After securing veteran point guard Erez Katz for a sixth straight year with the team, recently signing Israeli/American Lafayette graduate Jared Mintz and Baylor's scorer sensation LaceDarius Dunn to go along with 21-year-old Ben Rice, the Israeli organization officially announced today (Friday) the signing of their second James family member in team history, adding forward Delroy James, younger brother of Bnei's recent big man, Shawn James who left the team after three years to join power house Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The young James resembles to his brother in many aspect of the game, however, he is more versatile in his style of play which mostly reminds that of Lamar O'dom from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 24-year-old Brooklyn native recently graduated from the University of Rhode Island where he was named a member of the 2010 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) All-Tournament Team as well as the 2009/10 All-Atlantic 10 third team.

James scored in double-figures in 26 games as a junior, including a career-high 34 points against Nevada in the second round of the NIT where he was ranked second on the Rams roster in scoring (13.2), rebounding (5.3) and steals (1.4) while ranking first in blocked shots (1.2).

James was apart of 34 games this past season where he averaged 17.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, 1.1bpg. He was also the first player in UNH history to record a triple-double, scoring 22 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing out 10 dimes.

In addition to his older brother playing in Israel, two of his brothers have a collegiate basketball background - Lex played for St. Francis (NY) and Bridgeport; and Gordon was a D-II All-American at Bridgeport. Delroy also has four other siblings - a brother Devaun and sisters Teceeta, Enola, and Minette Graves.




Eurobasket Exclusive: Bnei Hasharon/Herzeliya sign LaceDarius Dunn - by David Pick
Eurobasket Exclusive: Despite significantly decreasing it's budget, Israel's New/old basketball team Bnei Hasharon/Herzeliya continues to successfully build its 2011/12 roster.

After securing veteran point guard Erez Katz for a sixth straight year with the team and recently signing Israeli/Canadian Lafayette graduate Jared Mintz, to go along with 21-year-old Ben Rice, the Israeli organization officially signed today (Thursday) the Baylor standout LaceDarius Dunn, to a two-year deal with the second being a team option. Dunn, who is represent by Dwon Clifton, owner of Envision Sports Agency, a young and rising American agency that have recently partnered with Israeli Z.A.G. Agency - Law Offices, in order to find their players the best situation in the Israeli competition.

Dunn's agent confirmed the information to 'Eurobasket' saying 'it is true' and that 'LaceDarius will start his professional career with Beni from Israel's Dvision1.'

The 24-year-old Dunn was a great NBA prospect with great shooting range as he finished his college career as the All-Time Big 12 leading scorer. Dunn can also easily beat his man off the dribble and is comfortable playing the SG position. He is also known for both his impressive athletic and penetrating ability.

The undrafted Dunn recently finished a four year student career playing for the UB where he was named All-Big 12 first team finishing his senior year as a starter posting impressive averages of 19.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg in 28 games.



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Lino Lardo (agency: Players Group ) is new Head Coach of Virtus Roma. The Italian specialist penned a one-year deal with the club, who at the same hired Antonello Riva (194-G-62) as a General Manager. Lardo worked last two years with Canadian Solar Bologna. They finished as No.8 last season with 15-15 record. In the Playoff Quarterfinals, Montepaschi eliminated CS Bologna with 3-1. Lardo led the Bologna team to Playoffs also in 2009/10. In 2008/09, Lardo led Solsonica Rieti to SuperCup Finals. In 2007, he won the LegaDue regular season with the same team, which he coached from 2006 to 2009. Season 2004/05 and 2005/06, Lino Lardo (agency: Players Group ) spent with Armani Jeans Milano. They reached SerieA Finals in 2005 and Lardo was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Coach of the Year -05.
Antonello Riva most recently worked as General Manager of Caserta.

K.C. Rivers leaves Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News
K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Clemson) is no longer a member of Virtus Bologna. The American G/F bought out his contract for $50k and he is free agent now. He joined the club in January this year averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 steals for 17 games. Rivers started last season with French Roanne. In 14 ProA games he had 14.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.9 apg. He also added 15 ppg and 4 rpg for two games in Euroleague Qualifying Round, plus 10.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg for six EuroCup games. Season 2009/10, K.C. Rivers split between Associazione Basket Latina and Benetton. Treviso. With the Treviso team he had 12.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 23 games in Italy. In EuroCup, Rivers had 11.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg. He started the season with Latina and exploded with 24.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg for 12 games. K.C. Rivers is a product of the Clemson University, where he graduated in 2009.

Avellino keeps Johnson and Szewczyk - by Eurobasket News
Scandone Avellino announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Linton Johnson (203-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Tulane) and Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82).
Linton Johnson joined the club last summer. He appeared 31 times in SereiA averaging 7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Johnson helped Avelino to end as No.4 in regular season and also to reach the Italian Cup Semifinals.
Szymon Szewczyk arrived to Avelino two years ago from Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. He played 34 games in SerieA last season registering 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals. In 2009/10, Szewczyk had 10.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.1 bpg. From 2007 to 2009, the Polish big guy was a member of Lokomotiv. He was one of their best players in both years. In their second season together Szewczyk shined with 14.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. He also added 12.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg in Russia. In the past, Szymon Szewczyk was a member of Scafati, Union Olimpija, and ALBA Berlin. He is a product of the Polish team Szczecin. Szymon Szewczyk is active member of the Polish National Team since 2001.

U20: Italy topple Germany to open win count in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Germany U20 75:62

Italy secured the first win at the U20 European Championship in Bilbao. They held off Germany to jump at 1-1 record in Group D. Germany in the meantime slipped at 1-1 record. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) picked up the slack and came up with pivotal performance for the Azzurri. The guard notched 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. The lead changed hands early in the game. But Gentile triggered a 9:2 run to put Italy up by 9 points at the first break 23:14. Traini opened a double-digit lead early in the second frame. The Azzurri maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. They posted a 40:31 lead at the interval. But Germany went on a 12:0 run midway through the third quarter to take a 49:48 lead. But Gentile helped Italy to regain control as the Azzurri headed into the final period up by five points 58:53. Germany kept it close before Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) and Melli boosted the gap to 13 points and sealed the win for Italy. Riccardo Moraschini accounted for 15 points, while Riccardo Cervi (215-C-91) added 7 points in the victory. Daniel Theis (207-C-92) answered with 15 points and 15 rebounds for Germany. Patrick Heckmann (198-F/G-92) accounted for 14 points in the loss.

Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 24, Riccardo Moraschini 15, Riccardo Cervi 7
Germany U20: Daniel Theis 15+15 boards, Patrick Heckmann 14


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KYRGYZSTAN

Spartak Primorie signs Denis Polokhin - by Eurobasket News
Denis Polokhin (195-G-90) is a new member of Spartak Primorie Vladivostok. The Russian/ Kyrgyzstani guard penned a one-year deal with the PBL newcomer. He heads to Sparta Primorie from CSKA Moscow, where spent last couple of years. For 18 PBL games last season Polokhin had 5.6 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.8 apg. He also played for CSKA Trinta Moscow (Russia-U-23 Youth League). Polokhin also played for CSKA-2 Moscow over the past few years. Denis Polokhin was a member of Russian U20 National Team last season. He appeared 9 times at the European Championships U20 in Croatia averaging 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. Polokhin also played at the European Championships U20 in Rhodos. In the past, he was a member of U18 and U16 Russia.

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LATVIA

U20: Croatia rally past Latvia in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - Latvia U20 60:58

Croatia posted the first win at the U20 European Championship. They recovered after an embarrassing loss to France in the opener to tame Latvia. Croatia and Latvia are now tied at 1-1 record in Group B.
Latvia gained a 5:0 lead at the start of the game. But Croatia quickly erased the deficit. Ivan Mikulic (194-G-91) and Cutura gave the Croats an 18:11 lead after ten minutes. Croatia kept their opponents at distance throughout the second period. They established a 35:25 halftime lead. Armands Osins (185-PG-91, agency: FCM) and Janis Antrops (193-G-91, agency: Interperformances) cut the deficit at the beginning of the third quarter. Latvia got within four points 41:45 with ten minutes to go. Croatia led by seven points 58:51 heading into the final thirty seconds of regulation. But Janis Antrops drained a triple, while Mejeris sank two free throws to drag Latvia within three points with 20 seconds left. Lejasmeiers dropped a jumper after Janis Antrops steal as Latvia suddenly got within a single point 58:59 with 14 seconds remaining. Luka Babic (200-F-91) his just one free throw and Armands Osins had a chance to tie the game but he missed a layup sealing the victory for Croatia. Ivan Buva (207-C-91) finished with 13 points for Croatia. Ivan Mikulic provided 9 points in the victory. Janis Antrops answered with 19 points for Latvia. Armands Osins netted 11 points in defeat.

Croatia U20: Ivan Buva 13, Ivan Mikulic 9, Luka Babic 8
Latvia U20: Janis Antrops 19, Armands Osins 11


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LITHUANIA

Evaldas Dainys leaves Rudupis - by Deividas Valiunas
Evaldas Dainys (180-G-82, college: Cent.Florida CC) leaves Rudupis Prienu and will play to another team in 20112012 season.The Lithuanian guard stayed with the team just one year and was one of the top players in it.
Last season he averaged 8.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 3.5 apg per game in Lithuania league.
In Baltic league guard averaged 8.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
Earlier Dainys advocated Silute, Neptunas Klaipeda and Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius clubs.


Sarunas Jasikevicius confirmed for Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) confirmed for Eurobasket 2011 to play for the home side, Lithuania. Jasikevicius should come to the second camp, which will be held from 24 July in Palanga and Klaipeda.
The first Lithuanian national team camp starts next week, July 18-23 July in Druskininkai. In July 24 the team will move to the seaside, and will play Slovenia in the first friendly game.
The season 2010-2011 Sarunas Jasikevicius started for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) and in Lithuanian League averaged 10.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.0spg. In Euroleague after 6 games he had 7.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 90.9% and in VTB League showed 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.0apg. In December 2010 moved to Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and in Turkish League after 26 games averaged 8.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 49.0%, FT: 90.2%, while in Euroleague had 4.8ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg.
Together with Fenerbahce Ulker Sarunas Jasikevicius won the title last season. In the Finals Game 6 his team over Galatasaray - Fener.Ulker 91:88. The best player for the winners was the former international center Oguz Savas who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Lithuanian star scored 14 points.



U16: Turkey and Lithuania prepare for the Baltic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U16 and Lithuania U16 prepare for the Baltic Cup 2011. They played a friendly game last night to enter the tournament later today with few other teams.
Turkey U16 rolled over the Baltic team 82:74. They started strong and produced 21-13 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they added 26-22 in the second frame, while Lithuania won the third and the last quarters. Cedi Osman (193-G-95) stepped up with 18 points, while Metecan Birsen notched 15. Kartal Ozmizrak (181-G-95) scored 13 and Ayberk Guleryuz (207-C/F-95) added 10. Ernest Serkevicius replied with 26 points in the losing effort. Ricard Verbickas netted 12 and Paulius Zalys (95) posted 11.
Both teams as well as Latvia and Estonia will compete in Baltic Cup 2011.

U20: Ukraine draw first blood in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 - Lithuania U20 73:63

Ukraine recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship in Spain. They overcame Lithuania today to improve at 1-1 record in Group D. Artem Pustovyi (216-C-92) stepped up with 22 points to lead the charge. Ukraine thus caught up with Lithuania in the ladder. Ukraine will face Italy, while Lithuania will take on Germany on the final day of the preliminary round.
Lithuania jumped to a 14:8 lead early in the encounter but Ukraine capped the period with a 9:2 run to take a 22:18 lead. Lithuania regained the lead midway through the second frame. Redikas and Butkevicius ensured a 40:38 advantage for the Baltic team at halftime. Ukraine tipped off the second half on a 10:0 run to surge in front. Lithuania cut the deficit to three points but Sandul and Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) made it 56:50 for Ukraine with one quarter remaining. Lithuanua knocked down 7 points in a row midway through the final term to get within one 61:62. But Artem Pustovyi and Andriy Lebedintsev (187-PG-91) answered with four points in a row and then Prokopenko hit a deadly three-pointer as Ukraine sealed the win at the end. Andriy Lebedintsev and Vyacheslav Bobrov accounted for 14 points each. The latter added 14 rebounds and 4 assists for Ukraine. Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Biruta posted 9 points each in the loss.

Ukraine U20: Artem Pustovyi 22, Vyacheslav Bobrov 14+14 boards, Andriy Lebedintsev 14
Lithuania U20: Mindaugas Kupsas 21, Augustas Peciukevicius 9


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LUXEMBOURG

U20: Norway improved to 1-1 record in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20-Luxembourg U20 82:49

Norway improved to 1-1 record in Division B of the U20 European Championship. The team remained Luxembourg winless after 82:49 loss in Day 2.
Pit Biever (187-PG-91) and Max Schmitz (198-C-84) gave Luxembourg the only lead in the opening tip, while Poulsson brought 17:5 for Norway. Rodenbourg closed the first period at 25:11, while Stian Berg (187-PG-91) opened the second frame with a three for 28:11. Norway won the second period 26-12 to increase to 51:23 at the halftime.
Luxembourg scored 13 points in the third and the last periods and could not win any of the frames. Norway celebrated the victories in all quarters to seal the total one. Poulsson was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Magnus Engen (188-G/F-91) and Stian Berg stepped up with 15 points each, while Oeivind Lundestad (190-G-91) netted 14. Pit Biever posted 10 in defeat and Max Schmitz notched 8.

Norway U20: Magnus Engen 15, Stian Berg 15, Oeivind Lundestad 14
Luxembourg U20: Pit Biever 10, Max Schmitz 8





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MALI

U16 Mali edges U16 Mozambique 47-44, goes to Semifinals in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 Mali advanced to Semifinals of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. Malians met Mozambique in the Quarterfinals and had to work very hard to beat them 47-44. First quarter was tied at 24-24, but Mali improved after the breather and created 19-8 in Q3. However, Mozambique made them big troubles in the last period but at the end was not able to make a turn. Makan Coulibaly (96) had no mercy from the FT line in the finish and brought Mali 3-point win. In the Semifinals, Mali will meet Tunisia. Other Semifinals pair is Egypt Angola. Mozambique is transferred to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be South Africa. After that, Mozambique will meet Congo or Algeria.

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MONTENEGRO

U20: Montenegro upset neighbours in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Serbia U20 85:60

Montenegro stayed perfect at U20 European Championship. They upset Serbian counterparts to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 17 points to pace the winners. Serbia fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
Serbia opened the game with five points in a row. Montenegro managed to pull ahead 16:15 late in the first frame but Duran ensured an 18:17 lead at the first break for Serbia. Bojan Dubljevic quickly pulled Montenegro ahead at the start of the second quarter. Montenegro stayed in charge and recorded a 40:35 halftime lead. Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) and Dukanovic opened a double-digit lead midway through the third term. Montenegro increased the tempo and posted a 68:45 advantage at the final break. Milovanovic and Bojan Dubljevic stretched the margin to 21 points early in the final period and Montenegro never looked back en route to the victory. Nikola Ivanovic accounted for 15 points, while Marco Todorovic (199-F-92) added 13 points and 12 rebounds in the winning effort. Danilo Andjusic (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Lazar Radosavljevic (203-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) netted 8 points apiece in the loss.

Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 17, Nikola Ivanovic 15, Marco Todorovic 13
Serbia U20: Danilo Andjusic 13, Lazar Radosavljevic 8, Nemanja Jaramaz 8


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MOZAMBIQUE

U16 Mali edges U16 Mozambique 47-44, goes to Semifinals in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 Mali advanced to Semifinals of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. Malians met Mozambique in the Quarterfinals and had to work very hard to beat them 47-44. First quarter was tied at 24-24, but Mali improved after the breather and created 19-8 in Q3. However, Mozambique made them big troubles in the last period but at the end was not able to make a turn. Makan Coulibaly (96) had no mercy from the FT line in the finish and brought Mali 3-point win. In the Semifinals, Mali will meet Tunisia. Other Semifinals pair is Egypt Angola. Mozambique is transferred to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be South Africa. After that, Mozambique will meet Congo or Algeria.

Mozambique U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Klaus Bunguele

96

Yuri Chambal

95

Breaton Francisco

95

Frengue Getimane

95

Phineas Macuiana

95

Youran Malate

95

Carlos Manhica

96

Hugo Martins

95

Govino Nangilal

95

Pelucio Nassone

95

Zoheb Sidi

95

Anselmo Tamele

96

Helton Ubisse

95

Nuno Veloso

95

Castro Vilanculos

95

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NBA

Childress says playing in Europe isn't all great - by Eurobasket News
The new most annoying story in the NBA is what players are going to do during the lockout, specifically, if they're willing to play overseas. Virtually every player has responded that he'd be open to it, with some going as far to actually sign (hello, Deron Williams).

The reasons are simple:

1) You get paid.

2) You get to play against good competition.

3) You get paid.

A handful of NBA players, other than Williams, have signed. Sonny Weems and Darius Songaila just put their name to contracts recently, with others still being rumored.

But it's not all it's cracked up to be. One NBA player who went to Europe for a season came back with a number of lessons. Josh Childress (6'8''-G/F-83, college: Stanford) knows the system, knows what it's like and knows what players can expect. And as he told ESPN.com, playing in Europe isn't as easy as it sounds or all it's cracked up to be.

'One of the biggest things guys will have to realize is that whatever offer you get, there's no guarantee you'll actually get all that money,' Childress says. 'If a guy isn't playing well or a team is out of the playoffs, they'll just stop paying you. I know tons and tons of players who just walked away because they didn't want to go through the hassle of going to court to get their money.

'I played for one of the biggest clubs in Europe,' Childress says. 'But there were still six- and seven-hour bus rides, we didn't stay at the best hotels and we flew commercial nine out of 10 times. And not all coaches care about your body. It's more military style. There's no getting tired. I'll be interested to see how guys' bodies respond.'
Basically, it sounds like it's a glorified D-League. Bus rides, subpar trainers, lacking medical attention and no pampering. I can't see any star NBA player being fine with that.

Childress was asked if he'd consider returning to Europe too.

'No, I wouldn't,' he says. 'And I don't know why guys would. I understand that guys really want to play. But you sometimes have to look at what you have and treat this as a business. The only way I could see it making sense is if you're a player from a particular country going back. But for an American player with a good-sized guaranteed deal here, I can't see why you'd do it.'
Remember, pretty much every single player is saying, 'I'd consider it,' with basically no one saying point blank no. But the one player that's definitively said he won't is a guy that has actually played there. I think that says something.

I recall watching a special on Brandon Jennings who skipped playing a freshman year in college, instead going to Italy to play professionally for a season. He said it was always a challenge to get paid on time.

Yes, Europe is a good option, especially if a player wants or need to continue their stream of income. But by the way it sounds according to Childress, it doesn't sound as wonderful as some have built it up to be. There's not nearly as much money as some might think and the lifestyle definitely isn't one an NBA star would appreciate.

Like many have said, it's probably more talking -- even with Williams -- than anything else. I'm like the opposite of Kevin Love. I'll believe an NBA star playing in Europe when I see it.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Mickael Pietrus to have minor knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
Suns swingman Mickael Pietrus (6'6''-F-82, agency: Court Side) will undergo minor right knee surgery Tuesday, and as a result will not follow through with plans to play for France in the European Championship starting Aug. 31.

Pietrus missed the final 12 games of the season because of a quadriceps-tendon strain near the same knee, an issue that seemed to start when he landed after an attempted blocked shot on March 23. Pietrus' agent, Bill McCandless, said Pietrus was mentioning discomfort with the knee before he was traded from Orlando in December. At his recent camp in Guadeloupe, friends were telling McCandless that Pietrus was not moving well.

'I'm looking at it extremely positively,' McCandless said. 'I know the player well and I sensed something wasn't right. He's not a complainer.'

