EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/12/2011

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Men News

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Buducnost 0-0 
 2. Cedevita 0-0 
 3. Cibona 0-0 
 4. FMP 0-0 
 5. Helios 0-0 
 6. Hemofarm 0-0 
 7. KK Zagreb CO 0-0 
 8. Krka 0-0 
 9. Maccabi T-A 0-0 
 10. Partizan 0-0 
 11. Radnicki 0-0 
 12. Siroki TT 0-0 
 13. Union Olimpija 0-0 
 14. Zlatorog 0-0 


Cedevita brings in Miro Bilan - by Eurobasket News
According to Slobodna Dalmacija, Cedevita signed Miro Bilan (212-F-89) for the next season. Reportedly, they penned a deal on Friday. Bilan spent last season in Zadar. He appeared 26 times in Adriatic league averaging 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds. Bilan also added 8.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. In Croatian championship, Bilan had 10.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 3 games.
Before Zadar, Miro Bilan spent some time with AEP Olimpiada Patron and few years with Sibenka Sibenik. He is currently a member of the Croatian B National Team. In the past, Bilan played for U20 and U18 Croatia. At the U20 EuroBasket 2009 in Rhodes, Bilan shined with 13.7 ppg and 7 rpg for 9 games.

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


U16 AfroBasket: Day One in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. The host of this even had a joyful Day One registering 108-54 victory against Mozambique (Group A). Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Also in Day One, Algeria was too strong for South Africa 69-66 (Group A). In Group B, Tunisia blasted Congo 72-40, while Mali was better than Angola 53-45.

GROUP A
1 EGYPT 1-0
2 ALGERIA 1-0
3 SOUTH AFRICA 0-1
4 MOZAMBIQUE 0-1

GROUP B
1 TUNISIA 1-0
2 MALI 1-0
3 ANGOLA 0-1
4 CONGO 0-1

Day Two
Group A: Mozambique - South Africa
Group A: Egypr - Algeria
Group B: Mali - Congo
Group B: Angola - Tunisia



*****************************************************
  ALGERIA   


U16 Algeria beats U16 South Africa in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. Algeria and South Africa met in Day One and Algeria came up with 69-66 victory. It was a very exciting game. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Mozambique and host Egypt. In Day One, Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds. In Group B, Tunisia blasted Congo 72-40, while Mali was better than Angola 53-45.
In Day Two of the championship Algeria will meet Egypt, while South Africa will play against Mozambique.

*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   


U16 Mali too strong for U16 Angola 53-45 - by Eurobasket News
Mali and Angola met each other in Day One of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. Mali came up with 53-45 win for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of the same pool are also Tunisia and Congo. In Day One, Tunisia destroyed Congo 72-40.
In Group A, Algeria outplayed South Africa 69-66. Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
In Day Two of the championship, Mali will meet Congo. Angola will play against Tunisia.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Eltham W. 13-4 
 2. Waverley F. 12-4 
 3. Sherbrooke S. 11-7 
 4. Ringwood H. 10-8 
 5. Bulleen B. 9-8 
 6. Hume City 6-11 
 7. Diamond V.E. 4-13 
 8. Melbourne 4-14 
Central ABL
 1. Forestville E. 11-3 
 2. Norwood F. 10-3 
 3. W.Adelaide B. 9-5 
 4. Sturt S. 9-6 
 5. N.Adelaide R. 8-6 
 6. S.Adelaide P. 7-7 
 7. Woodville W. 7-8 
 8. Eastern M. 4-10 
 9. C.District L. 3-10 
 10. South.Tigers 2-12 
QBL
 1. Townsville H. 11-2 
 2. Mackay M. 11-3 
 3. Gold Coast R. 10-3 
 4. Cairns M. 9-5 
 5. Rockhampton 8-3 
 6. Brisbane C. 8-5 
 7. Ipswich F. 7-5 
 8. Northside W. 7-5 
 9. Bundaberg B. 6-7 
 10. Gladstone P. 4-9 
 11. Toowoomba 2-9 
 12. Maroochydore 2-10 
 13. Caboolture S. 2-11 
 14. SW Metro P. 2-11 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 16-2 
 2. Knox R. 13-5 
 3. Ballarat M. 10-9 
 4. Dandenong 9-9 
 5. Kilsyth C. 9-10 
 6. Canberra G. 7-10 
 7. Brisbane S. 6-13 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 16-4 
 2. Geelong S. 12-5 
 3. Sandringham S. 11-9 
 4. Hobart C. 8-11 
 5. Mt Gambier 7-12 
 6. Frankston B. 6-11 
 7. NW Tasmania 5-13 
 8. Albury W.B. 3-16 
WARATAH
 1. Sydney C. 15-3 
 2. Newcastle H. 13-4 
 3. Hills H. 11-8 
 4. Norths Bears 10-8 
 5. Manly Warr. 10-8 
 6. Sutherland S. 10-8 
 7. Illawarra H. 9-8 
 8. Bankstown B. 9-11 
 9. Parramatta W. 8-7 
 10. Maitland M. 8-9 
 11. Hornsby S. 7-11 
 12. Cent.Coast C. 4-13 
 13. Canberra N. 1-17 


QBL: Heat not carried away by the top - by Eurobasket News
THE view is oh so nice from the top, but the Townsville Heat are anything but getting carried away.

Townsville completed a golden QBL road trip by pumping the Brisbane Capitals 76-58 on Saturday to add to their equally impressive 92-62 thrashing of the Caboolture Suns on Friday.

The Heat further enhanced their reputation as the league's defensive dynamos as they leapfrogged Gold Coast into first.

'I'm really happy, we played really good defence over the weekend,' coach Liam Flynn said.

But it is far from mission accomplished.

The Heat battle fellow high-flyers Rockhampton (Friday) and Mackay (Saturday) in a real test of their credentials.

'Rocky and Mackay are real danger teams,' Flynn said.

'We just keep reinforcing to (the players) how tight the league is and that - we're really happy with our weekend - but now we've flushed that we're ready to move on to the big challenge on Friday.'

The Townsville Flames also continued their late-season resurgence, winning their fifth game in six outings when they defeated Brisbane 71-59.
Courtesy of: QBL





QBL: Tide turns with super double act - by Eurobasket News
AFTER two straight win-less years, the Toowoomba Mountaineers have been able to do what no one thought possible at the beginning of the year post back-to-back wins.

Long suffering fans were treated to an unlikely come-from-behind 91-86 victory over the finals-bound Northside Wizards at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre on Saturday.

The Mountaineers then took the confidence from that win into their round eight replay with Maroochydore yesterday and did it all again, despatching the Clippers 80-75.

Toowoomba was tired and down on troops for yesterdays game, taking only seven players to Maroochydore.

But each of the players who took part in that game had an impact.

Point guard James Legan (190-G-87, agency: Court Side, college: E.Carolina) again starred for Toowoomba, scoring 30 points against Northside and 23 against Maroochydore.

But on both nights he had ample help from his team-mates, with local products Stephen Kluck (211-C-85) and Charles and Anthony Dickerson all playing their part.

However mens coach Pop Dickerson reserved most of his praise for Anthony Tribe (192-F-70), who played his first games of the year at the weekend, and D-League player Piok Piok, who was drafted into the Mountaineers line-up for the Maroochydore game with Kluck and Christopher Hamill (186-G-78) both unavailable.

They were two really positive additions to the team and made a big difference, Dickerson said.

The Mountaineers have struggled all year to close games out.

So often they were in with a chance to win in the final quarter, only to have victory slip away.

Not anymore.

On Saturday, Northside raced out to a 15-point lead at quarter-time.

But instead of throwing in the towel, Toowoomba fought back to have scores level at three-quarter time and went on to win the game.

They were able to do it again yesterday, coming from behind at three-quarter time to get the win they should have had two weeks ago.

Dickerson said he feels vindicated by yesterdays win, after a scorers error stole victory away from the Mountaineers in the original round eight game a fortnight ago.

We beat them at their place two times in a row so they cant be complaining, he said.

And he is convinced this is only the beginning for the team, who he now believes can challenge the competitions top sides.

Looking back, I wish we had Gladstone and Mackay and those other teams now, Dickerson said.

The Aussie boys did a good job.

'I just want them to stay positive and continue to improve.

'Things are finally moving in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the news from the weekend wasnt all good with the womens side going down to Northside 82-43.

Toowoomba shot at only 32.2 per cent from the field, with Stephanie Mylonas and Jennifer Chard the only players to break double figures for the Mountaineers.
Courtesy of: The Chronicle





*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Shaker to spearhead Bahraini All-Stars in exhibition - by Patrick Salomon
BAHRAIN national team mainstays Hussain Shaker, Maytham Jameel and Mohammed Abdulmajeed will spearhead the Bahraini All-Stars who will face the team of Philippine basketball legends in the main event of the sixth Bahrain-Philippines Goodwill Games.
The Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) has named nine players onto its preliminary All-Star squad, with another few expected to be added in the coming weeks.
The Goodwill Games take place on July 28 and 29 at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam. The two-day event is being held under the patronage of the BBA and the Bahrain Sports for All Association. Zain are the major sponsors.
The visiting Philippine team will consist of living legends Johnny Abarrientos, Atoy Co, Bal David, Bong Hawkins, Nelson Asaytono, Poch Juinio, EJ Feihl and Gherome Ejercito, to name a few. The team will be coached by another living legend in Philip Cezar.
Organisers are also expecting a surprise player or two to be included in the squad.
They will first play Sitra Club on the opening night of the Games, before taking on the Bahraini All-Stars in the feature contest the following evening.
Apart from the high-scoring trio of Shaker, Jameel and Abdulmajeed, the host team includes Mohammed Abdulhakeem, Salem Mohammed, Mohammed Nasser, Nedhal Abbas and Abdulrahman Gali.
Tickets for the Goodwill Games are now available at Yum Chow Asian Cuisine (17744900), Bahrain Sports Avenue (37778458), Hot Pot, Kowloon, Fast Food Um Al Hassam branch, Extra Coffee, Taste of Town, and UAE Exchange Manama branch.
Tickets for each day are BD2 for general admission and BD4 for VIP seating, which is limited.
Fans are also being invited to take advantage of a promotion on tickets at Yum Chow Asian Cuisine. For every bill worth BD10, one free ticket to either day of the Games will be given.
The Goodwill Games other sponsors include UAE Exchange, Nestl, Waterfront, Everest Trading, Twister, Al Safir Hotel, Fil-Am Association, Laguna Golden Lions and Phenomena Productions.
The Goodwill Games will kick start a series of basketball competitions that will be taking place in the kingdom from August 1 at the Muharraq Club gym in Arad. A three-on-three basketball tournament and three-point shootout, organised by the BSAA, are to be held. Both events are open to all basketball lovers in Bahrain, and registration is still ongoing.


*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


There is an official request from Israel to the BIBL for an Israeli team next season - by Eurobasket News
The Sports Director of the EUROHOLD Balkan League - Mr. Shay Shtriks confirmed the news, that a team from Israel expressed desire to participate in the competition from the upcoming 2011/2012 season, and that′s Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

The club has already sent an official letter to the League, supported by the Israeli federation. In order for that to be done, an official request isn′t enough. The EUROHOLD Balkan League has it′s Official Regulations, and according to them, in order for a new country to be accepted as a member, all the current member federations must approve that. And also, as the country isn′t situated on the Balkan peninsula, the matter must be taken officially to the FIBA Europe board. After an approval from the FIBA Europe board, Israel could be accepted as a member of the BIBL, and respectively an Israeli team will be able to participate in the League. From yesterday, there is a rumour in the Israeli media, that another club from the country will play - Hapoel Holon, where Pini Gershon is already Head of Management. The management of the BIBL congratulates Mr. Gershon, but however Shay Shtriks denied the rumor, as nobody from the club or federation has contacted the League. The possibility of two Israeli teams from next season is minimal.

Mr. Shtriks is currently in Macedonia, where he has meetings with the President of FIBA Europe Mr. Olafur Rafnsson and Mr. Daniel Dimevski, President of the Macedonian Federation, and also President of the FIBA Europe Competition Commision. They will discuss and approve two new projects, already confirmed by the Secretary General of FIBA Europe Mr. Nar Zanolin. Those are the Junior Tournament of the Balkan League (U18) in cooperation and with the approval of FIBA Europe, and the new project for 3-on-3 with cooperation and with the approval of FIBA and FIBA Europe.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

Levski keeps scoring machine Aaron Harper - by Eurobasket News
Levski announced signing of contract extension with scorer Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi). They penned a deal for another season. Harper joined Levski in 2009 from Roanne. In their first season together Harper exploded with 22.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2 spg for 37 games in Bulgaria. He was the best scorer of NBL. In Balkan league 2009/10, Harper won the same award with 20.7 ppg. He also had 4.3 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1.5 spg that season.
Last season, Aaron Harper also was the best NBL scorer. He had 23.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3 apg and 1.4 spg for 33 games. In BIBL, Harper added 16.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 3.8 apg. Eurobasket awarded Harper with All-Balkan League Player of the Year -10. He also was Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Guard of the Year -10 and Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 1st Team -10, 11.

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Serbia hands 68-64 loss to U16 Bosnia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - U16 Bosnia 68-64

Serbian National Team which prepares for the European Youth Olympic Summer Festival in Trabzon played a friendly game against U16 Bosnia. It was an exciting meeting and Serbia registered 68-64 win. Zagorac came up with 16 points in victory and Simovic followed with 2 less. Jugovic was the last one with double-digits in scoring with 10 pts. On the other side, Bosnia got 16 points from Bojan Lulic (95). Davor Karamatic (95) and Adi Zahiragic (186-PG-95) scored 12 and 10 points respectively. Serbia had impressive beginning as they made 27-19 lead in the first ten minutes. Bosnia slightly improved after that and won the second period 14-15. Third quarter was totally leveled (12-12), but Bosnia threatened in the last ten minutes. They made 15-18, what however was not enough for a turn.

Serbia: Zagorac 16, Simovic 14, Jugovic 10
Bosnia: Bojan Lulic 16, Davor Karamatic 12, Adi Zahiragic 10

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


Spartans lead at halfway stage - by Thomas Fink
NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent 8/7/2011 Mmegi

Spartans will conclude the first round of the basketball league as leaders after losing only one match in 11 outings. The league will break after this weekend's games but Spartans are assured of the leadership ahead of the second round which begins at the end of August. Defending champions, Troopers who have 19 points, two behind Spartans, are second. However, Troopers, who ended last season's first round unbeaten might slide to third if Police win their three outstanding fixtures this weekend.

Police are seventh with 14 points after playing eight games and losing only two. The basketball league committee chairman, Kabo Khama said there are signs of improvement from a number of clubs. He said it is difficult to tell who will walk away with the title at the end of the season. He asserted that underdogs, Flames have performed beyond expectation, exchanging the number one position with Troopers, before being pushed to third a few weeks ago.

Khama said debutants, Dolphins have made their presence felt although they struggled to maintain their momentum towards the end of the first round. 'The team is quite young and inexperienced and this can be seen in the way they struggle to maintain the tempo in a game,' he said. However, he advised another debutant, Bullets to work hard on their skills level. He said the team is clearly struggling as it has only won twice in 11 outings.

'The basketball transfer window starts immediately after the first round and it would be best if they secured one or two experienced players,' he said. Khama said seasoned campaigners such as Eagles who anchor the log and Splinters have been disappointing. Last season, Splinters who are currently eighth finished the league fourth while Eagles were sixth. Khama said Splinters might be struggling after losing a couple of good players to Flames at the start of the season.

Former champions, BDF V have not hit the right cord and are placed fourth. Meanwhile, the BDF V womens team is the only unbeaten side this season. They have won all five first round games and accumulated 10 points. Defending champions, Police V are third with one loss with a game in hand before the end of the first round. Debutants, Panthers are second and have lost two of their five games. The other newcomers, Relics and Splinters occupy the last two places respectively.

Weekend fixtures
(University of Botswana Courts)

Today (men)
Police vs Dolphins - 6pm

Tomorrow (men)
Cadets vs Splinters - 12noon
Eagles vs Dolphins - 2pm

Tomorrow (women)
Police vs Splinters - 10am
Splinters vs Relics - 4pm


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  BULGARIA   


Bulgarian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Bulgarian National Team 2011
#s#
Cedric Simmons
Simmons
Earl Rowland
Rowland
Filip Videnov
Videnov
Chavdar Kostov
Kostov
Ivan Lilov
Lilov
#e#5
Cedric Simmons 206-F/C-86 Kavala Greece
Earl Rowland 188-G-83 Unicaja Spain
Filip Videnov 196-F/G-80 Asseco Prokom Poland
Chavdar Kostov 196-G-88 Kavala Greece
Ivan Lilov 196-F/G-88 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Zlatin Georgiev 195-G-85 Levski Bulgaria
Tihomir Zhelev 192-G-90 Cherno More Bulgaria
Aleksandar Gruev 187-G-83 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Bozhidar Avramov 196-G-90 Lukoil Academik Bulgaria
Asen Velikov 188-G-86 Levski Bulgaria
Plamen Aleksiev 180-G-87 Cherno More Bulgaria
Dejan Ivanov 205-F/C-86 Fabi Shoes Italy
Kaloyan Ivanov 205-F-86 Cajasol Spain
Stanislav Vaklinov 206-F-89 Rilski Sportist Bulgaria
Aleksandar Yanev 203-F-90 Cherno More Bulgaria
Pavel Marinov 197-G-88 Tundja Bulgaria
Pavel Ivanov 200-F-88 Levski Bulgaria
Nikolay Varbanov 209-C-85 Tundja Bulgaria
Stefan Georgiev 206-C/F-78 Levski Bulgaria
Tencho Banev 209-C-80 Lukoil Academik Bulgaria
Konstandin Marshavelski 206-C-89

Rosen Barchovski Head Coach Rilski Sportist Bulgaria


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  CANADA   


NBL Canada announces the Draft - by Eurobasket
The National Basketball League of Canada is pleased to announce the details of its inaugural pre-draft combine and the NBL Canada Draft 2011.

'The NBL Canada pre-draft combine and draft will be groundbreaking for the country,' said National Basketball League of Canada President & CEO, Andre Levingston. 'The events will mark a new beginning of Canadian basketball talent, and will inspire and encourage the next generation of young Canadian athletes. We're excited that young Canadians can now dream about being a basketball player in their own country.'

The two-day combine will be held on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 at the Seneca College Sports Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Saturday will serve as free agent day, with Sunday dedicated to Canadian players only.

'It's extremely important to the league that Canadian talent is given a unique opportunity to shine,' says Levingston. 'The NBL Canada is committed to developing the nation's talent, and we encourage those Canadians striving toward a professional career in the sport of Basketball to attend the pre-draft combine and draft.'

The NBL Canada Draft 2011 will be held on Sunday, August 21 at 7:00 pm at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

The draft will consist of three rounds. The first round will draft free agent players only, while the second and third rounds will draft Canadian players only. Only those players who attend the combine will be eligible for the draft.

The NBL Canada Draft 2011 selection order is as follows:

1. Oshawa, Ontario
2. Prince Edward Island
3. London, Ontario
4. Moncton, New Brunswick
5. Saint John Mill Rats, Saint John, New Brunswick
6. Halifax Rainmen, Halifax, NS
7. Quebec Kebs, Quebec City, Quebec

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  CHINA   


China Wins 2 Preparing for Asian Championship - by Arthur Volbert
China has won exhibition games against teams from Montenegro and Turkey as it prepares for the FIBA Asian championship.

China defeated Montenegro 75-72 yesterday. Wang Zhizhi had 15 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes. Wang Shipeng had 13 points in 18 minutes. Liu Wei had 9 points in 24 minutes. Yu Shulong had 9 points in 21 minutes. Ding Jinhui had 8 points in 26 minutes.

China defeated Turkey 79-73 today. Zhu FangYu (201-F-83) had 30 points and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. Wang Shipeng had 11 points in 14 minutes. Yu Shulong had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 22 minutes. Zhang Qingpeng had 8 points in 19 minutes. Ding Jinhui had 7 points and 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. Xirelijiang scored 6 in 14 minutes.


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


Cedevita brings in Miro Bilan - by Eurobasket News
According to Slobodna Dalmacija, Cedevita signed Miro Bilan (212-F-89) for the next season. Reportedly, they penned a deal on Friday. Bilan spent last season in Zadar. He appeared 26 times in Adriatic league averaging 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds. Bilan also added 8.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. In Croatian championship, Bilan had 10.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 3 games.
Before Zadar, Miro Bilan spent some time with AEP Olimpiada Patron and few years with Sibenka Sibenik. He is currently a member of the Croatian B National Team. In the past, Bilan played for U20 and U18 Croatia. At the U20 EuroBasket 2009 in Rhodes, Bilan shined with 13.7 ppg and 7 rpg for 9 games.

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Transfer activity in Cyprus - by Michael Aristidou

This 2-3 past days there was some good activity in Cyprus teams as concern their roster for the new season.


More specific Keravnos Strovolou has announce officially the transfer of the American guard Marcus Moore (198-G-80, college: Washington St.) and with the recent addition of Louis Darby the team looks to be powerful enough.


In other additions InterCollege Etha Engomis is the first team that finishes up their squad for the new season. Last years champions added American Mark Dawson (206-F/C-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Long Beach St.) to their roster.

Finally B.M.C. AEK Larnacas has achieved the transfer of their first American for the new season. Charron Fisher (193-G/F-85, college: Niagara) is officially member of B.M.C. AEK Larnacas for the new season



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


BK Usti nad Labem Adds First Reinforcements for Next Season - by Surujh Roopnarine
Newcomers to the Mattoni NBL, BK Usti nad Labem announced their first two additions for the 2011-12 season.
Tomas Hruby (206-C-78), a 33-year old center who spent the last two seasons in Chomutov is the first new addition. The experienced big man last played in the NBL during the 2008-09 season in Opava, where he averaged 10.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 39 contests. This past season in Chomutov, the 1.Liga champions, he appeared in 22 games and averaged 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 58.2% from the field.
Jiri Holanda (183-G-86), a 25-year old shooting guard spent this season in Jindrichuv Hradec, the same team that knocked Usti nad Labem from the 1.Liga playoffs in the semi-finals. In 24 games he averaged 14.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Though only 25, Holanda has experience in the NBL, coming up with Decin as well as spending the 2009-10 season in Brno.


