Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/13/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nigeria U16 Men Coach, BBJ storm Nestle School competition for players - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The U-16 Men national basketball coach, Ayinla Johnson nick-named BBJ is scheduled to be in Enugu where the Nestle Milo National Secondary Schools championship conference finals is holding.

The former Nigeria senior Men national team captain is expected to be in the coal-city from the semi final stage of the nations biggest secondary (High) school competition. The competition which is holding in its 13th year has provided a very fertile ground for the coaches of the Nigeria Basketball Federation as they scout for quality players to form the national U-16 boys team.

The national cadets are expected to feature in the FIBA African Championship for U16 Men from July 8 through 17 in Egypt this year with Nigeria drawn in group-A alongside host Egypt, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Mozambique.

Group-B of the Africa championship comprises of Mali, Congo Brazzaville, South Africa, Angola, Libya and Tunisia with Nigeria going into the compettition as Africa third best rated team in the cadet category.

Coach Ayinla was in Kano during the Savannah Conference finals to take a close look at the young players from some of the schools in the northern part of the country, the former national captain to Senegal 97 FIBA African Championship where Nigeria bagged its first FIBA championship ticket after finishing second behind host Senegal and the 1998 FIBA World Championship in Greece was touched by the quality of the competition he watched at very close range.

After watching the future champions play in Kano the man who is also the Head Coach of Union Bank basketball club of Lagos team told our correspondent he would also be in Enugu where the Equatorial Conference competition began on Friday and scheduled to end on Tuesday

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ANGOLA

Local Basketball Team Start Training for Afrobasket - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The national senior males basketball team, African champions, started on Wednesday training on the pitch to prepare for the African Nations Cup (Afrobasket2011), to be disputed on 17-28 August in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

After two days of medical exams, the squad carried out a training session in Luanda's Cidadela pavilion, focusing on technical aspects like short and long distance throws.

This Thursday, the team will carry out morning and afternoon training sessions, as well as on Friday.

Next Monday, the training will be held in Coqueiros football stadium, where the players will be submitted to resistance tests.

In the first stage of the Afrobasket2011 competition Angola is in group B with the national teams of Chad, Morocco and Senegal.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Raul Duarte to Coach Team in Pan-African Games - by Eurobasket News
Luanda Recreativo do Libolo team coach, Raul Duarte , will manage the national senior males basketball B squad at the Pan-African Games of Mozambique, set for 3-18 September.

The information was given on Tuesday by the secretary-general of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), Tony Sofrimento.

According to the source, who was speaking to ANGOP, the former assistant coach of the national team will defend the Pan-African title conquered in 2007 in Algiers, Algeria, in which he was present as assistant to Jaime Covilha.

Tony Sofrimento said that the pre-team for the competition will be summoned soon.

Raul Duarte has already coached Petro de Luanda, and was assistant coach at 1 de Agosto team.

He also won African titles as assistant coach of the national A team.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

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

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Lakeside L.		15-2
2. Wanneroo W.		13-5
3. Cockburn C.		13-5
4. Perry Lakes H.		12-6
5. Willetton T.		11-7
6. Goldfield G.		9-9
7. Stirling S.		9-9
8. East Perth E.		8-9
9. Kalamunda E.S.		8-9
10. Perth R.		8-10
11. Mandurah M.		6-11
12. Rockingham F.		6-12
13. Geraldton B.		6-12
14. AIS		0-0
15. SW Slammers		0-18

Emus lose to Russia in OT, wrap tour 4-2 - by Eurobasket News
For their final game of the tour, the Emus travelled to the town of Vidnoie on the outskirts of Moscow. The game being played on the home court of Russian Womens Club Champions Spartak. Russia winning a thrilling game in overtime 8278.

Hugh Greenwood (190-PG-92) led all scorers with 21 points. Mitchell Creek (198-F/G-92) scored 20 points and Anthony Drmic (196-F/G-92) had 14 points.

The Russians saw red after their loss in the previous game and came out determined to reverse the result. However, the Emus stood strong throughout the quarter to lead by three at the break.

A series of unforced errors by the Emus saw the momentum shift to the Russians for most of the second quarter. A late charge by the Emus initiated by some very good pressure defense allowed them to regain the lead by half time. Australia 37 to Russia 34.

The third quarter saw two very tired teams trade baskets, the Emus failing to convert on a number of opportunities from the free throw line.

The intensity returned in the fourth quarter with the Emus relinquishing the lead through a number of costly errors, Russia leading by seven with 80 seconds to play.

The Emus then rediscovered their Aussie fighting spirit closing the gap and then tying the game with four second play following an Anthony Drmic three pointer from the corner, the game heading into overtime.

The Emus scored off the first possession in extra time, however, as the pressure built they made a couple of poor decisions which allowed the Russians to gain the upper hand, Russia going to on record the win and tie the two game series at 11.

'Although we are disappointed to lose, this was a terrific experience for the group,' said Head Coach Damian Cotter .

'The lesson learned from the game should be how to execute to our strength going down the stretch. The tour has been great for building the team structures and cohesiveness for the World Championships.'

The Emus have concluded their tour with a 42 win/loss record and now look towards the FIBA U19 World Championships commencing 30 June.

Final Score: Russia 82 defeated Australia 78 (in overtime)

1st Quarter: 13 - 16
2nd Quarter: 34 37 (21 - 21)
3rd Quarter: 52 56 (18 - 19)
4th Quarter: 72 72 (20 - 16)
Overtime: 82 78 (10 6)
Courtesy of: basketball.net.au

SBL: Tigers squeeze past Stirling - by Eurobasket News
In one of the games of the season, an overtime thriller saw the Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers hold of a determined Stirling Senators outfit 124-117 on Saturday night.

In a game that had numerous lead changes down the stretch it was the shooting performance of Robert Kampman (203-F-82, college: Wichita St.) that proved to be the difference.

Kampman finished the game with 42 points. He also had six three pointers and a perfect ten from ten at the free throw line, including some key shots late in the game.

The game was of frenetic pace right from the outset, with Stirling's Lee Roberts very active early. Willetton's ball movement resulted in numerous wide open shots, and a 11 point lead at the main break.

Although Willetton's Matthew Knight (204-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount) struggled with his shot early, Kampman steadied the ship to lead all scorers with 21 points at the half.

Stirling's Austin Bruton (80) started the second half with 11 straight points for the Senators, who seemed to claw the lead back each time it appeared the Tigers could run away with the game.

Roberts had an outstanding third quarter for the Senators, and he set the tone for an exciting last period with a buzzer beating three point shot from near mid court, which cut the Tigers lead down to two.

The Senators took the lead early in the last quarter only to see Knight gather his shooting touch and reclaim the lead back for Willetton. The lead would change back and forth as Kampman and Michael Jones traded three point shots.

Some key plays on both offense and defense from Adam Nener (190-G-84) kept Willetton in front for the most part of the quarter. Both teams traded free throws in the final 20 seconds as Willetton took a three point lead with under 15 seconds to go in regulation.

With Stirling having no timeouts remaining and looking for the game tying basket, it was Jones who delivered as he launched a huge three in the face of a defender to tie the game with 2.3 seconds remaining.

Kampman continued his great shooting into overtime, and with Roberts fouling out early for the Senators, the game seemed to run away from them as Willetton pulled ahead for the seven point win.

Roberts finished with 34 points and 20 rebounds for Stirling, with Jones the next best with 32 points. Matthew Knight finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Tigers.

'We knew we had to get two wins this weekend as we are playing a lot of the top teams from now on', Willetton coach Shayne Hampel said post game.

'The Redbacks game last night was a start and tonight was good.'

Willetton travel to Lakeside next week to meet the top of table Lightning. The Senators will face off against the Cockburn Cougars.

Earlier in the night, WSBL action saw the Southlands Boulevards Willetton Tigers hold off the Stirling Senators 74-60.

Despite shooting only 2 of 24 from beyond the arc, it was the Tigers dominance inside the paint that kept in them in front. They outscored the Senators 48-18 inside the paint as Zoe Harper lead the Tigers with 18 points.

Michelle Joy lead all scorers for Stirling with 19 points.

Article by Nathan Winch at Willetton Basketball Stadium
Courtesy of: SBL

SBL: Tigers leave it late (Saturday Night Wrap) - by Eurobasket News
Willetton Tigers have won 124-117 in overtime against Stirling Senators to remain in touch with the top-four of the mens State Basketball League.

With both sides tied on 108 at the end of regular time the Tigers outscored Stirling 16-9 in the first extra period.

Robert Kampman (203-F-82, college: Wichita St.) had 42 points while Wildcat Matt Knight had 30 and 10 rebounds for Willetton. Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87, college: Findlay, OH) (34 points) and Mike Jones (32) were Stirling's best.

East Perth Eagles dealt Perth Redbacks their second loss of the weekend.

Corey Easley had 28 points and eight rebounds and was aided by Tom Jervis with 21 and 16 respectively to lead the Eagles to their 112-108 victory.

Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) (29 points), Adrian Mastrovich (26) and Joel Wagner (20) all made sizeable contributions for the Redbacks but it wasnt enough.

Kalamunda Eastern Suns kept their realistic finals hopes alive and dented Goldfields Giants chances with a 100-81 win.

Dean Hadley led the Suns with 26 points and nine assists, while Justin Brown (213-C-80, college: Connecticut) had 25 points and 19 rebounds. Darnell Dialls had 19 points in Goldfields' fourth loss from its past five games.

Wanneroo Wolves comprehensively took care of Rockingham Flames 91-64, led by Greg Hire (20 points and 26 rebounds).

Cockburn Cougars accounted for the Geraldton Buccaneers 84-77.

The Cougars set up the win with a dominant 28-16 first period and despite losing the second and third periods won the final quarter 18-17 to clinch the win.

Perry Lakes defeated bottom-placed Southwest Slammers 115-60, with Hawks import Anthony Lee top-scoring with 42 points.

Top-placed Lakeside Lightning were 113-80 winners over the Mandurah Magic, as Lakeside imports Luke Payne (30 points) and Ben Beran (17) did the damage.

In womens action, Willetton won 74-60 over Stirling, East Perth took care of Perth 81-75, Wanneroo defeated Rockingham 67-42, Mandurah Magic were 89-72 winners over Lakeside and Perry Lakes ensured wins in both matches with a 92-40 win.

Article by Ben Cameron
Courtesy of: SBL

Eagles get home over Redbacks in thriller - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Central East Perth Eagles have defeated the Perth Redbacks 112 to 108 to claim eighth spot on the ladder in a game that went down to the wire.

Import Corey Easley (206-F/C-83, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) had 28 points and eight rebounds to help East Perth continue its resurgence and knock the Redbacks out of the top eight.

The Eagles' fourth win from their past five games saw them improve their record to 8-9, as Perth suffered its third loss from its previous four despite the best effort of Wildcats star Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) (29 points and 17 rebounds). Defeat saw the Redbacks fall to 10th spot.

The Redbacks scored 10-straight points to take control of the game early, but the Eagles regained their composure and closed out the quarter to be trailing by just one.

The start of the second quarter saw the Eagles tighten up their defence and make a seven to nothing run. The Redbacks hit back through Joel Wagner, who had 14 first-half points, and Adrian Majstrovich who chimed in with 12 of his own for the half.

But East Perth managed to hold onto its lead and held a nine-point half-time lead.

The first score of the third quarter was a three pointer from the Eagles Easley which triggered a long range shoot out. Wagstaff and Majstrovich looked menacing from the outside for the Redbacks but Easley found his groove and hit five straight from down town, but the visitors were still able to get back into contention and went to the final break down by just three.

The fourth quarter saw Perth draw to within one point on the opening basket from Michael Vigor. The Eagles then went on a 15 to nothing run and leading by 10 midway through the quarter looked to have the game in the bag. The Redbacks rallied through Wagstaff and Majstrovich and with just over a minute to play got within three points.

Both teams traded baskets in the final minute until Eagle Jarrod Balcombe blocked a three point attempt with eight seconds to go. Balcombe was fouled chasing down the loose ball and made one free throw to help the Eagles hold on for the win.

Eagles assistant coach Matthew Muir was very happy with the win.

Our big names came out to play tonight. Drew Williamson (194-G-83, college: Metro St.) really came through for us, Jarrod Balcombe had a fantastic game and Daniel Thomas was great coming off his injury last week,' he said.

'The Redbacks put up a tough fight tonight but they really had no answers for Corey Easleys outside game and they couldnt contain Tom Jervis inside.'

Jervis (21 points, 16 rebounds), Williamson (20 points, eight assists) and Balcombe (20 points, six rebounds) all played crucial roles for East Perth, while Perth's standouts were Majstrovich (26 points, 18 rebounds) and Wagner (20 points, 12 assists).

Article by Leigh Dalton at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre
Courtesy of: SBL

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BAHRAIN

Muharraq pip Al Ahli - by Yousef Ahmed

Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) made a game-winning tip-in with a fraction of a second remaining to lift Muharraq to an 85-83 victory over two-time defending champions Al Ahli last night in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Clark's heroics forced a decisive third and final game between the heated rivals in their Golden Square semi-final series. The six-foot, eight-inch American out-hustled opposing import Lamond Murray (201-F-73, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: California) to tap in a miss from Mohammed Abdulmajeed and give his team the all-important game two victory. Clark's basket sent Muharraq's fans, who made up a majority of the jam-packed crowd at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam, into delirium. The final buzzer had sounded after the shot but the referees contested that there was still some time remaining when the ball went through the hoop. One full second was eventually given to Ahli despite strong protests from the Muharraq bench. It would not matter though, as the ensuing inbounds pass was deflected and Ahli couldn't get a shot off.

The winner-take-all third game is now scheduled to be played on Tuesday night at the same venue. A Muharraq victory will punch their ticket to the championship series for the first time since 2009; while an Ahli triumph will give them a finals berth for the third straight year as they go all out to secure an unprecedented title 'three-peat'.

Heroics

Jassim Mohammed scored a team-high 23 points for the victors, while court general Abdulmajeed added 22. The sharp-shooting tandem combined for seven three-pointers in the contest. Clark finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, with his only offensive board coming on the game-clinching play. This was a miracle win for us,' Abdulmajeed told the GDN. 'We're still not playing the best we can; we could have easily lost this game and that would have been it for our season. But Ira saved us in the end, and now we have one more chance to go to the final. 'We have to improve if we want to win the third game. We have to play more as a team, find our rhythm and get back to playing Muharraq basketball. Then we should be OK.' It was a missed opportunity for Ahli, who had taken a 71-69 lead earlier in the final period with a Maytham Jameel lay-up. Abdulmajeed tied it with a basket on the other end, before teammate Salem Mohammed made a conventional three-point play on a fast-break to give Muharraq the lead for good, 74-71. Things remained close, however, and after a Clark jumper gave Muharraq an 83-78 lead late on, Ahli's Hussain Shaker buried a three with 50 seconds on the clock to get them to within a basket. Murray then tied it on a fast-break after a Jameel steal with only seconds left. That paved the way for Clark's tip, which came after Abdulmajeed forced an off-balance shot to win the game.

Shaker led all scorers with 29 points, which included four triples. Unlike in the first game, Shaker was the only one on fire from beyond the three-point arc, as Murray, Jameel and Hesham Sarhan went for a combined two-for-19 shooting from downtown. Murray still finished with 20 points while taking down 12 rebounds. Jameel had 14 and Sarhan and Mahdi Ashoor each scored 10. The game was tied at 25-apiece at the end of the opening quarter, before Muharraq took control in the second to take a 51-41 cushion at the half. Ahli battled back in the third and tied it at 63-apiece heading into the fourth, setting up the thrilling finish.

Golden Square action continues tonight with third-ranked Al Hala looking to close things out against second seeds Manama in game two of their Golden Square series. Hala, who narrowly won game one 93-88, will be hoping to secure their first championship berth in several years, whereas Manama will be looking to stay alive and force a series decider on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm.

Source GDN BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2011

Simpson leads Hala into finals - by Yousef Ahmed

AL HALA ended a nine-year finals drought last night as they punched their ticket to this year's Zain Bahrain Basketball League championship series with an 87-81 win over Manama. American professional Patrick Simpson (206-F-83, college: SMU) had 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to spearhead the victors. He scored eight in the final five minutes of the game when Hala took the lead for good en route to completing the two-game sweep of their heavily favoured rivals in their Golden Square semi-final.

Manama's Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) lit up the scoreboard for 44 points, but his fine individual effort was not enough to lift his team. He was limited to a string of tightly contested shots down the stretch.

Hala will now play for the league title for the first time since 2002, when they were ousted by Manama. They will face the winner of the other final four head-to-head between Muharraq and defending champions Al Ahli, which is headed to a third and decisive game on Wednesday. 'This feels great; to be a part of the team that brought our club back to the finals for the first time in 10 years, it's a fantastic achievement,' Simpson told the GDN. With Manama leading 73-70 and just five minutes remaining in the contest, Simpson stepped it up for Hala by scoring their next five points to bring them to within a basket, 75-76.

Lightning-quick Bahraini guards Abbas Jawadi and Ahmed Ali then did their parts. Jawadi made two free-throws to give Hala a 77-76 edge, and then extended their lead to three with a break-away lay-up on their very next possession. Hala locked it down on the defensive end, challenging each Manama attempt and preventing Rice from getting any good looks at his basket. Ali then buried a back-breaking three-pointer with 47.4 seconds remaining to make it 82-78, and after a pair of Rice charities, Simpson made one of his own free-throws for a slim 83-80 advantage. On the next play, Manama missed their chance to tie, as Rice and frontcourt mate Ahmed Al Mutawa (199-F/C-81, college: Broward CC) missed back-to-back attempts from beyond the arc. Simpson then iced the game with another two charities with roughly 10 seconds left. 'We came out tonight believing that we can win and finish the series,' Simpson added. 'We didn't shoot as well as we did in the first game, but we managed to close it out with our energy and defence, and that's what mattered in the end.'

