EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/17/2011

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Men News

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  ARGENTINA   


William McFarlan joins San Martin Corrientes - by Eurobasket News
William McFarlan (201-F-76, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.Thomas Aquinas) has been confirmed to spend the next season in Liga A newcomers San Martin Corrientes. The 34-year-old forward spent the last season in Obras. William McFarlan posted 12.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game in Liga A. Previously William McFarlan played in USBL, Ireland, Finland, France, Poland, Dominican Republic and Mexico. The forward was named Eurobasket.com All-French Pro B Player of the Year back in 2005.


Sionista de Parana add two import players - by Eurobasket News
Sionista have confirmed the arrival of two import players for the next season. They are Johwen Villegas (193-G-85, college: FIU) and Dale Carn (210-C/F, agency: EM-PA).
Johwen Villegas currently plays for Coamo in Puerto Rican BSN. The 26-year-old Puerto Rican guard tallies 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Maratonistas. Last season Johwen Villegas played for Club Atletico Olimpia in Uruguay. His stats read 27.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals per appearance. He was named Latinbasket.com All-Uruguay LUB Guard of the Year.
Dale Carn signed his first pro deal. The centre just graduated from the Eckerd College. Dale Carn tallied 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in his senior season.


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  BELGIUM   


Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket
All-Belgian League 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
Demond Mallet
Mallet
Matt Lojeski
Lojeski
Anthony Hilliard
Hilliard
Christopher Copeland
Copeland
Christopher Young
Young
#e#5

Player of the Year: Demond Mallet (185-G-78) of Charleroi
Guard of the Year: Demond Mallet (185-G-78) of Charleroi
Forward of the Year: Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86) of Aalstar * plays at both shooting guard and small forward positions
Center of the Year: Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar
Most Improved Player of the Year: Quentin Serron (190-G-90) of Oostende
Bosman Player of the Year: Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar
Import Player of the Year: Demond Mallet (185-G-78) of Charleroi
Domestic Player of the Year: Roel Moors (190-G-78) of Antwerp
Defensive Player of the Year: Marcus Hatten (186-G-80) of M.Hainaut
Coach of the Year: Brad Dean of Aalstar

1st Team
G: Demond Mallet (185-78) of Charleroi
G: Matt Lojeski (198-85) of Oostende
G/F: Anthony Hilliard (193-86) of Aalstar
F: Christopher Copeland (203-84) of Aalstar
F/C: Christopher Young (206-79) of Aalstar

2nd Team
G: Marcus Hatten (186-80) of M.Hainaut
G: Timothy Black (178-81) of Antwerp
G: Stefon Jackson (196-85) of Aalstar
C/F: Rashaun Freeman (206-84) of Verviers-Pep.
F/C: John Tofi (203-84) of Leuven

Honorable Mention
Roel Moors (190-G-78) of Antwerp
Christophe Beghin (207-F-80) of Charleroi
Jorn Steinbach (181-PG-89) of Aalstar
Ronell Taylor (196-G-82) of M.Hainaut
Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86) of Leuven
Will Thomas (200-F-86) of Oostende
Andrija Stipanovic (208-C-86) of Liege
Monwell Randle (203-F/C-83) of Gent
Justin Cage (198-F-85) of M.Hainaut
James Miller (180-G-79) of Leuven
Ron Lewis (193-G-84) of M.Hainaut

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Guy Muya (190-83) of Liege
G: Roel Moors (190-78) of Antwerp
F: Christophe Beghin (207-80) of Charleroi
PG: Jorn Steinbach (181-89) of Aalstar
G: Senne Geukens (190-83) of Gent

All-Imports Team
G: Demond Mallet (185-78) of Charleroi
G: Matt Lojeski (198-85) of Oostende
G: Timothy Black (178-81) of Antwerp
G/F: Anthony Hilliard (193-86) of Aalstar
F: Christopher Copeland (203-84) of Aalstar

All-Bosmans Team
G: Joseph Gomis (180-78) of Charleroi
C/F: Peter Van Paassen (211-78) of M.Hainaut
G/F: Tornike Shengelia (205-91) of Verviers-Pep.
F/C: Christopher Young (206-79) of Aalstar
C: Andrija Stipanovic (208-86) of Liege



Didier Mbenga can play for the Lions as Belgian player (not naturalized anymore) - by Bert Larsimont
Good news for the Belgian Lions! The Legal Commission of FIBA gave its final decision on the status of Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (214-C-80) last week. The center will now be considered as one Belgian player under FIBA rules on eligibility and national status of players and will be able to play for the Lions, Belgium's national team, as a Belgian player from now on indeed.

The player, born in Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in Belgium as a political refugee several years ago. So far, D.J. Mbenga played for the Belgian National Team as a naturalized citizen. FIBA rules only allow one naturalized player per national team. His new FIBA status of Belgian player will give the right to Belgian Lions' coach Eddy Casteels to select Mbenga next to one naturalized player (like Telenet Oostende's US born guard Marcus Faison who played for Belgium in the EuroBasket qualifying campaign or Antwerp Giants' shooting forward Ralph Biggs who acquired Belgian nationality by naturalization) at the next FIBA European Championship to be played in Lithuania next September.

National French written newspaper Le Soir quickly published the news last Friday and the media group Sudpresse also mentioned it in its last weekend issue.

D.J. Mbenga was Belgian champion with TEC Spirou Charleroi in 2004 and twice NBA champion in 2009 and 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for the New Orleans Hornets during the 2010-11 NBA season. He averaged 1.4 points per game, 8 minutes per game, 2.1 rebounds per game, 0.7 blocks per game for the Hornets this season.

The Lions will meet on July 25th to start the 2011 EuroBasket preparation campaign. The whole team will then fly to Dallas, Texas for a camp in early August. Didier Mbenga should join Casteels' group there.


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  BULGARIA   


Bulgaria U20 and U18 exchanged victories in friendlies - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgarian U20 NT and U18 NT each got one victory in two friendly games, part of both teams preparations for the European championships in the respective age groups.
In the first game, U20 team got 82-72 win in a competitive and interesting match-up, with lead changes in the first half. Great third period make it count for the U20, and the team got the lead up to 16 points. U18 still had its chance for comeback, cutting it to five with three minutes to go, but that was the end of it.
Ivan Runyov, Konstantin Koev, Luchezar Radev and Hristo Gospodinov each scored 10 points for U20. Nikolay Stoyanov registered 19 points, 8 rebs, and Aleks Simeonov 18 points and 7 rebs for the U18. FULL GAME STATS: http://www.bgbasket.com/en/stats.php?id=147060

In the second game, it turned the other way U18 won 86-79, fair and square. They played better almost through-out all the game and showed character to get revenge. The first quarter ended tied at 22, but then U18 got the lead at the break 40-34. In the second half the lead rose to double digits, but U20 fought back to tie it at 67, with seven minutes to go. This time the U18 didnt back down though and kept its composure to close it with a victory.
Tencho Tenchev was topscorer for U18 with 19 points, Aleks Simeonov added 19 pts and 8 rebs, and Nikolay Stoyakov finished with 11 pts. For U20, Stanislav Tsonkov and Ivan Runyov nailed each 13, and Darin Ivanov got 11. FULL GAME STATS: http://www.bgbasket.com/en/stats.php?id=147061

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  CHINA   


Collins' double-double lands him NBL Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old forward DeAngelo Collins (206-F-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team ShenYang and receives a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 2.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Jiangsu (#10, 0-3), the league's bottom-ranked team 88-81. It allowed ShenYang to take over top position in the Chinese NBL. The season is still on an early stage, but ShenYang already had a very good start winning all 3 without losing a single one. Collins just recently signed at ShenYang, being already a very valuable addition to the team. High School graduate has very impressive stats this year. Collins is in league's top in points (6th best: 24.7ppg), rebounds (5th best: 14.3rpg), assists (2nd best: 6.0apg) and averages solid 4.7bpg and 2.3spg.

Second best performed player last round was Benson Egemonye (207-C-83) of Heilongjiang. He is Nigerian center in his first season at Heilongjiang. In the last game Egemonye recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds. Bad luck as Heilongjiang lost that game 88-104 to Hebei (2-1). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Egemonye is one of the most experienced players at Heilongjiang and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 29.0ppg (#2). He also registered 20.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard T.J. Bannister (180-G-84, agency: Warren Sports International) of Sichuan (#9). Bannister got into 30-points club by scoring 35 points in the last round. He went also for seven rebounds and six assists. Despite Bannister's great performance Sichuan lost 100-102 to Ningxia Hanas (#5, 2-1). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Sichuan not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 2 games, recording just one victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bannister could try to bring Sichuan's a little bit higher in the standings. Bannister has individually a great season in China. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.7ppg (4th best) and assists with 4.7apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenneth Simms (203-C-86) of Ningxia Hanas - 24 points and 18 rebounds
5. Michael Joiner (200-F/G-81) of Whampoa - 27 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Alan Wiggins (206-F-85) of Whampoa - 21 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87) of Sichuan - 19 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Christopher Lawson (193-F-83) of Hebei - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Jahmar Thorpe (198-F-84) of Changan Group - 10 points and 22 rebounds
10. Austen Powers (203-F-87) of Hangzhou - 25 points and 10 rebounds

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)

NBL Round 3: Ningxia Hanas lose the game and top position - by Eurobasket News
After 3 rounds played we can already see who rules in the NBL and who belongs to weaker ones. Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

There was a change at the NBL leadership position after last games. Round 3 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Ningxia Hanas (2-1). They were defeated by seventh ranked Hebei (2-1) 100-95 on Tuesday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ningxia Hanas. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 28-20 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Hebei outrebounded Ningxia Hanas 57-40 including a 23-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward Terence Dials (206-83, college: Ohio St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 20 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Christopher Lawson (193-83, college: Houston) helped adding 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was American center Kenneth Simms (203-86, college: Cumberland, agency: TSS Management) with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hebei moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Ningxia Hanas. Ningxia Hanas will play next round against strong Changan Group trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Hebei will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Jiangsu at home.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked ShenYang as it allowed them to take a leadership position. ShenYang defeated 5th ranked Guangzhou FM at home 102-91. It was an exceptional evening for American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Corey Allmond accounted for 37 points (!!!). American forward Jartavious Henderson (203-87, college: Memphis) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds for Guangzhou FM in the defeat. Guangzhou FM's coach Dragan Raca rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. ShenYang have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Guangzhou FM at the other side dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Guangzhou FM will play next round against Heilongjiang trying to get back on the winning streak. ShenYang will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Hangzhou on the road.
Undefeated Whampoa (2-1) recorded its first loss on the court of eighth ranked Hangzhou on Tuesday night. Visitors were rolled over by Hangzhou 99-79. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Whampoa. The best player for the winners was Dante Milligan who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Alan Wiggins who recorded a double-double by scoring 28 points and 17 rebounds. Whampoa's coach XuLin Wang tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Hangzhou (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Whampoa dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Hangzhou will meet at home league's leader ShenYang in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Whampoa will play against Sichuan and hope to secure a win.
The game in was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Sichuan (1-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Changan Group (2-1). Changan Group managed to secure a 4-point victory 89-85. It was a key game for the second position in the league. It was a good game for Nick Stallings who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Changan Group moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Sichuan at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Changan Group's next round opponent will be Ningxia Hanas (#5). Sichuan will play against Whampoa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 3 winless Jiangsu lost to Heilongjiang on the opponent's court 120-131.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 32 points and 29 rebounds by Benson Egemonye of Heilongjiang.


Hangzhou - Whampoa 99-79

Undefeated Whampoa (2-1) recorded its first loss on the court of eighth ranked Hangzhou on Tuesday night. Visitors were rolled over by Hangzhou 99-79. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Whampoa. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 99-79. Hangzhou dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Whampoa's 42. They outrebounded Whampoa 52-34 including 19 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Dante Milligan (206-84, college: Massachusetts) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. Wang Yun chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) who recorded a double-double by scoring 28 points and 17 rebounds and center Lei Ji (203-83) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Whampoa's coach XuLin Wang tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Hangzhou (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Whampoa dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Hangzhou will meet at home league's leader ShenYang in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Whampoa will play against Sichuan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hangzhou: M.Dante 27+18reb+2ast, Z.Tian-bao 22+5reb+1ast, Y.Wang 22+7reb, P.Austen 15+10reb+2ast, L.Wei 7+5reb+3ast, J.Jin 4+2reb+1ast
Whampoa: W.Alan 28+17reb, J.Lei 11+5reb+1ast, W.Jing 10+3reb+2ast, Y.Ning 10+1ast, Y.ZhiYong 7+1reb, L.Yao 7+2reb+3ast
gschID: 129304


Hebei - Ningxia Hanas 100-95

There was a change at the NBL leadership position after last games. Round 3 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Ningxia Hanas (2-1). They were defeated by seventh ranked Hebei (2-1) 100-95 on Tuesday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ningxia Hanas. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 28-20 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Hebei outrebounded Ningxia Hanas 57-40 including a 23-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward Terence Dials (206-83, college: Ohio St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 20 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Christopher Lawson (193-83, college: Houston) helped adding 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was American center Kenneth Simms (203-86, college: Cumberland, agency: TSS Management) with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds and guard Kaifu Yao (196-83) scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Hebei and five Ningxia Hanas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hebei moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Ningxia Hanas. Ningxia Hanas will play next round against strong Changan Group trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Hebei will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Jiangsu at home.
Top scorers:
Hebei: D.Terence 24+20reb, L.Christopher 19+11reb+8ast, C.Zhixin 14+4reb+1ast, L.Yiding 11+8reb, Z.GuoDong 8+2reb, Y.Tingyu 8+3reb+3ast
Ningxia Hanas: S.Kenneth 20+15reb, Y.Kaifu 18+9reb+4ast, H.Ramon 16+7reb+2ast, M.Yansong 14+4reb+6ast, S.ChunLei 13+1reb+3ast, W.Sze 6
gschID: 129301


ShenYang - Guangzhou FM 102-91

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked ShenYang as it allowed them to take a leadership position. ShenYang defeated 5th ranked Guangzhou FM at home 102-91. The game was mostly controlled by ShenYang. Guangzhou FM was better in third quarter 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 28-of-37 charity shots (75.7 percent) during the game. ShenYang forced 19 Guangzhou FM turnovers and had a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guangzhou FM was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. His fellow American import guard Corey Allmond (188-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)) accounted for 37 points (!!!) for the winning side. American forward Jartavious Henderson (203-87, college: Memphis) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and forward Liang Yu (209-86) added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Guangzhou FM in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Guangzhou FM's coach Dragan Raca rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. ShenYang have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Guangzhou FM at the other side dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Guangzhou FM will play next round against Heilongjiang trying to get back on the winning streak. ShenYang will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Hangzhou on the road.
Top scorers:
ShenYang: A.Corey 37+4reb+1ast, C.DeAngelo 24+14reb+4ast, C.XiaoDong 17+9reb+2ast, Z.Kun 11+5reb, D.ChengLong 11+3reb+1ast, X.Lu 2+3reb+5ast
Guangzhou FM: H.Jartavious 22+12reb, C.Jr. Raymond 17+2reb+1ast, Z.HongWei 13+3reb+2ast, Y.Liang 10+9reb+1ast, S.Sani 10+5reb, L.Dapeng 7+1reb+1ast
gschID: 129302


Heilongjiang - Jiangsu 131-120

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Heilongjiang and bottom-ranked Jiangsu had identical 0-2 record. This time Heilongjiang used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from 131-120. Jiangsu was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 27-22 third quarter run of Heilongjiang. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Jiangsu's 34 and had 44 for 69 from the free-throw line, while Jiangsu only scored twenty points from the stripe. It was a great shooting night for Heilongjiang especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. 46 personal fouls committed by Jiangsu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 29 rebounds. American guard Courtney Pigram (185-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) contributed with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American center Kenny Lawson (205-88, college: Creighton) answered with a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds and the other American import guard Justin Johnson (198-86, college: Iowa) added 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Jiangsu. Five Heilongjiang and four Jiangsu players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Heilongjiang (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. It was Jiangsu's third loss in a row. They still closes the standings with three games lost. Heilongjiang's next round opponent will be Guangzhou FM (#6). Jiangsu will play against the league's second-placed Hebei (#2) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: E.Benson 32+29reb, P.Courtney 22+5reb+5ast, W.Nan 21+1reb+1ast, L.Jin 16+9reb, L.Peng 13+2reb+1ast, Y.Gang 10+6reb
Jiangsu: L.Kenny 43+16reb+1ast, X.ShuSen 14+2reb+1ast, J.Justin 14+10reb+5ast, G.Yang 11+6reb+2ast, W.DaPeng 11+2reb+1ast, F.Xin 7+5reb+7ast
gschID: 129303


Changan Group - Sichuan 89-85

The game in was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Sichuan (1-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Changan Group (2-1). Changan Group managed to secure a 4-point victory 89-85. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Sichuan won fourth quarter 20-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 29 personal fouls committed by Sichuan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists. His fellow American import forward Jahmar Thorpe (198-84, college: Houston) contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Stallings is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) answered with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (went 14 for 14 at the free throw line !!!) and Canadian power forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) added 17 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Sichuan. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Changan Group moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Sichuan at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Changan Group's next round opponent will be Ningxia Hanas (#5). Sichuan will play against Whampoa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Changan Group: S.Nick 18+5reb+11ast, T.Jahmar 16+6reb+2ast, S.Jian 11+5reb, L.Peng 10+4reb, R.XiaTi 9+3reb, L.Yang 8
Sichuan: B.T.J. 22+9reb+4ast, W.Ryan 17+13reb, C.Ma 15+3reb, S.TianNong 11+2reb+2ast, Y.ZhaoLei 9+6reb+1ast, H.XiaoBin 7+2reb
gschID: 129300