Svitavy Strengthens Roster with Addition of Veteran Forward Pavel Milos - by Surujh Roopnarine
Basketball Svitavy, looking to build momentum off a strong finish to the 2010-11 season has continued to fortify their 2011-12 roster with the addition of veteran forward Pavel Milos (200-F-79). The soon-to-be 32-year old Milos spent last season with BK JIP Pardubice where he underwent one of his poorest seasons in his storied career. In 17 games the 6-7 wing averaged 4.5 points, and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 58.3% from the field and 38.1% from three. A sharp-shooter from three, Milos holds the NBL record for most three-point baskets scored in a game (13 in 2004), and scored his 7000th career point this season. Milos was signed to a two-year contract and will bolster a young squad which already re-upped its three main stars, Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson), Ravone George (193-G-83, college: Alabama) and Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86) last month. Milos earned MVP honors after the 2002-03 season and was a member of the Czech National Team for many years in addition to being a seven-time all-star.

Ladislav Toth Moves to BK Lokomotiva Plzen. - by Surujh Roopnarine
Former BK Prostejov reserve Ladislav Toth (196-F-83) has signed with Lokomotiva Plzen for the 2011-12 season. The 6-5 Toth spent the last two seasons buried on a very talented Prostejov roster and now will have a chance to get the playing time he had earlier in his career with Prague and Liberec. This season the 28-year old Toth appeared sparingly in 33 NBL contests, averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in eight minutes per game. His best season came during the 2007-08 campaign with Liberec. In 31 games he averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 48.6% from three. Lokomotiva Plzen finished last in the league last season with a 4-26 record, but will stay in the NBL this season due to issues of balancing the league format and the failure of franchises in Brno and Novy Jicin.

Three Czech Teams Will Participate in European Competitions Next Season - by Surujh Roopnarine
Reigning Mattoni NBL Champions CEZ Basketball Nymburk will be joined by second-place finishers BK BK Prostejov and third-place BK JIP Pardubice as the representatives from the Czech Republic who will play in European competitions during the 2011-12 season. CEZ Basketball Nymburk will kick things off in an attempt to qualify for the Euroleague as they will face Banvit BK of Turkey in Qualifying Round B. If Nymburk fails to qualify for the Euroleague they will automatically be regular season participants in Eurocup for the fifth consecutive season. Nymburk has the chance to become the first Czech team to reach the Euroleague regular season since 1981-82.
BK BK Prostejov continues its impressive three-year run with Eurocup qualifying against PBC Lukoil Academic of Bulgaria. If they defeat Lukoil, they will move on to the Eurocup Regular Season, if not they will enter the EuroChallenge Regular Season.
Finally, BK JIP Pardubice has placed itself directly in the EuroChallenge regular season, where as a member of Group C they will be paired up against the likes of BC Hoverla (Ukraine), Chorale de Roane (France) and the loser of the Eurocup qualifier between BK BK Prostejov and Lukiol Academic


BK Prostejov Adds Point Guard Matej Venta - by Surujh Roopnarine
Matej Venta (187-G-84), a 27-year old Slovenian point guard is the newest addition to BK Prostejov. Continuing the massive overhaul of this past seasons team, Venta is the second new addition to the club (joining forward Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78)), as well as the second former player of new Head Coach Zbynek Choleva . The 6-2 Venta spent this past season with Hopsi Polzela of Slovenia, where he appeared in 25 games and averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 51.4% from the field and 21.4% from three point range. Venta spent two seasons (2006-2008) in Novy Jicin as well as a third season in the Czech Republic with CEZ Basketball Nymburk.
During his time with Novy Jicin he accumulated averages of 6.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 52.3% from the field and 35.6% from three in 79 combined games.
With Nymburk he appeared in 52 NBL games and averaged 4.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists while backing up Arthur Lee (185-G-77, college: Stanford). With Prostejov he will be expected to push and possibly supplant David Marek (188-G-85, college: S.Utah) at the point guard position as the team will try to fill the void created by the departure of Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) to Nymburk.


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


U16 Tunisia blasts U16 Congo 72-40 in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. Tunisia demonstrated outstanding performance in Day One. They destroyed Congo 72-40 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of the same pool are also Mali and Angola. In Day One, Mali was better than Angola 53-45.
In Group A, Algeria outplayed South Africa 69-66. Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
In Day Two of the championship, Tunisia will meet Angola, while Congo will play against Mali.

*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


Egypt opens U16 AfroBasket in style - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. The host of this even had a joyful Day One registering 108-54 victory against Mozambique (Group A). Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Also in Day One, Algeria was too strong for South Africa 69-66 (Group A). In Group B, Tunisia blasted Congo 72-40, while Mali was better than Angola 53-45.

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


TOP EUROPEAN OFFICIALS CAMP HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHOWCASE! - by Ozell Wells
As every year, since 2004 there is organized basketball referees camp. The main purpose of the camp is to educate young referees and show them the way to work on the court and improve quality of calls.

The interest of the camp is to always have very good games with the greatest instructing support, accompanied by comfortable facilities in attractive place. This is why 8th edition of Basketball Referee's Camp, will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia July 27th to 31st.

Yet again there will be present a fantastic group of Top European Instructors from Euroleague, FIBA and most probably NBA. As every year organizers will do best to bring to referees something new and interesting, which will provide them with special motivation and chance to improve their skills on the court. There will be many lectures and practical trainings on the court. This edition will have many good professional senior games, so there will be good occasion to work on your special skills.

Referees Camp will use games who are provided by the players camp: www.risingballers.com/rebotesk

All referees will have chance to learn and practice the new officiating techniques, all the games will be refereed by 3 referees and every game will be instructed by very experience instructors/top European referees. Also all the games will be recorded and there will be a chance to work with video material immediately after refereeing.

There will be also chance to exchange knowlage and experience with a basketball coach (es). The coach's clinic which runs in the same time and place will give a chance to attend some coach's lectures about techniques and tactics of the game.

There is a plan to have, for the first time in Europe, an educational cooperation between coaches, referees and instructors after every single game. This can open for another point of view of the job, that referees and coaches do on the court.

We expect referees from many countries and the main language at the clinic will be English.

More details about the camp will be very soon available at the website: www.referee.pl

At website is also possible to find information, pictures and other details about camps from past years.

Finland U20 and Estonia U20 exchange victories in Vantaa - by Eurobasket News
Finland U20 and Estonia U20 exchange victories in Vantaa in the friendly clashes.
In Game 1 Estonia U20 grabbed 63:49 win over the hosts. They took 17-16 after the first period and improved to 36:28 at the halftime. Estonia had 48:43 after thirty minutes and had a 4-point victory at the end. For the Finnish team Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) collected 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) added 8.
In Game 2 Finland U20 celebrated 108:73 win. They opened the game with 33-23 and never looked behind. They improved to 61:30 at the halftime and had 81:51 win after three quarters. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) paced all the winners with 19 points and Osku Heinonen (194-F/G-92) notched 18. Samuli Vanttaja (210-F/C-91) delivered 15, while Villematti Kopio scored 13.




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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


ESL 2011 Las Vegas event is featuring All Pro Sports & Entertainement - by Darryl Reshaw
All Pro Sports & Entertainment (APSE) will feature an agency team in the 2011 Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) in Las Vegas.
APSE is a world-class sports management firm that specializes in representing, supporting, and maximizing the value of sports professionals.
APSE has represented and continues to represent some of the most respected and celebrated names throughout the sports world.
The founder and president of APSE, C. Lamont Smith, has been representing professional athletes for 26 years.
The New York Times has described Lamont as one of the most powerful agents in the country.
Lamont has been selected twice by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Minorities in Sports. In February 2011, Lamont was recognized for his achievements in the industry and was featured in Verizon Wireless national campaign Celebrate Your Story.
He is in good standing with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) as a Certified Contract Advisor.
The APSE team will be coached by former NBA player and coach Phil Hubbard .
Hubbard played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
From 2003-2009, Hubbard was an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, coaching All-Stars such as Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.
Prior to joining the Wizards coaching staff, Hubbard was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
Hubbard is one of four players to have their number (35) retired at the University of Michigan.
Hubbard also won a gold medal in Montreal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team.

List of players on APSE 2011 ESL team:
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89)-Virginia Tech
David Fisher (6'10''-F/C-78, college: Colorado St.)r-New Mexico State
Brad Byerson (6'7''-F-85, college: Virginia Union)-Virginia Union
Josh Southern (6'10''-C-89)-Boston College
Tomaul Hawkins (6'3''-G)-University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Jabril Banks (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Colorado)-Northern Colorado
Michael Hunter (5'10''-PG, college: Cal-Irvine)-UC-Irvine


The following is the ESL Las Vegas Game Schedule:

Venue: Doolittle Community Center, 1950 J Street, Las Vegas, NV 89106


July 8th Games: Main Court:

G1) Team Brussels vs. Team Zurich 12:30pm
G2) Team Dublin vs. Team Venice (APSE) 2:00pm
G3) Team Geneva vs. Team Monaco (Union) 3:30pm
G4) Team Lugano vs. Team Manchester 5:00pm

July 9th Games: Main Court:

G5) Winner of G3 vs. Winner of G4 12pm
G6) Loser of G3 vs. Loser of G4 1:30pm
G7) Winner of G1 vs. Winner of G2 3pm
G8) Loser of G1 vs. Loser of G2 4:30pm

July 10th Games: Main Court:

G9) Loser of G6 vs. Loser of G8 12pm (7th Place)
G10) Winner of G6 vs. Winner of G8 1:30pm (5th Place)
G11) Loser of G5 vs. Loser of G7 3pm (3rd Place)
G12) Winner of G5 vs. Winner of G7 4:30pm (1st Place)

For additional information regarding the ESL Las Vegas Event please email: marketing@eurobasket.com



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


ESL 2011 Las Vegas event is featuring All Pro Sports & Entertainement - by Darryl Reshaw
All Pro Sports & Entertainment (APSE) will feature an agency team in the 2011 Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) in Las Vegas.
APSE is a world-class sports management firm that specializes in representing, supporting, and maximizing the value of sports professionals.
APSE has represented and continues to represent some of the most respected and celebrated names throughout the sports world.
The founder and president of APSE, C. Lamont Smith, has been representing professional athletes for 26 years.
The New York Times has described Lamont as one of the most powerful agents in the country.
Lamont has been selected twice by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Minorities in Sports. In February 2011, Lamont was recognized for his achievements in the industry and was featured in Verizon Wireless national campaign Celebrate Your Story.
He is in good standing with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) as a Certified Contract Advisor.
The APSE team will be coached by former NBA player and coach Phil Hubbard .
Hubbard played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
From 2003-2009, Hubbard was an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, coaching All-Stars such as Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.
Prior to joining the Wizards coaching staff, Hubbard was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
Hubbard is one of four players to have their number (35) retired at the University of Michigan.
Hubbard also won a gold medal in Montreal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team.

List of players on APSE 2011 ESL team:
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89)-Virginia Tech
David Fisher (6'10''-F/C-78, college: Colorado St.)r-New Mexico State
Brad Byerson (6'7''-F-85, agency: college: Virginia Union)-Virginia Union
Josh Southern (6'10''-C-89)-Boston College
Tomaul Hawkins (6'3''-G)-University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Jabril Banks (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Colorado)-Northern Colorado
Michael Hunter (5'10''-PG, college: Cal-Irvine)-UC-Irvine


The following is the ESL Las Vegas Game Schedule:

Venue: Doolittle Community Center, 1950 J Street, Las Vegas, NV 89106


July 8th Games: Main Court:

G1) Team Brussels vs. Team Zurich 12:30pm
G2) Team Dublin vs. Team Venice (APSE) 2:00pm
G3) Team Geneva vs. Team Monaco (Union) 3:30pm
G4) Team Lugano vs. Team Manchester 5:00pm

July 9th Games: Main Court:

G5) Winner of G3 vs. Winner of G4 12pm
G6) Loser of G3 vs. Loser of G4 1:30pm
G7) Winner of G1 vs. Winner of G2 3pm
G8) Loser of G1 vs. Loser of G2 4:30pm

July 10th Games: Main Court:

G9) Loser of G6 vs. Loser of G8 12pm (7th Place)
G10) Winner of G6 vs. Winner of G8 1:30pm (5th Place)
G11) Loser of G5 vs. Loser of G7 3pm (3rd Place)
G12) Winner of G5 vs. Winner of G7 4:30pm (1st Place)

For additional information regarding the ESL Las Vegas Event please email: marketing@eurobasket.com



ESL Las Vegas kicks off in an impressive fashion - Day One Results - by Darryl Reshaw
Eurobasket Summer League 11 (Las Vegas)
Day 1

The ESL 2011 Las Vegas event started in a impressive fashion.
International scouts from Asia, Europe, NBDL and all over the globe embarked on the Doolittle Community Center on Friday.
This is the best group of talent assemble outside the NBA Summer league and there some very interesting performances.

Game 1:
Brussels 85 - Zurich 93
The very first game of the day began with former assistant coach of ULM Basket Tunde Adekola and IBL coach Jay Bradford . Early on, the 611 center Phil Jones (6'10''-C-85, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment, college: Charlotte) looks very impressive. He had some nice post moves (good right hook) and block shots for Brussels. He can also step out and shoot the 3-ball. Any team looking for a big that has post play, can rebound and can extend the defense, this is a good buy. He can play LEB Gold, France Pro A or leagues equivalent. Johnny Thomas (6'6''-F-87, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) looks like a pro. He has a nice body, long arms and is very athletic. He can play the 3 and 4 in Europe. He is a strong player that can shoot the long ball and can create off the dribble. He would be a good player for France Pro A, Italy A2 or leagues equivalent. In the first half, coach Tundes team held a nine-point advantage. Rob Eldridge (6'2''-G-87, college: Florida Southern) was the most productive player for Zurich. He was aggressively attacking the rim. He is a strong combo guard that has creative moves getting to the basket and can consistently make the mid range shot. He has a way of getting fouled and getting to the line. Robert could compete in leagues like Israel, France Pro B and leagues equivalent. Duncan Milne (6'9''-F-86) looks like a good Power Forward as well. He can spread the floor with his shot and he knows how to play the game. He has a good motor and he is tough. He would be a good player for Germany 1st division, Switzerland and leagues equivalent. Trever Bing is a solid point guard. He can control the game. He also does a good job of shooting high percentage shots; good decision making as well. Coach Jay Bradford s team advances to the semi-finals of the ESL Las Vegas.
Co-MVP of the game was Rob Eldridge with 18-points. Trevor Bing (6'3''-G-85, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) also looked impressive with 17-points.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Zurich vs Brussels
07/08/11 12:30 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Zurich 93
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
43 Jackson, Marcus * 3-7 0-0 5-6 3 4 7 0 11 1 3 0 3 29
46 Eldridge, Robert * 6-13 0-1 6-8 1 2 3 4 18 3 0 0 0 30
47 Bing, Trevor * 8-10 1-1 0-0 1 2 3 6 17 2 1 0 0 27
58 Nelson, Ryan * 1-3 0-1 0-0 1 5 6 3 2 1 2 2 0 21
68 Milne, Duncan * 3-9 0-0 0-0 4 3 7 2 6 0 1 1 1 25
27 Thompson, Jerrell 3-5 0-0 4-4 0 3 3 3 10 1 1 0 0 8
28 Tomko, Chad 1-12 0-3 2-2 2 2 4 2 4 2 1 0 2 5
38 Williams, John 3-6 2-2 0-0 2 2 4 1 8 0 1 0 2 11
59 Nall, Justin 0-5 0-0 7-8 3 4 7 0 7 0 2 0 0 11
78 Phifer, Frank 2-4 0-0 6-7 4 7 11 4 10 2 4 0 1 16
Team 3 4 7 1
Totals 30-74 3-8 30-35 24 38 62 25 93 12 17 3 9 183
FG % 1st Half: 14-33 42.4%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-4 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 14-18 77.8%
2nd half: 16-41 39.0%
2nd half: 1-4 25.0%
2nd half: 16-17 94.1%
Game: 30-74 40.5%
Game: 3-8 37.5%
Game: 30-35 85.7%
Deadball
Rebounds
2
Brussels 85
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
05 Harris, Dijuan * 2-10 0-1 0-2 1 2 3 4 4 7 1 0 1 25
50 Lawrence, Tryston * 1-1 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 1 4 1 2 0 2 17
51 Thomas, John * 8-18 2-6 3-4 0 1 1 1 21 1 2 0 0 32
91 George, Travis * 1-3 0-0 3-4 2 3 5 5 5 0 3 2 1 24
92 Jones, Phil * 6-13 0-0 3-3 3 5 8 0 15 0 0 2 1 28
03 Evans, Darryl 3-4 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 6 4 1 0 2 8
07 Deadwiler, Shawn 0-5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 -1
18 Davis, Jocolby 1-1 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 12
30 Simmons, Christian 2-8 2-4 6-6 1 2 3 5 12 2 3 0 1 8
52 Wilderness, Anjuan 3-8 1-2 5-8 3 1 4 1 12 0 0 0 0 14
83 Magee, Elliot 1-3 0-0 0-0 3 3 6 4 2 0 2 0 1 14
84 Ajufo, Chidi 0-4 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0+
Team 6 3 9 1
Totals 28-78 6-14 23-31 19 22 41 24 85 16 17 4 9 181
FG % 1st Half: 17-40 42.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 4-5 80.0%
FT % 1st Half: 11-14 78.6%
2nd half: 11-38 28.9%
2nd half: 2-9 22.2%
2nd half: 12-17 70.6%
Game: 28-78 35.9%
Game: 6-14 42.9%
Game: 23-31 74.2%
Deadball
Rebounds
2
Officials:
Technical fouls: Zurich-None. Brussels-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Zurich 15 29 27 22 93
Brussels 25 24 20 16 85

Game 2

APSE Venice 79 Dublin 75
Game (2) was coached by Dublin's Larry Lessett and Venice Phil Hubbard
The game was a great contest that went back and forth until the final couple of possessions.
The difference in the game was the interior power of the APSE Venice team.
They dominated the offensive glass and their big guys passed the well late in the forth quarter when the game was on the line.
Dublin had a lot of talent and a few guys stepped up and made some critical plays in crunch time but could not get over the hump.
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89) stepped up big for APSE Venice in the fourth quarter and made some dagger shots.
At first glance the two players looked most impressive were Brad Byerson (6'7''-F-85, college: Virginia Union) and Kenny Boyd (6'8''-C-82, college: Morehouse). Brad a strong and aggressive undersized center has great footwork and a good motor.
He is very athletic around the rim and an excellent rebounder. He blocks shots well and he has crafty moves in the paint. Kenny Boyd (6'8''-C-82, college: Morehouse) is a 69 center with very good low post ability. He is a good rebounder and runs the floor well for his size with soft hands.
The point guard match up was very intriguing as both players have excellent speed, quickness and serious dribble penetration skills.
Vincent Goldsberry (6'0''-PG-89) and Michael Hunter (5'10''-PG, college: Cal-Irvine)r played great for their respective teams.
They both pushed the tempo for their team. Vince was solid for his team on both ends of the floor.
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89) is a player that can play the 1,2 and 3. He can handle the ball, knows how to create a shot for himself and his team. He can also play the pick and roll. Terrel would be a great player for France Pro B, Germany and leagues equivalent.
Jabril Banks (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Colorado) showed skills to be a solid small forward. He has excellent foot work in the post. He sees the floor well while he is making his moves, he has great decision-making when he is making his move and he is a very good passer. Rebounding and defending is also a strong trait of his. Jabril could compete in Switzerland, France B or leagues equivalent.
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89) was the game MVP with 23-points and 10-rebounds. Kenny Boyd (6'8''-C-82, college: Morehouse) respectfully had 17-points and 10-rebounds.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Dublin vs Venice
07/08/11 2:30 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Dublin 75
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min

04 Wilson, Josh * 3-10 1-2 2-3 1 1 2 3 9 3 1 0 1 26
08 Goldsberry, Vince * 4-12 0-2 6-6 0 4 4 1 14 2 1 1 3 35
71 Gray, Jessan * 2-9 0-2 0-0 1 4 5 3 4 0 1 1 1 31
86 Sample, Justin * 2-6 0-0 1-2 2 4 6 4 5 2 0 0 0 18
96 Stamper, J'son * 0-3 0-0 0-0 1 3 4 2 0 1 3 1 0 19
19 Sims, Nathan 4-5 0-0 2-4 2 2 4 2 10 1 0 0 0 11
31 Scott, Melvin 0-3 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 12
32 Martin, Tristan 1-3 0-1 0-2 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 9
35 McIntosh, Jabari 0-0 0-0 0-0 2 3 5 3 0 2 0 0 0 15
53 Nash, Robert 4-14 0-0 3-4 0 1 1 2 11 0 2 0 1 33
73 Stockton, Jarred 1-1 1-1 0-0 0 2 2 2 3 0 1 0 0 8
85 Boyd, Kenny 3-9 0-0 11-12 3 7 10 4 17 0 2 0 2 24
Team 2 4 6
Totals 24-75 2-8 25-33 14 37 51 28 75 12 13 4 9 241
FG % 1st Half: 11-41 26.8%
3FG % 1st Half: 0-3 0.0%
FT % 1st Half: 9-14 64.3%
2nd half: 13-34 38.2%
2nd half: 2-5 40.0%
2nd half: 16-19 84.2%
Game: 24-75 32.0%
Game: 2-8 25.0%
Game: 25-33 75.8%
Deadball
Rebounds
4
Venice 79
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
29 Hunter, Michael * 5-19 2-6 2-2 0 2 2 6 14 2 4 0 2 45
48 Fisher, David * 3-12 0-1 4-12 2 3 5 4 10 1 2 0 0 31
49 Bell, Terrell * 10-20 0-0 3-4 2 8 10 3 23 3 4 1 1 41
69 Southern, Josh * 2-3 0-0 4-6 3 5 8 4 8 2 0 0 1 28
79 Byerson, Brad * 5-7 0-0 1-7 3 10 13 3 11 5 3 1 1 35
39 Hawkins, Tomaul 1-5 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 18
64 Banks, Jabril 4-6 0-0 0-0 2 4 6 3 8 3 0 0 0 27
70 Jones, Jeff 1-2 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 13
Team 4 7 11
Totals 31-74 2-7 15-33 17 40 57 25 79 17 15 2 6 238
FG % 1st Half: 15-37 40.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-4 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 8-18 44.4%
2nd half: 16-37 43.2%
2nd half: 0-3 0.0%
2nd half: 7-15 46.7%
Game: 31-74 41.9%
Game: 2-7 28.6%
Game: 15-33 45.5%
Deadball
Rebounds
8
Officials:
Technical fouls: Dublin-None. Venice-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Dublin 14 17 18 26 75
Venice 26 14 16 23 79

