EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/25/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Jamelle CORNLEY
  Cicli.
  (196-F-87)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Jamelle Corn., Cic.21.3 
 2. Mac Hopson Quilm.21.1 
 3. Jazz Cowan Union19.3 
 4. Sergio Ravina Firm.17.1 
 5. Juan Manuel ., Tuc.16.8 
 6. Jose Muruaga Tucu.16.5 
 7. Nicolas Ferr., Qui.16.1 
 8. Alex Carcamo A.Ita.15.7 
 9. Derrick Mill., Bra.15.5 
 10. Anthony Glov., Sa.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 DeWayne RICHARDSON
  Adela.
  (202-C-77)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. DeWayne Rich., Ade.9.7 
 2. Aaron Willia., A.I.8.3 
 3. Ira Brown A.Esp.8.2 
 4. Sylbrin Robi., Fir.7.7 
 5. Ije Nwankwo Obera7.6 
 6. Anthony Glov., San7.6 
 7. Derrick Mill., Bra.7.5 
 8. Bruno Oprandi Cicl.7.4 
 9. Jervaughn Sc., A.E.7.4 
 10. Juan Manuel ., Tu.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Juan GANDOY
  Alvear
  (184-G-82)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Juan Gandoy Alvear3.8 
 2. Luciano Tant., A.I.3.8 
 3. Sebastian Fe., Gim.3.5 
 4. Julian Olmedo San3.3 
 5. Damian Palac., Fir.3.1 
 6. Tomas Gianel., Gim.2.9 
 7. Alejandro Ko., Cic.2.8 
 8. Nicolas Ferr., Qui.2.8 
 9. Bruno Oprandi Cicl.2.7 
 10. Jose Muruaga Tuc.2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Mac HOPSON
  Quilm.
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Mac Hopson Quilm.2.0 
 2. Gregorio Ese., Qui.2.0 
 3. Luciano Tant., A.I.1.7 
 4. Bruno Oprandi Cicl.1.6 
 5. Ricardo Cent., A.I.1.5 
 6. Sebastian Fa., Obe.1.5 
 7. Gonzalo Laph., Uni.1.5 
 8. Mariano Cast., A.E.1.5 
 9. Alejandro Ko., Cic.1.5 
 10. Javier Ledes., A..1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Juan Manuel TORRES
  Tucuma.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Juan Manuel ., Tuc.1.3 
 2. Sylbrin Robi., Fir.1.2 
 3. Leonardo Pom., Qui.1.1 
 4. Ije Nwankwo Obera1.1 
 5. Ricardo Cent., A.I.1.0 
 6. Bruno Martire Firm.0.9 
 7. Mauro Negri San M.0.8 
 8. Alejandro Bu., Fir.0.8 
 9. Ira Brown A.Esp.0.8 
 10. Emanuel Arev., Ad.0.8 


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


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


QBL: teams prepare for Northern challenge - by Eurobasket News
Both the Global Product Search Meteorettes and McDonalds Meteors will hit the road for the first time this QBL season with games in Townsville and Cairns this weekend.


The 'Northern Challenge' or 'Sunshine Swing' is the toughest road trip for opposing teams in the QBL and history has shown only a few teams have come away from the weekend successful.


With the tough task ahead however, both Mackay teams are feeling confident going in.


With a big win against the Rockhampton Cyclones last Saturday, the Global Product Search Meteorettes currently have a 1-win and 1-loss record.


On the men's side the McDonalds Meteors are currently undefeated with two-wins.



Mackay Basketball General Manager Joel Khalu said the road trip this weekend would give both teams a true indication of where they are at.


'There's no doubt this is the toughest road trip to make for any team in the QBL,' Khalu said.

'Townsville have been a QBL powerhouse in the women's competition for the past 10-years and this year the club has put a very strong mens roster together also.'


'Then we have to back up the next night in Cairns where both the Dolphins & Marlins teams will also be keen to get victories.'


'We expect to play in some pretty hostile venues which adds to the challenge and there's no doubt the travel takes it's toll.'


'But in saying that we are not going to make any excuses and our expectation is to come away this weekend with 4-wins,' Khalu added.


Mackay plays in Townsville on Friday night and then will head up the Bruce Highway to play in Cairns on Saturday evening.
Courtesy of: QBL


SEABL Men Week 7 results - by Eurobasket News
SATURDAY 21st MAY

DANDENONG 86 (Fitzgerald 15, Jura 15)

def

MT GAMBIER 61 (Lockett 17, Jeffree 9)

Pioneers trailed for all but 2mins of the game and were never in the contest after quarter time. Dandenong outscored the Pioneers in all four quarters, including a 27-16 fourth quarter that blew the game open further.

MVP Dusty Jura (200-F-83, college: Nebraska-Kearney) (Dandenong)


BRISBANE 75 (Vanderjagt 28, Groves 20)

def

NW TASMANIA 70 (Gary 36, Haywood 15)

Despite a game high 36pts from Thunder import Shawntes Gary, the Spartans ended their six game losing streak with a tough home win. Vanderjagt and Groves played brilliantly throughout the game. Brisbane had an 11pt lead after three quarters, but the Thunder fought back hard in the last to trail by two with two minutes to play, but Groves lifted his intensity further and guided the Spartans home.

MVP Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) (Brisbane)


GEELONG 88 (Pichon 19, Owusu 17)

def

KNOX 83 (Massingale 27, Strong 14)

Geelong dominated the glass, out rebounding the Raiders 47-26. Supercats new import John Pichon (198-F-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: McNeese St.) produced another stellar performance, and was well assited by Muhammad, Medved, Loader and Owusu.

MVP John Pichon (Geelong)


FRANKSTON 83 (Quaintance 30, Sallie 15)

def

ALBURY/WODONGA 60 (Morris 23, Payne 13)

MVP Haminn Quaintance (201-F-85, college: Kent St.) (Frankston)


SANDRINGHAM 98 (Asumnu 32, Muhlbach 25)

def

HOBART 71 (Nelson 23, Dilligard 13)

Hobart arrived late to the stadium, limiting their warm up, but started the game well only to fall away in the second term due to poor decision making and costly turnovers. Sandringham out scored Hobart 30-10 in the second term to establish a comfortable 28pt lead. Hobart won the second half 45-44, but the game was over after a disappointing second quarter performance by Hobart.

MVP Stanley Asumnu (195-G/F-82, college: Tennessee) (Sandringham)


BENDIGO 105 (Meyer 33, Harris 21)

def

NUNAWADING 102 (Cameron 23, McDonald 22)

Nunawading led for only 2mins of the game, but this occurred in the last four minutes of the game after trailing for as much as 11 late in the third term. Spectres were up 102-98 with 2mins to go after bridging an 8pt gap at three quarter time but could not score for the remainder of the match. Nunawading missed their last six shots of the game, and the Braves connected of five of six shots to steal the win.

MVP Luke Meyer (196-G/F-85, college: St.Louis) (Bendigo)



SUNDAY 22nd MAY

CANBERRA 68 (Jeffers 22, Miller 16)

def

NW TASMANIA 59 (Gary 29, Haywood 11)

NW Tasmania were leading by 1pt at the half, but were outplayed by the Gunners in the second half. Thunder offence dried up in the second half as they shot 9 from 38 attempts. Canberra took the lead late in the third term and held on to secure the win.

MVP Kyle Jeffers (206-C-85, college: Oregon St.) (Canberra)


BALLARAT 75 (Harris 19, Aldridge 16)

Lost to

HOBART 82 (Banovic 30, Nelson 17)

After an injury interrupted start, Chargers Mark Banovic showed he is still a player to watch this season with a season best 30pts@69%. Banovic connected on 8 three pointers as the Miners poor defence left him open on numerous occasions.

MVP Mark Banovic (Hobart)


KNOX 90 (Strong 20, Massingale 17)

def

MT GAMBIER 69 (Webster 18, Lockett 15)

Knox trailed by 1pt after the first quarter, but the Raiders youngsters (Vanrenen, Aver & Gibcus) combined for 15pts in the second term to guide them back into the match. Knox increased their lead throughout the second half as tiredness crept into the Pioneers game.

MVP Lester Strong (201-F/C-81, college: Metro St.) (Knox)


KILSYTH 73 (Lang 18, McMillan 18)

def

DANDENONG 68 (Fitzgerald 17, Harms 14)

Kilsyth produced a stunning offensive performance, shooting at 52% from the field and had five players record double digit points. The Cobras produced their best game of the season, defeating the inform Rangers, and showing they are determined to make the playoffs after a poor season start.

MVP Timothy Lang (206-C-85, college: Stetson) (Kilsyth)


NUNAWADING 87 (Williams 21, Conn 19)

def

SANDRINGHAM 82 (Muhlbach 24, Fereti 19)

Sandringham only lead for 4mins of the game but remained in touch for the entire game despite import Stanley Asumnu injuring himself in the second quarter. The Sabres core group of youngsters stepped up in the fourth term and kept them in the match by scoring 29pts in the final term and had a shot at the end of the game to tie. Nunawading escaped with a win they should have consolidated early.

MVP Eric Williams (Nunawading)
Courtesy of: seabl.com.au


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


Standings
Premier League Stage three Standings
 1. Muharraq 2-0 
 2. Al Manama 2-0 
 3. Al Hala 1-1 
 4. Issa Town 1-1 
 5. Al Ittihad 0-0 
 6. Sitra 0-0 
 7. Al Ahli 0-2 
 8. Nuwaidrat 0-2 
Stage One Standings


Rice heroics lift Manama - by Yousef Ahmed

Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) torched champions Al Ahli for 51 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks last night to lift Manama to a dramatic 107-101 overtime victory in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League play-offs. Rice took command in the game's extra session, when he scored 17 of his season-high output and helped seal their resounding come-from-behind win. He took advantage of the absence of Ahli professional Lamond Murray, who had fouled out of the game late in regulation. Rice had actually put on his hero's cape earlier in the contest, when he helped Manama rally from 10 points down, 78-68, with only two minutes left to play.The six-foot, 10-inch American made back-to-back three-pointers to bring Manama to within four, and after Ahli court general Hussain Shaker made one of two free-throws for an 85-80 lead and 15 seconds on the clock, Rice raced down the court and buried another trey to make it 85-83 with just seven seconds remaining.

Maytham Jameel then missed a chance to ice the game for Ahli after clanging a pair of charity shots. Manama guard Bader Abdulla Malabes made him pay after being fouled with 1.6 seconds left. Malabes connected on two pressure-packed free-throws to tie it at 85-apiece and send the game into overtime, when Rice carried his team the rest of the way. 'Darius won the game for us,' Malabes told the GDN. 'He made some unbelievable shots near the end of the fourth quarter, and then he was unstoppable in overtime. 'Now we're almost sure of making it in the Golden Square after this win. We have three games left, and at least one more victory will put us safely in.'
Ahli had a slim chance of completing their own comeback after Shaker made a trey to cut Manama's lead to 104-101, but it was too late as Rice and Malabes pegged the final score with another three charities in the closing moments.

The second in command for Manama is Local Star Ahmed Al Mutawa (199-F/C-81, college: Broward CC) added 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals for Manama before fouling out in over time, while Malabes chipped in with 16 points and 6 assists.

The win was their second in a row in the six-team play-offs, which is being played in a single round-robin. Ahli, on the other hand, suffered their second straight defeat and are now in danger of missing the final four. Shaker finished with 30 points to lead all Ahli scorers in the loss. Jameel added 27 and Murray had 20, before both fouled out. Ahli led 43-40 at the half, and they even extended their advantage to 65-57 when Nedhal Abbas buried a three-pointer to beat the third quarter buzzer. That, however, set the stage for Manama's late-game surge.

Meanwhile, Al Hala picked up their first win of the play-offs following a mind-boggling 137-45 humiliation of lowly Nuwaidrat in yesterday's other game. Veteran forward Ahmed Malallah and American big man Patrick Simpson combined for 50 points - already outscoring their rivals' entire game total by themselves.Malallah had 26 and Simpson 24 to go with 11 rebounds and seven assists, as he took advantage of Nuwaidrat's overmatched roster and the absence of an opposing professional player.

Five others scored in double figures for Hala in the nearly 100-point victory. Abbas Jawadi contributed 17, Ahmed Jamal 15, Ahmed Haji and Abdulla Al Khaja 12 apiece and Ahmed Ali Hussain 10. Nuwaidrat remained winless after two games. Play-off action continues on Friday with Ahli taking on Nuwaidrat at 5.30pm, followed at 7.15pm by Manama locking horns with Isa Town.


Source: GDN By PATRICK SALOMON, Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011





*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


D1 Round 1 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - Oostende 71-59

The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 39-20 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American power forward Brent Wright (203-78, college: Florida) stepped up and scored 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import swingman Dwayne Broyles (196-82, college: JMU, agency: Higher Vision Sports) chipped in 11 points. At the losing side Bosnian-Serbian swingman Veselin Petrovic (196-77, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 7 points and 7 rebounds and American point guard Trevor Huffman (185-79, college: Kent St., agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points.
Top scorers:
Charleroi: B.Wright 13+9reb+1ast, B.Greene 12+2reb+1ast, D.Broyles 11+4reb+3ast, D.Mallet 9+1reb, K.Weaver 8+3reb+2ast, J.Gomis 7+1reb
Oostende: T.Huffman 10+2reb+2ast, D.Katnic 9+2reb+3ast, Q.Serron 8+1reb+1ast, V.Petrovic 7+7reb+1ast, T.Van Den Spiegel 6, W.Thomas 6+7reb+1ast
gschID: 128798


Aalstar - M.Hainaut 72-54

Dexia Mons-Hainaut was ahead by 10 points at the halftime before a 46-18 second half run of Okapi Aalstar. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Dexia Mons-Hainaut to just 7 points in third quarter. They outrebounded Dexia Mons-Hainaut 41-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Christopher Copeland (203-84, college: Colorado, agency: 540 Sports) nailed 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Anthony Hilliard (193-86, college: Elizabeth City) accounted for 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Okapi Aalstar players scored in double figures. Okapi Aalstar's coach Brad Dean allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Marcus Hatten (186-80, college: St.John's) came up with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Ahmad Nivins (206-87, college: St.Joseph's, agency: Impact Basketball) added 12 points respectively for Dexia Mons-Hainaut in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Aalstar: C.Copeland 20+8reb+2ast, A.Hilliard 18+7reb+4ast, C.Young 14+11reb+1ast, A.Ruoff 11+6reb+3ast, H.VanLangenhove 3+1reb, S.Burrell 2+2reb+2ast
M.Hainaut: A.Nivins 12+3reb, S.Foster 9+1reb+2ast, S.Bellin 8+3reb, M.Hatten 7+8reb+4ast, J.Cage 7+5reb+1ast, R.Lewis 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128797




*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Troopers 4-0 
 2. Police 3-0 
 3. Flames 3-1 
 4. Falcons 2-1 
 5. BDF V 2-2 
 6. Dolphins 2-2 
 7. Spartans 1-0 
 8. NIIT 1-2 
 9. Splinters 1-3 
 10. Bullets 0-1 
 11. Drillers 0-2 
 12. Eagles 0-2 
 13. Cadets 0-3 


Troopers trounce spartans in Basketball League - by Thomas Fink
Nelson Direng
Correspondent Mmegi Monitor 23/05/2011

Perennial champions, Troopers, trampled on long-time rivals, Spartans, 79-62 in the basketball league game on Friday.

Spartans went into the game with high hopes of beating Troopers and started well by dominating the games in the first quarter. They drew first blood through Raymond Madzudzo with shooting guard, Mothusi 'Speedy' Thipe, answering for Troopers. Thereafter, Spartans used their quick passing game to maintain dominance scoring basket after basket until they ended the first quarter in the lead.

In the second quarter, Troopers fought back although they did not completely suppress Spartans. The game intensified and became an exchange of baskets between two of the toughest teams in the league. Troopers emerged tops, ending the first half with 39-33 lead.

In the third quarter, Spartans lost steam and Troopers took full advantage of their weak defence. Shooting guard, Ratanang Tsayang, who had been subdued, burst into life to lead the Troopers' charge and prove his mettle. The first dunk of the game came in the third quarter from Troopers' Michael Banda who swept through the Spartans' defence to increase to 57-46. The third quarter ended with Troopers leading 60-50.