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  COLOMBIA   


NATIONAL U-17 TOURNAMENT, RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
After 4 days of competition, eight teams has earn a place to the National Games, the first and the second of each group , the same 8 teams now will play to get the tittle of the National U-17 Tournament.
But first lets see the results of the 4 days:

Day 1:
Antioquia 76 Quindio 32
Guajira 72 Cordoba 41
Casanare 83 Sucre 10
Valle 84 Caqueta 17
Bolivar 71 Choco 60
Magdalena 64 Huila 37
Tolima 47 Bogota 66
Cundinamarca 76 Santander 49
Meta 71 Boyaca 25

Day 2:
Guajira 75 Choco 40
Magdalena 52 Santander 30
Bogota 76 Casanare 50
Meta 83 Caqueta 43
Guaviare 43 Bolivar 58
Antioquia 68 Tolima 45
Cesar 61 Huila 34
San Andres 52 Boyaca 34
Quindio 109 Sucre 31

Day 3:
Bogota 101 Sucre 16
Choco 69 Cordoba 62
Antioquia 75 Casanare 35
Boyaca 46 Caqueta 50
Tolima 42 Quindio 48
Valle 93 San Andres 20
Cundinamarca 105 Huila 31
Magdalena 75 Cesar 41
Guajira 76 Guaviare 61

Day 4:
Quindio 71 Casanare 46
Tolima 79 Sucre 9
Cesar 60 Santander 63
Guaviare 58 Cordoba 72
Valle 64 Meta 61
San Andres 68 Caqueta 63
Antioquia 64 Bogota 54
Magdalena 66 Cundinamarca 79
Guajira 65 Bolivar 35

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  CROATIA   


Kresimir Loncar tastes silver in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) tastes silver in Russia with his Khimky. CSKA however outscored Khimky in the fourth game of the title series to clinch the trophy. J.R. Holden accounted for 25 points in the victory.
CSKA dominated in the game right from the start. The visitors secured a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. CSKA opened a double-digit lead midway through the second term. Kelati and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85) narrowed the gap at 6 points but Langdon made it 43:34 at the interval. The hosts opened the second half with four points in a row to get closer but CSKA quickly restored a safe 10-point buffer. The visitors ensured a 59:50 lead with one quarter remaining. CSKA tipped off the fourth term with eight points in a row. Khimky could not recover in the reminder of the contest and had to surrender at the end. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) provided 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Alexey Shved added 11 points in the victory. Vitaly Fridzon replied with 14 points for Khimky. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) delivered 9 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
In 2010-2011 for BC Khimky Moscow Region (Russia-PBL) in VTB League Kresimir Loncar averaged 10.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 65.0%, while in Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 8.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 69.8%. In Russian League he averaged 11.5 points per game.

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


Nymburk sign contract with Lukas Palyza - by Eurobasket News
Nymburk bolstered their roster with addition of a talented player. The Czech champions inked a deal with Lukas Palyza (204-F-89). The 21-year-old forward comes from Ostrava. Last season he averaged 12.0 points, 2.4 boards and 1.2 assists per game in NBL. Lukas Palyza participated at NBL All-Star Game in 2011. Lukas Palyza played for U16, U18 and U20 Czech Republic National Teams.


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


Saving the Rabbits - by Thomas Soltau
A gold medal last year, and a silver this year, plus trip to the cup final - the Svendborg Rabbits could easily be deemed a success. However the team has been having a hard time on the financial side of the ball.

Red numbers from last year has been carried over to this season, and more red ink has been added this year. What does this mean? It means the Rabbits could be near the end, if they cannot find the funds.

A sad story yet again for Danish basketball, and one can only hope the teams around the league finally wake up a bit, and it might sound all to simple, but what happened to: 'Don't spend money you don't have'?

The Rabbits are attempting a rescue plan, and lets all hope turns out right.


Naestved renew contracts of Lars and Martin Hoirup - by Eurobasket News
Lars and Martin Hoirup (192-F-82) will enter 2011/12 season with Naestved. Two brothers renewed their contracts with the team.
Lars Hoirup (192-G/F-83) averaged 7.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in the previous season. He has been played for Naestved since 2002.
Martin Hoirup also stays with the team since 2002. Last season the 28-year-old forward posted 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per appearance.


*****************************************************
  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Summer League starts in Chicago - by Eurobasket
Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) 2011 is proud to present the #1 summer professional exposure event for the international basketball community.
The Eurobasket Summer League 2011 first event is June 30th July 2nd at Attack Athletics in Chicago.

This is the fourth (4th) year the ESL has been featured at Attack Athletics the facility where you will see many NBA stars training with Tim Grover and company.
Tim Grover has trained NBA legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade and during the course of the ESL event you will see many NBA players glancing in on the ESL while training.

The ESL Chicago event has had a lot of success over the years as Kyle Lamonte (6'3''-G-84), Chris Hayes (6'9''-F-87), Jerrah Young (6'8''-F-85), Marcus Arnold (6'10''-C/F-84), Daniel Bandy (5'10''-G-84), Demarius Bolds (6'3''-G-84), Emmanuel Little (6'5''-F-85), Dane Cruz (5'10''-G-86), Leonard Houston (6'3''-G-85), Richard Oruche (6'3''-G-87) and Jason Warren (6'7''-F/G-84) received offers as a direct result from participating in the ESL Chicago event.
Kyle Lamonte a former ESL Chicago MVP is playing for the top team in Argentina and is receiving a six figure contract; Chris Hayes another former ESL Chicago MVP is playing in the top league in Argentina; Richard Oruche was the leading scorer in Portugal this season and Marcus Arnold is in the Czech Republic for the third straight season after completed the ESL Chicago event in 2008.
Every year the ESL Chicago MVP has been selected to participate in the ESL Las Vegas event which usually follows the next weekend.

The ESL 2011 will feature events in Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta (Womens Event), New York City and Cologne Germany.
Over 400 players who have attended the ESL events the past three years are currently playing professionally in seventy (70) different leagues globally.
Please click the following link to verify the former ESL players and their current league.
http://www.eurobasketsummerleague.com/Players-Abroad.asp

This year Tunde Adekola who has coached in Germany the past couple of season will appear at the ESL event as a coach and a scout for teams in Germany and Europe.
Donnie Boyce the former NBA and overseas player who coached for the Reno Bighorns in the NBDL will be one of our featured coaches.
Steve Taylor the voice of the ESL will be back to defend his ESL Championship and to promote his coaching skills for European teams.
Robert Conley the standout European professional player will be scouting for various European teams and will be a featured coach at the ESL event.
Darryl Reshaw the ESL Director will be scouting the event for over 30 European teams. He is a former European player and agent who spent over twenty years in Europe and negotiated over 300 basketball employment contracts. He will be looking for talent for various European clubs and agencies.

There will also be scouts and agents from Lithuania, England, Portugal, PBL and the IBL in attendance at the Chicago event.
The talent level in Chicago is always very interesting and for international coaches looking for that diamond in the rough player the ESL Chicago is the event for you.

For more information please email marketing@eurobasket.com or register on www.eurobasketsummerleague.com

*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Bilbao extends Alex Mumbru - by Eurobasket News
According to the local media, Bilbao extended deal with Alex Mumbru (202-F-79). Reportedly, the experienced forward signed 1+1 year contract extension which will keep him with the club at least until the end of the 2012/13 season. Mumbru already has a valid contract with Bilbao until the end of the next season.
Alex Mumbru joined Bilbao two years ago from Real Madrid. He played 43 games in ACB this season averaging 10.6 points, 5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He helped the team reach ACB Finals, where Regal Barca was too strong for them (0-3). On season 2009/10, Mumbru had 13.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 33 games in ACB. He also added 9.1 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.6 apg for 18 EuroCup games. Bilbao reached Semifinals in this competition. Before Bilbao, Mumbru played for Real Madrid and DKV Joventut.
Alex Mumbru is a member of the Spanish NT since 2002. He won the Gold with them at the FIBA World Championship 2006 and another Gold at the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. In EuroBasket 2007 in Spain and Olympic Games in Beijing, Mumbru won the Silver with Spanish NT. Last summer in Turkey, Mumbru had 4.1 ppg and 2 rpg for 9 games.

Eurobasket Summer League starts in Chicago - by Eurobasket
Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) 2011 is proud to present the #1 summer professional exposure event for the international basketball community.
The Eurobasket Summer League 2011 first event is June 30th July 2nd at Attack Athletics in Chicago.

This is the fourth (4th) year the ESL has been featured at Attack Athletics the facility where you will see many NBA stars training with Tim Grover and company.
Tim Grover has trained NBA legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade and during the course of the ESL event you will see many NBA players glancing in on the ESL while training.

The ESL Chicago event has had a lot of success over the years as Kyle Lamonte (6'3''-G-84), Chris Hayes (6'9''-F-87), Jerrah Young (6'8''-F-85), Marcus Arnold (6'10''-C/F-84), Daniel Bandy (5'10''-G-84), Demarius Bolds (6'3''-G-84), Emmanuel Little (6'5''-F-85), Dane Cruz (5'10''-G-86), Leonard Houston (6'3''-G-85), Richard Oruche (6'3''-G-87) and Jason Warren (6'7''-F/G-84) received offers as a direct result from participating in the ESL Chicago event.
Kyle Lamonte a former ESL Chicago MVP is playing for the top team in Argentina and is receiving a six figure contract; Chris Hayes another former ESL Chicago MVP is playing in the top league in Argentina; Richard Oruche was the leading scorer in Portugal this season and Marcus Arnold is in the Czech Republic for the third straight season after completed the ESL Chicago event in 2008.
Every year the ESL Chicago MVP has been selected to participate in the ESL Las Vegas event which usually follows the next weekend.

The ESL 2011 will feature events in Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta (Womens Event), New York City and Cologne Germany.
Over 400 players who have attended the ESL events the past three years are currently playing professionally in seventy (70) different leagues globally.
Please click the following link to verify the former ESL players and their current league.
http://www.eurobasketsummerleague.com/Players-Abroad.asp

This year Tunde Adekola who has coached in Germany the past couple of season will appear at the ESL event as a coach and a scout for teams in Germany and Europe.
Donnie Boyce the former NBA and overseas player who coached for the Reno Bighorns in the NBDL will be one of our featured coaches.
Steve Taylor the voice of the ESL will be back to defend his ESL Championship and to promote his coaching skills for European teams.
Robert Conley the standout European professional player will be scouting for various European teams and will be a featured coach at the ESL event.
Darryl Reshaw the ESL Director will be scouting the event for over 30 European teams. He is a former European player and agent who spent over twenty years in Europe and negotiated over 300 basketball employment contracts. He will be looking for talent for various European clubs and agencies.

There will also be scouts and agents from Lithuania, England, Portugal, PBL and the IBL in attendance at the Chicago event.
The talent level in Chicago is always very interesting and for international coaches looking for that diamond in the rough player the ESL Chicago is the event for you.

For more information please email marketing@eurobasket.com or register on www.eurobasketsummerleague.com

*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS   


Eric Musselman takes over Venezuelan National Team - by Eurobasket News
Eric Musselman has been confirmed as new head coach of Venezuelan National Team. The US specialist will guide the team at the 2011 Fiba Americas Tournament. It will be the qualifying event for 2012 London Olympic Games.
Eric Musselman worked with the Reno Bighorns in D-League in 2010/11 season. He guided the team to the leagues semifinals. In 2006/07 season Eric Musselman worked at the bridge in the Sacramento Kings in NBA. He also had stints with the Golden State Warriors and CBAs Florida Beachdogs. Musselman also worked as assistant coach in the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies. In 2010 Eric Musselman worked with Dominican Republic National Team at the Centrobasket tournament.


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  FIBA AMERICAS U16   


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Canada3-0
2. P.Rico2-1
3. Mexico1-2
4. Guatemala0-3
Group B
1. USA3-0
2. Brazil2-1
3. Venezuela1-2
4. Argentina0-3


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


Malcom Delaney replaces Marquez Haynes in Chalon - by Eurobasket News
Malcolm Delaney (190-G-89) is a new member of Chalon. The American guard signed a one-year deal with the club. He will replace Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington). It will be the first professional season for Delaney, who graduated few months ago at the Virginia Tech University. He played 34 games for his school as a senior registering 18.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 4 apg. Virginia Tech reached ACC Tournament Semifinals and Delaney was named All-ACC 1st Team. He got the same award in 2010 as well. Delaney played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this year averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4.5 assists for 2 games.
Cholet wanted to extend Marquez Haynes, but they were not able to do it. He will most probably continue his career in Spain.

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


Alex King Leaves Bonn For the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After having played in Frankfurt and Bonn the last years, Alex King (200-F/G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) will move on and play for the s. Oliver Baskets in the upcoming season. King is a 26 year old 200cm shooting guard/small forward from Munich, Germany. Last season, Alex King averaged 4,9ppg, 2,3rpg in 31 games for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He also played EuroChallenge: 6 games: 2.5ppg, 4.0rpg. 'He brings a lot of BBL experience for a guy his age. He always gives everything and has a winning mentality', stressed s. Oliver Baskets assistant coach Marcel Schroeder . KIng started his basketball career for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2002-2003 playing 27 games: 8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg - Frankfurt Opel Skyliners (1Bundesliga): 4 games, 0 ppg, 0,3 rpg; ULEB Cup: 2 games: 1.0ppg, 2reb. He then played for the Opel/Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2003-2008. In this time, he was able to play 125 beko BBL games, 19 ULEB Cup games and 9 Euroleague games. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 as he played 28 games: 3.6ppg, 2.0rpg; ULEB Cup: 9 games: 3.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 2FGP: 55.6%, FT: 73.3%. He played for The Telekom Baskets Bonn from 2008-2011. 'I had a very good time the last three years in Bonn and learned a lot from coach Michael Koch . I was looking for a new challenge and found this with Wurzburg', stated Alex King. Awards/Achievements in his career have been, German U18 National Team -02-03, European Championships U18 in Germany -02, German Bundesliga All-Star Rookie Game -03,04German U20 National Team -04-05, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -04, 09, German Bundesliga Champion -04, German Rookie All-Stars Game -05, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -05, European Championships U20 in Moscow -05: 8 games: 4.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 0.6apg, 1.1spg, German National Team -05, German Bundesliga Semifinals -08, EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -09, and German Bundesliga Finalist -09.

Source: s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg





Benas Veikalas Joins The Telekom Baskets Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Telekom Baskets Bonn announced today that Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) will play for the club in the upcoming season. Veikalas is a 27 year old 192cm sharp shooting guard from Lithuvania. He played the last two years in the Czech Republic for top team BK Prostejov (Czech Rep.-NBL, starting five): EuroChallenge: 14 games: 15.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 85.7%; Czech Rep. League: 44 games: 13.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT-2 (47.1%), FT: 81.3%. 'Benas played very well in Prostejov the last two years and had consistent stats. He can produce a lot in little minutes and knows that he can help his team with his shooting. He will not only be a shooter for us, but also attack the basket', stated Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch . He played at Metro State from 2002-2005 together with TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) and in his senior year played 32 games: 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg. He played for Nevezis Kedainiai (LKL) from 2007-2009 and in the 2008-2009 season played Lithuanian League: 20 games: 14.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 86.3%; Baltic League (Elite Group): 18 games: 13.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 74.6%. Awards and achievements in his carrer have beenNCAA D2 Semifinals -04, Baltic League Challenge Cup Winner -08, All-RMAC East Division Honorable Mention -07, Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Honorable Mention -09, Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Honorable Mention -10, 11, Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League All-Bosmans Team -10, 11, Czech Rep. League Finalist -10, 11, Czech Rep. Cup Semifinals -11, Czech Rep. NBL All-Star Game -11, and Czech Rep. League Regular Season Runner-Up -11.

Source: Telekom Baskets Bonn





Philipp Schwethelm joins FC Bayern Munich - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Speculation had been growing that German national player Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Pro One Sports) would go to Bavaria and today FC Bayern Munich welcomed the 22 year old 210 cm forward to the team. Schwethelm had played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven the last two years. Last season, he played 36 games averaging 10,0ppg, 4,0rpg and 2,1apg. He shot 44% from the parking lot. 'I am looking forward to the challenge. I want to take the next step in my development and think that I have made the right choice', stated Philipp Schwethelm. Schwezhelm started his basketball career for RheinEnergie Koeln in 2004 and played there until 2009. In 2007-2008, he played ULEB Cup: 8 games: 2.6ppg, 1.5rpg; German Bundesliga: 25 games: 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 70.4%. 'We are very happy that he chose us. He will play an important role for the future of your team', stated FC Bayern Munich sport director Marko Pesic (198-G-76). Awards and achievements in his career have been German U16 National Team -05-06, FIBA EuroCup Quarterfinals -06, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 5.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 55.6%, German U18 National Team -06-07, German Bundesliga U-19 All-Star Game -07, European Championships U18 in Madrid (Spain) -07: 8 games: 8.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 56.5%, 3FGP: 47.6%, German Bundesliga U-20 All-Star Game -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -08, German U20 National Team -08-09, European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08: (Champion): 8 games: 10.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 77.8%, European Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) -09: 6 games: 11.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 78.6%, German Bundesliga Semifinals -10, German National Team -10, World Championships in Turkey -10: 5 games: 4.4ppg, 1.0apg, and German Bundesliga All-Star Game -11.

