Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/24/2011

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Men News

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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

Champville advance into Arab Club Championship semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Champville - Riyadi 73:69

Champville booked the spot in the Arab Club Championship semifinals. They held off their archrivals Riyadi at the quarterfinal stage in Abu Dhabi today. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, college: Providence) nailed 27 points and collected 13 rebounds in the win.
Champville started strongly as they ensured a 25:17 lead after ten minutes. Riadi picked up the slack in the second frame. They narrowed the deficit at just a single point 38:39 at the interval. Riaydi improved their performance in the third term and eventually spurred in front. Riaydi entered the final quarter up by three points 60:57. But Champville turned things around in the final period. They managed to surge back in front and hung on to secure the sixth straight win at the tournament. Riyadi in the meantime suffered the fourth defeat in a row. Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.) accounted for 22 points, while Mazen Mneimneh (192-G-86) added 14 points and 6 boards in the win. Jean Abed El Nour (197-G/F-83) had 20 points for Riyadi. Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) dropped 13 points, collected 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in the loss. Champville will take on the winners of Karkh vs. Sharja clash in the semis.

Champville: Garnett Thompson 27+13 boards, Jasmon Youngblood 22, Mazen Mneimneh 14
Riyadi: Jean Abed El Nour 20, Nathanel Johnson 13

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AUSTRALIA

Cairns Taipans add Brad Hill - by Eurobasket News
The Cairns Taipans have added a versatile piece to its arsenal for the 2011-12 NBL season with former Adelaide 36er Brad Hill (198-G/F-86) joining the club.

Hill, 25, has been in the NBL since 2005, all with the 36ers except for the 2008 campaign when he linked with the now-defunct South Dragons.

A 198cm guard, Hill missed the majority of the 2006-07 season with a serious arm and shoulder injury but bounced back strongly and in 2009 was a member of the Australian Boomers squad.

He is coming off a 2010-11 season averaging almost nine points and 3.5 rebounds an outing, shooting 45 per cent from the field. His field goal percentage and rebounding numbers were career-highs.

While predominately a shooting guard, Hills size gives him the ability to guard bigger opposition players which will give Skytrans Taipans coach Aaron Fearne added flexibility in his squad.

Brad is a terrific player who has been around the league for a number of years, having come out of the Australian Institute of Sport program in 2005, Fearne said.

He is a dogged defender which will suit our system perfectly, and offensively hes a smart player with range out to the three-point line.

Brad is a hard worker and Im sure hes going to be a key player for us next season.

When Daniel Dillon decided to sign with the Melbourne Tigers, it was imperative we signed an Australian guard with many similar traits.

We believe Brad fits that bill perfectly. He has a similar defensive mindset, many of the same offensive skills but his experience is what we believe is an added string to his bow.

Hill joins Ian Crosswhite, Alex Loughton, Kerry Williams and Dusty Rychart as contracted Skytrans Taipans players for the 2011-12 season.

Hill is currently the playing coach for Eastern Mavericks in the Central Australian Basketball League in South Australia. He is expected to see the season out in the CABL before relocating to Cairns for pre season training.

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

Ex-Wildcats swingman Stephen Weigh signs with Adelaide 36ers - by Eurobasket News
Former Perth Wildcats player Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Adelaide.

The versatile 24-year-old, who can play as either a guard or small forward, will link up with his former Australian Institute of Sport coach in Marty Clarke at the 36ers.

Clark said Weigh was a 'very important component in the long term success' of the team and will only be able to improve while playing in South Australia.

'Stevie will thrive on the extra responsibility and will have the opportunity to develop into one of the competition's premier players' he said.

Weigh, who has earned a call-up to the Boomers squad, spent three years with the Wildcats which included winning an NBL championship, but he asked the club to release him ahead of the League's free agency period.

The Queensland-born player signed with Perth for the 2008-09 season after finishing his college career at the University of Utah in the United States.

He showed glimpses of his potential in his maiden NBL year when he averaged six points a game, but took his game to the next level in the team's championship-winning campaign the following season, averaging 10.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Weigh's output this season again increased, particularly in the rebounding category with an average of 5.5 boards per game.

Wildcats chief executive Nick Marvin said at the time of Weigh's departure: 'His reasons for leaving are personal and not to do with the club, the coaches, the team, the administration or the salary.'

Perth has already re-signed Boomers point guard Damian Martin, former league rookie of the year Jesse Wagstaff, small forward Cameron Tovey and American Kevin Lisch to new contracts.

Courtesy of www.perthnow.com.au

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BELGIUM

College News - by Peter Buyse
Obasohan Ojomoh (183-F-93) has signed a national letter of intent with the University of Alabama as announced the school. he joins the Crimson Tide after a good season playing for Belgian D2 team Kangoeroes Boom who finished the season as the league leader and later won the playoff to claim the D2 championship. Towards the end he became a part-time starter for the league leader.
He was also a member of the U16 and U18 Belgian National teams and competed in the U16 and U18 European Championships.
He is one of 6 newcomers joining the Alabama team for the upcoming season.

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Stefon JACKSON
  Verviers.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 16.3

1. Jackson, Verviers.	16.3
2. Black, Antwerp	16.0
3. Freeman, Verviers.	15.9
4. Lojeski, Oostende	15.7
5. Mallet, Charleroi	15.7
6. Taylor, M.Hainaut	15.3
7. Copeland, Aalstar	15.2
8. Waters, Verviers.	15.0
9. Miller, Leuven	14.7
10. Hilliard, Aalstar	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8

1. Freeman, Verviers.	8.0
2. Young, Aalstar	7.5
3. Stipanovic, Liege	7.4
4. Hilliard, Aalstar	7.3
5. Randle, Gent	7.3
6. Brown, Antwerp	6.4
7. Gay, Verviers-Pep.	6.4
8. Jackson, Verviers.	6.3
9. Tofi, Leuven	6.0
10. Copeland, Aalstar	5.8

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4

1. Mitchell, Oostende	4.0
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	3.8
3. Dagunduro, Leuven	3.6
4. Waters, Verviers.	3.4
5. Black, Antwerp	2.9
6. Bosco, Gent	2.9
7. Moors, Antwerp	2.8
8. Burrell, Aalstar	2.7
9. Miller, Leuven	2.5
10. Mallet, Charleroi	2.5

Steals Per Game

Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Jenkins, Liege	2.8
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	2.4
3. Wilson, Antwerp	2.2
4. Mallet, Charleroi	2.2
5. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.1
6. Mitchell, Oostende	1.7
7. Biggs, Antwerp	1.7
8. Lojeski, Oostende	1.6
9. McCauley, M.Hai.	1.6
10. Taylor, M.Hainaut	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Mejri, Antwerp	1.6
2. Riddick, Charleroi	1.5
3. Johnson, Aalstar	0.9
4. Young, Aalstar	0.8
5. Randle, Gent	0.8
6. Wilson, Antwerp	0.6
7. Tofi, Leuven	0.6
8. Van Den Spie., Oos.	0.6
9. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.5
10. Pelle, Oostende	0.5

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BOSNIA

Aleksej Nesovic wins the double in Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian National Team guard Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) won the double in Montenegro this season. After the National Cup, which his team Buducnost won earlier this season, they also managed to defend championship title sweeping Mornar Bar with perfect 3-0 in the Finals. In third game, which was played last night, Nesovic had 4 points for his team.
Aleksej Nesovic joined Buducnost last summer from Borac Cacak. He appeared 15 times in Adriatic league averaging 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Buducnost reached Final Four of the regional championship. In EuroCup, Nesovic added 5.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.5 apg.
Aleksej Nesovic is active member of the Bosnian National Team. During the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 he had 5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 3.1 apg in 8 games. In 2009, Nesovic won the Slovenian league title and Cup with Union Olimpija.

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BOTSWANA

Troopers on course to defend title - by Thomas Fink
MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondent Mmegi 20/5/2011

FRANCISTOWN: Defending basketball league champions, Troopers, have made a blistering start to the season by winning its first three matches.Troopers look set to retain the title after accounting for old enemy, BDF V 61-31 and new boys, Dolphins 82-58 and NIIT 110-57. The holders have maximum points after they got a bye because Eagles failed to turn up for their game.

Francistown-based Flames have shown improvement this season losing only once in four games. The loss came in the derby against Splinters. Flames are second in the standings with seven points. Eagles and Bullets are struggling at the bottom with one point each. It will be a busy weekend for most clubs as a full programme is underway.

Troopers face Spartans tonight before Dolphins meet Cadets at the UB Courts. Tomorrow, Splinters lock horns with the struggling Eagles in Selebi-Phikwe as Falcons face Bullets before playing Eagles. Meanwhile, at the University of Botswana, NIIT face army giants, BDF V in the women's league. Spartans meet Drillers while Police take on BDF in the evening.

Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) chairperson Kabo Khama said the league has started well although some games were postponed due to bad weather and poor light. 'We hope to have fewer of those weatherrelated disruptions going forward since it is winter.

'Recently, we had minor issues with lighting at the UB Courts but UB administration has attended to the problem,' he said. Khama is happy with the performance of the three clubs registered at the beginning of the season.

'In terms of new clubs, I think they have done reasonably well with Dolphins getting a couple of wins. 'But as the season progresses, the log table has taken a familiar look with Troopers sitting pretty at the top. It looks like this might be the year Flames finally break into the top four. On the other end of the scale, Cadet has started rather slowly,' Khama said.

Panthers are looking good in the women's section but once again, the 'usual suspects', Police and BDF, seem to have an edge. Relics are struggling but they are rebuilding after losing a few of their players to Panthers. Splinters women are in for a tough season looking at their last game, which they lost.

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BRAZIL

Vivo/Franca edge BRB/Brasilia in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Vivo/Franca - BRB/Brasilia 93:92 (OT)

Vivo/Franca recorded the initial victory in the NBB Finals. They held off BRB/Brasilia in dramatic home clash to narrow the deficit at 1-2. BRB/Brasilia will host the fourth and could be decisive game of the series on Tuesday. Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) masterminded the vital win for Vivo/Franca as he erupted for 33 points.
Vivo/Franca knocked down 26 points in the opening quarter to build a 3-point lead ten minutes into the game. BRB/Brasilia reacted stifling their defence and limiting the hosts to 11 points in the second term. The visitors established a 40:37 halftime lead. Vivo/Franca returned the lead and stretched to 9 points in the third quarter. But BRB/Brasilia struck back and narrowed the gap at 3-point mark 58:61. BRB/Brasilia eventually tied the score at 78 and forced overtime. Vivo/Franca pulled ahead in the extra period and hung on for the win. Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had a chance to save the game for BRB/Brasilia but missed the final shot. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) finished with 23 points, while Marques Lewis (203-C-83, college: UAB) added 17 points in the victory. Alexandre Garcia responded with 24 points for BRB/Brasilia. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) provided 22 points in defeat.

Vivo/Franca: Helinho Garcia 33, Vitor Benite 23, Marques Lewis 17
BRB/Brasilia: Alexandre Garcia 24, Guilherme Giovannoni 22

PG Pedro Maciel sign with Nicholls State University - by Paulo Freire
Another Brazilian player has signed basketball scholarship with Division I school. Former Pearl River Community College point guard Pedro Maciel (185-G-89) have committed to the Nicholls State (La.) program.

Maciel (6-foot-1, 180 pounds), a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, who prepped at St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, transferred to PRCC this past season after playing his freshman season at Centenary (La.) University. He was named to the MACJC South Division All-Star squad and averaged a team-high 5.1 assists a game.

At St. Stanislaus High School in Bay St. Louis, Miss, he was a first-team all-state selection in his senior year.

Head coach J.P. Piper of Nicholls State University said the 6-foot-1-inch and 180 pound guard will go a long way in replacing the void left by starting point guard Kenny Franklin's graduation.

The coach added that he's been wanting Maciel in his program for a few seasons now, trying to bring him to Thibodaux when he transferred from Southern Miss to Centenary.

'Pedro is a classic, old school point guard,' Said head coach J.P. Piper. 'He's pass first, and a really heady kid. He's got a high IQ for the game. He's constantly thinking and makes the other four guys on the floor better. He's special because he also has the ability to score the ball. If you don't guard him, he'll get you. He has a great sense of that balance. We've been tracking him for two years, and I think he will be very good in our system. The way we play our game, he is ideal for us, and we thought that two years ago as well.'

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BULGARIA

Videnov won the title in Poland - by Vladi Lazarova
Filip Videnov will remember till the rest of his life the date 23rd of May 2011. After years of hard injuries and struggling with no luck in key moments, of the biggest Bulgarian talents and the best Bulgarian players abroad became a champion for the first time of his career. 30-years old guard was a key player in Asseco Prokom - the new old Polish champion. In game 7 of the final his team outplayed Turow Zgorzelec 76:71 at home in Gdynia. Videnov played 15 minutes and scored 8 points, but thanks to him Asseco recahed the final seveth game, because Filip smashed Turow in match number 6 with 14 points off the bench. This is first gold medal for former player of Western Kentucky Univesity in NCAA, Levski, KK Split, Tekelspor Istanbul, Nansy, Real Madrid, Seville and Red Star Belgrade.

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CANADA

Miami Heats Joel Anthony leads way in block party - by Eurobasket News
Some nights, you could call Heat center Joel Anthony (206-C-82, college: UNLV) a train wreck. Train wreck describes how Chicago shooters found Anthony on Sunday, especially early in the Heats 96-85 Game 3 win the big mess that alters traffic when its not blocking it altogether.

Anthonys four first-quarter blocks accounted for 36.6 percent of Chicagos 11 first-quarter misses, helped keep Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer scoreless and the Bulls with a meager 15 points on 25 percent shooting while the Heat overcame their own offensive troubles. And even as Boozer got going in the second quarter with nine points, the Bulls began changing angles mid-shot, in anticipation of Anthony.

All of Anthonys five blocked shots came in the first half, during which the Bulls shot 16 of 40 and shot only nine free throws. Thats five blocks in one half after 20 in the Heats first 12 playoff games.

Theres no official category for Shots Turned Bricks Off Of Intimidation, of which Anthony had several in his 29:03 of playing time, all of which were in the first three quarters. Nobody expects points from Anthony and he had only three with four rebounds. But his worth came on defense Sunday.

In fact, the Heat took the lead for good in the third quarter after Anthony forced Boozer to awkwardly change a lunging one-hander inside. A Heat rebound, a quick setup and Mike Bibby nailed a three-pointer to put the Heat up 56-53 with 5:59 left in the third. The Heat kept Chicago looking at taillights from there until the horn.

The 6-9, 245-pound Anthony established his presence on Chicagos second possession when Anthony slapped away a Luol Deng shot. Dwyane Wade scooped up the remains and immediately launched LeBron James to a fast-break dunk. Boozer got the next Anthony rejection, leading to a loose ball foul on Chicagos Joakim Noah, Noahs second of the game.

Before the first quarter was out, Anthony got Deng again on a drive, then Asik. His second quarter block came on a Derrick Rose drive.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Energy gets Slammed in finale - by Eurobasket News
Forget rubber match; Game 3 between the Edmonton Energy and Bellingham Slam Sunday was an all-out grudge match.

Bellingham came out on top 111-99 to take the series 2-1, behind the backdrop of piped-in cheering and canned chanting through the U of A main gym loudspeakers for the crowd of 245.

Bellingham rebounded from a 129-107 loss on Friday and dominated the rest of the series, including a 128-95 victory on Saturday.

We didnt finish around the basket and we didnt execute as far as being patient offensively, said Energy head coach Skouson Harker, whose squad fell to 2-4 on the season. Credit to Bellingham; theyre a great team and made shots when they had to. We couldnt seem to get anything going.

Except when it came to getting slapped with technical fouls, that is. The Energy earned seven Ts, with a pair of coaches getting ejected.

Obviously, my opinion strictly is when the home crowds booing the zebras, I think theres an issue there and I think when youre looking at seven technicals, thats pretty uncharacteristic of any team, said Harker, who was tossed along with assistant coach Robbie Valpreda.

Sundays series finale began with little in the way of finesse, with both sides committing as many turnovers as they scored points.

But the home side did claim their territory, with Troy Gottselig (203-G-87) scoring on a drive at one end before hustling back to pull down a rebound at the other, as Casey Crawford put the Energy up 22-15 for their biggest lead of the game.

It shrank immediately, with Slam forward Lukas Henne singlehandedly pulling his team behind by one with six consecutive points.

Slam guard Jacob Stevenson (193-G-81, college: W.Washington) threw four points together out of the second-quarter gates to give Bellingham its first lead of the game, 29-28, before taking a 54-50 advantage at the half.

Blake Poole, Bellinghams 6-foot-5, 275-lb wrecking ball, spent the second half in hospital after taking a Lee Scruggs elbow off the face as payback for doing the same to the 6-11 Energy post the night before.

Bellingham led 86-71 after three quarters, but the Energy rallied to bite into the 15-point deficit with guard William Broadus (180-G-83, college: Oklahoma Baptist) coming off the bench to lead the charge.

Broadus scored a game-high 22 points, along with the Slam's Stevenson.

He made some huge shots and, to be honest, he kept us in the game with big three after big three and going to the basket, Harker said.

From here on out, were going to have a hard time keeping him off the floor.

Courtesy of www.edmontonsun.com

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CBL

Invasion continue to roll; Fayetteville becomes the latest victim - by Eurobasket News
In a very athletic Sunday afternoon contest in downtown Cary, former St. Augustine College star Charles Ward (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment, college: St.Augustine) scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds to power the Cary Invasion to a 120 - 99 win over the visiting Fayetteville Crossover team. Freddie Little also dropped 23 points in the win for the home team.

The game was tight through the first half, with the Invasion leading at the break by 3. But big runs by the Invasion (5-0) in each of the last two quarters broke the game open, resulting in leads of near 30 points late in the game. The energetic crowd at the Young Center was treated to a dozen or more spectacular dunks by both teams. Three players scored more than 20 points each for the Crossover (1-1).

The Invasion play next at home on Saturday, May 28th against the Wilmington Sea Dawgs for 'Town of Cary Employee Night' at the Herbert Young Center in Cary. Tip time is set for 7:00 with the doors opening at 6:30.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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. Port City		0-0
8. Florida Flight		0-3
9. Wilmington SD		0-4

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CROATIA

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner .
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23

1. Puljko, Kvarner	23.0
2. Car, Zadar	21.7
3. Zitko, Trogir	20.2
4. Bogdanovic, Cibona	19.7
5. Zoric, KK.	19.5
6. Bakovic, Darda	17.4
7. Petkovic, Svjetlost	17.4
8. Simon, KK.	17.3
9. Saric, Dubrava	17.2
10. Brown, Zadar	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Dario SARIC
  Dubrava
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 10

1. Saric, Dubrava	10.0
2. Krolo, Darda	8.7
3. Brown, Zadar	7.4
4. Zoric, KK.	7.2
5. Radic, Alkar Sinj	7.0
6. Sobin, KK Split	6.9
7. Ivanov, Zadar	6.8
8. Bazdaric, Cedevita	6.6
9. Ridl, Darda	6.5
10. Grgurevic, KK Spl.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Karakas, Trogir	7.1
2. Car, Zadar	5.4
3. Petkovic, Svjetlost	5.3
4. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	4.3
5. Draper, Cedevita	4.2
6. Blajic, Alkar Sinj	3.9
7. Renfroe, KK.	3.5
8. Saric, Dubrava	3.5
9. Dosen, Dubrovnik	3.4
10. Delas, Alkar Sinj	3.3

Steals Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  KK.
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Renfroe, KK.	2.8
2. Marcinkovic, Zadar	2.3
3. Draper, Cedevita	2.2
4. Saric, Dubrava	2.0
5. Car, Zadar	1.9
6. Anzulovic, Alkar S.	1.9
7. Brown, Zadar	1.8
8. Karakas, Trogir	1.8
9. Bicvic, Darda	1.7
10. Petani, Borik	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK.
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Zoric, KK.	1.9
2. Kraljevic, Zabok	1.4
3. Vitali, Trogir	1.2
4. Krolo, Darda	1.0
5. Saric, Dubrava	1.0
6. Vukicevic, Svjetlo.	0.9
7. Sobin, KK Split	0.8
8. Vladovic, Trogir	0.8
9. Ridl, Darda	0.8
10. Sarlija, Borik	0.7

Veljko Budimir wins Hungarian title with Szolnok - by Eurobasket News
Veljko Budimir (199-G/F-85, agency: Court Side) finished very successful season abroad. The Croatian G/F and his team Szolnok managed to win the Hungarian league title after they beat Albacomp 80-72 in decisive Game Five of the Finals series. Szolnok also was the regular season champion. They had 22-4 record. That is not all as Budimir and his team won the Hungarian National Cup earlier this year.
Veljko Budimir joined Szolnok last summer from Zabok. He appeared 38 times in the league this season averaging 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He also added 5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 8 EuroChallenge games. Last season with Zabok, Budimir had 10.7 ppg and 4 rpg for 32 games in Croatia. In the past, he also played for Svjetlost Slavonski Brod and Kandit Olimpija Osijek.