Game 3

Geneva 88 - Union Monaco 104
Game (3) featured two seven footers with serious size.
The 7'8' Paul Sturgess (7'8''-C-87, agency: KMG Sports Management) and the 7'3' Jermaine Middleton (7'3''-C, college: Northwood Fl.) occupied lots of space in the paint but have a lot of room to develop as professional players.
The Union Monaco team was too deep and scored lots of transition points against Geneva.
They were up by 18 points early in the game but Geneva coached by Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) made an impressive comeback.
However they just did not play good enough to stay in the game against Union Monaco.
Dawson Eric (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) looked like the best player in the building with his nice all around game. His ability to handle the ball at 69 gives him an advantage against most power forwards. He can spread the floor and shoot the long ball. He has post moves as well. He could play some minutes at the 3. He is a versatile player. He could play immediately in France Pro A, Italy A1 and LEB Gold.
Akeem Scott (6'1''-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) is a nice floor general and displayed pro experience in this game as well. Kiwan Smith (6'7''-F-87) showed he could play professionally with his high energy and athleticism. He is a very athletic wing player that can play the power forward position.
Tracy Robinson (6'7''-F-87) played well with 17-points and 9-rebounds.
Dawson Eric was the game MVP with 25-points and 6-rebounds. Akeem Scott had 21 respectfully.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Geneva vs Monaco
07/08/11 4:25 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Geneva 88
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
09 Long, Chris * 1-3 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 0 14
10 Christensen, Jeff * 1-5 0-1 0-0 2 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 1 16
20 Scott, Akeem * 7-13 0-0 7-10 2 0 2 1 21 3 2 0 8 29
87 Hanson, Tyrone * 1-9 0-3 5-6 4 2 6 2 7 1 0 0 1 35
95 Sturgess, Paul * 0-4 0-0 2-2 3 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 14
06 Smith, Allen 3-9 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 0 31
13 Moore, Chris 2-7 0-1 0-2 1 1 2 2 4 1 0 0 1 18
22 Christie, Terrell 2-11 0-0 0-2 2 2 4 1 4 1 2 0 1 37
34 Helton, James 4-8 1-1 2-2 2 2 4 1 11 0 1 0 0 26
40 Crowder, James 5-9 0-0 3-8 2 6 8 2 13 2 1 0 1 31
72 Parham, Tim 7-11 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 1 14 0 0 0 1 14
93 Pruitt, Tony 1-2 0-0 0-0 2 1 3 3 2 1 2 0 2 21
Team 2 2 4
Totals 34-91 1-8 19-32 23 18 41 17 88 13 12 0 16 286
FG % 1st Half: 14-40 35.0%
3FG % 1st Half: 1-5 20.0%
FT % 1st Half: 6-14 42.9%
2nd half: 20-51 39.2%
2nd half: 0-3 0.0%
2nd half: 13-18 72.2%
Game: 34-91 37.4%
Game: 1-8 12.5%
Game: 19-32 59.4%
Deadball
Rebounds
8
Monaco 104
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min

12 Petty, Perry * 2-7 0-1 0-0 1 2 3 4 4 5 1 0 2 43
54 Hewitt, Kenny * 4-7 0-1 2-3 2 2 4 2 10 0 0 0 0 31
65 Freeman, Gabe * 7-12 0-0 2-3 3 5 8 2 16 1 1 0 0 31
67 Smith, Kiwan * 4-10 0-1 5-6 4 6 10 3 13 3 7 1 1 48
89 Dawson, Eric * 11-18 2-2 1-2 1 5 6 3 25 1 1 0 1 21
21 Tabb, Josh 2-3 1-1 0-0 1 0 1 3 5 1 2 0 2 33
24 Steen, Maurice 3-7 0-0 0-0 2 4 6 2 6 3 9 0 0 42
56 Moore, Charles 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
62 Smith, Jermaine 0-0 0-0 2-2 0 3 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 5
76 Robinson, Tracy 7-8 0-0 3-3 2 7 9 0 17 1 3 0 0 23
98 Middleton, Jermaine 3-5 0-0 0-0 2 2 4 4 6 0 2 3 0 24
Team 0 4 4 1
Totals 43-77 3-6 15-19 18 40 58 23 104 15 27 4 6 302
FG % 1st Half: 25-42 59.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-3 66.7%
FT % 1st Half: 3-5 60.0%
2nd half: 18-35 51.4%
2nd half: 1-3 33.3%
2nd half: 12-14 85.7%
Game: 43-77 55.8%
Game: 3-6 50.0%
Game: 15-19 78.9%
Deadball
Rebounds
3
Officials:
Technical fouls: Geneva-None. Monaco-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Geneva 17 18 31 22 88
Monaco 26 29 23 26 104

Game 4
Lugano 126 Manchester 83
Game (4) had former professional player Lewis Lofton coaching the Manchester team. Glen Hayes the former ESL Coach of the Year was in charge of the talented Lugano team.
The Lugano team played and excellent pressure zone defense that lead into lots of turnover and transition points and ran Manchester out of the gym.
A guy that is no stranger to the ESL, Marcel Anderson (5'9''-PG-86, college: Harris-Stowe St.) got off to a good start in the game He had a couple of early steals, which ended in dunks and two back to back 3pt shots. Another player that stood out in the game was 2011 NAIA Player of the Year Justin Johnson (6'2''-PG-88, college: Concordia Irvine)
He is a true point guard with a very high basketball IQ. He was very efficient with all of his shots made early on.
Any teams looking for a true point that can really pass, shoot and is a winner in France Pro B, Switzerland or leagues equivalent, this is your guy.
Coach Glen Hayes had his team playing well as they controlled the first half with a 15 point lead.
His enthusiasm from the sidelines transferred over to his team on the floor.
Andrew Schroeder (6'9''-F) looked very good for his team. He was solid on the block and grabbed many rebounds around the rim.
Robert Mitchell (6'6''-F-86) looked like a pro for Manchester. He has a really good shot (midrange). He is a big guard that can play either the 1,2 or 3 positions. He also has a high basketball IQ.
Dustin Mitchell (6'9''-F/C, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.) former ESL Las Vegas All Tourney player had his game going in the first half.
Dustin has a great shot, he has really good post moves on the low post and he is an excellent rebounder. He is a double-double guy that can play in France Pro A, Germany 1st Division and leagues equivalent.
Justin Baker (6'7''-F) played very well and featured a nice mid range shooting touch and great rebounding skills.
Allen Durham (6'6''-F) was a monster on the offensive boards for Lugano.
Lindsey Hughey (6'3''-G-89) was terrific in the second half. He connected on a couple of 3pt shots and had some strong penetration moves towards the rim.
With 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, coach Glen Hayes team had a commanding lead 98-63. It was all do to his energy and communication with his players. In the end Lugano easily moves on to the semi-finals game.
Noah Gottlieb (6'1''-G-88) played well in the first half for the losing team but displayed some fine point guard skills.
MVP of this game was Justin Johnson with 18-points, 9assist and 6 rebounds. Marcel Anderson also had 19 points and 9-assists.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Lugano vs Manchester
07/08/11 6:10 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Lugano 126
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
01 Anderson, Marcel * 9-18 1-2 0-2 1 1 2 1 19 9 6 0 1 33
11 Johnson, Justin * 8-14 0-0 2-2 1 5 6 0 18 9 2 0 3 39
42 Kimble, Anthony * 6-15 0-1 0-0 1 5 6 2 12 3 2 1 1 26
60 Bailey, Brant * 5-8 0-0 0-0 0 8 8 2 10 0 1 0 0 34
97 Mitchell, Dustin * 6-11 1-2 3-4 2 6 8 3 16 0 1 0 2 35
14 Hughey, Lindsey 7-9 1-3 0-0 1 12 13 0 15 4 4 0 2 11
23 Watson, Kashif 2-4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 14
55 Shuler, Jovonni 2-7 0-3 0-0 2 1 3 2 4 0 0 0 1 18
56 Schroeder, Andrew 7-8 0-0 0-0 4 5 9 2 14 0 1 0 0 11
75 Durham, Allen 4-8 0-0 0-0 5 4 9 4 8 1 0 1 0 8
88 Baker, Justin 3-5 0-0 0-0 1 4 5 2 6 1 0 1 0 12
Team 1 2 3
Totals 59-10 3-11 5-8 19 53 72 19 126 29 17 3 10 241
FG % 1st Half: 26-54 48.1%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-6 33.3%
FT % 1st Half: 3-4 75.0%
2nd half: 33-53 62.3%
2nd half: 1-5 20.0%
2nd half: 2-4 50.0%
Game: 59-10 55.1%
Game: 3-11 27.3%
Game: 5-8 62.5%
Deadball
Rebounds
2
Manchester 83
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
16 Gottlieb, Noah * 5-15 1-1 1-2 1 1 2 2 12 2 4 1 1 38
36 Gibbons, Deshawn * 2-6 0-1 2-2 4 1 5 2 6 0 2 0 1 34
41 Mitchell, Robert * 5-11 1-2 2-3 0 2 2 2 13 4 1 0 0 25
66 Abraham, Dennard * 4-13 0-1 0-1 1 4 5 1 8 0 1 0 0 29
77 Custer, Coy * 3-10 0-0 0-0 3 2 5 0 6 0 1 1 1 32
25 Rice, Denarryl 3-12 0-1 2-2 1 3 4 0 8 4 5 0 2 16
26 Stubbs, Jason 2-8 0-0 0-0 1 3 4 0 4 0 4 0 0 21
37 Rakestraw, Nate 3-7 0-2 1-1 0 3 3 0 7 1 0 0 0 4
45 Tat, Solomon 5-9 0-0 2-4 0 2 2 0 12 2 1 0 2 6
57 Baize, Jonah 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 14
63 Johnson, Stan 2-4 0-0 1-3 2 1 3 2 5 0 0 0 0 22
Team 0 7 7
Totals 35-97 2-8 11-18 13 29 42 9 83 14 19 2 7 241
FG % 1st Half: 18-52 34.6%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-6 33.3%
FT % 1st Half: 2-3 66.7%
2nd half: 17-45 37.8%
2nd half: 0-2 0.0%
2nd half: 9-15 60.0%
Game: 35-97 36.1%
Game: 2-8 25.0%
Game: 11-18 61.1%
Deadball
Rebounds
3
Officials:
Technical fouls: Lugano-None. Manchester-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Lugano 31 26 47 22 126
Manchester 21 19 27 16 83


You can follow the progress of this event on Twitter @Anoblestar

ESL Las Vegas Event Day 2 Results - by Darryl Reshaw
Eurobasket Summer League 11 (Las Vegas)
Day 2

Game 5

Lugano 120 Monaco 115

The first game of day 2 featured two teams that won their quarter-final opener. This game had several pro players on both teams. Coach Glen Hayes and NAIA Player of the Year Mr Justin Johnson (6'2''-PG-88, college: Concordia Irvine) looked ready for the highly skilled professional Mr. Dawson Eric (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) and the Union Monaco team.
This was a very competitive contest where both teams surged back and forth with lots of lead changes but in the end Lugano advance to the ESL Championship game.
Union Monaco big guards and defensive pressure had an immediate impact on the game.
Lugano yesterday beat a team by 40 points but in todays game found their team in a dog fight.
There were several key possessions late in the game that gave Lugano the advantage.
A flagrant foul was crucial on a fast break giving Lugano free throws and the ball in a one possession game.
This game was one of the best contests in the ESL 2011 Las Vegas event.

Dawson Eric (18pts; 15rbs) should be playing on a NBA Summer League Team or a big club in Europe.
This 6'9' big man can handle the basketball like a guard, shoot extremely well and has an excellent inside game.
He easily can defend small forwards as well as power forwards.
Dawson can make an immediate impact in high levels in Europe (Turkey, Italy A1, Greece) and Asian markets.

Kiwan Smith (6'7''-F-87) (19pts; 7rbs) was playing very good for Monaco. He is relentless on the glass, which gave him several easy layups. He is a athletic work horse that will do very well in Europe with his high energy play.
Maurice Steen (6'2''-G-87) (20pts) was a key contributor for Monaco as well. He hit several deep 3pt shots and was super-aggressive on the defensive end. Dawson Eric did everything for his team; rebounding, steals and assist.
Perry Petty (6'1''-G) had an outstanding game scoring 21 points and playing great defense.
Then there was a Lindsey Hughey (190-G-89) (6'3''-G-89) sighting. He was unstoppable in the forth quarter. He connected from deep, in the lane, from the line and an array of mid-range shots. He is a very confident player. When he gets hot, he is extremely tough to stop.
Allen Durham (6'6''-F) was a monster on the boards, he had 14 points and 15 rebounds.
He recorded 10 offensive rebounds alone which had an effect on the game.
The other outstanding guards for Lugano played well again.
Marcel Anderson (5'9''-PG-86, college: Harris-Stowe St.) scored 22 points and is probably the fastest guy at the ESL event.
He has an Iverson like game.
Justin Johnson chipped in another 15 points illustrating his fine PG scoring skills.
Again, Coach Glen Hayes led his team to a commanding lead late in the 4th. His constant communication and high energy from the sidelines increases the level of intensity of his players.
Lugano will be in the ESL Championship game on Sunday.

Dawson Eric finished the game with 18-points, 15-rebounds, 4-steals and 6-assist respectfully for Monaco.
The game MVP goes to Luganos Lindsey Hughey with 27 points, 7 assists, 3 steals and 4-rebounds.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Monaco vs Lugano
07/09/11 12 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Monaco 115
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
24 Steen, Maurice * 5-14 1-3 9-10 2 1 3 6 20 1 3 0 1 32
65 Freeman, Gabe * 3-9 0-3 7-9 0 6 6 4 13 1 5 1 0 36
76 Robinson, Tracy * 7-11 0-0 2-2 1 3 4 2 16 1 5 1 2 40-
89 Dawson, Eric * 5-19 0-0 8-10 6 9 15 5 18 6 7 3 4 41
98 Middleton, Jermaine * 1-1 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 8
12 Petty, Perry 7-13 2-6 5-8 5 1 6 5 21 4 2 0 3 30
54 Hewitt, Kenny 2-6 0-1 2-4 2 2 4 3 6 0 1 0 0 23
67 Smith, Kiwan 6-9 0-0 7-9 4 3 7 5 19 1 4 2 0 30
Team 0 3 3
Totals 36-82 3-13 40-52 21 28 49 31 115 14 28 7 10 240
FG % 1st Half: 20-46 43.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-4 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 14-20 70.0%
2nd half: 16-36 44.4%
2nd half: 1-9 11.1%
2nd half: 26-32 81.3%
Game: 36-82 43.9%
Game: 3-13 23.1%
Game: 40-52 76.9%
Deadball
Rebounds
9
Lugano 120
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds

## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
01 Anderson, Marcel * 6-18 2-5 8-13 1 2 3 4 22 4 6 0 3 32
11 Johnson, Justin * 6-12 0-0 3-4 0 1 1 3 15 0 1 0 2 24
42 Kimble, Anthony * 1-3 0-0 2-2 1 2 3 0 4 2 3 0 2 23
60 Bailey, Brant * 3-7 0-1 8-8 3 5 8 3 14 0 3 0 1 23
97 Mitchell, Dustin * 1-2 0-0 0-0 1 2 3 4 2 0 1 0 1 16
14 Hughey, Lindsey 7-14 3-5 10-13 0 4 4 3 27 7 2 0 3 31
23 Watson, Kashif 3-5 0-0 1-2 1 3 4 1 7 2 1 1 1 16
55 Shuler, Jovonni 2-5 2-5 2-2 1 2 3 4 8 0 1 0 1 17
56 Schroeder, Andrew 2-7 0-0 1-2 0 2 2 2 5 0 2 1 0 25
75 Durham, Allen 7-13 0-0 0-0 11 4 15 4 14 2 1 1 0 25
88 Baker, Justin 1-3 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 3 2 0 1 0 0 10
Team 6 1 7 1
Totals 39-89 7-16 35-46 25 29 54 31 120 17 23 3 14 242
FG % 1st Half: 20-48 41.7%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-9 22.2%
FT % 1st Half: 13-18 72.2%
2nd half: 19-41 46.3%
2nd half: 5-7 71.4%
2nd half: 22-28 78.6%
Game: 39-89 43.8%
Game: 7-16 43.8%
Game: 35-46 76.1%
Deadball
Rebounds
9
Officials:
Technical fouls: Monaco-Steen, Maurice; Freeman, Gabe; TEAM. Lugano-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Monaco 30 26 32 27 115
Lugano 26 29 29 36 120

Game 6

Geneva 115 Manchester 121

Game 2 had 78 Paul Sturgess (7'8''-C-87, agency: KMG Sports Management). He is a underdeveloped giant. He can run the floor for a big guy. He does a good job of getting rebounds when he is in the paint area. He needs to be developed. Robert Mitchell the former Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year looked solid in this game as well. It is clear he can compete on the professional level. He sees the floor very well and can defend many positions with his size and length.
Jason Stubbs (6'2''-G-86, college: Simpson (CA)) (18pts; 9rbs; 9ast) played and excellent game for the winners.
He was all over the floor and made some excellent decisions and used his strength and athleticism to attack the basket. He was one assist and one rebound away from a triple double.
He was the best player in the contest by far.
Solomon Tat (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Virginia) (20 pts) is a very strong athlete who attacks the basket very well and create fits for the opposing team. He is a very good candidate for teams in Europe looking for a quality Contonou player.
Denarryl Rice (6'0''-G-83, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Arkansas Tech) (18pts; 4ast) the super quick guard out of Detroit look great and had his best game of the ESL. He used his excellent dribble penetration skills to create offense for his teammates and himself.
Stan Johnson (6'7''-F) (17pts; 5rbs) played a very good all around game and got the attention of a few scouts.
Akeem Scott (6'1''-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) the player who won a championship in The Finnish League a few years ago put in a serious performance. He had 25-points, 6-rebounds and 6-assists as he controlled the tempo for his team but attack the paint relentlessly. The kid is a great prospect for mid level teams in Europe.
Tim Parham (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Md-Eastern Shore) (18pts; 14rbs) was solid in the paint area as he scored and rebounded extremely well. Tim can play for a lot of teams in Europe looking for a solid 4/5.
James Crowder (6'7''-F-86, agency: Agency No 10, college: Pfeiffer) (16pts; 9rbs) had a nice all around game scoring and rebounding as well.
Game MVP goes to Manchesters Jason Stubbs (6'2''-G-86, college: Simpson (CA)) with 18-points, 9-rebounds and 9-assist.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Manchester vs Geneva
07/09/11 2:15 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Manchester 121
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
16 Gottlieb, Noah * 3-8 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 5 7 4 3 0 3 20
37 Rakestraw, Nate * 4-8 2-5 0-0 2 2 4 1 10 4 1 0 2 25
41 Mitchell, Robert * 2-10 0-4 5-8 2 4 6 5 9 1 4 1 1 23
63 Johnson, Stan * 5-7 0-1 7-12 3 2 5 2 17 0 1 0 2 25
77 Custer, Coy * 4-11 0-0 1-2 0 5 5 6 9 0 3 1 2 25
25 Rice, Denarryl 6-13 3-7 3-5 1 1 2 0 18 4 1 0 1 28
26 Stubbs, Jason 5-8 0-0 8-12 3 6 9 2 18 9 1 0 1 27
45 Tat, Solomon 5-7 0-0 10-11 1 1 2 3 20 1 1 0 2 23
57 Baize, Jonah 1-3 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 0 0 21
66 Abraham, Dennard 5-10 0-0 0-0 3 7 10 3 10 0 1 2 1 23
Team 2 1 3
Totals 40-85 6-18 35-52 17 29 46 30 121 23 17 4 15 240
FG % 1st Half: 20-38 52.6%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-7 28.6%
FT % 1st Half: 23-31 74.2%
2nd half: 20-47 42.6%
2nd half: 4-11 36.4%
2nd half: 12-21 57.1%
Game: 40-85 47.1%
Game: 6-18 33.3%
Game: 35-52 67.3%
Deadball
Rebounds
7
Geneva 115
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds

## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
09 Long, Chris * 3-5 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 2 6 1 2 0 3 18
20 Scott, Akeem * 9-12 0-0 7-14 1 5 6 4 25 6 3 0 3 27
40 Crowder, James * 7-15 0-0 2-2 2 7 9 1 16 4 3 0 2 28
93 Pruitt, Tony * 4-8 1-2 0-0 2 1 3 4 9 0 0 0 0 30
95 Sturgess, Paul * 2-6 0-0 0-0 1 4 5 3 4 0 5 1 0 20
06 Smith, Allen 2-6 1-5 1-2 0 2 2 1 6 4 0 0 0 15
10 Christensen, Jeff 0-4 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 1 12
13 Moore, Chris 2-6 0-1 0-1 2 2 4 2 4 2 0 0 0 16
22 Christie, Terrell 3-6 0-1 6-10 3 2 5 4 12 0 1 0 0 20
34 Helton, James 1-2 0-0 2-2 1 0 1 1 4 0 2 0 0 13
72 Parham, Tim 8-11 0-0 2-11 6 8 14 3 18 1 2 0 1 25
87 Hanson, Tyrone 4-7 1-1 2-4 0 3 3 2 11 1 3 0 0 15
Team 3 0 3
Totals 45-88 3-11 22-46 21 37 58 29 115 20 22 1 10 239
FG % 1st Half: 23-43 53.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-4 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 10-25 40.0%
2nd half: 22-45 48.9%
2nd half: 1-7 14.3%
2nd half: 12-21 57.1%
Game: 45-88 51.1%
Game: 3-11 27.3%
Game: 22-46 47.8%
Deadball
Rebounds
17
Officials:
Technical fouls: Manchester-None. Geneva-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Manchester 32 33 23 33 121
Geneva 29 29 24 33 115


Game 7

Zurich 93 - APSE Venice 89
Former NBA player and coach Phil Hubbard and the current coach of the Gary Splash Jay Bradford brought their teams into the semi-finals game undefeated.
This game was an exciting contest as the game went into double overtime and featured some very intense play.
Both teams competed at a high level and made key shots in crunch time.
APSE Venice seemed to have the interior advantage as their big guys dominated inside.
However the defensive pressure and excellent defense from the Zurich team kept them into the game.
In the first half, Terrell Bell was the stand out player and ended the game with 19 points.
David Fisher (6'6''-F-84, agency:college: N.Mexico St.) was a beast inside and recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The super quick and electrifying Michael Hunter scored 20 points and 10 assists for APSE Venice.
Brad Byerson (6'7''-F-85, college: Virginia Union) had a nice all around inside game and scored 17 points and pulled 13 rebounds for the losing team.
Zurich featured seven players scoring double figures and excellent chemistry.
Jerrell Thompson (5'10''-G) (17pts; 6rbs; 5ast) was the guy in this contest and he displayed a great all around performance and lead his team to victory.
Justice Nall (6'6''-F, college: Mid-Continent) (14pts; 11rbs) played well notching a double double.
His teammate Frank Phifer (6'9''-C-80, college: Washburn) battled with the inside players of the Venice team and added a double double as well with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Duncan Milne (6'9''-F-86) (10pts; 9rbs) looked good as he was one rebound away from a double double as well.
Trevor Bing (191-G-85, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) (6'3''-G-85, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) (12pts) played well as did Ryan Nelson (6'6''-G-87, college: Valdosta St.) (11pts) as both played contributed on both ends.
The first half was a low scoring contest and not a lot of offensive production.
As the game developed both teams picked up the scoring and increased their intensity. Both teams wanted to leave it all on the court to reach the Championship game as the APSE looked a little tired in the over time periods.
Coach Jay Bradford and Zurich advances to the championship game.

