EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/22/2011

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Men News

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  ARGENTINA   


U16 National team - by Facundo Iatzky
These are the 12 names who will be playing in Cancun the U16 FIBA americas tournament from June 21 to June 26:

4 Matias Aristu (193-F-95) from Provincial Rosario
5 Lucio Reinaudi (183-G-95) from 9 de julio
6 jonathan Sacco (196-F-95) from Libertad Rosario
7 Gabriel Deck (197-F-95) from Quimsa
8 Joaquin Giarraffa (190-F-95) from Atenas carmen patagones
9 Carlos Buendia (180-G-95) from Municipalidad Cordoba
10 Alvaro Merlo (180-G-95) from Ciclista juninense
11 Rodrigo Haag (190-G-95) from union santa tome
12 Guillermo Romero (195-C-95) from Ciclista juninense
13 Lucas Gargallo (195-F-95) from boca juniors
14 Facundo Vallejos (198-C-95) from boca juniors
15 Andres Ottolini (190-F-95) from Calzada rosario

Head coach: Diego Brazzale

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  AUSTRIA   


WBS Raiffesen Wels add Martin Kohlmaier - by Eurobasket News
Martin Kohlmaier (218-C-84) is the first newcomer of WBS Raiffesen Wels in postseason. The centre signed a 1+1 deal with the team. Martin Kohlmaier spent the previous season in Sweden. He averaged 15.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in for Uppsala in Basketligan. Previously Martin Kohlmaier had stints in Austria, Spain and Germany.


Austrian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Austrian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Michael Diesner
Diesner
Daniel Friedrich
Friedrich
Erik Fruhwirth
Fruhwirth
Mathias Gunka
Gunka
David Kern
Kern
#e#5
Michael Diesner 192-F/G-92 Oberwart Austria
Daniel Friedrich 180-G-92 Arkadia Austria
Erik Fruhwirth 204-C/F-91 Oberwart Austria
Mathias Gunka 205-C/F-91 St.Polten Austria
David Kern 199-G/F-91 Dornbirn Austria
Thomas Klepeisz 187-G-91 Gussing Austria
Lukas Linzer 191-G-91 Oberwart Austria
Anton Maresch 192-G-91 Klosterneub. Austria
Florian Poecksteiner 191-F-91 St.Polten Austria
Lorenz Rattey 208-C-92 Salzburg Austria
Ferdinand Saukel 199-F-92 Danube City Austria
Claudio Vancura 180-PG-92 Danube City Austria
Romed Vieider 196-F-91 Wels Austria



Austria U20 lose twice to Hungary U20 in test games - by Eurobasket News
Austrian U20 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They played two exhibition games against Hungary in Kormend. The hosts celebrated victories in both games.
First game was dominated by the hosts. Hungary built a 44:31 lead at halftime and never looked back en route to an 87:78 victory. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) stepped up with 20 points for Hungary. Thomas Klepeisz (185-G-91) answered with 17 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) netted 11 points in the loss.
The next game turned into a tougher battle. Hungary once again got to a confident start. They recorded a 13-point halftime advantage. But Austria tuned in after the big break and trimmed the deficit. But Hungary stayed calm in the dying moments and sealed a 74:69 win at the end. Balazs Kerpel-Fronius (193-G/F-92) knocked down 16 points for the hosts. Romed Vieider replied with 14 points for Austria. Jozo Rados (203-C-93) delivered 11 points in defeat.


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Lietuvos Rytas keep Arturas Jomantas - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas extended the contract with Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85). The new deal is meant for one season with the option of one-year extension. The forward has been on Lietuvos Rytas roster since 2006. Last season Arturas Jomantas tallied 6.5 points, 4.8 boards and 3.0 assists per game in Baltic League. In VTB-League Arturas Jomantas posted 2.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal. In Euroleague the forward notched 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. In LKL his stats came up to 5.3 points, 3.6 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steal per appearance. Arturas Jomantas played for Lithuanian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket. He accounted for 4.2 points, 3.0 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game in Poland. Arturas Jomantas was named into All-Lithuanian LKL Defensive Team for three straight times in 2008/10 seasons.


Janis Kaufmanis inked by VEF Riga - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga brought in another talented Latvian player. They signed contract with Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89). The 22-year-old guard played for Valmiera last season. He averaged 13.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Baltic League. In LBL Janis Kaufmanis posted 13.1 points, 4.1 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. Janis Kaufmanis helped his team reach LBL semis. The guard participated at LBL All-Star Game. Janis Kaufmanis earned Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Honourable Mention for the second season in a row. Last year our site also named Janis Kaufmanis All-Latvian League Most Improved Player. The guard played for U16, U18 and U20 Latvian National Teams.



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  BERMUDAS   


Bermuda announces national team for Island Games - by Kristian Santiago
Bermuda announced their national-team for the NatWest Island Games 2011 which will be held on the Isle of Wight starting Saturday June 25th and ending Friday, July 1st.

Head Coach: Roderick Spencer
Asst. Coaches: Gavin MacKenzie ,Tim Trott
Manager: Brian Purvey

Chris Crumpler (83)
Dale Jackson (74)
Steven Simons (82)
Aaron Jackson (85)
Dean Jones (198-F-83)
John Lee (82)
Dave Middleton
Sullivan Phillips (198-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Wash.Adventist)
Ryan Rabain
Jason Simons
Shannon Thompson
William Trott


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  BRAZIL   


Flamengo agreed with David Jackson and Caio Torres - by Paulo Freire
It is not yet official. But Flamengo already expects to have two new players for next season. The director board is in advanced talks with the athletes and hopes to official announce the reinforcements only when the contracts are finally signed.

For the replace of american David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) the head coach Gonzalo Garcia indicated David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) who have been playing in Argentina for while, the deal is already closed but not yet sign. David Jackson played against Flamengo for several times in international tournaments and always have good games.

For the center position and looking for a better defense, the club is set with Caio Torres (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances), who was in Spain for a long time. The managers first option was american James Williams (204-F/C-79, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Brown Mackie) who also was a request of coach Gonzalo but did not forward the negotiation. Caio Torres closed the deal yesterday and is expect to sign his new contract by any time, since he has been select to the Brazilian National Team last week and will start training camp next month. Following the center position, Flamengo is really closed to settle a new deal with Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minn.St.-Mankato), the big man who have offers from Italy, is considering his continue at the club that put him on the Brazilian basketball map after having build a overseas career. Only a few details of living structure are keeping him away from a renewal contract with Flamengo.

Last but not least, Flamengo awaits a final answer from the Argentine Federico Kammerichs (203-F/C-80), Flamengo made a great offer for him, Kammerichs just had a new kid with his wife, and that is his major concern right now that could keep him away from Flamengo team.

Lithuania take second straight win over Brazil in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U19 - Brazil U19 113:87

Lithuanian U19 National Team recorded the second straight win over Brazilian counterparts in Druskininkai. This time Lithuania rallied to a comfortable 26-point victory at the end. Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) stepped up with 16 points for the winners.
The teams got to a high-flying start. The teams combined for 64 points in the first period as Lithuania grabbed a 35:29 lead. The hosts maintained the advantage throughout the second period. They arrived at the main break up by 12 points 62:50. Lithuania extended their lead in the third term. The home side accumulated a comfortable 24-point cushion before the fourth quarter. Brazil could not recover in the final term and had to surrender at the end. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) and Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) accounted for 15 points apiece in the victory. Renaldas Simanavicius (184-G-92) and Arnas Butkevicius (199-F-92) had 11 points each for the hosts. Lucas Riva (211-C-92) responded with game-high 24 points for Brazil. Felicio Cristiano (206-C-93) and Felipe Vezaro (190-G-92) added 10 points apiece in the loss.

Lithuania U19: Dovydas Redikas 16, Jonas Valanciunas 15, Egidijus Mockevicius 15
Brazil U19: Lucas Riva 24, Felicio Cristiano 10, Felipe Vezaro 10


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  CANADA   


NBL smart to proceed so quietly - by Eurobasket News
I like the way the original group responsible for the formation of the National Basketball League of Canada goes about its business.

Eight teams beat last weeks deadline for league entry and expect to be part of the NBL when it starts play in October.

Halifax, Quebec City and Saint John, N.B., are the three original NBL teams. Three Ontario clubs - Kingston, London and Oshawa - were next to join. And now groups from Barrie, Ont., and Prince Edward Island have committed.

Of course, this is minor pro basketball and there can be unavoidable changes in the best laid plans. But be assured that acting NBL president and Halifax Rainmen owner Andrew Levingston and the other former Premier Basketball League team owners in Saint John and Quebec City will want everything done by the book to limit any potential surprises. The last thing they want is any hint this is anything but a professionally run operation.

The original owners, instead of talking about grandiose plans, appear to be taking the smarter approach. That is a desire to build the league in a sensible way, get it up and operating and present a strong product. Perhaps experience has taught them that in minor basketball, actions do speak much louder than words.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

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  CAYMAN ISLANDS   


Cayman Islands named squad for Island Games - by Kristian Santiago
The Cayman Islands named their national-team for the upcoming Island Games.

Jorge Ebanks (185-G-88, college: Daemen) of Buffalo Stampede (USA)
Jerome Graham-Record of Weber State (USA)
Chad Leslie (C) of Heat
Jerome Narcisse (193-G/F) of SW Oklahoma State (USA)
Dwight O'Garro (C) of Wolves
Sammy O'Garro (196-G) of Eckerd (USA)
Shaad Ogarro (200-F) of Campbellsville (USA)
Lloyd Samuels of King's College (USA)
Deandre Simpson (195-G) of SW Oklahoma State (USA)
David Terry of Tarheels
Cory Thompson of Wolves
Rotando Thompson (C) of Dominos Warriors

Head coach: Daniel Augustine

The national team beat an All-Star team 93-76 in a warm-up for the games.
The NatWest Island Games 2011 which will be held on the Isle of Wight starting Saturday June 25th and ending Friday, July 1st.



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  CHINA   


DeAngelo Collins claims Chinese NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American DeAngelo Collins (206-F-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader ShenYang and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 28-year old forward had a double-double of 28 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team edged out Hangzhou (#7, 1-3) 111-110. It allowed ShenYang to consolidate first place in the Chinese NBL. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but ShenYang already had a very good start winning all 4 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. Collins is in league's top in points (3rd best: 25.5ppg), rebounds (4th best: 14.0rpg) and averages solid 5.5bpg and 2.3spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old Canadian Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87) of Sichuan. Wright impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Sichuan was edged by the higher-ranked Whampoa (#3, 3-1) 85-82. This loss caused Sichuan to slide to the very bottom (10) position in the standings. 3 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Sichuan managed to get this year. Wright is one of the most experienced players at Sichuan and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.8ppg (#8). He also registered 14.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Kenny Lawson (205-C-88) of Jiangsu (#9). Lawson scored 23 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Jiangsu, leading his team to a 106-88 easy win against the higher-ranked Hebei (#5, 2-2). Jiangsu can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-3 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Lawson he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Lawson has individually a great season in China. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 23.5ppg (6th best), rebounds with 12.8rpg (7th best) and assists with 1.0apg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Christopher Lawson (193-F-83) of Hebei - 24 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Austen Powers (203-F-87) of Hangzhou - 25 points and 18 rebounds
6. Dante Milligan (206-F-84) of Hangzhou - 28 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Xu Liu (200-F-85) of ShenYang - 27 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Nick Stallings (190-G-83) of Changan Group - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Terence Dials (206-F/C-83) of Hebei - 21 points and 10 rebounds
10. Kaifu Yao (196-G-83) of Ningxia Hanas - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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  CROATIA   


Croatian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Croatian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Andro Anzulovic
Anzulovic
Luka Babic
Babic
Boris Barac
Barac
Ivan Batur
Batur
Nikola Blazevic
Blazevic
#e#5
Andro Anzulovic 193-G-91 Alkar Sinj Croatia
Luka Babic 200-F-91 KK Split Croatia
Boris Barac 205-F-92 Siroki TT Bosnia
Ivan Batur 203-G/F-91 Zadar Croatia
Nikola Blazevic 190-G-91 Capljina Bosnia
Toni Brnas 201-F-91 Zabok Croatia
Domagoj Bubalo 214-C-91 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Ivan Buva 207-C-91 Cedevita Croatia
Ante Cutura 203-F/C-91 Brotnjo Bosnia
Nikola Dosen 187-G-91 Dubrovnik Croatia
Duje Dukan 208-F-92 Wisconsin USA
Tomislav Gabric 197-F-91 JOLLY JBS Croatia
Dino Jakolis 200-F/G-91 Valparaiso USA
Matteo Juricic 192-PG-91 Dubrava Croatia
Toni Katic 185-G-92 KK Split Croatia
Josip Matic 202-F/G-92 KK Split Croatia
Ivan Mikulic 194-G-91 Borik Croatia
Josip Mrkic G-91 Borik Croatia
Luka Pesut 193-G-91 Zabok Croatia
Marko Petrovic 192-G-91 USF USA
Toni Prostran 183-PG-91 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Franko Sango 201-F/C-92 Pet Bunara Croatia
Toni Vitali 201-F-91 Trogir Croatia
Pasko Vrlika 204-C-91 JOLLY JBS Croatia



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  CYPRUS   


To Cyprus Basketball Federation (regarding your awards) - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
We have been informed about the awards that the Cyprus Basketball Federation has awarded. Peculiarly we have noticed that the 'Best Cypriot Basketball Player Award' is not based on rationality.

'Best player award' is usually awarded based on whether a player has had a good performance throughout the year (including the playoffs) or whether he has led his team to a title, or in a worst case scenario, if a player has had a much better performance than anyone else. During the finals there were players who had excellent performance and have not won this award and we are wondering why?

Awards should not be given only based on statistics (tendex score) because many times statistics fail to describe the real performance of a player.


We are kindly asking that you clear the matter by answering to the following:

Two teams have reached the finals, Etha and Ael. None of the players who have played at the finals and had very good performance, (Anastasiades, Palalas, Kounounis, Liatsos) has won this award. Why?

Based on which criteria was this award given?

Who voted for these awards? We hardly believe that Cypriot coaches voted for these, since we are sure that they know that there were players with much better performance at the finals.


Thank you in advance




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  DENMARK   


Naestved tab Corin Henry - by Eurobasket News
Naestved signed contract with the first import player. They penned deal with Corin Henry (180-G-88, agency: HBA Sports). It is the first pro contract for the guard. Corin Henry graduated from the Tarleton State University. The guard tallied 14.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in his senior season. Corin Henry was named into All-LSC Tournament Team. He was also trumped All-LSC South Defensive Player of the Year. Henry led the Texans to a 24-6 overall record and a Lone Star Conference South Division title this season. Tarleton also made a return trip to the South Central Region with Henry at the point guard position for the Texans. Henry led the Texans in scoring in 16 contests this season and scored in double figures in all but four games this season. He tied his career-high of 29 points twice in games against Texas-Permian Basin and Midwestern State. He had a career-high 11 assists in the win at home over Abilene Christian which also gave him his only collegiate double-double when he added 25 points. Henry scored 20-plus points in six games this season.


Sweden U16 celebrated the friendly win over Denmark U16 - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 celebrated the friendly win over Denmark U16 76:59. The winners opened the gamer with 21-16 and then added 22-11 in the second quarter. Denmark won the third period 17-10, while Sweden responded with 23-15 in the last stanza.
Ludvig Hakansson (187-G-96) erupted with 29 points for the winners and Filip Kovacek (185-G-95) posted 12. Axel Toft (196-F-95) ended up with 9 points and David Terins (192-G-95) delivered 7.
Earlier Denmark U16 shocked the Swedish side to clinch bronze at the Nordic Cup 2011. The Danish side overcame Sweden 62:51 and enjoyed the third place at the tournament. Sweden was the favorite of the game as the team finished the group with 3-1 record and unfortunately with the same record as Iceland and Finland could not make it to the Final. They started with 17-16 in the first period, but allowed the opponents to take the control of the game. Denmark needed 18-14 in the second frame to take 34:31 halftime advantage and then both teams nailed 11 points each in the third period for the same difference. In the last quarter Denmark erupted with 17-9 to seal the necessary win.


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  D-LEAGUE   


Ants Kramer joins team in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) got the call directly.

'We want you', said Edwin Loubriel, the father of one of Kramer's classmates at Purdue and the owner of the Guaynabo Mets, a member of the 10-team Baloncesto Superior Nacional league in Puerto Rico.

So Kramer is going.

He's flying from Fort Wayne to Chicago to Puerto Rico today and will join the team for its final regular-season game Wednesday and staying with it throughout the duration of the playoffs. Kramer, who signed a contract to be the teams point guard, didnt know the playoff schedule but said if the Mets make the championship, his stay in Puerto Rico could last seven weeks.

Im taking my talents to Puerto Rico, Kramer said with a soft laugh, referencing LeBron James Decision announcement. Im kind of nervous, but Im excited about this opportunity. Its a great chance for me to grow up as a person, totally being on my own. I dont know one person in Puerto Rico in the city that Ill be in. So Ill get a chance to do a lot of things on my own and really take steps, hopefully, in the right direction in that aspect.

It's a chance to try to be molded into a better basketball player and a chance to mold into a true point guard, which will help me be more versatile moving forward with my career.

The NBA canceled its Las Vegas Summer League, and Kramer was exploring some options to try to get to some NBA minicamps when the call from Loubriel came.

Kramer thinks it could be a prime opportunity to continue to prove he can play at an elite level. In his first professional season last year, Kramer shot 54 percent from the field and averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Mad Ants.

This is a way to go over there in a respected league, Kramer said. They said a lot of rookies dont get a chance to play in this league right away, so its a chance, if I go there and play well, to increase my market value overseas for this coming season. Its a chance, again, if I do play well, to have a job over there in the spring and summer months, make some decent money playing in a beautiful place.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


National Team Update - by Ozell Wells
DR basketball team update
University of Kentucky center, Eloy Vargas (208-F), a native of Moca, will join the Dominican national team when it plays in Lexington later this summer. UK coach John Calipari after all, is the Dominican coach. Vargas has spent some of his college off-season playing for Sports Reach, a collection of college players that finished 6-2-1 during its recent tour of China.

As a condition for taking the job with the Dominicans, Calipari requested the team train in Lexington. Calipari has said several NBA players, with ties to the Dominican Republic, have been contacted. After that, the coach will have to fill out the roster with college players or players who are playing in other pro leagues, including Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida), Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut) and Francisco Garcia (201-F-81, college: Louisville)

The Dominican Republic national team is scheduled to play a couple of exhibition games before heading to Foz do Iguacu, Brazil for the Continental Cup (24-26 August). From there, Calipari and the team will travel to Mar del Plata, Argentina for the FIBA Americas Championship (30 Aug - 30 Sept. 11). This is the Olympic qualifying tournament.

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  ESTONIA   


Kalev/Cramo ink new contract with Joosep Toome - by Eurobasket News
Joosep Toome (202-F-85) will stay with Kalev/Cramo. The sides have reached an agreement on terms of 1+1 new contract. Joosep Toome joined the Estonian powerhouse at the start of the previous season. The forward tallied 8.7 points, 3.6 boards, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Baltic League. In EMKL Joosep Toome notched 11.8 points, 6.2 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steal per appearance. In VTB-League his stats read 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds. Joosep Toome is the member of Estonian National Team. The forward averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 boards per game in 2011 EuroBasket in Division B Qualifying Round. Eurobasket.com named Joosep Toome All-Estonian League Most Improved Player in 2009. He also made into EMKL All-Domestic Players Team in 2009 and 2010.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


The Italian Champions keep McCalebb - by Eurobasket News
The Italian Champions keep Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) until 2014 as the USA-FYR Macedonian Guard extended with the team.
In 2010 -signed 3-year contract with Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) and in 2010-2011 for Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA, starting five) averaged 11.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 88.0% in EuroLeague. In Italian League his stats read 13.2 points per game.
Bo Lester McCalebb erupted with 21 points in the last but one Final game when Montepaschi Siena made another step towards the title as they outscored Bennet Cantu on the road. The series return to Siena for what could be a decisive fifth game in the series. Together with Montepaschi Siena he repeated as Seria A winners. They overcame Bennet Cantu 63:61 in a heart-dropping fifth game of the series at home court to take the fifth straight title. Bo Lester McCalebb ended up with 9 points for the winners.
The team also is close to sign with Estonian Player Kangur. Montepasci in talks with davis Andersen as well.



Galatasaray signs Cevher Ozer - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray brought in a new player for the 2011/12 season. The Turkish giant penned a deal with Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports). The 28-year-old PF/C arrives from Beriktas, where he spent last five years. He had 11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.8 apg for 32 TBL games last season. Ozer also added 12.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 7 games in EuroCup.
On season 2009/10, Ozer shined with 14.6 ppg and 6 rpg for 7 games in EuroCup. In Turkey he had 12.6 ppg and 5.6 rog. Eurobasket awarded Ozer with Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Domestic Players Team -09, 10. Before Beriktas, he spent four years with Darussafaka and two with Turk Telekom.
Cevher Ozer was a member of the Turkish National Team in 2004, 2005 and 2009. He participated at the TBL All-Star game in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and this year as well.

