EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/23/2011

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Men News

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  ALBANIA   


NT center Ermal Kuqo returns to Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Ermal Kurtoglu (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) is set for his return to Efes Pilsen after one year. Two sides penned a deal on Monday.
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. Kuqo is born in Korce (Albania) and his Turkish name is Kurtoglu.

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  ARGENTINA   


San Martin tab Pablo Barrios - by Eurobasket News
San Martin Corrientes continued to fill in available spots in the roster. They have lately penned deal with Pablo Barrios (207-C-77). The 34-year-old centre played for La Union in the previous season. Pablo Barrios tallied 7.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per appearance. It was his third straight season with La Union. Previously Pablo Barrios had stints with Monte Hermoso, Atenas, Penarol, Ben Hur, Regatas Corrientes, Scafati and Lanus. Latinbasket.com named the centre into Argentinean TNA All-Domestic Team in 2009. San Martin have already secured the services of Maximiliano Maciel (198-F-83), Agustin Carabajal (179-G-78), Fabian Elias Saad (190-G-83), Fabian Ramirez (197-F/G-90). The team also brought in William McFarlan (201-F-76, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.Thomas Aquinas) and Hakeem Rollins (202-F/C-83, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Washington) as import players for the next season. San Martin Corrientes are currently looking for another import player to join the roster.



Argentinian U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Matias Aristu 95
5 Lucio Reinaudi 95
6 Jonathan Sacco 95
7 Gabriel Deck 195-F-95 Quimsa Argentina
8 Joaquin Giarrafa 95
9 Carlos Buendia 95
10 Alvaro Merlo 170-G-95 Ciclista Argentina
11 Rodrigo Haag 95
12 Guillermo Romero 95
13 Lucas Gargallo 95
14 Facundo Vallejos 96
15 Andres Ottolini 95



U16 Argentina destroys U16 Costa Rica in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
U16 ARGENTINA - U16 COSTA RICA 130-28

Argentina had a joyful Day One at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They destroyed Costa Rica 130-28 for 1-0 record in Group B. Except of Argentina and Costa Rica, participants of the same pool are also USA and Brazil. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. He needed just 14 minutes on the court to do this. Alvaro Merlo (170-G-95) had 16 and Lucio Reinaudi (95) added 14 points and 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Adrian Chavarria (96) had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was Milton Jimenez (95) with 9 pts and 7 boards. Argentina took control on Costa Rica from the very beginning. They made huge 39-8 lead in the first quarter and continued with 31-4 for the next ten minutes. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the game will be and second half was just the formality (28-12, 32-4).
In Day Two, Argentina will meet USA, while Costa Rica will play against Brazil.

Argentina: Gabriel Deck 21+7 boards, Alvaro Merlo 16, Lucio Reinaudi 14+6 boards
Costa Rica: Adrian Chavarria 10+5 boards, Milton Jimenez 9+7 boards

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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Lebanon settle on Ghassan Sarkis as NT coach... - by Rabih Khoury
After weeks of yo-yoing, the Lebanese Basketball Federation (FLB) settled on veteran Lebanese coach Ghassan Sarkis as the coach of its mens National Team that will participate in the 26th FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan from Sept 15-25. Sarkis contract is until the 27th FIBA Asia Championship in 2013 that qualifies to the 2014 world cup.
The decision came after Peter Schomers took over the NT for the past 2 weeks, but the federation found that a Lebanese coach is a must in these crucial moments. Also coach Schomers signed a 2 years deal with Al-Ahly Club in UAE.
Sarkis will start the preparations next week and will be participating in the first cup in Jordan (King Abdallah Cup) after the withdrawal from WABA.

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  AUSTRIA   


Thomas Schreiner heads to Kapfenberg - by Eurobasket News
Kapfenberg bolstered their backcourt for the upcoming season. They signed a deal with Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management). The 24-year-old guard has played for St. Polten since 2003. He had a one-year stint with Furstenfeld Panthers in 2006/07 season. Last season Thomas Schreiner tallied 15.3 points, 5.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Eurobasket.com named him into Austrian Bundesliga All-Domestic Player Team. Thomas Schreiner also made it into All-Defensive Team and Bundesliga 2nd Team. Thomas Schreiner plays for Austrian National Team. The guard posted 5.3 points, 2.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds per appearance in 2011 EuroBasket in Division B Qualifying Round. The guard also played for U16, U18 and U20 National Teams.


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  BRAZIL   


Minas sign Jordan Burguer - by Paulo Freire
The Minas Tenis Clube basketball team already outlined a new philosophy for next season, the first step was promote Raul Filho as the new head coach of the team, Raul has been the Coach Assistant of Minas since 2006 and now will work with a young roster, with most of the players coming from the young teams of Minas.

The newest sign of Minas Tenis Clube, aiming the 2011/2012 season have agreed with the club this Tuesday (June 21) after a conversation between the athlete and the director of basketball from Minas team.

The young Jordan Burger (203-F-91), 20 years old (March 4, 1991), is a native of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis and in his career he has played for teams like, Joinville, Cajasol Sevilla, Spain, CA Paulistano in the last NBB, since then he have been playing for GE Mogiano / UNIP on the New Millenion Tournament where he recorded an average of 11.0 points per game. The player has experiences with the Brazilian National Team in the young bases and also with the principal NT team.

In the latest NBB season he recorded averages of 7.6 points per game, 3.35 rebounds, 0.52 assists per game, played in 31 games, while defending Paulistano / Amil. In addition, Burger was the winner of the Dunk tournament in the 'All Star Game' of the NBB.

Brazilian U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Andre Mellim 95
5 Higor Simas 95
6 Pedro Mendonca 95
7 Luis Ricci 95
8 Lucas Garcia 95
9 Humberto Gomes 96
10 Leonardo Eltink 95
11 Guilherme Naleagaca 95
12 Vitor Costa 96
13 Adriano Alves 95
14 Lucas Dias 96
15 Fernando Stafleu 95



USA too strong for Brazil in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - USA 70-105

USA demonstrated its power in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They blasted Brazil 105-70 for 1-0 score in Group B. Argentina and Costa Rica are also placed to this pool. Jabari Parker (95) came up with 27 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. He reached valuation 32. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (96) (5 rebs) scored 19 and Stanley Johnson (96) helped with 14 points. In Brazil, Luis Ricci (95) delivered 16 points. Lucas Dias (96) had 13 points and 7 rebounds.
USA opened the game in style making 19-33 lead. They destroyed Brazil in Q2 letting them score just 3 points for ten minutes. USA had 22 on the other side for huge 22-55 at the HT. All after that was just the formality and USA had no troubles to celebrate comfortable win.
In Day Two, USA will play against Argentina. Brazil will meet Costa Rica.

Brazil: Luis Ricci 16, Lucas Dias 13+7 boards
USA: Jabari Parker 27+10 boards, Jahlil Okafor-Benton 19+5 boards, Stanley Johnson 14

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  BULGARIA   


France hold off Bulgaria at Douai Tournament - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Bulgaria U18 72:61

French U18 National Team posted the first win at the traditional Douai Tournament. They prevailed against Bulgarian counterparts in the opener today. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 19 points and 12 rebounds to pace the hosts.
France pulled ahead in the opening frame. They recorded a 19:15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bulgaria however bounced back in the second quarter. The visitors cut the deficit to a single point 35:36 at halftime. France were able to keep their opponents at distance throughout the third term. They registered a 54:48 lead with one quarter remaining. Les Bleus quickly stretched the margin to 12 points in the fourth frame. Bulgaria could not recover late in regulation suffering the loss at the end. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) netted 11 points, while Benjamin Sene (188-PG-94) and Laurian Tarris (196-G-93) had 8 points apiece in the victory. Dimitar Dimitrov (203-F-93) provided 12 points for Bulgaria. Kris Minkov (197-F-94) and Aleks Simeonov (195-C-93) finished with 10 points each in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 19+12 boards, Jean-Charles Livio 11, Benjamin Sene 8, Laurian Tarris 8
Bulgaria U18: Dimitar Dimitrov 12, Kris Minkov 10, Aleks Simeonov 10


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  CAMEROON   


Bucks extend qualifying offer to F Mbah a Moute - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent forward Luc Mbah a Moute (6'7''-G/F-86, college: UCLA), general manager John Hammond announced Tuesday.

The offer affords the Bucks the right to match any offer made to Mbah a Moute by other NBA teams.

In 79 games -- 52 starts -- for Milwaukee last season, Mbah a Moute averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.

Mbah a Moute, 24, has appeared in 234 games -- 166 starts -- over his three seasons in the NBA.

He was originally selected by the Bucks in the second round -- 37th overall -- of the 2008 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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  CANADA   


Canadian U16 National Team 2011 - by Greg
4 Kevin-Mbezela Zabo 186-G
5 Malcom Duvivier 95
6 Christopher McComber 95
7 Jordan Robinson 95
8 Anthony Pate 95
9 Tyrell Bellot-Green 96
10 Brody Clarke 96
11 Marial Shayok 95
12 Miroslav Jaksic 95
13 Christopher Egi 97
14 Noah Daoust 95
15 Patrick Steeves 95



Canada smashes Chile 96-51 in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
CHILE - CANADA 51-96

Canada impressed basketball fans with their performance in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. Canada smashed Chile 96-51 for 1-0 record in Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Puerto Rico and Mexico. Canada was way better team in this game and they made double-digit lead already in the first quarter (12-23). Canada jumped to plus 23 until the halftime and it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Third quarter ended with 16-31 and last ten minutes 10-17 for Canada, who celebrated huge victory at the end.
Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) stepped up with 16 points in victory making all of his 4 attempts from behind the arc. Marial Shayok (95) (8 rebs) and Malcom Duvivier (95) added 13 points each. In Chile, Matias Sepulveda (96) delivered 15 points. Eugenio Luzcando (95) netted four less. In Day Two, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Chile will take on Mexico (host).

Chile: Matias Sepulveda 15, Eugenio Luzcando 11
Canada: Tyrell Bellot-Green 16, Marial Shayok 13+8 boards, Malcom Duvivier 13

Pro basketball in the works for Oshawa - by Eurobasket News
Oshawa is slowly dribbling towards a professional basketball team in the city.

A press release from the new National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada revealed that Oshawa was one of the cities interested in joining the league.

An ownership group of three or four individuals, including actor Mark Taylor, of Flashpoint and Student Bodies fame, made a deposit to the league recently, says the groups PR consultant Drew Ebanks.

Hes (Taylor) a fan as well as a player, adds Ebanks.

The NBL already has confirmed that the Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs will be a part of the league. Teams from Prince Edward Island, Oshawa, Barrie, London and Kingston will round out the rest of the clubs.

The league will most likely be divided into Atlantic and Central divisions to save on travel costs.

Financially, thats probably one of the reasons why basketball leagues havent prospered, says Ebanks.

Negotiations between the ownership group and the management at the General Motors Centre have begun, states Ebanks.

Things are going pretty well. The group has already been in meetings. Its a great venue, he says.

Ebanks also notes that the atmosphere in Durham Region is ripe for a basketball franchise.

Its great for the area of Durham because the region is a hotbed of basketball right now, he says. Its going to put a light on basketball we have not seen in this country.

Canada is currently the only country on the International Basketball Federations top-30 rankings that does not have its own national league.

Rosters will be made up of players from around the world, with two Canadians on each team, continues Ebanks. Before the league begins play, there will be a Canadian draft to dole out nationals to the teams.

Theyre (players) going to look to the NBL as a league where they can show their skills, says Ebanks on how the league will draw talent to itself.

The NBL season will run from October to March says Ebanks, adding that owners arent concerned about competing against other professional sports.

The ownership is thinking very positive that basketball is growing. Its an affordable option, explains Ebanks, for families and people who cannot afford the prices of a Toronto Raptors game to watch high-quality basketball.

The economic impact on the area would also be beneficial.

Theres going to be a lot of opportunities, says Ebanks. I think theres going to be a trickle-down effect in the area.

An ownership meeting is scheduled for June 29 in Toronto to talk about operations and logistics for the 2011-12 season.

Courtesy of www.oshawaexpress.ca

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  CBL   


CBL championship game Friday night in Cary - by Eurobasket News
Several late season factors resulted in a decision by CBL officials to return to the single playoff/championship game format that was used in the 2010 season to crown the Savannah Wildcats as champions. This year, that game will be played at 7 pm on Friday, June 24th at the Young Center in downtown Cary, North Carolina between the Cary Invasion, the league's North Division champion with a league-leading 11-1 record, and the CBL South Division representative, the Florida Flight.

'We have learned through a half-dozen seasons in minor league basketball that playoff venue scheduling can be challenging and that teams are under the most financial pressure at the end of the season. For those reasons, we have been proponents of single game playoffs or regular season records determining league champions. Both approaches put more emphasis on regular season games, which we believe are good for the business. We respect the league's decision and look forward to an exciting championship game in Cary later this week,' says Mark Janas, Owner and General Manager of the Cary Invasion.

All tickets sold to date in Cary for what was once a divisional playoff game will be honored for the championship game on the same day and time.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings
CBL Standings
 1. Cary I. 11-1 
 2. Birmingham S. 8-3 
 3. Heartland P. 6-4 
 4. Florida Flight 5-6 
 5. Wilmington SD 5-6 
 6. Gainesville G. 4-7 
 7. Fayetteville C. 2-9 
 8. Miami Stars 0-0 
 9. Port City 0-4 


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  CHILE   


Chilean U16 National Team 2011 - by Greg
4 Hernan Soto 95 CD Valdiva Chile
5 Alejandro Torres 95
6 Martin Pino 95 Lautaro Chile
7 Fabian Aguilera 95
8 Sebastian Fuentes 95
9 Ricardo Cardenas 95 AB Ancud Chile
10 Eugenio Luzcando 95
11 Lautaro Labarca 95
12 Sammis Reyes 96
13 Matias Sepulveda 96
14 Bastian Rojas 95
15 Carlos Lauler 96



Canada smashes Chile 96-51 in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
CHILE - CANADA 51-96

Canada impressed basketball fans with their performance in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. Canada smashed Chile 96-51 for 1-0 record in Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Puerto Rico and Mexico. Canada was way better team in this game and they made double-digit lead already in the first quarter (12-23). Canada jumped to plus 23 until the halftime and it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Third quarter ended with 16-31 and last ten minutes 10-17 for Canada, who celebrated huge victory at the end.
Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) stepped up with 16 points in victory making all of his 4 attempts from behind the arc. Marial Shayok (95) (8 rebs) and Malcom Duvivier (95) added 13 points each. In Chile, Matias Sepulveda (96) delivered 15 points. Eugenio Luzcando (95) netted four less. In Day Two, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Chile will take on Mexico (host).

Chile: Matias Sepulveda 15, Eugenio Luzcando 11
Canada: Tyrell Bellot-Green 16, Marial Shayok 13+8 boards, Malcom Duvivier 13

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  CHINA   


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


NBL Round 5: Sichuan hands first loss to undefeated ShenYang - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated ShenYang (4-1) on the court of tenth ranked Sichuan on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by Sichuan 86-78. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of ShenYang. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-78. Sichuan made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Forward Ma Chao (196-86) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) contributed with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Sichuan's coach Joseph Stiebing used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks for ShenYang. Sichuan (2-3) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams. ShenYang at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Whampoa. Sichuan is looking forward to face Heilongjiang (#5) in the next round. ShenYang will play against Ningxia Hanas (#4) and is hoping to win this game.
Fifth ranked Hebei (3-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Changan Group (2-3) 71-68 on Tuesday evening. American power forward Terence Dials (206-83, college: Ohio St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 20 rebounds for the winners and GuoDong Zhang chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hebei moved-up to third place, which they share with Ningxia Hanas. Changan Group at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Hebei will play against Guangzhou FM (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Changan Group will play against the league's second-placed Whampoa (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Whampoa (4-1) which hosted in second-ranked Ningxia Hanas (3-2). Third ranked Whampoa managed to get a 9-point victory 93-84. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Alan Wiggins nailed a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Kenneth Simms came up with 26 points and 7 rebounds for Ningxia Hanas in the defeat. Whampoa used an opportunity after ShenYang lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Ningxia Hanas dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Hebei. Whampoa will meet Changan Group (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ningxia Hanas will play against the league's leader ShenYang (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in was also worth to mention about. 7th ranked Hangzhou (1-4) played at the court of eighth ranked Heilongjiang (2-3). Heilongjiang defeated Hangzhou 94-83. The best player for the winners was Benson Egemonye who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Heilongjiang's coach Guang Bi Xiao allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Heilongjiang moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Hangzhou at the other side dropped to the bottom position with four games lost. Heilongjiang's next round opponent will be Sichuan (#8). Hangzhou will play against Jiangsu.
The game between ninth ranked Jiangsu (2-3) and 4th placed Guangzhou FM (2-3) in on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Jiangsu beat guests from 90-73. Kenny Lawson orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Jiangsu moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu will face bottom-ranked Hangzhou (#10) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Guangzhou FM will play against Hebei (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.


Sichuan - ShenYang 86-78

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated ShenYang (4-1) on the court of tenth ranked Sichuan on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by Sichuan 86-78. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of ShenYang. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-78. Sichuan made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Forward Ma Chao (196-86) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) contributed with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Sichuan's coach Joseph Stiebing used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks and guard ChengLong Duan (192-88) added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for ShenYang. Four Sichuan and five ShenYang players scored in double figures. Sichuan (2-3) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams. ShenYang at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Whampoa. Sichuan is looking forward to face Heilongjiang (#5) in the next round. ShenYang will play against Ningxia Hanas (#4) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sichuan: B.T.J. 21+5reb+5ast, W.Ryan 20+7reb, C.Ma 17+11reb+3ast, J.QiZhen 10+5reb+1ast, S.TianNong 7+5reb+1ast, H.XiaoBin 4+2reb
ShenYang: D.ChengLong 17+6reb+2ast, Y.Peng 14+6reb+1ast, C.XiaoDong 12+3ast, C.DeAngelo 10+15reb+6ast, Z.Kun 10+5reb+1ast, A.Corey 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 129319


Heilongjiang - Hangzhou 94-83

The game in was also worth to mention about. 7th ranked Hangzhou (1-4) played at the court of eighth ranked Heilongjiang (2-3). Heilongjiang defeated Hangzhou 94-83. The game was mostly controlled by Heilongjiang. Hangzhou was better in fourth quarter 24-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Heilongjiang forced 21 Hangzhou turnovers. The best player for the winners was Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. American guard Courtney Pigram (185-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) chipped in 17 points and 5 assists. Heilongjiang's coach Guang Bi Xiao allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Dante Milligan (206-84, college: Massachusetts) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks and the other American import forward Austen Powers (203-87, college: Seattle, agency: Tank Sports) added 25 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Heilongjiang moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Hangzhou at the other side dropped to the bottom position with four games lost. Heilongjiang's next round opponent will be Sichuan (#8). Hangzhou will play against Jiangsu.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: P.Courtney 17+2reb+5ast, E.Benson 15+11reb+1ast, H.Mengxin 14+7reb, Y.Gang 13+8reb, Z.Yong-lin 10+1reb, W.Nan 9+2reb+4ast
Hangzhou: P.Austen 25+6reb+1ast, M.Dante 21+12reb+2ast, Y.Wang 16+2reb, J.Jin 12+4reb+1ast, Z.Honglin 6+3reb+1ast, Z.Tian-bao 3+4reb+1ast
gschID: 129320


Whampoa - Ningxia Hanas 93-84

An interesting game for Whampoa (4-1) which hosted in second-ranked Ningxia Hanas (3-2). Third ranked Whampoa managed to get a 9-point victory 93-84. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But Ningxia Hanas won second period 20-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Whampoa forced 22 Ningxia Hanas turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) nailed a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and forward Ning Yu (198-82) accounted for 18 points and 6 assists. Four Whampoa players scored in double figures. American center Kenneth Simms (203-86, college: Cumberland, agency: TSS Management) came up with 26 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Ramon Harris (201-88, college: Kentucky) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Ningxia Hanas in the defeat. Whampoa used an opportunity after ShenYang lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Ningxia Hanas dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Hebei. Whampoa will meet Changan Group (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ningxia Hanas will play against the league's leader ShenYang (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Whampoa: W.Alan 31+10reb+2ast, Y.Ning 18+4reb+6ast, J.Michael 14+9reb+1ast, W.SongWei 12+3reb+5ast, J.Lei 8+6reb+5ast, W.Jing 8+3reb+3ast
Ningxia Hanas: S.Kenneth 26+7reb+1ast, S.ChunLei 14+5reb+1ast, W.Sze 12+1reb+1ast, H.Ramon 11+10reb+2ast, M.Yansong 9+4reb+4ast, Y.Kaifu 6+7reb+2ast
gschID: 129316