The last and most critical quarter was once again opened by Troopers' Mbaki Pitso's three-pointer. Troopers was the only side to score dunks and three-pointers. Towards the end of the game, Spartans' players seemed demoralised and argued with each other. The much more experienced Troopers took advantage and increased the lead.

After the game, Spartans' Thipe blamed their loss on poor defence. He said they started making mistakes in the second quarter and failed to correct them. He said they would have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to boost their defence. 'This is the first loss of the season and we will not let it demoralise us because there is still a very long way to go,' he said. Thipe said that Troopers' unbeaten streak meant nothing to them because they will beat them in their next encounter.

Troopers' Tsayang however expressed disappointment in Spartans' performance saying that he expected a better show. 'The last time we played this team, we beat them by over 20 baskets and one would have assumed that a team of their calibre would have come back stronger,' he said. Ratanang blamed Spartans' poor performance on their lack of structure. 'What I have realised is that the team just plays a passing game unlike us who can rely on dribbling and making moves if passing doesn't work,' he said.



*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Wayland Baptist brazilian players have earned recognition - by Paulo Freire
Wayland Baptist basketball players Johnny Terra and Rodrigo Silva have earned recognition on the 2010-11 season.

Joao Terra (203-G/F-88) have been named as 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes, according to information released by the NAIA.

A 6'8 junior forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Terra put in 6.8 points and hauled down 4.3 rebounds a game for the 2010-11 Pioneers. He was the Pioneer leader in long distance shooting, hitting 40 percent of his three-point attempts.

Terra, a Business Administration major, averaged 28 minutes of playing time in 29 games. He is one of 59 Division I men's basketball players named to the 2011 Scholar Athlete team.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor

Rodrigo Silva (203-F-90) have earned the 2010-11 All-Sooner Athletic Conference Team. Silva were named to the conference's Honorable Mention team he put in almost nine points and averaged just over six rebounds a game for the Wayland Baptist men this season. A 6'8 center from Sao Paulo, Brazil, he hit 50 percent of his shots from the field


Lucas Nogueira skips Chicago pre-draft Camp - by Mel Devonne
Brazilian Lucas Nogueira, the 18 year 7-0 prospect declared for the 2011 NBA draft, but didnt play
in the Chicago pre-draft held last week. Often players who dont have anything to prove skip the camp
to not hurt their position, and some due to injury skip the camp to not hurt their chances for the draft.
So where was Lucas?
Lucas is projected by an ESPN mock draft to be taken at #29 by San Antonio Spurs , a team who has drafted several
international players and currently have Brazilian Tiago Splitter.
Lucas Nogueira is a mystery and considered a long term project. He should of played to solidfied his draft status.

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


Lukoil Academik won NBL Final opener - by Eurobasket News
Finals
Lukoil Academik - Levski 81-76

Lukoil Academik won NBL Final opener over Levski 81:76. Levski trailed by 19 points after 3 quarters before a 25-11 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 76-81 at the end of the game. American guard Brandon Heath (193-84, college: San Diego St.) stepped up and scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and the former international swingman Todor Stoykov (198-77, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 18 points. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) responded with 34 points (!!!) and the other American import center Donald Cole (204-81, college: Sam Houston St., agency: Edge Sports) scored 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Levski: A.Harper 34+2reb+3ast, D.Cole 15+8reb+1ast, Z.Georgiev 13+5reb+2ast, S.Georgiev 6+4reb+1ast, S.Slaveykov 5+4reb+1ast, G.Cekovski 3+6reb+2ast
Lukoil Academik: T.Stoykov 18+2reb, B.Heath 16+5reb+8ast, T.Peterson 9+3reb, B.Sundov 8+4reb+1ast, D.Green 8+1ast, B.Avramov 7+4reb+4ast
gschID: 128727


Third place
Rilski Sportist - Tundja 83-91

Rilski Sportist trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 12 after three quarters before a 22-18 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 83-91 at the end of the game. 28 personal fouls committed by Rilski Sportist helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International guard Pavel Marinov (197-88, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 25 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and guard Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. At the losing side Serbian forward Vladimir Mijovic (207-84) responded with 11 points and 9 rebounds and Bosnian-Serbian center Aleksandar Radojevic (220-76, college: Barton County CC) scored 16 points. Four Tundja and five Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Rilski Sportist: A.Radojevic 16+4reb, V.Mijovic 11+9reb+3ast, A.Gruev 11+4reb+3ast, I.Lilov 10+3reb+2ast, D.Karadzovski 10+3reb+3ast, D.Marojevic 10+5reb
Tundja: P.Marinov 25+5reb+2ast, S.Govedarov 21+4reb+4ast, S.Finzgar 16+8reb+2ast, S.Petkov 10+8reb+1ast, M.Durchev 8, D.Sattler 7+2reb
gschID: 128728




Lukoil Academic won the first game of the Finals - by Christomir Rackov
Lukoil Academic didn't give Levski a lot of chances and took 1-0 lead in the Finals. The champions won 81-86 at home after leading for the better part of the game. The second match is on Thursday again in Pravets.

The game was even until the middle of the first quarter before Lukoil made an 18-2 run to finish the first ten minutes with 26-12 lead. The run continued as the second quarter started with 11-1 for the hosts as the result went up to 37-13. Lukoil led 50-28 at the break and 70-51 after three quarters. Levski managed to cut the deficit at the end but it was too late to do anything.

Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) was the top scorer for the winners with 18 points as Brandon Heath added 18 and 8 assists.

Aaron Harper had 34 points for Levski and Donald Cole finished with 15 and 8 rebounds.

FULL STATS FROM LUKOIL ACADEMIC - LEVSKI GAME



Yambol take Game 1 against Rilski Sportist for the 3rd place - by Christomir Rackov
Yambol defeated Rilski Sportist at Arena Samokov in Game 1 of the 3rd place series in the Bulgarian championship. The team coached by Ivan Cholakov was motivated for the win and was ahead of its opponent throughout the whole game for the final 91-83. The next game will be played at Yambol and the local team could win the bronze medals at home as it needs one more victory in the best-of-three series.

Pavel Marinov (197-G-88) scored 25 points and Stanislav Govedarov (185-G-80) added 21 for the win. Simon Finzgar (196-F-80) finished with 16 and 8 rebounds.

Aleksandar Radojevic (220-C-76) nailed 16 for Rilski. Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) and Vladimir Mijovic (207-F-84) (9 reb) each scored 11.

The finals also begin today with Game 1 between the defending champion Lukoil Academic and Levski Sofia.

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.3
 1. Harper, Levski23.3 
 2. Lilov, Rilski S.20.6 
 3. Dimitrov, Spartak19.2 
 4. Naydenov, Chernom.16.8 
 5. Davidov, Balkan15.7 
 6. Bozov, Balkan15.5 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja15.1 
 8. Yanev, Cherno More14.6 
 9. James, Lukoil A.13.9 
 10. Stankov, Spartak13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Varbanov, Tundja10.4 
 2. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 3. Todorov, Spartak7.4 
 4. Kolev, Cherno More6.9 
 5. Peterson, Lukoil A.6.9 
 6. Radojevic, Rilski6.8 
 7. Georgiev, Levski6.8 
 8. Morton, Balkan6.5 
 9. Dimitrov, Spartak6.4 
 10. Cekovski, Levski6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Crowe, Levski5.6 
 2. Alexiev, Cherno M.4.5 
 3. Heath, Lukoil A.4.1 
 4. Dyakovski, Spartak4.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.3.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan3.8 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja3.6 
 8. Lilov, Rilski S.3.4 
 9. Gruev, Rilski S.3.3 
 10. Karadzovski, Rils.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Crowe, Levski2.4 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.2.2 
 3. Zahariev, Chernomo.2.1 
 4. Bozov, Balkan1.9 
 5. James, Lukoil A.1.9 
 6. Radionov, Tundja1.8 
 7. Green, Lukoil A.1.7 
 8. Bowman, Lukoil A.1.6 
 9. Marinov, Balkan1.6 
 10. Finzgar, Tundja1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Doychinov, Balkan1.2 
 2. Radojevic, Rilski1.0 
 3. Varbanov, Tundja1.0 
 4. Cole, Levski0.7 
 5. Mijovic, Rilski S.0.7 
 6. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 7. Yanev, Cherno More0.6 
 8. Banev, Lukoil A.0.6 
 9. Petkov, Tundja0.6 
 10. Vaklinov, Rilski0.6 


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


A foreign team arrives in Cary - by Eurobasket News
BY J. MIKE BLAKE, Staff Writer
CARY - It's a Sunday afternoon at the Herb C. Young Community Center and the squeaks and squeals of 30 kids playing on the basketball court are audible from the front door.
Soon, music blares through portable speakers and the little ones heaving basketballs at the rim join parents sitting on portable bleachers.

A group of 10 men in their 20s emerges from a storage closet wearing matching uniforms and begins to warm up.

The announcer booms: 'Let's hear it for your Cary Invasion!'

The Cary what?

This is the typical reaction when you tell people about the Cary Invasion. It takes a second to explain that the town is now home to a minor league team from the Continental Basketball League. The league's eight teams are clustered in southeastern states - mostly North Carolina and Florida - and Cary is one of the newest expansion squads. League officials hope to add teams in Durham and Clayton next season.

And no, the name is not a reference to the town's fast-paced growth or the colloquial acronym 'Containment Area for Relocated Yankees.'

Only two players on the roster played NCAA Division I college basketball. Neither averaged more than one point per game.

Team owner and president Mark Janas says he's heard the jokes. But he takes this league seriously.

UFO sighting

Neither the town nor the league made a big deal about the new franchise's arrival. Earlier this month, the team made an email listing of town activities, right above Princess Castle Dance time for preschoolers and water aerobics classes for seniors.

The team was more than a year in the making.

A Cary resident and UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, Janas co-owned the Wilmington CBL franchise for six years but wanted to bring a team to his town. The 43-year-old owner of three software companies tried to start in 2010, but the logistics were too complicated.

With the town pledging to revitalize its downtown, he says he saw an opportunity at the community center next to Town Hall. When he approached the town a month ago, it didn't take much to make the team a reality.

'It may have seemed like a last-minute thing when he came to us in April, but we were pretty much prepared by all the discussion we had last year,' says Dwayne Jones, the town's recreation manager.

The team has agreed to pay the town $55 per hour to use the court, plus costs for police officers and scorekeepers at the games.

Janas' business model doesn't include spending on advertising. He is relying on word-of-mouth to increase interest in his team.

So far, his major targets have been the youth basketball community and downtown businesses.

'We really wanted to demonstrate our worth to the downtown community before we did anything too aggressive,' Janas says. 'We were really looking at more of an organic growth phase for this first season ... and with that process, interest has picked up.'

Janas holds no delusions that this minor league professional team will garner headlines in such rich ACC college basketball territory. Instead, he is focused on becoming a niche attraction. In particular, a family-friendly show.

The crowds at Invasion games so far consist mostly of elementary-aged kids. That includes the team's cheerleaders - an energetic, pint-sized crew that wears matching shirts and skirts and thrashes pompoms in the air.

Coach MarQus Johnson, an East Wake High School and N.C. Central graduate who at 32 has already been an interim head coach at St. Augustine's and his college alma mater, says his team is conscious of the young fans who sit close to the floor to hear the action.

'In the heat of battle, and this is anybody, you may say a few cuss words,' Johnson says. 'But I always let them know that in this atmosphere, we need to be professional.'

An alien brand

The Cary brand is important to Janas. Unlike the Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey team or Cary's minor league soccer team, the Carolina RailHawks, he says he wants the Invasion to be a part of Cary's small town feel and downtown progress.

But the team's name - and its alien mascot 'Cosmo' - is foreign. Cary does not have a long history of UFO sightings.

The team's colors, black and green, match the extraterrestrial theme and the community center is dubbed 'Area 51' during basketball games.

'We wanted to do something different,' Janas explains. 'We wanted to do something that was not a wildcat, not a dog; we wanted to be something unique. Something that would look good on a ball cap and not be confused with anything else.'

For the players, the experience is far from the bling-obsessed NBA.

The Invasion players make about $2,000 for the full two-month season, which ends June 19. And the team will not travel any farther than Savannah, which is the season's only overnight trip. Cary plays in the league's north division with Fayetteville, Wilmington and Birmingham, Ala.

The two players with primetime college basketball experience are Raleigh natives David Chambers (South Carolina) and Will Roach (N.C. State). Like most players in the CBL, neither played a central role in their college careers.

Many of the players are under contract with overseas teams and use the Invasion as a way to keep active in the offseason. Some players, such as Roach, work other full-time or part-time jobs.

'I work full time for a medical device company here in (the Triangle) and have since I graduated. And I have a family,' Roach said. 'When I got a call about this team, I jumped all on it. I still can't give it up. I just love playing.'

The Young Center was never intended to house a professional basketball team.

There is no public announcement system, no shot clocks, no American flag and no locker rooms.

The team brought in portable shot clocks and later taped a flag to the wall.

'That's one of the things that go with minor league sports - you kind of work with the venue you've got,' Janas says.

Locker rooms were created from the facility's two storage closets. The town staff created partitions to hide the soccer balls, mini basketball hoops and plastic tricycles in the closets, hoping to give it more of a professional feel.

'I thought it was a great set-up. The town of Cary has really taken care of us,' the coach says.

High-scoring games

Other parts of the Young Center work. An upstairs hallway with glass walls doubles as skyboxes for team sponsors to watch the action. The fire code says that the building can hold no more than 700 people, so a capacity crowd of about 400 filling bleachers and chairs on three sides of the floor gives the place an electric feel.

The league follows most NBA regulation rules - 12-minute quarters with a 24-second shot clock - but in other ways differs significantly.

For one, no player can foul out of a game. After a player's sixth foul, the other team gets a free throw and the ball.

And secondly, the league does not use NBA-range 3-pointers. The line differs from court to court. The Young Center has only the high school 3-point line.

It leads to high-scoring games.

A week ago, the Invasion defeated Savannah's Port City Sharks 141-99, scoring 47 points in the first quarter alone.

When the games end, the kids scurry back onto the court and hoist shot after shot. Fifteen minutes later, the Invasion players walk out of the locker room and sit at a table at midcourt. Some of the younger fans ask them for autographs, while others keep shooting.

Either way, Cary's newest professional team is generating the interest, whether curious onlookers who didn't believe the team existed or wide-eyed kids.

The team prefers the young kids.

'This is their opportunity to be close to court, close to the game, come out after warm-ups and hang out,' Roach says. 'It makes it fun for us. We love the kids and we want more kids here.'
Courtesy of: www.carynews.com

Standings
CBL Standings
 1. Cary I. 5-0 
 2. Heartland P. 4-0 
 3. Birmingham S. 2-0 
 4. Fayetteville C. 1-1 
 5. Gainesville G. 1-2 
 6. Miami Stars 0-0 
 7. Port City 0-2 
 8. Florida Flight 0-3 
 9. Wilmington SD 0-4 


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Standings - LIBSUR
LIBSUR Standings
North Group
 1. AB Temuco 1-0 
 2. CD Carahue 1-0 
 3. Victoria 1-0 
 4. CD Valdiva 0-0 
 5. CD Imperial 0-1 
 6. CD Las Animas 0-1 
 7. Lautaro 0-1 
South Group
 1. CB Osorno 1-0 
 2. CD Castro 1-0 
 3. Espanol O. 1-0 
 4. CD Puerto Montt 1-1 
 5. U.Los Lagos 0-0 
 6. AB Ancud 0-1 
 7. Aleman 0-1 
 8. CD Puerto Varas 0-1 


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Apoel lands Christos Stylianides! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Christos Stylianides who connected his name with winning an outstanding championship back in 2009 having a double disadvantage at the playoffs, is back to Apoel.

The Cypriot coach has officially signed and has already started scheduling for next year.

Christos Stylianides is among the best Cypriot players ever played the game. As a player he won many titles and has also been the Captain of the Cyprus National Team. Since his retirement, he has coached ENAD, Apoel and has been for a number of years the National Team's coach.

We wish Christos Stylianides all the best.


