EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/16/2011 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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  ANGOLA   


Coach Summons Mutau And Leaves Out Camacho And Panzo - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The presence of Afonso Mutau, from Interclube, and the absence of Euclides Camacho (192-F-80) and Simao Panzo (188-G-77), from the same team, are the most relevant cases of national senior male basketball group B team summoned Monday for the Pan African Games, scheduled for 3 to 18 September, in Mozambique.

Coach Raul Duarte opted for players without competitive rhythm compared to those that played at BAI BASKET, like Hermenegildo Santos, Islando Manuel, Adolfo Quimbamba and Afonso Mutau, the last one did not compete for the whole season.

Below is the list of players summoned for the championship, as well as their respective clubs:

Hermenegildo Santos, Islando Manuel, Vlademiro Ricardino, Adolfo Quimbamba, Hlder Ortet (1 de Agosto), Braulio Morais, Hlder Gonalves, Paulo Barros (Petro de Luanda), Mayzer Alexandre, Edson Ndoniema e Abdel Gomes (Libolo), Escorcio Ant'nio e Hugo Cristiano (Sporting de Cabinda) and Afonso Mutau (Interclube).

Raul Duarte will be supported by assistant coaches Manuel Silva 'Gi' and Jaime Prades
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Cipriano And Milton Join Basketball Pre-Team - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The Monday training session of the national senior males basketball pre-team, who are preparing for the African Championship (Afrobasket), was marked by the integration of point-guard Milton Barros (184-G-84) and small forward Olimpio Cipriano (194-F-82).

The African Championship will happen from 17 to 28 August in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The national team, ten times African champions, will also train in the northern Cabinda Province, before travelling to France, Portugal and China to dispute competitive tournaments.

In Afrobasket2011, Angola is part of group B with Chad, Morocco and Senegal.

Below is the list of players summoned and the respective clubs:

Paulo Santana (183-G-84, college: Southeastern CC), Carlos Morais (190-G-85), Roberto Fortes, Divaldo Mbunga, Miguel Kiala (Petro de Luanda), Domingos Bonifacio (189-G-84), Milton Barros, Simao Santos (198-F-79), Olimpio Cipriano, Leonel Paulo (Libolo), Armando Costa (192-G-83), Felizardo Ambr'sio, Kikas Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) (1 de Agosto), Eduardo Mingas, Jorge Tati (Interclube) and Valdelcio Joaquim (Universidade de Hawai - EUA).
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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  ARGENTINA   


Pablo Orlietti pens deal with Club 9 - by Eurobasket News
Pablo Orlietti (208-C/F-90) became the new player of Club 9 de Julio de Rio Tercero. The 21-year-old centre spent all of his career in Atenas Cordoba. Last season Pablo Orlietti averaged 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for Atenas. Pablo Orlietti played for U16, U18 and U19 Argentinean National Team. The centre participated at U19 World Championship in 2009. He tallied 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in New Zealand.
In the meantime Club 9 also renewed the contract of Gaston Luchino (184-G-82). The 29-year-old guard averaged 7.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game for Club 9. Previously Gaston Luchino had spells for Independiente Pico, Unido de Rio Cuarto, Union de Sunchales, San Martin. Gaston Tuchino made it into Latinbasket.com All-Argentinean TNA 1st Team in 2008.


Olimpico LB extends with Cristian Romero - by Eurobasket News
Cristian Romero (198-F-82) renewed his contract with Olimpico de La Banda. The 29-year-old forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 9.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in Liga A. Previously Cristian Romero had stints with Estudiantes, Obras, San Nicolas and Atenas. Olimpico LB have already confirmed Eduardo Villares (188-G-79), Matias Ibarra (183-G-81), Jonathan Machuca (185-G-89) and Cristian Amicucci (201-F/C-85) for the next season.


Lanus keep Jamaal Levy and Terrell Taylor - by Eurobasket News
Lanus announced the renewal of Jamaal Levy (206-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) and Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia Tech) contracts.
Terrell Taylor joined Lanus at the start of the season. The 30-year-old centre tallied 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per Liga A appearance. Terrell Taylor arrived to Argentina from China where he played for Guangzhou. Terrell Taylor notched 25.5 points, 13.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in NBL. He was trumped Asia-basket.com All-Chinese NBL Centre of the Year in 2010.
Jamaal Levy became Lanus player back in November 2009. Last season the Panamanian centre averaged 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Previously Jamaal Levy had stints with Bigua, Estiduantes de Bahia Blanca, Asuncion, Magnates. Jamaal Levy played for Panamanian National Team in 1999/2007.


Winter league 2011 - by Facundo Iatzky
For 7th straight year, Chiche Gornatti and the staff of basquetbol Picante will organize the winter league. Winter league tries to emulate summer leagues of USA featuring 6 teams of proffesional players who use this tournament to look for their best shape for 2011/12 season or to get some exposure. This year tournament will be played from july 18 to july 24 in Buenos Aires. There are already two teams confirmed. Last year the champion was Villanueva- Raffaelli team.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Australian college star Anatoly Bose joins Kings - by Eurobasket News
The Sydney Kings have announced that Australian forward Anatoly Bose (198-G/F-88), who had a stellar career at NCAA Division One school Nicholls State University in Louisiana, has signed with the team for the 2011/12 National Basketball League season.

Bose's career has literally taken him around the globe. He grew up on a small farm in Kazakhstan before immigrating with his family to New York at the age of six. After just six years in the United States, his family moved to Bondi Beach, where he played for Waverly College.

Bose is a 66' (198cm), 91kg offensive force who finished his brilliant four-year campaign at Nicholls State as the schools third all-time leading scorer, averaging 21.1ppg his junior year, good for seventeenth in the NCAA. He averaged 22.1ppg as a senior in 2010/11,which ranked ninth in the nation. His last two seasons were so impressive and so productive he is pegged as a potential NBA draft prospect.

He was named the Louisiana Mens Basketball Player of the Year in 2011, a season where he recorded at least 20 points in his 28 games for the Colonels, averaged nearly six rebounds per contest and led his team to victories over traditional college powerhouses LSU and Tulane two teams Nicholls State had never previously defeated.

Over the past few months, Bose has been participating in a number of NBA pre-draft camps, including the famous Portsmouth Invitational Tournament featuring a host of quality college players, and he has also worked out for a number of NBA teams including the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

Bose was also recently invited to Australian Boomers training camp.

Kings' Head Coach Ian Robilliard said that he was very happy that Bose had signed with the Sydney Kings; adding that the period of negotiation had been protracted but worthwhile and that assistant coach Tim Hudsons relationship with Anatoly contributed to his move back to Sydney.

It is fair to say that Tim coached and mentored Anatoly at Waverley, while he was still playing and coaching at the Razorbacks,' Robilliard said.

Anatoly is an outstanding prospect. They call him a mystery man in the USA, because he has flown under the radar over there for so long. The only mystery to me is why one of the NBA teams haven't snapped him up yet,' Robilliard said.

'Hes long and athletic and can swing between the two guard and small forward slots, hes a tremendous scorer with range out to the perimeter, and I think hell provide plenty of highlights for Kings fans this season.

According to Sydney Kings' Assistant Coach, Tim Hudson, Bose has been putting in the work since he first started playing basketball at Waverly College in Sydney.

'Waverley College was very influential to Anatoly's personal development and the focus of his tremendous passion. He spent endless hours in the Waverley gym shedding enough sweat to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool,' Hudson said.

'Anatoly is a young man driven by challenges set before him. He was almost red-shirted at NSU; but by midway through his Freshman season, he was leading his team in scoring and rebounding. They were all challenges to overcome, which is something Anatoly loves to do. Just try telling him he wont be successful,' Hudson said.

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

QBL Round Six Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News
QBL MEN - Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.)

Rockhamptons import Travis Reed has been a model of consistency for the Rockets in 2011. In his first season of QBL action Reed has played in all of the Rockets matches averaging 20.9ppg at a stunning 57.4% from the field, 9.4rpg and 1.3apg. Travis has registered three double doubles for the season and the Rockets are benefiting from the leadership and experience that he brings to the line-up. Reed was at his best in Round 6 against the Suns, playing 25 minutes and finishing the match with 29 points hitting 14-19 from the field, while pulling down 12 rebounds, handing out 2 assists and coming up with two shot blocks. For his efforts in Round 6, Reed takes out his first QBL Player of the Week Award.

Travis played college Basketball for UCLA from 1997 to 1999. During his two-year career at UCLA, Reed appeared in 58 of UCLA's 64 games and started seven times, finishing with the career averages of 4.7ppg and 2.7rpg, while shooting at 50.9% from the field. As a sophomore in 1998-99, Reed appeared in all 31 games and averaged 15.9 minutes, 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and shot 50.0 from the field, and as a freshman in 1997-98, Reed played in 27 games and averaged 12.1 minutes, 4.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and shot 52.3 from the field. His career highs included 21 points vs. CS Northridge on Dec. 19, 1998 and 10 rebounds on March 20, 1998, in UCLA's 94-68 loss to eventual National Champion Kentucky in the 1998 NCAA South Region Sweet 16

After finishing college Travis has spent much of his time playing in various European Leagues. In the 2003-04 season Travis was voted as the MVP of the Dutch League and won the Dutch Championship in same season with Hanzevast Capitals. In 2006 Reed joined BC Kalev/Cramo and with the team he won two Estonian Cups and two Estonian Championship silver medals. Eurobasket.com voted Travis the 2006-2007 Baltic Basketball League Player of the Year.

Rockhamptons coach Neal Tweedy was extremely happy with the signing of Reed at the beginning of the season, identifying Reed as player who could assist the Rockets in winning back to back titles.

There were a number of other eye catching performances in Round 6. Deba George was efficient for Mackay in their win over the Suns with 23 points, hitting 9-14 from the field. The Suns Evan Browne showed he could mix it with the best with 24 points and 3 assists in the loss to Mackay. Dwayne Vale was on fire for the Marlins in their narrow victory over the Pirates. Vale had a league high 34 points in the win which include 7/11 3 pointers. For the Pirates Brendan Teys (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Zac Carter (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) were strong in the loss. Townsville had the better of the Bulls in their clash, with Daniel Egan (20 points and 11 rebounds) and Todd Blanchfield (18 points) starring for the Heat, while for the Bulls Willie Shackleford had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Brad Williamson (28 points and 8 rebounds) shone for the Force in their win over the travelling Power. Gladstones James Cripe was prevalent for the Power in their two Round 6 matches averaging 21ppg and 10rpg. Brisbanes Tom Garlepp (20 points & 15 rebounds) backed up his Round five POW award with another strong performance in the Capitals win over the Marlins. Shaun Gleeson produced a scintillating game against his former team with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists, but it was not enough as the Rollers front court duo of Scott McGregor (23 points & 12 rebounds) and Jason Aucoin (15 points and 11 rebounds) got the Rollers over the line. Toowoombas Rashad Chase is improving with each match and he had 26 points and 15 rebounds in the Mountaineers loss to the Power.
Courtesy of: QBL

AIS fall to USA in nail-biter - by Eurobasket News
After the first encounter between the AIS Men and USA in Zunyi China went into overtime, the stage was set for an exciting rematch in game five of the Institute's Chinese Tour.

Cade Towers
The first quarter lived up to expectations with the AIS just holding out the USA by two points as Mirko Djeric continued his good form from the previous night with 7 first quarter points and more importantly four assists, dissecting the USA zone with precision passing.

Big man Matthew Andronicos was the beneficiary of two of the assists, sneaking behind the zone and throwing down two big first quarter dunks.

In the second quarter the AIS men lifted the tempo and started to expose the fatiguing Americans.

The AIS also began to get on top of the rebounding, a nice turnaround from the first time the teams met.

Dante Exum and Brandon Brine both started to lift as did Cade Towers, who provided three big boards in as many minutes, including a big put-back on the offensive end.

Despite the dominance the AIS men were still unable to shake the USA team, going into the main break carrying an eight point lead, 39-31.

In the third and fourth quarters both teams traded baskets for much of the play. USA had a couple of runs to nudge ahead but each time the AIS Men would refocus and regain the lead.

With 20 seconds to go the AIS went ahead by one on a Dante Exum drive as he turned the corner off a high on-ball screen, hesitated and continued to the basket for an open layup.

The Americans quickly advanced the ball to the other end and on a clear out play were able to get to the basket and finish a tough shot in traffic.

With just three seconds left on the clock Coach Stacker called a timeout and diagrammed the final play. Despite the good execution, the Mirko Djeric mid range jump-shot just rimmed out, handing the AIS men their second loss on the buzzer in as many days.

The opportunity to play in these close games is proving to be invaluable experience for the young AIS team who now prepare to play Spain late tomorrow night in what shapes up to be a super tough game.

Game report by Mathew Neason, Scholarship Coach
Courtesy of: http://www.basketball.net.au

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  BAHRAIN   


Muharraq book finals berth - by Yousef Ahmed
MUHARRAQ grinded out a thrilling 76-74 victory over Al Ahli last night to win their Golden Square series two-games-to-one and advance to the finals of this year's Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

Two free-throws were all that separated the two sides, who exchanged blows like a pair of prize fighters in a hugely exhausting yet entertaining encounter at a rocking Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Mohammed Abdulmajeed (180-G) tied it at 74-apiece on the first of two pressure-packed free-throws with just 15.2 seconds remaining. He then swished home the second to give Muharraq the lead for good.

National Basketball Association veteran Lamond Murray (201-F-73, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: California) was then called for travelling as he attempt a go-ahead jumper on Ahli's possession, gifting their rivals back the ball.

On the ensuing inbounds, Muharraq's Jassim Mohammed was fouled with only 0.9 seconds left in the game; he sank the first and then purposely missed the second, but Ahli managed to grab the rebound and call a quick time-out to get one final shot at saving their season.

But Muharraq did well to force Murray to an off-balance shot that was well off the mark, and as the final buzzer sounded, Ahli's hopes of an unprecedented title 'three-peat' were officially quashed.

With the elimination of the back-to-back champions, either Muharraq or Al Hala will emerge as Bahrain's new kings of the hardwood. Both teams are set to lock horns in a mouth-watering best-of-three championship series, which is scheduled to tip off with game one on Saturday.

Muharraq head into the finals as the favourites, having won a majority of their meetings against Hala in this year's regular season and round-robin play-offs. They will be hoping to regain the league title for the first time since their maiden championship in 2008.

Hala are the underdogs, and are appearing in their first finals since 2002 when they lost to Manama. Hala have won the crown twice before, first in 1994 and then once again in 1996. They swept Manama two-games-to-none in the other Golden Square series to advance to the finals.

Game two is scheduled to be played on June 21, followed by the third and decisive game, if needed, on June 25.

Great

'It's going to be a great finals,' Muharraq head coach Walter pereira from Brazil told the GDN. 'Hala are a fantastic team with a dominant front line, but we are confident in ourselves and we will be going all out to win the league title.'

American professional Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) led all scorers in yesterday's game with 27 points for Muharraq, 21 of which came in the first half. He also took down 18 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Abdulmajeed chipped in with 14 points and Jassim Mohammed added 13.

After Murray made a three-pointer to give Ahli a 69-63 lead with just the final five minutes to play, Mohammed answered with a pair of his own triples, breathing life back into what appeared to be a fading Muharraq challenge and tying it at 69-apiece.

A three-pointer from Ahli's Maytham Jameel and two free-throws by Essa Ebrahim then led to a tough bank shot made by Abdulmajeed that put Muharraq back ahead, 73-72, but another pair of Jameel charity shots saw the lead exchange hands once more, 74-73.

That paved the way for Abdulmajeed's two crucial free-throws with less than 20 seconds left, and Muharraq's fans, who again made up a majority of the crowd, erupted into celebration.

'First of all I would like to congratulate Ahli for the way they competed in this series,' Carvalho said. 'All three games could have gone either way, and tonight they took us once again to the very last possession.

'We did not know how to protect our lead against them, but gladly, whenever they went back in front, our guys would step it up with tougher defence and better shot selection.

'We're very happy to have gotten the win in the end. We can now begin preparing for a well-rested Hala; we know there is still a lot of work ahead of us before we reach our ultimate goal, but, we are ready.'

Muharraq held a slim 18-17 lead after the first period, but then took a slim 42-38 advantage at the half. But six straight points from Murray and a jumper from court general Hussain Shaker capped a 12-0 Ahli run that gave them a 56-49 lead near the end of the third.

They took a 59-53 lead into the last canto, at which time Muharraq opened with an 8-0 spurt to go 61-59 up. That set the stage for the tense see-saw finish.

Shaker scored 23 points to lead Ahli in the loss, while Murray had 22 and Jameel 17. Ahli gave up a crucial nine steals to Muharraq in the game.

Source GDN BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011




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  BELGIUM   


Aalstar Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Generali Okapi Aalstar has announced who their new point guard is for next season. The new roster addition is former Arizona State and UNLV guard Kevin Kruger (186-G-83, college: UNLV).
The past 4 years he played in the D-league for the Utah Flash. This past season with the Flash he averaged 13.7 ppg and 4.5 apg.
His Eurobasket profile reads as follows 'A classic PG, who has great leadership and charisma, he's a coach on the floor. Also, he shoots the ball really well, and you can not leave him open'
Kevin is the son of long time NCAA and NBA coach Lon Kruger. Kevin played his last year of college ball for his father at UNLV. That year he earned MWC tournament MVP.
Besides playing in the D-league he also had short stints in Mexico, Lukoil Akademik Sophia and Martos Napoli.

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  BOSNIA   


Nihad Djedovic withdraw from 2011 Draft - by Joko Zuber
Nihad Djedovic who had declared as early entry candidate for the 2011 NBA Draft has withdrawn. After a decent season with Lotomatica Rom, he decided to stay out of the Draft for one more Year. In the 2012 Draft, he will be automatically eligibile. There will be 6 European Players left in the Draft as early entrys: Davis Bertans - Union Olimpija (Slovenia), Bismack Biyombo - Fuenlabrada (Spain), Nikola Mirotic - Real Madrid (Spain), Donatas Motiejunas - Benetton Treviso (Italy), Jonas Valanciunas - Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania) and Jan Vesely - Partizan (Serbia).

The 2011 NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, June 23 in New Jersey.

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  BRAZIL   


Rumors about Flamengo new negotiations - by Paulo Freire
Flamengo continues his hunting for an MVP player of the Fiba League of the Americas. After the turbulent episode of last season Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey), who ask to leave the club a few months after sign his contract. The famouses club of Brazil is working to bring some foreign flavor as part as head coach Gonzalo Garcia request for next season.

Argentine veteran Federico Kammerichs (203-F/C-80) is the new target of red-black team, the forward player who also can spend time in 3 position, told to one radio from Argentina that he has a very good proposal from Flamengo team, and that should give an answer later this week. Kammerichs also said that if he stay in Argentina, it is more likely that he will continue at Regatas Corrientes.

Federico Kammerichs is a bronze medalist at the Beijing Olympics, with the Argentina squad. He averaged 12.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the National League this season.

Flamengo also puts his forces on the Argentine market, something natural as their head coach is Argentinian. Another player who is also on Flamengo target is the american guard David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) who have been doing good in the last few seasons in Argentina, the good shooter played for La Union Formosa in the last two seasons and could be a good help to Marcelinho on the offensive rotation of Flamengo. As the rumors go, Flamengo is about to waive big man Baby Araujo (211-C-80, college: BYU), after a disappointed season with injuries and issues with the group of players. Therefore, Flamengo is trying to reach an agreement with the center from Atenas Cordoba the strong american James Williams (204-F/C-79, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Brown Mackie), if that dont happen the rumors says that Flamengo already has a second option on brazilian Caio Torres (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) who have been in Spain since 2004-2005 season.

So far, the Rio de Janeiro club will keep for next season Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances), Helio Vitor Lima (184-PG-81), Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83, college: Tulsa), Eduardo Machado (195-G-82) and center Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) who has been involved with rumors in Italian basketball but is probably staying with Flamengo as he looks for a spot in the brazilian national team, Flamengo is also most likely keeping Guto Pereira (190-F/G-83), George Yeye Torres (183-PG) and Max Vater Neto (199-F-91) to complete their roster.

Paulistano sign Alex from Bauru - by Paulo Freire
The young team of Paulistano basketball will have one more good new face for next season. This is the SF Alex Oliveira (194-F-83), who defended the Bauru in the latest few editions of the NBB.

The athletic player is known for his versatility. Last season, he averages 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Alex had one more year of contract with Bauru, but he negotiated the early termination of it, he was looking for more playing time from Bauru, and as rumors says his relationship with Bauru head coach Guerrinha, was as good as it us in the pass.

Before this move the team from the Sao Paulo state capital, Paulistano had already announced the signing of Eddy that came from Vitoria, and the center Renato who allso came from Bauru.

The front court of Paulistano will definelly improve from last season with three good to go guys that can score, Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-G/F-88), Alex Oliveira (194-F-83) and Eddy Carvalho (194-G/F-87)

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  BULGARIA   


Lukoil wants to keep Heath and Peterson - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgarian champion Lukoil Academik Sofia will try to keep at least two of its American players from last season, also for the upcoming one. Lukoil sports director Sasho Vezenkov stated that the club will most likely offer Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) and Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) to extend their stay in Bulgaria. It is still not clear what is the situation with Dominic James (180-G-86, college: Marquette), who suffered an injury and missed the playoffs.
All the Bulgarian players in the team Tencho Banev (209-C-80, agency: Interperformances), Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) and Veselin Veselinov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Virginia St.) will also keep their place in the roster.
Most of the team selection will be done, after head coach Jovica Arsic signs a new contract with Lukoil Academik Sofia, which, according to Vezenkov, will also happen soon.
Lukoil Academik Sofia is still uncertain in which European club competition will play, with the two options being Eurocup and EuroChallenge.
Lukoil and Levski the two leading Bulgarian clubs, have an idea, to bring European giants Barcelona and Panathinaikos to Sofia, for a friendly tournament in the new Arena, after Eurobasket 2011.


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  CANADA   


Businessmen trying to bring pro basketball to Charlottetown - by Eurobasket News
Charlottetown could be getting a professional basketball franchise this October.

Two local businessmen, Duncan Shaw and Darren MacKay, met this afternoon behind closed doors with Mayor Clifford Lee at City Hall.

When they emerged, Lee said Charlottetown will look at the cost of bringing in a pro basketball floor while Shaw and MacKay said they are in the process of putting together a business plan.

The team would play out of the new National Basketball League of Canada.

The cost of establishing a team is said to be between $500,000 and $750,000.

The team, if Charlottetown gets one, would play out of the Civic Centre.

Courtesy of www.theguardian.pe.ca

Volcanoes tip-in a bit too late in one-point loss - by Eurobasket News
Despite 28 points and 11 assists from Andre Murray (188-G-87, college: Portland St.), the Vancouver Volcanoes came up just short Monday in a 111-110 International Basketball League loss to the Portland Chinooks at Beaverton, Ore.

The Volcanoes (10-5) had a one-point lead before Portlands Quentin Patin made two free throws with 15 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Vancouvers Devin Uskoski had a shot near the rim but couldnt convert.

In our opinion, he was fouled, Volcanoes coach Bryan Hunter said. It got blocked, and he got knocked down.

With three seconds to play, Vancouver inbounded the ball and Jake Carlisle missed a 12-foot jumper. The Volcanoes attempted one tip-in and then converted a second tip-in, but the basket came after the final buzzer.

Murray finished 11 of 24 from the field, leading six Volcanoes in double figures. Lawrence Blackledge (203-F-86, college: Marquette) finished with 16 points, and Kevin Bloodsaw (194-G/F-72, college: Ozarks) added 15.

Patin and Robert Day (197-F-82, college: W.Oregon) led Portland with 21 points apiece, while David Lucas had 20 as the Chinooks (6-11) ended a four-game losing streak.

They finally have all their players, and theyre a very talented team, Hunter said.

The Volcanoes and Chinooks meet again at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, also at The Beaverton Hoop.


PORTLAND CHINOOKS 111, VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 110

VANCOUVER (10-5) Lechtenberg 3-6 0-0 9, Bloodsaw 5-8 5-6 15, Williams 1-9 0-0 2, Tarver 3-8 6-6 13, Hartman 3-12 3-4 11, Blackledge 7-12 2-3 16, Murray 11-24 3-4 28, Uskoski 2-10 7-10 11, Carlisle 2-8 1-4 5, Moritz 0-0 0-0 0, Nevels 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-97 27-37 110.

PORTLAND (6-11) Tyson 3-6 0-1 8, Hopson 4-13 10-14 19, Day 8-10 2-2 21, Lucas 10-19 0-1 20, Ferguson 0-1 0-0 0, Morris 7-15 0-0 15, Patin 9-15 3-6 21, Arigbon 0-0 0-0 0, Jackson 0-1 0-0 0, Ford 2-4 3-7 7. Totals 43-85 18-31 111.

Vancouver 27 33 28 23110

Courtesy of www.columbian.com



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  CHINA   


Korea Got the Champion - by Robert Wang
Korea beat Japan won the East Asia Championship tonight at 89:73. So the standings for this event are Korea, Japan, China, Tai Bei, Hong Kong and Mongolia.
From the whole game, Korea made 12 3-points. Korean made the first points at the beginning and played very well against Japan at 10:0. And end the first quartor at 25:13.The 2nd quartor is at 40:37. Third quaror was 63:54 and ended the game at 89:73 finally. In this event, china only received the third place and this should be caused by the players' attitude and focus issue. Before the game, I think these chinese players might think the game would be very easy and just have fun. But they knew they were wrong and the time ran away and they ate the failure.