Source: FC Bayern Munich



Philipp Heyden Moves To The Mitteldeutscher BC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


The Mitteldeutscher BC announced today that Phillipp Heyden (208-C-88) recieved a one year contract for the upcoming PRO A season. Heyden is a 22 year old 208cm center that was born in Marbach, Germany. Last season, he played for BBC Bayreuth playing 23 games averaging 2,4ppg and 1,7rpg. 'I am looking forward to my new challenge and can hardly wait to get started. I can remember the games against MBC and it was a big wish to work together again with Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM ) and am happy that it will work', stressed Phillipp Heyden. The big man started his basketball career for BSG Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga) in 2005-2006 playing 15 games: 4.4ppg. He then played two years for TUS Lichterfelde.
In 2008-2009, he returned to the Schwaben land to play for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1.Bundesliga), German League: 7 games: 2.6ppg; played also for VfL Kirchheim Knights (ProA): 23 games: 13.1ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 72.5%. In 2009-2010, he played for VfL Kirchheim Knights (ProA): 18 games: 9.9ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 63.9%, played also at EnBW Ludwigsburg (1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 1.3ppg, 1.4rpg. 'I brought Philipp back t Ludwigsburg in 2008 from Berlin and since then we have stayed in contact. He brings great physical and athleic tools, is a good pick and roll player and good shooter for his size. He will play an important roll in our rotation and am happy that he chose us', commented MBC coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM ). Awards and achievements in his career have been German U18 National Team -06, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 11.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 50.9%, FT: 58.6%, European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 8 games: 1.3ppg, 1.5rpg, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -08, German U20 National Team -08, and German A2 National Team -09.

Source: MBC





Q&A with Mitch Leger - by Moritz Korff
In his first season in Germany Mitch Leger (200-F-87, college: Queen's University) strengthened the roster of 2. Bundesliga Pro B club SC Rist Wedel. The Canadian power forward from Kingston, Ontario had 22 appearances for the team from Northern Germany, averaging a solid 13.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest. The 24-year-old recorded nine doubles-doubles through the season and helped SC Rist to avoid relegation by knocking out Konstanz in a hard fought playdown series.
Prior to his stint in Germany Leger attended Queen's University for four years. He led the CIS in rebounding (11.9rpg) during the 2009-10 season and scored 21.4 points a game, which earned him a spot in the All-OUA East Division First Team.

Looking back at your first season in Germany. What kind of an experience has this been for you?
Overall, my first season was a great experience. My teammates and the members of the club were great in welcoming me to their town and basketball team. It took me a little bit of time at the beginning to adjust to the European style of play, but I think that my own personal style works very well with what is necessary to succeed in Europe.

What are some things that you had to get used to the most in your first season overseas? On and off the court?
On the court I think the biggest difference was the way the referees call fouls. I am a very physical player and had to adjust my style a little bit to avoid getting too many foul calls. Also, the distance of the three point line is further back in Germany than it is in Canada. I used to shoot a lot more threes in Canada but I spent a lot of this past season trying to adjust to that difference and so it took away one of my offensive options. Ive continued practicing and feel much more prepared and efficient at the 3 point line now. Off the court, the biggest thing was dealing with communication barriers. Obviously many people speak English, but there are also many that dont, including my coach. Having someone translate timeouts, practices, and scouting reports took some getting used to.

Compared to your final year in college your stats decreased a little bit in Germany. Do you have any explanation for that?
Like I said, I had to change my style a little bit and get used to some of the differences in play at the beginning of the season, so that is something that obviously affects stats. Also, I didnt get as much playing time this year as I did in my final year at college. We had a lot of great big men on our team and so court time was shared. The games where I played more than 30minutes, my stats were actually even better than those of my final year in college.

Your best performance of the season has been certainly the away game at Wulfen, when you scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Would that be your best memory of the 2010-11 season?
Personally, that was one of my better games and was significant to me because it was the first time I really felt I had shown my teammates and the league what I could do. I had some other games that I am proud of statistically but I would say my best memory would be beating Konstanz at home in the third game of our relegation series. The crowd was great, our team played great and it was great to keep the team in Pro B; I know it means a lot to Wedel.

Any skill that you are particularly working on this off season?
The skill that I am working on the most this off-season is footwork and explosiveness. Trying to be a little quicker on my feet and having a bit more speed will definitely improve my game and help me get to the next level.

Please describe your game a little bit. Would you consider yourself a forward or a center?
My game is mostly about working hard. I am 200cm and about 110kgs so I am not the tallest power forward or center in the league but I use my physical strength to my advantage. I hit open shots, force guys to double team me in the post, and most importantly I rebound. Despite significantly less playing time than some of the other big men in the league, I was third in the league in double-doubles and eighth in rebounds per game. I would call myself a power forward/center, really whatever a coach wants from me. I have the strength to compete with the taller centers in the league and have the length and speed to compete with the other power forwards.

Have you made any plans for the 2011-12 season yet?
I would really love to be overseas again come September, but as of right now I am working hard on my game and waiting for a team to give me an opportunity to go back overseas and help them win some basketball games.

Mitch Leger can be contacted at

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


The selected members of the Hellenic U18 NT - 1st National Call - by Chris Mammides
Head Coach Vlassopoulos and his coaching team (Serafeim Theodosiou and Giorgos Proestos) have allready pre-selected the players for the U18 Hellenic NT who will eventually play in the U18 Men's European Championship which will take place in Wroclaw between the 21st to 31st of July, 2011.
The presellected young talents are the following:
Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) of Alimos
Kyprianos Maragkos (205-C-94) of Panathinaikos
Fotios Zoumpos (191-G-93) of Panathinaikos
Giannis Dimakopoulos (213-C-94) of Panathinaikos
Lefteris Bohoridis (191-G-94) of Aris Thessalonikis
Alexandros Mitsialos (202-F-94) of Veroia
Kostas Mantalvanos (200-F-94) of Maroussi
Emmanouil-Antonios Tselentakis (195-F-93) of Anatolia College
Alexis Vasiliadis (195-F-93) of Aris Thessalonikis
Michalis Kaberidis (200-G-94) of Mandraikos
Apollon Deligeorgis (192-G-93) of Mantoulidis
Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) of Maroussi
Giannoulis Larentzakis (200-F-94) of Egaleo
Spyridon Panagiotaras (185-G-93) of Panionios
Mike Dimitropoulos (200-F-93) of Christian Veritas College in USA
Ioannis Papapetrou (202-G-94) of Rangers Academy in USA
Antonis Ploumis (193-G-94) of Egaleo
Filippos Tripodakis (194-G-94) of GSK Kifisia



Third Division: South Groups - Final Day Results - by Chris Mammides
In the South Group there was the strongest team in the C' Division, Filathlitikos which succeeded teh amazing record of 24-2 and in the most crucial game beat the team of Irakleio in Crete proving that it was the strongest team of all. In the first group we had the team of Agia Paraskevi which was also among the strongest in the league and that is why the championship went directly to the team with a record of 21-5 in compare with teh second team of the group which ahd only an a18-8 and was the team of Esperos. Teh last six teams of each group will be rlegated in the D' Division.
The results in this last day were as follows:
South
Group 1
Panahaiki - Keravnos Aigiou 80-60
Quarters: 26-13, 41-25, 58-39, 80-60.
Panahaiki: Deraos 15, Vournas 12, Kostas Karnavas (199-G-83) 27
Keravnos Aigiou: Tassos Kantartzis (190-G-73) 19, Karagiannis 11, Mavridis 11

Holargos - Panetolikos 115-77
Quarters: 36-20, 61-35, 82-53, 115-77.
Holargos: Daniil 10, Kiapekos 14, Stefanis 12, Tassiopoulos 11, Spanos 19, Vellios 15
Panetolikos: Kotsetas 10, Barouhas 15, Efstratiou 16, Kalapanidas 18

Kalamata - Porfyras 56-74
Quarters: 13-18, 19-40, 36-55, 56-74.
Kalamata 80: Ginis 15, Voulgaris 22
Porfyras: Christos Karlaftis 23, Katsaros 13, Georgopapadakos 14, Vihos 10

Akrata - EA Patron 87-66
Quarters: 23-9, 50-30, 68-44, 87-66.
Akrata : Gioupis 17, Stamopoulos 14, Tsinoukas 12, Mallis 10
EA Patron: Panagiotis Tseklenis (197-G/F-87) 24, Kiritsis 17

Esperos - Kronos Agiou Dimitriou 55-62
Quarters: 14-15, 27-28, 43-41, 55-62.
Aperos AOPA: Thonaitis 13
Kronos: Antonopoulos 10, Karaplis 12

Agia Paraskevi - Milonas 86-77
Quarters: 26-24, 51-45, 72-67, 86-77.
Agia Paraskevi: Vaggelis Rois (192-G-85) 15, Zervos 12, Matos 14, KArabas 14
Milonas: Giorgos Rousopoulos (187-G-82) 25, Vourlitis 17

Final Board
1. Agia Paraskevi (KAP) 47 21-5 2145-1758
2. Esperos AOPA 44 18-8 1781-1706
3. Holargos 43 17-9 1892-1722
4. Porfyras 41 15-11 1768-1798
5. Keravnos Aigiou 41 15-11 1848-1814
6. Milonas 41 15-11 1896-1790
7. Kronos Agiou Dimitriou 40 14-12 1784-1676
8. Akrata 40 14-12 1817-1808
9. Panetolikos 39 13-13 1838-1897
10. EA Patron 38 12-14 1819-1866
11. Panahaiki 36 10-16 1643-1767
12. Leonidio36 10-16 1784-1833
13. Tiron Agion Theodoron 32 7-18 1659-1788
14. Kalamata 80 27 1-25 1510-1961

South
2nd Group
Gera - Enosi Iliou 79-108
Quarters: 21-24, 39-57, 63-76, 79-108.
Gera: Saribalis 14, Grigoris Zestos. 37
Enosi Iliou: Solomos 22, Bellas 10, Sarikas 27, Karagiorgos 15

Sporting - Ergotelis 75-86
Quarters: 20 -19, 42-42,59-59,75-86
Sporting: Stelios Klimis (188-G-80) 15, Fasoulopoulos 11, Birdas 14, Papavlasopoulos 13, Zatas 11
Ergotelis : Manolas 17, Papadimitriou 18, Pantsios 15, Georgopapadakos 11.

AEEP Halkidas - Ionikos NF 69-79
Quarters: 17-18, 32-36, 48-56, 69-79.
AEEP Halkidas: Peroulis 27, Tsitsis 15
Ionikos NF: Mavraganis 12, Nikolopoulos 17, Apergis 14, Makropoulos 18

Argonaftis Triglias - Livadeia 80-71
Quarters: 15-21, 30-43, 49-54, 80-71.
Argonaftis Triglias: Prokopis 12, Thodoris Balabanis (183-SG-93) 26, Stragas 23 .
Livadeia: Alexiou 13, Termatzidis 11, Delegos 15

Irakleio Filathlitikos 71-89
Quarters: 19-18, 36-46, 51-60, 71-89.
Irakleio: Stefanakis 19, Agapitos 11, Charisis 12.
Filathlitikos: Gikas 12, Saloustros 14, Stavros Varipatis (196-G/F-73) 15, Costas Andreopoulos (206-C-87) 15, Takis Baziotis (185-G-83) 15

Psihiko - GPS Halkida 74-61
Quarters: 18-14, 35-35, 50-46, 74-61.
Psihiko: Achis 16, Vasilis Mihopoulos (193-G-83) 18.
GPS Halkida: Georgiou 12, Yiorgos Samourelis (204-C-84) 16.

Final Board
1. Filathlitikos 50 24-2 2096-1733
2. Irakleio 49 23-3 2051-1841
3. Enosi Iliou 45 19-7 2040-1767
4. Ionikos NF 45 19-7 1928-1727
5. GPS Halkida 40 14-12 1971-1796
6. Ergotelis 40 14-12 1981-1890
7. Psihiko 38 12-14 1968-1890
8. Livadeia 38 12-14 1942-1928
9. AEEP Halkidas 38 12-14 1941-1971
10. Argonaftis Triglias 38 12-14 1895-1973
11. Sporting 36 10-16 1701-1874
12. Gera 33 7-19 1844-2094
13. P. Faliro 28 3-22 1661-1945
14. Ikaros Ikarias 27 1-25 1566-2156


The Hellenic NT U20 Roster - by Chris Mammides
The Head Coach of the Hellenic U20 National Team Kostas Missas has pre-selected the roster for the U20 European Championship in Bilabo of Spain which will take place between the 14th and the 24th of July, 2011.
The pre-selected 16 players are the following:
Anastasios Antonakis (204-C/F-92) of AEK Athens
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (205-F-92) of Aris Thessalonikis
Alfa Fasengas (210-C-92) of Ikaros Kallitheas
Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91) of Kavala/Panorama
Thanasis Ioakeimidis (195-G-91) of Mantoulidis
Andreas Kanonidis (198-F-91) of Ilysiakos
Dionysios Kapiniaris (184-G-91) of Ilysiakos
Ioannis Karathanasis (200-F-91) of Panellinios
Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91) of Olympiakos Piraeus
Manolis Koukoulas (211-C-91) of Ilysiakos
Spyridon Motsenigos (194-G/F-92) of Ermis Perama
Efstathios Papadionysiou (200-F-92) of Apollon Smyrnis
Konstantinos Papantonakos (202-F-91) of Doukas
Georgios Papapetrou (195-G/F-94) of MCI High School in USA
Grigoris Pappas (205-C/F-91) of Maroussi
Sokratis Psaropoulos (191-G-92) of Peristeri



C Division: North Groups - Results of the Final Games - by Chris Mammides
North
First Group
The champion team of Niki Volou was the final winner in the details and is promoted in the B' Division with a goal average against the team of Ambelonas which had exactly the same points and the same record with 22-4, in the first group while in the second the situation was a bit more clear as the team of Halkidona was slightly better than the second team of anatolia and its record was 23-3 in compare to the 22-4 of the second team of Anatolia. The last six teams of both groups will be play in the D' Division next season, 2011-2012.

The results of the two groups with their top scorers were as follows
Aiginiakos - Megas Alexandros Kryas Vrysis 84-64
Quarters: 16-14, 33-18, 59-30, 84-64
Eginiakos: Bagi 19, Pashalis Voultsidis (200-F-81) 27.
Megas Alexandros Kryas Vrysis : Panagiotis Kromidas (201-F-82) 23, Deliogiannis 16

Argos Orestiko - Proteas Grevenon 92-64
Quarters: 25-13, 48-41, 71-64, 92-64
Argos Orestiko: Pantazis 12, Vilas 24, Anastasios Kottas (189-G-84) 28, Kotzagiannis 10.
Proteas Grevenon: Dimos 13, Gravas 14

AETOS Kilkis - Iraklis Kozanis 70-67
Quarters: 19-9, 31-27, 47-42, 70-67
Aetos Kilkis: Haralampos Imeridis (195-G-78) 22, Papadopoulos 11, Fliatis 12.
Iraklis Kozanis: Iliopoulos 19, Michailidis 18, Psaltou 11.

Alexandros Axiopolis - Ambelonas 62-90
Quarters: 17-26, 40-47, 55-66, 62-90
Alexandros Axiopolis: Mavropoulos 13, Siotkas 13, Filippidis 16, Kalavazis 11.
Ambelonas: Apostolakis 13, Paraskevas 12, Goulas 14.

Foinikas Larissas - Macabi 94-57
Quarters: 7-15, 40-28, 62-42, 94-57
Foinika Larisas: Papadopoulos 11, Gioudas 14, Gaganatsios 16, Tsaknakis 11, Delichristos 16
Macabi: Athenassios Katemliadis (190-G-77) 20, Delitzakis 12.

Metamorfosi Volou Panedessaikos 90-85
Quarters: 24-15, 41-35, 59-56, 90-85
Metamorfosi Volou: G. Karagiorgos 15, Dikas 11, Frousklias 16, Dianelos 13
Panedessaikos: Spyros Zeherlis (178-G-89) 23, Manolis Stavroulakis (194-F-85) 32, Tsamis 14

Final Board
1. Niki Volou 48 22-4 2036-1644
2. Ambelonas 48 22-4 1886-1559
3. Metamorfosi Volou 45 19-7 1967-1766
4. Foinikas Larissas. 43 17-9 2011-1776
5. Argo Orestiko 41 15-11 1925-1820
6. Iraklis Kozanis 41 15-11 1900-1815
7. Eginiakos 40 14-12 1760-1618
8. M. Alexandros K R 40 14-12 1860-1798
9. Aetos Kilkis 39 13-13 1746-1753
10. Macabi 37 11-15 1681-1842
11. Aristotelis Epanomis 35 9-17 1776-1915
12. Proteas Grevenon 32 6-20 1734-1992
13. Panedessaikos 31 5-21 1665-1953
14. Alexandros Axiopolis 26 0-26 1516-2212

North
Second Group

Ionikos Ionias - Hanth 90-70
Quarters: 23-16, 38-27, 67-42, 90-70
Ionikos Ionias: Marapidis 14, Aggelidis 16, Milonidis 15, Manousakis 11, Toliopoulos 14.
Hanth: Varvouniotis 15, Neofytou 14

Eleftheroupoli - Poligiros 87-68
Quarters: 24-13, 45-33, 66-46, 87-68
Eleftheroupoli: Stefanidis 10, Koumlelis 14, Laidis 14, Karatsombanis 16.
Poligiros: Aris Tsioudos (193-G-78) 24, Papasarafianos 13, Papageorgiou 13

Galaxias Adendrou - Makedonikos 59-66
Quarters: 10-13, 23-33, 43-45, 59-66
Galaxias Adendrou: Nikolaidis 17, Kalpaktsis 25.
Makedonikos: Nikos Tzouvaras (198-F-79) 26, Christodoulou 14, Bovasianos 10.

