EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/26/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ACPBL   


The Destroyers join ACPBL - by Gianni Pascucci
The Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League has made history by adding The Destroyers, one of the most historic and decorated minor league basketball franchises in all of North America. The Destroyers are one of the longest running active minor league franchises in North America, playing the teams first season in 1998. The team had been previously known as the Delaware Destroyers, prior to last seasons move to the Philadelphia area.
The Destroyers are coached by Dallas Comegys , a former NBA player. Comegys was drafted 21st overall in the 1987 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks and played for both the New Jersey Nets and San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.0 points per game during his NBA career.
We are extremely pleased to add a championship caliber team with a former NBA player as his head coach, stated ACPBL commissioner James R. Schutz . The best minor league teams in America are lining up to play in the ACPBL, we are the future of minor league basketball.
Prior to joining the Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League (ACPBL) The Destroyers had spent the previous 13 seasons as part of the EBA and NPBL, winning league championship titles in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
For more information on The Destroyers and the league that everyone is talking about, please visit www.acpbl.com

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  ANGOLA   


Primeiro thrash Petro Petro - by Eurobasket News
Primeiro dAgosto over the weekend defeated Petro de Luanda 88-69 at the Rio de Seco pavillon in the Angolan national basketball championship.
The militaires put an end to a run of eight consecutive victories for Les militaires in the final phase Angolan national basketball championship Final Four.However,despite the defeat,Petro just need only one victory to be crowned champions.
Courtesy of: starafrica.com



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  ARAB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Sharjah claim Arab Club Championship title - by Eurobasket News
Sharjah - ASS Sale 80:73

Sharjah made history tonight. They claimed their first ever Arab Club Championship title. Sharjah toppled ASS Sale for the crown in Abu Dhabi. Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80) stepped up with 31 points to pace the UAE team to the victory.
Sharjah fired 28 points in the starting frame to clear off. They posted a 6-point advantage after ten minutes. Sharjah continued to dominate in the second frame. They registered a 55:41 halftime buffer. ASS Sale stopped the rot in the third term. The Moroccan team stiffened their defence and cut the distance to 5 points with one quarter remaining. ASS Sale got within three points in the final term but Sharjah survived the challenge and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Rashed Alzaabi (190-F-88) provided 22 points in the win. Cory Bradford (191-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) finished with 13 points for the champions. Abdelhakim Zouita (201-F-86) answered with 20 points for ASS Sale. Abderrahim Najah (198-F/C-84) finished with 12 points in the loss.

Sharjah: Radhouane Slimane 31, Rashed Alzaabi 22, Cory Bradford 13
ASS Sale: Abdelhakim Zouita 20, Abderrahim Najah 12



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


All ready for the finals - by Facundo Iatzky
For third straight year, Penarol and Atenas meet in the finals. This is unprecedented in the history of liga a. This year, penarol again has the advantage of playing at home 4 of the possible 7 games of the serie. Although this year things are different: as Penarol keep almost the same roster than the last year, Atenas changed almost all their players, even its coach. Mar del Plata is waiting for the first game.

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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Riyadi inks Khatib and Akl for Asia - by Rabih Khoury
Lebanese NT and Champville club Captain Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) will be joining Riyadi in the upcoming Asian Cup in Manila, Philippines. Also due to the injury of their main point guard Ali Mahmoud, Riyadi signed with Anibal Zahle PG Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88). Fadi Khatib and Rodrigue Akl will be playing with Riyadi for the second straight time in Asia. Also Riyadi will have Ahmad Ismaiil and Loren Woods as 2 imports!!!
Riyadi are looking to win the Asian Cup for the first time in the history of the Club

Final Import List For Asian Championship 2011 Manila - by Rabih Khoury
Mahram Iran: Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) and Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia)
Riyadi Lebanon: Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) and Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76)
Jalaa Syria : Samaki Walker (206-F/C-76, college: Louisville) and Jamaal Miller (187-G-82, agency: Court Side, college: Green River CC)
ASU Jordan: Watkins Jameel (211-C/F-77, college: Georgetown) and Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80, college: California)
Smart Gilas Philipinnes: Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence)
Rayyan Qatar: Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, college: Iowa) and Kimani Ffriend (211-C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Nebraska)
Chabab UAE: Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college: Tennessee) and Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona)
Dragons Malyasia: Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) and Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84, agency: 011 Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.)
Dhouk Iraq: Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) and C.J. Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.)
Ettihad KSA: Darren Kelly (190-G-78, college: Texas) and Vladislav Dragojlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket)

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  AUSTRALIA   


Breakers confirm eight players for title defence - by Eurobasket News
The NZ Breakers jigsaw is starting to take shape with the signings of all but one of the local players for the 2011/12 Australian National Basketball League. That leaves just one player to be confirmed alongside the two allowable import spots on the roster. The championship-winning Breakers announced the retention of seven local players - six New Zealanders and one Australian - led by the revelation that swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.) has waived his 'out clause' for next new season. Thomas Abercrombie will suit again up for the Breakers for another campaign and for now, at least, turn down the lure of Europe. Thomas Abercrombie did have the option to pursue a contract in Europe or the NBA in the United States but has decided to stay with the Auckland-based club. 'Obviously it is pleasing to get a player of Tom's ability back in a Breakers singlet,' head coach Andrej Lemanis said. 'He is a player that has been with us for some years now and has developed each season. His impact on the league and the club is considerable, as was seen with him being named grand finals MVP this season. For him to continue his journey with us for another year is exciting.' Thomas Abercrombie is joined by the returning Alex Pledger (216-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) at centre, feisty defender Dillon Boucher (196-F-75), the irrepressible Mika Vukona (197-F-82), young guard Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) and new signing Benny Anthony (198-F-88), who has signed a two-year deal as he graduates from development player status last season.
Also returning is Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) as he chases his fifth career ANBL championship title. The only player with any degree of uncertainty is classy shooting guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin). While the Tall Blacks international is under contract for next season he has until August 1 to decide whether to pursue options in Europe. That is one of a number of factors that leaves Lemanis in no rush to confirm his American imports. 'Kirk is obviously a crucial part of our group and in the guard rotation,' Lemanis said. 'We will wait until we know for sure he is returning and while at the moment we are planning on having Kirk back we have to be flexible if he does decide to head to Europe. If he stays we go get a point guard, if he leaves things change so we are in no rush.'
Breakers confirmed 2011/12 roster: Benny Anthony, Corey Webster, Dillon Boucher, Alex Pledger, Mika Vukona, Thomas Abercrombie, CJ Bruton, Kirk Penney*. (Plus two imports and two development players to be confirmed, * subject to Europe contract clause to August 1).
Courtesy of: stuff.co.nz

Melbourne bring in Ayinde Ubaka and Ronald Dorsey - by Eurobasket News
Melbourne Tigers signed contracts with three players. They have agreed on terms with Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85, college: California), Ronald Dorsey (197-G/F-83, college: McNeese St.) and Lucas Walker (202-F-84, college: St.Mary's, CA).
Ayinde Ubaka played for the Cairns Taipans in the previous season. The 26-year-old guard tallied 13.9 points, 3.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game for the Taipans. Previously the US player had stints in Germany, Poland, D-League and Belgium.
Ronald Dorsey also played for the Taipans in the previous season. The shooting guard averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists per appearance. Ronald Dorsey received NBL Honourable Mention from Eurobasket.com. Previously he played in France, Lithuania and Finland.
The Tigers also re-signed Lucas Walker. The 26-year-old forward notched 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Tigers in the last season. He is currently playing for the Dandenong Rangers in ABA.


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  AZERBAIJAN   


D1 Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Araz-NDT 8-2 
 2. Gala BC 6-4 
 3. ABIK 4-6 
 4. Azeri U18 4-6 
 5. BGU 2-8 
 6. Sheki 1-9 


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  BELGIUM   


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Stefon JACKSON
  Verviers.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Jackson, Verviers.16.3 
 2. Black, Antwerp16.0 
 3. Freeman, Verviers.15.9 
 4. Mallet, Charleroi15.5 
 5. Copeland, Aalstar15.4 
 6. Lojeski, Oostende15.4 
 7. Taylor, M.Hainaut15.0 
 8. Waters, Verviers.15.0 
 9. Miller, Leuven14.7 
 10. Hilliard, Aalstar14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8
 1. Freeman, Verviers.8.0 
 2. Young, Aalstar7.6 
 3. Stipanovic, Liege7.4 
 4. Randle, Gent7.3 
 5. Hilliard, Aalstar7.3 
 6. Gay, Verviers-Pep.6.4 
 7. Brown, Antwerp6.4 
 8. Jackson, Verviers.6.3 
 9. Tofi, Leuven6.0 
 10. Copeland, Aalstar5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4
 1. Mitchell, Oostende4.0 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut3.8 
 3. Dagunduro, Leuven3.6 
 4. Waters, Verviers.3.4 
 5. Bosco, Gent2.9 
 6. Black, Antwerp2.9 
 7. Moors, Antwerp2.8 
 8. Burrell, Aalstar2.7 
 9. Miller, Leuven2.5 
 10. Jenkins, Liege2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Jenkins, Liege2.8 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut2.4 
 3. Wilson, Antwerp2.2 
 4. Mallet, Charleroi2.1 
 5. Dagunduro, Leuven2.1 
 6. Mitchell, Oostende1.7 
 7. Biggs, Antwerp1.7 
 8. Taylor, M.Hainaut1.6 
 9. McCauley, M.Hai.1.6 
 10. Bosco, Gent1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Mejri, Antwerp1.6 
 2. Riddick, Charleroi1.4 
 3. Johnson, Aalstar0.9 
 4. Randle, Gent0.8 
 5. Young, Aalstar0.8 
 6. Van Den Spie., Oos.0.8 
 7. Wilson, Antwerp0.6 
 8. Tofi, Leuven0.6 
 9. Nivins, M.Hainaut0.5 
 10. Pelle, Oostende0.5 


Various News - by Peter Buyse
Telenet Oostende will have to do without Marcus Faison for the rest of the playoffs. He suffered a calf injury and is out for 6 weeks.
Guard Darren Mitchell also missed yesterday's game vs Charleroi due to a family emergency for which Oostende allowed him to go home, no news on his return at present.

Leuven Bears has extended the contract of their center John Tofi (203-F/C-84, college: UTEP) with one season. The team is talking with several other players for the 2011-2012 season.

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  BELIZE   


Belize debuts with a win in COCABA U-17 Tournament!!! - by David Magana
In the opening of the 2011 COCABA U 17 Tournament in Costa Rica, Belize took the lead in group B after a crushing defeat over Nicaragua 88 57. Belize led the game throughout the four quarters and only in the second quarter did Nicaragua show signs of a comeback when they got as close as one point to even the scoreboard (40-39). Nevertheless, in the second half our young men came out on fire finishing the third quarter 72 49. By the end of the final whistle Belize had overcome by as many as 31 points. Belize was led by Brian white who had an outstanding afternoon with double doubles; 22 points, 12 rebounds followed by Devin Daly with 19 points, 7 rebounds and Tariq Middleton with 14 points. For Nicaragua, Romario Ponce scored 20 points and Denzel Moody 15 points. For more statistics on the game please check on the section: WHATS NEW/Score Board from this site.
In other games from group B, Mexico defeated El Salvador with a last minute three pointer to win the game 57-55 and claim the second spot of the group. Tomorrow Belize plays against El Salvador at 6 pm and with a win can mathematically clinch a berth in the semi-finals.
This game can be followed live on the following website: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/6891/01/51/00/68W8SKODYm546/



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  BRAZIL   


BRB/Brasilia defend NBB title - by Eurobasket News
BRB/Brasilia - Vivo/Franca 77:68

BRB/Brasilia defended their NBB title. They overcame Vivo/Franca in the fourth game of the title series to clinch the crown. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 17 points to pace the hosts. He was named Finals MVP after the game.
BRB/Brasilia dominated in the game. They recorded a 19:12 lead after ten minutes and ward it off well enough throughout the next periods. BRB/Brasilia accumulated a 32:21 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets in the third frame as BRB/Brasilia ensured an 11-point cushion going into the final period. Vivo/Franca erupted for 30 points in the final quarter but it was not enough to challenge the home team. Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) delivered 15 points, while Nezinho dos Santos (186-G-81) had 14 in the victory. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) answered with 16 points for Vivo/Franca. William Drudi (206-C/F-81) finished with 14 points in the loss.

BRB/Brasilia: Guilherme Giovannoni 17, Arthur Luiz Belchior 15, Nezinho dos Santos 14
Vivo/Franca: Vitor Benite 16, William Drudi 14


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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Champions show dominance in 2011 BVIBF Kenny Funny Thomas League - by David Edole
Rawlston Williams - BVIBF PRO
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at 5:22 pm

In week two of the 2011 BVIBF league teams continued to shake off the rust and others continued to steam-roll their way towards being crowned champions.

Friday saw no games being played as Mother Nature changed it into a rest day.

In Saturdays games title contenders met with little resistance as they dispatched up and coming teams in both Junior and Senior divisions.

In game one, 2010 Junior Division runner-ups, Another Level, got into the win column with a convincing 107 65 of the newly formed Blazers. The game was never close as stifling defense from Another Level lead to a 16 point first quarter lead that grew to 25 by the half. Coming out of halftime the Blazers seemed to be more composed as they posted their most competitive quarter only being outscored by 3.

The final period however had level showing utter dominance on both ends of the floor as the more experienced team would take home the W this day. Jomoiri Dagou lead all with a game high 21 points and chipped in 2 steals as he paced the young Blazers team. Deondre Rhymer showed promise with a solid double double against the strong Another Level frontcourt with 19 points and a game high 11 rebounds.

Their efforts were however not enough to contain player of the game Dione Blyden who flirted with an unprecedented quadruple double posting 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals & 9 assists. Kevin Bodkin continued to see his star shine under the tutelage of coach Wattley as he 16 points, 4 rebounds & 3 steals. Raheem Blyden & Jaa-Mala Miller added 15 and 12 points for a balanced attack by Another Level.

The second game of the night saw the leagues other runner up East take on 2nd year team Speed Zone. East never trailed in the game as newly acquired all rounder Ray Victor paced the team with an all around effort. Speed zone showed resiliency as they battled the first half with East, going into the locker room only down by single digits.

As the final half played out experience proved the equalizer as it had in the earlier game along with some high energy plays from the teams newest acquisition, Ray Victor. In the end East triumphed convincingly with a 101 62 score. David Bolo Lettsome led all scorers with 22 points while adding 4 steals and 7 assists.

Ray Victor took home player of the game honors with a near miss at a quadruple double while amassing an impressive triple double ending with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 7 steals. Dwayne Penn & Phillip Glasgow added 12 & 11 points respectively in
the win.

Shomari Morgan continues to make a strong rookie campaign in the Sr. division with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Jeremy Telemaque and Asim Beazer scored 11 and 7 respectively for Speed Zone.

The final game of the night saw former juggernaut Young Legs emerge without the Young in their name and for the first half without any young in their game either as they limped into the locker room tied at 36 for the half. Against The Odds used solid first half performances from two former East players Eric Matthais & Nathanial Malone that one would say were traded in return for Ray Victor.one would only say though as there are no trades in BVIBF.

Malone & Mathias provided a lot of spark as the upstart Odds fought to crush the spirit of Legs going into the half. The game was however a tale of two halves as Legs doubled their first half output led by Jason Edwin as they outscored Odds 60 27 over the
final half, for a 96 63 final.

Nathaniel Malone led Odds with 13 points and 8 assists, Eric Matthias and Kimani Stevens added 13 and 11 points respectively. Jason Edwin played true to form with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 9 steals while bringing home player of the game honors. Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) added a double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds with Trevon Lewis & Kennedy Bass chipping in 12 and 11 points for the win.

Sundays first game saw Junior Division contenders Fo Real & Hawks clash under the bright lights of the complex in a game decided by only 3 points. The game carried on in a seesaw affair as neither team would give quarter to the other. After 3 the Hawks led by one going into what would be a strong final frame which saw stellar performances from both teams as Fo Real could not however muster the extra oomph to get them into the W column as Hawks held on for a 69-66 victory in what would be the closest
contest of the evening.

Khadin Fahie took home player of the game honors with a masterful double double posting 21 points, 25 rebounds and 3 steals. He was helped along by Jamal Warner who added 18 points, 23 rebounds and 4 blocks. Nigel Glover Carey contribute 8 points, and 2 blocks to the win.

On the other side Kiover Hatchett had 20 points, 7 rebounds & 3 steals, Allan Boutin had a double double with 12 points , 12 rebounds and added 3 steals, Deondre Ward added 13 points for the scrappy Fo Real team.

Game 2 on Sunday saw defending Jr. champs Young Gunners continue to show their dominance as they roughed up Jr. East in the final quarter to win by a count of 77 54. The game was fairly close through the first 3 quarters as Jr. East kept the game within single digits only trailing by 9 after 3.

Lock down D and bad bounces resulted in Jr. East only mustering 3 points in the final frame as they were outscored by 14 to close the game. Xavier Richards put in work for Jr. East as he tallied a double double leading all scorers with 21 points, 21 rebounds, and adding 4 blocks.

He got help from Kevon Lettsome with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Bodean Samuel lead the Gunners charge with 18 points, 5 rebounds. Shamoii Sham Dagou who athleticism would put him in comparative category with HS all Americans as he excels in numerous sports chipped in with 16 points and 6 steals in the win.

The final game of the night pitted veteran Sr. Division players and defending champs Mega Mix against a mostly fresh and inexperienced group of players in the Rebels. Experience held court as Mega Mix coached by our local Mr. Rings Vern Bego Turnbull seemed sharp and precise opening up a 25 point lead by the break and extending it to 45 by close of business to end with a 100 55 score.

Jevon Morris led the rebels with 14 points and 5 rebounds while Sr. Division veteran Wayne Baby fat Campbell added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Reigning MVP, best point guard Killven Samuel continued his drive for a second MVP award with 30 points, 6 assists, 4 steals and 4 rebounds.

Douron Phillip and Halstead Chiverton contributed 15 and 14 points respectively.

There will be no games this weekend due to the Music Festival activities. Games resume on Wednesday, June 4.



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  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Harper, Levski23.6 
 2. Lilov, Rilski S.20.1 
 3. Dimitrov, Spartak19.2 
 4. Naydenov, Chernom.16.8 
 5. Davidov, Balkan15.7 
 6. Bozov, Balkan15.5 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja15.2 
 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: 10.5
 1. Varbanov, Tundja10.5 
 2. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 3. Todorov, Spartak7.4 
 4. Kolev, Cherno More6.9 
 5. Peterson, Lukoil A.6.8 
 6. Radojevic, Rilski6.8 
 7. Georgiev, Levski6.7 
 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.4.2 
 4. Dyakovski, Spartak4.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.3.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan3.8 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja3.5 
 8. Lilov, Rilski S.3.4 
 9. Avramov, Lukoil A.3.3 
 10. Gruev, Rilski S.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Crowe, Levski2.4 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.2.3 
 3. Zahariev, Chernomo.2.1 
 4. Radionov, Tundja2.0 
 5. Bozov, Balkan1.9 
 6. James, Lukoil A.1.9 
 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. Vaklinov, Rilski S.0.6 
 7. Banev, Lukoil A.0.6 
 8. Yanev, Cherno More0.6 
 9. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 10. Petkov, Tundja0.6 


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


Copa Chile: 1st game playoffs results - by Cristian Quiroga
Only one host won the first playoff game played last weekend in Copa Chile League. Series are being disputed in best of 3 games format. Second and third game of each series (if needed) will be played during the next weekend.
Friday, May 20th
Las Animas 57 - Puente Alto 83 (Puente Alto leads 1-0)
Universidad Austral 58 - Boston College 101 (Boston College leads 1-0)
Saturday, May 21th
Club Providencia 76 - Deportivo Valdivia 82 (Valdivia leads 1-0)
U.de Chile 80 - Colegio Los Leones 90 (Los Leones leads 1-0)
Sabuesos 62 - Espanol de Talca 88 (Espanol leads 1-0)
Deportivo Cefiro 48 - Stadio Italiano 74 (Stadio Italiano leads 1-0)
Palestino 57 - U. de Santiago 52 (Palestino leads 1-0)
Deportivo Aleman 71 - CD UdeConce 100 (UdeConce leads 1-0)
Arturo Prat San Felipe 62 - Universidad Catolica 82 (Universidad Catolica leads 1-0)
Sergio Ceppi 35 - Liceo Mixto 105 (Liceo Mixto leads 1-0)
rabe Rancagua 53 - Osorno Bsquetbol 102 (Osorno leads 1-0)
Sunday, May 22th
Pedro Aguirre Cerda 72 vs. Estadio Espanol 99 (Estadio Espanol leads 1-0)



Libsur 8th Round results - by Cristian Quiroga
Last weekend was played another round LIBSUR. North group leader is Deportes Victoria with 13 points in 7 games, meanwhile in south group ABA Ancud is in the first place without defeats (16 points in 8 games)
Saturday, May 21th
North Group
Dep. Victoria 92 - C. D. Imperial 45
C. D. Carahue 85 - C. D. Las Animas 74
C. D. Lautaro 50 - A. B. Temuco Nielol 69
South Group
C. D. Col. Aleman 71 - C. D. S. Osorno 79
C. D. Espanol 45 - ABA Ancud 99
C. D. Ula, P. Montt 77 - C. D. Pto. Varas 76
Dep. Castro 68 - C. E. B. Pto. Montt 46

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


A1 Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Cedevita advance into Finals - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita - Cibona 92-80

Cedevita joined Zagreb in the A1 Finals. They toppled Cibona in the decider. The game without a history. Cedevita led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Cedevita outrebounded Cibona 36-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for the former international center Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds. The former international swingman Marino Bazdaric (197-78) helped adding 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Cedevita players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was international swingman Bojan Bogdanovic (202-89) with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and center Leon Radosevic (208-90) scored 23 points.
Top scorers:
Cedevita: A.Zizic 21+7reb+2ast, D.Rudez 17+2reb+1ast, B.Wright 13+3reb+1ast, M.Bazdaric 12+5reb+5ast, H.Kovacevic 8+2reb+1ast, C.Edwards 7+5reb
Cibona: B.Bogdanovic 26+6reb+4ast, L.Radosevic 23+2reb+1ast, G.Vrbanc 10+1reb+2ast, M.Rozic 4+4reb+5ast, P.Barac 4+3reb+1ast, K.Vragovic 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128851




Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner .
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23
 1. Puljko, Kvarner23.0 
 2. Car, Zadar21.7 
 3. Zitko, Trogir20.2 
 4. Bogdanovic, Cibona20.1 
 5. Zoric, KK.19.5 
 6. Petkovic, Svjetlost17.4 
 7. Bakovic, Darda17.4 
 8. Simon, KK.17.3 
 9. Saric, Dubrava17.2 
 10. Brown, Zadar15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  Dubrava
  (205-F/C-94)
  Avg: 10
 1. Saric, Dubrava10.0 
 2. Krolo, Darda8.7 
 3. Brown, Zadar7.4 
 4. Zoric, KK.7.2 
 5. Radic, Alkar Sinj7.0 
 6. Sobin, KK Split6.9 
 7. Ivanov, Zadar6.8 
 8. Grgurevic, KK Split6.5 
 9. Ridl, Darda6.5 
 10. Bazdaric, Cedevita6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Karakas, Trogir7.1 
 2. Car, Zadar5.4 
 3. Petkovic, Svjetlost5.3 
 4. Draper, Cedevita4.5 
 5. Jugo, Kvarner 20104.3 
 6. Blajic, Alkar Sinj3.9 
 7. Saric, Dubrava3.5 
 8. Renfroe, KK.3.5 
 9. Dosen, Dubrovnik3.4 
 10. Delas, Alkar Sinj3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Alex RENFROE
  KK.
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Renfroe, KK.2.8 
 2. Marcinkovic, Zadar2.3 
 3. Draper, Cedevita2.1 
 4. Saric, Dubrava2.0 
 5. Car, Zadar1.9 
 6. Anzulovic, Alkar S.1.9 
 7. Brown, Zadar1.8 
 8. Karakas, Trogir1.8 
 9. Bicvic, Darda1.7 
 10. Petani, Borik1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK.
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Zoric, KK.1.9 
 2. Kraljevic, Zabok1.4 
 3. Vitali, Trogir1.2 
 4. Krolo, Darda1.0 
 5. Saric, Dubrava1.0 
 6. Vukicevic, Svjetlo.0.9 
 7. Sobin, KK Split0.8 
 8. Vladovic, Trogir0.8 
 9. Ridl, Darda0.8 
 10. Sarlija, Borik0.7 


