EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/12/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Cedevita signs 2-year deal with Marko Car - by Eurobasket News
Marko Car (188-G/F-85) is a new member of Cedevita. The 25-year-old guard signed a 2-season deal with the Croatian league runner-up. Car arrives to Cedevita from Zadar, where he spent last two and a half seasons. He had 16.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2 spg for them in 26 Adriatic league games. In EuroChallenge, Car added 13.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.7 apg for 12 appearances. Marko Car was the best scorer of Croatian league with 21.7 ppg. He also was the second assistant with 5.4 apg and third in steals with 1.9 spg. Car was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Guard of the Year -11.
Before Zadar, Marko Car played for Cypriot Etha and Greek Egaleo. He also was a member of Split and Sanac Karlovac in the past.

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


Diego Gerbaudo joins Club 9, Maximiliano Maciel to San Martin - by Eurobasket News
Diego Gerbaudo (182-G-89) will join Club 9. The 21-year-old guard spent the previous season in Atenas. Diego Gerbaudo averaged 6.0 points, 1.6 assists and 1.5 rebounds per appearance. Previously the guard had stints with La Union, Quimsa, Real Madrid II, Regatas San Nicolas and Gimnasia y Esgrima. Diego Gerbaudo played for Argentina at U19 World Championship in Serbia in 2007.
In the meantime San Martin Corrientes landed Maximiliano Maciel (198-F-83). The 27-year-old forward played for Gimnasia Esgrima Comodoro Rivadavia in the previous season. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 assists per appearance. Maximiliano Maciel also had spells for Regatas Corrientes, Quilmes, Deportivo Pedro Madryn, Boca Juniors. Maximiliano Maciel played for U16 and U20 Argentinean National Teams.


Quilmes tab Mac Hopson for next season - by Eurobasket News
Quilmes have agreed on terms of contract with Mac Hopson (188-G-87, college: Idaho). The 23-year-old guard is returning to Quilmes where he played late in the previous season. Mac Hopson joined Quilmes in March and averaged 21.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The guard started the previous season in Japan. Mac Hopson tallied 21.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Sendai 89ers. He was named into Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League 2nd Team. In 2010 Mac Hopson played for the Portland Showtime in NABL. He was eventually trumped NABL MVP of the Year.
In the meantime Quilmes also ensured the services of Esteban Lopez (185-G-84) and Nicolas Ferreyra (185-G-85) for the next season. Nicolas Ferreyra posted 16.1 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game in TNA. Esteban Lopez notched 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance.


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


Braswell's Breakers career in doubt - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Braswell's (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) New Zealand Breakers' career could be over, with the American combo guard set to be sidelined for three to six months.

Braswell ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left foot in the opening minute of the Southland Sharks' National Basketball League game against Taranaki at the ILT Velodrome on Saturday night.

He met with Sharks doctor and Southland Hospital orthopaedic surgeon Greg Kassel yesterday and hopes to have surgery in Invercargill or Auckland within the next week.

Braswell said he wanted to have the operation as soon as possible, so he could begin his recovery and rehabilitation process and start his long road to getting back on the court.

Braswell played a leading role off the bench for the Australian NBL champion Breakers this season and was named the league's best sixth man. Their new season tips off in October, which would be touch and go for Braswell, and the Breakers may opt to move in a new direction.

The Breakers have two American spots free for next season and are waiting to see whether star Tall Black superstar Kirk Penney exercises the 'out clause' in his contract and whether a possible NBA lockout happens, which would lead to a raft of fringe American players on the market.

Braswell said he had yet to speak to Breakers' coach Andrej Lemanis or general manager Richard Clarke following his injury and said if he was not brought back he would explore other basketball opportunities.

The Baltimore native remained in a positive state of mind following his setback and said his immediate focus was to get back to being healthy again.

Braswell's basketball career has taken the 32-year-old all over the globe and he confessed that he had never suffered a major injury until Saturday night. He also admitted he was not a big stretcher before a game, but had actually stretched his Achilles in the warmups. Suffering the injury surprised him even more.

'I don't stretch a lot. The first time I've stretched my Achilles was for that game. All I did was a jump shot. It's crazy. I came down and it felt weird. I tried to walk and I couldn't do it.'

In his six games with the Sharks, he had disappointing numbers of 10.7 points a game on 29 per cent shooting from the floor, but felt like he was coming into some form when the injury struck.

'Playing-wise, I felt like last week at practice. I was getting my rhythm. My body was starting to feel better, then the injury happened in the next game.'

Braswell said he had enjoyed his time in Southland and was optimistic about the team's potential during the rest of the season.

'This is a basketball town. The fans really love it. I really liked it down here. The organisation has been great.'

Sharks coach Richard Dickel said they were still trying to organise a replacement American import for Braswell and hoped to have someone confirmed by today.

Courtesy of http://tvnz.co.nz

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


Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse
Dexia Mons-Hainaut and head-coach Arik Shivek have extended their cooperation with another year which will be his 3rd with the Belgian team. This season he led Mons-Hainaut to the Belgian cup and made it all the way to the playoff finals before being eliminated by Aalstar in 3 games.
This summer Arik is coaching the Israeli National team in the European Championships where they are in the same group as France and Germany.

Okapi Aalstar has announced that Pablo Gonzales (193-G-78), Damon Huffman (185-G-85), Stanley Burrell (190-G-84)l, Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86) and Tyren Johnson (202-F-88) will not be on next season's roster.
They also said news on the new players should come soon.

CAI Zaragoza keeps Sam Van Rossom until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of a 2-year contract extension with Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86). It means that the Belgian guard will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. Van Rossom appeared in all 34 games in ACB this season averaging 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His season-high was 19 points against Meridiano Alicante.
Sam Van Rossom joined Zaragoza last summer from Scavolini. He played 23 games for the Pesaro team in SerieA registering 8.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.9 apg. In EuroChallenge, he added 6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.8 apg for 12 games. Season 2008/09, Van Rossom also spent with Scavolini, but as a loaned player from AJ Milano. From 2005 to 2008, he played for Oostende in Belgium. In 2007 and 2009, Van Rossom was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Domestic Player of the Year. He won two championship titles and one National Cup with Oostende. Van Rossom is active member of the Belgian National Team.

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  BOSNIA   


U20 NT Candidates List Announced - by Sead Buljina
Bosnian U20 National team coaching staff announced today a list of 24 candidates for European Championship in July. Several excellent players were left out from the list. We have evaluated over 180 candidates. Some players have basically excluded themselves from the U20 National team due to their lack of commitment to the NT, says assistant coach Sabahudin Basovic who was hand-picked for the job by the head coach Radomir Kisic. The candidates list: Loncar Srdan (Borac, Banja Luka), Ivic Ranko (Borac, Banja Luka), Rikalo Marko (Leotar, Trebinje),Begagic Dino (Celik, Zenica),Gajic Nikola (USA), Vrabac Adin (Spars Sarajevo), Bulic Mirza (Sloboda,Tuzla),Crnogorac Aleksandar (Leotar, Trebinje), Merdanovic Eldar (Celik ,Zenica), Halilovic Miralem (Zagreb,Zagreb), Buza Nermin (Bosna, Sarajevo), Markovic Miljan (Helios,Slovenia),Dizdarevic Rasim (Spain),Lukic Mladen (Tubingen, Germany),Mujic Ernad (Bosna, Sarajevo), Sladoje Nemanja (Sutjeska, Foca),Hurtic Dzenan (France), Sefic Ismet (Turkey), Bodiroga Goran (Zrinjski, Mostar), Maksimovic Nebojsa (Celik, Zenica), Vukovic Obrad (Leotar, Trebinje), Kovacevic Mirko (Leotar, Trebinje), Petrovic Filip (Zrinjski, Mostar), Glogovac Stefan (Spars Sarajevo), Leko Ante (Posusje) and Karic Muamer (Magic, Tuzla).We already have a short list of 16 players, but will give some players additional couple of days to prove themselves prior to final cut, added Basovic. U20 European Championship, Division B, will be played from July 14 July 24 in Sarajevo. Our team is in group C with Belgium, Belarus, Island and Israel.

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  BRAZIL   


Brazil U19 team won over Latvia U19 in the friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U19-Brazil U19 61:68

Brazil U19 team won over Latvia U19 in the friendly game. The Latin American team needed 22-9 in the last period to seal the victory.
Brazil took 18-16 in the first period and improved to two more points at the halftime. The winners added 16-14 for 34:30 halftime advantage. The third quarter however belonged to the Latvian side that grabbed the lead after 22-12 in the third. Brazil however bounced back with 22-9 in the last stanza to seal the win.
Bruno Irigoyen (190-G/F-92) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Felicio Cristiano (206-C-93) netted 10. Durval Cunha (199-F-92) and Erick Camilo (203-F-92) delivered 7 points each in a win. Marcis Vitols replied with 13 points in the losing case and Karlis Apsitis (198-F-92) as well as Arturs Bremers (187-G-92) scored 12 apiece. Janis Timma (198-F-92) delivered 11 points for the Baltic Side.

Latvia U19: Marcis Vitols 13, Karlis Apsitis 12, Arturs Bremers 12, Janis Timma 11
Brazil U19: Bruno Irigoyen 13, Felicio Cristiano 10, Durval Cunha 7, Erick Camilo 7


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


Nash lifts Energy to IBL victory - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Nash (196-G/F-80, college: Charlotte) scored 27 points and added six rebounds and six assists to lead the Edmonton Energy to a 119-97 victory over the West Coast Hotshots at the University of Alberta Main Gym on Friday night.

The Energy (8-4) opened up a 16-6 lead in the International Basketball League game, but Hotshots sharpshooter Joe Posey (196-G-85, college: JMU) responded with two quick three-pointers to make it 16-12. The half closed with Edmonton leading 53-45 lead.

The hosts held a 32-point lead midway through the fourth period before coasting to a victory.

The teams meet again Saturday night (7: 30 p.m.) at the U of A Main Gym.

Courtesy of www.canada.com

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


Cary Beats Fayetteville, Locks Playoff Spot - by Eurobasket News
The Cary Invasion beat the Fayetteville Crossover by a score of 112 - 99 at a crowded Young Center on Friday night. The Invasion (9 - 0) started slowly, falling behind by as many as 13 points in the first quarter but then came back to tie the game at the half. The Invasion took control of the game late in the third quarter, building a lead of 9 points heading into the fourth and never trailing through the remainder of the game.

Former NCCU standout Jonathan Moore (6'8''-F/G-82, college: N.C.Central) led all scorers with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Former Clemson guard Chris Poole (5'9''-G) scored 16 points and had 12 assists for the Invasion. Six players scored in double figures for Cary. Cary plays next at Fayetteville on Tuesday, June 14th at 8 pm.

This was the last regular season home game for the Invasion. The win secures Cary a playoff spot in the CBL North. One win in the final three games, all played on the road, assures a home divisional playoff game for Cary. Two wins in the final three games assures home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

*****************************************************
  CHINA   


China open East Asia Championship with victory - by Eurobasket News
China - Hong Kong 104:43

China recorded their first win at the East Asia Championship in Nanjing. They prevailed against Hong Kong for 1-0 record in preliminary Group A. China will take on South Korea tomorrow for the top spot in the pool. Hong Kong in the meantime suffered the second straight defeat and got eliminated. Peng Duo (192-G/F-90) produced 22 points to lead the hosts.
China dominated every facet of the game. They outscored Hong Kong 28:5 in the first frame. The home team continued to mount their lead in the second term. China recorded a 49:16 halftime advantage. Hong Kong had little to hope for after the long break. China easily passed 100-mark and rallied to a more than comfortable win at the end. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) dropped 18 points, while Yu Shulong (185-G-90) contributed 17 points in the winning effort.


China Blasts Hong Kong 104-43 in East Asia Championship - by Arthur Volbert
Using only 9 players, with Zhu Fangyu, Sun Yue and Zhang Bo serving FIBA suspensions, China thrashed Hong Kong 104-43 in the East Asia Championship. China and South Korea have 1-0 records in Group A and will meet tomorrow. Overmatched Hong Kong has an 0-2 record.

Meng Duo (192-G/F-90) led China with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Yi Li had 18 points and 6 assists. Yu Shulong scored 17, hitting 5 of 7 three-pointers. Su Wei had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. 7-3 Zhang Zhaoxu had 10 points and 17 rebounds against vertically-challenged Hong Kong. Dong Hanlin had 7 points and 8 rebounds. Han Shuo had 8 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Mo Ke had 3 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

But we won't truly know how good these players are until they face South Korea tomorrow.


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  CROATIA   


Cedevita signs 2-year deal with Marko Car - by Eurobasket News
Marko Car (188-G/F-85) is a new member of Cedevita. The 25-year-old guard signed a 2-season deal with the Croatian league runner-up. Car arrives to Cedevita from Zadar, where he spent last two and a half seasons. He had 16.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2 spg for them in 26 Adriatic league games. In EuroChallenge, Car added 13.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.7 apg for 12 appearances. Marko Car was the best scorer of Croatian league with 21.7 ppg. He also was the second assistant with 5.4 apg and third in steals with 1.9 spg. Car was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Guard of the Year -11.
Before Zadar, Marko Car played for Cypriot Etha and Greek Egaleo. He also was a member of Split and Sanac Karlovac in the past.

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  DENMARK   


Bakken Bears land Henrik Falsvig - by Eurobasket News
The Ligaen defending champions Bakken Bears added a talented forward to the roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Henrik Falsvig (192-G/F-89). The 21-year-old player spent the last season with Aalborg. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Henrik Falsvig participated at Danish League All-Star Game. Previously Henrik Falsvig played for Amager. The forward played for Danish U18 selection at the 2007 European Championship in Bulgaria.


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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Jussi Eskola changes scenery - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish G Jussi Eskola (189-G-87), will transfer from KTP (Kotka) to Karhu (Kauhajoki) roster for coming 2011-12 season. Eskola averaged last season 4,6 ppg - 1,7 rpg in 18:45 mpg and 46 contests. Kauhajoki will be Eskola's fifth team in Finland in seven years. Pyry Rainamaa (194-G-90), is leaving Torpan Pojat and Helsinki, when moving to Korihait (Uusikaupunki) for 2011-12 season. Rainamaa averaged passed season 2,9 ppg - 0,9 rpg in 6:33 mpg and 14 games. In Division 1. American G-F Justice Graham (195-G-79, college: Glenville St.) will return back to Aanekoski. Graham will be Huima's new player-coach. Graham came to Finland (Salo) for season 2006-07 and was part of Huima's roster already 2008-09. Graham has played mostly in the second highest level when in Finland.

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  FRANCE   


Germany U16 and France U16 finish the friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News
Germany U16 selection overcame France U16 in the second game between each other 79:63. The hosts started with 25-13 and added 20-12 in the second frame. France responded with 20-14 in the third period, but the hosts won the last period 20-18.
Ismet Akpinar (184-G-95) erupted with 20 points, while Gavin Schilling (205-C-95) netted 17. Maximilian Ugrai (195-F-95) posted 11 and Dino Dizdarevic posted 9.
In the third game the French young team won 58:55. The winners opened the game with 18-12, but Germany bounced back with 18-16 in the second frame. Moreover Germany took the lead after thirty minutes as they produced 13-6 in the defensive third period. France needed 18-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory. David Taylor (186-G-95) top-scored for the German team with 14 points and Ismet Akpinar scored 12.


