT Song Young-Jin 3 240 30 270 12.5
Cho Dong-Hyun 2 170 30 200 0



Seoul Guard Hyuk Kang becomes free agent after negotiations fail - by Kevin Campigotto
Seoul Samsung Thunders guard Huk Kang will enter the free agent market after negotiations over a new contract failed. He is one of 19 players who will be free agents this off-season. There was a huge divide between what Kang wanted and what Samsung was willing to pay. Kang wanted a contract worth a total of 230,000,000 won while Samsung refused to offer more than 180,000,000 won.

With Samsung placing its head coach after it was bounced from the playoffs, this split seems part of his rebuilding effort. Many believe that Kang will not fit into the system he is trying to implement and so will not be returning to Samsung.

Last season Kangs salary was 300,000,000 won and because of KBL free agency regulations, if he signs with a new team that team will have to pay Samsung equal to Kangs salary last season, 300,000,000. However, Kang is considered one of the top free agents this year so there are some teams who might be willing to pay the cost.

In total 19 KBL players failed to come to an agreement with their current team. The will have from the 16th to the 20th of this month to negotiate a contract and sign a letter of intent to re-sign with a new team. Unlike the NBA, once league-wide negotiations begin the player must go to whichever team offers the most money. If the players are unable to attract a new team they will begin renegotiating with their current club starting on the 21st.

Besides the 19 free agents, 5 players have announced their retirement. They are: Chul heun Kyun, Peung Chul Kim, Sang Yeun Ha, young min park, Chang su lee. 19 other free agents have already renewed their contracts with their current teams.


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


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Guillen, La Laguna19.4 
 2. Palacios, La Palma16.8 
 3. Mohammed, Lleida16.2 
 4. Detrick, Melilla15.7 
 5. Feldeine, Breogan15.4 
 6. Seawright, Leon15.2 
 7. Navarro, Girona14.9 
 8. Faverani, CB Mu.14.9 
 9. Franklin, CB Tarra.14.8 
 10. Johnson, Huesca14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kiril WACHSMANN
  Alcazar
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Wachsmann, Alcazar9.2 
 2. Curtis, Lleida9.2 
 3. Sinanovic, Clinic.8.0 
 4. Seawright, Leon7.8 
 5. Guillen, La Laguna7.5 
 6. Kale, Ourense7.2 
 7. Arteaga, Breogan7.2 
 8. Blair, Navarra7.0 
 9. Frost, Palencia6.9 
 10. Chagoyen, La Lag.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Rodriguez, Obrad.4.7 
 2. Aguilar, CB Tarra.4.6 
 3. Sabat, La Laguna3.9 
 4. Bernabe, Leon3.5 
 5. Brown, Ourense3.5 
 6. Jimenez, Melilla3.5 
 7. Rivero, CB Murcia3.3 
 8. Quezada, Leon3.2 
 9. Rodriguez, La Pa.2.9 
 10. Alvarado, La Palma2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Rodriguez, Obrad.2.2 
 2. Bernabe, Leon1.8 
 3. Rost, Girona1.7 
 4. Xavier, Caceres1.6 
 5. Franklin, CB Tarra.1.6 
 6. Palacios, La Palma1.5 
 7. Castro, Burgos1.4 
 8. Alba, CB Tarragona1.4 
 9. Canals, Girona1.3 
 10. Feldeine, Breogan1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeff FOOTE
  Melilla
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Foote, Melilla2.0 
 2. Humphrey, Caceres1.5 
 3. Fontet, Leon1.3 
 4. Sinanovic, Clinic.1.2 
 5. Hicks, Breogan1.2 
 6. Diouf, CB Tarragona1.2 
 7. Joseph, Navarra1.2 
 8. Faverani, CB Mu.1.1 
 9. McCoy, Caceres1.0 
 10. Arteaga, Breogan1.0 


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


Darryl Middleton leaves Valencia - by Eurobasket News
Darryl Middleton (203-F/C-66, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Baylor) is no longer Valencia player. The player has reached an agreement on terms of contract termination with the team. Darryl Middleton started the season in Girona. He tallied 8.3 points, 4.5 boards per game. The centre joined Valencia in March 2011. Middleton averaged 1.0 point and 1.5 boards per game in ACB.


Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
Points Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Witt, Clavijo16.4 
 2. Barcelo, Plasencia15.7 
 3. O''Leary, Oviedo F.15.4 
 4. Ramsdell, Avila15.4 
 5. Paez, Lan M.15.0 
 6. Bratton, Lan M.14.9 
 7. Mortellaro, Lan M.14.8 
 8. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.14.7 
 9. Mesa, Clavijo14.7 
 10. Bivia, Mallorca14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Lawal, Guadalajara10.8 
 2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.9.3 
 3. De Santana, Clavijo8.8 
 4. Chubrevich, Illesc.8.4 
 5. Mortellaro, Lan M.8.1 
 6. Mesa, Clavijo7.9 
 7. Adams, Coruna7.8 
 8. Ramsdell, Avila7.6 
 9. Larry, Regal F.7.1 
 10. Howard, Andorra6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Witt, Clavijo6.0 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi5.0 
 3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.5.0 
 4. Lopez, Coruna4.6 
 5. Bivia, Mallorca3.9 
 6. Marco, ADT T.3.6 
 7. Pampin, Mallorca3.6 
 8. Machuca, Illescas3.4 
 9. Rufian, Promobys3.3 
 10. Garcia, Avila3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Mikel URIZ
  Santurtzi
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2
 1. Uriz, Santurtzi2.0 
 2. Barcelo, Plasencia2.0 
 3. Adams, Coruna1.9 
 4. Bratton, Lan M.1.8 
 5. Smith, Guadalajara1.8 
 6. Witt, Clavijo1.7 
 7. Martinez, Plasencia1.7 
 8. Pampin, Mallorca1.6 
 9. Guirao, ADT T.1.6 
 10. Creus, Regal F.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Biyombo, Illescas1.9 
 2. Mbaye, Regal F.1.8 
 3. Todorovic, Prat J.1.4 
 4. De Santana, Clavijo1.3 
 5. Lawal, Guadalajara1.3 
 6. Green, Mallorca1.2 
 7. Conde, Avila1.2 
 8. Cage, ADT Tarrago.1.0 
 9. Marti, Prat J.0.9 
 10. Chubrevich, Illes.0.9 


Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.6
 1. Carroll, Gran Cana.19.6 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.16.4 
 3. McDonald, DKV J.15.3 
 4. Baron, Lagun A.15.0 
 5. Caner-Medley, Estu.14.4 
 6. Teletovic, Caja L.14.3 
 7. Martinez, Valencia13.9 
 8. Freeland, Unicaja13.3 
 9. Davis, Cajasol13.2 
 10. Doellman, Meridia.13.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Kurz, Granada9.1 
 2. Batista, Fuenlabr.8.4 
 3. Caner-Medley, Estu.7.6 
 4. Barac, Caja Laboral7.0 
 5. Donaldson, Menorca6.9 
 6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada6.3 
 7. Wallace, Gran Cana.6.2 
 8. Doellman, Meridiano6.2 
 9. Slokar, Manresa6.2 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Huertas, Caja L.5.9 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.5 
 3. Ciorciari, Menorca4.9 
 4. Valters, Fuenlabr.4.5 
 5. Rubio, Regal Barca4.4 
 6. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 7. Green, Gran Canaria4.0 
 8. Dumas, Valladolid3.9 
 9. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
 10. Prigioni, Real Ma.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cook, Valencia2.2 
 2. Kirksay, Cajasol1.9 
 3. Calloway, Cajasol1.8 
 4. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.8 
 5. Robinson, DKV J.1.8 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca1.7 
 7. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.6 
 8. Davis, Cajasol1.5 
 9. Van Lacke, Vallado.1.5 
 10. Victor, Menorca1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabr.
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.3 
 2. Fischer, Real Madr.1.6 
 3. Vazquez, Regal B.1.5 
 4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.4 
 5. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 6. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 7. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 8. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 9. Barac, Caja Laboral1.1 
 10. Andriuskevic., Me.1.0 


Rubio close to shaking up the Draft - by Eurobasket News
For two years the Minnesota Timberwolves have been very patient and committed in their pursuit of Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio (6'4''-G-90), who they selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. They've passed on trade offers for his draft rights, having faith that he would eventually sign with them. Finally, the wait is almost over.

According to sources the Timberwolves are as optimistic as they've ever been that Rubio will be joining them for the 2011-2012 season. Signing Rubio this offseason has been Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn's plan for over a year and he's on the verge of seeing it through. Nothing is signed or finalized yet, but it should be in the coming weeks.

The 20-year-old Rubio has been widely regarded as one of the top point guard prospects in the world for over three years. At 6'4 Rubio possesses phenomenal court vision and creativeness that has drawn comparisons to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and former NBA star Pete Maravich.

When the Timberwolves originally drafted Rubio he played for DKV Joventut. That same summer Regal Barcelona paid his lofty buyout in its entirety, something that the Timberwolves couldn't do due to restrictions in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and signed him to a multiyear contract. The first year of that contract with Barcelona did not have a buyout option, but now he can get out of it for reportedly $1 million or slightly more, which the Timberwolves can pay $500,000 of.