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DOMINICA

Fridays results of LIME National Basketball League games - by Eurobasket
Results of games played in the Lime National Basketball League on Friday in the Domlec Premier Division and the Kubuli/Vitamalt Division 1.

In the first game of the night in the Kubuli/Vitamalt Division 1 saw the defending 2010 regular league champions Salisbury Juggernauts go down in defeat to Element Agencies Ole Skool by 3 points. After being down by 4 points at half the experience Ole Skool players held the favored Salisbury Juggernauts to 4 points in the 3rd quarter to gain the lead which they never relinquish, eventually winning by 3 points.

Final Scores Ole Skool 54 points to Salisbury Juggernauts 51 points, top scoring for Ole Skool were Cedric Hypolite 14 points and Bert Benjamin 10 points, while Dean Vidal 16 points and Jason Lee 10 points in a loosing effort.

In game two in the Domlec Premier Division the disappointed United Insurance Sharks after loosing in Grandbay last week wanted to get back on the winning track and did not disappoint their following from Scotshead by humiliating Dr Mac Prowlers of Trafalgar by 21 points . The game remain close all through the 3 quarters but in the fourth quarter the Sharks won the quarter 29 points to 13 points extending the lead to eventually win the game 85 points to Prowlers 64 points. Top scoring for Sharks were Royce Ceasar with a game high 32 points followed by team mate Neverson Jnobaptist 22 points and for the Prowlers a valiant effort by Fitzgerald Daniel 17 points and Joel McIntyre 12 points.

Courtesy of Dominicanewsonline

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FRANCE

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 24

1. Blair, Denek	24.0
2. Kennedy, Orchy	18.0
3. Petrovic, St Et.	17.9
4. Pridotkas, Brest	17.4
5. Ford, Bordeaux	17.2
6. James, Challans	16.7
7. Blot, Blois	16.4
8. Disy, Roche	16.1
9. Lesieu, St Quentin	15.6
10. Howell, St Quentin	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Lavar SIMMONS
  St Et.
  (201-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Simmons, St Et.	8.8
2. Balocka, Lievin	8.6
3. Pasut, Sorgues	8.5
4. Cilly, Orchy	8.4
5. Lopez, Brest	8.2
6. Alingue, Souffel	8.1
7. Hoard, Lievin	8.1
8. Cabarkapa, Le Puy	8.0
9. Ford, Bordeaux	7.9
10. Lesieu, St Quent.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Julien CORTEY
  Le Puy
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Cortey, Le Puy	7.5
2. Brochard, Blois	6.5
3. Barbry, Orchy	4.9
4. Ramphort, Angers B.	4.8
5. Sauret, Denain	4.2
6. Rambur, St Quentin	4.2
7. Driss, Bordeaux	4.0
8. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.0
9. Dessart, Lievin	3.8
10. Yanders, Challans	3.8

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Blair, Denek	2.8
2. Pistre, Le Puy	2.1
3. El Amrani, St Et.	2.1
4. Sauret, Denain	2.0
5. Neri, Roche	1.9
6. Bateko, Roche	1.9
7. Barbry, Orchy	1.8
8. James, Challans	1.8
9. Ipouck, Le Puy	1.8
10. Roberts, Brest	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jacques ALINGUE
  Souffel
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Alingue, Souffel	1.8
2. Rinna, St Chamond	1.8
3. Traore, Angers B.	1.7
4. Ford, Bordeaux	1.4
5. Kolb, Blois	1.2
6. Ipouck, Le Puy	1.1
7. Pasut, Sorgues	1.1
8. Lalugba, Denain	1.1
9. Kennedy, Orchy	1.1
10. Pourchot, CFBB	1.0

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Bordeaux		28-6
2. Denain		23-11
3. Angers BC 49		22-12
4. St Quentin		21-13
5. Brest		21-13
6. Sorgues		20-14
7. St Etienne		19-15
8. Challans		18-16
9. Le Puy		18-16
10. Lievin		16-18
11. Orchy		16-18
12. Blois		16-18
13. Souffel		16-18
14. St Chamond		15-19
15. Denek		15-19
16. Get Vosges		9-25
17. Roche		8-26
18. CFBB		5-29

NM1: Angers, Denain, Brest and St tienne advance to Final Four - by Eurobasket News
NM1 Quarterfinals were played this weekend. Angers, Denain, Brest and St tienne managed to beat their rivals and they advanced to NM1 Final Four. The tournament will be held from May 28-29 in Bordeaux.
Third ranked Angers handed 79-72 loss to eighth ranked Challans in the QFinals. Second ranked Denain was too strong for Le Puy eliminating them with 94-68. Brest and Sorgues played very exciting game, which at the end belonged to No.5 Brest 83-79. In the last Quarterfinals, St Etienne surprised St Quentin 91-89.
Semifinals pairs are Denain - Brest and Angers - St Etienne. They will meet on May 28 and the Big Final is scheduled for the next day. It is important to mention that Bordeaux was No.1 in regular season and they already earned a spot for ProB 2010/11.

Quarterfinals:
Angers (3) - Challans (8) 79-72
Denain (2) - Le Puy (9) 94-68
Brest (5) - Sorgues (6) 83-79
St Quentin (4) - St tienne (7) 89-91

Semifinals - May 28
17h: Denain - Brest
20h: Angers - St Etienne

Angers BC 49 - Challans 79-72
The hosts were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 21-17 Vendee Challans' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 79-72 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Vendee Challans 41-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Guard Tony Ramphort (176-82) stepped up and scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and guard Thibaut Lonzieme (195-89) chipped in 17 points. Four Angers BC 49 players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Juwann James (198-87, college: JMU) responded with 21 points and power forward Mathieu Boutry (201-78) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Angers BC 49: T.Lonzieme 17+2reb+2ast, T.Ramphort 15+9reb+8ast, J.Traore 13+5reb+3ast, V.Mendy 10+6reb+2ast, D.Hayes 9+4reb, D.Griffin 8+10reb+1ast
Challans: J.James 21+4reb+3ast, M.Boutry 14+6reb+1ast, R.Boissie 14+1reb+1ast, B.Boutry 9+2reb, J.Geay 6+3reb+2ast, F.Herard 5+6reb+1ast

St Quentin - St Etienne 89-91
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 21-15. But Saint-Quentin won second period 19-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Saint-Etienne made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Saint-Quentin helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian forward Djordje Petrovic (202-84) who helped to win the game recording 29 points (made all of his eight free throws). Guard Benjamin Thomas (181-82) contributed with 23 points and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Moustafa Diallo (187-80) answered with 21 points (made all of his seven free throws) and forward Julien Lesieu (199-83) added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Saint-Quentin. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
St Etienne: D.Petrovic 29+4reb, B.Thomas 23+4ast, R.El Amrani 10+5reb, L.Simmons 10+12reb, S.Hermenier 10+7reb, R.Pegon 6+2reb+1ast
St Quentin: M.Diallo 21+4reb+2ast, O.Romain 12+2reb+4ast, K.Howell 12+6reb, J.Lesieu 11+8reb+1ast, J.Jones 11+2reb+1ast, A.Rambur 10+5reb+4ast

Brest - Sorgues 83-79
Sorgues was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 26-11 third quarter run of Etendard de Brest. They made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Sorgues was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Rafael Lopez (204-86) stepped up and scored 22 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and guard Johan Rathieuville (177-85) chipped in 19 points and 7 assists. At the losing side Serbian forward Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-80, college: Weber St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and center Xavier Pasut (200-84) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Brest: R.Lopez 22+9reb+2ast, G.Staelens 20+4reb+3ast, J.Rathieuville 19+4reb+7ast, R.Roberts 10+8reb+3ast, J.Doreau 7+8reb+3ast, J.Liorel 5+2reb+1ast
Sorgues: S.Ocokoljic 18+10reb+1ast, V.Ateba 17+2reb+3ast, X.Pasut 14+11reb+1ast, A.Thinon 10+3ast, M.Samir 7+2reb+4ast, C.Dos Santos 7+4reb+1ast

Denain - Le Puy 94-68
It looked good early as Le Puy ASMB took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Denain Voltaire had a 25-15 second period charge getting the lead and Le Puy ASMB was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-94. They outrebounded Le Puy ASMB 47-29 including 34 on the defensive glass. Le Puy ASMB was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Julien Sauret (184-81) stepped up and scored 27 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners and center Renaud Brocheray (203-80) chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds. Denain Voltaire's coach Marc Silvert felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side naturalized Serbian center Sreten Cabarkapa (204-84) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and center Cyril Guillarme (206-84) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Four Denain Voltaire and five Le Puy ASMB players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Denain: J.Sauret 27+3reb+5ast, R.Brocheray 15+12reb, F.Minet 15+5reb+2ast, A.Gacko 10+5reb, J.Mihalic 9+2reb+2ast, A.Belkessa 9+2reb
Le Puy: S.Cabarkapa 15+12reb, S.Soliman 12+2reb, C.Guillarme 12+10reb+1ast, G.Sene 10+2reb+2ast, J.Cortey 10+2reb+5ast, D.Pistre 9+1reb+3ast

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FYR MACEDONIA

Predrag Samardjiski ends very successful season in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Predrag Samardjiski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) finished very successful season in Turkey this weekend. The Macedonian center played his first season abroad and it was a great one. Samardjiski helped TBL newcomer Olin Edrine to reach the Playoff Quarterfinals, where they failed against second ranked Banvit. However, Banvit had to work very hard and needed five games to eliminate Olin Edrine 3-2. Olin Edrine ended regular season as No.7 with 17-13 record.
Predrag Samardjiski joined Olin Edrine last summer from FMP Zeleznik. He appeared 35 times in TBL averaging 12.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. His season-high was 23 points against Erdemir. From 2005 until the last summer Samardjiski played for FMP. Before that, he spent few years with Partizan Belgrade.
Predrag Samardjiski is active member of the FYROM National Team. During the latest Qualifications to European Championships 2011 he had 9.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg in 10 games.

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GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Wood, Dt.	19.2
2. Rice, Art.Dragons	17.2
3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	16.5
4. Harris, EnBW L.	16.0
5. Ross, MBC	15.9
6. Martin, Bremerha.	15.4
7. Dorris, Phoenix	15.3
8. Benzing, Ratio.	15.1
9. Callahan, Bremerha.	14.8
10. Bryant, Ratiopharm	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Ratkovica, Walter	7.4
2. Wood, Dt.	5.9
3. Joyce, TBB Trier	5.5
4. Rice, Art.Dragons	5.1
5. Brewer, Bremerha.	4.7
6. Green, EnBW L.	4.6
7. Rochestie, ALBA	4.3
8. Jordan, MBC	4.3
9. Hamilton, NY Phant.	4.3
10. Goldsberry, Brose	4.2

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.7
3. Bryant, Ratiopharm	1.5
4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	1.4
5. Hines, Brose B.	1.1
6. Seward, Phoenix	1.1
7. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.1
8. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.0
9. Kashirov, Walter T.	0.9
10. Denison, Bremerha.	0.9

John Bynum (TBB Trier) The Key For Alba Berlin Is To Find Someone To Stay In Front Of Dashaun Wood - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 33 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that is playing his first season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who can shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke with eurobasket about the 2011 beko BBL semi final games.

Last season, the first 4 beko BBL teams were ousted in the playoffs, but this season the top 4 teams are in the semi finals. Why werent their more upsets this season in the quarterfinals of the beko BBL playoffs?

I think this season the top four teams were pretty much consistent for most the season and in my eyes the top four established themselves by their play against teams below them.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg meet the Artland Dragons. What kind of series can we expect? How many games will we see?

This will be a great series because I like the guard play of artland and also I believe they match up well against Bamberg. I think Bamberg will come out on top but it is not gonna be easy.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg won all 3 games against Artland this season. What will be key for The Artland Dragons to win a 5 game series against Bamberg?

I think they have to find a way to control the tempo and the boards and just make Bamberg work for everything and make it difficult to get into their sets.

Does Artland have any other surprise up their sleeve should a Tyrese Rice be contained in a game?

Artland is a deep team in my opinion. Brian Bailey is a great player that can score when he needs to. Nathan Peavy, Adam Hess, Darren Fenn and the list can go on. They are a great team that can score in my opinion.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners meet 8 time beko BBL chmapion Alba Berlin. Alba Berlin swept the season series. what can we expect from this series and how many games will it go?

This will be a great series and I think everything will depend on if Alba Berlin can control Dashaun Wood cause he is the ex factor in everything for Frankfurt.

Will Alba Berlin be able to do what no team really has been able to do and limit Dashaun Wood. Is it unhealthy to focus too much on Dashaun Wood or should any team focus on the whole Frankfurt team?

I think you have to focus on Wood but at the same time Frankfurt is a great team but everything goes through him. You can't forget about the other players but everyone knows where it starts.

What will be key for Alba Berlin to win this series?

I think the key for Alba is the on the defensive side of the ball. They have to find someone to stay in front of Wood. Offense won't be a issue with Alba they have enough weapons on that side of the ball.

Mike Dunleavy and Rick adelman have been reported as being candidates as new Laker coach. Would Dunleavy be the right choice?

Honestly I think both those choices are horrible because neither one of those coaches has won anything in the league. I would have liked them to go with Brain Shaw, but as a Laker hater go ahead and hire a coach that won't be able to control Kobe.

Boston Celtic coach Doc Rivers was rewarded with a five year contract extension. What is the route of Boston now with many aging stars?

In my opinion Boston has to break up this team and get young quick. The east is getting better and younger and the Celtics have to do the same. They have to get more athletic, but they have to find a way to mix it in like the Spurs regular season team.

Who will win the Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat series and why?

I'm rooting for the Heat but they have to find a way to control Derrick Rose and I think they will be fine. It will be interesting but someone from the heat have to step up as well cause the big three will need some help.

Who will win the Dallas Mavericks/Oklahoma Thunder/ Memphis Grizzlies series?

I look for Dallas to come out on top from that series. If Russel Westbrook continues to shoot more than Kevin Durant then okc has no chance.

Thanks John for the chat.

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GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Rawle MARSHALL
  PAOK
  (201-G-82)
  Avg: 16.8

1. Marshall, PAOK	16.8
2. Smith, Panellinios	16.7
3. Baxter, Ilysiakos	15.9
4. Palacio, Kavala	15.6
5. Kalathis, VAP K.	14.3
6. Thompson, Ikaros	14.1
7. Dikoudis, AEK	14.1
8. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos	13.9
9. Harris, Ikaros	13.7
10. King, Peristeri GS	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10

1. Simmons, Kavala	10.0
2. Thompson, Ikaros	8.8
3. Bagaric, Marousi	8.2
4. Kalathis, VAP K.	8.1
5. Smith, Panellinios	7.7
6. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.5
7. Tucker, Aris	7.1
8. Looby, Peristeri GS	7.0
9. Dawson, Ilysiakos	6.6
10. Bourousis, Olympi.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Jared JORDAN
  VAP K.
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Jordan, VAP K.	5.5
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.3
3. Teodosic, Olympiak.	5.0
4. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.4
5. Karydas, Ilysiakos	4.0
6. Papaloukas, Olymp.	4.0
7. Palacio, Kavala	3.8
8. Xanthopoulos, Pane.	3.7
9. Gagaloudis, Marousi	3.5
10. Kojadinovic, Maro.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Anthony GRUNDY
  AEK
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Grundy, AEK	1.9
2. Baxter, Ilysiakos	1.8
3. Karydas, Ilysiakos	1.8
4. Marshall, PAOK	1.7
5. Anderson, Panionios	1.7
6. Xanthopoulos, Pane.	1.7
7. Papaloukas, Olymp.	1.6
8. Papamakarios, Pane.	1.5
9. Palacio, Kavala	1.4
10. Maric, Panathinai.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Bagaric, Marousi	1.9
2. Simmons, Kavala	1.8
3. Thompson, Ikaros	1.3
4. Looby, Peristeri GS	1.1
5. Nesterovic, Olymp.	0.9
6. Dunston, Aris	0.9
7. Dozier, PAOK	0.8
8. Harissis, VAP K.	0.8
9. Bourousis, Olympia.	0.8
10. Gechevski, PAOK	0.6

A1: Greens and Reds to fight for the title (again) - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Panathinaikos and Olympiakos had no troubles to beat their rivals tonight winning the series with perfect 3-0. It means that Greens and Reds will once again fight for the Greek league title. Games schedule of the Finals series will be announced soon. PAO is the defending champion.

Panathinaikos - PAOK 105-65 (3-0)
The game without a history. Panathinaikos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to PAOK's 26 and made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Panathinaikos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by PAOK's players. The best player for the winners was international power forward Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-83) who scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. International guard Nick Calathes (198-89, college: Florida) chipped in 12 points and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. Panathinaikos' coach Zeljko Obradovic felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Dionte Christmas (196-86, college: Temple) who recorded 16 points and the other American import forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively.
Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: A.Maric 13+5reb+1ast, N.Calathes 12+2reb+6ast, K.Kaimakoglou 12+5reb+4ast, K.Tsartsaris 11+1reb+1ast, M.Tepic 11+1reb+5ast, D.Diamantidis 10+1reb+5ast
PAOK: D.Christmas 16+2reb+3ast, Z.Buljan 11+4reb, R.Dozier 10+7reb+3ast, M.Giannakidis 9+1reb+2ast, G.Apostolidis 7+1reb+3ast, D.Stiggers 6+3ast

Olympiakos - Aris 87-64 (3-0)
The game without a history. Olympiakos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-19 charity shots (94.7 percent) during the game. It was a good game for Israeli guard Yotam Halperin (196-84) who led his team to a victory with 15 points. International guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-82, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Russian center Anatoly Kashirov (215-87) answered with 16 points and the former international guard Nikos Hatzivrettas (195-77) added 14 points in the effort for Aris.
Top scorers:
Olympiakos: Y.Halperin 15+2reb+3ast, V.Spanoulis 13+1reb+3ast, T.Papaloukas 11+2reb+3ast, L.Mavrokefalides 9+5reb+2ast, I.Bourousis 9+6reb+2ast, P.Vasilopoulos 7+1reb
Aris: A.Kashirov 16+4reb, N.Hatzivrettas 14+3reb+2ast, E.Bavcic 9+3reb, F.Koumpouras 7+3reb+4ast, A.King 6+5reb, K.Charalampidis 4+1reb+2ast

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HOLLAND

DeFriesland Aris Names Erik Braal New Head Coach - by Fred Roggen
DeFriesland Aris names Eric Braal new Head coach.
Coach Eric Braal was hired Monday as the new head coach of DeFriesland Aris, replacing Pete Miller. Both parties signed a contract today in Leeuwarden for two seasons. This season, the new coach had a sabbatical. Before that, coach Braal was two years successful as head coach of WCAA Giants. By attracting Braal, DeFriesland Aris thinks to make further steps in the positive development of the club.

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ICELAND

Gudmundur Jonsson joins Thor AK - by Eurobasket News
Guamundur Jonsson (191-G-84) will play for Thor AK in the upcoming season. The Express League newcomers have recruited the 27-year-old guard to strengthen their backcourt. Guamundur Jonsson played for Njardvik in the previous season. He tallied 12.1 points, 3.0 boards, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game. The guard used to play for Thor AK back in 2008/09 season. Then his stats read 16.6 points, 4.5 boards, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per appearance.
In the meantime Darri Hilmarsson (191-F/G-87) can also bolster Thor AK squad. The 24-year-old forward spent the previous season with Hamar on loan from KR. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.0 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. However Darru Hilmarsson opted out of contact with KR and is looking for a new team. Thor AK or IR are mentioned above possible destinations for the forward.

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IRAN

Mahram,Traditional Iranian league Champion - by Kazem Ghayem
in the finalgame of iranian league Zob Ahan Esfahan played against Mahram Tehran in Tehran. thegame was so close and the lead changed 23 times. Zob Ahan Esfahan had the lead for 17 mins and mahram had it for 18 mins. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) played very well and got 35 points 23 rebounds and 4 blocks. after 4 quarter the game become tie on 89 - 89 but after first overtime the story repeated again and Mahram Tehran Win the game in over time 105 - 96. for full stats for this game you can visit the link Below :

http://www.iranbasketball.org/images/stories/_/Statistics/playoffs/final/Mahram_Zob_Ahan_Finals_G5_OT.jpg

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ISRAEL

Fan Clubs Support Playoff System - by David Pick
As the curtain falls on another Israeli BSL season, the Final-Four will take place tomorrow in search of the next champion. Tuesday's semi-final matches Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs. Maccabi Rishon in game one and third-seeded, defending champions Altshuler Galil Gilboa will battle Hapoel Jerusalem for the right to defend their title.

It is no secret that Maccabi is the face of the Israeli league and the Israeli league is Maccabi. The yellow-and-blue team is also recognized by many as the organization that put Israel on the map. Since the 1966/1967 season, Maccabi single handedly dominated the BSL league losing the local prestigious title only three times and eight in total, since the league was founded in 1954.

