EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/23/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ANTIGUA   


Standings
ABBA Standings
 1. BT Hawks 8-0 
 2. West Five 8-0 
 3. BS Braves 8-1 
 4. Hancook F. 6-0 
 5. Big Banana E. 4-4 
 6. Coast Outlaws 4-4 
 7. DC D.Stars 4-4 
 8. Newf.Tapers 4-6 
 9. Roots 3-5 
 10. Yogi Warriors 3-6 
 11. Ahkimo R. 3-7 
 12. MF Gunners 1-9 
 13. Blizzard 0-10 


Hawks still unbeaten in ABBA First Division - by Eurobasket News
By Observer Sports
Babas Trucking JSC Hawks beat Newfield Tapers 96-83 at JSC Sports Complex on Thursday night to maintain their unbeaten run in the Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Associations (ABBA) Division One.

Forward Marlon Buju Charles produced 27 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and eight steals; while point guard Jason Howard London had 23 points, 10 assists and six boards for Hawks.

Team-mates Vaughn Gomes contributed 10 points, 14 rebounds and five assists; Coy Quinland had 10 points and 13 rebounds; while guard Reginald Styles Joseph and Victor Osbourne chipped in with 10 points each.

For Tapers, Lashorn Caesar sank 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds; Jules Williams scored 16 points; Brian Ralph had 13 points and four steals, while Joel Doyle chipped in with 11 points and four assists.

The win lifted Hawks to joint first place with Scrubbos West Five. Both teams currently boast perfect 8-0 records.

Yogi Warriors also pulled off a 55-49 victory over Cedar Grove Gunners in another ABBA Division One encounter at JSC on Thursday night.

Charles Baltimore produced 14 points, seven boards and five assists; Kerstan Lewis converted 12 points and Joel Joseph had 10 points, 14 rebounds and eight steals for Yogi Warriors.

Olivee Morris scored 17 points; Keady Martin sank 13 points and snatched seven boards, while Sean Thomas had 11 points, 26 rebounds and four steals for the Gunners.

The ABBA First Division games will continue this evening with another double-header at JSC.

Big Banana Express will oppose Newfield Tapers at 6:45 pm, while Ahkimo will clash with Cedar Grove Gunners at 8:15 pm.

Sundays matches will feature Roots against DC Diamond Stars at 6:45 pm, while JSC Hawks will challenge Hankook Flyers at 8:15 pm.
Courtesy of: www.antiguaobserver.com



ABBA, Basketball Referees Association on head-on collision - by Eurobasket News
Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) and Basketball Referees Association are seemingly on a collision course.

This developed after ABBA President Jules Bowen accused the officials of frustrating players and signalled the associations intentions of seeking the services of former referees to replace the current crop of officials.

The tension stems from what Bowen said is an ongoing practice by referees of refusing to carry matches that run past the 15-minute grace period offered to late teams.

The players, who according to Bowen have to hustle from work to matches, are becoming frustrated.

I think the players themselves are fed-up. We have to reschedule games or go and look for other referees and that would cause the games to start late or reschedule them for another day and thats a challenge. The solution is getting new referees as it seems like over the years, as I understand, this has been a problem with the referees, he said.

Bowen explained further that a contract was drafted for the referees prior to the start of the season but said the officials refused to sign on the dotted lines. He said, however, they still accept the stipend that is being offered.

Actually, we had done a contract for the referees and they have refused to sign this contract even before the league started and they kept holding back and then decided they would take the monies (offered) in the contract but they havent signed it as yet, the president said.

We have (former) referees and some of them are willing to come back and referee games and we are going to provide the material for them which were had given to the (present) referees.

Secretary of the referees association, Dave Martin, when contacted, said that officials had become frustrated with the constant late start of matches. He said they had met with members of the basketball association and came to an agreement on what time matches would start and that the officials are simply sticking to that agreement.

Its from since last year they have been having this problem where a game is scheduled for 6:30 pm and sometimes all up to 7:15 pm the game is not ready to be started because either table officials are not ready, teams are not ready and sometimes even referees may be a bit late so we said to them that in light of the fact that the is obviously a problem with getting the games started at 6:30 pm, lets start the games at 7 pm and they said 6:45 pm, Martin said.

If you say 6:45 pm, it simply means that the 15 minutes grace period will now run you to 7 pm. After 7 pm and it is not ready to be started then that game has basically got to be squashed, he added.

Asked to respond to the presidents threats of seeking other officials to conduct matches, Martin said that it was a decision only they would be able to make. He said that they should be careful with making hasty decisions.

For the past three seasons, they have been having different officials doing games. We went as far as to say to them that since you guys are able to get referees to do games, why dont you encourage those referees to come and work along with us because some of those referees they are getting, they used to be under our umbrella but you know why they moved out? Ill-discipline, because we go by standards and we referee based on FIBA rules and regulations, he said.

Bowen said he intends to write to the Basketball Referees Association voicing his displeasure over the situation as it has forced ABBA to reschedule a number of matches.

He said also that the association will be going on a drive to acquire young and trainable officials.

Matches slated for last evening were not played.
Courtesy of: http://www.antiguaobserver.com
By Neto Baptiste



*****************************************************
  ARAB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


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


*****************************************************
  ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Jalaa sweat it out to complete sweep for league title - by Maarouf Mawloud
Al Jalaa completed a 3-0 sweep of defending champions Al Jeish to win the Syrian Division 1 League.

Jalaa stepped up their game down the stretch to win Game 3 66-65 on Friday and avenge the defeat they had suffered at the hands of Jeish last year.

Mensur Bajramovics team, who now head to Manila for the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup, had won the first two games rather comfortably.

Jalaa opened the best-of-five Finals with a 91-67 thumping before moving 2-0 up following another impressive showing, taking Game 2 by the score of 90-61.

In Manila, Jalaa will be in Group B of the Preliminary Round, which includes fellow WABA team and two-time defending FIBA Asia Champions Cup winners Mahram of Iran, six-time Lebanese League champions and current WABA League champions Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon as well as last years runners-up and Qatari champions Al Rayyan and UAEs champion team Al Shabab.

Jalaa open their Manila campaign against Mahram next Saturday, the opening day of the competition.


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


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


Big V Big Bounce All-star teams & coaches announced - by Eurobasket News
All the information for the Big V Big Bounce All-star games can be found right here:


The Coaches for the Allstar teams are:

SCM: Arnold Giffening (Bulleen Boomers)

D1M: Tim Gainey (Warrnambool Seahawks)

D2M: Robbie Baldwin (Blackburn Vikings)

SYCM: Lloyd Klaman (Altona Gators)


Here is the first 8 players selected for the Division Two Men's Allstars to take on

the Division One Men's Allstars.

Division Two Men

DeMarcus Berry (193-F-84, college: Siena Heights)

 Coburg Giants

 Guard

Marcus Timmons (201-F-73, college: S.Illinois)

McKinnon Cougars


 Forward

Matt Cromarty

 Blackburn Vikings


 Forward

Jermaine Williams

 Mildura Heat


 Forward

Tim Brook

 Keysborough Cougars


 Forward

Tim Pickert

 Horsham Hornets

 Guard


Tron Smith

 Warrandyte Venom


 Guard

Vlad Tankov

 Pakenham Warriors


 Centre




Wildcard Players

Brian O'Meara (Coburg Giants)

Cam Bruce (Horsham Hornets)

Josh Collins (186-G-90) (Warrandyte Venom)

Kenny Brunner (Western Port Steelers)

Luke Cavanagh (Melton Thoroughbreds)

Mark Holman (Cranbourne Cavaliers)

Mark Jeffers (Camberwell Dragons)

Robbie McIntosh (Keysborough Cougars)

Shane Moroney (Keilor Thunder)

Simon Hughes (Warrandyte Venom)



Division One Men

Cameron Mitchell

 Warrnambool Seahawks

 Forward

Jason Dirkx


Whittlesea Pacers


 Guard


Jay Allen

 Hawthorn Magic


 Guard/Forward


Jordan Canovan

 Latrobe City Energy


 Guard/Forward

Paul Hutchinson

 Geelong Cats


 Guard


Scott Cuffe

 Melbourne Uni Black Angels

 Guard/Forward

Todd Mitchell

 Southern Peninsula Sharks


 Forward


Yusef Smith

 Southern Peninsula Sharks


 Centre




The following players are the wilcards to fill out a 10 man squad. Two will be selected to join the team and these will appear on the website poll next week. Get voting to get your favourite into the team.

Arnoud Barrat (Melbourne Uni Black Angels)

Jarryd Moss (Latrobe City Energy)

Jordan Hughes (Werribee Devils)

Nathan Sellwood (Sunbury Jets)

Nathan Sobey (Warrnambool Seahawks)


State Championship Men

Aaron Hill

 Ringwood Hawks

 Guard

Alex Bogart-King

Eltham Wildcats

 Forward

Bennie Lewis

 Melbourne Tigers

 Forward

Daniel Dillon

 Waverley Falcons

 Guard/Forward

Ivan Platenik

 Waverley Falcons

 Forward

Jarrod O'Shannessy

 Bulleen Boomers

 Guard/Forward

Nathan Truman

 Sherbrooke Suns

 Guard

Matt Fennell

 Bulleen Boomers

 Guard/Forward



The following players are the wilcards to fill out a 10 man squad. Two will be selected to join the team and these will appear on the website poll next week. Get voting to get your favourite into the team.

Jeff Reid (Sherbrooke Suns)

Mweemba Maluma (Eltham Wildcats)

Trent Zomer (Ringwood Hawks)





State Youth Championship Men Allstar Team

James Malvaso

 Eltham Wildcats

 Guard

James Topp

Sherbrooke Suns


 Forward

Michael Rebula

 Geelong Cats


 Guard

Nathan Freind

 Geelong Cats

 Guard


Reilly O'Farrell

 Bulleen Boomers


 Guard


Shaun Phelan

 Altonas Gators

 Centre


Stefan Uzelac

 Melbourne Tigers


 Guard

Zac Haig

 Ringwood Hawks


 Forward




The following players are the wilcards to fill out a 10 man squad. Two will be selected to join the team and these will appear on the website poll next week. Get voting to get your favourite into the team.

Cameron Ashworth (Eltham Wildcats)

Emerson Varley (Geelong Cats)

Marcus Larcombe (Geelong Cats)

Will Hoole (Bulleen Boomers)

Nathan Wapshott (Altona Gators)

Muka Silver (Melbourne Tigers)

Courtesy of: bigv.com.au




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


Azerbaijan U18 selection clinch third spot in the League - by Eurobasket News
Azeri U18 National Team occupied the third position in D1. They swept the Bronze medals series versus Abik. U18 selection celebrated a 93:86 victory yesterday to complete the sweep.
In the meantime Araz are now leading 1-0 in the Finals against Gala.


*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS   


XXI CBC Senior Men Championship and the XX Senior Women Championship - - by Eurobasket News
This Final Official Notice is issued based on the Site Visit conducted in Nassau, Bahamas on May 16 and 17, 2011, with the Bahamas Basketball Federation. We therefore take this opportunity to officially transmit the dates and game schedule for the XXI CBC Senior Men Championship and the XX Senior Women Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, scheduled for July 23rd thru August 7th, 2011. The following schedule for both Championships has been agreed to by the CBC and the Bahamas Basketball Federation:

Tournament Dates-Senior Men
Thursday, July 21st - Arrival of all Participating Teams
Friay, July 22nd - Technical Meetings for Teams and Officials
Saturday, July 23rd - Commencement of Championship
Friday, July 29th - Completion of Championship
Saturday, July 30th - Departure of all Participating Teams

Tournament Dates-Senior Women
Monday, August 1st - Arrival of all Participating Teams
Tuesday, August 2nd - Technical Meetings for Teams and Officials
Wednesday, August 3rd - Commencement of Championship
Sunday, August 7th - Completion of Championship
Monday, August 8th - Departure of all Participating Teams
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com


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


Gritty Manama crush Al Hala - by Yousef Ahmed
MANAMA trounced Al Hala 92-70 last night to register a winning start to their play-off campaign in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League, being played at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam. American Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) and Bahraini Bader Abdulla Malabes provided the one-two punch for the victors. They combined for 60 points, more than half of their team's output.

Rice led all scorers with 33 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field. The six-foot, 10-inch big man also grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out six assists, while blocking two shots. Bader, on the other hand, had a season-high 27 markers. He was an efficient 11-for-21 shooting, and he also had three steals. Both Rice and Bader made five three-pointers apiece in the game, helping Manama connect on 15 baskets from beyond the arc. Hala only made five treys. With the result, Manama joined Muharraq and Isa Town as victors in their opening fixtures of the six-team play-off round, which will feature a single round-robin. The top four move on to the Golden Square semi-finals.

'Everything is back to zero in this round of six, so we knew that we had to have this first game and get off on the right foot,' Bader told the GDN after yesterday's win. 'We knew that we could not afford to lose tonight as any of the teams still playing can make it into the semi-finals. We were extremely focused heading into tonight's contest, and I think we played well throughout the game.'

Manama, like many of the league's teams, have several key players missing from their current roster, including star forwards Mahmood Ghuloom and Mohammed Hassan, and guards Ahmed Abdulaziz and Hassan Nairouz. Bader says that they are sorely missing their teammates, especially with chief tactician Ahmed Najat only recently taking up full head coaching duties, but he is confident in the squad they have moving forward. 'All our guys missing are big players, big names, and they are all crucial to our success,' Bader said. 'We are still under the process of getting to be the best we can be. It's quite different now. We are relying heavily on our young guys, and I have to give it to them because they are really stepping up and helping us a lot. 'We hope that we can maintain this intensity we showed today against Hala in our next games, and move on to the final four. We are confident in our abilities, it's just a matter of going out there and getting the job done.'

Manama took a 24-20 lead at the end of the opening quarter, but they stepped it up in the second and extended their advantage to 52-38. They continued their fine showing in the third quarter, moving further ahead 76-54, before cruising in the final canto to the well-deserved victory.

Ahmed Al Mutawa (199-F/C-81, college: Broward CC) added a quiet 11 points and 5 assists but had an outstanding defensive performance with 10 rebounds and 5 steals slowing down Hala's Patrick Simpson (206-F-83, college: SMU) to only 18 points to pace Hala, who are coached by former national team head Saleh Al Haddad. Abdulla Al Khaja chipped in with 10 and Ahmed Malallah nine, while guards Ahmed Ali and Abbas Jawadi contributed eight apiece. The play-offs continue later this week.



Source GDN BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Velic: We failed to secure the rebound - by Miljan Veskovic
Last night KK Siroki TT Kabeli was defeated by BC Igokea Aleksandrovac with the result 70:76, and missed a great opportunity to lead 2-0 in the final series.
Ivan Velic 's team wasn't up on their best, they missed too many shoots, they had too many turnovers and opponent was dominant on the rebound, Velic underlined the rebound as the main cause of defeat.
Ivan said: 'It's hard to win the game when you have 17 turnovers and when your opponent has 16 rebounds in the attack. We wanted to get back in the game with quick shots an we have succeeded, however, we made crucial mistake when we had possession at score 54:55. The rebound was the key of tonight's game, and that's where we failed. We have to get back together and try to win the next game.'

Game number 3 is on tuesday 24th.

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


Broadus's return to Energy a family affair - by Eurobasket News
Rashaun Broadus (182-G-84, college: BYU) doesn't have to be in Edmonton. But the 26-year-old point guard, who grew up in Hawaii, wants to be here.

Since his introduction to professional basketball with the Edmonton Chill three years ago -he was named an International Basketball League all-star after averaging 21 points, five rebounds and just under five assists per game -Broadus's career has been on an upward trend.

The six-foot, 190-pounder has played pro ball in Romania and Lithuania and was an all-star on each team, with his recent Lithuanian stopover proving especially lucrative.

'It went real good for me. I got on the Eurocup team over there. It's one of the top teams in the league,' Broadus said of his signing with Lithuanian team BC Siauliai.

Playing just a rung under Europe's prized Euroleague, the move was a big one. It meant better money, more experienced coaches and another step closer to his dream of reaching the NBA.

So what is Broadus doing back in Edmonton for the third time in the last four IBL seasons?

The reason was climbing all over him while he was being interviewed and ran around the University of Alberta's Main Gym while Broadus practised with his Energy teammates. She put her hands over his eyes and his mouth while he spoke and laughed while she watched him struggle to keep his focus.

His three-year-old daughter Akiyah lives in Calgary with her mother. The IBL season lets Broadus come back to Alberta every spring and spend two quality months with someone he thinks about while he's overseas chasing his dream.

'This one plays a big role in me coming back over here because I get two months to just chill with her,' he said as Akiyah pulled his sunglasses off the top of his head.

'Either way it goes, I would have been in Canada anyway, visiting her. This is a great opportunity for me to play and visit with her.'

Edmonton has become an unlikely comfort zone for Broadus. His brother Will is also playing with the Energy this year, which has allowed for a happy trio to form.

'It's great. It's definitely good having her and my brother here,' Rashaun said. 'Now my brother's happy too, because he hasn't seen her since she was one.'

Energy general manager Rick Stanley had Rashaun and Will stay at his home when the two landed in Edmonton at the start of the team's training camp in late April. He said Rashaun is a family-first guy.

'He's got some close connections. He's close to his daughter and he's played his high school ball in Hawaii and he tries to make it back as much as he can, but he's got a job to do,' Stanley said.

'How many people can say that they have played pro basketball with their brother, and (get to see your) daughter, who's in another country?' While he doesn't get to spend the time he'd like to with his family, Rashaun is coming into a great situation in his career. Having moved into the Eurocup and still having room to develop as a player, he may not be done climbing the basketball ladder.

'He's 26, he's barely scratching the surface,' said Energy head coach Skouson Harker, who also played on last year's team with Rashaun.

Harker was very impressed with his point guard's play in the team's first games last weekend in Albany, N.Y.

'As he showed (last) weekend, he can go hard. I think he logged probably 126 minutes in three games. We don't want to run him that much, but it shows you the type of condition he's in. And I think he averaged 22 points and seven or eight assists. That's pretty good.'

'I'm hoping to have some good stats, have another good year and then, hopefully, I can move into Euroleague,' Rashaun said. 'That's what I'm aiming for, to keep moving up every year. That's what I've been doing so far. Every year I've made an all-star team and I've been having some success.'

Courtesy of www2.canada.com

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


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


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


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner .
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23
 1. Puljko, Kvarner23.0 
 2. Car, Zadar21.7 
 3. Zitko, Trogir20.2 
 4. Zoric, KK.19.5 
 5. Bogdanovic, Cibona19.1 
 6. Petkovic, Svjetlost17.4 
 7. Bakovic, Darda17.4 
 8. Simon, KK.17.3 
 9. Saric, Dubrava17.2 
 10. Brown, Zadar15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  Dubrava
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 10
 1. Saric, Dubrava10.0 
 2. Krolo, Darda8.7 
 3. Brown, Zadar7.4 
 4. Zoric, KK.7.2 
 5. Radic, Alkar Sinj7.0 
 6. Sobin, KK Split6.9 
 7. Bazdaric, Cedevita6.8 
 8. Ivanov, Zadar6.8 
 9. Grgurevic, KK Split6.5 
 10. Ridl, Darda6.5 
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, Cedevita4.1 
 6. Blajic, Alkar Sinj3.9 
 7. Saric, Dubrava3.5 
 8. Renfroe, KK.3.5 
 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, Cedevita2.4 
 3. Marcinkovic, Zadar2.3 
 4. Saric, Dubrava2.0 
 5. Car, Zadar1.9 
 6. Anzulovic, Alkar S.1.9 
 7. Brown, Zadar1.8 
 8. Karakas, Trogir1.8 
 9. Bicvic, Darda1.7 
 10. Petani, Borik1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK.
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Zoric, KK.1.9 
 2. Kraljevic, Zabok1.4 
 3. Vitali, Trogir1.2 
 4. Krolo, Darda1.0 
 5. Saric, Dubrava1.0 
 6. Vukicevic, Svjetlo.0.9 
 7. Sobin, KK Split0.8 
 8. Vladovic, Trogir0.8 
 9. Ridl, Darda0.8 
 10. Sarlija, Borik0.7 


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


France announce the roster for Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
France announce the roster for Eurobasket 2011 and it is great to see Tony Parker (183-G-80), Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) and Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) in it. France settled down in Group B together with Italy, Israel, Latvia, Germany and Serbia. Three teams from each group will advance into the qualifying round. EuroBasket is slated to tip off on August 31 in Lithuania.
The team will consist of: Andrew Albicy (178-G-90), Nicolas Batum, Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88, agency: Court Side), Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85), Fabien Causeur (193-G-87), Nando De Colo (202-G-87), Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82), Antoine Diot (191-G-89), Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), Evan Fournier (198-G/F-92), Mickal Gelabale, Charles Lombahe-Kahudi (197-F-86, agency: Beo Basket), Ian Mahinmi (206-F/C-86), Abdoulaye M'Baye, Joakim Noah, Tony Parker, Florent Pietrus (202-F-81), Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82, agency: Court Side), Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89), Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81), Kim Tillie (211-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah), Ali Traore, Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Luc-Arthur Vebobe.


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


France announce the roster for Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
France announce the roster for Eurobasket 2011 and it is great to see Tony Parker (183-G-80), Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) and Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) in it. France settled down in Group B together with Italy, Israel, Latvia, Germany and Serbia. Three teams from each group will advance into the qualifying round. EuroBasket is slated to tip off on August 31 in Lithuania.
The team will consist of: Andrew Albicy (178-G-90), Nicolas Batum, Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88, agency: Court Side), Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85), Fabien Causeur (193-G-87), Nando De Colo (202-G-87), Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82), Antoine Diot (191-G-89), Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), Evan Fournier (198-G/F-92), Mickal Gelabale, Charles Lombahe-Kahudi (197-F-86, agency: Beo Basket), Ian Mahinmi (206-F/C-86), Abdoulaye M'Baye, Joakim Noah, Tony Parker, Florent Pietrus (202-F-81), Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82, agency: Court Side), Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89), Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81), Kim Tillie (211-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah), Ali Traore, Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Luc-Arthur Vebobe.


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


Dashaun Wood Thinks About Derrick Rose And Propels The Deutsche Bank Skyliners To Incredible 80-72 Comeback Win In Game 2 Against Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The surprised effect on the faces of Skyliner fans as the buzzer sounded after 40 minutes in game one couldnt have been more extreme as if former American president Bill Clinton had entered the Ballsporthalle hand in hand with superstar singer Elton John, any person enjoying the rays, chicks in skimpy clothing and the beach atmosphere of South Beach and possibly seeing singer Gloria Estefan prancing on the beach, but suddenly being met by a five foot great white shark in three feet of water or seeing David Blaine make the Paris Eiffel tower disappear in a weird kind of illusion. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had to erase this dramatic ending to game one and keep their game faces on in game two against Alba Berlin and were as focused in the fourth quarter in their comeback return as Berlin skipper Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) always is never ever seeming to lose composure on the sideline, as American talk show legend Oprah Winfrey had to be in her last show not breaking down in he rlast interviews with Madonna and Tom Hanks and Prince William not getting up in tabloid news in his daily life as Frankfurt took charge in the fourth quarter knotting the series at 1-1 with an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter winning 80-72. It seemed like Frankfurt may have had some problems keeping that bitter game one loss out of their heads at times in the first three quarters, but was totally forgotten in the fourth quarter. 'It was difficult going into game two after what had happened in game one, but no game is easy when your fighting for a title. We just kept fighting and never gave up. I think that Alba Berlin was able to play their style in game one and we were our style in game two', stressed Skyliner guard DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.). 'I personally didnt think too much about the game one loss. I blocked it out and didnt feel the pressure to have to win here', added Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). If this was one of the biggest comebacks in Skyliner history or for some players didnt seem to be the case, but it was a great comeback. 'I have had bigger comebacks, but none in such an important game as this', stressed Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) had a big smile on his face and quick reply to the greatest comeback question. 'I have had way better comebacks. My best comeback was when we beat Arizona and Channing Frye (210-C/F-83, college: Arizona) to reach the Final 4 where we were down 14 points with two minutes to play and came back and won', smiled Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois).