ProB: Nanterre is the champion - by Eurobasket News
ProB, Final: Nanterre - Dijon 73-60

Nanterre is the ProB champion for season 2010/11. They outplayed Dijon 73-60 in the Big Final, which ended just few minutes ago. Both teams will compete in ProA next season.
The game without a history. JSF Nanterre led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. JSF Nanterre had a 30-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward William Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. His fellow American import power forward Nate Carter (199-83, college: Oklahoma) contributed with 22 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. American power forward Erroyl Bing (198-82, college: E.Carolina) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and guard David Melody (184-77) added 7 points and 6 assists in the effort for JDA Dijon.
Nanterre also was the regular season champion with 24-10 record. They eliminated Le Portel in the Quarterfinals (2-1) and edged Fos Ouest at the next stage (2-1).

Top scorers:
Nanterre: N.Carter 22+5reb+2ast, W.Daniels 15+9reb+6ast, J.Passave-Ducteil 9+7reb+2ast, L.Akono 9+2reb+1ast, M.Riley 8+5reb+1ast, G.Pons 4+3reb+7ast
Dijon: E.Bing 12+12reb+2ast, E.Craven 11+1reb+3ast, J.Leloup 7+2reb+1ast, D.Melody 7+2reb+6ast, S.Dia 7+3reb, J.Tornato 6

Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Rick HUGHES
  Hyeres-T.
  (204-C/F-73)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Hughes, Hyeres-T.19.2 
 2. Jefferson, AS.18.5 
 3. Nichols, Vichy18.2 
 4. Mejia, Cholet18.0 
 5. Darden, Nancy17.0 
 6. Massie, Limoges16.9 
 7. Mensah-Bonsu, AS.16.5 
 8. Shuler, Vichy16.0 
 9. Hamilton, Paris-.15.6 
 10. Schilb, Chalon14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pops MENSAH-BONSU
  AS.
  (206-F-83)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Mensah-Bonsu, AS.9.3 
 2. Massie, Limoges9.2 
 3. Krupalija, Hyeres.8.9 
 4. Akingbala, Nancy8.2 
 5. Jones, Le Havre7.7 
 6. Hughes, Hyeres-T.7.7 
 7. Koffi, Le Mans7.6 
 8. Issa, Gravelines7.6 
 9. Sene, Gravelines7.4 
 10. Jefferson, AS.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Reid, Vichy6.3 
 2. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.9 
 3. Taylor, Limoges5.8 
 4. Woodside, Gravelin.5.7 
 5. King, Le Havre5.4 
 6. Wright, Limoges5.3 
 7. Linehan, Nancy5.2 
 8. Walsh, AS.4.9 
 9. Sciarra, Pau-La.4.7 
 10. Diabate, Roanne4.7 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3
 1. Linehan, Nancy3.0 
 2. Diot, Le Mans2.1 
 3. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.2.0 
 4. Walsh, AS.2.0 
 5. Darden, Nancy1.9 
 6. Elegar, Vichy1.8 
 7. Diabate, Roanne1.8 
 8. Schilb, Chalon1.7 
 9. Greer, Strasbourg1.7 
 10. Dewar, Le Mans1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Grave.
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Akpomedah, Grave.2.1 
 2. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.5 
 3. Falker, Cholet1.5 
 4. Jefferson, AS.1.4 
 5. Sene, Gravelines1.3 
 6. Akingbala, Nancy1.3 
 7. Koffi, Le Mans1.2 
 8. Issa, Gravelines1.2 
 9. Elegar, Vichy1.0 
 10. Pasco, Strasbourg1.0 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Sonko, Maurienne19.1 
 2. Siggers, Rouen18.9 
 3. Harris, Lille18.4 
 4. Rouse, Charleville16.8 
 5. Carter, Nanterre16.5 
 6. Milbourne, Boulogne16.5 
 7. Davis, Le Portel15.9 
 8. Gay, Fos Ouest15.4 
 9. Runkaukas, Quimper15.1 
 10. Downey, Nantes14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Barber, Nantes10.2 
 2. Daniels, Chalons-.9.6 
 3. Wyatte, Le Portel9.4 
 4. Bing, Dijon9.3 
 5. Mathis, Maurienne8.9 
 6. Rouse, Charleville8.8 
 7. Monds, Bourg8.4 
 8. Badiane, Boulazac8.0 
 9. Giles, Rouen8.0 
 10. Monroe, Boulogne7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Da Silva, Evreux7.8 
 2. Rowland, Le Portel6.5 
 3. Patiejunas, Boulo.5.9 
 4. Downey, Nantes5.7 
 5. Oliver, Bourg5.5 
 6. Taylor, Rouen5.0 
 7. Mullins, Chalons-.5.0 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.7 
 9. Darnauzan, Mauri.4.6 
 10. Craven, Dijon4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Mykal RILEY
  Nanterre
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Riley, Nanterre2.5 
 2. Shiloh, St Vallier2.5 
 3. Daniels, Chalons-.2.4 
 4. Craven, Dijon2.3 
 5. Mullins, Chalons-.2.2 
 6. Melody, Dijon2.1 
 7. Sonko, Maurienne2.1 
 8. Patiejunas, Boulo.2.1 
 9. Denave, St Vallier2.0 
 10. Hachad, Fos Ouest2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 2. Jefferson, Quimper1.3 
 3. Monds, Bourg1.1 
 4. Barber, Nantes1.0 
 5. Daniels, Nanterre1.0 
 6. Adjiwanou, Boula.0.9 
 7. N''Diaye, Clermont0.9 
 8. Taccoen, Lille0.9 
 9. Davis, Evreux0.9 
 10. Ford, Clermont0.7 


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  GERMANY   


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19
 1. Wood, Dt.19.0 
 2. Rice, Art.Dragons17.2 
 3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.5 
 4. Harris, EnBW L.16.0 
 5. Ross, MBC15.9 
 6. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 7. Dorris, Phoenix15.3 
 8. Benzing, Ratio.15.1 
 9. Callahan, Bremerha.14.8 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm10.9 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.1 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth7.8 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.6 
 5. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 6. Anderson, Goett.6.9 
 7. Burtschi, Phoenix6.9 
 8. Stevic, EWE B.6.8 
 9. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
 10. Pleiss, Brose B.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Ratkovica, Walter7.4 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.9 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.5 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons5.1 
 5. Brewer, Bremerha.4.7 
 6. Green, EnBW L.4.6 
 7. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.3 
 8. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 9. Copeland, Bremerha.4.0 
 10. Goldsberry, Brose3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phant.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hamilton, NY Phant.1.9 
 2. Everett, Bremerha.1.8 
 3. Martin, Bremerha.1.7 
 4. Bailey, Goettingen1.5 
 5. Pryor, Phoenix1.5 
 6. Burtschi, Phoenix1.5 
 7. Ross, MBC1.5 
 8. Dorris, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Bailey, Art.Dragons1.4 
 10. Wise, Telekom1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekene IBEKWE
  Art.Drag.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.2.4 
 2. Pleiss, Brose B.1.6 
 3. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.5 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.4 
 5. Hines, Brose B.1.2 
 6. Seward, Phoenix1.1 
 7. Brempong, Duesseld.1.1 
 8. Boumtje, Art.Drag.1.0 
 9. Goree, NY Phantoms1.0 
 10. Denison, Bremerha.0.9 


Germany U16 and France U16 finish the friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News
Germany U16 selection overcame France U16 in the second game between each other 79:63. The hosts started with 25-13 and added 20-12 in the second frame. France responded with 20-14 in the third period, but the hosts won the last period 20-18.
Ismet Akpinar (184-G-95) erupted with 20 points, while Gavin Schilling (205-C-95) netted 17. Maximilian Ugrai (195-F-95) posted 11 and Dino Dizdarevic posted 9.
In the third game the French young team won 58:55. The winners opened the game with 18-12, but Germany bounced back with 18-16 in the second frame. Moreover Germany took the lead after thirty minutes as they produced 13-6 in the defensive third period. France needed 18-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory. David Taylor (186-G-95) top-scored for the German team with 14 points and Ismet Akpinar scored 12.


Brose Baskets takes 2-1 Final lead after 90:74 win in Game 3 - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets - ALBA 90-74

Brose Baskets takes 2-1 Final lead after 90:74 win in Game 3. The game was mostly controlled by Brose Baskets. ALBA Berlin managed to win fourth quarter 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 29 personal fouls committed by ALBA Berlin helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Serbian forward Predrag Suput (200-77, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Slovakian guard Anton Gavel (189-84, agency: Pro One Sports) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Four Brose Baskets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Heiko Schaffartzik (182-84) who recorded 15 points (went 11 for 11 at the free throw line !!!) and American guard Taylor Rochestie (185-85, college: Washington St.) added 11 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Brose Baskets: A.Gavel 15+5reb, C.Jacobsen 15+2reb+1ast, K.Hines 15+4reb, P.Suput 12+8reb+1ast, T.Pleiss 10+3reb, B.Roberts 9+4ast
ALBA: H.Schaffartzik 15+4reb+3ast, M.Raduljica 11+3reb, T.Rochestie 11+3reb+2ast, I.McElroy 9+3reb, J.Jenkins 8+4reb+3ast, T.Dragicevic 7+1ast
gschID: 129651




*****************************************************
  HONG KONG   


China open East Asia Championship with victory - by Eurobasket News
China - Hong Kong 104:43

China recorded their first win at the East Asia Championship in Nanjing. They prevailed against Hong Kong for 1-0 record in preliminary Group A. China will take on South Korea tomorrow for the top spot in the pool. Hong Kong in the meantime suffered the second straight defeat and got eliminated. Peng Duo (192-G/F-90) produced 22 points to lead the hosts.
China dominated every facet of the game. They outscored Hong Kong 28:5 in the first frame. The home team continued to mount their lead in the second term. China recorded a 49:16 halftime advantage. Hong Kong had little to hope for after the long break. China easily passed 100-mark and rallied to a more than comfortable win at the end. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) dropped 18 points, while Yu Shulong (185-G-90) contributed 17 points in the winning effort.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Simon and Will signed with Falco KC Szombathely - by Tamas Deri
Two domestic players, Laszlo Simon (193-G-86, agency: TSS Management) and Tamas Will (196-G/F-87, agency: TSS Management) signed their 1+1 season contracts with Falco KC Szombathely. Both players spent the last season with the same team and hope for more playing time on the court in the coming one. Simon, who can play as a PG and SG averaged 5.0 points and 3.1 assists per game, wingman Will helped his team with 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in 22 games.Coach Tamas Bencze - who signed last week a two years contract with the club - was forcing to keep both players on the roster and the management published also that Matyas Szanati (189-G-89), Bence Molnar (190-G-91), Tamas Harazin (204-F-85) and Robert Jarosevits (210-C-82) decided to stay in Szombathely for the coming season.

Rujak and Mladenovic will be the PG's in Kormend - by Tamas Deri
Hungarian playmaker Andras Rujak (187-G-88, agency: TSS Management) just signed his contract with MJUS-Fortress Kormend for the coming season. The 22 years old point guard spent also the last season with the team and had his best season in his carreer averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds while shooting the three pointers with amazing 48.9% in 36 games. The management and the coaching stuff decided to give him a great opportunity for the next season as they will use our young guard as a starting playmaker.

The management also just published, that they agreed with serbian-hungarian Dejan Mladenovic (186-G-85) for the coming season. The agency TSS Management organized a camp some weeks ago in Szeged, Hungary, where several players showed their basketball skills to the top hungarian teams. Mladenovic was born in Budapest, Hungary, his mother is hungarian and will get his hungarian passport during the summer. The coaches of MJUS-Fortress Kormend were scouting him before and during the camp and decided to take him on the roster as the backup of Andrs Rujak. Dejan is an experienced playmaker, spent several seasons in Romania with BC Timisoara, Ramnicu Valcea and Brasov - in the season 2009-10 he averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game - before getting back to Serbia, where he spent the last season with KK Spartak Subotica in the 2nd division.



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


West Coast Hotshots fall at Edmonton 115 to 107 - by Trask Frost
Head Coach Randy Redwine suited 12 players for the West Coast Hotshots in a three game series in Edmonton; the Hotshots are a team of players wanting to play for the love of the game, exposure and/or for the opportunities that come after successful play in the IBL, but the Edmonton Energy team is too deep to beat especially at home. Visiting teams often arrive with 7 or 8 regulars and 3 to 4 role players but it just doesnt seem to be enough to get the visitors over the top. Edmonton regularly wins at home with only the Bellingham Slam giving Edmonton a yearly run for their money. The Edmonton Energy win again tonight to move to 10-4; the Energy will rematch with the West Coast Hotshots tomorrow- Sunday at University of Alberta at 2pm. The West Coast Hotshots did lead this game- late in the third quarter by 3 points, but when the starters need a break, the lead was lost and in fact, Edmonton would surge forward. The Edmonton team has 8 players averaging double figures in scoring and as such- they are a very deep team and hard to beat at home. Hotshots Head Coach Randy Redwine now faces the daunting task of playing game 3 tomorrow/Sunday at 2pm against this same Edmonton team in the 3rd game of a 3-game season series. Joe Posey scored 33 points and Marcus Bradford scored 27 points in tonight's loss for the West Coast Hotshots. For the Hotshots to have a chance, they are going to need big games from Will John Johnson and Luke Enos- both NAIA collegiate stars last year; at 6' 7 and 6' 8' both Johnson and Enos are strong bodies and they both have solid resumes (both were all-americans at the NAIA level) but tomorrow- they both need to come strong for this Hotshots team to compete. For more information on the International Basketball League, the Edmonton Energy or the West Coast Hotshots visit the IBL web site www.iblhoopsonline.com


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


Iran calls 37 players to national camp.. - by Aydin Dianat
Iran national team organization invited 37 players to the first round of the national camp :
From Memphis Grizzlies:
Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10)
From Rice university:
Arsalan Kazemi (200-F-90)i
From Mahram Tehran:
Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.),Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82),Javad Davari (185-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.),Mehrad Atashi (192-G-86),Mohammad Zareei (F-88),JJaber Rouzbahani (227-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.)
From Zob Ahan Esfahan
Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.),Oshin Sahakian (201-F-86, agency: Agency No 10),Aren Davoodi,Mohammad Reza Akbari Bisheh (196-F/G-86, agency: SportsList Inc.)Mehdi Esmaeili (207-F/C),Mohamd reza falat,Mohammad Amjad (190-G-90, agency: SportsList Inc.),Ali Baheran (186-G-86)
From Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour:
Saman Veisi,Hamed Sohrabnejad (206-C/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.)
From Azad University:
Mousa Nabipour (211-C-83),Rouzbeh Arghavan (214-F/C-88),Reza Lotfi (197-G/F-83),Navid Farahani (194-F-88)
From Rah Tarabari Qom:
Asghar Kardoost (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.),Majid GhasemZadeh (186-G-90),Amir Sabaghian
From Melli Haffari Ahwaz:
Mehdi Shirchang,Amir Amini
From Shahrekord:
Ali Jamshidi
From Gorgan:
Hosseinzadeh,Amir Teymour Ehsani,Nima Bakhshi,Sasoun Abramian,Amirhosein Tatari
From Towzin:
Saleh Forootan
Mohsen Moradkhani
From B.A Shiraz:
Ebrahim Rostami