Christos Stylinidis is the new Head Coach of APOEL Nicosia. - by Chris Mammides
Aris VasiIopoulos the new president of the team of Cytavision Apoel Nicosia agreed financial terms with the ex head coach of the team and currently the head coach of the Cyprus National Team, Christos Stylianidis for the coming season 2011-2012.
Christos Stylianidis was quite successful in the team of APOEL as he won the champion two years ago with great efficiency.

The team of APOEL tried to bring over one of the very good and talented young Greek head coaches in the team but due to the fact that the leagues haven't finished yet in Greece and APOEL wanted to lock the coaching team directly decided to proceed with the hiring of Christos Stylianidis as the main head coach and the American Cypriot Darrin Fowlkes (198-F-67, college: Butler) as his assistant coach.
Both Stylianides and Fawlkes do have in front of them a good three months period to select players and to succeed in developing a strong team to come back in the titles.
Some behind the scene news do bring some players in the team of APOEL that used to play a couple of years ago in the team of APOEL while some other rumors bring over some top class Greek players in the Nicosia team. Eurobasket.com will be close to the news and will launch them as soon as they will be official from the team.


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


BK Pardubice tied the Semi-Finals at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News
BK Pardubice - BK Prostejov 92-70

BK Pardubice tied the Semi-Finals at 2-2 over Prostejov. The game without a history. BK Pardubice led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Maurice Hampton (188-84, college: Austin Peay St.) who helped to win the game recording 17 points. International forward Petr Bohacik (202-85) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Canadian forward Kyle Landry (206-86, college: N.Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds and American center Bertengeh Cadri-Nicholson (208-83, college: Denver) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for BK Prostejov. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
BK Pardubice: M.Hampton 17+3reb, M.Arnold 14+3reb+1ast, L.Kraus 13+5reb+1ast, M.Marek 10+2reb, P.Bohacik 10+7reb+3ast, J.Cernosek 9+4reb+4ast
BK Prostejov: K.Landry 15+13reb+1ast, B.Cadri-Nicholson 13+6reb, A.Slezas 13+2reb, J.Prasil 10+1reb, B.Veikalas 6+1reb, E.Lawrence 6+2reb+9ast
gschID: 128809




*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


El Gezira wins Egyptian Basketball Premier League - by Eurobasket News
El Gezira wins Egyptian Basketball Premier League as the team finished Combined cycle Final undefeated. In the most important game the team overcame El Ahly 102:90. In their last game El Gezira won over El Zamalek 79:59.

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


Bargnani, Gallinari and Belinelli will wear the Azzurri shirt this summer - by Eurobasket News
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85), Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) and Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) will wear the Azzurri shirt this summer at the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania. Three Italian Superstars will be the key players for the National team.
Andrea Bargnani is the key player this season for Toronto. He averaged 21.4 points per game that was an amazing result. Danilo Gallinari improved to 14.1 points per game for Denver after moving from New York, while Marco Belinelli has 10.4 points per game for New Orleans Hornets that was also a big achievement after two disappointing seasons with Golden State and another one in Toronto.
In the last game of the Qualifying Round Italy defeated Montenegro in Group A to improve at 5-3 record. Andrea Bargnani scored 34 points to lead the hosts. Italy opened the game with seven points in a row. But Montenegro quickly recovered as they responded with 9 unanswered points to take the lead. The visitors rolled to a 17:12 advantage at the first break. Montenegro stretched the lead to 9 points at the start of the second term. Italy needed an 8:1 run late in the quarter to pull in front 28:27. Goran Jeretin returned the lead to Montenegro as they ensured a 34:32 cushion at halftime. Andrea Bargnani and Antonio Maestranzi teamed up for 24 points in the third quarter to keep Italy on top. The hosts secured a 60:56 lead at the final break. Montenegro erased the deficit leveling things up at 67 midway through the fourth period. Italy answered with five points in a row to take some breathing space. Montenegro drew as close as one point but the visitors ran out of time and Italy celebrated a tough win at the end.


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


KORISLIIGA: Honka captured Ville Kaunisto - by Rauno Hurmalainen
The Player of The Year (2010-11) Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82) has left Kouvot (Kouvola) and signed a 1-year-contract with Honka (Espoo). Kaunisto averaged last season 13,9 ppg - 10,6 rpg in 46 contests and 32:15 mpg. Head Coach Pekka Salminen will continue at the end of Honka bench, but will miss Jukka Matinen (203-F-78), who will transfer to KTP (Kotka). Matinen and KTP agreed with a two-year-contract (2011-13). Matinen, who averaged passed season 9,8 ppg - 3,4 rpg in 36 games and 27:36 mpg, has won four Finnish Championships on Honka roster (2001, 2002, 2007, 2008) and has been 92 times on Finland NT roster. F Matias Ojala (197-F-89), who belonged two seasons on Kataja (Joensuu) roster, has signed a 1-year-contract with YMCA Lappeenranta. Ojala played last season in 48 contests and averaged 1,9 ppg - 1,3 rpg in 8:05 mpg.

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


ProB Round 3 of Quarter-Finals. Nanterre and Boulogne reach semis - by Eurobasket News
Nanterre - Le Portel 80-73

Nanterre booked the spot in the semifinals. They prevailed against Le Portel at home court. It looked good early as Le Portel took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then JSF Nanterre had a 19-11 second period charge getting the lead and Le Portel was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-80. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for power forward Nate Carter (199-83, college: Oklahoma) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Mykal Riley (198-85, college: Alabama) helped adding 18 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was power forward Nigel Wyatte (204-81, college: Wagner, agency: Court Side) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and guard Austen Rowland (186-81, college: Lehigh, agency: Court Side) scored 16 points. Four Le Portel players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Nanterre: N.Carter 22+7reb+3ast, M.Riley 18+5reb, G.Pons 11+5reb+5ast, L.Akono 9+4reb+2ast, J.Passave-Ducteil 9+5reb+1ast, M.Judith 6+2reb+4ast
Le Portel: N.Wyatte 16+10reb+2ast, A.Rowland 16+4reb+2ast, C.Davis 11+3reb+4ast, E.Choquet 10+2reb, J.Ludon 9+4reb+2ast, F.N'Kembe 6+1reb
gschID: 128777


Rouen - Boulogne 83-93

Boulogne surprised Rouen on the road and clinched the place at the semifinal stage. The game was mostly controlled by SO Maritime Boulogne. SPO Rouen managed to win second period 15-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SO Maritime Boulogne made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American forward Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, college: Maryland) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Nigerian forward Patrick Okafor (203-79, college: Houston) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Jason Siggers (187-85, college: Albany) added 21 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for SPO Rouen. Four SO Maritime Boulogne and five SPO Rouen players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Boulogne: L.Milbourne 32+15reb, T.Stanley 25+3reb+1ast, D.Monroe 15+11reb+6ast, L.Kante 12+3reb, E.Plateau 5+3reb+2ast, F.Raposo Laurencio 2+1reb+1ast
Rouen: J.Siggers 21+6reb+1ast, P.Okafor 17+11reb, C.Thioune 14+6reb+2ast, P.Poupet 13+5reb+5ast, W.Soliman 12+4reb+2ast, D.Williams 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 128793




Champagne Chalons-Reims signs Olivier Kolb - by Eurobasket News
Champagne Chalons-Reims announced signing of Olivier Kolb (205-C-87). The 24-year-old bug guy penned a deal for the next season. Kolb spent the last one with NM1 team ADA Blois Basket. He appeared 31 times for the club registering 12.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg. Kolb already played for Chalons-en-Champagne Basket on season 2009/10. At that time he had 8.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2 bpg for 34 games in NM1. In 2008/09, Kolb was a member of Etoile Sportive Prisse Macon.
At the same time, Champagne Chalons-Reims announced that Gorjan Radonjic refused their offer for contract extension. The team already started search for his replacement. Radonjic played 33 games for the club this season averaging 8.8 points and 2.2 rebounds.

Guillaume Quintard takes over Nantes as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Nantes hired Guillaume Quintard as their new Head Coach. Two sides inked a deal yesterday. Quintard heads to Nantes from Maurienne, where he worked last three years. They ended this season in the Quarterfinals as Dijon was too strong for them twice. In 2010, Maurienne reached ProB Semifinals.
Before Maurienne, Guillaume Quintard worked two years with Roanne. He led them to French La Semaine des As Cup trophy in 2007. Quintard started his coaching career as AC of Maurienne (03/04). Three years after that he was promoted to HC position. Quintard will replace Antoine Michon at Nantes, who failed to reach the Playoffs this season.

Cedrick Banks leaves CSP Limoges - by Eurobasket News
Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) is no longer a member of CSP Limoges. The American guard exercised his option for contract termination. Banks arrived to Limoges last summer from Orleans. He appeared 17 times in ProA this season averaging 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Limoges ended as the last ranked team in the league with 9-21 record. They will compete in ProB next season.
Cedrick Banks had 13 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 1.7 apg in Euroleague last season. He also added 15.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 3.3 apg in ProA with Orleans. In the past, Banks was a member of Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion, Nancy and Besancon. He appeared three times at the ProA All-Star Game. He also reached the ProA Finals twice. Last season, Banks for the French Cup with Orleans. This season he reached the Cup Finals with Limoges.

Stats Leaders - N1
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 24
 1. Blair, Denek24.0 
 2. Kennedy, Orchy18.0 
 3. Petrovic, St Et.17.9 
 4. Pridotkas, Brest17.4 
 5. Ford, Bordeaux17.2 
 6. James, Challans16.7 
 7. Blot, Blois16.4 
 8. Disy, Roche16.1 
 9. Lesieu, St Quentin15.6 
 10. Howell, St Quentin15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lavar SIMMONS
  St Et.
  (201-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Simmons, St Et.8.8 
 2. Balocka, Lievin8.6 
 3. Pasut, Sorgues8.5 
 4. Cilly, Orchy8.4 
 5. Lopez, Brest8.2 
 6. Alingue, Souffel8.1 
 7. Hoard, Lievin8.1 
 8. Cabarkapa, Le Puy8.0 
 9. Ford, Bordeaux7.9 
 10. Lesieu, St Quent.7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Julien CORTEY
  Le Puy
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Cortey, Le Puy7.5 
 2. Brochard, Blois6.5 
 3. Barbry, Orchy4.9 
 4. Ramphort, Angers B.4.8 
 5. Sauret, Denain4.2 
 6. Rambur, St Quentin4.2 
 7. Driss, Bordeaux4.0 
 8. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.0 
 9. Dessart, Lievin3.8 
 10. Yanders, Challans3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Blair, Denek2.8 
 2. Pistre, Le Puy2.1 
 3. El Amrani, St Et.2.1 
 4. Sauret, Denain2.0 
 5. Neri, Roche1.9 
 6. Bateko, Roche1.9 
 7. Barbry, Orchy1.8 
 8. James, Challans1.8 
 9. Ipouck, Le Puy1.8 
 10. Roberts, Brest1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jacques ALINGUE
  Souffel
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Alingue, Souffel1.8 
 2. Rinna, St Chamond1.8 
 3. Traore, Angers B.1.7 
 4. Ford, Bordeaux1.4 
 5. Kolb, Blois1.2 
 6. Ipouck, Le Puy1.1 
 7. Pasut, Sorgues1.1 
 8. Lalugba, Denain1.1 
 9. Kennedy, Orchy1.1 
 10. Pourchot, CFBB1.0 


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


MZT Skopje hires Aleksandar Todorov as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandar Todorov (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) is the new Head Coach of MZT Skopje. He will replace Igor Gacov. It will be third time for Todorov at the MZTs bench. Since 2008 Todorov was working with Rilski Sportist in Bulgaria. He helped them win the inaugural season of the Balkan League. They also reached Bulgarian Semifinals and National Cup Finals. In 2007/08, Todorov worked with MZT Skopje and was the assistant coach of the FYROM National Team. From 2005 to 2007, Todorov was working in Turkey. He was a Head Coach of the Ankara Basket. In the past, Todorov also worked with FON Struga, Vardar and Kumanovo. In 2000/01, he was named Head Coach of MZT Skopje for the first time.
MZT Skopje reached the Superleague Semifinals this season, but Rabotnicki eliminated them with 2-3.

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


Army takes 2-1 Final lead - by Eurobasket News
TSU Tbilisi - Army 60-74

Army takes 2-1 Final lead after 74:60 win last night. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 29-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Army Sport Klub dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to TSU's 22. Army Sport Klub forced 20 TSU turnovers. It was a great evening for the former international forward Zviad Babiashvili (199-78) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Kote Tugushi (192-84) helped adding 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Army Sport Klub players scored in double figures. Army Sport Klub's coach Levan Moseshvili used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was forward Zurab Korkotadze (194-83) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and center Richard Matiashvili (209-89) scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Top scorers:
TSU Tbilisi: R.Matiashvili 15+7reb, Z.Korkotadze 14+10reb, M.Berishvili 12+7reb+3ast, G.Gaprindashvili 9+4reb+6ast, M.Panchulidze 8+1reb+1ast, I.Londaridze 2+1ast
Army: Z.Babiashvili 23+12reb+2ast, K.Tugushi 18+5reb+6ast, B.Berishvili 14+1reb+5ast, V.Minashvili 13+6reb+1ast, A.Boisa 3+7reb+1ast, G.Sharabidze 2+1reb
gschID: 128785




Geogian Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Beqa CHIKVILADZE
  GTU T.
  (195-G-91)
  Avg: 23.8
 1. Chikviladze, GTU T.23.8 
 2. Sanadze, Batumi21.1 
 3. Parghalava, Sokhu.19.2 
 4. Matiashvili, TSU T.18.0 
 5. Berishvili, TSU T.17.5 
 6. Dvalishvili, Samed.17.3 
 7. Panchulidze, TSU T.17.1 
 8. Tugushi, Army16.4 
 9. Tsekvava, Energy16.0 
 10. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Akaki DVALISHVILI
  Samed.
  (206-C-90)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Dvalishvili, Samed.11.2 
 2. Matiashvili, TSU T.9.6 
 3. Berishvili, TSU T.9.5 
 4. Damus, Sokhumi9.4 
 5. Keshelava, Batumi9.1 
 6. Imnadze, MIA T.8.9 
 7. Londaridze, TSU T.8.9 
 8. Ugrekhelidze, Army8.7 
 9. Toudjani, Energy R.8.6 
 10. Antadze, GTU T.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Beka TSIVTSIVADZE
  MIA T.
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Tsivtsivadze, MIA6.8 
 2. Gaprindashvi., TSU5.9 
 3. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi5.5 
 4. Artsividze, GSAU T.5.0 
 5. Tugushi, Army5.0 
 6. Parghalava, Sokhu.4.9 
 7. Didia, Kutaisi4.5 
 8. Harris, Sokhumi4.5 
 9. Tsivtsivadze, Ener.4.4 
 10. Rogers, Samedicino4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Vasili BERUASHVILI
  GTU T.
  (198-F-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Beruashvili, GTU T.3.0 
 2. Tsekvava, Energy2.8 
 3. Antadze, GTU T.2.7 
 4. Berishvili, Kutaisi2.6 
 5. Gulisabedash., Sam.2.2 
 6. Sanadze, Batumi2.1 
 7. Berishvili, Army2.1 
 8. Parghalava, Sokhu.2.1 
 9. Gaprindashvi., TSU2.0 
 10. Panchulidze, TSU2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Samuel LAMU
  Energy R.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Lamu, Energy R.2.2 
 2. Matiashvili, TSU T.1.5 
 3. Damus, Sokhumi1.5 
 4. Bekauri, Samedicino1.4 
 5. Berishvili, TSU T.1.2 
 6. Dvalishvili, Samed.1.2 
 7. Sharabidze, Army1.2 
 8. Toudjani, Energy R.1.2 
 9. Damus, Sokhumi1.1 
 10. Imnadze, MIA T.1.1 


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


Torrell Martin Will Return For A Third Year To The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It is always nice to see a player stay with the same team for an extended period of time, but even nicer when a great player like Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) remains in the BEKO BBL. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven made it official today announcing that AmericanTorrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) will return for a third season. Martin who was a beko BBl allstar in 2010-2011 was on his way to a great season until he got injured in February and never returned this season. The South Carolina native played 22 games averaging 15,4ppg, 7,1rpg, 2,9apgand 1,7spg. 'It is a great feeling to keep playing in Bremerhaven. I will play my third season in Bremerhaven and the city, club and fans have entered my heart. I am working each day to get ready for next season. My goal is to have continued success with the Eisbaeren', stressed Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop). Eisbaeren coach Doug Spradley is also content that Martin will return. 'Torrell Martin (196-G/F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Winthrop) is a player that makes each team better. He always goes to the limit and pushes his teammates further. Nothing better can happen to a coach than being able to keep a player like him. His relationship to the Eisbaeren fans is unique. he brings a real identity to the team', stressed Eisbaeren coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops )

Source: Eisbaeren Bremerhaven

Dominik Bahiense De Mello (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Is Named To The German National Team - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The last time Skyliner shooting guard Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) breathed German national team air was a little after the Boston Celtics had won their last NBA championship with the big three Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. That was in 2008 and now three years later, the 26 year old 190cm guard will get another shot to try to make the roster for the 2011 European Championships. Back in 2008, he was able to play some games, but was cut from the Olympic roster for Peiking. Ever since, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners brought in coach Gordon Herbert last season, the play of De mello has been like night and day compared to before the Canadian was hired. This season, De Mello averaged 6,1ppg, 1,7rpg and 1,2apg and 37,5% from the parking lot. He is not only known as a shooter, but as an aggressive defender who is like an unwanted pest for any opponent. Ever since the coaching chnage, De Mello is more calm on the court and makes better decisions. In the current playoffs, he has stepped up averaging 8,8ppg, 3,3rpg and 45% from the three point line. He scored a career high 19 points in the 81-80 game one loss to Alba Berlin. 'It is a big honour to have been invited. I see this as a big chnace toimprove myself. I will give my best just as I do for my team and I am looking forward to it', stressed Dominik Bahiense de Mello.German national team coach Dirk Bauermann will be in attendance for game 3 against Alba Berlin tomorrow and be able to make new notes about the play of De Mello.

