Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/26/2011

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Men News

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ANGOLA

Romania nip Angola in Guimaraes - by Eurobasket News
Romania - Angola 92:88

Romania wrapped up their Guimaraes international friendly tournament campaign with victory. They narrowly defeated Angola to finish at 1-2 record. Vlad Moldoveanu (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) stepped up with impressive 45 points to lead the effort.
Angola got to a strong start to the game. They posted a 24:16 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. The African side arrived at halftime up by 9 points 41:32. But Romania led by Vlad Moldoveanu turned things around in the third frame. They unloaded 26 points to surge ahead 58:56 with one quarter remaining. Angola found no defensive remedy against Vlad Moldoveanu in the fourth quarter and Romania erupted for 34 points to rally to the victory at the end. Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) contributed 15 points, while Andrei Mandache (190-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 14 points in the win. Joaquim Valdelicio (209-C-90) replied with 22 points for Angola. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) netted 18 points in defeat.

Romania: Vlad Moldoveanu 45, Titus Nicoara 15, Andrei Mandache 14
Angola: Joaquim Valdelicio 22, Carlos Morais 18

Guimares International Tournement - Day 3 - by Antonio Santos
Angola National team start very well and earlier on the game lead by 15pt (16x1) however Romenia change their defense man x man to zone defense and they cut down the lead to 24 x 16 at the end of the 1st quarter. Angola start to adapted to the zone defense and keep the lead at the half. On the 2nd half Romenia stay with their zone defense and playing thought took the lead (56 x 58).With less than 2m to go, the score was tie and any team could win. Vlad with a 3pt and 2 FT% seal the victory for Romenia. Angola National Team shot 7/30 with 23 3pt% and Romenia shot 9/21 with 43 3pt%.

Angola x Romenia: 88 x 92 (24x16; 17x 16; 15 x 26; 32 x 34)
Angola: V. Joaquim 6pt; A. Costa 14pt; C. Morais 18pt; D. Bonifcio 2pt; R. Fortes 4pt; L. Paulo 6pt; J. Gomes 22pt; H. Mbunga 2pt; F. Ambrsio 5pt; M. Barros 1pt; M. Kiala 6pt
Romenia: A. Mandache 14pt; D. Andrei 5pt; D. Popescu 2pt; M. Vlad 45pt; S. Szabolcs 2pt; a. Gutoaia 7pt; T. Nicoara 15pt; L. Laszlo 2pt

Final standing of the tournement:
1-Portugal
2-Angola
3-Romenia
4-Iran

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ANTIGUA

US Virgin Islands start with victory in Nassau - by Eurobasket News
ANTIGUA - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 73-84

It was a first appearance for the US Virgin Islands in Nassau. They handed 84-73 loss to Antigua for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, Antigua dropped to 0-2. Participants of this pool are also Jamaica and Guyana. Cuthbert Victor (196-F-83, college: Murray St.) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. He reached valuation and was the MVP of this meeting. Ivan Aska (200-F-90) had 18 points and 10 rebs, while Aaron Brown (195-G-92) added 15 points. In defeat, Julius Hodge (201-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) collected 24 points and 7 rebounds. Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Oklahoma) had 19 points and 7 rebs, while Kareem Meade (201-C-87) added 15 pts and 8 rebs. Quarters: 22-18, 15-20, 17-28, 19-18. Both teams will have a day off now.

Antigua: Julius Hodge 24+7 boards, Lennox McCoy 19+7 boards, Kareem Meade 15+8 boards
US Virgin Islands: Cuthbert Victor 20+12 boards, Ivan Aska 18+10 boards, Aaron Brown 15

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ARGENTINA

Estudiantes recruit Ricky Sanchez - by Eurobasket News
Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca added size to their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Ricky Sanchez (212-C/F-87). The 24-year-old centre has just finished the season in Puerto Rico. He tallied 15.5 points, 6.1 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game for Santurce. Ricky Sanchez started the season in Mexico. He appeared in just two games for Halcones Rojos posting 5.5 points, 3.5 boards and 2.5 assists per appearance. Ricky Sanchez played also in Venezuela, CBA and D-League during his career. Ricky Sanchez is the member of Puerto Rican National Team. He participated at 2010 World Championship. The centre notched 5.3 points and 1.5 boards per game in Turkey.

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AUSTRIA

WBC Wels completes roster with Quentin Pryor - by Stefan Prager
The WBC Wels completed its roster with Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). The 27 year old shooting guard/small forward last played for Phoenix Hagen in the German Beko BBL. Pryor played at Morehead State for two seasons before going pro and overseas. After a solid season at Schalke 04 he signed for Hagen and helped the team to advance to the BBL. Last season Pryor appeared in 33 games for Hagen averaging 11.3 ppg along with 3.5rpg and 2.2 apg. He shot 48.9% from the field and nearly 30% from beyond the arc. Pryor was selected for the eurobasket all Bundesliga defensive team in 2011.

Panthers add Max Graf - by Eurobasket News
BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld announced signing of Maximilian Graf (191-F-88) for the next season. The 22-year-old player heads to Furstenfeld from BC Vienna, where he spent 2010/11. Graf appeared 27 times for the club last season averaging 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He joined them from the second division team Basketdragons Modling. In the past, Graf spent few years with Arkadia. Maximilian Graf is former member of the Austrian U20 and U18 National Team. He had 9.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 2008 at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures. A year before that, he had 3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in Warszaw. Graf also played for U18 Austria at the European Championships U18 Division B in Sibiu. He registered 6.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 9 games at this event.

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BAHAMAS

Bahamas jump to 2-0 in Nassau - by Eurobasket News
BERMUDAS - BAHAMAS 41-75

Both teams celebrated in Day One of the CBC championship in Nassau. The host of this event blasted Bermudas 75-41 in the second game jumping to 2-0 record in Group B. Of course, Bermudas dropped to 1-1. Bahamas was way better team during the entire game and had no troubles to register comfortable victory. Alonzo Hinds (183-G-84, college: Midland CC) top-scored for the winners with 12 points. Quentin Hall (174-G-77, college: Gonzaga) (6 rebs) and Jaraun Burrows (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: IPFW) helped with 10 points each. In Bermudas, Aaron Jackson (85) and Jason Lowe (85) had 8 points apiece. Quarters: 13-24, 7-16, 11-19, 10-16. Bermudas will meet British Virgin Islands in Day Three. Bahamas will take on Saint Vincent.

Bermudas: Aaron Jackson 8, Jason Lowe 8
Bahamas: Alonzo Hinds 12, Quentin Hall 10+6 boards, Jaraun Burrows 10

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BERMUDAS

BOSNIA

End of U20 EC in Sarajevo - Georgia and Estonia in Division A, BIH decent - by Nedzad Kladusak
The U20 EC in Sarajevo has been a fantastic basketball event and basketball experts had the opportunity to see young men who will certainly
a bright future in European basketball. Georgia and Estonia played a great final but considering the thrilling games in the semifinals Czech Republic and Belgium must be considered
as teams that are virtually on the same level.
The Bosnian team lost his last game against Portugal and ended up on the sixth place. More important is however the question whether we have revealed new talents who can play roles in the senior team.
Unfortunately the crop has been rather dissapointing.
The first name that has to be mentioned is Miralem Halilovic (206-F-91). Particularly in the second stage he showed that he has got outstanding athletic skills and a a good timing on for rebounds and shotblocking. However he has still to work studiously on his post-game and on his shot. He led the team in all categories and gave the team whatever it needed.
Mirza Bulic still needs to develop a better understanding of the game to fully exploit his skills but shows also hustle and good timing. Both players had problems to guard smaller but powerfull SF.
Adin Vrabac is often hailed as one of the most talented players in BIH. However he is physically not ready to compete against decent players who are two years older. It would have been better for him to compete against players of his age which would have been a better stage for him to show his talent.
The last player who raised some eyebrows is Marko Rikalo. Rikalo is still young but he showed had he can play intense offense and run a team. It will be interesting to follow his development.
Generally the players showed great hustle but it is also sure that some of them probably wouldn t get a shot if KSBIh would seriously scout all eligible players. It seems that players in BIH suffer to poor coaching staff which largely hinders them to become players they could be if they would pursue their careers in Slovenia, Serbia or other countires. It is not only due to money that they are poorly coached and educated but mostly due to nepotism and amateurism. It sounds ridiculous when a Bosnian coach blames the ceremony for the poor performance of his team. I think it is unique that a coach complains the fact he had to change the defense several times. So it isn t a surprise that a Bosnian player described the defense of his opponents as straneg since it isn t neither man defense nor zone defense. It is not a secret that compared to BIH trails particularloy in the role and education of its coaching staff. The NT is more of a educational measure than a honour for distinguished coaches who coached teams in strong european leagues or competitions like Euroleague,Eurocup or even FIBA Challenge.
The approach of KSBIH leads to a massive drain of young talents particularly of those who play abroad.

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BRAZIL

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings

1. America		0-0
2. Americana		0-0
3. Araraquara		0-0
4. Gremio Esport.		0-0
5. Itabom/Bauru		0-0
6. Jacarei		0-0
7. L.S.B.		0-0
8. Paulistano		0-0
9. Pinheiros/Sky		0-0
10. Rio Claro		0-0
11. S.Jose/Vinac		0-0
12. Sao Caetano		0-0
13. Unisanta		0-0
14. Vivo/Franca		0-0
15. Winner/Limeira		0-0
16. XV/Cosan		0-0

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

British Virgin Islands beat Cayman Islands 66-54 in Nassau - by Eurobasket News
CAYMAN ISLANDS - BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 54-66

British Virgin Islands celebrated in their first appearance in Nassau. They handed 66-54 loss to Cayman Islands for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Cayman Islands failed in Day One as well, so they dropped to 0-2 now. Rashid Cann (183-G-86) was the leading player in victory with 16 points and 6 assists. Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson) had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Norville Carey also helped with 12 pts. In defeat, Shaad O'Garro (201-F-90, college: Campbellsville) top-scored with 15 points. Lloyd Samuels (87) had 12 points, and Jerome Narcisse (193-G/F-87, college: SW Oklahoma St.) added 9 points and 7 boards. Quarters: 18-23, 17-7, 6-12, 13-24. In Day Three, British Virgin Islands will meet Bermudas. Cayman Islands will have a day off.

Cayman Islands: Shaad O'Garro 15, Lloyd Samuels 12, Jerome Narcisse 9+7 boards
British Virgin Islands: Rashid Cann 16+6 as, Kennedy Bass 12+6 boards+6 as, Norville Carey 12

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CAYMAN ISLANDS

CBC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day Two in Nassau - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Antigua - U.S. Virgin Islands 73-84
It was first appearance for the US Virgin Islands in Nassau. They handed 84-73 loss to Antigua for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, Antigua dropped to 0-2. Participants of this pool are also Jamaica and Guyana. Cuthbert Victor (196-F-83, college: Murray St.) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. He reached valuation and was the MVP of this meeting. Ivan Aska (200-F-90) had 18 points and 10 rebs, while Aaron Brown (195-G-92) added 15 points. In defeat, Julius Hodge (201-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) collected 24 points and 7 rebounds. Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Oklahoma) had 19 points and 7 rebs, while Kareem Meade (201-C-87) added 15 pts and 8 rebs. Quarters: 22-18, 15-20, 17-28, 19-18. Both teams will have a day off now.

Group B

Bermudas - Bahamas 41-75
Both teams celebrated in Day One of the CBC championship in Nassau. The host of this event blasted Bermudas 75-41 in the second game jumping to 2-0 record in Group B. Of course, Bermudas dropped to 1-1. Bahamas was way better team during the entire game and had no troubles to register comfortable victory. Alonzo Hinds (183-G-84, college: Midland CC) top-scored for the winners with 12 points. Quentin Hall (174-G-77, college: Gonzaga) (6 rebs) and Jaraun Burrows (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: IPFW) helped with 10 points each. In Bermudas, Aaron Jackson (85) and Jason Lowe (85) had 8 points apiece. Quarters: 13-24, 7-16, 11-19, 10-16. Bermudas will meet British Virgin Islands in Day Three. Bahamas will take on Saint Vincent.

Cayman Islands - British Virgin Islands 54-66
British Virgin Islands celebrated in their first appearance in Nassau. They handed 66-54 loss to Cayman Islands for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Cayman Islands failed in Day One as well, so they dropped to 0-2 now. Rashid Cann (183-G-86) was the leading player in victory with 16 points and 6 assists. Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson) had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Norville Carey also helped with 12 pts. In defeat, Shaad O'Garro (201-F-90, college: Campbellsville) top-scored with 15 points. Lloyd Samuels (87) had 12 points, and Jerome Narcisse (193-G/F-87, college: SW Oklahoma St.) added 9 points and 7 boards. Quarters: 18-23, 17-7, 6-12, 13-24. In Day Three, British Virgin Islands will meet Bermudas. Cayman Islands will have a day off.

Standings (Men)

Standings

Group A
1. US Virg.Isl		1-0
2. Jamaica		1-0
3. Guyana		0-0
4. Antigua		0-2
Group B
1. Bahamas		2-0
2. British Vi.		1-0
3. Bermudas		1-1
4. Saint Vinc.		0-1
5. Cayman Isl.		0-2

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CHINA

Chinese U23 National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Chinese U23 National Team 2011

Wang

Wang

Zhong

Hanlin

Wang Zheng

216-C-90

Guandong

Li Muhao

218-C-92

DongGuan

Wang Zhelin

213-C-94

Fujian

Zhong Cheng

206-F-89

Jilin

Hanlin Dong

207-F-91

Guandong

Ju Mingxin

200-F/G-93

Changan Group China

Sun TongLin

208-F/C-92

DongGuan

Duan JiangPeng

197-F-90

Shanxi Zh. China

Xing Zhijiang

203-F-94

Shanxi Zh. China

Zhai Xiaochuan

205-F-93

Beijing

Su Ruoyu

205-F-91

Zhejiang G.L. China

Yang Qin

195-G-88

Fujian

Peng Duo

192-G/F-90

DongGuan

Feng Qi

189-G-91

DongGuan

Zhao Dapeng

195-G-90

Zhejiang G.L. China

Fan Bin

Head Coach

Wu NaiQuin

Assistant

ShenYang

Ebi's double-double lands him NBL Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old forward Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ningxia Hanas and receives a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 14.
He had a double-double of 38 points and 11 rebounds, while his team edged out Whampoa (#3, 9-5) 102-98. Ningxia Hanas maintains the 7th position in Chinese NBL. Ningxia Hanas is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-7 record. Ebi has many years of experience at Ningxia Hanas, through which he has constantly improved. University of Arizona graduate has very impressive stats this year. Ebi is league's best scorer averaging so far 30.4ppg. Ebi is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 14.4rpg) and averages solid 3.4bpg and 58.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Austen Powers (203-F-87, agency: Tank Sports) of Hangzhou. He is American forward in his first season at Hangzhou. In the last game Powers recorded impressive double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Hangzhou lost that game 89-97 to slightly higher-ranked Heilongjiang (#9, 5-9). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Hangzhou is still at the dead bottom 10th position. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Hangzhou managed to get this year. Powers is one of the most experienced players at Hangzhou and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 23.3ppg (#7). He also registered 11.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Justin Johnson (198-G-86) of Jiangsu (#4). Johnson scored 29 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Jiangsu, leading his team to a 109-104 win against slightly lower-ranked Guangzhou FM (#6, 7-7). Jiangsu needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 8 victories and 6 lost games. Johnson has a very solid season. In 14 games in China he scored 15.8ppg. He also has 8.4rpg and 1.1bpg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nan Wang (191-G-82) of Heilongjiang - 32 points and 5 rebounds
5. Benson Egemonye (207-C-83) of Heilongjiang - 22 points and 10 rebounds
6. DeAngelo Collins (206-F-82) of ShenYang - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Nick Stallings (190-G-83) of Changan Group - 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Zhi Wei (206-C-82) of Hebei - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Alan Wiggins (206-F-85) of Whampoa - 34 points and 9 rebounds

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

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COLOMBIA

U17 Colombia wins Bronze in Cucuta, books ticket for U18 FIBA Americas Championship 2012 - by Eurobasket News
U17 Colombia won the Bronze at the U17 South American Championship in Cucuta. The host of this event handed 51-43 loss to Uruguay in the last day of the competition. Thanks to this win, Colombia booked a ticket for the U18 FIBA Americas Championship 2012. On the other side, Uruguay stays without the medal. Colombia had great second half to take this victory.
The Gold medal winner in Cucuta is Brazil. They blasted Argentina 74-48 in the Finals to take the Gold at this event. It was eight straight win for Brazil, who ended Preliminary Round with perfect 7-0 record. Brazil was better team during the entire game. They had 28-21 lead at the halftime and later jumped to plus 16 in Q3. Brazil dominated under the basket as many of their points came from the paint. Brazil also outrebounded Argentina in this meeting. Brazil had no troubles to keep their lead and to close this game for the final 74-48 victory. Silver medal belongs to Argentina. Both teams booked a spot for U18 FIBA Americas Championship 2012.

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CROATIA

U18: Mislav Brzoja leads Croatia past Germany - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18 - Germany U18 52:51

Croatia registered the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Germany in thriller to improve at 3-0 record in Qualifying Round Group E. Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Germany fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Germany set the tone early opening the game with an 8:2 run. But Croatia answered with a 12:2 run to ensure a 14:10 lead at the first break. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame as Croatia posted a 24:20 lead at halftime. Buovac and Mislav Brzoja stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the third term. But Germany answered with a 9:0 run to surge ahead. Junakovic capped the period with a three-pointer as Croatia grabbed a 37:35 advantage with one quarter to go. The lead changed hands for several times before Brzoja and Marko Ramljak (203-F-93, agency: Interperformances) made it 52:47 for Croatia with under two minutes remaining. Bekteshi and Zipser pulled Germany within a single point but it was not enough as Croatia escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marko Ramljak nailed 13 points, while Antonio Boban (200-F/G-93) had 5 points in the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) and Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) responded with 11 points each for Germany.