Jiangsu - Guangzhou FM 90-73

The game between ninth ranked Jiangsu (2-3) and 4th placed Guangzhou FM (2-3) in on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Jiangsu beat guests from 90-73. The game was mostly controlled by Jiangsu. Guangzhou FM was better in third quarter 24-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jiangsu forced 28 Guangzhou FM turnovers. Strangely Guangzhou FM outrebounded Jiangsu 49-37 including 19 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Jiangsu made 7 blocks. American center Kenny Lawson (205-88, college: Creighton) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Guard Xin Feng (187-92) contributed with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Four Jiangsu players scored in double figures. American forward Jartavious Henderson (203-87, college: Memphis) answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds and forward Liang Yu (209-86) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Guangzhou FM. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Jiangsu moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu will face bottom-ranked Hangzhou (#10) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Guangzhou FM will play against Hebei (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: L.Kenny 17+13reb, W.YanQing 11+1reb, Z.YanXi 11+4reb+1ast, J.Justin 11+6reb+1ast, F.Xin 10+5reb+4ast, S.XianLing 9+2reb+4ast
Guangzhou FM: H.Jartavious 23+15reb+2ast, C.Jr. Raymond 10+6reb+1ast, L.Xuesong 10+6reb, L.Dapeng 9+1reb+1ast, Y.Liang 9+6reb+2ast, S.TianGang 7+5reb+2ast
gschID: 129317


Hebei - Changan Group 71-68

Fifth ranked Hebei (3-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Changan Group (2-3) 71-68 on Tuesday evening. Changan Group was ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 20-11 third quarter run of Hebei. They made 22-of-26 charity shots (84.6 percent) during the game. Hebei outrebounded Changan Group 50-39 including 16 on the offensive glass. Changan Group was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Terence Dials (206-83, college: Ohio St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 20 rebounds for the winners and center GuoDong Zhang (204-76) chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Five Hebei players scored in double figures. American guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds and forward Lei Shang (196-88) scored 21 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hebei moved-up to third place, which they share with Ningxia Hanas. Changan Group at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Hebei will play against Guangzhou FM (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Changan Group will play against the league's second-placed Whampoa (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Hebei: D.Terence 19+20reb, Z.GuoDong 14+7reb, C.Zhixin 12+4reb+1ast, Z.ZhenHu 12+3reb+2ast, L.Christopher 10+7reb+2ast, L.Yiding 4+5reb+1ast
Changan Group: S.Lei 21+3reb+1ast, S.Nick 19+7reb+2ast, T.Jahmar 10+10reb, L.Peng 8+3reb, F.Bo 6+2reb+1ast, J.JunQi 2+8reb
gschID: 129318




*****************************************************
  COSTA RICA   


U16 Argentina destroys U16 Costa Rica in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
U16 ARGENTINA - U16 COSTA RICA 130-28

Argentina had a joyful Day One at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They destroyed Costa Rica 130-28 for 1-0 record in Group B. Except of Argentina and Costa Rica, participants of the same pool are also USA and Brazil. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. He needed just 14 minutes on the court to do this. Alvaro Merlo (170-G-95) had 16 and Lucio Reinaudi (95) added 14 points and 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Adrian Chavarria (96) had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was Milton Jimenez (95) with 9 pts and 7 boards. Argentina took control on Costa Rica from the very beginning. They made huge 39-8 lead in the first quarter and continued with 31-4 for the next ten minutes. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the game will be and second half was just the formality (28-12, 32-4).
In Day Two, Argentina will meet USA, while Costa Rica will play against Brazil.

Argentina: Gabriel Deck 21+7 boards, Alvaro Merlo 16, Lucio Reinaudi 14+6 boards
Costa Rica: Adrian Chavarria 10+5 boards, Milton Jimenez 9+7 boards

Costa Rican U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Jose Palma 96
5 Jose Brenes 95
6 Ricardo Zuniga 96
7 Carlos Miranda 95
8 Milton Jimenez 95
9 Pablo Jimenez 95
10 Henry Sanchez 95
11 Eduardo Blanco 95
12 Esteban Moya 95
13 Ian Waugh 95
14 Christopher Delgado 95
15 Adrian Chavarria 96



*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Turkey edge Croatia in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Croatia U18 68:60

Turkish U18 National Team opened annual Douai international tournament win victory. They toppled Croatia in the opener today. Samet Geyik (206-F-93) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds to pace the winners.
Turkey limited Croatia to just 10 points in the starting frame. They posted a 16:10 lead but Croatia gradually adjusted their offence in the second frame. Croatia cut the deficit at 4 points at halftime 29:33. Croatia pulled within one point midway through the third term. Turkey reacted with a 13:2 run to clear off. Croatia trimmed the deficit within three points with one minute to go in regulation. But Kerem Hotic (197-F-93) and Altun sealed the win for Turkey in the dying moments. Kerem Hotic provided 11 points, while Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) added 10 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Stipe Cubric (182-G-93) responded with 12 points for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Turkey U18: Samet Geyik 13, Kerem Hotic 11, Ramazan Tekin 10
Croatia U18: Stipe Cubric 12, Josip Mikulic 11



Kvarner hired new head coach! - by Dani Erceg
Kvarner 2010 hired Aramis Naglic (203-F-65) as head coach. He had succesfull career as proffesional player, won silver medal in Olympic games in Barcelona 1992. , 2 Euro-Cup titles, 2 championship titles in ex- Yugoslavia, 1 championship and 1 cup title in Croatia, also was champion of Slovakia 3 times with Slovakofarma Pezinok.


Croatia B too strong for Croatia U20 in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Croatia B - Croatia U20 89-65

Croatian B National Team and Croatia U20 played a friendly game in Crikvenica. Croatia B was too strong for their rival celebrating 89-65 victory. Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) was the leading scorer in victory with 15 points. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) and Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) secured a nice help with 14 points each. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) followed them with 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Roko Rogic (185-G-92) and Toni Brnas (201-F-91) delivered 11 pts each. Prostran, Bubalo and Batur stopped to 9 points apiece. Croatia B took control on U20 team from the very beginning. They made 26-14 in the first ten minutes, but somehow stopped after that. U20 Croatia dominated in the second period and tied the score to 41-41 at the HT. However, Croatia B shined for rest of the game (26-13, 22-11) and celebrated comfortably win at the end. Two teams will play more friendlies this summer.

Croatia B: Vragovic 5, Blajic 4, Fran Pilepic 14, A. Delas 7, Kovacevic 2, Ramljak 1, Zoran Vrkic 15, Zubcic 8, Darko Planinic 13, Rikic 2, M. Delas 4, Josip Sobin 14
Croatia U20: Gabric, Mikulic 4, Roko Rogic 11, Toni Brnas 11, Babic 2, Juricic, Prostran 9, Batur 9, Buva 2, Dukan 6, Cutura 2, Bubalo 9.

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


Ukraine U20 starts Turkish tournament with the win - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Ukraine U20 57:72

Ukraine U20 starts the the Turkish tournament with the win over Czech Republic U20. The Ukrainian side won 72:57 in the preparation four-nation Turgut Atakol Tournament.
It was an easy start for the Ukrainian team that scored 33 points in the opening period. They allowed the opponents to stay on 17 after the first period. In the second frame Ukraine added 14-11 and then repeated the same result in the third period. Czech Republic managed to win the last frame 18-11 but could not catch up with the winners.
Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) paced all the winners with 18 points and Artem Pustovyi as well as Dmytro Tykhonov ended up with 9 each. Ondrej Balvin (218-C-92) responded with 15 points in the losing effort. Ladislav Pecka (197-F-91) netted 9, while Tomas Vyoral (190-G-92) posted 8.

Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Balvin 15, Ladislav Pecka 9, Tomas Vyoral 8
Ukraine U20: Maksym Sandul 18, Artem Pustovyi 9, Dmytro Tykhonov 9



*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Sammy Mejia joins CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) became a new member of CSKA Moscow. The Russian powerhouse also showed interest for the player during the season.
Sammy Mejia played 10 Euroleague games for Cholet last season averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. The team was close to reach Top16. In France, Mejia has 18.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3.7 rpg in 34 games. Cholet advanced to Grand Final, but failed in thriller against Nancy. Mejia played for Cholet also in 2009/10 and helped them win the ProA title. In the past he was a member of AEL Larissa, Capo d'Orlando and Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He is a product of De Paul University, where he graduated in 2007. Sammy Mejia was drafted by the Detroit Pistons (NBA,2rd (57)) that same year.

Transfer news from Los Indios Team - by Kerwin Abreu
Last season north LNB MVP will be back to the league with Los Indios, Tayron Thomas (191-PG-84, college: Philadelphia) agreed terms and will play this season for los Indios.

I owe the fans a crown and we are going to get it this year, said Thomas.

Los Indios had a great team last season but became short to get a title, Eddy Elisma, Luis Martinez, Melvyn Richardson were an important part of the team, this year Eddy Elisma is not certain to be with the team.

Thomas averaged 26 points per game and had an exciting experience, he said. Playing in this league helped me to become better and I will take this opportunity again.

Los Indios started practicing this week to get ready for the season opening in Santiago against Los Metros.

*****************************************************
  DR CONGO   


Le Mans announced Max Kouguere - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans announced Max Kouguere (198-F-87) for the next season. The Congolese player arrives from Lions de Geneve, Switzerland-LNA, where he spent the last season.
In 2005-2006 he joined InterClub Brazaville (D1) and then moved to BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA): 5 games: 0.4ppg, played mostly for U21 team. In 2008-2009 for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA) averaged 2.5ppg. In 2009-2010 moved to Olympique Antibes (France-ProB, starting five) and showed 10.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.5%. Last season for Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-LNA, starting five) he had high 14.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 72.0%.
He erupted with 29 points at the Regular Season Round 19 when Zurich Wildcats lost to Geneve Lions 61-82. Zurich Wildcats managed to win second period 12-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for Congolese forward Max Kouguere who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points and 5 rebounds. Last season Max Kouguere reached Swiss Cup Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honorable Mention -11 and Swiss LNA Semifinals -11



*****************************************************
  EBA   


NYC Jaguars Join EBA - by EBA Media
The Eastern Basketball Alliance proudly announces a new team to its league this week. The NYC Jaguars are new team in Brooklyn, New York, in the growing Williamsburg Metropolitan Area.

Jaguars owner, Emilio Dejesus Diaz, is bringing top-level players to the EBA. Former and current professionals and college players from the USA, Asia and Europe were recruited for the team.

Diaz said that team and tryout information is coming soon.


EBA players standing out this summer!!!! - by Justin Moore
Current and former EBA standouts are staying in shape this summer in the Gum Springs summer league in Alexandria virginia former EBA team the Alexandria Avengers have several players standing out former 1st team all EBA player Tyree Harris (6'1''-G-79, college: Pfeiffer), Daryl Owens (6'2''-G-76, college: Nova CC) , Corin Turner (5'10''-G-81, college: Virginia Union), Justin Moore (5'9''-G-80, college: St.Augustine) , ex ireland player Kelvin Coggins (6'4''-F, college: Co.Carolina), Donald Eason (6'8''-F), Ryan Hughes (6'3''-G-83) currently of the Nova Hawks Steven Miles (6'2''-G-81, college: American) of the current acpbl beltway bombers and former coach Dominic Manuel are also keeping the once well known eba name alive in the alexandria area each former teammates are playing on others teams along side college players, street ball legends and current overseas studs like Maurice Sumter (6'6''-G/F-85, college: Longwood) and last seasons german pro b mvp Ahmad Smith (6'5''-G-84, college: St.Bonaventure) both with alexandria roots .The City of alexandria has been a hot bed for basketball with current alexandrians Keith Bogans (6'5''-G-80, college: Kentucky), Darian Townes (6'10''-F/C-84), Brian Leggett (6'7''-C-86, college: Barton, NC), all continuing to succeed with there pro careers if your in the dc alexandria area and you wanna see great pro action make sure you stop by Gum springs rec center Hybla Valley off richmond highway in alexandria

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


IMPORT BASKETBALL INVASION SET TO LAND IN ESTONIA! - by Ozell Wells
This summer in July, the REBOTE SK MTU is hosting an INTERNATIONAL FREE AGENT SHOWCASE to be held in Viimsi.
The showcase is to feature 54 top free agent basketball players from around the world, all of them looking to secure a contract to play professional basketball in Europe.
The showcase will consist of teams coached by professional coaches, who will in turn also be scouting the players for potential roster spots with them in their respective teams in their league, as well as possibly signing with assembled scouts and coaches from various countries in East and West Europe.
This is to be the 1st ever event of its kind in the Baltic States of Europe, and after many years of success in Luxembourg, operating at LuxBasket, the management decided to make the operational move to Estonia, which as a new member of the European Union, stands poised and ready to continue to make inroads on the EUropean Marketplace. Evidenced by this years' EMKL Champion Kalev/Cramo player Mike Dunigan (206-C) (potential NBA draftee), and Estonian Internationals Janar Talts (205-C-83) and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) Estonia is ready to stand and be counted as a location to build a career, improve future prospects and PLAY WITH THE BEST!
A FEW OF THE PROFESSIONAL COACHES SIGNED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHOWCASE:
Malik Jivens - UK
Mike Davies -UK
Nenad Petrovic -Serbia
Dana Besczcynski -Austria
Filip-Luetic Neven -Serbia
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.risingballers.com/rebotesk
A FEW OF THE PLAYERS REGISTERED TO PLAY IN THE SHOWCASE:
Laurent Gomis (180-G-85, agency: Promotex)
Eugene Myatt (196-F-85)- NBA EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATE 2010
Jerel Chavis (188-G-86, college: Delaware St.)
Wade Dunston (193-G, college: St.Bonaventure)- TWO TIME LEADING SCORER IN MEXICO, 2010-2011
Demarshay Johnson (206-F/C-82, agency: Duran International, college: Nevada)
Karim Nesba (188-G-86, agency: Promotex, college: Auburn-Montgomery)
Akeem Akinsanya (208-C-90)-Nigeria TOP 50 NBA CAMP
Ben Komakech- UGANDA NBA Basketball Without Borders CAMP

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


Regal Barca extends Fran Vazquez - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Fran Vazquez (209-C-83). It means that the Spanish big guy will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. By keeping Vazquez on the team, Barca now boasts a trademark powerful frontcourt with Erazem Lorbek and Kosta Perovic, and could still add a new name later in the summer.
Fran Vazquez appeared 41 times in ACB this season averaging 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He ended it as the best shot blocker of the league. Vazquez also played 20 Euroleague games adding 8.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He helped Barca win the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2010, Vazquez became a Euroleague champion with Barca. He joined the club in 2006 from Girona.
Fran Vazquez played for the Spanish NT last summer in Turkey averaging 7.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 9 games. He also played for Spain at the EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade.

Real Madrid officially hires Pablo Laso - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Real Madrid officially hired Pablo Laso as their new Head Coach. They signed a two-year deal on Tuesday. It means that Laso will make his Euroleague debut next season. 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.

Rytas keeps Jomantas, Bamberg extends Jacobsen - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague teams are very active this week.
One of the teams who started with signings before the others is Lietuvos Rytas. They hired a new Head Coach and added few players at the beginning of June. Yesterday, Rytas came up with another news. They extended the contract with Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85). The new deal is meant for one season with the option for 2012/13. The forward has been on Lietuvos Rytas roster since 2006. Last season 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. 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.
German champion Brose Baskets also extended one of their very important players. They kept Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) until the end of 2013/14 season. 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.

Galatasaray officially signs Ender Arslan - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Ender Arslan (190-G-83) officially became a new member of Galatasaray. He arrives to Galata from Efes Pilsen, where he spent last four years. This season he played 32 games for the club in TBL registering 6 ppg and 2.3 rpg. He also appeared 8 times in Euroleague adding 2.5 ppg and 1 apg. Before Efes Pilsen, Arslan played for Panionios, Tau Ceramica and Union Olimpija. All three teams he changed in 2006/07 and it was his only season out of Efes, where he also played from 1999 until 2006.
Ender Arslan played for the Turkish NT last summer helping them to win the Silver at the FIBA World Championship. He played 9 games at this event averaging 6.2 points and 1.9 assists. He is a member of Team Turkey since 2003. In his career, Ender Arslan won three Turkish League titles with Efes Pilsen.

Regal Barca lands Chuck Eidson - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca officially landed Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina). The reigning Spanish champion signed a two-year deal with the player. Eidson arrives from two seasons playing for Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, with whom he reached the 2010-11 Turkish Airlines Euroleague title game, but lost it against Panathinaikos. Eidson had 9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2.6 spg for 22 games in Euroleague this season. He was the best stealer of the competition. In Israeli league, Eidson added 10 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 4.6 apg. They won the championship title and defended Israeli Cup trophy. Eidson played for Maccabi last season as well.
Before Maccabi, Eidson spent two years with Lietuvos Rytas. He helped them win EuroCup title in 2009 and was named MVP. They also won Lithuanian and Baltic league titles, plus Lithuanian National Cup. In the past, Eidson also was a member of Strasbourg, Giessen and North Charleston Lowgators (NBDL).

CSKA Moscow officially lands center Nenad Krstic - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow officially signed a deal with Serbian center Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The 27-year-old player penned a two-season deal worth about 6 million USD. Krstic is not a new face in Russia as he already played for Triumph Lyubertsy in 2008/09 season. That time he signed $4,778,548 deal with Triumph averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds in Eurocup Qualifications, while in EuroChallenge his stats read 12.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.3 apg. In 2009-2010 he moved to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA, starting five) and in 82 games averaged 8.3ppg and 5.1rpg. This season he started for Oklahoma, but in February was traded to Boston Celtics. He had 7.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg with them in 31 games.
Nenad Krstic is active member of the Serbian National Team. Last summer in Turkey he had 13.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg for 6 games. Eurobasket awarded him with All-World Championships 2nd Team -10.

*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS U16   


Day One in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Mexico - Puerto Rico 68-78
Puerto Rico made it in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They handed 78-68 loss to Mexico, who is the host of this event (Cancun). Both teams are together with Canada and Chile placed to Group A. Puerto Rico did a great job in the first quarter making 9-26 lead. They increased it to 24-44 until he halftime and Mexico was in deep trouble. However, they didn't give up and tried to catch up for rest of the game, but they didn't make it (27-23, 17-11).
Ariel Watson (95) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He reached valuation 26 and was the MVP of this game. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) scored 18 and Eliel Gonzalez (189-G-95) helped with 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Jaime Villalobos (96) replied with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. David Elias (95) and Jose Hermosillo (95) (6 rebs) netted 12 and 10 pts respectively.
In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Puerto Rico will play against Canada, while Mexico will try to grab the first win against Mexico.

Chile - Canada 51-96
Canada impressed basketball fans with their performance in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. Canada smashed Chile 96-51 for 1-0 record in Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Puerto Rico and Mexico. Canada was way better team in this game and they made double-digit lead already in the first quarter (12-23). Canada jumped to plus 23 until the halftime and it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Third quarter ended with 16-31 and last ten minutes 10-17 for Canada, who celebrated huge victory at the end.
Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) stepped up with 16 points in victory making all of his 4 attempts from behind the arc. Marial Shayok (95) (8 rebs) and Malcom Duvivier (95) added 13 points each. In Chile, Matias Sepulveda (96) delivered 15 points. Eugenio Luzcando (95) netted four less. In Day Two, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Chile will take on Mexico (host).
Group B
Brazil - USA 70-105
USA demonstrated its power in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They blasted Brazil 105-70 for 1-0 score in Group B. Argentina and Costa Rica are also placed to this pool. Jabari Parker (95) came up with 27 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. He reached valuation 32. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (96) (5 rebs) scored 19 and Stanley Johnson (96) helped with 14 points. In Brazil, Luis Ricci (95) delivered 16 points. Lucas Dias (96) had 13 points and 7 rebounds.
USA opened the game in style making 19-33 lead. They destroyed Brazil in Q2 letting them score just 3 points for ten minutes. USA had 22 on the other side for huge 22-55 at the HT. All after that was just the formality and USA had no troubles to celebrate comfortable win.
In Day Two, USA will play against Argentina. Brazil will meet Costa Rica.