Source: Deutsche Bank Skyliners

Kamil Novak (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Sometimes A Team Needs Creativity And That Is The Quality That Dashaun Wood Has - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kamil Novak has been sport director of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners since 2005. He also was coach for one game in 2006 after Ivan Sunara was fired. In the 90s, he played in the BBL for Rhondorf. He also played in his native Czech Republic for NH Ostrava with his best statistical season being 1997-1998 where he averaged 18,7ppg and 8,2rpg. He also played in Austria and Luxemberg before ending his basketball career with MTV Kronberg from 2002-2005. He took some time to talk with eurobasket before game 3 against Alba Berlin.

Dominik Bahiense De Mello was named to the German national team. Can De Mello make the 2011 European championships roster?



It is an honor for him to play for his country. I am very happy for him. It is now in his hands how far he wants to get with the team.

A great game 2 80-72 win against Alba Berlin. Was this the greatest Skyliner comeback since you have been with team?


We had some nice comebacks this season like the Oldenburg game at home, but the Berlin win was more important considering the importance of the game and that it was in Berlin.

When did you know in the fourth quarter that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners would win?


I never doubt that we can lose any game. We didnt start well and didnt play well. But I was happy that Alba Berlin was unable to get a 15 + point lead. I didnt even notice until after the game that we held Alba Berlin to no points in a 7-8 minute span. The most important thing was that we turned the game around. We won the game despite not playing very well.

DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) only had 11 points in the first 30 minutes, but poured in 12 points in the fourth quarter. What other players are there in Europe that can decide games as well as Wood does?



Wood made the decisive points in the last quarter. We played as a team on defense and Wood was most important on offense. There are many world class players in Europe and I am glad that we have one in Wood on our team.


What did the team do different in the fourth quarter on defense. Skyliners spoke about making adjustments in the pick and role defense.


We didnt really change. We defended the same way that we have in the other games.

Does Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert say words like ok Dashaun, go out and win the game in a time out?



Sometimes a team is unable to do those things that we want done on paper. Sometimes a team needs creativity and that is the quality that DaShaun Wood has. Wood is very fast, but not only the guy making the points, but one of the top assists players and gets rebounds well. He is a very versatile player for his 185cm. He knows exactly when to score and when to set up his teammates.


Roger Powell spoke about a team effort against Alba Berlin. How big was this team effort?



We wouldnt have had a chance to win game 2 without our defense. Our team understood that every guy on the court and bench have to do their role.

How is Chris Moss doing? Will he play in game 3?



He is doing good. We will decide shortly before the game if he will play. It is not a bad injury.

What is the most important thing that Roger Powell has given the team in the last games?


Roger is so versatile. He can shoot and moves very well to the basket. He is very explosive and has given the fans something to cheer about with his spectacular dunks. He also has been important on defense defending guys down low and outside.

What can we expect from Game 3 tonight?


I think it will be similar to the first two games. I expect the game to be tight and it will be interesting to see how Alba Berlin reacts from their weak fourth quarter in game 2. The series is 1-1 and starts again now. We have to play concentrated and start better and get a comfortable lead. Each player will have to give their best.


How do you see the MVP battle between DaShaun Wood and Julius Jenkins?


This will continue to an interesting duel. Jenkins did a pretty good job defending Wood. We will see if they do that again. I am really looking forward to seeing them play against each other.


How do you see the Bamberg-Artland series?



This is a series that is hard to predict. Artland is very deep and I suspect this will continue to be a very exciting series.

How much are you eyeing how Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks are playing?


It is hard not to follow Nowitzki. I am happy that he is close again to winning that first title. I will continue to cross my hands and it would a big honor for German basketball if he were to win the title.

Dallas Maverick coach Rick Carlisle has said that Dirk Nowitzki is in his top 10 greatest players of all time. Where is Nowitzki in your list?


I cant comment on that. I respect every player and there are too many good players. If Carlisle said that about Nowitzki then it has to mean something. Nowitzki is one of best German athletes ever and not many Germans have made the NBA. It is great that he is still playing in his 30s.

How do you see the Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat series?


Everybody was talking about the Lakers and Heat before the season and nobody about the Bulls. It is good for the NBA that Chicago and Dallas are in the Conference finals and that you never know who will win next.


What was the last DVD movie that you saw?



I havent watched a DVD in months.

Which Skyliner will be top scorer in game 3?



I dont want to know. All I care about is that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have 1 point more than Alba Berlin after 40 minutes. Everything else isnt important.


Thanks Kamil for the chat.

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


Div.B Standing
B Standings
 1. Nea Kifisia 24-5 
 2. OFI 22-6 
 3. Ermis Perama 21-7 
 4. Doxa Lefkadas 20-8 
 5. Anagennisi 19-10 
 6. MENT 17-12 
 7. Aias Evosmou 16-13 
 8. Stratoni 14-14 
 9. Diagoras 13-15 
 10. Doukas 13-15 
 11. Aiolos Trik. 13-16 
 12. Apollon KL 10-18 
 13. Egaleo 10-18 
 14. Filippos Veroias 7-22 
 15. M.Alexandros 5-24 


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


Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Vancouver V. 8-1 
 2. Bellingham S. 8-3 
 3. W.C. Hotshots 4-3 
 4. Olympia R. 2-5 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-1 
 6. USA All-Stars 0-15 
International Division
 1. Albany L. 12-3 
 2. Kankakee S. 10-3 
 3. Gary Splash 6-6 
 4. Oregon W. 4-6 
 5. Edmonton E. 2-4 
Branding Team
 1. Lansing C. 2-3 
 2. Dayton A. 1-0 
 3. Phoenix R. 0-0 
 4. Las Vegas P. 0-1 
 5. Ohio H.G. 0-2 
 6. Lake Co. 0-3 


Legends pound hapless 'All-Stars' - by Eurobasket News
The Albany Legends completed a three-game sweep of the winless USA All-Stars with a 158-112 win Sunday at Christian Brother Academy in Colonie.

Albany won each of the three games in the weekend series by at least 36 points.

E.J. Gallup led Albany with 29 points and Lloyd Johnson added 21 as seven Legends scored at least 17 points. Albany was stellar from the field, shooting 60 percent. Gallup was 10-of-14, Johnson was 9-of-14 and Will Harris was 9-of-10. Jordan Prais (6'7''-F, agency: JEMsports, college: St.Leo) led the All-Stars (0-15) with 25 points.

Albany dominated on the glass, outrebounding the All-Stars 56-37, led by Harris who had 10 rebounds. Troy native Tiki Mayben finished with only five points, but dished out 12 assists.

The Legends (12-3), the 2010 IBL champions, will take a month off before embarking on their first road trip of the season June 24 at Edmonton. They will then play the Portland Chinooks June 28 and finish the regular season at the Olympia Reign June 29.

The International Basketball League playoffs begin July 1 at Vancouver, Washington.
Courtesy of:timesunion.com

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


NUVO CLS Knights Champion of World Challenge 2011 - by Koko Triloka
In the game the last day of LA Lights World Challenge 2011, Dell Aspac fascinating look.
By lowering his young players, Aspac Dell won a landslide victory with a score of 93 -78 over NUVO CLS Knights.

However, NUVO CLS Knights in the tournament of LA Lights World Challenge 2011, which was made to commemorate 65 years of the founding of CLS, ranked first with the acquisition of number 9 (4 wins, 1 defeat). The second place was occupied by teams from Australia, the Gold Coast with the acquisition of number 8, and followed by Dell ASPAC team.

What is interesting in the tournament LA Lights 2011 World Challenge final day was the holding of Slam Dunk Contest. Slam Dunk Contest Champion, Pero Vasiljevic. Players from teams 32-year-old Gold Coast of Australia with a high weight of 112 kg 204cm action spectacular slam dunk all the spectators who packed at the GOR Kertajaya - CLS. Vasiljevic perform an action with a spontaneous and assisted by his team-mates James Harvey (captain of the Australian National Team) who stood behind the back board. Vasiljevic received the ball from Harvey in the air and immediately inserted into the basket with one hand while the others hanging on basketball hoop. 'I do spontaneously, and do not have a title for this action. I just want to entertain the audience in Surabaya,' he said. The toughest rival of Vasiljevic is Freddy Chen, NUVO CLS Knights players. Freddy did dunk, taking the cap placed by Dimaz Muharri teammate in the corner of the ring.

LA Lights as a sponsor of this tournament, also gave individual awards for the players. Top Score: Anthony Johnson (163 points) - Dell Aspac, Top Rebound Yulong Lin (63) - China Sunlot Dui Tian Guang, Top Dimaz Muharri Steal (19) - NUVO CLS Knights, MVP: Ren-Rong Chen Guang Tian Sunlot Dui China


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


Standings - Artzit (D3)
Artzit Standings
Group North
 1. Elitzur K-A 19-3 
 2. Shefayim 16-6 
 3. Elitzur Yair 16-6 
 4. Hapoel Miilia 15-7 
 5. Hapoel E/I 12-10 
 6. Maccabi K/M 11-11 
 7. Macc.Hadera 10-12 
 8. Hapoel Migd.H. 10-12 
 9. Maccabi K/B 8-14 
 10. Bney Herzliya 8-14 
 11. Elitzur Elkana 7-15 
 12. Hapoel N/E 1-21 
Group South
 1. Ironi N-Ziona 21-5 
 2. Maccabi Modiin 20-6 
 3. Maccabi Ged. 17-9 
 4. Hapoel Eilat 17-9 
 5. R.Hasharon 15-11 
 6. Maccabi K/G 15-11 
 7. Macc.Rehovot 15-11 
 8. Hapoel B/T 12-14 
 9. Yotveta 11-15 
 10. Maccabi P/T 11-15 
 11. Maccabi R/H 10-16 
 12. Maccabi Sderot 9-17 
 13. Macc.Makab. 6-20 
 14. Elitzur Givataim 3-23 


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


Bargnani, Gallinari and Belinelli will wear the Azzurri shirt this summer - by Eurobasket News
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85), Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) and Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) will wear the Azzurri shirt this summer at the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania. Three Italian Superstars will be the key players for the National team.
Andrea Bargnani is the key player this season for Toronto. He averaged 21.4 points per game that was an amazing result. Danilo Gallinari improved to 14.1 points per game for Denver after moving from New York, while Marco Belinelli has 10.4 points per game for New Orleans Hornets that was also a big achievement after two disappointing seasons with Golden State and another one in Toronto.
In the last game of the Qualifying Round Italy defeated Montenegro in Group A to improve at 5-3 record. Andrea Bargnani scored 34 points to lead the hosts. Italy opened the game with seven points in a row. But Montenegro quickly recovered as they responded with 9 unanswered points to take the lead. The visitors rolled to a 17:12 advantage at the first break. Montenegro stretched the lead to 9 points at the start of the second term. Italy needed an 8:1 run late in the quarter to pull in front 28:27. Goran Jeretin returned the lead to Montenegro as they ensured a 34:32 cushion at halftime. Andrea Bargnani and Antonio Maestranzi teamed up for 24 points in the third quarter to keep Italy on top. The hosts secured a 60:56 lead at the final break. Montenegro erased the deficit leveling things up at 67 midway through the fourth period. Italy answered with five points in a row to take some breathing space. Montenegro drew as close as one point but the visitors ran out of time and Italy celebrated a tough win at the end.


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


Hamamatsu wins BJ League Finals - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Hamamatsu P. - Okinawa GK 82-68

Hamamatsu wins BJ League Finals beating Okinawa 82:68. They trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 82-68. Hamamatsu Phoenix dominated on the defensive end, holding Okinawa GK to just 6 points in second quarter. They made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. Hamamatsu Phoenix forced 20 Okinawa GK turnovers and outrebounded them 52-37 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. 27 personal fouls committed by Okinawa GK helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Top Notch Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Wayne Arnold (193-84, college: Tennessee St., agency: ACMT) contributed with 27 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. Four Hamamatsu Phoenix players scored in double figures. American swingman Anthony McHenry (201-83, college: Georgia Tech) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Naoto Kosuge (187-82) added 13 points in the effort for Okinawa GK. Okinawa GK's coach Dai Oketani rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Okinawa GK: A.McHenry 19+11reb+4ast, N.Kosuge 13+2reb+2ast, T.Yonamine 9+1reb+1ast, D.Palmer 9+6reb+1ast, C.Dixon 8+3reb, S.Kinjo 4+3reb
Hamamatsu P.: W.Arnold 27+5reb+2ast, J.Parmer 19+12reb+4ast, S.Okada 15+5reb+1ast, R.Nixon 11+8reb+3ast, D.Larkai 7+8reb+1ast, M.Ohguchi 2+9reb+4ast
3rd place
Niigata Albirex - Osaka Evessa 75-85

Osaka Evessa shot 26 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Niigata Albirex only scored ten points from the stripe. They outrebounded Niigata Albirex 50-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. Niigata Albirex was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American center Wayne Marshall (211-86, college: Temple) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 17 rebounds for the winners and guard Shota Konno (184-85) chipped in 22 points. Osaka Evessa's coach Ryan Blackwell used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side American center George Leach (210-81, college: Indiana) responded with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Hirotaka Kondo (184-82) scored 11 points.
Top scorers:
Niigata Albirex: G.Leach 17+9reb, S.Komatsu 14+1reb+1ast, H.Kondo 11+4reb+1ast, N.Takushi 8+2reb+6ast, J.Ashby 8+5reb+1ast, Z.Andrews 7+9reb
Osaka Evessa: W.Marshall 27+17reb+2ast, S.Konno 22+3reb+1ast, K.Satterfield 10+9reb+6ast, L.Washington 9+5reb, W.Knight 8+5reb+3ast, H.Takada 3+1reb
gschID: 128802





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


LBL Round 6 of Finals. Champions will be decided in Game 7 - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
VEF Riga - Ventspils 72-70

VEF Riga stayed in the race for the crown as they held off Ventspils for the vital win in Game 6. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-70. The former international forward Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) scored 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Belarusian center Artsiom Parakhouski (211-87, college: Radford) chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four VEF Riga players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was international guard Janis Strelnieks (191-89) with 19 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and Nigerian-Jamaican guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence) scored 14 points. Ventspils' coach Algirdas Brazys rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
VEF Riga: B.Bakic 13+4reb+1ast, S.Valters 13+3reb+1ast, A.Parakhouski 12+7reb+1ast, K.Janicenoks 11+5reb+4ast, D.Bertans 7+1reb+4ast, K.Berzins 6+2reb
Ventspils: J.Strelnieks 19+1ast, A.Vairogs 15+1reb+1ast, O.Efejuku 14+4reb+1ast, S.Kuzminskas 6+6reb, B.Hunter 4+6reb, A.Berzins 3+3reb
gschID: 128694




Kambala Kaspars tastes Gold in Iran - by Eurobasket News
Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) tastes Gold in Iran as he recently managed to sign with the team and win the league. Mahram Tehran needed 105:96 overtime victory for 3-2 win in the series. The score was tied at 89:89 after fourth quarters, while in extra time the favorites were much better. Kaspars Kambala collected 15 points and 6 rebounds.
The fourth Game of final in Esfahan was one of the most interesting as well. Zob Ahan Esfahan beat Mahram Tehran 73:71. Mahram Tehran started the game better and they was up till 8-0 score but after that Zob Ahan played well and 1st quarter finished 21-18 for Mahram Tehran. In the 2nd quarter again Mahram played better but not till the end and Zob Ahan decreased the difference again. in first half Carlos Powell was star player and scored 19 points. but in second half Zob ahan took the lead by 10 points. Babak Nezafat also start almost a fight. In the 4th quarter Coach Mehran Shahintab decided to give the chance to Jaber Rouzbahani to play against his ex team,but in a funny story his jersey was not same like the other teammates and referee didn't let him to play!

