EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/29/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Lithuania U20 post second straight win in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Argentina U19 63:59

Lithuanian U20 selection registered the second straight win at the 2011 Global Games in Panevezys. They toppled Argentinean U19 team. Osvaldas Matulionis (200-F-91) stepped up with 15 points to pace Lithuania.
Argentina looked the better side in the first half. The Latin American team finished the opening quarter up by one point 16:15. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. Argentina recorded a 36:30 halftime advantage. But Lithuania stressed defence after the big break. They limited Argentina to 10 points in the third quarter to surge ahead 47:46 at the final break. Lithuania withheld all comeback efforts from Argentina and eked out a narrow victory at the end. Gilvydas Biruta (203-F-91) knocked down 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) added 11 points in the victory. Nicolas Copello (194-G-92) responded with 11 points for Argentina. Marcos Delia (206-C-92) provided 8 points in defeat.

Lithuania U20: Osvaldas Matulionis 15, Gilvydas Biruta 12+10 boards, Paulius Dambrauskas 11
Argentina U19: Nicolas Copello 11, Marcos Delia 8


Club 9 sign Delonte Holland - by Eurobasket News
Club 9 de Julio Rio Terceiro brought in import player. They have agreed on terms of contract with Delonte Holland (201-F-82, college: De Paul). The forward started the previous season in Italy. Delonte Holland averaged 14.3 points, 3.5 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists per game for San Severo in LegaDue. In December the forward moved to DniproAzot in Ukraine. He appeared in four games in Superleague. His stats read 18.8 points, 5.3 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Previously Delonte Holland played for Atlas Banka Novi Beograd, Teramo, Varese, Bologna, Roseto, Al Ahli, Besancon, Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Idaho Stampede. Delonte Holland was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbia and Montenegro League Import Player of the Year in 2005. Delonte Holland played for the USA National Team at 2001 Americas Cup.


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Kingmaker Bob stepping down - by Eurobasket News
The Sydney Kings will part company with iconic figure Bob Turner at the end of the month after he elected not to continue in his position as general manager.

The NBL Hall of Fame member was instrumental in the Kings' rebirth last year, when a new ownership team combined to revive the club, which folded in 2008.

In their first year back in the competition, the Kings failed to make an impact on the court - finishing last in the nine-team competition - but made huge gains off it, recording the four largest crowds of the season, the biggest coming in the final home match of the season.

Advertisement: Story continues below Asked last night if rumours of his departure were true, Turner replied ''no comment''.

However, club spokesman Mark Wells said Turner would not be at the club next season.

''Bob's contract expires on June 30 and he's elected not to renew that deal,'' Wells said.

''Bob's made a major contribution to the club with all his hard work, especially last year, and he played a huge role in getting the club up to where it is today. The club obviously appreciates everything that he's done.''

However, Wells said the Kings were still well-placed to go forward despite Turner's absence.

''The new players we're bringing into the roster will make for a cracker team and we've still got a lot more to announce,'' he said. ''The ownership group behind the team has never been stronger.''

The club confirmed the search for a new general manager would commence immediately.

Courtesy of www.brisbanetimes.com.au

Central ABL: Rockets prevail despite 19 point quarter from Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Despite the early time slot, the North men came to play, but so did the South men.

In another of the very entertaining games between these two teams over the past few years, the Rockets prevailed by just seven points.

The Panthers were out of the gates early with a huge contribution from Daniel Johnson, who had 19 in the first quarter. Norths opportunity came when they applied frightening defence and restricted Souths scoring to 13 points compared to the Rockets 22 points in the second quarter.

Josh Bond (185-G-91) was the instigator of the intense defence, causing the floor wiper to be active on a number of occasions. He also troubled the scorers with his trade-mark 3-pointers, ending the game with 20 points, and more rebounds than he should have got.

South never gave up with Johnson re-emerging after a scoreless second quarter. Disappointing that Souths Shane Boal got fouled out with minutes to go, as a couple of 3-pointers from him could have made the difference for South.

For those that were not at Hillcrest they missed a great game by both sides.

By David Durant and Barb Rowe
Courtesy of: Central ABL



Men's CABL wrap - by Eurobasket News
NORWOOD continues to cruise in both the mens and womens Central Australian Basketball League competition after easy wins in its matches against Southern at Marden last Saturday night.

The Flames, who sit on top on both competition ladders, started their winning weekend with their womens side leading all match towards a 84-71 victory over the Tigers. Kelsey Ireland scored 23 points and dished out four assists, while Jessica Foley (182-G-83, college: Duke) had 23 points, nine assists and five boards.

Rachel Harrick had six defensive boards.

Norwood continued its form in the mens with a dominant 99-54 rout of the lowly Southern.

Keith Krause (205-F-78, college: Montana St. - Billin), who is on the comeback from a knee reconstruction he had last year, scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while veteran David Cooper played just over half a game and scored 14 points to go with his 14 boards.

Flames coach Brad Davidson said his side enjoyed the run and was building towards the play-offs.

With the win, Norwood went two games clear of second-placed West Adelaide, which was upset by bottom side Central Districts 73-70.

It was a really good game for us. We were able to get some guys into form (and) give some of the younger guys court-time, Davidson said.

Sturt v Eastern

STURT was too good for Eastern, 95-83, in their clash at Mt Barker. Darren Ng (190-G-83) top-scored with 20 points, although he only made 2/7 three-points shots, to go with his 10 rebounds while Jacob Holmes completed a triple-double.

He shot 19 points and gathered in 13 boards to go along with 13 assists.

John Marriot proved handy off the bench with 16 points.

The Sabres also won the womens clash, 69-62.

Forestville v Woodville

FORESTVILLE had a comfortable win over Warriors at Wayville, leading for the most of the much onwards to 95-80 victory.

The Eagles won 79-52 in the womens.

Central Districts v West Adelaide

CENTRAL District Lions have moved off the bottom of the Central ABL ladder with an upset three-point victory over West Adelaide last Saturday night.

The Lions 93-90 win snapped a four-game losing streak and put them a game clear of the struggling Southern Tigers.

Lions coach Scott Whitmore said it was an exciting victory after several close losses this year.

Despite the disappointing results we have stuck to a process and this time it worked, Whitmore said.

In recent weeks the Lions have started to give more game time to the clubs bench players and Whitmore has been impressed with how they have stepped up.

Jordie Centernera scored a vital three- pointer which pretty much sealed the game, Whitmore said.

We said that if he got into position he would get the ball, and we all knew he would make the shot.

He made a vital defensive rebound with a minute to go.

Best for the Lions were Luke Frost and David Wilson.

The Lions women fell to West by 21 points. The loss leaves them one win outside the top five.

North Adelaide v South Adelaide

NORTH Adelaide secured a 94-87 win in mens Central ABL action over South Adelaide at Hillcrest on Saturday night.

The Rockets were down 25-18 at quarter-time but fought back to lead 64-53 at three-quarter time.

They held off a late Panther charge to secure their seventh win of the season. North now sits inside the top five with a 7-5 record.

Josh Bond (20 points, five rebounds, six assists) and Brandon Brine (19 points) had solid games for the Rockets. Matthew Lycett (194-G-90) also impressed, adding 17 points.

Meanwhile, Norths women went down 81-60 to South.

Rockets veteran Joanne Hill (182-F/G-73) battled hard and finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. She was the only North player in scoring double figures. Jess Smart had 10 rebounds.

North takes on high-flying West Adelaide at Port Adelaide this week.
Courtesy of: southern-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au

Majok has lofty aims - by Eurobasket News
LESS than a year ago, Sudanese refugee Majok Deng (204-C-93) was playing division three under 18s basketball for Forestville.

Fast forward to 2011, and the 208cm giant is firmly established in the Eagles Central ABL mens team - and aiming higher.

The 17 year olds rapid development is even more impressive given he only took up basketball in 2009.

The Paradise resident, who came to Australia five years ago, credits an early coach for assisting his quick rise.

My under 18s coach Scott Freer basically gave me specialist training and helped me a lot.

The Windsor Gardens High student also works out regularly with ex-Melbourne Tigers (and current Forestville) star Rashad Tucker.

Rashad is helping me with my ball-handling, shooting and working on match situations, Majok said.

He helps a lot of Sudanese kids with coaching.

Majok has set his sights on a professional career, and said he would happily represent his adopted country if given the chance.

I want to take it as far as I can and if I could go professional, that would be great, Majok said.

And if I can make it, I would be more than happy to play for Australia.

Forestville coach Andrew Simons said Majok made an immediate impact in senior basketball.

We asked him out to pre-season over Christmas and he made our side straight away, Simons said.

Its unusual for a kid to come up from the under 18s and have an immediate impact.

Simons said the sky was the limit for Majok if he can deliver on his enormous potential.

Hes only been playing for about four years and hes still learning, Simons said.

But theres no question hes got a lot of potential. Hes about six-foot ten, got long arms and is just starting to grow into his body.
Courtesy of: eastern-courier-messenger.whereilive.com.au



Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Waverley F. 11-3 
 2. Eltham W. 10-4 
 3. Ringwood H. 9-6 
 4. Sherbrooke S. 9-7 
 5. Bulleen B. 8-7 
 6. Hume City 6-9 
 7. Melbourne 4-12 
 8. Diamond V.E. 3-12 
Central ABL
 1. Norwood F. 9-2 
 2. Forestville E. 9-3 
 3. W.Adelaide B. 8-4 
 4. Sturt S. 7-5 
 5. N.Adelaide R. 7-5 
 6. S.Adelaide P. 6-6 
 7. Woodville W. 5-7 
 8. Eastern M. 4-8 
 9. C.District L. 2-9 
 10. South.Tigers 2-10 
QBL
 1. Gold Coast R. 9-1 
 2. Townsville H. 8-2 
 3. Northside W. 7-4 
 4. Brisbane C. 7-4 
 5. Cairns M. 7-4 
 6. Mackay M. 6-3 
 7. Rockhampton 6-3 
 8. Ipswich F. 5-4 
 9. Bundaberg B. 4-6 
 10. Gladstone P. 4-6 
 11. Maroochydore 2-7 
 12. Caboolture S. 2-8 
 13. Toowoomba 1-8 
 14. SW Metro P. 1-9 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 14-2 
 2. Knox R. 11-5 
 3. Ballarat M. 8-7 
 4. Kilsyth C. 8-9 
 5. Canberra G. 7-8 
 6. Dandenong 7-8 
 7. Brisbane S. 6-9 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 13-4 
 2. Geelong S. 10-5 
 3. Sandringham S. 10-6 
 4. Mt Gambier 7-9 
 5. Hobart C. 7-10 
 6. NW Tasmania 5-11 
 7. Frankston B. 4-10 
 8. Albury W.B. 1-15 
WARATAH
 1. Sydney C. 13-3 
 2. Newcastle H. 12-3 
 3. Sutherland S. 9-6 
 4. Hills H. 9-7 
 5. Manly Warr. 9-7 
 6. Parramatta W. 8-5 
 7. Norths Bears 8-7 
 8. Illawarra H. 7-7 
 9. Maitland M. 7-8 
 10. Bankstown B. 7-10 
 11. Hornsby S. 6-10 
 12. Cent.Coast C. 4-12 
 13. Canberra N. 1-15 


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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Levski and Rilski Sportist will represent Bulgaria in the 2011/2012 EUROHOLD Balkan League - by Eurobasket News
The Bulgarian Basketball Federation sent a letter to the office of the EUROHOLD Balkan League, regarding the Bulgarian participants in the BIBL for the 2011/2012 season. The teams will be BC Levski Sofia, the BIBL champion from 2010 and BC Rilski Sportist - the 2009 BIBL champion.

Both teams played in the EUROHOLD Balkan League last season, as they both reached the Final Four. Levski lost in the semifinals to Feni Industries, while Rileco lost in the final game against the same team.

During the last season in Bulgaria Levski won two pairs of silver medals - in the National Basketball League and in the Cup. Rilski Sportist finished third in the Cup and fourth in the National Basketball League.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

BC Mures and BC Timisoara will probably be the Romanian teams in the BIBL - by Eurobasket News
BC Mures and BC Timisoara will most probably be the Romanian participants in the 2011/2012 EUROHOLD Balkan League. The BIBL is still waiting for an confirmation letter from the local federation however.

BC Mures already played in the BIBL during the 2010/2011 season. Csaba Deri′s team finished fourth in Group B with a balance of 3-5, but left good impressions with their play and organization.

BC Timisoara haven′t played in the BIBL before. Last season in Romania they finished on the 11th spot, while BC Mures ended up on the 5th position at the end of the season.

There were two Romanian teams at the same time in the Balkan League during 2008/2009, while in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 there was only one team representing Romania in the BIBL.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Verviers Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Another transfer for VOO Verviers-Pepinster, American forward Kyle Austin (203-F-88, college: Cal-Riverside). Kyle just finished his first season overseas playing in Spain and Portugal. He started the season in the Spanish LEB Gold league while playing for Palencia. In November 2010 he moved to Portugal where he played for Vitoria Guimaraes till the end of April. In 16 games he averaged 17.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Austin came to Europe after a succesful 2 year career at Cal-Riverside. Earned Big West honors his 2 seasons there. As senior he averaged 17.6 ppg and 7.4 rpg.

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  BOSNIA   


No Spanish connection in U-16 - by Nedzad Kladusak
Bosnian basketball fans have been very excited about the fact that the Bosnian U-16 will line up even four players who play in Spain and who are expected to become real superstars.
However after the revelation of the Bosnian roster chances that they ever will play in our NT. Nedim Djedovic, younger brother of young Bosnian NT player Nihad Djedovic, is considered to be the best young player of his generation. Many scouts predict him a bright future in the NBA. His family is still not sure whether he will play for BIH since he has also an offer of the Spanish basketball association!! Despite there are still negotiations with the KSBIH it seems that he is closer to the Spanish NT which would be a very bitter blast for the Bosnian hopes to built a golden generation that can compete even on the highest European level.
Stefan Djurasinovic, who plays for Estudiantes, informed KSBIH months before that he applied for the Spanish citizenship and tha the wants to play for the Spanish NT.
According to general secretary of the KSBIH Harun Mahmutovic KSBIH couldn t still establish a contact with Adnan Omeragic who is born in Spain but who has Bosnian roots.
He plays for Unelco and recoreded also caps for the Spanish U-14 NT.

The only 'Spanish' player who is strongly commited to BIH is Caja Laboral star Sandro Gacic who will skip the EC due to private reasons. He pointed out that he wants to play only for BIH which gives him a special status among those kids who seems to have forgot about their roots.


Bosnia and Herzegovina U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Bosnia and Herzegovina U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Ranko Ivic
Ivic
Dino Begagic
Begagic
Aleksandar Crnogorac
Crnogorac
Nermin Buza
Buza
Rasim Dizdarevic
Dizdarevic
#e#5
Ranko Ivic 193-G-92 Borac Nektar Bosnia
Marko Rikalo SL IAT Leotar Bosnia
Dino Begagic 193-G-92 Celik Bosnia
Aleksandar Crnogorac 202-F-91 SL IAT Leotar Bosnia
Nermin Buza 206-F/C-91 Bosna Bosnia
Miljan Markovic Helios Slovenia
Rasim Dizdarevic 207-C/F-91 Merida Spain
Nemanja Sladoje 212-C-91 Sutjeska Bosnia
Obrad Vukovic 194-G-91 SL IAT Leotar Bosnia
Mladen Lukic 207-C-92 Monthey Switzerland
Ismet Sefic
Ernad Mujic 208-C-92 Bosna Bosnia
Adin Vrabac 203-F-94 Spars Sarajevo Bosnia
Mirza Bulic 204-F-92 Sloboda Dita Bosnia
Srdjan Loncar 186-G-91 Borac Nektar Bosnia
Nikola Gajic 195-G-91 Jacksonville USA
Miralem Halilovic 206-F-91 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Dzenan Kurtic 206-F-92 Nancy France

Radomir Kisic Head Coach SL IAT Leotar Bosnia
Sabaduhin Basovic Assistant Novi Grad Bosnia


Unicaja signs young Ognjen Kuzmic - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja made a move for the future. The Spanish outfit penned a 2+1 year deal with young Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90). The Bosnian big guy arrives to Unicaja from Celik Zenica. He had 9.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for them in Bosnian league. Kuzmic will spend next season on loan with one of the LEB Gold teams.
Ognjen Kuzmic helped Celik to survive in Bosnian D1 last season. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Newcomer of the Year -11. Kuzmic was also named Eurobasket.com Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Domestic Players Team -11. Before Celik, young Kuzmic played two years in Finland. He was a member of Lapuan Korikobrat and UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki. In 2007/08, he played for Borac Nektar Banja Luka.

Lottomatica Roma keeps Nihad Djedovic for 2011/12 - by Eurobasket News
Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) will play one more season with Lottomatica Roma. The Bosnian prospect is officially a member of Regal Barca, but he will stay with Lottomatica on loan.
Nihad Djedovic joined Lottomatica Roma last summer. He played 24 games for in SerieA averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assist and 2.3 steals. His season-high was 27 points against Cimberio Varese. Lottomatica also competed in Euroleague last season, where Djedovic added 9.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.7 spg. They reached Top 16. In the past, Djedovic was a member of Xacobeo BS Obradoiro (loan), Cornella (loan) and Bosna ASA BHT.
Nihad Djedovic played for the Bosnian NT in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. He shined with 12.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.2 spg for 10 games. He played for the Bosnians also in Qualifications to European Championships 2009. He is member of the Bosnian NT since 2007.

*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA   


Spartans in narrow win over Dolphins - by Thomas Fink
Nelson Direng
Correspondent Meggi Monday, 27 June 2011

Spartans beat gallant Dolphins 62-59 in a closely contested basketball league game at the University of Botswana (UB) courts on Saturday. Many expected a walkover for Spartans but it was not to be as Dolphins showed resilience falling only three points short. The first quarter of the game ended 17-7 with Spartans securing an early lead against the youngsters.

Spartans' Clive Phiri was the first to score two successful free throws and his side races 13-1 lead in the fifth minute of the quarter. But Churchill Burrows sailed through the Spartans' defence to score and rally Dolphins to an impressive fight-back. As Dolphins were recovering, Spartans surprisingly pulled out powerful forward Robert 'Bendo' Mosalakatane.

In the second half, Phiri registered the first score for Spartans with Burrows responding immediately with the sole dunk of the game. Sensing danger, Spartans brought back Mosalakatane. The third quarter ended 53-36. In the last minute of the game, Dolphins were down 57-62 but scored a basket with 30 seconds remaining to end it 62-59. Spartans' forward Mothusi 'Speedy' Thipe said they dominated in the first half but in the last stages, their defence slowed down and they conceded easy balls.

He said that their intensity dropped, probably due to the cold weather. He applauded Dolphins for their fighting spirit. 'Dolphins are a much younger team than us, but they proved to have what it takes to play in the big league,' he said.


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Brazil tame Canada in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - Canada U19 96:92

Brazilian U19 National Team celebrated the first win at the 2011 Global Games tournament in Lithuania. They shot down Canadian counterparts yesterday. Raul Neto (186-PG-92) stepped up with 29 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for Brazil.
Brazil stormed into this one. They fired 31 points in the opening quarter to build a 14-point lead at the first break. Canada slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. The North American team trailed by 13 points at the interval 40:53. Canada changed the complexion of the encounter after the main break. They speeded things up scoring 29 points and cutting the deficit to a single point with one quarter remaining. Brazil however chipped in 26 points in the fourth period and escaped with a difficult win at the end. Felipe Taddei (192-G-92) notched 17 points for the winners. Kevin Pangos (186-PG-93) responded with 20 points for Canada. Sim Bhullar (223-C-92) had 18 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Brazil U19: Raul Neto 29, Felipe Taddei 17, Lucas Riva (211-C-92) 16
Canada U19: Kevin Pangos 20, Sim Bhullar 18


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Levski and Rilski Sportist will represent Bulgaria in the 2011/2012 EUROHOLD Balkan League - by Eurobasket News
The Bulgarian Basketball Federation sent a letter to the office of the EUROHOLD Balkan League, regarding the Bulgarian participants in the BIBL for the 2011/2012 season. The teams will be BC Levski Sofia, the BIBL champion from 2010 and BC Rilski Sportist - the 2009 BIBL champion.

Both teams played in the EUROHOLD Balkan League last season, as they both reached the Final Four. Levski lost in the semifinals to Feni Industries, while Rileco lost in the final game against the same team.

During the last season in Bulgaria Levski won two pairs of silver medals - in the National Basketball League and in the Cup. Rilski Sportist finished third in the Cup and fourth in the National Basketball League.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

Balkan and Krum Doychinov part ways - by Eurobasket News
Krum Doychinov (206-C-86, agency: Interperformances) is no longer member of Balkan. The Bulgarian outfit decided not to keep the player for 2011/12 season. Doychinov appeared 29 times in NBL last season averaging 8 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. He also added 9.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.4 bpg for 8 games in Balkan League. Doychinov played for Cherno More in 2009/10 season. He had 8.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for them in NBL. In BIBL, he added 7.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Before that, he also was a member of CSKA Sophia.
Krum Doychinov played for the Bulgarian National Team last summer. He also was a member of Bulgarian University NT and U20 NT in the past.

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Loop will look at prospective franchises on Wednesday - by Eurobasket News
The upstart National Basketball League of Canada will meet Wednesday in Toronto to get its first look at the pivotal lease agreements of the league's five prospective teams.

Ontario ownership groups from Barrie, Kingston, Oshawa and London along with a group from Charlottetown, P.E.I., will all be at the table Wednesday.

Ian McCarthy, interim chief operating officer for the league, said he expects all the teams to arrive with a lease agreement for a venue in their hands, but that may not be the case.

'If we know someone is not getting a lease, we can eliminate them,' he said. 'But if someone has a lease pending, we have to decide whether it's pending solid enough to announce them or pending not solid enough we need to wait.'

With play expected to begin in November, McCarthy hopes to complete the schedule in July.

McCarthy hopes to make a formal announcement on the new teams by Friday or next week. The teams will join the Saint John Mill Rats, Halifax Rainmen and Quebec Kebs, who established the Canadian pro league in May after three seasons in the Premier Basketball League. Known as the Three Amigos, they broke from the PBL after concerns over officiating during last season's playoffs.

Each team has already paid a $25,000 deposit with a further franchise fee expected after they've been accepted into the league. McCarthy would only say the franchise fee was in the low six figures.

'We only want to announce teams that are approved by the league financially and have a lease in place with an arena,' he said.

'Some of them are closer than others, but we think that they all should be done by the meeting,' McCarthy said of the lease agreements.

Each team had to submit a 35-page application that included such financial details as tax returns and statements of net worth.

'We hand picked these groups as well so we don't have any concern about the people that we're dealing with this year, about their financial stability.'

If they can cement eight teams, McCarthy said, there will be two divisions. But, he said, having only seven teams shouldn't be an issue.

'For symmetry and balance eight would be ideal, but I don't think it would affect the season at all to have seven.'

How many Canadian players will be mandated per team and what rules will be adopted will also be up for discussion Wednesday.

'We have to approve the teams and then let them partake in the process.'

Moncton and Fredericton were said to be interested in the league, but they didn't make the June 15 deadline.

'Those other two teams, it'll be equally positive for them to come in after we had our first great year and then have another new thing,' McCarthy said. 'You know it's almost like getting presents - you don't want to get them all at once and then have nothing later.'

The draft will be held at the Rogers Centre in Toronto Aug. 21 along with a combine Aug. 20-21.

The league is to open training camps in October with a 30-game regular season and playoff schedule to be played between November and March.

Courtesy of http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

Brazil tame Canada in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - Canada U19 96:92

Brazilian U19 National Team celebrated the first win at the 2011 Global Games tournament in Lithuania. They shot down Canadian counterparts yesterday. Raul Neto (186-PG-92) stepped up with 29 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for Brazil.
Brazil stormed into this one. They fired 31 points in the opening quarter to build a 14-point lead at the first break. Canada slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. The North American team trailed by 13 points at the interval 40:53. Canada changed the complexion of the encounter after the main break. They speeded things up scoring 29 points and cutting the deficit to a single point with one quarter remaining. Brazil however chipped in 26 points in the fourth period and escaped with a difficult win at the end. Felipe Taddei (192-G-92) notched 17 points for the winners. Kevin Pangos (186-PG-93) responded with 20 points for Canada. Sim Bhullar (223-C-92) had 18 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Brazil U19: Raul Neto 29, Felipe Taddei 17, Lucas Riva (211-C-92) 16
Canada U19: Kevin Pangos 20, Sim Bhullar 18


Toronto Raptors extend qualifying offer to Sonny Weems - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent guard-forward Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas). Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

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

Weems averaged career highs in points (9.2) and minutes (23.9) in 59 games in 2010-11. In a career-best 28 starts, he posted averages of 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 29.8 minutes. He scored in double figures 27 times last season.

Weems has appeared in 140 games with Denver and Toronto in his three NBA campaigns, averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 20.3 minutes. He joined the Raptors in a trade from Milwaukee on August 18, 2009.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Liceo Mixto in the semifinals of Copa Chile - by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto advances to the semifinals of Copa Chile after defeating to Deportivo Espanol de Talca 2-1 in the quarterfinals series.

In Game 2, Liceo overcame a 20 point first half deficit to win the game 85 -75. In Game 3, Liceo finished the series with a 75-70 victory that gave the three time dimayor champions the berth to the next round.

In the semifinals series, Liceo Mixto will play against Municipal Puente Alto, while CD Boston College will face CD Universidad de Concepcion in a 5 game series, starting next weekend.

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  CHINA   


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


Q & A with Jiangsu's Kenny Lawson - by Alex Yam
Each season we identify players that are new and exciting , this segment focuses on Jiangsu's Kenny Lawson, one of the youngest players participating in the Chinese summer league also known as the NBL, Lawson has been putting up spectacular numbers in the summer league , recently leading his team to an victory over Sichuan. He posted 35 points and 14 rebs. His season avgs are 25.7ppg and just under 13 rebs a game. Check out our recent interview as we catch up with one of the bright stars in China.

1. Kenny, how has it been, your 1st experience out of the country playing professional basketball? and in China? My first experience out of the country and playing pro basketball has been a learning process, but I am enjoying it, improving and learning a lot. China is a great place to play. The people are nice and they have taken good care of me and the other players since I have been here.

2. What has the transition been like going so quickly from your senior year at Creighton to immediately playing in China? I had high expectations going into my senior year at Creighton. Unfortunately, my previous coach, Dana Altman, left prior to my senior year and I had to make a lot of adjustments with a new coaching staff and my playing time was reduced, which rattled my confidence a bit. It's a lot different in China because I play almost the whole game now. I have to be a lot stronger, continue to work on my endurance and be able to do more things on the court. The main thing is using my speed, athleticism and ability to shoot from the perimeter against guys that are bigger, older and stronger than me.

3. Your one of the younger players in the league, what does that say about your maturity and ability as a basketball player? I think I have matured quickly being able to go straight from college to professional in China. Most players have several months between college and when they begin playing professionally. Since I graduated early, I went straight from college to China with no real break. I continue to learn every day and get better. I have an advantage of being young and having more energy than some of the older guys who have played for a long time.

4. What are the strongest parts of your game and what do you think you can improve, being that you are so young? Offensively, I feel very confident. One of my best attributes at 6'9' is that I can post up and score with my back to the basket and around the basket and I feel I am a very good perimeter shooter and three point shooter, particulalry for a guy my size. I feel I am a very good rebounder and shot blocker but I definitely need to improve my strength and defense. I continue to work on it everyday.

5. How is Creighton and NCAA basketball as a whole compared to the level in China, and the league you are in? In the NCAA. our play was a lot more structured within a system whereas in China, the players on the court have a lot more freedom to create. The game is a lot longer than in college, so the tempo of the game can be slower at times. I think the NBL is similar to college because of how the schedule is and how often we play games.

6. Do you like Chinese food? Reason I ask is, most problems for foreign players, is the food in China. I have found some foods that I like. A lot of the food really isn't stuff I would prefer to eat, but I'm learning to adjust to the food as well as the Chinese culture and try new things. I realize I am truly blessed that playing basketball has given me the opportunity to experience a new culture and I don't take anything for granted while I am in China and am truly enjoying being part of the culture.