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


Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17.4
 1. Smith, BC Kolin17.4 
 2. Landry, BK Prost.15.4 
 3. Houska, BK Decin15.1 
 4. Horak, Svitavy14.7 
 5. Hatcher, BK Decin14.5 
 6. Sedmak, Basketbo.14.3 
 7. Blazek, B&W Opava14.0 
 8. Veikalas, BK Prost.13.9 
 9. Kotas, USK Praha13.7 
 10. Field, BC Kolin13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris MENO
  Basketbo.
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Meno, Basketbo.10.4 
 2. Houska, BK Decin8.6 
 3. Landry, BK Prost.8.5 
 4. Burke, NH Ostrava7.6 
 5. Arnold, BK Pardu.7.5 
 6. Spagrud, NH Ostra.7.3 
 7. Frana, Plzen7.1 
 8. Kramny, Svitavy6.9 
 9. Klimes, USK Praha6.7 
 10. Gadri, BK Prostej.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6
 1. Vrubl, Plzen6.0 
 2. Lawrence, BK Prost.5.3 
 3. Jones, BC Kolin3.8 
 4. Carnecky, B&W O.3.7 
 5. Hatcher, BK Decin3.5 
 6. Kotas, USK Praha3.4 
 7. Sanders, BK Decin3.3 
 8. Maio, Basketbo.2.9 
 9. Channels, Novy Jic.2.7 
 10. Macela, Svitavy2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Kotas, USK Praha1.9 
 2. Wright, BK Pardu.1.8 
 3. Holloway, Basket.1.7 
 4. Smith, BC Kolin1.7 
 5. Sirina, B&W Opava1.6 
 6. Hampton, BK Pardu.1.5 
 7. Landry, BK Prost.1.5 
 8. Gajdosik, Basket.1.4 
 9. Hatcher, BK Decin1.4 
 10. Vrubl, Plzen1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Martin MIKLOSIK
  B&W O.
  (226-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Miklosik, B&W O.1.2 
 2. Trybanski, NH Os.1.2 
 3. Gadri, BK Prostejov0.9 
 4. Kramny, Svitavy0.9 
 5. Meno, Basketbo.0.8 
 6. Houska, BK Decin0.8 
 7. Bjegovic, USK Praha0.7 
 8. Pelikan, Novy Jicin0.7 
 9. Miles, BC Kolin0.7 
 10. Benda, CEZ Nymbu.0.6 


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


Red Claws in talks with former Tenn. coach - by Eurobasket News
The Maine Red Claws are apparently reaching high for their next head coach.
Yahoo!Sports is reporting that the NBA Development League team based in Portland is interested in talking to Bruce Pearl , recently fired as head coach at Tennessee.

The Red Claws confirmed that Pearl, a Boston native, has expressed interest in the position, which was vacated last Friday when Austin Ainge took a position with the Boston Celtics, and that the team is interested in talking to him.

Pearl, who won a Division II national championship with Southern Indiana, was at Tennessee for six years, where the Volunteers made six NCAA tournament appearances.

Courtesy of: http://www.pressherald.com
By Mike Lowe


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


Ales Pipan takes over Polish National Team - by Eurobasket News
Ales Pipan will be the next Polish National Team head coach. The Slovenian has longed worked with Slovenian NT. He guided the team in 2004/08 seasons. Ales Pipan is not new to Poland. The specialist worked with Anwil Wloclawek in 2007/08 season. He led the team to Polish SuperCup title and helped them reach Cup semis. Lately Ales Pipan was at helm in Zlatogor Lasko in Slovenian League.
Poland got into 2011 EuroBasket preliminary Group A. They will play alongside Spain, Turkey, Lithuania and Great Britain. Poland will tip off their EuroBasket campaign on August 31 against Spain.


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


Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Rick HUGHES
  Hyeres-T.
  (204-C/F-73)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Hughes, Hyeres-T.19.2 
 2. Jefferson, AS.19.2 
 3. Nichols, Vichy18.2 
 4. Mejia, Cholet17.8 
 5. Darden, Nancy17.2 
 6. Massie, Limoges16.9 
 7. Mensah-Bonsu, AS.16.5 
 8. Shuler, Vichy16.0 
 9. Hamilton, Paris-.15.6 
 10. Schilb, Chalon14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pops MENSAH-BONSU
  AS.
  (206-F-83)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Mensah-Bonsu, AS.9.3 
 2. Massie, Limoges9.2 
 3. Krupalija, Hyeres.8.9 
 4. Akingbala, Nancy8.1 
 5. Issa, Gravelines7.8 
 6. Jefferson, AS.7.8 
 7. Hughes, Hyeres-T.7.7 
 8. Jones, Le Havre7.7 
 9. Koffi, Le Mans7.6 
 10. Sene, Gravelines7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Reid, Vichy6.3 
 2. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.9 
 3. Taylor, Limoges5.8 
 4. Woodside, Gravelin.5.8 
 5. King, Le Havre5.4 
 6. Linehan, Nancy5.4 
 7. Wright, Limoges5.3 
 8. Walsh, AS.5.0 
 9. Sciarra, Pau-La.4.7 
 10. Diabate, Roanne4.7 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Linehan, Nancy3.1 
 2. Walsh, AS.2.1 
 3. Diot, Le Mans2.1 
 4. Darden, Nancy2.0 
 5. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.2.0 
 6. Elegar, Vichy1.8 
 7. Diabate, Roanne1.8 
 8. Dewar, Le Mans1.7 
 9. Schilb, Chalon1.7 
 10. Greer, Strasbourg1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Grave.
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Akpomedah, Grave.2.1 
 2. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.5 
 3. Falker, Cholet1.5 
 4. Jefferson, AS.1.4 
 5. Sene, Gravelines1.3 
 6. Akingbala, Nancy1.3 
 7. Koffi, Le Mans1.2 
 8. Issa, Gravelines1.2 
 9. Elegar, Vichy1.0 
 10. Pasco, Strasbourg1.0 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Sonko, Maurienne19.1 
 2. Siggers, Rouen18.9 
 3. Harris, Lille18.4 
 4. Carter, Nanterre16.9 
 5. Rouse, Charleville16.8 
 6. Milbourne, Boulogne16.6 
 7. Davis, Le Portel15.9 
 8. Gay, Fos Ouest15.5 
 9. Runkaukas, Quimper15.1 
 10. Labeyrie, Le Port.14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Barber, Nantes10.2 
 2. Daniels, Chalons-.9.6 
 3. Wyatte, Le Portel9.4 
 4. Bing, Dijon9.2 
 5. Mathis, Maurienne8.9 
 6. Rouse, Charleville8.8 
 7. Monds, Bourg8.4 
 8. Monroe, Boulogne8.2 
 9. Giles, Rouen8.0 
 10. Badiane, Boulazac8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Da Silva, Evreux7.8 
 2. Rowland, Le Portel6.5 
 3. Patiejunas, Boulo.6.1 
 4. Downey, Nantes5.7 
 5. Oliver, Bourg5.5 
 6. Williams, Le Portel5.0 
 7. Taylor, Rouen5.0 
 8. Mullins, Chalons-.5.0 
 9. Denave, St Vallier4.7 
 10. Darnauzan, Mauri.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Mykal RILEY
  Nanterre
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Riley, Nanterre2.5 
 2. Shiloh, St Vallier2.5 
 3. Daniels, Chalons-.2.4 
 4. Craven, Dijon2.3 
 5. Mullins, Chalons-.2.2 
 6. Sonko, Maurienne2.1 
 7. Melody, Dijon2.1 
 8. Patiejunas, Boulo.2.1 
 9. Denave, St Vallier2.0 
 10. Hachad, Fos Ouest2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 2. Jefferson, Quimper1.3 
 3. Monds, Bourg1.1 
 4. Barber, Nantes1.0 
 5. Taccoen, Lille0.9 
 6. Adjiwanou, Boula.0.9 
 7. Davis, Evreux0.9 
 8. N''Diaye, Clermont0.9 
 9. Daniels, Nanterre0.9 
 10. Ford, Clermont0.7 


ProA Round 3 of Quarter-Finals. Gravelines, ASVEL and Nancy reach semis - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines - Roanne 84-77

Gravelines advanced into semis after they held off Roanne. It looked good early as Chorale de Roanne took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Gravelines-Dunkerque had a 28-15 second period charge getting the lead and Chorale de Roanne was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-84. Gravelines-Dunkerque players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Ben Woodside (180-85, college: N.Dakota St., agency: Priority Sports) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 assists. The former international guard Yannick Bokolo (191-85) accounted for 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Nigerian power forward Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-78, college: Wyoming, agency: Beo Basket) came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate (180-87) added 17 points and 6 assists respectively for Chorale de Roanne in the defeat. Five Gravelines-Dunkerque and four Chorale de Roanne players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Gravelines: J.Johnson 18+1reb+1ast, B.Woodside 15+4reb+12ast, Y.Bokolo 14+8reb+3ast, J.Greer 12+2reb+2ast, C.Akpomedah 11+2reb+1ast, D.Issa 10+5reb+2ast
Roanne: P.Amagou 20+4reb, S.Diabate 17+2reb+6ast, U.Nsonwu-Amadi 17+5reb+4ast, D.Page 13+6reb+1ast, R.Davis 6+4reb+2ast, A.Tanghe 2+1reb
gschID: 128770


Chalon - ASVEL 80-94

ASVEL prevailed against Chalon on the road to ensure their semifinal appearance. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. ASVEL outrebounded Chalon/Saor 44-29 including a 37-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for ASVEL especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when ASVEL made 7 blocks. 29 personal fouls committed by Chalon/Saor helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American forward Davon Jefferson (203-F-86, college: USC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. International guard Edwin Jackson (191-89) helped adding 30 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Four ASVEL players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Blake Schilb (201-83, college: Loyola, IL) with 22 points, 5 assists and 4 steals (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and the other American import guard Marquez Haynes (191-86, college: Texas Arlington) scored 23 points.
Top scorers:
ASVEL: E.Jackson 30+5reb+1ast, D.Jefferson 21+16reb+6ast, M.Gelabale 17+7reb+2ast, M.Walsh 17+6reb+10ast, L.Westermann 6+3reb+3ast, C.Hammonds 2+3reb+5ast
Chalon: M.Haynes 23+1reb+1ast, B.Schilb 22+4reb+5ast, A.Aminu 11+5reb+2ast, A.Michel Jean-Baptiste 6+5reb, I.Evtimov 5+7reb+3ast, N.Lang 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 128791


Nancy - Hyeres-Toulon 96-71

Nancy drubbed Hyeres-Toulon to punch their semifinal ticket. The game was mostly controlled by Sluc Nancy. Hyeres-Toulon was better in fourth quarter 30-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Hyeres-Toulon to just 7 points in second quarter. Sluc Nancy forced 24 Hyeres-Toulon turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. It was a quality performance for American swingman Tremmell Darden (194-81, college: Niagara) who led the winners and scored 16 points. American-Bulgarian guard Willie Deane (186-80, college: Purdue) accounted for 11 points and 7 assists for the winning side. Four Sluc Nancy players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Vincent Masingue (205-76) came up with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and American power forward Rick Hughes (204-73, college: Thomas More, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Hyeres-Toulon 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:
Nancy: T.Darden 16+4reb+2ast, V.Samnick 16+2reb+1ast, T.Johnson 14+1reb+2ast, W.Deane 11+2reb+7ast, K.Grant 9+2ast, A.Akingbala 8+7reb
Hyeres-Toulon: S.Fein 15+4reb+1ast, R.Hughes 15+6reb+3ast, V.Masingue 13+8reb+4ast, J.Flowers 7+8reb+2ast, K.Houston 6+2ast, A.Dobbins 6+6reb+3ast
gschID: 128792




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


Stats Leaders - Superleague
Points Per Game
 Darko MATIC
  Kumanovo.
  (192-G-84)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Matic, Kumanovo.21.5 
 2. Jovanovic, Ultima.20.3 
 3. Trajkovski, Torus18.0 
 4. Petkovski, Pelist.16.8 
 5. Filipovic, Ovce Po.16.4 
 6. Morban, Lirija16.4 
 7. Mirakovski, Rabot.15.5 
 8. Blazevski, Rabotni.15.1 
 9. Nikolovski, MZT S.14.7 
 10. Anakievski, Pelis.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gjorgje JOVANOVIC
  Ultima.
  (209-C-80)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Jovanovic, Ultima.10.6 
 2. Nikolovski, MZT S.8.4 
 3. Pavlovski, Lirija8.4 
 4. Talevski, Pelist.8.1 
 5. Knezevic, Feni I.7.9 
 6. Trajkovski, Torus7.8 
 7. Chappell, ABA S.7.7 
 8. Jelesijevic, Torus7.7 
 9. Rejnerio, Lirija7.6 
 10. Filipovic, Ovce P.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Carlos MORBAN
  Lirija
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Morban, Lirija5.1 
 2. Kostovski, Torus S.4.7 
 3. Mirakovski, Rabot.4.6 
 4. Petrovski, MZT S.3.8 
 5. Mladenovic, Ultima.3.7 
 6. Blazevski, Rabotni.3.6 
 7. Lazic, Ultimate.3.3 
 8. Samardziev, Feni I.3.1 
 9. Vukotic, Kumanovo.3.1 
 10. Miljkovic, Torus3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Gjorgi ANAKIEVSKI
  Pelist.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Anakievski, Pelist.2.5 
 2. Morban, Lirija1.6 
 3. Lindsay, MZT S.1.5 
 4. Blazevski, Rabotni.1.5 
 5. Boswell, ABA S.1.5 
 6. Petrovski, MZT S.1.5 
 7. Frye, Feni Indistr.1.5 
 8. Dimcevski, Torus S.1.4 
 9. Stojanovski, Feni1.4 
 10. Mladenovic, Ultim.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Bojan TRAJKOVSKI
  Torus S.
  (206-C/F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Trajkovski, Torus1.7 
 2. Chappell, ABA S.1.4 
 3. Jelesijevic, Torus1.3 
 4. Dendra, Rabotnicki1.1 
 5. Simic, Rabotnicki1.0 
 6. Gocevski, Rabotnic.1.0 
 7. Krstevski, Torus S.0.9 
 8. Frye, Feni Indistr.0.8 
 9. Avramovski, MZT S.0.8 
 10. Jovanovic, Ultima.0.6 


Superleague Round 3 of Finals. Feni Industri take 3-1 lead - by Eurobasket News
Feni Indistrija - Rabotnicki 84-78 OT

Feni Indistrija stepped closer to the title as they held off Rabotnicki in overtime to take 3-1 lead in the championship series. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 23-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 13-7. Fersped-Rabotnicki was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Dusan Knezevic (207-80, agency: BeoExcell) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds. American guard Jarrid Frye (194-G-85, college: Sacred Heart) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Serbian center Toni Simic (210-76) who recorded a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds and international guard Dimitar Mirakovski (180-81, agency: Interperformances) added 13 points respectively.
Top scorers:
Feni Indistrija: J.Frye 19+7reb, V.Stojanovski 16+5reb+2ast, D.Knezevic 15+15reb, M.Gjurov 7+4reb+4ast, O.Stojanovski 7+3reb, D.Sokolov 7+4reb+2ast
Rabotnicki: T.Simic 31+12reb+1ast, D.Mirakovski 13+4reb+3ast, E.Hadzibulic 11+2reb, E.Bogoev 8+4reb+2ast, P.Blazevski 6+10reb+2ast, V.Filipovic 5+3reb
gschID: 128800




*****************************************************
  GABON   


Tongui BB and SOMO BB dominate the various groups - by Eurobasket News
With 13 and 28 points respectively ,Toungui BB and Somo BB dominate groups A and B of the Gabonese national elite basketball championship.

Below is a general classification in both groups ;

Group A

1st, Toungui BB: 13 points

2nd, Manga BB: 11 points

3rd, Engong BB: 6 points



NB: Two teams CAS 1987 and Olympique Mandji declared fofeiture in this group


Group B

1st, Somo BB: 28 points

2nd, Stade Mandji: 24 points

3rd, Espoir BC: 22 points

4th, BABB: 20 points

5th, IZO BB: 17 points
Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com

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


Brose Baskets and ALBA Berlin take 2-1 Semifinal leads - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets and ALBA Berlin take 2-1 Semifinal leads after the victories in Games 3.



Brose Baskets - Art.Dragons 84-61

The game without a history. Brose Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Artland Dragons helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Slovakian guard Anton Gavel (189-84, agency: Pro One Sports) who scored 20 points. American power forward Kyle Hines (198-86) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Brose Baskets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Darren Fenn (208-80, college: Canisius, agency: Limelight Hoops) who recorded 10 points and 8 rebounds and Cameroonian center Ruben Boumtje (212-78, college: Georgetown) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively. 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:
Art.Dragons: B.Bailey 11+1reb, D.Fenn 10+8reb, R.Boumtje 10+5reb, A.Hess 9+3reb+2ast, T.Rice 9+3reb+2ast, N.Peavy 5+5reb
Brose Baskets: A.Gavel 20+4reb+3ast, K.Hines 17+8reb, P.Suput 11+4reb, R.Terry 10+5reb+2ast, C.Jacobsen 8+3reb+5ast, T.Pleiss 7+4reb

gschID: 128685


Dt.Bank SKY - ALBA 52-68

The game was mostly controlled by ALBA Berlin. Deutsche Bank Skyliners was better in fourth quarter 24-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a good game for international forward Yassin Idbihi (208-83, college: Buffalo) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Serbian forward Tadija Dragicevic (205-86, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 10 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American guard DaShaun Wood (185-85, college: Wright St.) answered with 10 points and 4 assists and the other American import forward Roger Powell (198-83, college: Illinois, agency: Interperformances) added 4 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Dt.Bank SKY: M.Nolte 10+3reb, D.Wood 10+1reb+4ast, J.Shepherd 7+1reb+1ast, Q.Robertson 6+1reb+1ast, J.McKinney 5+3reb+1ast, R.Powell 4+10reb
ALBA: Y.Idbihi 14+5reb+3ast, T.Dragicevic 10+5reb+1ast, H.Schaffartzik 9+3reb+3ast, J.Jenkins 8+1reb+1ast, I.McElroy 7+1reb+1ast, T.Rochestie 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 128686




Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 18.9
 1. Wood, Dt.18.9 
 2. Rice, Art.Dragons17.0 
 3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.5 
 4. Harris, EnBW L.16.0 
 5. Ross, MBC15.9 
 6. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 7. Dorris, Phoenix15.3 
 8. Benzing, Ratio.15.1 
 9. Callahan, Bremerha.14.8 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm10.9 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.1 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth7.8 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.6 
 5. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 6. Anderson, Goett.6.9 
 7. Burtschi, Phoenix6.9 
 8. Pleiss, Brose B.6.8 
 9. Stevic, EWE B.6.8 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Ratkovica, Walter7.4 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.9 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.5 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons5.0 
 5. Brewer, Bremerha.4.7 
 6. Green, EnBW L.4.6 
 7. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.3 
 8. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 9. Rochestie, ALBA4.2 
 10. Goldsberry, Brose4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phant.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hamilton, NY Phant.1.9 
 2. Everett, Bremerha.1.8 
 3. Martin, Bremerha.1.7 
 4. Pryor, Phoenix1.5 
 5. Bailey, Goettingen1.5 
 6. Burtschi, Phoenix1.5 
 7. Ross, MBC1.5 
 8. Dorris, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Gill, EWE Baskets1.4 
 10. Wise, Telekom1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekene IBEKWE
  Art.Drag.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.2.4 
 2. Pleiss, Brose B.1.7 
 3. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.5 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.4 
 5. Hines, Brose B.1.1 
 6. Seward, Phoenix1.1 
 7. Brempong, Duesseld.1.1 
 8. Goree, NY Phantoms1.0 
 9. Denison, Bremerha.0.9 
 10. Kashirov, Walter0.9 


Uwe Sauer (Basketball Is Just a Game, But The Greatest There Is) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Uwe Sauer played at Santa Clara university where NBA superstar Steve Nash also played and enjoyed a very successful basketball career in Germany from 1985-1997 winning titles with Cologne and Bayreuth and being the youngest German playing at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984. After his playing career, he became a coach. He was assistant coach for SSV Ulm from 1997.-1999. He then coached in Tuebingen from 1999-2003. He then coached for BG Karlsruhe from the 2003-2006 season. Since then he coached clubs like the Mitteldeutscher BC, The Teckpro Braves in Kaiserslautern and recently BG Illertal-Weissenhorn. He spoke with eurobasket about the past, present and future about basketball.

Uwe thanks for talking to eurobasket. You coached BG Illertal-Weissenhorn recently. What was your summary of the 10-11 season?

We had a great season and did a lot better than most people expected. We finished in 6th place and made the play-offs, that was a big success for the young franchise of BG Illertal.


You have coached mainly division one and two teams in your coaching career. How much of a challenge is it coaching a PRO B team and younger players?

It was a very big challenge for all of us since we played with the youngest and most inexperienced backcourt in the whole league. But they responded well and really improved over the course of the season and made this a fun year. It was great to see the young players develop and be a part of them growing up as players.



What do you have to do differently in your coaching style?

There is always something you can do different or better. Even though it got a lot better over the years, I still get distracted on occasion by the officiating, despite knowing that the refs do their best and definitely make a lot less mistakes than the coaches and players during the game.

How much potential does Johannes Betz still have? He isnt 17 or 18 anymore but 22. Where do you see his development going in next years?

Johannes had big problems with his knee, not knowing if he could play on a higher level at all. That is why he didn't play for us this season. If he is healthy he is a very talented player that can play multiple positions. So if his knee is fine and he really wants to fit in a team concept he still be a valuable add to a lot of teams.

You havent coached in the beko BBL since 2005. How much is coaching in the beko BBL itching you again?

For me personally it's really more important right now to be in a healthy and supporting environment, whether it is BBL or ProA. I know that I can coach in the BBL given the chance. As of right now i'm trying to find me a good situation and i'm very optimistic it will happen soon.

There has been speculation that the Giessen 46ers have been interested in your services. Can you picture yourself coaching the Giessen 46ers?

As a player I could have never seen myself being a 46er,because the crowd in Giessen was quite hostile towards opposing teams and me as a player. As a coach it's totally different. They really want their team do do good and do everything they can. If a BBL team is interested in your services, especially one with a long tradition in the 1st league you definitely have to consider it.


The Giessen 46ers havent been in the beko BBL playoffs since 2005 where German coach Stefan Koch was on board and Chuck Eidson scored 40 points against Bamberg. Is it time for a new German coach in Giessen?