This season Latvian player started in Lukoil Academik Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL) and in Bulgarian League in EuroChallenge averaged 14.8ppg, 7.8rpg, FGP: 52.4%, FT: 74.2%. In December 2010 moved to Aliaga Petkim (Turkey-TBL), but in May signed at Mahram Tehran (Iran-Superleague).




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


Guarnette Thompson to join Riyadi for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
After the 4th consecutive defeat in the Arab Championship, Riyadis management took a quick decision to sign Garnett Thompson for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup which will be held in Manila Philippines from May 28th till June 05th.
Riyadi will play its games in a group that will join him to Mahram from Iran (Past 2 events champion), Rayyan from Qatar (Last Year Finalist), Jalaa from Syria (2nd in 2006 & 2007) and Al Shabab from UAE.
Riyadi will play its first game against Al Shabab on Saturday May 28th, 2011.
Riyadi will have in his roster the captain of the Lebanese National Team Fadi Khatib , the clubs administration is hoping to have a good results this year in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup after the dramatic exit from the Arab Clubs Championship.


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


Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket
Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL 1st Team 2011
#s#
Paulius Jankunas
Jankunas
Rolandas Alijevas
Alijevas
Martynas Gecevicius
Gecevicius
Martynas Pocius
Pocius
Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas
#e#5

Player of the Year: Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84) of Zalgiris
Guard of the Year: Rolandas Alijevas (192-G-85) of Rudupis
Forward of the Year: Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84) of Zalgiris
Center of the Year: Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) of Lietuvos Rytas
Newcomer of the Year: Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-F-85) of Nevezis
Most Improved Player of the Year: Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) of Lietuvos Rytas
Bosman Player of the Year: Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) of Lietuvos Rytas
Import Player of the Year: Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) of Lietuvos Rytas
Domestic Player of the Year: Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84) of Zalgiris
Defensive Player of the Year: Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83) of Techasas
Coach of the Year: Ilias Zouros of Zalgiris

1st Team
G: Rolandas Alijevas (192-85) of Rudupis
G: Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) of Lietuvos Rytas
G: Martynas Pocius (196-86) of Zalgiris
F: Paulius Jankunas (205-84) of Zalgiris
C: Jonas Valanciunas (210-92) of Lietuvos Rytas

2nd Team
G/F: Adas Juskevicius (194-89) of Rudupis
F: Vilmantas Dilys (208-87) of Perlas
F: Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) of Lietuvos Rytas
F: Aurimas Kieza (202-82) of Juventus
C: Egidijus Dimsa (205-85) of Techasas

Honorable Mention
DeJuan Collins (188-G-76) of Zalgiris
Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79) of Lietuvos Rytas
Vytautas Sarakauskas (203-C-82) of Siauliai
Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83) of Neptunas
Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) of Sakalai
Mantas Ruikis (198-G/F-85) of Neptunas
Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82) of Zalgiris

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Rolandas Alijevas (192-85) of Rudupis
G: Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) of Lietuvos Rytas
G: Martynas Pocius (196-86) of Zalgiris
F: Paulius Jankunas (205-84) of Zalgiris
C: Jonas Valanciunas (210-92) of Lietuvos Rytas

All-Defensive Team
Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83) of Techasas
Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) of Lietuvos Rytas
Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) of Techasas
Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83) of Neptunas
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) of Lietuvos Rytas

All-Newcomers Team
Chris Lowe (183-G-87) of Naglis-Adakris
Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79) of Lietuvos Rytas
Saulius Dumbliauskas (203-C-81) of Alytus Alita
Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-F-85) of Nevezis
David Weaver (209-C-87) of Siauliai



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


Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Cananea 29-9 
 2. Culiacan 28-10 
 3. Hermosillo 27-11 
 4. Guasave 22-16 
 5. Guaymas 21-17 
 6. Nogales 19-19 
 7. Mexicali 17-21 
 8. Tijuana 15-23 
 9. Tepic 8-30 
 10. Los Mochis 4-34 


Brown number one in Mexico for round 38 - by Eurobasket News
American forward Brandon Brown (201-F-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Cananea, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 38.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 21 rebounds, while his team beat Los Mochis (#10, 4-34) 101-93. Cananea finished regular season as No.1 (29-9 record) and will meet Tijuana in the Quarterfinals. Brown just recently signed at Cananea, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Cal State - San Bernardino star has very solid stats this year. Brown. Brown is in league's top in points (5th best: 22.7ppg), assists (7th best: 1.1apg) and averages impressive 1.3bpg and 61.0% FGP. Worth to mention Brown played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old American Ira Brown (193-F-82, agency: Dream Team Management) of Tepic. Brown had a very good evening with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Tepic lost that game 72-80 to slightly higher-ranked Mexicali (#7, 17-21). Tepic ended as No.9 (8-30) and failed to reach the Playoffs. Brown is one of the most experienced players at Tepic and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.8ppg (#5). He also registered 9.6 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American swingman Raymundo Castillo (197-G/F-82) of Los Mochis (#10). Castillo got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for ten rebounds and five assists. Despite Castillo's great performance Los Mochis lost 93-101 to the higher-ranked Cananea (#1, 29-9). Castillo has a very solid season. In 8 games in Mexico he scored 26.4ppg. He also has 7.3rpg and and 3PT: 42.1%. Raymundo Castillo has also Mexican passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Detrick White (184-G-76) of Los Mochis - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Scott VanderMeer (213-C-86) of Mexicali - 22 points and 15 rebounds
6. Jermaine Watson (193-G-81) of Tijuana - 28 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Rene Rougeau (198-G-86) of Culiacan - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Michael Gale (193-G-82) of Mexicali - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Davin White (186-G-81) of Cananea - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Travis Gabbidon (201-F) of Tijuana - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists

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

CIBACOPA, Round 38: Regular season is over, Cananea is No.1 - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in CIBACOPA is over. Cananea is No.1 with 29-9 record. Eight teams advanced to Quarterfinals, which start today. The format is best-of-seven.

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

Quarterfinals pairs
Cananea - Tijuana
Culiacan - Mexicali
Hermosillo - Nogales
Guasave - Guaymas
.

Tijuana - Culiacan 85-94
The game in Tijuana was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (28-10) played at the court of 8th ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (15-23). Caballeros de Culiacan managed to secure a 9-point victory 94-85. Tijuana Zonkeys were ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 22-11 charge of Caballeros de Culiacan, which allowed them to win the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Caballeros de Culiacan brought some defensive toughness making 12 blocks. American guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) notched 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and the other American import forward Adrian Henning (203-82, college: Austin Peay St.) supported him with 21 points and 5 assists. Even 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) did not help to save the game for Tijuana Zonkeys. Canadian guard Jermaine Watson (193-81, college: Boston Coll., agency: KMG Sports Management) added 28 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) for the hosts. Five Caballeros de Culiacan and four Tijuana Zonkeys players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: R.Rougeau 23+7reb+5ast, A.Henning 21+4reb+5ast, C.M. Toussaint 12+1reb+4ast, V.Avila 11+8reb+3ast, F.Verdugo 10+1reb+2ast, J.Angel Reatiga 8+1ast
Tijuana: J.Watson 28+5reb+2ast, T.Gabbidon 23+9reb+6ast, N.Velasquez 14+2reb+2ast, C.Tate 13+9reb+2ast, E.Zuniga 5+4reb+3ast, A.Ornelas 2+1ast
gschID: 128579


Hermosillo - Nogales 107-102
Rather expected game when 6th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (19-19) were defeated on the road by third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (27-11) 107-102 on Saturday. Rayos de Hermosillo have an impressive six-game winning streak.
gschID: 128576


Los Mochis - Cananea 93-101
CIBACOPA top team - Mineros de Cananea (29-9) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat tenth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (4-34) 101-93. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 28-20. But Pioneros Los Mochis won second period 27-25. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mineros de Cananea dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Pioneros Los Mochis' 48. They outrebounded Pioneros Los Mochis 44-26 including 30 on the defensive glass. American forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 21 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) chipped in 23 points and 7 assists during the contest. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Mineros de Cananea's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Raymundo Castillo (197-82, college: UTPA) responded with a double-double by scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Detrick White (184-76, college: Mississippi St.) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 assists. Four Pioneros Los Mochis players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Cananea: D.White 23+2reb+7ast, B.Brown 23+21reb, D.Thomas 20+2reb+4ast, D.Onofre 7+3reb, O.Zuniga 6+6reb, I.Gutierrez 6+2reb+2ast
Los Mochis: R.Castillo 31+10reb+5ast, D.White 19+4reb+10ast, E.Hare 17+5reb+3ast, J.Estrada 12+3reb+1ast, A.Araujo 9+1reb, J.Eduardo Acedo 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128577


Mexicali - Tepic 80-72
Rather predictable result when seventh ranked Bomberos de Mexicali (17-21) defeated at home 9th ranked Coras de Tepic (8-30) 80-72 on Saturday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 23-11. But Coras de Tepic won second period 20-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Coras de Tepic 38-27 including 23 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bomberos de Mexicali made 14 blocks. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was center Scott VanderMeer (213-86, college: Ill.-Chicago, agency: Edge Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) chipped in 18 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Forward Ira Brown (193-82, college: Gonzaga, agency: Dream Team Management) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Cleotis Brown (198-77, college: Illinois, agency: Dream Team Management) added 11 points and 7 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Mexicali: S.VanderMeer 22+15reb, M.Gale 18+3reb+7ast, R.Lopez 14+1reb+3ast, A.Vazquez 10+4reb+2ast, P.Giron 8+7reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 6+6reb+1ast
Tepic: I.Brown 28+10reb+3ast, J.Parker 12+1reb+1ast, J.Pablo Bravo 12+4reb, C.Brown 11+4reb+7ast, C.Estrada 9+6reb+4ast, H.Torres 0+2reb
gschID: 128578


Guaymas - Guasave 111-75
The game in Guaymas supposed to be also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Frayles de Guasave (22-16) played at the court of fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (21-17). Ostioneros de Guaymas smashed Frayles de Guasave 111-75 on Saturday. The game without a history. Ostioneros de Guaymas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Frayles de Guasave's 38. They outrebounded Frayles de Guasave 37-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Ostioneros de Guaymas looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Frayles de Guasave's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ostioneros de Guaymas made 12 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international center Ramses Benitez (210-79) who scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Jose Luis Bucio (179-86) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach Eduardo Opezzo felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Jorge Acosta (190-79) produced 19 points and 6 assists and power forward Felipe Sanchez (202-74) added 20 points respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: J.Luis Bucio 18+3reb+4ast, J.Sanchez 17+1reb+2ast, R.Roby 16+3reb+1ast, R.Benitez 15+9reb+5ast, U.Gomez 11+2reb, R.Navarro 11+4reb+6ast
Guasave: F.Sanchez 20+4reb+3ast, J.Acosta 19+3reb+6ast, B.Castro 15+6reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 10+2reb, O.Gonzalez 8+7reb+1ast, F.Bojorquez 3+2reb
gschID: 128575




*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


ASS advance into Arab Club Championship finals. - by Marek Krala
ASS won today against ASU 74-62.The team of Abdelhakim Zouita (201-F-86)who scored 16 points and was again MVP of the game is making a almost pefect championship.In the meantime two-time defending champions Riyadi suffered the second straight defeat. They surrendered against ASS Sale of Morocco 69:86. ASS Sale registered the third consecutive win to climb on top of Group A.The new addition of Kejuan Johnson (193-G-85, college: Long Beach St.) is a good pick of the management of ASS.This is the first time ever that the slaoui will attempt to bring the Cup in Sale.

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


Report: Grizzlies turn down offer from Cavs for No. 4 pick for Rudy Gay - by Eurobasket News
The Cavaliers offered the No. 4 pick in this years NBA Draft to the Memphis Grizzles for Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut), Draft Express Jonathan Givony reported via Twitter. Memphis rejected the offer, according to the report.

Some around the league have speculated that the Grizzlies will try to trade Gay since the team had success this season without him, taking the Thunder to seven games in the West semifinals after eliminating the top-seeded Spurs in six games in the first round. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said last week, however, that the team intends to keep Gay.

Gay went down with a shoulder injury on Feb. 15 and did not play for the remainder of the season after that. Hes averaged 17.8 points over his five years in the NBA, all with Memphis.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

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


Chicago hope - by Eurobasket News
When Lindsey Hunter showed up for the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago in 1993, he was a virtual unknown.

Hunter had played at Jackson State and a fair share of NBA officials were vaguely aware of him or his credentials.

When the camp was over, though, everyone knew about him.

A man on a mission, Hunter wowed NBA personnel in attendance with some eyebrow-raising workouts and performances.

For Hunter, the pre-draft camp was simply a godsend. He was afforded an opportunity to prove that he could play with the other more ballyhooed prospects.

Hunters dazzling audition transformed him from a projected late first-round pick into a lottery pick.

Hunter was the 10th overall selection, taken by the Detroit Pistons, and went on to have a gratifying and productive 17-year pro career.

So, what are the odds of a player at the recently completed pre-draft camp in Chicago mirroring Hunters meteoric rise in the draft? Probably about as good as Barack hosting Donald at the Oval Office.

It's just not going to happen.

Thats because of the way the pre-draft is now set up. No longer are players like the Hunters of the world afforded an opportunity to exhibit their skills in 3-on-3 or 5-on-5 games.

And that means players who were regarded as first-round talents before the pre-draft camp are likely to remain first-round candidates after it.

With the way the pre-draft camp is structured and with the way it is formatted, Im not really sure a players stock will dramatically increase or decrease, Bucks general manager John Hammond said. When players are now being limited with the things they can actually do on the floor and having the chance to spend 30 minutes with an individual, between those two facets, a player isnt going to help himself or hurt himself in any drastic measure.

Before there was a more true evaluation period.

If that isnt bad enough, several players at this years pre-draft camp shunned even the simple drills. Kyrie Irving, the gifted point guard from Duke who is the consensus best player in the draft, even passed on interviews with team officials.

Tom Penn, a former vice president of basketball operations for the Portland Trail Blazers who is now an insightful NBA analyst for ESPN, said the draft prospects who bypassed participating in the workouts only hurt themselves.

Its become a peer thing where they try to create the perception that the best players arent there (to participate in drills), so theyre not going to be there, either, Penn said. To me, that is a little counter-intuitive. To me, its a lost opportunity.

They miss out on a chance to make an impression with all those decision-makers there, including the head coaches who are probably seeing them for the first time because they are focused on NBA games during the season.

Yet, while the pre-draft event may no longer be a venue to significantly impact a draft prospects stock one way or another, it can still be beneficial.

In Penns eyes, there were several players who made favorable impressions.

Heading Penn's list is Enes Kanter (6'9''-C-92), a 6-foot-11 power forward/center who didnt play last season at Kentucky because of eligibility issues.

He was such a question mark coming into the pre-draft camp, a man of mystery, having not played all of last season, Penn said. But he took advantage of the situation.