Maccabi Electra returns Yotam Halperin - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv has come to terms with former Euroleague champ and All-Euroleague selection Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) on a three-year deal. Halperin (1.96 meters, 27 years old) returns to his boyhood club after three seasons in Greece with Olympiacos Piraeus. Halperin is amongst the winningest active players in the league with two Euroleague titles and five Final Four appearances under his belt. Last season he averaged 4.5 points and 1.3 assists over 13 games in a limited role with the Reds. Halperin grew up with Maccabi and made his Euroleague debut as a 17-year-old on a Final-Four bound team coached by current Maccabi boss David Blatt. He was a reserve on the Maccabi teams that won back-to-back Euroleague crowns in 2004 and 2005 before going on loan to Union Olimpija Ljubljana for one season. He returned to a bigger role with Maccabi and was a key player in leading the team to the 2008 Euroleague title game in Madrid. Halperin named to the All-Euroleague Second Team after that 2007-08 campaign in recognition of his excellent season.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Zalgiris keeps Head Coach Ilias Zouros - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris Kaunas announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ). The Greek specialist took over Zalgiris in January this year. He led them to Lithuanian and Baltic league titles. Zalgiris also won the Lithuanian Cup this year. It was more than enough for Zouros to get an extension. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year.
Before Zalgiris, Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) spent three and a half years with Panellinios Athens. He reached EuroCup and Greek league Semifinals with them in 2010. He also coached at the Greek All-Star Game that year. In the past, Zouros worked with Paris Basket Racing, Aris, Peristeri, Sagesse Beirut and Olympiakos. Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) is currently the Head Coach of Greek NT.

Latest Euroleague signings - by Eurobasket News
Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) renewed his contract with CSKA Moscow. The new deal is meant for three seasons. Andrey Vorontsevich joined CSKA back in 2006. Last season the forward averaged 8.1 points, 4.4 boards and 1.2 assists per game in PBL. In VTB-League his stats read 7.6 points, 5.4 boards and 1.0 assist per appearance. In Euroleague Andrey Vorontsevich posted 10.5 points, 4.3 boards and 1.1 assists. He received Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Honourable Mention. Andrey Vorontsevich participated at 2011 PBL All-Star Game. The forward played for Russian National Team at 2010 World Championships. He notched 8.9 points, 6.6 boards, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game in Turkey.

Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) renewed his contract with Galatasaray. The 26-year-old centre will spend two more seasons with the Turkish powerhouse. Luksa Andric joined Galatasaray at the start of the previous season. He tallied 9.1 points, 3.4 boards and 1.2 steals per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 9.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per appearance. Luksa Andric played for Croatia at 2010 World Championships. The centre provided 7.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in Turkey.

According to Turkish media, Ermal Kurtoglu (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) is set for his return to Efes Pilsen after one year. Reportedly, two sides already agreed a deal. Ermal Kurtoglu spent last season with Galatasaray. He paced them to TBL Finals averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assist in 42 games. Eurobasket awarded Kurtoglu with All-Turkish League Center of the Year -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 1st Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Domestic Players Team -11. Kurtoglu played 14 games in EuroCup last season adding 9 ppg and 3.1 rpg. Ermal Kurtoglu had 4.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Efes Pilsen in 2009/10 (TBL). In Euroleague, he added 3.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg. He also played for Efes from 2003 to 2008. In the meantime, Kurtoglu spent one season in Spain with Valencia. Ermal Kurtoglu was a member of the Turkish National Team from 2004 to 2007. Last summer, he played for the Albanian NT in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011. He had 19.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.3 apg.

Zalgiris Kaunas announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ). The Greek specialist took over Zalgiris in January this year. He led them to Lithuanian and Baltic league titles. Zalgiris also won the Lithuanian Cup this year. It was more than enough for Zouros to get an extension. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year. Before Zalgiris, Ilias Zouros spent three and a half years with Panellinios Athens. He reached EuroCup and Greek league Semifinals with them in 2010. He also coached at the Greek All-Star Game that year. In the past, Zouros worked with Paris Basket Racing, Aris, Peristeri, Sagesse Beirut and Olympiakos. Ilias Zouros is currently the Head Coach of Greek NT.

CSKA ensured the services of Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) for two more seasons. The sides have agreed on terms of contract extension. The Lithuanian guard averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in VTB-League. In Euroleague Ramunas Siskauskas tallied 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. In PBL his stats read 11.1 points, 3.1 boards and 2.0 assists. Ramunas Siskauskas was named into Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL 2nd Team.

Regal Barca announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati). The American forward got injured in December and missed rest of the season. He appeared 8 times in ACB averaging 15.4 points, 3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2 steals. In Euroleague, Mickeal added 14 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 1.5 apg in 4 games.
Pete Mickeal joined Regal Barca in 2009 from Tau Ceramica. He helped them win the Euroleague title two years ago collecting 12.1 ppg and 5.2 rpg. Barca also won the Copa del Rey in 2010 and this year as well. For his performance in 2009/10 Mickeal was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Europe 2nd Team 2010. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Honorable Mention -10. Before Barca and Tau, Mickeal was a member of Daegu Orions (Korea), Breogan, Makedonikos, Dynamo Moscow and Peristeri. In 2005, Mickeal was named Eurobasket.com All-ULEB Cup Player of the Year.

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.

As expected, Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) will play next season in Unics Kazan. The Australian big guy signed a one-year deal with the club. Jawai arrives to Unics from Partizan Belgrade, where he spent 2010/11. He helped them defend the Adriatic and Serbian league titles, as well as the Serbian Cup. In Euroleague, Partizan reached Top16. Nathan Jawai appeared 16 times in Euroleague this season averaging 9.1 points and 5 rebounds. In Adriatic league his numbers were 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.2 apg for 28 games. In Serbian championship Jawai added 8.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg. He joined Partizan last summer from the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He also played 38 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season registering 3.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg. In the past, Jawai was a member of the Australian Institute Sport, Midland CC and Cairns Taipans. In 2008/09, he played few games for the Toronto Raptors.

Bilbao announced signing of one-year contract extension with Aaron Jackson (193-G-86, college: Duquesne). The American guard averaged 11 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists this season in ACB (43 games). Bilbao reached the Finals and secured a spot for Euroleague 2011/12. Aaron Jackson joined Bilbao last summer from Canadian Solar Bologna. He had 14.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 4.9 apg for 7 games with CS Bologna, where he moved in May of 2010. He started 2010/11 season with Turkish Antalya. For 30 games in TBL, Jackson had 15.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4 apg. It was the first professional job for Jackson, who graduated at the Duquesne University in 2009. He played 34 games for them as a senior averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Jackson was named Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year -09.

In the first step toward getting ready for the 2011-12 season, Slovenian runner-up Olimpija announced the signing of Saso Filipovski as new head coach for the next three seasons. He returns to Slovenia and Olimpija for the first time since 2006. Filipovski, 36, began the 2010-11 season on the CSKA Moscow coaching staff, but left together with Dusko Vujosevic when the latter was relived of his duties in November 2010. He took over Lottomatica Roma in January 2011. Filipovski worked his way up the coaching ladder at Union Olimpija in his native Slovenia, working as an assistant under the legendary Zmago Sagadin, before taking over the head coaching reins at age 29 for the 2003-04 season and leading Olimpija to the Euroleague Top 16 and later adding two more Slovenian League crowns in two seasons as the boss. In the summer of 2006, Filipovski moved to Polish side PGE Turow and proceeded to lift the club to new heights by reaching the Polish League playoff finals and in its ULEB Cup debut, reaching that competitions Final Eight. He also coached one season in Russia with Lokomotiv Rostov before joining CSKA over the last summer.

One of the best Czech players ever, Jiri Welsch (201-F-80), will continue his career in Belgium. He signed a deal with the reigning champion Spirou Charleroi. Welsch was a member of Estudiantes last season. Jiri Welsch joined Estudiantes last summer from Unicaja Malaga. He played all 34 games in ACB this season registering 5.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg. Welsch had almost the same digits in 14 EuroCup games (5.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg). Estudiantes ended as No.12 in Spain with 16-18 record and they failed to reach the Playoffs. In EuroCup, the Students reached Quarterfinals, but Cedevita was too strong for them. Before Estudiantes, Jiri Welsch spent four years with Unicaja Malaga. In the past, he was a member of the NBA teams Cleveland Cavs, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors. From 2000 to 2002, Welsch was a member of Union Olimpija and exploded there with 15.9 ppg in Euroleague. He started basketball career with Holice and later played for Pardubice and Sparta Praha.

Zagreb announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Ivica Buric. The Croatian specialist joined Zagreb during the season. He made impressive record of 10 wins in 11 games in Croatian championship. Zagreb won the first title in their history and they will compete in Euroleague next season. Zagreb started last season with Denis Bajramovic on the bench and he was replaced with AC Mladen Erjavec. Finally, Buric got a chance at the end what was a great move for both sides. Ivica Buric worked with Apollon Patras in the past. He was also coaching Dubrava, Split, Siroki Brijeg, Zadar and Benston. In 2003, Buric was named Eurobasket All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Coach of the Year. Zagreb will have a tough job to form a squad for the next season. One of their best players Luka Zoric moved to Spain, while Krunoslav Simon is also close to leave. Staying of Damir Rancic, Mario Kasun and Damir Mulaomerovic is under the question mark as well. Americans Josh Heytvelt and Alex Renfroe are interested to stay with the club.

Newly crowned TBL champions Fenerbahce have already entered the market seeking the roster strengthening for the next season. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) and James Gist (203-F-86) are the first newcomers for the team. James Gist spent the previous season in Serbia. The 24-year-old forward played for Partizan Beograd. He averaged 11.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in Serbian A League. In Euroleague James Gist posted 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists per appearance. In Adriatic League his stats read 12.1 points, 6.1 boards and 1.1 steals. James Gist was named into Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League 2nd Team.
Bojan Bogdanovic played for Cibona last season. The 22-year-old forward came up with 20.1 points, 4.6 boards, 2.6 assists per game in A1 League. In Euroleague Bogdanovic tallied 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per appearance. In Adriatic League the forward delivered 18.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists. Eurobasket.com named Bojan Bogdanovic into All-Croatian A1 League 1st Team.

Janis Blums extended with Bilbao - by Giorgos Diploidis
Janis Blums (190-G-82) will be in the team of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket for next season also. The two sides agreed for a new deal which will keep the player from Latvia for another one season in the Spanish team. Blums is a player of the team of Fotis Katsikaris (agency: FCM ) for the last three seasons and now he will be for fourth in the row.

After Euroleague decided to put the team of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket in the group stages of the competition the creation of the team for the next season is in order. Aaron Jackson a few days ago agreed to stay also in the team and now it was the time of Blums.

Prospect Furkan Aldemir joins Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray came up with the new signing. After extension with Luksa Andric and arrival of Cevhan Ozer from Besiktas, the TBL runner-up signed a deal with young prospect Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91). The 19-year-old forward heads to Galata from Pinar Karsiyaka, where spent last several years. Aldemir played 26 games for Karsiyaka last season registering 8 ppg and 7.5 rpg. In EuroChallenge, he added 7.7 ppg and 8 rpg. Aldermi suffered ankle injury in December and was out almost two months.
Furkan Aldemir was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Most Improved Player of the Year -10. He had 7.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.4 bpg for Karsiyaka that season. Last summer, Aldemir played for Turkey at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. He had 13.9 ppg, 11.6 rpg and 1.7 bpg. He ended the championship as the best rebounder and shot blocker. In 2009, he led Turkey to Bronze medal at U18 EuroBasket in Metz. He had 7.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg at this event. Earlier this month, Aldemir withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft 2011.

Gianluca Basile leaves Barca after six years - by Eurobasket News
Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) is no longer member of Regal Barca. His contract expired and two sides will not sign an extension. Basile joined Barca in 2005 from Climamio Bologna. He helped them win the Euroleague title in 2010. That season Basile averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds for 17 games. Basile and Barca also won ACB title in 2009 and this year as well, plus three trophies in Copa del Rey. However, Basile appeared just once for Barca this season due to injury.
As mentioned above, Basile joined Barca in 2005 from Climamio. He spent six years with the Bologna team. Basile started his outstanding basketball career with Reggio Emilia.
Gianluca Basile was a member of the Italian National Team from 1996 to 2007. He helped them win the Gold at the EuroBasket 1999. Four years later, Basile led Italy to Bronze at EuroBasket in Sweden.

NBA Draft 2011: Top Sleepers from Smaller Schools or Leagues - by Allen Waters
'Peterson is one of the best scorers in the draft. He's a great athlete as well. He may have some question marks about his background, but the Celtics have never shied away from players like him.'
As his draft profile explains, Peterson was dismissed from Providence last spring, went to play pro ball in Greece and eventually landed in the D-League playing for the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBA Development League. Peterson averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during his sophomore season with Providence in 2010.

Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson made a major splash during the 2009-2010 Providence College season by posting game averages of nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Brooklyn native found major success on the court, but off the court he found himself on the receiving end of the coach's wrath as he was kicked off the team for unspecified violations of team rules.

The one thing that jumps out at you is that Peterson has a great inside/outside game and can play the 2, 3 or 4 in the NBA at times. He is as NBA-ready physically as anyone in this year's draft.

He also possesses an explosive vertical leap of 38 inches, a long wingspan of 6' 10.5' and a standing reach of 8' 6'.

If Peterson's ability to make shots with his 6' 6', 235 pound frame, he should find an NBA city more than happy to acquire his services.

Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Sammy Mejia heads to CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News
Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) heads to CSKA Moscow for the next season. The Russian Champions announced signing of the Dominican Republic Guard.
Sammy Mejia was drafted by Detroit Pistons (NBA,2rd (57)) in 2007. In 2009-2010 he joined Cholet Basket (France-ProA, starting five) and in EuroCup averaged high 22.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 55.2%, FT: 75.8%, while in French League after 36 games he showed 13.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Cholet Basket (France-ProA, starting five) in French League he became the fourth top-scorer with 18.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 78.5%. In Euroleague he was fifth with 15.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 78.1%.
Last season Sammy Mejia erupted with 29 points at EuroLeague Regular Season Round 5. Cholet crushed Fenerbahce Ulker handing them first loss of the season. Sammy Mejia was a key player for the hosts with 29 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 35. In French League he netted 28 points at the Regular Season Round 8 when Le Havre lost to Cholet 78-91.






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  FRANCE   


Cholet extends Fabien Causeur - by Eurobasket News
Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) will stay with Cholet two more years. The French National Team member had a valid contract until the end of the 2011/12 season, but he also had and option to leave this summer with buyout fee. The former French champion decided to offer Causeur a new deal and two sides will stay together until the end of 2012/13 season.
Fabien Causeur had 6.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.4 apg in 14 ProA games last season. He got injured November and was sidelined until the and of April. Causeur also appeared in 4 Eurolegaue games adding 8.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.3 apg. He played for Cholet also in 2008/09. Before Cholet, Causeur spent few years with Le Havre.
Fabien Causeur is active member of the French National Team. Last summer in Turkey he averaged one point in three games. This summer Head Coach of Team France Vincent Collet added Causeur to his second list (replacements). He will jump to the first team in case on injuries.

Gravelines re-sign Yannick Bokolo - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines renewed the contract of Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85). The new deal is meant for three seasons. The guard joined Gravelines back in 2008. Last season Yannick Bokolo tallied 9.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in EuroChallenge. In ProA the guard posted 12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance. Yannick Bokolo played for French National Team at 2010 World Championships. His stats read 4.5 points and 2.3 assists per game in Turkey.


Joseph Gomis signs with Limoges - by Eurobasket News
Joseph Gomis (180-G-78) signs with Limoges for 2011/2012 season coming back from Belgium. The French Guard spent a season with TEC Spirou Charleroi and will head back to France.
In 2005-2006 Joseph Gomis played for Forum Filatelico Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five) and averaged 10.7ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 46.0%, FT: 88.0%. In 2006-2007 for Grupo Capitol Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five) his stats read 11.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3FGP: 39.0%, FT: 73.0%. In 2007-2008 he imporved to 18.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 86.0% that was the second result in scoring in the League. In September 2008 moved to Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB) and in Spanish League had 6.7ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 74.6%, while in Euroleague showed 6.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.9%. In 2010-2011 appeared in TEC Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-D1, starting five) and in Euroleague after 16 games showed 11.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.1%. In Belgian League his stats read 10.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT-2 (85.3%).
Joseph Gomis became Belgian Cup Semifinals -11, Belgian League Champion -11, Belgian League Regular Season Champion -11 and Eurobasket.com Belgian League All-Bosmans Team -11.



Jean-Michel Mipoka signs with Limoges - by Eurobasket News
Jean-Michel Mipoka (200-F-85) signs with Limoges and will play for the team in 2011/2012 season. The French Forward heads to the new team from Chorale de Roanne Basket.
In 2007-2008 Mipoka played for Quimper UJAP (ProB) and averaged 5.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 2FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 73.3%. He definitely improved to 10.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 78.0% in his second year there. In 2009-2010 moved to Saint Vallier Basket Drome (ProB, starting five) and averaged 11.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 77.9%. Last season for Chorale de Roanne Basket (ProA) he showed 6.5ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 41.7% in EuroCup and in French League averaged 3.2ppg, 1.4rpg.
Last season Jean-Michel Mipoka recorded 11 points in Eurocup Regular Season Round 2 when Roanne lost to Estudiantes 89-93. In French League he recorded 10 points at the Regular Season Round 19 when Roanne lost to Nancy 74-78. Chorale de Roanne trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 19-12 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-78 at the end of the game. Sluc Nancy dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Chorale de Roanne's 26.


Roanne bring Thomas Larrouquis - by Eurobasket News
Roanne bring Thomas Larrouquis (197-G/F-85) for the next season to replace Jean Michel Mipoka. The French Shooting Guard / Small Forward, Thomas comes from Vichy.
In 2010-2011 for JA Vichy Val d'Allier Auvergne basket (ProA, starting five) Thomas Larrouquis averaged 10.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 55.0%.
He recorded 20 points when Poitierarleys overcame Vichy 67:62 in the start of the season. In his last game for the team JA Vichy (11-19) got a very close home victory over second-best Chalon/Saor (20-10). JA Vichy managed to escape with a 2-point win 93-91. It was quite big embarrassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Chalon/Saor. The hosts trailed by 13 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 2 points. JA Vichy looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Thomas Larrouquis ended up with 17 points and 9 rebounds.

Marc-Antoine Pellin heads to Orleans - by Eurobasket News
Marc-Antoine Pellin (169-G-87) heads to Orleans for the next season. The French Guard will arrive from Le Mans Sarthe Basket (ProA) where he spent the last season.
In 2010-2011 he joined Le Mans Sarthe Basket (ProA) and in French League after 32 games averaged 4.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg. In the Euroleague Qualifying Round after 6 games his stats read 3.8ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-3 (4.2apg); EuroCup: 12 games: 3.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.7apg.
Marc-Antoine Pellin recorded 14 points at the Regular Season Round 14. Le Mans defeated Poitiers 85-80. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 29-21. But Poitiers won second period 22-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Marc-Antoine Pellin who scored 14 points and 6 assists.
Over the last few years he was a member of French National Team -08, French ProA Finalist -08, French La Semaine des As Cup Semifinals -09, 10, reached EuroChallenge Semifinals -10 and French ProA Semifinals -10.

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Montepaschi locks Bo Lester McCalebb until 2014 - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena announced signing of 3-year contract extension with Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans). It means that the American/Macedonian point guard will stay in Siena until the end of 2013/14 season. McCalebb joined Montepaschi last summer from Partizan. He averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists for 32 games in SerieA. Montepaschi defended the title and McCalebb was named MVP of the Finals. In Euroleague, McCalebb added 11.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.8 spg.
Last season with Partizan, Bo Lester McCalebb won three trophies (Serbian league, Adriatic league and Serbian Cup). He also helped Partizan reach the Euroleague Final Four. Eurobasket awarded McCalebb with All-Europe 2nd Team 2010. Before Partizan, McCalebb was a member of Mersin. He is a product of the University of New Orleans, where he graduated three years ago. He had 23.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.2 apg for 32 games as a senior.
Bo Lester McCalebb is active member of the Macedonian NT. He had 23.5 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.2 apg and 2 spg for 6 games in Qualifications to European Championships 2011.