Pietrus took a physical upon arrival for France's camp, but the national team recommended he undergo surgery to remove loose cartilage. He is expected to be out of basketball action for four weeks.

'It just seems he has no choice right now,' McCandless said about the surgery. 'Mickael said the physician couldn't certify him to play with the national team.'

Pietrus has opted not to rejoin the national team, which he last played for in 2006 and is trying to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. He likely would have backed up Nicolas Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers.

McCandless said Pietrus also had a contract offer to play for a Turkish pro team this fall, but had not made a decision. Last month, he exercised a player option that kept him under contract with Phoenix for next season at $5.3 million.

The Suns are prohibited from commenting on Pietrus during the labor lockout between owners and players, but McCandless informed Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby of the surgery plans.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Stephen Curry: China is an option if lockout stays - by Eurobasket News
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) and forward Dorell Wright said they are considering playing overseas if the NBA lockout extends into the season. Neither has a deal in place or a destination set in stone, but they could end up in the same location.

'China is looking promising,' Curry said via text message. 'There's no deal yet on the table, but my agent is going to entertain offers and see what happens. If it works, I'll go.'

Wright said China would be his first choice. He has an endorsement deal with Peak, a Chinese basketball shoe company.

Curry said his priority is rehabbing from offseason surgery on his right ankle and finishing up his degree at Davidson. He also is getting married at the end of this month.

He expects to be 100 percent healthy and ready to play basketball by November. If the NBA is still shut down by the lockout, Curry said, he is more than willing to look elsewhere.

Curry's agent, Lance Young, cautions that such options aren't close to fruition. The lockout would have to extend into October before playing overseas becomes an option.

Curry, 23, has two NBA seasons under his belt and is the Warriors' point guard of the future. Wright, 25, just finished his seventh season, but it was his first as a major player on a team. He set career-highs in games (82), minutes per game (38.4) and scoring average (16.4). A year off might be counterproductive for both.

What's more, if a lockout cancels the 2011-12 NBA season, Wright would lose $3.8 million in salary. Curry stands to lose just over $3 million.

'The money doesn't hurt,' Curry said, 'but it's more for the competitive edge.'

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Raptors look at GM candidates - by Eurobasket News
Three candidates have emerged as frontrunners for the Toronto Raptors general manager job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower , Philadelphia 76ers GM Ed Stefanski and San Antonio assistant GM Dennis Lindsey are three focuses of the franchise to work under Toronto president Bryan Colangelo, sources said.

No formal interviews have been conducted, sources said, but Colangelo has started the process of getting permission from teams to talk to candidates. It may not be until August that Colangelo starts formal interviews for the job.

Colangelo has held the title of president and GM, but has said hes willing to cede the GM title for the right candidate.

Bower was fired as Hornets GM in 2010, just weeks after he was close to replacing Rod Thorn as the New Jersey Nets GM. Bower was Thorns choice, but Nets coach Avery Johnson fought to keep Bower out of New Jersey because he was still angry that Bower didnt want him as Hornets coach.

Stefanski is part of a regime change in Philadelphia, where new ownership is taking over and may overhaul basketball operations. Thorn came into Philadelphia a year ago as team president, usurping Stefanskis power.

Lindsey has turned down two GM jobs in the past couple years, including Phoenix and Minnesota. He works under Spurs GM R.C. Buford.

Colangelo was given a new two-year contract this spring, but with a mandate to make changes and start winning. In the past year, he lost Masai Ujiri from his basketball operations for the GM job, and reshuffled those left in his front office. Ujiri left to work for the Denver Nuggets.

Colangelo would keep final say in basketball operations, and its unclear how much, if any, autonomy a GM would have under him. Colangelo has always been hands-on with his coaching staffs and active in trade talks and deals. Toronto has missed the playoffs for two straight years. After losing Chris Bosh (notes) to free agency in the summer of 2010, the Raptors won 22 games last season.

Colangelo, a two-time NBA executive of the year, has come under increased criticism in Toronto since winning an Atlantic Division title in his first season as Torontos GM in 2006-07. Hes gone through two head coaches (Sam Mitchell and Jay Triano), and hired Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey last month as the teams new head coach.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Sasha Vujacic signs in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes Istanbul improved its backcourt for the upcoming season by inking shooting guard Sasha Vujacic (6'7''-G-84) to a one-year deal and an option for another, the club announced on Friday. Vujacic arrives from New Jersey, where he averaged 11.4 points and 2.3 assists in 56 NBA games last season. He spent more than six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping the team to win back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010, as well as reaching the finals in 2008. Vujacic has scored 2,669 points in 476 NBA games since he joined that league in 2004. He has also played for Snaidero Udine in Italy and Polzela in his native Slovenia. Vujacic has also been a member of the Slovenian national team. He helped Slovenia to get the silver medal at the European under-18 Championships in 2002.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Suns add Elston Turner to staff - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns have hired Elston Turner as a defensive specialist on coach Alvin Gentry's staff.

The move was announced Thursday.

The 52-year-old Turner has spent the past six seasons as lead assistant to coach Rick Adelman, the last four years in Houston and two in Sacramento. In all, Turner has 14 years of experience as an NBA assistant, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996.

Turner played eight seasons in the NBA with Dallas, Denver and Chicago. He will work to improve a Suns team that ranked 25th in the NBA last season in opponents' field goal percentage.

Courtesy of ESPN

Ibaka granted Spanish citizenship, in Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
All Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89) has left to do to finish off his Spanish citizenship is he 'must swear loyalty to the Spanish crown and constitution.' No word on if he has to kiss someone's ring though.

After Ibaka, 21, completes those last couple steps, he's officially be a Spaniard and will be eligible to play in the Eurobasket tournament in Lithuania which is in August and September.

This is a pretty massive thing for Spain, who is already one of the tournament favorites with Ricky Rubio, Pau and Marc Gasol, Jose Calderon and other NBA caliber players. Adding Ibaka immediately gives Spain maybe the best athlete in the tournament and an imposing big man who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. If you weren't picking Spain already, the addition of Ibaka should put you over the top.

I mean, look at that front court. Gasol, Gasol and Ibaka. That'd probably be the best front court in the NBA.

Why Spain for Ibaka, who is a native of the Republic of Congo? It's a place he spent three of his formative years, especially in terms of basketball. He started playing professionally in Spain as a teenager and really, his first language is Spanish. He still has a house in Barcelona.

'Spain is a country that has given me a lot,' Ibaka told reporters after Spain's Council of Ministers approved his petition for nationality. 'It will be an honor to give Spain back all that it has given me on the court.'

Spain is the defending champion and at stake is an automatic bid for the 2012 Olympics in London. Which now, Ibaka can play in for Spain as well.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Nets' Jordan Farmar considering playing overseas during NBA lockout - by Eurobasket News
Nets' star Deron Williams may be the biggest name among locked out NBA players who has decided to play overseas, but he isn't the only one who is considering the idea. His Nets teammate, Jordan Farmar (6'2''-PG-86, college: UCLA), is also looking into the possibility of playing in another country during the NBA lockout, he told The Star-Ledger today.

Farmar, who is the backup point guard to Williams on the Nets, may end up playing in Israel. The Southern California native is Jewish, and his stepfather is Israeli, which would make him an attractive commodity for teams in the Israeli league.

'Yeah, I'd definitely consider that,' Farmar said in a text message when asked if he would be interested in playing in Israel. He added that there is 'nothing concrete yet' as far as whether - or where - he may play during the lockout.

Farmar, 24, signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Nets last summer after playing his first four seasons and earning two consecutive NBA championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Nets, he averaged career highs in games started (18) minutes per game (24.6); scoring (9.6 ppg); assists (5.0 apg) and free throw percentage (.820) with the Nets.

Williams created a buzz when the news broke last week that he had agreed to a contract with Istanbul-based Besiktas of the Turkish league. The immediate question has been whether other stars would follow suit and try to get deals for themselves overseas. Farmar, when asked about Williams' decision last week, said he didn't know the details of Williams' decision, but thought 'it makes sense to have something secured if we aren't able to reach an agreement.'

Courtesy of www.nj.com

J-Rich looking for chance at NBA title - by Eurobasket News
Free agent shooting guard Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) hosted a charity golf tournament Wednesday near his hometown of Saginaw, Mich.

He told the Saginaw News the chance to compete for an NBA championship will be a high priority when he shops for a new team whenever the lockout ends.

I want to go to a great place for my family, Richardson said. Ive been blessed by God to play in the NBA for a lot of money. Id like to go someplace that has a chance to win a championship.

Ive taken care of my money and (the lockout) wont be a problem for me financially. I would guess that it wont be a problem for 85 to 90 percent of the players. But youre seeing some players going overseas for a lot less money. They just want to play.

Richardson, 30, split last season between Phoenix and Orlando. Overall, he averaged 15.6 points and shot 44.7 percent from the field.

If the Bulls go the free-agent route to upgrade the shooting guard spot, Richardson and Denvers J.R. Smith are the two most likely candidates.

Richardson started his career with Golden State and has made the playoff just three times in 10 NBA seasons. He did average 19.8 points and shoot 47.5 percent from 3-point range when the Suns advanced to the Western Conference finals in 2010.

I probably have five or six seasons left in the NBA, so I want to go somewhere I can stay, Richardson said. Trades are part of the NBA, but Id like to finish off my career in one place with a chance to win a championship.

Courtesy of http://blogs.dailyherald.com

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

NCAA1

Iowa State reinstates Jordan Railey - by Eurobasket News
Iowa State has reinstated suspended center Jordan Railey (6'10''-F), though he will not be allowed to play in the first three games next season.

Railey was suspended following his arrest in April for fighting in public. Cyclones spokesman Mike Green says Railey's disorderly conduct charge has been dropped.

Green said Railey, who averaged 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds as a freshman last year, will be allowed to practice with the team and go on its trip to Italy next month. He will not play during the exhibition season and the first three regular season games.

Railey and forward Melvin Ejim, also a sophomore, are the only returning frontcourt players who played for Iowa State last season.

Courtesy of www.thescore.com

NCAA scraps move to expand recruiting calls - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA has rescinded legislation that would have allowed Division I schools to contact high school junior prospects by phone in sports other than football and men's basketball.

The legislation was approved in April, but schools later raised concerns about extending the recruiting process. The Division I Legislative Council suspended the legislation after receiving more than 100 override requests by the June 27 deadline. It is just the second proposal since 1997 to eclipse 100 override requests.

Separately, the Football Championship Subdivision Governance Committee defeated a proposal that would have barred home teams from staying at local hotels the night before a game.

Courtesy of www.heraldtribune.com

Anthony Hubbard leaves Iowa program - by Eurobasket News
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery had to think long and hard about offering a scholarship to a player with a background like Anthony Hubbard.

The 26-year-old Hubbard didn't need nearly as much time to decide the Hawkeyes weren't for him.

Iowa announced Thursday that Hubbard, a junior college transfer who spent nearly four years in prison before earning a Division I scholarship, has left the program. The Hawkeyes said the 6-foot-5 wing player wants to explore playing for a school closer to his Woodbridge, Va., home.

Hubbard will have two seasons of college eligibility remaining.

'Obviously, we're disappointed. We invested a substantial amount of time and energy in the recruitment of Anthony. The positive is that we learn (Thursday) of Anthony's decision versus learning of it in August or September,' McCaffery said.

Hubbard pleaded guilty to a 2003 home robbery and was released from prison in 2007. He later earned his high school diploma and turned his life around, averaging 20.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game at Frederick Community College (Md.) last season before landing a scholarship with the Hawkeyes.

Iowa finished 11-20 last season but beat out the likes of Penn State and Nebraska in landing Hubbard, and he was expected to play a big role for the Hawkeyes.

'I am disappointed for Fran, our staff and the other staff on our campus that were involved from the start on what was clearly a very unique recruiting process,' Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said. 'It's unfortunate it hasn't worked out as we had hoped. We, of course, wish Anthony the very best.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Jack LEASURE   Taranaki.   (191-G-86)   Avg: 22.9

1. Leasure, Taranaki. 22.9   2. Campbell, Taranaki. 19.5   3. Webster, Wellingt. 19.4   4. Pace, Bay Hawks 19.1   5. Abercrombie, Waika. 19.0   6. Jones, Nelson G. 19.0   7. Polyblank, Southla. 19.0   8. Hudson, Manawatu. 18.8   9. Bradshaw, OceanaG. 18.7   10. Dora, Nelson G. 18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER   Waika.   (216-C-87)   Avg: 11.7

1. Pledger, Waika. 11.7   2. Horvath, Manawatu. 11.6   3. Campbell, Taranaki. 10.6   4. Vukona, Nelson G. 10.5   5. Allred, OceanaGo. 10.1   6. Johnson, Wellingt. 8.8   7. Bradshaw, OceanaG. 8.7   8. Boucher, Auckland. 8.3   9. Grizzard, Nelson G. 8.2   10. Trousdell, Bay H. 7.6

Assists Per Game

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

1. Crowe, Waikato P. 6.7   2. Tait, Wellington S. 6.6   3. Dickel, Southland 6.2   4. Hagan, Manawatu J. 4.6   5. Kench, Manawatu J. 4.4   6. Boucher, Auckland. 4.1   7. Smith, Waikato P. 3.5   8. Martin, Auckland. 3.5   9. Grizzard, Nelson G. 3.4   10. Leasure, Taranaki. 3.3

Steals Per Game

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

1. Crowe, Waikato P. 3.2   2. Boucher, Auckland. 2.8   3. Smith, Waikato P. 2.6   4. Hagan, Manawatu J. 2.5   5. Dickel, Southland 2.2   6. Kench, Manawatu J. 2.0   7. Rose, Southland S. 1.8   8. Leasure, Taranaki. 1.6   9. Allen, Waikato P. 1.5   10. Frank, Wellington 1.4

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER   Waika.   (216-C-87)   Avg: 2.5

1. Pledger, Waika. 2.5   2. Allred, OceanaGo. 1.4   3. Iti, Southland S. 1.2   4. Adams, Wellington 1.0   5. Brown, Auckland P. 1.0   6. Vukona, Nelson G. 0.9   7. Johnson, Wellingt. 0.9   8. Abercrombie, Waika. 0.9   9. Campbell, Taranaki. 0.9   10. Anthony, Waika. 0.9

Bay Hawks to take on Wellington Saints in the Final - by Eurobasket News
Waikato P. - Bay Hawks 86-95

Bay Hawks advanced into NBL Finals. They stunned the Waikato Pistons in the first semifinal of the day at the TSB Bank Arena. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-86. 29 personal fouls committed by Waikato P. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Josh Pace (198-G-83, college: Syracuse) stepped up and scored 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and the former international guard Paora Winitana (195-76) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side guard Hayden Allen (187-79) responded with 23 points and international center Alex Pledger (216-87, college: Belm.Abbey) scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. Five Bay Hawks and four Waikato P. players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Bay Hawks: J.Pace 18+8reb+3ast, P.Winitana 18+6reb+1ast, G.Young 17+4reb+4ast, J.Kenny 12+2reb+2ast, A.Trousdell 11+7reb, C.Daniel 11+4reb
Waikato P.: H.Allen 23+4reb+2ast, T.Abercrombie 17+2reb+2ast, A.Pledger 15+9reb, B.Anthony 10+3reb, J.Crowe 10+3reb+7ast, J.Smith 8+5reb+3ast

gschID: 130416

Wellington S. - Nelson G. 103-82

The Wellington Saints joined Bay Hawks in the NBL Final. The defending champions cruised past the Nelson Giants in the second game of the day at the TSB Bank Arena. The game was mostly controlled by Wellington S.. Nelson G. was better in third quarter 26-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Wellington S. dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Nelson G.'s 36 and made 17-of-19 charity shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Wellington S. players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. International guard Lindsay Tait (194-82, agency: Impact Basketball) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 assists for the winning side and American center Kareem Johnson (205-80, college: Cincinnati) accounted for 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American guard Rod Grizzard (203-80, college: Alabama) came up with 25 points and international forward Mika Vukona (197-82) added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Nelson G. in the defeat. Five Wellington S. and four Nelson G. players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Wellington S.: C.Webster 19+2reb+5ast, E.Maxey 18+2reb, K.Johnson 17+12reb+1ast, L.Tait 14+3reb+13ast, T.McLean 13+1reb+1ast, L.Henry 10+4reb+2ast
Nelson G.: R.Grizzard 25+3reb+2ast, P.Jones 19+2reb+2ast, M.Vukona 15+8reb+6ast, D.Dora 11+14reb+3ast, M.Fitchett 5+1reb+2ast, J.Bloxham 4+2reb+1ast

gschID: 130417

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

NORWAY

U20: Norway improved to 1-1 record in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20-Luxembourg U20 82:49

Norway improved to 1-1 record in Division B of the U20 European Championship. The team remained Luxembourg winless after 82:49 loss in Day 2.
Pit Biever (187-PG-91) and Max Schmitz (198-C-84) gave Luxembourg the only lead in the opening tip, while Poulsson brought 17:5 for Norway. Rodenbourg closed the first period at 25:11, while Stian Berg (187-PG-91) opened the second frame with a three for 28:11. Norway won the second period 26-12 to increase to 51:23 at the halftime.
Luxembourg scored 13 points in the third and the last periods and could not win any of the frames. Norway celebrated the victories in all quarters to seal the total one. Poulsson was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Magnus Engen (188-G/F-91) and Stian Berg stepped up with 15 points each, while Oeivind Lundestad (190-G-91) netted 14. Pit Biever posted 10 in defeat and Max Schmitz notched 8.

Norway U20: Magnus Engen 15, Stian Berg 15, Oeivind Lundestad 14
Luxembourg U20: Pit Biever 10, Max Schmitz 8





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

PBL

Premier Basketball League adds Chicago team - by Eurobasket News
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced league expansion into the Chicago, Illinois market. The 'Chicago Muscle' will join the PBL for the 2012 season. The Muscle's announcement comes just one week after announcing the PBL's expansion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

'We are thrilled to welcome the Chicago Muscle to the PBL. Chicago's sports fans are like none other. 2012 is going to be an amazing fifth season for the PBL and we are honored to have a team in Chicago,' commented Brij M. Desai, PBL's President and CEO.

The Chicago Muscle's ownership group brings a wealth of business and industry experience to the team. Leading their ownership group is Mr. Urmil Patel and Mr. Raj Patel. The Patels have also joined Chicago based communication strategy firm Christopher Foltz & Company who were announced as members of the Chicago market leadership team at the 2011 PBL Finals.

Urmil Patel has been in business and information technology consulting for the past 12 years. As a management consultant, he's typically focused in helping clients with Customer Relationship Management processes and technologies for small businesses to Fortune 100 companies for various industries. This includes working with large, international and small, local, and startup consulting companies. Urmil has worked with 30+ clients helping them find new efficiencies, new revenue streams and new markets to do business in.

Mr. Raj Patel has worked in the medical field for the past 10 years. First having worked at Cook County Hospital as an Occupational Therapist, and then at Merck Pharmaceuticals as a Sales Representative before becoming Vice President of Operations at Medstar Laboratory. Raj's medical background has allowed Medstar to keep up with the rapid growth experienced by the company allowing the internal operations to maintain a steady and efficient workflow.

'We are extremely excited to bring PBL basketball to one of the best basketball cities and fan bases in America. We are looking forward to taking our business experience and not only making this a team about the fans and the community, but a successful business venture as well,' commented Urmil Patel in a morning interview.

The Premier Basketball League's new regional model allows for local team fans to travel to away games to support their hometown team. Additionally, a regional play model makes it more financially viable for new team owners to maintain a low travel budget for the 2012 season. The Muscle's leadership team have been in talks with multiple venues in the Chicago market to host home games during the 2012 season.

During the upcoming season the Chicago Muscle and the Premier Basketball League will be broadcasting their games across America through the @SportsTV Network (www.atsportstv.com). This makes the PBL the first minor league sports organization to broadcast regular season games live online and on television.