Argentina - Costa Rica 130-28
Argentina had a joyful Day One at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They destroyed Costa Rica 130-28 for 1-0 record in Group B. Except of Argentina and Costa Rica, participants of the same pool are also USA and Brazil. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. He needed just 14 minutes on the court to do this. Alvaro Merlo (170-G-95) had 16 and Lucio Reinaudi (95) added 14 points and 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Adrian Chavarria (96) had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was Milton Jimenez (95) with 9 pts and 7 boards. Argentina took control on Costa Rica from the very beginning. They made huge 39-8 lead in the first quarter and continued with 31-4 for the next ten minutes. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the game will be and second half was just the formality (28-12, 32-4).
In Day Two, Argentina will meet USA, while Costa Rica will play against Brazil.

Standings
Standings
Group A
1. P.Rico1-0
2. Canada1-0
3. Chile0-1
4. Mexico0-1
Group B
1. USA1-0
2. Argentina1-0
3. Brazil0-1
4. Costa Rica.0-1


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


Pau-Lacq-Orthez keep Antoine Mendy - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Lacq-Orthez keep Antoine Mendy (198-F-83) for the next season. The Senegalese-French will stay with the French team for at least one more year.
In 2007-2008 Antoine Mendy joined Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (ProA) and in ULEB Cup averaged 5.8ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 35%, FT: 50%. In French League after 30 games he showed 5.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 43.2%. In 2008-2009 for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (ProA, starting five) he improved to 7.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 61.5%. In 2009-2010 Mendy averaged high 12.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 53.7%. Last season his stats read 12.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 60.0%.
Antoine Mendy recorded 22 points at the Regular Season Round 15 when Pau-Lacq-Orthez beat Paris-Levallois 103-70. Pau-Lacq-Orthez led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 68.4 percent from the field. Pau-Lacq-Orthez outrebounded Paris-Levallois 31-13 including a 24-8 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Pau-Lacq-Orthez looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. It was a good game for American guard Demetric Bennett who led his team to a victory with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Naturalized Senegalese forward Antoine Mendy contributed with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners.


Alex Dunn moves to Rouen - by Eurobasket News
Alex Dunn (212-F/C-82, college: Wyoming) moves to Rouen for the upcoming season after a year with Chorale de Roanne Basket. The American Big Man will continue with Pro B team in 2011/2012 season.
In 2001-2002 he joined Wyoming (NCAA) and in the last season averaged 9.5ppg, 8.6rpg, 25ast, FGP: 44.6%. In 2005-2006 moved to Europe and played for Czarni Slupsk (Poland-EBL). In 35 games his stats read 11.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 61.7%. In 2006-2007 for: Czarni Slupsk he showed 10.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 54.4%, FT: 71.8%. In 2007-2008 moved to WTK Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-DBE, starting five) and debuted in ULEB Cup with 9.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 0%, FT: 76%. In Polish League his stats read 12.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 2FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.5%. In 2008-2009 played for Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and showed 11.5ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 77.4%. In 2009-2010 for Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) had 8.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 73.4%. The last season played for Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-ProA) and in EuroCup had 3.0ppg, 4.5rpg; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 6.0ppg, 7.0rpg, while in French League averaged 4.6ppg, 4.7rpg.
Last season Alex Dunn recorded 13 points at the Regular Season Round 7. That time Cholet lost to Roanne 74:92 early in November.



Le Mans announced Max Kouguere - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans announced Max Kouguere (198-F-87) for the next season. The Congolese player arrives from Lions de Geneve, Switzerland-LNA, where he spent the last season.
In 2005-2006 he joined InterClub Brazaville (D1) and then moved to BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA): 5 games: 0.4ppg, played mostly for U21 team. In 2008-2009 for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA) averaged 2.5ppg. In 2009-2010 moved to Olympique Antibes (France-ProB, starting five) and showed 10.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.5%. Last season for Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-LNA, starting five) he had high 14.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 72.0%.
He erupted with 29 points at the Regular Season Round 19 when Zurich Wildcats lost to Geneve Lions 61-82. Zurich Wildcats managed to win second period 12-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for Congolese forward Max Kouguere who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points and 5 rebounds. Last season Max Kouguere reached Swiss Cup Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honorable Mention -11 and Swiss LNA Semifinals -11



France hold off Bulgaria at Douai Tournament - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Bulgaria U18 72:61

French U18 National Team posted the first win at the traditional Douai Tournament. They prevailed against Bulgarian counterparts in the opener today. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 19 points and 12 rebounds to pace the hosts.
France pulled ahead in the opening frame. They recorded a 19:15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bulgaria however bounced back in the second quarter. The visitors cut the deficit to a single point 35:36 at halftime. France were able to keep their opponents at distance throughout the third term. They registered a 54:48 lead with one quarter remaining. Les Bleus quickly stretched the margin to 12 points in the fourth frame. Bulgaria could not recover late in regulation suffering the loss at the end. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) netted 11 points, while Benjamin Sene (188-PG-94) and Laurian Tarris (196-G-93) had 8 points apiece in the victory. Dimitar Dimitrov (203-F-93) provided 12 points for Bulgaria. Kris Minkov (197-F-94) and Aleks Simeonov (195-C-93) finished with 10 points each in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 19+12 boards, Jean-Charles Livio 11, Benjamin Sene 8, Laurian Tarris 8
Bulgaria U18: Dimitar Dimitrov 12, Kris Minkov 10, Aleks Simeonov 10


Spurs fielding trade calls for Parker - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs are engaged in discussions about trading point guard Tony Parker (183-PG-80) to secure a high pick in Thursday's draft, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Spurs have talked to teams in the lottery, including the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, who hold the fifth and seventh picks, respectively. The Kings are determined to get a frontline point guard, and have also talked with the Denver Nuggets about Raymond Felton (notes).

Its unclear who the Spurs would prefer to take if they acquired a high lottery pick.

If the Spurs were to trade Parker, George Hill (notes) could become their starting point guard. League sources said Hill also has drawn trade interest from teams willing to give the Spurs a pick near the back end of the lottery.

Parker didnt play well early in the Spurs first-round loss to the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in May then later told French reporters he thought the franchises days of contending for a title had all but ended.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Bobcats' Boris Diaw picks up $9 million option - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) has exercised his player option for next season that will pay him $9 million. Agent Doug Neustadt said Tuesday they informed the Bobcats of the decision earlier this week.
Boris Diaw played 82 games for the Bobcats last season averaging 11.3 points, 5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. In 2009/10, he had almost the same numbers: 11.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 4 apg for 86 games. Diaw joined the Bobcats in 2009 from the Phoenix Suns. In the past, he also was a member of the Atlanta Hawks. In 2006, Eurobasket awarded Diaw with Eurobasket.com All-Europeans Small Forward of the Year. In France, Boris Diaw played for Pau-Orthez, INSEP and Bordeaux.
Boris Diaw is a member of the French National Team since 2002. He will play for his country this summer in Lithuania.

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  GERMANY   


Richard Frohlich Signs With USC Leipzig - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

USC Leipzig have signed their third new player of the upcoming PRO A season with Richard Frohlich (206-C-86, college: UTSA). Frohlich is a 26 yea old 206cm center that was born in Oldendorf and played for the Cuxhaven Bascats last season playing 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 51.9%, FT: 65.2%. The big German grew up near Hamburg and is the brother of WNBA player Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) is more than convinced about joining USC Leipzig. 'The Leipzig management impressed me with their professionalism which I liked and I was impressed how coach Polychroniadis described the team philosphy. The team wants to reach the top and that inspires me', stressed Richard Frohlich. Frohlich started his basketball career in 2003 with VfL Stade (Regionalliga). In 2005-2006, he played for Cuxhaven BasCats (2.Bundesliga): 2 games: 2.0ppg, 0.5rpg, in Nov.'05 moved to VfL Stade (2.Regionalliga): 13.9ppg. From 2006-2008, he went t the states and played for Citrus JC (JUCO) and then transfered to UTSA (NCAA) and in his senior year played 17 games: 2.2ppg, 1.9rpg. Awards and achievements in his career have been German Rookie All-Stars Game -05, and Southland Conf. Tournament Finalist -09.

Source: USC Leipzig



Erik Land Heads To The Saar Pfaz Braves - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Saar Pflaz Braves have scooped up 2011 German Bundesliga cup and league winner Erik Land (203-C-90) from The Brose Baskets Bamburg. Land is a 21 year old 203cm center that was born in Bamberg. Land grew up in the Bamberg system, but didnt have it easy geting playing time with centers Kyle Hines, Tibor Pleiss and other young German talent Philipp Neumann also on the roster. Last season, Land played 10 games for Bamber averaging 1,0ppg and 1,0rpg and also played for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (ProB, starting five): 19 games: 13.0ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 64.3%. 'We are very proud that Erik chose us despite having many offers from other BBL and PRO A teams. He was a big part of our puzzle for this season', stated Braves manager Stephan Seile. Land started his basketball career in 2005 for TSV Troester II Breitengussbach playing Regionaliga for two years before playing PRO B from 2007-2011. Land played a total of 14 games for Bamberg. 'It was tme for me to make the next step and play for a good PRO A team and get added playing time at a high level. The decision to come here was easy since the team really wanted me here', sressed Erik Land. Awards and achievements in his career have been German U16 National Team -06, European Championships U16 in Jaen (Spain) -06: 8 games: 7.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2FGP: 46.8%, FT: 54.3%German U18 National Team -08, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -08, Adidas World Junior Tournament in Douai (France) -08, European Championships U18 in Amaliada Pyrgos (Greece) -08: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 45.5%, German U20 National Team -09-10European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 9 games: 4.4ppg, 2.0rpg, and German Bundesliga Cup Winner -11.

Source: Saar Pfalz Braves





Jason Holmes Returns To The SG Schwelmer Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
SG Schwelmer Baskets of the PRO B have announced that Jason Holmes (191-G-86, college: Le Moyne) will return for another season. Holmes is a 24 year old 191 cm guard that can create his own shot as well as set teammates up and get them involved in the game. Capable of being a go to scorer or being a set up man for teammates. Takes a lot of pride in defense and can shut down the opposing teams primary scorer. Can score by spotting up for an open jump shot, shooting on the move, in transition or even creating own shot off the dribble or moving without the ball. Major strengths consist of getting to the basket finishing with either hand or getting to the foul line, as well as shooting off the dribble including off of ball screens. Willing to do whatever it takes to help the team be the best it can be. Last season, Holmes played 25 games: 18.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 5.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 68.5%. 'After difficuluties at the start, Jason was able to play well in many categories. I think he can still get better and can in his second season. I am happy that he is returning, because it is always special when an American plays in one place for two years', stated coach Raffi Wilder.The club also announced that German Yannick Opitz (186-G-90) will not return. The 21 year old 186cm guard averaged 10 minutes per game playing 24 games: 2.3ppg, 1.1rpg

Source: SG Schwelmer Baskets



Robert Oehle Signs With The LTi Giessen 46ers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The LTi Giessen 46ers have announced today that Robert Oehle (209-C-88) will get physical under the hoops this season for the team. Oehle is a 23 year old 206cm center that has beko BBL experience. Last season, he played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves (ProA): 26 games: 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 48.3%, FT: 64.6%. 'I have followed the way of Robert for some years. He is still a young talented player at his position since players at that position always reach their career high point a little later. He got BBL experience in Paderborn and now in Giessen, we want to develop him further. Through the daily practice with the team, individual training with Usamedin Mehmed and Filip Pijanovic and the experience of Elvir Ovcina, we are sure that Robert will make a jump in his development', stressed Giessen coach Bjoern Harmsen. Oehle started his basketball career with the Paderborn Baskets 91 junior team in 2006. He played 32 beko BBL games for Paderborn. Awards and Achievements in his career have been German U20 National Team -08
and European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08: (Champion): 6 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 73.7%, FT: 77.8%.





Source: LTi Giessen 46ers







Torvoris Baker Lands With The Oettinger Rockets Gotha - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Oettinger Rockets Gotha announced today that Torvoris Baker (201-F-83, college: Detroit Mercy) will wear the Oettinger Rockets Gotha jersey in the upcoming season. Baker is a 28 year old 201cm power forward from Detroit, Michigan. Last season Baker played for the s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): 30 games: 5.6ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 18.9%, FT: 72.5%. 'I know Torvoris from his days at Osnabrueck. I am glad that he came to us. He has a big heart, brings a lot of experience and is a good defender. He is easy to integrate into a new team', stressed Oettinger Rockets Gotha coach Marko Simic . Baker started his basketball career for Detroit Mercy (NCAA) in 2003 and played there until 2006. In the 2006-2007 season, he played in Ireland for Neptune Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague, starting five): 16 games: 23.0ppg, 14.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 65.5%, FT: 44.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for Hertener Lwen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 30 games: 18.8ppg, Reb-2 (11.6rpg), 2.2apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 28.0%, FT: 58.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 12.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 7.1%, FT: 55.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.1ppg, Reb-5 (8.8rpg), 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 62.2%. Awards and achievements in his career have been Horizon League Tournament Finalist -05, Horizon League All-Defensive Team -06, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Forward of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -08, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -08, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A 2nd Team -10and German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Runner-Up -11.

Source: Oettinger Rockets Gotha








Ross Allsop signs with Baskets Vilsbiburg - by Daniel Poerschke
1. Regionalliga South-East Newcomer Baskets Vilsbiburg have added Australian big man Ross Allsop (210-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) to their roster for the 2011/12 season. Allsop, who was raised down under, also has a british passport and therfore can play as a Bosman A player for coach Holger Pronte. The last four years Allsop attended Nova Southeastern University (NCAA 2) in Florida. Last season he averaged 4.9ppg and 4.7rpg for the Sharks. In 2006 Allsop was a member of the Australian national team at the prestigous Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament in Germany. 'We are happy, that we were able to sign Ross to his first professional contract, as we need a quality center under the basket for next season', said coach Pronte.

Germany better Greece in opener in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Greece U18 67:56

Germany recorded the first win at U18 International tournament in Douai, France. They held off Greek counterparts in the opener. Paul Zipser (195-G-94) and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) nailed 12 points each for the winners.
Germany stunned the Hellenes early in the encounter. They recorded a 27:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Greece stiffened their defence in the second term. They limited the German side to 12 points in the period cutting the deficit at 10 points at the interval 29:39. Greece continued to claw their way back into the game. They narrowed the gap to 8 points with one quarter remaining. But Germany stopped the rot just in time in the fourth frame. They dropped 15 points in the final quarter and escaped with the victory at the end. Johannes Richter (203-F/C-93) delivered 11 points in the win. Apollon Deligeorgis (192-G-93) answered with 12 points for Greece. Lefteris Bohoridis (191-G-94) provided 11 points in the loss.

Germany U18: Paul Zipser 12, Bogdan Radosavljevic 12, Johannes Richter 11
Greece U18: Apollon Deligeorgis 12, Lefteris Bohoridis 11


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  GREECE   


Germany better Greece in opener in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Greece U18 67:56

Germany recorded the first win at U18 International tournament in Douai, France. They held off Greek counterparts in the opener. Paul Zipser (195-G-94) and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) nailed 12 points each for the winners.
Germany stunned the Hellenes early in the encounter. They recorded a 27:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Greece stiffened their defence in the second term. They limited the German side to 12 points in the period cutting the deficit at 10 points at the interval 29:39. Greece continued to claw their way back into the game. They narrowed the gap to 8 points with one quarter remaining. But Germany stopped the rot just in time in the fourth frame. They dropped 15 points in the final quarter and escaped with the victory at the end. Johannes Richter (203-F/C-93) delivered 11 points in the win. Apollon Deligeorgis (192-G-93) answered with 12 points for Greece. Lefteris Bohoridis (191-G-94) provided 11 points in the loss.

Germany U18: Paul Zipser 12, Bogdan Radosavljevic 12, Johannes Richter 11
Greece U18: Apollon Deligeorgis 12, Lefteris Bohoridis 11


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  HOLLAND   


Stepco BSW, keeps van Kempen and lands Robbie Harman - by Fred Roggen
Stepco BS Weert has announced that Dutch center Kenneth van Kempen (208-C-87, agency: Court Side, college: Ohio) extended his contract for one more year, until the end of the 2011-12 season.
Kenneth van Kempen averaged 5.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 39 DBL games last season.

Stepco BS Weert has also signed American point guard Robbie Harman (185-G-88, agency: Court Side) to a one-year contract. Harman arrives from Central Michigan University, he posted 15.0 points, 3.0 assists and 1.9 steals in the Mid American Conference (2009-2010).

GasTerra Flames inks David Bell for two years - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames has turned to David Bell (186-G-81, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Montana) to play point guard, the club announced Wednesday. Bell arrives from German Phoenix Hagen, he signed a two-year deal with the Flames. Bell gives head coach Hakim Salem two options at point guard.
David Bell is a experienced player, having played last season for Phoenix Hagen in Germany, he was third in scoring after recording 16.5 points and 3.5 assists per game with Phoenix Hagen.
Wright began his professional career in Switserland with Ensa Union Neuchatel in 2005 following a successful college basketball career at the University of Montana.


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  IBL   


Battle Creek Knights Name Terry Sare Coach - by John Gary
special thanks to our sportscentral.com After two sub 500 seasons,the Battle Creek Knights are going back to what has worked in the past. The Knights, Battle Creeks local professional basketball team, have hired Terry Sare as their new head coach for the upcoming 2011-12 season which should start in late fall. Sare returns to the team after coaching the Knights in 2008 and 2009, leading the team to an 18-2 regular season record in 2009 in the Premiere Basketball League. The Knights were 13-14 when they returned to the IBL in 2010 and 9-10 in the IBL winter league in 2011.

Vancouver Volcanoes will host 2011 IBL playoffs July 1st- 2nd and 3rd - by Trask Frost
The 2011 International Basketball League Playoffs will be hosted by the Vancouver Volcanoes on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd at O'Connell Sports Complex at Clark College located at 1840 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver Washington. For fans coming to watch the playoffs, the Volcanoes have partnered with Comfort Inn & Suites in downtown Vancouver. They are located less than 1 mile from the arena (contact- Anjli Desai 971-246-0122 for the IBL rate). Six teams will participate in the IBL tournament with seeds 3 vs 6 and seeds 4 vs 5 being the Friday games (winners advancing to the Final 4). The schedule is as follows:
Friday July 1st will have games at 6pm and 8pm (four teams will play to enter the final 4)
Saturday July 2nd will have games at 5pm and 7pm (this is the Final 4)
Sunday July 3rd- the overall championship is at 1pm
For information on how the IBL tournament would be seeded if played today, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com



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  ICELAND   


Icelanders sign in Sweden - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Sundsvall Dragons, Swedish Champions manage to keep their two Icelandic players for another year. Hlynur Baeringsson league leading rebounder and Jakob Sigurdarson Eurobasket.com player of the year had clause in their contract that they could leave the Club until June 15th. There were good interest in them from other leagues but no official offer arrived before the deadline. Both players had a big role in winning the Championship and Sigurdarson Great shooting in the final game was the key for the win.

Another Icelandic players has sign in Sweden. Brynjar Bjornsson 6'3' shooting guard from Icelandic Champion KR sign a one year deal with Jamtland Basket

Icelanders sign in Sweden - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Sundsvall Dragons, Swedish Champions manage to keep their two Icelandic players for another year. Hlynur Baeringsson ( Agent Icebasket)league leading rebounder and Jakob Sigurdarson (Agent Icebasket ) Eurobasket.com player of the year had clause in their contract that they could leave the Club until June 15th. There were good interest in them from other leagues but no official offer arrived before the deadline. Both players had a big role in winning the Championship and Sigurdarson Great shooting in the final game was the key for the win.

Another Icelandic players has sign in Sweden. Brynjar Bjornsson 6'3' shooting guard from Icelandic Champion KR ( AGENT ICEBASKET) sign a one year deal with Jamtland Basket

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  IRAN   


Iran NT in WABA - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou
Iran roster for WABA Qualifier, 23-25 June, Iraq

1- Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.)
2- Hamed Sohrabnejad (206-C/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.)
3- Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82)
4- Reza Lotfi (197-G/F-83)
5- Rouzbeh Arghavan (214-F/C-88)
6- Jaber Rouzbahani (227-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.)
7- Saman Veisi (191-G-82)
8- Aren Davoudichegani (181-G-86, agency: SportsList Inc.)
9- Javad Davari (185-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.)
10- Oshin Sahakian (201-F-86, agency: Agency No 10)
11- Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.)
12- Asghar Kardoost (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.)