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


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. White, Dinamo Sass.20.2 
 2. Thomas, Air AV17.5 
 3. Rivers, CS Bologna17.2 
 4. Zoroski, Banca T.16.0 
 5. Ford, Fabi Shoes15.8 
 6. Hunter, Dinamo S.14.8 
 7. Goss, Cimberio VA14.8 
 8. Milic, Vanoli CR14.8 
 9. Roberson, Enel B.14.6 
 10. Dean, Air AV14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes10.4 
 2. Jones, Pepsi C.8.6 
 3. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 4. Davis, Banca Terc.8.2 
 5. Homan, CS Bologna8.1 
 6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.0 
 7. Lang, Enel Brindisi7.8 
 8. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.8 
 9. Suton, Angelico BI7.4 
 10. Sanikidze, CS Bo.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Green, Air AV6.8 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.6 
 3. Sosa, Angelico BI4.5 
 4. Collins, Scavolin.3.9 
 5. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.8 
 6. Goss, Cimberio VA3.8 
 7. Zoroski, Banca T.3.8 
 8. Markovic, Benetton.3.5 
 9. Green, Bennet Can.3.4 
 10. Diener, Banca T.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.9 
 2. Stonerook, Montep.2.9 
 3. Goss, Cimberio VA2.7 
 4. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 5. Green, Air AV2.7 
 6. Thomas, Air AV2.5 
 7. Hackett, Scavolin.2.4 
 8. Collins, Scavolin.2.4 
 9. McCalebb, Montepa.2.4 
 10. Dasic, Lottomati.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.3 
 2. Eze, Armani MI1.3 
 3. Crosariol, Lottoma.1.3 
 4. Toure, Enel Brindi.1.2 
 5. Szewczyk, Air AV1.0 
 6. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.0 
 7. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.0 
 8. Polonara, Banca T.0.9 
 9. Cusin, Scavolini PS0.9 
 10. Homan, CS Bologna0.8 


SerieA Round 1 of Finals. Montepaschi draw first blood - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Bennet Cantu 100-75

Montepaschi Siena ensured a comfortable start to the championship series versus Bennet Cantu. The game without a history. Montepaschi Siena led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 23-of-28 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Montepaschi Siena especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American-FYR Macedonian guard Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) stepped up and scored 15 points for the winners and Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) chipped in 15 points. Montepaschi Siena's coach Simone Pianigiani felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Georgian guard Manuchar Markoishvili (195-86) responded with 14 points and 4 assists and American guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) scored 12 points. Four Bennet Cantu players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Montepaschi: B.Lester McCalebb 15+2reb+3ast, K.Lavrinovic 15+3reb+2ast, M.Carraretto 13+2reb, R.Kaukenas 10+2ast, P.Aradori 10+3reb+2ast, A.Michelori 10+1reb+3ast
Bennet Cantu: M.Markoishvili 14+2reb+4ast, M.Green 12+4reb+3ast, B.Ortner 12+5reb, N.Mazzarino 12+1reb+2ast, J.Tabu 10+1reb, V.Micov 8+5reb+2ast
gschID: 129652




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


Brazil U19 team won over Latvia U19 in the friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U19-Brazil U19 61:68

Brazil U19 team won over Latvia U19 in the friendly game. The Latin American team needed 22-9 in the last period to seal the victory.
Brazil took 18-16 in the first period and improved to two more points at the halftime. The winners added 16-14 for 34:30 halftime advantage. The third quarter however belonged to the Latvian side that grabbed the lead after 22-12 in the third. Brazil however bounced back with 22-9 in the last stanza to seal the win.
Bruno Irigoyen (190-G/F-92) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Felicio Cristiano (206-C-93) netted 10. Durval Cunha (199-F-92) and Erick Camilo (203-F-92) delivered 7 points each in a win. Marcis Vitols replied with 13 points in the losing case and Karlis Apsitis (198-F-92) as well as Arturs Bremers (187-G-92) scored 12 apiece. Janis Timma (198-F-92) delivered 11 points for the Baltic Side.

Latvia U19: Marcis Vitols 13, Karlis Apsitis 12, Arturs Bremers 12, Janis Timma 11
Brazil U19: Bruno Irigoyen 13, Felicio Cristiano 10, Durval Cunha 7, Erick Camilo 7


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


CIBACOPA Semifinals: Third games - by Eurobasket News
Third games of the CIBACOPA Semifinals were played last night. Cananea grabbed 74-85 road win against Guaymas for 3-0 lead in the series. It means that Cananea needs just one more win for the Finals. Hermosillo was better than Culiacan 92-79 taking 2-1 lead. Fourth games will be played tonight and same teams will be the hosts.



Guaymas - Cananea 74-85 (0-3)
It looked good early as Ostioneros de Guaymas took an 7-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Mineros de Cananea had a 21-10 second period charge getting the lead and Ostioneros de Guaymas were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 74-85. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Brandon Brown who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 20 rebounds. Guard Davin White (186-G-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) contributed with 26 points and 9 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Guard Richard Roby (198-85) answered with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) added 19 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Ostioneros de Guaymas. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: J.Habel 19+8reb+1ast, A.Pedroza 17+4reb+1ast, R.Roby 15+7reb+7ast, H.Nungaray 11+5ast, R.Benitez 6+6reb+1ast, F.Benitez 4+1reb+3ast
Cananea: B.Brown 26+20reb+1ast, D.White 26+3reb+9ast, D.Thomas 17+3reb+3ast, I.Gutierrez 6+2reb, J.Casillas 4+1reb+2ast, M.Valenzuela 3+2reb

gschID: 129686


Hermosillo - Culiacan 92-79 (2-1)
Rayos de Hermosillo made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Rayos de Hermosillo outrebounded Caballeros de Culiacan 44-29 including a 35-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was center Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) who scored 27 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Marcus Moore (198-80, college: Washington St.) who recorded 29 points and guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Five Rayos de Hermosillo and four Caballeros de Culiacan players scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: M.Moore 29+4reb+2ast, S.Morgan 14+3reb, R.Rougeau 14+5reb+1ast, Q.Gonzalez 13+7reb, J.Angel Reatiga 4+3reb+2ast, F.Verdugo 3+4reb
Hermosillo: M.Gray 27+8reb, C.Holmes 15+4reb, J.Lopez 13+14reb+3ast, L.Wade 13+10reb+7ast, E.Medina 10+3reb+4ast, J.Manuel Esteva 7+1reb+2ast
gschID: 129687




CIBANE Power Rankings: Caktus Saltillo remain unbeaten - by Carlos Chapa
After a disappointing last season, in which they fell short from making the playoffs by a slim margin, Caktus de Saltillo made it through the first week of the 2011 season unscratched, winning two games in their home court and stealing a pair in visiting territory, therefore positioning as the leaders of our first power ranking.

1. Caktus de Saltillo 4-0 (100%)
A fast paced run & gun team which features members of Mexican U18 National Team such as Ignacio Barrera (who had 44 points in his first game as a pro) and having continuity with its roster are the top reasons why Caktus de Saltillo has an unbeaten season so far.

2. Madereros de Durango 2-1 (66%)
Madereros de Durango recovered from an ugly first game in which they lost against Guerreros displaying poor shooting, after that game, they are now getting the ball to the paint trying to find Roderick Smith or Sandrell Spann who attract double teams to free pure shooters like Santiago Nogueira and Victor Chavez.

3. Tuzos de la UAZ Zacatecas 1-0 (100%)
In its only game so far they managed to beat the reigning champions Mineros de Fresnillo, showing a great adaptation of college players, national players (Gerardo Arroyos and Rodolfo Rodriguez) and imports (CamRon Clay and Jean Auguste Wilder).

4. Mineros de Fresnillo 1-1 (50%)
Mineros de Fresnillo lost its first game with a close score, they got stronger with the addition of Tyronne Beale and Roberto Elicerio who complement great players like Sergio Escobar and Valentin Cabral.

5. Guerreros de Apodaca 1-4 (20%)
After surprisingly beating Madereros de Durango in the first game in the history of their franchise, Guerreros lost inspiration and quality players, they need a stronger force in the paint that can defend and get garbage buckets.

6. Aguilas de Piedras Negras 0-3 (0%)
Aguilas de Piedras Negras have the same problem that Guerros has, quality outside players but no low post help.

For more information about the CIBANE League, please check their official sites:
www.cibane.org
twitter.com/LigaCibane
Facebook page

Youtube video with highlights




CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 30.7
 1. Sowell, Guasave30.7 
 2. White, Cananea28.3 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Gale, Mexicali26.8 
 5. Brown, Tepic24.8 
 6. Moore, Culiacan24.3 
 7. White, Los Mochis24.2 
 8. Brown, Cananea23.6 
 9. Gabbidon, Tijuana23.3 
 10. Brown, Tepic23.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Brown, Cananea11.6 
 2. Moss, Nogales9.9 
 3. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 4. VanderMeer, Mexica.9.6 
 5. Brown, Tepic9.6 
 6. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 7. Broxsie, Nogales8.7 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo8.1 
 10. Gray, Hermosillo8.1 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Funn, Guasave8.2 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.7 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.7 
 4. White, Cananea5.5 
 5. Winder, Guaymas5.2 
 6. Thomas, Hermosillo4.8 
 7. Brown, Tepic4.4 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 9. Nungaray, Guaymas4.2 
 10. Marentes, Guaymas4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. White, Cananea2.2 
 2. Roby, Guaymas1.9 
 3. Moore, Culiacan1.9 
 4. Funn, Guasave1.7 
 5. Thomas, Cananea1.7 
 6. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 7. Rougeau, Culiacan1.6 
 8. Sowell, Guasave1.6 
 9. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 10. White, Los Mochis1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Gale, Mexicali2.6 
 3. Sowell, Guasave2.3 
 4. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 5. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 6. Funn, Guasave2.1 
 7. Brown, Tepic2.1 
 8. Brown, Tepic2.0 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo2.0 
 10. Wade, Hermosillo1.9 


Standings - Lower Leagues
CIBANE Standings
1. Saltillo Caktus 4-0
2. Tuzos de la UAZ 1-0
3. Madereros Dgo. 2-1
4. Fresnillo M. 1-1
5. Apodaca G. 1-4
6. P.Negras A. 0-3


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


Ex-Clippers GM/coach Mike Dunleavy to get millions in compensation from L.A. - by Eurobasket News
Two years after taking the organization to binding arbitration, Mike Dunleavy, who was fired last year, finally got what he deserves from the Los Angeles Clippers.

An arbitrator on Friday awarded Dunleavy, 57, who served as general manager and coach, $13,517,000 in compensation.

The ruling, issued about 14 months after Dunleavy filed for binding arbitration, reportedly included past compensation with interest and future accelerated compensation.

The Clippers dismissed Dunleavy in 2010, which was the fourth year of a five-year, $22-million contract, and stopped paying him, prompting him to sue for what was owed under his contract.

Dunleavy, who spent seven seasons as head coach of the Clippers, indicated he was owed $6.75 million on the contract, $1.35 million for the remainder of the 2009-10 season and $5.4 million for the season just completed.

After a head coaching stint with his third NBA club, the Portland Trail Blazers (1997-2001), with whom he was recognized with his only Coach of the Year award in 1999, Dunleavy came to Los Angeles in 2003 to join the Clippers.

In his seven-year reign in Los Angeles, Dunleavy managed to post only one winning season, which came in 2006, when he led the team to the second round of the playoffs.

It marked the first playoff berth since 1997 for the Clippers, when the team made it through the opening round while still playing in Buffalo.

Meanwhile, the Clippers, through their general counsel Robert Platt, indicated they did not agree with the decision and added: 'We intend to review the decision carefully and explore the team's various options,' the Los Angeles Times reported.

Courtesy of www.allheadlinenews.com

NBA Game 5 rating up from last Heat-Mavs series - by Eurobasket News
The preliminary television rating for Game 5 of the NBA finals was up 25 percent from the last time the same teams met in the championship series.

The Dallas Mavericks' 112-103 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday on ABC drew a 12.6 overnight rating. Game 5 in 2006 earned a 10.1.

The rating was down slightly from the 12.8 for the fifth game of last season's Celtics-Lakers series, the only higher Game 5 rating for the last seven years.

Ratings represent the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program. Overnight ratings measure the country's largest markets.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Terry's NBA trophy tattoo was quite a premonition - by Eurobasket News
Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) put his faith in these Dallas Mavericks in ink. On the inside of his right biceps.

With one more win, he'll get to keep his tattoo of the NBA's championship trophy plus have the real thing.

Terry had his title hopes injected into his arm in October, during a get-together at teammate DeShawn Stevenson's house. At the start of the playoffs, Terry vowed to have it removed if the Mavericks didn't win it all.

Thanks largely to him regaining his shooting touch in that inked-up arm, Terry and the Mavs flew to Miami on Friday closer to a title than ever before in franchise history. It could belong to them as soon as Sunday night.

'We put ourselves in the situation we wanted, to go back there with this opportunity,' center Tyson Chandler said. 'But we can't get too ahead of ourselves. We can't get caught up in all the hoopla.'

In their previous 30 seasons, the closest the Mavericks came to being champs was in 2006, when they held a 2-0 series lead over the Heat and a big, late lead in Game 3.

Dallas ended up blowing it in six games. The Mavs had to watch the Heat celebrate on their own home floor. So the chance to close it out in Game 6, in Miami, is a delicious bit of payback to Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, the only holdovers.

'Game 6,' Terry said, savoring the notion. 'We must go out, play aggressively and take advantage of our opportunity.'

The Mavs have done that all postseason.

Every time they've gotten three wins a series, the fourth has followed right away. They are 3-0 in knockout chances. Only one was on the road, but it was in one of the NBA's most hostile arenas, in Portland. Dallas already has tamed the Miami crowd, handing the Heat their first home loss of the postseason in Game 2.

'It's going to be hard to go in there in Miami and win, but we know we are capable of doing it,' forward Shawn Marion said. 'It's going to be crazy. We know what's at stake here. It's going to be exciting.'

The Mavs are keeping their excitement level under wraps.

They've been in anti-celebration mode since Game 2 of the second round, when Nowitzki was upset about how giddy guys got over a second straight victory in Los Angeles. He's remained stoic regardless of the circumstances, even walking out of the Western Conference title celebration before it was over.

On Thursday night, following the most significant win in franchise history, with fans going bonkers, all Nowitzki did was wearily raise his arms.

'I really can't enjoy it much,' he said, still sniffling a bit because of a sinus infection that gripped him in Game 4, but now is as much of a nuisance as the splint on his left middle finger, which isn't much.

'In the playoffs, for some reason, you're always on the edge,' he said. 'You don't sleep much. You think basketball 24-7. I can enjoy it hopefully next week when we're on vacation.'

The Mavs have needed fourth-quarter rallies in each of their three wins. But they keep getting smaller, from 12 to nine to four. In the last game, Dallas also had the luxury of playing from ahead most of the night, a first in this series.

The best sign for the Mavericks was how many guys were scoring.

Terry, Jason Kidd and J.J. Barea all had their most productive games of the series, pacing an offense that blistered the Heat's vaunted defense. Dallas was especially good on 3s, making 13 of 19.

'We're happy with our performance,' Kidd said, 'but there's always room to get better.'

Like on defense.

While Dallas made 56.5 percent of its shots, Miami made 52.9 and scored 103 points, its best this postseason. Easy buckets fueled a fourth-quarter rally that put the Heat ahead and made the Mavericks need yet another late rally.

Terry was right in the middle of Dallas' 15-3 closing kick.

He made an open, straightway 3-pointer that tied it at 100, then fed Nowitzki for the dunk that put the Mavericks back ahead for good. Terry turned playmaker again on the next score, driving into the lane and dishing back out to Kidd for a 3-pointer that extended Dallas' lead.

His best shot followed, a 3-pointer from the right side, released just over the outstretched arms of LeBron James. It was especially sweet for Terry because James had kept him from scoring in the fourth quarter of both games Dallas lost.

Terry also backed up some big words, as he'd yapped for days that James couldn't shut him down every night and that the Mavs wouldn't lose if they scored 100 points.