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Niklas Butz Remains With TV Langen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

TV Langen has announced that Niklas Butz (200-F-90) will stay with TV Langen for another season.Butz is a 21 year old 200cm forward that will play his third season for the Hessen team. Last season Butz played 23 games averaging 1,7ppg and 2,1rpg. With the departure of Geman Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) to Boston College, Butz will have more of a chance to get more playing time at the wing position. TV Langen coach Fabian Villmeter is happy that the club will keep the young German. 'I am pleased that he will play anotehr season with us and continue to develop.He has improved his athlticism the last weeks and if he stays injury free, he will be able to help at both forward position with his good technic and game understanding', stressed Fabian Villmeter . In his first season with TV Langen where they played PRO A, Butz played 10 games: 1.6ppg; had also a license to play for S.C. Bergstrasse (2. Regionalliga): 8 games: 5.9ppg. TV Langen also announced that Nico Barth has left the team to spend some time in Australia. The team is looking for a playmaker who will help lead the play with Nathan Drury (188-G-85, college: Carroll)

Source: TV Langen




Casey Jacobsen extends with Brose Basket - by Eurobasket News
Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) extends with Brose Basket for the next few seasons. The American Shooting Guard / Small Forward re-signed until 2014.
Casey Jacobsen joined Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five) in 2009 and in the first season averaged 10.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 79.6% in EuroCup. In German League after 40 games his stats read 11.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 77.0%. Last season for Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five) he played in Euroleague and showed 9.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 68.2%.
Together with Brose Baskets Casey Jacobsen defended the title after 72-65 win in the decisive Game 5 over ALBA. The Winner of the Regular season proved their superiority and defended the title. Last year the favorites overcame Deutsche Bank Skyliners also 3-2 in the Final series. He ended up with 10 points and 5 rebounds in the last game.

Leitershofen/Stadtbergen lands Skyler Bowlin - by Moritz Korff
BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has officially confirmed the signing of Skyler Bowlin (190-G-89, agency: Warren Sports International). The 21-year-old out of Paragould, AR spent his entire college career at NCAA D2 school Missouri Southern State. Bowlin possesses a long list of accolades, including NCAA D2 All-America recognition, All-MIAA Player of the Year and Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. As a senior he scored 18.1 points per contest for the Lions and also posted 5.7 assists, 3.2 boards and 2.4 steals a game.
By bringing in Bowlin, the Red Kangaroos decided not to return Michael Mathey (188-G-87, college: W.Liberty St.), who ran the point for the team in the Pro B and was named Eurobasket.com All-Pro B Honorable Mention. Mathey had averaged 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest in his first year overseas and was an essential part to the team's run to the Pro B finals.

Dirk Nowitzki weighs German option - by Eurobasket News
A year after deciding to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks with little drama, Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) has a difficult decision to make in the wake of his first NBA championship.

Nowitzki, the Finals MVP, is debating whether to play for the German national team this summer. Nowitzki said during an appearance on ESPN 103.3's Ben and Skin Show that he would make the decision within the next few weeks.

'After a long, long season, one side is the rest factor and going strong into next season,' said Nowitzki, a 13-year NBA veteran who turned 33 on Sunday. 'On the other side is obviously my national team that's been good to me.'

The German national team needs to finish in the top six of 24 teams at the EuroBasket tournament, which begins on Aug. 31, to have a chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. The German team will begin training in the middle of July, giving Nowitzki a deadline for his decision.

Over the last decade, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has repeatedly expressed his reluctance about NBA players participating in international tournaments. Nowitzki did not play for Germany the last two summers due to a mutual agreement he made with Cuban, who declined comment when contacted Tuesday by ESPNDallas.com.

Nowitzki ranks playing in the 2008 Olympics, when he was his country's flag bearer during the opening ceremonies, alongside beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals among the highlights of his career. He has not played international basketball since then.

'I basically told them I was going to rejoin them and help them get to the Olympics one more time,' Nowitzki said. 'I made my dream, going to the Olympics, and a lot of the team is new now. We've got a lot of young guys and they haven't been there. A lot of the old guys basically retired after the last Olympic run, so I told them I was going to help a lot of the young guys reach their dream as well.

'That was my goal the last three years, obviously not knowing that [the Mavericks] would be playing until mid-June. I was hoping, but you never know.'

Nowitzki has not picked up a basketball since the Mavericks clinched the franchise's first championship with a Game 6 win in Miami on June 12. He has done some cardio work and played tennis since then, but he readily acknowledges that he has spent most of the last nine days celebrating the Mavs' title.

Nowitzki is recovering from a torn tendon in his left middle finger, an injury suffered during Game 1 of the Finals. He also still has a cough from the sinus infection that forced him to play Game 4 with a 101-degree fever. He joked that frequent partying -- and singing Queen's 'We Are the Champions' over and over again -- hasn't helped him get over the cough.

'I'm just going to see how my body feels' Nowitzki said, regarding whether he would play for Germany this summer. 'I still have that splint on my finger and just see how I recover here these next couple of weeks. Then I think we can make an educated decision.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Eric Detlev Remains With The Dragons Rhoendorf - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Eric Detlev has only known one location as home and that has been Rhoendorf since 11 years and the team announced today that he will stay on as coach for another season. The 2010 PRO B coach of the year led the Dragons to a a 7-21 record last season and will stat his third season as head coach. 'I feel very comfortable in Rhoendorf. It wasnt easy losing the main sponsor last season which made my job more challenging. I find it very exciting to start a new season with the club', stated Dragons coach Eric Detlev . Dragons CEO Michael Wichterich is happy that Detlev will remain. 'He has shown his qualities the last years in many different type of circumstances. In his first year as PRO B coach, he was able to win the league title and play dominating basketball, while last season he had to change things on account of the budget.Despite that, he gave the team a identity. The fighting qualities of the team were and great and he has convinced us of his qualities.

Source: Dragons Rhoendorf



*****************************************************
  GHANA   


Accra Poly: UPAC 2011 Champs - by Charis BX
In the first ever wild rush for gold in one tournament by all tertiary institutions for national basketball supremacy, Accra Polytechnic reigned supreme at the end of the day. Led by Emmanuel Dickson and Daniel Aryee (doggie), they made it through the tougher of the two groups (other two teams were UEW and Sunyani Polytechnic) last Saturday as they qualified to play in the final four which was a re-convention of all four teams that had qualified in the southern zones.

The two semi-final games were repetitions of the zone 1 and 2 finals and it was only appropriate if not fair for the two top schools to have made it to the grand finale. Both games looked like gifts from the basketball gods, considering the content of the package of players each team had and the amount of competitive energy exhibited by all four teams in order to get the chance to compete for the first ever UPAC trophy.

AP and UEW qualified to play for ultimate supremacy in tertiary basketball in Ghana, a match up several fans had predicted ahead of the competition. But unfortunately, the game was not as competitive and exciting as fans expected. The game started quite fiercely but AP's Dickson and Doggie (who barely missed any free throws through out all of the competition) led their team to a 16 - 4 first quarter. For me that did it for the game, the next two quarters were boringly low scoring; 3-4 for AP, then 3-8 for AP again. It was clear both teams were beat considering the earlier games had been played in the scorching Accra sun resulting in a not so exciting final game. The game ended with a 14 - 7 fourth victory by AP bringing the final score to 42 - 27.

The UEW team blamed their loss on their coach, who made a couple of unprecedented subs bringing in guys who had been on the bench the entire tourney to play in the finals. A move they believe caused major damage to their chances of winning. They made reference to the zonal when they played good team basketball and came out victors even without their coach. Having seen them make a 3-point star out of Akwasi by running plays for him to get open in the offense and making Sky Walker the talk of town with their defense that led to a lot of breaks for him and making use of rubberman's experience in crunch time to beat T'di Poly in the zone 1 finals, one can easily believe their assertion.

Accra Polytechnic's Emmanuel Dickson was MVP. The 6'3'' athletic guard was a vital key to AP's victory on both ends of the floor especially on the offense; putting his diverse scoring abilities on display. When he wasn't scoring, he facilitated other players scoring with assists. The Labone Senior High School product played ball to everyone's admiration and stepped up to become the closer in an already Accra league star studded side. Like it happens in every major educational event, there were a couple of names that were on everyone's lips. This competition's list looks like this: Benjamin Debrah (sky walker), Fred Yeboah (osofo), Serge Kraka, Long John, Daniel Aryee (doggie), Nii lante Blankson, Dennis Boateng but the name that won't forget and will talk about twenty years down the line is definitely EMMANUEL DICKSON.

courtesy: www.reboundgh.blogspot.com

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


GasTerra Flames adds size with Kevin McCleery - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames announced today that power forward Kevin McCleery (205-F-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy) signed a one-year deal with the Dutch powerhouse. Dutch-Canadian Kevin McCleery arrives from Magixx Nijmegen, where he averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 42 DBL games last season.
With his arrival, the roster of coach Hakim Salem consists now nine players for the upcoming season.



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


Obie Trotter extends contract with Szolnok - by Eurobasket News
Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) will continue his career in Szolnok. The 27-year-old guard renewed his contract with the Hungarian champions for another season. Obie Trotter joined Szolnok at the start of the previous season. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.5 boards, 6.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game in Hungarian League. In EuroChallenge Obie Trotter posted 19.4 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Obie Trotter All-Hungarian League Player of the Year. The guard participated at 2011 Hungarian League All-Star Game. Previously the guard had stints in Germany, France and Finland.
Moreover Obie Trotter has received Hungarian citizenship this week. The guard is now invited into Hungarian National Team camp. Hungary are preparing for 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round games against Finland and Portugal.


*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


Indonesian Men's National Team Prepare for SEABA 2011 Championship - by Koko Triloka
Indonesia's national team will test their abilities in the championship SEABA 2011. This is the real test of intensive training that has been done since the last 3 months. SEABA championship in 2011 followed by four countries in Southeast Asia zone (SEABA) namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. The event was also a determination to representatives from SEABA zone to 26th Asia Championship FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, CHINA; 15 to 25 September 2011 (Website: http://wuhan2011.fibaasia.net).

'Their strength is a picture of performance at the SEA Games later. So, we will monitor each other strength, 'said head coach Horongbala Rastafari. Because of a qualifying event to the FIBA Asia, the Philippines sent a team of senior national roll Smart. Fil-Am basketball player like Asi Taulava, Marcus Douthit, Marcio Lassiter, and Christopher Ryan Lutz. While the national team to the SEA Games under the command of Norman Black was practicing in Las Vegas, USA.

'National team will perform optimally. If possible, we want to the final of this tournament. However, it must be admitted Smart team roll containing pro basketball player Philippines (PBA) has high strength and experience. This becomes a big challenge for us, 'said Syailendra 'Eda' Bakrie, national team manager. Secretary-General PP Perbasi, Agus A. Mauro, seeing very positive things from this performance SEABA 2011. 'We can measure the strength of the opponent, though not all. Thailand's absence does make the power they can not be measured with certainty. However, for the players, they will get a lot of input. Especially when facing the Philippines. Therefore, the Smart roll is the team that prepared the Philippines to the Asian level event, 'said Agus Mauro.

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


Will Solomon did NOT sign with Turkish Turk Telekom - by David Pick
Despite reports from Turkey and around Europe, American guard Will Solomon did not sign with the Turkish team Turk Telekom Ankara. Although the team has expressed great interest in the guard and offered him a generous contract, Solomon who is currently on vacation in the United States, has not yet decided where he will take his talents next season.

Both Solomon himself and his agent personally confirmed the information with 'Eurobasket.com' adding that the player's decision will unfold shortly; Solomon also expressed interest in returning to his former team Hapoel Jerusalem for the upcoming season, however, the guard has other offers from Turkey, Germany and Italy and nothing has officially been done yet.

The 32-year-old former Clemson standout spent the previous season playing in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem where he averaged 14.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game leading his team to the Israeli Final-Four. In the Eurocup, Solomon increased his playing performances recording 18.0 points, 4.5 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists.


Maccabi and Devin Smith Officially reach agreement, P.J. Tucker will not join - by David Pick
After signing American center Shawn James earlier this summer, former Duke and D-League standout guard Jon Scheyer and Israeli point guard Yotam Halperin this week, Maccabi Tel-Aviv today finessed another meaningful edition to their roster as a 'Eurobasket.com' learned that Devin Smith of Benetton TV and the yellow-and-blue officially reached an agreement. According to the source, 'Its a done deal', the small forward is expected to sign promptly.

Smith who earned $250,000 while in Benetton TV, already was a candidate for Maccabi in 2008 and will earn between $300,000-350,000 and is expected to fill the role that former American guard Chuck Eidson left behind.

The former Virginia native played in Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy. And is known mostly for playing the small forward position but is very versatile and can even play the 4 position if needed, due to the fact that he has a strong upper body and played most of his high school basketball in the post.

Last season in the Italian league Smith posted averages of 13.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. In the Eurocup competition the Virginia graduate slightly improved his numbers by recording 15.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Smith's superb season hasn't gone unnoticed as he was granted awards such as the Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup 1st Team, All-Imports Team, and Eurocup Forward of The Year and Eurocup Import Player of The Year. The American talent spent last season in Greece playing for Olympiakos then shortly after moving to Panellinios where he recorded 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

P.J. Tucker discussion is no more

On the same topic, 'Eurobasket.com' was told today by an anonymous source that the Maccabi and American forward, P.J. Tucker, reached an agreement regarding financial terms but the team decided to go in a different direction due to the style of play that Israeli's Halperin and Scheyer bring.

Tucker, a 2007-08 Israeli champion, is highly respected and considered a valuable player in Israeli basketball circles. He was expected to make $400,000 his first year and $500,000
his second season with the Israeli champions. Sources close to Tucker confirmed the information to 'Eurobasket.com' earlier today.

The former Texas forward began playing in Greece last season but left after 19 domestic games due to the team's financial crisis, recording averages of 11.5ppg and 7.1rpg in a local league and 15.9ppg 8rpg in the Eurocup competition. Tucker and Coach Drucker continued their professional relationship as the two signed with Italy's Fabi Shoes, where Tucker posted 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the course of three games.


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


Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Awards 2010-11 - by Armando Caporaso
Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 1st Team 2011
#s#
Bo Lester McCalebb
McCalebb
Nicolas Mazzarino
Mazzarino
James White
White
Omar Thomas
Thomas
Sharrod Ford
Ford
#e#5

Player of the Year: Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of Montepaschi
Guard of the Year: Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of Montepaschi
Forward of the Year: James White (198-G-84) of Dinamo Sassari
Center of the Year: Sharrod Ford (206-F/C-82) of Fabi Shoes
Newcomer of the Year: Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) of Benetton TV
Most Improved Player of the Year: Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) of Benetton TV
Bosman Player of the Year: Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) of Montepaschi
Import Player of the Year: Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85) of Montepaschi
Domestic Player of the Year: Andrea Cinciarini (191-G-86) of Fabi Shoes
Defensive Player of the Year: Shaun Stonerook (203-F/C-77) of Montepaschi
Coach of the Year: Andrea Trinchieri of Bennet Cantu

1st Team
G: Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85) of Montepaschi
G: Nicolas Mazzarino (181-75) of Bennet Cantu
G: James White (198-84) of Dinamo Sassari
F: Omar Thomas (197-82) of Air AV
F/C: Sharrod Ford (206-82) of Fabi Shoes

2nd Team
G: Phil Goss (186-83) of Cimberio VA
F: Kennedy Winston (198-84) of CS Bologna
F: Maarten Leunen (206-85) of Bennet Cantu
C: Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) of Montepaschi
F: Othello Hunter (203-86) of Dinamo Sassari

Honorable Mention
Mason Rocca (204-F-77) of Armani MI
Mike Green (185-G-85) of Bennet Cantu
Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88) of Lottomatica
Marques Green (170-G-82) of Air AV
Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86) of Fabi Shoes
Edgar Sosa (188-G-88) of Angelico BI
Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79) of Banca Tercas
Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90) of Lottomatica
Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) of Cimberio VA
David Hawkins (194-G-82) of Armani MI

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Andrea Cinciarini (191-86) of Fabi Shoes
G: Daniel Hackett (196-87) of Scavolini PS
F: Jeffrey Viggiano (200-84) of Angelico BI
G/F: Luigi Datome (202-87) of Lottomatica
F: Stefano Mancinelli (203-83) of Armani MI

All-Imports Team
G: Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85) of Montepaschi
G: Nicolas Mazzarino (181-75) of Bennet Cantu
G: James White (198-84) of Dinamo Sassari
F: Omar Thomas (197-82) of Air AV
F/C: Sharrod Ford (206-82) of Fabi Shoes

All-Bosmans Team
G: Petteri Koponen (193-88) of CS Bologna
F: Vladimir Micov (203-85) of Bennet Cantu
F: Marko Milic (202-77) of Vanoli CR
C: Donatas Motiejunas (213-90) of Benetton TV
C: Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) of Montepaschi

All-Defensive Team
Earl Rowland (188-G-83) of Vanoli CR
Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84) of Armani MI
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) of CS Bologna
Shaun Stonerook (203-F/C-77) of Montepaschi
Kristoffer Lang (211-F/C-79) of Enel Brindisi

All-Newcomers Team
Massimo Chessa (188-G-88) of Angelico BI
Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) of Benetton TV
Riccardo Cortese (197-G-86) of Air AV
Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) of Scavolini PS
Achille Polonara (202-F-91) of Banca Tercas



Interview with Gianmaria Vacirca - by Antonello Varallo
Gianmaria Vacirca is one of the most appreciated italian managers. He was among the architects of the fable of Capo d'Orlando, and since 2008 he works with Montegranaro, obtaining excellent results.

1-) Mr Vacirca, at the beginning of this year Montegranaro was expected to play a great season: everyone was sure you had done a great job signing many strong players. What happened inside the team during the last weeks of the season?

Vacirca: Team struggled so my job wasn't so good. But...things happened, this is sport, it s business and in small team s destiny there's a good season, a bad season...we mantained the league, and this is always our goal

2-) Allan Ray: a player with a huge potential, but what does he miss the most to be a decisive player?

V: Allan Ray is a good kid. Was back after one season off for an injury and personal reason. His best problem has been the frustration not to' be' the same, old, Allan Ray. He has more consistent, strong, I feel he will have a nice, good season next year

3-) Many teams have fallen short of expectations, despite their high budget, while teams with lower budgets, like Avellino, Cant, Sassari,
played an amazing season. What is your explanation?

V: Trinchieri is a great coach, arrigoni a great player recruiter, Cant has great traditions and is back at the top, this is not a surprise. Avellino had an amazing squad of player and Vitucci did a fabolous job with them. Sassari was a team full of talent, well coached by Sacchetti. All 3 team s was in my playoff s predictions

4-) 2011 Serie A Mvp Omar Thomas is under pressure because of his fake slovenian passport. What do you think about eligibility of players in Italian League?

V: I don t know Thomas situation and this is not my problem, but a huge federation and legabasket problem

5-) Many European Leagues have surpassed Italian League. Do you have any idea to raise Serie A?

V: I don' t think so. Legabasket is still at the best but has to' create something different, more appeal around the league. More events and a different exposure on the web, social networks and media, not only Tv. Moving out from SKY will be' a big risk, basically for small teams

6-) I think one of the best satisfactions of your job is when you hire a unknown or underrated player who becames a top player. On the contrary, do you regret not having signed any player who then has detected a star?

V:The main satisfaction is to' have a succesful season. Another one is to' do the best, 24 hours per day, doing your job. The best player i had was Gianmarco Pozzecco, who had an amazing farewell tour despite everybody has thinking he was done

7-) Excluding players of your team, what is your personal top five of 2010-2011?

V: My personal best five is about player i like. So let me call Zisis, Kaukenas, Micov, Leunen, Rocca.

8-) What are your plans for next season?

V:My plans for next season is to' attend to PJ20 at Alpine Valley in early september...i will find such a great, amazing energy for the Next championship in Ancona

The Italian Champions keep McCalebb - by Eurobasket News
The Italian Champions keep Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) until 2014 as the USA-FYR Macedonian Guard extended with the team.
In 2010 -signed 3-year contract with Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) and in 2010-2011 for Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA, starting five) averaged 11.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 88.0% in EuroLeague. In Italian League his stats read 13.2 points per game.
Bo Lester McCalebb erupted with 21 points in the last but one Final game when Montepaschi Siena made another step towards the title as they outscored Bennet Cantu on the road. The series return to Siena for what could be a decisive fifth game in the series. Together with Montepaschi Siena he repeated as Seria A winners. They overcame Bennet Cantu 63:61 in a heart-dropping fifth game of the series at home court to take the fifth straight title. Bo Lester McCalebb ended up with 9 points for the winners.
The team also is close to sign with Estonian Player Kangur. Montepasci in talks with davis Andersen as well.



*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


BC Astana lands Jerry Johnson from Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana came up with important signing. The newly formed team from the Kazakhstan capital landed point guard Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) for season 2011/12. BC Astana will compete in VTB United League next season.
Jerry Johnson arrives to BC Astana from Galatasaray. He appeared 28 times in TBL last season averaging 11.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3 assists. Johnson paced Galatasaray to Turkish league Finals. He also added 7.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.5 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Johnon joined Galatasaray in January from Lietuvos Rytas. From April of 2008 until the summer of 2010, Jerry Johnson was a member of Charleroi. He helped them win three Belgian league titles. In 2010, Johnson was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Guard of the Year. Before Charleroi, he was a member of Clermont, APOEL Nicosia, Mersin and Polpharma.

