Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/25/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

ARGENTINA

U16 Argentina beats U16 Brazil in do-or-die game - by Eurobasket News
U16 BRAZIL - U16 ARGENTINA 77-85

It was a do-or-die game for both teams. Argentina was better than Brazil 85-77 winning the second place in Group B. Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting. Argentina ended as No.2 and booked a spot for the Semifinals. Brazil (No.3) will continue in Classification Round. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Lucio Reinaudi (95) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Jonathan Sacco (95) added 11 pts, plus 6 rebs. In Brazil, Fernando Stafleu (95) top-scored with 22 pts. Luis Ricci (95) had 19 pts and 5 assists, while Humberto Gomes (96) added 12 pts.
First half ended with 34-34 tie. Argentina took control on Brazil after that making plus 10 in third period. They Brazil threatened in the last quarter, but Argenrina managed to keep its lead and to book a spot for the Semifinals. Championship continues today.

Brazil: Fernando Stafleu 22, Luis Ricci 19+5 as, Humberto Gomes 12
Argentina: Gabriel Deck 23, Lucio Reinaudi 15+7 boards, Jonathan Sacco 11+6 boards

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AUSTRALIA

Cockburn looking to upset local rivals Lakeside (Round 15 MSBL Preview) - by Eurobasket News
Cockburn Cougars will be hoping to end Lakeside Lightning's eight-game winning streak when they meet in a top-of-the-table men's State Basketball League clash.

The Lightning are four points clear of Cockburn at the top of the league with a game in hand and will almost certainly finish first if they beat the Cougars.

But Cockburn has only lost once at Wally Hagan Stadium this season and will be full of confidence for Saturday's round 15 clash, even though Lakeside, which also plays Perth Redbacks on Friday, has won its last four games by an average of 39 points.

The Cougars also face a tough test against the in-form Australian Central East Perth Eagles, who have climbed to sixth spot with three-straight wins and will be looking to consolidate their place in the top eight. East Perth also plays 11th-placed Mandurah Magic on Saturday.

Defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers will be desperate to bounce back from last week's humiliating 60-point loss to Lakeside with wins against Wanneroo Wolves and Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

But both the third-placed Wolves and seventh-placed Suns have won their past three games and will be hoping to take advantage of the absence of star Tigers big man Matthew Knight (204-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount), who is out with a calf strain.

Wanneroo also meets Rockingham Flames, whose final hopes are over after losing their last three games.

SKILLED Goldfields Giants have slipped to 10th spot with three straight losses and need to beat heated rivals Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers and fellow top eight contender ATD Stirling Senators to get their finals hopes back on track.

The Giants head to Perth on Friday to face Stirling, which has fallen to ninth with its three-game losing streak, before travelling to Geraldton to face the struggling Buccaneers on Saturday to complete a nightmare road-trip.

The Senators also face Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks, which has all but assured a top four spot with four-straight victories.

Perth moved back into the top eight with victory in Kalgoorlie last week and need to maintain their momentum with wins against Lakeside and Southwest Slammers, who remain winless with six games to go.

But the Redbacks could be without star forward Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) due to his Australian Boomers commitments.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: SBL

Cleveland Cavaliers take Dukes Kyrie Irving with No. 1 NBA Draft pick - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers took Duke University's Kyrie Irving (187-G-92) with the top pick in the National Basketball Association draft as they seek to rebuild a team that had a 19-63 record last season after losing LeBron James.

The 6-foot-2 Irving was the third point guard taken No. 1 in the past four years, following Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls in 2008 and John Wall of the Washington Wizards in 2010. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said Irving doesnt have the explosiveness of Rose or Wall, likening him instead to Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, who has made four All-Star appearances in his first six NBA seasons.

He changes pace and direction really well, hes got a really good feel for the game and hes a mature leader, Bilas said on a media conference call. Hell step in and be a really good point guard in the league. The question is whether hes going to be an All-Star player. Thats still an open question because we didnt get a chance to see as much of him as we expected in his freshman year.

The Minnesota Timberwolves chose second, taking University of Arizona forward Derrick Williams. The New York Knicks were booed by fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, last night for using the 17th overall selection on Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert.

Four players from outside the U.S. were among the top seven picks for the first time in draft history.

Irving, 19, declared for the draft after his freshman season at Duke, where he was limited to 11 games because of a foot injury and averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists.

Courtesy of www.bloomberg.com

NBA Draft 2011: Lakers select Majok with 58th pick - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted forward Ater Majok (208-F-87, college: Connecticut) with the 58th pick in Thursday night's draft. Majok spent one season at Connecticut as a freshman in 2009-10, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 blocks in 26 games. The 6-foot-10 Majok last appeared in the Australian League. The selection was the last of the Lakers' four second-round picks.
Ater Majok appeared 6 times for the Gold Coast Blaze last season averaging 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. He joined them in February from the Perth Wildcats. With the Cats Majok had 7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2 bpg for 8 games. Ater Majok started last season in Turkey with FMV Isikspor. In the past he played for University of Connecticut, American International HS and Heat Academy in Martinsville, VA. He was a member of the Australian National Team in 2010.

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Lakeside L.		17-2
2. Wanneroo W.		15-5
3. Cockburn C.		14-6
4. Perry Lakes H.		13-6
5. Willetton T.		12-8
6. East Perth E.		10-9
7. Stirling S.		10-10
8. Kalamunda E.S.		9-10
9. Goldfield G.		9-11
10. Perth R.		9-11
11. Mandurah M.		7-12
12. Geraldton B.		7-13
13. Rockingham F.		6-15
14. AIS		0-0
15. SW Slammers		0-20

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BAHRAIN

Mighty Clark lifts Muharraq - by Yousef Ahmed
WITH 40 seconds remaining and victory already secured, Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) picked up injured teammate Salem Mohammed and singlehandedly carried him to the team's bench. Such was the impact last night of the mighty six-foot, eight-inch American, who lifted Muharraq to a 79-74 victory over Al Hala to send the Zain Bahrain Basketball League championship series to a third and decisive game. Clark spearheaded his team with 29 points while grabbing 13 rebounds. He came up big when his team needed him to most, making some key baskets down the stretch and also taking over the point guard duties when needed.

Clark put a stamp on the victory with three minutes left to play when he drove against the tough defence of opposing import Patrick Simpson (206-F-83, college: SMU), spun and in one motion rose for an emphatic tomahawk slam dunk that made it 73-59. He followed that with a steal and a breakaway dunk on their very next possession to stretch Muharraq's lead to 16, virtually icing the win. Hala were able to cut the deficit to five before the final buzzer with three desperation three-pointers, but it was too little too late as the stage was set for the winner-take-all game three, currently scheduled for Monday. 'I never do anything different in any game, whether it's our first game or the last; I always try to go as hard as I can and do what the team needs me to do to get the win,' Clark told the GDN, playing down suggestions that he was extra pumped up for yesterday's do-or-die contest. 'We need to take the same approach heading into game three. We need to work harder than them, play the way we play, and do whatever we need to do to get another win.'

Muharraq were in control of the game from the opening tip, albeit a five-minute spell in the third quarter when they let a 13-point lead whittle down to just four. But a slam dunk by Clark ended the poor run and sparked another, as Hala went cold from the field for the rest of the period and Muharraq capitalised. They pushed the ball in transition and were rewarded with a string of easy baskets that helped them take a 62-50 advantage heading into the final canto. That paved the way for Clark's heroics in the end-game. He scored nine points in the game's dying minutes to help extend the best-of-three finals clash to the maximum. To go with Clark's superb play, Muharraq also had key contributions from their young Bahraini talents.

Difference

Mohammed Abdulmajeed chipped in with 13 points, but it was the efficiency of backcourt mate Salem Mohammed and second-stringer Mohammed Hakeem that helped make a difference. Mohammed and Hakeem finished with 10 points apiece, while playing strangling defence on Hala's guards and helping keep a steady tempo offensively. 'I think our guys did well to limit our quick shots today, which is what coach Walter (Carvalho) told them to do,' Muharraq Club official Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said. 'Ira was magnificent once again, but our whole team did their job and we are happy to have come away with this game.' Muharraq held a narrow 19-15 lead at the end of the period. In the second, they gave themselves some breathing room, going on a 12-3 run capped by a Yasser bu Naffour basket to move ahead by double-digits for the first time in the game, 32-22. Four straight points from reserve forward Mohammed Hakeem helped them head into the half up 38-30.

Simpson paced Hala with 32 points, while Abdulla Al Khaja added a surprise 19 off the bench and Jawadi had 11.

Source GDN By PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Friday, June 24, 2011

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BELGIUM

Gent Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Optima Gent has added American forward Michael Haynes (203-F/C-81, college: Fordham) to its roster for the coming season. Michael previously played in Europe. Fropm 2008 till 2010 he played in Germany for Tubingen and Ludwigsburg. During the 2009-2010 season at Ludwigsburg he averaged 10.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg. Other stints in Europe include Bnei Hasharon (Israel), Calpe in the Spanish LEB, Clermont in the French ProA league, Koszalin in Poland and Cantabria in the Spanish LEB gold league.
This past season he played in the D-league for the Iowa Energy. In 56 games for Iowa he averaged 12.0 ppg and 4.1 rpg. Iowa won the 2011 NBDL Championship.

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BOSNIA

Rasim Dizdarevic cut due to medical resons - by Nedzad Kladusak
After the fourth day of preparations of the Bosnian U20-NT coach Kisic decided to cut Rasim Dizdarevic (207-C/F-91) who
is not fully recovered after a recent surgery. According to sportsport.ba the young powerforward recently had to remove a vein.
Despite he tried hard his foot was swollen and the coaches decided not to risk his health. Rasim Dizdarevic plays for Spanish team Merida.BIH will also play at least two additional test matches against two division A teams Montenegro and Serbia.

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BRAZIL

BULGARIA

Starting five

Stoyanov

Karamfilov

Tenchev

Galabov

Dimitrov

Damyan Stoyanov

192-G-93

Overgas

Nikolay Marinov

175-PG-94

Balkan

Denislav Vutev

206-C-94

Cherno More Bulgaria

Angel Natskin

182-PG-93

Cherno More U18 Bulgaria

Nikolay Stoyanov

195-F-94

Cherno More Bulgaria

Deyan Karamfilov

179-PG-94

Kris Minkov

197-F-94

Tencho Tenchev

203-F-93

Aleks Simeonov

200-C-93

Levski

Rayko Dundalov

199-F/C-93

Balkan

Velislav Galabov

205-C-94

Balkan

Dimitar Dimitrov

203-F-93

Immobiliare SR Italy

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CANADA

Cleveland Cavaliers pick Canada's Tristan Thompson fourth overall at NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Canada's Tristan Thompson (203-F-91) was flying up the rankings leading up to the NBA draft. Now he's going to be part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' high-profile rebuilding project.

Thompson became the highest Canadian draft selection of basketball's modern era when the Cavaliers took him fourth overall in Thursday's draft.

He joins guard Kyrie Irving, who was taken first overall, as part of the process to rebuild the Cavaliers following LeBron James' devastating departure last off-season.

Thompson, a Brampton, Ont., native, beat Phoenix star Steve Nash's 15th overall selection in the 1996 draft. Bob Houbregs of Vancouver holds the record after being taken second overall by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1953.

'I need some more time for it to sink it, but it's definitely an honor and it shows how much the Canadian basketball culture has grown,' Thompson said.

Immediately after shaking David Stern's hand, Thompson was on the phone with Cavaliers coach, Byron Scott.

'Just, welcome to the family,' Thompson said, when asked what Scott had said to him. 'I'm excited to be down there and it's time to work.'

Thompson wasn't the only Canadian taken in the first round. The San Antonio Spurs took his Texas roommate Cory Joseph, a native of Pickering, Ont., with the 29th pick. It's the first time that two Canadians have been drafted in the first round.

Joseph, a guard, averaged 10.4 points and 3.6 rebounds as a freshman with Texas.

Thompson, a six-foot-nine, 230-pound forward from the University of Texas, averaged 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds in his first and only year playing in the NCAA.

While the pick drew a surprised reaction around the room when his name was called, Thompson said he felt confident with Cleveland in the days leading up the draft.

'I thought it was realistic after the Cavs called me for a second workout,' Thompson said. 'I thought, anything is possible and I thought I could be the highest Canadian ever drafted.'

One thing Thompson has never lacked is confidence. Shining in his session with the media on Wednesday afternoon, he continued to work the room after being drafted.

'The journey has been exciting,' Thompson said of his past month. 'Meeting a lot of front offices and travelling to a lot of different cities, it's been a blessing in disguise. I know a lot of people never expected itIt just shows the wonders that hard work puts in.'

With many people initially doubting his decision to declare for the draft this year, strong workouts on the court and stellar interviews off of it helped Thompson's stock skyrocket.

Admitting that he was nervous in the final minutes before the draft started, Thompson did not stop smiling after his name was called. With his goal met, he was looking forward to the next thing on his list: celebrating.

'I fell asleep around 2 o'clock,' Thompson said of his sleep the night before, before flashing a huge grin. 'Maybe tonight I might be up all night.'

Courtesy of http://ca.news.yahoo.com

Raptors select Jonas Valanciunas fifth overall in NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors opted for long-term potential with the fifth overall selection in the NBA Draft, selecting Lithuanian power forward Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92). The Cleveland Cavaliers had the first pick and opened the festivities in Newark, New Jersey by selecting Duke point guard Kyrie Irving. Valanciunas was the Raptors' only selection of the night, as the team did not have a second round pick.
Jonas Valanciunas spent last season with Lietuvos Rytas. He played 33 games for them in LKL averaging 11.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg. In Euroleague, Valanciunas added 7.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 15 games. He had even better numbers in Baltic and VTB United league. Valanciunas joined Rytas in January of 2010 from Perlas.
Jonas Valanciunas paced Lithuania to Gold at the U18 EuroBasket last summer. He exploded with 19.4 ppg, 13.4 rpg and 2.7 bpg for 9 games at this event. Of course, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 MVP -10.

'I can tell you that without question we have found a combination of the best talent and the best fit for this team,' said Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo after the draft.

U16 Canada goes to Semifinals in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
U16 MEXICO - U16 CANADA 56-88

Canada registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They handed 88-56 loss to Mexico taking the second place in Group A. It means that Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet USA. Mexico ended as the last ranked team in this group (0-3). Patrick Steeves (95) came up with 16 points and 9 rebounds in victory. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G) also had 16 points, while Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Jose Hermosillo (95) collected 11 points and 7 rebs. Omar De Hato also scored 11 pts.
Canada took control on Mexico from the very beginning. They made 12-25 record and managed to keep plus 12 until the halftime. Canada was better team in the second half as well (14-22, 15-27) winning this game with comfortable 56-88. Semifinals will be played today.

Mexico: Jose Hermosillo 11+7 boards, Omar De Hato 11
Canada: Patrick Steeves 16+9 boards, Kevin-Mbezela Zabo 16, Tyrell Bellot-Green 15+8 boards

Rockets acquire Motiejunas and Flynn from Timberwolves - by Eurobasket News
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have traded the 23rd and 38th picks in the draft, a future first-round pick and centre Brad Miller (6'11''-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) to Minnesota for seven-foot Lithuanian Donatas Motiejunas (7'0''-C-90, agency: Interperformances) and point guard Jonny Flynn (6'0''-G-89, college: Syracuse).

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the deal has not yet been approved by the league.

The Timberwolves selected the seven-foot Motiejunas with the 20th pick. Motiejunas is playing his second season with the Italian club Benetton Treviso. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and two steals in 30 regular-season games.

The Rockets used the 23rd overall pick on Nikola Mirotic, a forward from Montenegro. Mirotic is in his first season with Real Madrid.

Earlier, the Rockets used the 14th overall pick to take Kansas forward Marcus Morris.

Courtesy of www.tsn.ca

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CHILE

U16 Puerto Rico wins Group A in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
U16 PUERTO RICO - U16 CHILE 80-55

Puerto Rico finished Preliminary Round in Cancun with perfect 3-0. They cruised past Chile 80-55 winning the first place in Group A. Puerto Rico will meet Argentina in the Semifinals. On the other side, Chile failed to reach the next stage ending as No.3 in this group with 1-2 record. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) once again was the leading player in victory. This time he scored 26 points. Bryan Rodriguez (186-G-95) scored 12 and Ariel Watson (95) had 10 pts, plus 6 rebounds. In Chile, Matias Sepulveda (96) collected 16 points and 5 rebs, while Eugenio Luzcando (95) stopped to 12 pts. Puerto Rico was way better team in the first half. They made 2109 in Q1 and continued with 23-10 after that. After 20 minutes of game question about the winner was already resolved and second half was just the formality. Semifinals will be played today.

Puerto Rico: Miguel Cartagena 26, Bryan Rodriguez 12, Ariel Watson 10+6 boards
Chile: Matias Sepulveda 16+5 boards, Eugenio Luzcando 12

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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. Sichuan		3-3
6. Jiangsu		2-3
7. Changan Group		2-3
8. Guangzhou FM		2-3
9. Heilongjiang		2-4
10. Hangzhou		1-4

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva		12-1
2. Escazu		11-1
3. Cartago		7-5
4. ARBA San Ram.		7-6
5. Sanatura D.		6-7
6. Perez Zeledon		4-9
7. Liceo		3-10
8. Goico		1-12

Escazu and Barva battle for the supremacy - by Gianni Pascucci
The first place of LBS 2011 is yet available, and the game of tomorrow night between Ferreteria Brenes Barva and Escazu will say the last words about it. Escazu has yet won the first showdown of the season, and with another win could claim the first chair and the home advantage in playoffs. In the last round of games, Barva destroyed on the road Perez Zeledon, 101-58, Escazu had a tougher job to defeat USJ Arba, a team yet qualified for the semifinals, 78-71, and Cartago claimed the fourth place of the playoff by defeating, 109-101, Santa Paula. Liceo de Costa Rica is sadly ending its season, and felt to Sanatura, 67-80

U16 USA wins Group B in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
COSTA RICA - USA 46-118

As expected, USA destroyed Costa Rica registering third straight victory in Cancun. USA ended as No.1 of Group B and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Costa Rico finished as the last ranked team in this group with 0-3 score. They will continue in Classification Round. Conner Frankamp (96) came up with 22 points and 9 assists for the winners. Aaron Gordon (96) also was great and he was very close to reach triple-double: 18 pts, 18 rebs, 9 as. Kendrick Nunn (96) helped with 12 pts. In Costa Rica, Milton Jimenez (95) shined with 28 points. Henry Sanchez (95) netted 11 pts. USA was simply too strong for their rival during the entire game. Quarters: 0-19, 7-40, 25-30, 14-29. The championship continues today.