12 Players Named to U-19 Team - by Arthur Volbert
The 12 players currently on the U-19 team are:

4 HANCHEN, LUO G 184 CHN 23/08/1994
5 BOWEN, ZHANG G 186 CHN 16/01/1992
6 ZIRUI, WANG G 188 CHN 28/03/1993
7 AILUN, GUO G 190 CHN 14/11/1993
8 PU, WANG F 198 CHN 15/11/1993

10 ZHIQIANG, XING F 203 CHN 10/04/1994
11 XUHANG, ZHU F 207 CHN 24/12/1993

13 TAO, XU C 207 CHN 09/01/1993
14 ZHELIN, WANG C 212 CHN 20/01/1994
15 XIAOCHUAN, ZHAI F 205 CHN 24/03/1993
16 MUHAO, LI C 217 CHN 02/06/1992
17 TONGLIN, SUN C 208 CHN 23/12/1992

Ju Mingxin and Gu Quan have been removed from the U-19 team and placed on the team for the World University Games. Ju was the second best player on the team but he has two official birth dates -- 1990, which he used in high school and 1993, which he uses today. We therefore congratulate China for placing him on the University team rather than on this team.

Gu Quan, listed as born in 1992, starred for Dongguan in the CBA this season but did not fit in as well with the youth team. China has a different educational system than America has so one can play professional basketball there while also being a university student. Gu attends Huazhong University of Science & Technology and Ju attends Guangdong University of Technology.

Xing Zhiqiang, who was added to the U-19 team, is a 203 cm forward listed as born in 1994. He showed excellent promise in teh limited minutes he played in the recent U-19 tournament.


China Defeats Chinese Taipei to Gain Third Place in East Asia Tourney -- South Korea Wins Championship - by Arthur Volbert
China rebounded from yesterday's loss to Japan with an 87-53 victory over Chinese Taipei to gain third place in the East Asia Championship. China led 23-15 after one quarter and 34-26 at the half. It then outscored Taipei 30-11 in the third quarter and 23-16 in the fourth. But the main purpose of this tourney was to determine the last four places on the National Team for the Asian Championships.

My guess is that Yi Li (203-F/G-85) has won a position on the team because of his all-round versatility. Today he had 10 points and 1 rebound in 38 minutes, whereas yesterday he only played 10 minutes, perhaps because of an eye injury or perhaps because the Chinese wished to look at other players. Su Wei had 7 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes and likely has won a backup center slot. He showed yesterday that he is not the go-to guy at this level of competition but as backup center he will not be asked to do this. He is a rebounding specialist. Zhang Zhaoxu had 12 points and 13 rebounds in 17 minutes and likely secured his place on the team and could even surpass Su Wei as primary backup to Wang Zhizhi by the time of the Asian tournament.

Zhang Bo has probably earned the last slot on the team. He scored 13 points today in 18 minures. Meng Duo had 22 points in 38 minutes and could be instant offense off the bench. But I believe his failure in the clutch yesterday has shown that he is not yet ready to fill that role. Dong Hanlin had 12 points and 8 rebounds in 26 minutes, but failed in the clutch yesterday, and also has proved to be not quite ready. Mo Ke played 2 minutes today and with his lack of offense in this tournament has likely played himself off the team.


South Korea defeated Japan 89-73 to win the championship. China had defeated Korea earlier in the tournament, while losing to Japan.



China 2010-11 CBA has now turned in to Korean 2011-12 KBL - by Alex Yam
China 2010-11 CBA has now turned in to Korea 2011-12 KBL, as a number of high profile players have already signed in the neighboring country of Korea/KBL.

Among the top free agent signings, in a stunning turn of events, Peter John Ramos (222-C-85), arguably one of the top big men in China, has agreed to come to Korea with the Samsung Thunder, this is a coup for the Thunder, as Ramos will be tough to guard for any import. Johnson Alexander (208-F-83, college: Florida St.), another China cast-off has agreed to sign with the SK team, Johnson played for the last month in the season of the CBA with Shanxi, but rumor has it he was not enamored with China's off court conditions, ie living,food etc. Another signing puts White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) in Korea with KGC, which is a surprise, as Rodney has been in China for the past 4 years, and produced solid numbers, although some think he had his poorest season in China since he arrived in 07-08, prompting a move to another country.

The most intriguing possible signing is that of MVP/Scoring champ Gaines Charles (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) , who led the league in scoring last season and has been among the top players in China and in Europe for the past few years. Rumor has it that Gaines Charles has agreed in principal to play for the LG Sakers, although not confirmed, it looks like that is the case.

Given 4 of the most prominent players over the past few seasons in China have all defected to Korea, it looks like China will have a whole new landscape of players.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Svitavy Return Top Three Scroers for 2011-12 Season - by Surujh Roopnarine
Usually when a club finishes in second to last place there is a call for major change, but that is not the case with Basketbal Svitavy who have re-signed Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86), Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson) and Ravone George (193-G-83, college: Alabama) to multi-year contracts. Five of the teams seven wins on the season came in the Second Stage (A2) portion of league play, where the late season additions of Boris Meno (Eurobasket.com 2011 Bosman Player of the Year) and George really helped propel this young squad to a level of respectability that they had lacked for most of the season. Meno, who joined Svitavy in February after suffering through a tumultuous season in Brno, averaged 15.1 points, 11.0 rebounds (league leader) and 1.6 blocks while shooting 46.1% from the field. George, who joined the team even later than Meno, appeared in the final eight games of the season and led the team in scoring at 16.8ppg to go along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals in 31 minutes per game. Finally there is Horak, the rugged 24-year old forward/center who suffered through the early-season embarrassments, but maintained his composure and performance throughout the season. In 25 games, he recorded 14.7ppg (4th in the league), 6.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field. Though inconsistent at times, this young man showed true grit and poise thru the (mostly) downs and ups of their inaugural Mattoni NBL season. With this core in place for next season the club should fight for one of the better positions in the league.

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  DENMARK   


Danish U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Andreas Amundsen 200-F-92 Falcon Denmark
Alexander Bak 193-F-91 Horsholm Denmark
Jonas Bergstedt 210-C-91 Torrelodones Spain
Philip Christiansen 192-F-91 Stevnsgade Denmark
Oscar Fuglsang 91 Haderslev Denmark
Adam Haddad 197-G/F-92 Svendborg Denmark
Christian Hemmingsen 190-G-92 Virum Denmark
Philip Hertz 210-PF-92 Horsholm Denmark
Marc Jensen 189-G-92 Horsens IC Denmark
Thomas Laerke 194-G/F-91 Pielagos Spain
Steffen Larsen 191-G-91 Amager BK Denmark
Yaw Gyamfi 184-SG-92



*****************************************************
  EABC   


South Korea triumph in Nanjing - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
South Korea - Japan 89:73
South Korea claimed East Asia Championship title. They prevailed against Japan in the championship game tonight. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) provided 26 points to lead the winners.
South Korea bravely entered the game. They quickly surged ahead and enjoyed a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. But Japan reacted in the second term. Japan outscored their opponents 24:15 in the second term to narrow the deficit at three points 37:40. But South Korea continued to mount the pressure in the third frame. The Korean side unloaded 23 points and boosted the margin to 9 points at the final intermission. South Korea stayed aggressively offensively as they poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the win at the end. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G-85) delivered 20 points and 6 rebounds for South Korea. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 19 points in the victory. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Japan. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) provided 12 points in defeat.

South Korea: Yang Dong-Geun 26, Kang Byung-Hyun 20, Cho Sung-Min 19
Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 15, Takuya Kawamura 12

Bronze Medals game
China - Taiwan 87:53
China wrapped up their East Asia Championship campaign on a high note. They cruised past Taiwan to earn the Bronze medals. Meng Duo (192-G/F-90) stepped up with 22 points to lead the effort.
China quickly grabbed the initiative. The hosts posted a 23:15 lead after ten minutes. China boosted the margin to 13 points in the second frame. But Taiwan did not surrender and cut the deficit at 8-point mark at the interval. Peng Duo erupted for 11 points in the third frame and China cleared off to a 27-point distance at the final break. The hosts coasted to the victory afterwards. Zhang ZhaoXu (221-C-87, college: California) provided 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Hanlin Dong (208-F-91) added 12 points in the victory.



Taiwan finishes fourth in EABC - by Chris Wang
Taiwan was routed by China 87-53 in its last game in 2011 East Asian Basketball Championship Wednesday in Nanjing, China and finished fourth in the qualifying event for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men.

Taiwan head coach Chou Jun-san, who made his debut as head coach of the national team, said the second-unit players actually outplayed the starters, who only turned in average performance, in the tourney.

Chien Chia-Hung (197-F-87), a 197cm forward from Pure Youth, was a pleasant surprise, averaging a team-leading 14.25 points in four games. Chien scored a team-high 19 points Wednesday and, according to local media, Chinese teams have expressed interests in signing the 24-year-old.

Chou Po-cheng, a 20-years-old 196cm backup forward, also showed solid play in the paint.

Facing the Chinese B-team, Taiwan trailed 34-26 at the half before a disastrous third quarter changed the momentum of the game. China outscored Taiwan 30-11 in the period as guard Meng Duo, who finished with 22 points, made four three-pointers. Taiwan couldn't find the solution against seven-footer Zhang Zhaoxu, who tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds, either.

Taiwan technical advisor Bob Hill reminded his players to 'hold their heads up' later in the lock room, saying that it was only a qualifying tournament and there was no need to lose confidence because of one game.

Taiwan NT is scheduled to return to Taiwan Thursday and will soon be in preparation of the William Jones Cup tournament, which will tip off on August 6. The annual international invitational tourney will be used by many teams as a warm-up competition for the Asian Championship in September.

Chou said that he is most concerned with the rebounding issue for now since Taiwan was outrebounded in almost every game in Nanjing. It's almost guaranteed that Chou will make some changes with the lineup between the Jones Cup and the Asian Championship.

With the absence of Tien Lei, Lin Chih-chieh and several oversea players, including Tseng Wen-ting, Jet Chang and Chou Yi-hsiang, the Taiwan NT in Nanjing was actually a B-team. It will be interesting to see how Chou and Hill could make the team better once everyone is back in the lineup.

In the title game, Korea beat Japan 89-73. Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan will represent East Asia in the upcoming Asian Championship.

Final EABC placing:
1. Korea
2. Japan
3. China
4. Taiwan
5. Hong Kong
6. Mongolia


China Defeats Chinese Taipei to Gain Third Place in East Asia Tourney - by Arthur Volbert
China rebounded from yesterday's loss to Japan with an 87-53 victory over Chinese Taipei to gain third place in the East Asia Championship. China led 23-15 after one quarter and 34-26 at the half. It then outscored Taipei 30-11 in the third quarter and 23-16 in the fourth. But the main purpose of this tourney was to determine the last four places on the National Team for the Asian Championships.

My guess is that Yi Li (203-F/G-85) has won a position on the team because of his all-round versatility. Today he had 10 points and 1 rebound in 38 minutes, whereas yesterday he only played 10 minutes, perhaps because of an eye injury or perhaps because the Chinese wished to look at other players. Su Wei had 7 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes and likely has won a backup center slot. He showed yesterday that he is not the go-to guy at this level of competition but as backup center he will not be asked to do this. He is a rebounding specialist. Zhang Zhaoxu had 12 points and 13 rebounds in 17 minutes and likely secured his place on the team and could even surpass Su Wei as primary backup to Wang Zhizhi by the time of the Asian tournament.

Zhang Bo has probably earned the last slot on the team. He scored 13 points today in 18 minures. Meng Duo had 22 points in 38 minutes and could be instant offense off the bench. But I believe his failure in the clutch yesterday has shown that he is not yet ready to fill that role. Dong Hanlin had 12 points and 8 rebounds in 26 minutes, but failed in the clutch yesterday, and also has proved to be not quite ready. Mo Ke played 2 minutes today and with his lack of offense in this tournament has likely played himself off the team.

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  ESTONIA   


Tanel Sokk renews contract with Kalev/Cramo - by Eurobasket News
Kalev/Cramo renewed contract with one of their leaders Tanel Sokk (184-G-85). The 26-year-old guard penned a new two-season deal with the Estonian champions. Last season Tanel Sokk averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in Baltic League. In VTB-League Tanel Sokk posted 6.3 points, 2.6 assists and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. In EMKL his stats read 7.4 points, 3.1 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Tanel Sokk earned Eurobasket.com All-Estonian League Honourable Mention in 2011. The guard played for Estonia at the Qualifying Round of 2011 European Championships in Division B. His stats read 13.0 points, 2.3 assists, 1.3 rebounds per appearance. Tanel Sokk used to play for Nybit Tallinn and Audentes before joining Kalev/Cramo back in 2006. He was All-Estonian League Newcomer of the Year in 2003. Tanel Sokk has been playing for Estonian National Team since 2004.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Caja Laboral pens long-term deal with Thomas Heurtel - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced signing of Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) to a four-year deal. It means that the French point guard will play for the Vitoria team until the end of 2014/15 season. Heurtel arrives to Caja Laboral from Meridiano Alicante, where he spent last season. He appeared in 31 ACB games averaging 9.5 points and 2.4 assists. He joined Alicante last summer from Strasbourg. In 2009/10 with Strasbourg, Heurtel had 9.4 ppg, 2 rpg and 4.8 apg for 30 games in ProA. He also added 12 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 5.5 apg for 6 EuroChallenge games. The 22-year-old PG is a product of Pau Orthez.
Thomas Heurtel helped U20 France to win the Silver at the U20 EuroBasket 2009. He had 11 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 3.4 apg for 9 games at this event. Heurtel also played for U20 France in 2008. Last summer, he participated at the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Garbajosa retires from Spain national team - by Greg
MADRID (EuroBasket 2011) - Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) has called it quits with Spain's national team.

The versatile power forward, who is 33, made the much-anticipated announcement early Tuesday afternoon at the Spanish Basketball Federation headquarters in Madrid.

'This is the day that I never wanted to experience,' Garbajosa said.

'I want to thank the coaches, the players, and especially (FEB president Jose Luis) Saez. To all the media for your treatment, to my wife, my family, my friends that I have denied many summers to them and they have not minded, on the contrary they have supported me.

'Its a very hard day. Its what I must do.

'I retire from the national team but not from the FEB. I will continue in basketball.'

A lynchpin in the side for a decade, Garbajosa has been as important as any player in the squad during a golden era for Spain.

After the loss of Pau Gasol to injury in a 2006 FIBA World Championship Semi-Final victory over Argentina, Garbajosa helped carry the Spanish in a 70-47 title-game rout of Greece, burying six of 11 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 20 points.

Perhaps he will be best remembered for 2007 when he refused to accept the Toronto Raptors' decision not to allow him to play at the EuroBasket in Spain due to injury concerns.

With the support of the FEB, Garbajosa obtained the insurance he needed and not only played but helped the country win a silver medal.

It's been a difficult year for Garbajosa.

After suffering the disappointment of a sixth-place finish at last year's FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Garbajosa joined Real Madrid in the hope of winning titles but he was put on the transfer list in the middle of the season by former coach Ettore Messina.

Garbajosa later joined his old club, Unicaja Malaga.

Courtesy of Fiba.com

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  FINLAND   


Finnish U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Eero Aaltonen 196-G/F-90 LoKoKo Finland
Roope Ahonen 187-G-90 Salon Vilpas Finland
Alexi Alanen 194-G-91 Namika Lahti Finland
Vesa Heinonen 194-F/G-91 Namika Lahti Finland
Juho Helenius 195-F-91 Honka Finland
Robert Juvonen 185-G-91 KTP Finland
Juha Korhonen 202-F-90 Namika Lahti Finland
Carl Lindbom 204-F-91 Dt.Bank SKY Germany
Niko Malinen 191-F-90 Jyvaskyla Finland
Jesse Niemi 193-F/G-90 Pyrinto Finland
Antto Nikkarinen 185-G-91 Kouvot Finland
Matti Nuutinen 200-F-90 LoKoKo Finland
Atte Perttu 202-C-90 Kouvot Finland
Pyry Rainamaa 194-G-90 ToPo Finland
Sasu Salin 190-G-91 Union Olimpija Slovenia
Mikael Sandberg 210-C-91 Salon Vilpas Finland
Lauri Toivonen 200-G/F-91 KTP Finland
Jussi Turja 193-G-90 Lapua Finland
Tuomas Viertola 197-F-90 FoKoPo Finland



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  FRANCE   


Nicholas Pope extends contract with Le Havre - by Eurobasket News
Le Havre ensured the services of Nicholas Pope (196-F/G-84, college: Oklahoma Baptist) for another season. The 26-year-old forward spent a solid season with the team. He tallied 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game in ProA. Last season Nicholas Pope played for Gravelines Dunkerque. The forward also had a stint with Evreux after graduating from North Georgia College.


Team France for EuroBasket 2011 announced - by Eurobasket News
France have announced the 12 players to compete at the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Head coach of Team France Vincent Collet also announced 4 replacements in case of injures.

Team France: Antoine Diot, Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Yannick Bokolo, Nando De Colo, Mickael Gelabale, Mickael Pietrus, Boris Diaw, Joakim Noah, Florent Pietrus, Ali Traore, Ronny Turiaf.

Replacements: Andrew Albicy, Charles Lombahe-Kahudi, Fabien Causeur and Kevin Seraphin.

There is no two Dallas Mavericks players Ian Mahinmi and Rodrigue Beaubois, who won the NBA title beating Miami 4-2 in the Finals. Both of them were on the initial 24-man list.

The EuroBasket starts on August 31. France is placed to Group B together with Serbia, Latvia, Israel, Germany and Italy. In the opening day of the competition, France will meet Latvia. After that, France will play against Israel, Germany and Italy. In the last day of the Preliminary Round, France will meet Serbia. All of their games France will play in Siauliai.

Antibes locks Maxime Courby until 2014 - by Eurobasket News
Antibes announced signing of a 3-year contract extension with Maxime Courby (200-F-90). It means that Courby will stay with the club until the end of 2013/14 season. The 20-year-old guard joined Antibes last summer from Gravelines. He appeared 34 times in ProB averaging 4 points and 2.7 rebounds. On season 2009/10 with Gravelines, Courby had very limited playing time. He was promoted to their senior squad in 2008. Until that time Courby played for U21 Gravelines.
Maxime Courby won the Gold at the U20 EuroBasket last summer in Croatia. He helped U20 France with 5.6 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 5 games. In 2008, Courby was a member of U18 France. His team Antibes will compete in ProB again.

Andrew Albicy withdraws from NBA Draft 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft 2011. The event will be held on June 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark, but Albicy decided not to rush, but to wait for the next year.
Andrew Albicy is a member of Paris-Levallois. He played 30 games for them in ProA averaging 11.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. It was a nice improvement for the young PG, who had much lower digits in 2009/10.
Andrew Albicy was a member of the French NT last summer in Turkey. He had 3.2 ppg and 1 apg for 6 games at this event. Yesterday, Head Coach of the French NT Vincent Collet announced that Albicy will be a replacement this summer. He will jump to the 12-man squad in case of injuries. Albicy paced U20 France to Gold at the U20 EuroBasket last summer in Croatia. He had 12.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 5.9 apg for 9 games. He also played for U19, U18 and U16 France in the past.

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


John Bynum (TBB Trier) Pregame Thoughts To Game 5 Brose Baskets Bamberg-Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 33 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that recently completed his first season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who can shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. in 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. Fpr TBB Trier, he played 35 games, averaging 6,9ppg, 3,5rpg and 1,5apg.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 not at all artland is a great team and had bad luck with injuries in the series but played well. Homebuyer advantage played a huge part in that series and it was fun to watch.

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?


I was surprised that no team won a home game in that series. The whole season you try and get home court advantage but to win three road games in a series is amazing and it shows a lot of mental toughness by Berlin.

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

It will be interesting for sure and I think it may go the distance. It will be great basketball and who ever is able to dictate the defensive pressure will control the game in my opinion.

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.


Those results are a thing of the past and you are only as good as your last game. Alba is a different team and so are Bamberg. Bamberg grew throughout the season and alba plays a different way than they did all season. That 52 point loss doesn't mean anything at this point.

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?

Like I said above I think all the matters is the game that your in. Bamberg has a great rotation and Berlin does as well. It should be interesting but I think the key is Roberts for Bamberg.

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?

It will be interesting cause I like both front courts. Both teams are versatile at that posistion and the way both centers have been playing for alba it makes it more interesting. It will be fun to watch as well.

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 think it will be defense from both ends. Bamberg pressures you and takes you out of your sets and your offense starts higher than usual. If Alba is able to get into their sets closer than most teams they got a good chance and the same goes for Bamberg as well.

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


Shaq is just a clown but the NBA will miss him. It makes me feel old knowing that Shaqs career is finished and I saw the whole thing. How time flies but my most memorable moment has to be the broken backboard in New Jersey.

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

No comment about Scottie except he is tripping. Ain't no one on mjs level ever.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


Last DVD was New Jack City

Thanks John for chat.



German U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Ismet Akpinar 184-G-95 SC Rist Germany
Constantin Ebert G-95 Wuerzburg Germany
Sebastian Heck 196-G-95 Speyer Germany
Stefan Ilzhofer 195-SF-95 Ludwigsb.BSG Germany
Daniel Mayr 209-C-95 Jena II Germany
Niklas Ney 205-C-95 ALBA Germany
Gavin Shilling 205-C-95 Urspring Germany
David Taylor 186-G-95 NBC Germany
Terry Thomas 198-F-95 TSV Troester Germany
Maximilian Ugrai 195-F-95 Wuerzburg Germany
Jan Niklas Wimberg 200-F-96 Oldenburg Germany
Robert Zinn 196-SG-95 Ludwigsb.BSG Germany



German U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Malte Ziegenhagen 193-G-91 ALBA Berlin II Germany
Mickael Kessens 204-F-91 Cholet France
Falko Theilig 180-G-92 Dt.Bank SKY Germany
Mathis Monninghoff 200-F-92 Gonzaga USA
Maodo Lo 184-G-92 Berlin C.Hoops Germany
Dennis Ogbe 200-F-91 Tennessee Tech USA
Daniel Theis 205-C-92 SU Medien Germany
Konstantin Klein 185-G-91 ALBA Berlin II Germany
Maximilian Kleber 196-F-92 Wuerzburg Germany
Johannes Voigtmann 200-F-92 Jena Germany
Dennis Kramer 208-F-92 San Diego USA
Joey Ney 197-G-92 ALBA Germany



The EWE Baskets Oldenburg Bring In Basketball Talent Christopher Razis - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The EWE Baskets are slowly making strides to build their new roster for the upcoming season. The club announced today that Christopher Razis (193-F-89) will be on board for the 2011-2012 beko BBL season. Razis is a 21 year old guard that has the German and Cyprus citzenship.The youngster played last season for Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-Division A): Cyprus League: 2 games: 0pts, 1.5rpg; : EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 0pts, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, in Nov.'10 moved to Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios (Cyprus-Division A): 10 games: 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg. He is a combo guard who can do many jobs in the court. He is a point guard who can play at the off guard as well. Nice ball handler with good Point guard abilities. He has very high level Basketball IQ, he can always find the open man in offense. He can hit the 3-pointer as well as the two pointer from any given spot in the court. He hasan excellent attitude on and off the floor. He is very coach able and a basketball lover that can work out many hours per day as he really targets the sport and he sees him self seriously on the court, in the short term future. He is persistence and is always an optimist in and out of the court. He is a perfectionist and tries always to get the maximum out of his ability. Razis was brought in for a basketball tryout and convinced head coach Predrag Krunic of his abilities. 'He is very talented and a nice guy', stated Predrag Krunic . 'He is a player with perspective', stated EWE Baskets CEO Herman Schuller. Awards and achievements in his career so farhave been Cypriot U16 National Team -05, Cyprus U20 Champion -06, Voted as the top perfomer U18 basketball player in the island - 07, Cyprus Super Cup Finalist -07,Military National Team -08,Cypriot National Team -08-10, Cyprus Cup Semifinals -09, Cyprus League Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Cyprus League Finalist -09,, Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Newcomers Team -09, 10, Cypriot Military National Team -09, World Military Championships in Klaipeda (Lithuania) -09, European Championships Division B -09: 2 games: 7.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg, Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Newcomer of the Year -10, League Semifinals -10, Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011 -10: 3 games: 9.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT-2 (66.7%), FT: 66.7%, and Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Most Improved Player of the Year -1. The club also announced thta Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) will not be returning for this season. The Serb had joined the teamlast December and had played 26 games averaging 11,9ppg and 3,9rpg while shooting 58% from the field. Bogdanovic returns to the strongest basketballleague in Europe the ACB to Cajasol Sevilla. 'He helped us in a difficult phase and gave us much stability', stressed EWE baskets CEO Hermann Schuller.

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Preparing for Professional Basketball - by Corey Hassan
My first Blog post and I'm excited! Well I just accepted a professional basketball contract about a month ago now and have been absolutely killing myself since. For the past month my average day has looked a little something like this (It varys day to day):

5am-Wake up eat breakfast and head to work at Planet Fitness
6am-2pm-Working at Planet Fitness where they do not allow us to sit down throughout the whole shift.
3pm-4:30pm- Play pickup with usually the guys from Saint Anselm College, Bentley, Merrimack College, Umass-Lowell and a few pros in the area (Stephen Deluca, Luke Bonner etc.)
4:30-5:30ish-Maybe get some extra shots up
5:30-6:15pm-lift and stretch

This isn't everyday, but Monday through Friday look very similar to this, some things may be moved around but you get the gist of it. If it weren't for my full-time job right now on top of all my hoops workouts I would be able to do more stuff with more energy for basketball, but unfortunately I recently purchased a car before I knew I was going to be heading to Germany, which I am now trying to sell (2000 bmw 328 i) so if you're looking hit me up!
Today I am also nervous because I will be putting in my two weeks notice at Planet Fitness. I am doing so because I just had my monthly payment for my car loans and I have camps lined up I where I will be working and am also going to be starting to workout younger athletes for the rest of the summer, so its time for me to start resting more aka getting more than 5 hours a sleep a night so I can kill my workouts and have a great year in Germany. Ever since I got the offer Germany is alll I have been able to think about, I am also very fortunate I have my girlfriend coming with me who has been supportive through it all. The Management of my team over in Germany is helping her find some things to do over there and trying to make it an overall fun experience for the both of us which is really cool of them.

