Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/31/2011

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Men News

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ABA

American Imports Participating in 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup - by Surujh Roopnarine
Some of the most prestigious clubs from the Middle East and Asia have convened in Manila, Philippines for the 22nd Annual FIBA Asia Champions Cup (May 28 June 5, 2011). 10 teams in total from countries including Iraq, Qatar, Malaysia and the Philippines are vying for the title. Helping them are up to two foreign imports who will be relied upon heavily to help bring glory to their clubs. Below you can find some brief details on the imports who will be, in some cases, carrying the weight of the responsibility for their teams success or failure.

Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
Darren Kelly: Veteran shooting guard out of the University of Texas, has spent the last four seasons in the Middle East/Asia after beginning career in Europe. Was the MVP of this tournament last season.

Al Jalaa (Syria)
Samaki Walker (6'9''-F/C-76, college: Louisville): Former NBA forward continues to play at age 35, last seen in the NBA during the 2005-06 season with Toronto. Named Syrian League import player of the year this season. Earned NBA Championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2001-02 season.

Jamaal Miller (6'2''-G-82, college: Green River CC): JUCO standout at Green River Community College, has bounced around between US minor leagues as well as carving a niche for himself in the Middle East.

Al Rayyan (Qatar)
Chauncey Leslie (6'0''-G-81, college: Iowa): Soon-to-be 30-year old point guard out of Iowa has spent last four seasons playing in this part of the world after beginning career in Europe after college.

Michael Cuffee (6'4''-F-83, college: Middle Tenn.St.): 6-7 guard/forward out of Middle Tennessee State spent the 2007-08 season in the NBA D-League with Utah and Bakersfield. Spent 2009-10 season with UCC Casalpusterlengo of Italys LegaDue (11.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 70.3%) before heading to Qatar this year.

Al Riyadi (Lebanon)
Loren Woods (7'2''-C-78, college: Arizona): Talented 7-2 center helped guide Arizona to 2001 NCAA Championship game (lost to Duke) and then spent a few seasons in the NBA before heading overseas. Helped lead club to 2011 Lebanese League Championship while being named best center in the league

Al Shabab (United Arab Emirates)
Courtney Fields (6'9''-F-82, college: Iona): 6-9 forward out of Iona bounced around the USBL and ABA in the US before heading overseas and spending the last few seasons in the UAE.

ASU (Jordan)
Ryan Forehan-Kelly: Role player at the University of California, has carved out a nice career over the last few seasons. Experience in the NBA D-League (Los Angeles D-Fenders) and spent this past season in Japan where he was named to the All-JBL First Team while averaging 15.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg and shooting 50.2% from the field.

Jameel Watkins (6'11''-C/F-77, college: Georgetown): Veteran center out of Georgetown has had en extensive career spanning the globe. D-League finalist in 2002-03 season with Fayetteville Patriots, Watkins was named the Chinese CBA Defensive Player of the Year this season after averaging 20.5 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 30 games.

Duhok (Iraq)
Chudney Gray (6'2''-G-78, college: St.John's): One of the best players in the region the last few years. A former St. Johns role player, Gray has established himself as an elite guard at this level, earning numerous awards and distinctions for his play in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Qatar among other countries.

CJ Giles (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.): One of the youngest imports participating in the tournament, Giles had a once promising NCAA career derailed by off-the-court issues and has since subsequently bounced from the D-League to the Philippines, to Saudi Arabia and Iran before now landing with Duhok. The 25-year old big man averaged 9.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in last years competition with Riyadi of Lebanon, helping them earn a third-place finish.

KL Dragons (Malaysia)
Marcus Morrison (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.): Athletic 6-6 guard/forward out of Middle Tennessee State. Career includes stops in the World Basketball Association (WBA), Israel, Japan, and Indonesia.

Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount): 6-10 center out of Loyola Marymount, he has D-League experience, having played with Utah, Springfield and Dakota over parts of the last two seasons. However, his most success has come in Japan where he has played almost exclusively since leaving college.

Mahram (Iran)
Chris Williams (6'7''-F/G-80, college: Virginia): Explosive scorer who played at the University of Virginia in college. Multiple-time All-Star in Germany, and Korea. Had a tremendous 2009-10 campaign in China, averaging 23.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.8 steals on his way to being named Defensive Player of the Year.

Smart Gilas (Philippines)
Marcus Douthit (6'11''-F/C-80, college: Providence): The host countrys entry in the tournament is highlighted by Douthit, who is a 31-year old forward/center out of Providence (Finished career ranked second all-time in blocks at Providence with 295). Won a D-League Championship with Albuquerque during the 2005-06 season and holds career D-League averages of 11.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks over 53 games. The New York native spent the 2009-10 season in Russia with Krasnie Krilya Samara.

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ANGOLA

National Basketball Team to Be Summoned On Thursday - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The players to participate in the African Cup of Nations in Basketball (Afrobasket2011), to take place in Madagascar in August, will be summoned on Thursday.

This was said to Angop on Saturday by the technical director of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), Nuno Teixeira.

The federation official, who was speaking at the end of the 33rd edition of the national senior

males championship, explained that the players' summoning will be announced in a press conference.

The Angolan team will defend their African title in Madagascar, and thus qualify for the

London2012 Olympics Games in England and Pan-African Games in Maputo city in Mozambique.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Libolo Basketball Coach Reiterates Fight for Second Position - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The coach of Recreativo do Libolo, Raul Duarte , said that his team intend to finish second in the national senior males basketball championship.

The coach said so to Angop on Thursday after the loss of his team to 1 de Agosto by 74-86.

The manager said that Recreativo do Libolo will continue to work hard in order to finish second in the competition.

He considered as crucial the Saturday's match against Interclube in Luanda's Cidadela pavilion.

Petro de Luanda, who are already champions, lead the competition with 20 points, while Recreativo do Libolo occupy the second position with 17 points.
Courtesy of Angola Press

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joseph BUNN
  Argentino
  (198-F/C-75)
  Avg: 20

1. Bunn, Argentino	20.0
2. Jackson, La Union	19.4
3. Johnson, Monte H.	16.8
4. Meyinsse, Club 9	16.6
5. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	16.5
6. Gutierrez, Obras	16.4
7. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.3
8. Taylor, Lanus	15.0
9. Salles, Monte H.	14.9
10. Galindo, Libertad	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ruben GARCES
  La Union
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 11

1. Garces, La Union	11.0
2. Gutierrez, Obras	10.0
3. Kammerichs, Regat.	9.8
4. Battle, Libertad S.	9.1
5. Rollins, Gimnasia.	8.7
6. Williams, Atenas	8.1
7. Johnson, Monte H.	8.0
8. Kante, Olimpico LB	7.9
9. Bucknor, Club 9	7.3
10. Alston, Boca Jrs	7.3

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.9
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.7
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.0
4. Salles, Monte H.	4.8
5. Ginobili, Libertad	4.1
6. Cequeira, Obras	4.0
7. Franco, Sionista	3.7
8. Treise, Quimsa	3.2
9. Victoriano, Lanus	3.0
10. Sartorelli, Argen.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.3
2. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.6
3. Martinez, Regat.	2.6
4. Salles, Monte H.	2.5
5. Labaque, Atenas	2.4
6. Cequeira, Obras	2.4
7. Okosa, Gimnasia CR	2.3
8. Moodie, Boca Jrs	2.2
9. Williams, Atenas	2.2
10. Lewis, Atenas	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.9
2. Roe, Regatas C.	1.3
3. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
4. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.3
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
6. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
7. Williams, Atenas	1.0
8. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.0
9. Tintorelli, Quimsa	0.8
10. Aguerre, Estudian.	0.8

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ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings

Asian Club Championships Standings

Group A
1. ASU			2-0
2. Smart Gilas			2-0
3. Al Ittihad			1-2
4. Duhok			1-2
5. KL Dragons			0-2
Group B
1. Al Rayyan			2-0
2. Al Riyadi			2-0
3. Mahram			2-1
4. Jalaa			0-2
5. Al Shabab			0-3

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Chris WILLIAMS
  USA
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 32.3

1. Williams, Mahram	32.3
2. Khatib, Al Riyadi	27.0
3. Ayer, KL Dragons	26.5
4. Fields, Al Shabab	26.0
5. Leslie, Al Rayyan	22.0
6. Al Juhani, Al It.	20.0
7. Abed El Nour, Al R.	19.5
8. Musa, Al Rayyan	19.0
9. Ngombo, Al Rayyan	19.0
10. Gray, Duhok	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Chris AYER
  USA
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Ayer, KL Dragons	13.5
2. Ngombo, Al Rayyan	13.5
3. Watkins, ASU	12.0
4. Dragajlovic, Al It.	12.0
5. Giles, Duhok	12.0
6. Ismail, Al Riyadi	11.0
7. Douthit, Smart Gil.	10.5
8. Taulava, Smart Gil.	9.5
9. Woods, Al Riyadi	9.0
10. Salem, Al Rayyan	9.0

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLAS
(199-G-79)
Avg: 7

1. Daghlas, ASU	7.0
2. Casio, Smart Gilas	6.0
3. Al-Doori, Duhok	5.7
4. Tiu John, Smart G.	5.5
5. Ismail, Al Riyadi	5.0
6. Akl, Al Riyadi	5.0
7. Keely, Al Ittihad	5.0
8. Ngombo, Al Rayyan	4.5
9. Barroca, Smart G.	4.0
10. Hajji, Al Shabab	4.0

Steals Per Game

Hamed AFAGH
(190-G-83)
Avg: 2.7

1. Afagh, Mahram	2.7
2. Al-Doori, Duhok	2.3
3. Davari, Mahram	2.0
4. Giles, Duhok	1.7
5. Al Juhani, Al It.	1.5
6. Douthit, Smart Gil.	1.5
7. Kwan, KL Dragons	1.5
8. Fields, Al Shabab	1.3
9. Gray, Duhok	1.3
10. Lassiter, Smart G.	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Chris AYER
  USA
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Ayer, KL Dragons	3.5
2. Samb, Mahram	3.3
3. Giles, Duhok	3.3
4. Woods, Al Riyadi	2.5
5. Aguilar, Smart Gil.	2.0
6. Rouzbahani, Mahram	2.0
7. Yaqqub, Jalaa	1.5
8. Ndour, Al Rayyan	1.0
9. Watkins, ASU	1.0
10. Pharis, Al Riyadi	1.0

Day 3 of action in Manila - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Duhok - KL Dragons 88-76
Duhok draw first blood at the Asia Club Championship. The Iraqi team overcame KL Dragons of Malaysia to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) accounted for 28 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge. KL Dragons slipped at 0-2 record after the loss. KL Dragons led 5:4 early in the encounter but Duhok went on a 24:8 run to establish a 28:13 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 16-point mark midway through the second frame before KL Dragons started to react. They capped the first half with an 18:4 run to get within just two points from their opponents 38:40. Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) levelled things up at 42 in the third term. But the Iraqi team stepped on the gas again and ran away for a 62:52 advantage with ten minutes remaining. KL Dragons could not get closer than 8 points in the fourth term and Duhok celebrated the first win at the tournament. Qutaiba Al-Doori (198-F-80) and Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) finished with 19 points each for the winners. Chris Ayer answered with 22 points and 14 rebounds for KL Dragons. Shee Fai Loh (189-G-89) accounted for 14 points in the loss.

ASU - Al Ittihad 79-69
ASU posted the second consecutive win at the Asia Club Championship in Philippines. They prevailed against Ittihad to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group A. Ittihad in the meantime slipped at 1-2 record. Mousa Alawadi (192-G/F-85) stepped up with 26 points to pace the Jordanian side. Ittihad opened the game with an 8:3 run and maintained the lead throughout the bigger part of the starting quarter. However ASU got within a striking distance and Mousa Alawadi gave ASU a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The Jordanian team stretched the margin to 8 points midway through the second quarter but Ittihad were able to narrow it back to 2 at halftime 34:36. The teams stayed close throughout intense third period. Jameel Watkins and Mousa Alawadi ensured a 61:55 lead for ASU with ten minutes remaining. ASU took over midway through the final stanza and boosted the gap to 15 points. Ittihad had too little time to answer and had to yield at the end. Osama Daghlas (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) provided 14 points, 9 assists and 5 boards for ASU. Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80, college: California) and Wesam Al Sous netted 11 points each in the win. Darren Keelly (195-G-78, college: Texas) answered with 26 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for Ittihad. Vladislav Dragajlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 11 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

Group B

Al Riyadi - Mahram 76-73
Riaydi and Mahram came up with an amazing high-flying battle at Asia Club Championship in Manila tonight. The Lebanese team overcame two-time defending champions to improve at 2-0 record. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) accounted for 25 points to lead Riaydi. Riyadi bravely opened the game. They quickly gained a 21:10 lead. The Lebanese team entered the second term up by 10 points 24:14. Mahram tipped off the second term with a 10:0 run to level things up. The teams traded baskets before Hamed Afegh made it 39:37 for Mahram at halftime. Fadi Khatib and Jean Abed El Nour (197-G/F-83) gave Riyadi a 4-point lead. The Lebanese side secured a 59:56 advantage at the final intermission. Ismail Ahmad gave Riyadi a 12-point buffer early in the final stanza but Mahram found the way out. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) dragged Mahram within one point 69:70. The Iranian powerhouse still trailed by a single point 73:74 with 9 seconds remaining. However Fadi Khatib converted two free throws and Mahdi Kamrani missed a three-pointer to seal Riyadi. Jean Abed El Nour knocked down 15 points, while Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) replied with 32 points for Mahram. Samad Nikkhah contributed 18 points in the loss.

Al Shabab - Al Rayyan 60-78
Rayyan celebrated the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. They outscored Shabab to climb at 2-0 record in Group B. Shabab suffered the third straight loss on the other hand. Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side) fired 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 5 assists to pace the Qatari team. Rayyan opened the game with a 12:2 run. They erupted for 27 points in the opening stanza and earned an 11-point advantage. Rashed Al Zaabi (180-G-88) helped Shabab narrow the deficit just 3 points midway through the second period. But Rayyan struck right back and recorded a 43:33 halftime advantage. Rayyan maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 62:46 cushion heading into the fourth frame. Shabab never got closer than 16 points in the final quarter. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) added 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, agency: TSS Management, college: Iowa) provided 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the win. Shabab responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds from Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona). Rashed Al Zaabi had 15 points in the loss.

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AUSTRALIA

Chargers on the slide - by Eurobasket News
THE Chargers SEABL season is officially in freefall after they slumped to their second consecutive home defeat and third from four matches this year to Kilsyth last night.

Once as hard to penetrate as fort Knox, Aurora Sports Stadium is no longer a feared venue as the Cobras left Hobart teetering with a 4-8 record following the 87-77 result.

It was another disappointing offensive night for the home side, which failed to show any cohesion with set plays, were sloppy when they had the ball and struggled to contain the visitors after quarter time.

Coach Anthony Stewart has declared the group will need time to gain the right chemistry but they are fast running out of answers with the season approaching the half way mark.

The early signs looked good when the Chargers raced to a 16-9 lead, with import Derick Nelson (196-F-86, agency: ACMT, college: Oakland) continually driving to the hoop and getting himself to the free throw line.

But in the blink of an eye Kilsyth had tied the scores on the back of a 7-0 run, and although the Chargers went into the first change with a two point advantage the lead was quickly erased by the Cobras.

With Zach Malvik (24 points) running hot, the visitors gained the ascendancy and by half time had built a nine-point buffer.

The third quarter didn't get any better for the Chargers when big man Greg Dilligard picked up his fourth foul with nearly five minutes remaining, forcing him to the bench and the likes of Tim Lang (19 points and 11 rebounds) and Auryn McMillan (202-F/C-87, college: Gardner-Webb) (17 points and 11 boards) cashed in by grabbing repeated offensive rebounds and providing invaluable second-chance points.

Trailing by 13 with a quarter to go, Hobart found a spark in the form of BJ Radcliffe, who came off the bench to nail two quick bombs from downtown and then made a driving lay-up to narrow the gap to seven.

But that was as close as the Chargers got, with a string of poor shooting choices and some lazy defence allowing Kilsyth to pull away in the final minutes.

Mark Banovic (183-PG-81) had a game high 25 points and Nelson finished with 19 - but the American would have been frustrated with his 7-19 shooting and couldn't buy a bucket from outside the paint.

Stewart was well held and could manage just eight points, while he also had seven turnovers.

The Lady Chargers also suffered defeat at the hands of Kilsyth last night, going down 76-59. The game was tied at half-time but as they have done all season, the Lady Chargers faded as the game wore on to let Kilsyth pull away down the stretch.
Courtesy of: http://www.themercury.com.au

QBL:Bears to make it three on the trot - by Eurobasket News
THE resurgent Bundaberg Bears will aim for their third straight win in a row when the team clashes with Cairns Dolphins tomorrow.

Coach Dean Page has prepared his team for a tough battle against the northern powerhouse.

Its not going to be an easy game by any means but there have been some strategies we have put in place, he said.

The girls know what theyre up against and theyre ready to prove theyve got what it takes.

In the coachs sights will be rollicking Cairns centre and former Opal Kayla Francis.

At 192cm and with a 27-point, 17-rebound average, the versatile player is a looming threat to the Bears.

Shes the sort of player that can turn around a game herself, he said.

Were going to need to keep on top of her and make sure she is contained.

Page said after a slow start to the season there is now evidence of his team becoming a true contender in the Queensland Basketball Competition.

There is still a bit of work to do but Ive been very pleased with the brand of basketball the girls have displayed, he said.

They are learning to control the tempo of the game and play together as a team.

Page said the depth of the Bears outfit would be an asset when it does battle with the Dolphins.

We have a good spread of talent across the court and were lucky enough to have some versatile players who can manage a number of different roles, he said.

Its the sort of team that when someone is below-par or not playing at 100% there are enough hands on deck to get through.

Bundaberg Bulls will play their northern rivals Cairns Marlins following the Bears encounter.

Coach Adam Curran said his troops would take to the Win Stadium court with a spring in their step after a solid week of training sessions.

The guys have put in a good week and theyre looking forward to getting out there in front of a home crowd, Curran said.

Theyre looking pretty sharp and theyll be playing with confidence.

The Bundaberg Bears will play Cairns Dolphins at Win Stadium tomorrow at 5pm.

The Bundaberg Bulls will play against the Cairns Marlins in the main event at 7pm.
Courtesy of: Doug Gillett NewsMail

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

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

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

BELARUS

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Premier League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Yafremov, Osip. 19.3
2 Sugoniako, BGR 19.0
3 Matyukevych, Osi. 17.7
4 Shustau, Borisfen 16.7
5 Koval, Borisfen 15.9
6 Rychlyuk, Boris 15.0
7 King, Minsk 15.0
8 Kachan, Vital 14.6
9 Lemyk, Grodno 14.4
10 Konuyshen., Szh 14.0

Rebounds Per Game

1 Rychlyuk, Boris 13.4
2 Semeniuk, Vital 10.8
3 King, Minsk 10.5
4 Koval, Borisfen 9.5
5 Zakhar, BGUIR 9.4
6 Reka, Sozh 9.1
7 Matyukevych, Osip. 8.4
8 Scripcaru, Sozh 8.4
9 Pishchulenok, Loko 8.3
10 Paliashchuk, Grd. 8.3

Assists Per Game

1 Charikov, Osip. 8.4
2 Ihnatchyk, Vital 6.5
3 Shustau, Borisfen 4.7
4 Pistoljevic, Minsk 4.3
5 Gandlin, Grodno 4.1
6 Yafremov, Osip. 3.5
7 Sapegin, Loko 3.4
8 Lemyk, Grodno 3.3
9 Kuzmin, Minsk 3.2
10 Kachan, Vital 3.2

Steals Per Game

1 Papruha, BGUIR 2.6
2 Shustau, Borisfen 2.3
3 Charikov, Osip. 2.2
4 Azaare, BGUIR 2.0
5 Akulich, Loko 1.9

Blocks Per Game

1 King, Minsk 2.8
2 Rychlyuk, Borisfen 2.4
3 Vornik, Osip. 1.6
4 Azaare, BGUIR 1.4
5 Matyukevych, Osip. 1.3

Eurobasket.com All-Belarusian League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-League 1st Team 2010-11

King

Kudrautsau

McKee

Yafremov

Korshuk

Player of the Year: Shawn King (208-C-82) of Minsk-2006
Guard of the Year: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) of Minsk-2006
Forward of the Year: Kanstantin Yafremov (202-F-86) of OZAA Osipov.
Center of the Year: Shawn King (208-C-82) of Minsk-2006
Bosman Player of the Year: Oleksandr Rychlyuk (208-F/C-84) of Borifsen
Import Player of the Year: Shawn King (208-C-82) of Minsk-2006
Domestic Player of the Year: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) of Minsk-2006
Newcomer of the Year: Victor Ovsepian (200-F-91) of Lokomotiv
Coach of the Year: Ruslan Baidakov of Lokomotiv

1st Team
G: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-80) of Minsk-2006
PG: Tywain McKee (188-86) of Minsk-2006
F: Kanstantin Yafremov (202-86) of OZAA Osipov.
F: Dzianis Korshuk (201-78) of Minsk-2006
C: Shawn King (208-82) of Minsk-2006

2nd Team
PG: Sergei Charikov (185-82) of OZAA Osipov.
G: Maksim Shustau (184-86) of Borifsen
F/G: Melvin Sanders (196-81) of Minsk-2006
F: Aliaksei Trastsinetski (201-86) of Minsk-2006
C: Vadim Matyukevych (208-80) of OZAA Osipov.