In 2006, the league association decided that it was time for a change and altered the semi-finals and final playoff rounds to a deciding FF, where the winner takes all. Israel, being only the second country and third league after the French Division One and Euroleague, also plays under the Final-Four terms.

Today, the four FF team fan clubs met to discuss the high ticket pricing and seating conditions throughout the FF. Heads of the fan clubs urged the league to return to the playoff series system and end the FF method. The fan clubs also announced that in any event, this will be the last FF they will attend to support their team.

Jeremy Pargo stays with Maccabi Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News
Jeremy Pargo (188-PG-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) has agreed on terms of two-year contract extension with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. The 25-year-old guard signed with the Israeli powerhouse at the start of the season. Jeremy Pargo averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 boards, 4.3 assists per Euroleague game. In Israeli Premier League his stats read 9.8 points, 6.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per appearance. Jeremy Pargo made it into Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team.

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ITALY

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 AV	17.8
3. Rivers, CS Bologna	17.3
4. Zoroski, Banca T.	16.0
5. Ford, Fabi Shoes	15.8
6. Hunter, Dinamo S.	15.1
7. Milic, Vanoli CR	14.8
8. Goss, Cimberio VA	14.8
9. Roberson, Enel B.	14.6
10. Lavrinovic, Monte.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.4
2. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.6
3. Troutman, Air AV	8.3
4. Homan, CS Bologna	8.3
5. Davis, Banca Terc.	8.2
6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.0
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.9
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	7.8
9. Suton, Angelico BI	7.4
10. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Green, Air AV	6.9
2. Diener, Dinamo S.	4.7
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.5
4. Collins, Scavolin.	3.9
5. Zoroski, Banca T.	3.8
6. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.8
7. Goss, Cimberio VA	3.8
8. Markovic, Benetton.	3.5
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 CR	2.9
2. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
3. Stonerook, Montep.	2.7
4. Green, Air AV	2.7
5. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.7
6. Thomas, Air AV	2.6
7. Dasic, Lottomatica	2.4
8. McCalebb, Montepa.	2.4
9. Jaaber, Armani MI	2.4
10. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.3
2. Eze, Armani MI	1.4
3. Crosariol, Lottoma.	1.3
4. Toure, Enel Brindi.	1.2
5. Szewczyk, Air AV	1.0
6. Lang, Enel Brindisi	1.0
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	1.0
8. Polonara, Banca T.	0.9
9. Cusin, Scavolini PS	0.9
10. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.8

SerieA Round 3 of Quarter-Finals. Bennet Cantu reach semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Benetton TV - Air AV 74-64

Benetton posted the second win in the series versus Air Avellino. The visitors were ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 40-26 second half run of Benetton Treviso. They outrebounded Air Avellino 42-27 including a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for American swingman Devin Smith (196-81, college: Virginia) who led the winners and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. American-Swiss forward Greg Brunner (201-83, college: Iowa) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Four Benetton Treviso players scored in double figures. American forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) came up with 21 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Linton Johnson (203-80, college: Tulane, agency: Priority Sports) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Air Avellino in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Air AV: O.Thomas 21+5reb, L.Johnson 12+6reb+1ast, T.Dean 10+4reb+2ast, M.Green 7+3reb+5ast, S.Szewczyk 6+5reb+1ast, V.Spinelli 3+1reb+1ast
Benetton TV: D.Smith 14+7reb+1ast, M.Bulleri 13+1reb+1ast, G.Brunner 13+8reb, S.Markovic 12+4reb+3ast, S.Nicevic 6+7reb+1ast, D.Motiejunas 5+3reb

Dinamo Sassari - Armani MI 72-91

Armani Jeans grabbed 2-1 lead in the quarterfinal series against Dinamo Sassari. Dinamo Sassari was ahead by 6 points at the halftime before a 54-29 second half run of Armani Milano. It was a good game for American guard David Hawkins (194-82, college: Temple) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Ukrainian center Oleksiy Pecherov (212-85) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American guard James White (198-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) added 12 points in the effort for Dinamo Sassari. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Dinamo Sassari: O.Hunter 18+14reb, G.DeVecchi 15, D.Tsaldaris 13+1reb, J.White 12+3reb+3ast, T.Diener 6+3reb+7ast, V.Plisnic 5+2reb+2ast
Armani MI: O.Pecherov 20+3reb, D.Hawkins 18+6reb+4ast, M.Mordente 15+3reb, S.Mancinelli 13+2reb+3ast, L.Greer 9+2reb, I.Jaaber 7+1reb+9ast

CS Bologna - Montepaschi 74-68

Bologna avoided elimination posting the first win in the series against Montepaschi Siena. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 74-68. It was a great shooting night for CS Bologna especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 53.3 percentage. 26 personal fouls committed by Montepaschi Siena helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American swingman K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Clemson) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). American-Bulgarian center Jared Homan (206-83, college: Iowa St.) helped adding 15 points and 10 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four CS Bologna players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) with 19 points and Lithuanian guard Rimantas Kaukenas (193-77, college: Seton Hall) scored 15 points. Montepaschi Siena's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Montepaschi: K.Lavrinovic 19+3reb, R.Kaukenas 15+2reb+1ast, B.Lester McCalebb 9+2reb+4ast, M.Rakovic 6, N.Zisis 5+1reb+2ast, D.Moss 4+5reb+1ast
CS Bologna: K.Rivers 20+4reb+3ast, J.Homan 15+10reb, P.Koponen 11+2reb+4ast, G.Poeta 11+1reb+3ast, D.Gailius 6, V.Sanikidze 6+12reb+1ast

Cimberio VA - Bennet Cantu 69-75

Bennet Cantu celebrated the third consecutive win against Cimberio Varese and completed the sweep of the quarterfinal series. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Cimberio Varese won fourth quarter 27-26. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Bennet Cantu especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Phil Goss (186-83, college: Drexel) who recorded 26 points and 4 assists and forward Ronald Slay (203-81, college: Tennessee, agency: David Lee services) added 13 points respectively. Cimberio Varese's coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game.
Top scorers:
Cimberio VA: P.Goss 26+4reb+4ast, R.Slay 13+3reb+2ast, J.Talts 9+6reb+1ast, T.Rannikko 6+2reb+1ast, R.Stipcevic 5+2reb+2ast, K.Kangur 5+7reb
Bennet Cantu: M.Leunen 19+5reb+4ast, M.Green 19+6reb+1ast, M.Scekic 15+3reb+1ast, V.Micov 7+2reb+2ast, N.Mazzarino 6+1reb+1ast, J.Tabu 4+2reb+3ast

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

JAMAICA

Wizards, Majesty take leads in Conference semis - by Eurobasket
DEFENDING champions Tivoli Wizards and Majesty Legends snatched Game One of their respective best-of-three semi-finals of the Flow/NBL Southern Conference Tuesday night at the National Basketball Courts.
Kirk Ferguson (191-G-81) and Anthony Farquharson (186-F-80) both had a double for the Wizards to trounce Jamaica Defence Force, 62-52.
The Wizards raced to a 27-14 lead after the first quarter, getting the start they wanted. But the JDF rallied in the second quarter and trailed 40-32 by half-time.
In the third quarter, the Wizards dug in and kept the upperhand for the remainder of the match.
Ferguson scored 28 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, supported by Farquharson with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
For the JDF, Fuertado Clarke (201-C-80) and Stephen Spence (193-G-80) scored only nine points apiece. Clarke also had nine rebounds and Spence, 11 rebounds.

In the second match of the double-header, Majesty Legends outscored Urban Knights, 61-58. Baldon Todd (188-F-81) (16 points, eight rebounds) and Damion Young (196-C-81) (16 points, nine rebounds) put on a two-man show in a tough fight against the Knights.
Majesty led 18-10 in the first quarter, 34-33 in the second quarter, and 43-38 in the third quarter before holding on in the end.
Andre Murray (189-F-88) scored a game-high 18 points for Knights, with Fernando Young (G-82) contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Game Two will get underway tonight with the Knights taking on Majesty at 6:00 pm and Wizards hoping to wrap up the semi-final match against JDF at 8:00 pm, both at the National Stadium Courts.

Courtesy of Jamaica Observer

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

LEBANON

LITHUANIA

Gintaras Kadziulis wins the title in Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) had a very good season in Montenegro. The Lithuanian guard helped Buducnost Podgorica to defend the championship title, their fifth in a row. Kadziulis and his teammates swept Mornar Bar with perfect 3-0 in the Finals. In the first meeting Buducnost celebrated 95-60 home win and Kadziulis scored 15 points. After that, they cruised past Mornar on the road 72-85 and Kadziulis helped his team with 11 pts. In Game Three, which was played last night, Buducnost registered 105-79 victory. Kadziulis had 11 pts again.
Gintaras Kadziulis joined Buducnost Podgorica last summer from Trefl Sopot. He appeared 25 times in Adriatic league averaging 6.7 points. Except of the league title, Buducnost was also Cup winner this season.

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

LUXEMBOURG

Jean De Marchi joins Musel Pikes - by Eurobasket News
Musel Pikes continued to work actively in the market. After adding Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson CC) to the roster Musel Pikes management ensured another strengthening. They have agreed on terms of contract with Jean De Marchi (194-F-82). The 29-year-old forward spent the last two seasons in Avanti Mondorf in N2 League. Previously Jean De Marchi played for Residence and Sparta. The forward was Luxembourg League champion in 2005 and 2007. He also played for Luxembourg National Team in 2002/04 seasons.

De Marchi joins Musel Pikes - by Liz Schmitz
According to the Luxemburger Wort, Jean De Marchi (194-F-82), former Diekirch League player will rejoin the league again. The 29-year-old forward moved last year to the Nationale II team Avanti Mondorf which ultimately failed to assure a spot in the first division. Jean De Marchi has known several successful years in the first division, first with the team Residence Walferdange and later on with the team BBC Sparta Bertrange. Jean De Marchi will join another team on the Moselle, the Musel Pikes. It is the second big transfer for the team of coach Frank Baum , who already agreed terms with the US-player Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson CC) from AB Contern for next season. Musel Pikes will try to play a better season next year and reach at least the play-offs.

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

NBA

Chris Bosh leads Miami Heat to Game 3 win over Bulls - by Eurobasket News
In the Heat's first Eastern Conference finals game at AmericanAirlines Arena in five years, it was neither LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) nor Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) who carried the Heat to a 96-85 victory.

All night it was as if the Bulls dared Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) to beat them. He obliged, reminding a packed and raucous arena that the least appreciated member of the Big3 is no third wheel. Bosh finished with 34 points on 13-of-18 shooting, offering the best postseason performance of his career. The Heat now leads the Bulls 2-1 in the best-of-7 series, with Game4 on Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

'I just want to maintain that intensity and keep it going for Game4', Bosh said.

The building on the bay shook with excitement with 5:07 left after James stole a pass from Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) and sprinted coast-to-coast for an electrifying three-point play to give the Heat an 87-74 lead. The Heats defense dominated the Bulls for long stretches Sunday, holding Chicago to 41.6 percent shooting, including 25 percent in the first quarter. MVP Rose finished with 20 points on 8-of-19 shooting. The Heat forced 13 turnovers and blocked eight shots, including five from center Joel Anthony.

'Our will wasn't there [Sunday]', said Rose, who took only two shots in the fourth quarter. 'We just got to find a way to win the next game.'

James had 22 points, shooting 6 of 13 from the field to go along with 10 assists and six rebounds. His 13 field-goal attempts were two more than his playoff low (2007). James layup with 2:04 left gave the Heat a 91-82 lead.

Wade scored 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting. He had nine important rebounds to go along with three assists. James, Wade and Bosh combined to shoot 22 of 25 from the foul line.

'When someone has it going on this team, we keep feeding them', James said of Bosh.

Bosh carried the Heat during the second quarter and then again to begin the final period. He had eight consecutive points in the fourth quarter, which gave the Heat a 78-72 lead. In one elegant move, Bosh spun past Bulls defenders Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) and Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) with seven minutes to play and then threw down a powerful dunk to give the Heat a six-point lead.

'He put his imprint on the game right from the beginning', Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Offense was hard to come by throughout, but the Heat played efficiently and finished with 20 assists on 34 field goals. Bosh was the picture of consistency, scoring with every facet of his complex offensive game. Sundays victory was the first for the Heat this season against the Bulls when being outrebounded (41-32).

Rose tied the score at 47 with a three-pointer early in the third quarter, but Mike Bibby answered on the Heats next possession with a three of his own. From there, the lead changed hands twice more over the next three minutes until Bibby swished his second three-pointer of the quarter to give the Heat a 56-53 lead. The Heat never trailed again.

Were a different team when we can knock down some threes, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

A baseline 18-footer by Bosh over the outstretched Noah followed by a running floater from Wade gave the Heat a quick 7-0 run and a seven-point lead.

Bosh and Mario Chalmers (but mostly Bosh) carried the Heat through the second quarter and the Heat led 43-40 at halftime. Bosh led the Heat in scoring in the first half with 16 points, and 13 of them came in the second quarter. He scored nine consecutive points at one point.

We allowed him to get his confidence early, and hes hard to slow down after that, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Anthony turned in a stunning defensive effort in the first two quarters. He had four blocks in the first period alone, which set a career high for blocks in a postseason game. He finished the half with five blocks and, along with James, was the core of the Heats defense that held the Bulls to 25percent shooting in the first quarter.

Noah lost his cool early, picking up two quick fouls and lobbing a few expletives at a fan on his way to the bench. The Heat trailed 10-9 when Noah left the game. It triggered an 8-3 run by the Heat, which led 18-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Udonis Haslem checked in with 1:52 left in the first quarter and fans greeted him with a prolonged standing ovation. He had eight points of 4-of-7 shooting in his first home game since tearing a ligament in his foot in November. Chalmers and Haslem played well defensively in the fourth quarter. Half of Haslems points came in the final period.

Chalmers had six points in the quarter.

Although the first quarter was dominated by two defenses that hadnt played in three days, the second quarter offered the most offensively productive stretch of the Eastern Conference finals. Led by Boshs 5-of-5 effort from the field, the Heat shot 60percent, but the Bulls countered with 62.5percent. Boozer had nine points in the quarter on 4-of-5 shooting.

*Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. James, Miami Heat	26.5
3. Wade, Miami Heat	25.4
4. Rose, Chicago B.	25.4
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.1
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.1
9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.9
10. Martin, Houston R.	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.2
2. Howard, Orlando M.	14.2
3. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.1
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.0
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.1
6. Humphries, New J.	10.4
7. Noah, Chicago B.	10.3
8. Camby, Portland TB	10.2
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	9.9
10. Lee, Golde S.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.4
2. Rondo, Boston C.	11.0
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.9
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.3
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.1
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.9
10. Rose, Chicago B.	7.7

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.1
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.1
4. Felton, New Y.	1.8
5. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
6. Wall, Washington W.	1.8
7. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.8
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
9. Gay, Memphis G.	1.7
10. Conley, Memphis G.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwauke.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.6
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.6
3. McGee, Washingt.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Milicic, Minnesota	2.0
6. Duncan, San A.	2.0
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
8. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
9. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
10. Jordan, LA Clippe.	1.8

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor hopes NBA can avoid a lockout - by Eurobasket News
While the NFL lockout continues, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor -- who also is chairman of the NBA Board of Governors -- says there could be an NBA lockout next season.

'I don't know what is going to happen,' said Taylor, who claims one reason a new collective bargaining agreement is needed is because 24 of the 32 NBA teams lost money last season.

'I would just tell you we're meeting with the union every week and I'm real positive,' Taylor said. 'We've had nice, good meetings, but there's still a long way to go. I'm going out on Tuesday for another meeting, then we have another one set for early June.'

The $64 million question to ask Taylor is about the status of Wolves coach Kurt Rambis, who has two years left on his contract and, according to Taylor, will have to be paid the remaining $4 million he is owed for this coming season and the following season if he is fired.

Everything points to Rambis being let go, something I don't agree with, just like I didn't think Brad Childress should have been fired as Vikings coach. But Rambis didn't make the recent trip to Spain with Wolves boss David Kahn to scout the flop of the 2009 draft, point guard Ricky Rubio. And Rambis hasn't been involved in any of the scouting for the upcoming draft and has instead been doing analyst work for ESPN during the NBA playoffs.

Draft decisions will seemingly be made by Kahn, whose job is secure, according to Taylor.

'David hasn't talked to [Rambis] and hasn't said what they're going to do yet,' Taylor said. 'I'm still waiting there.'

Taylor said if Rambis was fired, he would still get paid his salary even if there was a lockout next season.

'He is like everybody else,' Taylor said. 'They all get paid, but if we don't play in any games, then they'll get paid a little less. Everybody is like that.'

Taylor said he is excited about the Wolves' recent luck in getting the second pick in the draft. Most mock drafts list Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams as the top two picks. Taylor said he believes the team will retain the draft choice.

'I think it's most likely we'll keep [the pick] ... but we're open to look at a trade,' said Taylor, who will let Kahn make the final decision. 'But most likely we'll keep [the player who is drafted]. I just think when you get a pick that high, you would want to keep it for the future.'

The Wolves won 17 games last year, the worst record in the league, and Taylor said some changes will have to be made if the team is to improve.

'I think we'll make a few changes this summer that will help, but at this stage we have a long ways to go,' Taylor said, then added: 'I'm OK with Kahn.'

Kahn cut the payroll, but the Wolves still lost as much as $20 million last year. Despite that loss, Taylor said none of his partners has left the ownership.

The only way partners can sell out is to find somebody to buy them out, and I have to believe that even though Taylor is going to stay with the ownership, new stockholders in the Wolves are hard to find

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Bulls center Joakim Noah apologizes for use of gay slur - by Eurobasket News
Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) apologized after allegedly using a gay slur toward a fan during the Chicago Bulls' loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday, ESPNChicago.com reports.

After Noah picked up his second foul at 6:26 in the first quarter, he sat down, then turned to shout at a heckling fan located behind the Bulls' bench.

'I apologize,' Noah said to reporters. 'The fan said something to me that I thought was disrespectful, and I got caught up in the moment, and I said some things that I shouldn't have said. I was frustrated and I don't mean no disrespect to anybody. I just got caught up.'

Noah later said he expects to hear from the league office and receive a fine from NBA commissioner David Stern.

On April 12, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for using a gay slur toward referee Bennie Adams during a game against the San Antonio Spurs.

'While I'm fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated,' Stern said in a statement announcing Bryant's fine. 'Accordingly, I have fined Kobe $100,000. Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society.'

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

In NBA playoffs, Thunder coach Scott Brooks, Heat's Eric Spolestra not afraid to go to the bench - by Eurobasket News
The world didn't end here Saturday, either, although the NBA certainly has seen its share of cataclysmic events in both conference finals.

For starters, who ever thought that Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) would be benched for the entire fourth quarter against Dallas in Game 2? If America didn't know Thunder coach Scott Brooks before that roll of the dice in the Western Conference finals, they do by now. And how about the Bulls sitting their $85million man and key offseason signing, Carlos Boozer, during fourth quarters against the Heat?

To have Westbrook - who along with Kevin Durant proved little match for the Mavericks in losing Game 3 Saturday night - sitting on the Thunder bench has made for a unique playoff season.

'I can't recall a benching like that one, not in the playoffs,' said Miami assistant Bob McAdoo, who has been around the NBA, as an MVP player and coach for almost 40 years. 'You really have to hand it to the Oklahoma City coach. He had the guts to do what a lot of coaches wouldn't have done to their star player.'

McAdoo's boss, Erik Spoelstra, watched the Westbrook benching in Game 2 as it unfolded, with the Thunder's playmaker giving Brooks an earful, and had to smile.

'I could relate to it from our standpoint, in one regard,' Spoelstra said after the Heat prepared for tonight's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Bulls. 'Around here, everything gets blown way out of proportion, too.'

Spoelstra is always in the spotlight, never more so than when he decides who he wants to take the big shot at the end of games. He's got to answer for every one of his moves.

Spoelstra probably wouldn't ever be inclined to bench LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. For one thing, it's hard to imagine either playing so poorly that it would warrant such a radical move, although James did talk about it after practice.

'Whatever it takes in the postseason, you have to do,' he said. 'I feel like, personally, if I'm out there on the floor dogging it or not playing at a high level, defensively, and I'm not helping the team, then I should come out and sit on the bench.'

Even with James' approval, Spoelstra will probably never go down that road. Call it career suicide. But it's not hard to imagine Spoelstra now using Udonis Haslem down the stretch of a game at the expense of his third star, Chris Bosh.

Bosh seemed to be OK with that when he addressed the Westbrook benching.

'You're not going to be able to close out every game,' he said. 'So if some guys are playing well, then you have to cheer for them and cheer for the win. If guys are producing, you stick with them. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

Sidelined for most of the season and first two rounds of the playoffs while he was still recovering from an early-season foot injury, Haslem came up huge when the Heat tied the series in Chicago. Although Spoelstra doesn't know how much Haslem can give him tonight, if he is playing well and Bosh isn't, then no Miamian is going to protest Bosh's benching. In this city, Haslem is Dan Marino and Don Shula all rolled into one.