7. How do you like your teammates,coaches on your team? I really like my teammates and coaches. We are all very supportive of each other and we do everything as a team, even off the court. We are very close and even though some of us do not speak the same language we are still able to communicate, laugh and joke with each other. The coaches really care about the players and do what they can to help all of us. Our coach is very experienced and I think it helps our team.

8. Was it difficult adjusting to a new culture? It wasn't too difficult to adjust to the Chinese culture. The hardest adjustment as probably the food, but everything else is good. It's definitely different than in America, but it's a good learning experience. The people are all wonderful and this has been an outstanding experience for me and one I will always remember and never forget.

9. Have you learned any Chinese? I've learned a few words and phrases in Chinese such as: hello, goodbye, good job, defense, screen, thank you, you're welcome, no, thank you and she is beautiful and you are beautiful, which both come in handy. :)

10. What's next for Kenny Lawson? I think this experience in China has helped me in many ways. Very few players get a chance to play professionally and earn money within days of graduating college and I am grateful to all the people who I have come in contact with here in China. I feel my game is improving, my confidence is growing and it's good to be earning and saving money. This has opened up a lot more options for me. I have become close with my agent, Larry Fox and continue to learn from his experience. We've discussed many options which include me considering the possibility of playing in Europe, playing in the NBDL and possibly trying to get invited to a NBA Veteran's Camp. When I finish here in August, I will explore those options with Larry.

Thank you Kenny for your time and keep up the great work. Hopefully Jiangsu can win an NBL Championship!

NBL Round 7: Jiangsu beats Sichuan in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News
Third ranked Jiangsu faced 4th placed Sichuan. Host Jiangsu (4-3) defeated guests from (3-4) 113-105. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sichuan. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 30-23 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Jiangsu forced 23 Sichuan turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Sichuan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Kenny Lawson (205-88, college: Creighton) fired a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard XianLing Sun (190-89) chipped in 20 points and 5 steals. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) produced 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals (made all of his thirteen free throws !!!) for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 4-3 record having just two points less than leader ShenYang, which they share with Guangzhou FM and Ningxia Hanas. Sichuan at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with Hebei and Changan Group. Jiangsu is looking forward to face Ningxia Hanas (#4) in the next round. Sichuan will play against Guangzhou FM and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader ShenYang delivered the sixth victory. This time they beat 7th ranked Changan Group (3-4) 103-87. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 blocks. XiaoDong Chen contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Jahmar Thorpe (198-84, college: Houston) answered with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for Changan Group. Changan Group's coach MingZhu Pu rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. ShenYang maintains first place with 6-1 record. Changan Group at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with Sichuan and Hebei. ShenYang will play against league's second-placed Whampoa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Changan Group will play against Heilongjiang (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in between Guangzhou FM and Hangzhou. Sixth ranked Guangzhou FM (4-3) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Hangzhou (1-6). Guangzhou FM managed to escape with a 1-point win 87-86 on Tuesday evening. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for Raymond Canady Jr. who led his team to a victory scoring 36 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds. Guangzhou FM's coach Dragan Raca used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side Dante Milligan responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Guangzhou FM moved-up to third place, which they share with Jiangsu and Ningxia Hanas. Hangzhou lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Guangzhou FM will meet at home Sichuan (#6) in the next round. Hangzhou will play against Hebei (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Ningxia Hanas (4-3) outscored 9th ranked Heilongjiang (2-5) 142-107. It was a quality performance for Ramon Harris who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 48 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ningxia Hanas moved-up to third place, which they share with Jiangsu and Guangzhou FM. Heilongjiang at the other side keeps the ninth position with five games lost. Ningxia Hanas' next round opponent will be Jiangsu (#3), which may be the game of the day. Heilongjiang will play against Changan Group (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 7 Hebei was defeated by Whampoa in a road game 96-82.

Jiangsu - Sichuan 113-105

Third ranked Jiangsu faced 4th placed Sichuan. Host Jiangsu (4-3) defeated guests from (3-4) 113-105. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sichuan. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 30-23 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Jiangsu forced 23 Sichuan turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Sichuan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Kenny Lawson (205-88, college: Creighton) fired a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard XianLing Sun (190-89) chipped in 20 points and 5 steals. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) produced 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals (made all of his thirteen free throws !!!) and Canadian power forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) added 22 points and 19 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Jiangsu and four Sichuan players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 4-3 record having just two points less than leader ShenYang, which they share with Guangzhou FM and Ningxia Hanas. Sichuan at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with Hebei and Changan Group. Jiangsu is looking forward to face Ningxia Hanas (#4) in the next round. Sichuan will play against Guangzhou FM and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: L.Kenny 35+14reb+2ast, S.XianLing 20+4reb+3ast, G.Yang 14+8reb+2ast, J.Justin 13+6reb+1ast, Z.YanXi 12+6reb, F.Hui 7+1reb+6ast
Sichuan: B.T.J. 34+5reb+6ast, C.Ma 23+2reb+1ast, W.Ryan 22+19reb, H.XiaoBin 10+2reb, Y.ZhaoLei 7+5reb, S.TianNong 6+10reb+1ast
gschID: 129334


Hangzhou - Guangzhou FM 86-87

A very close game took place in between Guangzhou FM and Hangzhou. Sixth ranked Guangzhou FM (4-3) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Hangzhou (1-6). Guangzhou FM managed to escape with a 1-point win 87-86 on Tuesday evening. The guests trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 32-23 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Guangzhou FM forced 20 Hangzhou turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Raymond Canady Jr. (201-84, college: Valdosta St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 36 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds. Forward Jartavious Henderson (203-87, college: Memphis) helped adding 8 points and 15 rebounds. Canady Jr. is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Guangzhou FM's coach Dragan Raca used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side forward Dante Milligan (206-84, college: Massachusetts, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks and forward Austen Powers (203-87, college: Seattle, agency: Tank Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. Four Hangzhou players scored in double figures. Guangzhou FM moved-up to third place, which they share with Jiangsu and Ningxia Hanas. Hangzhou lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Guangzhou FM will meet at home Sichuan (#6) in the next round. Hangzhou will play against Hebei (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangzhou FM: C.Jr. Raymond 36+8reb+1ast, Y.Liang 10+3reb+1ast, Z.HongWei 9, L.Xuesong 8+2reb+3ast, S.Sani 8+6reb+1ast, H.Jartavious 8+15reb+1ast
Hangzhou: M.Dante 22+13reb+1ast, P.Austen 21+12reb+1ast, Z.Tian-bao 19+5reb+3ast, Y.Wang 10+3reb, L.Wei 5+4reb+2ast, Z.Honglin 4+7reb+1ast
gschID: 129331


Ningxia Hanas - Heilongjiang 142-107

Ningxia Hanas (4-3) outscored 9th ranked Heilongjiang (2-5) 142-107. The game without a history. Ningxia Hanas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a quality performance for American forward Ramon Harris (201-88, college: Kentucky) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 48 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. His fellow American import center Kenneth Simms (203-86, college: Cumberland, agency: TSS Management) accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Five Ningxia Hanas players scored in double figures. Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds and American guard Courtney Pigram (185-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) added 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Heilongjiang in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ningxia Hanas moved-up to third place, which they share with Jiangsu and Guangzhou FM. Heilongjiang at the other side keeps the ninth position with five games lost. Ningxia Hanas' next round opponent will be Jiangsu (#3), which may be the game of the day. Heilongjiang will play against Changan Group (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ningxia Hanas: H.Ramon 48+10reb+2ast, S.Kenneth 16+9reb, W.Wu 13+2reb+1ast, W.Sze 12+2reb+1ast, Y.Kaifu 11+2reb+2ast, D.Junjiang 11+1reb+1ast
Heilongjiang: E.Benson 27+14reb+3ast, P.Courtney 27+5reb+6ast, Y.Gang 19+8reb, Z.Yong-lin 10, H.Mengxin 9+3reb+1ast, L.Naiyuan 5+9reb
gschID: 129332


Whampoa - Hebei 96-82

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Hebei (3-4) was defeated on the road by second ranked Whampoa (5-2) 96-82. The game was mostly controlled by Whampoa. Hebei was better in fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Jing Wang (197-78) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. American power forward Terence Dials (206-83, college: Ohio St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Christopher Lawson (193-83, college: Houston) added 19 points and 5 assists respectively for Hebei in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Hebei's coach Jinlin Zhou tested ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Whampoa maintains second place with 5-2 record behind leader ShenYang. Hebei at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Whampoa's next round opponent will be league's leader ShenYang and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hebei will play against Hangzhou (#10).
Top scorers:
Whampoa: W.Alan 29+11reb+3ast, W.Jing 18+5reb+2ast, Y.Ning 17+3reb+1ast, J.Lei 12+7reb+3ast, J.Michael 10+5reb+1ast, T.Chao 7+3reb+8ast
Hebei: L.Christopher 19+4reb+5ast, D.Terence 15+12reb+3ast, C.Zhixin 14+2reb+1ast, Y.Tingyu 12+5reb+1ast, Z.GuoDong 6+4reb+2ast, Z.ZhenHu 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 129333


ShenYang - Changan Group 103-87

Leader ShenYang delivered the sixth victory. This time they beat 7th ranked Changan Group (3-4) 103-87. The game was mostly controlled by ShenYang. Changan Group was better in second period 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when ShenYang won last quarter 35-20. They made 36-of-45 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game, while Changan Group only scored fourteen points from the stripe. ShenYang brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Changan Group was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward DeAngelo Collins (206-82, college: High School) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 blocks. Center XiaoDong Chen (207-86) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Jahmar Thorpe (198-84, college: Houston) answered with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks and the other American import guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) added 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Changan Group. Five ShenYang and four Changan Group players scored in double figures. Changan Group's coach MingZhu Pu rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. ShenYang maintains first place with 6-1 record. Changan Group at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with Sichuan and Hebei. ShenYang will play against league's second-placed Whampoa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Changan Group will play against Heilongjiang (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
ShenYang: C.DeAngelo 24+13reb+8ast, Z.Kun 17+3reb+1ast, D.ChengLong 17+4reb+1ast, C.XiaoDong 16+4reb+4ast, A.Corey 14+5reb+2ast, X.Lu 6+2ast
Changan Group: T.Jahmar 27+9reb+1ast, S.Nick 20+9reb+5ast, S.Lei 13+1reb, S.Jian 12+1reb, R.XiaTi 5+1reb, L.Peng 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 129330




Yao's retirement would not hurt NBA in China - by Eurobasket News
The possible retirement of star NBA centre Yao Ming will not diminish the league's booming popularity in the world's most populous nation, the NBA's top executive in China has said.

Yao's contract with the Houston Rockets expires on June 30, and while the team have said they would like to have him back if he is healthy, Yao has hinted that he will retire if his injured ankle does not heal.

'I don't see (Yao's) uncertainty is having a negative impact. In fact, I think it has generated a whole lot of interest,' the newly-appointed CEO of NBA China, David Shoemaker, said in comments carried by the China Daily on Tuesday.

'Yao has done amazing things to grow interest in the NBA in China. With the help of charismatic role models like him, the NBA has already built a strong foundation. I am very confident of maintaining the momentum upwards.'

Ever since embarking on his NBA journey in 2002, Yao has become a mainstay of China's sporting media with nearly every game played by the Rockets broadcast live nationwide or on local networks.

Yao?s status as China?s most popular athlete and a star with global appeal has also led to lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Pepsi, McDonald's and China Telecom.

Yao played only five games last season and underwent surgery in January for a stress fracture in his left ankle, the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have dogged him in recent seasons.

With the perennial All-Star only playing a limited role, the Rockets have missed the playoffs the past two seasons.

Courtesy of AFP

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  COSTA RICA   


Standings - D1
LBS Standings
 1. Barva 13-1 
 2. Escazu 12-2 
 3. ARBA San Ram. 8-6 
 4. Sanatura D. 7-7 
 5. Cartago 7-7 
 6. Perez Zeledon 4-10 
 7. Liceo 3-11 
 8. Goico 2-12 


Barva ends at the top - by Gianni Pascucci
As it was expected, Ferreteria Brenes Barva gave his best in the last game of LBS Apertura Regular Season, defeatung Escazu, 91-68. Jerson Harris (196-G-88) and Isaac St.Rose (190-G/F-83, college: John Brown) were the two best performers at the winning side. After this loss, Escazu defeated 81-66 claiming the second spot in the grid.
Some days before, USJ-ARBA San Ramon had defeated Cartago 68-58, and this loss, added to the last one to Escazu, caused the elimination of Cartago from the playoffs. The fourth team to enter the semifinal grid is Sanatura-Desamparados, but has the hardest job, because they will meet Barva. The other pairing is made of #2 Escazu and #3 USJ-ARBA San Ramon

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  CROATIA   


Croatian U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Croatian U19 National Team 2011
#s#
Boris Barac
Barac
Mislav Brzoja
Brzoja
Filip Bundovic
Bundovic
Mario Hezonja
Hezonja
Martin Junakovic
Junakovic
#e#5
Boris Barac 206-F-92 Siroki TT Bosnia
Mislav Brzoja 192-F/G-94 Dubrava Croatia
Filip Bundovic 202-C/F-94 Cedevita Croatia
Mario Hezonja 196-G-95 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Martin Junakovic 194-G-94 Cedevita Croatia
Toni Katic 188-G-92 KK Split Croatia
Stipe Krstanovic 201-F/C-93 Cibona Croatia
Marino Kucan 198-G-92 Kvarner 2010 Croatia
Marko Ramljak 201-F/G-93 Zadar Croatia
Dino Repesa 200-F-92 Benetton TV Italy
Dario Saric 207-F/C-94 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Stefan Zadravec 186-PG-92 Bjelovar Croatia

Drazen Brajkovic Head Coach Svjetlost Croatia


Nets hoping to free up Bogdanovic for Brooklyn debut, says King - by Eurobasket News
The big news out of the Nets' press conference Monday morning was that while Bojan Bogdanovic (6'8''-G/F-89) has a three year deal with Euroleague powerhouse Fenerbahce -- and a two year player out -- Billy King said the Nets will try to get him out of his deal after next season...and into Brooklyn as a Net.

Bogdanovic, whose rights the Nets bought on Draft Night, appeared before the Nets media along with MarShon Brooks, acquired in a switch of first round picks with Boston, and Jordan Williams, taken at #36. Williams made a little news himself. He asked for and received No. 15, last worn in 2008-09 by Vince Carter, one of the team's most popular players ever.

First thing on Brooks' mind when he was drafted by the Nets? Deron Williams. 'I think it's going to make life a lot easier for a guy like me.' The three were expected to meet Jay-Z later Monday and after that, Bogdanovic heads home while Brooks and Williams travel to Santa Barbara for the same Peak Performance Project training the team's vets underwent earlier in the month.

It's uncertain when they will sign their Nets contracts. Although the Nets have their rights, they can't sign them to rookie contracts until a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated. Under the current rookie salary scale, Brooks would be paid a little less than a million dollars excluding a signing bonus while Williams would get league minimum, less than $500,000, as second rounder.

Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com

Croatia U20 wins once in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 wins once in Italy at the Memorial di Martinsicuro with 4 participating teams. In Day 1 Finland U20 rolled over Croatia U20 75:67 in their opener. Croatia took 19-10 lead after 10 minutes but could not keep the score for good. Finland needed a successful second frame to take 37:35 halftime advantage. In the second half Finland added minimum victories in the third and the last periods to win the game. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Alex Vaenerberg (183-G-92) netted 13. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) ended up with 10, while Osku Heinonen brought 8.
In Day 2 Croatia U20 outscored Serbia U20 80:75. The winners started with 17-10 in the first period, while both teams nailed 24 points in the second period. Croatia added 21-16 in the third period for 12-point deficit after three quarters, but Serbia won the last stanza 25-18 to reduce to 5. Ivan Batur (203-G/F-91) paced all the winners with 15 points, while Toni Brnas (201-F-91) and Prostran netted 14 each. Nedovic answered with 20 points in the losing case.
In Day 3 Italy U20 overcame Croatia U20 64:57. The latter grabbed 16-12 after the first 10 minutes of the game, but Italy answered for 29:26 at the halftime. In the third period the hosts added some more points to a bigger lead to take 49:37 advantage after three quarters and rightfully won the game. Polonara top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Tommasini nailed 8. Toni Brnas produced 11 points in the losing effort, whilst Mikulic posted 8.



Cibona to play in Euroleague Qualifications - by Eurobasket News
Great news for Cibona Zagreb. Euroleague announced that Cibona got a wild card and a chance to play in this elite competition, despite that didnt win the championship title last season. Cibona will start in Qualifying Round. Cibona finished last season as No.4 in Croatia with 7-7 record. They reached Semifinals, but Cedevita was too strong for them (2-1). In Euroleague, Cibona had one of the worst seasons ever. They ended first stage with poor 0-10. However, the team stated they will work very hard to form a competitive roster for the next season. They hope to pass qualifications successfully. Cibona also hopes they can be hosts of one of two tournaments.

U19 National Team announced - by Eurobasket News
Croatia announced 12 players who will participate at the FIBA U19 World Championship. The event will start on Thursday and Latvia.

U19 NT: Martin Junakovic, Toni Katic, Mislav Brzoja, Mario Hezonja, Dominik Mavra, Stefan Zadravec, Marko Ramljak, Marino Kucan, Dino Repesa, Dario Saric, Stipe Krstanovic, Boris Barac.

Head Coach of the team is Drazen Brajkovic (agency: Global Sports Plaza).

As mentioned above, the championship begins on Thursday. Croatia is placed to Group C together with Canada, Korea and Lithuania. In the opening day of competition Croatia will meet Lithuania. After that, Croatia will meet Canada and on Saturday they will play against Korea. The best three teams will advance to the second stage. There will be two groups with 6 participants each. Four teams from each pool will go to Quarterfinals.

Zan Tabak close to take over Girona - by Eurobasket News
According to Spanish media, Zan Tabak is the main candidate to replace Ricard Casas as a Head Coach of Girona. The Croatian coach spent last two years as an assistant in Cajasol Sevilla. He also worked three years with Real Madrid at the same position. They won the ACB title in 2007. In 2005/06, Tabak was a scout of the New York Knicks.
Zan Tabak is also a former NBA player. He spent six years in the best basketball league in the world. In 1994/95, he was a member of Houston Rocket and three years after that he spent with Toronto Raptors. He also had a short stint with the Boston Celtics. From 1999 to 2001, Zan Tabak played for the Indiana Pacers. He had 3.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg in his last NBA season. He won the NBA title in 1995 with the Rockets. After that, Tabak played for Real Madrid, Joventut and Unicaja Malaga. Zan Tabak was a member of the Croatian National Team from 1992 to 2001.

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  CYPRUS   


Transfer Analysis of the Cyprus teams, so far - by Chris Mammides
Etha Engomis is the champion (so far) of this transaction period as more or less is ready for the coming season and is more experience and stronger than ever. The only peace for the puzzle of the coming season for Coach Konstantinidis team is the captain of the team Anthony King as he is not yet agreed with the team and is expected to do so in the next 3-4 days positive or negative for the Engomis team. Other than that, the Engomis team replaced three players with (theoretically) better and more experienced players as Tarick Johnson, Reggie Redding and Miko Goloubovic are very good players but for different reasons the team replace them for better or for worst, with the addition of another experienced Cypriot player like Alexis Georgiadis the team becomes stronger than last season when they won everything in the Cyprus league and had a decent European tour too.
The second team of the league (in the transfers so far) is no other than the team of AEK Larnakas which it seems that is doing very targeted moves with players that are familiar with the Cyprus league and of good quality as after Jo-Jo Garcia and Marco Kadic the team of young Nikolas Papadopoulos added in its roster the well known Cyril Maccanda, the Cameroonian with Russian Passport who played in the Cyprus league for five seasons in the previous years and knows the Cyprus league very good, while at the same time the Larnaka team brought back its own player Giorgos Fantousis from Paralimni, Fantousis was among the top performers in the second division and the 5th scorer in the league. At the same time Iakovos Panteli agreed to renew his contract and with these moves, the team of AEK has already 7 active players for the coming season and is now selecting carefully the American players for the team, one of them being very close to sign and announced in the next few days.
The third team of the league (in transfers) is no other than APOEL Nicosia. APOEL is building up the team from scratch as after the President (Vassilopoulos) the coaching team (Stylianidis, Fowlkes), the scouting team (Nikos Linardos) proceeded with the addition of the first American and is closed to sign the second. The first American as it was announced from another author earlier this week, is the power forward / center Jerome Beasley while the second American is no other than the ex player of APOEL (2 years ago) Rasheed Brokenboro with whom are not yet agreed but is expected to do so. Other than that the team already renews Giorgos Neophytou while Kaskiris the international center was the first transfer for the new period.
The other teams do scout and look for players, coaches and other members to add in their rosters with AEL investing in the Cyprus factor this season and Keravnos announcing that will have at least eight non Cypriots in its roster and Kounas, Papadopoulos, and Razis already being off the team and with rumors bringing a well known power forward/center from the Greek league all the way to the team of Strovolos.

Very soon more news will be published so stay tuned.




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 (206-C-80) 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.


Transfer Analysis of the Cyprus teams, so far - by Chris Mammides
Etha Engomis is the champion (so far) of this transaction period as more or less is ready for the coming season and is more experience and stronger than ever. The only peace for the puzzle of the coming season for Coach Konstantinidis team is the captain of the team Anthony King as he is not yet agreed with the team and is expected to do so in the next 3-4 days positive or negative for the Engomis team. Other than that, the Engomis team replaced three players with (theoretically) better and more experienced players as Tarick Johnson, Reggie Redding and Miko Goloubovic are very good players but for different reasons the team replace them for better or for worst, with the addition of another experienced Cypriot player like Alexis Georgiadis the team becomes stronger than last season when they won everything in the Cyprus league and had a decent European tour too.

The second team of the league (in the transfers so far) is no other than the team of AEK Larnakas which it seems that is doing very targeted moves with players that are familiar with the Cyprus league and of good quality as after Jo-Jo Garcia and Marco Kadic the team of young Nikolas Papadopoulos added in its roster the well known Cyril Makanda, the Cameroonian with Russian Passport who played in the Cyprus league for five seasons in the previous years and knows the Cyprus league very good, while at the same time the Larnaka team brought back its own player Charis Fantousis from Paralimni, Fantousis was among the top performers in the second division and the 5th scorer in the league. At the same time Iakovos Panteli agreed to renew his contract and with these moves, the team of AEK has already 7 active players for the coming season and is now selecting carefully the American players for the team, one of them being very close to sign and announced in the next few days.

The third team of the league (in transfers) is no other than APOEL Nicosia. APOEL is building up the team from scratch as after the President (Vassilopoulos) the coaching team (Stylianidis, Fowlkes), the scouting team (Nikos Linardos) proceeded with the addition of the first American and is closed to sign the second. The first American as it was announced from another author earlier this week, is the power forward / center Jerome Beasley while the second American is no other than the ex player of APOEL (2 years ago) Rasheed Brokenboro with whom are not yet agreed but is expected to do so. Other than that the team already renews Giorgos Neophytou while Kaskiris the international center was the first transfer for the new period.
The other teams do scout and look for players, coaches and other members to add in their rosters with AEL investing in the Cyprus factor this season and Keravnos announcing that will have at least eight non Cypriots in its roster and Kounas, Papadopoulos, and Razis already being off the team and with rumors bringing a well known power forward/center from the Greek league all the way to the team of Strovolos.

Very soon more news will be published so stay tuned.



Explaining why the Tendex Score has faults - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Basketball statistics and the way players are rated is indeed something that has bothered basketball experts over the years and has led to the use of different formulas based on which players are rated.

The Tendex rating was developed by Dave Heeran over the course of 30 years as a way to differentiate players by using statistics found in boxscores. The formula has been developed and modified over the years and today teams use different kinds of formulas. The simple formula currently stands as follows:

Tendex Rating=
{[ Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks - Turnovers - Missed Field Goals - Missed Free Throws ] / Minutes / Game Pace }

This formula is based on minutes played.

In Cyprus we use the Tendex Score without taking into consideration the game pace.

In my opinion though the use of this formula, and more specifically the use of Tendex Score has many faults and it cannot constitute an objective measurement of the performance of a player.

In the formula we use in Cyprus, aspects like leadership, ability of a player to mark his opponent effectively, confidence, running the drills and many other characteristics are not calculated in this formula. These are important aspects of a game and most of the times aspects like these win games compared to only scoring points or grabbing rebounds. For example, how does this formula measure how well a guard sets his team and runs the drills?

Simply, it does not. Passing the ball has nothing to do with running the drills and be the brain of your team.

Secondly, another problem is that players can fall in the trap and look on how to improve their scores, not really playing to win. These players care more on winning awards rather than winning games.
In this content, i strongly believe that this is something that the Cyprus Basketball Federation needs to take into consideration. It needs to reconsider the way players are rated.

Below I am giving examples on how the formula changes based on the minutes played.

EXAMPLE 1


In the 1st example we have 2 players who have the same stats but have had different time in the game. Player 1 who has played for 20 minutes has a Tendex score of (1), whereas player 2 who has played only for 10 minutes has a Tendex score of (2).
So as you can see this formula is very sensitive on time played. Imagine a 3rd player who only played for 1 minute, obviously having different stats, for example no turnovers and no missed shots finishing with a score of 13.

Is this fair? I think not.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-0-1-1}/20=1
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-0-1-1}/10=2
{ (5+2+2+2+2)-0-0-0}/1=13



EXAMPLE 2

In the example below I wish to stress the fact that the formula is not so sensitive on points. The 1st player scores 0.9 with 20 minutes played, the 2nd who has the same stats has a double score with 10 minutes less in the game. Now, the 3rd player has 10 minutes in the game, just like the 2nd player, but 4 points less. This drops his score only by 0.4, proving that points do not influence much the final score.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/20=0.9
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/10=1.8
{ (6+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/10=1.4

EXAMPLE 3

In a 3rd example 2 players have the same time in the game but the 2nd has 2 turnovers and missed 2 field goals and 2 free throws compared to 1 of the 1st player. As you can see this drops his score only by 0.15 which proves that the formula is not as sensitive on these aspects as it is on minutes played.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-1-1-1}/20=0.95
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-2-2}/20=0.8

Bottom line


1)Tendex Score is very sensitive on minutes played.

2)The less the minutes someone plays, other things constant, the better the Tendex Score. A player who goes deeper into the playoffs, compared to someone who finishes the championship early, or has a small number of minutes in the game, will obviously have a worse Tendex Score because he will have more minutes played, which of course is not fair. Add to that the fact that this player will probably have more turnovers, or will miss more shots and this affects his score even more. It is that simple.

3)The last thing I wish to add is that the statistics should be broken down into regular season and playoffs.

MANY PLAYERS HAVE GOOD REGULAR SEASONS BUT HORRIBLE PLAYOFFS.
If you do not distinguish between regular season and the playoffs you skew their stats upwards which is again wrong.



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Wizards introduce Jan Vesely - by Eurobasket News
Jan Vesely (6'11''-F-90) is right where he wanted to be all along.

The 6-foot-11 forward from the Czech Republic was the sixth overall pick by Washington in the NBA draft last Thursday -- and he couldn't have been more thrilled during an introductory news conference.

'I'm happy to be here,' Vesely said Monday. 'I hoped that Washington picked me.'

He sure showed it, too on draft night. Vesely made some headlines when his name was announced and he passionately kissed his girlfriend Eva on television.

'All the news, nobody knows about the picks on draft night,' said Vesely, who wasn't embarrassed by the attention the smooch got. 'It was all about the kiss.'

With Eva looking on Monday, the 21-year old Vesely was flanked on the dais by Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, coach Flip Saunders and general manager Ernie Grunfeld. Vesely and the Wizards knew a lot about each other because Washington had scouted him for several years.