'Ever since I've been a Maverick, I've been the guy in the fourth quarter they depended on to either make plays or make shots, so I really relish in that role,' said Terry, who had eight of his 21 points in the final period. 'Thank God I was able to do that again.'

He'll be even more thankful if he can avoid looking up the phone number of a tattoo removal expert. And for the record, Terry vowed late Thursday that the trophy tattoo 'is my last one.'

'I'm not ever getting another one,' he said, smiling and tapping his biceps.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Pacers looking at making Vogel their head coach - by Eurobasket News
Frank Vogel took over as the interim head coach of the Indiana Pacers in February when Jim O'Brien was fired. He's the youngest head coach in the league at 37 years old and had some trouble getting full respect from his players, even though he helped lead them to a 20-18 finish and the team's first visit to the playoffs since 2006.

A final decision hasn't been made, but it appears that the Pacers and Vogel are moving toward making him the head coach for the foreseeable future, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

'No final decision has been reached, but sources said most of the hurdles have been cleared for Vogel to be offered a multi-year contract in the near future,' Wojnarowski writes.

Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird and Vogel have 'targeted several assistant coaches -- including Terry Porter and J.B. Bickerstaff' that might be able to help him, Wojnarowski notes.

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, who is friends with Bird, has asked him to consider Mavs assistant coach Dwane Casey, Wojnarowski reports, 'but that appears a more unlikely route.'

Courtesy of Yahoo

Brendan Haywood likely for Game 6 - by Eurobasket News
Dallas Mavericks backup center Brendan Haywood (7'0''-C-79, college: N.Carolina) said Saturday that he believes he can play in Game 6 despite an ailing right hip that has sidelined him for all but three minutes of the last three games.

'I definitely do,' Haywood said. 'I'm going to give it a shot. I'm going to give it my best.'

Haywood left Game 2 with a strained right hip flexor. He missed Game 3, tried to play in Game 4, but lacked the lateral movement needed to guard the Miami Heat's Chris Bosh and the explosiveness to rebound and left after playing just three minutes.

He missed Game 5 on Thursday, but with two days off before the Mavs get their first shot to capture the championship on the Heat's home floor, Haywood said he is focused on attempting to play.

Prior to Saturday's workout, Haywood said he likely would not fully participate in the team's practice. He has continued to rehab on a stationary bike and elliptical machine, but acknowledged he won't fully know how effective he can be in a game situation until he's on the floor.

'It's hard to say when you're not playing games,' Haywood said. 'It's all about making athletic moves.'

Third-string center Ian Mahinmi and power forward Brian Cardinal have relieved starting center Tyson Chandler in the series. Chandler has twice hit 40 minutes in Haywood's absence.

Courtesy of ESPN

Nowitzki calls spoof by LeBron and Wade - by Eurobasket News
A mock coughing spell by LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) was childish and ignorant, said Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78), the target of the spoof.

James and Wade, the Miami Heat's top players, were coughing and smirking while leaving Thursday's pre-game shoot-around at the American Airlines Center, an obvious reference to Nowitzki's coughing in Tuesday's Game Four of the NBA Finals.

'I just thought it was a little childish, a little ignorant,' Nowitzki, who saw a video of the incident, said on Saturday. 'I've been in this league for 13 years. I've never faked an injury or an illness before.

'But it happened. It's over to me. It's not going to add anything extra to me. This is the NBA Finals. If you need an extra motivation, you have a problem.'

Nowitzki played with a sinus infection and a 101-degree temperature but still scored 21 points and had 11 rebounds. He was coughing on the bench during the Mavericks' 86-83 victory.

The video has been shown repeatedly on television and been discussed for days on sport-talk radio.

When asked about the episode, James said, 'I'm not feeding into that... There's bigger issues in this series than that.'

Wade noted he and James 'never said Dirk's name' but did not deny Nowitzki was the intended target.

'With the cameras being right there, we made a joke out of it because we knew you guys were going to blow it up,' he told reporters. 'You did exactly what we knew.'

Nowitzki can have the last laugh if the Mavericks can win Game Six on Sunday and claim the title. Dallas leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.

'We're one win away from my dream, what I've worked on for half of my life,' said Nowitzki. 'This is really all I'm worried about. This is all I'm focusing on.

'And not off the court stuff that happened.'

Courtesy of www.reuters.com

Dwyane Wade on ailing hip: 'I'll be totally fine' - by Eurobasket News
Two days after bruising his left hip in Thursday's Game 5 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in these NBA Finals, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) was back on the court at practice Saturday at AmericanAirlines Arena, moving without visible discomfort.

Wade shot 3-pointers with teammates during the portion of practice opened to the media, wearing no additional padding or bracing on the hip.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade did not participate in contact work Saturday.

'He went through the walkthrough part of our practice,' he said.

Wade said it was a collective decision to hold him out of the contact portion of practice.

'Just another day to get in treatment and getting rest,' he said, 'but I'll be totally fine when it comes to tomorrow.'

He said he will not take particular precautions.

'No extra padding,' he said.

The Heat trail the best-of-seven series 3-2, with Game 6 at 8 p.m. Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Spoelstra said Wade will be in his lineup.

'He'll be ready to go tomorrow,' he said.

He stopped there.

'I'm definitely not giving a percentage,' Spoelstra said when asked about where Wade stands. 'I would have no idea.'

Wade was injured in a first-quarter collision Thursday with Mavericks forward Brian Cardinal. He spent the starts of the second and third quarters in the locker room receiving treatment, but came back to play the final 16 minutes, 33 seconds, emerging as the Heat's most productive player in the fourth quarter of the 112-103 loss.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Mark Jackson promises big, bold changes as Golden State Warriors coach - by Eurobasket News
Mark Jackson (6'3''-G-65, college: St.John's) was every bit the bold and boisterous personality on his first day as coach of the Golden State Warriors that he was as a player and a broadcast analyst.

Only time will tell if he can be equally successful.

Declaring that 'the Bay Area will never be the same,' Jackson promised sweeping changes Friday to the perennially underachieving franchise. He was introduced by the Warriors at a swanky San Francisco hotel across the bay from where the team plays in Oakland that had all the flair of the area's new coach.

The Brooklyn native and former New York Knicks point guard said the Warriors will make the area 'New York City West' in NBA circles, attracting the coveted free agents the franchise has always struggled to sign. He even predicted championship banners would follow.

'When you look at the success of the teams in this area, the A's have had theirs. The Niners have had theirs. The Giants have had theirs. The Raiders have had theirs. And now we're looking forward to ours,' Jackson said. 'So, therefore, it's about time. Sorry it took so long, but now we're at the party.'

Well, not quite.

The Warriors have made the playoffs just once since 1994 and haven't won an NBA title since 1975. About the only success the franchise has enjoyed is that fans in the basketball-crazy Bay Area regularly sell out Oracle Arena and can be as vocal as any in a market saturated with sports teams.

Jackson agreed to a US$6 million, three-year deal to take over a team that went 36-46 last season. That was a 10-game improvement from the previous season but not enough to save Keith Smart's job.

'We're not going to accept mediocrity,' Jackson said, slipping into his Brooklyn accent and friendly slang that made him a broadcasting favourite. 'You might as well hitch onto the bandwagon because things gone be a changing.'

Jackson was adamant that the team's backcourt duo of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry can be as successful defensively as it has been offensively. He said he looks forward to coaching Ellis always the subject of trade talk and wouldn't move the team's star guard for anything less than one of the league's top players.

There's still no telling what Jackson values most on the floor or what his coaching style will be. For all of Jackson's accolades, he has never been a coach.

Not in college. Not in high school. Not even as an assistant or an understudy anywhere. He admits there are day-to-day things about being a coach that he'll have to learn on the job, and that's why his first order of business was to lure top assistant and friend Mike Malone to his staff.

The closest experience Jackson has to coaching is being a point guard for 17 seasons in the NBA and the on-court leader for five Hall of Famers Lou Carnesecca, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley and Larry Brown among others.

That still makes him a risky hire and a complete unknown.

Yet that's just what new Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber relish about Jackson and the kind of chances they predicted when they bought the franchise last fall for a record $450 million. They have also hired Jerry West as a consultant and sports agent Bob Myers as assistant general manager and future GM.

All of them were part of Jackson's interviews.

'He's the most experienced guy, frankly, we met in the entire process,' Lacob said. 'I know that's a funny line to say given some of the comments out there. He hasn't been in the seat and been a head coach in the NBA. But if you look at experience, it's the whole thing that counts. Can he be a leader? Will the players respect him? Can he handle the media in a big market like the Bay Area? I can go through any number of things.

'And Mark, to me, was the most experienced guy on that list of people we met. And it wasn't even close.'

Becoming an NBA head coach was years in the making.

Jackson spent the past few seasons as the lead analyst for ESPN and ABC, and he will cross the country back to Miami to finish his duties at the NBA finals. He spent that time picking the brains of coaches around the league during exclusive meetings the network has before games.

Jackson interviewed for so many coaching vacancies he can't even recall the exact number but said he was a finalist in Atlanta, New York and Minnesota. He emerged from a field of about a dozen candidates, Lacob said, and the years of frustration of being turned down were visible.

Jackson, who is also an ordained pastor in the Los Angeles area, started to tear up when speaking about the opportunity to be a first-time coach and completing his lifelong basketball dream. He used to listen to Knicks games on the radio as a kid, envisioning himself as the star player, broadcaster and coach.

'I became that player. I became that broadcaster,' he said. 'And the last thing in line for me was coach.'

Courtesy of www.news1130.com

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


Kennedy finds cupboard full at Texas A&M - by Eurobasket News
Along with getting to know his players, establishing recruiting ties and settling into a new home in the College Station area, Billy Kennedy may want to add this item to the checklist he made after becoming Texas A&Ms basketball coach: Send Mark Turgeon a thank you note.

While hes at it, Kennedy might want to drop Billy Gillispie a line, too.

Most coaches are faced with rebuilding scenarios when they move from one school to another. But of all the jobs that were available during the offseason, Kennedy seems to have inherited the healthiest program.

Gillispie and Turgeon guided the Aggies to seven straight postseason appearances before leaving for different jobs. The thought heading into the offseason was that Texas A&Ms 2011-12 squad would be one of its best teams yet, as seven of the top 10 players return from a unit that finished 24-9 overall and 10-6 in the Big 12.

The program is in really good shape, Kennedy said. The job that was done by the former staff of coaching these guys and preparing them for his level is definitely a positive.

Even more exciting to Aggies fans is that unlike Turgeon (who left for Maryland) and Gillispie (Kentucky), Kennedy sounds as if hell stick around for awhile.

This is a dream for me, said Kennedy, the head coach at Murray State the past five seasons. There is no Maryland, Kansas, Carolina or wherever. This is a destination job for me. I plan on retiring here.

Kennedy and Texas A&M certainly seem like a good fit.

The Louisiana native spent the 1990-91 season as an assistant with the Aggies under Kermit Davis and liked the university so much that, when his daughter was born that year, he named her Alexandra Marie so that her initials would match those of the school.

Kennedy has also held assistant coaching positions at schools such as Wyoming, Tulane, Creighton, Cal and Miami. He was the head coach at Centenary and Southeastern Louisiana before landing the Murray State job in 2006.

Four years later, the Racers advanced to the second round of the 2010 NCAA tournament, where they lost to eventual national runner-up Butler by two points. The Racers finished 31-5 that year before winning their second straight Ohio Valley Conference title the following season.

As much as he enjoyed his time there, the Texas A&M opportunity was too tough for Kennedy to pass up. Kennedy who was making $225,000 at Murray State signed a five-year contract with the Aggies for $1 million per year.

Kennedy described Texas A&M and its wealthy athletic department as Murray State on steroids.

When youve been in some of the places Ive been and then you finally get to a school that has resources, you really embrace that, said Kennedy, 47. With the facilities we have here and with all of the support for the program those kinds of things mean more to be than being at a quote big-time basketball school.

In fact, with so many recruits to choose from in Texas, Kennedy doesnt see why Texas A&M cant become one of those very programs. The Aggies were certainly on their way under Turgeon and Gillispie.

We let our players know that what theyve accomplished has been very good, Kennedy said, but we dont want to settle for that. We want more. Being an NCAA tournament team and a national contender year-in and year-out is something we think we can achieve.

But saying it and doing it are two different things.

Kennedy has plenty of recruiting ties in Texas from his days of coaching in the south. He said strengthening those relationships and establishing new ones will be one of his priorities throughout the rest of the summer.

Hes also looking forward to getting on the court with his new team, which returns its top two scorers (Khris Middleton and David Loubeau) from last years squad. As well, the Aggies will welcome a pair of talented newcomers in four-star recruit Jamal Branch, a point guard, and shooting guard Jordan Green. Both players attended Kennedys introductory press conference.

He seems like my kind of coach, Branch told reporters.

Kennedy said his teams will play a style that resembles that of his predecessors, with defense being the focal point.

Pressure and man and trying to speed things up, he said. If your personnel allows that and I think we have the personnel that allows that.

The response has been great. The fact that all of our players are coming back and didnt want to transfer is huge. The incoming recruits didnt want out of their letters of intent. It says a lot about Texas A&M.

And a lot about Billy Kennedy.

Courtesy of Yahoo

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Leasure, Taranaki.22.5 
 2. Hudson, Manawatu.20.7 
 3. Abercrombie, Waika.20.6 
 4. Webster, Wellingt.20.3 
 5. Dora, Nelson G.20.1 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.19.7 
 7. Pace, Bay Hawks19.5 
 8. Polyblank, Southla.18.8 
 9. Campbell, Taranaki.18.8 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Pledger, Waika.11.8 
 2. Horvath, Manawatu.11.4 
 3. Campbell, Taranaki.10.2 
 4. Allred, OceanaGo.10.1 
 5. Vukona, Nelson G.10.0 
 6. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 7. Johnson, Wellingt.9.0 
 8. Grizzard, Nelson G.8.9 
 9. Frank, Wellington8.3 
 10. Dickens, Southlan.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.7.1 
 2. Dickel, Southland6.5 
 3. Tait, Wellington S.5.8 
 4. Braswell, Southlan.5.2 
 5. Martin, Auckland.4.6 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.4.4 
 7. Smith, Waikato P.3.8 
 8. Boucher, Auckland.3.7 
 9. Jones, Nelson G.3.3 
 10. Meehl, Taranaki MA3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.2.8 
 2. Smith, Waikato P.2.8 
 3. Boucher, Auckland.2.5 
 4. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 5. Kench, Manawatu J.2.0 
 6. Dickel, Southland1.9 
 7. Allen, Waikato P.1.8 
 8. Braswell, Southlan.1.6 
 9. Leasure, Taranaki.1.6 
 10. Frank, Wellington1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Pledger, Waika.3.0 
 2. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 3. Allred, OceanaGo.1.5 
 4. Iti, Southland S.1.5 
 5. Spicer, Southlan.1.2 
 6. Anthony, Waika.1.1 
 7. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 8. Vukona, Nelson G.1.0 
 9. Campbell, Taranaki.1.0 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.9 


Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Waikato P. 10-3 
 2. Bay Hawks 10-3 
 3. Wellington S. 9-2 
 4. Southland S. 5-5 
 5. Nelson G. 5-5 
 6. Manawatu J. 5-5 
 7. Auckland P. 2-8 
 8. Taranaki MA 2-9 
 9. OceanaGold N. 2-10 


NBL Round 9: Bay Hawks lose a game and the top position to Waikato - by Eurobasket News
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Bay Hawks (10-3) in Tamatea on Friday night. Hosts were rolled over by Waikato P. (10-3) 94-75. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 9-3 record before this meeting. The guests trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 94-75. Jason Crowe (193-G-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge) led the winners with 25 points and 10 assists. Waikato P. have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Bay Hawks. Waikato P. is looking forward to face Taranaki MA (#8) in New Plymouth in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bay Hawks will play at home against Wellington S. (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
NBL top team - Bay Hawks (10-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked OceanaGold N. (2-10) in Tamatea 97-74. American guard Josh Pace (198-83, college: Syracuse) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and Paora Winitana accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds. American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds for OceanaGold N. in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bay Hawks maintains first place with 10-3 record, which they share with Waikato P. OceanaGold N. lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Bay Hawks will play against Wellington S. (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. OceanaGold N. will play against Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Auckland supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Waikato P. (10-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Auckland P. (2-8). Waikato P. smashed Auckland P. 108-77 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was Alex Pledger who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Kevin Mickens who recorded 21 points and 7 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Waikato P.. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Bay Hawks. Auckland P. lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the seventh place with eight games lost. Waikato P. will meet Taranaki MA (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Auckland P. will play against Southland S. and hope to secure a win.
Sixth ranked Southland S. (5-5) crushed at home 9th ranked OceanaGold N. (2-10) by 42 points 100-58, which is the biggest margin this round. It was a good game for Mark Dickel who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Southland S. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Manawatu J. and Nelson G. OceanaGold N. lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Southland S.'s next round opponent will be Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke. OceanaGold N. will play at home against Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke.