'I was driving after we came back from the game and it was U.D. day on the radio,' Wade said. 'He's the son of the city.'

Bosh is not. Nor is Bosh as vital to the Heat as Westbrook is to Oklahoma City. Although it triggered the predictable firestorm, Westbrook deserved to be benched. He was having a bad night and his substitute, Eric Maynor, was giving Brooks quality minutes. TV cameras caught Westbrook yelling at Brooks when he was yanked from the game, offering incontrovertible proof that he didn't like his coach's decision. What undoubtedly fueled Westbrook's fiery response is a sense of entitlement. As one Thunder veteran said, privately, 'He thinks he's better than Kevin Durant.'

Not only that, but Westbrook has the backing of Thunder GM Sam Presti, who made a name for himself with his drafting of Westbrook with the fourth pick in 2008. Presti's micromanagement behind the scenes has caused some friction between the head of the front office and his coaches, but Brooks didn't pay any attention to that when he saw that Maynor was his best option to even the series.

'It's always a sticky situation for coaches - how they handle their stars,' McAdoo said. 'But (Brooks) showed that he was not worried about the politics of the move. All he cared about was the production.'

That, and what Spoelstra and the other remaining coaches in this round care about, first and foremost: Winning.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Bulls' Omer Asik day to day - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls center Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86) is day to day with a muscle strain in his left leg. He suffered the injury in the third quarter of Game 3 Sunday night and did not return.

'We're hopeful,' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team's Monday afternoon film session. 'I talked to [athletic trainer] Fred [Tedsechi] earlier and he said he's day to day. He'll get treatment [Tuesday]. Fred will take him onto the court to see if he's having any problems and hopefully he'll be ready to go.'

Thibodeau is confident that veteran center Kurt Thomas will be able to step up if Asik is unable to play.

'We feel very good about Kurt,' Thibodeau said. 'Of course, Omer has played terrific for us ... but if Omer can't go, Kurt will be the next guy in.'

Thomas came in and played very well in the middle of the season in place of Joakim Noah, who missed several months because of thumb surgery.

Asik is averaging three points and four rebounds on the season.

Courtesy of ESPN

Game 4: Mavericks stun Thunder, rally from 15 down to win 112-105 in OT - by Eurobasket News
Trailing by 15 points with only 5 minutes to play in one of the NBA's rowdiest arenas, the Dallas Mavericks were just wishing and hoping for the best.

Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) and Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) delivered, and the Mavs suddenly find themselves only one win away from the NBA finals.

Nowitzki scored 40 points, Kidd hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 40 seconds left in overtime and the Mavericks staged an improbable rally to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 on Monday night and take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

'You're lying if you're not surprised. Down 15 with 5 minutes to play you're thinking hopefully something can happen,' Dallas center Brendan Haywood said. 'You're just kind of wishing.'

Dallas didn't lead until Nowitzki hit two free throws 16 seconds into overtime, needing to rally from a 99-84 deficit in the final 5 minutes of regulation. The Mavericks never let the Thunder who were one win shy of tying an NBA record with eight OT wins in the regular season go ahead in the extra period.

'There's times and situations where they are going to test the courage and the mental inner strength of your team,' said Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona), who scored 20 for Dallas. 'This was one of those times.

'This was a defining moment in our season where we look back and say, 'Hey, that was the game''

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) missed a 3-pointer on Oklahoma City's opening possession of overtime then didn't get another shot until he missed a 3 off the front rim in the final 10 seconds with the Thunder down by five.

Durant finished with 29 points and 15 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89) had 18 points and 10 boards for Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) added 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

The Thunder suffered their first consecutive losses of the postseason and first back-to-back home losses in six months.

Only two teams have come back from 3-1 deficits in NBA history without the benefit of home-court advantage in Game 7 Houston in the 1995 West semifinals and Boston in the 1968 East finals.

'There's no doubt it was a tough loss,' Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. 'If this loss did not hurt, there's no such thing as a loss that can hurt you.'

Game 5 is Wednesday night in Dallas.

'We worked really hard these two games to win, and none of that guarantees anything for Game 5. We know that,' said coach Rick Carlisle, whose Mavs have won at least 50 games in 11 straight seasons with no titles and only one trip to the NBA finals to show for it.

'All of us involved with this team have been through a lot of these wars. We understand our position that we're in. We respect it. We're very humble about it. We've got to get ourselves revved up and ready for Wednesday, because that's an opportunity.'

Durant had nine of the Thunder's 26 turnovers, including the one that led to the big shot by the 38-year-old Kidd.

Kidd stripped him as he went up for a shot with just over a minute left in overtime, then took a pass from Nowitzki, pump-faked to get Westbrook in the air and stepped up to drill a 3-pointer to put Dallas up 108-105 with 40.3 seconds left.

Kidd scored 17 to go with seven assists, five rebounds and four steals.

'Everybody asks questions about the age and all that other stuff,' Carlisle said, 'but the thing I'd say to anybody is, 'Never underestimate greatness.''

Westbrook missed on a drive on Oklahoma City's next possession, and Terry hit two free throws with 13 seconds left to give the Mavs a two-possession lead. Durant finally got another shot off, squatting with his head hanging down as Kidd walked up for two free throws to provide the final margin.

'We kept believing,' Nowitzki said. 'I think finally we got some rebounds. I think that was killing us all night long. We got second-chance points, tipouts. In the last couple minutes we got great stops, finally got some rebounds, and it really helped us (with) our flow. They couldn't really guard us off the transition and we needed to get some stops and that was big down the stretch.'

Durant said all the Thunder can do now is try to be positive.

'It's not over yet,' he said.

With much of the sellout crowd remaining on its feet, the Thunder grabbed control with two separate bursts of seven straight points early in the fourth quarter. Durant had a two-handed slam and a 3-pointer off an offensive rebound in the second run, gesturing as though he were slapping on a pro wrestling championship belt after the 3 made it 99-84 with 5:06 remaining.

He hadn't won anything yet, though, especially with guard James Harden fouling out just after Dallas started the closing run in regulation.

The Mavericks limited the Thunder to just one basket the rest of the way and tied it at 101 on Nowitzki's two free throws with 6.4 seconds left. Nowitzki scored 12 points during the Mavs' 17-2 run and got fouled by Nick Collison, who grabbed the big German's hip as he lunged to tip the ball away, before hitting both foul shots to tie it.

Shawn Marion blocked Durant's 3-pointer at least 30 feet from the basket with 2 seconds left, and the Mavs couldn't convert a chance at the win when Kidd's inbounds lob with 0.7 seconds left hit the rim.

Oklahoma City came roaring out of the gates after trailing by as many as 17 points in the first quarter of Game 3. The Thunder hit their first nine shots and took an 18-8 lead after Durant caught a deflected inbounds pass and zoomed in for a right-handed jam.

They never quite could shake Dallas, though. The Mavericks were still within five at halftime and within 79-77 in the final minute of the third quarter.

'It goes without saying that it was a tough loss to accept, but it is a loss and we have to learn from it,' Brooks said. 'I thought our guys played as hard as a basketball game as you can play. They were physical, we challenged shots, we struggled a little bit down the stretch with execution and throughout the game we struggled with turnovers.'

NOTES: Tyson Chandler drew a technical foul in the third quarter. The NBA rescinded Chandler's first two technicals in this series, so his postseason count is currently at four three shy of what's needed for a one-game suspension. Westbrook has five. ... Dallas was the only visiting team to win twice in the regular season at the Oklahoma City Arena, where the Thunder were 30-11. The Mavs are 4-0 in the building in the regular season and playoffs. ... Brooks, facing repeated questions about his starting lineup, says he's sticking with it. 'We're a young team,' he said, 'and if you give a young team instability, you're going to get very inconsistent results.'

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Rose does not recall saying NBA has steroid issue - by Eurobasket News
Chicago guard and reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) says he does not recall telling ESPN the Magazine that the league has a steroid problem.

The magazines May 16 issue has a quote it attributes to Rose, in which he was quoted as saying the NBA has a huge problem and needs a level playing field.

Before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night against Miami, Rose issued a statement through the Bulls saying he does not even recall being asked about the topic. He adds that if he was asked about performance-enhancing drug use, he clearly misunderstood the question.

Rose says, Let me be clear, I do not believe there is a performance-enhancing drug problem in the NBA.

Courtesy of Yahoo

2K Sports and NBA extend partnership - by Eurobasket News
2K Sports announced today that it has entered into a new, multi-year agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to extend their longstanding partnership for the best-selling NBA 2K basketball simulation franchise.

The new agreement comes on the heels of the record-breaking success of NBA 2K11,which has sold over five million units worldwide since its release on October 5, 2010, making it the best-selling game in the history of 2K Sports,and the most popular NBA 2K title in the 13-year history of the franchise.

To date NBA 2K11 has received more than 20 awards, including 14 sports game of the year honors.

The top-selling NBA 2K series continues to be a pillar of Take-Twos foundation for growth, said Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two. Were confident that our renewed partnership with the NBA will extend the unparalleled success of this franchise. Were thrilled to be in business with David, Adam and the entire team at the NBA.

2K Sports provides our fans with an incredible gaming experience, one that captures both the excitement of our game and the athleticism of our players, said Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner. Coming off a record-breaking year with NBA 2K11, we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

TNT to move Charles Barkley out of harm's way from angry Miami Heat fans - by Eurobasket News
In the wake of a wild scene Sunday night outside of AmericanAirlines Arena, Charles Barkley (6'6''-F-63, college: Auburn) has been granted Game 4 refuge from rabid Miami Heat fans.

With TNT's studio crew broadcasting outside the arena following the Heat's 96-85 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals, Barkley became the focus of intense jeering and other acts of derision in the wake of his recent criticism of the Heat.

Because of that, a source Monday told the Sun Sentinel that the TNT studio show will originate all of its programming from inside AmericanAirlines Arena for Tuesday's game.

Having called the Heat a 'whiny bunch' earlier in this best-of-seven series, which the Heat now lead 2-1, Barkley playfully responded to Sunday's chants at one point with a middle-finger salute from each raised hand.

A fan then threw what appeared to be a towel at the Hall of Fame forward while he was on the temporary set of TNT's popular studio program.

Monday, in the wake of an inquiry from the Sun Sentinel, Jeff Behnke, Turner Sports senior vice president and executive producer, released the following statement:

'We appreciate the tremendous enthusiasm of the fans and all that they bring to our live coverage. As we continue with our coverage of the Eastern Conference Finals, we are evaluating the best options for presenting our studio show live from Miami.'

The best option apparently was ducking for cover. The TNT set remained in place Monday by the west steps of AmericanAirlines Arena.

Barkley, speaking on WQAM Monday afternoon, appeared to welcome the confrontational approach.

'You know those people can yell and scream but they don't have the hair on their (butt) to grab me,' he said. 'They don't have enough hair on their (butts) to walk up to me man to man and say, 'Let's do this.'

'All that yelling and screaming just makes me laugh, man.'

Barkley found Sunday's scene amusing.

'They were telling me I suck,' he said. 'They were telling me I never won a championship. Like, 'Come on, give me something better than that, dude.'

'I always laugh at that statement, 'You didn't get a ring. 'I'm like, dude, you work at McDonald's. My life's a lot better than yours. You relax.' '

Barkley said the rough moments were more the exception than the rule.

'Most of the fans are cool,' he said. 'There's always going to be a couple of idiots. People think if you don't pick their team to win, you don't like them.

'I picked Chicago to win the series, and the Miami fans are bent out of shape. But they'll get over it. I don't take it personally.

'We go through this every couple of years when we travel. If you don't pick somebody's team, their fans become idiots. But you don't take that personally. As long as they're watching the show, that's all that I care about.'

Among those watching were the Heat's Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

Wade, who shares promotional ventures with Barkley, also has been a Barkley target this season. He said he got a kick out of Sunday's fallout.

'Charles got a little frustrated, and good for them,' Wade said of Sunday's crowd.

James said what works for college football doesn't necessarily translate to the NBA.

'The College Game Day crew, they're used to that stuff,' he said of the ESPN program. 'I guess those guys aren't used to it.'

Barkley, along with host Ernie Johnson and fellow analysts Kenny Smith and Kevin McHale, broadcast the studio show at Sunday's halftime from a perch above one of the tunnels inside AmericanAirlines Arena during Game 3, before then taking the coverage outside for the postgame show.

The Turner studio broadcasts all were handled inside the United Center for Game 1 and Game 2 of this series in Chicago.

Game 4 is Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Union chief Billy Hunter not hopeful about avoiding lockout - by Eurobasket News
NBPA executive director Billy Hunter threw doubts on any optimism that the NBA could avoid a lockout when the CBA expires on June 30, saying the recent counter-proposal the league offered the players was worse than the previous proposal and one the players could not accept.

'While the media portrays the negotiations to be very amicable, I think the impression is that there is movement occurring', Hunter said in a speech before the Sports Lawyers Association on Saturday in Washington, D.C. 'Let me go on the record and say there has not been any movement.'

Hunter said that the players believed the first proposal from the NBA given to them in writing around the time of the 2010 All-Star Game was draconian and shocking. Hunter said the owners presented the players with a new proposal about three weeks ago.

Let me say for the record that the proposal that we got was a regressive proposal. We thought the first proposal was bad and we got the second one, and it included even more demands that we considered to be more repressive than the original proposal.

Hunter noted that the players are willing to negotiate and want to make a deal before the expiration of the CBA. But he said that he would not do a bad deal for players.

'What I have promised is that I would not accept a bad deal and I would not do a bad deal', Hunter said. 'And if it means we have to be confronted with a lockout, then, you know, I am ready for a lockout.'

He added, Time to time, I have been quoted in the paper saying if our choice is to accept a deal that the NBA and the owners have presented to us or opt for the lockout, then I say give me the lockout. Because I guess it is my belief is that the only way ... for us to have progress is we have to take the gloves off and feel the blows that are being thrown.
Hunter added that a lockout would be devastating and added that it took the league at least six years to recover from the 98-99 NBA lockout.

NBA executive VP and general counsel Rick Buchanan said league and union negotiators have been meeting frequently on collective bargaining and will continue to do so with about 40 days left until the NBA CBA expires.

The throttle is down, Buchanan said Saturday at the same conference. We are meeting frequently with the union, both in small groups and with our larger labor committees. We have every intention of trying to reach an agreement.

Buchanan said although NBA revenues are up, so are costs, and collectively NBA teams have suffered substantial losses over the last five years and will continue to do so without a new CBA.

What our goals are in collective bargaining is to develop a system that allows teams in the NBA an opportunity to make a profit and allows all 30 teams the chance to compete for a championship, Buchanan said. Thats what we want.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Blazers part ways with GM Rich Cho - by Eurobasket News
The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that they have parted ways with GM Rich Cho. Director of College Scouting Chad Buchanan has been named acting General Manager. Here's the Blazers' announcement:

The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that they have parted ways with Rich Cho, the team's general manager of basketball operations.

'The fit between Rich and our team simply wasn't right,' said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. 'This was a tough move because I respect Rich and he's a good person with many strong skills. But it simply wasn't a good match.'

Trail Blazers Director of College Scouting Chad Buchanan will serve as acting general manager. Buchanan has been with the team for four years. Buchanan and Head Coach Nate McMillan will report to Miller until a permanent replacement is hired.

Trail Blazers Owner Paul G. Allen said the move is part of the franchise's commitment to building a championship contending team. 'This decision, as difficult as it was to make, reflects our willingness to admit and recognize that things haven't worked out,' Allen said. 'We're going to be tough on ourselves in assessing what we could have done better, and then go out and find the executive who is the best fit with the needs of our franchise. That chemistry and connection is critically important.'

Cho of course was hired after popular and highly regarded GM Kevin Pritchard was fired after last year's draft. Now, with a month to go before this year's draft, the Blazers have once again changed directions. The Blazers made the playoffs both seasons despite dealing with significant injury issues both seasons but were eliminated in the first round each time. The instability is stunning for a franchise that seemed headed for certain prosperity and championship contention. as recently as 2008.

Reactions:
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reports rival executives believed team president Larry Miller was the key decision maker, not Cho.
Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectus notes the Blazers passed over two assistant GMs Cho hired. This looks like a clean sweep.
Interestingly, the Oregonian reported two days ago that Cho 'pushed' to suspend Brandon Roy over his comments about playing time during the playoffs. The move was blocked by upper management, and two days after that report surfaced, Cho and the Blazers parted ways.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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

NCAA1

Polee's transfer places onus St. John's nine newcomers - by Eurobasket News
St. John's welcomes nine newcomers to its roster for the 2011-12 season. Hope they're ready to play.

The Red Storm announced Sunday forward Dwayne Polee Jr. (6'7''-F) II will transfer, leaving them with one returning scholarship letterwinner, junior Malik Stith (5'11''-G). It's not the worst possible outcome the newcomers make up one of the nations top recruiting classes and the Johnnies may have had trouble finding spot for all the potential recruits but a little experience wouldve been nice.

Polee, a 6-7 win from California, averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds last season, playing all 33 games and starting 27.

'I really enjoyed my experience at St. Johns and Im going to miss the staff and New York. Right now I feel it is best to be close to my family and help us get through a health issue,' Polee said in a release.

So how does coach Steve Lavin replace 96.3 percent of the scoring and 97.8 percent of the rebounding from a 21-12 team? With the third-ranked recruiting class of 2011.

Six of St. Johns incoming recruits rate as 4-star players, not counting junior college forward Gods Gift Achiuwa (cant write about the Johnnies and not mention Gods Gift). Theres someone to fill every position except for a natural point guard. Stithll likely get that spot to start unless DAngelo Harrison or Phillip Greene can fill roles as combo guards. Even if none of them immediately become stars, its a group thatll benefit by as much playing time as possible.

(If ex-Arizona guard Momo Jones does transfer to St. Johns, itll make the mix even more interesting.)

And who knows? They might even surprise a few teams by seasons end.

Courtesy of http://beyondthearc.nbcsports.com

From Pelphrey to Purvis: How one firing set off a wacky chain reaction - by Eurobasket News
Nothing in this sport occurs in a vacuum. Firings, hirings, commitments, decommitments -- they all have ripple effects. Five offseasons ago, I looked at the early reverberations of Bob Huggins' hiring at Kansas State and Kelvin Sampson's hiring at Indiana. Those moves affected the futures of players such as Scottie Reynolds, who would lead Villanova to a Final Four; Damion James, who would star at Texas; Darrell Arthur, who would win a national title at Kansas; and Michael Beasley, who would help put Kansas State back on the map. Sampson's departure from Oklahoma impacted as many as 16 programs in a little more than a month, and Indiana is still digging out of the crater he would create.

When Arkansas fired its head coach, John Pelphrey , on March 13, could the school have imagined that the ripple effect would be felt by at least 25 teams* and even more individuals? That it would lead to Rodney Purvis, a top-five recruit the Razorbacks weren't chasing then, and aren't chasing now, backing out of a commitment to Louisville? From a college hoops world in which all things are connected, we present the 16 degrees of Pelphrey to Purvis, a chain reaction that has lasted for two months, and yet to stop:

* Arkansas, Missouri, Marquette, Oklahoma, Purdue, Butler, Minnesota, VCU, George Mason, Miami, Georgetown, Kansas State, Louisville, Florida, Harvard, Milwaukee, Murray State, Kansas, Duke, N.C. State, Kentucky, George Washington, Michigan, Virginia, Virginia Tech.

1. March 13: Pelphrey is fired by Arkansas after four seasons. 'I think John could be successful in another situation,' Razorbacks athletic director Jeff Long said. 'But it wasn't happening here at Arkansas.'

Reverberations: Immediately after Pelphrey is let go, Missouri's Mike Anderson -- a 17-year assistant under Nolan Richardson in Fayetteville -- is mentioned in media reports as the lead replacement candidate, with Marquette's Buzz Williams as a secondary option. Both coaches have teams in the NCAA tournament and decline comment. The future of Pelphrey's five-man 2011 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 6 nationally by Rivals.com, is in question.

2. March 23: Anderson is lured away from Mizzou by Arkansas, whose fan base widely approves of the hiring. The announcement comes the week after Anderson's Tigers were beaten in the first round of the NCAAs, and two days before Williams' Golden Eagles are to face North Carolina in the Sweet 16.

Reverberations: Anderson succeeds in keeping Pelphrey's recruiting class intact. Williams later emerges as a lead candidate for the opening at Oklahoma. His rising stock in the coaching community gives him leverage to enter into contract-extension (with a raise) talks with Marquette.

3. March 30: Williams agrees to a new, seven-year rollover contract with Marquette that's worth more than $2 million annually, with an approximately $2.6 million buyout. The extension was more a result of his candidacy at Oklahoma than Arkansas, but the fact that he was attractive to deep-pocketed SEC and Big 12 schools put pressure on Marquette to lock him up for the long-term.