Croatia U18: Mislav Brzoja 22, Marko Ramljak 13, Antonio Boban 5
Germany U18: Bogdan Radosavljevic 11, Dennis Schroeder 11

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CZECH REPUBLIC

U18: Czech Republic topple Finland for opening win in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U18 - Finland U18 72:55

Czech Republic opened win count at U18 European Championship. They overcame Finland in the first game of the classification round in Wroclaw. Martin Kriz (202-F-93) came up with 21 points, 22 boards and 5 assists to lead the winners.
Czech Republic and Finland stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Czech team eked out a 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Tomas Kyzlink (197-F/G-93) made it 26:20 lead early in the second frame. But Finland recovered late in the half. They capped the half with six points in a row to grab a 33:32 lead. Czech Republic tipped off the second half with a 15:2 run to regain the lead. They stayed in charge posting a 53:44 lead with one quarter to go. Finland never got closer than 7 points in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Tomas Kyzlink delivered 15 points and 16 boards for Czech Republic. Jan Lycka (186-G-93) accounted for 13 points in the victory. Ilari Seppala (190-G-93) answered with 13 points for Finland. Kalle Naapi (189-G-93) and Daniel Dolenc (205-C-93) contributed 10 points apiece in defeat.

Czech Republic U18: Martin Kriz 21+22 boards, Tomas Kyzlink 15, Jan Lycka 13
Finland U18: Ilari Seppala 13, Kalle Naapi 10, Daniel Dolenc 10

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DENMARK

U18: Denmark won the third straight game in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Denmark U18-Estonia U18 63:49

Denmark won the third straight game in Division B of the European Championship. The Danish side rolled over Estonia 63:49 on Sunday for 3-0 record, while the Baltic side dropped to 1-2.
Estonia won the opening tip, but Denmark produced a better end of the first frame. Rungby and Kevin Larsen (201-F-93) closed the opening quarter at 16:10 and the latter gave the Scandinavian team 20:10 later in the second. Poldoja and Below reduced to 25:24, however Denmark enjoyed 30:24 halftime advantage. Due to 16-12 in the third quarter the Danish side improved to 46:36 entering the last quarter. When Esben Reinholt (196-G-93) scored four points in a row for 53:38 it became cleat about the winner of the game. Esben Reinholt also closed the game from the free throw line for the final result.
Kevin Larsen paced all the winners with 14 points, while Peter Moller (186-G-94) and Esben Reinholt supported him with 13 points each. Rait-Riivo Laane (180-PG-93) finished the game with 13 points and Kevin Liivamagi (202-F-93) nailed 9.

Denmark U18: Kevin Larsen 14, Peter Moller 13+11 rebs, Esben Reinholt 13+10 rebs
Estonia U18: Rait-Riivo Laane 13, Kevin Liivamagi 9

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D-LEAGUE

Hybrid model works in D-League - by Eurobasket News
Looking to establish a possible hybrid partnership with an NBA team, the Erie BayHawks contacted the D-League team that was the first to do so.

Since establishing a hybrid partnership with the Houston Rockets, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have become one of the D-League's best teams.

Rio Grande Valley won the 2010 title and reached the league finals this past season.

'I said, 'Go at it,' ' Vipers president Bert Garcia said he told the BayHawks. ' 'Go 100 percent at it. To me, that's as good as signing your title sponsor.' My advice to them is use it, exhaust it to the fullest.'

In June, Erie became the third D-League team to create a hybrid partnership with an NBA team by agreeing to a three-year deal with the New York Knicks.

The Springfield Armor signed a deal with the New Jersey Nets in November. It went into effect May 1.

For Armor owner Michael Savit, the relationship was a no-brainer.

'My background before I got involved in the D-League was with minor league baseball,' he said. 'In minor league baseball, the way things are set up, it's pretty much the way the hybrid is set up.'

In the hybrid partnership, the NBA team handles the basketball operations and the D-League team maintains control of its business ventures.

'This is putting us in a partnership with one of the legendary teams of the NBA,' BayHawks majority owner Steve Demetriou said when the deal was announced. 'To ultimately have the Knicks seek us out, want to have a relationship with us and work a deal out with them is an amazing accomplishment.'

D-League teams save an average of $200,000 to $300,000 by having an NBA team handle basketball expenses such as coaching salaries.

'I know how well it works in baseball,' Savit said. 'So to me, when the opportunity presented itself, I didn't really think twice about it.'

The Rockets' hiring of Vipers coach Chris Finch as an assistant July 15 is an example of what can happen in a single affiliation.

Nine of the D-League's 16 teams have one-on-one partnerships with an NBA team.

'We definitely saw the wave going in that direction,' said Vipers general manager Gersson Rosas, who is also the Rockets' vice president of player personnel. 'We love to see other teams are getting involved. That's just going to help our league.'

The Rockets initially hired Finch to coach the Vipers. In a hybrid partnership, the NBA team hires the coaches, trainers and basketball support staff.

The Nets will hire a coach for the Armor. They plan to interview Springfield head coach and former NBA player Dee Brown as well as other candidates before making a hire in September.

The NBA team is saving the D-League team money, but it's also taking away the opportunity for owners to have a major say in who will be hired to coach.

That's fine by Savit.

'I haven't made a jump shot in 20 years, so I really didn't feel like I was really the one best qualified to pick players and get involved with that,' he said.

The Vipers trusted Houston to make the best decisions and now are among the D-League elite.

The Vipers were 42-58 in their first two D-League seasons. Under the Rockets, Rio Grande Valley has gone 67-33.

'It was a perfect marriage,' Rosas said.

The Armor hope the Nets can help them achieve similar success. Springfield has gone 20-80 in its first two seasons.

'If you look at our situation, we basically had a head coach and an assistant coach and that was pretty much it,' Armor general manager Alex Schwerin said. 'We had limited resources to provide them in terms of traveling around to scout players.

'The Nets have a whole slew of employees in their basketball operations department, and people who are focused on that from day to day, that you've got to imagine there is going to be some improvement from the basketball standpoint.'

In order to succeed, Rosas said, local ownership must be committed to putting together a 'top-level' team.

'That comes with resources, having good staff and it also comes with an open mind that if you're going to be affiliated with an NBA team, you're going to support their decisions and give them the room to operate,' Rosas said.

Savit was a bit surprised the Knicks are in a hybrid partnership because they never sent down their first- or second-year players to Springfield. Springfield had been affiliated with the Nets and Philadelphia 76ers in its two D-League seasons.

'I guess their attitude has changed and they realize the advantage of the D-League, obviously, because they are investing in it,' Savit said.

Seven D-League teams are in affiliation agreements with three separate NBA teams. This past season, Erie had simultaneous affiliations with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

'Competitive-wise, it's better to have more teams that you're feeding people into,' Savit said. 'However, it's not about winning. It really isn't. It's about developing talent to play at a major-league level.'

Shooting guard Garrett Temple, who played 39 games over the course of two seasons for the Vipers before being traded to Erie this past season, saw first hand how the one-on-one affiliation partnership can work.

'After training camp, the same devices (the Rockets) were working with, they had them there,' he said. 'The devices showed how high you're jumping. How hard you're working. How hard you're working out. Those devices for a D-League team, that was mind-blowing to me.'

Temple said working with an NBA team's player personnel officers such as Rosas gives players confidence they're getting a better chance to make the NBA.

Former Knicks star Allan Houston is Erie's general manager as well as an assistant general manager for the Knicks.

'The front office guys are there watching,' Temple said. 'The (D-League team) owner is the head guy, but he doesn't make the decisions of, 'OK, we're looking at this guy.' '

Three NBA teams called up Temple in 2009-10 including the Rockets. Temple ended the 2010-11 season with the Charlotte Bobcats after also being called up by the Milwaukee Bucks.

'Personnel people talk around the league, especially about guys who may be a 13th, 14th, 15th man,' Temple said. 'Honestly, they're not looking to, lack of a better word, hate on another team with a guy they like. They just want their guy to get a chance in the NBA.'

Although the D-League team controls its business operations, the NBA team can extend a helping hand in that department.

New Jersey is providing two tickets for one of its home games in the season-ticket renewal packages with the Armor.

'It's been nice to expand the partnership on the business side as well,' Schwerin said.

The Nets also helped the Armor donate $25,000 in support of the tornado relief efforts of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The June 1 tornado struck the Western Massachusetts area. The Nets auctioned off items such as autographed sneakers from their center, Brook Lopez.

During the 2009-10 season, the Rockets had their former All-Star center, Yao Ming, who recently retired, attend a Vipers' game. There were 5,124 fans that day in the 5,713-seat State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

'You can't put a value to that,' Garcia said. 'Bringing other players. Having some of their front-office staff come down for town-hall meetings and stuff like that. Those things go a long way.'

However, Houston didn't intrude on the Vipers handling their business duties.

'They know their market better than we do,' Rosas said.

And in turn, Rio Grande Valley is fine with leaving the basketball stuff to the Rockets.

It's working.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Claws job next best move for Leitao - by Eurobasket News
Dave Leitao is at peace with his life. Finally.

It took a couple years away from the sport that is his passion and his vocation -- basketball -- but he got his life in balance.

And now he is ready to resume a coaching career that has spanned 25 years at the NCAA Division I level, nine as a head coach, 16 as an assistant under legendary Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun.

Leitao, 51, was introduced on Thursday as the new coach of the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League. It will be his first professional position, but he's not concerned. Neither is Jon Jennings, the president and general manager of the Red Claws, who hired Leitao.

'This, to me, is the shining example of what every player can become,' said Jennings, nodding to Leitao across the table at the Red Claws office. 'He's a hell of a coach, a dedicated family man and a guy who has all of his priorities in the right place.'

And it took a two-year layoff to do that.

Basketball has been in Leitao's blood since he began dribbling on the playgrounds of New Bedford, Mass. But he never set out to be a coach.

After graduating from Northeastern, where he was a 6-foot-7 forward for Calhoun, he travelled to California to live with his mother. One day he got a call from Calhoun asking if he wanted to join his staff at Northeastern.

'It took me all of 30 seconds to decide,' said Leitao, who averaged 6 points and 5.4 rebounds for Calhoun. 'I called him back, said I'd love to.

'May 15, 1984. That was the day I went to Northeastern. I started on June 15, 1984.'

What followed was a remarkable -- and unconventional -- coaching journey. He followed Calhoun to Connecticut, but returned to Northeastern in 1994 as head coach. He stayed only two seasons, then returned to Connecticut to be an assistant.

He considers that his best career move. He was given more responsibilities and grew, not only as a coach but as a person. And he continued to learn from Calhoun.

'He was my foundation about how coaching and this business is supposed to be,' said Leitao. 'You do things in a certain way and it leads you in a certain direction, mostly positive.'

Eventually he moved on to DePaul as a head coach, then to Virginia, where he became the school's first black head coach in any sport.

His Cavaliers won the ACC regular-season title in 2006-07, and he was named ACC Coach of the Year.

Two years later, he was asked to leave following a 10-18 season -- only his second losing season.

'Not my choice,' said Leitao, matter-of-factly. 'But if that had not happened, I would not be sitting here now, and not with the inner peace that I have.'

He received a $2.1 million buyout, then proceeded to get his family life back in order.

'He really missed a lot of things over the years,' said his wife, Joyce, who met Leitao in college.

While Leitao stayed connected to the game, he reconnected with everything else in his life.

'It was the best two years of my life, and I can say that unequivocally,' said Leitao. 'When I left (Virginia) I did not realize where I was at in other important areas of my life. This time off game me time, while I was still staying busy, to address some of the things that are clearly important to one's life and provide balance so that, if you go get the chance to get back in (to coaching), you do it with a much better perspective.

'So whether it's been my relationship as a father, as a husband, my spiritual relationship, my mental health, my physical health, all of those things, I made sure to address them and spend a lot of time taking care of them.'

'Those years off were great,' said Joyce Leitao. 'It gave him time to decide what was important and what he wanted to do.'

His son David, a 6-foot-6 16-year-old junior, is an exceptional basketball player at Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, Va. Leitao got to see all his games and practices the last two years. 'And that's something he never had a chance to do (when he was) at the college level,' said Joyce Leitao, who will remain in Virginia with their three sons (including Reese, 12, and Tyson, 8).

While Leitao worked as a consultant for the Next Level Talent Management Agency, a sports and entertainment management firm in Virginia Beach, he never lost his desire to coach again.

He was offered a position with Rio Grande in the D-League, but turned it down because he didn't want to uproot his family again. 'For the first time in my life, I made a decision based on my family,' said Leitao.

'And he had opportunities to get back in college,' said Joyce Leitao.

'Because of his connections, everyone wanted a piece of him,' said Carter Bernhardt, the director of marketing and business development for Next Level and a close friend of Leitao's. 'He put a lot of thought into what he wanted to do.'

When Leitao told him he was taking the job in Portland, Bernhardt wasn't completely surprised.

' (Coaching) is in his blood and he wasn't done with it,' he said. 'He has aspirations to go to the NBA.'

And the Red Claws will give him that chance. This, said Leitao, is the perfect situation. His family isn't so far away that they can't travel to see him. He is also close to his siblings in the Boston area.

And he joined an organization that he felt was moving in the right direction. The Red Claws sold out every home game in their first two seasons and have a strong business base. Leitao was also very comfortable with Jennings, whom he knew while he was at Northeastern.

'When you put all those things together, and I looked at this specific organization, the way they run their business that made it a pretty good matchup,' said Leitao.

Jennings loved Leitao's body of work, particularly his ability to coach defense -- something the Red Claws failed to play a lot of the time last year -- and teach.

'We're a development league,' said Bill Ryan Jr., the team's chairman. 'We're developing players. We're developing young men. No one's coming into this league perfect. If they were perfect, they wouldn't be in this league.

'Dave's the kind of guy that can certainly motivate guys and develop them as players and as people.'

Leitao's coaching style, said others, will be perfect.

'He is exactly what they need,' said Karl Hobbs, recently named Connecticut's director of men's basketball administration after a 10-year stint as head coach at George Washington. 'He is perfect for the team with what I will call his Zen personality.'

Hobbs and Leitao have known each other for years, dating back to playing summer ball while they were in college. They also worked as assistants at UConn together.

'I have no idea how good the team will be, but can feel confident saying that they're going to play defense and they're going to rebound,' said Hobbs. 'I think this is a great move for him. It will be a great fit for his personality.'

Leitao has at times been called too hard on his players. He is demanding and demonstrative on the sidelines, not afraid to let his feelings be known.

'It's my competitive nature, for basketball, for coaching, for checkers, for everything,' said Leitao. 'I don't let my son beat me in anything.'

Now he's ready for the next chapter in his career.

'The next couple of months I have a lot of work to do to go from where I have been coaching to where I will be coaching,' he said. 'But at the end of the day, I think basketball is basketball, motivation is motivation, development is development.

'I'm excited and cannot wait to get started and absolutely immerse myself into this community.'

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

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

ESTONIA

EUROCUP

EUROLEAGUE

Bennet Cantu lands Gianluca Basile - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu officially announced signing of Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) until 2013. The veteran guard is back to Italy after six years. Basile left Climamio Bologna in 2005 for Barcelona, where he stayed until this summer. He got injured in November last year and missed the entire 2010/11 season. In 2010, Basile helped Barcelona to win the Euroleague title. He had 4.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for them in 17 games. They were ACB champions in 2009 and this year as well. Basile also won three trophies in Copa del Rey with Barca. As mentioned above, before Barcelona Gianluca Basile was a member of Climamio Bologna. He also played for Reggio Emilia in the past. Basile played for the Italian National Team from 1996 to 2007. He helped them win the Gold at the EuroBasket 1999 and Bronze four years later.

PGE Turow extends center Daniel Kickert - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow Zgorzelec announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA). The Australian big guy joined Turow last summer from Gran Canaria. He appeared 25 times in PLK averaging 9.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. Eurobasket awarded Kickert with Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Honorable Mention -11 and Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Bosmans Team -11. He helped Turow reach the PLK Finals and Cup Semis. Daniel Kickert played for Spanish Granca from 2008 to 2010. His first season was better one for Kickert as he had 9.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg. In ACB, Kickert added 4.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Before Granca, he was a member of Breogan and Livorno. Daniel Kickert played for the Australian National Team from 2004 to 2006. He graduated at the St.Mary's College of California five years ago.

ASVEL bring in Dijon Thompson - by Eurobasket News
ASVEL bolstered their roster for the upcoming season. They added Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) to the squad. The 28-year-old guard spent the previous season with Spartak Saint Petersburg. He tallied 8.5 points, 7.5 boards and 1.0 assist per game in EuroCup Qualifying Round. In EuroChallenge Dijon Thompson posted 13.4 points, 5.4 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. In PBL his stats read 10.3 points, 5.3 boards, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists. Previously Dijon Thompson played in Israel, Ukraine, Germany, D-League and NBA. Eurobasket.com named Dijon Thompson All-Ukrainian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. He was also trumped All-Israeli League Guard of the Year in 2010. Dijon Thompson also made it into All-EuroCup 2nd Team the same year.

Emporio Armani announce Malik Hairston - by Eurobasket News
Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) has officially joined Emporio Armani. The team announced the deal today. Malik Hairston spent the last season with Montepaschi Siena. He tallied 8.6 points, 3.2 boards and 1.0 assist per game in Euroleague. In Seria A the guard recorded 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per appearance. Malik Hairston was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2008. He was traded to the San Antonio Spurs and spent two seasons with the Texas team.

Anthony Parker to Maccabi Tel Aviv denied - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel Aviv recently denied rumors regarding the possibility of Anthony Parker rejoining the Israeli organization for a third stint. Rumor has it that the financial difference between Parker and Maccabi is roughly $1 million. 'Truthfully, its a non- issue,' a source with information told 'Eurobasket', adding, 'Parker has no interest in coming back to Europe. Honestly, it's all speculations.'

It is important to note that Parker recently finished a three year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is now a free agent. On the same note, Blatt is not willing to sign any NBA players with the chance of them leaving Maccabi during the season, once the NBA lockout ends.

The 36-year-old Parker, addressed the matter on numerous occasions saying, 'I wouldn't want to ruin the great memories I have with Maccabi...can't get any better.'