Kaspiy tab Farid Karimullin - by Eurobasket News
Kaspiy Aktau are getting ready for the next season. The team decided to strengthen their backcourt. Kaspiy have agreed on terms of contract with Farid Karimullin (198-F/G-88). The 23-year-old guard spent the last two seasons with Tobol Kostanay. He was Kazakh League finalist in 2010. In 2006/08 seasons Farid Karimullin played for TSM Kapshagay.
In the meantime it is became known that Kaspiy will enter European basketball arena next season. The Aktau team plan to participate at Baltic League Challenge Cup. Last season Barsy Atyrau took part at the tournament. They finished at 2-6 record.


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


Janis Kaufmanis inked by VEF Riga - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga brought in another talented Latvian player. They signed contract with Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89). The 22-year-old guard played for Valmiera last season. He averaged 13.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Baltic League. In LBL Janis Kaufmanis posted 13.1 points, 4.1 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. Janis Kaufmanis helped his team reach LBL semis. The guard participated at LBL All-Star Game. Janis Kaufmanis earned Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Honourable Mention for the second season in a row. Last year our site also named Janis Kaufmanis All-Latvian League Most Improved Player. The guard played for U16, U18 and U20 Latvian National Teams.



Latvian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Latvian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Ernijs Ansons
Ansons
Janis Antrops
Antrops
Martins Bremze
Bremze
Arturs Bricis
Bricis
Artjoms Butjankovs
Butjankovs
#e#5
Ernijs Ansons 191-G-91 Canarias Spain
Janis Antrops 193-G-91 Turiba Latvia
Martins Bremze 188-G-91 Edinburgh K. Scotland
Arturs Bricis 190-G-92 Daugava Latvia
Artjoms Butjankovs 205-F/C-91 Barons Latvia
Andris Epners 197-F-92 Barons Latvia
Martins Gulbis 197-G/F-91 VEF Riga Latvia
Viktors Iljins 208-C-91 Valmiera Latvia
Ervins Jonats 199-F-91 Ventspils Aug. Latvia
Haralds Karlis 195-G/F-91 Canarias Spain
Arnis Libazs 202-C-91 S.Dakota St. USA
Martins Meiers 206-C-91 Liepaja Latvia
Mareks Mejeris 207-F-91 Liepaja Latvia
Rolands Narkis 193-F-91 Sheridan JC USA
Armands Osins 191-G-91 Turiba Latvia
Reinis Ozolins 191-G-91 Belhaven USA
Ugis Pinete 194-F-91 Ventspils Latvia
Matiss Rudmiezis 193-F-91 Turiba Latvia
Reno Silavs 180-G-91 Froya Norway
Janis Timma 201-F/G-92 Barons Latvia
Marcis Vitols 190-PG-92 Valmiera U21 Latvia



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


Lietuvos Rytas keep Arturas Jomantas - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas extended the contract with Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85). The new deal is meant for one season with the option of one-year extension. The forward has been on Lietuvos Rytas roster since 2006. Last season Arturas Jomantas tallied 6.5 points, 4.8 boards and 3.0 assists per game in Baltic League. In VTB-League Arturas Jomantas posted 2.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal. In Euroleague the forward notched 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. In LKL his stats came up to 5.3 points, 3.6 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steal per appearance. Arturas Jomantas played for Lithuanian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket. He accounted for 4.2 points, 3.0 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game in Poland. Arturas Jomantas was named into All-Lithuanian LKL Defensive Team for three straight times in 2008/10 seasons.


Zalgiris keeps Head Coach Ilias Zouros - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris Kaunas announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ). The Greek specialist took over Zalgiris in January this year. He led them to Lithuanian and Baltic league titles. Zalgiris also won the Lithuanian Cup this year. It was more than enough for Zouros to get an extension. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year.
Before Zalgiris, Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) spent three and a half years with Panellinios Athens. He reached EuroCup and Greek league Semifinals with them in 2010. He also coached at the Greek All-Star Game that year. In the past, Zouros worked with Paris Basket Racing, Aris, Peristeri, Sagesse Beirut and Olympiakos. Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) is currently the Head Coach of Greek NT.

Valanciunas Close To Buyout But Won't Play In NBA Next Season - by Greg
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) is close to a buyout with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, according to sources.

But the buyout would not allow Valanciunas to come to the NBA for the 11-12 season, according to the report.

The Cavaliers are high on Valanciunas with the fourth overall selection, but would likely not select him if he wouldn't arrive until the 12-13 season.


Lithuania take second straight win over Brazil in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U19 - Brazil U19 113:87

Lithuanian U19 National Team recorded the second straight win over Brazilian counterparts in Druskininkai. This time Lithuania rallied to a comfortable 26-point victory at the end. Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) stepped up with 16 points for the winners.
The teams got to a high-flying start. The teams combined for 64 points in the first period as Lithuania grabbed a 35:29 lead. The hosts maintained the advantage throughout the second period. They arrived at the main break up by 12 points 62:50. Lithuania extended their lead in the third term. The home side accumulated a comfortable 24-point cushion before the fourth quarter. Brazil could not recover in the final term and had to surrender at the end. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) and Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) accounted for 15 points apiece in the victory. Renaldas Simanavicius (184-G-92) and Arnas Butkevicius (199-F-92) had 11 points each for the hosts. Lucas Riva (211-C-92) responded with game-high 24 points for Brazil. Felicio Cristiano (206-C-93) and Felipe Vezaro (190-G-92) added 10 points apiece in the loss.

Lithuania U19: Dovydas Redikas 16, Jonas Valanciunas 15, Egidijus Mockevicius 15
Brazil U19: Lucas Riva 24, Felicio Cristiano 10, Felipe Vezaro 10


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


BBC Nitia add Tom Kaiser - by Eurobasket News
Diekirch League newly promoted BBC Nitia continue to build the roster for the upcoming season. They have recently added Tom Kaiser (190-F-84) to the squad. The 26-year-old forward is returning to BBC Nitia after one season with Contern. Tom Kaiser appeared in just three games for Contern in Diekirch League before his season went to waste with number of injuries. Previously the forward spent six straight seasons with BBC Nitia. He averaged 8.1 points per game in 2009/10 season with BBC Nitia.


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  MALTA   


Siggiewi edge Athleta to clinch Detur Cup trophy - by Eurobasket News
Siggiewi - Athleta 89:86

Siggiewi finished their season on a winning note. They overcame the newly crowned Maltese champions Athleta to clinch Detur Cup trophy. Marko Matijevic (200-F-78) stepped up with impressive 36 points to pace the winners.
Siggiewi showed their ambitions early in the encounter. They outscored Athleta for a 22:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Siggiewi stretched the margin in the second period. They arrived at the interval up by as many as 20 points 45:25. Athleta however did not say die showing their champions character. Steve Schembri (187-F-79) stepped up for Athleta as they cut the deficit at 6 points 49:55. Steve Schembri fouled out in the fourth period giving Siggiewi a chance to capitalize. But strangely it was Athleta who speeded things up even without Schembri. They got as close as five points 89:84 within the last minute. Omar Said (177-G-80) dragged Athleta within three points but Kristin-Paul Baldacchino (184-G-81) missed his three-point attempt and Siggiewi escaped with a narrow victory at the end.
Adrian Micallef (190-F-79) delivered 24 points, while Lee Ross (182-G-89) added 19 points for Siggiewi. Athleta answered with 21 points from Omar Said. Michael Naudi (193-G/F-80) topscored with 24 points in defeat.

Siggiewi: Marko Matijevic 36, Adrian Micallef 24, Lee Ross 19
Athleta: Michael Naudi 24, Omar Said 21


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


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 30.7
 1. Sowell, Guasave30.7 
 2. White, Cananea28.1 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Gale, Mexicali26.8 
 5. Brown, Tepic24.8 
 6. White, Los Mochis24.2 
 7. Moore, Culiacan23.8 
 8. Brown, Cananea23.7 
 9. Brown, Tepic23.3 
 10. Gabbidon, Tijuana23.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Brown, Cananea11.3 
 2. Moss, Nogales9.9 
 3. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 4. Brown, Tepic9.6 
 5. VanderMeer, Mexica.9.6 
 6. Broxsie, Nogales8.7 
 7. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 9. Gray, Hermosillo8.3 
 10. Thomas, Hermosillo8.1 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Funn, Guasave8.2 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.7 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.7 
 4. White, Cananea5.5 
 5. Winder, Guaymas5.2 
 6. Thomas, Hermosillo4.8 
 7. Brown, Tepic4.4 
 8. Nungaray, Guaymas4.2 
 9. Monreal, Hermosillo4.0 
 10. Marentes, Guaymas4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. White, Cananea2.2 
 2. Moore, Culiacan1.9 
 3. Roby, Guaymas1.8 
 4. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 5. Funn, Guasave1.7 
 6. Brown, Cananea1.7 
 7. Rougeau, Culiacan1.6 
 8. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 9. White, Los Mochis1.6 
 10. Sowell, Guasave1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Gale, Mexicali2.6 
 3. Sowell, Guasave2.3 
 4. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 5. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 6. Brown, Tepic2.1 
 7. Funn, Guasave2.1 
 8. Brown, Tepic2.0 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo2.0 
 10. Malloy, Los Mochis1.9 


CIBACOPA Finals: Cananea jumps to 2-0 - by Eurobasket News
CIBACOPA Finals, Game 2: Cananea - Hermosillo 81-72 (2-0)

Cananea was better than Hermosillo once again. This time the hosts celebrated 81-72 victory for 2-0 lead in the series. Game Three is scheduled for Thursday at the Hermosillo's home court.
The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 34-23 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Davin White (186-G-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) who scored 35 points (!!!) (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Mineros de Cananea's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) produced 21 points and center Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures.

Top scorers:
Cananea: D.White 35+3reb+3ast, B.Brown 14+7reb+1ast, D.Thomas 13+6reb+3ast, O.Zuniga 8+3reb+1ast, J.Casillas 7+4reb+1ast, M.Valenzuela 2+2reb+1ast
Hermosillo: L.Wade 21+4reb+3ast, J.Lopez 14+6reb+1ast, M.Gray 14+10reb, S.Monreal 12+2ast, C.Holmes 6+1reb, J.Manuel Esteva 4+4reb+3ast

Any Similarity with Reality is pure Coincidence - by Harold Valenzuela
Many people would ask themselves how was that the idea of Madereros de Durango became a reality, I can say to them that it was a dream made true for me Santiago Nogueira (183-G-83) that between jokes it started to incubate in my university years.
The one who followed those university ideas was the president of the CIBANE Harold Valenzuela that after learning the way to organize the professional leagues, he ventured in joining the people who today are part of CIBANEs league.
It was in March 2010 when the project was presented to us, and without knowing what we were about to experience we accepted to take a CIBANE basketball franchise with the name of Madereros de Durango with the purpose of promoting the basketball in my hometown, Durango, Mexico. They were 6 months of arduous work, pressures, negotiations, sadness, joys, satisfactions, failures, desperation, but mainly a dream made reality.
At the end, I dont change all the lessons that I had for anything, because I practiced my knowledge in business administration in a situation of constant pressure.
It is impossible to forget the first sponsoring meetings in which we have to sell a product that not yet existed in a city that does not support the professional sport teams and that does not see the sport as a way of living, or a way to apart children from so many evils who today afflict us. With very few sponsors we decided to follow ahead, having to be multi-task persons. There is a basketball movie starring Will Farrell with which I totally identify myself, Semi-pro, it was such the similarity that my teammates started to call me Jackie Moon (the main character of the film). The only thing that I didnt do were the performances at half time (Im not good with choreography). My jobs included sports manager, administrator, treasurer, computer systems assistant (Internet website), driver, journalist, publicist, commercial advertiser, and finally player. The most pleasant job and perhaps the most difficult was to be player. I remember getting to the basketball gym (Auditorio del Pueblo) and begin the preparations for the game, people asking to me details about the logistics and organization, even already warming up which make it difficult to be able to concentrate and get ready for the game.
Also I remember when I was warming up for the game and seeing the Auditorio del Pueblo almost empty which frustrated me because I knew the effort and sacrifices we made to have a basketball team.
What it enjoyed the most was to go on the road, the only pressures I had were of administrate the resources, and get ready for the games.
To work overpressure is perhaps the more stressing thing to feel, as a student athlete you dont feel but in Madereros was the first time that I felt those feelings that make you grow as a person. The things that were stressing were mainly to suffer because the resources were running out, because in the meetings of the league we did not reach unanimous agreements, because the team could play better and we didnt. All of this made me realized how hard is to have a basketball franchise and to think twice before entering to so complicated business.
As a team manager I learned to contract and deal with players, as an administrator to have everything well organized and in time, as a computer systems assistant to make a website, as a driver to tolerate and value the meaning of time, as a journalist to write up notes for the newspapers, as a publicist and commercial advertiser to do voice commercials and change my voice so it doesnt listened so ugly, and finally, as player, rather than basketball I learned lessons of life of each of my team mates.
I hope that these experiences can be repeated and that Madereros continue but most important to me is to get back the Mexican basketball talent that is being lost after college because in Mexico we dont have a professional league that cares about Mexican players. It is sad to see how the players of the Mexican university national team dont want to play professional basketball anymore because they are not selected or teams dont give them playing time, when in the World Universiade in Izmir,Turkey (2005) we were at the level of the European teams, we even lost with the runner-up (Ukraine) by 4 points losing the opportunity to advance to next round. It is sad to see that my university team mates of the ITESM campus Monterrey are not selected to play in professional leagues because we played as a team and nobody excelled, when in the year 2005 we played against USA teams like UCLA, UTEP, UTPA and winning in over time to Iowa State (thing that no one can imagine for a Mexican university basketball team) . It is sad to see that the idols of Mexican children are people whom have nothing to do with our Mexican fisionomy, because it is not possible to compare the Mexican race with the Afro-American race. It is sad to see how the media press of my city named Madereros a semi-professional team when he had 3 foreign players, 1 mexican national team player, 3 players who were selected to represent Mexico in the World Universiade 2005 and 2007 and 5 local players, all of which receive their salary on time. It is sad to see that the Mexican basketball has lost its identity, that our team game has become a one on one game as in USA, when with our morphologic characteristics we cannot play to other countries with this type of game, its ridiculous. It is sad to see how the Mexican crowd gets more excited with a dunk, rather than a play with exceptional passing skills like it happened before in Mexican basketball with Mexican legends like Arturo Guerrero and Manuel Raga. It is sad to see a Mexican national team full of Mexican-American and American nationalized players. It is sad to see how Mexican basketball sinks.
With all these arguments it becomes important to me to continue with CIBANEs project and to put our biggest effort to rescue our Mexican basketball. When have we seen a professional team in Durango with 8 local players in the roster? Hopefully this project continues, and that the Mexican basketball can leave the crisis it lives and why not, that I can identify again with Jackie Moon.



Standings - Lower Leagues
CIBANE Regular Season Standings
 1. Durango M. 5-1 
 2. Fresnillo M. 4-1 
 3. Saltillo Caktus 4-2 
 4. UAZ Tuzos 3-0 
 5. Apodaca G. 1-7 
 6. P.Negras A. 0-6 


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


Montenegrin U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Montenegrin U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Miroslav Damjanovic
Damjanovic
Nemanja Djurisic
Djurisic
Aleksandar Dobrovic
Dobrovic
Bojan Dubljevic
Dubljevic
Milutin Dukanovic
Dukanovic
#e#5
Miroslav Damjanovic 196-G-91 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Nemanja Djurisic 203-C/F-92 Georgia USA
Aleksandar Dobrovic 196-F-91 S.New Hampshire USA
Bojan Dubljevic 205-C-91 Buducnost Montenegro
Milutin Dukanovic 190-PG-91 Buducnost Montenegro
Nemanja Grabovica 190-G-92 Danilovgrad Montenegro
Nikola Ivanovic 187-G-94 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Armin Kalic 194-G/F-92 Darussafaka Turkey
Milos Kuveljic 196-G/F-91 Radnicki Basket Serbia
Nikola Ljujic 202-F-91 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Marko Loncovic 200-F-91 Torrelodones Spain
Andrej Pajovic 188-G-92 High School USA
Marko Perovic 203-C-92 Gorstak Montenegro
Nemanja Radovic 208-F/C-91 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Pavle Raickovic 205-F-92 High School USA
Ognjen Scepanovic 195-G-91 Un.Mediteran Montenegro
Radosav Spasojevic 204-F-92 Arkadia Austria
Marko Todorovic 209-C-92 Ovce Pole FYR Macedonia
Jaksa Vulevic 186-PG-92 Mornar Bar Montenegro



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


NBA Draft 2011: Top Sleepers from Smaller Schools or Leagues - by Allen Waters
'Peterson is one of the best scorers in the draft. He's a great athlete as well. He may have some question marks about his background, but the Celtics have never shied away from players like him.'
As his draft profile explains, Peterson was dismissed from Providence last spring, went to play pro ball in Greece and eventually landed in the D-League playing for the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBA Development League. Peterson averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during his sophomore season with Providence in 2010.

Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson made a major splash during the 2009-2010 Providence College season by posting game averages of nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Brooklyn native found major success on the court, but off the court he found himself on the receiving end of the coach's wrath as he was kicked off the team for unspecified violations of team rules.

The one thing that jumps out at you is that Peterson has a great inside/outside game and can play the 2, 3 or 4 in the NBA at times. He is as NBA-ready physically as anyone in this year's draft.

He also possesses an explosive vertical leap of 38 inches, a long wingspan of 6' 10.5' and a standing reach of 8' 6'.

If Peterson's ability to make shots with his 6' 6', 235 pound frame, he should find an NBA city more than happy to acquire his services.

Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Gasol wants to stay with Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Spanish forward Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80), who has been linked to a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves, said Monday he wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for 'as many years as I can'.

The Timberwolves have reportedly been strongly pursuing Gasol to pair with Barcelona guard Ricky Rubio, who will play for the NBA side next season.

'My desire is to stay with the Lakers. I don't have control over it but I want to stay with the Lakers for as many years as I can to be able to remain eligible for the maximum possible championships,' Gasol told reporters in the northeastern city of Alicante.

The reports linking Gasol to a move to the Tiberwolves came after the Dallas Mavericks swept the Lakers 4-0 in the conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs.

The Lakers signed Gasol, 30, in February 2008 from the Memphis Grizzlies. The following year they extended his contract through the 2013-14 season.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Labor talks to continue - by Eurobasket News
The effort seems there in the NBA labor talks. Time might not be.

Owners and players are scheduled to meet again today, a session commissioner David Stern indicated would be critical in gauging whether a new collective bargaining agreement can be reached before the current deal expires June 30.

This will be at least the sixth meeting this month. After Friday's 4 1/2-hour session, both parties left believing the commitment to getting a deal done was there, yet unsure if there would be enough time to avoid a lockout.

'There's a very clear sense of urgency, but we're not sure between now and July 1 if we can make up the gulf that exists between the two sides,' players' association president Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers said Friday.

Players argue the current system doesn't need an overhaul. Owners disagree and seek a hard salary cap system and a reduction of contract lengths, all part of their desire to slash player costs by about one-third, about $750 million of the approximately $2.1 billion spent on player salaries and benefits last season.

Owners also seek to change the split of revenues, of which players are guaranteed 57 percent. Players have offered to discuss a reduction in that percentage, but their figure was not acceptable to the league.

Courtesy of www.denverpost.com

Nuggets make contract offers to Afflalo, Chandler and Forbes; exercise option for Lawson - by Eurobasket News
Nuggets fans look at last season two ways:

18-7.

4-1.

The former was the record after the Carmelo Anthony trade and the latter, of course, was the playoff series final against Oklahoma City, which ended Denver's season.

But over at Pepsi Center, the executives and coaches were extremely pleased with the 18-7 and less than 24 hours after the final loss, exec Masai Ujiri said: 'We're going to try to keep the core together and build from here.'

On Monday, the Nuggets took the first steps toward that, making qualifying offers, as expected, to restricted free agents Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA), Wilson Chandler (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) and Gary Forbes (6'7''-G/F-85, college: Virginia). The qualifying offer now gives Denver the right to match any offer made to these players.

Moreover, Denver exercised the fourth-year option on point guard Ty Lawson (5'11''-G-87, college: N.Carolina), a fan favorite who the Nuggets expect to be the point guard of the future.

Lawson will make around $1.6 million this season and the team option for the following season is at $2.5.

As a starter last season, the North Carolina product averaged 14.6 points per game and 6.7 assists.

The shooting guard Afflalo and the small forward Chandler were both offered qualifying offers around $3 million, two sources confirmed, but it's very possible that once the lockout is over, the players will seek long-term contracts. The Nuggets and Afflalo's management have publicly expressed mutual interest in working out a deal.

Last season, Afflalo tallied career-highs in points (12.6), field-goal percentage (49.8) and minutes played (33.7).

Chandler averaged 12.5 points for Denver, though he struggled to find any rhythm during the series against the Thunder.

As a rookie, Forbes was a pleasant surprise, an undrafted head-turner in training camp who made the roster and averaged 5.2 points.

The Nuggets hold the No. 22 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft. They don't have a second-round pick they traded it a couple years ago for Afflalo.