Courtesy of PBL

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

PERU

Standings - Superior

Superior Standings

1. Real Club 19-1   2. Regatas 19-2   3. Escuela Fap 14-5   4. El Bosque 12-9   5. Inmaculada 12-9   6. Centro Naval 9-11   7. Ejercito 8-14   8. San Augustin 6-15   9. San Marcos 3-18   10. Universitario 1-19

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

POLAND

U20: Romania shock the Polish team - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20-Romania U20 62:70

Romania U20 shocked the Polish team in Day 2 of the European Championship in Division B. After the pity loss by 35 points to Estonia, Romania overcame Poland 70:62 as bot teams are now with 1-1 record.
Poland enjoyed 5-0 and 8-2 lead as they were the favorites of the game. Matei Nuna (191-G-91) meanwhile tied the game at 12:12 and Zyskowski closed the period at 19:16. Fras gave Poland 26:20, but Tibirna replied for 28:27 Romanian lead. Zoran Milencovici (185-G-91) made two free throws at the end of the half for 35:32 lead when the squads went to the lockers. After 15-13 in the third quarter Poland reduced to 47:48 and Marek Szumelda-Krzycki (193-PG-91) tied it all at 53:53. Tibirna and Zoran Milencovici were the last to score fro Romania to bring the important victory.
Vlad Corpodean (197-F-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Matei Nuna as well as Zoran Milencovici and George Chirof (200-C/F-91) followed him with 13 points each for the first victory. Sebastian Szymanski (186-G-91) and Marek Szumelda-Krzycki ended up with 14 points in the losing case, while Michal Sokolowski (196-G-92) collected 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Poland U20: Sebastian Szymanski 14, Marek Szumelda-Krzycki 14, Michal Sokolowski 11+11 rebs
Romania U20: Vlad Corpodean 16, Matei Nuna 13, Zoran Milencovici 13, George Chirof 13





Szymon Szewczyk stays with Scandone Avellino - by Eurobasket News
Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) will play at least one more season in Italy. The Polish center penned a one-year contract extension with Scandone Avellino. He helped them finish as No.4 in regular season and also to reach the Italian Cup Semifinals this year. Szymon Szewczyk arrived to Avelino two years ago from Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. He played 34 games in SerieA last season registering 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals. In 2009/10, Szewczyk had 10.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.1 bpg. From 2007 to 2009, the Polish big guy was a member of Lokomotiv. He was one of their best players in both years. In their second season together Szewczyk shined with 14.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. He also added 12.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg in Russia. In the past, Szymon Szewczyk was a member of Scafati, Union Olimpija, and ALBA Berlin. He is a product of the Polish team Szczecin. Szymon Szewczyk is active member of the Polish National Team since 2001.

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

PORTUGAL

A. N. T. B. - National Association of Basketball Coaches - by Hugo Carvalho
The direction of ANTB - FEES FOR COACHES
After reviewing the matter and having heard the opinion of some coaches, has been mandated the President of ANTB to personally contact the President of the FPB and will express ANTB position on the subject.
The ANTB - National Association of Basketball Coaches shows unequivocally his total disagreement with the application of a registration fee of coaches increasing with their level of training.
This measure is deeply flawed, it penalizes clubs with more qualified coaches working with their teams.
In the current situation of financial crisis that also affects the portuguese basketball, this rate is an invitation to the clubs began to recruit managers with a lower level, which is, for ANTB, a paradox and a total disregard for coaches (...).
This measure, bring it more difficult to hire the best and most qualified coaches (...).
The Direction of A. N. T. B. - National Association of Basketball Coaches


Carlos Lisboa is the new SL Benfica Head Coach - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Sport Lisboa Benfica announced Carlos Lisboa as the new Head Coach. Lisboa was in the club, as General Manager, and will keep both functions.
Carlos Lisboa is recognized as the best Portuguese player of all the basketball history and played in teams like Sporting, Queluz and Sport Lisboa Benfica, where hes remembered by his fantastic exhibitions in the Champions Cup. As a coach, he worked at Sport Lisboa Benfica (97-00 and 05-06) and Aveiro Basket/ Esgueira (01-04).
In Sport Lisboa Benfica website, Carlos Lisboa says that the roster isnt closed yet and assures that his goal is to be champion. The coaching team is completed with the assistants Nuno Ferreira and Goran Nogic .

Check for more at www.porbasket.blogspot.com



Portugal prevail against Albania in second test game in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Albania 60:54

Portugal earned the second straight win in Istanbul. They prevailed against Albania in the exhibition clash. Previously Portugal took care of Azerbaijan (85:48). Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) accounted for 11 points to lead the effort.
Portugal stayed in charge throughout the first half. They recorded a 34:24 lead after twenty minutes of action. Portugal boosted the gap to 16 points in the third term. Albania went on a 20:10 run in the fourth period but came up short of victory at the end. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) delivered 10 points for Portugal. Jose Costa (187-G-73) provided 7 points for the winners. Portugal are scheduled to meet Morocco next.


U20: Czech Republic register the second win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20-Portugal U20 77:55

Czech Republic registered the second win in Sarajevo at the U20 European Championship. They easily rolled over Portugal U20 77:55 for 2-0 record on top of Group C.
Ondrej Peterka (202-F-91) and Carlos Ferreirinho (200-F/G-91) exchanged the baskets early in the first frame and Mares closed the run for 12-5. Ondrej Peterka made two free throws at the end of the first period for 18:10. In the second quarter Czech Republic continued to dominate the court and after 22-12 enjoyed 40:22 halftime advantage. Balvin and Cardoso were the first players to score in the second half, as the Czechs produced 20-14 for a bigger lead. Honomichl drove a lay-up for 60:36 at the end of the third period and it was clear about the winner at that time. Portugal however won the last quarter 19-17 to reduce to 22 points at the end.Ondrej Peterka and Milan Jaros (212-C-91) poured in 11 points each, while Tomas Vyoral (188-PG-92) and Ondrej Kohout (204-F-91) added 10 apiece. Renato Azevedo (186-G/F-91) replied with 14 points in defeat, whilst Carlos Ferreirinho scored 13.

Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Peterka 11, Milan Jaros 11, Tomas Vyoral 10, Ondrej Kohout 10
Portugal U20: Renato Azevedo 14, Carlos Ferreirinho 13


Nuno Marcal - Another voice against the President of the FPB - by Hugo Carvalho
Nuno Marcal (205-F-75), one of the best Portuguese players ever is hurt by the statements of the Portuguese Basketball Federation, president, Mario Saldanha, for the fact that Nuno Marcal do not want to play more in the Portuguese National team.

The player states that: 'Four years ago I reported that I would not continue to represent the selection, for family reasons. At the time everything was resolved. So I do not understand why the president accuse me of lacking professionalism and, even worse, being a person without principles. I always represented the Portuguese national team and was always two hundred percent ..... so now should respect me as they do in football, where no one makes these accusations'. in www.ojogo.pt

It's really unfortunate that a great player like Marcal is accused of such a thing by the President of FPB. These accusations are false because Marcal is an example to all levels.
Here is a word of thanks to this brilliant player for what he has done for basketball in Portugal. For their professionalism and for being a serious person, and truths. All young people should follow their example.

Thanks Nuno Marcal.


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

PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO   Guaynabo   (198-G/F-86)   Avg: 22.1

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo 22.1   2. Ramos, Quebradillas 21.8   3. Johnson, Humacao 21.2   4. Dalmau, Bayamon 20.5   5. Villegas, Coamo 19.1   6. Ayuso, Arecibo 18.7   7. Harris, San German 18.3   8. Randolph, Isabela 18.0   9. Carmona, Mayaguez 17.0   10. Clinch, Isabela 16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Mike HARRIS   San German   (198-F-83)   Avg: 12.3

1. Harris, San German 12.3   2. Randolph, Isabela 12.3   3. Narvaez, Coamo 11.6   4. Pruitt, Guaynabo 11.5   5. Ramos, Quebradillas 10.3   6. Lloreda, San G. 10.0   7. Clemente, Mayaguez 9.1   8. Sweetney, Santurce 9.1   9. Johnson, Humacao 8.5   10. Rickert, Bayamon 8.4

Assists Per Game

Daniel BROWN   Quebradillas   (185-G-84)   Avg: 5.9

1. Brown, Quebradillas 5.9   2. Rivera, San German 5.5   3. Dalmau, Bayamon 5.4   4. Clinch, Isabela 4.5   5. Clemente, Humacao 4.4   6. Rivera, Mayaguez 4.2   7. Guzman, Guaynabo 4.1   8. Bruton, Quebradill. 4.1   9. Apodaca, Quebradil. 3.9   10. Copeland, San G. 3.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hinson, Isabela 1.8   2. Rivera, Mayaguez 1.6   3. Clinch, Isabela 1.5   4. Hodge, Santurce 1.4   5. Mojica, Bayamon 1.4   6. Santiago, Santurce 1.3   7. Chaney, Santurce 1.3   8. Berdiel, Humacao 1.2   9. Pellot-Rosa, San G. 1.2   10. Dalmau, Bayamon 1.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Penn, Humacao 2.6   2. Santiago, Arecibo 2.0   3. Sanchez, Santurce 1.9   4. Lee, Bayamon 1.6   5. Aubry, Arecibo 1.6   6. Harris, San German 1.4   7. Randolph, Isabela 1.4   8. Ramos, Quebradillas 1.2   9. Freije, Coamo 1.1   10. Sweetney, Santur. 1.0

BSN Semifinals: Quebradillas jumps to 2-0 against Bayamon - by Eurobasket News
BSN Semifinals, Game 2: Bayamon - Quebradillas 82-99 (0-2)

Second game of the BSN Semis between Quebradillas and Bayamon was played last night. Quebradillas cruised past their host to 99-82 victory for 2-0 lead in the series. Third game is scheduled for Saturday and Quebradillas will be the host.
The game without a history. Quebradillas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Vaqueros' 32 and made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Quebradillas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Vaqueros' players. American forward P.J. Tucker (198-F-85, college: Texas) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 4 assists. FYR Macedonian-American guard Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) contributed with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international guard Javier Mojica (190-G-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cent.Conn.St.) replied with 22 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line !!!) and international forward Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Vaqueros. Five Quebradillas and four Vaqueros players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.

Quebradillas: P.Tucker 23+4reb+4ast, D.Washington 18+5reb+8ast, D.Huertas 14+3reb+1ast, J.Jones 13+7reb+3ast, P.John Ramos 12+8reb+5ast, A.Alamo 6+2reb
Bayamon: J.Mojica 22+7reb+3ast, C.Antrone Lee 13+6reb+1ast, C.Dalmau 12+1ast, N.Peavy 10+6reb+1ast, R.Jose Hatton 8+1reb+1ast, L.Benson 5+3reb+1ast

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ROMANIA

U20: Romania shock the Polish team - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20-Romania U20 62:70

Romania U20 shocked the Polish team in Day 2 of the European Championship in Division B. After the pity loss by 35 points to Estonia, Romania overcame Poland 70:62 as bot teams are now with 1-1 record.
Poland enjoyed 5-0 and 8-2 lead as they were the favorites of the game. Matei Nuna (191-G-91) meanwhile tied the game at 12:12 and Zyskowski closed the period at 19:16. Fras gave Poland 26:20, but Tibirna replied for 28:27 Romanian lead. Zoran Milencovici (185-G-91) made two free throws at the end of the half for 35:32 lead when the squads went to the lockers. After 15-13 in the third quarter Poland reduced to 47:48 and Marek Szumelda-Krzycki (193-PG-91) tied it all at 53:53. Tibirna and Zoran Milencovici were the last to score fro Romania to bring the important victory.
Vlad Corpodean (197-F-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Matei Nuna as well as Zoran Milencovici and George Chirof (200-C/F-91) followed him with 13 points each for the first victory. Sebastian Szymanski (186-G-91) and Marek Szumelda-Krzycki ended up with 14 points in the losing case, while Michal Sokolowski (196-G-92) collected 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Poland U20: Sebastian Szymanski 14, Marek Szumelda-Krzycki 14, Michal Sokolowski 11+11 rebs
Romania U20: Vlad Corpodean 16, Matei Nuna 13, Zoran Milencovici 13, George Chirof 13





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RUSSIA

U20: Russia sink Slovenia in second half - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 85:66

Russia opened win count at U20 European Championship. They outgunned Slovenia to climb at 1-1 record in Group A. Slovenia on the other hand slipped at 0-2 record. Andrey Zubkov (205-G/F-91) scored 19 points to lead Russia who stepped on the gas in the second half.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout tense first frame. Slovenia entered the second period up by a single point 21:20. Russia used a 7:1 rally in the second period to spur in front. Slovenia regained the lead but Balashov and Andrey Zubkov established a 44:40 lead for Russia at halftime. Russia scored seven unanswered points midway through the third term as the margin grew at 12-point mark. Russia headed into the fourth period up by as many as 13 points 68:55. Slovenia never got closer than 11 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Nikita Barinov (200-F-91) notched 17 points for Russia. Denis Pastukhov (196-F-91, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points in the victory. Marko Pajic (204-F-92) answered with 18 points for Slovenia. Jan Span (189-PG-92) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Russia U20: Andrey Zubkov 19, Nikita Barinov 17, Denis Pastukhov 10
Slovenia U20: Marko Pajic 18, Jan Span 12


Russian University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Russian University National Team
#s#	Gubanov	Golovin	Mateyunas	Nesterov	Kurcevich	#e#5

Petr Gubanov

207-C-87

Dynamo Moscow

Dmitry Golovin

192-G-88

Unics Kazan

Andrey Mateyunas

180-G-88

Triumph Lyubertsy

Alexey Nesterov

202-G/F-88

Triumph Lyubertsy

Alexey Kurcevich

209-C-89

Triumph Lyubertsy

Ivan Savelyev

190-G-87

BC Nizhny Novgorod

Alexandr Korchagin

186-G-88

Spartak St.Petersburg

Viacheslav Zaitsev

196-F-83

BC Nizhny Novgorod

Anatoly Kashirov

215-C-87

Spartak St.Petersburg

Ivan Nelyubov

207-C-88

VEF Riga

Igor Smygin

197-G/F-87

Universitet-Yugra Surgut

Semen Shaskov

204-F-89

Ural Ekaterinburg

Nikita Ivanov
Alexandr Kalenov

Dmitry Zimin

183-G-90

Bluefield College

Anton Indrikov

Aleksandr Fomin

207-F-86

BC Rjazan

Evgeny Pashutin

Coach

Unics Kazan

Lokomotiv Kuban hire Bozidar Maljkovic - by Eurobasket News
Renowned Serbian specialist Bozhidar Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) has agreed on terms of contract with Lokomotiv Kuban. The 59-year-old has currently employed with Slovenian National Team. He prepares the team for 2011 EuroBasket. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was last seen working with TAU Ceramica Vitoria at club level. He also guided Real Madrid, Unicaja Malaga, Paris SG, Panathinaikos, Limoges, Barcelona and Jugoplastika Split. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was named Euro Coach of the Year in 1995. Eurobasket.com named the specialist ACB Coach of the Year in 2005. He won Euroleague four times with different teams.


Ivan Nelyubov joins Nizhny Novgorod - by Eurobasket News
Nizhny Novgorod strengthened their frontcourt. They signed contract with Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88). The deal is meant for one season. The 22-year-old centre is the product of CSKA basketball school. Last season Ivan Nelyubov played for VEF Riga. He tallied 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in LBL. In VTB League the centre posted 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. In Baltic League Ivan Nelyubov accounted for 4.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. Ivan Nelyubov was the member of U18 and U20 Russian National Teams. He also played for Russian University National Team at 2009 World Universiade in Belgrade.


Marko Popovic and Unics part ways - by Eurobasket News
Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) leaves Unics and will play for another team in 2011/2012 season. The Croatian Guard stayed with the team for three years and was one of the top players in it.
In 2008-2009 for 900,000 he signed with Unics Kazan (Russia-A Superleague) and in Eurocup after 13 games averaged 11.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 80.4%. In Russian League after 25 games his stats read 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 35.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 80.7%.
Last season 2010-2011 he averaged 11.6ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 79.3% in Russian League and at the Euroleague Qualifying Round ha dmassive 15.0ppg, 3.5rpg, Assists-1 (5.5apg), FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.0%. Moreover in VTB League Marko became the third top-scorer with 17.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.9apg), FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 88.0% and in EuroCup showed 13.8ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.8apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 73.0%.
Together with Unics Marko became 2010/2011 EuroCup titleholders. They held off Cajasol in the championship clash tonight in Treviso. Maciej Lampe finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. It all started quite well for Unics. They quickly cleared off to a 10-point lead 14:4. Marko Popovic hit a trey for a 22:8 lead for the Russian team. Marko Popovic was trumped Final Four MVP after the game.


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SERBIA

Zeljko Lukajic stays in Hemofarm - by Zoran Popovic
Management of Hemofarm Stada decides to extend contract with Coach Zeljko Lukajic . Hemofarm and Lukajic agreed terms for next three years. Zeljko Lukajic started career as assistant coach in Zeleznicar Sarajevo. As head coach Lukajic led KK Famos, KK Igman, KK Zeleznicar, KK Kikinda, Partizan Beograd, Borovica Ruma, PAOK Thesalloniki, Hemofarm, Igoreka Aleksandrovac, Lukoil Akademik and Universitet Yugra Surgut. With Hemofarm Zeljko Lukajic won Adriatic league in season 2004-2005.

U18 Serbia wins in another friendly - by Eurobasket News
U18 Serbia - Hungarian University NT 80-45

U18 Serbian National Team continues with friendly games. In the latest meeting they outplayed Hungarian University National Team 80-45. Mitrovic was the leading scorer in this victory with 11 points. Milosevic followed him with 10 points, while Jankovic stopped to one less. In the loosing squad Kinter delivered 14 pts and Supova had 11. Serbia opened the game better as they made 24-20 lead in the first ten minutes. They totally took control on Hungary in the second period and jumped to 42-25 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather. Serbia won Q3 with 15-12 and closed this meeting with 23-8 for the final 80-45 victory. Serbia prepares for the U18 EuroBasket, which will be played this summer.

U18 Serbia: Mitrovic 11, Milosevic 10, Jankovic 9
Hungarian UNT: Kinter 14, Supova 11|

U20: Montenegro upset neighbours in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Serbia U20 85:60

Montenegro stayed perfect at U20 European Championship. They upset Serbian counterparts to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 17 points to pace the winners. Serbia fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
Serbia opened the game with five points in a row. Montenegro managed to pull ahead 16:15 late in the first frame but Duran ensured an 18:17 lead at the first break for Serbia. Bojan Dubljevic quickly pulled Montenegro ahead at the start of the second quarter. Montenegro stayed in charge and recorded a 40:35 halftime lead. Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) and Dukanovic opened a double-digit lead midway through the third term. Montenegro increased the tempo and posted a 68:45 advantage at the final break. Milovanovic and Bojan Dubljevic stretched the margin to 21 points early in the final period and Montenegro never looked back en route to the victory. Nikola Ivanovic accounted for 15 points, while Marco Todorovic (199-F-92) added 13 points and 12 rebounds in the winning effort. Danilo Andjusic (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Lazar Radosavljevic (203-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) netted 8 points apiece in the loss.

Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 17, Nikola Ivanovic 15, Marco Todorovic 13
Serbia U20: Danilo Andjusic 13, Lazar Radosavljevic 8, Nemanja Jaramaz 8


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SLOVENIA

U20: Russia sink Slovenia in second half - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 85:66

Russia opened win count at U20 European Championship. They outgunned Slovenia to climb at 1-1 record in Group A. Slovenia on the other hand slipped at 0-2 record. Andrey Zubkov (205-G/F-91) scored 19 points to lead Russia who stepped on the gas in the second half.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout tense first frame. Slovenia entered the second period up by a single point 21:20. Russia used a 7:1 rally in the second period to spur in front. Slovenia regained the lead but Balashov and Andrey Zubkov established a 44:40 lead for Russia at halftime. Russia scored seven unanswered points midway through the third term as the margin grew at 12-point mark. Russia headed into the fourth period up by as many as 13 points 68:55. Slovenia never got closer than 11 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Nikita Barinov (200-F-91) notched 17 points for Russia. Denis Pastukhov (196-F-91, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points in the victory. Marko Pajic (204-F-92) answered with 18 points for Slovenia. Jan Span (189-PG-92) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Russia U20: Andrey Zubkov 19, Nikita Barinov 17, Denis Pastukhov 10
Slovenia U20: Marko Pajic 18, Jan Span 12


Union Olimpija land Ben Woodside - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija have strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Ben Woodside (180-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Dakota St.). The 26-year-old guard had a solid season with Gravelines. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists, 3.2 boards and 1.5 steals per game in ProA. In EuroChallenge Ben Woodside posted 18.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the guard into All-EuroChallenge 1st Team. Ben Woodside also led Gravelines to French La Semaine des AS Cup title. It was the second straight season with Gravelines for Ben Woodside. He graduated from North Dakota State University in 2009. His stats read 23.2 points, 3.2 boards, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game in senior college season. Ben Woodside earned AP NCAA All-America Honourable Mention.



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SOUTH AFRICA

U16 Tunisia heads to Semifinals in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 Tunisia will play in the Semifinals of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. They met U16 South Africa in the Semis yesterday having no troubles to register 80-38 victory. Tunisia was a way better team from the beginning. They made double-digit lead already in the first quarter and never looked back after that. South Africa tried to do something after the breather, but Tunisia was simply too strong for them. Tunisia will meet Mali in the Semifinals. On the other side, South Africa will continue in Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Mozambique. In the other games of Classification Round, Algeria will play against Congo. In the other Semifinals, Egypt will meet Angola. All games will be played today.

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SPAIN

U20: Spain easily post second win in a row - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 - Greece U20 94:77

Spain registered the second consecutive victory at U20 European Championship in Bilbao. The hosts cruised past Greece to stay perfect in preliminary Group C. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) knocked down 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to pace the winners. Greece fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Spain marked their ambitions early in the game. The home team opened the game with a 7:0 run. Spain stayed in charge throughout the starting frame and recorded a 24:18 advantage at the break. Spain kept in charge throughout the second quarter. Nikola Mirotic opened a double-digit lead late in the first half 44:34. Spain established a 46:37 halftime advantage. Spain quickly boosted the gap to 15 points midway through the third term. Greece used an 8:0 run to narrow the gap late in the quarter 56:61. Spain however regained a 9-point lead with one quarter to go. Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) drained back-to-back trebles at the start of the fourth stanza as Spain silenced the Hellenes. The hosts did not slow down afterwards rolling to a confident win at the end. Joan Sastre Morro produced 25 points for Spain. Jose Simeon (187-PG-91) added 13 points in the victory. Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (206-F-92) netted 20 points Greece. Sokratis Psaropoulos (191-PG-92, agency: FCM) and Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91) netted 14 points apiece in the loss.

Spain U20: Nikola Mirotic 32+10 boards, Joan Sastre Morro 25, Jose Simeon 13
Greece U20: Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos 20, Sokratis Psaropoulos 14, Georgios Georgakis 14


Ibaka granted Spanish citizenship, in Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
All Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89) has left to do to finish off his Spanish citizenship is he 'must swear loyalty to the Spanish crown and constitution.' No word on if he has to kiss someone's ring though.

After Ibaka, 21, completes those last couple steps, he's officially be a Spaniard and will be eligible to play in the Eurobasket tournament in Lithuania which is in August and September.

This is a pretty massive thing for Spain, who is already one of the tournament favorites with Ricky Rubio, Pau and Marc Gasol, Jose Calderon and other NBA caliber players. Adding Ibaka immediately gives Spain maybe the best athlete in the tournament and an imposing big man who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. If you weren't picking Spain already, the addition of Ibaka should put you over the top.

I mean, look at that front court. Gasol, Gasol and Ibaka. That'd probably be the best front court in the NBA.

Why Spain for Ibaka, who is a native of the Republic of Congo? It's a place he spent three of his formative years, especially in terms of basketball. He started playing professionally in Spain as a teenager and really, his first language is Spanish. He still has a house in Barcelona.

'Spain is a country that has given me a lot,' Ibaka told reporters after Spain's Council of Ministers approved his petition for nationality. 'It will be an honor to give Spain back all that it has given me on the court.'

Spain is the defending champion and at stake is an automatic bid for the 2012 Olympics in London. Which now, Ibaka can play in for Spain as well.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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SWEDEN

U20: France cruise past Sweden in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Sweden U20 79:55

France recorded the second straight win at the U20 European Championship in Spain. Les Bleus coasted past Sweden to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group B. Sweden suffered the second straight loss to stand on the brink of elimination.
France quickly pulled ahead. Evan Fournier (200-G/F-92) knocked down 10 points in the starting period to give France a 29:20 lead. France used a 12:2 run in the second period to establish a 43:24. Gaddefors nailed 5 points in a row to drag Sweden within 14 points at halftime 29:43. Sweden narrowed the deficit at 10-point mark in the third quarter. But France stepped on the gas and boosted the margin to 19 points with one quarter remaining 66:47. France never looked back en route to the victory afterwards. Evan Fournier nailed 16 points for France. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 13 points in the victory. Christopher Czerapowicz (200-SF-91) answered with 21 points for Sweden. Andreas Person (190-G-91) delivered 13 points in the loss.

France U20: Evan Fournier 16, Rudy Gobert (213-C-92) 14, Leo Westermann 13
Sweden U20: Christopher Czerapowicz 21, Andreas Person 13


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SWITZERLAND

U20: Estonia is on top of Group A destroying Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Estonia U20-Switzerland U20 91:64

Estonia destroyed Switzerland in Day 2 of the European Championship. The Baltic team started with 30-4 in the first period to seal 91:64 victory.
Estonia scored the first 8 points in the game and Sven Kaldre (195-G/F-91) made 27:2. Puidet closed the first period at 30:4 making the shot from the perimeter. Switzerland woke up later in the game, but could not come closer. They won the second period 24-21 to cut it to 51:28 at the halftime. Estonia meanwhile added 25-22 and 15-14 in the second half for the easy victory. Sven Kaldre exploded with 34 points and Rain Veideman (192-G-91) netted 11. Raul Liivrand (203-C-91) followed them with 10 points for 2-0 record. Jonathan Dubas (201-F/C-91) collected 21 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort as the Swiss side dropped to 0-2. Dario Koludrovic (194-F-92) nailed 18 and Milos Bozovic (201-F-92) brought 10 points.

Estonia U20: Sven Kaldre 34, Rain Veideman 11, Raul Liivrand 10
Switzerland U20: Jonathan Dubas 21+10 rebs, Dario Koludrovic 18, Milos Bozovic 10




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TAIWAN

2011 William Jones Cup schedule released - by Chris Wang
The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) released the men's and women's competition schedules for the 2011 William Jones Cup invitational tournament.

A total of nine teams entered the men's competition, which will be held from Aug. 6-14 at Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City, and there will be five teams in the women's tourney, which will be played at Taipei Gymnasium from July 31-Aug. 4.

Both groups will adopt the single round robin format to determine the winner.

Complete rosters of the tournament haven't been released yet, but I guess most men's teams will be national teams as most teams would love to use the tourney as a warm-up series to prepare for the upcoming Asian Championship in Wuhan, Hubei, China in September.

In the men's competition, two-time Asian champion Iran will be seeking to three-peat in the Jones Cup as well.

Taiwan will send two teams -- the national team and the national team for the World University Games -- to the five-team women's group. The women's competition will be free of charge.

Men's schedule

Aug. 6
13:00 South Africa-Iran
15:00 Korea-UAE
17:00 Philippines-Jordan
19:00 Opening ceremony
19:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 7
13:00 South Africa-Korea
15:00 UAE-Philippines
17:00 Japan-Malaysia
19:00 Iran-Taiwan

Aug. 8
13:00 UAE-Japan
15:00 Jordan-Iran
17:00 Korea-Malaysia
19:00 Taiwan-South Africa

Aug. 9
13:00 Iran-UAE
15:00 Japan-Jordan
17:00 Philippines-Korea
19:00 Malaysia-Taiwan

Aug. 10
13:00 UAE-Malaysia
15:00 Philippines-South Africa
17:00 Iran-Japan
19:00 Korea-Jordan

Aug. 11
13:00 South Africa-UAE
15:00 Malaysia-Iran
17:00 Japan-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Jordan

Aug. 12
13:00 Philippines-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Jordan
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-UAE

Aug. 13
13:00 Malaysia-South Africa
15:00 UAE-Jordan
17:00 Korea-Iran
19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

Aug. 14
13:00 Jordan-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Japan
17:00 Iran-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Korea
Closing ceremony

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City

Women's schedule

July 31
16:00 Taiwan WUG-India
18:00 Opening ceremony
18:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 1
17:00 Korea-Taiwan WUG
19:00 India-Taiwan

Aug. 2
17:00 Taiwan WUG-Japan
19:00 Korea-India

Aug. 3
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-Taiwan WUG

Aug. 4
17:00 India-Japan
19:00 Korea-Taiwan
21:00 Closing ceremony

Venue: Taipei Gymnasium (10, Sec.4, Nanking E. Rd., Taipei City)



Knee injury kept Jeremy Lin from Wuhan - by Chris Wang
Taiwan will not recruit Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin (191-PG-89, college: Harvard) for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China due to Lin's knee injury, Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) President Ting Shou-chung said Friday.

Lin is under rehabilitation for his knee injury and the Warriors medical team advised him against playing in competitions, Taiwanese media quoted Ting as saying.

Due to the NBA lockout, Ting thought Taiwan had a good opportunity to land Lin, but that was not the case after the injury had been reported.

Lin is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan for a 10-day promotional trip in August, including an appearance at NIKE Summer League Finals and a four-day basketball camp and other activities.

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TUNISIA

U16 Tunisia heads to Semifinals in Egypt - by Eurobasket News
U16 Tunisia will play in the Semifinals of the U16 AfroBasket in Egypt. They met U16 South Africa in the Semis yesterday having no troubles to register 80-38 victory. Tunisia was a way better team from the beginning. They made double-digit lead already in the first quarter and never looked back after that. South Africa tried to do something after the breather, but Tunisia was simply too strong for them. Tunisia will meet Mali in the Semifinals. On the other side, South Africa will continue in Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Mozambique. In the other games of Classification Round, Algeria will play against Congo. In the other Semifinals, Egypt will meet Angola. All games will be played today.

Tunisian U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Aymen Aissa

96

Abderrahman Belhadj

95

Louay Alaya

95

Omar Fredj

95

Ramez Jeddou

95

Amrou Bouallegue

95

Nadim Bouamoud

96

Omar Ghrairi

95

Sadreddine Guenain

96

Ali Jabri

95

Hatem Kacem

95

Bilel Lamari

95

Bechir Mehrez

95

Mohamed Mejri

95

Basem Mlika

95

Ghassen Romdhane

96

Haithem Saada

95

Mohamed Said

95

Ghazi Salah

95

Yassine Zemni

95

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TURKEY

Esteban Batista joins Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News
Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) will continue his career in Turkey. The Uruguayan centre has agreed on terms of contract with Anadolu Efes. Esteban Batista has lately split ways with Caja Laboral. Two sides terminated their deal. Batista joined former Spanish champions in January from Fuenlabrada. He appeared in 10 Euroleague games with Caja Laboral averaging 8.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. In ACB, Batista added 7 ppg and 4.8 rpg. Batista had 12.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg in 14 games with Fuenla last season. Esteban Batista played for Fuenlabrada also in 2009/10. He shone with 14.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 31 games in ACB. He ended the season as the best league reboudner. Before Fuenla, Batista played for Maccabi Electra, Triumph Lyubertsy and Libertad. He also has experience from the Italian Sassari. Batista was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Imports Team -11. He has been the member of the Uruguayan National Team since 2003.



Telekom signs Darius Washington - by Burak Cidamal
Turk Telekom still continues making their roster stronger.

The Ankara side pens deal with Darius Washingotn for 1+1 contract. Darius Washington who has Macedonian passport will play in Bosman status in the league.he was also played in NBA with San Antonio Spurs colours.

In 2009 Darius Washington moved to Turkey and 26 year old player played in 29 games in league. In this games he played 15 points and 3 asists per game.




Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis)

Gelisim Koleji returns Emre Ozpulat - by Eurobasket News
Emre Ozpulat (200-F-82) is back to Gelisim Koleji after three years. The Turkish forward penned a one-season deal with his new/old team. He arrives from Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara, where he spent 2010/11. Ozpulat helped Optimum TED to win the first place in Turkish TB2L Group B. He appeared 25 times for the club averaging 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds. From 2008 to 2010, Emre Ozpulat was a member of Vestelspor Manisa. In their second season together he had 13.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Honorable Mention -09, 10. Ozpulat also played for Vestel in 2005/2006 season. In the past, he was a member of Tuborg Izmir. In his first stint with Gelisim Koleji (2007/08), Ozpulat had 12.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg.

Esteban Batista joins Anadolu Efes - by Burak Cidamal
Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) will continue his career in Turkey. The Uruguayan centre has agreed on terms of contract with Anadolu Efes. Esteban Batista has lately split ways with Caja Laboral. Two sides terminated their deal. Batista joined former Spanish champions in January from Fuenlabrada. He appeared in 10 Euroleague games with Caja Laboral averaging 8.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. In ACB, Batista added 7 ppg and 4.8 rpg. Batista had 12.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg in 14 games with Fuenla last season. Esteban Batista played for Fuenlabrada also in 2009/10. He shone with 14.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 31 games in ACB. He ended the season as the best league reboudner. Before Fuenla, Batista played for Maccabi Electra, Triumph Lyubertsy and Libertad. He also has experience from the Italian Sassari. Batista was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Imports Team -11. He has been the member of the Uruguayan National Team since 2003. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83)

U16: Turkey and Lithuania prepare for the Baltic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U16 and Lithuania U16 prepare for the Baltic Cup 2011. They played a friendly game last night to enter the tournament later today with few other teams.
Turkey U16 rolled over the Baltic team 82:74. They started strong and produced 21-13 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they added 26-22 in the second frame, while Lithuania won the third and the last quarters. Cedi Osman (193-G-95) stepped up with 18 points, while Metecan Birsen notched 15. Kartal Ozmizrak (181-G-95) scored 13 and Ayberk Guleryuz (207-C/F-95) added 10. Ernest Serkevicius replied with 26 points in the losing effort. Ricard Verbickas netted 12 and Paulius Zalys (95) posted 11.
Both teams as well as Latvia and Estonia will compete in Baltic Cup 2011.

Sasha Vujacic officially moves to Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes have announced the signing of Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84). The guard penned a one-year deal with the Turkish powerhouse. Sasha Vujacic arrives from the New Jersey Nets. The guard posted 11.4 points and 2.3 assists per game in 56 NBA games last season. The 27-year-old Vujacic played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2004 until December of 2010. With the Lakers, Vujacic had 2.5 ppg for 8 games last season. Vujacic won two NBA rings with the Lakers (2009, 2010). Sasha Vujacic started basketball career with Polzela. In 2000, he moved to Snaidero Unide where he stayed four years. In 2004, we was selected as 24th overall pick at NBA Draft. He played for the Slovenian NT in the past.



U20: Austria give decent fight in loss to Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Austria U20 72:67

Turkey survived a tough test to come out winners against Austria on the second of U20 European Championship in Bilbao, Spain. Turkey had a narrow escape claiming a 5-point win at the end to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91) knocked down 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to pace Turkey. Austria fell at 0-2 record despite two decent performances at the tournament.
Austria stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The Division A debutants grabbed an 18:7 lead midway through the stanza. Turkey stopped the bleeding but still trailed by seven points at the first break 17:24. Furkan Aldemir and Can Mutaf (193-G-91) dragged Turkey within three points midway through the second frame. But Austria managed to clear off to a 9-point halftime lead 44:35. Austria maintained the lead throughout the third term. They withheld all comeback attempts from Turkey to enter the fourth frame up by 9 points 63:54. Turkey opened the final quarter on a 13:0 run to surge ahead. Austria levelled things up at 67 with under five minutes to go. But Turkey kept their opponents scoreless in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a difficult win at the end. Can Mutaf provided 20 points, while Huseyin Koksal (195-F-91) added 11 points in the victory. Anton Maresch (192-G-91) replied with 18 points for Austria. Filip Kramer (200-F-92) produced 12 points in the loss.

Turkey U20: Furkan Aldemir 22+12 boards, Can Mutaf 20, Huseyin Koksal 11
Austria U20: Anton Maresch 18, Filip Kramer 12


Telekom announced Darius Washington - by Kaan Akkanat
After signing with Michael Wright (203-F-80, college: Arizona) (Ali Karadeniz) and Turkish veterans Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) and Muratcan Guler (192-G-80, agency: 1x1 Sports), Telekom announced a new addition to its 2011-2012 team roster. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) who recently played with Virtus Roma signed a 1+1 year deal with Telekom. Darius who shined with Galatasaray jersey in 2009-2010 season, averaged 15.2 points, 2.7 assists- 2.8 rebounds. Darius also helped Istanbul giants to get back on the track after being punished by Turkish Basketball Federation due to a jersey scandal. Darius also plays for Macedonian National Team and carries Bosman passport which creates an advantage for the Turkish side.
From the side of Ankaras basketball center, new movements indicate that the rebuilding process continues fastly and strongly.Timuin Meris new team promises to be an eye-cathing team for the coming season.


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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Zeor Tolerance Friday's Result - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS-- Aint Gonna See Us Fall avenged their only regular season loss with a commanding 60-42 win over Blazers in game on of the Zero Tolerance 16-18 Summer Basktball League finals Friday afternoon. Agyei Gregory led AGSUF with 16 points and Shanel Caines added 11. Sekayi Petersen and Deland Isidore led Blazers with 11 points each. Game two of the best of three is set for Saturday afternoon.
In game one of the semifinals of the Governmental and Industrial Coed Basketball League, Education needed every second on the clock to hold of Airport I, 72-70, in overtime. Akil Lewis (183-G-82, college: Lynn) nailed six three pointers on his way to 32 points and athletic Jamari Maduro pitched in with 24 points. Andrew Pooch Christian scored all 16 of his teams first quarter points and finished with a whopping 32 points.
In the other semifinal, Medics ousted Fire, 58-50. Fitzroy 'Speedy' Dunrod led Medics with 18 points and Steve Gardner added 17 points. Roane Dowe led Fire with 20.
Education and Medics will meet in what should be an action packed finals. Medics destroyed Education in their only meeting of the season which was Educations only loss of the season. Education has won three straight championships and held of Medics three games to one last year. Finals starts at 7:15 pm at Charlotte Amalie High School.

Zero Tolerance Weekend Hotel Get Away Raffle Winners
1st Prize Elmo Foy 3 Days/2 Nights Marriot Frenchmans Reef
2nd Dawn Newton 3 Days/2 Winward Passage
3rd Carol from WAPA 3 Days/2 Bolongo Bay Beach and Resort

Saturday July 16th
9-12 Come 2 Defend vs. Lil Lakers 4:00 pm
13-15 All Coast Ballers vs. Jah Youths 5 minutes after
16-18 Blazers vs. AGSUF 5 minutes after
7:15 pm Education vs. Medics, G&I Coed finals

Sunday July 17th
12:00 pm 16-18 Blazers vs. AGSUF (if necessary)
9-12 Lil Lakers Come vs. 2 Defend 5 minutes after (Game 2)
13-15 Jah Youths vs. All Coast Ballers 5 minutes after (Game 2)


MSU's Aska To Play For Virgin Islands In Caribbean Championship - by David Edole
Murray State men's basketball student-athlete Ivan Aska (200-F-90) began workouts this week in preparation to play for the Virgin Islands National Team in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championship (July 25-30) in Nassau, Bahamas.