Rubio's development hasn't progressed at the rate that many were expecting it to with Barcelona. In fact, some say he's regressed. His 2010-2011 averages of six points, three rebounds and three assists on 39% shooting from the field and 22% from beyond the arc aren't exactly impressive. That hasn't reduced the Timberwolves' interest in him at all, though.

They believe that his game is better fit for the NBA, where defenders aren't allowed to be as physical on the perimeter as they are overseas, and that he's still very far from peaking. He'll be surrounded by some solid offensive weapons in All-Star Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, Anthony Randolph and Wayne Ellington, who will all greatly benefit from his playmaking abilities. The Timberwolves were ranked 25th in assists per game as a team last season. His jump shot definitely needs to improve, but Rubio's biggest challenge in the NBA will be on the defensive end where he'll be facing tough matchups on a nightly basis.

If Rubio does indeed sign as expected, point guard Jonny Flynn's days in Minnesota are numbered. Sources also indicated to HOOPSWORLD that Flynn is almost sure to be traded in that case with the Toronto Raptors being one of the most probable destinations. There could be some competition for his services as the Charlotte Bobcats and Detroit Pistons could also use some help at the lead guard spot. Flynn is a first-class individual with incredible character, but he hasn't produced as hoped in Minnesota and Rubio's arrival makes him expendable. At the age of 22 he still has some upside and his price tag is not very high at all.

Where Rubio makes things really interesting is in this year's draft. The Timberwolves have the best chance statistically to win the lottery. However, this is being projected as one of the weaker draft classes in the last few years. It's really lacking in star power and there are only two players that really warrant consideration for the top selection: Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams.

If they win the lottery, the Timberwolves aren't going to draft Irving right after ending a two-year quest to sign Rubio. Williams is an intriguing player with nice versatility, but ideally what they would like to do with the pick is trade it. After winning only 32 games combined over the last two years there is a demand to start winning a lot more regularly from the fan base and ownership.

They've been rebuilding for several years now and there is no lack of young talent on the roster. The need for proven veterans is far more pressing than another high draft pick who would come in with a lot of pressure to be a major contributor immediately. The pick will be shoped heavily whether they win the lottery or not. Amongst the things the Timberwolves would be looking for in a deal for their top first round pick would be an experienced point guard to mentor Rubio and an upgrade at the center position.

Courtesy of www.hoopsworld.com


Spain show interest in hosting Eurobasket 2015 - by Eurobasket News
Spain show interest in hosting Eurobasket 2015 for both Men and Women. Two years ago Spain were crowned European Champions for the first time with a classy and resounding 85-63 success over Serbia.
This year Eurobasket will be hosted in Lithuania, while Slovenia was awarded Eurobasket 2013. This is the first time in history that Slovenia will organise Europe's most prestigious basketball tournament and the announcement sparked celebrations among the Slovenian delegation who have worked hard to bring the Championship to the country and were present in Munich to support the bid. In Slovenia the tournament will take place in five venues in the summer of 2013. The dates have yet to be finalised.



*****************************************************
  SUDAN   


Shayok Shayok Signs with Bradley Basketball - by Kristian Santiago
(By Bradley Bears)


PEORIA, Ill. - Bradley head coach Geno Ford has added a fifth recruit to the team's 2011 recruiting class today, announcing that 6-foot-6 Canadian forward Shayok Shayok has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Bradley University and play basketball for the Braves in 2011-12.

'I am thrilled Shayok has become part of the Bradley family,' Ford said. 'He is a very talented basketball player, but he also is a person of high character and a very good student. He fills an immediate need for our program and he should compete for playing time immediately.'

One of the top-rated small forwards in the country, Shayok (pronounced SHE - ock) will come to Bradley from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game during the 2010-11 prep school season. He chose the Braves over Texas Tech, Detroit and Valparaiso.

'I have talked a lot with both Coach Ford and Coach (Willie) Scott,' said Shayok, 'and I think they will really help me improve my game. It is good to be around good coaches and I am excited to be part of the Bradley family.

'I really like the school and also feel it will be a good place for me academically,' Shayok added. 'It is a good academic university and I think it will be a good fit for me because of the people at the school.'

Shayok is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, where he attended St. Patrick's High School through the 2008-09 school year. During his junior season, he led his team in scoring in 18 games, including a team season-high 35 points against Sir Robert Borden in the final game of the Clint Dunning Memorial Tournament at the University of Ottawa and with 16-point efforts in each of St. Patrick's two postseason playoff games.

Following his junior season, Shayok moved to Chicago and graduated in 2010 from Julian High School, where he was a classmate of Bradley sophomore guard Walt Lemon, Jr., but did not play for the Jaguars. He played on the AAU circuit for the Chicago Mean Streets.

Shayock joins a recruiting class that includes four other freshmen: combo guard Jalen Crawford (Detroit, Mich./Oak Park H.S./Impact Academy); forward Devon Hodges (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook H.S.); point guard Donivine Stewart (Peoria, Ill./Limestone H.S.); and 7-foot-1 center Nate Wells (Davenport, Iowa/West H.S.).





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


Stats Leaders LNA
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.20.9 
 2. Brown, Starwings20.5 
 3. Glover, Boncourt20.3 
 4. Byron, BBC Nyon20.2 
 5. Popovich, SAV V.20.0 
 6. Farokhmanesh, SAM19.5 
 7. Smith, Fribourg19.3 
 8. Reid, Monthey18.5 
 9. Hunte, BBC Nyon18.2 
 10. Bomayoko, Zurich17.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon12.2 
 2. Thompson, Starw.10.6 
 3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.9.9 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt9.7 
 5. Reid, Monthey8.5 
 6. Dos Santos, Bonco.8.2 
 7. Smith, Fribourg8.0 
 8. Sloan, Geneve Lio.7.8 
 9. Toure, Geneve Lio.7.8 
 10. Esterkamp, Fribo.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo7.5 
 2. Glover, Boncourt6.3 
 3. Williams, Fribourg5.2 
 4. Brown, Starwings4.5 
 5. Angley, Lugano T.4.3 
 6. Draughan, Lugano4.2 
 7. Hollins, Starwings4.2 
 8. Ross, Geneve Lions4.1 
 9. Petkovic, Fribourg4.1 
 10. Hunte, BBC Nyon4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo3.9 
 2. Glover, Boncourt3.7 
 3. Hunte, BBC Nyon3.0 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt2.6 
 5. Farokhmanesh, SAM2.3 
 6. Angley, Lugano T.2.3 
 7. Draughan, Lugano2.2 
 8. Efevberha, Lugano2.2 
 9. Sharper, Monthey2.1 
 10. Louissaint, Month.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon3.3 
 2. Toure, Geneve Lio.2.3 
 3. Thompson, Starw.2.0 
 4. Lukic, Zurich W.1.7 
 5. Gugino, Boncourt1.5 
 6. Sloan, Geneve Lio.1.5 
 7. Sanders, Lugano T.0.9 
 8. Matter, Starwings0.8 
 9. Vogt, Fribourg0.8 
 10. Moris, Monthey0.8 


LNA Round 3 of Finals. Fribourg stay alive in the series - by Eurobasket News
Fribourg - Lugano Tigers 93-84

Fribourg came back into the championship series celebrating a vital win in Game 3. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. 28 personal fouls committed by Lugano Tigers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Steve Smith (200-F-81, college: Iona) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Naturalized Angolan guard Tresore Quidome (192-80) contributed with 19 points for the winners. American forward Mohammed Abukar (208-85, college: San Diego St.) answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import swingman Edwin Draughan (196-82, college: Yale) added 17 points and 6 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots) in the effort for Lugano Tigers. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Fribourg: T.Quidome 19+4reb+1ast, S.Smith 18+9reb+2ast, T.Williams 14+2reb+4ast, V.Buscaglia 14+2reb+3ast, Y.Holland 14+7reb+2ast, D.Esterkamp 12+6reb+2ast
Lugano Tigers: M.Abukar 19+6reb, E.Draughan 17+2reb+6ast, D.Stockalper 13+3reb, M.Efevberha 13+4reb+1ast, S.Finn 10+6reb+1ast, M.Schneiderman 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 128026




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


TBL: Fenerbahce Ulker and Galatasaray advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the TBL Quarterfinals were played last night. Fenerbahce Ulker and Galatasaray celebrated road wins and they already booked a spot for the Semifinals (3-0). Both teams started the series with 1-0 lead due to better score in the regular season. Efes Pilsen jumped to 2-0 against Karsiyaka thanks to 78-74 home win, while Banvit handed 77-59 loss to Olin Edrine tying the series to 1-1. Third games are scheduled for today and tomorrow.