In the last game of round 9 Taranaki MA lost to Nelson G. on the opponent's court 83-87.

Nelson G. - Taranaki MA 87-83

Rather expected game in Stoke where 7th ranked Taranaki MA (2-9) was defeated by fifth ranked Nelson G. (5-5) 87-83. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. It was a good game for American guard Rod Grizzard (203-80, college: Alabama) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). His fellow American import center Darryl Dora (206-85, college: Texas Tech) contributed with 26 points for the winners. American center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) answered with 23 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized American forward Link Abrams (198-73) added 18 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) in the effort for Taranaki MA. The victory was the third consecutive win for Nelson G.. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Manawatu J. and Southland S. Taranaki MA lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. Nelson G.'s next round opponent will be Southland S. (#4) on the road. Taranaki MA will play against the league's leader Waikato P. (#1) in Hamilton.
Top scorers:
Nelson G.: D.Dora 26+4reb+3ast, P.Jones 22+4reb+4ast, R.Grizzard 19+14reb+6ast, M.Vukona 9+7reb+1ast, M.Fitchett 7+1reb+3ast, J.Bloxham 3+1ast
Taranaki MA: M.Campbell 23+7reb+1ast, L.Abrams 18+8reb+2ast, J.Leasure 14+6reb+5ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 7+8reb+3ast, C.Stuart 7+3reb, M.Abdelhamid 4+2reb
gschID: 122699


Southland S. - OceanaGold N. 100-58

Sixth ranked Southland S. (5-5) crushed at home 9th ranked OceanaGold N. (2-10) by 42 points 100-58, which is the biggest margin this round. The game without a history. Southland S. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding OceanaGold N. to just 6 points in first quarter. Southland S. shot 24 for 37 from the free-throw line, while OceanaGold N. only scored seven points from the stripe. It was a good game for the former international guard Mark Dickel (187-76, college: UNLV) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. American forward Kaniel Dickens (203-78, college: Idaho) contributed with 27 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Southland S. players scored in double figures. Forward Mark Morrison (200-85) answered with 9 points and 12 rebounds and international power forward Craig Bradshaw (207-83, college: Winthrop) added 13 points in the effort for OceanaGold N.Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Southland S. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Manawatu J. and Nelson G. OceanaGold N. lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Southland S.'s next round opponent will be Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke. OceanaGold N. will play at home against Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke.
Top scorers:
Southland S.: K.Dickens 27+7reb+1ast, B.Polyblank 20+5reb, M.Rose 20+3reb+1ast, M.Dickel 17+9reb+10ast, J.Paringatai 10+6reb+3ast, I.Williams 3+1reb
OceanaGold N.: C.Bradshaw 13+4reb+2ast, L.Allred 10+7reb, S.O'Gallagher 10+3reb+1ast, M.Morrison 9+12reb+1ast, M.Trueman 6+2reb, R.Buckrell 2
gschID: 122700


Auckland P. - Waikato P. 77-108

The game in Auckland supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Waikato P. (10-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Auckland P. (2-8). Waikato P. smashed Auckland P. 108-77 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Waikato P.. Auckland P. managed to win fourth quarter 29-28. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Waikato P. forced 24 Auckland P. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was international center Alex Pledger (216-87, college: Belm.Abbey) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American guard Jerry Smith (185-87, college: Louisville) chipped in 23 points and 6 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Kevin Mickens (207-83, college: George Mason) who recorded 21 points and 7 rebounds and guard Everard Bartlett (198-86) added 13 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Five Waikato P. and four Auckland P. players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Waikato P.. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Bay Hawks. Auckland P. lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the seventh place with eight games lost. Waikato P. will meet Taranaki MA (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Auckland P. will play against Southland S. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Waikato P.: J.Smith 23+4reb+3ast, T.Abercrombie 19+3reb+1ast, A.Pledger 16+14reb+2ast, H.Allen 15+2reb+4ast, J.Crowe 11+3reb+9ast, R.Cameron 8+3reb
Auckland P.: K.Mickens 21+7reb, H.O'Riley 13+3reb+2ast, E.Bartlett 13+9reb, K.Smith 12+5reb+4ast, N.Barrow 8+3reb, B.Anderson 4
gschID: 122696


Bay Hawks - Waikato P. 75-94

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Bay Hawks (10-3) in Tamatea on Friday night. Hosts were rolled over by Waikato P. (10-3) 94-75. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 9-3 record before this meeting. The guests trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 94-75. Waikato P. have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Bay Hawks. Waikato P. is looking forward to face Taranaki MA (#8) in New Plymouth in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bay Hawks will play at home against Wellington S. (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 122698


Bay Hawks - OceanaGold N. 97-74

NBL top team - Bay Hawks (10-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked OceanaGold N. (2-10) in Tamatea 97-74. The game was mostly controlled by Bay Hawks. OceanaGold N. was better in second period 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Bay Hawks players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by OceanaGold N.'s players. American guard Josh Pace (198-83, college: Syracuse) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and the former international guard Paora Winitana (195-76) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds. Five Bay Hawks players scored in double figures. American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and international power forward Craig Bradshaw (207-83, college: Winthrop) added 22 points respectively for OceanaGold N. in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bay Hawks maintains first place with 10-3 record, which they share with Waikato P. OceanaGold N. lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Bay Hawks will play against Wellington S. (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. OceanaGold N. will play against Nelson G. (#5) in Stoke and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Bay Hawks: J.Pace 24+5reb+10ast, C.Daniel 19+2reb+1ast, P.Winitana 18+5reb+1ast, A.Trousdell 12+6reb+1ast, B.Hill 12+4reb, G.Young 4+6reb+4ast
OceanaGold N.: C.Bradshaw 22+4reb, L.Allred 15+11reb, S.O'Gallagher 14+2reb+4ast, M.Morrison 7+5reb+2ast, S.To'omata 7+2reb+1ast, J.Ross 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 122695




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


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 16-9 
 2. Guaynabo 15-11 
 3. Arecibo 15-11 
 4. Santurce 15-11 
 5. San German 14-10 
 6. Quebradillas 13-12 
 7. Humacao 12-14 
 8. Coamo 10-17 
 9. Mayaguez 9-16 
 10. Isabela 9-17 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo24.8 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas24.4 
 3. Johnson, Humacao21.4 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon21.3 
 5. Ayuso, Arecibo19.7 
 6. Villegas, Coamo19.5 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Harris, San German17.6 
 9. Randolph, Isabela17.2 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez17.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Narvaez, Coamo12.6 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.2 
 3. Harris, San German11.8 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.4 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas11.1 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.4 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Sweetney, Santurce9.4 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon9.2 
 10. Rickert, Bayamon9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.0 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Clemente, Humacao5.1 
 4. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.3 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.1 
 8. Vega, Coamo4.0 
 9. Bruton, Quebradill.3.9 
 10. Copeland, San G.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Robinson, Mayaguez1.6 
 3. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 4. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 5. Carmona, Mayaguez1.4 
 6. Santiago, Santurce1.4 
 7. Dalmau, Bayamon1.4 
 8. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 9. Harris, San German1.3 
 10. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Penn, Humacao2.6 
 2. Santiago, Arecibo2.1 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Sanchez, Santurce1.9 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 7. Lee, Bayamon1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.5 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon1.2 
 10. Ramos, Quebradill.1.2 


Sweetney number one in Puerto Rico for week 23 - by Eurobasket News
American forward Michael Sweetney (203-F-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last week for Santurce, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 23.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, while his team edged out Bayamon (#1, 16-9) in overtime 88-86. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Santurce is placed at 3rd position in Puerto Rican BSN. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Santurce will need more victories to improve their 15-11 record. Sweetney just recently signed at Santurce, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Georgetown University star has very solid stats this year. Sweetney is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 9.4rpg) and averages impressive 1.1bpg and 56.3% FGP.

The second best player in last week's games was 30-year old Panamanian Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports) of San German. Lloreda had a very good evening with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as San German lost that game 65-73 to slightly higher-ranked Arecibo (#4, 15-11). San German managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 14-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Lloreda is one of the most experienced players at San German and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last week was American forward Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: Paris Global Sports) of league's top team Bayamon. Shannon scored 25 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Shannon's great performance Bayamon lost 86-88in overtime to #3 ranked Santurce. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Bayamon needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 16 victories and 9 lost games. Shannon has a very solid season. In 25 games in Puerto Rico he scored 15.5ppg. He also has 9.2rpg, 1.2bpg and FGP: 53.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84) of San German - 27 points and 8 rebounds
5. Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82) of San German - 18 points and 10 assists
6. Monty Wilson (197-F-73) of Coamo - 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Mike Harris (198-F-83) of San German - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Aaron McGhee (203-F/C-79) of Coamo - 17 points and 11 rebounds
9. Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86) of Guaynabo - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Richard Chaney (196-G-84) of Santurce - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Isabela returns Sam Clancy - by Eurobasket News
Sam Clancy (202-C/F-80, college: USC) is back to Isabela after one year. The American PF/C signed a deal for rest of the BSN season. Clancy arrives to Isabela from Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 30 times in Israeli Premier league averaging 7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. In EuroCup, he added 12.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 8 games.
Sam Clancy is not a new face in Isabela as he played there in 2010. However, he appeared only twice registering 12 ppg and 11 rpg. In the past, Clancy was a member of Bnei Hasharon, Samara, Ural Great, Le Mans, Menorca, Valladolid and Iraklis. Clancy is a product of USC, where he graduated almost ten years ago (2002). Clancy already played his first game for Isabela this season. He had 13 points and 13 rebounds in 99-92 OT win against Quebradillas.

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


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Keith LANGFORD
  Khimky
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Langford, Khimky18.2 
 2. Lampe, Unics18.0 
 3. Baxter, Enisey16.2 
 4. Keyru, Dynamo16.0 
 5. Domercant, Spart.15.6 
 6. Williams, Enisey15.3 
 7. Vyaltsev, Triumph14.4 
 8. Labovic, Enisey14.2 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.13.9 
 10. Chalmers, Lokom.13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo7.4 
 2. Lampe, Unics7.3 
 3. Baxter, Enisey7.0 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA6.7 
 5. Beverley, Spart.6.4 
 6. Massey, Lokomotiv6.2 
 7. Brezec, Krasnie6.1 
 8. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.1 
 9. Monya, Khimky6.0 
 10. Paunic, N.Novgorod5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Williams, Enisey6.8 
 2. Bremer, Krasnie6.5 
 3. Vyaltsev, Triumph5.4 
 4. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.5 
 5. Khvostov, Dynamo4.1 
 6. Popovic, Unics3.9 
 7. Planinic, Khimky3.7 
 8. Beverley, Spart.3.6 
 9. Samoylenko, Unics3.6 
 10. Chalmers, Lokom.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Beverley, Spart.1.8 
 2. Voronov, Dynamo1.8 
 3. Bremer, Krasnie1.6 
 4. Lyday, Unics1.6 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA1.4 
 6. Komarovskiy, Eni.1.4 
 7. Wilkinson, Lokomot.1.4 
 8. Pashutin, Unics1.4 
 9. Ponkrashov, Spart.1.3 
 10. Labovic, Enisey1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Kaun, CSKA1.3 
 2. Monya, Khimky1.0 
 3. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 4. Varlamov, Triumph0.9 
 5. Likhodey, Triumph0.8 
 6. Lampe, Unics0.8 
 7. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.8 
 8. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.8 
 9. Rizvic, Unics0.7 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA0.7 


Khimky shocked CSKA in the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
CSKA - Khimky 72-77

Khimky shocked CSKA in the Finbal opener. It looked good early as CSKA Moscow took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Khimky had a 23-18 second period charge getting the lead and CSKA Moscow was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-77. Khimky made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) who helped to win the game recording 16 points. International forward Sergey Monya (203-83) contributed with 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. International center Andrey Vorontsevich (204-87) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds and the former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) added 7 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for CSKA Moscow. CSKA Moscow's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game.
Top scorers:
CSKA: A.Vorontsevich 19+7reb+1ast, A.Shved 13+2reb, D.Polokhin 9+3reb+4ast, V.Khryapa 7+10reb+4ast, J.Gordon 7+4reb, S.Bykov 5+1reb+2ast
Khimky: K.Loncar 16+3reb+3ast, V.Fridzon 15+2reb, T.Hansen 11+1reb, S.Monya 11+5reb+1ast, Z.Planinic 8+3reb+3ast, A.Savrasenko 5+7reb+2ast
3rd place
Unics - Lokomotiv 81-74

The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 23-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan forced 21 Lokomotiv turnovers. Strangely Lokomotiv outrebounded Unics Kazan 44-31 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) fired 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-81, college: Wisconsin, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Five Unics Kazan and four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv: M.Wilkinson 20+10reb, J.Massey 14+4reb+2ast, A.Tucker 11+3reb, Y.Vasiliev 10+5reb, L.Chalmers 7+2reb+8ast, M.Sheleketo 6+4reb
Unics: M.Lampe 23+6reb+2ast, T.Lyday 14+6reb+5ast, N.Padius 13+4reb, Z.Pashutin 11+2reb+2ast, V.Veremeenko 10+6reb+3ast, H.Rizvic 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 129682


5-6 place
Enisey - N.Novgorod 76-95

Enisey Krasnoyarsk was ahead by 9 points at the halftime before a 55-27 second half run of BC Nizhny Novgorod. They also forced 19 Enisey Krasnoyarsk turnovers. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian guard Nemanja Protic (182-86) who helped to win the game recording 23 points. The former international forward Semen Antonov (202-89, agency: RU-Basket Management) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Five BC Nizhny Novgorod players scored in double figures. American forward Kevinn Pinkney (207-83, college: Nevada) answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Enisey: K.Pinkney 22+5reb+3ast, L.Baxter 17+5reb, A.Komarovskiy 12+6reb+2ast, K.Babynin 5, P.Sergeev 4+3reb+2ast, A.Savkov 4+2reb+3ast
N.Novgorod: N.Protic 23+4reb, S.Antonov 18+6reb, A.Pustahvar 16+3reb, I.Paunic 11+5reb+3ast, A.Ivanov 10+2reb, D.Golovin 9+1reb+2ast
gschID: 129782


7-8 place
Spartak SP - Krasnie Krilya 93-82

The game without a history. Spartak St.Petersburg led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Spartak St.Petersburg brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Krasnie Krilya was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 blocks. Slovenian power forward Miha Zupan (205-82) contributed with 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Spartak St.Petersburg players scored in double figures. American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) answered with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import swingman Gerald Green (202-86, college: High School, agency: Lanshire Group) added 23 points in the effort for Krasnie Krilya.
Top scorers:
Krasnie Krilya: G.Green 23+2reb+1ast, B.Rush 20+5reb+5ast, V.Zvarykin 11+1reb+3ast, A.Kuzyakin 8+1reb, M.Marinovic 8+2reb+4ast, A.Trushkin 4+7reb+1ast
Spartak SP: N.Dragovic 25+3reb, M.Zupan 21+8reb+1ast, A.Ponkrashov 12+2ast, P.Beverley 10+8reb+12ast, H.Domercant 8+1reb, A.Zozulin 8+3reb+2ast
gschID: 129781

gschID: 129683




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


Milivoje Lazic hired by FMP - by Eurobasket News
FMP Zeleznik hired new head coach. They have agreed on terms of contract with Milivoje Lazic . The 33-year-old Serbian specialist spent the last season working as coach assistant in Partizan. Previously Milivoje Lazic spent two years doing the same job in FMP Zeleznik. Lazic will replace Aco Petrovic who has parted ways with the team just recently.