In 2005 Giessen had a great coach in Stefan Koch and probably the best and most versatile player in Chuck Eidson. They had the right pieces to be successful. To answer that question you would have to ask the Giessen Management. It's not for me to say who they should put in charge. Whoever it may be i'm happy for him, because I know how difficult it is to get a coaching job, especially one on a high level like the BBL.

What has been mainly the biggest problems in Giessen the last years? Why has the team been so unsuccessful in the last 6 years?

Like for a lot of teams with a lower budget it is very difficult to establish continuity over the years. You have to do even better in recruiting than the higher budget teams, but even if you do great there you face the next problem. Is the player good the other teams want him and make him an offer you can't match. If he underachieves you don't want him any longer. In both cases the player is gone and you have to start all over the next season. If you look at the successful teams it's the ones that are able to keep their players for a couple of years.

Does it bother you that top beko BBL teams dont ask for your services? BG Goettingen is looking for a new coach as well.

I'm 48 years now, I had a successful career so far, but I also have a family that always stays at home near Ulm, no matter where i'll be coaching. Top programs knowing that I think it is not very likely for them to consider me for the job. Does it bother me? Sometimes I wish i'd be given the chance again (like in Karlsruhe or Tbingen), but you never know if or when it will happen.



How has your coaching vision and Philosophy changed over the years?

You always have to be true to yourself. Therefore my vision and philosophy has not really changed over the years. I try to adapt to the given circumstances (quality of players, practice times...), but it is very hard to go through with your ideas,given so little time. I am very high on team basketball, I don't press my team in tight concepts,my players are allowed to play 'their game',as long as they are working together at both ends of the floor. I try to find my players their comfort zone on the floor, controling their egos and have fun while working hard. I always remind myself and others that basketball is just a game, but the greatest there is. And you can only be good playing basketball if you are passionate about it and have fun doing it.



You coached two seasons in Karlsruhe leading the team to two 10th place finishes. Why was this team unable to reach the BBL playoffs in this time?

Honestly, I don't think we had a good enough team to be in the play-offs. We were close, but 10th place both years was really good for this franchise, better than they ever did, before or after.

How important were you in the early development of Alba Berlin forward Derrick Allen?

I gave him the chance to play in the BBL even though he did''t have great stats in college and just came from a season in Iceland, not really one of the top leagues in Europe. But he proved he was worth the risk, because he was (and I bet still is) the most endurant player I ever coached. Maybe not the most talented player to start with but unmatched in his work ethic, always working extra hours on all aspects of his game. He really became a great player, but he's even a better person and a pleasure to coach.


Patrick Heckmann will play for Boston College. How much potential does he have and will he be able to be a solid role player at the NCAA level?

He is a very talented player that I had the chance to coach against this season. He played a major role on his team, which really helped him to develop as a player. He got good size, can shoot the outside shot and can put it on the floor. Once his 3point shot becomes more consistant and he rebounds the ball better he will be a good player for his Boston College.

UCONN forward Niels Giffey had a solid season with UCONN winning the 2011 NCAA title as a freshman. How far can he go in the NCAA and what player does he remind you off?

Well, he just won the NCAA title with UCONN. It doesn't go any further than that, at least not in college. But being on a championship team and getting some playing time (even) as a freshman is really an achievement. He got good size at 6' 7'' and plays for a great program. Staying healthy it's all there is for him to have a bright future as a ball player. Again, being 19 years old, being a freshman, getting minutes and winning the NCAA title, how much better can it get?

How do you see the chances of the German National team at the European championships this summer with or without Dirk Nowitzki?

First of all i really hope that Dirk (finally) wins his 1st NBA title. More than everybody else he really deserves to be an NBA champion. Maybe then he'll play the European championships as the ' icing on the cake'.If he plays, then Chris Kaman plays. With the two of them,plus the rest of the very talented German players we should really have a very good chance to do great.

How happy have you been with the development of the beko BBL this season. fan attendance has risen again and next season FC Bayern Munich will enter the beko BBL.

It's great to see the BBL get on a higher level each yeat. This year the top teams like Alba, Bamberg, Frankfurt or Artland really played great basketball. A lot of good players play in this league like Hines, Jakobson, Allen, Bryant, Wood just to name a few. And next year will be even better with the return of Wrzburg and the new powerhouse Munich.

You played professional basketball in Germany from 1985-1997. What were your nicest memories as a basketball player?

There are quite a few. Moving up to the 1st league as a starter at the age of 19 with USC Heidelberg, winning 3 championships in a row (2 with Cologne,1 with Bayreuth),winning the double with Bayreuth (cup and championship in '89),playing 2 European championships, World student games, World championship and of course playing in the '84 Olympics as the youngest player on the team vs the likes of Michael Jordan.


Who was the best player that you ever played against in Germany?

This is very hard to say because there were a lot of very good players I played against during my 13 year career. One that stuck out though was Keith Gatlin, due to his size and skill level as a guard. But I would probably go with Alvin 'Bo Dukes, even though we played on the same team in Bayreuth. But I had to play against him every day in practice and he was definitely the best in making everybody on the team a better player. He made us play harder, plays very unselfish and thus made us more confident in ourselves and consequently made us become winners.

You played at Santa Clara (NCAA). Do you follow alumni like Doron Perkins, John Bryant and Kyle Bailey?

I sure do. You just mentioned a few. But there were also a Jens-Uwe Gordon who I coached back in Karlsruhe, Harold Keeling who played in the NBA for a while, Brian Jones and Lloyd Pierce that I both had in Tbingen and Sean Denison from Bremerhaven. Too bad though I never had the chance to coach the best Santa Clara player of all time - Steve Nash


How do you see the beko BBL semi final match ups Bamberg-Artland and Alba Berlin-Frankfurt. Who will reach the final and win it all?

The best 4 teams square of in the semi-finals, coached by probably the 4 best coaches. It is really an open race this year, no absolute favourite, even though you can't deny the home court advantage that could become the decisive factor down the stretch.


Will Derrick Allen win the 2011 beko BBL title?

I really hope so. He really deserves a championship for all his hard work he put in over the years to become the great player he is now. But it will be very difficult, not only do they have to steal home court now from Frankfurt, but also (most likely then) from Bamberg in the Finals. I wish him good luck!

Thanks coach for the chat.



Dashaun Wood Cant Be A Superman Every Night As Alba Berlin Pound The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 68-52 For 2-1 Series Lead - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The way the Alba Berlin Deutsche Bank Skyliners beko BBL semi final series has ended in the first two games couldnt have been more dramatic or unbelievable than if Lebron James lost a game on a tip in on his own basket, Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz winning a playoff game against the hated New York Yankees with a suicide squeeze bunt or Boston bruins goalie Tim Thomas winning a playoff game with a full ice flick of the wrist shot that would beat Tampa bay Lightening goalie Mike Smith by accident the same way FC Schalke goalie Manuel Neuer has been prone to allowing goals, or Skyliner assistant coach Klaus Perwas who is usually reserved in the same way after games if the team won by one point or 35 points, but after the game two shock win looked like he had just survived the torture chamber of Hannibal Lector in the Silence of the Lambs. 'You never know what is going to happen in the playoffs. I remember that in 2008 we did the same against oldenburg where all teams won their away games. I was a little surprised how Frankfurt won game two not allowing Alba Berlin to score for eight minutes. Something like that usually doesnt happen to Alba Berlin', stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch 'The most important thing in the playoffs is always the fighting mentality, playing with heart and getting the rebounds. My most crazy playoffs was when we were down 1-2 in games to Braunschweig and we came back to win 3-2. We had many injuries and played with lesser means. We played fought and played with heart and that is how we were able to win the stressed', added Alba Berlin sport director Mithat Demirel (181-G-78)

With the surprise effects that had happened in the first two games, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners didnt want to exit the court again after game three with another insane ending that could of added some extra forehead wrinkles or a few more grey hairs above the brow so the gang of Gordon Herbert entered the game wanting to be as alert as Dirk Nowitzki has been in the current playoffs leading his team to success, as Ashton Kutcher will have to be serving in the role of Charlie Sheen and not getting caught in his pitfalls or how 8 time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl winning against Michael Chang again at a Frankfurt exhibition match last weekend and getting revenge after losing to the then 17 year old American who was suffering from cramps and had to serve under hand 22 years ago at Roland Garros in Paris, but every effort The Deutsche Bank Skyliners did wasnt rewarded as Alba Berlin played sensation team basketball defense pounding Frankfurt 68-52 and taking a 2-1 lead in the best of five beko BBL semi finals series. 'We couldnt make a shot. I think we were a little tired. Alba Berlin was able to keep throwing fresh new guys at us and they had a deeper rotation tonight. They just wore us down tonight', stressed ex NBA player Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois). Despite the bitter loss in game two at home, Alba Berlin looked fresh and ready to go in game three. 'This was such an important game and we were confident that we could execute. These games really dont have to do with the x and os, but just about playing together. We were feeding off each others energy and when that happens, good things usually happen', added Alba Berlin American Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'We had no energy tonight. It seemed like with every missed shot at the start, it went downhill from there. Alba Berlin played very aggressive and perhaps because we didnt hit right away, it might of effected us mentally', expressed Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). 'Alba Berlin kept Frankfurt insecure on offense with their aggressive defense. The first 20 minutes was enough for Frankfurt a sthey were dead. Alba Berlin did a good job with their pick and role defense, got into their sets and controlled DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) well', stressed Giessen 46er Jannik Freese. 'We didnt make our free throws at the start which got us out of the game and we couldnt get easy buckets', added Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn).

Before the game in the shoot around, German national team hopefuls Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) and Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) had a pleasant greeting as both were being watched from German national coach Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ). Ex Skyliner Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) received some positive shouts from fans as he marched on the court. Also in attendance were Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch, Giessen 46er center Jannik Freese and ex German national player Henning Harnsich. The Skyliner living room Ballsporthalle was as good as sold out as 5,002 people wanted to see the basketball clash. Alba Berlin got off to the quick start leading 4-0 as they displayed quick ball movement and ex BG Goettingen guard Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) nailed a pull up jumper which was followed by a baby hook shot from Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). Alba Berlin quickly put a stamp on the court with their pesky defense as Frankfurt missed their first four shots and needed three minutes until Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) put Frankfurt on the board. Idbihi excelled on defense stopping Nolte and then not allowing Powell to dunk. The first quarter dragged on as it was very low scoring and the game resembled more like a high scoring NHL game. Frankfurt might have been able to get the lead, but their poor free throw shooting prevented them from. Frankfurt tied the score at 6-6, but that was as close as they would get as Alba Berlin broke away going on a 9-0 run to lead 15-6. German national player Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) was instrumental in this run scoring six points as he scored once inside and nailed a three pointer. Alba Berlin continued to do a super job on defense forcing Frankfurt to take tough shots. Wood scored his first field goal of the game, but Alba Berlin led 17-10 after one quarter. 'It was important that Alba Berlin came out with their aggressive defense right away. Frankfurt also shot very bad. Alba Berlin did a good job defending the Frankfurt pick and role and showed that they had prepared well for DaShaun Wood', stressed Telekom baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch 'We defended well and attacked Frankfurt hard. However we let up too many offensive rebounds', stressed ex German national player Mithat Demirel Alba Berlin was shooting 46% from the field and 33% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 13% from the field and 14% from outside. Frankfurt had the comfortable 15-7 rebound edge, but three turnovers while Alba Berlin only had one turnover.

The Alba Berlin shock treatment against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued in the second quarter as the 8 time beko BBl champion jumped out on a 13-2 run to lead 30-12. Miroslav Raduljica started off the second quarter with a hook shot over Nolte and Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) countered with a typical athletic leap to the hoop and got some help as the ball decided to trickle in. Alba Berlin then was able to slowly extend their lead as Frankfurt was unable to keep pace too often getting fancy and throwing up wild shots instead of trying to look for open shots. Alba Berlin also forced Frankfurt to their fourth shot clock violation turnover. Alba Berlin was clicking on offense mixing it up as Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) hit a turn around shot, Tadija Dragcevic a three pointer and Idbihi a mini hook shot. In the second half of the second quarter, both teams scored only six points a piece as Alba Berlin got a little careless on offense, but not on defense as Frankfurt was unable to capitalize on offense. The most spectacular play of the game occurred as Wood found Super Tez for an ally-op dunk. As Wood does so often, he let his mind digi cam make a quick shot of the American running in and out of teh corner of his eye lofted a pass up to the hoop as Robertson stuffed it home. Idbihi as solid as ever kept the Alba Berlin high hitting a jumper. Wood closed out the second quarter with a lay up from his left hand. Alba Berlin led with comfort 36-18 at halftime. 'The ball just didnt want to go in for Frankfurt. Alba Berlin kept defending well and on offense having good ball movement and never keeping the ball on one side too long. They also attacked the basket well keeping the pressure on with Idbihi and Raduljica. all in all good inside/out basketball', stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch 'We had our rhythm on offense in the second quarter. We found our big men under the basket. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) also brought a lot of energy to the court. Our luxury is that we dont rely on one player, but have many that help out', added Alba Berlin sport director Mithat Demirel Alba Berlin was shooting 52% from the field and 25% from the three point line while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 19% from the field and 8% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 20-16 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Alba Berlin had four turnovers.

Everyone was awaiting to see what magical words Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert had found during the halftime to get the players back on track, but instead of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners starting a furious comeback, Alba Berlin was able to extend their lead going on a 7-0 run to start the third quarter to lead 43-18 and the Ballsporthalle was fighting to stay loud as fans just seemed shocked at what was happening. Dragcevic got the ball rolling with free throws and a three pointer and Idbihi scored inside. 'It was tough under the hoop against Idbihi, but sometimes one has to deal with what you got', stressed Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois). Frankfurt then found a little life in their game going on a 7-2 run to trail Alba Berlin only 45-25. Frankfurt who had had much misfortune in game two with loose balls, didnt have better luck in game three either, but Robertson finally found some luck getting a loose ball and getting a lay up. Wood then found some daylight hitting a three point pull up jumper and then feeding Nolte for a lay up. This was the first time in the game where Wood was able to penetrate and make that extra pass for the basket. Alba Berlin ahd the big lead and here and there missed some shots while Frankfurt couldnt find that consistent vibe on offense as they continued to miss shots and also throw air balls. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller and Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) traded baskets at the end, but Alba Berlin still had the huge 50-28 lead. 'Alba Berlin continued to play very aggressive defense and limit us to one shot. We were unable to adjust to their defense', said Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn). Alba Berlin was shooting 49% from the field and 23% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 22% from the field and 13% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the slight 28-26 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

In every quarter, Alba Berlin had quickly jumped on the Deutsche Bank Skyliners the same way Tom the cat tries to on Jerry the mouse, but misses and it wasnt any different in this the fourth quarter as Alba Berlin started off on a mini 4-0 run to lead 54-28 as Immanuel McElroy scored inside and Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) also made a hoop inside. Frankfurt couldnt get consistent stops and just seemed discouraged on offense as they were searching for ways to penetrate the Alba Berlin defense, but remained unlucky. Wood found some space once in a while as he set up Nolte with a bounce pass, but then again got killed by the Alba Berlin version of Super Tez as energy bundle Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) snuck inside and some how soared over way taller players for an offensive rebound and put back and then found a loose ball and finished with a dunk. In between Taylor was stripping balls and forcing Frankfurt to cough up the ball. 'I havent been shooting the ball well, so I try to bring different aspects to the game like my defense', said Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Nothing changed much in the score as Alba Berlin led 60-35. With five minutes to go, there seemed little hope for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners to stage some kind of miraculous comeback simply because a Jordan, Lebron or Kobe were not on the court. Frankfurt did get stronger closing out the game on a 17-8 run, but it was too late too little and Alba Berlin might have shifted down a gear or two as well. After Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) dropped a three pointer fro the 63-37 lead, there was no stopping the Alba Berlin bench from smiling or Henning Harnisch to show some teeth in the stands behind their bench. Down the stretch, Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) scored and Canadian national player Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) found the free throw line and also did a monster block on Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports), but time was running out as Frankfurt trailed 65-47. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) then nailed another three pointer as Alba Berlin led 68-47 and were also looking ahead in their minds to game four in Berlin Sunday. Frankfurt has DaShaun Wood and Alba Berlin 12 players. 'You have to give a lot of credit to the guys from the bench. Lucca Staiger and Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) changed the intensity of the game as did Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) even though you dont think of him as a bench player', joked Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) scored inside and Shepherd ended the game with a three pointer as Alba Berlin won 68-52. 'It was simply one of those days where nothing went right. We all tried. I dont know if it had to do with our preparation or if we just werent loose enough. We lacked that one player to be the spark that we needed to come back', stressed Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). 'Alba Berlin did a good job making the extra pass. They played well together giving them the extra push', commented ex Braunschweig center Jannik Freese.

Alba Berlin was led by Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) with 14 points and five rebounds. Tadija Dragcevic contributed 10 points and five rebounds. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) added nine points, three rebounds and three assists. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by DaShaun Wood with 10 points and four assists and Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) had 10 points and three rebounds. Frankfurt had done a good job in game two with the size difference making up with their quickness, but had problems in game three with the size. 'Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) was huge for us. He played great and gives us the confidence that when we put the ball inside that something good will happen. Raduljica is a beast. Having them both at the five position is a tough combination for the opponent', stressed Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Frankfurt shot only 25% from the field and 14% from outside as Alba Berlin was able to play consistent aggressive defense limiting DaShaun Wood, but not really changing anything in their defense. 'Wood cant be a Superman every night. They locked him up well and never let him in his comfort zone', stressed Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR). 'We didnt really change anything on defense. It really had to do with effort. We know that Wood is their motor and we made them work for everything', commented Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'Alba Belrin didnt do anything different on defense. They played hard, but we just couldnt make shots. I had open looks, but sometimes you have days like that. Wood is tired. He just needs rest. His energy for us is being fast', added Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois). 'If Wood is defended well then it will be tough for Frankfurt to win. Wood is Frankfurt this season', warned Jannik Freese. 'Alba Belrin threw different defensive sets at him. He was pressured all night long and made him make tough shots', warned Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn).

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners now have their backs to the wall in a do or die game four in Berlin on Sunday. Alba Berlin has the momentum again, but that should be no problem as they were faced with that before in game two. 'Anything is possible. We need some rest now. We had momentum going into game three and they won. They have the momentum going into game four and now it should be our tuen to win again', warned Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois). 'Game four has to do with being mentally focused and knowing our opponent', added Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'Frankfurt will have to play with foam in their mouths form the first minute. This will be a very difficult task for Frankfurt. The whole team will have to play together', warned Jannik Freese. 'I hope that this was not my last game in the Ballsporthalle. I want to play in game five and then in the final games. Alba Berlin was the aggressor in game three. We waited to long to see what they would do. This cant happen in game four. We will have to be the aggressor in game four', warned Pascal Roller. Alba Berlin host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in game four May 29th at 18:00.

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


Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Vancouver V. 8-1 
 2. Bellingham S. 8-3 
 3. W.C. Hotshots 4-4 
 4. Olympia R. 3-5 
 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 


Edmonton Energy professional basketball team to take on the best of Calgary and Saskatoon in a three game series this weekend - by John Gary
courtesy ibl The Edmonton Energys next opponent{after the recently tough Bellingham Slam series that followed the tough series in Albany Ny},is a team named the Us Allstars. The USA ALL-Stars roster by definition is composed of 12 collegiate level or professional players who come to town to take on an IBL team. This team has been in existence for three years. The Usa All-Stars lose a high percentage of their games as the 12 players are good but they are going against an organized team. In the case of this weekend, the USA ALL-Stars team is different in that the team has 12 Canadians coming to town too take on the Edmonton Energy. The brand name USA All-Stars,for the sake of this release and because of how differnt this weekend will be for the USA brand will be changed to the Canadian All-Stars,however on the official schedule and standings,you will see the wins and losses represented with the USA AllStars brand.

Edmonton Energy professional basketball team to take on the best of Calgary & Saskatoon in 3-game series this weekend - by Trask Frost
IBL Media report: the Edmonton Energy's next opponent (after the recently tough Bellingham Slam series that followed the tough series in Albany New York) is a team named- the USA All Stars. The USA All Stars roster by definition is comprised of 12 collegiate level or professional players who come to town to take on an IBL team. This team has been in existence for three years. The USA All Stars lose a high % of games as the 12 players are good, but they are going against an organized team.

In the case of this weekend, the USA All Stars team is different in that the team is all Canadians (12 Canadians come to town to take on the Edmonton Energy). The brand name USA All Stars for the sake of this news release and because of how different this weekend will be for that USA brand, will be changed to- Canadian All Stars (but on the official schedule and in the standings you will see the wins and losses represented with the USA All Stars brand)

About the Canadian All Stars team- all of the players are from Calgary and Saskatoon. The players have been selected and screened by Sean Tyson of Saskatoon and Salman Rashidian of Calgary who will serve as the head coach and assistant coach respectively. Both coaches and the IBL Commissioner feel that this will be the best 'USA All Stars' team every put together- and this should be a competitive series.

Schedule for this upcoming weekend:

On Friday, the Edmonton Energy will take on these Canadian All Stars at 7:30pm at the University of Alberta.

On Saturday both teams travel to Raymond to play a 7:00pm game.

On Sunday the 3rd game of this series heads to Olds College to be played at 2pm.

The 1st game at the University of Alberta on Friday is a home game; the latter 2 games are called 'satellite games'.

About the coaches and how this series relates to Saskatoon and how the series relates to Calgary:

Canadian All Stars head coach- from Saskatoon: this weekends team- the Canadian All Stars (on paper called the USA All Stars) head coach Sean Tyson retired from professional basketball in 2001 and is now a development coach in Saskatoon. Tyson played on a national championship team at Dunbar High School and went on to Clemson University to win the ACC title in 1990 and was nominated for 6th Man of the Year Award. Tyson continued working at and participating in NBA summer camps, playing on overseas teams and even played with the CBA over his next few years but from 2007- present, Sean Tyson has been the owner, director, and creator of the Super Six League (www.supersixleague.com). The Super Six League is a high level community basketball league in Saskatoon that has been running for 4 seasons, with 2011 being the 5th anniversary season. The league has enjoyed the consistency of local veteran players and an emerging group of young talented basketball players from Saskatoon. Sean Tyson looks forward to this weekend as a chance to introduce Saskatoon players, Saskatoon media- to the IBL in hopes that he can bring an IBL game, perhaps eventually a team to the Saskatoon region.

Canadian All Stars assistant coach- from Calgary: Joining the Canadian All Stars staff is assistant coaches Salman Rashidian. Rashidian played basketball for 14 years in Calgary; he played for Alberta where he won a Provincial Championship and was selected top 20 players in Calgary in 1998-1999. Like Tyson, Salman Rashidian looks forward to this weekend as a chance to showcase Calgary players to the Calgary media in hopes that he can increase interest for his efforts to bring the IBL to Calgary.

IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio- 'this team of 13 players coming to take on the Edmonton Energy is expected to be a precursor of two separate emerging teams for the 2012 season. It is expected that a team from Calgary and a team from Saskatoon will play in the IBL in some capacity whether it be a full team or a branding team'. The IBL defines a full team as a normal team that plays 20 games and is in it win the IBL championship. A branding team plays 4 away games- and 1 home game (5-games total). These 5 games count as real games. Explaining the branding year concept further: the IBL feels that new teams should come into this tough minor league basketball business in a very slow and intentional manner (thus, the 5 game 'branding year'). This allows a team to build in both Calgary and Saskatoon over time making the learning curve more gradual. IBL Commissioner Duilio- 'it is the IBL position that no team should move to a full 20-game status until proper funding and proper support from venue, media, sponsors, etc. are all established, so, in the case of Saskatoon and Calgary, if the IBL were to predict, it could be many years of both teams sitting in the branding mode, playing 5 games each year, we wont move them in to full 20-game status until everything is right'. Duilio further says- 'the step to move to full 20-game season is a really big step up, one that we do not necessarily even encourage until all ducks are in a row, and that takes a lot of time'. The IBL sees this weekends series as step 1 of a 3 step process in bringing the International Basketball League to Saskatoon and to Calgary.