Courtesy of www.denverpost.com

Pacers near decision on coach - by Eurobasket News
It's starting to sound like a mere formality that Frank Vogel will become the Indiana Pacers' next head coach.

Team president Larry Bird spoke on Tuesday as though it is just a matter of dealing with a few final details.

'He's going to get every opportunity to have this job,' Bird said. 'What we're doing now is just going through the process. Hopefully, it won't take more than a week or two.'

Bird said he has spoken to other candidates, but a giveaway might be that he is talking specifically about assistants for Vogel.

'There's some things that I see that by bringing a top assistant here could help Frank,' Bird said. 'We want to do it right.'

Another clue might be that Vogel is involved in preparation for Thursday's draft. Bird expects to brief Vogel on the team's draft possibilities and ask for his input. Bird said he has narrowed the list of players he wants with the No. 15 pick down to four.

'I'll discuss with him the four guys and what position they're at and get his opinion on what position he wants, or what he thinks we need,' Bird said.

Bird has called Vogel the favorite from the beginning of the search, and nothing he said Tuesday indicated that has changed. He says the team has had several conversations with Vogel and that will continue until a decision is made.

Vogel took over for Jim O'Brien at midseason, went 20-18 to close the regular season and led the team to its first playoff berth since 2006. Bird said Vogel deserves an opportunity to coach, and every element involved with the team views him favorably.

'We like Frank,' Bird said. 'Our players like Frank. I like Frank. It's just a process that I knew was going to take a while.'

Either way, the question on message boards and on the radio seems to be the same - what are the Pacers waiting for?

'Larry and I said from the beginning that we were going to take our time,' general manager David Morway said. 'We were going to do our due diligence. We were going to spend quite a bit of time talking to Frank and research some other candidates, and when we felt we had spent some time with Frank, and he had done some of the necessary work that we'd talked about, and we had looked into some options and felt comfortable with a decision, that we would talk to (owner Herb) Simon, and that's where we are right now.'

Morway said he thinks Pacers fans will appreciate the team's patience in the long run.

'I know everybody's always in a rush, and at times, it's hard to be patient,' he said. 'We think the process has played out the way it needed to for us to make a very good decision.'

Courtesy of www.blueridgenow.com

Dirk Nowitzki weighs German option - by Eurobasket News
A year after deciding to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks with little drama, Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) has a difficult decision to make in the wake of his first NBA championship.

Nowitzki, the Finals MVP, is debating whether to play for the German national team this summer. Nowitzki said during an appearance on ESPN 103.3's Ben and Skin Show that he would make the decision within the next few weeks.

'After a long, long season, one side is the rest factor and going strong into next season,' said Nowitzki, a 13-year NBA veteran who turned 33 on Sunday. 'On the other side is obviously my national team that's been good to me.'

The German national team needs to finish in the top six of 24 teams at the EuroBasket tournament, which begins on Aug. 31, to have a chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. The German team will begin training in the middle of July, giving Nowitzki a deadline for his decision.

Over the last decade, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has repeatedly expressed his reluctance about NBA players participating in international tournaments. Nowitzki did not play for Germany the last two summers due to a mutual agreement he made with Cuban, who declined comment when contacted Tuesday by ESPNDallas.com.

Nowitzki ranks playing in the 2008 Olympics, when he was his country's flag bearer during the opening ceremonies, alongside beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals among the highlights of his career. He has not played international basketball since then.

'I basically told them I was going to rejoin them and help them get to the Olympics one more time,' Nowitzki said. 'I made my dream, going to the Olympics, and a lot of the team is new now. We've got a lot of young guys and they haven't been there. A lot of the old guys basically retired after the last Olympic run, so I told them I was going to help a lot of the young guys reach their dream as well.

'That was my goal the last three years, obviously not knowing that [the Mavericks] would be playing until mid-June. I was hoping, but you never know.'

Nowitzki has not picked up a basketball since the Mavericks clinched the franchise's first championship with a Game 6 win in Miami on June 12. He has done some cardio work and played tennis since then, but he readily acknowledges that he has spent most of the last nine days celebrating the Mavs' title.

Nowitzki is recovering from a torn tendon in his left middle finger, an injury suffered during Game 1 of the Finals. He also still has a cough from the sinus infection that forced him to play Game 4 with a 101-degree fever. He joked that frequent partying -- and singing Queen's 'We Are the Champions' over and over again -- hasn't helped him get over the cough.

'I'm just going to see how my body feels' Nowitzki said, regarding whether he would play for Germany this summer. 'I still have that splint on my finger and just see how I recover here these next couple of weeks. Then I think we can make an educated decision.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Heat: Riley confirms Spoelstra and the entire big three will return next year - by Eurobasket News
No one but sports gossips really believed the Miami Heat would completely retool itself this summer, but team president Pat Riley's comments today should put all rumors to rest. No, he's not coming back to coach. Yes, Erik Spoelstra's job is safe. No, neither LeBron James (6'8''-F-84), Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), nor Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) will be traded over the season. Perhaps more interesting, though, Riley didn't go as far as to promise an NBA championship.

Riley gathered with sports journalists this morning at the American Airlines Arena and decided to set a few facts straight.

'No, I'm not going to do that,' Riley said when asked if he'd return to coaching. 'It doesn't mean I don't have the fire. But we've got a great young coach here.'

So, rest assured Riley will not join Jack McKeon as the city's latest over-the-hill sports coach. He was less committal about Spoelstra's long-term prospects with the team, but he will get another shot. It also doesn't seem Riley has completely ruled out returning to the sidelines if the situation calls for it.

As for any roster changes, Riley doesn't imagine any major tweaking, especially concerning the big three.

'There was never any thought, never any discussion of moving any of those guys,' he said. 'I'm happy we have those three together.'

As for the possibility of a championship next year, Riley said only, 'We are going to be multiple contenders. I have no problem saying that.'

Courtesy of http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com

Kahn wants to meet with owner to talk about Rambis - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn says he wants to meet with owner Glen Taylor before making a decision on coach Kurt Rambis .

Kahn says he met with Rambis for more than six hours last week to discuss the possibility of the coach returning for a third season. He says the process has been 'painful and awkward' but promised a decision 'in due time.'

Rambis was not in town on Tuesday for Ricky Rubio's introductory press conference and will not be there for the draft, either.

If Duke point guard Kyrie Irving falls to No. 2 on Thursday night, Kahn says the Wolves will draft him and figure out what to do later. Kahn says the team is definitely not trading Kevin Love.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Raptors officially hire Mavs assistant Dwane Casey as coach - by Eurobasket News
Dwayne Casey hopes to bring a rugged, NHL-style of defense to his newest job in the NBA.

The Toronto Raptors hired Casey as their coach on Tuesday, nine days after the Dallas assistant helped the Mavericks win the championship.

Casey succeeds Jay Triano, a Canadian who became a consultant after the Raptors finished 22-60. Casey was the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves from June 2005 to January 2007, compiling a 43-59 record.

Casey said his No. 1 goal is to give the Raptors a 'defensive identity.' In Dallas, he said the coaches even used hockey footage during the NBA finals to make their point.

'Because we felt we were playing too soft against Miami to start the series,' he said. 'And it really set the tone.'

'I don't know a lot about of hockey. I know I'll learn about it. But we spliced in those guys checking players up into the window, into the boards and that type of thing and that's the way we want to play,' he said. 'We want to make sure people feel us when they cut through the lane. And that's a mindset, and that's having a disposition a bad disposition when people come through your paint.'

Toronto has missed the playoffs for three straight seasons. The Raptors have made it past the first round only once in their 16-year existence, doing it in 2000-01.

The Raptors want to start their improvement Thursday with the fifth pick in the NBA draft.

The 54-year-old Casey is the eighth coach in Raptors' history. He said he intends to use Triano as a 'resource' and build on what he sees as a core of young talent.

'Defensively, I'm going to be a hands-on control freak, so to speak,' he said. 'Offensively, I'm going to trust and give them freedom.'

Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo said he got a call from Dallas coach Rick Carlisle in the wee hours after the Mavericks won the championship.

'Rick Carlisle said, 'Bryan, I want to know what it's going to take to get Dwane that job in Toronto. It's right for him, it's right for you, it's right for the situation. You need to strongly consider it,'' Colangelo said.

'He comes with exceptional support from people in very high places,' he said. 'There's a lot of people that are rooting for Dwane to do well here. They think it's the right time,' he said.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Valanciunas Close To Buyout But Won't Play In NBA Next Season - by Greg
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) is close to a buyout with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, according to sources.

But the buyout would not allow Valanciunas to come to the NBA for the 11-12 season, according to the report.

The Cavaliers are high on Valanciunas with the fourth overall selection, but would likely not select him if he wouldn't arrive until the 12-13 season.


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


Teams are trying not to tip their hands before Thursday's NBA draft - by Rick Ross
Courtesy Of sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Don't be fooled by the calendar.

Five days remain until the NBA draft, and that means
it's already the late fourth quarter in the context of
the entire evaluation process of this annual affair.
Thus, there's no better time than now to get clever or
creative if you're a team looking to come out on
top in this game full of gamesmanship.

From the chatter that continues to come out of Cleveland,
I'm starting to wonder if the team with the No. 1 and No. 4
picks isn't doing just that. Numerous sources with direct
knowledge of the Cavaliers' thinking privately insist they
haven't made up their minds on the top pick, this despite the
fact that Duke point guard Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) has so long been considered a
lock for that spot and no medical problems have arisen
relating to his toe injury that kept him out of most of last season.

Cleveland coach Byron Scott said as much as publicly in an
interview with Yahoo! Sports recently. It remains unclear
whether that's a smokescreen or the truth, but one executive
posed a question my way that made a whole lot of sense.

Could Cleveland be attempting to devalue Minnesota's No. 2 pick
that is so widely known to be available at a steep price?

Any team with its sights set on a particular prospect
in this case most likely Arizona's Derrick Williams,
Turkish center Enes Kanter or perhaps Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight
has to think twice about trading for that pick if they can't count
on who will be there for the taking. And considering the Cavaliers
would be more than happy to give the Timberwolves their No. 4
(with other pieces involved, of course) for a chance to go 1-2,
muddying these waters would help their cause and possibly
force Minnesota to work with them on that sort of a package.

We're just theorizing about strategy here, but it's clear the
No. 1 spot and how it's being handled is worth watching until the end.
To that end, Kanter and Knight are expected to workout in Cleveland on
Monday and visit with owner Dan Gilbert. The second meeting with Kanter
is supposedly intended to involve Gilbert in the process, but the owner's presence
much like the projections on the top pick -- is not a sure thing.


Coach K, Paterno share lessons in made-for-TV talk - by Eurobasket News
Mike Krzyzewski and Joe Paterno leaned over in their cushy brown leather chairs and talked as if they were old acquaintances even though it was the first time the college coaching greats had spent any significant time together.

Combined, they have a remarkable 1,301 victories and six national titles. But Monday's made-for-TV meeting between Duke's basketball coach and Penn State's Hall of Fame football coach was dominated by exchanges about coaching philosophies, leadership and lighthearted banter - not quarterback controversies or Xs and Os.

'Actually, I think your statue should be bigger,' the 64-year-old Krzyzewski joked to laughs in the crowd of more than 800 at a Penn State auditorium for the taping of an ESPN program. JoePa has a statue dedicated to him outside Beaver Stadium.

The show 'Difference Makers: Life Lessons with Paterno and Krzyzewski' is scheduled to air June 30.

'Tell me, what is an icon,' the 84-year-old Paterno responded rhetorically when asked by an audience member what it was like to be held in high regard.

The rest of his answer was delivered with trademark wit, eliciting howls from attendees.

'If you mean some good-looking (guy) ... I like it,' he exclaimed before striking a brief pose.

Organizers said the meeting was two years in the making. Krzyzewski (900 career wins, four national titles) and Paterno (401 wins, two national titles) had lunch at the Nittany Lions' football complex before the primarily invite-only taping. ESPN anchor Rece Davis moderated, while organizers preselected audience members in the auditorium and at Duke via teleconference to ask questions.

When asked by former sports writer and current Penn State professor Malcolm Moran, both coaches signaled it was time for the NCAA to update or revise rules governing athletics. NCAA president Mark Emmert hopes to gather about 50 presidents or chancellors in August for a two-day retreat about the future of Division I sports.

It was the closest the roughly 90-minute discussion strayed to any controversial topic. No questions about recent scandals that have touched high-profile programs such as Ohio State football or Tennessee basketball.

'The first thing, the NCAA needs to modernize ... We need to revamp the system to keep up with the culture that we have,' said Krzyzewski, giving as an example restrictions on the use of electronic communications such as texting and Skype.

He added he hoped the NCAA would give coaches 'as teachers more opportunities to teach,' referring to restrictions on access to players.

Paterno agreed on the need to update, offering as an example a recent instance in which he said he may have broken a rule 'without even thinking about it' - though son and quarterback coach Jay Paterno said JoePa likely exaggerated circumstances to make a point.

Paterno said he walked into the team's indoor practice hall unwittingly when some players were walking out. He didn't talk to the players, but later told some assistants that one of the players looked good - when a staffer told him he broke a rule.

'So I think we ought to take a look at where we are, and what we're going to do about it,' Paterno said before also suggesting the NCAA look at making freshman ineligible again and adding more scholarships. He declined to compare whether the game has grown cleaner or dirtier, but added 'I think we've got an ongoing situation where we don't have a lot of control over.'

Primarily, the discussion revolved around the similarities between Krzyzewski and Paterno, and how the coaches have built clean, model programs in their respective sports. Both rely heavily on family on the job and to keep them grounded at home.

'What (Paterno) has been able to do is change how you teach ... without changing the values of how you teach,' said Krzyzewski, who added he incorporated a similar mantra. The Duke coach at times struck a deferential tone to JoePa on his home campus.

'But values are never compromised. That's the bottom line,' he said.

Both men were also raised Catholic in urban areas: Paterno in Brooklyn, Krzyzewski in Chicago.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Arkansas' Clarke granted release from scholarship - by Eurobasket News
Rotnei Clarke (6'0''-G-89), Arkansas' leading scorer last season, has been granted a release from his basketball scholarship so he can speak to other schools.

Athletic director Jeff Long announced the release in a statement Monday.

The junior guard averaged 15.2 points per game last season.

New men's coach Mike Anderson said in the statement that he met with Clarke shortly after he was hired, and was given every indication that he wanted to stay. Anderson said after Clarke recently informed him that he wanted to leave, he recommended to Long that the request be granted

Forward Glenn Bryant and guard Jeff Peterson have also been granted releases.

Bryant has transferred to Eastern Michigan.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

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


Marcin Nowakowski is a newcomer at Anwil Wloclawek - by Greg
Anwil Wloclawek strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old point-guard Marcin Nowakowski (184-G-89). Nowakowski played most recently at Polonia Azbud Warszawa (PLK). While playing 22 games for Polonia Azbud last season he averaged 8.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg and 1.6spg. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Most Improved Player of the Year.


Anwil extends Marcin Nowakowski - by Eurobasket News
Anwil Wloclawek came up with the new signing. The Polish outfit penned a deal with Marcin Nowakowski (184-G-89) for the next season. Anwil also has an option to keep Nowakowski for 2012/13.
Marcin Nowakowski arrives to Anwil from Polonia Azbud Warszawa, where he spent last three years. He appeared 22 times for them last season averaging 8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3 assists in PLK. It was a nice improvement for the player, who had 4.2 ppg and 1.9 apg in 2009/10. As expected, Eurobasket awarded him with All-Polish League Most Improved Player of the Year -11. In the past, Nowakowski played for UMKS Kielce.
Marcin Nowakowski played for the Polish National Team in 2009. Two years before that he helped U18 Poland to win the Bronze at the European Championships U18 Division B in Sofia. He had 2 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1 spg for 3 games at this event. Nowakowski also was a member of U16 Poland in the past.

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


Ants Kramer joins team in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) got the call directly.

'We want you', said Edwin Loubriel, the father of one of Kramer's classmates at Purdue and the owner of the Guaynabo Mets, a member of the 10-team Baloncesto Superior Nacional league in Puerto Rico.

So Kramer is going.

He's flying from Fort Wayne to Chicago to Puerto Rico today and will join the team for its final regular-season game Wednesday and staying with it throughout the duration of the playoffs. Kramer, who signed a contract to be the teams point guard, didnt know the playoff schedule but said if the Mets make the championship, his stay in Puerto Rico could last seven weeks.

Im taking my talents to Puerto Rico, Kramer said with a soft laugh, referencing LeBron James Decision announcement. Im kind of nervous, but Im excited about this opportunity. Its a great chance for me to grow up as a person, totally being on my own. I dont know one person in Puerto Rico in the city that Ill be in. So Ill get a chance to do a lot of things on my own and really take steps, hopefully, in the right direction in that aspect.

It's a chance to try to be molded into a better basketball player and a chance to mold into a true point guard, which will help me be more versatile moving forward with my career.

The NBA canceled its Las Vegas Summer League, and Kramer was exploring some options to try to get to some NBA minicamps when the call from Loubriel came.

Kramer thinks it could be a prime opportunity to continue to prove he can play at an elite level. In his first professional season last year, Kramer shot 54 percent from the field and averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Mad Ants.

This is a way to go over there in a respected league, Kramer said. They said a lot of rookies dont get a chance to play in this league right away, so its a chance, if I go there and play well, to increase my market value overseas for this coming season. Its a chance, again, if I do play well, to have a job over there in the spring and summer months, make some decent money playing in a beautiful place.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 19-9 
 2. Guaynabo 18-12 
 3. Arecibo 17-12 
 4. San German 17-13 
 5. Quebradillas 16-13 
 6. Santurce 15-14 
 7. Humacao 13-17 
 8. Coamo 12-19 
 9. Mayaguez 10-18 
 10. Isabela 10-20 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Ramos, Quebradillas23.6 
 2. Vassallo, Guaynabo23.0 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon21.4 
 4. Johnson, Humacao21.3 
 5. Ayuso, Arecibo19.3 
 6. Villegas, Coamo19.3 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Randolph, Isabela18.0 
 9. Harris, San German17.9 
 10. Clinch, Isabela16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.7
 1. Harris, San German12.7 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.3 
 3. Narvaez, Coamo12.1 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.5 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas10.8 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.0 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Sweetney, Santurce9.4 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon9.0 
 10. Clemente, Mayagu.8.9 
Assists Per Game
 Daniel BROWN
  Quebradillas
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 2. Dalmau, Bayamon5.9 
 3. Rivera, San German5.0 
 4. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 5. Clemente, Humacao4.6 
 6. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.3 
 8. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.2 
 9. Vega, Coamo4.0 
 10. Bruton, Quebradil.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Rivera, Mayaguez1.5 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 4. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 5. Diaz, Arecibo1.4 
 6. Carmona, Mayaguez1.3 
 7. Dalmau, Bayamon1.3 
 8. Robinson, Mayaguez1.3 
 9. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
 10. Ayuso, Arecibo1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Penn, Humacao2.7 
 2. Santiago, Arecibo2.1 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Sanchez, Santurce2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Lee, Bayamon1.8 
 7. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 8. Harris, San German1.5 
 9. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 10. Ramos, Quebradill.1.2 


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


Sammy Mejia heads to CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News
Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) heads to CSKA Moscow for the next season. The Russian Champions announced signing of the Dominican Republic Guard.
Sammy Mejia was drafted by Detroit Pistons (NBA,2rd (57)) in 2007. In 2009-2010 he joined Cholet Basket (France-ProA, starting five) and in EuroCup averaged high 22.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 55.2%, FT: 75.8%, while in French League after 36 games he showed 13.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Cholet Basket (France-ProA, starting five) in French League he became the fourth top-scorer with 18.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 78.5%. In Euroleague he was fifth with 15.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 78.1%.
Last season Sammy Mejia erupted with 29 points at EuroLeague Regular Season Round 5. Cholet crushed Fenerbahce Ulker handing them first loss of the season. Sammy Mejia was a key player for the hosts with 29 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 35. In French League he netted 28 points at the Regular Season Round 8 when Le Havre lost to Cholet 78-91.






Krasnie Krylia part ways with Stanislav Eremin, close to Sergey Bazarevich - by Eurobasket News
Krasnie Krylia will have changes on the bridge. The team decided not to renew contract with head coach Stanislav Eremin . The 60-year-old specialist was hired in November 2010. He guided Krasnie Krylia to 10-17 record in regular season. The Samara outfit then lost to future champions CSKA 1-2 in quarterfinal series. Sergey Bazarevich (agency: Alti Sport ) is being named as possible main candidate for Krasnie Krylia job. Sergey Bazarevich (agency: Alti Sport ) led Dynamo Moscow during the last two seasons. However the team was expelled from PBL last week. Sergey Bazarevich (agency: Alti Sport ) is not new to Samara. The specialist worked with CSK VVS in 2005/07 seasons. He also worked with Russian U20 National Team in 2008.