Banvit - Olin Edirne 77-59 (1-1)
The game without a history. Banvit led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The former international guard Baris Ermis (194-85) scored 15 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American center Lance Williams (206-80, college: De Paul) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) during the contest. Four Banvit players scored in double figures. American forward Seth Doliboa (203-80, college: Wright St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and Lithuanian guard Renaldas Seibutis (196-85) scored 18 points. Olin Edirne's coach Gokhan Tastimur rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Banvit: L.Williams 15+6reb+2ast, B.Ermis 15+4reb+6ast, K.Simmons 12+6reb+1ast, J.Dixon 11+3reb+1ast, V.Golubovic 10+7reb, M.Akpinar 9+7reb+1ast
Olin Edirne: R.Seibutis 18+3ast, S.Doliboa 11+11reb, P.Samardjiski 8+4reb+3ast, R.Oz 6+6reb, D.Kamer 6+4reb, V.Ginevicius 5+1ast

gschID: 128424


Besiktas - Galatasaray 70-80 (0-3)
The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 28-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Croatian center Luksa Andric (210-85, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. American swingman Joshua Shipp (196-86, college: UCLA) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. The former international power forward Cevher Ozer (206-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Mire Chatman (187-78, college: UTPA, agency: Higher Vision Sports) added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Galatasaray: J.Shipp 18+5reb+1ast, L.Andric 16+8reb+1ast, T.Acik 10+2reb+9ast, J.Johnson 7+1ast, R.Rancik 7+2ast, E.Kurtoglu 6+1reb+1ast
Besiktas: C.Ozer 20+7reb+1ast, M.Kemp 18+3reb+3ast, M.Chatman 13+10reb+4ast, M.Ignerski 7+4reb, B.Yarangume 6+2reb+1ast, A.James Ogilvy 4+6reb+1ast
gschID: 128425


Efes Pilsen - Karsiyaka 78-74 (2-0)
Karsiyaka trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 24-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-78 at the end of the game. Efes Pilsen made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. International power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-77) scored 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American power forward Lawrence Roberts (205-82, college: Mississippi St.) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Efes Pilsen's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Serbian center Jovo Stanojevic (208-77, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 17 points and 5 rebounds and American swingman Sean Marshall (198-85, college: Boston Coll.) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Efes Pilsen: K.Gonlum 23+5reb, L.Roberts 17+6reb+1ast, M.Thornton 10+6reb+3ast, I.Rakocevic 9+3reb+4ast, K.Tunceri 8+2reb+6ast, E.Dudley 4+6reb
Karsiyaka: J.Stanojevic 17+5reb+3ast, S.Marshall 16+5reb, A.Saruhan 15+2reb+1ast, B.Batuk 10, D.Holston 5+3reb+6ast, E.Bayav 5+4reb+2ast
gschID: 128422


Antalya - Fener.Ulker 79-90 (0-3)
Fenerbahce Ulker players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Antalya's players. Lithuanian guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 assists. Bosnian-Slovenian forward Emir Preldzic (206-87, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard J.P. Prince (201-87, college: Tennessee) replied with 21 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Gerrod Henderson (192-78, college: Louisiana Tech) added 21 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Antalya. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Fener.Ulker: S.Jasikevicius 19+4reb+7ast, O.Savas 18+6reb+1ast, E.Preldzic 14+9reb+4ast, O.Onan 12+2reb+4ast, R.Ukic 8+4reb+7ast, K.Peker 8+4reb+2ast
Antalya: G.Henderson 21+5reb+3ast, J.Prince 21+8reb+1ast, P.Christopher 18+5reb+3ast, M.Guler 10+5reb+2ast, P.Kocaoglu 9+5reb, T.Alicioglu 0
gschID: 128423




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


U-17 Centro Basket Championships Women and Men 2011 - by David Edole
FIBA Americas announced the following dates for both the Women and Men U17 Centrobasket Champiionships to be held in the city of Gurabo, Puerto Rico:
U17 Centrobasket Women July 13-17, which will include CBC Members the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, in addition to the host Puerto Rico.
U17 Centrobasket Men August 3-7, which will include CBC Members the Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, in addition to the host Puerto Rico.
If you was born on january 1, 1994 and after and would like to represent the Virgin Islandss contact Usie Richards as soon as possible at his office and ask for Laverne 340-712-2281 or email the Senator at vibasket62@hotmail.com


Groups announced for the XXI CBC Sr. Men and the XX Sr. Women Championships - by David Edole
The Groupins for the XXI CBC Senior Men Championship and the XX Senior Women Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, taht is scheduled for July 25th thru August 9th, 2011 has been released. CBC's Technical Vice-President, Mr. Glyne Clarke, has developed the following brackets for the Senior Men Championship and a round-robin format for the Senior Women Championship:

XXI Senior Men Championship
Group A
Jamaica
Virgin Islands
Antigua and Barbuda
Guyana
Turks and Caicos

Group B
British Virgin Islands
Bahamas
Bermuda
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Cayman Islands

XX Senior Women Championship
Bahamas
Cuba
Dominican Republic
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Virgin Islands



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


Higher League Round 15: Vinnitsky Zubry beats Aviastar by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Second Stage in Higher League. Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 15 in the Higher League took place in Vinnytsya. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Aviastar (11-15) to seventh ranked Vinnitsky Zubry (8-16) 78-75 on Sunday evening. Vinnitsky Zubry have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain seventh place with 8-16 record. Aviastar lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Dynamo DN. Vinnitsky Zubry are looking forward to face higher ranked Kremen-KNU (#6) in Kremenchuk in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Aviastar will play on the road against BC-93 Pulsar in Rovno and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Kremenchuk. Sixth ranked Kremen-KNU (9-17) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 8th ranked BC-93 Pulsar (7-19) 82-79 on Sunday evening. Kremen-KNU maintains sixth place with 9-17 record. BC-93 Pulsar at the other side keeps the eighth position with 19 games lost. Kremen-KNU will play against Vinnitsky Zubry (#7) in Vinnytsya in the next round. BC-93 Pulsar will play at home against Aviastar in Zaporozhye and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Avantazh-Politekhnik (13-11) which hosted in Kharkov second-best U-VolinBasket (18-8). Third ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik had an easy win 93-73. Avantazh-Politekhnik maintains third place with 13-11 record having just -11 points less than leader Cherkasy. Loser U-VolinBasket keeps the second position with eight games lost. Avantazh-Politekhnik will meet league's leader Cherkasy on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. U-VolinBasket will play against Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk and hope to secure a win.
Higher League top team - KTU Krivyi Rih (12-2) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed fifth ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-16) in Krivoy Rog 101-63. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for KTU Krivyi Rih. They maintain first place with 12-2 record. Ternopil-TNEU lost their sixteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.



KTU Krivyi Rih - Ternopil 101-63

Higher League top team - KTU Krivyi Rih (12-2) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed fifth ranked Ternopil-TNEU (0-16) in Krivoy Rog 101-63. The game was mostly controlled by KTU Krivyi Rih. Ternopil-TNEU was better in fourth quarter 29-28. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for KTU Krivyi Rih. They maintain first place with 12-2 record. Ternopil-TNEU lost their sixteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 128456


Vinnitsky Zubry - Aviastar 78-75

The most exciting game of round 15 in the Higher League took place in Vinnytsya. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Aviastar (11-15) to seventh ranked Vinnitsky Zubry (8-16) 78-75 on Sunday evening. Vinnitsky Zubry have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain seventh place with 8-16 record. Aviastar lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Dynamo DN. Vinnitsky Zubry are looking forward to face higher ranked Kremen-KNU (#6) in Kremenchuk in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Aviastar will play on the road against BC-93 Pulsar in Rovno and is hoping to win this game.
gschID: 128457


Avantazh-Pol. - U-VolinBasket 93-73

An interesting game for Avantazh-Politekhnik (13-11) which hosted in Kharkov second-best U-VolinBasket (18-8). Third ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik had an easy win 93-73. The game without a history. Avantazh-Politekhnik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Avantazh-Politekhnik maintains third place with 13-11 record having just -11 points less than leader Cherkasy. Loser U-VolinBasket keeps the second position with eight games lost. Avantazh-Politekhnik will meet league's leader Cherkasy on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. U-VolinBasket will play against Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 128454


Koksokh-Stal - Sportlitsey 20-0

gschID: 128455


Kremen-KNU - Pulsar 82-79

Important game to mention about took place in Kremenchuk. Sixth ranked Kremen-KNU (9-17) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 8th ranked BC-93 Pulsar (7-19) 82-79 on Sunday evening. The hosts were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 29-20 BC-93 Pulsar's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 82-79 at the end of the game. Kremen-KNU maintains sixth place with 9-17 record. BC-93 Pulsar at the other side keeps the eighth position with 19 games lost. Kremen-KNU will play against Vinnitsky Zubry (#7) in Vinnytsya in the next round. BC-93 Pulsar will play at home against Aviastar in Zaporozhye and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 128453




Standings - Higher League
Higher Standings
Places 1-8
 1. Cherkasy 25-1 
 2. U-VolinBasket 18-8 
 3. Avantazh-Pol. 13-11 
 4. Aviastar 11-15 
 5. Dynamo DN 11-15 
 6. Kremen-KNU 9-17 
 7. Vinnitsky Zubry 8-16 
 8. Pulsar 7-19 
Places 9-13
 1. KTU Krivyi Rih 12-2 
 2. Koksokh-Stal 11-4 
 3. Striba 7-7 
 4. Sportlitsey 7-8 
 5. Ternopil 0-16 


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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 26-7 
 2. Marinos 25-9 
 3. Trotamundos 25-10 
 4. Bucaneros 19-16 
 5. Guaiqueries 19-17 
 6. Gigantes 18-18 
 7. Panteras 15-21 
 8. Guaros 12-23 
 9. Toros 12-24 
 10. Gaiteros 5-31 


LPB Round 43: Guaiqueries lose to Marinos in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
The game between Top Four teams took place in Puerto La Cruz. Second ranked host Marinos (25-9) defeated 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-17) 85-77. Marinos maintains second place with 25-9 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Guaiqueries lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
LPB top team - Cocodrilos (26-7) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat tenth ranked Gaiteros (5-31) in Maracaibo 84-74. Cocodrilos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 26-7 record. Gaiteros lost third consecutive game. They stay dead last with 31 lost games. Cocodrilos will play against Guaros (#8) in Barquisimeto in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gaiteros will have a break next round.