Game MVP goes to Jerrell Thompson (5'10''-G) with 17-points, 6-rebounds and 5-assist.

Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Venice vs Zurich
07/09/11 4:15 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Venice 89

Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
29 Hunter, Michael * 9-23 1-6 1-2 0 4 4 2 20 10 3 0 2 53
48 Fisher, David * 6-11 1-1 3-5 1 12 13 3 16 2 3 2 1 52
49 Bell, Terrell * 8-16 1-1 2-2 1 6 7 4 19 5 4 2 0 57
69 Southern, Josh * 4-8 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 8 1 0 2 0 33
79 Byerson, Brad * 6-16 0-0 5-6 4 9 13 3 17 0 3 0 4 45
39 Hawkins, Tomaul 1-5 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 13
64 Banks, Jabril 1-8 0-0 1-4 1 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 1 27
70 Jones, Jeff 2-3 0-0 0-0 1 3 4 0 4 1 0 0 1 15
Team 1 1 2
Totals 37-90 3-8 12-19 10 38 48 14 89 19 16 6 10 295
FG % 1st Half: 17-41 41.5%
3FG % 1st Half: 1-2 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 5-8 62.5%
2nd half: 19-41 46.3%
2nd half: 1-4 25.0%
2nd half: 5-7 71.4%
OT: 1-8 12.5%
OT: 1-2 50.0%
OT: 2-4 50.0%
Game: 37-90 41.1%
Game: 3-8 37.5%
Game: 12-19 63.2%
Deadball
Rebounds
6
Zurich 93
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds

## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
43 Jackson, Marcus * 2-4 0-0 2-4 0 2 2 0 6 1 2 0 0 39
46 Eldridge, Robert * 0-8 0-0 3-4 1 3 4 1 3 4 4 0 0 35
47 Bing, Trevor * 5-13 0-0 2-2 0 3 3 1 12 1 1 0 1 39
59 Nall, Justice * 6-11 1-1 1-4 4 7 11 4 14 0 2 0 1 32
68 Milne, Duncan * 5-10 0-0 0-1 3 6 9 1 10 0 2 2 0 33
27 Thompson, Jerrell 8-9 1-1 0-0 1 5 6 1 17 5 1 1 0 20
28 Tomko, Chad 2-11 1-7 0-0 0 1 1 1 5 4 3 0 2 23
38 Williams, John 1-5 0-0 2-2 0 3 3 0 4 1 0 3 0 20
58 Nelson, Ryan 5-9 1-2 0-0 1 6 7 2 11 0 2 4 1 25
78 Phifer, Frank 5-10 0-0 1-2 3 7 10 3 11 1 1 2 2 28
Team 3 1 4
Totals 39-90 4-11 11-19 16 44 60 14 93 17 18 12 7 294
FG % 1st Half: 15-41 36.6%
3FG % 1st Half: 2-4 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 3-7 42.9%
2nd half: 21-44 47.7%
2nd half: 2-7 28.6%
2nd half: 5-8 62.5%
OT: 3-5 60.0%
OT: 0-0 0.0%
OT: 3-4 75.0%
Game: 39-90 43.3%
Game: 4-11 36.4%
Game: 11-19 57.9%
Deadball
Rebounds
4
Officials:
Technical fouls: Venice-None. Zurich-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th O T OT2 Total
Venice 25 15 26 18 5 0 89
Zurich 16 19 26 23 5 4 93


Game 8

Brussels 106 Dublin 74

The final game of the day 2 featured Coach Larry Lessett vs. Tunde Adekola .
In the first quarter the big guy Kenny Boyd (6'8''-C-82, college: Morehouse) went to work.
He is tough to defend because of his size, skills and footwork.
He can take big guys out to the perimeter and scorches them from 15-18 feet with a soft quality jump shot. He is a good European prospect.
He is so big a small version of Schortsantis of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Bobby Nash (6'6''-G/F-84) (12pts) and Jessan Gray (11pts; 9rbs) were solid for the Dublin team.
Johnny Thomas (6'6''-F-87, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) (19pts; 7rbs) is a very good European prospect. The kid is very athletic and can score the basketball.
Dijuan Harris (5'9''-G-86, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment, college: Charlotte) is a very quick and crafty PG with an excellent jump shot.
Dijuan was able to get in the paint and make good decisions with the ball.
He can also hit the long ball. Unfortunately, Dijuan didnt get to finish the game because of a dislocated finger. Harris would be a good player in France Pro B, Latvia, and leagues equivalent. Johnny Thomas was excellent in the first half. He was hitting shots from every area of the floor. I like his ability to hit the open shot.
Christian Simmons (6'5''-F-84, college: Bayreuth) (22pts; 8rbs) was simply outstanding in this game showing his nice all around game and excellent rebounding ability.
Coach Tunde Adekola got his team going in the second half. They went up by nearly forty. They cruised to the 5th place game tomorrow.
Game MVP goes to Christian Simmons (6'5''-F-84, college: Bayreuth) with 22-points and 8-rebounds.


Official Basketball Box Score -- Game Totals -- Final Statistics
Dublin vs Brussels
07/09/11 6:15 pm at Doolittle Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Dublin 74

Total 3-Ptr Rebounds
## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
08 Goldsberry, Vince * 2-4 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 0 6 4 2 0 1 23
32 Martin, Tristan * 4-9 0-0 0-1 1 0 1 0 8 0 4 0 1 20
53 Nash, Robert * 5-10 0-1 2-2 0 2 2 1 12 2 1 1 0 33
71 Gray, Jessan * 5-10 0-0 1-2 2 7 9 1 11 0 0 0 0 30
85 Boyd, Kenny * 5-10 0-0 0-1 1 4 5 2 10 4 2 0 0 28
04 Wilson, Josh 3-14 1-4 0-0 0 3 3 0 7 3 3 0 0 24
19 Sims, Nathan 2-7 0-0 2-3 0 1 1 1 6 0 2 1 2 18
31 Scott, Melvin 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5
35 McIntosh, Jabari 2-2 0-0 0-1 3 2 5 4 4 1 2 1 1 17
73 Stockton, Jarred 3-6 1-2 0-0 1 1 2 1 7 0 2 0 0 14
86 Sample, Justin 0-2 0-0 0-0 2 1 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 11
96 Stamper, J'son 1-3 0-1 1-2 2 3 5 2 3 1 1 0 1 18
Team 2 3 5
Totals 32-77 2-8 8-14 14 27 41 16 74 15 19 3 7 241
FG % 1st Half: 19-45 42.2%
3FG % 1st Half: 1-4 25.0%
FT % 1st Half: 0-2 0.0%
2nd half: 13-32 40.6%
2nd half: 1-4 25.0%
2nd half: 8-12 66.7%
Game: 32-77 41.6%
Game: 2-8 25.0%
Game: 8-14 57.1%
Deadball
Rebounds
2
Brussels 106
Total 3-Ptr Rebounds

## Player FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA Off Def Tot PF TP A TO Blk Stl Min
05 Harris, Dijuan * 5-8 0-0 1-1 0 1 1 3 11 5 3 0 1 23
50 Lawrence, Tryston * 3-5 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 6 2 1 0 0 26
51 Thomas, John * 6-12 0-3 7-8 3 4 7 1 19 0 0 0 0 32
91 George, Travis * 2-13 0-0 1-3 4 3 7 3 5 0 1 1 1 21
92 Jones, Phil * 3-8 0-0 0-2 1 4 5 0 6 0 1 0 0 15
03 Evans, Darryl 1-3 1-1 4-4 0 2 2 0 7 7 1 0 2 25
07 Deadwiler, Shawn 4-5 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 8 2 0 0 3 14
18 Davis, Jocolby 1-2 0-1 0-0 0 2 2 1 2 0 0 2 1 12
30 Simmons, Christian 9-11 4-6 0-0 2 6 8 0 22 1 1 0 0 23
52 Wilderness, Anjuan 4-6 1-1 3-4 1 5 6 1 12 0 3 0 1 24
83 Magee, Elliot 1-1 0-0 1-2 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 13
84 Ajufo, Chidi 2-2 0-0 1-2 0 1 1 2 5 2 0 2 0 16
Team 1 3 4
Totals 41-76 6-12 18-26 13 34 47 13 106 19 11 5 9 244
FG % 1st Half: 20-38 52.6%
3FG % 1st Half: 3-6 50.0%
FT % 1st Half: 12-15 80.0%
2nd half: 21-38 55.3%
2nd half: 3-6 50.0%
2nd half: 6-11 54.5%
Game: 41-76 53.9%
Game: 6-12 50.0%
Game: 18-26 69.2%
Deadball
Rebounds
4
Officials:
Technical fouls: Dublin-None. Brussels-None.
Attendance:
Score by periods 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Dublin 24 15 21 14 74
Brussels 21 34 24 27 106

Roger Grimau officially joins Bizkaia Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao confirmed the arrival of Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. The 31-year-old guard parted ways with Regal Barcelona a week ago. Roger Grimau tallied 4.5 points and 1.4 boards per Euroleague game last season. In ACB his stats read 5.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Roger Grimau played for Regal Barcelona since 2003. Previously he had stints with Lleida and Joventut Badalona. Roger Grimau played for the Spanish National Team back in 2003. He was also the member of the Spanish B National Team in 2001. Roger Grimau is expected to pass medical tests and will be presented this week.


Real Madrid officially extends Novica Velickovic until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Real Madrid officially announced signing of two-year contract extension with Novica Velickovic (205-F-86). It means that the Serbian power forward will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. Velickovic joined Real in 2009 from Partizan Belgrade. He appeared 16 times in Euroleague in 2009/10 averaging 7.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He also added 9.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg in ACB. Last season, Velckovic had 3.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg in Euroleague for 19 games. In ACB, he added 3 ppg and 2.6 rpg.
Novi Velickovic is active member of the Serbian National Team. He had 11.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2.1 apg for 9 games in Turkey last summer. In EuroBasket 2009, Velickovic had 11.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg for 9 games. Serbia won the Silver at this event.

ESL Las Vegas Final Game Game Reports of games 9 & 10 - by Darryl Reshaw
Eurobasket Summer League 11 (Las Vegas)
Day 3
Game 9

Geneva 116 APSEVenice 91

The first game of the last day in Vegas featured ex NBA guy Phil Hubbard against Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ).
Terrell Bell (6'6''-G/F-89) had his full game on display. Here is a player that can play several positions on the floor with efficiency. He can shoot, pass, penetrate he has crafty moves when at the rim and he has athleticism. Terrell can play in high levels in Europe now. Jabril Banks (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Colorado) also has an interesting game for APSE Venice. He has a wide body with quick feet. He has excellent moves around the rim. He can be a go to guy in the post, initially, in leagues similar to Italy A2, Serbia or France Pro B. The guy that his most difficult to defend on this team is Brad Byerson. He has a wide body with great footwork. He is strong around the rim and is good at grabbing rebounds in traffic. Brad will be a very good player in leagues like Turkey, Greece and Israel. For Geneva, the player that has been the most consistent for his team has been Akeem Scott (6'1''-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) He is a strong guard that is very aggressive on both the defensive and offensive end. He is extremely quick and knows how to play on the professional level. His past experience in Finland shows he can compete in better countries in Europe.
The story of this game was Akeem Scott, he simply controlled the game and broke down Venice defense with great passes off the penetration and scored at will.
He is great for mid-level teams in Europe looking for a high quality PG.
Tyrone Hanson (6'7''-G/F-87) (13pts) went on a streak of buckets in the second half that help Geneva open up the game.
The smooth shooting James Crowder (12pts) went off in the second half as well connecting on a couple of 3pt shots.
Chris Moore and James Helton also had impressive games.
The 7'8' Paul Sturgess (7'8''-C-87, agency: KMG Sports Management) woke up in this game with some impressive post moves. He also hit a couple of free throw extended jump shots. He also had some impressive blocks. Paul would be good for any teams looking for height on the inside. Team Geneva ended the game with seven guys in double figures. Tim Parham (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Md-Eastern Shore) added a double double with 11-points and 10-rebounds. Terrell Bell finished with 20-points, 13-rebounds and 4-assist respectfully.
Game MVP was Akeem Scott with 19-points and 5-assist.

Game 10

Zurich 110 - Lugano 118
The game everyone was waiting for was the second game of the day. The ESL Las Vegas Championship featured two teams that were unbeaten in two days of play.
The game was very exciting and went in to overtime as Lugano led by the excellent play of Marcel Anderson (5'9''-PG-86, college: Harris-Stowe St.) in overtime won the contest.
During the game Lugano controlled the lead the majority of the time.
However Zurich always stayed close and during the final minutes of the regulation period was the better team as they had fought back every game in the ESL event.
Energetic coach Glen Hayes brought his team into this game with is Co-MVPs Marcel Anderson and Justin Johnson (6'2''-PG-88, college: Concordia Irvine). Coach Jay Bradford from the Gary Splash comes into this game after a double overtime victory in the semi-finals game. Their stud Robert Eldridge led them. Early in the game, Glen Hayes had his team playing at a high level. They were defending well and getting easy baskets in transition. The three-point specialist/proven scorer Lindsey Hughey (6'3''-G-89) began where he left off at the day before with bombs from everywhere. In the 2nd quarter, to no surprise, efficient Justin Johnson went to work. He scored 12 points in five minutes of play increasing his teams advantage to eight points. Dustin Mitchell (6'9''-F/C, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.) (17pts; 9rbs) looked great for Lugano behind Marcel Andersons penetration towards the rim. He hit the biggest shot of the game with .44 seconds left to play for Lugano. Dustin Mitchell is a very good power forward. He can shoot the long ball, can finish with either hand around the rim and is a good rebounder. Dustin is a player that can play in Italy A2, France Pro A and leagues equivalent. The guy that hasnt gotten much attention but has been the nucleus to team Lugano is Allen Durham (6'6''-F) aka Mr. Hustle had 16pts, 15rbs and 6blks. He is a strong, undersized power forward that can rebound and block shots. Any teams looking for a player to do the dirty work in countries like Switzerland, France Pro B and Finland this is your guy. The game would go into over time after Mitchells 2-point jump shot. But in over-time, Marcel Anderson put his team on his shoulders and got the Championship win for Lugano. Rob Eldridge (6'2''-G-87, college: Florida Southern) had an outstanding game with 24-points and 4-rebounds respectfully.
Game and League Co-MVP Marcel Anderson with 24-points, 6-rebounds and Justin Johnson chipped in for 19-points, 6-rebounds.


Bizkaia Bilbao is the next stop for Primoz Brezec - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao are getting their roster shaped for the upcoming ACB and Euroleague seasons. They are intending to strengthen their frontcourt. Bizkaia Bilbao are negotiating contract with Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79). The deal can be officiated soon. The Slovenian centre had a big season in Russia. He played for Krasnie Krylia Samara. His stats read 20.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in EuroCup. In PBL Primoz Brezec notched 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per appearance. Primoz Brezec made it into Eurobasket.com Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team. Previously Pirmoz Brezec had stints in Italy, NBA and Slovenia. The centre participated at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Slovenia in Turkey.


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Isaac Wells coming to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American F Isaac Wells (203-F-85, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Arkansas St.) and Kouvot (Kouvola) have signed the contract for coming 2011-12 season. Wells will arrive to Kouvola at the end of August. American has played professionally earlier 2007-08 in Italy-Lega2 (Indesit Fabriano), in Switzerland (BC Lugano) 2008-09 and 2009-10 in Bulgaria (PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia) and again in Switzerland (Geneva Devils). In January 2010 Wells got hurt and injured (broken hand). Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) will continue on Kouvot roster. Gonner will start his fifth season in Finland.

Finland U20 and Estonia U20 exchange victories in Vantaa - by Eurobasket News
Finland U20 and Estonia U20 exchange victories in Vantaa in the friendly clashes.
In Game 1 Estonia U20 grabbed 63:49 win over the hosts. They took 17-16 after the first period and improved to 36:28 at the halftime. Estonia had 48:43 after thirty minutes and had a 4-point victory at the end. For the Finnish team Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) collected 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) added 8.
In Game 2 Finland U20 celebrated 108:73 win. They opened the game with 33-23 and never looked behind. They improved to 61:30 at the halftime and had 81:51 win after three quarters. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) paced all the winners with 19 points and Osku Heinonen (194-F/G-92) notched 18. Samuli Vanttaja (210-F/C-91) delivered 15, while Villematti Kopio scored 13.




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


Source: Joakim Noah to play for France - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) is scheduled to leave for France on Monday to begin preparation for a stint with Team France in the European Championships in Lithuania, according to a source close to the situation.

Noah, who has dual U.S. and French citizenship, is expected to be overseas for the next two months as the NBA lockout carries on.

France opens play in the European Championships on Aug. 31 against Latvia. The tournament runs through Sept. 18.

Noah, 26, averaged 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 regular season games for the Bulls last season. A year after missing 18 games with plantar fasciitis, Noah missed 34 games with injuries last season, including a torn thumb ligament.

Noah declined an invitation to play for Team France last summer.

Courtesy of ESPN

Serbia U16 triumph in Riom - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 - France U16 71:62

Serbia U16 clinched the title at the international friendly tournament in France. They overcame the hosts on the final day of action to finish the competition undefeated. Kaplanovic stepped up with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the winners. France claimed the second position with one loss in three games.
Serbia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The visitors erupted for 28 points to post a 12-point lead at the first break. The teams slowed down in the second period however Serbia recorded a 42:29 halftime advantage. France and Serbia traded baskets throughout the third quarter as Serbia maintained the lead. France cut the deficit in the fourth frame but could not threaten Serbia as those rallied to the victory at the end. Brano Djukanovic (95) nailed 13 points in the win. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Luidgy Laporal (201-C-95) provided 12 points in defeat.

Serbia U16: Djordje Kaplanovic 18+11 boards, Brano Djukanovic 13, Nikola Rebic (185-G-95) 11
France U16: Damien Inglis 22, Luidgy Laporal 12


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


Walter Simon moves to Leipzig - by Moritz Korff
USC Leipzig has completed the signing of Walter Simon (202-F-89). The 22-year-old forward out of Dresden comes off a two year-stint at NAIA D1 school Cumberland University. In his sophomore year Simon was the second leading scorer on the Bulldogs' team, averaging close to 12 points per contest. He also pulled down six rebounds a game. Before Simon took his game to Lebanon, Tennessee, he went through the youth program of ALBA Berlin for three years and also made the roster of the German U16 und U20 national team.

Tommy Mason Griffin Will Return To Ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Tommy Mason-Griffin (180-G, college: Oklahoma) is young, extremly talented and only needed 10 games last season in a Ratiopharm Ulm jersey to convince the club for a contract extension with an option. Mason Griffin is a 20 year old 180cm guard from Houston, Texas that only graduated from high school 2 years ago and has a year of NCAA ball and professional basketball behind him. Last season Mason-Griffin played 10 games averaging 5.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%. His strongest game was a 10 point, nine assist outburst in 17 minutes in a 99-79 win against MBC. 'We were able to get out of the contract, but decided not to do it. Weare happy to welcome Tommy to practice begin in August', explained Ratiopharm Ulm manager Thomas Stoll . The Beko BBL can await a very strong point guard duo with german national player Per Gunther and Mason-Griffin. The American played at James Madison High School / Houston, TXand in his senior year averaged 21.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.7apg. In 2009-2010 as a freshman with Oklahoma (NCAA) played 31 games: 14.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 5apg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 81.3%. Before coming to Ulm, he played briefly with Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 5 games: 2.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg. Awards/Achievements in his career have been McDonald's All-American point guard -09, Gatorade Texas High School Basketball Player of the Year -09, All-Big 12 3rd Team -10, and Big 12 All-Rookie Team -10.

Source: ratiopharm Ulm

Markus Hubner Joins BG Karlsruhe - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
PRO A team BG Karlsruhe have brought in Markus Hubner (204-F-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement). Hubner is a 24 year old 204cm forward, but that can also slip into the center position. Hubner played for FC Bayern Munich the last five years and last season playing 15 games averaging 6,48 minutes per game, 1,9ppg and 0,9 rebounds per game. His best game last season was nine points in 13 minutes against BG Karlsruhe. 'Markus is a current A-2 German national player that couldnt really show his best in Munich. I am sure together with Johannes Lange, he will be able to show his capabilities and fighting mentality', stressed BG karlsruhe head coach Torsten Daume. Hubner started his basketball career in2002 with TSV Ansbach (2.Bundesliga): 11 games: 1.4 ppg.He played there four years before moving to FC Bayern Munich in 2006. In his five years with FC Bayern Munich, Hubner played 48 Regionaliga games and 44 PRO A games. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German Regionalliga (South-East Group) Runner-Up -07, German Regionalliga (South-East Group) Champion -08, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Champion -11


Source: BG Karlsruhe




Ryan Daugherty Joins Hertener Lions - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Hertener Lions have announced that Ryan Daugherty (193-F-87, college: Kennesaw St.) will play for the club this season. Daugherty is a 24 year old 195cm forward from Marietta, Georgia that can also play the guard position. Last season, he played for the Nuernberger BC 2 (Germany-2.Regionalliga) team averaging 30ppg and 6,0apg. 'On account of Ryan being versatile and creative, we think that we have found an important building block for the upcoming season. On account of his physical capabilities, he gives the team a lot of help on both ends of the floor', stressed Hertener Lions manager Dirk Ewald. Daugherty started his basketball career in 2005 for N.Florida (NCAA): 22 games: 9.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 39.3%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 73.4%.He then transfered to Kennesaw St. (NCAA). The team also announced that Americans Blake Schultz and Marcus Monk will not be returning to the team tis season.