If there is going to be a most likely Deutsche Bank Skyliner hero in any game, the best bet is fairly frequently always going to be current beko BBL MVP DaShaun Wood who had a slow first half scoring only five points on 1/6 shooting and three turnovers. He didnt score his first free throw until 16.47 minutes had been played and his first field goal at the 18 minute mark. He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter showing that what he did is no fluke to what a Kobe has done in the millenium, Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) did in the 90s or Larry Bird did in the 80s joking with Skyliner AJ Moye before the game that he and Chicago Bull Derrick Rose (193-G-88, college: Memphis) had to take care of business on the road. 'I figured that if Derrick Rose (193-G-88, college: Memphis) has to steal a game in Miami, then we have to steal a game in Berlin. We have had games like this all season long. I think having the experience with those games helped us tonight', warned DaShaun Wood. The teammates of Wood dont seem surprised anymore about his heroics and sometimes seems like it is a matter of course, but his teammates appreciate his actions as much as a Lebron James does the help Dwayne Wade gives him on the court. 'Wood rescued us like he has so often this season. He was so valuable for us tonight', added Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). 'Wood did what he does. He took over the game making great plays and getting easy buckets', commented Skyliner American Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). Wood was as relaxed after the win as he ever has been in a Skyliner uniform this season and not only the importance of the game was key, but also the O2 World arena. 'In the last 4-5 minutes of a game is when I feel most confident and want the ball. I wanted the ball and wanted to perform on this stage. This was the biggest win in my career even bigger than beating Rome in Italy', stressed DaShaun Wood. Alba Berlin players were disgusted leaving the arena and a Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) followed a common attribute of MLB baseball players when signing autographs by walking and walking and answering questions and not stopping. 'We got to be able to put the ball in the bucket in the fourth quarter. To be up 11 points and then let Frankfurt back in the game is unacceptable', warned ex BG Goettingen guard Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.). 'It wasnt just DaShaun Wood in the fourth quarter. This was a team effort. Our defense got us the win', warned Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois).

Before tip off in the O2 World Arena in Berlin, there were some interesting things to notice as the Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) Lego man was around again giving support for the Skyliners, the Bamberg-Artland game was on the big screen, the one millionth spectator in the Ballsporthalle had been invited to travel with the Skyliners and the Albatros bird mascot was walking around in an arrogant way as if he knew that his team would get off to a quick start. 10,711 fans wanted to see game two and quickly saw Alba Berlin jump on Frankfurt 8-0. Alba Berlin hit their first three shots as Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo), Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) and Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) scored. Alba Berlin was displaying a furious ball movement while Frankfurt seemed irritated by the aggressive Alba Berlin defense. Alba Berlin then extended lead to 13-2 as Rochestie scored inside and ex Skyliner Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) hit a jumper. Frankfurt is simply to good of a basketball team to not get something going on offense and slowly found their rhythm cutting the Alba Berlin lead to 20-13 as Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) scored on a dunk, three pointer and put back. Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) scored on the fast break. Frankfurt was aided by three missed free throws by Serb Miroslav Raduljica and got a timely three pointer by captain Pascal Roller and a steal and coast to coast sprint and basket from Jevohn Shepherd. 8 time beko BBL champion Alba Berlin led 24-18 after one quarter. 'The Frankfurt defense wasnt there at the start. Alba Berlin did a good job hitting shots and getting offensive rebounds. Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) did a good job keeping Frankfurt in the game', stressed ex North Carolina tar heel Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina). Alba Berlin was shooting 47% from the field and 0% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 44% from the field and 29% from outside. Alba Berlin had the 11-7 rebound edge and both teams had suffered three turnovers a piece.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners kept their positive offensive flow going into the second quarter as St Louis native Jimmy McKinney took his team on a 6-0 run with two jumpers over Taylor and a step back jumper as Frankfurt had their first lead 25-24. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and Kimmo Murrinen then traded shots as the score was tied 27-27. Alba Berlin then found some added energy on offense pulling away on a 10-2 run to lead 37-29. Alba Berlin was firing on offense again finding the open space and scoring as Rochestie hit a jumper, Jenkins made two jumpers and Idbihi a dunk. Alba Berlin remained in the lead As Allen scored again and Jenkins got to the free throw line as Frankfurt trailed 41-31. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run as Wood hit two free throws and Shepherd scored from the baseline as Frankfurt trailed 41-35. Alba Berlin closed out the second quarter with a 5-3 run to lead 46-38 at halftime. Wood got his first field goal of the game and Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) ended the second quarter with a nice one on one lay in. 'Alba Berlin was doing a good job on DaShaun Wood. Frankfurt was unable to get a consistent number of other guys involved. Frankfurt was doing a good job on the offensive boards and Shepherd played well. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) was doing his job on offense', added ex Alba Berlin forward Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina). Alba Berlin was shooting 54% from the field and 50% form the three point line while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 21% from the three point line. Frankfurt had taken over the rebounding duel 18-16 and both teams had only five turnovers.

In the third quarter, Alba Berlin continued to hold a comfortable 7-10 point lead as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners not only were unable to get some consistent stops, but also seemed not to have the basketball god on their side as they werent getting calls or loose balls. Rochestie got Alba Berlin on the board first scoring with a quick lay up and Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) nailed a three pointer as the shot clock was near zero. Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) then scored on a fancy side step as he kept his famous ballerina moves in the closet for the most part of the game relying more on his jumper. Wood then scored inside as he was slowly starting to get going as Frankfurt trailed only 50-43. However Alba Berlin then went on a 10-3 run to get their biggest lead of the night 60-46. Alba Berlin was playing some fine inside/out basketball in this phase. Raduljica scored inside getting an offensive rebound and put back, Jenkins scored on a jumper getting Mckinney in the air, Allen scored on a jumper and Rochestie scored inside on a give and go with Idbihi. Frankfurt continued to show small bursts of offense going on another mini 4-0 run as Powell scored on a put back after getting an offensive rebound and Wood scored on a runner. Jenkins who had tripped over the thigh of Wood earlier, bumped into Wood again a sit seemed like tempers might flair, but they didnt. Since the thigh incident, Wood had been booed each time he touched the ball. 'The incident with me and Jenkins was just competitive basketball and nothing else', stressed DaShaun Wood. Frankfurt trailed only 60-50. Frankfurt then went on a 6-0 run to trail Alba Berlin only 63-56. Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) scored inside as he was fed a nice inbound pass from Wood and then scored again with a left handed lay in. Wood then hit a pull up jumper. However Alba Berlin had the last laugh finishing the third quarter with a 4-0 run to lead 67-56. Idbihi barreled down the lane dunking over Powell and he then made two free throws. 'There were many fouls in this quarter and we had some bumps along the way, but I think that we still came out ok. It slowed us down, but we came refocused back on the court and controlled the rest of the game', added DaShaun Wood. Alba Berlin was shooting 54% from the field and 29% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 20% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the slight 25-24 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Alba Berlin had nine turnovers.

Sometimes when the going gets hard and there seems like no light at the end of the tunnel, one still has two chances for a miracle. Either the basketball god is looking down at you and is magically touching his basketball to help you or you simply have Detroit native DaShaun Wood who will cure the team of all misery. Wood had been ok after three quarters with 11 points and six assists, but now like at the blink of the eye took over the game as if Gordon Herbert had told him in the huddle to go out and win the game please. Wood scored the first three baskets of the fourth quarter cutting the Alba Berlin lead to 67-62. All three buckets were his trade mark penetration to the hoop and finish. Alba Berlin seemed like they were paralyzed as Frankfurt had stepped up their defense and they couldnt get any easy shots any more. Mckinney hit a jumper and Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) gave Frankfurt the lead back 68-67 with a three pointer as Frankfurt had perfected a 12-0 run and the O2 World arena had gotten extremely quiet. Frankfurt continued their amazing run as Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) scored on the fast break and Wood scored on alay up with his left hand. Super Tez Robertson then made a free throw as Frankfurt led 73-67. 'It has been like this all season long. It didnt matter if it was under Pavicevic or the new coach, but we have had a nasty habit of letting teams get back into the game. We seem to be too relaxed. You cant let a team like Frankfurt get back into the game like that, because they are too good not to come back', commented Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Wood then scored another lay up as Frankfurt led 77-68. Idbihi answered with a jumper as Frankfurt led 77-70. Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) and Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) sealed the win with free throws 80-72. 'We made adjustments in the fourth quarter. We changed up how we guard their pick and roll. We got them to throw the ball all over the place. As soon as we found their sweet spot, they had no answer. ', stressed DaShaun Wood. 'Frankfurt played hard physical defense. They did a good job clogging up the lane. I had problems picking my spots and get to the rim', added Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'We played aggressive defense, contained their shooter and allowed no second chances', said Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). 'We really stepped up our defense in the fourth quarter. We took our aggression to another level on defense. Sometimes things just seem to go your way', stressed Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR).

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by DaShaun Wood with 23 points and seven assists. Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) added 17 points and nine rebounds. Jimmy McKinney produced 14 points and three rebounds. Alba Berlin was led by Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) with 17 points and six rebounds. Guards Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) and Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) chipped in with 13 points a piece. Frankfurt shot only 26% from outside, but won the rebounding battle 33-31 and points in the paint 38-20. But the best strength of Frankfurt once again had to do with their will to want to win. 'Even as everything was going against us, we never gave up. Our mental focus and never die attitude got us through the game', expressed DaShaun Wood. In the playoffs, teams start to know what to await so the series continues to be a game of adjustments. 'You can expect the same kind of game in game three. We have to continue to play strong defense. We cant allow 46 points in a half again', stated DaShaun Wood. 'The series is tied 1-1. We arent going to cry about this loss. We will watch film, make adjustments and take away the strength of Frankfurt. We cant let Wood waltz to the basket again. There is still a lot of basketball to be played', warned Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'Maybe I will not think about game three, but just go out and play. Playing aggressive defense will be key', warned Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Alba Berlin in game 3, May 25th.

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  GREECE   


Pettas' 35-point game gives him A2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old guard Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) put on an amazing game in the last round for Koroivos and receives a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 27.
He had the game-high 35 points adding nine rebounds for Koroivos as his team was edged out by Near East (#16, 7-20) 95-92. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Koroivos maintains the 15th position in Greek A2. Koroivos is currently ranked second from the bottom. But it was their 18th lost game this season out of 27 games. In the team's last game Pettas had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He turned to be Koroivos' top player in his first season with the team. Pettas has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.5ppg).

Second best performed player last round was Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) of Apollon Patras. He is Serbian forward in his first season at Apollon Patras. In the last game Pantelic recorded impressive double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. It was enough for Apollon Patras to edge the lower-ranked Panerythraikos (#13, 10-17) by 2 points 65-63. This victory allowed Apollon Patras to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 14-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Pantelic is a newcomer at Apollon Patras and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) of Ikaroi Serron (#3). Kakaroudis scored 24 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Ikaroi Serron, leading his team to a 83-80 win against #4 ranked Lavrio in a game of the week. Ikaroi Serron needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 18 victories and 9 lost games. Kakaroudis has a very solid season. In 27 games in Greece he scored 14.8ppg. He also has 5.7rpg and FGP: 52.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kostas Vardavas (193-G-81) of Amyntas Dafnis - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-F/C-83) of AEK/Argous - 23 points and 8 rebounds
6. Apostolos Koutroulias (206-C-76) of Olimpiada - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Nikos Makris (188-G-79) of Olimpiada - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Tasos Kallianotis (193-F-83) of Panerythraikos - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Milan Stanojevic (188-G-86) of Near East - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Alkis Pappas (185-G-88) of Near East - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists

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

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  GUYANA   


GABF Level 1 Coaches Clinic Schedule for May 23-29 - by Eurobasket News
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation is heartened by the response received from most associations and organizations to the FIBA Level 1 Coaches Clinic slated for May 23rd May 29th, 2011.

Applications have been received and approved from the following organizations:-
Berbice Amateur Basketball Association - 7 coaches
Linden Amateur Basketball Association - 15 coaches
Kwakwani - 3 coaches
Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association - 9 coaches
Schools (Georgetown/Linden/Berbice) - 13 coaches
Organizations (Youth/Women/Masters) - 6 coaches

The clinic shall be conducted by Tom Newell, a former NBA assistant head coach as per the attached schedule. For the practical sessions of the clinic, Coach Tom will be conducting drills and skills exercise with the assistance of players selected by the Georgetown, Linden and Berbice Associations.

Schedule
22-May - Practical Sessions - 3pm - 6pm - CASH - Floyd Levi
23-May - Opening of Clinic - 5pm - 5:30pm - CASH - Michael Burnett
Coaches Clinic - 5:30pm - 9pm - CASH - Tom Newell
24-May - Coaches Clinic - 5pm - 9pm - CASH - Tom Newell
25-May - Coaches Clinic - 5pm - 9pm - CASH - Tom Newell
26-May - Coaches Clinic National - Gymnasium
Practical Sessions - 1pm - 5pm - Floyd Levi
27-May - Coaches Clinic - 5pm - 9pm - National Gymnasium - Tom Newell
28-May - Coaches Clinic - National Gymnasium
Practical Sessions - 1pm - 5pm - Floyd Levi
29-May - Coaches Clinic - CASH
Practical Sessions - 1pm - 5pm - Floyd Levi
30-May - Coaches Clinic 5pm - 7pm CASH
Closing reception - 7pm - Michael Burnett
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com/

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  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 Leiden15.6 
 4. Tiedeman, Giants14.9 
 5. Mills, Eiffel Towe.14.9 
 6. Laing, Magixx14.7 
 7. Kimbrough, Giants14.7 
 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. de Randamie, ABC8.0 
 8. Ellis, GasTerra8.0 
 9. Jackson, Eiffel T.7.8 
 10. Blue, Giants7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Eiffel T.
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Turner, Eiffel T.5.5 
 2. Bauscher, GasTerra4.7 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert4.0 
 4. Kimbrough, Giants3.9 
 5. Marshall, Lands.3.6 
 6. Jansen, Eiffel T.3.6 
 7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden3.5 
 8. Williams, DeFriesl.3.3 
 9. Bostain, GasTerra3.2 
 10. Mladenovic, Rotte.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jason DOURISSEAU
  GasTe.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Dourisseau, GasTe.2.2 
 2. Turner, Eiffel T.2.2 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert2.1 
 4. Taylor, Magixx2.1 
 5. Marshall, Lands.2.1 
 6. Williams, DeFriesl.1.9 
 7. Jackson, ZZ Leiden1.9 
 8. McDermott, Magixx1.9 
 9. McDowell, BS Weert1.8 
 10. Ellis, GasTerra1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Junior HAIRSTON
  BS Weert
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Hairston, BS Weert1.3 
 2. Aarts, Eiffel T.1.2 
 3. Blue, Giants1.1 
 4. Hilliman, Rotterdam1.0 
 5. Hamm, BS Weert0.9 
 6. McDermott, Magixx0.9 
 7. Mullery, Landstede0.9 
 8. Minter, BS Weert0.8 
 9. Hulzebos, Landste.0.8 
 10. Haryasz, GasTerra0.8 


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  IBL   


Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Vancouver V. 7-1 
 2. Bellingham S. 7-3 
 3. W.C. Hotshots 4-3 
 4. Olympia R. 2-5 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-1 
 6. USA All-Stars 0-14 
International Division
 1. Albany L. 11-3 
 2. Kankakee S. 9-3 
 3. Gary Splash 6-5 
 4. Oregon W. 4-5 
 5. Edmonton E. 2-3 
Branding Team
 1. Lansing C. 2-3 
 2. Dayton A. 0-0 
 3. Phoenix R. 0-0 
 4. Las Vegas P. 0-1 
 5. Lake Co. 0-2 
 6. Ohio H.G. 0-2 


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  INDIA   


Troy Justice, NBA India to conduct Coaches Clinic in Kerala - by Anil Kumar
Basketball coaches, working with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC), will have the chance to hone their skills at a clinic to be conducted here by Troy Justice, Director of Operations, National Basketball Association-India.

The three-day clinic, to be held at the Central Stadium here from June 6 to 8, will also be open to amateur coaches, according to a Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) release.

The release said that Troy has indicated three priorities for the growth of Indian basketball. To ensure the growth of the game throughout the country, provide a focus on the grassroots programme to encourage more kids to play the game and then to train and develop quality coaches and players. The idea, the release further stated, was to hear basketballs bouncing all over the country. Thirty-two boys and girls of the Kerala junior teams will also get the chance to work out with Troy during the three-day clinic. Coaches interested in attending the clinic should contact Dr. M.M. Chacko, clinic coordinator, ph: 9446030638 or 0471-2530638.



Another interesting Basketball venture - Crossover Basketball & Scholars Academy - by Anil Kumar
Shaun Jayachandran is combining three of his passions coaching basketball, teaching and India into the Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy.
It draws on skills found in basketball that can also translate into the basis of success in the classroom, according to Jayachandran, the academys founder and president.

The academy is a free two-week overnight basketball camp and scholastic academy based in Chennai targeting kids from ages 9 through 16.

The academys fundamental goal is to help put them in good enough academic standing to pursue a college education either in India or in the United States rather than recruit them onto professional basketball teams, said Jayachandran.

Kids will take classes in English pronunciation and cultural integration, while getting away from the rote memorization that happens in India, said Belmont resident Jayachandran.

Life lessons are as much a part of the academys mission statement as academics and basketball.

The academy is about learning camaraderie ... and letting the kids know the are not alone in their pursuit, he said.

Twenty-five to 30 percent of students signed up for the academys inaugural class are girls.

Jayachandran hopes the academy will develop into a more comprehensive program in time. He aims to start the academy with about 100-120 kids and scale up from there. All of this hinges on the ability to meet the academys funding goal, which currently falls well short of the $60,000 he says is needed to run the academys inaugural class. So far, Jayachandran has collected $10,000.

However, lack of funding has not stymied Jayachandrans commitment to forge ahead with continuing to lay the groundwork for the academys launch.

Jayachandran has assembled several U.S. college coaches, including a couple from Harvard University, to participate in the basketball academy. They will teach basic basketball skills typical for similar sports camps, with the added benefit of, for example, adopting a typical South Asian diet with a focus on maximizing each childs physical growth potential, said Jayachandran.

Jayachandran has also recruited coaches from India who will serve in dual capacities, both to teach and be a role model, he said. Having similar socio-economic and geographical backgrounds will make these coaches natural role models, he believes.

Jayachandran sees a lot of potential in kids from the ages of 9 to 16, which he calls the perfect target age range, because kids have more time than some of their older peers to devote to practicing basketball skills.

Even though the sports culture is beginning to shine in India, Jayachandran says India has a long way to go to catch up to much of Europe and the United States when it comes to incorporating sports into the education system.

Any child at the academy who demonstrates the willingness to learn can continue being a student, regardless of how well they do academically, said Jayachandran. And though he admits that those students who have difficulty in keeping up with lessons may need some time to catch up with their peers, Jayachandran stresses that their academic ability will not jeopardize their enrollment.

Jayachandran was born in Calgary, Canada, and moved with his family to Washington, D.C., when he was sixteen. His parents are originally from Chennai.

He earned a bachelors degree in chemistry from the George Washington University and a masters degree in Catholic school education leadership from Marymount University in Virginia.

Three years ago he moved to his current residence and now runs the science department at Nativity Prepatory in Jamaica Plain.

According to Jayachandran, less than 40 percent of Indias school-aged children graduate from high school. While he acknowledges the potential of basketball to fast track a student to financial security, he emphasizes academic discipline over sports to elevate kids to their full potential.

If a kid winds up in the pros thats fantastic, said Jayachandran. If not, his hope is that graduates of the academy will become community and business leaders either in India or in the United States.

In addition to having coaching and teaching staff in place, a Catholic school in Chennai will provide three basketball courts, as well as a retreat center that will act as classroom space for the basketball academy, said Jayachandran.

Jayachandran is working towards nonprofit status and says has been in touch with the Deshpande Family Foundation about a possible investment in the academy. He intends on staying in touch with the kids via video chat sessions that will allow him to monitor their progress from afar even after leaving the academy.

As he enters the nonprofit world, Jayachandran reflects on his passion to help kids, shying away from the title of philanthropist in favor of being seen as a teacher and coach instead. Ive fallen in love with coaching, he said. You can impart so many lessons beyond the sports.


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


Towzin will not play in match 5! - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou
Towzin Electric Kashan will not play in match 5 against Petro for 3rd place . Club made this decision due to injury of 2 key players Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) and Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) . This decision looks really unprofessional and acts like this will decrease Iran league quality .
This series was tie at 2 and each club had 2 wins , one at home and one away.
After this decision Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour finaly stands at 3rd place.
Scores of this series matches :
Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour - Towzin Electric Kashan 92-73
Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour - Towzin Electric Kashan 81-83
Towzin Electric Kashan - Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour 71-68
Towzin Electric Kashan - Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour 68-75

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


Israeli Season Player Awards - by David Pick
As the curtain falls on another Israeli BSL season, the Final-Four will take place this week in search of another champion. Tuesday's semi-final matches Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs. Maccabi Rishon in game one. The second match will face off second and third seeded, defending champions Altshuler Galil Gilboa vs. Hapoel Jerusalem

Before the FF takes place and immediately after the somewhat tough playoff series, the BSL hosted the grand player award event naming this season's top athletes.

All-First-Team Starting Five: Moran Roth (13.5ppg and 5.9apg), Gal Mekel (13ppg, 6asp and 4.2rpg), Jeremy Pargo (9.3ppg and 6.1aps), Lior Eliyahu (13.6ppg, 5rpg and 2.9apg) and Dwayne Mitchell (15.6ppg, 7.4rpg and 4apg).

Sixth Man of the Year: Yuval Naimy, 11.8ppg and 2.7apg in 23.8 minutes of play.

Defensive Player of the Year: Doron Perkins, despite playing just 22 out of Maccabi's season 30 games (regular season and playoffs), Perkins was undoubtedly names DPY. With averages of 14.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 5asp and 2.3spg, 'Perk' was every court opponent's nightmare. In the league's 20th round, Perkins recorded his first professional career triple-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in 34 minutes of play.

Rookie of the Year: Yan Martin from the southern Israeli team Maccabi Ashdod. Yan posted a superb division one rookie season scoring 6.4ppg (38.5% from beyond the arc), and recording 2.5 rebounds per game in 20 minutes of play.

Season Breakthrough: Nizan Hanochi. The Israeli young talent helped lead his team to the local Final-Four beating his home town club Bnei Hasharon in four playoff games. Hanuki's season averages were 9.7ppg, 3.3rpg and 2.4apg. During the playoffs Hanuki recorded averages of 6.3ppg, 2.3rpg and 4apg.

Leading Rebounder: Shawn James. In his third and what appears to be his final season with Bnei Hasharon before joining Maccabi, James recorded the best averages of his career along with a number of remarkable defensive performances. James posted 13.5ppg, 2.1apg and grabbed a whopping 11.1rpg. James also had an average of 3.2 blocks per game where during one season match he posted a professional career record of 11 blocks. James' rebounding performances could be found on the stat sheets where total numbers of rebounds per game will show 9 (5 times), 10 (3 times), 14 (twice), 17 (twice), 18 and 19 single rebounding performances.

Assist Leader: Shmuel Brener. In his 10th professional season and second with Netanya, Brener finally completed his goal of finishing at the very top of the assist ladder. Brener finished the season with an average of 6.2 assists per game, finishing with season performances of dishing out the rock 8, 9, 10 and 13 times during games.

Leading Scorer: Lee Nailon. The six year NBA veteran was the most hyped player all season long. Despite of failing to lead his organization to the Final-Four, Nailon could look back on another impressive personal season averaging 18.2ppg in 28 minutes. Nailon recorded a league record scoring in double figures in 29 out of the 30 games he played this season (league & playoffs). At one point during the season Nailon led the league in consecutive free throws made, as he dropped 25/25 from the line.