Honorable Mention
Dmitri Akulich (194-G-86) of Lokomotiv
Aliaksei Lashkevich (203-F-78) of Minsk-2006
Oleksandr Rychlyuk (208-F/C-84) of Borifsen
Vadim Reka (206-F/C-83) of Sozh Gomel
Yaroslav Lemyk (203-C-85) of Grodno-93
Vyacheslav Bogdanov (200-F-83) of Grodno-93
Aleh Kojenets (208-C-77) of Minsk-2006

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-80) of Minsk-2006
PG: Sergei Charikov (185-82) of OZAA Osipov.
F: Kanstantin Yafremov (202-86) of OZAA Osipov.
F: Dzianis Korshuk (201-78) of Minsk-2006
C: Vadim Matyukevych (208-80) of OZAA Osipov.

All-Imports Team* includes also Bosman players
PG: Tywain McKee (188-86) of Minsk-2006
F/G: Melvin Sanders (196-81) of Minsk-2006
F/C: Vadim Reka (206-83) of Sozh Gomel
C: Shawn King (208-82) of Minsk-2006
F/C: Oleksandr Rychlyuk (208-84) of Borifsen

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BELIZE

Historic pass to COCABA U-17 finals!!! - by David Magana
The Belizean U-17 National Team made a historic pass into their first U-17 COCABA finals after defeating Panama in the semi-finals 78-61. The guys bounced back, as expected, with great courage and determination to win. This time they had the patience and effectiveness of a big team. Belize took an early lead in the first quarter but Panama managed to even the score at the end of the first half. At the start of the second half, the game remained close with both teams struggling with turn-overs.

Nevertheless, whatever pep talk coach Garcia told the guys was effective because the guys came out with one of the most spectacular fourth quarters ever seen from this team, guided by the hands of Tariq Middleton (178-G). Great defence and the combination of less turnovers and effective netting were the key for the win. With this win, Belize has secured a spot in the Centrobasket later in July which will be celebrated in Puerto Rico.

Team Belize was led by Tariq Middleton with 21 pts, 9 rebs, 3 assists and a block, Winston Reynolds (178-G) 18 pts, Brian White (188-G, college: Wesley) 12 pts, 7 rebs, and Devin Daly (188-F) with 12 pts. In a losing effort, Abid Oses scored 24 pts, Bryan Waithe 14 pts and Alberto Garcia 12 pts.

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

BOSNIA

Dzenan Kurtic wins the French U-20 championship with SLUC Nancy! - by Nedzad Kladusak
Dzenan Kurtic, a 19 year old PF living in France won the French U-20 championship after a stunning 91-68 victory against Paris-Levallois.
Kurtic a 207cm tall PF, scored in only 15 minutes 11 points (FG-2 4/7, FG-3 1/2) and pulling down 5 rebs along with 1 blocked shot.
In France every team that competes in the PRO A has to run a youth team as well.
Kurtic is born in Strasbourg (France) but the KSBIH entered in contact with the young, promising PF and chances are not too bad that he will put on the Golden-Blue jersey.

Siroki TT defended their title! - by Eurobasket News
Finals Game 4: Siroki TT - Igokea 95-81

Siroki TT defended their title as they won the Finals over Igokea 3-1. The fourth game became the last in the series as the defending champions celebrated 95:81 home victory. Last year Siroki also has managed to defend the title after sweeping the finals series against Igokea 3-0. In front of almost 5000 fans, Siroki players had no troubles against visiting Igokea, winning Game Three 83-68 to claim another title.
Again more than 5000 came to support the winners and saw the triumph of the local Siroki. The hosts opened the game with 27-16, but could not keep the lead in the first half. Igokea bounced back with 30-19 in the second frame to tie the score at the halftime. In the second half the hosts however dominated the court. They won the third period 26-21 and then finished the game with 23-14 in the last period.
Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) paced all the winners with 23 points and Ivan Grgat (210-C/F-74, agency: Court Side) posted 15. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) ended up with 14 points, while Vedran Morovic (184-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Olney Central CC) netted 12. Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) replied with 24 points in defeat and Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 19. Mladen Pantic (209-C-82, agency: Beo Basket) finished the night with 18 points, whilst Marko Djerasimovic (200-F/G-84) added 6.

Siroki TT: Sinisa Stemberger 23, Ivan Grgat 15, Fran Pilepic 14, Vedran Morovic 12
Igokea: Brian Chase 24, Nebojsa Joksimovic 19, Mladen Pantic 18, Marko Djerasimovic 6

Interview with Ermin Jazvin! - by Nedzad Kladusak
Ermin Jazvin is one of the most experienced NT players who played in most of the strongest European leagues. He ended the season in Energa Czarna Slupsk clinshing the third place which is a historic result for Energa!

1. Most European championships are either finished or it s playoff time. Looking back, are you happy with 2010/2011?

I think I played a good season. I think that I could play much better but I had an ankle injury since the beginning of the season and I got never rid of it. Anyway we clinched a spot in Euro competitions which represents the greatest success in the history of Energa.

2. Last year you played for Granada in one of the strongest leagues of the world. However you started the season in Ukraine. How did it feel to play the Ukrainian championship and why did you leave?
Honestly I had problems to get a feel for the team and therefore I asked my agent to watch out for new challenges. When Darko Russo, a coach who I appreciate very much, took over in Iraklis I didn t hesitate even only a second to join Iraklis.

3. You came for the second time in your career to Greece. Despite you played very well for Iraklis you decided to leave. Why?
I played well in Iraklis but that team had many organizational problems and after coach Russo left I asked them to let me go despite they promised me that they will settle my contract completely and that I will play an important role in the conception of the new coach. I must admit that Iraklis was very fair to me and they didn t try to make any problems despite they had a valid contract. They decided to let me go because they hadn t actually the money to pay me regularly. For example the soccer team of Iraklis has been relegated to the second division due to outstanding payments. However I feel sorry since Iraklis has got fans you won t find elsewhere!!!!

5. Which have been the fields you paid most of your attention this season?
I have worked on my physical strength but also on my low-post game, agility and footwork. Coach Adomaitis intensively used my offensive skills and he insisted on bringing the ball in the low-post where I played 1-1. I think I did it pretty successfully and realized 55% of these actions. Despiteit is his first coaching year I enjoyed the work with coach Adomaitis since he is not only a basketball expert but also a person who had got a knack for leading people. I think he will have a great career and I want to thank him!

6. NT players have received their invitations and preparations plans. Are you healthy and are you looking forward to join your NT teammates?
I have not been contacted by KSBIH! My only source concerning the preparations are internet portals and newspapers. I planned to play for the NT since it s always something special for me to play for the NT. Honestly I am shocked by the fact that they obviously don t need me anymore. I am currently in the shape of my life and it s been always a honour for me to represent my country and it s probably the most disappointing moment in my career. I thought you can make it s a matter of work and results. Now I am not sure anymore that these factors are really relevant. They complain the lack of patriotism but neither an injury, private problems. Can t keep me away from my NT. Of course there have been also conflicts with coach Hadzic but I think it s normal if you are motivated and if you want to perform best! We all have different roles in our clubs and in the NT and I could contribute much more than I did if my role wouldn t be tactically that limited. I told this coach Hadzic and maybe I ve been too harsh but in my eyes only if you don t give a damn for the NT you can stay cool. I have never needed the NT to find a club or to promote myself and the good results paid off for coach Hadzic who is successful in Saudi-Arabia. I think that the team manager Konakovic is a great addition for the NT since he has got well-proven concepts that brought KK Bosna back on track. I love my country and I will be there whenever it is needed and if I have time I will support the guys in Lithuania as a fan.

7. But according to..?
I can tell you only the facts. I didn t receive anything.

8. Looking back on the last 5 months you must be in a great shape. Polish journalists even consider you to be some of the best import players in Poland. Do you think someone in BIH noticed your performances?
*Laughs* .Well I think I didnt play bad but I can play even much better. If I stay in Poland I will try to show much more next year.

11. What do you think about the latest intiative of KSBIH to bring back our naturalized players? Can you understand their motives?
Of course it s a pity that we never lined up the strongest formation. Actually a NT player needs much more than only talent. He needs also devotion and passion. But the intransparencies, the lack of professionalism and mutual respect led to a drain of young players. For me it s hard to understand that my personal basketball idol doesn t hold a key position in KSBIH. Hey man it s Nenad Markovic probably the best player we had after Mirza Delibasic and Sabahudin Bilalovic! The way you treat your veterans will fall back on you and the kids won t show any respect to the NT if you let fall their idols. Of course I would like that all these kids come back since it is an incredible honour to play for the of your father and you are more than only sportsman helping the people to forget their problems at least for two hours. On the other side the kids who got their basketball formation in other countries feel gratitude to that countries. I don t want to critisize anyone them. Generally we have to strengthen ties when they are young through try out camps and competent coaches and if a player decides to play for other countries most of them stay true Bosnians in the bottom of their heart.

12.Could you please comment our EC group?
All of the guys are excellent players but our group is really tough. I think Greece and Croatia are favourites in our group but also Montenegro is also very strong. However with a good preparation and a little bit luck we can make it finally in the next round.

13. You had a great season. Will you stay in Slupsk or where will you play next year?
Actually I don t think about new teams since I can t wait to see my family. Indeed there are interesting contacts but it s too early to say where I will play next season.

Ermin, thank you very much for the interview. I wish you all the best in your career!

You re welcome, man!

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Boris LALOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (206-C-81)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Lalovic, Hercegovac	19.9
2. Albijanic, Sloboda	17.4
3. Opacak, Celik	17.0
4. Kahrimanovic, Kak.	16.9
5. Rahimic, Bosna	16.8
6. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	16.7
7. Kahrimanovic, Zrin.	16.6
8. Komatina, Mladost	16.6
9. Gajovic, Hercegovac	16.3
10. Stanic, Slavija	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Andrija PEJOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 8

1. Pejovic, Hercegovac	8.0
2. Harvey, Igokea	7.8
3. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	7.6
4. Kuzmic, Celik	7.3
5. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	7.2
6. Jagodic Kuri., Bor.	6.9
7. Albijanic, Sloboda	6.4
8. Markovic, Varda HE	6.4
9. Lalovic, Hercegovac	6.2
10. Vukovic, Slavija	6.2

Assists Per Game

Vladimir RADOVANOVIC
  Herce.
  (194-G-81)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Radovanovic, Herce.	6.1
2. Bocka, Mladost	5.4
3. Pasalic, Bosna	4.7
4. Morovic, Siroki TT	4.0
5. Boljkovac, Slavija	3.6
6. Markovic, Varda HE	3.5
7. Zdravkovic, Caplji.	3.5
8. Stanic, Slavija	3.4
9. Jovanovic, SL IAT	3.3
10. Bijelica, Capljina	3.2

Steals Per Game

Srdjan STANIC
  Slavija
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Stanic, Slavija	3.5
2. Radovanovic, Herce.	2.4
3. Gajovic, Hercegovac	2.3
4. Savovic, Slavija	2.1
5. Stemberger, Siroki	1.9
6. Vranjes, Borac N.	1.9
7. Bijelica, Capljina	1.8
8. Lalovic, Hercegovac	1.7
9. Komatina, Mladost	1.7
10. Milosevic, Mladost	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Ognjen KUZMIC
  Celik
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kuzmic, Celik	1.8
2. Zimic, Bosna	1.6
3. Harvey, Igokea	0.8
4. Jocovic, Borac N.	0.8
5. Durasovic, SL IAT	0.7
6. Duranovic, Mladost	0.7
7. Brkic, Capljina	0.7
8. Pejovic, Hercegovac	0.7
9. Pelkic, SL IAT L.	0.7
10. Albijanic, Sloboda	0.7

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BRAZIL

Alfredo is back to Americana Team - by Paulo Freire
After moving to Rio Claro, in 2011, where he was champion of Brazil Cup Region Southeast and third place in the Super Cup Brazil, the experienced shootinguard Alfredo Perandini (197-F-75) hit his return to the Americana team.

Besides Alfredo, the director board of the team seeks for more partners and sponsers to further strengthen the team that will compete with large forces of those regional basketball of Sao Paulo State.

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BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Harper, Levski	23.6
2. Lilov, Rilski S.	20.1
3. Dimitrov, Spartak	19.2
4. Naydenov, Chernom.	16.8
5. Davidov, Balkan	15.7
6. Bozov, Balkan	15.5
7. Govedarov, Tundja	15.2
8. Yanev, Cherno More	14.6
9. James, Lukoil A.	13.9
10. Stankov, Spartak	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Varbanov, Tundja	10.5
2. Yanev, Cherno More	8.6
3. Todorov, Spartak	7.4
4. Peterson, Lukoil A.	7.0
5. Kolev, Cherno More	6.9
6. Georgiev, Levski	6.9
7. Radojevic, Rilski	6.8
8. Morton, Balkan	6.5
9. Dimitrov, Spartak	6.4
10. Cekovski, Levski	6.1

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Crowe, Levski	5.6
2. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.5
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	4.3
4. Dyakovski, Spartak	4.0
5. James, Lukoil A.	3.9
6. Bozov, Balkan	3.8
7. Govedarov, Tundja	3.5
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, Levski	2.4
2. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.2
3. Zahariev, Chernomo.	2.1
4. Radionov, Tundja	2.0
5. James, Lukoil A.	1.9
6. Bozov, Balkan	1.9
7. Green, Lukoil A.	1.7
8. Finzgar, Tundja	1.6
9. Bowman, Lukoil A.	1.6
10. Marinov, Balkan	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Doychinov, Balkan	1.2
2. Radojevic, Rilski	1.0
3. Varbanov, Tundja	1.0
4. Cole, Levski	0.7
5. Mijovic, Rilski S.	0.7
6. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.6
7. Iliev, Cherno More	0.6
8. Yanev, Cherno More	0.6
9. Neuhaus, Chernomo.	0.6
10. Petkov, Tundja	0.6

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

CBL

Standings

CBL Standings

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

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CHILE

Standings - LIBSUR

LIBSUR Standings

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

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva		4-0
2. Escazu		4-1
3. ARBA San Ram.		3-1
4. Perez Zeledon		3-2
5. Cartago		2-3
6. Sanatura D.		1-4
7. Liceo		1-4
8. Goico		1-4

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Smith, BC Kolin	17.4
2. Landry, BK Prost.	15.5
3. Houska, BK Decin	15.1
4. Horak, Svitavy	14.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	14.5
6. Sedmak, Basketbo.	14.3
7. Blazek, B&W Opava	14.0
8. Veikalas, BK Prost.	13.9
9. Kotas, USK Praha	13.7
10. Field, BC Kolin	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Basketbo.
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Meno, Basketbo.	10.4
2. Houska, BK Decin	8.6
3. Landry, BK Prost.	8.6
4. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.7
5. Burke, NH Ostrava	7.6
6. Spagrud, NH Ostra.	7.3
7. Frana, Plzen	7.1
8. Kramny, Svitavy	6.9
9. Gadri, BK Prostejov	6.8
10. Klimes, USK Praha	6.7

Assists Per Game

Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6

1. Vrubl, Plzen	6.0
2. Lawrence, BK Prost.	5.3
3. Jones, BC Kolin	3.8
4. Carnecky, B&W O.	3.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.5
6. Kotas, USK Praha	3.4
7. Sanders, BK Decin	3.3
8. Maio, Basketbo.	2.9
9. Channels, Novy Jic.	2.7
10. Macela, Svitavy	2.7

Steals Per Game

Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Kotas, USK Praha	1.9
2. Wright, BK Pardu.	1.8
3. Smith, BC Kolin	1.7
4. Holloway, Basket.	1.7
5. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.6
6. Hampton, BK Pardu.	1.5
7. Landry, BK Prost.	1.5
8. Channels, Novy Jic.	1.4
9. Vrubl, Plzen	1.4
10. Gajdosik, Basket.	1.4

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 Prostejov	0.9
4. Kramny, Svitavy	0.9
5. Meno, Basketbo.	0.8
6. Houska, BK Decin	0.8
7. Bjegovic, USK Praha	0.7
8. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	0.7
9. Miles, BC Kolin	0.7
10. Benda, CEZ Nymbu.	0.6

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

D-LEAGUE

FRANCE

Slaven Rimac will continue with Pau-Lacq-Orthez - by Eurobasket News
Slaven Rimac (195-G-74) will continue with Pau-Lacq-Orthez for another team. After coming from STB Le Havre in February 2009, the Croatian Guard remains one of the key players in the squad. In 2009-2010 for Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProB, starting five) after 41 games he averaged 12.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT-1 (90.3%).
This season he closed with high 25 points at the Regular Season Round 30. Pau-Lacq-Orthez shocked top-ranked Cholet 87-76. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-76. Pau-Lacq-Orthez looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Croatian guard Slaven Rimac scored 25 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Nigerian power forward Chinemelu Elonu chipped in 18 points during the contest.

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

GERMANY

Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) We Need To Stay Calm In Game 5 On The Road And Not Let The Crowd Get In The Game - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bucknell) is a 30 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 9th professional basketball season playing his fourth with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17games averaging 18.1ppg,5.3rpg,2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. Last season, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. He sat down and spoke with Eurobasket before game 5 against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Congrats on the 75-59 win against the Brose Baskets Bamberg in game 4. In the regular season, Artland lost all 3 games. Now they are 2-2. What has changed in the play of the Dragons in the Bamberg series?

In the regular season, we lost one game at the buzzer and one game in OT. In those games they were executing better than us in crunch time. I think we've played with good intensity towards the end of the game so far this series.

The Artland Dragons had a quick and good first quarter, but Bamberg came back in the second quarter. What was giving Artland the biggest problems in the second quarter?

We stopped executing our plays in the half court. We had a couple of turnovers and took some bad shots in the quarter.

The Artland Dragons had the slim 37-34 lead at halftime and the season on the line with 20 minutes to play. What did coach Stefan Koch tell the team to do better in the second half?

He told us that we just have to stay focused for the next 20 minutes and don't take any plays off.

In the fourth quarter, The Artland Dragons had the the 58-48 lead, but Bamberg went on a lightening 7-0 lead to cut the lead to 58-55. However Artland didnt get nervous got big three pointers from you and Adam Hess and never looked back. Are these the kind of nerves that will be present again in game 5 in the always tough and loud Bamberg arena?

We definitely need to stay calm in game 5 on the road and not let the crowd get into the game.

Rice, Fenn and yourself had 54 of the 75 total Artland points and other than that there was little production from other key players. Is this something that coach Stefan Koch has to be worried about going into game 5?

I don't think so. We have a deep team with many different scoring options. We have players that can step up on the offensive end on any day.

Back in 2007, Artland lost 3-1 in the finals without Filiberto Riveria in the last 3 games. Artland has a healthy Tyrese Rice. How much is that series still in your head and will Artland get over the hump finally?

It was a tough series for us and we were right there without Fili. We have had injuries this whole season and we lost JJ and Ali in the playoffs. Hopefully we can stay healthy the rest of the way and can get over the hump.

How do you see the NBA final series Dallas Mavericks-Miami Heat?

I think both teams are playing extremely well right now. But I would have to say that Miami has the advantage right now. It's going to be hard to stop both Lebron, and D Wade.

Scottie Pippen said Lebron James is a better player than Michael Jordan. What did you think as you heard this?

I think Scottie was out of his mind when he said that. Lebron is a great player, but not on MJ's level.

Thanks Bryan for the chat

Kyle Hines (Brose Baskets Bamberg) Pregame Thoughts To Game 5 Against The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) is a 24 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his first season with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He's also a great leaper and reads the opponent's game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4 (8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP-2 (66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2 (3.5spg), Blocks-4 (1.6bpg), FGP-3 (64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010. Currently he is averaging 12,9ppg and 5,4rpg. He took some time to talk to Eurobasket before game 5 against The Artland Dragons May 31st.

A tough 75-59 loss in game 4 in Artland. Artland had the 37-34 lead at halftime. What did coach Chris Fleming tell the team to do better in the second half?

He wasnt to happy with the defense. We werent the aggressor and he wanted us to change that. We had given up 24 points in the first quarter and had defended better in the second quarter letting up less points, but we still could of defended better.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg came back in the fourth quarter going on a 7-0 run to cut the Artland lead to 58-55, but Artland responded to go on a 12-3 run to close out the game. What was key that Artland won the game?

We stopped moving the ball on offense. They made us play more isolation. Their goal is too keep us more on one side, because when we move the ball well, it is harder guard us. They did a good job making us take tough shots.

Robert Kurz blocked you one as you came in for a dunk. is he underrated as a defender?

Yes I think he is underrated. He is a good player that had high level college experience and spent a year in the NBA. He came late to the team and seems to be sitting in his role and it doesnt really seem to be defined, but he is very valuable to his team.

What did the Brose Baskets Bamberg learn from the game four loss?

We learned that we can get stops. They scored 75 points, but 30 came from Tyrese Rice who hit many tough shots. This gives us a lot of confidence that we can get the job done on defense. We also know if we can find our rhythm on offense then we will be ok.

In how many game 5 do or die games have you been in in your basketball career?

All games in the NCAA tournament are do or die games and I also had some elimination games in Italy. All the guys that played against Frankfurt last season have that do or die experience. We understand how important this game is and will have to be focused, get a huge effort from all and leave it on the floor.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg have never lost at home, but the Artland Dragons have the momentum. What can we await from this game?

Our goal all season has been to win the beko BBL title. That is the reason why we practice and play the games. We are happy about this challenge and will have to execute well, be focused and just get the job done.

What can we expect from the Frankfurt-Alba Berlin series?