Source: Hertener Lions

A Coversation With Jefferson Mason (Webmoebel Baskets) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Jefferson Mason (198-G-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) is a 23 year old 198cm guard from Crystal, Minnesota that will start his professional basketball career in the German Pro A with the Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn. He played at N.Colorado from 2006-2009.In his senior year, he transferred to Minnesota State-Mankato (NCAA2)playing 33 games: 19.2ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FG%: 55.5, 3FG%: 30.6, FT%: 70.0. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: all-tournament team -06, Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Central Region 2nd Team -10, NABC Division II All-Central Region 1st Team -10, 11, NSIC Regular Season Champion -10, 11, All-NSIC 1st Team -10, 11, All-NSIC Defensive Player of the Year -10, NSIC Tournament Semifinals -11, NCAA D2 All-Tournament Team -11, NCAA D2 Final Four -11,and NABC Division II All-America Team -11. Eurobasket talked to Jefferson Mason (198-G-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) about basketball.

Congrats on the contract with Paderborn. How was this first process for you getting that first professional contract?

It was a fairly smooth process. My agency is one of the best and the staff in Paderborn made me feel comfortable with the situation and it seemed like the best fit for me.

Were you surprised how quickly it happened? Often players have to wait a whole summer before getting the chance to play.

I was surprised being that I thought I'd start getting offers around June or July but I had a great year and got some good exposure. Also like I said before my agency is good at finding great situations and the coaches there saw something they liked in me so the process started a little bit earlier.

With what expectations do you come to Germany?


I think that Germany will be a great place to start my pro career and I expect the town to be different in many ways then from where I'm from but that's the joy of traveling.

You are from Minnesota. Paderborn is a small town. There might not be as many woods and lakes in the Paderborn area. Is a small place where you can focus on basketball perfect for you?


I think Paderborn is a great place to concentrate on becoming the best basketball player I can be. I'm sure the people there are very kind and I'm excited to show my skill set to the people and coaches there this upcoming year. I lived in a fairly small city in Colorado so it shouldn't be that drastic of a change.

What was your childhood like?

My childhood was great, I had a loving family and people that supported my every move.

Who were basketball idols growing up and why?


My basketball idol growing up would have to be Michael Jordan easily. He was so exciting to watch and his dedication to the game was amazing! He made his teammates better and he was a constant highlight.

You played three seasons at Northern Colorado. What was your nicest experience on and off the court there?

Colorado is a beautiful place in general. The mountains are indescribable and the weather is always fantastic. I loved playing in front of 15,000-20,000 people on any given night and playing at the top collegic level in The US. I also was able to travel the country and experience many new things.

Why did you transfer to Minn.St.-Mankato (NCAA2) in your senior year?


I transfered my senior year because my step father became extremely ill. I had already lost my biological father to cancer when I was 11, so it meant a lot to my family for me to be closer to home and them to be able to watch me play live.

How would you describe your game on the court?

I would say that I am an exciting player. Every game I have an amazing highlight dunk or two that will have any person out of their seat. Im a player that will play the game fast and work my tail off to win any game for my teammates. I am a great rebounder and overall player that can play multiple positions and also guard multiple positions

What is a strength in your game that isnt always noticed right away?

I would say that people don't always know my shooting ability. I am known for my athleticism and dunks but I can shoot the mid range and three ball at a high clip. What ever the coaches call on me to do I will in order for the team to win.

What are the main things that you still need to work on on your game?

I've been told that I'm an extremeley unselfish player and that I need to be more aggressive. I lead my team in scoring for two years and my shot attempts were no higher then my other teammates. I feel I have the ability to be a prolific scorer I just need to assert myself more!

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA?

I've played against Rodney Stuckey (Detroit Pistons), Carl Landrey (New Orleans Hornets), Kris Humphries (New Jersey Nets), Jason Smith (New Orleans Hornets), Austin Daye (Detroit Piston), Jeremy Pargo, Jon Luer (nba draft this year), Derek Rose (Chicago Bulls), playing with Devon George currently on my summer pro am team (LA Lakers) right now

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?

I made 24 straight free throws

What was the craziest shot that you ever made in a game or practice?

In a game I made a 3 quarters court shot to win a game in high school.

What are your hobbies?


I enjoy reading and learning in general. I love to site see and obviously most of my free time is dedicated to basketball and getting better

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last Dvd I saw was the Mike Tyson biography. It was quite entertaining I must say.

Thanks Jefferson for the chat.

Cyrus McGowan makes Cuxhaven move - by Moritz Korff
Cyrus McGowan (206-F, college: Miami, FL) has put pen to paper on a deal with 2. Bundesliga Pro A side Cuxhaven BasCats. McGowan has some months of European basketball under his belt, as he appeared in six games (11.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.8bpg) for Akhisar Belediye of the Turkish second division last season and was waived in November 2010. Prior to his Turkey tenure the power forward from Meridian, Miss. attended the University of Arkansas from 2005 till 2008 and then transfered to another NCAA D1 school, the University of Miami, Florida. In 2009-10 he saw action in 32 games for the Hurricanes and posted 3.2 points as well as 2.6 boards per outing.

Tyrone Lewis commits to Itzehoe - by Moritz Korff
The CRE Eagles Itzehoe (1. Regionalliga North) have put an end to their hunt for new players regarding the 2011-12 season by penning a deal with Tyrone Lewis (180-G-87). The 23-year-old guard hails from Bristol, Pa and spent his entire college career at NCAA D1 program Niagara. Lewis averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 rebounds as a senior in 2009-10, while shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc. He had received All-MAAC First Team and Defensive Player of the Year honors following his junior season. Niagara's career leader in steals and 3-pointers joined Israeli second division team Maccabi Be'er Ya'akov last year, but suffered a knee injury shortly after his arrival and thus was unable to play.
Meanwhile, Eagles' coach Paul Larysz also brought in Berlin native Dominic Brehme (197-F-91) and young guard Dimitri Basylev (192-G-93) of Hohenwestedt.

The Mitteldeutscher BC Bring In Malte Schwarz - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Mitteldeutscher BC continue to form their team for the upcoming PRO A season by announcing the arrival of Malte Schwarz (188-G-89, agency: Court Side) MBC continue to bring in young German talents. Schwarz is a 22 year old 188cm shooting guard who is projected as the back up to American Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Virginia Union). Schwarz had played for Beko BBL team Phoenix Hagen the last three years including getting into 58 first division games. 'Malte is a very young player, but has experience. In the shortest time, he has worked his way up from the Regionaliga to the Beko BBL and brings a lot of energy from the bench. He is a strong defender and will make a strong duo with Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Virginia Union)', stated MBC coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM ). Schwarz had time to grow as a player with Phoenix Hagen, but he knew that it was time to move on. 'I was looking for a new challenge and would have liked to play for another Beko BBl team or ambitious PRO A team. MBC offered me to come in and I spoke to the coach. His will to play young Germans gave me a lot of confidence. I remember the games in the Wolfbau well and rememeber the atmosphere and now it will be great to get that support', stressed Malte Schwarz Schwarz started his basketball career in 2006 for Bramfelder SV Hamburg (2.Regionalliga): 19 games: 14 ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for SC Rist Wedel (Regionalliga): 18 games: 8.5ppg. Awards/Achievements in his career have been
German Bundesliga U-20 All-Star Game -08, German U20 National Team -09, German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Runner-Up -09, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B (Group North) Regular Season Champion -11.

Source: Mitteldeutscher BC

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


Olympiakos targets Kyle Hines - by Eurobasket News
According to Greek media, Olympiakos wants to sign Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) for the next season. Reportedly, they are close to agree a deal. The American big guy spent last season In Germany with Brose Baskets Bamberg. He appeared 10 times in Euroleague with them averaging 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 block. In German league, Hines added 10.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.2 bpg in 46 games. He helped Bamberg to win the championship title and National Cup. Eurobasket awarded him with All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -11.
Kyle Hines was Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Center of the Year -10. He played for Prima Veroli and helped them to reach the LegaDue Finals. In 40 game Hines registered 18.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.5 spg and 1.6 bpg. Hines also played for Prima Veroli in 2008/09 season. He is a product of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where he graduated in 2008.

Greece U16 record first win in Riom - by Eurobasket News
Greece U16 - Italy U16 75:64

Greek U16 National Team finished the international tournament in Riom with victory. They overcame Italian counterparts to claim the first win in three games. Michalis Liapis (190-G-95) nailed 17 points to lead the winners. Italy finished the tourney winless.
Greece grabbed the initiative right from the start. They recorded a 19:6 lead after ten minutes of action. Italy adjusted their offence in the second term. The Azzurri cut the deficit at 11 points 25:36 at halftime. Greece however did not allow their opponents within striking distance in the third frame. The Hellenes ensured a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Italy tried hard but could not revive the intrigue in this one as Greece marched to the victory.
Giorgos Papadionysiou (189-G-95) knocked down 12 points, while Nikos Stamatis (190-G-95) added 11 in the victory. Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) replied with 16 points for Italy. Simone Fontecchio (196-F-95) had 12 points in the loss.

Greece U16: Michalis Liapis 17, Giorgos Papadionysiou 12, Nikos Stamatis 11
Italy U16: Lorenzo Baldasso 16, Simone Fontecchio 12


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


Lasaulec Aris extends Sanchez and Adako - by Fred Roggen
Lasaulec Aris made some important moves over the weekend towards shaping the club for the upcoming season. The club has extended the contracts of Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.) and Manny Adako (203-F-87, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern). Mark Sanchez and Manny Adako signed a one-year deal.
Last season Sanchez averaged 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds in 38 DBL games, while Manny Adako had 14.5 points and 5.4 boards in 39 Dutch Basketball League games.


ZZ Leiden keeps Thomas Jackson - by Fred Roggen
American Point guard Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) returns for a second season with ZZ Leiden. Dutch Champion ZZ Leiden has announced that point guard Thomas Jackson extended his contract until the end of the 2011-12 season. Jackson also lifted the Dutch Championship trophy with ZZ Leiden in 2011.
Jackson averaged 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals in 48 Dutch Basketball League games last season.


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


Albacomp sign back Guards - by Balazs Radics
Last season's runner up has signed back their starting point guard Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) for 2 more season. Simon has been one of the top local guards in the league and also has international experience from Germany, Belgium and the NT. In 2004 Balazs was MVP of the Hungarian League, won already the Hungarian League and Cup; last season he came up with 12.7 ppg, 6.3 apg, 1.7 spg while shooting 55% from the floor 31% behind the 3pt line and 86% FT.
Albacomp also signed back Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM), an other talented guard, who spent the last 4 season with Leeds Carnegie in the UK. Zoltan signed to Albacomp first as a junior and left the team in 2007 for EBL side Leeds as he was awarded by the Hungarian Federation as the Best Hungarian Young player of the year. Last season he was EBL bosman player of the year, as he averaged: 16.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 48% FG, 24% 3PT, 73% FT.

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


There is an official request from Israel to the BIBL for an Israeli team next season - by Eurobasket News
The Sports Director of the EUROHOLD Balkan League - Mr. Shay Shtriks confirmed the news, that a team from Israel expressed desire to participate in the competition from the upcoming 2011/2012 season, and that′s Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

The club has already sent an official letter to the League, supported by the Israeli federation. In order for that to be done, an official request isn′t enough. The EUROHOLD Balkan League has it′s Official Regulations, and according to them, in order for a new country to be accepted as a member, all the current member federations must approve that. And also, as the country isn′t situated on the Balkan peninsula, the matter must be taken officially to the FIBA Europe board. After an approval from the FIBA Europe board, Israel could be accepted as a member of the BIBL, and respectively an Israeli team will be able to participate in the League. From yesterday, there is a rumour in the Israeli media, that another club from the country will play - Hapoel Holon, where Pini Gershon is already Head of Management. The management of the BIBL congratulates Mr. Gershon, but however Shay Shtriks denied the rumor, as nobody from the club or federation has contacted the League. The possibility of two Israeli teams from next season is minimal.

Mr. Shtriks is currently in Macedonia, where he has meetings with the President of FIBA Europe Mr. Olafur Rafnsson and Mr. Daniel Dimevski, President of the Macedonian Federation, and also President of the FIBA Europe Competition Commision. They will discuss and approve two new projects, already confirmed by the Secretary General of FIBA Europe Mr. Nar Zanolin. Those are the Junior Tournament of the Balkan League (U18) in cooperation and with the approval of FIBA Europe, and the new project for 3-on-3 with cooperation and with the approval of FIBA and FIBA Europe.

Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net

Lior Lifshitz heads to Netanya - by Eurobasket News
Netanya signed contract with Lior Lifshitz (178-PG-84). The 26-year-old guard spent the last season in Ironi Ashkelon. He averaged 3.4 points, 1.9 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game in Premier League. Previously Lior Lifshitz had stints with Hapoel Holon, Maccabi Givat Shmuel, Ashkelon, Maccabi Petah Tikva and Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion. Lior Lifshitz was the member of U18 and U20 Israeli National Teams.


Israeli Summer League 2011 Draft was in session - by David Pick
The second annual back-to-back Israeli summer league had it's official draft lottery pick today (Sunday), in the league offices located in Tel Aviv where only 55 talented players were selected out of a massive 126 athletic nominees.

The Israeli summer league allows Israeli and Jewish basketball players from around the world as well as the local domestic league athletes prove themselves worthy of playing on the big stage in the Israeli BSL. The summer league will take place in Rishon-Lezion between July 31st and August 4th.

Led by top Israeli coaches and assistants, the 5 teams made their first round picks as Israeli point guard Oded Shaashoua had his name called first. Hapoel Jerusalem big man Amit Tamir went second, and Chubrevich Alex, Moti Moscovitz and Jonathan Skjoldebrand shortly followed.

The full rosters include:

Team Paies - Head Coach: Reuven Balinko. Roster: Jonathan Skjoldebrand, Zidan Abu-Arisha, Nir Golan, Badalov Michael, Raz Nisim-CoheN, Stolero Ido, Michael Jacobsen, Ohad Cohen, Dan Bank, Yaniv Shtraus.

Team 777 - Head Coach: Azoulay Adi. Roster: Solomoviz Eyal, Bochman Iftach, Shmidt Omer, Sukar Avi, Shiran Amit, Barbi Haiim, Amit Tamir, Farhi Ofir, Dor Eliyahu, Ori Sa'ar, Samuel Fliitman.

Team Double Lotto - Head Coach: Harush Matan. Roster: Deri Avishai, Engel Eyal, Eiram Inam, Ida Or, Tal Ronen, Oded Shaashoua, Volfer Zafrir, Knafo Elad, Idan Rejwan, Liad Furman, Eliav Moshiaswili.

Team Strong Number - Head coach: Lior Rosen. Roster: Moti Moscovitz, Igor Simin, Brener Or, Dror Davidi, Ohana Assaf, Ben Sharoni, Omar Atiskin, Or Ron, Guy Iosufovic', Uri Zohar, Gal Jacobowitz.

Team Hish-Gad - Head coach: Shai Segalovich. Roster: Chubrevich Alex, Segev Lior, Asante David, Marztiano Matan, Tomer Deri, Bier-Katz Amit, Solomon Niv, Hover Offir, Shai Schwartz, Amit Sela, Dolev Drapic.

In addition, the Israeli National U22 Team will also participate in the tournament.

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


Vanoli Cremona bring in Brandon Thomas - by Eurobasket News
Vanoli Cremona strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts). The deal is meant for one season. Brandon Thomas spent the last season in Germany. The shooting guard played for NY Phantoms Braunschweig. He tallied 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game in 1Bundesliga. Eurobasket.com named Brandon Thomas into All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team. Previously the guard played for Goettingen, Kraftwerk Wels and Naestved. Brandon Thomas was named Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Guard of the Year in 2009. He was also trumped Danish League Player of the Year in 2008.


Montenegro U20 celebrated the initial victory at the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20-Montenegro U20 76:84

Montenegro U20 celebrated the initial victory at the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo. In the last day of the competition they edged Italy U20 84:76.
Italy started with 2-15 but could not keep the lead. Montenegro won all three other quarters and sealed the victory.
Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 16 points and Halil Kanacevc scored 14. Marko Todorovic (209-C-92) followed them with 13 points as Montenegro finished with 1-2 record. Marco Santiangeli (193-G/F-91) replied with 13 points in defeat, whilst Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) and Cervi had 12 each.
Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title last day of the as they won all three games over the opponents in Spain. Few hours before Lithuania U19 won the 2011 U19 FIBA World Championships over Serbia U19 85:67 to become the best U19 team of the world. The Baltic team proved their age superiority and will try to add another few titles later in the summer.

Italy U20: Marco Santiangeli 13, Riccardo Moraschini 12, Cervi 12
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 16, Halil Kanacevic (203-F-91) 14, Marko Todorovic 13


Antonio Maestranzi leaves Montegranaro - by Eurobasket News
Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) is no longer a member of Montegranaro. The American/Italian point guard decided not to exercise his option for 2011/12 season. Maestranzi joined Montegranaro in 2009 signing a 2+2 year deal. In their first season together he had 10.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.7 apg for 33 games in SerieA. Last season, Maestranzi appeared 24 times for the club registering 6.8 ppg and 2.1 apg. He helped Montegranaro to reach the Italian Cup Semifinals. Before Montegranaro, Antonio Maestranzi was a member of Jesi and Reggio Calabria. He played 8 games for Team Italy in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 averaging 7.9 points and 2.5 assists. Also in 2010, he was named Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Newcomers Team. Maestranzi graduated at the Northern Illinois University in 2006.

Greece U16 record first win in Riom - by Eurobasket News
Greece U16 - Italy U16 75:64

Greek U16 National Team finished the international tournament in Riom with victory. They overcame Italian counterparts to claim the first win in three games. Michalis Liapis (190-G-95) nailed 17 points to lead the winners. Italy finished the tourney winless.
Greece grabbed the initiative right from the start. They recorded a 19:6 lead after ten minutes of action. Italy adjusted their offence in the second term. The Azzurri cut the deficit at 11 points 25:36 at halftime. Greece however did not allow their opponents within striking distance in the third frame. The Hellenes ensured a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Italy tried hard but could not revive the intrigue in this one as Greece marched to the victory.
Giorgos Papadionysiou (189-G-95) knocked down 12 points, while Nikos Stamatis (190-G-95) added 11 in the victory. Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) replied with 16 points for Italy. Simone Fontecchio (196-F-95) had 12 points in the loss.

Greece U16: Michalis Liapis 17, Giorgos Papadionysiou 12, Nikos Stamatis 11
Italy U16: Lorenzo Baldasso 16, Simone Fontecchio 12


Casale eye Matt Janning - by Eurobasket News
Fastweb Casale are negotiating the deal with Matt Janning (193-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern). The 23-year-old forward may soon be announced as the new player for SeriaA newcomers. Matt Janning started the previous season with the Phoenix Suns. In November the forward moved to the Maine Red Claws in D-League. His stats read 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. In January Matt Janning moved to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The forward notched 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists per appearance there. It was the first pro season for the Northeastern University graduate. Matt Janning was named into All-CAA 1st Team in his senior college season. Last month Matt Janning participated in workouts with the Miami Heat.


Jerel McNeal on his way to Europe - by Eurobasket News
Sutor Montegranaro are close to landing Jerel McNeal (191-G-87, college: Marquette). The 24-year-old guard started the previous season in the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in D-League. He tallied 20.6 points, 4.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. In March Jerel McNeal signed with the Denver Nuggets. He returned to the Vipers later on. Jerel McNeal made it into USBasket.com All-D-League 3rd Team. The guard participated at 2011 D-League All-Star Game. Jerel McNeal is not new to Europe. The guard played for Dexia Mons-Hainaut back in 2009/10 season. His stats read 15.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2.4 boards per game in Belgian League. In EuroChallenge Jerel McNeal posted 15.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.2 boards.


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  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Lithuania U20 80:81 OT

Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title as they won all three games over the opponents in Spain. Few hours before Lithuania U19 won the 2011 U19 FIBA World Championships over Serbia U19 85:67 to become the best U19 team of the world. The Baltic team proved their age superiority and will try to add another few titles later in the summer.
Spain U20 started with 22-18, but Lithuania U20 bounced back with 20-8 in the second frame. Only due to the second half the hosts managed to tie the game at the end of the fourth period winning the third and the last stanzas. In overtime Lithuania grabbed 81:80 win and remained undefeated.
Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) poured in 20 points for the winners and Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) nailed 16. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) poured in 12, while Saulius Kulvietis (203-F-91) chipped in 11. Jose Pozas (181-PG-92) replied with 24 points in the losing effort, whilst Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) notched 15.

Spain U20: Jose Pozas 24, Joan Sastre Morro 15, Gil 11, Josep Franch (194-PG-91) 9
Lithuania U20: Mindaugas Kupsas 20, Ovidijus Varanauskas 16, Augustas Peciukevicius 12, Saulius Kulvietis 11



Valencia targets Martynas Pocius - by Deividas Valiunas
According to Spain media, Power Electronics Valencia wants to sign Lithuania guard Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) for the next season. Pocius is already Zalgiris member, but Power Electronics Valencia try to buyout his contract.
The guard spent last season in Lithuania, Zalgiris. He appeared 16 times in Euroleague with them averaging 10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2,4 assists . In Lithuania league Pocius added 10.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.1 apg in 20 games.Eurobasket.com awarded him with All-Lithuania league 1st team.

*****************************************************
  MALI   


U16 Mali too strong for U16 Angola 53-45 - by Eurobasket News
Mali and Angola met each other in Day One of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. Mali came up with 53-45 win for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of the same pool are also Tunisia and Congo. In Day One, Tunisia destroyed Congo 72-40.
In Group A, Algeria outplayed South Africa 69-66. Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
In Day Two of the championship, Mali will meet Congo. Angola will play against Tunisia.