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


A Dilettanti Round 3 of Finals - by Armando Caporaso
Brescia - Trapani 95-57

With the win in the third round Brescia closes the series of the first final and reaches an important goal, the victory of the A Dilettanti championship 2011 and automatically the promotion to the LegaA2 (almost 20 years after last time)! In a crowded San Filippo (2500 fans) the hosts control the match without problem, already after 20 minutes the advantage is for 20 points (51-31). At the end for the team of coach Sandro Dell Agnello an amazing 15/22 by 3 with 6 players in double digit and a net victory for 38 points! Lorenzo Gergati (188-G-84) is the top scorer for the winners with 17 points, 15 points for Rodolfo Rombaldoni (190-G-77, agency: Players Group), 14 points of the Argentinian Mario Jose Ghersetti (200-F-81), 13 points of Massimo Rezzano (204-F/C-82) and 10 points for Franko Bushati (188-G-85) and Nicholas Crow (199-F-89). For the Shinelco however the season is not over yet, will play the other promotion final against the winner between Treviglio and Ostuni. Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) and Luca Bisconti (206-F/C-82) are the only players with more of 10 points, respectively with 24 and 14 pts, just 8 points instead for Cantagalli.

Treviglio - Ostuni 81-72

Treviglio wins on their field in the third round and extends the series after the first 2 defeats. For the Co.Mark good first and third quarter (23-14 & 24-20 the partial) and great percentage in the 2 point shooting (25/42, 60%). Davide Reati (193-G-88) is the top scorer and the MVP with 23 points, 8/17 at shoot with 4/8 by 3, 7 rebounds and 28 of ranking. For the others there are 6 points + 4 steals of Marco Planezio (196-F-91), 6 points and 4 assist (but 6 turnovers) for Roberto Marulli (191-G-91) and 10 points for 4 players: Thomas De Min (203-F-86), Tommaso Milani (190-G-88), Riccardo Castelli (202-F-88) (in 16 minutes) and Jacopo Borra (212-C-90) that closes with a double-double adding 11 rebounds. For the Assi Basket 13 points and 10 rebounds for Silvio Gigena (200-F-75) (but 4/12 at shoot), 12 points and 5 rebounds of Domenico Morena (210-F/C-70), 11 points for Marco Bona (194-G-89) and Mario Gigena (198-F-77) (with 5 rebounds) and 7 points for Francesco Basei (207-C-83) with 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

stats leader
Points Per Game
 Federico TASSINARI
  Moncalieri
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Tassinari, Moncali.17.6 
 2. Evangelisti, Trapa.17.6 
 3. Musso, Perugia16.9 
 4. Ricciardi, Palestr.16.8 
 5. Rugolo, Molfetta16.8 
 6. Masper, Moncalieri16.7 
 7. Vico, Matera16.0 
 8. Carrizo, Ferentino15.9 
 9. Conte, Trento15.8 
 10. Benevelli, Trento15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Bagnoli, Potenza11.4 
 2. Rosignoli, Biscegl.9.8 
 3. Corral, Molfetta9.4 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.8.8 
 5. Zambon, Rieti8.7 
 6. Chiaramello, Recan.8.6 
 7. Basei, Ostuni8.4 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia8.1 
 9. Soloperto, Latina7.9 
 10. Gaeta, Osimo7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Simone FERRARESE
  Trento
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Ferrarese, Trento4.9 
 2. Marino, Treviglio4.7 
 3. Virgilio, Rieti4.0 
 4. Tomasiello, Comsum.3.7 
 5. Scarone, Piacenza3.7 
 6. Marcante, ASD P.3.7 
 7. Cantone, S.Antimo3.4 
 8. Passera, Piacenza3.4 
 9. Gnaccarini, Senig.3.4 
 10. Paparella, Potenza3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Guarino, Trapani3.5 
 2. Bonamente, Perugia3.2 
 3. De Nicolao, Castel.3.0 
 4. Gullo, Patti2.9 
 5. Malamov, Ruvo2.8 
 6. Bushati, Brescia2.7 
 7. Cisse, ASD Pavia2.7 
 8. Palombita, Castell.2.7 
 9. Musso, Perugia2.7 
 10. Valentini, S.Anti.2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Zerini, Ruvo1.7 
 2. Ancellotti, Patti1.6 
 3. Corral, Molfetta1.3 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.1.1 
 5. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 6. Spippoli, Palestri.0.9 
 7. Basei, Ostuni0.9 
 8. Candido, Ferentino0.9 
 9. Biligha, ASD Pavia0.9 
 10. Pozzi, Molfetta0.8 


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. White, Dinamo Sass.20.4 
 2. Thomas, Air AV17.7 
 3. Rivers, CS Bologna17.1 
 4. Zoroski, Banca T.16.0 
 5. Ford, Fabi Shoes15.8 
 6. Hunter, Dinamo S.15.1 
 7. Milic, Vanoli CR14.8 
 8. Goss, Cimberio VA14.8 
 9. Roberson, Enel B.14.6 
 10. Szewczyk, Air AV14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes10.4 
 2. Jones, Pepsi C.8.6 
 3. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 4. Davis, Banca Terc.8.2 
 5. Homan, CS Bologna8.2 
 6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.0 
 7. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.9 
 8. Lang, Enel Brindisi7.8 
 9. Suton, Angelico BI7.4 
 10. Skinner, Benetton.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Green, Air AV6.9 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.7 
 3. Sosa, Angelico BI4.5 
 4. Collins, Scavolin.3.9 
 5. Zoroski, Banca T.3.8 
 6. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.8 
 7. Goss, Cimberio VA3.8 
 8. Markovic, Benetton.3.6 
 9. Green, Bennet Can.3.4 
 10. Diener, Banca T.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.9 
 2. Thomas, Air AV2.7 
 3. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 4. Goss, Cimberio VA2.7 
 5. Stonerook, Montep.2.7 
 6. Green, Air AV2.7 
 7. McCalebb, Montepa.2.5 
 8. Ortner, Bennet C.2.4 
 9. Hackett, Scavolin.2.4 
 10. Hawkins, Armani MI2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.3 
 2. Eze, Armani MI1.4 
 3. Crosariol, Lottoma.1.3 
 4. Toure, Enel Brindi.1.2 
 5. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.0 
 6. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.0 
 7. Szewczyk, Air AV1.0 
 8. Polonara, Banca T.0.9 
 9. Cusin, Scavolini PS0.9 
 10. Drozdov, Vanoli CR0.8 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Whiting, Aget Imola22.4 
 2. Robinson, Trenkwal.19.7 
 3. Jackson, Prima Ver.19.7 
 4. Crispin, Barcellona19.6 
 5. Gordon, Forli19.5 
 6. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 7. Goldwire, Forli19.1 
 8. Clark, Umana Reyer18.6 
 9. Forte, Tuscany PT17.9 
 10. Marigney, Assigeco17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Ebi, Aget Imola9.2 
 2. Filloy, Immobili.9.1 
 3. Varnado, Tuscany8.9 
 4. Boykin, Assigeco8.1 
 5. Dickens, San Seve.8.0 
 6. Waleskowski, Tezen.7.9 
 7. Chiacig, Trenkwald.7.9 
 8. Johnson, San Seve.7.8 
 9. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 10. Lollis, Immobili.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis .
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Porta, Tezenis5.1 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona4.8 
 3. Goldwire, Forli4.5 
 4. Hickman, Fastw.4.2 
 5. Clark, Umana Reyer3.9 
 6. Marigney, Assigeco3.8 
 7. Whiting, Aget Imola3.8 
 8. Farabello, N.Fer.3.7 
 9. Nardi, Forli3.7 
 10. Mathis, Snaidero.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Alessandro PIAZZA
  Immobili.
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Piazza, Immobili.3.0 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola2.9 
 3. Davis, Sunrise2.6 
 4. Roderick, Immobi.2.6 
 5. Robinson, Trenkwal.2.6 
 6. Filloy, Immobili.2.5 
 7. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 8. Whiting, Aget Imola2.4 
 9. Hunter, Sunrise2.3 
 10. Achara, Barcellona2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Varnado, Tuscany3.1 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola1.4 
 3. Achara, Barcellona1.2 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.1 
 5. Boykin, Assigeco0.7 
 6. Frosini, Trenkwald.0.7 
 7. Cutolo, San Severo0.7 
 8. Bryan, Umana Reyer0.7 
 9. Filloy, Immobili.0.6 
 10. Nnamaka, Fastw.0.6 


A Dilettanti: Treviglio beat Ostuni for 2-2 in the series - by Eurobasket News
Treviglio - Ostuni 79-74

Treviglio beat Ostuni for 2-2 in the series as the decisive game will be played on May 25th, The hosts trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 27-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Treviglio forced 20 Ostuni turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Thomas De Min (203-86) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 rebounds. The former international guard Davide Reati (193-88) contributed with 19 points and 4 steals for the winners. Treviglio's coach Simone Lottici used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Naturalized Argentinian forward Silvio Gigena (200-75) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds and the former international forward Mario Gigena (198-77) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Ostuni. Four Treviglio and five Ostuni players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Treviglio: T.De Min 20+8reb, D.Reati 19+1reb, T.Marino 13+1reb+3ast, A.Vitale 10+4reb+3ast, G.Zanella 8+2reb+1ast, R.Marulli 5+4reb+2ast
Ostuni: V.Circosta 13+2reb+3ast, F.Basei 13+5reb, M.Gigena 12+8reb+3ast, D.Morena 11+1reb+2ast, S.Gigena 10+14reb, A.Ruggiero 8+2reb
gschID: 128801




Lega2 Round 5 of Quarter-Finals. Prima Veroli complete semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News
Immobiliare SR - Prima Veroli 71-85

Prima Veroli completed an amazing comeback as they registered the third straight win against Rimini and advanced into the semis. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 50-31 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Prima Veroli made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Immobiliare SR helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international power forward Ivan Gatto (207-F/C-78) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Jarrius Jackson (188-85, college: Texas Tech) contributed with 21 points and 5 steals for the winners. Four Prima Veroli players scored in double figures. Prima Veroli's coach Demis Cavina used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian-Greek forward Dusan Vukcevic (201-75, agency: Interperformances) answered with 19 points and 6 assists and the former international forward Demian Filloy (198-82, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Immobiliare SR.
Top scorers:
Immobiliare SR: D.Vukcevic 19+3reb+6ast, D.Filloy 14+6reb+2ast, Q.Lollis 10+8reb+2ast, F.Foiera 8+5reb, A.Piazza 7+2reb+5ast, G.Gurini 6+6reb+1ast
Prima Veroli: J.Jackson 21+2reb, I.Gatto 21+8reb+2ast, G.Rosselli 13+3reb+2ast, J.Penn 12+4reb+4ast, D.Brkic 8+4reb+1ast, R.Rullo 4+2reb
gschID: 128772




*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Samardo Samuels visits Jamaica - by Eurobasket News
He is expected to arrive on United States Airways at 12:41 p.m.

Samardo Samuels (206-F-89, college: Louisville), a 6-9, 260-pounder, who underwent surgery to repair a right wrist injury on April 15, will be using the time to rest and recuperate.

He is expected to make full recovery for the start of training camp next season.

Samardo Samuels, is scheduled to meet with sponsors and attend a few of the Flow National Basketball League (FNBL) games while in the island.

He is scheduled to leave the island on Thursday, June 2.
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com

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


Okinawa and Hamamatsu advance to the Final - by Eurobasket News
Hamamatsu P. - Niigata Albirex 88-74

The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Niigata Albirex managed to win fourth quarter 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hamamatsu Phoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Niigata Albirex helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Top Notch Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Ray Nixon (203-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Top Notch Sports) contributed with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach Kazuo Nakamura used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby (205-82, college: Colorado) answered with 28 points and 9 rebounds and Senegalese forward Issa Konare (202-80, college: High Point, agency: Warren Sports International) added 10 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Niigata Albirex.
Top scorers:
Hamamatsu P.: R.Nixon 25+8reb+4ast, J.Parmer 23+10reb+4ast, M.Ohguchi 9+5reb+2ast, S.Okada 8+3reb+3ast, D.Larkai 8+3reb, K.Tomori 6+1reb+2ast
Niigata Albirex: J.Ashby 28+9reb+2ast, I.Konare 10+8reb+2ast, G.Leach 9+2reb+1ast, N.Takushi 8+2reb+6ast, S.Komatsu 7+1reb, Y.Ikeda 5+3reb
gschID: 128263


Okinawa GK - Osaka Evessa 82-76

The hosts were already 15 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 27-18 Osaka Evessa's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 82-76 at the end of the game. Okinawa GK players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Osaka Evessa was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated the game. Swingman Anthony McHenry (201-83, college: Georgia Tech) stepped up and scored 23 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and forward David Palmer (201-82, college: S.Utah) chipped in 24 points. At the losing side forward Lynn Washington (200-78, college: Indiana) responded with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and swingman William Knight (196-79, college: UCLA) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Okinawa GK: D.Palmer 24+4reb+3ast, A.McHenry 23+7reb+2ast, C.Dixon 10+7reb+1ast, S.Kinjo 8+1reb+1ast, N.Kosuge 7+4reb+5ast, D.Sneed 6+7reb
Osaka Evessa: L.Washington 25+8reb+4ast, W.Knight 23+11reb+1ast, W.Marshall 12+6reb+1ast, S.Konno 6+2reb+2ast, H.Takada 5+2reb+1ast, K.Satterfield 5+5reb+8ast
gschID: 128264




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


Ramunas Siskauskas: 'I'm not changing my mind' - by Eurobasket News
Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) is not going to play for Lithuanian national team ever again. CSKA Moscow forward rejected Vladas Garastas' persuasion to return from international retirement, stating that these type of talks need to stop.

32-year-old player was officially asked to help the national team but was less than impressed with the invitation.

'I said 'good bye' once to the national team after Beijing Olympics and I thought that the talks about the national team will be finished with that. Though I am constantly asked whether I'll make a comeback twice a year', Siskauskas said in an interview to lrytas.lt

Siskauskas confirmed that he has no plans to change his decision:

'I heard that Vladas Garastas asked me to return. I can repeat once again that I won't. I will not change my decision.'

The player was unhappy that the pressure is being put on him by public statements such as the one by Vladas Garastas .

'When I had a bad game fans felt bad, when I retired they felt bad, when I am not returning - they feel very bad.

'I can't be good to all fans. So I'm not trying to do that because I'll be guilty anyway.'

Garastas himself wasn't disappointed to learn that Siskauskas will not be joining national team. Here's what he said to 15min.lt:

'If he doesn't come, then he doesn't come. I addressed the player who grew on Lithuanian land, where he had the conditions to do sports. Now it is a difficult time for the national team and it needs help.

'I can only compare it to the building of independent Lithuania in 1918. People laid their heads to build the country.

'It was harder back then than it is now - now you can come and talk to the coach about the workload. I think it isn't difficult. But if he (Siskauskas) thinks differently then I have nothing more to say.

'If we asked [him] to come then it means that help was needed.

'In 1939 (Lithuania hosted EuroBasket in 1939 and won it - auth.) there were options as national team brought players from USA (there were several Lithuanian migrants from USA on the national team - auth.). We won't bring them from America now.

'It seems that things are more simple now - somebody has to come from Moscow... If that isn't done then I can't say anything more.'

Courtesy of www.talkbasket.net

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


Diekirch League Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Etzella enter Finals - by Eurobasket News
Etzella - Sparta 82-76

Etzella booked their spot in the Finals after they held off Sparta in a tough home battle. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 33-24 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for the former international swingman Nelson Delgado (186-G/F-80) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. American power forward Dustin Scott (203-85, college: Charleston) helped adding 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Etzella players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Lucas Hargrove (198-88, college: Auburn, agency: 540 Sports) with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 13 rebounds and Belgian swingman Julien Hublart (192-88) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Etzella: N.Delgado 25+11reb+3ast, D.Scott 21+10reb+4ast, J.Delgado 16+6reb+1ast, T.Giver 12+6ast, D.Wilson 5+3reb, R.Albaladejo 3+4reb+1ast
Sparta: L.Hargrove 28+13reb, J.Hublart 18+7reb+3ast, R.Wolzfeld 13+3reb, P.Arbaut 9+4reb+1ast, L.Smith 8+12reb+4ast, T.Wagner 0+1reb
gschID: 128771




Scoring Leaders - DBBL
Points Per Game
 Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 26.5
 1. Ulmer, Soleuvre26.5 
 2. Kennedy, Residence25.6 
 3. McDaniel, Black S.23.0 
 4. Schumacher, T7122.6 
 5. Hargrove, Sparta22.5 
 6. Reimold, Basket E.20.9 
 7. Muller, T7120.1 
 8. Delgado, Etzella19.7 
 9. Gary, Contern19.1 
 10. Scott, Etzella18.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 15.5
 1. Ulmer, Soleuvre15.5 
 2. McDaniel, Black S.15.3 
 3. Gary, Contern13.2 
 4. Stephens, T7112.3 
 5. Hargrove, Sparta12.1 
 6. Kennedy, Residence11.8 
 7. Wurtz, Musel Pikes11.7 
 8. Scott, Etzella11.0 
 9. Wojnowski, Musel P.9.8 
 10. Abercrombie, Spa.9.6 
Assists Per Game
 Christian SCHARTZ
  Amicale
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Schartz, Amicale5.3 
 2. Schumacher, T714.0 
 3. Rausch, Black Star3.7 
 4. Delgado, Etzella3.6 
 5. Reimold, Basket E.3.3 
 6. Koster, Residence2.9 
 7. Schwartz, Musel P.2.9 
 8. Arbaut, Sparta2.8 
 9. Giver, Etzella2.7 
 10. McDaniel, Black S.2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Christopher JONES
  Amicale
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Jones, Amicale2.3 
 2. Kalmes, Contern1.9 
 3. Gary, Contern1.8 
 4. Kennedy, Residence1.7 
 5. Schartz, Amicale1.6 
 6. McDaniel, Black S.1.5 
 7. Birdsong, Amicale1.4 
 8. Delgado, Etzella1.4 
 9. Smith, Sparta1.4 
 10. Schumacher, T711.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Brandon GARY
  Contern
  (202-F-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gary, Contern2.0 
 2. McDaniel, Black S.1.9 
 3. Birdsong, Amicale1.8 
 4. Hoffmann, Etzella1.2 
 5. Ulmer, Soleuvre1.0 
 6. Abercrombie, Spa.0.9 
 7. Stephens, T710.9 
 8. Scott, Etzella0.8 
 9. Wurtz, Musel Pikes0.7 
 10. Kennedy, Residen.0.6 


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


Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Cananea 29-9 
 2. Culiacan 28-10 
 3. Hermosillo 27-11 
 4. Guasave 22-16 
 5. Guaymas 21-17 
 6. Nogales 19-19 
 7. Mexicali 18-20 
 8. Tijuana 15-23 
 9. Tepic 7-31 
 10. Los Mochis 4-34 


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 34.3
 1. Sowell, Guasave34.3 
 2. White, Cananea28.1 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Gale, Mexicali26.9 
 5. Brown, Tepic24.8 
 6. Sims, Los Mochis24.3 
 7. White, Los Mochis24.2 
 8. Gabbidon, Tijuana23.4 
 9. Brown, Tepic23.3 
 10. Barrett, Guasave23.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Brown, Cananea11.8 
 2. VanderMeer, Mexica.10.2 
 3. Moss, Nogales10.2 
 4. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 5. Broxsie, Nogales9.7 
 6. Brown, Tepic9.6 
 7. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 9. Gabbidon, Tijuana8.1 
 10. Thomas, Hermosillo8.1 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Funn, Guasave8.9 
 2. Watson, Tijuana6.0 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.7 
 4. White, Cananea5.1 
 5. Nungaray, Guaymas4.7 
 6. Thomas, Hermosillo4.7 
 7. Brown, Tepic4.4 
 8. Marentes, Guaymas4.3 
 9. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 10. Sowell, Guasave3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Marcus MOORE
  Culiacan
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Moore, Culiacan2.1 
 2. White, Cananea2.1 
 3. Thomas, Cananea1.8 
 4. Rougeau, Culiacan1.7 
 5. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 6. White, Los Mochis1.6 
 7. Gale, Mexicali1.6 
 8. Sowell, Guasave1.6 
 9. Funn, Guasave1.6 
 10. Brown, Cananea1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Sowell, Guasave3.3 
 2. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 3. Gale, Mexicali2.8 
 4. Webb, Culiacan2.6 
 5. Thomas, Hermosillo2.3 
 6. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 7. Funn, Guasave2.2 
 8. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 9. Brown, Nogales2.1 
 10. Brown, Tepic2.1 


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


MNE Final Play-Off 3. Round : Buducnost defended title - by Dragan Scepanovic
The Buducnost is defended title in Montenegro and came to five doubles , blue in the third game play-off finals defeated Mornar 105:79 (15:20, 33:15, 32:23, 25:21) and 3-0 in victories came to the trophy.
Buducnost - Mornar 105:79 (15:20, 33:15, 32:23, 25:21)
Podgorica - Hall:Moraca. Attendance: 300 Judges: Vojinovic (Niksic), Savovic (Podgorica), Kaludjerovic (Niksic).
Buducnost: Mihailovic, M. 9 Popovic, Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) 4, Filip Barovic (205-F-90) 7, Otasevic 1, Simonovic 17, Kadziulis 11, Dubljevic 17, Milutin Djukanovic (188-G-91) 3, Sead Sehovic (199-F-89) 6, Nesovic 4, Milosevic 26
Mornar: Pesic, Damjanovic, Sarajlija 20, Radovic 7, Mikovic 2, Nikola Ljujic (202-F-91) 16, Perovic 2, Lekovic, Gagic 5, Vujoevic 9, Ivanovic 18, Kuveljic.

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


Potential for a lockout adding intrigue to draft - by Eurobasket News
The potential lockout hovering over the NBA like a money-green elephant in the room spread to the draft combine in Chicago last week.

There are many prospects trying to improve their draft stock and impress interested teams. But there is no question this stands to be the weakest draft in recent memory.

The college game has been decimated by early entries, and the looming work stoppage was critical in discouraging players such as Perry Jones, Harrison Barnes, and Terrence Jones from entering the draft. So the league is left to deal with the fallout; for instance, the top prospect in the draft played just 11 college games, while the second-best prospect is a little-known player from Turkey.

Teams in desperate need of help wont have cant-miss players to select. The scouting for the top pick will be as intense as it is for the 25th, which is where the Celtics reside. Whats more, the Celtics could benefit from such a bizarre draft. There is no guarantee that Danny Ainge wont discover a better player late in the first round than, say, Detroit lands in the lottery at No. 8.

The terms unpredictable, crap shoot, and weak have been ways to describe the June 23 draft. But there is another way to view it, according to a league insider: intriguing. This crop may not be littered with franchise-caliber players, household names, or even All-Stars, he says, but the uncertainty could give it impact, especially for the Celtics.

I wouldnt call it shaky, but I dont think youre going to have the confidence to grab guys, early-entry guys, and expect franchise players, said NBA co-director of scouting Ryan Blake. Maybe media and other people think were not going to have these franchise players with the Dwyane Wades and Derrick Roses coming out but I think what were going to have is a lot of good players and seniors and a lot of good guys who are going to make an impact. But it may take a couple of years.

Fearing that paychecks may not arrive until next year, some premium prospects decided to return to school, leaving players such as Duke guard Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) to exemplify the strangeness of this draft. He played in just 11 games, missing most of the season with a ligament injury in his left foot. Irving does not have an extensive rsum or even a signature NCAA Tournament game he scored 28 points in the Sweet 16 loss to Arizona but was overshadowed by Derrick Williams but because of his speed and ability to run the pick-and-roll, he is being viewed as the No. 1 overall talent.

Williamss marvelous tournament run with Arizona catapulted him to a projected top-five pick from a late first-rounder before the season. The Turkish player, Enes Kanter, a 6-foot-11-inch center, was ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky, but he is considered the best international player in the draft.