Reverberations: Oklahoma, which wasn't interested in out-anteing Marquette, eventually hires Lon Kruger from UNLV. He's replaced there by BYU associate head coach Dave Rice.

4. March 30: Purdue's Matt Painter enters into deep enough talks with Missouri and some media outlets erroneously report he has accepted a seven-year, $14 million deal. During the courtship, an associate athletic director at Purdue scolds boosters for not stepping up and providing Painter with the resources he desires, and ex-Boilermakers coach Gene Keady suggests that the school has been too stingy with the basketball program.

Mizzou, in the end, gets played: At the 11th hour, Painter agrees to a new, eight-year contract at Purdue through 2018-19, with assurances that he'll have the financial support to run a top-tier program.

Reverberations: Tigers athletic director Mike Alden comes out looking foolish. Meanwhile, when the top assistant at Purdue, Paul Lusk, leaves to take a head job at Missouri State, Painter is able to spend the money necessary to hire Micah Shrewsberry, a rising star on Butler's staff, as a replacement.

5. April 3-4: Missouri seems to run out of candidates. Minnesota's Tubby Smith -- another Big Ten coach who could use leverage in a contract situation -- says he was contacted by the Tigers but declined to pursue the job. Shaka Smart, a widely discussed candidate for a number of major-conference openings after taking VCU to the Final Four, signs an eight-year extension (at $1.2 million per) to stay with the Rams.

Reverberations: The 34-year-old Smart -- and not 61-year-old George Mason coach Jim Larranaga -- is now the highest-paid coach in the Colonial Athletic Association. This will matter in the coming weeks.

6. April 4: In a surprise move, Missouri hires Frank Haith away from Miami, where he was 43-69 in the ACC over seven seasons, with just one trip to the NCAA tournament. It was thought that Haith might be on the hot seat in Coral Gables after the 2011-12 season if he failed to reach the NCAAs.

Reverberations: Otto Porter, Rivals.com's No. 37 overall player in the Class of 2011, had been leaning toward Mizzou when Anderson was its coach, but goes on to sign with Georgetown instead. Meanwhile, Haith's move creates the third ACC opening of this offseason (after Georgia Tech and N.C. State), and the result is ...

7. April 4-onward: The awkward Frank Martin/Miami non-courtship begins. The Kansas State coach grew up in Miami as the son of Cuban immigrants, and is a logical -- almost too logical -- candidate for the Hurricanes. With his local connections and inroads to Puerto Rico, there's little doubt Martin could be a recruiting force in Coral Gables. Multiple sources around him indicate that he has strong interest in the job, and he makes some veiled references to this in interviews.

The problem? Miami seems to have little interest in Martin, in part because when he was a high school coach in the city, he had a state title vacated due to a major recruiting scandal. He seems miffed when he says, repeatedly, 'I've never been a candidate for the Miami job.'

Reverberations: Martin's interest in the Miami gig puts some strain on his situation at Kansas State, but not nearly enough for fans to sour on him. He's built up plenty of capital in Manhattan after winning five NCAA tournament games in the past four years. Meanwhile, with some Hurricanes fans -- and prominent media members -- clamoring for the 'Canes to hire Martin, pressure mounts on new Miami athletic director Shawn Eichorst to make an impressive hire.

8. April 12: Richard Pitino leaves his assistant post at Florida to resume working for his father at Louisville, where Billy Donovan suggests the younger Pitino could be a '[head] coach in waiting.'

Reverberations: This is the first of three spots that opens on Florida's bench this offseason, with Larry Shyatt also leaving for a head coaching gig at Wyoming and Rob Lanier becoming an assistant at Texas. One of Donovan's new hires is none other than Pelphrey, who was an assistant with the Gators before leaving for South Alabama in 2002. Another is Kevin Keatts, the former head coach at Hargrave Military Academy. (Remember that connection for later.)

9. April 13: Louisville assistant Tim Fuller, the former Wake Forest walk-on who recruited Raleigh, N.C., product Rodney Purvis -- Rivals.com's No. 7 overall player in the Class of 2012 -- to the Cardinals, leaves for a similar post at Missouri. Fuller says that new Tigers coach Frank Haith, whom he met at Wake, is like a 'father figure.' This means Louisville, like Florida, will have an all-new set of assistants for 2011-12, after Steve Masiello left to become head coach at Manhattan, and Mark Lieberman returned to his role as Director of Basketball Operations.

Reverberations: Purvis' verbal commitment is in question, because Fuller was his primary contact at Louisville. While Purvis doesn't immediately open up his recruitment, rumors swirl that he's reconsidering his college options.

10. April 15: Haith completes his Missouri staff by hiring assistant Isaac Chew away from Murray State. Chew was one of the top recruiters in the Ohio Valley Conference, helping stock a Racers team that won an NCAA tournament game in 2010, and he formerly worked with the loaded Kansas City Pump 'N' Run AAU program.

Reverberations: Aside from Murray State losing its top recruiter? Missouri lands a coach with direct connections to the AAU program that produced current players Marcus Denmon, Michael Dixon and Steve Moore, and will likely be a source of future talent. That means Kansas, where a number of other K.C. Pump 'N' Run products (Travis Releford, Tyrel Reed, Brady Morningstar and Elijah Johnson) have landed, will have to battle for some of the program's recruits.

11. April 22. After flirting with Harvard's Tommy Amaker and Milwaukee's Rob Jeter, Miami hires George Mason's Jim Larranaga. To some, Larranaga's willingness to leave Fairfax for a low-level ACC gig comes as a surprise, but in the context of Smart's extension at VCU, it's not. George Mason couldn't give Larranaga a Shaka-trumping contract or commit to building a new practice facility, while Miami could offer that money and the chance to coach in the ACC before he retired.

Reverberations: Amaker is locked in at Harvard for another season, where he'll be coaching the Ivy League favorite. Jeter is still at Milwaukee, and Martin is still at Kansas State. One of the best jobs in the CAA is now open -- and the new coach will inherit a top-30 roster that's capable of making the NCAA tournament.

12. April 30: Paul Hewitt, who was fired by Georgia Tech on March 12, is hired as the new coach at George Mason. He has the potential to earn $1 million per year with bonuses -- but he'll also be receiving $7.2 million over five years as part of his buyout from Tech.

Reverberations: Mason's choice of Hewitt means several hot mid-major candidates -- including Vermont's Mike Lonergan and Long Island's Jim Ferry -- are still on the market. Lonergan, a former Maryland assistant, is soon hired by George Washington, which is a rebuilding job in a bigger conference.

13. May 2: Rodney Purvis officially reopens his recruitment, backing off his verbal commitment from Louisville. His new list of teams includes the Cardinals, as well as N.C. State, Duke and Kentucky. 'I just want to develop a relationship with the new staff,' Purvis says of the Cards. 'Louisville isn't out or nothing like that.'

Reverberations: A huge Class of 2012 prospect -- perhaps the best scoring point guard -- is back on the market. Although Purvis' new list is only four teams long, it's thought that Missouri still has a chance due to his relationship with Fuller. Either way, Purvis will be one of the most aggressively recruited players on the summer scene.

14. May 5: Luke Hancock, the sophomore who hit the game-winning shot in George Mason's second-round victory over Villanova in the NCAA tournament, is granted permission to 'explore the possibility' of transferring. The 6-foot-5 forward wants to consider his options in the wake of Larranaga's departure for Miami.

That move had come as a shock; when SI interviewed Hancock for a story on Mason in February, he said, 'Larranaga was a big reason I came here. I didn't want a coach who was going to flake out and leave for a bigger school. He's had the opportunity to go to bigger places, and he likes it here.'

Reverberations: Mason's status as a likely NCAA tournament team is in question without Hancock, who led the team with 4.3 assists per game while also averaging 10.9 points. He could still return to the Patriots, but says 'around 15 or 20' schools have contacted him about transferring. Among them are Virginia, Virginia Tech, Michigan and Louisville. Why the Cardinals? Because of the Kevin Keatts connection: Hancock was a former player of his at Hargrave.

15. May 15: Hewitt lands a huge recruit in 6-8 Philadelphian Erik Copes, who's ranked No. 57 overall in the Class of 2011 and could see instant playing time at George Mason. Copes was released from his letter of intent at George Washington after the firing of coach Karl Hobbs, and Hewitt's plan to hire Copes' uncle, former GW assistant Roland Houston, helped seal the deal. As Copes told FoxSports.com, 'I really wanted to be coached by my uncle.'

Reverberations: New GW coach Mike Lonergan's rebuilding effort gets more difficult with the loss of Hobbs' top recruit. Hewitt bolsters his roster with the highest-rated prospect that any CAA school landed for the Class of 2011.

16. May 16: The first recruit to commit to Mark Gottfried at N.C. State is a huge one: Five-star shooting guard Torian Graham, the No. 25 overall player in the Class of 2012. He passed on Florida State and Kentucky, and is the second-highest rated recruit committed to any ACC school (after Duke-bound Rasheed Sulaimon) from that class.

Reverberations: N.C. State fans have already started to feel better about the Gottfried hire, which initially drew a tepid reaction. Graham believes the Wolfpack can finish with a loaded 2012 class, and has taken it upon himself to start recruiting other elite, in-state players -- the primary target being Rodney Purvis, who could join him in a backcourt that would rival anything at Duke or North Carolina.

If Gottfried gets Purvis, the coach should thank John Pelphrey . In a convoluted way, all of this was triggered by his firing in Fayetteville.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Brigham Young prepares for its transition - by Eurobasket News
Brigham Young coach Dave Rose watched consensus national player of the year Jimmer Fredette (6'2''-G) go through drills at the combine here, observing him one last time in a competitive format before he officially becomes a professional in next month's NBA draft.

Rose answered questions about Jimmer when asked. He promoted Jimmer as much as he could. But as he exited the Attack Athletics gym on the West Side of Chicago on Friday, he was reminded that Jimmer isn't coming back with him to the Marriott Center.

The first-name-only phenom is done at BYU and Rose is left to rebuild his perennial NCAA tournament team in a way he hasn't had to do since he took over in 2005. The Cougars had won Mountain West titles before, but never had they relied so much on one player as they did the past two seasons.

Fredette dominated the ball and with good reason. He was instant offense. He was the face of the program -- and this past year, of the entire BYU athletic department and university as a whole.

Rose was courted by a few Big 12 schools during the coaching carousel but chose to stay put. And now with the Cougars headed to the West Coast Conference, he is faced with his toughest job yet.

Fredette isn't the only player he has to replace. Gone as well is Fredette's backcourt mate Jackson Emery.

'We had a really good backcourt,'' Rose said.

Whether or not the Cougars stay in contention with Gonzaga for the WCC regular-season title may rest on the decision by the university on re-admitting forward Brandon Davies.

Davies was dismissed from the team in February after an honor code violation, which was reportedly pre-marital sex. But the school allowed him to be a part of the team (sitting on the bench, cutting down the nets, etc.) throughout the rest of the regular season and in the postseason.

Davies, though, had to withdraw from school and will now re-apply for admission. But Rose said Davies won't know the answer until September. He plans to stay in his hometown of Provo, also the home of BYU, throughout the summer.

The 6-9 forward has the potential to be a double-figure scorer, giving the Cougars a rising power in the post and an athleticism defensively they clearly lacked in March.

'Hopefully Brandon can get back in school and if that happens then we'll rely on our frontline a lot,'' Rose said.

That frontline took a hit when senior James Anderson decided against playing his senior season, but the Cougars still bring back Noah Hartsock inside, and if he can be more assertive in the post that will certainly make the Cougars more formidable.

Elsewhere, Charles Abouo will be counted on to be more of a scorer from the wing. But someone will have to set everyone up the way Fredette did.

Who will that be?

Rose said he'll lean on UCLA transfer Matt Carlino (eligible in mid-December), redshirt freshman Anson Winder and rising junior Brock Zylstra -- not exactly household names outside Provo.

And that's why the sleeper in the group who may come in and star is freshman DeMarcus Harrison out of Greenwood, S.C.

'We've got a group of guys coming in that will get opportunities, especially DeMarcus,'' Rose sad. 'He's got a chance to play major minutes at guard.''

The Cougars will take a trip to Greece in August that should help form a new identity. Davis can't go on the trip, though, since Rose won't know if he'll be on the team until the fall.

'That trip will be good for us since we'll learn who can play the major minutes without Jimmer,'' Rose said. 'We're also adding a new coach [Mark Pope replaces new UNLV head coach Dave Rice). We'll practice for 10 days, go on the road together and be ready for October. If Brandon is back, then our frontline will score a lot of points for us. This will be a transition year for us.''

A couple of other notes from the coaching world:

New Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy said the previous staff did a tremendous job of keeping everyone eligible and on board. He said it was the smoothest transition he's ever had. The Aggies should be a top-25 team and a Big 12 contender next season. Kennedy made a solid hire in adding Memphis assistant Glynn Cyprien to his staff. Kennedy and Cyprien came into the business together and the new assistant is well-connected all over the country, but especially in the Southeast.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner now has two openings on his staff after Willis Wilson left for the head coaching job at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Pastner has talked to Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Damon Stoudamire, who was in Chicago last week for the NBA draft combine. Stoudamire would be a home run hire. He has recruiting connections and would be a terrific model for players to learn from and earn their way to an NBA spot. He would help toughen up the players on the court while new strength and conditioning coach Frank Matrisciano would handle them off the court. It will be tough to pry Stoudamire from the NBA, but it would be quite a get for the Tigers if Pastner is able to pull it off.

Courtesy of ESPN

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Thomas ABERCROMBIE
  Waika.
  (198-G/F-87)
  Avg: 22

1. Abercrombie, Waika.	22.0
2. Leasure, Taranaki.	21.3
3. Webster, Wellingt.	20.7
4. Hudson, Manawatu.	20.4
5. Pace, Bay Hawks	20.3
6. Jones, Nelson G.	20.3
7. Dora, Nelson G.	20.2
8. Smith, Waikato P.	19.8
9. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	18.7
10. Pledger, Waika.	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Mika VUKONA
  Nelson G.
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Vukona, Nelson G.	11.3
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	11.3
3. Allred, OceanaGo.	10.6
4. Pledger, Waika.	10.3
5. Campbell, Taranaki.	10.3
6. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	9.6
7. Trousdell, Bay H.	9.5
8. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
9. Johnson, Wellingt.	9.2
10. Frank, Wellington	8.6

Assists Per Game

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

1. Braswell, Southlan.	6.3
2. Crowe, Waikato P.	6.3
3. Dickel, Southland	5.9
4. Tait, Wellington S.	5.8
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	4.4
6. Martin, Auckland.	4.2
7. Smith, Waikato P.	4.1
8. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	3.3
9. Webster, Wellingt.	3.2
10. Kenny, Bay Hawks	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jerry SMITH
  Waikato P.
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Smith, Waikato P.	2.9
2. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
3. Allen, Waikato P.	2.1
4. Crowe, Waikato P.	2.0
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.0
6. Dickel, Southland	1.9
7. Frank, Wellington	1.8
8. Abercrombie, Waika.	1.7
9. Trueman, Manawatu.	1.6
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Pledger, Waika.	3.0
2. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
3. Iti, Southland S.	1.4
4. Campbell, Taranaki.	1.4
5. Anthony, Waika.	1.3
6. Spicer, Southlan.	1.2
7. Allred, OceanaGo.	1.1
8. Johnson, Wellingt.	1.0
9. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.0
10. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0

Canterbury take Under 21 title - by Mike Lacey
Canterbury gave a polished second half performance to take out the Mens Under 21 National Championship at Counties Manukau, defeating Porirua 75-65 in the final.
Only Porirua forward Jordan Ngatai looked comfortable shooting the ball in the opening quarter as he accumulated eight points, the score tied 13 all at the first break. Ngatai and Jake Ashby were proving a real handful on the boards for Canterbury and their aggression opened up the lanes for guards Winston Lee and Hyrum Hippolite, Porirua ahead by six with two minutes remaining in the half. A quick time out by Canterbury coach Dave Langrell produced a couple of quick scores by Ethan Rusbatch and Chris Duthie but Porirua were still in the ascendancy leading 38-34 at half time.
Harriss Stephens scored a couple of baskets for Porirua early in the second half but Rusbatch scored nine points in the period as Canterbury led by captain Inga Solofuti and Michael Aitken gained parity on the boards and guards Duthie and Winston Lee swarmed all over their opposition counterparts 53-53 at threequarter time.
Lee and Stephens scored early in the final quarter to give Poriru a 60-55 advantage but thereafter it was all Canterbury as led by the outstanding Michael Aitken they embarked on a 17-0 run to completely dominate the period. Aitken had 8 points, multiple rebounds and a steal in the final 10 minutes, quick silver guard Keisuke Yahata chimed in with 10 points as Canterbury completely dominated the final period to deservedly take the title.
Canterbury 75 (Keisuke Yahata 17, Ethan Rusbatch 17, Michael Aitken 13, Inga Solofuti 10)
Porirua 65 (Jordan Ngatai 17, Jake Ashby 12, Winston Lee 12, Harris Stephens 11)

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

PBL

The PBL announces the 2011 All-League Team - by Allen White
The Premier Basketball League is proud to recognize the 2011 All-League Team. This year we have had some of the best professional basketball played in any league right here in the PBL. We are extremely proud of all of the All-League team and look forward to seeing the players careers continue to be at the top of their game, commented Carrie Ann May, PBL VP of Operations.

ALL-LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Anthony Anderson (5'11''-G-81, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Massachusetts), Saint John
Quinnel Brown (6'6''-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn), Quebec
Joshua Dollard (6'8''-F-86, college: USC Aiken), Halifax
Elvin Mims (6'5''-G/F-79, college: S.Mississippi), Lawton-Fort Sill
Mike Williams (6'7''-F-85, college: Cincinnati), Vermont-Rochester

ALL-LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Jared Carter (7'1''-C-87, college: Kentucky), Rochester
Eric Crookshank (6'7''-F-80, college: Idaho St.), Halifax
Kenny Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Kentucky St.), Kentucky
Royce Parran (5'9''-G-85, college: Chicago St.), Quebec
Philip Mickey Perry (6'2''-G, college: Dayton), Dayton

ALL-LEAGUE THIRD TEAM
Marc Egerson (6'6''-G-86, college: Delaware), Saint John
Tommy Mitchell (6'3''-G-82, college: Siena), Halifax-Quebec
Sammy Monroe (6'6''-F-85, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Newberry), Rochester
Dwuan Rice (5'11''-G, college: CSU Bakersfield), Vermont-Saint John
Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, college: Ill.-Springfield), Lawton-Fort Sill

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Maurice Acker (5'8''-G-87, college: Marquette), Quebec
Reginald Delk (6'4''-G-86, college: Louisville), Kentucky
Kavon Jones (6'7''-F-87, college: Oklahoma City), Halifax
Todd McCoy (6'4''-F-84, agency: 22ft, college: Indiana St.), Rochester
Terry Martin (6'6''-G-87, college: LSU), Saint John

ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Jared Carter, Rochester
Eric Crookshank, Halifax
Elvin Mims, Lawton-Fort Sill
Todd Sowell, Dayton
Mike Williams, Vermont-Rochester

ALL-PLAYOFF TEAM
Quinnel Brown, Quebec
Taliek Brown (6'1''-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut), Halifax
Jared Carter, Rochester
Melvin Council (6'3''-G, college: Robert Morris), Rochester
Jerice Crouch (6'0''-G-84, college: Chattanooga), Rochester
Shawn Daniels (6'7''-C-79, college: Utah St.), Lawton-Fort Sill
Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC), Lawton-Fort Sill
Royce Parran, Quebec
Eddie Smith, Lawton-Fort Sill
Deandre Thomas (6'8''-C-86, college: Robert Morris), Halifax

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

PERU

Standings - Superior

Superior Standings

1. Real Club		12-0
2. Regatas		11-1
3. Escuela Fap		8-4
4. Inmaculada		8-4
5. Ejercito		4-7
6. Centro Naval		4-8
7. San Marcos		2-9
8. Circolo/UAP		0-0
9. Real Amist.		0-0
10. Rinconada		0-0

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

PHILIPPINES

Hala Bola! 2011 PBA All-Star Weekend Updates Round 2! - by Enzo Flojo
PBA Legends yield to Young Guns in All-Star Shootout!

How it happened: Ronald Tubid (186-G-81), Mark Macapagal (188-G-79) and Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) outgunned the retired trio of Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio and Ato Agustin in the Legends 3-Point Shootout right before the All-Star Game.

The young uns started hot as Alapag beat Patrimonio, 12-10, then Tubid just outshone Agustin, 18-9.

Caidic then managed 12 points, all Macapagal needed to do was make two points for the victory. He made 13.

North All-Stars beat the South All-Stars!

Chot Reyes cannot win every game. He may have two titles under his belt for 2011, but this time around someone else got the best of him. He now totes a 0-4 record as an All-Star coach.