He showed a lot of spirit and energy; he showed good mobility and was a good floor runner. Hes a robust player.

Penn said was also suitably impressed with the showings of three other players: Marshon Brooks (6'5''-G/F-89), a 6-5 shooting guard from Providence; Jeremy Tyler, a 6-10 center who left high school early to play overseas in Israel and Japan, and Kenneth Faried, a no-nonsense, unheralded 6-7 forward from Morehead State.

I thought Marshon Brooks was very interesting, Penn said. His physical measurements were that of a prototypical shooting guard.

He was a prolific scorer in college and there (at the combine) you had a chance to see his length; he has a 7-1 wing span. He appears to be a real offensive talent.

Faried caught everybodys eyes on Day 1. He won every sprint, he banged into the practice coaches in the post and was physical with everybody. You could just see his energy and enthusiasm and zest for the game.

Jeremy Tyler is interesting, too. He took this crooked path overseas but, physically, he statted out very well.

And bigs always rise in the draft and the reason for that, of course, is there arent many of them. He also showed a little more maturity in the interviews and looked good on the court.

A veteran Western Conference scout concurred.

I think a lot of people are starting to be enamored with Jeremy Tyler, the scout said. He measured out at 6-10 and hes got a huge wing span of 7-5.

Hes got some talent.

Some other players who earned high grades from NBA evaluators for their efforts at the camp included:

- 6-11 center Nikola Vucevic (6'10''-F-90) of Southern California, whose standing reach of 9-4 was the best at the camp. He did a nice job; he might have helped himself more than anyone there, the scout said. It wouldnt surprise if he got in to the first round now.

- Georgia Techs Iman Shumpert (6'5''-G-90): His size really stood out; hes a 6-5 point guard, the scout said. And he made shots and competed hard.

- Marquette University swingman Jimmy Butler (6'7''-G/F-89), who piqued the interest of NBA officials by being the MVP at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament: The guy is just solid, the scout said. He doesnt play out of his comfort zone and hes a really good defender.

Courtesy of http://blogs.hoopshype.com

*****************************************************
  PALESTINE   


Standings - Men
PBBA Standings
 1. De La Salle 12-0 
 2. Ibdaa D. 11-1 
 3. Bethlehem 9-3 
 4. Sarriyet 8-4 
 5. Berzeit Club 7-5 
 6. Beit Sahour 7-5 
 7. Hiteen 6-6 
 8. Orthodox R. 5-7 
 9. Al Ahli 5-7 
 10. Ebal 4-8 
 11. Qalandia 3-9 
 12. Islami 1-11 
 13. Al Fara 0-12 


*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Standings - CBS
Panabasket Standings
 1. Oeste 4-1 
 2. Chepo 3-2 
 3. Calidonia 3-2 
 4. Rio Abajo 2-3 
 5. San Miguelito 2-3 
 6. P.Lefevre 1-4 


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


Ewing Tauron Basket Liga finals MVP - by Eurobasket
Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tauron Basket Liga play-off finals.

The guard from Asseco Prokom Gdynia was the best player in the champions' team. In the last game he had 11 points and four assists. It is his third season in Poland.


Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Awards 2010-11 - by Greg
Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 1st Team 2011
#s#
Daniel Ewing
Ewing
Torey Thomas
Thomas
Konrad Wysocki
Wysocki
Filip Dylewicz
Dylewicz
Chris Burgess
Burgess
#e#5

Player of the Year: Daniel Ewing (191-G-83) of Asseco Prokom
Guard of the Year: Daniel Ewing (191-G-83) of Asseco Prokom
Forward of the Year: Konrad Wysocki (201-F-82) of PGE Turow
Center of the Year: Chris Burgess (209-C-79) of Zastal
Most Improved Player of the Year: Marcin Nowakowski (184-G-89) of Polonia Azbud
Bosman Player of the Year: Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) of Asseco Prokom
Import Player of the Year: Daniel Ewing (191-G-83) of Asseco Prokom
Domestic Player of the Year: Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) of Trefl Sopot
Defensive Player of the Year: Darrell Harris (208-C-84) of SKK Kotwica
Coach of the Year: Jacek Winnicki of PGE Turow

1st Team
G: Torey Thomas (180-85) of PGE Turow
G: Daniel Ewing (191-83) of Asseco Prokom
F: Konrad Wysocki (201-82) of PGE Turow
F: Filip Dylewicz (202-80) of Trefl Sopot
C: Chris Burgess (209-79) of Zastal

2nd Team
G: Igor Milicic (194-76) of AZS Koszalin
G: Ted Scott (188-85) of SKK Kotwica
G: Cameron Bennerman (193-84) of Energa Czarni
F: George Reese (201-77) of AZS Koszalin
C/F: Ratko Varda (216-79) of Asseco Prokom

Honorable Mention
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80) of Asseco Prokom
Daniel Kickert (208-C-83) of PGE Turow
Jerel Blassingame (177-G-81) of Energa Czarni
Adam Waczynski (199-F-89) of Trefl Sopot
Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) of Polpharma
Nikola Jovanovic (203-C/F-81) of Anwil
Walter Hodge (183-G-86) of Zastal
Harding NaNa (203-F-81) of Polonia Azbud
Darrell Harris (208-C-84) of SKK Kotwica
Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84) of Asseco Prokom
David Jackson (193-G-86) of PGE Turow
Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86) of Energa Czarni

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Robert Skibniewski (182-83) of Polpharma
G: Igor Milicic (194-76) of AZS Koszalin
F: Adam Waczynski (199-89) of Trefl Sopot
F: Filip Dylewicz (202-80) of Trefl Sopot
C: Adam Hrycaniuk (208-84) of Asseco Prokom

All-Imports Team
G: Torey Thomas (180-85) of PGE Turow
G: Daniel Ewing (191-83) of Asseco Prokom
G: Cameron Bennerman (193-84) of Energa Czarni
F: George Reese (201-77) of AZS Koszalin
C: Chris Burgess (209-79) of Zastal

All-Bosmans Team
F/G: Filip Videnov (196-80) of Asseco Prokom
G/F: Slavisa Bogavac (200-80) of AZS Koszalin
C/F: Nikola Jovanovic (203-81) of Anwil
C: Daniel Kickert (208-83) of PGE Turow
C/F: Ratko Varda (216-79) of Asseco Prokom

All-Defensive Team
Courtney Eldridge (176-G-80) of Asseco Prokom
Walter Hodge (183-G-86) of Zastal
Konrad Wysocki (201-F-82) of PGE Turow
Robert Tomaszek (204-F-81) of PGE Turow
Darrell Harris (208-C-84) of SKK Kotwica



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


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


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 25.4
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo25.4 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas24.1 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon22.0 
 4. Villegas, Coamo19.8 
 5. Johnson, Humacao19.4 
 6. Ayuso, Arecibo19.3 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Harris, San German18.6 
 9. Clemente, Humacao17.7 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Narvaez, Coamo12.3 
 2. Randolph, Isabela11.9 
 3. Harris, San German11.9 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.8 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas11.1 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.9 
 7. Rickert, Bayamon10.8 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon9.2 
 10. Sweetney, Santur.9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.4 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 4. Copeland, Arecibo4.7 
 5. Clemente, Humacao4.5 
 6. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 7. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.4 
 8. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 9. Vega, Coamo4.2 
 10. Copeland, San G.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Eddin ''Guayito'' SANTIAGO
  Santurce
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Santiago, Santurce1.9 
 2. Hinson, Isabela1.9 
 3. Robinson, Mayaguez1.8 
 4. Carmona, Mayaguez1.7 
 5. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 6. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez1.5 
 8. Berdiel, Humacao1.5 
 9. Clemente, Mayaguez1.5 
 10. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.8 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Santiago, Arecibo2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Sanchez, Santurce1.7 
 7. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.6 
 9. Harris, San German1.4 
 10. Rickert, Bayamon1.3 


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


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Tywain MCKEE
  Triumph
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. McKee, Triumph18.6 
 2. Langford, Khimky18.2 
 3. Lampe, Unics17.4 
 4. Domercant, Spart.16.5 
 5. Baxter, Enisey16.3 
 6. Keyru, Dynamo16.0 
 7. Williams, Enisey15.3 
 8. Labovic, Enisey14.5 
 9. Vyaltsev, Triumph14.4 
 10. Beverley, Spart.14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo7.4 
 2. Lampe, Unics7.4 
 3. Baxter, Enisey6.8 
 4. Beverley, Spart.6.7 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA6.7 
 6. Massey, Lokomotiv6.3 
 7. Monya, Khimky6.3 
 8. Brezec, Krasnie6.1 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.0 
 10. Paunic, N.Novgorod5.5 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Williams, Enisey6.8 
 2. Bremer, Krasnie6.1 
 3. Vyaltsev, Triumph5.4 
 4. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.6 
 5. Khvostov, Dynamo4.1 
 6. Popovic, Unics4.0 
 7. Planinic, Khimky3.9 
 8. Samoylenko, Unics3.4 
 9. Holden, CSKA3.3 
 10. Beverley, Spart.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Beverley, Spart.2.1 
 2. McKee, Triumph1.9 
 3. Voronov, Dynamo1.8 
 4. Bremer, Krasnie1.5 
 5. Ponkrashov, Spart.1.5 
 6. Pashutin, Unics1.4 
 7. Lyday, Unics1.4 
 8. Surovtsev, Lokom.1.4 
 9. Labovic, Enisey1.4 
 10. Domercant, Spart.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Kaun, CSKA1.3 
 2. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 3. Monya, Khimky1.0 
 4. Varlamov, Triumph0.9 
 5. Lampe, Unics0.8 
 6. Zabelin, CSKA0.8 
 7. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.8 
 8. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.8 
 9. Likhodey, Triumph0.8 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA0.8 


PBL Round 1 of Quarter-Finals: the hosts win all the games - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Krasnie Krilya 82-73

It looked good early as Krasnie Krilya took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then CSKA Moscow had a 14-12 second period charge getting the lead and Krasnie Krilya was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-82. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Sasha Kaun (211-85) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Lithuanian guard Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) contributed with 15 points and 6 assists for the winners. Four CSKA Moscow players scored in double figures. American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (195-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) answered with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Slovenian power forward Primoz Brezec (216-79) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Krasnie Krilya. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
CSKA: S.Kaun 20+5reb+1ast, R.Siskauskas 15+3reb+6ast, J.Holden 15+2reb+2ast, A.Vorontsevich 12+4reb+1ast, A.Shved 7+2reb+3ast, V.Khryapa 6+2reb+2ast
Krasnie Krilya: E.Bremer 18+6reb+6ast, P.Brezec 14+5reb+2ast, B.Rush 13+6reb+2ast, V.Zvarykin 9+3reb+1ast, A.Dedushkin 7+2reb, F.Dmitriev 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 128708


Lokomotiv - Enisey 83-80

The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 21-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Lokomotiv looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-81, college: Wisconsin, agency: Interperformances) fired 26 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) chipped in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) produced 28 points and 5 assists and Serbian power forward Dragan Labovic (207-87, agency: Alti Sport) added 18 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv: M.Wilkinson 26+7reb+1ast, J.Massey 15+3reb+5ast, L.Chalmers 13+8reb+7ast, G.Jeretin 12+1reb+5ast, M.Grigoryev 5+1reb, S.Toporov 5+6reb+1ast
Enisey: M.Williams 28+4reb+5ast, D.Labovic 18+8reb+1ast, L.Baxter 10+6reb, K.Pinkney 9+6reb+2ast, P.Sergeev 7+1ast, A.Komarovskiy 3+2reb+2ast
gschID: 128709


Unics - N.Novgorod 86-66

The game without a history. Unics Kazan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Unics Kazan players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. BC Nizhny Novgorod was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Forward Artem Yakovenko (206-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds and Serbian guard Nemanja Protic (182-86) added 20 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws) in the effort for BC Nizhny Novgorod. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Unics: M.Lampe 22+13reb+3ast, T.Lyday 21+3reb+2ast, Z.Pashutin 10+4reb+4ast, P.Samoylenko 9+2reb+9ast, V.Veremeenko 8+7reb, N.Padius 8+2reb
N.Novgorod: N.Protic 20+1reb+4ast, A.Yakovenko 19+7reb+1ast, I.Paunic 12+6reb+1ast, A.Pustahvar 6+7reb+2ast, D.Golovin 4+2reb+1ast, S.Antonov 3
gschID: 128706


Khimky - Spartak SP 87-82

It looked good early as Spartak St.Petersburg took an 11-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Khimky took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 5 points. Spartak St.Petersburg was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for international guard Vitaly Fridzon (195-85) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 5 rebounds. Croatian-Bosnian guard Zoran Planinic (199-82) contributed with 13 points for the winners. American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) answered with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Bosnian guard Henry Domercant (192-80, college: E.Illinois) added 17 points in the effort for Spartak St.Petersburg. Four Khimky and five Spartak St.Petersburg players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Khimky: T.Kelati 15+2ast, V.Fridzon 14+5reb+1ast, Z.Planinic 13+4reb+3ast, K.Loncar 12+3reb+3ast, S.Monya 9+5reb+5ast, T.Hansen 8+1reb+3ast
Spartak SP: P.Beverley 18+5reb+4ast, H.Domercant 17+2reb+2ast, A.Ponkrashov 11+3reb+5ast, N.Dragovic 11+5reb, A.Kotishevskiy 10+2reb+1ast, P.Antic 5+5reb+1ast
gschID: 128707




*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Cheikh Samb exploded with 35 points and 23 rebounds to win the Finals abroad - by Eurobasket News
Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) tastes Gold in Iran as he recently managed to sign with the team and win the league. Mahram Tehran needed 105:96 overtime victory for 3-2 win in the series. The score was tied at 89:89 after fourth quarters, while in extra time the favorites were much better. Cheikh Samb exploded with 35 points and 23 rebounds.
The fourth Game of final in Esfahan was one of the most interesting as well. Zob Ahan Esfahan beat Mahram Tehran 73:71. Cheikh Samb erupted with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Mahram Tehran started the game better and they was up till 8-0 score but after that Zob Ahan played well and 1st quarter finished 21-18 for Mahram Tehran. In the 2nd quarter again Mahram played better but not till the end and Zob Ahan decreased the difference again. in first half Carlos Powell was star player and scored 19 points. but in second half Zob ahan took the lead by 10 points. Babak Nezafat also start almost a fight. In the 4th quarter Coach Mehran Shahintab decided to give the chance to Jaber Rouzbahani to play against his ex team,but in a funny story his jersey was not same like the other teammates and referee didn't let him to play!

Meanwhile another Senegalese player Ousmane Barro (208-F-84, college: Marquette) finished second with his Zob Ahan.



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


Hemofarm and Partizan grab Semi-Finals first victories - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm and Partizan grab Semi-Finals first victories over their opponents.



Hemofarm - Radnicki 92-89

The hosts trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 27-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 31 personal fouls committed by Radnicki helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Danilo Andjusic (197-91, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up and scored 20 points and 5 assists for the winners and Montenegrin guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-81, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 19 points. At the losing side American forward Michael Lee (207-86) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and swingman Marko Cakarevic (200-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) scored 18 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Hemofarm: D.Andjusic 20+2reb+5ast, M.Pavkovic 19+2reb+2ast, B.Krstovic 11+4reb+1ast, M.Sutalo 11+3reb+2ast, M.Bozovic 9+3reb+1ast, B.Savovic 8+12reb+3ast
Radnicki: M.Lee 25+12reb+1ast, S.Markovic 22+4reb+4ast, M.Cakarevic 18+5reb+7ast, D.Mijatovic 13+3reb+1ast, N.Sulovic 9+1ast, M.Spica 2

gschID: 128846


Partizan - FMP 100-71

The game without a history. Partizan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 64.9 percent from the field. Partizan had a 28-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. FMP Zeleznik was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Curtis Jerrells (185-87, college: Baylor) nailed 12 points and 9 assists for the winning side and Czech forward Jan Vesely (211-90) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Partizan players scored in double figures. The former international guard Vuk Radivojevic (197-83) came up with 19 points and 7 assists and naturalized Bosnian center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points respectively for FMP Zeleznik in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Partizan: J.Vesely 16+6reb+1ast, D.Kecman 15+2reb+3ast, D.Milosavljevic 13+3reb+1ast, V.Lucic 13+3reb, C.Jerrells 12+4reb+9ast, R.Katic 11+4reb+3ast
FMP: V.Radivojevic 19+4reb+7ast, M.Ilic 14+3reb+1ast, B.Bowman 10+3reb+1ast, B.Subotic 8+2reb, I.Smiljanic 5+5reb, V.Ivelja 4+1reb
gschID: 128845




Vlada Vukoicic stays in Mega Vizura - by Zoran Popovic
After goods season and great promotion of young players management of Mega Vizura decides to extend contract with coach Vukoicic until 2013. This season Mega Vizura played quarter final of National cup and qualified in Serbian Super league. Vlada Vukoicic started professional career in FMP Zeleznik, continue in Hemofarm Stada, Telindus BC Oostende and Bosna Sarajevo. With FMP Zeleznik Vukoicic won Adriatic league 2006 and Radivoj Korac cup 2007. Vukoicic was assistant coach in National team 2006 and head coach of U20 Serbian National team.