As for when I leave, that date is August 14th. From there I fly out to Dublin, Ireland to get on a connecting flight to Munich, Germany. There is a 2 hour layover in Dublin then I will arrive in Munich where I will be picked up by team managers and be shown around my new city and be moved into my apartment. Unfortunately Kerri will not be coming until about a month after me because for the first month I will be real busy with training camp and other pre season stuff and this will give Kerri a good opportunity to get some quality time with family and friends before we leave for 9 to 10 months. It will be tough for the both of us, but that month will make it all the better when we get to see eachother! Once I arrive in Germany I will be in Augsburg for about 2 weeks, than off to training camp in Italy for about 2 weeks for Training camp.

The people of Augsburg have been unbelievably welcoming so far. I have had about 50 friend requests from people of the town so far before the press release has even come out about the team signing me. They have all been very helpful and have been offering to show me around and welcome me to the city. It makes me feel very welcome and excited to start the season.

From what I have heard Augsburg is an amazing city. It is the 3rd oldest city in Germany and is supposed to be amazingly clean and beautiful. It is just 30 minutes away from Munich where I will definately be going for Oktoberfest 'It is de Greatest Beer in alllll zee World!' -Beerfest. Another thing I was told that got me all pumped was that on a clear day you can see the Alps from Mine and Kerris Balcony at our apartment, SWEEEET!

Kerri and I also started the German Rosetta Stone last night so we can try to learn as much of the language as possible before we head over. I got to say Rosetta Stone does a good job of easing you into it and I feel like although it was just lesson one yesterday me and Kerri picked up a lot. Funny story time! So Kerri was emailing my coach telling him how we got Rosetta Stone to help us learn German and my coach responded 'Thats very good Kerri, I dont know who this Rosetta Stone is, but she seems like a very nice lady and I hope she teaches you well!' haha it was funny, but I have to say my coach so far seems like agreat guy and I am very excited to play for him. He has been amazingly helpful as has everyone in the community!

Thats it for now, I will be posting about once a week or so to keep everyone updated! Hit me up with comments with any comments or even questions you have and I will get back to all of them! Here is the link to my team on Eurobasket (still has the roster from last year until press release comes out) and here is the actual team website!

http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=GER&Team=4321

http://www.bg-ls.de/site/

GO RED KANGAROOS!

Peaceeeeeeeeeee,

Coreyhassan4

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  GREECE   


Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Awards 2010-11 - by Chris Mammides
Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 1st Team
#s#
Dionysios Giannakopoulos
Giannakopoulos
Thomas Nikou
Nikou
Ivan Vukantinov
Vukantinov
Djordje Pantelic
Pantelic
Ljubo Jovanovic
Jovanovic
#e#5

Player of the Year: Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) of Lavrio
Point Guard of the Year: Thomas Nikou (185-G-79) of Panelefsiniakos
Shooting Guard of the Year: Ivan Vukantinov (193-G-81) of KAOD
Forward of the Year: Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-F/C-83) of AEK/Argous
Center of the Year: Damir Latovic (204-C-80) of AGOR
Newcomer of the Year: Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) of Apollon Patras
Most Improved Player of the Year: Kostas Macheras (205-C-85) of Pagrati
Bosman Player of the Year: Ivan Vukantinov (193-G-81) of KAOD
Domestic Player of the Year: Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) of Lavrio
Defensive Player of the Year: Nikos Katsares (190-G-83) of KAOD
Coach of the Year: Christos Serellis of Lavrio

1st Team
G: Thomas Nikou (185-79) of Panelefsiniakos
G: Ivan Vukantinov (193-81) of KAOD
G/F: Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-82) of Lavrio
F: Djordje Pantelic (204-84) of Apollon Patras
C: Ljubo Jovanovic (206-87) of KAOD

2nd Team
G: Nikos Katsares (190-83) of KAOD
G: Kostas Totsios (191-78) of Ikaroi Serron
F/C: Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-83) of AEK/Argous
F: Yiannis Kakiouzis (205-78) of Lavrio
C: Damir Latovic (204-80) of AGOR

Honorable Mention
Nikos Psileas (200-F-80) of Lavrio
Nikos Argyropoylos (188-G-78) of Apollon Patras
Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) of Ikaroi Serron
Kostas Vardavas (193-G-81) of Amyntas Dafnis
Apostolos Koutroulias (206-C-76) of Olimpiada
Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76) of Koroivos
Darrel Lewis (192-G-76) of AEK/Argous
Leonidas Zoupas (182-G-82) of Amyntas Dafnis
Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-G-86) of Pagrati
Vageli Margaritis (202-F/C-82) of KAOD
Pavlos Karvounis (180-G-72) of Lavrio

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Thomas Nikou (185-79) of Panelefsiniakos
G: Kostas Totsios (191-78) of Ikaroi Serron
G/F: Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-82) of Lavrio
F: Yiannis Kakiouzis (205-78) of Lavrio
C: Apostolos Koutroulias (206-76) of Olimpiada

All-Bosmans Team
G: Edgard Jeromanovs (186-86) of Periko/Arhelaos
G: Ivan Vukantinov (193-81) of KAOD
G: Darrel Lewis (192-76) of AEK/Argous
F: Djordje Pantelic (204-84) of Apollon Patras
C: Ljubo Jovanovic (206-87) of KAOD

All-Defensive Team
Nikos Katsares (190-G-83) of KAOD
Miron Papadakis (183-G-88) of Arkadikos
Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) of Koroivos
Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) of Apollon Patras
Damir Latovic (204-C-80) of AGOR

All-Newcomers Team
Giannis Lianos (194-G-88) of Apollon Patras
Miron Papadakis (183-G-88) of Arkadikos
Vagel Sakellariou (196-F/G-89) of AGOR
Alexandros Sigounas (200-F-88) of Panelefsiniakos
Giannis Maltesios (206-C-85) of Periko/Arhelaos



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  HOLLAND   


Zwolle bring in Gerald Robinson - by Eurobasket News
Landstede Zwolle strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin). The 26-year-old forward inked a one-year deal. Gerald Robinson spent the previous season in Iceland. He averaged 21.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game for Haukar. Gerald Robinson was named into Eurobasket.com Icelandic League All-Bosmans Team. Previously the Dutch forward had stints in Spain, United Kingdom and Germany. Gerald Robinson graduated from the University of Tennessee-Martin back in 2008. The forward notched 14.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in his senior season. Gerald Robinson made into All-OVC 2nd Team.


Poland outscore Netherlands in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20 - Netherlands U20 81:52

Polish U20 National Team celebrated a confident win over their Dutch counterparts in the friendly clash in Cetniewo. Kacper Mlynarski (200-F-92) stepped up with 21 points to lead the hosts.
Netherlands ensured the better start to the game. They posted a 21:20 lead after ten minutes. But Poland stunned their opponents in the second quarter. They went on a 23:5 rally to establish a 43:26 halftime lead. Poland kept their opponents at bay in the second half. The hosts entered the fourth frame up by 19 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Wojciech Fras (203-F-91) accounted for 10 points for Poland. Sebastian Szymanski (185-G-91, agency: Promotex) and Michal Kwiatkowski (190-G-92) provided 9 points each in the victory. Max Van Schaik (208-F-91) answered with 12 points for Netherlands.


EiffelTowers Den Bosch inks Tai Wesley - by Fred Roggen
EiffelTowers Den Bosch has made a major addition to its frontcourt with the signing of American power-forward Tai Wesley (200-F-86, college: Utah St.). Tai Wesley arrives from Utah State University.
The graduate of Utah State averaged 14.8ppg and 8.0rpg in the Western Athletic Conference last season and was awarded All-WAC Player of the Year.
'Wesley is a real threat in the low post,' said manager Jos Frederiks.

Landstede Zwolle makes Gerald Robinson newest addition - by Fred Roggen
Landstede Zwolle signed forward Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin) to a one-year deal. Robinson arrives from Icelandic Haukar, where he averaged 21 points and 13.7 rebounds in 25 Iceland-Express league games last season.
Furthermore the technical staff of Landstede Zwolle has extended the contracts of Arno Bunnig (197-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement), Nikki Hulzebos (206-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) and Mark Ridderhof (192-G-89) with one more year.


GasTerra Flames tabs Ties Theeuwkens - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames has signed Dutch National Team-player Ties Theeuwkens (190-G-85, agency: Court Side), the contract is for one season. Ties Theeuwkens arrives from WCAA Giants, where he averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 34 DBL games last season, helping the club reach the Dutch Cup final.
In the past, Theeuwkens played for Den Helder, Rotterdam and WCAA Giants.

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  IBL   


Slam holds off Reign - by John Gary
thanks to ibl The Bellingham Slam rode a dominant first half performance on both the offensive and defensive ends as they coasted to a 121-96 win over the Olympia Reign in an IBL divisional contest at Evergreen State College on Saturday. Bellingham 12-5, put up 66 points and allowed just 39 in the first half in which they held Olympia too just 36 percent shooting from the floor. With a big lead already established,the Slam held serve in the third quarter and took a 94-62 lead into the final period. Olympia 6-9,offered the resistance in the second half and allowed the Slam to build their lead as high as 40 at 104-64 early in the fourth quarter. The Reign werent able to chip away at the defcit until Bellingham emptied their bench and the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt.

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  ICELAND   


KFI tab Chris Miller-Williams - by Eurobasket News
KFI brought in import player. They inked a deal with Chris Miller-Williams (198-F/G-87, college: W.Georgia). The 23-year-old forward started the previous season in the UBA. He averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game for the Georgia Lions in the American League. In April Chris Miller-Williams moved to GIE Morrow Disciples. His stats read 17.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per appearance. Chris Miller-Williams was named USBasket.com All-UBA Co-Rookie of the Year. He also made it into All-UBA 2nd Team. It was the first pro season for the forward. Chris Miller-Williams graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2009. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in his senior season. Chris Miller-Williams made it into All-GSC East Division 2nd Team.


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  ISRAEL   


Maccabi close to sign KC Rivers
Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv is having some difficulties to bring back to Israel Yotam Halperin (196-G-84). The guard may extend his contract with Olympiakos Pireus and stay in Greece at least another season.
MTA is getting closer to K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Clemson). The American started the season in France and then moved to Virtus Bologna where his performances were impressive.

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  ITALY   


SerieA Round 3 of Finals. Bennet Cantu earn first win against Siena - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Montepaschi 80-71

Bennet Cantu recorded the first win in the title series as they overcame Montepaschi Siena at home court. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-71. Bennet Cantu made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Montepaschi Siena turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Bennet Cantu especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. 25 personal fouls committed by Montepaschi Siena helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American guard Mike Green (185-G-85, college: Butler) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Serbian forward Vladimir Micov (203-85, agency: Beo Basket) helped adding 14 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) with 22 points and 6 rebounds and American-FYR Macedonian guard Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) scored 16 points and 4 assists. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. Montepaschi Siena's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Bennet Cantu: M.Green 16+4reb+3ast, N.Mazzarino 15+1ast, V.Micov 14+6reb+2ast, M.Scekic 10+1reb+1ast, J.Tabu 7+1reb+2ast, M.Markoishvili 7+4reb+2ast
Montepaschi: K.Lavrinovic 22+6reb+1ast, B.Lester McCalebb 16+3reb+4ast, D.Moss 11+1reb, R.Kaukenas 11+4reb+1ast, M.Carraretto 5+1reb+1ast, A.Michelori 4+2reb
gschID: 129654




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  JAPAN   


South Korea celebrate title in Nanjing - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Japan 89:73

South Korea claimed East Asia Championship title. They prevailed against Japan in the championship game tonight. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) provided 26 points to lead the winners.
South Korea bravely entered the game. They quickly surged ahead and enjoyed a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. But Japan reacted in the second term. Japan outscored their opponents 24:15 in the second term to narrow the deficit at three points 37:40. But South Korea continued to mount the pressure in the third frame. The Korean side unloaded 23 points and boosted the margin to 9 points at the final intermission. South Korea stayed aggressively offensively as they poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the win at the end. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G-85) delivered 20 points and 6 rebounds for South Korea. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 19 points in the victory. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Japan. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) provided 12 points in defeat.

South Korea: Yang Dong-Geun 26, Kang Byung-Hyun 20, Cho Sung-Min 19
Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 15, Takuya Kawamura 12


Chiba Jets name Eric Gardow head coach - by Eurobasket News
The BJ-League expansion team Chiba Jets appoint head coach. They hired Eric Gardow for the job. The US specialist has lately worked in Qatar. Eric Gardow guided Al Rayyan and Qatar Club. He also worked at head coach position in Qatari National Team in 2007.


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  JORDAN   


Jordanian National Team 2011 - by Karol
Wesam Al-Sous 183-G-83 ASU Jordan
Malek Khashan 185-G-85 Al Riyadi Am. Jordan
Mohammad Hadrab 201-F-84 ASU Jordan
Ali Zaghab 204-F/C-88 Al Riyadi Am. Jordan
Mousa Awadi 192-G/F-85 ASU Jordan
Issa Kamel 192-F-83 Al Riyadi Am. Jordan
Islam Abbas 201-C-80 ASU Jordan
Mohammad Shaher 208-C-90 Zain Jordan
Osama Daghlas 199-G-79 ASU Jordan
Mahd Abdeen 186-G-87 Orthodox Jordan
Abbaas Zaid 203-F-83 Beijing China
Hani Alfaraj 193-G-90 Orthodox Jordan
Enver Soobzokov 198-G/F-78 ASU Jordan
Jamal Maaytah 213-C-81 Zain Jordan
Abduallah Abu Qoura 202-C-84 ASU Jordan
Francis Ireifej 185-G-82 Zain Jordan
Ayman Adais 208-C-78 Zain Jordan
Rasheim Wright 194-G-81 Anibal Lebanon
Saif Amer 170-G-89 Al Riyadi Am. Jordan
Al-Khas Zaid 206-C-76 Qingdao DS China
Camille Gargour 191-G

Thomas Baldwin Head Coach


*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Mennonites Stun Strathmore At Nyayo Showdown - by Eurobasket News
Mennonites stunned Strathmore University 67-60 in a premier league clash at Nyayo National Stadium.

The loss ruined the chances of Tony Ochieng's boys moving up the table. A win would have seen them close in on the top four sport. In the lower division games payed at the same venue, World Hope dismissed the visiting Kisumu Lakeside 79-63.

Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) matches played at the Railways Club saw Kenya Airways hanged on to their unbeaten run when they managed a 62-56 win over upbeat Legacy.

The losers just failed to cause an upset after Kelvin Kimuati missed four late fouls shots.KU Pirates dismissed Don Bosco 46-45 as Collins Wekesa made 14 points. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) beat Multi Media University 42-31 while Neosasa Morans beat Friends of Basketball (FoB) 43-30.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)



All Roads Lead to AND1 At Nyayo - by Eurobasket News
ALL roads lead to Nyayo national Stadium gymnasium where the street basketball legendary American group AND1 will be on show. The group touring the country courtesy of Sprite will exhibit their prowess beginning at 3 pm .

Kenya basketball lovers have been given a chance to watch the team regale with their breathtaking range of skills and stuns they have done across the globe. The team comprises 16 leading lights in street balling. Their tour has included trips to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Kampala, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda. Among the star players in the tour include Hot Sauce, Spyda, Werm, 50, Amazing, Highrizer, Baby Shaq and Airbama. The stars have featured in various events and movies. In the premier league matches at the same venue, Strathmore University take on Mennonites in a top tie. Other matches will see Parklands Baptists meet Africa Nazarene University, Kenya Polytechnic University play Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) World Hope confront visiting Kisumu Lakeside.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)



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  LITHUANIA   


Benas Veikalas moves to Telekom - by Deividas Valiunas
Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) will continued his career in Telekom Baskets Bonn. The 27-year-old guard has agreed on terms of 2 year contract with the team. Benas Veikalas averaged 15.7 points and 2,9 rebounds per game for Prostejov in EuroChallenge last season. He also appeared in 44 Czech Republic league games averaged 13.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Previously the guard had stints with Metropolitan St. and Nevezis.



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  MAURITIUS   


Men victorious, Ladies defeated - by Eurobasket News
During the first confrontation on Monday in the gymnasium of Phoenix, the preselection won by 81 to 44. The preselected playing in Real did not play that day because they had played the day before. A match which, as reminder, had turned to the advantage of the Greens. In the second game in the Roche-Bois gymnasium , the next day, the Mauritius basketball players, with Real players this time were still victorious: 88 to 61. And Wednesday night, in the third and final duel, Rakesh Chundunsing guys won by 82 to 68. It should nevertheless be noted that the Glasgow Rock mens team did not come along with seven of its players. In the women category, the outcome of the matches of our national pre-selection was the one espected. If Monday night in Phoenix, the players of Jean-Marie Bhageeruthee were defeated by 70-47, the outcome remained the same Wednesday night (74-51) and last night (85-67). Defeats, of course, but which have no impact on the preparations for the upcoming Games of the Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, which however give an indication of the level difference. Note that the Scottish played also against Red Sea, that they also defeated (86-67).
Courtesy of: www.starafrica.com



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  NBA   


Sources: Ricky Rubio inked with Wolves - by Eurobasket News
Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) has already signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the holdup keeping him from leaving Barcelona is related to his buyout agreement, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

'This is just a bump in the road for (the Timberwolves),' said one source.

Rubio's Spanish club won the ACB championship Tuesday, after which Rubio said:

'We are talking with Barcelona and we will soon see.'

That fueled speculation Rubio might not come to Minnesota for the 2011-12 season. But two sources told ESPN.com Rubio has already signed with the Timberwolves. He still must receive a letter of clearance from FIBA, the sports' international governing body.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press and The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported that Rubio, the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NBA draft, had reached an agreement to join the Timberwolves after two seasons with Barcelona.

The Timberwolves did not confirm those reports, which followed years of speculation that Rubio, 20, did not want to leave Europe or pay the multimillion-dollar buyout of his Barcelona contract out of his own pocket.

Rubio said he was 'very happy' after Barcelona won the Spanish league title, according to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. 'This title is the most widely appreciated. At last I have it and we must all be proud of it.'

On Wednesday, a source close to Rubio told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that he is unaware of any change to Rubio's plans to play in the NBA next season.

Timberwolves president David Kahn called Rubio 'a virtuoso and somebody special' after drafting him in 2009. Kahn and agent Dan Fegan had an agreement to bring Rubio to the NBA that summer, but Rubio withdrew from that deal at the last minute after deciding he did not want to pay a $6 million-plus buyout.

With the passing of two seasons, Rubio's buyout from Barcelona has decreased to $1.4 million. The Timberwolves can contribute up to $500,000 of that amount under current league rules.

Rubio averaged 6.5 points a game on 39 percent shooting this season at Barcelona, where he dealt with a foot injury and fell out of the starting lineup. The Timberwolves believe Rubio will flourish in the NBA, where guards have more freedom to create than they do in the stricter offensive schemes common in the European game.

'He's gotten bigger and he plays outstanding defense, and because he's a pass-first guard he's going to be liked by everybody who plays with him,' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said last year. Krzyzewski coached Team USA against Rubio and Spain in the Beijing Olympics.

Rubio dominated the junior circuit in Europe and turned professional at 14. His flashy style and baby face made him an instant sensation in Europe.

Although Rubio's stock dropped this season, the woeful Timberwolves -- winners of a combined 32 games the past two seasons -- remain in need of a point guard to feed the ball to Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.

Courtesy of ESPN

Mavericks' players want rings, contrary to Cuban's idea - by Eurobasket News
The Mavericks get their championship parade Thursday morning. Now they want their championship rings, courtesy of Mark Cuban .

Like engagement rings in the game of love, championship rings are given in the games athletes play. Rings allow the wearer to walk into a room and be immediately identified as someone special, a championship contributor.

The notion the Mavericks may not get rings was first introduced by Cuban in the wake of Sunday's Game 6 NBA Championship clincher over the Miami Heat.

'Rings are old school,' the Mavericks owner declared. 'Rings are done. It's time to take it to the next level and do something different.'

Still, no matter what Cuban may have in mind for a 'next level' momento, Mavericks players want their rings.

'We've got to talk to him about that,' said Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78). 'I don't think the last word has been spoken yet. We know he always wants to do something different, something bigger. But the ring is just so classic.

'I think I would vote for a ring,' Nowitzki, who can't wear his playoffs MVP trophy around town. 'I mean, I'm a man. I don't know how I'd feel about a bracelet. I'd rather go with a ring.'

Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona), who like Nowitzki came away from the 2006 NBA Championship series empty fingered, said he was speaking not only as a player but as a student of the game.

'As a player, and a historian of the game, you want the ring,' Terry said. 'You look at the Sports Illustrated cover of Bill Russell holding those rings. You've seen Phil Jackson's rings. You want that ring. That means a lot. That's a thing you can go to your grave with.'

Coach Rick Carlisle , probably the most old school of all the Mavericks championship contributors, was as adamant as his players.

'It's got to be rings,' he said. 'I don't know what he's thinking. You win an NBA championship you gotta have a ring. If he wants to give guys something else besides a ring, that's great...Once you're an NBA champion and you have the ring, you're a made man in NBA circles.'

Courtesy of www.kansascity.com

Kidd hopes to play two or three more seasons
Following the conclusion of Sunday night's 105-95 series-clinching victory in Miami, Jason Kidd (6'4''-PG-73, college: California) was asked how many years he has left in him.

'With this group, hopefully another two or three,' Kidd told the television cameras. 'I feel great, and being around younger guys and working on my game, and them believing in me, helped me compete every day.'

Kidd, who signed a three-year deal with the Mavericks before the 2009-10 season, said in March that he had a contract to fulfill. However, he also admitted that something could change his mind -- an NBA lockout.

The chance of not having a 2011-2012 season would mean Kidd could hang up his jersey and shorts for good.

'If it was a lockout and it was no season (in 2011-'12), I probably would walk away from it at 39, 40 years old,' Kidd told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in March. 'That's just too much for me to train and get back in shape.''

Courtesy of realgm.com



NBA Commissioner David Stern, union exec Billy Hunter meet with more talks planned - by Eurobasket News
NBA Commissioner David Stern, players' association executive director Billy Hunter and members of their staffs have met and there are more discussions planned for later this week.

An NBA spokesman would not disclose what was discussed Tuesday. A full round of negotiations is scheduled for Friday, and will include the league's labour relations committee and the union's executive committee.

The owners and players are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the deal that expires June 30.

The sides met three times during the NBA finals. They remain far apart, creating fear there will be a lockout on July 1.

Courtesy of www.570news.com

Promoter links Shaquille O'Neal sex tape to kidnapping - by Eurobasket News
A music promoter who was kidnapped and robbed in 2008 has told a court that his assailants demanded return of a sex tape featuring NBA star Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU),, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Robert Ross also testified during a preliminary hearing in the case that he told O'Neal about the tape during a business dispute some two weeks before his abduction, Los Angeles County District Attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison said.

'What the victim testified to is that while he was being beaten they asked for the tape back,' Robison said.

O'Neal, who retired from pro basketball this year after 19 seasons in the NBA, is not charged in the case or named in a criminal complaint filed earlier this year against seven defendants.

Representatives for the 39-year-old former star athlete, who has also released four rap albums and starred in a pair of reality TV shows, did not return calls seeking comment.

The criminal complaint charges the seven men, who are all reputed members of the Main Street Mafia Crips gang, with abducting Ross at gun point on February 11, 2008.

The men then ordered him to drive his Rolls Royce to the home of defendant Ladell Rowles, who prosecutors say is a leader of the gang, where he was beaten and robbed of a Rolex watch, diamond jewelry and $15,000 in cash.

Ross took the witness stand on Monday in the first day of the preliminary hearing in which a Los Angeles Superior Court judge will determine if there is enough evidence to order that the defendants stand trial.

Rowles and his six co-defendants are charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a firearm and conspiracy.

The preliminary hearing has been recessed until July 6.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Jason Kidd backs LeBron James - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James admires Jason Kidd, his elder 2008 gold-medal winning Olympic teammate, as a mentor. That's a good thing because the newly crowned NBA champion has some advice for the scrutinized Miami Heat superstar coming off an underwhelming Finals performance.

The Dallas Mavericks point guard finally won his first title after 17 seasons, ensuring that James remained ringless after his eighth season and first with the Heat after last summer's controversial 'Decision.'

'I will reach out to him. He's a good friend of mine,' Kidd said Tuesday during the team's exit interviews. 'I want him to have success and be successful. But, I think right now, it's just being patient and all the great ones had to be patient. They had to take their bumps or lumps, however you want to look at it.

'But, at the end of the day, they all found a way to win a championship. And I think at the end of his career, he'll have a couple championships.'

Kidd said James was the first to congratulate him on the floor of the AmericanAirlines Arena after the buzzer sounded on Sunday night's Game 6 and the Mavs began to celebrate the franchise's first championship in their 31 seasons.

'He said that if there was anybody to lose to,' Kidd said, 'that it would be me.'

On Tuesday, James, who averaged a playoff-low 17.8 points in the Finals and scored just 18 points in the fourth quarters of the six games, congratulated the Mavs on his website.

'Congratulations Mavericks on the championship ... especially Dirk (Nowitzki), J. Kidd, & (Jason) Terry who have done so much for our league and worked so hard to get here. They deserve all the credit for what they have accomplished ...'

In past seasons when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James openly talked about wanting the team to trade for Kidd, who New Jersey dealt to Dallas at the 2008 trade deadline.

Kidd said James has to overcome the criticism and continue to work.

'It's like Dirk,' Kidd said. 'Dirk took his licks for losing in '06. It's just that now LeBron is in the same shoes as Dirk.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Kings extend offer to Thornton, waive Taylor - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings extended a qualifying offer to forward Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: LSU) on Tuesday while also waiving guard Jermaine Taylor (6'4''-G-86, college: Cent.Florida).