'This is a very exciting day for us,' said Grunfeld, who envisions Vesely as being an ideal fast-break complement for speedy point guard John Wall. ' (Jan) fits the mold of the type of players we're looking for. We're looking for players that play hard, that compete, that are team players. He also has a lot of experience.'

Vesely averaged 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds for Partizan in 26 games in the Adriatic League. In Partizan's 15 games in the Euroleague, 'The Flying Czech' -- the nickname Vesely said was given to him while playing in Serbia -- averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Though he made 71 percent of his shots from the field in Adriatic League games, Vesely said improving his shooting before playing in the NBA was his top priority. Only a 55 percent shooter from the foul line, perhaps Vesely will be able to draw inspiration from another big man: Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki -- the NBA finals MVP whom he grew up studying.

'When I was kid, I was watching Dirk, his game,' Vesely said. 'Now, I'm still watching Dirk.'

One season after selecting Wall with the No. 1 overall pick and adding first-round picks Trevor Booker, Kevin Seraphin and Jordan Crawford, the Wizards drafted Vesely and Chris Singleton in the opening round last week. Former Butler guard Shelvin Mack was selected early in the second round.

'We promised that we would quickly rebuild the team using the draft as a platform for that change,' Leonsis said. 'That's our goal, to build a core of young players who go through the process of rebuilding together. I think the culture of the team will be dictated by these young players.'

Courtesy of ESPN

CEZ Basketball Nymburk keep Chester Simmons and Michal Kremen - by Eurobasket News
CEZ Basketball Nymburk keep Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) and Michal Kremen (200-F-81) for the upcoming season. Chester Simmons is an American Guard who joined the team in 2010-2011. Last season for CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Rep.-NBL, starting five) in Czech Rep. League he averaged 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT-1 (48.3%), FT: 77.2%, while in Adriatic League showed 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 87.1%. In EuroCup after 12 games his stats read Score-4 (15.9ppg), 3.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 69.7%. He became Czech Rep. Cup Winner -11,Czech Rep. NBL All-Star Game -11, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team -11, Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Guard of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League All-Imports Team -11, Czech Rep. League Champion -11 and Czech Rep. League Regular Season Champion -11
Michal Kremen joined the team early in 2006. In 2010-2011: CEZ Basketball Nymburk (NBL) he averaged 4.4ppg, 2.0rpg in EuroCup, while in Adriatic League had 4.0ppg, 1.9rpg. In Czech Rep. League after 22 games his stats read 5.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 75.9%. He recorded 18 points at the Finals Game 1 when CEZ Nymburk overcame BK Prostejov 89-64.


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  DENMARK   


Jakob Wang returns to Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Jakob Wang (190-F-90) has decided to come back to Denmark. The 21-year-old forward signed a deal with Aabyhoj. Jakob Wang spent the last season in the USA but opted to return to his homeland to pursue basketball career in Basketligaen. In 2009/10 season the forward played for Bakken Bears. He tallied 3.3 points per game. Jakob Wang also played for U18 and U20 Danish National Teams. He participated at 2010 European Championship U20 in Division B. Jakob Wang averaged 4.1 points and 2.1 boards per game in Austria.


Mads Frandsen and Bakken Bears split ways - by Eurobasket News
Mads Frandsen (202-F/C-90) has reached an agreement with Bakken Bears on terms of contract termination. The 21-year-old centre started the previous season with the Bears. He tallied 3.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. In December the centre moved to Aabyhoj on loan. There Mads Frandsen averaged 8.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per appearance. Mads Frandsen used to play for U18 and U20 National Teams.


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  D-LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Goes One on One to Ten with a Legend - by Eurobasket
by John Jordan

When the Dallas Mavericks President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Nelson was looking for a coach for the franchises D league entry, the Frisco Texas Legends, he looked to an actual legend to fill that role. On November 5th, 2009 Nancy Lieberman became the first female coach ever to serve as a head coach working with NBA players. In her first season, she showed she could hold her own in the boys club by leading Texas to a 24-26 record and a playoff berth becoming only the third expansion team in league history to make it to the post-season. Eurobaskets John Jordan caught up with Coach Lieberman at the recent NBDL National Tryout in Louisville Kentucky to pose 10 questions to the Hall of Famer.

1. Was the Texas job one that you sought out or did they come to you?

Actually, I was walking into Starbucks one morning when Donnie Nelson stopped me and wanted to talk. He said that he had been contemplating a number of candidates to fill the role as head coach of their new NBDL team and that every time he went through his list, my name kept coming out on top. We met several times after that and then came to an agreement.

2. Its surprising that in 2011 we are still so amazed that a woman is coaching professional men, when it has been vice versa for so long. Do you consider yourself a pioneer in this regard?

Ive been a pioneer in virtually everything I have ever done. I was the oldest player in the NBA at 39 and was the oldest in the WNBA at 50. I was at the White House a few months ago and President Obama asked me this same question. As I told him, it is just what I do. I have played on mens teams my whole life including two NBA teams and played in more than 60 games in the USBL, so I do not consider it odd. Just as he is the first black American President, he does not think about it as being odd, he just does his job.

3. This is not your first rodeo in an all male environment, do you think your experience playing on mens teams helped prepare you for this task?

I do, I had to overcome adversity and prove that I belonged at their level as a player. I did that, in fact I played for the Lakers and was Pat Rileys point guard, I also played for the Utah Jazz. I played more than 60 games in the USBL. I had to earn their respect. I was Micheal Ray Richardsons roommate.

4. What was it like to be Michael Ray Richardsons roommate?

He was a great guy, my job was to keep him away from drugs and keep the women away from him.

5. What would you describe as your coaching style?

Organized, detail oriented. Defense first, offense second. We have no team rules, we have standards. We come together as a team to determine what those standards are going to be. We care about our players and let them know that. Everyday we tell our players we love them, some days it might be tough love, but it is important that they know we care about them as people not just players. My guys call me all the time to check in with me and I do them as well. Our goal is to make them better individuals. We work hard to improve their individual skill level to help them to be more effective in my system or any other coaches system. We also want them to be better men. We work with them on things like how they dress and how they portray themselves to the media. Down the road, I want them to come back to me with their wives and children and be able to say the time they spent with me helped to make them a better person. We feel consistency is the key, consistency in their personal lives will carry over to the playing floor and will create a recipe for winning.

6. What traits do you look for in selecting your players?

First thing is that you have to show up. You have got to be on time for everything. They need to be intelligent, have the toughness to defend, be open to being coached and yes, you must have talent. You cant win the Kentucky Derby with a donkey.

7. Who were your childhood playing heroes?

I am a Brooklyn girl, so Willis Reed and Walt Frazier. I wore number 10 my whole career because it was Clydes number. However the person who had the greatest influence on me was Muhammad Ali. He gave me the self- confidence to feel I could become whatever I wanted to be. He was the first person to verbalize to me how good he felt I could be. I have been very lucky, not many people get to meet and become close friends with their childhood hero. I try to spend time with Muhammad whenever I can, I love that man, he has meant a great deal to me throughout my life.

8. Who are your coaching mentors?

Doug Collins and Brian Gates. I learned a great deal from both of them. Rick Carlisle, Alvin Gentry and Vinny Delnegro have also had great influences.

9. How have your fellow NBDL coaches embraced you?

I sometimes feel like the luckiest girl on the face of the earth. They have been great, they all feel like brothers to me. They brought me right into their loop and have shared everything with me. Nick Nurse, Chris Finch, Eric Musselman have all gone out of their way to help me in anyway they could.

10. Do you eventually want to be on an NBA bench?

If Im ever offered the chance to serve a role on that level I would be honored. The D league has been very good to me. I tell my fellow coaches and players everyday they should all write a letter to David Stern thanking him for both the NBDL and WNBA. This was his vision, he wanted to see this happen. If he had not wanted it, many of us would not be doing what we love to do now.


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  DOMINICA   


Lime National Basketball League weekend results - by Eurobasket News
The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association dedicated the game played on Saturday to the rest of the Olympic family to celebrate and participate in the organized Olympic Day activities. There were two games schedule for Saturday in the Lime National Basketball League to celebrate this activity. Regrettably the Premier game between the two teams which participated in last years championship did not take place due to failure of The Paix Bouche Eagles to field a team resulting in a forfeit and another win for the defending champions Signman X-Men.

Notwithstanding this disappointment the Police Sports Club and Paix Bouche Snipers had the responsibility, and the fans were not disappointed. The games started around 8.00pm to accommodate the loss of the second game and the Police Sports Club showed improvement by holding the Snipers at half time to a tie game 38 points to 38 points. However the Snipers, recognizing the weakness in the ball handling skills of the Police Sports Club, played a more aggressive man to man defense to which the Police had no answer. The final scores was Snipers 89 points to Police 69 points, top scoring for Snipers were Lenin Paul 27 points, Dave Alexis 22 points and Shane Ferrol 14 points while Garvin James 15 points, Kaleb Challenger 13 points and Floyd Theodore 11 points for the Police Sports Club.

In other games played on Friday in the Lime National League, Wesley Raptors maintained the perfect record and moving to 6-0 by defeating the Pichilen Pistons to bring their record to 5 1. The final scores Wesley Raptors 66 points to Pichelin Pistons 64 points, top scoring for Raptors Steve Hypolite 15 points and Devon Barton 20 points while Yanick Regis 24 points, Kijuan Thomas 18 points and Kimael Registe 11 points for the Pistons.

The second game of evening in the Domlec Premier Division suffered another forfeit game when the Marigot Sonics did not show up for the game resulting in the points being awarded to Johnson Drigo Oilers of Castle Bruce.

Games will continue this week at the Massacre Hard Courts on Wednesday. And the selectees for the national team will begin preparation on Tuesday from 7.00pm at the Lindo Park.

Courtesy of www.dominicacentral.com

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  EUROCUP   


Ramel Curry heads to Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk stays active on the transfer market. After landing Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) the Superleague vice-champions brought in another import player. BC Donetsk signed deal with Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield). The 31-year-old guard is not new to Ukraine. He has lately played in Azovmash Mariupol. Last season Ramel Curry averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague. In EuroCup the guard notched 15.0 points, 4.6 boards, 4.0 assists and 2.1 steals per appearance. In VTB-League his stats read 17.5 points, 4.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 2.4 steals. Eurobasket.com named Ramel Curry into All-Ukrainian Superleague 1st Team. The guard also made it into All-VTB League All-Imports Team.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Cholet extends William Gradit - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of a one-year contract extension with William Gradit (197-F-82, college: Hill JC). The French forward arrived to the former champions in January from Boulazac. He played 22 games in ProA registering 4.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg. Cholet reached the Big Final, but failed in thriller against Nancy. Gradit played 10 games in ProB with Boulazac adding 10.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.1 apg.
Before Cholet and Boulazac, William Gradit spent one season with Clermont. He had 14.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for them in 27 ProB games. In the past, he also was a member of Vichy, Besancon and Paris Basket Racing. In 2005 he was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Newcomers Team. In 2008, Gradit played for the French National Team.

Sergey Bykov and CSKA part ways - by Eurobasket News
Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) and CSKA have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. The 28-year-old guard will look for another team. Sergey Bykov joined CSKA at the start of the previous season. He tallied 4.6 points and 1.8 assists per game in VTB League. In Euroleague the guard notched 2.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per appearance. In PBL Sergey Bykov posted 4.2 points and 1.0 assist. Previously Sergey Bykov played for Dynamo Moscow. The guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Player of the Year in 2010. Sergey Bykov played for Russia at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 6.9 points, 3.1 boards and 3.1 assists per game in Turkey.


Fenerbahce Ulker officially signs Curtis Jerrells - by Eurobasket News
As expected Fenerbahce Ulker officially signed point guard Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor). Two sides penned a one-year deal. Lietuvos Rytas was close to add Jerrells, but at the end he moved to Fener. The American point guard spent last season with Partizan Belgrade. He helped them defend Adriatic league and Serbian league titles, and they also defended the trophy in Serbian Cup last season. In Euroleague, Jerrells helped Partizan to reach Top 16.
Curtis Jerrells joined Partizan in November. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists for 10 Euroleague games. In Adriatic league, Jerrells added 12.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.2 apg for 19 games. He also appeared 19 times in Serbian league registering 12.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.9 spg. Eurobasket awarded Jerrells with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Import Player of the Year -11. Before Partizan, Jerrells played for the NBA D-League team Austin Toros. He had 21.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 5.8 apg for them in 56 games (2009/10).
Curtis Jerrells will join his teammate from Partizan James Gist, who also signed with Fener earlier this month.

Latest signings - by Eurobasket News
Unics continued to bolster their roster. After signing Alexey Savrasenko the Kazan team has agreed on terms of contract with Marcus Williams (191-G-85, college: Connecticut). The 25-year-old guard spent the previous season in Enisey. The guard tallied 12.0 points, 6.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. In PBL Marcus Williams posted 15.3 points, 6.8 assists and 3.6 boards per appearance. The guard made it into Eurobasket.com Russian PBL All-Imports Team. Previously Marcus Williams played for the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and Quebradillas Pirates in Puerto Rico. He was named Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN Import Player of the Year in 2009. Marcus Williams made it into NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team in 2007. The guard played for USA U21 National Team.

According to 'Gazeta Wyborcza', Tomas Pacesas will continue as a Head Coach of the Polish powerhouse Asseco Prokom. Reportedly, they already agreed an extension, but the club will have lower budget than the last season. Tomas Pacesas started his coaching career as an AC with Prokom in 2007. After one year, he was promoted to HC position. Pacesas led Asseco Prokom to Euroleague Quarterfinals in 2010. As Head Coach, Pacesas won three consecutive titles in Poland. He also has one as an assistant (2008). That same year Prokom also won the Polish Cup. Last season, they defended the PLK title after 76-71 win against Turow in decisive Game Seven of the Finals. Prokom was the regular season champion with 17-5 record.

Rolandas Alijevas (192-G-85) is a new member of Budivelnyk. The Lithuanian guard arrives from Rudupis Prienu, where he finished last season. He joined them in April averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists for 7 games in LKL. Alijevas started the season with Nevezis. He played 20 games for them in Baltic league collecting 12.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 4.8 apg. Alijevas also added 14.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 5.9 apg for 23 games in LKL. He finished the season as No.1 in assists. Eurobasket awarded Alijevas with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Guard of the Year -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Guard of the Year -11. Rolandas Alijevas changed three teams in 2009/10 season. He started with Greek Olimpia Larissa and in February of 2010 moved to Nevezis. After few games Alijevas agreed a deal with German Phoenix Hagen. In the past, he also played for Krka, Zalgiris, Samara, Polonia Warszawa, Boncourt and ASVEL.

As expected, Armani Jeans Milano announced signing of the floor general Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) for the next season. The 29-year-old American/Montenegrin heads to Milano from Power Electronics Valencia. He was targeted by Efes Pilsen and Galatasaray, but it seems AJ Milano made the best offer to the player. Omar-Sharif Cook joined Valencia last summer from Unicaja. In Spanish league he had 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 81.0%. In Euroleague after 21 games his stats read 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 79.1%. Valencia reached Euroleague Quarterfinals and was close to eliminate Real Madrid. In 2008-2009 for Omar joined Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League averaged 6.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.1%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 5.6ppg, 1.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.0%. In 2009-2010 for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) in Spanish League he improved to 8.6ppg, 1.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 85.1% and in Euroleague showed 9.7ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 79.4%. Only last year Omar became Spanish ACB Supercup Finalist -11, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11, Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Defensive Team -11, Euroleague Quarterfinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Defensive Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -11. In the past, Omar cook played for Crvena Zvezda, Samara and Dexia Mons-Hainaut. He was Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Guard of the Year -08 with Crvena Zvezda.

Krka got a new Head Coach for the next season. The team hired Serbian coach Nenad Trajkovic to replace his countryman Aleksandar Dzikic, who left for Lietuvos Rytas. Coach Ned heads to Krka from the NBA Team Phoenix Suns, where he worked as Assistant Coach (players development). He worked as AC of Lottomatica Roma in 2009.
Nenad Trajkovic was a Head Coach of the Latvian National Team in 2008. As a HC, Trajkovic also worked with BC Banjalucka Pivara in 2003/04. From 1999 to 2001, Trajkovic was HC of Partizan Belgrade. In the past he also worked as HC of Sloga Kraljevo and Borac Cacak. In 2003, Trajkovic was coaching Iranian National Team. They won the fifth place at the Asian Championship in China. Nenad Trajkovic will have a very difficult job with Krka, who had wonderful last season. They will compete in Euroleague Qualifying Round.

Zalgiris and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) extended their cooperation for another season. The guard joined the Kaunas powerhouse back in 2009 straight out of Duke. Last season Martynas Pocius tallied 10.7 points, 2.1 boards and 2.1 assists per game in LKL. In Euroleague his stats read 10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In Baltic League Pocius averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per appearance. The guard also posted 12.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.2 boards per game in VTB-League. Martynas Pocius made it into Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL 1st Team. He was also named into Eurobasket.com VTB-League All-Europeans Team. Martynas Pocius played for Lithuania at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 9.6 points, 2.6 boards and 1.6 assists per game in Turkey.

Spirou Basket Charleroi announced signing of two-year contract extension with Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.). It means that the American scoring machine will stay with the club until the end of the 2012/13 season. Mallet joined Charleroi last summer from Turk Telekom. He appeared 16 times in Euroleague averaging 12.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals. He also added 15.7 ppg, 2.5 epg, 2.2 apg and 2.1 spg for 35 games in Belgian league. Mallet helped Charleroi to defend the title. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year -11. Before Charleroi, Demond Mallet had 12.3 ppg and 3.2 apg for Turk Telekom in 12 EuroCup games. In TBL, Mallet registered 10.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.4 apg. In the past, he was a member of DKV Joventut, Rhein Energie Koeln, Bamberg and Braunschweig.

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.

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 (agency: Beo Basket ) 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 (agency: Beo Basket ) 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.


Cibona to play in Euroleague Qualifications - by Eurobasket News
Great news for Cibona Zagreb. Euroleague announced that Cibona got a wild card and a chance to play in this elite competition, despite that didnt win the championship title last season. Cibona will start in Qualifying Round. Cibona finished last season as No.4 in Croatia with 7-7 record. They reached Semifinals, but Cedevita was too strong for them (2-1). In Euroleague, Cibona had one of the worst seasons ever. They ended first stage with poor 0-10. However, the team stated they will work very hard to form a competitive roster for the next season. They hope to pass qualifications successfully. Cibona also hopes they can be hosts of one of two tournaments.

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  FINLAND   


Finland U20 finishes the International Tournament in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Finland U20 finishes the International Tournament in Italy with one victory and two defeats. In Day 1 Finland U20 rolled over Croatia U20 75:67 in their opener. Croatia took 19-10 lead after 10 minutes but could not keep the score for good. Finland needed a successful second frame to take 37:35 halftime advantage. In the second half Finland added minimum victories in the third and the last periods to win the game. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Alex Vaenerberg (183-G-92) netted 13. Carl Lindbom ended up with 10, while Osku Heinonen (194-F/G-92) brought 8.
In Day 2 Italy U20 smashed Finland U20 selection 69:35. The hosts started with 17-11 in the first frame and never looked behind after. They increased to 34-19 at the halftime and had 44:27 after three quarters. Finland scored only 8 points in the last period and suffered the second loss. De Nicolao poured in 13 points, while Vitali posted 10. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) responded with 8 points in defeat and Osku Heinonen followed him with 7.
Eurobasket wrote earlier that Serbia U20 beat the Scandinavian team 75:71.




KORISLIIGA: Elijah Ingram next to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American G Elijah Ingram (185-G-84, college: N.Mexico St.) will continue his professional basketball career in Finland. Top League Team Vilpas (Salo) and Ingram have agreed and signed the contract for coming 2011-12 season. Ingram attended St John's University (2002-04) and New Mexico State University (2004-07) averaging each year in double figures in points. Later Ingram played in the D-League (Albuquerque) and last year in Brazil.
Korihait (Uusikaupunki) has signed Finnish G-F Niko Malinen (191-F-90). Malinen has played in Division 1. (BC Jyvaskyla) by now.
Pyrinto (Tampere) has decided to take part EuroChallenge basketball coming 2011-12 season. Finnish Champion 2010 and 2011 must play first two qualification games (October 4 and 11) before it's clear if Pyrinto is allowed to start EuroChallenge regular season (starts on November 8). If Honka (Espoo) is no more playing in VTB League, Pyrinto could be the only Finnish Team on European basketball courts 2011-12.



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  FRANCE   


Cholet extends William Gradit - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of a one-year contract extension with William Gradit (197-F-82, college: Hill JC). The French forward arrived to the former champions in January from Boulazac. He played 22 games in ProA registering 4.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg. Cholet reached the Big Final, but failed in thriller against Nancy. Gradit played 10 games in ProB with Boulazac adding 10.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.1 apg.
Before Cholet and Boulazac, William Gradit spent one season with Clermont. He had 14.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for them in 27 ProB games. In the past, he also was a member of Vichy, Besancon and Paris Basket Racing. In 2005 he was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Newcomers Team. In 2008, Gradit played for the French National Team.

Polish U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Mateusz Ponitka
Michal Michalak
Tomasz Gielo
Przemyslaw Karnowski
Daniel Szymkiewicz
Grzegorz Grochowski
Piotr Niedzwiedzki
Jan Grzelinski
Jakub Koelner
Maciej Kucharek
Lukasz Bonarek
Michal Pietrzak

Jerzy SZAMBELAN



Ryan Ayers sign with Boulazac - by Eurobasket News
Ryan Ayers (201-G-86, college: Notre Dame) sign with Boulazac and will play for the team in the upcoming season. The American Guard comes from Finland where he played last season.
In 2005-2006 Ryan Ayers started for Notre Dame (NCAA). In his last/fourth season he averaged 11.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3Pts: 42.9%, FT: 79.5%. In 2009-2010 moved to Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League, starting five) and after 50 games showed 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 82.8%. In 2010-2011 joined Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five) and after 43 games had high 17.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 86.0%.
In his top game in Finland he erupted with 33 points at the Regular Season Round 38. Honka lost to Namika Lahti 82-94 in the end of February. Espoo Honka was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 52-39 second half run of Namika Lahti. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Ryan Ayers orchestrated the victory by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all thirteen shots !!!).


Mavericks G Beaubois undergoes 2nd foot surgery - by Eurobasket News
Dallas Mavericks guard Rodrigue Beaubois (6'1''-G-88, agency: Court Side) has undergone surgery for the second time since fracturing his left foot while training with the French national team last summer.

Beaubois had the procedure Monday. The team didn't offer a time frame for what it said would be a full recovery.

The injury cost Beaubois most of his second season, when he was expected to be a key component for the Mavericks. Dallas won the NBA title without him playing in the postseason.

Beaubois re-injured the foot while trying to get ready for the season, then aggravated it again in the final game of the regular season. He averaged 8.4 points and 2.3 assists in 28 games.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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  GERMANY   


Hertener Lions Bring In Derek Mitchell - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Hertener Lions have announced their first new signing for the upcoming season bringing in Derek Mitchell (196-F, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement). Mitchell is a 22 year old196 cm forward from Newport News, Virginia. He will be a PRO B rookie as he played the last fou years for Ferrum (NCAA3). In his senior year, he played 27 games: 19.7ppg, 13.2rpg, 1.7spg, 1.7apg, FGP: 63.3%, FT: 59.7%. 'The way he plays basketball convinced us right away. We think that he will fit the void at the big position which we have even if he isnt that big. He makes up for that with his effort, game intelligence and jumping ability', stressed Hertener coach Boris Kaminski In four years at Ferrum, Mitchell played 101 games averaging 16,1ppg and 12,4rpg. Awards/Achievements in his acreer have been D3hoops.com All-South Region Rookie of the Year -08, USA South All-Conference 2nd Team -08, USA South All-Conference Rookie of the Year -08, VaSID All-State 2nd Team -08, VaSID All-State Rookie of the Year -08, D3Hoops.com All-South Region 2nd Team -09, NABC Division III All-America 1st Team -11, D3hoops.com's All-America Awards 3rd Team -11, and NABC Division III Senior All-Star Game -11.

Source: Hertener Lions





Adam Chubb Returns To Germany To Play For The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Any place north of Frankfurt seems to have been very good to Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) as after a year of testing ACB waters, the American returns back to the beko BBL going to his 5th station in Germany by signing a two year deal with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Chubb is a 29 year old 208cm power forward/center from Harrisburg,Pennslyvania that is a very athletic big man, and runs the floor extremely well. Sound fundamental playerwho has good hands, fine low-post presence and is a good passer to players who are open or cutting to the basket. Can defend a center in the low-post as well as a power forward perimeter player. 'We had been keeping an eye on him for a long time. We knew that we needed more routine and quality at this position. He has shown that he can play at the top level in this league', stated Oldenburg CEO Hermann Schuller. Last season Chubb played in the top European league in Spain for CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB): 34 games: 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 69.4%.. 'Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) is a very experienced player that knows theGerman league. He has good movement for his size and a good eye for his teammates', stressed EWE Baskets Oldenburg head coach Predrag Krunic .

Chubb started his basketball career in the NCAA for Pennsylvania in 2000 and played there until 2004. He then turned professional in 2004 and played for Ulsan Phoebus (South Korea-KBL): 46g 18.7ppg 9.7rpg 1.9apg 56.0%2p. In 2005-2006, he came to Germany and played for Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 18 games: 9.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 2FGP: 62.0%, FT: 62.0%.In 2006-2007, he moved to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 39 games: 12.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 2FGP: 55.6%, FT: 70.4%. In 2007-2008, he played for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): ULEB Cup: 13 games: 14.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 2FGP: 61.1%, 3FGP: 0%, FT: 72.8%; German League: 38 games: 13.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 2FGP: 57.7%, FT: 70.7%. He then played for Alba Berlin from 2008-2009. In 2009-2010, he played EuroCup: 12 games: 10.0ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 61.3%, FT: 81.5%; German League: 33 games: 10.0ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 60.2%, FT: 78.3%. Awards and achievements in his career have been HS John Travers Award, honoring the outstanding male scholar-athlete in Pennsylvania -99, Ivy League Tournament Finalist -01, Ivy League Tournament Winner -02, All-Ivy League Honorable Mention -04, USA National Team -05, Tournament of the Americas (Copa America) in Dominican Rep. -05, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -06, 07, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -08, German Bundesliga Cup Winner -08, 09, German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 10, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Center of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -08, German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -09, German Bundesliga Semifinals -09,and EuroCup Finalist -10.

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Christopher Mcnaughton Skips From Oldenburg To The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
German national player Christopher McNaughton (211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell) will remain in the north part of Germany as he moves from the EWE Baskets Oldenburg to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Mcnaughton is a 28 year old 211cm center fromLeutershuasen, germany that is a true back-to-the-basket big man, but does possess good mobility for his size. Last season for Oldenburg, he played EuroCup: 6 games: 5.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 55.6%; German League: 39 games: 5.0ppg, 2.0rpg. 'He is a current national player and brings a lot of experience. We believe that he can make a further step with us. We see him as an important player next season that will give is impulses', stated Bremerhaven manager Jan Rathjen. Mcnaughton started his basketball career with TSK universa Bamberg: only practiced with the team, also the licence for TSV Troester Breitengrussbach in 2000 and played there until 2003. He then went to the States to play NCAA ball with Bucknell from 2003-2007. In his senior year he played 31 games: 12.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3Pts: 33.3%, FT: 71.3%. In 2007 he came back to Europe to play for C.B. L'Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold): 6 games: 1.7ppg, 2.0rpg, also played at C.B. Prat (Spain-LEB Silver): 24 games: 10.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Faymasa Palencia (Spain-LEB Silver): 29 games: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 72.8%. In 2009-2010,he played for MEG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroChallenge: 15 games: 8.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, FT: 71.1%; German League: 37 games: 7.4ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%. Awards and achievements in his career have been German U20 National Team -01, German A2 National Team -03-04, 06Patriot League Tournament Semifinals -04, Patriot League All-Freshman Team -04, 05, Patriot League Regular Season Runner-Up -05, German University National Team -05World University Games in Izmir -05, All-Patriot League 1st Team -05, 06, 07, Patriot League Tournament Champion -05, 06, Patriot League Regular Season Champion -06, Patriot League All Tournament Team -06, German National Team -06, 08, 10, Patriot League All-Tournament Team -07, Spanish LEB Silver Champion -09, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention -09,Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Silver All-Bosmans Team -09, Spanish LEB Silver Cup Winner -09, EuroChallenge Champion -10, and World Championships in Turkey -10: 5 games: 5.4ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 77.8%.