Theres always something different that happens every year in the draft, and this is my Super Bowl, said Blake. And although Irving has only played in 11 games, hes mature. He has a lot of versatility, ability to turn the corner, to get inside and finish. You look at the strengths and they are surrounded by maturity.

But then again, this is a beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder draft.

So Kentucky guard Brandon Knight perhaps could vault over Irving in the next few weeks. But he is one of those prospects, pushed by agents, who are making decisions more difficult by playing chess games. Irving decided to skip the drill sessions at the combine, as did Knight and UConn guard Kemba Walker.

In this draft, where you have so many players where you dont know where theyre going to go, you want to be a first-round pick to get that guaranteed contract, said Blake. But you are going to find a lot of early-entry guys going into the second round and not making a team. You are going to still have a lot of good players. There are so many guys who are under the radar right now that are moving up.

These circumstances could benefit the Celtics, who need an immediate impact player at 25 and another athlete with the 55th pick.

Players such as Tennessee forward Tobias Harris, Maryland forward Jordan Williams, UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt, Georgia forward Trey Thompkins, or Morehead State forward Kenneth Faried could fall to Ainge in the first round. And that 55th pick could turn into a player who aids the rebuilding plan down the road.

Ainge wasted two past second-round picks by trading Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to Cleveland to clear roster space to sign Troy Murphy and Sasha Pavlovic. So this draft may provide Ainge and his scouting department an opportunity to make up for that.

Some of the guys under the radar, theres a big in there who can come off the bench and help, Blake said. But theres a lot of guys out there that teams may not be sure on, but they could be that guy.

If you are the Celtics, you have to grab someone who is defensive who makes other players better. Its going to be one of those crazy drafts where you really dont know where these guys are going to land.

Thats what makes this thing so intriguing. Its definitely going to take a few years to see how this one pans out.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Lakers interested in Mike Brown; Warriors interview Shaw - by Eurobasket News
Former Cavaliers coach Michael Brown is expected to interview for the Lakers head coaching job, making him the fourth known candidate to replace Phil Jackson , ESPN.com reports. Former Rockets coach Rick Adelman , former Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy and Lakers assistant Brian Shaw are also on the Lakers list.

Brown is being mentioned as a candidate for other head coach openings around the league, too. Hes widely regarded in coaching circles as the leading candidate for the Golden State job, according to the report, and Pacers president Larry Bird said hell reach out to Brown, as well as Adelman, for the opening in Indiana.

Shaw, meanwhile, interviewed with the Warriors earlier this week, ESPNLosAngeles.com reports. Shaw is from Oakland, Calif., and the town even celebrated 'Brian Shaw Day' on Aug. 10, 2010. Additionally, according to the report, Shaw has a good relationship with Jerry West, who the Warriors just hired in an advisory role. West was GM of the Lakers in 1999 when Shaw first signed with the team.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Miami's Big 5 - by Daniel Gibson
MIAMI---For people that think Udonis Haslem cant duplicate the 13 point five rebound performance he put on in game 2, think again.

A lot of people forgot about the things Haslem brings to the table because he was out basically the entire season and the majority of the playoffs.

For his career he has averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

In game 2 he had 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, 3-of-3 from the line, and five rebounds. He had two big dunks that quieted the 'Mad House on Madison' too. One over Keith Bogans that sent him sliding into the photographers under the basket and another one of the league MVP Derrick Rose.

These plays weren't a once in a career type of thing.

Haslem has championship pedigree as well. Hes the last remaining player from the 06 Championship team with Dwyane Wade.

Haslem brings toughness, rebounding, and a mid-range jump shot to the table for the Heat. He can also defend multiple positions which only makes an already tough defense that more formidable.

The big lineup of Mike Miller, Wade, LeBron James, Haslem, and Chris Bosh was finally able to play together for the first time in game 2.

This lineup is dangerous on both ends of the court.

Offensively each one of them can shoot the ball. There is no weak link so if Chicago double teams Wade or James they can swing the ball with confidence that the open man can knock down a shot. Each one of them can also finish at the rim and attack the basket off the dribble.

Defensively this is a difficult group to score on because they are all big and can move. They can switch on pick and rolls and defend different players. They are all good rebounders as well and are able to limit the Bulls second chance opportunities.

In game 2 Rose shot 7-of-23 from the floor and missed some shots that he might usually make but this lineup played a big role in him struggling from the floor.

The Indiana Pacers made Rose work extremely hard to score in the first round of the playoffs. While he had some big scoring games against them early, a large number of his points came from the free-throw line and he didnt shoot well. Miami is much more athletic than the Pacers and Wade and James are both good defenders when they are focused in.

Mike Bibby has done a good job of staying in front of Rose also. Nobody in the league can contain him for the entire game but if they can get him to take more jump shots than layups and contest every layup at the rim with length and multiple defenders then it is a success for the defense.

Being back in Miami is a big boost too because the Heat are 6-0 at home in the playoffs. The 96 Bulls were the last team over the previous two decades to go undefeated at home over the course of the entire playoffs with a record of 10-0 on their way to the title.

The Heat will have games 3 and 4 to try to get that record to 8-0, and head back to Chicago up 3-0 with an opportunity to close out the series and punch their ticket to the finals.

I think the Heat will win both home games and Chicago will hold them off in game 5 in front of a crazy home crowd before losing back in Miami in game 6.

NBA rescinds Tyson Chandler's technical foul - by Eurobasket News
The technical foul on Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) will not count toward his postseason total.

For the second time this series, the NBA rescinded a technical foul on Chandler after further review. That means he officially has three technical fouls during the playoffs, four shy of the total that would result in a one-game suspension.

The NBA ruled that Chandler's contact with Thunder sixth man James Harden was mild and incidental and not unsports

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Luke Hancock leaving George Mason - by Eurobasket News
Sophomore forward Luke Hancock (6'5''-F-90) is transferring from George Mason, and the school says he plans to enroll at Louisville.

Hancock averaged 10.9 points last season. He scored 18 and hit a key 3-pointer late in George Mason's victory over Villanova in its NCAA tournament opener.

New George Mason coach Paul Hewitt, hired when Jim Larranaga left for Miami, said Saturday the Patriots 'are sad to have him leave' but 'respect Luke's decision.'

Courtesy of www.fox41.com

Potential for a lockout adding intrigue to draft - by Eurobasket News
The potential lockout hovering over the NBA like a money-green elephant in the room spread to the draft combine in Chicago last week.

There are many prospects trying to improve their draft stock and impress interested teams. But there is no question this stands to be the weakest draft in recent memory.

The college game has been decimated by early entries, and the looming work stoppage was critical in discouraging players such as Perry Jones, Harrison Barnes, and Terrence Jones from entering the draft. So the league is left to deal with the fallout; for instance, the top prospect in the draft played just 11 college games, while the second-best prospect is a little-known player from Turkey.

Teams in desperate need of help wont have cant-miss players to select. The scouting for the top pick will be as intense as it is for the 25th, which is where the Celtics reside. Whats more, the Celtics could benefit from such a bizarre draft. There is no guarantee that Danny Ainge wont discover a better player late in the first round than, say, Detroit lands in the lottery at No. 8.

The terms unpredictable, crap shoot, and weak have been ways to describe the June 23 draft. But there is another way to view it, according to a league insider: intriguing. This crop may not be littered with franchise-caliber players, household names, or even All-Stars, he says, but the uncertainty could give it impact, especially for the Celtics.

I wouldnt call it shaky, but I dont think youre going to have the confidence to grab guys, early-entry guys, and expect franchise players, said NBA co-director of scouting Ryan Blake. Maybe media and other people think were not going to have these franchise players with the Dwyane Wades and Derrick Roses coming out but I think what were going to have is a lot of good players and seniors and a lot of good guys who are going to make an impact. But it may take a couple of years.

Fearing that paychecks may not arrive until next year, some premium prospects decided to return to school, leaving players such as Duke guard Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) to exemplify the strangeness of this draft. He played in just 11 games, missing most of the season with a ligament injury in his left foot. Irving does not have an extensive rsum or even a signature NCAA Tournament game he scored 28 points in the Sweet 16 loss to Arizona but was overshadowed by Derrick Williams but because of his speed and ability to run the pick-and-roll, he is being viewed as the No. 1 overall talent.

Williamss marvelous tournament run with Arizona catapulted him to a projected top-five pick from a late first-rounder before the season. The Turkish player, Enes Kanter, a 6-foot-11-inch center, was ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky, but he is considered the best international player in the draft.

Theres always something different that happens every year in the draft, and this is my Super Bowl, said Blake. And although Irving has only played in 11 games, hes mature. He has a lot of versatility, ability to turn the corner, to get inside and finish. You look at the strengths and they are surrounded by maturity.

But then again, this is a beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder draft.

So Kentucky guard Brandon Knight perhaps could vault over Irving in the next few weeks. But he is one of those prospects, pushed by agents, who are making decisions more difficult by playing chess games. Irving decided to skip the drill sessions at the combine, as did Knight and UConn guard Kemba Walker.

In this draft, where you have so many players where you dont know where theyre going to go, you want to be a first-round pick to get that guaranteed contract, said Blake. But you are going to find a lot of early-entry guys going into the second round and not making a team. You are going to still have a lot of good players. There are so many guys who are under the radar right now that are moving up.

These circumstances could benefit the Celtics, who need an immediate impact player at 25 and another athlete with the 55th pick.

Players such as Tennessee forward Tobias Harris, Maryland forward Jordan Williams, UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt, Georgia forward Trey Thompkins, or Morehead State forward Kenneth Faried could fall to Ainge in the first round. And that 55th pick could turn into a player who aids the rebuilding plan down the road.

Ainge wasted two past second-round picks by trading Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to Cleveland to clear roster space to sign Troy Murphy and Sasha Pavlovic. So this draft may provide Ainge and his scouting department an opportunity to make up for that.

Some of the guys under the radar, theres a big in there who can come off the bench and help, Blake said. But theres a lot of guys out there that teams may not be sure on, but they could be that guy.

If you are the Celtics, you have to grab someone who is defensive who makes other players better. Its going to be one of those crazy drafts where you really dont know where these guys are going to land.

Thats what makes this thing so intriguing. Its definitely going to take a few years to see how this one pans out.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

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


Best players of New Zealand NBL round 6 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced naturalized British swingman Brendon Polyblank (200-G/F-78) had an amazing evening in the last round for Southland S. and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 32-year old swingman had the game-high 29 points adding nine rebounds and two assists for Southland S. in his team's victory, helping them to beat Manawatu J. (#5, 3-5) in overtime 100-91. Southland S. is placed at 4th position in British NBL. Southland S. 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 3-4 record. Polyblank just recently signed at Southland S., being already a very valuable addition to the team. Brendon Polyblank averages this season 17.3ppg and 5.1rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old American center Lance Allred (211-C-81, agency: SportsTalent) of OceanaGold N.. Allred impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds. Of course OceanaGold N. cruised to a 74-67 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Manawatu J. (#5, 3-5). This victory allowed OceanaGold N. to leave bottom place moving a little bit up to 8th position in the standings. 6 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory OceanaGold N. managed to get this year. Allred is one of the most experienced players at OceanaGold N. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Kareem Johnson (205-C-80) of second-ranked Wellington S.. Johnson scored 22 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Johnson's great performance Wellington S. lost 93-99 to the lower-ranked Nelson G. (#7, 2-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Wellington S. had another 'accident'. It may be a crucial game and cause dropping from the group of top ranked teams. The record is still good, but 1st lost game is hopefully really an accident. Johnson's teammates are also very good. That's why having such high stats is even more impressive. Johnson has a great season in New Zealand. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.2rpg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mark Dickel (187-G-76) of Southland S. - 8 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81) of Manawatu J. - 25 points and 8 rebounds
6. Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87) of Waikato P. - 30 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jeremiah Trueman (206-F-87) of Manawatu J. - 23 points and 11 rebounds
8. Josh Pace (198-G-83) of Bay Hawks - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Rod Grizzard (203-G-80) of Nelson G. - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Gareth Dawson (C) of Southland S. - 15 points and 11 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)

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


Leuven Bears keep Adeola Dagunduro - by Eurobasket News
Belgian outfit Stella Artois Leuven Bears announced signing of one-year contract extension with Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska). The Nigerian guard appeared 34 times for the club this season and was one of their best players. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals. Dagunduro helped Leuven reach the Playoff Quarterfinals. However, Dexia Mons-Hainaut eliminated them with 2-1.
Adeola Dagunduro joined Leuven Bears last summer. It was his second professional job. Season 2009/10, Dagunduro spent in Germany as a member of Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels. He had 9 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.6 apg in 34 games. Dagunduro is a product of Nebraska University, where he graduated two years ago. He had 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.4 apg for his school as a senior.

DStv PBL Standings
DStv PBL Standings
Atlantic Conf.
 1. Union Bank 13-1 
 2. Royal Hoopers 12-2 
 3. Comets 9-5 
 4. D.Warriors 8-6 
 5. Islanders 7-7 
 6. Police Baton 5-9 
 7. Delta Force 1-13 
 8. Chariots 1-13 
Savannah Conf.
 1. Kano Pillars 14-0 
 2. Kada Stars 11-3 
 3. Yelwa Hawks 10-4 
 4. Bauchi Nets 7-7 
 5. Niger Potters 6-8 
 6. Plateau Peaks 5-9 
 7. Immigration 2-12 
 8. Rockets 1-13 


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


Stats Leaders - UZO Liga
Points Per Game
 Riley LUETTGERODT
  Sampa.
  (196-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21
 1. Luettgerodt, Samp.21.0 
 2. Curnell, Barreiren.20.1 
 3. Jackson, Sampaense19.8 
 4. Eddie, Academica18.2 
 5. Shaw, Academica18.0 
 6. Austin, Vitoria SC17.9 
 7. Johnson, Barreire.17.6 
 8. Goode, Penafiel17.4 
 9. Crutchfield, Illia.17.4 
 10. Robert, Lusitania16.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin MARTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Martin, Vitoria SC10.3 
 2. Cortez, Ovarense10.0 
 3. Robert, Lusitania9.7 
 4. Shaw, Academica9.1 
 5. Eddie, Academica9.0 
 6. Jackson, Sampaense8.8 
 7. Momplasir, Lusitan.8.8 
 8. Curnell, Barreiren.8.5 
 9. Terrell, Porto F.8.3 
 10. Harris, Illiabum8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Manarte, Ovarense6.9 
 2. Sing, Sampaense6.3 
 3. Monteiro, Lusitania5.2 
 4. Reveles, Ginasio4.9 
 5. Minhava, Benfica4.9 
 6. Silva, CAB4.6 
 7. Fernandes, CAB4.5 
 8. Simoes, Academica4.5 
 9. Barroso, Ginasio4.0 
 10. Andrade, Porto F.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Curnell, Barreiren.3.2 
 2. Cortez, Ovarense2.7 
 3. Goode, Penafiel2.6 
 4. Silva, CAB2.5 
 5. Jackson, CAB2.5 
 6. Tavares, Vitoria SC2.2 
 7. Felix, Illiabum2.1 
 8. Eddie, Academica2.0 
 9. Holland, Academica1.9 
 10. Almeida, Penafiel1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcel MOMPLASIR
  Lusitania
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Momplasir, Lusitan.3.8 
 2. Coelho, CAB1.2 
 3. Jackson, Sampaense1.2 
 4. Nolen, Penafiel1.1 
 5. Gentry, CAB1.1 
 6. Gray, Sampaense1.1 
 7. Willis, Illiabum1.1 
 8. Harris, Illiabum1.0 
 9. Terrell, Porto F.1.0 
 10. Austin, Vitoria SC0.9 


Proliga Round 2 of Finals. Barcelos record second straight win - by Eurobasket News
Barcelos - Terceira Basket 77-64

Barcelos recorded the second straight win over Terceira Basket. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 44-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Barcelos forced 19 Terceira Basket turnovers. Guard Carlos Fechas (180-G-81) scored 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals to lead the charge for the winners and guard Nuno Pedroso (187-79) chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five Barcelos players scored in double figures. American forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks and his fellow American import guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. Terceira Basket's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Barcelos: C.Fechas 20+7reb+7ast, N.Pedroso 19+10reb+2ast, T.Barreiro 12+3reb+5ast, J.Moreira 12+7reb, P.Silva 11+18reb+2ast, P.Antonio 2+4reb+2ast
Terceira Basket: D.Nevels 18+14reb, N.Bowie 16+9reb+2ast, D.Goncalves 15+5reb+1ast, J.Avila 8+1reb, F.Tavares 4+10reb, A.Pontes 3+4reb+2ast
gschID: 128630




LPB Round 4 of Finals. Benfica catch up with Porto in the series - by Eurobasket News
Benfica - Porto Ferpinta 79-75

Benfica posted the second win in a row at home court and caught up with Porto in the title series. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But FC Porto Ferpinta won third quarter 25-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Benfica made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by FC Porto Ferpinta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Marquin Chandler (202-82, college: San Jose St.) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import swingman Ben Reed (191-83, college: W.Michigan) who added 13 points during the contest. At the losing side American forward Gregory Stempin (203-79, college: Toledo, agency: Duran International) responded with 25 points and 8 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) and the former international forward Carlos Andrade (197-78, college: Queens, NC) scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Top scorers:
Benfica: M.Chandler 18+6reb+2ast, S.Ramos 13+1reb, B.Reed 13+4reb+1ast, A.Tavares 9+1reb, D.Carreira 8+1ast, G.Jenkins 8+4reb
Porto Ferpinta: G.Stempin 25+8reb, C.Andrade 15+5reb+4ast, S.Ogirri 10+4reb+1ast, J.Costa 8+1reb+4ast, M.Miranda 6+2reb+2ast, N.Marcal 4
gschID: 128410




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


Weekly BSN Team Rankings-Week 8 - 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.

In this week's ranking, Vaqueros de Bayamon & Cangrejeros de Santurce (last week's top 2 teams) take a big fall, while Atleticos de San German & Capitanes de Arecibo continue to climb it.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=20&range=a1%3Af11&output=html

BSN Round 17: Vaqueros are defeated by Caciques - by Eurobasket News
The game between third ranked Vaqueros (11-7) and seventh ranked Caciques (9-11) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Vaqueros were defeated by Caciques in a tough game in Humacao 70-77. The game without a history. Caciques led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Caciques made 7 blocks. American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and British V.Islands center Kleon Penn (211-86, college: McNeese St., agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. International forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Caciques maintains seventh place with 9-11 record. Vaqueros at the other side keep the third position with seven games lost. Caciques are looking forward to face Maratonistas (#8) in Coamo in the next round. Vaqueros will play at home against the league's leader Mets (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
The game in Coamo supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Cangrejeros (10-8) played at the court of 7th ranked Maratonistas (8-12). Cangrejeros smashed Maratonistas 102-74. American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and Ricky Sanchez accounted for 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) came up with 22 points and 6 rebounds for Maratonistas in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cangrejeros maintains fifth place with 10-8 record. Maratonistas at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 12 games lost. Cangrejeros will play against league's leader Mets in Guaynabo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maratonistas will play on the road against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Arecibo between Capitanes and Gallitos. Sixth ranked Capitanes (10-9) got a very close home victory over 9th ranked Gallitos (7-14). Capitanes managed to escape with a 3-point win 88-85 on Friday evening. The best player for the winners was Danilo Pinnock who had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. Capitanes' coach David Rosario used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Darnell Hinson produced 25 points (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) for the guests. Capitanes maintains sixth place with 10-9 record. Loser Gallitos keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Capitanes will meet league's second-placed Quebradillas on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gallitos will play against Indios (#10) in Mayaguez and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 17 San German won against Isabela on the opponent's court 94-83. Bottom-ranked Mayaguez unfortunately lost to Quebradillas in a home game 79-89.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists by Mike Harris of San German.


Isabela - San German 83-94

Very expected game in Isabela where 9th ranked Gallitos (7-14) were defeated by fifth ranked Atleticos (11-8) 94-83 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Atleticos. Gallitos managed to win third quarter 26-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Gallitos 39-23 including a 26-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Panamanian power forward Jaime Lloreda (201-80, college: LSU, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Five Atleticos players scored in double figures. Naturalized American guard Darnell Hinson (186-80, college: Northeastern St.) produced 23 points and 4 assists and guard Jesus Verdejo (193-85, college: S.Florida) added 25 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Atleticos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Loser Gallitos keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Atleticos will meet at home Cangrejeros (#5) in the next round. Gallitos will play against Indios (#10) in Mayaguez and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Isabela: J.Verdejo 25+3reb+1ast, D.Hinson 23+3reb+4ast, F.Valencia 16+5reb, S.Randolph 7+1reb+1ast, J.Soto 5+1reb+2ast, R.Cotto 2+1ast
San German: M.Harris 29+15reb+5ast, J.Lloreda 19+11reb+2ast, C.Strong 15+4reb+2ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 13+2reb+3ast, R.Filiberto 10+1reb+4ast, R.Abraham 5+1reb+3ast
gschID: 125561


Coamo - Santurce 74-102

The game in Coamo supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Cangrejeros (10-8) played at the court of 7th ranked Maratonistas (8-12). Cangrejeros smashed Maratonistas 102-74. It looked good early as Maratonistas took an 7-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Cangrejeros had a 31-17 second period charge getting the lead and Maratonistas were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 74-102. Cangrejeros shot the lights out from three nailing 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and international power forward Ricky Sanchez (212-87, college: High School) accounted for 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) came up with 22 points and 6 rebounds and American-Lebanese forward Matt Freije (207-81, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Priority Sports) added 15 points respectively for Maratonistas in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cangrejeros maintains fifth place with 10-8 record. Maratonistas at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 12 games lost. Cangrejeros will play against league's leader Mets in Guaynabo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maratonistas will play on the road against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Coamo: J.Villegas 22+6reb+3ast, M.Freije 15+3reb, C.Vega 10+3reb+5ast, A.Ortiz 6+1reb, G.Clavell 6+4reb+1ast, M.Landry 6+5reb+2ast
Santurce: M.Sweetney 24+12reb, R.Sanchez 23+6reb+1ast, R.Melendez 16+2ast, L.Villafane 9+8reb+3ast, W.Hodge 9+3reb+2ast, E.'Guayito' Santiago 9+5reb+7ast
gschID: 125558


Arecibo - Isabela 88-85

A very close game took place in Arecibo between Capitanes and Gallitos. Sixth ranked Capitanes (10-9) got a very close home victory over 9th ranked Gallitos (7-14). Capitanes managed to escape with a 3-point win 88-85 on Friday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Gallitos won fourth quarter 22-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Capitanes made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American-Panamanian guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: George Washington, agency: SportsTalent) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. International guard Larry Ayuso (190-77, college: USC, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 25 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Capitanes' coach David Rosario used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Naturalized American guard Darnell Hinson (186-80, college: Northeastern St.) produced 25 points (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) and American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) added 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Gallitos players scored in double figures. Capitanes maintains sixth place with 10-9 record. Loser Gallitos keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Capitanes will meet league's second-placed Quebradillas on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gallitos will play against Indios (#10) in Mayaguez and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Isabela: D.Hinson 25+4reb+1ast, F.Valencia 19+6reb, J.Verdejo 17+2reb+2ast, S.Randolph 15+13reb+1ast, L.Clinch 6+5reb+3ast, R.Cotto 3+4ast
Arecibo: D.Pinnock 29+13reb+1ast, L.Ayuso 25+3reb+2ast, D.Copeland 9+4reb+4ast, D.Santiago 6+6reb+2ast, A.Latimer 6+2reb+2ast, J.Aubry 4+7reb+2ast
gschID: 125559


Humacao - Bayamon 77-70

The game between third ranked Vaqueros (11-7) and seventh ranked Caciques (9-11) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Vaqueros were defeated by Caciques in a tough game in Humacao 70-77. The game without a history. Caciques led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Caciques made 7 blocks. American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and British V.Islands center Kleon Penn (211-86, college: McNeese St., agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. Penn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. International forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 14 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Rick Rickert (211-83, college: Minnesota, agency: Court Side) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. Five Caciques and four Vaqueros players scored in double figures. Caciques maintains seventh place with 9-11 record. Vaqueros at the other side keep the third position with seven games lost. Caciques are looking forward to face Maratonistas (#8) in Coamo in the next round. Vaqueros will play at home against the league's leader Mets (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Bayamon: J.Mojica 16+3reb+1ast, C.Antrone Lee 14+9reb, C.Dalmau 11+4reb, R.Jose Hatton 11+3reb+4ast, R.Rickert 8+12reb+2ast, T.Shannon 6+5reb+1ast
Humacao: I.Johnson 24+20reb+4ast, J.Life 14+3reb+1ast, K.Penn 11+12reb+1ast, D.Clemente 10+1reb+3ast, J.Maye 10+2reb, M.Ali Berdiel 8+2reb+2ast
gschID: 125560


Mayaguez - Quebradillas 79-89

Very predictable result in Mayaguez where third ranked Quebradillas (12-7) defeated bottom-ranked Indios (6-13) 89-79 on Friday. The game without a history. Quebradillas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Quebradillas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was international center Peter John Ramos (222-85) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds. The former international guard Rick Apodaca (192-80, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. The former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-83) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Brandon Robinson (202-81, college: Auburn, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Quebradillas and four Indios players scored in double figures. Indios' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Quebradillas keep a position of league leader, which they share with Guaynabo. Loser Indios stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Quebradillas will meet at home Capitanes (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Indios will play against Gallitos (#9) in Isabela and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mayaguez: A.Carmona 15+10reb+1ast, B.Robinson 14+8reb+1ast, C.Rivera 14+3reb+3ast, D.Jones 10+9reb, E.Ubiles 9+1reb+1ast, R.Clemente 8+6reb+1ast
Quebradillas: P.John Ramos 30+11reb+2ast, R.Apodaca 14+6reb+9ast, J.Jones 13+6reb+2ast, C.Bruton 11+1reb+4ast, M.Worthington 10+4reb+1ast, A.Alamo 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 125557




Harris number one in Puerto Rico for week 17 - by Eurobasket News
Forward Mike Harris (198-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last week for San German, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 17.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds, while his team beat Isabela (#9, 7-14) 94-83. San German is placed at 4th position in Puerto Rican BSN. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. San German will need more victories to improve their 11-8 record. In the team's last game Harris had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range and got three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He just recently signed at San German, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Rice University star has very solid stats this year. Harris is in league's top in points (9th best: 18.0ppg), rebounds (4th best: 11.5rpg) and averages impressive 1.3bpg and 59.4% FGP.