Amir Tatari (201-F) and Majid GhasemZadeh (186-G-90) will companion Iran team in WABA tournament as reserved.
Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) and Arsalan Kazemi (200-F-90) two Iranians playing in States didn't join Iran National Team training camp yet



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  ISRAEL   


Kings use options on young core Evans, Casspi, Cousins - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings have exercised the rookie contract options on guard Tyreke Evans (6'6''-G-89, college: Memphis), forward Omri Casspi (6'9''-F/G-88) and center DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) for the 2012-13 season.

Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced the moves Wednesday.

Evans averaged a team-high 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 57 outings in his second year this past season. He won the Rookie of the Year award his first year with the Kings.

Casspi averaged 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 71 games in his second year this past season. He is the first Israeli-born player in the NBA after being selected 23rd by the Kings in the 2009 draft.

Cousins averaged 14.1 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds as a rookie this past season.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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  ITALY   


Olimpia Milano eye Omar Cook - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia Milano eye Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) to offer the contract for the upcoming season. The USA-Montenegrin player played last three years in Spain.
In 2008-2009 for 750,000 Omar joined Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League averaged 6.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.1%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 5.6ppg, 1.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.0%. In 2009-2010 for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) in Spanish League he improved to 8.6ppg, 1.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 85.1% and in Euroleague showed 9.7ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 79.4%. Last season Omar-Sharif Cook moved to Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League had 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 81.0%. In Euroleague after 21 games his stats read 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 79.1%.
He recorded 20 points last season at the Euroleague Quarter-Finals Round 2 when Power Electronics Valencia beat Real in Madrid 75-81 tying the score to 1-1 in the Euroleague Quarterfinals. Omar-Sharif Cook exploded for the guests with 20 points and 6 assists for 33 minutes. He made of all his five attempts for 3-pts reaching valuation 25 (MVP).
Only last year Omar became Spanish ACB Supercup Finalist -11, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11,
Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Defensive Team -11, Euroleague Quarterfinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Defensive Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -11.



Interview with Antonello Nevola - by Antonello Varallo
Antonello Nevola is one of the youngest managers of Italian basket. His work is always well appreciated by fans and insiders. He was one of the protagonists, together with coach Vitucci and Ercolino family, of the amazing season of Air Scandone Avellino.

1-) Air Scandone Avellino had one of the best seasons of ever, and at the same time one of the most difficult. How was the team able to maintain concentration despite injuries of key players and economic difficulties?

A.N.: Human qualities of our players and the strength of the group were an added value and helped us to overcome the difficulties

2-) Avellino hired as head coach Frank Vitucci. At the beginning of the season, it might have seemed a risky choice, and instead...How did you realize he was the right man?

Vitucci is a very knowledgeable coach and was a winning choice. Personally, I remember when he was coach at Imola. His team expressed an excellent teamwork

3-) During this season many teams have fallen short of expectations, despite their high budget, while teams with lower budgets, like Avellino, Cant, Sassari,
played a great season. What is your explanation?

Not always a big budget results to a great success. The results depend on many components and the budget is only one of these components. Last season, mid-
range teams had great results thanks to greater passion that you can find in small cities

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?

I think the best solution is to ensure a number of Italian players eliminating the distinctions between EU and non-EU players.

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

Italian basketball league needs the commitment of all his members, clubs and owners, to understand and deal with this delicate moment in its history

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 (Omar Thomas, for example). On the contrary, do you regret not having signed any player who then has detected a star?

There are always players who can not get, sometimes the market dynamics, the budget and team squad bring you to take different decisions.

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

McCalebb - Kaukenas - White - Leunen - Ford

8-) What are your plans for next season?
I hope to confirm some of the players of the last season and put the right players with the aim of playing a quiet season

Donatas Slanina stays with Trenkwalder - by Eurobasket News
Donatas Slanina (192-G-77) extended his contract with Trenkwalder. The Lithuanian guard will stay in Reggio Emilia for another season. Donatas Slanina joined Trenkwalder in 2009. Last season the guard tallied 7.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game in LegaDue. Previously Donatas Slanina had spells for Siauliai, Lietuvos Rytas, Zalgiris, Sevilla, Prokom and Murcia.


Rannikko and Talts extended with Cimberio Varese - by Eurobasket News
Teemu Rannikko (189-G-80) and Janar Talts (205-C-83) extended with Cimberio Varese for 2011/2012 season.
Finnish Teemu Teemu Rannikko joined Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) last season and in 28 games averaged 7.5ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 45.9%, FT: 83.3. He erupted with 18 points at the Regular Season Round 27 when Angelico BI was beaten by Cimberio VA 81-89. Angelico Biella was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 32-21 charge of Cimberio Varese, which allowed them to win the game.
Estonian Janar Janar Talts started last season for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (EMKL, starting five) then in Dec.'10 moved to Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL) and only in Apr.'11 signed at Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA). After 8 games he showed 5.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 69.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 22.2%.
Earlier the team announced that they will not keep Alex Righetti (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) and Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) for the next season. Reportedly, their contracts expired and Varese decided not to offer extensions. Also, the team still tries to sign Polish player Szymon Szewczyk.


Terrell McIntyre landed in Bologna - by Eurobasket News
Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) landed in Bologna and started the medical tests before signing ($500.000 per year) the two-year deal with Virtus.
Last week Virtus Bologna started to eye Terrell McIntyre and was ready to offer the American Guard the contract for the next year.
Terrell McIntyre played in Italy for four years with Montepaschi Siena but last season moved to Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five). In Euroleague after 10 games he averaged 5.7ppg, 2.8apg, FGP: 27.3%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 92.3%, while in Spanish League his stats read 6.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 88.2%.
Last season he nailed 14 points in three games that was his record with Unicaja Malaga. In one of them Unicaja overcame Fuenlabrada 98-79 at the Regular Season Round 20. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Baloncesto Fuenlabrada. The game was mostly controlled by Unicaja Malaga. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Unicaja Malaga made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Terrell McIntyre added 4 assist and 4 rebounds to his 14 points.



Maurizio Bartocci new coach of Napoli - by Armando Caporaso
For the next season 2011/12 the Napoli Basketball announced the agreement with the coach Maurizio Bartocci (agency: Players Group ), that will lead the team since the early days of July and will be presented during a press conference this afternoon in the PalaBarbuto. Born in Caserta, has already worked in Naples from 2001 to 2008 as Coach Assistant also winning an Italian Cup in 2006 with Piero Bucchi. In 2008-2009 season became first coach of the Basket Napoli but the team don't starts the season, subsequently in February agrees with Scafati in LegaA2 and closes the season in semifinal after a great comeback started from the relegation zone. In the last 2 years coached Jesi and San Severo (always in LegaA2).
This is the first 'step' for the new team of Naples that, after purchasing the sports title of the Pontano Napoli, will restart from the new Development League that will replace the A Dilettanti.

Bennet Cantu close to sign Andrea Cinciarini - by Eurobasket News
Andrea Cinciarini (191-G-86) will become a new member of Bennet Cantu. Two sides already agreed a deal and they are expected to sign it in the next few days. Cinciarini arrives to Cantu from Fabi Shoes Montegranaro, where he spent last season. He appeared 30 times in SerieA averaging 7.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.1 steals. Eurobasked awarded him with All-Italian SerieA Domestic Player of the Year -11. Cinciarini participated at the SerieA All-Star Game last season. He played for Montegranaro in 2009/10 also in 2007/08 season. In the meantime, Cinciarini spent one year in Lega Due with Edimes Pavia. In the past, he also was a member of Pistoia, Senigallia and Scavolini Pesaro.
Andrea Cinciarini played for the Italian National Team in 2009 and last summer as well. From 2004 to 2006 he played for U20 Italy.

Montepaschi already signed David Andersen? - by Eurobasket News
According to Corriere della Sera, Montepaschi Siena already signed a contract with Australian/Danish center David Andersen (212-C-80). Reportedly, two sides penned a deal last night. Andersen should replace Milovan Rakovic in Montepaschi.
David Andersen started last season with Toronto Raptors registering 5.1 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 11 NBA games. In November, Toronto traded him to New Orleans Hornets where Andersen stayed for rest of the season. He had 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 28 games with the Hornets. In 2009/10, Andersen averaged 5.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg with Houston. He joined the Rockets in 2009 from Regal Barca. From 2004 to 2008, Andersen was a member of CSKA Moscow, where he moved from Montepaschi Siena. In the past, Andersen also played for Kinder Bologna, Wollongong Hawks and AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).
David Andersen played 5 games for the Australian National Team last summer in Turkey averaged 10.4 points and 7.4 rebounds.

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


Janis Blums stays with Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Janis Blums (190-G-82) will spend at least one more year with Bilbao. The experienced Latvian guard signed a contract extension for 2011/12 season. Bilbao reached ACB Finals and they will compete in Euroleague next season.
Janis Blums joined Bilbao in 2008 from Eldo Basket Napoli. He helped them with 7.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.4 apg last season. In 2009/10, Blums had 8.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg and 1.3 apg in Spain. He also added 9.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.3 apg for 17 games in EuroCup. Bilbao reached EuroCup Semifinals in 2009 and 2010. Before Bilbao and Napoli, Janis Blums was a member of Lietuvos Rytas, Ventspils, Anwil and Skonto Riga. He played for the Latvian National Team from 2002 to 2009.

Turkey U20 opens Turgut Atakol Tournemant with the win - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Latvia U20 78:67

Turkey U20 opens Turgut Atakol Tournemant with the win beating Latvia in the first game. The hosts celebrated 78:67 win over the Baltic side in Day 1.
Latvia started better and took 17-16 lead after 10 minutes in the court. Turkey grabbed 26:18 later in the second frame, but Mareks Mejeris (207-F-91, agency: Players Group) reduced to 29:23. Due to 22-10 in the third period Turkey had 38:27 halftime advantage. Latvia did not give up and after 20-17 in the third frame they reduced to 53:46 after 30 minutes in the court. Martins Rugajs and Ugis Pinete made it 59:52 but a 7-0 run from the hosts killed all the intrigue in the game. After 23-20 in the last quarter Turkey celebrated the win in the opener.
Goksenin Koksal stepped up with 20 points for the winners, while Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Mustafa Baygul netted 11 and Can Mutaf (193-G-91) scored 8. Martins Meiers (206-C-91) replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Mareks Mejeris posted 9 and Artjoms Butjankovs (205-F/C-91, agency: FCM) added 7.

Turkey U20: Goksenin Koksal 20, Furkan Aldemir 12+14 rebs, Mustafa Baygul 11, Can Mutaf 8
Latvia U20: Martins Meiers 21, Mareks Mejeris 9, Artjoms Butjankovs 7



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


Kleiza: 'It would be great to play in Lithuania if there's a lockout' - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) was sidelined for the second part of last season and will also have to miss the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. The 26-year-old player is already thinking about the future, but makes it clear that making a full recovery is on top of his priority list.

'Right now the most important thing for me is to get my leg in order. If the lockout lasts out for a while, it would be great to come back to Lithuania and play a part of the season here', Linas Kleiza said in an online conference at Delfi.lt.

The statement sparked talks about which team the Lithuanian superstar would choose Zalgiris or Lietuvos Rytas. Kleiza was open about his views on the topic.

'When both teams play in Euroleague, I equally support them both. However, I was born and grew up in Kaunas and Zalgiris has always been my favorite team', Kleiza admitted.

Courtesy of www.lithuaniabasketball.com

Zydrunas Ilgauskas invokes 2011-12 Heat opt-in clause - by Eurobasket News
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) has decided to cash in instead of cash out.

Whether that means he will be on the Miami Heat's 2011-12 roster is another story.

The 36-year-old center Wednesday informed the Heat that he will pick up his $1.4 million player option for next season. Ilgauskas had spoken in recent weeks of retiring.

He becomes the third center under contract to the Heat for 2011-12, joining NBA Finals starter Joel Anthony and seldom-used 2010 second-round draft pick Dexter Pittman.

The two other centers who finished 2010-11 on the Heat roster, Jamaal Magloire and Erick Dampier, become unrestricted free agents July 1.

Ilgauskas started 51 games during the regular season, most of any Heat center. But a game after losing his starting spot to Anthony in the middle of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, he was shuffled to the end of the roster, not playing another minute and inactive for all six games of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. His final action of the season came May 9, more than a month before the end of the Heat's season.

Wednesday's move guarantees him a 2011-12 salary, lockout permitting, but not necessarily a roster spot, although his friendship with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James works in his favor. Ilgauskas recently put his Cleveland-area home on the market.

The Heat still are awaiting player-option decisions from forward James Jones and guard Eddie House. Beyond Ilgauskas, Anthony and Pittman, already under contract to the Heat for next season are James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

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


Puerto Rico hands 78-68 loss to Mexico in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
MEXICO - PUERTO RICO 68-78

Puerto Rico made it in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They handed 78-68 loss to Mexico, who is the host of this event (Cancun). Both teams are together with Canada and Chile placed to Group A. Puerto Rico did a great job in the first quarter making 9-26 lead. They increased it to 24-44 until he halftime and Mexico was in deep trouble. However, they didn't give up and tried to catch up for rest of the game, but they didn't make it (27-23, 17-11).
Ariel Watson (95) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He reached valuation 26 and was the MVP of this game. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) scored 18 and Eliel Gonzalez (189-G-95) helped with 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Jaime Villalobos (96) replied with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. David Elias (95) and Jose Hermosillo (95) (6 rebs) netted 12 and 10 pts respectively.
In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Puerto Rico will play against Canada, while Mexico will try to grab the first win against Mexico.

Mexico: Jaime Villalobos 19+5 boards, David Elias 12, Jose Hermosillo 10+6 boards
Puerto Rico: Ariel Watson 21+11 boards, Miguel Cartagena 18, Eliel Gonzalez 11+5 boards

Mexican U16 National Team 2011 - by Greg
4 Xavier Valdes 95
5 Isaac Vega 95
6 Jaime Villalobos 96
7 Manuel Sandoval 95
8 Bryan Rivera 95
9 Omar De Haro 95
10 Uriel Beltran 96
11 David Elias 95
12 Pedro Sanchez 96
13 Jose Hermosillo 95
14 Daniel Jaso 95
15 Victor Mariscal 96



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


Jimmer Fredette trade rumors: Knicks, Suns, Pacers, Jazz for Warriors pick - by Eurobasket News
The New York Knicks are among a number of teams reportedly interested in star BYU guard Jimmer Fredette (6'2''-G). Fredette has been garnering a lot of interest as draft night approaches tomorrow.

ESPN reported earlier this week, 'The Knicks, and a handful of other teams, are trying to get ahead of the Jazz. The target? BYU's Jimmer Fredette.'

The same report mentions that the Golden State Warriors as a possible trading partner for teams looking to move up. The Warriors currently hold the number 11 pick in the draft.

The Warriors themselves have shown interest in Washington State guard Klay Thompson and international big man Bismack Biyombo.

If the Warriors can't get either, they may want to move out of their spot to get a player like USC center Nikola Vucevic or Lithunian big man Donatas Motiejunas.

The wide national interest in Fredette, may garner the Warriors a favorable trade with future draft picks or promising young players.

Currently, Fredette is slotted all over place by different mock drafts. Draft Express has him at number 7 to the Sacramento Kings, but had him at number 20 only a month ago. Nbadraft.net has Fredette going number 13 to the Phoenix Suns, while ESPN shows Fredette going number 15 to the Indiana Pacers.

If the Suns, Pacers, or Knicks hope to get Fredette, they may need to trade up to get past the Utah Jazz at number 12, one pick ahead of the Warriors.

The Jazz actually have an earlier pick in the draft they got from a trade with the New Jersey Nets at number 3. If the Jazz pick Kentucky guard Brandon Knight, they won't pick Fredette at 12. But if they pick a big man like center Enes Kanter, the Jazz may need to do a pre-emptive strike and swap places with the Warriors to prevent other teams from getting Fredette at that spot.

Fredette's electric personality and play for BYU helped him garner national attention when he carried his team through the NCAA tournament to the sweet sixteen.

Even U.S. President Barack Obama made a comment about Fredette when he revealed his tournament bracket saying, 'Unbelievable. Best scorer obviously in the country. Great talent.'

Others around the NBA have also been impressed with Fredette during his workouts for team.

'He's fun to watch, and he was very impressive in the workout he had here. He has a confidence and a swagger about him that is very unique,' Suns GM Lance Blanks recently said. 'I don't want to overstate it, but he's high character, and given the right opportunity and the right situation, he's going to figure it out.'

The Warriors themselves could use a popular player like Fredette to spark the team looking for an overhaul.

However, with the Warriors already loaded at the guard position with Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, the Warriors would be an ideal candidate for teams looking to move up for Fredette.

Courtesy of http://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com

Cavs intend to use No. 1, No. 4 picks - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant said Wednesday his team intends to use the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks in Thursday night's NBA draft.

Grant told ESPN's Jeannine Edwards that he knows whom he wants to select with the top pick but still has to discuss the selection with the rest of the staff.

Either Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) of Duke or forward Derrick Williams (6'8''-F) of Arizona is expected to be the top overall selection.

If the Cavs do take Irving first, he will be the third point guard in four years to go No. 1, joining John Wall, who went to Washington last year, and Derrick Rose, picked by Chicago in 2008.

Of Irving, Grant said the concern was the lack of playing time in college (just 11 games for the Blue Devils because of a toe injury), but he said Irving comes across as someone who's been on the national stage and knows how to handle it. The Cavaliers heavily vetted Irving's injury and are 'comfortable' with its status.

The Cavs have toyed with moving up to No. 2, so they could land both Irving and Williams -- a two-handed slam dunk in this class. But that seems unlikely unless they can strike a deal with Minnesota, which has entertained offers but seems reluctant to give up the highest pick in franchise history.

Owner Dan Gilbert's 14-year-old son, Nick, the team's good-luck charm in the draft lottery, will be calling in the team's two first-round selections.

On Monday, the team held its last round of workouts by hosting Williams, Turkish center Enes Kanter and Kentucky guard Brandon Knight at its suburban training facility.

Williams and Kanter were in for their second visits, and the pair also met with Gilbert and some of his kids, adding another layer of mystery to the team's true intentions.

Grant said it was an opportunity for Williams and Kanter to relax a little and put aside their first-visit jitters. Overall, the GM said, the Cavs have been putting more emphasis on their interviews than on their workouts.

Courtesy of ESPN

Zydrunas Ilgauskas invokes 2011-12 Heat opt-in clause - by Eurobasket News
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) has decided to cash in instead of cash out.

Whether that means he will be on the Miami Heat's 2011-12 roster is another story.

The 36-year-old center Wednesday informed the Heat that he will pick up his $1.4 million player option for next season. Ilgauskas had spoken in recent weeks of retiring.

He becomes the third center under contract to the Heat for 2011-12, joining NBA Finals starter Joel Anthony and seldom-used 2010 second-round draft pick Dexter Pittman.

The two other centers who finished 2010-11 on the Heat roster, Jamaal Magloire and Erick Dampier, become unrestricted free agents July 1.

Ilgauskas started 51 games during the regular season, most of any Heat center. But a game after losing his starting spot to Anthony in the middle of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, he was shuffled to the end of the roster, not playing another minute and inactive for all six games of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. His final action of the season came May 9, more than a month before the end of the Heat's season.

Wednesday's move guarantees him a 2011-12 salary, lockout permitting, but not necessarily a roster spot, although his friendship with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James works in his favor. Ilgauskas recently put his Cleveland-area home on the market.

The Heat still are awaiting player-option decisions from forward James Jones and guard Eddie House. Beyond Ilgauskas, Anthony and Pittman, already under contract to the Heat for next season are James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Kings use options on young core Evans, Casspi, Cousins - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings have exercised the rookie contract options on guard Tyreke Evans (6'6''-G-89, college: Memphis), forward Omri Casspi (6'9''-F/G-88) and center DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) for the 2012-13 season.

Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced the moves Wednesday.

Evans averaged a team-high 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 57 outings in his second year this past season. He won the Rookie of the Year award his first year with the Kings.

Casspi averaged 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 71 games in his second year this past season. He is the first Israeli-born player in the NBA after being selected 23rd by the Kings in the 2009 draft.