Asvestohori - Halkidona 58-82
Quarters: 16-25, 25-44, 38-65, 58-82
Asvestohori: Giorgos Kaloutsikos (190-G-89) 24, Kouloumbis 10, Vogiatzis 16.
Halkidona: Vasiliadis 16, Siomos 13

Komotini Anatolia 90-63
Quarters: 23-27, 41-39, 72-45, 90-63
Komotini: Kostas Dinas (189-G/F-80) 25, Koutsovasilis 23, Koutsogiannis 15, Paratsoukidis 12
Anatolia: Pavleas 19, Moutsiaras 10, Tsiatsos 10.

Kentavros Kallikrateias - Mantoulidis 78-79
Quarters: 24-25, 41-42, 57-61, 78-79
Kentavros Kallikrateias: Toliopoulos 12, Klonaras 20, Costas Tselios (199-G/F-77) 24, Evangelinos 13.
Mantoulidis: Ioannis Tozios (198-F-90) 25, Ioakeimidis 18

Final Board
1. Halkidona 49 23-3 1881-1498
2. Anatolia 48 22-4 1949-1634
3. Komotini 47 21-5 1923-1557
4. Kentavros Kallikrateias 44 18-8 1950-1825
5. Mantoulidis 43 17-9 1970-1755
6. Ionikos Ionias 43 17-9 1996-1884
7. Eleftheroupoli 41 15-11 1845-1827
8. Titanes Dramas. 38 12-14 1743-1785
9. Hanth 36 10-16 1720-1779
10. Asvestohori 34 8-18 1633-1816
11. Makedonikos 34 8-18 1785-1894
12. Galaxias Adendrou 32 6-20 1664-1941
13. Poligiros 29 3-23 1516-1934
14. Doxa Drymou 14 2-10 707-1153



Second Division: Final Results OFI is the champion while Nea Kifisia and Perama promoted in A2. - by Chris Mammides
The Second Division just ended and the islanders from Irakleion Crete won the championship and promoted to the A2 division.
In the final day of the most thrilling second divisions league everything clear out as OFI won the championship after the great victory of the #3 team of the league Ermis Peramatos while Nea Kifisia and Ermis ended in the second and third position of the league. Parallel to these teams the teams of Apollon Kalamarias, Filippos Veroias and Megas Alexandros together with the team of Olympia Patras have been relegated in the third division (with the exception of Olympia Larissas as the team has dismantled). The epilogue of the division was signed by the top scorer of the division Nikos Nikos Liakopoulos (191-G-83) as in his last game in the second division and against the champion team of OFI scored 37 points!!
The final scores with more analysis were as follows:

Apollon Kalamarias - Filippos Veroias 82-74
Quarters: 20-17, 46-38, 59-52, 82-74
Apollon Kalamarias (Head Coach Baxevanis): Moumoglou 16, Georgios Pavlidis (206-F-78) 21
Filippos Veroias (Head Coach Gimas): V. Mavridis, A. Mavridis and Dovas 10 per head, Tsakiris 18

OFI - Ermis Perama 93-84
Quarters: 27-24, 46-44, 78-68, 93-84
OFI (Coach Vlachos): Alexis Bardas (189-F-81) 23, Panagakis 17, Souflias 18, Xenakis 11, Karadolamis 14
Ermis Perama (Coach Kalambakis): Emmanouilidis 16, Nikos Liakopoulos 37

Stratoni - N. Kifisia 72-71
Quarters: 20-16, 31-41, 46-47, 72-71.
Stratoni (Coach Mythou): Kountouratzoglou 11, Darakis 14, Daskalopoulos 18.
N. Kifisia (Coach Papatheodorou): Diamantopoulos 14, Hopson 12, Tsiakas 18

Egaleo - Aiolos Trikallon 89-62
Quarters: 23-30, 48-38, 71-48, 89-62.
Egaleo (Coach Roumeliotis): Larentzakis 11, Papadakis 10, Syristatidis 12, Vangelis Gkeros (206-C-81) 20, Koukouras 11.
Aiolos Trikallon (Coach Giassaris): Lepeniotis and Fountas 10 each, Triantafillou 15 and Dimitris Yiannaletsos (203-F-85) 19.

Anagennisi Flogas - Aias Evosmou 86-82
Quarters: 25-27, 50-54, 73-66, 88-82
Anagennisi Flogas (Coach Konstantinidis): Efthimis Kothras (193-G-81) 17, Zotos 10, Spiropoulos 13 and Foutsitzis 16.
Aias Evosmou (Coach Kiriakou): Eleftheriadis 10, Asimakis 17, Kostas Georgoulas (200-F-81) 23

Doxa Lefkadas - Doukas 79-67
Quarters: 22-11, 44-23, 62-42, 79-67
Doxa Lefkadas (Coach Vournas): Antonis Godopoulos (185-G-81) 28, Vagenas 17, Limparis 18
Doukas (Coach Giannopoulos): Lehoudis, Papantonakos and Pappas 10 each, Papakonstantinou (199-G-89) 17

Diagoras Rodou - Megas Alexandros 20-0 (without a game)
MENT - Olympia Larissas 20-0 (without a game)

Final Board

1. OFI 2435-2104 55
2. N. Kifisia 2196-1855 54
3. Emis Perama 2332-2075 53
4. Doxa Lefkadas 2080-1840 52
5. Anaggennisi/Floga 2221-2133 50
6. MENT 1961-1908 48
7. Stratoni 2109-2035 47
8. AIAS Evosmou 2112-2075 46
9. Aiolos Trikallon 2027-2032 43
10. Doukas 2021-2152 43
11. Diagoras Rodou 1994-1976 43
12. Egaleo 2078-2176 42
13. Apollon Kalamarias 1992-2104 41
14. Filippos Veroias 1980-2088 38
15. Megas Alexandros 1804-2189 34
16. Olympia Larissas 0-600 0


*****************************************************
  INDIA   


NBA Coaches join up with Team India - by Anil Kumar
The newly appointed coach of the Indian men's basketball team, Kenny Natt, a top-class professional with rich coaching experience in the NBA, says he loves the challenge of coaching in India.

Back home we have been dealing with professional athletes who knew everything. We are almost starting from scratch here. I love that. I love teaching. It will be great to see these guys develop, said the 52-year-old Natt, as he interacted with The Hindu on Tuesday.

Given a two-year contract to train the national men's team, Natt said he would also be coaching the coaches and developing an overall system right from the junior level, so as to ensure gradual, but sure improvement.

All praise

Though he had been training the probables only for a few days, Natt was all praise for their commitment, and also acknowledged the fact that they had been given the correct principles both in defence and offence by the previous coach Bill Harris who had taken care of the team till the last Asian Games.

The guys have been tremendous. Their commitment to me has been great. Whatever I have asked them, they have been following readily. Initially they were missing a lot of easy lay-ups, because of lack of concentration. I have asked them to focus totally. There is a difference from the first day to today. That is how you improve. We have to see what that translates into, wins or losses, he said.

In a lighter vein, Natt pointed that there was an inherent tendency to short-cut everything and that he had emphasised to the players that there was no easy way out but only the hard way.

Pleased

Quite pleased to be working in a team of professionals with Pete Gaudet, who will take care of the women's team, and Zak Penwell, the strength and conditioning coach Natt said the trio would not only train the main national teams, but also look at the grassroots level and put a system in place.

Natt appreciated the fact that the Union government, IMG-Reliance and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) had pooled their resources to ensure professional coaches for the game in the country.

The overall vision is to do something for Indian basketball. What I am doing now, it is done for free in the US, because there is a system.

Couretsy - The Hindu



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


Erez Edelshtein returns to Hapoel Tel Aviv - by Netanel Dahan
The Israeli veteran coach Erez Edelshtein , returns to Hapoel Tel Aviv, and will be their head coach for the next 3 seasons.

Edelshtein was Hapoel T-A's head coach back on 2003-04 season, in that season he led them to the Euro-Challenge 3rd place and to the Israeli league finals.
Edelshtein's highlight was leading Hapoel Jeruslaem to the Eurocup Final Four on 2006.
His last job was as an assistant coach under Pini Gershon in Olympiakos on 2007-08, recently he was a commentator in the Israeli sports channel.

Hapoel Tel Aviv lost last season to Maccabi Habika'a at the Israeli national league finals, but the BSL offered Hapoel to be a part of the Israeli 1st league, the board of Hapoel is considering the offer, another offer which the Red&White team is considering is an option to play in the Euro-Challenge next season, the Israeli Basketball Organization is checking this option with Hapoel and FIBA.

All the latest news on Maccabi Tel Aviv, Including Jon Scheyer - by David Pick
Eidson is gone? Perkins condition is still unknown? Negotiation problems with Scheyer, Pnini agrees to a three year extension, Jabber will not come to Nokia and Maccabi's scouting list is getting shorter. All the latest news on Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The American 'Jewish Jordan' still has unsorted issues about joining Maccabi Tel Aviv's backcourt, where negotiations between the former NCAA champion Jon Scheyer and Maccabi recently shifted gears regarding the financial gap between the two sides, estimated at just over $300,000. Scheyer is not rushing to make his decision just yet, as the former Blue Devil has other European offers, reportedly from Spanish ACB.

Discussions continue as Scheyer's representatives demand $750,000 for two years while Maccabi is offering the Jewish standout $440,000 over the next two seasons. In the same event, Maccabi continues its player recruitment for the upcoming season as Coach Blatt sets his eyes on Aaron Jackson, Earl Rowland, Jeremy Richardson, K.C. Rivers and Coby Karl.

'Eurobasket.com' recently learned that Ibrahim 'Ibby' Jabber will not be joining the team. The talented American guard signed a contract extension with Italian club Armani Jeans Milano and in order for him to join Maccabi, the total buyout amount stands at an estimated $1.5 million, a price Maccabi is unwilling to pay.

Pnini wears blue-and-yellow for three more years

Maccabi Tel-Aviv was pleased to announce today (Thursday), that Israeli forward Guy Pnini, extended his yellow-and-blue relationship for the next three seasons. Pnini, who recently finished his Euroleague Rookie season, finished fourth in shooting percentages from beyond the arc. The Israeli national player's contract will continue until the 2013/14 season including.

Pnini (27), who grew up in Maccabi's youth programs, had finished his two year contract with a standing ovation as he showed his talent, enthusiasm and devotion to both the Maccabi fans and their organization. Pnini finished this past Euroleague season posting an average of 7.2 points per game including a thrilling career high performance against Caja Laboral in the Euroleague quarter-finals playoff series final game scoring 22 points including 5 three-pointers.

In the domestic league he slightly improved his averages contributing 9.3 points, 2.3 assists and 2 rebounds per game. Pnini's awards with the Israeli varsity team include winning two state cups, one championship ring and one appearance in the Euroleague final four.

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


Biella eye Gal Mekel and Matt Howard - by Eurobasket News
Angelico Biella targets Gal Mekel (193-PG-88, college: Wichita St.) and Matt Howard (203-F). Gal Mekel spent the previous season in Israel. The 23-year-old point guard averaged 10.0 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per EuroCup game for Galil Gilboa. In Israeli League Gal Mekel notched 12.0 points, 6.3 assists, 4.2 boards and 1.4 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Gal Mekel All-Israeli League Guard of the Year. Gal Mekel played for Israeli National Team at 2009 EuroBasket. The guard posted 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in Poland.
Matt Howard has just graduated from the Butler University. The forward averaged 16.7 points, 7.7 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his senior season. Matt Howard was trumped CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America Player of the Year. The forward also made it into NABC Division I All-District 12 1st Team.


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


2011 BJ League Draft Results - by John Scribe
The BJ League today held its annual expansion and newcomer draft in downtown Tokyo. As in recent years, there were plenty of bypassed picks and questionable moves.
There are some critics that argue that the draft itself should be discarded considering that there are limited number of selected players.

See below for this year's picks:

Expansion Draft:

1st Round
Iwate Big Bulls: Reina Itakura, Tokyo Apache
Chiba Jets: Hiroki Sato, Oita Heatdevils
Nagano Shinshu Brave Warriors: Takato Saitoh, Niigata Albirex BB
Yokohama: No selection

2nd Round
Chiba Jets: Kensuke Tanaka, Tokyo Apache

Rookie-Newcomer Draft

1st Round
Yokohama B-Corsairs: Kenji Yamada (180-G-83), Link Tochigi Brex
Iwate Big Bulls: Hayato Kantake, Toyota Alvark
Shinshu Brave Warriors: Akihito Matsuyama, Renova Kagoshima
Chiba Jets: Takaki Ishida, Toyota Alvark (Excellence)
Shiga Lakestars: Jumpei Honda, Tokyo Seitoku University
Shimane Susanoo Magic: Takumi Ishizaki, Shimane Susanoo Magic
Shiga Lakestars: Shingo Miyagi, Senshu University

2nd Round
Yokohama B-Corsairs: Fai Pop Muir, Senegal, Kanto Gakuin University
Iwate Big Bulls: Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Legend
Kyoto Hannaryz: Hikaru Sasaki, Yatabe Club
Yokohama B-Corsairs: Tetsuya Yamada, HItachi Sunrockers
Iwate Big Bulls: Tasuku Namizato, Renova Kagoshima

Developmental Draft

1st Round
Shinshu Brave Warriors: Tadashi Utsunomiya, Nagano Developer
Chiba Jets: Mitsuhiro Kamezaki, TGI D-Rise
Yokohama B-Corsairs: Masato Tsukino, Miyazaki Shining Suns
Iwata Big Bulls: Atsushi Nogami, Aomori Club
Shiga Lakestars: Shigeki Ido, TGI D-Rise
Sendai 89ers: Soushi Yasuda, Sendai 89ers
Niigata Albirex BB: Yuki Sato, Niigata Albirex BB
Okinawa Ryukyu Golden Kings: Morimasa Yamauchi, Lekios basket team

2nd Round
Chiba Jets: Shota Issiki, Chiba X-Dreams
Iwate Big Bulls: Shinya Chiba, Alphas

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


U19 selection edge U20 in test game - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U19 - Lithuania U20 103:90 (OT)

Lithuanian U19 National Team overcame their U20 counterparts in test game in Klaipeda. The sides needed overtime to decide on the winner. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) stepped up with 25 points to pace Lithuania U19.
U20 selection got to a quick start. They posted a 26:19 lead after the opening frame. They stretched the margin to as many as 22 points at halftime 54:32. But U19 team turned things upside down in the second half. They cut the deficit to just 10 points with one quarter remaining. Lithuania U19 went on a rescue rally in the fourth period and eventually forced overtime. U19 selection outgunned their opponents 19:6 in the extra period to clinch the victory. Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) knocked down 22 points, while Edgaras Ulanovas (198-F-92) finished with 16 points in the win. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) responded with 22 points for Lithuania U20. Saulius Kulvietis (203-F-91) accounted for 14 points in defeat.

Lithuania U19: Jonas Valanciunas 25, Dovydas Redikas 22, Edgaras Ulanovas 16
Lithuania U20: Augustas Peciukevicius 22, Saulius Kulvietis 14


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Slavko Vranes and his Unics are third in PBL - by Eurobasket News
Slavko Vranes (229-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) and his Unics are third in PBL as they won the series over Lokomotiv 3-0. At first Unics won over Lokomotiv 81-74 in Game 1. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 23-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan forced 21 Lokomotiv turnovers. Strangely Lokomotiv outrebounded Unics Kazan 44-31 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) fired 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey added 14 points respectively for lost side. Five Unics Kazan and four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
In Game 2 Unics grabbed 81:80 win over Lokomotiv. The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 21-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Unics Kazan made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe who had a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. American guard Terrell Lyday chipped in 29 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-G-80, college: Xavier) produced 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach Kestutis Kemzura rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
In Game 3 Unics won 77:70 as Lampe Maciej erupted with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Chalmers Lionel responded with 19 points in the losing effort.


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


Heat extend qualifying offer to Mario Chalmers - by Eurobasket
The Miami Heat announced that they have made a qualifying offer to Mario Chalmers (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kansas), making him a restricted free agent and giving Miami the opportunity to match any contract offer he receives.

Chalmers, a 62, 190-pound guard, has appeared in 225 regular season games (132 starts) averaging 7.9 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.45 steals and 26.7 minutes while shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 77.8 percent from the foul line. Among Miamis all-time leaders, he ranks eighth in steals (327), tied for ninth in three-point field goals made (272), 12th in assists (826), 19th in minutes (6,012), tied for 19th in games played (225) and 22nd in three-point field goal percentage (.350).



Courtesy of realgm.com





Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson arrested - by Eurobasket News
Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson (6'5''-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) was arrested for public intoxication Tuesday.

Police said Stevenson was arrested late Tuesday night after reports of an intoxicated person walking through the grounds of an apartment complex. Police said Stevenson didn't know where he was and he was arrested after he failed the field sobriety tests.

He was released from jail Wednesday morning after posting bail. Mavericks spokeswoman Sarah Melton said the team had no comment on the arrest.

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated Dirk Nowitzki on winning the MVP in the Mavericks' NBA Finals triumph.

Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert said that Merkel wrote to Nowitzki to laud him for being 'the first German to fulfill this great dream.'

- A crowd of 250,000 is expected when the newly crowned NBA champion Mavericks are honored with a parade today in Dallas.

Courtesy of www.denverpost.com

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


McMurry hires new men's coach - by Arnault Desira
Jerry Isler coaches champions. And Wednesday, McMurry athletic director Ron Holmes asked Isler to carry on that legacy as he was named the 13th head mens basketball coach in school history.

Isler will carry the program into a new War Hawks regime, but will be expected to grasp the Indian tradition of past coaches, and the highly successful basketball program that the athletic department has been known for, for decades.

The Grady, N.M., native departs Clovis (N.M.) High School, where he was the the coach for 10 seasons. There, he posted a 209-70 overall record (.749), won five district titles, made the state tournament all 10 years, and reached the state title game in 2008.

At the high school level, he is the 10th all-time winningest coach in New Mexico history, and has compiled a 533-160 record between high school and college for a .769 career-win percentage.