Roster: there will be a few player changes over the next 2 days for the Canadian All Stars- but as of today, these are the 12 players expected to be playing in this 3-game series-

Andrew Spagrud (6' 7') - This past season Andrew played with Czech Republic where he averaged 13ppg & 4.8rpg. In 2004, he received an All-CIS Rookie of the Year Award and was voted to the NBL All-Star Game in 2011. In college, Andrew is the all-time leader in single season points and career scoring for University of Saskatchewan.

Mike Linklater (5' 9')- Played at the University of Saskatchewan back in 04'-05' where he averaged 4.9 points, 1.5 assists, and averaged a 3pt field goal % of 69.7. Linklater is a very dynamic player known for his outside shot.

Willie Murdaugh (6' 3') last played for Calgary in the minor leagues in 2004/2005; Murdaugh was considered a workhorse on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor and should provide a lot experience to the bench. His accolades include: defensive player of the year, All-IBA 2nd Team and Murdaugh was a part of the championship team in 2004. Willie is a veteran and will help the team with leadership.

Robby Sihota (6 6) - played at University of Calgary and played professionally overseas in Holland as of recent (team named Rotterdam).

Jamike Nowfor (6' 3') a guard who recently won the Sprite Slam Dunk Championship in Calgary.

Jermaine Campbell- played at the University of Alberta

Richie Johnson (6' 4') a guard who recently played 2 years professionally in Korea and has had other overseas basketball experience

David Neufeld (6'8') - played for the University of Saskatchewan for the past several seasons and is a dynamic player who provided a big spark off the bench for his college team. David had helped his team make deep runs in the 2010-2011 tournament only to come up short in the title game.

Michael A. Myers (6'6') - Myers is a versatile player who played the 1-3 position while attending the University of Calgary. Having played alongside fellow NBA players Tracy McGrady and Baron Davis, this has given Myers the ambition to play at the highest level.

Adam Ruickbie (6'7') - Ruickbie was named Team Captain during the 2006-07 season while attending the University of Western Ontario (2003-08'). In 2007, he received the Bob Gage Award.

Kirby Sinclair (6' 4')-

Greg Feierno (6' 11) late addition, no information and possible spelling error

Possible- but unknown due to Canadian college eligibility rules and/or player availability:

6'11' Point Forward Mike Doyle

5' 10' Point Guard Jamell Barrett


6'9' Forward Trey Wilson

6'10' Center Dayo Jubagun

6' 9' Clint Unsworth


6' 1' Guard Jamie Charlton

For standing, player statistics and for more information about the International Basketball League, visit the web site- www.IBLhoopsonline.com



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


Maccabi close to landing Shawn James - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Tel-Aviv may soon strengthen their roster. The Israeli powerhouse is close to signing contract with Shawn James (208-C/F-83, college: Northeastern). The 27-year-old centre spent the last three seasons in Israel. He played for Bnei Hasharon. Last season Shawn James averaged 13.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game in Premier League. Eurobasket.com named Shawn James All-Israeli League Centre of the Year in 2009/10 season. Maccabi are negotiating three-season deal with the player.


Exclusive Season Interview w/ Disappointed Jawad Williams - by David Pick
After a breathtaking season debut, scoring 23 points and grabbing 5 rebounds for Hapoel Jerusalem on February 28th, Jawad Williams' season in the Holy Land looked promising, both for himself and his organization. Yet, to the surprise of the former Tar Heel, and the majority of the Israeli basketball world, Williams' season was unexpectedly going one way and-fast-downhill.

'I have no idea what I did to coach Oded to deserve this kind of behavior,' a frustrated Williams said in an exclusive interview with 'Eurobasket.com', speaking about his season for the first time. 'I never had an argument with him or anything of the sort. I didn't do anything personal to him either. All I want to know now is what did I do wrong?' added the forward.

Despite having what is arguably the most talented roster in Jerusalem history, including two former NBA starters, 3 Israeli league champions and several national athletes, Jerusalem lost last night 98:80, in the semi-finals to Israeli defending champions, Galil/Gilboa, ending their season without a single title. 'One part of this season's failure is that we didn't accomplish our goal which was making the finals; the other part is that we had too many player-coach problems that we suffered from,' commented Williams, who added that after four months in Israel he 'still doesn't understand the coach's system.'

'We spent valuable time changing our offense for the semi-finals only to then not use any of it. We had practiced isolation plays for both Brain Randle and myself, only for me to then check in the game for the first in the fourth quarter,' added the aggravated player, who only wants to know what he did wrong.

Maybe you weren't practicing hard enough?

'Every person on our team can vouch that I busted myself every day and gave it everything I had. I was never late nor did I miss any team meetings or film sessions'.

Did you have any thoughts of leaving Jerusalem?

'Of course. I was never at a place where Americans don't play. Usually it's the locals who have problems with playing time but this situation I'm in is a first for me.'

A disappointed Williams had started the 2010/11 season playing in his home town for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 4ppg in 14 minutes of court time over 26 games. 'It's one thing if I'm sitting on the end of the bench in the NBA playing behind Lebron James but I'm not, I'm in Israel. You can't tell me that I could play for three years in the best league in the world and then not play at all in Israel,' Williams logically assumed.

The talented and experienced forward who added depth and skills to Jerusalem's squad, would be benched for the greater part of the red's season. Williams himself was not the only one confused with his situation, as many athletes around the league were interested in knowing more about Williams' condition. An anonymous player told 'Eurobasket.com', 'I don't understand why Jawad doesn't play. He is a proven NBA player and one of the greatest threats on court this league has. Every team wants him on their roster and yet he is benched.'

'Truthfully, I don't know why coach didn't play me, I really have no clue. After the last film session we had of the regular season, coach came to me and said he was sorry for not playing me a number of times. He used the excuse of saying that it wasn't the right moment to play me and he'd promise that I would get my chance,' Jawad said.

Williams, a true team player decided to lay it all on the line for his teammates in spite of playing through a number of personal injuries. A torn ligament in his left hand and a sinus cold are only a few things the American talent had to deal with this season. Despite it all, Williams chose to, 'still practice and compete everyday because it's for the benefit of the team.'

Do you feel like you were benched unfairly?

'If I were to step off the plane and look bad on the court then fine, I shot myself in the leg and I have no choice but to accept that. Yet, I came out shooting like from a cannon, scoring 23 points in 20 minutes getting the MVP award my first game'.

Williams' situation became so unpredictable to the point where he would not know how many minutes if at all, he would play. 'After that first game I would just get random minutes, 3 minutes here, 10 there, then back to 5 minutes a game.'

Wad's situation became unbearable to the point where he would just want to pick up and leave. 'During the season I really thought of leaving Hapoel because I wasn't getting playing minutes. Back in the States, I have a family, but I decided to honor my contract because I'm a man of my word.'

'I love Jerusalem and I would be happy to come back under the right circumstances, the only problem really is the coach,' Wad said. 'The situation I'm in is crazy, I love Israel, the climate is great and the league is cool. I know I won't make a million dollars playing for Jerusalem but money doesnt drive me and if my family could come here and be comfortable and its the right situation for me then I'm with the program.'

How tough was it losing to Galil/Gilboa last night?

'It was extremely difficult. Ever since I was a kid I had always won titles. I even came close in the NBA twice to getting a ring but we lost to Atlanta and Boston.' A high school championship and college championship are only a few of the mile stones for Williams who truly wanted to - 'win an Israeli championship with Hapoel'.

Jerusalem will rebuild next year in search of a better season as expectations that Williams and several other of his teammates will not return to play for the nation's capital.

Hapoel's Media Spokesman commented on the article saying, 'At this points we are focused only on tomorrow's game and don't have anything to comment on the article'.

Tre Simmons Analyzes Israeli Finals - by David Pick
Not many players can boast that they played for the two, let alone three, elite teams of Israeli basketball, as well as winning back-to-back consecutive championship rings with two organizations. Chester 'Tre' Simmons, however, is privileged to say that he did, and until Maccabi wins tomorrow, Simmons is still the only foreign player to own that prestigious record.

Simmons, who did not play organized basketball until midway through high school, blossomed into one of the top prospects of his hometown of Seattle. Attending University of Washington his junior and senior years, Tre set dazzling school shooting records, finishing his Huskies career as the school's record holder in single-season three-pointers made with 80 in 2005. 'He used to play hard and at a high level from day one,' remarked Coach Lorenzo Romar. 'I can name half a dozen games where his shooting ability alone either brought us back or broke the game open.' Tre is also ranked all-time third in three-point field goals made (128), a shooting touch he luckily hasn't yet lost.

Tre's Experience

For the first time in 50 years, Galil/Gilboa, could be the only team to join Maccabi winning consecutive titles. Tre (a nickname from the number three, as Tre is the Chester Simmons in his family), knows what's at stake, 'Because of the history of the program and the desire to live up to its reputation, Maccabi is always under pressure at events like these and the players feel it. As for Galil/Gilboa, I know Amit Gal is going crazy. They want to make history so badly and beat Maccabi twice in a row,' Tre explained.

Trust is Key

From a coaching perspective, this year's Israeli final was supposed to be exciting for Tre, as the matchup on the sidelines between both his former coaches Katash and Goodes could have played out. Jerusalem's head coach, Oded Katash, brought the rising-star to Israel back in January 2007 to the same Galil/Gilboa. The talented guard immediately rewarded his coach with a Final-Four appearance, continuing to develop into the on-court entertainer he is today, 'Katash allowed me to showcase my talent on all levels and I appreciate him for that. It's a shame he didn't make it to the finals.' When building a new-look roster in Jerusalem, Simmons was one of the first players head coach Guy Goodes picked up.

Tre also complimented Goodes, who is now an assistant coach for Maccabi, by revealing what truly makes a player-coach relationship comfortable, 'Goodes and Katash are very much the same, player-coaches are the best coaches to play with and I was privileged to play under both of Israel's greatest guards to play the game.'

Coach Simmons

In honor of his days playing in Israel, the skilled athlete, 'Coach Simmons', analyzes the key ingredients of a victory for both squads in tomorrow's finals. 'Containing Pargo is the key for Galil/Gilboa. He's the spark plug of Maccabi and everyone saw what a good job he did running their offense in the semi-finals.'

Simmons also remembers how Galil's team manager, Amit Gal, would get his players excited before critical games, 'Amit would always fire us up and get us in the mood. He's a hilarious guy who knows exactly how to prepare his team.'

As a player for Czech Nymburk, Simmons was fortunate enough to meet his former team from Israel's capital during this season's Eurocup games, splitting the matches at one victory each. Tre scored 18 and 19 points against the red army as he shredded Jerusalem's defense in both encounters. 'For Maccabi to be successful I would say keep Mekel limited. I think he will be the most focused and hungry player for Galil/Gilboa due to the fact that he played for Maccabi in the past and beat them in the finals last year,' a detail that inspires Mekel in every game he plays against the yellow-and-blue.

As tension and hype fill the streets of Tel-Aviv, and after both teams have made their final adjustments and preparations, Simmons shares his 'politically correct' predicted outcome, 'I hope it turns out to be a good game, Maccabi has had a great season and they're the team that is expected to win.'

Most Improved Player

If Tre reached a curtain pick in his game a few years ago after dethroning Maccabi from its League crown against Holon, this season has had to be a meaningful milestone for the former UW sniper. 'It has been one of my best season's in Europe,' Tre commented. Leading his team in minutes played and scoring in four different leagues over the course of 51 games, including a Czech finals playoff appearance after having an invincible season Tre said, 'I play for a good winning organization and despite having many injuries during the year, we did pretty good in the Eurocup games.'

Simmons' season has not gone unnoticed on the Euroleague level either, as he posted a superb single game with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, getting the 'W' against Belgian champion Charleroi, 'He can definitely create his own shot. He has the capability to score in bunches. 'There are shooters and there are makers,' Tre is a maker,' added Coach Romar, 'I think this was one of my better years. It was tough playing in many leagues at the same time but it was fun,' Simmons said looking back on a long season that will soon come to an end.

The International star doesn't allow his success to distract him when it comes to next year's offers. 'It's too early to know what next year holds for me, but hopefully I will stay healthy and God will put me in the right spot.'

Friends and Brothers

'Friends are the most important part of your life. Treasure the tears, treasure the laughter, but most importantly, treasure the memories,' was one of Dave Brenner's most favorite quotes which best describes Tre. Growing up with some of today's biggest NBA superstars (Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson) and playing with top European talent, Tre kept his friends close, real close.

Roy is considered a brother in the Simmons family while Robinson is not far behind. As the two guards call each other weekly for the latest updates, former European teammates are also a 'must have' for Tre, 'I just spoke to Omri Casspi about the Israeli FF and he told me that he will attend. Chris Watson, Aaron McGee and my former Holon teammate, P.J. Tucker are guys I speak with all the time. Honestly, we hardly talk about basketball; we try to focus on other things.'

A Tre Witness

If anyone was to doubt Simmons' capability of playing at the highest level, just put him on the court with the best players in the world and witness the results. As the UW Big Three graduated, Tre was no push over, nor was he 'a third wheel'. Simmons graduated with 235 minutes, 27 starting appearances, 73 three pointers and 197 points more, than the Portland Trail Blazers sensational guard Brandon Roy.

However, Tre's experience at Europe's top organization Maccabi Tel Aviv was very shaky. Tre played only nine games and averaged 4ppg during the season. 'It's a mystery until today, I really have no idea what happened. Reporters wanted to know and understand but I just couldn't give them any answers,' says the swingman who is convinced that he gave Maccabi his all. 'Nothing has changed in my opinion. I came to work every single day and put in overtime work. For me that year was a learning experience, something good and bad to remember.'





Maccabi T-A and Galil Gilboa advance to the Final - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi T-A and Galil Gilboa advance to the Final beating their opponents in the Semifinals last night. They will face each other in the Final on May 26th.



Maccabi T-A - Maccabi Rishon 100-77

The game was mostly controlled by Maccabi T-A. Maccabi Rishon was better in fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Maccabi T-A made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Maccabi Rishon turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Jeremy Pargo (188-86, college: Gonzaga, agency: Priority Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Chuck Eidson (202-80, college: S.Carolina, agency: Court Side) contributed with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Five Maccabi T-A players scored in double figures. Swingman Dwayne Mitchell (196-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Raymar Morgan (202-88, college: Michigan St.) added 22 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Maccabi Rishon. 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:
Maccabi T-A: J.Pargo 17+6reb+4ast, M.Macvan 15+4reb+1ast, L.Eliyahu 13+4reb+5ast, G.Pnini 12+1reb+3ast, C.Eidson 11+6reb+7ast, T.Burstein 11+2reb+6ast
Maccabi Rishon: R.Morgan 22+5reb+3ast, N.Hanochi 18+2reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 16+13reb+4ast, E.Shulman 6+1reb+5ast, A.McGhee 6+5reb, Y.Orland 3+3reb+1ast

gschID: 128547


Galil Gilboa - Hapoel J-M 98-90

The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 56-34 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Hapoel J-M helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International point guard Gal Mekel (193-88, college: Wichita St.) fired 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners. International guard Dagan Yavzuri (193-85) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. International point guard Yogev Ohayon (189-87, agency: Lanshire Group) produced 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Brian Randle (203-85) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Galil Gilboa and four Hapoel J-M players scored in double figures. Hapoel J-M's coach Oded Katash rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Galil Gilboa: M.Killingsworth 19+3reb, G.Mekel 17+6reb+7ast, D.Yavzuri 16+2reb+5ast, G.Israeli 14+2reb, C.Fells 12+6reb+2ast, W.Carter 12+7reb+1ast
Hapoel J-M: Y.Ohayon 13+5reb+4ast, B.Randle 12+9reb+1ast, J.Rich 12+1reb+2ast, Y.Naimy 10+3ast, W.Solomon 9+2ast, D.Dowell 8+10reb
gschID: 128546




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


Ostuni will challenge Trapani for the second Lega 2 spot - by Gianni Pascucci
Yesterday night, Assi Basket Ostuni defeated 83-61 Comark Treviglio in the 5th and decisive game of the Semifinal Series, advancing to the second Promotion Playoff, where will meet Trapani. The series too will be best of five games, the first one will be played on sunday, May 29 in Trapani.
With 17 pts, 12 rebs and 2 assits, veteran Silvio Gigena (200-F-75) was the best performer in yesterday night game for Ostuni. His brother Mario Gigena (198-F-77) and Francesco Basei (207-C-83) added 15 points apiece, Riccardo Castelli (202-F-88) wa sthe last to surrender in Treviglio with 15 pts and 4 rebs.



SerieA Round 4 of Quarter-Finals. Benetton, Siena and Armani Jeans in semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Benetton TV - Air AV 69-59

Benetton toppled Air Avellino in Treviso and clinched the semifinal spot. The game was mostly controlled by Benetton Treviso. Air Avellino was better in second period 16-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Benetton Treviso dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Air Avellino's 26. They outrebounded Air Avellino 46-30 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by Lithuanian center Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) who scored that evening 20 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Alessandro Gentile (198-92) supported him with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds by American forward Linton Johnson (203-80, college: Tulane, agency: Priority Sports) did not help to save the game for Air Avellino. American-Spanish guard Taquan Dean (193-83, college: Louisville, agency: Lanshire Group) added 18 points for lost side.
Top scorers:
Air AV: T.Dean 18+3reb+2ast, L.Johnson 10+11reb+3ast, D.Lauwers 9+1reb, M.Green 8+4reb+3ast, O.Thomas 8+5reb, S.Szewczyk 6+4reb+2ast
Benetton TV: D.Motiejunas 20+5reb+1ast, A.Gentile 14+5reb+2ast, M.Bulleri 11+5reb+1ast, B.Skinner 7+7reb+3ast, D.Smith 6+8reb+1ast, S.Markovic 5+5reb+2ast
gschID: 128956


CS Bologna - Montepaschi 62-81

Montepaschi Siena fired past Virtus Bologna to ease into semifinal stage. The game was mostly controlled by Montepaschi Siena. CS Bologna managed to win third quarter 21-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Montepaschi Siena dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to CS Bologna's 18 and made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by CS Bologna helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a quality performance of Lithuanian guard Rimantas Kaukenas (193-77, college: Seton Hall) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Malik Hairston (198-87, college: Oregon) who added 18 points during the contest. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. At the losing side American swingman K.C. Rivers (196-87, college: Clemson, agency: Lanshire Group) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds and Georgian forward Viktor Sanikidze (203-86) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
CS Bologna: K.Rivers 16+8reb+1ast, V.Sanikidze 13+8reb+2ast, J.Homan 10+2reb+1ast, G.Poeta 9+2reb+1ast, P.Koponen 9+1reb, N.Martinoni 4+2reb
Montepaschi: M.Hairston 18+2reb, R.Kaukenas 16+6reb+1ast, K.Lavrinovic 14+4reb+1ast, M.Rakovic 10+4reb+1ast, P.Aradori 9+5reb, M.Jaric 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128957


Dinamo Sassari - Armani MI 60-72

Armani Jeans recorded the third straight win in the series and advanced into the next round of playoffs. The game was mostly controlled by Armani Milano. Dinamo Sassari was better in third quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Dinamo Sassari 32-21 including 22 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American guard David Hawkins (194-82, college: Temple) who scored that evening 18 points and the other American import guard Lynn Greer (186-79, college: Temple) supported him with 12 points. Even 14 points by American guard James White (198-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Dinamo Sassari. Greek swingman Dimitrios Tsaldaris (196-80) added 12 points for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Dinamo Sassari: J.White 14+2reb+2ast, D.Tsaldaris 12+2reb, M.Vanuzzo 11+2reb, M.Pinton 7+4ast, O.Hunter 6+5reb, V.Plisnic 4+4reb
Armani MI: D.Hawkins 18+4reb+2ast, L.Greer 12+2reb+1ast, S.Mancinelli 9+2reb+3ast, B.Eze 7+2reb, I.Jaaber 6+6reb, C.Karl 6+1reb+2ast
gschID: 128955




stats leader
Points Per Game
 Marco EVANGELISTI
  Trapani
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. Evangelisti, Trapa.17.8 
 2. Tassinari, Moncali.17.6 
 3. Musso, Perugia16.9 
 4. Ricciardi, Palestr.16.8 
 5. Rugolo, Molfetta16.8 
 6. Masper, Moncalieri16.7 
 7. Vico, Matera16.0 
 8. Carrizo, Ferentino15.9 
 9. Conte, Trento15.8 
 10. Benevelli, Trento15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Bagnoli, Potenza11.4 
 2. Rosignoli, Biscegl.9.8 
 3. Corral, Molfetta9.4 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.8.8 
 5. Zambon, Rieti8.7 
 6. Chiaramello, Recan.8.6 
 7. Basei, Ostuni8.4 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia8.1 
 9. Soloperto, Latina7.9 
 10. Gaeta, Osimo7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Simone FERRARESE
  Trento
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Ferrarese, Trento4.9 
 2. Marino, Treviglio4.7 
 3. Virgilio, Rieti4.0 
 4. Scarone, Piacenza3.7 
 5. Tomasiello, Comsum.3.7 
 6. Marcante, ASD P.3.7 
 7. Cantone, S.Antimo3.4 
 8. Passera, Piacenza3.4 
 9. Gnaccarini, Senig.3.4 
 10. Paparella, Potenza3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Guarino, Trapani3.6 
 2. Bonamente, Perugia3.2 
 3. De Nicolao, Castel.3.0 
 4. Gullo, Patti2.9 
 5. Malamov, Ruvo2.8 
 6. Bushati, Brescia2.8 
 7. Palombita, Castell.2.7 
 8. Cisse, ASD Pavia2.7 
 9. Musso, Perugia2.7 
 10. Parente, Moncalie.2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Zerini, Ruvo1.7 
 2. Ancellotti, Patti1.6 
 3. Corral, Molfetta1.3 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.1.1 
 5. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 6. Spippoli, Palestri.0.9 
 7. Basei, Ostuni0.9 
 8. Candido, Ferentino0.9 
 9. Biligha, ASD Pavia0.9 
 10. Pozzi, Molfetta0.8 


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. White, Dinamo Sass.20.2 
 2. Thomas, Air AV17.5 
 3. Rivers, CS Bologna17.2 
 4. Zoroski, Banca T.16.0 
 5. Ford, Fabi Shoes15.8 
 6. Goss, Cimberio VA14.8 
 7. Hunter, Dinamo S.14.8 
 8. Milic, Vanoli CR14.8 
 9. Roberson, Enel B.14.6 
 10. Dean, Air AV14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes10.4 
 2. Jones, Pepsi C.8.6 
 3. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 4. Davis, Banca Terc.8.2 
 5. Homan, CS Bologna8.1 
 6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.0 
 7. Lang, Enel Brindisi7.8 
 8. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.8 
 9. Suton, Angelico BI7.4 
 10. Sanikidze, CS Bo.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Green, Air AV6.8 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.6 
 3. Sosa, Angelico BI4.5 
 4. Collins, Scavolin.3.9 
 5. Zoroski, Banca T.3.8 
 6. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.8 
 7. Goss, Cimberio VA3.8 
 8. Markovic, Benetton.3.5 
 9. Green, Bennet Can.3.4 
 10. Diener, Banca T.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.9 
 2. Goss, Cimberio VA2.7 
 3. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 4. Green, Air AV2.7 
 5. Stonerook, Montep.2.7 
 6. Thomas, Air AV2.5 
 7. Hackett, Scavolin.2.4 
 8. Collins, Scavolin.2.4 
 9. Hawkins, Armani MI2.4 
 10. Jaaber, Armani MI2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.3 
 2. Eze, Armani MI1.3 
 3. Crosariol, Lottoma.1.3 
 4. Toure, Enel Brindi.1.2 
 5. Szewczyk, Air AV1.0 
 6. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.0 
 7. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.0 
 8. Polonara, Banca T.0.9 
 9. Cusin, Scavolini PS0.9 
 10. Johnson, Air AV0.8 


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


Sigal Prishtina takes 1-0 lead on the finals - by Onur Deqani
Sigal Prishtine took 1-0 lead on the play-off finals as they beat KB Peja in first game of the finals. at their home court. It was a game leaded by the hosts from the beginning until the end , although Peja show some good performances to let us understand that they will not quit so quickly.
Sigal Prishtine started the match briefly with a 12-2 run in the first 3 minutes, and the first quarter ended 26-19 on their advantage, with points mostly scored by veteran Edmond Azemi. In the beginning of the second period KB Peja, led by Demarius Bolds minimized the hosts advantage to three points (28-25). But then Sigal Prishtine came with some back-to-back points, led by their pivot Blerim Mazreku (206-F/C-81) and they took it till the highest difference of the game:49-28, and the first half result was 53-35.
Third period showed great performance of KB Peja's playmaker Samir Shaptahovic, who led his team with his scoring abilities, especially with three-pointers as they came close to four points (66-62), but a three-pointer of Valentin Spaqi ended the third period with seven points difference. The fourth period started with equal scorings, while the hosts started feeling the win 6 minutes before the end when they took the score to 77-64.
Blerim Mazreku scored 24 points on this win, and Edmond Azemi added 20. On the other side Demarius Bolds was the highest-scorer of the match with 30 points but he couldn't save his team from losing. Samir Shaptahovic also added 25 points for KB Peja. Key absence for KB Peja on this game was the injury of Justin Dobbins on the second period.
The second match will be played this weekend in Peja.