Aska, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., will be a senior this fall with the Racers.

Even though he was raised in the United States, Aska has a connection with the Virgin Islands. His mother Shirley is a native of the nation and his father, Ivan Sr., is from Trinidad.

The last time I was in the Virgin Islands, I was seven years old, Aska said. We still have a lot of family there.

Aska, a former Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year in 2009, has always drawn inspiration from his parents.

Mom's always told me whatever I do, keep working hard, Aska said. My mom has always been there and she motivates me. My dad has taught me about life and I look up to both of them. They were athletes and they've taught me to be humble and keep working hard.

Aska will play his senior season for new head coach Steve Prohm.

Ivan is a big key to our success next season, Prohm said. The opportunity to experience international-level basketball will be a big confidence builder for him. I'm very excited to see him get the chance to play for the Virgin Islands.

Aska is the Racers' leading rebounder from last season at 5.2 per game, to go with 7.6 points per game. He ended the season with a flurry scoring at a 15.5 clip in MSU's final two games. He begins his senior season with 933 points, 67 from becoming the 37th member of the MSU 1000-Point Club. He also has 517 career rebounds.

It's an honor to play for the Virgin Islands, Aska said. I thought I could play at some point. It's the next step for me in basketball and this could help my future in the game and I look forward to playing.

The event marks the first time in 10 years that the Bahamas has hosted the championships.

The tournament divides the 10-team field into two pools. Pool-A includes: Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana and Turks & Caicos. Pool-B includes: British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the Cayman Islands.

Aska's Virgin Island's team plays four games in pool play that decide seeding for the tournament starting July 28. Those games are against Turks & Caicos (July 23), Antigua (July 24), Guyana (July 26) and Jamaica (July 27).

The top three teams from this event advance to the Centro Basket Championship. From there, the top four teams secure spots in the FIBA Americas Zone Championships, where the top three squads advance to the Olympics or World Basketball Championship.

Milton Barnes is the head coach for the Virgin Islands team. Barnes is a former head coach with Eastern Michigan, assistant coach at Minnesota and has also coached with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Aska is part of an interesting Murray State connection with the Virgin Islands' program. Former MSU player Cuthbert Victor is in camp with the team and former Racers' head coach Tevester Anderson also coached the Virgin Islands in past years.

The final roster for the Virgin Islands will be set at some point before the tournament begins.




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UKRAINE

U20: Ukraine draw first blood in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 - Lithuania U20 73:63

Ukraine recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship in Spain. They overcame Lithuania today to improve at 1-1 record in Group D. Artem Pustovyi (216-C-92) stepped up with 22 points to lead the charge. Ukraine thus caught up with Lithuania in the ladder. Ukraine will face Italy, while Lithuania will take on Germany on the final day of the preliminary round.
Lithuania jumped to a 14:8 lead early in the encounter but Ukraine capped the period with a 9:2 run to take a 22:18 lead. Lithuania regained the lead midway through the second frame. Redikas and Butkevicius ensured a 40:38 advantage for the Baltic team at halftime. Ukraine tipped off the second half on a 10:0 run to surge in front. Lithuania cut the deficit to three points but Sandul and Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) made it 56:50 for Ukraine with one quarter remaining. Lithuanua knocked down 7 points in a row midway through the final term to get within one 61:62. But Artem Pustovyi and Andriy Lebedintsev (187-PG-91) answered with four points in a row and then Prokopenko hit a deadly three-pointer as Ukraine sealed the win at the end. Andriy Lebedintsev and Vyacheslav Bobrov accounted for 14 points each. The latter added 14 rebounds and 4 assists for Ukraine. Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Biruta posted 9 points each in the loss.

Ukraine U20: Artem Pustovyi 22, Vyacheslav Bobrov 14+14 boards, Andriy Lebedintsev 14
Lithuania U20: Mindaugas Kupsas 21, Augustas Peciukevicius 9


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UNITED KINGDOM

U20: Nikkarinen and Kopio pull Finland over Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20-Finland U20 68:72

Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) and Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) pull Finland over Great Britain as they combined for 56 points. The Scandinavian team won 72:68 as Ryan Richards (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) and his Great Britain suffered the second straight loss at U20 European Championship.
The teams were tied at 6:6, while Finland took 17-11 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Ryan Richards reduced to 17:14, while Fraser brought 22:21 advantage. Ryan Richards scored for 30:23 that became the biggest lead in the game for the Brits. Antto Nikkarinen tied the game at 30:30, while Finland grabbed 38:36 halftime deficit. Ryan Richards delivered two for 46:44 later in the third and he scored his 22nd point for 52:47. Great Britain won the third period 20-18 as Alex Marcotullio (190-G-91) tied it all again at 56:56. Ryan Richards made four free throws at the very end to tie at 68:68, but Antto Nikkarinen and Villematti Kopio scored the last four for Finland.
Antto Nikkarinen erupted with 31 points and Villematti Kopio netted 25. Ryan Richards replied with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, while Alex Marcotullio and Alistair Mackay (208-C-91) notched 10 apiece.

Great Britain U20: Ryan Richards 28+9 rebs+6 ast, Alex Marcotullio 10, Alistair Mackay 10
Finland U20: Antto Nikkarinen 31, Villematti Kopio 25



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URUGUAY

Nacional will play the final games for a second promotion - by Hector Lopez
Nacional defeated Atenas 95-94 after one overtime and will play against the winner of Larranaga-Goes for the second promotion from the Metro League to the Uruguayan League. Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) was the MVP for the game with 41 points (24/14 two points shots and 16/13 free throws), grabbed 15 rebounds (6 offensive and 9 defensive) and added 5 blocks, and he receiving 12 personal fouls, after playing 45 minutes. Also for Nacional Alejandro Acosta (186-G-89) netted 16 and Facundo Roselli (190-G-91) added 15. A free throw scored by Roselli with 5 seconds to play closed the game. For Atenas Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) scored 22 points with 6 rebounds.

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WILLIAM JONES CUP

2011 William Jones Cup schedule released - by Chris Wang
The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) released the men's and women's competition schedules for the 2011 William Jones Cup invitational tournament.

A total of nine teams entered the men's competition, which will be held from Aug. 6-14 at Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City, and there will be five teams in the women's tourney, which will be played at Taipei Gymnasium from July 31-Aug. 4.

Both groups will adopt the single round robin format to determine the winner.

Complete rosters of the tournament haven't been released yet, but I guess most men's teams will be national teams as most teams would love to use the tourney as a warm-up series to prepare for the upcoming Asian Championship in Wuhan, Hubei, China in September.

In the men's competition, two-time Asian champion Iran will be seeking to three-peat in the Jones Cup as well.

Taiwan will send two teams -- the national team and the national team for the World University Games -- to the five-team women's group. The women's competition will be free of charge.

Men's schedule

Aug. 6
13:00 South Africa-Iran
15:00 Korea-UAE
17:00 Philippines-Jordan
19:00 Opening ceremony
19:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 7
13:00 South Africa-Korea
15:00 UAE-Philippines
17:00 Japan-Malaysia
19:00 Iran-Taiwan

Aug. 8
13:00 UAE-Japan
15:00 Jordan-Iran
17:00 Korea-Malaysia
19:00 Taiwan-South Africa

Aug. 9
13:00 Iran-UAE
15:00 Japan-Jordan
17:00 Philippines-Korea
19:00 Malaysia-Taiwan

Aug. 10
13:00 UAE-Malaysia
15:00 Philippines-South Africa
17:00 Iran-Japan
19:00 Korea-Jordan

Aug. 11
13:00 South Africa-UAE
15:00 Malaysia-Iran
17:00 Japan-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Jordan

Aug. 12
13:00 Philippines-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Jordan
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-UAE

Aug. 13
13:00 Malaysia-South Africa
15:00 UAE-Jordan
17:00 Korea-Iran
19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

Aug. 14
13:00 Jordan-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Japan
17:00 Iran-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Korea
Closing ceremony

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City

Women's schedule

July 31
16:00 Taiwan WUG-India
18:00 Opening ceremony
18:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 1
17:00 Korea-Taiwan WUG
19:00 India-Taiwan

Aug. 2
17:00 Taiwan WUG-Japan
19:00 Korea-India

Aug. 3
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-Taiwan WUG

Aug. 4
17:00 India-Japan
19:00 Korea-Taiwan
21:00 Closing ceremony

Venue: Taipei Gymnasium (10, Sec.4, Nanking E. Rd., Taipei City)





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Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Brigitte Ardossi signs with the Canberra Capitals - by Eurobasket News
The Canberra Capitals have signed Australian WNBA draftee and former college star Brigitte Ardossi (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Georgia Tech) for season 2011/12.

Ardossi will make her WNBL debut for the Capitals this season, after previously spending four years as a standout US College player with Georgia Tech University, before spending the 2010/11 season with French team Cote D'Opale Basket Calais in Europe.

Following her college career in 2010, the 188cm forward was drafted into the WNBA, taken pick 21 overall by the Atlanta Dream, although she was waived before the season began.

Ardossi averaged 8.4 points per game for her French club, Basket Calais, and now joins one of the strongest clubs in WNBL history, a Canberra Capitals team coming off three-straight Grand Finals.

Canberra head coach Carrie Graf told The Canberra Times that Ardossi is an exciting addition to her team.

''She's legitimate, and I think she will have a big impact for us,'' Graf told The Canberra Times.

''She has good assertiveness and confidence, and has high expectations of where she wants to take her game.

''She's a back-to-the-basket player and a legitimate post player, so Tolo's not going to take all the heat.

''Definitely by the end of the season Tolo was exhausted. She played huge minutes and she's had a few big years with national junior programs and world championships.''

Marianna Tolo also acknowledged, after a training session against her new team mate, that having Ardossi in the Capitals line-up would be a benefit for the Australian Opals centre.

''I think mentally I got fatigued more than anything; my body still felt okay,'' Tolo told The Canberra Times of last season.

''She [Ardossi] had a pretty good shot on her I thought, and inside she was strong and effective at getting shots off, even with my long arms.

''She's a strong body to train against as well, which is good preparation for games where everyone's trying to push me and get me off balance.''

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

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BAHAMAS - Women

Edidiong Utibe lifts U17 US Virgin Islands to first win in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 US Virgin Islands - U17 Bahamas 60-59

Both teams failed in Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. It was a very exciting meeting and US Virgin Islands managed to grab 60-59 thriller win for 1-1 record in Preliminary Group B. On the other side, Bahamas dropped to 1-2 but still has a chance to reach the Semifinals. Edidiong Beulah Utibe was totally the best player in this game. She registered monster double-double of 27 points and 23 rebounds for the winners. Kadesfha Barry and Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy helped with 7 points each. In defeat, Raven Thompson collected 18 points and 7 rebs. Kaylicia Laing had 11 points and 6 boards, while Brea Forbes stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 14-17, 16-12, 14-20, 16-10. On Friday, US Virgin Islands will meet Puerto Rico. Bahamas will meet Guatemala in do-or-die game.

US Virgin Islands: Edidiong Utibe 27+23 boards, Kadesfha Barry 7, Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy 7
Bahamas: Raven Thompson 18+7 boards, Kaylicia Laing 11+6 boards, Brea Forbes 10

U17 Puerto Rico smashes U17 Bahamas in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 Bahamas - U17 Puerto Rico 30-101

Puerto Rico demonstrated great performance in the opening day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. The hosts of this event smashed Bahamas 101-30 for 1-0 score in Group B. Puerto Rico dominated in all basketball elements against Bahamas. They started with impressive 5-29 in the first quarter and continued with 14-30 in Q2. Nothing has changed after that as Bahamas were simply too week to reply. Puerto Rico made 4-24 in third and 7-18 in the last period for the final 30-101 blowout. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo came up with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado had 12 points and 5 as, while Krystal Luciano Mendez added 11 pts and 9 assists. In Bahamas, Taneka Kristine Sandiford had double-double with 15 points and 10 rebs. Their second scorer was Kaylicia Laing with 8 pts.

Bahamas: Taneka Kristine Sandiford 15+10 boards, Kaylicia Laing 8
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado 12+5 as, Krystal Luciano Mendez 11+9 as

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BELARUS - Women

Natalia Marchenko: WE DO NOT HAVE TO RELAX! - by Timur Tolokh
Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79): WE DO NOT HAVE TO RELAX!
'Motor and brain team' - the words of the famous native of Minsk, Irina Sumnikovoy for our lead of the first issue at the European Championships was certainly true. No wonder she went into the top five assistants tournament.

And while the team was not the result of the fact that their progenitors, Natalia Marchanka has proved that it still is awesome playmaker and is not passed, compared with the positions of the continental championship in 2007, when Belarusian was declared the best among colleagues in the role.

- How are you? Now easier?

- It's okay, life goes on.

- As the days after his return from Poland?

- During the time that I have not had accumulated issues that doing. But this is not a burden. Health also seems to order - have already passed the physical with the girls. So basically enjoying family life, socializing with family and friends. At sea, I confess, has not yet drawn - do not want to part with her husband, a dog.

- We watched the playoffs the European Championship?

- Followed the matches on the Internet. Starting with the semi-finals, the results were predictable for me.

- Not a thought, a feeling of annoyance that Turkey's place in the finals could well be our national team?

- Rather, once again made sure: at this level there are no weak teams. I know some of us reproach, they say, Belarusians managed to lose the 'dead' in Turkey, but I think very few people dispute the fact that she deservedly became the second. Plus sport in general and women's basketball in particular, is unpredictable. For example, Montenegro, which had a great first two rounds, winning all matches in the end was left without a tour to the Olympics. But Croatia that started either shaky or rolls, won the coveted fifth place.

- A lot of surprises - from the fact that leaders have passed or tightened position the rest?

- Probably the latter. Teams from the smallest countries proved to be great. And do not say that their success is not based on anything. At the same Balkan teams is a good school child basketball tradition. This is a call for us. Need to seriously think about how to make a consistently high results. And fans are always attracted to sensation and intrigue.

- Russia's victory surprised?

- Maybe they looked at first not the best way. Then we made them a nice surprise in the form of a third place in the group. (Laughs.) But I do not want downplay the merits of Russian women. Lucky strongest. Danilochkina Stepanova and hit the top five of the symbolic results of the championship, Helen was awarded the most useful player. The girls rallied - well done.

- What did we not succeed? Victoria over Russia after it seemed that we are moving in the right direction and at the right speed ...

- I think that was not enough to mobilize everyone in the entire match, all 40 minutes. Migratory meetings today is not, and we in no way should relax! 12 people who were in Poland, have experience of performing at the top tournaments. More or less, but they have. So give yourself a break, do not act in a hundred and twenty percent is not permissible. FIFA has shown that often wins the one who is ready on that day, here and now. Skill mastery, but psychology, the mood to fight, the desire to play a huge role. Unfortunately, in some moments we were late for a second, lacked aggression, and of these pieces and develops the overall picture. We thought, well, how well we did ... However, opponents come hungry to win, and nobody is going to make gifts. With Russia, looked great, played well in defense and prey is evenly distributed points in the attack. But more ... No, some underestimation of the opponents were not, but in any event, all proceeds from the head. And as I said: now, if you fall one or two people, to have difficulty. We must act on a maximum every night and be ready to turn the tide of the match. Not getting a 'treshki' - no problem! We must look for other ways to win, picking up the key.

- Masilenene in an interview with 'SP' has addressed Buyal'skiy following criticism: Can not win for five years, playing the same composition and under the same scheme.

- I do not agree with Olga. First, let's take potential recruits. You call names of players who are on the move will strengthen the team, or at least, will join the team organically? There is no dispute: rejuvenation needed, and sooner or later it happens. However, I frankly do not feel that I someone comes on the heels. Although very much worried about the women's basketball in Belarus, and I want us to have competition at every position. But now, alas ... However, look at the leading teams. Is it in Spain, France, Russia, there are major changes, invite a lot of newcomers? No, they're having as opposed to us is much greater selection of young, produce pinpoint rearrangements, trying to keep the backbone. In particular, the French returned to the place of point guard in a couple of experienced Dyumerk Lawson, and she played quite well. Even in the U.S., where it is possible to form several teams of student teams, is well-suited for an upgrade. No one cuts straight from the shoulder. Tactics? It adjustments are made, the scheme being upgraded, and new interactions. And to change the way every year when the shortage of time to prepare ... Again, this is nowhere. France, Spain, playing in a familiar manner. You're trying to find a counter, to keep rivals. Another thing - performance. Does not always implement his plan. When excited, the adrenaline is in full swing, some, especially young people may simply forget some combination, despite the fact that it played more than a dozen times.

- Inside the team is not some friction?

- In terms of atmosphere in the team has always been so good. True, a few unsettling organizational issues. There has never been so come and play and nothing more is not a headache. Constantly have somewhere to run, take in the form ... Strongly doubt that Valdemoro or engaged in this pile. You know, we are all tired of raising these issues, but what if the problems that are impossible to professional clubs, are repeated from year to year. I, for example, for the entire tournament from the federation did not call anybody, did not send SMS-ki. Sorry, did a lot of teams in Belarus, speaks at a similar level? It's a shame ... As if the federation of the national team has nothing to do.

- What happened to the three-point field throws?

- All teams in the tournament percentage left to be desired. In Bydgoszcz rings were hard and played some uncomfortable balls. While this is certainly not an excuse. We trained these balls were prepared. Perhaps during the match making the wrong decision, throws were spontaneous.

- Do not angry with partners when they attack in the last seconds you push down the ball?

- Is that a little bit. In any case, never thought about, say, right now spoil his stats because of that shot. Let us all work towards the completion of combinations. It is of the federation and the Ministry of Sport just does not. (Laughs.)

- Although not the best outcome, you have a game dispute, which drew the attention and Sumnikova ...

- Basketball - team sport. So ... If took fifth place, it probably would have been satisfied with the work done. And especially nothing to be proud, let the moments that something turned out, and yesterday (on Wednesday. - Note. 'JV') has learned, is among the best assistants. But the film still outweigh.

- I hope you're not going to part with the team?

- Such thoughts do not. In the case of a call of persons and try to do everything I can to make the team returned to the elite. The crown will not fall, although we have what to hide, some had no apparent reason, refused to come to the games is not the strongest division, but then exploded, 'skim the cream'. I think it's wrong.

- Where he continued his career?

- Not yet determined. Frankly, thinking about the 'Horizon'. I do not know whether I see as part of Anatoly, but do not want to leave again and leave his family. Let's see ... It is true that in Moscow 'Dynamo' just not going to. They still have to. Hard to play the whole season virtually for free.

- What happens if you leave Buyal'skiy team?

- Let's not run ahead of the locomotive. For example, I now can not see our other experts, who even at 50 percent would meet the requirements of the European Championship for national teams. Some coaches who criticize the team and Buyalsky not realize that this is not the primacy of the Belarusian and Baltic League. At the Euro players are the most powerful clubs. Have not heard our experts went on probation, and at major tournaments, they are hardly frequent guests. A reason, sitting at the TV, they say, I'd have played better - seriously.

- In recent days there have been some events that start up and not related, but are black: Team will not get into the playoffs, Simon Halipsky died, three teams of younger ages declined from performances in the European Championships ...

- All this, of course, can not get worried about the future of our basketball. I do not understand, nor find means to both cadet and junior team? For what boys and girls are trained and what kind of preparation of the reserve in general we think? There are no words, I'm in shock! In the federation because there are sponsors, she earns some money. And here is ... What should I do? At least, not to write off all the problems of the crisis! It is hard to all federations, but from what I know footballers paid bonuses for successful performance at the Junior Championship of Europe. People are trying to find the money, not sitting on their hands.