The second best player in last week's games was 26-year old American Ivan Johnson (203-F/C-84) of Humacao. Johnson had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 20 rebounds. Of course Humacao cruised to a 77-70 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Bayamon (#3, 11-7). Humacao's 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-11 record. Johnson is one of the most experienced players at Humacao and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.9ppg (#6). He also registered 7.1 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last week was American guard Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent) of Capitanes (#6). Pinnock scored 29 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Arecibo, leading his team to a 88-85 win against the lower-ranked Isabela (#9, 7-14). Arecibo needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 9 lost games. Pinnock has a very solid season. In 19 games in Puerto Rico he scored 16.9ppg. He also has 7.3rpg and FGP: 51.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas - 30 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Michael Sweetney (203-F-82) of Santurce - 24 points and 12 rebounds
6. Kleon Penn (211-C-86) of Humacao - 11 points and 12 rebounds
7. Darnell Hinson (186-G-80) of Isabela - 25 points and 4 rebounds
8. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) of Mayaguez - 15 points and 10 rebounds
9. Darnell Hinson (186-G-80) of Isabela - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Johwen Villegas (193-G-85) of Coamo - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Guaynabo 12-7 
 2. Quebradillas 12-7 
 3. Bayamon 11-7 
 4. San German 11-8 
 5. Santurce 10-8 
 6. Arecibo 10-9 
 7. Humacao 9-11 
 8. Coamo 8-12 
 9. Isabela 7-14 
 10. Mayaguez 6-13 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo24.8 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas24.1 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon21.1 
 4. Villegas, Coamo19.8 
 5. Johnson, Humacao19.4 
 6. Ayuso, Arecibo19.3 
 7. Harris, San German18.8 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 9. Clemente, Humacao17.7 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Narvaez, Coamo12.3 
 2. Randolph, Isabela11.9 
 3. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.8 
 4. Harris, San German11.8 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas11.1 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.8 
 7. Rickert, Bayamon10.7 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon9.2 
 10. Sweetney, Santur.8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.2 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo5.1 
 4. Copeland, Arecibo4.7 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Clemente, Humacao4.5 
 7. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.4 
 8. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 9. Vega, Coamo4.2 
 10. Pagan, Santurce3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.9 
 2. Robinson, Mayaguez1.8 
 3. Santiago, Santurce1.8 
 4. Carmona, Mayaguez1.7 
 5. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 6. Berdiel, Humacao1.5 
 7. Clemente, Mayaguez1.5 
 8. Hodge, Santurce1.5 
 9. Rivera, Mayaguez1.5 
 10. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.8 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Santiago, Arecibo2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 7. Sanchez, Santurce1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.6 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon1.4 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.1.3 


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Standings - D2
Div.B Standings
Seria 1
 1. Timba Timis. 13-2 
 2. U.Mobitel II 11-4 
 3. MP Timisoara 8-7 
 4. Gaz Metan II 6-9 
 5. T.Mures II 5-10 
 6. Ph. Brasov 2-13 
Seria 2
 1. Dinamo B. 12-3 
 2. CSS Giurgiu 11-4 
 3. Steaua Turabo II 8-6 
 4. Municipal 2 B. 8-7 
 5. CSS Targoviste 3-12 
 6. Ph. Galati 2-12 
Seria 3
 1. CSU Galati 14-1 
 2. Granitur 11-4 
 3. Rapid B. 8-7 
 4. Ploiesti II 7-7 
 5. BT Bucuresti 4-11 
 6. A.Vlaicu Buc. 1-14 


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.20.4 
 4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.20.3 
 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 Metan8.9 
 7. Forte, Mures8.5 
 8. Carutasu, Steaua7.8 
 9. Eichelberger, Pite.7.7 
 10. Burlacu, Ploiesti7.7 
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. Stojakovic, Craiova5.2 
 5. Howell, Gaz Metan5.2 
 6. Blidaru, Ploiesti5.2 
 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. Cooley, Mures2.4 
 3. Gennie, Pitesti2.4 
 4. Harrison, CSU Sibiu2.4 
 5. Howell, Gaz Metan2.2 
 6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan2.1 
 7. Dykes, U.Mobite.2.1 
 8. Dawson, Polite.1.9 
 9. Loyd, CSU Sibiu1.9 
 10. Blidaru, Ploiesti1.9 
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. Herndon, CSU Sibiu1.4 
 6. Mladenovic, Mures1.4 
 7. Simms, Craiova1.3 
 8. Lazar, Oradea1.2 
 9. Burlacu, Ploiesti0.9 
 10. Thomson, U.Mobite.0.9 


U-Mobitelco BT is one step away from the title - by Eurobasket News
U.Mobitel.CN - Ploiesti 84-76

U-Mobitelco BT is one step away from the title as they overcame Ploiesti 84:76 in Game 4 to take 3-1 Final lead. U-Mobitelco shot 66.0 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tyler Morris (188-86, college: Boston U.) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 9 assists. Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (205-82) contributed with 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Adrian Blidaru (182-85) replied with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) added 16 points and 4 assists in the effort for Ploiesti. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
U.Mobitel.CN: T.Morris 21+3reb+9ast, Z.Krstanovic 20+8reb+3ast, K.Dykes 15+4reb+4ast, S.Thomson 12+2reb, M.Silvasan 10+2reb+5ast, B.Cuic 6+6reb+4ast
Ploiesti: L.Szijarto 17+1reb+2ast, C.Burlacu 16+1reb+4ast, J.Westrol 12+3reb+1ast, Q.Calhoun 10+6reb+1ast, D.Mack 10+2reb+2ast, A.Blidaru 8+5reb+9ast
gschID: 128808




*****************************************************
  SAINT KITTS   


Cotton Ground struggles past Rootsie while Cayon continues to dominate A division - by Eurobasket News
The first scheduled game of the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association Premier Division last Sunday, saw S. L. Horsfords Rootsie, a former A-Division team challenging the 2010 Finals Runners up, Cotton Ground Rebels. As the whistle signaled the end of the 1st half Rootsie was in the lead holding on by one point 32 to 31 and at the end of the third quarter they held a 9 point lead, putting in question Rebels outlook for the season. The game however ended 81 to 69 in favour of Cotton Ground Rebels who exhibited a spectacular momentum in the last quarter finishing strong, showing themselves worthy of being called Nevis elite team.

Outstanding players for Cotton Ground Rebels were Everson Webbe 36 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, Royden Browne 13 points, 13 rebounds and 1 steal and Kurt Herbert 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Despite the setback for Rootsie Marcus Natta achieved 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks, Donald Caines 11 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists and Jason Norford 8 points 1 rebound and 2 assists.

When asked how his team took the defeat, Coach Dwayne Sturge said he was disappointed with the loss as he felt they played well enough to win the game, however the missed free throws and missed rebounds lead to challenges they did not overcome. All in all as far as the attitude of the team, they have a renewed approach and outlook to the season, they are more positive about maintaining their position and becoming a contending team in the Premier Division.

Three other games were rained out this weekend highlighting once again the too often experienced hindrance to a successful basketball league. Is this an indication that SKABA should change their regular season to avoid the rainy time of the year or is it about time that facilities are put in place to counter the weather?

In other match-ups for the week ending Friday 13th May Quakers proved too much for the newcomers Old Road.

Jason Liburd was explosive with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals Leroy Martin averaged 13 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists and 2 steals and Kurt Carty and Tyrone Southwell aided the win with a total of 19 points between them. At Half time the score was in favour of Quakers 42 27.

Old Road seemed unable to catch their stride all night as the more experienced Quakers dominated every quarter. Outstanding scorers for Old Road were Altyne Issac amassing 18 points, 4 rebounds 1 assist and 2 steals, Jason Jarvis with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and Anthony Silliday averaging 9 points 11 rebounds and 1 steal. The Game ended 93 59 with a Victory for Quakers.

The second A Division game commenced that evening with former Premier team Cayon Lions matching up against The Blue Devils. Lions made easy work of the Blue Devils in the second half of the game despite their admirable run in the third quarter. Cayon won with a 20 point lead over Blue Devils, final score 91 71.

Omarie Warner of Cayon Lions matched the 15 points scored by the Blue Devils team in the fourth quarter and attained an outstanding 29 points, 9 rebounds 1 assist and 4 steals. Also from Lions were Giron Browne 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2 steals and Dave Pondt 19 points, 6 rebounds 2 assists, 6 steals and 1 block

For the Blue Devils, Jayson Esdaille scored 16 points 5 rebounds and 1 assist, Kareem Gerald recorded 15 points and 9 rebounds and Scilachi Robinson 15 points 5 rebounds 4 assists 8 steals and 1 block.

by Tamara OFlaherty

SKABA Sports Reporter




*****************************************************
  SAINT VINCENT   


St. Vincent National Selection - by Eurobasket News
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation announces a 21 man training squad for possible selection to the National Male Team and 27 for possible selection to the National Female Team. The names are:

Men:
Deran Williams, Lezzo McKenzie, Kenroy Baptiste, Iva Arthur, Kendal Pinder, Mauricio Woods, Shannon Peters, Dale Shepherd, Leon Jackson, Ishama McKree, Glen Smith, Randolph Williams (188-G-76), Lemmon Miller, Philmon Taylor, Orlando Ferguson, Michael Penniston, Kendal Cumberbatch, Steveon Taylor, Damon Haywood, Julius Kier and Otis Hector.
These players are expected to attend their first practice session and meeting at the New Montrose Hard Court on Wednesday May 11th at 6 p.m. The Male team is expected to defend its championship title in the 2011 Windward Islands Basketball Championship in Dominica, July 12th 17th, then, journey to Bahamas for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament with their female counterpart July 25th to August 5th.

The Coaching Staff includes but not limited to: Junior Sutton, Wayne Williams, Oral Roberts and Darwin Vanloo. Karel Bramble and Kenlyn Clouden are the Managers. Invitations have been sent to the overseas based players.

Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com
by SVGBF

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


Cakarevic's double-double lands him Superleague Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
22-year old swingman Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) put on an amazing game in the last round for Radnicki and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14 (Superleague).
He had a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat FMP (#4, 6-8) 89-78. Radnicki finished regular season as No.3 (8-6) and will meet Hemofarm in the Semifinals. In the team's last game Cakarevic had a remarkable 62.5% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Radnicki and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Cakarevic has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 7.2rpg) and averages solid 64.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Nemanja Nedovic (192-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) of Crvena Zvezda. He is a guard in his 4th season at Crvena Zvezda. In the last game Nedovic recorded impressive double-double of 22 points and 10 assists. Of course he lead Crvena Zvezda to comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Mega Vizura (#8, 3-11) 103-75. Crvena Zvezda ended as No.5 with 6-8 record and failed to reach the Playoffs. Nedovic belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.4ppg (#8). He also recorded 4.0 assists per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Marko Ljubicic (197-F-87) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo (#6). Ljubicic showcased his all-around game by recording 6 points, seven rebounds and eleven assists (!!!) in the last round. He was a key player of Metalac, leading his team to a 84-76 win against slightly lower-ranked Beograd (#7, 4-10). Metalac finished as No.6 also with 6-8 score. Ljubicic has a great season in Serbia. He made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.5rpg (4th best) and assists with 6.4apg (best passer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76) of Mega Vizura - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Dragan Mitrovic (200-F-85) of Beograd - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Boris Bakic (194-G-86) of Crvena Zvezda - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Steven Markovic (190-G-85) of Radnicki - 36 points and 3 assists
8. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) of Metalac - 24 points and 6 rebounds
9. Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) of Crvena Zvezda - 18 points and 5 rebounds
10. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) of FMP - 13 points and 6 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)

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


Raymond's double-double lands him (Second Stage) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
23-year old swingman Benjamin Raymond (198-G/F-87, agency: Impact Basketball) put on an amazing game in the last round for Helios and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14 (Second Stage).
He had a double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds, while his team edged out Zlatorog (#4, 8-6) 76-72. Helios finished regular season as No.3 with 10-4 record and will meet Union Olimpija in the Semifinals. In the team's last game Raymond had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Helios, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Xavier University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Raymond is in league's top in points (2nd best: 17.9ppg), rebounds (4th best: 7.2rpg) and averages solid 52.0% FGP and 46.2% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Dmitry Sviridov (212-C-85) of Polzela. He is Uzbekistani center in his second season at Polzela. In the last game Sviridov recorded impressive double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Polzela to comfortable win 88-70 over slightly lower-ranked Elektra (#8, 2-12) being unquestionably team leader. Polzela's 6th position in the standings has not changed (5-9) and they failed to reach the Playoffs. Sviridov is well-known at Polzela and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Sasa Mucic (202-F-83) of Maribor Messer (#7). Mucic scored 22 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Maribor Messer, leading his team to a 85-80 win against slightly higher-ranked Geoplin Slovan (#5, 5-9). Maribor Messer ended as No.7 with only 3 wins. Mucic has individually a great season in Slovenia. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 6.2rpg (9th best). He also has FGP: 51.6% and 3PT: 47.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bojan Jovanovic (186-G-82) of Maribor Messer - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Alen Omic (213-C-92) of Zlatorog - 8 points and 11 rebounds
6. Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80) of Krka - 10 points and 12 rebounds
7. Mitja Smrdelj (201-F-91) of Zlatorog - 12 points and 4 rebounds
8. Dalibor Djapa (204-F/C-84) of Geoplin Slovan - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Salih Nuhanovic (209-C-82) of Elektra - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Tadej Horvat (196-G-87) of Elektra - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists

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

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


Ourense and Salva Arco part ways - by Eurobasket News
Jose Salvador Arco (194-G-84) is no longer a member of Ourense. Two sides agreed to terminate the contract, which would keep them together in 2011/12 season. Arco joined Ourense two years ago from Lleida. He appeared 34 times for the club this season averaging 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Ourense ended as the last ranked team in LEB Gold with poor 9-25 record. In their first season Arco had 12.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 31 games.
Jose Salvador Arco won the LEB Gold Playoffs in 2008 with Lleida. He had 9.5 ppg and 2.4 rpg for them in 20 games. Before Lleida, he spent one season with Bruesa and one with C.B. L'Hospitalet. From 2003 to 2006, he also played for Lleida and reached ULEB Cup Quarterfinals with them.

Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Carroll, Gran Cana.19.3 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.16.0 
 3. McDonald, DKV J.15.3 
 4. Fitch, Unicaja15.0 
 5. Baron, Lagun A.15.0 
 6. Teletovic, Caja L.14.6 
 7. Caner-Medley, Estu.14.4 
 8. Martinez, Valencia14.0 
 9. Freeland, Unicaja13.2 
 10. Davis, Cajasol13.2 
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, Fuenlabrada6.5 
 7. Wallace, Gran Cana.6.3 
 8. Doellman, Meridiano6.2 
 9. Slokar, Manresa6.2 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 6
 1. Huertas, Caja L.6.0 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.4 
 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. Prigioni, Real Mad.3.9 
 9. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
 10. Dumas, Valladolid3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cook, Valencia2.2 
 2. Kirksay, Cajasol1.9 
 3. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.8 
 4. Robinson, DKV J.1.8 
 5. Calloway, Cajasol1.8 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca1.7 
 7. Hosley, DKV J.1.5 
 8. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.5 
 9. Victor, Menorca1.5 
 10. Van Lacke, Vallad.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabr.
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.3 
 2. Fischer, Real Madr.1.5 
 3. Vazquez, Regal B.1.4 
 4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.4 
 5. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 6. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 7. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 8. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 9. Barac, Caja Laboral1.0 
 10. Majstorovic, Manr.1.0 


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. Mesa, Clavijo14.7 
 9. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.14.7 
 10. Bivia, Mallorca14.5 
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, Mallorca3.8 
 6. Marco, ADT T.3.5 
 7. Pampin, Mallorca3.5 
 8. Machuca, Illescas3.4 
 9. Lopez, Avila3.2 
 10. Rufian, Promobys3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Barcelo, Plasencia2.0 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi2.0 
 3. Adams, Coruna1.9 
 4. Smith, Guadalajara1.8 
 5. Bratton, Lan M.1.8 
 6. Witt, Clavijo1.7 
 7. Martinez, Plasencia1.7 
 8. Guirao, ADT T.1.6 
 9. Lopez, Coruna1.5 
 10. Rueda, Plasencia1.5 
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. Conde, Avila1.2 
 7. Green, Mallorca1.1 
 8. Cage, ADT Tarrago.1.0 
 9. O''Leary, Oviedo F.0.9 
 10. Johnson, Andorra0.9 


Breogan and coach Pepe Rodriguez stay together - by Eurobasket News
Breogan and their Head Coach Pepe Rodriguez will stay together for at least one more season. Two sides inked a one-year contract extension on Thursday. Breogan finished regular season as No.6 with 18-16 record. They eliminated Leon in the Semifinals with 3-1, but failed against Obradoiro at the next stage (0-3).
Pepe Rodriguez took over Breogan in December last year. No doubt he did a good job in these 5-6 months and the clubs management decided to award him with extension. Before Breogan, Rodriguez worked with Gandia in 2008/09 season. In 2007, he reached LEB Gold Semifinals with Huelva. Rodrtiguez also has experience from Alicante, Murcia, Melilla and Gijon. In 2003/04, he worked in Portugal reaching the league Semifinals and Cup Finals with Ovarense. He participated at the TMN All-Star game that season.

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


Jalaa sweat it out to complete sweep for league title - by Maarouf Mawloud
Al Jalaa completed a 3-0 sweep of defending champions Al Jeish to win the Syrian Division 1 League.

Jalaa stepped up their game down the stretch to win Game 3 66-65 on Friday and avenge the defeat they had suffered at the hands of Jeish last year.

Mensur Bajramovics team, who now head to Manila for the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup, had won the first two games rather comfortably.

Jalaa opened the best-of-five Finals with a 91-67 thumping before moving 2-0 up following another impressive showing, taking Game 2 by the score of 90-61.

In Manila, Jalaa will be in Group B of the Preliminary Round, which includes fellow WABA team and two-time defending FIBA Asia Champions Cup winners Mahram of Iran, six-time Lebanese League champions and current WABA League champions Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon as well as last years runners-up and Qatari champions Al Rayyan and UAEs champion team Al Shabab.

Jalaa open their Manila campaign against Mahram next Saturday, the opening day of the competition.


*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Basketball elects four new officers - by Don Farrell
Courtney McNish Four new faces were added to the executive council of the National Basketball Federation of T&T (NBFTT) at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place at the Media Conference Room at the Ato Boldon Stadium Couva yesterday. The new individuals that will assist in the administration of the sport are former teacher/educator Trevor Morris, who is now the vice president of Organisation and Development, Leslee Ceasar, a very experience team-oriented accounts executive, who is now the vice president of finance, Cheryl Lala, who is an award winning advertising executive that will serve as vice president of Marketing and Communication and Phillip Sancho, a former union executive who will serve as assistant secretary. They were all elected unopposed in the presence of returning officer Catherine Forde of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC). Also elected without a contest was Nadine Khan Seemongal, who was elevated from assistant secretary to the new general secretary with full responsibility of the sport secretariat.

Khan, a former player with champion team Courts Horizon, replaced the veteran Kelvin Roberts, who did not stand for re-election. The meeting took the time to honour Roberts and show its appreciation for his dedication and yeoman service to the sport for more than three decades. Khan brings to the position her expertise as an advertising executive and having serve the organisation as its assistant secretary for the past seven months. Courtney McNish, president of the Federation position was not up for re-election.
The other incumbents were referee Earle Noel, vice-president (VP) Organisation and Development, banker Roland Yorke, VP Finance and Melony Morton, VP Communication and Marketing all of whom did not stand for re-lection. Major David Benjamin, the VP Training and Technical was re-elected.

Following the Federaons decision last year to approve a new four year term of office for all its officers to coincide with that of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) and FIBA, the president McNish, who was elected at last years AGM following the resignation of Brian Manning, will serve until 2013 along with the assistant secretary, the VPs of Marketing and Communication and Training and Technical, while the other officers will serve until 2015. Apart from the election of the new officers, the meeting accepted financial statements from Yorke and all reports including the minutes of the 2010 agm were discussed and approved by the meeting. The meeting also presented FIBA coaching licenses to Hayden Belgrove and Vincent Taylor, FIBA instructor license to Obadiah Asher, the Federations Technical Director and FIBA Commissioner license to Keith Clement. Representatives from six of the sports nine zones, all four affiliates and one of four associates attended the meeting.

.