The offer to Thornton makes the two-year veteran a restricted free agent. After the Kings acquired him in a trade-deadline deal with New Orleans this past season, Thornton averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists while playing more than 38 minutes per game.

Taylor logged 7.1 points in 26 games -- eight starts -- with Sacramento last season, his second in the league.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Clippers exercise option on Rookie of the Year Griffin - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Clippers have exercised their fourth-year option on unanimous Rookie of the Year forward Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma).

The team announced the move Tuesday among with a slew of other transactions, all involving rookies.

The Clippers also exercised the third-year options on forward Al-Farouq Aminu (6'9''-F-90, college: Wake Forest) and guard Eric Bledsoe (6'1''-G-89, college: Kentucky), making the moves just weeks before the NBA's collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30.

They extended a qualifying offer to center DeAndre Jordan (7'0''-C-88, college: Texas A&M), making him a restricted free agent.

Griffin, the No. 1 draft pick in 2009, made a sparkling NBA debut this past season after sitting out 2009-10 with a broken kneecap. He averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists while posting 63 double-doubles and was the first unanimous Rookie of the Year selection since David Robinson in 1990.

Aminu averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds, Bledsoe averaged 6.7 points and 3.6 assists and Jordan posted averages of 7.1 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Courtesy pf www.tsn.ca

LeBron clarifies postgame remarks, says he's 'not superior to anyone' - by Eurobasket News
Everyone wanted the circus to end. That is, until the circus actually ended.

Such is life for the Miami Heat now, heading into the offseason.

A season of intense scrutiny, criticism, attention and intrigue ended without a championship, and while getting out of the spotlight for a while this summer may be of some consolation to LeBron James (6'8''-F-84), Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech), nothing will completely soothe the fact that Year One of the Big Three ended with a loss in the NBA finals.

'There was really no way to prepare for a season like this,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Tuesday, after Miami gathered for its exit meetings.

Even at the end, James found his some of his words overly dissected and, he said, misinterpreted.

His offseason began with a clarification of something said after Sunday's night's season-ending loss to the new champion Dallas Mavericks, when part of his answer to a question about people being happy to see the Heat lose included the phrase 'they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems.'

On Tuesday, James tried to clean up the mess he inadvertently created.

'Basically, I was saying, at the end of the day, this season is over and with all the hatred not only myself, everyone else has to move on with their lives as well,' James said. 'They have to move on with their lives and their day-to-day, good or bad, and I do, too. At the end of the day, I've got to move on with my life. So it wasn't saying that I'm superior or better than anyone else, any man or woman on this planet. I'm not.'

James' fourth-quarter offensive struggles in the finals are still a talking point, even with the series now over and Dallas celebrating its crown. There were some reports Tuesday that he had skipped the team meetings for a vacation in the Bahamas. Privately, some team members told him at times during the season to stop paying attention to news reports about the team entirely.

'I always feel like LeBron does a great job of dealing with things,' Wade said. 'No one, no athlete gets scrutinized more than he does, for good or bad things. And I always commend him for the way he handles it. A lot of people can say a lot of things about him, but if you're not in his shoes, if you don't go through the things that he goes through than you don't understand, you don't know how you would react to things and respond.'

James offered some respect to the new champs later Tuesday. He posted a message on LeBronJames.com where he congratulated the Mavericks, especially Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. He also lauded the Miami fans, teammates, coaches, team president Pat Riley and owner Micky Arison.

James closed the message with this: 'A lot to learn from this year, a lot to build on, and a lot of work to do this summer.'

That was largely the theme of Tuesday for the Heat.

'If you get to the finals,' Wade said, 'you're a pretty good team.'

Udonis Haslem revealed that he's not 100 percent recovered from surgery to repair a ruptured foot ligament in November. Mike Miller will soon have surgery to repair his left thumb. In time, Miami will start making roster decisions. The Heat have the first pick in the second round of next week's draft, and will hold another workout for prospects on Wednesday.

Spoelstra said he's immersing himself in that work, not the lament of losing the title shot.

'We weren't able to get it done,' Spoelstra said. 'That's the disappointment that we'll have to live with this summer. As disappointing as it is, the championship was won and now today starts the next day for the new challenge of next year's championship. Even for myself, it's back to work. There will be some time where we'll be able to decompress. The time is not now.'

James and Wade are both planning trips to China this summer, along with some charitable events and camps. The uncertainty over the league's labor deal - the collective bargaining agreement expires in about two weeks, and a lockout could start as early as July 1 - could make certain aspects of the summer more difficult than usual. Bosh will have some stressful moments as well: He's got a wedding planned for next month.

No one was thrilled to see it end, but Tuesday, they all said they enjoyed the ride.

'I had fun with this season. That's what it's about,' James said. 'There are times when you don't always have fun because losing is never fun, pitfalls are never fun, but at the end of the day, the game of basketball should always be fun when we approach the court from the bus to the locker room to the plane. It's definitely up there with one of the best seasons I've had as far as individually and as a team. But, no, I won't have enough fun until I'll be able to hoist that trophy.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

250,000 fans expected for Dallas Mavericks victory parade on Thursday - by Eurobasket News
Thousands of people from Fort Worth, Arlington and across Tarrant County will likely attend Thursday's Dallas Mavericks victory parade, but getting there promises to be anything but a fast break.

With up to 250,000 people expected for the red-letter moment in Dallas-Fort Worth sports history, organizers are urging revelers to be prepared for traffic jams, crowds and steaming hot weather.

Crowds will likely begin gathering hours before the parade's scheduled start, 10 a.m. at the Dallas Convention Center, at Young and Griffin streets downtown.

The parade will head west on Young Street to Union Station, then north on Houston Street past Dealey Plaza, and onto Continental and Victory avenues to the team's home, American Airlines Center. It is expected to last an hour.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said that the team will pick up the tab for the city's parade costs.

All time-off requests by Dallas police officers have been canceled and there will be a significant police presence to handle whatever happens along the parade route, said Sgt. Warren Mitchell, Dallas police spokesman. Interlocking barricades will help keep people in place along the route.

The city asks paradegoers to not bring alcoholic beverages and to keep all of their medications and bags with them at all times. An unattended bag could trigger a suspicious-package alert, and no one wants that, city spokesman Frank Librio said.

City officials expect no serious problems from those wishing to congratulate the Mavericks on their season. By 1:45 a.m. Monday, police had made 14 arrests related to postgame celebrations, according to police.

'The police chief commended the public for acting responsibly after the win on Sunday,' Librio said. 'We have every expectation that the people coming to our city on Thursday will act in the same manner.'

Temperatures are forecast to be about 100 degrees and fire-rescue personnel are taking the possibility of heat exhaustion seriously. They will be stationed along the route, but visitors are strongly encouraged to keep themselves hydrated at all times.

Lightweight, light-colored and loose clothing is recommended, and sunblock will likely be necessary.

The Mavericks have also sought out a vendor to provide water during the parade, according to officials.

Courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

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


Lighty, Diebler work out for Nets, talk Ohio State - by Eurobasket News
Talking about Ohio State and its scandal-ridden football program has become part of the program whenever David Lighty (6'5''-G/F-88) and Jon Diebler (6'6''-G) work out for NBA teams these days.

The headquarters of New Jersey Nets was the latest stop for these two Buckeye basketball players Tuesday, and it was obvious the scandal has come up repeatedly after the seniors showcased their talents for next week's draft.

Lighty appeared to laugh under his breath when the first Ohio State question was posed, and Diebler admitted he probably has heard at least one Ohio State joke at each of his eight NBA workouts.

What can you do? Ohio State, Jim Tressel and Terrelle Pryor are hot topics, and the players are simply dealing with it.

They're just as certain, though, that Ohio State is a great school that will bounce back, and that Tressel and Pryor are good people who made mistakes.

Pryor was suspended for accepting improper benefits, such as cash and discounted tattoos, and he eventually left school. Before that, the scandal led to Tressel's forced resignation. The coach acknowledged knowing his players were taking improper benefits, but covered it up for more than nine months before university officials discovered his knowledge.

'It's an unfortunate situation,' said Diebler, the Big Ten's all-time leader in 3-pointers (374). 'Coach Tressel is a great guy. Terrelle Pryor is a great guy. I think the general perception from the public is these people are not good people (for) what they did to the program and this and that.

'Did they make a mistake? Yes. But are they bad people? No.'

Living in the dorms, Lighty got to know Pryor and several other members of the football team.

However, he had no inkling anyone was receiving improper benefits or getting cut-rate tattoos. He said the situation caught him off guard, but he insisted that football players are not running amok breaking rules.

'Not at all, not at all,' Lighty said. 'Things that people see are not what you always see or hear until you know what is really going on. When everything is said and done, people will get a better idea of what happened with the whole situation.'

Lighty said what surprised him was the unexpected resignation of Tressel, who had tried to get him to play football, something basketball coach Thad Matta would not allow.

Lighty always liked to talk to Tressel.

'He is a great guy. What happened is unfortunate,' he said. 'I thought I would never see the day he would leave Ohio State University. I wish him nothing but the best, and I am sure he does the same for Ohio State.'

Diebler, who is getting married next week, has no doubt that Ohio State's image has been tarnished.

'From the outside looking in, you might have a different perception of the whole university in general. But we know how the university is run,' he said. 'We know the people in charge. Yes, a mistake was made by multiple people with the football program, but at the end of the day, everyone still wakes up the next day. Ohio State is going to be Ohio State, regardless, one of the best universities in the country, one of the largest. We'll recover.'

Coming to New Jersey brought back bad memories for the players. Their college careers ended with a 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the regional semifinals in the Prudential Center in Newark.

'I am glad we didn't practice there,' Lighty said. 'It would have been a bittersweet feeling. Maybe I could have gotten some revenge and played a lot better or something like that in this workout. It's a great place. Things didn't go our way that game. They made the shots when they needed them. It was a great game for college basketball.'

Neither Lighty, who started 125 games as a Buckeye and averaged 12.1 points this past season, nor Diebler, who averaged 12.6 points, knows if they will be drafted at all next week. Lighty is hoping for a late call in the first round. On his end, Diebler, who was Lighty's roommate on the road, isn't so sure.

'I come in and try to play as hard as I can,' said Diebler, who says his goal is to show teams that he is more than simply a shooter. 'It only takes one team to like you.'

But if Diebler goes to an NBA team, he won't be sporting any tattoos anytime soon.

'I'm afraid of needles,' he said.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Tennessee, Pearl, Kiffin have long day before NCAA panel - by Eurobasket News
Former Tennessee coaches Bruce Pearl and Lane Kiffin finally got to explain themselves in front of the NCAA.

All they can do now is wait to see if it did any good.

Kiffin spent more than four hours answering questions in front of the infractions committee Saturday, then was followed by Pearl, who spent nearly five hours in front of the committee. School officials are hoping the daylong closed-door hearing marks the beginning of the end of a 22-month investigation.

'The hardest part is just being here,' Pearl said. 'This was not something I was looking forward to.'

The committee is expected to rule in eight to 12 weeks.

Tennessee faces a dozen major rules violations in the two high-profile sports, including accusations both coaches committed recruiting infractions and failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance within those programs.

Pearl, the former Volunteers men's basketball coach, also was charged with unethical conduct after misleading NCAA investigators during an interview last June when he was asked about hosting high school juniors at a cookout at his house on Sept. 20, 2008 and phoning John Craft, father of recruit Aaron Craft, in an effort to influence Craft's statement to investigators about the cookout.

Craft just completed his freshman season at Ohio State, whose football program is also under NCAA investigation.

On Sept. 10, in a tearful news conference, Pearl acknowledged he had provided false information to investigators.

That part was not contested Saturday, but there was plenty of discussion on other issues and lots of people trying to help Tennessee plead for leniency.

Those attending included, Kiffin, now the Southern California football coach; Pearl, after last season by Tennessee; Mike Hamilton, the outgoing athletic director; Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive; Derek Dooley, Tennessee's new football coach; and Cuonzo Martin, the Vols new men's basketball coach. Martin and Dooley are not implicated in the charges.

The school's contingent was so large it forced the NCAA to move its hearing into a bigger conference room.

'We are glad we had the opportunity to present our case,' university chancellor Jimmy Cheek said in a statement. 'We feel it was a fair hearing and we look forward to the resolution of this matter.'

Kiffin was accompanied at the hearing by USC athletics director Pat Haden, who made his second appearance in front of an NCAA committee in Indy this year. He also attended January's appeals hearing for USC, which last week was stripped of its 2004 national title by the Bowl Championship Series for NCAA violations.

Tennessee has already taken steps in hopes of avoiding a punishment that would be that drastic.

It reduced Pearl's salary by $1.5 million last season and banned him from off-campus recruiting for one year. The SEC also suspended Pearl for eight conference games. In March, Pearl was fired.

The school also lowered the salary for each of Pearl's three assistants, who were accused of not providing 'complete' information about the cookout.

Pearl and two of his assistants, Tony Jones and Steve Forbes, also are accused of making 96 impermissible phone calls to 12 recruits or relatives from Aug. 1, 2007, to July 29, 2009, and the school has been charged with failure to monitor the coaching staff's contacts.

Kiffin and his assistants were accused of making improper calls to recruits, too, after Tennessee officials warned them against it. He made those calls just days before taking the Southern California job in January 2010.

In addition, Kiffin and recruiting intern Steve Rubio are accused of visiting a Florida high school Oct. 12, 2009, even though Rubio was not permitted to make on-campus visits.

Kiffin's failure to monitor charge stems from trips taken by members of the school's athletics hostess program to visit recruits.

Both coaches attended the first 40 minutes of the closed-door hearing, which were set aside for opening statements.

Kiffin then remained in the room, while Pearl and his former assistants left en masse. Pearl wandered down to the hotel lobby, waiting there until Kiffin finished more than four hours later. It took so long the lunch break was delayed twice.

Kiffin would not discuss the specifics of what took place inside the room.

Pearl was the first person back when the hearing resumed after a one-hour break. He spent most of the next five hours back inside the room.

When things finally wrapped up, more than 10 hours after they started, the emotions were mixed.

'It's a very thorough process and I'm glad it's over,' Kiffin said before leaving the downtown Indianapolis hotel for a football camp at Southern Cal. 'It was a lot shorter than the last one I sat through, three days of USC's, and I'm happy it's over.'

The fallout from the scandal might not be, though.

Hamilton announced last week that he would resign at the end of the month. Tennessee women's athletics director Joan Cronan, also in Indy, will serve as interim vice chancellor and director of athletics until Hamilton's replacement is picked.

Sometime in August or September, the Volunteers should learn their fate.

'It's not over because we've got to wait 45 or 60 days,' Pearl said.

And for Pearl, who wore an orange and white tie and orange suspenders to the hearing, there was no sense of relief.

'Not really because we paid a very heavy price, all of us here have my staff and the University of Tennessee,' he said. 'So there's not much relief.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Seattle accepts invitation to join WAC in 2012 - by Eurobasket News
The addition of Seattle University in 2012 will still leave the Western Athletic Conference with only seven football-playing members - a situation Commissioner Karl Benson said he hopes will be remedied within a year.

'Seven is workable but certainly not ideal,' Benson said during a conference call Tuesday following a board of directors meeting in Park City, Utah.

While stability of the overall conference is important, he said the No. 1 priority will be to get to eight or nine or more football-playing schools.

The league announced the addition of Seattle following the Park City meeting. Benson cited Seattle's academics, athletics, facilities and location in a top-15 media market.

Seattle becomes a member on July 1, 2012, meaning the WAC will have nine full-time members for the 2012-13 season. Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Texas State, Texas-San Antonio and Utah State all compete in football while Seattle University and the University of Denver do not.

The WAC loses BCS-busting Boise State this year, and will lose key members Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii in 2012. The WAC tried to add Montana last year but the Grizzlies chose to stay in the lower-tier Football Championship Subdivision and the Big Sky Conference it has dominated at times over the years.

Benson acknowledges the WAC is geographically challenged. He said his ideal scenario would be to create a 12-team league split into East and West divisions. He said nine of those schools would compete in football.

Benson said he has been in contact with a dozen FCS schools that compete in football over the past six to eight months but the economy has not allowed them to make the jump to the higher division.

'We will continue to work with them and hopefully within the next year the timing will be better,' Benson said.

He said it will be important for the five current football-playing schools that will remain with the WAC for the long haul to show success on the football field this year by contending for a conference championship and qualifying for bowl games.

There isn't any reason why those five, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Utah State, 'or Texas State or Texas-San Antonio can't be the next Boise State,' Benson said.

As for basketball, he said Seattle or Denver could be the next Gonzaga. He said they have similar university profiles and are in major metropolitan areas.

Seattle University, now an independent, was a Division I team from 1950-1980 and its men's basketball team advanced to the NCAA title game in 1958 led by Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor. The school returned to the NCAA's top division in 2009 and currently plays its men's basketball games at KeyArena, the home of the Seattle SuperSonics until the franchise moved.

The Redhawks sponsor 17 sports that will compete in the WAC, including baseball, softball, men's and women's golf and women's volleyball.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Radford hires VCU's Jones as men's hoops coach - by Eurobasket News
Virginia Commonwealth assistant coach Mike Jones has been named head men's basketball coach at Radford.

Radford announced Jones' hiring Tuesday and says he will be introduced at a news conference on Wednesday.

As an assistant to Shaka Smart, Jones helped VCU make its first Final Four appearance last season.

Jones replaces Brad Greenberg, who resigned last month.

Greenberg went 55-68 in four seasons. He was suspended for four games in February for NCAA violations tied to impermissible team travel and associated extra benefits for an ineligible player.

Courtesy of www.mlive.com

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


Pero Cameron named Tall Blacks assistant - by Eurobasket News
Long-time captain Pero Cameron (199-F-74, agency: Duran International) will join the Tall Blacks coaching staff.

Cameron has been appointed as an assistant coach after finishing his 19-year international playing career at last year's world championships.

He'll join Chris Tupu and Dillon Boucher as Nenad Vucinic's assistants.

The Tall Blacks will attend a tournament in China at the end of next month, and will then travel to Europe for further matches ahead of the Olympic qualifying series against Australia in September.

Dillon Boucher is not available for the tournament or the European tour because of family commitments, but will be with the team in an assistant coach role for the Oceania Championships.

Courtesy of www.newstalkzb.co.nz

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Norwegian U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Fredrik Andersen 196-G-92 Ulriken Norway
Stian Berg 187-G-91 Baerum Norway
Fredrik Bohn 200-F-91 Asker Norway
Magnus Engen 188-F-91 Miners Norway
Lars Harto 198-F-93 Baerum Norway
Karamo Jawara 200-F-91 N.C.Central USA
Ogaard Korgba G-92 Centrum Norway
Oeivind Lundestad 190-G-91 Miners Norway
Henry McCarthy 203-F-91 Miners Norway
Halvor Poulsson 191-F-91 Baerum Norway
Steinar Rakneberg 201-C/F-92 Gimle Norway



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


Tomasz Snieg heads to Polpharma - by Eurobasket News
Polpharma ensured a serious strengthening to the roster. They got Tomasz Snieg (190-G-89) on loan from Polonia 2011. The 21-year-old guard spent the previous season in AZS Koszalin. He tallied 6.7 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game in PLK. Previously Tomasz Snieg played for Jaworzno, Polonia 2011, Tempcold AZS Politechnika. Tomasz Snieg played for U20 Polish National Team at 2009 European Championship in Division B. The guard posted 10.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds per game in Skopje. Snieg received Eurobasket.com All-European Championship U20 Division B Honourable Mention. Tomasz Snieg participated at 2010 PLK All-Star Game. In 2010 the guard also received an invitation to Polish National Team camp.


Robert Skibniewski is back to WKS Slask Wroclaw
WKS Slask Wroclaw strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old ex-international point guard Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83). Skibniewski played most recently at SKS Polpharma-Pakmet Starogard Gd. (PLK). While playing 24 games for Polpharma last season he averaged 9.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.8apg (5th best in the league) and 2.4spg (4th best in the league), he was also named MVP of Polish Cup.. It is worth to stress that Skibniewski grew up as a basketball player in Slask.


Poland outscore Netherlands in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20 - Netherlands U20 81:52

Polish U20 National Team celebrated a confident win over their Dutch counterparts in the friendly clash in Cetniewo. Kacper Mlynarski (200-F-92) stepped up with 21 points to lead the hosts.
Netherlands ensured the better start to the game. They posted a 21:20 lead after ten minutes. But Poland stunned their opponents in the second quarter. They went on a 23:5 rally to establish a 43:26 halftime lead. Poland kept their opponents at bay in the second half. The hosts entered the fourth frame up by 19 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Wojciech Fras (203-F-91) accounted for 10 points for Poland. Sebastian Szymanski (185-G-91, agency: Promotex) and Michal Kwiatkowski (190-G-92) provided 9 points each in the victory. Max Van Schaik (208-F-91) answered with 12 points for Netherlands.


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


Season Scout - CB Penafiel - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Nobody had big expectations with this CBP/Sentir Penafiel first time in LPB, as they had built a roster with players no other teams wanted. But with a great work made by Manuel Povea and the pride of his players, Penafiel was one of the best surprises in the League.

The Season

Their big moment in the season was their 6 win in 8 matches during the second turn. It was the moment when CBP/Sentir Penafiel has shown how good they were. Also, in that same period, theyve reached Portuguese Cup finals, which was an historic mark for this very recent team. Manuel Povea was the main cause of this spectacular season by the Penafiel side, getting a lot from a group of experimented players and some young prospects. They defended extremely well and that works for the coach recognition.

The Player

Jeremy Goode (175-G-87, college: Mt.St.Mary's). In his rookie season, Goode showed to have everything a guard needs to succeed: pace, heart, intelligence. Hes small, just 1.75m, but he can make it work in his benefit, being an aggressive player in all moments. He averaged 17.4 points and was essential in a team that had in Rui Mota his spiritual leader. After leaving Porto, Mota proved to be alive, making one of his best seasons of all time. A great shooter, most of the times he was called to decisive shots, and he has always shown he was totally with the team. CBP/Sentir Penafiel must keep him, if they want to make another big run in LPB.

The Prospect

Jeremy Goode, of course. Stronger teams might doubt him because of his size, but hell show that he has a place in an higher level. Also, Antonio Monteiro, who came from Benfica on loan and guaranteed a place in the Reds for the next season.



Check for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com







Season Scout - Fisica de Torres - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
After a Proliga title and two seasons in LPB, Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras came back to the place where they were happy, but the memories dont win games. After losing coach Jose Abrantes , for health reasons, Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras signed Ivan Kostourkov . The biggest problem this team had was to feel motivated to play in Proliga, after the two losing seasons in LPB. Most of the players came from that stretch and paid the price. Losing in the Semi-finals, against BC Barcelos, was the last sign to a team that needs to reinvent itself.

The Season
Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras was always on top of the league and reached the final rounds of regular season with chances of finishing in second place. But, with two unexpected home losses, with Terceira and Alges, the team was the fourth seeded in playoff, having to face BC Barcelos in the decisive game to get a promotion. In a team with very experimented players, but with a fragile motivation, most of the players didnt show up in the clutch, what was a big problem to the team. Now, they need to refresh their roster, in order to built something which can put them back in LPB.

The Player
Carlos Dias (197-F-79). The team captain is the most devoted to the team goals and its hard to find him quitting his job. Hes a great outside shooter, he had to play a lot of times in the low post, and he was the voice in the team. Jason Underwood and Anastacio Sami were the two post players of the team. Underwood finished as the best scorer and rebounder, but he lacks competitiveness to play at this level. Sami, the older player in the team, had some great performances, but lacks physical freshness. They were important at times, but not often, as Dias.

The Prospect
Alexandre Catarino (180-G-90). A pure shooting guard, Catarino had to play a lot as Point Guard during the season. Hes young and dedicated and profited the minutes to gain important experience. He will be called to play some more minutes and he has to keep his anxiety off court. If he manages that, he can be an important player in his teams rotation.
Check for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com

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  PUERTO RICO   


Harris' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old forward Mike Harris (198-F-83) put on an amazing game in the last week for second-ranked San German and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 25.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds, while his team beat Quebradillas (#6, 14-13) 77-71. San German is placed at 2nd position in Puerto Rican league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. San German will need more victories to improve their 16-11 record. In the team's last game Harris had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at San German, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Rice University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Harris. Harris is in league's top in points (8th best: 18.2ppg) and averages solid 1.5bpg and 56.9% FGP.

Second best performed player last week was Johwen Villegas (193-G-85) of Coamo. He is a guard in his first season at Coamo. In the last game Villegas recorded impressive 29 points and 6 rebounds. Of course he lead Coamo to another comfortable win 86-70 over the higher-ranked Santurce (#5, 15-13) being unquestionably team leader. Coamo's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-18 record. Villegas is one of the most experienced players at Coamo and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.8ppg (#5). He also registered 5.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Ivan Johnson (203-F/C-84) of Humacao (#7). Johnson showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the last week. He was a key player of Humacao, leading his team to a 85-79 win against slightly higher-ranked Santurce (#5, 15-13). The chances of Humacao ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 15 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Johnson could help Humacao to bring them higher in the standings. Johnson has a great season in Puerto Rico. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.2ppg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of Isabela - 22 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Aaron McGhee (203-F/C-79) of Coamo - 11 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Monty Wilson (197-F-73) of Coamo - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jesus Verdejo (193-G-85) of Isabela - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Terrence Shannon (203-F-79) of Bayamon - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85) of Arecibo - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76) of Arecibo - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists

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

BSN Round 25: Vaqueros beat Maratonistas by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets. Coincidentally all visitors won their games.