Elated

Hala head coach Saleh Al Haddad was elated with his team's gritty showing. 'All year long, I told our guys to keep their focus and play for something they believe in; we've stuck together and now we are in the finals,' Al Haddad said looking back at an up-and-down season during which they lost a majority of their opening games before barely qualifying for the semi-finals. 'I believe that this is now our time to make something for our club,' he continued. 'We will do our very best to win the championship. Whether we face Muharraq or Ahli, we will be ready.' Ahmed Malallah added 15 for Hala. Ali scored 12 while dishing out seven assists, and Jawadi finished with 10.

Ahmed Al Mutawa scored 14 poitns, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks and Mohammed Ameer also scored 14points for Manama, they were the only two other players to showup for the game.
Star guard Bader Abdulla Malabes was held to just three points and fouled out early in the game. The finals, to be played in best-of-three format, tip off with game one on Saturday.

Source GDN BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Monday, June 13, 2011

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BELGIUM

Dusan Djordjevic moves to Oostende - by Eurobasket News
Oostende strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year-old guard spent the previous season with Krka Novo Mesto. Dusan Djordjevic tallied 8.7 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 boards and 1.2 steals per game in Adriatic League. In EuroChallenge the guard averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists per appearance. In Slovenian League Dusan Djordjevic posted 8.7 points, 4.0 assists, 2.9 boards per game. Dusan Djordjevic won EuroChallenge and also participated at Slovenian All-Star Game this season. The guard played for Serbian University National Team back in 2005. He made it into Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 1st Team in 2009 while playing for Bosna Telecom Sarajevo. Dusan Djordjevic also played in Russia, Greece and Serbia before.

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BOSNIA

Stats Leaders - D1

1. LIGA BiH Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Lalovic, Her. 19.9
2 Kahrimanovic, Ka 18.7
3 Rahimic, Bosna 18.0
4 Gajovic, Her 16.7
5 Albijanic, Sloboda 16.7
6 Kahrimanovic, Zri 16.6
7 Zdravkovic, Cap. 16.4
8 Opacak, Celik 16.3
9 Sakic, Zrinjski 16.1
10 Lesko, Brotnjo 15.3

Rebounds Per Game

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

Assists Per Game

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

Steals Per Game

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

Blocks Per Game

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

U20 NT Candidates List Announced - by Sead Buljina
Bosnian U20 National team coaching staff announced today a list of 24 candidates for this year's European Championship. 'We have evaluated over 180 candidates. Some players have basically excluded themselves from the list due to their lack of commitment to the National team,' says assistant coach Sabahudin Basovic who was hand-picked for the job by the head coach Radomir Kisic. Candidates: 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, but will give some players additional couple of days to prove themselves prior to the final cut,' added Basovic. U20 European Championship, Division B, will be played from July 14 to July 24 in Sarajevo. Our team is in group C with Belgium, Belarus, Island and Israel.

Interview with French U-20 champion, Dzenan Kurtic - by Nedzad Kladusak
1. Hi Dzenan, could you please introduce yourself?
I was born 22nd of June 1992 in Strasbourg-France. I am 207cm tall and weigh about 96kg. I started practicing basketball with ES (Ecole des Sports- sports academy) and moved SLUC Nancy at the age of 15.

2. A few days before you became french U-20 champion. Congratulations! Are you happy with your game during this season?
Thank you for your congratulations! I want to point out that the trophy is extraordinary important for us since it is the first time in the club history that the trophy comes to Nancy. I am relatively happy with my performance *Laughing*.

3. You re born in France. How did you get in touch with basketball?
Yes I am born in Strasbourg and I started playing basketball at the age of 9. My parents are also very interested in basketball and so my devotion for basketball is a little bit genetic *Laughing*. My mum played basketball and my younger sister Zerina (14 years old) became also French champion two weeks ago!

4. You attend a sports academy. Could you please briefly describe the concept and the role of the french basketball association? How would you describe the level of French U- 20 championship?
Yes I attend a sports academy combining both academic and athletic formation. The structure of the class is very favourable. We are only 17 players of different ages. Everyone of us has got his own room, we have a special practice hall, fitness and weight room, class rooms. We have our own doctors and physiotherapeutic treatment in the school thus providing us excellent conditions for the development of our athletic profiles. The competition is organized on country level that means every team in the PRO A has to run an own center for the education of young prospects. Our games are played before the games of the PRO A teams.

5. How did you get noticed by KSBIH and did they know you before?
The first contact has been established thanks to Nedzad Kladusak. They didn t know me before.

6. Will you play for BIH this summer and how strong are your ties to BIH?
I have been invited for the preparations now in June and I accepted the invitation. I am closely tied to BIH since it is the country where my parents come from and I spend every summer in BIH since all my family lives there.

7. The french PRO A is probably the league that resembles most to NBA in basketball style and athleticity. Which assets do you have and which points have to be improved?
My qualities are a very good threepoint-shot for a player of my height, I am very active around the paint and I am one of the best Free-throw-shooters in the French U-20 League.. I think that I have the most upside in my defensive game.

8. You are a PF. Do you feel more comfortable back to basket, close to paint of facing up your defender on high post?
I am pretty flexible so I can adapt to every role I have on the PF-position.

9. Have you ever been contacted by French basketball association?
Indeed their have been some contacts and chances to play for France are have been very high but I listened to my heart before I decided and I decided to play for BIH.

10. Are you following BIH basketball and do you know some of your teammates in the U20? What do you expect to achieve with the team?
I don t know anyone of the U20 players. I hope they have the same ambition s I have- The promotion to A-division!

11. Have you ever attended a match of the BIH NT. Do you know some players like Damir Krupalija?
I have watched several games of the NT. I know Damir Krupalija personally and we meet everytime I play in Toulon or when he comes to Nancy.

12. Many young players complain of the poor practice conditions (poor coaching staff, lacking gym capacities) and decide to leave BIH in order to play for other countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia. What do you think about that?
Honestly I don t know the Bosnian training conditions and I think these are personal decisions of every player.

13. Who are your basketball heroes and which are your personal career aims?
My personal basketball hero is of course a former Yugo-player, Toni Kukoc! My personal aim is to graduate. Concerning the senior team of SLUC Nancy, I signed two days ago an one-year so called Stagiaire- (Associate)- contract. It means that beginning from september I will practice with the professional team of Nancy.

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

BRAZIL

Big Man Ricardo De Bem might be on Lebanon basketball - by Paulo Freire
Forward/Center Ricardo de Bem (210-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma City) 6'11'' who played for Vitoria/CECRE basketball team in the third season of the New Brazilian Basketball league (NBB), has been involved in rumor that could send him to Lebanon basketball.

De Bem was born in July 13, 1984 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he played for coach John Jungers at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for two seasons. He played 31 games in his first season with the Cougars and as a freshman was name All-Region averaged 11.7 ppg and 7.7 rebounds a game, shot .503 from the floor and made 57-of-88 free throw attempts. In his second season at WNCC, De Bem played 27 games and averaged 16.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg, shot .496 from the field and made 78-of-121 free throw attempts.

After this solid seasons in Nebraska, De Bem played for coach Bob Knight one of the winningest coach in college basketball history, from Texas Teach the Brazilian moved to Oklahoma City University. Ricardo has start his professionally career in Everton de Vina del Mar (Chile) and had a great season in Sampaense Basket (Portugal), last season played in Brazil.

Lets wait to see what will happen with him. You can also followin him on twitter @RicardoDeBem50 for his update.

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

CHINA

China Defeats South Korea 61-54 in East Asia Championship - by Arthur Volbert
Meng Duo had 14 points and 3 rebounds to lead China to a 61-54 victory over South Korea in the East Asian championship. China wins its group at 2-0 and will face Japan in the semi-finals while Korea will take on Chinese Taipei. China led 15-10 after one quarter and 28-25 at the half. It led 47-37 after three quarters.

Meng hit 3 of 6 two-point shots but missed his two three-point attempts. He hit all 8 of his free throws. But he did commit 5 turnovers. Still he is a leading candidate to make the final national team. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists and his versatility suggests he too has an edge in making the final roster. Su Wei played 27 minutes at center and Zhang Zhaoxu played 13. Su had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks while Zhang had 5 points and 8 rebounds. Both should make the final roster backing up Wang Zhizhi.

Zhang Bo returned to the lineup with 6 points and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes and also looks good for a roster spot. While Zhang returned from his one-game suspension, Sun Yue did not appear. Sun's roster spot is guaranteed. Mo Ke had 6 points and 9 rebounds in 27 minutes but missed all 6 of his three-point attempts. Yu Shulong had 5 points in 25 minutes and only hit 2 of 7 shots. China played excellent defense and Korea, normally a great-shooting team, only made 1 of 18 three-point shots. But China only hit 3 of 16 of its three-pointers.

China edge South Korea for second straight win in Nanjing - by Eurobasket News
China - South Korea 61:54

China recorded their second straight win at home East Asia Championship. They held off South Korea in Nanjing to enter the semis with a perfect 2-0 record. China will now take on Japan, while South Korea will face Taiwan in the semis. Meng Duo (192-G/F-90) dropped 14 points to pace the winners.
China limited their opponents to 10 points in the opening frame and surged ahead. The hosts posted a 15:10 lead after ten minutes. South Korea however struck back in the second stanza and cut the distance to just two points at halftime 26:28. China shifted the gear right after the main break. The home team cleared off to a 9-point lead with one quarter remaining. China wisely kept South Korea at bay throughout the final period and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Su Wei (212-C-89) added 11 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Oh Se-Keun (201-C-87) answered with 12 points for South Korea. Lee Seung-Jun (186-G-88) finished with 11 points in the loss.

China: Meng Duo 14, Su Wei 11+12 boards, Yi Li (203-F/G-85) 11
South Korea: Oh Se-Keun 12, Lee Seung-Jun 11

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Ningxia Hanas		2-0
2. ShenYang		2-0
3. Whampoa		2-0
4. Sichuan		1-1
5. Guangzhou FM		1-1
6. Changan Group		1-1
7. Hebei		1-1
8. Hangzhou		0-2
9. Heilongjiang		0-2
10. Jiangsu		0-2

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

CROATIA

Croatia topple Serbia at Adidas Eurocamp - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U19 - Serbia U19 86:65

Croatian U19 National Team took on their Serbian counterparts at Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso today. Croatia proved the strength beating their opponents by 21 points. Boris Barac (205-F-92) fired 32 points to lead the charge.
Croatia ensured a strong start. They posted a 7-point victory in the first term. The teams traded baskets throughout the second stanza. Croatia did not allow Serbia to narrow the distance in the third frame. The Croats entered the final quarter up by 8 points 62:54. They limited Serbia to just 11 points in the fourth term and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Mario Hezonja (198-G-95) notched 17 points, while Toni Katic (185-G-92) finished with 13 points in the victory. Marko Gujanicic (200-F-92) answered with 11 points for Serbia. Nikola Siladji (205-F-92) netted 10 points in the loss.

Croatia U19: Boris Barac 32, Mario Hezonja 17, Toni Katic 13
Serbia U19: Marko Gujanicic 11, Nikola Siladji 10

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Pavel Houska is MVP of Mattoni NBL - by Eurobasket

All-League 1st Team 2010-11

Houska

Simmons

Lawrence

Landry

Arnold

Player of the Year: Pavel Houska (201-F-84) of BK Decin
Guard of the Year: Chester Simmons (198-G-82) of CEZ Nymburk
Forward of the Year: Pavel Houska (201-F-84) of BK Decin
Center of the Year: Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84) of BK Pardubice
Bosman Player of the Year: Boris Meno (203-F-83) of Svitavy
Import Player of the Year: Kyle Landry (206-F-86) of BK Prostejov
Domestic Player of the Year: Pavel Houska (201-F-84) of BK Decin
Defensive Player of the Year: Radek Necas (204-F-80) of CEZ Nymburk
Most Improved Player of the Year: Pavel Pumprla (196-G-86) of CEZ Nymburk
Young Player of the Year: Michal Sotnar (190-G-92) of USK Praha
Coach of the Year: Pavel Budinsky of BK Decin

1st Team
G: Chester Simmons (198-82) of CEZ Nymburk
G: Eugene Lawrence (184-86) of BK Prostejov
F: Pavel Houska (201-84) of BK Decin
F: Kyle Landry (206-86) of BK Prostejov
C/F: Marcus Arnold (207-84) of BK Pardubice

2nd Team
G: Pavel Pumprla (196-86) of CEZ Nymburk
G: Wiliam Hatcher (188-84) of BK Decin
G: Terry Smith (185-86) of BC Kolin
F: Lukas Kotas (194-84) of USK Praha
F/C: Petr Benda (203-82) of CEZ Nymburk

Honorable Mention
Bertengeh Cadri-Nicholson (208-C-83) of BK Prostejov
Boris Meno (203-F-83) of Svitavy
Benas Veikalas (192-G-83) of BK Prostejov
Pavel Slezak (186-G-84) of CEZ Nymburk
Radek Necas (204-F-80) of CEZ Nymburk
Afik Nissim (180-G-81) of CEZ Nymburk
Dwight Burke (203-F-86) of NH Ostrava
Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) of Novy Jicin
Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) of B&W Opava
David Machac (204-F-80) of BC Kolin
Stepan Vrubl (186-G-76) of Plzen

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Pavel Pumprla (196-86) of CEZ Nymburk
F: Pavel Houska (201-84) of BK Decin
F: Andrew Spagrud (203-85) of NH Ostrava
F: Lukas Kotas (194-84) of USK Praha
F/C: Petr Benda (203-82) of CEZ Nymburk

All-Imports Team
G: Chester Simmons (198-82) of CEZ Nymburk
G: Eugene Lawrence (184-86) of BK Prostejov
F: Kyle Landry (206-86) of BK Prostejov
F: Andrew Spagrud (203-85) of NH Ostrava
C/F: Marcus Arnold (207-84) of BK Pardubice

All-Bosmans Team
G: Benas Veikalas (192-83) of BK Prostejov
G: Afik Nissim (180-81) of CEZ Nymburk
F: Boris Meno (203-83) of Svitavy
F: Andrius Slezas (200-75) of BK Prostejov
F: Robert Sarovic (205-78) of Novy Jicin

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

GERMANY

Ronald Ross (Alba Berlin Definitely Has What It Takes To Win. It Just Will Come Down To Who Wants It More) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ronald Ross (188-G-83, college: Texas Tech) is a 28 year old 188cm guard that just completed his first season for MBC. He is originally from Hobbs New Mexico and played at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. In his senior year, he averaged 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43% and reached the NCA Sweet 16. He started his professional career with Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2) and then moved on to the CBA in 2006-2007 for Butte Daredevils playing 48 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% and in 2007 for the Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five) playing 21 games: Score-3 (17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for ENBW Ludwigsburg playing 34 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2 (1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9% reaching the cup final in 2008. In 2008-2009 he started in Israel before moving on to the Artland Dragons playing 12 games and averaging 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. in 2009-2010 for the Artland Dragons, he played 12 games: 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.0%; German League: 32 games: 11.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 75.7%. Last season for MBC, he averaged 15,9ppg, 4,2rpg and 2,0apg. He spoke to eurobasket about the 2011 beko BBL final between Bamberg and Alba Berlin.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg beat The Artland Dragons 3-2 to reach the final. Were you surprised that Bamberg had to go the distance?

No, I wasn't surprised at all. Artland is a good team and they had just as much of a chance to win as Bamberg did.

Alba Berlin beat The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 3-2 where no team was able to win at home. How crazy is that and what does that say about the mental toughness of both teams on the road?

Wow, that's really surprising. It's usually the other way around without a doubt. I don't know about their mental toughness at home, but they had to be extremely focused and determined to win on the road like that. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure how that all works. Lol

The Brose Baskets Bamberg meet Alba Berlin in the finals. What kind of series can we expect and will this go the distance?

I think it will be a good series, but Alba is most definitely going to have to win at home. Alba will be ready though, they know what they are up against and Bamberg is going to be more than ready to defend their title.

Alba Berlin lost both games during the regular season including losing by 52 points in Bamberg. How much will that still be on the minds of Alba Berlin.

Losing by 52 will never be forgotten, but in the end a loss is a loss and you have to move on. That's not going to happen again, but it should be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Both teams have very good guard play, but does the advantage still go to Bamberg on account of their experience and having played together longer whereas with Alba you had guys like Taylor Rochestie and Heiko Schaffartzik coming late in the season?

I would say the advantage goes to Bamberg considering the experience they have, but they won't dominate their guards because the Berlin guards are good enough or more than capable of holding their own.

Both teams also have very good forward play. Who has the edge and could the key matchup in this series be Predrag Suput-Derrick Allen?

My man Suput works out, but you know you can't sleep on DA. They both have two different styles of play and can easily give their teams a huge advantage if they play well.

Who has the edge on the center position? The Alba Berlin duo of Yassin Idbihi and Miroslav Raduljica have been tough on Frankfurt, but could get more resistance against Bamberg while the duo of Tibor Pleiss and Kyle Hines gives Bamberg a totally different face each time the other is on the court.