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


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23
 1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.23.0 
 2. Kambala, Aliaga20.2 
 3. Buckman, Antalya19.6 
 4. Henderson, Antalya19.1 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka18.8 
 6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.18.7 
 7. Kemp, Besiktas17.9 
 8. Randle, Aliaga17.5 
 9. Barbour, Erdemir17.2 
 10. Scales, Mersin17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Yucel, Mersin11.3 
 2. Thomas, Erdemir10.2 
 3. Wesson, Turk T.9.2 
 4. Mays, Oyak Renault9.0 
 5. Buckman, Antalya9.0 
 6. Ffriend, Bornova8.7 
 7. Samardjiski, Olin8.5 
 8. Smith, Bornova7.9 
 9. Smith, Karsiyaka7.8 
 10. Guler, Antalya7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Ermis, Banvit6.4 
 2. Holston, Karsiyaka6.0 
 3. Conroy, Oyak R.5.9 
 4. Rasic, Trabzonspor5.3 
 5. Chatman, Besiktas5.1 
 6. Henderson, Antalya4.7 
 7. Rowe, Tofas4.6 
 8. Acik, Galatasaray4.4 
 9. Ukic, Fener.Ulker4.3 
 10. Akin, Olin Edirne4.2 
Steals Per Game
 James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Mays, Oyak Renault2.2 
 2. Grier, Mersin2.2 
 3. Holston, Karsiyaka2.2 
 4. Waller, Oyak Renau.2.1 
 5. Gibson, Oyak R.2.0 
 6. Smith, Karsiyaka1.9 
 7. Prince, Antalya1.9 
 8. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 9. Ermis, Banvit1.6 
 10. Chatman, Besiktas1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Stiemsma, Turk T.1.8 
 2. Samardjiski, Olin1.5 
 3. Francis, Bornova1.3 
 4. Johnson, Erdemir1.3 
 5. Ogilvy, Besiktas1.1 
 6. Mays, Oyak Renault1.0 
 7. Ruzic, Tofas0.9 
 8. Aldemir, Karsiyaka0.9 
 9. Davis, Banvit0.9 
 10. Simpsons, Turk T.0.8 


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


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Burtt, Dnipro22.4 
 2. Flores, BC Donetsk16.7 
 3. Washington, BC Od.16.4 
 4. Burns, Fe.16.3 
 5. Curry, Azovmash16.1 
 6. Wiggins, Halychyna15.1 
 7. Millage, Khimik14.9 
 8. Love, Mykolaiv14.7 
 9. Fraser, DniproAzot14.5 
 10. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.9 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.7.9 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Chappell, Hoverla6.7 
 8. Guinn, Fe.6.6 
 9. Owens, Azovmash6.6 
 10. Coleman, Hoverla6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Burtt, Dnipro5.5 
 2. Abernethy, Halyc.5.2 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Sparks, BC Odessa4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Vasiljevic, BC Do.4.5 
 7. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 8. Millage, Khimik4.5 
 9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.4.2 
 10. Williams, Khimik3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Millage, Khimik2.4 
 2. House, Azovmash1.9 
 3. Sparks, BC Odessa1.8 
 4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.1.5 
 5. Burns, Fe.1.5 
 6. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.5 
 7. Burenko, BC Kyiv1.4 
 8. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.4 
 9. Chappell, Hoverla1.4 
 10. Love, Mykolaiv1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.1 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.8 
 3. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.4 
 5. Hunter, Fe.1.4 
 6. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 7. Coleman, Hoverla1.3 
 8. Pettway, Dnipro1.2 
 9. Balashov, BC Odes.1.2 
 10. Owens, Azovmash1.1 


Superleague Round 3 of Finals. BC Donetsk post second win in a row - by Eurobasket News
3-4 place
Hoverla - Ferro-ZNTU 66-72

Ferro-ZNTU stole a road win in Ivano-Frankivsk to level the Bronze medals series. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Hoverla won third quarter 22-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was center R.T. Guinn (208-81, college: Baylor) who scored 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Christian Burns (203-85, college: Philadelphia, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Derrick Zimmerman (189-81, college: Mississippi St.) who recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds and center Eric Coleman (200-85, college: N.Iowa, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively.
Top scorers:
Hoverla: D.Zimmerman 21+8reb+2ast, E.Coleman 17+6reb+2ast, D.Swanson 9+4reb+6ast, A.Poltoratskiy 8, J.Chappell 4+9reb+3ast, P.Ulyanko 4+2reb+1ast
Ferro-ZNTU: R.Guinn 21+9reb+4ast, C.Burns 14+8reb+1ast, K.Mays 10+2reb+3ast, H.Kandrusevich 9+6reb+1ast, V.Hunter 9+7reb+2ast, A.Rybalko 9+2reb
gschID: 128345


FINAL
Budivelnyk - BC Donetsk 77-81

BC Donetsk celebrated the second win in a row to surge ahead in the title series. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 24-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 29 personal fouls committed by Budivelnyk helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Serbian swingman Branko Cvetkovic (200-84, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 16 points. Serbian-Bosnian guard Sasa Vasiljevic (183-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 12 points and 6 assists. Four BC Donetsk players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Zach Morley (203-83, college: Wisconsin) who recorded 21 points and naturalized Lithuanian center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Budivelnyk: Z.Morley 21+2reb+1ast, L.Wilson 14+5reb+2ast, M.Anisimovas 13+7reb+1ast, A.Malysh 7+1reb, D.Spencer 7+2reb+1ast, D.Zabirchenko 5+1reb+5ast
BC Donetsk: B.Cvetkovic 16+4reb+1ast, J.Gray 15+2reb, S.Vasiljevic 12+1reb+6ast, J.Edwards 12+5reb+2ast, A.Owens 8+3reb+2ast, J.Hukic 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 128344




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


Ryan Richards set for GB bow - by Eurobasket News
NBA Draft pick Ryan Richards (212-F-91, agency: Interperformances) will feature for Great Britains Under-20 team in this summers European Championships with the backing of the San Antonio Spurs.

The Kent-born forward, who was chosen in the second round last summer, is in line to make his first competitive appearance in a GB vest in Sarajevo for Julys European B Division group.

It follows a year in which Richards was forced to sit out following shoulder surgery, splitting his rehab between the UK and USA. And after 12 months on the sidelines, talks with GB performance manager Ron Wuotila have convinced the prospect to sign on.

Theres been open dialogue with Ryan for a number of years via the mens programme, revealed GB Under-20 coach Tim Lewis (left).

It hasnt fitted with other things hes had, including the Draft. But the Spurs see this as a good fit for his rehab. Its a combination of him wanting to play, Ron talking to him and the guys on the team.

Ryan has a desire to help us get to the A Division and this is his last year of eligibility at the junior age.

Lewis is currently awaiting news on the availability of a number of other players although Stateside sources have confirmed that London-born forward Ovie Soko is unlikely to feature, despite several high-scoring performances last summer.

Hence the British side will turn to a number of new faces to supplement its returning core.

Ali Mackay has had a year at Davidson and coming back in, well look for his experience to help us, said Lewis.

Plus well have a bunch of new guys cutting their teeth, some younger guys who are exciting.

Meanwhile GBs Future Squad effectively an Under-23 team has lined up three friendlies against their German counterparts this summer.

The series is, as last year, likely to offer a number of fringe prospects an opportunity to stake a late claim for a spot in the senior squad for the Eurobasket finals.

Posted in: Team GB by Mark Woods.
Courtesy of: http://www.mvp247.com

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


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


Tabare defeated the leader Goes - by Hector Lopez
Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) scored 8 points in two minutes of the last quarter leading Tabare to defeat Goes 76-69 for the 10th round of the Metro League. Goes lost the leadership and they are now one point behind Larranaga and Nacional. Craig also grabbed 10 rebounds for Tabare, while Ivan Loriente (186-G-92) netted 17 points and Mathias Calfani (202-C-92) took 10 rebounds. For Goes Johnny Rodriguez (197-F-83) scored 18 points. Larranaga maintained the first position after beatin Verdirrojo 85-70. For Larranaga Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) netted 20 points and Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) added 13 with 8 rebounds. For Verdirrojo Emiliano Baston (200-F-88) scored 23 points with 6 rebounds.

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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 29-7 
 2. Marinos 27-10 
 3. Trotamundos 25-11 
 4. Bucaneros 21-17 
 5. Guaiqueries 20-18 
 6. Gigantes 20-18 
 7. Panteras 15-24 
 8. Toros 13-25 
 9. Guaros 12-25 
 10. Gaiteros 5-32 


LPB Round 46: Marinos are defeated by Guaiqueries - by Eurobasket News
The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 8 rounds.

The most important game in the last round took place in Porlamar between second ranked Marinos (27-10) and fifth ranked Guaiqueries (20-18) on Friday night. Marinos were defeated by Guaiqueries in a tough game on the road 89-95. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Marinos. Guaiqueries maintains fifth position with 20-18 record, which they share with Gigantes. Marinos at the other side keep the second place with ten games lost. Guaiqueries is looking forward to face higher ranked Bucaneros (#4) in La Guaira in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Marinos will play on the road against the league's leader Cocodrilos in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
LPB top team - Cocodrilos (29-7) added another victory to their record. This time they beat eighth ranked Guaros (12-25) in Caracas 88-81. Cocodrilos have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-7 record. Guaros lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with 25 games lost. Cocodrilos will play against league's second-placed Marinos in Puerto La Cruz in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaros will have a break next round.
The game in Porlamar was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (27-10) played at the court of 5th ranked Guaiqueries (20-18). Marinos did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 82-65 on Saturday. Marinos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 27-10 record having just one points less than leader Cocodrilos. Guaiqueries lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Gigantes. Marinos will meet league's leader Cocodrilos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaiqueries will play against Bucaneros (#4) in La Guaira and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Ninth ranked Toros (13-25) crushed at home 10th ranked Gaiteros (5-32) by 24 points 95-71, which is the biggest margin this round. Toros moved-up to eighth place. Gaiteros lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 32 lost games. Toros will have a break next round. Gaiteros will play on the road against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia.

In the last game of round 46 Panteras lost to Bucaneros on the opponent's court 85-91.


Bucaneros - Panteras 91-85

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Panteras' (15-24) road loss to sixth ranked Bucaneros (21-17) 85-91. Bucaneros moved-up to fourth place. Panteras lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 24 games lost. Bucaneros' next round opponent will be Guaiqueries (#5) in Porlamar.
gschID: 121585


Guaiqueries - Marinos 65-82

The game in Porlamar was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (27-10) played at the court of 5th ranked Guaiqueries (20-18). Marinos did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 82-65 on Saturday. Marinos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 27-10 record having just one points less than leader Cocodrilos. Guaiqueries lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Gigantes. Marinos will meet league's leader Cocodrilos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaiqueries will play against Bucaneros (#4) in La Guaira and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 121586


Guaiqueries - Marinos 95-89

The most important game in the last round took place in Porlamar between second ranked Marinos (27-10) and fifth ranked Guaiqueries (20-18) on Friday night. Marinos were defeated by Guaiqueries in a tough game on the road 89-95. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Marinos. Guaiqueries maintains fifth position with 20-18 record, which they share with Gigantes. Marinos at the other side keep the second place with ten games lost. Guaiqueries is looking forward to face higher ranked Bucaneros (#4) in La Guaira in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Marinos will play on the road against the league's leader Cocodrilos in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 121582


Cocodrilos - Guaros 88-81

LPB top team - Cocodrilos (29-7) added another victory to their record. This time they beat eighth ranked Guaros (12-25) in Caracas 88-81. Cocodrilos have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-7 record. Guaros lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with 25 games lost. Cocodrilos will play against league's second-placed Marinos in Puerto La Cruz in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaros will have a break next round.
gschID: 121583


Toros - Gaiteros 95-71

Ninth ranked Toros (13-25) crushed at home 10th ranked Gaiteros (5-32) by 24 points 95-71, which is the biggest margin this round. Toros moved-up to eighth place. Gaiteros lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 32 lost games. Toros will have a break next round. Gaiteros will play on the road against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia.
gschID: 121584




*****************************************************
  WBA   


Standings
WBA Standings
 1. Rome G. 1-0 
 2. Gainesville K. 0-0 
 3. Gwinnett Majic 0-0 
 4. Marietta S. 0-0 
 5. Tennessee T. 0-0 
 6. Upsate Heat 0-0 
 7. Conyers CK 0-1 




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ANTIGUA - Women  


UFV Cascades undefeated in Antigua - by Eurobasket News
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades are currently on a two week trip to Antigua. The Cascades have won the first two of three exhibition games against teams from Antigua. On Thursday, May 12th they defeated the Antigua Vipers, 81-37, and Tuesday, May 17th beat the Antiguan AS, 70-44. The final game will be a combination of both teams.

Cascades 81 Antigua Vipers 37

With only seven players dressed for their first game UFV was able to win by 44 points. Alyssa Gaukel, Chilliwack, BC led the way with 21 point performance. Sarah Wierks (188-F), Chilliwack, BC added 16 points and 10 total rebound, Tessa Klassen (173-G-88), Winnipeg, Manitoba 15 points while Aieisha Luyken (173-G), Mission, BC recorded 6 assists.

It was a great experience for our girls tonight. We really had no idea what we were in for. This was a team of ex-national team players that clearly had some experience, but our speed and conditioning were problematic for them. The experience was way more important than the result. It was fun to play outdoors in front of several young Antiguan girls and their coaches hopefully we were able to capture their imagination a little bit, said UFV Head Coach Al Tuchscherer.

Tomorrow we get to do our second high school clinic and its our hope that we can do our part small or not to inspire some of these girls to play the game and reap all the positive life lessons it has to offer.

Cascades 70 Antiguan AS 44

The Cascades continue to play well as they defeated Antiguan AS by 26 points. Klassen led the way with 27 points and 3 steals. Sarah Wierks chipped in with 15 points and 10 total boards. Luyken recorded 6 assists for a second straight game.

Source:UFV Sports Info



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


Werribee Devils coach gets last laugh - by Eurobasket News
BRANT Lowry has not wavered one iota from what he set out to achieve 18 months ago with the Werribee Devils in the Victorian Basketball League Big V women's division 2.
The coach left himself open to criticism for dismantling the 2009 premiership team and starting afresh with raw local talent.

Lowry's first season back at the helm was a disaster in the eyes of outsiders, when the Devils were relegated from the Big V's second tier without notching a single win.

The man in charge saw it differently, quietly content with the improvement shown by a team laden with teenagers.

The fruits of Lowry's labours and the 'buy in' of players that will do anything for the Devils singlet is sure to have massive rewards down the track.

Lowry already likes what he sees.

'Every week they play they're getting a little bit more confidence.They're enjoying it, they're wanting to play basketball, so our team in another year or so when they've got that confidence right up will do really well.

'We've got to wait and see.'

The Devils hit the road on Saturday night for a bout with in-form Coburg Giants at the Coburg Basketball Stadium.

They were undermanned, missing two of their starting five, yet still did not back down to a more fancied opponent.

The Devils lost by 10 points, but again blooded some youngsters.

'I had a lot of juniors play a lot of minutes,' Lowry said. 'They stepped up to the challenge.'

The Devils lacked the polish they needed to cut the Giants down to size.

They were left to lament a poor percentage of baskets hit from the field, particularly the three-point arc where they went 4-of-24.

'We just didn't finish off,' Lowry said. 'We got some good looks but didn't put them down. We finish off those ones in the first quarter, it changes the outlook of the game.'

Centre Sarah McKay was one of the main culprits, shooting 2-from-14 from the field.

But she was the Devils' most valuable player with a massive 20 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals.

'She's a very strong rebounder,' Lowry said.

'It's probably something we lacked a bit last year and she's doing a great job in there.'

Adele Giarrusso (14 points and five rebounds), Tarhnie Brown (13 points and seven assists) and Lauren Olcorn (seven points, 10 rebounds and three steals) fought hard to no avail.

The mid-table Devils (3-4) host bottom team LaTrobe University at the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Devils fell three games outside the men's division 1 top four with a five-point loss to Melbourne University at the Melbourne University Sports Centre.
BY LANCE JENKINSON
Courtesy of: wyndhamweekly.com.au

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


Marina Kress joins Botas - by Eurobasket News
Marina Kress (192-C-80) joins Botas after a successful season in Greece. The Belarus International finished wonderful season in Greece as she 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. 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.
This season for Sony Athinaikos (Greece-A1) Marina Kress averaged 7.6ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 90.5% in EuroCup and in Greek League her stats read 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 76.9%.


*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


Senior Women begin preparations for Fiba Americas Invitational Tryout - by Eurobasket News
ABBOTSFORD. B.C. The Senior Womens National Team (SWNT) has begun its preparations for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship for Women with the first phase of their summer-long schedule. The SWNT's Tryout by Invitation camp began Monday at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, B.C.

This summers FIBA Americas Championship for Women will act as an Olympic qualifying tournament, where the winner will earn a berth in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. Those nations that finish between second and fourth place will compete at the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifier Championship and have a chance to qualify for the Games. The FIBA World Qualifying Tournament is set for June 25July 1, 2012, with the host still to be determined.

This marks the second straight year that the Senior Womens program has trained at the University of the Fraser Valley. Last summer, the team played two games at the campus in Abbotsford, defeating Sweden and Chile in preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic.

From the invitational tryout, a squad will be identified and will head across the Atlantic to train and compete in exhibition games in Europe from May 27June 12.

The second phase of training for the Senior Womens Program will begin at the University of the Fraser Valley on July 26, then proceed to a tour of games in Asia. The third and final phase of training camp will end in September, where the team will be selected and depart for the FIBA Americas championship in Colombia.

The list of athletes attending the tryout by invitation camp includes a core group of nine athletes who participated in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, including team captain Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) (Mission, B.C.), and long time National Team members Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) (Mission, B.C.), Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) (Kitchener, Ont.) and Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) (Ottawa). Three members of last years team will not be present this summer. Kaela Chapdelaine (Abbotsford, B.C.) and Jordan Adams (Overton, Nev.) have both retired, while Natalie Achonwa (Guelph, Ont.) will be spending the summer at Notre Dame University taking summer courses and training.

Below is the SWNT tryout by invitation camp and overall 2011 schedules for the remainder of the summer as well as a complete list of team staff and invited athletes who are taking part in the tryout by invitation camp.

2011 SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM ATHLETES INVITED TO TRYOUT BY INVITATION CAMP

Name Position Height Hometown School/Club
Teresa Gabriele Guard 55 Mission, BC Training in Canada
Kadie Riverin (178-G-86, college: Rice) Guard 58 Ottawa, ON Training in Canada
Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) Forward 61 Beaconsfield, QC Energa Torun (Poland)
Kimberley Smith Forward 61 Mission, BC EBE Ibiza (Spain)
Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) Forward 61 Brampton, ON Halles Lions (Germany)
Alisha Tatham (180-G-86, college: Massachusetts) Guard 511 Brampton, ON Point Chaud (Belgium)
Janelle Bekkering (182-G/F-88) Guard/Forward 60 Taber, AB Gonzaga University (NCAA)
Chelsea Aubry Forward 62 Kitchener, ON Bendigo Spirit (Australia)
Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) Forward 66 Saskatoon, SK Burgos (Spain)
Courtnay Pilypaitis Guard 61 Orleans, ON VICI Kaunas (Lithuania)
Leanne Evans (191-F-86) Forward 62 Port Moody, BC Townsville (Australia)
Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88, college: Dayton) Forward 61 Sarnia, ON GDESSA (Portugal)
Megan Pinske (176-G-88) Guard 59 Coquitlam, BC Western Washington University (NCAA)
Kelsey Hodgson Guard 59 Sydney, NS Samorin (Slovakia)
Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) Guard 510 Hamilton, ON EBE Ibiza (Spain)
Kalisha Keane (185-F-89) Forward 61 Ajax, ON Michigan State University (NCAA)
Diana Lee Guard 57 Vancouver, BC Boise State University (NCAA)
Michele Plouffe Forward 63 Edmonton, AB University of Utah (NCAA)
Katherine Plouffe (190-G/F-93) Guard 63 Edmonton, AB Marquette University (NCAA)

2010 SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM TRYOUT BY INVITATION CAMP STAFF

Name Position
Allison McNeill Head Coach
Lisa Thomaidis Assistant Coach
Mike McNeill Assistant Coach
Fabian McKenzie Video Coach/Assistant Coach
Joan Mlynarczyk Head Physiotherapist
Marcel Charland Therapist
Livia Munro Team Manager

2010 SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM TRYOUT BY INVITATION CAMP SCHEDULE

Date Activity Location
May 16 23 Tryout by Invitation Camp University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, BC)
May 25 June 12 Exhibition Games/Training Camp Spain/France
July 26 31 Training Camp University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, BC)
August 2 16 Exhibition Games Japan/China
September 10 15 Training Camp Toronto
September 17 20 Training Camp/Exhibition Games San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 24 October 1 FIBA Americas Championship for Women Neiva, Colombia
Courtesy of: basketball.ca

UFV Cascades undefeated in Antigua - by Eurobasket News
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades are currently on a two week trip to Antigua. The Cascades have won the first two of three exhibition games against teams from Antigua. On Thursday, May 12th they defeated the Antigua Vipers, 81-37, and Tuesday, May 17th beat the Antiguan AS, 70-44. The final game will be a combination of both teams.

Cascades 81 Antigua Vipers 37

With only seven players dressed for their first game UFV was able to win by 44 points. Alyssa Gaukel, Chilliwack, BC led the way with 21 point performance. Sarah Wierks (188-F), Chilliwack, BC added 16 points and 10 total rebound, Tessa Klassen (173-G-88), Winnipeg, Manitoba 15 points while Aieisha Luyken (173-G), Mission, BC recorded 6 assists.

It was a great experience for our girls tonight. We really had no idea what we were in for. This was a team of ex-national team players that clearly had some experience, but our speed and conditioning were problematic for them. The experience was way more important than the result. It was fun to play outdoors in front of several young Antiguan girls and their coaches hopefully we were able to capture their imagination a little bit, said UFV Head Coach Al Tuchscherer.

Tomorrow we get to do our second high school clinic and its our hope that we can do our part small or not to inspire some of these girls to play the game and reap all the positive life lessons it has to offer.

Cascades 70 Antiguan AS 44

The Cascades continue to play well as they defeated Antiguan AS by 26 points. Klassen led the way with 27 points and 3 steals. Sarah Wierks chipped in with 15 points and 10 total boards. Luyken recorded 6 assists for a second straight game.

Source:UFV Sports Info



*****************************************************
  CHINA - Women  


Washington Mystics hold off Chinese national team in scrimmage - by Eurobasket News
Jasmine Thomas (5'9''-G-89, college: Duke) admitted she had some butterflies fluttering around in her stomach before the Washington Mystics scrimmage against the Chinese womens national team on Saturday afternoon.

Although the atmosphere on the Verizon Center practice court wasnt as intense as a game, Thomas nonetheless was eager to impress her teammates and coaches. The 5-foot-9 rookie guard from Duke was one of the first substitutes for the Mystics and made her presence known almost immediately, getting a deflection that led to a steal.

Although no official statistics were kept, Thomas seemed to play the most minutes of the rookies. She finished with three points and had a spectacular, behind-the-back pass for an assist on Alana Beards layup in the Mystics 72-67 victory.

The Mystics were the second stop on Chinas two-week U.S. tour. The Chinese lost to the Connecticut Sun, 101-63, on Thursday.

'I think just with how practice has been going and how much Ive been learning, I felt pretty confident that everyone would help me be able to adjust', Thomas said. 'I mean, I had people talking to me all the time, so its not like I had to be too nervous.'

Thomas, a three-time All-Met and 2007 All-Met Player of the Year from Oakton High, was acquired last month in a trade that sent Katie Smith to Seattle.

I thought Jasmines intensity on defense was good, Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey said. As she gets more game experience, her decision-making will get better.

Thomas was one of three point guards Lacey used in the game. Kelly Miller, who was acquired last month in the trade of Lindsey Harding to Atlanta, started. Ashley Houts also played several minutes.

Defense is a big emphasis for Lacey, and the Mystics fell short of her expectations. At one point in the second quarter, Lacey said to the players: Im calling a timeout because Im [upset] about the defense. I want two stops in a row. Am I clear?

That was before the Mystics nearly squandered a 60-43 third-quarter lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the Chinese team to cut their lead to 67-64 with less than a minute left.

I felt like when we didnt score it affected our defense. That cant really happen, Lacey said.

Beard started along with Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland), Nicky Anosike (6'3''-C-86, college: Tennessee), Marissa Coleman (6'1''-G/F-87, college: Maryland) and Miller. She scored the Mystics first two points off free throws but didnt make her first basket until 7 minutes 34 seconds remained in the second quarter. She finished with six points.

It felt good to get the first one out of the way, said Beard, who missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

Langhorne, one of the few holdovers from last season, led the Mystics with 16 points.