Source: Eisbaeren Bremerhaven

Nathan Peavy Stays With The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Stefan Koch knows how close The Artland Dragons were to reaching the 2011 beko BBl final losing to The Brose Baskets Bamberg in 5 games in the semi finala and will continue to keep some of that team magic as the club announced that Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) will play another season in Quackenbruck. Peavy is the fourth player kept from last season with Johannes Strasser, Adam Hess and Darren Fenn. After fighting back from a tough injury, Peavy found his rhythm playing 33 games: 10.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 72.2%. 'Despite his huge individual qualities, he always shows that he is a team player. He continues to show his strong play no matter if he is in the starting five or coming from the bench. I have never experienced a player like that before', lauded Artland Dragon coach Stefan Koch .

Source: Artland Dragons

Dirk Nowitzki travels to Germany for hometown celebration - by Eurobasket News
NBA star Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) received a hero's welcome on Tuesday when he returned to his home town more than two weeks after leading the Dallas Mavericks to their first championship.

The German was welcomed by about 3,000 fans in a Wuerzburg sports hall and signed the golden book in the city hall.

The fans cheered 'MVP, MVP' to welcome the most valuable player of the final series against the Miami Heat.

Nowitzki then got into a motorcade to join an outdoor party expected to draw 15,000 fans.

Courtesy of www.wfaa.com

Ex Skyliner Roger Powell Becomes Assistant Coach With The Valparaiso Crusaders - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Some weeks ago as I asked Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) if he would return as a Fraport Skyliner this season, he answered with silence.Perhaps he didnt hear me with the music blaring from the speakers at the Skyliner season ending party, but for Powell not to return and join an ACB team or attempt another shot at an NBA roster would have been the sure bet, but to hang up his sneakers and go into coaching would have been as far from my thoughts as the Minnesota Timberwolves winning the 20i2 NBA title, 2011 NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki playing for Phoenix Hagen if an NBA lockout happens or Hollywood actor George Clooney getting married sometime before 2040. According to www.valpoathletics.com, Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) will join the Valparaiso Crusaders coaching staff for the 2011-2012 NCAA season as an assistant coach. 'I am extremly excited to start my college coaching career at Valparaiso University. The Drew family have built a successful and competitive program that prizes integrity and charachter. I am truly blessed to join the Valpo Family', stated Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois). Valparaiso head coach Bryce Drew is thrilled that the ex NBA player Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) will be able to give his knowledge and basketball experience to the young kids. 'Roger will be a fantastic asset to our staff. He brings a tremendous basketball resume with him along with the same charachter and values that our university and program represent. We are excited to get him here and on the road to recruit where he should be agreat asset for us', commented Valparaiso head coach Bryce Drew .

Powell who is a native from Joliet, Illionois started his basketball career at Illinois in 2001 where he was able to share the basketball with future NBA players Deron Williams (191-PG-84, college: Illinois) Luther Head (191-G-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) and Dee Brown (185-G-68, college: Jacksonville). He helped lead the team to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2002 and 2004 and Final in 2005. He also was a Big 10 Conf. Tournament Winner -03, Big 10 Conf. Regular Season Champion -04, 05, Big 10 Conf. Tournament Finalist -04, All-Big 10 Conf. Honorable Mention -04, 05, and Big Ten Tournament Champion -05. In his senior season, he played 39 games: 12.0ppg, 5.7rpg, FGPConf-8 (54.9%), 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 72.9%: He finished his career at Illinois ranked fifth in Illinois history in career field goal percentage (.572) and ranked 26th all-time in scoring (1,178 points). Powell started his professional basketball career in 2005 with the Seattle Supersonics (NBA) preseason campand was drafted by Rockford Lightning (CBA,4rd (30). He then joined the Rockford Lightning in the CBA playing 48 games: 21.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.5apg, FG: 57%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 73.5%. In 2006-2007, his NBA dream came true as he played for the Utah Jazz getting into 3 games: 0.7ppg; left in Jan.'07, then joined Arkansas RimRockers (D-League): 28 games: 22.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77%. In 2007-2008, he made the trek ove rth epond and tried his luck in Europe playing for the Siviglia Wear Teramo (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 33 games: 13.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP:55.8%, 3PT:31.3%, FT:73.1%. In 2008-2009, he was close again to breathing NBA air as he was with the Chicago Bulls, but only in pre-season. In Nov.'08 moved to Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem (Israel-Premier League): EuroChallenge: 5 games: 8.6ppg, 4.6rpg; Israeli League: 25 games: 8.6ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 67.3%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 62.5%. In 2009-2010, he was back in Europe playing in Spain and France for C.B. Murcia playing 15 games: 8.3ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 71.9%; in Feb.'10 moved to JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-ProA, starting five): 2 games: 14.0ppg, 4.0rpg.

Last season, he was very close again to reaching the NBA as he was one of the last cuts for Chicago Bulls. He then came back to Europe as he played in the beko BBL for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. The Ordained minister played 28 games averaging 13.2ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 70.4%; EuroChallenge: 1 game: 18pts, 8reb, 2ast, 1steal. Every one always spoke about DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) as being the player that carried the team throughout the season, but the Skyliners wouldnt have been as successful without the day to day relentless effort that Powell gave on the court in practice and in games. Powell was the second scoring option in the Gordon Herbert offense scoring in double figurers in 20 games. Even though, he could score on a regular basis, he was a huge force on defense and pounding his way to grabbing rebounds. Who will forget his crushing one handed slam dunk in his first game in Germany on the road against The Artland Dragons where one had a very brief thought of the real legend Michael Jordan back on the floor. His resemblance to Michael Jordan/Dennis Rodman gave the name Roger Jordman Powell a new meaning. Powell will always be remembered as a very friendly and focused guy who just wanted the best for his team and never gave up on the court.

Deandre Haynes (It Seemed Like We Had Game Won, But Wood Took Over The Game At The End) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Kent St.) is a 27 year old 187 cm guard from Detroit Michigan that is playing his second season in the BEKO BBL and first with The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. He played at Kent from 2002-2005 and at Kent state from 2005-2006. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 13.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 78.6%. He won the MAC Tournament in 2006 and was player of the year in the MAC conference in 2006. He came to Europe as a rookie and played in Belgium for BBC Royal Atomia Brussels playing 23 games and averaging 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg. The next season, he stayed in Belgium and played for Okapi Aalstar playing 35 games averaging 9.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 74.0%. In 2008-2009, he played in Hungary for Kecskemeti Univer KSE playing 26 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 70.9%. Last season, he played for the Paderborn Baskets playing 34 games: 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the 2010-2011 beko BBL season.

You are back in the States in Ohio after a long and tough season in Duesseldorf. What was the first thing that you did when you arrived back?

I kissed the ground. It had been a very long time since I had been home. It was a relief to see my family and leaving the stretch behind me.

What were the biggest differences between the Paderborn and Duesseldorf seasons?

There wasnt really so much difference. They were equally as disappointing and very painful to suffer that two years in a row. In both places we didnt have a legitimate big man.

Duesseldorf landed on 18th place with a record of 7-27. What were the reasons for the miserable season?


I was one of the first guys signed. I played with a lot of guys and team chemistry was a problem. I think it would have been better if the team had found more time to build the team. It seemed like almost every week a new player was coming in which made it difficult as a point guard to deal with.

The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf ended the season on a positive note winning two of three games. What changed in the last weeks?


One thing that never changed is that we always fought until the end. There were so many games that we could of won, but always lost at the end like against Frankfurt. We were there down the wire, but the difference was other teams won and we didnt. It just didnt go in our favor.

Murat Didin is known as not always an easy coach for players. What was your most crazy positive experience with him?


I cant really remember one that stands out. He is a great coach that knows the game. I learned a lot from him. I will always remember him calling everyone Babba. I know each player is talking like him at home.

What will you remember most from the big 72-69 win against The Brose Baskets Bamberg?


I remember that leading up to the game, no one thought we had any chance of winning. Ransford Brempong, Steven Wright and myself said that we have to go out and show them that we can win. I knew once I was on the floor and felt good that we would win. At the end we celebrated as if we had won a title.

Who was the most improved Giant this season?



Steven Wright was our most improved player. He came a little rough into the season and had thoughts of giving up basketball. However as time went on, he showed that he could be a great player. There were many games that without his great play, we would never would have had a chance to win. I also feel I improved from last season in Paderborn.

What things do you still need to work on in your game?


I feel that I can work on many things. I had a chance to watch bane Ratkovica and like how he uses the ball screen. I want to be able to make great passes like that. I also need to work on my three pointer and get it back into the 40s.

Who was the toughest player that you played against this season?


Dashaun Wood was the best guy that I played against this season. I like how he is able to take control of a game when he wants to. When Frankfurt played in our place, it seemed like we had the game won, but Wood took over the game at the end.

One always say guards are a dime a dozen. Can Dashaun Wood play in the NBA?


I think it is possible. He had chances coming out of college to reach the NBA. He has the speed and leadership to make it. If he doesnt make it, he will have a great career in Europe. Dallas Maverick Jose Barea is short but can play at the level, so why cant Wood?

Will we see you in the beko BBL next season?



I hope so. I hope coaches see my ability as a player and dont rate me on playing with two teams that went down. I hope they see my qualities in that I will do anything to win.

Thanks Deandre forthe chat.

Konstantin Klein Goes To The Oettinger Rockets Gotha - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Konstantin Klein (185-PG-91) may be another Pascal Roller (180-G-76) in the making as the Oettinger Rockets Gotha announced today that the German will play for them this upcoming season. Klein is a 20 year old 185cm point guard from Berlin, Germany. Klein played for ALBA Berlin II the last three years.Last season, he played 19 games: 5.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 70.0%. 'Konstantin is a great playmakerthat is a team player and defends very well', stressed U-20 coach Frank Menz .'I am very happy that he decided to join us', said Oettinger Rockets Gotha coach Marko Simic . Klein is preparing to play at the U-20 European championships in Bilbao in July. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German U18 National Team -09, Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) -09, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 6 games: 0.7ppg, 1.7rpg, German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -10, and German U20 National Team -11

Source: Oettinger Rockets Gotha

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


Greek U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Starting five
#s#
Eleftherios Bochoridis
Bochoridis
Apollon Deligeorgis
Deligeorgis
Petros Melissaratos
Melissaratos
Giannoulis Larentzakis
Larentzakis
Kyprianos Maragkos
Maragkos
#e#5
4 Eleftherios Bochoridis 191-G-94 Aris Greece
5 Spyridon Panagiotaras 180-PG-93 Panionios Greece
6 Efthymios Dimitropoulos 200-G/F-93 High School USA
7 Ioannis Dimakopoulos 212-C-94
8 Emmanouil Tselentakis 195-F-93
9 Apollon Deligeorgis 192-G-93 Mantoulidis Greece
10 Alexandros Mitsialos 202-F-94
11 Dimitrios Agravanis 203-F-94 Marousi Greece
12 Petros Melissaratos 202-C/F-93 Alimos Greece
13 Giannoulis Larentzakis 200-F-94 Egaleo Greece
14 Michail Kamperidis 94 G.A.S Mandras Greece
15 Kyprianos Maragkos 205-C-94 Panathinaikos Greece



*****************************************************
  IBL   


Greatest comeback in IBL history- radio broadcast as Albany outscores Edmonton by 15 points in final 1 minute 39 seconds to win thriller - by Trask Frost
Albany Legends' Lloyd Johnson comes up as the star of one of the top comebacks in IBL history as the Albany Legends outscore the Edmonton Energy by 15 points in the final one minute and 39 seconds of this game in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Here is the radio broadcast of that final 1:39-

http://iblhoopsonline.com/edmonton_energy/media/06-25-2011-edmonton-vs-albany.mp3

For more information about the International Basketball League, visit the IBL web site- www.IBLhooopsonline.com



Portland IBL team plays vs teams from Illinois, New York and Edmonton Canada - by Serafim Karaiskakis
The Portland Chinooksof the International Basketball begin their final regular season home stand this week. The Chinooks will host the IBL's IllinoisSoldiers tonight, the New YorkLegends Tuesday night and the EdmontonAlberta Canada Energy on Wednesday night. All games will be held at the the Beaverton Hoop at 7pm. The Chinooks are riding a 4 game win streak and look to continue their solid performance going in to this weeks games. The Chinooks are motivated to finish out the regular season on a strong note before the start of the IBL Championship Tournament which begins Friday July 1, 2011 (at Clark College in Vancouver Washington this year).

Monday:: Portland Chinooks vs. Illinois Soldiers

Game at the Beaverton Hoop/YMCA at 7:00pm.


Tuesday June 28th:Portland Chinooks vs. Albany NY Legends

at the Beaverton Hoop/YMCA at 7:00pm.


Wednesday June 29th::Portland Chinooks vs. Edmonton (Canada) Energy also at the Beaverton Hoop/YMCA at 7:00pm.


Videos:the Portland IBL team has played for 7 years; did you know that the Portland IBL team was in the title game in 2007 & 2009:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA6HZA8tEq0 (2007title game)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04HAOeyEGKY (2009 KGW preview)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-5N1odQpZw (2009title game)

source: iblhoopsonline.com

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


Alex Tyus joins Maccabi Ashdod - by Eurobasket News
Alex Tyus (203-F) is the newcomer in Maccabi Ashdod. The players has agreed on terms of contract with the Israeli team. It is the first pro deal for 23-year-old forward. Alex Tyus just graduated from the University of Florida. He averaged 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Gators in the senior season. The forward played at NCAA Elite Eight with the Gators. Alex Tyus participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this summer. He tallied 13.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 assists per game there.



Nizan Hanochi extends with Rishon LeZion - by Eurobasket
Nizan Hanochi (194-G-86) re-signed with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion for two more years. The shooting guard was named league Most Improved Player of the Year averaging 9.5ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.6apg. During his carrer he also played at Hapoel Afula, Iscar Nahariya and Bnei Hasharon.

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


Italy U20 wins Memorial di Martinsicuro - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 wins Memorial di Martinsicuro with 4 participating teams. In Day 1 Italy overcame tough Serbia U20 76:74. The hosts started with 27-14 and had 41:37 at the halftime. Serbia played netter in the second half and at first tied the game at 55:55 after three quarters. Italy however managed to bring the lead back and won the opener. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) stepped up with 24 points and Achille Polonara (202-F-91) netted 14. Nadovic ended up with 18 points in the losing effort.
In Day 2 Italy U20 smashed Finland U20 selection. The hosts started with 17-11 in the first frame and never looked behind after. They increased to 34-19 at the halftime and had 44:27 after three quarters. Finland scored only 8 points in the last period and suffered the second loss. De Nicolao poured in 13 points, while Vitali posted 10. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) responded with 8 points in defeat and Heinonen followed him with 7.
In Day 3 Italy U20 overcame Croatia U20 64:57. The latter grabbed 16-12 after the first 10 minutes of the game, but Italy answered for 29:26 at the halftime. In the third period the hosts added some more points to a bigger lead to take 49:37 advantage after three quarters and rightfully won the game. Achille Polonara top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Tommasini nailed 8. Toni Brnas (201-F-91) produced 11 points in the losing effort, whilst Ivan Mikulic (194-G-91) posted 8.

Final Standings:
1. Italy
2. Finland
3. Serbia
4. Croatia



David Andersen moves to Siena - by Antonello Varallo
David Andersen (212-C-80) signed a 3 years agreement with Montepaschi Siena. The Australian big man, who played with Siena during 2003-2004, returns to Europe
after 2 unlucky seasons spent in NBA (102 games with Houston and New Orlenas). Andersen is a very experienced center, having played with
the best european teams, as Virtus Bologna, CSKA Moscow, Barcelona, winning many titles and proving himself as one of the best players of the Old Continent.

Lorenzo D'Ercole remains in Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Lorenzo D'Ercole (190-G-88) will stay with Vanoli Cremona for one more season. The 23-year-old guard joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 3.7 points, 1.3 boards and 1.0 steal per game. The guard participated at 2011 SeriaA All-Star Game. Lorenzo D'Ercole played for U16, U18 and U20 Italian National Teams. He also had stints with Montecatini, Montepaschi Siena and Livorno.


Simone Pianigiani names preliminary roster for 2011 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
Simone Pianigiani named 18 player that have been invited to take part at Memorial Diego Gianatti tournament in Bormio on July 29. The players will gather in Bormio on July 18. Here is the list of invitees:

Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85)
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86)
Marco Carraretto (196-G-77, agency: Players Group)
Daniele Cavaliero (189-G-84)
Andrea Cinciarini (191-G-86)
Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson)
Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances)
Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87)
Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group)
Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83)
Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83)
Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC)
Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois)
Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83)
Marco Mordente (191-G-79)
Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85)
Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group)
Luca Vitali (201-G-86).


Lottomatica Roma keeps Nihad Djedovic for 2011/12 - by Eurobasket News
Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) will play one more season with Lottomatica Roma. The Bosnian prospect is officially a member of Regal Barca, but he will stay with Lottomatica on loan.
Nihad Djedovic joined Lottomatica Roma last summer. He played 24 games for in SerieA averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assist and 2.3 steals. His season-high was 27 points against Cimberio Varese. Lottomatica also competed in Euroleague last season, where Djedovic added 9.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.7 spg. They reached Top 16. In the past, Djedovic was a member of Xacobeo BS Obradoiro (loan), Cornella (loan) and Bosna ASA BHT.
Nihad Djedovic played for the Bosnian NT in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. He shined with 12.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.2 spg for 10 games. He played for the Bosnians also in Qualifications to European Championships 2009. He is member of the Bosnian NT since 2007.

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


Latvian U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Latvian U19 National Team 2011
#s#
Ingars Aizpurs
Aizpurs
Karlis Apsitis
Apsitis
Davis Bertans
Bertans
Sandis Bets
Bets
Visvaldis Bikse
Bikse
#e#5
Ingars Aizpurs 196-G-92 Gulbene Latvia
Karlis Apsitis 198-F-92 Ventspils Aug. Latvia
Eduards Bagatskis 195-G-92 High School USA
Davis Bertans 205-C-92 Union Olimpija Slovenia
Sandis Bets 194-G-92 Ogre Latvia
Visvaldis Bikse 187-PG-93 BAA Riga Latvia
Arturs Bremers 188-G-92 Ridzene Latvia
Arturs Bricis 193-PG-92 Daugava Latvia
Davis Coders 182-G-92 Ventspils Latvia
Edmunds Dukulis 204-C-92 Bennet Cantu Italy
Andrejs Grazulis 203-F-93 Ventspils Aug. Latvia
Arnolds Helmanis 201-F-92 Liepaja Latvia
Renars Magone 201-F-92 VEF Riga jrs Latvia
Aleksejs Rostovs 204-C-92 Canarias Bball Ac. Spain
Ojars Silins 201-F-93 Trenkwalder Italy
Janis Timma 201-F/G-92 Barons Latvia
Kaspars Vecvagars 191-G-93 Zalgiris Lithuania
Arturs Vitins 195-C-92 Daugava Latvia
Marcis Vitols 190-PG-92 Valmiera U21 Latvia

Ziedonis Jansons Head Coach BAA Riga Latvia


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


Lithuania U20 post second straight win in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Argentina U19 63:59

Lithuanian U20 selection registered the second straight win at the 2011 Global Games in Panevezys. They toppled Argentinean U19 team. Osvaldas Matulionis (200-F-91) stepped up with 15 points to pace Lithuania.
Argentina looked the better side in the first half. The Latin American team finished the opening quarter up by one point 16:15. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. Argentina recorded a 36:30 halftime advantage. But Lithuania stressed defence after the big break. They limited Argentina to 10 points in the third quarter to surge ahead 47:46 at the final break. Lithuania withheld all comeback efforts from Argentina and eked out a narrow victory at the end. Gilvydas Biruta (203-F-91) knocked down 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) added 11 points in the victory. Nicolas Copello (194-G-92) responded with 11 points for Argentina. Marcos Delia (206-C-92) provided 8 points in defeat.

Lithuania U20: Osvaldas Matulionis 15, Gilvydas Biruta 12+10 boards, Paulius Dambrauskas 11
Argentina U19: Nicolas Copello 11, Marcos Delia 8


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


Samy Picard stays with TBB Trier - by Eurobasket News
Samy Picard (195-F-88) has extended his contract with TBB Trier. The 23-year-old Luxembourg forward will stay with the German team for another season. Last season Samy Picard tallied 2.8 points per game in 1Bundesliga. The forward is the member of Luxembourg National Team. He averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 boards and 1.0 assist per game at 2011 EuroBasket in Division B Qualifying Round.


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


Montenegrin U18 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Vlado Koprivica
Koprivica
Marko Mugosa
Mugosa
Vukota Pavic
Pavic
Milos Pajovic
Pajovic
Mihailo Kasalica
Kasalica
#e#5
Vlado Koprivica 206-C-93 Lovcen Montenegro
Marko Mugosa 197-F-93 Gorstak Montenegro
Vukota Pavic 93 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Milos Pajovic 204-C-94 KK Podgorica Montenegro
Mihailo Kasalica 185-G-93 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Nikola Zizic 190-G-94 KK Podgorica Montenegro
Ivan Fatic 185-G-93 Mogren Montenegro
Nenad Vukovic 187-G-94 Centar BP Montenegro
Vasilije Vusovic 188-G-94 KK Podgorica Montenegro
Nemanja Gavrancic G-93 Buducnost II Montenegro
Danilo Nikolic 93 Buducnost Montenegro
Milos Latkovic 93 Lovcen Montenegro
Masan Vrbica 94 KK Cetinje Montenegro
Dusan Perovic 202-F/C-94 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Veselin Kovacevic 198-F-94 ABS Primorje Montenegro

Miodrag Kadija Head Coach Lovcen Montenegro


Montenegrin B National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Montenegrin B National Team 2011
#s#
Nemanja Vranjes
Vranjes
Marko Mijovic
Mijovic
Goran Martinic
Martinic
Stevan Milosevic
Milosevic
Suad Sehovic
Sehovic
#e#5
Nemanja Vranjes (188-G-88) of Borac Nektar Banja Luka Bosnia
Marko Mijovic (188-G-87) of BC Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcijn
Goran Martinic (186-G-87) of KK Lovcen Cetinje
Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85) of Proteas Danoi AEL Cyprus
Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) of Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo Bosnia
Nikola Ivanovic (199-F-89) of VAP Kolossos Rodou Greece
Dusan Stijepovic (193-G-88) of La Molisana Mens Sana Campobasso Italy
Milos Djurisic (194-G-88) of BC Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcijn
Marko Popovic (200-F-85) of BC Buducnost m:tel Podgorica
Milorad Sutulovic (196-G-90) of BC Igokea Aleksandrovac Bosnia
Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) of BC Buducnost m:tel Podgorica
Ljubo Jovanovic (206-C-87) of KAO Dramas Greece
Filip Barovic (205-F-90) of BC Buducnost m:tel Podgorica
Nemanja Milosevic (203-F/C-87) of BC Buducnost m:tel Podgorica
Radoje Vujosevic (209-C-89) of KK Mornar Basket Bar
Milos Lopicic (216-C-90) of KK Lovcen Cetinje

Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Beo Basket )
Nenad Milosevic

Montenegrin National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Montenegrin National Team 2011
#s#
Omar-Sharif Cook
Cook
Goran Jeretin
Jeretin
Vladimir Mihailovic
Mihailovic
Boris Bakic
Bakic
Bojan Bakic
Bakic
#e#5
Omar-Sharif Cook 186-G-82 Armani MI Italy
Goran Jeretin 192-G-79 Lokomotiv Russia
Vladimir Mihailovic 193-G-90 Buducnost Montenegro
Boris Bakic 194-G-86 Crvena Zvezda Serbia
Bojan Bakic 197-G-83 VEF Riga Latvia
Vlado Scepanovic 198-G-75 Panellinios Greece
Suad Sehovic 197-G/F-87 Bosna Bosnia
Sead Sehovic 199-F-89 Buducnost Montenegro
Vladimir Dasic 207-F-88 Lottomatica Italy
Milos Borisov 201-F-85 Hemofarm Serbia
Milko Bjelica 207-C-84 Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania
Vladimir Dragicevic 206-C/F-86 Caja Laboral Spain
Nikola Vucevic 208-F-90 Philadelph.76 USA
Nikola Pekovic 210-C-86 Minnesota T. USA
Slavko Vranes 229-C-83 Unics Russia
Vladimir Golubovic 213-C-86 Banvit Turkey

Dejan Radonjic Head Coach Buducnost Montenegro


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


Sam Young's contract with Memphis guarunteed through 2012 - by Eurobasket News
The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised their third-year contract option on Sam Young (6'6''-F-85, college: Pittsburgh), Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today. Youngs contract is now guaranteed through the 2011-12 season.

Young, a 6-6, 220-pound guard/forward, averaged 7.3 points and 2.4 rebounds on .472 shooting in 20.2 minutes in 78 games (46 starts) in his second NBA season. After Memphis finished the regular season 29-15 with him as a full-time starter, the 26-year-old posted 7.5 points and 2.3 rebounds on .448 shooting in 19.7 minutes during the Grizzlies 13-game playoff run.

A four-year standout at the University of Pittsburgh, Young holds career averages of 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds on .461 shooting in 18.3 minutes in 158 games (47 starts) with the Grizzlies.

Memphis selected the Clinton, Md. native with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.myfoxmemphis.com

Bobcats seek to resolve buyout dispute over pick Biyombo - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats draft pick Bismack Biyombo (207-C-92) and his Spanish team have scheduled a mediation session Friday in hopes of settling a dispute over the contract buyout required before he'd be allowed to play in the NBA.

Fuenlabrada spokesman Jorge Sanz says Biyombo has two seasons left on his deal and his buyout clause is more than $1.4 million. NBA rules say the Bobcats can't pay more than $500,000 toward a buyout.

If the issue can't be settled in mediation, it's expected to go to a Spanish court.

Biyombo is in Charlotte working out this week. His agent, Igor Crespo, and Bobcats general manager Rich Cho didn't immediately return messages Tuesday seeking comment.

Biyombo, a native of Congo, was the seventh overall pick.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Yao's retirement would not hurt NBA in China - by Eurobasket News
The possible retirement of star NBA centre Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) will not diminish the league's booming popularity in the world's most populous nation, the NBA's top executive in China has said.

Yao's contract with the Houston Rockets expires on June 30, and while the team have said they would like to have him back if he is healthy, Yao has hinted that he will retire if his injured ankle does not heal.

'I don't see (Yao's) uncertainty is having a negative impact. In fact, I think it has generated a whole lot of interest,' the newly-appointed CEO of NBA China, David Shoemaker, said in comments carried by the China Daily on Tuesday.

'Yao has done amazing things to grow interest in the NBA in China. With the help of charismatic role models like him, the NBA has already built a strong foundation. I am very confident of maintaining the momentum upwards.'

Ever since embarking on his NBA journey in 2002, Yao has become a mainstay of China's sporting media with nearly every game played by the Rockets broadcast live nationwide or on local networks.

Yao?s status as China?s most popular athlete and a star with global appeal has also led to lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Pepsi, McDonald's and China Telecom.

Yao played only five games last season and underwent surgery in January for a stress fracture in his left ankle, the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have dogged him in recent seasons.

With the perennial All-Star only playing a limited role, the Rockets have missed the playoffs the past two seasons.

Courtesy of AFP

Toronto Raptors extend qualifying offer to Sonny Weems - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent guard-forward Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas). Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

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

Weems averaged career highs in points (9.2) and minutes (23.9) in 59 games in 2010-11. In a career-best 28 starts, he posted averages of 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 29.8 minutes. He scored in double figures 27 times last season.