I would say Bamberg have the advantage in the center position, but only because of they've had longer to work together oppose to Raduljica who showed up late in the season. But I wouldn't sleep on the Berlin centers, they're both good and can do some damage if you let 'em.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg play a controlled offense with possibily the best ball movement in the beko BBL and their defense belongs to the best in the league, while Alba Berlin plays faster, less predictable and with changing defenses. What will be key for Alba Berlin/Bamberg to win this series?

I agree, they definitely have the best offense in the league. It's simple though, Alba has to be mentally tough, focused, and ready to play with a sense of urgency in every single possession. They definitely has what it takes to win it all. It's just going to come down to who wants it more.

Shaq announced his retirement. What was your favorite Shaq moment while he was in the NBA?

When he killed Dwight Howard in a break dance contest at the All Star games or just simply watching him shoot free throws in general

Scottie Pippen stated that Lebron James is better than Michael Jordan. What is your take on this statement?

I'm glad I wasn't on Scottie's team for starters. Who throws their teammates under the bus. It's just a case of Robin (Pippen) realizing he will never be Batman (Jordan). I think Lebron is probably a more complete player than Jordan as far as his passing abilities go, but that does not by a long shot make him better player than Jordan. Lebron will never have the mentality that Jordan has to take over a game and kill at will consistently. It's erroneous to make the comparison now. Its not about what tools a player has or what can be done with them potentially, its about how you use them progressively and what you actually get done with what you have successfully. Men lie, women lie, Jordan's numbers (career statistics) don't lie. Jordan is THE GREATEST PLAYER to ever play the game of basketball.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Fighter.

Thanks Ron for the chat.

Chris Oliver (Pregame Thoughts To 2011 beko BBL Final Brose Baskets Bamberg-Alba Berlin) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford) is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his first season with the The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2 (20.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%.In 2008-2009 in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge and played ): EuroChallenge: 13 games: 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%; German League: 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. This season with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, he averaged 13,5ppg and 6,4rpg. Chris spoke to eurobasket about the 2011 beko BBL final between bamberg and Alba Berlin

The Brose Baskets Bamberg beat The Artland Dragons 3-2 to reach the final. Were you surprised that Bamberg had to go the distance?

No I wasnt surprised because you have two good teams going against each other. Every time they played in the regular season and in the cup the games were close

Alba Berlin beat The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 3-2 where no team was able to win at home. How crazy is that and what does that say about the mental toughness of both teams on the road?

Yea that is very rare that neither team wins a game on their homecourt especially in the playoffs. but that shows how good both of those teams were.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg meet Alba Berlin in the finals. What kind of series can we expect and will this go the distance?

I believe it will be a series of close games and I also believe that it will go 5 games

Alba Berlin lost both games during the regular season including losing by 52 points in Bamberg. How much will that still be on the minds of Alba Berlin.

I dont think that defeat will still be on their minds. This is a whole new season. This is playoff basketball and the final round so both teams records for now are 0-0

Both teams have very good guard play, but does the advantage still go to Bamberg on account of their experience and having played together longer whereas with Alba you had guys like Taylor Rochestie and Heiko Schaffartzik coming late in the season?

I think both teams are pretty evenly matched. Being together longer at this point doesnt really matter. Taylor and Heiko have been with berlin long enough to get used to the other players around them and for their other players to get used to them as well

Both teams also have very good forward play. Who has the edge and could the key matchup in this series be Predrag Suput-Derrick Allen?

Both are of them are very good PFs, and I think with Reyshawn coming off the bench for Bamberg they are deeper at the PF position

Who has the edge on the center position? The Alba Berlin duo of Yassin Idbihi and Miroslav Raduljica have been tough on Frankfurt, but could get more resistance against Bamberg while the duo of Tibor Pleiss and Kyle Hines gives Bamberg a totally different face each time the other is on the court.

Physically I dont think any team had a big man that could physically match up with Raduljica and Yassin has been playing well in the playoffs. But Bamberg has one of the best German players in Pleiss and Hines is a tough matchup even though he is shorter he plays much bigger and uses his quickness and athleticism

The Brose Baskets Bamberg play a controlled offense with possibily the best ball movement in the beko BBL and their defense belongs to the best in the league, while Alba Berlin plays faster, less predictable and with changing defenses. What will be key for Alba Berlin/Bamberg to win this series?

Which ever team is able to play their game will win. Because you have two teams with contrasting styles. Both teams need to limit the other teams easy baskets and second chance oppurtunities

Shaq announced his retirement. What was your favorite Shaq moment while he was in the NBA?

Shaq has had soooo many great moments in the NBA but one of my favorite moments is when he dunked on chris dudley and pushed him on his way down and dudley grabbed the ball and threw it at him as he was running up court

Scottie Pippen stated that Lebron James is better than Michael Jordan. What is your take on this statement?

Michael Jordan is and always will be the best basketball player to ever play the game.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

the last movie that i saw was Hangover 2.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

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

GREECE

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Yiannis KAKIOUZIS
  Lavrio
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 17.5

1. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	17.5
2. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	17.4
3. Koutroulias, Olimp.	17.1
4. Pettas, Koroivos	17.1
5. Argyropoylos, Apol.	17.0
6. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	16.0
7. Giannakopoul., Lav.	15.9
8. Michalos, Pagrati	15.5
9. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.	15.5
10. Kakaroudis, Ikaro.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Koutroulias, Olimp.	9.6
2. Pantelic, Apollo.	8.9
3. Latovic, AGOR	8.7
4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	8.1
5. Kartelo, AE.	7.5
6. Macheras, Pagrati	7.4
7. Lolas, Pagrati	7.3
8. Amato, Near East	7.3
9. Kosanovic, Koroivos	7.0
10. Vardavas, Amynta.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefs.
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Nikou, Panelefs.	5.8
2. Katsares, KAOD	4.9
3. Zoupas, Amyntas	4.8
4. Argyropoylos, Apol.	4.4
5. Kaberidis, Ikaroi	4.3
6. Makris, Olimpiada	4.3
7. Giannakopoul., Lav.	4.2
8. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.	4.2
9. Rallis, Ermis Lagk.	3.9
10. Kiriakopoulo., AG.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Nikos KATSARES
  KAOD
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Katsares, KAOD	2.6
2. Makris, Olimpiada	2.1
3. Michalos, Pagrati	1.9
4. Pettas, Koroivos	1.9
5. Giannakopoul., Lav.	1.8
6. Pappas, Near East	1.7
7. Papadakis, Arkad.	1.7
8. Nikou, Panelefs.	1.5
9. Magounis, AGOR	1.5
10. Sinnis, Lavrio	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollo.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Pantelic, Apollo.	1.9
2. Kartelo, AE.	1.6
3. Kasabalis, AE.	1.6
4. Jovanovic, KAOD	1.4
5. Margaritis, KAOD	0.9
6. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.9
7. Amato, Near East	0.7
8. Karavanas, Panery.	0.7
9. Psathas, Apollon	0.7
10. Papachristos, Per.	0.7

Standings - A2

A2 Standings

1. KAOD		26-4
2. AGOR		20-10
3. Ikaroi Serron		19-11
4. Lavrio		17-13
5. Apollon Patras		16-14
6. Amyntas Dafnis		16-14
7. Arkadikos		15-15
8. Panelefsiniakos		15-15
9. AEK/Argous		14-16
10. Pagrati		13-17
11. Periko/Arhelaos		13-17
12. Ermis Lagkada		13-17
13. Panerythraikos		12-18
14. Olimpiada		12-18
15. Koroivos		11-19
16. Near East		8-22

A2: The season is over - by Eurobasket News
The 2010/11 season in A2 just ended. KAO Dramas is the champion with 26-4 record. AGO Rethimno is No.2 with 20-10 score and they will together with KAOD compete in A1 next season.

A2 Final standings
1. KAOD 26-4
2. AGOR 20-10
3. Ikaroi Serron 19-11
4. Lavrio 17-13
5. Apollon Patras 16-14
6. Amyntas Dafnis 16-14
7. Arkadikos 15-15
8. Panelefsiniakos 15-15
9. AEK/Argous 14-16
10. Pagrati 13-17
11. Periko/Arhelaos 13-17
12. Ermis Lagkada 13-17
13. Panerythraikos 12-18
14. Olimpiada 12-18
15. Koroivos 11-19
16. Near East 8-22

Pagrati - Koroivos 79-58

The game with biggest result difference took place in Athens. Local Pagrati (13-17) outscored 14th ranked Koroivos (11-19) 79-58. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Koroivos. The game was mostly controlled by Pagrati. Koroivos was better in third quarter 18-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Pagrati held Koroivos to an opponent 24.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 47.8 percent accuracy of the winners. Pagrati had a 34-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. Center Kostas Macheras (205-85, agency: FCM) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-86) supported him with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Pagrati players scored in double figures. Pagrati's coach Dimitris Papadopoulos felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by Serbian forward Predrag Kosanovic (203-76, agency: BeoExcell) did not help to save the game for Koroivos. Guard Nikos Pettas (195-81) added 17 points and 9 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line).
Top scorers:
Pagrati: F.Vasilopoulos 21+5reb+4ast, K.Macheras 21+11reb+3ast, N.Voulgaris 16+2reb, T.Vardianos 10+6reb, D.Lolas 4+7reb, C.Skouzis 3+6reb+4ast
Koroivos: P.Kosanovic 17+13reb+1ast, N.Pettas 17+9reb+2ast, T.Dimitriadis 11+12reb, S.Tsabis 8+1reb+1ast, V.Xiouras 3+1reb+3ast, T.Ifantis 2+1reb+2ast

KAOD - Panelefsiniakos 75-74

Eighth-ranked Panelefsiniakos (15-15) made lots of trouble for first ranked KAOD (26-4) in Dramas on Saturday. KAOD managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected much easier game. Panelefsiniakos trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 12 after three quarters before a 25-14 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 74-75 at the end of the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when KAOD made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Panelefsiniakos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Serbian guard Ivan Vukantinov (193-G-81, agency: New Trend Agency) who scored 33 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Alexis Tsamatos (196-77, agency: FCM) chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Makis Theos (202-84) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and guard Nikos Kaklamanos (189-81, agency: FCM) added 21 points respectively.
Top scorers:
KAOD: I.Vukantinov 33+8reb+5ast, L.Jovanovic 10+4reb+1ast, A.Tsamatos 10+7reb+4ast, V.Margaritis 9+4reb+2ast, C.Choumas 5+2reb, V.Kitsoulis 4+3reb
Panelefsiniakos: N.Kaklamanos 21+2reb+3ast, M.Theos 15+12reb+1ast, V.Koukouravas 12+3reb+2ast, T.Nikou 11+3reb+6ast, C.Deligiannis 7+6reb+1ast, V.Balafas 3+2reb

Apollon Patras - Olimpiada 86-73

There was no surprise when 12th ranked Olimpiada (12-18) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Apollon Patras (16-14) 86-73. It looked good early as Olimpiada took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Apollon Patras had a 30-20 second period charge getting the lead and Olimpiada was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-86. Guard Nikos Argyropoylos (188-78) notched 24 points and 9 assists to lead the effort and guard Giannis Lianos (194-88) supported him with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Apollon Patras' coach Nikos Vetoulas allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 14 points and 8 rebounds by center Apostolos Koutroulias (206-76) did not help to save the game for Olimpiada. Guard Nikos Makris (188-79) added 13 points and 6 assists.
Top scorers:
Apollon Patras: N.Argyropoylos 24+2reb+9ast, G.Petropoulos 15+3reb, G.Lianos 15+9reb+2ast, D.Pantelic 10+4reb, Z.Milovic 6+5reb+1ast, S.Daniil 6+2reb
Olimpiada: K.Tsotsos 16+4reb, A.Koutroulias 14+8reb, N.Makris 13+3reb+6ast, D.Makris 10+2reb+1ast, P.Simeopoulos 10+4reb+1ast, S.Veskoukis 6+5reb+1ast

Periko/Arhelaos - Lavrio 79-63

We should mention about the upset which took place in Perikos, where higher ranked Lavrio (17-13) lost to eleventh ranked Periko/Arhelaos (13-17) in a road game 63-79. It looked good early as Lavrio took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Periko/Arhelaos had a 25-11 second period charge getting the lead and Lavrio was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 63-79. Periko/Arhelaos forced 21 Lavrio turnovers. It was a good game for guard Kostas Behlivanis (180-74, agency: FCM) who led his team to a victory with 18 points. Guard Giannis Rodostoglou (197-83) contributed with 10 points for the winners. Guard Kostas Sinnis (193-80) replied with 22 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Chris Likogiannis added 7 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Lavrio.
Top scorers:
Periko/Arhelaos: K.Behlivanis 18+3reb+2ast, G.Rodostoglou 10+4reb+1ast, U.Igbavboa 8+3reb+1ast, A.Sivorotka 8+4reb+1ast, G.Papachristos 7+1reb+1ast, P.Nanis 6+3reb+1ast
Lavrio: K.Sinnis 22+8reb+1ast, C.Likogiannis 7+8reb, K.Paschalis 6+4reb+2ast, M.Kousoulas 6+1reb, K.Athanasopoulos 5+2reb+1ast, Y.Kakiouzis 4+1ast

Amyntas Dafnis - Near East 99-82

No shocking result in a game in Athens where seventh ranked Amyntas Dafnis (16-14) defeated bottom-ranked Near East (8-22) 99-82. The game was mostly controlled by Amyntas Dafnis. Near East was better in second period 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Amyntas Dafnis dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Near East's 40. They outrebounded Near East 47-23 including a 36-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Amyntas Dafnis players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Forward Panag Koukounias (199-88) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and swingman Fedonas Pagonis (197-85) supported him with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Amyntas Dafnis players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by center Alexandros Gribaviotis (207-79) did not help to save the game for Near East. Serbian guard Milan Stanojevic (188-86, college: E.Washington) added 21 points and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Amyntas Dafnis: P.Papargiropoulos 18+4reb+2ast, P.Koukounias 17+11reb+3ast, S.Dorkofikis 17+7reb+2ast, F.Pagonis 14+12reb+4ast, C.Barbas 11+5ast, K.Vardavas 9+7reb+1ast
Near East: M.Stanojevic 21+1reb+4ast, A.Gribaviotis 20+6reb+1ast, F.Moschovitis 15+2reb+3ast, N.Tsoutsos 8+1reb, A.Psaropoulos 7+3reb+3ast, A.Pappas 6+3reb+4ast

Arkadikos - Panerythraikos 68-73

An interesting game took place in Arkadia, where higher ranked Arkadikos (15-15) lost at home to fifteenth ranked Panerythraikos (12-18) 68-73 on Saturday. Arkadikos was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Panerythraikos made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. Cypriot guard Andreas Sizopoulos (189-83) scored 22 points to lead the charge for the winners and forward Nikos Matzioris (197-82) chipped in 6 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was guard Miron Papadakis (183-88) with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and swingman Nikos Kokkalis (198-85) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Panerythraikos: A.Sizopoulos 22+4reb+3ast, T.Straganiotis 10+1ast, N.Kourtis 10+3reb, S.Kontoudis 9+2reb+4ast, N.Matzioris 6+9reb+2ast, M.Laksa 6+6reb+1ast
Arkadikos: N.Kokkalis 19+6reb, M.Papadakis 10+9reb+7ast, G.Mprozos 9+9reb+1ast, V.Giannoulakos 9+1reb, S.Gizogiannis 7+2reb, D.Katiakos 6+6reb

Ikaroi Serron - Ermis Lagkada 81-62

Very expected game in Serres where 10th ranked Ermis Lagkada (13-17) was rolled over by third ranked Ikaroi Serron (19-11) 81-62. The game was mostly controlled by Ikaroi Serron. Ermis Lagkada was better in third quarter 16-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ikaroi Serron had a 32-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Ermis Lagkada's players. Center Kostas Kakaroudis (204-83) notched 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and guard Kostas Totsios (191-78) supported him with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 11 points and 4 assists by naturalized German guard Darko Rallis (180-78) did not help to save the game for Ermis Lagkada. Serbian guard Alex Stevovic (191-90) added 13 points.
Top scorers:
Ikaroi Serron: K.Kakaroudis 19+5reb+3ast, M.Pavlisevic 16+4reb+4ast, K.Totsios 15+6reb+5ast, F.Simeonidis 8+5reb+2ast, S.Kaberidis 6+6reb+6ast, C.Voiatopoulos 6+3reb
Ermis Lagkada: A.Stevovic 13+1reb, N.Papakonstantinou 12+1reb, D.Rallis 11+1reb+4ast, N.Gamouras 7+7reb, A.Panagiotopoulos 7+3reb+2ast, S.Nisiotis 5+8reb

AGOR - AEK/Argous 101-85

Very predictable result in Rethymno where second ranked AGOR (20-10) beat 9th ranked AEK/Argous (14-16) 101-85. It looked good early as AEK/Argous took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then AGOR had a 26-16 second period charge getting the lead and AEK/Argous was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 85-101. Serbian center Damir Latovic (204-80) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and forward Nikos Theodorakos (202-89) supported him with 14 points. Even 21 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) by American-Icelandic guard Darrel Lewis (192-76, college: Lincoln, MO) did not help to save the game for AEK/Argous. Guard Giorgos Kopsaftis (192-84) added 21 points (went 11 for 11 at the free throw line !!!).
Top scorers:
AGOR: D.Latovic 21+11reb+2ast, M.Politis 14+2reb+2ast, N.Theodorakos 14+3reb+1ast, G.Kiriakopoulos 11+5ast, S.Magounis 10+2reb, S.Grundberg 8+4reb+1ast
AEK/Argous: G.Kopsaftis 21+1reb+2ast, D.Lewis 21+8reb+3ast, A.Gizogiannis 17+2reb+1ast, A.Raptis 11+10reb, T.Meleounis 7+1reb, T.Kasabalis 4+6reb

Div.B Standing

B Standings

1. Nea Kifisia		25-6
2. OFI		24-6
3. Doxa Lefkadas		22-8
4. Ermis Perama		22-8
5. Anagennisi		20-10
6. MENT		17-13
7. Aias Evosmou		17-14
8. Stratoni		17-14
9. Diagoras		14-17
10. Doukas		13-17
11. Aiolos Trik.		13-18
12. Apollon KL		11-19
13. Egaleo		11-19
14. Filippos Veroias		8-23
15. M.Alexandros		5-26

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HUNGARY

Coach Turunen stays for two more seasons in Debrecen - by Tamas Deri
Finnish coach Mika Turunen (agency: SportsList Inc. ) sigend with Factum Sport Debrecen in February 2011 and got the challenge to keep the team in the top division of Hungary. The goal was reached as his team got better and better and was winning several games at the end of the regular season and during the playouts. The management forced to keep the coach in the city and agreed with him for two more seasons. He is very happy about the new challenge as he would like to lead his team into the playoffs in the coming season. For this reason the hungarian base roster started the preparation and has two practices every day.
- I really like to use the chance to have personal workouts with our players during the summer time. We have several young, very talented players on our roster, who want to get better players and make a very hard job every day. We are the only one team in Hungary practicing in this period of time and i am sure, that our team will be a big surprise in the next season. Until the beginning of August i will fix our hungarian roster and try to find also the right foreigners for our team. - said the 46 years old coach.