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CAYMAN ISLANDS - Women

U17 Mexico destroys U17 Cayman Islands in Gurabo, 96-31 - by Eurobasket News
U17 Mexico - U17 Cayman Islands 96-31

Mexico registered first victory in Gurabo. They cruised past Cayman Islands 96-31 for 1-0 record in Group A. Thanks to this win, Mexico already booked a spot for the Semifinals. On the other side, Cayman Islands dropped to 0-2. They will continue in Classification Round from 5th-7th place. Maria Begona Faz Davalos stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Daniela Maria Soto Gomez followed her with 15 points and 5 rebs, while Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas added 14 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, La-Torae Joan Nixon shined with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Chloe Angelica Powery with only 6 pts. Quarters: 36-3, 20-9, 22-11, 18-8. Mexico will meet Dominican Republic in the game for the first place.

Mexico: Maria Begona Faz Davalos 16+7 boards, Daniela Maria Soto Gomez 15+5 boards, Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas 14+9 boards
Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 18+10 boards, Chloe Angelica Powery 6

U17 Dominican Republic beats U17 Cayman Islands in CentroBasket opener - by Eurobasket News
U17 Cayman Islands - U17 Dominican Republic 41-113

Dominican Republic opened U17 CentroBasket in style. They blasted Cayman Islands 113-41 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Third participant of this pool is Mexico. Dominican Republic took control on Cayman Islands from the very beginning and never looked back after that. Frabel Feliz Rodriguez stepped up for the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Cheisy Carolay Hernandez had 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez was very close to triple-double: 18 points, 14 rebounds and 9 as. In defeat, La-Torae Joan Nixon collected 15 points and 12 boards. Amber Leann Watson had 13 pts and 6 boards, while Rochel Gabrela Gardener stopped to 5 pts. Quarters: 11-27, 27-14, 28-8, 31-8. In the next game, Cayman Islands will meet Mexico. Dominican Republic will have a day-off.

Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 15+12 boards, Amber Leann Watson 13+6 boards, Rochel Gabrela Gardener 5
Dominican Republic: Frabel Feliz Rodriguez 24+12 boards, Cheisy Carolay Hernandez 22+7 boards, Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez 18+14 boards+9 as

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CENTROBASKET U17 - Women

Day Two in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A

U17 Mexico - U17 Cayman Islands 96-31
Mexico registered first victory in Gurabo. They cruised past Cayman Islands 96-31 for 1-0 record in Group A. Thanks to this win, Mexico already booked a spot for the Semifinals. On the other side, Cayman Islands dropped to 0-2. They will continue in Classification Round from 5th-7th place. Maria Begona Faz Davalos stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Daniela Maria Soto Gomez followed her with 15 points and 5 rebs, while Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas added 14 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, La-Torae Joan Nixon shined with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Chloe Angelica Powery with only 6 pts. Quarters: 36-3, 20-9, 22-11, 18-8. Mexico will meet Dominican Republic in the game for the first place.

Mexico: Maria Begona Faz Davalos 16+7 boards, Daniela Maria Soto Gomez 15+5 boards, Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas 14+9 boards
Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 18+10 boards, Chloe Angelica Powery 6


GROUP B

U17 US Virgin Islands - U17 Bahamas 60-59
Both teams failed in Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. It was a very exciting meeting and US Virgin Islands managed to grab 60-59 thriller win for 1-1 record in Preliminary Group B. On the other side, Bahamas dropped to 1-2 but still has a chance to reach the Semifinals. Edidiong Beulah Utibe was totally the best player in this game. She registered monster double-double of 27 points and 23 rebounds for the winners. Kadesfha Barry and Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy helped with 7 points each. In defeat, Raven Thompson collected 18 points and 7 rebs. Kaylicia Laing had 11 points and 6 boards, while Brea Forbes stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 14-17, 16-12, 14-20, 16-10. On Friday, US Virgin Islands will meet Puerto Rico. Bahamas will meet Guatemala in do-or-die game.

US Virgin Islands: Edidiong Beulah Utibe 27+23 boards, Kadesfha Barry 7, Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy 7
Bahamas: Raven Thompson 18+7 boards, Kaylicia Laing 11+6 boards, Brea Forbes 10


U17 Guatemala - U17 Puerto Rico 30-78
Puerto Rico jumped to 2-0 record in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket destroyed Guatemala 78-30 in the second day of the competition. Thanks to this win, Puerto Rico already secured a spot for the Semifinals. Guatemala dropped to 1-1 and still has a chance to reach the next stage. They will have to beat Bahamas today. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo stepped up for the winners with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia scored 13 pts and Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema added 10 points, plus 6 boards. In Guatemala, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera had 7 points and 7 rebounds, while Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan stopped to 4 pts and 5 rebs. Quarters: 3-26, 23-8, 16-8, 13-11. Championship continues today.

Guatemala: Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 7+7 boards, Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan 4+5 boards
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia 13, Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema 10+6 boards

Day One in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A

U17 Cayman Islands - U17 Dominican Republic 41-113
Dominican Republic opened U17 CentroBasket in style. They blasted Cayman Islands 113-41 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Third participant of this pool is Mexico. Dominican Republic took control on Cayman Islands from the very beginning and never looked back after that. Frabel Feliz Rodriguez stepped up for the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Cheisy Carolay Hernandez had 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez was very close to triple-double: 18 points, 14 rebounds and 9 as. In defeat, La-Torae Joan Nixon collected 15 points and 12 boards. Amber Leann Watson had 13 pts and 6 boards, while Rochel Gabrela Gardener stopped to 5 pts. Quarters: 11-27, 27-14, 28-8, 31-8. In the next game, Cayman Islands will meet Mexico. Dominican Republic will have a day-off.

Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 15+12 boards, Amber Leann Watson 13+6 boards, Rochel Gabrela Gardener 5
Dominican Republic: Frabel Feliz Rodriguez 24+12 boards, Cheisy Carolay Hernandez 22+7 boards, Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez 18+14 boards+9 as


GROUP B

U17 Guatemala - U17 US Virgin Islands 71-60
Guatemala had a joyful Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. They handed 71-60 loss to US Virgin Islands for 1-0 record in Group B. Guatemala had wonderful beginning as they made 29-11 lead in the first ten minutes. They continued with 14-11 in Q2 for plus 21 at that half time. US Virgin Islands improved after that breather, but their deficit was too big. Emily Rosales Quan shined for the winners with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez scored 12 points and Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera added 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kadesfha Barry collected 10 points and 7 rebs. Merissa Murphy scored 9 points and pulled down 20 rebounds. Quarters: 29-11, 14-11, 17-17, 11-21.

Guatemala: Emily Rosales Quan 29+5 boards, Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez 12, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 11+5 boards
US Virgin Islands: Kadesfha Barry 10+7 boards, Merissa Murphy 9+20 boards


U17 Bahamas - U17 Puerto Rico 30-101
Puerto Rico demonstrated great performance in the opening day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. The hosts of this event smashed Bahamas 101-30 for 1-0 score in Group B. Puerto Rico dominated in all basketball elements against Bahamas. They started with impressive 5-29 in the first quarter and continued with 14-30 in Q2. Nothing has changed after that as Bahamas were simply too week to reply. Puerto Rico made 4-24 in third and 7-18 in the last period for the final 30-101 blowout. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo came up with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado had 12 points and 5 as, while Krystal Luciano Mendez added 11 pts and 9 assists. In Bahamas, Taneka Kristine Sandiford had double-double with 15 points and 10 rebs. Their second scorer was Kaylicia Laing with 8 pts.

Bahamas: Taneka Kristine Sandiford 15+10 boards, Kaylicia Laing 8
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado 12+5 as, Krystal Luciano Mendez 11+9 as

Standing

Standings

Group A 1. Dominican R. 1-0 2. Mexico 1-0 3. Cayman Isl. 0-2 Group B 1. P.Rico 2-0 2. Guatemala 1-1 3. US Virg.Isl 1-1 4. Bahamas 0-2

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CROATIA - Women

U16 Croatia hands 68-63 loss to U16 Serbia - by Eurobasket News
U16 Serbia - U16 Croatia 63-68

Croatia and Serbia played a friendly game this weekend. Both teams prepare for the U16 EuroBasket in Italy. Croatia grabbed 68-63 win in this exhibition game, mostly thanks to great played first half. Croatia opened the meeting with 15-19 lead and continued with 10-19 in the second period. It means they were 13 points up at the halftime and were looking comfortably. However, Serbia answered with 19-11 after the breather and everything was open again. Last quarter ended with 19-19 tie, what was a good score for Croatia who grabbed 68-63 win. Bodrozic Ciabov and Dujic scored 12 points each for the winners. Tomicic followed them with 3 points less. For the hosts, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) shined with 14 points. Ristic had 10 and Cukic stopped to 9 pts. Teams will meet in another friendly this week.

Serbia: Sanja Mandic 24, Ristic 10, Cukic 9
Croatia: Bodrozic 12, Ciabov 12, Dujic 12, Tomicic 9

U18 Croatia too strong for U18 Serbia in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
U18 Serbia - U18 Croatia 35-71

Serbia and Croatia met each other in a friendly game this weekend. Serbia was the host, but was not able to avoid serious defeat. Croatia blasted them 71-35 in a game which was a part of preparations for U18 EuroBasket. Ivana Tikvic (189-C/F-94) was the leading player in victory with 14 points. Dragos followed her with 12 and Glorija Sikiric (165-G-95) helped with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Emese Vida (187-C-93) delivered 12 pts. Their second scorer was Aleksandra Stanacev (167-G-94) with 8 pts. Croatia took control on Serbia from the very beginning. They made 8-17 lead in the first ten minutes. Serbia slightly improved after that making 14-10 in Q2, but Croatia immediately replied with impressive 7-22 in third period. They continued in the same rhythm for rest of the game (6-22) and at the end celebrated huge 35-71 win.

Serbia: Emese Vida 12, Aleksandra Stanacev 8
Croatia: Ivana Tikvic 14, Dragos 12, Glorija Sikiric 11

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women

U17 Dominican Republic beats U17 Cayman Islands in CentroBasket opener - by Eurobasket News
U17 Cayman Islands - U17 Dominican Republic 41-113

Dominican Republic opened U17 CentroBasket in style. They blasted Cayman Islands 113-41 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Third participant of this pool is Mexico. Dominican Republic took control on Cayman Islands from the very beginning and never looked back after that. Frabel Feliz Rodriguez stepped up for the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Cheisy Carolay Hernandez had 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez was very close to triple-double: 18 points, 14 rebounds and 9 as. In defeat, La-Torae Joan Nixon collected 15 points and 12 boards. Amber Leann Watson had 13 pts and 6 boards, while Rochel Gabrela Gardener stopped to 5 pts. Quarters: 11-27, 27-14, 28-8, 31-8. In the next game, Cayman Islands will meet Mexico. Dominican Republic will have a day-off.

Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 15+12 boards, Amber Leann Watson 13+6 boards, Rochel Gabrela Gardener 5
Dominican Republic: Frabel Feliz Rodriguez 24+12 boards, Cheisy Carolay Hernandez 22+7 boards, Yamel Vanessa Abreu Alvarez 18+14 boards+9 as

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women

Stats Leaders (Women)

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Sara KRNJIC   SRB   (193-C-91)   Avg: 16.3

1. Krnjic, SRB 16.3   2. Iagupova, UKR 16.1   3. Greinacher, GER 15.6   4. Malashenko, UKR 15.6   5. Okockyte, LTU 14.1   6. Tarasova, RUS 13.9   7. Niedola, LAT 13.8   8. Van Grinsven, NED 13.6   9. Yavas, TUR 13.3   10. Misiuk, POL 13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Monika GRIGALAUSKYTE   (187-F-92)   Avg: 14.1

1. Grigalauskyt., LTU 14.1   2. Ural, TUR 12.3   3. Krnjic, SRB 12.0   4. Van Grinsven, NED 11.7   5. Niedola, LAT 10.5   6. Malashenko, UKR 10.4   7. Vitola, LAT 10.3   8. Minte, FRA 9.7   9. Svaryte, LTU 9.3   10. Tarasova, RUS 8.9

Assists Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA   (181-G-92)   Avg: 5

1. Iagupova, UKR 5.0   2. Rodriguez Ma., ESP 3.3   3. Colic, SRB 3.3   4. Zietara, POL 3.1   5. Kuras, POL 3.0   6. Niedola, LAT 3.0   7. Yavas, TUR 2.8   8. Ortiz, ESP 2.7   9. Panevina, RUS 2.7   10. Bestagno, ITA 2.7

Steals Per Game

Queralt CASAS   (180-G-92)   Avg: 3.1

1. Casas, ESP 3.1   2. Markovic, SRB 2.5   3. Butter, NED 2.4   4. Takmaz, TUR 2.3   5. Tognalini, ITA 2.3   6. Ursu, ROM 2.3   7. Ble, ESP 2.3   8. Mistygacz, POL 2.3   9. Bestagno, ITA 2.2   10. Cora, TUR 2.2

Blocks Per Game

Ella CLARK   ENG   (190-F-92)   Avg: 1.9

1. Clark, ENG 1.9   2. Vitola, LAT 1.7   3. Fagbenle, ENG 1.6   4. Iagupova, UKR 1.4   5. Van Grinsven, NED 1.3   6. Greinacher, GER 1.3   7. Tarasova, RUS 1.3   8. Krnjic, SRB 1.2   9. Eustache, FRA 1.2   10. Grigalauskyt., LTU 1.0

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FRANCE - Women

U20 Poland cruises past U20 France in EuroBasket Quarterfinals, 62-47 - by Eurobasket News
U20 FRANCE - U20 POLAND 47-62

Poland advanced to Semifinals of U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. They handed 62-47 loss to France in the QFinals. Also today, Russia was too strong for UK 68-37, so Poland already got their rival in the Semis. On the other side, France will be transferred to Classification Round. They will fight for the fifth place at this event. Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) shined for the winners with 19 points. Their second scorer was Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) with 10 pts and Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) followed her with 8 points, plus 6 boards. In France, Clementine Samson (181-G/F-91) delivered 16 points. Touty Gandega (170-G-91) (7 rebs) and Hhadydia Minte (187-F-91) (14 rebs) had 11 and 8 points respectively. Third period was the crucial one in this game as Poland won it 9-19. Quarters: 15-15, 8-12, 9-19, 15-16. Championship continues on Saturday.

France: Clementine Samson 16, Touty Gandega 11+7 boards, Hhadydia Minte 8+14 boards
Poland: Magdalena Zietara 19, Paulina Kuras 10, Malgorzata Misiuk 8+6 boards

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GUATEMALA - Women

U17 Puerto Rico secures the Semifinals in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 Guatemala - U17 Puerto Rico 30-78

Puerto Rico jumped to 2-0 record in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket destroyed Guatemala 78-30 in the second day of the competition. Thanks to this win, Puerto Rico already secured a spot for the Semifinals. Guatemala dropped to 1-1 and still has a chance to reach the next stage. They will have to beat Bahamas today. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo stepped up for the winners with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia scored 13 pts and Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema added 10 points, plus 6 boards. In Guatemala, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera had 7 points and 7 rebounds, while Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan stopped to 4 pts and 5 rebs. Quarters: 3-26, 23-8, 16-8, 13-11. Championship continues today.

Guatemala: Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 7+7 boards, Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan 4+5 boards
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia 13, Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema 10+6 boards

Guatemala starts U17 CentroBasket with victory - by Eurobasket News
U17 Guatemala - U17 US Virgin Islands 71-60

Guatemala had a joyful Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. They handed 71-60 loss to US Virgin Islands for 1-0 record in Group B. Guatemala had wonderful beginning as they made 29-11 lead in the first ten minutes. They continued with 14-11 in Q2 for plus 21 at that half time. US Virgin Islands improved after that breather, but their deficit was too big. Emily Rosales Quan shined for the winners with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez scored 12 points and Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera added 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kadesfha Barry collected 10 points and 7 rebs. Merissa Murphy scored 9 points and pulled down 20 rebounds. Quarters: 29-11, 14-11, 17-17, 11-21.

Guatemala: Emily Rosales Quan 29+5 boards, Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez 12, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 11+5 boards
US Virgin Islands: Kadesfha Barry 10+7 boards, Merissa Murphy 9+20 boards

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ISRAEL - Women

JIA PERKINS SIGN WITH ELECTERA RAMAT HASHARON ! - by Gil Goshen


Jia Perkins has decided to return playing for Electra Ramat Hasharon.
Jia played for Electra two seasons led the team win the champion 2008/9.
Orna Ostffeld will continue coaching the team and Tamar Maoz will be her assistant.

2010: Chicago Sky (WNBA, starting five): 34 games: 10.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 81.4%
2010-2011: in Jan.'11 signed at Ceyhan Belediyespor (Turkey-TKBL, starting five): 13 games: 13.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 88.0%
2011: San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA) Jia Perkins (173-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech)

ELITZUR RAMLA SIGN AMANDA JACKSON ! - by Gil Goshen

Amanda Jackson sign with the Eurocup, Israeli cup holder and the Israeli champion.
Amanda will play on the bosman guard position.
She will join to Tanisha Wright and Shai Doron and Lin Golan.
2010-2011: Hatis Yerevan (Armenia-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 3 games: 16.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, in Nov.'10 moved to Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut (France-LFB, starting five): 19 games: 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.5%.
Adan Inbar will continue coaching the team and his assistent will be Idan Avshalom. Amanda Jackson (175-G/F-85, college: Miami, OH)

HAPOEL RISHON LEZION SIGN SIX PLAYERS !. - by Gil Goshen


Hapoel Rishon Lezion sign six players for the 2011-12 season:

Ambrosia Anderson:
2009-2010: A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra (Israel-D1, starting five): 29 games: 15.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT-1 (42.6%), FT-2 (86.1%)
2010-2011: Maccabi Ashdod (Israel-D1): 27 games: 14.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 68.8%.

Jori Davis:
2010-2011: Indiana (NCAA, starting five): 29 games: 19.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 79.6%
2011: drafted by Indiana Fever (WNBA, 3rd (33)
2011: Indiana Fever (WNBA): only pre-season.

Nofar Shalom:

2009-2010: Maccabi Ashdod (D1): 29 games: 2.6ppg
2010-2011: Maccabi Ashdod (D1): 23 games: 1.8ppg, 1.3rpg

Rivka Ross , will continue for the second season as a starting point guard:

2006-2007: ASA Jerusalem (D1): 14 games: 8pts
2010-2011: Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (D1, starting five): 21 games: 5.6ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-5 (4.5apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 22.0%, FT-1 (92.9%).

Maytal Ovadia:

2010-2011: Elitzur Maclaren Holon (D1, starting five): 20 games: 3.4ppg

Keren Nechama:

006-2007: ASA Jerusalem (D1 Lower Play-Offs): 12 games: 4pts
2009-2010: ASA Jerusalem (D1, starting five): 20 games: 3.4ppg, 1.1rpg
2010-2011: Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (D1): 21 games: 5.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 18.9%, FT: 75.8%.

Shira Haelion will continue coaching the team.

Jori Davis (175-G-89, agency: Merit Sports, college: Indiana)

OLGA MAZNICHENKO SIGN WITH MACCABBI ASHDOD! - by Gil Goshen

Maccabbi Ashdod sign OLGA MAZNICHENKO for 2011-12 season.
Olga will play on the forward bosman poition and will join Plennete Pierson and Merav Dori.
Ashdod ( 2nd place in Israel ) will paly in the Eurocup next season.

2010-2011: Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UPBL), in Nov.'10 moved to Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin (France-LFB): French League: 1 game: 0pts, 2reb; EuroCup: 4 games: 5.5ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 68.8%, left in Dec.'10
2011: Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UPBL, starting five): 14 games: Score-3 (18.6ppg), Reb-5 (9.4rpg), 1.7apg, 1.7spg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 70.0%.

Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL Center of the year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL 1st Team: -11
Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UPBL All-Domestic Players Team -11
Ukrainian UPBL Regular Season Champion -11
Ukrainian UPBL Champion -11 Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management)

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MEXICO - Women

U17 Mexico destroys U17 Cayman Islands in Gurabo, 96-31 - by Eurobasket News
U17 Mexico - U17 Cayman Islands 96-31

Mexico registered first victory in Gurabo. They cruised past Cayman Islands 96-31 for 1-0 record in Group A. Thanks to this win, Mexico already booked a spot for the Semifinals. On the other side, Cayman Islands dropped to 0-2. They will continue in Classification Round from 5th-7th place. Maria Begona Faz Davalos stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Daniela Maria Soto Gomez followed her with 15 points and 5 rebs, while Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas added 14 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, La-Torae Joan Nixon shined with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Chloe Angelica Powery with only 6 pts. Quarters: 36-3, 20-9, 22-11, 18-8. Mexico will meet Dominican Republic in the game for the first place.

Mexico: Maria Begona Faz Davalos 16+7 boards, Daniela Maria Soto Gomez 15+5 boards, Meliza Raquel Ramirez Casillas 14+9 boards
Cayman Islands: La-Torae Joan Nixon 18+10 boards, Chloe Angelica Powery 6

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POLAND - Women

U20 Poland cruises past U20 France in EuroBasket Quarterfinals, 62-47 - by Eurobasket News
U20 FRANCE - U20 POLAND 47-62

Poland advanced to Semifinals of U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. They handed 62-47 loss to France in the QFinals. Also today, Russia was too strong for UK 68-37, so Poland already got their rival in the Semis. On the other side, France will be transferred to Classification Round. They will fight for the fifth place at this event. Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) shined for the winners with 19 points. Their second scorer was Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) with 10 pts and Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) followed her with 8 points, plus 6 boards. In France, Clementine Samson (181-G/F-91) delivered 16 points. Touty Gandega (170-G-91) (7 rebs) and Hhadydia Minte (187-F-91) (14 rebs) had 11 and 8 points respectively. Third period was the crucial one in this game as Poland won it 9-19. Quarters: 15-15, 8-12, 9-19, 15-16. Championship continues on Saturday.

France: Clementine Samson 16, Touty Gandega 11+7 boards, Hhadydia Minte 8+14 boards
Poland: Magdalena Zietara 19, Paulina Kuras 10, Malgorzata Misiuk 8+6 boards

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PUERTO RICO - Women

U17 Puerto Rico secures the Semifinals in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 Guatemala - U17 Puerto Rico 30-78

Puerto Rico jumped to 2-0 record in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket destroyed Guatemala 78-30 in the second day of the competition. Thanks to this win, Puerto Rico already secured a spot for the Semifinals. Guatemala dropped to 1-1 and still has a chance to reach the next stage. They will have to beat Bahamas today. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo stepped up for the winners with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia scored 13 pts and Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema added 10 points, plus 6 boards. In Guatemala, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera had 7 points and 7 rebounds, while Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan stopped to 4 pts and 5 rebs. Quarters: 3-26, 23-8, 16-8, 13-11. Championship continues today.

Guatemala: Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 7+7 boards, Angelica Maria Jose Cardenas Lantan 4+5 boards
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Aleana Lyd Leon Garcia 13, Mileyshka Marie Correa Lema 10+6 boards

U17 Puerto Rico smashes U17 Bahamas in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 Bahamas - U17 Puerto Rico 30-101

Puerto Rico demonstrated great performance in the opening day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. The hosts of this event smashed Bahamas 101-30 for 1-0 score in Group B. Puerto Rico dominated in all basketball elements against Bahamas. They started with impressive 5-29 in the first quarter and continued with 14-30 in Q2. Nothing has changed after that as Bahamas were simply too week to reply. Puerto Rico made 4-24 in third and 7-18 in the last period for the final 30-101 blowout. Diamalises Rivera Barcelo came up with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado had 12 points and 5 as, while Krystal Luciano Mendez added 11 pts and 9 assists. In Bahamas, Taneka Kristine Sandiford had double-double with 15 points and 10 rebs. Their second scorer was Kaylicia Laing with 8 pts.

Bahamas: Taneka Kristine Sandiford 15+10 boards, Kaylicia Laing 8
Puerto Rico: Diamalises Rivera Barcelo 15+8 boards, Daneichka Enid Canales Maldonado 12+5 as, Krystal Luciano Mendez 11+9 as

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RUSSIA - Women

U20 Russia blasts U20 UK 68-37, goes to Semifinals in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 RUSSIA - U20 UNITED KINGDOM 68-37

Russia exploded in the EuroBasket Quarterfinals. They destroyed United Kingdom 68-37 in Novi Sad today. Poland was too strong for France 62-47, so Russia and Poland will meet each other in the Semis. Russia took control on UK from the very beginning. They made double-digit lead already in the first quarter, 20-8. UK slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid 15-point deficit at the HT. Nothing has changed after the breather as Russia won Q3 with 13-6 and question about the winner was resolved. Last quarter also belonged to Russia 19-10 for the final 68-37 blowout. Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91) (6 rebs) and Viktoria Medvedeva (185-C/F-91) scored 13 points each for the winners. Veronika Dorosheva (193-F-91) had 12 points and 8 boards, while Anastasiya Shilova (185-F/G-91) added 10 pts and 7 rebs. In the loosing squad Ella Clark (190-F-92) (5 rebs) and Jessica Hurd (182-F-92) netted 9 pts each. Deanne Hayward (170-G-91) followed them with 2 points less. Semifinals will be played on Saturday. UK will be transferred to Classification Games from 5th to 8th place.

Russia: Alexandra Tarasova 13+6 boards, Viktoria Medvedeva 13, Veronika Dorosheva 12+8 boards, Anastasiya Shilova 10+7 boards
UK: Ella Clark 9+5 boards, Jessica Hurd 9, Deanne Hayward 7

Russian University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

#s#	Khrustaleva	Burik	Ostrouhova	Petrushina	Sumets	#e#5

Mariya Khrustaleva

167-G-87

Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk

Tatyana Burik

170-G-87

Nadezhda Orenburg

Anna Ostrouhova

172-G-90

Spartak St.Petersburg

Tatiana Petrushina

185-F-90

Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk

Milana Sumets

180-G-88

Nadezhda Orenburg

Raisa Lenshina

180-G-89

Dynamo Kursk

Natalia Zhedik

182-G-88

Dynamo Moscow

Olga Petrova

180-G-88

Dynamo Moscow

Viktoria Medvedeva

185-C/F-91

Spartak-SHVSM Moscow

Maria Cherepanova

187-C-87

Vologda-Chevakata

Anastasia Logunova

188-C-90

Dynamo Moscow

Natalia Vieru

198-C-89

Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region

Natalya Myasoedova

193-C-87

Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk

Liubov Paskalenko

205-C-90

Spartak St.Petersburg

Katerina Keyru

182-F-88

Spartak St.Petersburg

Nadezhda Grishaeva

194-C/F-89

Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin

Alexander Kovalev

Coach

Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region

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SERBIA - Women

U18 Croatia too strong for U18 Serbia in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
U18 Serbia - U18 Croatia 35-71

Serbia and Croatia met each other in a friendly game this weekend. Serbia was the host, but was not able to avoid serious defeat. Croatia blasted them 71-35 in a game which was a part of preparations for U18 EuroBasket. Ivana Tikvic (189-C/F-94) was the leading player in victory with 14 points. Dragos followed her with 12 and Glorija Sikiric (165-G-95) helped with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Emese Vida (187-C-93) delivered 12 pts. Their second scorer was Aleksandra Stanacev (167-G-94) with 8 pts. Croatia took control on Serbia from the very beginning. They made 8-17 lead in the first ten minutes. Serbia slightly improved after that making 14-10 in Q2, but Croatia immediately replied with impressive 7-22 in third period. They continued in the same rhythm for rest of the game (6-22) and at the end celebrated huge 35-71 win.

Serbia: Emese Vida 12, Aleksandra Stanacev 8
Croatia: Ivana Tikvic 14, Dragos 12, Glorija Sikiric 11

U16 Croatia hands 68-63 loss to U16 Serbia - by Eurobasket News
U16 Serbia - U16 Croatia 63-68

Croatia and Serbia played a friendly game this weekend. Both teams prepare for the U16 EuroBasket in Italy. Croatia grabbed 68-63 win in this exhibition game, mostly thanks to great played first half. Croatia opened the meeting with 15-19 lead and continued with 10-19 in the second period. It means they were 13 points up at the halftime and were looking comfortably. However, Serbia answered with 19-11 after the breather and everything was open again. Last quarter ended with 19-19 tie, what was a good score for Croatia who grabbed 68-63 win. Bodrozic Ciabov and Dujic scored 12 points each for the winners. Tomicic followed them with 3 points less. For the hosts, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) shined with 14 points. Ristic had 10 and Cukic stopped to 9 pts. Teams will meet in another friendly this week.

Serbia: Sanja Mandic 24, Ristic 10, Cukic 9
Croatia: Bodrozic 12, Ciabov 12, Dujic 12, Tomicic 9

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Stepanova to Ruzomberok, Vieru to Dobri Anjeli - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Kamila Stepanova (191-C-88). The 22-year-old Czech centre spent the last season with VS Praha. Kamila Stepanova tallied 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance. The centre is the member of Czech Republic National Team.
In the meantime Dobri Anjeli brought in Natalia Vieru (198-C-89). The 21-year-old centre played for Spartak Moscoe Region since 2007. Last season Natalia Vieru posted 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In Russian League the centre posted 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per appearance. Natalia Vieru participated at 2010 World Championship. She averaged 3.3 points, 2.3 boards and 1.0 block per game in Czech Republic. The centre is the member of Russian University National Team that will travel to China in August.

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SPAIN - Women

Cadi la Seu add Cristina Garcia and Blanca Garcia - by Eurobasket News
Cadi la Seu add Cristina Garcia (183-G-84) and Blanca Garcia (G-89) for the next season. Cristina Garcia is a Spanish Guard that started her career in 1997-1998 for La Salle Bonanova. Later she played for Siglo XXI, Sedis Cadi (LF1), C.B. PUIG D'EN VALLS SANTA EULALIA (LFB) and Puig d'en Valls (EUROPA). In 2004-2005m she appeared for Universitat de Barcelona - FC Barcelona (LFB) and in 32 games averaged 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 25.0%. In 2007-2008 moved to Femeni Sant Adria (LF2, starting five) and showed 11.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 33.0%. In 2008-2009 played for Femeni Sant Adria (LF2,1T, starting five) showing 13.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 35.0%, FT: 88.0%. In 2009-2010 appeared for ASAC Comunicaciones Adba Aviles (LF2) and in 11 games showed 2.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, then moved to Femeni Sant Adria (LF2, starting five) and in 19 games had 10.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 39%, 3PT: 25%, FT: 70%. In 2010-2011 played for Stadium Casablanca Zaragoza (LF2, starting five).
Blanca Garcia is a Spanish Guard who started in 2007-2008 for Femeni Sant Adria (LF2). In 2008-2009 for Femeni Sant Adria (LF2) she averaged 2.9ppg. In 2009-2010 for Femeni Sant Adria (LF2, starting five) she improved to 4.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 0.9apg. In 2010-2011 Garcia moved to Platges de Mataro (LF2, starting five).

Noemi Jordana heads to Uni Girona - by Eurobasket News
Noemi Jordana (173-G-80) heads to Uni Girona for 2011/2012 season. In 2004-2005 the Spanish Guard played for Ros Casares Valencia (LFB) and in Euroleague debuted with 3.1ppg, 0.8rpg, 1.8apg, 0.4spg, 0.2bpg. In Spanish League after 37 games her stats read 5.9ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 37.0%. In 2005-2006 for Ros Casares Valencia (LFB) she improved to 6.5ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 21.4%, 3FGP: 35.7%, FT: 75% in EuroLeague and in Spanish League after 26 games showed 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 63.2%. After another season with the Spanish titan, she moved to Set 96 C.B. Olesa (LFB, starting five) and averaged 7.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.1%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 69.4%. The last two seasons Noemi Jordana played for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB, starting five) and in the last one had 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 65.8%.
She recorded 20 points against Navarra. It was the opening game of LFB 2010/11 season and Vigo had no troubles to beat Navarra as a guest. Egle Stakneviciene and Noemi Jordana stepped up for the winners with 20 points each. The home side got 11 points from Kaayla Chones.

U20 Spain eliminates U20 Ukraine thanks to great last quarter - by Eurobasket News
U20 SPAIN - U20 UKRAINE 67-57

Spain outplayed Ukraine 67-57 in the Quarterfinals of U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. It means that Spain advanced to Semis, where they will meet the winner of Serbia-Italy game. On the other side, Ukraine will be transferred to Classification Round. They will fight for the fifth place at this event. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) stepped up for Spain today with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Vanessa Ble (190-C/F-91) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Leonor Rodriguez Manso (181-G-91) added 12 pts, 5 rebs and 6 assists. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (189-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was better than the others with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Krystyna Matsko (182-F-91) and Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) (7 rebs) followed with 12 and 11 points respectively. Ukraine opened the game better as they made 9-13 lead in the first ten minutes. Olesia Malashenko and her teammates jumped to plus 7 at the halftime and were looking good. However, Spain drastically improved after the breather and they closed the gap to 3 pts before the last ten minutes. They stopped Ukraine to 11 pts in Q4, while scoring 24 on the other side, what at the end was enough for comfortable victory in the Quarterfinals. Championship continues on Saturday.

Spain: Queralt Casas 14+5 boards+5 as, Vanessa Ble 12+11 boards, Leonor Rodriguez Manso 12+5 boards+6 as
Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 17+7 boards, Krystyna Matsko 12, Olga Maznichenko 11+7 boards

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TAIWAN - Women

2011 William Jones Cup schedule released - by Chris Wang
The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) released the men's and women's competition schedules for the 2011 William Jones Cup invitational tournament.

A total of nine teams entered the men's competition, which will be held from Aug. 6-14 at Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City, and there will be five teams in the women's tourney, which will be played at Taipei Gymnasium from July 31-Aug. 4.

Both groups will adopt the single round robin format to determine the winner.

Complete rosters of the tournament haven't been released yet, but I guess most men's teams will be national teams as most teams would love to use the tourney as a warm-up series to prepare for the upcoming Asian Championship in Wuhan, Hubei, China in September.

In the men's competition, two-time Asian champion Iran will be seeking to three-peat in the Jones Cup as well.

Taiwan will send two teams -- the national team and the national team for the World University Games -- to the five-team women's group. The women's competition will be free of charge.

Men's schedule

Aug. 6
13:00 South Africa-Iran
15:00 Korea-UAE
17:00 Philippines-Jordan
19:00 Opening ceremony
19:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 7
13:00 South Africa-Korea
15:00 UAE-Philippines
17:00 Japan-Malaysia
19:00 Iran-Taiwan

Aug. 8
13:00 UAE-Japan
15:00 Jordan-Iran
17:00 Korea-Malaysia
19:00 Taiwan-South Africa

Aug. 9
13:00 Iran-UAE
15:00 Japan-Jordan
17:00 Philippines-Korea
19:00 Malaysia-Taiwan

Aug. 10
13:00 UAE-Malaysia
15:00 Philippines-South Africa
17:00 Iran-Japan
19:00 Korea-Jordan

Aug. 11
13:00 South Africa-UAE
15:00 Malaysia-Iran
17:00 Japan-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Jordan

Aug. 12
13:00 Philippines-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Jordan
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-UAE

Aug. 13
13:00 Malaysia-South Africa
15:00 UAE-Jordan
17:00 Korea-Iran
19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

Aug. 14
13:00 Jordan-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Japan
17:00 Iran-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Korea
Closing ceremony

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City

Women's schedule

July 31
16:00 Taiwan WUG-India
18:00 Opening ceremony
18:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 1
17:00 Korea-Taiwan WUG
19:00 India-Taiwan

Aug. 2
17:00 Taiwan WUG-Japan
19:00 Korea-India

Aug. 3
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-Taiwan WUG

Aug. 4
17:00 India-Japan
19:00 Korea-Taiwan
21:00 Closing ceremony

Venue: Taipei Gymnasium (10, Sec.4, Nanking E. Rd., Taipei City)

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

TURKEY - Women

Angel Robinson joins Ceyhan - by Eurobasket News
Angel Robinson (172-G-89, college: Marquette) will continue her career in Turkey. The American guard penned a one-year deal with Ceyhan. She supposed to play in the WNBA this season, but didnt make it as a member of the Minnesota Lynx. Deal with Ceyhan is the first professional for Robinson. She graduated at the Marquette University few months ago. For 33 games as a senior Robinson had 13.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.8 apg and 2.4 spg. She was selected as 22nd overall pick at the WNBA Draft 2011. However, she did not get a deal with the Liberty. This year Robinson was named All-Big East 1st Team -11. In 2009 and 2010, she was awarded with All-Big East Conference 2nd Team. Angel Robinson paced Marquette to NIT title in 2008.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Edidiong Utibe lifts U17 US Virgin Islands to first win in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 US Virgin Islands - U17 Bahamas 60-59

Both teams failed in Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. It was a very exciting meeting and US Virgin Islands managed to grab 60-59 thriller win for 1-1 record in Preliminary Group B. On the other side, Bahamas dropped to 1-2 but still has a chance to reach the Semifinals. Edidiong Beulah Utibe was totally the best player in this game. She registered monster double-double of 27 points and 23 rebounds for the winners. Kadesfha Barry and Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy helped with 7 points each. In defeat, Raven Thompson collected 18 points and 7 rebs. Kaylicia Laing had 11 points and 6 boards, while Brea Forbes stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 14-17, 16-12, 14-20, 16-10. On Friday, US Virgin Islands will meet Puerto Rico. Bahamas will meet Guatemala in do-or-die game.

US Virgin Islands: Edidiong Utibe 27+23 boards, Kadesfha Barry 7, Shaquana Quanae Iona Foy 7
Bahamas: Raven Thompson 18+7 boards, Kaylicia Laing 11+6 boards, Brea Forbes 10

U.S. Virgin Islands U17 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Edidiong Utibe

Shaquna Foy

Merrisa Murphy

Kayshaunna Williams

Jerusha Corbett

Germequa Bell

Kristine Edney

Raemisha Claxton

J'Lene Martinez

Kadesha Barry

Cha'Vante Marsh

T'Ana Matthew

Guatemala starts U17 CentroBasket with victory - by Eurobasket News
U17 Guatemala - U17 US Virgin Islands 71-60

Guatemala had a joyful Day One of the U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. They handed 71-60 loss to US Virgin Islands for 1-0 record in Group B. Guatemala had wonderful beginning as they made 29-11 lead in the first ten minutes. They continued with 14-11 in Q2 for plus 21 at that half time. US Virgin Islands improved after that breather, but their deficit was too big. Emily Rosales Quan shined for the winners with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez scored 12 points and Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera added 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kadesfha Barry collected 10 points and 7 rebs. Merissa Murphy scored 9 points and pulled down 20 rebounds. Quarters: 29-11, 14-11, 17-17, 11-21.