Eighth-ranked Maratonistas (11-18) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Vaqueros (18-9) in Coamo on Wednesday. The visitors from Bayamon managed to secure only one-point victory 70-69. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maratonistas. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 23-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 7 assists. International forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Monty Wilson (197-73, college: Tennessee St., agency: Edge Sports) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for Maratonistas. Vaqueros maintains first place with 18-9 record. Maratonistas at the other side keep the eighth position with 18 games lost. Vaqueros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Maratonistas will play on the road against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Guaynabo. First ranked Vaqueros (18-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Mets (16-12) 73-70 on Monday evening. American forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) stepped up and scored 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Roberto Jose Hatton chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Mets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Vaqueros maintains first place with 18-9 record. Mets at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 12 games lost. Vaqueros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mets will play at home against Cangrejeros (#5) in Santurce and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was also a 16-point surprising home defeat of 5th ranked Cangrejeros in a game in Santurce versus Maratonistas (#8) 86-70. Johwen Villegas nailed 29 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Walter Hodge came up with 23 points for Cangrejeros in the defeat. Maratonistas maintains eighth place with 11-18 record. Loser Cangrejeros keep the fifth position with 13 games lost. Maratonistas will meet higher ranked Caciques (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cangrejeros will play against Mets in Guaynabo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Quebradillas was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Atleticos (16-11) played at the court of 6th ranked Quebradillas (14-13). Atleticos managed to secure a 6-point victory 77-71. Mike Harris fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Atleticos have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Arecibo. Quebradillas at the other side keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Atleticos' next round opponent will be Indios (#9) in Mayaguez and are hoping to win another game. Quebradillas will play at home against Gallitos in Isabela.

In the last two games of round 25 Humacao beat Santurce on the road 85-79. Bottom-ranked Isabela lost to Arecibo on its own court 71-76.


Coamo - Bayamon 69-70

Eighth-ranked Maratonistas (11-18) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Vaqueros (18-9) in Coamo on Wednesday. The visitors from Bayamon managed to secure only one-point victory 70-69. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maratonistas. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 23-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 7 assists. International forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-77, college: Long Beach St., agency: Paris Global Sports) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Monty Wilson (197-73, college: Tennessee St., agency: Edge Sports) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import power forward Aaron McGhee (203-79, college: Oklahoma) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Maratonistas. Vaqueros maintains first place with 18-9 record. Maratonistas at the other side keep the eighth position with 18 games lost. Vaqueros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Maratonistas will play on the road against Caciques (#7) in Humacao and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Coamo: M.Wilson 19+11reb+2ast, A.McGhee 12+8reb, J.Villegas 11+4reb+1ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 9+9reb+1ast, C.Vega 8+3reb+6ast, A.Ortiz 4
Bayamon: C.Dalmau 17+3reb+7ast, J.Mojica 12+6reb+2ast, R.Jose Hatton 11+1reb+2ast, C.Antrone Lee 10+7reb+3ast, R.Barbosa 7+2reb, R.Rickert 6+10reb
gschID: 125603


Santurce - Humacao 79-85

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Caciques (13-15) beat 5th ranked Cangrejeros (15-13) in Santurce 85-79. The guests were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 23-15 run, which allowed them to win the game. Caciques made 24-of-30 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American power forward Ivan Johnson (203-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) fired 22 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. His fellow American import swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds and international guard Richard Chaney (196-84, college: Troy) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Caciques and four Cangrejeros players scored in double figures. Caciques maintains seventh place with 13-15 record. Cangrejeros at the other side keep the fifth position with 13 games lost. Caciques' next round opponent will be Maratonistas (#8) in Coamo. Cangrejeros will play on the road against Mets in Guaynabo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Santurce: M.Sweetney 21+6reb+1ast, R.Chaney 16+6reb, W.Hodge 16+2reb+1ast, A.Reyes 12+5reb, E.'Guayito' Santiago 6+3reb+8ast, R.Sanchez 4+4reb+2ast
Humacao: I.Johnson 22+9reb+6ast, J.Life 15, D.Clemente 15+3reb+1ast, J.Maye 12+6reb+2ast, K.Penn 11+7reb+1ast, M.Ali Berdiel 10+5reb+2ast
gschID: 125604


Santurce - Coamo 70-86

An interesting game was also a 16-point surprising home defeat of 5th ranked Cangrejeros in a game in Santurce versus Maratonistas (#8) 86-70. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-70. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) nailed 29 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and American power forward Aaron McGhee (203-79, college: Oklahoma) accounted for 11 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized Ivorian guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) came up with 23 points and American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) added 13 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Cangrejeros in the defeat. Maratonistas maintains eighth place with 11-18 record. Loser Cangrejeros keep the fifth position with 13 games lost. Maratonistas will meet higher ranked Caciques (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cangrejeros will play against Mets in Guaynabo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Santurce: W.Hodge 23+3reb+3ast, M.Sweetney 13+10reb+2ast, R.Sanchez 11+9reb+2ast, R.Chaney 8+4reb, A.Reyes 8+3reb, E.'Guayito' Santiago 7+4reb+5ast
Coamo: J.Villegas 29+6reb+1ast, M.Wilson 13+3reb+2ast, A.McGhee 11+15reb+4ast, C.Vega 10+1reb+2ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 8+9reb+1ast, A.Ortiz 8+1reb+4ast
gschID: 125600


Quebradillas - San German 71-77

The game in Quebradillas was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Atleticos (16-11) played at the court of 6th ranked Quebradillas (14-13). Atleticos managed to secure a 6-point victory 77-71. Quebradillas were ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 42-35 second half run of Atleticos. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-84, college: VCU) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. American-Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-75, college: Indian Hills CC) produced 22 points and the former international swingman Joel Jones (196-81, college: Sacramento St.) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Atleticos have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Arecibo. Quebradillas at the other side keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Atleticos' next round opponent will be Indios (#9) in Mayaguez and are hoping to win another game. Quebradillas will play at home against Gallitos in Isabela.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: C.Bruton 22+2reb+2ast, A.Alamo 15+5reb+3ast, J.Jones 14+7reb+2ast, G.Stevenson 7+5reb+6ast, S.Rosas 6+2ast, R.Apodaca 5+1reb+3ast
San German: M.Harris 23+15reb+1ast, J.Lloreda 14+3reb+5ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 14+7reb+4ast, R.Abraham 9+6reb+5ast, J.Rodriguez 8+3reb+2ast, J.Nieves 7+3reb
gschID: 125601


Isabela - Arecibo 71-76

Very expected game when 10th ranked Gallitos (9-19) lost to fourth ranked Capitanes (16-11) in Isabela 71-76. Gallitos were ahead by 6 points after three quarters before a 22-11 charge of Capitanes, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 21 Gallitos turnovers. The former international center Daniel Santiago (216-76, college: N.Mexico, agency: Priority Sports) fired 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. International guard Guillermo Diaz (188-85, college: Miami, FL) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Four Capitanes players scored in double figures. Capitanes' coach David Rosario allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and guard Jesus Verdejo (193-85, college: S.Florida) added 22 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Capitanes have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with San German. Gallitos at the other side stay at the bottom position with 19 games lost. Capitanes' next round opponent will be Indios (#9) in Mayaguez and are hoping to win another game. Gallitos will play on the road against Quebradillas.
Top scorers:
Isabela: S.Randolph 22+15reb+3ast, J.Verdejo 22+5reb+2ast, A.David Galindo 20+6reb+3ast, D.Hinson 3+3reb+5ast, S.Clancy 2+5reb+1ast, F.Valencia 2+1reb
Arecibo: D.Cortes 17+1reb, G.Diaz 15+4reb+4ast, D.Santiago 12+8reb+5ast, L.Ayuso 10+3reb+1ast, D.Pinnock 7+6reb+4ast, A.Falcon 4+1ast
gschID: 125602


Guaynabo - Bayamon 70-73

Important game to mention about took place in Guaynabo. First ranked Vaqueros (18-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Mets (16-12) 73-70 on Monday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Mets won third quarter 20-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Vaqueros won last quarter 20-18. American forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) stepped up and scored 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and the former international point guard Roberto Jose Hatton (187-76, college: Marist) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and the former international swingman Angel Luis Figueroa (196-81, college: Dowling, agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Four Mets players scored in double figures. Mets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Vaqueros maintains first place with 18-9 record. Mets at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 12 games lost. Vaqueros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mets will play at home against Cangrejeros (#5) in Santurce and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: A.Luis Figueroa 14+6reb+1ast, C.Escalera 13+4reb+2ast, S.Pruitt 12+10reb, G.Colon 11+7reb+1ast, A.Daniel Vassallo 8+3reb+2ast, S.Villegas 7+1reb
Bayamon: T.Shannon 20+8reb+5ast, R.Jose Hatton 19+6reb+3ast, R.Rickert 9+6reb+2ast, J.Mojica 8+5reb+2ast, F.Western 6+2reb, R.Barbosa 5+2reb
gschID: 125599




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  RUSSIA   


CSKA wins the third game to take 2-1 Final lead - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Khimky - CSKA 58-70

CSKA wins the third game to take 2-1 Final lead. CSKA Moscow led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. CSKA Moscow outrebounded Khimky 35-23 including 30 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Alexey Shved (196-88, agency: Alti Sport) who scored 20 points. International center Andrey Vorontsevich (204-87) chipped in 9 points and 4 assists. CSKA Moscow's coach Jonas Kazlauskas used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Vitaly Fridzon (195-85) who recorded 22 points and international forward Sergey Monya (203-83) added 11 points and 4 assists respectively.
Top scorers:
CSKA: A.Shved 20+4reb+2ast, J.Gordon 10+4reb+3ast, T.Langdon 10+2reb+1ast, J.Holden 9+4reb+2ast, A.Vorontsevich 9+4reb+4ast, M.Smodis 7+3reb
Khimky: V.Fridzon 22+4reb+3ast, S.Monya 11+4reb+4ast, R.Lopez 9+1reb+4ast, Z.Planinic 7+3reb+4ast, K.Loncar 5+2reb, T.Kelati 4+4reb+2ast
gschID: 129798
3rd place
Lokomotiv - Unics 70-77

Lokomotiv was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 42-33 second half run of Unics Kazan. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Lokomotiv's 38. Unics Kazan forced 19 Lokomotiv turnovers. It was a good game for Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) contributed with 21 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners. American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) answered with 19 points and guard Aleksei Surovtsev (202-84) added 7 points and 4 steals in the effort for Lokomotiv. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Unics: M.Lampe 26+13reb+2ast, T.Lyday 21+4reb+5ast, P.Samoylenko 10+1reb+3ast, V.Veremeenko 9+10reb+3ast, H.Rizvic 7+4reb, A.Amirkhanov 2
Lokomotiv: L.Chalmers 19+3reb+1ast, A.Tucker 10+2reb+1ast, J.Massey 8+3reb, M.Wilkinson 8+5reb+1ast, A.Surovtsev 7+4reb+3ast, G.Shukhovtsov 4+1reb
gschID: 129795


5th place
N.Novgorod - Enisey 95-68

The game was mostly controlled by BC Nizhny Novgorod. Enisey Krasnoyarsk managed to win fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Enisey Krasnoyarsk 38-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for Serbian guard Ivan Paunic (194-87, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Serbian guard Nemanja Protic (182-86) helped adding 20 points. The best for the losing side was guard Pavel Sergeev (187-87, agency: RIZO) with 21 points and forward Dmitri Nikolaev (200-83) scored 9 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
N.Novgorod: I.Paunic 21+6reb+6ast, N.Protic 20+3reb+2ast, A.Ivanov 12+3reb+1ast, A.Pustahvar 11+3reb, S.Antonov 9+10reb+1ast, O.Baranov 9+9reb+1ast
Enisey: P.Sergeev 21+3reb+1ast, D.Belyaev 12, K.Babynin 9+1reb+1ast, D.Nikolaev 9+4reb, L.Baxter 8+4reb, A.Komarovskiy 3+5reb+3ast
gschID: 129796


7th place
Krasnie Krilya - Spartak SP 101-90

The game was mostly controlled by Krasnie Krilya. Spartak St.Petersburg was better in fourth quarter 30-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Krasnie Krilya shot 62.1 percent from the field and made 23-of-28 charity shots (82.1 percent) during the game, while Spartak St.Petersburg only scored five points from the stripe. They outrebounded Spartak St.Petersburg 40-26 including a 33-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Krasnie Krilya players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for power forward Andrey Trushkin (206-81) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. American swingman Gerald Green (202-86, college: High School, agency: Lanshire Group) accounted for 18 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winning side. American guard Patrick Beverley (185-88, college: Arkansas) came up with 27 points and 8 assists and American-Bosnian guard Henry Domercant (192-80, college: E.Illinois) added 19 points and 4 steals respectively for Spartak St.Petersburg in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Krasnie Krilya: G.Green 18+6reb+2ast, A.Trushkin 18+10reb, V.Zvarykin 16+4reb+1ast, A.Kuzyakin 15+3reb, B.Rush 11+5reb+6ast, K.Nesterov 11+2reb+2ast
Spartak SP: P.Beverley 27+1reb+8ast, H.Domercant 19+4reb+1ast, N.Dragovic 15+5reb+1ast, A.Zozulin 10+2reb, A.Ponkrashov 6+4reb+3ast, M.Zupan 4+4reb
gschID: 129797




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  RWANDA   


KBC, Espoir Clash in Hoop League - by Eurobasket News
Kigali Basketball Club (KBC) is eager to build on last weekend's victory when they entertain a youthful Espoir side this morning at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

The defending champions were no match for CSK last Saturday and are hoping for a similar result today against Prosper Muhigo's youthful side.

Apart from, Alistade Mugabe and Pascal Karenzi, the rest of the players are relatively new on the scene.

'We are a young side but the future is bright if the guys stay together,' Muhigo said.

In other games, APR play away to Rusizi, National University of Rwanda (NUR) host UGB while KIE and CSK lock horns at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

Today's Fixtures

Rusizi vs APR 10am (Rusizi)

KBC vs Espoir 10am (Amahoro)

NUR vs UGB 10am (Huye)

CSK vs KIE 12pm (Amahoro)

Sunday

NUR vs APR 10am

Rusizi vs UGB 10am

CSK vs Espoir 10am

St Joseph vs KBC 12pm
Courtesy of: The New Times

Hakizimana Stars for Csk - by Eurobasket News
CSK registered back to back league wins over the weekend thanks to top notch displays from Lionel Hakizimana and Geroul Ndugu.

The Rugunga-based side thumped Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) 82-48 on Saturday and then thrashed Espoir 73-49 the following day.

Against KIE, Hakizimana top scored with 17 points while Ndugu scored a game high 24 points against Espoir.

It was a good comeback after last weekend's 85-75 defeat against defending champions KBC and head coach Javier Kamanzi a.k.a Vava reckons that the winning streak is not about to end.

'We started poorly but we have picked ourselves up and are playing some good basketball at the moment,' he said.

In other games, APR took their winning streak to four games after victories over Rusizi (96-54) and National University of Rwanda (NUR) 115-60.

KBC also won their games against Espoir 60-51 and St. Joseph 64-56.
Courtesy of: The New Times

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


Candidates for Serbian NT announced - by Eurobasket News
Head Coach of the Serbian National Team Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket) announced list with 19 candidates for the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania.

List with 19 candidates
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87)
Stefan Markovic (194-G-88)
Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket)
Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86)
Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket)
Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket)
Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89)
Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket)
Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances)
Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances)
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket)
Novica Velickovic (205-F-86)
Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group)
Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona)
Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85)
Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88, agency: Beo Basket)
Kosta Perovic (217-C-85)
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group)
Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88)

EuroBasket in Lithuania begins on August 31. Serbia is placed to Group B together with Germany, Latvia, France, Israel and Italy. In the opening day of the competition Serbia will meet Italy. After that, the Silver medal winner from Poland will play against Latvia, than Israel, Germany and France. All of their games Serbia will play in Siauliai. Best three teams from each of four groups will advance to Round Two.
As mentioned above, Serbia won the Silver at the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. They reached the Finals, but Spain was too strong for them 63-85. Last summer at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Serbia ended as No.4

Cajasol signs Luka Bogdanovic - by Eurobasket News
Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) is back to Spain. The Serbian power forward signed a two-year deal with Cajasol. Bogdanovic arrives to Cajasol from EWE Baskets Oldenburg, where he finished last season. He appeared 26 times in German league averaging 11.9 points and 3.9 rebounds. In EuroCup, Bogdanovic added 7 ppg and 6.5 rpg. He started last season with Roanne registering 11.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 7 games in ProA.
As mentioned above, Luka Bogdanovic is not a new face in Spain. He played for DKV Joventut from 2008 until the last summer. He had very similar digits in both years in ACB (9 ppg and 3 rpg). In EuroCup, Bogdanovic had about 10 ppg and 4 rpg in two years. In the past, Luka Bogdanovic played for Partizan and Crvena Zvezda.

Stevan Jelovac signs with Antalya - by Eurobasket News
Stevan Jelovac (208-F/C-89, agency: BeoExcell) will continue his career in Turkey. The 21-year-old F/PF signed a deal with TBL team Antalya. Jelovac heads to Antalya from Mega Vizura, where he finished last season. For 33 games in A1 and Superleague Jelovac had 13.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg. His season-high was 31 points and 14 rebounds against FMP. Jelovac started 2010/11 with Crvena Zvezda, but they parted ways in November. He had 6.6 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Crvena Zvezda in 5 Adriatic league games. Jelovac also played for Mega Vizura from 2008 until the last summer. In the past, he was a member of Partizan and Sport Key. Stevan Jelovac played for the Serbian U20 National Team two years ago. In 2005, he was a member of U18 Serbia.

*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


China 2010-11 CBA has now turned in to Korean 2011-12 KBL
China 2010-11 CBA has now turned in to Korea 2011-12 KBL, as a number of high profile players have already signed in the neighboring country of Korea/KBL.

Among the top free agent signings, in a stunning turn of events, Peter John Ramos (222-C-85), arguably one of the top big men in China, has agreed to come to Korea with the Samsung Thunder, this is a coup for the Thunder, as Ramos will be tough to guard for any import. Johnson Alexander (208-F-83, college: Florida St.), another China cast-off has agreed to sign with the SK team, Johnson played for the last month in the season of the CBA with Shanxi, but rumor has it he was not enamored with China's off court conditions, ie living,food etc. Another signing puts White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) in Korea with KGC, which is a surprise, as Rodney has been in China for the past 4 years, and produced solid numbers, although some think he had his poorest season in China since he arrived in 07-08, prompting a move to another country.

The most intriguing possible signing is that of MVP/Scoring champ Gaines Charles (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) , who led the league in scoring last season and has been among the top players in China and in Europe for the past few years. Rumor has it that Gaines Charles has agreed in principal to play for the LG Sakers, although not confirmed, it looks like that is the case.

Given 4 of the most prominent players over the past few seasons in China have all defected to Korea, it looks like China will have a whole new landscape of players.


South Korea celebrate title in Nanjing - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Japan 89:73

South Korea claimed East Asia Championship title. They prevailed against Japan in the championship game tonight. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) provided 26 points to lead the winners.
South Korea bravely entered the game. They quickly surged ahead and enjoyed a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. But Japan reacted in the second term. Japan outscored their opponents 24:15 in the second term to narrow the deficit at three points 37:40. But South Korea continued to mount the pressure in the third frame. The Korean side unloaded 23 points and boosted the margin to 9 points at the final intermission. South Korea stayed aggressively offensively as they poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the win at the end. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G-85) delivered 20 points and 6 rebounds for South Korea. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 19 points in the victory. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Japan. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) provided 12 points in defeat.

South Korea: Yang Dong-Geun 26, Kang Byung-Hyun 20, Cho Sung-Min 19
Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 15, Takuya Kawamura 12


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


Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Awards 2010-11
All-Spanish LEB Silver 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
David Mesa
Mesa
Matt Witt
Witt
Jonathan Barcelo
Barcelo
Ian O
O'Leary
Shaun Green
Green
#e#5

Player of the Year: David Mesa (200-C-80) of Knet Rioja
Guard of the Year: Matt Witt (183-PG-84) of Knet Rioja
Forward of the Year: Ian O'Leary (201-F-86) of Oviedo Feve
Center of the Year: David Mesa (200-C-80) of Knet Rioja
Bosman Player of the Year: Marco Todorovic (199-F-92) of Prat Juventud
Import Player of the Year: Matt Witt (183-PG-84) of Knet Rioja
Domestic Player of the Year: David Mesa (200-C-80) of Knet Rioja
Defensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Barcelo (192-F/G-79) of Plasencia
Coach of the Year: Jesus Sala of Knet Rioja

1st Team
PG: Matt Witt (183-84) of Knet Rioja
F/G: Jonathan Barcelo (192-79) of Plasencia
F: Ian O'Leary (201-86) of Oviedo Feve
F: Shaun Green (203-87) of Mallorca
C: David Mesa (200-80) of Knet Rioja

2nd Team
PG: Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) of Mallorca
G/F: Pablo Sanchez (197-81) of Andorra
F: Marco Todorovic (199-92) of Prat Juventud
C/F: Robert Johnson (203-81) of Andorra
C: Sidnei De Santana (215-83) of Knet Rioja

3rd Team
G: Xavier Guirao (190-87) of ADT Tarragona
G: Mikel Uriz (180-89) of Alcazar
F: Kevin Ratzsch (201-86) of Oviedo Feve
F/C: Charles Ramsdell (208-85) of Avila
C: Ismael Torres (202-79) of Mallorca

Honorable Mention
Kim Adams (203-F/C-82) of Coruna
Cristopher Mortellaro (206-F/C-82) of Lan Mobel ISB
Anthony Paez (198-F-84) of Lan Mobel ISB
Enrique Suarez (185-G-83) of Knet Rioja
Kyle Swanston (201-F-86) of Knet Rioja
Antoni Jaume Vicens (202-C-90) of Mallorca
Andreu Matali (204-F/C-81) of Andorra
Reginald Larry (201-F-86) of Regal FC II

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) of Mallorca
G/F: Pablo Sanchez (197-81) of Andorra
F/G: Jonathan Barcelo (192-79) of Plasencia
C: Sidnei De Santana (215-83) of Knet Rioja
C: David Mesa (200-80) of Knet Rioja

All-Imports Team
PG: Matt Witt (183-84) of Knet Rioja
F: Ian O'Leary (201-86) of Oviedo Feve
F: Shaun Green (203-87) of Mallorca
F/C: Charles Ramsdell (208-85) of Avila
C/F: Robert Johnson (203-81) of Andorra

All-Bosmans Team
G: Alfredo Ott (193-83) of Knet Rioja
F: Marco Todorovic (199-92) of Prat Juventud
F/C: Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82) of Lan Mobel ISB
C: Alexey Chubrevich (212-86) of Illescas
C: Kaspars Cipruss (210-82) of Avila



Ricardo Guillen is MVP of LEB Gold 2010-11
All-Spanish LEB Gold 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
Ricardo Guillen
Guillen
David Navarro
Navarro
Kahiem Seawright
Seawright
Vitor Faverani
Faverani
Oriol Junyent
Junyent
#e#5

Player of the Year: Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) of La Laguna
Guard of the Year: David Navarro (192-G/F-83) of Valencia
Forward of the Year: Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) of La Laguna
Center of the Year: Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) of CB Murcia
Bosman Player of the Year: Fotios Lampropoulos (206-F-83) of La Laguna
Import Player of the Year: Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) of CB Murcia
Domestic Player of the Year: Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) of La Laguna
Defensive Player of the Year: Andres Rodriguez (182-PG-81) of Obradoiro
Coach of the Year: Luis Guil of CB Murcia

1st Team
G/F: David Navarro (192-83) of Valencia
F/C: Ricardo Guillen (205-76) of La Laguna
C/F: Kahiem Seawright (203-86) of Leon
C: Vitor Faverani (211-88) of CB Murcia
C: Oriol Junyent (207-76) of Obradoiro

2nd Team
PG: Pedro Rivero (186-79) of CB Murcia
G: Micah Downs (203-86) of Burgos
F: Fotios Lampropoulos (206-83) of La Laguna
F/C: Jerome Tillman (198-87) of Burgos
C: Oliver Arteaga (211-83) of Breogan

3rd Team
PG: Andres Rodriguez (182-81) of Obradoiro
G: James Feldeine (193-88) of Breogan
F/C: Juan Palacios (204-85) of La Palma
C/F: Ryan Humphrey (203-79) of Caceres
C: Dwayne Curtis (203-85) of Lleida

Honorable Mention
Stevie Johnson (198-F/C-78) of Huesca
Timothy Frost (208-C-80) of Palencia
Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85) of Burgos
Taylor Coppenrath (205-F-81) of CB Murcia
Levon Kendall (209-F-84) of Obradoiro
Jorge Garcia (203-C/F-77) of Leon
Josep Ortega (201-C-84) of Girona
Levi Rost (201-F-83) of Girona
Jason Blair (201-F/C-79) of Navarra
Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) of Unicaja
Kiril Wachsmann (203-C/F-83) of Alcazar
Alexander Franklin (196-F-88) of CB Tarragona

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Pedro Rivero (186-79) of CB Murcia
G/F: David Navarro (192-83) of Valencia
F/C: Ricardo Guillen (205-76) of La Laguna
C: Oliver Arteaga (211-83) of Breogan
C: Oriol Junyent (207-76) of Obradoiro

All-Imports Team
G: Micah Downs (203-86) of Burgos
C/F: Kahiem Seawright (203-86) of Leon
F/C: Juan Palacios (204-85) of La Palma
F/C: Jerome Tillman (198-87) of Burgos
C: Vitor Faverani (211-88) of CB Murcia

All-Bosmans Team
F: Fotios Lampropoulos (206-83) of La Laguna
F: Levon Kendall (209-84) of Obradoiro
F/C: Peter Lorant (207-85) of Burgos
F/C: Jason Blair (201-79) of Navarra
C: Nedzad Sinanovic (221-83) of Unicaja



Fernando SanEmeterio - ACB MVP for 2010-11 season
All-ACB 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
Fernando San Emeterio
San Emeterio
Marcelinho Huertas
Huertas
Jaycee Carroll
Carroll
Nik Caner-Medley
Caner-Medley
Ante Tomic
Tomic
#e#5

Player of the Year: Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) of Caja Laboral
Guard of the Year: Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83) of Caja Laboral
Forward of the Year: Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) of Caja Laboral
Center of the Year: Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of Real Madrid
Bosman Player of the Year: Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83) of Caja Laboral
Import Player of the Year: Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83) of Gran Canaria
Domestic Player of the Year: Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) of Caja Laboral
Defensive Player of the Year: Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82) of Valencia
Newcomer of the Year: Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85) of Fuenlabrada
Coach of the Year: Xavier Pascual of Regal Barca

1st Team
G: Marcelinho Huertas (191-83) of Caja Laboral
G: Jaycee Carroll (188-83) of Gran Canaria
F/G: Fernando San Emeterio (198-84) of Caja Laboral
F: Nik Caner-Medley (203-83) of Estudiantes
C: Ante Tomic (217-87) of Real Madrid

2nd Team
G: Juan Carlos Navarro (192-80) of Regal Barca
G: Nando De Colo (202-87) of Valencia
F: Mirza Teletovic (206-85) of Caja Laboral
F/C: Esteban Batista (208-83) of Caja Laboral
C: Stanko Barac (217-86) of Caja Laboral

3rd Team
G: Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82) of Valencia
G: Rafael Martinez (191-82) of Valencia
F: Robert Kurz (206-85) of Granada
F/C: Erazem Lorbek (209-84) of Regal Barca
F/C: Victor Claver (207-88) of Valencia

Honorable Mention
Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85) of Fuenlabrada
Gerald Fitch (191-G-82) of Unicaja
Joel Freeland (208-F-87) of Unicaja
Paolo Quinteros (186-G-79) of CAI Zaragoza
Paul Davis (211-C-84) of Cajasol
Andy Panko (204-F-77) of Lagun Aro GBC
Justin Doellman (206-F-85) of Meridiano
Carlos Suarez (202-F-86) of Real Madrid
Sergio Llull (190-G-87) of Real Madrid
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83) of Valencia

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Juan Carlos Navarro (192-80) of Regal Barca
G: Rafael Martinez (191-82) of Valencia
F/G: Fernando San Emeterio (198-84) of Caja Laboral
F: Carlos Suarez (202-86) of Real Madrid
F/C: Victor Claver (207-88) of Valencia

All-Imports Team
G: Jaycee Carroll (188-83) of Gran Canaria
F: Nik Caner-Medley (203-83) of Estudiantes
F: Robert Kurz (206-85) of Granada
F/C: Esteban Batista (208-83) of Caja Laboral
F/C: Gustavo Ayon (209-85) of Fuenlabrada

All-Bosmans Team
G: Marcelinho Huertas (191-83) of Caja Laboral
G: Nando De Colo (202-87) of Valencia
F: Mirza Teletovic (206-85) of Caja Laboral
C: Ante Tomic (217-87) of Real Madrid
C: Stanko Barac (217-86) of Caja Laboral



Sources: Ricky Rubio inked with Wolves - by Eurobasket News
Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) has already signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the holdup keeping him from leaving Barcelona is related to his buyout agreement, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

'This is just a bump in the road for (the Timberwolves),' said one source.