Derby Ace's Marc Pingris (195-C-81) led all scorers with 24 points to pace the North All-Stars past the Southerners, 133-129. Pingris was also the one who canned the pivotal basket with only 12.4 ticks left as he received a drop pass from LA Tenorio of the Alaska Aces. Pingris was eventually named All-Star MVP.

Aside from Pingris, the North team saw great production from Arwind Santos and Willie Miller as they finished with 21 and 16 points respectively. Air 21s Dondon Hontiveros led the South All-Stars with 19 points.

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Scott, SKK Kotwica	25.4
2. Hodge, Zastal	17.0
3. Frazier, AZS K.	16.7
4. Hinson, Polonia Az.	16.3
5. Reese, AZS Koszal.	16.0
6. Bennerman, Energa	14.5
7. NaNa, Polonia Azb.	14.4
8. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	14.4
9. Thomas, PGE Turow	14.4
10. Ewing, Asseco P.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Harris, SKK K.	11.4
2. Truscott, Siarka	9.9
3. Burgess, Zastal	9.4
4. NaNa, Polonia Azb.	8.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	7.0
6. Wysocki, PGE Turow	6.9
7. Miller, Anwil	6.6
8. Ceranic, Trefl S.	6.5
9. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	6.2
10. Archibeque, Polph.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Igor MILICIC
  AZS K.
  (194-G-76)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Milicic, AZS K.	6.6
2. Blassingame, Energ.	6.2
3. Thomas, PGE Turow	5.7
4. Hodge, Zastal	5.1
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	4.8
6. Hawkins, PBG B.	4.0
7. Vaughn, Polpharma	3.5
8. Szubarga, Asseco	3.4
9. Ewing, Asseco P.	3.3
10. Harrington, Trefl	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hinson, Polonia Az.	2.7
2. Blassingame, Energ.	2.6
3. Hodge, Zastal	2.5
4. Pringle, Siarka	2.4
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	2.4
6. Milicic, AZS K.	2.3
7. Szubarga, Asseco	2.2
8. Thomas, PGE Turow	2.2
9. Hawkins, PBG B.	2.1
10. Reese, AZS Kosza.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Harris, SKK K.	2.0
2. Burgess, Zastal	1.3
3. Easley, Polonia Az.	1.3
4. Hicks, Anwil	1.3
5. Lapeta, Asseco P.	1.1
6. Davis, Energa C.	1.0
7. Mirkovic, Polpharma	0.8
8. Miller, Anwil	0.8
9. Reese, AZS Koszal.	0.7
10. Goffney, Siarka	0.7

Asseco Prokom defend PLK title - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - PGE Turow 76:71

Asseco Prokom continued their dominance in PLK. They outgunned PGE Turow to clinch the eighth straight title. Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) provided 12 points and 9 rebounds to lead well-balanced effort from the Gdynia team in the decisive seventh game of the series.
Asseco Prokom shocked their opponents in the first frame. The hosts outscored PGE Turow 24:9 to build a comfortable lead. PGE Turow stopped the rot in the second frame. The visitors narrowed the gap to 12 points at the interval 38:26. PGE Turow continued to mount pressure in the third quarter. David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois) and Wysocki dragged PGE Turow within 4 points 35:38 early in the third term. But it was not enough Asseco Prokom enlarged the lead to as many as 9 points at the final break 50:41. The hosts scored four points in a row to open the fourth quarter. Ronnie Burrell, Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) and Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) boosted the gap to 16 points midway through the final term. PGE Turow scored seven points in a row but it was too little to challenge Asseco Prokom. PGE Turow kept on trying and cut the distance to 5 points with just over two minutes remaining. David Jackson dragged the visitors as close as three points with 93 seconds to go. But Filip Videnov, Szubarga and Daniel Ewing sealed the winning outcome for Asseco Prokom from the charity stripe.
Daniel Ewing had 11 points, while Courtney Eldridge (176-G-80, college: NC-Greensboro) netted 10 points in the victory. Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) replied with 18 points and 8 rebounds for PGE Turow. David Jackson posted 17 points in the loss.

Asseco Prokom: Ronnie Burrell 12, Daniel Ewing 11, Courtney Eldridge 10
PGE Turow: Daniel Kickert 18, David Jackson 17

Lukasz Majewski re-signs with Anwil - by Eurobasket News
Anwil have decided to keep Lukasz Majewski (199-F-82). They extended the contract of the player for another season. The 28-year-old forward joined the Wloclawek team at the start of the season. He tallied 4.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in EuroCup. In PLK Lukasz Majewski averaged 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per appearance. Lukasz Majewski played for Polish NT at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. He notched 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds for Poland.

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

PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.8

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	24.8
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	24.1
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.1
4. Villegas, Coamo	19.8
5. Johnson, Humacao	19.4
6. Ayuso, Arecibo	19.3
7. Harris, San German	18.8
8. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
9. Clemente, Humacao	17.7
10. Carmona, Mayaguez	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Narvaez, Coamo	12.3
2. Randolph, Isabela	11.9
3. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.8
4. Harris, San German	11.8
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.1
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.8
7. Rickert, Bayamon	10.7
8. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
9. Shannon, Bayamon	9.2
10. Sweetney, Santur.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.2
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.1
4. Copeland, Arecibo	4.7
5. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
6. Clemente, Humacao	4.5
7. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.4
8. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.2
9. Vega, Coamo	4.2
10. Pagan, Santurce	3.9

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.9
2. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.8
3. Santiago, Santurce	1.8
4. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.7
5. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
6. Berdiel, Humacao	1.5
7. Clemente, Mayaguez	1.5
8. Hodge, Santurce	1.5
9. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.5
10. Robinson, Humacao	1.5

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Lamizana, Mayaguez	3.0
2. Penn, Humacao	2.8
3. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
4. Santiago, Arecibo	2.0
5. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
7. Sanchez, Santurce	1.7
8. Randolph, Isabela	1.6
9. Shannon, Bayamon	1.4
10. Robinson, Mayagu.	1.3

Jelani McCoy joins Guaynabo - by Eurobasket News
Jelani McCoy (208-C-77, college: UCLA) will continue his career in Puerto Rico. The 33-year-old centre signed a deal with Guaynabo. Jelani McCoy started the season in Spain. He averaged 9.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 block per game for Caceres 2016 in LEB Gold. Last season the centre played in China. His stats read 17.5 points, 9.2 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per appearance for Fujian XunXin in CBA. Jelani McCoy used to play in NBA, D-League, ABA, Italy, Ukraine, Spain and China during his career. He was NBA champion in 2002 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jelani McCoy will arrive to Puerto Rico tomorrow. His debut is expected on Wednesday when the Mets host Santurce.

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

SAUDI ARABIA

Kelly joins Al Ittihad - by Ali Ahmed
Al Ittihad Jeddah are strengthening their roster prior to the start of Asia Club Championship. They added Darren Kelly (190-G-78, college: Texas) to the squad.

Outlook:
Scorer with tremendous athleticism. Not a typical point guard, but may be able to play off the ball as a shooting guard at times. Good defensive player.

Awards/Achievements:
Division II Junior College All-America -99
Division II JUCO national title, claiming MVP honors at the national tournament -99
Big 12 Conf. Tournament Finalist -01
USBWA All-District 7 and NABC/Chevrolet All-District 9 second-team honors -01
Big12 Conf 3rd Team -01
Latvian League All-Star Game -04
Eurobasket.com Latvian League All-Imports Team -04
Latvian LBL Regular Season Runner-Up -04
Latvian LBL Finalist -04
Cyprus Cup Finalist -05
Cyprus League Regular Season Runner-Up -05
Cyprus League Semifinals -05
Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Defensive Team -05
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 1st Team -08, 09
Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Imports Team -08, 09
Lebanese League Finalist -08, 09
Lebanese League Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Player of the Year -09
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Guard of the Year -09
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Import Player of the Year -09
Lebanese League Regular Season Champion -09
Arab Club Championships -10 (Finalist)
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships MVP -10
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships Best Guard -10
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships 1st Team -10
Dubai International Tournament Winner -11

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

SERBIA

Marko Simonovic and Nikola Otasevic win another trophy in Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Nikola Otasevic (184-G-82) won their third title in Montenegro. Two Serbian players helped Buducnost Podgorica to sweep Mornar Bar with perfect 3-0 in the Finals. They started with 95-60 blowout win in the first game. Simonovic had 21 points and Otasevic 17 pts in this meeting. In Game Two, Buducnost cruised past Mornar on the road 72-85. Simonovic nailed 18 points and Otasevic followed him with 8. In third game, which was played last night, Buducnost celebrated 105-79 win. Simonovic had 17 points and Otasevic stopped to one point.
Marko Simonovic and Nikola Otasevic joined Buducnost in 2008. They won three championship titles with the club and three National Cups. Simonovic also appeared 27 times in Adriatic league this season averaging 13.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. In EuroCup, he added 10.7 ppg and 5 rpg for six games. Otasevic registered 6.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg in Adriatic league this season. In EuroCup, he had 3 ppg and 2.3 apg.

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

SOUTH KOREA

Seoul Samsung Thunders send Kang Hyuk to Inchon Elephants in sign-and-trade - by Kevin Campigotto
The Inchon ET Land Elephants continued their offseason rebuild this afternoon by completing a sign-and-trade for Seoul Samsung Thunders starting guard and this year's top free agent Kang Hyuk (187-G-76). Inchon will send forward Lee Byung-Suk (191-F-77) and rookie Tae-Hyung Kim to Seoul.

This trade means Kang Hyuk will be leaving Seoul after 11 years with the club after being drafted in 1999. Kang was a starter for much of his career in Seoul but won the award for best sixth man in 2001. He was on the team for their championships in 2001 and 2006. Following Samsung's elimination from the KBL playoffs this past year, they replaced head coach Ahn Jun-Ho with Kim Sang-Jun. Kang does not fit with the plans of the new head coach and so it made sense to try and move him.

Kang's contract with be a one year deal worth 150 million won. This is significantly less than he was asking for according to a report published on jumpball.co.kr earlier this month which pegged his request at 230 million won per year for two years. It is also well below the amount that same report suggested Samsung had offered, 180 million won for one year.

Earlier this week Inchon added two guards to replace two they lost to military service. This move will further bolster their frontcourt and provide a stable hand at point guard. Kang averaged 7 points and 4.7 assists last year with Samsung. Kang's addition will continue Inchons transformation into a small, fast, offensive unit following the trade that sent Seo Jang-Hoon (207-C-74) to the LG Sakers. Inchon finished the regular season as the second seed but was upset by KCC in the semi-finals. Not only can Kang play both guard positions but he is also known for being able to communicate well with foreign players.

Samsung believes its addition, Lee Byung-suk , will contribute solid defense and three-point shooting to the squad. Last season with Inchon, he averaged only ten minutes a game putting up negligible statistics. This will be his fourth team having previously suited up for Ulsan, Seoul SK, and now Inchon. Overall, it seems as though Inchon gave up very little for Kang. The wildcard in the trade is rookie Tae-Hyung Kim who is known for being a good outside defender.

Overall, this trade seems to favor Inchon. They give up almost nothing for Kang and if he can hit open shots and get the ball to star Jarod Stevenson he can be of great value. Coming on the heels of their earlier trade Inchon will have a completely rebuilt backcourt and it will be interesting to see if they can gel. Samsung is clearly building a slower paced defensive team, but we won't know whether their gamble on the rookie pays off or not until the new season begins.

The trade will be made official June 1st as per KBL free agency regulations.

With 1 Week Remaining in Free Agency Teams Begin Deciding on Their Foreigners - by Kevin Campigotto
With free agency starting to wind down, the only major question remaining is which foreign players will return for the 2011-2012 season. The deadline for KBL teams to submit notice of re-signing their foreign players is May 31st and with the new rules limiting teams to one foreign player there should be very few familiar faces next season.

Only two foreigners returned to the league last year, Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) who was replaced after a late season injury, and Chris Alexander (216-C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.), whose offensive limitations have led many to believe he will not return. The league is also returning to a free agency system with foreign players for the first time in four years but some worry that increasing number of basketball leagues in Asia and the growth of the Chinese league will limit the quality of foreigners to make it to the KBL. However, the increase in pay for foreign players is exponential so many are wondering what quality of player teams can attract. With no backup foreigners the ability of these players to contribute on both ends and stay out of foul trouble will be vital and probably a determining factor in many games.

One foreigner likely to return is 2010-2011 foreigner MVP Hill Herbert (208-F-84, college: Providence) of the Inchon ET Land Elephants. Inchon has overhauled its team this year going small but Hill would fit into that system fine. Elephants coach Yoo Do-Hoon spoke highly of Hill saying that Seo Jang-Hoon (207-C-74) and Jarod Stevenson (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) would not have played as well if not for Hill.

Another foreigner drawing a lot of interest is Wonju Dongbu Promy All-Star center Rod Benson (208-F/C-84, college: California). Though Benson led his team to the KBL finals he struggled with injuries down the stretch and was fatigued largely due to poor management of his minutes by head coach Kang Dong Hae . Benson suffered a sprained knee in the final game of the season but has been rehabilitating his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Promy head coach Kang Dong Hae said his club is not currently looking at any other foreign player.

A third likely candidate to return, if he is unable to find a spot in a more completive league, is Busan Sonic Boom KT forward Rhodes Charles (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.). Rhodes played excellently in the playoffs scoring 37 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in his final game of the season. Though Busan was upset and eliminated by fourth seed Dongbu Promy Rhodes was a standout in the series. Busan KT management questioned Rhodes ability to maintain control and understand the teams strategy. The team suggested that other KBL teams have shown interest in Rhodes and so they are carefully weighing their decision leading up to the deadline next week. This is hardly surprising as Rhodes displayed the ability to score inside and out and was a solid rebounder.

Outside of those three players few others are expected to return next season. KCC has already announced that its starting forward Daniels Chris (211-C-84) will not return to the club for the 2011-2012 season.

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

SPAIN

Regal Barca juniors win the title - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca is the winner of 2010/11 Spanish championship for juniors. They outplayed DKV Joventut in the Big Final 64-59. In the battle for third place Unicaja was too strong Fuenlabrada 80-58. Both games were played on Saturday.
Regal Barca celebrated against DKV Joventut thanks to great third period, when they stopped Badalona players to just four points. In the last ten minutes Barca had not troubles to keep the lead and win the championship. Josep Perez (183-G-94) and Aitor Gomez (207-C-93) were the best players in victory with 12 points each. Lluis Costa (186-G-93) and Alexandre Zhigulin (202-F-94) followed with 11 points apiece. In the loosing squad, Albert Homs (199-F-94) delivered 17 points. Guillem Vives (191-F/G-93) stopped to 12.
In the game for third place, Alejandro Abrines (196-F/G-93) was a key player of Unicaja with 28 points and 8 rebounds.

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, Unicaja	15.0
5. Baron, Lagun A.	15.0
6. Teletovic, Caja L.	14.6
7. Caner-Medley, Estu.	14.4
8. Martinez, Valencia	14.0
9. Freeland, Unicaja	13.2
10. Davis, Cajasol	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Kurz, Granada	9.1
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
3. Caner-Medley, Estu.	7.6
4. Barac, Caja Laboral	7.0
5. Donaldson, Menorca	6.9
6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	6.5
7. Wallace, Gran Cana.	6.3
8. Doellman, Meridiano	6.2
9. Slokar, Manresa	6.2
10. Freeland, Unicaja	6.1

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 6

1. Huertas, Caja L.	6.0
2. Cook, Valencia	5.4
3. Ciorciari, Menorca	4.9
4. Valters, Fuenlabr.	4.5
5. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.4
6. Salgado, Lagun A.	4.3
7. Green, Gran Canaria	4.0
8. Prigioni, Real Mad.	3.9
9. San Miguel, Manre.	3.9
10. Dumas, Valladolid	3.9

Steals Per Game

Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Cook, Valencia	2.2
2. Kirksay, Cajasol	1.9
3. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.8
4. Robinson, DKV J.	1.8
5. Calloway, Cajasol	1.8
6. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.7
7. Hosley, DKV J.	1.5
8. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.5
9. Victor, Menorca	1.5
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, Fuenlabrada	1.4
5. Barnes, Valladolid	1.3
6. Kurz, Granada	1.3
7. Savane, Gran C.	1.1
8. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
9. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.0
10. Majstorovic, Manr.	1.0

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

SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Tony BROWN
  Starwings
  (193-G-79)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Brown, Starwings	20.5
2. Abukar, Lugano T.	20.4
3. Glover, Boncourt	20.3
4. Byron, BBC Nyon	20.2
5. Popovich, SAV V.	20.0
6. Smith, Fribourg	19.6
7. Farokhmanesh, SAM	19.5
8. Reid, Monthey	18.5
9. Hunte, BBC Nyon	18.2
10. Bomayoko, Zurich	17.7

Rebounds Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	12.2
2. Thompson, Starw.	10.6
3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.	9.9
4. Gugino, Boncourt	9.7
5. Reid, Monthey	8.5
6. Dos Santos, Bonco.	8.2
7. Smith, Fribourg	8.0
8. Toure, Geneve Lio.	7.8
9. Sloan, Geneve Lio.	7.8
10. Hunte, BBC Nyon	7.3

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	7.5
2. Glover, Boncourt	6.3
3. Williams, Fribourg	5.2
4. Brown, Starwings	4.5
5. Hollins, Starwings	4.2
6. Angley, Lugano T.	4.2
7. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.1
8. Ross, Geneve Lions	4.1
9. Draughan, Lugano	4.1
10. Hunte, BBC Nyon	4.0

Steals Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	3.9
2. Glover, Boncourt	3.7
3. Hunte, BBC Nyon	3.0
4. Gugino, Boncourt	2.6
5. Farokhmanesh, SAM	2.3
6. Angley, Lugano T.	2.3
7. Draughan, Lugano	2.2
8. Efevberha, Lugano	2.2
9. Sharper, Monthey	2.1
10. Louissaint, Month.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	3.3
2. Toure, Geneve Lio.	2.3
3. Thompson, Starw.	2.0
4. Lukic, Zurich W.	1.7
5. Gugino, Boncourt	1.5
6. Sloan, Geneve Lio.	1.5
7. Sanders, Lugano T.	0.9
8. Vogt, Fribourg	0.8
9. Matter, Starwings	0.8
10. Moris, Monthey	0.8

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

SYRIA

Standings - D1

D1 Standings

1. Jalaa		22-0
2. Jeish		19-3
3. Wathba		15-7
4. Karameh		14-8
5. Kasyoun		13-9
6. Wehda		12-10
7. Ittihad		12-10
8. Hurriya		8-14
9. Talee'a		7-15
10. Yarmouk		5-17
11. Meharda		3-19
12. Nawaeer		3-19

Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 1st Team 2011

Maadanli

Al Saman

Abdallah

Correa

Walker

Player of the Year: Michel Maadanli (195-G-81) of Jalaa
Guard of the Year: Michel Maadanli (195-G-81) of Jalaa
Forward of the Year: Al Hakam Abdallah (197-F-82) of Jeish
Center of the Year: Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76) of Jalaa
Newcomer of the Year: Johnny Deeb (180-G-83) of Jalaa
Most Improved Player of the Year: Majid Bou-Aita () of Karameh
Import of the Year: Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76) of Jalaa
Domestic Player of the Year: Michel Maadanli (195-G-81) of Jalaa
Defensive Player of the Year: Daniel Rose (208-C-83) of Wathba
Coach of the year : Ahmad Fadel of Wathba

1st Team
G: Michel Maadanli (195-81) of Jalaa
G: Nour Al Saman (188-78) of Jeish
F: Al Hakam Abdallah (197-82) of Jeish
C: Marcelo Correa (208-77) of Jalaa
F/C: Samaki Walker (206-76) of Jalaa

2nd Team
: Uns Shaaban () of Wathba
G: Johnny Deeb (180-83) of Jalaa
G: Rabea Hachem (188-88) of Wehda
C: Daniel Rose (208-83) of Wathba
F/C: Christien Charles (213-81) of Jeish

Honorable Mention
Ramy Merjani (181-G-83) of Jalaa
Jamaal Miller (187-G-82) of Jalaa
Watche Nalabandian () of Jeish
Anthony Jones (196-G-77) of Jeish
Tarek Al Sibae (198-G/F-89) of Wathba
Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79) of Wathba
Rateb Bouta (199-F/C-87) of Wathba
Rami Issa (202-F-82) of Karameh
Roy Booker (191-G/F-84) of Karameh
Nikola Radojcic (196-G-86) of Kasyoun
Ersid Ljuca (209-C-81) of Kasyoun
Omar Karkutly (G-81) of Wehda
Nicholas Zachery (191-G-79) of Wehda
Adam Zahn (203-F-84) of Wehda
Wael Jlilati (194-G/F-88) of Ittihad
Lavell Payne (203-F-85) of Ittihad
Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81) of Hurriya
Joseph Abboud (190-G-88) of Talee'a
Andrew Bryant (203-F-82) of Talee'a
Tyler Amaya (199-F-82) of Meharda
Radovan Dragovic (205-C-83) of Yarmouk
Rickey Huckaby (188-G-83) of Yarmouk

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Michel Maadanli (195-81) of Jalaa
G: Nour Al Saman (188-78) of Jeish
G: Rabea Hachem (188-88) of Wehda
F: Al Hakam Abdallah (197-82) of Jeish
C: Marcelo Correa (208-77) of Jalaa

All-Imports Team
G: Anthony Jones (196-77) of Jeish
F: Tyler Amaya (199-82) of Meharda
G/F: Jason Edwin (197-81) of Hurriya
F/C: Samaki Walker (206-76) of Jalaa
C: Daniel Rose (208-83) of Wathba

All-Defensive Team
Uns Shaaban () of Wathba
Johnny Deeb (180-G-83) of Jalaa
Lavell Payne (203-F-85) of Ittihad
Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76) of Jalaa
Daniel Rose (208-C-83) of Wathba

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

TURKEY

Bulls' Omer Asik day to day - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls center Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86) is day to day with a muscle strain in his left leg. He suffered the injury in the third quarter of Game 3 Sunday night and did not return.