Cousins averaged 14.1 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds as a rookie this past season.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Derek Fisher says NBA far, far away from labor peace - by Eurobasket News
All that 'substantial progress' in the NBA's labor negotiations? Don't hang your hat on it.

Thats essentially what National Basketball Players Assocition President Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) told Stephen A. Smith on ESPN 1050 radio in New York (via Sports Radio Interviews). And he was not backing down over a lockout.

'If the owners decide they want to lock us out because we don't agree to the most dramatic rollback in professional sports history, then that's the choice that they have.'

While the two sides continue to meet Fisher is clear that the two sides are far apart, in part because the two sides are coming from very different starting points, making it hard to agree on what a compromise in the middle looks like.

'Well, were hearing there's some reports out there that theres been significant progress made on things that the NBA and our owners are proposing to us, but in reality, there hasn't been much substantial movement at all on a lot of key areas. So were still focused on getting a deal done, were going to continue to negotiate, and were going to meet again on Friday. But even with some of the things that are being released about what has been dropped out in proposals, there isnt any agreement on anything at this point. We're still working hard on that right now.'

The key issues remain the hard cap (or even flex cap) proposal of the owners, and the split of Basketball Related Income (BRI), of which players currently get 57 percent.

'We've expressed that a hard salary cap is a non-starter, we have no interest in that. Weve tried to express that some of the losses that theyre experiencing. So we made a big move we feel. We talked about moving back $100 million dollars towards the owners each year over the course of a five-year deal, which would put another $500 million dollars back on their side of the ledger, so we feel like half of a billion dollars over the course of five years to give back to owners to help them address some of the things theyre going through was a good move to make right now. But we didnt receive that type of response.'

'What's going on with owners, as theyre reporting it, is not based solely on player expense. At the same time, we recognize that players expense is the single biggest expense that they have, so were willing to share some of the loss, our percentage of it. So if we share 57 percent of the gain, were willing to discuss 57 percent of the loss. So if youre losing $300 million, were interested in discussing eating off 57 percent of 300. And we feel like thats a fair discussion to have, and we just havent been able to get them to move towards that type of discussion. Theyve consistently remained at more like $900 million a year because theyre asking us to guarantee that each team will be profitable at the level of $20 million dollars per year.'

People, get ready for a lockout. Just pray it doesnt impact games next fall.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com

76ers extend qualifying offers to Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young - by Eurobasket News
The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they have extended qualifying offers to center Spencer Hawes (7'0''-C-88, college: Washington) and forward Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech). Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

In accordance with the leagues collective bargaining agreement, in order for a team to retain its right of first refusal with respect to a restricted free agent, the team must tender the player a qualifying offer prior to June 30. A restricted free agent may sign an offer sheet with any team, but is subject to a right of first refusal with the team for which the player last played.

Hawes started all but one game for the Sixers this past season, averaging 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 21.2 minutes per game. The Sixers were 14-6 when he scored in double-figures. Hawes was originally the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by Sacramento. He was acquired via trade from the Kings along with Andres Nocioni in exchange for Samuel Dalembert on June 17, 2010.

Young who finished third in the NBAs Sixth Man of the Year voting this season appeared in all 82 games for the Sixers in 2010-11, averaging 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.10 steals in 23.3 minutes per game. He ranked ninth in the league in field goal percentage (54.1% FGs) and is shooting 50.8% for his career. The Sixers were 12-3 when Young scored 20-plus points this past season. He was originally the 12th overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Hawks exercise option on G Teague - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks have exercised the contract option on guard Jeff Teague (6'2''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) for the 2012-13 season, executive vice president and general manager Rick Sund announced Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Teague, the 19th overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, made waves with a surprising showing against the Chicago Bulls during last season's Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Wake Forest product started all six games in the series, averaging 14.8 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds a game.

In 141 career regular season games with the Hawks, Teague has averaged 4.2 points, 1.8 assists and 1.2 rebounds a game.

Courtesy of www.newsobserver.com

Bobcats, Boris Diaw exercised the player option - by Greg
Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) has exercised his player option for next season that will pay him $9 million. Agent Doug Neustadt said Tuesday they informed the Bobcats of the decision earlier this week. Diaw said after the season that with the potential labor uncertainty this summer, it was a 'no-brainer' to pick up the option and avoid becoming a free agent until 2012.

Courtesy of realgm.com

Kleiza: 'It would be great to play in Lithuania if there's a lockout' - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) was sidelined for the second part of last season and will also have to miss the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. The 26-year-old player is already thinking about the future, but makes it clear that making a full recovery is on top of his priority list.

'Right now the most important thing for me is to get my leg in order. If the lockout lasts out for a while, it would be great to come back to Lithuania and play a part of the season here', Linas Kleiza said in an online conference at Delfi.lt.

The statement sparked talks about which team the Lithuanian superstar would choose Zalgiris or Lietuvos Rytas. Kleiza was open about his views on the topic.

'When both teams play in Euroleague, I equally support them both. However, I was born and grew up in Kaunas and Zalgiris has always been my favorite team', Kleiza admitted.

Courtesy of www.lithuaniabasketball.com

Spurs fielding trade calls for Parker - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs are engaged in discussions about trading point guard Tony Parker (183-PG-80) to secure a high pick in Thursday's draft, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Spurs have talked to teams in the lottery, including the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, who hold the fifth and seventh picks, respectively. The Kings are determined to get a frontline point guard, and have also talked with the Denver Nuggets about Raymond Felton (notes).

Its unclear who the Spurs would prefer to take if they acquired a high lottery pick.

If the Spurs were to trade Parker, George Hill (notes) could become their starting point guard. League sources said Hill also has drawn trade interest from teams willing to give the Spurs a pick near the back end of the lottery.

Parker didnt play well early in the Spurs first-round loss to the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in May then later told French reporters he thought the franchises days of contending for a title had all but ended.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Pat Riley says he won't coach again, repeats support for Erik Spoelstra - by Eurobasket News
In the aftermath of the Miami Heat's loss in six games to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Heat president Pat Riley addressed his coaching future -- or lack thereof -- with the media Tuesday.

Riley will not return to coaching, he said at an end-of-season news conference, and reiterated his support for coach Erik Spoelstra.

Spoelstra was the target of criticism this season whenever the star-studded Heat hit a losing streak or lost a close game. Spoelstra, 40, has been the Heat's coach since 2008.

Riley won four NBA championships as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1981 to 1990, and won a fifth title with the Heat in 2006. He also took the New York Knicks to the Finals in 1994.

Courtesy of www.nesn.com

Pacers shoot down Roy Hibbert trade rumors - by Eurobasket News
The timing would seem odd, considering what was to take place just a few hours following Larry Bird's Tuesday news conference.

On the Pacers practice court, center Roy Hibbert (7'2''-C-86, college: Georgetown) was scheduled to hold his final tryouts for Area 55-his cheering section which was scheduled to enter its second season.

A report early on Tuesday morning, however, made it seem like that might not happen.

Adrian Wojnarowski, the senior basketball writer for Yahoo Sports, reported that a possible trade was being discussed between the Pacers and the Timberwolves. Indiana would receive Minnesota's second overall pick in Thursday's draft in exchange for Hibbert and the Pacers' 15th pick.

According to team's front office, however, those hoping to earn a spot in Area 55 need not be concerned.

'I'm not interested in trading Roy,' said Bird when asked about the report on Tuesday. 'Roy is one of our core group guys.'

General Manager David Morway reinforced Bird's stance on the report, claiming the center will be going nowhere anytime soon.

'The report on Roy was a complete fabrication and it's not true,' said Morway. 'We're not looking at trading Roy right now.'

Whether these are genuine won't be confirmed until Thursday night, when the Pacers either keep or trade their 15th pick. Still getting rid of Hibbert would seem unlikely considering his ties to the current rebuilding program both on and off the court.

The center has increased his points and rebounds in each of his three seasons, collecting career bests in points (12.7) and rebounds (7.5) per game in 2010-2011. Outside the floor Hibbert has been a key spokesperson for the franchise in their effort to bring back fans, including his buying of 55 season tickets for his cheering section the past two years.

'I believe in Roy, I think he's going to continue to get better, he's one of our hardest workers and as of right now,' said Bird of Hibbert. 'As of right now you'll never say you won't trade anybody because you never know what's going to happen the next couple of days.

'But, no, we will not trade Roy today.'

Courtesy of www.fox59.com

Bucks extend qualifying offer to F Mbah a Moute - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent forward Luc Mbah a Moute (6'7''-G/F-86, college: UCLA), general manager John Hammond announced Tuesday.

The offer affords the Bucks the right to match any offer made to Mbah a Moute by other NBA teams.

In 79 games -- 52 starts -- for Milwaukee last season, Mbah a Moute averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.

Mbah a Moute, 24, has appeared in 234 games -- 166 starts -- over his three seasons in the NBA.

He was originally selected by the Bucks in the second round -- 37th overall -- of the 2008 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Robert Rowell out as Warriors' president - by Eurobasket News
The Warriors on Tuesday effectively fired team President Robert Rowell, a key figure for the franchise during a dark stretch when Chris Cohan owned the team.

Rowell was president for eight seasons and was with the Warriors in some capacity for 16. During that time, the Warriors went to the playoffs an NBA-low once and were known league-wide as a team of consistent drama and infighting, but they also consistently sold tickets and made money.

Rowell, once a powerful voice with Golden State, had been muted, especially since co-owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber were approved to buy the team in November. General manager Larry Riley is the last significant executive from Cohan's regime.

'We spent a lot of time evaluating this decision and believe that now is the appropriate time for the new ownership team to put our complete stamp on the entire organization,' Lacob said in a news release. 'We believe that previous ownership really put (Rowell) in a publicly challenging position over the past few years, and I have a great deal of respect for how he has conducted himself as a professional.'

The Warriors say Rowell 'elected to step down.' He will remain with the team on an interim basis to assist Lacob and Guber in the search for a replacement.

Rowell was at the team's practice facility Monday, when media members were allowed in for a news conference, and there was little indication that he was on his way out.

'I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the best, brightest and most dedicated staff in professional sports,' Rowell said in a statement. 'Together, we were able to achieve many of our business objectives and goals, and laid the framework for some of the future success of this franchise.'

Few question Rowell's business savvy, but fan disgust seemed to grow the more involved he got with basketball decisions. He became the public scapegoat for the breakup of the 'We Believe' team that upset top-seeded Dallas in the 2007 playoffs.

Rowell declined the contract extension for Baron Davis, allowing the point guard to bolt for Los Angeles. Rowell inexplicably gave Stephen Jackson a three-year, $27 million extension in 2008, when the volatile swingman had two years remaining on his contract. Rowell also held the option of voiding Monta Ellis' contract over Ellis' head, something that still haunts the guard three years after his 2008 moped accident.

In his most spotlighted moment with the organization, Rowell publicly feuded with then-GM Chris Mullin and then-head coach Don Nelson about Ellis. They didn't think Ellis' accident was that significant. Rowell disagreed.

'Chris Mullin made it perfectly clear to both Mr. Cohan and myself that he didn't think this was a big deal at the beginning. And we happen to think it's a very big deal,' Rowell said in 2008. 'We happen to think that it's a big deal for our fans, it's a big deal for our season-ticket holders, it's a big deal for our business partners, it's a big deal for the Warriors' organization.'

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

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


USA U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol
4 Conner Frankamp 96
5 Justin Jackson 95
6 Tyus Jones 96
7 Larry Austin Jr. 96
8 Kendrick Nunn 96
9 Dominique Collier 96
10 Theophilus Pinson Jr. 96
11 Aaron Gordon 96
12 Jabari Parker 95
13 Stanley Johnson 96
14 Johnathan Williams 95
15 Jahlil Okafor-Benton 96



USA too strong for Brazil in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - USA 70-105

USA demonstrated its power in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They blasted Brazil 105-70 for 1-0 score in Group B. Argentina and Costa Rica are also placed to this pool. Jabari Parker (95) came up with 27 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. He reached valuation 32. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (96) (5 rebs) scored 19 and Stanley Johnson (96) helped with 14 points. In Brazil, Luis Ricci (95) delivered 16 points. Lucas Dias (96) had 13 points and 7 rebounds.
USA opened the game in style making 19-33 lead. They destroyed Brazil in Q2 letting them score just 3 points for ten minutes. USA had 22 on the other side for huge 22-55 at the HT. All after that was just the formality and USA had no troubles to celebrate comfortable win.
In Day Two, USA will play against Argentina. Brazil will meet Costa Rica.

Brazil: Luis Ricci 16, Lucas Dias 13+7 boards
USA: Jabari Parker 27+10 boards, Jahlil Okafor-Benton 19+5 boards, Stanley Johnson 14

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Central Ohio NCAA D2 Updates: Offers & Signings for June! - by Lucius Jones
Jamel Morris, 6'2' Guard, of Nationally ranked Gahanna Lincoln has signed on with Glenville State and is expected to come in and immediately make his mark.

His high-flying teammate, 6'4 G/F Trey Warr is attending Glenville State as well. He will be a quality addition who is expected to contribute once his hits the floor.

Mark Lieberman 5'10' Guard of Dayton Christian has decided on Mt Vernon Nazerene. Mark is a perfect fit for this type of team and should make some noise right away.

Jordan Cowgill, 6'10/260lb Center of Thomas Worthington has added Ohio Valley to his S.C. Aiken offer. The big fella is picking up steam in D1 and D2 circles.

Matt Rhodes who is 6'6'/200lb SG/SF out of Westerville North has been offered by S.C. Aiken. The sharp-shooting, deceptively athletic wing is an amazing prospect with mid major potential.

Alec Charbonneau 6'5'/G-F of Olentangy Liberty has an offer from Ohio Valley too. The versatile young man is a solid prospect.

On a side note, Devon Scott of Columbus Northland has chosen Cincinnati as his collegiate choice.

Ross Allsop signs with Baskets Vilsbiburg - by Daniel Poerschke
1. Regionalliga South-East Newcomer Baskets Vilsbiburg have added Australian big man Ross Allsop (210-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) to their roster for the 2011/12 season. Allsop, who was raised down under, also has a british passport and therfore can play as a Bosman A player for coach Holger Pronte. The last four years Allsop attended Nova Southeastern University (NCAA 2) in Florida. Last season he averaged 4.9ppg and 4.7rpg for the Sharks. In 2006 Allsop was a member of the Australian national team at the prestigous Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament in Germany. 'We are happy, that we were able to sign Ross to his first professional contract, as we need a quality center under the basket for next season', said coach Pronte.

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


Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Waikato P. 12-3 
 2. Wellington S. 11-2 
 3. Bay Hawks 10-4 
 4. Nelson G. 7-5 
 5. Southland S. 5-7 
 6. Manawatu J. 5-7 
 7. Auckland P. 3-8 
 8. Taranaki MA 2-10 
 9. OceanaGold N. 2-11 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 21.9
 1. Leasure, Taranaki.21.9 
 2. Hudson, Manawatu.20.1 
 3. Pace, Bay Hawks19.8 
 4. Webster, Wellingt.19.6 
 5. Campbell, Taranaki.19.4 
 6. Dora, Nelson G.19.3 
 7. Abercrombie, Waika.19.2 
 8. Polyblank, Southla.18.7 
 9. Smith, Waikato P.18.6 
 10. Bradshaw, Oceana.18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12
 1. Pledger, Waika.12.0 
 2. Horvath, Manawatu.11.1 
 3. Vukona, Nelson G.10.8 
 4. Allred, OceanaGo.10.1 
 5. Campbell, Taranaki.9.9 
 6. Seay, Waikato P.9.3 
 7. Johnson, Wellingt.9.1 
 8. Grizzard, Nelson G.8.8 
 9. Bradshaw, OceanaG.8.4 
 10. Frank, Wellington8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.6.7 
 2. Dickel, Southland6.5 
 3. Tait, Wellington S.5.5 
 4. Braswell, Southlan.5.2 
 5. Martin, Auckland.4.5 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.4.4 
 7. Boucher, Auckland.4.0 
 8. Grizzard, Nelson G.3.6 
 9. Smith, Waikato P.3.6 
 10. Meehl, Taranaki MA3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Crowe, Waikato P.3.2 
 2. Boucher, Auckland.2.9 
 3. Smith, Waikato P.2.6 
 4. Seay, Waikato P.2.3 
 5. Dickel, Southland2.1 
 6. Kench, Manawatu J.2.0 
 7. Allen, Waikato P.1.6 
 8. Leasure, Taranaki.1.6 
 9. Braswell, Southlan.1.6 
 10. Frank, Wellington1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Pledger, Waika.2.7 
 2. Seay, Waikato P.1.5 
 3. Allred, OceanaGo.1.4 
 4. Iti, Southland S.1.4 
 5. Spicer, Southlan.1.2 
 6. Brown, Auckland P.1.0 
 7. Vukona, Nelson G.1.0 
 8. Anthony, Waika.1.0 
 9. Adams, Wellington0.9 
 10. Johnson, Wellingt.0.9 


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


Anwil tab Louis Hinnant - by Eurobasket News
Anwil Wloclawek continued to shape up their roster. They have agreed on terms of contact with Louis Hinnant (193-G-84, college: Boston Coll.). The 27-year-old guard started the previous season in Ukraine. Louis Hinnant averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game for Kryvbasbasket in Superleague. The guard left the team in December. He then visited Poland in January negotiating contract with Anwil. But some health issues did not allow the sides to reach an agreement then. Louis Hinnant also played in Sweden, Finland and Hungary after graduating from Boston College back in 2006. Eurobasket.com named Louis Hinnant All-Hungarian League Guard of the Year back in 2010. The guard helped ZTE KK celebrate title that season.


Lukasz Ratajczak joins Polpharma - by Eurobasket News
Lukasz Ratajczak (204-F-86, agency: Promotex) is a new member of Polpharma Starogard Gdanski. The Polish forward signed a deal for the next season. He arrives to Polpharma from KS Open Florentyna Pleszew, where he finished 2010/11. Ratajczak appeared 24 times with them in 2Liga averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He started the season with PBG Basket Poznan, but they parted ways after two games.
Season 2009/10, Lukasz Ratajczak spent with Trefl Sopot. He had 3.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg for them in 31 PLK games. Before that, he also was a member of Atlas Stal OStrow, Energa Czarni Slupsk, Polpal, Gdynia and WKK Wejherowo. Ratajczak played for U20 and U18 Poland in the past. He reached PLK Semifinals last year with Trefl Sopot.

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


BSN Round 27: Mets edge Maratonistas by two points - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in BSN.

Eighth-ranked Maratonistas (12-19) made lots of trouble for third ranked Mets (18-12) in Coamo on Sunday. The visitors from Guaynabo managed to secure only two-point victory 89-87. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they rallied back winning two of next three quarters and won the game by 2 points. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Angel Luis Figueroa (196-81, college: Dowling, agency: Paris Global Sports) who scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) who recorded 25 points. Mets moved-up to second place. Maratonistas at the other side keep the eighth position with 19 games lost. Mets are looking forward to face Caciques (#7) in Humacao in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Maratonistas will have a break next round.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Atleticos (17-13) against fourth ranked Capitanes (17-12) on Monday night. Host Atleticos were crushed by Capitanes in San German 83-61. It was a good game for the former international swingman David Cortes (190-81) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 4 assists. Larry Ayuso contributed with 21 points for the winners. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds for Atleticos. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Capitanes moved-up to third place. Atleticos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. Capitanes will play against Quebradillas (#5) at home in the next round. Atleticos will have a break next round.
Leader Vaqueros delivered the nineteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Caciques (13-17) 102-78 in Bayamon. It was a great evening for Christian Dalmau who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points. The best for the losing side was Denis Clemente with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vaqueros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-9 record. Loser Caciques keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Vaqueros will meet at home Cangrejeros (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Caciques will play against the league's second-placed Mets in Guaynabo and hope to secure a win.
Ninth-ranked Indios (11-18) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Quebradillas (16-14). Quebradillas managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. It was an exceptional evening for Joel Jones who led the winners and scored 24 points. Indios' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Quebradillas maintains fifth place with 16-14 record. Indios at the other side keep the ninth position with 18 games lost. Quebradillas' next round opponent will be higher ranked Capitanes (#3) in Arecibo and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Indios will play on the road against Gallitos (#10) in Isabela and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Mayaguez, where higher ranked Quebradillas (16-14) lost to ninth ranked Indios (11-18) in a road game 82-86 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Quebradillas. The best player for the winners was Ramon Clemente who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios maintains ninth place with 11-18 record. Loser Quebradillas keep the fifth position with 14 games lost. Indios will face bottom-ranked Gallitos (#10) in Isabela in the next round. Quebradillas will play on the road against Capitanes (#3) in Arecibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.