Rubio's Spanish club won the ACB championship Tuesday, after which Rubio said:

'We are talking with Barcelona and we will soon see.'

That fueled speculation Rubio might not come to Minnesota for the 2011-12 season. But two sources told ESPN.com Rubio has already signed with the Timberwolves. He still must receive a letter of clearance from FIBA, the sports' international governing body.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press and The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported that Rubio, the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NBA draft, had reached an agreement to join the Timberwolves after two seasons with Barcelona.

The Timberwolves did not confirm those reports, which followed years of speculation that Rubio, 20, did not want to leave Europe or pay the multimillion-dollar buyout of his Barcelona contract out of his own pocket.

Rubio said he was 'very happy' after Barcelona won the Spanish league title, according to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. 'This title is the most widely appreciated. At last I have it and we must all be proud of it.'

On Wednesday, a source close to Rubio told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that he is unaware of any change to Rubio's plans to play in the NBA next season.

Timberwolves president David Kahn called Rubio 'a virtuoso and somebody special' after drafting him in 2009. Kahn and agent Dan Fegan had an agreement to bring Rubio to the NBA that summer, but Rubio withdrew from that deal at the last minute after deciding he did not want to pay a $6 million-plus buyout.

With the passing of two seasons, Rubio's buyout from Barcelona has decreased to $1.4 million. The Timberwolves can contribute up to $500,000 of that amount under current league rules.

Rubio averaged 6.5 points a game on 39 percent shooting this season at Barcelona, where he dealt with a foot injury and fell out of the starting lineup. The Timberwolves believe Rubio will flourish in the NBA, where guards have more freedom to create than they do in the stricter offensive schemes common in the European game.

'He's gotten bigger and he plays outstanding defense, and because he's a pass-first guard he's going to be liked by everybody who plays with him,' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said last year. Krzyzewski coached Team USA against Rubio and Spain in the Beijing Olympics.

Rubio dominated the junior circuit in Europe and turned professional at 14. His flashy style and baby face made him an instant sensation in Europe.

Although Rubio's stock dropped this season, the woeful Timberwolves -- winners of a combined 32 games the past two seasons -- remain in need of a point guard to feed the ball to Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.

Courtesy of ESPN

CAI Zaragoza land Jacob Burtschi - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced the strengthening in their frontcourt. The team inked a deal with Jacob Burtschi (198-F-84, college: Air Force). The 27-year-old forward spent the previous season in Germany. Jacob Burtschi averaged 14.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 1 Bundesliga. The forward played his best game on February 1 against LTi Giessen. Burtschi stepped up with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists leading Hagen to a 92:76 win. Jacob Burtschi graduated from Air Force back in 2007. He tallied 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals in his senior season in college. Jacob Burtschi made it into All-MWC 2nd Team back in 2007. He also got into NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team the same year.


Cajasol signs Luka Bogdanovic - by Eurobasket News
Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) is back to Spain. The Serbian power forward signed a two-year deal with Cajasol. Bogdanovic arrives to Cajasol from EWE Baskets Oldenburg, where he finished last season. He appeared 26 times in German league averaging 11.9 points and 3.9 rebounds. In EuroCup, Bogdanovic added 7 ppg and 6.5 rpg. He started last season with Roanne registering 11.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 7 games in ProA.
As mentioned above, Luka Bogdanovic is not a new face in Spain. He played for DKV Joventut from 2008 until the last summer. He had very similar digits in both years in ACB (9 ppg and 3 rpg). In EuroCup, Bogdanovic had about 10 ppg and 4 rpg in two years. In the past, Luka Bogdanovic played for Partizan and Crvena Zvezda.

Garbajosa retires from Spain national team - by Greg
MADRID (EuroBasket 2011) - Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) has called it quits with Spain's national team.

The versatile power forward, who is 33, made the much-anticipated announcement early Tuesday afternoon at the Spanish Basketball Federation headquarters in Madrid.

'This is the day that I never wanted to experience,' Garbajosa said.

'I want to thank the coaches, the players, and especially (FEB president Jose Luis) Saez. To all the media for your treatment, to my wife, my family, my friends that I have denied many summers to them and they have not minded, on the contrary they have supported me.

'Its a very hard day. Its what I must do.

'I retire from the national team but not from the FEB. I will continue in basketball.'

A lynchpin in the side for a decade, Garbajosa has been as important as any player in the squad during a golden era for Spain.

After the loss of Pau Gasol to injury in a 2006 FIBA World Championship Semi-Final victory over Argentina, Garbajosa helped carry the Spanish in a 70-47 title-game rout of Greece, burying six of 11 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 20 points.

Perhaps he will be best remembered for 2007 when he refused to accept the Toronto Raptors' decision not to allow him to play at the EuroBasket in Spain due to injury concerns.

With the support of the FEB, Garbajosa obtained the insurance he needed and not only played but helped the country win a silver medal.

It's been a difficult year for Garbajosa.

After suffering the disappointment of a sixth-place finish at last year's FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Garbajosa joined Real Madrid in the hope of winning titles but he was put on the transfer list in the middle of the season by former coach Ettore Messina.

Garbajosa later joined his old club, Unicaja Malaga.

Courtesy of Fiba.com

Caja Laboral pens long-term deal with Thomas Heurtel - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced signing of Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) to a four-year deal. It means that the French point guard will play for the Vitoria team until the end of 2014/15 season. Heurtel arrives to Caja Laboral from Meridiano Alicante, where he spent last season. He appeared in 31 ACB games averaging 9.5 points and 2.4 assists. He joined Alicante last summer from Strasbourg. In 2009/10 with Strasbourg, Heurtel had 9.4 ppg, 2 rpg and 4.8 apg for 30 games in ProA. He also added 12 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 5.5 apg for 6 EuroChallenge games. The 22-year-old PG is a product of Pau Orthez.
Thomas Heurtel helped U20 France to win the Silver at the U20 EuroBasket 2009. He had 11 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 3.4 apg for 9 games at this event. Heurtel also played for U20 France in 2008. Last summer, he participated at the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso.

Spanish National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Spanish National Team 2011
#s#
Jose Manuel Calderon
Calderon
Ricky Rubio
Rubio
Victor Sada
Sada
Sergio Llull
Llull
Juan Carlos Navarro
Navarro
#e#5
Jose Manuel Calderon 190-PG-81 Toronto R. USA
Ricky Rubio 192-G-90 Regal Barca Spain
Victor Sada 192-G-84 Regal Barca Spain
Sergio Llull 190-G-87 Real Madrid Spain
Juan Carlos Navarro 192-G-80 Regal Barca Spain
Rudy Fernandez 197-G-85 Portland TB USA
Rafael Martinez 191-G-82 Valencia Spain
Carlos Suarez 202-F-86 Real Madrid Spain
Fernando San Emeterio 198-F/G-84 Caja Laboral Spain
Alex Mumbru 202-F-79 Bizkaia Bilbao Spain
Victor Claver 207-F/C-88 Valencia Spain
Felipe Reyes 203-F/C-80 Real Madrid Spain
Serge Ibaka 208-C/F-89 Oklah.City T. USA
Marc Gasol 212-C-85 Memphis G. USA
Pau Gasol 214-F/C-80 LA Lakers USA

Sergio Scariolo Head Coach Armani MI Italy


Estudiantes changes coach: Pepu Hernandez replaces Casimiro - by Gerard Sole Serra
Some spanish sources says that Luis Casimiro , Asefa Estudiantes Madrid's coach, won't continue in Madrid. Casimiro will be replaced by Jose Vicente Hernandez , who'll start his second stage in Asefa Estudiantes Madrid. The spanish coach was 'really surprised' about the Estudiantes decision and tells that 'the decision was taken by the club's loss of confidence in their work'. Casimiro arrives to Estudiantes on 2008 and stays in Madrid during three years, where Estudiantes reached two Copa del Rey appearences (in 08-09 and 09-10) and some appearences in Eurocup (last season they were defeated by Cedevita in eighthfinals). Casimiro's replacement will be Jose Vicente Hernandez , the DKV Joventut Badalona head coach in this last season, who was the Asefa Estudiantes Madrid head coach during 1994 to 2005 and the Spanish National Team head coach in 2006, reaching the golden medal in the World Championship celebrated in Japan

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Swedish U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Samir Ali Hussein 198-F-92 BG Lulea Sweden
Jonathan Antonsson 202-C-92 Talje Sweden
Charles Barton 191-G-92 Sanda Sweden
Christopher Czerapowicz 200-SF-91 Davidson USA
Carl Engstrom 213-C-91 Alabama USA
Lars Fastberg 191-G-91 Helsingborg Sweden
Viktor Gaddefors 200-F-92 CS Bologna Italy
William Gutenius 205-F/C-92 Sanda Sweden
Pierre Hampton 198-F-91 Eco Orebro Sweden
Lars Robin Johansson
Mike Joseph 184-G-91 Sodertalje Sweden
Jonathan Larsson 188-G-91 LF Basket Sweden
Jan Lindback 194-G/F-91
Alexander Lindqvist 202-F-91 Solna Sweden
Plaisir Mukoko 190-F-91 08 Sweden
Stefan Nguyen 189-G-92 BG Lulea Sweden
Sebastian Norman 208-C-92 Uppsala Sweden
Andreas Person 190-G-91 Helios Slovenia
Daniel Persson 198-G-91 Solna Sweden
Karl Sundstrom 192-SG-91 Eos Sweden
Lukas Winegarner 205-F-91 Radford USA



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


Taiwan finishes fourth in EABC - by Chris Wang
Taiwan was routed by China 87-53 in its last game in 2011 East Asian Basketball Championship Wednesday in Nanjing, China and finished fourth in the qualifying event for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men.

Taiwan head coach Chou Jun-san, who made his debut as head coach of the national team, said the second-unit players actually outplayed the starters, who only turned in average performance, in the tourney.

Chien Chia-Hung (197-F-87), a 197cm forward from Pure Youth, was a pleasant surprise, averaging a team-leading 14.25 points in four games. Chien scored a team-high 19 points Wednesday and, according to local media, Chinese teams have expressed interests in signing the 24-year-old.

Chou Po-cheng, a 20-years-old 196cm backup forward, also showed solid play in the paint.

Facing the Chinese B-team, Taiwan trailed 34-26 at the half before a disastrous third quarter changed the momentum of the game. China outscored Taiwan 30-11 in the period as guard Meng Duo, who finished with 22 points, made four three-pointers. Taiwan couldn't find the solution against seven-footer Zhang Zhaoxu, who tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds, either.

Taiwan technical advisor Bob Hill reminded his players to 'hold their heads up' later in the lock room, saying that it was only a qualifying tournament and there was no need to lose confidence because of one game.

Taiwan NT is scheduled to return to Taiwan Thursday and will soon be in preparation of the William Jones Cup tournament, which will tip off on August 6. The annual international invitational tourney will be used by many teams as a warm-up competition for the Asian Championship in September.

Chou said that he is most concerned with the rebounding issue for now since Taiwan was outrebounded in almost every game in Nanjing. It's almost guaranteed that Chou will make some changes with the lineup between the Jones Cup and the Asian Championship.

With the absence of Tien Lei, Lin Chih-chieh and several oversea players, including Tseng Wen-ting, Jet Chang and Chou Yi-hsiang, the Taiwan NT in Nanjing was actually a B-team. It will be interesting to see how Chou and Hill could make the team better once everyone is back in the lineup.

In the title game, Korea beat Japan 89-73. Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan will represent East Asia in the upcoming Asian Championship.

Final EABC placing:
1. Korea
2. Japan
3. China
4. Taiwan
5. Hong Kong
6. Mongolia


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


Tunisian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Tunisian National Team 2011
#s#
Amine Maghrebi
Maghrebi
Naim Dhifallah
Dhifallah
Mahdi Ben Ghnia
Ben Ghnia
Bachir Hadidane
Hadidane
Zied Toumi
Toumi
#e#5
Marouana Kechrid 178-PG-81 US Monastir Tunisia
Mourad El Mabrouk 190-G-86 Ezzahra Tunisia
Amine Maghrebi 192-G/F-84 Ezzahra Tunisia
Marwane Laghnej 190-G-86 JS Kairouan Tunisia
Mohamed Abbassi JS Kairouan Tunisia
Naim Dhifallah 196-G-82 C Africain Tunisia
Lassaad Chouaya C Africain Tunisia
Mahdi Ben Ghnia 203-F/C-87 C Africain Tunisia
Salem Boucetta 84 ES Rades Tunisia
Mokhtar Ghyaza 204-C-86 ES Rades Tunisia
Mohamed Hadidane 205-F-86 Stade Nabeulien Tunisia
Bachir Hadidane 201-C-84 Stade Nabeulien Tunisia
Skander Lahmir JS Manazeh Tunisia
Zied Toumi 186-PG-85 ES Sahel Tunisia
Amine Rzig 199-G-80 ES Sahel Tunisia
Makram Ben Romdhane 198-F-89 ES Sahel Tunisia
Hamdi Braa 208-F/C-86 ES Sahel Tunisia
Aymen Bouzid Goulette Tunisia

Adel Tlatli Head Coach


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


Furkan Aldemir withdrew from NBA Draft - by Sinan Can
PINAR Karsiyaka's promising star Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) , announced that he withdrew from NBA Draft 2011. Aldemir made his statment from his twitter accozunt and quoted that this decision made by himself, his family and his agent. 'I have been really happy with the interest from NBA scouts as I definitely think that it'd be a better decision to attend the drafts next year. I'll be working on lack of my game and become a better player just to get drafted in first round next year' said 20 year old big man. Furkan Aldemir had a very strong start with Pinar Karsiyaka this yebar, however an ankle injury at Fenerbahce Ulker game on december 2010 kept him out of action for 2 months. Aldemir who has been known with his natural rebounding abilty, athleticism and work ethic, averaged 8.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks at Beko Basketball League. Young man's EuroChallenge performance was 7.7 points, 8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The rumours says that Furkan Aldemir's next stop will be Galatasaray.

TBL Finals: Galatasaray survives, beats Fenerbahce Ulker in Game Five - by Eurobasket News
TBL Finals, Game 5: Fenerbahce Ulker - Galatasaray 71-72 (3-2)

Galatasaray is alive in the Finals! They managed to grab 71-72 road victory last night coming to 2-3 in the series. Galata will be the host in Game Six, which is scheduled for Friday. The format of TBL Finals is best-of-seven.
The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. The best player for the winners was Croatian center Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American swingman Joshua Shipp (196-86, college: UCLA) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Bosnian-Slovenian forward Emir Preldzic (206-87, agency: Beo Basket) produced 16 points and the former international center Oguz Savas (208-87) added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Fenerbahce Ulker players scored in double figures.

Top scorers:
Fener.Ulker: E.Preldzic 16+4reb+2ast, R.Ukic 14+3ast, D.Lavrinovic 12+4reb, O.Savas 11+6reb+2ast, O.Onan 7+4reb, T.Kinsey 6+2reb
Galatasaray: L.Andric 22+7reb+4ast, J.Shipp 13+8reb, E.Kurtoglu 12+3reb+1ast, T.Acik 7+3reb+6ast, P.Shumpert 6+5reb+3ast, C.Topaloglu 5+3reb

Stevan Jelovac joins Antalya - by Eurobasket News
Antalya brought in talented Stevan Jelovac (208-F/C-89, agency: BeoExcell). The 21-year-old Serbian centre started the last season in Crvena Zvezda. Stevan Jelovac tallied 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in Adriatic League. In November the centre moved to Mega Vizura. He averaged 13.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per appearance in A League.


Beko Basketball League playoff finals game 5: Fenerbahce Ulker fails to secure the title - by Pervin Elgin
In the fifth game of the Beko Basketball League play-off finals, Fenerbahce Ulker failed to secure the championship title by win their fourth game in the best of seven series. Instead, they were beaten at home in the final seconds with 71-72 by Galatasaray Cafe Crown. Ulker is still leading the series 3-2, and has another chance to win the title on Friday.

The first period started with mutual baskets. After that, Emir Preldzic's scores brought the advantage for Ulker to 12-9 with five minutes played. Scores by Roko Ukic and another five points by Preldzic ended the period with 24-19 in favor of Fenerbahce Ulker's Basketball Team.

In the second period Ulker managed to hang on to the lead initially: 32-26 with 15 minutes played. Cafe Crown scored a 0-7 series after that and gained the advantage by one point: 32-33. After a couple of mutual baskets Galatasaray increased the gap to three points, but a three point score by Roko Ukic tied the score at 41-41 at halftime.

In the third period Luksa Andric, who scored 22 points in total, excelled for Cafe Crown. The guest team finished the period with a three point lead: 53-56.

In the final period Galatasaray Cafe Crown increased the gap to seven points, but a 9-2 series by Ulker equalized the scores again: 62-62 midway of the fourth. It remained a close game after that. Fenerbahce took a 71-67 lead with 90 seconds left on the clock, but Andric made a basket and a free throw by Evren Buker closed the gap to one point again. Roko Ukic missed a crucial basket with 25 seconds left to play, and Josh Shipp scored the game winning basket to keep Cafe Crown in the race: 71-72.

On Friday Fenerbahce will play the sixth game of the playoff series, hoping to grab the second chance to win the title.


*****************************************************
  UBA   


Is Belton the best point guard in the UBA? - by UBA media
David Walls Reports:
May 13, 2011

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Assault strong finish to the 2011 season has started to catch the attention of fans and teams around the world of basketball.

One Assault player, however, already has the attention of his peers.

Point Guard William Belton (6'1''-G-84, college: Wofford), who came into the season regarded as one of UBA's best players, was recently voted as the most underrated player in minor league ball in this years Usbasket.com poll.

Belton started the season off slow, but has picked up his production in the last couple months. He is 3rd in the UBA is assist (8.0) and is the top scoring guard in the league with 19.2ppg. His best game of the season came against the league's top guard (De La Cruz) on Feb. 5. Belton scored a career high 30 points while dissing 7 assists.

Belton was recently named to the Usbasket.com All-UBA 3rd Team and selected to the 2011 UBA All-Star Game. Many feel he should have won Guard of the Year but it's hard to vote over De LA Cruz and the top ranked Generals.

One thing is for sure. This years playoffs will be interesting. Belton will have the chance to prove he is a top guard. There is no doubt in my mind he will be in Europe or overseas next season.

Chris Miller-Williams (6'6''-F/G-87, college: W.Georgia)

2011 UBA All-Star Game roster - by UBA media
The UBA on Monday released the complete rosters for the 2011 UBA All-Star team to be held April 30 in Atlanta.

The starters were chosen by owners voting and announced last week. The reserves were selected in voting by the head coaches in each conference, who had to vote for two forwards, two guards, a center and two players regardless of position.

All of the players chosen to represent the South come from the top three teams in the conference. The voting was much more spread out in the North with all different teams represented, including two with losing records.

The All-Star Weekend will begin Saturday April 30th at 3:30pm. The game will be held at Morrow High School.

The Northern and Southern conference rosters:

Southern Conference Starting Five
#s#
Will De La Cruz
De La Cruz
Jermaine Barnes
Barnes
Michael Sloan
Sloan
Jermaine Dailey
Dailey
Lorenzo Davis
Davis
#e#5

Southern Conference
Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80) of Southern Generals: 15.1ppg, 3.4rpg, UBA-2 (9.2apg)
Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82) of GIE Morrow Disciples: UBA-1 (27.4ppg), 6.1rpg, 4.9apg
Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84) of Southern Generals: UBA-3 (24.8ppg), 3.9rpg, 2.4spg
Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86) of GIE Morrow Disciples: 16.1ppg, UBA-1 (12.6rpg), 2.3bpg
Lorenzo Davis (6'10''-C-82) of Dallas Stars: 15.9ppg, 10.0rpg, 3.4bpg
William Belton (6'1''-G-84) of Atlanta Assault: 17.8ppg, 3.0rpg, UBA-4 (7.8apg)
Chris Miller-Williams (6'5''-F-87) of GIE Morrow Disciples: 18.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.2apg
Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84) of Atlanta Assault: 19.9ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.2bpg
Norman Plummer (6'7''-F-84) of Columbus Crusher: 22.1ppg, UBA-2 (12.0rpg), 3.2apg
Ephrem Davis (6'9''-F-86) of Columbus Crusher: 13.9ppg, 10.0rpg, UBA-2 (4.0bpg)

Coaches:
Michael Davis (GIE Morrow Disciples): 29-14
Steve Dolan (Tennessee Dragons): 21-10
john White (Southern Generals): 26-5 (Best in the UBA)

Northern Conference Starting Five
#s#
T.J. Taylor
Taylor
Ricky James
James
Daniel Thomas
Thomas
DMond Grismore
Grismore
Benjamin Puckett
Puckett
#e#5


Northern Conference
T.J. Taylor (6'1''-G-86) of Tennessee Dragons: 16.0ppg, 6.0apg, 2.5spg
Ricky James (6'3''-G-84) of DFW Warriors: 21.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.1apg
Daniel Thomas (6'7''-F-85) of Central Texas Cyclones : 19.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.2bpg
DMond Grismore (6'6''-F-86) of Central Texas Cyclones: 21.1ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.0bpg
Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83) of Cleveland Vipers: 20.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.0bpg
Gabe Haskins (5'10''-G) of Central Texas Cyclones: 15.6ppg, 4.4rpg, UBA-3 (8.0apg)
Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86) of Norman Express: 17.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 5.2apg
Terrence Woodyard (6'10''-F/G-82) of Oklahoma Stars: 17.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.3bpg
Tedric Hill (6'10''-F/C-84) of Central Texas Cyclones: 19.9ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.4bpg
Trevon Bryant (6'10''-F-84) of Dallas Stars: 15.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 5.0bpg

Coaches:
Shanon Williams (Cleveland Vipers): 17-5
Mark Anderson (NE Hoopstars): 18-5

Chris Miller-Williams (6'6''-F/G-87, college: W.Georgia)

The Georgia Lions pass the Assault in OT: Miller-Williams 20 points - by Griselle Martis

The Georgia Lions pass the Atlanta Assault in a hard fought victory 101-91 in 3/OT. Leading the way in scoring for the Lions was Chris Miller-Williams (6'5''-F-87, college: W.Georgia) and David Johnson (6'7''-G-87, college: Wingate) with 20 points. Ashton Pitts (6'8''-F-87) added 15 points and 5 rebounds for the Lions.

The Assault were led in scoring by Chris Cromartie (6'3''-G-88, college: Gordon) with 26, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Lions. Lawrence Diamond (6'2''-G-87, college: Morehouse) added 14 points in the loss. The Lions move to the third spot in the Southern Conference. They will face the GIE Morrow Disciples on the 29th of Decemeber.