Costa Rica: Milton Jimenez 28, Henry Sanchez 11
USA: Conner Frankamp 22+9 as, Aaron Gordon 18+18 rebs+9 as, Kendrick Nunn 12

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CROATIA

Greece celebrate first win in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Croatia U18 84:66

Greece earned the first win at the Douai international tournament. They prevailed against Croatia to improve at 1-2 record. Giannoulis Larentzakis (200-F-94) knocked down 20 points to pace the Hellenes. Croatia suffered the third loss in a row.
Greece held their opponents to only 6 points in the opening frame building a 13-point lead. Croatia recovered offensively in the second period but could not get any closer. The Hellenes posted a 40:27 halftime lead. Greece maintained the lead throughout the third frame. Greece arrived at the final break up by 14 points. Greece fired 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome. Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) produced 16 points and 13 boards, while Apollon Deligeorgis (192-G-93) added 16 points in the win. Stipe Cubric (182-G-93) answered with 15 points for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) netted 14 points and collected 9 boards in the loss.

Greece U18: Giannoulis Larentzakis 20, Petros Melissaratos 16+13 boards, Apollon Deligeorgis 16
Croatia U18: Stipe Cubric 15, Josip Mikulic 14

Jasmin Perkovic remain with Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80) remain with Cremona for the next season. The team announced keeping the Croatian Forward at least for another season.
Jasmin Perkovic joined the Italian team last season. For Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 9.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 88.3%. Before heading to Italy Jasmin played in Germany for three years. In 2007-2008 he joined EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five) and after 40 games had 11.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 78.2%. In 2008-2009 for EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) he showed 10.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 82.9% in EuroChallenge, while in German League after 32 games had 8.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for EWE Baskets Oldenburg he averaged 9.5ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT in EuroLeague.
In Italy he recorded this season 20 points twice with the latter at the Regular Season Round 27. Vanoli-Braga (#12) forced the game against Benetton Treviso (#4) into an overtime, but lost by two points 86-88. Vanoli-Braga was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 19-16 charge of Benetton Treviso, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 7-5. Benetton Treviso outrebounded Vanoli-Braga 47-30 including 16 on the offensive glass. 29 personal fouls committed by Vanoli-Braga helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian center Donatas Motiejunas who had a double-double by scoring 31 points and 14 rebounds. American swingman Devin Smith chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Croatian forward Jasmin Perkovic who recorded 20 points and 6 rebounds.

Miami Heat select Bojan Bogdanovic as 31st overall pick - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat have drafted Croatian guard Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) with the first pick of the second round in Thursday's NBA draft, the 31st overall selection. The 22-year-old Bogdanovic was picked as part of a multi-team trade that was expected to land Miami the No. 28 overall pick, guard Norris Cole of Cleveland State.
Bojan Bogdanovic is currently a member of Fenerbahce Ulker. He signed a deal with the Turkish powerhouse a week ago. Bogdanovic played for Cibona last season. The 22-year-old forward came up with 20.1 points, 4.6 boards and 2.6 assists per game in Croatian league. In Euroleague, Bogdanovic tallied 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per appearance. In Adriatic League the forward delivered 18.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists. Eurobasket.com named Bojan Bogdanovic into All-Croatian A1 League 1st Team. Before Cibona, Bojan Bogdanovic played for Murcia, Real Madrid and Zrinjski. He is active member of the Croatian National Team.

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CYPRUS

Disagreement on the Cypriot Player of the Year Award..... - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
It seems that there is big disagreement on the action of Cyprus Basketball Federation to assign the 'Cypriot Player of the Year Award' to Panagiotis Trisokkas ignoring the fact that other players have had a better season or have won titles.

Different people seem to have expressed their wonder and dissatisfaction.
We need to highlight that this is in direct contrast with eurobasket.com awards. As known, eurobasket.com has awarded the award of Cypriot Player of the Year to George Anastasiadis.

George has greatly helped his team throughout the regular season, but mainly was the player who practically beat Ael at the final and led his team to the double.

This should have been a crucial criteria from the Cyprus Basketball Federation on assigning this award.

With these George had advanced to 5 cups, 6 championships and 2 super-cups, which consists of a great record.

Besides George, Michael Kounounis was also great during the playoffs, practically leading his team, Ael, from the 6th position to the final, losing the title just at a 5th game.

How come and none of these two players has earned this award? It is a great mystery!!

The Cyprus basketball world is wondering what is going on?

Statistical Formulas and how important they are

We have stressed this many times. In basketball, statistical formulas should not be the only criteria for assigning awards. Statistical formulas and the so- called Tendex Score fail to account for the invincible side of the game. Defense, leadership, leading your team to a title and many more are never accounted in any basketball statistical formula.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Czech Republic U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Starting five

Vyoral

Peterka

Bohacik

Kohout

Balvin

Tomas Vyoral

188-PG-92

CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic

Vaclav Honomichl

190-G-92

Plzen

Michal Sotnar

190-PG-92

USK Praha

Matyas Hering

190-G-91

Sokol Prazsky Czech Republic

Ondrej Peterka

202-F-91

BK Pardubice Czech Republic

Kamil Riha

175-PG-91

Plzen

Jaromir Bohacik

198-F-92

BK Prostejov Czech Republic

Michal Mares

194-G-92

USK Praha

Ondrej Kohout

204-F-91

Illescas

Ladislav Pecka

197-F-91

Plzen

Milan Jaros

212-C-91

Estela

Ondrej Balvin

215-C-92

Cajasol

Washington Wizards selects Jan Vesey as sixth pick in NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
Jan Vesely (211-F-90) was selected as sixth overall pick at the NBA Draft 2011, which was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. The Washington Wizards grabbed young Czech.
Jan Vesely had a wonderful last season with his team Partizan Belgrade. They defended Serbian and Adriatic league titles, and also the Serbian Cup trophy. In Euroleague, they reached Top 16. Vesely had 10.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. He had almost the same numbers in Adriatic league, while in Serbia league he added 11.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg.
Jan Vesely was named FIBA Young Men's Player of the Year 2011. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Player of the Year -11.

'It was a big moment for me and my family, Vesely said, explaining how he couldn't contain his emotions while going in for the lip lock with a girl he has known since elementary school. I'm looking forward to being in the NBA, to play for the Wizards. I'm real excited.'

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Standings - LIDOBA

SRT Standings

1. Plaza		8-3
2. CDP		8-3
3. CPN		7-5
4. GUG		6-6
5. Cupes		5-7
6. Sameji		3-9

TOP COACHES HOLD MINI-CAMP FOR NATIONAL TEAM! - by Ozell Wells
SANTO DOMINGO
Coaches Del Harris , Orlando Antigua Rod Strickland and Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74, college: St.John's) are set to hold a basketball mini-camp this June 26 to July 2.
The NBA and top NCAA coaches are looking to assist the level & quality of play in 'el pais'

The information was provided by Eduardo Najri, acting general manager of the Dominican National Team set to participate in the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be played in Mar de Plata, Argentina.
courtesy of BasketDominicano

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DR CONGO

NBA Draft 2011: F Targuy Ngombo taken by Mavs at No. 57 - by Eurobasket News
The Dallas Mavericks have spent the 57th pick of the NBA draft on forward Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side), who played last season in Qatar. The selection wasn't made for the NBA champions. It's part of a deal that will bring shooting guard Rudy Fernandez from Portland to Dallas. Ngombo is originally from the Congo.
Targuy Ngombo spent last five years with the Qatari team Al Rayyan. In the past, he also played for InterClub Brazaville. Ngombo shined at the Asian Games 2010 in Guangzhou. He appeared 8 times at this event averaging 19.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He was named Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Games Best Forward -10. Ngombo won the Silver at the Asian Club Championship with Al Rayyan in 2010. They also were Qatar league champions in 2009 and 2010.

NBA Draft 2011: Sacramento Kings select Bismack Biyombo 7th for Charlotte - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings have drafted forward Bismack Biyombo (207-C-92) of Congo with the seventh overall pick and will send him to Charlotte as part of a three-team deal. A person familiar with the deal says the Kings will send Biyombo to the Bobcats as part of Thursday's deal. Sacramento will get the No. 10 pick and swingman John Salmons from Milwaukee. The Kings are also sending guard Beno Udrih to the Bucks, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
Bismack Biyombo started last season with the Spanish team CB Illescas Urban. He had 9 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.9 bpg for them in 14 LEB Gold games. In January, Biyombo moved to Fuenlabrada. There, he added 6.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.3 bpg in 14 games (ACB league). Biyombo split 2009/10 season between these two teams as well. Bismack Biyombo participated at the Nike Hoop Summit (World Team Selection) -11.

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EUROLEAGUE

Oktay Mahmudi continues as Head Coach of Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray announced that Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket) will be their Head Coach in 2011/12 season. The Turkish specialist was close to take a position of CEO in the club, but at the end two sides made a decision that Mahmudi continues as Head Coach.
Oktay Mahmudi took over Galatasaray last summer. He led them to TBL Finals and secured participation for Euroleague Qualifying Round 2011/12. The team started new era with Mahmudi and it is already clear they will have even stronger roster for next season. Before Galata, Mahmudi worked with Benetton Treviso. He was named Eurocup Coach of the Year -09. From 2000 to 2007, Oktay Mahmudi was a Head Coach of Efes Pilsen. He helped them win four Turkish league titles and also four trophies in Turkish Cup. They reached Euroleague Quarterfinals twice. In 2001, Mahmudi led Efes Pilsen to third place in European Suproleague Final Four.

Euroleague champion seeks foreign buyer - by Eurobasket News
The Giannakopoulos family is determined to sell its controlling stake in Panathinaikos basketball club to foreign investors, as it is unlikely in the current economic climate that it will find a Greek investor, Dimitris Giannakopoulos said in a radio interview on June 17.

He also suggested that in the case of an NBA expansion to Europe, Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague champion, bears the biggest brand name on the continent, which would certainly attract American investors.

In his first radio interview ever, Dimitris, the son of owner Pavlos Giannakopoulos, told Sentra FM that his family is not changing its mind on selling the club and that he is too busy with his professional commitments to run it.

'Since last summer, the family has taken a unanimous decision to pull out of the club. Our love [for it] never stops, but we must find someone who will continue to run the Panathinaikos empire, he said.

'Throughout last season and in secrecy I exhausted all possibilities of finding a Greek buyer for the club. Unfortunately we could not find anyone who would commit himself.

Asked about reported contacts with GSP, a deal-brokering firm in New York run by Salvatore Galatioto, Giannakopoulos said: 'I have spoken with him on the phone. He has taken it upon himself to find a buyer but told me this would be hard. Panathinaikos's brand name is the biggest in Europe. An American investor will only emerge if the NBA expands to Europe. I have contacted certain investment firms, but I would not like to talk about that', he stated.

'But I am certain a buyer will be found, who will maintain the club at a high level. I cannot believe we will not find anyone, he added.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos and his brother Thanasis have stated that the time has come for them to sell the club after serving it for four decades, citing age reasons.

Courtesy of www.ekathimerini.com

Bourousis: "I feel deeply offended" - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Regarding the recently revealed doping scandal, revealed through some tapes which in fact prove only that Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) asked for some medicine, the Greek center distributed through his representative, Kostas Papadakis, a written statement, stating the following:
'I feel deeply offended, personally and professionally, from unjustly involving my name in the alleged use of banned substances and the illegal use against me of a purely personal conversation, published among conversations involved in another case, which does not concern me in any way.
I wish to state categorically that I never used banned substances, since this is inconsistent with the professionalism and the ethics that I believe in. This fact has been even more demonstrated by the successive, sustained and many controls, which I have passed through from the beginning of my career. Today, I asked the Greek Federation to undergo the necessary tests and I put myself at the disposal of both the Greek and the international authorities for any further medical examination.
Moreover, I am at all times ready to attend legal proceedings, to give the necessary explanations and to prove that what was written, has been misunderstood and that I've never been involved in discussions and transactions involving illegal substances.
Finally, I believe that I have proved in my career as an athlete and as a man, until now, that I honour the historic team of Olympiacos, its fans and its owners and the general administration; a fact which can not be cancelled by the illegal, as for myself, disclosure of a purely personal conversation. However, I feel honest and true to apologize if someone or some people have been harmed. '

Bourousis passed through this dopping test this afternoon and everybody is waiting for this test's results, which will be published next week.

Regal Barca extends Erazem Lorbek - by Eurobasket News
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) will stay with Regal Barca. The Slovenian buy signed a one-year contract extension with the club.
Erazem Lorbek finished 2010/11 season in style. Lorbek and his Barca won the ACB title with perfect 3-0. They blasted Bilbao in the Finals with two home and one road victory. Lorbek exploded in Game One with 24 points and 7 rebounds, while he also had 9 pts and 5 rebs in Game two, plus 7 pts and 6 rebs in Game Three. Lorbek joined Regal Barca in 2009 from CSKA Moscow. He appeared 40 times in ACB this season averaging 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He also added 8.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 Euroleague games.
Regal Barca signed Chuck Eidson few days ago and extended Pete Mickeal. Alan Anderson and Terence Morris will leave the club.

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FIBA AMERICAS U16

Standings

Group A
1. P.Rico		3-0
2. Canada		2-1
3. Chile		1-2
4. Mexico		0-3
Group B
1. USA		3-0
2. Argentina		2-1
3. Brazil		1-2
4. Costa Rica.		0-3

Day Three: Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Mexico - Canada 56-88
Canada registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They handed 88-56 loss to Mexico taking the second place in Group A. It means that Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet USA. Mexico ended as the last ranked team in this group (0-3). Patrick Steeves (95) came up with 16 points and 9 rebounds in victory. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G) also had 16 points, while Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Jose Hermosillo (95) collected 11 points and 7 rebs. Omar De Hato also scored 11 pts.
Canada took control on Mexico from the very beginning. They made 12-25 record and managed to keep plus 12 until the halftime. Canada was better team in the second half as well (14-22, 15-27) winning this game with comfortable 56-88. Semifinals will be played today.

Puerto Rico - Chile 80-55
Puerto Rico finished Preliminary Round in Cancun with perfect 3-0. They cruised past Chile 80-55 winning the first place in Group A. Puerto Rico will meet Argentina in the Semifinals. On the other side, Chile failed to reach the next stage ending as No.3 in this group with 1-2 record. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) once again was the leading player in victory. This time he scored 26 points. Bryan Rodriguez (186-G-95) scored 12 and Ariel Watson (95) had 10 pts, plus 6 rebounds. In Chile, Matias Sepulveda (96) collected 16 points and 5 rebs, while Eugenio Luzcando (95) stopped to 12 pts. Puerto Rico was way better team in the first half. They made 2109 in Q1 and continued with 23-10 after that. After 20 minutes of game question about the winner was already resolved and second half was just the formality. Semifinals will be played today.

Group B

Brazil - Argentina 77-85
It was a do-or-die game for both teams. Argentina was better than Brazil 85-77 winning the second place in Group B. Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting. Argentina ended as No.2 and booked a spot for the Semifinals. Brazil (No.3) will continue in Classification Round. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Lucio Reinaudi (95) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Jonathan Sacco (95) added 11 pts, plus 6 rebs. In Brazil, Fernando Stafleu (95) top-scored with 22 pts. Luis Ricci (95) had 19 pts and 5 assists, while Humberto Gomes (96) added 12 pts.
First half ended with 34-34 tie. Argentina took control on Brazil after that making plus 10 in third period. They Brazil threatened in the last quarter, but Argenrina managed to keep its lead and to book a spot for the Semifinals. Championship continues today.

Costa Rica - USA 46-118
As expected, USA destroyed Costa Rica registering third straight victory in Cancun. USA ended as No.1 of Group B and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Costa Rico finished as the last ranked team in this group with 0-3 score. They will continue in Classification Round. Conner Frankamp (96) came up with 22 points and 9 assists for the winners. Aaron Gordon (96) also was great and he was very close to reach triple-double: 18 pts, 18 rebs, 9 as. Kendrick Nunn (96) helped with 12 pts. In Costa Rica, Milton Jimenez (95) shined with 28 points. Henry Sanchez (95) netted 11 pts. USA was simply too strong for their rival during the entire game. Quarters: 0-19, 7-40, 25-30, 14-29. The championship continues today.

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FRANCE

Luc-Arthur Vebobe extends with Cholet - by Eurobasket News
Cholet extended the contract of Luc-Arthur Vebobe (203-F-80, college: Hawaii). The new deal is meant for two seasons. Luc-Arthur Vebobe joined Cholet at the start of the previous season. The 31-year-old forward averaged 5.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in Euroleague. In ProA his stats read 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Luc-Arthur Vebobe All-French ProA Most Improved Player of the Year back in 2005 when he played for Paris Basket Racing.

Sean Marshall to Dijon, Pau-Orthez bring Diarra to France - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez bring Moustapha Diarra (208-C-87) to France after the player experienced for the last two years abroad. In 2005-2006 the French 1987 Center appeared in Fos Ouest Provence Basket (N2) and in 2007-2008 moved to Sheridan JC (JUCO) where he averaged 10.5ppg, 4.8rpg. In 2009-2010 Diarra moved to USF (NCAA) and in 30 games showed 6.2ppg, 3rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 0.0%, FT: 59.7%. The last season for USF (NCAA) after 34 games he averaged 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 49.8%, FT: 55.7%.
Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) meanwhile is officially in Dijon. The American Shooting Guard / Small Forward started the career in Boston Coll. (NCAA, starting five) and then even appeared in Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProA), only pre-season. Last season he played for Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League, starting five) and in 48 games averaged 11.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 73.0%. In Apr.'11 moved to Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and showed 12.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 45.9%, FT: 66.7%.