Weems has appeared in 140 games with Denver and Toronto in his three NBA campaigns, averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 20.3 minutes. He joined the Raptors in a trade from Milwaukee on August 18, 2009.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Thunder makes Daequan Cook a restricted free agent - by Eurobasket News
The Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday extended Daequan Cook (6'5''-G-87, college: Ohio St.) a qualifying offer, which officially makes the sharpshooting guard a restricted free agent this summer.

The team had until June 30 to exercise the option. By doing so, the Thunder now has the right to match any contract offer Cook might receive from another team this summer.

Cook, entering his fifth season out of Ohio State, on numerous occasions has voiced his desire to return to the Thunder next season. The feeling is believed to be mutual on the part of the organization.

In 43 games, Cook averaged 5.6 points while connecting on a career-high 42.2 percent of his 3-point attempts in just 13.9 minutes per game. Cook's perimeter shooting was a sorely needed asset at times for the Thunder throughout the regular season and postseason.

Cook impressed the Thunder's coaching staff and front office with his ability to both play through adversity and knock down shots in limited minutes. Cook was relegated to the bench for 34 straight games during a stretch that spanned more than two months from mid-November to mid-January. That benching came after he started the season 3-for-16 from 3-point range.

But Cook averaged 6.4 points on 45 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line upon his return to the rotation. His effectiveness provided a much needed boost to a Thunder team that was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams early in the season. With Cook in the lineup for most of the second half of the season, the Thunder shot 36.6 percent from 3-point range after the All-Star break, three percentage points higher than its pre All-Star average.

He's not a guy that got a ton of opportunity but was ready and prepared when that opportunity came about, Thunder general manager Sam Presti said of Cook at the end of the season.

Because of the NBA's expiring collective bargaining agreement, teams cannot come to terms on new contracts with players until a new labor agreement is reached.

Courtesy of www.newsok.com

Mavericks G Beaubois undergoes 2nd foot surgery - by Eurobasket News
Dallas Mavericks guard Rodrigue Beaubois (6'1''-G-88, agency: Court Side) has undergone surgery for the second time since fracturing his left foot while training with the French national team last summer.

Beaubois had the procedure Monday. The team didn't offer a time frame for what it said would be a full recovery.

The injury cost Beaubois most of his second season, when he was expected to be a key component for the Mavericks. Dallas won the NBA title without him playing in the postseason.

Beaubois re-injured the foot while trying to get ready for the season, then aggravated it again in the final game of the regular season. He averaged 8.4 points and 2.3 assists in 28 games.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Wizards introduce Jan Vesely - by Eurobasket News
Jan Vesely (6'11''-F-90) is right where he wanted to be all along.

The 6-foot-11 forward from the Czech Republic was the sixth overall pick by Washington in the NBA draft last Thursday -- and he couldn't have been more thrilled during an introductory news conference.

'I'm happy to be here,' Vesely said Monday. 'I hoped that Washington picked me.'

He sure showed it, too on draft night. Vesely made some headlines when his name was announced and he passionately kissed his girlfriend Eva on television.

'All the news, nobody knows about the picks on draft night,' said Vesely, who wasn't embarrassed by the attention the smooch got. 'It was all about the kiss.'

With Eva looking on Monday, the 21-year old Vesely was flanked on the dais by Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, coach Flip Saunders and general manager Ernie Grunfeld. Vesely and the Wizards knew a lot about each other because Washington had scouted him for several years.

'This is a very exciting day for us,' said Grunfeld, who envisions Vesely as being an ideal fast-break complement for speedy point guard John Wall. ' (Jan) fits the mold of the type of players we're looking for. We're looking for players that play hard, that compete, that are team players. He also has a lot of experience.'

Vesely averaged 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds for Partizan in 26 games in the Adriatic League. In Partizan's 15 games in the Euroleague, 'The Flying Czech' -- the nickname Vesely said was given to him while playing in Serbia -- averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Though he made 71 percent of his shots from the field in Adriatic League games, Vesely said improving his shooting before playing in the NBA was his top priority. Only a 55 percent shooter from the foul line, perhaps Vesely will be able to draw inspiration from another big man: Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki -- the NBA finals MVP whom he grew up studying.

'When I was kid, I was watching Dirk, his game,' Vesely said. 'Now, I'm still watching Dirk.'

One season after selecting Wall with the No. 1 overall pick and adding first-round picks Trevor Booker, Kevin Seraphin and Jordan Crawford, the Wizards drafted Vesely and Chris Singleton in the opening round last week. Former Butler guard Shelvin Mack was selected early in the second round.

'We promised that we would quickly rebuild the team using the draft as a platform for that change,' Leonsis said. 'That's our goal, to build a core of young players who go through the process of rebuilding together. I think the culture of the team will be dictated by these young players.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Spurs forward Tim Duncan decides not to opt out - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Spurs big man Tim Duncan (6'10''-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) has decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract before the NBA's June 30 collective bargaining agreement deadline, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Through a source close to Duncan's thinking, Aldridge reports that Duncan will play out the final year of his $41 million contract extension and receive more than $21 million for his services.

Duncan has played with the Spurs for his entire 13-year NBA career, and was never expected to opt out because of his relationship with the franchise. He has won four NBA championships with the team and been named MVP twice.

Entering a different stage in his career, Duncan averaged only 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds last season.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Nets hoping to free up Bogdanovic for Brooklyn debut, says King - by Eurobasket News
The big news out of the Nets' press conference Monday morning was that while Bojan Bogdanovic (6'8''-G/F-89) has a three year deal with Euroleague powerhouse Fenerbahce -- and a two year player out -- Billy King said the Nets will try to get him out of his deal after next season...and into Brooklyn as a Net.

Bogdanovic, whose rights the Nets bought on Draft Night, appeared before the Nets media along with MarShon Brooks, acquired in a switch of first round picks with Boston, and Jordan Williams, taken at #36. Williams made a little news himself. He asked for and received No. 15, last worn in 2008-09 by Vince Carter, one of the team's most popular players ever.

First thing on Brooks' mind when he was drafted by the Nets? Deron Williams. 'I think it's going to make life a lot easier for a guy like me.' The three were expected to meet Jay-Z later Monday and after that, Bogdanovic heads home while Brooks and Williams travel to Santa Barbara for the same Peak Performance Project training the team's vets underwent earlier in the month.

It's uncertain when they will sign their Nets contracts. Although the Nets have their rights, they can't sign them to rookie contracts until a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated. Under the current rookie salary scale, Brooks would be paid a little less than a million dollars excluding a signing bonus while Williams would get league minimum, less than $500,000, as second rounder.

Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com

Celtics will extend offer to Jeff Green - by Eurobasket News
In a move long expected, Celtic president Danny Ainge announced that the Celtics will make a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown). Said Ainge: it will happen this week. The move will allow the Celtics the right to match any offer made to Jeff Green. The Celtics will have until Thursday to make the move official.

During his time with the Boston Celtics, Jeff Green averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in just over 22 minutes played per game. In the playoffs, Greens points per game production dipped slightly to 8.4 points, but hell be most remembered for his two Game 5 miscues against the Miami Heat.

Green was acquired in a February NBA trade deadline deal that sent the beloved Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Oklahoma City Thunder in return for Green and center Nenad Krstic.

The legacy of Danny Ainge has been hitched to the most debated trade in team history. Jeff Green will be expected to make an impact should the numbers make enough sense for him to remain in the Bean.

In a move that trumps all, the NBA lockout is set to begin on Friday. Getcha popcorn ready.

Courtesy of http://hardwoodhoudini.com

Andre Miller optimistic, happy to be back in Denver - by Eurobasket News
Andre Miller (6'3''-PG-76, college: Utah) left Denver with hard feelings. He's back now, and with a renewed sense of optimism.

When the Nuggets traded Miller for Allen Iverson in December 2006 the buzz focused on Denver adding a superstar to the roster. For Miller, leaving a team he liked, a coach he loved playing for and a place he called home was tough.

But four years later he is back with the Nuggets and put his disappointment behind.

'Honestly, I took it personal, the trade, and that was my motivation every time we came here to play,' Miller said Monday. 'It was just how it went down. I understand it was part of the business. It was just how it went down.'

Miller played for the Nuggets from 2003-06 before he was shipped to Philadelphia. He returned to the team on a draft-day deal that also included Jordan Hamilton, the 26th pick in Thursday's draft, and a future second-round pick for point guard Raymond Felton.

Hamilton, along with Denver's first-round pick, Kenneth Faried, and Chukwudiebere Maduabum, a second-round pick acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers, were introduced at Pepsi Center.

The young players are embarking on their NBA careers while Miller comes in as a 12-year veteran. Denver is his fifth NBA city and the sixth stop in his career, but this trade is easier because he makes his offseason home in the area.

'It's more of a comfortable move for me because I have my house here and I get to sleep in my own bed again,' he said.

Having established roots here made the trade to Philadelphia tougher, but he's happy to be playing for coach George Karl again.

'I've been knowing George since I was 18 years old when he came out to Utah when I was a freshman. We've had maybe one disagreement, and that was the trade, but for the most part it's a respectful relationship,' Miller said. 'He understands me as a player and I understand him as a coach and he knows I'm not going to cause any problems, I'm here to work, help guys get better and be a veteran leader.'

When Miller signed with Denver eight years ago, the Nuggets had just drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse and were building a team around the young star. With Anthony now in New York, the roster lacks a big name but has talent. After trading Anthony to the Knicks in February the Nuggets went 18-7 and made the playoffs for the eighth straight season.

Miller is looking forward to being a mentor for the younger players.

'There are some hungry players,' he said. 'That's the main thing, being around some players that are hungry, still proving themselves in this league and earning respect. You've got a couple of good veterans here. Hopefully they'll be able to come back with Kenyon (Martin) and J.R. (Smith), but for the most part you have some hungry, hard workers.

'Coming back to an offense where George lets you play, make a few mistakes and then he'll pull the reins in. For the most part, there's a lot of talent here, inside and outside, a lot of hustlers and I'm happy to be around that.'

Hamilton and Faried said Monday they are eager to learn from the coaching staff and their new teammates. Faried is known for his defense and rebounding and Hamilton was a scorer and a rebounder in his two years at Texas.

Hamilton says his game will be a good fit with a point guard like Miller.

'He's a great passer, he facilitates and he gets his wings the ball,' he said. 'He'll definitely get his assists up.'

Miller averaged 14 points and 7.3 assists in 269 games in his first tour with Denver, but those numbers came as a starter. Ty Lawson has taken over the starting point guard role, and Miller is happy to come off the bench if that's his role.

'I'm not going to get caught up in the who's starting and who's not,' he said. 'At this point in my career, it'll burn you out.'

Miller has been a durable player in his 12 years. He has missed just six games in his career and played every game in a season eight times. He is 35 and feels he can play five more years at a high level.

'I have a lot in me. I get a little irritated at times when people throw the age factor out there and they never throw it out there with the (Jason) Kidds and the (Steve) Nashes,' he said. 'I'm one of the more durable players in the league. I feel young, no bumps no bruises, and I'm going to continue to do the same thing.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Bobcats make qualifying offer to F Cunningham - by Eurobasket News
The Charlotte Bobcats have made a one-year, $1 million qualifying offer to Dante Cunningham (6'8''-F-87, college: Villanova) that makes the reserve forward a restricted free agent.

Monday's move comes less than two months after Cunningham was charged with possession of marijuana following a traffic stop in suburban Philadelphia.

Charlotte acquired the former Villanova player from Portland in a February trade that sent forward Gerald Wallace to the Trail Blazers. The Bobcats moved Cunningham from power forward to small forward and he averaged 9 points and 4 rebounds in 22 games.

After last week's trade that sent Stephen Jackson to Milwaukee, the Bobcats are thin at small forward.

The Bobcats will now be able to match any offer Cunningham receives from another team.

Courtesy of http://www.csnbaltimore.com

Pacers, Nets interested in Hornets' free agent David West - by Eurobasket News
David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract with the New Orleans Hornets, according to reports. His reasons? He wants a chance to win big, and is looking for the best opportunity to do so. That could come with the Hornets in the end; several reports quote West's agent as saying he could return to New Orleans after gauging the market. While the Hornets are capped out thanks to sizable contracts for Chris Paul, Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, under the current salary system the team could keep West because it owns his Bird rights.

But it stands to reason that West is looking for a team better than New Orleans' first-round-and-out level. That could be difficult to find, as most of the true contenders are thoroughly capped out (Magic, Spurs) or set at power forward (Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Mavericks, Bulls). (In the case of the latter, most are also capped out. Much of the league is capped out.) So what teams could West actually end up seeing the cash from?

Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets will register interest in the 30-year-old power forward. The Pacers are guard- and wing-heavy; of the team's top five players going into next season, only one (Roy Hibbert) is a big man. The team has Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts at power forward, but West has been a much better performer than either in recent years, and in addition to new point guard George Hill (acquired in a draft day trade with the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard, the No. 15 pick), could vault Indiana from 'intriguing eighth seed' to 'frightful mid-lister.'

The Nets have to deal with Kris Humphries, himself an unrestricted free agent. While West is the better player overall, New Jersey will have to weigh costs (West's salary will be much greater than Hump's) and fit next to big man of the future Brook Lopez. It's also worth noting that a Deron Williams-David West pick-and-pop seems unstoppable as a Chris Paul-David West one, in theory.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com

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


NC State HERO killed in bus crash - by Greg
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) It's one of the most lasting images from the NCAA basketball tournament.

A buzzer-beating two-handed dunk by muscular forward Lorenzo Charles (6'7''-F-63) gives heavy underdog North Carolina State a stunning national championship game win in 1983 versus powerhouse Houston known as Phi Slamma Jamma. Wolfpack coach Jim Valvano spills onto the court, scrambling for someone to hug.

Charles, 47, the hero from that memorable game, was killed Monday when an empty bus he was driving for Elite Coach crashed along Interstate 40 in Raleigh, said general manager Brad Jackson.

Charles grabbed Dereck Whittenburg's 30-foot shot and dunked it to give the Wolfpack the 54-52 win over the Cougars, led by stars Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. It was N.C. State's second national title and gave Charles a place in school history.

Whittenburg was despondent when discussing his teammate and friend with The Associated Press.

'It's just an awful day,' Whittenburg said. 'An awful, awful day.'

That game in Albuquerque, N.M., capped an improbable run to the championship. N.C. State entered the NCAA tournament with a 17-10 record, having beaten Virginia to win the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament and an automatic berth into the national field. No one expected much.

'It's still kind of amazing to me that ... people are still talking about it,' Charles said in an excerpt from his comments about the championship game on his N.C. State Web page. 'I remember when (it) first happened, I figured I would have my 15 minutes of fame and that would be it. Here we are and it is still a conversational piece. I don't really think that was the only great Final Four finish that has been played since then, but for some reason people just single out that game and talk about it. Maybe because it was such a David and Goliath thing.'

Police released little about the one-vehicle crash that took Charles' life. Video shows the windshield broken out with tree limbs sticking through the window frame. The rear wheels of the bus were on an embankment, leaving the right front tire elevated from the road.

Charles finished his college career two years after the championship win with 1,535 total points 15th on the school's scoring list and his .575 shooting percentage in 1985 remains a school record for seniors.

In the 1983 run, Charles hit two free throws with 23 seconds left in the West Regional finals against the Cavaliers to give the Wolfpack a 63-62 win and the spot in the Final Four.

Their semifinal win over Georgia sent them to the matchup with the Cougars.

Michael Young, director of basketball operations at Houston, was a member of the team that let a national championship slip away. He told KRIV-TV in Houston that he had never quite gotten over Charles' heroics.

'For him to dunk the ball at that moment to win the game, it was one of the most heartbreaking moments I have ever felt in my whole career,' Young said. 'Twenty-eight years later, it's still with me. Every day somebody asks me about it. I thought I was going to get away with it today and then you called me. I'm very sorry to hear what happened.'

Valvano also became famous for his emotional burst onto the court afterward, running around almost in disbelief. Jimmy V died in 1993 after a very public fight with cancer.

N.C. State retired Charles' No. 43 jersey in 2008, the 25th anniversary of the championship.

Current coach Mark Gottfried said his staff had just gotten acquainted with Charles and was saddened to hear the news.

'He holds a special place in Wolfpack history and in the hearts of generations of fans,' Gottfried said in a statement. 'We just reconnected with him last week and our staff was stunned to hear this terrible news.'

ACC Commissioner John Swofford said Charles' play had an uplifting effect.

'As a former player, he made us believe in the amazing and all of us in the ACC send out our thoughts and prayers to his entire family,' Swofford said in a statement.

Charles played one season in the NBA, averaging 3.4 points in 36 games with the Atlanta Hawks in 1985-86, and played internationally and in the Continental Basketball Association until 1999.

A message left on a phone listed to Charles wasn't immediately returned Monday night.

Thurl Bailey, one of Charles' teammates on the championship team, said it's tough to accept that the player who made the game-winning dunk is gone.

'But I heard someone say, I was talking to them on the phone about this, that Jimmy V finally found somebody to hug,' Bailey told WRAL-TV.

Drew adds Powell to staff at VU - by Eurobasket News
Valparaiso men's basketball coach Bryce Drew announced Monday that the Crusaders have hired former University of Illinois standout Roger Powell (6'6''-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) as an assistant coach.

Powell spent the last six years playing in the pro ranks, including a stint with the NBAs Utah Jazz.

Roger will be a fantastic addition to our staff, Drew said. He brings a tremendous basketball resume with him, along with the same character and values that our university and program represent. We are excited to get him here and then on the road recruiting, where he should be a great asset for us.

A three-year starter for the Ilini, Powell earned All-Big Ten honorable mention status in each of his final two seasons after being named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team as a sophomore. Powell helped lead Illinois to three Big Ten regular season titles and a pair of Big Ten tournament crowns, as well as berths in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2002-03 and 2003-04.

Powells career at Illinois culminated in his senior year of 2004-05, as he started all 39 games that season, averaging career bests of 12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Illinois had its most successful season in program history that season, winning 29 straight games to open the season en route to finishing 37-2. Powell closed his four-year Illinois career with 1,178 points, among the top 30 in Ilini history, and 531 rebounds.

Following his collegiate career, Powell earned a spot in the Seattle SuperSonics training camp before eventually playing the 2005-06 season for the Rockford Lightning of the CBA. He earned CBA rookie of the year honors that season. Powell then made the roster of the Utah Jazz for the 2006-07 season and spent the first half of the campaign in Utah before joining the Arkansas Rimrockers of the NBDL.

Powell spent time in the training camp of the Bulls in both 2008 and 2010, and has spent much of the last four years playing internationally.

I am extremely excited about this opportunity to start my college coaching career at Valparaiso University, Powell said. The Drew family has built a successful and competitive program that prizes integrity and character. I am truly blessed to join the Valpo family.

Courtesy of http://posttrib.suntimes.com

NCAA's First Four stays in Dayton for 2012-13 - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA tournament's opening round will stay in Dayton, Ohio, for at least the next two years.

The NCAA said Monday that the First Four will be played at the University of Dayton in 2012 and 2013.

Last year was the first one for the so-called First Four games in the newly expanded 68-team men's tournament. Two games match the lowest seeds, Nos. 65 through 68, with the winners advancing to play a top seed. The other two games match the last four at-large qualifiers.

Gene Smith, the Ohio State athletics director and chair of the Division I Men's Basketball Committee, said the panel decided Dayton should host the First Four at least through the tournament's 75th anniversary in 2013.

The 2012 First Four will have two games on March 13 and two on March 14.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


SOL ties 2-2 NATIONAL LEAGUE final series. - by Santiago Maciel
Sol de America Asuncion obtained a great victory last night against Libertad after being put through the wall last saturday night.
This win is not only to tie the SERIES but also to send a clear message to Libertad that they were ready and that both previous losts were simply because of lack of concentration told us memebers of the BLUE team.
The score of 89 to 61 reflected that in the court. Jose Fabio (198-F-77) and Javier Caceres (201-F-85) both from Sol de America Asuncion were simply unstopable in the paint. Both big man combined netted 57 points.

Also both dominated the boards denying as many as second shots as possible to Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) and specially to Daniel Hure (200-F-85) who only scored 4 points.

Sol de America Asuncion won first game 94 to 92. Second game was for Libertad 86-81. Third for Libertad again 87-72 in overtime.

Next game will be held next thursday night at the SND colisseum, where the fifth and decisive game will take place.
Last night's final score was

Sol de America Asuncion 89 - Libertad 61.

Sol de America Asuncion : Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) 10 , Richard Ozuna 4, Ramon Sanchez 16, Jose Fabio 31 , Javier Caceres 26, Vctor Arza 2, Alan Acosta , Alfredo Perez, Coach: Juan Pablo Feliu.

Libertad: Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) 17, Federico Mellone 8, Alejandro Peralta 4, Guillermo Araujo 16 , Daniel Hure (200-F-85) 4: Carlos Vallejos 3, Bruno Zanotti 3, Diego Bareiro 4, Hector Vairoletto 2 ,Cristian Rodas. Coach : Luis Orono.




*****************************************************
  PERU   


Escuela Fap snaps Real Club's 19 game winning streak,Inmaculada gets Nosworthy back - by Timothy
Last night,the 19 game winning streak of Universidad de Lima / Real Club de Lima came to an end in a hard fought match against Escuela de Oficiales de la Fap. Real Club was winning by 15 points at half time and seemed to have control over the game until the 4th quarter when the team had no answer for Fap's Chris Turnquest who willed his team to victory scoring on almost every possesion. The win came without Quentin Demariet (198-F-82, college: Five Towns), who was sidelined last match by a serious knee injury. The two prior meetings between these clubs favored Real Club, but Fap was determined to come out victorious last night.The final score was 68-70.

Colegio Inmaculada closed out Ejercito in a close match that was determined by clutch free throws down the stretch. Stephen Nosworthy (203-C-88, college: J.and Wales, FL) finished the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds in his first game back after a two month hiatus. Kyle Madison (196-G/F-87) posted another impressive double double with 34 points and 15 rebounds! The final score was 59-63.


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 19-1 
 2. Regatas 15-3 
 3. Escuela Fap 13-5 
 4. Inmaculada 10-8 
 5. El Bosque 9-9 
 6. Ejercito 8-9 
 7. Centro Naval 8-9 
 8. San Augustin 6-12 
 9. San Marcos 3-14 
 10. Universitario 0-16 


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


Energa Czarni tab Pawel Kikowski - by Eurobasket News
Energa Czarni strengthened their backcourt. They landed Pawel Kikowski (193-G-86, agency: Limelight Hoops). The deal is meant for the next season with an option of one-year extension. Pawel Kikowski played for Trefl Sopot in the previous season. He tallied 2.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per EuroChallenge Qualifying Round game. In PLK the guard notched 9.1 points, 2.1 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. Pawel Kikowski also played for Trefl II Sopot in 2Liga. His stats read 27.3 points, 5.3 boards and 1.7 steals per game there. Previously Pawel Kikowski had stints with Kotwica Kolobrzeg and Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Pawel Kikowski was Polish League U21 All-Star Game MVP back in 2006. Eurobasket.com named Pawel Kikowski into Polish League All-Domestic Players Team in 2009.


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


Portugal, what future for our basketball? - by Hugo Carvalho
Portugal, what future for our basketball?

Its a very difficult scenarios for 2011/2012 in Portugal.
In a week the teams must be registered in the federation, and is becoming increasingly uncertain about the future of basketball in Portugal

We start by Lusitania, club of the portuguese island of the Azores. According to local newspaper Dirio Insular - June 21 - Lusitania is experiencing serious financial problems, the club's existence is at risk.

The debts amount to 6 million euros. The debts are greater than the assets of the club in debt are part of the basketball teams.

It will not be easy for Finance resolved the problem. A big problem. all things seized can not be sold for finance!! All that was seized by the Portuguese State is already confiscated by other institutions. Therefore, the finances did not accept this situation.

Now people who have tried deceive the State will be heard by the portuguese authorities. These people may be without their own property for trying to deceive the Portuguese State.

Dirio Insular knows that members of the Administrative Commission of the Lusitania involved in this case should meet the next day, being expected to choose not to attend the Finance when called, to be represented by a lawyer. For now, silence reigns.

There are several clubs in debt, owe money to the federation, owe money to arbitration, owe money to Portuguese State and more serious, owe money to coaches and players .. Portugal, what future for our basketball? Fortunately there are teams that owe nothing to anyone. These are teams that do serious work. That comply with the laws of the country. Serious and honest people do not play the game of debt.
By Hugo Carvalho


Portuguese U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Portuguese U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Renato Azevedo
Azevedo
Pedro Belo
Belo
Miguel Cardoso
Cardoso
Joao Costa
Costa
Bruno Cunha
Cunha
#e#5
Renato Azevedo 186-G/F-91 FC Porto B Portugal
Pedro Belo 212-C-92 Benfica B Portugal
Miguel Cardoso 182-PG-93 Porto Ferpinta Portugal
Joao Costa 195-F/C-91 FC Porto B Portugal
Bruno Cunha 195-G/F-92 Academica Portugal
Vitor Felix 190-G-91 Guifoes Portugal
Joao Fernandes 177-PG-92
Carlos Ferreirinho 200-F/G-91 Benfica Portugal
Tiago Gavina 182-G-91
Eduardo Guimaraes 185-G-92 FC Porto B Portugal
Daniel Margarido 192-C-92
Miguel Queiroz 202-C/F-91 Barreirense Portugal
Sergio Santos 196-F-92 Alges Portugal
Paulo Santos 187-PG-91 Benfica B Portugal
Joao Torrie 200-C/F-91
Rafael Wildner 207-C/F-92 Estudiantes L. Spain



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


Bayamon bring in Nathan Peavy - by Eurobasket News
Bayamon have agreed on terms of contract with Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH). The 26-year-old forward just finished the season in Germany. He played for Artland Dragons reaching Bundesliga semifinals. Nathan Peavy tallied 10.8 points, 5.2 boards and 1.0 assist per appearance. Nathan Peavy is not new to Bayamon. The forward was drafted by the Vaqueros in 2008. He played for the team back in 2009 season. His stats then read 10.0 points, 4.1 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. Nathan Peavy played for Puerto Rico at 2010 World Championship. The forward averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 boards and 1.8 assists per game in Turkey. Nathan Peavy also participated at Centrobasket and Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010.


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Peter John RAMOS
  Quebradillas
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 23.4
 1. Ramos, Quebradillas23.4 
 2. Vassallo, Guaynabo23.4 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon21.3 
 4. Johnson, Humacao21.2 
 5. Villegas, Coamo19.4 
 6. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 7. Galindo, Isabela18.5 
 8. Ayuso, Arecibo18.4 
 9. Randolph, Isabela18.0 
 10. Harris, San German17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Harris, San German12.5 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.3 
 3. Narvaez, Coamo12.0 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.6 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas10.6 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.0 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 8. Sweetney, Santurce9.6 
 9. Rickert, Bayamon9.1 
 10. Clemente, Mayagu.9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  Mayaguez
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Hamilton, Mayaguez7.7 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon5.9 
 4. Rivera, San German5.8 
 5. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 6. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 7. Clemente, Humacao4.5 
 8. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 9. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.1 
 10. Bruton, Quebradil.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 4. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 5. Santiago, Santurce1.4 
 6. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
 7. Diaz, Arecibo1.3 
 8. Hamilton, Mayaguez1.3 
 9. Dalmau, Bayamon1.3 
 10. Pinnock, Arecibo1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Penn, Humacao2.5 
 2. Santiago, Arecibo2.1 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Sanchez, Santurce2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 7. Lee, Bayamon1.7 
 8. Harris, San German1.5 
 9. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 10. Sweetney, Santur.1.1 


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


BC Mures and BC Timisoara will probably be the Romanian teams in the BIBL - by Eurobasket News
BC Mures and BC Timisoara will most probably be the Romanian participants in the 2011/2012 EUROHOLD Balkan League. The BIBL is still waiting for an confirmation letter from the local federation however.

BC Mures already played in the BIBL during the 2010/2011 season. Csaba Deri′s team finished fourth in Group B with a balance of 3-5, but left good impressions with their play and organization.

BC Timisoara haven′t played in the BIBL before. Last season in Romania they finished on the 11th spot, while BC Mures ended up on the 5th position at the end of the season.