UBA Playoffs Review - by UBA media

The UBA playoffs start May 20, 2011. Here is a thorough breakdown of the eight (team) first-round matchups.
David Walls Reports:

North Bracket:

(1) Southern Generals vs. (3) Tennessee Dragons
Season series: Generals won 3-1
Key matchup: C. O'Neil, Dragons defensive stopper vs. Mike Sloan, Generals leading scorer (24.0ppg).
Reason to care: Dragons coach Steve Dolan yelled his voice ragged in the regular season; hes team is finally getting the point. Dragons have won their last 10 games. The Generals are the best in the UBA but Tennessee matches up well with them. In the playoffs its all about matchups.

Prediction: Dragons win

Dragons 5:
PG: T.J. Taylor (6'1''-G-86, college: Erskine)
SG: Calvin O'Neil (6'4''-G-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.)
SF: Solomon Tat (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Virginia)
PF: Dino Hair (6'10''-F, college: Delta St.)
C: Johnathan Simpson (6'8''-C/F, college: Clark Atlanta)

XFactor: Antonio Webb (5'10''-G-84, college: Bethune-Cookman)

Generals 5:
PG: Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian)
SG: Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.)
SF: Shawn Morgan (6'6''-F, college: Arkansas St.)
PF: Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88, college: Morgan St.)
C: George Akpele (6'10''-F, college: Grambling St.)

XFactor: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.)

(2) Southeast Hoopstars vs. (4) Norman Express
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: D. Campbell, Hoopstars versatile superstar vs. B. Brown, co-Rookie of the Year
Reason to care: The Hoopstars are a very dangerous team. This game will come down to the guards. The Express have the advantage in the post but Campbell will be the difference.

Prediction: Express win

Hoopstars 5:
PG: Ethan Bradshaw (6'1''-G-87)
PF: Darnell Campbell (6'7''-F-86, college: Lake Erie)
SF: Liam Kyle (6'7''-F)
SG: Marvin Williams (6'6''-F-86)
C: Dan Biber (6'9''-F)

XFactor: Darnell Campbell

Express 5:
PG: Jordan Brooks (6'3''-G-86, college: Fort Lewis)
SG: Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma)
SF: Anthony Allison (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Coll.)
PF: LaMaur Banks (6'5''-F-86)
C: Joey Robinson (6'7''-F-83, college: Jacksonville)

XFactor: Jordan Brooks

South Bracket:

(1) Central Texas Cyclones vs. (4) Atlanta Assault
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: G. Haskins vs. W. Belton. Many say that Belton is the best PG in the league behind De La Cruz. But the Western Conference doesnt agree. They back G. Haskins. There numbers are the same but the edge has to go to Belton (but if you ask me the addition of C. Brooks makes the Cyclones scary).
Reason to care: The Atlanta Assault are powered by great coaching (Ben Jackson ) and great stars (Holmes and Belton). The Cyclones need to focus on feeding T. Hill.

Prediction: Assault win

Cyclones 5:
PG: Gabe Haskins (5'10''-G, college: Huston-Tillotson)
SG: Cedric Brooks (6'1''-G-80, college: Pittsburg St.)
SF: DMond Grismore (6'6''-F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson)
PF: Darren 'Bird Man' Mathis (6'6''-F-85)
C: Tedric Hill (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Gulf Coast CC)

XFactor: Darrell Glover (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson)

Assault 5:
PG: William Belton (6'1''-G-84, college: Wofford)
SG: Everett Spencer (6'6''-G/F-85, college: S.Carolina St.)
SF: Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State)
PF: Chad Eichelberger (6'9''-F-82, college: St.Andrews)
C: Justin Billingsly (6'9''-F-85, college: Georgia St.)

XFactor: Chad Eichelberger

(2) Cleveland Vipers vs. (3) GIE Morrow Disciples
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: J. Barnes, Usbasket.com Shooting Guard of the Year vs. DeMario Pac Man Mattox. Barnes is a vet so I expect him and coach Mike Davis to be ready for another championship run. The Vipers are led by coach Shannon Williams who has guided the team to the best record in the Conference (24-4), but this will be there greatest challenge.
Reason to care: The Disciples own the UBA. Every championship has went through the club. They have the leagues MVP and coach of the year. Dont be surprised to see the Disciples holding up yet another Championship in the summer.

Prediction: Disciples win

Disciples 5:
PG: Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's)
SG: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian)
SF: Chris Miller-Williams (6'5''-F-87, college: W.Georgia)
PF: Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Ill.-Chicago)
C: Lorenzo Davis (6'10''-C-82, college: Mountain St.)

XFactor: Rosceo Davis (6'11''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Midland CC)

Vipers 5:
PG: Demario Mattox (6'2''-G-87, college: Wingate)
SG: Matt Smith (6'4''-G-86)
SF: Tony Smith (6'5''-G)
PF: Reginald Harwell (6'8''-G/F-84, college: Central State)
C: Garrett Schmidt (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Urbana)

XFactor: Demario Mattox

Jermaine Barnes



Williams leads Generals past Dragons in playoff first round - by UBA media

Back to his usual havoc-wreaking ways, Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) took control when it counted and the Southern Generals sent out a loud message in the process.

They're ready for a 'dog fight,' if that's the route to the UBA finals.

Williams came up big down the stretch to finish with 25 points as the Generals beat the Tennessee Dragons 85-78 Friday night to come one step closer to the finals.

The Dragons led the game by as much as 15 points but couldn't hang on. 'Our guys played great we just ran out of gas', said coach Dolan.

Although it was a hard fought game the Generals showed why there the top club in the UBA. Freddie Williams also showed why he's what they call the X-Factor.

'Before the game started he was the only kid I was worried about', said Dolan. He really killed us.

Williams scored 20 out of his 25 points in the second half. He also added 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Aside from his great first round he was named to the All-UBA 3rd Team and 6-Man of the Year.

Calvin O'Neil (6'4''-G-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) added 26 points for the Dragons in a losing effort.




*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


Ssimbwa Leaves Falcons in Dissary - by Eurobasket News
Kampala The future of Uganda's most successful club - Falcons is in balance following the death of their founder John Ssimbwa.

The former Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) president died on Monday following a long battle with illness. He will be laid to rest this afternoon in Kinoni, Masaka.

With the 48-year-old's chapter on earth closed, many in the basketball fraternity are wondering whether the club will survive without the brain behind its formation. 'We don't know where to start from,' Falcons senior player Sam Obol remarked in his speech during Ssimbwa's requiem mass at Christ the King Church, Kampala yesterday. Since 1998, Ssimbwa has been funding the club's activities and led them to a record six national league titles. Their last championship came in 2007 but Ssimbwa was determined to revitalise the club amid stiff competition from Warriors and reigning champions DMark Power.
However, he was lately financially constrained and several star players left the club in search of greener pastures, which is said to have worsened his health situation. By the time of his death, Ssimbwa had stepped down as Falcons president, leaving Dennis Mbidde in charge of the 2000 East and Central Africa Club champions.

Mbidde promised yesterday that Falcons would win this year's league title but stakeholders admit the gap left by Ssimbwa is too big to fill. 'He was a giant. We stood on his shoulders to achieve as a club,' Slyvan Kaboha, who worked with Ssimbwa at Falcons, told mourners yesterday. 'He was a philanthropist, very generous with money for his big family that is Falcons.' Ssimbwa is survived by two daughters, the eldest aged eight.
Courtesy of: The Monitor

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


Azovmash tab Denis Ivanov - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash bolstered their roster. They inked a deal with Denis Ivanov (195-F-78). The 32-year-old forward spent the last six seasons in Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Last season Denis Ivanov tallied 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in VTB-League. In Superleague his stats read 6.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per appearance. Previously the forward had stints with Budivelnyk, BC Kyiv, MBC Odessa and Vozko Voznesensk.


Vyacheslav Bobrov moves to BC Kyiv - by Eurobasket News
Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) will continue his career in BC Kyiv. The 18-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with the team. Vyacheslav Bobrov averaged 2.6 points and 1.2 rebounds per game for Azovmash in Superleague last season. The forward participated at U18 European Championship in 2010. Vyacheslav Bobrov posted 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game in Lithuania.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


British National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
British National Team 2011
#s#
Kieron Achara
Achara
Ogooluwa Adegboye
Adegboye
Robert Archibald
Archibald
Joel Freeland
Freeland
Eric Boateng
Boateng
#e#5
Kieron Achara 208-F/C-83 Barcellona Italy
Ogooluwa Adegboye 182-G-87 St.Bonaventure USA
Robert Archibald 212-C/F-80 Unicaja Spain
Joel Freeland 208-F-87 Unicaja Spain
Eric Boateng 208-C-85 Austin T. USA
Flinder Boyd 180-G-80 AEK Greece
Matthew Bryan-Amaning 205-F-88 Washington USA
Daniel Clark 210-C-88 Estudiantes Spain
Luol Deng 201-F-85 Chicago B. USA
Laurence Ekperigin 201-F Angelico BI Italy
Ben Gordon 188-G-83 Detroit P. USA
Ashley Hamilton 200-F-88 Loyola Marymount USA
James Jones 193-G/F-83 Liverpool MT United Kingdom
Nathan Reinking 188-G-73 Liverpool MT United Kingdom
Drew Sullivan 203-F-80 Liverpool MT United Kingdom
Michael Lenzly 189-G-81 CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic
Justin Robinson 187-G-87 Rider USA

Chris Finch Head Coach Rio Grande VV USA


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


Six teams will play the Metro second stage - by Hector Lopez
Atenas and Goes joined the six teams which will be playing the second stage for the Metro League, with still one round for the regular season be played. The others teams are Tabare, Larranaga, Nacional and Urunday Universitario. The six will play a round robin tournament with half of the points already earned during the regular season. The winner will be promoted to the Uruguayan league. The last results were:
Atenas 86 - Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 12 points 7 rebounds
Larranaga 77 - Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 20 points 10 rebounds
- - -
Tabare 75 - Santiago Vidal (175-G-89) 25 points 8 rebounds, Brian Craig 6 points 4 rebounds
Nacional 72 - Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) 14 points 12 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Verdirrojo 75 - Alvaro Ramirez (195-F-74) 18 points 8 rebounds
25 de Agosto 73 - John Rufus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) 31 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks
- - -
Goes 104 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 23 points 10 rebounds
Capitol 64 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 18 points 8 rebounds
- - -
Yale 87 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 31 points 17 rebounds 2 blocks
Urunday 82 - Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 13 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ANGOLA - Women  


National Ladies Basketball Pre-Team Summoned - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The international players Clarice Paca, playing in France, and Artimis Afonso, playing in Portugal, are the highlight of the national ladies pre-team of basketball, who will prepare for the Pan-African Games of Mozambique, scheduled for September 03-18, ANGOP has learnt.

The national coach, Anibal Moreira, has summoned mostly athletes of Interclube and 1 de Agosto.

The players are Angela Cardoso (180-F-79), Felizarda Jorge (172-F-85), Madalena Felix, Cristina Matiquipe, Fineza Eusbio, Nacissela Mauricio (1 de Agosto), Catarina Camufal (167-G-80), Mavuba Mirrell, S'nia Guadalupe, Ngendula Filipe, Nadir Manuel (183-F-86), Luisa Macuto, Luzia Simo (Interclube).

Other athletes are Marcelina Fernandes (Maculusso team), Ana Gonalves (Inter de Benguela), Clarice Paca (playing in France) and Artimis Afonso (Portugal).
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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


Olympian Rohanee Cox Signs with the West Coast Waves - by Eurobasket News
The Alcohol. Think Again West Coast Waves launch their 2011/12 season campaign today, with the announcement of signing WA's own former Olympian Rohanee Cox (182-F-80).

Securing the signature of the renowned ex-Opals squad member is an exciting development for the team; yet another step in the right direction following their successful 2010/11 season.

Cox is an experienced player who will undoubtedly be an asset to the Waves roster this season, having been a part of the silver medal winning Opals squad at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Further to her international playing experience, Cox has played in the WNBL since 1996; first suiting up for the AIS before stints at Perth and Townsville.

In 2007, Cox was the recipient of Female Sportsperson of the Year at The Deadlys and in the same year was also awarded the Robyn Maher International Player of the Year Award.

Returning to play in Perth is something Cox is particularly excited about and playing in front of her home crowd is an inviting prospect.

On signing with West Coast, Cox says: Its exciting to be returning home to WA to play in the WNBL in front of my family and friends. It feels like a whirlwind journey that I have had throughout my playing career and I am most excited to finally come back to where it all began.

I have had many ups and downs in my career but feel that all of my experiences have made me who I am today. I look forward to being a role model to junior athletes in WA and look forward to helping others achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Coming off their most successful season in a decade, the evolving Waves team is shaping up for another successful season under the experienced guidance of Head Coach David Herbert.

On Coxs signing, Herbert says: When I first looked at recruiting for the West Coast Waves this season, one name came to mind and that was Rohanee Cox. She is a true ambassador for indigenous athletes throughout WA and Australia alike. She has triumphed over many hurdles and obstacles and it is fantastic to have signed Rohanee for the upcoming season.

I have really focused in on bringing WA talent back to the state and am so pleased that Rohanee has agreed to terms with us. She will add athleticism and versatility to a young group of players and I look forward to coaching her again. To bring back another WA Olympian and someone who has achieved so much is fantastic.

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

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

Seven Aussies began play for their US teams on the weekend including Australian Opals captain and reigning WNBA league MVP Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81).

WNBA debutants Jenna OHea of the Los Angeles Sparks and current WNBL MVP Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) of the Tulsa Shock, joined Jackson and Belinda Snell of the Seattle Storm, Penny Taylor (185-F-81) of the Phoenix Mercury, Tully Bevilaqua (164-G-72) of the San Antonio Silver Stars and Erin Phillips (173-G-85) of the Indiana Fever.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm) WNBA Player Profile

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

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

Penny Taylor (Phoenix Mercury) WNBA Player Profile

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

Elizabeth Cambage (Tulsa Shock) WNBA Player Profile

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

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

Jenna OHea (LA Sparks) WNBA Player Profile

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

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

Tully Bevilaqua (San Antonio Silver Stars) WNBA Player Profile

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

Erin Phillips (Indiana Fever) WNBA Player Profile

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

Belinda Snell (Seattle Storm) WNBA Player Profile

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

Seattle Storm 74 were defeated by Minnesota Lynx 81
Stats: DNP (carrying an ankle injury)
Courtesy of: http://www.basketball.net.au

QBL Round Six Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News
QBL WOMEN - Jessica Bibby (169-G-79)

For the third time this season the Womens player of the Week Award is heading to Gladstone. This time the Powers inspirational Capitan/Coach Jessica Bibby is the recipient of the award. Bibby was at her point scoring best in Round 6, racking up 47 points @ 55.1% in the Powers win against the then second placed Force. The following day Bibby played the full 40 minutes again and finished with 26pts @ 40.7%, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, as the Power were forced to work hard for their win against a determined Toowoomba side. After 6 Rounds of competition Bibby is the leagues leading point scorer averaging a phenomenal 34.9ppg, which is 6.8 points clear of her nearest rival. Jessica has been one of the most dominant players in the QBL over the past three seasons and 2011 is shaping up to be her most productive season to date.

Bibby is a five-time WNBL Champion with her most recent title coming in the 2009/10 season with the Canberra Capitals. She has also won Championships with Canberra in 2006/07, 2008/09 season, with 2007/08 being her most prolific season averaging a career-high 16.1ppg. Before joining Canberra, Jess played 164 games for the Dandenong Rangers, which included nine finals appearances and two WNBL Championships (2003/2004 and 2004/2005). During her time with Dandenong Jessica was named the Betty Watson Rookie of the Year in 1996 and she scored 1702 points for the Rangers, with her finest individual performances coming in the 2000/01 playoffs where she averaged 17.0pgg.

Jessicas talent was recognised abroad when she was drafted by WNBA side New York Liberty in 2000. Despite battling a back injury she still managed to play 69 minutes over 17 games for the Liberty in her debut season. Bibby made her Opals debut in 2009 during a series against China before earning selection for the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship where she scored 14 points in game one before top-scoring in game two with 19 points.

Other notable performances around the league in Round 6 came from; Mackays Rachel Allison (34 points & 14 rebounds) and Tami Willey (23 points, 10 rebounds & 4 assists) who were instrumental in the Meteorettes win over Caboolture. For the Suns, Rachel Warren had a solid weekend in her sides losses to Mackay and Rockhampton, averaging 20.5ppg and 10rpg. Bundabergs imports Kisha Lee (22 points, 9 rebounds & 5 steals) and Yvonne Turner (20 points, 6 rebounds & 5 assists) led the Bears to their first ever win over the Flames, while Aroon Edgar was gallant for the Flames in the loss with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Rebecca Haynes (14 points and 22 rebounds) and Hannah Bowley (22 points @ 58.8%) provided Bibby with plenty of support against the Force, while youngsters Tora Laffin (20 points @ 72.7%) and Keely Cummings (16 points and 11 rebounds) made the most of their court time in the win over Toowoomba. Cairns Big 3 were again at the forefront of the Dolphins win over the Capitals, with Rohanne Cox finishing with the impressive statistics of 27 points @ 54.2% and 11 rebounds. Northsides Louise Mclean (22 points @ 88.9%, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) was tremendous as the Wizards defeated the Rollers 86-59, while Carine Reimink was again the Rollers best with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Nicole Romeo continued to push her MVP credentials with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists against the Suns.
Courtesy of: QBL

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


Belarusian U20 National Team 2011
Belarusian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Natalia Baklaha
Baklaha
Nadzeya Bohdan
Bohdan
Maryia Filonchyk
Filonchyk
Alena Holubeva
Holubeva
Maryna Ivashchanka
Ivashchanka
#e#5
Natalia Baklaha 172-PG-93 Gorizont Belarus
Nadzeya Bohdan 187-C-93 Victoria Belarus
Maryia Filonchyk 189-C/F-92 Olimpia Belarus
Alena Holubeva 176-PG-94 Victoria Belarus
Maryna Ivashchanka 190-C-93 Gorizont Belarus
Anzhela Kakhanskaya 186-F-91 Victoria Belarus
Darya Lipinskaya 180-G/F-93 Gorizont Belarus
Aliaksandra Musatava 174-G-92 Victoria Belarus
Viktoryia Nialepka 181-F-92 Victoria Belarus
Katsiaryna Nialepka 180-G/F-93 Berezina Belarus
Krystsina Novikava 183-F-92 Berezina Belarus
Karalina Padshyvalava 165-PG-89 Victoria Belarus
Maryia Papova 186-F-94
Maryia Rashchenia 185-F-92 Victoria Belarus
Galina Shylovich 182-F-91 Berezina Belarus
Valiansina Sivaplias 170-G-92
Veranika Valeuskaya 170-G-91 Victoria Belarus
Ksenija Voishal 179-F-94 Victoria Belarus
Yuliya Zhuk 178-G-91 Olimpia Belarus



*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


U16 USA blasts U16 Brazil in the second half, wins the game 71-54 - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - USA 54-71

USA had wonderful beginning of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Merida. Strong USA team blasted Brazil 71-54 for 1-0 record in Group B. Earlier in Day One, Venezuela outsmarted Argentina 38-37 also in Group B. USA made 16-11 in the first quarter, but Brazil responded with 23-15 for the next ten minutes. However, that was all from Brazil in this game as USA blasted them in the second half (21-8, 19-12) for the final 71-54 victory. Mercedes Russell (196-C-95) shined for the winners with double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 34 and was MVP of this meeting. Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) (6 rebs) and Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) netted 8 pts each. In Brazil, Izabella Sangalli (95) delivered 14 points and Raphaella Da Silva (95) added 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. In Day Two, USA will meet Argentina. Brazi will take on Venezuela.

Brazil: Izabella Sangalli 14, Raphaella Da Silva 10+5 boards
USA: Mercedes Russell 21+15 boards, Rebecca Greenwell 8+6 boards, Stephanie Mavunga 8

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


U16 Canada destroys U16 Guatemala in Merida - by Eurobasket News
GUATEMALA - CANADA 17-112

Canada opened FIBA Americas U16 in style. They blasted Guatemala 112-17 for 1-0 record in Group A. Beside Canada and Guatemala, participants of the same pool are also host Mexico and Puerto Rico. Canada took control on Guatemala from the very beginning and they were increasing the lead after each quarter. Quarters: 4-30, 2-34, 8-25, 3-23. Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) was the best player in victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) scored 15, while Emma Wolfram (193-C-95) added 13 pts and 7 boards. Guatemala on the other side did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. They leading players were Monica Ramirez (97) and Melissa Vargas (96) with 5 pts each. In the next round, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Guatemala will take on Mexico.

Guatemala: Monica Ramirez 5, Melissa Vargas 5
Canada: Cheyanne Roger 16+9 boards, Kia Nurse 15, Emma Wolfram 13+7 boards

*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS U16 - Women  


Standing
Standings
Group A
1. Canada0-0
2. Guatemala0-0
3. Mexico0-0
4. P.Rico0-0
Group B
1. Argentina0-0
2. Brazil0-0
3. USA0-0
4. Venezuela0-0


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


GB U20 Women end France series with win - by Eurobasket News
Standard Life GB Under 20 Women ended their three game series in France with a stunning 66-64 victory on Saturday evening as Gemma Bullard (177-G-92) 's basket with 17 seconds remaining sealed the win in a tense fourth quarter, leaving coach Damian Jennings a happy man:

'The win tonight was, of course, enjoyable, but more importantly at this stage I am confident that the players appreciate the work and task ahead of us' he said.

'As a coaching staff, all we asked of the players is that we make progress, and we feel they have done this across the France test series.

'The challenge of Division A is a significant one, but we have built a clarity about the style of basketball that will give us the best chance of competing. I have no doubt that all national teams will be improving their game over the next three weeks, and we plan to do exactly the same as we move to Cardiff where we host Holland in a two game series.'

Britain trailed 16-12 after the first period, but a stunning second quarter saw them take control of the game, outscoring the hosts 24-10 to lead 36-26 going into the locker room. That lead was extended by a point as they won the third period 17-16, but the home side refused to give up in the fourth quarter and levelled the score thanks to a three-pointer with 56 seconds remaining on the clock.

In a quarter that had seen Britain struggle with foul trouble, both sides came up short at the foul line in the closing stages before Bullard hit the game-winner. France had a final three-point attempt that missed the target under presure from tough GB defence.

Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) shook off injury problems to lead GB with 13, while Bullard added 11 and Renee Busch 10.

When the series opened on Thursday evening the hosts used a strong second quarter to secure a 55-42 win. France won the crucial period 20-8 and again kept GB to only 8 points in the third quarter as no-one on Jennings' team could score more than Elidh Simpson's and Erin McGarrachan's eight points.

In the second game on Friday night, France won 62-45 after a 20-9 opening period. Temitope Fagbenle and Jess Hurd led GB with 10 points.

GB now return home and face another pair of test games when they host Netherlands at University of Glamorgan Sports Park. The action starts at 5pm on Friday June 17 and 6pm the following day.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

*****************************************************
  GUATEMALA - Women  


U16 Canada destroys U16 Guatemala in Merida - by Eurobasket News
GUATEMALA - CANADA 17-112

Canada opened FIBA Americas U16 in style. They blasted Guatemala 112-17 for 1-0 record in Group A. Beside Canada and Guatemala, participants of the same pool are also host Mexico and Puerto Rico. Canada took control on Guatemala from the very beginning and they were increasing the lead after each quarter. Quarters: 4-30, 2-34, 8-25, 3-23. Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) was the best player in victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) scored 15, while Emma Wolfram (193-C-95) added 13 pts and 7 boards. Guatemala on the other side did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. They leading players were Monica Ramirez (97) and Melissa Vargas (96) with 5 pts each. In the next round, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Guatemala will take on Mexico.

Guatemala: Monica Ramirez 5, Melissa Vargas 5
Canada: Cheyanne Roger 16+9 boards, Kia Nurse 15, Emma Wolfram 13+7 boards

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Dutch U20 National Team 2011
Dutch U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Jamailah Adams
Adams
Jill Bettonvil
Bettonvil
Zera Butter
Butter
Tamlyn De Groot
De Groot
Marlou De Kleijn
De Kleijn
#e#5
Jamailah Adams 180-G/F-93 Binnenland Holland
Jill Bettonvil 188-F-92 CTO Holland
Zera Butter 179-G-92 HLB Account. Holland
Tamlyn De Groot 186-C-91 CTO Holland
Marlou De Kleijn 182-F-92 CTO Holland
Maxime Essenstam 189-C-93 HLB Account. Holland
Rianne Hofstraat 187-C/F-92
Dewi Keppij 187-F-91
Romy Stijsiger 190-C-92 ProBuild Lions Holland
Kourtney Treffers 186-F-94 HLB Account. Holland
Richelle Van Der Keijl 196-C-93 HLB Account. Holland
Randell van der Lee 180-G-91 CTO Holland
Tessel van Dongen 175-PG-91 CTO Holland



Netherlands edge Portugal in test clash - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 58:64

Netherlands celebrated a narrow victor over Portugal in the friendly game in Barreiro. Willemijn Kallenberg (176-G-93) stepped up with 16 points to pace the Dutch U20 selection.
Netherlands earned an 11:10 lead after the opening quarter. Portugal went on a 6:0 run to surge ahead in the second period. But Netherlands bounced back and posted a 32:26 halftime advantage. Portugal shocked the visitors with a 12:0 start to the third term. Netherlands came back to life late in the quarter and used a 17:6 rally to regain control 49:44. The visitors cleared off to an 8-point distance midway through the fourth term and withheld all comeback efforts from the hosts to celebrate victory. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) provided 11 points, while Dewi Keppy (184-F-91) accounted for 8 in the win. Michelle Brandao (171-G-91) replied with 14 points for Portugal. Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) delivered 13 points in the loss.