This is a tough game to predict. This has been an unusual series with each team winning on the road. The home court means nothing in this series. This game could go either way.

What was your prediction for the 2011 NBA final teams before the playoffs started?

Lakers-Heat

How do you see the Dallas Mavericks-Miami Heat series?

Many have Miami as the favorite. Dallas has been playing well and Dirk Nowitzki has been playing the best basketball of his career. Dallas is difficult to match up against Dallas. Dallas has strengthes in areas where Miami have weaknesses. Miami will win in seven games.

Former Bull legend Scottie Pippen said that Lebron James is better than Michael Jordan. How do you react to this statement?

I cant see how he can compare Lebron James to Michael Jordan. James has the potential tools to have a Jordan like career, but he has won 0 titles and Jordan 6. Jordan is the greatest of all time. It is a bit strange that Pippen said that.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last king of Scotland.

Thanks for the chat Kyle.

Harmsen appointed as head coach of Giessen 46ers - by Moritz Korff
The Giessen 46ers (1. Bundesliga) have announced that Bjoern Harmsen has been appointed head coach of the BBL squad. The 28-year-old inked a one year-deal with the team.
Harmsen led Jena and Mitteldeutscher BC to championship honors in the 2. Bundesliga in 2007 and 2009 respectively and was named Coach of the Year both years. He was standing at the helm of the MBC Wolves during this past season, but had to step down in February due to health issues. In Giessen he will follow Steven Key who took over coaching duties in mid January.

Goettingen: Mienack promoted to head coach - Meeks named coach assistant - by Moritz Korff
1. Bundesliga side BG Goettingen has announced the promotion of Stefan Mienack to the position of head coach. Michael Meeks (207-C/F-72, agency: Interperformances, college: Canisius) will serve as his assistant.
30-year-old Mienack has been working for the Goettingen organization since 2008 and has been an assistant to John Patrick, who decided to make the move to Wuerzburg. Mienack has previously worked for the Violets' local rival ASC and the basketball federation of Lower Saxony. 39-year-old Meeks just put a stop to his 15-year pro career and accepted the job as a coach assistant at BG Goettingen. The 1996 Canisius graduate spent his final two years as a basketball player with the Violets. He is a native of Brampton, Canada, but also holds a German passport. During his active career Meeks shot hoops in many of the major leagues in Europe, including the French Pro A, the Serie A of Italy and the Russian Superleague. He received several caps to play for the Canadian national team and participated in the 2000 Olympic Games as well as in the 1998 and 2002 World championships.

Dashaun Wood Is Back To His Old Tricks As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Force Game 5 Against Alba Berlin 83-74 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Do or die games in professional sports now a days seem to be as common as the gossip that has been surfacing about the Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger in the last weeks concerning his leisurely activities with mistresses, NBA teams playing matador defense letting guys like Dwayne Wade or Derrick Rose get simple buckets and hope to get points back at the free throw line to finish games or Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen keeping his name fresh in the tabloids even if he is just trying to sell his Beverly Hills mansion for a cool 7,2 million. In the last days, fans saw two do or die games in the NBA playoffs as both Dallas and Miami got past Oklahoma and Chicago who had to win to elude summer vacation, in the NHL, Boston and Tampa Bay squaring off in a seventh game where Boston kept their dream alive of their first Stanley Cup win since 1970 or ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov who got an early summer vacation as his team Chalon lost a do or die game against Asvel. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners faced the same predicament having their backs to the wall down 2-1 against 8 time beko BBL champion Alba Berlin, but had had fond memories of the O2 World arena winning a thrilling comeback win in the fourth quarter out scoring Alba Belrin 24-5 just 8 days ago in game two. Frankfurt might of had their backs to the wall, but finally played Skyliner basketball winning game 4 and forcing a game 5 this Thursday in Frankfurt dominating Alba Berlin for the most part of the game winning 83-74. Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert had been in enough do or die games in his career and knew exactly how he could prepare his players best. 'We worked hard on the mental aspect of it. We wanted to be very focused coming into the game. We did a good job coming out with a lot of energy into the game', stressed Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert. 'We had a different kind of week for this game. We focused more on the mental part than on the physical part. We did a lot of mental exercises something that I have never done before, but it was worth it and the game showed that many guys got something out of it', said Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen. 'It was not easy for Frankfurt to come into a game like this, but Frankfurt was prepared for the moment and there is a reason why they were the second best team in the league. Many guys stepped up like Roger Powell, Pascal Roller was strong off the bench and Tez does what he always does', added Alba Berlin forward Bryce Taylor.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have not gotten of to fast starts in this series, but saved their best for five minutes before 12 as they came out from the start and showed Alba Berlin that they were taking over their living room this Sunday. Frankfurt got off to a quick start that carried them to the win. Except for a slight mishap in the third quarter where Alba Berlin fought back cutting the lead to one point, they never lost their composure getting the lead back and strolling home with the victory. 'There were two scenes that was key for the win. The first six minutes of the game where we finally played our game where we quickly found our rhythm and the second was after Alba Berlin went on their run, we never got depressed, but were able to extend our lead back to 12 points', expressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. Alba Berlin lost their second consecutive game in this series at home and were unable to use their home court advantage as they let Frankfurt be the aggressor. 'Frankfurt hit their first shots quickly and got into the game. We let them into the game. Having intensity on defense is important, but we didnt have that today. Playoff games live with emotion. Things worked right away for Frankfurt and we had problems coming back', stressed Alba Berlin manager Mithat Demirel.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners fans expressed themselves best right before tip off unleashing a very descriptive sign 'It aint over' and Frankfurt would quickly prove that the series was long from over. The game also attracted numerous basketball players like German national players Steffan Hamann and Phillip Zwiener and the speedy Gonzalez of German basketball Achmadscah Zazai who have been working out in Berlin who are all under contract to the agency Lumani and FC Bayern Munich German Bastian Doreth and BBC Bayreuth German Stefan Schmidt were all spotted catching in the action. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners came out on a mission going on a furious 16-0 run to start the game as if their life depended on winning this single basketball game. Ex NBA player Roger Powell was on fire netting the first five Frankfurt points testing his 29% three point percentage and nailing a step up jumper over Derrick Allen. Dashaun Wood then got a heads up steal and went coast to coast for the lay up, Quantez Robertson scored inside and Dominik Bahiense De Mello tested his one on one skills against Bryce Taylor making a nifty lay up. De Mello then netted two free throws and Wood dropped a three point bomb. It seemed before Alba Berlin could even gasp for air, Frankfurt seemed to be on their way of shooting Alba Berlin out of the arena.

Alba Berlin was sleeping on defense and seemed like they had taken a nap in the sun on the Alexander Platz and seemed unsure on offense taking difficult shots. It took Alba Berlin 4.35 minutes before they got on the score board. Frankfurt got more production from Wood and Jimmy Mckinney nailed a three pointer from the wing as Frankfurt led 24-3 as everything seemed a bit too good to be true. Alba berlin got some timely hoops from Julius Jenkins and Miroslav Raduljica down the stretch and Wood seemed to have his magic early as he nailed a seemingly impossible off balance shot. Frankfurt led 29-9 after one quarter. 'Frankfurt had a great start and didnt react to what Alba Berlin did, but just took control. Powell was a big help as was Tez. The Frankfurt bench really stepped up and showed that they dont only have to rely on Wood for the scoring. They put their teeth together on defense playing very aggressive', added ex North Carolina Tar Heel Ademola Okulaja. 'Alba Berlin seemed very surprised by the aggressive Frankfurt defense. Frankfurt had a good start and showed that they wanted to win the game more early on', added BBC Bayreuth center Stefan Schmidt. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 60% from the field and 50% from outside while Alba Berlin was shooting 25% from the field and 0% (0/6) from outside. Frankfurt had the huge rebound lead 11-3 and two turnovers while Alba Berlin had three turnovers.

Alba Berlin had a quick start in the second quarter surprising The Deutsche Bank Skyliners with a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to29-15. Alba Berlin started with quick ball movement on their first possession finding the open Taylor Rochestie in the corner for three. Raduljica then scored inside on a reverse lay up. However Frankfurt didnt allow Alba Berlin to chip more at their big lead as they continued to hit their shots. De Mello and Powell nailed three pointers despite Immanuel Mcelroy and Bryce Taylor answering back with their own three pointers, but Frankfurt still had the comfortable 37-23 lead. Frankfurt continued to be the more routine team on offense going on a 7-3 run to lead 44-26. In this run, Frankfurt also disposed some dunks as Chris Moss up Quantez Robertson with a beautiful bounce pass as he flew in from the wing and Roger Powell used his strong one on one athletic moves coming around the corner and dunking with authority. Wood then hit a pull up jumper. In the last two minutes, Quantez Robertson got two consecutive steals which fueled the offense as Dashaun Wood hit a tough off balance three pointer. Bryce Taylor closed out the second quarter with a three pointer, but Frankfurt went into the break with a relaxing 49-33 lead. 'Frankfurt continued to shoot well and did a good job keeping the lead. Wood had more free space, because Frankfurt had so many weapons hitting shots like Mckinney and Powell', stated ex German national player Ademola Okulaja. 'Alba Berlin started well, but Dashaun Wood continued to be very strong', stressed Stefan Schmidt. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field and 47% from the three point line while Alba Berlin was shooting 36% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Frankfurt continued to dominate the rebounding 20-10 and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

If there is anything that any basketball amateur should learn quickly is that basketball is and will always be a game of runs. Sometimes it really seems unexplainable how a team can dominate for many minutes and the other team play as if they had just arrived form the planet Mars. In the first quarter, it had been the Deutsche Bank Skyliners doing their run and now to begin the third quarter, the rolls seemed to have been reversed as Alba Berlin erased a 49-33 deficit going on a 15-0 run as Frankfurt suddenly only led 49-48. Taylor Rochestie started the attack with a three point bomb form the wing, which was followed by a Jenkins left handed lay in and two Derrick Allen free throws as Alba Berlin trailed only 49-40. Now it was time for ex beko BBL MVP Julius Jenkins to display that he is still a dangerous scorer in bunches as he made a step up floater and three pointer. Alba Berlin had the momentum and the crowd as Bryce Taylor stole the ball from Super Tez and going in for the lay up as Frankfurt led only 49-48. Alba Berlin had stepped up their defense as Frankfurt seemed unsure and passive and had a bad shot selection. It took the team 5.25 minutes to score their first points of the third quarter after missing 7 shots in a row. Roger Powell did the honors getting an offensive rebound and getting a put back. Frankfurt held their nerves the rest of the way in the third quarter stepping up their offense again and getting a lot of support from the bench. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller nailed an open three pointer and some what weak Kimmo Murrinen in this series stepped out of his shell scoring 6 points down the stretch as Frankfurt led 65-56 after three quarters. 'We played good in the third quarter, but the come back cost us energy. Frankfurt stayed calm getting the big lead back', said Mithat Demirel. 'We came out a bit passive in the third quarter. We werent aggressive enough and knew they would go on a run. We took too many tough three pointers. It was important that we didnt fold when they cut our lead to one point. Mayn guys stepped up like Kimmo Muurinen and Pascal Roller', expressed Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 41% from the parking lot while Alba Berlin was shooting 40% from the field and 32% from the parking lot. Frankfurt led the rebound duel 29-21, but had eight turnovers while Alba Berlin had only seven turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to produce on offense while Alba Berlin was starting to feel the weight of their comeback in their bones. Frankfurt got much needed support from Roger Powell who scored seven points in the first few minutes showing his lethal inside out play ripping home a three pointer, making a running hook shot and a step up jumper. Pascal Roller also hit another three pointer as Frankfurt led 75-61. Alba Berlin kept fighting getting production as Derrick Allen who has showed less of his ballerina moves in this series made one of his typical lay ins getting a nice feed inside from Sven Schultze, but Alba Berlin couldnt get a streak going on defense with consecutive stops. Wood then nailed another three pointer and Jenkins scored inside, but Frankfurt still led 78-66. Frankfurt kept control of the game in the last minutes as Alba Berlin was too inconsistent. They did get some hoops from Schultze and Allen, but Frankfurt got to the free throw line being able to ice the win for the 40-50 fans that had made the trip to Berlin. 'Alba Berlin did have a strong third quarter, but we dominated the game for the most part and deserved to win. Our biggest strength today was that we never stop believing that we could win this game', added Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. Dashaun Wood once again showed his basketball true colors. 'Frankfurt came out ferocious ready to play and defended well. Wood got going quick and got easy ones early. When his jumper is falling that it is very tough, because you cant guard him. He showed why he is MVP, because he played like one. To be honest, I kind of figured that he would score a lot since Tyrese Rice did yesterday, Wood had to follow him', added Bryce Taylor. Wood wasnt the only thorn in the side of Alba Berlin. 'Wood took 22 shots and it is obvious that he will get his points. Wood wasnt the problem, but Powell was. We should of controlled him better', added Mithat Demirel.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 30 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Roger Powell contributed 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Alba Berlin was led by Julius Jenkins with 19 points. Derrick Allen and Bryce Taylor contributed for 11 points a piece. So all the work and energy that has been used in the first four games now comes down to a new do or die game 5 for both teams. No team has won at home which brings back memories to the 2004 beko BBL final where Frankfurt nor Bamberg could win at home until Frankfurt did in game five. 'This has been a crazy series. The home court had no meaning in this series. We hope to change that in game five', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. 'Our plan is to win game five. We will have to be ready to play the way we know how', warned Alba Berlin guard Taylor Rochestie. 'We have to go into game five with a lot of energy and be concentrated not for 10-15 minutes, but for 40 minutes. There isnt much tactical things you can do. Now all that counts is who wants it more', warned Mithat Demirel.

Ahmad Smith commits to Kirchheim - Cedric Brooks stays another year - by Moritz Korff
The Kirchheim Knights (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have tied up a deal with Ahmad Smith (194-G-84, college: St.Bonaventure) for the 2011-12 season, while Cedric Brooks (185-G-80, college: Pittsburg St.) penned a new contract with the club which will keep him in Kirchheim for another year.
Smith was close to making his Pro A debut last year, when he had joined Wuerzburg. However, the 2009-10 Eurobasket.com All-Pro B Player of the Year left the team during pre-season and spent this past campaign playing for Regionalliga side SVD Dortmund and Nuernberger BC instead. After transfering to NBC in January, Smith appeared in 15 games for the Nuernberg squad and averaged 8.3 points, 7.1 assists and 6.8 rebounds per contest.
Meanwhile Brooks will will go into his third season with the Knights. He received back to back Eurobasket.com All-Pro A Honorable Mention accolades in 2010 and 2011. He saw action in 30 games throughout the 2010-11 campaign, producing 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 boards an encounter.

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GREECE

B Round 29: No surprise as #1 Nea Kifisia defeats MENT - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in B League.

B League top team - Nea Kifisia (25-5) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked MENT (17-13) in Athens 71-56. Nea Kifisia have a solid series of three victories in a row. Newly promoted Nea Kifisia maintains first place with 25-5 record. MENT at the other side keeps the sixth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Aias Evosmou. Nea Kifisia are looking forward to face Stratoni (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. MENT will have a break next round.
An interesting game took place in Veroia where 11th ranked Diagoras (13-17) was upset on the court of fourteenth ranked Filippos Veroias (8-22) 80-73. Newly promoted Filippos Veroias maintains fourteenth place with 8-22 record. Diagoras at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the tenth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Aiolos Trik.. Filippos Veroias will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Diagoras will play at home against Megas Alexandros (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Third ranked Ermis Perama (22-7) crushed at home 12th ranked Apollon Kalamarias (10-19) by 42 points 114-72, which is the biggest margin this round on Sunday night. Ermis Perama have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 22-7 record having four points less than leader Nea Kifisia. Loser Apollon Kalamarias keeps the twelfth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Egaleo. Ermis Perama will meet league's second-placed OFI in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Apollon Kalamarias will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 29: Doxa Lefkadas won against Aiolos Trik. on the opponent's court 83-76. Doukas was outscored by OFI in a home game 74-103. Stratoni managed to beat M.Alexandros on the road 78-69. Aias Evosmou defeated Egaleo on its own court 84-71.

Aiolos Trik. - Doxa Lefkadas 76-83

Very expected game when 10th ranked Aiolos Trikallon (13-17) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Doxa Lefkadas (21-8) 83-76 on Sunday. Doxa Lefkadas have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Newly promoted Doxa Lefkadas maintains fourth place with 21-8 record. Loser Aiolos Trikallon keeps the tenth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Diagoras. Doxa Lefkadas will meet at home Doukas (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Aiolos Trikallon will play against Egaleo and hope to secure a win.

Doukas - OFI 74-103

Very predictable result in Athens where second ranked OFI (23-6) smashed 9th ranked Doukas (13-16) 103-74 on Sunday. OFI have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 23-6 record having just three points less than leader Nea Kifisia. Doukas lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 16 games lost. OFI will meet at home Ermis Perama (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Doukas will play against Doxa Lefkadas (#4) and hope to secure a win.

Ermis Perama - Apollon KL 114-72

Third ranked Ermis Perama (22-7) crushed at home 12th ranked Apollon Kalamarias (10-19) by 42 points 114-72, which is the biggest margin this round on Sunday night. Ermis Perama have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 22-7 record having four points less than leader Nea Kifisia. Loser Apollon Kalamarias keeps the twelfth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Egaleo. Ermis Perama will meet league's second-placed OFI in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Apollon Kalamarias will have a break next round.

M.Alexandros - Stratoni 69-78

Not a big story in a game when 15th ranked Megas Alexandros (5-25) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Stratoni (16-14) 78-69 on Sunday. Stratoni have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Newly promoted Stratoni maintains eighth place with 16-14 record. Megas Alexandros lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Stratoni will meet at home league's leader Nea Kifisia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Megas Alexandros will play against Diagoras (#11) in Rodou and hope to secure a win.

Filippos Veroias - Diagoras 80-73

An interesting game took place in Veroia where 11th ranked Diagoras (13-17) was upset on the court of fourteenth ranked Filippos Veroias (8-22) 80-73. Newly promoted Filippos Veroias maintains fourteenth place with 8-22 record. Diagoras at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the tenth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Aiolos Trik.. Filippos Veroias will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Diagoras will play at home against Megas Alexandros (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Nea Kifisia - MENT 71-56

B League top team - Nea Kifisia (25-5) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked MENT (17-13) in Athens 71-56. Nea Kifisia have a solid series of three victories in a row. Newly promoted Nea Kifisia maintains first place with 25-5 record. MENT at the other side keeps the sixth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Aias Evosmou. Nea Kifisia are looking forward to face Stratoni (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. MENT will have a break next round.

Aias Evosmou - Egaleo 84-71

Everything went according to plan when seventh ranked Aias Evosmou (17-13) beat at home 13th ranked Egaleo (10-19) 84-71 on Sunday. Aias Evosmou moved-up to sixth place, which they share with MENT. Loser Egaleo dropped to the twelfth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Apollon KL. Aias Evosmou will meet higher ranked Anagennisi (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Egaleo will play against Aiolos Trikallon (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Yiannis KAKIOUZIS
  Lavrio
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	18.1
2. Koutroulias, Olimp.	17.1
3. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	17.1
4. Argyropoylos, Apol.	16.8
5. Pettas, Koroivos	16.8
6. Giannakopoul., Lav.	15.9
7. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	15.9
8. Michalos, Pagrati	15.5
9. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.	15.3
10. Kakaroudis, Ikaro.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Apostolos KOUTROULIAS
  Olimp.
  (206-C-76)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Koutroulias, Olimp.	9.6
2. Pantelic, Apollo.	9.0
3. Latovic, AGOR	8.6
4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	8.2
5. Kartelo, AE.	7.5
6. Amato, Near East	7.3
7. Macheras, Pagrati	7.1
8. Lolas, Pagrati	7.0
9. Kosanovic, Koroivos	6.9
10. Vardavas, Amynta.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefs.
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Nikou, Panelefs.	5.9
2. Katsares, KAOD	5.1
3. Zoupas, Amyntas	4.7
4. Kaberidis, Ikaroi	4.5
5. Makris, Olimpiada	4.2
6. Giannakopoul., Lav.	4.2
7. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.	4.0
8. Argyropoylos, Apol.	4.0
9. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR	3.9
10. Rallis, Ermis Lag.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Nikos KATSARES
  KAOD
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Katsares, KAOD	2.4
2. Makris, Olimpiada	2.1
3. Michalos, Pagrati	1.9
4. Pettas, Koroivos	1.9
5. Giannakopoul., Lav.	1.8
6. Papadakis, Arkad.	1.7
7. Pappas, Near East	1.6
8. Nikou, Panelefs.	1.5
9. Magounis, AGOR	1.4
10. Koumoulos, AGOR	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollo.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Pantelic, Apollo.	2.0
2. Kartelo, AE.	1.6
3. Kasabalis, AE.	1.5
4. Jovanovic, KAOD	1.3
5. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.9
6. Margaritis, KAOD	0.8
7. Karavanas, Panery.	0.8
8. Amato, Near East	0.7
9. Papachristos, Peri.	0.7
10. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.7

Div.B Standing

B Standings

1. Nea Kifisia		25-5
2. OFI		23-6
3. Ermis Perama		22-7
4. Doxa Lefkadas		21-8
5. Anagennisi		19-10
6. MENT		17-13
7. Aias Evosmou		17-13
8. Stratoni		16-14
9. Doukas		13-16
10. Aiolos Trik.		13-17
11. Diagoras		13-17
12. Apollon KL		10-19
13. Egaleo		10-19
14. Filippos Veroias		8-22
15. M.Alexandros		5-25

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

HOLLAND

Dutch Basketball League Finals: ZZ Leiden Dutch Champions! - by Sanders Jackson

On Sunday afternoon in a packed Vijfmeihal, after a hard fought, tooth-and-nail grinding Game #7 of the Dutch finals, history was made as the DBL crowned a new Dutch champion, with ZZ Leiden bring the title back to Leiden for the first time in 33 years, dethroning Gas Terra Flames in triple overtime by the score of 96-95. Iit was a well deserved win as ZZ Leiden showed true resilance and managed to avert every moment that the Flames had the chance to seize the momentum swing. Despite losing top player Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) to five fouls in regulation, ZZ's Monta McGhee (198-F-79, agency: Basket Law/NM Services, college: Lewis) took matters into his own hands, coming up with clutch plays, getting his hands on loose balls and getting to the free throw line. The leadership of both McGhee and Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) in crunchtime were the difference in the end. McGhee would lead all scorers with 27 pts. Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) led the Flames with 21 pts. DBL Coach-of-the-Year and ZZ Leiden head coach Toon van Helfteren wins his first Dutch championship. As for the Flames, it would be the swan song for head coach Marco van den Berg, whose three-year run in Groningen comes to an end. Congratulations to the ZZ Leiden club for winning the Dutch championship!