There were two Romanian teams at the same time in the Balkan League during 2008/2009, while in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 there was only one team representing Romania in the BIBL.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

Romanian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Tudor Pintea
Pintea
Matei Nuna
Nuna
Dan Ioan
Ioan
Zoran Milencovici
Milencovici
Bogdan Tibirna
Tibirna
#e#5
4 George Toth 211-C-92 Timisoara Romania
6 Tudor Pintea 195-F-91 U.Mobitel II Romania
7 Matei Nuna 191-G-91 Windsor Canada
8 Emil Stavarache 191-G/F-92 Steaua Turabo Romania
9 Dan Ioan 196-F-91 Dinamo B. Romania
10 Zoran Milencovici 185-G-91 Timisoara Romania
11 Ciprian Telinoiu 183-PG-91 Steaua Turabo Romania
12 Victor Negut 208-C-92 CSM Bucuresti Romania
13 Lucian Chirof 202-C-91 Pitesti Romania
14 Cornel Cioacata 197-F-92
15 Bogdan Tibirna 210-C-91 Steaua Turabo Romania
21 Iosif Pirlog Dinamo B. Romania
22 Octavian Crainic 201-F/C-92 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
23 Vlad Corpodean 197-F-91 U.Mobitel.CN Romania



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


Sergey Bykov and CSKA part ways - by Eurobasket News
Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) and CSKA have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. The 28-year-old guard will look for another team. Sergey Bykov joined CSKA at the start of the previous season. He tallied 4.6 points and 1.8 assists per game in VTB League. In Euroleague the guard notched 2.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per appearance. In PBL Sergey Bykov posted 4.2 points and 1.0 assist. Previously Sergey Bykov played for Dynamo Moscow. The guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Player of the Year in 2010. Sergey Bykov played for Russia at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 6.9 points, 3.1 boards and 3.1 assists per game in Turkey.


Russian U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Russian U19 National Team 2011
#s#
Tamirlan Bekkiev
Bekkiev
Valery Ershkov
Ershkov
Gleb Goldyrev
Goldyrev
Aleksandr Gudumak
Gudumak
Victor Ishkov
Ishkov
#e#5
Tamirlan Bekkiev 204-F-92 Avtodor Russia
Valery Ershkov 196-G-92 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Gleb Goldyrev 200-F-93 Spartak V. Russia
Aleksandr Gudumak 204-F-93 CSKA Russia
Victor Ishkov 202-F-92 Lok.Kuban-2 Russia
Konstantin Kadykov 191-G-92 Avtodor Russia
Sergey Karasev 200-F-93 Triumph Russia
Mikhail Karpachev 198-G/F-92 Khimky-2 Russia
Dmitry Kulagin 195-G-92 N.Novgorod Russia
Andrey Loginov 204-F-93 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Evgeny Marinin 192-G-92 Spartak SP-2 Russia
Alexey Nazarov 202-F-92 Khimky-2 Russia
Artem Pisarchuk 205-C-92 Spartak SP-2 Russia
Mikhail Shereshovets 198-F-92 Spartak V. Russia
Alexander Tikhonin 205-F-92 CSKA-Trinta Russia
Vladislav Trushkin 200-F-93 Spartak V. Russia
Alexander Varnakov 185-G-92 Triumph Russia
Artem Vikhrov 193-PG-92 Triumph Russia
Viktor Zaryazhko 194-PG-92 Spartak V. Russia

Mihail Soloviev Head Coach Spartak V MR Russia


Dijon Thompson leaves Spartak SP - by Eurobasket News
Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) leaves Spartak SP and will be be back to join the team in 2011/2012 season. The American player is in the US where he is recovering from an injury which happened last December.
Dijon Thompson is an experienced player who played in NBA for Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta. In 2010-2011 he joined Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL, starting five) and in EuroCup Qualifying Round averaged 8.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2.0spg, 1.5bpg. In EuroChallenge he played in 5 games and had 13.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 68.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. In Russian League after 6 games his stats read 10.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 78.3%.
Last season Dijon Thompson recorded 21 points at the EuroChallenge opener. Spartak St Petersburg opened their EuroChallenge campaign with the home win over Szolnoki Olaj. The Russian team needed the last push in the end of the game for the total 88:70 win. Dijon Thompson stepped up with 21 points for the home side and Zupan nailed 17. Domercant finished the game with 13 points and Antic netted 8. Trotter and Bader nailed 18 points each in defeat, while Clark posted 9.


Ukrainian and Russian U16 selection played three friendlies - by Eurobasket News
In Game 1 Ukraine U16 celebrated 62:51. The hosts started with 18-12 and added 15-9 in the second frame. In the second half the teams exchanged the victories that brought Ukraine the first win. Berezhniy stepped up with 13 points and Boyarkis followed him with 12. Martinov replied with 17 points for Russia U16.
In Game 2 Ukraine U16 beat Russian U16 selection 90:80. The Ukrainian side opened the game with 24-18 and added 23-22 in the second period. Ukraine also won the third frame 26-21, while Russia replied with 19-17 in the last quarter. Prokopenko stepped up with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Kudrya added 20 points. Martinov ended up with 21 points in the losing effort.
In the third game Russia U16 celebrated 89:71 victory. It was a great start for the Russian juniors that erupted with 31-17 in the first 10 minutes. Ukraine won the second frame 28-17, but Russia needed 17-8 and 24-18 to increase the win. Martinov erupted with 35 points for the winners, while Sizov added 19. Harchinskiy finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort.





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


Partizan eyes Kalin Lucas - by Eurobasket News
According to various sources, Kalin Lucas (185-G-89) could be the new point guard of Partizan Belgrade. Reportedly, the Serbian powerhouse targets Lucas as a replacement for Curtis Jerrells, who left for Fenerbahce Ulker. Lucas graduated few months ago at the Michigan State University. He appeared 34 times for them as a senior averaging 17 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1 steal. He helped Michigan State to reach Big Ten Tournament Semifinals and was named Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11. In 2010, Michigan State reached NCAA Finals Four. Lucas helped them with 14.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 4 apg for 33 games.
Kalin Lucas was awarded with AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -09, 10. He also was Big Ten Player of the Year -09.
Partizan will compete in Serbian league, Adriatic league and Euroleague next season.

Serbian U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Serbian U19 National Team 2011
#s#
Nemanja Besovic
Besovic
Nemanja Bezbradica
Bezbradica
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdanovic
Aleksandar Cvetkovic
Cvetkovic
Nemanja Dangubic
Dangubic
#e#5
Nemanja Besovic 221-C-92 Partizan Serbia
Nemanja Bezbradica 205-F/C-93 FMP II Serbia
Bogdan Bogdanovic 198-F-92 Partizan Serbia
Dusan Bogdanovic 213-C-93 Partizan Serbia
Aleksandar Cvetkovic 185-PG-93 Crvena Zvezda Serbia
Nemanja Dangubic 196-PG-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Djordje Drenovac 203-F-92 Arkadia Austria
Bozo Dumic 208-C-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Marko Gujanicic 202-F-92 Mladost Cacak Serbia
Luka Igrutinovic 193-PG-92 Student Serbia
Marko Josilo 200-G-92 Partizan Serbia
Nemanja Krstic 198-F-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Petar Lambic 195-G-92 Hemofarm Serbia
Marko Lukovic 204-F-92 Mega Vizura Serbia
Nenad Miljenovic 194-G-93 Partizan Serbia
Luka Mitrovic 204-F-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Stefan Nastic 210-C-92 Stanford USA
Nemanja Pavlovic 202-F-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Vukasin Petkovic 198-G-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Rados Seslija 208-F-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Nikola Siladi 206-F-92 FMP Serbia
Strahinja Stojacic 197-G-92 Radnicki Serbia
Nemanja Vucicevic 197-G-92 Partizan II Serbia
Bogic Vujosevic 189-PG-92 Novi Sad Serbia

Dejan Mijatovic Head Coach ALBA Germany


Serbian U18 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Serbian U18 National Team Starting five
#s#
Vasilije Micic
Micic
Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin
Popovski-Turanjanin
Nenad Miljenovic
Miljenovic
Djordje Milosevic
Milosevic
Pavle Reljic
Reljic
#e#5
Nemanja Miskovic 205-C-93 KG 06 Serbia
Vasilije Micic 192-G-94 Mega Vizura Serbia
Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 201-F-93 Oostende Belgium
Nenad Miljenovic 194-G-93 Partizan Serbia
Stefan Zecevic 196-F-93 KG 06 Serbia
Djordje Milosevic 198-G-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Pavle Reljic 194-G-93 Mega Vizura Serbia
Milos Jankovic 200-C/F-94 Mladost Cacak Serbia
Sasa Avramovic 194-G-93 Mladost Cacak Serbia
Strahinja Gavrilovic 200-C-93 KG 06 Serbia
Nikola Jankovic 203-F/C-94 FMP Serbia
Nemanja Bezbradica 205-F/C-93 FMP II Serbia

Marko Icelic Head Coach Beograd Serbia


Serbian U19 National Team 2011
#s#
Nemanja Besovic
Besovic
Nemanja Bezbradica
Bezbradica
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdanovic
Aleksandar Cvetkovic
Cvetkovic
Nemanja Dangubic
Dangubic
#e#5
Nemanja Besovic 221-C-92 Partizan Serbia
Nemanja Bezbradica 205-F/C-93 FMP II Serbia
Bogdan Bogdanovic 198-F-92 Partizan Serbia
Dusan Bogdanovic 213-C-93 Partizan Serbia
Aleksandar Cvetkovic 185-PG-93 Crvena Zvezda Serbia
Nemanja Dangubic 196-PG-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Djordje Drenovac 203-F-92 Arkadia Austria
Bozo Dumic 208-C-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Marko Gujanicic 202-F-92 Mladost Cacak Serbia
Luka Igrutinovic 193-PG-92 Student Serbia
Marko Josilo 200-G-92 Partizan Serbia
Nemanja Krstic 198-F-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Petar Lambic 195-G-92 Hemofarm Serbia
Marko Lukovic 204-F-92 Mega Vizura Serbia
Nenad Miljenovic 194-G-93 Partizan Serbia
Luka Mitrovic 204-F-93 Hemofarm Serbia
Stefan Nastic 210-C-92 Stanford USA
Nemanja Pavlovic 202-F-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Vukasin Petkovic 198-G-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Rados Seslija 208-F-92 Novi Sad Serbia
Nikola Siladi 206-F-92 FMP Serbia
Strahinja Stojacic 197-G-92 Radnicki Serbia
Nemanja Vucicevic 197-G-92 Partizan II Serbia
Bogic Vujosevic 189-PG-92 Novi Sad Serbia

Dejan Mijatovic Head Coach ALBA Germany




Serbian University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Serbian University National Team 2011
#s#
Marko Ljubicic
Ljubicic
Stefan Sinovec
Sinovec
Stefan Bircevic
Bircevic
Dusko Bunic
Bunic
Slobodan Dundjerski
Dundjerski
#e#5
Marko Ljubicic 197-F-87 Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
Stefan Sinovec 195-G-88 Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
Stefan Bircevic 209-F/C-89 Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
Dusko Bunic 207-C-89 Vujic Metalac Valjevo Serbia
Slobodan Dundjerski 190-G-88 OKK Beograd Serbia
Mladen Jeremic 196-G-88 KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac Serbia
Milos Dimic 195-G-89 FMP Zeleznik Beograd Serbia
Stefan Zivanovic 196-G-89 FMP Zeleznik Beograd Serbia
Andreja Milutinovic 199-G-90 FMP Zeleznik Beograd Serbia
Vladimir Lucic 202-F-89 BC Partizan MT:S Beograd Serbia
Luka Drca 195-G-87 KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd Serbia
Sava Lesic 205-C/F-88 KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd Serbia
Uros Nikolic 207-F/C-87 KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd Serbia
Nikola Malesevic 200-F Rhode Island University USA
Nikola Dragovic 206-F-87 Spartak St.Petersburg Russia
Nikola Cvetinovic 203-F-88 The University of Akron USA
Vladimir Stimac 209-C-87 CEZ Basketball Nymburk Czech Republic
Djordje Gagic 210-C-90 KK Mornar Basket Bar Montenegro

Luka Pavicevic H.Coach ALBA Berlin Germany
Goran Miljkovic Assistant
Marko Simonovic Assistant


*****************************************************
  SEYCHELLES   


National selections off for France training camp - by Kristian Santiago
The countrys womens and mens pre-selections are to leave the country next week to attend a two-week training camp in Rouen, France.

The training camp forms part of the Seychelles teams preparation for the forthcoming 8th Indian Ocean Island Games which will take place here from August 5-14
The female players making the trip are Simone Malbrook, Lucia Souffe, Genevive Beaudouin, Magdeline Julienne, Dinah Louis, Lindy Mathiot, Williana Dubois, Sherifah Agathine, Jenita Toussaint, Zera Fontaine, Beguitta Fontaine, Tessa Mathiot, Katherina Morel, Veena Panagary, Bernadette Songor and Myra Solin. They will be accompanied by head coach Phillip Arissol and assistant Tony Juliette.

Under the guidance of head coach Clifford Joubert and assistant Michel Malbrook, the mens team comprise Reggie Ah-Kong, Sergio Ah-Kong, Arnaud Arissol, Bernard Bristol, Giovanni Laval, Nigel Cafrine, Amadou Sylla, Cyril Agrippine, Dominic Pillay, Nigel Sinon, Darren Lesperance, Ron Estico, Daniel Victor, Robert Leon, Neddy Fanchette and Abdel Kader Sylla (205-C-90).

Technical advisors Paul Denis and Dominique Gueret are also making the trip.

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


Astrum Levice signs Marek Stec - by Eurobasket News
Marek Stec (193-G-80, college: Jacksonville JC) is a new member of Astrum Levice. The experienced guard signed a one-year deal with the reigning champions. Stec arrives to Levice from BK Breda & Weinstein Opava, where he spent last three years. He appeared 35 times for them last season averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. In 2009/10, he had 14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.2 apg in 41 games. Before Opava, Stec spent three years with Novi Jicin. He won the Czech National Cup with them in 2006. In the past, Stec also was a member of Slovakofarma.
Marek Stec was a member of the Slovakian National Team in 2000 and 2003. He won two titles with Slovakofarma (2000, 2001).

Slovakian U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Slovakian U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Robert Becarik
Becarik
Boris Bojanovsky
Bojanovsky
Lukas Bukovic
Bukovic
Martin Floris
Floris
Viktor Fulka
Fulka
#e#5
Robert Becarik 183-PG-91 Nova Ves Slovakia
Boris Bojanovsky 215-C-93 Canarias Bball Ac. Spain
Lukas Bukovic 176-PG-91 Levice Slovakia
Martin Floris 195-F-91
Viktor Fulka 198-F-91 Nova Ves Slovakia
Andrej Galad 194-F-92
Maurizio Galata 202-F-92 Handlova Slovakia
Richard Grznar 189-PG-91 B.Bystrica Slovakia
Matej Hatrik 183-G-92 Inter B Slovakia
Robert Jany 180-PG-92
Jakub Kozubik 193-G/F-91 Chomutov Czech Republic
Marian Kysela 187-PG-92 Ziar/Hronom Slovakia
Lukas Melotik 194-F/G-91 Levice Slovakia
Jaroslav Moravek 200-F/C-92
Tomas Mrvis 194-G/F-91 Handlova Slovakia
Tomas Nemcok 183-G-91 Liberec Czech Republic
Jozef Oravec 185-G-92
Michal Rosival 193-G-91 Inter Bratislava Slovakia
Andrej Slavik 203-F-92 Prostejov B Czech Republic
Viktor Timko 195-F-92 Slavia Kosice Slovakia
Martin Zibrinyi 198-F-92 Slavia Kosice Slovakia



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


Domen Lorbek to undergo foot surgery - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian national team member Domen Lorbek (198-G/F-85) of Lagun Aro will undergo surgery on his foot tomorrow and is expected to be sidelined for two to three months. He will miss the 2011 European Championship in Lithuania. National team coach Bozidar Maljkovic will not summon a replacement, meaning the preliminary squad will now consist of 19 players. Lorbek averaged 5.4 points, 1.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 31 Spanish ACB League games.

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


South Korean U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
South Korean U19 National Team 2011
#s#
SeungWook Choi
Choi
HuiWon Han
Han
SangHyeok Han
Han
Ung Heo
Heo
Giyun Kim
Kim
#e#5
Choi SeungWook 195-F-93
Han HuiWon 195-F-93
Han SangHyeok 178-G-93
Heo Ung 183-G-93
Kim Giyun 184-G-92
Kim HyeongJun 195-F-93
Kim Jun-Yl 202-C-92
Lee Dong-Yeop 194-F-94
Lee Jonghyun 204-C-94
Lee Juhyeong 178-PG-92
Lee Seounghyun 201-C-92
Moon SeongGon 193-F-93

Lee Songgug Head Coach


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


Unicaja signs young Ognjen Kuzmic - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja made a move for the future. The Spanish outfit penned a 2+1 year deal with young Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90). The Bosnian big guy arrives to Unicaja from Celik Zenica. He had 9.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for them in Bosnian league. Kuzmic will spend next season on loan with one of the LEB Gold teams.
Ognjen Kuzmic helped Celik to survive in Bosnian D1 last season. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Newcomer of the Year -11. Kuzmic was also named Eurobasket.com Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Domestic Players Team -11. Before Celik, young Kuzmic played two years in Finland. He was a member of Lapuan Korikobrat and UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki. In 2007/08, he played for Borac Nektar Banja Luka.

Jan Orfila joins Huesca - by Eurobasket News
Jan Orfila (207-C-86) is a new member of LOBE Huesca. The Spanish center signed a deal for 2011/12 season. He arrives to Huesca from La Palma, where he spent last two years. He appeared 29 times for them last season averaging 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. In 2009/10, Orfila had 4.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 34 games. Before La Palma, Jan Orfila spent two years with Mallorca. He had 5.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 34 LEB Gold games on season 2008/09. In the past, Orfila also was a member of Granada. He shined with them in 2006/07 registering 15.2 ppg and 7.3 rpg 22 games in ACB.
There is another LEB gold news. Palencia returned Juanpe Garcia for the next season.

Zan Tabak close to take over Girona - by Eurobasket News
According to Spanish media, Zan Tabak is the main candidate to replace Ricard Casas as a Head Coach of Girona. The Croatian coach spent last two years as an assistant in Cajasol Sevilla. He also worked three years with Real Madrid at the same position. They won the ACB title in 2007. In 2005/06, Tabak was a scout of the New York Knicks.
Zan Tabak is also a former NBA player. He spent six years in the best basketball league in the world. In 1994/95, he was a member of Houston Rocket and three years after that he spent with Toronto Raptors. He also had a short stint with the Boston Celtics. From 1999 to 2001, Zan Tabak played for the Indiana Pacers. He had 3.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg in his last NBA season. He won the NBA title in 1995 with the Rockets. After that, Tabak played for Real Madrid, Joventut and Unicaja Malaga. Zan Tabak was a member of the Croatian National Team from 1992 to 2001.

Bobcats seek to resolve buyout dispute over pick Biyombo - by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats draft pick Bismack Biyombo (207-C-92) and his Spanish team have scheduled a mediation session Friday in hopes of settling a dispute over the contract buyout required before he'd be allowed to play in the NBA.

Fuenlabrada spokesman Jorge Sanz says Biyombo has two seasons left on his deal and his buyout clause is more than $1.4 million. NBA rules say the Bobcats can't pay more than $500,000 toward a buyout.

If the issue can't be settled in mediation, it's expected to go to a Spanish court.

Biyombo is in Charlotte working out this week. His agent, Igor Crespo, and Bobcats general manager Rich Cho didn't immediately return messages Tuesday seeking comment.

Biyombo, a native of Congo, was the seventh overall pick.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Bilbao keep Josh Fisher - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao have agreed on terms of contract extension with Josh Fisher (189-G-80, agency: SportsTalent, college: St.Louis). The 30-year-old guard will enter his second season with the Basque team. Last season Josh Fisher tallied 3.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in ACB. Previously Josh Fisher played for Gran Canaria, Alicante, Murcia, Gijon, Real Madrid, Castellon and CAI Zaragoza.


Sean Ogirri pens deal with Breogan - by Eurobasket News
Breogan brought in import player. They teamed up with Sean Ogirri (188-G-86, college: Wyoming). The 25-year-old guard from Dominican Republic played for Porto last season. Sean Ogirri averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 boards and 1.5 steals per game in LPB. Sean Ogirri was named into Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League 2nd Team. The guard also made it into Portuguese League All-Imports Team. Sean Ogirri is not new to LEB Gold. He played for Ourense Baloncesto back in 2009/10 season. His stats read 10.9 points, 1.2 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance. Sean Ogirri played for Dominican Republic National Team in 2009.


Regal Barcelona is targeting Marcelino Huertas and Milos Teodosic - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barcelona is targeting Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) and Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) for the next season.
Marcelinho Huertas can come from Caja Laboral Vitoria (Spain-ACB, starting five) where he played in the last two seasons. In his first one he averaged 8.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 85.2% in EuroLeague and in Spanish League showed 8.6ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 82.9%. Last season for Caja Laboral Vitoria (Spain-ACB, starting five) in Spanish League after 39 games he improved to 9.9ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 87.3%. In Euroleague after 20 games he had 10.3ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.6apg), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 86.5%.
Milos Teodosic belongs toOlympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) since year 2007. In his debut year there he averaged 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3% in EuroLeague and in Greek League Regular Season after 25 games showed 5.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.0apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 84.0%. Last season he averaged 10.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 89.8% in EuroLeague and in Greek League showed 9.6ppg, 1.9rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 86.0%.
Serbian Milos Teodosic became Eurobasket.com All-Europe Point Guard of the Year 2010, Eurobasket.com All-Europe 1st Team 2010, Eurobasket.com All-Europeans Point Guard of the Year 2010, Eurobasket.com All-Europeans 1st Team 2010, Eurobasket.com All-World Championships 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 3rd Team -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team -11.



Melilla tab Hector Manzano - by Eurobasket News
Melilla strengthened their frontcourt. They brought in Hector Manzano (205-C/F-80). The centre signed a 1+1 deal with the team. Hector Manzano started the last season in Lleida. He averaged 10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in LEB Gold. In February Hector Manzano moved to CB Granada. The centre tallied 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in ACB. Previously Hector Manzano had stints with Obradoiro, CB Vic, La Palma, Gandia Basquet, Menorca and Los Barrios. Hector Manzano used to play for Spanish U21 National Team. He participated at U21 World Championship in Japan in 2001.


ACB: Rumors - by Eurobasket News
Spanish transaction market is in a full speed. Here are some latest rumors from ACB.
Power Electronics Valencia shows serious interest in Boniface Ndong (213-C-77). The Senegalese center is also targeted by Efes Pilsen. Ndong spent last two years with Regal Barca. He helped them win the ACB title this season with 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 41 games. In Euroleague, Ndong added 6.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg. Barca also defended Copa del Rey trophy this year. Ndong and his teammates won the Euroleague title in 2010. Before Regal Barca, Ndong spent two and a half years with Unicaja.
According to rumors, Regal Barca wants to sign Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) of Caja Laboral. Also, Caja Laboral negotiates with Efes Pilsen about Stanko Barac (217-C-86). Joel Freeland (208-F-87) will most probably stay with Unicaja next season. Jaka Lakovic and Roger Grimau leave Barca. Xavi Rabaseda could be a replacement for Grimau.

Leyma Basquet Coruna sign Deforrest Smith
Leyma Basquet Coruna (LEB Silver) signed 27-year old American swingman Deforrest Smith (198-G/F-84, college: Southern, agency: KMG Sports Management). Smith played most recently at CB Guadalajara (EBA). While playing 27 games for Guadalajara last season his stats were: 13.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.8spg (5th best in the league).


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  SUDAN   


Majok has lofty aims - by Eurobasket News
LESS than a year ago, Sudanese refugee Majok Deng (204-C-93) was playing division three under 18s basketball for Forestville.

Fast forward to 2011, and the 208cm giant is firmly established in the Eagles Central ABL mens team - and aiming higher.

The 17 year olds rapid development is even more impressive given he only took up basketball in 2009.

The Paradise resident, who came to Australia five years ago, credits an early coach for assisting his quick rise.

My under 18s coach Scott Freer basically gave me specialist training and helped me a lot.

The Windsor Gardens High student also works out regularly with ex-Melbourne Tigers (and current Forestville) star Rashad Tucker.

Rashad is helping me with my ball-handling, shooting and working on match situations, Majok said.

He helps a lot of Sudanese kids with coaching.

Majok has set his sights on a professional career, and said he would happily represent his adopted country if given the chance.

I want to take it as far as I can and if I could go professional, that would be great, Majok said.

And if I can make it, I would be more than happy to play for Australia.

Forestville coach Andrew Simons said Majok made an immediate impact in senior basketball.

We asked him out to pre-season over Christmas and he made our side straight away, Simons said.

Its unusual for a kid to come up from the under 18s and have an immediate impact.

Simons said the sky was the limit for Majok if he can deliver on his enormous potential.

Hes only been playing for about four years and hes still learning, Simons said.

But theres no question hes got a lot of potential. Hes about six-foot ten, got long arms and is just starting to grow into his body.
Courtesy of: eastern-courier-messenger.whereilive.com.au



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  SWEDEN   


Bojan Cvilak returns to Sweden - by Eurobasket News
Bojan Cvilak (200-F-82) has agreed on terms of contract with 08 Stockholm. The 28-year-old forward played in French NM2 League last season. Bojan Cvilak was the member of Poligny Jura Basket Comte roster. Earlier Bojan Cvilak had stints with White Eagles, Ciutadella, Tenerife, Breogan, Cremosita, Sodertalje. The forward also played for 08 Stockholm back in 2003/04 season.


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  SWITZERLAND   


BBC Monthey signs Terry Smith - by Eurobasket News
BBC Monthey announced signing of their first import for the next season. It is American point guard Terry Smith (185-G-86, college: Mercyhurst). The 25-year-old player arrives from Kolin, where he spent last two seasons. He played 31 games for them in 2010/11 averaging 17.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals. He was the best scorer of Czech NBL. Eurobasket awarded Smith with All-Czech Rep. League 2nd Team -11. He also participated at the NBL All-Star game. In season 2009/10, Smith collected 16.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.7 spg in 45 games.
Terry Smith graduated two years ago at the Mercyhurst University (NCAA2). He had 17.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.9 apf for his school as a senior.

Swiss U20 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Swiss U20 National Team 2011
#s#
Milos Bozovic
Bozovic
Julien Burkhalter
Burkhalter
Jonathan Dubas
Dubas
Eric Fongue
Fongue
Federico Fridel
Fridel
#e#5
Milos Bozovic 201-F-92 Fribourg Switzerland
Julien Burkhalter 201-F-91 Boncourt Switzerland
Jonathan Dubas 201-F/C-91 Monthey Switzerland
Eric Fongue 198-F-91 Zurich Wildcats Switzerland
Federico Fridel 196-F-91 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Alexis Herrmann 175-G-92 Boncourt Switzerland
Peter Ishiodu 196-F-91 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Jeremy Jaunin 170-PG-91 Geneve Lions Switzerland
Bijanu Kashama 195-F-91
Dario Koludrovic 194-F-92 SAV Vacallo Switzerland
Gardner Louissaint 196-F-91 Monthey Switzerland
Vital Luthi 190-F-92
Taulant Murati 180-PG-92 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Jeffrey Schwab 184-G-92 Fribourg Switzerland
Florian Steinmann 197-F-91 Monthey Switzerland
Nikola Stevanovic 191-G-92 BG Illertal Germany
Zoran Zivanovic 203-F/C-92 Zurich Wildcats Switzerland



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  TAIWAN   


Taiwanese U19 National Team 2011 - by Karol
#s#
Kuan-Chuan Chen
Chen
Ying-Chun Chen
Chen
Tieh Cheng
Cheng
Chao-Yi Chien
Chien
Chao Chen
Chen
#e#5
Chen Kuan-Chuan 195-F-93
Chen Shun 185-G-92
Chen Ying-Chun 181-PG-93
Cheng Tieh 187-F-92
Chien Chao-Yi 180-PG-93
Chen Chao 200-C-92
Chien Wei-Ju 188-G/F-92
Hu Lung-Mao 194-F-92
Huang Po-wei 177-PG-92
Hung Kang-Chiao 191-F-92
Ko Min-Hao 182-G-92
Li Chia-Ching 195-F-92
Yu Chun-An 189-G-92

Huang Wan-Lung Head Coach Dacin Tigers Taiwan


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  TURKEY   


Galatasaray targets Nando De Colo - by Eurobasket News
According to various Turkish media, Galatasaray targets French point guard Nando De Colo (202-G-87). He has a valid contract with Valencia for the next season, but recent arrivals of Stefan Markovic and Rodrigo San Miguel sent a clear signal that De Colo could be on the move.
Nando De Colo joined Valencia in 2009 from Cholet. In their first season he helped Valencia win the EuroCup title. He had 14.1 ppg, 4.2 rg and 2.4 apg for them in 16 games. He had almost the same numbers in ACB that year. Last season, De Colo averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists for 19 Euroleague games. He also added 10.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.1 apg for 32 games in ACB.
As mentioned above, Nano De Colo played for Cholet before Valencia. He is active member of the French NT since 2008. He also played for U20 France in the past.