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


Soles de Mexicali bring back Jose Luis Bucio and Richard Lopez - by Eurobasket News
Soles de Mexicali have signed contracts with Jose Luis Bucio (179-G-86) and Richard Lopez (192-G-78, college: Cal.Baptist).
Jose Luis Bucio is coming back to Soles after a stint with Ostioneros de Guaymas. The 25-year-old guard averaged 6.0 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in CIBACOPA. Jose Luis Bucio averaged 2.8 points, 1.4 assists and 1.2 boards per game for Soles during last LNBP season. The guard played for Mexican University National Team in 2009.
Richard Lopes also returns to Soles de Mexicali. He played lately for Bomberos de Mexicali in CIBACOPA. The guard notched 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. Richard Lopez was on Soles de Mexicali roster in 2006/09 seasons.
Soles de Mexicali have already secured the services of Jose Luis Bucio, Richard Lopez, David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) and Carl Edwards (196-F-81, college: Charleston) for the next season.


Standings - Lower Leagues
CIBANE Regular Season Standings
 1. Durango M. 10-2 
 2. Fresnillo M. 9-2 
 3. UAZ Tuzos 6-5 
 4. Saltillo Caktus 5-7 
 5. Apodaca G. 3-11 
 6. P.Negras A. 2-8 


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


Montenegro U20 celebrated the initial victory at the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20-Montenegro U20 76:84

Montenegro U20 celebrated the initial victory at the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo. In the last day of the competition they edged Italy U20 84:76.
Italy started with 2-15 but could not keep the lead. Montenegro won all three other quarters and sealed the victory.
Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 16 points and Halil Kanacevc scored 14. Marko Todorovic (209-C-92) followed them with 13 points as Montenegro finished with 1-2 record. Marco Santiangeli (193-G/F-91) replied with 13 points in defeat, whilst Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) and Cervi had 12 each.
Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title last day of the as they won all three games over the opponents in Spain. Few hours before Lithuania U19 won the 2011 U19 FIBA World Championships over Serbia U19 85:67 to become the best U19 team of the world. The Baltic team proved their age superiority and will try to add another few titles later in the summer.

Italy U20: Marco Santiangeli 13, Riccardo Moraschini 12, Cervi 12
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 16, Halil Kanacevic (203-F-91) 14, Marko Todorovic 13


*****************************************************
  MOZAMBIQUE   


Egypt opens U16 AfroBasket in style - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. The host of this even had a joyful Day One registering 108-54 victory against Mozambique (Group A). Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Also in Day One, Algeria was too strong for South Africa 69-66 (Group A). In Group B, Tunisia blasted Congo 72-40, while Mali was better than Angola 53-45.

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


Source: Joakim Noah to play for France - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) is scheduled to leave for France on Monday to begin preparation for a stint with Team France in the European Championships in Lithuania, according to a source close to the situation.

Noah, who has dual U.S. and French citizenship, is expected to be overseas for the next two months as the NBA lockout carries on.

France opens play in the European Championships on Aug. 31 against Latvia. The tournament runs through Sept. 18.

Noah, 26, averaged 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 regular season games for the Bulls last season. A year after missing 18 games with plantar fasciitis, Noah missed 34 games with injuries last season, including a torn thumb ligament.

Noah declined an invitation to play for Team France last summer.

Courtesy of ESPN

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  NCAA1   


Worcester Wolves add Tommy Freeman - by Eurobasket News
Worcester Wolves added another player to their roster for the next season. After David Watts, Callum Jones and Alex Zimnickas, the team landed American shooting guard Tommy Freeman (195-F-88). The 22-year-old Freeman heads to Worcester for his first professional deal. He graduated few months ago at the University of Ohio. Freeman had 11.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.1 apg in 34 games as a senior. In 2009/10, he averaged 10.5 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assists for 37 games. Freeman helped Ohio to win the MAC Tournament that year. As a sophomore, Freeman registered 7.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.3 apg. Worcester Wolves finished last season as No.9 in BBL. They had 15-18 record.

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  NORWAY   


Nordic Players Show their Might in Game Against Scotland - by Eurobasket News
The u18 boys from Norway and Scotland took the court once more in the last game of Summer Slam. In the excitement following the game they played on Saturday, the teams expected a challenge for this finale.

Norway started the game taking advantage of their quick rebounds to counter Scotlands offense and drive the ball to the net. They continued applying the pressure, immediately going into a full-court press. Hoping to rattle the Scottish team, the players kept close to their men and forced Scotland to struggle their way down the court. Scotland replied to this pressure by keeping up their intensity on defense. Using their quick thinking, the Scottish players attempted to intercept the open balls and slow down Norways offense.

Both Scotland and Norway refused to be stopped and kept up a constant stream of shots. Norway was increasingly more successful in their shooting and Scotland began to fall behind. The Scottish boys continued their attempt to hold back Norway, but by halfway through the second quarter, the Nordic team managed to make 17-points barely answered by the 2-points Scotland had added to the score. Going into halftime, Scotland trailed 51 26.

Norway was proving, just as they had the day before, how they would not let down the intensity. Not only were their shooting skills impeccable, their ability to find the open man with efficient passing allowed them to keep their lead continuing into the third quarter. The Scottish players did not relent but Norway was forcing them to put most of their effort into their defense.

When the final buzzer sounded throughout the gym, Norway had taken the win 93 -68. The effort both teams put into the game was a great conclusion to Summer Slam. The past two weekends have been a fantastic display of basketball skill from all the players involved.
Courtesy of: http://www.basketballscotland.co.uk

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  PERU   


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 18-1 
 2. Regatas 18-2 
 3. Escuela Fap 13-5 
 4. El Bosque 12-8 
 5. Inmaculada 11-8 
 6. Centro Naval 9-10 
 7. Ejercito 8-14 
 8. San Augustin 6-15 
 9. San Marcos 3-18 
 10. Universitario 1-18 


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


Marshall Strickland joins AZS Koszalin - by Eurobasket News
AZS Koszalin brought in Marshall Strickland (188-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana). The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Polish team. Marshall Strickland was last seen in Italy. He played for Fileni Jesi in 2009/10 season. His stats read 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in LegaDue. Previously Marshall Strickland had stints with Galatasaray, Ankara, Alpella Istanbul.


Aaron Cel signs with Turow - by Eurobasket News
Aaron Cel (203-F-87) signs with Turow for the next season. The French Forward comes to the Polish team from Hermine Nantes.
In 2002-2003 he appeared for Le Mans cadet team and in 2004-2005 played for Le Mans U20 tea. In 2005-2006 debuted for Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-ProA) but played also for U20 team; French League: 4 games: 0.5ppg. In 2007-2008 moved to Etendard de Brest (ProB) and in 20 games averaged 5.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 61.1%. In 2008-2009 for Etendard de Brest (ProB, starting five) improved to 10.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 75.4%. In 2009-2010 signed at Boulazac Basket Dordogne (ProB) and showed 5.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 77.8%. The last season for Hermine Nantes Atlantique (ProB) played in 34 games and had 12.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 77.2%.
In his top game Aaron Cel recorded 26 points at the Regular Season Round 25. His Nantes defeated on the road 16th ranked Quimper UJAP 78-70. Quimper UJAP was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 20-8 third quarter run of Nantes. Forward Aaron Cel fired 26 points for the winners.

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  PORTUGAL   


Federation announces crisis measures - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
After the meeting with the District Associations, the Portuguese Basketball Federation announced some measures that will be applied during the new season, trying to ease the financial crisis effects. As it was made public before, the Portuguese Government has to make huge cuts in the money that is invested in Sports.

These are the measures that will take effect right now:

-Foreigner player taxes will be uniformed. The first four foreign players inscriptions will pay 800 in LPB, the following 1750 . The same will be applied to Proliga (675 for the first two, 1250 after) and Liga Feminina (450 for the first two, 650 after).

-The National players will also have to pay taxes in the inscription act. 70 in LPB, 40 in Proliga and 30 in Liga Feminina.

-Each team has to pay a tax to play in the Portuguese Basketball Leagues. The values are 4000 in LPB, 1500 in Proliga and Liga Feminina.

-The Portuguese Federation will not pay any money to the referees at a senior level. In July 19th, a meeting with the Referees Commission will be held to decide about the values to be paid by the team to have referees in their home games.

-Travels to the Islands (Azores and Madeira) will maintain an undisclosed value paid by the Portuguese Government. The Portuguese Basketball Federation will not support the difference between that value and the travels real value. More, when we have two teams from the same island in a competition, the schedule will be made in a way to have a two games weekend in the island. It is not allowed to have more than two teams from each island in any league.

-The Portuguese Basketball Federation will only assure stats for the LPB. In Proliga and Liga Feminina games, the stats must be assure by home teams, with people named by each team and with education provided by the Federation.

-The Portuguese Basketball Federation will only assure the realization of the Men Portuguese Cup Final 8, Women Portuguese Cup Final 4 and Super Cups. In the other competitions (as Hugo dos Santos Cup, Women, and Antnio Pratas Cup, Men) teams must assure the finals costs.

-No team will be accepted in the league with payments due to the Federation.

-CNB1 and CNB2 will be merged in the same competition and, in his regular season, will have Regional Series.

-Federation and Associations will also study the possibility of reducing costs in their day-to-day work.

After this announcement, we still have to expect the reaction of teams, that have until July 15th to officiate their inscriptions in the leagues.





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


Roland Torok out 4 to 6 months - by Eurobasket News
Roland Torok (202-C-90, agency: TSS Management) is forced to miss next 4-6 months due to injury. The young Romanian center faced with serious knee (ACL) injury and he will need a surgery. Torok spent last few years with Oradea. He had 2.2 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 26 games last season.
Roland Torok was a member of Romanian U20 National Team last summer. He played 7 games for them at the U20 EuroBasket Division B in Austria averaging 11.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also played at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Skopje two years ago. At this event, Torok had 14 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 1.3 apg for 7 games. Torok played for U18 and U16 Romania in the past. In 2008, he exploded with 19.6 ppg and 12.8 rpg at U18 EuroBasket Division B.

*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND   


Nordic Players Show their Might in Game Against Scotland - by Eurobasket News
The u18 boys from Norway and Scotland took the court once more in the last game of Summer Slam. In the excitement following the game they played on Saturday, the teams expected a challenge for this finale.

Norway started the game taking advantage of their quick rebounds to counter Scotlands offense and drive the ball to the net. They continued applying the pressure, immediately going into a full-court press. Hoping to rattle the Scottish team, the players kept close to their men and forced Scotland to struggle their way down the court. Scotland replied to this pressure by keeping up their intensity on defense. Using their quick thinking, the Scottish players attempted to intercept the open balls and slow down Norways offense.

Both Scotland and Norway refused to be stopped and kept up a constant stream of shots. Norway was increasingly more successful in their shooting and Scotland began to fall behind. The Scottish boys continued their attempt to hold back Norway, but by halfway through the second quarter, the Nordic team managed to make 17-points barely answered by the 2-points Scotland had added to the score. Going into halftime, Scotland trailed 51 26.

Norway was proving, just as they had the day before, how they would not let down the intensity. Not only were their shooting skills impeccable, their ability to find the open man with efficient passing allowed them to keep their lead continuing into the third quarter. The Scottish players did not relent but Norway was forcing them to put most of their effort into their defense.

When the final buzzer sounded throughout the gym, Norway had taken the win 93 -68. The effort both teams put into the game was a great conclusion to Summer Slam. The past two weekends have been a fantastic display of basketball skill from all the players involved.
Courtesy of: http://www.basketballscotland.co.uk

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


Serbia hands 68-64 loss to U16 Bosnia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - U16 Bosnia 68-64

Serbian National Team which prepares for the European Youth Olympic Summer Festival in Trabzon played a friendly game against U16 Bosnia. It was an exciting meeting and Serbia registered 68-64 win. Zagorac came up with 16 points in victory and Simovic followed with 2 less. Jugovic was the last one with double-digits in scoring with 10 pts. On the other side, Bosnia got 16 points from Bojan Lulic (95). Davor Karamatic (95) and Adi Zahiragic (186-PG-95) scored 12 and 10 points respectively. Serbia had impressive beginning as they made 27-19 lead in the first ten minutes. Bosnia slightly improved after that and won the second period 14-15. Third quarter was totally leveled (12-12), but Bosnia threatened in the last ten minutes. They made 15-18, what however was not enough for a turn.

Serbia: Zagorac 16, Simovic 14, Jugovic 10
Bosnia: Bojan Lulic 16, Davor Karamatic 12, Adi Zahiragic 10

Serbia U16 triumph in Riom - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 - France U16 71:62

Serbia U16 clinched the title at the international friendly tournament in France. They overcame the hosts on the final day of action to finish the competition undefeated. Kaplanovic stepped up with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the winners. France claimed the second position with one loss in three games.
Serbia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The visitors erupted for 28 points to post a 12-point lead at the first break. The teams slowed down in the second period however Serbia recorded a 42:29 halftime advantage. France and Serbia traded baskets throughout the third quarter as Serbia maintained the lead. France cut the deficit in the fourth frame but could not threaten Serbia as those rallied to the victory at the end. Brano Djukanovic (95) nailed 13 points in the win. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Luidgy Laporal (201-C-95) provided 12 points in defeat.

Serbia U16: Djordje Kaplanovic 18+11 boards, Brano Djukanovic 13, Nikola Rebic (185-G-95) 11
France U16: Damien Inglis 22, Luidgy Laporal 12


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


Nitra Moves to New Hall - by Tomas Kottra
BK SPU Nitra, second team of last year's edition of Slovak Extraliga will play their games in new hall in Nitra finished three years ago.
The main reason seems to be participating in FIBA's Eurochallenge Cup, but also domestic league will be played there. Nitra already started pre-season work-out with few home players. At the moment the plans are to sign five quality foreign players, according to ebasket.sk website.
The players involved in pre-season training are Branislav Tomek, Milan Ziak, Roman Vido, Marek Jass, Miroslav Kral, Filip Lehman and Juraj Hasan.

Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. B.Bystrica 0-0 
 2. Handlova 0-0 
 3. Komarno 0-0 
 4. Levice 0-0 
 5. Nitra 0-0 
 6. Nova Ves 0-0 
 7. Prievidza 0-0 
 8. Svit 0-0 
 9. Vahostav-Zilina 0-0 


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


Zlatorog parts ways with Kovacevic and Bozovic - by Eurobasket News
Zlatorog will not keep Maj Kovacevic (190-G-90) and Slobodan Bozovic (207-F/C-79) for the next season. The team decided not to exercise their options for 2011/12 season.
Maj Kovacevic joined Zlatorog last summer from Krka. He appeared 31 times in the league averaging 5.7 points and 1.3 rebounds. However, it seems that was not enough for Kovacevic to secure an extension.
Slobodan Bozovic joined the club in January this year. He played 19 games in Telemach league registering 5.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Bozovic started last season with Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo. There, he had 17.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 spg in 14 games. Before Sloga, Bozovic played for AEL Limassol and Masinac. He also has experience from the Greek Apollon Patras.

Erazem Lorbek to skip EuroBasket in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for the Slovenian National Team. Center Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) decided to skip EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Head Coach of the Slovenian NT Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) confirmed this news. Lorbek helped Slovenia to reach the Semifinals two years ago in Poland. He was their best player with 16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.4 spg.
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.

Primoz Brezec close to sign with Bizkaia Bilbao - by Matej Bergant
Slovenian center Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) is close to agree terms with last years Spanish ACB finalist and Euroleague club Bizkaia Bilbao according to strong rumors. Brezec had a great season in Russia where he played for Krasnie Krilya Samara. He averaged 12.4ppg and 6.1rpg in Russian League while in EuroCup Regular season he averaged 20.8ppg and 9.7rpg. In his career he played in NBA organizations such as Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. Brezec was also part of top European clubs such as Lottomatica Roma and Union Olimpija Ljubljana.

*****************************************************
  SOUTH AFRICA   


U16 Algeria beats U16 South Africa in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. Algeria and South Africa met in Day One and Algeria came up with 69-66 victory. It was a very exciting game. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Mozambique and host Egypt. In Day One, Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds. In Group B, Tunisia blasted Congo 72-40, while Mali was better than Angola 53-45.
In Day Two of the championship Algeria will meet Egypt, while South Africa will play against Mozambique.

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


Melilla tab Joan Riera - by Eurobasket News
Melilla have agreed on terms of contract with Joan Riera (188-G-79). The 31-year-old guard signed a two-year contract with the team. Last season Joan Riera played for CAI Zaragoza. His stats read 1.1 points and 1.0 board per appearance in ACB. In 2009/10 season Joan Riera shone for Basquet Mallorca in LEB Gold. The guard posted 17.3 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game. He was named into Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Gold All-Domestic Players Team.


Real Madrid officially extends Novica Velickovic until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Real Madrid officially announced signing of two-year contract extension with Novica Velickovic (205-F-86). It means that the Serbian power forward will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. Velickovic joined Real in 2009 from Partizan Belgrade. He appeared 16 times in Euroleague in 2009/10 averaging 7.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He also added 9.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg in ACB. Last season, Velckovic had 3.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg in Euroleague for 19 games. In ACB, he added 3 ppg and 2.6 rpg.
Novi Velickovic is active member of the Serbian National Team. He had 11.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2.1 apg for 9 games in Turkey last summer. In EuroBasket 2009, Velickovic had 11.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg for 9 games. Serbia won the Silver at this event.

CAI Zaragoza add Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza have secured the services of Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana). The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. The guard was close to Union Olimpija but opted to pen deal with the Spanish team. Wright started last season in France as a member of Paris-Levallois. He played 11 games in ProA registering 9.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.8 apg. In January, Wright moved to Cedevita Zagreb. He helped them reach EuroCup Semifinals with 16.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 10 games. Eurobasket awarded Wright with All-EuroCup 3rd Team -11. In Croatian league, Wright had 13.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.7 apg. Bracey Wright played for DKV Joventut in 2008/09 season. He also has experience from Oostende, Aris and Minnesota Timberwolves. Union Olimpija will compete in Euroleague, Adriatic league and Slovenian league next season.


Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Lithuania U20 80:81 OT

Lithuania U20 clinched Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo title as they won all three games over the opponents in Spain. Few hours before Lithuania U19 won the 2011 U19 FIBA World Championships over Serbia U19 85:67 to become the best U19 team of the world. The Baltic team proved their age superiority and will try to add another few titles later in the summer.
Spain U20 started with 22-18, but Lithuania U20 bounced back with 20-8 in the second frame. Only due to the second half the hosts managed to tie the game at the end of the fourth period winning the third and the last stanzas. In overtime Lithuania grabbed 81:80 win and remained undefeated.
Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) poured in 20 points for the winners and Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) nailed 16. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) poured in 12, while Saulius Kulvietis (203-F-91) chipped in 11. Jose Pozas (181-PG-92) replied with 24 points in the losing effort, whilst Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) notched 15.

Spain U20: Jose Pozas 24, Joan Sastre Morro 15, Gil 11, Josep Franch (194-PG-91) 9
Lithuania U20: Mindaugas Kupsas 20, Ovidijus Varanauskas 16, Augustas Peciukevicius 12, Saulius Kulvietis 11



Roger Grimau officially joins Bizkaia Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao confirmed the arrival of Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. The 31-year-old guard parted ways with Regal Barcelona a week ago. Roger Grimau tallied 4.5 points and 1.4 boards per Euroleague game last season. In ACB his stats read 5.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Roger Grimau played for Regal Barcelona since 2003. Previously he had stints with Lleida and Joventut Badalona. Roger Grimau played for the Spanish National Team back in 2003. He was also the member of the Spanish B National Team in 2001. Roger Grimau is expected to pass medical tests and will be presented this week.


Bizkaia Bilbao is the next stop for Primoz Brezec - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao are getting their roster shaped for the upcoming ACB and Euroleague seasons. They are intending to strengthen their frontcourt. Bizkaia Bilbao are negotiating contract with Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79). The deal can be officiated soon. The Slovenian centre had a big season in Russia. He played for Krasnie Krylia Samara. His stats read 20.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in EuroCup. In PBL Primoz Brezec notched 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per appearance. Primoz Brezec made it into Eurobasket.com Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team. Previously Pirmoz Brezec had stints in Italy, NBA and Slovenia. The centre participated at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Slovenia in Turkey.


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


Francis Odada extends with 08 Stockholm - by Eurobasket News
Francis Odada (197-F-89) will spend another season with 08 Stockholm. The 22-year-old forward will enter his third straight season with the team. Last season Francis Odada posted 7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in Basketligan. Before joining 08 the forward had stints with Stockholmspolisens and Jamtland Basket. Francis Odada was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Swedish National Teams.


*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


U16 Tunisia blasts U16 Congo 72-40 in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 AfroBasket started on Friday in Egypt. Tunisia demonstrated outstanding performance in Day One. They destroyed Congo 72-40 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of the same pool are also Mali and Angola. In Day One, Mali was better than Angola 53-45.
In Group A, Algeria outplayed South Africa 69-66. Egypt blasted Mozambique with huge 108-54. Egypt dominated from the early beginning and was just extending their lead from period to period. They made 33-15 in the first ten minutes and continued with 19-16 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Egypt won Q3 with 24-10. They closed this meeting with 32-13 for the final 108-54 blowout. Ehab Saleh top-scored for the winners with 32 points. In the loosing squad, Helton Ubisse shined with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
In Day Two of the championship, Tunisia will meet Angola, while Congo will play against Mali.

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


Turk Telekom confirms Nedim Yucel and Muratcan Guler - by Eurobasket News
Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) and Muratcan Guler (192-G-80, agency: 1x1 Sports) are officially new members of Turk Telekom Ankara. The team confirmed their signings yesterday.
Nedim Yucel arrives to Turk Telekom from Mersin, where he spent last two and a half years. Last season, Yucel appeared 29 times in TBL averaging 13.7 points and 11.3 rebounds. He was the best rebounder of the competition. For his performance, Yucel was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Honorable Mention -11. He also got Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Domestic Players Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Defensive Team -11. Yucel participated at the TBL All-Star game last season. Nedim Yucel joined Mersin in January of 2009 from Antalya. In the past, he also was a member of Karsiyaka and Besiktas. Yucel played for the Turkish B and University NT in 2005.
Muratcan Guler spent last season with Antalya. He appeared 32 times in TBL averaging 11.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Guler played for Besiktas from 2008 until the last summer. In their second season together he had 6.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.2 apg in Turkey. Guler also added 8.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg in EuroCup. As mentioned above, Muratcan Guler already played for Turk Telekom in the past. He was their member from 2006 to 2008. Guler helped Turk Telekom win the Turkish Cup in 2008. Before TT, Guler was a member of Karsiyaka, Ulker and ITU. He also played for Besiktas from 1999-2001. Muratcan Guler was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and also Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Domestic Players Team -03, 05, 06.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Gill Back With Lions - by Paul Nilsen
Stefan Gill (173-G-83) has become Mike New's first signing to his Milton Keynes Lions roster ahead of the 2011/12 season.