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ISRAEL

Nar Zanolin Wants 14 Players Per-Team in the 2011 EuroBasket Games - by David Pick
Reminiscence of his embarrassing decision last week, rejecting the appeal filed by the Israeli Basketball Association regarding the national women's standout player, Naama Shafir from playing with undergarments, Nar Zanolin continues to shock the basketball world.

Following a private discussion between the FIBA World Secretary General, Patrick Baumann, and FIBA Europe's Secretary General Nar Zanolin, regarding the protest by the greater FIBA of agreeing to Zanolin's proposal of allowing a, 'List of 14 player's to participate for each national team,' in the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket games.

To the surprise of many, Zanolin continues his outrages decision making as he issued a letter earlier today (Sunday) to all National Federations stating, 'At the request of a number of national federations, the Board of FIBA Europe had approved that the teams which participated in the EuroBasket Women 2011 and the EuroBasket 2011 could, if they so choose, take 14 players to the above events.'

In retrospect of Zanolin's announcement, Baumann addressed the European SG in regard of his significant alteration of the terms as he clearly vetoed the proposition. 'FIBA wishes to express its serious concerns and strong disagreement with respect to the justification of the 14-players rule.'

Baumann continued to explain why the rule changes are unacceptable as they hurt potential players who are already within the 12 registered on the score-sheet. 'The very low playing time of the 10th, 11th and 12th player on most rosters clearly speaks against the 14-players rule.' Baumann also noted that the usage of the EuroBasket tournament is a direct qualifying opportunity to the Olympic Games, and that teams with deeper rosters enjoy a favorable advantage over the mediocre ones making the 'Strong stronger and the weak weaker'.

'Teams that can count on a larger pool of talented players will make use of the rule while less developed nations will in reality not be in a position to register a 14-player roster, simply because they dont have the talent.'

From a technical point of view, the Official Basketball Rules (OBR) worldwide concerning international tournaments such as the Olympic Games and the World Championships allow only 12 players and not 14 to play a single game. 'FIBA is not prepared to allow any change of rules as long as those rules provide for 12 vs. 12 rosters.'

However, Baumann did leave Zanolin a window of opportunity to introduce his suggestion, 'Any change should be applied consistently through all main (senior) official continents and through the whole pyramid of authority including the FIBA Central Board, from top to bottom.'

The 2011 EuroBasket campaign is expected to tip-off In Lithuania in approximately 80 days as Israel was grouped to what is considered the toughest most talented group including Germany, France, Italy, Serbia and Latvia.

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ITALY

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Whiting, Aget Imola	22.4
2. Robinson, Trenkwal.	19.7
3. Crispin, Barcellona	19.6
4. Gordon, Forli	19.5
5. Ebi, Aget Imola	19.2
6. Goldwire, Forli	19.1
7. Jackson, Prima Ver.	18.8
8. Forte, Tuscany PT	17.9
9. Clark, Umana Reyer	17.9
10. Marigney, Assigeco	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Ebi, Aget Imola	9.2
2. Filloy, Immobili.	9.1
3. Varnado, Tuscany	8.9
4. Boykin, Assigeco	8.1
5. Dickens, San Seve.	8.0
6. Waleskowski, Tezen.	7.9
7. Johnson, San Seve.	7.8
8. Gordon, Forli	7.8
9. Lollis, Immobili.	7.6
10. Maggioli, Fileni	7.3

Assists Per Game

Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis .
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Porta, Tezenis	5.1
2. Crispin, Barcellona	4.8
3. Goldwire, Forli	4.5
4. Hickman, Fastw.	4.1
5. Marigney, Assigeco	3.8
6. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.8
7. Mathis, Snaidero.	3.7
8. Nardi, Forli	3.7
9. Farabello, N.Fer.	3.7
10. Forte, Tuscany PT	3.6

Steals Per Game

Alessandro PIAZZA
  Immobili.
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Piazza, Immobili.	3.0
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	2.9
3. Davis, Sunrise	2.6
4. Robinson, Trenkwal.	2.6
5. Roderick, Immobi.	2.6
6. Filloy, Immobili.	2.5
7. Cerella, Assigeco	2.4
8. Whiting, Aget Imola	2.4
9. Achara, Barcellona	2.3
10. Hicks, Barcellona	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Varnado, Tuscany	3.1
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	1.4
3. Achara, Barcellona	1.2
4. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.1
5. Boykin, Assigeco	0.7
6. Frosini, Trenkwald.	0.7
7. Cutolo, San Severo	0.7
8. Taylor, Fastweb CM	0.6
9. Trepagnier, Tezeni.	0.6
10. Nnamaka, Fastw.	0.6

Lega2 Round 1 of Finals. Fastweb Casale open win count - by Eurobasket News
Fastweb CM - Umana Reyer 82-65

Fastweb Casale celebrated the first victory in the title series against Umana Reyer. The game was mostly controlled by Fastweb CM. Umana Venezia managed to win fourth quarter 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fastweb CM made 31-of-34 free shots (91.2 percent) during the game, while Umana Venezia only scored fifteen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Umana Venezia 43-25 including a 34-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Umana Venezia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Donell Taylor (198-G-82, college: UAB) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Ricky Hickman (190-85, college: NC-Greensboro) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Forward Tamar Slay (204-80, college: Marshall) answered with 15 points and guard Lans Harris (195-83, college: Kansas St.) added 15 points in the effort for Umana Venezia. Four Umana Venezia players scored in double figures. Umana Venezia's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Fastweb CM: R.Hickman 21+3reb+3ast, D.Taylor 18+7reb+5ast, O.Nnamaka 11+10reb+1ast, D.Chiotti 8+9reb, S.Gentile 8+2reb+2ast, S.Pierich 6+5reb+1ast
Umana Reyer: T.Slay 15+4reb+2ast, L.Harris 15, G.Meini 11+3reb, K.Clark 10+1reb+1ast, S.Bryan 4+2reb, C.Di Giuliomaria 4+5reb

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JAPAN

Japan outscore Mongolia to reach East Asia Championship semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Mongolia 94:73

Japan celebrated the first win at the East Asia Championship. They overcame Mongolia to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. It was just enough for Japan to enter the semifinal stage. They will take on China in playoffs. Mongolia suffered the second straight defeat and got eliminated. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) exploded with 29 points to pace Japan. Japan opened the game aggressively. They fired 28 points in the opening frame to take an 11-point advantage. Japan maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They arrived at the interval up by 14 points 47:33. Japan did not loosen the grip in the second half. Tom Wiseman team piled up a comfortable 18-point buffer before the final period. Mongolia could not recover and had to surrender at the end. Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-G-81) accounted for 20 points, while Takumi Ishizaki (188-G-84) finished with 18 points in the win. Uuganbayar Oyuntsetseg (183-G-88) replied with 24 points for Mongolia. Battuvshin Bilguun posted 19 points in the losing effort.

Japan: Takuya Kawamura 29, Shinsuke Kashiwagi 20, Takumi Ishizaki 18
Mongolia: Uuganbayar Oyuntsetseg 24, Battuvshin Bilguun 19

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LITHUANIA

Renaldas Seibutis is back in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) has agreed on terms of contract with Lietuvos Rytas. The deal is meant for three seasons. Renaldas Seibutis played for Olin Edirne in the previous season. He averaged 18.7 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per appearance. Renaldas Seibutis participated at the TBL All-Star Game. Renaldas Seibutis played for Lithuanian National Team at the 2010 World Championship in Turkey. The guard averaged 3.4 points per game at the tournament. Renaldas Seibutis had stints with Bilbao, Olympiakos, Maroussi and Sakalai before. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Most Improved Player of the Year. Renaldas Seibutis also was trumped Baltic League Guard of the Year the same year.

Lietuvos Rytas tabs Dzikic - by Simas Baranauskas
Only a day after triumphing in the Slovenian finals with Krka Novo Mesto, Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ) arrived in Vilnius to sign a contract with the club from the Lithuanian capital. Instead of celebrating the terrific achievement with his team, the first thing the Serb did was jump on a plane to Vilnius. Hours later, the coach and the club had agreed on a two year deal with the team option on the third year.

The 40-year-old specialist managed to improve on his last years success with the small-budget Krka by not only repeating the gold-medal performance in Slovenia, but also taking the EuroChallenge trophy with the underdogs from the small city of Novo Mesto.

'We have to gather players, who arent afraid of hard work and understand whats best for the team and can sacrifice themselves for the teams success. Well try to build a strong team with a priority to Lithuanian players,' Dzikic, who has won back-to-back Slovnian championships and the EuroChallenge trophy, spoke after arriving in Vilnius.

Courtesy of LithuaniaBasketball.com

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MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 30.7

1. Sowell, Guasave	30.7
2. White, Cananea	28.0
3. Sowell, Culiacan	27.3
4. Gale, Mexicali	26.8
5. Brown, Tepic	24.8
6. Moore, Culiacan	24.2
7. White, Los Mochis	24.2
8. Brown, Cananea	23.9
9. Gabbidon, Tijuana	23.3
10. Brown, Tepic	23.3

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Brown, Cananea	11.7
2. Moss, Nogales	9.9
3. Angounou, Guasave	9.8
4. VanderMeer, Mexica.	9.6
5. Brown, Tepic	9.6
6. Broxsie, Nogales	8.7
7. Malloy, Los Mochis	8.7
8. Shipley, Tijuana	8.6
9. Gray, Hermosillo	8.3
10. Thomas, Hermosillo	8.1

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Funn, Guasave	8.2
2. Watson, Tijuana	5.7
3. White, Los Mochis	5.7
4. White, Cananea	5.5
5. Winder, Guaymas	5.2
6. Thomas, Hermosillo	4.8
7. Brown, Tepic	4.4
8. Nungaray, Guaymas	4.3
9. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.2
10. Marentes, Guaymas	4.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. White, Cananea	2.2
2. Moore, Culiacan	1.9
3. Roby, Guaymas	1.8
4. Gale, Mexicali	1.7
5. Funn, Guasave	1.7
6. Thomas, Cananea	1.7
7. White, Los Mochis	1.6
8. Sowell, Guasave	1.6
9. Rougeau, Culiacan	1.6
10. Brown, Nogales	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Sowell, Culiacan	3.2
2. Gale, Mexicali	2.6
3. Sowell, Guasave	2.3
4. Shipley, Tijuana	2.2
5. White, Los Mochis	2.2
6. Funn, Guasave	2.1
7. Brown, Tepic	2.1
8. Thomas, Hermosillo	2.0
9. Brown, Tepic	2.0
10. Malloy, Los Mochis	1.9

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MONGOLIA

MOROCCO

Wydad Casablanca won the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
Wydad Casablanca won the Final opener over AS Sale 71:63. The team started with 23-19 in the first period, but AS Sale responded with 20-12 in the second frame. Wydad Casablanca needed the win the second half including 19-13 in the third frame to seal the victory in the opener.
Game 2 to be played on Wednesday, June 15th.

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NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. James, Miami Heat	26.1
3. Rose, Chicago B.	25.4
4. Wade, Miami Heat	25.3
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.1
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.1
9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.1
10. Martin, Houston R.	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.4
2. Rondo, Boston C.	11.0
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.9
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.3
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	7.9
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.8
10. Rose, Chicago B.	7.7

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.6
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.5
3. McGee, Washingt.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Milicic, Minnesota	2.0
6. Duncan, San A.	2.0
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
8. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
9. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
10. Jordan, LA Clippe.	1.8

Mavs are sleepless in Miami, but ready to close out the Heat - by Eurobasket News
Several members of the Dallas Mavericks woke up this morning in their downtown Miami hotel confident that by the time they lay their heads on their pillows tonight, theyll be crowned the new NBA champions.

Then again, some of the Mavs tossed and turned as they prepared for the biggest game of their lives Game 6 at 7 tonight at AmericanAirlines Arena.

'I didn't sleep at all', forward Shawn Marion (6'7''-F-78, college: UNLV) said before this mornings shootaround. 'I think I got about four hours, maybe.'

'Ya'll ain't sleeping, either, so what yall talking about. Ya'll are excited as we are just anticipating these games. These games have been great and thats what its about.'

The Mavs lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, 3-2, and can run their record in closeout games this season to a perfect 4-0 with a win tonight. However, if a seventh game is needed, it will be back here on Tuesday night.

Dallas, though, would rather close it out tonight and hop on a plane and get back home and celebrate with a few hundred thousand of their closest friends.

'This is Game 7', guard Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) said. 'This is our approach tonight, and were trying to get this thing done tonight.'

'I'm feeling very positive, I'm feeling aggressive. That's got to be our mindset going in I know it will be.'

Putting all issues aside professionally or personal for the next 48 minutes is whats solely on the Mavs; minds. Being deprived of any meaningful sleep wont matter either.

When you get in the playoffs things do change, coach Rick Carlisle said. Your nervous system functions a little differently, your sleep patterns are a little different.

But its all part of being put in a position to do things at a real high level.

The Heat has challenged the Mavs mettle to the point where Dallas had to rally from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to win Game 2, and rally from nine points down in the fourth quarter to capture Game 4.

This has been a very intense two-week period, Carlisle said. I embrace the intensity of it and I know our guys do.

Since they know the Heat crowd will be jacked up tonight, the Mavs know the importance of getting off to a fast start.

'We've got to come out aggressive', center Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) said. 'We know theyll be juiced up in front of their home crowd -- weve got to try to hit them with the first punch.'

I think its important that we come out and play well. We want to come out and get a good start. I think thats every game, though, but we definitely want to get out to a good start and control the momentum.

A quiet crowd means things will be working in the Mavs favor. So the Mavs want to keep the crowd out of it.

Youve got the crowd against you, youve got the electricity that they build off of, Chandler said. Youve got to stay away from that.

The Mavs have never won an NBA title, and theyre prepared to seize the moment.

We know what we have to do to be successful, the mindset we have to have going into tonight, so were prepared, Terry said. Today you just relax, do your normal routine.

Im very superstitious, so all those superstitious will be intact and ready to roll.

Properly lacing up his sneakers in a neat fashion before tipoff is one of the most superstitious things Terry does before games.

Its got to be in sync, Terry said. All strings got to be even.

Illnesses and injuries that players can play with must be put on the backburner, Terry said. For the Mavs, Game 6 is an all hands on deck type of situation.

You go out here with a stomach virus, the flu or whatever youve got, Terry said. Its not going to matter tonight.

In other words, the Mavs are in a whatever-it-takes mode. At this point, they dont want anyone stealing their glory.

Were focused, guard DeShawn Stevenson said. We understand that its not over.

Weve got to go out here and try to handle business on their court. But knowing that makes me even more ready and excited.

Carlisle thrives on his team living in the moment. And tonight, he hopes, is a moment that will live with them forever.

I think you can draw on some of the good things weve done this season, and certainly on other seasons, Carlisle said. But none of that guarantees anything.

In this situation youve got to play whistle to whistle, weve got to really concentrate on our game. We know that theres going to be runs and a lot of things going on, and weve just got to stay steadfast to whats helped us get to this point.

Chandler noted that the pressure isnt getting the best of the Mavs, and that this drive to the NBA title has been extremely pleasurable.

Its fun, Chandler said. This is what you dream of, playing at this time of the year. Two teams left, elimination game.

An elimination game the Mavs want to use to the fullest so they can take their first NBA title back to Dallas and celebrate with their fans.

Courtesy of http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com

Dallas Mavericks win their first NBA championship! - by Eurobasket News
For Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78), the resume is complete. He's an NBA champion.

For LeBron James (6'8''-F-84), the agonizing wait continues for at least one more year.

Avenging what happened five years ago in perfect turnabout style, the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA title by winning Game 6 of these finals in Miami 105-95 on Sunday night - celebrating on the Heat's home floor, just as Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and his team did to them in the 2006 title series.

Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) scored 27 points, Nowitzki added 21 and the Mavericks topped the Miami Heat 105-95 in Game 6 of the NBA finals on Sunday night. The Mavericks won four of the series' last five games, a turnabout that could not have been sweeter after seeing the Heat celebrate their first title in Dallas after Game 6 of the 2006 finals.

'Tonight,' Terry said, 'we got vindication.'

James did not. Not even close, and a year unlike any other ended they way they all have so far - with him still waiting for an NBA title.

He scored 21 points for Miami, shook a few hands afterward, and departed before most of the Mavs tugged on their championship hats and T-shirts. Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) had 19, Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86, college: Kansas) 18 and Dwyane Wade 17 for the Heat.

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle joined a highly elite group, those with NBA titles as both a player and a head coach. Only 10 other men are on that list, including the presumably retired-for-good Phil Jackson, one of Carlisle's mentors in K.C. Jones, and Heat President Pat Riley - who led Miami past Dallas in 2006, and was the mastermind of what the Heat did last summer by getting James, Wade and Bosh on the same team with an eye on becoming a dynasty.

It might still happen, of course.

But even after 72 wins this season, including playoffs, the Heat lost the last game. And that means this year was a disappointment - except to just about everyone else in the NBA, or so it would seem.

Hating the Heat became the NBA's craze this season, and the team knew it had no shortage of critics, everyone from Cleveland (where 'Cavs for Mavs' shirts were popular during these finals) to Chicago (the city James and Wade both flirted with last summer) and just about every place in between lining up to take shots at Miami.

Given their newfound popularity, meet the new America's Team.

Sorry, Cowboys - your long-held moniker might have to be ceded to your city's NBA club. When it was over, Mavs owner Mark Cuban ran onto the court to hug Carlisle, then punched the air and whooped.

Dallas took control in the second half after some wild back-and-forths in the opening two quarters. Miami took its last lead of the game - the season - just 64 seconds into the second half, lost it 16 seconds later and chased the Mavericks the rest of the way.

They never caught them.

Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California), at 38 years old, got his first championship. Nowitzki got his at 32, Terry at 33. They were featured on the video screen in their building in Dallas during this series on what seemed like a constant loop, each posing with the NBA trophy and looking longingly at it, standing mere inches from it, as if to say 'so close, yet so far away.'

No more.

It's theirs.

Nowitzki sealed it with 2:27 left, hitting a jumper near the Miami bench to put Dallas up 99-89, and some fans actually began leaving. Nowitzki walked to the Mavs' side slowly, right fist clenched and aloft.

He knew it. Everyone did. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra implored his team to foul in the final minute, and even then, they couldn't catch the Mavericks.

'All those unique individual stories is what propelled us to this victory,' Terry said.

Dallas expected a big early push from Miami, and the Mavs' suspicions were proved correct. James made his first four shots, and the Heat raced out to a 20-11 lead.

It was erased - and then some - quickly, as soon as Dallas went to the zone defense that befuddled Miami again.

Dallas needed 5 1/2 minutes to rip off a 21-4 run, making 9 of 12 shots during the stretch. And much of that came with Nowitzki on the bench with two fouls, the first time he's been whistled for more than one in the opening quarter of a playoff game this season.

The Mavs were off and running. DeShawn Stevenson made a pair of 3-pointers within a span of 24 seconds to give Dallas a 40-28 lead with 9:42 left in the half. Dallas turned Miami's first six turnovers into 14 points, and the hundreds of blue-clad Mavs fans stood and roared, with Cuban waving his arms as if to lead the cheers from behind his team's bench.

Things turned quickly and got heated for good measure.

Miami scored the next 14 points to reclaim the lead at 42-40, a streak snapped only after Stevenson, Udonis Haslem and Chalmers got technicals with 6:25 left in the half after a midcourt mini-melee with mostly amounted to some words and a couple of shoves.

'A player will not automatically be suspended for leaving the bench if he has already left the bench because a timeout was called,' the NBA announced later in the game. 'However, we need to review the circumstances of this particular incident, which we will do, after the game.'

So the NBA will watch replays.

The Heat, they probably won't - not for a long while. They had chances to take command and wasted them all. The Heat missed 13 of their 33 free throws, let the Mavericks score 27 points off turnovers and simply could not get a rebound in the final minutes.

Nowitzki finished 9 for 27, and the Mavs still won. He was 1 for 12 in the first half, and they were still ahead, 53-51, thanks largely to Terry's 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with a 17-4 edge in points off turnovers.

Plus, after James got off to such a fast start, he had two points in the final 19-plus minutes of the half.

James didn't score in the second half until a layup with 1:49 remained in the third - his first field-goal attempt since 1:05 remained in the half. Kidd made a 3-pointer late in the period, pushing the Dallas lead to 79-71, and it seemed like the only people standing in the arena were the players, referees, Cuban and a few guys around the Dallas bench.

It was 81-72 entering the fourth, after Ian Mahinmi made a foul-line jumper as time expired in the third, just his third basket of the entire series.

None were bigger.

The Mavs could taste a title.

When the Mavericks took a 2-0 lead in Dallas during the '06 finals, plans for their victory parade were announced. The Mavs didn't win another game in that series.

Now, that parade will finally happen. And when it's over, then the league's uncertainty will truly begin. Labor strife likely awaits, and although more talks geared toward movement on a new deal are scheduled for this week, both owners and players are bracing for a lockout to begin once the current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30.

What happens with the next deal may affect the Heat more than anyone. Some owners will insist on a hard cap, rolled-back salaries and, potentially, trying to bust some current deals - which could break up the Big 3 before get another chance to win a title together.

A gloomy end to the season may bring an even gloomier offseason for Miami.

'Every situation has felt like it was an our-back-against-the-wall situation,' James said Sunday morning, hours before Game 6 began. 'We've been able to figure it out and find our way through and scratch our way through. This is the last test. This is the last pop quiz for us that we need to pass in order to make it all worth it.'

They didn't pass. So therefore, it wasn't all worth it. Except, of course, from the Dallas perspective.

Of the principal characters from the 2006 series, only Cuban, Nowitzki and Terry remain from the Mavericks' side, and for them, the beginning of this championship celebration seemed sweeter than even they could have imagined. Terry won't have to get his tattoo - the one of the NBA championship trophy - removed, which he vowed to have done if Miami won this series. Nowitzki will never be in the conversation of 'Best player without a title' again.

James is clearly the one with that most-unwanted label now.

Courtesy of www.chron.com <<>><<>>

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

NIGERIA

POLAND

Tomasz Herkt will be a head Coach of AZS-Koszalin - by Eurobasket News
Tomasz Herkt will be a head Coach of AZS-Koszalin in 2011/2012 season. The Polish specialist comes from Zastal Zielona Gora.
Herkt started his coaching career early in 1991-1997 with Olimpia Poznan women team. Later he was in Stilon Gorzow women team, Polpharma Gdynia, Fota Port Gdynia, Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz (EBL). In 2005-2006 he joined PZU Polfa Pabianice (PLKK), women team and then in 2007-2008 moved to Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (PLKK) women team. In 2008-2009 joined Zastal Zielona Gora (1Liga) and stayed with the team for three years advancing also to PKL last season. Tomasz Herkt's former team finished last season with 9-13 record on the 9th place.
His new AZS-Koszalin meanwhile finished the last season one step higher and played in play-offs.In the quarterfinals the defending champions Asseco Prokom needed four games against AZS Koszalin to reach the next round of action. The game was mostly controlled by Asseco Prokom. AZS Koszalin was better in fourth quarter 15-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Asseco Prokom dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to AZS Koszalin's 40. They outrebounded AZS Koszalin 40-23 including 27 on the defensive glass.

Szawarski heads to BM Wegiel Stal Ostrow - by Eurobasket News
Wojciech Szawarski (195-F-76) heads to BM Wegiel Stal Ostrow for the next season to join the second league team. The Polish Forward comes from Energa Czarni Slupsk (PLK) where he averaged 4.4ppg, 2.2rpg last season.
In 2006-2007 Wojciech Szawarski was one of the key players for Gipsar Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (DBL, starting five). He averaged 14.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008 for Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (DBE, starting five) after 31 games his stats read 13.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 80.2%. Two season after the player was with PBG Basket Poznan (DBE, starting five). In 2008 he averaged 11.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 80.0%. In 2009-2010 he showed 9.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 71.2%.
Last season Wojciech Szawarski recorded 12 points as Energa Czarni outgunned Polpharma 84:75 before the home fans to surge ahead in the series. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Polpharma won third quarter 24-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Energa Czarni made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game.

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

PUERTO RICO

Weekly BSN Team Ranking-Week 11 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

With 2 weeks remaining in the regular season, the playoff teams seem to be set; now is up to the teams to earn their seeds.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=25&range=a1%3Af11&output=html

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon		16-9
2. Guaynabo		16-11
3. Santurce		15-11
4. Arecibo		15-11
5. San German		15-11
6. Quebradillas		14-12
7. Humacao		12-15
8. Coamo		10-17
9. Mayaguez		9-16
10. Isabela		9-18

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	23.8
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	23.7
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.3
4. Johnson, Humacao	21.2
5. Ayuso, Arecibo	19.7
6. Villegas, Coamo	19.5
7. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
8. Harris, San German	18.0
9. Randolph, Isabela	17.6
10. Carmona, Mayaguez	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Narvaez, Coamo	12.6
2. Harris, San German	12.4
3. Randolph, Isabela	12.2
4. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.5
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	10.8
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.3
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Sweetney, Santurce	9.4
9. Shannon, Bayamon	9.2
10. Rickert, Bayamon	9.2

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.0
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Clemente, Humacao	4.8
4. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
5. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
6. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.4
7. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.1
8. Bruton, Quebradill.	4.0
9. Vega, Coamo	4.0
10. Copeland, San G.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.8
2. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.6
3. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.6
4. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
5. Harris, San German	1.4
6. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.4
7. Santiago, Santurce	1.4
8. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.4
9. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
10. Ayuso, Arecibo	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Penn, Humacao	2.6
2. Santiago, Arecibo	2.1
3. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
4. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
5. Sanchez, Santurce	1.9
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
7. Lee, Bayamon	1.7
8. Harris, San German	1.5
9. Randolph, Isabela	1.4
10. Robinson, Mayagu.	1.2

BSN Round 24: Caciques edge Mets by two points - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in BSN is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds.

The most exciting game of round 24 in the BSN took place in Guaynabo. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of second-best Mets (16-11) to seventh ranked Caciques (12-15) 95-93 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-93. Caciques dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Mets' 40. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) who had a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. The former international guard Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-83, college: Valparaiso, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international swingman Angel Luis Figueroa (196-81, college: Dowling, agency: Paris Global Sports) who recorded 23 points and 8 rebounds. Caciques maintains seventh position with 12-15 record. Mets at the other side keep the second place with 11 games lost. Caciques are looking forward to face higher ranked Cangrejeros (#3) in Santurce in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mets will play at home against the league's leader Vaqueros where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Bottom-ranked Gallitos managed to get the second consecutive victory. This time they won against sixth-ranked Quebradillas in Isabela 99-92. It was a good game for American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Alexander David Galindo contributed with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. International center Peter John Ramos (222-85) replied with a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds for Quebradillas. Gallitos maintains tenth position with 9-18 record. Quebradillas lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Gallitos will play against higher ranked Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Quebradillas will play at home against Atleticos in San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Humacao was also quite interesting. Second ranked Mets (16-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Caciques (12-15). Mets managed to secure a 6-point victory 76-70 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of Gabriel Colon who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Ivan Johnson with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Mets maintains second position with 16-11 record having just -2 point less than leader Bayamon. Loser Caciques keep the seventh place with 15 games lost. Mets will meet at home league's leader Vaqueros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Caciques will play against Cangrejeros (#3) in Santurce and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in San German. Local Atleticos (15-11) lost to sixth ranked Quebradillas (14-12) 86-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Atleticos. The winners were led by CJ Bruton who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists. Quebradillas maintains sixth position with 14-12 record. Atleticos at the other side dropped to the third place with 11 games lost. Quebradillas' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Quebradillas to the arena .

In the last game of round 24 bottom-ranked Isabela were defeated by San German in a road game 84-80.

San German - Isabela 84-80

There was no surprise in San German where 10th ranked Gallitos (9-18) were defeated by fifth ranked Atleticos (15-11) 84-80. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Gallitos were ahead by 10 points at the halftime before a 51-37 second half run of Atleticos. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Atleticos brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The winners were led by forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points, 21 rebounds and 6 blocks and Panamanian power forward Jaime Lloreda (201-80, college: LSU, agency: Paris Global Sports) supported him with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Even a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) did not help to save the game for Gallitos. Argentinian forward Alexander David Galindo (198-85, college: FIU) added 12 points and 5 rebounds. Five Atleticos and four Gallitos players scored in double figures. Atleticos moved-up to third place, which they share with Arecibo and Santurce. Gallitos at the other side stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Atleticos' next round opponent will be Quebradillas (#6) on the road. Gallitos will play against Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo.
Top scorers:
Isabela: S.Randolph 27+12reb+3ast, D.Hinson 14+3reb+2ast, A.David Galindo 12+5reb+3ast, J.Soto 11+2reb+2ast, C.Jr. Sam 8+6reb, C.Soto 4+3reb+1ast
San German: M.Harris 19+21reb+3ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 18+4reb+2ast, R.Abraham 16+5reb+2ast, J.Lloreda 12+10reb+5ast, F.Rivera 10+1reb+6ast, J.Nieves 9+1reb

Humacao - Guaynabo 70-76

The game in Humacao was also quite interesting. Second ranked Mets (16-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Caciques (12-15). Mets managed to secure a 6-point victory 76-70 on Saturday. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Mets dominated on the defensive end, holding Caciques to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They outrebounded Caciques 47-36 including 16 on the offensive glass. Mets looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international swingman Gabriel Colon (200-84) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) who added 12 points and 14 rebounds during the contest. Four Mets players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Mets maintains second position with 16-11 record having just -2 point less than leader Bayamon. Loser Caciques keep the seventh place with 15 games lost. Mets will meet at home league's leader Vaqueros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Caciques will play against Cangrejeros (#3) in Santurce and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Humacao: I.Johnson 19+10reb+4ast, J.Maye 17+6reb+7ast, M.Ali Berdiel 12+5reb, L.A. Rivas 6+2reb, D.Clemente 5+1reb+1ast, J.Garcia 4+2reb+3ast
Guaynabo: G.Colon 20+10reb+1ast, R.Dalmau 12+4reb+2ast, S.Pruitt 12+14reb+1ast, C.Rodriguez 10+1reb+6ast, S.Villegas 9+2reb+2ast, C.Escalera 6+5reb+4ast

San German - Quebradillas 75-86

The game with biggest result difference took place in San German. Local Atleticos (15-11) lost to sixth ranked Quebradillas (14-12) 86-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Atleticos. The game was mostly controlled by Quebradillas. Atleticos was better in third quarter 24-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Quebradillas won last quarter 25-15. Strangely Atleticos outrebounded Quebradillas 45-29 including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The winners were led by American-Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-75, college: Indian Hills CC) who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists and the former international swingman Joel Jones (196-81, college: Sacramento St.) supported him with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Quebradillas players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds by forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) did not help to save the game for Atleticos. The former international guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-84, college: VCU) added 19 points and 8 rebounds. Quebradillas maintains sixth position with 14-12 record. Atleticos at the other side dropped to the third place with 11 games lost. Quebradillas' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Quebradillas to the arena .
Top scorers:
San German: M.Harris 25+14reb+2ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 19+8reb+3ast, F.Rivera 11+3reb+4ast, J.Lloreda 8+8reb+1ast, R.Abraham 4+2reb, J.Nieves 3+5reb
Quebradillas: C.Bruton 22+3reb+5ast, G.Stevenson 16+2reb, J.Jones 15+7reb+5ast, A.Alamo 15+8reb+1ast, P.John Ramos 6+3reb+3ast, R.Apodaca 6+2reb+5ast

Isabela - Quebradillas 99-92 OT

Bottom-ranked Gallitos managed to get the second consecutive victory. This time they won against sixth-ranked Quebradillas in Isabela 99-92. The hosts were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 16-15 run, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 14-7. Gallitos outrebounded Quebradillas 50-36 including a 38-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Argentinian forward Alexander David Galindo (198-85, college: FIU) contributed with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Gallitos players scored in double figures. International center Peter John Ramos (222-85) replied with a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds and American-Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-75, college: Indian Hills CC) added 12 points and 8 assists in the effort for Quebradillas. Gallitos maintains tenth position with 9-18 record. Quebradillas lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Gallitos will play against higher ranked Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Quebradillas will play at home against Atleticos in San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: P.John Ramos 38+16reb+3ast, R.Apodaca 14+1reb+4ast, C.Bruton 12+2reb+8ast, M.Worthington 9+7reb+2ast, J.Jones 9+3reb+5ast, A.Alamo 6+4reb+2ast
Isabela: A.David Galindo 25+8reb+4ast, S.Randolph 24+15reb+2ast, J.Verdejo 16+3reb+3ast, C.Jr. Sam 13+13reb+1ast, D.Hinson 12+4reb+6ast, R.Cotto 6+3reb+2ast

Guaynabo - Humacao 93-95

The most exciting game of round 24 in the BSN took place in Guaynabo. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of second-best Mets (16-11) to seventh ranked Caciques (12-15) 95-93 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-93. Caciques dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Mets' 40. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) who had a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. The former international guard Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-83, college: Valparaiso, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international swingman Angel Luis Figueroa (196-81, college: Dowling, agency: Paris Global Sports) who recorded 23 points and 8 rebounds and American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) added 15 points and 15 rebounds respectively. Four Caciques and five Mets players scored in double figures. Caciques maintains seventh position with 12-15 record. Mets at the other side keep the second place with 11 games lost. Caciques are looking forward to face higher ranked Cangrejeros (#3) in Santurce in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mets will play at home against the league's leader Vaqueros where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: A.Luis Figueroa 23+8reb+2ast, R.Dalmau 21+5reb+4ast, A.Daniel Vassallo 17+3reb+3ast, S.Pruitt 15+15reb+1ast, C.Escalera 10+3reb+8ast, S.Villegas 3+1ast
Humacao: J.Maye 36+10reb+1ast, M.Ali Berdiel 17+7reb+3ast, D.Clemente 11+2reb+9ast, L.A. Rivas 10+8reb+1ast, J.Guitian 8+6reb, K.Penn 6+6reb+1ast

James Maye gets MVP of the Week award for Puerto Rican BSN - by Eurobasket News
American James Maye (201-G/F-81) had an amazing evening in the last week for Humacao and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 24.
The 29-year old swingman had a double-double of 36 points and ten rebounds, while his team edged out Guaynabo (#2, 16-11) 95-93. Humacao maintains the 7th position in Puerto Rican BSN. Humacao is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-15 record. In the team's last game Maye had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Humacao, being already a very valuable addition to the team. James Maye averages this season 13.9ppg and 6.4rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 25-year old American center Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas. Ramos impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 38 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Quebradillas lost that overtime game 92-99 to the lower-ranked Isabela (#10, 9-18). Quebradillas managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 14-12 record is not bad and everything may still change. Ramos is one of the most experienced players at Quebradillas and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.4ppg (#1). He also registered 11.1 boards per game.