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Senegal's Weisz calls up 28 players - by Kristian Santiago
French head coach Alain Weisz called up 28 players for the national team of Senegal and also delivers time-table for the preparations.
The first stage will be held in Toulon, France (4th until the 23rd of July) where Weisz will be scouting all the 28 players before making the first cut to 16 on the 11th of July.
The second stage is a tournament held in Paris that includes games against Tunisia, Mali, Central African Republic and Rwanda.
After a stopover in Dakar, the team will be heading to South Africa for six days just to finally depart for Madagascar in late August for the African Championships.

The provisional list of Senegal:

Louis Adams (183-G-87)
Joseph Gomis (180-G-78)
Pape Sy (197-G-88)
Thierno Niang (185-G)
Xane D'Almeida (183-G-83)
Souleymane Camara (211-F/C-79, college: Kentucky)
Mamadou Ndoye
Elhadji Ndiaye (199-F-86)

Ousmane Gueye (188-G-82)
Moustapha Niang (206-F-83)
Maleye NDoye (203-F-80, college: Furman)
Antoine Mendy (198-F-83)
Papa Dia (205-F-87)
Cheikhou Thioune (194-G/F-83)
Souleymane Aw (198-F-81)
Boubacar Coly (206-F-83, college: Morgan St.)
Mouhammad Faye (206-F-85, college: SMU)
Lamine Kante (199-F-87)
Mohammed Diop
Gorgui Dieng (208-C)
Cheikh Samb (215-C-84)
Boniface Ndong (213-C-77)
Pape Badiane (207-F/C-80, college: Cleveland St.)
Moussa Badiane (205-C-81, college: E.Carolina)
Sitapha Savane (202-F-78, college: Navy)
De Sagana Diop (213-C-83)
Hamady N'Diaye (211-C-87, college: Rutgers)
Mouhamed Sene (213-C-86)



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


Serbian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Serbian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Danilo Andjusic
Andjusic
Milic Blagojevic
Blagojevic
Ivan Demcesen
Demcesen
Branislav Djekic
Djekic
Nemanja Jaramaz
Jaramaz
#e#5
Danilo Andjusic 197-G-91 Hemofarm Serbia
Milic Blagojevic 200-G/F-91 KG 06 Serbia
Ivan Demcesen 215-C-91 Mega Vizura Serbia
Branislav Djekic 207-F/C-91 Mega Vizura Serbia
Filip Duran 196-G/F-91 FMP Serbia
Nemanja Jaramaz 201-G-91 Partizan Serbia
Petar Jokic 199-F-91 Mega Vizura Serbia
Stefan Matovic 203-G-91 Mega Vizura Serbia
Luka Milojevic 193-G-91 Napredak Serbia
Milan Milovanovic 205-C/F-91 FMP Serbia
Dejan Musli 214-C-91 Caja Laboral Spain
Nemanja Nedovic 192-PG-91 Crvena Zvezda Serbia
Niksa Nikolic 196-PG-91 Mega Vizura Serbia
Dusan Ognjenovic 216-C-91 Radnicki Basket Serbia
Aleksandar Ponjavic 198-G-91 Radnicki Basket Serbia
Lazar Radosavljevic 203-F-91 Crvena Zvezda Serbia
Nikola Rondovic 207-F-91 Teodo Tivat Montenegro
Vladislav Stanisavljevic 185-G-91 Jagodina Serbia
Nemanja Todorovic 205-C/F-91 Borac Serbia
Petar Torlak 187-G-91 E.Carolina USA
Nikola Vukasovic 192-PG-91 Radnicki Basket Serbia



Valencia brings in Stefan Markovic - by Eurobasket News
Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) is a new member of Power Electronics Valencia. The Serbian point guard signed a 2+1 year deal with the club. He arrives from Benetton Treviso, where he spent last season. For 37 games in SerieA he had 5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.5 apg. Markovic also added 6.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 4.9 apg for 18 games in EuroCup. Eurobasket awarded Markovic with All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11.
Stefan Markovic joined Benetton last summer from Hemofarm. He was a member of Hemofarm since 2006. In the past, Markovic also played for Atlas Banka. Stefan Markovic is active member of the Serbian National Team. He had 3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.2 apg for 9 games in Turkey last summer.

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


Helios announced Zmagoslav Sagadin - by Eurobasket News
Helios announced Zmagoslav Sagadin as a new Head Coach of the team. The Slovenian specialist returns from Croatia, where his last team was Zadar.
In 1974-1981 Zmagoslav Sagadin was with Celje, then continued his career with Maribor. In 1985 moved to Olimpia Ljublana, while in 1995-1996 appeared in Split (Croatia). In 1996-1997 again moved to Olimpija Ljubljana and stayed until year 2002. In 2003 signed with KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Yugoslavia) and was released at the beginning of Nov.'04. In 2005-2006 again moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-1A), while in 2006-2007 continued with Nova Gorica (Slovenia-1B). The season 2008-2009 started with WTK Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-DBE), left in Oct.'08, in Feb.09 hired by KK Zadar (Croatia-A1).
Zadar last year finished the Regular Season with 12-2 record on the second spot. Cibona blasted Zadar in Game Five of the Playoff Finals defending the championship title in Croatia. The home squad demonstrated great performance and celebrated 95-73 victory, 3-2 in the series.
Zmagoslav Sagadin was a Slovenian National Team Coach -95, Slovenian Coach of the Year -98, 99, 01, 02 and Slovenian League Champion -92-95, 97-99,01, 06.


Rado Trifunovic signed three-years contract with Zlatorog - by Eurobasket News
Rado Trifunovic signed three-years contract with Zlatorog to start in 2011/2012 season. The Slovenian specialist comes from Helios where he coached for 4 years.
Rado Trifunovic started his coaching career with Helios Domzale (1A) in 2007. He was promoted to Head Coach in Dec.'08 and in 2009 extended the contract with Helios Domzale till 2012.
Last season Helios finished the Regular Season with 10-4 record on the third place. In the Play-offs Union Olimpija however sealed the spot in the Finals following the road win over Helios. The guests were already 14 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 20-14 Helios' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 81-73 at the end of the game. Union Olimpija made 17-of-18 charity shots (94.4 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Helios turnovers.
For his Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention that he became Slovenian Cup Finalist -08, 11, Slovenian League Finalist -08, 09, Slovenian League Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 09 and reached Slovenian League Semifinals -11.




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


Real Madrid now targets Pablo Laso as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid is still without the coach. However, the Spanish media say they are close to hire one. There were many rumors last week that Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency ) already signed a deal with Real, but that didnt happen. The latest news is that Real is close to hire Pablo Laso. The Spanish specialist worked last four years with Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (Bruesa). They finished last season as No.14 with 12-22 record. He took over the club in 2007 from Alerta Cantabria Lobos. In the past, Laso also worked with Pamesa Castellon.
Pablo Laso was a basketball player in the past. He spent many years with Taugres Tau Vitoria (now Caja Laboral). He also played for Real Madrid from 1995 to 1997. Pablo Laso was a member of the Spanish National Team in 1994 and 1995.

Gianluca Basile leaves Barca after six years - by Eurobasket News
Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) is no longer member of Regal Barca. His contract expired and two sides will not sign an extension. Basile joined Barca in 2005 from Climamio Bologna. He helped them win the Euroleague title in 2010. That season Basile averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds for 17 games. Basile and Barca also won ACB title in 2009 and this year as well, plus three trophies in Copa del Rey. However, Basile appeared just once for Barca this season due to injury.
As mentioned above, Basile joined Barca in 2005 from Climamio. He spent six years with the Bologna team. Basile started his outstanding basketball career with Reggio Emilia.
Gianluca Basile was a member of the Italian National Team from 1996 to 2007. He helped them win the Gold at the EuroBasket 1999. Four years later, Basile led Italy to Bronze at EuroBasket in Sweden.

Gasol wants to stay with Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Spanish forward Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80), who has been linked to a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves, said Monday he wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for 'as many years as I can'.

The Timberwolves have reportedly been strongly pursuing Gasol to pair with Barcelona guard Ricky Rubio, who will play for the NBA side next season.

'My desire is to stay with the Lakers. I don't have control over it but I want to stay with the Lakers for as many years as I can to be able to remain eligible for the maximum possible championships,' Gasol told reporters in the northeastern city of Alicante.

The reports linking Gasol to a move to the Tiberwolves came after the Dallas Mavericks swept the Lakers 4-0 in the conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs.

The Lakers signed Gasol, 30, in February 2008 from the Memphis Grizzlies. The following year they extended his contract through the 2013-14 season.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Breogan add Alejandro Navajas - by Eurobasket News
Breogan landed Alejandro Navajas (201-F/C-86). The 24-year-old forward played for Palencia in the previous season. He tallied 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Earlier Alejandro Navajas had been playing for Axarquia for five seasons.


Janis Blums extended with Bilbao - by Giorgos Diploidis
Janis Blums (190-G-82) will be in the team of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket for next season also. The two sides agreed for a new deal which will keep the player from Latvia for another one season in the Spanish team. Blums is a player of the team of Fotis Katsikaris (agency: FCM ) for the last three seasons and now he will be for fourth in the row.

After Euroleague decided to put the team of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket in the group stages of the competition the creation of the team for the next season is in order. Aaron Jackson a few days ago agreed to stay also in the team and now it was the time of Blums.

Valencia brings in Stefan Markovic - by Eurobasket News
Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) is a new member of Power Electronics Valencia. The Serbian point guard signed a 2+1 year deal with the club. He arrives from Benetton Treviso, where he spent last season. For 37 games in SerieA he had 5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.5 apg. Markovic also added 6.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 4.9 apg for 18 games in EuroCup. Eurobasket awarded Markovic with All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11.
Stefan Markovic joined Benetton last summer from Hemofarm. He was a member of Hemofarm since 2006. In the past, Markovic also played for Atlas Banka. Stefan Markovic is active member of the Serbian National Team. He had 3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.2 apg for 9 games in Turkey last summer.

Eduardo Martinez to play for Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News
Estudiantes returned Eduardo Martinez (202-F-90) for the next season. The 21-year-old forward spent last four years with Estudiantes 2nd team, which competes in EBA. His progress was obvious and the Students decided to add Martinez to their best squad for 2011/12.
Eduardo Martinez played for U20 Spanish National Team last summer. He helped them win the Bronze at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. For seven games he averaged 2.1 points. In 2009, Martinez played for Spain at U19 FIBA World Championship. He had 3.4 ppg and 3 rpg at this event. In the past, Martinez also was a member of U18 France. He played at U18 EuroBasket 2008 and also at Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -08.

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


Sweden U16 celebrated the friendly win over Denmark U16 - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 celebrated the friendly win over Denmark U16 76:59. The winners opened the gamer with 21-16 and then added 22-11 in the second quarter. Denmark won the third period 17-10, while Sweden responded with 23-15 in the last stanza.
Ludvig Hakansson (187-G-96) erupted with 29 points for the winners and Filip Kovacek (185-G-95) posted 12. Axel Toft (196-F-95) ended up with 9 points and David Terins (192-G-95) delivered 7.
Earlier Denmark U16 shocked the Swedish side to clinch bronze at the Nordic Cup 2011. The Danish side overcame Sweden 62:51 and enjoyed the third place at the tournament. Sweden was the favorite of the game as the team finished the group with 3-1 record and unfortunately with the same record as Iceland and Finland could not make it to the Final. They started with 17-16 in the first period, but allowed the opponents to take the control of the game. Denmark needed 18-14 in the second frame to take 34:31 halftime advantage and then both teams nailed 11 points each in the third period for the same difference. In the last quarter Denmark erupted with 17-9 to seal the necessary win.


European Duo to Jamtland - by Andreas Eriksson
Jamtland Basket have announced a duo of European guards have signed for their team for the upcoming season. First they announced the signing of Brynjar Bjoernsson (191-G-88, college: Francis Marion) from Iceland, he played for Icelandic champion KR last season and was among the best players in the league. Icelandic players have been very succesfull in the Swedish league last few years with Jakob Sigurdarson, Logi Gunnarsson, Hlynyr Baeringsson and Helgi Magnusson leading the way. The second player just announced is Lithuanian PG Evaldas Zabas (188-PG-88), a former Youth National Team Player that played in the United Kingdom last year. Jmtland now have theese two as well as Drazen Klaric, Stefan Hellgren and Johan Ronstrom under contract for next season.

*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


BBC Monthey extends with Steeve Louissaint and sign Mladen Lukic - by Luca Maffioli
BBC Monthey announced re-signing of one-year contract extension with Steeve Louissaint (190-G-87). The Swiss NT player joined BBC Monthey in 2009 and in his last season averaged 6.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 60.5% in 33 LNA games.
BBC Monthey also signed the young player Mladen Lukic (207-C-92). The Bosnian center come back to Swiss after the experience in Germany with Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He arrived in Germany after 22 LNA games with Zurich Wildcats.

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  TAIWAN   


Hill observes Taiwan NT's newcomers - by Chris Wang
Former NBA head coach Bob Hill , who has been hired by Taiwan as its national team technical advisor, said Monday that Tsung-Hsien Chang (193-G-88) and Chou Yi-hsiang both have potential to be good but there are a lot of room for improvement for the young players.

As most Taiwanese players are now in the central city of Changhua to participate in the qualifying games of the National Games, Hill on Monday night focused on Chang and Chou, who returned from the United States after the semester ended.

There were only less than five players in the practice, but Hill trained the players as hard as usual, giving them only a three-minute water break during a two-hour practice which stressed fundamentals.

Hill instructed BYU-Hawaii junior guard Chang and Chou, who completed his first year at Salt Lake Community College, on various mid-range shooting skills, including the step-back jumper, floater and baby hook, as well as dribble drive penetration, according to the Apple Daily, a local newspaper.

Chang and Chou are both physically gifted and have quickness, Hill was quoted as saying. He also said the players need to hone their skills, especially on their non-shooting hand and shooting technique, and experience.

The objective of these training categories is to transform Taiwan NT from a perimeter-oriented and three-pointer-shooting team into a group that excels at executing its offense inside and out. In other words, Hill expects Taiwan NT to be a more 'balanced' team on the offensive end.

Player profiles:

Tsung-Hsien Chang (a.k.a Chang Tsung-hsien)
192cm, 91kg
Junior, BYU-Hawaii
DOB: Dec. 27, 1988
2010-11 31G 21.1p, 3.6rb, 1.7a
2009-10 17G 19.2p, 3.3rb, 2.2a
2008-09 29G 12.3p, 2.8rb, 1.3a

Chou Yi-hsiang
190cm, 90kg
Freshman, Salt Lake CC
DOB: Feb. 4, 1991
2010-11 32G 4.6p, 1.6rb, 0.9a

Youth movement of SBL coaches - by Chris Wang
All of a sudden, a youth movement is taking place in the SBL coaching community with four of the seven head coaches are under the age of 40.

Three of these four young coaches holding the most prestigious position in Taiwanese basketball coaching fraternity were born after 1975. The other one, Pure Youth head coach and NT assistant Hsu Chin-tse, is 37 years-old.

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, which is in the midst of a management controversy and a crisis of player exodus, announced that head coach Lo Tien-chin was let go and Huang Bao-tse, who was still on the team as a reserve point guard last season, will assume the head coaching duty in the new season.

Huang became the latest wave of youth movement that hit the SBL after Chiu Chi-yi and Chia Fan were named by Yulon and Taiwan Mobile, respectively, as new head coaches.

The arrival of these young men makes 57-year-old TB coach Yen Chia-hua, who obviously thinks he's still pretty young and energetic since he was still able of kicking referees in the a** two years ago, the oldest SBL head coach.

In a way, the trend is a good thing. It shows that most teams understand they have to change with time and to embrace new ideas.

However, there are enormous challenges for the newcomers as well as they will probably find it difficult to have their voices heard and to have their instruction executed by players who are about the same age as their younger brothers.

It takes time and hard work to be a successful head coach. Most of these young men have only previously coached high school or college basketball, where a head coach is worshipped as a God. Hopefully they will follow the footsteps of Hsu Chin-tse, who earned his reputation as a bright young coach and finally led Pure Youth to the SBL playoffs and a runner-up regular season finish last season.

Meanwhile, there is no sign that SBL teams intend to hire foreign coaches anytime soon.

Since the end of last season, three teams have hired new head coaches. Zhang Xuelei of Yulon, Cheng Chih-lung of Taiwan Mobile and Lo Tien-chin of KKL were replaced.

Profiles of SBL head coaches:

Name Team DOB W-L (Year)
Chiu Chi-yi Yulon 1975.10.6 0-0 (2011-)
Yen Chia-hua TB 1954.6.26 143-91 (2003-2011)
Chia Fan TM 1975.2.3 0-0 (2011-)
Hsu Chin-tse PY 1973.4.27 72-78 (2006-2011)
Lai Liang-chung BOT 1960.8.13 26-93 (2007-2011)
Huang Bao-tse KKL 1976.9.18 0-0 (2011-)
Chiu Ta-tsun Dacin 1964.7.1 87-63 (2006-2011)


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


Willie Solomon joins Turk Telekom - by Eurobasket News
Turk Telekom strengthened their backcourt for the next season. They brought in Willie Solomon (187-G-78, college: Clemson). The 32-year-old guard spent the previous season in Israel. Willie Solomon averaged 14.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per Premier League for Hapoel Jerusalem. In EuroCup the guard registered 18.0 points, 4.5 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists per appearance. Willie Solomon participated at 2011 Premier League All-Star Game. Willie Solomon is not new to Turkey. The guard played for Fenerbahce in 2006/2010 seasons. He was Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Guard of the Year in 2008. Willie Solomon was also trumped Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.


Prospect Furkan Aldemir joins Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray came up with the new signing. After extension with Luksa Andric and arrival of Cevhan Ozer from Besiktas, the TBL runner-up signed a deal with young prospect Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91). The 19-year-old forward heads to Galata from Pinar Karsiyaka, where spent last several years. Aldemir played 26 games for Karsiyaka last season registering 8 ppg and 7.5 rpg. In EuroChallenge, he added 7.7 ppg and 8 rpg. Aldermi suffered ankle injury in December and was out almost two months.
Furkan Aldemir was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Most Improved Player of the Year -10. He had 7.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.4 bpg for Karsiyaka that season. Last summer, Aldemir played for Turkey at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. He had 13.9 ppg, 11.6 rpg and 1.7 bpg. He ended the championship as the best rebounder and shot blocker. In 2009, he led Turkey to Bronze medal at U18 EuroBasket in Metz. He had 7.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg at this event. Earlier this month, Aldemir withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft 2011.

Optimum TED Kolejliler adds Kavakloglu and Gollu, keeps Yapar - by Eurobasket News
Monday was very important day for Optimum TED Kolejliler. The team signed deals with three players for the upcoming season. New members of Optimum TED Kolejliler are Ali Kavaklioglu (186-G-86) and Osman Orcun Gollu (191-G/F-77), while the team also extended deal with Hakan Yapar (203-C-84).
Ali Kavaklioglu arrives to Optimum TED Kolejliler from Erdemir, where he spent last season. He appeared 21 times in TBL averaging 1.8 points. Season 2009/10, Kavakloglu spent with Hacettepe.
Osman Orcun Gollu heads to his new club from Tofas. He had 3.6 ppg for them in 22 TBL games last season. He was a member of Tofas since 2008. Before that, Gollu played for Erdemir.
Hakan Yapar finished last season with Optimum TED Kolejliler. He had 13.6 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 15 games. He started the season Trabzon, where he had 3.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 10 games in TBL.

Galatasaray signs Cevher Ozer - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray brought in a new player for the 2011/12 season. The Turkish giant penned a deal with Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports). The 28-year-old PF/C arrives from Beriktas, where he spent last five years. He had 11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.8 apg for 32 TBL games last season. Ozer also added 12.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 7 games in EuroCup.
On season 2009/10, Ozer shined with 14.6 ppg and 6 rpg for 7 games in EuroCup. In Turkey he had 12.6 ppg and 5.6 rog. Eurobasket awarded Ozer with Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Domestic Players Team -09, 10. Before Beriktas, he spent four years with Darussafaka and two with Turk Telekom.
Cevher Ozer was a member of the Turkish National Team in 2004, 2005 and 2009. He participated at the TBL All-Star game in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and this year as well.

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  UKRAINE   


Yuriy Gorenkov joins Cherkasy - by Alexei Revenko
22 years ukrainian center Yuriy Gorenkov (215-C-88) sign contract with Higher League champion SK Cherkasy Monkeys. Last season he played in BC Kyiv. He played 33 games and scored 0.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. During his professional career Yuriy also played in Pulsar Rovno, Dnipro, DniproAzot.
Ferro-ZNTU sign contract with 23 years small forward Stanislav Dikiy. Last season he played in Dinamo where scored 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.


Radoslav Rancik joins Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) will play in Ukraine in the next season. The Slovakian centre signed a deal with Azovmash. Last season Radoslav Rancik played for Galatasaray in Turkey. He tallied 6.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 6.5 points, 3.5 boards and 1.5 assists per appearance. Radoslav Rancik is the member of Slovakian National Team. The centre averaged 11.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance at 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Eurobasket.com named Radoslav Rancik All-Turkish League Centre of the Year in 2010. Previously Radoslav Rancik played in Italy, Czech Republic, France and Croatia. He was trumped All-Czech Republic League Bosman Player of the Year in 2006 and 2008. In 2007 the centre was named All-Czech Republic League Player of the Year.