Birmingham-Southern loses coach - by Arnault Desira
Birmingham-Southern athletic director Joe Dean Jr. announced the resignation of head mens basketball coach Mitch Cole to accept an assistant coach position at a major conference Division I school. Dean said that an announcement of Cole's hiring is expected soon by his new institution.

Cole is coming off one of the most successful seasons in BSC mens basketball history that included an NCAA Division III Provisional Tournament championship and D3hoops.com South Region Coach of the Year honors.

Cole led the Panthers to a 23-4 overall record in 2010-11 and a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship. BSC was 14-2 in conference play in its last season as a provisional member of NCAA Division III. The Panthers will be eligible for conference and NCAA postseason play in 2011-12.

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Leasure, Taranaki.22.5 
 2. Hudson, Manawatu.20.7 
 3. Abercrombie, Waika.20.6 
 4. Webster, Wellingt.20.3 
 5. Dora, Nelson G.20.1 
 6. Smith, Waikato P.19.7 
 7. Pace, Bay Hawks19.5 
 8. Campbell, Taranaki.18.8 
 9. Polyblank, Southla.18.8 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Pledger, Waika.11.8 
 2. Horvath, Manawatu.11.4 
 3. Campbell, Taranaki.10.2 
 4. Allred, OceanaGo.10.1 
 5. Vukona, Nelson G.10.0 
 6. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 7. Johnson, Wellingt.9.0 
 8. Grizzard, Nelson G.8.9 
 9. Frank, Wellington8.3 
 10. Dickens, Southlan.8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.7.1 
 2. Dickel, Southland6.5 
 3. Tait, Wellington S.5.8 
 4. Braswell, Southlan.5.2 
 5. Martin, Auckland.4.5 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.4.4 
 7. Boucher, Auckland.4.0 
 8. Smith, Waikato P.3.8 
 9. Jones, Nelson G.3.3 
 10. Meehl, Taranaki MA3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Dillon BOUCHER
  Auckland.
  (196-F-75)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Boucher, Auckland.2.9 
 2. Smith, Waikato P.2.8 
 3. Crowe, Waikato P.2.8 
 4. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 5. Dickel, Southland2.1 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.2.0 
 7. Allen, Waikato P.1.8 
 8. Leasure, Taranaki.1.6 
 9. Frank, Wellington1.6 
 10. Braswell, Southla.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Pledger, Waika.3.0 
 2. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 3. Iti, Southland S.1.5 
 4. Allred, OceanaGo.1.5 
 5. Spicer, Southlan.1.2 
 6. Anthony, Waika.1.1 
 7. Campbell, Taranaki.1.0 
 8. Vukona, Nelson G.1.0 
 9. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.9 


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


Bilal Abdullah joins Auckland Pirates - by Eurobasket News
The Auckland Pirates strengthened their roster in the quest for NBL playoff spot. They brought in Bilal Abdullah (196-G-84, college: Lafayette). The 27-year-old guard started the previous season in PBL. The guard notched 2.5 points and 1.0 rebound per game for the Quebec Kebs. In February Bilal Abdullah joined Worthersee Piraten in Austrian A Bundesliga. His stats read 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Previously Bilal Abdullah had stints in Spain, Japan and Finland. The guard graduated from Lafayette back in 2008. He was named into All-Patriot League 2nd Team the same year. Bilal Abdullah has already debuted for the Auckland Pirates. The guard notched 5 points, 2 rebounds and a steal helping the Pirates to a 79:68 win over the Southland Sharks in Round 10.


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Coach Nelson eyes national trophy with Bayelsa School - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Afrer conquering the Equatorial Conference, Coach of St Judes Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Torunarigha Tony Nelson have said that his ambition is to win the national finals of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Championship coming up in Lagos later this year.

Coach Nelson, who stated this after his teams 44-18 victory over Announciation Secondary, Enugu, said his girls would storm Lagos with the aim of picking the trophy.

What we need to do is go back home and continue training hard so that we can become better because the finals in Lagos would be a different ball game. All the teams that have qualified for the grand finale will also be eyeing the trophy so we need to go back home and continue training hard.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Enugu State, Uwaezuoke Nwaebiem has enjoined the student to take their education seriously while also doing sports in schools. The top government official stated that combining both was good as the students would have the opportunity to take to any one in future.

He noted that Nestle Milo was giving them the opportunity to become world stars through the annual basketball competition advising that they become more focus in their career. According to Nwaebiem, the students must aspire to become champions and eschew vioence when they go for competition.


*****************************************************
  PBL   


NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE OF CANADA ANNOUNCES CANADIAN CITIES - by Allen White
Five more markets are now in the zone to become part of the Canada's professional basketball league. Prince Edward Island, Barrie, Kingston, Oshawa and London Ontario are set become the newest teams to join the league.

'I am so thrilled at the level of interest we are receiving. Players and fans across the country are getting really excited about this new national league that is growing the sport in Canada,' says Interim League President & CEO, Andre Levingston.

Each of the five teams has successfully met the June 15 deadline of submitting deposit cheques and letters of intent to join the league for the upcoming season. They will all go through a rigorous approval process to establish the viability of each organization. The franchises are also in high-level negotiations to secure lease agreements with facilities in each of their home cities.

'I am very impressed by the work being done in these markets and with the ownership groups that have made the decision to move forward in the process of bringing professional basketball to their communities,' says Levingston. 'The NBL will be second to none in delivering a high quality of thrilling, family entertainment for Canada to enjoy and call its own. This is something we can all be proud of.'


On June 29, an ownership meeting is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Ontario, to discuss the operations and logistics for the upcoming season.

'We are looking forward to our first ownership meeting so we can properly plan for the upcoming season, and make important decisions together as a group,' says Levingston.
If approved these teams will join Halifax, Saint John and Quebec in the NBL for the 2011-12 season.

For more information visit www.nblcanada.ca or www.lnbcanada.ca. Please send inquiries to media@nblcanada.com.

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


Polish National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Polish National Team 2011
#s#
Marcin Gortat
Gortat
Maciej Lampe
Lampe
Michal Ignerski
Ignerski
Thomas Kelati
Kelati
Lukasz Koszarek
Koszarek
#e#5
Marcin Gortat
213-C-84 Phoenix Suns USA
Maciej Lampe 210-C-85 Unics Russia
Michal Ignerski 207-F-80 Besiktas Turkey
Thomas Kelati 195-G/F-82 Khimky Russia
Lukasz Koszarek 187-G-84 Pepsi Caserta Italy
Adam Hrycaniuk 208-C-84 Asseco Prokom Poland
Damian Kulig 205-F/C-87 PBG Basket Poland
Adam Lapeta 217-C-87 Asseco Prokom Poland
Piotr Niedzwiedzki 210-F-93 Obiekty Poland
Jakub Wojciechowski 195-F-93 Trefl II Poland
Filip Dylewicz 202-F-80 Trefl Sopot Poland
Michal Gabinski 202-F-87 PGE Turow Poland
Pawel Leonczyk 202-F-86 Energa Czarni Poland
Szymon Szewczyk 209-C-82 Air AV Italy
Piotr Szczotka 197-F-81 Asseco Prokom Poland
Jaroslaw Mokros 201-F-90 Tempcold AZS Poland
Adam Waczynski 199-F-89 Trefl Sopot Poland
Dardan Berisha 192-G-88 Anwil Poland
Piotr Pamula 195-G-90 Tempcold AZS Poland
Mateusz Ponitka 196-G-93 Tempcold AZS Poland
Robert Skibniewski 182-G-83 Slask Wroclaw Poland
Krzysztof Szubarga 182-G-84 Asseco Prokom Poland
Tomasz Snieg 190-G-89 AZS Koszalin Poland
Lukasz Wisniewski 186-G-84 PBG Basket Poland

Ales Pipan Head Coach Zlatorog Slovenia
Mladen Starcevic Assistant Tempcold AZS Poland
Kazimierz Mikolajec Assistant AZS AWF K-ce Poland


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


Season Scout Vitoria de Guimaraes - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
It was a strange season to Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes, having to rebuilt the team, with permanent changes in the foreigner players, ending the regular season and playing playoff with only one non-Portuguese player. What were the odds to see a team living all this troubles and being able to finish fourth place and get to the semi-finals? Low, sure low. But Fernando Sa reached those goals.

The Season
The team started with a lost-win record and, despite beating Benfica, needed to make their first foreign change with only five games played. Brandon Brown left and Kyle Austin came in and Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes confirmed their best run in the league, with a 5-0 record. After that, the team had to manage the high and lows of his players, facing also some injuries problems. Near the end of the regular season, the team lost Austin and Kevin Martin, and Coach Fernando Sa needed to go to his bench and ask some players to get in the starting five or in an intense rotation. He ended up by having good answers from Paulo Diamantino and Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89), who helped this team to reach the goals that were set in the start of the season.

The Player
It isnt easy to chose to most valuable player in this team, as it had different players who step up during the season. Kyle Austin is a very good shooter, with talent and physicality, but played only 16 games during the season, as he came in in November and left before the end. Kevin Martin is a heavy-height center, and was a power weapon for this team in the inside game. Paulo Cunha was the most regular player, kind of a team leader, and gain importance in the end of the season, in points and rebounds. Other players, like Nolan Richardson, Augusto Sobrinho and Andre Bessa were also, at times, important in maneuvering the team plays.

The Prospect
Claudio Fonseca. After some seasons in Spain, Fonseca returned to Portugal and faced the challenge to be in a roster with other centers with a lot more experience. But in the moment he was called to give more to his team, he was able to show how good he is, with all the qualities he has to offer to a team. He will need more minutes to prove hes a good prospect, be it as power forward or center. Andre Bessa, loaned by Porto, also show a good evolution and might be able to gain more minutes if he stays in Guimaraes.



Check for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com





Season Scout Angrabasket - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
The Azorean team made a big bet to fight for promotion but ended up the season losing for their island rivals. It was a huge upset for a team that showed good organization but wasnt able to surpass themselves in the decisive moment. Having a roster with experience players, head coach Joao Avila had a very closed rotation and benefited from the absence of injuries. The teams future is yet to be decided, as there are talks who may lead to Terceira Basket and Angrabasket/Palmeiraspark joining forces to have a strong team in LPB.

The Season
Seen as one of the big teams in Proliga, Angrabasket/Palmeiraspark kept a place in the top of the league, even if they werent able to have big winning runs (the maximum were five wins in the last games of the first turn). Finishing in third place, Angra had to play against their island rivals, Terceira Basket, in the playoff last round. That was the worst thing that could have happen to this team, as Terceira were very strong and Angra didnt benefit for home advantage, as both teams are placed in the same city.

The Player
Terrence Mack (198-F/C-84, college: Rhode Island). A strong power forward, used as center in the team, Mack was the scorer, the rebounder and the stealer of this team. Having played in Denmark and Luxembourg, Mack showed to be prepared to face a high level league. Kevin Jolley is an old-known player in the Portuguese leagues and had a good season, being an important help in Macks domination. Joao Pereira, the teams guard, failed to obtain the second promotion in two seasons (he played at CB Penafiel last year), but was also very important in this team success during the regular season.

The Prospect
Flavio Gomes (194-G/F-89). Member of the Cape Verde national team, Gomes played his second season in Proliga with Angrabasket/Palmeiraspark and showed evolution, being part of the starting five. Hes a all-around player, able to participate in his teams movements, and must be seen as a strong player in any Proliga team.



Check for more: www.porbasket.blogspot.com





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


CSKA clinch PBL title - by Eurobasket News
Khimky - CSKA 63:74

CSKA claimed Russian PBL title. They outscored Khimky in the fourth game of the title series to clinch the trophy. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) accounted for 25 points in the victory.
CSKA dominated in the game right from the start. The visitors secured a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. CSKA opened a double-digit lead midway through the second term. Kelati and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85) narrowed the gap at 6 points but Langdon made it 43:34 at the interval. The hosts opened the second half with four points in a row to get closer but CSKA quickly restored a safe 10-point buffer. The visitors ensured a 59:50 lead with one quarter remaining. CSKA tipped off the fourth term with eight points in a row. Khimky could not recover in the reminder of the contest and had to surrender at the end. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) provided 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Alexey Shved added 11 points in the victory. Vitaly Fridzon replied with 14 points for Khimky. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) delivered 9 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Khimky: Vitaly Fridzon 14, Sergey Monya 9+11 boards
CSKA: J.R. Holden 25, Viktor Khryapa 12, Alexey Shved 11


Nizhny Novgorod keep Zoran Lukic - by Eurobasket News
Nizhny Novgorod have agreed on terms of contract extension with head coach Zoran Lukic . The Serbian specialist will work with Nizhny Novgorod for at least two more seasons. Zoran Lukic helped Nihzny Novgorod clinch 5th place in PBL this season. The specialist joined the team back in 2008. Previously he worked as assistant coach with Indian National Team. Eurobasket.com named Zoran Lukic All-Russian B Superleague Coach of the Year in 2010.


Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket
All-Russian PBL 1st Team 2010-11
#s#
Maciej Lampe
Lampe
Patrick Beverley
Beverley
Keith Langford
Langford
Viktor Khryapa
Khryapa
Sergey Monya
Monya
#e#5

Player of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics
Guard of the Year: Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) of Spartak SP
Forward of the Year: Sergey Monya (203-F-83) of Khimky
Center of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics
Bosman Player of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Unics
Import Player of the Year: Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) of Spartak SP
Domestic Player of the Year: Sergey Monya (203-F-83) of Khimky
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) of Spartak SP
Coach of the Year: Zvi Sherf of Spartak SP

1st Team
G: Patrick Beverley (185-88) of Spartak SP
G/F: Keith Langford (193-83) of Khimky
F/G: Viktor Khryapa (204-82) of CSKA
F: Sergey Monya (203-83) of Khimky
C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Unics

2nd Team
G: Henry Domercant (192-80) of Spartak SP
G: Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) of CSKA
F: Jeremiah Massey (202-82) of Lokomotiv
F/C: Primoz Brezec (216-79) of Krasnie Krilya
C: Lonny Baxter (204-79) of Enisey

Honorable Mention
Ernest Bremer (195-G-80) of Krasnie Krilya
Terrell Lyday (190-G-79) of Unics
Marcus Williams (191-G-85) of Enisey
Kelly McCarty (201-F-75) of Unics
Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) of CSKA
Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) of CSKA
Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87) of CSKA
Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics
Pero Antic (210-F-82) of Spartak SP
Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81) of Lokomotiv
Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) of Enisey
Brion Rush (186-G-84) of Krasnie Krilya
Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86) of Dynamo
Valery Likhodey (204-F-86) of Triumph
Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) of Spartak SP

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Anton Ponkrashov (200-86) of Spartak SP
F/G: Viktor Khryapa (204-82) of CSKA
F: Kelly McCarty (201-75) of Unics
F: Sergey Monya (203-83) of Khimky
C: Sasha Kaun (211-85) of CSKA

All-Imports Team
G: Marcus Williams (191-85) of Enisey
G: Patrick Beverley (185-88) of Spartak SP
G: Terrell Lyday (190-79) of Unics
G/F: Keith Langford (193-83) of Khimky
C: Lonny Baxter (204-79) of Enisey

All-Bosmans Team
G: Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) of CSKA
G: Henry Domercant (192-80) of Spartak SP
F: Jeremiah Massey (202-82) of Lokomotiv
F/C: Primoz Brezec (216-79) of Krasnie Krilya
C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Unics


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Maciej LAMPE
  Unics
  (210-C-85)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Lampe, Unics18.3 
 2. Langford, Khimky18.2 
 3. Keyru, Dynamo16.0 
 4. Baxter, Enisey15.9 
 5. Domercant, Spart.15.7 
 6. Williams, Enisey15.3 
 7. Vyaltsev, Triumph14.4 
 8. Beverley, Spart.14.1 
 9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.13.8 
 10. Labovic, Enisey13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo7.4 
 2. Lampe, Unics7.4 
 3. Baxter, Enisey6.9 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA6.7 
 5. Beverley, Spart.6.2 
 6. Monya, Khimky6.2 
 7. Brezec, Krasnie6.1 
 8. Wilkinson, Lokomot.6.1 
 9. Massey, Lokomotiv6.1 
 10. Paunic, N.Novgorod5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Williams, Enisey6.8 
 2. Bremer, Krasnie6.5 
 3. Vyaltsev, Triumph5.4 
 4. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.4 
 5. Khvostov, Dynamo4.1 
 6. Popovic, Unics3.9 
 7. Beverley, Spart.3.8 
 8. Planinic, Khimky3.7 
 9. Samoylenko, Unics3.6 
 10. Chalmers, Lokom.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Eugeny VORONOV
  Dynamo
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Voronov, Dynamo1.8 
 2. Beverley, Spart.1.8 
 3. Lyday, Unics1.7 
 4. Bremer, Krasnie1.6 
 5. Surovtsev, Lokom.1.4 
 6. Khryapa, CSKA1.4 
 7. Wilkinson, Lokomot.1.4 
 8. Komarovskiy, Eni.1.4 
 9. Pashutin, Unics1.3 
 10. Holden, CSKA1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sasha KAUN
  CSKA
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Kaun, CSKA1.2 
 2. Yakovenko, N.Nov.1.0 
 3. Varlamov, Triumph0.9 
 4. Monya, Khimky0.9 
 5. Zhukanenko, Dynamo0.8 
 6. Antonov, N.Novgor.0.8 
 7. Lampe, Unics0.8 
 8. Khryapa, CSKA0.8 
 9. Likhodey, Triumph0.8 
 10. Rizvic, Unics0.7 


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


The Lebron Question - by Flinder Boyd
Currently the world seems to be split into two sides. Team Lebron, and Team Hater. Without commiting a crime, Lebron James has become a hugely polarizing figure of late. If basketball is an art form (which it is) then he'd be Vincent Van Gogh, the slightly misunderstood genius, who will one day be looked at with eyes of praise. However, currently he is being vilified and mocked. The disapproval towards Lebron by most has turned venomous, crescendoing at the Finals. Fans, didn't so much celebrate Dallas' victory they exulted in Lebron's failure. There are well over 100 facebook groups titled 'I Hate Lebron,' there are websites dedicated to loathe him, some sports writers make a living off of feeding the hate. We could all say that's part of sport, but is it?