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

IBL

Andrew Zimmer keys Splash victory over Hidden Gems - by Eurobasket News
GARY It only takes one shot a chance to fly instead of crash.

Andrew Zimmer (6'6''-F/C-85, college: Wabash) took advantage of that breakthrough opportunity, and the Splash forward relished every bit of it in a 123-114 International Basketball League victory over the Ohio Hidden Gems.

Andrew Zimmer started his year on a scoring binge, banking jumpers and attacking the perimeter. But with his jumper not falling nearly as often resulting in a decrease in double-figure scoring over several games Andrew Zimmers confidence started to fade. The second game of the season against the Gems proved to be his elixir.

I think I was able to knock down my first one, so I had some confidence, Andrew Zimmer said after his double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds). And from there, they started playing up the shot and it opened up my shot.

Peak performances from players like Andrew Zimmer are crucial as the Splash (7-7) point toward the upcoming postseason. So, six players finishing in double figures led by 19 points from Chris Wesby (6'8''-F-83, college: Indiana-S.Bend) is a solid boost.

The Gems, a branding team with an 0-3 record, also had six double-figure scorers and surely hadnt forgotten the last time they met, with Gary defeating them 107-83 May 15.

With about 1:30 left in the first quarter, the Gems tied the score at 19 on a breakaway, spinning slam from Saul White (18 points). Gary surged to a 26-22 lead after one.

The Gems 10-2 run to start the second quarter put them up 32-28, but the Splash rallied and tied it at 40 on Andrew Zimmers basket with about seven minutes left in the half.

We never take anybody for granted, Splash coach Jay Bradford said. These next two games, Im going to focus on getting all these guys playing time, so they have experience before the playoffs.

That equal-opportunity strategy proved successful as the Splash took over in the third quarter and led by at least seven points the rest of the way.

Pete Dunbar provided another statement effort with 14 points, twice his season average. Many of his baskets came on slashing moves through the lane.

Thats kind of my game; I like to get out on transition and get the easy ones, Dunbar said. Ive been kind of up and down, kind of the story of this whole team.

Were very balanced; its all about team with these guys.

Fouls were heavy in the contest with Wesby and James Booyer fouling out. One missing component was 6-10 BJ Walker. According to Bradford, he wasnt sure why the forward wasnt at the Genesis Center.

Tihon Johnson led Ohio with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Courtesy of: http://posttrib.suntimes.com

Energy getting really offensive - by Eurobasket News
Playing a satellite home game at Olds College on Sunday, the Energy super-novad the USA All-Stars 116-82 to cap the three-game series, climbing back above .500 in one fell swoop.

It was huge. The guys really came together. Were playing some really good basketball right now, said coach Peter Sambu, whose squad improved to 5-4 on the season.

Edmonton came together on the court just as the coaching staff was pulled apart, with head coach Skouson Harker getting benched while Sambu was put in charge in the interim.

Weve got a bunch of pros and they responded to my coaching and everything that we asked of them and were continuing to grow, said Sambu, who is no stranger to the role after earning ACAC Coach of the Year honours this season.

I think I did OK, as far as coming in and calling the plays and running the show. Im kind of used to that at Lakeland College. For me, it was just another game, different day.

With the Energy, there are definitely more seasoned players and older players who are more skilled.

An impressive 140-92 victory in Raymond on Saturday helped push the series point differential to 90 for the Energy.

We did it very easily and we did it like a team, said Sambu. Thats the part that I really liked, is we were really sharing the ball and were taking collective responsibility on the defensive end.

There was no let-up at all. We cant let up, no matter how much were up or how much were down. Weve just got to play 48 minutes.

Which is exactly what they did, beginning with Fridays 131-123 win at the U of A main gym and carrying through the entire weekend.

It was gruelling, said Sambu, whose squad had less than 24 hours of turnaround time prior to Sundays game, including the trip north from Lethbridge.

Our guys responded wonwith a real pro mentality.

Scoring and game statistics from the satellite games hadnt been updated on the IBL website as of press time.

But this weekends games were more than just about numbers. They were the first steps towards expanding the league beyond a single Canadian franchise.

While the opposing team played under the banner of the All-Stars who dont travel, but organize teams to play in each of the IBL cities the players were made up of talent from Calgary and Saskatoon.

It was the first real eye-opener for them to try to bring in a team to Calgary, on how much they need to grow, said Sambu.

It was good for them to have an understanding of how far they need to come in order to be competitive at this level.

Until then, the Energy represent not only Edmonton, but the rest of the province. This weekend was the first chance to bring their game to some other Alberta venues, drawing a couple of hundred fans in Raymond and over 400 in Olds.

To draw 200-500 people away from our home gym, its really promising that maybe the Energy is catching on in this province, Sambu said.

We want to make this an organization that our province is proud of, our city is proud of and our country is proud of.

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

Standings

IBL Standings

Continental Division
1. Vancouver V.		9-2
2. Bellingham S.		9-4
3. W.C. Hotshots		7-4
4. Olympia R.		3-6
5. L.Angeles L.		0-1
6. USA All-Stars		0-18
International Division
1. Albany L.		12-3
2. Kankakee S.		10-3
3. Gary Splash		7-6
4. Edmonton E.		5-4
5. Oregon W.		5-6
Branding Team
1. Lansing C.		2-3
2. Dayton A.		1-0
3. Las Vegas P.		0-1
4. Lake Co.		0-3
5. Ohio H.G.		0-3
6. Phoenix R.		0-3

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

IRAN

Riyadi silence defending champions in Philippines - by Eurobasket News
Riyadi - Mahram 76:73

Riaydi and Mahram came up with an amazing high-flying battle at Asia Club Championship in Manila tonight. The Lebanese team overcame two-time defending champions to improve at 2-0 record. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) accounted for 25 points to lead Riaydi.
Riyadi bravely opened the game. They quickly gained a 21:10 lead. The Lebanese team entered the second term up by 10 points 24:14. Mahram tipped off the second term with a 10:0 run to level things up. The teams traded baskets before Hamed Afegh made it 39:37 for Mahram at halftime. Fadi Khatib and Jean Abed El Nour (197-G/F-83) gave Riyadi a 4-point lead. The Lebanese side secured a 59:56 advantage at the final intermission. Ismail Ahmad gave Riyadi a 12-point buffer early in the final stanza but Mahram found the way out. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) dragged Mahram within one point 69:70. The Iranian powerhouse still trailed by a single point 73:74 with 9 seconds remaining. However Fadi Khatib converted two free throws and Mahdi Kamrani missed a three-pointer to seal Riyadi. Jean Abed El Nour knocked down 15 points, while Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) replied with 32 points for Mahram. Samad Nikkhah contributed 18 points in the loss.

Riyadi: Fadi Khatib 25, Jean Abed El Nour 15, Loren Woods 10+10 boards
Mahram: Chris Williams 32, Samad Nikkhah 18

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

IRAQ

Duhok tastes victory at Asia Club Championship - by Eurobasket News
Duhok - KL Dragons 88:76

Duhok draw first blood at the Asia Club Championship. The Iraqi team overcame KL Dragons of Malaysia to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) accounted for 28 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge. KL Dragons slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
KL Dragons led 5:4 early in the encounter but Duhok went on a 24:8 run to establish a 28:13 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 16-point mark midway through the second frame before KL Dragons started to react. They capped the first half with an 18:4 run to get within just two points from their opponents 38:40. Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) levelled things up at 42 in the third term. But the Iraqi team stepped on the gas again and ran away for a 62:52 advantage with ten minutes remaining. KL Dragons could not get closer than 8 points in the fourth term and Duhok celebrated the first win at the tournament. Qutaiba Al-Doori (198-F-80) and Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) finished with 19 points each for the winners. Chris Ayer answered with 22 points and 14 rebounds for KL Dragons. Shee Fai Loh (189-G-89) accounted for 14 points in the loss.

Duhok: Chester Giles 28+15 boards, Qutaiba Al-Doori 19, Chudney Gray 19
KL Dragons: Chris Ayer 22+14 boards, Shee Fai Loh 14

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

ISRAEL

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 1st Team 2011

Mitchell

James

Nailon

Mekel

Perkins

Player of the Year: Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82) of Maccabi Rishon
Guard of the Year: Gal Mekel (193-PG-88) of Galil Gilboa
Forward of the Year: Lee Nailon (204-F/C-75) of Bnei Hasharon
Center of the Year: Shawn James (208-C/F-83) of Bnei Hasharon
Import Player of the Year: Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82) of Maccabi Rishon
Domestic Player of the Year: Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85) of Maccabi T-A
Newcomer of the Year: Courtney Fells (198-F/G-86) of Galil Gilboa
6th Man of the Year: David Blu (201-F-80) of Maccabi T-A
Defensive Player of the Year: Frank Robinson (193-G-84) of Maccabi Haifa
Coach of the Year: Lior Lubin of Galil Gilboa

1st Team
C/F: Shawn James (208-83) of Bnei Hasharon
F/C: Lee Nailon (204-75) of Bnei Hasharon
G/F: Dwayne Mitchell (196-82) of Maccabi Rishon
PG: Gal Mekel (193-88) of Galil Gilboa
PG: Doron Perkins (188-83) of Maccabi T-A

2nd Team
F/G: Chuck Eidson (202-80) of Maccabi T-A
PG: Jeremy Pargo (188-86) of Maccabi T-A
F: Romeo Travis (201-84) of Elitzur Netanya
G: Willie Solomon (187-78) of Hapoel J-M
G: Frank Robinson (193-84) of Maccabi Haifa

Honorable Mention
Moran Roth (183-PG-82) of Hapoel Holon
Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85) of Maccabi T-A
Josh Carter (201-F/G-88) of Maccabi Ashdod
Marco Killingsworth (202-F/C-82) of Galil Gilboa
Isaiah Swann (188-G-85) of Maccabi Rishon
Aaron McGhee (203-F/C-79) of Maccabi Rishon
Adrian Banks (191-G-86) of Elitzur Netanya
Dan Grunfeld (198-F/G-84) of Bnei Hasharon
Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) of Maccabi T-A
David Blu (201-F-80) of Maccabi T-A
Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) of Maccabi T-A
Yogev Ohayon (189-PG-87) of Hapoel J-M
Rodney Green (196-F/G-88) of Ironi Ashkelon
Germaine Jackson (195-PG-76) of Maccabi Haifa

All-Domestic Players Team
F/G: Dan Grunfeld (198-84) of Bnei Hasharon
F/C: Lior Eliyahu (206-85) of Maccabi T-A
PG: Moran Roth (183-82) of Hapoel Holon
F/G: Sylven Landesberg (198-90) of Maccabi Haifa
PG: Gal Mekel (193-88) of Galil Gilboa

All-Imports Team
PG: Doron Perkins (188-83) of Maccabi T-A
C/F: Shawn James (208-83) of Bnei Hasharon
C: Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-85) of Maccabi T-A
G/F: Dwayne Mitchell (196-82) of Maccabi Rishon
F/C: Lee Nailon (204-75) of Bnei Hasharon

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

ITALY

Bucchi heads to Enel Brindisi - by Eurobasket News
Pier Luigi Bucchi heads to Enel Brindisi to be the Head Coach of the team for the next year. Brindisi finished Serie A in the last position and parted ways with Luca Bechi.
As a Head Coach Pier Luigi Bucchi started first in 1996-1997 for Basket Rimini (A2), team promoted to A1. After another two seasons went to Benetton Treviso (A1) and stayed there until year 2001. In 2001-2002 he went to Idea-Slask Wroclaw (Poland) and in Nov.'01 was hired by Di Nola Napoli (Lega2). The season 2002-2003 appeared for Virtus Roma (SerieA) and then in 2003-2004 headed to Lottomatica Roma (SerieA). In 2005-2006 joined Pompea Napoli (SerieA) and stayed until year 2008. Last three seasons coached Armani Jeans Milano (SerieA).
Pier Luigi Bucchi became an Italian Cup Winner -06, reached Italian SerieA Semifinals -06, Italian SerieA Supercup Finalist -06 and was Italian SerieA Finalist -09, 10.

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 AV	17.5
3. Rivers, CS Bologna	17.2
4. Zoroski, Banca T.	16.0
5. Ford, Fabi Shoes	15.8
6. Goss, Cimberio VA	14.8
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	14.8
8. Milic, Vanoli CR	14.8
9. Roberson, Enel B.	14.6
10. Dean, Air AV	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.4
2. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.6
3. Troutman, Air AV	8.3
4. Davis, Banca Terc.	8.2
5. Homan, CS Bologna	8.1
6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.0
7. Lang, Enel Brindisi	7.8
8. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.8
9. Suton, Angelico BI	7.4
10. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Green, Air AV	6.8
2. Diener, Dinamo S.	4.6
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.5
4. Collins, Scavolin.	3.9
5. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.8
6. Goss, Cimberio VA	3.8
7. Zoroski, Banca T.	3.8
8. Green, Bennet Can.	3.5
9. Markovic, Benetton.	3.5
10. Diener, Banca T.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.9
2. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.7
3. Stonerook, Montep.	2.7
4. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
5. Green, Air AV	2.7
6. Thomas, Air AV	2.5
7. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.4
8. Hawkins, Armani MI	2.4
9. Collins, Scavolin.	2.4
10. Ortner, Bennet C.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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

JAPAN

BJ League Stats Leaders

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Parker, Fukuoka . 27.5
2 Hopson, Sendai 21.3
3 Washington, Osaka E. 19.8
4 White, Kyoto H. 19.4
5 Cole, Miyazaki 18.9
6 Henry, Akita 18.9
7 Harper, Toyama G. 18.6
8 Arnold, Hamamats. 18.4
9 Bell, Sendai 89ers 18.4

Rebounds Per Game

1 Hamilton, Shiga L. 15.2
2 Holm, Sendai 89ers 13.4
3 Cole, Miyazaki 11.4
4 Akingbade, Akita 11.2
5 Graves, Akita 11.2
6 Andrews, Niigat. 10.8
7 Newton, Okinawa GK 10.5
8 Parker, Fukuoka . 10.5
9 Warren, Kyoto H. 10.2
10 Harper, Toyama G. 10.1

Assists Per Game

1 Satterfield, Saitam. 6.7
2 Hopson, Sendai 5.6
3 Henry, Akita 5
4 Ishizaki, Shimane 4.6
5 Hamilton, Shiga L. 4.6
6 Yonamine, Okina. 4.6
7 Shimizu, Miyazaki 4.4
8 Sparks, Takamats. 4.4
9 Lottich, Oita H. 4.4
10 Eaton, Tokyo Apache 4.3

Steals Per Game

1 Parker, Fukuoka . 2.4
2 Eaton, Tokyo Apache 2.1
3 Satterfield, Saitam. 1.9
4 Manuel, Miyazaki 1.9
5 Sparks, Takamats. 1.8
6 Johnson, Oita H. 1.8
7 Hamilton, Shiga L. 1.8
8 Ito, Miyazaki 1.7
9 Henry, Akita 1.6
10 Parmer, Hamamats. 1.6

Blocks Per Game

1 Davis, Shimane 3.2
2 Blackledge, Osaka E. 2.2
3 Tseng, Osaka Evessa 1.9
4 Leach, Saitama . 1.7
5 Swift, Tokyo A. 1.7
6 Smith, Toyama G. 1.5
7 Johnson, Oita H. 1.5
8 Cordeiro, Fukuok. 1.4
9 Bell, Sendai 89ers 1.3
10 Newton, Okinawa GK 1.3

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

JORDAN

ASU celebrate second straight win in Manila - by Eurobasket News
ASU - Ittihad 79:69

ASU posted the second consecutive win at the Asia Club Championship in Philippines. They prevailed against Ittihad to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group A. Ittihad in the meantime slipped at 1-2 record. Mousa Alawadi (192-G/F-85) stepped up with 26 points to pace the Jordanian side.
Ittihad opened the game with an 8:3 run and maintained the lead throughout the bigger part of the starting quarter. However ASU got within a striking distance and Mousa Alawadi gave ASU a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The Jordanian team stretched the margin to 8 points midway through the second quarter but Ittihad were able to narrow it back to 2 at halftime 34:36. The teams stayed close throughout intense third period. Jameel Watkins and Mousa Alawadi ensured a 61:55 lead for ASU with ten minutes remaining. ASU took over midway through the final stanza and boosted the gap to 15 points. Ittihad had too little time to answer and had to yield at the end. Osama Daghlas (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) provided 14 points, 9 assists and 5 boards for ASU. Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80, college: California) and Wesam Al Sous (183-G-83) netted 11 points each in the win. Darren Keely (195-G-78, college: Texas) answered with 26 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for Ittihad. Vladislav Dragajlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 11 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

ASU: Mousa Alawadi 26, Osama Daghlas 14, Ryan Forehan-Kelly 11, Wesam Al Sous 11
Ittihad: Darren Keely 26, Vladislav Dragajlovic 11+16 boards

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

JUCO

During the first four days of the NJCAA National Tournament, W.Wyoming CC proved it had one of the tournament's most efficient offenses. That didn't change on the final day. - by Rangi Gescheit
During the first four days of the NJCAA National Tournament, W.Wyoming CC proved it had one of the tournament's most efficient offenses. That didn't change on the final day.

The Mustangs shot 62 percent from the field in the first half to build a commanding lead as they went on to an 83-69 win over Cape Fear CC, N.C., on Saturday in the seventh-place game.

'It's been our philosophy all year - we're not a one-man team or two-man team. We need to pass the ball to get guys open and get guys shots,' said W.Wyoming CC coach Trace Bevell.

W.Wyoming CC was 17 of 28 from the field in the first half as it built an 18-point halftime lead. The Mustangs had 14 assists on those 17 field goals.

W.Wyoming CC ended up shooting 56 percent as a team for its four games at the Sports Arena.'That doesn't surprise me at all,' said forward Tallon Robertson, who was 7 for 7 from the field, 4 for 4 from the line in finishing with 18 points. 'When we're playing as a team, we're passing the ball, setting screens and we're getting open shots.'

That unselfishness was evident during the last 10 minutes of the first half when the Mustangs went on a game-changing run. Cape Fear CC led 18-17 with 10 minutes left in the half. But W.Wyoming CC outscored the Sea Devils 31-12 the rest of the half and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

'The real thing that gets you that separation is making stops. For those 10 minutes, I thought our defense was really good,' said Trevin Harris, who made two of W.Wyoming CC's five 3-pointers during the run.

Cape Fear CC was able to trim its deficit to 12 with 14 minutes to play, but the Mustangs' work on offense wouldn't allow the Sea Devils to sustain a run. 'They did a good job with screens and wearing our bodies down,' Cape Fear CC guard Tavares Speaks said of W.Wyoming CC's offense.

'Our hats are off to W.Wyoming CC; they played a great game. They're a very, very fundamental team,' added Cape Fear CC coach Ryan Mantlo . 'We couldn't seem to get into the swing of things offensively. They did a good job of taking away our first option.'

Speaks led three Cape Fear CC players in double figures with 14 points, while Tristan Harris added 12 points and five rebounds.

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

KENYA

Top Basketball Legends to Tour the Country Next Month - by Eurobasket News
Street basketball legends will tour the country next month courtesy of Sprite. According to Sprite, the legendary American group who are recognised and celebrated around the world will regale basketball lovers with their breathtaking range of skills and stuns across the region. The team comprising 16 leading lights in street balling will start off their programme in Dar-e- Salaam, Tanzania on June 7.

They will then move to Kampala, Uganda on June 9, Kigali Rwanda (June 10) before arriving in Nairobi a day later. The Nairobi Tour will take place at the Nyayo Stadium on June 11, with an estimated 5,000 fans expected to witness the first of its kind performance at the basketball auditorium. Among the star players expected in the tour include Hot Sauce, Spyda, Werm, 50, Amazing, Highrizer, Baby Shaq and Airbama. They stars have featured in various events and movies.

Catherine Mudachi, Coca-Cola senior marketing manager said: 'Sprite is extremely proud to be associated with And1's maiden tour of East Africa, and it gives us great pleasure to provide a refreshing platform upon which lovers of the game of basketball can enjoy the live action of the undisputed kings of street balling.'