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


Gordon James leads Capitol - by Hector Lopez
Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) scored 20 points and took 4 rebounds, leading Capitol to beat 25 de Agosto 81-57. Capitol won the rigth to continue playing the Metro League next season. 25 de Agosto will have to play against the winner of Verdirrojo-Yale, to decided which team will be relegated to the Third division tournament. Also for Capitol Claudio Bascou (189-G-89) netted 15 points and Juan Wenzel (190-G-89) added 10 points and 11 rebounds. For 25 de Agosto John Ruffus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) scored 17 points and tookm 14 rebounds.

Uruguay named 16 players for the Tournament of the Americas - by Hector Lopez
Gerardo Jauri , the NT head coach, named 16 players to begin next month the trainings to play the preolympic Tournament of the Americas, scheduled to begin August 30, in Mar del Plata (Argentina). The group included a Kiril Wachsmann (203-C/F-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Iona), who never player in Uruguay, but he is considered a national because his father is Uruguayan. The others players are
Gustavo Barrera
Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91)
Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne)
Fernando Martinez (170-G-79)
Joaquin Izuibejeres (184-G-82)
Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M)
Joaquin Osimani (193-G-87)
Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group)
Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85)
Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86)
Emiliano Baston (200-F-88)
Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83)
Mathias Calfani (202-C-92)
Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85)
Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana)

Uruguay announce preliminary roster - by Eurobasket News
Uruguayan Basketball Federation announced the list of players that will prepare for the upcoming Tournament of the Americas. The tournament will serve as the qualifying event for 2012 Olympic Games in London. It will take place in Mar del Plata, Argentina from August 30 through Septemer 11. Uruguay got into preliminary Group B together with Puerto Rico, Panama, Argentina and Paraguay. Gerardo Jauri invited the following 16 players to the training camp next month:
Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group)
Gustavo Barrera
Emiliano Baston (200-F-88)
Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86)
Mathias Calfani (202-C-92)
Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91)
Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M)
Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85)
Joaquin Izuibejeres (184-G-82)
Fernando Martinez (170-G-79)
Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana)
Joaquin Osimani (193-G-87)
Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne)
Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85)
Kiril Wachsmann (203-C/F-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Iona).


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


Marinos land Robert Battle - by Eurobasket News
Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Drexel) is a new member of Marinos. The American center signed a deal for rest of the LPB season. Battle arrives to his new club from Argentina. He appeared 52 times in LigaA with Libertad averaging 13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.9 blocks. He ended the competition as the best shot blocker. Battle also appeared 3 times in Liga Sudamericana adding 17.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 1.7 apg.
Before Libertad, Robert Battle played two years in Spain. He was a member of Valladolid. He helped them win promotion from LEB Gold to ACB in their first season. In 2009/10, he had 8.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.5 bpg in the Spanish top division. Battle also has experience from Palma Aqua Magica, Deportivo Conarpesa Puerto Madryn and French Beauvais. In 2008, Battle was named Latinbasket.com All-Argentinian LigaA Center of the Year. A year after that he got Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Player of the Year -09.

LPB Semifinals: Cocodrilos and Marinos take 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News
LPB Semifinals started last night. Cocodrilos and Marinos managed to beat their rivals taking 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-seven.
Cocodrilos were better than Trotamundos at home 92-88. Cocodrilos were the regular season champions in LPB. They had 32-8 record. In the Quarterfinals, Cocodrilos eliminated Gigantes with 4-2.
Marinos started with 93-68 victory against Gigantes. The game was played at the Marinos home court. They were No.2 in regular season. After that in QFinals Marinos eliminated Guaiqueries with almost perfect 4-1.
Second games of the Semifinals series are scheduled for today.

*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


BC Astana lands Jerry Johnson from Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana came up with important signing. The newly formed team from the Kazakhstan capital landed point guard Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) for season 2011/12. BC Astana will compete in VTB United League next season.
Jerry Johnson arrives to BC Astana from Galatasaray. He appeared 28 times in TBL last season averaging 11.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3 assists. Johnson paced Galatasaray to Turkish league Finals. He also added 7.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.5 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Johnon joined Galatasaray in January from Lietuvos Rytas. From April of 2008 until the summer of 2010, Jerry Johnson was a member of Charleroi. He helped them win three Belgian league titles. In 2010, Johnson was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Guard of the Year. Before Charleroi, he was a member of Clermont, APOEL Nicosia, Mersin and Polpharma.



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Women News

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


Tom Maher guides Great Britain to EuroBaskets second round - by Eurobasket News
Bulleen Boomers head coach Tom Maher has guided Great Britain to the second round of the womens EuroBasket with a win against Israel overnight.

After picking up the WNBL Coach of the Year award last season, as well as leading Bulleen to their first ever Championship, the former Australian Opals coach is currently overseas with the Great Britain side, helping them prepare for the 2012 Olympics which they will host in London next year.

Following slim defeats to womens basketball powerhouses Belarus and the Czech Republic, Great Britain needed to defeat Israel to advance to the second round and came away with a commanding 74-51 victory.

Maher told Olympic website Sportsbeat he was thrilled with the victory.

It was a dream to win that game,' Maher told Sportsbeat.

'It was a big, big game and I was extremely nervous about it.

'I looked at some of the Israel players and they are top-class, so I knew it would be really hard but we knuckled down and we were always safe. It wasnt just a win, it was a comfortable win.

I want to win every game, thats my aim as a coach and Im really angry when we lose a game we should have won. But to get within 15 of both the Czech and Belarus thats an achievement as they are at such a high level. Weve worked hard and had a fabulous result.

The Great Britain squad includes Sydney Uni Flames WNBL player Natalie Stafford, who according to Maher played a key role in the victory.

Natalie Stafford scored early and really got going,' he said.

Stafford finished the game with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in a dominant all-round performance.

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

Shock's Cambage nearly back to normal after concussion - by Eurobasket News
Step away from the computer. Step away from the phone. And take a couple of steps toward normalcy.

Could it be that simple for Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91)?

The second overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Cambage missed a June 14 game against the Indiana Fever with what she described as a mild concussion. She returned to duty Saturday and came off the bench to help the previously winless Shock beat the Washington Mystics.

What's Cambage's status for a 7 p.m. Tuesday home game against the Seattle Storm? The 6-foot-8 center said following a Monday practice that she's fine.

'I've just been tired,' she said.

The culprits behind Cambage's fatigue could be too much rest - and not enough rest.

An explanation:

Cambage, who loves sleeping, said she thinks she has been 'oversleeping.'

And she has been advised to turn off her computer and mobile phone in order to give her brain some legit rest.

In the meanwhile, Cambage is sort of back in action.

Nolan Richardson said Cambage's conditioning was affected because she missed practices following the concussion. The Shock's coach and general manager said Cambage won't start against the defending WNBA champion Storm.

'We will bring her in the game and try to work her way back in,' Richardson said.

Cambage, who was bothered by post-concussion headaches, and Richardson agree that it's best to proceed with caution. She said her most recent concussion - it occurred when she was clouted by teammate Tiffany Jackson's elbow - is her third. Cambage said she was dealt two mild concussions while playing in Australia.

Before Cambage's first WNBA concussion, only four players taken in the first-round of the 2011 draft were starting for their respective teams. Two of them - Cambage and Kayla Pedersen - played for the Shock.

Pedersen, the seventh overall pick, ranks fourth among rookies in points (10.5), second in rebounds (5.5), fourth in assists (2.7), and second in minutes played (30.2).

Cambage shares the WNBA lead in free-throw attempts (38) and leads the league in free throws made (34). She ranks first among rookies in rebounds (6.8), second in points (14.4), first in steals (1.4) and first in blocks (2.0).

Said Richardson, 'I am really pleased with how things are going so far with them.'

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

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  AUSTRIA - Women  


Austrian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Austrian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Victoria Donev
Donev
Carla Freund
Freund
Barbara Keck
Keck
Sigrid Koizar
Koizar
Marlies Kolin
Kolin
#e#5
Victoria Donev 189-C-93
Carla Freund 179-F-93 BC Vienna Austria
Barbara Keck 180-F-94 BC Vienna Austria
Sigrid Koizar 165-PG-95 BC Vienna Austria
Marlies Kolin 178-F-92 UBBC Austria
Julia Koppl 187-F/C-91 Wasserburg Germany
Milena Lazarevic 178-G/F-91 S.Connecticut USA
Camilla Neumann 183-F-94
Diana Picorusevic 165-PG-92 BK Duchess Austria
Julia Pocksteiner 176-PG-93 Fl.Foxes Austria
Astrid Satovich 179-F-93 UBBC Austria
Katja Schwaigerlehner 182-C/F-91 UBBC Austria
Kata Takacs 184-F-91 BK Duchess Austria
Raphaela Weinlander 179-F-93 BK Duchess Austria
Pia Zderadicka 175-G/F-91 BC Vienna Austria
Anja Zderadicka 171-PG-92 BC Vienna Austria
Lisa Zderadicka 166-PG-94 BC Vienna Austria



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  BELGIUM - Women  


Belgian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Belgian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Lisa Biebuyck
Biebuyck
Caroline Bourlioux
Bourlioux
Chloe Bully
Bully
Miete Celus
Celus
Lynn Delvaux
Delvaux
#e#5
Lisa Biebuyck 173-G/F-93 Waregem Belgium
Caroline Bourlioux 182-C-92 Point Chaud Belgium
Chloe Bully 172-PG-93
Miete Celus 176-F/G-91 Sint Kateline Belgium
Lynn Delvaux 182-F-93 BBC Boom Belgium
Lisa Foucart 172-PG-92 Waregem Belgium
Evi Hayse 181-C-93
Manon Humblet 185-C-94 Dexia Namur Belgium
Camille Lebrun 174-F-94
Lea Lonay 178-F-94 Point Chaud Belgium
Jaleesa Maes 188-C-92 Ieper Belgium
Alisson Mai 183-C-93 R.Spirou M. Belgium
Jenny Mayinga 183-C/F-92 Point Chaud Belgium
Noemie Mayombo 171-PG-91 Point Chaud Belgium
Emmanuella Mayombo 170-G-92 Point Chaud Belgium
Inge Meylemans 168-PG-92 BBC Boom Belgium
Nele Poffyn 173-G-91 Jeugd Gentson Belgium
Jana Raman 186-F-91 Waregem Belgium
Lieve Rombouts 182-F/C-91 Sint Kateline Belgium
Jill Van Meerbeeck 176-F-94
Petra Vanhoven 184-C-92 Willebroek Belgium
Freya Vermeersch 181-F-93 Jeugd Gentson Belgium
Marieke Versavel 168-PG-92 Ieper Belgium



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  BULGARIA - Women  


Bulgarian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Bulgarian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Stela Boneva
Boneva
Mariya Boycheva
Boycheva
Pamela Decheva
Decheva
Marina Gelova
Gelova
Silviya Ivanova
Ivanova
#e#5
Stela Boneva 190-C-93 COB Calais France
Mariya Boycheva 169-PG-91 Minyor Bulgaria
Pamela Decheva 185-F-92 S.Carolina USA
Marina Gelova 175-G-93 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Silviya Ivanova 170-G-91 NSA Delta Bulgaria
Violina Kocheva 176-G/F-91 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Irena Koleva 173-G-91 NSA Delta Bulgaria
Radina Kordova 184-F-94 Tony 7 Bulgaria
Gabriela Kostova 192-C-94 Lukoil Bulgaria
Vesela Kovacheva 170-G-92 Slavia Bulgaria
Kalina Marinova 181-F/C-92 Slavia Bulgaria
Denitsa Mincheva 186-C-93 Tony 7 Bulgaria
Stanislava Mircheva 185-F/C-93 Lukoil Bulgaria
Radostina Rasheva 175-G/F-92 Beroe 07 Bulgaria
Koprina Rashova 180-F-93 Septemvri Bulgaria
Ana Maria Sarafska 180-F-93 Septemvri Bulgaria
Tsvetromira Sharenkapova 182-F-91 Dunav Bulgaria
Ivana Shikileva 180-F-92 Slavia Bulgaria
Nadezhda Spasova 189-F-93 Beroe 07 Bulgaria
Viktoriya Stoycheva 172-G-92 Tony 7 Bulgaria
Mariya Svetoslavova 178-F-93 Levski Bulgaria
Monika Todorova 169-G-91 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Hristina Tyutyundzhieva 189-C-93 Tarbes France
Polina Vasileva 171-G-92 Minyor Bulgaria



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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Czech Republic U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Czech Republic U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Tereza Barnetova
Barnetova
Lenka Bartakova
Bartakova
Martina Cepelkova
Cepelkova
Karolina Elhotova
Elhotova
Adela Filarova
Filarova
#e#5
Tereza Barnetova 183-C-92
Lenka Bartakova 176-G-91 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
Martina Cepelkova 183-F-92 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
Karolina Elhotova 182-F-92 VS Praha Czech Republic
Adela Filarova 174-G-91 Slovanka MB Czech Republic
Alena Hanusova 190-F/C-91 Frisco Sika Czech Republic
Jana Hausknechtova 179-G-92 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
Michaela Horakova 179-F-92
Barbora Kasparkova 182-F/C-92 Frisco Sika Czech Republic
Marketa Kleckova 186-C-92 BA Sparta Czech Republic
Martina Knoflickova 188-F-91 Valosun B Czech Republic
Monika Kusova 172-G-92 Strakonice Czech Republic
Kristyna Minarovicova 174-G/F-91 Ostrava Czech Republic
Michaela Muchova 178-G/F-91 Karlovy Vary Czech Republic
Michaela Pavlasova 178-G/F-91 Pardubice Czech Republic
Renata Pudlakova 173-G-92 VS Praha Czech Republic
Adela Rehackova 186-C/F-91 BA Sparta Czech Republic
Tereza Sedlackova 183-F/C-92 Frisco Sika B Czech Republic
Monika Sivrova 179-G/F-92 Frisco Sika B Czech Republic
Andrea Sladkova 187-C/F-91 VSE Praha Czech Republic
Hana Smidkova 187-F/C-92 BA Sparta Czech Republic
Nikola Tothova 166-PG-91 Trutnov Czech Republic
Barbora Vechtova 188-C-92
Petra Zaplatova 175-G/F-91 Trutnov Czech Republic



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  DENMARK - Women  


Sweden U16 beat Danish side - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 beat Danish side in the test game between two sides. Sweden U16 won over Denmark U16 55:50 in the first game with 22-11 start. They also added 13-12 and then both team nailed 11 points each in the third quarter. Denmark managed to win the last frame 16-9 but it was not enough to recover. Sofia Svensson paced all the winners with 14 points and Emma Eriksson (163-G-95) netted 10.
Earlier in the Nordic Cup Sweden U16 rolled over Denmark U16 53:48 to win the group with 4-0 record. Trailing 6-12 after the first period, Sweden won the third quarter 23-18 and then added 11-5 in the last frame. Regan Magarity top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Emma Eriksson and Julia Paulin netted 8 apiece. Frederikke Mollerup answered with 13 points and 13 boards in defeat.



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  ESTONIA - Women  


Estonian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Estonian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Maia Bratka
Bratka
Elise Kait
Kait
Solveig Keskula
Keskula
Annika Koster
Koster
Kadri Kruusimagi
Kruusimagi
#e#5
Maia Bratka 190-F/C-92 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Maaja Bratka
Elise Kait 178-G-91 TLU/Volta Estonia
Solveig Keskula 180-F-92 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Annika Koster 185-F/C-92 NikeWomen Estonia
Kadri Kruusimagi 170-G-92 Rapla KK Estonia
Liis Kullamaa 171-G-94 Audentes Estonia
Janeli Lilleallik 168-PG-94 Tartu Ulikooli Estonia
Gerli Lohmus 169-G-93
Marit Maaring 178-G-91 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Maria Metsaorg 184-F-93
Berta Murk 176-F/G-92 Parksepa SK Estonia
Janett Perv 181-F/G-91 Umea Sweden
Birgit Piibur 160-PG-94 Audentes Estonia
Marii Pilv 170-PG-92 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Mailis Pokk 185-F/C-92 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Ellen-Anett Poldmaa 177-PG-94 Audentes Estonia
Anastassia Ptitsona 168-PG-91 Eclex Tallinn Estonia
Liis Riis 174-F-93 NikeWomen Estonia
Liis Rinaldo 173-G/F-94 Audentes Estonia
Rosemary Rits 180-F-92 NikeWomen Estonia
Ereli Sade 174-G/F-94 Tartu Ulikooli Estonia
Greeta Uprus 175-G/F-94 Audentes Estonia



*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group E
1. Lithuania2-0
2. Czech Rep.2-0
3. Russia1-1
4. Belarus1-1
5. Turkey0-2
6. U.Kingdom0-2
Group F
1. Latvia2-0
2. Montenegro2-0
3. Spain1-1
4. France1-1
5. Croatia0-2
6. Poland0-2


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  FYR MACEDONIA - Women  


FYR Macedonian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
FYR Macedonian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Arin Agic
Agic
Jelena Antic
Antic
Lidija Cvetkovska
Cvetkovska
Angjela Davitkova
Davitkova
Simona Delovska
Delovska
#e#5
Arin Agic 176-G-93 Vigor Skopje FYR Macedonia
Jelena Antic 187-F-91 Liberty USA
Lidija Cvetkovska 186-C-95 Struga 2009 FYR Macedonia
Angjela Davitkova 181-F-94
Simona Delovska 168-PG-92 Panteri Skopje FYR Macedonia
Liljana Lega 180-F-85
Arnela Hodja 191-C-91
Aleksandra Ivanova 178-G/F-93 Vigor Skopje FYR Macedonia
Dragana Jolovik 184-F-94
Ivana Kmetovska 186-F-95 Klubski Junior FYR Macedonia
Adrijana Krasnikj 172-G-93 Student Skopje FYR Macedonia
Emilija Krstanoska 180-G/F-92 Struga 2009 FYR Macedonia
Sofija Lazareska 175-F-95 Baden Kroatia FYR Macedonia
Andzelika Mitrasinovik 175-G-93
Edina Musa 177-G-91 Gardner-Webb USA
Kate Petkoska 177-F-94 Struga 2009 FYR Macedonia
Martina Petkoska 170-PG-92 Struga 2009 FYR Macedonia
Sanja Radenkovik 178-G/F-91
Kristina Stojanovska 167-PG-91 V.Lisici Skopje FYR Macedonia
Aleksandra Stojanovska 178-F-94 Vigor Skopje FYR Macedonia
Lefterija Temelkova 167-PG-93 Narkonon FYR Macedonia
Nena Trajchevska 178-G-94 Klubski Junior FYR Macedonia
Jasmina Vasileska 173-G-92 Struga 2009 FYR Macedonia
Vanesa Vasilevska 180-F-92 Narkonon FYR Macedonia



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


German U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
German U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Natalija Bondarenko
Bondarenko
Svenja Brunckhorst
Brunckhorst
Sarah-Marie Frankenberger
Frankenberger
Julia Gaudermann
Gaudermann
Sonja Greinacher
Greinacher
#e#5
Natalija Bondarenko 184-F Freiburg Germany
Svenja Brunckhorst 178-G-91 Wasserburg Germany
Sarah-Marie Frankenberger 180-F-91 New Hampshire USA
Julia Gaudermann 166-PG-92 Gruenberg Germany
Sonja Greinacher 188-F/C-92 Oberhausen Germany
Nicola Happel 160-PG-92 Gruenberg Germany
Emina Karic 178-G/F-91 Herner Germany
Julia Kohlmann 172-G-92 Halle Germany
Laura Masek 187-F-92 Jena Germany
Jenny Menz 184-F/G-91 Chemnitz Germany
Jule Muegge 175-PG-92 High School USA USA
Finja Schaake 179-G/F-92 Marburg Germany
Judith Schmidt 186-F/C-92 Chemnitz Germany
Christina Schnorr 187-F-92 Chemnitz Germany
Franziska Steiner 188-C-91 Germering Germany

Raoul Scheidhauer Head Coach Chemnitz Germany


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


Basketball Arbitral Tribunal: 0148/10 (Dabovic v/ BC Athlitikos Omilos Paleo Faliro) - by Eurobasket News
The Serbian player Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) filed a claim against the Greek club BC Athlitikos Omilos Paleo Faliro for outstanding salaries and travel costs. The player requested full payment of her salary for the 2010-2011 season, submitting that the club had failed to make any payments. Despite several invitations by the BAT, the Respondent did not file an answer to the request for arbitration within the set time limits. The Arbitrator decided to partially uphold the claim.