After the last Finals game he was asked what its like to have so many millions of people rejoicing in your downfall. He said: 'all the people that was rooting on me to fail at the end of the day, tomorrow they have to wake up and have the same life that [they had] before they woke up today. They got the same personal problems they had today.

Eloquence might not be his fort, but he is absolutely right. Us, as fans, have gone past the point of merely criticizing his game, we've begun to hope for his personal failure to feel better about ourselves. As a professional player I've seen fans overstep the brittle, imaginary boundary of fandom, often putting too much stake into the success of their favorite team. When things don't work out they can sometimes make it personal and forget that athletes can't always play the way they'd like. It's fair to cheer and boo and pick sides and dissect every detail of the game but we've slowly turned Lebron into what we've wished for, a failure. That's sad, because only so often in our lives do we see talent as great as this, yet we're in danger of tearing the Starry Night right off the walls of the Museum of Modern Art. .

Deep down I think he went to Miami to satiate our comparisons of him to Jordan. He felt he had to win multiple championships to be considered an all-time great and the Heat gave him a chance to do that. Then, he probably also felt that by donating millions to the Boys and Girls club and taking less money to go to Miami he'd be looked at favorably. He's not the kind of person who basks in being hated by the majority of your countrymen, none of us are, not even Jordan.

He's not been conventional in his decisions, but they're his decisions. Yet somehow we've taken offense and personalized our disproval. He's become 'arrogant,' or 'selfish,' or 'not self-aware,' or any other adjective that have blurred the lines between art and artist.

It's unfortunate because he can't win. He's not Jordan and never will be, but instead of appreciating their differences, we hate him because of it.

This isn't to say that Lebron isn't without fault. His game could use some serious tweaking, maybe his mental toughness isn't what it should be, maybe he defers too much late in the game. And that's fine for all of us to debate, but as fans we'd do well to take a step back and appreciate his game for what it is.

One day Lebron will reach his full potential and achieve something great. But it won't be for us the fan, and it won't be for his so-called 'legacy,'. Let's just hope when he finally does win a championship he doesn't have to cut off an ear to do it.


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


Smodis and Becirovic win the trophy abroad - by Eurobasket News
Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Sani Becirovic (195-G-81) together with Russian CSKA claimed Russian PBL title. They outscored Khimky in the fourth game of the title series to clinch the trophy. J.R. Holden accounted for 25 points in the victory.
CSKA dominated in the game right from the start. The visitors secured a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. CSKA opened a double-digit lead midway through the second term. Kelati and Vitaly Fridzon narrowed the gap at 6 points but Langdon made it 43:34 at the interval. The hosts opened the second half with four points in a row to get closer but CSKA quickly restored a safe 10-point buffer. The visitors ensured a 59:50 lead with one quarter remaining. CSKA tipped off the fourth term with eight points in a row. Khimky could not recover in the reminder of the contest and had to surrender at the end. Viktor Khryapa provided 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Alexey Shved added 11 points in the victory. Matjaz Smodis ended up with 7 points in a win. Vitaly Fridzon replied with 14 points for Khimky. Sergey Monya delivered 9 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.



Maljkovic announces national team candidates - by Zeljko Zule
National team coach Bozidar Maljkovic announced an expanded list of candidates in the Slovenian national team, which this summer to participate in the 2011 European Championship in Lithuania. It was composed of the following 20 players.
GUARDS: Jaka Blazic of Slovan, Goran Dragic of Houston Rockets, Nebojsa Joksimovic of Igokea, Jaka Lakovic of Barcelona, Domen Lorbek of Lagun Aro, Saso Ozbolt of Olimpija, Klemen Prepelic of Helios, Samo Udrih of Olimpija, Danijel Vujasinovic of Zlatorog.
FORWARDS: Goran Jagodnik of Olimpija, Luka Lapornik of Zlatorog, Edo Muric of Krka, Bostjan Nachbar of Efes Pilsen,
CENTERS: Mirza Begic of Real Madrid, Erazem Lorbek of Barcelona, Uros Slokar of Manresa, Matjaz Smodis of CSKA Moscow, Gasper Vidmar of Fenerbahce,Miha Zupan of Spartak St.Petersburg,



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


Daegu Orions tab Chris Williams - by Eurobasket News
Daegu Orions made a serious reinforcement to their roster. They have agreed on terms of contract with Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia). The 29-year-old forward spent the last season with Mahram. He averaged 24.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in Asian Club Championship. In 2009/10 season Chris Williams played for Qingdao Double Star in CBA. His stats read 23.9 points, 9.1 boards, 3.8 steals and 3.5 assists per appearance. The forward was named Asia-basket.com All-Chinese Defensive Player of the Year. Chris Williams previously played for Mobis Phoebus in 2005/07 seasons. The forward also had stints in Australia, Japan, Germany, Turkey and Philippines. He was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Forward of the Year in 2004 and 2005.


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  SPAIN   


Uros Slokar set to leave Manresa - by Eurobasket News
Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) has reportedly decided not to renew contract with Manresa. The Slovenian power forward joined the Spanish team at the start of the season. He tallied 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in ACB. Uros Slokar played for Slovenia at 2010 World Championships. His stats read 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per appearance in Turkey. Previously Uros Slokar had stints with Geoplin, Benetton Treviso, Triumph Lyubertsy, Bologna, Union Olimpija and Montepaschi Siena. Uros Slokar has been playing for Slovenian NT since 2004. The power forward used to be Slovenian League Rookie of the Year back in 2002.
Manresa in the meantime is mulling over the squad reinforcement. They have Jarvis Varnado (206-F-88, college: Mississippi St.) on the radar.


Bilbao extends Alex Mumbru - by Eurobasket News
According to the local media, Bilbao extended deal with Alex Mumbru (202-F-79). Reportedly, the experienced forward signed 1+1 year contract extension which will keep him with the club at least until the end of the 2012/13 season. Mumbru already has a valid contract with Bilbao until the end of the next season.
Alex Mumbru joined Bilbao two years ago from Real Madrid. He played 43 games in ACB this season averaging 10.6 points, 5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He helped the team reach ACB Finals, where Regal Barca was too strong for them (0-3). On season 2009/10, Mumbru had 13.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 33 games in ACB. He also added 9.1 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.6 apg for 18 EuroCup games. Bilbao reached Semifinals in this competition. Before Bilbao, Mumbru played for Real Madrid and DKV Joventut.
Alex Mumbru is a member of the Spanish NT since 2002. He won the Gold with them at the FIBA World Championship 2006 and another Gold at the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. In EuroBasket 2007 in Spain and Olympic Games in Beijing, Mumbru won the Silver with Spanish NT. Last summer in Turkey, Mumbru had 4.1 ppg and 2 rpg for 9 games.

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  SWEDEN   


Stats Leaders - BasketEttan
BasketEttan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Krayem, Srbija 27.2
2 Fitzgerald, Malbas 27.1
3 Cedermarker, Srbjia 20.2
3 Andersson, Taby 20.2
5 Heikkinen, Nassjo 18.7
Rebounds Per Game
1 Petkovski, Srbija 12.2
2 Nkama, Akropol 10.7
3 Rutkauskas, Fryhuset 9.8
4 Strazdauskas, Hoganas 9.7
5 Norstrom, Hall. 9.4
Assists Per Game
1 Krayem , Srbija 6.4
2 Barton, Sanda 5.5
3 Arnold, Taby 4.7
3 Sillen, Nassjo 4.7
5 Mesanovic, Eagles 4.3
Steals Per Game
1 Krayem , Srbija 4.8
2 Fitzgerald, Malbas 3.7
3 Hultman-Boye, Haga 3.2
4 Karovic, Eos 3.0
5 Bankhead, Srbija 2.9
Blocks Per Game
1 Nilsson, Orongo 1.9
2 Okot, Fryhuset 1.6
2 Femic, Eagles 1.6
2 Aldevinge, Lidingo 1.6
5 Bergstrom, Blackeb. 1.5


*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


New Players join in Syrian National Team Camp for Waba - by Ahmad Madwar
as we talked before about the Syrian National teams players for WABA ..
Coach Mensur ask to join another players for try out ... the players who is in the Syrian Camp now are :
From Jalaa Club : Michel Maadanly (195-G-81) Rami Merjaneh Ioanis Deeb Ahmad Ishak Marcelo Correa Eder Arjo Gorges Wissam Yaqqub ...
From Jeish Club : Ramy El Khatib Watche Nalabandian , Al Hakam Abdallah ...
From Wehda Club : Rabea Hachem Hani Dreby ...
From Ittihad Club : Wael Jlilati Mahmood Osfira Sameer Al Dags Azmi Abdullnoor
From Wathba : Bilal Jneed Tarek Alsibai
From Karameh : Abdull-Wahab Hamwi Majid Bou-Aita
From Thawra : William Haddad

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


Antalya add Bora Pacun - by Eurobasket News
Antalya ensured another strengthening to the roster. They landed Bora Pacun (210-F-87). The 24-year-old forward spent the last season in Banvit. He tallied 5.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 block per game in EuroCup. In TBL Bora Pacun averaged 3.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per appearance. Bora Pacun played for U18 and U20 Turkish National Teams. Previously the forward had stints with Tuborg Izmir, Efes Pilsen, Pertevniyal, Darussafaka and KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje.
Meanwhile Antalya extended the contract of Gokper Gen (188-G-89). The 21-year-old guard joined the team at the start of the previous season. He notched 2.5 points, 1.7 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. Gokper Gen played for U16, U18 and U20 Turkish selections.


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  UBL   


Texas Has Two Champions Wranglers and Mavs - by Ozzie Denson


The State of Texas Has two Champions this year. The NBA Dallas Mavs and the UBL Texas Wranglers. The Wranglers won the UBL Championship this pass Saturday and the Dallas Mavs On Sunday. The UBL always move Players and Coaches to the next level. Last year the Wranglers sent two players to the Mavs Summer League Camps and one to the NBA D-League . The City of Addison ,Texas supports the Wranglers and are getting ready for next season. The Wranglers will be getting their Championship Rings at the end of this month.

The UBL COME GET SOME!!!

www.ublhoops.com








Standings

UBL Standings
Northern Division
 1. Arkansas W. 6-0 
 2. Tulsa T. 4-2 
 3. Springfield T. 4-2 
 4. Oklahoma I. 0-6 
Southern Division
 1. Texas W. 3-2 
 2. Mississippi T. 3-2 
 3. Metro L. 1-3 


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


Zvezdan Mitrovic close to Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Beo Basket ) can soon become new head coach of Budivelnyk Kyiv. The sides have reportedly agreed on terms of contract. The Serbian specialist will replace Josep Berrocal on the bridge. Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Beo Basket ) is not new to Ukraine. He worked with Khimik Yuzny for five seasons (2002/2007). Later Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Beo Basket ) moved to Kryvbasbasket Kryvyi Rih. Mitrovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UBL Coach of the Year in 2009. He led Khimik into four straight Superleague semifinals in 2004-07 seasons.
Meanwhile Budivelnyk extended the contract of Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90). The 21-year-old forward averaged 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Budivelnyk Junior Team last season.


Sergiy Koval joins BC Odessa - by Eurobasket News
BC Odessa brought in another talented player. They have agreed on terms of contract with Sergiy Koval (189-G-89). The deal is meant for three seasons. The 21-year-old guard spent the last season with BC Kyiv. He averaged 1.5 points and 0.7 assists per appearance in Superleague. Previously Sergiy Koval played for Barsy Atyrau in Kazakhstan and Khimik Yuzny.


Sergiy Gorbenko extends contract with DniproAzot - by Eurobasket News
DniproAzot renewed contract with Sergiy Gorbenko (200-F-85). The forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per Superleague game. Previously Sergiy Gorbenko had stints with Mykolaiv, BC Kyiv and Budivelnyk.


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


Eric Musselman takes over Venezuelan National Team - by Eurobasket News
Eric Musselman has been confirmed as new head coach of Venezuelan National Team. The US specialist will guide the team at the 2011 Fiba Americas Tournament. It will be the qualifying event for 2012 London Olympic Games.
Eric Musselman worked with the Reno Bighorns in D-League in 2010/11 season. He guided the team to the leagues semifinals. In 2006/07 season Eric Musselman worked at the bridge in the Sacramento Kings in NBA. He also had stints with the Golden State Warriors and CBAs Florida Beachdogs. Musselman also worked as assistant coach in the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies. In 2010 Eric Musselman worked with Dominican Republic National Team at the Centrobasket tournament.


Venezuela name 18-player roster ahead of Fiba Americas Championship - by Eurobasket News
Venezuela announced 18 players that will prepare for Fiba Americas Championship. The team will be guided by newly appointed Eric Musselman . Venezuela will start their preparations on July 12 in La Guaira. They will play friendlies against Cuba, Panama and Brazil on August 5-7. Venezuela will also take part at Super Four tournament in Cordoba, Argentina on August 13 and 14.

Venezuelan 18-player roster:
Greivis Vasquez (198-G-87, college: Maryland), David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette), Heissler Guillent (186-G-86, agency: Paris Global Sports), Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances), Hector Romero (202-F/C-80, college: New Orleans), Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82, agency: Paris Global Sports), Gregory Echenique (205-C-90), Nestor Colmenares (203-F-87, college: Campbellsville), Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86), Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84), Dwight Lewis (196-G-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: USC), Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85), Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80), Luis Valera (201-F-88, college: UTPA), Windi Graterol (204-C-86), Jhon Romero (199-F-85), Michael Flores (192-G-85) and Robert Yriarte (201-F-89).




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Women News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA - Women  


U16 FIBA Americas Championship: Brazil advances to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 BRAZIL - U16 ARGENTINA 56-45

Brazil registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas Championship in Merida. They outplayed Argentina 56-45 for 2-1 record, what was enough for the second place in Group B. Brazil will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Argentina was not able to deliver win at this stage (0-3) and they will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Izabella Frederico (95) stepped up for the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Kananda Ribeiro (96) added 10 points and she needed just one more rebound for double-double. Carla Silva (96) helped with 9 pts. Magali Pittavino (95) replied with 12 points for Argentina and Sofia Aispurua (95) had 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. Brazil celebrated in this game mostly thanks to great played second half. Quarters: 8-14, 12-10, 16-9, 20-12.

Brazil: Izabella Frederico 13+5 boards, Kananda Ribeiro 10+9 boards, Carla Silva 9
Argentina: Magali Pittavino 12, Sofia Aispurua 10+5 boards

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


U16 FIBA Americas Championship: Brazil advances to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 BRAZIL - U16 ARGENTINA 56-45

Brazil registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas Championship in Merida. They outplayed Argentina 56-45 for 2-1 record, what was enough for the second place in Group B. Brazil will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Argentina was not able to deliver win at this stage (0-3) and they will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Izabella Frederico (95) stepped up for the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Kananda Ribeiro (96) added 10 points and she needed just one more rebound for double-double. Carla Silva (96) helped with 9 pts. Magali Pittavino (95) replied with 12 points for Argentina and Sofia Aispurua (95) had 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. Brazil celebrated in this game mostly thanks to great played second half. Quarters: 8-14, 12-10, 16-9, 20-12.

Brazil: Izabella Frederico 13+5 boards, Kananda Ribeiro 10+9 boards, Carla Silva 9
Argentina: Magali Pittavino 12, Sofia Aispurua 10+5 boards

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Dunav 8806 with first new signing - by Maria Mitzova
Dunav Ruse added an American player for the upcoming season. Adrienne Johnson (182-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Louisiana Tech) signed with the Rousse team, and the news was announced by Board member Krasimir Trifonov. Dunav Ruse also secured the signature of team captain Hristina Minkova (184-C/F-72) for the new season.
Adrienne Johnson comes straight from college, although drafted by Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. She graduated from Louisiana Tech, where she was a starter and a great contributor. 22-year old plays on the forward spot.
Johnson comes with very good references, and excellent stats. She is a very attractive player and the crowd here will love it, stated head coach Georgi Bojkov .

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


Canada wins Group A in Merida - by Eurobasket News
U16 MEXICO - U16 CANADA 30-79

Canada won the first place in Group A of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They blasted the hosts Mexico 79-30 to end this stage with perfect 3-0. It means that Canada will meet Brazil in the Semifinals. Mexico on the other side, failed to reach the next phase. They ended as No.3 with 1-2 score and will go to classification round from 5th to 8th place. Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) shined for the winners with 17 points for 18 minutes on the court. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) had 15 points and 5 rebs, while Khaleann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) added 12 points and 7 rebs. The hosts got 10 points and 7 rebs from Meliza Ramirez (95). She was the only Mexican players with more than 10 pts. The championship continues on Friday.

Mexico: Meliza Ramirez 10+7 boards
Canada: Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau 17, Kia Nurse 15+5 boards, Khaleann Caron-Goudreau 12+7 biards

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Germany books the last ticket for Poland - by Eurobasket News
AQT Finals, Game 2
Hungary - Germany 56-67
Germany grabbed the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. They outplayed Hungary twice in the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals to earn this spot. In Game Two, which was played last night, Germany celebrated 56-67 road victory against Hungary. In the first meeting, Germany celebrated 59-53 win. They are placed to Group B of EuroBasket, together with Poland, Spain and Montenegro. Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) stepped up for Germany last night with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) had 13 points and 6 boards, while Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 11 pts and also grabbed 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 12 points. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) stopped to 10. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Hungary made 17-13 in the first ten minutes and Germany responded with 16-20 in Q2. After the breather, Svenja Greunke and her teammates made 7-16 and it was already clear who will book the last ticker for Poland. The championship starts on Saturday.