'We're hopeful,' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team's Monday afternoon film session. 'I talked to [athletic trainer] Fred [Tedsechi] earlier and he said he's day to day. He'll get treatment [Tuesday]. Fred will take him onto the court to see if he's having any problems and hopefully he'll be ready to go.'

Thibodeau is confident that veteran center Kurt Thomas will be able to step up if Asik is unable to play.

'We feel very good about Kurt,' Thibodeau said. 'Of course, Omer has played terrific for us ... but if Omer can't go, Kurt will be the next guy in.'

Thomas came in and played very well in the middle of the season in place of Joakim Noah, who missed several months because of thumb surgery.

Asik is averaging three points and four rebounds on the season.

Courtesy of ESPN

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

UBA

All-UBA Playoff Awards 2011 - by Eurobasket

All-UBA Playoff 1st Team 2011

Sloan

Williams

Holmes

Allison

Moore

UBA Finals MVP: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87) of Southern Generals

1st Team
Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84) of Southern Generals
Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87) of Southern Generals
Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84) of Atlanta Assault
Anthony Allison (6'7''-F-86) of Norman Express
Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88) of Southern Generals

2nd Team
Calvin O'Neil (6'4''-G-85) of Tennessee Dragons<
Shawn Morgan (6'6''-F) of Southern Generals
Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83) of Dallas Stars
DeAndre Bray (5'6''-G-85) of Southern Generals
Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86) of Norman Express

3rd Team
Darnell Campbell (6'7''-F-86) of Southeast Hoopstars
Gabe Haskins (5'10''-G) of Central Texas Cyclones
Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82) of GIE Morrow Disciples
Raymond Davis (6'4''-G) of Atlanta Assault
Jason Lacy (6'4''-G-84) of Norman Express

2rd Round games review - by UBA media

Norman E. - GIE Morrow D. 91-80
Anthony Allison (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Coll.) scored nine of his 24 points in the forth as the Express rallied to beat the GIE Morrow Disciples 91-80 on Saturday night. Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma) scored 16 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for the Express. Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian) led the Disciples with 20 points and Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) added 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Express out played the un motivated Disciples. I just dont understand, said Coach Mike Davis. We just didnt want to play and thats what happens.

Barnes has been nursing a groin injury and went down again in the 2nd quarter with the same. It hurts because I want to win but they out played us, said Barnes. I have nothing to say but we will be back.

The Express will move on the play the Assault.

Atlanta A. - Hoopstars. -88-80
The Hoopers came out on a 20-8 run on the Assault. They can thank Darnell Campbell (6'7''-F-86, college: Lake Erie) for that. Campbell scored 20 points, but the Hoopstars came up short. The Atlanta Assault beat Hoopstars 88-80 on Saturday night to deliver a crushing blow to the Hoopstars' chances of advancing to the Finals. Raymond Davis (6'4''-G, college: Winthrop) also had a fine night with 22 points and 7 assists for the Assault.

C. Texas C. Southern G. 81-109
The Generals run pass the Cyclones 109-81 to move on to the UBA Finals. Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) carried the Generals with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Darrell Glover (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson) had 22 points and 6 rebounds for the Cyclones in a losing effort.

Southern Generals triumph in the UBA Finals Freddie Williams Named MVP - by UBA media

Southern Generals triumph in UBA Finals as they prove themselves to be better than any other team in the UBA.

In the Final Southern Generals roll pass the Atlanta Assault 111-92. The Generals were led by the amazing play of Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.). Williams was the playoffs top scorer averaging 20.1ppg in the playoffs. Although Williams carried the Generals in the playoffs; Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.) stole the show in the Championship game. Sloan nailed 24 points nailing 6 three pointers.

Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State) was the top performer for the Atlanta Assault. Holmes scored 30 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in a losing effort. You have to feel for a guy like Holmes, said John White. He played his heart out.

The Southern Generals have dominated the UBA from start to finish and it was a great finish to the UBA season.

Atlanta Assault: Leaders:
Points: Dominique Holmes: 30, Raymond Davis 21, Tony Reese 20
Rebounds: Dominique Holmes 11, Everett Spencer 10, Raymond Davis 6
Assists: Tony Reese 7, Raymond Davis 6, Everett Spencer 4

Southern Generals: Leaders:
Points: Michael Sloan 24, Shawn Morgan 23, Freddie Williams 18
Rebounds: Chris Moore 17, George Akpele 8, Shawn Morgan 6
Assists: DeAndre Bray 11, Freddie Williams 5

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Burtt, Dnipro	22.4
2. Flores, BC Donetsk	16.7
3. Washington, BC Od.	16.4
4. Burns, Fe.	16.2
5. Curry, Azovmash	16.1
6. Wiggins, Halychyna	15.1
7. Millage, Khimik	14.9
8. Love, Mykolaiv	14.7
9. Bakic, Kryvbasb.	14.5
10. Fraser, DniproAzot	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Fraser, DniproAzot	10.9
2. Wiggins, Halychyna	9.3
3. Burns, Fe.	7.9
4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv	7.6
5. Austin, Dnipro	7.3
6. Morrison, Halyc.	7.2
7. Guinn, Fe.	6.8
8. Owens, Azovmash	6.6
9. Chappell, Hoverla	6.6
10. Coleman, Hoverla	6.5

Assists Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Burtt, Dnipro	5.5
2. Abernethy, Halyc.	5.2
3. Zimmerman, Hoverla	4.9
4. Sparks, BC Odessa	4.8
5. Funn, Halychyna	4.7
6. Vasiljevic, BC Do.	4.5
7. Brewer, BC Odessa	4.5
8. Millage, Khimik	4.5
9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.	4.2
10. Williams, Khimik	3.9

Steals Per Game

Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Millage, Khimik	2.4
2. House, Azovmash	1.9
3. Sparks, BC Odessa	1.8
4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.	1.5
5. Burns, Fe.	1.5
6. Mazutis, Mykolaiv	1.5
7. Burenko, BC Kyiv	1.4
8. Sirsnins, DniproAz.	1.4
9. Chappell, Hoverla	1.4
10. Love, Mykolaiv	1.4

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hughes, Mykolaiv	2.1
2. Kravtsov, BC Do.	1.8
3. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.	1.4
4. Hunter, Fe.	1.4
5. Morrison, Halyc.	1.4
6. Turner, BC Odessa	1.3
7. Coleman, Hoverla	1.3
8. Pettway, Dnipro	1.2
9. Balashov, BC Odes.	1.2
10. Owens, Azovmash	1.1

Standings - Higher League

Higher Standings

Places 1-8
1. Cherkasy		27-1
2. U-VolinBasket		20-8
3. Avantazh-Pol.		13-13
4. Aviastar		11-17
5. Dynamo DN		11-17
6. Kremen-KNU		10-18
7. Vinnitsky Zubry		9-17
8. Pulsar		9-19
Places 9-13
1. KTU Krivyi Rih		12-2
2. Koksokh-Stal		11-4
3. Striba		7-7
4. Sportlitsey		7-8
5. Ternopil		0-16

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

VENEZUELA

Bucaneros to the 2011 LPBs playoffs - by Jonathan Leon
La Guaira's Bucaneros defeated Panteras 94-91to go for first time ever to the playoffs of the professional basketball league of Venezuela.
Both Heissler Guillent (186-G-86,) and Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) played a terrific game on Sunday night helping Bucaneros of La Guaira basketball team reached its first time ever post season. Despite the defeat the legendary Victor David Diaz (195-F-68, college: Houston) was trying to help Panteras to stay alive but his 21 points weren't good enough to stop Bucaneros.

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

WBA

Clemson's Baize Leads Upstate Heat to Second Straight Win - by Eurobasket
In the opening weekend of play in the World Basketball Association, the new team in the league showed they were a force to be reckoned with. The Upstate Heat based out of Anderson, SC started the weekend out on Friday with a surprise defeat of the two time defending league champions; the Gwinett Majic 75-73 on the Majic's home floor. On Saturday night, the Heat traveled down the road to Conyers Georgia to take on the Conyers Court Kings who feature former Oklahoma University standout 6'11 310 lb Orlando Allen (210 CM - Oklahoma 2010). Upstate never allowed Allen to become a factor in the game as they used their fast break to nullify the effectiveness of the big center and roll to a 111-91 victory.. The night belonged to a rookie as recent Clemson University graduate Jonah Baize (198 CM - Clemson 2011) put on a shooting clinic going 6-7 from the 3 point line and 9-11 for the game to lead all scorers with 24 points. Baize did all of his work in two quarters as he scored 10 in the 2nd quarter to help break the game open, then had 14 in the 3rd to help seal the deal for the Heat. While the Court Kings featured a big duo upfront with Allen and 6'10' Alfred Grayer, the best playing big man in the game was another rookie 6'7' Trey Brittan (201 CM - Anderson 2011) out of Anderson University. Brittan scored 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the win. Former NBDL veteran, 6'4' Mic Garrett also contributed 17 points for the Heat in the win. Conyers (0-1) was led by 6'6' swing man Jeffrey Moon (198 CM-SW Atlanta 2010) with 21 points. Next up for the Heat will be a rematch with Conyers on June 10th which will be Upstate's home opener.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australian U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Karaitiana

Allen

Blicavs

Bunton

Cole

Aimie Clydesdale

177-G-93

Dandenong

Ashleigh Karaitiana

181-G-92

Sydney UF

Rebecca Allen

185-F-92

AIS

Sara Blicavs

188-F-93

AIS

Alexandra Bunton

191-F/C-93

AIS

Rebecca Cole

177-G-92

AIS

Madeleine Garrick

177-G-92

AIS

Kerryn Harrington

171-G-92

Sandringham S. Australia

Carley Mijovic

195-F-94

AIS

Nadeen Payne

188-F/C-93

Brisbane S. Australia

Tayla Roberts

191-F/C-93

AIS

Gretel Tippett

190-F-93

Logan T.

Cheryl Chambers

Head Coach

Dandenong R. Australia

Karen Dalton

Assistant

Sydney UF

Wayne Pollock

Assistant

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BELGIUM - Women

Belgium and Netherlands trade victories in exhibition series - by Eurobasket News
Belgium and Netherlands played two friendly games in Wavre at the weekend. The teams exchanged victories. Belgium opened the series with a comfortable 80:56 success. Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) stepped up with 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Belgium built a 33:25 halftime lead. They boosted the margin at 13-point mark at the final break and finished off their opponents in the fourth quarter. Sofie Hendrickx (186-F/C-86) provided 12 points, while Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85), Noemie Mayombo (171-G-91, agency: LBM Management) and Lieselot Malfait (190-C-87, college: IPFW) accounted for 8 points each in the win. Sharon Beld (184-F-88) and Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) answered with 10 points each for Netherlands.
However the next game had a different scenario. Belgium started strongly building a 25:14 lead at the first break. But Netherlands did not allow the hosts to capitalize. Netherlands erased the deficit and secured a narrow 2-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Netherlands outscored Belgium 19:18 in the fourth frame and eked out a 70:67 win at the end. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) stepped up with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Sharon Beld netted 10 points, while Laura Kooij (184-F/C-82) had 8 points in the victory. Emma Meesseman answered with 14 points for Belgium. Kim Mestdagh (177-G/F-90) provided 11 points in the losing effort.

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BULGARIA - Women

Bulgaria surrender against Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria got swept in the exhibition series versus Serbia. After the starting 70:72 loss Bulgaria suffered a 58:66 defeat in Game 2. Bulgaria led by five points after the opening quarter 20:15 but could not capitalize. Serbia took over in the second stanza and ensured a 37:33 halftime lead. They outscored Bulgaria 21:12 in the third term and never looked back en route to the victory. Tijana Ajdukovic (194-C-91) stepped up with 31 points to pace Serbia.
The third game turned into a one-way traffic. Serbia dominated from start to finish recording an 85:44 win. Serbia opened the game with a 7:0 run and ensured a 24:11 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap to as many as 31 points at the interval. Bulgaria could not recover in the second half and had to yield at the end. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) and Daniela Georgieva (179-F-86) provided 10 points each for Bulgaria. Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) added 6 points in the loss.

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Sylvia Fowles will remain with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) will remain with Galatasaray in 2011/2012 season and will definetely be a great addition to what the roster is made so far of Diana Taurasi, Alba Torrens, Taylor..these are only few loud names that are confident in the roster for the next year.
Sylvia Fowles joined Galatasaray Istanbul (Turkey-TKBL, starting five) last season and became the leader immediately in the team. In Turkish League after 29 games she averaged 16.3ppg, Reb-5 (10.0rpg), 1.3spg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP-2 (59.6%), FT: 71.9%, while in Euroleague her stats read 16.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (1.5bpg), FGP: 55.4%, FT: 67.8%. This summer the player will play for Chicago Sky (WNBA) and then will be back to Turkey.
With Galatasaray Sylvia Fowles was Turkish President Cup Finalist -11, Euroleague All-Star Game -11 (MVP), Turkish Cup Winner -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11, Turkish TBBL Finalist -11, Turkish TBBL Regular Season Champion -11, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL 2nd Team -11, Eurobasket.com Turkish TKBL All-Imports Team -11, Eurobasket.com Turkish TKBL All-Defensive Team -11.
Sylvia Fowles recorded 30 points at the Regular Season Round 14. Galatasaray beat bottom-ranked Burhaniye Bld in Balikesir 79-74. The best player for the winners was American center Sylvia Fowles who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds.

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HOLLAND - Women

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PARAGUAY - Women

PARAGUAYAN FEMALE PROFESIONAL SCORES AND STANDINGS. - by Santiago Maciel
The second stage of the PROFESIONAL METRO FEMALE TOURNAMENT is in full dispute. Last round results were
UCA50 Sol de America Asuncion 65 , and FPC60 Olimpia Asuncion 85 .
This round was played last friday night. 5 teams started this 2011 tournament. UAA has already been disqualified.

STANDINGS:

Olimpia Asuncion 8 POINTS
Sol de America Asuncion 7 POINTS
UCA 5 POINTS
FPC 4 POINTS

Johana Ghiringelli , Adriana Escurra (F-90) and Carolina Caravez are the most notable players for Olimpia.
Andrea Gomez and Karina Pena are the standing flags for Sol de America Asuncion DE AMERICA

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POLAND - Women

Aleksandra Chomac extends contract with Lider Pruszkow - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group) will stay with Lider Pruszkow in the next season. The 26-year-old centre has agreed on terms of contract extension with the team. Last season Aleksandra Chomac averaged 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in PLKK. Previously Aleksandra Chomac played for Artego Bydgoszcz, Energa Torun, AZS Gorzow and Lotos Gdynia. The centre also was the member of Polish NT back in 2009. She also made it into Eurobasket.com Polish PLKK All-Domestic Players Team in 2009.

Wisla Can Pack signed Bjelica and Ujhelyi - by Grzegorz Ozog
Wisla Can Pack signed contract with Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) and Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80)
Bjelica who has 30-years last season spent in another Polish club - Lotos Gdynia. In PLKK she played in 31 games averaging 12.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists. In Euroleague she appeared in 10 Euroleague games averaging 13.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.9 apg. In the past, Bjelica played in eg. TEO Vilnius and Ros Casares Valencia.

A further strengthening of the Polish Champion is to gain Petra Ujhelyi who playd last year in Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni.

Current roster: Ana Dabovic, Ewelina Kobryn, Anke De Mondt, Katarzyna Krezel , Magdalena Leciejewska, Milka Bjelica, Paulina Pawlak, Erin Phillips, Nicole Powell, Agnieszka Sniezek, Maja Vucurovic, Petra Ujhelyi

Yelena Leuchanka leaves Wisla Can-Pack - by Grzegorz Ozog
One of the best Wisla Can-Pack players Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83) will not play in Krakow.

Less than a month ago General Manager of Wisla informed that the Belarusian player will continue a professional career in the Polish Champion team. As it turned out shortly after signing the agreement Leuchanka informed Club that she has no intention to play for 'White Star'. Currently, Leuchanka is looking for a new club.

In Wisla she played half the last season. She played in 6 Euroleague games. She had 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists. In PLKK she appeared in 17 games averaging 12.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 2.4 apg.

Polish National Team 2011 - by Greg

Dzwigalska

Pietrzak

Idczak

Szott

Zurowska

Katarzyna Dzwigalska

174-G-85

Gorzow

Anna Pietrzak

167-G-87

CCC Polkowice Poland

Weronika Idczak

175-G-89

Inea AZS

Agnieszka Szott

184-F-82

Artego

Justyna Zurowska

188-C-85

Gorzow

Olivia Tomialowicz

185-G-90

Lotos Gdynia Poland

Katarzyna Krezel

184-G/F-85

Wisla Can-Pak Poland

Emilia Tlumak

183-F-82

Energa Torun Poland

Agnieszka Skobel

180-F-89

Gorzow

Joanna Czarnecka

192-C-82

Super-Pol

Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk

188-F/C-89

Gorzow

Aleksandra Chomac

191-C-85

Lider Pruszkow Poland

Dariusz Maciejewski

Head Coach

Gorzow

Ukraine record second win over Poland - by Eurobasket News
Poland - Ukraine 67:71

Ukraine posted the second win over Poland in the exhibition clash in Spala. Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 14 points and 5 assists to pace the winners.
Ukraine mostly dominated the game. They piled up a four-point lead after the opening quarter 24:20. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame. Halftime scoreboard read 43:39 for Ukraine. The visitors stretched the margin in the third frame. They ensured a 6-point lead heading into the final quarter. Poland cut the deficit in the final term but could not hope for more in this one. Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) nailed 12 points, while Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the victory. Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Poland. Anna Pietrzak (167-G-87) accounted for 12 points in the losing effort.

Poland: Justyna Zurowska 15, Anna Pietrzak 12
Ukraine: Maryna Sazonenko 14, Ganna Zarytska 12, Lyubov Alyoshkina 10

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

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

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

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

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

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SPAIN - Women

Allison Feaster-Strong leaves Zaragoza - by Eurobasket News
Allison Feaster-Strong (181-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Harvard) leaves El Club Deportivo Basket Zaragoza where she stayed for the last two seasons. In 2009-2010 she joined Mann Filter Zaragoza (Spain-LFB) and in EuroCup after 8 games averaged 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 71.4%. In Spanish League after 28 games she showed 14.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 79.2%. last season for Mann Filter Zaragoza (Spain-LFB, starting five) Allison Feaster-Strong averaged 8.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 83.3% in EuroCup and in Spanish League showed 10.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 83.9%.
In her best game Allison recorded 22 points as Mann Filter won against Real Celta Vigo in Zaragoza 69-62. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 24-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. American forward Allison Feaster-Strong nailed 22 points for the winning side and guard Cristina Ouvina accounted for 14 points, 7 assists and 4 steals.

El Perfumerias Avenida signs Pascua - by Eurobasket News
El Perfumeras Avenida signs Lucila Pascua (196-C-83) for the upcoming season. The Spanish Center that recently announced of leaving Mann Filter, will head to Avenida.
In her last season for Baloncesto Feve San Jose Leon (LFB, starting five) in EuroCup Lucila Pascua increased to 7.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 47.2% and in Spanish League she showed 7.6ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 82.6%. In 2009-2010 moved back to Mann Filter Zaragoza (LFB, starting five) and in EuroCup averaged 6.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 47.7%, FT: 66.7%. In Spanish League after 28 games her stats read 7.9ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 9.1%, FT: 67.3%. Last season Lucila Pascua showed 5.6ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 37.7%, FT: 84.2% in EuroCup, while in Spanish League after 28 games her stats read 5.8ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 49.2%.
It was announced earlier that Lucas Mondelo stays with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca for another season and will take the champion of EuroLeague and Spain on court in the end of year 2011. Alba Torrens and Anke De Mondt ledt the squad and will continue with other teams next season.