In 2006, Parker left Maccabi and joined the Toronto Raptors where he played for three seasons. In 2009, he moved to Cleveland and played alongside NBA sensation LeBron James.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd
Follow Eurobasket on Twitter: @EurobasketNews

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Qualifying Round Day 1 in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Turkey - Poland 59-62
Poland earned the first win at the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship. The hosts came back from 10-point halftime deficit to overcome Turkey. Poland improved at 2-1 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-2 in Group E ladder. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) knocked down 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Turkey capped the opening quarter on a 6:2 run to post a 24:18 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second quarter on an 8:3 run and grabbed a 32:21 advantage. Turkey ensured a 41:31 lead at the interval. But Poland turned on the tempo in the third quarter. The hosts cut the deficit at just four points 48:52 with one quarter remaining. Piotr Niedzwiedzki (209-F-93) erased the deficit 57:57 midway through the fourth stanza. Poland used a 5:0 run to surge ahead 62:59 with just over a minute to. The teams went scoreless in the reminder of the contest as Poland ran away with the victory. Michal Michalak accounted for 13 points and 13 boards, while Piotr Niedzwiedzki added 12 points for the winners. Berkay Candan (205-F-93) and Samet Geyik (206-F-93) responded with 11 points each for Turkey. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) had 9 points in the loss.

Slovenia - Serbia 73-81
Serbia registered the first win at the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship. They held off Slovenian counterparts to improve at 2-1 record in Group E. Djordje Milosevic (198-F/G-93) and Nemanja Dangubic (196-G-93) stepped up with 15 points each to lead the charge. Slovenia fell at 0-3 record after the loss. Serbia opened the game with eight points in a row but Slovenia found the way to recover. Luka Rupnik (184-PG-93) made it 19:18 for Slovenia at the first break. The lead changed for several times before Serbia went on an 11:2 run posting a 35:28 lead midway through the second quarter. Slovenia got back within two points 38:40 at halftime. The teams traded baskets throughout close third frame. Serbia managed to pull a narrow 60:57 lead into the fourth frame. Djordje Milosevic and Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) boosted the margin to 8 points midway through the fourth stanza 72:64. Soon the margin grew at 11-point mark and Serbia marched to the victory at the end. Luka Mitrovic accounted for 14 points in the winning effort. Luka Rupnik answered with 22 points for Slovenia. Ziga Dimec (208-C/F-93) top-scored with 26 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Germany - Croatia 51-52
Croatia registered the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Germany in thriller to improve at 3-0 record in Qualifying Round Group E. Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Germany fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Germany set the tone early opening the game with an 8:2 run. But Croatia answered with a 12:2 run to ensure a 14:10 lead at the first break. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame as Croatia posted a 24:20 lead at halftime. Buovac and Mislav Brzoja stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the third term. But Germany answered with a 9:0 run to surge ahead. Junakovic capped the period with a three-pointer as Croatia grabbed a 37:35 advantage with one quarter to go. The lead changed hands for several times before Brzoja and Marko Ramljak (203-F-93, agency: Interperformances) made it 52:47 for Croatia with under two minutes remaining. Bekteshi and Zipser pulled Germany within a single point but it was not enough as Croatia escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marko Ramljak nailed 13 points, while Antonio Boban (200-F/G-93) had 5 points in the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) and Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) responded with 11 points each for Germany.

Group F

Russia - Spain 59-94
Spain cruised past Russia for the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. Alejandro Redondo (198-F/G-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners as they improved at 3-0 record in Group F. Russia fell at 0-3 record after the defeat. Spain opened the game with an 8:2 run but 10 points from Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) gave Russia a 14:13 lead midway through the opening quarter. Spain managed to post a narrow 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Spain used a 10:0 run midway through the second term to open a 35:21 lead. Spain established a 43:29 halftime advantage. Spain opened the second half with six points in a row posting a 49:29 advantage. Spain marched confidently throughout the third term to record a 69:43 lead with one quarter remaining. Spain stayed in charge in the fourth stanza and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) nailed 19 points, while Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) contributed 14 points in the victory. Aleksandr Gudumak responded with 22 points for Russia. Andrey Loginov (204-F-93) and Yury Karpenko (185-PG-93) netted 8 points each in the loss.

Italy - France 70-72
France nipped Italy in the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship in Poland. The victory propelled France to 2-1 record, while Italy fell at 1-2 after the defeat. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. France used an 8:1 run midway through the starting quarter as France posted a 21:16 lead. Les Bleus recorded a 23:18 lead at the first intermission. France boosted the margin to 9 points at the start of the second quarter. They stayed in front throughout the frame arriving at halftime up by 7 points 42:35. Gaspardo and Amedeo Della Valle (192-G-93) put Italy in front late in the third quarter 57:56. However Dinal answered with a pair of free throws as Les Bleus entered the fourth term up by one 58:57. Amedeo Della Valle regained the advantage for the Azzurri early in the final quarter but Clement Faroux (186-G-93) and Mouhammadou Jaiteh made it 70:65 for France with three minutes remaining. Amedeo Della Valle cut the deficit at just two points but Mouhammadou Jaiteh answered with a jumper and France hung on to snatch victory at the end. Clement Faroux nailed 10 points, while Boris Dallo (193-G-94) contributed 9 points in the win. Amedeo Della Valle notched 26 points for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) had 22 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Latvia - Lithuania 45-86
Lithuania reeled past their Baltic neighbours at the start of the Qualifying Round at U18 European Championship. The defending champions clinched a comfortable win to climb at 3-0 record on top of Group F. Latvia on the other hand slipped at 0-3 record. Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) stepped up with 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from Lithuania. Latvia tipped off the game with four straight points but Lithuania quickly took over. Mantas Mockevicius scored 6 points in the first frame as Lithuania posted a 27:16 lead. Lithuania capped the second term on a 9:0 run to open a 21-point lead at halftime 47:26. Latvia conceded a 0:8 rally midway through the third term to face a massive 26-point deficit. Lithuania never slowed down posting a 66:38 lead with one quarter remaining. The defending champions experienced little opposition in the fourth quarter coasting to the victory at the end. Tomas Lekunas (195-F-93) and Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) notched 10 points each for Lithuania. Klavs Strazdins (191-G/F-93) answered with 8 points for Latvia. Ojars Silins (201-F-93) and Andrejs Grazulis (203-C/F-93) had 6 points each in the loss.

Group G

Greece - Ukraine 93-67
Greece celebrated the first win at the U18 European Championship. They shot down Ukraine in the relegation round opener. Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) stepped up with 31 points, 6 assists and 5 boards to pace the Hellenes. The teams traded lead throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 21:21 after ten minutes. Greece opened the second period with 10:0 run to clear off. Greece rallied to a 46:33 halftime advantage. Shundel and Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) managed to pull Ukraine within 6 points late in the third quarter. But the Hellenes were able to post a 60:51 lead heading into the fourth stanza. Greece opened the final stanza on an 8:1 run and never looked back en route to the victory. Apollon Deligeorgis (191-PG-93) accounted for 20 points, 11 boards and 7 assists for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) netted 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Gerun answered with 23 points and 7 rebounds for Ukraine. Danylo Zuikov (185-PG-94) netted 12 points in defeat.

Finland - Czech Republic 55-72
Czech Republic opened win count at U18 European Championship. They overcame Finland in the first game of the classification round in Wroclaw. Martin Kriz (202-F-93) came up with 21 points, 22 boards and 5 assists to lead the winners. Czech Republic and Finland stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Czech team eked out a 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Tomas Kyzlink (197-F/G-93) made it 26:20 lead early in the second frame. But Finland recovered late in the half. They capped the half with six points in a row to grab a 33:32 lead. Czech Republic tipped off the second half with a 15:2 run to regain the lead. They stayed in charge posting a 53:44 lead with one quarter to go. Finland never got closer than 7 points in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Tomas Kyzlink delivered 15 points and 16 boards for Czech Republic. Jan Lycka (186-G-93) accounted for 13 points in the victory. Ilari Seppala (190-G-93) answered with 13 points for Finland. Kalle Naapi (189-G-93) and Daniel Dolenc (205-C-93) contributed 10 points apiece in defeat.

M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B

Group E
1. Bulgaria		1-0
2. Denmark		1-0
3. Estonia		0-1
4. Hungary		0-1
Group F
1. Holland		1-0
2. Sweden		1-0
3. Israel		0-1
4. Montenegro		0-1
Group F (places 9-18)
1. Slovakia		2-0
2. Romania		1-0
3. Switzerland		1-1
4. Austria		0-2
5. Norway		0-2
Group G (places 9-18)
1. Belgium		2-0
2. Georgia		1-0
3. Portugal		1-1
4. Luxembourg		0-1
5. U.Kingdom		0-2

Standings Division A

Standings

Group E
1. Croatia		3-0
2. Poland		2-1
3. Serbia		2-1
4. Turkey		1-2
5. Germany		1-2
6. Slovenia		0-3
Group F
1. Spain		3-0
2. Lithuania		3-0
3. France		2-1
4. Italy		1-2
5. Latvia		0-3
6. Russia		0-3
Group G (places 13-16)
1. Czech Rep.		1-0
2. Greece		1-0
3. Ukraine		0-1
4. Finland		0-1

Stats Leader

Points Per Game

Chris NDOW
(195-F/G-93)
Avg: 27.3

1. Ndow, NOR	27.3
2. Bojanovsky, SVK	21.5
3. Ivanov, BUL	19.3
4. Solomon, ISR	19.3
5. Borg, SWE	17.5
6. Petica, ROM	16.3
7. Polfer, LUX	16.0
8. Reinholt, DEN	15.8
9. Laane, EST	15.3
10. Olah, ROM	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Clint N''DUMBA-CAPELA
  SUI
  (202-F-94)
  Avg: 14.5

1. N''Dumba-C., SUI	14.5
2. Bojanovsky, SVK	14.3
3. Eliasson, SWE	14.3
4. Olah, ROM	13.0
5. Burjanadze, GEO	10.7
6. Tenchev, BUL	9.7
7. Filip, ROM	9.7
8. Pavic, MNT	9.3
9. Magarity, SWE	9.3
10. Thomas-E., ENG	8.8

Assists Per Game

Simon KRAJCOVIC
(185-G-94)
Avg: 8.5

1. Krajcovic, SVK	8.5
2. Kasalica, MNT	6.0
3. Karamfilov, BUL	6.0
4. Maayan, ISR	5.5
5. Cristiean, ROM	5.3
6. de Lange, NOR	4.8
7. Polyak, HUN	4.7
8. Ventura, POR	4.3
9. Lev, ISR	4.3
10. Person, SWE	4.3

Steals Per Game

Akos KOVACS
(184-G-88)
Avg: 6

1. Kovacs, HUN	6.0
2. Krajcovic, SVK	5.8
3. Laane, EST	4.8
4. Borg, SWE	3.5
5. Ndow, NOR	3.3
6. Gvozden, AUT	3.3
7. Polfer, LUX	3.0
8. Petica, ROM	3.0
9. Laurent, LUX	3.0
10. Maayan, ISR	3.0

Blocks Per Game

William MAGARITY
  SWE
  (207-F-93)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Magarity, SWE	3.8
2. Bojanovsky, SVK	3.5
3. Kok, NED	3.3
4. Olah, ROM	2.7
5. Dimitrov, BUL	2.0
6. N''Dumba-C., SUI	1.8
7. Larsen, DEN	1.8
8. Pavic, MNT	1.7
9. Petras, SVK	1.5
10. Davidsen, NOR	1.5

Stats Leaders Div. A

Points Per Game

Amedeo DELLA VALLE
(192-G-93)
Avg: 22.5

1. Della Valle, ITA	22.5
2. Ponitka, POL	17.8
3. Brzoja, CRO	17.5
4. Gerun, UKR	17.3
5. Larentzakis, GRE	16.5
6. Redondo, ESP	16.0
7. Kriz, CZE	15.7
8. Rupnik, SLO	15.0
9. Artamonov, UKR	14.8
10. Tessitori, ITA	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Martin KRIZ
(202-F-93)
Avg: 12.3

1. Kriz, CZE	12.3
2. Jaiteh, FRA	10.0
3. Kyzlink, CZE	9.5
4. Karnowski, POL	9.0
5. Kymantas, LTU	8.8
6. Dinal, FRA	8.8
7. Ramljak, CRO	8.3
8. Brzoja, CRO	8.3
9. Jankovic, SRB	8.0
10. Gudumak, RUS	8.0

Assists Per Game

Luka RUPNIK
(184-PG-93)
Avg: 5.8

1. Rupnik, SLO	5.8
2. Fernandez, ESP	5.5
3. Micic, SRB	5.3
4. Miljenovic, SRB	4.5
5. Grochowski, POL	4.3
6. Imbro, ITA	4.3
7. Sanz, ESP	4.0
8. Eroglu, TUR	3.8
9. Artamonov, UKR	3.8
10. Schroeder, GER	3.5

Steals Per Game

Apollon DELIGEORGIS
(191-PG-93)
Avg: 3.3

1. Deligeorgis, GRE	3.3
2. Ramljak, CRO	3.3
3. Caven, FIN	3.0
4. Paliukenas, LTU	2.8
5. Krstanovic, CRO	2.5
6. Monaldi, ITA	2.5
7. Bekteshi, GER	2.5
8. Shundel, UKR	2.5
9. Artamonov, UKR	2.5
10. Tarjanne, FIN	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Przemyslaw KARNOWSKI
(213-C-93)
Avg: 2.5

1. Karnowski, POL	2.5
2. Gielo, POL	1.8
3. Jaiteh, FRA	1.5
4. Olaizola, ESP	1.3
5. Tessitori, ITA	1.3
6. Gudaitis, LTU	1.3
7. Caven, FIN	1.3
8. Kymantas, LTU	1.3
9. Grazulis, LAT	1.0
10. Zagreba, UKR	1.0

Division B: Results and Stats from Day 4 in Varna - by Eurobasket News

Group B

Portugal - United Kingdom 74-66
Portugal overcame England in Day 4 in Division B of the European Championship. The Portuguese team edged England 74:66 for the initial victory, while England dropped at 1-3 record. England won the opening quarter 21:18 as Esprit closed the first 10 minutes in the game. Trailing 18:26, Portugal created a massive run for 28:28 and then grabbed 40:32. Esprit reduced to 42:39 at the halftime as England won the second period 24-18. The later tied the game in the middle of the third but Portugal took the lead back. Graham tipped in Esprit's miss making it 68:57 and force a Portugal timeout and further scores from Jamie Batish and Esprit saw England down by just six going into the final three minutes of the game. Diogo Ventura (185-PG-94)'s free throws made it an eight point game with just under two minutes remaining, before Wilson cut Portugal's lead to 70:66. Diogo Ventura made the last four free throws at the end for the final success. Diogo Ventura top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Jonah Callenbach (192-C/F-93) netted 13. Joao Grosso (199-F-94) and Miranda ended up with 9 points each in the winning effort. Thomas-Edwards posted 16 in defeat and Esprit had 14.

Denmark - Estonia 63-49
Denmark won the third straight game in Division B of the European Championship. The Danish side rolled over Estonia 63:49 on Sunday for 3-0 record, while the Baltic side dropped to 1-2. Estonia won the opening tip, but Denmark produced a better end of the first frame. Rungby and Kevin Larsen closed the opening quarter at 16:10 and the latter gave the Scandinavian team 20:10 later in the second. Kustas Poldoja (190-F-93) and Maur Below (174-PG-93) reduced to 25:24, however Denmark enjoyed 30:24 halftime advantage. Due to 16-12 in the third quarter the Danish side improved to 46:36 entering the last quarter. When Esben Reinholt (196-G-93) scored four points in a row for 53:38 it became cleat about the winner of the game. Esben Reinholt also closed the game from the free throw line for the final result. Kevin Larsen paced all the winners with 14 points, while Moller and Esben Reinholt supported him with 13 points each. Laane finished the game with 13 points and Liivamagi nailed 9.

Group D

Israel - Norway 105-43
Israel humiliate Norway at the Division B of the European Championship. The winners improved to 2-1 record sending the Norwegian team to 0-3 record after 105:43 win. Norway surprised the favorites with 4 consecutive points int he start of the game, but it was the last lead for them. Israel responded with 7-0 run and took 7:4. Laish and Blatancic exchanged the baskets for 26:12 at the end of the first frame. In the second period Israel erupted with 27-10 for 53:22 halftime advantage. Lev scored the first five points in the third period for 58:25, while Schonning scored for 73:33. Chris Ndow (195-F/G-93) closed the third period from the free throw line for 79:34. Israel added 26-9 in the last stanza and reached three digits winning number. Or Solomon (196-F-93) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Lev netted 22. Ram Elias-Pour (208-C-93) poured in 11, whilst Egor Koulechov (194-F-94) added 9 points and 16 rebounds. Chris Ndow produced 9 points in defeat, while Gjestemoen, Fjaerestad and Lepovic netted 6 apiece.

Switzerland - Sweden 58-68
Switzerland succumb to Sweden in Varna at the Division B of the European Championship. The Scandinavian side celebrated 68:58 for 3-1 record. The Swiss side meanwhile suffered their third straight loss and remains on the bottom of the standings in Group D. William Magarity (207-F-93) scored the first points for the winners, but Gaillard nailed three for 3:2 Swiss lead. Later in the first quarter the Swiss side remained scoreless and could not score for about 8 minutes. Sweden erupted with 23-0 run to take 25:3 lead in the start of the second frame. Louis Kagny (194-G/F-93) broke the silence for Switzerland and the latter actually started to play better. Clint N'Dumba-Capela (202-F-94) reduced to 33:20, while Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) sent the teams to the lockers at 41:20. In the third quarter the Swiss side stepped closer after 10-9 for 50:30. After 28-18 in the last stanza the board showed 10-point Swedish victory. Person closed the game from the free throw line. Tobias Borg stepped up with 18 points for the victory and Person notched 13. Clint N'Dumba-Capela collected 16 points and 21 rebounds in the losing effort, while Mladjan posted 14.

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FINLAND

FRANCE

Hyeres-Toulon add Guillaume Yango - by Eurobasket News
Hyeres-Toulon bolstered their frontcourt. They added Guillaume Yango (205-C/F-82, college: Pacific) to the roster. The 29-year-old centre started the previous season in Paris-Levallois. He tallied 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. In February the centre moved to Spain. Guillaume Yango joined Huesca. His stats read 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. Previously Guillaume Yango had stints with Le Mans, Rieti, Teramo, Sassari. Eurobasket.com named Guillaume Yango All-Italian LegaDue Bosman Player of the Year in 2006. The centre was the member of French U18 and U20 National Teams.