AQT Finals, Game 1
Germany - Hungary 59-53
Germany outplayed Hungary 59-53 in Game One of the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals. The second game will be played on Wednesday and Hungary will be the host. The winner of this two-game series will grab the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) came up with 12 points each for Germany last night. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 11 points each. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Team were almost leveled before that as Hungary won the firs period 15-16 and Germany made 16-14 in Q2. Third frame ended with 14-14 meaning that Germany entered to last ten minutes with minimum lead. They managed to make 14-9 until the end for plus 6 before the second meeting in Hungary.

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)
Points Per Game
 Doneeka HODGES
  USA
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Hodges, BUL20.3 
 2. Tuukkanen, FIN18.3 
 3. Zherzherunov., UKR15.5 
 4. Meesseman, BEL15.0 
 5. Fegyverneky, HUN14.7 
 6. Marginean, ROM14.0 
 7. Bar, GER13.5 
 8. Breitreiner, GER13.0 
 9. Masciadri, ITA13.0 
 10. Milovanovic, SRB12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Bar, GER9.7 
 2. Meesseman, BEL9.0 
 3. Tuukkanen, FIN8.8 
 4. Zherzherunov., UKR8.3 
 5. Ress, ITA8.0 
 6. Matic, SRB7.0 
 7. Zlatanova, BUL6.8 
 8. Masciadri, ITA6.8 
 9. Ligthart, NED6.0 
 10. Vajda, HUN5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Francesca ZARA
  (177-G-76)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Zara, ITA3.3 
 2. Dimitrova, BUL3.0 
 3. Zlatanova, BUL3.0 
 4. Honti, HUN3.0 
 5. Fegyverneky, HUN3.0 
 6. Bar, GER2.8 
 7. Radocaj, SRB2.5 
 8. Kochubei, UKR2.5 
 9. Hodges, BUL2.3 
 10. Gianolla, ITA2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Bar, GER2.5 
 2. Zherzherunov., UKR2.5 
 3. Mayombo, BEL2.5 
 4. Zlatanova, BUL2.3 
 5. Honti, HUN2.2 
 6. Milovanovic, SRB2.0 
 7. Stoenescu, ROM2.0 
 8. Breitreiner, GER2.0 
 9. Marginean, ROM1.8 
 10. Franchini, ITA1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Gabriela MARGINEAN
  ROM
  (185-F-87)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Marginean, ROM1.5 
 2. Khomenchuk, UKR1.3 
 3. Halman, NED1.0 
 4. Vajda, HUN1.0 
 5. Alyoshkina, UKR0.8 
 6. Austmann, GER0.7 
 7. Celus, BEL0.5 
 8. Pascalau, ROM0.5 
 9. Koop, GER0.5 
 10. Pavel, ROM0.5 


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  FIBA AMERICAS U16 - Women  


Day 3 in Merida: Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Puerto Rico - Guatemala 62-5
Puerto Rico destroyed Guatemala to win the second place in Group A. They have 2-1 record and will meet USA in the Semifinals. On the other side, Guatemala is the last ranked team in this group with no win (0-3). They will continue in classification games from 5th to 8th place. The first rival of Guatemala will be Venezuela. Claudia Ortiz (96) came up with 17 points and 5 assists in victory. Raiza Rodriguez (96) helped with double-double of 13 points and 10 boards, while Krystal Luciano (96) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Guatemala of course did not have anyone with double-digits as the whole team scored just 5 points in this game. Melisa Rabanales (96) and Brenda Cruz (97) had 2 pts each. What to say about this game. Puerto Rico was simply too strong and kept Guatemala scoreless in the second and last quarter.

Mexico - Canada 30-79
Canada won the first place in Group A of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They blasted the hosts Mexico 79-30 to end this stage with perfect 3-0. It means that Canada will meet Brazil in the Semifinals. Mexico on the other side, failed to reach the next phase. They ended as No.3 with 1-2 score and will go to classification round from 5th to 8th place. Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) shined for the winners with 17 points for 18 minutes on the court. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) had 15 points and 5 rebs, while Khaleann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) added 12 points and 7 rebs. The hosts got 10 points and 7 rebs from Meliza Ramirez (95). She was the only Mexican players with more than 10 pts. The championship continues on Friday.

Group B
Brazil - Argentina 56-45
Brazil registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas Championship in Merida. They outplayed Argentina 56-45 for 2-1 record, what was enough for the second place in Group B. Brazil will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Argentina was not able to deliver win at this stage (0-3) and they will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Izabella Frederico (95) stepped up for the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Kananda Ribeiro (96) added 10 points and she needed just one more rebound for double-double. Carla Silva (96) helped with 9 pts. Magali Pittavino (95) replied with 12 points for Argentina and Sofia Aispurua (95) had 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. Brazil celebrated in this game mostly thanks to great played second half. Quarters: 8-14, 12-10, 16-9, 20-12.

Venezuela - USA 32-114
Ex expected, USA registered another comfortable win in Merida. This time USA destroyed Venezuela 114-32 winning the first place in Group B of the U16 FIBA Americas Championship. It means that they will meet Puerto Rico in the Semifinals. Venezuela finished as No.3 in this group (1-2) and failed to reach the Semis. They will now fight for the fifth place at this event. Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) and Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) scored 18 points each for the winners. Mavunga pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Jannah Tucker (180-G-95) helped with 17 pts. In Venezuela, Yolimar Martinez (95) netted 8 pts and had 6 rebounds. Maholy Lovera (96) scored 6 pts. Championship continues on Friday.

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Germany books the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland - by Eurobasket News
AQT Finals, Game 2
Hungary - Germany 56-67
Germany grabbed the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. They outplayed Hungary twice in the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals to earn this spot. In Game Two, which was played last night, Germany celebrated 56-67 road victory against Hungary. In the first meeting, Germany celebrated 59-53 win. They are placed to Group B of EuroBasket, together with Poland, Spain and Montenegro. Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) stepped up for Germany last night with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) had 13 points and 6 boards, while Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 11 pts and also grabbed 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 12 points. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) stopped to 10. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Hungary made 17-13 in the first ten minutes and Germany responded with 16-20 in Q2. After the breather, Svenja Greunke and her teammates made 7-16 and it was already clear who will book the last ticker for Poland. The championship starts on Saturday.



AQT Finals, Game 1
Germany - Hungary 59-53
Germany outplayed Hungary 59-53 in Game One of the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals. The second game will be played on Wednesday and Hungary will be the host. The winner of this two-game series will grab the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) came up with 12 points each for Germany last night. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 11 points each. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Team were almost leveled before that as Hungary won the firs period 15-16 and Germany made 16-14 in Q2. Third frame ended with 14-14 meaning that Germany entered to last ten minutes with minimum lead. They managed to make 14-9 until the end for plus 6 before the second meeting in Hungary.

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


U16 FIBA Americas championship: Puerto Rico goes to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
PUERTO RICO - GUATEMALA 62-5

Puerto Rico destroyed Guatemala to win the second place in Group A. They have 2-1 record and will meet USA in the Semifinals. On the other side, Guatemala is the last ranked team in this group with no win (0-3). They will continue in classification games from 5th to 8th place. The first rival of Guatemala will be Venezuela. Claudia Ortiz (96) came up with 17 points and 5 assists in victory. Raiza Rodriguez (96) helped with double-double of 13 points and 10 boards, while Krystal Luciano (96) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Guatemala of course did not have anyone with double-digits as the whole team scored just 5 points in this game. Melisa Rabanales (96) and Brenda Cruz (97) had 2 pts each. What to say about this game. Puerto Rico was simply too strong and kept Guatemala scoreless in the second and last quarter.

Puerto Rico: Claudia Ortiz 17+5 as, Raiza Rodriguez 13+10 boards, Krystal Luciano 10+5 boards+5 as
Guatemala: Melisa Rabanales 2, Brenda Cruz 2

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  HOLLAND - Women  


Netherlands earn second straight win over Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 48:57

Dutch U20 National Team recorded the second consecutive win over their Portuguese counterparts. Once again Netherlands prevailed in Barreiro. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) produced 11 points to pace the winners.
Netherlands ensured a quick start. They poured in 23 points in the opening frame posting an 8-point lead. The visitors cleared off in the second term. They outgunned Portugal 21:11 to establish a comfortable 18-point halftime lead 44:26. But Portugal did not surrender. The hosts adjusted their defence and cut the deficit at 12-point mark with one quarter to go. Portugal got as close as seven points in the fourth frame but Netherlands survived the threat and celebrated the victory at the end. Jamailah Adams (180-G/F-93), Dewi Keppy (184-F-91) accounted for 9 points each for the winners. Kourtney Treffers (186-F-94) finished with 8 points for Netherlands. Daniela Domingues (176-F/G-92) delivered 8 points for Portugal. Michelle Brandao (171-G-91) and Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) had 7 points each in the loss.

Portugal U20: Daniela Domingues 8, Michelle Brandao 7, Maria Joao Andrade 7
Netherlands U20: Maxime Essenstam 11, Jamailah Adams 9, Dewi Keppy 9


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Germany books the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland - by Eurobasket News
AQT Finals, Game 2
Hungary - Germany 56-67
Germany grabbed the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. They outplayed Hungary twice in the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals to earn this spot. In Game Two, which was played last night, Germany celebrated 56-67 road victory against Hungary. In the first meeting, Germany celebrated 59-53 win. They are placed to Group B of EuroBasket, together with Poland, Spain and Montenegro. Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) stepped up for Germany last night with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) had 13 points and 6 boards, while Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 11 pts and also grabbed 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 12 points. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) stopped to 10. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Hungary made 17-13 in the first ten minutes and Germany responded with 16-20 in Q2. After the breather, Svenja Greunke and her teammates made 7-16 and it was already clear who will book the last ticker for Poland. The championship starts on Saturday.



AQT Finals, Game 1
Germany - Hungary 59-53
Germany outplayed Hungary 59-53 in Game One of the Additional Qualifying Tournament Finals. The second game will be played on Wednesday and Hungary will be the host. The winner of this two-game series will grab the last ticket for EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) came up with 12 points each for Germany last night. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) delivered 11 points each. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Team were almost leveled before that as Hungary won the firs period 15-16 and Germany made 16-14 in Q2. Third frame ended with 14-14 meaning that Germany entered to last ten minutes with minimum lead. They managed to make 14-9 until the end for plus 6 before the second meeting in Hungary.

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


Latvia and Turkey exchange victories in Kandava - by Eurobasket News
Latvian and Turkish U20 National Teams exchanged victories in the first two out of three exhibition games in Kandava.
Latvia opened the series with a confident 73:58 victory. Turkey led by five points after the opening frame but the hosts recovered in the latter stages and claimed a convincing win at the end. Anete Kirsteine (178-F/G-92) provided 21 points for the winners. Ilze Gotfrida (184-F-91) added 20 points, while Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) accounted for 11 points for Latvia. Pinar Demirok (180-F-91) responded with 10 points, while Esra Ural (198-C-91) had 9 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.
However Turkey bounced back in the next game. Gamze Takmaz (182-F-91) scored 18 points to lead the visitors to an 80:68 success. Latvia were up by 6 points after the starting period but Turkey showed character erasing the deficit and recording a well-deserved win at the end. Pinar Demirok produced 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Dita Rozenberga accounted for game-high 23 points for Latvia. Ilze Gotfrida finished with 14 points in the losing effort.


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


U16 Puerto Rico hands 67-54 loss to U16 Mexico - by Eurobasket News
MEXICO - PUERTO RICO 54-67

The host of U16 FIBA Americas championship failed in their first game. Puerto Rico outplayed Mexico 67-54 in Day One for 1-0 record in Group A. Aleana Leon (96) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Claudia Ortiz (96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Chelsea Robinson (96) added 10 pts and 8 rebs. For the hosts, Meliza Ramirez (95) had 17 points and 9 rebs. Maria Morales (95) collected 15 pts and 13 rebs. Mexico has 0-1 now Group A. The hosts dominated in the first half ending it with nice 39-17 lead. However, they somehow stopped after that and Puerto Rico took control on this meeting. They made 7-24 in third and 8-16 in the last period for the final 54-67 victory. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Guatemala.

Mexico: Meliza Ramirez 17+9 boards, Maria Morales 15+13 boards
Puerto Rico: Aleana Leon 19+9 boards, Claudia Ortiz 15+6 boards, Chelsea Robinson 10+8 boards

Canada wins Group A in Merida - by Eurobasket News
U16 MEXICO - U16 CANADA 30-79

Canada won the first place in Group A of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They blasted the hosts Mexico 79-30 to end this stage with perfect 3-0. It means that Canada will meet Brazil in the Semifinals. Mexico on the other side, failed to reach the next phase. They ended as No.3 with 1-2 score and will go to classification round from 5th to 8th place. Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) shined for the winners with 17 points for 18 minutes on the court. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) had 15 points and 5 rebs, while Khaleann Caron-Goudreau (186-F-96) added 12 points and 7 rebs. The hosts got 10 points and 7 rebs from Meliza Ramirez (95). She was the only Mexican players with more than 10 pts. The championship continues on Friday.

Mexico: Meliza Ramirez 10+7 boards
Canada: Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau 17, Kia Nurse 15+5 boards, Khaleann Caron-Goudreau 12+7 biards

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


U16 USA takes first place in Group B with perfect 3-0 - by Eurobasket News
U16 VENEZUELA - U16 USA 32-114

Ex expected, USA registered another comfortable win in Merida. This time USA destroyed Venezuela 114-32 winning the first place in Group B of the U16 FIBA Americas Championship. It means that they will meet Puerto Rico in the Semifinals. Venezuela finished as No.3 in this group (1-2) and failed to reach the Semis. They will now fight for the fifth place at this event. Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) and Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) scored 18 points each for the winners. Mavunga pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Jannah Tucker (180-G-95) helped with 17 pts. In Venezuela, Yolimar Martinez (95) netted 8 pts and had 6 rebounds. Maholy Lovera (96) scored 6 pts. Championship continues on Friday.

Venezuela: Yolimar Martinez 8+6 boards, Maholy Lovera 6
USA: Stephanie Mavunga 18+7 boards, Rebecca Greenwell 18, Jannah Tucker 17

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


Netherlands earn second straight win over Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Netherlands U20 48:57

Dutch U20 National Team recorded the second consecutive win over their Portuguese counterparts. Once again Netherlands prevailed in Barreiro. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) produced 11 points to pace the winners.
Netherlands ensured a quick start. They poured in 23 points in the opening frame posting an 8-point lead. The visitors cleared off in the second term. They outgunned Portugal 21:11 to establish a comfortable 18-point halftime lead 44:26. But Portugal did not surrender. The hosts adjusted their defence and cut the deficit at 12-point mark with one quarter to go. Portugal got as close as seven points in the fourth frame but Netherlands survived the threat and celebrated the victory at the end. Jamailah Adams (180-G/F-93), Dewi Keppy (184-F-91) accounted for 9 points each for the winners. Kourtney Treffers (186-F-94) finished with 8 points for Netherlands. Daniela Domingues (176-F/G-92) delivered 8 points for Portugal. Michelle Brandao (171-G-91) and Maria Joao Andrade (186-F/C-92) had 7 points each in the loss.

Portugal U20: Daniela Domingues 8, Michelle Brandao 7, Maria Joao Andrade 7
Netherlands U20: Maxime Essenstam 11, Jamailah Adams 9, Dewi Keppy 9


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


U16 FIBA Americas championship: Puerto Rico goes to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
PUERTO RICO - GUATEMALA 62-5

Puerto Rico destroyed Guatemala to win the second place in Group A. They have 2-1 record and will meet USA in the Semifinals. On the other side, Guatemala is the last ranked team in this group with no win (0-3). They will continue in classification games from 5th to 8th place. The first rival of Guatemala will be Venezuela. Claudia Ortiz (96) came up with 17 points and 5 assists in victory. Raiza Rodriguez (96) helped with double-double of 13 points and 10 boards, while Krystal Luciano (96) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Guatemala of course did not have anyone with double-digits as the whole team scored just 5 points in this game. Melisa Rabanales (96) and Brenda Cruz (97) had 2 pts each. What to say about this game. Puerto Rico was simply too strong and kept Guatemala scoreless in the second and last quarter.

Puerto Rico: Claudia Ortiz 17+5 as, Raiza Rodriguez 13+10 boards, Krystal Luciano 10+5 boards+5 as
Guatemala: Melisa Rabanales 2, Brenda Cruz 2

U16 Puerto Rico hands 67-54 loss to U16 Mexico - by Eurobasket News
MEXICO - PUERTO RICO 54-67

The host of U16 FIBA Americas championship failed in their first game. Puerto Rico outplayed Mexico 67-54 in Day One for 1-0 record in Group A. Aleana Leon (96) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Claudia Ortiz (96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Chelsea Robinson (96) added 10 pts and 8 rebs. For the hosts, Meliza Ramirez (95) had 17 points and 9 rebs. Maria Morales (95) collected 15 pts and 13 rebs. Mexico has 0-1 now Group A. The hosts dominated in the first half ending it with nice 39-17 lead. However, they somehow stopped after that and Puerto Rico took control on this meeting. They made 7-24 in third and 8-16 in the last period for the final 54-67 victory. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Guatemala.