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TURKEY - Women

Firat Bozkurt named the Head Coach of Tarsus - by Eurobasket News
Firat Bozkurt named the Head Coach of Tarsus. As a Head Coach he took care of Ceyhan Belediyespor (TBBL) women team in 2006-2007. Later he was a Coach Assistant in Samsun (TBBL) women team and Tarsus Belediyesi (TKBL). He reached Turkish Cup Semifinals -07, was Turkish TBBL Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Turkish TBBL Semifinals -09 and Turkish Cup Finalist -11.
Samsun lost the Quarter-Final thriller to Fenerbahce 82:89 to be eliminated from the play-offs. 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.
A huge improvement for the team was reaching the Final Cup this year. Turkish Cup winner Galatasaray beat Tarsus Belediye 68-53 to take SPOR TOTO Turkish Cup in Gaziantep. Fowles was named the MVP of the final after the game. Alexis Hornbuckle delivered 12 points and 9 boards, Michelle Pierson helped 11 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort.
Erdel Yegin , who was the Head Coach of the last season left the team.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Field Announced For 2011 Paradise Jam Island Division Basketball Tournament - by David Edole
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Seton Hall women's basketball team is a member of the field in the Island Division of the 2011 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam at University of the Virgin Islands, set for Nov. 24-26 in St. Thomas. The Pirates will play three games in three days at the University of the Virgin Islands.

The Paradise Jam Island Division is a Multiple Team Event (MTE) tournament. An MTE tournament counts as only two games against a team's annual maximum of 29 games, despite playing three games at the tournament.

Competition in the Island Division tournament begins on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24th, at 1:00 p.m. ET with a matchup between Alabama and Old Dominion, followed by the 3:15 p.m. ET game between Louisiana Tech and Seton Hall. Games continue on Nov. 25th with Seton Hall vs. Alabama at 1:00 p.m. ET and Old Dominion vs. Louisiana Tech at 3:15 p.m. ET. Competition concludes on Nov. 26th at 1:00 p.m. ET with Seton Hall vs. Old Dominion followed at 3:15 p.m. ET by Louisiana Tech vs. Alabama.

Games will be played at the U.V.I. Sports and Fitness Center, the Caribbean's premier basketball facility located in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

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UKRAINE - Women

Ukraine - Poland: friendly games results - by Alexei Revenko
In Poland ukrainian national team played two games.
Poland - Ukraine 81:83 (25:25, 25:21, 14:21, 17:16)
In winners most productive players was Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) with 23 points and 8 rebounds, Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) 13 points and Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) added 9 points and 7 rebounds.
In second game also win Ukraine.
Poland - Ukraine 67:71 (20:24, 19:19, 14:16, 14:12)
In Poland - Zurovska 15 points, Petrzak 12 points.
In Ukraine - Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) scored 14 points, Ganna Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) added 12 points.

Ukraine - Poland: friendly games results - by Alexei Revenko
In Poland ukrainian national team played two games.
Poland - Ukraine 81:83 (25:25, 25:21, 14:21, 17:16)
In winners most productive players was Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) with 23 points and 8 rebounds, Samburskaya 13 points and Zarickaya added 9 points and 7 rebounds.
In second game also win Ukraine.
Poland - Ukraine 67:71 (20:24, 19:19, 14:16, 14:12)
In Poland - Zurovska 15 points, Petrzak 12 points.
In Ukraine - Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) scored 14 points, Zarickaya added 12 points.

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Tim-Scuf		13-2
2. Kozachka		12-3
3. Dynamo		10-6
4. Dnipro-DVUFK		9-5
5. Frankivsk		8-6
6. Orlan		7-8
7. Politeh Basket		5-9
8. Yuzhna Palmira		5-9
9. Donbas		4-11
10. Luganski Last.		0-14

Ukrainian National Team 2011 - by Greg

Sazonenko

Kochubei

Zarytska

Alyoshkina

Samburska

Maryna Sazonenko

175-G-86

Szeged

Inna Kochubei

174-G-82

Tim-Scuf

Ganna Zarytska

182-F-86

Kozachka

Lyubov Alyoshkina

202-C-81

Orlan

Olena Samburska

172-G-89

Kozachka

Kateryna Dorogobuzova

187-F-90

Tim-Scuf

Aleksandra Khomenchuk

203-C-89

Tim-Scuf

Ekaterina Rimarenko

183-F-90

Dynamo

Alisa Ievtushenko

191-C-89

Atomeromu

Anna Pokoiova

188-F-87

Kozachka

Olga Dubrovina

170-G-87

Kozachka

Alina Iagupova

181-G-92

Dnipro-DVUFK Ukraine

Yevgeniya Sharovka gets MVP of the Week award for Ukrainian UPBL - by Eurobasket News
International guard Yevgeniya Sharovka (175-G-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Tim-Scuf and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 22-year old guard had the game-high 27 points adding six rebounds and eight assists for Tim-Scuf in her team's victory, helping them to outclass, the league's bottom-ranked team Luganski Last. (#10, 0-14) with 27-point margin 87-60. It allowed Tim-Scuf to consolidate first place in the Ukrainian UPBL. Tim-Scuf have a solid 13-2 record. In the team's last game Sharovka had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. She has many years of experience at Tim-Scuf, through which he has constantly improved. Sharovka has impressive league stats. She is in league's top in assists (2nd best: 5.0apg) and averages solid 3.1spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 32-year old former international forward Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) of second-ranked Kozachka. Zherzherunova impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Kozachka was edged by the lower-ranked Frankivsk (#5, 8-6) 69-67. Kozachka managed to keep the same second spot in the standings. It was just her team's 3rd loss this season, while they won 12 other games. Zherzherunova is one of the most experienced players at Kozachka and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87) of Dynamo (#3). Ragin showcased her all-around game by recording 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the last round. She was a key player of Dynamo, leading her team to a 74-58 easy win against the lower-ranked Donbas (#9, 4-11). Dynamo needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 6 lost games. Ragin has a great season in Ukraine. After 13 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.8ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 10.2rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tatiana Shapochkina (179-G-90) of Yuzhna Palmira - 19 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Lybov Yakunina (186-F-86) of Luganski Last. - 24 points and 12 rebounds
6. Kateryna Kovalova (183-F-89) of Politeh Basket - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Marinela Agalareva (178-F/G-77) of Donbas - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Larisa Yaburova (190-F/C-89) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 6 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Tetiana Shablynska (191-C-74) of Politeh Basket - 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Kimberly Williams (168-G-74) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 25 points, 2 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)

UPBL Round 16: Top-ranked Tim-Scuf wins another game - by Eurobasket News
UPBL top team - Tim-Scuf (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Donbas (4-11) in Kyiv 102-73. The game without a history. Tim-Scuf led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Donbas' 30. Tim-Scuf forced 19 Donbas turnovers and outrebounded them 42-31 including 18 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Inna Faskhutdinova (182-84) who helped to win the game recording 27 points. Forward Krystyna Matsko (182-91) contributed with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Tim-Scuf's coach Maryna Tkachenko felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Irina Rastorgueva (180-76) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for Donbas. Tim-Scuf maintains first position with 13-2 record. Donbas lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 11 games lost.
Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their 14th consecutive match to fourth ranked Dynamo (10-6) 90-57. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Shantel Ragin (178-87, college: Clayton St.) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 4 steals and Nataliya Silyanova who added 20 points during the contest. At the losing side forward Lybov Yakunina (186-86) responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Dynamo have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Luganski Last. at the other side still closes the standings with 14 games lost.
The game in Lviv was also quite interesting. Second ranked Kozachka (12-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Politeh Basket (5-9). Kozachka defeated Politeh Basket 51-38 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Politeh Basket. The winners were led by Oksana Kisilova who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Even 15 points and 4 assists by Valentina Voronova did not help to save the game for Politeh Basket. Kozachka maintains second position with 12-3 record having just -8 point less than leader Tim-Scuf. Loser Politeh Basket keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. They share the position with Yuzhna Palmira.

In the last game of round 16 Orlan beat Frankivsk on the road 81-74.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 23 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks by Elena Staschuk of Orlan.

Politeh Basket - Kozachka 38-51

The game in Lviv was also quite interesting. Second ranked Kozachka (12-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Politeh Basket (5-9). Kozachka defeated Politeh Basket 51-38 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Politeh Basket. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Kozachka dominated on the defensive end, holding Politeh Basket to just 3 points in third quarter and to 7 points in second half. Kozachka forced 19 Politeh Basket turnovers and outrebounded them 50-32 including a 25-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by international forward Oksana Kisilova (188-88) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and guard Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-79) supported her with 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Even 15 points and 4 assists by guard Valentina Voronova (172-80) did not help to save the game for Politeh Basket. Forward Kateryna Kovalova (183-89) added 9 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Kozachka maintains second position with 12-3 record having just -8 point less than leader Tim-Scuf. Loser Politeh Basket keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. They share the position with Yuzhna Palmira.
Top scorers:
Politeh Basket: V.Voronova 15+3reb+4ast, K.Kovalova 9+10reb, Y.Lapshynova 4+4reb+2ast, N.Zhyrakova 4+5reb, T.Zhurauliova 2+7reb, T.Shablynska 2+3reb+1ast
Kozachka: O.Kisilova 17+12reb+2ast, T.Panchenk-Stakhova 17+6reb+2ast, O.Zherzherunova 8+11reb+2ast, V.Sholokhova 7+7reb, S.Kozachenko 2+1reb, A.Pokoiova 0

Frankivsk - Orlan 74-81

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when sixth ranked Orlan (7-8) beat on the road 5th ranked Frankivsk (8-6) 81-74 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 81-74. Orlan shot 32 for 50 from the free-throw line, while Frankivsk only scored twelve points from the stripe. Orlan had a 38-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by Belarusian center Elena Staschuk (192-85) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international forward Oxana Pysmennyk (190-78) supported her with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Even 19 points and 6 rebounds by forward Viktoriya Suzyk (182-88) did not help to save the game for Frankivsk. Forward Viktoriya Pazyuk (186-85) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Frankivsk's coach Yuriy Protsuk rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Orlan maintains sixth position with 7-8 record. Loser Frankivsk keeps the fifth place with six games lost.
Top scorers:
Frankivsk: V.Suzyk 19+6reb, M.Dubas 13+4reb+4ast, V.Pazyuk 12+8reb+1ast, O.Horoshavina 12+3reb+2ast, Y.Basalyck 7+2reb, A.Markotenko 7+5reb+4ast
Orlan: E.Staschuk 23+18reb+2ast, O.Pysmennyk 22+7reb+1ast, K.Kashlei 14+6reb+1ast, S.Pinchuk 13+4reb+1ast, N.Didanova 4+4reb, M.Danilyuk 4+1reb+2ast

Dynamo - Luganski Last. 90-57

Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their 14th consecutive match to fourth ranked Dynamo (10-6) 90-57. The game without a history. Dynamo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Luganski Last.'s 26. Dynamo forced 19 Luganski Last. turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Shantel Ragin (178-87, college: Clayton St.) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 4 steals and the former international point guard Nataliya Silyanova (172-71) who added 20 points during the contest. At the losing side forward Lybov Yakunina (186-86) responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds and Olena Hotentseva scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Dynamo have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Luganski Last. at the other side still closes the standings with 14 games lost.
Top scorers:
Luganski Last.: L.Yakunina 21+9reb+1ast, O.Hotentseva 18+7reb, K.Kirichenko 11+2reb+1ast, A.Bondarenko 4+2reb, O.Khotentseva 3+5reb+1ast, O.Bondar 0
Dynamo: S.Ragin 28+4reb+1ast, N.Silyanova 20+3reb+2ast, Y.Sinicina 18+3reb+3ast, E.Kozak 7+4reb, O.Tregubenko 5+3reb+2ast, N.Zotko 5+10reb+2ast

Tim-Scuf - Donbas 102-73

UPBL UPBL top team - Tim-Scuf (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Donbas (4-11) in Kyiv 102-73. The game without a history. Tim-Scuf led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Donbas' 30. Tim-Scuf forced 19 Donbas turnovers and outrebounded them 42-31 including 18 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Inna Faskhutdinova (182-84) who helped to win the game recording 27 points. Forward Krystyna Matsko (182-91) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Five Tim-Scuf players scored in double figures. Tim-Scuf's coach Maryna Tkachenko felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Irina Rastorgueva (180-76) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and forward Inesa Khodova (185-73) added 13 points (made all of her seven free throws) in the effort for Donbas. Tim-Scuf maintains first position with 13-2 record. Donbas lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 11 games lost.
Top scorers:
Donbas: I.Rastorgueva 17+12reb+3ast, O.Rysina 15+1reb+1ast, I.Khodova 13+3reb+3ast, O.Solonar 9+2reb+2ast, A.Annenkova 6+5reb+1ast, M.Agalareva 5
Tim-Scuf: I.Faskhutdinova 27+1reb+2ast, N.Isachenko 21+5reb+1ast, N.Gavryliuk 17+2reb+3ast, K.Matsko 14+12reb+2ast, Y.Berezinets 10+7reb+2ast, K.Dorogobuzova 5+4reb

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA
  Dnipr.
  (181-G-92)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Iagupova, Dnipr.	20.3
2. Ragin, Dynamo	18.8
3. Rastorgueva, Donb.	17.9
4. Williams, Dnipr.	17.8
5. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	17.8
6. Yakunina, Lugans.	17.4
7. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	17.1
8. Markotenko, Frank.	16.9
9. Grishina, Lugans.	16.2
10. Rimarenko, Dynamo	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	10.5
2. Ragin, Dynamo	10.2
3. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.	9.8
4. Rimarenko, Dynamo	9.5
5. Zarytska, Kozachka	9.3
6. Yakunina, Lugans.	9.0
7. Zherzherunov., Koz.	9.0
8. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	8.5
9. Yaburova, Dnipr.	8.4
10. Maznichenko, Tim-.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6

1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	6.0
2. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	5.0
3. Williams, Dnipr.	4.8
4. Dubrovina, Kozach.	4.6
5. Iagupova, Dnipr.	4.6
6. Dubas, Frankivsk	4.2
7. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	4.0
8. Lapshynova, Polite.	3.9
9. Pokoiova, Kozachka	3.7
10. Hotentseva, Luga.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Dubrovina, Kozach.	3.9
2. Markotenko, Frank.	3.5
3. Iagupova, Dnipr.	3.3
4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	3.1
5. Williams, Dnipr.	2.7
6. Kochubei, Tim-Scuf	2.4
7. Dubas, Frankivsk	2.4
8. Panchenk-S., Koza.	2.4
9. Shapochkina, Yuzh.	2.3
10. Polyanychka, Fran.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	3.0
2. Zhyrakova, Polite.	2.2
3. Yaburova, Dnipr.	1.9
4. Bovykina, Dnipr.	1.8
5. Shablynska, Polite.	1.8
6. Kisilova, Kozachka	1.1
7. Zherzherunov., Koz.	1.1
8. Yakunina, Lugans.	1.0
9. Berezinets, Tim-S.	1.0
10. Maznichenko, Tim-.	0.9

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

USBA - Women

WUSBA player's camp will begin June 5, 2011; all teams will participate - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga., (May 23, 2011) ---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) individual team basketball players camp set to open June 5, 2011. The WUSBA will begin its inaugural basketball season with fourteen teams divided into four divisions, spread over eight southern states. According to the league, the WUSBA rosters were opened to all qualified basketball players. The WUSBA owns and is the primary operator of all teams. Each team does operate independently of each other. The league has assigned an Event Manager as team representative for the local city.

Collegiate, minor league and international player's were invited to submit resumes and biographies for selection draft held on May 7, 2011. We also extended an invitation to basketball players who are based in our team cities.

The WUSBA 2011 basketball regular season games begin on June 15, 2011. The regular season runs to August 27, 2011. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule, fourteen home and fourteen away. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins August 29, 2011 and concludes with the Championship game on September 4, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The WUSBA has not charged a fee to players for the preseason camps. 'We have never had these fees as a part of our revenue stream; we have amassed a great selection of talented basketball players to come to the camps'. 'We do require all basketball players to report by the 5th of June'. Players camps will begin at the same time for all team locations. Ten basketball players have been selected to make the roster of a WUSBA team. Player camps will end on June 14, 2011.

WUSBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'Announcing these selected players gives us a prime opportunity for us to look closely at local talent and make the assembly of the teams an easy process. We want our fans to be able to become familiar with the players and coaches and quite simply, the players and coaches will have ample time for players to select a team of his choice'.

The league has developed a comprehensive package for the coaches. Players are paid $300.00 per week. Players also receive housing and a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant. As a bonus, players will receive compensation for sponsor speaking engagements and sponsorship sales.

According to the league, each player will be required to compete in this rigorous session. 'We expect a great response and each try camp are limited to invited basketball players, I suggest any candidate should arrive at the camp in shape, on time and ready to perform', said WUSBA Executive Vice President Kenneth Green. 'We're very excited about the upcoming season. All of our teams have players in place and this is a great equal opportunity for all individual who has the propensity to succeed'

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

WNBA - Women

Revitalizing the Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News
On the periphery, the Silver Stars' recent rsum suggested they might deserve a place near the top of the WNBA landscape.

The team played for the league title in 2008, was in the Western Conference finals in 2007 and is one of three teams Seattle and Indiana are the others to make the playoffs in each of the past four seasons.

Silver Stars coach/general manager Dan Hughes , though, knew better. He was well aware that his team wasn't at a championship-contending level.

After being swept in the first round last year by the Phoenix Mercury, Hughes began overhauling the team's roster.

He signed veteran guards Tully Bevilaqua and Kelly Mazzante, and traded for Jia Perkins and Scholanda Robinson. In last month's draft, he selected Oklahoma's Danielle Robinson in the first round, Texas A&M's Danielle Adams in the second and Georgia's Porsha Phillips in the third.

In a matter of months, Hughes transformed the Silver Stars from an aging team that last season was too dependent on Becky Hammon and Sophia Young to one with a mixture of experience, youth, athleticism and depth.

As your team ages, how do you keep them at that level, or even prepare them for the future to be champions without taking a big dip? Hughes asked. We're working at that. We don't really want to take a dip to go get high draft picks. You deal with what happens in the world, but you want to position yourself to be moving toward a championship.

A week into training camp, Hughes said thus far he likes the progress the Silver Stars have made in that direction.

Nowadays, the players speak about embracing a new opportunity and how they're stoked about the roster additions. They also acknowledge that they still have a lot of work to do.

This is the type of team that I know we have to develop, and it's got me a little excited, Hughes said. I know we have a lot of work to do, but it's the kind of work that I normally found myself to, honestly, enjoy the most.

Hughes is far from being the only member of the Silver Stars feeling reinvigorated.

There's Mazzante, who won two WNBA championships while playing with Phoenix and is the Big Ten's all-time leading scorer from Penn State. But she was left to ponder if she had a playing future after tearing her right ACL playing overseas in Hungary in 2009.

For myself, playing six years (in the WNBA) and having it taken away from me ... said Mazzante, who was traded to and waived by New York before last season. I'm just excited about the opportunity to come back here and show what I'm capable of doing, helping this team any way possible.

There's also Alysha Clark, NCAA Division I's leading scorer in 2009 and 2010 while playing at Middle Tennessee State, who as a 5-foot-10 post was told she was too short to play the position in the WNBA and would have to learn to play at another spot.

She was one of the final two players waived by the Silver Stars a year ago but is back at training camp trying to make the roster.

It was kind of just a wake-up call, like, Now you have to put in more work, and you have to once again overcome that boundary of people saying that you're not ready for something,' Clark said of being waived in 2010.

I think it's going to help us a lot, because everybody has such a big heart and is so competitive.

Those storylines have been a backdrop to the revitalization of the Silver Stars one dotted with tales of players being told they were too short, slow or maybe past their prime.

I guess in my instance, it's probably too old, said the 38-year-old Bevilaqua. It's nice that Coach Hughes has confidence in me. I think he's got a great blend of youth, experience and athleticism.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Storm cuts two players as training camp continues - by Eurobasket News
Storm coach Brian Agler changed his mind regarding making cuts on Friday. By Sunday he was certain, waiving wings Bridgette Mitchell (6'0''-G/F-87, college: Duke) and Lauren Prochaska (5'11''-G/F-88, college: Bowling Green).

Mitchell caught the staff's eye at a combine in Indianapolis in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four in April. Agler, a native of Ohio, saw Prochaska often since she starred at Bowling Green State.

Neither player performed as strongly as others in camp. Prochaska said she was wide-eyed at first.

'You're kind of star-struck at first when you walk in and see everyone, but you just try to hold your own and act like you belong here,' Prochaska said. 'Katie Smith is from Ohio and was definitely a big idol of mine when I was younger.'

Mitchell, who was undrafted after graduating from Duke in 2010, recently played a season in France and planned to continue to pursue her dream to play in the WNBA.

Prochaska has an agent and will play overseas in the hopes of landing on a team, too.

Agler didn't want to travel with a full 15-player roster when the Storm plays an exhibition game at Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon. But the director of player personnel could still bring in other prospects.

'Our goals in L.A. (are) some of the newer people we'll have a chance to evaluate,' he said. 'And we'll sort of gauge where our team is in terms of execution, conditioning, how we defend and things of that nature.'

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com