The 5'10' English point guard was voted the best player in English Division One two seasons ago and in his first year in the BBL for the Lions last term, solidified his reputation as one of the quickest players at the highest level.

Gill, 27, is a graduate of the University of Bolton, he had a spell in the Danish top league averaging 10 points a game and his 23 points and just shy of 5 assists a game in EBL Division One converted to 13.4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists whilst shooting 43% from the field and a very healthy 37% from the three point line.

Lions' Head Coach Mike New commented, 'I am delighted to return Stefan, we knew about him and his athletic ability but this past season he really stepped up at the top level, after a slow start a couple of 40 point performances showed he was at this level offensively, now he is just maturing and will become a Premier player'.

The Moss-Side born guard became a regular in the England National Team for Coach Paul James, and whilst in his first BBL season he forced himself onto the starting five and his progress has been pleasing for the whole club, Lions Chief Executive, Vince Macaulay added, 'It is not surprising that Mike's first signing is Steff, we pride ourselves in bringing young players to the fore, what Mike has done with the Academy has been great and we intend to bring more exciting young players to the club, Steff was averaging 27 minutes a game and is a beacon for other English players as far as their ability to step into our top League and be professional in all that they do'

The Lion's first home game of the new season sees them entertain the Leicester Riders on Friday 7th October (tip-off 7.30pm), before that the squad will face Stony Brook University from New York at the MK Lions Arena on Thursday the 18th of August,


Ousman Krubally renews contract with Leopards - by Eurobasket News
The London Leopards have secured the services of one of their key players for the next season. They renewed the contract of Ousman Krubally (198-F-88, college: Georgia St.). The 23-year-old forward will enter his second straight season with the Leopards. Ousman Krubally tallied impressive 22.3 points, 13.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in EBL last season. He was the top rebounder and had the best efficiency rating in the league. Eurobasket.com named the player All-British EBL Division One Forward of the Year. He made it into EBL Division One 1st Team. It was the first pro season for Ousman Krubally. He graduated from the Georgia State University in 2010. His stats read 7.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in the senior college season.


Worcester Wolves add Tommy Freeman - by Eurobasket News
Worcester Wolves added another player to their roster for the next season. After David Watts, Callum Jones and Alex Zimnickas, the team landed American shooting guard Tommy Freeman (195-F-88). The 22-year-old Freeman heads to Worcester for his first professional deal. He graduated few months ago at the University of Ohio. Freeman had 11.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.1 apg in 34 games as a senior. In 2009/10, he averaged 10.5 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assists for 37 games. Freeman helped Ohio to win the MAC Tournament that year. As a sophomore, Freeman registered 7.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.3 apg. Worcester Wolves finished last season as No.9 in BBL. They had 15-18 record.

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


Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
Places 1-6
 1. Tabare 17-6 
 2. Nacional 15-8 
 3. Larranaga 15-8 
 4. Goes 13-10 
 5. Urunday Univ. 12-11 
 6. Atenas 12-11 
Places 7-10
 1. Capitol 8-9 
 2. Yale 6-11 
 3. Verdirrojo 4-13 
 4. 25 de Agosto 3-13 


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


Marinos win LPB title! - by Eurobasket News
LPB Finals, Game 5: Marinos - Cocodrilos 77-75 (4-1)

Marios won the LPB title last night. They grabbed 77-75 home win against Cocodrilos winning the Finals series with almost perfect 4-1. Marinos were LPB champions also two years ago. Before that, they won the title in 91, 93, 98, 03, 04 and 05. Smith Donta (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) stepped up for the hosts last night with 26 points. Diego Guevara (184-G-77, college: Charlotte) followed him with 14 points, while Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points, plus 7 boards. In defeat, Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) shined with 22 points. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 19 and Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) added 10 pts. Quarters: 17-15, 22-26, 19-19, 19-15.
Marinos were No.2 in regular season with 32-12 record. They eliminated Gigantes with 4-2 in the Semifinals.

Marinos: Smith Donta 26, Diego Guevara 14, Oscar Torres 12+7 boards
Cocodrilos: Luis Bethelmi 22, Jack Michael Martinez 19, Leandro Garcia Morales 10

*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 23
 1. Valanciunas, LTU23.0 
 2. Barac, CRO18.7 
 3. Ahmed, EGY18.5 
 4. Saric, CRO18.1 
 5. Michalak, POL17.4 
 6. Greenwood, AUS17.1 
 7. Pierre, CAN16.9 
 8. Lamb, USA16.2 
 9. Kulagin, RUS15.9 
 10. Dukulis, LAT15.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 13.9
 1. Valanciunas, LTU13.9 
 2. Ahmed, EGY12.3 
 3. Saric, CRO10.1 
 4. Dukulis, LAT9.5 
 5. Nogueira, BRA8.8 
 6. Pierre, CAN8.3 
 7. M''Rad, TUN8.0 
 8. Delia, ARG7.8 
 9. Mitchell, USA7.6 
 10. Zhai, CHN7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Vytenis CIZAUSKAS
  (190-G-92)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Cizauskas, LTU5.6 
 2. Grochowski, POL5.6 
 3. Kim, KOR5.4 
 4. Hossam, EGY5.0 
 5. Katic, CRO4.5 
 6. Jackson, USA4.1 
 7. Neto, BRA4.1 
 8. Chen, TAI4.0 
 9. Vecvagars, LAT3.9 
 10. Ahmed, EGY3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Assem AHMED
  (205-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ahmed, EGY2.3 
 2. Moon, KOR2.2 
 3. Chen, TAI2.2 
 4. Pangos, CAN2.1 
 5. Lamb, USA2.0 
 6. Cizauskas, LTU1.9 
 7. Zhai, CHN1.8 
 8. Giaveno, ARG1.8 
 9. Abada, TUN1.8 
 10. Creek, AUS1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Valanciunas, LTU3.2 
 2. Nogueira, BRA2.9 
 3. Mitchell, USA1.8 
 4. Leonard, USA1.6 
 5. Karnowski, POL1.6 
 6. Delia, ARG1.4 
 7. Niedzwiedzki, POL1.3 
 8. Lee, KOR1.3 
 9. Jankovic, CAN1.1 
 10. Mockevicius, LTU1.1 




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Women News

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


WNBL young guns lead Australian Gems against Japan - by Eurobasket News
For the second time in 24 hours the Australian U19 Womens team, the Gems, were unable to overcome Japans senior womens national team, losing 91-76 at the AIS Arena in Canberra this afternoon.

Led by Townsville Fire forward Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-93) and Logan Thunder forward Gretel Tippett (190-F-93), the Australian Gems have again fallen short of defeating Japans senior womens national team.

The game ended the Gems final preparation camp for the upcoming 2011 FIBA U19 Womens World Championship of Basketball in Chile.

After falling to the Japanese women 88-77 in game one of the friendly series last night, the Gems were once again unable to find a way to win, despite a number of promising individual performances.

Nadeen Payne top scored for the Australians with 14 points, Gretel Tippett added 13 points and Rebecca Cole (177-G-92) dished out 7 assists, while Ashleigh Karaitiana led the team with 7 rebounds.

The Gems led by four points at one stage during the first term, but it was Japan who finished off the quarter the stronger leading 21-18 after one.

The second term saw both teams take turns with the games momentum, Japan extending their quarter time lead to eight, to have the Gems drag their lead back to one point on the back of a Kerryn Harrington three-point basket. But with less than three minutes remaining Japan were able to extend their lead back to 10 points at halftime 43-33.

The third term belonged to Japan, with the Gems unable to make inroads into the deficit, and the visitors extending their lead to 18 points after three quarters.

The Gems had one more attempt at a comeback in them, reducing Japans lead to under double-figures in the first three minutes of the last quarter. But Japan steadied from there and despite the Gems putting together their highest scoring quarter of the game, outscoring their opposition 31-29, Japan registered a solid victory.

Japan 91 (Mamiya 18, Takada 17, Oga 16) defeated Australian Gems 76 (Payne 14, Tippett 13, Harrington 11)

Quarter by quarter

1st Quarter: 21 18

2nd Quarter: 43 33 (22 15)

3rd Quarter: 62 44 (19 11)

4th Quarter: 91 76 (29 32)
Courtesy of: http://www.basketball.net.au

QBL: Speed key to Marlins clash against Rocky - by Eurobasket News
Dolphins centre Cayla Francis (192-C-89) believes she has done enough to retain her place in the Australian squad for the looming home series against the Chinese, she just hopes the selection committee see it that way as well.

Currently in training with the Australian Universiade side in Canberra, Francis was hopeful of keeping her spot for the series that includes a game at the Dolphins home court on Aumuller St on July 30.

Games against the Japanese national side today and tomorrow only serve as another chance to prove her worth, especially considering seven current Opals are among the university squad.

Without any feedback on her standing in the side, Francis will play the waiting game until the side is picked.

'Im happy with how I went, I just know it would be awesome to play in front of a home crowd and play that Chinese team,' she said.

She will be missing for the Dolphins this weekend when they head south for a tough double against Rockhampton and Gladstone, the latter of which they knocked off last Friday in Cairns.

Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) and Naomi Pedro and Juliana Paunovic must shoulder the extra load in scoring and rebounding if they are to be competitive in either game.
Courtesy of: QBL




QBL: Power struggle to net Dolphins - by Eurobasket News
PORT City Power had to scrap and fight on its way to a six-point victory over the Cairns Dolphins on Saturday night, in what could possibly have been a preview of the grand final.

Fans who witnessed the 94-88 win werent treated to the usual Power offensive onslaught. It was a real grind with the home team having to dig deep to get the points.

In a sign of the Power struggle to win, there were 10 lead changes in the match, which is very uncustomary.

Cairns delivered the Powers first defeat for the season the week before and were obviously primed to take it right up to last years premiers.

In the first half Hannah Bowley (185-G/F-84) and Bec Haynes took up the bulk of the offensive work in the first half, registering 17 and 16 points respectively.

Just before the main break Nat Hurst, who had coaching duties from the sidelines, copped a tech foul for questioning an umpiring decision and Bibby remonstrated about what appeared to be clear inconsistencies in several calls.

Perhaps this sparked her into action offensively and if not for her the Power may have had its second loss in a week at the hands of the Dolphins. She led the scoring in the third quarter as it looked like the Dolphins were going to surge ahead and there was little separating the teams at the last break as the Dolphins had whittled down a seven-point Power lead.

A vocal Power crowd got right behind the team and were full of noise as the game became an arm wrestle down the final stretch.

With under three minutes to play, a Haynes three-pointer put the Power two points up, and from there they controlled the play and Diana Neves left her best shot for the night for the full-time buzzer, a three from the top of the court.

Haynes had another monster triple double, 18 points, 10 assists and 18 reboudns, 16 on the defensive end and Bowley led the scorers with 26.

For the Dolphins, Juliana Paunovic and Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) scored 26 points apiece and were constant thorns in the Powers defence, as the Dolphins showed they can more than match it with the Power.

Result

Port City Power 94 Cairns Dolphins 88

Hannah Bowley 26 points, 9 rebounds, Bec Haynes 18 pts (4 three-pointers), 10 assists, 18 rebs, Jess Bibby 22 pts, 8 assists,

Diana Neves 15 points (3 three-pointers)
Courtesy of: QBL



*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS - Women  


Senior women's team down to 18 - by Eurobasket News
An 18-women roster was submitted to the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) by the three national head coaches, who have had the task of preparing the squad for the upcoming Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships. Coaches Larry Tidwell, Felix Fly Musgrove and Kayla Campbell were originally supposed to hand 24 names in, but that became impossible after players decided not to continue participating in the training sessions. Musgrove explained that the 18 persons who came out, their names were added to the roster, which was handed over to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) by the federation. The annual championships will tip-off on August 3-7, at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. The mens affair has a July 23-29 slating. Those matches will also be held at the national gymnasium. Head coaches for the mens squad are Larry Brown, Mario Bowleg , Quintin Three Ounce Hall and Dexter Cambridge. Musgrove said: We are down to 18 players right now. We didnt cut it to 24 because some of the players cut themselves by not coming. Coach Tidwell is out of town right now, so the final cut to 12 players, will be done when he returns. The names are not due in until July 22. I think the team is pretty strong. We are small but we are going to be quick. Our style of basketball is going to be an uptempo one. Defense? We are going to play a lot of person-to-person match up with some trapping also. We have a few collegiate players. Most of the players we have are based here locally. We have about four or five collegiate players who are trying out. The team is coming together pretty well. The integration of local and collegiate based players has paid off, so far. We had persons come home early from school so that gave us an opportunity to look at them and see how they will fit into the program and what we are trying to run.
This will mark the first time in 10 years The Bahamas is playing host to the event. The BBF will welcome teams from Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.
Unlike the men, the women will play a round-robin format while the men will be divided into pools. The game schedule has already been posted on the FIBA Americas basketball website, for both championships. The womens setup has The Bahamas playing the feature game, against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on August 3. The opening match will see Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands battle, followed by the Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago match-up.
Day two, Team Bahamas will go up against Trinidad and Tobago. This will be the last game of the evening. The game with Cuba and The Bahamas will be played on Saturday, August 7, the last day of the round-robin competition. Also playing on that day are Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Only the top three teams from both tournaments will advance to the Centrobasket Championships, which is made up of eight countries from around the Central American and Caribbean region.
The mens championships will be played July 23-29. The host country, The Bahamas, will play out of Group B with British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Cayman Islands. Group A will have Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The mens first game will put them against Cayman Islands. This is the third match on the schedule. Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda will be the feature game with Bermuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the opener. Taking to court second are US Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
When you go to compete, there is only one reason for entering, that is to win, said Musgrove. So we are not going out there looking for any other position other than the number one spot. If we fall short then that is something that we will have to work with. But basically when you compete you want to win. That is our goal.
The thing that needs to be noted is the last tournament that was held was in 2006. So basically, most of these teams coming in, we dont know what they are bringing. Cuba always brings a strong team, Trinidad and Tobago is basically rebuilding and the Dominican Republic has to do the same thing, rebuild. We dont know how the US Virgin Islands team looks or who they are bringing, but I can say that this is a very strong team and we are getting ready for the challenge or battle that is before us.
Teams will be staying at the SuperClubs Breezes Resort. Officials from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and CBC will be housed at the Wyndham Nassau Resort.
Courtesy of: thenassauguardian.com

*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE - Women  


Spartak Saint Petersburg land Ksenia Lapteva - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP bolstered their backcourt. They signed contract with Ksenia Lapteva (183-G-83). The deal is meant for two seasons. The 27-year-old guard spent the last six seasons with Dynamo Kursk. She was the captain of the team. Last season she tallied 2.2 points, 1.8 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in EuroCup. In Russian League Ksenia Lapteva posted 5.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Before joining Dynamo Kursk Ksenia Lapteva played for Volna and Baltiyskaya Zvezda. The guard was the member of U16 Russian National Team. She also played at 2007 World University Games for Russia.


*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Belgium U18 finishes second abroad - by Eurobasket News
Belgium U18 finishes second at the International Tournament. In Day 1 Belgium U18 outscored Spain U19 61:51. The latter opened the game with 21-13 but could not stay in front for the whole game. Belgium bounced back with 14-12 in the second period and trailed 6 points after thirty minutes. In the last quarter the court however was dominated only by one team, Belgium. They erupted with 24-8 to seal the victory in the opener. Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Julie Vanloo (172-G-93) scored 16. For Spain Marina Delgado, Izaskun Garcia, Claudia Calvelo (192-C-92) and Paula Justel (185-F-92) poured in 8 points each.
In Day 2 France U19 overcame Belgium U18 70:63. The hosts lost the first quarter 18-19 but reinforced and won the second 22-13. Both teams exchanged the victories in the third and the last stanzas for the final result. For Belgium Emma Meesseman poured in 17 points and Adams followed her with 10.
In Day 3 Belgium U18 smashed Egypt U19 70:48 in the last game. The European team won the first two periods with the same 16-13 score. They added 19-11 in both third and the last periods respectively. Emma Meesseman stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Lisa Biebuyck (173-G/F-93) netted 14. Delvaux ended up with 13 points and Jolien Goyvaerts (172-G-94) added 6.


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


Dunav Ruse keeps Charel Allen as well - by Christomir Rackov
The winner of the Cup of Bulgaria in 2011 Dunav 8806 managed to re-sign a fan favorite - American Charel Allen (181-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Notre Dame). Club President Krasimir Stefanov confirmed that she will play for the team from Ruse for yet another season.

This will be her 3rd consecutive season with the Bulgarian team. In 2010-2011 she was Dunav's undisputed best player with 15.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 2.2 apg in 33 games. She helped the team win the national Cup, as well as the bronze medals in the play-offs.

Dunav 8806 had already secured the services of local veterans Zornitsa Kostova (176-G-82) and Hristina Minkova (184-C/F-72), keeping them for another season, and also signed another American player - Adrienne Johnson (182-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Louisiana Tech).

*****************************************************
  EGYPT - Women  


Egypt U19 participated at the Temple sur Lot - by Eurobasket News
Egypt U19 participated at the Temple sur Lot tournament in France. France U19 won over Egypt U19 79:51 in the opener. The hosts of the tournament took the lead from the very beginning and never looked behind.
In Day 2 Spain U19 destroyed Egypt U19 91:33. The easy start allowed the European team to take 20-11 and then they added 18-13 in the second frame. The second half was a nightmare for the African team that scored only 9 points in 20 minutes. Spain won the third period 15-5 and had 38-4 in the last stanza. Alba Garcia (183-F/C-92) stepped up with 15 points, while Paula Justel (185-F-92), Yurena Diaz and Zanoguera netted 13 each.
In Day 3 Belgium U18 smashed Egypt U19 70:48 in the last game. The European team won the first two periods with the same 16-13 score. They added 19-11 in both third and the last periods respectively. Meesseman stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Lisa Biebuyck (173-G/F-93) netted 14. Lynn Delvaux (182-F-93) ended up with 13 points and Jolien Goyvaerts (172-G-94) added 6.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women  


W-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group A
1. Poland3-1
2. Serbia2-1
3. Ukraine2-2
4. Germany0-3
Group B
1. Russia4-0
2. Lithuania2-2
3. Turkey1-2
4. Romania0-3
Group C
1. France4-0
2. Italy2-1
3. Holland1-3
4. Belarus0-3
Group D
1. Spain4-0
2. Slovakia1-2
3. U.Kingdom1-2
4. Latvia1-3


Standings Div.B (Women) - by Eurobasket News
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Sweden2-0
2. Portugal2-1
3. Hungary1-1
4. Bulgaria1-2
5. FYR Macedo.0-2
Group B
1. Czech Rep.3-0
2. Greece3-0
3. Israel2-1
4. Belgium1-2
5. Estonia0-3
6. Austria0-3


Stats Leaders (Women)
Points Per Game
 Sara KRNJIC
  SRB
  (193-C-91)
  Avg: 18.7
 1. Krnjic, SRB18.7 
 2. Iagupova, UKR16.0 
 3. Yavas, TUR15.3 
 4. Malashenko, UKR15.0 
 5. Misiuk, POL15.0 
 6. Greinacher, GER14.7 
 7. Schaake, GER14.0 
 8. Cursaru, ROM13.7 
 9. Zietara, POL13.3 
 10. Markovic, SRB13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Monika GRIGALAUSKYTE
  (187-F-92)
  Avg: 15
 1. Grigalauskyt., LTU15.0 
 2. Van Grinsven, NED12.0 
 3. Niedola, LAT11.0 
 4. Minte, FRA10.5 
 5. Fagbenle, ENG10.5 
 6. Krnjic, SRB10.0 
 7. Ural, TUR10.0 
 8. Jovanovic, SRB9.5 
 9. Malashenko, UKR9.5 
 10. Tarasova, RUS9.3 
Assists Per Game
 Alina IAGUPOVA
  (181-G-92)
  Avg: 5
 1. Iagupova, UKR5.0 
 2. Zietara, POL4.5 
 3. Colic, SRB3.7 
 4. Bestagno, ITA3.7 
 5. Busch, ENG3.3 
 6. Kuras, POL3.3 
 7. Panevina, RUS3.3 
 8. Ortiz, ESP3.3 
 9. Brunckhorst, GER3.0 
 10. Nizamova, RUS3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Karina NIZAMOVA
  (170-PG-92)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Nizamova, RUS3.5 
 2. Markovic, SRB3.0 
 3. Nannucci, ITA3.0 
 4. Butter, NED2.8 
 5. Casas, ESP2.8 
 6. Mistygacz, POL2.8 
 7. Bestagno, ITA2.7 
 8. Ble, ESP2.5 
 9. Matsko, UKR2.5 
 10. Zietara, POL2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Ella CLARK
  ENG
  (190-F-92)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Clark, ENG2.7 
 2. Fagbenle, ENG2.0 
 3. Tarasova, RUS1.8 
 4. Iagupova, UKR1.8 
 5. Tava, ITA1.7 
 6. Van Grinsven, NED1.5 
 7. Slamova, SVK1.3 
 8. Ural, TUR1.3 
 9. Krnjic, SRB1.3 
 10. Filonchyk, BLR1.0 


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


Ieva Kublina heads to Bourges - by Eurobasket News
Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) heads to Bourges for 2011/2012 season. The Latvian National team Center comes from SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A).
Over the last few years Ieva Kublina changed several teams. The season 2008-2009 she started for TTT Riga (LSBL, starting five) and in 12 games averaged 14.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 71.0%. In Euroleague after 9 games her stats read 9.1ppg 8.7rpg 0.6apg 0.6spg 1.2bpg. In January 2009 moved to ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL, starting five) and in Czech Rep. League after 14 games showed 6.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.7%, while in Euroleague had 8.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0bpg. In 2009-2010 continued with ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL) and in Euroleague averaged 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 47.8%, FT: 75.0%. In Czech Rep. League after 27 games she showed 8.3ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 74.6%. In 2010-2011 Ieva moved to SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A) and in EuroCup her stats read 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 92.9%. In Hungarian League after 25 games she averaged 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 80.7%.
Recently she participated at the European Championships and recorded 16 points at the Qualifying Round Day 6. Montenegro won the Group B in Katowice with perfect 5-0 record as they outplayed Latvia 74-70 in crucial game for the first place in this pool. Ieva Kublina responded with 16 points in defeat.