Jonathan Beugnot heads to Stade Clermontois - by Eurobasket News
Jonathan Beugnot (201-F-83, college: Clayton St.) heads to Stade Clermontois where he played in year 2008. The French Forward is back to the team where he averaged 5.7ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 59.6%.
In 2002-2003 Beugnot started for Macomb Christian High School, Michigan and had high 29 ppg, 17.5 rpg, 4 bpg, 3 apg. After playing for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural JC (NJCAA) and Clayton St. (NCAA2), in 2007-2008 he moved to Boulazac Basket Dordogne (ProB). In 23 games he averaged 6.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 40%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 60.3%. In 2008-2009 moved to Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne and in 2009-2010 headed to Etendard de Brest (ProB, starting five). In 20 games his stats read 5.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 69.6%. In 2010-2011 appeared for Saint Chamond Basket (NM1, starting five) and in 26 games showed 9.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 65.2%.
Jonathan Beugnot recorded 17 points at the Regular Season Round 31 when however Sorgues beat St Chamond 76-72 . Saint Chamond was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 7-point lead after three quarters before a 24-13 charge of Sorgues, which allowed them to win the game. They made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Sorgues outrebounded Saint Chamond 29-17 including a 25-13 advantage in defensive rebounds.

Turkey topple France for third straight win in Douai - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Turkey U18 56:62

Turkey celebrated the third straight win at the international tournament in Douai. They held off hosting France to stay undefeated. Berkay Candan (205-F-93) stepped up with 15 points to lead the charge. France slipped at 2-1 record after the loss.
Turkey strongly started the game. They registered a 22:14 lead after ten minutes of action. The visitors cleared off to a 13-point distance in the second period. But Les Bleus finished the half on a high note cutting the deficit at 7-point mark 31:38. France narrowed the deficit at two points midway through the third term 38:40. Invernizzi finally drew things level at 44. But Turkey managed to regain the lead 49:46 heading into the fourth quarter. The teams stayed close before Eroglu, Dokuyan and Kerem Hotic (197-F-93) sealed the victory for the visitors late in the game. Kerem Hotic knocked down 12 points for Turkey. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) and William Howard (201-F-93) provided 11 points apiece for France.

France U18: Jean-Charles Livio 11, William Howard 11
Turkey U18: Berkay Candan 15, Kerem Hotic 12, Erbil Eroglu (195-G-93) 6

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

GEORGIA

Nika Metreveli finished the season with Immobiliare Spiga Rimini - by Eurobasket News
Nika Metreveli (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) finished the season with Immobiliare Spiga Rimini in Italy. After playing for Montepaschi Siena (Italy) Junior Team, he moved to Immobiliare Spiga Rimini (Italy-Lega2) in the beginning of the season.
Immobiliare Spiga Rimini finished the Regular Season in Lega2 with 19-11 record on the third place. At the last game of the Regular Season Immobiliare SR managed to secure a 8-point victory 70-62 in Udine. The guests trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 40-24 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Immobiliare SR dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Snaidero Udine's 32. Immobiliare SR forced 22 Snaidero Udine turnovers. At the Quarter-Finals Immobiliare SR lost to Prima Veroli. The latter completed an amazing comeback as they registered the third straight win against Rimini and advanced into the semis. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 50-31 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Prima Veroli made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Immobiliare SR helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international power forward Ivan Gatto orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds.
Nika Metreveli recorded 10 points this season at the Regular Season Round 29 when Immobiliare SR smashed San Severo 64-34.

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

GERMANY

Bulgaria open win count in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Germany U18 75:74

Bulgaria recorded the first win at the Douai International tournament. They knocked down German counterparts. Dimitar Dimitrov (203-F-93) nailed 13 points to lead ht effort. Bulgaria climbed at 1-2 record, while Germany slipped at 2-1 record.
Germany opened the game with 9 points in a row. They soon grabbed an 18:6 lead. But Bulgaria responded with a 9:1 rally to narrow the deficit after ten minutes. Bulgaria accounted for eight points in a row at the start of the second period to surge ahead. Germany returned in front late in the first half to establish a 35:34 halftime lead. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Marin capped the period with a three-pointer as Germany enjoyed a 53:52 advantage. Bulgaria used a 7:0 run midway through the fourth quarter to pull in charge 63:56. Germany cut the distance to a single point but Aleks Simeonov (200-C-93) and Tenchev sealed the win for Bulgaria. Aleks Simeonov accounted for 12 points, while Nikolay Stoyanov (195-F-94) added 11 points in the winning effort. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) replied with 16 points and 7 rebounds for Germany. Paul Zipser (195-G-94) delivered 14 points in defeat.

Bulgaria U18: Dimitar Dimitrov 13, Aleks Simeonov 12, Nikolay Stoyanov 11
Germany U18: Bogdan Radosavljevic 16, Paul Zipser 14

Gloria Giants Duesseldorf consider Roller and Reese - by Moritz Korff
After finishing the 2011-12 BBL season on a relegation spot and dropping to the Pro A, the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf are keen to return to the best German division as soon as possible. Though no official announcements have been made by the Giants thus far, head coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances) seems to plan big things in secrecy. According to derwesten.de Duesseldorf's man in charge is targeting Pascal Roller (180-G-76). The 34-year-old, who received 122 caps for the German Men's National Team during his career, had announced his retirement just recently. Also Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) is reported to be on top of Didin's wish list. Both Roller and Reese were among the players Didin worked with during his Frankfurt stint.
According to derwesten.de the Duesseldorf team already signed big man Matthew Marinchick (208-C-81, college: Ohio St.) of the Bielefeld Dolphins and is also eyeing Marc Liyanage (198-G-90) and Max Brauer (195-F-87).

Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

All-German Bundesliga 1st Team 2010-11

Wood

Rice

Jacobsen

Allen

Bryant

German Bundesliga belongs to one of the most dominated league by import players. It's mostly because of very liberal rules considering the number of import players per team.
It's very common that the teams do not have any domestic player in the starting five. That's why like every year, the top players selected to season-end awards are mostly imports.
The MVP goes definitely to American guard DaShaun Wood of league runner-up Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Wood was league's top scorer and second in the assists.
He is joined at the guard position by his countryman Tyrese Rice. Thanks to Rice his team Art.Dragons made it to the league semifinals. Rice was second best scorer and was also in top 4 in assists.
The best forward was (again) champion Brose's leader American Casey Jacobsen. Brose has a very balanced rosters with many players contributing to the final success. But Jacobsen (11.8ppg) belong also this season to best players in his team.
Bundesliga finalist ALBA's Derrick Allen joins him at the forward position. Similarly like Brose, ALBA had also a very strong roster where Allen (13.0ppg, 4.1rpg and third best FGP in the league) could be considered a team's leader.
The center of the year goes to another American John Bryant from 14th placed ratiopharm Ulm. He (maybe together with Roderick Trice) was the only star in the team which did not impress this season. But Bryant was the top league rebounder 10.9rpg, second best in blocks (1.5bpg) and added 14.6ppg. He was also selected Defensive player of the Year.

Player of the Year: DaShaun Wood (185-G-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
Guard of the Year: DaShaun Wood (185-G-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
Forward of the Year: Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81) of Brose Baskets
Center of the Year: John Bryant (208-C-87) of Ratiopharm
Newcomer of the Year: Jacob Burtschi (198-F-84) of Phoenix Hagen
Bosman Player of the Year: Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80) of EnBW L'burg
Import Player of the Year: DaShaun Wood (185-G-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
Domestic Player of the Year: Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) of Brose Baskets
Defensive Player of the Year: John Bryant (208-C-87) of Ratiopharm
Coach of the Year: Chris Fleming of Brose Baskets

1st Team
G: DaShaun Wood (185-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
G: Tyrese Rice (185-87) of Art.Dragons
G/F: Casey Jacobsen (198-81) of Brose Baskets
F: Derrick Allen (203-80) of ALBA
C: John Bryant (208-87) of Ratiopharm

2nd Team
G/F: Brandon Thomas (198-84) of NY Phantoms
G/F: Torrell Martin (196-85) of Bremerhaven
F: Donatas Zavackas (203-80) of EnBW L'burg
F/C: Kyle Hines (198-86) of Brose Baskets
F/C: Tibor Pleiss (214-89) of Brose Baskets

3rd Team
G: David Bell (186-81) of Phoenix Hagen
F: Dane Watts (203-86) of Walter Tigers
F: Predrag Suput (200-77) of Brose Baskets
F: Jacob Burtschi (198-84) of Phoenix Hagen
C: Chris Ensminger (209-73) of Telekom Baskets

Honorable Mention
Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84) of EWE Baskets
Darren Fenn (208-C-80) of Art.Dragons
Roger Powell (198-F-83) of Dt.Bank SKY
Marcus Goree (201-F-77) of NY Phantoms
Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86) of Goettingen
Chris Oliver (198-F-85) of Walter Tigers
Roderick Trice (191-F-84) of Ratiopharm
Julius Jenkins (187-G-81) of ALBA
Anton Gavel (189-G-84) of Brose Baskets
Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85) of EWE Baskets
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84) of NY Phantoms
Alex Harris (196-G-86) of EnBW L'burg
Craig Callahan (203-F-81) of Bremerhaven
Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85) of Walter Tigers
Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) of EWE Baskets
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83) of Phoenix Hagen

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Per Guenther (185-88) of Ratiopharm
G: Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
F: Philipp Schwethelm (201-89) of B.Muenchen
F: Philip Zwiener (198-85) of TBB Trier
F/C: Tibor Pleiss (214-89) of Brose Baskets

All-Imports Team
G: DaShaun Wood (185-85) of Dt.Bank SKY
G: Tyrese Rice (185-87) of Art.Dragons
G/F: Casey Jacobsen (198-81) of Brose Baskets
F: Derrick Allen (203-80) of ALBA
C: John Bryant (208-87) of Ratiopharm

All-Bosmans Team
G: Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-79) of EWE Baskets
G: Anton Gavel (189-84) of Brose Baskets
F: Donatas Zavackas (203-80) of EnBW L'burg
F: Predrag Suput (200-77) of Brose Baskets
F/C: Oliver Stevic (204-84) of EWE Baskets

All-Defensive Team
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83) of Phoenix Hagen
Edward Seward (206-C-78) of Phoenix Hagen
John Bynum (191-G-78) of TBB Trier
Jason Boone (198-F/C-85) of Goettingen
Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82) of MBC

All-Newcomers Team
Nick Schneiders (221-C-84) of NY Phantoms
Jacob Burtschi (198-F-84) of Phoenix Hagen
Nic Wise (178-G-87) of Telekom Baskets
Trenton Meacham (188-G-85) of Goettingen

The Webmoebel Baskets Sign Michael Fleischmann - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Webmoebel Baskets have come to terms with Michael Fleischmann (205-F-86) for the next season. The German is a 25 year old 209cm forward that was born in Suhl, Germany. Last season, he played for the s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (ProA): 8 games: 3.5ppg, 1.4rpg. 'He has a pretty good shot for his size. This makes him a lot more versatile. He will be able to play from the positions small forward to the center position and be able to defend in the low post. I know him since some years and he has some experience and I am happy that we could get him', stated Webmoebel baskets coach Thomas Glasauer . Fleischmann started his basketball career in 2005 for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (Regionalliga): 5 games: 1.8ppg. In 2006-2007, he played for RSV Stahnsdorf (Regionalliga): 23 games: 9.2ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for SG BG/MTV Wolfenbuettel (Regionalliga North):15 games: 15.1ppg, FT: 75.5%; also had a license for Wolfenbuettel Dukes (Pro B): 20 games: 7.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 63.2%;. In 2008-2010, he played for the Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB). In 2009-2010, he played 30 games: 13.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 72.1%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German Bundesliga Rookies All-Star Game -06, German U20 National Team -06, German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -06, 07, World Military Championships in Klaipeda (Lithuania) -09, and German Military National Team -09.

Source: Webmoebel Baskets

BSV Wulfen snaps up Rouven Haenig - by Moritz Korff
BSV Wulfen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) has completed its third signing of the summer after Rouven Haenig (198-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Missouri Valley) put pen to paper on a contract with the Wolves. Haenig transfers from Tuebingen to Wulfen. The native of Bonn appeared in 26 games for SV 03 Tuebingen in the 1. Regionalliga South-West during this past season, averaging 16 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. Prior to his Tuebingen tenure the 24-year-old spent four years in the United States, attending NAIA D2 school Missouri Valley.

Nils Mittmann Remains With The New Yorker Phantoms - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
There must be something about Braunschweig, because Nils Mittmann (201-F/C-79, agency: Agency No 10) not only came back for a second tour of duty in 2008, but continues to feel very comfortable as he got a contract extension until 2013 and will play his 7th season for the Phantoms. Mittmann who is the captain and is regarded as the total team player and can hurt an opponent with timely bombs from outside played 39 games last season averaging 13,9 minutes per game, 3,2ppg and 1,7rpg. 'Nils Mittmann is an identity figure. He is a total roll model on and off the basketball court', stated New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig manager and ex German National player Oliver Braun. Mittmann didnt have to think long about accepting the contract extension. ' There is nothing nicer than playing for your hometown teram. The club has proven that it can play with the top teams. Everything is perfect in Braunschweig. I hope we can win the title this season', stated Nils Mittmann. It is also planned that the 32 year old 201 cm forward train the youth team. The club also announced that American power forward Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) will not return to the team.

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig

Zvonko Buljan Signs With TheTelekom Baskets Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Telekom Baskets Bonn have come to terms with their third new player for the new season by bringing in Zvonko Buljan (206-F-87, college: TCU). Buljan is a 24 year old 206cm power forward from Croatia. He is known as a good defender and rebounder and can play center if needed. Last season, he played for Bornova Bld (Turkey-TBL), in Nov.'10 loaned to Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A): Cypriot League: EuroChallenge: 6 games: 10.8ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%; Cyprus League: 12 games: 11.3ppg, Reb-4 (7.3rpg), 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 45.8%, FT: 63.3%, in Apr.'11 moved to PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) where he averaged 3,7ppg and 4,4rpg. Bonn coach Michael Koch is certain that Buljan will help the team. 'He is a position four player that not only can play post up, but he can also play with his face to the basket. Thanks to his size and movement, he can play center or small forward for a few minutes which will make him so much more valuable for us. He is a good rebounder and with his good drive from left or right will give us extra strength and can help make the next step in his development', stated Michael Koch

Buljan started his basketbal career in 2005 for KK Split junior team. In 2006, he went to the States to play college ball for Vincennes JC (JUCO) until 2008. He then transfered to TCU (NCAA, starting five). In his senior year, he played 31 games: 12.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 70.1%. Awards and achievements in his career have been Croatian U18 National Team -05, European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05: 8 games: 11.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.8%, 3FGP: 41.2%, FT: 52.6%, All-MWC Honorable Mention -09, 10, MWC Newcomer of the Year -09, Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League 2nd Team -11, Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Bosmans Team -11, and Greek League Semifinals -11.

Source: Telekom Baskets Bonn

German-American Jeremy Dunbar to Crailsheim - by Moritz Korff
According to hallertageblatt.de 2. Bundesliga Pro A side Crailsheim Merlins has landed a new player for the 2011-12 season: Jeremy Dunbar (195-G/F-88) will join the squad. The 23-year-old guard/forward hails from Pensacola, Florida, but thanks to his German mother holds a German passport as well. Dunbar played for SE Louisiana (NCAA1) from 2007 to 2009 and then took his game to NCAA D2 university Arkansas Tech. He played 30 games for the Wonder Boys in the 2010-11 season, was second on the team in scoring (14.4ppg) and led Arkansas Tech in three point field goals made (65).

Willie Whitfield joins ASC Mainz - by Moritz Korff
ASC Mainz (1. Regionalliga South-West) has bolstered its 2011-12 roster by bringing in power forward Willie Whitfield (198-F, agency: Gamble Sports Management) from Miami, Florida. The 2011 graduate of Barry University (NCAA2) is the reigning All-SSC Defensive Player of the Year. Whitfield produced 15.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and close to two blocked shots per encounter during the 2010-11 campaign. In Mainz he is going to replace A.J. Rudowitz (198-F-88, college: Stonehill) who does not return to ASC for a second season.

Dominic Bahiense De Mello Moves To The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After 6 fruitfull years in Frankfurt, it seemed like the time had come for Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) to make a change and will play this season for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and replace German Daniel Hain. De Mello is a 26 year old 190cm combo guard from Bonn Germany. Last season for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, De Mello played EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 5.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 36.8%; German League: 38 games: 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 76.9%. 'We were looking for a strong German player and found him with him. ' He is a great fighter, defends well and can do damage on offense at any time', stated EWE Baskets Oldenburg CEO Herman Schuller. De Mello made great strides since the arrival of Gordon Herbert in 2010 and this is something that didn't go unnoticed with the Oldenburg coach Predrag Krunic. 'Dominik has devloped well in the last years and will be a big strength for us', stated Oldenburg coach Predrag Krunic. De Mello started his basketball career in 1999 with the Telekom Bonn Cadet Team. He spent some time in the United States and went to high school before returning in 2003 to play for Rhoendorfer TV until 2005. De Mello played for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2005-2011 playing a total of 161 beko BBL games, 10 ULEB Cup games and 14 Eurochallenge games. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German U16 National Team -00-01, German U18 National Team -02-04 European Championships U18 in Germany -02, German 1.Bundesliga Rookie All-Star Game -04, German U20 National Team -04-05, German Rookie All-Stars Game -05, European Championships U20 in Moscow -05, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year -06, German Bundesliga Semifinals -08, 11, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -09, 11, German A2 National Team -09, German University National Team -09, German Bundesliga Finalist -10, and German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -11.