Portugal U20: Michelle Brandao 14, Maria Joao Andrade 13
Netherlands U20: Willemijn Kallenberg 16, Maxime Essenstam 11, Dewi Keppy 8


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Italian U20 National Team 2011
Italian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Marcella Barlassina
Barlassina
Elena Bestagno
Bestagno
Giulia Brotto
Brotto
Valeria De Pretto
De Pretto
Virginia Galbiati
Galbiati
#e#5
Marcella Barlassina 175-G-91 Bologna Italy
Elena Bestagno 180-PG-91 Basket Parma Italy
Giulia Brotto 182-F-91 Marghera Italy
Valeria De Pretto 182-F-91 Vigarano Italy
Virginia Galbiati 175-G/F-92 Biassono Italy
Gaia Gorini 182-G-92 Umbertide Italy
Marta Granzotto 176-G/F-92 Marghera Italy
Sara Lauria 185-C/F-91 Rende Italy
Giulia Leva 180-F/G-91 Bologna Italy
Tayara Madonna 173-G/F-91 Udine Italy
Oriana Milazzo 170-PG-91 Priolo Italy
Federica Nannucci 170-G-91 Bologna Italy
Alessandra Pastorino 184-F/C-91 Milano Italy
Irene Pieropan 182-G/F-91 Basket Parma Italy
Valentina Primossi 174-PG-91
Ainur Ramadan 182-F-91 Bologna Italy
Alice Richter 186-F/C-91 Viterbo Italy
Giulia Rulli 185-F/C-91 Faenza Italy
Martina Santucci 176-F-91 Bologna Italy
Laura Spreafico 182-F/G-91 Comense Italy
Alessandra Tava 184-F/C-91 T. Spezia Italy
Federica Tognalini 183-F-91 Umana Reyer Italy



*****************************************************
  KENYA - Women  


Strathmore Clip Eagle Wings' Supremacy - by Eurobasket News
Nairobi Pre-match favourites Strathmore University maintained their unbeaten record in the women's basketball Premier League following their 48-23 win over Kenya College of Accountancy-University at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The victory saw the Sylvia Njeri-coached varsity students - the only unbeaten team in the 12-team championship having won all their nine first leg matches - moved to the top of the table standings with 18 points.

They dislodged Eagle Wings from the summit to second spot on 17 points.

Melissa Akinyi hit a game-high 12 points for Strathmore while Lucy Machuma shot eight for the losers, who lie a poor ninth place with only one win from seven outings.

In other matches, Lakeside narrowly beat Africa Nazarene University 49-48, Parklands Baptist defeated TrailBlazers 39-36 and Flames of the USIU-A scorched Predators 47-37.

World Hope pipped Lakeside 79-63 as Mennonites men hit Strathmore University 67-60 while Kenya Airports Authority walloped Kenya Polytechnic 55-28.
Courtesy of: Daily Nation

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


Latvian U20 National Team 2011
Latvian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Kristine Brance
Brance
Krista Bridina
Bridina
Ieva Eida
Eida
Asnate-Marianna Fomina
Fomina
Ilze Gotfrida
Gotfrida
#e#5
Kristine Brance 176-G/F-91 SK Riga Latvia
Krista Bridina 174-PG-94 TTT Riga Latvia
Ieva Eida 182-F/G-92 TTT Juniores Latvia
Asnate-Marianna Fomina 170-PG-94 TTT Kadetes Latvia
Ilze Gotfrida 184-F-91 St.Joseph's USA
Madara Gulbe 180-G/F-91 TTT Juniores Latvia
Anete Kirsteine 178-F/G-92 RTU-Merks Latvia
Arta Kublacova 174-G-91 SK Riga Latvia
Sabine Niedola 184-F-91 Nantes France
Linda Pagrode 176-G-92 LU Latvia
Elina Piterniece 178-G-91 SK Riga Latvia
Kristiana Pumpure 173-G-92 LU Latvia
Dita Rozenberga 181-F-92 RTU-Merks Latvia
Linda Rubene 188-F-91 Iowa Western CC USA
Anna Sonka 182-F/G-91 Toledo USA
Liga Surkusa 194-C-91 TTT Riga Latvia
Ilze Teilane 195-C-92 TTT Juniores Latvia
Kristine Vitola 196-C/F-91 UTEP USA



*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


Lithuanian U20 National Team 2011
Lithuanian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Viktorija Dimaite
Dimaite
Kriste Druskyte
Druskyte
Indre Grigaite
Grigaite
Monika Grigalauskyte
Grigalauskyte
Gintare Gurklyte
Gurklyte
#e#5
Viktorija Dimaite 194-C/F-92 Egle Panevezys Lithuania
Kriste Druskyte 181-F/G-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Indre Grigaite 181-F-91 MRU Lithuania
Monika Grigalauskyte 187-F-92 Lemminkainen Lithuania
Gintare Gurklyte 191-C/F-91 Laisve Lithuania
Vitalija Kaminskyte 182-G/F-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Gintare Mazionyte 186-F/C-91 Lemminkainen Lithuania
Santa Okockyte 176-G-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Monika Petrauskaite 183-F-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Viktorija Rumsaite 181-F-91 Laisve Lithuania
Dovile Saurazaite 170-G-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Egle Siksniute 198-F/C-91 Lemminkainen Lithuania
Neringa Skadaite 184-F-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Greta Sniokaite 180-G-91 MRU Lithuania
Laura Svaryte 190-C/F-92 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Inesa Visgaudaite 172-PG-91 Lemminkainen Lithuania
Egle Vitkute 186-F-91 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Samanta Voitkevic 181-G/F-90 MRU Lithuania
Toma Zaleckaite 187-F-92 Lemminkainen Lithuania
Paulina Zaveckaite 186-F-92 Lintel 118 Lithuania
Diana Zintikaite 168-PG-91 Utena Lithuania



*****************************************************
  MEXICO - Women  


Mexican U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Andrea Navarrete 95
5 Diana Chavez 96
6 Virginia Gonzalez 98
7 Maria Morales 95
8 Meliza Ramirez 95
9 Guadalupe Pichardo 95
10 Samantha Moguel 95
11 Maria Lopez 96
12 Daniela Soto 96
13 Yael Garciamendez 95
14 Valeria Tajeda 95
15 Ingrid Martinez 95



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


U16 USA blasts U16 Brazil in the second half, wins the game 71-54 - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - USA 54-71

USA had wonderful beginning of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Merida. Strong USA team blasted Brazil 71-54 for 1-0 record in Group B. Earlier in Day One, Venezuela outsmarted Argentina 38-37 also in Group B. USA made 16-11 in the first quarter, but Brazil responded with 23-15 for the next ten minutes. However, that was all from Brazil in this game as USA blasted them in the second half (21-8, 19-12) for the final 71-54 victory. Mercedes Russell (196-C-95) shined for the winners with double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 34 and was MVP of this meeting. Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) (6 rebs) and Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) netted 8 pts each. In Brazil, Izabella Sangalli (95) delivered 14 points and Raphaella Da Silva (95) added 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. In Day Two, USA will meet Argentina. Brazi will take on Venezuela.

Brazil: Izabella Sangalli 14, Raphaella Da Silva 10+5 boards
USA: Mercedes Russell 21+15 boards, Rebecca Greenwell 8+6 boards, Stephanie Mavunga 8

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Netherlands edge Portugal in test clash - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 58:64

Netherlands celebrated a narrow victor over Portugal in the friendly game in Barreiro. Willemijn Kallenberg (176-G-93) stepped up with 16 points to pace the Dutch U20 selection.
Netherlands earned an 11:10 lead after the opening quarter. Portugal went on a 6:0 run to surge ahead in the second period. But Netherlands bounced back and posted a 32:26 halftime advantage. Portugal shocked the visitors with a 12:0 start to the third term. Netherlands came back to life late in the quarter and used a 17:6 rally to regain control 49:44. The visitors cleared off to an 8-point distance midway through the fourth term and withheld all comeback efforts from the hosts to celebrate victory. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) provided 11 points, while Dewi Keppy (184-F-91) accounted for 8 in the win. Michelle Brandao (171-G-91) replied with 14 points for Portugal. Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) delivered 13 points in the loss.

Portugal U20: Michelle Brandao 14, Maria Joao Andrade 13
Netherlands U20: Willemijn Kallenberg 16, Maxime Essenstam 11, Dewi Keppy 8


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Puerto Rican U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Patricia Nieves 97
5 Krystal Luciano 96
6 Aleana Leon 96
7 Elena Angueira 96
8 Paola Crespo 96
9 Claudia Ortiz 96
10 Raiza Rodriguez 96
11 Deyeneira Velez 96
12 Gileysa Penzo 97
13 Paola Vazquez 97
14 Sofia Roma 97
15 Chelsea Robinson 96



*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Satu Mare sign three players - by Eurobasket News
Satu Mare secured the services of three players for the next season. The Romanian vice-champions signed contracts with Annemarie Parau (175-G-84, agency: LBM Management), Claudia Pop (186-F-89) and Andreea Orosz (179-G-86).
Annemarie Parau spent the last season in Sfantu Gheorghe. The 27-year-old guard averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Previously Annemarie Parau had stints with Targoviste, Elitzur Ramla, Reims and Dexia Namur.
Claudia Pop joined Satu Mare back in January. The 21-year-old forward tipped off the season in Spain. Claudia Pop notched 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for Olesa Espanyol. For Satu Mare her stats read 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance.
Andreea Orosz renewed the contract with Satu Mare. Last season the 25-year-old guard posted 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per appearance in D1. Previously Andreea Orosz played for Cluj Napoca and Arad. She was named into Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Newcomers Team in 2010.


Romanian U20 National Team 2011
Romanian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Oana Baluta
Baluta
Ruxandra Banu
Banu
Cristina Bigica
Bigica
Mihaela Chelariu
Chelariu
Alina Craciun
Craciun
#e#5
Oana Baluta 184-C/F-93 Satu Mare Romania
Ruxandra Banu 179-G/F-92 Sp.Studentesc Romania
Cristina Bigica 182-F-92 Marquette USA
Mihaela Chelariu 188-C-92 Olimpia Romania
Alina Craciun 194-C-93 Olimpia Romania
Ana Cuatu 175-F/G-92 Sp.Studentesc Romania
Gabriela Cursaru 169-PG-92 Olimpia Romania
Flavia Ferenczi 175-F-91 Cluj Napoca Romania
Alexandra Florea 187-C/F-92 Olimpia Romania
Marta Fodor 183-F-91 Cluj Napoca Romania
Cristina Grama 169-PG-91 Brasov Romania
Alexandra Ionescu 175-PG-92 Minnesota USA
Adina Lovasz 187-F-91 Sp.Studentesc Romania
Iulia Olaru 181-F-92 Olimpia Romania
Roxana Patrut 183-C/F-91 Cluj Napoca Romania
Stefana Rotarescu 188-C-92 Olimpia Romania
Andreea Stefan 185-F-91 Craiova Romania
Corina Stinga 184-F-91
Adina Stoiedin 187-C/F-91 Timisoara Romania
Loredana Ulica 186-C/F-92 Oradea Romania
Sonia Ursu 175-G/F-93 Olimpia Romania
Elena Usurelu 172-G/F-92
Alexandra Vlaicu 178-F-91 Oradea Romania



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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Swiss Women Awards - by Melanie Nussbaumer
The Swiss Women Awards were presented this past Saturday in Fribourg during the half-time of the swiss women national team's game. The nominates for the 2010-2011 season's awards were: MVP of the year: Sarah Kershaw (180-F/C-85) (Sdent Helios Basket), Caroline Turin (Sdent Helios Basket), Marisa Heckendorn (SC Uni Basel). Best surprise/revelation of the year: Lisa Mazzocchi (170-G/F-90) (BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket), Vanessa Dorestant (Lu-Town Highflyers), Melissa Favre (Nyon Basket). Coach of the year: Romain Gaspoz (BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket), Erik Lehmann (BBC Hlios Sion), Billy Karageorgakis (Hope Bernex Basket). The winners are : for MVP of the year: Sarah Kershaw of Sdent Helios Basket, who averaged 8.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, 3.0spg this season, Best surprise/revelation of the year is Lisa Mazzocchi (170-G/F-90) of BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket, who contributed in the win of the championship this year and finishes with 10.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2.3spg and the Coach of the year is Romain Gaspoz (BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket).

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkish U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Pinar Demirok 180-F-91 TED Kayseri Turkey
Asena Yalcin 172-G-91 Ceyhan Bld Turkey
Pelin Gulbag 172-G-91 Botas Turkey
Ayse Cora 175-G/F-93 Besiktas Turkey
Rana Derin 175-G/F-92 Istanbul Univ. Turkey
Aysegul Gunay 172-G-92 Fenerbahce Turkey
Gamze Takmaz 184-F-91 Botas Turkey
Emel Turkyilmaz 196-F/C-92 Antalya Bld Turkey
Gizem Basaran 193-C-92 Galatasaray Turkey
Esra Ural 198-C-91 TED Kayseri Turkey
Ecem Guler 188-F-92 Fenerbahce Turkey
Melis Kaya 188-F-91 Galatasaray Turkey
Nazli Gokdemir 190-F/C-91 Mersin Turkey
Safiye Karaman 182-F-91 Istanbul Univ. Turkey
Serenay Cakmakci 182-F-91 Istanbul Univ. Turkey
Gizem Sezer 196-C-94 Istanbul Univ. Turkey
Busra Akgun 184-F-93 Antalya Bld Turkey
Yeliz Dogan 183-F-94 Antalya Koleji Turkey



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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


GB U20 Women end France series with win - by Eurobasket News
Standard Life GB Under 20 Women ended their three game series in France with a stunning 66-64 victory on Saturday evening as Gemma Bullard (177-G-92) 's basket with 17 seconds remaining sealed the win in a tense fourth quarter, leaving coach Damian Jennings a happy man:

'The win tonight was, of course, enjoyable, but more importantly at this stage I am confident that the players appreciate the work and task ahead of us' he said.

'As a coaching staff, all we asked of the players is that we make progress, and we feel they have done this across the France test series.

'The challenge of Division A is a significant one, but we have built a clarity about the style of basketball that will give us the best chance of competing. I have no doubt that all national teams will be improving their game over the next three weeks, and we plan to do exactly the same as we move to Cardiff where we host Holland in a two game series.'

Britain trailed 16-12 after the first period, but a stunning second quarter saw them take control of the game, outscoring the hosts 24-10 to lead 36-26 going into the locker room. That lead was extended by a point as they won the third period 17-16, but the home side refused to give up in the fourth quarter and levelled the score thanks to a three-pointer with 56 seconds remaining on the clock.

In a quarter that had seen Britain struggle with foul trouble, both sides came up short at the foul line in the closing stages before Bullard hit the game-winner. France had a final three-point attempt that missed the target under presure from tough GB defence.

Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) shook off injury problems to lead GB with 13, while Bullard added 11 and Renee Busch 10.

When the series opened on Thursday evening the hosts used a strong second quarter to secure a 55-42 win. France won the crucial period 20-8 and again kept GB to only 8 points in the third quarter as no-one on Jennings' team could score more than Elidh Simpson's and Erin McGarrachan's eight points.

In the second game on Friday night, France won 62-45 after a 20-9 opening period. Temitope Fagbenle and Jess Hurd led GB with 10 points.

GB now return home and face another pair of test games when they host Netherlands at University of Glamorgan Sports Park. The action starts at 5pm on Friday June 17 and 6pm the following day.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

GB senior women Eurobasket roster announced - by Eurobasket News
The Standard Life GB senior women's final 12 players have been confirmed for EuroBasket Women 2011 which tips off in Poland on Saturday 18 June.

The women were drawn in Group B for this year's competition and are set to face Belarus (18 June), Czech Republic (19 June), and Israel (20 June) in the first round.

Standard Life GB head coach, Tom Maher said: 'We have a good hardworking group, a mixture of experienced players with new up and coming talent. We have kept a core of the squad from last year which provides consistency and a platform for continued development.'

Since the squad first assembled at Surrey Sports Park on 1 May for camp they have endured a busy schedule which has seen them play nine test-games.

Maher continued: 'It has been a good mixture of training and preparation games. Playing games against A level teams has been a step progression and has given the team challenges they are likely to face in EuroBasket.

'We feel confident in the work that has been put in over the last six weeks. Our preparation has been key. We have a challenging pool group and we need to ensure as individuals and as a team that we do our best.'

Before heading to Poland the Standard Life GB team will face Slovakia away on Wednesday 15 June when they will hope to avenge last week's 54-65 loss in Latvia.

Standard Life GB senior women's final roster:

Name Home Nation Club/College
Rose Anderson (175-G-88) Scotland University Central Oklahoma, Edmond, USA
Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) England Palacio De Congresos De Ibiza, Spain
Kate Butters (178-F-86) England UWIC Archers, UK
Stefanie Collins (174-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) England UWIC Archers, UK
Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall) England Aris, Thessalonikis, Greece
Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) England Unattached
Rosalee Mason (180-F/G-79, college: Manhattan) England Solna Vikings, Sweden
JulieAnne Page (188-F/C-83, college: E.Washington) England Villeneuve D'Ascq, France
Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) England Sydney Flames, Australia
Azania Stewart (193-C-89) England Florida University, USA
Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) England Gran Canaria, La Caja De Canarias, Spain
Rachel Vanderwal (176-G-83, college: Boston U.) England University of Limerick, Ireland
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Maher names Final GB women's roster - by Eurobasket News
Head Coach Tom Maher has named the final GB Senior Womens 12 player roster that will compete in Eurobasket Women 2011, tipping off this Saturday 18 June in Poland.

The squad is led by Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce), who has been battling injury for 6 months but returned to action last week for GB, missing all but two of their warm-up games. The final roster is as follows:

GB Women's Final Eurobasket Roster
Rose Anderson (University Central Oklahoma, Edmond, USA)
Kim Butler (Palacio De Congresos De Ibiza, Spain)
Kate Butters (UWIC Archers, UK)
Stef Collins (UWIC Archers, UK)
Chantelle Handy (MBK Ruzomb, Slovakia)
Johannah Leedham (Unattached)
Ros Mason (Solna Vikings, Sweden)
Julie Page (Unattached)
Natalie Stafford (Sydney Flames, Australia)
Azania Stewart (Florida University, USA)
Lauren Thomas-Johnson (Gran Canaria, La Caja De Canarias, Spain)
Rachel Vanderwall (University of Limerick, Ireland)

Standard Life GB head coach, Tom Maher is pleased with his final squad:

'We have a good hardworking group, a mixture of experienced players with new up and coming talent. We have kept a core of the squad from last year which provides consistency and a platform for continued development.'

Since the squad first assembled at Surrey Sports Park on 1 May for camp they have endured a busy schedule which has seen them play nine test-games.

Maher continued:

'It has been a good mixture of training and preparation games. Playing games against A level teams has been a step progression and has given the team challenges they are likely to face in EuroBasket.'

'We feel confident in the work that has been put in over the last six weeks. Our preparation has been key. We have a challenging pool group and we need to ensure as individuals and as a team that we do our best.'

Before heading to Poland the Standard Life GB team will face Slovakia away on Wednesday 15 June when they will hope to avenge last weeks 54-65 loss in Latvia.

The women were drawn in Group B for this years Eurobasket and are set to face Belarus (18 June), Czech Republic (19 June), and Israel (20 June) in the first round.

Courtesy of www.hoopsfix.com

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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA first season ready to take hold; 16 teams ready to play in inaugural basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (June 15, 2011) ----The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) is in final preparation for the 2011 fall season. The league will field sixteen teams to begin its inaugural campaign. 'We set out to deliver twenty basketball teams for the 2011 season, and we were scheduled to begin this summer, however, with Raleigh hit hard by the tornado and scheduling conflicts in some of the other gymnasiums, we'll move the remaining teams into the 2012 basketball season,' said WUSBA vice president Kenneth Green. 'We moved the season to a fall schedule when we learned that seven of the gyms we were to rent did not have central air conditioning, we felt it would pose a health risk for the teams and the fans, besides, playing in the fall place's us more in tune with the traditional basketball season.'

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

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

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

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

The Southern Division fields the Atlanta Platinum, the Macon Storm, the Montgomery Spirit and the Birmingham Starz

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

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

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

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

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

'We will present a great competitive product that will be entertaining to our fans, our team cities and the profession of basketball as a whole. We are extremely excited about future of our league and our 16 teams. We now have the time to do it right and I stand here today to assure that everything will be ready for our 2011 basketball season.'

'We'll see you, your family and your friends courtside in the fall of 2011.'

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



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  WNBA - Women  


McCoughtry leads Dream to 79-58 win over Liberty - by Eurobasket News
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 18 points and the Atlanta Dream used three big runs to cruise to a 79-58 victory over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 12 points and Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 10 for Atlanta (1-3), which earned its first win of the season.

Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 21 points and Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers) had 16 for the Liberty (2-2), who have lost consecutive games at Prudential Center - their home for the next three seasons - after opening with two road wins.

New York, which had a 94-88 overtime win at Atlanta in the season opener on June 5, was held to its lowest scoring output after averaging 85 points its first three games.

McCoughtry, who missed the teams' first meeting, shot 6 for 11 from the field.

The Dream, who swept the Liberty in the Eastern Conference finals last year, put together runs of 11-0 and 9-0 in the first half and led by 12 at the break. They maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the second half.

DeSouza's layup stretched the lead 48-32 with 7:24 to go in the third quarter. Pondexter made a jumper and Nicole Powell hit a 3-pointer to pull the Liberty within 11, but they got no closer.

Sandora Irvin's two free throws with 6:24 left in the fourth capped the Dream's 10-0 run for a 69-48 lead. Alison Bales made two from the line about 1 1/2 minutes later give Atlanta its biggest lead, 73-50.

Atlanta scored 11 consecutive points bridging the first two quarters to take a 25-16 lead on Coco Miller's jumper in the opening minute of the second.

Carson, who scored 17 in the first half, made two free throws and had a layup, and Pondexter had a steal and fast-break layup to get the Liberty within three with 8 minutes left in the quarter.

Kelly Mazzante's 3-pointer with 1:37 left started a 9-0 run and McCoughtry capped it with two free throws 1:20 later to stretch the Dream's five-point lead to 44-30.

McCoughtry had 16 points in the first half and DeSouza added 12.

Liberty players Plenette Pierson, Alex Montgomery and Jessica Breland and assistant coaches Monique Ambers and Lady Grooms were involved in two separate traffic accidents on the way to the arena. None of the players or coaches was injured and all arrived before the tipoff.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Douglas leads Fever over Shock 82-74 - by Eurobasket News
Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 22 points and seven rebounds to lead the Indiana Fever to an 82-74 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Tuesday night.

Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 10 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter for Indiana. Briann January (5'8''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) had 12 points and Erin Phillips finished with 10.

Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 19 points and Jennifer Lacy (6'3''-F/C-83, college: Pepperdine) had 14 for the Shock, who dropped their fifth straight game to start the season. Kayla Pedersen scored 13 and Andrea Riley had 10.

Douglas tied a career high with six 3-pointers, also matching the franchise record.

The Shock played without Elizabeth Cambage, who suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Connecticut. The 6-foot-8 rookie is averaging 15.5 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

Moore coming home - by Eurobasket News
Even at the highest college level, there were times when Maya Moore's (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) talent was too much for her foes to overcome. She simply had too much skill and athletic ability for a handful of overmatched teams on Connecticuts schedule.

Those days are over now. There are no breaks, no blowout victories.

A WNBA rookie, Moore now faces players night in and night out that test her abilities more than ever. Passes have to be crisper. Decisions must be made quicker. Shots are tougher to get off.

The pressures on because youve got people challenging you at the highest level and that forces you to adjust and play at a higher level, said Moore, whose Minnesota Lynx team plays Sunday at Philips Arena against the Atlanta Dream. Sometimes I get in trouble and turn the ball over, but most of all it just pushes me to rise up and play the best I can.

The former Collins Hill star entered the WNBA this summer with extreme expectations, carrying the burden of being the leagues No. 1 draft pick and the first-ever female representative of Nikes Jordan Brand. If thats affected her, shes hid it well.

Moore averages 14.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals for the Lynx (3-1), riding a three-game winning streak since a season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. The 6-foot forward had a season-high 21 points in her WNBA debut, then had her first off night as a pro last week with seven points on 2 of 10 shooting vs. Tulsa.

But she bounced back with 14 points (on 7 of 10 shooting) and six rebounds in the next game, a win over Seattle. And just like in college, when UConn was 150-4 in her career with two national titles, she is winning.

Weve been playing pretty well, Moore said. Im not saying Im surprised by it. Its what we expected but you never know what can happen. Were happy that weve gotten off to this start.

A stern test for the Lynx comes Sunday with a trip to play the Dream, preseason favorites for the WNBAs Eastern Conference champions. Its an even more important trip for Moore in that its her first homecoming trip as a pro.

She likened the trip to the one earlier this year with UConn, which played at Georgia Tech in front of a large crowd of Moores supporters. Another large turnout is expected at Philips this weekend to see the Georgia-raised superstar, one of only two four-time All-Americans in the history of womens basketball.

Right now its in the hundreds (of family and friends committed to coming Sunday), Moore said. Im not really sure how many. I dont really want to put a limit on it. I want to get as many there as possible.

One person who will definitely be there is Kathryn Moore, her mother. Kathryn moved to Connecticut to follow her daughters college career, but recently moved back to the Atlanta area.

Moore has her own apartment in Minnesota, but dont be surprised to see her in Atlanta during her free time to visit her mother and others close to her.

(Atlantas) a home base we both like, said Moore, who turned 22 last weekend. (Kathryn) does come up and see me up here. Moms welcome to stay and go as she pleases up here. Atlantas a good place for us. Our familys there. Our church is there. We have a lot of reasons to love Atlanta.

Moore hopes to feel some of that love on Sunday. Though its a Dream home game, a large fan base is expected to be rooting on the Lynx. Her family and friends here typically root for whatever team she plays on.

That was the case when UConn played at Tech earlier this year, and likely will be the case this weekend when she play at Philips for the first time.

It should be very similar (to playing at Tech), Moore said. I had a lot of friends and family supporting me. They helped us out. Even though we were on the road, it kind of felt like a home game.

Courtesy of www.gwinnettdailypost.com