Coamo - Guaynabo 87-89

Eighth-ranked Maratonistas (12-19) made lots of trouble for third ranked Mets (18-12) in Coamo on Sunday. The visitors from Guaynabo managed to secure only two-point victory 89-87. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they rallied back winning two of next three quarters and won the game by 2 points. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Angel Luis Figueroa (196-81, college: Dowling, agency: Paris Global Sports) who scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) who recorded 25 points and American power forward Aaron McGhee (203-79, college: Oklahoma) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Five Mets and four Maratonistas players scored in double figures. Mets moved-up to second place. Maratonistas at the other side keep the eighth position with 19 games lost. Mets are looking forward to face Caciques (#7) in Humacao in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Maratonistas will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: A.Daniel Vassallo 19+5reb+2ast, R.Dalmau 18+2reb+6ast, A.Luis Figueroa 17+8reb+2ast, C.Escalera 12+3reb+6ast, S.Pruitt 12+12reb+2ast, S.Villegas 11+3reb
Coamo: J.Villegas 25+1reb+2ast, A.McGhee 16+7reb+1ast, M.Antonio Narvaez 12+6reb+1ast, A.Ortiz 10+3reb+1ast, M.Wilson 10+3reb+1ast, C.Vega 8+7reb+8ast
gschID: 125612


San German - Arecibo 61-83

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Atleticos (17-13) against fourth ranked Capitanes (17-12) on Monday night. Host Atleticos were crushed by Capitanes in San German 83-61. The game was mostly controlled by Capitanes. Atleticos was better in third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Capitanes players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. It was a good game for the former international swingman David Cortes (190-81) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 4 assists. International guard Larry Ayuso (190-77, college: USC, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds and the former international guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-84, college: VCU) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Atleticos. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Capitanes moved-up to third place. Atleticos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. Capitanes will play against Quebradillas (#5) at home in the next round. Atleticos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Arecibo: L.Ayuso 21+1reb+1ast, D.Cortes 18+3reb+4ast, D.Santiago 12+7reb+1ast, D.Pinnock 9+7reb+2ast, A.Latimer 8+3reb, O.Alvarado 7+1reb+4ast
San German: M.Harris 16+18reb, J.Pellot-Rosa 13+9reb+1ast, K.Marco 9+7reb+1ast, R.Abraham 7+3reb+2ast, F.Rivera 4+4reb+6ast, R.Orta 3
gschID: 125613


Mayaguez - Quebradillas 86-82

We should mention about the upset which took place in Mayaguez, where higher ranked Quebradillas (16-14) lost to ninth ranked Indios (11-18) in a road game 82-86 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Quebradillas. The hosts trailed by 12 points after three quarters before their 30-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Indios made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was naturalized American forward Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St., agency: Global Sports Plaza) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 22 points. At the other side the best for losing team was international center Peter John Ramos (222-85) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and naturalized American power forward Angel Alamo (206-85) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios maintains ninth place with 11-18 record. Loser Quebradillas keep the fifth position with 14 games lost. Indios will face bottom-ranked Gallitos (#10) in Isabela in the next round. Quebradillas will play on the road against Capitanes (#3) in Arecibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mayaguez: C.Rivera 22+3reb+3ast, R.Clemente 20+13reb+3ast, A.Carmona 18+7reb+2ast, W.del Valle 9+2reb, A.Rosa-Clemente 5+5reb, H.Valenzuela 5+3reb+1ast
Quebradillas: A.Alamo 22+7reb+1ast, P.John Ramos 18+12reb+2ast, D.Huertas 17+4reb+2ast, J.Jones 9+4reb+5ast, S.Rosas 6+2ast, C.Bruton 5+2reb+4ast
gschID: 125614


Quebradillas - Mayaguez 90-88

Ninth-ranked Indios (11-18) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Quebradillas (16-14). Quebradillas managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Indios were ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 29-25 charge of Quebradillas, which allowed them to win the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for the former international swingman Joel Jones (196-81, college: Sacramento St.) who led the winners and scored 24 points. American-Australian guard CJ Bruton (188-75, college: Indian Hills CC) accounted for 18 points and 8 assists for the winning side. Guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) came up with 16 points and 7 assists and international guard Kevin Hamilton (193-84, college: Holy Cross, agency: Limelight Hoops) added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Indios in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Indios' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Quebradillas maintains fifth place with 16-14 record. Indios at the other side keep the ninth position with 18 games lost. Quebradillas' next round opponent will be higher ranked Capitanes (#3) in Arecibo and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Indios will play on the road against Gallitos (#10) in Isabela and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: J.Jones 24+3reb+3ast, C.Bruton 18+2reb+8ast, P.John Ramos 16+9reb+3ast, G.Stevenson 10+7reb+4ast, A.Alamo 9+11reb, S.Rosas 6+1reb+2ast
Mayaguez: L.Nailon 17+3reb+3ast, C.Rivera 16+4reb+7ast, A.Carmona 15+4reb+1ast, H.Valenzuela 14+4reb+1ast, K.Hamilton 13+6reb+6ast, R.Clemente 9+9reb+1ast
gschID: 129933


Bayamon - Humacao 102-78

Leader Vaqueros delivered the nineteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Caciques (13-17) 102-78 in Bayamon. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 102-78. It was a great shooting night for Vaqueros especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for the former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points. American forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) helped adding 18 points and 4 assists. Four Vaqueros players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Denis Clemente (185-86, college: Kansas St., agency: KMG Sports Management) with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and British V.Islands center Kleon Penn (211-86, college: McNeese St., agency: Paris Global Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vaqueros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-9 record. Loser Caciques keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Vaqueros will meet at home Cangrejeros (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Caciques will play against the league's second-placed Mets in Guaynabo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bayamon: C.Dalmau 29+2ast, T.Shannon 18+3reb+4ast, R.Rickert 14+7reb, F.Western 10+1reb+1ast, R.Jose Hatton 10+1reb+7ast, R.Barbosa 7+1ast
Humacao: D.Clemente 20+5reb+5ast, J.Maye 18+2reb+1ast, K.Penn 17+11reb+1ast, J.Garcia 7+1reb, J.Guitian 4+2reb+1ast, L.A. Rivas 4+2reb
gschID: 125611




Ramon Clemente gets MVP of the Week award for Puerto Rican BSN - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized American Ramon Clemente (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had an amazing evening in the last week for Mayaguez and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 27.
The 25-year old forward had a double-double of 20 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team edged out Quebradillas (#5, 16-14) 86-82. Mayaguez maintains the 9th position in American BSN. Mayaguez is currently ranked second from the bottom. They need more victories to improve their 11-18 record. Clemente just recently signed at Mayaguez, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Wichita State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Clemente is in league's top in rebounds (9th best: 9.2rpg), assists (6th best: 1.8apg) and averages solid 52.4% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 24-year old British V.Islands center Kleon Penn (211-C-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) of Humacao. Penn impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Humacao lost that game 78-102 to the higher-ranked Bayamon (#1, 19-9). Humacao managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 13-17 record. Penn is one of the most experienced players at Humacao and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. Mc Neese State University alumni Penn played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

The third best performed player last week was American Rick Rickert (211-F-83, agency: Court Side) of top-ranked Bayamon. Rickert scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Bayamon, leading his team to a 102-78 easy win against the lower-ranked Humacao (#7, 13-17). Bayamon confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 19 victories and 9 lost games. Rickert has a very solid season. In 17 games in Puerto Rico he scored 11.2ppg. He also has 8.9rpg and FGP: 54.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Angel Alamo (206-F/C-85) of Quebradillas - 22 points and 7 rebounds
5. Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85) of Guaynabo - 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas - 18 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Carlos Rivera (187-G-83) of Mayaguez - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
8. David Cortes (190-G/F-81) of Arecibo - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Joel Jones (196-G/F-81) of Quebradillas - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Denis Clemente (185-PG-86) of Humacao - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists

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

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 19-9 
 2. Guaynabo 18-12 
 3. Arecibo 17-12 
 4. San German 17-13 
 5. Quebradillas 16-14 
 6. Santurce 15-14 
 7. Humacao 13-17 
 8. Coamo 12-19 
 9. Mayaguez 11-18 
 10. Isabela 10-20 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 23.4
 1. Ramos, Quebradillas23.4 
 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. Clemente, Mayaguez9.2 
 10. Shannon, Bayamon9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  Mayaguez
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Hamilton, Mayaguez7.5 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon5.9 
 4. Rivera, San German5.0 
 5. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 6. Clemente, Humacao4.6 
 7. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 8. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.2 
 9. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 10. Vega, Coamo4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 4. Diaz, Arecibo1.4 
 5. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 6. Hamilton, Mayaguez1.3 
 7. Dalmau, Bayamon1.3 
 8. Carmona, Mayaguez1.3 
 9. Ayuso, Arecibo1.3 
 10. Santiago, Santur.1.3 
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. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 7. Lee, Bayamon1.8 
 8. Harris, San German1.5 
 9. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 10. Ramos, Quebradill.1.2 


Marco Killingsworth joins San German - by Eurobasket News
San German reinforced its roster for rest of the BSN season. The Puerto Rican outfit signed a deal with Marco Killingsworth. The American PF/C arrives to San German from Israel, where he finished last season. He averaged 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds for his team Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa. Killingsworth started 2010/11 season with Maccabi Haifa. For 19 games with them in Israeli league he had 17.2 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Killingsworth also added 14.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg in 14 EuroChallenge games. Eurobasket awarded him with All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -11.
Before Maccabi Haifa, Marco Killingsworth played for another Israeli team - Elitzur Maccabi Netanya. He also has experience from Italy, Turkey and South Korea. It will be the first season for Killingsworth in Puerto Rico.

Quebradillas adds Alvin Cruz - by Eurobasket News
Alvin Cruz (186-G-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Niagara) is a new member of Quebradillas. The Puerto Rican guard signed a deal for rest of the season. He already played his first game for Quebradillas scoring 5 points against Mayaguez.
Alvin Cruz supposed to play last season for Fuerza Regia Monterrey, but they parted ways before the beginning of LNBP. In 2010, he played for Leones de Ponce in BSN. In 34 games Cruz registered 11.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 4.4 apg. In 2009, he helped Gigantes de Carolina to reach the BSN Semifinals. Cruz had 11.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 4.9 apg for them in 30 games. In the past, Alvin Cruz also played for Bayamon, plus for Polish teams Turow and Znicz. Cruz is a product of the University of Niagara, where he graduated in 2005.

Puerto Rican U16 National Team 2011 - by Greg
Starting five
#s#
Miguel Cartagena
Cartagena
Ariel Watson
Watson
Bryan Rodriguez
Rodriguez
Ian Torres
Torres
Eliel Gonzalez
Gonzalez
#e#5
4 Christian Pizarro 95
5 Miguel Cartagena 186-G-95
6 Jan Vazquez 95
7 Eliel Gonzalez 189-G-95
8 Ariel Watson 95
9 Jairo Velez 95
10 Bryan Rodriguez 186-G-95
11 Eduardo McCormack 194-F-95
12 Ramon Calderon 95
13 Ian Torres 196-F-95
14 Alexander Morales 96
15 William Cruz 180-G-95



Puerto Rico hands 78-68 loss to Mexico in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
MEXICO - PUERTO RICO 68-78

Puerto Rico made it in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship. They handed 78-68 loss to Mexico, who is the host of this event (Cancun). Both teams are together with Canada and Chile placed to Group A. Puerto Rico did a great job in the first quarter making 9-26 lead. They increased it to 24-44 until he halftime and Mexico was in deep trouble. However, they didn't give up and tried to catch up for rest of the game, but they didn't make it (27-23, 17-11).
Ariel Watson (95) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He reached valuation 26 and was the MVP of this game. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) scored 18 and Eliel Gonzalez (189-G-95) helped with 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Jaime Villalobos (96) replied with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. David Elias (95) and Jose Hermosillo (95) (6 rebs) netted 12 and 10 pts respectively.
In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Puerto Rico will play against Canada, while Mexico will try to grab the first win against Mexico.

Mexico: Jaime Villalobos 19+5 boards, David Elias 12, Jose Hermosillo 10+6 boards
Puerto Rico: Ariel Watson 21+11 boards, Miguel Cartagena 18, Eliel Gonzalez 11+5 boards

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Kendall Dykes stays at CSU Mobitelco - by Eurobasket
Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans), 2011 Romanian Player of the Year has resigned with the Romanian Champions, CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca for the 2011-2012 season. It will be his third season in the City of Cluj Napoca. Last season he averaged 20.2ppg (third leading scorer in Romanian League), 3.8rpg, 2.6apg and 2.0spg. He was also named League Guard and Import Player of the Year.

Kyndall Dykes has resigned with CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca
CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca extedned the contract for the upcoming season with 24-year old American swingman Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, college: New Orleans). It will be his third season in the club from Cluj Napoca. Last year he was a third leading scorer (20.2ppg) in the leadue, averaged also 3.8rpg, 2.6apg and 2.0spg. CS U-Mobitelco has won the Championship and Dykes was named All-Romanian League Player of the Year.


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


CSKA Moscow officially lands center Nenad Krstic - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow officially signed a deal with Serbian center Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The 27-year-old player penned a two-season deal worth about 6 million USD. Krstic is not a new face in Russia as he already played for Triumph Lyubertsy in 2008/09 season. That time he signed $4,778,548 deal with Triumph averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds in Eurocup Qualifications, while in EuroChallenge his stats read 12.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.3 apg. In 2009-2010 he moved to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA, starting five) and in 82 games averaged 8.3ppg and 5.1rpg. This season he started for Oklahoma, but in February was traded to Boston Celtics. He had 7.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg with them in 31 games.
Nenad Krstic is active member of the Serbian National Team. Last summer in Turkey he had 13.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg for 6 games. Eurobasket awarded him with All-World Championships 2nd Team -10.

Jurij Zdovc named Spartak SP head coach - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Saint Petersburg found new head coach. They have agreed on terms of contract with Jurij Zdovc . The Slovenian specialist penned a three-year deal with Spartak. He will replace Zvi Sherf on the bridge. Jurij Zdovc worked with Union Olimpja since 2008. He left the Slovenian powerhouse in April. Jurij Zdovc guided KK Split, Geoplin Slovan, Iraklis, Bosna Sarajevo and Union Olimpija during his career. Jurij Zdovc was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnian League Coach of the Year in 2008. He then was then trumped All-Slovenian League Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2010. Jurij Zdovc was at helm of Slovenian National Team back in 2009.


Alexey Savrasenko leaves Khimky, close to Unics - by Eurobasket News
Alexey Savrasenko has parted ways with Khimky. The sides have agreed on terms of contract termination. The centre joined Khimky at the start of the previous season. He tallied 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in VTB-League. In Euroleague Alexey Savrasenko accounted for 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per appearance. In PBL the centre notched 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds. Previously the player had stints with Olympiakos, Peristeri, CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow. Alexey Savrasenko was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Centre of the Year in 2006. He also played for Russian National Team in 2001/08 seasons.
Several sources report that Alexey Savrasenko has already agreed on terms of contract with Unics Kazan.


Unics Kazan keep Terrell Lyday - by Eurobasket News
Unics Kazan have extended the contract of Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU). The guard will stay in Kazan for two more seasons. The 31-year-old will enter his fourth straight season with Unics. Last season Terrell Lyday averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game in PBL. In EuroCup the guard posted 15.7 points, 3.5 boards, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per appearance. In VTB-League his stats read 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.8 assists. Terrell Lyday made it into Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 2nd Team. He was also named into Russian PBL All-Imports Team. In 2009 Terrell Lyday was voted All-Russian Superleague Import Player of the Year. Before joining Unics Terrell Lyday had spells for Triumph, Benetton Treviso, Ural Great, ASVEL, Cholet, Galatasaray and Unia Tarnow.


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


Pau-Lacq-Orthez keep Antoine Mendy - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Lacq-Orthez keep Antoine Mendy (198-F-83) for the next season. The Senegalese-French will stay with the French team for at least one more year.
In 2007-2008 Antoine Mendy joined Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (ProA) and in ULEB Cup averaged 5.8ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 35%, FT: 50%. In French League after 30 games he showed 5.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 43.2%. In 2008-2009 for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (ProA, starting five) he improved to 7.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 61.5%. In 2009-2010 Mendy averaged high 12.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 53.7%. Last season his stats read 12.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 60.0%.
Antoine Mendy recorded 22 points at the Regular Season Round 15 when Pau-Lacq-Orthez beat Paris-Levallois 103-70. Pau-Lacq-Orthez led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 68.4 percent from the field. Pau-Lacq-Orthez outrebounded Paris-Levallois 31-13 including a 24-8 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Pau-Lacq-Orthez looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. It was a good game for American guard Demetric Bennett who led his team to a victory with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Naturalized Senegalese forward Antoine Mendy contributed with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners.


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


Zoran Lukic named 'Coach of the Year' in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Zoran Lukic got Coach of the Year award in Russia. The PBL announced this news at their official web site.
The Serbian specialist led PBL newcomer Nizhny Novgorod to Playoffs. They finished regular season with 10-17 record and met Unics in the Quarterfinals. However, the Kazan team eliminated Nizhny Novgorod with 1-2. Later in Classification Round, Nizhny Novgorod managed to win the fifth place in the league. Lukic got a contract extension few days ago.
Zoran Lukic took over Nizhny Novgorod in 2009. He won the B Superleague title and promotion to PBL. Lukic was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian B Superleague Coach of the Year -10. This year his Nizhny Novgorod reached Russian Cup Finals, what was considered as great success. Lukic coached at the PBL All-Star Game this year.

'It's a big surprise for me. I'm very happy, but I need to mention that it's not only my merit. This award has been won by the whole team - the players, the coaching staff and our management, which knows what it wants and is moving to this goal', Zoran Lukic said for PBL web site.

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


Radoslav Rancik moves to Ukraine, signs with Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Slovakian star Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) will continue his career in Ukraine. The experienced power forward signed a one-year deal with Azovmash. He arrives to Mariupol from Galatasaray, where he spent last season. Rancik 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 the Slovakian National Team. The PF 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.
Azovmash failed in the Ukrainian league Quarterfinals last season. There were champions in 03, 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10.

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


Jure Zdovc takes over Spartak St. Petersburg - by Matej Bergant
Slovenian coach Jurij Zdovc signed three-years contract with ambitious Russian club Spartak St. Petersburg according to club's official website. The former head coach of Union Olimpija Ljubljana replaced Israeli expert Zvi Sherf who coached the Russian team for last two seasons. In the past Jurij Zdovc coached Croatian club Split, Slovenian clubs Geoplin Slovan and Union Olimpija Ljubljana, Greek Iraklis Thessaloniki and Bosna Sarajevo of BiH. Zdovc also led Slovenian National Team at the Eurobasket 2009 to the 4th place as a head coach. In 2010/2011 season he was part of Union Olimpija Ljubljana - his team won Slovenian Cup, made it to Adriatic League finals and also surprisingly played in TOP16 of Euroleague. During last couple of days Zdovc was rumored to take over Turkish club Galatasaray but obviously the Russian offer was better.

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


Menorca name Josep Berrocal head coach - by Eurobasket News
Menorca have appointed new head coach. His name is Josep Berrocal . The 41-year-old specialist worked with Budivelnyk in the previous season. He led the Kyiv team to the Superleague champions title. Previously Josep Berrocal worked as assistant coach in Regal Barcelona.


Regal Barca lands Chuck Eidson - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca officially landed Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina). The reigning Spanish champion signed a two-year deal with the player. Eidson arrives from two seasons playing for Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, with whom he reached the 2010-11 Turkish Airlines Euroleague title game, but lost it against Panathinaikos. Eidson had 9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2.6 spg for 22 games in Euroleague this season. He was the best stealer of the competition. In Israeli league, Eidson added 10 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 4.6 apg. They won the championship title and defended Israeli Cup trophy. Eidson played for Maccabi last season as well.
Before Maccabi, Eidson spent two years with Lietuvos Rytas. He helped them win EuroCup title in 2009 and was named MVP. They also won Lithuanian and Baltic league titles, plus Lithuanian National Cup. In the past, Eidson also was a member of Strasbourg, Giessen and North Charleston Lowgators (NBDL).