In the last game of round 43 Guaros lost to Trotamundos on the opponent's court 80-89.


Trotamundos - Guaros 89-80

Very expected game in Valencia where 8th ranked Guaros (12-23) were defeated by third ranked Trotamundos (25-10) 89-80. Trotamundos have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain third place with 25-10 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Guaros lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 23 games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Guaros will play at home against the league's leader Cocodrilos (#1) in Caracas and hope to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 121572


Gaiteros - Cocodrilos 74-84

LPB top team - Cocodrilos (26-7) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat tenth ranked Gaiteros (5-31) in Maracaibo 84-74. Cocodrilos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 26-7 record. Gaiteros lost third consecutive game. They stay dead last with 31 lost games. Cocodrilos will play against Guaros (#8) in Barquisimeto in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gaiteros will have a break next round.
gschID: 121573


Marinos - Guaiqueries 85-77

The game between Top Four teams took place in Puerto La Cruz. Second ranked host Marinos (25-9) defeated 4th placed Guaiqueries (19-17) 85-77. Marinos maintains second place with 25-9 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Guaiqueries lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 121574






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

Women News

*****************************************************
  BELARUS - Women  


Marina Kress wins the double in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Marina Kress (192-C-80) finished wonderful season in Greece last week. The Belarusian center helped her Athinaikos to win the championship title and National Cup. In Serie A, they won the title with perfect 3-0 against FEA Neas. Just one game was played in the Finals as Athinaikos beat FEA Neas twice in regular season. Athinaikos won that single game with ease 68-52. Kress spent 25 minutes on the court collecting 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Marina Kress joined Athinaikos last summer from Turkish Tarsus. She appeared 23 times in the league averaging 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds. In EuroCup, Kress 7.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 10 games. They reached Semifinals. In the Greek Cup, Athinaikos was too strong for AEO Proteas Voulas 64-61 in the Finals. Marina Kress is active member of the Belarusian National Team. Last summer in Czech Republic she had 3.2 ppg and 2 rpg for 9 games.

*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


Ana Lelas wins French Cup with Lattes Montpellier - by Eurobasket News
Croatian National Team G/SF Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) finished very good season abroad. She helped her Lattes Montpellier to win the French National Cup last night. Lelas and her teammates outplayed Mondeville 63-54 in the Big Final. Lelas spent almost 30 minutes on the court collecting 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The game took place at the Bercy arena, Paris. Ines Ajanovic and Gaelle Skrela came up with 13 points each for the winners. In Mondeville, Lenae Williams top-scored with 19 points. Teams were totally leveled at the beginning as the first quarter ended with 13-13 tie. Lattes Montpellier improved in the next ten minutes taking 33-29 lead at the HT. Mondeville responded with 10-14 after the breather at teams started the last ten minutes from zero. Ines Ajanovic and her teammates shined when it mattered most and managed to score 20 points in the last period. On the other side, they stopped Mondeville to just 11 securing the first French Cup title in their history.
Ana Lelas joined Lattes Montpellier last summer from Bourges. She appeared 26 times in LFB averaging 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Lelas is active member of the Croatian National Team.

*****************************************************
  DENMARK - Women  


Finland topple Denmark for back-to-back victories - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Denmark 90:60

Finland continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship games. They played the second exhibition game against Denmark. Once again Finland proved their strength claiming a comfortable 30-point victory. Tina Sten (189-G/F-85, college: St.John's) knocked down 14 points to pace well-balanced effort.
Finland led from start to finish in this one. The hosts piled up a 12-point lead after ten minutes 28:16. Finland did not loosen the grasp to accumulate a 14-point lead at halftime 43:29. The Finnish team opened an 18-point lead with one quarter to go and never looked back en route to the victory. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) nailed 13 points, while Krista Gross (182-G) had 11 points for the winners. Sussie Kruuse (192-C-83) answered with 12 points for Denmark. Ida Tryggedsson (175-G-90, college: TCU) netted 11 points in the loss.

Finland: Tina Sten 14, Taru Tuukkanen 13, Krista Gross 11
Denmark: Sussie Kruuse 12, Ida Tryggedsson 11


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


UMMC land Sue Bird, Hana Horakova and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota - by Eurobasket News
UMMC started to build the roster for the upcoming season. The Russian champions announced three major signings today. UMMC added Sue Bird (175-G-80, college: Connecticut), Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) to the roster.
Sue Bird just left another Russian powerhouse Spartak Moscow Region. Last season the 30-year-old guard tallied 11.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 boards per game in Euroleague. In Russian League her stats read 11.1 points, 2.9 boards and 2.9 assists per appearance.
Hana Horakova played in Turkey last season. The Czech guard posted 4.9 points, 3.2 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals per Euroleague game for Fenerbahce. In TBBL Hana Horakova had 6.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota started the previous season in Spartak MR. The Latvian player notched 7.6 points, 2.1 boards and 1.7 assists in Euroleague. In Russian League her stats read 8.2 points, 1.8 boards and 1.3 assists. In January Anete Jekabsone-Zogota moved to Turkey to join Fenerbahce. Her stats came up to 10.9 points, 2.3 boards and 1.3 assists in TBBL. In Euroleague the guard produced 8.8 points, 2.4 boards and 1.4 steals for Fenerbahce.


Ros Casares enforced the squad for next campaign - by Carlo Grilli
Ros Casares Valencia set a tremendous basketball machine for nex campaign: only Czech international Jana Vesela (190-F-83), Ros captain Laia Palau (178-G/F-79) and Portuguese sensation Sonia Reis were confirmed from the 2010-2011 season.
The arrivals are superfine: the 2011 EuroLeague Women champions Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87) and Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) from Halcon Avenida have joined Ros along with USA international Maya Moore (182-F-89, college: Connecticut), Australia superstar Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81), Belgian center Ann Wauters (194-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Hungary captain Kata Honti (175-G-87). The Valencia club have also brought in the Liga Femenina MVP Eshaya Marie Murphy (180-G/F-85, college: USC) and Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) from Famila Schio Italian champs.

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


Esmeral Tuncluer will not make it to Poland - by Eurobasket News
Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) will not make it to Poland for EuroBasket 2011. The Turkish National player has a bad injury and can not help the team.
Esmeral Tuncluer joined Fenerbahce Istanbul (TBBL, starting five) in 2007 and in Euroleague debuted with 6.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 30%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 92% with her new team. In Turkish League after 25 games her stats read 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 50.0%. This season in Euroleague she averaged 5.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 41.7%, while in Turkish League Esmeral Tuncluer showed 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 67.9%.
For the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 in 8 games she averaged 13.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 85.7%.
Turkey beat Montenegro to win Group C of the EuroBasket Women Group campaign. The hosts needed 72:65 win, while two squads will make the appearance at Eurobasket 2011. It was only the second defeat of the group stages for the impressive Montenegro, who have quickly shown they belong at this level after earning promotion last summer. Although both teams registered the top two places in the group, the game between them was a great proof of two top teams.

Zirkova, Gyurcsi, Laskova and Hrickova out of Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80), Martina Gyurcsi, Lucia Laskova (187-F-80) and Katarina Hrickova (180-F-80) will not be able to help the National team at the Eurobasket 2011. Slovak Republic was sad to inform the absence of the talented and experienced players for the upcoming event.
Slovakia's preliminary squad will include Michaela Abelova (185-G-85), Bronislava Borovickova (170-G-80), Zuzana Brezaniova (167-G-87), Slavka Bucakova (168-G-79), Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83), Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85), Eva Kmetova (188-C-87), Gabriela Kubatova (172-G-84), Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue), Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90), Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84), Jana Mincikova, Darina Misurova (163-G-81), Regina Palusna (192-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Simona Podesvova (186-F-83), Katarina Tetemondova (185-F-88), Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.).
In late August Slovak Republic grabbed the second ticket from Group D of the EuroBasket Women qualifier. The team took 3-3 record after the home 73:67 win over Germany. Lucia Kupcikova paced all the winners with 15, points, while Jalcova and Michulkova netted 14 each. Ukraine finished the campaign with a 70:66 victory as they edged out group winners Great Britain. Slovak Republic has also 3-3 record but due to the games between each other, they have a better difference.