Courtesy of: Nairobi Star

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

LEBANON

LUXEMBOURG

Bascharage land John Holmes - by Eurobasket News
Bascharage added import player to their roster. They have agreed on terms of contract with John Holmes (196-G/F-86, college: Bethune-Cookman). The 24-year-old guard is not new to Luxembourg. He was under the contract with T71 Dudelange but never played for the team last season. John Holmes graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in 2009. The guard averaged 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in his senior season with the Wildcats. John Holmes participated at the Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas in 2010.
Bascharage will play in N2 League next season. Toni Ostojic has been confirmed to stay with the team as their head coach for the next year. He is under two-season contract with the Hedgehogs.

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

MALAYSIA

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 31.1

1. Sowell, Guasave	31.1
2. White, Cananea	28.0
3. Sowell, Culiacan	27.3
4. Gale, Mexicali	26.8
5. Brown, Tepic	24.8
6. White, Los Mochis	24.2
7. Moore, Culiacan	24.0
8. Brown, Cananea	23.4
9. Gabbidon, Tijuana	23.3
10. Brown, Tepic	23.3

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11

1. Brown, Cananea	11.0
2. Moss, Nogales	10.0
3. Angounou, Guasave	9.8
4. Brown, Tepic	9.6
5. VanderMeer, Mexica.	9.6
6. Broxsie, Nogales	8.8
7. Malloy, Los Mochis	8.7
8. Shipley, Tijuana	8.6
9. Thomas, Hermosillo	8.1
10. Gray, Hermosillo	8.0

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Funn, Guasave	8.5
2. Watson, Tijuana	5.8
3. White, Los Mochis	5.7
4. White, Cananea	5.4
5. Winder, Guaymas	5.2
6. Thomas, Hermosillo	4.8
7. Brown, Tepic	4.4
8. Nungaray, Guaymas	4.4
9. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.2
10. Marentes, Guaymas	3.9

Steals Per Game

Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.2

1. White, Cananea	2.2
2. Moore, Culiacan	2.1
3. Gale, Mexicali	1.7
4. Thomas, Cananea	1.7
5. Brown, Nogales	1.6
6. White, Los Mochis	1.6
7. Funn, Guasave	1.6
8. Sowell, Guasave	1.6
9. Rougeau, Culiacan	1.5
10. Brown, Cananea	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Sowell, Culiacan	3.2
2. Gale, Mexicali	2.6
3. Sowell, Guasave	2.4
4. Shipley, Tijuana	2.2
5. White, Los Mochis	2.2
6. Brown, Tepic	2.1
7. Funn, Guasave	2.1
8. Brown, Tepic	2.0
9. Thomas, Hermosillo	2.0
10. Brown, Nogales	1.9

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

MOLDOVA

Moldova 2011 Final. Game 1. - by Huge
UASM - Dondiusheni. Game 1. May 28, 2011. 101-74
Winning 24 out of 25 games this season UASM was of course considered to be favorite in this game and final all together.
On the other hand Dondiusheni have shown a very good game in playoffs beating ASEM and winning in Cahul in semifinals.
UASM started strong in offense and at the same time they have appointed Eugeniu Melnic (196-F/G-79), that is playing his best games in this play off rounds, to guard a person who scored the most (51 points in one game) in playoffs - of course I am talking about Andrus. Eugeniu Melnic experience in defense and great offensive game brought UASM to 8 points lead at the end of first quarter.

Second quarter almost answered question about the winner after additional 14 points lead for UASM. Andrus, scoring 28 in the game, was trying hard to change the score, but he was the only warrior in this game.

Third quarter added another 19 points to UASM lead and the difference became 41 point. Very strange score difference for the final game.

After letting youth to play in the last 10 minutes of the game, which was a very wise decision of head UASM head coach Alexandr Sestopal , the score did not change much, thought Dondiushani won last quarter 29-15. But that was all they were able to do.

Very comfortable 1-0 win for Cup Champions.

Moldova 2011 Final. Game 2. - by Huge
UASM - Dondiusheni. Game 2. May 29, 2011. 79-56

After a very easy game all were wondering: will Dondiusheni be able to recover, because there is no way they can fight back after loosing 2-0 in the final till 3 wins.

It was a very hard beginning for both teams. There were few times Dondiusheni were leading which caused Alexandr Sestopal to ask for timeout. It did not help much and first 10 minutes have not delivered a leader. 18-18.
Another 18 points are the result of the second quarter with one difference it was the the score but difference in the score. UASM got to work and won impressively 24-6 !!! 6 points in 10 minuted paralyzed Dondiusheni and their leader Andrus, who scored 23 for the night, having again Eugeniu Melnic (196-F/G-79) guarding him.

The difference grew to 35 points after third quarter and again very wisely Alexandr Sestopal let his youth play, which needs to be tested. And when is the better time if not in the final?

Second win. 2-0 for UASM. The job is almost done. One more step to go to become first Cup and Championship winners in one year ever in Basketball history of Moldova.

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

MOZAMBIQUE

Basketball Federation to Name All Africa Games Provisional Side - by Eurobasket News
THE provisional list of players for the 10th All Africa Games slated for Maputo, Mozambique will be released next week, coach Philip Onyango disclosed yesterday.

A total of 30 players including four school girls and eight players from the diaspora have been identified and their names will be made public next Friday.

Onyango, who talked to the Star from Mombasa, said all the players will have to prove their worth during training before gaining a place in the final national team. 'We have already identified the players both here and abroad. We will give the list to Kenya Basketball Federation who will then make an official announcement next week,' said Onyango, adding that 'Only players who merit selection will be named in the final roster.'

Onyango defended his appointment, saying he's a trained coach who has groomed many players and some of them are currently in USA. ' I have what it takes to guide this team to success,' he said. 'I am trained as coach by Fiba Africa instructor. I have also handled the Kenya Ports Authority team and I have all the credentials of a coach,' he said. Onyango's appointment alongside Cliff Owuor to handle the national team to the All Africa Games was recently criticised by Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman Ronny Owino.

During the last Pan Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria in 2007, Kenya were placed fifth among 12 teams. Onyango said the three players who played a key role in Algiers event were in fact his products. 'Josephine Owino, Rose Ouma and Gladys Wanyama played a sterling role in the team's success in the last All Africa Games. Let everybody know that the trio were at one time my players,' he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways whipped Aquinas High School 115-29 in a Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league match at Railways Club.

Eric Odhiambo made 20 and Victor Omondi added 13 for 'KQ' who remain unbeaten. Alvin Odopo shot 15 for the students. They also posted another easy 80-38 win over Heroes with John Otieno topping the chart with 18. Strathmore University pipped KU Pirates 60-54, behind 14 points from Michael Ligare but KU's Gilbert Obiero managed 15. Upper Hill clobbered Friends of Basketball (FoB) 70-37. Collins Ochieng bagged 20 while Peter Majok scored 16 for 'Upper. Ochieng recorded 24 and Majok 16 in another 71-64 victory over Don Bosco.

KU went on to hit Legacy 49-37 on Collins Wekesa's 11 points. Daniel Odhiambo pepped the losers with 13. Ray Nyatome shot 25 points to guide Multi Media University clobbered Neosasa Morans 62-46. Odhiambo bagged 20 for Morans. Old Pirates had 12 points from Reagan Basweti in a 55-41 win over Neosasa Morans who had 20 from Kennedy Odhiambo.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star

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

NBA

Pistons, John Kuester to split - by Eurobasket News
Detroit Pistons head coach John Kuester will not be returning for the 2011-12 season, according to sources. Although there has been no official word from the Pistons, sources say it is expected that president Joe Dumars and his staff will be returning.

Hired in 2009 to be the franchise's 27th head coach, Kuester has posted a 57-107 mark in his two years in Detroit.

Kuester's time with the Pistons has been marked by several personality clashes, most notably with Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince and Tracy McGrady.

There were also reports of a player-led protest of Kuester this past season as several of the team's veterans failed to show up for a team practice.

Detroit has missed out on the playoffs in each of Kuester's two seasons. The postseason drought is the longest for the franchise since missing out three straight times from 1993 to 1995.

Kuester served two years as an assistant for the Cleveland Cavaliers before taking charge in Detroit. Kuester had previously been on the Pistons' sideline as an assistant under Larry Brown, a stint that included the team's 2004 NBA championship run.

NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that one candidate certain to be interviewed and considered as a replacement for Kuester -- should he be done in Detroit -- is former Pistons assistant coach Mike Woodson.

After serving as the top aide to Brown in Detroit's championship season, Woodson was hired to coach the Atlanta Hawks in the summer of 2004 and held the job for six seasons until his dismissal following the 2009-10 season.

Woodson elected to take Atlanta's offer instead of waiting for the opportunity to potentially succeed Brown in Detroit, not knowing that Brown would last only one more season on the Pistons' bench. Woodson posted a record of 206-286 in Atlanta, including two trips to the second round of the playoffs.

Now seemingly removed from those glory days, the Pistons are set to start a new era with a new owner with the team nearing completion of a sale to new owner Tom Gores.

The approval vote by the Board of Governors on the team's sale will be Wednesday, sources said. The vote was originally supposed to take place in the middle of June but apparently has been moved up, in part, to give Gores more time to make moves and decisions before the anticipated lockout begins July 1st.

Senior writer Ric Bucher covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine. ESPN.com NBA writer Marc Stein and The Associated Press contrbiuted to this report.
Courtesy of: ESPN

Cavs eye trade to add 2nd pick - by Eurobasket News
Already owners of the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to sweeten their position by securing the second pick as well, according to league sources.

The Cavaliers are in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons about a three-team trade that would give Cleveland the top two picks of next month's NBA draft.

The Cavaliers would use the picks to select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) and Arizona forward Derrick Williams (6'8''-F), the sources said.

In the trade being discussed, Cleveland would absorb Detroit's Richard Hamilton into the $14.6 million trade exception it received in last summer's LeBron James sign-and-trade with Miami, while also receiving the Pistons' No. 8 pick. The Cavaliers would then send that pick, along with their fourth pick, to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' second pick.

Cleveland would then buy Hamilton out of the $25 million remaining in the last two years on his contract, leaving the veteran shooting guard free to sign with another club as a free agent. Chicago would be one of the likeliest destinations.

Sources say, however, that Detroit will not consummate the trade as proposed without receiving players in return. The Pistons no longer view Hamilton's contract as an albatross with a lockout potentially knocking off one of the remaining two years on his deal.

Cleveland nearly traded for Hamilton at the February trade deadline with the intention of buying him out. In that scenario, Hamilton would have signed with Chicago after the buyout. The motivation for Detroit, which has been looking to move Hamilton for years, is mainly financial.

Whether the trade comes to fruition or not, the Cavaliers are all but certain to use the No. 1 pick on Irving, a favorite of the team's front office. The club's owner, Dan Gilbert, is a huge fan of Williams and sees him and Irving as building blocks for the future.

While one of the Cavaliers' greatest needs is at small forward, Williams, though viewed as a 'tweener, is seen by most league executives as a power forward. If the Cavs draft Williams and determine that he can't play small forward, they may deal power forward J.J. Hickson, who has good value on the trade market.

Chris Broussard covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.
Courtesy of: ESPN

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

NCAA3

Head Coach Dagan Nelson Resigns at New Paltz - by Joan Manuel Sanchez
Fourth-year State University of New York at New Paltz men's basketball coach Dagan Nelson has stepped down from his post effective June 8, as announced by New Paltz director of athletics Stuart Robinson. Nelson has been named the director of community outreach & external affairs and varsity boys' basketball coach at Westchester Country Day School in High Point, N.C. A national search to fill the position will begin immediately.
New Paltz went 11-14 overall in 2010-11 and achieved a 7-11 mark in the SUNYAC, earning the No. 6 seed in the SUNYAC Championship Tournament. The Hawks won the Hamilton Tip-Off Tournament championship in November, marking the program's first title of any kind since the 1998-99 campaign. Next season appears promising for New Paltz, as the team lost just one senior to graduation.

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 22

1. Leasure, Taranaki.	22.0
2. Hudson, Manawatu.	20.7
3. Dora, Nelson G.	20.4
4. Webster, Wellingt.	20.3
5. Smith, Waikato P.	20.2
6. Jones, Nelson G.	19.5
7. Abercrombie, Waika.	19.4
8. Pace, Bay Hawks	19.2
9. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	18.3
10. Campbell, Taranak.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12

1. Pledger, Waika.	12.0
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	10.9
3. Vukona, Nelson G.	10.5
4. Campbell, Taranaki.	10.3
5. Allred, OceanaGo.	10.1
6. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
7. Johnson, Wellingt.	9.1
8. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	9.0
9. Trousdell, Bay H.	8.8
10. Frank, Wellington	8.7

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	7.0
2. Braswell, Southlan.	6.3
3. Dickel, Southland	5.9
4. Tait, Wellington S.	5.7
5. Martin, Auckland.	4.9
6. Kench, Manawatu J.	4.4
7. Smith, Waikato P.	4.0
8. Meehl, Taranaki MA	3.7
9. Boucher, Auckland.	3.3
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Dillon BOUCHER
  Auckland.
  (196-F-75)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Boucher, Auckland.	2.8
2. Smith, Waikato P.	2.8
3. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
4. Crowe, Waikato P.	2.2
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.0
6. Dickel, Southland	1.9
7. Allen, Waikato P.	1.9
8. Frank, Wellington	1.7
9. Leasure, Taranaki.	1.6
10. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Pledger, Waika.	3.2
2. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
3. Allred, OceanaGo.	1.4
4. Iti, Southland S.	1.4
5. Campbell, Taranaki.	1.4
6. Anthony, Waika.	1.2
7. Spicer, Southlan.	1.2
8. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
9. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.0
10. Johnson, Wellingt.	0.9

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

PHILIPPINES

Thoughts on the 3rd Day of the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup - by Enzo Flojo
- Jordan's Zaid Ahmed Abbas (203-83) seems to have gotten his bearings against the Saudis. Look for him to contribute more as the tourney kicks in to high gear.
- Duhok dismisses the Dragons is the battle of probably the bottom two teams in the whole cup.
- Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) gets the better of Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) as Riyadi outlasts Mahram. It's a distinct possibility they'll meet again in the next rounds.
- Al Rayyan picks up win #2, and it cannot come at a better time as they take on Riyadi and Mahram in succession. Good luck.
- WKL Dragons import Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) had another strong showing, and had probably turned some heads. Could be a good import pick-up in the PBA.
- The thing that separates Riyadi from the pack so far is how their locals have shown the way. Imports Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) and Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) have been steady, but not stellar. Or they could simply be saving themselves for the quarters and beyond.
- Predictions for today: Al Jala'a over Al Shabab in a close one, ASU over the WKL Dragons by 20 or more, Al Riyadi over Al Rayyan in single digits, and Gilas over Duhok by 15-20.

Read more on HoopNut.blogspot.com

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

POLAND

Dardan Berisha stays in Anwil Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News
Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stays in Anwil Wloclawek for the upcoming season. In 2010-2011 he averaged 4.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0apg in EuroCup, while in Polish League after 23 games his stats read 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 81.4%.
In his top game Dardan Berisha erupted with 19 points at the Regular Season Round 18.
There was no surprise in Tarnobrzeg where 12th ranked Siarka was crushed by sixth ranked Anwil 92-69. Anwil led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 60.6 percent from the field. It was a great shooting night for Anwil especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. International guard Dardan Berisha notched 19 points to lead the effort and Serbian power forward Nikola Jovanovic supported him with 16 points and 5 rebounds.
Few days ago Anwil also announced keeping Lukasz Majewski (199-F-82). They extended the contract of the player for another season.

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

PORTUGAL

LPB Round 6 of Finals. Benfica stay in title race with victory - by Eurobasket News
Benfica - Porto Ferpinta 85-79

Benfica celebrated the victory in the sixth game of the series and forced the decider to be hosted by Porto on June 2. Bemfica trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 26-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 34 personal fouls committed by FC Porto Ferpinta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American swingman Ben Reed (191-83, college: W.Michigan) scored 22 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international forward Heshimu Evans (198-75, college: Kentucky) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Benfica players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Julian Terrell (206-84, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) with 20 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Gregory Stempin (203-79, college: Toledo, agency: Duran International) scored 23 points. FC Porto Ferpinta's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Benfica: B.Reed 22+5reb+2ast, H.Evans 13+7reb+3ast, M.Chandler 12+7reb+1ast, S.Ramos 12+9reb, M.Minhava 8+3reb+6ast, E.Evora 7+3reb+1ast
Porto Ferpinta: G.Stempin 23+3reb, J.Terrell 20+6reb+2ast, S.Ogirri 10+6reb+5ast, C.Andrade 6+8reb+6ast, J.Santos 6+2reb, N.Marcal 5

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Riley LUETTGERODT
  Sampa.
  (196-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Luettgerodt, Samp.	21.0
2. Curnell, Barreiren.	20.1
3. Jackson, Sampaense	19.8
4. Eddie, Academica	18.2
5. Shaw, Academica	18.0
6. Austin, Vitoria SC	17.9
7. Johnson, Barreire.	17.6
8. Goode, Penafiel	17.4
9. Crutchfield, Illia.	17.4
10. Stempin, Porto F.	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin MARTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Martin, Vitoria SC	10.3
2. Cortez, Ovarense	10.0
3. Robert, Lusitania	9.7
4. Shaw, Academica	9.1
5. Eddie, Academica	9.0
6. Jackson, Sampaense	8.8
7. Momplasir, Lusitan.	8.8
8. Curnell, Barreiren.	8.5
9. Terrell, Porto F.	8.4
10. Harris, Illiabum	8.2

Assists Per Game

Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Manarte, Ovarense	6.9
2. Sing, Sampaense	6.3
3. Monteiro, Lusitania	5.2
4. Reveles, Ginasio	4.9
5. Minhava, Benfica	4.8
6. Silva, CAB	4.6
7. Fernandes, CAB	4.5
8. Simoes, Academica	4.5
9. Andrade, Porto F.	4.1
10. Barroso, Ginasio	4.0

Steals Per Game

Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Curnell, Barreiren.	3.2
2. Cortez, Ovarense	2.7
3. Goode, Penafiel	2.6
4. Jackson, CAB	2.5
5. Silva, CAB	2.5
6. Tavares, Vitoria SC	2.2
7. Felix, Illiabum	2.1
8. Eddie, Academica	2.0
9. Holland, Academica	1.9
10. Monteiro, Lusitan.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Marcel MOMPLASIR
  Lusitania
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Momplasir, Lusitan.	3.8
2. Coelho, CAB	1.2
3. Jackson, Sampaense	1.2
4. Nolen, Penafiel	1.1
5. Gentry, CAB	1.1
6. Willis, Illiabum	1.1
7. Gray, Sampaense	1.1
8. Harris, Illiabum	1.0
9. Terrell, Porto F.	1.0
10. Hartford, Ginasio	0.9

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

PUERTO RICO

Weekly BSN Team Rankings-Team 9 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

In this week's ranking, Vaqueros de Bayamon reclaims the top spot, Atleticos de San German keeps climbing and Quebradillas Pirates keeps falling.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=23&range=a1%3Af11&output=html

BSN Round 19 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Arecibo - Mayaguez 93-99 2OT

Ninth ranked Indios won a double-overtime thriller edging 6th ranked Capitanes by six points 93-99 on Saturday night. The game took place in Arecibo. But the guests from Mayaguez were better at the end. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime then Capitanes managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Indios who were better in double-overtime eventually winning that period 27-21. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Indios forced 21 Capitanes turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of international guard Kevin Hamilton (193-84, college: Holy Cross, agency: Limelight Hoops) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 assists (made all of his eight free throws). The former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-83) contributed with 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. International guard Guillermo Diaz (188-85, college: Miami, FL) answered with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and the former international center Daniel Santiago (216-76, college: N.Mexico, agency: Priority Sports) added 18 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Capitanes. Four Capitanes players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Coamo. Capitanes at the other side keep the sixth position with 11 games lost. Indios will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Arecibo: L.Ayuso 22+3reb+1ast, G.Diaz 19+6reb+7ast, D.Santiago 18+9reb, D.Pinnock 12+4reb+1ast, A.Latimer 9+6reb+3ast, J.Aubry 7+9reb+1ast
Mayaguez: A.Carmona 25+8reb, K.Hamilton 24+3reb+9ast, N.Lee 18+7reb+2ast, R.Clemente 9+12reb, C.Rivera 9+4reb, H.Valenzuela 5+5reb+4ast

Humacao - Coamo 86-82

Everything could happen in Humacao at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked Caciques and 7th ranked Maratonistas had identical 9-12 record. This time Caciques used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Coamo 86-82 on Sunday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Maratonistas won fourth quarter 21-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a very good performance for American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) answered with 27 points and 7 rebounds and the former international center Manuel Antonio Narvaez (211-81, college: S.Nazarene, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 6 points and 23 rebounds in the effort for Maratonistas. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Caciques (10-12) moved-up to seventh place. Loser Maratonistas dropped to the eighth position with 13 games lost. Caciques will face higher ranked Cangrejeros (#5) in Santurce in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maratonistas will play at home against the league's leader Vaqueros having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Coamo: J.Villegas 27+7reb, M.Landry 16+4reb+4ast, M.Freije 14+4reb+1ast, C.Vega 11+3ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 6+23reb+1ast, N.Leon 6+1reb
Humacao: I.Johnson 31+7reb+1ast, D.Clemente 14+6reb+3ast, J.Maye 13+8reb+2ast, L.A. Rivas 11+4reb+1ast, M.Ali Berdiel 9+5reb+7ast, K.Penn 6+8reb