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Jimmy Mckinney Will Play A 6th Season For The Fraport Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Will he stay, will he go, will he stay, will he go, were the phrases on the minds of Skyliner fans the last weeks, but the speculation has finally ended as the Deutsche Bank Skyliners announced today that likeable Jimmy Mckinney will play for the team in the 2011-2012 season. Mckinney is a 27 year old 192 cm combo guard from St Louis, Missouri who has played in Frankfurt his whole professional career. After many injury problems the last years, Mckinney found back to his old strong self having an outstanding season playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 12.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 8.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 36.0%, 3PT: 43.5%; German League: 37 games: 9.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 79.4%. There was never any real doubt that the club wanted to keep the sharp shooter, but the finanical part of the equation had to be perfect. 'Jimmy has played very consistent last season and has become an identity figure for the fans. I am very happy that he will play for us next season', said Skyliner Sport direct Kamil Novak . In his 5 seasons in Frankfurt, Mckinney has played a total of 139 beko BBL games, 9 Eurochallenge games and 4 ULEB Cup games and it is fair to say that he can call Frankfurt a second home. 'I have played my whole career in Frankfurt and it is like a second home to me. The goal is clear that we will do everything to win a title. We were so close the last two years and I am looking forward to see the fans again', stressed Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri)

Source: Deutsche Bank Skyliners

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GREECE

Bourousis caught up in doping scandal - by Eurobasket News
It appears that the match-fixing scandal in domestic soccer has led to a doping revelation in Greek basketball, as leaked telephone conversation transcrpts indicate that Olympiakos's Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) asked Kavala soccer club owner Makis Psomiadis for more performance-enhancing drugs, having already made use of some.

According to leaked transcrpts of tapped conversations, which the National Intelligence Service (EYP) was able to listen to after a warrant was issued by judicial authorities, the Olympiakos forward, who also plays for Greece, spoke to one of the major figures of the soccer match-fixing network to ask for a banned substance.

Psomiadis, who has been named by the police but not arrested yet, was willing to offer him more of the banned substance, adding that this makes my soccer players stay up all night.

The conversation appears to suggest that Bourousis used the drug in April and then asked for some more ahead of the league finals with Panathinaikos in May.

Reports add that in the same conversation, Bourousis brands the owners of his club stupid, and that he is now likely to be axed from his team.

However, what the story also revealed, which has been confirmed, is that no doping tests whatsoever were carried out during the basketball season that just ended. This was due to outstanding debts owed by league organizer ESAKE to the testing team. Reports put the amount at no more than 35,000 euros.

Courtesy of www.ekathimerini.com

Euroleague champion seeks foreign buyer - by Eurobasket News
The Giannakopoulos family is determined to sell its controlling stake in Panathinaikos basketball club to foreign investors, as it is unlikely in the current economic climate that it will find a Greek investor, Dimitris Giannakopoulos said in a radio interview on June 17.

He also suggested that in the case of an NBA expansion to Europe, Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague champion, bears the biggest brand name on the continent, which would certainly attract American investors.

In his first radio interview ever, Dimitris, the son of owner Pavlos Giannakopoulos, told Sentra FM that his family is not changing its mind on selling the club and that he is too busy with his professional commitments to run it.

'Since last summer, the family has taken a unanimous decision to pull out of the club. Our love [for it] never stops, but we must find someone who will continue to run the Panathinaikos empire, he said.

'Throughout last season and in secrecy I exhausted all possibilities of finding a Greek buyer for the club. Unfortunately we could not find anyone who would commit himself.

Asked about reported contacts with GSP, a deal-brokering firm in New York run by Salvatore Galatioto, Giannakopoulos said: 'I have spoken with him on the phone. He has taken it upon himself to find a buyer but told me this would be hard. Panathinaikos's brand name is the biggest in Europe. An American investor will only emerge if the NBA expands to Europe. I have contacted certain investment firms, but I would not like to talk about that', he stated.

'But I am certain a buyer will be found, who will maintain the club at a high level. I cannot believe we will not find anyone, he added.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos and his brother Thanasis have stated that the time has come for them to sell the club after serving it for four decades, citing age reasons.

Courtesy of www.ekathimerini.com

Greece celebrate first win in Douai - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Croatia U18 84:66

Greece earned the first win at the Douai international tournament. They prevailed against Croatia to improve at 1-2 record. Giannoulis Larentzakis (200-F-94) knocked down 20 points to pace the Hellenes. Croatia suffered the third loss in a row.
Greece held their opponents to only 6 points in the opening frame building a 13-point lead. Croatia recovered offensively in the second period but could not get any closer. The Hellenes posted a 40:27 halftime lead. Greece maintained the lead throughout the third frame. Greece arrived at the final break up by 14 points. Greece fired 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome. Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) produced 16 points and 13 boards, while Apollon Deligeorgis (192-G-93) added 16 points in the win. Stipe Cubric (182-G-93) answered with 15 points for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) netted 14 points and collected 9 boards in the loss.

Greece U18: Giannoulis Larentzakis 20, Petros Melissaratos 16+13 boards, Apollon Deligeorgis 16
Croatia U18: Stipe Cubric 15, Josip Mikulic 14

Bourousis: "I feel deeply offended" - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Regarding the recently revealed doping scandal, revealed through some tapes which in fact prove only that Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) asked for some medicine, the Greek center distributed through his representative, Kostas Papadakis, a written statement, stating the following:
'I feel deeply offended, personally and professionally, from unjustly involving my name in the alleged use of banned substances and the illegal use against me of a purely personal conversation, published among conversations involved in another case, which does not concern me in any way.
I wish to state categorically that I never used banned substances, since this is inconsistent with the professionalism and the ethics that I believe in. This fact has been even more demonstrated by the successive, sustained and many controls, which I have passed through from the beginning of my career. Today, I asked the Greek Federation to undergo the necessary tests and I put myself at the disposal of both the Greek and the international authorities for any further medical examination.
Moreover, I am at all times ready to attend legal proceedings, to give the necessary explanations and to prove that what was written, has been misunderstood and that I've never been involved in discussions and transactions involving illegal substances.
Finally, I believe that I have proved in my career as an athlete and as a man, until now, that I honour the historic team of Olympiacos, its fans and its owners and the general administration; a fact which can not be cancelled by the illegal, as for myself, disclosure of a purely personal conversation. However, I feel honest and true to apologize if someone or some people have been harmed. '

Bourousis passed through this dopping test this afternoon and everybody is waiting for this test's results, which will be published next week.

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HOLLAND

GasTerra Flames sign new prospect: Yannick van der Ark - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames investing in its future by signing Yannick van der Ark, a second teenage prospect after Max van Schaik. Yannick van der Ark, who grew up with the GasTerra Flames, signed a three-year contract with the Flames. From the age of fifteen, he played for the National Dutch youth teams U16 and U18.
He is one of the most promising shooting guards in Dutch basketball. In 2010 he was selected for the prestigious FIBA basketball camp 'Basketball Without Borders' .

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HUNGARY

San Antonio Spurs selects Adam Hanga as 59th overall pick - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Spurs selected Adam Hanga as 59th overall pick at the 2011 NBA Draft, which was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. Hanga signed for the Spanish team Manresa recently. He played for Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar last five years. Last season he shined with 17.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.8 spg for 39 games in Hungarian league. Hanga was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Domestic Player of the Year -11. His team Albacomp reached the Playoff Finals.
Adam Hanga played for the Hungarian National Team in 2009 and 2010. He appeared 8 times for them during the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3 assists. He also played for U18 and U16 Hungary in the past. Hanga has garnered attention for his play with the Hungarian National Team and generated some buzz after showcasing his game in front of scouts at the EuroCamp a few weeks ago.

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IBL

Edmonton Energy wins 126 to 114 over visiting Albany NY Legends - by Trask Frost
The win for the Edmonton Energy tonight (Friday night) sets the table for a battle on Saturday night for the overall first place record in the IBL. Casey Crawford scored 30 points for the winning team while Lloyd Johnson scored 29 points for the losing Albany Legends. Both Edmonton and Albany are 12-4 - currently tied for best record in the IBL and in fact this season both teams are now 2-2 versus each other, so the game tomorrow night, Saturday night 730pm at the U of Alberta is set to be special. For more information on the IBL or for statistics for either team's players, visit the IBL web site- www.iblhoopsonline.com

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INDONESIA

Philippines blow out Indonesia to stay perfect in Jakarta - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Philippines 54:94

Philippines remained perfect at the 9th SEABA Championship in Jakarta. They stormed past Indonesia tonight to improve at 2-0 record. Indonesia in the meantime slipped at 1-1 record. Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) stepped up with 20 points to pace well-balanced Filipino team.
Philippines gave no chance for Indonesia in this one. The visitors built a 20:9 lead after the starting frame. The second period turned disastrous for Indonesia defence. The hosts conceded 29 points to trail by as many as 27 points at the interval 22:49. Philippines continued to dominate after the main break. They stretched the lead to 33 points heading into the fourth frame. Indonesia had little to answer with and had to surrender at the end. Japeth Paul Aguilar (207-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) contributed 19 points for Philippines. Dylan Simon Ababou (193-G/F-86) added 13 points in the victory. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds for Indonesia. Isman Muhammad Thoyib (203-C-84) and Xaverius Prawiro (181-G/F-86) delivered 8 points apiece in the loss.

Indonesia: Andi Poedjakesuma 10, Isman Muhammad Thoyib 8, Xaverius Prawiro 8
Philippines: Christopher Ryan Lutz 20, Japeth Paul Aguilar 19, Dylan Simon Ababou 13

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ITALY

Jasmin Perkovic remain with Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80) remain with Cremona for the next season. The team announced keeping the Croatian Forward at least for another season.
Jasmin Perkovic joined the Italian team last season. For Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 9.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 88.3%. Before heading to Italy Jasmin played in Germany for three years. In 2007-2008 he joined EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five) and after 40 games had 11.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 78.2%. In 2008-2009 for EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) he showed 10.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 82.9% in EuroChallenge, while in German League after 32 games had 8.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for EWE Baskets Oldenburg he averaged 9.5ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT in EuroLeague.
In Italy he recorded this season 20 points twice with the latter at the Regular Season Round 27. Vanoli-Braga (#12) forced the game against Benetton Treviso (#4) into an overtime, but lost by two points 86-88. Vanoli-Braga was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 19-16 charge of Benetton Treviso, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 7-5. Benetton Treviso outrebounded Vanoli-Braga 47-30 including 16 on the offensive glass. 29 personal fouls committed by Vanoli-Braga helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian center Donatas Motiejunas who had a double-double by scoring 31 points and 14 rebounds. American swingman Devin Smith chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Croatian forward Jasmin Perkovic who recorded 20 points and 6 rebounds.

Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

All-Italian Lega2 1st Team 2010-11

Hickman

Clark

Whiting

Vukcevic

Varnado

Player of the Year: Ricky Hickman (190-G-85) of Fastweb CM
Guard of the Year: Ricky Hickman (190-G-85) of Fastweb CM
Forward of the Year: Dusan Vukcevic (201-F-75) of Immobiliare SR
Center of the Year: Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) of Fileni BPA
Bosman Player of the Year: Kiki Clark (173-G-84) of Umana Reyer
Import Player of the Year: Ricky Hickman (190-G-85) of Fastweb CM
Domestic Player of the Year: Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) of Fileni BPA
Defensive Player of the Year: Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84) of Aget Imola
Coach of the Year: Marco Crespi of Fastweb CM

1st Team
G: Ricky Hickman (190-85) of Fastweb CM
G: Kiki Clark (173-84) of Umana Reyer
G: Trent Whiting (185-76) of Aget Imola
F: Dusan Vukcevic (201-75) of Immobiliare SR
F: Jarvis Varnado (206-88) of Tuscany PT

2nd Team
G: Joseph Crispin (186-79) of Barcellona
F: Tamar Slay (204-80) of Umana Reyer
F: Ndudi Ebi (206-84) of Aget Imola
F: Lorenzo Gordon (201-83) of Forli
C: Michele Maggioli (212-77) of Fileni BPA

3rd Team
G: Ronald Davis (190-82) of Sunrise Scafati
G: Jarrius Jackson (188-85) of Prima Veroli
G/F: Terrence Roderick (195-88) of Immobiliare SR
F: Ruben Boykin (201-85) of Assigeco
F/C: Kieron Achara (208-83) of Barcellona

Honorable Mention
Paul Marigney (192-G-82) of Assigeco
Antonio Porta (188-G-83) of Tezenis Verona
Keith Waleskowski (204-C/F-80) of Tezenis Verona
Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85) of Fastweb CM
Donell Taylor (198-G-82) of Fastweb CM
Alvin Young (189-G-75) of Umana Reyer
Demian Filloy (198-F-82) of Immobiliare SR
Ronald Davis (190-G-82) of Sunrise Scafati
Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89) of Tezenis Verona
Matteo Malaventura (196-G-78) of Fastweb CM
Quadre Lollis (200-F/C-73) of Immobiliare SR
Jimmie Hunter (196-G-77) of Sunrise Scafati
Roberto Chiacig (210-C-74) of Trenkwalder
Nikola Radulovic (207-F-73) of Sunrise Scafati
Michael Hicks (193-G-76) of Barcellona
Clint Cotis Harrison (194-G-76) of Snaidero UD
Andrea Pecile (187-G-80) of Fileni BPA

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Antonio Porta (188-83) of Tezenis Verona
F: Tommaso Fantoni (203-85) of Fastweb CM
F: Demian Filloy (198-82) of Immobiliare SR
F/C: Andrea Renzi (208-89) of Tezenis Verona
C: Michele Maggioli (212-77) of Fileni BPA

All-Imports Team
G: Ricky Hickman (190-85) of Fastweb CM
G: Trent Whiting (185-76) of Aget Imola
G: Joseph Crispin (186-79) of Barcellona
F: Jarvis Varnado (206-88) of Tuscany PT
F: Tamar Slay (204-80) of Umana Reyer

All-Bosmans Team
G: Kiki Clark (173-84) of Umana Reyer
F: Dusan Vukcevic (201-75) of Immobiliare SR
F: Gerald Lee (208-87) of Snaidero UD
F/C: Kieron Achara (208-83) of Barcellona
C/F: Keith Waleskowski (204-80) of Tezenis Verona

McIntyre officially sign with Virtus - by Eurobasket News
Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) officially sign with Virtus for the next season. Both players were in talks with the Italian teams in the beginning of the week, while the teams today announced the contacts.
Terrell McIntyre signed with Virtus Bologna. 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.

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LATVIA

2011 NBA Draft: Pacers select Davis Bertans as No.42 - by Eurobasket News
Indiana Pacers selected Latvian prospect Davis Bertans (200-F-92) as 42nd overall pick (second round) at the NBA Draft 2011, which was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. There are already some indications that Indiana will trade rights on Bertans to San Antonio. That makes sense as most mock drafts had the Spurs drafting Bertans in the first round.
Davis Bertans spent last season with Union Olimpija. He appeared 7 times for them in Adriatic league averaging 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds. In Slovenian league, Bertans added 4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 15 games. He played also for Union Olimpija junior team last season. Bertans arrived to Olimpija last summer. Before that he played for Daugavas Sporta Nams, BK Keizarmezs Riga and BA Riga.
Davis Bertans paced U18 Latvia to Bronze medal at the U18 EuroBasket last summer in Lithuania. He shined with 14.8 ppg and 7.7 rpg at this event. Eurobasket awarded Bertans with All-European Championships U18 Best Forward -10. Bertans also was a member of U20 and U16 Latvia in the past.

Latvian U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Starting five

Mejeris

Jonats

Lejasmeiers

Meiers

Butjankovs

Armands Osins

185-G-91

Turiba

Mareks Mejeris

207-F-91

Liepaja

Ervins Jonats

199-F-91

Ventspils Aug. Latvia

Davis Lejasmeiers

190-G-91

Liepaja

Viktors Iljins

208-C-91

Valmiera

Janis Antrops

193-G-91

Turiba

Martins Rugajs

193-G-91

Ventspils Aug. Latvia

Enrijs Ansons

191-PG-91

Canarias

Martins Meiers

206-C-91

Liepaja

Artjoms Butjankovs

205-F/C-91

Barons

Ugis Pinete

194-F-91

Ventspils

Martins Bremze

178-PG-91

Edinburgh K. Scotland

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LITHUANIA

Minnesota Timberwolves select Donatas Motiejunas at No.20 - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves have drafted Lithuanian forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90, agency: Interperformances) as 20th overall pick. The NBA Draft 2011 was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. It is not clear yet, but there is some possibility that the Wolves will trade their rights on Motiejunas soon.
Donatas Motiejunas spent last two years with Benetton Treviso. Last season he had 10.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for them in 18 EuroCup games. He also added 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.2 spg for 37 games in SerieA. In 2009/10, Motejunas had 9.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg in Italy. His numbers in EuroCup were 7.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Motiejunas joined Benetton in 2009 from Aisciai Kaunas.
Donatas Motiejunas is active member of the Lithuanian National Team. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Lithuania in the past. With U20 Lithuania he won the Silver at the U20 EuroBasket 2008 in Latvia. He had 18.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 1.8 bpg at this event.

Raptors select Jonas Valanciunas fifth overall in NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors opted for long-term potential with the fifth overall selection in the NBA Draft, selecting Lithuanian power forward Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92). The Cleveland Cavaliers had the first pick and opened the festivities in Newark, New Jersey by selecting Duke point guard Kyrie Irving. Valanciunas was the Raptors' only selection of the night, as the team did not have a second round pick.
Jonas Valanciunas spent last season with Lietuvos Rytas. He played 33 games for them in LKL averaging 11.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg. In Euroleague, Valanciunas added 7.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 15 games. He had even better numbers in Baltic and VTB United league. Valanciunas joined Rytas in January of 2010 from Perlas.
Jonas Valanciunas paced Lithuania to Gold at the U18 EuroBasket last summer. He exploded with 19.4 ppg, 13.4 rpg and 2.7 bpg for 9 games at this event. Of course, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 MVP -10.

'I can tell you that without question we have found a combination of the best talent and the best fit for this team,' said Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo after the draft.

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

LUXEMBOURG

FORMER LUXBASKET ALL-STAR DRAFTED BY NBA CHAMPS! - by Ozell Wells
'With the 57th pick' of last night's NBA Draft, the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks selected Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side), who was an AllStar selection in the 2007 LuxBasket Showcase held in Grengewald. The 6'6, athletic wing with a 7' wingspan played his past few season with Al Rayyan Doha in Qatar, where he has also had a stint with the National Team. He wont the Best Forward Award at last seasons' Asian Games, drawing immediate notice to him. We ,at Eurobasket want to wish him the best of luck in whatever the winds of fortune and fate send to him.
Best Swishes Targuy!