The third best performed player last week was Mike Harris (198-F-83) of San German (#5). Harris scored 19 points and grabbed twenty one rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of San German, leading his team to a 84-80 win against the lower-ranked Isabela (#10, 9-18). San German needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 15 victories and 11 lost games. Harris has a great season in Puerto Rico. After 18 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.6ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 11.8rpg (3rd best). He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 57.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of Isabela - 24 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Mike Harris (198-F-83) of San German - 25 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of Isabela - 27 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Gabriel Colon (200-G/F-84) of Guaynabo - 20 points and 10 rebounds
8. Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85) of Guaynabo - 15 points and 15 rebounds
9. Angel Luis Figueroa (196-G/F-81) of Guaynabo - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85) of Isabela - 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 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)

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ROMANIA

Standings - D2

Div.B Standings

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

CS Dinamo wins Romanian Division B - by Eurobasket News
CS Dinamo wins Romanian Division B as they had a perfect record at the Final stage. The team won all three games to triumph in the League.
In the Final Stage Dynamo started the Final round with the win over CSU Galati 82:79. The latter looked better in the first two quarters and had 2-point halftime advantage. Only due to the second half and 14-10 victory in the last frame Dynamo grabbed the victory. Razvan Popa (195-F-75) and Dragos Stefanescu (194-F) paced all the winners with 17 points each, while Ciprian Popescu ended up with 26 points in defeat.
In Day 2 CS Dinamo celebrated the victory over Timba 77:67. Trailing 21-22 after the first period, Dynamo won the second and the third quarters to seal the victory. Andrei Badila (191-G-84) top-scored for the winners with 20 points, 7 steals, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Razvan Popa netted 13, while Nicolae Toader (206-C-78) collected 12 points and 14 boards. Florin Popa erupted with 31 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 Dynamo overcame CSS Giurgiu 78:66 to triumph in the League. Andrei Badila paced all the winners with 17 points and Nicolae Toader netted 13. Cristian Nicolae ended up with 21 points in the losing effort.

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RUSSIA

Zvi Sherf will leave Spartak SP - by Eurobasket News
Zvi Sherf (agency: RIZO ) will leave Spartak Saint Petersburg after the end of the season. The Israeli specialist announced his decision not to renew contract with the Russian team. Zvi Sherf (agency: RIZO ) was hired by Spartak back in 2009. Last season he guided the team into EuroChallenge semifinals. Spartak Saint Peterburg also entered PBL semis and lost to Khimky. Previously Zvi Sherf (agency: RIZO ) was at the helm in Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Moscow, Galil Elyon, Slask Wroclaw, Makedonikos Kozani, Hapoel Jerusalem, PAOK, Limoges and Aris. He also guided Israeli National team in 1986/87, 93/94 and 2005/09 seasons.

Emus lose to Russia in OT, wrap tour 4-2 - by Eurobasket News
For their final game of the tour, the Emus travelled to the town of Vidnoie on the outskirts of Moscow. The game being played on the home court of Russian Womens Club Champions Spartak. Russia winning a thrilling game in overtime 8278.

Hugh Greenwood (190-PG-92) led all scorers with 21 points. Mitchell Creek (198-F/G-92) scored 20 points and Anthony Drmic (196-F/G-92) had 14 points.

The Russians saw red after their loss in the previous game and came out determined to reverse the result. However, the Emus stood strong throughout the quarter to lead by three at the break.

A series of unforced errors by the Emus saw the momentum shift to the Russians for most of the second quarter. A late charge by the Emus initiated by some very good pressure defense allowed them to regain the lead by half time. Australia 37 to Russia 34.

The third quarter saw two very tired teams trade baskets, the Emus failing to convert on a number of opportunities from the free throw line.

The intensity returned in the fourth quarter with the Emus relinquishing the lead through a number of costly errors, Russia leading by seven with 80 seconds to play.

The Emus then rediscovered their Aussie fighting spirit closing the gap and then tying the game with four second play following an Anthony Drmic three pointer from the corner, the game heading into overtime.

The Emus scored off the first possession in extra time, however, as the pressure built they made a couple of poor decisions which allowed the Russians to gain the upper hand, Russia going to on record the win and tie the two game series at 11.

'Although we are disappointed to lose, this was a terrific experience for the group,' said Head Coach Damian Cotter .

'The lesson learned from the game should be how to execute to our strength going down the stretch. The tour has been great for building the team structures and cohesiveness for the World Championships.'

The Emus have concluded their tour with a 42 win/loss record and now look towards the FIBA U19 World Championships commencing 30 June.

Final Score: Russia 82 defeated Australia 78 (in overtime)

1st Quarter: 13 - 16
2nd Quarter: 34 37 (21 - 21)
3rd Quarter: 52 56 (18 - 19)
4th Quarter: 72 72 (20 - 16)
Overtime: 82 78 (10 6)
Courtesy of: basketball.net.au

CSKA tied the Final series at 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
FINAL

CSKA - Khimky 65-57

CSKA tied the Final series at 1-1 after 65:57 win in game 2. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Khimky won fourth quarter 14-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The former international swingman Viktor Khryapa (204-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Alexey Shved (196-88, agency: Alti Sport) contributed with 11 points for the winners. CSKA Moscow's coach Jonas Kazlauskas allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. International forward Sergey Monya (203-83) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) added 13 points in the effort for Khimky.
Top scorers:
CSKA: T.Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) 13+2reb, A.Shved 11+4reb+2ast, J.Gordon 10+5reb+2ast, V.Khryapa 9+5reb+4ast, S.Kaun 8+3reb+3ast, J.Holden 5+2reb+3ast
Khimky: S.Monya 14+10reb+2ast, K.Loncar 13+4reb, V.Fridzon 12+4reb, L.Papadopoulos 7+4reb+1ast, Z.Planinic 7+1reb, A.Savrasenko 2+4reb+2ast

3rd place

Unics - Lokomotiv 81-80

Unics won the second game over Lokomotiv in the series for the third place. The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 21-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) who had a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) chipped in 29 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) produced 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-81, college: Wisconsin, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Unics: M.Lampe 33+10reb+2ast, T.Lyday 29+3reb+7ast, V.Veremeenko 12+1reb+1ast, N.Padius 5+1reb, Z.Pashutin 2+4reb+1ast, M.Popovic 0
Lokomotiv: L.Chalmers 24+7reb+5ast, M.Wilkinson 15+6reb+2ast, A.Tucker 10+2reb+2ast, G.Jeretin 10+5reb+5ast, M.Sheleketo 6+6reb+2ast, G.Shukhovtsov 4+4reb

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Keith LANGFORD
  Khimky
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Langford, Khimky	18.2
2. Lampe, Unics	18.0
3. Baxter, Enisey	16.2
4. Keyru, Dynamo	16.0
5. Domercant, Spart.	15.6
6. Williams, Enisey	15.3
7. Vyaltsev, Triumph	14.4
8. Labovic, Enisey	14.2
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	13.9
10. Chalmers, Lokom.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	7.4
2. Lampe, Unics	7.3
3. Baxter, Enisey	7.0
4. Khryapa, CSKA	6.6
5. Beverley, Spart.	6.4
6. Massey, Lokomotiv	6.2
7. Brezec, Krasnie	6.1
8. Monya, Khimky	6.1
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	6.1
10. Paunic, N.Novgorod	5.4

Assists Per Game

Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Williams, Enisey	6.8
2. Bremer, Krasnie	6.5
3. Vyaltsev, Triumph	5.4
4. Ponkrashov, Spart.	4.5
5. Khvostov, Dynamo	4.1
6. Popovic, Unics	3.9
7. Beverley, Spart.	3.6
8. Samoylenko, Unics	3.6
9. Planinic, Khimky	3.6
10. Chalmers, Lokom.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Beverley, Spart.	1.8
2. Voronov, Dynamo	1.8
3. Lyday, Unics	1.6
4. Bremer, Krasnie	1.6
5. Khryapa, CSKA	1.5
6. Komarovskiy, Eni.	1.4
7. Pashutin, Unics	1.4
8. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	1.4
9. Ponkrashov, Spart.	1.3
10. Labovic, Enisey	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Kaun, CSKA	1.3
2. Yakovenko, N.Nov.	1.0
3. Monya, Khimky	1.0
4. Varlamov, Triumph	0.9
5. Likhodey, Triumph	0.8
6. Lampe, Unics	0.8
7. Antonov, N.Novgor.	0.8
8. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	0.8
9. Vasiliev, Lokomotiv	0.7
10. Rizvic, Unics	0.7

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

SERBIA

SLOVENIA

Dzikic and Djordjevic leaves Krka - by Zeljko Zule
After arriving in Vilnius only a day after lifting the Slovenian title with Krka Novo Mesto, Serbian coach Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ) officially signed a deal with Lietuvos Rytas. He agreed to a two year deal with the team option on the third year, the Lithuanian club announce via official web site.
Krka already lost two of its key players. Goran Ikonic had moved to Turkish side Pinar Karsiyaka and Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) has transferred to Belgian side Oostende after failing to agree to a new contract with Slovenian champion.

Zoran Dragic was selected MVP in Slovenia - by Zeljko Zule

All-Slovenian League 1st Team 2010-11

Dragic

Djordjevic

Panic

Raymond

Booker

Player of the Year: Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka
Guard of the Year: Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83) of Krka
Forward of the Year: Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka
Center of the Year: Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81) of Krka
Import Player of the Year: Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83) of Krka
Domestic Player of the Year: Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka
Defensive Player of the Year: Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka
Most Improved Player of the Year: Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) of Zlatorog
Newcomer of the Year: Alen Omic (213-C-92) of Zlatorog
Coach of the Year: Aleksandar Dzikic of Krka

1st Team
F/G: Zoran Dragic (196-89) of Krka
G: Dusan Djordjevic (195-83) of Krka
F: Vladimir Panic (194-82) of Zlatorog
G/F: Benjamin Raymond (198-87) of Helios
F/C: Christopher Booker (208-81) of Krka

2nd Team
G: Vlado Ilievski (190-80) of Union Olimpija
G: Goran Ikonic (196-80) of Krka
G/F: Kenny Gregory (197-78) of Union Olimpija
F: Goran Jagodnik (203-74) of Union Olimpija
C: Matej Krusic (211-87) of Geoplin Slovan

Honorable Mention
Jure Balazic (204-F-80) of Krka
Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80) of Krka
Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) of Zlatorog
Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84) of Polzela
Dalibor Djapa (204-F/C-84) of Geoplin Slovan
Ilija Zolotic (207-F/C-86) of Maribor Messer
Salih Nuhanovic (209-C-82) of Elektra

All-Domestic Players Team
F/G: Zoran Dragic (196-89) of Krka
G: Vlado Ilievski (190-80) of Union Olimpija
F: Goran Jagodnik (203-74) of Union Olimpija
C: Matej Krusic (211-87) of Geoplin Slovan
G: Grega Mali (197-84) of Helios

All-Imports Team
G: Dusan Djordjevic (195-83) of Krka
F/C: Christopher Booker (208-81) of Krka
F: Vladimir Panic (194-82) of Zlatorog
G/F: Benjamin Raymond (198-87) of Helios
G/F: Kenny Gregory (197-78) of Union Olimpija

All-Defensive Team
Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka
Goran Jagodnik (203-F-74) of Union Olimpija
Vjekoslav Petrovic (193-G/F-81) of Helios
Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) of Zlatorog
Gregg Thondique (201-F-87) of Polzela

All-Newcomers Team
Alen Omic (213-C-92) of Zlatorog
Luka Rupnik (184-G-93) of Geoplin Slovan
Klemen Prepelic (190-G-92) of Helios
Matej Rojc (198-G-93) of Krka
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) of Geoplin Slovan

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SOUTH KOREA

China Edges South Korea - by Jeff Liebsch
China defeated South Korea 61- 54 in the second game of the 26th East Asian Mens Basketball Championships at the Nanjing Olympic Center Stadium.

Meng Duo led China with 14 points, while Su Wei (212-C-89) added 11 for the victors.

South Korea kept the game close, trailing 28-26 at halftime in the low scoring affair. They were led by center Oh Se-Keun (201-C-87) Se Keun, who had 12 points. South Korea had a tough time shooting during the game, connecting only once on 18 three point attempts.

Cho Sung-Min, Yang Hee-Jong and Kim Jong-Kyu all fouled out for Korea, in the intense game. South Korea had 32 fouls, while China also had 29.

After China pulled away in the fourth 53-40, South Koreas last attempt at a comeback came up short.

'I asked my players to keep fighting in the macth and they did exactly as I told. We deserve the victory,' said China's assistant coach Li Nan. 'But we still need to prove our passing and picking balls and keep protecting rebounds in the upcoming games.'

China now moves on to play Japan, while Korea now plays Taiwan in the semifinals.

China edge South Korea for second straight win in Nanjing - by Eurobasket News
China - South Korea 61:54

China recorded their second straight win at home East Asia Championship. They held off South Korea in Nanjing to enter the semis with a perfect 2-0 record. China will now take on Japan, while South Korea will face Taiwan in the semis. Meng Duo (192-G/F-90) dropped 14 points to pace the winners.
China limited their opponents to 10 points in the opening frame and surged ahead. The hosts posted a 15:10 lead after ten minutes. South Korea however struck back in the second stanza and cut the distance to just two points at halftime 26:28. China shifted the gear right after the main break. The home team cleared off to a 9-point lead with one quarter remaining. China wisely kept South Korea at bay throughout the final period and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Su Wei (212-C-89) added 11 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Oh Se-Keun (201-C-87) answered with 12 points for South Korea. Lee Seung-Jun (186-G-88) finished with 11 points in the loss.

China: Meng Duo 14, Su Wei 11+12 boards, Yi Li (203-F/G-85) 11
South Korea: Oh Se-Keun 12, Lee Seung-Jun 11

China Edges South Korea - by Jeff Liebsch

China defeated South Korea 61- 54 in the second game of the 26th East Asian Mens Basketball Championships at the Nanjing Olympic Center Stadium.

Meng Duo led China with 14 points, while Su Wei (212-C-89) added 11 for the victors.

South Korea kept the game close, trailing 28-26 at halftime in the low scoring affair. They were led by center Oh Se-Keun (201-C-87) Se Keun, who had 12 points. South Korea had a tough time shooting during the game, connecting only once on 18 three point attempts.

Cho Sung-Min, Yang Hee-Jong and Kim Jong-Kyu all fouled out for Korea, in the intense game. South Korea had 32 fouls, while China also had 29.

After China pulled away in the fourth 53-40, South Koreas last attempt at a comeback came up short.

'I asked my players to keep fighting in the macth and they did exactly as I told. We deserve the victory,' said China's assistant coach Li Nan. 'But we still need to prove our passing and picking balls and keep protecting rebounds in the upcoming games.'

China now moves on to play Japan, while Korea now plays Taiwan in the semifinals.

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SWEDEN

Sundsvall Dragons lost three players - by Eurobasket News
Sundsvall Dragons lost three players for the next season already. The defending champions will not have Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple), Liam Rush (202-F/G-82) and Johan Jeansson (197-G-85).
Alex Wesby heads to Holland. Dutch powerhouse GasTerra Flames has reinforced its perimeter game with the addition of veteran scorer Alex Wesby. The Flames inked a deal for the upcoming season with American Alex Wesby. He arrives to Groningen from Swedish Sundsvall Dragons, where he averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists for 46 games in the Swedish Basketligan. Eurobasket awarded Wesby with All-Swedish Basketligan Forward of the Year and All-Swedish Basketligan 1st team.
Liam Rush moved to Melbourne Tigers (Australia-NBL, starting five). The NBLs 2007 Seasons Most Improved Player, has spent the past three seasons playing in Sweden where has played for Sundsvall Dragons (2009, 2011) and Gothia Basket (2010). Rush led Sundsvall to the championship in both seasons he played, including winning the title this season. In his first year in Sweden, Rush won the Bosman Player of the Year award for the top dual citizenship player in the league, and has been named in the All-Bosman team all three seasons. This season Rush led his team in scoring with 18.3 points per game and showed his versatility averaging 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 56% from the field and 44% from the three point line.
Johan Jeansson will play in 2011-2012 for Sodertalje Kings (Basketligan, starting five).