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Pierce CALDWELL
  Liepaja
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 15.8
 1. Caldwell, Liepaja15.8 
 2. Willjam, Barons15.8 
 3. Bergmanis, Zemgale15.1 
 4. Peiners, LU14.8 
 5. Veselovs, Valmiera14.7 
 6. Duselis, LU14.1 
 7. Mednis, Turiba13.8 
 8. Berzins, VEF R.13.3 
 9. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs13.3 
 10. Kaufmanis, Valmie.13.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Roberts MEDNIS
  Turiba
  (204-C-89)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Mednis, Turiba7.9 
 2. Rozitis, Zemgale7.5 
 3. Berzins, VEF R.7.5 
 4. Berzins, VEF Riga7.3 
 5. Cain, VEF Riga7.1 
 6. Aleksejevs, Liepaja6.7 
 7. Hunter, Ventspils6.6 
 8. Selakovs, VEF R.6.3 
 9. Cavars, Barons6.1 
 10. Veselovs, Valmiera6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Dairis BERTANS
  VEF R.
  (192-G/F-89)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Bertans, VEF R.4.7 
 2. Gabrans, Valmiera4.5 
 3. Willjam, Barons4.2 
 4. Mitchell, Liepaja3.9 
 5. Strelnieks, Ventsp.3.8 
 6. Bergmanis, Zemgale3.7 
 7. Gailitis, VEF R.3.5 
 8. Bertans, VEF Riga3.2 
 9. Piternieks, LU3.2 
 10. Bergmanis, Barons3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Gatis JAHOVICS
  VEF R.
  (200-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Jahovics, VEF R.2.2 
 2. Gailitis, VEF R.1.9 
 3. Strelnieks, Ventsp.1.7 
 4. Mitchell, Liepaja1.7 
 5. Bertans, VEF R.1.6 
 6. Gabrans, Valmiera1.6 
 7. Slisans, LU1.6 
 8. Motivans, Turiba1.6 
 9. Cain, VEF Riga1.5 
 10. Rozitis, LU1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF R.
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Berzins, VEF R.2.1 
 2. Rozitis, Zemgale1.8 
 3. Skirmants, Barons1.3 
 4. Mejeris, Liepaja1.0 
 5. Kuzminskas, Ventsp.0.8 
 6. Meiers, Liepaja0.8 
 7. Piternieks, LU0.8 
 8. Aleksejevs, Liepaja0.7 
 9. Hunter, Ventspils0.7 
 10. Blaus, Ventspils0.7 


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


Riyadi inks Khatib and Akl for Asia - by Rabih Khoury
Lebanese NT and Champville club Captain Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) will be joining Riyadi in the upcoming Asian Cup in Manila, Philippines. Also due to the injury of their main point guard Ali Mahmoud, Riyadi signed with Anibal Zahle PG Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88). Fadi Khatib and Rodrigue Akl will be playing with Riyadi for the second straight time in Asia. Also Riyadi will have Ahmad Ismaiil and Loren Woods as 2 imports!!!
Riyadi are looking to win the Asian Cup for the first time in the history of the Club

Champville missed the chance to play the Final of the Arab Clubs Championship - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
The negotiations between Guarnette Thompson and Riyadi reached the dead end , so Riyadi changed the directions to Corey Bradford the point guard whos playing with Sharja Club in the Arab Clubs Championship, Bradford is well experienced guard with good nice shooting touch. He will join Riyadi as the 2nd import together with Ismail Ahmad.
On the other side Champville missed a big chance to reach the Final of the Arab Clubs Championship for the first time ever after losing the semi Final against Sharja on the score 80-75.
The first quarter saw a big dominance of Champville and the difference reached 30-10 through a big performance by Fadi Khatib who was scoring from everywhere but in the 2nd half everything changed and the home team started to come back in the game, the refs were calling too much fouls on Champville which made them go into foul problem minute after minute especially on Guarnette Thompson who is considered as an important element in the success of Champville . Sharja though Cory Bradford (191-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) 3 pointers managed to turn the situation and to take the lead till the end to score their most important win and reach the final to meet Sala from Morocco. This is the first time since 2005 non Lebanese Team is in the Final of the Arab Clubs Championship.


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


DeJuan Collins re-signs with Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News
DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) has decided to stay in Kaunas. The 34-year-old guard signed a new one-year deal with LKL champions. DeJuan Collins joined Zalgiris at the start of the season. The guard averaged 3.5 points, 2.5 boards, 4.0 assists and 2.3 steals per Baltic League game. In VTB-League his stats read 7.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal. In Euroleague DeJuan Collins tallied 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance. In LKL he posted 7.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.1 boards. Collins participated at 2011 LKL All-Star Game.
In the meantime Zalgiris split ways with Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year-old guard notched 5.7 points in VTB-League. In Euroleague his stats came up to 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. Aleksandar Capin was the member of Slovenian National Team in 2004/08 seasons.


Aleksandar Capin leaves Zalgiris - by Deividas Valiunas
Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) is no longer a member of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas. The Slovenian guard arrived to Kaunas two years ago from Lokomotiv Kuban. He appeared 25 times in LKL this season averaging 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas taking the Lithuanian crown, B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas also won the Baltic League and the Lithuanian Cup, beating Lietuvos Rytas seven times with only one loss on the way to the three trophies.
Capin had 3.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.2 apg in Euroleague this season. He also added 5.7 ppg, 0.3 rpg and 1apg in VTB league. In the past, Capin was member of Krka Novo Mesto, Cimberio Varese and Azovmash Mariupol.

*****************************************************
  MADAGASCAR   


Madagascar to be officially awarded hosting rights on Friday - by Eurobasket News
FIBA Africa will on Friday officially award Madagascar the hosting rights of the 2011 mens Afrobasket championship in Antananarivo.
The hosting rights will be handed to Madagascar after Cote dIvoire desisted from the organisation due to post-electoral crisis.The ceremony will take place on Friday at the Colbert La Taverne hotel in Antananarivo in the presence of the president of FIBA Africa,Mabusa as well as other dignitories like the Madagascar sports minister as well as prime minister.The occasion will be used to present the competitions logo as it will mark the official preparations for the competition.
Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com

N1B Championship : ASA crowned champions - by Eurobasket News
The Association Sportive dAntananarivo have been crowned champions of the N1B basketball championship.
They were crowned last Saturday during the finals of the championships played at the Antsiranana gymnasium .ASA defeated PFOI de Diana by 91 to 83.They were leading (40 -39) at half time.This is the first trophy for the team from Analamanga in their eight year search.
Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com/en/



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


CIBACOPA Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Culiacan - Mexicali 90-80 OT

Culiacan needed overtime to tame Mexicali in the first game of the best-of-seven series. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 23-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 15-5. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Marcus Moore (198-G-80, college: Washington St.) fired 48 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. Forward James Penny (198-76, college: TCU) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) added 27 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Bomberos de Mexicali players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: M.Moore 48+6reb+6ast, R.Rougeau 21+6reb+2ast, A.Henning 10+2reb, V.Avila 6+15reb+4ast, J.Angel Reatiga 3+7reb, F.Verdugo 2+8reb
Mexicali: M.Gale 27+5reb+1ast, J.Penny 24+10reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 16+7reb+3ast, S.VanderMeer 11+14reb, R.Lopez 2+3reb+1ast, A.Vazquez 0
gschID: 128982


Hermosillo - Nogales 91-87

Hermosillo prevailed against Nogales at home court. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 47-40 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Rayos de Hermosillo outrebounded Fuerza Guinda Nogales 38-22 including 26 on the defensive glass. American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) fired 22 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. His fellow American import center Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) produced 25 points and 8 rebounds and American-Venezuelan forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami, FL) added 18 points respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: L.Wade 22+5reb+7ast, M.Gray 17+12reb+1ast, J.Lopez 14+6reb, J.Manuel Esteva 14+3ast, E.Medina 11+5reb+1ast, T.Thomas 10+9reb+6ast
Nogales: R.Moss 25+8reb+1ast, J.Walker 18+2reb+1ast, O.Quintero 13+1ast, B.Heredia 9+2reb, J.Mercado 8+5reb+1ast, N.Brown 7+3reb+8ast
gschID: 128983


Guasave - Guaymas 88-84

Guasave surged ahead in the quarterfinal series versus Guaymas. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Ostioneros de Guaymas won fourth quarter 21-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Frayles de Guasave made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. American guard Kevin Sowell (190-81) fired 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Sowell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard Richard Roby (198-85) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import guard Craig Winder (188-84, college: Texas, agency: Prossin Sports Management) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Guasave: K.Sowell 33+7reb+3ast, R.Barrett 19+5reb, A.Izaguirre 17+11reb+2ast, W.Funn 11+7reb+6ast, M.Strobbe 8+9reb+1ast, J.Acosta 0+1reb
Guaymas: R.Roby 19+11reb+5ast, C.Winder 17+3reb+5ast, A.Pedroza 14+3reb+1ast, F.Benitez 12+9reb+2ast, R.Navarro 8+1reb+1ast, R.Benitez 6+10reb+4ast
gschID: 128984


Cananea - Tijuana 111-86

Cananea toppled Tijuana in the opener. The game without a history. Mineros de Cananea led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Tijuana Zonkeys' 46 and made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Tijuana Zonkeys 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. The game was also dominated by American players. Guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) fired a double-double by scoring 32 points, 12 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Mineros de Cananea players scored in double figures. Mineros de Cananea's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) produced 39 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Cananea: D.White 32+1reb+12ast, B.Brown 21+7reb, D.Thomas 18+6reb+2ast, I.Gutierrez 10+7reb+1ast, M.Acuna 8+1reb, M.Valenzuela 8+3reb+1ast
Tijuana: T.Gabbidon 39+5reb+1ast, C.Tate 20+9reb+1ast, L.Ramirez 9+2ast, J.Watson 9+3reb+3ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 5+2reb, G.Lira 2+2reb+1ast
gschID: 128981




CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 34.2
 1. Sowell, Guasave34.2 
 2. White, Cananea28.2 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Gale, Mexicali26.9 
 5. Brown, Tepic24.8 
 6. White, Los Mochis24.2 
 7. Moore, Culiacan23.9 
 8. Gabbidon, Tijuana23.4 
 9. Brown, Tepic23.3 
 10. Barrett, Guasave23.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Brown, Cananea11.5 
 2. VanderMeer, Mexica.10.5 
 3. Moss, Nogales10.0 
 4. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 5. Brown, Tepic9.6 
 6. Broxsie, Nogales8.9 
 7. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo8.3 
 10. Tate, Tijuana7.9 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Funn, Guasave8.8 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.9 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.7 
 4. White, Cananea5.3 
 5. Thomas, Hermosillo4.9 
 6. Nungaray, Guaymas4.6 
 7. Brown, Tepic4.4 
 8. Marentes, Guaymas4.3 
 9. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 10. Sowell, Guasave3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. White, Cananea2.2 
 2. Moore, Culiacan2.0 
 3. Sowell, Guasave1.8 
 4. Thomas, Cananea1.7 
 5. White, Los Mochis1.6 
 6. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 7. Gale, Mexicali1.6 
 8. Rougeau, Culiacan1.6 
 9. Brown, Cananea1.5 
 10. Funn, Guasave1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Sowell, Guasave3.1 
 3. Gale, Mexicali2.8 
 4. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 5. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 6. Brown, Tepic2.1 
 7. Funn, Guasave2.1 
 8. VanderMeer, Mexica.2.0 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo2.0 
 10. Brown, Tepic2.0 


*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


Semifinal. Gamma, Cahul - Dondiusheni - by Huge
First game surprisingly was won by Dondiusheni team in Cahul, who appears to be a big surprise of this year. It is always very hard to play in Cahul. Even UASM, regular season
champions lost their only game in Cahul. Very long drive to Cahul and a very big pressure from supporters. This was the same case this time. Even refferies got bitten during the
game. This by the way played it bad role in this battle. Later it was decided not to allow Cahul to player their home games on their court.

Second game held in Chisinau, this is where Dondiusheni are playing, was won by Cahul. But as it was mentioned Third game could not be played in Cahul and it was decided to play it again in Chisinau. But... Cahul did not come.

Due to Cahul not being present for game 3 it was decided to award wictory to Dondiusheni team. 20-0. So 2-1 for Dondiusheni, that reached their first final ever.

May 28, 2011 is the first final game UASM-Dondiusheni.


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


Game 4: James, Bosh, Wade carry Heat over Bulls, 101-93 - by Eurobasket News
By TIM REYNOLDS , AP Sports Writer
MIAMI (AP) Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) was ailing, so LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) more than picked up the slack.

Then Wade found his groove at the perfect time, and the Miami Heat, the team put together solely to win championships, moved one emotional victory away from the NBA finals.

James scored 35 points, Bosh added 22 and the Heat beat the Chicago Bulls 101-93 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 5 is Thursday in Chicago, when the Heat can wrap up their first finals trip since 2006.

'Even though it took an extra five minutes, we held serve,' James said.

Wade went scoreless for nearly 33 straight minutes, before making a jumper with 2:08 left in overtime to help Miami keep the lead. He had two blocked shots in overtime, and after James made a contested jumper with 29 seconds remaining for a six-point lead, Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) 's layup was swatted away on the next Chicago possession.

At long last, it was over.

'My teammates kept telling me that I would make the biggest play of the game,' Wade said. 'They told me to stick with it, stick with it - and I did. The game is not won in the first minute, it's won in the last so I stuck with it and was able to do some things to help us get a victory.'

Bosh scored the first four points of overtime, and the Heat - now 8-0 at home in the playoffs - never trailed in the extra session. James closed it with two free throws with 1.4 seconds left, his 12th and 13th of the night, all without a miss. Bosh was 10 for 11 from the line, and Miami outscored Chicago 32-17 in that department.

The Heat made their final 24 free throws.

Rose scored 23 points for the Bulls, who got 20 apiece from Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer. Chicago has lost three straight games for the first time this season.

But what this game will be remembered for was how the Heat rallied around Wade - then watched him save his best for the very end.

'We reminded him in one of the final huddles, this is his time,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

The 2006 NBA finals MVP was in the arena late Monday night, trying to work on some things in one of his customary playoff after-dark sessions.

Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. This seemed like it would be the latter.

Whatever answer he sought, he didn't find for much of Game 4. Wade made just 5 of 16 shots from the field, lacking his usual lift at the rim. He made a pair of free throws with 1:50 left in the first half for his seventh and eighth points, and didn't score again until overtime.

Better late than never.

That was just the start for the Heat.

'Hey, they're a great team,' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. 'They compete. They play hard. They play great defense ... and they made plays at the end.'

Chicago turned the ball over on consecutive possessions, Wade turned the second of those into a layup with 1:01 left for a 95-89 lead, and the Heat soon knew they were one win away from the title round.

Mike Miller scored 12 for Miami.

'I'm going to learn from it,' said Rose, who tried to take personal blame for the loss.

The fourth quarter was pure theater, both teams clearly knowing - clearly relishing - the stakes.

Miami scored the first seven points for a 70-69 lead. Chicago took the lead back on a pair of free throws by Rose with 6:34 left, and Miami answered with a four-point possession - two free throws by Bosh after a flagrant foul against Boozer, followed by Miller making a jumper over Rose for a 78-77 edge.

Back and forth from there, with the lead, the momentum, control of the series, all seeming to turn every time the ball crossed midcourt.

'It's been a long time coming,' Miller said. 'I've been waiting for a game like this.'

Rose had a chance with 28 seconds left, his jumper from the left side hitting the rim and eventually being corralled by Miller. The Heat called time with 23 seconds left, 18 seconds on the shot clock, everyone in the building probably thinking the play would be set up for James.

It was. And it never got a chance for liftoff.

Referee Bennett Salvatore called James for an offensive foul with 8 seconds left, saying Ronnie Brewer beat him to the spot as the two-time MVP tried to back down the right side of the lane.

So instead of winning the game late in regulation, James had to send it to overtime with defense. He guarded Rose on the final possession, forcing the Chicago guard into a taking a jumper that fell way short, and off to an extra 5 minutes they went.

'Just came up short,' Rose said.

Rose finished 8 for 27 from the field, with seven turnovers.

'All I can do now is put it behind me and go forward,' Rose said.

A day after being fined $50,000 for directing an anti-gay slur at a fan in Game 3, Bulls center Joakim Noah had six points and 14 rebounds in 45 minutes. And there seemed to be very little, if any, unusual rancor from Miami fans toward Noah.

Chicago's lead was 46-44 at halftime, after some wild emotional swings - a 19-4 run by the Bulls, followed by a 29-9 spurt for the Heat, then capped by an 18-7 rebuttal by the Bulls to close the second quarter.

Game 2 star Udonis Haslem replaced Bosh with 3:49 left in the opening quarter, and for whatever reason, that was when the Heat began what became a 20-point turnaround over the next 10 minutes. They took a 19-8 deficit and turned it into a 37-28 lead, with Haslem on the floor the entire way.

Chicago grabbed the lead back, thanks to - who else? - the MVP.

Rose was 2 for 11 after getting blocked by James with 5:01 left in the half, and wouldn't remain quiet much longer. He blew past Mario Chalmers for a dunk with 2:03 left until halftime, then had an even better slam - getting free with a crossover dribble, then elevating past Joel Anthony at the rim - for another three-point play 25 seconds later to put Chicago back on top.

The Heat never led in the third quarter, but Chicago never pulled away.

The Bulls were up by eight and had possession with 3 minutes left, before Miami scored eight of the game's next 10 points to make a precarious deficit a bit more manageable and set up the unbelievable final quarter.

'Look, this series is an absolute bloodbath,' Spoelstra said. 'It's about as competitive and physical as it can be.'

And down 3-1, Rose conceded nothing.

'They are beatable,' Rose said.

NOTES: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski sat with Heat owner Micky Arison near midcourt. ... Wade missed a dunk in the first quarter, the second straight game he's had a slam attempt blocked by the rim. ... The teams combined for 21 turnovers in Game 3. They had 22 by the midpoint of the third quarter on Tuesday night. ... Bulls reserve C Omer Asik, who tweaked an ankle in Game 3, logged two minutes on Tuesday, limping noticeably.
Courtesy of: http://aol.sportingnews.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.9 
 2. James, Miami Heat26.6 
 3. Rose, Chicago B.25.4 
 4. Wade, Miami Heat25.3 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers25.1 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.24.7 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.1 
 9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.23.9 
 10. Martin, Houston R.23.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2
 1. Love, Minnesota T.15.2 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.14.2 
 3. Griffin, LA Clipp.12.1 
 4. Randolph, Memph.12.0 
 5. Bogut, Milwauke.11.1 
 6. Humphries, New J.10.4 
 7. Noah, Chicago B.10.4 
 8. Camby, Portland TB10.2 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers9.9 
 10. Lee, Golde S.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.4 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.11.0 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.9 
 4. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 5. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 6. Calderon, Toron.8.9 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.3 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.8.0 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..7.9 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.7.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.3 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.2.1 
 3. Ellis, Golde S.2.1 
 4. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 6. Allen, Memphis G.1.8 
 7. Wall, Washington W.1.8 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 9. Gay, Memphis G.1.7 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew BOGUT
  Milwauke.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Bogut, Milwauke.2.6 
 2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.5 
 3. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 4. Howard, Orlando M.2.3 
 5. Milicic, Minnesota2.0 
 6. Duncan, San A.2.0 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.1.9 
 8. Jefferson, Utah J.1.9 
 9. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 10. Jordan, LA Clippe.1.8 


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


UConn, Southern take hits in APR - by Eurobasket News
INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA has put Connecticut on notice -- improve in the classroom or face tougher penalties.

The Huskies men's basketball team was one of six BCS teams sanctioned Tuesday for sub-par marks in the NCAA's annual Academic Progress Rates report. The Associated Press reported last week that UConn will lose two scholarships for the upcoming season because of the APR report.

And if the grades don't get better, the Huskies' punishment could get worse.

'We are all disappointed in our academic performance and going forward we are going to attack this in the only way I know how, and that is to work as hard as possible to get better every day,'' head coach Jim Calhoun said in a statement. 'I do know that over the past year, we have made improvements and are moving in the right direction.''

To avoid losing more scholarships or practice time, UConn will have to prove it. And the Huskies weren't the only school getting hit Tuesday.

Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., became the first school to face postseason bans in two programs -- men's basketball and football -- because of academics.

EIGHT TEAMS FACE POSTSEASON BANS
Based on the most recent APR scores, eight teams are banned from competing in the postseason this coming academic year because of poor performance in the classroom over a number of years.

Of the eight, five are mens basketball teams: Cal State-Northridge; Chicago State; Grambling; Southern University; and Louisiana-Monroe.

The other three are football teams: Idaho State, Jackson State and Southern University.

In addition, another seven teams faced a postseason ban but received a conditional waiver for this coming year. Waivers can be granted for a variety of reasons but generally include demonstrated academic improvement, active presidential involvement, meeting certain APR benchmarks and implementation of an APR improvement plan.

These teams remain subject to the postseason ban in future years if they do not meet their specific academic performance conditions or implement their academic improvement plans.

Five of the seven are mens basketball teams: Ball State, Jacksonville State, Morgan State, Southern Utah and UAB. Two teams (Morgan State and Southern Utah) will incur other historical penalties, such as practice restrictions. The other three received full conditional waivers and do not appear on any penalty list.