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

MALAYSIA

Malaysia open win count in Jakarta - by Eurobasket News
Malaysia - Singapore 72:64

Malaysia celebrated the crucial win at the SEABA Championship in Jakarta. They overcame Singapore in the race for one of three Fiba Asia Championship qualifying spots. Shee Fai Loh (189-G-89) notched 19 points to pace Malaysia as they improved at 1-1 record. Singapore slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
Malaysia grabbed the lead midway through the opening period and raced to a 21:17 advantage after ten minutes. Malaysia opened a double-digit lead in the second term. They arrived at halftime up by 14 points 44:30. Malaysia did not slow down after the big break. Li Wei Chee (186-F-85) and John NG Yeo Song made it 55:37 for Malaysia. Singapore faced a massive 37:60 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter. Singapore went on a 17:0 run midway through the fourth period to narrow the deficit at 7 points but it was not enough. Wei Hong Choo knocked down a jumper to seal the win for Malaysia late in regulation. Li Wei Chee notched 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Malaysia. Chuan Chin Wee (180-G-84) added 10 points for the winners. Wong Wei Long (172-G-88) answered with 20 points for Singapore. Matialakan Pathman (198-C-80) had 10 points and 9 boards in the loss.

Malaysia: Shee Fai Loh 19, Li Wei Chee 14, Chuan Chin Wee 10
Singapore: Wong Wei Long 20, Matialakan Pathman 10

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Sowell, Guasave	30.7
2. White, Cananea	28.1
3. Sowell, Culiacan	27.3
4. Gale, Mexicali	26.8
5. Brown, Tepic	24.8
6. White, Los Mochis	24.2
7. Moore, Culiacan	23.8
8. Brown, Cananea	23.6
9. Brown, Tepic	23.3
10. Gabbidon, Tijuana	23.3

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Brown, Cananea	11.2
2. Moss, Nogales	9.9
3. Angounou, Guasave	9.8
4. VanderMeer, Mexica.	9.6
5. Brown, Tepic	9.6
6. Malloy, Los Mochis	8.7
7. Broxsie, Nogales	8.7
8. Shipley, Tijuana	8.6
9. Gray, Hermosillo	8.3
10. Thomas, Hermosillo	8.1

Assists Per Game

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

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

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

CIBACOPA Finals: Cananea jumps to 3-0 against Hermosillo - by Eurobasket News
CIBACOPA Finals, Game 3: Hermosillo - Cananea 84-90

Cananea is one step away from the title. They grabbed 84-90 road win against Hermosillo last night for 3-0 lead in the series. The first chance to win the trophy Cananea will have already today. Hermosillo will be the host again.
Rayos de Hermosillo was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Davin White (186-G-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) who scored 27 points. Forward Brandon Brown (201-85, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) chipped in 21 points and 9 rebounds. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) who recorded 24 points and 5 assists and center Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.

Top scorers:
Hermosillo: L.Wade 24+4reb+5ast, J.Lopez 15+6reb+1ast, M.Gray 14+8reb+1ast, J.Manuel Esteva 12+2reb+1ast, C.Holmes 8+3reb+3ast, S.Monreal 7+4ast
Cananea: D.White 27+3reb+3ast, B.Brown 21+9reb+2ast, D.Thomas 17+6reb+1ast, O.Zuniga 6+2reb+2ast, M.Valenzuela 5+4reb+1ast, J.Casillas 5+1ast

U16 Canada goes to Semifinals in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
U16 MEXICO - U16 CANADA 56-88

Canada registered second win at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They handed 88-56 loss to Mexico taking the second place in Group A. It means that Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet USA. Mexico ended as the last ranked team in this group (0-3). Patrick Steeves (95) came up with 16 points and 9 rebounds in victory. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G) also had 16 points, while Tyrell Bellot-Green (96) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Jose Hermosillo (95) collected 11 points and 7 rebs. Omar De Hato also scored 11 pts.
Canada took control on Mexico from the very beginning. They made 12-25 record and managed to keep plus 12 until the halftime. Canada was better team in the second half as well (14-22, 15-27) winning this game with comfortable 56-88. Semifinals will be played today.

Mexico: Jose Hermosillo 11+7 boards, Omar De Hato 11
Canada: Patrick Steeves 16+9 boards, Kevin-Mbezela Zabo 16, Tyrell Bellot-Green 15+8 boards

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

MOLDOVA

Moldova Romania Athletes in Action tour - by Huge
June 8-16, 2011.

International Sports Organization Athletes in Action together with Moldova Basketball Federation organized a tour where AIA Basketball team, consisting from NCAA players played 7 games in 8 days with Moldova clubs and U-18 National team. Americans won 6 out of 7 games, loosing to UASM, 2011 Championship and Cup winners.

US athletes played 3 games with Moldova U-18 team, that is getting ready for European Championship in San Marino this July. Thought loosing in all 3 games it was a very good experience for young players and a part of preparation program for Europeans.

After playing games in Moldova AIA team added 3 out of 3 wins in Iasi, Romania. Nathan Priest (6'7'', North Carolina Pembroke, 23,7 PPG) and Matt Johnson (6' 6'', Columbia University New York), 2 young NCAA players where the most effective players on the team.

Hope such tours will not be spontaneous and single, but will long term and fruitful, which will help Moldova basketball to develop and reach new levels.

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

MONTENEGRO

Rockets select Nikola Mirotic as No.23 and trade his rights to Bulls - by Eurobasket News
The Chicago Bulls obtained two small forwards in the first round of Thursday's NBA draft. Multiple outlets reported that they swung a trade with the Rockets to get forward Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) with Houston's 23rd pick. The Bulls selected Marquette forward Jimmy Butler with the 30th pick.
Nikola Mirotic is a member of Real Madrid. He played 20 games for them in Euroleague last season averaging 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. Mirotic also added 7.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 35 Spanish league games. Real Madrid reached Euroleague and ACB Semifinals. Mirotic joined Real Madrid junior team in 2006. In 2009/10, he was loaned to Faymasa Palencia. For 31 games in LEB Gold Mirotic had 8 ppg and 4.6 rpg.
Nikola Mirotic won the Bronze with U20 Montenegro at the U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. He exploded with 15.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 6 games at his event. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Best Center -10.

Philadelphia 76ers select Nikola Vucevic as 16th overall pick - by Eurobasket News
Montenegrin forward Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90) was selected as 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA draft, which was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. Vucevic played for the University of Southern California last three years. Last season he exploded with 17.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.6 apg and 1.4 bpg in 34 games for his school. Vucevic was awarded with All-Pac-10 1st Team -11. In 2010 he was named All-Pac-10 Most Improved Player of the Year.
Nikola Vucevic played for U20 Montenegro at the U20 EuroBasket 2009 in Rhodes. He shined with 15.5 ppg, 10.8 rpg and 1.9 bpg at this event. He started basketball career with Mornar Bar.

'He's not an above-the-rim type of player,' Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski said. 'When I saw him a couple of times this year, I knew what kind of size he was, but it's his length. Was his length good enough to overcome that lack of playing above the rim? He's got very good wingspan. So, that's the plus.'

Despite rumors, the Sixers did not come close to trading Andre Iguodala, but not for lack of trying as they felt they needed a higher pick to get Vucevic.

'There were times where we were looking about moving up to secure him, but we were never able to make that deal,' Stefanski said. 'So, you get lucky.'

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

NBA

Blazers Acquire Felton, Send Out Miller, Fernandez - by Eurobasket
Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Raymond Felton (6'5''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Andre Miller (6'3''-PG-76, college: Utah), while sending Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) and Petteri Koponen (6'4''-G-88)'s NBA rights to Dallas as part of a three-team trade.

Portland also acquired the draft rights to Jordan Hamilton (6'7''-G/F-90) (taken 26th overall) and Tanguy Ngombo (taken 57th overall) from Dallas for Fernandez and Koponen. Hamilton's rights were then sent to Denver as part of the Felton trade and Portland is currently in discussions to trade Ngombo's rights.

'I want to acknowledge our basketball personnel staff for their hard work and thorough preparation for tonight's NBA Draft,' said Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen. 'I thought it was a very good night for the Portland Trail Blazers and our fans.

'I also want to thank both Andre Miller and Rudy Fernandez for their contributions to the team these past few seasons and wish them all the best for the future.'

Couresy of realgm.com

Pacers Send Leonard To Spurs For George Hill - by Eurobasket
San Antonio Spurs have acquired the draft rights to Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, agency: Impact Basketball) from the Pacers in exchange for George Hill (6'2''-PG-86, college: IUPUI), according to sources.

Indiana selected Leonard out of San Diego State with the 15th overall pick.

The Pacers will also send the 42nd overall pick and the draft rights to Erazem Lorbek to the San Antonio Spurs.

Courtesy of realgm.com

Players' tees signal solidarity in NBA labor talks - by Eurobasket News
About 50 NBA players arrived at collective bargaining talks Friday morning wearing matching T-shirts with the word 'STAND' written in large block letters, perhaps sending a signal that the union is taking a harder stance after its $500 million giveback was dismissed by commissioner David Stern as 'modest.'

With only seven days remaining until the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement, the resumption of talks Friday came amid a growing sense of disbelief that an accord can be reached in time to prevent a lockout.

Owners are scheduled to meet Tuesday in Dallas and could vote to authorize a lockout, while the union wrapped up a two-day meeting of team player representatives Thursday night.

Only the players' bargaining committee was expected at Friday's negotiations across the street from league headquarters, but dozens of men in matching dark gray shirts, many of them very tall, exited single-file from a bus and strode past wide-eyed tourists as they entered the meeting site.

'I was informed late last night that they had met among themselves and decided that they were all going to show up at the session,' union director Billy Hunter said. 'The message is just solidarity. We have to stand together, be unified and address whatever the circumstance is -- and address it together.'

Friday's meeting was the first between the sides since they exchanged new economic proposals Tuesday, with the union proposing a five-year deal in which they would receive $100 million less per season in salaries each season. The owners countered with a proposed 10-year deal that would guarantee the players $2 billion in salaries each season -- a reduction from the $2.17 billion the players earned in the 2010-11 season.

Hunter went on a public-relations offensive in the two days between meetings, pointing out Wednesday that the owners also were asking the players to relinquish $180 million in funds that were withheld from players' paychecks last season as part of the 'escrow' system, a mechanism that ensured the players receive exactly 57 percent of basketball-related income. Those funds are due to be disbursed to the players in August.

On Thursday, Hunter issued some of his strongest public comments, charging the owners with trying to 'break the union.'

Friday morning, Hunter raised the possibility of extending the labor talks into July if both sides believe progress is being made and a deal is within reach.

'The 30th can be just another day. They are the ones that will determine if it carries more significance than it really should. What happens on the 30th is that the collective bargaining agreement expires. It doesn't mean that it has to be the end of negotiations. It doesn't mean it has to be a lockout,' Hunter said. 'The ball is in their court. They will decide how we'll treat it.

'They could vote to extend it, and maybe based upon what happens today -- anything of any consequence, maybe they'll want to do that.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Rockets acquire Motiejunas and Flynn from Timberwolves - by Eurobasket News
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have traded the 23rd and 38th picks in the draft, a future first-round pick and centre Brad Miller (6'11''-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) to Minnesota for seven-foot Lithuanian Donatas Motiejunas (7'0''-C-90, agency: Interperformances) and point guard Jonny Flynn (6'0''-G-89, college: Syracuse).

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the deal has not yet been approved by the league.

The Timberwolves selected the seven-foot Motiejunas with the 20th pick. Motiejunas is playing his second season with the Italian club Benetton Treviso. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and two steals in 30 regular-season games.

The Rockets used the 23rd overall pick on Nikola Mirotic, a forward from Montenegro. Mirotic is in his first season with Real Madrid.

Earlier, the Rockets used the 14th overall pick to take Kansas forward Marcus Morris.

Courtesy of www.tsn.ca

Lakers trade Chukwudiebere Maduabum to Nuggets - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers have sent the draft rights to second round selection (56th overall) Chukwudiebere Maduabum (6'9''-F-91) to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future second round draft pick, it was announced today.

Maduabum, a 69 forward from Nigeria, appeared in three games last season with the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Entering the 2011 NBA Draft, the Lakers held four picks in the second round, selecting Darius Morris (41st overall), Andrew Goudelock (46th overall), Maduabum (56th overall) and Ater Majok (58th overall).

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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

NCAA1

Former Knicks assistant Nix joins Demon Deacons' staff - by Eurobasket News
Former New York Knicks assistant and executive Jeff Nix is Wake Forest's new director of basketball operations.

Coach Jeff Bzdelik announced the hiring Thursday. Nix spent 15 years in the Knicks' organization from 1992-2007, including eight years as an assistant, five years as the assistant general manager and two years as the director of scouting.

He replaces Walt Corbean, who was promoted to assistant coach after Mark Pope took a position on BYU's coaching staff.

Bzdelik says the Demon Deacons 'hit a home run' in landing Nix. The two worked together in 1994-95 when Bzdelik was the Knicks' lead scout and Nix was one of Pat Riley's assistants.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

U16 USA wins Group B in Cancun - by Eurobasket News
COSTA RICA - USA 46-118

As expected, USA destroyed Costa Rica registering third straight victory in Cancun. USA ended as No.1 of Group B and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. Costa Rico finished as the last ranked team in this group with 0-3 score. They will continue in Classification Round. Conner Frankamp (96) came up with 22 points and 9 assists for the winners. Aaron Gordon (96) also was great and he was very close to reach triple-double: 18 pts, 18 rebs, 9 as. Kendrick Nunn (96) helped with 12 pts. In Costa Rica, Milton Jimenez (95) shined with 28 points. Henry Sanchez (95) netted 11 pts. USA was simply too strong for their rival during the entire game. Quarters: 0-19, 7-40, 25-30, 14-29. The championship continues today.

Costa Rica: Milton Jimenez 28, Henry Sanchez 11
USA: Conner Frankamp 22+9 as, Aaron Gordon 18+18 rebs+9 as, Kendrick Nunn 12

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Leasure, Taranaki.	21.9
2. Hudson, Manawatu.	20.6
3. Pace, Bay Hawks	19.8
4. Webster, Wellingt.	19.7
5. Campbell, Taranaki.	19.4
6. Dora, Nelson G.	19.3
7. Abercrombie, Waika.	19.2
8. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	18.6
9. Smith, Waikato P.	18.6
10. Polyblank, Southl.	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12

1. Pledger, Waika.	12.0
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	11.0
3. Vukona, Nelson G.	10.7
4. Allred, OceanaGo.	10.1
5. Campbell, Taranaki.	9.9
6. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
7. Grizzard, Nelson G.	8.7
8. Johnson, Wellingt.	8.7
9. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	8.4
10. Boucher, Auckland.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	6.7
2. Dickel, Southland	6.5
3. Tait, Wellington S.	6.0
4. Braswell, Southlan.	5.2
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	4.4
6. Martin, Auckland.	4.3
7. Boucher, Auckland.	3.8
8. Smith, Waikato P.	3.6
9. Grizzard, Nelson G.	3.4
10. Meehl, Taranaki MA	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	3.2
2. Boucher, Auckland.	2.8
3. Smith, Waikato P.	2.6
4. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
5. Hagan, Manawatu J.	2.3
6. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.0
7. Dickel, Southland	2.0
8. Rose, Southland S.	1.8
9. Braswell, Southlan.	1.6
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Pledger, Waika.	2.7
2. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
3. Iti, Southland S.	1.5
4. Allred, OceanaGo.	1.4
5. Spicer, Southlan.	1.2
6. Anthony, Waika.	1.0
7. Adams, Wellington	1.0
8. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
9. Johnson, Wellingt.	1.0
10. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.0

Standings Men

NBL Standings

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

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

NIGERIA

DStv PBL Playoffs: Hoopers set up Stars semi-final battle - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt Thursday compounded the fortune of former champion of the Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club with an 82-79 points victory to stop the former champion from advancing to the semi-finals stage of the 2010/2011 season of the DStv PBL Final-8 Playoffs in Lagos.

The win over Pillars by the Hoopers gave them the top spot in the group going into the semi-finals which has been schedule for Saturday at the sport hall of the national stadium, Lagos.

Royal Hoopers who was beaten to the Nigeria domestic league title last seaon in Port Harcourt found Lagos a willing venue to pay Pillars back in it own coin not even Pillars guard and reigning leading scorer of Africa Champions Cup competition, Abubakar Usmans 40 points of the night could stop the Pillars from defeat as the Hoopers players match them skill for skill with motion offense.

The former champion took the first and third quarters by 25-21 and 22-20 points as both sides tied the second quarter at 17 points apiece with the Coach Ogoh Odaudu tutored Hoopers picking the last quarter by 24-15 points for a final score line of 82-79 to set up a semi-finals clash against Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna.

The first semi-final pairing will see Atlantic conference leader, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos who rose from its Wednesday shock defeat to Comets basketball club to defeat Kada Stars BC by 88-71 points will do battle against surprised semi-final qualifier Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos who prove book makers wrong after dropping its first two group-B games to Kano Pillars and Royal Hoopers to humble giant killing Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi by 87-62 points to go through on the head-to-head rule between it Pillars and Hawks as the three sides finished the preliminary round with one win and two loses.

Royal Hoopers team manager, Ifie Ozaka is confident his side has what it takes to win the title this season declaring that this is Hoopers year.

With great respect to other teams in this season playoffs we beleive our team has the best chances of winning the league this time.

The Port Harcourt-based side who intend to stage the final round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup competition later in the year must not underrate it semi-final foe Kada Stars who parade one of the youngest team in the playoffs.

DAY-1 Result
GAME-1: Royal Hoopers 80-65 Yelwa Hawks (B)
GAME-2: Kada Stars 57-55 Comets (A)
GAME-3: Kano Pillars 76-67 Dodan Warriors (B)
GAME-4: Union Bank 63-55 Bauchi Nets (A)

DAY-2 RESULTS
GAME-5: Kano Pillars 73-74 Yelwa Hawks (B)
GAME-6: Kada Stars 67-64 Bauchi Nets (A)
GAME-7: Dodan Warriors 66-82 Royal Hoopers (B)
GAME-8: Union Bank 50-59 Comets (A)

DAY-3 Results
GAME-9: Union Bank 88-71 Kada Stars (A)
GAME-10: Bauchi Nets 62-61 Comets (A)
GAME-11: Dodan Warriors 87-62 Yelwa Hawks (B)
GAME-12: Kano Pillars 79-82 Royal Hoopers (B)

Semi-Final Saturday 25/06/2011
Union Bank Vs Dodan Warriors15H00
Kada Stars Vs Royal Hoopers17H00

Lakers trade Chukwudiebere Maduabum to Nuggets - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers have sent the draft rights to second round selection (56th overall) Chukwudiebere Maduabum (6'9''-F-91) to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future second round draft pick, it was announced today.