ASVEL bring in Dijon Thompson - by Eurobasket News
ASVEL bolstered their roster for the upcoming season. They added Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) to the squad. The 28-year-old guard spent the previous season with Spartak Saint Petersburg. He tallied 8.5 points, 7.5 boards and 1.0 assist per game in EuroCup Qualifying Round. In EuroChallenge Dijon Thompson posted 13.4 points, 5.4 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. In PBL his stats read 10.3 points, 5.3 boards, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists. Previously Dijon Thompson played in Israel, Ukraine, Germany, D-League and NBA. Eurobasket.com named Dijon Thompson All-Ukrainian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. He was also trumped All-Israeli League Guard of the Year in 2010. Dijon Thompson also made it into All-EuroCup 2nd Team the same year.

U18: France outscore Italy in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Italy U18 72:70

France nipped Italy in the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship in Poland. The victory propelled France to 2-1 record, while Italy fell at 1-2 after the defeat. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
France used an 8:1 run midway through the starting quarter as France posted a 21:16 lead. Les Bleus recorded a 23:18 lead at the first intermission. France boosted the margin to 9 points at the start of the second quarter. They stayed in front throughout the frame arriving at halftime up by 7 points 42:35. Gaspardo and Amedeo Della Valle (192-G-93) put Italy in front late in the third quarter 57:56. However Dinal answered with a pair of free throws as Les Bleus entered the fourth term up by one 58:57. Amedeo Della Valle regained the advantage for the Azzurri early in the final quarter but Clement Faroux (186-G-93) and Mouhammadou Jaiteh made it 70:65 for France with three minutes remaining. Amedeo Della Valle cut the deficit at just two points but Mouhammadou Jaiteh answered with a jumper and France hung on to snatch victory at the end. Clement Faroux nailed 10 points, while Boris Dallo (193-G-94) contributed 9 points in the win. Amedeo Della Valle notched 26 points for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) had 22 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 12+10 boards, Clement Faroux 10, Boris Dallo 9
Italy U18: Amedeo Della Valle 26, Amedeo Tessitori 22

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FYR MACEDONIA

FYR Macedonia lose to Slovenia in Ptuj - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - FYR Macedonia 83:71

FYR Macedonia lost the opener of Primus Cup international friendly tournament. They surrendered against hosting Slovenia. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia grabbed the lead early in the game and maintained it throughout the opening quarter. The hosts recorded a 26:16 lead at the first break. FYR Macedonia however slowed their opponents down in the second period. They used a 12:3 run midway through the quarter to narrow the gap to a single point. Slovenia ensured a narrow 40:39 lead at halftime. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third term before Slovenia pulled in front for a 64:57 lead with one quarter remaining. Erazem Lorbek and Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) boosted the margin to 12 points early in the fourth quarter and Slovenia never looked back afterwards. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) and Matjaz Smodis produced 13 points each for the winners. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds for FYR Macedonia. Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) netted 13 points in defeat.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 20, Jaka Lakovic 13, Matjaz Smodis 13
FYR Macedonia: Pero Antic 24, Vlado Ilievski 13, Gjorgi Cekovski 8, Predrag Samardjiski 8

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GEORGIA

U18: Georgia beat Luxembourg in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U18-Luxembourg U18 105:98 OT

Georgia celebrated the initial victory at the U18 European Championship to finish Group A with 1-2 record. The team won over Luxembourg 105:98 while both teams will play at the Classification Round for 9-18 places.
Both squads did their best to taste the initial victory before the Classification Round. Georgia started with 22-20 and Beka Burjanadze (201-F-94) later scored for 26:22. Luxembourg however played better in the second frame and after 24-22 tied the game at the halftime. In the third period Georgia went on a lead and reached 9-point advantage entering the fourth period. Luxembourg trailed in the whole period but Welter and Gilles Polfer (189-F-93) tied the game at 90:90 and sent it to overtime. Georgia dominated however the court in the last five minutes and won the game.
Beka Burjanadze top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Valeri Kvantaliani (202-F-94) and Revaz Rogava (185-PG-93) posted 14 each. Alex Laurent (195-C-93) replied with 21 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Gilles Polfer scored 18.

Georgia U18: Beka Burjanadze 18+16 rebs, Valeri Kvantaliani 14, Revaz Rogava 14
Luxembourg U18: Alex Laurent 21+11 rebs, Gilles Polfer 18

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GERMANY

Anthony Hilliard Coming To The Beko BBL To Play For The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
According to Sportando.net, Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86, college: Elizabeth City) will play his thrid professional basketball season in the German Beko BBL after playing the last two years in Belgium. It is no secret that the Artland Dragons like to look across the boarder to Belgium for raw basketball talent as in the last years they got players like Darius Hall and Lamont Mcintosh. Hilliard is a 25 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Fayetteville, North Carolina. His strong rebounding skills stand out as he has never averaged less than 6 rebounds per season in Belgium and averaged 11,0rpg in his last three years of college ball. Hilliard comes from Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium) where he played EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 11.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg; Belgian League: 38 games: 14.2ppg, Reb-4 (7.3rpg), 1.9apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 62.5%. He demonstrated last season in the Belgium league that he can be very consistent as he scored in double figurs in 31 games including a stretch of 24 games in a row. The year before as a rookie, he played for VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-D1): 32 games: 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 73.0%. He started his basketball career at Elizabeth City (NCAA2) from 2005-2009. In his senior year, he played 28 games: 22.9ppg, 11.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.6%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been CIAA All-Rookie Team -06, CIAA Tournament Semifinals -06, NCAA D2 Pre-Season All-America Honorable Mention (by Division II Bulletin) -07, CIAA All-Tournament Team -07CIAA All-Tournament MVP -07, -CIAA Honorable Mention Team -07, CIAA Tournament Winner -07,CIAA Eastern Division Regular Season Runner-Up -08, All-CIAA Team -08, 09, -CIAA Player of the Year -08, 09, Daktronics NCAA Division II All-South Atlantic Region 1st Team -08, D2 All-America 4th Team (by Division II Bulletin) -08, NCAA D2 Pre-Season All-America 1st Team (by The Sporting News College Basketball Yearbook) -08, D2 Pre-Season All-America Team (by Division II Bulletin) -08, NCAA D2 All-Star Game -09 (Co-MVP), NABC NCAA D2 All-America Atlantic District 2nd Team -09, NCAA D2 All-America 2nd Team (by Division II Bulletin) -09, Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Honorable Mention -10, Belgian League Finalist -11, Belgian League Regular Season Runner-Up -11, Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Forward of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League 1st Team -11, and Eurobasket.com Belgian League All-Imports Team -11.

Source: Sportando.com

U18: Mislav Brzoja leads Croatia past Germany - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18 - Germany U18 52:51

Croatia registered the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Germany in thriller to improve at 3-0 record in Qualifying Round Group E. Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Germany fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Germany set the tone early opening the game with an 8:2 run. But Croatia answered with a 12:2 run to ensure a 14:10 lead at the first break. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame as Croatia posted a 24:20 lead at halftime. Buovac and Mislav Brzoja stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the third term. But Germany answered with a 9:0 run to surge ahead. Junakovic capped the period with a three-pointer as Croatia grabbed a 37:35 advantage with one quarter to go. The lead changed hands for several times before Brzoja and Marko Ramljak (203-F-93, agency: Interperformances) made it 52:47 for Croatia with under two minutes remaining. Bekteshi and Zipser pulled Germany within a single point but it was not enough as Croatia escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marko Ramljak nailed 13 points, while Antonio Boban (200-F/G-93) had 5 points in the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) and Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) responded with 11 points each for Germany.

Croatia U18: Mislav Brzoja 22, Marko Ramljak 13, Antonio Boban 5
Germany U18: Bogdan Radosavljevic 11, Dennis Schroeder 11

Eric Vierneisel Back With Science City Jena - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Science City Jena announced today that Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California) will return back to the team for the 2011-2012 PRO A season. Vierneisel is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Algonquin, Illinois that will be playing his third season in Germany. Last season, the American that has a German passport started the season with Duesseldorf Giants (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 12 games: 4.4ppg, 1.7rpg; in Feb.'11 moved to Science City Jena (Germany-ProA): 8 games: 6.5ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.3%, but left in March'11 due to a sickness. The American is happy to be returning back to Jena. 'I am looking forward to the new season and playing for coach Eichler.I want to thank management and the coaching staff for this chance', stated Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California). He played at California (NCAA) form 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 5.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 36.8%, 3Pts: 29.8%, FT: 73.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Taranaki Mountain Airs (New Zealand-NBL): 15 games: 18.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 71.4%2009-2010: USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: 11.1ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 76.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have beenPac-10 Tournament Finalist -06, Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals -07, All-Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago 1st Team -08, All-Eurobasket Summer League in New York Team -08, and Eurobasket Summer League in New York Winner -08

Source: Science City Jena

Torsten Loibl Steps Down and 22 Year old Flex Schreier Takes Over For BV Chemnitz - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BV Chemnitz had surprising news Monday morning as head coach Torsten Loibl surprisingly stepped down as coach shortly before the start of training camp. The team now will be coached by 22 year old Felix Schreier who came to basketball in 1998 and since 2001 was a part of varoius youth teams of BV Chemnitz. Since 2007, he has been coach coaching the second and third teams of BV Chemnitz, the JBBL team and was also assistant coach for the club. 'I know I am standing in front of a big challenge, but also know that this is a big chnace for me. I will be very concentratedand want to thank the club for their trust', added new BV Chemnitz head coach Felix Schreier. Ex BV Chemnitz head coach Torsten Loibl knows that he will be leaving a big hole behind.'I know that I will be leaving a big hole, but at the same time hope that Felix Schreier will have success. He is very talented, but he would not be the first young German coach to make the next step. Despite our success last season, we were unable to increase our budget. We have less money than last season. Maybe I saw everything to easy and failed with my own ambition. I will stay in Chemenitz and help Felix for the season preparation. I also want to help the club with my network', added Torsten Loibl .

Source: BV Chemnitz

The Artland Dragons Also Sign David Holston - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Not only Anthony Hilliard will be lacing up his sneakers for the Artland Dragons this fall, but the Artland Dragons also announced that David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) will replace Tyrese Rice at the point guard position. Holston is a 25 year old 170cm guard from Pontiac,Michigan who will be starting his third year of professional basketball. The American played in Turkey the last two seasons with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir and as a rookie played 29 games: 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT-2,94.0%.Last season he not only showed good play in the Turkish league, but also in the Eurochallenge where he played Turkish League: 32 games: 14.8ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-2 (6.0apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-2 (92.5%); EuroChallenge: 16 games: 14.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-5 (2.1spg), FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 84.8%. 'A strength of David is that he shoots very well. He shoots a lot better than his stats show,because he takes many difficult shots. He is also a good free throw shooter which is important when he has the ball in important phases. He was the second best assists and steal man in the strongest league in Turkey for a successful team that won 70% of their games', stressed Artland Dragons head coach Stefan Koch .Holston started his basketball career at Avondale High School before going to Chicago St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 25.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.4apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 42.6%, 3Pts: 37.2%, FT: 82.4%.Awards/Achievements in his career have been MCC Tournament Finalist -06, All-MCC 2nd Team -06, MCC All-Newcomer Team -06, All-Independent 1st Team -08, NABC Division I All-District 13 Second Team -09, Turkish League All-Star Game -10, 11, EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Honorable Mention -11,and Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Defensive Team -11

BV Chemnitz Signs Japanese Flair With Takumi Ishizaki And Donald Lawson Stays - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Only hours after announcing that head coach Torsten Loibl had stepped down, the club was able to bring good news by bringing in Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84). Having a Japanese player play in the Beko BBL is about as seldom as having a German play in the NFL, but Ishizaki is a 26 year old 188cm guard that was born in Fukui, Japan. Ishizaki played last season for Shimane Susanoo Magic (BJ League, starting five): 46 games: 12.3ppg, 3.5rpg, Assists-4 (4.6apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 73.8% BV Chemitz see this signing as a giant steal. 'I am more than convinced that he will be able to fill the hole that Achmadschah Zazai left after heading to Wurzburg', stressed new BV Chemnitz head coach Felix Schreier. Ishizaki recently left a good impression playing twice against s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg in two exhibition games where he made 15 and 21 points against the German team. 'In the JBL league, there are many strong Americans that play there, so one is able to see the worth of the play of Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84).He is a very intelligent and complete guard that will help the team. Even after my leaving, he wanted to still come', stressed ex BV Chemnitz head coach Torsten Loibl. Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) started his basketball career at Tokai University in 2006. He played for Toshiba Brave Thunders (JBL) from 2007-2010. In 2009-2010, he played 40 games: 11.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 75.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been Japanese University National Team -05, 07, Jones Cup in Taiwan -05, World University Games in Izmir -05, Japanese U22 National Team -06, William Jones Cup Tournament -06, 07, 10, World University Championships in Bangkok -07, Asia-Basket.com Japanese JBL Superleague, All-Newcomers Team -08, Japanese JBL All-Star Game -09, 10, Japanese National Team -09-11, East Asian Games -09 (Finalist), Asian Games in Guangzhou (China) -10 (Semifinals): 8 games: 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 38.9%, Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League Domestic Player of the Year -11, Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League Honorable Mention -11, Asia-Basket.com Japanese BJ League All-Domestic Players Team -11,and East Asian Championship -11 (Finalist). The team also announced that American Donald Lawson (208-C-88, college: W.Michigan) will play another season for the 49ers. The 23 year old 208cm center from Chicago played 30 games: 5.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 52.5%. ' I am convinced that he still has potential and will make the next step in his development.Positive is that Donald knows the city and team and has worked together', added BV Chemnitz head coach Flex Schreier

Source: BV Chemnitz

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

GREECE

U18: Greece drub Ukraine for first win in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Ukraine U18 93:67

Greece celebrated the first win at the U18 European Championship. They shot down Ukraine in the relegation round opener. Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) stepped up with 31 points, 6 assists and 5 boards to pace the Hellenes.
The teams traded lead throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 21:21 after ten minutes. Greece opened the second period with 10:0 run to clear off. Greece rallied to a 46:33 halftime advantage. Shundel and Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) managed to pull Ukraine within 6 points late in the third quarter. But the Hellenes were able to post a 60:51 lead heading into the fourth stanza. Greece opened the final stanza on an 8:1 run and never looked back en route to the victory. Apollon Deligeorgis (191-PG-93) accounted for 20 points, 11 boards and 7 assists for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) netted 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Gerun answered with 23 points and 7 rebounds for Ukraine. Danylo Zuikov (185-PG-94) netted 12 points in defeat.

Greece U20: Giannoulis Larentzakis 31, Apollon Deligeorgis 20, Dimitrios Agravanis 11
Ukraine U20: Vladimir Gerun 23, Danylo Zuikov 12

Spanoulis injured and replaced by Charalampidis in the National team - by George Fragkos
The problems during the preparation of the Greek National team do not cease to appear. One of the most integral parts of this team, the 29-year-old guard, Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket), will not be able to help the Greeks in the coming Eurobasket, because of a serious problem at his legs. The doctor who examined him, Dr. Konstantinidis, found out that this problem can only be solved with a surgery, which means that Spanoulis has to stay away from the courts for at least two months.

This is the worst thing that could happen to Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) who lost the most valuable guard he had. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) has announced that he will not play for the National team anymore and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) is also injured having already returned to the USA to recover. This meant that especially at the position of the point guard Zouros had been left sort of players. For this reason, the Greek coach decided to call up Kosta Charalampidis (189-G-76), a player that despite his 35 years, he remains a very good scorer.

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IBL

International Basketball League names new commissioner - by Eurobasket News
Professional minor league basketball is alive and well in the IBL with teams from the pacific northwest to the north eastern US and even further up north into Canada. Attending games at the 8 year old league's venues across North America, you see former NBA, NBDL and overseas athletes as well as up and coming basketball stars in a fast paced game within an intimate setting full of excitement for fans. The IBL Championship team owner and now league owner, Bryan Hunter - moves Sharleen Graf, former General Manager of the BC Titans to lead the league as the Commissioner of the IBL, and it could be a first.

'Sharleen's expertise in professional sports and specifically minor league basketball will be a tremendous asset to our league,' said Hunter. 'Our research to date is that she could be the first women to hold a Commissioner position in men's professional basketball. However gender doesn't matter as I believe she has the desire and capacity to not only handle the position of Commissioner, but to excel at it.'

With a long history in sports management the new IBL Commissioner has been involved with many professional basketball leagues' including the WBL, IBA, IBL and CBA. She has also worked with the CFL, NFL, NBDL, WHL and professional baseball leagues. Graf's background also includes venue management and events from concerts to sport across North America. This depth of knowledge, experience and network will come in handy as the IBL build the league, fan base and produce high quality athletes aspiring to overseas positions.

In one season of operation as the General Manager of the BC Titans Graf took the team from a losing record to a winning one, on and off the court which must have been noticed by the league. Currently a Director on the Board for Basketball British Columbia, working with multiple Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Clubs, it's all ball for this lady.

'Becoming the IBL Commissioner is a great opportunity, it allows me to develop a league, players and family entertainment all in one,' said Graf. 'I follow and am inspired by great women in sport like Kim Ng, Senior VP for Baseball Operations in the MLB's Commissioner's office and Heidi Ueberroth, current President NBA International, who some say is the next NBA Commissioner, as well as the best Commissioner I ever worked with, Gary Hunter in the CBA. I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with business professionals, athletes and fans with a passion for the game, developing the league internationally, to continue the organization's upward momentum.'