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


Finland topple Denmark for back-to-back victories - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Denmark 90:60

Finland continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship games. They played the second exhibition game against Denmark. Once again Finland proved their strength claiming a comfortable 30-point victory. Tina Sten (189-G/F-85, college: St.John's) knocked down 14 points to pace well-balanced effort.
Finland led from start to finish in this one. The hosts piled up a 12-point lead after ten minutes 28:16. Finland did not loosen the grasp to accumulate a 14-point lead at halftime 43:29. The Finnish team opened an 18-point lead with one quarter to go and never looked back en route to the victory. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) nailed 13 points, while Krista Gross (182-G) had 11 points for the winners. Sussie Kruuse (192-C-83) answered with 12 points for Denmark. Ida Tryggedsson (175-G-90, college: TCU) netted 11 points in the loss.

Finland: Tina Sten 14, Taru Tuukkanen 13, Krista Gross 11
Denmark: Sussie Kruuse 12, Ida Tryggedsson 11


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


Lattes Montpellier wins 'Coupe de France 2011' - by Eurobasket News
Mondeville - Lattes Montpellier 54-63

Lattes Montpellier is the winner of 'Coupe de France 2011'. They outplayed Mondeville last night 54-63 to win this prestigious trophy. The game took place at the Bercy arena, Paris. Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80) and Gaelle Skrela (177-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) came up with 13 points each for the winners. Ajanovic was named MVP of the Big Final. Sandra Dijon (194-C-79) and Fatimatou Sacko (183-F-85) secured a great help adding 12 points each. In Mondeville, Lenae Williams (186-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: De Paul) top-scored with 19 points. Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Rice) had 10 and Kristen Sharp (175-G-81, college: Cincinnati) followed with 8 pts. Teams were totally leveled at the beginning as the first quarter ended with 13-13 tie. Lattes Montpellier improved in the next ten minutes taking 33-29 lead at the HT. Mondeville responded with 10-14 after the breather at teams started the last ten minutes from zero. Ines Ajanovic and her teammates shined when it mattered most and managed to score 20 points in the last period. On the other side, they stopped Mondeville to just 11 securing the first Coupe de France title in their history.

Mondeville: Lenae Williams 19, Valeriya Berezhynska 10+6 boards, Kristen Sharp 8
Lattes Montpellier: Gaelle Skrela 13+5 boards, Ines Ajanovic 13, Sandra Dijon 12+7 boards, Fatimatou Sacko 12+5 boards

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Germany National Team won over Bulgaria three times - by Eurobasket News
Germany National team defeated Bulgaria three times in the preparation friendly clashes. At first Germany won 67:52 and then added 64:60 win on Saturday.
In Game 3 Germany celebrated 56:49 victory as the hosts started with 16-12 lead. In the second period Germany added 12-10 to take 28-22 halftime advantage. Bulgaria managed to win the third period, while Germany won the game due to 15-12 in the last frame.
Lea Mersch (170-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) added 9. Stephanie Wagner (181-F-90) netted 8, while Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) scored 7.
Veselka Todorova (192-C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) was topscorer in the first game with 15 points, while Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) added 14. In the second and third game Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) had the most points 16 and 12 respectively, and Dimana Georgieva (190-C-88) scored 12 as well in the last match.

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  GREECE - Women  


Places 3-4: Panathinaikos forces decisive Game Three against Aris - by Eurobasket News
Places 3-4, Game 2: Panathinaikos - Aris 66-44 (2-2)

Panathinaikos was better than Aris once again. PAO celebrated 49-80 road win in the first meeting and last night outplayed Aris at home 66-44. The Thessaloniki team entered to this series with 2-0 due to better score in regular season. Third crucial game is scheduled for May 18 and Aris will be the host.
The game was mostly controlled by Panathinaikos. Aris was better in second period 16-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Aris to just 7 points in first quarter. They outrebounded Aris 54-18 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forward Maria Zikiridou (187-F-83) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and forward Theodora Panteli (183-F-87, college: Binghamton) chipped in 14 points and 19 rebounds. At the losing side guard Maria Bousnaki (172-G-89) responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds and forward Maria Tranta (175-F-92) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: M.Zikiridou 23+12reb, T.Panteli 14+19reb, G.Marginean 9+10reb+1ast, T.Tzegiannaki 8+6reb+5ast, J.Murphree 5+3reb+4ast, E.Vlani 3+2reb+2ast
Aris: M.Bousnaki 17+7reb+3ast, M.Tranta 13+5reb+1ast, S.Eleni 4, Triantafyllidou 3, N.Balla 3+5reb, S.Hasapi 2

A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kaili MCLAREN
  Apollon
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. McLaren, Apollon17.8 
 2. Marginean, Panath.17.3 
 3. Milkova, Esperides17.1 
 4. Delva, DAS A.16.7 
 5. Koch, Panionios16.3 
 6. Kotsopoulou, DAS15.4 
 7. Mazic, Panionios15.3 
 8. Frohlich, Proteas14.1 
 9. Henry, FEA Neas14.0 
 10. Stamati, FEA Neas13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaili MCLAREN
  Apollon
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. McLaren, Apollon13.3 
 2. Delva, DAS A.11.6 
 3. Frohlich, Proteas11.5 
 4. Mazic, Panionios11.5 
 5. Skrba, Aris10.3 
 6. Skibbe, DAS A.9.8 
 7. Thompson, Olymp.9.4 
 8. Ducker, Esperides8.3 
 9. Nkele, Apollon8.2 
 10. Green, PAOK8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Natali PLOUBI
  DAS A.
  (169-G-81)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Ploubi, DAS A.7.2 
 2. Koch, Panionios4.6 
 3. LeNoir, Aris4.4 
 4. Axiopoulou, Esperi.4.2 
 5. Lymoura, Athin.4.1 
 6. Stavridou, PAOK3.6 
 7. Hatzinikolao., Ath.3.5 
 8. Green, PAOK3.5 
 9. Fox, Proteas3.4 
 10. Kalogirou, Esperi.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Roula KALOGIROU
  Esperides
  (172-G-81)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Kalogirou, Esperid.3.1 
 2. Axiopoulou, Esperi.2.7 
 3. Koch, Panionios2.7 
 4. Murphree, Panathin.2.5 
 5. Skrba, Aris2.3 
 6. Derevjanik, Panath.2.3 
 7. Hatzinikolao., Ath.2.3 
 8. Green, PAOK2.2 
 9. Fox, Proteas2.2 
 10. Marginean, Panath.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Asimina KOUTSOUNOURI
  Olympi.
  (190-C-)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Koutsounouri, Olym.1.5 
 2. Skrba, Aris1.4 
 3. Delva, DAS A.1.2 
 4. McLaren, Apollon1.1 
 5. Riley, Athinaikos1.0 
 6. Skiadopoulou, PAOK0.9 
 7. Rousou, Panionios0.8 
 8. Skibbe, DAS A.0.8 
 9. Nikolaidou, FEA N.0.6 
 10. Smirnaiou, DAS A.0.6 


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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Standings - Women League
Superleague Stage Two Standings
 1. Jedinstvo BP 6-0 
 2. Buducnost 4-2 
 3. Rudar 1-5 
 4. Heceg Novi 1-5 
Stage One Standings


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Wayne State names Lohr women's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News
Wayne State University has named Carrie Lohr as its new women's basketball coach.

She replaces interim coach Lorenzo Neely, who took over from Gloria Bradley in March.

Lohr was head coach at St. Clair County Community College for the last nine seasons, where her record was 166-106. She was the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan's junior college coach of the year in 2009-10.

Before that, she served two years as an assistant coach at Oakland University.

Lohr played for the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she earned a bachelor's degree. She also holds a master's degree in counseling from Oakland University.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Baylors Griner invited to USA basketball camp - by Eurobasket News
Brittney Griner (6'8''-C-90) is going to training camp with USA basketball.

Baylors 6-foot-8 All-American has been invited to the national teams camp next week in Las Vegas. Griner is the only player expected to participate that still has college eligibility remaining.

Griner, who hopes to be on an Olympic team, says she is honored to be invited.

As a sophomore last season, Griner averaged 23 points and 7.8 rebounds for Baylor (34-3), which advanced to an NCAA regional final. She led the nation again with 170 blocked shots.

Griner was the Big 12 player of the year and the leagues defensive player of the year. She is the first Baylor player invited to the national team camp.

Courtesy of Yahoo

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
 1. AHIP Queens 0-0 
 2. Customs 0-0 
 3. Delta Force 0-0 
 4. Dolphin 0-0 
 5. FCT Angels 0-0 
 6. First Bank 0-0 
 7. First Deepwater 0-0 
 8. Immigration 0-0 
 9. Plateau Rocks 0-0 
 10. Sunshine A. 0-0 


*****************************************************
  PERU - Women  


Standings - Superior (Women)
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 6-2 
 2. Regatas 0-0 
 3. Centro Naval 0-0 
 4. UAP 0-0 


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


Odra Brzeg will test some players - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
Odra Brzeg is organizing a two-day basketball camp. Invited are all ambitious players who have aspirations to play in PLKK and the athletes who have already played in this league.