Valencia adds Rodrigo San Miguel - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Valencia signed contract with point guard Rodrigo San Miguel (190-G-85). They penned a two-year deal, including the team option for 2013/14 season.
Rodrigo San Miguel parted ways with Manresa few days ago. He played 34 games in ACB this season averaging 8.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists. In 2009/10, San Miguel had 8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 3.1 apg for 33 games. In his first season with Manresa, San Miguel collected 6 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.2 spg for 32 games. San Miguel joined Manresa in 2008 from Valladolid. He also has experience from CAI Zaragoza.
Rodrigo San Miguel was a member of U20 Spain in the past. He also played for U18 and U16 NT. This is the second signing for Valencia in two days, as they already landed PG Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) from Benetton.

Regal Barca extends Fran Vazquez - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Fran Vazquez (209-C-83). It means that the Spanish big guy will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. By keeping Vazquez on the team, Barca now boasts a trademark powerful frontcourt with Erazem Lorbek and Kosta Perovic, and could still add a new name later in the summer.
Fran Vazquez appeared 41 times in ACB this season averaging 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He ended it as the best shot blocker of the league. Vazquez also played 20 Euroleague games adding 8.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He helped Barca win the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2010, Vazquez became a Euroleague champion with Barca. He joined the club in 2006 from Girona.
Fran Vazquez played for the Spanish NT last summer in Turkey averaging 7.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 9 games. He also played for Spain at the EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade.

Real Madrid officially hires Pablo Laso - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Real Madrid officially hired Pablo Laso as their new Head Coach. They signed a two-year deal on Tuesday. It means that Laso will make his Euroleague debut next season. 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.

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


Galatasaray officially signs Ender Arslan - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Ender Arslan (190-G-83) officially became a new member of Galatasaray. He arrives to Galata from Efes Pilsen, where he spent last four years. This season he played 32 games for the club in TBL registering 6 ppg and 2.3 rpg. He also appeared 8 times in Euroleague adding 2.5 ppg and 1 apg. Before Efes Pilsen, Arslan played for Panionios, Tau Ceramica and Union Olimpija. All three teams he changed in 2006/07 and it was his only season out of Efes, where he also played from 1999 until 2006.
Ender Arslan played for the Turkish NT last summer helping them to win the Silver at the FIBA World Championship. He played 9 games at this event averaging 6.2 points and 1.9 assists. He is a member of Team Turkey since 2003. In his career, Ender Arslan won three Turkish League titles with Efes Pilsen.

Turkey D2 new import rule - by Mustafa Bozkurt
This year Turkish Division 2 will be more competitive and tough. There ll be only one group with 20 teams for 2011-2012 season. Turkish Basketball Federation finally dediced for the new season route. There ll be only one group with 20 teams and first eight will make play-off. Last 4 teams will go down. And the most important thing is new import rule. Turkish Federation allowed 2 imports but one of them will be on the court and one of them will wait on the bench at the same time. Most of the teams want to play with 2 import at the same time but Turkish Federation didnt decide in that way. The season is going to start at 8 of September. At the end of the day this year we ll see more tough and competitive league

Turkey U20 opens Turgut Atakol Tournemant with the win - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Latvia U20 78:67

Turkey U20 opens Turgut Atakol Tournemant with the win beating Latvia in the first game. The hosts celebrated 78:67 win over the Baltic side in Day 1.
Latvia started better and took 17-16 lead after 10 minutes in the court. Turkey grabbed 26:18 later in the second frame, but Mareks Mejeris (207-F-91, agency: Players Group) reduced to 29:23. Due to 22-10 in the third period Turkey had 38:27 halftime advantage. Latvia did not give up and after 20-17 in the third frame they reduced to 53:46 after 30 minutes in the court. Martins Rugajs and Ugis Pinete made it 59:52 but a 7-0 run from the hosts killed all the intrigue in the game. After 23-20 in the last quarter Turkey celebrated the win in the opener.
Goksenin Koksal stepped up with 20 points for the winners, while Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Mustafa Baygul netted 11 and Can Mutaf (193-G-91) scored 8. Martins Meiers (206-C-91) replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Mareks Mejeris posted 9 and Artjoms Butjankovs (205-F/C-91, agency: FCM) added 7.

Turkey U20: Goksenin Koksal 20, Furkan Aldemir 12+14 rebs, Mustafa Baygul 11, Can Mutaf 8
Latvia U20: Martins Meiers 21, Mareks Mejeris 9, Artjoms Butjankovs 7



Henry Domercant in talks with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) in talks with Galatasaray for the next season. The USA-Bosnia and Herzegovina player can move to the Turkish team from Russia.
In 2003-2004 Henry already appeared in Turkey for Pinar Karsiyaka (Turkey-D1, starting five). In 26 games he erupted with 23.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.2apg. In 2004-2005 moved to Efes Pilsen Istanbul (Turkey-D1, starting five) and in Euroleague after 23 games showed 14.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 44.3%, 3FGP: 45.6%. In Turkish League he averaged 14.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 45.0%. In 2005-2006 for Efes Pilsen Istanbul (Turkey-D1, starting five) averaged 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 76.1% in EuroLeague and in Turkish League after 34 games had 7.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 73.0%.
In 2008-2010 played for Montepaschi Siena with 1,100,000 in the second year deal. He averaged 8.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 87.3% in Italian League, while in Euroleague had 10.5ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 50.9%, FT-3 (93.8%). In 2010-2011Henry Domercant moved to Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL, starting five) and in EuroChallenge had 16.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 83.8%. In Russian League Henry became the fifth top-scorer of the League with 15.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 76.7%



Fenerbahce denied rumors on Kirilenko. Sean May set to leave - by Eurobasket
Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul GM denied the rumors about Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM), linked to the Turkish team in the last days. The GM said that Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul is not interested neither in the Russian star of Utah Jazz nor in the Greek center of Olympiacos.
Moreover, former NBA player Sean May (203-F/C-84, college: N.Carolina) won't have his contract renewed and will be free agent in the summer (with him also Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) won't be re-signed). May arrived in Istanbul in November and averaged 4.3ppg in Euroleague and 6.1ppg in TBL. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, who already signed Bogdanovic and Gist, is still on the market looking for a point guard.


Turkey edge Croatia in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Croatia U18 68:60

Turkish U18 National Team opened annual Douai international tournament win victory. They toppled Croatia in the opener today. Samet Geyik (206-F-93) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds to pace the winners.
Turkey limited Croatia to just 10 points in the starting frame. They posted a 16:10 lead but Croatia gradually adjusted their offence in the second frame. Croatia cut the deficit at 4 points at halftime 29:33. Croatia pulled within one point midway through the third term. Turkey reacted with a 13:2 run to clear off. Croatia trimmed the deficit within three points with one minute to go in regulation. But Kerem Hotic (197-F-93) and Altun sealed the win for Turkey in the dying moments. Kerem Hotic provided 11 points, while Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) added 10 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Stipe Cubric (182-G-93) responded with 12 points for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Turkey U18: Samet Geyik 13, Kerem Hotic 11, Ramazan Tekin 10
Croatia U18: Stipe Cubric 12, Josip Mikulic 11



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  UKRAINE   


Ukraine U20 starts Turkish tournament with the win - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Ukraine U20 57:72

Ukraine U20 starts the the Turkish tournament with the win over Czech Republic U20. The Ukrainian side won 72:57 in the preparation four-nation Turgut Atakol Tournament.
It was an easy start for the Ukrainian team that scored 33 points in the opening period. They allowed the opponents to stay on 17 after the first period. In the second frame Ukraine added 14-11 and then repeated the same result in the third period. Czech Republic managed to win the last frame 18-11 but could not catch up with the winners.
Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) paced all the winners with 18 points and Artem Pustovyi as well as Dmytro Tykhonov ended up with 9 each. Ondrej Balvin (218-C-92) responded with 15 points in the losing effort. Ladislav Pecka (197-F-91) netted 9, while Tomas Vyoral (190-G-92) posted 8.

Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Balvin 15, Ladislav Pecka 9, Tomas Vyoral 8
Ukraine U20: Maksym Sandul 18, Artem Pustovyi 9, Dmytro Tykhonov 9



Azovmash hire Gintaras Krapikas - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash named well-known Lithuanian specialist Gintaras Krapikas assistant coach. Gintaras Krapikas will help Aco Petrovic guide the Ukrainian powerhouse in the next season. Gintaras Krapikas worked as assistant coach with Iserlohn, Zalgiris Kaunas and Unics Kazan. He also guided Zalgiris Kaunas in 2008/10 seasons. Gintaras Krapikas also worked as assistant coach of Lithuanian National Team back in 2004/05 seasons.


Miljan Pupovic heads to Cherkasy - by Eurobasket News
Cherkasy have bolstered their roster for the next season. They have acquired Miljan Pupovic (209-C/F-83). The 28-year-old centre started the previous season in Superfund BP Beograd. He tallied 6.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. In October 2010 Miljan Pupovic moved to Kryvbasbasket in Ukrainian Superleague. His stats read 6.2 points, 3.1 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. In December Pupovic left Ukraine and moved to FYR Macedonia. The centre joined MZT Skopje where his stats read 9.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Miljan Pupovic is not new to Cherkasy. The centre played for the Monkeys back in 2008/09 season. He averaged 12.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game then. Miljan Pupovic also had stints with Hemofarm, Lavovi Beograd, KK Zdravlje Leskovac, FMP Zeleznik, Strumica 2005 and Leuven Bears.


Viacheslav Kravtsov extends with BC Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) renewed his contract with BC Donetsk. The new deal is meant for one season with the option of one season extension. Viacheslav Kravtsov joined BC Donetsk at the start of the previous season. He tallied 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per appearance in Superleague. The centre took part at Superleague 2011 All-Star Game. Eurobasket.com named Viacheslav Kravtsov into Superleague 2nd Team.


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  URUGUAY   


Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Stage Two Standings
Places 1-6
 1. Atenas 0-0 
 2. Goes 0-0 
 3. Larranaga 0-0 
 4. Nacional 0-0 
 5. Tabare 0-0 
 6. Urunday Univ. 0-0 
Places 7-10
 1. Capitol 8-9 
 2. Yale 6-11 
 3. Verdirrojo 4-13 
 4. 25 de Agosto 3-13 
Stage One Standings


Monroe leads Yale to beat Verdirrojo - by Hector Lopez
Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) netted 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds leading Yale to defeat Verdirrojo 82-69 and will continue playing the Metro league for the next season. Verdirrojo will have to play against 25 de Agosto to decide the remaining place for the Metro 2012 and the loser will have to plan in a third division league. Also for Yale Leandro Taboada (180-G-86) scored 22 points with 5 assits. For Verdirrojo, playing without an import player Emiliano Baston (200-F-88) scored 24 points, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

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  VENEZUELA   


LPB Semifinals: Cocodrilos take 2-0 lead, Gigantes tie the score against Marinos - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the LPB Semifinals were played last night.
Cocodrilos were better than Trotamundos once again 88-84 jumping to 2-0 lead in the series. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) was the leading player in victory with double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) scored 19 pts in this win, while Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) and Juan Herrera (197-F-81) added 16 and 11 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Torin Francis (210-F-83, college: Notre Dame) shined with 21 points.
Gigantes managed to grab a 93-89 road victory against Marinos tying the score to 1-1 in the series. Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83, agency: Promotex, college: UMBC) exploded with 27 points and 10 rebounds in victory. Paul Stoll (178-G-85) scored 26 points, including 6 triples. In defeat, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) replied with 16 pts and 10 rebs.
Third games are scheduled for Friday.



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Women News

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


Hip injury sidelines Lauren Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Reigning MVP Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) suffered an injury in her first WNBA showdown against fellow Australian, rising star Liz Cambage.

Jackson finished with just four points as her team, the Seattle Storm, rallied to beat the Tulsa Shock 82-77 yesterday, with the three-time MVP sustaining an apparent hip injury in the first half that sidelined her for the rest of the match.

Despite the loss, 19-year-old former Bulleen Boomer Cambage, who was the No. 2 draft pick this year, put in an impressive display off the bench, scoring 13 points and six rebounds to help Tulsa build a 15-point lead in the first half before the Storm pulled to 37-31 at the break.

Advertisement: Story continues below Seattle's Sue Bird top-scored for the match with 21, while Swin Cash added 17 to secure the defending champions the win.

Camille Little added 11 points and Le'coe Willingham had 10 for the Storm (3-2), who outscored the Shock 30-13 in the third quarter after trailing by six at half-time.

Tiffany Jackson had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Kayla Pederson scored 15 points for Tulsa, whose loss has added to their poor start to the season with a 1-6 win-loss record.

Courtesy of www.theage.com.au

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  CROATIA - Women  


Montenegro stays perfect in Katowice - by Eurobasket News
CROATIA - MONTENEGRO 60-81

Another wonderful performance by Montenegro in Katowice. It was the first game of the Qualifying Round and Montenegro cruised past Croatia to 81-60 victory. It means that Montenegro jumped to 3-0 in Group F, while Croatia dropped to 0-3. With this victory Montenegro already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals. They took control on Croatia from the early beginning as they made 17-14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid 11-point deficit at the HT. Third period ended 14-15 for Montenegro and they ended the last one with 12-21 for the final 60-81 victory.
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) exploded with 25 points and 15 rebounds in victory. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) was close to triple-double: 16 pts, 10 rebs and 7 assists. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) followed with 15 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. In Croatia, Sandra Mandir (175-G-77) collected 14 points and 7 assists. Luca Ivankovic (199-C-87) stopped to 12 pts.
On Friday, Montenegro will meet France, while Croatia will play against Poland.

Croatia: Sandra Mandir 14+7 as, Luca Ivankovic 12
Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 25+15 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 16+10 boards+7 as, Jelena Skerovic 15+6 boards+5 as

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)
Points Per Game
 Doneeka HODGES
  USA
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Hodges, BUL20.3 
 2. Perovanovic, MNT20.0 
 3. Tuukkanen, FIN18.3 
 4. Elhotova, CZE17.7 
 5. Torrens, ESP17.5 
 6. Yilmaz, TUR16.3 
 7. Kalentzou, GRE16.0 
 8. Zherzherunov., UKR15.5 
 9. Meesseman, BEL15.0 
 10. Gruda, FRA14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zane TAMANE
  LAT
  (200-C-83)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Tamane, LAT12.5 
 2. Perovanovic, MNT10.7 
 3. Leuchanka, BLR9.0 
 4. Meesseman, BEL9.0 
 5. Stepanova, RUS9.0 
 6. Tuukkanen, FIN8.8 
 7. Bar, GER8.8 
 8. Zherzherunov., UKR8.3 
 9. Kobryn, POL8.3 
 10. Ress, ITA8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena DUBLJEVIC
  MNT
  (191-C-87)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Dubljevic, MNT5.7 
 2. Babkina, LAT5.5 
 3. Marchanka, BLR5.0 
 4. Mandir, CRO4.5 
 5. De Forge, MNT4.3 
 6. Pawlak, POL3.8 
 7. Bartonova, CZE3.7 
 8. Elhotova, CZE3.3 
 9. Abrosimova, RUS3.3 
 10. Bar, GER3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Isil ALBEN
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Alben, TUR3.3 
 2. De Forge, MNT3.0 
 3. Lyttle, ESP2.8 
 4. Linkeviciene, LTU2.7 
 5. Yilmaz, TUR2.7 
 6. Kalentzou, GRE2.7 
 7. Zherzherunov., UKR2.5 
 8. Mayombo, BEL2.5 
 9. Ivezic, CRO2.3 
 10. Bar, GER2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Gruda, FRA2.3 
 2. Popovic, MNT1.7 
 3. Kobryn, POL1.5 
 4. Marginean, ROM1.5 
 5. Burgrova, CZE1.3 
 6. Khomenchuk, UKR1.3 
 7. Paugaite, LTU1.3 
 8. Kulichova, CZE1.3 
 9. Ndongue, FRA1.0 
 10. Kupcikova, SVK1.0 


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group E
1. Lithuania2-0
2. Czech Rep.2-0
3. Belarus1-1
4. Russia1-1
5. Turkey0-2
6. U.Kingdom0-2
Group F
1. Latvia3-0
2. Montenegro.3-0
3. France2-1
4. Spain1-2
5. Croatia0-3
6. Poland0-3


Second stage: First games in Katowice (Group F) - by Eurobasket News
Group F
Poland - Latvia 53-62
Latvia celebrated valuable 62-53 victory against Poland in the first game of the Qualifying Round in Katowice. Thanks to this win Latvia jumped to 3-0 in Group F and already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals, despite there is two more rounds to be played. Poland dropped to 0-3, but still has a chance to reach fourth place. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) shined for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) scored 14 points and Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) helped with 8 pts. In the loosing squad, Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 13 points each. They also had 7 and 6 rebounds respectively.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Poland made 18-17 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-12 until the halftime. Gunta Basko and her teammates shined after the breather stopping the home squad to just 7 points, while draining 17 on the other side. Poland came to minus 3 during the last period, but that was all from them until the end.
On Friday, Latvia will meet Spain, while Poland will take on Croatia who also has 0-3 score.

France - Spain 79-55
France had amazing last quarter against Spain tonight. The defending champion was down by 2 after 30 minutes (46-48), but they destroyed Spain 33-7 for rest of the game celebrating comfortable 79-55 victory at the end. It means that France jumped to 2-1 in Group F, what is currently enough for third place. Spain dropped to 1-2 and they are No.4 at this moment. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) had 16 points and 5 boards, while Clemence Beikes (178-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 points, plus 5 boards. In the loosing squad, Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) and Sancho Lyttle (192-C-83, college: Houston) had 11 points and 5 rebounds each. Alba Torrens (188-F-89) stopped to 10 pts in this meeting. France totally outrebounded Spain tonight (36-19).
On Friday, France will play against No.1 Montenegro. Spain will meet Latvia.

Croatia - Montenegro 60-81
Another wonderful performance by Montenegro in Katowice. It was the first game of the Qualifying Round and Montenegro cruised past Croatia to 81-60 victory. It means that Montenegro jumped to 3-0 in Group F, while Croatia dropped to 0-3. With this victory Montenegro already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals. They took control on Croatia from the early beginning as they made 17-14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid 11-point deficit at the HT. Third period ended 14-15 for Montenegro and they ended the last one with 12-21 for the final 60-81 victory.
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) exploded with 25 points and 15 rebounds in victory. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) was close to triple-double: 16 pts, 10 rebs and 7 assists. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) followed with 15 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. In Croatia, Sandra Mandir (175-G-77) collected 14 points and 7 assists. Luca Ivankovic (199-C-87) stopped to 12 pts.
On Friday, Montenegro will meet France, while Croatia will play against Poland.

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  FRANCE - Women  


France beats Spain thanks to impressive last quarter - by Eurobasket News
FRANCE - SPAIN 79-55

France had amazing last quarter against Spain tonight. The defending champion was down by 2 after 30 minutes (46-48), but they destroyed Spain 33-7 for rest of the game celebrating comfortable 79-55 victory at the end. It means that France jumped to 2-1 in Group F, what is currently enough for third place. Spain dropped to 1-2 and they are No.4 at this moment. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) had 16 points and 5 boards, while Clemence Beikes (178-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 points, plus 5 boards. In the loosing squad, Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) and Sancho Lyttle (192-C-83, college: Houston) had 11 points and 5 rebounds each. Alba Torrens (188-F-89) stopped to 10 pts in this meeting. France totally outrebounded Spain tonight (36-19).
On Friday, France will play against No.1 Montenegro. Spain will meet Latvia.

France: Sandrine Gruda 17, Endene Miyem 16+5 boards, Clemence Beikes 12+5 boards
Spain: Anna Montanana 11+5 boards, Sancho Lyttle 11+5 boards, Alba Torrens 10

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  GERMANY - Women  


Shenita Landry stays with Marburg - by Eurobasket News
Marburg managed to secure the services of Shenita Landry (188-F, college: Temple) for the next season. The forward was among the best performers on the roster last season. She tallied 10.3 points, 7.0 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game in DBBL. Shenita Landry helped Marburg win DBBL regular season. It was the first pro season for Shenita Landry. The forward graduated from the Temple University in 2010. She averaged 12.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game for the Owls in her senior season. Shenita Landry was named Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009.
In the meantime Marburg parted ways with Karolin Holtz. The centre moved to Rhein-Main Baskets.