Next steps for the IBL will be meetings with teams, preparation for next year's season and announcing leaders in the areas of media relations and officials. The new Commissioner is attending the Hoops 206 events including an NBA charity game at Key Arena this weekend in support of the A PLUS Youth Program in greater Seattle.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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IRAN

Portugal post third straight win in Guimaraes - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Iran 62:56

Portugal recorded the third straight win at the international friendly tournament in Guimaraes. They shot down Iran to clinch the title. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) stepped up with 15 points and 7 rebounds to pace the hosts.
Portugal stunned the visitors in the opening quarter. The hosts outgunned Iran 20:10. But the Asian powerhouse gradually recovered and took over in the second frame. Iran surged ahead for a 32:29 lead at the interval. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by a single point 45:44. However Portugal found the way to turn things around. They limited Iran to 11 points in the fourth quarter and pulled in front for the victory late in regulation. Joao Santos (205-C-79, college: Nevada) delivered 13 points, while Jose Costa (187-G-73) added 10 points in the win. Javad Davari (185-G-83) responded with 16 points for Iran. Aren Davoudichegani (181-G-86) nailed 11 points in the loss.

Portugal: Miguel Miranda 15, Joao Santos 13, Jose Costa 10
Iran: Javad Davari 16, Aren Davoudichegani 11

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

ISRAEL

Anthony Parker to Maccabi Tel Aviv denied - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel Aviv recently denied rumors regarding the possibility of Anthony Parker rejoining the Israeli organization for a third stint. Rumor has it that the financial difference between Parker and Maccabi is roughly $1 million. 'Truthfully, its a non- issue,' a source with information told 'Eurobasket', adding, 'Parker has no interest in coming back to Europe. Honestly, it's all speculations.'

It is important to note that Parker recently finished a three year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is now a free agent. On the same note, Blatt is not willing to sign any NBA players with the chance of them leaving Maccabi during the season, once the NBA lockout ends.

The 36-year-old Parker, addressed the matter on numerous occasions saying, 'I wouldn't want to ruin the great memories I have with Maccabi...can't get any better.'

In 2006, Parker left Maccabi and joined the Toronto Raptors where he played for three seasons. In 2009, he moved to Cleveland and played alongside NBA sensation LeBron James.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd
Follow Eurobasket on Twitter: @EurobasketNews

U18: Israel humiliate Norway - by Eurobasket News
Israel U18-Norway U18 105:43

Israel humiliate Norway at the Division B of the European Championship. The winners improved to 2-1 record sending the Norwegian team to 0-3 record after 105:43 win.
Norway surprised the favorites with 4 consecutive points int he start of the game, but it was the last lead for them. Israel responded with 7-0 run and took 7:4. Laish and Blatancic exchanged the baskets for 26:12 at the end of the first frame. In the second period Israel erupted with 27-10 for 53:22 halftime advantage. Orel Lev (192-G-93) scored the first five points in the third period for 58:25, while Schonning scored for 73:33. Chris Ndow (195-F/G-93) closed the third period from the free throw line for 79:34. Israel added 26-9 in the last stanza and reached three digits winning number.
Or Solomon (196-F-93) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Orel Lev netted 22. Ram Elias-Pour (208-C-93) poured in 11, whilst Egor Koulechov (194-F-94) added 9 points and 16 rebounds. Chris Ndow produced 9 points in defeat, while Jorgen Gjestemoen (180-G-93), Espen Fjaerestad (189-G-94) and Marko Lepovic (193-F-94) netted 6 apiece.

Israel U18: Or Solomon 26+10 rebs, Orel Lev 22, Ram Elias-Pour 11, Egor Koulechov 9+16 rebs
Norway U18: Chris Ndow 9, Jorgen Gjestemoen 6, Espen Fjaerestad 6, Marko Lepovic 6

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

ITALY

Emporio Armani announce Malik Hairston - by Eurobasket News
Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) has officially joined Emporio Armani. The team announced the deal today. Malik Hairston spent the last season with Montepaschi Siena. He tallied 8.6 points, 3.2 boards and 1.0 assist per game in Euroleague. In Seria A the guard recorded 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per appearance. Malik Hairston was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2008. He was traded to the San Antonio Spurs and spent two seasons with the Texas team.

U18: France outscore Italy in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Italy U18 72:70

France nipped Italy in the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship in Poland. The victory propelled France to 2-1 record, while Italy fell at 1-2 after the defeat. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
France used an 8:1 run midway through the starting quarter as France posted a 21:16 lead. Les Bleus recorded a 23:18 lead at the first intermission. France boosted the margin to 9 points at the start of the second quarter. They stayed in front throughout the frame arriving at halftime up by 7 points 42:35. Gaspardo and Amedeo Della Valle (192-G-93) put Italy in front late in the third quarter 57:56. However Dinal answered with a pair of free throws as Les Bleus entered the fourth term up by one 58:57. Amedeo Della Valle regained the advantage for the Azzurri early in the final quarter but Clement Faroux (186-G-93) and Mouhammadou Jaiteh made it 70:65 for France with three minutes remaining. Amedeo Della Valle cut the deficit at just two points but Mouhammadou Jaiteh answered with a jumper and France hung on to snatch victory at the end. Clement Faroux nailed 10 points, while Boris Dallo (193-G-94) contributed 9 points in the win. Amedeo Della Valle notched 26 points for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) had 22 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 12+10 boards, Clement Faroux 10, Boris Dallo 9
Italy U18: Amedeo Della Valle 26, Amedeo Tessitori 22

Mickey McConnell heads to Italy, Jesi - by Eurobasket News
Mickey McConnell (182-G-89, agency: Priority Sports) is set to start his professional career. The American point guard penned a deal with Aurora Basket Jesi. The team announced this deal today. McConnell is a product of the St.Mary's College of California, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 34 times for his school as a senior averaging 16.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals. McConnell was named All-WCC Player of the Year -11. He participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament collecting 5.3 ppg and 7.7 apg for 3 games. Mickey McConnell helped St Marys to reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010. He had 13.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 5.1 apg that season. In 2009, the school reached NIT Elite Eight.

Bennet Cantu lands Gianluca Basile - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu officially announced signing of Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) until 2013. The veteran guard is back to Italy after six years. Basile left Climamio Bologna in 2005 for Barcelona, where he stayed until this summer. He got injured in November last year and missed the entire 2010/11 season. In 2010, Basile helped Barcelona to win the Euroleague title. He had 4.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for them in 17 games. They were ACB champions in 2009 and this year as well. Basile also won three trophies in Copa del Rey with Barca. As mentioned above, before Barcelona Gianluca Basile was a member of Climamio Bologna. He also played for Reggio Emilia in the past. Basile played for the Italian National Team from 1996 to 2007. He helped them win the Gold at the EuroBasket 1999 and Bronze four years later.

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

LATVIA

U18: Lithuania blast Latvia for fourth straight win - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Latvia U18 86:45

Lithuania reeled past their Baltic neighbours at the start of the Qualifying Round at U18 European Championship. The defending champions clinched a comfortable win to climb at 3-0 record on top of Group F. Latvia on the other hand slipped at 0-3 record. Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) stepped up with 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from Lithuania.
Latvia tipped off the game with four straight points but Lithuania quickly took over. Mantas Mockevicius scored 6 points in the first frame as Lithuania posted a 27:16 lead. Lithuania capped the second term on a 9:0 run to open a 21-point lead at halftime 47:26. Latvia conceded a 0:8 rally midway through the third term to face a massive 26-point deficit. Lithuania never slowed down posting a 66:38 lead with one quarter remaining. The defending champions experienced little opposition in the fourth quarter coasting to the victory at the end. Tomas Lekunas (195-F-93) and Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) notched 10 points each for Lithuania. Klavs Strazdins (191-G/F-93) answered with 8 points for Latvia. Ojars Silins (201-F-93) and Andrejs Grazulis (203-C/F-93) had 6 points each in the loss.

Lithuania U18: Mantas Mockevicius 13, Tomas Lekunas 10, Arturas Gudaitis 10+10 boards
Latvia U18: Klavs Strazdins 8, Ojars Silins 6, Andrejs Grazulis 6

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

LITHUANIA

LUXEMBOURG

MALTA

Maltese U16 National Team 2011 - by Karol

Starting five

Micallef

Cordina

Grech

Attard

Simon Attard

170-PG-97

Nikola Andrejevic

165-G-95

Zane Micallef

170-PG-96

Christopher Cordina

165-G-95

Matthew Borg

195-PG-96

Nicholas Grech

175-F-95

Mathias Attard

175-C-95

Darrel Schembri

190-C-95

Matthew Farrugia

195-C-95

Aaron Falzon

201-F/C-96

Bruno di Pietrantonio

Head Coach

Peter Farrugia

Assistant

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

MEXICO

Mexican University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Israel Nolasco

205-C-89

UACH

CEU

UACH

UTEP

TEC MTY Mntr. Mexico

TEC MTY Mntr. Mexico

CEU

198-G/F-87

CEU

Arturo Prieto

Cal-San Diego USA

Uriel Segura

190-G-88

Texas St.

UPAEP

CEU

UyM Guadalaj. Mexico

Head Coach

Assistant

Assistant

Standings - Lower Leagues

CIBANE Standings

1. Durango M.		14-2
2. Fresnillo M.		13-3
3. UAZ Tuzos		12-6
4. Saltillo Caktus		5-11
5. P.Negras A.		3-13
6. Apodaca G.		3-15

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

NBA

Timberwolves fire coach Kurt Rambis - by Milord Nikolic
The Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday fired coach Kurt Rambis after consecutive 65-loss seasons. Rambis' departure was rumored for some time, although Timberwolves president David Kahn allowed the end of the season and the draft to pass without making a move. Rambis was the first coach hired by Kahn, a former sportswriter who took over Minnesota's basketball operations in 2009. Rambis' only previous head coaching experience was on an interim basis with the Los Angeles Lakers in the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season. He later returned to the Lakers as an assistant under Phil Jackson. In Minnesota, Rambis tried to install the triangle offense with a roster of young players and failed miserably.

Acie Law dinged up at hoops tourney - by Eurobasket News
Golden State Warriors guard Acie Law (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) got dinged up during a local basketball tournament Sunday.

Law collided knees with another player during the 24th annual Dallas Fed X Pro-Am Basketball Classic. The Dallas native out of Kimball High School said he felt soreness in his knee and decided to sit out for his team's final two games Sunday out of precaution.

'I didn't want to keep playing with the situation in the NBA and then have something small like this grow into something big,' Law said.

Law played during the majority of the tournament despite playing in just 51 games last season with the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies because of an injured right wrist. The former Texas A&M star underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in April that shelved him for the season. Though Law wasn't released to play by the Warriors due to the lockout, he said the wrist has progressed through therapy.

'My wrist is fine, it's completely healthy,' Law said. 'I was playing out here and having fun and it's just a situation where I bumped knees. I didn't want it to keep nagging and let it get healthy.'

Law appeared in 51 games last season, averaging 4.2 points and 1.6 assists a game.

Courtesy of ESPN

Brandon Roy still working his way back - by Eurobasket News
Many people have given up on Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) ever returning to his former glory as a star guard in the NBA. No one is happy about it. Brandon is a likeable guy and a player to root for. Hopefully those doubters are proven wrong, and B-Roy is able to ball out like he did before his knees became a real issue.

As for the latest on Roy, heres Jason Quick of The Oregonian:

Brandon Roy said he had mixed results recently after resuming basketball drills. The bad news? He says he doesnt have the same lift on his jumps as he did during his run of three All-Star appearances. The good news is that he has surprised himself with his mobility, and he has been free of pain and swelling. Plus, his knees feel stronger than they did during the season - in part because of the nearly three months since the season ended and in part because the January surgeries are even further in the past.

So where does all this leave him and his expectations for next season, when he will make $15 million?

Again, no headlines. No expectations.

Wait and see, Roy said. Im not going to put a limit on anything. People ask, Are you going to come off the bench? Got to wait and see. When training camp comes, Im going to work, and that way I will put myself in a position to give myself a chance. But I dont want to put myself in a position where Im saying, Im going to come off the bench. Or, Im going to start.

I just want to go out there and play, and that way, Coach can say, Wow, he looks this way. Or ,Wow, maybe not Then we will go from there.

Until theres reason to believe otherwise, Im thinking Roy is best used as a Blazers sixth man, for solid contributions off the bench, with occasional flashes of brilliance here and there.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

NBA owners must pay locked-out players union $37 million licensing fees - by Eurobasket News
National Basketball Association owners must pay the players they locked out $37 million even if the season is canceled.

Team owners owe the players the money under marketing agreements that allow the NBA and its sponsors to use the players likenesses in advertising. It also precludes the union from using its own logo in commerce.

The group license ends after the 2012-13 season and is separate from the labor contract, which expired July 1. NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed that the league is required to make the payments.

Owners locked out players when the previous collective bargaining agreement expired. They and the players cant agree on how to share revenue from a league that generated about $4.3 billion last season. The NBA says its teams lost a collective $300 million last season, a figure disputed by the players.

The payments will help fund the unions lockout war chest, according to National Basketball Players Association spokesman Dan Wasserman.

According to the unions 2010 LM-2 filing with the U.S. Department of Labor, the league made four licensing payments of about $7 million each. The first was in August, followed by others in November, February and May. A separate logo payment of $9 million was made in September, according to the filing.

Union's War Chest
The license money usually is distributed evenly to the leagues 450 players, or about $62,000 each. The player representatives the past two years, however, voted to put the licensing payment into a fund to be used in the event of a lockout, Wasserman said in a telephone interview. In past work stoppages, the player representatives have chosen to put the payments into the war chest.

NBA owners receive broadcast rights-fee payments from their television partners even if games arent played. The money, more than $900 million, would have to be repaid to Walt Disney Co.s ABC and ESPN and Time Warner Inc.s TNT, Commissioner David Stern has said.

The league and teams removed player images from their Web sites when the lockout began. Bass said at the time that NBA officials didnt think it was appropriate to be using the images.

Courtesy of www.bloomberg.com

Smart All-Stars defeat Smart Gilas in Ultimate All-Star Weekend finale - by Eurobasket News
Smart All-Stars - Smart Gilas 98:89

Smart All-Stars comprised of NBA superstars played their second game in Manila. This time they took on the local powerhouse Smart Gilas at the Araneta Coliseum. Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) stole the show scoring 17 points and leading Smart All-Stars to the victory.
Smart Gilas led 6:4 early in the game but Kobe Bryant knocked down 7 points in the opening period to put his teammates on top. Smart All-Stars piled up a 28:16 lead early in the second period. NBA players stayed in charge posting a 55:37 halftime lead. The margin grew at 26-point mark with one quarter remaining 79:53. However Smart Gilas did not surrender and fought hard till the final buzzer. Joseph Evans Casio (177-PG-86) came up with 11 points in the fourth frame as the hosts cut the deficit. Joseph Evans Casio finished with 16 points in defeat. Marcus Eugene Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) contributed 15 points for Smart Gilas. Kevin Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) and Javale McGee (213-F-88, college: Nevada) accounted for 16 points each in the winning effort.

Smart All-Stars: Kobe Bryant 17, Kevin Durant 16, Javale McGee 16
Smart Gilas: Joseph Evans Casio 16, Marcus Eugene Douthit 15, Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) 12

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

NCAA1

Mickey McConnell heads to Italy, Jesi - by Eurobasket News
Mickey McConnell (182-G-89, agency: Priority Sports) is set to start his professional career. The American point guard penned a deal with Aurora Basket Jesi. The team announced this deal today. McConnell is a product of the St.Mary's College of California, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 34 times for his school as a senior averaging 16.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals. McConnell was named All-WCC Player of the Year -11. He participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament collecting 5.3 ppg and 7.7 apg for 3 games. Mickey McConnell helped St Marys to reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010. He had 13.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 5.1 apg that season. In 2009, the school reached NIT Elite Eight.

UNC dealt blow as McDonald tears ACL - by Milord Nikolic
North Carolina, the favorite to win the 2012 NCAA championship, lost a key reserve when guard Leslie McDonald tore the ACL in his right knee in a July 13 summer league game. The rising 6-4 junior has not yet had surgery and it is unclear how long he'll be out, though he could miss the entire season. McDonald ranked second on the Tar Heels with 51 3-pointers while averaging 7.0 points and 2.1 rebounds last season. North Carolina returns all five starters from a team that reached the Elite Eight. Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller and John Henson form the best front line in the nation and are all surefire NBA first-round picks.

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

NIGERIA

Ndudi Ebi receives NBL Player of the Week award in China - by Eurobasket News
27-year old forward Ebi Ndudi (206-F-84, college: Arizona) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ningxia Hanas and receives a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 14.
He had a double-double of 38 points and 11 rebounds, while his team edged out Whampoa (#3, 9-5) 102-98. Ningxia Hanas maintains the 7th position in Chinese NBL. Ningxia Hanas is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-7 record. Ebi has many years of experience at Ningxia Hanas, through which he has constantly improved. University of Arizona graduate has very impressive stats this year. Ebi is league's best scorer averaging so far 30.4ppg. Ebi is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 14.4rpg) and averages solid 3.4bpg and 58.5% FGP.
The Nigerian Forward Ebi Ndudi joined Ningxia Hanas in July and averages 30.4 points per game and 14.4 rebounds.

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

NORWAY

U18: Israel humiliate Norway - by Eurobasket News
Israel U18-Norway U18 105:43

Israel humiliate Norway at the Division B of the European Championship. The winners improved to 2-1 record sending the Norwegian team to 0-3 record after 105:43 win.
Norway surprised the favorites with 4 consecutive points int he start of the game, but it was the last lead for them. Israel responded with 7-0 run and took 7:4. Laish and Blatancic exchanged the baskets for 26:12 at the end of the first frame. In the second period Israel erupted with 27-10 for 53:22 halftime advantage. Orel Lev (192-G-93) scored the first five points in the third period for 58:25, while Schonning scored for 73:33. Chris Ndow (195-F/G-93) closed the third period from the free throw line for 79:34. Israel added 26-9 in the last stanza and reached three digits winning number.
Or Solomon (196-F-93) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Orel Lev netted 22. Ram Elias-Pour (208-C-93) poured in 11, whilst Egor Koulechov (194-F-94) added 9 points and 16 rebounds. Chris Ndow produced 9 points in defeat, while Jorgen Gjestemoen (180-G-93), Espen Fjaerestad (189-G-94) and Marko Lepovic (193-F-94) netted 6 apiece.