Odra Brzeg will help with accommodation and catering athletes during the camp.The training camp ourse will take place at Odra Brzeg training centre and using Wadim Czeczuro - the head coach of Odra Brzeg.

Camp shedule- hours of training in brackets :

- Wednesday 18 May 2011 (6 P.M. - 8 P.M.)
- Thursday 19 May 2011, (9 A.M. - 11 A.M.)
- Thursday 19 May 2011 (6 P.M. - 8 P.M.)

More information can be obtained at the following numbers:

+48 (077) 416 06 50 (only between 8 A.M- 3 P.M.)
+48 603 809 843 - Boleslaw Garnczarczyk
+48 512 029 092 - Mariusz Kolekta

Javier Fort will be a new Head Coach of Lotos Gdynia - by Grzegorz Ozog
Javier Fort will be a Head Coach of Lotos Gdynia. For the past four years he worked in Rivas Ecopolis. For his Awards/Achievements we can include promotion to the Spanish LFB Semifinals (2010, 2011) and win the Spanish LFB Cup (2011). The Spanish team led by Javier Fort twice advanced to the Euroleague 1/8 final.

In the previous season the Head Coach of Lotos Gdynia was Dariusz Raczynski . After the first part of the season he was replaced by Georgios Dikaioulakos (agency: FCM ).

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  RUSSIA - Women  


UMMC land Sue Bird, Hana Horakova and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota - by Eurobasket News
UMMC started to build the roster for the upcoming season. The Russian champions announced three major signings today. UMMC added Sue Bird (175-G-80, college: Connecticut), Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) to the roster.
Sue Bird just left another Russian powerhouse Spartak Moscow Region. Last season the 30-year-old guard tallied 11.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 boards per game in Euroleague. In Russian League her stats read 11.1 points, 2.9 boards and 2.9 assists per appearance.
Hana Horakova played in Turkey last season. The Czech guard posted 4.9 points, 3.2 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals per Euroleague game for Fenerbahce. In TBBL Hana Horakova had 6.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota started the previous season in Spartak MR. The Latvian player notched 7.6 points, 2.1 boards and 1.7 assists in Euroleague. In Russian League her stats read 8.2 points, 1.8 boards and 1.3 assists. In January Anete Jekabsone-Zogota moved to Turkey to join Fenerbahce. Her stats came up to 10.9 points, 2.3 boards and 1.3 assists in TBBL. In Euroleague the guard produced 8.8 points, 2.4 boards and 1.4 steals for Fenerbahce.


*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Ines Ajanovic leads Lattes Montpellier to French Cup trophy - by Eurobasket News
Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80) finished the season in style. The Serbian center paced her team Lattes Montpellier to French Cup trophy last night. They outplayed Mondeville 63-54 in the Big Final and Ajanovic was named MVP. The game took place at the Bercy arena, Paris. Ines Ajanovic and Gaelle Skrela came up with 13 points each for the winners. In Mondeville, Lenae Williams top-scored with 19 points. Teams were totally leveled at the beginning as the first quarter ended with 13-13 tie. Lattes Montpellier improved in the next ten minutes taking 33-29 lead at the HT. Mondeville responded with 10-14 after the breather at teams started the last ten minutes from zero. Ines Ajanovic and her teammates shined when it mattered most and managed to score 20 points in the last period. On the other side, they stopped Mondeville to just 11 securing the first French Cup title in their history.
Ines Ajanovic joined Lattes Montpellier in December from Radivoj Korac. She appeared 19 times in LFB averaging 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

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


Zirkova, Gyurcsi, Laskova and Hrickova out of Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80), Martina Gyurcsi, Lucia Laskova (187-F-80) and Katarina Hrickova (180-F-80) will not be able to help the National team at the Eurobasket 2011. Slovak Republic was sad to inform the absence of the talented and experienced players for the upcoming event.
Slovakia's preliminary squad will include Michaela Abelova (185-G-85), Bronislava Borovickova (170-G-80), Zuzana Brezaniova (167-G-87), Slavka Bucakova (168-G-79), Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83), Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85), Eva Kmetova (188-C-87), Gabriela Kubatova (172-G-84), Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue), Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90), Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84), Jana Mincikova, Darina Misurova (163-G-81), Regina Palusna (192-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Simona Podesvova (186-F-83), Katarina Tetemondova (185-F-88), Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.).
In late August Slovak Republic grabbed the second ticket from Group D of the EuroBasket Women qualifier. The team took 3-3 record after the home 73:67 win over Germany. Lucia Kupcikova paced all the winners with 15, points, while Jalcova and Michulkova netted 14 each. Ukraine finished the campaign with a 70:66 victory as they edged out group winners Great Britain. Slovak Republic has also 3-3 record but due to the games between each other, they have a better difference.


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


Maja Erkic wins the title in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) finished great season in Italy last week. The Slovenian guard/small forward helped her team Familia Schio to win the title in Italian SerieA. They dethroned Taranto 75-59 in fifth crucial game of the Finals series. It is the first SerieA title for Familia Schio after two seasons without it. Maja Erkic joined Familia Schio last summer from Faenza. She appeared 32 times in SerieA averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals. In Euroleague, she added 4.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 13 games. This is not the first trophy for Erkic this season. She and her Familia Schio already won the Italian Cup a month ago. Erkic also celebrated Cup trophy in 2009. At that time she was a member of Faenza. Maja Erkic is active member of the Slovenian National Team.

*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Esmeral Tuncluer will not make it to Poland - by Eurobasket News
Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) will not make it to Poland for EuroBasket 2011. The Turkish National player has a bad injury and can not help the team.
Esmeral Tuncluer joined Fenerbahce Istanbul (TBBL, starting five) in 2007 and in Euroleague debuted with 6.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 30%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 92% with her new team. In Turkish League after 25 games her stats read 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 50.0%. This season in Euroleague she averaged 5.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 41.7%, while in Turkish League Esmeral Tuncluer showed 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 67.9%.
For the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 in 8 games she averaged 13.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 85.7%.
Turkey beat Montenegro to win Group C of the EuroBasket Women Group campaign. The hosts needed 72:65 win, while two squads will make the appearance at Eurobasket 2011. It was only the second defeat of the group stages for the impressive Montenegro, who have quickly shown they belong at this level after earning promotion last summer. Although both teams registered the top two places in the group, the game between them was a great proof of two top teams.

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


CBC for women and junior women - by David Edole
The CBC's XX Senior Women Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, is scheduled for July 25th thru August 9th, 2011. CBC'sTechnical Vice-President, Mr. Glyne Clarke, has announced a round-robin format for the Senior Women Championship:

XX Senior Women Championship
Bahamas
Cuba
Dominican Republic
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Virgin Islands

FIBA Americas has alos announced the following date for the Womens U17 Centrobasket Champiionships to be held in the city of Gurabo, Puerto Rico:
U17 Centrobasket Women July 13-17, which will include CBC Members the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, in addition to the host Puerto Rico.



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


Standings (Women)
UPBL Standings
 1. Tim-Scuf 11-2 
 2. Kozachka 11-2 
 3. Dnipro-DVUFK 8-5 
 4. Frankivsk 7-5 
 5. Dynamo 7-6 
 6. Orlan 6-7 
 7. Yuzhna Palmira 5-8 
 8. Donbas 4-8 
 9. Politeh Basket 4-8 
 10. Luganski Last. 0-12 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Alina IAGUPOVA
  Dnipr.
  (181-G-92)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Iagupova, Dnipr.20.3 
 2. Rastorgueva, Donb.19.2 
 3. Maznichenko, Tim-S.18.1 
 4. Markotenko, Frank.18.0 
 5. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf17.8 
 6. Ragin, Dynamo17.3 
 7. Williams, Dnipr.17.2 
 8. Lubarskaya, Dynamo17.1 
 9. Yakunina, Lugans.16.5 
 10. Grishina, Lugans.16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Ragin, Dynamo10.9 
 2. Alyoshkina, Orlan10.5 
 3. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.10.1 
 4. Rimarenko, Dynamo9.5 
 5. Maznichenko, Tim-S.9.5 
 6. Zarytska, Kozachka9.3 
 7. Yakunina, Lugans.8.7 
 8. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.8.5 
 9. Zhurauliova, Polit.7.8 
 10. Yaburova, Dnipr.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.6.4 
 2. Dubas, Frankivsk4.7 
 3. Williams, Dnipr.4.7 
 4. Dubrovina, Kozach.4.6 
 5. Iagupova, Dnipr.4.6 
 6. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf4.5 
 7. Lapshynova, Polite.4.4 
 8. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf4.0 
 9. Pokoiova, Kozachka3.7 
 10. Panchenk-S., Koz.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Dubrovina, Kozach.3.9 
 2. Markotenko, Frank.3.4 
 3. Iagupova, Dnipr.3.3 
 4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf2.6 
 5. Williams, Dnipr.2.6 
 6. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf2.4 
 7. Siromatnikov., Yuz.2.3 
 8. Shapochkina, Yuzh.2.2 
 9. Polyanychka, Frank.2.2 
 10. Lubarskaya, Dyna.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Alyoshkina, Orlan3.0 
 2. Zhyrakova, Polite.2.8 
 3. Yaburova, Dnipr.1.8 
 4. Bovykina, Dnipr.1.6 
 5. Shablynska, Polite.1.5 
 6. Kisilova, Kozachka1.3 
 7. Zherzherunov., Koz.1.2 
 8. Maznichenko, Tim-S.1.0 
 9. Berezinets, Tim-S.1.0 
 10. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.0.9 