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


Telemach League Round 1 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Helios 74-59

The hosts trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 27-7 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Union Olimpija dominated on the defensive end, holding Helios to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Naturalized FYR Macedonian guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, agency: World Sport Agency) stepped up and scored 21 points and 6 assists for the winners and the former international guard Samo Udrih (195-79) chipped in 12 points. Four Union Olimpija players scored in double figures. Union Olimpija's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American swingman Benjamin Raymond (198-87, college: Xavier, agency: Impact Basketball) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and swingman Vjekoslav Petrovic (193-81) scored 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Union Olimpija: V.Ilievski 21+2reb+6ast, S.Udrih 12+4reb+2ast, G.Jagodnik 11+5reb+1ast, V.Boisa 10+4reb, A.Anagonye 8+5reb+2ast, J.Klobucar 6+2reb+1ast
Helios: B.Raymond 17+13reb+1ast, G.Mali 9+3reb+2ast, V.Petrovic 8+7reb+1ast, K.Prepelic 8+1reb, M.Lekic 6+3reb, D.Bubnic 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128779


Krka - Zlatorog 74-50

The game without a history. Krka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Zlatorog's 22. Krka forced 21 Zlatorog turnovers. The former international forward Dragisa Drobnjak (200-77, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side and guard Bojan Krivec (188-87) accounted for 12 points and 5 assists. Four Krka players scored in double figures. Naturalized Bosnian forward Simo Atanackovic (206-90) came up with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds and Serbian forward Vladimir Panic (194-82, agency: 011 Sports) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Zlatorog in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Krka: D.Drobnjak 14+6reb+1ast, B.Krivec 12+2reb+5ast, S.Pavic 11+7reb, G.Ikonic 10+2reb+1ast, E.Muric 7+1reb, Z.Dragic 7
Zlatorog: V.Panic 13+5reb, S.Bozovic 11+4reb+1ast, S.Atanackovic 10+11reb, L.Lapornik 5+4reb+2ast, A.Omic 4+5reb, M.Smrdelj 3+1reb
gschID: 128778




Krka and Olimpija keeps home court advantage (Semifinals #1) - by Zeljko Zule
Krka and Olimpija both win Semifinals Game 1 on theirs homecourt. Regular season Krka outscored Zlatorog by 75-50, while Olimpija used a huge run spanning, 17-1, the third and fourth quarter to capture a 75-59 win over Helios.
(1) Krka (4) Zlatorog 74-50: Krka never trailed in the game and ater tying the game at 14-14 late in the first quarter, they made a 18-2 run. Dragisa Drobnjak tallied 14 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, Bojan Krivec collected 12 points and 5 assists, Smiljan Pavic ahd 11 points and 7 rebounds before he fouled out and Goran Ikonic posted 10 points. Zlatorog outrebeunded Krka 35-32, picking up 12 offensive boards, but shot just 34-percent (11-of-32) from 2-point range and commited 21 turnovers. Simo Atanackovic had 10 points and 11 rebounds, Vladimir Panic posted 13 points, Slobodan Bozovic came off the bench for 12 points.
(2) Olimpija (3) Helios 74-59: After trailing 44-52 with 55 left in the third quarter, Olimpija went on a 17-1 run and its defense held Helios scoreless from the field for a 6:56 span. Vlado Ilievski finished with 21 points including four 3-pointers and 6 assists, Samo Udrih Udrih scored 12 points, Goran Jagodnik 11 and Vladimer Boisa added 10 points. Olimpija bench players outscored their opponent's backups 35-17. Benjamin Raymond was Helios' lone player in double digits with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Games 2 will be played on Thurdsay in Lasko and Domzale.


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


EBA: Play offs first round: Atoyebi gets the MVP - by Mariano Galindo
Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon) was the best player in the first round of EBA play offs. After two games, Olasumbo Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon) has averaged 40 index rating (45 in the first game, 35 in the second one). With this amazing performances, Olasumbo Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon) drove to his team, Marin Peixegalego, to the last round of EBA play offs. In the first game vs Cornella, he posted 30 points and 12 boards. In the second game, vs Cornella as well, he signed 16 points and 16 rebounds.

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


Experienced Assistant Jareem Dowling Joins Morehead State Men's Basketball Staff - by David Edole
MOREHEAD, Ky.Morehead State mens basketball coach Donnie Tyndall announced Monday the hiring of Jareem Dowling (198-F-81) as an assistant coach. Dowling joins Eagle basketball after three years in a similar capacity at Slippery Rock.

Dowling will assist in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, practice and game preparation, and player development. He will also be responsible for monitoring player academics.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for coach Donnie Tyndall and Morehead State University, Dowling said. Its been a goal of mine to be a Division I assistant coach. I am elated be a part of Morehead State and its basketball program.

Dowling, who just completed his third season at Slippery Rock, has helped lead the Rock to three straight winning seasons, including 21-win campaigns in 2008-09 and 2010-11. Dowling is the top assistant coach for SRU bench boss Kevin Reynolds, a former Morehead State assistant coach under Tyndall.

Jareem brings an incredible amount of success with him to Morehead State, Tyndall said. He has won on every level, both as a player and as a coach and was mentored by some of the best coaches in the country, including one of my closest friends in the business, Kevin Reynolds.

Prior to Slippery Rock, Dowling was a three-year assistant to legendary junior college coach Bill Lewit at Cecil College. Dowlings recruiting and scouting were integral parts of three Cecil teams that compiled a 97-6 record from 2005-08. Cecil won three Maryland state regular-season championships, three state tournament titles, two regional championships, two Holiday Tournament championships and the 2006 NJCAA Division II national championship during Dowlings tenure. The Seahawks finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in each of those three seasons.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jareems accomplishments will benefit our players and our program and allow us to keep the level of success weve established at MSU, Tyndall said. We are excited to welcome him into the Eagle family.

Originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dowling moved to Wilmington, Del., during his high school years. He led Howard High School to the Blue Hen Flight B Championship game and the state final four as a senior. Dowling earned Honorable Mention All-State and First Team All-Conference honors that season, also securing a spot in the Delaware State Blue and Gold All-Star Game, in which he scored 19 points.

Dowling was a two-year starter at Cecil, leading the team to the 2000-01 Maryland JUCO regular-season championship. He earned All-Tournament honors during the state tournament and received the teams Hustle Award and Defense Award. After an injury sidelined him for the 2001-02 season, Dowling led the Seahawks to the Region XX Championship and the NJCAA Division II final four in 2002-03. His two-year record at Cecil was 51-11 and he played with nine eventual Division I players.

Dowling then transferred to Maryland Eastern Shore, where he was a two-year starter and ranked second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in minutes per game as a senior. He scored a career-high 22 points, including five 3-pointers, against Baylor. He earned his degree in sociology from UMES in 2005.

In addition to his college coaching experience, Dowling has coached on the international stage as well. He earned the prestigious honor of being selected as head coach of the St. Croix 17 and Under National Team. Dowling was also an assistant for the St. Croix Senior National Team under former Rhode Island, UCLA and Georgia coach Jim Harrick and current Jackson State coach Tevester Anderson.

Dowling led the 17 and Under National Team to a silver medal finish in the Caribbean Basketball Championships competition in Antiqua and Barbuda in the summer of 2008. That same year, he again served as an assistant to Anderson for the Senior Mens National Team, which captured a silver medal in Centro Basket 2008 competition in Cancun, Mexico. Following the silver medal finish in the CBC, Dowling again led Junior National to a bronze medal finish in Centro Basket in 2009 in Aguascalientes, Mexico to advance in Tournament Americas for the first time in his countrys history in junior play.

Dowling replaces Joseph Price, who left to be Pat Knights top assistant at Lamar.

The Eagles finished the 2010-11 season with a school record-tying 25 wins, marking the first time in school history the program has posted three consecutive 20-win seasons. The Eagles won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament for the second time in three years and upset fourth-seeded Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It marked the second time in three years MSU won an NCAA Tournament game.


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


Superleague Round 4 of Finals. Budivelnyk level title series - by Eurobasket News
3-4 place
Ferro-ZNTU - Hoverla 65-82

Hoverla are step away from Superleague Bronze. They defeated Ferro-ZNTU on the road to take 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. The game without a history. Hoverla led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Hoverla especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Jeremy Chappell (191-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Derrick Zimmerman (189-81, college: Mississippi St.) contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Four Hoverla players scored in double figures. Forward Vincent Hunter (208-84, college: Arkansas) replied with 15 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and forward Christian Burns (203-85, college: Philadelphia, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 13 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Ferro-ZNTU. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Ferro-ZNTU: V.Hunter 15+5reb+2ast, C.Burns 13+5reb, H.Kandrusevich 10+2reb+1ast, R.Guinn 7+10reb+1ast, S.Alferov 6+4reb, K.Mays 6+3reb+4ast
Hoverla: J.Chappell 22+6reb+3ast, D.Zimmerman 13+5reb+8ast, D.Swanson 13+2reb+4ast, E.Coleman 12+8reb+3ast, P.Ulyanko 6, V.Gerasimchuk 5+1ast
gschID: 128632


FINAL
Budivelnyk - BC Donetsk 76-66

Budivelnyk held off BC Donetsk at home court to knot up the series at 2-2. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-66. Budivelnyk made 25-of-33 free shots (75.8 percent) during the game. 31 personal fouls committed by BC Donetsk helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Zach Morley (203-83, college: Wisconsin) fired 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The other American import forward Lamayne Wilson (204-80, college: Troy) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds. International center Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-87, agency: Beo Basket) produced 13 points and 7 rebounds and American power forward J.K. Edwards (202-82, college: UNLV) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
BC Donetsk: V.Kravtsov 13+7reb, J.Edwards 12+6reb+2ast, B.Cvetkovic 11+4reb, J.Hukic 8+2reb+3ast, A.Owens 7+7reb+2ast, S.Vasiljevic 5+2reb+3ast
Budivelnyk: Z.Morley 21+8reb+3ast, L.Wilson 18+9reb+1ast, M.Anisimovas 12+5reb, W.Keys 7+4reb+3ast, D.Lukashov 7+2reb+2ast, A.Betts 5
gschID: 128633




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


Results for the Metro 11th round - by Hector Lopez
Larranaga maintained the Metro leadership after beating Capitol 85-62, for the 11th round.
Larranaga 85 - Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 23 points Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 18 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks 4 assists
Capitol 72 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 28 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks 2 assists Juan Wenzel (190-G-89) 15 points
- - -
Urunday Universitario 83 - Pablo Peralta (176-G-88) 25 points 5 assists, Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 11 points 14 rebounds 3 blocks
Atenas 78 - Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 20 points 11 rebounds 1 block


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


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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 29-7 
 2. Marinos 27-10 
 3. Trotamundos 26-11 
 4. Bucaneros 22-17 
 5. Guaiqueries 20-18 
 6. Gigantes 20-18 
 7. Panteras 15-25 
 8. Toros 13-25 
 9. Guaros 12-25 
 10. Gaiteros 5-33 


Surviving for the Glory - by Jonathan Leon
Six out of ten survivors of the first 2011 LPB's lap could keep chasing the glory; Cocodrilos Del Caracas, Marinos de Anzoategui, Trotamundos de Carabobo, Guaiqueries de Margarita, Gigantes de Guayana and Bucaneros de la Guaira, all of them will now be battling to go to semifinals but only two of them are going to be in the 2011 championship game of the professional basketball league of Venezuela. Those 6 warriors are now on the same level, what ever they past through to go to the 2011 playoff is history, every one of them want to hold the cup, who knows? You can help us find out with your comment; which one out of six could be the new 2011 LPB Champion?


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


Upstate Heat defeats Gwinnett Majic, 80-78 - by Eurobasket News
Upstate Heat proved to be a contender after an 80-78 victory over the Gwinnett Majic, in the World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) exhibition game Friday, in Buford, GA.

Gwinnett, the two-time defending WBA champions led 21-20 in the first quarter and 40-36 at halftime. Upstate fought to keep the score close and managed to tie the game 78-78 with 5.8 seconds left on the clock, in the fourth quarter. Titus Lucas (5'10''-G, college: Paine) made two free throws after drawing a foul to put Upstate ahead by two points that led to the win.

Michael Corpening, Trey Britton (6'7''-F/C) and Titus Lucas scored 60 of 80 points in the exhibition game. Corpening finished with 21 points, Britton at 19 points and Lucas at 10 points.

Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83, agency: Basket Law/NM Services, college: Clayton St.), the reigning WBA most valuable player, led Gwinnett with 21 points and three rebounds. Lance Storrs (6'5''-G-89, college: Georgia Tech) netted 10 points and Andrew Dikas (6'5''-G-88, college: Brewton Parker) with 9 points.

Gwinnett felt the game exposed the lack of cohesiveness present on the team.

'It was a tough night for our team', said Brandon Williams, the Gwinnett Majic owner. 'We struggled to find a rhythm between our new players and our old players that have played for us in the previous seasons'.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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




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

Women News

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


Lessons to pay off for Clippers - by Eurobasket News
Steele Taylor Sunshine Coast Daily

IT'S BEEN a tough initiation to the Queensland Basketball League for some of the Maroochydore Clippers recruits but women's coach Greg Kent predicts his youthful side will mould into a formidable outfit.

Maroochydore lost its two season-opening games by 29 points and 16 points respectively but the side learned some valuable lessons and is starting to gel, according to Kent.

They're capable of very good things, he said.

They're young.

'At critical times they just lack the experience to get the job done. But they're coming on quite well and they will be a very good team.

His team boasts just one player over 20 years old Jacqui Frazer, 23.

His side includes two 15-year-old talents. Starting centre Yasmine Miller is a Queensland age representative and she's got great ability, according to Kent.

Miller and fellow youngster Jess Gajewski are likely prospects who both played very long minutes in the opening encounters. All of the girls have impressed me, Kent said.

Being so young, they gave Ipswich a great run for their money last week. They gelled quite well and I reckon in another three or four rounds together, I think they'll become quite good.

Kent believes his team will give Brisbane a scare in their match at Maroochydore this evening.

We're looking to be a little more consistent in our shooting. Our percentages have been quite low and we need to cut down our turnovers a bit more.

Maroochydore's men's outfit is also winless from two games and faces a tough task against leaders Brisbane tonight. Clippers co-captain Michael Goff will celebrate a 250-game QBL milestone.

GAME DAY:
MAROOCHYDORE v BRISBANE
Maroochydore Basketball Stadium, Syd Lyngard Drive. Women 6.30pm tonight, men 8.30pm.
Courtesy of: QBL


SEABL Women Week 7 results - by Eurobasket News
SATURDAY 21st MAY

DANDENONG 51 (Papavs 12, Cumming 11)

Lost to

KILSYTH 63 (Bishop 17, Afeaki 14)

Kilsyth led for the majority of the match, however a lapse in concentration late in the third quarter allowed the Rangers back into the game. The Cobras have been undefeated since the inclusion of Opalsforward Abby Bishp and her combination in the paint with Eva Afeaki troubled the Rangers. Dandenong could only muster together 12pts inside the paint, but yet the Lady Cobras produced 24.