Israel U18: Or Solomon 26+10 rebs, Orel Lev 22, Ram Elias-Pour 11, Egor Koulechov 9+16 rebs
Norway U18: Chris Ndow 9, Jorgen Gjestemoen 6, Espen Fjaerestad 6, Marko Lepovic 6

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

PERU

Standings - Superior

Superior Standings

1. Real Club		20-2
2. Regatas		20-2
3. Escuela Fap		17-5
4. El Bosque		13-9
5. Inmaculada		13-9
6. Centro Naval		9-13
7. Ejercito		8-14
8. San Augustin		6-16
9. San Marcos		3-19
10. Universitario		1-21

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

PHILIPPINES

Smart All-Stars defeat Smart Gilas in Ultimate All-Star Weekend finale - by Eurobasket News
Smart All-Stars - Smart Gilas 98:89

Smart All-Stars comprised of NBA superstars played their second game in Manila. This time they took on the local powerhouse Smart Gilas at the Araneta Coliseum. Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) stole the show scoring 17 points and leading Smart All-Stars to the victory.
Smart Gilas led 6:4 early in the game but Kobe Bryant knocked down 7 points in the opening period to put his teammates on top. Smart All-Stars piled up a 28:16 lead early in the second period. NBA players stayed in charge posting a 55:37 halftime lead. The margin grew at 26-point mark with one quarter remaining 79:53. However Smart Gilas did not surrender and fought hard till the final buzzer. Joseph Evans Casio (177-PG-86) came up with 11 points in the fourth frame as the hosts cut the deficit. Joseph Evans Casio finished with 16 points in defeat. Marcus Eugene Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) contributed 15 points for Smart Gilas. Kevin Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) and Javale McGee (213-F-88, college: Nevada) accounted for 16 points each in the winning effort.

Smart All-Stars: Kobe Bryant 17, Kevin Durant 16, Javale McGee 16
Smart Gilas: Joseph Evans Casio 16, Marcus Eugene Douthit 15, Christopher Ryan Lutz (191-G-85, college: Marshall) 12

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

POLAND

PGE Turow extends center Daniel Kickert - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow Zgorzelec announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA). The Australian big guy joined Turow last summer from Gran Canaria. He appeared 25 times in PLK averaging 9.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. Eurobasket awarded Kickert with Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Honorable Mention -11 and Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Bosmans Team -11. He helped Turow reach the PLK Finals and Cup Semis. Daniel Kickert played for Spanish Granca from 2008 to 2010. His first season was better one for Kickert as he had 9.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg. In ACB, Kickert added 4.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Before Granca, he was a member of Breogan and Livorno. Daniel Kickert played for the Australian National Team from 2004 to 2006. He graduated at the St.Mary's College of California five years ago.

U18: Poland speed up in second half, edge Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Turkey U18 62:59

Poland earned the first win at the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship. The hosts came back from 10-point halftime deficit to overcome Turkey. Poland improved at 2-1 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-2 in Group E ladder. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) knocked down 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Turkey capped the opening quarter on a 6:2 run to post a 24:18 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second quarter on an 8:3 run and grabbed a 32:21 advantage. Turkey ensured a 41:31 lead at the interval. But Poland turned on the tempo in the third quarter. The hosts cut the deficit at just four points 48:52 with one quarter remaining. Piotr Niedzwiedzki (209-F-93) erased the deficit 57:57 midway through the fourth stanza. Poland used a 5:0 run to surge ahead 62:59 with just over a minute to. The teams went scoreless in the reminder of the contest as Poland ran away with the victory. Michal Michalak (194-G-93) accounted for 13 points and 13 boards, while Piotr Niedzwiedzki added 12 points for the winners. Berkay Candan (205-F-93) and Samet Geyik (206-F-93) responded with 11 points each for Turkey. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) had 9 points in the loss.

Poland U18: Mateusz Ponitka 14, Michal Michalak 13+13 boards, Piotr Niedzwiedzki 12
Turkey U18: Berkay Candan 11, Samet Geyik 11, Ramazan Tekin 9

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

PORTUGAL

PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	22.2
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	21.5
3. Johnson, Humacao	21.2
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	20.5
5. Ayuso, Arecibo	19.4
6. Villegas, Coamo	19.1
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	11.3
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	10.4
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.0
7. Tucker, Quebradill.	9.4
8. Clemente, Mayaguez	9.1
9. Sweetney, Santurce	9.1
10. Johnson, Humacao	8.5

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Rodriguez, Arecibo	6.3
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Rivera, San German	5.5
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	5.4
5. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
6. Clemente, Humacao	4.4
7. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.2
8. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.2
9. Bruton, Quebradill.	4.1
10. Copeland, San G.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Rodriguez, Arecibo	1.9
2. Hinson, Isabela	1.8
3. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.6
4. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
5. Mojica, Bayamon	1.4
6. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
7. Tucker, Quebradill.	1.3
8. Santiago, Santurce	1.3
9. Chaney, Santurce	1.3
10. Berdiel, Humacao	1.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Penn, Humacao	2.6
2. Sanchez, Santurce	1.9
3. Santiago, Arecibo	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	1.1
9. Freije, Coamo	1.1
10. Shannon, Bayamon	1.0

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

ROMANIA

Romania nip Angola in Guimaraes - by Eurobasket News
Romania - Angola 92:88

Romania wrapped up their Guimaraes international friendly tournament campaign with victory. They narrowly defeated Angola to finish at 1-2 record. Vlad Moldoveanu (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) stepped up with impressive 45 points to lead the effort.
Angola got to a strong start to the game. They posted a 24:16 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. The African side arrived at halftime up by 9 points 41:32. But Romania led by Vlad Moldoveanu turned things around in the third frame. They unloaded 26 points to surge ahead 58:56 with one quarter remaining. Angola found no defensive remedy against Vlad Moldoveanu in the fourth quarter and Romania erupted for 34 points to rally to the victory at the end. Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) contributed 15 points, while Andrei Mandache (190-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 14 points in the win. Joaquim Valdelicio (209-C-90) replied with 22 points for Angola. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) netted 18 points in defeat.

Romania: Vlad Moldoveanu 45, Titus Nicoara 15, Andrei Mandache 14
Angola: Joaquim Valdelicio 22, Carlos Morais 18

Energia Rovinari signs Brandon Fields and Adrian Gutoaia - by Eurobasket News
Energia Rovinari signed deals with Brandon Fields (193-G-88, college: Nevada) and Adrian Gutoaia (195-C-90, agency: Court Side) for the next season.
Brandon Fields heads to Romania from Morocco, where he played for As de Sale. He helped them win the Moroccan championship title and National Cup. Fields also led As de Sale to Silver at the Arab Club Championships. He had 14.2 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.7 apg for six games at this event. Fields graduated at the University of Nevada a year ago. He had 14.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 apg for his school as a senior.
Adrian Gutoaia heads to Energia Rovinari from CSU Asesoft Ploiesti. He had 3.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for them in 35 Romanian league games last season. They reached Playoff Finals. Before Ploiesto, Gutoaia was a member of Steaua Turabo.

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RUSSIA

Yotam Halperin joins Spartak Saint Petersburg - by Eurobasket News
Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) heads to Saint Petersburg. The 27-year-old Israeli guard has agreed on terms of contract with Spartak. The deal is meant for two seasons. Last season Yotam Halperin played for Olympiakos since 2008. Last season the guard posted 4.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in Euroleague. In Greek League his stats read 8.2 points, 1.9 assists, 1.7 boards and 1.1 steals per appearance. Yotam Halperin also had stints with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Union Olimpija. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian Guard of the Year in 2006. Yotam Halperin is the member of Israeli National Team. He averaged 12.6 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 boards and 1.3 steals per game at 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round.

Krasnye Krylya also lands Aleksei Surovtsev - by Eurobasket News
Krasnye Krylya Samara is very active these days. After arrivals of Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia), Artur Urazmanov (186-G-87) and Joe Alexander (203-F-86, college: W.Virginia), the team also penned a deal with Russian player Aleksei Surovtsev (202-G-84). The 27-year-old G/F arrives to Samara from Lokomotiv Kuban, where he spent last two years. He played 33 games in PBL last season registering 4.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals. He also added 5.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.4 apg for 16 games in EuroChallenge. Lokomotiv reached PBL Semifinals and EuroChallenge Finals. Surovtsev participated at the PBL All-Star Game. Before Lokomotiv Kuban, Aleksei Surovtsev spent two years with Ural Great Perm. He was their member from 2007 to 2009. Surovtsev also has experience from Dynamo St Petersbourg and Standart Samara. He is a product of Unics Kazan, where he started as a teenager. Surovtsev mostly played for their second team.

Lokomotiv Kuban add Primoz Brezec - by Eurobasket News
Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) will stay in Russia despite previous reports. The centre who was in talks with Bizkaia Bilbao finally opted to sign a deal with Lokomotiv Kuban. The Slovenian centre had a big season in Russia. He played for Krasnie Krylia Samara. His stats read 20.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in EuroCup. In PBL Primoz Brezec notched 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per appearance. Primoz Brezec made it into Eurobasket.com Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team. Previously Pirmoz Brezec had stints in Italy, NBA and Slovenia. The centre participated at 2010 World Championship. His stats read 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Slovenia in Turkey.

Krasnye Krylya adds Joe Alexander - by Eurobasket News
Krasnye Krylya announced signing of Joe Alexander (203-F-86, college: W.Virginia) for the next season. The Russian outfit penned a one-year deal with their new player. Alexander heads to Samara team from the Frisco Texas Legends. He appeared 49 times in NBA D-League averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3 assists. He started the season with the New Orleans Hornets, but they parted ways before the any official game. In 2009/10 season, Joe Alexander played 7 times with Chicago Bulls, but he averaged less than a point. In 2008/09, Alexander collected 4.8 ppg and 2 rpg for 57 games with Milwaukee Bucks. Joe Alexander is a product of the West Virginia University. He had 16.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg for them as a senior (2007/08). Last season, Alexander participated at the D-League All-Star Game -11.

U18: Spain stay perfect with win over Russia - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Russia U18 94:59

Spain cruised past Russia for the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. Alejandro Redondo (198-F/G-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners as they improved at 3-0 record in Group F. Russia fell at 0-3 record after the defeat.
Spain opened the game with an 8:2 run but 10 points from Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) gave Russia a 14:13 lead midway through the opening quarter. Spain managed to post a narrow 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Spain used a 10:0 run midway through the second term to open a 35:21 lead. Spain established a 43:29 halftime advantage. Spain opened the second half with six points in a row posting a 49:29 advantage. Spain marched confidently throughout the third term to record a 69:43 lead with one quarter remaining. Spain stayed in charge in the fourth stanza and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) nailed 19 points, while Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) contributed 14 points in the victory. Aleksandr Gudumak responded with 22 points for Russia. Andrey Loginov (204-F-93) and Yury Karpenko (185-PG-93) netted 8 points each in the loss.

Spain U18: Alejandro Redondo 21, Jaime Fernandez 19, Jorge Sanz 14
Russia U18: Aleksandr Gudumak 22, Andrey Loginov 8, Yury Karpenko 8

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SEBL

Standings

SEBL Standings

North Div.
1. Marietta O.		6-0
2. Bartow B.		5-1
3. Crusaders		4-1
4. Summ.Hill BD		3-3
5. Cartersville W.		2-3
6. Dalton		1-3
7. BC Howren		0-4
8. BC Skyline		0-6
South Div.
1. Bombers		6-0
2. Black Monop.		4-1
3. Reep 3		4-1
4. Atlanta F.		3-2
5. Tri-County		1-3
6. BC Lakers		1-4
7. Eagle Stars		0-4
8. New Era		0-4

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SERBIA

U18: Serbia prevail against Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Slovenia U18 81:73

Serbia registered the first win at the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship. They held off Slovenian counterparts to improve at 2-1 record in Group E. Djordje Milosevic (198-F/G-93) and Nemanja Dangubic (196-G-93) stepped up with 15 points each to lead the charge. Slovenia fell at 0-3 record after the loss.
Serbia opened the game with eight points in a row but Slovenia found the way to recover. Luka Rupnik (184-PG-93) made it 19:18 for Slovenia at the first break. The lead changed for several times before Serbia went on an 11:2 run posting a 35:28 lead midway through the second quarter. Slovenia got back within two points 38:40 at halftime. The teams traded baskets throughout close third frame. Serbia managed to pull a narrow 60:57 lead into the fourth frame. Djordje Milosevic and Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) boosted the margin to 8 points midway through the fourth stanza 72:64. Soon the margin grew at 11-point mark and Serbia marched to the victory at the end. Luka Mitrovic accounted for 14 points in the winning effort. Luka Rupnik answered with 22 points for Slovenia. Ziga Dimec (208-C/F-93) top-scored with 26 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Serbia U18: Djordje Milosevic 15, Nemanja Dangubic 15, Luka Mitrovic 14
Slovenia U18: Ziga Dimec 26, Luka Rupnik 22

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SLOVENIA

SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U17

Brazil wins Gold in Cucuta - by Eurobasket News
Brazil is the winner of U17 South American Championship in Cucuta. They blasted Argentina 74-48 in the Finals to take the Gold at this event. It was eight straight win for Brazil, who ended Preliminary Round with perfect 7-0 record. Brazil was better team during the entire game. They had 28-21 lead at the halftime and later jumped to plus 16 in Q3. Brazil dominated under the basket as many of their points came from the paint. Brazil also outrebounded Argentina in this meeting. Brazil had no troubles to keep their lead and to close this game for the final 74-48 victory. Silver medal belongs to Argentina. Both teams booked a spot for U18 FIBA Americas Championship 2012.
The host of this event ended as No.3 and won the Bronze medal. Colombia handed 51-43 loss to Uruguay in the last day of the competition. Thanks to this win, Colombia booked a ticket for the U18 FIBA Americas Championship 2012. On the other side, Uruguay stays without the medal. Colombia had great second half to take this victory.
In the game for fifth place Chile was better than Venezuela, while Paraguay outplayed Ecuador to avoid the last place at this event.

Final ranking
1 BRAZIL
2 ARGENTINA
3 COLOMBIA
4 URUGUAY
5 CHILE
6 VENEZUELA
7 PARAGUAY
8 ECUADOR

Day One
Jul. 16: Brazil 69-40 Paraguay
Jul. 16: Chile 51-67 Argentina
Jul. 16: Uruguay 67-64 Venezuela
Jul. 16: Colombia 74-52 Ecuador

Day Two
Jul. 17: Ecuador 49-63 Argentina
Jul. 17: Paraguay 53-68 Venezuela
Jul. 17: Brazil 74-44 Chile
Jul. 17: Colombia 43-41 Uruguay

Day Three
Jul. 18: Ecuador 65-47 Paraguay
Jul. 18: Brazil 100-47 Venezuela
Jul. 18: Argentina 38-60 Uruguay
Jul. 18: Colombia 66-61 Chile

Day Four
Jul. 19: Venezuela 48-56 Chile
Jul. 19: Paraguay 33-84 Argentina
Jul. 19: Uruguay 48-54 Brazil
Jul. 19: Colombia 78-70 Venezuela

Day Five
Jul. 20: Ecuador 60-47 Uruguay
Jul. 20: Chile 66-52 Paraguay
Jul. 20: Argentina 93-57 Venezuela
Jul. 20: Colombia 53-63 Brazil

Day Six
Jul. 21: Venezuela 59-53 Ecuador
Jul. 21: Chile 71-60 Uruguay
Jul. 21: Brazil 56-51 Argentina
Jul. 21: Colombia 59-48 Paraguay

Day Seven
Jul. 22: Uruguay 90-61 Paraguay
Jul. 22: Ecuador 39-57 Brazil
Jul. 22: Venezuela 69-64 Chile
Jul. 22: Colombia 53-60 Argentina

Final Day
Jul. 24: Brazil 74-48 Argentina
Jul. 24: Colombia 51-43 Uruguay

Standings (Men)

Standings

1. Brazil		7-0
2. Argentina		5-2
3. Colombia		5-2
4. Uruguay		3-4
5. Venezuela		3-4
6. Chile		3-4
7. Ecuador		2-5
8. Paraguay		0-7

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SPAIN

Caceres keeps Jose Angel Antelo - by Eurobasket News
Jose Angel Antelo (203-F/C-87) will stay with Caceres for at least one more season. The Spanish team announced signing of contract extension today. Antelo joined the club last summer from Leon. He played 36 games for Caceres in LEB Gold registering 10.9 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Angelo started 2009/10 season with Fuenlabrada. He averaged 3.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14 ACB league games, but they parted ways in February. Later Antelo added 10.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Leon in 14 LEB Gold games. In the past, he was a member of Tenerife, LHospitalitet, Bilbao and Zaragoza. Jose Angel Antelo also has experience from Real Madrid. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Spain from 2003 to 2006.

Palencia land Jeffrey Xavier - by Eurobasket News
Palencia strengthened their backcourt. They inked a deal with Jeffrey Xavier (185-G-85, college: Providence). The 25-year-old guard spent the last season with Caceres 2016. He tallied 9.7 points, 2.6 boards, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per game in LEB Gold. Previously Jeffrey Xavier played for Breogan Lugo. Jeffrey Xavier is the member of Cape Verdean National Team. The guard posted 27.2 points, 4.0 boards, 3.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game at 2009 African Championship in Libya.

Huesca land Miguel Angel Montanana - by JC Ruiz

Miguel Montanana (206-F/C-80) is coming back to CB Lobe Huesca. The 31-years-old center has agreed on terms of contract with Lobe CB Lobe Huesca. Miguel Montanana started the previous season in Melilla Baloncesto baloncesto. He averaged 7,7 points and 5,3 rebounds per game in Leb Gold.
Miguel Montanana had played for Power Electronics Valencia, Drac Inca, AB Castellon, Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto, CB Lobe Huesca, and Beirasar Rosalia before joining Melilla Baloncesto in 2010 from Menorca Basquet.

U18: Spain stay perfect with win over Russia - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Russia U18 94:59

Spain cruised past Russia for the fourth straight win at the U18 European Championship. Alejandro Redondo (198-F/G-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners as they improved at 3-0 record in Group F. Russia fell at 0-3 record after the defeat.
Spain opened the game with an 8:2 run but 10 points from Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) gave Russia a 14:13 lead midway through the opening quarter. Spain managed to post a narrow 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Spain used a 10:0 run midway through the second term to open a 35:21 lead. Spain established a 43:29 halftime advantage. Spain opened the second half with six points in a row posting a 49:29 advantage. Spain marched confidently throughout the third term to record a 69:43 lead with one quarter remaining. Spain stayed in charge in the fourth stanza and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) nailed 19 points, while Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) contributed 14 points in the victory. Aleksandr Gudumak responded with 22 points for Russia. Andrey Loginov (204-F-93) and Yury Karpenko (185-PG-93) netted 8 points each in the loss.