Karolin Holtz joins Rhein-Main Baskets - by Eurobasket News
Rhein-Main Baskets strengthened their roster. They added Karolin Holtz (188-C-86) to the squad. The 25-year-old centre spent the last three seasons with Marburg. Last season Karolin Holtz tallied 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in DBBL. She won DBBL regular season with Marburg. Previously Karolin Holtz had stints with Halle and Mainz. The centre played for German U20 National Team back in 2006.


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  LATVIA - Women  


Latvia beats Poland 62-53 for perfect 3-0 in Group F - by Eurobasket News
POLAND - LATVIA 53-62

Latvia celebrated valuable 62-53 victory against Poland in first game of the Qualifying Round in Katowice. Thanks to this win Latvia jumped to 3-0 in Group F and already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals, despite there is two more rounds to be played. Poland dropped to 0-3, but still has a chance to reach fourth place. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) shined for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) scored 14 points and Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) helped with 8 pts. In the loosing squad, Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 13 points each. They also had 7 and 6 rebounds respectively.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Poland made 18-17 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-12 until the halftime. Gunta Basko and her teammates shined after the breather stopping the home squad to just 7 points, while draining 17 on the other side. Poland came to minus 3 during the last period, but that was all from them until the end.
On Friday, Latvia will meet Spain, while Poland will take on Croatia who also has 0-3 score.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 13+7 boards, Elzbieta Mowlik 13+6 boards
Latvia: Gunta Basko 19+5 boards, Ieva Kublina 14, Sabine Niedola 8

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


BBC Telstar bring in Dale-Marie Cumberbatch - by Eurobasket News
BBC Telstar started to improve their roster for the upcoming season. The newly promoted Diekirch League side has just agreed on terms of contract with Dale-Marie Cumberbatch. The forward just graduated from NAIT College in Canada. Dale-Marie Cumberbatch all-time scoring leader in the entire history of both women and men university basketball in Canada. She broke the single season ACAC and CCAA scoring record in her first, second and third seasons and was the fastest and youngest individual ever to reach both the 1,000 point and 2,000 point milestones. She is also the only player to have ever broken the 2,000 career point plateau. She reached 1,000 career points in only 41 games (in just over a season and a half). Her second 1,000 came even quicker as she surpassed 2,000 points in just 73 total games. Which means that second 1,000 was scored over just 32 games, an even faster rate. While the previous ACAC career record of 1407 career points was set in 80 games (4 full seasons), Dale-Marie broke that record in just 56 games (8 games into her 3rd season).
BBC Telstar also landed Charlotte Ransquin (179-F-88), Veronique Karger and Carole Feiereisen.


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


Montenegro stays perfect in Katowice - by Eurobasket News
CROATIA - MONTENEGRO 60-81

Another wonderful performance by Montenegro in Katowice. It was the first game of the Qualifying Round and Montenegro cruised past Croatia to 81-60 victory. It means that Montenegro jumped to 3-0 in Group F, while Croatia dropped to 0-3. With this victory Montenegro already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals. They took control on Croatia from the early beginning as they made 17-14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid 11-point deficit at the HT. Third period ended 14-15 for Montenegro and they ended the last one with 12-21 for the final 60-81 victory.
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) exploded with 25 points and 15 rebounds in victory. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) was close to triple-double: 16 pts, 10 rebs and 7 assists. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) followed with 15 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. In Croatia, Sandra Mandir (175-G-77) collected 14 points and 7 assists. Luca Ivankovic (199-C-87) stopped to 12 pts.
On Friday, Montenegro will meet France, while Croatia will play against Poland.

Croatia: Sandra Mandir 14+7 as, Luca Ivankovic 12
Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 25+15 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 16+10 boards+7 as, Jelena Skerovic 15+6 boards+5 as

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


Latvia beats Poland 62-53 for perfect 3-0 in Group F - by Eurobasket News
POLAND - LATVIA 53-62

Latvia celebrated valuable 62-53 victory against Poland in first game of the Qualifying Round in Katowice. Thanks to this win Latvia jumped to 3-0 in Group F and already secured a spot for the Quarterfinals, despite there is two more rounds to be played. Poland dropped to 0-3, but still has a chance to reach fourth place. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) shined for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) scored 14 points and Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) helped with 8 pts. In the loosing squad, Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 13 points each. They also had 7 and 6 rebounds respectively.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Poland made 18-17 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-12 until the halftime. Gunta Basko and her teammates shined after the breather stopping the home squad to just 7 points, while draining 17 on the other side. Poland came to minus 3 during the last period, but that was all from them until the end.
On Friday, Latvia will meet Spain, while Poland will take on Croatia who also has 0-3 score.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 13+7 boards, Elzbieta Mowlik 13+6 boards
Latvia: Gunta Basko 19+5 boards, Ieva Kublina 14, Sabine Niedola 8

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  SPAIN - Women  


France beats Spain thanks to impressive last quarter - by Eurobasket News
FRANCE - SPAIN 79-55

France had amazing last quarter against Spain tonight. The defending champion was down by 2 after 30 minutes (46-48), but they destroyed Spain 33-7 for rest of the game celebrating comfortable 79-55 victory at the end. It means that France jumped to 2-1 in Group F, what is currently enough for third place. Spain dropped to 1-2 and they are No.4 at this moment. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) had 16 points and 5 boards, while Clemence Beikes (178-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 points, plus 5 boards. In the loosing squad, Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) and Sancho Lyttle (192-C-83, college: Houston) had 11 points and 5 rebounds each. Alba Torrens (188-F-89) stopped to 10 pts in this meeting. France totally outrebounded Spain tonight (36-19).
On Friday, France will play against No.1 Montenegro. Spain will meet Latvia.

France: Sandrine Gruda 17, Endene Miyem 16+5 boards, Clemence Beikes 12+5 boards
Spain: Anna Montanana 11+5 boards, Sancho Lyttle 11+5 boards, Alba Torrens 10

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  SYRIA - Women  


Iannis Diamantakos joins Syrian Women National Team - by Greg
Iannis Diamantakos is a coach who does not hesitate either to take 'mission impossible', or to escape the boundaries of his country. He has also worked in Romanian ICIM Arad, but also for U20 National team in Romania.

The Greek coach took over the National Women of Syria. 'I have received a very prestigious proposal by the President of the Syrian Federation Muhammad Jalal NAKRACH to take the National Women of the country.'

The president wants to run a project with foreign coaches (men and women) to raise the level of basketball in the country and I am pleased to be part of this project 'he said.

'We begin with a summer camp for National team in July and August, in two training centres that exist in Damascus and Aleppo city. In December we will take part in WABA games' claimed Iannis Diamantakos.

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  UKRAINE - Women  


Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket
Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL 1st Team 2011
#s#
Alina Iagupova
Iagupova
Arina Markotenko
Markotenko
Anna Pokoiova
Pokoiova
Kateryna Dorogobuzova
Dorogobuzova
Olga Maznichenko
Maznichenko
#e#5

Player of the year: Alina Iagupova (181-G-92) of Dnipro-DVUFK
Guard of the year: Alina Iagupova (181-G-92) of Dnipro-DVUFK
Forward of the year: Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87) of Kozachka
Center of the year: Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91) of Tim-Scuf
Bosman player of the year: Dragana Vukovic (190-C-78) of Yuzhna Palmira
Import player of the year: Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87) of Dynamo
Domestic player of the year: Alina Iagupova (181-G-92) of Dnipro-DVUFK
Coach of the year: Maryna Tkachenko of Tim-Scuf

1st Team:
G: Arina Markotenko (170-89) of Frankivsk
G: Alina Iagupova (181-92) of Dnipro-DVUFK
F: Anna Pokoiova (188-87) of Kozachka
F: Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-90) of Tim-Scuf
F: Olga Maznichenko (187-91) of Tim-Scuf

2nd Team:
G: Kimberly Williams (168-74) of Dnipro-DVUFK
G/F: Shantel Ragin (178-87) of Dynamo
F: Natalia Isachenko (183-79) of Tim-Scuf
F: Olena Zherzherunova (191-78) of Kozachka
C: Dragana Vukovic (190-78) of Yuzhna Palmira

Honorable mention:
Irina Rastorgueva (180-C-76) of Dnipro-DVUFK
Alisa Siromatnikova (165-G-87) of Yuzhna Palmira
Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) of Orlan
Kateryna Rymarenko (183-F-90) of Dynamo
Tetyana Shchypakina (178-F-85) of Yuzhna Palmira
Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86) of Kozachka
Lybov Yakunina (186-F-86) of Dynamo
Taisiia Bovykina (190-C-89) of Dnipro-DVUFK
Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) of Kozachka
Inna Faskhutdinova (182-F-84) of Tim-Scuf
Yevgeniya Sharovka (175-G-88) of Tim-Scuf
Marinela Agalareva (178-F/G-77) of Donbas

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Arina Markotenko (170-89) of Frankivsk
G: Alina Iagupova (181-92) of Dnipro-DVUFK
F: Anna Pokoiova (188-87) of Kozachka
F: Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-90) of Tim-Scuf
F: Olga Maznichenko (187-91) of Tim-Scuf

All-Imports Team * includes also bosman players
G: Kimberly Williams (168-74) of Dnipro-DVUFK
G/F: Shantel Ragin (178-87) of Dynamo
F: Oksana Horoshavina (186-85) of Frankivsk
C: Tatsiana Zhurauliova (190-87) of Politeh Basket
C: Dragana Vukovic (190-78) of Yuzhna Palmira


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


WNBA unveils 30 official nominees for voting of Top 15 players of all time - by Eurobasket News
In celebration of its historic 15th season, the WNBA is honoring the most influential players since its inception in 1997, and announced today the 30 official nominees for the Top 15 Players of all time. The nominees were selected by a panel comprised of media members and basketball experts, with consideration given to such factors as on-court performance and ability, leadership, sportsmanship and community service, as well as to contributions to team success and the overall growth of women's basketball.

'We are extremely proud to recognize and honor the greatest players in the 15-year history of the WNBA,' said WNBA President Laurel Richie. 'The women who comprise the list of nominees are an extraordinary combination of ground-breaking pioneers and present-day stars. Each has made a unique contribution to the game, but all share an unsurpassed passion for women's basketball and for the WNBA. It is through their efforts, collectively, that the WNBA has become - and will continue to be - the destination point for the most talented female basketball players in the world.'

Voting for the league's Top 15 Players of all time will be conducted among fans and select national and WNBA-market media, as well as current players and coaches. Fans are encouraged to vote by logging onto WNBA.com, which will highlight each of the 30 nominees, complete with biographical information and a photo gallery. In addition, the history section will serve as an informational resource for fans and media to browse through career statistical leaders, league milestones, previous award winners and more.

Fans can cast a vote for their Top 15 Players of all time once per day by going online to http://www.wnba.com/top15players starting today and ending at midnight on July 14.

The WNBA's Top 15 Players will be unveiled and honored at the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game, where the San Antonio Silver Stars will host the midseason classic for the first time in franchise history. ABC will nationally broadcast the game on Saturday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT).

Individual tickets for the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game are available to the general public at all San Antonio Ticketmaster locations, including by phone at (210) 225-TEAM, or online at ticketmaster.com or sasilverstars.com . Tickets can also be purchased at the AT&T Center Southeast Box Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on weekend event days starting at 10 a.m. or by calling (210) 444-5090.

Among other season-long initiatives, the WNBA will offer fans a special opportunity to determine the Top 15 Moments in league history. That initiative, set to tip off in late July, will enable fans to rank - from No. 15 through No. 1 - the greatest games, plays, milestones, and inspirational moments in the history of the WNBA. The rankings will be unveiled during the second half of the season through the Playoffs and into the Finals. WNBA teams will also be hosting specially-themed game nights to commemorate the 15th season milestone, along with creative fan promotions, interactive events and presentations to long-time season ticket holders.

Below is a list of the 30 official nominees for the league's Top 15 Players of all time:

Name WNBA Team (Current/Last) Previous Team (s)

Seimone Augustus Minnesota Lynx (2006-Current)

Sue Bird Seattle Storm (2002-Current)

Ruthie Bolton* Sacramento Monarchs (1997-2004)

Swin Cash Seattle Storm (2008-Current) Detroit Shock (2002-2007)

Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever (2002-Current)

Cynthia Cooper* Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003)

Katie Douglas Indiana Fever (2008-Current) Orlando Miracle (2001-2002), Connecticut Sun (2003-2007)

Cheryl Ford Detroit Shock (2003-2009)

Yolanda Griffith* Indiana Fever (2009) Sacramento Monarchs (1999-2007),

Seattle Storm (2008)

Becky Hammon San Antonio Silver Stars (2007-Current) New York Liberty (1999-2006)

Chamique Holdsclaw San Antonio Silver Stars (2010) Washington Mystics (1999-2004),

Los Angeles Sparks (2005-2007),

Atlanta Dream (2009-2010)

Lauren Jackson Seattle Storm (2001-Current)

Shannon Johnson* Seattle Storm (2009) Orlando Miracle (1999-2002),

Connecticut Sun (2003), San Antonio Silver Stars (2004-2006), Detroit Shock (2007), Houston Comets (2008)

Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC)* Los Angeles Sparks (1997-2006, 2008-2009)

Taj McWilliams-Franklin Minnesota Lynx (Current) Orlando Miracle (1999-2002), Connecticut Sun (2003-2006), Los Angeles Sparks (2007), Washington Mystics (2008), Detroit Shock (2008-2009), New York Liberty (2010)

Delisha Milton-Jones Los Angeles Sparks (1999-2004, Washington Mystics (2005-2007) 2008-Current)

Deanna Nolan Detroit Shock (2001-2009)

Candace Parker Los Angeles Sparks (2008-Current)

Ticha Penicheiro Los Angeles Sparks (2010-Current) Sacramento Monarchs (1998-2009)

Cappie Pondexter New York Liberty (2010-Current) Phoenix Mercury (2006-2009)

Nykesha Sales* Connecticut Sun (2003-2007) Orlando Miracle (1999-2002)

Katie Smith Seattle Storm (Current) Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005), Detroit Shock (2005-2009), Washington Mystics (2010)

Name WNBA Team (Current/Last) Previous Team (s)

Tangela Smith Indiana Fever (Current) Sacramento Monarchs (1998-2004), Charlotte Sting (2005-2006), Phoenix Mercury (2007-2010)

Dawn Staley* Houston Comets (2006-2006) Charlotte Sting (1999-2005)

Sheryl Swoopes Tulsa Shock (Current) Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2002-2007), Seattle Storm (2008)

Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury (2004-Current)

Penny Taylor Phoenix Mercury (2004-2007, Cleveland Rockers (2001-2003)

2009-Current)

Tina Thompson Los Angeles Sparks (2009-Current) Houston Comets (1997-2008)

Teresa Weatherspoon* Los Angeles Sparks (2004) New York Liberty (1997-2003)

Natalie Williams* Indiana Fever (2003-2005) Utah Starzz (1999-2002)

*Retired

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Hip injury sidelines Lauren Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Reigning MVP Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) suffered an injury in her first WNBA showdown against fellow Australian, rising star Liz Cambage.

Jackson finished with just four points as her team, the Seattle Storm, rallied to beat the Tulsa Shock 82-77 yesterday, with the three-time MVP sustaining an apparent hip injury in the first half that sidelined her for the rest of the match.

Despite the loss, 19-year-old former Bulleen Boomer Cambage, who was the No. 2 draft pick this year, put in an impressive display off the bench, scoring 13 points and six rebounds to help Tulsa build a 15-point lead in the first half before the Storm pulled to 37-31 at the break.

Advertisement: Story continues below Seattle's Sue Bird top-scored for the match with 21, while Swin Cash added 17 to secure the defending champions the win.

Camille Little added 11 points and Le'coe Willingham had 10 for the Storm (3-2), who outscored the Shock 30-13 in the third quarter after trailing by six at half-time.

Tiffany Jackson had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Kayla Pederson scored 15 points for Tulsa, whose loss has added to their poor start to the season with a 1-6 win-loss record.

Courtesy of www.theage.com.au

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


Tuesday's games review - by Eurobasket News
S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 98-105
Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 30 points and the Phoenix Mercury shot better than 50 percent Tuesday night to hand San Antonio its first loss of the season, 105-98. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) added 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Kara Braxton scored 15 and Temeka Johnson had 14 in the win. The Mercury have won two games in a row since starting the season 0-3. They were able to overcome a 2-for-13 shooting performance from Diana Taurasi, who scored just seven points. Becky Hammon scored 28 points and Danielle Adams chipped in 22 off the bench for San Antonio, which fell to 4-1. *Courtesy of www.wzzm13.com

Tulsa S. - Seattle S. 77-82
Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) scored 21 points, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) had 17 and the defending champion Seattle Storm rallied for an 82-77 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Tuesday night. Camille Little added 11 points and Le'coe Willingham had 10 for the Storm (3-2), who outscored the Shock 30-13 in the third quarter after trailing by six at halftime. Bird and Cash combined for 20 points after the break. Three-time MVP Lauren Jackson finished with four points. She suffered an apparent hip injury in the first half and did not return after halftime. Tiffany Jackson had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead Tulsa (1-6). Kayla Pederson scored 15 points, Liz Cambage had 13 points and six rebounds, and Ivory Latta added 11 points. Jackson finished 12 for 12 from the line Cambage scored nine points off the bench to help Tulsa build a 15-point lead in the first half before the Storm pulled to 37-31 at the break. Seattle scored eight consecutive points early in the third quarter to take the lead. Cash's layup put the Storm ahead 40-39 with 7:50 to go in the period, Willingham capped the spurt with a basket about 28 seconds later and they didn't trail again. Ashley Robinson's jumper in the opening minute of the fourth extended Seattle's lead to 63-50. Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

L.Angeles S. - New York L. 96-91
Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida) scored 27 points and had a key late steal to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the New York Liberty 96-91 on Tuesday night. Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) had 21 points and 13 rebounds to hlep the Sparks (4-1) win their third straight. Kristi Toliver added 16 points and Tina Thompson added 14 and a key block in the final minute. The game was on the anniversary of the WNBA's inaugural contest in 1997 featuring the two teams. Cappie Pondexter scored 22 points for New York (2-4), which has lost four straight. After a steal by Milton-Jones, Parker's layup with 29 seconds gave the Sparks a 94-91 lead. The Liberty had two looks at tying it but Powell missed a 3 and the Sidney Spencer's shot was blocked by Thompson. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Atlanta D. - Chicago S. 71-68
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 14 points and newcomer Courtney Paris had nine points and eight rebounds to lead Atlanta past Chicago 71-68 on Tuesday afternoon. The Dream (2-5) played their third game without second-leading scorer and rebounder Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston), who is competing for Spain in an Olympic qualifying tournament. Paris was signed Saturday to fill the void and came off the bench to help Atlanta build a 43-31 halftime lead. The Dream kept Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, the league's second-leading scorer, in check for three quarters. Fowles finished with her average of 21 points, giving the Sky (3-3) a 55-53 lead with 7:29 left on a three-point play. The lead changed hands a few times before Erika de Souza's turnaround jumper gave the Dream the lead for good, 67-66, with 1:32 remaining. Tamera Young scored a season-high 14 points off the bench for Chicago. Atlanta's de Souza scored 12 in just 19 foul-plagued minutes, and Lindsey Harding added 11. With her late push, Fowles set a franchise record by scoring 20 or more points in her fifth consecutive game. Candace Dupree did that four straight times in 2007. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Washington M. - Indiana F. 80-89
Reserve guard Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored a season-high 21 points and the Indiana Fever held off the Washington Mystics 89-80 on Tuesday night. Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) and Briann January added 18 apiece to help the Fever (4-3) salvage the final contest of a three-game road trip that saw them criss-cross the country from Seattle to Phoenix to Washington in five days. Zellous, who entered the game having scored just seven points the first six games, shot 7 for 9 from the field. Crystal Langhorne scored 23 points and Matee Ajavon added 17 for Washington (1-5), which lost its fourth straight. Leading by three at halftime, Indiana scored the first nine points of the second half and was up 14 after the break. The Mystics rallied but got no closer than three points. Playing without leading scorer Katie Douglas, who was injured in Sunday's loss at Phoenix, the Fever made just three field goals in the first quarter and fell behind by 11. Sparked by Tamika Catchings and January, Indiana went on an 18-2 run to start the second quarter. Douglas is expected to return to the lineup Saturday when the Fever host Connecticut. Washington's Alana Beard has yet to play in the regular season due to a sprained left foot Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com