MVP Abby Bishop (189-C-88) & Eva Afeaki (Kilsyth)


BRISBANE 62 (Smith 22, Camino 17)

Lost to

LAUNCESTON 70 (Hunt 23, Newley 13)

Despite arriving by plane only 2hrs before tip-off, the Tornadoes started the game well and held onto to secure the win despite trailing late in the first half. Tornadoes Hunt and Newley dominated at both ends of the floor.

MVP Nicole Hunt (167-G-88) (Launceston)


GEELONG 50 (Rogers 12, Teague 9)

Lost to

KNOX 71 (Graham 17, Bone 11)

The talent and experience in the Raiders line-up showed remarkably in this game as the Supercats committed costly turnovers throughout the match and were never a threat despite leading early in the game. Knox produced 23pts in the third quarter to blow the game open, but the Supercats never gave up and were able to bridge the gap slightly with a good 4th quarter performance.

MVP Odette Andrew (179-G/F-90) (Knox)


FRANKSTON 58 (McKenzie 17, Cotta 10, Jeffers 10)

Def

ALBURY/WODONGA 40 (Land 10, Wallbutton 6)

Frankston started the game strongly, opening up a 10-2 lead after the first five minutes, and led for the remainder of the game as the Lady Bandits struggled on offensive and were outrebounded 50-35.

MVP Patrice McKenzie (183-F-86, college: Florida Gulf Coast) (Frankston)


SANDRINGHAM 58 (Cocks 16, Schinz 10)

Lost to

HOBART 71 (Donkin 26, Ross 15)

Sandringham coach Kereama had his full team together for the first time this season, but they played poor interior defence and shot 32% from the field, allowing the Lady Chargers their second win of the season. The poor defence allowed the Hobart many easy baskets, which ultimately was the difference in the game.

MVP Myra Donkin (Hobart)



BENDIGO 64 (K Wilson 28, King 14)

Lost to

NUNAWADING 68 (Kunek 18, C Wilson 18)

Both teams produced one bad quarter, but the Spectres produced 14pts in the last five minutes of the game to out run the Lady Braves and record the surprising victory. The lead changed 14 times throughout the match, and the lady Braves had numerous opportunities to score and take control of the match, but missed too many shots at crucial times throughout the match.

MVP Alice Kunek (186-G/F-91) & Carly Wilson (Nunawading)


SUNDAY 22nd MAY

BALLARAT 69 (Rinaldi 23, Kerr 18)

def

HOBART 41 (Ross 12, Donkin 10)

Rush captain Kristy Rinaldi has continued her remarkable season with another sensational individual performance to guide her team to victory. Ballarat started slowly but took the lead late in the first quarter, and outscored the Lady Chargers in each of the remaining three quarters to seal a comfortable 28pt win. Hobart showed signs of tiredness in the fourth quarter as they combined for only 4pts.

MVP Kristy Rinaldi (Ballarat)


KNOX 94 (Tan 16, Denson 16)

def

ALBURY/WODONGA 62 (Wallbutton 18, Land 15)

MVP Julia Tan (167-G-78) (Knox)


NUNAWADING 72 (Kunek 22, Wilson 22)

def

SANDRINGHAM 54 (Cocks 19, Ardossi 16)

Nunawading produced a stunning team performance to win their second game of the weekend. Nunawading shot a remarkable 53% from the field, and outrebounded the Sabres by 18rebs. Sandringham struggled at both ends of the floor, and could not contain Kunek and Wilson.

MVP Alice Kunek (Nunawading)
Courtesy of: seabl.com.au


*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA - Women  


D1 Standings
D1 Standings
 1. BDF 2-0 
 2. Relics 1-0 
 3. Panther 1-1 
 4. Police 1-1 
 5. NIIT 0-2 
 6. Splinters 0-2 


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


Chicago Sky routs Chinese National Team 84-45 - by Eurobasket News
Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) led all scorers with 18 points as she and the Sky front line overwhelmed the Chinese National Team on the boards and in the paint leading to a 84-45 rout. It was the Sky's first preseason game of 2011 and China's third this spring versus WNBA competition.

Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) collected 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the Sky. Carolyn Swords (198-C-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) led the bench with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Courtney Vandersloot added 5 points and 7 assists.

Ji Yanyan (182-G/F-85) led China with 17 points while Wei Wei and Gao Song (190-F-92) had 6 points apiece.

Chicago completes its preseason schedule Thursday at Washington before opening the regular season at Indiana on Saturday, June 4. China will continue to New York, where it will play the Liberty on May 27 at Times Union Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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


Sliskovic has left Vigo to join Rivas - by Zeljko Zule
National team member Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) has signed a one-year deal with Spanish team Rivas Ecpolis. Sliskovic confirmed she has ended her three-year stint with Real Club Celta Vigo. She averaged 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 26 Spanish LFB League games last season. Over the last few seasons she was named Eurobasket.com Spanish LFB All-Bosmans Team -10, 11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Bosman Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB 2nd Team -11.

Medvescak juniors defend the title - by Eurobasket News
Medvescak junior team won the title for season 2010/11. They blasted Zadar 86-57 in the Big Final to win the trophy. Medvescak celebrated in junior competition last season as well and they also were cadet league champions.
The Big Final for juniors was played in Dubrovnik. Ivana Tikvic (189-C/F-94) was the leading player in victory with 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. She was totally unstoppable for the Zadar players. Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) also had double-double: 13 pts and 16 boards. Anja Majstorovic (184-F/C-94) helped her team with 12 pts and 6 assists. In the loosing squad, Ema Mestrovic delivered 15 points and Ivana Blazevic (182-G-93) stopped to 12. It is important to mention that Zadar had poor 2 of 17 from behind the arc in this meeting.
In the game for third place, Tresnjevka 2009 was too strong for PGM Ragusa 58-51.

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


IUPUI women's basketball team losing two scholarships - by Eurobasket News
The IUPUI womens basketball team will lose two scholarships for poor academic performance, the NCAA announced today.

In releasing the Academic Progress Rates real-time report cards for how student-athletes performance in the classroom for all Division I teams, the NCAA announced penalties for the IUPUI womens team.


The Jaguars scored 896, well below the desired threshold of 925.


Two in-state mens basketball teams scored lower than established averages for academic performance.


IUPUI and Ball State were below the 925 established as a benchmark for academic performance. Neither of the teams were punished because the academic performance of their student-athletes is improving.


Indiana University was at 929, but that was a dramatic improvement from the 2008-09 number of 878.


The IU men's basketball team scored a perfect 1,000 for the 2009-10 academic
year, one of 13 IU programs with a perfect score in the most recent year for
which data are available.


IUPUI and Ball State were both below the threshold in mens basketball. IUPUI scored an 895 while Ball State was at 892.


IUPUI was given a public notice last year for an 876 score as was Ball State for an 863. Ball State also received a practice reduction last year.


No Division I football teams in Indiana were penalized.


This year, 103 teams at 67 schools were sanctioned for poor academic performance. Last year, 137 teams at 80 schools were penalized, and two years ago 177 teams at 107 schools received penalties. There are currently more than 6,400 teams in Division I.


For the first time in history of intercollegiate sport, we have a common language and common expectation around academics, NCAA president Mark Emmert said. The expectation is that every program will reach a certain level of academic performance, and that level is important. To this end, the reform effort has been almost immeasurable in its impact.
Courtesy of: indystar.com
Written by
Jeff Rabjohns

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


Agata Gajda returns to CCC Polkowice - by Grzegorz Ozog
After two seasons in Energa Torun Agata Gajda (175-G-80) returns to CCC Polkowice. In CCC she will play for the third time. After the first contract signed in 2003 she spent the next three seasons at this club. Later she moved to Wisla Can-Pack. In the 2008/2009 season once again landed in Polkowice, after one year she moved to Torun.

In the previous season in Eurocup she played 8 games average gained 8.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. In Polish league she appeared in 31 games averaging 8.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.7 apg.

As President of the club said Gajda is an experienced player which will help the team in achieving a good result in Euroleague.

In the 2011/2012 season for the first time CCC Polkowcie will play in Euroleague.



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


Laura Antoja agrees with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca - by Eurobasket News
Laura Antoja (166-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas) agrees with Halcon Avenida for the next season. The Spanish Guard will be a great addition in a newly created roster as the majority of the champions left the team.
Laura Antoja comes from Argon Uni Girona. In 2009-2010 she joined Argon Uni Girona (LFB, starting five) and in 26 games averaged 7.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 63.0%. Last season she had 8.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 35.9%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 70.9%.
In her top game last season Laura Antoja recorded 22 points at the Regular Season Round 2. Girona celebrated 58-63 win against Vigo away from home. Laura Antoja was on fire for the guests scoring 22 points. She made 5 of 6 attempts from behind the arc. Noemi Jordana responded with 16 points (4 triples) in defeat.
Isabel Sanchez (180-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) will be back to the roster as it was announced later in the team. She joined the team in 2007-2008 and remains until now. Last season Isa averaged 1.6ppg in EuroLeague and in Spanish League had 3.8ppg, 1.1rpg.


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


Staschuk's double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old center Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for Orlan and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
She had a double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds, while her team beat Frankivsk (#5, 8-6) 81-74. Orlan maintains the 6th position in Ukrainian UPBL. Orlan is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-8 record. Staschuk just recently signed at Orlan, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Elena Staschuk averages this season 22.5ppg and 13.8rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-G-79) of league's second-best Kozachka. She is a guard in her second season at Kozachka. In the last game Panchenk-Stakhova recorded impressive 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course she lead Kozachka to another comfortable win 51-38 over the lower-ranked Politeh Basket (#7, 5-9) being unquestionably team leader. Kozachka's second position in the standings has not changed. Her team lost just three games this season, while they won 12 matches. Panchenk-Stakhova is well-known at Kozachka and she already established her position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87) of Dynamo (#3). Ragin scored 28 points. She was a key player of Dynamo, leading her team to a 90-57 easy win against Luganski Last. (#10, 0-14). 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. Krystyna Matsko (182-F-91) of Tim-Scuf - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Irina Rastorgueva (180-C-76) of Donbas - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Lybov Yakunina (186-F-86) of Luganski Last. - 21 points and 9 rebounds
7. Inna Faskhutdinova (182-F-84) of Tim-Scuf - 27 points and 2 assists
8. Oxana Pysmennyk (190-F-78) of Orlan - 22 points and 7 rebounds
9. Nataliya Silyanova (172-PG-71) of Dynamo - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Natalia Isachenko (183-F-79) of Tim-Scuf - 21 points and 5 rebounds

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

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


Storm swaps out point guards - by Eurobasket News
Seattle adds point guard Sharnee Zoll (5'7''-G-86, college: Virginia) and cuts Courtney Ward ahead of first exhibition game Wednesday in Los Angeles.The Storm made more roster moves on Monday, swapping out point guards.

Coach Brian Agler, who's also director of player personnel, brought in the ACC's all-time assist leader in Virginia's Sharnee Zoll and cut Florida State point guard Courtney Ward. The roster stands at 13 players, who are all expected to travel with the team to Los Angeles for its exhibition debut on Wednesday, but Zoll's first practice won't be until Tuesday.

'Right now, our main thing with her is to come in and give us depth at the guard spot, so our overall team can get better and keep practicing,' Agler said of Zoll, who spent time after practice with the rookies and assistant Jenny Boucek learning plays. 'We don't have a lot of time. We're almost halfway through training camp.'

Ward impressed Storm veterans like Sue Bird and Swin Cash. Agler is still weighing options, though, not knowing how he'll fill the final slots on his 11-player roster.

Zoll is a 2008 graduate of Virginia and was drafted by Los Angeles in the third round. She also played for Minnesota before playing overseas, most recently in Poland.

Agler doesn't anticipate starting his normal lineup Wednesday. Zoll could help keep the offense moving as evaluations are made.

'We want to get on top of aches and pains,' Agler said of his veteran roster, noting that everyone practiced Monday. 'It's not go-time yet, but we're getting there.

'We're sort of in game-mode. Not that we're concerned about results Wednesday but you want to go down and do some good things so we have a starting point. And sometimes you don't know until you go against somebody different than yourselves.'

Courtesy of: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
By By Jayda Evans
Seattle Times staff reporter



Robinson eager to prove worth in return home - by Eurobasket News
The former St. Paul Central star hopes to stick with the Lynx and play before family and friends.
Angel Robinson (5'8''-G-89, college: Marquette) 's former high school coach at St. Paul Central is convinced she will become a productive WNBA player.

'It might take a while,' Willie Taylor said, 'but if Angel plays a few games, she could have a big role.'

That's a key if. As a rookie with the Lynx, the 5-8 point guard needs to make a favorable impression in training camp.

Robinson will play in her first exhibition game as a pro at noon Tuesday, against Indiana at the Gangelhoff Center on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul. That's only a few blocks west on Marshall Avenue from Central.

'Our whole community is excited,' Taylor said.

Especially Robinson's family. All eight of her brothers and sisters will be there to watch Robinson battle for one of the last available spots on the Lynx. 'She is the oldest of the bottom four,' said John Robinson, her father.

The Lynx obtained negotiating rights to Robinson on draft day, April 6. They traded the No. 13 overall pick (North Carolina forward Jessica Breland) to New York for Robinson and a second-round pick next year. The Liberty had taken her with the No. 22 pick overall late in the second round.

'It's a great opportunity to be back home,' Robinson said. 'It really feels good. I am here training with the best players around the world.'

Five Lynx teammates, including point guard Lindsay Whalen, are in the pool of players bidding for spots on the U.S. women's national team.

Robinson and Alexis Hornbuckle, a three-year WNBA veteran, both hope to back up Whalen. The Lynx have to trim their 14-player roster to 11 before their season opener June 3 at Los Angeles.

'Angel is extremely competitive,' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. 'I like how physical she is and I also like her willingness to learn. I have done a fair amount of instruction with her and I don't have to repeat myself.'

Robinson has been around basketball -- and other sports -- all her life. She watched her father and her oldest brother, John Jr., play a lot as a youngster.

'I used to work third shift, so I watched [Angel] during the day,' said John Robinson, who took her along when he played pickup basketball around St. Paul.

John Jr., whom Angel is staying with during Lynx camp, played football at St. Paul Johnson and Concordia. By age 10, Angel was the quarterback on the football team that her father coached. She was a catcher on a 14-and-under baseball team. She also played soccer. And, of course, she played basketball, on boys' teams until girls became ineligible on traveling teams.

'I always say to her, 'Basketball is played above the eyeballs,' ' said John Robinson, the St. Paul Como Park girls' basketball coach. 'Someone can be more athletic than you, but those that understand the game better, they excel.'

As a high school senior, Robinson led Central to a 32-0 record and the Class 4A state title in 2007.

'Angel is one of those players who, if you need a steal, she will get a steal,' Taylor said. 'If you need a shot blocked, she will get a block.'

Robinson went away to Milwaukee for college, at Marquette. She played in a school-record 134 games -- 132 as a starter -- and became the first Golden Eagles player with more than 1,500 career points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 250 steals.

'I could bring some good things to [the Lynx],' Angel Robinson said. 'I am going to just keep fighting throughout training camp and earn a spot.'

Actually, another rookie guard and Minnesota native is in a similar situation. Kachine Alexander, a former Benilde-St. Margaret's star, was a Lynx third-round pick.

Reeve said she spoke at the banquet before the Minnesota State High School League girls' basketball state tournament this year and promised the Lynx would draft Alexander.

'It lucked out for us,' Reeve said. 'Not only did we get Kachine, we got Angel Robinson.'

Now, will they keep her?

Article by: ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ , Star Tribune



Chicago Sky routs Chinese National Team 84-45 - by Eurobasket News
Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) led all scorers with 18 points as she and the Sky front line overwhelmed the Chinese National Team on the boards and in the paint leading to a 84-45 rout. It was the Sky's first preseason game of 2011 and China's third this spring versus WNBA competition.

Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) collected 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the Sky. Carolyn Swords (198-C-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) led the bench with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Courtney Vandersloot added 5 points and 7 assists.

Ji Yanyan (182-G/F-85) led China with 17 points while Wei Wei and Gao Song (190-F-92) had 6 points apiece.

Chicago completes its preseason schedule Thursday at Washington before opening the regular season at Indiana on Saturday, June 4. China will continue to New York, where it will play the Liberty on May 27 at Times Union Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com