Spain U18: Alejandro Redondo 21, Jaime Fernandez 19, Jorge Sanz 14
Russia U18: Aleksandr Gudumak 22, Andrey Loginov 8, Yury Karpenko 8

Valladolid keeps Stephane Dumas until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid announced signing of two-year contract extension with Stephane Dumas (190-G-78). It means that the Spanish point guard will stay with the club until the end of 2012/13 season. He joined Valladolid in 2008 from Alicante Costablanca. Last season Dumas appeared 33 times in ACB averaging 6.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists. It seems that was enough to secure an extension. Dumas had 8.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 4.1 apg for the club in 2009/10. Stephane Dumas helped Valladolid to reach the promotion from LEB Gold to ACB in 2009. They were LEB Gold champions that season and Dumas was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 3rd Team. In the past, he played for Alicante, Leon, Air Avelino, Girona and Joventut. Dumas played for Valladolid for the first time seven years ago. He also has experience from French Limoges.

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SWEDEN

Uppsala signs Stefan Grundberg - by Eurobasket News
Stefan Grundberg (198-G/F-82, college: Geneva) is back to Sweden after three years. He penned a one-season deal with Uppsala. The Swedish G/F spent 2010/11 with the Greek team AGO Rethymno Aefean. He played 28 games for them in A2 league averaging 6.2 points, 3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Grundberg helped Rethymno to end as No.2 in the league. Before Rethymno, Grundberg spent one year with Near East. They also competed in A2 and Stefan Grundberg had 8 ppg, plus 5.8 rpg for 28 games. He has experience also from ICBS. From 2005 to 2008, Grundberg played for the the Norrkoping Dolphins. He was Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Rookie of the Year -06. That year and also in 2010, Stefan Grundberg played for the Swedish National Team. He had 3 ppg and 4 rpg for two games in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011.

U18: Switzerland succumb to Sweden in Varna - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U18-Sweden U18 58:68

Switzerland succumb to Sweden in Varna at the Division B of the European Championship. The Scandinavian side celebrated 68:58 for 3-1 record. The Swiss side meanwhile suffered their third straight loss and remains on the bottom of the standings in Group D.
William Magarity (207-F-93) scored the first points for the winners, but Vincent Gaillard (200-F-93) nailed three for 3:2 Swiss lead. Later in the first quarter the Swiss side remained scoreless and could not score for about 8 minutes. Sweden erupted with 23-0 run to take 25:3 lead in the start of the second frame. Kagny broke the silence for Switzerland and the latter actually started to play better. Clint N'Dumba-Capela (202-F-94) reduced to 33:20, while Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) sent the teams to the lockers at 41:20. In the third quarter the Swiss side stepped closer after 10-9 for 50:30. After 28-18 in the last stanza the board showed 10-point Swedish victory. Jonathan Person (190-PG-93, agency: JEMsports) closed the game from the free throw line.
Tobias Borg stepped up with 18 points for the victory and Jonathan Person notched 13. Clint N'Dumba-Capela collected 16 points and 21 rebounds in the losing effort, while Marko Mladjan (204-F-93) posted 14.

Switzerland U18: Clint N'Dumba-Capela 16+21 rebs, Marko Mladjan 14, Vincent Gaillard 13
Sweden U18: Tobias Borg 18, Jonathan Person 13, William Magarity 11

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SWITZERLAND

U18: Switzerland succumb to Sweden in Varna - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U18-Sweden U18 58:68

Switzerland succumb to Sweden in Varna at the Division B of the European Championship. The Scandinavian side celebrated 68:58 for 3-1 record. The Swiss side meanwhile suffered their third straight loss and remains on the bottom of the standings in Group D.
William Magarity (207-F-93) scored the first points for the winners, but Vincent Gaillard (200-F-93) nailed three for 3:2 Swiss lead. Later in the first quarter the Swiss side remained scoreless and could not score for about 8 minutes. Sweden erupted with 23-0 run to take 25:3 lead in the start of the second frame. Kagny broke the silence for Switzerland and the latter actually started to play better. Clint N'Dumba-Capela (202-F-94) reduced to 33:20, while Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) sent the teams to the lockers at 41:20. In the third quarter the Swiss side stepped closer after 10-9 for 50:30. After 28-18 in the last stanza the board showed 10-point Swedish victory. Jonathan Person (190-PG-93, agency: JEMsports) closed the game from the free throw line.
Tobias Borg stepped up with 18 points for the victory and Jonathan Person notched 13. Clint N'Dumba-Capela collected 16 points and 21 rebounds in the losing effort, while Marko Mladjan (204-F-93) posted 14.

Switzerland U18: Clint N'Dumba-Capela 16+21 rebs, Marko Mladjan 14, Vincent Gaillard 13
Sweden U18: Tobias Borg 18, Jonathan Person 13, William Magarity 11

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TURKEY

Fenerbahce Ulker will be really motivated in the upcoming Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, as the 2012 Final Four is set to take place in Istanbul, its home city. - by Pervin Elgin
Fenerbahce Ulker will be really motivated in the upcoming Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, as the 2012 Final Four is set to take place in Istanbul, its home city. Fener will try to live up to the expectations and already signed some marquee players such as athletic forward James Gist, 2010-11 regular season scoring runner-up Bojan Bogdanovic and playmaker Curtis Jerrels. Head coach Neven Spahija stays as the team boss and Fener has talent everywhere with stars like Roko Ukic, Emir Preldzic, Mirsad Turkcan or Marko Tomas. Fener has just one very ambitious initial goal - reaching the Final Four.

Source: Euroleague.net

U18: Poland speed up in second half, edge Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Turkey U18 62:59

Poland earned the first win at the Qualifying Round of U18 European Championship. The hosts came back from 10-point halftime deficit to overcome Turkey. Poland improved at 2-1 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-2 in Group E ladder. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) knocked down 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Turkey capped the opening quarter on a 6:2 run to post a 24:18 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second quarter on an 8:3 run and grabbed a 32:21 advantage. Turkey ensured a 41:31 lead at the interval. But Poland turned on the tempo in the third quarter. The hosts cut the deficit at just four points 48:52 with one quarter remaining. Piotr Niedzwiedzki (209-F-93) erased the deficit 57:57 midway through the fourth stanza. Poland used a 5:0 run to surge ahead 62:59 with just over a minute to. The teams went scoreless in the reminder of the contest as Poland ran away with the victory. Michal Michalak (194-G-93) accounted for 13 points and 13 boards, while Piotr Niedzwiedzki added 12 points for the winners. Berkay Candan (205-F-93) and Samet Geyik (206-F-93) responded with 11 points each for Turkey. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) had 9 points in the loss.

Poland U18: Mateusz Ponitka 14, Michal Michalak 13+13 boards, Piotr Niedzwiedzki 12
Turkey U18: Berkay Candan 11, Samet Geyik 11, Ramazan Tekin 9

KZell Wesson and Ozcan Cevat move to Erdemir - by Eurobasket News
Erdemir have ensured the services of KZell Wesson (201-F/C-77, college: La Salle) and Cevat Ozcan (188-G-89).
KZell Wesson signed a two-year deal with the team. The 34-year-old centre started the previous season in Turk Telekom. He tallied 12.2 points, 9.2 boards and 1.4 assists per TBL appearance. In EuroChallenge KZell Wesson posted 9.2 points, 6.7 boards and 1.2 assists. In May the centre moved to Iran to join Petrochimi. Previously KZell Wesson had spells in Turkey, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Venezuela, USBL, IBL. Eurobasket.com named KZell Wesson All-Italian Seria A Centre of the Year in 2004. He was also trumped All-French ProA Centre of the Year in 2003 and 2005. The centre was named into Greek League All-Imports Team in 2008.
Ozcan Cepat started the previous season in Oyak Renault. The guard posted 1.8 points and 1.2 assists per game. In Februaru Ozcan Cepat moved to Hacettepe University. His stats read 3.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in TB2L.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

UKRAINE

BC Donetsk add three players - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk signed short-term deals with three players. They landed Andrei Korochkin (194-G-82), Vadim Reka (206-F/C-83) and Ilya Shemosyuk (188-G-85). All the deals are meant for one season with the option of extending for one season.
Ilya Shemosyuk started the previous season in Kryvbasbasket. He tallied 2.5 points, 1.5 assists and 1.4 boards per game in Superleague. The guard joined Politekhnika-Halychyna later in the season. His stats read 2.7 points and 1.0 assist per game for Lviv outfit.
Vadim Reka spent the last season in Belarus. The 28-year-old centre played for Sozh Gomel. He averaged 15.3 points, 9.6 boards, 2.7 assists per game in Belarusian Premier League. Vadim Reka participated at Premier League All-Star Game. The centre was named into Belarusian League All-Imports Team. He played for Politekhnika-Halychyna, Yambol, MBC Odessa and Khimik-2 Yuzny before moving to Belarus.
Andrei Korochkin was the member of MBC Mykolaiv squad past season. The guard posted 7.2 points, 1.4 boards and 1.3 assists per game. He got seriously injured after 15 games played and missed the reminder of the season.

Kyrylo Fesenko is close to Dnipro - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro is negotiating contract with Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86). The deal may be announced soon. The 24-year-old centre has played for the Utah Jazz since 2007. Last season the centre tallied 2.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Kyrylo Fesenko became free agent after the end of the NBA season. The centre has now joined Ukrainian National Team training camp in Klaipeda. He posted 7.5 points, 4.7 boards and 1.3 blocks per game in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round.

U18: Greece drub Ukraine for first win in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Ukraine U18 93:67

Greece celebrated the first win at the U18 European Championship. They shot down Ukraine in the relegation round opener. Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) stepped up with 31 points, 6 assists and 5 boards to pace the Hellenes.
The teams traded lead throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 21:21 after ten minutes. Greece opened the second period with 10:0 run to clear off. Greece rallied to a 46:33 halftime advantage. Shundel and Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) managed to pull Ukraine within 6 points late in the third quarter. But the Hellenes were able to post a 60:51 lead heading into the fourth stanza. Greece opened the final stanza on an 8:1 run and never looked back en route to the victory. Apollon Deligeorgis (191-PG-93) accounted for 20 points, 11 boards and 7 assists for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) netted 11 points in the victory. Vladimir Gerun answered with 23 points and 7 rebounds for Ukraine. Danylo Zuikov (185-PG-94) netted 12 points in defeat.

Greece U20: Giannoulis Larentzakis 31, Apollon Deligeorgis 20, Dimitrios Agravanis 11
Ukraine U20: Vladimir Gerun 23, Danylo Zuikov 12

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URUGUAY

VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Kyrylo Fesenko is close to Dnipro - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro is negotiating contract with Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86). The deal may be announced soon. The 24-year-old centre has played for the Utah Jazz since 2007. Last season the centre tallied 2.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Kyrylo Fesenko became free agent after the end of the NBA season. The centre has now joined Ukrainian National Team training camp in Klaipeda. He posted 7.5 points, 4.7 boards and 1.3 blocks per game in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round.

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Women News

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ARGENTINA - Women

U19 USA wins Group B with perfect 3-0 - by Eurobasket News
ARGENTINA - USA 49-83

As expected, USA had no troubles to beat Argentina 83-49 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. USA ended this phase with perfect 3-0 record and of course won the Group B. They will move to Qualifying Group E now. On the other side, Argentina ended as the last ranked team of Group B with 0-3 score and will continue in Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Breanna Stewart (191-F-94) stepped up for the US with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Diamond Deshields (186-G/F-95) had 11 points and 5 boards, while Bria Hartley (178-G-92) added 9 pts. In the loosing squad, Rocio Diaz (170-G-93) was the leading scorer with 14 points. Melisa Gretter (167-PG-93) had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Quarters: 11-26, 11-20, 11-21, 16-16. In the next game, USA will meet China. Argentina will play against Egypt.

Argentina: Rocio Diaz 14, Melisa Gretter 9+5 boards+6 as
USA: Breanna Stewart 12+7 boards, Diamond Deshields 11+5 boards, Bria Hartley 9

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AUSTRALIA - Women

China open Tour of Australia with defeat - by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 73:67

Chinese National Team tipped off their five-game Tour of Australia. They are scheduled to play three games with Australian NT among those. The first game took place in Logan. The Opals turned winners as Rachael Flanagan (170-G-82) stepped up with 14 points.
China led for the bigger part of the opening period but the hosts used a 9:0 run to surge ahead. The Opals posted a 21:15 lead after ten minutes. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by four points 37:33. Song Gao, Zhengyu Ma triggered a 7:2 run from China midway through the third term as the visitors grabbed a 44:41 lead. China hung on to take a 52:51 advantage into the fourth stanza. They stretched the margin to four points 56:52 but the Opals bounced back. The teams were tied at 67 with just over a minute remaining. But Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) and Rachael Flanagan followed with five free throws to put the Opals up for good. Suzy Batkovic-Brown came up with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Hanna Zavecz (182-F/G-85) delivered 9 points in the win. Ma ZhengYu (183-F-83) answered with 15 points for China. Ji Yanyan (182-G/F-85) finished with 13 points in defeat. China will next face the Logan Thunder.

Australia: Rachael Flanagan 14, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 12, Hanna Zavecz 9
China: Ma ZhengYu 15, Ji Yanyan 13

U19 Australia wins Group C in Chile - by Eurobasket News
AUSTRALIA - FRANCE 67-45

Australia celebrated 67-45 win against France in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. Thanks to this victory, Australia won the Group C with perfect 3-0 record. France dropped to second place with 2-1 and both teams advanced to the next stage. They will be transferred to Group F. Rebecca Cole (177-PG-92) shined for the winners with 18 points and 9 assists. Tayla Roberts (191-F/C-93) had 11 points and 9 boards, while Sara Blicavs (188-F-93) added 10 pts, plus 5 boards. In France, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) delivered 13 points and was their top-scorer. Sabrine Bouzenna (169-PG-93) (5 rebs) and Adja Konteh (178-F-92) had 7 points each. Quarters: 17-10, 20-11, 19-15, 11-9. In the next game, Australia will play against Taiwan. France will meet Spain.

Australia: Rebecca Cole 18+9 as, Tayla Roberts 11+9 boards, Sara Blicavs 10+5 boards
France: Valeriane Ayayi 13, Sabrine Bouzenna 17+5 boards, Adja Konteh 7

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BRAZIL - Women

U19 Brazil wins Group D in Chile - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - TAIWAN 88-50

Brazil won the Preliminary Group D of U19 World Championship in Chile. They were too strong for Taiwan 88-50 ending this phase with perfect 3-0 record. Taiwan dropped to third place (1-2), but they also advanced to the next stage. Both teams will be transferred to Qualifying Group F now. Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Thamara Silva (187-C-94) had 13 points and 9 boards, while Tassia Carcavalli (178-F-92) added 12 pts and 5 rebs. In defeat, Wei Yu-Chun (176-G-92) collected 12 points and Chang Chi-Fang (174-G-93) had one less. They were the only two players with double-digits in scoring for Taiwan. Quarters: 18-9, 27-6, 17-19, 26-16. In the next game, Brazil will meet Chile. Taiwan will play against Australia.

Brazil: Damiris Dantas 15+9 boards, Thamara Silva 13+9 boards, Tassia Carcavalli 12+5 boards
Taiwan: Wei Yu-Chun 12, Chang Chi-Fang 11

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CANADA - Women

U19 Canada wins Group A in Chile - by Eurobasket News
ITALY - CANADA 51-75

Canada finished first phase in Chile with perfect 3-0 record. They handed 75-51 loss to Italy in Day Three wining the Preliminary Group A. Italy dropped to second place with 2-1 and both teams advanced to the next stage. They will be transferred to Qualifying Group E. Nirra Fields (178-PG-93) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Michelle Plouffe (193-C-92) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Wumi Agunbiade (188-F-92) added 9 points and 9 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Francesca Dotto (189-C-93) top-scored with 9 points. Marta Masoni (184-F-93) stopped to 7 pts. Quarters: 10-19, 15-18, 12-12, 14-26. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, Canada will meet Russia. Italy will play against Japan.

Italy: Francesca Dotto 9, Marta Masoni 7
Canada: Nirra Fields 19+7 boards, Michelle Plouffe 17+8 boards, Wumi Agunbiade 9+9 boards

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CHINA - Women

China destroys Egypt 93-67 in do-or-die game - by Eurobasket News
CHINA - EGYPT 93-67

China made it in do-or-die game against Egypt. Actually, they destroyed Egypt 93-67 in the battle for third place of Group A. China improved to 1-2 and booked a spot for the next stage. Egypt ended Preliminary Round winless and will be transferred to Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Yang Xi (184-G-94) shined for China with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Zuo Jiayi (178-PG-92) and Liang Jiamei (183-F-92) helped with 11 points each. On the other side, Egypt got 14 points and 9 boards from Hala Elshaarawy (181-F-93). Their second scorer was Reem Osama (170-PG-93) with 13 points. Quarters: 28-14, 20-7, 23-24, 22-22. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, China will meet USA. Egypt will play against Argentina in the next game.

China: Yang Xi 19+8 boards, Zuo Jiayi 11, Liang Jiamei 11
Egypt: Hala Elshaarawy 14+9 boards, Reem Osama 13

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EGYPT - Women

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FRANCE - Women

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GERMANY - Women

Mara Conley moves to Wasserburg - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi
TSV Wasserburg was succesfull on the german market and added center Mara Conley (188-C-83, college: Montana St.) to their roster. She is coming from Herner TC and close the gap that Katharina Khn leaves after their careers end.

The 1.89-meter Centerin stood to Herne on average 24 minutes on the field, it was 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds grabbed. The 27-year-old studied in the USA at Montana State University made her bachelor's degree in management and marketing.

From the U.S. she moved to the Bundesliga, first to the Leipzig Eagles, then to Herner TC. After two years with clubs that tried to first stay in the league and get close to the play-offs it's the next step for ambitious Mara Conley.