The other two teams receiving conditional waivers are North Carolina A&T football and UT-Chattanooga womens soccer. Both still face other historical penalties.

The APR measures classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I team. Teams scoring below the 925 cutline in one year can face immediate penalties. Those scoring below 900 or with low scores for several years face tougher historical sanctions.

This year's data covers 2006-07 through 2009-10. A perfect score is 1,000.

The average APR number for all athletes jumped three points to 970 in the latest report. Baseball (959) and men's basketball players (945) each had a five-point increase while the football score (946) improved by two points.

But the improvement was tempered by two things - a record eight teams receiving postseason bans and the punishment of a prominent national champion that went before the NCAA infractions committee last year and now has seen a one-year drop from 930 to 893 in the classroom.

'It is disappointing to see that drop at UConn,'' said Emmert, who once served as Connecticut's chancellor. 'We certainly hope it's a one-year drop.''

Since postseason bans became part of the penalty structure in 2008, only four teams have received the punishment.

This year's group consists of men's basketball teams at Cal State-Northridge, Chicago State, Grambling, Louisiana-Monroe and Southern, and football teams at Idaho State, Southern and Jackson State, Walter Payton's alma mater.

No team has ever been given the harshest penalty, a one-year membership restriction.

The NCAA handed out 58 penalties this year to schools that have had consistently poor showings over more than one year. These harshest penalties -- postseason bans, practice reductions or guaranteed scholarship cuts -- affected only one BCS conference team: Arkansas, which will lose one scholarship in men's basketball.

Five other BCS teams will lose scholarships only if an equal number of academically ineligible players leave school. Football teams at Maryland and Louisville could lose up to three scholarships. Men's basketball teams at Georgia Tech and LSU could each lose one.

A seventh BCS team, Southern Cal men's basketball, fell below the cutline at 912, but was not penalized.

UConn has already said it will lose both its scholarships because two players have left the school in poor academic standing. The school posted the second-lowest score of any BCS team in the three major sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. Arkansas' men's basketball team had an 892. Butler, the two-time national runner-up, had a perfect 1,000.

UConn's score also prompted the NCAA to notify the school it was in danger of facing the harsher historical penalties if the APR number doesn't go up next year.

Walter Harrison, president at the University of Hartford and chairman of the NCAA's committee on academic performance, said he plans to meet with UConn's new president, Susan Herbst, soon and plans to discuss the classwork.

Emmert is willing to go a step further. 'In our office, we have routinely and would be willing again to send people to campuses to do things like best practices,'' he said. 'We want to help them understand their relationship with the NCAA and what we can do to be helpful, and I'm sure they've got the culture there [at UConn] to respond appropriately.''

Other details from the NCAA report:

Historically black colleges and universities, including Southern, accounted for 29 of the 58 harshest penalties. Teams at more than 300 schools were measured in this year's APR, and only 24 of those were HBCUs.

Four teams missed the cutline in the big three sports. They were Jackson State, Prairie View A&M, Southern and Texas Southern, all members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Nineteen schools had football and men's basketball teams fall below the cutline and 10 had both their men's and women's basketball teams miss the mark.

Colorado, the only BCS school to face scholarship losses in football and men's basketball because of last year's APR scores, made the cut this time. The Buffaloes had a 929 in football and a 926 in men's basketball. Syracuse was the only other BCS school penalized in 2010. Its score improved from 912 to 928 in men's basketball.

When combining the two penalty structures, 103 teams were penalized, down from 137 last year. Two years ago, the number was 177.
Courtesy of: The Associated Press

Murray St. tabs Prohm as head coach - by Eurobasket News
Steve Prohm was promoted to the men's head basketball coaching job at Murray State on Monday, taking over for his mentor Billy Kennedy.

Prohm spent the past five years at Murray as an assistant to Kennedy, who left recently to take the coaching job at Texas A&M.

Murray State athletics director Allen Ward called Prohm the right choice to build on the success the Ohio Valley Conference school has had in the past few years, including an NCAA tournament victory.

'He's well respected by our players, and he's responsible for many of them being here,'' Ward said in introducing Prohm at a news conference in Murray. 'He has a history of bringing in a level of talent that's necessary to win.

'He will bring an immediate sense of stability and familiarity that will be beneficial to this team, at this time in our program's history.''

During his time as an assistant, Murray won the OVC regular-season championship the past two seasons, and the Racers made their 14th appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2010, when they defeated Vanderbilt. In the round of 32, the Racers lost by two points to eventual national runner-up Butler.

The Racers played in the National Invitation Tournament this past season, losing in the opening round to finish 23-9.

Prohm said he wants to build on those successes while taking the Racers to new heights.

'I want to continue to win conference championships, put ourselves in a position in the NCAA tournament to not just win one game but to win multiple games,'' he said. 'We have the resources here at Murray State to do that. We have the community support here to do that. And we have the ability with the players and the ability to recruit those players here to do that.''

Kennedy said in a statement that Prohm was 'the best guy for the job,'' and said his protege 'has a chance to do special things at Murray State with the current team and the incoming recruiting class.''

Prohm said his teams will play 'with great energy, great enthusiasm and great passion and I will coach the same way. We'll be tough-minded defensively and we'll be disciplined and unselfish offensively.''

Prohm had a 12-season association with Kennedy, including stops at Southeastern Louisiana and Centenary.

At Southeastern Louisiana, Prohm was part of a staff that led the school to two Southland Conference championships and a trip to the NCAA tournament in 2005. Prohm also spent one season as an assistant at Tulane.

Prohm graduated from Alabama in 1997 and worked as a student assistant coach and student manager for the Crimson Tide for five years, which included two NCAA tournament appearances and one trip to the NIT Final Four.
Courtesy of; The Associated Press


*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Bobcat Hoops Inks Big Signee - by Eurobasket News
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. The Georgia College mens basketball program and head coach Terry Sellers announced the signing of Lance Uwaifo Wednesday.

Uwaifo, a 6-foot-8 center, played his high school basketball at South Gwinnett. He comes to Georgia College from Atlanta Metropolitan College where he played the previous two years for head coach Robert Pritchett.

Lance is exactly what we are looking for in a student-athlete said Sellers. He is an outstanding person and student who possesses high character. With the departure of [All-Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Center Reece Wiedeman] we needed a low-post player and Lance fits the bill. I am thrilled that Lance decided to join our basketball family.

Uwaifo finished second in the GJCAA in rebounding with 11 per game. He averaged eight points per game and shot 54 percent from the field. He totaled 310 rebounds for the season.

Atlanta Metro went 24-6 record this past season, winning the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association regular season championship. The Red-Eyed Panthers went 14-4 in conference play.
The Bobcats are fresh off a 16-10 season in 2010-11, finishing third in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC). The Bobcats lose two seniors, including starting center Wiedeman, who was named Second Team All-PBC and starting forward Josh Hurst, who earned a spot on the PBC All-Academic Team three years in a row.

The Georgia College Department of Athletics, back-to-back winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.

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

GC Mens Hoops Signs 6-foot-6 Wing - by Eurobasket News
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. The Georgia College mens basketball program and head coach Terry Sellers announced the signing of Scott Ferguson Friday.

The 6-foot-6 Ferguson spent the previous two seasons at Atlanta Metropolitan College under head coach Robert Pritchett. Ferguson played his high school basketball at Roswell High in Roswell, Ga.

Scott is an extremely versatile player who can play multiple positions for our team, said Sellers. He is an athletic wing who can shoot, dribble and post up. I believe he has the potential to be a very good player in the Peach Belt Conference. Scott fits in well with our guys and he is another good piece of our 2011 recruiting class.

Ferguson finished sixth in the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association (GJCAA) in scoring (16 per game), 12th in rebounding (7.2 per game), and fourth in free-throw percentage at 80 percent (95-119). Ferguson was an All-Region Second Team selection.

Metro went 24-6 this past season, winning the GJCAA regular-season championship. The Red-Eyed Panthers went 14-4 in conference play.

The Bobcats are fresh off a 16-10 season in 2010-11, finishing third in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC). The Bobcats lose two seniors, including starting center Reece Wiedeman, who was named Second Team All-PBC and starting forward Josh Hurst (6'5''-F-88), who earned a spot on the PBC All-Academic Team three years in a row.

The Georgia College Department of Athletics, back-to-back winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.
Courtesy of: www.gcsubobcats.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA3   


UW-Eau Claire tabs Green as coach - by Eurobasket News
Joins Bluegold's after successful five years as N. Iowa assistant
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- After a national search that yielded more than 130 applications, Kyle Green has been named head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire mens basketball team, Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon announced today.

Members of the media and community are invited to a press conference at 3 p.m. Friday, May 20, in the McPhee Physical Education Center.

We are very excited to have Coach Green lead our mens basketball program, Kilgallon said. I want to thank the search and screen committee for all of their hard work helping to identify a very strong group of finalists. Coach Green will do a great job moving our program forward and will be a great representative of UW-Eau Claire.

Green most recently served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I University of Northern Iowa for the past five seasons. He was also an assistant for the Panthers from 2001-03.

My family and I are very excited about the opportunity to be part of UW-Eau Claire, Green said. Without question Eau Claire is a great community and the university is one of the top Division III institutions in the country. I want to thank Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich, Vice Chancellor Beth Hellwig and Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon for this opportunity. The people I met during the interview process made my decision easy.

Green inherits a Blugold program that has seen only three head coaches in the last 84 years. The head coach position became available when former head coach Terry Gibbons announced his retirement on March 31 after 16 seasons leading the Blugolds.

At UNI, Green was the Panthers' recruiting coordinator and helped build a highly-successful program that competed in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2010 NCAA Championship.

Before his return to UNI in 2006, Green was the head coach at Lewis University, an NCAA Division II school in Romeoville, Ill. He also served as head coach at Division II Western State College (Colo.) during the 2000-01 season and he also coached overseas for the Frederica (Denmark) Basketball Club. After guiding Frederica to a 30-3 record and a Denmark Serie title in his first season, he was named Denmark Serie Coach of the Year.

Green has also been an assistant for a number of other programs. He assisted at Marquette University during the 2003-04 season and was at Augustana College (S.D.) from 1997 to 2000. Prior to his time at Augustana, he assisted at Southwest Minnesota State (1995-97) and at his alma mater, Hamline University (Minn.), for two seasons (1993-95).

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Green received his bachelor's degree in social studies/education from Hamline in 1992. He was a team captain and three-year starter for Hamline, earning academic all-conference honors his junior and senior seasons. Green ranks eighth in three-point field goals made for the Pipers with 85 in his career.

He and his wife, Michele, have one son, A.J., and one daughter, Emerson.
Courtesy of: UW-Eau Claire Athletics

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


Breakers confirm eight players for title defence - by Eurobasket News
The NZ Breakers jigsaw is starting to take shape with the signings of all but one of the local players for the 2011/12 Australian National Basketball League. That leaves just one player to be confirmed alongside the two allowable import spots on the roster. The championship-winning Breakers announced the retention of seven local players - six New Zealanders and one Australian - led by the revelation that swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.) has waived his 'out clause' for next new season. Thomas Abercrombie will suit again up for the Breakers for another campaign and for now, at least, turn down the lure of Europe. Thomas Abercrombie did have the option to pursue a contract in Europe or the NBA in the United States but has decided to stay with the Auckland-based club. 'Obviously it is pleasing to get a player of Tom's ability back in a Breakers singlet,' head coach Andrej Lemanis said. 'He is a player that has been with us for some years now and has developed each season. His impact on the league and the club is considerable, as was seen with him being named grand finals MVP this season. For him to continue his journey with us for another year is exciting.' Thomas Abercrombie is joined by the returning Alex Pledger (216-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) at centre, feisty defender Dillon Boucher (196-F-75), the irrepressible Mika Vukona (197-F-82), young guard Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) and new signing Benny Anthony (198-F-88), who has signed a two-year deal as he graduates from development player status last season.
Also returning is Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) as he chases his fifth career ANBL championship title. The only player with any degree of uncertainty is classy shooting guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin). While the Tall Blacks international is under contract for next season he has until August 1 to decide whether to pursue options in Europe. That is one of a number of factors that leaves Lemanis in no rush to confirm his American imports. 'Kirk is obviously a crucial part of our group and in the guard rotation,' Lemanis said. 'We will wait until we know for sure he is returning and while at the moment we are planning on having Kirk back we have to be flexible if he does decide to head to Europe. If he stays we go get a point guard, if he leaves things change so we are in no rush.'
Breakers confirmed 2011/12 roster: Benny Anthony, Corey Webster, Dillon Boucher, Alex Pledger, Mika Vukona, Thomas Abercrombie, CJ Bruton, Kirk Penney*. (Plus two imports and two development players to be confirmed, * subject to Europe contract clause to August 1).
Courtesy of: stuff.co.nz

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Leasure, Taranaki.21.3 
 2. Webster, Wellingt.20.7 
 3. Hudson, Manawatu.20.4 
 4. Jones, Nelson G.20.3 
 5. Pace, Bay Hawks20.3 
 6. Dora, Nelson G.20.2 
 7. Smith, Waikato P.20.2 
 8. Pledger, Waika.19.4 
 9. Abercrombie, Waika.19.3 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.18.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mika VUKONA
  Nelson G.
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Vukona, Nelson G.11.3 
 2. Horvath, Manawatu.11.3 
 3. Pledger, Waika.11.2 
 4. Allred, OceanaGo.10.6 
 5. Campbell, Taranaki.10.3 
 6. Bradshaw, OceanaG.9.6 
 7. Trousdell, Bay H.9.5 
 8. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 9. Boucher, Auckland.9.3 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.7.4 
 2. Braswell, Southlan.6.3 
 3. Dickel, Southland5.9 
 4. Tait, Wellington S.5.8 
 5. Kench, Manawatu J.4.4 
 6. Martin, Auckland.4.3 
 7. Smith, Waikato P.4.1 
 8. O''Gallagher, Ocean.3.3 
 9. Webster, Wellingt.3.2 
 10. Kenny, Bay Hawks3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jerry SMITH
  Waikato P.
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Smith, Waikato P.2.8 
 2. Boucher, Auckland.2.3 
 3. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 4. Crowe, Waikato P.2.2 
 5. Allen, Waikato P.2.1 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.2.0 
 7. Dickel, Southland1.9 
 8. Frank, Wellington1.8 
 9. Leasure, Taranaki.1.6 
 10. Trueman, Manawat.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Pledger, Waika.3.6 
 2. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 3. Anthony, Waika.1.4 
 4. Iti, Southland S.1.4 
 5. Campbell, Taranaki.1.4 
 6. Spicer, Southlan.1.2 
 7. Allred, OceanaGo.1.1 
 8. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 9. Johnson, Wellingt.1.0 
 10. Vukona, Nelson G.1.0 


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


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


Ales Pipan takes over Polish National Team - by Eurobasket News
Ales Pipan will be the next Polish National Team head coach. The Slovenian has longed worked with Slovenian NT. He guided the team in 2004/08 seasons. Ales Pipan is not new to Poland. The specialist worked with Anwil Wloclawek in 2007/08 season. He led the team to Polish SuperCup title and helped them reach Cup semis. Lately Ales Pipan was at helm in Zlatogor Lasko in Slovenian League.
Poland got into 2011 EuroBasket preliminary Group A. They will play alongside Spain, Turkey, Lithuania and Great Britain. Poland will tip off their EuroBasket campaign on August 31 against Spain.


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


Season Scout Guifoes - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
A long-runner in the CNB championships, Guifoes Sport Clube made his debut in Proliga and kept their place to the next season. In a team that had limitations, the head coach Rui Gomes was capable to manage his players and exploit their qualities to set an aggressive team, specially at home games, with full stands, a not so usual situation in Proliga.

The Season
There were no big expectations to Guifoes Sport Clube season, but winning three games in their first five set a goal to the team, who started believing they could reach something more than just maintenance. But the team was never able to find this same consistence during the rest of the season. They lack a real Center in the team, and their foreign player, Behdad Sami, never showed to make a difference.

The Player
Odair Conceicao (197-F-84). He was the team best scorer and rebounder, and has conditions to be a good power forward in Proliga. Despite that, he could have shown more, being more dominant, but was never able to improve his numbers. With 26 years, he can still make better than he did. Miguel Faria (187-G/F-80) was the good surprise of this team. Formed in Porto, Faria spent the last seasons with Guifoes Sport Clube in CNB1. He had injury problems, but profited this season to show he has enough qualities to be a top guard in Proliga. We hope he can prove that next season.

The Prospect
Joao Gaspar (196-F-89). Loaned by Porto Ferpinta, he made a very good season and can go searching a place in LPB. Hes a fighter and a strong rebounder, even if hell have to play as a 3 in LPB. He will be of much help in any LPB team. A final word to Vitor Felix (190-G-91). The Portuguese U18 international is a good outside shooter and will continue growing at Guifoes Sport Clube. He will be the player to follow in this team.



Check out for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com





Season Scout - Sampaense - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Sampaense Basket made a good season in LPB, keeping their place in LPB, mainly with a good choice of foreign players and a very consistent group of Portuguese players. They fought for a playoff place until the last round, where they ended up at the hands of Academica.

The Season
9 wins, 6 of them with Almaad Jackson (210-F-85, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) in the team and 9th place. We can assume it wasnt a bad result to Sampaense Basket, who had finished 11th last season. The team had a very strong duo in Jackson and Luettgerodt, with Jorge Sing making his best season in LPB. If they had keep Jackson until the end of the season, it would probably have gain a place in the playoff race. But theyre building for the next season, with their LPB rookie coach Joao Moutinho.

The Player

Almaad Jackson. In his first European season, after a year in Mexico, Almaad Jackson was a very good surprise. A complete athlete, very good in the rebound fight (8.8 average) and a shooter (19.8 ppg). He can also block and steal. Unfortunately, he had an injury in the end of January and couldnt complete the season with the team. It was then time to Riley Luettgerodt (196-G/F-85, agency: Basket Law/NM Services, college: Hawaii) to show up. He plays in the 2/3 positions, and is a strong shooter (21 ppg, 36% in the triple-shots). He never scored less than 11 points in LPB games.

The prospect

Very hard to chose a prospect in an experimented teams, where no young player had space to play.



Check for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com





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


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 12-7 
 2. Guaynabo 12-8 
 3. Quebradillas 12-8 
 4. Santurce 11-8 
 5. San German 11-9 
 6. Arecibo 11-9 
 7. Humacao 9-11 
 8. Coamo 8-12 
 9. Mayaguez 7-13 
 10. Isabela 7-15 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 25.4
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo25.4 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas24.4 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon22.0 
 4. Ayuso, Arecibo20.9 
 5. Villegas, Coamo19.8 
 6. Johnson, Humacao19.4 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Harris, San German18.6 
 9. Clemente, Humacao17.7 
 10. Randolph, Isabela17.0 
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, Quebradillas11.4 
 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. Clemente, Humacao4.5 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.4 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.4 
 8. Vega, Coamo4.2 
 9. Copeland, Arecibo4.1 
 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. Rivera, Mayaguez1.7 
 4. Robinson, Mayaguez1.7 
 5. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 6. Carmona, Mayaguez1.5 
 7. Berdiel, Humacao1.5 
 8. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 9. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 10. Clemente, Mayagu.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.8 
 3. Santiago, Arecibo2.1 
 4. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 7. Sanchez, Santurce1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.6 
 9. Robinson, Mayaguez1.5 
 10. Harris, San German1.4 


BSN Midseason Player's Statistical Analysis - by Eric de la Cruz
In the first part of this series I analyzed the teams stats; in this second part I will focus my analysis on those teams players.

The method used in this evaluation was the PAWS40 (Position Adjusted Win Score per 40 Minutes) derived from the concept of Wins Produced by David Berri (which he based on the work of John Hollinger & Dean Oliver). This method, as my team analysis, determines a players efficiency based on possessions. (For information on how to use this method, read here:http://dberri.wordpress.com/2007/02/25/introducing-pawsmin-%E2%80%93-and-a-defense-of-box-score-statistics)

This seasons results (WS40) will be compared with last seasons results to produce PAWS40 (the stats used for this season were from the beginning of the season until May 16).

For the 2010 season the average WS40 was:

PG:10.30
SG:11.45
SF:12.23
PF:11.39
C:12.64

The average WS40 for all players evaluated in 2010 was 11.60 (players evaluated played a minimum of 100 minutes).

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdGpLUlVmZk5yMjdPUk9RR1l1TmlNY1E&output=html

Blue Numbers: outstanding at their position
Red Numbers: deficient at their position
*: player left the team

In the first sheet (Team Classification), players were classified by their teams, which were classified by their divisions (players evaluated for this season played a minimum of 40 minutes).

In the second sheet (Position Classification), players were classified by their positions, which is a better way to understand PAWS40 (hence the Position Adjusted).

In the third sheet (All Star Selections), using the 2011 All-Star Selections, I made 2 tables: one with my selections based on PAWS40 and the other with the real selections in order of votes received.

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


SuperLeague: Spartak-Primorie overcame Surgut in the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
SuperLeague: Spartak-Primorie overcame Surgut in the Final opener 86:67 and will need to prove their superiority way from home in one of another two games. The hosts looked better in the first game and rightfully took the lead.
Spartak-Primorie started with 19-18 and added 27-16 in the second frame. University Surgut replied with 20-18 in the third frame, but the hosts finished with 22-13 in the last quarter.
Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87) stepped up with 17 points for the winners, while Pavel Agapov (202-C-86, agency: RU-Basket Management) netted 13. Denis Khloponin (206-F-81) replied with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) and Vladimir Belov (207-F-84) scored 12 apiece.
In the game for the third place Ural thrashed Saransk 102:79. Vitaly Ionov (201-F-86, agency: RIZO) top-scored for the winners with 18 points.



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


Issa Konare closed the high season abroad - by Eurobasket News
Issa Konare (202-F-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: High Point) closed the high season in Japan on the fourth team with his Niigata Albirex. The player from Senegal averaged 7.8 points per game this season. Hamamatsu advanced to the Final beating Niigata Albirex 88-74. The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Niigata Albirex managed to win fourth quarter 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hamamatsu Phoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Niigata Albirex helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby answered with 28 points and 9 rebounds and Senegalese forward Issa Konare added 10 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Niigata Albirex.
In the game for the third place Osaka Evessa overcame Niigata Albirex 85:75 in the game for the third place in Japan. 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. Issa Konare scored 6 points in his last game.



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


List of candidates for Serbian U19 National team - by Zoran Popovic
Coach Dejan Mijatovic (agency: Beo Basket ) announced the list of candidates for the Serbain U19 National team. Our U19 National team will be on European Championship in Latvia from June 30 until July 10. Our team will be in Group D with National teams of China, USA and Egypt.