Tim-Scuf suffered their second straight loss - by Eurobasket News
Tim-Scuf suffered their second straight loss and dropped to the second place in the League. Orlan handed the team from the capital Tim-Scuf 89:88 upset last night and improved to
The hosts started with 29-23 lead after the first 10 minutes and added 18-15 in the second frame. Tim-Skuf however produced 31-19 in the third period to take the lead and it seemed the favorites would stay in front. Orlan meanwhile erupted with 23-19 in the last frame to seal the victory. Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) was unstoppable with 31 points and 15 rebounds, while Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) netted 18. Inna Faskhutdinova (182-F-84) responded with 26 points in defeat and Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) scored 23.
Kozachka tied Tim-Skuf at 11-2 record on top after the win over Dynamo 81:58. The winning team started with 20-15 and then added 19-15 in the second frame. Kozachka also won the third and the last quarters. Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) paced all the winners with 19 points, whilst Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 15. Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87, college: Clayton St.) answered with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case.
In another games of the round Yuzhna Palmira handed 70:69 overtime loss to Donbas and Dnipro-DVUFK smashed Luganski Lastivki 113:61.


Iagupova erupts with quadruple-double - by Eurobasket News
Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) erupts with quadruple-double last night for her Dnipro-DVUFK that smashed Luganski Lastivki 113:61. Alina Iagupova collected 28 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists and 10 steals.
Alina Iagupova is the top-scorer of the league now with 20.3 points per game. This season she recorded so far 36 points when Dnipro-DVUFK overcame Politeh Basket 92:70. Moreover she scored 32 points in the game versus Frankivsk when Dnipro rolled over Frankivsk 92:70 as the hosts started with 23-17 in the first quarter. The decisive however was the last one when Dnipro produced 25-11 for the total win. Alina Iagupova also collected 31 points and 14 points against Yuzhna Palmira.
At the European Championships U18 for Women in Slovak Republic -10 she also became the top-scorer averaging 32.6ppg, 8.2rpg, Assists-2 (3.8apg), Steals-2 (2.8spg), Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 66.3%.

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


Payoff would be Playoffs for the Sun - by Eurobasket News
After building a reputation as one of the WNBA's most solid teams the last six seasons, the Connecticut Sun have faltered the last two, failing to make the playoffs each year.

Generally recognized as the best organization in the league and its only consistent money-maker, coach Mike Thibault and GM Chris Sienko worked in the offseason to bring the basketball up to par with the business office.

On Monday, the team begins training camp with its annual media day at the Mohegan Sun.



Last Year

The Sun was the youngest team in the league after drafting Tina Charles, Kelsey Griffin and Allison Hightower and trading Lindsay Whalen for Renee Montgomery in the deal that allowed them to take Charles, the 2009-10 national player of the year, with the first overall pick.

The inexperience showed in many ways, even though Charles was named rookie of the year while setting league records in rebounding (398) and double-doubles (22).

The Sun (17-17) were 5-12 on the road, losing five of their last six away from home and struggled to compensate for injuries, like the one that essentially ended Anete Jekabsone-Zogata's season (knee).

They allowed a franchise-high 79.9 points per game and opponents shot 43.3 percent. Those numbers were significantly higher on the road. They also lost all four of their overtime games, descending steadily after starting the season 9-4.



The Offseason

The Sun pretty much stayed put, signing their own free agent Tan White, and then trading second-round pick Sydney Colson to the New York Liberty for ex-Husky Kalana Greene.

They lost free agent guard Erin Phillips to Seattle (she was then traded to Indiana) and were told Jekabsone-Zogata would not return.

Center Sandrine Gruda will not join the team until her training with the French national team ends in June.

What Thibault is counting on is the continued maturation of their young players, particularly Griffin and Montgomery, who spent the winter honing her point guard skills in Israel.

'You can not speed the maturation process of young players,' Thibault said.

Of particular interest to Thibault is how well forward Danielle McCray plays. The Sun drafted McCray from Kansas in the first round last year, even though they knew she would not play because of a knee injury. She spent last summer rehabbing the knee. Now she is ready and Thibault calls her talent 'special.'

Forward DeMya Walker, who begins her 12th season, was essentially phased out as the season moved on, averaging only 11 minutes. She wants more playing time.

Asjha Jones and Kara Lawson, two veteran stalwarts, need to remain healthy, especially if the young players who share their positions falter.



Camp Priorities

Thibault will use the time to assess how much his young players have progressed and then decide how to utilize them.

Since Gruda will not join the team until a month into the season, someone will need to develop enough to spell Charles. It's Thibault's hope that McCray can score enough to take some of the pressure off Charles, Jones and the guards.

The Sun will play three exhibition games, beginning Thursday night at Mohegan Sun Arena against the Chinese national team. They play San Antonio at Mohegan Sun on May 25 and then conclude the preseason with a game in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on May 27.



The Games

Connecticut opens the season June 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena against Washington at 7 p.m. Other key home dates include Los Angeles (June 28), Seattle (July 1), Minnesota and Maya Moore (Aug. 16) and Phoenix (Aug. 26).

The All-Star Game will be played in San Antonio on July 23 and the New York Liberty will play their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., while renovations at Madison Square Garden take place over the next three years

Courtesy of www.courant.com




New-look Washington Mystics begin training camp - by Eurobasket News
Teams that finish a season tied for the best record in their conference typically dont decide to undergo a considerable overhaul before the start of their next campaign. But when the Washington Mystics convened Sunday for the start of training camp, a squad that went 22-12 in 2010 featured a new coach and a host of new players.

The goal for the 2011 Mystics is to build off last seasons success with a redefined approach and an infusion of fresh talent. Whether and how all the pieces will fit together remains to be seen. Washington begins its season June 4 at Connecticut.

'We've got a lot to put in', said Trudi Lacey , the Mystics coach and general manager. 'We put in a couple offenses [Sunday] and one of our pick-and-roll defenses, so were going to keep it moving. I think thats whats going to separate people is whether they can retain the information and apply it right away.'

Four of Washingtons top eight scorers from last season either are no longer on the roster or will not be available because of injury. Guards Lindsey Harding and Katie Smith were traded away last month. Forward Nakia Sanford left via free agency. Forward Monique Currie the teams second-leading scorer last season likely will miss the entire season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in January.

While the Mystics have lost four starters from last years team, they will regain the services of wing player Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke), a four-time all-star who sat out the 2010 season while recovering from a left ankle tendon injury.

'Beard looked great', said forward Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland), the teams leading returning scorer. 'Monique said [Beard] was back for real, for real, and I was like, Oh yeah, she was out last year, just because how she looked [Sunday]. I had forgot about it.'

Langhorne and Beard will be joined by six players each of whom are versatile and share an appreciation for defense who were acquired either through the WNBA draft or via trade within the past six weeks.

During a three-day span in early April, Lacey traded for center Nicky Anosike, rookie center TaShia Phillips and point guard Kelly Miller and drafted forward Victoria Dunlap and wing player Karima Christmas. In late April, Lacey picked up rookie point guard Jasmine Thomas, a three-time All-Met selection at Oakton High, in a three-team deal that sent Smith to Seattle.

Thomas, Christmas and Phillips did not practice Sunday because of college graduation obligations. All three players are expected arrive at training camp this week.

Lacey was named coach and general manager in November after Washington did not retain general manager Angela Taylor or coach Julie Plank. Lacey, who previously served as coach and general manager of the Charlotte Sting from 2003 to 2006, has been with the Mystics since 2009.

The system Trudi put in is sort of like shes forcing us to think of the game ourselves, which is amazing because weve been playing this game for years and we know the game, Beard said. Trudis doing a great job of just implementing a system where we have to play the game. Theres not a lot of thinking; its not a robotic system. Its allowing us to play to our strengths, and I think Im going to like it.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Candace Parker leads full Sparks roster in camp - by Eurobasket News
When training camp began last year, things looked pretty grim for the Sparks.

They had a new coach, three-time WNBA most valuable player Lisa Leslie had retired, and more than half of the team was still playing overseas.

This year, with audible tinges of excitement in her voice, Sparks General Manager Penny Toler said everything will be different when camp opens Sunday.

All 15 players will be in attendance, including 2008 WNBA MVP and rookie of the year Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee), Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, college: USC) (the league's all-time leading scorer), Ticha Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) (the league's all-time assist leader) and two-time WNBA champion Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida).

'We have a good opportunity to build some good chemistry,' Toler said.

Most important, they're injury-free.

After Parker suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and guard Betty Lennox decided to have knee surgery halfway through the 2010 season, the Sparks were sometimes so short-handed that Coach Jennifer Gillom had to suit up at practice in order for the team to have enough players to scrimmage.