Maduabum, a 69 forward from Nigeria, appeared in three games last season with the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Entering the 2011 NBA Draft, the Lakers held four picks in the second round, selecting Darius Morris (41st overall), Andrew Goudelock (46th overall), Maduabum (56th overall) and Ater Majok (58th overall).

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Los Angeles Lakers use No. 56 pick on Chukwudiebere Maduabum - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers selected forward Chukwudiebere Maduabum (206-F-91) from the NBA Developmental League with the No. 56 pick of the draft on Thursday night. The 6-foot-9, 210-pounder spent last season with the Bakersfield Jam. Maduabum appeared 3 times for the Jam averaging less them and point and 1 block. In the past, he played for Dodan Warriors.

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

PANAMA

Michael Hicks finished the season in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Michael Hicks (193-G-76, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) finished the season in Italy with his Sigma Barcellona (Italy-Lega2). The Panamanian Guard averaged high 16.8 points per game and had 5.6 rebounds.
Fastweb Casale did not allow Barcellona to step in the Final and advanced into LegaDue Finals sweeping the series against them. The guests were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 15-8. Fastweb CM made 31-of-40 free shots (77.5 percent) during the game. Fastweb CM outrebounded Sigma Barcellona 39-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. Sigma Barcellona was plagued by 35 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard Ricky Hickman who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import guard Donell Taylor contributed with 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Scottish-Nigerian power forward Kieron Achara answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Panamanian guard Michael Hicks added 22 points in the effort for Sigma Barcellona.
In his top game top ranked Umana Venezia recorded its second loss on the court of fourth ranked Sigma Barcellona. Visitors were defeated by Sigma Barcellona 83-74. It ended at the same time the nine-game winning streak of Umana Venezia. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 43-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Sigma Barcellona made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Panamanian guard Michael Hicks who had a double-double by scoring 31 points and 16 rebounds.

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Roundup for June 18-24, 2011 - by Enzo Flojo
MERALCO BOLTS over ALASKA ACES, 81-78
Mark Isip (193-F-80) came up big again for Meralco as the Bolts got their 2nd straight win against the Alaska Aces last Saturday. Import Champ Oguchi missed a late three-pointer, and Isip collared the offensive rebound then knocked in a free throw to seal the deal for Meralco.

The Aces battled back from a 14-point deficit but failed to complete their rally with LA Tenorio missing two three-point tries in the last 28 seconds. Alaska suffered its second straight defeat following a 75-101 rout by the Talk N Text Tropang Texters.

Meralco 81 - Oguchi 28, Mercado 16, Espinas 16, Taulava 8, Isip 7, Hugnatan 4, Ritualo 2, Aljamal 0, Weinstein 0, Omolon 0, Gamalinda 0.
Alaska 78 - Forte 22, Baguio 20, Borboran 8, Reyes 7, Tenorio 7, Joachim Thoss (203-C-81) 5, Gonzales 4, Custodio 3, Cablay 2, Eman 0, Bugia 0.
QS: 27-14, 37-42, 63-56, 81-78

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS, 120-108
Coach Chot Reyess grand-slam-seeking Tropang Texters handily dominated the erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine, 120-108, to grab a share of the lead in the standings. Maurice Baker and Jason Castro (173-G-86) each just came up shy of a triple double in helping TNT earn its second straight win. Castro came off the bench and wound up with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8assists, despite a sour outside shooting touch, to complement Bakers 22 markers, 12 boards and 7 dimes.

Ranidel de Ocampo, Ryan Reyes, Larry Fonacier and Ali Peek also contributed significant numbers for the Texters, who hardly missed the services of the injured Jimmy Alapag (right ankle).

Despite an apparent problem with his right hamstring, Arizona Reid (196-F-86, college: High Point) managed to come up with his third straight double-double, 27 points and 14 rebounds, for RoS. Larry Rodriguez, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Arana and Jireh Ibanes each churned out at least 11 points, but their combined efforts were still no match for Talk 'N Texts well-stocked arsenal.

Talk N Text 120 - Baker 22, Castro 22, De Ocampo 18, Reyes 13, Fonacier 11, Peek 10, Williams 7, Carey 7, Yee 5, Aban 3, Alvarez 2.
Rain or Shine 108 - Reid 27, Rodriguez 16, Norwood 14, Arana 12, Ibanes 11, Jazul 7, Belga 7, Buenafe 6, Chan 5, Kramer 3, Vanlandingham 0.
QS: 33-26, 70-52, 99-82, 120-108

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 100-89
Jeremy Wise (191-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) helped Petron Blaze notch its first back-to-back wins since the PBA Philippine Cup finals. Shaking off a flat start, Wise poured in 17 of his 21 points in the second half as the Boosters drubbed the Barangay Ginebra Kings in a follow-up to their walloping of the Air21 Express just 48 hours prior.

The Boosters won despite the continued absence of Jay Washington, Danny Ildefonso, Noy Baclao and Denok Miranda.

Wise picked up his game in time to anchor Petron to the morale-boosting, come-from-behind win. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mick Pennisi, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot contributed double-digit outputs as the Boosters overcame an early 10-point deficit, outplaying the Kings in the final half.

Petron 100 - Wise 21, Al-Hussaini 21, Pennisi 14, Santos 13, Cabagnot 11, Tugade 9, Salvacion 5, Duncil 2, Yeo 2, Hubalde 2, Guevarra 0.
Ginebra 89 - Stinson 22, Caguioa 17, Intal 15, Cortez 12, De Ocampo 8, Miller 5, Wilson 4, Rodriguez 3, Tubid 2, Wilson 1, Menk 0.
QS: 17-26, 49-49, 80-71, 100-89

POWERADE TIGERS over AIR 21 EXPRESS, 109-91
Rookies Sean Anthony (193-F-86) and Jai Reyes led the Tigers to a breakthrough win over Air21. Import Chris Porter scored a team-high 22 points, but it was the yeomans efforts by the two freshies that pointed Powerade to its first win in three tries.

Anthony had 13 of his 21 points and Reyes 11 of his career-high 14 in the fourth period, and they turned the close game into a runaway victory. Reyes scored all his fourth quarter points after Air21 had come roaring back from what was once a 12-point deficit. The Express tied the game twice and still threatened at 87-88, exactly five minutes left.

Danny Seigle had 23 points to lead all scorers, but the Express still dropped their third straight game after drawing another poor performance from import Alpha Bangura. He wound up with only 10 points after attempting just 11 times from the field and going to the free throw line just once. He was benched with the Express trailing by 53-65, 6:25 left in the third period.

Powerade 109 - Porter 22, Anthony 21, Cruz 18, Reyes J. 14, Gonzales 14, Rizada 4, Macapagal 4, Reyes R. 3, Allera 2, Lanete 2, Espino 2, Antonio 2, Quinahan 1.
Air21 91- Seigle 23, Hontiveros 13, Bangura 10, Canaleta 8, Salvador 7, Avenido 7, Arboleda 5, Espiritu 4, Najorda 4, Sharma 4, Artadi 4, Cabahug 2, Urbiztondo 0.
QS: 20-28, 52-47, 73-68, 109-91

ALASKA ACES over B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS, 107-102
Alaska has gotten back on track after beating the Llamados in a tough seesaw battle Wednesday night. Jason Forte and Joachim Thoss dished out solid games throughout while LA Tenorio got his game going in the final period as Alaska nailed its first win in three starts. Forte came through with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists on top of the good defensive job he put up on former Alaska top forward Joe De Vance.

Joachim Thoss also had double-double numbers with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Tenorio added 16 markers.

B-Megs import, Stefon Hannah, who averaged only eight points in each of his first two games, made 18, but was outplayed by Tenorio in the crunch. B-Meg coach Jorge Gallent opted to sit out his import in the last 3:46 of play. Hannah went 1-of-6 from the three-point area. He's now got an awful 3-of-25 three-point shooting overall in the tourney.

Alaska 107 - Forte 29, Joachim Thoss 20, Tenorio 16, Baguio 11, Borboran 10, Custodio 6, Reyes 5, Gonzales 3, Cablay 3, Thiele 2, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 0.
B-Meg 102 - Yap J. 28, Hannah 18, Simon 17, Devance 10, Pingris 9, Allado 9, Villanueva 5, Yap R. 4, Gaco 2, Fernandez 0.
QS: 23-23, 46-53, 72-75, 107-102

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 113-83
Arizona Reid delivered a spectacular performance and Rain or Shine battered Petron Blaze for a lopsided Friday night triumph. The Elasto Painters turned the tide in their favor in the second quarter as the 6-foot-5 power forward from South Carolina unleashed his fury on the hapless Boosters.

Reid turned in a double-double effort with 34 points and 21 rebounds. He also had 8 assists. The ability of Gabe Norwood to contain Petron ace playmaker Alex Cabagnot was also crucial. Cabagnot managed just two points on 1-of-12 shooting and 6 assists. Ronjay Buenafe scored 13 points and Joshua Vanlandingham added 12 for Rain or Shine, which bounced back from a loss against Talk N Text last Sunday and improved to a 3-1 record.

Rookie Rabeh Al-Hussaini finished with 23 points. Arwin Santos scored 19 points and had a career-high 27 rebounds the most by a local in the last seven seasons and import Jeremy Wise had 17 points, 3 assists and 2 blocks for the Boosters, who fell to 2-2.

Rain or Shine 113 - Reid 34, Buenafe 13, Vanlandingham 12, Arana 9, Ibanes 9, Belga 7, Chan 6, Kramer 6, Cruz 5, Norwood 5, Rodriguez 4, Jazul 3, Uyloan 0, Ferriols 0.
Petron 83 - Al-Hussaini 23, Santos 19, Wise 17, Pennisi 10, Yeo 6, Tugade 3, Cabagnot 2, Salvacion 2, Hubalde 1, Baclao 0, Duncil 0.
QS: 23-24, 55-36, 80-62, 113-83

BGY. GINERBA KINGS over MERALCO BOLTS, 97-81
Behind a strong start and a stronger finish, Barangay Ginebra stopped Meralco in its tracks. The Kings outplayed the Bolts in the opening quarter and at the finish for a piece of third place after their first three games in the season-ending tourney.

After two near triple-double games, Curtis Stinson (187-G-83, college: Iowa St.) finally completed one with 18 points, 16 assists and 13 rebounds as the Kings bounced back from a loss to the Petron Boosters the last time out and, in the process, caught up with the Bolts at 2-1.

Mark Caguioa and Ronald Tubid contributed 25 and 17 points, respectively, as the Kings scored the win, priming themselves up for their Dubai game with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters on July 1.

Ginebra 97 - Caguioa 25, Stinson 18, Tubid 17, Menk 16, De Ocampo 6, Wilson W. 5, Miller 5, Intal 3, Wilson J. 2, Rodriguez 0, Cortez 0.
Meralco 81 - Mercado 22, Oguchi 19, Taulava 11, Espinas 9, Isip 8, Omolon 6, Hugnatan 4, Ritualo 2, Weinstein 0, Aljamal 0.
QS: 31-18, 53-40, 72-65, 97-81

*Compiled and Adapted from PBA.ph

Thoughts on the 2nd day of SEABA 2011: - by Enzo Flojo
Malaysia 72 - Loh 19, Chee 14, Wee 10, Ho 9, Ng 9, Batumalai 5, Kuppusamy 3, Choo 2, Chin 1, Lau 0, Kuek 0, Ong 0
Singapore 64 - Wong 20, Matiakalin 10, Koh M. 7, Folkoff 6, Ng 6, Goh 5, Koh K. 3, Wu 2, Lim 2, Khoo 2, Oh 1, Fok 0
QS: 21-17, 44-30, 56-37, 72-64
- The score understates Malaysia's dominance through the first 3 periods of the match. Singapore made a nice run to start the final canto, but Malaysia's buffer was too much.
- Shee Fai Loh (189-G-89) rebounds from a less-than-stellar first game to bury the Singaporeans. This he did on the strength of 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
- Wei Long Wong tried to keep the Singaporeans within striking distance, but his efforts were just not enough. After a promising first game, Singapore is staring at a winless campaign when they tackle Smart-Gilas next.

Philippines 94 - Lutz 20, Aguilar 19, Ababou 13, Douthit 11, Casio 8, Baracael 7, Barroca 6, Tiu 6, Ballesteros 4
Indonesia 54 - Poedjakesuma 10, Prawiro 8, Thoyib 8, Indrawan 6, Prihantono 5, Wuysang 5, Situmorang 4, Dewanto 2, Ahmad 2, Gunawan 2, Setepu 2, Faisal 2, Chandra 0
QS: 20-9, 49-22, 71-38, 94-54
- This time around, the Philippines didn't leave any doubt. No anxious moments. No shaking heads. Just full on dominance.
- Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) starred for the Pinoys, hitting 14-of-15 free throws en route to his game-high 20 points. Japeth Aguilar had another stirring performance, producing 19 points on 9-of-11 field goal shooting.
- Second straight game Marcio Lassiter didn't play. Looks like he's headed back to the homeland early to assess his back injury. Here's to hoping it isn't anything serious.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

Philippines blow out Indonesia to stay perfect in Jakarta - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Philippines 54:94

Philippines remained perfect at the 9th SEABA Championship in Jakarta. They stormed past Indonesia tonight to improve at 2-0 record. Indonesia in the meantime slipped at 1-1 record. Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) stepped up with 20 points to pace well-balanced Filipino team.
Philippines gave no chance for Indonesia in this one. The visitors built a 20:9 lead after the starting frame. The second period turned disastrous for Indonesia defence. The hosts conceded 29 points to trail by as many as 27 points at the interval 22:49. Philippines continued to dominate after the main break. They stretched the lead to 33 points heading into the fourth frame. Indonesia had little to answer with and had to surrender at the end. Japeth Paul Aguilar (207-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) contributed 19 points for Philippines. Dylan Simon Ababou (193-G/F-86) added 13 points in the victory. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds for Indonesia. Isman Muhammad Thoyib (203-C-84) and Xaverius Prawiro (181-G/F-86) delivered 8 points apiece in the loss.

Indonesia: Andi Poedjakesuma 10, Isman Muhammad Thoyib 8, Xaverius Prawiro 8
Philippines: Christopher Ryan Lutz 20, Japeth Paul Aguilar 19, Dylan Simon Ababou 13

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Governor's Cup Standings

1. Rain or Shine		3-1
2. Talk N Text		2-0
3. Ginebra		2-1
4. Meralco B.		2-1
5. San Miguel		2-2
6. Alaska		1-2
7. Derby Ace L.		1-2
8. Powerade T.		1-2
9. Air21		0-3

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Regular Season 2011 Standings

1. Bayamon		21-9
2. Arecibo		18-11
3. Guaynabo		18-12
4. San German		17-13
5. Quebradillas		16-14
6. Santurce		15-15
7. Coamo		12-18
8. Humacao		12-18
9. Mayaguez		10-19
10. Isabela		10-20

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Ramos, Quebradillas	23.5
2. Vassallo, Guaynabo	23.4
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.2
4. Johnson, Humacao	21.2
5. Ayuso, Arecibo	19.4
6. Villegas, Coamo	19.3
7. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
8. Galindo, Isabela	18.5
9. Randolph, Isabela	18.0
10. Harris, San German	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Harris, San German	12.7
2. Randolph, Isabela	12.3
3. Narvaez, Coamo	12.1
4. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.6
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	10.8
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.0
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Sweetney, Santurce	9.6
9. Clemente, Mayaguez	9.3
10. Rickert, Bayamon	9.1

Assists Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  Mayaguez
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Hamilton, Mayaguez	7.7
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	5.8
4. Rivera, San German	5.0
5. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
6. Clemente, Humacao	4.5
7. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
8. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.2
9. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.2
10. Bruton, Quebradil.	4.1

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.8
2. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.6
3. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
4. Santiago, Santurce	1.4
5. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
6. Ayuso, Arecibo	1.3
7. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.3
8. Hamilton, Mayaguez	1.3
9. Diaz, Arecibo	1.3
10. Mojica, Bayamon	1.3

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Penn, Humacao	2.6
2. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
3. Santiago, Arecibo	2.0
4. Sanchez, Santurce	2.0
5. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.8
7. Lee, Bayamon	1.8
8. Harris, San German	1.5
9. Randolph, Isabela	1.4
10. Sweetney, Santur.	1.1

QATAR

RUSSIA

Spartak Saint Petersburg bring in Valery Likhodey - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Saint Petersburg have agreed on terms of contract with Valery Likhodey (204-F-86). The 24-year-old forward signed a one-year deal with the team. Last season Valery Likhodey played for Triumph. He averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 boards and 2.0 assists per game in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. In PBL his stats read 13.4 points, 5.2 boards and 1.0 assist per appearance. Valery Likhodey participated at 2011 PBL All-Star Game. The forward earned Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Honourable Mention. Valery Likhodey played for Russian University National Team. He tallied 11.7 points, 5.6 boards, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists per game at 2009 World University Games in Belgrade. Russia clinched silver medals at the tournament.

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SCOTLAND

Kieron Achara ended up the season in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83, college: Duquesne) ended up the season in Italy with his Sigma Barcellona (Italy-Lega2). The Scottish-Nigerian Big Man averaged high 9.9 points per game.
Fastweb Casale did not allow Barcellona to step in the Final and advanced into LegaDue Finals sweeping the series against them. The guests were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 15-8. Fastweb CM made 31-of-40 free shots (77.5 percent) during the game. Fastweb CM outrebounded Sigma Barcellona 39-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. Sigma Barcellona was plagued by 35 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard Ricky Hickman who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import guard Donell Taylor contributed with 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Scottish-Nigerian power forward Kieron Achara answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Panamanian guard Michael Hicks added 22 points in the effort for Sigma Barcellona.
His top game was played at the Regular Season Round 30 when Umana Reyer won over Barcellona 91-83. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Sigma Barcellona won third quarter 26-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Umana Venezia won last quarter 23-17. They made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Scottish-Nigerian power forward Kieron Achara recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds.