Mexico: Meliza Ramirez 17+9 boards, Maria Morales 15+13 boards
Puerto Rico: Aleana Leon 19+9 boards, Claudia Ortiz 15+6 boards, Chelsea Robinson 10+8 boards

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Russian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Russian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Ekaterina Averkina
Averkina
Elena Chalaya
Chalaya
Veronika Dorosheva
Dorosheva
Evgeniya Finogentova
Finogentova
Yulia Garkavskaya
Garkavskaya
#e#5
Ekaterina Averkina 181-G/F-91 Slavyanka Russia
Elena Chalaya 178-PG-91
Veronika Dorosheva 193-F-91 Spartak M. Russia
Evgeniya Finogentova 174-G-91
Yulia Garkavskaya 201-C-91
Alisa Kolchintseva 168-PG-91
Elena Krivosheeva 190-F-91 Spartak SP Russia
Ekaterina Kubynina 170-G-92 Gloria Moscow Russia
Elena Kulichenko 188-F-91
Galina Lyashenko 172-PG-91
Jana Matveeva 186-F/G-92 Nadezhda O. Russia
Viktoria Medvedeva 185-C/F-91 Spartak M. Russia
Maria Myasnikova 179-G-92 Dynamo K. Russia
Karina Nizamova 170-PG-92
Olga Omelchenko 183-F/G-91 Chevakata Russia
Yana Panevina 168-G-91 Spartak V MR Russia
Anastasia Pasynkova 168-G-92
Evgenia Samorodova 190-F-91
Anastasiya Shilova 185-F/G-91 Dynamo-GUVD Russia
Olga Sokolovskaya 173-G-91 Dynamo-GUVD Russia
Victoria Solovyeva 185-F/G-91
Alexandra Tarasova 194-C-91 Nadezhda O. Russia
Yanna Yakhina 185-F-91 Dynamo-2 M. Russia



*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Great Britain edge Slovakia in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia - Great Britain 73:75 (OT)

Great Britain and Slovakia clashed in Bratislava in the last test game for both teams before the start of 2011 EuroBasket. Great Britain celebrated a narrow overtime victory at the end. Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) stepped up with 26 points to lead the effort.
Great Britain ensured a 23:22 lead after ten minutes of action. The teams stayed close throughout the second frame but the visitors secured a 39:36 halftime advantage. But Slovakia turned things around in the third frame. They stiffened defence and limited the visitors to 11 points. The hosts managed to take a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Slovakia boosted the margin to 7 points early in the fourth quarter but Great Britain showed character and forced the game into overtime. The visitors narrowly prevailed in the extra frame sealing the win at the end. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) produced 11 points for the winners. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) answered with 16 points for Slovakia. Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) finished with 11 points in defeat.

Slovakia: Lucia Kupcikova 16, Erin Marie Lawless 11
Great Britain: Natalie Stafford 26, Kimberly Butler 11


*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Natasha Lacy joins Ceyhan - by Eurobasket News
Natasha Lacy (178-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UTEP) is a new member of Ceyhan. The American guard signed a one-year deal with the club. Lacy heads to Ceyhan from the WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks, where she currently plays. She averaged 2 points and 2.5 rebounds for two games so far this season. The WNBA season just started few days ago.
Natasha Lacy spent 2010/11 season in Spain. She was a member Hondarribia-Irun registering 11.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.1 spg. She was named Eurobasket.com Israeli League All-Imports Team -10. In 2010 WNBA season, Lacy had 6.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 3.5 apg for 16 games with Detroit Shock. In 2009/10, she played for the Israeli team Maccabi Ashdod. For 23 games she had 17.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.6 apg and 3.3 spg. She was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -10. Lacy also has experience from Cyprus (AEL Limassol).
Natasha Lacy is a product of University of Texas at El Paso, where she graduated in 2008.

Latvia and Turkey exchange victories in Kandava - by Eurobasket News
Latvian and Turkish U20 National Teams exchanged victories in the first two out of three exhibition games in Kandava.
Latvia opened the series with a confident 73:58 victory. Turkey led by five points after the opening frame but the hosts recovered in the latter stages and claimed a convincing win at the end. Anete Kirsteine (178-F/G-92) provided 21 points for the winners. Ilze Gotfrida (184-F-91) added 20 points, while Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) accounted for 11 points for Latvia. Pinar Demirok (180-F-91) responded with 10 points, while Esra Ural (198-C-91) had 9 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.
However Turkey bounced back in the next game. Gamze Takmaz (182-F-91) scored 18 points to lead the visitors to an 80:68 success. Latvia were up by 6 points after the starting period but Turkey showed character erasing the deficit and recording a well-deserved win at the end. Pinar Demirok produced 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Dita Rozenberga accounted for game-high 23 points for Latvia. Ilze Gotfrida finished with 14 points in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Great Britain edge Slovakia in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia - Great Britain 73:75 (OT)

Great Britain and Slovakia clashed in Bratislava in the last test game for both teams before the start of 2011 EuroBasket. Great Britain celebrated a narrow overtime victory at the end. Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) stepped up with 26 points to lead the effort.
Great Britain ensured a 23:22 lead after ten minutes of action. The teams stayed close throughout the second frame but the visitors secured a 39:36 halftime advantage. But Slovakia turned things around in the third frame. They stiffened defence and limited the visitors to 11 points. The hosts managed to take a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Slovakia boosted the margin to 7 points early in the fourth quarter but Great Britain showed character and forced the game into overtime. The visitors narrowly prevailed in the extra frame sealing the win at the end. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) produced 11 points for the winners. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) answered with 16 points for Slovakia. Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) finished with 11 points in defeat.

Slovakia: Lucia Kupcikova 16, Erin Marie Lawless 11
Great Britain: Natalie Stafford 26, Kimberly Butler 11


*****************************************************
  USBA - Women  


Terry Truax promoted to Vice President of League Personnel of the WUSBA - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (June 16, 2011)--- Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA), executive vice president, Kenneth Green, today announced, 'Terry Truax has been promoted to Vice President of League Personnel of the Women's United States Basketball Association'. Truax came to the WUSBA to coach the Charleston Cadets for the 2010 basketball season. He was hired as Director of Player Personnel in 2010. Truax will serve as special assistant to the President for player relations.

Truax served as head basketball coach most recently at Hagerstown Community College where he guided the team to 22-8 (.733) record. Coach Truax is most known for his long stint at Towson State University, where he served as the Head Coach for fourteen years. During his years at Towson State, Truax won three conference titles and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. Truax was also awarded Coach of the Year honors, three times while at Towson State. ' We will start by giving the basketball player, the coaches who will be responsible and professional, I will not tolerate the type of behavior I witnessed from some of the boys who wanted to coach women's basketball , late arrival to meetings, disrespect to the executive staff and non compliance to company policy will dealt with appropriately.' These kids deserve 100% of our efforts and we will give our very best to them,' said Truax

'We are thrilled to announce Coach Truax in joining our staff,' said Green. Forty-five years in basketball, he is a great fit to help build a tradition of developing top quality coaches in the WUSBA'. 'He brings outstanding leadership, coaching skills and a shared sense of WUSBA's core values. Coach Truax understands that having an inaugural program means developing young coaches and developing a solid relationship with the community and we believe that he will excel on every level personally and professionally. His ability to coach, instruct and recruit will allow us to continue toward our goals to install top qualified coaches in all our cities. We look forward to a long and successful association with him.'

Truax compiled an overall record of 22-8 (.733) while at Hagerstown Community College and he amassed over 200 wins at Towson State. During his long and outstanding career, Truax served as an assistant coach at a number of NCAA powerhouse basketball programs, including the University of North Carolina, under Legendary Tar Heel Head Coach Dean Smith. Truax also served on the coaching staff at the Mississippi State University, University of Colorado and the University of Florida. 'Having Coach Truax in the WUSBA is like working with your father, I may be the President, but Terry is the boss, he has friends like Bobby Knight, Denny Crum and Morgan Wooten of De Matha Catholic High School fame, Im going to be learning a lot from him,' said Jenkins.

The league's sixteen teams are split into four divisions. They play within the Southeastern Conference. The divisions are the Piedmont, the Southern, the Appalachian and the Atlantic Divisions. The teams are assigned to following divisions:

The Southern Division consists of the Atlanta Platinum (Ga), the Montgomery Spirit Al), the Birmingham Starz (Al) and the Macon Storm (Ga).

The Piedmont Division will house the Augusta Raging River (Ga), the Charlotte Blue Wave (NC), the Columbia Breeze (SC) and the Winston Salem Cardinals (NC).

The Atlantic Division will field the Jacksonville Surf (Fla), the Richmond Colonials (Va), the Savannah Seahawks (Ga.), and the Charleston Cadets (SC).

The Appalachian Division takes the court with the West Virginia Capitals (WV), the Kentucky Plateau (Ky), the Nashville Thunder (Tn), the Chattanooga Royal (Tn) and the Knoxville Reign (Tn).

In addition to his long brilliant college coaching career, Truax served as a successful high school basketball coach in a number of schools throughout the United States.

Truax graduated in with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland. He earned his Masters Degree from the University of North Carolina. Terry currently resides in Hilton Head, South Carolina with his best friend and wife, Pamela.

Women's United States Basketball Association is a womens professional basketball league based in the United States and features many players from the U.S. and around the world. The league has sixteen teams spread out over eight southern states. The 2011 regular season will commence on August 27, 2011 and will conclude November 5, 2011. The league has expansion plans that will develop additional teams within its American footprint.


WUSBA announce Schedule of Events for upcoming basketball season - by USBA Media
Atlanta, Georgia. (June 15, 2011) ------Headlined by the opportunity for basketball players to assist the community they play within, the Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announce a very aggressive 'Schedule of Events'. 'We will select the very best of the players who play in our league and our intention is to assist the community with our Community Partnership Programs, these programs will allow the teams to showcase good old fashion American kindness to the cities and towns', said WUSBA president Duane Jenkins. 'With any luck and alot of hard work, we will have the cities fall in love with us as we love and care for them'.

Womens United States Basketball Association

2011 WUSBA Schedule of Events

Date: June 10, 2011

Schedule of Events:

WUSBA 2011 Schedule of Events

August 6, 2011 League will distribute School Supplies and Book Bags.

August 11, 2011 Coaches Arrival /Move into residence

August 11, 2011 Head, Dance and Assistant Coach Payroll begins

August 11, 2011 Team van/bus delivered.

August 12, 2011 Drafted players and selected tryout players report to camp.

(Maximum 11 players will be selected)

August 12, 2011 Drafted Players move into team residence.

August 12, 2011 Players are issued weekly Golden Corral meal cards

August 12, 2011 Team meeting (8:00 pm)
(Players are issued practice uniforms / team polo shirts given out)

August 13, 2011 Dance teams and Mascot practice begins.

August 13, 2011 WUSBA local player tryouts to held in all team cities.

August 13, 2011 WUSBA Team Open House and Job Fair to be held in all cities.

August 13, 2011 Dance teams and Mascot practice begins.

August 14, 2011 Two a day team practice begins

(location and times to be TBD)

August 14, 2011 WUSBA Coach to speak at local church (site to be determined)

August 16, 2011 Teams visits local elementary school.
(Players will pass out tee shirts and game passes Team will take keepsake picture).

August 17, 2011 WUSBA Coach meets with Chamber of Commerce

(site to be determined)

August 19, 2011 Last day for Two a Day Team Practice.
(Final roster selection).

August 20, 2011 WUSBA Team Open House and Job Fair to be held in all cities
(League will provide music, food and entertainment for street fair).

August 20, 2011 Teams hold clinics for youth and church groups 9:0012:00 am

August 21, 2011 Teams goes to church
(Location and denomination to be determined)

August 20, 2011- Teams will perform community service for senior citizen
(Teams will pass out tee shirts and ball caps. Teams will take keepsake pictures with the kids).

August 20, 2011 Teams will visit a Foster Child Care Facility.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

August 22, 2011 Media day and Press Conference at 5:00 pm

August 23, 2011- Teams visits local Childrens Hospital
(Teams will pass out tee shirts and ball caps. Teams will take keepsake pictures with the kids).

August 24, 2011 Teams visits local Boys and Girls Club.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and game passes. Team will take keepsake pictures)

August 24, 2011 Teams visit Senior Citizen facility in afternoon.
(Teams will pass out tee shirts, ball caps, games passes and keepsake pictures).

August 24, 2011 WUSBA Tel-Conference meeting for Event and Game Mgr.

August 25, 2011 WUSBA League Tel Conference Meeting / Rules Interpretation and Security Procedures
(Mr. Simmie Lavender - 8:00 pm 9:30 pm EST)

August 25, 2011 Teams meeting

(Player uniform distribution)

August 26, 2011 Teams visits County Girls Youth Detention Center.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

August 27, 2011 -- WUSBA 2011SEASON OPENING DAY

August 28, 2011 Team will attend local church.
(Team captain will speak to the children).

September 4, 2011 Coach and player clinic for youth and church groups.
(Team will conduct a two hour session)

September 5, 2011 Teams will participate in local Labor Day ceremonies.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

September 6, 2011 Teams visits local Community Pantry and Kitchen at 11:30 am.
(League will donate can goods and perishables. Team will assist in serving meals).

September 9, 2011 Teams visits local Boys and Girls Club
(Team will pass out tee shirts and game passes. Team will take keepsake pictures).

September 12, 2011 Home Teams visit Senior Citizen facility in afternoon.
(Teams will pass out tee shirts, ball caps and game passes. Team will take keepsake pictures).

September 15, 2011 Away Teams visit Senior Citizen facility in afternoon.
(Teams will pass out tee shirts, ball caps and game passes. Team will take keepsake pictures).

September 19, 2011- Home Teams visits local Childrens Hospital
(Teams will pass out tee shirts and ball caps. Teams will take keepsake pictures with the kids).

September 20, 2011- Teams will perform community service for senior citizen
(Teams will pass out tee shirts and ball caps. Teams will take keepsake pictures with the kids).

September 22, 2011 Teams will visit a Foster Child Care Facility.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

September 27, 2011 Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide
(Sales for the Fall Edition are complete and will be printed to be mailed to homes).

WUSBA All Star Classic Gala, September 30 thru October 2, 2011

(This represents the end of the first half of the WUSBA season. The participating coaches and players will select in the same manner as the WNBA. Players from the Appalachian and Southern Divisions will play against players from the Piedmont and Atlantic Divisions. Each team will have twelve players. There will be a reception dinner on Friday, a 3 point Shoot Out, an Agility Contest and a Rapid Fire Shooting Event on Saturday. The will be a media party for the players, staff and guest on Saturday night. The will be two game on Sunday. First game will be local law enforcement and military personnel verses local selected celebrities. Game two will be the WUSBA All Star Game. The MVP of the game will receive the Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Achievement Award. The league will issue cash prizes and trophies to the winners of All Star game events. The league will use the All Star game as a fund raiser for the Feeding America food banks. The league will donate $1.00 of every ticket sold to Mid South Community Food Bank. The league will collect school supplies and book bags for students. The league will hire children from the Boys and Girls Club of America to be court assistants.

October 4, 2011 Teams visits County Girls Youth Detention Center.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

October 13, 2011 -- Teams will conduct a Carwash for School Supplies).
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures).

October 14, 2011 Teams will visit Girls Youth Detention Center.
(Team will pass out tee shirts and take keepsake pictures. Teams will select pen pals).

October 22, 2011 Teams will host an end of Season Cook Out.
(Teams will pass out tee shirts, ball caps and game passes. Keepsake pictures will be taken).

October 23, 2011- Teams will perform community service for senior citizen
(Teams will pass out tee shirts and ball caps. Teams will take keepsake pictures with the kids).

October 29, 2011 Teams will host Halloween Party and Cook Out.
(Teams will give candy and prizes, ball caps and game passes. Keepsake pictures will be taken).

November 5, 2011 WUSBA Regular Basketball Season Ends

WOMEN'S UNITED STATES BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP
Playoffs - Monday November 7, 2011 thru Friday November 11, 2011
League Banquet and Awards Ceremony - Saturday November 12, 2011
Championship Game - Sunday November 13, 2011
Macon, Georgia

The Women's United States Basketball Association league championships playoffs will begin on Monday, November 7, 2011. All WUSBA teams in each division will play a one game elimination series. The playoff brackets will be paired according to win-loss record. The Coralee Hunter Memorial Championship Trophy will be awarded to the first place team. The WUSBA will hold an awards ceremony and reception party at the Marriott Hotel at the Macon Centre Plex in Macon, Georgia on November 12, 2011. The league will give awards to the most valuable player, most valuable coach, all referee team, scoring leader, rebound leader, assist leader, best defensive player, best sportsmanship, best community leader and the best sixth person. WUSBA teams, league personnel, invited guest, media personnel and honorees will be given complimentary guest passes to the WUSBA Championship Extravaganza. Dinner, refreshments and entertainment will be provided by the Alden Group Holding Company LLC, the Women's United States Basketball Association, the United States Basketball Development Leagues and the leagues sponsors and vendors.

Monday November 14, 2011 WUSBA League Meeting/ End of Basketball Season




*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA - Women  


U16 USA takes first place in Group B with perfect 3-0 - by Eurobasket News
U16 VENEZUELA - U16 USA 32-114

Ex expected, USA registered another comfortable win in Merida. This time USA destroyed Venezuela 114-32 winning the first place in Group B of the U16 FIBA Americas Championship. It means that they will meet Puerto Rico in the Semifinals. Venezuela finished as No.3 in this group (1-2) and failed to reach the Semis. They will now fight for the fifth place at this event. Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) and Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) scored 18 points each for the winners. Mavunga pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Jannah Tucker (180-G-95) helped with 17 pts. In Venezuela, Yolimar Martinez (95) netted 8 pts and had 6 rebounds. Maholy Lovera (96) scored 6 pts. Championship continues on Friday.

Venezuela: Yolimar Martinez 8+6 boards, Maholy Lovera 6
USA: Stephanie Mavunga 18+7 boards, Rebecca Greenwell 18, Jannah Tucker 17