Optimum TED adds Ufuk Gurgen and Baris Erlim - by Eurobasket News
Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler stepped up with new signings. They brought in Ufuk Gurgen (205-C-77, agency: EM-PA) and Baris Erlim (90, agency: 1x1 Sports) for the next season.
Ufuk Gurgen heads to Optimum TED from Genc Banvitliler, where he spent 2010/11. He played 33 games for them in TB2L registering 12.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 3.8 apg. Gurgen helped his team to win the TB2L title and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Domestic Player of the Year -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L 2nd Team -11. Before Genc Banvit, Gurgen played for Banvit, Konya and Selcuk. He also has experience from Oyak Renault.
Baris Erlim most recently played for Pertevniyal Istanbul. He had 7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.3 spg for them in 2009/10 season.

Banvit extend contract with Keith Simmons - by Eurobasket News
Banvit have reached an agreement with Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) on terms of contract extension. The 26-year-old guard will enter his third consecutive season with the team. Last season Keith Simmons tallied 10.0 points, 3.4 boards and 1.6 steals per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 10.4 points, 5.1 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Keith Simmons earned Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Honourable Mention.


Fenerbahce Ulker officially signs Curtis Jerrells - by Eurobasket News
As expected Fenerbahce Ulker officially signed point guard Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor). Two sides penned a one-year deal. Lietuvos Rytas was close to add Jerrells, but at the end he moved to Fener. The American point guard spent last season with Partizan Belgrade. He helped them defend Adriatic league and Serbian league titles, and they also defended the trophy in Serbian Cup last season. In Euroleague, Jerrells helped Partizan to reach Top 16.
Curtis Jerrells joined Partizan in November. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists for 10 Euroleague games. In Adriatic league, Jerrells added 12.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.2 apg for 19 games. He also appeared 19 times in Serbian league registering 12.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.9 spg. Eurobasket awarded Jerrells with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Import Player of the Year -11. Before Partizan, Jerrells played for the NBA D-League team Austin Toros. He had 21.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 5.8 apg for them in 56 games (2009/10).
Curtis Jerrells will join his teammate from Partizan James Gist, who also signed with Fener earlier this month.

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Tim Duncan is not opting out, wont get extension - by David Edole
With the possible exception of Kobe Bryant (notes), no active NBA player is identified with one franchise more than Tim Duncan (208-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) with the San Antonio Spurs. Over his 14-season career, he has helped define the team's on-court style, their general demeanor, and the franchise's air of professionalism. You can debate whether or not the '00s Spurs were a dynasty, but there's no question that Duncan has had a huge effect on the direction of the league since he arrived in San Antonio.

As such, it's hard to imagine him in any other uniform. But there's a chance he'll leave town after next season. From Jeff McDonald for Spurs Nation (via PBT):

Tim Duncan is not expected to opt out of the final year of his contract, and the Spurs don't plan to offer him an extension before the collective bargaining agreement expires Thursday, according to a source familiar with talks between the team and the franchise icon.

As such, Duncan will play out the final year of his existing deal, during which he is scheduled to earn $21.2 million, and remains on track to become a free agent after the 2011-12 campaign.

Duncan also faces a Thursday deadline to exercise an early-termination option. His apparent decision not to do so is not surprising in light of the league's unsure labor climate. [...]

Should Duncan choose to continue playing after next season, the Spurs would prefer to re-sign him under the new set of salary rules, which are generally expected to be more favorable to small-market clubs.

Duncan's decision is not controversial in the least -- he stands to make a lot of money in 2011-12 and the Spurs would prefer to pay him that salary while getting a larger discount on the next deal. It was expected, and it's not a sign that Duncan will walk next summer.

Still, it's a possibility that has to be considered. Duncan has a reputation as a selfless team player, but he may want star money even though he's 35 years old and takes on a less important role in the San Antonio game plan with every passing season. The Spurs have always shown themselves to be practical, and it's possible that they'll balk at having to pay him a lot of money. Given the circumstances, it's possible to imagine a circumstance in which both sides can't reach a workable number and Duncan switches teams.

Stars often finish their careers on random teams looking like shells of their former selves. Hopefully the same doesn't happen to Duncan. He defines the Spurs so well that it's hard to imagine him in any other colors.

By Eric Freeman


Legacy Shocks Lakers in Triple-OT Thriller - by David Edole
More than a few St. Croix hoops fans were stunned Monday night at the Ronald Charles gymnasium as Legacy outlasted the Lakers in triple OT, 76-71.

While the Legacy win might have come as a bit of a surprise, hardcore NBBA fans knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.

After all this scrappy bunch of hard chargers took the defending champion, Guidance, into overtime last Friday before being outplayed in the extra frame. So the Lakers, one of the leagues upper echelon teams, should have been ready for anything.

And ready they were: the Lakers came out looking like they were ready to blow Legacy off the floor. Charles Moorehead scored 10 points in the first half, and the Lakers held an 11-point advantage at the half at 30-19.

The lead would expand to as many 20 early in the third quarter, but at about the midway point Sean Tutein got hot, and the Legacy comeback began. Tutein netted 13 points in the period, and his team trailed by just seven at 51-44 at the end of three quarters.

The Legacy momentum continued in the fourth period as they opened on a 14-1 run that saw them zip by the Lakers to take their first lead of the game at 58-52. The Lakers, however, would close on a 9-3 run to knot the game at 61 and forced the first overtime.

They were still dead even after the first and second overtime, but heading into the third OT with fatigue now becoming a major factor, it was obvious to everyone in the gym that Legacy, with the crowd staunchly behind them cheering for the upset, was visibly the fresher of the teams. Star point guard Bobby Evans led the way for the winners with six points in overtime as they outscored a tired Lakers squad 15-10 to win by a score of 76-71.

Tutein led three Legacy players in double figures with a game-high 24 points. Evans knocked down 20 ,and the energizer bunny defensive guru, Kaif Newton, finished with 10. Although he only scored six points off the bench, Butch Benson and his two clutch three-pointers were also huge for Legacy down the stretch.

Charles Moorehead led the worn-out Lakers with 14 points, while teammates R. Harris, Razeem Huggins and Robert Duck netted 11, 10 and 10, respectively.

By Dave Davis June 28, 2011

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


Ramel Curry heads to Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk stays active on the transfer market. After landing Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) the Superleague vice-champions brought in another import player. BC Donetsk signed deal with Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield). The 31-year-old guard is not new to Ukraine. He has lately played in Azovmash Mariupol. Last season Ramel Curry averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague. In EuroCup the guard notched 15.0 points, 4.6 boards, 4.0 assists and 2.1 steals per appearance. In VTB-League his stats read 17.5 points, 4.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 2.4 steals. Eurobasket.com named Ramel Curry into All-Ukrainian Superleague 1st Team. The guard also made it into All-VTB League All-Imports Team.


Budivelnyk wants to keep Zach Morley and Lamayne Wilson - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk wants to keep Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin) and Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) for the next season. They already negotiate contract extension.
Zach Morley joined Budivelnyk lat summer from Spanish Burgos. He had 8.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2.5 in 62 Ukrainian league games. Morley was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Playoffs MVP -11. Of course, Budivelnyk won the title last season. In EuroCup, Morley had 12.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 2.2 apg. Before Budivelnyk and Burgos, Morley was a member of Gandia and Breogan. He is a product of the Wisconsin University.
Lamayne Wilson also joined Budivelnyk last summer, but from Turk Telekom Ankara. He had 12.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.4 apg for 61 games in Ukraine. Wilson also added 11.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.5 apg in 14 EuroCup games. Eurobasket awarded Wilson with All-Ukrainian Superleague Honorable Mention -11. Before Budivelnyk and Turk Telekom, he was a member of Nancy, ASVEL and Cantu.

Igor Chumakov lands in Ferro-ZNTU - by Eurobasket News
Igor Chumakov (207-C-90) signed contract with Ferro-ZNTU. The 21-year-old centre played for BC Donetsk in the previous season. He averaged 0.4 points per game in Superleague. Mainly Igor Chumakov played for BC Donetsk farm club. His stats read 12.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game there.


Budivelnyk part ways with Denis Ikovlev - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk parted ways with Denis Ikovlev (201-F-86, college: Nevada). The sides have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. Denis Ikovlev joined Budivelnyk back in January 2009. Last season the forward averaged 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In Superleague his stats read 6.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per appearance. Denis Ikovlev played for BC Odessa and Ferro-ZNTU before joining the Kyiv team. Eurobasket.com named Denis Ikovlev All-Ukrainian UBL Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009.
In the meantime Budivelnyk are negotiating the terms of contract renewal with Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin). The 28-year-old forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. Zach Morley delivered 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in EuroCup. In Superleague the forward notched 8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Eurobasket.com named Zach Morley All-Ukrainian Superleague Playoffs MVP.


Ukrainian and Russian U16 selection played three friendlies - by Eurobasket News
In Game 1 Ukraine U16 celebrated 62:51. The hosts started with 18-12 and added 15-9 in the second frame. In the second half the teams exchanged the victories that brought Ukraine the first win. Berezhniy stepped up with 13 points and Boyarkis followed him with 12. Martinov replied with 17 points for Russia U16.
In Game 2 Ukraine U16 beat Russian U16 selection 90:80. The Ukrainian side opened the game with 24-18 and added 23-22 in the second period. Ukraine also won the third frame 26-21, while Russia replied with 19-17 in the last quarter. Prokopenko stepped up with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Kudrya added 20 points. Martinov ended up with 21 points in the losing effort.
In the third game Russia U16 celebrated 89:71 victory. It was a great start for the Russian juniors that erupted with 31-17 in the first 10 minutes. Ukraine won the second frame 28-17, but Russia needed 17-8 and 24-18 to increase the win. Martinov erupted with 35 points for the winners, while Sizov added 19. Harchinskiy finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort.





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  URUGUAY   


Tabare maintain the Metro leadership - by Hector Lopez
Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) scored 15 points aand grabbed 10 rebounds when Tabare beat Goes 79-71 to maintain the Metro leadership with three rounds still to be played. Also for Tabare, mathias Calfani scored 19 points with 8 rebounds. For Goes Federico Haller (198-F-88) scored 23 points with 13 rebounds. The winner of the second stage will advance to play the Uruguayan League 2012. Four others teams will qualify for a play off for an additonal LUB promotion. standings Tabare 20 points Nacional and Larranaga 17 points (one game less), Goes 16.5, and Urunday and Atenas 15 points.

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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


CSKA Moscow and Sergey Bykov part ways - by Eurobasket News
Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) is no longer a member of CSKA Moscow. Two sides parted ways today. Bykov joined CSKA last summer from Dynamo Moscow. He had 4.2 ppg and 1 apg for 25 games in PBL. Bykov also added 2.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games in Eurolegaue. In VTB United league, Bykov registered 4.6 ppg and 1.8 apg for 9 games. From 2005 to 2010, Bykov played for Dynamo Moscow. He also was their member from 1999 until 2004. In the meantime, he spent one season with Universitet Surgut.

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
'Surely, I am sorry to lose a good player, the fighter, real pro, great person. At the same time we understand the goal of experienced player, one of the National Team leaders to play more. CSKA never wanted to be a dog-in-the-manger, we always tried to link our and players interests. I would like to continue our cooperation but I respect Sergeys ambitions, his desire to try himself in another team where he will try to become a leader. I sincerely wish Sergey success in reaching his goals. Bykovs departure is a loss for us, especially in means of team chemistry. Dont want to hide that we did not plan his leave, and our selection will be corrected accordingly.' *Courtesy of www.cskabasket.com

Sergey Bykov:
'I would like to thank Andrey Vatutin, Natalia Furaeva, all the management and staff. Despite the unsuccessful season for me I felt they supported me, they believed in me and did not make difficulties to my desire to leave. Thanks to the fans who supported me even when I played short periods of time, they waited for me to step on the floor. We had great friendly relations with some of the fans who met us after the games. I know that the apples we were presented with are not just vitamins Unfortunately I wasnt able to show everything I can. But I dont want to go deep into analysis and to try to excuse myself. Some people believe that was a negative experience for me. I disagree. I had a chance to see the great CSKA organization from inside, felt the level of competition. I am glad that I played alongside such a masters as Holden, Langdon, Smodis, Siskauskas, I observed their professionalism, their impact on teams game and chemistry. Thats a special, positive experience. Now I understand that Id like to feel more responsibility, to play other roles. And I have a lot of positive emotions left from CSKA period.' *Courtesy of www.cskabasket.com



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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Liz Cambage and Rachel Jarry re-sign with Bulleen - by Eurobasket News
The Bulleen Boomers today announced the return of league MVP Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) and Rachel Jarry (185-G-91) for next season.

It was big day for the WNBL and the Bulleen Boomers today with the annoucement that Australian Opal, WNBL MVP and WNBA superstar Liz Cambage has re-signed with her club the Bulleen Boomers for next season, bringing the leagues biggest new star back to Australia.

The 203cm centre dominated the WNBL competition last season, leading the Bulleen Boomers to their first ever championship and is currently in her rookie year in the USAs WNBA with the Tulsa Shock, after being taken second overall in the WNBA Draft in April.

Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock said that Cambages re-signing is a major coup for Bulleen and the WNBL.

It is an exciting day for both the Bulleen Boomers and the WNBL. Cambage is a massive signing and it is a reflection on the quality of competition in the league that she feels re-signing with Bulleen is best for her development, said Sengstock.

In the last six months Cambage has elevated her game to star status and having her back on court in the WNBL provides a great opportunity for the young basketball fans around the country to see one of the best young players in the world, week in week out on their doorstep.

Cambages stocks continue to rise following an impressive start to her WNBA career, where the 19-year-old is currently averaging over 15 points per game for the Tulsa Shock, while leading the league in free-throw attempts and makes.

Bulleen Boomers head coach Tom Maher is currently in Europe coaching the Great Britain national team, but like Sengstock he is also thrilled with the signing.

'We couldn't be more delighted that Lizzy has re-signed and I look forward to another great basketball adventure next season,' said Maher.

'Liz is great to work with and I know the fans will be 100 per cent excited about her return.

The Bulleen Boomers have also secured the signature of Australian Opals squad member Rachel Jarry, who will return alongside Cambage to the club next season.

Jarry was the only other Australian player drafted into the WNBA this year, to the Minnesota Lynx at pick 18 overall, but decided to stay in Australia and continue to develop her game for another year.

To have two of our emerging Australian Opals stars returning to the league to help defend the title for Bulleen is fantastic, said Sengstock.

We look forward to seeing them on the court together in the coming season.

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

Cambage to return back to Australia - by Eurobasket News
The Tulsa Shock's Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) says after the WNBA season is over, she'll be returning to Melbourne, Australia to play for the Bulleen Boomers of the WNBL. She made the announcement on Twitter early Monday night.

Elizabeth Cambage, 'after the WNBA I will be returning home to play in the @WNBL with the Melbourne bulleen boomers home sweet home'

@ecambage

The WNBL released a story on their web site saying the Cambage has resigned with the Bulleen Boomers, the club she helped led to a WNBL Championship. It was the Boomers first title in franchise history.

In the same article, Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock was quoted as saying, 'It is an exciting day for both the Bulleen Boomers and the WNBL. Cambage is a massive signing and it is a reflection on the quality of competition in the league that she feels re-signing with Bulleen is best for her development. In the last six months Cambage has elevated her game to star status and having her back on court in the WNBL provides a great opportunity for the young basketball fans around the country to see one of the best young players in the world, week in week out on their doorstep.'

In her rookie season with the Tulsa Shock, Cambage is averaging 15.2 points per game. That ranked 19th in the WNBA. The Shock are currently 1-8 on the year.

Cambage and the Tulsa Shock look for their second win of the season Thursday night in Tulsa against Minnesota at the BOK Center.

Courtesy of www.ktul.com

Central ABL: Lady Panthers make it Four Straight - by Eurobasket News
Not the result North were looking for, but this correspondent thought that the intensity of Souths defence was the difference in the game despite the unerring efforts of Jo Hill (24 points and 8 rebounds).

Souths players just seemed to be everywhere, which is what coach Vikki Kelson seemed to be looking for.

There is no doubt that the intense ball pressure did not let North get going and they failed to get quality shots away on a number of occasions.

That showed in overall shooting percentages with South having 48% from the floor compared with 32% from North Adelaide. The 3-point percentages also told part of the story, with North getting 6 from 24 attempts whilst South got 6 from 13.

Claire Johnson kept adding to her score unobtrusively and ended up with 27 points, and was helped a lot by Sarah Peddle (20 points) neither of whom saw any bench time. The other player of the trio, ex-North Lil Keane, contributed a handy 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Not quite the heights of the mens game, but it did feature the substitution of Referee Wayne Maidment, with a hammy. Luckily Mark Frost was there, and willing to step into the game for the last 6 minutes with Adam Gillings.

It was Waynes 100th womens ABL game. Thanks Wayne, for your contribution to the sport.

By David Durant and Barb Rowe
Courtesy of: Central ABL



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  BELARUS - Women  


Group E: Turkey go to Lodz, Belarus go home - by Eurobasket News
That was a do-or-die game for both games. That was also the last game in Bydgoszcz and the last game of the second round. Thanks to great third quarter Turkey won the game against Belarus 65:56. Turkey will fight with Montegro in quarter final. Belarusian are going back to their homes. Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) scored 17 points, Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) and Birsel Vardarli (174-G-80) added 13. Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) end the game with 12 points for Belarus.

Belarus started the game with jump shot by Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79). Belarusian players after Yelena Leuchanka lay-up had got 4 point lead 6:2. Players knew how important was that game and they played very ambitious. Then, Turkey scored 5 straight points and taken the lead. After that Turkey continued their run. With 2:22 to play in the first quarter Turkey was up by 8 10:18. Turkish players made 4 long distance shot during first 8 minutes of play. Belarusian coach called a timeout. But Belarus could not stop Saziye Ivegin she made additional 2 three pointers in the first quarter. After first quarter Turkey had got 10 points advantage 14:24.

Natalia Marchanka poured three pointers in the second quarter. Belarus reduced the lost to 4 points 22:26. Turkish coach wanted to talk with his players. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) made another long distance shot for Belarus and we had one point game. Few moments later Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) tied the game making lay-up for Belarus. Isil Alben (170-G-86) added two points for Turkey. Belarus tied the game once again, but they were not able to take a lead. In the middle of the game Turkey had a 4 point lead 30:34.

Turkey started second half with great 5:0 run. After Birsel Vardarli lay-up they had 9 points advantage 30:39. Turkish had been increasing their lead. With 5:51 after Nevriye Yilmaz lay-up they had 11 point advantage 32:43. Belarusian coach called a timeout. Then, Turkey added another two points by Saziye Ivegin lay-up. Belarus scored only points in first 7 minutes of third quarter. Tatyana Troina made two free throws, but Turkey still had got 13 points advantage. Before the last quarter Turkey was up by 15 34:49.

Turkish started fourth quarter with Isil Alben two points. Then, Belarus scored 8 straight points. After Tatyana Troina 2+1 action score was 42:51 for Turkey. The game was still
open. With 7:16 remaining Turkish coach called a timeout. Then, Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) made a shot and rebuilt Turkish advatange to 11 points. After that both teams were playing basket for basket. With 5:09 to play in the fourth Tugba Palazoglu hit the jump shot. Turkey had got 13 point lead and Belarusian coach called timeout. Belarus had about 5:09 to get back in this game. With 3 minutes and 3 seconds to play Turkey still had got 10 point lead. Yuliya Dureika (180-F/G-86, agency: LBM Management) reduced the lost to 8 points 30 seconds later. Then Turkish player Birsel Vardarli noticed 4 straight points and rebuilt the lead to 12 points. Although Belarus effort Turkey have won this game.

Belarus - Turkey 56:65 (14:24, 16:10, 4:15, 22:16)

Belarus: Natalia Marchanka 12, Nataliya Trafimava 11
Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 17, Birsel Vardarli 13, Nevriye Yilmaz 13 + 11 reb.

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

UMMC officially confirms Yelena Leuchanka - by Eurobasket News
UMMC finally confirmed a deal with Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia). It means that the Belarusian National Team member returns to her former team after two years. The 28-year-old centre played for UMMC back in 2008/09 season.
Yelena Leuchanka started last season with Polish Gorzow. She had 14.4 ppg and 9.7 rpg in PLKK. She also added 15.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg in Euroleague. In January, Leuchanka moved to Wisla Krakow. With them she notched 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in PLKK. She had almost the same numbers in Euroleague. Yelena Leuchanka was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Bosman Player of the Year in 2011.
As mentioned above, Yelena Leuchanka is active member of the Belarusian NT. She currently plays at the EuroBasket 2011 in Poland.

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  BRAZIL - Women  


Silvia Santos Luz moves to Sweden - by Eurobasket News
Silvia Santos Luz (173-G/F-75, agency: Josep and Nicolas) moves to Sweden for Lulea Basket. The Brazilian player played for Rivas Futura for three years and averaged 12.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 72.7% in the last one. In 2007-2008 moved to Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB, starting five) and showed 14.0ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-3 (3.4apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 77.0%. In 2008-2009 for Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB) her stats read 12.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 70.3%. In 2009-2010 moved to Sundsvall Saints (Sweden-Damligan) and had massive 18.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.6apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP-2 (62.1%), 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. In 2010-2011 played for Acucar Cometa/Unimed/Catanduva (LBF, starting five) and had 12.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.6%.



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  COLOMBIA - Women  


COLOMBIA PLAYING GREAT IN THE SOUTHAMERICAN U-17 IN PASTO - by Victor Garcia
Colombia National U-17 team is already having a great performance in the Southamerican U-17 Tournament, the National Team has won its three games, with the young guard, Camila Tapias (daughter of coach Jose Tapias and the many times member of the National Team Jenny Pinilla), leading the team, already averaging 10,3 PPG, Carolina Caracas Mina is another key player averaging 8 PPG and Elizabeth Gutierrez with 7,5 PPG and 6 RPG.
The team defeated Peru in the opener 76 30, the coach use all his roster in the game and all the players score, Colombia outrebounded Peru taking 48 rebounds, while Peru just took 24.
In the second day the National team again got an easy victory defeating Ecuador, 62 24, again ruling the boards.
But the greatest moment arrived on Tuesday, defeating the power house Brazil in the overtime, Colombia took control of the game in the first half winning the first two quarters , in a erratic game of both teams, Brazil came back and won the second half sending the game to the overtime, when the heart of the National Team was giant and took a great victory 49-44
The National team had today (Tuesday 28) a free day.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Group E: Czech Republic clinched first position - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic beat Lithuania 63:59. That game was a fight between two best teams from Group E. Czech Republic secured this place and they will play in quarterfinal with Croatia. Lithuania will fight with France. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) showed a great performance ending the game 26 points and 7 rebounds. Also Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) noticed double figures. She scored 15 points. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) poured 15 points, but It was not enough to win for her team.

That game was a very aligned fight at the beginning. Lithuania had taken the small lead. But after that Eva Viteckova made a three point shot and Czech were leading by 1 12:11. Then, Lithuania scored 5 straight points and get back on the lead. After Vaida Sipaviciute (193-C-85, college: Syracuse) shot Lithuanian were leading by 6 14:20. With 2:46 to play in the first quarter Czechs coach called a timeout. Thanks to great 11:2 run Lithuania won the first quarter 14:22. Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) made two free throws for Czech Republic, but Lithuania responded with Ausra Bimbaite three point shot. Then, the game was very aligned. Lithuania cannot increase their lead and Czechs cannot reduced the lost. Teams were playing very hard defense, Czech Republic had got an advantage on the boards, but they were not able to take the lead. Eva Viteckova scored 6 points and gave a great assist in last two minutes Thanks to it in the middle of the game Czech Republic was down only by 1 35:36.

After the brake Eva Viteckova noticed another 2 points and Czech Republic had taken the lead. Then ,Agne Abromaite (190-C/F-79) tied the game from free throw line. The score was 37:37. After that Katerina Elhotova scored two points for Czech Republic. After Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) shot Czech Republic had 4 point lead - 41:37. Lithuanian coach reaction was very clear: Timeout. Czechs played very good zone defense. Czech Republic added another four straight points to their score. Then Lithuania poured 4 points in a row and Czechs coach wanted to talk with his players. Before the last quarter Czech Republic had got 5 point lead 49:44.

Eva Viteckova started the last quarter with a three pointer for Czech Republic. Then, Lithuania scored 7 straight points and reduced disadvantage to 1 point. With 6:06 remaining
Marina Solopova hit the three and Lithuania get back on the lead. Then Eva Viteckova made two free throws and tied the game. Veronika Bortelova made a lay-up and Czech
Republic elaborated two point disadvantage. With 2:50 remaining Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) scored two points for Czech Republic and they had a 4 point lead 58:54. Both team had player very hard. With 1:15 remaining Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) made 1 free throw and it was a one point game. Eva Viteckova buried a three pointer 34 seconds before the horn. Lithuanian coach called his last timeout his team had got 4 point disadvantage 61:57. Then Ausra Bimbaite made two free throws . Lithuanian fouled Jana Vesela (192-F-83). She made two free throws either. Czech Republic have won this game 63:59

Czech Republic - Lithuania 63:59 (14:22, 21:14, 14:8, 14:15)

Czech Rep.: Eva Viteckova 26, Katerina Elhotova 15, Ilona Burgrova 8 + 11 reb.
Lithuania: Ausra Bimbaite 15, Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) 11

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZWESKI

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


Arras tab Gabriela Marginean - by Eurobasket News
Arras bolstered their frontcourt for the upcoming season. The French team has reached agreement with Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87, college: Drexel). The 24-year-old forward spent the previous season in Greece. Gabriela Marginean played for Panathinaikos Athens. Her stats read 17.3 points, 7.6 boards, 2.2 steals and 1.5 assists per game. Eurobasket.com named Gabriela Marginean All-Greek League Bosman Player of the Year. The Romanian player also participated at Greek League All-Star Game. Gabriela Marginean is the member of Romanian National Team. The forward had a short WNBA stint. She played for the Minnesota Lynx.


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  HUNGARY - Women  


Ildiko Szakacs stays in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Ildiko Szakacs (187-F-81) will continue her career in Switzerland. The Hungarian forward signed a two-year deal with newly promoted LNA team Ovronnaz-Martigny. The 29-year-old player spent the previous season with Sdent Helios Basket. She averaged 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.1 assists per game. She played for the same team in 2009/10 and helped them to win the LNA title. She had 12.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.3 apg that season. Szakacs and Sdent also won the Swiss Cup in 2010.
Previously Ildiko Szakacs played for Szeged, Seat Foton Gyor, Cajacanarias and MiZo-Pecs. Ildiko Szakacs used to play for Hungarian National Team back in 2005. The forward earned Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honourable Mention back in 2010.