Serbia U19 lose to Adidas Eurocamp All-Stars - by Eurobasket News
Eurocamp All-Stars - Serbia U19 61:53

Eurocamp All-Stars and Serbian U19 National Team clashed in Treviso on the opening day of the annual Adidas Eurocamp event. All-Stars claimed an 8-point victory at the end. Lucas Riva (211-C-92) provided 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals for the winners. All-Stars ensured a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame and eventually posted a 34:28 halftime advantage. Serbia got closer in the third term. They cut the distance to 3 points with one quarter remaining. But All-Stars held their opponents to 9 points in the fourth stanza and escaped with the victory at the end. Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 10 points, while Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) accounted for 8 in the win. Nikola Siladji (205-F-92) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G-92) netted 11 points in the loss.

Eurocamp All-Stars: Lucas Riva 11, Tomislav Zubcic 10, Leon Radosevic 8
Serbia U19: Nikola Siladji 13, Bogdan Bogdanovic 11



Dusko Savanovic moves from Valencia to Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) made a big move. The Serbian NT player left Valencia and signed a three-year deal with Efes Pilsen. The Turkish giant paid a buyout fee to Valencia to give a green light for this transfer. Savanovic had a wonderful season with Valencia. He tallied 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In ACB Savanovic accounted for 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance.
Dusko Savanovic played for Serbia at 2010 World Championship. The power forward posted 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in Turkey. Previously Savanovic had stints with Borac, FMP Zeleznik, Unics Kazan and Cajasol Sevilla. Dusko Savanovic was Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Newcomer of the Year back in 2006.
Efes Pilsen also extended contract with Kerem Tunceri, while Erden Arslan left them for Galatasaray.

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


Krka clinch back-to-back titles - by Zeljko Zule
Krka beat Olimpija 64-57 in the decisive fifth game of 2011 finals and secure back-to-back titles.
Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) had 12 points and 13 rebounds, Jure Balazic scored 14 points, Dusan Djordjevic added 13 points, while Kenny Gregory was the lone Olimpija's player in double digits with 12 points.
The game saw only 2 lead changes and 2 ties. Krka opened the game with a 15-4 run, but Olimpija responed with a 16-3 run to go ahead 28-23. Krka trailed 29-37 in the third period but reeled off 12 straight points and never looked back en route to the victory. Its defense held scoreless Olimpija for a 5:36 span. Krka led 54-43 with 3:28 remaining and their lead never dipped below 3 points for the remainder of the contest.
Krka outrebounded Olimpija 39-25, picking up 13 offensive boards, and shot 28 free throws to Olimpija's just 14.
Finals Game 5: Krka-Olimpija 64-57 (17-7, 8-21, 14-9, 25-20)
KRKA: Ikonic 6, Rojc DNP, Petrov, *E.Muric 3, *Pavic 4, *Djordjevic 13, *Dragic 12, Booker 8, Krivec, Drobnjak 4, *Balazic 14, Osolnik DNP.
OLIMPIJA: Span DNP, *Ilievski 8, Boisa, Anagonye, Gregory 12, *Jagodnik 9, Shermadini 5, *Klobucar, *Markota 4, Betrans 6, *Ozbolt 8, Udrih 5.


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Panic, Zlatorog20.4 
 2. Raymond, Helios17.7 
 3. Simovic, Sentjur17.4 
 4. Erzen, Parklji16.9 
 5. Thondique, Polzela16.3 
 6. Harmason, Sentjur15.1 
 7. Djapa, Geoplin Slo.14.7 
 8. Nuhanovic, Elektra13.6 
 9. Krejic, Parklji13.4 
 10. Zolotic, Maribor12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Thondique, Polzela10.5 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur8.9 
 3. Nuhanovic, Elektra8.3 
 4. Raymond, Helios7.4 
 5. Miljkovic, Elektra7.0 
 6. Krusic, Geoplin6.8 
 7. Zolotic, Maribor6.5 
 8. Mucic, Maribor6.2 
 9. Erzen, Parklji6.1 
 10. Pavic, Krka6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Igor MIJAJLOVIC
  Polzela
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Mijajlovic, Polzela4.7 
 2. Brolih, Maribor4.4 
 3. Jersin, Elektra4.1 
 4. Djordjevic, Krka4.0 
 5. Hohler, Sentjur3.9 
 6. Harmason, Sentjur3.8 
 7. Vujasinovic, Zlato.3.6 
 8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan3.5 
 9. Ilievski, Union O.3.3 
 10. Krivec, Krka3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thondique, Polzela2.3 
 2. Mezek, LTHcast1.9 
 3. Dragic, Krka1.9 
 4. Ilievski, Union O.1.7 
 5. Harmason, Sentjur1.6 
 6. Mahkovic, LTHcas.1.6 
 7. Lapornik, Zlatorog1.6 
 8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan1.5 
 9. Hohler, Sentjur1.5 
 10. Ikonic, Krka1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Nuhanovic, Elektra1.8 
 2. Thondique, Polzela1.2 
 3. Dimec, Zlatorog1.0 
 4. Sviridov, Polzela0.9 
 5. Booker, Krka0.8 
 6. Shermadini, Union0.8 
 7. Omic, Zlatorog0.6 
 8. Sebic, Sentjur0.6 
 9. Pavic, Krka0.5 
 10. Vrsaljko, Polzela0.5 


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


Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Carroll, Gran Cana.19.3 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.15.7 
 3. McDonald, DKV J.15.3 
 4. Baron, Lagun A.15.0 
 5. Fitch, Unicaja15.0 
 6. Teletovic, Caja L.14.6 
 7. Caner-Medley, Estu.14.4 
 8. Martinez, Valencia14.0 
 9. Freeland, Unicaja13.2 
 10. Davis, Cajasol13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Kurz, Granada9.1 
 2. Batista, Fuenlabr.8.4 
 3. Caner-Medley, Estu.7.6 
 4. Barac, Caja Laboral7.0 
 5. Donaldson, Menorca6.9 
 6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada6.5 
 7. Wallace, Gran Cana.6.3 
 8. Doellman, Meridiano6.2 
 9. Slokar, Manresa6.2 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Huertas, Caja L.5.9 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.4 
 3. Ciorciari, Menorca4.9 
 4. Valters, Fuenlabr.4.5 
 5. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca4.1 
 7. Green, Gran Canaria4.0 
 8. Dumas, Valladolid3.9 
 9. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
 10. Prigioni, Real Ma.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cook, Valencia2.2 
 2. Kirksay, Cajasol1.9 
 3. Robinson, DKV J.1.8 
 4. Rubio, Regal Barca1.6 
 5. Ciorciari, Menorca1.5 
 6. Van Lacke, Vallado.1.5 
 7. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.5 
 8. Hosley, DKV J.1.5 
 9. San Miguel, Manre.1.5 
 10. Davis, Cajasol1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabr.
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.3 
 2. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.4 
 3. Fischer, Real Madr.1.4 
 4. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 5. Vazquez, Regal B.1.3 
 6. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 7. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 8. Barac, Caja Laboral1.1 
 9. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 10. Andriuskevic., Me.1.0 


CAI Zaragoza keeps Sam Van Rossom until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of a 2-year contract extension with Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86). It means that the Belgian guard will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. Van Rossom appeared in all 34 games in ACB this season averaging 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His season-high was 19 points against Meridiano Alicante.
Sam Van Rossom joined Zaragoza last summer from Scavolini. He played 23 games for the Pesaro team in SerieA registering 8.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.9 apg. In EuroChallenge, he added 6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.8 apg for 12 games. Season 2008/09, Van Rossom also spent with Scavolini, but as a loaned player from AJ Milano. From 2005 to 2008, he played for Oostende in Belgium. In 2007 and 2009, Van Rossom was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Domestic Player of the Year. He won two championship titles and one National Cup with Oostende. Van Rossom is active member of the Belgian National Team.

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


Taiwan beats Mongolia, wins Asian Championship seed - by Chris Wang
Taiwan defeated Mongolia 85-71 Saturday in Nanjing, China to win Group B in the 2011 East Asian Basketball Championship and virtually secure a berth in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men.

The 2011 EABC serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship. Taiwan will meet the Group A winner -- either China or Korea -- in the semifinal on June 14.

Regardless of the results in the semifinal round, Taiwan has secured a seat in the FIBA Asia Championship since the three best teams, excluding China, qualify for the tournament, which will be held in Wuhan, Hubei, China from September 15 to 25.

Chien Chia-Hung (197-F-87), Su Yi-chieh and Lu Cheng-ju each scored 13 points in the win over Mongolia as five Taiwanese players reached double-figure. James Mao had 12 while opening game hero Chen Hsin-an added 10.

Point guard Lee Hsueh-lin had nine points and six assists.

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


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23
 1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.23.0 
 2. Kambala, Aliaga20.2 
 3. Buckman, Antalya19.6 
 4. Henderson, Antalya19.1 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka18.8 
 6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.18.7 
 7. Kemp, Besiktas17.9 
 8. Randle, Aliaga17.5 
 9. Mays, Oyak Renault17.2 
 10. Scales, Mersin17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Yucel, Mersin11.3 
 2. Thomas, Erdemir10.2 
 3. Wesson, Turk T.9.2 
 4. Buckman, Antalya9.0 
 5. Mays, Oyak Renault9.0 
 6. Ffriend, Bornova8.7 
 7. Samardjiski, Olin8.5 
 8. Smith, Bornova7.9 
 9. Smith, Karsiyaka7.8 
 10. Karadeniz, Trabzo.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Ermis, Banvit6.1 
 2. Holston, Karsiyaka6.0 
 3. Conroy, Oyak R.5.9 
 4. Rasic, Trabzonspor5.3 
 5. Chatman, Besiktas5.1 
 6. Henderson, Antalya4.7 
 7. Rowe, Tofas4.6 
 8. Tunceri, Efes Pils.4.3 
 9. Ukic, Fener.Ulker4.3 
 10. Acik, Galatasaray4.2 
Steals Per Game
 James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Mays, Oyak Renault2.2 
 2. Grier, Mersin2.2 
 3. Holston, Karsiyaka2.2 
 4. Waller, Oyak Renau.2.1 
 5. Prince, Antalya1.9 
 6. Smith, Karsiyaka1.9 
 7. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 8. Guler, Antalya1.6 
 9. Chatman, Besiktas1.6 
 10. Rowe, Tofas1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Stiemsma, Turk T.1.8 
 2. Samardjiski, Olin1.5 
 3. Francis, Bornova1.3 
 4. Johnson, Erdemir1.3 
 5. Ogilvy, Besiktas1.1 
 6. Mays, Oyak Renault1.0 
 7. Aldemir, Karsiyaka0.9 
 8. Davis, Banvit0.9 
 9. Ruzic, Tofas0.9 
 10. Wesson, Turk T.0.8 


TBL Finals: Fenerbahce Ulker jumps to 3-1 against Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
TBL Finals, Game 4: Galatasaray - Fenerbahce Ulker 74-85 (1-3)

Fourth game of the TBL Finals just ended and Fenerbahce Ulker celebrated 74-85 road win for 3-1 lead in the series. It means that Fener needs just one more win to defend the title. The first chance to do it they will have on Tuesday. Fener will be the host in that game.The game was mostly controlled by Fenerbahce Ulker. Galatasaray managed to win second period 19-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fenerbahce Ulker dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Galatasaray's 32. 24 personal fouls committed by Galatasaray helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Croatian guard Roko-Leni Ukic (195-84) fired 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Bosnian-Slovenian forward Emir Preldzic (206-87, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Croatian center Luksa Andric (210-85, agency: Beo Basket) produced 13 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Tutku Acik (194-80) added 13 points respectively for lost side. Five Fenerbahce Ulker and four Galatasaray players scored in double figures.

Top scorers:
Galatasaray: T.Acik 13+2reb+2ast, L.Andric 13+9reb+2ast, J.Johnson 13+2ast, J.Shipp 10+3reb+2ast, P.Shumpert 10, E.Kurtoglu 8+2reb+1ast
Fener.Ulker: O.Savas 19+5reb, E.Preldzic 18+5reb+4ast, R.Ukic 17+8reb+5ast, D.Lavrinovic 15+9reb+2ast, O.Onan 10, S.May 4+1reb+1ast



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

  UBA   


Holmes, Webb and Frierson sign in Dominican Republic - by UBA media

June 11, 2011
UBA news

Three UBA standouts all sign with teams in the Dominican Republic San Pedro league.

Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State) who was named UBA Most Improved Player and 2nd Team was the first of the 3 to sign. Holmes and Chucky Frierson (6'6''-G/F-83, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Dominican, NY) joined Retiro 23 and will play their first game next weekend. Frierson and Holmes led the Assault to the UBA championship for the first time in franchise history. Holmes was named to the Usbasket.com All-UBA Playoff Team with an average of 22.3ppg and 10.4rpg.

Antonio Webb (5'10''-G-84, college: Bethune-Cookman) was the last of the 3 to sign. He joined Titanes de Miramar and will look to continue his great play from the UBA. Webb played for the Tennessee Dragons (UBA) where he led the team in scoring (19.3ppg) and was named a UBA All-Star. Last season Webb was named UBA Finals MVP for his heroics versus the Southern Generals (31pts).

Holmes will likely return to the states to sign his contract with a club in Iceland (name will not be released).


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


Aco Petrovic is on his way to Mariupol - by Eurobasket News
Aco Petrovic may soon be announced new head coach of Azovmash Mariupol. The Serbian specialist has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with the Ukrainian powerhouse. Aco Petrovic parted ways with FMP Zeleznik lately. The coach started the season in Zalgiris. However he left the team in December. Previously Aco Petrovic worked with FMP, Hemofarm, Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, Unics Kazan and Crvena Zvezda. He also worked as coach assistant with Serbian National Team in 2008/09 seasons as well as Yugoslavian National Team back in 2002. Azovmash was guided by Rolandas Jarutis in the previous season. The team however was not able to defend their Superleague title losing to Ferro-ZNTU in the quarterfinal series. Azovmash also lost VTB-League semifinal against CSKA and failed to reach EuroCup playoffs. Rolandas Jarutis did not leave the team and became the sports manager.