Note: Center Chasity Melvin was the only player who did not play in the scrimmage. Lacey said the 35-year-old center was resting her knees.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA - Women  


Norway eke out win over Estonia - by Eurobasket News
Norway - Estonia 54:52

Norway and Estonia played the second friendly game in as many days in Bergen. Norway avenged the loss in the opening game and celebrated a narrow two-point victory at the end. Kristina Tattersdill (186-F/C-83) came up with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Norway.
Estonia stormed into the game. They limited the hosts to just 6 points in the first quarter to pile up a 10-point lead. But Norway reacted adequately in the second stanza. The hosts erased the deficit to level things up at 23. The teams stayed close throughout the third frame. Norway were able to eke out a 35:34 lead at the final break. Norway hung on to snatch past Estonia at the end. Tori Halvorsen (187-F/C-88) posted 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Sigrid Skorpen (175-G-91) had 7 points in the win. Merike Anderson (181-F-81, agency: LBM Management) answered with 16 points for Estonia. Mirjam Nikolai (178-G-86) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Norway: Kristina Tattersdill 22+10 boards, Tori Halvorsen 14, Sigrid Skorpen 7
Estonia: Merike Anderson 16, Mirjam Nikolai 13


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


Finland record second straight win over Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Portugal 89:57

Finnish National Team overcame their Portuguese opponents for the second straight win in Vantaa exhibition series. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) nailed 21 points to pace the winners. Finland started to build on their lead right from the start. The hosts ensured a 23:15 lead after ten minutes of action. The margin kept on growing in the second stanza. The home team accumulated a comfortable 16-point halftime advantage. Finland extended their lead to as many as 25 points in the third term. Portugal never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) nailed 14 points, while Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) netted 11 points in the winning effort. Joana Lopes (185-F-86) replied with 12 points and 8 rebounds for Portugal. Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) had 9 points apiece in defeat.

Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 21, Reetta Piipari 14, Heta Korpivaara 11
Portugal: Joana Lopes 12, Ana Oliveira 9, Carla Nascimento 9


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


Nice blasts Reims 78-50 to win LF2 title - by Eurobasket News
Nice is the LF2 champion for season 2010/11. They blasted Reims 78-50 in the Big Final, which ended just few hours ago. Fabienne Constant (186-F-86) was the leading scorer in victory with 25 points and she also pulled down 6 rebounds beside that. Jeanne Senghor (191-C-82) was a key player in Nice as she registered double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. She reached valuation 34 and was named MVP of the Big Final. In the loosing squad, Lorraine Lokoka (184-F-89) shined with 19 points and 7 rebs.
Nice eliminated Roche Vendee 65-54 in the Semifinals. Reims advanced to Finals after 59-56 win against Lyon. The Final Four tournament was held in Lyon.
Nice and Lyon earned a spot for the LFB 2011/12 season. Nice won it as LF2 champion, while Lyon booked a ticket because they were No.1 in regular season.

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Vucinic flies in to help Harbour to National title - by Mike Lacey
In a hard fought game North Harbour hung on to defeat their southern rivals Canterbury in the final of the 2011 Under 21Womens National Championships.
Canterbury was first on the board with consecutive baskets from Stacey Costain and Jessica Bygate before Jelena Vucinic (175-G) knocked down a couple of free throws for Harbour. Vucinic, who only flew in from her US College commitments at Louisiana Tech on the first morning of the tournament was to play a significant part in the Harbour triumph.
The Cantabs held the advantage 16-10 at quarter time and led by captain Rebecca Lough were able to counter most the Harbour offensive efforts. Jordyn Cederwall and Shinae Blair scored threes on consecutive plays for Harbour but Courtney Hamblin replied in kind and the southerners were still in control 32-27 at half time.
The tempo quickened in the third period which seemed to favour Harbours offense, a put back from Natasha Hall tieing the game and a three from Anna Lacey giving Harbour the lead for the first time in the game, 40-38 with 90 seconds remaining in the quarter. Lough settled the Canterbury nerves with a pair of baskets as her team led 44-40 with a quarter remaining.
Costain scored the first points of the final stanza to stretch the lead to six points and the margin was still the same with just over five minutes remaining. This was the point Harbour made their move, the tireless Sian Telfer scored from a baseline move, followed by two baseline threes. Hope Thompson contributed a basket and suddenly Harbour was in the ascendency 55-49. There was almost a final twist as Harbour missed four consecutive free throws down the stretch allowing Jessica Bygate to reduce the deficit to just a single point before tournament MVP Shinae Blair stroked home a pair of free throws to see Harbour home 57-54.
North Harbour 57 (Jelena Vucinic (175-G),14, Sian Telfer 13, Shinae Blair 9)
Canterbury 54 (Jessica Bygate 13, Stacey costain 12, Rebecca Lough 10)


Jiullian Harmon finishes the season in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Jiullian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) finishes the season in Italy with her Comense. Bracco Geas overcame Comense 68-58 in the Quarter-Finals Round 3.The game was mostly controlled by Bracco Geas. Pool Comense managed to win second period 15-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Bracco Geas won last quarter 27-18. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. It was a good game for the former international guard Ilaria Zanoni who led her team to a victory with 18 points. Australian center Laura Summerton contributed with 16 points for the winners. American swingman Cameo Hicks answered with 22 points and 7 rebounds and forward Melissa Fazio added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Pool Comense. Pool Comense's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Jiullian Harmon scored 3 points and made 3 rebounds.
In season 2010/2011 Jiullian Harmon's stats read 9.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 66.7%. She recorded 21 points and 9 rebounds as Comense won the first Quarter-Final game over Bracco Geas.


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


Zenith Bank WBL: First Deepwater, First Bank in phase-1 showdown - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos will this evening slug it out with former First basketball club in the final game of phase-one.

A win for either side will go a long way in brightening their chances of another title of the women league in Nigeria with First Deepwater basketball club slightly ahead of its rival in the phase.

Coaches of both sides are not new to each with First Deepwater coach Lateef Erinfolami knowing what is at stake as the club gets the full backing of its chairman Babatunde Babalola who is ground to give his team moral support while First Bank tactician Adewunmi Aderemi is an old war horse who is determined to reclaim the title after pilotting the Elephant Girls to almost a decade.

First Deepwater basketball club will bank on shooting prowess of reigning league most valuable player, Nkechi Akashili to give them victory First Bank basketball club on its part will look forward to energetic combo-guard ImaObong Akpan for victory.

Other games billed for the closing day of the first phase include AHIP Queens of Kano against Sunshine Angels of Akure; Dolphins will step out against Nigeria Customs Service basketball club; Delta Force of Asaba against Plateau Rocks of Jos and FCT Angels of Abuja versus Nigeria Immigration of Kano


*****************************************************
  NORWAY - Women  


Norway eke out win over Estonia - by Eurobasket News
Norway - Estonia 54:52

Norway and Estonia played the second friendly game in as many days in Bergen. Norway avenged the loss in the opening game and celebrated a narrow two-point victory at the end. Kristina Tattersdill (186-F/C-83) came up with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Norway.
Estonia stormed into the game. They limited the hosts to just 6 points in the first quarter to pile up a 10-point lead. But Norway reacted adequately in the second stanza. The hosts erased the deficit to level things up at 23. The teams stayed close throughout the third frame. Norway were able to eke out a 35:34 lead at the final break. Norway hung on to snatch past Estonia at the end. Tori Halvorsen (187-F/C-88) posted 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Sigrid Skorpen (175-G-91) had 7 points in the win. Merike Anderson (181-F-81, agency: LBM Management) answered with 16 points for Estonia. Mirjam Nikolai (178-G-86) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Norway: Kristina Tattersdill 22+10 boards, Tori Halvorsen 14, Sigrid Skorpen 7
Estonia: Merike Anderson 16, Mirjam Nikolai 13


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


Ukraine defeat Poland in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Poland - Ukraine 81:83

Ukraine celebrated a narrow win in the first exhibition game in Poland. They upset the hosts by two points in Spala. Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) stepped up with 23 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort.
The teams traded baskets in a high-flying first period. The scoreboard read 25:25 after ten minutes of action. Poland spurred in front in the second quarter. They earned a 50:46 halftime lead. But Ukraine gradually took over. The visitors erased the deficit and ensured a 3-point lead with one quarter remaining. Ukraine withheld comeback efforts from the hosts in the final period and celebrated a narrow victory at the end. Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) netted 13 points, while Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) and Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) provided 9 points each in the win. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) answered with 18 points for Poland. Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Poland: Elzbieta Mowlik 18, Paulina Pawlak 12
Ukraine: Lyubov Alyoshkina 23, Olena Samburska 13, Ganna Zarytska 9, Maryna Sazonenko 9



Poland lost the second friendly game with Ukraine - by Grzegorz Ozog
Poland - Ukraine 67:71

Poland lost the second friendly game with Ukraine.

Game from the beginning was better performed by Ukraine. After the first quarter Ukraine had four points more than Poland. Unstoppable was Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86) and Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86). After the first half Poland was losing 39:43. In the second half Ukraine also was better and finally team led by Irina Schipakina won 71:67.

Most points scored for Ukraine Maryna Sazonenko (14), Ganna Zarytska (12) and Lyubov Alyoskina. In Poland, the best was Justyna Zurowska (15) and Anna Pietrzak (12).

In the first match which took place yesterday Poland also lost with Ukraine 81:83.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Finland record second straight win over Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Portugal 89:57

Finnish National Team overcame their Portuguese opponents for the second straight win in Vantaa exhibition series. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) nailed 21 points to pace the winners. Finland started to build on their lead right from the start. The hosts ensured a 23:15 lead after ten minutes of action. The margin kept on growing in the second stanza. The home team accumulated a comfortable 16-point halftime advantage. Finland extended their lead to as many as 25 points in the third term. Portugal never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) nailed 14 points, while Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) netted 11 points in the winning effort. Joana Lopes (185-F-86) replied with 12 points and 8 rebounds for Portugal. Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) had 9 points apiece in defeat.

Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 21, Reetta Piipari 14, Heta Korpivaara 11
Portugal: Joana Lopes 12, Ana Oliveira 9, Carla Nascimento 9


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


U-17 Centro Basket Championships 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Mr. Annibal Garcia, Technical Director of 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.

All team delegations will be staying at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Any delegation interested in securing additional rooms for these Championships should contact the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation at (787) 726-1526.
By Usie Richards
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com


*****************************************************
  SAINT KITTS - Women  


Two Women Head new Basketball Association on Nevis - by Eurobasket News
Two women who have in recent times organized Basketball tournaments on Nevis are playing key leading roles in a newly organized Basketball Association on the island. Wanda Parry, who has been instrumental in running the Church Ground Basketball league for the last several years, is the new President of the Association and Veronica Brandy, who has been instrumental in organizing a league in the Gingerland area for the past two years, is her deputy.
PRO and Assistant Secretary Jan Dash indicated yesterday that the Association was born out of the need for an organized annual tournament on the island. I am not knocking the village leagues---but when they are organized, you never know which month there is always some uncertainty. We want to have an organized league annually and that will be held every year in the month of February, he stated.
President Parry noted that due to the fact that the month of February is already gone for this year, her Association is planning a smaller version of a tournament which will be held between the months of August and September of this year and then starting next year, the league will get its official beginnings with the February tournament.
The name of the Nevis Basketball Association is NABA which stands for Nevis Amateur Basketball Association. When asked about future connections with the more established SKABA Association based in St.Kitts, the President and the PRO indicated that they would still encourage Nevis teams to participate in the SKABA league but as is the case now, teams will have to make their own financial arrangements for travel and accommodation when playing matches. Ms Parry also noted that if teams from St.Kitts wanted to participate in the Nevis league, they would also be accepted. She further indicated that her new Association has established a good rapport with the SKABA and she has received many suggestions and ideas especially from the SKABA President as to how to promote Basketball on Nevis.
Currently there are two Nevisian teams participating in the SKABA league with CG Rebels which made great waves last year in making it to the finals of the Premier league still involved and PJs making their debut appearance in the A division and having won their first game as well.
According to PRO Dash, the annual Nevis league will be patterned off the internationally renowned NBA league and all efforts will be made to ensure that the players develop their skill level and that the game of Basketball reaches to hitherto unattained heights on the island.
In order to ensure that the standard of the game is improved one of the first projects of the new Association is a hosting of a seminar geared to officials and prospective Basketball officials on the island. The seminar will be held on the evening of Saturday 21st May at a venue to be announced. Persons interested in being Referees, scorers, time keepers etc in local tournaments are kindly invited to be a part of the seminar which will be conducted by officials from SKABA.
Dash further noted that 15 teams are already organized and ready to participate in the upcoming tournament and a call is being made to all potential sponsors to come on board with the new Association in its quest to take the game of Basketball to another level.
The full slate of individuals elected to serve for the NABA are:

PRESIDENT: SCHAKIMA WANDA PARRY
VICE PRESIDENT: VERONICA BRANDY
TREASURER: DWAYNE WARNER
ASST. TREASURER: KIRT HERBERT
SECRETARY: MICHELLE SUTTON
PRO & ASST. SECRETARY: JAN DASH

FLOOR MEMBERS: ROYDEN BROWNE,WARREN BBUSSUE, BREM LIBURD, DONELLA LAWRANCE AND DONFORD WILKINSON
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com



*****************************************************
  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


St. Vincent National Selection - by Eurobasket News
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation announces a 21 man training squad for possible selection to the National Male Team and 27 for possible selection to the National Female Team. The names are:

Women:
Vasha Adams, Nicole Sandy-Stephenson, Anella Samuel, Saska Diamond, Elizabeth Matthews, Sheldeen Joseph, Kailene, Thompson, Avi-Ann Myers, Gailene Gordon, Suzette Jackson, Iasha Sam, Tamara Samuel, Timesha Toussaint, Rochelle Haynes, Shanna Brown, Azola Francis, Roseman Paris, Shantel Joseph, Chantelle John (188-F-86, college: TCU), Maurel Cupid, Kia Prince, Jamalia Cottle, Cleo Hoyte, Brownie Allicott, Corisa Williams-Nero and Fanella Quashie.

These players are expected to attend their first practice session and meeting at the New Montrose Hard Court on Wednesday May 11th at 6 p.m. The Male team is expected to defend its championship title in the 2011 Windward Islands Basketball Championship in Dominica, July 12th 17th, then, journey to Bahamas for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament with their female counterpart July 25th to August 5th.

The Coaching Staff includes but not limited to: Junior Sutton, Wayne Williams, Oral Roberts and Darwin Vanloo. Karel Bramble and Kenlyn Clouden are the Managers. Invitations have been sent to the overseas based players.

Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com





*****************************************************
  SENEGAL - Women  


Jeanne Senghor leads Nice to French LF2 title - by Eurobasket News
Jeanne Senghor (191-C-82) just ended wonderful season abroad. The Senegalese National Team member paced her team Nice to French LF2 title tonight. Senghor and her teammates blasted Reims 78-50 in the Big Final, which ended just few hours ago. Jeanne Senghor was a key player in Nice as she registered double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. She reached valuation 34 and was named MVP of the Big Final. In the loosing squad, Lorraine Lokoka shined with 19 points and 7 rebs. Nice eliminated Roche Vendee 65-54 in the Semifinals. Reims advanced to Finals after 59-56 win against Lyon. The Final Four tournament was held in Lyon. Nice and Lyon earned a spot for the LFB 2011/12 season. Nice won it as LF2 champion, while Lyon booked a ticket because they were No.1 in regular season.
Jeanne Senghor joined Nice two years ago from Limoges. In the past, he played for ASPTT Charleville-Mezieres, US Templaise Basket Ball and Tarbes. At the latest World Championship in Czech Republic, Senghor had 1.3 ppg and 1.3 rpg in four games with Team Senegal.

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


Iva Sliskovic heads to Rivas Ecopolis - by Eurobasket News
Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) heads to Rivas Ecopolis and will be one of the first signing after Miguel Mendez took over the team. The Croatian Forward comes from Real Club Celta Vigo Urban where she played in the last three seasons.
In 2000-2001 Iva Sliskovic started for ZKK Croatia Zagreb junior team and then in 2005-2006 moved to S.Carolina (NCAA) where in 28 games she averaged 7.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 1.3bpg, FG: 48.4%. In 2007-2008 came back to Europe and joined MKB Euroleasing Sopron (Hungary-A). In Euroleague she debuted with 3.4ppg, 3.0rpg, while in Hungarian League after 12 games her stats read 9.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 64.9%, FT: 85.3%. In 2008-2009 moved to Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (Spain-LFB, starting five) and remained there until the last season. In her first year there she averaged 7.2ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 46.6%, FT: 50.0%. The last season saw huge improvement as Iva Sliskovic's stats read 15.0ppg, Reb-5 (8.2rpg), 1.8apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 74.3%.
Over the last few seasons she was named Eurobasket.com Spanish LFB All-Bosmans Team -10, 11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Bosman Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB 2nd Team -11.



Palacio de Congresos sign Stina Barnert and Catherine Scanlon - by Eurobasket News
Palacio de Congresos sign Stina Barnert (174-G-89) and Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) for the next season.
Stina Barnert played the last 5 seasons for TV 1872 Saarlouis. The German Guard was one of the key players there and will definetely be one of the top players in the new season. In 2005-2006 she started for SC Alstertal-Langenhorn (Oberliga) and then in 2006-2007 joined TV 1872 Saarlouis (DBBL). In her last season she averaged 13.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 87.1% in EuroCup, while in German League her stats read 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.1%.
Catherine Scanlon played in Spain last season. Earlier in 2005-2006 the American Player appeared for Drexel (NCAA) and in 29 games averaged 15.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FG: 41.9%, 3PT: 36.2%. In 2007-2008 moved to Residence de Walferdange (Luxembourg-DBBL, starting five) and in Luxembourgish League erupted with 26.3ppg; played also at Exma BBTL (especially created team of top players in the league, which plays only in Europe Cup games) and averaged 20.6ppg, 10.4rpg, 3.8spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 34%, FT: 78.3%. In 2008-2009 signed with BBT Ros Casares Letzebuerg (Luxembourg-only in Eurocup, starting five) and in EuroCup had 10.0ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, also played at Residence de Walferdange (Luxembourg-Diekirch League, starting five) and became the fourth top-scorer with 23.6ppg. The season 2010-2011Catherine Scanlon played for ASAC Comunicaciones Adba Aviles (Spain-LF2, starting five).


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


Samsun brings Filiz Yukruk - by Eurobasket News
Samsun brings Filiz Yukruk (74) for the next season. The Turkish experienced player appeared in 2006-2007 for Cankaya Universitesi (TBBL, starting five) and in 24 games averaged 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 73.5%. In 2007-2008 for Cankaya Universitesi (TBBL, starting five) her stats read 7.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 50.0%. In 2008-2009 she joined Maden Telkik Arama (TBB2L, starting five) and after 4 games had 9.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2.8spg.
Filiz Yukruk was a member of Turkish National Team -03 and reached Turkish Cup Semifinals -07. Her new team Samsun lost the Quarterfinal series over Fenerbahce that later triumphed in the country. Samsun was tied after three quarters and then recorded another tie at the end of regular time. They were eventually defeated in overtime 9-16. Rwandan-American center Tatum Brown produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Kristi Toliver added 19 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts.


Marina Kress joins Botas - by Eurobasket News
Marina Kress (192-C-80) joins Botas after a successful season in Greece. The Belarus International finished wonderful season in Greece as she 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. 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.
This season for Sony Athinaikos (Greece-A1) Marina Kress averaged 7.6ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 90.5% in EuroCup and in Greek League her stats read 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 76.9%.


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  UKRAINE - Women  


Ukraine defeat Poland in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Poland - Ukraine 81:83

Ukraine celebrated a narrow win in the first exhibition game in Poland. They upset the hosts by two points in Spala. Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) stepped up with 23 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort.
The teams traded baskets in a high-flying first period. The scoreboard read 25:25 after ten minutes of action. Poland spurred in front in the second quarter. They earned a 50:46 halftime lead. But Ukraine gradually took over. The visitors erased the deficit and ensured a 3-point lead with one quarter remaining. Ukraine withheld comeback efforts from the hosts in the final period and celebrated a narrow victory at the end. Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) netted 13 points, while Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) and Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) provided 9 points each in the win. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) answered with 18 points for Poland. Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Poland: Elzbieta Mowlik 18, Paulina Pawlak 12
Ukraine: Lyubov Alyoshkina 23, Olena Samburska 13, Ganna Zarytska 9, Maryna Sazonenko 9



Frankivsk shock Kozachka in Round 15 - by Eurobasket News
Frankivsk shock Kozachka in Round 15 at home to hand the favorites their third loss. Frankivsk overcame Kozachka 69:67 due to the second half. The guests started with 18-15 in the opening quarter and the both teams nailed 18 points each in the second frame.
Frankivsk won the third quarter 22-20 and added 14-11 in the last one for the total success. Arina Markotenko (170-G-89) stepped up with 17 points for the winners and Katerina Polyanychka (178-G-90) netted 16. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) replied with 26 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.
Tim-Scuf meanwhile improved to 13-2 record on top beating Luganski Lastivki 87:60. The team from the capital opened the game with 31-7 and then added 16-14 before the halftime. The guests won however the third period 17-13, but Tim-Scuf finished with 27-22 in the last quarter. Yevgeniya Sharovka (175-G-88) erupted with 27 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds, whilst Inna Faskhutdinova (182-F-84) scored 13. Lybov Yakunina (186-F-86) answered with 24 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.
In another games of the round Dnipro-DVUFK rolled over Yuzhna Palmira 66:59, while Dynamo edged Donbas 74:58. Politeh Basket added 75:65 win over Orlan as all the hosts won their games in the round.



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Alina IAGUPOVA
  Dnipr.
  (181-G-92)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Iagupova, Dnipr.20.3 
 2. Ragin, Dynamo18.1 
 3. Rastorgueva, Donb.18.0 
 4. Markotenko, Frank.17.9 
 5. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf17.8 
 6. Williams, Dnipr.17.8 
 7. Lubarskaya, Dynamo17.1 
 8. Yakunina, Lugans.17.1 
 9. Maznichenko, Tim-S.16.6 
 10. Grishina, Lugans.16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Ragin, Dynamo10.7 
 2. Alyoshkina, Orlan10.5 
 3. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.9.8 
 4. Rimarenko, Dynamo9.5 
 5. Zarytska, Kozachka9.3 
 6. Yakunina, Lugans.9.0 
 7. Maznichenko, Tim-S.8.8 
 8. Zherzherunov., Koz.8.7 
 9. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.8.5 
 10. Yaburova, Dnipr.8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6
 1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.6.0 
 2. Williams, Dnipr.4.8 
 3. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf4.8 
 4. Iagupova, Dnipr.4.6 
 5. Dubrovina, Kozach.4.6 
 6. Dubas, Frankivsk4.3 
 7. Lapshynova, Polite.4.1 
 8. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf4.0 
 9. Pokoiova, Kozachka3.7 
 10. Isachenko, Tim-S.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Dubrovina, Kozach.3.9 
 2. Markotenko, Frank.3.6 
 3. Iagupova, Dnipr.3.3 
 4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf3.0 
 5. Williams, Dnipr.2.7 
 6. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf2.4 
 7. Shapochkina, Yuzh.2.3 
 8. Agalareva, Donbas2.2 
 9. Polyanychka, Frank.2.2 
 10. Siromatnikov., Yu.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Alyoshkina, Orlan3.0 
 2. Zhyrakova, Polite.2.2 
 3. Yaburova, Dnipr.1.9 
 4. Bovykina, Dnipr.1.8 
 5. Shablynska, Polite.1.6 
 6. Zherzherunov., Koz.1.3 
 7. Kisilova, Kozachka1.2 
 8. Yakunina, Lugans.1.1 
 9. Maznichenko, Tim-S.1.0 
 10. Berezinets, Tim-S.1.0 


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


GB Futures Team staff prepare for World University Games - by Eurobasket News
The Standard Life GB women's Futures team will attend the World University Games (WUG) in Shenzhen, China, from 12-26 August 2011.