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  ITALY - Women  


Lucca tab Licia Corradini - by Eurobasket News
Lucca have agreed on terms of contract with Licia Corradini (173-G-85). The 25-year-old guard played for Vomero Basket Napoli in the previous season. She tallied 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game in A1. Previously Licia Corradini had stints with Umana Reyer, La Specia and Basket Juvenilia. The guard played for Italian National Team back in 2007.


Aija Brumermane joins Familia Schio - by Eurobasket News
Familia Schio continued to strengthen their roster. A1 reigning champions have agreed on terms of contract with Aija Brumermane (191-C-86). The Latvian centre spent the last season in France. Aija Brumermane played in Euroleague together with USO Mondeville. Her stats read 7.7 points, 5.6 boards and 1.3 assists per game in Euroleague. In French League the centre notched 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per appearance. Aija Brumermane is the member of Latvian National Team since 2005. She played for Latvia during 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Her stats read 4.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in those games. Aija Brumermane played for Avantis-Turiba Riga and TTT Riga before moving to France. She was named into Eurobasket.com All-BWBL Defensive Team in 2009.


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  LATVIA - Women  


Serbia U20 beat Latvia U20 three times - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 beat Latvia U20 three times in the test games. In Game 1 Serbia clinched 74:64 win trailing 1 points at the halftime. They needed 20-14 in the third period and then 18-13 in the last to seal the victory. Maja Vucurovic (188-F-91) paced all the winners with 19 points and Jovanovic scored 15. Pagdrode replied with 13 points in the losing effort.
In the second game Serbia U20 won 73:65 again trailing in the beginning of the game. The Baltic State won the first period 17-16, but then could not keep the race. Nikolic top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Jovanovic scored 13. Kirstejn erupted with 28 points in the losing case.
In the third game Serbia started well and smashed the Latvian side 78:48. The decisive was the second period when the Serbian side won 26-8. Jovanovic stepped up with 14 points, while Snezana Colic (176-G-92) and Jelena Prvulovic (177-G-91) nailed 10 apiece. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) ended up with 13 points in defeat.


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Group E: Czech Republic clinched first position - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic beat Lithuania 63:59. That game was a fight between two best teams from Group E. Czech Republic secured this place and they will play in quarterfinal with Croatia. Lithuania will fight with France. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) showed a great performance ending the game 26 points and 7 rebounds. Also Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) noticed double figures. She scored 15 points. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) poured 15 points, but It was not enough to win for her team.

That game was a very aligned fight at the beginning. Lithuania had taken the small lead. But after that Eva Viteckova made a three point shot and Czech were leading by 1 12:11. Then, Lithuania scored 5 straight points and get back on the lead. After Vaida Sipaviciute (193-C-85, college: Syracuse) shot Lithuanian were leading by 6 14:20. With 2:46 to play in the first quarter Czechs coach called a timeout. Thanks to great 11:2 run Lithuania won the first quarter 14:22. Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) made two free throws for Czech Republic, but Lithuania responded with Ausra Bimbaite three point shot. Then, the game was very aligned. Lithuania cannot increase their lead and Czechs cannot reduced the lost. Teams were playing very hard defense, Czech Republic had got an advantage on the boards, but they were not able to take the lead. Eva Viteckova scored 6 points and gave a great assist in last two minutes Thanks to it in the middle of the game Czech Republic was down only by 1 35:36.

After the brake Eva Viteckova noticed another 2 points and Czech Republic had taken the lead. Then ,Agne Abromaite (190-C/F-79) tied the game from free throw line. The score was 37:37. After that Katerina Elhotova scored two points for Czech Republic. After Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) shot Czech Republic had 4 point lead - 41:37. Lithuanian coach reaction was very clear: Timeout. Czechs played very good zone defense. Czech Republic added another four straight points to their score. Then Lithuania poured 4 points in a row and Czechs coach wanted to talk with his players. Before the last quarter Czech Republic had got 5 point lead 49:44.

Eva Viteckova started the last quarter with a three pointer for Czech Republic. Then, Lithuania scored 7 straight points and reduced disadvantage to 1 point. With 6:06 remaining
Marina Solopova hit the three and Lithuania get back on the lead. Then Eva Viteckova made two free throws and tied the game. Veronika Bortelova made a lay-up and Czech
Republic elaborated two point disadvantage. With 2:50 remaining Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) scored two points for Czech Republic and they had a 4 point lead 58:54. Both team had player very hard. With 1:15 remaining Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) made 1 free throw and it was a one point game. Eva Viteckova buried a three pointer 34 seconds before the horn. Lithuanian coach called his last timeout his team had got 4 point disadvantage 61:57. Then Ausra Bimbaite made two free throws . Lithuanian fouled Jana Vesela (192-F-83). She made two free throws either. Czech Republic have won this game 63:59

Czech Republic - Lithuania 63:59 (14:22, 21:14, 14:8, 14:15)

Czech Rep.: Eva Viteckova 26, Katerina Elhotova 15, Ilona Burgrova 8 + 11 reb.
Lithuania: Ausra Bimbaite 15, Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) 11

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZWESKI

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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Oceana Goldrush win 2011 WBC Palmerston North tournament - by Eurobasket News
Oceana Goldrush claimed 2011 WBC Palmerson North tournament title. The tournament served as the first round of 2011 WBC season. The point from this tournament will be carried into the second tournament. WBC Round 2 will be held in North Harbour from July 7-9. The top five teams on accumulated points from both tournaments will advance into Plate Section tournament in Dunedin.
Oceana Goldrush overcame NZ Force Womens Academy 71:54 in the Final. Casey Lockwood (183-F-85) stepped up with 19 points to pace the effort. Daneka Wipiiti added 14 points for the winners. The Goldrush earned 20 points for winning the tournament. NZ Force answered with 20 points from Dionne Martin. Penina Davidson finished with 16 points in the loss. Hutt Valley Flyers occupied the third position. They prevailed against Wakato Wizards 71:38 in consolation final. Fairen Williams came up with 16 points to pace Hutt Valley. Jasmine Davis and Molly McCallum netted 11 points each for the winners. The Wizards answered with 14 points from Rhaiah Spooner-Knight.
Harbour Breeze clinched the fifth place as they outscored Nelson Sparks 63:57. Southland Pearls finished seventh after a 52:45 win over Taranaki Trojans. Finally Palmerston North held off Canterbury Wildcats 46:41 to earn the ninth position.


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  POLAND - Women  


Anna Wielebnowska joins Lider Pruszkow - by Eurobasket News
Lider Pruszkow added experience and class to their frontcourt. They signed a deal with Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78). The 31-year-old centre spent the last four seasons with Wisla Krakow. Last season Anna Wielebnowska tallied 0.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In PLKK her stats read 4.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per appearance. Previously Anna Wielebnowska played in Belgium with Dexia Namur. The centre was the member of Polish National Team in 2003/08 seasons.


Storm signs Polish center Ewelina Kobryn - by Eurobasket News
The Storm signed Polish center Ewelina Kobryn (6'4''-C-82), but she may not join the team until Wednesday in order to obtain a visa and pass necessary physicals.

Seattle will be in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, attending a White House ceremony with President Obama to commemorate its 2010 WNBA championship. Then the team will begin a three-game trip against Connecticut, Washington and Indiana.

Assuming Kobryn, 29, is cleared to play, she'll join the Storm on the Eastern Conference swing, offering insurance for the injured Lauren Jackson. The 6-foot-6 center suffered a left hip injury in a win against Tulsa last week and will be sidelined at least three weeks.

If rest is ineffective, Jackson and doctors will discuss surgery, which could require a 12-week rehabilitation period.

'It's better to be a bit proactive on that than to be passive in regard to waiting for Lauren,' said Storm coach Brian Agler, who cut rookie forward Ify Ibekwe on Sunday to clear space on the roster for Kobryn. ' (If) all of a sudden (Lauren's) not back, we have somebody in here and are getting them adapted.

'Kobryn was in New York's training camp and I watched her play in the EuroLeague final four two years ago, so we do have some background on her.'

A 6-3 center, Kobryn was cut by the Liberty on June 1. She joined her national team in its quest for an Olympic berth via EuroBasket play, but Poland was eliminated after a loss to France. Kobryn averaged 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in six tournament games.

Agler will continue to start forward Le'coe Willingham in Jackson's place. The coach will also rely on center Ashley Robinson to boost the post rotation and could lean on rookie center Krystal Thomas until Kobryn is familiar with the system.

But players have said it takes at least a season to feel comfortable with Agler's schemes.

'This isn't necessarily a short-term, quick-fix thing,' Agler said. 'This is something where ... we're getting a good player we feel could be on our roster for a period of time.'

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Group E: Russia beat Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
Russia have won the game with Great Britain 62:59. Rusian advanced to the final round in d. For Great Britain it was the last game on this tournament. Elena Danilochikina scored
16 points, Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) added 12. Svetlana Abrosimova (185-F-80, college: Connecticut) and Ilona Korstin (183-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured 10. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.)r ended this game with 15 points for Great Britain.

Russia started this game with Maria Stepanova lay-up. As always, British players were playing very ambitious. With 5:46 to play in the first quarter Kimberly Butlerr made a shot.
Great Britain was up by 3 6:9. Russia had been dominating on the boards, but they had too many turnovers to take a lead. Kimberly Butlerr made another shot with 4:01 remaining in the first quarter. British had a 5 point lead. Then, Russian coach called a timeout. Great Britain constantly increased the advantage. With 1:27 to play in the first quarter Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) buried three pointer and the score was 6:18 for Great Britain. Russian players were not able to score any points between 7:06 and 1:07 in the first quarter. Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81) cancelled this run with two free throws. After the first quarter Russia was down by 12 8:20.

Great Britain continued run in the second quarter. With 8:02 to play in the second British had 15 point lead. Russian players had been playing with terrible execution, they missed
many easy shots. Russian played better in defense. They were able to reduce British advantage to 8 points in the middle of the quarter. In the middle of the game Great Britain had got only 5 points advantage 22:27.

In the beginning of the third quarter Russia scored 6 straight points and had taken the lead 28:27. British coach Tom Maher automatically called a timeout. Then, we had 5 lead
changes in two minutes of play ! After that score was tie 33:33. Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86) made a long distance shot and Russia get back on the lead. Neither team was able to stay on the lead for a long time. Before the last quarter Great Britain had got 3 points advantage 43:46. Both teams started last period very nervously. With 7:23 remaining Great Britain elaborate 7 points lead 44:51. British scored all points in this quarter from the free throw line. Russian was completely helpless and Russian coach Boris Sokolovskiy called timeout with 5:33 to play in the last quarter.

Russian started reduced their lost. After Maria Stepanova lay-up Russia was down by 3 52:55. It was 3:22 to the end of the fourth quarter. With 1:29 to play Svetlana Abrosimova tied the game scoring one point from free throw line. Then, Elena Danilochcika buried a three pointer. The score was 60:57 for Russia with 48 seconds remaining . British coach called his last timeout. After that Svetlana Abrosimova added 2 points for Russia.. One second before the horn Ilona Korstin fouled Natalie Stafford (173-G-76). Referee decided to disqualify this player. Great Britain was down by 5. British made two free throws, but It was all. Russia won this game 62:59.

Russia - Great Britain 62:59 (8:20, 14:7, 21:19, 19:13)
Russia: Elena Danilochkina 16, Maria Stepanova 12, Ilona Korstin 10, Svetlana Abrosimova 10
Great Britain: Kimberly Butlerr 15, Natalie Stafford 14, Johannah Leedham 11

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

UMMC officially confirms Yelena Leuchanka - by Eurobasket News
UMMC finally confirmed a deal with Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia). It means that the Belarusian National Team member returns to her former team after two years. The 28-year-old centre played for UMMC back in 2008/09 season.
Yelena Leuchanka started last season with Polish Gorzow. She had 14.4 ppg and 9.7 rpg in PLKK. She also added 15.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg in Euroleague. In January, Leuchanka moved to Wisla Krakow. With them she notched 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in PLKK. She had almost the same numbers in Euroleague. Yelena Leuchanka was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Bosman Player of the Year in 2011.
As mentioned above, Yelena Leuchanka is active member of the Belarusian NT. She currently plays at the EuroBasket 2011 in Poland.

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  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia U20 beat Latvia U20 three times - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 beat Latvia U20 three times in the test games. In Game 1 Serbia clinched 74:64 win trailing 1 points at the halftime. They needed 20-14 in the third period and then 18-13 in the last to seal the victory. Maja Vucurovic (188-F-91) paced all the winners with 19 points and Jovanovic scored 15. Pagdrode replied with 13 points in the losing effort.
In the second game Serbia U20 won 73:65 again trailing in the beginning of the game. The Baltic State won the first period 17-16, but then could not keep the race. Nikolic top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Jovanovic scored 13. Kirstejn erupted with 28 points in the losing case.
In the third game Serbia started well and smashed the Latvian side 78:48. The decisive was the second period when the Serbian side won 26-8. Jovanovic stepped up with 14 points, while Snezana Colic (176-G-92) and Jelena Prvulovic (177-G-91) nailed 10 apiece. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) ended up with 13 points in defeat.


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  SWEDEN - Women  


IK Eos returns Kajsa Lundahl - by Eurobasket News
Kajsa Lundahl (182-G/F-91) is back to Sweden after one year. The Swedish shooting guard/small forward spent last season in USA. She was a member of University of Alaska at Anchorage. They competed in NCAA2. Lundahl went overseas last summer from Sallen. She appeared 22 times with Sallen in 2009/10 season averaging 4.3 points and 2.6 rebounds. In 2007/08, Lundahl played for IK Eos.
Kajsa Lundahl is active member of the Swedish U20 National Team. In 2009, she helped U18 Sweden to win the Bronze at the U18 EuroBasket in Sodertalje. She helped her team with 1.1 ppg in 7 games. Lundahl also played for U18 Sweden at U18 EuroBasket 2008 in Slovakia.

Anna Barthold and Silvia Santos Luz sign with Lulea Basket - by Eurobasket News
Anna Barthold (183-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Peter's) and Silvia Santos Luz (173-G/F-75, agency: Josep and Nicolas) sign with Lulea Basket for the next season.
Anna Barthold is a Swedish Forward who started her career in 1998-1999 for Alno Basket (Sweden). Then she played for Saint Peters College (NCAA), ADBA Aviles (Spain) and Rivas Futura (Spain-LFB). In 2007-2008 moved to Alvargomez (Spain-LF2, starting five) and after 26 games averaged 14.3ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 69.0%. In 2008-2009 signed with Arranz-Jopisa Burgos (Spain-LF2, starting five) and in 34 games showed 16.7ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 46.0%, FT: 71.0%. In 2009-2010 appeared in Sundsvall Saints (Damligan) and had 15.4ppg, Reb-5 (9.1rpg), 1.9apg, 2.5spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, FT: 77.1%. The last season Anna Barthold played for Acucar Cometa/Unimed/Catanduva (Brazil-LBF) and averaged 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 47.9%, FT: 73.0%.
Silvia Santos Luz comes from Acucar Cometa/Unimed/Catanduva as well. The Brazilian player played for Rivas Futura for three years and averaged 12.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 72.7% in the last one. In 2007-2008 moved to Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB, starting five) and showed 14.0ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-3 (3.4apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 77.0%. In 2008-2009 for Cadi la Seu D'urgell (Spain-LFB) her stats read 12.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 70.3%. In 2009-2010 moved to Sundsvall Saints (Sweden-Damligan) and had massive 18.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.6apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP-2 (62.1%), 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. In 2010-2011 played for Acucar Cometa/Unimed/Catanduva (LBF, starting five) and had 12.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.6%.



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  TURKEY - Women  


Group E: Turkey go to Lodz, Belarus go home - by Eurobasket News
That was a do-or-die game for both games. That was also the last game in Bydgoszcz and the last game of the second round. Thanks to great third quarter Turkey won the game against Belarus 65:56. Turkey will fight with Montegro in quarter final. Belarusian are going back to their homes. Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) scored 17 points, Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) and Birsel Vardarli (174-G-80) added 13. Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) end the game with 12 points for Belarus.

Belarus started the game with jump shot by Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79). Belarusian players after Yelena Leuchanka lay-up had got 4 point lead 6:2. Players knew how important was that game and they played very ambitious. Then, Turkey scored 5 straight points and taken the lead. After that Turkey continued their run. With 2:22 to play in the first quarter Turkey was up by 8 10:18. Turkish players made 4 long distance shot during first 8 minutes of play. Belarusian coach called a timeout. But Belarus could not stop Saziye Ivegin she made additional 2 three pointers in the first quarter. After first quarter Turkey had got 10 points advantage 14:24.

Natalia Marchanka poured three pointers in the second quarter. Belarus reduced the lost to 4 points 22:26. Turkish coach wanted to talk with his players. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) made another long distance shot for Belarus and we had one point game. Few moments later Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) tied the game making lay-up for Belarus. Isil Alben (170-G-86) added two points for Turkey. Belarus tied the game once again, but they were not able to take a lead. In the middle of the game Turkey had a 4 point lead 30:34.

Turkey started second half with great 5:0 run. After Birsel Vardarli lay-up they had 9 points advantage 30:39. Turkish had been increasing their lead. With 5:51 after Nevriye Yilmaz lay-up they had 11 point advantage 32:43. Belarusian coach called a timeout. Then, Turkey added another two points by Saziye Ivegin lay-up. Belarus scored only points in first 7 minutes of third quarter. Tatyana Troina made two free throws, but Turkey still had got 13 points advantage. Before the last quarter Turkey was up by 15 34:49.

Turkish started fourth quarter with Isil Alben two points. Then, Belarus scored 8 straight points. After Tatyana Troina 2+1 action score was 42:51 for Turkey. The game was still
open. With 7:16 remaining Turkish coach called a timeout. Then, Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) made a shot and rebuilt Turkish advatange to 11 points. After that both teams were playing basket for basket. With 5:09 to play in the fourth Tugba Palazoglu hit the jump shot. Turkey had got 13 point lead and Belarusian coach called timeout. Belarus had about 5:09 to get back in this game. With 3 minutes and 3 seconds to play Turkey still had got 10 point lead. Yuliya Dureika (180-F/G-86, agency: LBM Management) reduced the lost to 8 points 30 seconds later. Then Turkish player Birsel Vardarli noticed 4 straight points and rebuilt the lead to 12 points. Although Belarus effort Turkey have won this game.

Belarus - Turkey 56:65 (14:24, 16:10, 4:15, 22:16)

Belarus: Natalia Marchanka 12, Nataliya Trafimava 11
Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 17, Birsel Vardarli 13, Nevriye Yilmaz 13 + 11 reb.

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

Ceyhan lands Ashley Walker - by Eurobasket News
Ashley Walker (185-F/C-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: California) is a new member of Ceyhan. The American PF/C signed a one-year deal with the club. Walker heads to Ceyhan from Maccabi Ramat Hen, where she spent last season. She appeared 23 times in Israeli D1 averaging 15.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals. They reached Semifinals and Walker was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 2nd Team -11. In 2009/10, Walker exploded with 20.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.8 spg and 1.2 bpg for 29 games with Maccabi Ashdod. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Player of the Year -10. Walker helped Maccabi Ashdod to reach the Finals that season. They won the National Cup.
Ashley Walker is a product of the University of California, where she graduated in 2009.

Samsun inks twins Coco Miller and Kelly Miller - by Eurobasket News
Samsun stepped up for new signings. The Turkish outfit penned deals with twins Coco Miller (175-G-78, college: Georgia) and Kelly Miller (178-G-78, college: Georgia).
Coco Miller currently plays for the WNBA team Atlanta Dream. The championship started three weeks ago and Miller averages 8.1 points and 3 rebounds for 9 games. Last season with Atlanta she had 4.8 ppg, 1 rpg and 1.4 apg. In Europe, Miller played for Spartak Noginsk. She had 18.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.7 apg for them in EuroCup 2008/09.
Kelly Miller is currently a member of the Washington Mystics. She has 10.7 pp, 2.7 rpg and 3.6 apg for 7 games so far this season. Last season she had 3.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 2.6 apg for 33 games. Miler has experience from Spartak Moscow Region. She won three Euroleague titles with them.

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Group E: Russia beat Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
Russia have won the game with Great Britain 62:59. Rusian advanced to the final round in d. For Great Britain it was the last game on this tournament. Elena Danilochikina scored
16 points, Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) added 12. Svetlana Abrosimova (185-F-80, college: Connecticut) and Ilona Korstin (183-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured 10. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.)r ended this game with 15 points for Great Britain.

Russia started this game with Maria Stepanova lay-up. As always, British players were playing very ambitious. With 5:46 to play in the first quarter Kimberly Butlerr made a shot.
Great Britain was up by 3 6:9. Russia had been dominating on the boards, but they had too many turnovers to take a lead. Kimberly Butlerr made another shot with 4:01 remaining in the first quarter. British had a 5 point lead. Then, Russian coach called a timeout. Great Britain constantly increased the advantage. With 1:27 to play in the first quarter Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) buried three pointer and the score was 6:18 for Great Britain. Russian players were not able to score any points between 7:06 and 1:07 in the first quarter. Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81) cancelled this run with two free throws. After the first quarter Russia was down by 12 8:20.

Great Britain continued run in the second quarter. With 8:02 to play in the second British had 15 point lead. Russian players had been playing with terrible execution, they missed
many easy shots. Russian played better in defense. They were able to reduce British advantage to 8 points in the middle of the quarter. In the middle of the game Great Britain had got only 5 points advantage 22:27.

In the beginning of the third quarter Russia scored 6 straight points and had taken the lead 28:27. British coach Tom Maher automatically called a timeout. Then, we had 5 lead
changes in two minutes of play ! After that score was tie 33:33. Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86) made a long distance shot and Russia get back on the lead. Neither team was able to stay on the lead for a long time. Before the last quarter Great Britain had got 3 points advantage 43:46. Both teams started last period very nervously. With 7:23 remaining Great Britain elaborate 7 points lead 44:51. British scored all points in this quarter from the free throw line. Russian was completely helpless and Russian coach Boris Sokolovskiy called timeout with 5:33 to play in the last quarter.

Russian started reduced their lost. After Maria Stepanova lay-up Russia was down by 3 52:55. It was 3:22 to the end of the fourth quarter. With 1:29 to play Svetlana Abrosimova tied the game scoring one point from free throw line. Then, Elena Danilochcika buried a three pointer. The score was 60:57 for Russia with 48 seconds remaining . British coach called his last timeout. After that Svetlana Abrosimova added 2 points for Russia.. One second before the horn Ilona Korstin fouled Natalie Stafford (173-G-76). Referee decided to disqualify this player. Great Britain was down by 5. British made two free throws, but It was all. Russia won this game 62:59.

Russia - Great Britain 62:59 (8:20, 14:7, 21:19, 19:13)
Russia: Elena Danilochkina 16, Maria Stepanova 12, Ilona Korstin 10, Svetlana Abrosimova 10
Great Britain: Kimberly Butlerr 15, Natalie Stafford 14, Johannah Leedham 11

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

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  WNBA - Women  


Cambage to return back to Australia - by Eurobasket News
The Tulsa Shock's Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) says after the WNBA season is over, she'll be returning to Melbourne, Australia to play for the Bulleen Boomers of the WNBL. She made the announcement on Twitter early Monday night.

Elizabeth Cambage, 'after the WNBA I will be returning home to play in the @WNBL with the Melbourne bulleen boomers home sweet home'

@ecambage

The WNBL released a story on their web site saying the Cambage has resigned with the Bulleen Boomers, the club she helped led to a WNBL Championship. It was the Boomers first title in franchise history.

In the same article, Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock was quoted as saying, 'It is an exciting day for both the Bulleen Boomers and the WNBL. Cambage is a massive signing and it is a reflection on the quality of competition in the league that she feels re-signing with Bulleen is best for her development. In the last six months Cambage has elevated her game to star status and having her back on court in the WNBL provides a great opportunity for the young basketball fans around the country to see one of the best young players in the world, week in week out on their doorstep.'

In her rookie season with the Tulsa Shock, Cambage is averaging 15.2 points per game. That ranked 19th in the WNBA. The Shock are currently 1-8 on the year.

Cambage and the Tulsa Shock look for their second win of the season Thursday night in Tulsa against Minnesota at the BOK Center.

Courtesy of www.ktul.com

Storm signs Polish center Ewelina Kobryn - by Eurobasket News
The Storm signed Polish center Ewelina Kobryn (6'4''-C-82), but she may not join the team until Wednesday in order to obtain a visa and pass necessary physicals.

Seattle will be in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, attending a White House ceremony with President Obama to commemorate its 2010 WNBA championship. Then the team will begin a three-game trip against Connecticut, Washington and Indiana.

Assuming Kobryn, 29, is cleared to play, she'll join the Storm on the Eastern Conference swing, offering insurance for the injured Lauren Jackson. The 6-foot-6 center suffered a left hip injury in a win against Tulsa last week and will be sidelined at least three weeks.

If rest is ineffective, Jackson and doctors will discuss surgery, which could require a 12-week rehabilitation period.

'It's better to be a bit proactive on that than to be passive in regard to waiting for Lauren,' said Storm coach Brian Agler, who cut rookie forward Ify Ibekwe on Sunday to clear space on the roster for Kobryn. ' (If) all of a sudden (Lauren's) not back, we have somebody in here and are getting them adapted.

'Kobryn was in New York's training camp and I watched her play in the EuroLeague final four two years ago, so we do have some background on her.'

A 6-3 center, Kobryn was cut by the Liberty on June 1. She joined her national team in its quest for an Olympic berth via EuroBasket play, but Poland was eliminated after a loss to France. Kobryn averaged 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in six tournament games.

Agler will continue to start forward Le'coe Willingham in Jackson's place. The coach will also rely on center Ashley Robinson to boost the post rotation and could lean on rookie center Krystal Thomas until Kobryn is familiar with the system.

But players have said it takes at least a season to feel comfortable with Agler's schemes.

'This isn't necessarily a short-term, quick-fix thing,' Agler said. 'This is something where ... we're getting a good player we feel could be on our roster for a period of time.'

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com

WNBA names Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) of the New York Liberty and Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) of the Phoenix Mercury were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for regular season games played Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26.

While leading the Liberty to a 2-1 record, Pondexter ranked first among Eastern Conference players in assists (7.0 apg), fourth in scoring (22.3 ppg) and fifth in steals (2.67 spg). This marks Pondexter's 11th Player of the Week award in her six seasons, fourth most in WNBA history.

On June 21, Pondexter scored 22 points and dished out six assists in a 96-91 loss at Los Angeles. Two days later, she recorded her second double-double of the year with a season-high 23 points and 10 assists in a 94-82 road victory over Tulsa. On June 26, she topped the 20-point mark for the fourth consecutive game with 22 points, to go along with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 77-67 victory over Los Angeles.

This season, Pondexter is averaging 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

For the week, Taylor led the Mercury to a 3-0 record -- all road games -- and finished third in the Western Conference in scoring (22.0 ppg) and assists (6.7 apg), and second in field goal percentage (.615).

After scoring a season-high 30 points, on 11-of-15 shooting, in a 105-98 victory over San Antonio on June 21, Taylor followed up that performance by recording her second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds as well as eight assists in a 92-83 victory over Atlanta on June 24. She then posted 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in an 86-78 victory over Chicago on June 25.

Taylor also reached a career milestone, becoming the 25th player in league history with at least 3,500 points.

This is Taylor's second Player of the Week award in her career, and marks the second consecutive week a Mercury player has won the honor (Candice Dupree earned the honor last week).

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, Indiana's Tamika Catchings, Los Angeles's Candace Parker, San Antonio's Jia Perkins and Washington's Crystal Langhorne.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Candace Parker out 6 weeks with knee injury - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Sparks star forward Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) will miss approximately six weeks after suffering a torn lateral meniscus in her right knee in a game Sunday in New York.

An MRI on Monday in Los Angeles revealed the injury, which occurred during the third quarter of the Sparks 77-67 loss to the Liberty after Parker grabbed a rebound.

The plan is for Parker, who was averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Sparks (4-3), to avoid surgery and simply undergo rehab for at least six weeks. She received treatment for a torn lateral meniscus in her left knee last September.

Courtesy of http://articles.chicagotribune.com