Mattias Goransson agreed with Boras Basket - by Eurobasket News
Mattias Goransson (198-G/F-83) agreed with Boras Basket for the 2011/2012 season. In 2001-2002 the Swedish 198-cm played started with Sodertalje Kings and averaged 3.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 7ast. After 5 season there Mattias moved to 08 Stockholm (Basketligan). In his first season there he averaged 5.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg. In 2007-2008 for 08 Stockholm (Basketligan) his stats read 6.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 69.4%. In 2008-2009 moved to Helsingborg Basket (Basketligan, starting five) and after 30 games showed 11.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 64.9%. The season 2009/2010 the Swedish player spent in Gothia Basket (Basketligan, starting five) and after 40 games had 8.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 48.4%.
Earlie Eurobasket wrote that Ryan Zamroz (191-G-87, agency: JEMsports, college: Master's) agreed with Boras Basket for the upcoming season. The USA-Italian Guard comes to Sweden together with his wife Stacy Zamroz who will play for Mark Basket. The team also announced Omar Krayem (185-G-86, college: Cal.Baptist) and extended contract with Christopher McKnight (201-F-87, college: Akron). The 23-year-old forward joined the team back in November. He averaged 15.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. It was the first pro contract for Christopher McKnight. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2010.

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TAIWAN

Taiwan to meet Korea in 2011 EABC semi - by Chris Wang
Taiwan NT will meet Korea on June 14 in the semifinal of the 2011 East Asian Basketball Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship, after winning the Group B in the preliminary round.

Group A winner China will meet Japan, which finished second in Group B, in the other semifinal game.

Regardless of the results, all four teams in the semifinal round have secured berths in the FIBA Asia Championship, which will be held in Wuhan, Hubei, China from September 15 to 25, as the three best teams, excluding China, qualify for the tournament.

Since the EABC is only a qualifying tournament and the competition level is not as good (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan were already favored to win the tickets to the Asian Championship prior to the tourney), most countries, excluding perhaps Japan, did not send their strongest squad to Nanjing, China.

Stories published by Taiwanese newspaper today are interesting though, saying that Bob Hill , a former NBA head coach who was hired as Taiwan's technical advisor, blasted Taiwan's starters in the locker room during the intermission of the team's game versus Mongolia.

Hill was quoted as saying that the starters 'played like s**t' and 'blew up two games they have played, forcing the backup players to clean up their messes.'

Wow, I don't think a Taiwanese head coach will ever be this 'honest' with his players. Local head coaches were usually 'too nice' with players in fear of damaging his relationships with them.

And this is why I've been advocating the hiring of foreign coaches. A foreign head coach, such as South Korean coach Chung Kwang-suk who led Taiwan to the fifth place in the 2009 Asian Championship, only focuses on getting his job done no matter what it takes.

Results of the preliminary round:
Group A
Korea 134-47 Hong Kong
China 104-43 Hong Kong
China 61-54 Korea

Group B
Taiwan 75-74 Japan
Taiwan 85-71 Mongolia
Japan 94-73 Mongolia

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TURKEY

Beko Basketball League play-off finals: Ulker makes it 3-1 by defeating Cafe Crown 74-85 - by Pervin Elgin
Fenerbahce Ulker's Basketball Team started their second road game quickly and effectively. Led by the duo Darjus Lavrinovic and Oguz Savas, they pulled the score up to a 7-15 lead within seven minutes of playing time. After that, Cafe Crown managed to cling on, but Ulker still closed the first period superior with a 17-23 lead.

In the second period Ulker didnt put the game down which they wanted, and Luksa Andric contributed big time for the host team to a 15-2 run: 32-25. The tide turned once again in the latter part of the period. Savas, Lavrinovic and Ukic captured a series of 0-10 for Ulker, sending their team to the locker room with a narrow 36-37 lead.

The second half started with a series of mutual baskets: 45-47 with 24 minutes on the clock. Ulker then put their weight into the game. This time it was Emir Preldzic who gave Fenerbahce a boost, taking the difference to 12 points: 48-60 with 28 minutes played. Ulker held on to the lead and took a 49-64 margin into the final quarter.

In the final period, Fenerbahce Ulker started with a score by Roko and increased to gap to 17 points, 46-66. Galatasaray Cafe Crown fought back well and reduced the difference in scores to 9 (57 -66), but Omer Onans 3-point basket took the difference to double digits again: 57-69. A series of mutual baskets brought the scores to 67-79 after 38 minutes of playing time. In the final two minutes, Ulker stayed in control, finishing the fourth game of the best of seven series with a 74-85 victory. On tuesday Fener will play on their own Sinan Erdem Court again, shooting for their fifth championship.

Jovo Stanojevic extends contract with Pinar Karsiyaka - by Eurobasket News
Pinar Karsiyaka secured the services of Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) for another season. The 33-year-old centre joined the team at the start of the season. He averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in EuroChallenge. In TBL Jovo Stanojevic notched 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per appearance. He received Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Honourable Mention in 2011. Previously Jovo Stanojevic had stints in Serbia, Israel, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Kuwait.

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UBL

TEXAS WRANGLERS 2011 UBL CHAMPIONS - by Ozzie Denson

The UBL 2011 Season is over and there can only be one Champion.The final four teams left standing were The Arkansas Warriors which are undefeated and the #1 seed in the North Div. The Tulsa Tornadoes were the #2 seed in the North and would have to face Arkansas. The South Div. #1 were the Texas Wranglers and the Mississippi Tornadoes were the #2 seed in the South. What a playoff!! The UBL have some of the best players in the world and they put it on the line in Addison, Texas this weekend.Unlike other Leagues, to be the UBL Champion you must win Two games in One day. The Coaching must be great and the players must put in all on the line, its Winner Takes All and there is no 2nd place. There can only be one!! Arkansas Tulsa, Mississippi and Texas. Who will stand in the End?

Arkansas 115 Tulsa 107

Texas 116 Mississippi 104

Championship Game

Texas 100 Arkansas 96

TEXAS WRANGLERS 2011 UBL CHAMPION

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!!

UBL COME GET SOME!!!

www.ublhoops.com

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UGANDA

Ugandans to Confront Americans - by Eurobasket News
Selected Ugandan basketball stars will this evening (7pm) challenge American Street Ball group, And 1, in an exhibition game at YMCA court.

The Americans, on an East Africa tour sponsored by Sprite, mesmerised crowds with exceptional skills on their first day in the country yesterday. They played against Green Hill Academy students and Kenyan import Richard Omondi.

Today, Miracle Eagles star Omondi will join Uganda's leading players Norman Blick, Ben Komakech, Joseph Ikong and Mark Opio to try and outsmart the Americans before the home crowd.

And having watched them yesterday, local basketball federation general secretary Tom Ocamringa, is expecting tantalising action today starting with warm-up sessions.

'If you miss the warm- up, then you might as well tell yourself that you have skipped most of the action,' Ocamringa, who is managing the Americans, said.

In less than 30 minutes of exhibition basketball at Green Hill, the And 1 stars had long queues of mainly pupils waiting to have several items autographed.

They played a short 2-on-2 game and later switched to dunking.

The Street Ball superstars go by nicknames of Hot Sauce Spyda, Werm, Fifty, Amazing, Highrizer, Baby Shaq and Airbama.
Courtesy of The Monitor

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UKRAINE

Andriy Agafonov extends contract with Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
Andriy Agafonov (207-F-86, agency: Interperformances) will stay with the Superleague champions Budivelnyk. The forward has agreed on terms of one-year contract extension. Andriy Agafonov joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In Superleague his stats read 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 block per appearance. Andriy Agafonov spent the previous seven seasons with Khimik Yuzny. Andriy Agafonov played for Ukrainian National Team at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. The forward produced 6.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance. In 2009 Andriy Agafonov participated at World University Games in Belgrade. There the forward posted 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance.

Standings - Higher League

Higher League Stage Two Standings

Places 1-8
1. Cherkasy		27-1
2. U-VolinBasket		20-8
3. Avantazh-Pol.		15-13
4. Aviastar		11-17
5. Dynamo DN		11-17
6. Kremen-KNU		10-18
7. Pulsar		9-19
8. Vinnitsky Zubry		9-19
Places 9-13
1. KTU Krivyi Rih		12-4
2. Koksokh-Stal		12-4
3. Striba		9-7
4. Sportlitsey		7-9
5. Ternopil		0-16

Stage One Standings

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19

Black Team victorious in Adidas Eurocamp All-Star Game - by Eurobasket News
Black Team - Red Team 95:55

Adidas Eurocamp continued in Treviso, Italy. The camp enjoyed All-Star Game today. Black Team celeabrated a comfortable win. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) knocked down 21 points to lead the winners. The teams stayed close in the opening frame. Black Team earned just a one-point lead after ten minutes 17:16. But they cleared off in the second stanza. Black Team recorded a 45:31 at halftime. They opened the second half on a 14:4 rally and never looked back again en route to the victory. Augusto Cesar Lima (206-C-91) stepped up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 6 steals for the winning side. Sarra Camara (204-F/C-89) contributed 15 points and 10 boards for Black Team. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) answered with 16 points for Red Team. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) and Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) had 8 points each in the loss.

Black Team: Mindaugas Kuzminskas 21, Augusto Cesar Lima 20+12 boards, Sarra Camara 15
Red Team: Adam Hanga 16, Nicolo Melli 8, Dairis Bertans 8

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Opals wrap camp and choose team for China tour - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Opals have wrapped their four-day camp at the AIS this week, which saw a number of players making their debut for the squad. A team of 12 players were selected to travel to China for a four-nations tournament, which tips off in under a week.

The team were put through their paces in an intense four days which saw up to five hours of training a day, including some scrimmaging with The Gems as well as some fitness and body work with strength and conditioning coach Bohden Babijczuk.

This is very much an emerging talent group and the bulk of our World University Games team, said Jayco Opals head coach Carrie Graf .

But theres some new faces in the Opals squad and an opportunity for them to get used to the program and our systems, she said.

Of those players includes WNBL rising star Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90) who took to the floor for the first time in an Opals training singlet this week, and said she felt nervous about it going in.

I was really nervous coming in because of the physicality of it, so I guess its daunting the first camp but all the girls made me feel really welcome as did all the coaches so that was good, she said.

Everything just happens so much faster, even moreso than the WNBL, so my decision making needs to be a lot quicker, but at the same time I need to be poised. I just need to get a lot stronger and quicker physically.

I learned a lot so that was good, said Madgen.

Kristen Veal (176-G-81) also made her return to the squad. Having not pulled an Opals singlet on since 2005, she enjoyed being back in the program and hopes to continue on with the squad and impress selectors as the FIBA Oceania series beckons.

Its always a challenge and youve always got to be on your game and try to improve. But in terms of getting to play and hang out with the best girls in Australia, its always enjoyable, she said.

With the point guard spot being one of the positions in the Opals team where potential opportunities lie for the hopeful playmakers, Veal is well aware that she has a great opportunity before her, but is trying not to let that mask the experience of simply working-out with the squad and developing her game.

Im enjoying playing basketball at the moment; Im enjoying playing for Logan. There is an opportunity at the point guard spot, but there is also a lot of good quality point guards there so, as much as Graffy has a spot to fill, shes also got some pretty good options in terms of which direction she wants to go in, she said.

Being back in the program and being at the age Im at and the fact that Im enjoying my basketball, its definitely on my mind. But, it will be what it will be, she said.

From the camp, a squad of 12 players were selected to travel to China for a Four Nations tournament, where they will battle China, Brazil and New Zealand.

Of the 12 are Opals first-timers and WNBL stars Tess Madgen, Steph Cumming, Nicole Hunt (167-G-88) and Rachael Flanagan. The team departs for China on June 14 and are set to return on June 26.
Courtesy of: basketball.net.au

The Australian Central East Perth Eagles defeated the Redbacks 81 to 75 - by Eurobasket News
In the womens game The Australian Central East Perth Eagles defeated the Redbacks 81 to 75.

East Perth started strongly and through Samantha Norwood (188-F/C-89, college: Stony Brook) scored the first four points of the game. The Redbacks stopped the momentum swing and through some aggressive play established a small lead. But East Perth railed to see the game go to quarter-time at 23-all.

The Eagles found themselves in foul trouble late in the second quarter and the Redbacks made good use of their free throws to take a six point lead into the half. The Redbacks were led by Marita Paynes 12 first half points, while Norwood led her side with nine points.

The Eagles came out in the third quarter full of determination and closed the Redbacks lead to be tied at 47 all midway through the quarter. The Redbacks took a two point lead, 61 to 58, into the last break courtesy of a buzzer beater from Desiree Delcoure.

The fourth quarter saw the Eagles continue their determined run with Elizabeth Cooke (181-G/F-78) scoring her teams first six points of the quarter. The Redbacks fought with dogged determination, staying close but they just couldnt match the Eagles who eventually ran out six point winners.

East Perth's best best were Norwood with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Kate Fielding (176-G-86) with 16 points and Nicole Jorre St Jorre (12 points and nine rebounds).

The best for the Redbacks were Brooke Hiddlestone (F/C-77) with 19 points and eight rebounds, Payne with 16 points and 14 rebounds and Narelle Henry with 11 points and seven assists.

Article by Leigh Dalton at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre
Courtesy of: SBL

Willetton barely escape (Round 13 WSBL Wrap) - by Eurobasket News
Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers survived a couple of scares to continue their dominant women's State Basketball League form in round 13 action.

The defending champions and league leaders needed overtime to beat Perth Redbacks 80-78 and had to come from behind to beat bottom four side Western Stainless Stirling Senators 74-60.

The Tigers were missing WNBL players Kate Malpass (176-G-88) and Ebony Antonio and their absence nearly proved costly, as their side had to overturn a six-point half-time deficit to beat Stirling. But they outscored the Senators 37-17 in the second half to improve their record to 14-1 for the season.

Perth led for much of its match with Willetton the night before and a Narelle Henry (170-G-77) four-point play in the final seconds sent the game to overtime, but Jasmine Hooper hit a pair of free-throws at the end of the extra period to seal the thrilling win.

And the Redbacks also blew a nine-point lead to lose 81-75 to Australian Central East Perth Eagles.

Samantha Norwood (188-F/C-89, college: Stony Brook) had 25 points to lead sixth-placed East Perth's comeback, while eighth-placed Perth suffered its fourth loss from its past five games despite Brooke Hiddlestone's 19 points.

Mandurah Magic continued their outstanding form by beating Stirling 79-53 and Lakeside Lightning 89-72.

Casey Mihovilovich had 18 points to help third-placed Mandurah overcome an outstanding performance from Michelle Joy (184-F-90) (19 points and nine rebounds) and beat the Senators.

And the Magic then extended their winning streak to six games against Lakeside, as Hailey Dunham (22 points) led them past the struggling Lightning, who have lost five of their past six games.

Fellow top four side Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks have a five-game winning streak after thrashing Southwest Slammers 94-40.

Christine Boyd (194-C-79) (23 points and 12 rebounds) led the second-placed Hawks to the comfortable win and helped to hand the Slammers their 14th-consecutive loss.

And Rebecca Mercer helped Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves keep their spot in the top four with 21 points in her side's 67-42 win against Rockingham Flames, which was their fifth-consecutive victory.

Talisia Bourne had 15 points for the struggling Flames, who remain in last place after their fourth-consecutive loss.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: SBL

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BELARUS - Women

France beat Belarus for third straight win in Beauvais - by Eurobasket News
France - Belarus 73:61

France registered the third straight win at the Picardy Tournament. They defeated Belarus to stay unbeaten. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) stepped up with 15 points and 12 rebounds to pace Les Bleus. Belarus slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
France led throughout the bigger part of the opening frame. They posted a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Sandrine Gruda, Endene Miyem (188-F-88) and Lawson-Wade boosted the margin to 9 points in the second quarter. However Belarus capped the first half with a 14:4 run to take a 36:35 lead. Belarus led by as many as four points before France bounced back and secured a 50:47 lead with one quarter remaining 50:47. France used a 13:2 rally to open a 14-point advantage in the fourth frame. Belarus never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Endene Miyem provided 12 points, while Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) had 11 points in the winning effort. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) answered with 15 points for Belarus. Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) accounted for 13 points in the loss.

France: Sandrine Gruda 15+12 boards, Endene Miyem 12, Emmeline Ndongue 11
Belarus: Anastasiya Veremeenko 15, Natalia Marchanka 13

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CANADA - Women

Russia clinch second place at Picardy Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Canada 71:66

Russia claimed the second win at the Picardy Tournament in Beauvais. They overcame Canada on the final day of the tourney. Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds in the win.
Russia stunned their opponents in the starting frame. Russia opened the game with 10 points in a row. They dominated in the first stanza and recorded a 22:9 lead after ten minutes. Russia eased to a 21-point lead midway through the second term. But Canada were able to cut the distance to 14 points at halftime 22:36. Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.), Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) and Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) dragged the North American team within 9 points late in the third quarter. Tamara Tatham dragged Canada as close as 4 points with just a minute remaining. Maria Stepanova knocked down a jumper but Courtnay Pilypaitis answered with a triple to narrow the deficit at three points 66:69. However Maria Stepanova nailed two free throws and sealed the victory for Russia. Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) and Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) provided 10 points apiece in the victory. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) answered with game-high 17 points for Canada. Courtnay Pilypaitis provided 13 points in defeat.