Guaynabo - Santurce 83-62

Everything could happen in Guaynabo at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked Mets and 3rd placed Cangrejeros had identical 12-9 record. This time Mets used a home court advantage and smashed the opponent from Santurce 83-62 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 52-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Mets forced 21 Cangrejeros turnovers. Cangrejeros were plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for international swingman Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-86, college: Virginia Tech) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 8 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!). American center Jelani McCoy (208-77, college: UCLA) contributed with 8 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and international guard Richard Chaney (196-84, college: Troy, agency: Court Side) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Cangrejeros. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Mets maintains second place with 13-9 record having just -2 point less than leader Bayamon. Loser Cangrejeros dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Mets will have a break next round. Cangrejeros will play at home against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Santurce: M.Sweetney 18+13reb+2ast, R.Chaney 10+5reb+2ast, W.Hodge 9+5reb+2ast, R.Sanchez 7+5reb+2ast, R.Melendez 5+1reb, E.'Guayito' Santiago 5+2reb+4ast
Guaynabo: A.Daniel Vassallo 22+8reb+2ast, S.Villegas 12+2reb+1ast, R.Dalmau 11+3reb, A.Luis Figueroa 10+7reb, J.McCoy 8+11reb+1ast, C.Rodriguez 6+6reb+5ast

Humacao - Coamo 81-86

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Maratonistas' (9-13) road victory over 8th ranked Caciques (10-12) in Humacao 86-81 on Friday. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was a very good performance for guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 5 assists. The former international center Manuel Antonio Narvaez (211-81, college: S.Nazarene, agency: Paris Global Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) answered with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and the former international guard Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-83, college: Valparaiso, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 20 points in the effort for Caciques. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Maratonistas went down to eighth position due to points difference, which they share with Mayaguez. Loser Caciques dropped to the seventh place with 12 games lost. Maratonistas will face league's leader Vaqueros in Bayamon in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Humacao: I.Johnson 28+9reb+4ast, M.Ali Berdiel 20+3reb+3ast, J.Maye 14+9reb+1ast, L.A. Rivas 10+6reb+1ast, D.Clemente 5+3reb+7ast, J.Garcia 4+3reb+3ast
Coamo: J.Villegas 27+4reb+5ast, M.Landry 17+3reb+2ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 14+14reb+3ast, C.Vega 11+4reb+3ast, N.Leon 8+1reb+4ast, M.Freije 7+4reb+2ast

Arecibo - San German 81-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Capitanes' (11-11) home loss to fifth ranked Atleticos (12-9) in Arecibo 81-88 on Sunday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Capitanes won third quarter 25-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a very good performance for the former international guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, college: VCU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Five Atleticos players scored in double figures. American-Panamanian guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: George Washington, agency: SportsTalent) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and international guard Larry Ayuso (190-77, college: USC, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 23 points (made all of his nine free throws !!!) in the effort for Capitanes. Capitanes' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Atleticos moved-up to third place, which they share with Quebradillas. Loser Capitanes keep the sixth position with 11 games lost. Atleticos will have a break next round. Capitanes will play again at home against Atleticos (#4) in San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Arecibo: L.Ayuso 23+4reb, D.Pinnock 17+11reb+2ast, A.Latimer 9+7reb+1ast, D.Santiago 8+4reb+1ast, D.Cortes 8+1reb+1ast, A.Falcon 6+1reb+3ast
San German: J.Lloreda 18+8reb, C.Strong 17+5reb+1ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 16+13reb+4ast, M.Harris 13+11reb+3ast, F.Rivera 11+1reb+7ast, M.De Jesus 7

Quebradillas - Mayaguez 85-93

There was a surprise result when ninth ranked Indios (9-13) defeated on the road 3rd placed Quebradillas (12-9) 93-85 on Thursday. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 29-18. But Quebradillas won third quarter 25-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Indios dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Quebradillas' 32. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a very good performance for the former international swingman Alejandro Carmona (194-83) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Kevin Hamilton (193-84, college: Holy Cross, agency: Limelight Hoops) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Indios' coach Eddie Casiano used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International center Peter John Ramos (222-85) answered with 31 points and 9 rebounds and the former international swingman Joel Jones (196-81, college: Sacramento St.) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Quebradillas. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Indios have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Coamo. Loser Quebradillas keep the third position with nine games lost. Indios will have a break next round. Quebradillas will play on the road against Gallitos in Isabela.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: P.John Ramos 31+9reb, J.Jones 17+5reb+3ast, R.Apodaca 16+2ast, M.Worthington 12+5reb, C.Bruton 8+4reb+4ast, A.Alamo 1+5reb
Mayaguez: A.Carmona 23+6reb+2ast, N.Lee 16+3reb+1ast, C.Rivera 13+6reb+3ast, K.Hamilton 10+6reb+10ast, R.Clemente 8+8reb+1ast, W.Sean 7+6reb+1ast

Santurce - Bayamon 68-94

There was no surprise when 3rd placed Cangrejeros (12-10) were outleveled by first ranked Vaqueros (13-7) in Santurce 94-68 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Vaqueros. Cangrejeros was better in second period 25-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vaqueros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Vaqueros made 7 blocks. Cangrejeros were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for the former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 assists. International forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. International guard Richard Chaney (196-84, college: Troy, agency: Court Side) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds and international power forward Ricky Sanchez (212-87, college: High School) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Cangrejeros. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vaqueros maintains first place with 13-7 record. Loser Cangrejeros dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Vaqueros will face Maratonistas (#9) in Coamo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cangrejeros will play at home against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Santurce: R.Chaney 14+9reb+1ast, W.Hodge 13+1reb+1ast, R.Sanchez 12+7reb+1ast, L.Villafane 7+5reb, E.'Guayito' Santiago 7+3reb+5ast, J.Gonzalez 7+1reb+1ast
Bayamon: C.Dalmau 22+3reb+6ast, J.Mojica 19+6reb+2ast, C.Antrone Lee 14+10reb+4ast, R.Rickert 9+7reb, R.Jose Hatton 9+2reb+3ast, R.Barbosa 7+1reb+1ast

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

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

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Ramos, Quebradillas	24.7
2. Vassallo, Guaynabo	24.6
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	22.0
4. Ayuso, Arecibo	21.1
5. Johnson, Humacao	20.9
6. Villegas, Coamo	20.5
7. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
8. Harris, San German	18.2
9. Carmona, Mayaguez	17.8
10. Randolph, Isabela	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Narvaez, Coamo	13.2
2. Randolph, Isabela	11.9
3. Harris, San German	11.9
4. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.3
5. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.3
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.7
7. Rickert, Bayamon	10.3
8. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
9. Sweetney, Santurce	9.5
10. Shannon, Bayamon	9.1

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.4
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
4. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
5. Clemente, Humacao	4.5
6. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.3
7. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.1
8. Vega, Coamo	4.0
9. Copeland, San G.	3.8
10. Berdiel, Humacao	3.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.9
2. Santiago, Santurce	1.8
3. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.7
4. Robinson, Humacao	1.5
5. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.5
6. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.5
7. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
8. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
9. Berdiel, Humacao	1.4
10. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Lamizana, Mayaguez	3.0
2. Penn, Humacao	2.6
3. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
4. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
5. Santiago, Arecibo	1.9
6. Sanchez, Santurce	1.7
7. Aubry, Arecibo	1.6
8. Randolph, Isabela	1.6
9. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.5
10. Shannon, Bayamon	1.3

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

QATAR

Rayyan cruise past Shabab to stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Rayyan - Shabab 78:60

Rayyan celebrated the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. They outscored Shabab to climb at 2-0 record in Group B. Shabab suffered the third straight loss on the other hand. Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side) fired 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 5 assists to pace the Qatari team.
Rayyan opened the game with a 12:2 run. They erupted for 27 points in the opening stanza and earned an 11-point advantage. Rashed Al Zaabi (180-G-88) helped Shabab narrow the deficit just 3 points midway through the second period. But Rayyan struck right back and recorded a 43:33 halftime advantage. Rayyan maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 62:46 cushion heading into the fourth frame. Shabab never got closer than 16 points in the final quarter. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) added 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, agency: TSS Management, college: Iowa) provided 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the win. Shabab responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds from Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona). Rashed Al Zaabi had 15 points in the loss.

Rayyan: Targuy Ngombo 21+10 boards, Yasseen Musa 17, Chauncey Leslie 14
Shabab: Courtney Fields 19, Rashed Al Zaabi 15

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

ROMANIA

Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team 2011

Dykes

Cooley

Darby

Nicoara

Krstanovic

Player of the Year: Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87) of U.Mobitel.CN
Guard of the Year: Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87) of U.Mobitel.CN
Forward of the Year: Louis Darby (196-G-84) of Rovinari
Center of the Year: Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) of U.Mobitel.CN
Newcomer of the Year: Jason Forte (196-F-84) of Mures
Most Improved Player of the Year: Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90) of Ploiesti
Import Player of the Year: Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87) of U.Mobitel.CN
Domestic Player of the Year: Titus Nicoara (200-F-88) of Gaz Metan
Defensive Player of the Year: Yamene Coleman (206-C-86) of Miercurea Ciuc
Coach of the Year: Marcel Tenter of U.Mobitel.CN

1st Team
G: JuJuan Cooley (175-82) of Mures
G/F: Kyndall Dykes (191-87) of U.Mobitel.CN
G: Louis Darby (196-84) of Rovinari
F: Titus Nicoara (200-88) of Gaz Metan
C: Zoran Krstanovic (205-82) of U.Mobitel.CN

2nd Team
G: Jarrett Howell (188-84) of Gaz Metan
G: Branko Cuic (196-78) of U.Mobitel.CN
F: Deven Mitchell (196-84) of Gaz Metan
F: Cortney Scott (196-82) of Otopeni
F/C: Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-84) of Mures

Honorable Mention
Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77) of Ploiesti
Jason Forte (196-F-84) of Mures
LeRoy Dawson (188-G-81) of Politehnica Iasi
Clevin Hannah (180-G-87) of Miercurea Ciuc
Kenneth Simms (203-C) of Craiova

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Adrian Blidaru (182-85) of Ploiesti
G/F: Levente Szijarto (192-83) of Ploiesti
F: Andrei Capusan (201-83) of Mures
F: Titus Nicoara (200-88) of Gaz Metan
C/F: Virgil Stanescu (207-77) of Steaua Turabo

All-Imports Team
G: Jarrett Howell (188-84) of Gaz Metan
G: Branko Cuic (196-78) of U.Mobitel.CN
F: Jason Forte (196-84) of Mures
F/C: Ivan Miskovic (203-84) of Timisoara
C: Zoran Krstanovic (205-82) of U.Mobitel.CN

All-Defensive Team
JuJuan Cooley (175-G-82) of Mures
Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87) of U.Mobitel.CN
Nikola Stojakovic (188-G-84) of Craiova
Michael Harrison (206-F/C-84) of CSU Sibiu
Yamene Coleman (206-C-86) of Miercurea Ciuc

Politehnica Iasi and Cuadripol Brasov relegated - by Sebastian Umbrich
With the season's finale still being disputed, we know who the two teams are that will play in the Divizia B in the next season.
Politehnica Iasi and CSU Cuadripol SCM Brasov lost their 3rd-round play-outs series, so they are releagated. These two teams were ranked 15th and 16th after the regular season, the last and second-last from the championship.
As it was clear that Brasov will relegate, given the fact that the only players aged 25 or higher were Zeljko Bubanja and Radu Paliciuc, the rest of the team being juniors. In the first round of the play-outs, Brasov faced Otopeni, a team which narrowly missed a play-off berth, losing in the last round of the regular season against Oradea. Otopeni won the first two matches of the series, but in the third match Brasov managed to make a surprise, winning the match 81-79. This was only the second match won by Brasov in this championship. Otopeni eventually won match four, so they will play one more season in Romania's upper class basketball division. Brasov were to face Craiova in the decisive series, and Brasov's coach, Milorad Perovic , said that Brasov could offer the surprise, winning the series. This were proved only empty words, as Brasov lost all the three matches of the series, so Craiova remains in the first league, while Brasov relegates, after a 12-year tenure in Divizia A.
Politehnica Iasi had a much more interesting way onto relegation. In the first play-out round, they were about to face Energia Rovinari, a series which was announcing some intersting clashes. Iasi managed to win the first match of the series, on the road in Rovinari, so everybody started wondering if they could survive against such a powerful opponent. After losing a very harsh game two, with some controversial decisions from the referees, Iasi could have remained in the first league if they won bot matches from their home ground. It was about to be the other way around, with Rovinari getting two landslide victories, so the team to play another season in Divizia A was Rovinari. However, there was still a chance for Iasi to play in the first league one more year. In the second round of the play-outs, the two teams which have promoted last season were fighting for a single place left in the Divizia A. Miercurea Ciuc had the home court advantage, a fact which proved to be crucial. After the first two matches played in Miercurea Ciuc, the hosts gathered a 2-0 lead, but Iasi managed to tie the series, 2-2, so the team to relegate was about to be determined in the decisive match played in Miercurea Ciuc. At haltime th scoring table showed 50-43 for Miercurea Ciuc, but Iasi had a comeback in the 3rd quarter, so with 10 minutes to go the table showed 79-77 for the guests. Iasi managed to get in front some times, but Miercurea Ciuc had a fantastic end of match, managing an outscore of 13-2, and so winning the match 104-101, and getting a berth in the 2011-2012 Divizia A.

Standings - D2

Div.B Stage Two Standings

Final Stage
1. CSS Giurgiu		0-0
2. CSU Galati		0-0
3. Dinamo B.		0-0
4. Timba Timis.		0-0
Places 5-8
1. Granitur		1-2
2. Ph. Brasov		1-2
3. CSS Targoviste		0-3
4. Rapid B.		0-3
Places 9-18
1. U.Mobitel II		11-4
2. Steaua Turabo II		8-6
3. MP Timisoara		8-7
4. Municipal 2 B.		8-7
5. Ploiesti II		7-7
6. Gaz Metan II		6-9
7. T.Mures II		5-10
8. BT Bucuresti		4-11
9. Ph. Galati		3-13
10. A.Vlaicu Buc.		1-14

Stage Two Standings

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

RUSSIA

Spartak-Primorie win SuperLeague title - by Eurobasket News
Spartak-Primorie win SuperLeague title as they swept the series over Universitet Surgut 2-0. The latter was handed a pity 67-82 home loss and lost the Final Play-offs in Surgut.
Spartak-Primorie won the home game earlier and traveled to Surgut in order to win at least once in two days. The second team in the Regular Season decided not to wait for a decider and solved the series in the second game. They took 22-18 after the first 10 minutes and produced 20-10 in the second frame. Moreover the guests won the third period 28-20 and then did not mind 12-19 in the last stanza. Dmitriy Zagnoyko (192-G-85) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87) netted 14. Viktor Uskov (182-G-86) delivered 11, whilst Sergey Chernov (189-G-86) netted 9 points. Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) answered with 15 points in the losing effort.
In the series for the third place Saransk needed overtime to beat Ural 99:91. Trailing 3 points before the fourth period the hosts tied the game before the end of the fourth period and then won the game due to 20-12 in extra time. Kuznetsov Alexei top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Aleksei Vzdykhalkin (190-G-85) posted 18. Marque Perry (185-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) replied with 24 points in the losing effort. The series is tied at 1-1, while the decisive game will be played tomorrow.

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

RWANDA

Pair Intensifies Preps for Military Games - by Eurobasket News
SLYVAIN Rukundo and Jean Baptista Simuceka are in Italy intensifying preparations for this year's East African Military Games and Culture Week due in Burundi from August 14 to 28.

Simuceka told Times Sport from his training base in Italy that, 'We are training hard for the competition and we hope to win honours.'

Rukundo will also use the competition to seek minimum qualifications for next year's London Olympic Games. The event will also feature handball, football, netball, cross-country (men and women) and basketball among others.

The East African Military Sports and Culture Week was first held in 2005 in Kampala, Uganda. Subsequent editions were held in Nairobi (2006), Zanzibar (2007), Kampala (2008) and Kigali (2009),' he said.
Courtesy of: The New Times

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

SAUDI ARABIA

SERBIA

List of candidates for Serbian U20 National team - by Zoran Popovic
Coach Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ) announced the list of candidates for the Serbian U20 National team. Our U20 National team will be on European Championship in Spain from July 14 until July 24 in Group A with National teams of Montenegro, Russia and Slovenia.

Nemanja Nedovic, Lazar Radosavljevic (Crvena zvezda), Niksa Nikolic, Stefan Matovic, Ivan Demcesen, Branislav Djekic (Mega Vizura), Nikola Vukasovic, Aleksandar Ponjavic, Filip Djuran, Dusan Ognjenovic (Radnicki Basket), Vladislav Stanisavljevic (OKK Jagodina), Nemanja Jaramaz (Partizan mts), Danilo Andjusic (Hemofarm Stada), Luka Milojevic (Napredak Krucevac), Petar Jokic (Novi Sad), Milic Blagojevic (Radnicki KG06), Djordje Susa (Basket plus), Nemanja Todorovic (Borac Cacak), Milan Milovanovic (FMP), Petar Torlak (University East Carolina, NCAA), Nikola Rondovic (Teodo Tivat, Crna Gora) i Dejan Musli (Caja Laboral, Spain).

Coach Dzikic in his team will have assistant coaches Srdjan Flajs and Mirko Ocokoljic, strength and conditioning coach Marko Cosic and physiotherapist Todor Galic

Lepojevic finishes the season abroad on high note - by Eurobasket News
Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) finishes the season in Russia on high note as his team took the silver medals in Russian Superleague. Spartak-Primorie win SuperLeague title as they swept the series over Nikola Lepojevic's Universitet Surgut 2-0. The latter was handed a pity 67-82 home loss and lost the Final Play-offs in Surgut.
Spartak-Primorie won the home game earlier and traveled to Surgut in order to win at least once in two days. The second team in the Regular Season decided not to wait for a decider and solved the series in the second game. They took 22-18 after the first 10 minutes and produced 20-10 in the second frame. Moreover the guests won the third period 28-20 and then did not mind 12-19 in the last stanza. Zagnoyko Dmitriy stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Baburin Evgeni netted 14. Uskov Viktor delivered 11, whilst Chernov Sergey netted 9 points. Nikola Lepojevic answered with 15 points in the losing effort.
Nikola Lepojevic averaged 22.3 points per game that was an outstanding achievement for Serbian Player.

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

SLOVENIA

Preliminary squad for U-20 EC - by Zeljko Zule
U-20 national team coach Radomir Mijanovic has announced a 16-men preliminary squad for the 2011 European Championship in Spain.
POINT GUARDS: Tadej Ferme (187-G-91) of Sentjur, Zan Jerman (183-G-92) of Grosuplje, Aljaz Korosec (189-G-92) of Helios, Jan Span (189-G-92) of Olimpija, Miha Vasl (190-G-92) of Hopsi.
SHOOTING GUARDS: Klemen Prepelic (190-G-92) of Helios, Mirza Sarajlija (187-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) of Mornar (MNT)
FORWARDS: Jakob Cebasek (198-G/F-91) of Parklji, Edo Muric (202-F-91) of Krka, Mitja Nikolic Smrdelj (201-F-91) of Zlatorog
POWER FORWARDS: Jure Besedic (206-F-92) of Helios, *Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) of Olimpija, Marko Pajic (204-F-92) of Slovan
CENTERS: Nejc Buda (210-C-91, agency: Interperformances) of Kraski zidar, Alen Omic (213-C-92) of Zlatorog, Bojan Radulovic (210-C-92, agency: Sport Connect) of Slovan.
*Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) is still waiting for the approval of Slovenian citizenship.

Stats Leaders - 1B

Points Per Game

Uros IVANOVIC
  Radovljica
  (204-F/C-74)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Ivanovic, Radovlji.	20.2
2. Petrovic, Nova G.	19.6
3. Pusic, Litija	18.1
4. Gavric, Primorac.	17.4
5. Husic, Kraski Zidar	17.3
6. Kosec, Sencur CP	17.0
7. Marcetic, Nova G.	17.0
8. Blazevic, Litija	16.8
9. Moro, Splosna	16.6
10. Tomic, Rogaska	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Jakhel, KD Postoj.	9.5
2. Ivanovic, Radovlji.	9.0
3. Husic, Kraski Zidar	8.4
4. Sivka, Konjice	8.2
5. Barovic, Primor.	8.2
6. Spesic, Rogaska	8.1
7. Buda, Kraski Zidar	8.0
8. Klepo, Radovljica	8.0
9. Tusek, Hrastnik	7.4
10. Kosec, Sencur CP	7.3

Assists Per Game

Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Tomic, Rogaska	5.9
2. Perko, Splosna	5.5
3. Tratnik, Primor.	4.7
4. Ucman, Radovljica	4.4
5. Glavas, KD Postoj.	3.8
6. Milasinovic, Sencu.	3.7
7. Blazevic, Litija	3.6
8. Jereb, Konjice	3.5
9. Pusic, Litija	3.4
10. Milovic, Splosna	3.4

Steals Per Game

Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Tomic, Rogaska	2.3
2. Jereb, Konjice	2.2
3. Bratina, Primor.	2.0
4. Lobe, Grosuplje	1.9
5. Misic, Grosuplje	1.9
6. Gavric, Primorac.	1.8
7. Ninic, Triglav Kra.	1.7
8. Pusic, Litija	1.7
9. Jotic, Rogaska	1.7
10. Milasinovic, Senc.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Jakhel, KD Postoj.	2.0
2. Trampus, Grosuplje	1.0
3. Husic, Kraski Zidar	1.0
4. Barovic, Primor.	1.0
5. Kosec, Sencur CP	1.0
6. Klepo, Radovljica	1.0
7. Lobe, Grosuplje	0.9
8. Hren, Litija	0.8
9. Buda, Kraski Zidar	0.8
10. Alispahic, Grosup.	0.7

1B Stats Leaders

1B Standings

1. Rogaska		25-2
2. Sencur CP		24-3
3. Kraski Zidar		20-7
4. Splosna plovba		18-9
5. Litija		16-11
6. Grosuplje		15-12
7. Radovljica		15-12
8. Hrastnik		14-13
9. KD Postojna		9-18
10. Primorac Branik		8-19
11. Nova Gorica		8-19
12. Medvode		6-21
13. Konjice		6-21
14. Triglav Kranj		5-22

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SOUTH KOREA

LG sakers completed their off-season moves. - by JungHwan Seo
Changwon LG Sakers had completed their rebuilding for the next season.