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SEABA

Philippines and Malaysia post victories on Day 2 in Jakarta - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Philippines 54-94
Philippines remained perfect at the 9th SEABA Championship in Jakarta. They stormed past Indonesia tonight to improve at 2-0 record. Indonesia in the meantime slipped at 1-1 record. Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) stepped up with 20 points to pace well-balanced Filipino team. Philippines gave no chance for Indonesia in this one. The visitors built a 20:9 lead after the starting frame. The second period turned disastrous for Indonesia defence. The hosts conceded 29 points to trail by as many as 27 points at the interval 22:49. Philippines continued to dominate after the main break. They stretched the lead to 33 points heading into the fourth frame. Indonesia had little to answer with and had to surrender at the end. Japeth Paul Aguilar (207-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) contributed 19 points for Philippines. Dylan Simon Ababou (193-G/F-86) added 13 points in the victory. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds for Indonesia. Isman Muhammad Thoyib (203-C-84) and Xaverius Prawiro (181-G/F-86) delivered 8 points apiece in the loss.

Singapore - Malaysia 64-72
Malaysia celebrated the crucial win at the SEABA Championship in Jakarta. They overcame Singapore in the race for one of three Fiba Asia Championship qualifying spots. Shee Fai Loh (189-G-89) notched 19 points to pace Malaysia as they improved at 1-1 record. Singapore slipped at 0-2 record after the loss. Malaysia grabbed the lead midway through the opening period and raced to a 21:17 advantage after ten minutes. Malaysia opened a double-digit lead in the second term. They arrived at halftime up by 14 points 44:30. Malaysia did not slow down after the big break. Li Wei Chee (186-F-85) and John NG Yeo Song made it 55:37 for Malaysia. Singapore faced a massive 37:60 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter. Singapore went on a 17:0 run midway through the fourth period to narrow the deficit at 7 points but it was not enough. Wei Hong Choo knocked down a jumper to seal the win for Malaysia late in regulation. Li Wei Chee notched 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Malaysia. Chuan Chin Wee (180-G-84) added 10 points for the winners. Wong Wei Long (172-G-88) answered with 20 points for Singapore. Matialakan Pathman (198-C-80) had 10 points and 9 boards in the loss.

SEA Games Standings

Standings

1. Philippine.		2-0
2. Indonesia		1-1
3. Malaysia		1-1
4. Singapore		0-2

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SERBIA

Basketball Clinic Belgrade 2011 - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian basketball association announce the 10th jubilee of the International Coaching Seminar Basketball Clinic Belgrade. This year's Clinic will be held on June 25th and 26th in Sport Hall of Sumice. Since this is the 10th Anniversary of the Clinic, our main wish and goal is to gather, for the first time ever, our most eminent coaches as lecturers like Dusan Ivkovic, Zeljko Obradovic, Svetislav Pesic, Dusko Vujosevic, Bozidar Maljkovic, Dusko Ivanovic, Bogdan Tanjevic, Ranko Zeravica...

The organizers of Basketball clinic:
- Serbian Association of Basketball Coaches
- FIBA World Association of Basketball Coaches
- Basketball Federation of Serbia
- Basketball Federation of Belgrade
- Secretariat for Sport and Youth

BCB LECTURERS
- Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ) (Serbia)
- Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) (Serbia)
- Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) (Serbia)
- Zeljko Obradovic (Serbia)
- Zoran Radovic (Serbia)
- Milivoje Jovcic (Serbia)

THE PROGRAM

BCB 2011PROGRAM
(Sport center 'Sumice', Ustanicka 125/1)

DAY 1, Saturday June 25th

09.00h Registration of Participants
11.00h Opening Ceremony
11.05h Dusan IVKOVIC, 'The Analysis of the Curent Conditions in Serbian Basketball and System of Practices For the Game's Improvement'
13.00h Zoran RADOVIC, 'Basketball Arbitration Tribunal'
14.00h Dusko VUJOSEVIC, 'Cooperation with the Low Post Player'

DAY 2, Sunday June 26th

11.00h Svetislav PESIC, 'Pick & Roll Defense'
13.00h Milivoje JOVCIC, 'Specific Characteristics of 2 on 2, Common Violations and Tactical Use of the Rules'
14.00h Zeljko OBRADOVIC, 'Pick & Roll Offense'

Cavaliers take Milan Macvan as 54th pick - by Eurobasket News
The Cavaliers entered the second round of Thursday's draft with two selections. They came out of it with two future second-rounders and a player they might not ever see in the wine and gold. With the 32nd overall pick, the Cavs selected Richmond forward Justin Harper. He was traded to Orlando soon thereafter for second-round draft picks in 2013 and 2014. Then with the 54th overall pick, the Cavaliers selected Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group), a 6-9 forward from Serbia. He will remain in Euroleague, according to Cavs GM Chris Grant.
Milan Macvan started last season with Hemfoarm. He moved to Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv in December. For 12 Euroleague games with them Macvan had 3.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg. In Israeli league he added, 6.7 ppg and 3 rpg. Macvan was a member of Hemofarm since 2007, when he joined them from FMP.
Milan Macvan is active member of the Serbian National Team. He won the Silver with them two years ago in Poland. Last summer, Macvan had 5.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 1.1 apg for 7 games in Turkey. Macvan won several Gold medals and personal awards with youth National Teams.

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SINGAPORE

SLOVENIA

Kings trade Beno Udrih to Bucks - by Zeljko Zule
The Sacramento Kings have traded the No. 7 pick in today's 2011 NBA Draft and Beno Udrih (194-PG-82) to the Milwaukee Bucks for John Salmons and the No. 10 pick. Udrih was traded after spending four seasons in Sacramento.
Udrih signed with the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2004 after being drafted with the 28th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he won a Rookie of the Month award. Following that achievement, he was selected for the Rookie Team for the Rookie Challenge during All Star Weekend. In the 2005 and 2007 NBA playoffs he won the championships with the Spurs. On October 2007, Udrih was sent by the Spurs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves immediately waived him. He was later signed by the Sacramento Kings.

Bostjan Nachbar will not continue with Efes Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80) will not continue with Efes Istanbul for the next season. The Slovenian forward announced his departure from the Turkish team via Twitter.
In 2009-2010 he joined Efes Pilsen Istanbul (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and averaged only 6.7ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 84.4% in EuroLeague, while in Turkish League had 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 82.1%. In 2010-2011 for Efes Pilsen Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) he improved to 8.3 ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 82.2% in Euroleague. In Turkish League after 19 games his stats read 10.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 84.6%.
Bostjan Nachbar recorded 20 points at the Regular Season Round 8. Armani Jeans Milano celebrated 84-70 win against Efes Pilsen joining them with 4-4 record in Group D. David Hawkins top-scored for the hosts with 24 points and he handed out 5 assists beside that. In the loosing squad, Bostjan Nachbar delivered 20 pts.
In Turkish League he erupted with 21 points at the Regular Season Round 14 when Efes Pilsen beat Besiktas 85-83. The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 18-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Efes Pilsen forced 21 Besiktas turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Besiktas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International power forward Kerem Gonlum had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Slovenian swingman Bostjan Nachbar chipped in 21 points and 8 rebounds during the contest.

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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Battle in Carabobo - by Wolfgang Lucena
Trotamundos de Carabobo is going to be battling until the end of the today's game in order to defend their Valencia's home club. The Blue express will be facing Cocodrilos Del Caracas who does not yet know how to beat the Valencia's team at their home. For this third game of the 2011 LPB semifinals scheduled on today June 24, 2011at 5:00 pm, every one in the Valencia's Forum will be wearing blue t-shirt

Battle in Carabobo - by Wolfgang Lucena
Trotamundos de Carabobo is going to be battling until the end of the today's game in order to defend their Valencia's home club. The Blue express will be facing Cocodrilos Del Caracas who does not yet know how to beat the Valencia's team at their home. For this third game of the 2011 LPB semifinals scheduled on today June 24, 2011at 5:00 pm, every one in the Valencias Forum will be wearing blue t-shirt

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SPAIN

Huesca tab Jan Orfila - by Eurobasket News
Huesca ensured the signing of Jan Orfila (207-C-86) for the next season. The 25-year-old centre spent the last season with La Palma. He tallied 2.8 points and 2.3 boards per game in LEB Gold. Previously the centre had stints with Granada and Mallorca.

Regal Barca extends Erazem Lorbek - by Eurobasket News
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) will stay with Regal Barca. The Slovenian buy signed a one-year contract extension with the club.
Erazem Lorbek finished 2010/11 season in style. Lorbek and his Barca won the ACB title with perfect 3-0. They blasted Bilbao in the Finals with two home and one road victory. Lorbek exploded in Game One with 24 points and 7 rebounds, while he also had 9 pts and 5 rebs in Game two, plus 7 pts and 6 rebs in Game Three. Lorbek joined Regal Barca in 2009 from CSKA Moscow. He appeared 40 times in ACB this season averaging 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He also added 8.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 Euroleague games.
Regal Barca signed Chuck Eidson few days ago and extended Pete Mickeal. Alan Anderson and Terence Morris will leave the club.

Mavericks send pick for Blazers' Rudy Fernandez - by Eurobasket News
The Dallas Mavericks are already gearing up to defend their title, trading both their draft picks Thursday night to get Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85).

So happy to be in the best team in the nba!!!dallas!!! Fernandez tweeted.

Fernandez has spent his three NBA seasons in Portland. Only 26, hes also been a standout in international play. He could step in as Dallas starting shooting guard or become another piece in a deep, versatile rotation.

Were in a playoff-championship push mode, said Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks president of basketball operations. We think the player we acquired is going to help us more than the pick would.

Dallas spent the 26th pick on Jordan Hamilton and the 57th pick on Tanguy Ngombo. Hamilton went to Denver and Ngombo to Portland in a deal that also involved a swap of point guards for the Nuggets and Trail Blazers.

The Mavericks also picked up the rights to Petteri Koponen, who is playing in Europe. A point guard from Finland, hes spent three years with Virtus Bologna in Italy.

Rudy is an athletic, young, exciting player with significant upside, Nelson said in a statement. His international and postseason experience will prove to be very valuable. Petteri is a young combo guard who was a first round selection in 2007 and is developing nicely in Europe.

Fernandez has been a backup most of his NBA career. Hes averaged 9.1 points over 24.1 minutes in 218 games.

His role in Dallas remains to be determined, but his age and experience make for a nice fitespecially compared to an unpolished product.

The balance is a player thats a young one vs. one thats been in the league a few years and can help us right away, Nelson said.

Nelson said this deal had been discussed for a while, heating up in the last few days.

This was our 'A scenario, he said.

Shooting guard was an erratic spot for Dallas this past season.

DeShawn Stevenson drew most of the starts in the regular season, then gave way to Rodrigue Beaubois, whom the team was expecting to have a breakout year. But he had trouble recovering from a broken foot and missed time, and Stevenson regained the job in the finale. He started every postseason game until Game 4 of the NBA finals, when backup point guard J.J. Barea took over.

Stevenson is a free agent. So is Peja Stojakovic, another role player whose best skills could be replaced by Fernandez.

Beaubois will be back next season and may get another chance to start. Fernandez could push him for the job or be part of Dallas bench. Jason Terry already is their primary shooting guard.

This past season, Fernandez averaged 8.6 points in the regular season but scored only 2.8 per game in a first-round series against the Mavericks. He made only 4 of 18 shots.

Courtesy of Yahoo

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SUDAN

NBA Draft 2011: Lakers select Majok with 58th pick - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted forward Ater Majok (208-F-87, college: Connecticut) with the 58th pick in Thursday night's draft. Majok spent one season at Connecticut as a freshman in 2009-10, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 blocks in 26 games. The 6-foot-10 Majok last appeared in the Australian League. The selection was the last of the Lakers' four second-round picks.
Ater Majok appeared 6 times for the Gold Coast Blaze last season averaging 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. He joined them in February from the Perth Wildcats. With the Cats Majok had 7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2 bpg for 8 games. Ater Majok started last season in Turkey with FMV Isikspor. In the past he played for University of Connecticut, American International HS and Heat Academy in Martinsville, VA. He was a member of the Australian National Team in 2010.

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SWEDEN

Oluoma Nnamaka wins the trophy in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Oluoma Nnamaka (200-F/C-78, college: Marquette) wins the trophy in Italy with his Fastweb Casale are LegaDue champions. They prevailed against Umana Reyer in the decisive fifth game of the championship series. Fastweb Casale and Umana Reyer stayed close throughout the opening frame. The hosts eked out a 21:19 lead after ten minutes of action. Umana Reyer bounced back in the second term. The visitors pulled in front to ensure a 35:32 halftime lead. But things changed after the big break. Fastweb Casale took over as Ricky Hickman and Matteo Malaventura helped the home side to a 60:52 lead at the final break. Fastweb Casale stretched the lead to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter. But it was not over just yet. Umana Reyer went on a desperate rescue rally to trim the deficit at two points late in regulation. But Ricky Hickman, Donell Taylor and Matteo Malaventura went deadly from the charity stripe in the dying seconds and sealed the victory for the hosts. Ricky Hickman accounted for 21 points, while Donell Taylor and Simone Pierich added 12 points apiece for Fastweb Casale. Tamar Slay responded with 20 points for Umana Reyer. Marco Allegretti netted 17 points in the loss.
The Swedish player ended up with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Oluoma Nnamaka averaged 5.9 points per game this season.

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SWITZERLAND

Lions de Geneve lands Vladimir Buscaglia - by Luca Maffioli
Lions de Geneve landed Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American). The Swiss guard-forward signed a two-years deal with the team. Buscaglia played last three seasons at Olympic Fribourg. In 2010-2011 he averaged 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in Swiss LNA. The 31-year-old Swiss NT member, after his graduation at The American University, spent his career in Europe with Geneve Devils, Meyrin Grand-Saconnex Basket, Herens Basket, Saint-Etienne B. C. in France and Olympic Fribourg. He won the Swiss League Cup 2009 and 2010.

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TURKEY

Starting five

Baygul

Koksal

Edge

Aldemir

Sanli

Firat Toz

188-PG-91

Tofas

Muhammed Baygul

191-G-92

Galatasaray Turkey

Cenk Sekeroglu

203-F-91

Genc Banvit Turkey

Huseyin Koksal

Galatasaray Turkey

Muhammed Senli

205-F-92

Tofas

Ahmet Cantitiz

Genc Banvit Turkey

Safak Edge

188-PG-92

Banvit

Dogukan Sonmez

206-C-92

Galatasaray Turkey

Can Mutaf

193-G-91

Fener.Ulker Turkey

Murat Erensoy

202-F-91

Genc Telekom Turkey

Furkan Aldemir

207-F-91

Karsiyaka

Sertac Sanli

212-F-91

Galatasaray Turkey

Utah Jazz selects Enes Kanter as No.3 at NBA Draft 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Utah Jazz selected Turkish center Enes Kanter (205-C-92) as third overall pick at the NBA Draft 2011, which was held last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. Kanter supposed to play for the University of Kentucky last season, but NCAA made him ineligible. He played for Fenerbahce Ulker on season 2008/09. For 5 games in TBL Kanter had 3.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. He also added 2 ppg and 1.5 rpg in four Euroleague games.
Enes Kanter paced Turkey to Bronze at the U18 EuroBasket 2009 in Metz. He played 9 games at this event averaging 18.6 points, 16.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Player -09. Kanter also won the Bronze with U16 Turkey at the U16 EuroBasket 2008 in Italy. He exploded with 22.9 ppg and 16.5 rpg at this event. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 1st Team.

Mersin extends veteran Asim Pars - by Eurobasket News
Mersin announced signing of one-year contract extension with Asim Pars (212-C-76, agency: World Sport Agency). The veteran center had 5.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.9 apg for 30 games in TBL. He joined Mersin in 2009 from Turk Telekom. In their first season together Pars averaged 9.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
In 2008/09, Asim Pars played for Turk Telekom and before that he was a member of Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. He played 12 EuroCup games for Lokomotiv registering 4.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg. In Russian league, Pars had 6.5 ppg and 3.2 rpg. In the past, he also played for Tuborg Izmir, Dunamo Moscow, Efes Pilsen, Ulker and Fenerbahce.
Asim Pars was a member of the Turkish National Team in 1994 and also from 1998 to 2002. He won three TBL titles in his career and one Cup.

Optimum TED inks Cihat Sahin, Ilker Turel and Cihan Amasyal - by Eurobasket News
Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler announced signing of three new players: Cihat Sahin (203-F-83), Ilker Turel (189-G-83) and Cihan Amasyali (191-G/F-83).
Cihat Sahin arrives to the Ankara team from Selcuk. He appeared 25 times in TB2L last season averaging 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. From 2007 until the last summer Sahin played for Tofas Bursa. He also has experience from Beykoz and Erdemir.
Ilker Turel heads to Optimum TED from Trabzon, where he played last two years. Last season he had 2.4 ppg and 1.6 apg for 21 games in TBL. He won TB2L title in 2010 with Trabzon. In the past, Turel played for Selcuk.
Cihan Amasyali spent last season with Kepez. He had 12.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 39 games in TB2L. Amasyal also has experience from Tekelspor, Bahcesehir Koleji, Erdemir, Beykoz and Vestel.

Turkey topple France for third straight win in Douai - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Turkey U18 56:62

Turkey celebrated the third straight win at the international tournament in Douai. They held off hosting France to stay undefeated. Berkay Candan (205-F-93) stepped up with 15 points to lead the charge. France slipped at 2-1 record after the loss.
Turkey strongly started the game. They registered a 22:14 lead after ten minutes of action. The visitors cleared off to a 13-point distance in the second period. But Les Bleus finished the half on a high note cutting the deficit at 7-point mark 31:38. France narrowed the deficit at two points midway through the third term 38:40. Invernizzi finally drew things level at 44. But Turkey managed to regain the lead 49:46 heading into the fourth quarter. The teams stayed close before Eroglu, Dokuyan and Kerem Hotic (197-F-93) sealed the victory for the visitors late in the game. Kerem Hotic knocked down 12 points for Turkey. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) and William Howard (201-F-93) provided 11 points apiece for France.