Russia: Maria Stepanova 13, Marina Kuzina 10, Liudmila Sapova 10
Canada: Kimberley Smith 17, Courtnay Pilypaitis 13

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CHINA - Women

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Doneeka HODGES
  USA
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Hodges, BUL	20.3
2. Tuukkanen, FIN	18.3
3. Zherzherunov., UKR	15.5
4. Fegyverneky, HUN	15.2
5. Meesseman, BEL	15.0
6. Breitreiner, GER	14.8
7. Marginean, ROM	14.0
8. Bar, GER	14.0
9. Masciadri, ITA	13.0
10. Milovanovic, SRB	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Bar, GER	10.4
2. Meesseman, BEL	9.0
3. Tuukkanen, FIN	8.8
4. Zherzherunov., UKR	8.3
5. Ress, ITA	8.0
6. Matic, SRB	7.0
7. Masciadri, ITA	6.8
8. Zlatanova, BUL	6.8
9. Ligthart, NED	6.0
10. Austmann, GER	5.6

Assists Per Game

Katalin HONTI
  HUN
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Honti, HUN	3.5
2. Zara, ITA	3.3
3. Zlatanova, BUL	3.0
4. Dimitrova, BUL	3.0
5. Fegyverneky, HUN	2.8
6. Bar, GER	2.6
7. Kochubei, UKR	2.5
8. Radocaj, SRB	2.5
9. Sottana, ITA	2.3
10. Pop, ROM	2.3

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Bar, GER	2.6
2. Zherzherunov., UKR	2.5
3. Mayombo, BEL	2.5
4. Honti, HUN	2.3
5. Zlatanova, BUL	2.3
6. Stoenescu, ROM	2.0
7. Breitreiner, GER	2.0
8. Milovanovic, SRB	2.0
9. Franchini, ITA	1.8
10. Tuukkanen, FIN	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Gabriela MARGINEAN
  ROM
  (185-F-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Marginean, ROM	1.5
2. Khomenchuk, UKR	1.3
3. Halman, NED	1.0
4. Vajda, HUN	0.8
5. Austmann, GER	0.8
6. Alyoshkina, UKR	0.8
7. Koop, GER	0.6
8. Maksimovic, SRB	0.5
9. Pavel, ROM	0.5
10. Celus, BEL	0.5

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FRANCE - Women

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GERMANY - Women

TSV Wasserburg sign Charmaine Callahan - by Eurobasket News
TSV Wasserburg sign Charmaine Callahan (183-F/C-83) for 2011/2012 season. The German player heads from BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel.
In 2006-2007 she started her career for Eisvogel USC Freiburg (DBBL) and stayed there for 4 seasons. In 2009-2010 she averaged 6.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 31.7%, 3PT-3 (39.4%), FT: 77.8%. Last season the player spent in BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel (DBBL) and after 25 games showed 7.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 68.0%.
In her top game Charmaine Callahan recorded 18 points at the Regular Season Round 14. BC Pharmaserv Marburg beat sixth ranked Wildcats Wolfenbuettel 64:59. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 37-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Hicran Ozen who scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Power forward Charmaine Callahan produced 18 points and Tonga-American swingman Ofa Tulikihihifo added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests.
Charmaine Callahan reached German DBBL Semifinals -07, 08, 10 and German DBBL Cup Semifinals -08, 09, 11.

Steffen Brockmann stays with Rhein MB - by Eurobasket News
Steffen Brockmann extended his contract with Rhein MB. The 37-year-old specialist has been working with the team since 2008. Last two seasons Steffen Brockmann guided the team. Last season Rhein Main Basket finished in the ninth position at 9-13 record.

Halle Lions appoint Jaroslaw Zyskowski new head coach - by Eurobasket News
Halle Lions have appointed new head coach. His name is Jaroslaw Zyskowski . The Polish specialist signed a two-year deal with Halle Lions. Jaroslaw Zyskowski worked with Leipzig Eagles since January 2011. Previously the Polish coach guided Odra Brzeg, Siechnice, Slask Wroclaw, Zagaz Koszalin, Wisla Krakow.

AQT Finals: Germany beats Hungary 59-53 in Game One - by Eurobasket News
GERMANY - HUNGARY 59-53

Germany outplayed Hungary 59-53 in Game One of the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals. The second game will be played on Wednesday and Hungary will be the host. The winner of this two-game series will grab the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) came up with 12 points each for Germany last night. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 11 points each. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Team were almost leveled before that as Hungary won the firs period 15-16 and Germany made 16-14 in Q2. Third frame ended with 14-14 meaning that Germany entered to last ten minutes with minimum lead. They managed to make 14-9 until the end for plus 6 before the second meeting in Hungary.

Germany: Sarah Austmann 12, Anne Breitreiner 12, Romy Bar 11+7 boards
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 16+6 boards, Anna Vajda 11, Dora Horti 11

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HUNGARY - Women

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KENYA - Women

Mariga Inspires Sprite Storms - by Eurobasket News
Inter Milan star MacDonald Mariga's presence at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium on Sunday inspired Sprite Storms to one of their most convincing wins in the women's Premier League.

The Harambee Stars midfielder watched from the stands, as Storms breezed past Co-operative Bank of Kenya 47-39. In Sprite's line up was Mariga's younger sister Mercy Wanyama.

Storms tactician Ben Oluoch said Mariga played a role in their success. ' I have never seen my players this upbeat in any of their last seven league matches. It was their fourth win out of eight in the two month old league and it remains their most convincing victory,' he said.

'His presence during the match was a real morale booster to the girls. He came to watch his sister play and after the game he told me that he wanted to meet the players. It was a huge lift,' said Oluoch, adding that his team had no prior notice Mariga was coming to attend the match.

Oluoch said after the game, Mariga, who turns out for Serie A side Inter Milan in the Italian league, promised to buy basketballs for the team to help them during training.

'He asked us to shop for some balls which he will buy. This was a kind gesture from him and we really appreciate. We will pay back by improving on our performance in our coming matches.'

Sprite had a storming game in which guards Angela Luchivya (154-G-79) and sally Bosire never stopped running while Faustina Mandu and Quinter Ramogi hustled the opponents. Wanyama on her part towered above everyone else to pick the rebounds.

Eagle Wings tops the 12-team table with 17 points from nine ties. Strathmore University who maintained their unbeaten run with a 45-40 win over Gladiators are second on 16.

Lying third on 14 points are Western Delight who stunned champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 34-32 in Kakamega. KPA are third on 14.The dock women have 12 points with Storms fifth on 12.

Champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya, who remain unbeaten, top the men's table with 14 points from seven games while KCB Lions are placed second with 12 points.

Meanwhile, Strathmore University maintained their unbeaten run in the women's Premier League when they pipped Gladiators 45-40 in a closely fought encounter at Nyayo Stadium. The students raced off the blocks early building a double digit point margin before Gladiators battled back to close in 21-24 at the break.

In a nip and tuck third and fourth quarter, the losers took the lead, only for the gritty and fitter Swords to take over the proceedings with a few minutes left breaking off a 39-39 tie. Faith Owich collected game high 26 points for the victors while Gladiators had 10 a piece from Getrude Sagala and Pam Cinda.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

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LITHUANIA - Women

Poland and Lithuania exchange victories - by Eurobasket News
Poland and Lithuania exchange victories in the friendly clashes before Eurobasket 2011. Lithuania won 65:61 after 18-11 in the second period. Moreover the Baltic team added 16-13 in the third frame and sealed the victory. Agne Abromaite (190-C/F-79) ended up with 15 points for the winners, while Ausra Bimbaite netted 12. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) finished the night with 10 points and Gintare Petronyte scored 9. Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) replied with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Ewelina Kobryn netted 12.
In another game Poland bounced back with 63:48 win. Poland started with 18-17 and added 15-9 before heading to the lockers. Lithuania responded with 14-9, but Poland won the last period 21-8 and the game 63:48. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) paced all the winners with 17 points and Agnieszka Szott (185-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 12. Marina Solopova answered with 15 points in the losing effort, while Austra Bimbaite netted 9.

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POLAND - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

Varas, Garcia and Miguel remain with Zamarat Caja Rural Valbusenda - by Eurobasket News
Daira Varas (193-C-89), Alba Garcia (173-G-90) and Alba Miguel (170-F-89) remain with Zamarat Caja Rural Valbusenda for the next season. Three players will stay with the same coach, De Mena Juan who also renewed with the team.
For Daira Varas it will be the second season with the squad. Before heading to Zamarat, she spent two season with CREF Hola (LF2) and averaged 6.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, FT: 42.0%. In 2009-2010 her stats read 8.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 0.4bpg, 2FGP: 54%, 3PT: 0%, FT: 58%.
Alba Garcia came to Zamarat Caja Rural Valbusenda after two seasons with Baloncesto San Jose Leon (LFB). In late 2009 she moved to Alumisan Pio XII (LF2) and in 10 games averaged 3.8ppg, 1.4rpg. For Caja Rural Valbusenda (LF2) last season she avearged 5.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 2FGP: 26%, 3PT: 47%, FT: 70%. Alba Miguel joined the team early in 2007 and will remain for the team.

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SWEDEN - Women

Kvarnby BBK add Elin Soederstroem - by Eurobasket News
Kvarnby BBK add Elin Soederstroem (180-F-83) for the next season. The Swedish Forward that spent all her career in Lulea Basket moved to another team.
In her first season for Lulea Basket (Damligan, starting five) she averaged 7.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 73%. Last season her stats read 10.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 44.1%, FT: 72.5%.
Elin Soederstroem recorded 20 points at the Regular Season Round 21 when Marbo Basket lost to Lulea BBK 65-91.Lulea BBK led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They were well out of reach of Marbo Basket shooting 71.2 percent from the field. Lulea BBK had a 22-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 66.7 percentage. It was a good game for international forward Elin Soederstroem who led her team to a victory with 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field).
With the team Elin Soederstroem became Swedish Damligan Finalist -05, 06, Swedish Damligan All-Star Game -06, Swedish Damligan Regular Season Champion -07, 11, Swedish Damligan Finalist -07, 11, Swedish Damligan Semifinals -09, Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Honorable Mention -10. She is also the member of the Swedish National Team -10.

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WNBA - Women

Charles, Lawson lead Sun in 90-79 win over Shock - by Eurobasket News
After going up against big centers like Chicago's Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) and Tulsa rookie Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91) the last two games, Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) is glad the Connecticut Sun have Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut).

Charles had 19 points and eight rebounds and Lawson added 17 points - including six free throws in the final 73 seconds - Sunday as the Sun beat the Tulsa Shock 90-79.

'The last three years, the center position has really becomes a potent weapon,' Lawson said. 'Now, you have to have a center that can play, and we have one. We feel good on any given night, whoever we are playing. ... That makes us lucky to have someone like Tina.

'If you didn't have a good center,' Lawson said, 'and Fowles and Cambage are coming to town, you're thinking, 'What do we do now?''

Charles and Lawson helped the Sun (2-1) bounce back from a 78-75 loss to the Sky on Friday night.

Charles, last year's Rookie of the Year after being selected No. 1 overall by Connecticut in the WNBA draft, completed a weekend when she competed against the 6-foot-6 Fowles and the 6-8 Cambage, the 19-year-old Australian picked second overall in this year's draft.

'Cambage really knows her post moves,' Charles said. 'There are no nights off in this league.'

Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) had 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting from the field for Tulsa (0-4), which has lost all four games this season by double digits.

'You can play the hardest defense and when they are hitting and we can't get nothing to fall it makes a great difference in the ballgame,' Tulsa coach Nolan Richardson said. 'You can't get too far down and that's what we did.'

Cambage scored 16 points before missing the last 6:51 of the game after getting hit in the nose accidentally by teammate Tiffany Jackson (6'3''-F-85, college: Texas). After the game, Cambage said she might have suffered a concussion and was going to a hospital to get a CT scan.

'I feel fine,' she said. 'I wanted to go back on so bad,. but they didn't want to risk anything.'

Latta made her second straight 3-pointer of the fourth quarter to pull the Shock to 79-73. However, the Sun scored the next four points on baskets by Asjha Jones and Kalana Greene and didn't let Tulsa get closer than eight the rest of the way.

'Tulsa played well for long stretches today,' Sun coach Mike Thibault said. 'They're going to be a good team if they just kind of hang in there. They've got talent and they've got people just trying to get used to each other.'

Jones finished with 16 points for the Sun and Kayla Pedersen (6'4''-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) had 15 for the Shock.

Charles scored 15 of her points in the first half, helping Connecticut lead by as many as 12. But the Shock, who made 11 of their first 19 shots and shot 48 percent in the half, gradually cut into the lead. They got as close as 44-42 on two free throws from Cambage with 1:05 left in the half.

The Sun scored the last five points of the half to take a 49-42 lead at the break.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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

Catchings rallies Fever to 86-80 win over Liberty - by Eurobasket News
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 18 points, Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 17 and the Indiana Fever scored the last nine points to beat the New York Liberty 86-80 Saturday night.

Rookie Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) had 14 points, including a key 3-pointer in the final minute, and Briann January added 13 as the Fever (2-1) spoiled New York's opener at Prudential Center -- the Liberty's home for the next three seasons.

Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 23 points to lead New York (2-1). Plenette Pierson had 16 points and Cappie Pondexter and Nicole Powell added 13 each.

The Liberty squandered a double-digit lead in the third quarter for the second straight night against Indiana but couldn't come back this time.

Courtesy of www.columbian.com

Sky down Mystics 84-77 - by Eurobasket News
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) scored 23 points and Cathrine Kraayeveld (6'4''-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) added 19 points with a career-high six 3-pointers as the Chicago Sky held on for a 84-77 win over the Washington Mystics on Saturday night.

Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 20 points for the Sky (2-1), who shot 60 percent from the field, led 51-33 at halftime and never trailed.

'Our execution was great, we didn't settle for shots,' said Kraayeveld, who was 6 of 7, all from beyond the arc. 'We really made the extra pass and we were really aggressive.'

In their home opener, the Mystics (1-2) closed the gap to 66-57 after three quarters and to pulled within 75-72 on a Marissa Coleman jumper with 3:18 remaining, but would get no closer.

Sky rookie Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-G-89, college: Gonzaga) followed with a 3-pointer and Chicago made 6-of-8 free throws over the final 1:52 to seal the win.

Last season the Sky finished last in the Eastern Conference, eight games behind the first place Mystics, but have opened the 2011 campaign strong under first-year coach and general manager Pokey Chatman.

'The group of girls that we have and the respect that they have for the head coach,' said Fowles, as to the reason for the Sky's improved play to the season. 'Everybody is hungry and they just want to go out there and listen and do exactly what she has to say.'

Matee Ajavon (5'8''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 24 points to lead the Mystics, who hung their Eastern Conference regular season title in the Verizon Center rafters before the game. Coleman scored all 13 of her points in the second half, but the Mystics were unable to complete the rally.

'It's frustrating for any defense when the other team can't miss,' Ajavon said. 'We just have to make it a little tougher for them. I think we did that, but it wasn't enough.'

The Sky finished each quarter shooting 60 percent or better from the field and tallied 22 assists.

'We had good floor spacing,' Chatman said. 'When they didn't come with a double team at (Fowles), she got to work. If they came with a double team, we threw opposite and made extra passes. Cat Kraayeveld seemed to be on the end of that.'

In the first half, Fowles scored 14 points while Kraayeveld and Prince each added 12, knocking down a combined 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. Chicago had 14 assists on its 18 first half made baskets.

'We got off to a good start and that got us off to a good tone on the court,' said Fowles, who shot 8 of 12 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free throw line.

Courtesy of www.myfoxchicago.com

Adams scores 32 to keep Silver Stars unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Rookie Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) scored 32 points and the San Antonio Silver Stars remained the WNBA's only undefeated team, beating the Atlanta Dream 86-74 on Saturday night.

Adams, the former Texas A&M star who powered the Aggies to their first national championship in April, led the Silver Stars back from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, making three consecutive 3-pointers in a span of 44 seconds.

San Antonio (3-0) is off to the best start in franchise history.

Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) led the Dream (0-3) with 19 points. The defending Eastern Conference champions have blown second-half leads in every game so far this season.

Adams finished 11 of 19 from the floor and had seven rebounds. She was 5 of 11 from behind the 3-point line.

Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) and Ruth Riley (6'5''-C-79, college: Notre Dame) added 12 points apiece for the Silver Stars.

Coco Miller scored 13 points and Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 10 points and 14 rebounds for Atlanta, which lost its first two games in overtime after letting fourth-quarter leads slip away.

Atlanta was up 38-28 before the Silver Stars put together a 22-10 run, capped by Adams' 3-point barrage.

Adams, barely two months removed from scoring 30 in the national championship win over Notre Dame, hit three consecutive 3-pointers in a span of 44 seconds to put San Antonio ahead 50-48 in the third quarter.

Adams still wasn't done.

She made another 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, scored another five points, then finally exhausted subbed out to a standing ovation.

Sancho Lyttle and Alison Bales had 10 points apiece for Atlanta.

The Silver Stars played their first three games without center Jayne Appel because of her injured left knee. San Antonio hopes she will return for Friday's game at Phoenix.

Courtesy of The Associated Press