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Courtesy of FIBA

Greek U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Greek U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Anthoula Chatzigiakoumi
Chatzigiakoumi
Maria Christakopoulou
Christakopoulou
Styliani Fouraki
Fouraki
Zafeira Giampani
Giampani
Efstathia-Zafeira Gkritza
Gkritza
#e#5
Anthoula Chatzigiakoumi 187-F-92 Florida Gulf Coast USA
Maria Christakopoulou 173-PG-93 DAS Ano Liosa Greece
Styliani Fouraki 186-C-94
Zafeira Giampani 185-C-92 Panionios Greece
Efstathia-Zafeira Gkritza 182-F-91
Aspasia Kalampakou 178-G-93 DAS Ano Liosa Greece
Dimitra Kampouraki 164-PG-93 DAS Ano Liosa Greece
Georgia Kantara 176-G-93 Pylaia Greece
Anna Kavasila 183-F-91 Robert Morris USA
Aristea Kyriakou 179-PG-91 Siemens Greece
Christina Navrozidou 176-G-92 DAS Ano Liosa Greece
Angeliki Nikolopoulou 178-G-91 Proteas Greece
Maria Papavasileiou 178-G-94
Ria Pateraki 188-F-93 Lamar USA
Elisavet Politopoulou 164-PG-93 Athinaikos Greece
Anastasia Slouka 182-G-93 Aris Greece
Artemis Spanou 185-F-93 Robert Morris USA
Georgia Spiropoulou 190-C-94 AO Ellinikou Greece
Vasiliki Tarla 181-F-94
Eleni Voulgaraki 184-G-92 MENT Greece
Maria Zacharaki 184-F-93 Athinaikos Greece



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


Hungarian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Hungarian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Bettina Baksa
Baksa
Reka Balint
Balint
Bernadett Balla
Balla
Dominika Gergely
Gergely
Anna Kovats
Kovats
#e#5
Bettina Baksa 173-PG-92 Cegledi EKK Hungary
Reka Balint 182-F-91 Bajai NKK Hungary
Bernadett Balla 192-F/C-91 Vasas-Csata Hungary
Dominika Gergely 175-G/F-91 Wofford USA
Anna Kovats 178-G-92 Szeged Hungary
Boglarka Magyar 185-F/C-92 BEAC Hungary
Anna Mansare 188-F/C-92 Vasas-Csata Hungary
Judit Manyoky 172-G-92 Vasas-Csata Hungary
Alma Nemeth 184-F-92 MKB Eurol. Hungary
Flora Szabo 188-F-92 Pecs 2010 Hungary
Bettina Szabo 168-G-92 Cegledi EKK Hungary
Dorottya Tamis 171-G-91 Atomeromu Hungary
Borbala Varhalmy 182-F-91 BEAC Hungary
Krisztina Velkey 190-C-92 Vasas-Csata Hungary



*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


Israeli U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Israeli U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Orian Amsalem
Amsalem
Elite Cohen
Cohen
Bar Galinski
Galinski
Hadar Gutin
Gutin
Yarden Gutt
Gutt
#e#5
Orian Amsalem 178-G-92 Maccabi Ashdod Israel
Elite Cohen 182-F-92
Lihi Doron 173-F-91
Shir Erets Kdosha 168-G-92
Bar Galinski 185-F-92 Elitzur Holon Israel
Hadar Gutin 182-F/G-91 Raanana Her. Israel
Yarden Gutt 183-C-91
Daniel Hagag 165-PG-92
Eloisa Katz 182-F/C-91 Raanana Her. Israel
Adva Krupik 180-F-92
Inbar Lev Ron 174-G-92
Mayan Levy 168-G-91 H.R. Le-Zion Israel
Dafna Mahler 183-F-91
Keren Mozes 176-F-93
Shira Shecht 183-F-91 Monmouth USA
Inbal Yaary 168-G-91 Raanana Her. Israel



*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Katie Donovan heads to Basket Esch - by Eurobasket News
Basket Esch seriously bolstered their roster. They have agreed on terms of contract with Katie Donovan (183-F-82). The 28-year-old Canadian forward was among the best player in Diekirch League over the last couple of seasons. Last three seasons Katie Donovan played for Etzella. She tallied 21.8 points, 9.4 boards, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the previous one. Katie Donovan was named into Eurobasket.com All-Luxembourg League 1st Team in 2009 and 2010. The forward participated at Diekirch League All-Star Games in 2009 and 2011. She moved to Etzella from T71 Dudelange in 2008. Katie Donovan used to play for Canadian National Team back in 2004/06 seasons. In 2003 Katie Donovan made it into Canadian U20 selection. She was also named into All-MVC 1st Team while playing for Illinois State University team.


*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Katarzyna Cymmer renews contract with Lider Pruszkow - by Eurobasket News
Lider Pruszkow secured the services of Katarzyna Cymmer (172-G-89) for the next season. The 22-year-old guard renewed her contract with the team. Katarzyna Cymmer joined Lider Pruszkow at the start of the previous season. She tallied 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Katarzyna Cymmer played for U20 Polish National Team at 2009 European Championship in Gdynia.


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


Portuguese U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Portuguese U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Maria Joao Andrade
Andrade
Ana Antunes
Antunes
Filipa Bernardeco
Bernardeco
Michelle Brandao
Brandao
Susana Cardoso
Cardoso
#e#5
Maria Joao Andrade 186-F/C-92 Olivais Portugal
Ana Antunes 185-C-91 AD Vagos Portugal
Filipa Bernardeco 173-G-92
Michelle Brandao 174-G-91 Olivais Portugal
Susana Cardoso 177-F-92 Olivais Portugal
Maria Correia 174-G/F-91 CAB Madeira Portugal
Daniela Domingues 176-F/G-92 AD Vagos Portugal
Ines Faustino 167-G-92 AD Vagos Portugal
Telma Fernandes 180-C/F-91 GDESSA Portugal
Joana Jesus 169-G-93
Luiana Livulo 187-C-91 GDESSA Portugal
Catarina Neves 173-G-93 GDESSA Portugal
Sara Oliveira 170-F-92 CD Povoa Portugal
Catarina Vasconcelos 187-C-91 Quinta Portugal
Ines Pinto 175-F-93



*****************************************************
  RUSSIA - Women  


Russian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Russian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Pavel Antipov
Antipov
Nikita Balashov
Balashov
Nikita Barinov
Barinov
Alexander Burtsev
Burtsev
Bendzhamin Dudu
Dudu
#e#5
Pavel Antipov 203-F-91 N.Novgorod Russia
Nikita Balashov 206-F-91 Dynamo Russia
Nikita Barinov 203-F-91 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Alexander Burtsev 195-G/F-91 Rjazan Russia
Bendzhamin Dudu 200-F-91 Khimky-2 Russia
Evgeny Fidiy 207-F/C-91 Spartak SP-2 Russia
Artem Gorlanov 196-G-91 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Alexander Knyazyuk 197-F/G-91 Spartak SP-2 Russia
Dmitry Korshakov 201-F-91 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Dmitry Kulagin 195-G-92 N.Novgorod Russia
Ivan Lazarev 209-C/F-91 Triumph Russia
Gleb Plotnikov 192-G-91 Khimky-2 Russia
Ivan Shamov 190-PG-91 Lok.Kuban-2 Russia
Ivan Strebkov 190-G-91 CSKA Russia
Maxim Tkachenko 183-PG-92 Lok.Kuban-2 Russia
Vyacheslav Voronchikhin 208-C-91 Spartak V. Russia
Evgeny Voytyuk 200-F-91 Spartak SP-2 Russia
Andrey Zubkov 205-G/F-91 Lok.Kuban-2 Russia



*****************************************************
  SWEDEN - Women  


Swedish U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Farhiya Abdi
Abdi
Binta Drammeh
Drammeh
Cleopatra Forsman-Goga
Forsman-Goga
Sandra Hasahya-Ngoie
Hasahya-Ngoie
Salome Kabengano
Kabengano
#e#5
Ida Aasa 177-G-91 Kvarnby Sweden
Farhiya Abdi 188-F-92 08 Sweden
Hanna Brandmark 184-F-91 Marbo Basket Sweden
Binta Drammeh 180-F-92 Telge Sweden
Emelie Enjebo 180-F/G-92 Solna Vikings Sweden
Frida Fogdemark 187-F-91 Georgia Tech USA
Cleopatra Forsman-Goga 180-G-91 Telge Sweden
Mia Hakim 165-PG-92 Eos Sweden
Sandra Hasahya-Ngoie 185-F/C-92 Georgia Tech USA
Salome Kabengano 177-G-92 Telge Sweden
Jennifer Kucukkaya 165-PG-91 Telge Sweden
Kajsa Lundahl 182-G/F-91 Alaska-Anch. USA
Tanya Massamba 182-F/G-91 Norrkoping Sweden
Haiett Neffati 173-PG-91 Norrkoping Sweden
Maja Nilsson 164-PG-91 Eos Sweden
Lisa Radstrom 187-C-91 Sallen Sweden
Mikaela Sjostrom 162-G-92
Anna Stoltz 180-G-91 Marbo Basket Sweden
Julia Tornberg 179-G-91 Ourense P. Spain
Julia Vestin 184-F-91
Josefine Von Uthmann 182-F/G-91

Fredrik Joulamo Head Coach Eos Sweden


Olga Kjelsson heads to Solna - by Eurobasket News
Olga Kjelsson (173-G-87) heads to Solna for the next season. The Swedish Guard continues her career in the country.
In 2006-2007 Olga started with Visby Ladies (Damligan, starting five) and in 22 games averaged 6.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 41.1%. In 2007-2008 for Visby Ladies (Damligan) she showed 3.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg. In 2009-2010 Olga Kjelsson moved to 08 Stockholm (Damligan) and averaged 4.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg. Last season for 08 Stockholm (Damligan) her stats read 6.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 48.1%.
Olga Kjelsson was a Swedish U20 National Team -06, participated at the European Championships U20 Div.B in Druskininkai (Lithuania) -06 and showed 4.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg. She became Swedish Damligan Champion -10 and Swedish Damligan Regular Season Champion -10.
Olga Kjelsson recorded 19 points last season in the game versus Telge. The leading player in Telge was Amanda Zahio, who scored 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. She spent 23 minutes on the court. On the other side, 08 Stockholm got 19 points from Olga Kjelsson.


Sweden U16 beat Danish side - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 beat Danish side in the test game between two sides. Sweden U16 won over Denmark U16 55:50 in the first game with 22-11 start. They also added 13-12 and then both team nailed 11 points each in the third quarter. Denmark managed to win the last frame 16-9 but it was not enough to recover. Sofia Svensson paced all the winners with 14 points and Emma Eriksson (163-G-95) netted 10.
Earlier in the Nordic Cup Sweden U16 rolled over Denmark U16 53:48 to win the group with 4-0 record. Trailing 6-12 after the first period, Sweden won the third quarter 23-18 and then added 11-5 in the last frame. Regan Magarity top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Emma Eriksson and Julia Paulin netted 8 apiece. Frederikke Mollerup answered with 13 points and 13 boards in defeat.



*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Fabrizio Rezzonico remains in Riva Basket - by Eurobasket News
Riva Basket renewed contract with head coach Fabrizio Rezzonico. The 46-year-old specialist will be assisted by Chiara Clerici. Fabrizio Rezzonico took over Riva Basket at the start of the previous season. He led the team to 13-8 record in the regular season. Previously Fabrizio Rezzonico worked with SAM Massagno.


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


Ceyhan signs NT player Seda Erdogan - by Eurobasket News
Ceyhan announced signing of a one-year deal with Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Dodge City CC). The Turkish forward currently plays for the National Team at the EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. She appeared in 3 games so far averaging 2.7 points.
Seda Erdogan spent last two years with Tarsus. She had 6.7 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.9 apg for 15 games last season. In 2009/10, Erdogan collected 7.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.3 apg for her former team. Before Tarsus, she played two years for Besiktas, including the short stint with Cankaya.
Seda Erdogan was a member of the Turkish National Team in 2007. This summer she is activated again. In 2007, Erdogan also played for U20 Turkey at U20 EuroBasket in Sofia. She helped her team to reach the Semifinals registering 14.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.4 apg for 8 games.

Galatasaray lands WNBA player Epiphanny Prince - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray continues with reinforcing their roster. The latest addition for the Turkish giant is WNBA player Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers). She arrives to Galata from Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region, where she spent last season. For 17 Euroleague games Prince had 16.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.9 apg. She also added 12.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2.4 spg for 25 games in Russian league. Eurobasket awarded Prince with All-Euroleague Guard of the Year -11. She was also named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Guard of the Year -11. Prince is not a new face in Turkey as she spent 2009/10 season with Botas. It was her first professional job.
Epiphanny Prince currently plays in WNBA for the Chicago Sky. WNBA 2011 season started three weeks ago and Prince averages 17.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 5 games so far.

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE - Women  


Ukrainian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Ukrainian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Anastasiya Bogdanova
Bogdanova
Oleksandra Chek
Chek
Olena Chrystyakova
Chrystyakova
Zhanna Chukhriy
Chukhriy
Alona Chygrynova
Chygrynova
#e#5
Anastasiya Bogdanova 179-G-91 Byelaia Akacia Ukraine
Oleksandra Chek 191-C-93
Olena Chrystyakova 175-G-91
Zhanna Chukhriy 175-G/F-91
Alona Chygrynova 176-G-91
Alina Iagupova 181-G-92 Dnipro-DVUFK Ukraine
Viktoriya Karyeva 187-F-92 Tim-Scuf Ukraine
Anna Kiriyenko 190-C-93 Dnipro-DVUFK Ukraine
Olesia Malashenko 189-F-91 Chevakata Russia
Krystyna Matsko 182-F-91 Tim-Scuf Ukraine
Olga Maznichenko 187-F-91 Tim-Scuf Ukraine
Lyudmyla Naumenko 184-F-93 Regina Ukraine
Nadiia Rykulska 172-G-91 Slovan Slovakia
Yevgeniya Sivakova 192-C-92
Mariya Tkach 178-G-92 Tim-Scuf Ukraine
Anna Vynnyk 175-G/F-91 Tim-Scuf Ukraine
Alisa Yagodka 186-F-92
Darya Zavidna 185-F-93 Tim-Scuf Ukraine



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


Why is there a conspiracy to defame the WUSBA? - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (June 21, 2011)------Its been well publicized why the Womens United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) postponed its inaugural season in 2010, the owners of the league only had forty eight players and six coaches signed to agreements. Players and coaches hadn't completed and returned their Contractor Agreement to the league office by the now infamous May 26 League Tele Conference meeting when league president, Duane Jenkins, announced the season will move to 2011. 'The rules of basketball states you can finish a game with four players, however, youre not allowed to start a game with four players,' said Kenneth Green, WUSBA Executive Vice President. 'We held a league conference call on May 9, 2010, we ordered all coaches to comply and send in their agreements and their players agreements, well, they either refused or purposely delayed, which, we dont know, but we have our suspicions. said Green.' 'We are in go mode and all is ready for us to play basketball.'

'We had originally planned to begin this summer, however when we discovered that many of our venues did not have central air conditioning, we had no choice. Everyone associated with the Women's United States Basketball Association has the basketball players safety first and foremost on their minds. We will accomplish all that is necessary to maintain the safe environment for our teams. We are truly grateful to be accepted in these great cities and towns, said Jenkins We will honor all coaches and player agreements for the new schedule.

'We do not own any of these venues such as we are at the mercy of the school or university.' 'When I discovered that some of our gymnasiums had no central air, we had to make a decision.' 'Playing in the fall eliminates this issue. We now have rental agreements in place and all it will take to complete everything it takes to run a basketball league in the pursuit of our original goals.'

'In the beginning, I stated that the WUSBA would assist female basketball players to continue their careers. We have created a system that will bring our league right underneath the WNBA. We plan to utilize former WNBA players as coaches and league staff. We will begin our inaugural season with 16 teams that are united in their dedication to bring top quality basketball to our team cities. The teams, coaches and players will share a common objective and a commitment to our fans' satisfaction; we will work together as community partners with our team cities.

In 2010, the league had severe player and coaching personnel issues that resulted in a flurry of accusations of fraud and scandalous behavior. No proof of fraud was ever found to be true. 'We never took a dime from anyone.' 'We made a business decision, this is our company and we will decide the proper course of action. I can't believe the number of people who wished for our demise.'

'Basically we were in the process of preparing for the season, and we had not made it through the coaching and player process,' said Jenkins, the lead spokesperson for the WUSBA.

Green said the most notable coach who failed to comply with league policy was Wayne Tree Rollins, Rollins a former NBA basketball player and minor league coach. 'Rollins approached the leagues brother company in September 2009, to be one of the head coaches, when the WUSBA was formed on March 13, 2010; Rollins was retained to coach the leagues Jacksonville franchise. Rollins and the other coaches not only didnt send in their agreements, his team only had four players signed to play. Rollins had fifteen or sixteen players on his roster; we find it inexcusable that he only was able to convince four of the players to send their agreements to the league office.'

WUSBA officers responded immediately to address the concerns of parents and players about their concerns of payments of reimbursements of cancelled airline tickets, according to Jenkins all agents, parents and players were immediately informed that an investigation to which players qualified for a refund was under way and refunds would be forthcoming, however, the disposition of players without an agreement would be determined on a case by case basis.

Further speculation of a conspiracy arose when a news article appeared in the June 6, Sunday morning edition of the Augusta Chronicle. It was verified that Rollins placed a call to the Chronicle sports department. Without his real intention being known, it could be conceived as an attempt to damage the image of the WUSBA. I read and responded to this pack of lies, said Jenkins, Rollins opened the door for me to take legal action, we have turned this over to our general counsel for evaluation.' 'I can tell you this, Mr. Rollins passion for this team, for the sport of basketball and the players seems misplaced, he failed to follow our simple policies, he was in essence acting as our coach without an agreement, he receive the agreement in early April 2010, to date I still dont have our signed agreement from him.'

The WUSBA has announced to competition of its plans to play in the fall of 2011. The season is scheduled to tip off on August 27, 2011. The basketball season will end on November 5, 2011.The league has retained Terry Truax, former NCAA standout has been retained by the league to train and evaluate coaches. 'I will do everything I can to make this opportunity for our young coaches successful for them, said Coach Truax, I can tell you one thing, I wont tolerate what Mr. Jenkins went through this past season with some of these coaches, we must have discipline and commitment, Ill make sure of that,' said Truax.

'I don't know if anyone conspired to sabotage our league, but like my grandfather used to always say If it looks and quacks like a duck, break out the orange sauce.
We now have the tools and we are acquiring the talent to have a great season. This time we have properly prepared ourselves for a successful season. For all 16 teams its full steam ahead.'

League office (404) 428-3411



*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Shock's Cambage nearly back to normal after concussion - by Eurobasket News
Step away from the computer. Step away from the phone. And take a couple of steps toward normalcy.

Could it be that simple for Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91)?

The second overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Cambage missed a June 14 game against the Indiana Fever with what she described as a mild concussion. She returned to duty Saturday and came off the bench to help the previously winless Shock beat the Washington Mystics.

What's Cambage's status for a 7 p.m. Tuesday home game against the Seattle Storm? The 6-foot-8 center said following a Monday practice that she's fine.

'I've just been tired,' she said.

The culprits behind Cambage's fatigue could be too much rest - and not enough rest.

An explanation:

Cambage, who loves sleeping, said she thinks she has been 'oversleeping.'

And she has been advised to turn off her computer and mobile phone in order to give her brain some legit rest.

In the meanwhile, Cambage is sort of back in action.

Nolan Richardson said Cambage's conditioning was affected because she missed practices following the concussion. The Shock's coach and general manager said Cambage won't start against the defending WNBA champion Storm.

'We will bring her in the game and try to work her way back in,' Richardson said.

Cambage, who was bothered by post-concussion headaches, and Richardson agree that it's best to proceed with caution. She said her most recent concussion - it occurred when she was clouted by teammate Tiffany Jackson's elbow - is her third. Cambage said she was dealt two mild concussions while playing in Australia.

Before Cambage's first WNBA concussion, only four players taken in the first-round of the 2011 draft were starting for their respective teams. Two of them - Cambage and Kayla Pedersen - played for the Shock.

Pedersen, the seventh overall pick, ranks fourth among rookies in points (10.5), second in rebounds (5.5), fourth in assists (2.7), and second in minutes played (30.2).

Cambage shares the WNBA lead in free-throw attempts (38) and leads the league in free throws made (34). She ranks first among rookies in rebounds (6.8), second in points (14.4), first in steals (1.4) and first in blocks (2.0).

Said Richardson, 'I am really pleased with how things are going so far with them.'

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Galatasaray lands WNBA player Epiphanny Prince - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray continues with reinforcing their roster. The latest addition for the Turkish giant is WNBA player Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers). She arrives to Galata from Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region, where she spent last season. For 17 Euroleague games Prince had 16.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.9 apg. She also added 12.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2.4 spg for 25 games in Russian league. Eurobasket awarded Prince with All-Euroleague Guard of the Year -11. She was also named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Guard of the Year -11. Prince is not a new face in Turkey as she spent 2009/10 season with Botas. It was her first professional job.
Epiphanny Prince currently plays in WNBA for the Chicago Sky. WNBA 2011 season started three weeks ago and Prince averages 17.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 5 games so far.