Gillom said she's done being the team's 10th player. 'Very much so,' she added, laughing.

Toler is quick to point out that despite the setbacks, the Sparks clawed their way to a first-round playoff appearance against the Seattle Storm, which won the WNBA title.

After that accomplishment, Toler said, 'I'm looking to go out blazing this year.'

In the off-season, the Sparks addressed one of their biggest concerns: rebounding. With the fifth overall pick, they drafted 6-foot-4 center Jantel Lavender, who averaged 22.8 points and 10.9 rebounds for Ohio State.

'Lavender can also run the floor very well,' Gillom said. 'Our post players can move to the guard position and our guards to the post position.'

Before having to trim their roster to 11 by June 2, the Sparks will play exhibition games on May 25 (against Seattle) at Cal State Dominguez Hills and May 28 (against Phoenix) at Albuquerque, N.M. They open their season June 3 against WNBA No. 1 draft pick Maya Moore and the Minnesota Lynx.

Gillom may have many reasons to be excited, but she acknowledged that she still has one concern.

'Last year you pretty much knew who your starters would be,' she said. 'This year, it's not that way.'

After a long pause, she added, 'Those are great problems to have.'

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Storm is gearing up for another title run - by Eurobasket News
Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) has a different vibe heading into her 11th Storm training camp Sunday.

'It's a little bit stressful,' she sighed Friday afternoon.

In addition to taking two college units online and settling back into her Seattle home, the Australian turned 30 on Wednesday and is rehabilitating from minor surgery on her left Achilles.

Forgive her if there's some bemoaning about the entrance into true adulthood.

'I was a little bit depressed, thinking, 'God, I'm done with my 20s,' ' said the reigning WNBA MVP. 'It's scary.'

Camp will be Jackson's first organized basketball since leaving her Russian club in January. A 6-foot-5 power forward, she couldn't jump, and doctors were unable to diagnose what exactly was wrong.

It wasn't until Jackson returned to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra that her longtime team of physicians found tiny tears beneath the Achilles tendon in her foot. She had surgery in February.

'When you go from contemplating retirement to running around like I am now and feeling no pain, you've got to be pretty happy,' she said. 'I can't thank them enough. I've been so lucky, I've been so fortunate.'

Led by Jackson, the Storm is defending its second championship. But unlike after the first in 2004, the entire starting unit is returning.

Seattle lost four bench players, including Svetlana Abrosimova (Russia) and Jana Vesela (Czech Republic), who have national-team commitments. But Agler traded for veteran guard Katie Smith and signed Australian Olympian Belinda Snell.

'It's going to be fun playing with people who just know how to play basketball,' Smith said.

Smith won two championships with Agler in the defunct American Basketball League, Olympic gold with Storm All-Stars Sue Bird and Swin Cash, plus two WNBA titles with Cash in Detroit.

'We're a little, old happy family here in Seattle, it's kind of weird,' said center Ashley Robinson, one of six players who've been on the Storm roster since 2008. 'I'm not used to professional teams being this close.

'The fact that we're all together, whenever Brian wants to, he can start working on things to get us ready for our first game. All the pieces to his puzzle are there, and that's rare. We can start working on defending this championship and being the best team in the WNBA on Sunday.'

Actually, Bird and Cash won't officially report to camp until at least Tuesday, resting after a three-day stint with USA Basketball in Las Vegas. Still, the absence is less than when the WNBA opened camp in April in the past and players arrived the week of opening day.

The pushed-back date allowed time to rest from year-round play or to recover from injuries, none needing it more than Jackson. She averaged 20.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in helping the Storm finish 28-6 during the regular season last year.

The Storm was 17-0 at home and 7-0 overall in the postseason.

'To come back after a season that we had last year, it's going to be very difficult,' Jackson said. 'We didn't get to really celebrate last year. It happened and then we had that Thursday night, Friday night and then we were gone to the (FIBA) World Championships. There's going to be a little bit of nostalgia. But the most important thing for us now is to really get focused and know that the season is going to be more difficult. Everybody is going to be gunning for us.'

Sunday also marks the beginning of a big calendar year for Jackson. She signed to play in Valencia, Spain, this fall, then will bypass three months of the 2012 WNBA season in pursuit of Olympic gold in London.

Yet inside Seattle Pacific University's Royal Brougham Pavilion, where the Storm practices, the stress of the 2011 season was the sole thing on Jackson's mind last week.

'Lauren looks good,' Robinson

said. 'Of course, she can shoot. If she didn't have feet, I'd still think she could shoot. But she's easing her way into it. Why show herself before training camp? I wouldn't think anything was wrong with her, but I haven't seen her play up and down. She just looks healthy and happy, which is always good for her.'



Storm training-camp roster
No. Player Pos Ht Age College Exp

10 Sue Bird G 5-9 30 Connecticut 9
2 Swin Cash F 6-1 31 Connecticut 9
42 Aneika Henry F 6-3 25 Florida R
3 Ify Ibekwe F 6-2 21 Arizona R
15 Lauren Jackson F-C 6-5 30 Australia 10
20 Camille Little F 6-2 26 North Carolina 4
54 Bridgette Mitchell F 6-1 23 Duke R
50 Jacinta Monroe F 6-5 22 Florida State 1
22 Lauren Prochaska G 5-11 22 Bowling Green R
43 Ashley Robinson C 6-4 28 Tennessee 7
0 Breanna Salley F 5-11 23 Seattle U. R
14 Katie Smith G 5-11 36 Ohio State 12
12 Belinda Snell G 5-11 30 Australia 5
32 Krystal Thomas F 6-5 21 Duke R
11 Courtney Ward G 5-7 21 Florida State R
34 Le'Coe Willingham F 6-0 30 Auburn 7
30 Tanisha Wright G 5-11 27 Penn State 6

Coach: Brian Agler (Wittenburg).
Assistant coaches: Nancy Darsch (Springfield College), Jenny Boucek (Virginia).
Trainer: Tom Spencer (Central Washington).

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com



Fever roster features bigger players - by Eurobasket News
As big as the Indiana Fever have become in women's basketball -- six consecutive playoff appearances and a 2009 WNBA Finals berth -- they have never been all that big.

When coaches spoke about the Fever's 'bigs' -- post players -- it has been a relative term.

The Fever have, at times, employed 6-1 Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) at power forward. They started a 6-2 center, Natalie Williams (6'2''-F-70, college: UCLA), for three years (2003-05). Even longtime power forward Hoffman Ebony (6'2''-F/C-82, college: USC), at 6-2, was undersized.

The Fever will not be undersized when they open training camp today at Conseco Fieldhouse. Of 15 players -- the roster must be cut to 11 by the June 4 opener -- eight are 6-1 or taller.

It's not as if the Fever were just seeking bodies to fill the camp roster, either.

'I've been here since 2003, and I don't remember a training camp that was this talented,' said Lin Dunn , beginning a fourth year as coach. 'Every one of these players has the potential, if we don't keep her, to find a spot on another roster.'

The Fever have so much size that Dunn has contemplated using Catchings at shooting guard in some situations.

Among posts safely on the roster are 6-4 Tamara Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers), the starting center since 2007, and 6-5 Jessica Davenport.

Dunn said Davenport had a 'breakout season' a year ago, when she averaged 7.4 points and shot 57 percent in 14 minutes a game. Davenport could start at center or power forward, or continue coming off the bench.

Among newcomers are 6-3 Tangela Smith, the No. 5 scorer in league history with 4,773 points, and 6-2 Shyra Ely, a former USA Today national high school Player of the Year from Ben Davis.

Smith, 34, is an 11.5-point career scorer who totaled 93 3-pointers over the past two years in Phoenix and won championship rings in 2007 and 2009.

'Any time you can bring in a player who has been there, done that, it really helps your team,' Dunn said.

Ely, 27, missed the 2010 season because of a ruptured patella tendon. She was with the Chicago Sky when new Fever assistant Stephanie White coached there. White recommended Ely, who was a third-team All-American at Tennessee.

Also new to the Fever are 6-4 Abi Olajuwon, 22, daughter of NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon, and 6-3 Aisha Mohammed, 25, who has never played in the WNBA. Mohammed is coming off a Turkish season in which she led the league with 12 rebounds a game.

This year's timetable is more favorable to building cohesiveness because players have finished overseas schedules and returned to their WNBA teams.

When the Fever opened last year on May 15, some players had barely been in the country long enough to unpack. Uneven play resulted in a No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and 2-1 loss to New York in the first round of the playoffs.

By contrast, in their 2009 run to the Finals, the Fever had everyone from the beginning.

This will be the Fever's first camp since 2003 without either Hoffman (Los Angeles) or Australian point guard Tully Bevilaqua (San Antonio), who signed as free agents elsewhere.

Although third-year pro Briann January is the heir apparent at point guard, her spot is not guaranteed. That's because the Fever signed another Aussie, Erin Phillips, who didn't play in the WNBA last year after three seasons with the Connecticut Sun.

Dunn called the 5-8 Phillips 'a tall Tully.' (Bevilaqua is 5-7.) For the 2011 Fever, even the non-bigs are bigger.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com