1. Bogic Vujosevic (Novi Sad, Novi Sad)
2. Strahinja Stojacic (Radnicki, Kragujevac)
3. Nenad Miljenovic (Partizan, Beograd)
4. Aleksandar Cvetkovic (Crvena zvezda, Beograd)
5. Nemanja Dangubic (Hemofarm Stad, Vrsac)
6. Luka Igrutinovic (Student, Beograd)
7. Petar Lambic (Hemofarm Stada, Vrsac)
8. Djordje Drenovac (Lotomatica, Italija)
9. Marko Josilo (Partizan, Beograd)
10. Bogdan Bogdanovic (Partizan, Beograd)
11. Vukasin Petkovic (Novi Sad, Novi Sad)
12. Nemanja Vucicevic (Beostar, Beograd)
13. Marko Lukovic (Mega Vizura, Beograd)
14. Nemanja Bezbradica (FMP, Beograd)
15. Nemanja Krstic (Hemofarm Stada, Vrsac)
16. Marko Gujanicic (Mladost, Cacak)
17. Nemanja Pavlovic (Novi Sad, Novi Sad)
18. Rados Seslija (Novi Sad, Novi Sad)
19. Nikola Siladji (FMP, Beograd)
20. Nemanja Besovic (Partizan, Beograd)
21. Luka Mitrovic (Hemofarm Stada, Vrsac)
22. Dusan Bogdanovic (Partizan, Beograd)
23. Bozo Djumic (Novi Sad, Novi Sad)
24. Stefan Nastic (Stanford University, Canada)


Serbian U20, U19, U18, U16, University and EYOF National team coaches - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian basketball association announced names of Serbian U20, U18, U16, University and EYOF National team coaches. New head coach of Serbian U20 National team is Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ). Dzikic and his team will compete on European Championship in Spain and will be in group A with Montenegro, Slovenia and Russia. Serbian U19 National team will compete on World Championship in Latvia with new head coach Dejan Mijatovic (agency: Beo Basket ). Our team will be in group B with National teams of China, Egypt and USA. Young coach Marko Icelic will lead Serbian U18 National team on European Championship in Poland. Serbian youngsters will be in Group D with National team of Finland, Germany and Turkey. Sasa Nikitovic will be coach of U16 National team in the same period. Our U16 National team will be on European Championship in Czech Republic in Group b with Russia, Montenegro and Germany. Former Yugoslavian National team member, experienced Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) is new head coach of University National team. Our University National team will be on University games in China and we are in Group B with National team of Turkey, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong. Finally, EYOF team and head coach Vanja Gusa will compete with qualified National teams of Croatia, Lithuania, Turkey, Spain, France, Russia and Montenegro.

Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Branko MILISAVLJEVIC
  Mega V.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Milisavljevi., Meg.20.5 
 2. Janjusevic, Crnok.18.8 
 3. Sinovec, Metalac18.2 
 4. Micevic, Sloboda17.6 
 5. Bozovic, Sloga17.4 
 6. Nikolic, Crvena Z.16.8 
 7. Bunic, Novi Sad16.6 
 8. Nedovic, Crvena Z.16.4 
 9. Kovacevic, Super.16.3 
 10. Majkic, Prolet.16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sava LESIC
  Crvena Z.
  (205-C/F-88)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Lesic, Crvena Z.10.9 
 2. Savovic, Hemofarm8.5 
 3. Markovic, FMP7.8 
 4. Ljubicic, Metalac7.5 
 5. Cakarevic, Radnicki7.1 
 6. Nikolic, Crvena Z.7.1 
 7. Lee, Radnicki7.0 
 8. Cantekin, Mega V.6.8 
 9. Bozovic, Hemofarm6.7 
 10. Majkic, Prolet.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Marko LJUBICIC
  Metalac
  (197-F-87)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Ljubicic, Metalac6.4 
 2. Zarkovic, Prolet.6.0 
 3. Pavkovic, Hemofarm5.8 
 4. Vlahovic, Sloga5.1 
 5. Radivojevic, FMP5.1 
 6. Mitrovic, Beograd4.9 
 7. Bakic, Crvena Z.4.9 
 8. Milisavljevi., Meg.4.8 
 9. Covic, FMP4.7 
 10. Dundjerski, Beogr.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Slobodan DUNDJERSKI
  Beograd
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Dundjerski, Beograd2.9 
 2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad2.7 
 3. Gagovic, Prolet.2.3 
 4. Ljubicic, Metalac2.1 
 5. Mukanovic, Crnok.2.0 
 6. Marjanovic, Vojvo.2.0 
 7. Kovacevic, Novi S.1.9 
 8. Lee, Radnicki1.9 
 9. Bakic, Crvena Z.1.9 
 10. Jovic, Sloga1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Stefan BIRCEVIC
  Metalac
  (209-F/C-89)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Bircevic, Metalac1.3 
 2. Ilic, FMP1.2 
 3. Majkic, Prolet.1.1 
 4. Cakarevic, Radnicki0.9 
 5. Cantekin, Mega V.0.9 
 6. Marjanovic, Vojvo.0.9 
 7. Lee, Radnicki0.8 
 8. Djekic, Mega V.0.8 
 9. Ljubojevic, Slobod.0.8 
 10. Buric, Tamis0.8 


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


Pipan take over Polish national team - by Zeljko Zule
Former head coach of the Slovenian national men's basketball team Ales Pipan signed today a contract with the Polish national team. He will lead Poland at the 2011 European Basketball Championships in Lithuania. They will play alongside Spain, Turkey, Lithuania and Great Britain. Poland will tip off their EuroBasket campaign on August 31 against Spain.
Pipan guided Slovenian team five years and last three season spent on the bench of Zlatorog Lasko. He is not new in Poland. Pipan worked with Anwil Wloclawek in 2007-08 season and le the team to won Polish Cup and SuperCup title.



Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Panic, Zlatorog20.9 
 2. Raymond, Helios17.9 
 3. Simovic, Sentjur17.4 
 4. Erzen, Parklji16.9 
 5. Thondique, Polzela16.3 
 6. Harmason, Sentjur15.1 
 7. Djapa, Geoplin Slo.14.7 
 8. Nuhanovic, Elektra13.6 
 9. Krejic, Parklji13.4 
 10. Zolotic, Maribor12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Thondique, Polzela10.5 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur8.9 
 3. Nuhanovic, Elektra8.3 
 4. Raymond, Helios7.5 
 5. Miljkovic, Elektra7.0 
 6. Krusic, Geoplin6.8 
 7. Zolotic, Maribor6.5 
 8. Pavic, Krka6.3 
 9. Mucic, Maribor6.2 
 10. Erzen, Parklji6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Igor MIJAJLOVIC
  Polzela
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Mijajlovic, Polzela4.7 
 2. Brolih, Maribor4.4 
 3. Jersin, Elektra4.1 
 4. Hohler, Sentjur3.9 
 5. Harmason, Sentjur3.8 
 6. Krivec, Krka3.8 
 7. Djordjevic, Krka3.7 
 8. Vujasinovic, Zlato.3.6 
 9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan3.5 
 10. Ilievski, Union O.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thondique, Polzela2.3 
 2. Mezek, LTHcast1.9 
 3. Ilievski, Union O.1.8 
 4. Dragic, Krka1.7 
 5. Mahkovic, LTHcas.1.6 
 6. Lapornik, Zlatorog1.6 
 7. Harmason, Sentjur1.6 
 8. Hohler, Sentjur1.5 
 9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan1.5 
 10. Ikonic, Krka1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Nuhanovic, Elektra1.8 
 2. Thondique, Polzela1.2 
 3. Dimec, Zlatorog0.9 
 4. Sviridov, Polzela0.9 
 5. Booker, Krka0.9 
 6. Shermadini, Union0.8 
 7. Sebic, Sentjur0.6 
 8. Omic, Zlatorog0.6 
 9. Pavic, Krka0.6 
 10. Lapornik, Zlatorog0.6 


*****************************************************
  SOUTH AFRICA   


Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial Tournament 2011 - by Eurobasket
DAY 1 RESULTS, 12 MAY 2011:
COURT A:
University of Witwatersrand 1st v. Wanderers Scorpions 54-34
Diepkloof Ball Addicts v. Vaal University of Technology 32-58
Braamfontein Blues v. Monash University 51-36
COURT B:
Momentum v. Randburg Rhinos 39-69
Goodfellas v. Jozi Nuggets 47-44
MBL All Stars v. University of Johannesburg 19-75

DAY 2 RESULTS, 13 MAY 2011:
COURT A:
Vaal University of Technology v. Northern Tigers 52-36
PBS Predators v. University of Witwatersrand 2nd 34-29
Braamfontein Blues v. MBS All Stars 39-20
COURT B:
Monash University v. University of Limpopo 41-45
Pretoria Heat v. Goodfellas 49-45
e-Life Architects v. Wanderers Scorpions 62-42

DAY 3 RESULTS, 14 MAY 2011:
COURT A:
Northern Mighty Tigers v. Breyten Mighty Eagles FORFEIT
University of Limpopo v. University of Johannesburg 44-57
Jozi Nuggets v. University of the Witwatersrand 2nd 65-36
Diepkloof Ball Addicts v. Breyten Mighty Eagles FORFEIT
Momentum v. University of the Witwatersrand 1st 46-47
Pretoria Heat v. University of the Witwatersrand 2nd 71-21
Braamfontein Blues v. University of Limpopo 50-30
e-Life Architects v. Randburg Rhinos 23-55
Monash v. University of Johannesburg 30-47
Vaal University of Technology v. Breyten Might Eagles 24-93
COURT B:
Diepkloof Ball Addicts v. UJ Alumni 52-53
University of the Witwatersrand 1st v. Randburg Rhinos 50-54
Momentum v. e-Life Architects 41-62
Goodfellas v. PBS Predators 54-51
University of Limpopo v. MBL All Stars 39-35
Randburg Rhinos v. Wanderers Scorpions 54-51
Jozi Nuggest v. PBS Predators 63-35
UJ Alumni v. Breyten Mighty Eagles 69-30
UJ Alumni v. Northern Tigers 49-34
Pretoria Heat v. PBS Predators 76-28

DAY 4 RESULTS, 15 MAY 2011:
COURT A:
University of the Witwatersrand 2nd v. Goodfellas 12-54
Vaal University of Technology v. UJ Alumni 59-48
University of the Witwatersrand 1st v. e-Life Architects 49-18
Braamfontein Blues v. University of Johannesburg 47-53
COURT B:
MBL All Stars v. Monash University 38-23
Momentum v. Wanderer Scorpions 51-40
Pretoria Heat v. Jozi Nuggets 63-33
Diepkloof Ball Addicts v. Northern Tigers 39-58

POOL A:
Randburg Rhinos 12
University of the Witwatersrand 1st 10
Wanderers Scorpions 8
Momentum 6
e-Life Architects 4

POOL B:
Pretoria Heat 12
Goodfellas -10
Jozi Nuggets 8
PBS Predators 6
University of the Witwatersrand 4

POOL C:
University of Johannesburg 12
Braamfontein Blues 10
University of Limpopo 8
MBL All Stars 6
Monash University 4

POOL D:
Vaal University of Technology 12
UJ Alumni 10
Northern Tigers 8
Breyten Mighty Eagles -6
Diepkloof Ball Addicts 4

SEMI FINALS:
Randburg Rhinos v. Vaal University of Technology 40-44
Pretoria Heat v. University of Johannesburg 63-47

FINAL:
Vaal University of Technology v. Pretoria Heat 39-63 (MVP = Neo Mothiba from Pta Heat)

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


Kaloyan Ivanov leaves Cajasol - by Eurobasket News
Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) will not continue with Cajasol Sevilla. The 25-year-old Bulgarian forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He signed a two-year deal with Cajasol then. However Kaloyan Ivanov opted out of the contract lately. The Bulgarian player averaged 5.9 points, 3.3 boards and 1.1 assists per game in EuroCup. In ACB his stats read 5.0 points, 4.2 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance. Previously the forward had stints with Dunav, Cherno More, Avtodor Saratov, Menorca, Manresa. Kaloyan Ivanov is the member of Bulgarian National Team. He played at 2011 EuroBasket qualification. His stats read 8.8 points, 7.3 boards and 1.3 assists.


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


Tony Brown joins Geneve Lions - by Eurobasket News
Geneve Lions secured a major strengthening to their roster for the upcoming season. They have agreed on terms of contract with Tony Brown (193-G-79, college: Arkansas St.). The deal is meant for two seasons. Tony Brown has spent previous seven seasons in Switzerland. He joined Pully Basket back in 2004 straight out of Arkansas State University. Then he had stints with Lausanne and Starwings. Last season the guard played for Starwings. He averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Tony Brown was named into Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA 1st Team in 2009/1010 season. He led Starwings to the LNA semis that season.


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Taiwanese Wen-Ting Tseng clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Taiwanese Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) clinch Bronze with his Osaka. His Osaka Evessa overcame Niigata Albirex 85:75 in the game for the third place in Japan.
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.
After leaving Yulon Luxgen in the beginning of 2011, Wen-Ting Tseng moved to Osaka and averaged 5.2 points per game. In his best game he had 10 points and 9 rebounds as Osaka Evessa overcame Fukuoka Rizing 79:66 on May 7th. It looked good early as Fukuoka Rizing took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Osaka Evessa had a 18-8 second period charge getting the lead and Fukuoka Rizing was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 66-79. They outrebounded Fukuoka Rizing 53-36 including a 41-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. Fukuoka Rizing was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch.



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


Julius Ashby finishes the season in Japan - by Eurobasket News
Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado) finishes the season in Japan on the fourth team with his Niigata Albirex. The player from Trinidad and Tobago averaged 16.3 points per game this season. He erupted with 28 points and 9 rebounds in the Semifinal game but it was not enough for the win. Hamamatsu advanced to the Final beating Niigata Albirex 88-74. The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Niigata Albirex managed to win fourth quarter 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hamamatsu Phoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Niigata Albirex helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby answered with 28 points and 9 rebounds and Senegalese forward Issa Konare added 10 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Niigata Albirex.
In the game for the third place Osaka Evessa overcame Niigata Albirex 85:75 in the game for the third place in Japan.
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.



*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Super Play-off (semi-finals) :EZS force SN to third play-off game - by Eurobasket News
Etoile of Sahel will have to wait to know their opponents in the basketball finals after EZS forced Stade Nabeulien to a third play-off game.
The victory largely deserved of EZS in front of SN is an event. It is necessary to wait in a few hours to see which of both will obtain the second ticket for the finale of the super play-off. Touched in their self-esteem, Zahrois ended up reacting and returning to a match everywhere. The evolution of the score shows that the commuters managed the match well from beginning to end: 30-17, 43-27, 60-40 and 86-75 RF). Even if H' didane and its team-members totaled 5 points to 2 ' of the end, it were not sufficient to counter the buildings. The success in the shootings at 3 points (14 registered voters) pled in favor of EZS, fresh and voluntary. Side nabeulien, rate of success was quite lower, especially in the charity tosses. This victory pleases enormously to us. It was shown that there are not only ES and SN in championship. EZS is a glorious club which remains a reference. We played well with initially the endurance and physical freshness. We were in one great day to unbolt the defense of zone nabeulienne. It is not finished yet, us will gain in Nabeul with the firm determination. But I can say to you that we achieved our goal, was delighted Ryadh Ben Abdallah.

In addition, the 7th day of the play-out smiled to the USM, the CAB and the ESG. Monastiriens, still winners, already ensured their maintenance, contrary to the CSC which once again fell. The places are very tight with the classification between the five teams. Nothing is still played for relegation. But the things become complicated more for the JS Menazeh!

The Results

Return leg semi finals play-offs

EZS-SN : 86-75

ESR-ESS : 77-82


Play-out

USM-TAC 84-62

CAB-CSC 65-62

ESG-JSM 80-66
Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com



Etoile Sahel and Stade Nabeulien face off in basketball championship finals - by Eurobasket News
The finals of the 2011 Tunisian basketball championship will pit Etoile du Sahel AND Stade Nabeulien.

Despite the superiority of both sides, they had to battle hard to make it to the finals.Etoile however have been tipped as favorites for the given their impressive run throughout the season as Stade Nabeulien have struggled to repeat their feet as they might well be in hot waters against Etoile.But they are not to be taken for granted as they have always known to spring up surprises when they are least expected.
Courtesy of: Star of Africa

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


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23
 1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.23.0 
 2. Kambala, Aliaga20.2 
 3. Buckman, Antalya19.6 
 4. Henderson, Antalya19.1 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka18.8 
 6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.18.7 
 7. Kemp, Besiktas17.9 
 8. Randle, Aliaga17.5 
 9. Barbour, Erdemir17.2 
 10. Scales, Mersin17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Yucel, Mersin11.3 
 2. Thomas, Erdemir10.2 
 3. Wesson, Turk T.9.2 
 4. Buckman, Antalya9.0 
 5. Mays, Oyak Renault9.0 
 6. Ffriend, Bornova8.7 
 7. Samardjiski, Olin8.5 
 8. Smith, Bornova7.9 
 9. Smith, Karsiyaka7.8 
 10. Guler, Antalya7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Ermis, Banvit6.3 
 2. Holston, Karsiyaka6.0 
 3. Conroy, Oyak R.5.9 
 4. Rasic, Trabzonspor5.3 
 5. Chatman, Besiktas5.1 
 6. Henderson, Antalya4.7 
 7. Rowe, Tofas4.6 
 8. Acik, Galatasaray4.4 
 9. Ukic, Fener.Ulker4.3 
 10. Akin, Olin Edirne4.2 
Steals Per Game
 James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Mays, Oyak Renault2.2 
 2. Grier, Mersin2.2 
 3. Holston, Karsiyaka2.2 
 4. Waller, Oyak Renau.2.1 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka1.9 
 6. Prince, Antalya1.9 
 7. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 8. Chatman, Besiktas1.6 
 9. Guler, Antalya1.6 
 10. Rowe, Tofas1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Stiemsma, Turk T.1.8 
 2. Samardjiski, Olin1.5 
 3. Francis, Bornova1.3 
 4. Johnson, Erdemir1.3 
 5. Ogilvy, Besiktas1.1 
 6. Mays, Oyak Renault1.0 
 7. Ruzic, Tofas0.9 
 8. Aldemir, Karsiyaka0.9 
 9. Davis, Banvit0.9 
 10. Simpsons, Turk T.0.8 


TBL Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Fenerbahce and Galatasaray post wins - by Eurobasket News
Fener.Ulker - Efes Pilsen 79-70

Fenerbahce Ulker held off Efes Pilsen in the semfinal series opener. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-70. Croatian guard Roko-Leni Ukic (195-84) fired 12 points for the winners. Lithuanian guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland) chipped in 9 points and 6 assists. International power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-77) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Croatian center Nikola Vujcic (211-78) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Efes Pilsen: K.Gonlum 18+7reb, N.Vujcic 12+5reb+3ast, I.Rakocevic 10+1reb+1ast, M.Thornton 7+5reb+2ast, L.Roberts 7+3reb+1ast, E.Arslan 5+1ast
Fener.Ulker: O.Onan 15, M.Tomas 13+3reb, R.Ukic 12+4reb+3ast, O.Savas 12+3reb, E.Preldzic 9+2reb+1ast, S.Jasikevicius 9+2reb+6ast
gschID: 128732


Banvit - Galatasaray 57-79

Galatasaray shocked Banvit on the road to surge ahead in the series. It looked good early as Banvit took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Galatasaray had a 25-15 second period charge getting the lead and Banvit was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 57-79. Galatasaray dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Banvit's 24. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Ermal Kurtoglu (208-80, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Preston Shumpert (198-79, college: Syracuse) contributed with 13 points and 4 assists for the winners. American-Azerbaijan forward Charles Davis (202-84, college: Alabama) answered with 15 points and the former international guard Baris Ermis (194-85) added 9 points and 4 assists in the effort for Banvit. 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:
Banvit: C.Davis 15+4reb+1ast, M.Akpinar 11+1reb+1ast, B.Ermis 9+3reb+4ast, J.Dixon 5+1reb, S.Edge 5+3ast, L.Williams 4+1reb
Galatasaray: E.Kurtoglu 18+5reb+2ast, C.Topaloglu 18+2reb, P.Shumpert 13+4reb+4ast, L.Andric 7+3reb+1ast, E.Buker 6+5reb+2ast, R.Rancik 6+6reb+1ast
gschID: 128820




*****************************************************
  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 Virgin Islands 17 and Under National Team. Dowling was also an assistant for the Virgin Islands 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 country's 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   


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Burtt, Dnipro22.4 
 2. Flores, BC Donetsk16.7 
 3. Washington, BC Od.16.4 
 4. Curry, Azovmash16.1 
 5. Burns, Fe.16.0 
 6. Wiggins, Halychyna15.1 
 7. Millage, Khimik14.9 
 8. Love, Mykolaiv14.7 
 9. Fraser, DniproAzot14.5 
 10. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.9 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.7.8 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Guinn, Fe.6.8 
 8. Chappell, Hoverla6.6 
 9. Owens, Azovmash6.6 
 10. Coleman, Hoverla6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Burtt, Dnipro5.5 
 2. Abernethy, Halyc.5.2 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Sparks, BC Odessa4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 7. Vasiljevic, BC Do.4.5 
 8. Millage, Khimik4.5 
 9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.4.2 
 10. Sirsnins, DniproA.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Millage, Khimik2.4 
 2. House, Azovmash1.9 
 3. Sparks, BC Odessa1.8 
 4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.1.5 
 5. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.5 
 6. Burns, Fe.1.5 
 7. Love, Mykolaiv1.4 
 8. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.4 
 9. Chappell, Hoverla1.4 
 10. Burenko, BC Kyiv1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.1 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.8 
 3. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.4 
 5. Hunter, Fe.1.4 
 6. Coleman, Hoverla1.3 
 7. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 8. Pettway, Dnipro1.2 
 9. Balashov, BC Odes.1.2 
 10. Owens, Azovmash1.1 


*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Sharjah claim Arab Club Championship title - by Eurobasket News
Sharjah - ASS Sale 80:73

Sharjah made history tonight. They claimed their first ever Arab Club Championship title. Sharjah toppled ASS Sale for the crown in Abu Dhabi. Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80) stepped up with 31 points to pace the UAE team to the victory.
Sharjah fired 28 points in the starting frame to clear off. They posted a 6-point advantage after ten minutes. Sharjah continued to dominate in the second frame. They registered a 55:41 halftime buffer. ASS Sale stopped the rot in the third term. The Moroccan team stiffened their defence and cut the distance to 5 points with one quarter remaining. ASS Sale got within three points in the final term but Sharjah survived the challenge and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Rashed Alzaabi (190-F-88) provided 22 points in the win. Cory Bradford (191-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) finished with 13 points for the champions. Abdelhakim Zouita (201-F-86) answered with 20 points for ASS Sale. Abderrahim Najah (198-F/C-84) finished with 12 points in the loss.

Sharjah: Radhouane Slimane 31, Rashed Alzaabi 22, Cory Bradford 13
ASS Sale: Abdelhakim Zouita 20, Abderrahim Najah 12



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


Nacional and Larranaga are tied for the Metro leadership - by Hector Lopez
Nacional beat 25 de Agosto 102-71 and with a 9/2 record is tied with Larranaga for the Metro League leadership. For Nacional, Roberto Amaro (197-F-69) netted 17 points with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks and Terrence Shelman (198-F-78), playing his first game, scored 7 and grabbed 12 rebounds. For 25 de agosto John Rufus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) scored 25 points with 6 rebounds. The other two games:
Goes 93 - Johnny Rodriguez (197-F-83) 22 points 7 rebounds, Federico Haller (198-F-88) 21 points 14 rebounds 3 blocks
Yale 67 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 14 points 14 rebounds.
- - -
Tabare 81 - Matias de Gouveia (180-G-88) 24 points 5 rebounds, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 11 points 5 rebounds
Verdirrojo 72 - Emiliano Baston (200-F-88) 21 points 13 rebounds 1 blocck 3 assists

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


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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 30-7 
 2. Marinos 27-11 
 3. Trotamundos 27-11 
 4. Bucaneros 22-18 
 5. Guaiqueries 21-18 
 6. Gigantes 20-18 
 7. Panteras 15-25 
 8. Toros 13-25 
 9. Guaros 12-25 
 10. Gaiteros 5-34 




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Women News

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Jeugd Gentson add Liz Schmitz - by Eurobasket News
Liz Schmizt changed the team. The 22-year-old forward from Luxembourg will continue her career in Jeugd Gentson. Liz Schmitz (180-F-88) played for Spirou Monceau Charleroi in the previous season. She tallied 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Earlier Liz Schmitz played in Luxembourg for Contern and for Dexia Namur in Belgium. Liz Schmitz is the member of Luxembourg National Team. The forward tallies 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game at the 2011 European Championship Division B.