BC Odessa confirms Justin Love - by Eurobasket News
As we wrote before Justin Love (188-G-78, college: St.Louis) and BC Odessa had negotiated contract. Now we have it confirmed as BC Odessa officially announced the signing of contract with Justin Love. The deal is meant for one season. Justin Love is not new to Odessa. He played for the team back in 2008/09 season. Then the guard averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Justin Love then moved to Mykolaiv. Last season the guard tallied 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per appearance. He was named Eurobasket.com Al-Ukrainian Superleague Guard of the Year. Justin Love had stints with Ludwigsburg, Ventspils, Saint Louis Skyhawks, Fresno Heat, Beijing Aoshen, Gravelines, Kansas City Knights before moving to Ukraine. The guard was named All-Latvian League Import Player of the Year in 2005.


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


Results for the Metro 16th round - by Hector Lopez
The Uruguayan players postponed an announced strike while they continue negotiations with the Federacion Uruguaya about conditiones for next championships. Therefore they decided to play last nigth the 16th round for the Metro League. The results were:
Larranaga 80 - Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 31 points 18 rebounds 1 block Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 24 points 6 rebounds
Nacional 77 - Aram Tavokjian (191-G-82) 17 points 4 rebounds, Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) 11 points 12 rebounds 2 blocks
- - -
Urunday 100 - Juan Garbarino (185-G-89) 38 points, Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 18 points 17 rebounds
Goes 84 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 21 points 5 rebounds
(The referees suspended the game with 1.23 minutes still to be played after fans from Goes stormed the field)
- - -
Tabare 81 - Santiago Vidal (175-G-89) 28 points 8 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 7 points 7 rebounds
Capitol 71 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 40 points 12 rebounds
- - -
Verdirrojo 86 - Emiliano Baston (200-F-88) 25 points 7 rebounds
Yale 78 - Leandro Taboada (180-G-86) 33 points, Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 21 points 11 rebounds
- - -
Atenas 98 - Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 26 points 16 rebounds
25 de Agosto 68 - John Rufus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) 24 points 11 rebounds

*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19   


Serbia U19 lose to Adidas Eurocamp All-Stars - by Eurobasket News
Eurocamp All-Stars - Serbia U19 61:53

Eurocamp All-Stars and Serbian U19 National Team clashed in Treviso on the opening day of the annual Adidas Eurocamp event. All-Stars claimed an 8-point victory at the end. Lucas Riva (211-C-92) provided 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals for the winners. All-Stars ensured a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame and eventually posted a 34:28 halftime advantage. Serbia got closer in the third term. They cut the distance to 3 points with one quarter remaining. But All-Stars held their opponents to 9 points in the fourth stanza and escaped with the victory at the end. Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 10 points, while Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) accounted for 8 in the win. Nikola Siladji (205-F-92) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G-92) netted 11 points in the loss.

Eurocamp All-Stars: Lucas Riva 11, Tomislav Zubcic 10, Leon Radosevic 8
Serbia U19: Nikola Siladji 13, Bogdan Bogdanovic 11





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

Women News

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


Canada prevail against Belarus at Picardy Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Belarus 61:55

Canada earned the first win at the Picardy Tournament in France. They held off Belarus to improve at 1-1 record. Belarus suffered the second straight loss in Beauvais. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) knocked down 16 points and 6 rebounds to pace the North American side.
Canada posted a 9:4 lead midway through the opening frame but Belarus erased the deficit as the teams headed into the second frame tied at 15. Belarus used a 9:0 run early in the second term to surge ahead. But Canada rallied back in charge and registered a 33:30 halftime advantage. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third stanza. The lead changed hands for several times before Canada ensured a 47:44 lead with one quarter remaining. Kimberley Smith helped Canada to a 7-point lead with under five minutes to go. But Veremeenko and Snytina dragged Belarus within 2 points with 27 second remaining. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) stepped up with four consecutive free throws late in regulation and Canada pulled away with victory at the end. Shona Thorburn knocked down 10 points, while Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) added 9 points in the win. Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) answered with 12 points for Belarus. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 16, Shona Thorburn 10, Courtnay Pilypaitis 9
Belarus: Natalia Marchanka 12, Tatyana Troina 11


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


Canada prevail against Belarus at Picardy Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Belarus 61:55

Canada earned the first win at the Picardy Tournament in France. They held off Belarus to improve at 1-1 record. Belarus suffered the second straight loss in Beauvais. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) knocked down 16 points and 6 rebounds to pace the North American side.
Canada posted a 9:4 lead midway through the opening frame but Belarus erased the deficit as the teams headed into the second frame tied at 15. Belarus used a 9:0 run early in the second term to surge ahead. But Canada rallied back in charge and registered a 33:30 halftime advantage. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third stanza. The lead changed hands for several times before Canada ensured a 47:44 lead with one quarter remaining. Kimberley Smith helped Canada to a 7-point lead with under five minutes to go. But Veremeenko and Snytina dragged Belarus within 2 points with 27 second remaining. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) stepped up with four consecutive free throws late in regulation and Canada pulled away with victory at the end. Shona Thorburn knocked down 10 points, while Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) added 9 points in the win. Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) answered with 12 points for Belarus. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 16, Shona Thorburn 10, Courtnay Pilypaitis 9
Belarus: Natalia Marchanka 12, Tatyana Troina 11


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


France stay undefeated in Beauvais - by Eurobasket News
France - Russia 55:47

France recorded the second consecutive win at the Picardy Tournament. They toppled Russia to stay undefeated. Russia meanwhile slipped at 1-1 record. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) notched 12 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
Russia ensured a strong start to the game. They recorded a 10:2 lead several minutes into it. Russia stayed in front and secured a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. But France gradually erased the deficit. The hosts arrived at halftime up by a single point 29:28. The teams traded baskets throughout close third period. Les Bleus entered the final frame up by three points 41:38. However an 11:0 start to the final period helped the home team to clear off. Russia never got back to life after the blow and France rolled to the victory at the end. Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) nailed 11 points, while Endene Miyem (188-F-88) and Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) had 6 points each for the winners. Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) responded with 12 points for Russia. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) accounted for 9 points in defeat.

France: Sandrine Gruda 12, Emilie Gomis 11, Endene Miyem 6, Edwige Lawson-Wade 6
Russia: Olga Arteshina 12, Liudmila Sapova 9


*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


Murphy leads Montenegro to the third place in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-Greece 72:67

Murphy leads Montenegro to the third place in Istanbul at the International Tournament. She erupted with 28 points and 11 rebounds as Montenegro overcame Greece 72:67.
Montenegro won the opening quarter 24-19 and Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) made it 29:21 early in the second. Anna Spyridopoulou (182-F-88) and Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded to 32:27, while Anna De Forge sent the teams to the lockers for 38:32. Montenegro pushed the tempo early in the third and erupted with 8-0 run for 46:32 advantage. Moreover the team enjoyed 61:41 midway through the third frame, but the board showed 63:48 at the end of thirty minutes. Greece was too far to give up and tied the game at 67:67. Montenegro however scored the last 5 points in the game for the initial win at Victory Cup.
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) scored 12 points and Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) netted 10. Evanthia Maltsi ended up with 23 points in the losing effort, whilst Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 17. Anna Spyridopoulou finished the night with 10 points in defeat.
Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup. The winners upset the home side 58:55 in a real surviving thriller.

Montenegro: Eshaya Murphy 28+11 rebs, Iva Perovanovic 12, Ana Baletic 10
Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 23, Zoi Dimitrakou 17, Anna Spyridopoulou 10



*****************************************************
  LATVIA - Women  


Slovakia triumphs in Riga tournament - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Slovakia 77:80

Slovakia triumphs in Riga tournament as they won over the hosts 80:77 in Day 3. The Slovakian team needed 80:77 thriller win to win both two game sat the tournament.
Both teams nailed 19 points each in the opening quarter. Slovakia scored the same number of points in the second period as well and allowed the hosts to post only 12. Slovakia also added 22-17 in the third frame to improve to 12 points after three quarters. Latvia did their best to tie or win the game but managed to reduce to three points ta the end of the game. Latvia won the last period 29-20 but lost the game.
Darina Misurova (163-PG-81) stepped up with 22 points and Lusia Michulkova notched 13. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) ended up with 12, while Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) added 10. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) paced the hosts with 23 points and Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) nailed 16. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) delivered 12 in defeat, whilst Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) and Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) posted 9 each.

Latvia: Gunta Basko 23, Elina Babkina 16, Sabine Niedola 12, Zane Tamane 9, Liene Jansone 9
Slovakia: Darina Misurova 22, Lusia Michulkova 13, Klaudia Lukacovicova 12, Lucia Kupcikova 10



*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Murphy leads Montenegro to the third place in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-Greece 72:67

Murphy leads Montenegro to the third place in Istanbul at the International Tournament. She erupted with 28 points and 11 rebounds as Montenegro overcame Greece 72:67.
Montenegro won the opening quarter 24-19 and Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) made it 29:21 early in the second. Anna Spyridopoulou (182-F-88) and Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded to 32:27, while Anna De Forge sent the teams to the lockers for 38:32. Montenegro pushed the tempo early in the third and erupted with 8-0 run for 46:32 advantage. Moreover the team enjoyed 61:41 midway through the third frame, but the board showed 63:48 at the end of thirty minutes. Greece was too far to give up and tied the game at 67:67. Montenegro however scored the last 5 points in the game for the initial win at Victory Cup.
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) scored 12 points and Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) netted 10. Evanthia Maltsi ended up with 23 points in the losing effort, whilst Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 17. Anna Spyridopoulou finished the night with 10 points in defeat.
Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup. The winners upset the home side 58:55 in a real surviving thriller.

Montenegro: Eshaya Murphy 28+11 rebs, Iva Perovanovic 12, Ana Baletic 10
Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 23, Zoi Dimitrakou 17, Anna Spyridopoulou 10



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


Hammond leads Kentucky - by Eurobasket News
University of Louisville recruit Sarah Hammond (6'2''-C) scored 21 points to lead the Kentucky Girls All-Stars to a 64-57 victory against the Indiana Girls All-Stars Friday night at Bellarmine University.

Indiana, which entered the game winning eight of the last 12 meetings, leads the series 39-32 going into Saturday's game at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Hammond, Kentucky's Miss Basketball, grabbed 14 rebounds, blocked three shots, and dished out three assists to go with her 21 points.

Brian Goss, Indiana's Miss Basketball from Ben Davis, scored 23 points. Goss, a University of Kentucky recruit, also had four steaks and five rebounds.

Elkhart Memorial's Akyah Taylor scored five points for Indiana.

Down 51-48 with 4:31 to play, Hammond sparked a comeback with a putback off an offensive rebound and a layup in quick succession and never relinquished the lead.

Goss' two free throws with 1:02 remaining following a steal brought Indiana to 57-55 but could pull no closer.

Kentucky owned a 30-25 halftime lead. Defense helped Kentucky nailed down the victory. Indiana only managed 18-of-67 shooting (26.9 percent). Kentucky turned Indiana turnovers into a 23-12 advantage in points off of turnovers.

Kentucky owned the lane, outscoring Indiana, 26-14, in points in the paint. In the rebounding battle, Kentucky and Indiana each had 21 offensive boards, but Kentucky outscored Indiana, 21-4 in second-chance points. Kentucky finished with a 54-50 rebounding edge.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Notre Dame's McGraw inducted in women's HOF - by Eurobasket News
When Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw learned last summer that she would be a part of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 2011 class of inductees, she knew the pressure was on for the Fighting Irish to have a good season.

'My biggest fear was that if we had a bad year they would take it back,' McGraw said with a smile on Friday. 'I kind of went into the season like, 'I don't know how good we're going to be anyway.''

Notre Dame reached the 2011 NCAA national championship game, losing to Texas A&M, and McGraw kept her place among the 2011 inductees, who are being honored this weekend at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Other inductees include Val Ackerman, the first president of the WNBA; Olympians Ruthie Bolton and Vicky Bullett; four-time All-American Pearl Moore and former player Lometa Odom.

Over 24 seasons, McGraw has helped build Notre Dame into a nationally competitive program and led the Fighting Irish to the 2011 national title. This year, they beat rivals Tennessee and Connecticut en route to the national championship game.

Still, McGraw questioned whether she belonged in the ranks of fellow Hall of Fame members like Lady Volunteers coach Pat Summitt and Huskies coach Geno Auriemma.

'You always look up. You never look around you,' she said. 'You always look up, and you look at Pat and Geno. I never even considered it.'

Ackerman, who helped launch the WNBA in 1997 and served as its president for eight seasons, recalled a time when women didn't have female role models to look up to, and only a select few women were honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

'To be in the company of all of these amazing people, many of whom I know, and the ones who came in before -- all of them, I just admire so much. It's just an amazing feeling. I want to give kudos to the folks who started the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and brought this into being. I remember there was a time when there wasn't a time to honor the people that had made contributions to women's basketball.'

Ackerman is also a longtime USA Basketball board member and became first woman to serve as USA Basketball president in 2005. She said women's basketball is in a position to become even more entertaining because of the increasing athleticism of players and bigger on a global level.

'Women's basketball has been a journey, ' she said. 'The history has been pretty recent, but it has been kind of explosive. To see how much has happened in a relatively short time has been pretty amazing. I think it remains in the best position of all of the women's team sports because it's so strong at all levels.'

Bullett was a 1989 All-American and Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, helped lead Maryland to three ACC championships. She twice played in the Olympics, winning gold in 1988 and bronze in 1992 and played six seasons in the WNBA.

'I'm overwhelmed by the recognition. It's the pinnacle of your career ends here, and to be so soon, ' Bullett said. 'I didn't even think I was going to go to college for the sport, let alone being in the Olympics and playing in the women's league. One door would open, and you'd just go through it. I never had any goals, I just loved the game so much and I wanted to play.'

Bolton was a part of the 1996 and 2000 gold-medal Olympic teams and was a WNBA All Star with the Sacramento Monarchs. She helped lead Auburn to three Southeastern Conference championships and two appearances in the NCAA championship game.

'It's just an indication of what hard work and dedication does, ' Bolton said. 'To me, it just feels good to be here. It's not always your destination but it's about how you get to where you're going. When I think about my journey and how I got here, it's very humbling.'

Moore scored 4,061 points during her college career at Anderson Junior College and Francis Marion from 1975-79, without ever benefiting from a 3-point scoring line. Her points set a record at the time for the highest career total of any men's and women's player.

'I was thinking, 'me?'' It's awesome, but I wasn't looking for anything like this, ' Moore said of the Hall of Fame honor. 'It's an awesome, humbling feeling.'

Odom helped lead her Wayland Baptist team to a 115-5 record from 1952-56 and scored 78 points in a single game. She finished her career with 1,614 points.

'When my coach [Harley Redin] called me and told me I was being inducted, I said, 'Harley, are you pulling my leg?'' she said. 'When I played in high school, only the small schools played. In college, only one or two other colleges had women's basketball. I knew it had a long way to go, but there were some people with good vision and at Wayland there were people who felt the need to do something for women's athletics.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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  RUSSIA - Women  


France stay undefeated in Beauvais - by Eurobasket News
France - Russia 55:47

France recorded the second consecutive win at the Picardy Tournament. They toppled Russia to stay undefeated. Russia meanwhile slipped at 1-1 record. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) notched 12 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
Russia ensured a strong start to the game. They recorded a 10:2 lead several minutes into it. Russia stayed in front and secured a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. But France gradually erased the deficit. The hosts arrived at halftime up by a single point 29:28. The teams traded baskets throughout close third period. Les Bleus entered the final frame up by three points 41:38. However an 11:0 start to the final period helped the home team to clear off. Russia never got back to life after the blow and France rolled to the victory at the end. Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) nailed 11 points, while Endene Miyem (188-F-88) and Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) had 6 points each for the winners. Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) responded with 12 points for Russia. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) accounted for 9 points in defeat.