France U19 won Temple-sur-Lot tournament - by Eurobasket News
France U19 won Temple-sur-Lot tournament with 4 teams participating. In Day 1 France U19 won over Egypt U19 79:51 in their opener. The hosts of the tournament took the lead from the very beginning and never looked behind.
In Day 2 France U19 overcame Belgium U18 70:63. The hosts lost the first quarter 18-19 but reinforced and won the second 22-13. Both teams exchanged the victories in the third and the last stanzas for the final result. For Belgium Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) poured in 17 points and Adams followed her with 10.
In Day 3 France U19 edged Spain U19 52:44. The French young players grabbed 19-15 after the first 10 minutes and added defensive 12-4 in the second frame. Spain bounced back with 12-5 in the third period and brought the intrigue back into the game. France however needed 16-13 to seal the victory. For Spain Maria Espana (175-F-92) poured in 9 points, while Elena Diaz (188-C/F-92) netted 8.


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


Atomeromu signs center Milica Cvetanovic - by Eurobasket News
Milica Cvetanovic (195-C-86) is a new member of Atomeromu-Szekszard. The 24-year-old center penned a deal for the next season. She arrives to Atomeromu from Szolnoki NKK, where she spent 2010/11. For 26 games in Hungarian A League, Cvetanovic averaged 13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Honorable Mention -11. From 2008 to 2010, Cvetanovic was a member of Hemofarm Stada. She helped them win the Serbian league title in 2009. They also won the Serbian Cup that same year. In the past, Cvetanovic was a member Kraljevo, Burhaniye Belediyesi, Herceg Novi and Kovin. She played for the Serbian University National Team in 2009.

Standings - Women
A Standings
 1. Pecs 2010 23-1 
 2. MKB Eurol. 22-2 
 3. SEAT Lami 19-5 
 4. ZTE 17-7 
 5. Nanette FTC 17-7 
 6. Szeged 14-10 
 7. Szolnok 11-13 
 8. Bajai NKK 11-13 
 9. Atomeromu 8-16 
 10. Vasas-Csata 5-19 
 11. BSE 5-19 
 12. Cegledi EKK 3-21 
 13. BEAC 1-23 


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


IDC is the Israeli Academic Basketball Champions - by David Pick
Israeli Women's National Team Captain, Liad Suez-Karni, officially announced earlier this week that she is retiring from professional basketball after a long and successful fourteen-year career which includes two Israeli national championships and two Israeli state-cup titles. However, Suez-Karni, has not fully said goodbye to the game just yet, as she still enjoys the game of basketball by combining it with her academic schooling at Israel's prestigious Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzeliya.

The IDC women's basketball program, led by head coach Ilan Kowalsky, (coached the national women's Under20 team in addition to coaching Israeli men professional basketball for 25 years), owns both an impressive and outstanding record of 11 Israeli national academic titles. The students at the IDC are academic scholars as well as student athletes and enjoy the likes of excelling in both fields.

'Liad had an amazing national and international career and we are happy that she decided to stay with our program despite retiring from professional basketball. I have no doubt in my mind that our team will be built around her in the season to come as she is an asset to any coach,' said Kowalski.

In a league that is permitted only for academic students, the IDC enjoys the presence of some of Israel's top professional female basketball talents. Suez-Karni, Oren Ortal, Meirav Dori, Ayelet Cohen and Mor Barak, are only a few of the Women's Division1 athletes hooping for the IDC, in addition to talented Yael Goldberger, Shir Ra'anan and Lital Sulkovic who played in Division2 this past season, the IDC has created a dominant female basketball empire on school premises.

The national academic student league includes 16 teams from across the country where in this year's finals game; the IDC beat the Wingate Academy 64:60.

http://portal.ac.il/en/main/Athletics/Welcome/Pages/Welcome1.aspx





*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Umbertide land Veronica Dell'Olio - by Eurobasket News
Liomatic Umbertide have secured the services of one of the top Italian talents. The team signed a deal with Veronica Dell'Olio (190-F-93).. The 18-year-old forward is the product of Pesaro Sports School. She also played for College Italia. Her stats read 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in the collegiate tournament. Veronica Dell'Olio was the member of U16 and U18 Italian National Teams. Last season she participated at U18 European Championship. The forward posted 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in Slovak Republic.


*****************************************************
  JAPAN - Women  


WNBL young guns lead Australian Gems against Japan - by Eurobasket News
For the second time in 24 hours the Australian U19 Womens team, the Gems, were unable to overcome Japans senior womens national team, losing 91-76 at the AIS Arena in Canberra this afternoon.

Led by Townsville Fire forward Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-93) and Logan Thunder forward Gretel Tippett (190-F-93), the Australian Gems have again fallen short of defeating Japans senior womens national team.

The game ended the Gems final preparation camp for the upcoming 2011 FIBA U19 Womens World Championship of Basketball in Chile.

After falling to the Japanese women 88-77 in game one of the friendly series last night, the Gems were once again unable to find a way to win, despite a number of promising individual performances.

Nadeen Payne top scored for the Australians with 14 points, Gretel Tippett added 13 points and Rebecca Cole (177-G-92) dished out 7 assists, while Ashleigh Karaitiana led the team with 7 rebounds.

The Gems led by four points at one stage during the first term, but it was Japan who finished off the quarter the stronger leading 21-18 after one.

The second term saw both teams take turns with the games momentum, Japan extending their quarter time lead to eight, to have the Gems drag their lead back to one point on the back of a Kerryn Harrington three-point basket. But with less than three minutes remaining Japan were able to extend their lead back to 10 points at halftime 43-33.

The third term belonged to Japan, with the Gems unable to make inroads into the deficit, and the visitors extending their lead to 18 points after three quarters.

The Gems had one more attempt at a comeback in them, reducing Japans lead to under double-figures in the first three minutes of the last quarter. But Japan steadied from there and despite the Gems putting together their highest scoring quarter of the game, outscoring their opposition 31-29, Japan registered a solid victory.

Japan 91 (Mamiya 18, Takada 17, Oga 16) defeated Australian Gems 76 (Payne 14, Tippett 13, Harrington 11)

Quarter by quarter

1st Quarter: 21 18

2nd Quarter: 43 33 (22 15)

3rd Quarter: 62 44 (19 11)

4th Quarter: 91 76 (29 32)
Courtesy of: http://www.basketball.net.au

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


Ieva Kublina heads to Bourges - by Eurobasket News
Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) heads to Bourges for 2011/2012 season. The Latvian National team Center comes from SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A).
Over the last few years Ieva Kublina changed several teams. The season 2008-2009 she started for TTT Riga (LSBL, starting five) and in 12 games averaged 14.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 71.0%. In Euroleague after 9 games her stats read 9.1ppg 8.7rpg 0.6apg 0.6spg 1.2bpg. In January 2009 moved to ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL, starting five) and in Czech Rep. League after 14 games showed 6.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.7%, while in Euroleague had 8.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0bpg. In 2009-2010 continued with ZVVZ USK Praha (Czech Rep.-ZBL) and in Euroleague averaged 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 47.8%, FT: 75.0%. In Czech Rep. League after 27 games she showed 8.3ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 74.6%. In 2010-2011 Ieva moved to SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A) and in EuroCup her stats read 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 92.9%. In Hungarian League after 25 games she averaged 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 80.7%.
Recently she participated at the European Championships and recorded 16 points at the Qualifying Round Day 6. Montenegro won the Group B in Katowice with perfect 5-0 record as they outplayed Latvia 74-70 in crucial game for the first place in this pool. Ieva Kublina responded with 16 points in defeat.



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


Federation announces crisis measures - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
After the meeting with the District Associations, the Portuguese Basketball Federation announced some measures that will be applied during the new season, trying to ease the financial crisis effects. As it was made public before, the Portuguese Government has to make huge cuts in the money that is invested in Sports.

These are the measures that will take effect right now:

-Foreigner player taxes will be uniformed. The first four foreign players inscriptions will pay 800 in LPB, the following 1750 . The same will be applied to Proliga (675 for the first two, 1250 after) and Liga Feminina (450 for the first two, 650 after).

-The National players will also have to pay taxes in the inscription act. 70 in LPB, 40 in Proliga and 30 in Liga Feminina.

-Each team has to pay a tax to play in the Portuguese Basketball Leagues. The values are 4000 in LPB, 1500 in Proliga and Liga Feminina.

-The Portuguese Federation will not pay any money to the referees at a senior level. In July 19th, a meeting with the Referees Commission will be held to decide about the values to be paid by the team to have referees in their home games.

-Travels to the Islands (Azores and Madeira) will maintain an undisclosed value paid by the Portuguese Government. The Portuguese Basketball Federation will not support the difference between that value and the travels real value. More, when we have two teams from the same island in a competition, the schedule will be made in a way to have a two games weekend in the island. It is not allowed to have more than two teams from each island in any league.

-The Portuguese Basketball Federation will only assure stats for the LPB. In Proliga and Liga Feminina games, the stats must be assure by home teams, with people named by each team and with education provided by the Federation.

-The Portuguese Basketball Federation will only assure the realization of the Men Portuguese Cup Final 8, Women Portuguese Cup Final 4 and Super Cups. In the other competitions (as Hugo dos Santos Cup, Women, and Antnio Pratas Cup, Men) teams must assure the finals costs.

-No team will be accepted in the league with payments due to the Federation.

-CNB1 and CNB2 will be merged in the same competition and, in his regular season, will have Regional Series.

-Federation and Associations will also study the possibility of reducing costs in their day-to-day work.

After this announcement, we still have to expect the reaction of teams, that have until July 15th to officiate their inscriptions in the leagues.



*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


U18 Serbia beats U18 Romania once again - by Eurobasket News
U18 Serbia - U18 Romania 71-35

Serbia outplayed Romania in another friendly. This time Serbia celebrated 71-35 victory against their rival. Katarina Vuckovic (191-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 13 points. Zorana Marinkovic (168-G-93) had 11 pts, while Aleksandra Stanacev (167-G-94) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Diana Moraru (179-F-93) collected 13 points. Their second scorer was Dimitrache with 6 points. Serbia started with 18-14 in the first ten minutes and they blasted Romania for rest of the first half. Serbia shined with 23-10 in the second quarter. Nothing has changed after the breather as Serbia was the team who dominated. They made 15-4 in third and 15-7 in the last period for the final 71-35 win.

Serbia: Katarina Vuckovic 13, Zorana Marinkovic 11, Aleksandra Stanacev 10
Romania: Diana Moraru 13, Dimitrache 6

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


Spartak Saint Petersburg land Ksenia Lapteva - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP bolstered their backcourt. They signed contract with Ksenia Lapteva (183-G-83). The deal is meant for two seasons. The 27-year-old guard spent the last six seasons with Dynamo Kursk. She was the captain of the team. Last season she tallied 2.2 points, 1.8 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in EuroCup. In Russian League Ksenia Lapteva posted 5.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Before joining Dynamo Kursk Ksenia Lapteva played for Volna and Baltiyskaya Zvezda. The guard was the member of U16 Russian National Team. She also played at 2007 World University Games for Russia.


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  SERBIA - Women  


U18 Serbia beats U18 Romania once again - by Eurobasket News
U18 Serbia - U18 Romania 71-35

Serbia outplayed Romania in another friendly. This time Serbia celebrated 71-35 victory against their rival. Katarina Vuckovic (191-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 13 points. Zorana Marinkovic (168-G-93) had 11 pts, while Aleksandra Stanacev (167-G-94) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Diana Moraru (179-F-93) collected 13 points. Their second scorer was Dimitrache with 6 points. Serbia started with 18-14 in the first ten minutes and they blasted Romania for rest of the first half. Serbia shined with 23-10 in the second quarter. Nothing has changed after the breather as Serbia was the team who dominated. They made 15-4 in third and 15-7 in the last period for the final 71-35 win.

Serbia: Katarina Vuckovic 13, Zorana Marinkovic 11, Aleksandra Stanacev 10
Romania: Diana Moraru 13, Dimitrache 6

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Standings - Women
Extraliga Standings
 1. Cassovia K. 0-0 
 2. Dannax Sport 0-0 
 3. Dobri Anjeli 0-0 
 4. MBK Ruzomb. 0-0 
 5. Poprad 0-0 
 6. Roznava 0-0 
 7. Samorin 0-0 


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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain U19 comes back from France - by Eurobasket News
Spain U19 comes back from France as they participated at the International tournament. In Day 1 Belgium U19 outscored Spain U19 61:51. The latter opened the game with 21-13 but could not stay in front for the whole game. Belgium bounced back with 14-12 in the second period and trailed 6 points after thirty minutes. In the last quarter the court however was dominated only by one team, Belgium. They erupted with 24-8 to seal the victory in the opener. For Spain Marina Delgado (174-G-92), Izaskun Garcia, Claudia Calvelo (192-C-92) and Paula Justel (185-F-92) poured in 8 points each.
In Day 2 Spain U19 destroyed Egypt U19 91:33. The easy start allowed the European team to take 20-11 and then they added 18-13 in the second frame. The second half was a nightmare for the African team that scored only 9 points in 20 minutes. Spain won the third period 15-5 and had 38-4 in the last stanza. Alba Garcia (183-F/C-92) stepped up with 15 points, while Paula Justel, Yurena Diaz (176-G-93) and Inmaculada Zanoguera (177-G-93) netted 13 each.
In Day 3 France U19 edged Spain U19 52:44. The French young players grabbed 19-15 after the first 10 minutes and added defensive 12-4 in the second frame. Spain bounced back with 12-5 in the third period and brought the intrigue back into the game. France however needed 16-13 to seal the victory. For Spain Maria Espana (175-F-92) poured in 9 points, while Elena Diaz netted 8.


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  SWEDEN - Women  


Comets recruit elite players - by Tommy Wallin
Ume Comets have completed their third new acquisition for the summer.
Martina Renholm (179-F-89) from last year's Championship finalists Lulea Basket.
Martina Renholm, 21 years from Lule has signed a 1 +1 year contract with Ume Comets. She has three years experience in the game in Damligan.
The season 2008-2009, she played with Jamtland and the last two seasons she has played with SM-finalists Lulea Basket.
Renholmen was visiting Ume two weeks ago and have now decided to play with the Ume team.


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  WNBA - Women  


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


Sparks make Kobe Bryant's father head coach - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Sparks have promoted Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant's father, Joe Bryant, to head coach, the team announced Sunday.

Bryant takes over for Jennifer Gillom, who guided the Sparks to a 4-6 start this season. Los Angeles is in the midst of a five-game losing streak.

Gillom became head coach of the Sparks in December 2009. She led the team to a 13-21 mark in 2010, a year that ended with a loss to Seattle in the conference semifinals.

'I want to thank everyone in the Sparks organization for the opportunity to serve as head coach, especially Penny Toler,' Gillom said. 'I enjoyed coaching the players and working alongside my staff, and am confident they will accomplish great things this season.'

Bryant served as Los Angeles' head coach from August 2005 through the 2006 season, leading the team to a pair of playoff appearances.

The Sparks brought Bryant back into the organization in March, making him an assistant coach along with Sandy Brondello.

Bryant served as head coach of Raru Kamuy Hokkaido, a Japanese first division men's team, and taught at a private basketball academy in Japan before returning to LA this off-season.

In 1975, Bryant was drafted (14th overall) out of LaSalle University by the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Over eight seasons, he made an impact as a forward in 606 games playing with the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Following his successful career in the NBA, Bryant moved to Italy where he played for eight years.

'This was a very difficult decision, but I felt it was necessary to take the team in a different direction at this point in the season. Joe's familiarity with the Sparks organization puts us in the best possible position to compete going forward, and should make for a seamless transition,' Sparks vice president and general manager Penny Toler said.

Bryant will coach the team for the rest of the season.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Latest games - by Eurobasket News
New York L. - Chicago S. 80-73
After missing New York's last two wins with an eye injury, Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) didn't want to break the team's momentum. Instead, she hit a big shot in the final minute and helped the surging Liberty get another win. Carson and Cappie Pondexter scored 18 points each to rally New York to an 80-73 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday for the Liberty's third straight win and fifth in six games. Pondexter hit a 3-pointer to tie score at 73 with 1:15 to go and Carson hit one of her own with 31.7 seconds remaining to put New York ahead for good. 'I was open,' Carson said. 'Cappie saw me. She's a great combo guard. She saw me coming up out of the corner and I treated it just like any other shot, no pressure, just shoot it.' Pondexter, who then hit four free throws to seal the win after the Liberty trailed by 17 in the second quarter, credited Carson's poise on the tiebreaking play. 'A lot of times I draw a lot of defense,' Pondexter said. 'Thank God I have great vision. I saw her shifting over once everybody collapsed on me and she was wide open. I'm glad she had the confidence in herself to take that shot.' Carson missed the Liberty's sweep of a home-and-home with San Antonio - here on July 1 and on the road Friday. She was told her vision was back to normal Friday and practiced yesterday for 1 hours to get herself ready. 'I didn't want to come in and just shoot the ball,' Carson said. 'Especially with the team coming off back-to-back wins, they had been in rhythm. I didn't want to come in and disrupt the rhythm.' Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) had 13 points, Quanitra Hollingsworth added 11, and Nicole Powell and Kia Vaughn 10 each for the Liberty (7-5). *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Phoenix M. - Tulsa S. 102-63
Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 16 of her 18 points in the first half as the Phoenix Mercury built a big halftime lead and routed Tulsa 102-63 on Sunday in Teresa Edwards' debut as interim coach. Edwards took over from Nolan Richardson, who resigned after the Shock's loss to Phoenix on Friday night that gave Tulsa a WNBA-worst 1-10 record on the season. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) added 12 points and six assists for Phoenix (8-4), which has won four straight and eight of its last nine to move into first place in the Western Conference by percentage points. The rout was on early in this one as the Mercury made their first 11 shots _ a WNBA record to start a game _ and built a 32-point halftime lead. Tiffany Jackson led the Shock (1-11) with 19 points, and rookie Elizabeth Cambage added 15 points. Phoenix jumped out to a 26-5 lead in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the game. Taylor had 11 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers, in the first eight minutes and the Mercury led 60-28 at the break. The Shock, the worst shooting team in the league, missed 15 of their 19 shots in the first quarter and made only one basket outside the lane in the first half. Phoenix, which made 37 of 61 on the day, led by as much as 94-49 with 6:46 remaining. The most lopsided game in WNBA history is Seattle's 111-65 win over Tulsa on July 7, 2010. Richardson had coached the Shock since the team moved to Oklahoma from Detroit after the 2009 season. He was 7-38 with the Shock after losing to Phoenix 86-78 in Tulsa on Friday and then resigning by 'mutual decision,' he told the Tulsa World on Saturday. All 10 Mercury players available to play on Sunday scored by halftime. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Minnesota L. - Connecticut S. 90-67
Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut), the rookie from UConn, scored 26 points and the Minnesota Lynx broke open a tight game in the third quarter to beat the Connecticut Sun 90-67 on Saturday night in a WNBA game at the Target Center. The Lynx (7-3) led by one at halftime before outscoring the Sun (6-4) 23-6 in the third quarter. Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) and Kelsey Griffin led Connecticut with 12 points apiece, but center Tina Charles was held to just six points on 3-of-13 shooting. *Courtesy of www.theday.com

Chicago S. - Atlanta D. 81-69
It is no secret what the Sky's game plan is each time they take the floor - get the ball inside to Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) as often as possible. However, feeding Fowles isn't always as easy as it sounds. Opposing defenses tend to make it difficult for her to get the ball. But in an encouraging sign going forward, the Sky were able to compile a strong second half and surge past Atlanta 81-69 Saturday night for their second consecutive victory. 'I don't want to say it was a tale of two halves, but we did the difficult stuff in the second half,' Sky coach Pokey Chatman said. The Dream held Fowles, the WNBA's leading scorer, to just 10 points - her lowest output in a Sky victory this season. But the Sky, behind Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers), Courtney Vandersloot and Michelle Snow, mounted an offensive outburst in the second half on the heels of a strong defensive effort. 'We found a way to play through (Fowles) and around her and still win the basketball game,' Chatman said. 'It is encouraging.' The Dream collapsed their defense around Fowles in the first half, forcing 15 turnovers to open a 39-31 lead. 'I said we should send them a thank-you card because we should've been down 18,' Chatman said. In the second half, the Sky took much better care of the ball and went on a 10-2 run to tie the score quickly. Prince, who kept the Sky close in the first half, finished with 24 points. Vandersloot had 16 to go with nine assists and Snow added 13 points. *Courtesy of http://articles.chicagotribune.com

Indiana F. - Washington M. 68-57
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) became the WNBA's all-time steals leader with a flurry. The Indiana Fever forward got five of her six steals in the final 6 minutes against Washington to turn a close game into a 68-57 win on Saturday night. Catchings moved two steals ahead of Los Angeles' Ticha Penicheiro for the No. 1 spot on the career list. Penicheiro finished with none in the Sparks' loss at Seattle later. ''It's cool,'' she said. ''It's definitely an honor.'' The Fever scored nine of their final 11 points on possessions gained because of her steals. ''In one way, it doesn't surprise me that she does things like that,'' said Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85), who led the Fever with 14 points. ''I'm in awe of her. She can turn a game straight around.'' Catchings also had 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks for the Fever (9-3), who have the best record *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Seattle S. - L.Angeles S. 99-80
Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) had 16 of her 26 points in the third quarter to help the Seattle Storm beat the Los Angeles Sparks 99-80 on Saturday night. Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) added 21 points, Sue Bird had 17 and Katie Smith 13 for Seattle (6-4), which remained in fourth place in the Western Conference. Rookie Jantel Lavender had career highs of 21 points and nine rebounds in her first start for Los Angeles (4-6), which lost its fifth straight overall and dropped to 0-6 on the road. DeLisha Milton-Jones scored 19 points and Kristi Toliver had 17 points for the Sparks in her first start of the season. The Storm beat the Sparks for the eighth consecutive game in Seattle since a loss in 2006. *Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com