The women's Futures team is another element of the Towards 16 (T16) strategy following the successful establishment of the men's Futures team last year and the previous result of finishing sixth (6th) at the World University Games in 2009.

In a role reversal, Standard Life GB senior women's assistant coach, Damian Jennings, will head up the 2011 GB World University Games Team with Standard Life GB senior women's head coach, Tom Maher, taking the supporting role. The coaching staff remains the same as the successful 2009 WUG team and this year, Sarah Wagstaff, assistant team manager for the Standard Life GB senior women, will serve as the WUG team manager.

Head of Performance at British Basketball, Warwick Cann, commented: 'It's great to have the same quality coaching staff back to lead our Future women's development.

'The Futures team are a key element to the T16 strategy which aims to have our GB team qualify in their own right for Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Elite player development is at the forefront of our vision in nominating a team and appointing the coaches.'

The draw for this year's WUG has already taken place and the GB Futures team will face the USA, Slovakia and Brazil on the court in Shenzhen. The USA will prove tough competition as they look to defend their gold medal from the 2009 competition.

As well as currently preparing the Standard Life GB senior women for their EuroBasket 2011 campaign, Jennings and Maher are compiling their WUG team list which will be announced next week.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Yemi relishes chance to make up lost ground - by Eurobasket News
Its been a long trying year for Yemi Oyefuwa (198-C-89), fighting back from the surgery that left her languishing on the sidelines. Pulling on a Great Britain jersey and getting back on the court cant come soon enough.

Ive got my legs back, she smiles. Going under the knife last summer to repair a meniscus tear in her knee was traumatic enough. Coping with her shift to the fringes of the line-up at the University of Maryland only added to the pain.

Wary of any recurrence, the coaching staff there opted on the side of caution. Their London-born centre had to kick her heels, frustrated and, by her own admission, forlorn. It shatters your confidence, she reveals. Its very competitive at Maryland. Everyones fighting for playing time. I had to stay positive and tell myself: my time will come.

Back on national duty at training camp in Surrey is like a fresh beginning, she says. I feel my time has come now.

Oyefuwa, a product of the Wandsworth Sting junior programme, will take it one step at a time as Tom Mahers squad begin the countdown in earnest towards the Eurobasket finals with a four-nation warm-up tournament in Guildford, which begins on Thursday. After two weeks of gruelling twice-daily practices, the friendlies will be a welcome respite from the grind.

Without strength in depth, the staff have taken extra care. We only have three post players so we have to make sure they stay healthy, acknowledges assistant, Vanessa Ellis. Which means, for the soon-to-be Terrapins senior, a note of caution is again being sounded.

The coaches have been great, Oyefuwa states. Were doing two-a-days and if I ever feel Im on that bridge, or on that cliff, and I feel my knee is going to fall off, its acceptable for me to sit and ice while watching and listening. Theyre very understanding.

Johannah Leedham is another who has been ordered to progress at her own pace. Rebounding from her own injuries, the former WNBA Draftee will not play this week, despite coming through an intensive rehab assessment on Monday. We hope to get her on court in Turkey or Latvia, Ellis confirms. The medical team are keeping a close eye on her.

Sympathy readily comes from Oyefuwa, who was forced to sit out last summers qualification campaign. Having been out of the international scene for two years, she concedes there was a re-adjustment to Mahers tough approach.

But I came in with the mentality that I had a role even if I didnt end up getting picked. I have that mentality that Im going to do something. Its all mental sometimes. There are times when Im tired or my knee hurts but I have a goal and I have to reach it.

The first day I was very nervous because I knew the coaches would be looking at me and asking if Ive grown in the year away. Im always eager to learn and I look at myself as a sponge. I have no problems asking questions or running to the sidelines to write down some plays in my notebook. Ive come in and just tried. All I can give is my best.

A dancer in her teens, having rhythm helps on the floor. I still like to bust some moves, she giggles. Mainly post-game, admittedly. Thin and lanky, Oyefuwas mentors have praised her quickness but advised her to toughen up. I maybe need to be a bit rougher and less upright and some of that is because of the posture I was taught to find for so many years of my life, she acknowledges.

She likes a battle. Growing up, her Dad was a Manchester United fan. The contrarian, she chose Arsenal instead. We were always fighting about it when I was younger, she laughs. Even now, thats why theres a 14 on her back. I was a huge fan of Thierry Henry so I stole his number.

The Frenchman was known for his resilience under pressure, as well as finding the net with the greatest of ease. Oyefuwas place in the final squad will surely depend on displaying those similar traits.

A by-stander for too long, she will relish the fray in Surrey. Maher will be watching on, hoping that his side has heeded his words and is ready to put them into practice in their initial tune-up ties.

We have to make sure we stay composed and not become individuals if things go wrong, Oyefuwa declares.

Were coming from different places: some from America some from Europe, some from universities here. Its easy when things go against you to think: well, Ill just try this and see how it works even if its away from the game plan.

Every practice, weve progressed and got better. If we learn from every mistake, and remember basketball is a game of runs, I think we should be fine.'
Posted in: Team GB by Mark Woods
Courtesy of: mvp247.com

*****************************************************
  USBA - Women  


WUSBA will host Job Fair in each team city; all positions available - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (May 22, 2011) ---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announce today that the league will host an Open House and a Job Fair in each individual team city. The Open Houses will take place at the home gymnasiums of each individual team. Each team will conduct a job fair, at the same time, in an effort to fill position with individual teams.

Churches, civic groups and fans of each team are invited to come and get autographs, take pictures with the teams and get to know the players who will be representing each individual city. A special invitation has been extended to the Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations. 'We are also extending a very special invitation to children in the foster care system in each city.'

The Open Houses will take place on Saturday June 4, 2011 from 2-7 pm. Refreshments such as hot dogs, soft drinks, chips and other snacks being provided free of charge by Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. Each soft drink company has contractual agreements in place at the college or university under agreement with the WUSBA. Ranstad Employment Service, Inc. will conduct the interview process.

WUSBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'This is an opportunity for us to get to know our supporters and fans in each city. We want our fans to be able to have autographs signed and quite simply, fans will be able to talk to the players on a more personal level. We will conduct a job fair on these dates to fulfill positions with the teams.' The league will employ 15 to 20 people at each home game.

Each local team will conduct interviews for game day staff as well as the introduction of the basketball team, the coaching staff, dance team and mascots.

The league will make season ticket packages available. The open house will mark the continued availability of the 2011 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza. This season ticket promotion is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., along with the advertisers and sponsors of the WUSBA. The league has set aside 1500 single season tickets for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the WUSBA, the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket and comes with admission to all fourteen home games and as an extra added bonus each season ticket comes with an additional seven free single game tickets; this includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and one 8 x11 full color photograph with the basketball team or the dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 21, which breaks down to $5.00 per admittance)

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. 'We're very excited about this promotion. Not only do fans get a chance to see high quality basketball at affordable prices, but there is the chance to win a new car, go on a seafarer excursion or to go on a Disney World vacation.''

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2011 Honda Accord LX Four Door Automobile
(one automobile will be given away in each WUSBA city, 14 total league wide),

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

* 3rd prize: The Seafarer Odyssey
( Trip for two to Miami, Florida, round trip airfare on Air Tran, two round trip cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, overnight stay at Holiday Inn Intercontinental Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 28 total league wide.)

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

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

*6th Prize: The Gasoline Fill-up Extravaganza (A $40.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA city, 350 total league wide)

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

All drawings for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener. 'As far as we know, this is the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports.' said Jenkins. Fans can visit our website for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the Women's United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang. All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience', proclaimed Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the WUSBA league office at (404) 428-3411.

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

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

2011 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2011 WUSBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. Promotion ends June 8, 2011 at 12 noon. WUSBA employees, family member of WUSBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 2000 season tickets sold per WUSBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 2000 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 83 to 1. The 5th, 6th and 7th prizes winning odds are 80 to 1. The WUSBA has set aside 2000 season tickets per WUSBA team city to be sold, a total 28,000 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If two season tickets are purchased by the same individual for the 2011 basketball season and before 12 noon on June 8, 2011 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a WUSBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prize winners must make travel reservation through the WUSBA. Travel blackout periods may affect certain travel dates. Grand Prize winners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law.



WUSBA season first season ready to begin; fourteen teams will take the court - by USBA Media
Atlanta, Ga. (May 22, 2011) ----The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announced today that the final preparation for the 2011 season is complete. The league has all the necessary preparations set to properly conduct a successful basketball season. The season will field fourteen teams to begin its inaugural campaign. 'We set out to deliver twenty basketball teams for the 2011 season, however, with Raleigh hit hard by the tornado and scheduling conflicts in five other gymnasiums, we'll move the remaining teams into the 2012 basketball season,' said WUSBA vice president Kenneth Green.

WUSBA President and Chief Executive Officer Duane Allen Jenkins issued the following statement:

'Every professional sports league owes its very existence to the fans of their respected community. Everyone associated with the Women's United States Basketball Association has the fans and their community first and foremost on their agenda. We will accomplish all that is necessary to maintain the trust and the loyalty of all our fans. We are truly grateful to be accepted in these great cities and towns.'

'In the beginning, I stated that the WUSBA would assist female basketball players to continue their careers. We have created a system that will bring our league right underneath the WNBA. We plan to utilize former WNBA players as coaches and league staff. We will begin our inaugural season with 14 teams that are united in their dedication to bring top quality basketball to our team cities. The teams, coaches and players will share a common objective and a commitment to our fans' satisfaction; we will work together as community partners with our team cities.'

The following is the final list of teams for the WUSBA 2011 basketball season:

The Piedmont Division consists of the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, Winston Salem Cardinals and the Augusta Raging River

The Appalachian Division houses the Chattanooga Royal, the Knoxville Reign and the West Virginia Capitals.

The Atlantic Division has the Virginia Colonials, the Jacksonville Surf, the Savannah Seahawks and the Charleston Cadets

The Southern Division fields the Atlanta Platinum, the Macon Storm and the Birmingham Starz

'We had planned to start with twenty teams to begin with, however we could not lock down arenas in Nashville, Lexington, Montgomery, Norfolk, and Raleigh just took a direct hit from that devastating tornado, so we go with sixteen teams.'

'We are devoting a feverous pace to complete everything it takes to run a basketball team league in the pursuit of our original goals. Today, I can tell you that our determination remains as strong as ever before. When we made the decision to continue the WUSBA, our goals were to secure the most qualified coaches and players available. This commitment would ensure the success of the WUSBA. This commitment would benefit the city, the towns, the teams, the sponsors, the league and the fans we serve.'

'When I announced the continuation of the WUSBA for 2011, I committed that each WUSBA team would play a full schedule and we would offer viable employment opportunities to the people in our team communities, along with offering secure jobs to our coaches and players. We now have everything in place to complete the upcoming season, the majority of the venues are in the process of being secured; uniforms are ordered, Golden Corral meal cards secured, lodging reserved for the players and coaches and.' 'Regardless of what the naysayers chant, we believe the WUSBA can offer the best in minor league basketball'.

'As I stand before you today, it is my pleasure to announce our march to the opening day of our 2011 basketball season; it is our goal to conduct proper preparation for the season.

Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the final formation of the for mentioned teams that will compete in the 2011 Women's United States Basketball Association basketball season. We will conduct our player acquisition in a manner consistent with major professional women's basketball.'

'We will present a great competitive product that will be entertaining to our fans, our team cities and the profession of basketball as a whole. We are extremely excited about future of our league and our 14 teams. We now have the time to do it right and I stand here today to assure that everything will be ready for our 2011 basketball season.'

'We'll see you, your family and your friends courtside in June 2011.'

'The Women's United States Basketball Association was formed in late March 2010, but the WUSBA concept was originally founded in July 2007. Through the months and years, we have faced a variety of challenges -- some of which seemed insurmountable at the time. The WUSBA will persevere through the tough economic adversities our country has faced and the WUSBA will persevere through this one, as well -- to emerge with a framework for the future, one that everyone will be proud to be associated with -- where our players and coaches have an opportunity to achieve their goals.'


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


Shock coach Nolan Richardson: Making cuts is like breaking hearts - by Eurobasket News
Coaching in the WNBA has apparently had an impact on Nolan Richardson's television viewing habits.

The Tulsa Shock's second-year coach and general manager says he can't watch 'American Idol.'

Why? Because watching a participant get booted gives him the same gut-wrenching feeling he gets when he is forced to trim his roster.

'They have busted their hearts. They have given everything they have got,' Richardson said in a post-practice interview during the opening week of preseason training camp.

'And then you are saying 'you are not going to be one.' That's tough on a youngster.'

Richardson was a Division I college men's coach for 22 seasons at Tulsa and Arkansas. There were occasions when he had to tell players they were no longer welcome. This is different because, in the college world, a coach typically only jettisons players if they become problem children.

'But just to try to critique (WNBA) players to fit what you have got to have and to cut them, and you have them crying; that's a hard thing to do - for me it is, because I never had to do that,' Richardson said.

'Usually when I cut (college players), I was happy. This is totally the opposite.'

But cutting players is part of the gig, so Richardson is steeling himself for the inevitable task of shattering someone's dream.

'I don't look forward to the day that June 2 rolls around and you have got to be down to 11 (players),' he said. 'I wish I could keep all 15 and go from there, but four have got to go.'

The Shock ended its first week of training camp Saturday. Richardson has 11 more days to decide on 11 roster spots.

Richardson said the only protected player on the roster is Tiffany Jackson, a fifth-year forward acquired in a trade with the New York Liberty last June.

Competition for roster sports should create this sort of camp environment: 'You come in here and you are going to work hard and you are going to buy into what we are going to do, or else you are going to move on,' Richardson said.

Sound harsh? Keep in mind that this is the guy who can't bear to watch 'American Idol.' Or, at least, he can't watch it all.

'I might listen to them sing and then get up when they get ready to give the scores,' he said.

When someone reminded Richardson that Simon Cowell is no longer an 'Idol' judge, Richardson said: 'Simon, he was brutal. He would be a good hatchet man over here in basketball - 'you are outta here.' '

Notable dates
Preseason opener: May 29 at Seattle
Season opener: June 4 at San Antonio
Home opener: June 10 vs. San Antonio

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi ready for a new beginning - by Eurobasket News
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) is relieved, rested and ready for the rest of her life.

The Mercury star has been cleared of doping allegations. The Turkish lab that claimed she tested positive for a banned stimulant has retracted its report. The torchbearer for women's basketball has been traumatized, but her legacy is safe.

From Arizona to Connecticut, her fans also are vindicated. In recent years, many marquee athletes have professed their innocence in matters such as this, succumbing to the shameful truth only when their line of defense crumbles.

Taurasi is different. For three months she remained hidden from public view, avoiding the whispers, mounting an aggressive legal defense, even passing a polygraph test. And then one morning it all just disappeared.

She now is preparing for her eighth season in the WNBA. She is eligible for the 2012 Olympics and will continue to play professionally in Turkey. She is the same old Diana, the irrepressible, hard-nosed champion who laughs easy, sneers at opponents, swears at referees and plays dirty when necessary. But she's not a cheater.

So things are back to normal. Except she'll never be the same. Would you?

Question: You're actually here for training camp. That must be nice, right?

Answer: Man, it feels good. It's just a different feeling when you come into something looking forward to it. In the past, the opener would be on the 15th, I'd get in on the 13th at night and we'd have to play LA at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on the first day with no practice. You don't feel as confident going into it, either. I've been here eight years. It's nice to have training camp. It's nice to have it in a Catch-22 way.

Q: What have you been through emotionally?

A: In my basketball career, I've gone through a lot of ups and downs. I've had a lot of great moments and quite a few lows where I've struggled with some things in my career, and not just the things people know about. This was very unexpected and very hard to come to grips with because I just didn't know where it came from.

I had thoughts that this is going to put a big mark on everything I've worked so hard for. When people hear 'doping,' they get after you. They call you a cheater. They say you cheated the game, disrespected everyone. And that's what bothered me the most because the game is the one thing. . . . Every time I've stepped on the court I respect the game, my teammates and my opponents. And it can be taken away just like that.

Q: Your college coach said he knew you were telling the truth because you've always owned your mistakes in the past.

A: I've always tried to live that way. When I got the DUI in 2009, that was hard. It took me a while to come to grips with that. I was mad, embarrassed, disappointed in myself and for my parents. When you do something (wrong) and it's all over the papers and all over ESPN, it does suck. Just like when you win a championship, it's all over the papers and ESPN. So there's a give and take. But that's one I would've taken back.

Q: What was it like taking the lie-detector test? Humiliating?

A: At first, I didn't want to take it. What do I have to do that for? It's a funny circumstance, but I felt like someone who went to jail screaming, 'I didn't do it! I didn't do it!' And they're like, 'Shut up, go to jail.' The more I said I was innocent, the more I was drowning myself in the white noise, and nobody would believe me.

People say, 'You didn't say anything to the media.' What are you going to do, plead your case with the public? I wasn't looking for the sympathy of the masses because I never took (the banned stimulant). People around me knew I never took it.

Q: You were laying low for a long time. What were you doing?

A: After Christmas, I went back to Turkey to get the 'B' sample. Spent two-and-half weeks there. Came home, spent some time in Phoenix and some time in California with my parents. I just tried to get my mind off this whole thing. At one point, I told my agent and my lawyer that this is never going to turn out right. I really didn't have much hope in it. Not at all. I didn't have much faith in the system.

Q: Do you think you were sabotaged?

A: I really thought it was a mistake. Sabotage was the first word thrown out there, but that's a lot of work just to (ruin a person's career). A lot of work. I thought from Day 1 that it was a mistake.

Q: Are you calloused by this whole process?

A: I think I am. I'm a very trustworthy person. I want to feel that everyone has your best interests at heart all the time, and that's just not true. Over the years, as I've grown older, my circle has gotten smaller and smaller. When I came out of college, every city I went to, I had 10 to 15 friends come to the game and then go to dinner. Now, I'm going back to my room. Outside immediate family, the circle of people that I text and e-mail might be five, six, if that.

Q: So why are you going back to Turkey?

A: I'm not going to blame a whole country for a mistake that one particular individual lab made. That would be against everything I stand for. I might have had some reservations for a second, but I thought about it, and then I changed the way I thought about it.

The (Turkish) fans have been very supportive, and I had only been there for two months. People treat fans like they're idiots, but they were the ones out there saying, 'We trust you. We believe you.' So fans do get a good sense of what's going on, and the Phoenix fans were just amazing. I had a lot of good people in my corner.

Q: Do you wish the WNBA was lucrative enough so you didn't have to play overseas?

A: I'm going to look at it like, 'Boy, I've had the opportunity to see Venice, Prague, Paris, Moscow, St. Petersburg.' But not playing these last four months, I got to see my sister have her second child. Those are things I've missed the last five years, like my father's birthday. My home has been in Moscow the last seven years, and now Istanbul. You miss out on the little things you take for granted.

Q: How long are you going to keep playing?

A: I hope to keep going for a while. Back in 2006, Sue (Bird) and I were playing overseas and I told her I was going to make a five-year plan. I decided I was going to play as much basketball, make as much money, do as much as I can to be the best player. And that came to end with a bang. But in those five years, I think I did a lot.

Q: How are you going to protect yourself from now on?

A: It's a hard question to answer because I've done everything right, or I thought I was. I was taking care of myself, living the right lifestyle, eating right. I cut everything out. I was really focused on, 'This is my time. This is my prime. And I want to take advantage of it.'

Q: Getting in great shape actually worked against you when the positive test result came out. People heard the news and immediately thought about how cut you've become in recent years.

A: That came from not eating junk food. No more In-N-Out. I really changed everything. I look at pictures of my first four years in the league, and I was fat. You can put it any way you want, but I was fat. I worked out the same, but I ate whatever I wanted. I was not disciplined. Now, I can't eat that stuff.

Q: Along those lines, a lot of guys were pleasantly surprised by the shoot you did for ESPN The Magazine.

A: It was something I was really nervous about doing. Being naked on a set wasn't my ideal photo shoot, and it took two, three months of talking to the photographer before I could get comfortable. But once I was there, I was walking around butt naked. And that's why the shots came out. I felt relaxed. I've heard some backlash, people saying, 'You can't be naked. You're a role model.' Yeah, but everyone is naked at some point during the day, right? You go to Europe, it's OK. You come here, and everyone freaks out like its Playboy.

Q: As the torchbearer for women's basketball, do you think the league wishes you showed that feminine side more often?

A: I feel like I've done a good job with it. I've never been the cookie-cutter type. I can't come here and give you the political correct stuff. It kills me to do that. You interview athletes. You know what it's like to ask a question and know the (bleep) you're going to get back. I've always tried to stay away from that. I think it's refreshing, and it's the way I am. So I try not to change.

Q: What are you going to do after basketball?

A: I have an obsession that includes vintage T-shirts, a wine bar and a tapas restaurant. I have a weird obsession with really good coffee, really good wine and really cool, vintage T-shirts, like a 1986 Guns N' Roses throwback tour shirt. Stuff like that.

Q: Where will this obsession be located?

A: Probably Manhattan Beach (Calif.). Some place real laid-back, cool. That's what I'm thinking.

Q: So what's next?

A: I have a new plan, another five-year plan, and it starts this summer. I could say I want to win every championship again, but I don't know if that'll be fulfilling. I think it's more of a personal thing, of challenging myself to grow up in a lot of ways. I had a conversation with (Connecticut) Coach (Geno) Auriemma before training camp. He called me over to center court and said, 'What are you going to do now?' My goal is to grow up. I've been a kid for a long time, and I like acting like a kid. But I think it's time to grow up.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Washington Mystics hold off Chinese national team in scrimmage - by Eurobasket News
Jasmine Thomas (5'9''-G-89, college: Duke) admitted she had some butterflies fluttering around in her stomach before the Washington Mystics scrimmage against the Chinese womens national team on Saturday afternoon.

Although the atmosphere on the Verizon Center practice court wasnt as intense as a game, Thomas nonetheless was eager to impress her teammates and coaches. The 5-foot-9 rookie guard from Duke was one of the first substitutes for the Mystics and made her presence known almost immediately, getting a deflection that led to a steal.

Although no official statistics were kept, Thomas seemed to play the most minutes of the rookies. She finished with three points and had a spectacular, behind-the-back pass for an assist on Alana Beards layup in the Mystics 72-67 victory.

The Mystics were the second stop on Chinas two-week U.S. tour. The Chinese lost to the Connecticut Sun, 101-63, on Thursday.

'I think just with how practice has been going and how much Ive been learning, I felt pretty confident that everyone would help me be able to adjust', Thomas said. 'I mean, I had people talking to me all the time, so its not like I had to be too nervous.'

Thomas, a three-time All-Met and 2007 All-Met Player of the Year from Oakton High, was acquired last month in a trade that sent Katie Smith to Seattle.

I thought Jasmines intensity on defense was good, Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey said. As she gets more game experience, her decision-making will get better.

Thomas was one of three point guards Lacey used in the game. Kelly Miller, who was acquired last month in the trade of Lindsey Harding to Atlanta, started. Ashley Houts also played several minutes.

Defense is a big emphasis for Lacey, and the Mystics fell short of her expectations. At one point in the second quarter, Lacey said to the players: Im calling a timeout because Im [upset] about the defense. I want two stops in a row. Am I clear?

That was before the Mystics nearly squandered a 60-43 third-quarter lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the Chinese team to cut their lead to 67-64 with less than a minute left.

I felt like when we didnt score it affected our defense. That cant really happen, Lacey said.

Beard started along with Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland), Nicky Anosike (6'3''-C-86, college: Tennessee), Marissa Coleman (6'1''-G/F-87, college: Maryland) and Miller. She scored the Mystics first two points off free throws but didnt make her first basket until 7 minutes 34 seconds remained in the second quarter. She finished with six points.

It felt good to get the first one out of the way, said Beard, who missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

Langhorne, one of the few holdovers from last season, led the Mystics with 16 points.

Note: Center Chasity Melvin was the only player who did not play in the scrimmage. Lacey said the 35-year-old center was resting her knees.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com