France U18: Jean-Charles Livio 11, William Howard 11
Turkey U18: Berkay Candan 15, Kerem Hotic 12, Erbil Eroglu (195-G-93) 6

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UKRAINE

Alexandr Nerush joins Cherkasy - by Eurobasket News
Alexandr Nerush (194-G-83) joined Superleague newly promoted Cherkasy Monkeys. Last season the guard played for DniproAzot. He averaged 2.4 points per game in Superleague. Previously Alexandr Nerush spent nine seasons with Budivelnyk Kyiv. The guard played for Ukrainian University National Team in 2007.

Ukrainian U20 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Starting five

Mishula

Lebendintsev

Prokopenko

Bobrov

Sandul

Oleksandr Mishula

187-G-92

Dnipro

Gennadiy Dzyuba

193-G-91

BC Kyiv

Oleksandr Belikov

200-G-92

Andriy Lebendintsev

187-PG-91

LTHcast Mercator Slovenia

Oleksandr Prokopenko

190-PG-92

Khimik

Vyacheslav Bobrov

202-F-92

BC Kyiv

Pavlo Krutous

195-G/F-92

BC Kyiv

Volodymyr Iegorov

Dmytro Tykhonov

205-F-92

Khimik

Oleksandr Kushnirov

208-C-92

Mykolaiv

Artem Pustovyi

216-C-92

Khimik

Maksym Sandul

207-C-91

BC Kyiv

Budivelnyk part ways with William Keys and Andrew Betts - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk have decided not to renew contracts of William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) and Andrew Betts (216-C-77, college: Long Beach St.). Both players joined the team at the start of the previous season. William Keys arrived to Kyiv from Marousi BC in Greece. The 33-year-old guard averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in EuroCup. In Superleague William Keys tallied 9.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds per appearance. William Keys earned Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Honourable Mention.
Andrew Betts also arrived from Greece where he played for Aris Thessaloniki. The British centre notched 9.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in Superleague. In EuroCup Andrew Betts delivered 7.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Andrew Betts played for Great Britain at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. His stats read 6.5 points and 3.5 boards at the tournament.

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VENEZUELA

WABA

Standings

1. Iran		2-0
2. Jordan		1-1
3. Syria		1-1
4. Iraq		0-2

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WCBL

Standings

WCBL Standings

1. Nationwide A.		11-1
2. Santa Barbara		11-2
3. Venice Beach		7-5
4. West LA A.		6-7
5. LA Loop		5-6
6. Ventura CJ		3-8
7. Newport BS		2-9
8. Hollywood A.		2-9

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia roll past New Zealand in Yulin - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 82:53

Australia recorded the second straight win at the Yulin Four-Nations tournament. They prevailed against New Zealand to improve at 2-0 record. Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) stepped up with 14 points to pace the Opals. Australia will face China, while New Zealand will take on Brazil on the final day of the tourney.
The Opals ran away in the starting frame. They fired 29 points to take a 15-point lead. New Zealand picked up the tempo in the second period and cut the deficit to three points 33:36 at the interval. But Australia went off the dressing room firing from all guns. They grabbed a 13-point lead with one quarter remaining. Australia dominated the game in the fourth term and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Cayla Francis (192-C-89) and Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90) contributed 13 points each in the win. Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) responded with 17 points for New Zealand. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (170-G-79, college: Buffalo) had 13 points in the loss.

Australia: Elyse Penaluna 14, Cayla Francis 13, Tess Madgen 13
New Zealand: Jillian Harmon 17, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 13

Tigers looking to bounce back (Round 15 WSBL Preview) - by Eurobasket News
Reigning women's State Basketball League champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers will be desperate to get their season back on track with a pair of wins in round 15 action.

The Tigers suffered a shock loss to Lakeside Lightning last weekend, which was just the league leader's second defeat of the season, and will have to beat Kalamunda Eastern Suns and Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves to ensure they finish the round in top spot.

Fourth-placed Wanneroo has won five-straight games and shapes as Willetton's greatest test, but the Suns, who sit seventh, got back into form with a big win last weekend and could cause an upset.

The Wolves also face Rockingham Flames but will be heavy favourites against a side which has lost its past six games and is bottom of the league.

Lakeside could finish the round in the top eight if they can beat Perth Redbacks on Friday.

The ninth-placed Lightning resurrected their finals hopes with their upset of Willetton and could knock the Redbacks, who have won just one of their previous five games, out of the top eight.

But Perth will be expected to comfortably beat Southwest Slammers at home on Saturday. The Slammers are on a 15-game losing streak and have lost their last three matches by an average of 45 points.

Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars will be out to maintain their good form with victories against Australian Central East Perth Eagles and local rivals Lakeside.

But the sixth-placed Eagles have won two of their last three games and have only lost twice at home all season, so they should provide a tough challenge for the Cougars, who sit fifth.

East Perth also meets Mandurah Magic, who had their seven-game winning streak ended by fellow top four side Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks last week and will be looking to bounce back.

Second-placed Perry Lakes will be desperate to maintain the pressure on Willetton with victory against Western Stainless Stirling Senators.

The Hawks moved within one game of the Tigers last weekend and should be too strong for the Senators, who need to end their four-game losing streak to rescue their finals hopes.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: WSBL

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AUSTRIA - Women

Russia storm past Austria in Reze - by Eurobasket News
Russia U19 - Austria U20 87:43

Russian U19 National Team celebrated the first win at the Reze international tournament in France. They toppled Austrian U20 selection in Group B. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) and Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) came up with 15 points apiece to pace the effort.
Russia stunned their opponents in the first frame. They outscored Austria 22:10 and continued to dominate in the second quarter. Russia limited their opponents to just 6 points in the second period to take a comfortable 45:16 halftime lead. Russia boosted the margin in the third term. Nikonova team entered the final period up by as many as 40 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-C/F-93, agency: RIZO) knocked down 11 points in the winning effort. Lisa Zderadicka (166-PG-94) responded with 11 points for Austria. Marlies Kolin (178-F-92) accounted for 7 points in the loss.

Russia U19: Yulia Poluyanova 15, Alexandra Stolyar 15, Ksenia Tikhonenko 11
Austria U20: Lisa Zderadicka 11, Marlies Kolin 7

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BRAZIL - Women

China cruise past Brazil in Yulin - by Eurobasket News
China - Brazil 99:79

China bounced back after the starting loss to New Zealand to tame Brazil at Four-Nations Tournament in Yulin. The hosts claimed a comprehensive victory coming back from early deficit. Ji Yanyan (182-G/F-85) fired 20 points to pace the hosts.
Brazil got to the better start. The Latin American team posted a 25:16 lead after ten minutes. However China turned things around in the next quarters. The hosts erased the deficit in the second frame to level things up at 43. More to come as China took over in the third term. They erupted for 31 points and entered the fourth quarter up by 14 points. Brazil never recovered and China coasted to the victory in the fourth period. Shuang Zhao (188-F-90) accounted 17 points, while Wei Wei (207-C-89) contributed 13 points in the win. Clarrisa Santos notched 19 points for Brazil. Silvia Gustavo (186-F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) chipped in 15 points in the losing effort. Brazil will take on New Zealand, while China will face Australia tonight.

China: Ji Yanyan 20, Shuang Zhao 17, Wei Wei 13
Brazil: Clarissa Santos (186-C-88) 19, Silvia Gustavo 15

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CHINA - Women

China edge Netherlands in Reze - by Eurobasket News
China U19 - Netherlands U20 73:52

China victoriously opened their Reze international tournament campaign. They prevailed against Netherlands U20 selection in Group B opener. Sun Meng Ran (197-C-92) stepped up with 14 points to pace the Asian team.
China recorded a 24:19 lead after ten minutes of action. They limited the Dutch team to just 6 points in the second quarter to boost the margin at 10-point mark 35:25 at halftime. The margin kept on growing throughout the third term. China entered the fourth frame up by 21 points 58:37. Netherlands could not recover and had to surrender at the end. Jin Weina (181-G-92) nailed 11 points, while Yang Xi (184-F-94) added 10 points in the victory. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) answered with 16 points for Netherlands. Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92) accounted for 13 points in the loss. China will take on Austria, while Netherlands will face Russia on Day 2.

China U19: Sun Meng Ran 14, Jin Weina 11, Yang Xi 10
Netherlands U20: Maxime Essenstam 16, Marlou De Kleijn 13

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Iva PEROVANOVIC
  MNT
  (189-C/F-83)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Perovanovic, MNT	20.5
2. Hodges, BUL	20.3
3. Tuukkanen, FIN	18.3
4. Elhotova, CZE	18.0
5. Torrens, ESP	16.2
6. Kalentzou, GRE	16.0
7. Zherzherunov., UKR	15.5
8. Meesseman, BEL	15.0
9. Yilmaz, TUR	15.0
10. Fegyverneky, HUN	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Zane TAMANE
  LAT
  (200-C-83)
  Avg: 11

1. Tamane, LAT	11.0
2. Leuchanka, BLR	9.5
3. Perovanovic, MNT	9.0
4. Meesseman, BEL	9.0
5. Tuukkanen, FIN	8.8
6. Bar, GER	8.8
7. Stepanova, RUS	8.3
8. Zherzherunov., UKR	8.3
9. Ress, ITA	8.0
10. Kobryn, POL	7.4

Assists Per Game

Elina BABKINA
  LAT
  (173-G-89)
  Avg: 5

1. Babkina, LAT	5.0
2. Dubljevic, MNT	4.8
3. Marchanka, BLR	4.8
4. Mandir, CRO	4.4
5. Dumerc, FRA	3.8
6. Vardarli, TUR	3.5
7. De Forge, MNT	3.5
8. Pawlak, POL	3.4
9. Stafford, ENG	3.3
10. Zara, ITA	3.3

Steals Per Game

Sandra LINKEVICIENE
  LTU
  (176-G-82)
  Avg: 3

1. Linkeviciene, LTU	3.0
2. Lyttle, ESP	3.0
3. De Forge, MNT	3.0
4. Alben, TUR	2.8
5. Kalentzou, GRE	2.7
6. Zherzherunov., UKR	2.5
7. Mayombo, BEL	2.5
8. Zlatanova, BUL	2.3
9. Bimbaite, LTU	2.3
10. Bar, GER	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Gruda, FRA	2.2
2. Kobryn, POL	1.6
3. Popovic, MNT	1.5
4. Marginean, ROM	1.5
5. Veremeenko, BLR	1.3
6. Khomenchuk, UKR	1.3
7. Stewart, ENG	1.0
8. Tetemondova, SVK	1.0
9. Sotiriou, GRE	1.0
10. Halman, NED	1.0

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings

Group E
1. Lithuania		3-0
2. Czech Rep.		3-0
3. Belarus		2-1
4. Russia		1-2
5. Turkey		0-3
6. U.Kingdom		0-3
Group F
1. Montenegro.		4-0
2. Latvia		3-1
3. Spain		2-2
4. France		2-2
5. Croatia		1-3
6. Poland		0-4

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FRANCE - Women

France edge Sweden in Reze - by Eurobasket News
France U19 - Sweden U20 71:70

French U19 selection celebrated a narrow victory over Sweden U20 at the Reze international tournament. Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) stepped up with 20 points to pace the hosts.
Sweden ensured the better start to the game. They limited Les Bleus to just five points in the opening quarter earning 16:5 lead after ten minutes. Sweden boosted the margin to 15 points midway through the second quarter. The visitors arrived at the interval up by 9 points 35:26. The Swedish youngsters kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final break up by 16 points 61:45. But France opened the fourth frame on an 18:4 run to cut the deficit. The hosts stepped on the gas and eventually pulled away with a narrow victory at the end. Jenny Fouasseau (179-F-92) delivered 14 points for France. Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds for Sweden. Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) had 17 points in the loss.

France U19: Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi 20, Jenny Fouasseau 14, Sabrine Bouzenna (169-G-93) 7
Sweden U20: Farhiya Abdi 23, Cleopatra Forsman-Goga 17

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GERMANY - Women

National team Point guard Tina Menz joins BC Marburg - by Marsha Owuusu
Tina Menz (174-G/F-88) replaces Hicran Oezen on Marburgs 1st division roster. She played for the british first division team Leeds Carnegie last year, scoring 16,1 Ppg and made it to the national semifinal. The year before she played for USC Eisvgel, 1. DBBL. Recently Menz gave the german national team a big assistance making it to the Eurobasket 2011. The daughter from former national team player Birget Menz (born as Birgit Eggert) played 18.7 Mpg, had 5.5 Ppg, adding 1.7 Apg and 2 Spg.

Hoeoetmann and Ohanian stay with TSV Wasserburg - by Marsha Owuusu
Two german players -Jessica Hoeoetmann und Jezabel Ohanian (170-F-77)- stay with TSV Wasserburg for the next season. Both won the german cup and championchip last year. For Jessica Hoeoetmann everything went fine with her first year in smalltown Wasserburg. She feels already home there and looks forward to her next year.

Jezabel Ohanian (170-F-77) scored 6.3 PpG in 13.53 MpG last season. Hoeoetmann moved to the starting five during the season averaging 6.0 PpG, adding 2.7 RpG in 18.26 MpG. Both played 30 Games for the Champion TSV Wasserburg.

New Forward for New Basket Oberhausen and Carla Bellscheidt returning - by Marsha Owuusu
Sharon Beld (184-F-88) is the new forward for evo New Basket Oberhausen. The 23 year old player from the netherlands will fill the forward-spot in the complete new roster from evo New Basket Oberhausen.

With 1.88 m Sharon Beld is athletic, quick and has the right fighting spirit to give the team big help building a new base with mainly young players. One of this young players is Carla Bellscheidt (183-F-94) who ist coming back after spending one year with TSV Gruenberg in the 2nd division.

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HOLLAND - Women

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LATVIA - Women

Spain hands 66-57 loss to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
SPAIN - LATVIA 66-57

Spain grabbed valuable win against Latvia today, 66-57. With this victory Spain jumped to 2-2 record in Group F, what is currently enough for third place. On the other side, it was the first loss for Latvia. They have 3-1 record now. Sancho Lyttle (192-C-83, college: Houston) (9 rebs) and Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) (6 as) were the leading players in victory with 16 points each. Alba Torrens (188-F-89) followed them with 11 points and 5 boards. In the loosing squad, Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) top-scored with 17 points. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) had 12 points and 10 rebs, while Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) added 11 pts and 5 rebs.
Spain opened this game with 13-10 lead and continued with 14-13 for the next ten minutes. Third quarter also belonged to Spain (19-13), who was up by 10 before the last period. Latvia closed this game with 20-21, what of course was not enough for them to avoid the first loss in Katowice.
On Sunday, Spain will meet Croatia. Latvia will play against Montenegro.

Spain: Sancho Lyttle 16+9 boards, Anna Montanana 16+6 as, Alba Torrens 11+5 boards
Latvia: Elina Babkina 17, Ieva Kublina 12+10 boards, Zane Tamane 11+5 boards

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LITHUANIA - Women

Lithuania U20 lost test game against Nigeria - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Nigeria U20 72:77

Lithuanian U20 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They travelled to France for a bunch of exhibition encounters. Lithuania took on their Nigerian counterparts yesterday. The African team came out winners 77:72.
Nigeria dominated in the first half. They registered a 23:20 lead after ten minutes of action. Lithuania struggled to pick up the slack as they faced an 11-point deficit at the interval 33:44. The Baltic team cut the distance to 4 points with one quarter remaining. But Nigeria held their opponents to 16 points in the fourth frame and rallied to the victory. Santa Okockyte (176-G-92) netted 16 points for Lithuania. Laura Svaryte (190-C/F-92) added 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Inesa Inesa Visgaudaite (172-PG-91) accounted for 10 points in defeat. Lithuania will take on France next.

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

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SWEDEN - Women

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TURKEY - Women

Antakya lands Sheena Mosch - by Eurobasket News
Sheana Mosch (177-G/F-81, college: Duke) is a new member of Antakya Belediyespor. The American G/F signed a deal for the next season. Antakya is a newcomer to TKBL.
Sheana Mosch arrives to Antakya from Russia, where she spent last season. She was a member of Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2 steals for 10 EuroCup games. She also added 13.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 apg and 1.3 spg for 12 games in Russia. Season 2009/10, Mosch spent with Nadezhda Orenburg, also in Russia. He had 16 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 3.1 apg for them in Russian league. Her numbers in EuroCup were slightly lower.
Sheana Mosch is not a new face in Turkey. She played for Botas from 2005 to 2007. In both seasons, Mosch was one of the best scorers of TKBL.

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WNBA - Women

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

Tulsa Shock falls to New York Liberty, 94-82 - by Eurobasket News
Despite a career-high 22 points from rookie center Elizabeth Cambage (6'8''-C-91), the Tulsa Shock fell 94-82 to the New York Liberty on Thursday at the BOK Center.

Still not starting after a concussion 11 days ago, Cambage hardly touched the ball in the first half as the Shock couldn't find any offensive rhythm and trailed by 10 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Tulsa scored 31 points -- the most in a quarter all season and more than the team scored in a half four times this year.

During about a minute in the quarter, Cambage had four baskets, a rebound, a block and a made free throw.

After trailing by 18 points, the Shock got within one, trailing 77-76 with 4:44 remaining. But the Liberty closed with a 17-6 run and Tulsa never got closer.

Rookie forward Kayla Pedersen (6'4''-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) also had a career-high with 18 points. Veteran guard Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) added 13.

The Shock (1-7) next plays at Washington at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Sky down Sun, 107-101, in double overtime in Chicago - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun lost for a second time in three games to the Chicago Sky, 107-101, in double overtime at Allstate Arena Thursday night.

The Sun led, 96-92, with 3 1/2 minutes left in the second overtime following a basket by Tan White (5'7''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Mississippi St.). But Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored nine of her 25 points the remaining minutes to lead the Sky (4-3) on a 15-5 run that gave them the win.

'These are the games that are frustrating because you have a chance to win a road game against a good team and we didn't execute at the end of the game at either end of the floor,' Sun coach Mike Thibault said.

Connecticut (4-2) and Chicago were tied at 84 at the end of regulation and were up, 92-90, with 3.9 seconds left in the first overtime. But Chicago center Sylvia Fowles hit a jumper from the right of the basket to send the game to a second overtime period.

Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored a career-high 33 points to lead the Sun while Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) tossed in 22 points and 13 rebounds.

The Sun play at Indiana at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night before returning to the Mohegan Sun Arena for an 8 p.m. game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com