LG resigned with Kim Hyun-Joong (178-G-81) who was best free agent point guard in the market. LG made a 5 year contract with Kim. His total annual salary was 250 million won.

'I couldn't leave this team because of our big home crowd. I want to feel that again.' Kim said.

Kim Jin the new head coach of LG made a lot of off-season moves after he came back to KBL. LG got Seo Jang-Hoon (207-C-74) from ET land for Kang Dae-Hyup (188-G-77) and Lee Hyun-Min (176-G-83). They traded Cho Sang-Hyun (190-G/F-76) for Oh Yong-Jun (193-F-80). LG also got Baek In-Seon (194-C-80) and Yi Min Jae (189-G-87) for Han Jung-Won (198-C-84) and Lee Hyun-Jun (195-F-79).

'LG was too much depending on Greg Stevenson (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) at last season. Acquiring Seo will be good for Greg and Seo. We can get a balance both inside and outside.' Coach Kim explained.

'I'm very excited playing with some great players like Seo. The combination between Seo and Greg will be more powerful than Seo and Jarod did at last season.' Kim Hyun-Joong said.

From next season, each KBL teams can have only one import player. So getting Korean big man like Seo is very important to get a championship. Also every half Korean player like Sandrin Eric (206-F/C-78, college: Seattle Pacific), Akins Tony (180-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Georgia Tech), Greg Stevenson and Stevenson Jarod (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) have to leave their team after staying 3 seasons. So next season will be Greg's last chance to get a championship in LG.

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SWEDEN

Mbemba extends in LF - by Andreas Eriksson
LF Basket announced that Swedish National Team Point Guard Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) have extended his contract with the club for another season. The club also announced they will not offer Tyrone Levett or Johan kesson a new contract, Levett is rumoured to go to Jmtland and kessons name has been linked to 08 Stockholm, but nothing is signed and final.

Solna Vikings extended the contract of David Hult (204-C-89) for one more year.

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TANZANIA

Nation Lined to Compete in Bujumbura Military Games - by Eurobasket News
Arusha Bujumbura will host this year's edition of the East African Military Games and Culture Week from 14 to 28 August 2011, it was announced here yesterday.

Hundreds of servicemen and women representing various defence forces from the East African Community member states are expected to take part in the event for the first time ever.

There will be a variety of sporting disciplines that include: handball (men), football (men), netball (women), cross-country (men and women) and basketball (men).

According to the statement by the EAC secretariat, the partner states' ministers of defence, chiefs of defence forces and other distinguished guests are expected to attend.

The EAC defence sector will also be celebrating 10 years of cooperation, which will climax in November with the theme 'One People, One Destiny: Yet Another Decade for Deeper EAC Defence Cooperation.'

Courtesy of: The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

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TURKEY

TBL Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Galatasaray edge Banvit at home court - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Banvit 73-61

Galatasaray surged ahead in the series against Banvit following the home win. The game was mostly controlled by Galatasaray. Banvit managed to win second period 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American guard Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) who scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jerry Johnson (183-82, college: Rider, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Azerbaijan forward Charles Davis (202-84, college: Alabama) who recorded 13 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Keith Simmons (196-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Galatasaray: P.Shumpert 22+8reb+2ast, J.Johnson 16+5reb+3ast, T.Acik 8+1reb+5ast, L.Andric 7+3reb+1ast, C.Topaloglu 7+2reb+2ast, J.Shipp 4+3reb+2ast
Banvit: K.Simmons 16+3reb+1ast, C.Davis 13+8reb+2ast, M.Akpinar 11+3reb, B.Ermis 7+2reb+3ast, V.Golubovic 6+3reb, L.Williams 6+3reb

Aliaga Petkim land Branislav Ratkovica and Umit Sonkol - by Eurobasket News
Aliaga Petkim strengthened their roster. They added Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Umit Sonkol (206-F-82).
Branislav Ratkovica spent the last three seasons in Tuebingen. The 25-year-old guard averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game for Walter Tigers in Bundesliga last season. The Serbian player participated at German Bundesliga All-Star Game in 2011. Branislav Ratkovica played for Serbian U20 and U21 selections.
Umit Sonkol comes from Bornova Bld. The 28-year-old forward tallied 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per appearance in TBL. Last season Umit Sonkol played for Turk Telekom. The forward was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Most Improved Player of the Year in 2006.

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23

1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.	23.0
2. Kambala, Aliaga	20.2
3. Buckman, Antalya	19.6
4. Henderson, Antalya	19.1
5. Smith, Karsiyaka	18.8
6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.	18.7
7. Kemp, Besiktas	17.9
8. Randle, Aliaga	17.5
9. Barbour, Erdemir	17.2
10. Scales, Mersin	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Yucel, Mersin	11.3
2. Thomas, Erdemir	10.2
3. Wesson, Turk T.	9.2
4. Buckman, Antalya	9.0
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	9.0
6. Ffriend, Bornova	8.7
7. Samardjiski, Olin	8.5
8. Smith, Bornova	7.9
9. Smith, Karsiyaka	7.8
10. Guler, Antalya	7.6

Assists Per Game

Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Ermis, Banvit	6.3
2. Holston, Karsiyaka	6.0
3. Conroy, Oyak R.	5.9
4. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.3
5. Chatman, Besiktas	5.1
6. Henderson, Antalya	4.7
7. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
8. Acik, Galatasaray	4.5
9. Tunceri, Efes Pils.	4.3
10. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.3

Steals Per Game

David HOLSTON
  Karsiyaka
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.2
2. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.2
3. Grier, Mersin	2.2
4. Waller, Oyak Renau.	2.1
5. Prince, Antalya	1.9
6. Smith, Karsiyaka	1.9
7. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
8. Guler, Antalya	1.6
9. Rowe, Tofas	1.6
10. Chatman, Besiktas	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.8
2. Samardjiski, Olin	1.5
3. Francis, Bornova	1.3
4. Johnson, Erdemir	1.3
5. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.1
6. Mays, Oyak Renault	1.0
7. Ruzic, Tofas	0.9
8. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	0.9
9. Davis, Banvit	0.9
10. Simpsons, Turk T.	0.8

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UGANDA

Nkumba Marines Edge Ndejje Angels - by Eurobasket News
MOSES Muhumuza inspired Nkumba Marines to a 68-59 victory over Ndejje Angels in a highly contested national basketball league game in Kampala on Friday.

Muhumuza, who came off the bench, sunk 12 points, picked 4 rebounds and 4 assists to help the team secure its second win out of three matches in the men's division.

In the women's category, champions UCU Lady Canons outwitted the battling KIU Rangers 42-41.

USHER KOMUGISHA

FUBA LEAGUE

FRIDAY RESULTS

DIVISION ONE: MEN

Nkumba 68 Ndejje 59

WOMEN

KIU 41 UCU 42

TODAY

DIVISION ONE: MEN

Titans v Miracle

DIVISION TWO

UCU JV v St. Michael

DIVISION THREE

S. Youth v Kla U'sity

Emperors v Ssaku

WOMEN

Nabisunsa v MUK Sparks
Courtesy of: The New Vision

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

VENEZUELA

LPB Round 50: Gaiteros try to escape the last position defeating Guaros - by Eurobasket News
The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 4 rounds.

Bottom-ranked Gaiteros managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the seven-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time they won against ninth-ranked Guaros in Maracaibo 86-78. Gaiteros maintains tenth position with 6-35 record. Guaros lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 27 games lost. Gaiteros are again looking forward to face higher ranked Guaros (#9) in Barquisimeto in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Guaros will have a break next round.
LPB top team - Cocodrilos (31-9) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat seventh ranked Toros (15-26) in Maracay 92-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Toros. Cocodrilos maintains first position with 31-9 record. Toros at the other side keep the seventh place with 26 games lost. Cocodrilos will play against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Toros will have a break next round.

In the last game of round 50 Bucaneros lost to Trotamundos on the opponent's court 88-102.

Toros - Cocodrilos 76-92

LPB top team - Cocodrilos (31-9) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat seventh ranked Toros (15-26) in Maracay 92-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Toros. Cocodrilos maintains first position with 31-9 record. Toros at the other side keep the seventh place with 26 games lost. Cocodrilos will play against Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Toros will have a break next round.

Gaiteros - Guaros 86-78

Bottom-ranked Gaiteros managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the seven-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time they won against ninth-ranked Guaros in Maracaibo 86-78. Gaiteros maintains tenth position with 6-35 record. Guaros lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 27 games lost. Gaiteros are again looking forward to face higher ranked Guaros (#9) in Barquisimeto in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Guaros will have a break next round.

Trotamundos - Bucaneros 102-88

Rather expected game in Valencia where 5th ranked Bucaneros (22-20) were defeated by third ranked Trotamundos (30-11) 102-88. Trotamundos have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Marinos. Bucaneros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with 20 games lost. Trotamundos will play against league's leader Cocodrilos in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bucaneros will have a break next round.

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos		31-9
2. Marinos		30-11
3. Trotamundos		30-11
4. Gigantes		22-18
5. Bucaneros		22-20
6. Guaiqueries		21-20
7. Toros		15-26
8. Panteras		15-27
9. Guaros		12-27
10. Gaiteros		6-35

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WBA

WBA Exposure League Brings Pro Basketball Back to Upstate and Anderson, SC With the Upstate Heat! - by Eurobasket
Anderson, SC (May 29, 2011) A major storm is brewing in Anderson. However, unlike the traditionally bad weather, there is no need to fear this storm. Its the return of professional basketball to South Carolina with the Upstate Heat of the WBA. The first home game will be on June 10th at 7:30 pm. All home games will be held at Anderson Recreation center, the official home of the Upstate Heat.

The WBA Exposure League is a 7-team premiere basketball summer league headquartered in Atlanta, GA that runs from May through July. Elite players are often catapulted into further opportunities on NBA summer league teams and preseason training camps. Founded in 2003, the WBA offers transition from college to professional ball, while providing each community with an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. The league offers entertainment at home games from local radio personalities to entertainment from record labels. For more information, please visit www.wbaball.net. Leroy McMath, commissioner of the WBA Exposure League, said in anticipation of the upcoming season, We are looking forward to the new season of playing great basketball with our players representing the Upstate Heat!

The Heats inaugural season kicked off on May 20 with an impressive road win against the two-time reigning league champions Gwinnett Majic. The game was dominated by Michael Corpening, Trey Britton (former Anderson University star), and Titas Lucas, who scored 60 of 80 points in the win. Corpening finished with 21 points, Brittain at 19 points and Lucas at 10 points.

The following night, the Heat traveled down the road to Conyers, GA to take on the Conyers Court Kings who feature former Oklahoma University standout, Orlando Allen. Upstate never allowed Allen to become a factor in the game as they used their fast break to nullify the effectiveness of the big center and roll to a 111-91 victory. The night belonged rookie Jonah Baize, a recent Clemson University graduate. Baize put on a shooting clinic hit on 9 of his 11 shots, including 6-7 from the 3-point line, to lead all scorers with 24 points. Despite the Court Kings apparent advantage in the paint, Heat big man Trey Britton was the most effective big man in the game. Britton scored 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the win. Former NBDL veteran, Mic Garrett also contributed 17 points for the Heat in the win. Next up for the Heat will be a rematch with Conyers at their home opener on June 10th.

Courtesy of WBA

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Women News

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ALBANIA - Women

Estonia coast past Albania in Tirana - by Eurobasket News
Albania - Estonia 45:86

Estonia grabbed the fourth win in the European Championship in Division B Qualifying Round. They toppled Albania on the road to improve at 4-1 record in Group B. Albania in the meantime slipped at 0-5 record. Viive-Kai Rebane (182-F-89) knocked down 15 points and 12 rebounds for Estonia.
The lead changed hands throughout intense first quarter. The visitors eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. Estonia went on an 11:2 run midway through the second period to take a 39:27 advantage. The visitors posted a 41:30 halftime lead. Estonia stunned the hosts with a 19:0 rally at the start of the third quarter. Estonia earned an unassailable 70:32 advantage heading into the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the win. Merike Anderson (181-F-81, agency: LBM Management) produced 13 points, while Mirjam Nikolai (178-G-86) had 12 points in the victory. E Semanjaku replied with 16 points for Albania. Adelajda Aliaj (188-C-87) contributed 8 points in the losing effort.

Albania: E Semanjaku 16, Adelajda Aliaj 8
Estonia: Viive-Kai Rebane 15+12 boards, Merike Anderson 13, Mirjam Nikolai 12

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

QBL:Redemption sweet for Force - by Eurobasket News
REDEMPTION tasted extra sweet for the Ipswich Force mens team on Saturday night.

In front of a large crowd, who attended to herald the new naming rights sponsor of the stadium Cotton On Foundation, the Force shut down their opposition in the opening quarter.

At the end of the first 12 minutes, the Force led 20-12 and from there it became academic as they defeated the Mountaineers 95-78.

It was a vital win for coach Chris Clarksons troops who in round one became the first team to lose to the Mountaineers in two seasons.

The Force were led by sweet shooting power forward Brad Williamson who showed his class with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Williamson is a rare inside/outside player who can use his speed to drive past opponents bigger than him, and his size to back down a smaller player.

He can also shoot the three at an excellent percentage.

On Saturday night, Williamson had both a field goal and three point percentage of 50%, sinking 12 from 24 shot attempts.

Veteran Ryan Stolberg was also excellent. He has been the Forces best player this season and he continued his run of 20 point-plus efforts against a small Mountaineers team while adding 12 rebounds.

The Force is 2-2 this season.

Coach Clarkson said the difference between Saturday nights effort and their round one performance against the Mountaineers was attention to detail.

We did the small things right this time, Clarkson said.

It was a good win for us. One we needed.

We shut them down in the first quarter and restricted them to 12 points and from there they never got close to us.

Clarkson said his team was still taking too many one pass shots.

Last night they went in for us, which is what happens sometimes, but we need to take more time in our offence and find the best option instead of just shooting with a man in front of us, Clarkson said.

Clarkson praised the efforts of recruit Josh Black, a Logan junior, who has just returned from the American college system.

Black resembles a rugby league hooker and is admittedly 10 kilograms overweight after not playing the game for six weeks during his final exams for college.

Black had a poor shooting night on Saturday but did have 11 assists. Getting double figure in assists is very difficult in the QBL, Clarkson said.

He showed how well he can play and when he gets a bit more training in him, he will be even better for us.

Women fire

THE Ipswich Ipswich Force women also had another terrific win, easily accounting for the Mountaineers 71-56.

The women are 4-0 so far this season.

Emma Langford (188-F-89, college: Wyoming) was again outstanding as was captain Amber Bartels.

The Force mens and womens teams play the South West Metro at their newly-crowned Cotton On Foundation Stadium on Saturday night.

State of play
Mens state league results: Ipswich Force 95 (Brad Williamson 24 pts, 11 rbs; Ryan Stolberg 20 pts, 12 rbs; Tim Behrendorff 16 pts; 7 rbs) def Toowoomba Mountaineers 78 ( James Legan 26 pts; Rashad Chase 16 pts, 15 rbs) at Cotton On Foundation Stadium.

Womens state league results: Ipswich Force 71 (Emma Langford 24 pts, 14 rbs; Shannon Wellings 15 pts; Amber Bartels 10 pts) def Toowoomba Mountaineers 56 (Jennifer Chard 16 pts; Jodi Orchin pts) at Cotton On Foundation Stadium.
Courtesy of: The Queensland Times

SEABL Women 8 results - by Eurobasket News
FRIDAY 27th MAY

HOBART 59 (Donkin 19, Ross 10)

Lost to

KILSYTH 76 (Abby Bishop (189-C-88) 18, Moffatt 14, Kerr 14)

Hobart stayed with the Lady Cobras for the first half as both teams were tied 34-34 after 20mins of basketball. Eva Afeaki stepped up and produced all her 12pts in the second half to guide Kilsyth to their seventh consecutive win.

MVP Myra Donkin (Hobart)

SATURDAY 28th MAY

BRISBANE 57 (McMeeken-Ruscoe 16, Renae Camino (177-G-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 13)

Lost to

DANDENONG 73 (Cumming 19, Penaluna 16)

Dandenong produced a stunning display of team basketball in the second quarter to open the game up and establish a comfortable 14pt advantage. The Spartans fought hard to bridge the gap but the Rangers showed they have too many options on offence and held on to secure a comfortable win.

MVP Elyse Penaluna (Dandenong)

BALLARAT 62 (Ashley Stonehouse (184-F-92) 17, Kerr 13)

def

NUNAWADING 47 (Wilson 15, Kunek 14)

After a late start due to a power outage in the area, both teams started slowly with the lead changing 11 times throughout the first half. Ballarat lifted the intensity in the third quarter behind the inspirational play of Rinaldi and Ashley Stonehouse to grab a 7pt lead by the final break. The Rush didnt let up in the fourth as they continued to punish the Spectres and increased their lead, outscoring them 8 to win comfortably.

MVP Ashleigh Ashley Stonehouse (Ballarat)

BENDIGO 77 (Wilson 18, Gilmore 12)

def

GEELONG 54 (Alex Sheedy (182-G/F-92) 14, Morrissy 12)

Bendigos experience and bench depth showed throughout the game, as they comfortably won each quarter against the Supercats. Geelong was competitive in the game for the most part despite foul trouble to key players Williamson and Morrissy.

MVP Kelly Wilson (Bendigo)

KNOX 94 (Sarah Graham (163-G-89) 30, Denson 20)

Def

SANDRINGHAM 59 (Ardossi 16, Cocks 15)

The talent and experience in the Raiders line-up was too much for the winless Sabres outfit. Sandringhams defence simply had no answers to Knox duo Sarah Graham and Denson, who were unstoppable for the entire game.

MVP Sarah Sarah Graham (Knox)

LAUNCESTON 44 (Newley 18, Glaubitz 10)

Lost to

KILSYTH 57 (Abby Bishop 22, Afeaki 13)

The Lady Cobras led for the entire match as the Kilsyth twin towers of Afeaki and Abby Bishop dominated at both ends of the floor. The duo combined for 35pts, 26rebs, 3ass, 3stl and 3blks. Launceston couldnt get anything going on offence as the Lady Cobras held the entire Tornadoes team to only 8pts in the first term and only 7pts in the last.

MVP Abby Abby Bishop (Kilsyth)

SUNDAY 29th MAY

SANDRINGHAM 67 (Cocks 20, Ardossi 17)

Lost to

BALARAT 75 (Rinaldi 24, Ashley Stonehouse 13, Kerr 13)

Sandringham produced a good first and fourth quarter, but struggled in the mid section of the game as Ballarat continued their surge up the ladder. The Sabres outscored the Rush by 10pts in the final term, but was unable to bridge the 22 point gap the Rush had opened up in the third quarter.

MVP Kristy Rinaldi (Ballarat)
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au

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BELARUS - Women

Eurobasket.com All-Belarusian League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-League 1st Team 2010-11

Khomenchuk

Likhtarovich

Anufryienka

Queenan

Givens

Player of the Year: Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-C-89) of Gorizont
Guard of the Year: Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88) of Gorizont
Forward of the Year: Chrissy Givens (180-F-85) of Minsk-2006
Center of the Year: Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-C-89) of Gorizont
Bosman Player of the Year: Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-C-89) of Gorizont
Import Player of the Year: Chrissy Givens (180-F-85) of Minsk-2006
Domestic Player of the Year: Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88) of Gorizont
Coach of the Year: Anatoly Buyalskiy of Gorizont

1st Team
G/F: Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-88) of Gorizont
G: Natalia Anufryienka (174-85) of Gorizont
F: Brooke Queenan (188-84) of Minsk-2006
F: Chrissy Givens (180-85) of Minsk-2006
C: Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-89) of Gorizont

2nd Team
G: Volha Ziuzkova (171-83) of Sozh Gomel
F: Olga Kopylova (187-82) of Sozh Gomel
F: Natallia Kozun (188-88) of Olimpia
F: Tatyana Troina (188-81) of Gorizont
C: Maryia Filonchyk (189-92) of Olimpia

Honorable Mention
Yana Rannaveski (172-G-87) of Minsk-2006
Ala Murauskaya (185-F-85) of Berezina
Sviatlana Valko (175-G-89) of Gorizont
Viktoriya Hasper (193-C-88) of Gorizont
Alesia Lalovich (188-F-79) of Minsk-2006
Viktoryia Pantsiukh (185-F-87) of Minsk-2006
Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-C-81) of Sozh Gomel
Elena Legostaeva (188-F-86) of Sozh Gomel
Aliaksandra Musatava (172-G-92) of Victoria
Tatsiana Dashkevich (179-F/G-89) of Olimpia

All-Domestic Players Team
G/F: Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-88) of Gorizont
G: Natalia Anufryienka (174-85) of Gorizont
F: Olga Kopylova (187-82) of Sozh Gomel
F: Tatyana Troina (188-81) of Gorizont
C: Maryia Filonchyk (189-92) of Olimpia

All-Imports Team* includes also Bosman players
G: Yana Rannaveski (172-87) of Minsk-2006
F: Brooke Queenan (188-84) of Minsk-2006
F: Chrissy Givens (180-85) of Minsk-2006
C: Aleksandra Khomenchuk (203-89) of Gorizont
C: Lyubov Alyoshkina (202-81) of Sozh Gomel

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BOTSWANA - Women

Giants (Zim) win Troopers International Invitational - by Thomas Fink
The battle with Police Ladies (Basketball Botswana league champions) was criminal as the game had a contraversial end. An extra minute had to be played since there was a confusion regarding the length of play, but Legends were victorious by a basket. Then came the test of speed and strength against the newly formed Panthers who dragged the game into double over time. Excitement, rivary and all things we enjoy most about playing basketball came to light as Legends beat Panthers by a point.