Guatemala: Emily Rosales Quan 29+5 boards, Elliette Mabel Quiroa Hernandez 12, Nancy Gabriela Izaguirre Rivera 11+5 boards
US Virgin Islands: Kadesfha Barry 10+7 boards, Merissa Murphy 9+20 boards

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UKRAINE - Women

U20 Spain eliminates U20 Ukraine thanks to great last quarter - by Eurobasket News
U20 SPAIN - U20 UKRAINE 67-57

Spain outplayed Ukraine 67-57 in the Quarterfinals of U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. It means that Spain advanced to Semis, where they will meet the winner of Serbia-Italy game. On the other side, Ukraine will be transferred to Classification Round. They will fight for the fifth place at this event. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) stepped up for Spain today with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Vanessa Ble (190-C/F-91) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Leonor Rodriguez Manso (181-G-91) added 12 pts, 5 rebs and 6 assists. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (189-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was better than the others with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Krystyna Matsko (182-F-91) and Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) (7 rebs) followed with 12 and 11 points respectively. Ukraine opened the game better as they made 9-13 lead in the first ten minutes. Olesia Malashenko and her teammates jumped to plus 7 at the halftime and were looking good. However, Spain drastically improved after the breather and they closed the gap to 3 pts before the last ten minutes. They stopped Ukraine to 11 pts in Q4, while scoring 24 on the other side, what at the end was enough for comfortable victory in the Quarterfinals. Championship continues on Saturday.

Spain: Queralt Casas 14+5 boards+5 as, Vanessa Ble 12+11 boards, Leonor Rodriguez Manso 12+5 boards+6 as
Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 17+7 boards, Krystyna Matsko 12, Olga Maznichenko 11+7 boards

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

U20 Russia blasts U20 UK 68-37, goes to Semifinals in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 RUSSIA - U20 UNITED KINGDOM 68-37

Russia exploded in the EuroBasket Quarterfinals. They destroyed United Kingdom 68-37 in Novi Sad today. Poland was too strong for France 62-47, so Russia and Poland will meet each other in the Semis. Russia took control on UK from the very beginning. They made double-digit lead already in the first quarter, 20-8. UK slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid 15-point deficit at the HT. Nothing has changed after the breather as Russia won Q3 with 13-6 and question about the winner was resolved. Last quarter also belonged to Russia 19-10 for the final 68-37 blowout. Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91) (6 rebs) and Viktoria Medvedeva (185-C/F-91) scored 13 points each for the winners. Veronika Dorosheva (193-F-91) had 12 points and 8 boards, while Anastasiya Shilova (185-F/G-91) added 10 pts and 7 rebs. In the loosing squad Ella Clark (190-F-92) (5 rebs) and Jessica Hurd (182-F-92) netted 9 pts each. Deanne Hayward (170-G-91) followed them with 2 points less. Semifinals will be played on Saturday. UK will be transferred to Classification Games from 5th to 8th place.

Russia: Alexandra Tarasova 13+6 boards, Viktoria Medvedeva 13, Veronika Dorosheva 12+8 boards, Anastasiya Shilova 10+7 boards
UK: Ella Clark 9+5 boards, Jessica Hurd 9, Deanne Hayward 7

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WBCBL - Women

Robins Look to Gain Some Momentum - by Willie McCray
By Jim Franz
jfranz@beloitdailynews.com
Published: Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:30 AM CDT
Rock Co. will host Nuggets

Cecil Youngblood is convinced his 2011 Rock County Robins have the talent to make a run at defending their Women's Blue Chip Basketball League championship.

At times, they've played like it, too.

At others, though, they seem to lack a little of the confidence and chemistry last seasons Robins possessed.

I don't like to make comparisons, but because of the experience, confidence and ability of the girls last year, being down in a game meant nothing, Youngblood said. They knew they'd come back.

Even in a title game. The Robins trailed the Gulf Coast Storm by 11 at halftime in last years final after losing point guard Stephanie Raymond to an ankle injury. But they rallied for a 71-67 victory in overtime.

Last year we had some girls who had played overseas and some more who had played difficult competition, Youngblood said. The girls this year are younger and just out of school. They're still coming to grips with the league.

The Robins still lead the WBCBL's Midwest Division with a 7-3 mark heading into Saturdays regular-season finale with the Kansas City Nuggets (2-4) at Beloit Colleges Flood Arena ( 2 p.m. tip-off). The Minnesota Jaguars are currently second at 4-2 while the St. Louis Surge are 3-6, but coming off an 83-76 victory over the front-running Robins.

We started out great in that loss, Youngblood said. We hit a lull, we didn't bounce back and we turned the ball over 28 times. On top of that, they got hot as fire and didn't miss for three minutes.

The loss dropped the Robins to 2-3 on the road while they are 5-0 at home.

The Robins played last weekends loss without Jennifer Pozzani. The former Beloit Memorial High School and Concordia College (Minn.) standout will remain on the roster, but isn't likely to play again this season.

Jen had family and other personal things conflicting with her playing, Youngblood said. Its been tough this summer. She still considers herself a part of the team, but shes going to back away for awhile.

The Robins still have a strong nucleus in former Marquette star Krystal Ellis (5-foot-9), North Central Illinois Barbara Williams (6-2), three ex-Northern Illinois standouts in Stephanie Raymond (5-7), Ebony Ellis (6-3) and Marke Freeman (5-5) and University of Nebraska-Omaha grad Alyssa Green (6-0).

Were very talented, Youngblood said. Its starting to come together. I hope it happens in the regional tournament.

In order to increase participation in his two practices Youngblood moved one to the Elgin, Ill., area to make it easier for the Chicago players to attend.

If you're coming out of Chicago on a weekday, that's a mess, he said. You have to figure out back roads to take. I appreciate that they do it, but its tough.

NOTES: There will be a Meet the Robins session on the court after the game for fans to get to know their favorite players.

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WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women

2011 William Jones Cup schedule released - by Chris Wang
The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) released the men's and women's competition schedules for the 2011 William Jones Cup invitational tournament.

A total of nine teams entered the men's competition, which will be held from Aug. 6-14 at Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City, and there will be five teams in the women's tourney, which will be played at Taipei Gymnasium from July 31-Aug. 4.

Both groups will adopt the single round robin format to determine the winner.

Complete rosters of the tournament haven't been released yet, but I guess most men's teams will be national teams as most teams would love to use the tourney as a warm-up series to prepare for the upcoming Asian Championship in Wuhan, Hubei, China in September.

In the men's competition, two-time Asian champion Iran will be seeking to three-peat in the Jones Cup as well.

Taiwan will send two teams -- the national team and the national team for the World University Games -- to the five-team women's group. The women's competition will be free of charge.

Men's schedule

Aug. 6
13:00 South Africa-Iran
15:00 Korea-UAE
17:00 Philippines-Jordan
19:00 Opening ceremony
19:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 7
13:00 South Africa-Korea
15:00 UAE-Philippines
17:00 Japan-Malaysia
19:00 Iran-Taiwan

Aug. 8
13:00 UAE-Japan
15:00 Jordan-Iran
17:00 Korea-Malaysia
19:00 Taiwan-South Africa

Aug. 9
13:00 Iran-UAE
15:00 Japan-Jordan
17:00 Philippines-Korea
19:00 Malaysia-Taiwan

Aug. 10
13:00 UAE-Malaysia
15:00 Philippines-South Africa
17:00 Iran-Japan
19:00 Korea-Jordan

Aug. 11
13:00 South Africa-UAE
15:00 Malaysia-Iran
17:00 Japan-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Jordan

Aug. 12
13:00 Philippines-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Jordan
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-UAE

Aug. 13
13:00 Malaysia-South Africa
15:00 UAE-Jordan
17:00 Korea-Iran
19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

Aug. 14
13:00 Jordan-Malaysia
15:00 South Africa-Japan
17:00 Iran-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Korea
Closing ceremony

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City

Women's schedule

July 31
16:00 Taiwan WUG-India
18:00 Opening ceremony
18:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 1
17:00 Korea-Taiwan WUG
19:00 India-Taiwan

Aug. 2
17:00 Taiwan WUG-Japan
19:00 Korea-India

Aug. 3
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-Taiwan WUG

Aug. 4
17:00 India-Japan
19:00 Korea-Taiwan
21:00 Closing ceremony

Venue: Taipei Gymnasium (10, Sec.4, Nanking E. Rd., Taipei City)

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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

Adams, bench spark Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News
Perhaps the Silver Stars were trying too hard. Maybe they were thinking too much about what they were doing. Or maybe they were trying to be something that they really weren't.

Whether it was tinkering with rotations because of injury or ineffectiveness, or overanalyzing everything from rebounding to shooting, the team lost its identity, its way, and even more, it lost games.

In edging the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm 69-66 on Thursday before 9,167 at the AT&T Center, the Silver Stars rediscovered themselves.

Their defense was stingy from start to finish, forcing 21 turnovers. The play of the bench so instrumental in the team's franchise-best 7-1 start but hampered by injury and changing rotations was dominating and effective again.

'That's a huge part of who we are,' Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said after his team snapped a three-game losing streak. 'That was a really good game. I'm not sure either team deserved to lose that one.

'Both teams, I thought, were trading blows to a degree, and we were lucky we got the last good one in.'

On this night, Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) was all the luck the Silver Stars needed.

The 6-foot-1 rookie from Texas A&M scored a game-high 23 points, including 15 straight at one juncture of the fourth quarter. Her three-point play put the Silver Stars (8-4) ahead for good at 65-62 with 28.7 seconds left.

'I was just in a groove, and my teammates just kept giving me the ball, and I just kept finishing plays,' Adams said. 'We needed this win, and we went out and got it.'

The victory, which snapped a six-game losing streak against Seattle (7-5), was achieved in large part due to the play of the bench.

With Adams leading the way, the Silver Stars' reserves tallied 47 points, 16 rebounds, six steals, and was 16 of 33 shooting. None of the starters scored in double figures.

Adams, Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) and Jayne Appel (6'4''-F/C-88, college: Stanford) combined to score all 25 of the team's fourth-quarter points. Robinson, who finished with 12, hit four straight free throws in the final 14.7 seconds, each time pushing a one-point advantage to three.

Seattle's Sue Bird couldn't get off a shot from half-court before the final buzzer sounded.

'Our bench did an all-around great job, coming in and impacting the game and that's what we need from them,' said Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.), who had a game-high nine assists, the third time this season she has reached that total.

The Silver Stars started strong, limiting Seattle to 3-of-16 shooting in the first quarter (18.8 percent), and led by 11 early in the third quarter.

The Storm rallied to take their first lead of the game on Katie Smith's 3-pointer with 5:50 left. From there, there were six lead changes and four ties.

All-Star snub for Stars: No Silver Stars player was voted as a starter to the Western Conference team for the All-Star Game on July 23 at the AT&T Center.

It was the first time since 2006 that no Silver Star was voted in as a starter. Hammon received 16,538 votes, the third-highest among guards.

Appel was fourth among centers, Sophia Young and Ruth Riley were sixth and ninth among forwards, respectively, and Jia Perkins was seventh among guards.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Tulsa Shock re-signs Betty Lennox - by Eurobasket News
The Tulsa shock have re-signed former WNBA Champion and Finals MVP Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech).

In order to make room on the roster for Lennox, the team waived its third round selection Chastity Reed.

Lennox returns to Tulsa after participating in training camp, but not making the roster earlier this season. Reed averaged 3.5 points in 13.2 minutes a game this season

'I think Betty will bring the ability to score to our young team this season,' Interim Head Coach Teresa Edwards said. 'She has proven ability to take over a game if necessary and that's what we are hoping she will do for us this season.'

Lennox led the Seattle Storm to a WNBA Title in 2004, averaging 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1 one steal per game in the playoffs en route to being named the Finals MVP.

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in 2000, Lennox was named the Rookie of the Year, made the All-Star team and was All-WNBA Second Team in just her first year in the league.

Lennox appeared in 11 games for the Sparks in 2010 before suffering a knee injury that caused her to miss the remainder of the season.

She brings career averages of 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steal to the Shock this season.

The Shock look to end its seven game losing streak Friday hosting Los Angeles at 7 p.m.

Courtesy of www.newson6.com

Tamika Catchings is top vote-getter in WNBA All-Star balloting - by Eurobasket News
Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) led all players with 32,706 votes in the 2011 WNBA All-Star Balloting Presented by T-Mobile. Catchings received the most votes for the third time in her career, having also achieved the mark in 2006 and 2009. Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (25,077), the second leading vote-getter, paced the Western Conference.
Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore (21,379), the first overall selection in the 2011 WNBA Draft presented by adidas, is the first rookie voted to start in the WNBA All-Star game since Catchings and Bird in 2002.

The 2011 WNBA All-Star Game will be nationally broadcast on ABC, Saturday, July 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) from San Antonio. It is the first time the San Antonio Silver Stars are hosting the WNBA's midseason showcase.

Joining Catchings in the Eastern Conference starting lineup are New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter (20,226), Indiana guard Katie Douglas (18,598), Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (17,205) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry (14,310). It is the first time Pondexter has been voted a starter in her fourth All-Star selection. For Charles and McCoughtry, the last two Rookie of the Year winners, it marks the first time each has been named a WNBA All-Star.

Selected as starters for the Western Conference alongside Bird and Moore are Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (22,406), the third leading vote-getter, Los Angeles Sparks center Candace Parker (19,376) and Storm forward Swin Cash (14,907).

Catchings (2002-03, 2005-07, 2009, 2011), Bird (2002-03, 2005-07, 2009, 2011) and Taurasi (2005-07, 2009, 2011) have been voted starters for every WNBA All-Star Game since they entered the league.


Following are the starting lineups for the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game:

Eastern Conference Starters: Western Conference Starters:

Tamika Catchings, Forward (Indiana Fever) Swin Cash, Forward (Seattle Storm)

Angel McCoughtry, Forward (Atlanta Dream) Maya Moore, Forward (Minnesota Lynx)

Tina Charles, Center (Connecticut Sun) Candace Parker, Center (Los Angeles Sparks)

Katie Douglas, Guard (Indiana Fever) Sue Bird, Guard (Seattle Storm)

Cappie Pondexter, Guard (New York Liberty) Diana Taurasi, Guard (Phoenix Mercury)

The 12 WNBA head coaches will select the reserves by voting for six players within their own conference, including two guards, two forwards, one center and one player regardless of position. Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their own team. The league will announce the reserves during a nationally televised game between the Storm and the Chicago Sky on ESPN2, Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. ET.

Replacement players, who will take the roster spot of players who cannot play due to injury, will be named by the WNBA President. Any changes to the starting lineup necessitated by injury would be made by the head coach of the respective All-Star team.

By virtue of winning their respective conference titles last season, Seattle's Brian Agler will coach the Western Conference, and the Eastern Conference will be led by Atlanta's Marynell Meadors.

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


2011 WNBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE


EASTERN CONFERENCE -- FINAL RETURNS LEADERS

Forwards: Tamika Catchings (Ind) 32,706; Angel McCoughtry (Atl) 14,310; Asjha Jones (Conn) 9,767; Crystal Langhorne (Wash) 7,274; Plenette Pierson (NY) 6,985; Tangela Smith (Ind) 6,145; Nicole Powell (NY) 5,806; Michelle Snow (Chi) 5,634; Tan White (Conn) 4,341; Marissa Coleman (Wash) 4,200

Centers: Tina Charles (Conn) 17,205; Sylvia Fowles (Chi) 14,544; Nicky Anosike (Wash) 6,386; Tammy Sutton-Brown (Ind) 4,301

Guards: Cappie Pondexter (NY) 20,226; Katie Douglas (Ind) 18,598; Renee Montgomery (Conn) 12,511; Courtney Vandersloot (Chi) 9,560; Kara Lawson (Conn) 9,031; Essence Carson (NY) 4,901; Alana Beard (Wash) 4,855; Epiphanny Prince (Chi) 4,806; Lindsey Harding (Atl) 4,616; Iziane Castro Marques (Atl) 4,418; Kelly Miller (Wash) 3,740; Briann January (Ind) 3,706


WESTERN CONFERENCE -- FINAL RETURNS LEADERS

Forwards: Maya Moore (Minn) 21,379; Swin Cash (Sea) 14,907; Rebekkah Brunson (Minn) 12,223; Tina Thompson (LA) 11,813; Penny Taylor (Phx) 9,666; Sophia Young (SA) 9,553; Candice Dupree (Phx) 9,013; Camille Little (Sea) 5,462; Ruth Riley (SA) 5,430; Sheryl Swoopes (Tul) 5,031; Delisha Milton-Jones (LA) 4,049

Centers: Candace Parker (LA) 19,376; Lauren Jackson (Sea) 12,529; Taj McWilliams-Franklin (Minn) 8,572; Jayne Appel (SA) 5,315; Elizabeth Cambage (Tul) 4,217

Guards: Sue Bird (Sea) 25,077; Diana Taurasi (Phx) 22,406; Becky Hammon (SA) 16,538; Seimone Augustus (Minn) 10,119; Lindsay Whalen (Minn) 7,228; Kristi Toliver (LA) 5,498; Jia Perkins (SA) 4,980; Ivory Latta (Tul) 4,666; Ticha Penicheiro (LA) 4,624


WNBA ALL-STAR GAME HISTORY

Date Location W L

July 14, 1999 Madison Square Garden (New York) West 79 East 61

July 17, 2000 America West Arena (Phoenix) West 73 East 61

July 16, 2001 TD Waterhouse Centre (Orlando) West 80 East 72

July 15, 2002 MCI Center (Washington) West 81 East 76

July 12, 2003 Madison Square Garden (New York) West 84 East 75

July 9, 2005 Mohegan Sun Arena (Connecticut) West 122 East 99

July 12, 2006 Madison Square Garden (New York) East 98 West 82

July 15, 2007 Verizon Center (Washington) East 103 West 99

July 25, 2009 Mohegan Sun Arena (Connecticut) West 133 East 118

* No All-Star game was held in 2004 and 2008 due to the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and Beijing, China, respectively. Similarly, no All-Star game was played in 2010, due to the FIBA World Championships in the Czech Republic. An exhibition game was conducted at Radio City Music Hall in the summer of 2004 featuring the WNBA-laden U.S. Olympic team vs. a squad of WNBA stars. In 2010, an exhibition game was held at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., also with a USA vs. WNBA format in the 'WNBA vs. USA Basketball: The Stars at the Sun.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Shock adjusting to new style of play - by Eurobasket News
Tulsa Shock interim coach Teresa Edwards hasn't spent hours pouring over scouting reports of upcoming opponents.

The first week in her new position has been dedicated to her basketball team.

'It's been very fast,' Edwards said after a Thursday night practice. 'There's a lot going on and we're transitioning very fast.'

The Shock (1-12) returns home on Friday with a 7 p.m. game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Tulsa is coming off road losses against Phoenix (102-63) and Chicago (72-54) in Edwards' first week since Nolan Richardson's departure as head coach on July 8.

Edwards said the team's style is different.

'We're not the same type team that Coach Richardson had,' Edwards said. 'I've had to slow us down to understand different cuts and offenses and the nature of what we are doing when the ball is in certain places. I've slowed the ball down a little because it doesn't do any good for us to run in vain.'

Shock rookie Kayla Pedersen said the team is adapting to Edwards' system.

'Our team has been trying to work very hard for her and give our best effort,' Pedersen said. 'We are buying into everything and laying everything on the floor.

'She's been very supportive, but is really pushing us to be our best,' Pedersen added. 'She holds us accountable, sees what we need and makes us want to work hard.'

Edwards is also working without an assistant coach. Wayne Stehlik was dismissed during the past road trip and hadn't been replaced as of Thursday night.

'We're working hard and looking for an assistant coach,' Edwards said.

'It's really unrealistic to think we can bring someone in overnight and we're interviewing people at the moment.'

For now, the team must prepare for Friday's home game against Los Angeles and a Sunday trip to New York, the final games before the WNBA All-Star break.

How important would any type of momentum be for a Tulsa team that has lost seven consecutive games?

'That would be awesome,' Edwards said. 'We have L.A. and we have New York. We have to have both, if not one of those games. I'm looking for both.'

BOK Center marks 500th event: The Shock's home game will mark the 500th event since the BOK Center opened in September 2008, including all concerts, sporting events and festival dates.

The BOK Center, in conjunction with the Shock, will give away four prize packs (which includes BOK Center memorabilia and merchandise) and a suite for 20 for the Shock's home finale against San Antonio.

The five winners will be announced throughout the game.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com