France: Sandrine Gruda 12, Emilie Gomis 11, Endene Miyem 6, Edwige Lawson-Wade 6
Russia: Olga Arteshina 12, Liudmila Sapova 9


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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Slovakia triumphs in Riga tournament - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Slovakia 77:80

Slovakia triumphs in Riga tournament as they won over the hosts 80:77 in Day 3. The Slovakian team needed 80:77 thriller win to win both two game sat the tournament.
Both teams nailed 19 points each in the opening quarter. Slovakia scored the same number of points in the second period as well and allowed the hosts to post only 12. Slovakia also added 22-17 in the third frame to improve to 12 points after three quarters. Latvia did their best to tie or win the game but managed to reduce to three points ta the end of the game. Latvia won the last period 29-20 but lost the game.
Darina Misurova (163-PG-81) stepped up with 22 points and Lusia Michulkova notched 13. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) ended up with 12, while Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) added 10. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) paced the hosts with 23 points and Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) nailed 16. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) delivered 12 in defeat, whilst Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) and Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) posted 9 each.

Latvia: Gunta Basko 23, Elina Babkina 16, Sabine Niedola 12, Zane Tamane 9, Liene Jansone 9
Slovakia: Darina Misurova 22, Lusia Michulkova 13, Klaudia Lukacovicova 12, Lucia Kupcikova 10



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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Spain 55:58

Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup. The winners upset the home side 58:55 in a real surviving thriller.
That was the best and the most interesting game of the tournament. Turkey started with 16-12 lead and had 20-16 later in the second period. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) sent the teams to the lockers at 29:25 as both teams nailed 13 points each in the frame. In the third period Spain started to play better and after 14-9 in it took 39:38 after thirty minutes. Spain later enjoyed 53:46 but Birsel Vardarli tied the score at 53:53. In overtime Spain scored the first five points and then won the game as well as the tournament.
Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) paced all the winners with 18 points and Alba Torrens (188-F-89) netted 15. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) ended up with 12 points, while Laia Palau (178-G-79) and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) scored 5 each. Nevriye Yilmaz responded with 11 points in the losing effort as Turkey finished second in the tournament. Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) netted 10 and Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) posted 9.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 11, Tugba Palazoglu 10, Nevin Nevlin 9
Spain: Anna Cruz 18, Alba Torrens 15, Anna Montanana 12, Laia Palau 5, Elisa Aguilar 5


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  TURKEY - Women  


Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Spain 55:58

Spain needed overtime win over Turkey to win Victory Cup. The winners upset the home side 58:55 in a real surviving thriller.
That was the best and the most interesting game of the tournament. Turkey started with 16-12 lead and had 20-16 later in the second period. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) sent the teams to the lockers at 29:25 as both teams nailed 13 points each in the frame. In the third period Spain started to play better and after 14-9 in it took 39:38 after thirty minutes. Spain later enjoyed 53:46 but Birsel Vardarli tied the score at 53:53. In overtime Spain scored the first five points and then won the game as well as the tournament.
Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) paced all the winners with 18 points and Alba Torrens (188-F-89) netted 15. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) ended up with 12 points, while Laia Palau (178-G-79) and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) scored 5 each. Nevriye Yilmaz responded with 11 points in the losing effort as Turkey finished second in the tournament. Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) netted 10 and Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) posted 9.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 11, Tugba Palazoglu 10, Nevin Nevlin 9
Spain: Anna Cruz 18, Alba Torrens 15, Anna Montanana 12, Laia Palau 5, Elisa Aguilar 5


Ceyhan Bld signs WNBA player Tiffany Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Ceyhan Bld came up with important signing for the next season. The team landed WNBA player Tiffany Jackson (191-F-85, college: Texas). The 26-year-old forward currently plays for the Tulsa Shock. The WNBA 2011 started just few days ago and Jackson averaged 8.3 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists so far. She spent last season in Europe with Maccabi Ramat Hen. In 24 Israeli league games she had 16.3 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 3.3 apg. Eurobasket awarded Jackson All-Israeli League Forward of the Year -11. Jackson played for Maccabi Ramat Gan also in 2009/10. In WNBA 2010 season, she had 7.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.4 apg for Tulsa Shock. Jackson started that season with the New York Liberty registering 4.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg.

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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA will keep all basketball players who were selected for teams: all will play in the fall - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (June 11 , 2011)---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) will keep the basketball players drafted and chosen in the selection draft held on Saturday, May 7, 2011. We will keep the players and honor all agreements we have with each and everyone selected', said WUSBA vice president Kenneth Green. 'The selection draft yielded us a huge number of top NCAA and NAIA basketball players who will make up the teams for the inaugural basketball season. We'll keep all of them'.

The league was to begin in the summer; however it was discovered that seven of the gymnasiums did not have central air conditioning, the league moved the season to the fall. 'I can see how this mistake happened, most gyms; do not use their gymnasiums in the summer, except for the summer camps. My camps are held in the mornings and high temperatures are not an issue, but with this current heat wave here in the south, it is best we err on the side of caution and play in the fall.'

'We are working tirelessly in our pursuit to find the best players available for all WUSBA teams; this will enable us to provide our fans the very best minor league professional basketball players from day one,' said WUSBA President and C.E.O., Duane Allen Jenkins . 'This national search for players was a truly special and unique opportunity for all of our coaches to select basketball players to fit their style of play in one place and at one time', continued Jenkins.

Selected players were assigned to one of the sixteen basketball teams. The league will waive the all fees for team individual tryouts for the players. Basketball players are to have a minimum of two years experience on the collegiate level to play in the WUSBA.

The WUSBA 2011 basketball season runs from August 27, 2011 to November 13, 2011. Each team plays a twenty six game schedule, thirteen home and thirteen away. The league has a mid season All Star Classic Gala basketball game scheduled September 30 thru October 2, 2011. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins November 7, 2011, with the Championship game on November 13, 2011 in Macon, Georgia. There is a local try out to be held on Saturday August 13, 2011 in each team city. Selected players will report on August 12, 2011. Camp will begin on August 14.

The divisions and teams are as follows:

The Southern Division will field the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, the Macon Storm and the Montgomery Spirits.

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

The Atlantic Division will consist of the Jacksonville Surf, the Savannah Seahawks, the Charleston Cadets and the Richmond Colonials.

The Piedmont Division will take the court as the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, the Winston Salem Cardinals and the Augusta Raging River.

The WUSBA did not charge a fee for players to try out for a team. 'We have never had these fees as a part of our revenue stream we want qualified candidate to come take a chance and tryout. We do require all basketball players to have a minimum of two years collegiate playing experience.'

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

The league has increased its weekly pay for players by $50.00. The players are now paid $350.00 per week. Players also receive free housing accommodations and a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant. As a bonus, players will receive compensation for sponsor speaking engagements and sponsorship sales.


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  WNBA - Women  


Friday's games (4) review - by Eurobasket News
L.Angeles S. - Phoenix M. 98-84
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) scored 22 points, Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, college: USC) had 21 and the Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury 98-84 on Friday night at Staples Center. DeLisha Milton-Jones scored 18 points and reserve guard Kristi Toliver added 17 for the Sparks (2-1). Milton-Jones had 14 points in the first quarter, Parker had 15 in the second half and Toliver made five 3-pointers. Penny Taylor led Phoenix (0-2) with 18 points. Mercury star and 2009 MVP Diana Taurasi was held scoreless in the second half and finished with nine points on 2-for-9 shooting. The Sparks went on a 14-7 run to end the first half as Toliver hit three key 3 s in the final 3 minutes. They led 54-40 at the break and Phoenix didn't get closer than nine in the second half. It was a contrast from the teams' recent history as three of their previous five meetings were decided by one point. Phoenix won four of five from the Sparks last season. The Sparks were 13 for 23 on 3-pointers, making the second-most in franchise history. Their 54 first-half points was one shy of the franchise record for a half. The Sparks have scored 54 points in a half three other times. Sparks coach Jennifer Gillom said her team re-focused after a 17-point loss to Minnesota on Sunday. *Courtesy of www.presstelegram.com

Tulsa S. - S.Antonio SS 62-93
Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.) scored 19 points to lead five San Antonio players in double figures, and the Silver Stars cruised to a 93-62 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Friday night. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) had 13 points, Sophia Young added 12 and Becky Hammon and rookie Danielle Adams scored 11 each for San Antonio (2-0). Australian rookie Liz Cambage and Kayla Pederson scored 12 points apiece to lead Tulsa (0-3), which dropped its home opener and has lost 31 of 37 since moving from Detroit before last season. Tiffany Jackson, Ivory Latta and Chastity Reed added 10 points each. Tulsa grabbed the early lead but San Antonio used a 10-2 run late in the first quarter to take control, building a 21-14 cushion. From there, the Silver Stars stretched the lead to 20 points at halftime. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Chicago S. - Connecticut S. 78-75
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Sky to a 78-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. Fowles scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a tiebreaking putback with 28 seconds left. Rookie guard Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-G-89, college: Gonzaga) scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers, to help the Sky (1-1) win their home opener. Michelle Snow had 12 points, Ephiphanny Prince added 11 and Cathrine Kraayeveld grabbed 11 rebounds. Renee Montgomery scored 22 points and Asjha Jones added 20 for the Sun (1-1). Chicago never trailed and led by as many as 13 points. Connecticut railed to force two ties, the last coming on Jones' jumper with 44 seconds left. The Sky opened a 23-16 lead after one quarter as Vandersloot tied a club record with three 3s in one period. The lead reached 31-18 with 7:07 left in the half following Vandersloot's fourth 3. Connecticut scored 10 straight points over the next 3:08, and Kalana Greene's 3 with 31 seconds left trimmed the lead to 35-34. Tina Charles' 3 tied the score at 37-all early in the third quarter, but Chicago replied with an 11-1 run. The Sky led by six midway through the fourth quarter before the Sun forced a late tie. Chicago shot 33 for 66 (50 percent) from the field and outrebounded Connecticut 38-30. The Sun were 28 of 66 (42.4 percent). Snow's free throw at 7:44 of second quarter gave her 2,800 career points. She became the seventh WNBA player with 2,800 points, 2,000 rebounds and 300 blocks. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Indiana F. - New York L. 80-81
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored 21 points, including the winning jumper with 8.1 seconds left to give the New York Liberty an 81-80 victory over the Indiana Fever on Friday night. Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) added 13 points for the Liberty (2-0), who won after squandering an 18-point lead in the second half. Katie Douglas had 27 points and Tamika Catchings added 13 points and six rebounds for the Fever (1-1). Douglas was 10 for 18 from the field, including a career high-tying six 3-pointers. Briann January's 3-pointer gave Indiana an 80-79 lead with 23 seconds to go - the Fever's first advantage since the second quarter. After Pondexter put the Liberty back ahead, Catchings missed a jumper at the buzzer. Erin Phillips scored 11 points and January had 10 for the Fever. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com



Ceyhan Bld signs WNBA player Tiffany Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Ceyhan Bld came up with important signing for the next season. The team landed WNBA player Tiffany Jackson (191-F-85, college: Texas). The 26-year-old forward currently plays for the Tulsa Shock. The WNBA 2011 started just few days ago and Jackson averaged 8.3 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists so far. She spent last season in Europe with Maccabi Ramat Hen. In 24 Israeli league games she had 16.3 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 3.3 apg. Eurobasket awarded Jackson All-Israeli League Forward of the Year -11. Jackson played for Maccabi Ramat Gan also in 2009/10. In WNBA 2010 season, she had 7.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.4 apg for Tulsa Shock. Jackson started that season with the New York Liberty registering 4.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg.

Aussies stars in action - WNBA Week 1 Wrap - by Eurobasket News
The 2011 Women's National Basketball Association season kicked off in the US this week with some of Australias best basketball talent taking centre stage.

Seven Aussies began play for their US teams on the weekend including Australian Opals captain and reigning WNBA league MVP Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81).

WNBA debutants Jenna O'Hea (6'1''-G/F-87) of the Los Angeles Sparks and current WNBL MVP Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91) of the Tulsa Shock, joined Jackson and Belinda Snell (5'11''-F-81) of the Seattle Storm, Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) of the Phoenix Mercury, Tully Bevilaqua (5'5''-G-72) of the San Antonio Silver Stars and Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85) of the Indiana Fever.

Lauren Jackson leads the current WNBA Champions, the Seattle Storm, hoping to bring another title to her club. Joining Jackson at the Storm this year is Australian Opals sharp-shooter Belinda Snell, who is making her return to the WNBA after a season off.

WNBA All-star Penny Taylor is one of the stars of the league with the perennially playoff bound Mercury. The exciting forward spent her off-season recouping in her hometown of Melbourne and is ready for a shot at another WNBA title.

Defensive specialist Tully Bevilaqua joins the Silver Stars for the first time this year after a long career with the Indiana Fever. Bevilaqua captained the West Coast Waves of the WNBL in the 2010/11 season.

Erin Phillips returns to the WNBA this season with the Indiana Fever. The feisty South Australian guard previously spent time in the league with the Connecticut Sun, and is hoping to make the most of every opportunity at the Fever.

Coming off an MVP season in the WNBL, 19-year-old Liz Cambage was chosen number two in the WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock and immediately became both the youngest and tallest player in the league. She is also one of the most exciting and is looking to lift the fortunes of her new club.

Cambages WNBL team-mate from the past two seasons Jenna OHea is another Australian Opal debuting in the WNBA this season. A mature aged Rookie, OHea should make an immediate impact among a talented LA Sparks roster.

You can watch every game of the WNBA season for free by registering here for WNBA Live Access, and if you cant see the game LIVE, simply log on and watch it when you wish.

Jackson and Taylor go head to head, OHea shines in her debut and Cambage sets the bar high.

Here is your Week 1 Update of your favourite Australian players in action;

Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
Seattle Storm 78 defeated Phoenix Mercury 71
Stats: 15 points, 7 rebounds

Seattle Storm 74 were defeated by Minnesota Lynx 81
Stats: 9 points, 7 rebounds

Penny Taylor (Phoenix Mercury)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
Phoenix Mercury 71 were defeated by Seattle Storm 78
Stats: 13 points, 5 assists

Liz Cambage (Tulsa Shock)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
San Antonio Silver Stars 93 defeated Tulsa Shock 73
Stats: 18 points, 10 rebounds

Minnesota Lynx 75 defeated Tulsa Shock 65
Stats: 16 points, 15 rebounds

Jenna OHea (LA Sparks)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
LA Sparks 82 defeated Minnesota Lynx 74
Stats: 9 points, 2 rebounds

Minnesota Lynx 86 defeated LA Sparks 69
Stats: 5 points, 2 assists

Tully Bevilaqua (San Antonio Silver Stars)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
San Antonio Silver Stars 93 defeated Tulsa Shock 73
Stats: 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 points.

Erin Phillips (Indiana Fever)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
Indiana Fever 65 defeated Chicago Sky 57
Stats: 5 points

Belinda Snell (Seattle Storm)WNBA Player Profile

Games this week:
Seattle Storm 78 defeated Phoenix Mercury 71
Stats: DNP (carrying an ankle injury)

Seattle Storm 74 were defeated by Minnesota Lynx 81
Stats: DNP (carrying an ankle injury)

Courtesy of WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Atlanta D. 0-0 
 2. Chicago S. 0-0 
 3. Connecticut S. 0-0 
 4. Indiana F. 0-0 
 5. New York L. 0-0 
 6. Washington M. 0-0 
Western
 1. L.Angeles S. 0-0 
 2. Minnesota L. 0-0 
 3. Phoenix M. 0-0 
 4. S.Antonio SS 0-0 
 5. Seattle S. 0-0 
 6. Tulsa S. 0-0