Lakers tried to pulled the Legends down, thinking that the experiened team would fall as far as the others they faced at the tournament. With less than half the fitness level of their opponents and operating at only a quarter of their potential skill, Legends held on against the Lakers not allowing them the large margins they had become accustomed to. Legends (20) - Lakers (38)

It was David and Goliath when Legends faced the Giants. Brut strength verses agility as Legends lost valiantly to the tournament champions. We look forward to a rematch later on this year when the LEGENDS of Basketball take on the Zim GIANTS once more.

Legends (18) - Giants (35)

Other Results

Panthers and Police played bravely against the forces from Zimbabwe but their proved too overwhelming for our young stars.

Lakers (57) - Police Ladies (21)

Lakers (67) - Panthers (26)

Giants (46) - Panthers (21)

Congratulations to Giants for winning the ladies division of the Troopers 2nd Annual Invitational narrowly beating Lakers in the finals.

Giants (34) - Lakers (32)

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CANADA - Women

Spain hold off Canada - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Canada 66:59

Spain triumphed at international Ciudad de Segovia tournament. They overcame Canada on the final day of action. Lucila Pascua (195-C-83) stepped up with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort.
Canada silenced the Spanish fans in the opening minutes. The North American team outgunned the hosts 24:13 in the starting quarter. Spain stopped the rot and cut the deficit in the second term. They trailed by 5 points at the interval 34:39. Canada maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They entered the final frame up by 6 points but could not capitalize. Lucila Pascua and Alba Torrens (188-F-89) teamed up to lead the home team to a 7-point victory at the end. Alba Torrens knocked down 13 points, while Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) contributed 9 points in the victory. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) answered with 13 points for Canada. Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) provided 10 points in the losing effort.

Spain: Lucila Pascua 20+11 boards, Alba Torrens 13, Elisa Aguilar 9
Canada: Kimberley Smith 13, Chelsea Aubry 10

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ESTONIA - Women

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EUROCUP - Women

CSM Satu Mare will represent Romania in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
CSM Satu Mare will represent Romania in EuroCup as the team announced recently to the audience. Although the team finished second in the League, it will be them to battle in the European arena and the second most important tournament in Europe.
Meanwhile the winner of the League ICIM Arad announced that they will concentrate on the National League and CEBL. This year ICIM Arad clinched 2010/2011 trophy. The team overcame Satu Mare 61:57 in Game 4 to win the title.
CSM Satu Mare also announced keeping the Head Coach Dan Fleseriu for the next season. The Romanian Coach joined the team in 2008-2009 and made a huge improvement with the team. He was a Head Coach of the Romanian League All-Star Game -09, 10, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Coach of the Year -09, reached Romanian League Semifinals -09. Moreover Dan is the Head Coach of the Romanian U18 Women National Team -10, where at the European Championships U18 Division B for Women in Timisoara (Romania) he earned Gold with his team. He was Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Division B Best Coach -10, became Romanian Cup Finalist -11, Romanian League Regular Season Champion -11 and Romanian League Finalist -11.

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FRANCE - Women

Lattes Montpellier bring National player Edwige Lawson-Wade - by Eurobasket News
Lattes Montpellier bring National player Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) for the next season. The team also announced signing Kristen Mann (188-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: UCSB), Diandra Tchatchouang (190-F-91), Stephany Skrba (188-F-87, college: Michigan) and Mathilde Roche (F-92).
Edwige Lawson-Wade is a real French star to help the team in the upcoming season. Last season the player was in Spain for Ros Casares Valencia (Spain-LFB) and in Euroleague averaged 7.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 34.1%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 81.5%. In Spanish League after 30 games her stats read 7.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.7%.
Diandra Tchatchouang comes back from Maryland (NCAA) where she headed in 2009. In 34 games she averaged 11.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 43.9%. In her second season the French Forward had 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 50.5%.
This season Lattes Montpellier became the winner of 'Coupe de France 2011'. They outplayed Mondeville 54-63 to win this prestigious trophy.

Valery Demory named LFB Coach of the Year - by Eurobasket
Valery Demory (51 years old) has been named Coach of the Year 2011 in French League ! Former coach of Mourenx (2000-2007), Valry Demory is coach Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration Basket since then. He leds Montpellier in its first title ever this season (French Cup Winner 2011) and was the only one able to beat Bourges (twice!) in French League regular season. Montpellier will play next season in Euroleague.
Valry Demory was one of the most famous point guard of the French National Team (86 games) and, as a player, won two title in Pro A with Limoges and Pau-Orthez.

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HUNGARY - Women

Hungary edges Slovakia twice in Sopron - by Eurobasket News
Hungary edges Slovakia twice in Sopron in preparation for European Championship this summer. In Game 1 Hungary celebrated 71:62 win. Slovakia started with 20-14, but Hungary caught up with the opponents in the second period and grabbed 37:36 halftime advantage. The third period was decisive in the game as the hosts enjoyed 61:46 after thirty minutes. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Vajda added 14. Darina Misurova (163-PG-81) replied with 15 points in defeat, while Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) scored 14.
In Game 2 Hungary added 77:70 victory. The hosts went on a lead from the very beginning and reached 22-19 after the first frame. They kept 40:38 halftime deficit and then increased to 58:54 after three quarters. Kata Honti (175-G-87) paced all the winners with 18 points, while Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) and Zsofia Varga (182-F-89) posted 9 apiece.

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ISRAEL - Women

LIRON COHEN SIGNS WITH SCHIO FOR TWO YEARS!!! - by Gil Goshen

LIRON COHEN SIGNS A TWO YEARS CONTRACT WITH SCHIO
The Israeli national Captain Liron Cohen and FAMILA WUBER SCHIO, the Champion of the Italian league
And the Cup holder have reached a mutual decision to extend their contract for the next two seasons.
Liron and Schio had a great season together winning the champion and the cup in Italy.
We asked Liron what motivated her to continue playing for Schio , and she said: ' First I would like to thank our President, Management Members, Coaching Stuff , My teammates and our Fans for the last season achievements. Although I had more offers I knew in my heart that Schio is the best place for me and the last 'trigger' was an huge sign which was posted on my door by the fans saying:' Liron We love you do not leave us' , that moment was very crucial for my decision , and if We will add FAMILA WUBER SCHIO as an organization one of the best in Europe I would say that I am very happy and proud as well to play the next two seasons for Schio. We Will have to defend our champion and the cup and it is not going to be easy but We will do it and of course to play better in the Euroleague. I am ready for the new challenges !!!!!

Liron Cohen achievements:

Eurobasket.com Spanish LFB All-Imports Team -08
Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB 2nd Team -08
The M.V.P of the Spanish Cup 08
Eurobasket.com All-Europeans Point Guard of the Year -08
Eurobasket.com All-Europeans 2nd Team 2008
Eurobasket.com All-Europe Honorable Mention 2008
Eurobasket.com All-Europeans Honorable Mention 2009
Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -09
Polish SuperCup Winner -09
Euroleague Semifinals -10.
Euroleague All-Star Game -11
Italian Cup Winner -11
The M.V.P of the Italian Cup.
Italian All-Star game.
Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 2nd Team -11
Eurobasket.com Italian A1 All-Bosmans Team: -11
Italian A1 Regular Season Champion -11
Italian A1 Champion -11
Liron Cohen (173-G-82)

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ITALY - Women

Italy overcame Sweden in the first friendly clash - by Eurobasket News
Italy-Sweden 63:42

Italy overcame Sweden in the first friendly clash between two National teams. The Italian side trailed in the beginning of the game but won 63:42 due to the second half.
The start of the game was not sweet for the hosts that allowed the opponents to go on a lead. The Scandinavian squad enjoyed 11-8 deficit as the teams finished the first 10 minutes. Italy managed to tie the score at 20:20 as both squads continued the defensive style in the court. The second half however belonged to the home side. Italy grabbed 35:29 after thirty minutes of the game and then increased the win due to the last frame.
Simona Ballardini (181-F-81) stepped up with 20 points for the winners, while Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) nailed 11. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) and Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.) followed them with 9 points each. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) replied with 14 points for Sweden, whilst Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Elin Eldebrink scored 11 apiece.

Italy: Simona Ballardini 20, Giorgia Sottana 11, Chiara Consolini 9, Kathrin Ress 9
Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 14, Louice Halvarsson 11, Elin Eldebrink 11

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Switzerland stay unbeaten in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg - Switzerland 65:71

Switzerland recorded the fifth straight win in the European Championship Division B. They remained on top of the ladder in Group B. Luxembourg in the meantime slipped at 1-4 record. Caroline Turin (173-F-87) stepped up with 22 points to pace the Swiss team.
Luxembourg dictated the tempo in the starting quarter. The hosts ensured an 18:12 lead late in the period. Luxembourg remained in charge throughout the second term. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86) and Jill Bausch (176-G-87) ensured a 33:26 advantage for the home team at the interval. Jill Bausch, Nadia Mossong and Hetto gave Luxembourg a 42:28 lead early in the third term. The hosts entered the final period up by comfortable 14 points 56:42. Switzerland went on a 13:0 run at the beginning of the fourth period to narrow the margin at just one point. Caroline Turin and Kassongo soon put the visitors up by four points 63:59. Nadia Mossong drew things level at 65 with 38 seconds remaining. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87), Caroline Turin and Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) nailed six free throws late in the final seconds to seal the winning outcome for Switzerland.
Marielle Giroud produced 18 points and 18 boards, while Alexia Rol (170-G-82) and Karen Twehues had 10 points apiece in the victory. Nadia Mossong replied with 18 points for Luxembourg. Jill Bausch had 16 points in the losing case.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 18, Jill Bausch 16
Switzerland: Caroline Turin 22, Marielle Giroud 18+18 boards, Alexia Rol 10, Karen Twehues 10

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PORTUGAL - Women

Montijo Basket Band were crowned champions of the National Women's Division I - by Hugo Carvalho
Montijo Basket Band were crowned champions of the National Women's Division I
In his first season in this competition and after a very successful regular phase (21 W - 1 L) Montijo Basket Banda yesterday managed to ensure the title of National Champion of Women's Division I by winning Game 4 Play-off final by 43 - 58.
The current national champions, which on weekend had left the previous EMA Menres tie the tie (1-1) entered with all the vigor and personality and showed why they were the best team in the league scoring two consecutive wins and thus closing end without the need for a fifth game.
In the game of Saturday's team EMA Menres accused the absence of some important players but remained in the struggle for results throughout the first part going into the break only to lose by 5 points. However, in the second half, the players made use of Montijo experience will eventually be able to finish the game with a victory a little more expressive (38-64).
In Sunday's game, an EMA Menres already full and needing a win to keep alive the possibility of winning the championship game came in the strong range and the result was 25-27, in favor of Montijo.
Once again the away team, led by coach Carlos Caetano, entered in the second part better able to increase that advantage to 12 points during the third period, this advantage that was later intelligently managing the end of the game. Highlight this last game for three players of MBB who underwent a double-double, including Urysla Cotton (16 points and 18 rebounds), Marcia Costa (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Leticia Andre (11 points and 10 rebounds).

Source: Carlos Caetano
By Hugo Carvalho

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ROMANIA - Women

Romanian Women National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Stoenescu

Meszaros

Marginean

Pascalau

Ciocan

Ancuta Stoenescu

171-G-80

Timisoara

Andreea Orosz

179-G-86

Satu Mare

Alexandra Uiuiu

180-F-89

Alba Iulia Romania

Annemarie Parau

175-G-84

Sf.Gheorghe Romania

Anita Meszaros

190-C-88

ICIM Arad

Elisabeth Pavel

192-C-90

Napoli

Florina Diaconu

176-G-82

Rapid

Gabriela Marginean

185-F-87

Panathinaikos Greece

Florina Pascalau

193-C-82

Priolo

Claudia Pop

186-F-89

Satu Mare

Andreea Hutanu

188-C-88

Sf.Gheorghe Romania

Cristina Ciocan

183-G-82

ICIM Arad

Stacey Nolan

Head Coach

Targu Mures Romania

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RUSSIA - Women

Yelena Leuchanka will join UMMC - by Eurobasket News
Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) seems to be heading to Ekaterinburg next season. The 28-year-old centre played for UMMC back in 2008/09 season. Last season the Belarusian player started in Gorzow in Poland. Her stats read 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in PLKK. In Euroleague her stats read 15.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. In January Yelena Leuchanka moved to Wisla Krakow. There Yelena Leuchanka notched 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in PLKK. In Euroleague her stats came up to 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. Yelena Leuchanka was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Bosman Player of the Year in 2011. The centre played for Belarus at 2010 World Championships. Her stats read 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in Czech Republic.

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SLOVAKIA - Women

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SLOVENIA - Women

Celje lands Oblak and Trebec - by Zeljko Zule
Celje reached an agreement with national team members Teja Oblak (171-G-90) and Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90). Both players arrives from the champion of Slovenian league, Kranjska Gora.
Oblak averaged 20.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.0 steals in 29 Slovenian League games. She led Kranjska Gora to its best season in club history, reaching the Slovenian Championship and Cup titles. Oblak was named Eurobasket.com Slovenian League Player of the year 2011.
Trebec averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.6 blocks in 27 Slovenian League games. She has also played for Jezica and Sezana.

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SPAIN - Women

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SWEDEN - Women

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SWITZERLAND - Women

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UKRAINE - Women

Vukovic number one in Ukraine for round 18 - by Eurobasket News
Serbian center Dragana Vukovic (190-C-78) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Yuzhna Palmira, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, while her team edged out Frankivsk (#5, 9-7) 81-78. Yuzhna Palmira maintains the 8th position in Ukrainian UPBL. Yuzhna Palmira is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-10 record. Vukovic just recently signed at Yuzhna Palmira, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Dragana Vukovic has solid league stats. She is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 9.8rpg).

The second best player in last round's games was 22-year old international forward Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) of league's second-best Kozachka. Kisilova had a very good evening with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Of course she lead Kozachka to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Donbas (#9, 5-12) 83-46. Kozachka's second position in the standings has not changed. Her team lost just three games this season, while they won 14 matches. Kisilova is a newcomer at Kozachka, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Kozachka's star - former international forward Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management). Zherzherunova scored 20 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). She was another key player of Kozachka, helping her team with a 83-46 easy win against the lower-ranked Donbas (#9, 5-12). Kozachka is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 14-3 record is not that bad... Zherzherunova has a very solid season. In 9 games in Ukraine she scored 14.3ppg. She also has 9.7rpg and 1.1bpg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) of Orlan - 29 points and 8 rebounds
5. Larisa Yaburova (190-F/C-89) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 14 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Taisiia Bovykina (190-C-89) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 21 points and 18 rebounds
7. Oksana Horoshavina (186-F-85) of Frankivsk - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Viktoriya Suzyk (182-F-88) of Frankivsk - 20 points and 4 rebounds
9. Nataliya Didanova (188-C-86) of Orlan - 16 points and 9 rebounds
10. Alisa Siromatnikova (165-G-87) of Yuzhna Palmira - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Elena STASCHUK
  Orlan
  (192-C-85)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Staschuk, Orlan	22.7
2. Iagupova, Dnipr.	20.3
3. Ragin, Dynamo	19.1
4. Williams, Dnipr.	17.9
5. Rastorgueva, Donb.	17.6
6. Yakunina, Lugans.	17.4
7. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	17.1
8. Markotenko, Frank.	16.4
9. Grishina, Lugans.	16.2
10. Rimarenko, Dynamo	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Elena STASCHUK
  Orlan
  (192-C-85)
  Avg: 13

1. Staschuk, Orlan	13.0
2. Alyoshkina, Orlan	10.5
3. Ragin, Dynamo	10.0
4. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.	9.8
5. Zherzherunov., Koz.	9.7
6. Rimarenko, Dynamo	9.5
7. Zarytska, Kozachka	9.3
8. Yaburova, Dnipr.	9.3
9. Yakunina, Lugans.	9.0
10. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	8.5

Assists Per Game

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

1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	6.0
2. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	5.1
3. Williams, Dnipr.	4.7
4. Iagupova, Dnipr.	4.6
5. Dubrovina, Kozach.	4.6
6. Dubas, Frankivsk	4.3
7. Lapshynova, Polite.	3.9
8. Pokoiova, Kozachka	3.7
9. Kashlei, Orlan	3.6
10. Shapochkina, Yuz.	3.6

Steals Per Game

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

1. Dubrovina, Kozach.	3.9
2. Markotenko, Frank.	3.4
3. Iagupova, Dnipr.	3.3
4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	3.1
5. Williams, Dnipr.	3.0
6. Dubas, Frankivsk	2.7
7. Panchenk-S., Koza.	2.3
8. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	2.1
9. Polyanychka, Frank.	2.1
10. Lubarskaya, Dyna.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	3.0
2. Zhyrakova, Polite.	1.9
3. Shablynska, Polite.	1.9
4. Bovykina, Dnipr.	1.7
5. Yaburova, Dnipr.	1.7
6. Staschuk, Orlan	1.7
7. Zherzherunov., Koz.	1.1
8. Kisilova, Kozachka	1.1
9. Yakunina, Lugans.	1.0
10. Maznichenko, Tim-.	0.9

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

Atlanta Dream cruise past British national team - by Eurobasket News
MANCHESTER, England (AP) Coco Miller (5'9''-G-78, college: Georgia) scored 21 points to lead the Atlanta Dream to an 82-51 victory over Britain's national team in an exhibition game Sunday, the first time an WNBA team has played in Europe.

Kimberly Butler (6'1''-F-82, college: Oregon St.) scored 12 points for Britain at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

The first WNBA game played outside the U.S. was in 2004, when the Detroit Shock and San Antonio Silver Stars played a preseason game in Monterrey, Mexico.

Britain's team has 2010 Connecticut Sun draft pick Johannah Leedham on its roster, but she missed the game with an injury.

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

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WNBA - Women

Shock draft pick gets first-game jitters - by Eurobasket News
SEATTLE - The Seattle Storm and a bundle of nerves got the best of Tulsa Shock first-round draft pick Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91) on Sunday afternoon.

Cambage admitted to getting sick early in the Shock's 76-70 exhibition loss to the Storm.

'I was so nervous,' Cambage said. 'The first quarter, I was so sick and had to run back and get it all out of my system. But even getting off the plane yesterday, I was just so nervous going into (practice).

'Sometimes my emotions get the best of me, but all of the girls are supporting me so much and all I can do is improve and get meaner on the court.'

Cambage, a 6-8 center and second overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft, made her debut Sunday. She finished with 10 points (eight points came from the free-throw line) and eight rebounds.

' (Elizabeth) Cambage was so nervous. Matter of fact, I think she threw up,' Shock coach Nolan Richardson said. 'This was her first pro game in the United States and she was going against one of her fellow Australians in Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81), the MVP you know ... there were a lot of things. I thought she did settle down and became a force around the basket. They weren't getting anything easy anymore and she was able to control the boards when she was in that area.'

Seattle, the defending WNBA champions, scored the game's first 10 points and led the Shock 45-25 at intermission.

'When we came out in the third quarter, we really started playing like we had been practicing,' Richardson said. 'We must have won the third quarter and the fourth quarter. That's what I was telling them. (Seattle) won the first two, but we won the third and the fourth. So what we're doing, we've got a chance to be pretty good if we can just keep everybody on the same page.'

Original Print Headline: 'Nervous' Cambage scores 10 points in debut
Courtesy of: http://www.tulsaworld.com

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ZIMBABWE - Women

Giants (Zim) win Troopers International Invitational - by Thomas Fink
The battle with Police Ladies (Basketball Botswana league champions) was criminal as the game had a contraversial end. An extra minute had to be played since there was a confusion regarding the length of play, but Legends were victorious by a basket. Then came the test of speed and strength against the newly formed Panthers who dragged the game into double over time. Excitement, rivary and all things we enjoy most about playing basketball came to light as Legends beat Panthers by a point.

Lakers tried to pulled the Legends down, thinking that the experiened team would fall as far as the others they faced at the tournament. With less than half the fitness level of their opponents and operating at only a quarter of their potential skill, Legends held on against the Lakers not allowing them the large margins they had become accustomed to. Legends (20) - Lakers (38)

It was David and Goliath when Legends faced the Giants. Brut strength verses agility as Legends lost valiantly to the tournament champions. We look forward to a rematch later on this year whenr the LEGENDS of Basketball take on the Zim GIANTS once more.

Legends (18) - Giants (35)

Other Results

Panthers and Police played bravely against the forces from Zimbabwe but their proved too overwhelming for our young stars.

Lakers (57) - Police Ladies (21)

Lakers (67) - Panthers (26)

Giants (46) - Panthers (21)

Congratulations to Giants for winning the ladies division of the Troopers 2nd Annual Invitational narrowly beating Lakers in the finals.

Giants (34) - Lakers (32)