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  CROATIA - Women  


Turkey NT overcame Croatia in Kepez - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Croatia 81:68

Turkey NT overcame Croatia in Kepez at four-nation friendly tournament. The hosts produced 81:68 in the first game and as well as Great Britain share the top after Day 1. The latter edged Montenegro 80:58 earlier in the opener.
Turkey opened the game with 27-8 and never looked behind after. Croatia however responded with 24-17 in the second frame to reduce to 44:32 at the halftime. In the third period the hosts added 21-19 and then Croatia won the last frame 17-14.
Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) collected 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Saziye Ivegin (182-F-82) and Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) followed her with 14 each, while Yasemin Horasan (187-F/C-83) scored 12. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) and Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) replied with 12 points each in the losing effort. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) posted 10 and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) notched 8.

Turkey: Nevin Nevlin 15+11 rebs, Saziye Ivegin 14, Bahar Caglar 14, Yasemin Horasan 12
Croatia: Sandra Mandir 12, Ana Lelas 12, Iva Sliskovic 10, Marta Cakic 8



Croatia lose to Turkey in their first warm-up game - by Zeljko Zule
Croatia lost in their first warm-up game to Turkey, 68-81, in the tournament at Antalya.Sandra Mandir and Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) both scored 12 points, Iva Sliskovic had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Turkey scored 13 points to go ahead 27-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Croatia-Turkey 68-81 (8-27, 24-17, 19-21, 17-16; Mandir 12, Jelavic 7, Misura 6, Cakic 8, Mazic -, Ciglar 2, Lelas 12, Slikovic 10, Pavetic 2, Ivankovic 3, Ivezic 6).



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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Tina Charles joins Galatasaray Medical Park - by Eurobasket News
Tina Charles (193-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) joins Galatasaray Medical Park after an amazing season in Russia. Nadezhda Orenburg (Russia-PBL, starting five): saw her being the second top-scorer in the country with and the first rebounder with 19.1ppg), Reb-1 (9.5rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 66.3%. In Euroleague after 12 games she became the third top-scorer in the second rebounder with 19.0ppg, Reb-2 (12.3rpg), 1.3apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 47.7%, FT: 75.9%.
Her career Tina Charles started for Connecticut (NCAA) and in her first season averaged 12.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 59.4%. She improved to 16.5ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 62.0%, FT: 68.1% in 2009. In 2010 Tina Charles was drafted by Connecticut Sun (WNBA, 1rd (1) and erupted with 18.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.6apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 68.3%.
Only in the last season, the American National team player became Russian Cup Finalist -11, Euroleague All-Star Game -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 2nd Team -11, Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team -11, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Center of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Imports Team -11.



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  HUNGARY - Women  


Anna Vajda agrees terms with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca - by Eurobasket News
If Ros Casares completed their roster few weeks ago, Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca tried hard to be the decent representative next season as well. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) agrees terms with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca to be another great addition for the team in 2011/2012 season.
The Hungarian International started the season 2010-2011 with Fenerbahce Istanbul (Turkey-TKBL) and in Turkish League averaged 7.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.2%. In Euroleague after 6 games her stats read 2.7ppg, 2.0rpg. In January 2011 she moved to ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL) and in Czech Rep. League showed 6.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 38.1%. Together with USK Praha Anna Vajda became the Champion of 2010/2011 season! The team swept the series over Frisco Sika 3-0 as they needed 72:62 win in the last game. Frisco Sika was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game.
Over the last few season she was in Euroleague All-Star Game -09, 10, became Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Forward of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League 1st Team -10, Turkish President Cup Winner -11, Czech Rep. D1 Regular Season Runner-Up -11 and Czech Rep. D1 Champion -11.



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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Jeugd Gentson add Liz Schmitz - by Eurobasket News
Liz Schmizt changed the team. The 22-year-old forward from Luxembourg will continue her career in Jeugd Gentson. Liz Schmitz (180-F-88) played for Spirou Monceau Charleroi in the previous season. She tallied 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Earlier Liz Schmitz played in Luxembourg for Contern and for Dexia Namur in Belgium. Liz Schmitz is the member of Luxembourg National Team. The forward tallies 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game at the 2011 European Championship Division B.


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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Great Britain edge Montenegro in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - Montenegro 80:56

Great Britain victoriously opened their Kepez International Tournament campaign. They cruised past Monenegro in opener in Turkey. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) scored 17 points and grabbed 6 boards to pace Great Britain.
The teams traded baskets throughout the starting quarter. Great Britain managed to snatch a narrow 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Great Britain tipped off the second frame on a 6:1 run to clear off. Soon the margin grew at 16-point mark as Montenegro started to lag behind. The British team ensured a 39:21 advantage at the interval. Great Britain scored five points in a row to begin the second half. Great Britain took over posting a 62:41 lead at the final intermission. Montenegro struggled to get any closer in the final period and Great Britain rolled to the victory at the end.
Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) had 15 points, while Chantelle Handy (191-G-87, college: Marshall) added 10 points for the winners. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) answered with 17 points for Montenegro. Anna De Forge (178-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) provided 15 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Great Britain: Kimberly Butler 17, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 15, Chantelle Handy 10
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic 17, Anna De Forge 15



Great Britain wins Kepez tournament opener - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Montenegro 80:58

Great Britain wins Kepez tournament opener in Turkey as they rolled over Montenegro. Great Britain won all the quarters to seal 80:58 win in first game of four-nation tournament.
Great Britain started the game with 16-14 although the teams were tied at 7-7 in the middle of the period. Another 23-7 in the second frame was decisive as the winners got 51:27 halftime advantage. Moreover they added 23-20 in the third frame and finished the game with 18-17 in the last quarter.
Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 17 points for the winners and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) added 15. Chantelle Handy (191-G-87, college: Marshall) ended up with 10 points, whilst Rosalee Mason (180-F/G-79, college: Manhattan) scored 8 in a win. Jelena Dubljevic responded with 17 points in the losing case and Anna De Forge notched 15. Iva Perovanovic delivered 10 points in defeat, while Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) posted 5.

Great Britain: Kimberly Butler 17, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 15, Chantelle Handy 10, Rosalee Mason 8
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) 17, Anna De Forge (178-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) 15, Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) 10, Milka Bjelica 5


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  NIGERIA - Women  


Zenith Bank WBL: First Bank win battle of Champions over First Deepwater - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Dethrone champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League, First Bank basketball club Sunday step up the bid to reclaim the domestic title with a 60-44 points defeat of reigning champion, First Deepwater basketball club.

Both sides exhibited great caution in the early part of the game as the former FIBA Africa Champions Cup winner took the first quarter by 19-15 points to announce it determination to rattled the Coach Lateef Erinfolami tutored First Deepwater side.

Urged on by Nigeria senior national team invitee, ImaObong Akpan who led the floor in scoring with 17 points First Bank took control of the second, third and fourth quarters with 10-07, 11-07 and 20-15 points for a cumulative score-line of 60-44.

Though the Elephant Girls as First Bank is also known won the epic battle of the champions it cannot lay claim to the top spot of the first phase of the league as it has it victory over Dolphins basketball club upturn due to a protest by the management of Dolphins BC over the use of Dolphins BC former player Evelyn Akhator whom the former claim has existing contract with, First Bank BC have since appealed the ruling but until proven otherwise First Deepwater basketball club is presume to be the leader after the conclusion of the first phase.

The Oil and Gas ladies has a total of 17 points from eight wins and one lose while First Bank is second with 16 points.

Other results of games played during the closing day of the phase includes Delta Force 66-34 Plateau Rocks, Dolphins basketball club spanking of Nigeria Customs basketball club by 106-51 points, AHIP Queens basketball club of Kano went down to Sunshine Angels of Akure by 35-70 points, while FCT Angels basketball club of Abuja whom pundits believe is the most improved team in the current campaign lost to Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano by 56-58 points.

The second phase holds in Akure Ondo State capital from July 14 through 23 with the technical meeting slated for July 13 while July 12th is arrival of teams for the phase.


ACN-W/AAG: Nigeria begin preparation with home-based players - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Sunday jump-start the preparation of its Women National Team, DTigress ahead the 22nd edition of the African Cup of Nations knwon as Afrobasket for Women with fourteen home-based players.

The team will have a two-day drilling exercise in Abuja with Coach Ayo Bakare leading the technical crew with Patrick Omo-Osagie and former Nigeria senior national team captain and forward, Mfon Udoka as assistances.

The fourteen players were mainly from the three top clubs participating in the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League with former champion, First Bank basketball club of Lagos accounting for eight out of the fourteen playeers.

Zenith Bank Women Basketball League defending champion, First Deepwtaer basketball club has four of its players called up while Sunshine Angels basketball club of has two.

First Bank BC has Grace Okonkwo (Centre), Oluchi Nzekwe (guard), White Patience (guard), Vera Ellong (guard), Magdalene (guard), Nike Dawodu (forward), Sandra German (guard), ImaObong Akpan (guard), First Deepwater BC has Atosu Upe (guard), Kelechi Obasi (forward), Nkeci Akashili (guard), Blessing Emmanuel (guard), while the duo of Rebecca Iritei (guard) and Korede Sosanya (forward) are from Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure.

Nigeria won the 19th and 20th edition of the African Cup of Nations in 2003 in Mozambique and 2005 in Nigeria and the 8th All Africa Games gold medal in NIgeria (2003).

Head Coach, Bakare told our correspondent that the task before the team is to return the country to a winning ways and stamp its authority as a basketball nation to reckon with in Africa in particular and the world in general.


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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Portugal edge Switzerland in test game - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Switzerland 59:57

Portugal earned the win over Switzerland in the first of two scheduled exhibition clashes between the teams. Joana Lopes (185-F-86) scored 12 points to pace Portugal to a narrow win in Carcevelos.
Switzerland shocked the hosts in the first quarter. The Swiss team gained a 16:7 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. The visitors established a 35:24 halftime advantage. But Portugal changed things around in the third frame. They went on a 17:5 run to take 41:40 lead late in the period. Portugal finished the quarter up by 7 points 52:45. Portugal did not surrender the lead in the final frame and rolled to a tough win at the end. Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) provided 10 points, while Sara Filipe (187-F-82) added 9 points for the hosts. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with game-high 21 points for Switzerland. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in defeat.

Portugal: Joana Lopes 12, Carla Nascimento 10, Sara Filipe 9
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 21, Marielle Giroud 15+17 boards


Portuguese National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Carla Nascimento
Nascimento
Ana Oliveira
Oliveira
Joana Lopes
Lopes
Sara Filipe
Filipe
Tamara Milovac
Milovac
#e#5
Carla Nascimento 171-G-86 ADBA Spain
Ana Oliveira 176-F-83 Alges Portugal
Joana Lopes 185-F-86 AD Vagos Portugal
Sara Filipe 187-F-82 Alges Portugal
Tamara Milovac 186-C-86 CDTN Portugal
Ana Fonseca 168-G-78 Olivais Portugal
Maria Correia 174-G/F-91 CAB Madeira Portugal
Michelle Brandao 171-G-91 Olivais Portugal
Debora Abreu 186-F/C-84 ADBA Spain
Diana Neves 170-G-87 Gladstone PCP Australia
Celia Simoes 168-G/F-85 Boa Viagem Portugal
Luiana Livulo 187-C-91 GDESSA Portugal



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  ROMANIA - Women  


Gabriela Toma extends with ICIM Arad - by Eurobasket News
Gabriela Toma (192-C-74) signed a new deal with ICIM Arad. The 36-year-old centre will enter her second season with Arad. She tallied 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in the previous D1 season. Gabriela Toma helped ICIM Arad to D1, Cup and CEWL titles.


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  SOUTH AFRICA - Women  


Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial Tournament 2011 - by Eurobasket
DAY 1 RESULTS, 12 MAY 2011:
Monash University v. University of Johannesburg 22-60
University of Witwatersrand 2nd v. Soweto Raptors 21-68

DAY 2 RESULTS, 13 MAY 2011:
University of Witwatersrand 1st v. Monash University 33-21
Soweto Raptors v. Vaal University of Technology 37-32
Wanderers Scorpions v. University of Johannesburg 47-29
Northern Tigers v. University of Witwatersrand 2nd 5-64

DAY 3 RESULTS, 14 MAY 2011:
University of Limpopo v. Wanderers Scorpions 16-43
Northern Tigers v. Vaal University of Technology 29-36
University of Witwatersrand 1st v. University of Limpopo 44-15
University of the Witwatersrand v. University of Johannesburg 26-44
Monash University v. Wanderers Scorpions 65-28
University of Witwatersrand 2nd v. Vaal University of Technology 14-86

DAY 4 RESULTS, 15 MAY 2011:
University of Johannesburg v. University of Limpopo 49-14
University of the Witwatersrand 1st v. Wanderers Scorpions 24-37
Monash University v. University of Limpopo FORFEIT
Soweto Raptors v. Northern Tigers 46-31

POOL A:
Wanderers Scorpions 12
University of Johannesburg 10
University of the Witwatersrand 1st 8
University of Limpopo 6
Monash University 4

POOL B:
Vaal University of Technology 9
Soweto Raptors 7
Northern Tigers 5
University of the Witwatersrand 3

SEMI FINALS:
Wanderers Scorpions v. Soweto Raptors 37-30
Vaal University of Technology v. University of Johannesburg 45-36

FINALS:
Vaal University of Technology v. Wanderers Scorpions 71-62 (MVP = Requelh Molema from VUT)

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  SPAIN - Women  


Anna Vajda agrees terms with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca - by Eurobasket News
If Ros Casares completed their roster few weeks ago, Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca tried hard to be the decent representative next season as well. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) agrees terms with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca to be another great addition for the team in 2011/2012 season.
The Hungarian International started the season 2010-2011 with Fenerbahce Istanbul (Turkey-TKBL) and in Turkish League averaged 7.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.2%. In Euroleague after 6 games her stats read 2.7ppg, 2.0rpg. In January 2011 she moved to ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL) and in Czech Rep. League showed 6.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 38.1%. Together with USK Praha Anna Vajda became the Champion of 2010/2011 season! The team swept the series over Frisco Sika 3-0 as they needed 72:62 win in the last game. Frisco Sika was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game.
Over the last few season she was in Euroleague All-Star Game -09, 10, became Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Forward of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League 1st Team -10, Turkish President Cup Winner -11, Czech Rep. D1 Regular Season Runner-Up -11 and Czech Rep. D1 Champion -11.



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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Portugal edge Switzerland in test game - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Switzerland 59:57

Portugal earned the win over Switzerland in the first of two scheduled exhibition clashes between the teams. Joana Lopes (185-F-86) scored 12 points to pace Portugal to a narrow win in Carcevelos.
Switzerland shocked the hosts in the first quarter. The Swiss team gained a 16:7 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. The visitors established a 35:24 halftime advantage. But Portugal changed things around in the third frame. They went on a 17:5 run to take 41:40 lead late in the period. Portugal finished the quarter up by 7 points 52:45. Portugal did not surrender the lead in the final frame and rolled to a tough win at the end. Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) provided 10 points, while Sara Filipe (187-F-82) added 9 points for the hosts. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with game-high 21 points for Switzerland. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in defeat.

Portugal: Joana Lopes 12, Carla Nascimento 10, Sara Filipe 9
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 21, Marielle Giroud 15+17 boards


Swiss National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Bettina Muller
Muller
Alexia Rol
Rol
Karen Twehues
Twehues
Marielle Giroud
Giroud
Anny Kassongo
Kassongo
#e#5
Bettina Muller 166-G-82 Fribourg Switzerland
Alexia Rol 170-G-82 Limoges France
Karen Twehues 182-G-83 Bracco Geas Italy
Marielle Giroud 180-F-87 Franklin Pierce USA
Anny Kassongo 187-F-87 Barton County CC USA
Lara Thalmann 172-G-88 Fribourg Switzerland
Vanessa Dorestand 169-G-92 Highflyers Switzerland
Sarah Kershaw 180-F/C-85 Helios Switzerland
Marjana Milenkovic 176-G/F-90 Fribourg Switzerland
Marisa Heckendorn 170-F-84 Basel Switzerland
Eva Moldovanyi 183-F/C-87 Basel Switzerland



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  TURKEY - Women  


Tina Charles joins Galatasaray Medical Park - by Eurobasket News
Tina Charles (193-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) joins Galatasaray Medical Park after an amazing season in Russia. Nadezhda Orenburg (Russia-PBL, starting five): saw her being the second top-scorer in the country with and the first rebounder with 19.1ppg), Reb-1 (9.5rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 66.3%. In Euroleague after 12 games she became the third top-scorer in the second rebounder with 19.0ppg, Reb-2 (12.3rpg), 1.3apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 47.7%, FT: 75.9%.
Her career Tina Charles started for Connecticut (NCAA) and in her first season averaged 12.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 59.4%. She improved to 16.5ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 62.0%, FT: 68.1% in 2009. In 2010 Tina Charles was drafted by Connecticut Sun (WNBA, 1rd (1) and erupted with 18.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.6apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 68.3%.
Only in the last season, the American National team player became Russian Cup Finalist -11, Euroleague All-Star Game -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 2nd Team -11, Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team -11, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Center of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Imports Team -11.



Turkey NT overcame Croatia in Kepez - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Croatia 81:68

Turkey NT overcame Croatia in Kepez at four-nation friendly tournament. The hosts produced 81:68 in the first game and as well as Great Britain share the top after Day 1. The latter edged Montenegro 80:58 earlier in the opener.
Turkey opened the game with 27-8 and never looked behind after. Croatia however responded with 24-17 in the second frame to reduce to 44:32 at the halftime. In the third period the hosts added 21-19 and then Croatia won the last frame 17-14.
Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) collected 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Saziye Ivegin (182-F-82) and Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) followed her with 14 each, while Yasemin Horasan (187-F/C-83) scored 12. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) and Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) replied with 12 points each in the losing effort. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) posted 10 and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) notched 8.

Turkey: Nevin Nevlin 15+11 rebs, Saziye Ivegin 14, Bahar Caglar 14, Yasemin Horasan 12
Croatia: Sandra Mandir 12, Ana Lelas 12, Iva Sliskovic 10, Marta Cakic 8



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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Great Britain wins Kepez tournament opener - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Montenegro 80:58

Great Britain wins Kepez tournament opener in Turkey as they rolled over Montenegro. Great Britain won all the quarters to seal 80:58 win in first game of four-nation tournament.
Great Britain started the game with 16-14 although the teams were tied at 7-7 in the middle of the period. Another 23-7 in the second frame was decisive as the winners got 51:27 halftime advantage. Moreover they added 23-20 in the third frame and finished the game with 18-17 in the last quarter.
Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 17 points for the winners and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) added 15. Chantelle Handy (191-G-87, college: Marshall) ended up with 10 points, whilst Rosalee Mason (180-F/G-79, college: Manhattan) scored 8 in a win. Jelena Dubljevic responded with 17 points in the losing case and Anna De Forge notched 15. Iva Perovanovic delivered 10 points in defeat, while Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) posted 5.

Great Britain: Kimberly Butler 17, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 15, Chantelle Handy 10, Rosalee Mason 8
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) 17, Anna De Forge (178-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) 15, Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) 10, Milka Bjelica 5


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  USBA - Women  


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Southern Division fields the Atlanta Platinum and the Birmingham Starz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


WUSBA to offer local tryouts in each team city on June 4, 2011 - by USBA Media
Atlanta, Ga. (May 25, 2011) ---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) will conduct local tryouts in each team city on June 4, 2011. The league will offer local basketball players an opportunity to try out for each team. According to the league, any player who meets league qualifications will be placed on the local teams practice roster. 'We are looking for the diamond in the ruff', said league president Duane Allen Jenkins. 'Most importantly, we would like to give these local players a chance to represent their town.' The WUSBA will begin its inaugural basketball season with twelve teams spread over eight southern states. According to the league, the WUSBA local tryouts are open to all qualified basketball players. The WUSBA owns and is the primary operator of all teams. Each team does operate independently of each other. The league has assigned an Event Manager as team representative for the local city.

The WUSBA 2011 basketball season begins with the regular season on June 15, 2011 to August 27, 2011. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule, fourteen home and fourteen away. The league has an All Star Game scheduled for the September 1, 2011. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins August 29, 2011 and concludes with the Championship game on September 4, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The WUSBA will not charge a fee to players for the tryouts. 'We have never had these fees as a part of our revenue stream; we encourage the huddled masses to come to the tryout'. The league requires each applicant submit a resume to the Women's United States Basketball Association or WUSBA. 'We do require all basketball players to have a minimum of two years collegiate playing experience'. Tryouts will be held to a 20 player limit set in place for all locations. Qualified basketball players will be selected to make the roster of the local WUSBA team. Player camps will begin on June 5, 2011 in each team city.

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

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

According to the league, each player will require to complete all applicable form during the registration period that held the morning of the tryouts. 'We expect a huge response and each tryout is limited to 20 applicants, I suggest any candidate wishing to be considered should arrive at the try out location on time and ready to perform', said WUSBA Executive Vice President Kenneth Green. 'We're very excited about the upcoming season. None of our teams have players in place and this is a great opportunity for an aspiring individual who has the propensity to succeed'. Interest basketball players should submit their resumes or tryout request to southernbasketballassociation@yahoo.com .


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  WBCBL - Women  


Storm over takes Dream - by Willie McCray
The Mississippi Storm, a women's pro team, evened its record at 1-1 by defeating the Montgomery Dream on Saturday at the Harrison Central gym. Sparkle Smith of Detroit led the Storm with 19 points and 20 rebounds. Ashley Blake of Baton Rouge had 18 points. Joanna Williams had 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Storm are on a mission to return to the WBCBL National Champion, which will be held in Atlanta, GA on August 6th-7th.

- Marquez Moultrie

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  WNBA - Women  


Chicago Sky Waives Jolene Anderson - by Eurobasket News
CHICAGO, May 24, 2011 - The Chicago Sky announced today that guard Jolene Anderson (5'8''-G-86, college: Wisconsin) has been waived from the team. The roster now stands at 13 players.
Anderson, a product of the University of Wisconsin, signed with the Sky as a free agent on April 8, 2011.

Chicago plays its second preseason game on Thursday, May 26 at Washington, and starts the regular season in Indiana on Saturday, June 4. The team's home opener is set for Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Allstate Arena versus the Connecticut Sun.
Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Harris sparks Lynx past Fever - by Eurobasket News
Former Indianapolis Star Indiana Miss Basketball Amber Harris (6'5''-F-88, college: Xavier) (North Central, 2006) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench in her WNBA debut Tuesday to help lead the Minnesota Lynx to a 71-66 preseason victory over the Indiana Fever in St. Paul, Minn.

Harris was the No. 4 overall pick in the WNBA draft out of Xavier.

'It was a little bit surprising for all of us because she has not done that in practice,' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said in a news release. 'We said, 'Apparently Amber Harris is a gamer,' and she said, 'We're talking about practice.' It was one of those things (to laugh about).'

Maya Moore, the No. 1 overall pick out of Connecticut, had four points, five rebounds and three assists for the Lynx.

Leading the way for the Fever were Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) (Perry Meridian/Purdue) with 11 points, Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) with nine points and eight rebounds, and Briann January with seven points and seven assists.
Courtesy of: www.indystar.com