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ITALY - Women

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JAPAN - Women

U19 Japan blasts U19 Russia 90-64 for second place in Group B - by Eurobasket News
JAPAN - RUSSIA 90-64

Japan blasted Russia 90-64 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. Thanks to this win Japan ended as No.2 of Group B with 2-1 record. Russia dropped to third place with 1-2 score. Both teams advanced to the next stage and they will be transferred to Group E. Aoi Katsura (170-PG-92) exploded with 22 points for the winners. Shiori Takada (170-G-92) also was great as she added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Sanae Motokawa (175-F-92) helped with 16 pts and 9 rebs. In defeat, Ksenia Tikhonenko (174-G-93, agency: RIZO) collected 15 points and 8 rebounds. Their second scorer was Kseniya Andreeva (185-F-92) with 11 points. Quarters: 24-19, 16-16, 29-23, 21-6. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, Japan will meet Italy. Russia will take on unbeaten Canada.

Japan: Aoi Katsura 22, Shiori Takada 19+7 boards, Sanae Motokawa 16+9 boards
Russia: Ksenia Tikhonenko 15+8 boards, Kseniya Andreeva 11

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NCAA1 - Women

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RUSSIA - Women

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SLOVENIA - Women

U19 Spain keeps U19 Slovenia winless in Chile, 75-58 - by Eurobasket News
SLOVENIA - SPAIN 58-75

Spain booked a spot for the Qualifying Round in Chile. They handed 75-58 loss to Slovenia ending as No.2 of Group D with 2-1 record. Spain will be transferred to Group F now. On the other side, Slovenia (0-3) will move to Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) was the leading player in Spain once again as she collected 20 points and 6 rebounds. Marina Delgado (171-PG-92) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Astou Ndour (193-C-94) added 14 pts and 8 boards. In Slovenia, Tjasa Gortnar (187-C-92) collected 21 points and 9 rebounds. Eva Rupnik (177-F-92) was their second scorer with just 9 points. Quarters: 19-22, 12-16, 17-21, 10-16. In the next fame, Spain will meet France.

Slovenia: Tjasa Gortnar 21+9 boards, Eva Rupnik 9
Spain: Queralt Casas 20+6 boards, Marina Delgado 15+7 boards, Astou Ndour 14+8 boards

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SPAIN - Women

Essence Carson,new player of Rivas,shines in All Star Game of WNBA - by Ivan Villar
Rivas Ecopolis Futura has signed a great player as Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers).The shooting guard is doing her best season in WNBA by the hand of New York Liberties. Carson is averaging 13,4 points per game so she has been chosen for East team in the All-Star Game which will be played in Houston. She is going to play besides ex-player of Rivas Ecopolis as Becky Hammon. Carson too is close to be elected as best 6th player of WNBA. Spanish fans are specially nervous to watch her in Liga Femenina next season.

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TAIWAN - Women

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WNBA - Women

Sun sign Breland - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun signed 6-foot-3 rookie forward Jessica Breland (6'3''-F-88, college: N.Carolina) Sunday to a seven-day contract.

As per team policy, no terms were released.

Breland was drafted 14th overall (second round) by Minnesota this past April. She was later traded to New York in exchange for Angel Robinson and 2012 second round pick.

Breland had 18 points and 14 rebounds in nine games for New York before she was released earlier this month. She averaged 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds as a senior at North Carolina.

'She's a young post player that we liked in the draft,' Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. 'She's intriguging to me because she's athletic and skilled, and she's kind of a project for the future. We don't need her to be great right now. We need her to practice hard, cheer hard and work hard at getting better.'

Courtesy of www.theday.com

WNBA honors Top 15 players in league history - by Eurobasket News
In celebration of the WNBA's 15th season, the league officially unveiled and honored its Top 15 Players of All Time during a special halftime ceremony aired live on ABC at today's 2011 WNBA All-Star Game presented by adidas in San Antonio.

'The 15 athletes honored today represent an extraordinarily accomplished group and the very best in women's professional basketball from around the world,' said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie. 'In just the few months I've been with the WNBA, I have had an opportunity to meet each of the current players on this list as well as some of the legends who paved the way. I have found that they are not only tremendous athletes who have reached extraordinary heights on the court, but also terrific women who give unselfishly of their time in the community. I am proud to be associated with these outstanding women; and I am so pleased for them that the fans, media members, and the current generation of players and coaches, have chosen to recognize and honor them.'

A panel comprising media members and basketball experts selected the 30-nominee ballot, giving consideration to such factors as oncourt performance and ability, leadership, sportsmanship, and community service, as well as to contributions to team success and the overall growth of women's basketball.

Voting for the league's Top 15 Players of All Time began on June 23 and was conducted among fans, who voted on WNBA.com, by select national and WNBA-market media, and by current players and coaches. The league weighted each of three voting groups to account for an equal percentage of the total vote.

'This list of 15 players is composed of exciting - and dominating - players from start to finish and highlighted by players of all kinds - scorers, playmakers, ballhandlers, rebounders, defensive wizards, leaders, and players who have brought out the best in their teammates,' added WNBA Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations Renee Brown, who has been an executive with the WNBA since its inception. 'I cannot think of 15 more deserving women to represent the more than 700 players who have taken the court wearing the WNBA logo on their uniform during our 15-year history.'

The WNBA's Top 15 Players of all time:

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

Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) Seattle Storm (2002-Current)

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) Indiana Fever (2002-Current)

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

Yolanda Griffith (6'4''-C/F-70, college: Florida Atlantic)* Indiana Fever (2009) Sacramento Monarchs (1999-2007),

Seattle Storm (2008)

Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) San Antonio Silver Stars (07-Current) New York Liberty (1999-2006)

Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) Seattle Storm (2001-Current)

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

Ticha Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) Los Angeles Sparks (2010-Current) Sacramento Monarchs (1998-2009)

Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) New York Liberty (2010-Current) Phoenix Mercury (2006-2009)

Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) Seattle Storm (Current) Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005), Detroit Shock (2005-2009), Washington Mystics (2010)

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

Sheryl Swoopes (6'0''-F/G-71, college: Texas Tech) Tulsa Shock (Current) Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2002-

2007), Seattle Storm (2008)

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) Phoenix Mercury (2004-Current)

Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, college: USC) Los Angeles Sparks (2009-Current) Houston Comets (1997-2008)

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

*Retired

'I'm absolutely flattered, though I think it's really important to recognize some of the players who helped create a foundation for our game even before the WNBA - people like Cheryl Miller, Nancy Lieberman, Ann Meyers,' said Tamika Catchings, All-Star forward for the Indiana Fever. 'They put our league on the map. I'm honored to be included in the same sentence as them.'

'I don't know where to begin. To be voted as one of the Top 15 Players of All Time leaves me speechless. I have an overwhelming feeling of joy and appreciation,' added WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon. 'It tells me my hard work didn't go unnoticed, and to be voted in by the fans makes it even more special to me. The fans are the people I played before each and every night. All I can say is thank you!'

Top 15 Players Facts & Figures:

14 have earned Olympic medals (Jackson, three silver medals with Australia in 2000, 2004 and 2008; Hammon, a bronze medal with Russia in 2008; Weatherspoon, a gold medal in 1988 and a bronze medal with the U.S. in 1992, the rest gold medals for the U.S.)

11 have played on a WNBA championship team (Cooper, Swoopes, and Thompson with Houston in 1997-2000, Leslie with Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002, Bird and Jackson with Seattle in 2004 and 2010, Griffith and Penicheiro with Sacramento in 2005, Pondexter and Taurasi with Phoenix in 2007 and 2009, Smith with Detroit in 2006 and 2008)

10 members of the All-Decade Team selected in 2006 (the league's 10th season) are members of the Top 15 Players of All Time

Nine won gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team in 2004 (Bird, Catchings, Griffith, Leslie, Smith, Staley, Swoopes, Taurasi, and Thompson)

Seven won gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 (Bird, Catchings, Leslie, Pondexter, Smith, Taurasi, and Thompson,)

Six have won a total of 13 of 14 regular-season WNBA MVP awards (Cooper in 1997 and 1998; Griffith in 1999; Jackson in 2003, 2007, and 2010; Leslie in 2001, 2004, and 2006; Swoopes in 2000, 2002, and 2005; Taurasi in 2009)

Six have won a total of 13 of 14 regular-season WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (Catchings in 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010; Griffith in 1999; Jackson in 2007; Leslie in 2004 and 2008; Swoopes in 2000, 2002, and 2003; Weatherspoon in 1997 and 1998)

Four have won both WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season (Griffith in 1999; Jackson in 2007; Leslie in 2004; Swoopes in 2000 and 2002)

Four are former No. 1 overall WNBA Draft picks (Bird in 2002, Jackson in 2001, Taurasi in 2004, and Thompson in 1997)

Four have won a WNBA championship, an NCAA title, and a gold medal (Bird, Cooper, Swoopes, and Taurasi)

Three were on the five-player Honorable Mention list for the All-Decade Team selected in 2006 (Penicheiro, Taurasi, and Weatherspoon)

Three are currently head basketball coaches of women's collegiate programs (Cooper at UNC Wilmington, Staley at South Carolina, Weatherspoon at Louisiana Tech)

Three are former members of the American Basketball League (Griffith, Smith, and Staley)

Three played collegiate ball at Southern California (Cooper, Leslie, and Thompson)

Two are current members of the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm (Bird, Jackson and Smith)

Two are original members of the WNBA, and still active as players in the league (Swoopes and Thompson)

Two won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors (Catchings in 2002 and Taurasi in 2004)

Two played collegiate ball at Connecticut (Bird and Taurasi)

One is the only player to win championships in both the ABL and WNBA (Smith with the Columbus Quest of the ABL in 1997 and 1998, and Detroit Shock in 2006).

One is the daughter of a former NBA player (Catchings - father Harvey)

One was the first player ever to sign with the WNBA (Swoopes, Oct. 23, 1996)

One was the first collegian ever drafted in the WNBA (Thompson, April 28, 1997).

Colleges represented by the Top 15 players: Colorado State (Hammon), Connecticut (Bird and Taurasi), Florida Atlantic (Griffith), Louisiana Tech (Weatherspoon), Ohio State (Smith), Old Dominion (Penicheiro), Rutgers (Pondexter), Southern California (Cooper, Leslie, and Thompson), Tennessee (Catchings), Texas Tech (Swoopes), and Virginia (Staley)

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19 - Women

Standings (Women)

Standings

Group E
1. Canada		0-0
2. China		0-0
3. Italy		0-0
4. Japan		0-0
5. Russia		0-0
6. USA		0-0
Group F
1. Australia		0-0
2. Brazil		0-0
3. Chile		0-0
4. Spain		0-0
5. France		0-0
6. Taiwan		0-0
Group Places 13-16
1. Argentina		0-0
2. Egypt		0-0
3. Nigeria		0-0
4. Slovenia		0-0

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tjasa GORTNAR
(187-C-92)
Avg: 20.3

1. Gortnar, SLO	20.3
2. Fields, CAN	20.0
3. Dantas, BRA	18.3
4. Motokawa, JPN	18.0
5. Casas, ESP	18.0
6. Watanabe, JPN	18.0
7. Amer, EGY	16.0
8. Roberts, AUS	15.5
9. Ayayi, FRA	14.0
10. Andreeva, RUS	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Damiris DANTAS
(192-C-92)
Avg: 10.3

1. Dantas, BRA	10.3
2. Gortnar, SLO	9.7
3. Roberts, AUS	9.5
4. Cabrera, ARG	9.3
5. Ndour, ESP	8.7
6. Allen, AUS	8.5
7. Goncalves, BRA	7.7
8. Stewart, USA	7.7
9. Gil, ESP	7.7
10. Tippett, AUS	7.5

Assists Per Game

Rebecca COLE
(177-PG-92)
Avg: 6.5

1. Cole, AUS	6.5
2. Gretter, ARG	4.3
3. Machida, JPN	4.3
4. Bouzenna, FRA	3.5
5. Baric, SLO	3.0
6. Hartley, USA	3.0
7. Takada, JPN	3.0
8. Martins, BRA	2.7
9. Stolyar, RUS	2.7
10. Massengale, USA	2.7

Steals Per Game

Bria HARTLEY
(178-G-92)
Avg: 4

1. Hartley, USA	4.0
2. Carangelo, ITA	3.7
3. Massoud, EGY	3.3
4. Casas, ESP	3.0
5. Fields, CAN	2.7
6. Degorces, FRA	2.5
7. Blicavs, AUS	2.5
8. Martins, BRA	2.3
9. Kubynina, RUS	2.3
10. Plouffe, CAN	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Astou NDOUR
(193-C-94)
Avg: 2.3

1. Ndour, ESP	2.3
2. Stewart, USA	1.7
3. Elshaarawy, EGY	1.7
4. Roche, FRA	1.0
5. Yu, CHN	1.0
6. Konteh, FRA	1.0
7. Gortnar, SLO	1.0
8. Djaldi-Tabdi, FRA	1.0
9. Tippett, AUS	1.0
10. Sun, CHN	0.7

Preliminary Round is over in Chile - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Italy - Canada 51-75
Canada finished first phase in Chile with perfect 3-0 record. They handed 75-51 loss to Italy in Day Three wining the Preliminary Group A. Italy dropped to second place with 2-1 and both teams advanced to the next stage. They will be transferred to Qualifying Group E. Nirra Fields (178-PG-93) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Michelle Plouffe (193-C-92) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Wumi Agunbiade (188-F-92) added 9 points and 9 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Francesca Dotto (189-C-93) top-scored with 9 points. Marta Masoni (184-F-93) stopped to 7 pts. Quarters: 10-19, 15-18, 12-12, 14-26. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, Canada will meet Russia. Italy will play against Japan.

China - Egypt 93-67
China made it in do-or-die game against Egypt. Actually, they destroyed Egypt 93-67 in the battle for third place of Group A. China improved to 1-2 and booked a spot for the next stage. Egypt ended Preliminary Round winless and will be transferred to Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Yang Xi (184-G-94) shined for China with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Zuo Jiayi (178-PG-92) and Liang Jiamei (183-F-92) helped with 11 points each. On the other side, Egypt got 14 points and 9 boards from Hala Elshaarawy (181-F-93). Their second scorer was Reem Osama (170-PG-93) with 13 points. Quarters: 28-14, 20-7, 23-24, 22-22. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, China will meet USA. Egypt will play against Argentina in the next game.

Group B

Japan - Russia 90-64
Japan blasted Russia 90-64 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. Thanks to this win Japan ended as No.2 of Group B with 2-1 record. Russia dropped to third place with 1-2 score. Both teams advanced to the next stage and they will be transferred to Group E. Aoi Katsura (170-PG-92) exploded with 22 points for the winners. Shiori Takada (170-G-92) also was great as she added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Sanae Motokawa (175-F-92) helped with 16 pts and 9 rebs. In defeat, Ksenia Tikhonenko (174-G-93, agency: RIZO) collected 15 points and 8 rebounds. Their second scorer was Kseniya Andreeva (185-F-92) with 11 points. Quarters: 24-19, 16-16, 29-23, 21-6. In the first game of the Qualifying Round, Japan will meet Italy. Russia will take on unbeaten Canada.

Argentina - USA 49-83
As expected, USA had no troubles to beat Argentina 83-49 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. USA ended this phase with perfect 3-0 record and of course won the Group B. They will move to Qualifying Group E now. On the other side, Argentina ended as the last ranked team of Group B with 0-3 score and will continue in Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Breanna Stewart (191-F-94) stepped up for the US with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Diamond Deshields (186-G/F-95) had 11 points and 5 boards, while Bria Hartley (178-G-92) added 9 pts. In the loosing squad, Rocio Diaz (170-G-93) was the leading scorer with 14 points. Melisa Gretter (167-PG-93) had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Quarters: 11-26, 11-20, 11-21, 16-16. In the next game, USA will meet China. Argentina will play against Egypt.

Group C

Australia - France 67-45
Australia celebrated 67-45 win against France in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Chile. Thanks to this victory, Australia won the Group C with perfect 3-0 record. France dropped to second place with 2-1 and both teams advanced to the next stage. They will be transferred to Group F. Rebecca Cole (177-PG-92) shined for the winners with 18 points and 9 assists. Tayla Roberts (191-F/C-93) had 11 points and 9 boards, while Sara Blicavs (188-F-93) added 10 pts, plus 5 boards. In France, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) delivered 13 points and was their top-scorer. Sabrine Bouzenna (169-PG-93) (5 rebs) and Adja Konteh (178-F-92) had 7 points each. Quarters: 17-10, 20-11, 19-15, 11-9. In the next game, Australia will play against Taiwan. France will meet Spain.

Chile - Nigeria 20-0

Group D

Brazil - Taiwan 88-50
Brazil won the Preliminary Group D of U19 World Championship in Chile. They were too strong for Taiwan 88-50 ending this phase with perfect 3-0 record. Taiwan dropped to third place (1-2), but they also advanced to the next stage. Both teams will be transferred to Qualifying Group F now. Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Thamara Silva (187-C-94) had 13 points and 9 boards, while Tassia Carcavalli (178-F-92) added 12 pts and 5 rebs. In defeat, Wei Yu-Chun (176-G-92) collected 12 points and Chang Chi-Fang (174-G-93) had one less. They were the only two players with double-digits in scoring for Taiwan. Quarters: 18-9, 27-6, 17-19, 26-16. In the next game, Brazil will meet Chile. Taiwan will play against Australia.

Slovenia - Spain 58-75
Spain booked a spot for the Qualifying Round in Chile. They handed 75-58 loss to Slovenia ending as No.2 of Group D with 2-1 record. Spain will be transferred to Group F now. On the other side, Slovenia (0-3) will move to Classification Games from 13th to 16th place. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) was the leading player in Spain once again as she collected 20 points and 6 rebounds. Marina Delgado (171-PG-92) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Astou Ndour (193-C-94) added 14 pts and 8 boards. In Slovenia, Tjasa Gortnar (187-C-92) collected 21 points and 9 rebounds. Eva Rupnik (177-F-92) was their second scorer with just 9 points. Quarters: 19-22, 12-16, 17-21, 10-16. In the next fame, Spain will meet France.